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It might help but I tend to look out for new writers either because I don't know their name or through writing clues and react accordingly... cant do any harm though.
You can definitely tell if someone is new by writing style, but if someone clicks on the "new writer" tab you might be inclined to offer more constructive feedback other than "this needs work, read more scripts."
Yes. Honestly, depending on how much I have on my plate, I might not open it. It's likely going to take a lot more time and effort to give feedback. Don't get me wrong I've gone above and beyond to give detailed feedback on new writer's work before... But I'd rather not know beforehand, and just crack it open if the log line appeals.
More importantly though what would be the purpose of writing that little disclaimer? I think it's not a great idea and could be prejudicial to potential producers opening a script too. It's a form of rating.
A script might be technically lacking, and the writer starting out a little green, but if there's a great story idea there this type of 'label' might do that terrific story a disservice.
We should all start off from the same starting block, if you ask me. It will soon be obvious to those in the know at what level the script is after opening it.
Good points, Libby, but... If a new writer is honest enough to hit that new writer button, I would think that writer would be genuinely open to honest feedback and how to improve. You know what kind of new writer won't hit that button? The one who wants you to look past his improperly formatted script, his eight line action blocks and passive writing. Why? Because -- there's a great story here! But what about the story? Chances are if we can't get through the first couple pages to see what a great story this writer has, then how would a producer?
When I first came on board here - I learned a ton (SLUGS/Active Writing/etc. etc.) - If it is a new writer I know I can just look at three pages or so and see if they're going in the right direction. So yeah - I vote for this.
If people haven't taken the time to read enough scripts to atleast figure out what one looks like, then this is the best they can expect from me.
Thousands of scripts here and easy to Google formatting.
Yes story, character arcs etc take time but atleast make it easier for people to read the script.
Correct.
If someone is too lazy to learn how to get the formatting right, then why should I explain him/her how to do it properly? Nobody told me either. That's the least I expect from someone who wants to write a screenplay.
As for the vote: I can tell if someone is new to screenwriting by now. Wouldn't make a difference to me...
It's not a matter of "too lazy to read scripts and learn". If someone is so new to screenplays, they might not understand the value of consistently reading. Other forms of creation are more insular - you can create a technically good short story even if you don't read a lot as long as you can grasp the English language. Same thing for some visual arts. Secondly, seeing the value of criticism might inspire them to go out and read/review.
The Elevator Most Belonging To Alice - Semi Final Bluecat, Runner Up Nashville Inner Journey - Page Awards Finalist - Bluecat semi final Grieving Spell - winner - London Film Awards. Third - Honolulu Ultimate Weapon - Fresh Voices - second place IMDb link... http://www.imdb.com/name/nm7062725/?ref_=tt_ov_wr
It's not a matter of "too lazy to read scripts and learn".
Well, lazy might be the wrong word, but a lot of new writers definitely don't take it seriously enough. If they did, the script would at least be properly formatted.
It's not like all these articles on the internet suggest that something like this:
"INT-SUB-RITE-DAY (Sub-Rite is a generic Subway.)"
is a proper slugline.
Plus a lot of new writers obviously don't even know the difference between a spec and a shooting script. There are more than enough websites dealing with this... The new writers have to be willing to learn in order to make sure that the script complies with the industry standards (at least most of the script's content) BEFORE sharing their work. Otherwise they'll have to re-write the whole thing anyway, where's the sense in that?
Plus a lot of new writers obviously don't even know the difference between a spec and a shooting script. There are more than enough websites dealing with this... The new writers have to be willing to learn in order to make sure that the script complies with the industry standards (at least most of the script's content) BEFORE sharing their work. Otherwise they'll have to re-write the whole thing anyway, where's the sense in that?
I'm working on a New Writer's Pony of the top five things you need to do when writing a screenplay. I want to cover:
1. software 2. no camera angles 3. no 'We See" 4. no "-ing" verbs 5. spelling, punctuation and capitalization count.
I will later throw this up to the group to see if we've covered the top five mistakes a new writer makes.