The Script Reader

#scriptsky NEW short book out!

Don't forget, a screenplay needs to be as enjoyable to read as it will be to watch.

This guide gives you the lowdown on how to avoid all the stuff that makes a script a chore, rather than a pleasure, to read.

Bargain at £4.99

>>>Store Link in the Bio<<<

Dunno who else needs to hear this today. I did! #scriptsky

As submissions start to pick up, I'm noticing some worrying tell-tale signs that more writers are using AI.

Beware! While AI MIGHT be able to generate a passable novel, it isn't currently capable of sticking to screenplay mechanics.

#scriptsky

No, this isn't a call to cut all the filler words from your dialogue.

It's a call to enhance the readability and the efficiency of the story - that's all.

FREE pdf download can be found on the website.

>>>Link in the Bio<<<

#scriptsky

If you want a masterclass in subtext, watch Game of Thrones (Season 1).

Yes, it's ye olde talk, so not exactly contemporary, but by gawd, there are some fantastic lines being delivered in there. #scriptsky

Here's a quick Script Fix using a script submitted for feedback on r/ReadMy Script.

There's a strong writing voice, but poor formatting and forgetting about the visuals make it all too easy to pass on the script.

Don't make the same mistakes! #scriptsky

Feels like the world's so full of hate right now, so here's some more 🤣

(Eat the rich before they eat you)

#scriptsky

Is the great dialogue in your script being swamped by the less interesting talk around it?

If so, try the 'Enter late, leave early' approach to help get to the good stuff quicker. #scriptsky

If you're rushing out to read the Oscar-nominated or BAFTA-winning scripts, be aware that most are shooting scripts, not spec scripts (which is what you are writing).

That means there's stuff in those scripts that shouldn't be in yours.

Here's a quick guide to identifying them #scriptsky

#scriptsky

If a scene doesn't end with a hook, make sure it ends with a bang by delivering the most powerful LINE OF DIALOGUE or VISUAL of the entire scene instead. #scriptsky

Sure, you can scroll through 100s of Script Reader posts and sift out roughly the same kinda info that features in this well-crafted PDF download, or you could simply buy a copy to keep forever!

>>>Link in the Bio<<<

#scriptsky

Yes, the formatting is terrible, but that can easily be fixed.

I like the dialogue in this piece, but the story gets way ahead of itself and ends up reading like a novel instead of a screenplay.

Are you making any of the same errors in your script? #scriptsky

Index Card FREE download back up on the website!

>>>Link in the Bio<<

(Sorry about it asking for an email address before download. Just the way it is) #scriptsky

Get interest in your spec script BEFORE you turn it into a shooting script.

That means making it a page-turning read, not a director's manual. #scriptsky

Audiences want to see themselves on screen. If you're a white dude, you're luck's in, but if not, the chance of seeing a protagonist you can identify with is a lot less. The key is to know the audience you're writing for. A movie that tries to please everyone will end up pleasing none. #scriptsky

This isn't a call to eradicate all the functional, but boring, verbs in your script.

But I do read a lot of specs where it's hard to detect the TONE in some scenes.

Adding a bit more flavor to the wording can absolutely change that. #scriptsky

If you're still trying to break in, you gotta stick to the rules a lot more to prove that you understand the craft. #scriptsky

Only copy these unconventional formatting methods at your own risk. #scriptsky

Look at your spec script and ask, "How much of it is just waffle?"

How much is just going over old points?

Does the scene fizzle out or end with a bang that leaves us wanting more?

Could a leaner, more to the point pace, help retain the engagement?

If so, it's time to cut the fat! #scriptsky

A quick 2-page script that makes a lot of rookie errors that you should avoid making too.

Script comes courtesy of r/ReadMyScript, which is a great place to find and give feedback to fellow aspiring writers. #scriptsky

I've heard this tip from several successful writers.

It's about making yourself look forward to getting back in the chair the next day to keep writing.

The key is to ensure that EVERY part of your story makes you feel that way 😊 #scriptsky

Loads of long-winded scene headings can interrupt the flow of the read.

Yes, they're necessary, and sure, maybe there's no other option for one to dip into the next line, but if you can, keep 'em short! #scriptsky

It's always a good idea to keep tabs on who you've sent your screenplay to and when.

Check out the slightly re-designed freebie on the website (Although I'm already thinking of more stuff to add to it 😂) #scriptsky

>>>Link in the Bio<<<

Do you, or have you, considered using the 8 Sequence method when outlining?

The "GOAL, ACTIVITY, COMPLICATION" structure can be used when brainstorming acts, sequences, scenes, and even dialogue (like a gag), so it's well worth considering. #scriptsky

Probably should re-do this one to say "Non-English" instead of "Foreign", too 😳

(I had intended to post about "exposition", but gawd, it's such a huge subject! Maybe later.) #scriptsky

There's a mistake in this old post that people always point out, but I can never remember what it is. #scriptsky

If you're past the first draft, consider taking a moment to think about what conflict is occurring in each of your scenes.

- What new info is being delivered?
- Is character being revealed?
- Is the conflict engaging, entertaining, and does it leave us wanting more? #scriptsky

Are you paying attention to what the audience is looking at when writing your script?

The more you can visualize each shot, the better you'll get at translating that onto the page. #scriptsky

Have a quick look at this opening page (found on r/ReadMyScript).

While the story isn't bad, and its visual, which is great, some small giveaways reveal the writer's inexperience with the craft.

Good news is, it's nothing a quick tidy up wouldn't fix.

Fake it until you make it! #scriptsky