Erik Bork

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Erik Bork

What I’ve

Learned

About Writing

From Emmy Award winner Erik Bork

Erik Bork

About Erik

Erik is a two-time Emmy and Golden Globe-winning writer/producer best known for his work on HBO’s Band of Brothers and From the Earth to the Moon. He has taught screenwriting at the MFA level and for UCLA Extension’s Writers’ Program and is the author of THE IDEA: The Seven Elements of a Viable Story for Screen, Stage, or Fiction.

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More About Erik $

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The Idea

 4.7/5 stars (read reviews)

What has the most impact on a project’s chance of success? It’s not what you may think. Most scripts need more work than writers think on their underlying premise. The Idea (a multi-category best-seller availalbe on Amazon in paperback, e-book and audiobook) will teach you how to recognize and fix problems with your story, before investing months of your life (or more) on your project.

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Services

“Starting out and trying to break in as a writer, I found one important element to finding my own success was having a mentor. Working with a an objective expert who could give me actionable, ongoing feedback and guidance. That’s what I focus on doing for the writers I coach.”

Script Consulting

Erik offers a variety of script consulting services for writers; whether you are at the beginning of your idea or at the end of the process.

LEARN MORE $

Writing Coach

Erik also offers limited screenwriting coaching for long term students in search of a mentorship.

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Recent Reviews

John McCarney

“

"I put my idea through the stress test of the seven elements in Erik’s book. If the idea measures up, then I start my outline. In the last few years, the results have been two Semifinalists Placements in the Nicholl Fellowship…"

— John M.

August 9, 2022

Bohdan T.

“

“Erik bridges the chasm between you and the industry. He provides both, high standards and guidance to reach them. All this doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy. On the contrary but it’s very likely just what you need to advance.”

— Bohdan T.

November 19, 2019

Jaquie B.

“

“Every time my email pings with something from him I get excited because I know his notes will make me think about my script in a new way and take me closer to it being ‘ready.’”

— Jaquie B.

July 5, 2017

Anthony Bradford

“

“Erik is the guiding light in what can, at times, feel like a dark cave. He breaks down what is working and not working in your script/outline and gives actionable and empowering advice.”

— Anthony B.

July 16, 2022

Wade A.

“

“Erik obviously loves what he does, it comes through when you talk to him; he’s passionate about storytelling and his ultimate goal is for you, and your story to improve. What more can you ask for?”

— Wade A.

February 26, 2015

Marie D.

“

“Erik is the real thing. He’s insightful, perceptive, incredibly knowledgeable and tells it like it is. Working with him has taken my writing to a completely new level. I only wish I had started working with him ten years ago. He’s as good as it gets.”

— Marie D.

August 21, 2013

Stephen H.

“

“I would not have made it this far without Erik’s very direct and constructive criticism. I’ve worked with dozens of consultants, and his script notes are the best I’ve ever received.”

— Stephen H.

June 21, 2010

Derek S.

“

“In a few sessions my pitch material is already meeting with improved interest from possible network partners, buyers and talent. I can’t wait to keep working with Erik and see where things can go.”

— Derek S.

July 13, 2021

Amy T.

“

“Erik’s expertise has helped me improve my pitching, my screenwriting and my TV writing. He really knows story but is able to step back and articulate conceptual ideas in a practical way. Erik’s coaching has helped me walk in with confidence.”

— Amy T.

October 5, 2011

Jeff C.

“

“I’ve worked with half a dozen evaluators before finding someone of Erik Bork’s caliber. Erik has an exquisitely attuned sense of truth and is willing to give critical, hard-to-hear feedback. Most importantly, Erik listens.”

—Jeff C.

June 21, 2010

Jeanne B.

“

“As the Editor of Script Magazine, I've read countless books on writing. Erik breaks down the importance of coming up with "the" idea to make your story standout from the pack. A fantastic book for every writer - novelist or a screenwriter! This is a must-read. Bravo!”

— Jeanne B.

September 26, 2018 (Amazon)

Marcus G.

