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Script Coaching with Thomas Fenton
 

Because your screenplay deserves more than just a “This was good!” from your mom.
 

Having friends and family read your script is a great first step. But when it’s time to send it out into the real world—managers, agents, producers—it better be tight, polished, and bulletproof. You only get one shot to make that first impression as a writer.

 

Make it count.
 

And hey—this isn’t just theory. Past coaching clients have landed real wins:

  •  One scored an overall deal with a major streamer.

  •  Another got signed by a top-tier agency.

  • Yet another whot an award winning short!
     

To apply for a screenplay mentorship with Thomas Fenton, please send the first 15 pages (on a PDF)  of your screen play here. Thomas will asses the work and decide if you meet the mentorship requirements.

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WHAT'S INCLUDED:

  • One full read-through of your script with in-line notes

  • Two-hour Zoom consultation to dig into story, structure, strategy & career goals

  • A copy of The Scream Writer’s Handbook—because Thomas literally wrote the book on this stuff

  • Additional hours or read-throughs available for a fee

 

READY TO LEVEL UP?

To apply for a screenplay mentorship with Thomas, send the first 15 pages of your screenplay (PDF format) [insert submission link or email]. If your script is a fit, he’ll reach out.

Fee: $650

Let’s get your script killer-ready.

What the coaching covers:

Inside the Horror Show: What You'll Learn with Thomas Fenton

A deep dive into what makes a horror screenplay work—and how to make yours stand out in a crowded, bloody field.

Whether you're a new writer or tightening your tenth draft, this course isn't about vague advice or recycled screenwriting slogans. It’s about what actually matters when it comes to getting your horror script noticed, optioned, and produced.

 

Here’s what Thomas will cover:

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Characters: The Beating Heart (or Severed Limb) of Your Story

Let’s face it—jump scares are great, but if we don’t care about who’s being scared, they fall flat.

  • Are your characters smart... or too dumb to live?

  • Do we root for them or secretly hope they’re next?

  • Most importantly: will your audience care enough to scream when they’re in danger?

Thomas will help you craft characters with depth, drive, and just enough damage to feel real.​

Plot: The Idea That Grabs Them (and Doesn’t Let Go)​

How original is your story? How bold? How fresh is your take on the genre?

Thomas has been in Hollywood long enough to have seen just about everything. If your story surprises him, you're on the right track. He’ll help you:

  • Avoid tired setups

  • Push your concept further

  • Find the “what if?” that makes your horror idea truly disturbing​

Pacing: Keep Them Hooked, Keep Them Horrified​

A script that drags is dead on arrival. But go too fast, and readers will be lost before the first scare.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Build tension at the right moments

  • Let scenes breathe without slowing down

  • Hit emotional and story beats that keep people turning pages

A well-paced horror script is like a ticking bomb—you want your reader holding their breath.​

Logic Cop: Internal Rules = External Chills​

Even the craziest horror world has to make sense.

  • Does your supernatural logic hold up?

  • Are characters making choices that feel real?

  • Is your monster consistent—or just scary when it’s convenient?

Thomas will help you build a horror world that feels complete and credible, no matter how terrifying.

What NOT to Do: Horror Sins and Tropes to Avoid​

Some things are just done. Dead and buried.​

  • The cat that jumps out of the closet

  • Creepy kids who draw ghosts

  • Killer clowns (just stop)

Thomas will flag every worn-out trope and help you twist them—or replace them entirely with something smarter, sharper, and scarier.

​Use of Horror: The Psychology of Fear

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Writing horror isn’t just about blood and guts—it’s about tension, release, and control.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Build fear step-by-step

  • Turn suspense into emotional payoff

  • Create sequences that linger long after the story ends

Thomas breaks down the “architecture of fear” so you can engineer every scare with precision.

The Wicked Pass: Your Secret Weapon

This isn’t just another rewrite. The Wicked Pass is where your script transforms.

As explained in The Scream Writer’s Handbook, this is the crucial step where good becomes unforgettable.

  • Sharpen your voice

  • Heighten theme and tone

  • Take your best scenes and turn them into your calling card

This is where your script stops being “done” and starts being undeniable.

What You’ll Walk Away With

  • Clear, actionable feedback from a working Hollywood screenwriter

  • Practical tools you can use immediately—no fluff, just craft

  • A deeper understanding of the horror genre, the industry, and how to thrive in both

  • A chance to ask real questions and get real answers, live

Ready to take your horror script from good to terrifying?
Spots are limited. Let’s get to work.

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What other writers say:

Michael F

I spent tons of money and time on other "script consultants' and Tom is by far the best. His no-nonsense approach coupled with his real-world knowledge of the screenwriting trade was well worth the investment. 

Sarah W

Thank you Tom for all the great notes. Your ideas for the second act are really working great! Thanks again!

Becky Y

When I have a new script, I'm always excited to send it Tom's way. Being a veteran in the industry, he not only knows what makes a script great, he knows how to work with writers. His feedback is always detailed, actionable, and logical. He's a joy to collaborate with! Additionally, his guidance for navigating the industry is invaluable. I couldn't recommend working with Tom more!

FAQ
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What’s the difference between coaching and script notes?
Coaching offers a much more in-depth look at your screenplay and how to shape its future—creatively and strategically. Script notes are more limited, focusing on specific feedback rather than overall development.

Why do I have to apply for coaching?
Thomas wants to make sure your project fits his wheelhouse and that he can genuinely contribute to its success.

What kind of scripts will Thomas take on for coaching?
Thomas specializes in horror, science fiction, and action. If your script fits one of those genres, you're in the right place.

I have a comedy—should I send it in for coaching?
Nope. Thomas loves Caddyshack, but he'll be the first to admit he’s clueless when it comes to writing comedy. It wouldn’t be a good use of your money.

If Thomas doesn’t choose my script, does that mean it’s bad?
Not at all. He only takes on projects where he believes he can add real value. In some cases, he may already be working on something too similar to yours.

Does this include proofing?
Nope—this is about the writing, development, and structure. Proofreading isn't included.

Does Thomas’s coaching address chain of title?
Yes. When you begin coaching, you’ll sign an agreement confirming that your script remains 100% yours.

​What if I already have a script and don’t know what to do next?
Thomas will review your script and advise on your next steps. In rare cases, he may even take it on as a producer if he feels strongly about the material.  A read through and general discussion is 300.00. For that amount Thomas will read the script and give you thoughts on it on an hour chat. However, no coaching will be provided.

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