The Script Reader

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

Fresh, diverse, critical thinkers are needed more than ever in the film industry (as we all discover how shit AI is 😂)

If you love screenwriting, there's no better way to improve the craft than reading other scripts - so why not get paid for it!

#scriptsky

New PDF workbook available in the store. #scriptsky

This one helps you disguise all those little giveaways that tell the reader that you're a new writer, and removes any formatting errors that a nitpicking reader might zone in on, instead of becoming engrossed in the story.

>>> Link in the Bio<<

I just realized my fave book from English in high school is now public domain - and it's very tempting!

Could any of your cherished stories now be freely available to adapt, and are you up to the challenge? #scriptsky

A new 6-page script study is on the BLOG for anyone interested (couldn't post it all on this limited platform 😐)

>>> Link in the Bio <<<

#scriptsky

It's pretty give and take in the film industry.

If you want others to help you, also consider how you can help them 🥰 #scriptsky

Are you painting enough of the picture in the reader's mind, or making them do all the hard work? #scriptsky

There's a thin line between overdescribing every single thing that happens on screen and not telling us nearly enough.

It's up to you to find the balance. #scriptsky

Ditching the orphans can be particularly helpful when writing short scripts, where shorter is usually better.

But it's also a good exercise to do during the polish phase, to tighten and tidy up the prose and presentation. #scriptsky

Listing clothing can work if it fills in some blanks, such as revealing a profession.

But we don't need detailed clothing descriptions that SERVE NO PURPOSE.

Have a look at your own character descriptions and ask: Do we really need to know what they're wearing? #scriptsky

Formatting isn't always definitive. There are lots of nuances to many of the elements within, so not every writer is going to format their script exactly like you do.

That said, there are definitely ways NOT to format a script. Hopefully, this post will help you discover what to avoid #scriptsky

A little dose of reality as January sets in.

But I'm still optimistic.

A writer is a noob who didn't quit, and if you love writing, you'll find a way. #scriptsky

What info does your character intros convey?

Is it pivotal to the plot, or is it decorative fluff?

What does the action they're doing reveal about them?

Are there blanks the reader has to fill in themselves? If so, will they come to the correct assumptions?

#scriptsky

This writer wanted to know if their action sequence was good and visual. In essence, yes, it is, so job well done 😊

But, as always, there's always room for improvement.

Check out the blog for a more enhanced view of the script with a few more observations noted. #scriptsky

>>>Link in the Bio<<<

Explore the same question as the main plot (but from a different angle or with different stakes).

AND

Use them to make the main plot harder to solve (creates obstacles, forces difficult choices, splits the MC's focus).

(Sounds simple, but yeah, I really struggle with subplots, too) #scriptsky

Who hasn't gone back to an old script and realized it's not that good?

That's a great thing.

It means you've grown as a writer and are now better equipped to tackle the rewrite.
#scriptsky

Here's a quick Script Fix that takes a muddled opening with many common formatting mistakes and cleans it up.

The script was found on r/ReadMyScript - a great place to get and give feedback to other aspiring screenwriters. #scriptsky

Yup, when you're constantly being told to 'show, don't tell', it's easy to think that means jotting down every head turn, hand movement, or lip bite a character makes.

It doesn't.

I go into this in a bit more detail on the blog >>>Link in the Bio<<< but this is the gist of it. #scriptsky

It's only on very rare occasions that I read a spec script with "we see..." and it feels seamless, enhancing the readability.

The rest of the time, it's wasting space on the page and doesn't need to be there.

It's a stylistic choice, not a rule. If that's how you roll, it's up to you #scriptsky

A few quick notes on a fantasy 1hr TV pilot. For a slightly more in depth look, go check out the blog on the website >>>Link in the Bio<<<

#scriptsky

Yes, the Freebies are slowly trickling back onto the website (with minor design updates).

Feel free to download the PDF via the store
>>>Link in the Bio<<

#scriptsky

Wishing you all a healthy, productive writing year.

The sky's the limit 🔥

#scriptsky