“

“What distinguishes Erik from other story consultants is his forensic level of analysis, his perceptiveness and his insight. Erik sees things which no other story consultant sees and asks questions no one else asks.”

— Marcus G.

January 19, 2021

Matthew V.

“

“This is the book every screenwriter should start with. Not Story, not Save the Cat. As Bork convincingly lays out, the basic idea IS what makes or breaks a script. There ARE principles for what makes a good one — specific enough that they're hardly ever done right & apply to almost any project.”

— Matthew V.

September 2, 2019 (Amazon)

Gary H.

“

“I keep a short stack of books on my desk & Mr. Bork’s “The Idea” is on top. For anyone writing creatively, get this book. Read it. Make it part of your creative process. “The Idea” shows you the most important parts of creating stories that engage, excite and entertain”

— Gary H.

February 20, 2019 (Amazon)

HRB

“

“I am inspired and re-energized after reading The Idea. It’s by far the most valuable book on screenwriting I have ever read. What Erik Bork has created is an essential tool that you can lay any idea against to truly weigh its ability to be a solid, entertaining story.”

—hrb

January 6, 2020 (Amazon)

Graham Yost

“

“Before starting any project, every film or TV writer, whether new or experienced, should read this book. When Erik sent it to me, I was just beginning a new script. This book showed me problems with the idea I didn't know I had. Better yet, it showed me how to find solutions.”

— Graham Yost, writer/executive producer/showrunner

Justified, The Americans, Speed

Michael Hauge

“

“Don’t write a word of your next screenplay or novel, and don’t dive into any other books—including mine—until you’ve read Erik Bork’s "The Idea". His simple, essential insights will spare you the pain of spending months or years on your project, only to learn that your concept was doomed from the start. Instead, apply his 7 Elements and guarantee your story goes to the top of every reader’s RECOMMEND list.”

— Michael Hauge, author

Writing Screenplays That Sell; Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds; Storytelling Made Easy

Christopher Lockhart

“

“Having read over 60,000 screenplays in a twenty-year career, I’ve learned that most scripts are fatally flawed at the idea stage. Too bad the writer didn’t figure it out before investing six months in a screenplay that will never work. This book examines the dramatic principles that create a strong idea and is certain to save writers a lot of time and effort.”

— Christopher Lockhart, story editor

William Morris Endeavor Agency

Kika S.

“

“I call him a Dream Teacher because it’s one thing to be good at this craft and it’s another to know how to explain it so simply and yet so powerfully that the student can really get it.”

— Kika S.

August 15, 2020

John McCarney

“

"I put my idea through the stress test of the seven elements in Erik’s book. If the idea measures up, then I start my outline. In the last few years, the results have been two Semifinalists Placements in the Nicholl Fellowship…"

— John M.

August 9, 2022

Anthony Bradford

“

“Erik is the guiding light in what can, at times, feel like a dark cave. He breaks down what is working and not working in your script/outline and gives actionable and empowering advice.”

— Anthony B.

July 16, 2022

Derek S.

“

“In a few sessions my pitch material is already meeting with improved interest from possible network partners, buyers and talent. I can’t wait to keep working with Erik and see where things can go.”

— Derek S.

July 13, 2021

Marcus G.

“

“What distinguishes Erik from other story consultants is his forensic level of analysis, his perceptiveness and his insight. Erik sees things which no other story consultant sees and asks questions no one else asks.”

— Marcus G.

January 19, 2021

Kika S.

“

“I call him a Dream Teacher because it’s one thing to be good at this craft and it’s another to know how to explain it so simply and yet so powerfully that the student can really get it.”

— Kika S.

August 15, 2020

Bohdan T.

“

“Erik bridges the chasm between you and the industry. He provides both, high standards and guidance to reach them. All this doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy. On the contrary but it’s very likely just what you need to advance.”

— Bohdan T.

November 19, 2019

Jaquie B.

“

“Every time my email pings with something from him I get excited because I know his notes will make me think about my script in a new way and take me closer to it being ‘ready.’”

— Jaquie B.

July 5, 2017

Wade A.

