Erik Bork

My Community$

Erik Bork

Test, Strengthen

and Elevate

Your Story

With Emmy Award winner Erik Bork

Screenwriter, teacher and script consultant Erik Bork

Best known for my work as a writer/producer on HBO’s Band of Brothers, Executive Produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, I also help screenwriters with clear, grounded feedback that moves a project forward.

Script Consulting

Get expert notes on your current project. Start with a professional assessment, and choose the feedback package that fits your goals.

Read more $

Coaching & Mentoring

Work with me over time to develop your craft and stories. For writers ready to go deeper with ongoing guidance and support.

 

Read more $

The Idea

 4.7/5 stars (read reviews)

“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 of Justified, The Americans, Silo and Speed

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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

10,000 Hours of Screenwriting

10,000 Hours of Screenwriting

Apr 17, 2025

I've done the math, and I think I've logged 10,000 hours of screenwriting. Probably years ago, actually. So does this mean I have mastery?You've...

read more
Story Paradigms

Story Paradigms

Apr 5, 2025

Some people rail against screenwriting methods and “story paradigms” like Save the Cat’s.

read more
I’m Making a Movie!

I’m Making a Movie!

Mar 20, 2025

UPDATE - March 21, 2025: Audiences are finally starting to see The Elephant in the Room. And it's going well! I wrote and directed this "red-blue...

read more
10,000 Hours of Screenwriting

10,000 Hours of Screenwriting

Apr 17, 2025

I've done the math, and I think I've logged 10,000 hours of screenwriting. Probably years ago, actually. So does this mean I have mastery?You've...

read more
Story Paradigms

Story Paradigms

Apr 5, 2025

Some people rail against screenwriting methods and “story paradigms” like Save the Cat’s.

read more
I’m Making a Movie!

I’m Making a Movie!

Mar 20, 2025

UPDATE - March 21, 2025: Audiences are finally starting to see The Elephant in the Room. And it's going well! I wrote and directed this "red-blue...

read more
visit the blog$

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$