Testimonials

Bill Gullo is a great collaborator. He seems to know just the right questions to ask me about character and plot to help spur on my own writing, while also delivering very concrete ideas for specific story points and dialogue. I have found his own writing to be specific, emotional, and effective whether it is based on an original idea of his or as a rewriter of my own projects. I highly recommend him.
— Bart Freundlich, Writer/Director (After the Wedding, Myth of Fingerprints)
Working alongside Bill for the past four years on our Screenwriter Sessions has been a privilege. As the leader of a cohort of 35 writers, Bill consistently demonstrates an intuitive understanding of the exact direction needed to propel the group forward and his ability to provide feedback and individual direction is nothing short of astute. Bill also possesses a remarkable talent for honing in on each writer’s unique strengths and challenges, guiding them with precision towards their creative goals. And his dedication to fostering growth and creativity within the group is inspiring, and I have personally witnessed the transformative impact he has had on countless writers.
— Mystelle Brabbee, Executive Director, Nantucket Film Festival
Bill Gullo is the ideal mentor, teacher, and collaborator. He’s exceptional at identifying the individual voice of a writer or project and helping support that unique vision, strengthening it to be the best version of itself rather than reverting to generic, paint-by-numbers narrative advice. He approaches stories with excitement, curiosity, and insight, bringing practical conception and revision advice along with a lot of heart. Bill makes creative conversation easy while knowing when to hold one’s feet to the fire, asking challenging questions in service of a stronger narrative. His deep understanding of craft and love of that which is human and honest makes Bill an invaluable support and incredible resource whether struggling creatively or aspiring to improve.
— Nathan Ginter, Writer/Director
I have worked with countless talented film and television writers in my career, but few have the ability to truly rewrite themselves. Bill is one of those rare exceptions who understands tone, character, and structure so well that he can objectively deconstruct his own words and rebuild a story over and over again until it’s exactly right. He is the perfect person to bring on as a consultant for both emerging and seasoned writers looking to gain constructive criticism and ideas from someone who knows what he’s talking about.
— Annie Marter, Producer (87 North)
I have never written a film script but have always, always loved the movies. When I met with Bill about adapting my short horror novel to the screen, I had no idea what to expect. But it seems sometimes the stars align, and as I talked through my book with Bill and he asked questions—incredibly intuitive questions—I saw the gaps in my own work of fiction. I also saw, with his help, what it was exactly I was trying to say, and what my characters were trying to do. In many ways I will owe the success of my novel to Bill. I also hope our collaboration is only just getting started.
— Anne Hellman, fiction writer, author, and movie lover
Bill’s brain is always humming with story. Not only is he a generous writer and reader, eager to lend an ear or join you under the hood to problem solve, but his approach has a refreshing air of curiosity and “beginner’s mind.” He meets you where you’re at and will help you carve out new paths of thinking or experimenting with your process, as opposed to offering predetermined, tidy answers. He is a joy to work with and just picking up the phone to chat a bit of story with him will surely lift you out of the doldrums of feeling stuck. Bill is an extraordinarily gifted teacher and I can’t recommend working with him highly enough!
— Marina Michelson, screenwriter/Almanack alumna
I’ve known Bill for almost ten years now and have been privileged to read all of his scripts and work on one of his most currents specs, TOXIC. Bill is always incredible with his character work and dialogue, but has gone to the next level with the plotting of this latest script, making him such a diverse and talented writer. He’s also been incredibly receptive to notes on this project, from both the producers and the director and, as a result, has brought a new and deeper layer to the script through this openness and collaboration.
— Christopher Kopp, Producer AZA Films
In a moment where every writer is told to have their own niche, Bill defies this Hollywood compartmentalization as a truly skilled, well-rounded screenwriter, able to inhabit and excel in every genre. Bill is a rare find. Working with him won’t simply improve your script at hand, but every script you’ve yet to write as well.
