Once again, I had the honor of interviewing script reader/screenwriter Emilie Lorditch!
About Emilie (from her website):
Hello and welcome! My name is Emilie Lorditch. I am the founder of Real 2 Reel Science, an online resource for writers looking for inspiration and support. I specialize in finding unique ideas “ripped from the science headlines” that just might be the missing piece or idea that you are looking for your to make your script stand out.
I am your very own Script Consultant/Analyst and Science Advisor. Nice to meet you!
I got my start when I attended the launch of the Science and Entertainment Exchange in 2008. A year later, I participated in the American Film Institute‘s (AFI) Catalyst program: a three-day crash course for scientists about screenwriting. This program not only gave me my first experience working with a screenwriter, but it also led to me to work with screenwriting students at the AFI Conservatory as an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Science Advisor. You can read about my experience here. The goal of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation film school program is to influence the next generation of filmmakers to create more realistic and dramatic stories about science and technology while also challenging existing stereotypes about scientists and engineers through the use visual media.
For the last four years I have been a reader for film festivals, fellowships and screenwriters.
Whether it’s using a Diet Coke and Mentos fountain to distract the good guys, combining earthquakes and tsunamis to create the mother of all natural disaster movies or creating a main character that is a scientist or engineer that you have never seen on screen before, science can be the answer to your script problem.
What's your favorite part about script reading?
Working directly with screenwriters energizes and inspires me. I also love being surprised by a script that is in a genre or about a topic that I wouldn't normally seek out.
When you're reading a script, what do you specifically look for?
Do I care about these characters and do I want to know what happens next? Am I immersed in the story or do things like the number of typos or issues with logic break the bubble suspending my disbelief?
What movie or filmmaker inspired you to become a script reader/screenwriter?
The movie “Twister” (1996) taught me about the job of a science consultant/advisor, which I thought was my dream job! But, since I wasn't on track to be PhD scientist, I needed to find another way to bridge my science knowledge with storytelling. This led me to learn more about screenwriting and eventually become a script reader.
What makes a movie great?
Randy Olson is a scientist turned filmmaker and in his book, "Don't be such a scientist," he talks about how stories need to appeal to your brain, heart, gut and groin. The more of these things your audience connects to, the better the story is and I believe that. A story that makes me think, evokes an emotional response, causes me to fall in love with the characters and stays with me long after I have finished reading it is a great movie!
What's a common error you see writers make in their scripts?
Scripts that are too long (more than 120 pages). Also, I see scenes and characters that don't move the story forward. Every scene and character needs to have a purpose and help propel the story forward. Sometimes, you can combine two or three characters into one character which gives the character a stronger arc and improves the story.
What's the best script you've ever read?
There was a story about a man who was obsessed about the placement of his garden gnomes in his front yard. They had sentimental meaning and were an emotional support to him. One day, the little boy who just moved in across the street came over to the man's yard and started playing with his gnomes and rearranging them. The friendship that developed between the man and the boy was very sweet and emotional because they needed each other. I can't see garden gnomes without thinking of that story.
What advice would you provide to a writer who is struggling?
Write the story only you can tell. The one that wakes you up in the middle of the night and won't leave you alone. Also, never stop learning about screenwriting. Read scripts, watch movies, take classes and go to plays.
How do you know when your script is polished and ready for the professionals in the industry?
There are basic things like making sure your script has been spell-checked, and your script structure is solid (inciting incident and clear breaks between acts). I would also recommend having multiple people who aren't your friends and don't love you read your script and give you honest and constructive feedback. If you aren't ready to listen and incorporate their feedback, then your script isn't ready.
If you could change one thing about the film industry, what would it be?
While I understand the need for gatekeepers, I wish there were more opportunities for screenwriters who don't have an agent or manager to help them get their scripts ready for when a golden opportunity presents itself.
For more information, check out her website: https://www.real2reelscience.com/
