Testimonials

D.Girl is worth her weight in gold.  Her insights into character and story never fail to elevate both the project and the process.  Asking the right questions is critical, and D has a way of getting to the root of what one is really trying to communicate in a given scene.  Her ability to integrate character, story and theme is a rare gift.  Her unique talents are what every successful storyteller needs, the perspective to see the problems and intellect to solve them.  – Jon K.  producer

D. GIrl is not just an expert analyst of structure, but has a seemingly encyclopedic knowledge of every possible permutation of every beat of any scene, with a film reference to back it up.  And she possesses that most rare gift of presenting her critiques with true grace.  She is invaluable.                  - Alex M.  writer

Getting D.Girl’s script analysis and structural advice happens to be the best thing you can do for your story or screenplay.  With the benefits of a classical education, she attacks each project with a historical dramaturgy and expertise rarely seen in contemporary Hollywood, and helps remind you why you're telling stories in the first place.  When she's through with you, your story will make more sense, your characters will be more likable, and the essential emotional beats will resonate as they never have before.  - Jason E.  director/writer

 

D.Girl has one of those rare, quick, multi-layered minds, perfect for intense story analysis, character defining, plot structure, theme cohesion or just brainstorming.  Her love of film is obvious, but it's her fascination with the rest of reality and especially the details of human interaction that make her a unique and priceless collaborator.   - Jim Byrkit director/writer

 

D.Girl has a skill set for analysis and development that is of value to any project involving a script.  She has a solid intuitive understanding of story structure, an ear for crisp dialogue, and an overall ability to shape a script into a form that is ready for filming.  With the twenty minute promotional video I wrote and directed for Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu she took our script that was suffering from poor structure and lack of focus and turned it into a blueprint for film that told a clear and compelling story.  In the same way that a baseball team brings in a powerful relief pitcher to win the game, Dorie Barton has the "closer" skills needed to take film projects the final distance.  - Randy Olson director/writer/producer

 

With her diverse background in art, literature, cinema and performance, D.Girl has a unique breadth and sensitivity as a script consultant. She has an uncanny ability to distill and synthesize ideas, analyze and pinpoint structural flaws and, most important, to listen and engage with material and help writers find the story they're after. - Jay L. director/writer

 

There is nothing more difficult than developing a new play for production.  I have had the good fortune on more than one occasion to work with D in this process.  Her insights into what the play needs, how to clarify the story, and what might have the greatest impact have been invaluable.  Because of her experience and intelligence, she is able to read a script simultaneously as an actor, as a director, and as a future audience member.  Her gentle and clear criticism have had a large impact on my work.

- Bart DeLorenzo  Artistic Director, Evidence Room

 

I care about my work, and I don’t ever discuss what I write with anyone.  But once it’s on the page, I beg D to read it, and that’s when I know I’m serious about something I’m writing.  I’m a good writer, but I notice that my writing is better when I am pushed, and D’s feedback always pushes my writing to be better. It’s easy to be on one’s island while writing, and she provides a priceless counterpoint to my perspective. When I’m imagining something, she lets me know if I’ve conveyed it to the reader, or if I’ve glossed over important details. Details that seem obvious to me, but I hadn’t put them on the page.  D’s suggestions are always prompts to your creativity, not intrusions of her own.  -  Scott I.  screenwriter

 

Development Girl,

I just wanted to thank you for your diligence and the insights that you brought to your read-through and review of our script for "Final Exam." Your suggestions were instrumental in improving the next draft.

You were quick to get back to us, and very straightforward with your criticisms.

I'm sure we'll have need of your skills on our upcoming project, if you can schedule us in.

All the best,

Michael Snyder

From Out of Nowhere Productions

 

Thank you!

While kindly acknowledging what is good about the script, you’ve lucidly articulated the lingering problems.  Such pointed analysis is incredibly valuable to me, as I am so close to the script that it's hard for me to see the larger picture, and I am distracted by "producer's notes," which are mostly insipid.

Thanks again, D.Girl.  I hope to get feedback from you on scripts in the future.

Sean H.

 

Thanks D.Girl.  These notes rock.  You’re amazing.  - Robert E. writer

 

Again, some very insightful points you make.  Your level of feedback is indispensable. Great work. - Don G. writer

 

What amazing analysis on my script!  - Derek G.  writer

 

I can tell you this is the deal of the century, period.  D.Girl was awesome. - Kurt S.  producer

 

HUGE thanks for this...I have been working my butt off on this since I got the notes at New Year. The honing notes were all great, valid and I agree and intend to act on all the points made.  -  Rob R. writer

 

I appreciate the excellent suggestions for improving the script. - Alan K.  writer

 

Thanks for the latest notes, great stuff - really helpful :)  I think I've got a go-forward plan to fix it in a re-write now, thanks!  - Charles H.  writer

 

Excellent notes. I didn't know you were so well-versed in the Bard, though I could've guessed.  - Dave Q. writer/producer

 

Excellent feedback. Very impressive.  - Todd J.  director/writer/producer

 

D.Girl provided fantastic coverage.  She's a true professional, compassionate, presses all the right buttons.  - William  T.  writer