— Michael B. Clark, Producer, Beachside
Vulnerability, empathy, and curiosity — all built on the foundation of love for life. These attributes are what many writers aspire to embody, and yet, it’s an aspiration that Bill has achieved. If to be a great writer is to be a great person — through seeking growth of self and an understanding of the world — then Bill exudes such greatness. He’s the kind of person you can sit with for hours, and ponder the complexities of the world, all through compassion, smiles…and a good beer! Ultimately, what makes Bill amazing at working with other writers is not just his knowledge of acts or beats or character; rather, it is his understanding of the things we all seek to live a life of purpose, meaning, and joy.
— Beanie Barnes, writer/producer/professor/Almanack alumna
What sets Bill Gullo apart from most screenwriting consultants is that he’s a working and produced screenwriter. I gave him limited time to write my feature, and I’ve never seen a writer more focused, passionate and committed to the craft of writing. His very specific process and deeply personal approach to story, character and structure will be invaluable and a breath of fresh air to any screenwriter.
— Matthew Bonifacio, writer/director (The Quitter, Lbs)
I was stuck in a creative rut and writing stopped being fun. Then I hired Bill to help me take an idea and flesh it out into a script for a short film. I met with Bill once a week for a few months and his encouragement and insight was transformative: he got me writing every day and he gave me practical advice, exercises, road maps and tips. He critiqued my work, offered ideas and suggestions and above all he showed me how to enjoy the process again. Bill is a gifted writer and teacher, so if you are looking for someone to help take your writing to the next level, you’ve found him.
— Jason M., Filmmaker and Professor
I believe that all story comes from character and Bill understands character deeply. Not just getting to know the characters of your screenplay either but also your own. The unique, the nuanced, the unforgettable, Bill utilizes a conscientious and illuminating process that will set your script apart from everything else.
— Tian Jun Gu, writer/producer/Almanack alumna
What’s remarkable about Bill is that he seems to care as much as I do about my script and story. He asks the right questions and is willing to explore the deepest parts of my screenplay in order to get to its simple essence. And then it’s up to me to go write the thing! But I know I can circle back to Bill as needed.
— Alyssa B., screenwriter, New York City
Bill Gullo’s gift for honest, fully-realized characters and keen understanding of story make him one of the most versatile screenwriters I’ve ever read. Whether he’s writing a supernatural thriller, an off-the-wall comedy, or a gritty urban drama, Bill is in complete control of his craft. An ideal teacher for anyone looking to hone their skills.
— Ben Robbins, Screenwriter (Madoff) and Creative Director, Almanack Screenwriters
Bill Gullo uses words to lend a voice to the inexpressible. As someone who approaches writing as both a craft and a creative-response, Gullo offers everyone he encounters an opportunity to be part of the grand history of storytelling.
— Antonino D’Ambrosio, Filmmaker (Serpico, Let Fury Have the Hour) Author (A Heartbeat and a Guitar: Johnny Cash and the Making of Bitter Tears) 
Bill’s knowledge of the craft is impressive. He’s equally talented in the language of genre scripts and quirky dramas or comedies. His breakdowns have been invaluable and discussing projects with him have been some of the mosts rewarding times. He truly understands structure and can dig into characters and development in a way I’ve not experienced before.
— Stephen Schlueter, Producer/Writer/Director, Walleye Pictures
I’ve been working with Bill for the last eight months, and I have learned so much about screenwriting. I came to him with just a concept, and he helped me get it in on the page. He is very patient, insightful, and gives detailed feedback. He’s a great teacher, and makes the process fun!
— Naomi S., Los Angeles
My session with Bill was an absolute joy. He was extremely thorough and detailed with his analysis on character development, story structure and dialogue. On top of that, he was very patient and he took time to make sure I understood the specific points he was making with regards to how to make my script better. More importantly, I came away feeling inspired and confident that I could take my screenplay to new heights thanks to Bill’s guidance.
— Nnamadu, A, Brooklyn
Bill Gullo’s workshops have been instrumental in kickstarting my screenwriting career. His gift lies in discovering his students’ unique stories and pulling the dramatic and comedic elements out of them. All writers, from beginner to established, will benefit from Bill’s expert coaching.
— Chris R, Brooklyn
This is a seasoned writer...with an ear for dialogue and eye for character detail...a fine screenwriter about to be well known.
— Andrew Horton, author (Writing the Character-centered Screenplay, Laughing Out Loud)