The Script Reader

The whole 'What if...' thing is pretty well known, so you've probably seen something like this before.

Still, if you're struggling to give a familiar plot a new twist or just want a creative exercise, this might help.

Download available on the website as usual >>>Link in the Bio<<< #scriptsky

Scrolling through r/ReadMyScript this morning (great place to get script feedback), but noticed a few first-time writers making some very critical mistakes - specifically bad formatting.

Industry pros will toss scripts that look sloppy. Don't make the same mistake! #scriptsky

Keep up the pace by continually upping the ante or throwing another spanner into the works.

Here are but a few ways to do that.
#scriptsky

When the Reader has no real knowledge or interest in the subject or setting in which your story takes place. You've still got to keep them hooked without it feeling like you're giving a boring lecture.

A little goes a long way. #scriptsky

Scene numbers quickly tell a Reader what stage a script is at.

In essence, don't ruin a polished final draft by making it look unfinished.

If you're submitting a shooting script when hunting for additional finance, scene numbers are fine. #scriptsky

True. #scriptsky

This is an easy mistake to make when you don't know any better.

Time is money in script reading, so it's always pretty gut-wrenching to discover you've wasted time reading stuff that isn't relevant and could've been cut.

Be nice to your Script Reader and they'll be nice to you 😉

#scriptsky

Not totally sure how useful this short worksheet is, but if you're getting stuck with an outline of an initial idea or you've decided that there's not enough conflict in a first draft, this might help.

Download from the Freebie tab on the website

>>>Link in the Bio<<<

#scriptsky

Tone is you flexing your writing voice.

This is how you manipulate the audience/reader and get them to FEEL when viewing/reading your work.

That's a powerful tool, so don't scrimp on this screenwriting element.

#scriptsky

Theme still remains a tricky element for many (including me), but it is something that needs to be figured out.

Once you know what you're trying to say, you'll have a much more satisfying story because of it. #scriptsky

I don't see this much anymore, but I do remember making the same mistake myself when first starting. Thankfully, it's an easy error to correct.

If in doubt, don't use CUT TO: at all. No one will notice if it's not there, but they will notice if it's there when it doesn't need to be. #scriptsky

No comments about underlining scene headings.

I don't care what you say, it's not the norm in a spec script.

(Neither is bold btw)

#scriptsky

If you use AI to write, you might want to start disguising that, because no one's going to be impressed by it. I say no one, but if an AI is READING the script, that might be a different case??

Anyhoo, here's some tell-tale signs that scream AI-generated content to make you aware. #scriptsky

If there's no hook on the very first page, and yup, I encounter loads of spec scripts that don't bother to, you risk disappointing the Reader at the very point where you're supposed to be getting them excited.

There are countless different ways to hook - Learn them all! #scriptsky

I still read contest submissions that do this.

Guess what? There's a place designed specifically for that info.

It's called a title page 😆

Don't shoot yourself in the foot by cluttering up the page with distracting stuff a Reader doesn't need. #scriptsky

Need some quick suggestions on how to increase the conflict, throw in more obstacles, and make your protagonist work harder?

Look no further.

Downloadable version available on the website.

>>>Link in the Bio<<<

#scriptsky

Try this any time you're not quite sure how to get from A to B and see if it helps.

Or use this technique once you've finished your first draft to check for any plot holes or illogical plot progression.

(Friday AGAIN! Where does the time go? 🤣) #scriptsky

Add to the last post. Here's how not to format your FLASHBACKS.

#scriptsky

Here's a rough guide for those struggling with FLASHBACKS.

For DREAM SEQUENCES, it's the same format, but you can change the wording to make things clearer, like using MIKE'S DREAM instead of DREAM SEQUENCE.

As long as the instruction is clear, don't worry too much about it. #scriptsky

I read a LOT of scripts, sometimes with a lot of the same plots.

But no two scripts have even been the same.

Why?

The writer's individual voice is what makes each script unique.

(And why it makes it so easy to spot AI-written scripts. They all use the same style of writing.) #scriptsky

If I gotta pause to figure out shit due to poor writing (we're not talking plot here), the immersion into the story has been broken and I'm doing more work than I want to.

Never forget the visuals!

Is (over phone) needed when a character is talking in voiceover? Probably not. #scriptsky

Just don't.

Readers can tell.

The layouts always off.

Using free or trial pro software at least creates the impression that a writer is serious about screenwriting as a career. Using Word doesn't.

#scriptsky

Cliche doesn't mean bad - it just means it's used a LOT.

If you're going to start your screenplay with one of these common opening scenes, use it as an opportunity to subvert expectations, shock, surprise, or dazzle - get creative! #scriptsky

5 is my top recommendation. It's a game changer.

6-8 use sparingly!

Overlapping dialogue risks the audience missing vital info.

(beat)'s and (pause)'s are frustrating for both the Reader and actor.

And words spelled like they sound can be hard to follow, hampering the read. #scriptsky

There are times when unfilmable info is useful, so this isn't a call to scrub every instance from your script.

If it enhances the read and is pivotal info that's too difficult to show on screen, go for it . But a little goes a long way! #scriptsky

An arc is the effect the experience has had on the protagonist (and hopefully, the audience too), spiritual growth, physical change, emotional progress, mental resolve, etc.

If the MC doesn't change, ensure the characters around them change instead. What impact has the MC had on others? #scriptsky

I love a good laugh, but am gonna be honest, most 30min comedy pilots I read really scrimp on the funnies.

Kick off with a memorable lol and keep that momentum going.

No one's ever complained that a script is too funny.

www.shortcom.org/script-competition

#scriptsky

Just because you love your protagonist doesn't mean anyone else will - Make us want to keep watching them ASAP. #scriptsky

When it comes to contests, yup, let your imagination go wild and throw budget out the window. But if you're trying to impress, maybe make sure your concept is marketable. If you don't know the market (what people want to watch, what's hot, what's not), you're doing yourself a disservice. #scriptsky

If a track is essential to the plot, yes, keep it, but if any other similar-sounding track could be used instead, cut it!

Sorry, Readers don't have time to go look it up on YouTube. That means the track and artist are just wasted words on the page. #scriptsky