“

“Erik obviously loves what he does, it comes through when you talk to him; he’s passionate about storytelling and his ultimate goal is for you, and your story to improve. What more can you ask for?”

— Wade A.

February 26, 2015

Marie D.

“

“Erik is the real thing. He’s insightful, perceptive, incredibly knowledgeable and tells it like it is. Working with him has taken my writing to a completely new level. I only wish I had started working with him ten years ago. He’s as good as it gets.”

— Marie D.

August 21, 2013

Stephen H.

“

“I would not have made it this far without Erik’s very direct and constructive criticism. I’ve worked with dozens of consultants, and his script notes are the best I’ve ever received.”

— Stephen H.

June 21, 2010

Amy T.

“

“Erik’s expertise has helped me improve my pitching, my screenwriting and my TV writing. He really knows story but is able to step back and articulate conceptual ideas in a practical way. Erik’s coaching has helped me walk in with confidence.”

— Amy T.

October 5, 2011

Jeff C.

“

“I’ve worked with half a dozen evaluators before finding someone of Erik Bork’s caliber. Erik has an exquisitely attuned sense of truth and is willing to give critical, hard-to-hear feedback. Most importantly, Erik listens.”

—Jeff C.

June 21, 2010

Jeanne B.

“

“As the Editor of Script Magazine, I've read countless books on writing. Erik breaks down the importance of coming up with "the" idea to make your story standout from the pack. A fantastic book for every writer - novelist or a screenwriter! This is a must-read. Bravo!”

— Jeanne B.

September 26, 2018 (Amazon)

Matthew V.

“

“This is the book every screenwriter should start with. Not Story, not Save the Cat. As Bork convincingly lays out, the basic idea IS what makes or breaks a script. There ARE principles for what makes a good one — specific enough that they're hardly ever done right & apply to almost any project.”

— Matthew V.

September 2, 2019 (Amazon)

Gary H.

“

“I keep a short stack of books on my desk & Mr. Bork’s “The Idea” is on top. For anyone writing creatively, get this book. Read it. Make it part of your creative process. “The Idea” shows you the most important parts of creating stories that engage, excite and entertain”

— Gary H.

February 20, 2019 (Amazon)

HRB

“

“I am inspired and re-energized after reading The Idea. It’s by far the most valuable book on screenwriting I have ever read. What Erik Bork has created is an essential tool that you can lay any idea against to truly weigh its ability to be a solid, entertaining story.”

—hrb

January 6, 2020 (Amazon)

Graham Yost

“

“Before starting any project, every film or TV writer, whether new or experienced, should read this book. When Erik sent it to me, I was just beginning a new script. This book showed me problems with the idea I didn't know I had. Better yet, it showed me how to find solutions.”

— Graham Yost, writer/executive producer/showrunner

Justified, The Americans, Speed

Derek S.

“

“In a few sessions my pitch material is already meeting with improved interest from possible network partners, buyers and talent. I can’t wait to keep working with Erik and see where things can go.”

— Derek S.

July 13, 2021

Anthony Bradford

“

“Erik is the guiding light in what can, at times, feel like a dark cave. He breaks down what is working and not working in your script/outline and gives actionable and empowering advice.”

— Anthony B.

July 16, 2022

John McCarney

“

"I put my idea through the stress test of the 7 elements in Erik’s book. If the idea measures up, then I start my outline. In the last few years, the results have been two Semifinalist Placements in the Nicholl Fellowship…"

— John M.

August 9, 2022

Marcus G.

“

“What distinguishes Erik from other story consultants is his forensic level of analysis, his perceptiveness and his insight. Erik sees things no other story consultant sees and asks questions no one else asks.”

— Marcus G.

January 19, 2021

Kika S.

“

“I call him a Dream Teacher because it’s one thing to be good at this craft and it’s another to know how to explain it so simply and yet so powerfully that the student can really get it.”

— Kika S.

August 15, 2020

Jaquie B.

“

“Every time my email pings with something from him I get excited because I know his notes will make me think about my script in a new way and take me closer to it being ‘ready.’”

— Jaquie B.

