Wesley Van Tonder
Writer · Short Films & Commercials
Every action line costs time and money. I write with that in mind.
Writing with story
and cost in mind.
I write short films, commercials and brand stories with the goal and budget in focus.
Working alongside film and TV productions, I have gained a foundation in how quickly costs rise, and that a clear and focused script is the basis of any production making it from the page to the screen. The story is king, yet the budget cannot be ignored.
I continuously aim to improve, through understanding and using industry-standard software: Final Draft for all my script work, StudioBinder for shot lists, Unreal Engine for previs and DaVinci Resolve for editing. Efficiency through competency is my goal.
Clear, realistic scripts
For video production companies, agencies, filmmakers and businesses making their own films. Written visually, with rough timings, and with an eye on what each line will take to film.
A close read of your short film or ad script (up to 15 pages), with written notes on story, clarity and visuals, plus what will be hard or costly to shoot.
Send me your script and I'll tighten it up and make it clearer, with short notes on what I changed and why. One revision included.
A 30–60 second ad or brand film written from your brief and told as a story, not a sales pitch. Delivered as a two-column AV script with timings. Two revisions included.
The AV script plus a draft shot list, sound notes, location ideas and a rough cost estimate to help with planning.
- BriefTell me who it's for, what it must say and where it'll run.
- QuoteA fixed price and delivery date before any work starts.
- DraftYour first draft, with notes on the thinking behind it.
- PolishThe agreed revisions, then final files in Word and PDF.
Prices are a guide for typical projects; every job gets a fixed quote. Fees cover the script for online and social use. Broadcast use is quoted separately.
How I write
Picture first
Action carries the story and words support it. If a moment can be shown, it isn't said.
Written to be shot
Rough timings, sound and production notes come with the script to help with planning.
Written to budget
Every shot and every action line takes time and money. I keep scripts lean so the budget goes on what matters.
One clear message
An ad that says five things says nothing. I find the one thing worth saying and build everything around it.
On camera & on the road
Acting profile
I take on acting work when it fits. Being in front of the camera is the best way I know to understand how a script plays from the other side. Playing age 24–30.
View acting profile → Obsidian GT TowingTrailer moves for productions
Bowsers, lighting towers, kit trailers and picture vehicles up to 2,000kg, with a 4x4 for locations a truck can't reach.
Towing service & prices →Got a script that needs work, or a story to tell?
Tell me about the project and I'll come back to you with a straight answer on timing and price. Availability is limited until January, so enquiries with a brief, deadline and budget get answered first.
- Emailwes@obsidiangt.com
- BasedChobham, Surrey