I'm Brooks Elms, screenwriter, filmmaker and coach, and I run Brooks Elms Coaching to guide emerging writers toward professional screenwriting. My specialty is helping writers:
I also lead a flagship mentorship programme called Answer The Call, a one-to-one plus group coaching system where I help select writers develop their idea, execute through a 9-step system, and finish a strong draft.
My journey began making indie films and writing scripts. Over years I sold assignments, rewrote work for others, and taught screenwriting at UCLA Extension.
In coaching writers, I saw the frustration of genuinely talented creators stuck without clarity or support. I realised I could use my experience, in story, industry and mindset, to help others leap past hurdles, not just critique pages.
My coaching is rooted in the belief that every writer has a "Superpower" to lean into. I don't try to fix or force you into a mould, I help you discover what your strongest voice is and amplify it.
At the core is the Answer The Call mentorship programme. Here's how it functions:
Writers apply to be selected (typically only a few accepted per cycle).
The programme includes:
I use a 9-step framework that integrates story, character, emotional stakes and craft. The goal is for the client to emerge with a polished, produced-ready script.
Coaching is entirely online, so writers from anywhere can participate.
Beyond the mentorship, I share content via YouTube, industry interviews, and workshops. My YouTube channel hosts videos helping writers transition from amateur to pro.
Be ruthless about clarity, if your concept isn’t clean and compelling, the story won’t land. Choose clients carefully, because effective coaching depends on alignment, and saying “no” sometimes protects the quality of your work. Balance craft with courage; writers often get stuck when they fear their own voice, but taking emotional risks is what leads to real breakthroughs. Lead with community, since peer feedback, group calls, and a culture of discussion drive growth far faster than one-off critiques. Finally, investing in systems, frameworks, tools, and repeatable processes let you scale without compromising quality.
If I were starting again, I’d launch free content much earlier such as short lessons, script breakdowns, and micro-trainings that build visibility and trust before charging. I’d also formalise my coaching framework and metrics from the start, tracking things like script completion rates and client placements to measure real progress. Finally, I’d bring on a small support team sooner to handle operations, outreach, and community management, freeing up more time to focus on coaching and content creation.
I plan to expand the Answer The Call programme further, run more workshops, and perhaps open group coaching tracks so more writers can benefit at lower investment levels. I'm also growing my library of:
This helps writers learn even outside formal programmes.
Ultimately, I hope Brooks Elms Coaching becomes a creative incubator, not just for scripts, but for writer careers, where support, craft and community combine.
The primary goal is to guide emerging writers towards professional screenwriting. The coaching helps you deepen your story instincts, sharpen your characters and tension, and transform your drafts into marketable work ready for the industry.
This coaching is designed for talented writers who feel stuck and are looking for clarity and support. It's for those who want to move past simple critiques and make real breakthroughs in their writing by finding and amplifying their unique voice.
Answer The Call is the flagship one-to-one and group coaching system. It's a selective programme where you develop an idea and execute it through a 9-step system to finish a strong, polished script. It includes weekly group calls, direct coaching, and lifetime access to a community.
The key difference is that your coach, Brooks Elms, is an active, WGA-recognised screenwriter with direct industry experience. The model is selective and high-touch, ensuring you get significant personal attention. It also blends mindset and emotional growth with technical craft, helping you become a more confident and fearless writer.
Yes, all coaching, including the mentorship programme, is conducted entirely online. This allows writers from anywhere in the world to participate and benefit from the guidance and community.