No one can teach you how to write a good script. There’s no secret formula, no magic geometric chart of sequences, no sacrificial animal to save or kill. The way to learn writing is by doing it. The thing that teaches you is experience.
So that’s what I offer: My experience, guiding yours. Individualized attention and notes, focusing on you, your work, and ways to get noticed in the industry.
I’ve been a professional screenwriter for over 15 years. I wrote five episodes of BILLIONS. I’ve sold six feature film scripts and five TV pilot pitches. I’ve been in a couple other writers’ rooms, I also taught at NYU for a bit.
I do several Workshops per year, on zoom, with a small group of select writers. Typically ten sessions meeting weekly, guiding your project to completion.
I started the Workshops in 2020, in the pandemic. It was fun. I like working with up-and-coming writers. It’s a brief respite from the never-ending treadmill of my own work.
Originally it was word of mouth only, but recently I put up this crappy website. I’m a better writer than a web designer, I promise.
Services
Workshop: Create Your TV Pilot
People like this one. It’s an accelerated 10-week boot camp for creating a TV series—all the premise, character, world-building, and story engine work that goes into it. First half of the workshop is creating a pitch and a series overview. The second half is writing the pilot. When it’s all done, you’ll have a complete pilot first draft.
Workshop: Writing the Feature Film
This is a version of a college class I taught. Take your movie idea, pitch it to the group, then we build the structure into a detailed outline. You then execute scenes that reveal character through action and conflict. After 9 sessions, you will have finished Act 1. Then we take some time off before the 10th and see if you can finish the rest.
Script Reading/Notes
I will read and review your script, provide in-depth written notes breaking down the characters, pacing, and story structure — and offer fresh ideas to elevate the material for your next revision. All of this will be discussed in three one-on-one meetings. After a free consultation, I will read your script and provide the notes. I will also read your revision and discuss the new directions.
Consulting
This is general, one-on-one mentoring, not dedicated to a specific project. Writing can be a lonely struggle. If you are at the idea stage and don’t have a script yet, maybe you want a sounding board. I have a sharp eye for what appeals to the industry and your potential future partners. I can help you work toward concrete goals to fulfill your creative potential.
What PEOPLE are saying
“I just landed my first job as a writer ever and my only sample was the script I wrote in Wes’s class… I have no doubt that his help and tutelage is a huge factor in me getting to start this journey.”
— Will Axelrod
Wes Jones Workshops Student
“I’ve been a fan of Wes since I read his script College Republicans, which was even before it topped the annual Black List in 2010. It’s an all-timer as far as I’m concerned.”
— Franklin Leonard
Founder, The Black List
“Nobody knows anything.”
— William Goldman
Oscar-winning Screenwriter
FAQs
Get In Touch
Ready to write your next script?
Schedule a short meeting to find out how I can help.
WES JONES Workshops 