WHO IS JOHN RAINEY?

My professional critiquing services started as a result of the encouragement I got from a writer/producer in the industry that I was working for at the time. I answered his mail, returned phone messages, read scripts, set up meetings and workshops, directed showcases, et cetera. When I read the script submissions, I wrote "coverage." He was impressed enough with my analytical skills to introduce me to agents, who referred screenwriters with promising talent and ideas that had not been sufficiently developed. And it grew from there. But, I had a huge background in the performing arts field that led up to this path.

I started as a professional actor. Between engagements, I studied acting in professional workshops and at universities. I graduated from California State University, Long Beach summa cum laude with a B.A. in acting and directing. While at CSULB, I had the great honor to study with one of the finest acting teachers in the country, Libby Appel. From her, I learned how to go deeply into character behavior. I also, studied with Michael Finlayson, and crossed paths with Patrick Stewart and Ben Kingsley. They were on sabbatical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, and although I had already spent two years acting in a Shakespeare company, from them I learned the secrets of bringing Shakespeare to life for contemporary audiences. I continue to encourage writers to take acting classes so they can understand the process of embodying their characters.

After Long Beach State, I was whisked away for a three-year fellowship to Cornell University, where I worked toward a master of fine arts degree in directing. At Cornell, I happened to be in all the same classes with Jimmy Smits. Even then, it was universally acknowledged that Jimmy had a special gift, and it was a pleasure working with him as both an actor and a director.

In 1987, I started writing screenplays. The acting background gave me the facility to develop characters and write effective dialogue. My directing background enabled me to see the larger picture, the scope, structure, and through-line of a story, as well as tone and thematic development. My life experience of working in almost every type of service employment available gave me stories for a lifetime of writing.

Then I became the associate to Ken Rotcop, who had produced many Hollywood features and TV movies. He had been a writer in the film industry for 35 years and won the Writers' Guild award for best script. He had also been head of the creative department for three different studios. He is the author of the best-selling book, “The Perfect Pitch.” He tutored me on how to write screenplays that sell and all of my acting and directing experience gave me the ability to analyze dramatic writing with a fine eye and ear.

In the March/April 2003 issue of Creative Screenwriting (vol.10; #2), my deeply closeted script analysis service was outed when I was rated the # 1 analyst in the country. Overnight, I was flooded with work. What an astounding experience! Instead of screwing up my courage to call producers, they were calling me! And there is nothing better for learning the craft of screenwriting than to analyze lots and lots of scripts and explore ways of fixing the distractions. I started getting the reputation as a great script doctor.

As a result, I've not only become a script consultant in high demand, but I've also taken numerous options (deals) on many of my own spec screenplays. I’m frequently told that my scripts are easy reads and I attribute that to the writing style that I’ve developed, which I share with my clients, as well as my stories. Even if they turn down one of my scripts, they frequently ask what else I have. I have been through many development (rewriting with producer) processes. Taking assignments and doing rewrites have been exciting and creative measures of my craft. Two are in preproduction as I revise this web page.

Sharing my knowledge with others as a lecturer on campuses, in writers' workshops, festivals, seminars, and screenwriters’ expos, as well as in private consulting, is always a great pleasure. There's room for anyone who wants to work hard to become a professional screenwriter, and I want to help those who are willing to do the work to get their stories on the market. My greatest joy is watching someone I've assisted become a professional screenwriter. It moves me even more than selling my own work.

Although I live by the ocean in Redondo Beach CA., I have clients that have proven that one does not need to live near " Hollywood" to be a professional screenwriter. Whether you live in Los Angeles, New York, Florida, Texas, Europe, Asia, or anywhere else, I can work successfully with you. I’m looking forward to reading your script.