July 5, 2017

Wade A.

“

“Erik obviously loves what he does, it comes through when you talk to him; he’s passionate about storytelling and his ultimate goal is for you, and your story to improve. What more can you ask for?”

— Wade A.

February 26, 2015

Marie D.

“

“Erik is the real thing. He’s insightful, perceptive, incredibly knowledgeable and tells it like it is. Working with him has taken my writing to a completely new level. I only wish I had started working with him ten years ago. He’s as good as it gets.”

— Marie D.

August 21, 2013

Stephen H.

“

“I would not have made it this far without Erik’s very direct and constructive criticism. I’ve worked with dozens of consultants, and his script notes are the best I’ve ever received.”

— Stephen H.

June 21, 2010

Amy T.

“

“Erik’s expertise has helped me improve my pitching, my screenwriting and my TV writing. He really knows story but is able to step back and articulate conceptual ideas in a practical way. Erik’s coaching has helped me walk in with confidence.”

— Amy T.

October 5, 2011

Jeff C.

“

“I’ve worked with half a dozen evaluators before finding someone of Erik Bork’s caliber. Erik has an exquisitely attuned sense of truth and is willing to give critical, hard-to-hear feedback. Most importantly, Erik listens.”

—Jeff C.

June 21, 2010

Jeanne B.

“

“As the Editor of Script Magazine, I've read countless books on writing. Erik breaks down the importance of coming up with "the" idea to make your story standout from the pack. A fantastic book for every writer - novelist or a screenwriter! This is a must-read. Bravo!”

— Jeanne B.

September 26, 2018 (Amazon)

Matthew V.

“

“This is the book every screenwriter should start with. Not Story, not Save the Cat. As Bork convincingly lays out, the basic idea IS what makes or breaks a script. There ARE principles for what makes a good one — specific enough that they're hardly ever done right & apply to almost any project.”

— Matthew V.

September 2, 2019 (Amazon)

Gary H.

“

“I keep a short stack of books on my desk & Mr. Bork’s “The Idea” is on top. For anyone writing creatively, get this book. Read it. Make it part of your creative process. “The Idea” shows you the most important parts of creating stories that engage, excite and entertain”

— Gary H.

February 20, 2019 (Amazon)

See more reviews$

FROM ERIK’S BLOG

Flying Wrestler

The Pain of Writing

The Pain of Writing

Nov 14, 2024

Fleabag creator/writer and star Phoebe Waller-Bridge (pictured) has been quoted as saying, "Better to feel the pain of writing than the pain of not...

read more
Dramatize Their Pain

Dramatize Their Pain

Oct 9, 2024

In this week's live session in my online community, we talked about the value of using older films as models for screenwriters looking to break in....

read more
Whose Story Is It?

Whose Story Is It?

Oct 3, 2024

It's one of the first questions industry professionals will have on any piece of material: "Whose story is it?" What they mean by that is who we're...

read more
The Pain of Writing

The Pain of Writing

Nov 14, 2024

Fleabag creator/writer and star Phoebe Waller-Bridge (pictured) has been quoted as saying, "Better to feel the pain of writing than the pain of not...

read more
Dramatize Their Pain

Dramatize Their Pain

Oct 9, 2024

In this week's live session in my online community, we talked about the value of using older films as models for screenwriters looking to break in....

read more
Whose Story Is It?

Whose Story Is It?

Oct 3, 2024

It's one of the first questions industry professionals will have on any piece of material: "Whose story is it?" What they mean by that is who we're...

read more
First Page of a Script

First Page of a Script

Aug 9, 2024

The first page of a script is obviously important. Professional readers might not get much past it if it doesn't really work for them. So much of...

read more
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WATCH THE VIDEO

Want to learn more about Erik?

#writing #screenwriting #screenplay

What Should A Screenwriter Know Before Writing A Screenplay? – Erik Bork

173,240 views | Jan 7, 2019

Learn Erik’s 10 Key Writing Principles Now

Learn the 10 key writing principles that I’ve identified in my 30 year career as a Hollywood screenwriter and producer.

Free download$