Testimonials
“Working with Madeline is like completing a marathon. Firstly, you never thought you could do it, but she makes the impossible possible. Secondly, you want to tell everyone about it because the process is what made it so worthwhile, beautiful, and life-changing.
If my characters can meet just one person in real life, it would be Madeline. She treats your characters and the world of the story with such genuine curiosity, love, and respect, which ultimately brings to life characters that are both truthful and interesting.
Every meeting, you get this feeling that she’s always a little more prepared than you, which lets you be as free and spontaneous as you can be.
There is something parental about working with Madeline - you feel like you can (creatively) run free like a child, playing all day with no fears and all adventure, because you know that there’s someone who is watching over you, someone who is strong and grounded and capable of picking you back up no matter what happens.
If you’re looking for someone who feels equally excited about bringing your project to life, Madeline has the creativity, sincerity, and the beauty of the soul in order to do that every time.”
- Katie Kim, Screenwriter & Director
“Madeline is a gem and the first person I trust to look at my newest drafts. Whether you want someone to bounce your unformed musings off of or you've realized that a supportive and deeply creative ally is a boon to your writing process, you can't go wrong with her. With a vast knowledge of film language that starts with the visual story tellers of the silent era, goes to the modern masters and everywhere is between, her take on your story is always fresh and ever expanding. She inspires, excites and affirms you to keep slugging away, to keep writing, because your picture is there, just underneath the surface, waiting to be revealed.”
- Salaama Barboza, Filmmaker & Screenwriter
She listens to ideas. All ears and brain power is put to use on whatever it is you are giving. Madeline is a great collaborator and knows how to help evolve creative ideas towards their intended destinations. Completely unconditional and non-judgmental. The perfect partner for brainstorming, developing and inspiring the best in creative projects.
- Frank Moschetto, Actor & Musician
“Regardless of how sprawling one’s world may be, from windswept landscapes to ancient cities and imagined earths, to a character’s rising heights to the moment of denouement - the story always benefits from one who can traverse them as a thoughtful and empathic lover of stories.
Madeline’s notes have always been reflective of a perspective, that true to form, is thoughtful, composed and articulate to the level of top NYU professors and industry professionals.
Insightful, honest and effective Madeline is your go to reader if you wish to have someone enter the story as a character, who can walk the beaten paths and point out spaces on the map to re-explore and re-craft.
If you are looking for a world class reader who can help you see your story anew and be a genuine guide in making you live your stories from another’s perspective, you need look no further than Madeline Stephenson.”
- Dahlia Dennison, Writer & Cinematographer