So let's say you finished your first draft of your screenplay and you've made a few changes to it. You're probably wondering, "Should I get feedback on my script?" The answer: Yes! There are writers out there who don't get feedback on their scripts and will try to get their scripts sold in the industry, but let's be honest, it's not easy to do. Before you let the professionals in the film industry look at your script, it's always a good idea to get feedback on your script first!
Whenever I finish a few drafts of a script, I always take the next step of sending my script to screenwriting contests that provide feedback with each entry. Depending on the contest, the feedback can either be free or you might have to pay a bit extra. Just remember, film is subjective so just because someone doesn't like your script, doesn't mean someone else will. You are the writer so don't let the negative opinions get to you.
If you choose to let me look at your script, know that I'm providing feedback based on two different perspectives, one from an audiences point of view and another from a filmmakers perspective. Sometimes they differ from each other, but that's okay. Anyone can determine if they like a film or not, but a filmmaker could dive deep into the film and explain clearly why they liked or didn't like it. Whenever I provide feedback, I'm basing my opinion based on what I have learned in my screenwriting courses in college, and feedback I've received on my scripts so I can clearly tell you what could be improved if needed.
Sometimes when it comes to feedback, one reader might like one thing and another reader might not like the same thing. Keep in mind, you're the writer so if two opinions cancel each other out, you can decide what you want to do. However, if two different readers are giving the same negative feedback about something particular in the script, you might want to consider making the change in the script. For example, I had a scene in a feature which was pretty debatable. One reader said the scene was too dark, so I made a change to the scene to make it a bit lighter. Once I submitted my script to a different reader, they said the script was too light and needed to be a bit darker. Confusing right? I thought to myself that there might be a silver lining between having the scene that's too dark and having the scene be too light. So I made a change to the scene, again, and based on what I have now, it falls in the middle between dark and light. In other words, it's kind of dark, but not too dark and I think audiences will like it...maybe.
I'm so excited to see what 2020 has in store. I look forward to working with you.