Wesley Van Tonder
Writer · Short Films & Commercials
Scripts and pre-production, written with story and cost in mind.
Every action line costs time and money. I write with that in mind.
Scripts &
pre-production
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.
Scripts
A close read of your short film or ad script, with 2–3 pages of 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.
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.
Pre-production
The script plus the planning documents built around it, to help you prepare the shoot.
- Script, in screenplay or two-column AV format
- Shot list
- Storyboard frames
- Location notes
- Sound notes
- Rough cost estimate
- 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.
Every job gets a fixed quote before any work starts. Prices above are starting points for typical projects.
50% upfront on jobs of £300 or more, with the balance on delivery. Turnaround starts once the brief and deposit are in.
Extra revisions beyond those included are quoted before they start. Fees cover online and social use; broadcast use is quoted separately.
How I write
Picture first
Action moves the story and dialogue enhances it. If a moment can be shown, it isn't spoken.
Production ready
Rough timings, sound and production notes are included with the script to paint a fuller picture.
Written with a budget
Production is expensive and time-sensitive. I aim to write scripts that are cost-effective while telling the story.
Story focused
The story and its message remain the focus. Anything that doesn't serve them is cut.
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.
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. Acting profile →
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