David McKenzie is an experienced attorney who provides comprehensive consulting services for television programs, including storyline consultation, script analysis, wardrobe advice, set design, actor training, and character development.
With 20 years of practical legal experience, David collaborates to align with your vision, offering authentic legal insights and creative suggestions that enhance narrative quality and audience engagement.
David offers a fusion of legal expertise and creative finesse to enrich the authenticity and allure of your television program.
David’s profound understanding of statutes, case law, and precedents, coupled with his firsthand experiences in the criminal justice realm, ensures a solid foundation for captivating storytelling.
With a background in criminal law, David is adept at identifying conflicts or inconsistencies within the movie script that deviate from real-world criminal law experiences – inconsistencies that fall back on old and tired stereotypes or that undermine your story.
As a criminal law consultant for your movie, he’ll advise on solutions that maintain both legal accuracy and narrative coherence, helping you develop a credible and compelling storyline with dialogue to support it.
He will tell if your script hits the bullseye, or if it misses the mark. For example, David offers criticism in his review of “Night Court,” particularly focusing on the show’s fundamental premise.
“What I disliked most about “Night Court” is the critical misstep in its depiction of arraignment court,” he writes. “The nightly procession of alleged criminals, swift presentations of evidence, and Judge Abby Stone’s determinations of guilt or innocence are far from the actual proceedings of an arraignment court.”
When you enlist David as your television program consultant, anticipate this level of analysis. He’ll provide honest feedback, leaving the choice in your hands: maintain entertainment value by stretching the truth, or heed David’s counsel for a more authentic portrayal.
It’s essential to craft authentic portrayals of legal professionals in your television program, balancing realism, intrigue, and creativity by delving into their backgrounds and motivations.
David advises on a diverse range of characters within the legal and criminal justice spheres, including prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement officers, judges, defendants, and individuals connected to the justice system.
The outcome is compelling characters that enrich the project’s creative objectives, whether they serve dramatic, comedic, or other narrative purposes.
In the television show “Suits,” character development is at the heart of its success, driving the intricate plotlines and captivating audiences worldwide. Set in a high-stakes legal firm, the series delves into the lives of its characters, exploring their professional triumphs, personal struggles, and moral dilemmas.
At the forefront of “Suits” is the dynamic relationship between Harvey Specter and Mike Ross. Their mentor-protege dynamic evolves over the course of the series, as they navigate ethical quandaries, professional challenges, and personal growth. Through their interactions, viewers witness the complexities of loyalty, ambition, and integrity, as well as the consequences of their choices.
Beyond the central duo, each character undergoes significant development, from the ambitious paralegal Rachel Zane to the ruthless attorney Louis Litt. As they confront obstacles and make life-altering decisions, their arcs contribute to the show’s rich tapestry of storytelling, keeping audiences invested in their journeys.
Moreover, the character development in “Suits” serves as a vehicle for exploring themes of identity, morality, and ambition. The series deftly examines the sacrifices individuals make in pursuit of success, as well as the blurred lines between right and wrong in the cutthroat world of corporate law.
Ultimately, it is the depth and complexity of its characters that sets “Suits” apart, elevating it from a legal drama to a compelling exploration of human nature and the pursuit of excellence.
David will collaborate with your team to craft authentic characters that deeply connect with your audience. Drawing from real-life personas within criminal law, he brings forth complexity and charisma, blending finesse and skill to shape characters your viewers can truly empathize with.
Balancing ethics within a television program while preserving its drama and entertainment demands a nuanced touch an attorney like David will bring to your production.
Multifaceted characters confronting moral choices enrich the storyline, demanding careful scriptwriting to sustain this delicate balance. The aim is to subtly provoke audience viewpoints without resorting to preachiness.
In the critically acclaimed television series “Breaking Bad,” the integration of ethics plays a central and compelling role, driving the narrative and character development. The show’s protagonist, Walter White, undergoes a morally ambiguous transformation from a mild-mannered chemistry teacher to a ruthless drug lord, blurring the lines between right and wrong.
