James Kenna: Your Dramaturgically-Informed Creative Partner
Partner for Writers, Creators, and Makers
Unlike traditional script consultants who only provide notes, I offer comprehensive support that spans script development, production realities, and building sustainable operational systems to support (and financially sustain) creative careers.
Not Just Another Coverage Service
Practicing Filmmaker
Not just a reader—produces shorts and understands production realities from the trenches.
Production-Literate Dramaturgy
Craft meets budget, timeline, and festival strategy awareness for real-world constraints.
Career-Focused Approach
Helps creatives build sustainable practices, not just fix drafts.
Multi-Disciplinary
Spans "artist brain" + "producer brain" + "founder brain" for complete creative support.
What I Do: Story + Strategy
Most script consultants give you notes. I give you notes + deeply personalized 1-1 guidance + the systems to keep creating. Here's how:
Dramaturgical Development, Feedback That Moves Scripts Forward
Deep structural analysis using the four foundational questions: What's it really about? Why do we keep watching? Whose change are we tracking? Where are we? You'll leave with clarity on what your story is, structural integrity in how it's told, and an actionable roadmap for revision. I bring dramaturgical rigor AND production awareness—I've written and produced plays and films myself, so my notes consider not just story, but budget, shooting realities, and festival strategy.
- • Script Diagnostic & Dramaturgical Read
- • Rewrite Map & Development Plan
- • Script Intensive (production-focused)
- • Pilot & Series Blueprint
Creative and Production Consulting
You have talent. You need a plan. I help writers and filmmakers build creative identities, produce projects, roadmap complexity, and build business systems that turn sporadic creativity into sustainable momentum. Think of it as dramaturgy applied to your career—clarifying your voice, positioning your work, and building the infrastructure to support your art.
- • Creative Identity & Voice Development
- • Project Roadmapping (90-day plans)
- • Business Systems for Creatives
- • Creative Project Accelerator (8-week program)
The Work in Action
Projects I've supported through development, production, and beyond.
Aftercare
Short film that was a finalist at the Nantucket Film Festival (Oscar-Qualifying). Supported from script development through post-production and festival distribution.
Revolt
Play written by Angelica Guarino and developed through the New Jersey Play Lab Writers Residency. Supported from first draft--at the time a one-act--through 18 months of developmental work and readings.
And Every Creeping Thing
Play written by Eric Craft and developed through the New Jersey Play Lab Writers Residency. Supported from first draft through 18 months of developmental work and readings, a culminating one at Vivid Stages. Went on to production at Alpha Arts Stages.
GUSH
Film written by filmmaker to watch Gracie Fojtik. Fully funded festival positioned short film. "Elliot drags her bestie Skylar along as support to her ex-girlfriends Lesbian Sàlon, they seek refuge from the boob-shaped discussion bowl in the bathroom when get stuck catching a full tampon on the loose."
How I Work: Clarity, Integrity, Roadmaps
Most feedback is random. One reader says cut the subplot. Another says expand it. You're left more confused than before.
I work differently:
1. Clarity First
Before any notes, we establish YOUR vision. What you're trying to say, who changes, why it matters. This becomes our anchor.
2. Structural Integrity
Every scene either serves that vision or it doesn't. We identify misalignments and rebuild the architecture to support your story.
3. Actionable Roadmaps
You never leave wondering "what now?" Every note comes with a clear next step—often prioritized (do this first, then this, then this).
Plus: I think about production realities. Budget. Casting. Shooting logistics. Festival strategy. Because I've made shorts, not just read them.
Free Resource for Writers & Filmmakers
The 4-Question Dramaturgical Diagnostic To Break Down Any Script
Use this framework to diagnose where your script is strong and where it's breaking. Answer these four foundational questions: What's it really about? Why do we keep watching? Whose change are we tracking? Where are we and what are the rules? This is the same framework I use in every consultation.
Ready to Move Your Project Forward?
Start with a free 20-minute creative consultation to discuss your project and explore how we can work together.
Schedule Your Consultation