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On the left is an ocean of scripts that are unsold. On the right is a tea cup full of those that did.
Most still agree reading is the best way to become a better writer.
This advice is still true unless you have the money go to Europe and get that very expensive and painful Talent Transplant Operation.
That said, I don't think reading the stuff that makes you squirm in your seat (my work included) and ask, "Where is this going?" is the best or most productive way for a newbie to spend his or her time.
After recently reading the script for The Prophet Program by Tyler Marceca, 115 pages, type of brads unknown, I shouted, "Wow! This is it!"
I couldn't put the thing down for 70 pages. It is a real Page Turner.
Curious to learn more, I googled and find this script has been sold and will be made into a movie.
I then had a Eureaka Moment, "This is what I should be reading...THE GOOD STUFF."
The GOOD STUFF is where you learn the proper way to use format, style, mood, character development, parentheticals, shifts, turns, twists, color, tone and the X Factor...This is the material that will teach you how to be all you can be...READ THE GOOD STUFF.
To this point, I would humbly request there be a permanent thread on this board (if one does not currently exist?) called THE STUFF THAT SOLD.
I think there is a thread for Scriptshadow. check it out and get on his email list. He sends out at least 3 scripts (usually on the black list) that have been sold by pros and amateurs alike.
I've read 1000s of scripts. Most are not very good. In fact some are extremely hard to get through. I agree that you learn more from reading good scripts, however, when it comes to your own writing, unless you're going to spend a bunch of money on pro feedback, you need honest feedback from someone. There are lots of great people here at SS that are willing to read your first draft and give you input. However, if you don't read other SS member's scripts, there might not be anyone willing to give your's a read. In other words, hard as it may be to read some of us' amateur scripts, that's what you have to do to get the same favor in return.
Eventually you get to know some people that you can comfortably rely on and you do each other the same favor.
However, if you don't read other SS member's scripts, there might not be anyone willing to give your's a read.
Your point is well taken, but at my current level (noob), I don't think I am qualified to review anyone's work.
BUT, if anyone on the board pointedly asks me, 'Hey John, I'm having trouble with this passage...Would you take look at it? Does it work for you?' My anwer would most assuredly be, 'Yes.'
Trouble with Stuff That Sold is that most people who have sold a script have had to remove it from the boards once it did sell. In lieu of that, we do have a thread called "Simply Recommended Scripts" under the Getting to know you thread (otherwise known as right here: http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-knowyou/m-1141227828/).
While most of these have not sold, the rules of that thread are to recommend scripts worth reading on the site, and not to recommend your own. So people tend to point to their favorites which are most likely those that are well written. That thread contains a lot of very good recommendations if you want to read something that other writers are are or used to be here have done.
Oh yes, and if you've ever watched a movie, then you're probably qualified to issue a review. You know what you like and don't like, right?
I've read 1000s of scripts. Most are not very good. In fact some are extremely hard to get through. I agree that you learn more from reading good scripts, however, when it comes to your own writing, unless you're going to spend a bunch of money on pro feedback, you need honest feedback from someone. There are lots of great people here at SS that are willing to read your first draft and give you input. However, if you don't read other SS member's scripts, there might not be anyone willing to give your's a read. In other words, hard as it may be to read some of us' amateur scripts, that's what you have to do to get the same favor in return.
Eventually you get to know some people that you can comfortably rely on and you do each other the same favor.
Big time seconded!
When I first joined the site, I read scripts daily for six weeks. After I'd spread my avatar around, THEN I uploaded something of mine. Got a bunch of reads right off the bat because I read ACTIVE members first.
Regards, E.D.
LATEST NEWS CineVita Films is producing a short based on my new feature!
Spec script. Rewrite with director and producer input due to budget. Re-rewrite with more director, producer, lead actor input. Studio approved "locked" screenplay. Changes due to secured locations. Changes due to actors wanting to do their versions of delivery. Editor decides to use rehearsal footage. Consider all the DVD extra outtakes were scripted, budgeted, shot, edited, - AND STILL they got edited out. Distributor changes. MPAA rating changes. Focus group changes.
Don't fall in love with your basic screenplay. Even the Bible has been rewritten plenty of times.
Don't fall in love with your basic screenplay. Even the Bible has been rewritten plenty of times.
I'm coming from 17 years in commercial art, emphasis on the word commercial...Heck, I don't fall in love with nothing...I got internals organs I'd sell.
Keep your mitts off, Kev! I'm gonna need one of them soon.
John,
I agree that reading "the stuff that sold" as you call it is a good move and will teach you heaps. But also remember that one of the major points of this site and others like it is to get your amateur script read by other writers to help improve your work without paying an arm and a leg for coverage... unless Tyler Marceca is gonna give you a return read of course?
I would also like to add that there is plenty of good stuff around the boards and George above has provided a good link to find a few. Jump in a read a few from active members which should entail your own work getting reads upon posting.
Good luck to you.
Quoted from XL
This is the material that will teach you how to be all you can be...READ THE GOOD STUFF.
But then who will be left to read my stuff because it ain't GOOD!