One of the key aspects of ethics in “Breaking Bad” is the exploration of Walter’s motivations and justifications for his actions. Initially driven by a desire to provide for his family in the face of a terminal cancer diagnosis, Walter’s descent into the criminal underworld raises profound questions about the nature of morality and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
Moreover, the series examines the ripple effects of Walter’s choices on those around him, from his partner-in-crime Jesse Pinkman to his wife Skyler and their children. As the moral complexities deepen, viewers are forced to confront their own ethical beliefs and judgments, challenging traditional notions of good and evil.
Additionally, the television show explores the ethical dilemmas inherent in the drug trade, from the exploitation of addiction to the violence and destruction it spawns. The series doesn’t shy away from depicting the human cost of Walter’s actions, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about the consequences of unethical behavior.
Ultimately, “Breaking Bad” serves as a thought-provoking meditation on the nature of morality, posing difficult questions about the choices we make and the ethical boundaries we’re willing to cross in pursuit of our goals.
By integrating ethical considerations into character decisions, viewers are drawn into the emotional depth of moral dilemmas.
The key is to seamlessly blend legal and moral ethics into the storyline, enriching the narrative with authenticity amidst drama and entertainment. This genuine portrayal resonates with audiences, encouraging reflection on personal ethical beliefs while staying engrossed in the unfolding plot.
In addition to his criminal law consultancy, David injects a creative edge into storytelling. He adeptly infuses drama, suspense, and emotional resonance into legal narratives, ensuring audience captivation while maintaining authenticity within the legal and criminal justice realms.
Wardrobe and Set Design in Focus
Wardrobe and set design play a pivotal role in defining the identity of a television program. Carefully curated wardrobe selections and meticulously crafted sets serve as gateways, immersing audiences into the narrative. Beyond aesthetics, they enrich character arcs, evoke distinct time periods, and contribute to a visually captivating and immersive viewing experience.
David has spent 20 years in these environments.
In television programs, every setting is unique. For instance, courtrooms are often depicted as majestic, oak-filled sanctuaries of the legal world. While such grandiose settings do exist, many legal proceedings occur in plain, beige rooms illuminated by fluorescent lights.
The portrayal of settings like courtrooms sets the tone for your story and influences the development of your characters.
Additionally, David extends his expertise to wardrobe consultancy for criminal law productions, offering guidance not only on accurately representing attorneys but also on dressing other characters such as:
For example, in the long-running television series “Law and Order,” wardrobe serves as a critical element in bringing the legal drama to life. Unlike shows that focus primarily on glamour or fashion, “Law and Order” places emphasis on authenticity and realism, and wardrobe plays a pivotal role in achieving this.
The attire worn by the show’s characters reflects the professional environments they inhabit, whether it’s the courtroom, police precinct, or crime scene. From the sharp suits of prosecutors to the uniforms of detectives, wardrobe choices establish credibility and authority, reinforcing the characters’ roles within the justice system.
Moreover, wardrobe helps to delineate character personalities and backgrounds. Detectives may sport more casual attire, reflecting their hands-on approach to investigations, while lawyers exude professionalism and sophistication through tailored suits and conservative attire. These distinctions not only add depth to the characters but also aid viewers in understanding their motivations and perspectives.
With two decades immersed in real-life criminal law, David possesses a deep understanding of legal intricacies, procedures, and terminology, along with insights into the individuals within this realm. Collaborating seamlessly with movie producers, writers, and directors, David enhances both the legal accuracy and creative elements of films.
Above all, David recognizes that your project is your vision. His ultimate aim aligns with yours: to provide guidance that ensures the success of your film. With David on board, you can trust in his unmatched fusion of legal acumen and narrative storytelling, enriching your project with authenticity and compelling depth.
David McKenzie is a seasoned professional offering expert TV and Film Consulting services, bringing valuable insights and guidance to the entertainment industry.
“My foregrounds are imaginary, my backgrounds real.”