Just thought I'd give you my thoughts on iScripts and the idea of listening to scripts.

Some people might wonder why anyone would want to listen to a script rather than read it. I personally prefer listening and it seems to me that there are other people out there that do as well.

I have a few iScripts and so does some other people here. Don seems to enjoy featuring them on the home page and that's where these scripts seem to get attention. Some of the scripts have had 300 people listening to them, not to mention downloaded from their home websites.

I'm not saying these are for everyone or that they are inexpensive, but if you want people to notice some of your work, these scripts do seem to get some attention. Who knows, it might be worth it, at least to those with features.

Just my $0.2

I've only listening to Sean's Bull Creek on iScripts but what I heard sounded good. I don't know how they put these things together but it sounded just like a book on tape. I did find the slugs, character names, parantheticals, etc. to be a little annoying. They just kind of stick them in there randomly. It sounds like another voice coming out of nowhere. Still, these are scripts so those kinds of things are bound to happen.

I've noticed several people on this site (obviously, you included) getting their scripts made into iScripts and I have to admit I've thought about it myself. How does one go about getting their script made?

Quoted from James McClung I've noticed several people on this site (obviously, you included) getting their scripts made into iScripts and I have to admit I've thought about it myself. How does one go about getting their script made?

James,

Thus far, the audio scripts on the site have been done by a group called iScript.com.  However, they do charge a pretty penny for their services.  If, on the other hand, you have the ability to record your own work or can find someone with experience in recording to record your work for you, I'd be delighted to host it on the site and stick it into the iTunes feed.

I've been trying to reach out to the podcasting community to see if I can get someone to record a script or two for the site in exchange for advertising, however to this point  I haven't had any takers.  I've had a couple of serious bites, but I haven't heard back from them.  

Don

I think the only benefit if you can call it that to an iscript is for those who do not have the time to sit down and read a script. This way they can write something else and listen to a script or drive or clean or sleep and so on and so on.

The flaw to the Iscript is it lacks a point. What are you spending money on if you're not garnering anymore reviews, opinions, readers and so on.

I guess you have to take the good with the bad and vice versa.

I've listened to a couple scripts here on the home page. I do enjoy listening to them, but anyone could do the same thing at home with a cassette recorder... that is if what you want to do is listen to your script to better your writing.

The thing with the iscript is that you can put it on the internet and have other people listen to it like Pia said, so I guess it's another way to get exposure.

I don't think I will be getting an iScript because of the finances involved, but if they were to change things up a bit, I think I might be interested, and manage to save up for it.

I, like James, find the reading of the sluglines, the names of the characters, and any noise that is supposed to be heard by the same person reading the script to be annoying, and it takes me right out of the story for a second.

Now if they were to do something like the old-time radio shows, (one narrator for the slugs, different people reading the parts without saying their names out loud, and noises put in instead of being read) I think it would be too cool, and I would have to get in on it...

but as it is right now, I'll just use my little old cassette recorder, and save some dough.

Cindy  

"anyone could do the same thing at home with a cassette recorder"

I agree, and I had that same idea. However, I learned quickly that it's not as easy as you might think. At least not to make it sound good.

"Now if they were to do something like the old-time radio shows, "

Listen to Mike's Mr. Gloom on the home page. That one is done more in that style. I liked it a lot and might consider them for a few shorts.

I'm currently working on making a video reading of Bert's "Someplace Nice and Dark". That takes even more planning, practice and effort. I'm hoping it will be ready before Halloween. I'm still waiting for a backdrop, but it should arrive today. I figure it will take me at least a couple of weeks to get that down right....I hope.  

I listened to Mike's script and it did sound better than the iScript I think because they alternated the reading between the two of them.

I think if someone read them like the old radio shows they could make a lot of money... and who knows... maybe even start the old radio shows back up again.

Every now and then "everything old is new again".

Are you posting bert's script here???

Cindy

All I can say is viewership will be guaranteed if that hootchie-mama vampire outfit is what you're wearing!  That's pretty hot stuff, indeed.

Only problem is people won't even be paying attention to the script all...

Quoted from CindyLKeller Are you posting bert's script here???

If it turns out okay and Bert approves of it.

Hahaha, I just saw your post Bert.  

I'll send you a pic of my livingroom as soon as I get the backdrop so you'll see I take this seriously.

Quoted from bert Only problem is people won't even be paying attention to the script all...

Don't worry, I'll be paying attentiont to the outfit script. I swear...

Quoted from CindyLKeller I listened to Mike's script and it did sound better than the iScript I think because they alternated the reading between the two of them. I think if someone read them like the old radio shows they could make a lot of money... and who knows... maybe even start the old radio shows back up again. Cindy

I think that they thought if they don't read the names and stuff you wouldn't know which characters are speaking. The problem without names and all in a script reading and for a script you don't know, you still won't know afterwards which character said what.

I've noticed a lot of actors, directors and producers on DVD commentaries blend together and you forget who's talking. They probably treat these like the listener has... trouble remembering who is doing what part and rightfully so because I don't think I would remember who was who unless I have the script in front of me following along and that's kind of defeating the point of an Iscript.

Wes,
You do have a point, but they should be able to make each one have their own voice.
I think it would be nice to hear a door slam, the wind blowing, chains ratteling... rather than have it being read, ya know?

I just think that someone could make some money this way. Shoot, I'd do it myself if I had the use of a studio.

Cindy

I was very pleased with the outcome of Mr. Gloom.  I thought the two actors did a great job, and the alternating of one actor reading the character names, sluglines, and descriptions while the other took the dialogue helped the flow.

I agree that they can sometimes grow a little cumbersome, but if you've ever had adobe read a file out loud it doesn't take much getting used to.  Every character name before dialogue is spelled rather than said.  

Swear words are funny though.

Luckily for me all my iscripts are devoid of noises but they did get a mature rating and at least that's something.

You do not need a studio, kids make indy films all the time and they sound great. All you need is a recorder (Computerized or hand held) a computer to put it on and a vast archive of noises.

George gave me a website long ago in a thread far far away that had a large archive of noises and sounds on it so really all you'd need is good quality sound.

Trial and error. If my female voice didn't sound like a transsexual with a botched sex change I would try it myself but I have no female vocal talents... I have a Yoda, Mexican, kinda British, Angry, Sad, Happy but no girl.

I should go see a vocal coach but the guys already think I'm gay so I wouldn't want to add any fresh salt on that wound.

I can go from a deep guttural animal growl to a high pitched little kids voice... Sadly I can't do anything about the swedish chef/southern accent thing... I'm stuck with that one I guess.

I think I'm going to try it myself. Use one of my scripts with my cassette recorder, plug in the noises, change up my voice... just to see what I can come up with.

Cindy