So, you finished your "polished" script and are ready to get it out there, but wait! You don't know if it's good enough! That's where script readers are there to help you! As a writer, I've been in situations where I felt like once my script was polished, I would need an extra pair of eyes to see if it was ready to be sent out to the professionals in the industry! The truth is, sometimes, when you think your script is complete, it isn't.
What is a script reader?
Script readers, like myself, look at scripts and provide feedback on various screenplays. We dive into each script and thoroughly analyze it. We also typically review the story, character, dialogue, pacing, and concept. Some readers will provide an original logline and a one—to two-page script synopsis. It's like doing a book report to show that they've fully invested their time in reading each script page instead of scrolling through them.
What do they look for?
Readers will have various perspectives on a script depending on who you see. We want to see original stories and something that's fresh. No one wants to read the same World War II script repeatedly. "But aren't they still making war movies?" That is true, but some studios like making those types of stories over, just like Marvel makes big bucks on superhero movies, mainly because they're "blockbusters" that drive audiences to the theaters.
Every reader wants to provide the most valuable feedback so writers are motivated and better understand how their scripts can be improved. 90% of the time, scripts need to be worked on, whether it's fleshing out their protagonist or characters, adding more conflict, or improving the dialogue to make it more authentic. Remember, whether your script makes it in front of a producer or not, everyone has something to work on.
Is it worth the cost?
It depends on who you go to. Some script coverage businesses charge $300 for a feature read or sometimes more. Big-name companies like Stage 32 charge a bit more because their readers are professionals with many years of experience in the film industry. A majority of them have had a bunch of movies produced and made. Everyone wants their scripts sold, but the pros will look at the script and determine whether or not your script is ready compared to the thousands of other scripts being sent around.
So, if you want to save some cash, maybe a smaller script-reading business, like mine, would be a better option. I've talked to other freelance script readers, and we both look at scripts from an outside perspective but without being extremely critical. After all, we're writers, too! When I first started sending my scripts out there, I had so many mixed reviews. Sometimes, someone really liked it, and others just...didn't.
I understand that film is subjective, but ask yourself: Would you rather spend a large portion of your money on a professional who will say, "Here's how you have to fix these things?" or save a little bit of cash and have someone say, "I see what you're trying to do here; perhaps you could try it this way." (Hint: The second option is better.)
If you're hesitant, don't fret! Just know that no matter who you go to, feedback is subjective, and you are the writer! You can take what resonates and what doesn't. Think about it like this: Even if your script gets made, someone out there is going to think something could be improved, but let's not worry about it now!
Got questions? Want to know more? Reach out to me! My door is always open!