Screenwriting Mentor UK

One-to-one screenplay mentoring from a working industry professional

Learning to write for the screen is one thing. Learning to think like a professional screenwriter is another. That’s what a good mentor helps you do.

I’m Ben Stoll — UK script consultant, former Head of Development at Channel 4 Drama, and Story Producer on BBC One’s Boiling Point. Over twenty years in the industry, I’ve worked with writers at every level, from people writing their first scene to experienced professionals developing projects for broadcasters and streamers.

My mentoring is designed to do one thing: help you write better scripts, faster, with a clearer sense of what the industry expects and how to meet it.

What does a screenwriting mentor actually do?

A screenwriting mentor is different from a script editor or script coverage service. It’s not just about notes on a single draft — it’s an ongoing working relationship focused on developing you as a writer.

Over the course of our time together, we’ll work on your current project but also on the underlying skills: story structure, character, dialogue, scene construction, how to pitch, how to take notes, how to revise. The goal is for you to finish the process not just with a better script, but with a better understanding of how to write the next one.

Mentoring is particularly valuable if you:

– Have an idea for a film or TV drama but aren’t sure how to develop it
– Have written a script but feel stuck on revisions
– Want to understand how the UK TV and film industry actually works
– Are transitioning from another form of writing (novels, theatre, journalism) into screenwriting
– Want a professional sounding board as you develop your craft

What's included in a mentoring package?

Mentoring packages run over six or twelve months and are tailored to your project and your goals. Each package includes:

– An initial free 30-minute video call to discuss your project and decide whether we’re a good fit
– Monthly one-to-one feedback sessions via video call (typically one hour)
– Written notes on each draft or document you submit
– Feedback on treatments, outlines and series documents as well as scripts
– Guidance on pitching and industry submissions where relevant
– Email support between sessions for questions and quick queries
– Additional hours available at a discounted rate if you need more support

Before we begin I want to understand what you’re working on, where you are in the process, and what you’re hoping to achieve. Mentoring isn’t a one-size-fits-all process — the pace and focus will shift depending on how the work develops.

Why work with me?

There’s no shortage of people offering screenwriting coaching and mentoring in the UK. What I bring is something different: I’m not just a former writer or a teacher — I’m someone who spent twenty years in the development rooms and commissioning offices where decisions about scripts are actually made.

At Channel 4 Drama I worked across some of the most significant British series of the past two decades — Skins, Shameless, Run — as well as running the channel’s new talent schemes Coming Up and 4Screenwriting, which were specifically designed to identify and develop emerging writers. I know what producers and commissioners are looking for because I spent years being one of the people they were pitching to.

More recently I’ve been on the production side — as Story Producer on BBC One’s Boiling Point and Script Producer on Sky’s Domina — which means my understanding of script development is current and grounded in how drama is actually made today.

That breadth of experience — development, commissioning, production — is what I bring to every mentoring relationship.

Frequently asked questions about screenwriting mentoring

How is mentoring different from script coverage?

Script coverage is a one-off assessment of a single draft. Mentoring is an ongoing process focused on your development as a writer over months, not a single session. Coverage tells you what’s working and what isn’t in a specific script. Mentoring helps you understand why, and how to fix it — and how to apply those lessons to everything you write next.

No. Some writers come to me with a completed first draft. Others arrive with an idea and a rough outline. We can start wherever you are. In fact, starting earlier in the process — at the idea or treatment stage — can sometimes be more valuable, because we can shape the foundations before you’ve written yourself into a corner.

Yes — all sessions take place via video call, which means I work with writers across the UK and internationally. There’s no requirement to be based in London or anywhere specific.

I work across all drama genres — thriller, comedy-drama, crime, period, contemporary — and all formats: feature films, TV pilots, limited series and returning drama. I’m open to unconventional and genre-blending projects. If you’ve written it or want to write it, we can work on it.

Mentoring packages at Scene by Scene are priced on a monthly basis. Visit the Rates page for current pricing, or get in touch to discuss what package would be right for you.

The most meaningful development happens over time, so I’d always encourage a full package if you can commit to one. That said, if you have a specific question or want to discuss a project before committing, the free 30-minute initial call is the best place to start.

Ready to start?

If you’re serious about developing your screenwriting and want to work with someone who has spent twenty years at the heart of the UK film and TV industry, I’d love to hear from you.

The first step is a free 30-minute call — no pressure, no commitment. We’ll talk about what you’re working on and whether mentoring makes sense for you right now.

Get in touch via my Contact page or email ben@scenebyscenescriptconsultant.com

You can also find full pricing information on the Rates page or browse my Script Consultancy Services if you’re looking for one-off script coverage rather than ongoing mentoring.

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