Please vote for the type of script you think Script Club XIV should read.  Thanks.

I'll throw out an idea for a "recent" movie that we've all seen, and we could go through the spec script, like we did with The Strangers, which was an interesting discussion.

Since the crew here is HEAVILY biased toward writing for an indie director/producer, I'd suggest choosing:
A) and low budget (not low quality) indie film,
B) that's out on DVD/BR with pretty decent director/producer/whomever commentary.


- Read the screenplay.
- Watch the movie.
- Compare WTH the diff is.
- Listen to the commentaries.
- Let chill in the refrigerator over night.
- Reconcile differences afterward.
- Consider "Why things changed script-to-screen?"

I could tell you already Ray.  Script club will never be that well organized.  All the topics in your list will be covered but it may not be in any particular order - even though we always start out intending it to be.

Anyway, I suggest we should find a spec script that we can compare to the movie.  Spec script is the important part because then we'll see some meaningful changes.  

I know of a couple of spec scripts we can get at that are very different from the produced movies.  Well known movies too, so we all would have seen them already.  Two good ones are Alien and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Alien is an example of a good script that made a good movie - even though it was different. Ark is an example of a fairly "bad" script that was made into a good movie.

We're going to have a poll to decide the script anyway - so we just need a list once we figure out the type of script we want to read.

I'd be interested in Script-Clubbing an SS-member-written piece, mainly because it would encourage constructive discussion on its story content; the reason I say this is because many threads are filled with formatting nits that are mainly trivial in the long run, and also because review threads do not necessarily encourage back-and-forth discussion of a script at hand.

--Julio

Quoted from ReaperCreeper I'd be interested in Script-Clubbing an SS-member-written piece, mainly because it would encourage constructive discussion on its story content; the reason I say this is because many threads are filled with formatting nits that are mainly trivial in the long run, and also because review threads do not necessarily encourage back-and-forth discussion of a script at hand. --Julio

I voted already but I'll second this in post form. Script Club started as a means to discuss the story, character and thematic elements of member scripts as opposed to the more technical aspects. I'd like to see more of that, honestly.

A Spec Script that went into production

The only problem with a spec script that went into production is the problem with making that script available here. With Fox suing PJ McIlvaine for $15M for posting scripts online, it might be hard to get anyone to provide a script unless it's already online somewhere. I know I don't trade anymore.

That's a fair point Pia. But, for us spec writers, I think it's a worthwhile exercise to see the process as it goes from spec to shooting script to film. Most of the script references I have are shooting scripts to their film equivalents. In terms of trying to equate one with the other, a spec is the only way of evaluating what is necessary for us as writers to focus on.

I think there's a post by Ron Aberdeen offering to post his spec and shooting script for comparsion. Maybe someone out there knows of a suitable spec/shooting/film example that's available.

I know and we've done it before. I'm just wondering if anyone will dare to be the one to provide a spec in production here.

Wow, I just voted for something else and saw Pia's note about legal ramifications - I was going to suggest a script from Carson Reeve's blog and do a compare and contrast with film, script and his analysis. Good idea but NOT one we should mess with.

I think it would be fine if we have a link to the script posted somewhere else online. Then it's not someone at SS fault.  

If it comes down to Alien or Raiders of the Lost Ark, I'm way out.  Those are way too ancient.

Those are only two suggestions.  I'm sure there will be more.  As a matter of fact if you can back up your vote with some actual script names, that would be helpful.

Nice to see this thread.

I would like to read the script for Black Swan. Really, though, anything would be an adventure for me. I like to "discover" something out of the blue that really spins my merry-go-round.

Sandra