An Inspired Chat with Cody Smart

We recently had the chance to connect with Cody Smart and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Cody, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
I definitely would! I think all writers need outside eyes on their stories – even consultants themselves. And those outside eyes being someone who puts your story at the forefront – without imposing their own – helping you use what’s on the page, as well as your intentions for the story, to take your story to the next level, is what all writing consultants should do.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a script consultant and doctor, with over 15 years of experience helping writers take their work to the next level. I work with clients doing script consultations (in written form and one-on-one over zoom), mentorships, rewrites (as a script doctor), and whatever helps clients tell the stories they’re dreaming to tell.

My philosophy as a script doctor is to always help writers elevate their work by staying true to the story they want to tell, getting to the meat of things, and helping my clients craft character-driven stories that audiences can engage with and go on an emotional ride with.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I think that would be my husband. Seeing myself through his eyes – and even having so many friends and family comment on how he’d “contemplate” me and see me for my full potential, and much more confident than I used to be, truly helped me embrace who he saw in me, to help me be that person on the inside and the outside.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Be yourself. I would definitely tell myself that it’s OK to be who you want to be – no matter what the world tells you. That’s where true happiness comes from. Nobody can put you in a box. You’re allowed to shine and be yourself. (Which is what now, as an adult, I also try to tell my young daughter).

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Family. I believe that’s #1 for me. That’s who you’re with when you’re born, during good times and bad, and who will be there with you at the end of your life. Everything else can be replaced. But family – and the family you pick, like your closest friends – is everything.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I tried for years to fit the mold of what I was told to do. And it wasn’t until I embraced what I wanted to do – tell stories and help others tell their stories – that I truly understood how loving what you do makes you happy and passionate. I get to read and tell stories for a living. And as someone who’s incredibly passionate about writing and reading, that’s the dream!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.scriptreaderpro.com
• Instagram: nextlevelscreenwriting
• Facebook: nextlevelscreenwriting
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEevGQ8Va_Y&list=PLez8jOvskc-MDJUzPaa8h66qgw5yIUaYV&index=9
• Other: Email: [email protected]