I'm just wondering whether anyone thinks adding an optional synopsis page to the feature scripts would be helpful.

It has two benefits:

1. It might encourage readers as they could quickly scan the bones of the story to see if it interests them.

2. From a Producers point of view, you can quickly digest whether it's the kind of thing you are looking for without having to trawl through the entire script to see if it's suitable.


They do a similar thing on Inktip and I think it is extremely useful.

True, but on Inktip, it's part of the pitch process. You lure them with the logline, then they check the synopsis, then they read the script if they're still interested. I'm not disagreeing with the idea of placing a synopsis here for the sake of review, but sometimes, you don't want the whole story laid out in front of you. I know I don't like to go into reading something with all of that. I want to know if the twists will surprise me or if it's predictable. I won't know that if I've already read what's going to happen.

I see the synopsis as something you should have on hand, but only put out there if the given producer wants to see it. Sure, they generally do, but where they see it will be a matter of preference. If you want your synopsis reviewed in the context of your script, I would say place it at the end. That way, we've already read the script and can give worthwhile thoughts on how well your synopsis would work based on what we read. We're not producers here. We're just readers, and most of us don't want that kind of spoiler up front.

I just noticed you said optional, and imply it to be a separate page/file entirely. That I would agree with.

I can certainly see what you are saying about not wanting to spoil the read up front. From a readers point of view that is certainly important.

There are a number of Producers here in some capacity, whether active or not...yourself included. I just thought that anything that makes it a bit more Producer friendly could be of use to writers looking for options or whatever.

Plus there's the selfish aspect where I haven't the time to read many scripts...be nice to simply be able to spend 10 minutes reading a synopsis so I can gather what the story is.

You make a good point. My thought would be for the writer (if they are active on this site) to pop a synopsis in the first post they traditionally use for "Ooh, it's new and hot! Please read!" If they use that space for a synopsis and just warn that it may contain spoilers, that would be nice. Or even a link to an external one.

As much as the query process actually does suck, it's one of those necessary evils, since there isn't time to read everything...even though you can miss the gems.

I agree with George.

It's like, you dont want to spoilt it, but on the other hand, it would be a nice feature

:)

Doubt anyone would read them. Can be hard enough to get them to read an actual script.

And who in Gandalf's name likes writing Sysnapses. Synopolies. Synoodoos. Er Synosii?

Anyway. I don't. I bet JR Hartley did. Before he started making jam.


R

I hate writing synopses, and yet, it's part of the query process and relatively required if you want to pitch your script. I know for a fact I would probably read them, and have often wished we had them so I could get more than just a logline on some scripts without digging in to figure out what it's all about.

Quoted from George Willson ....often wished we had them so I could get more than just a logline on some scripts without digging in to figure out what it's all about.

That -- and the fact that looking over a poorly-crafted synopsis would easily reveal whether or not one would want to invest the time in an additional 100 or so pages from them.

Of course, alot of times a logline will serve the same purpose.

Funny how you can sometimes read one sentence from an author -- and already you know, "please, no more!"

Quoted from bert That -- and the fact that looking over a poorly-crafted synopsis would easily reveal whether or not one would want to invest the time in an additional 100 or so pages from them.

For the most part, true, I think. Although there are always exceptions.

I think that the writer with aspirations towards the writing of a clear and motivating synopsis is implementing another technique in the process-- one that requires a different mind set altogether than any other.

To me a synopsis is like a very boiled down short story with all of the key points exhibited for show. The seeming simplicity is misleading as anyone who's tried to write one knows.

To me, a synopsis is instrumental for the writer before, during, after, (or all three) the writing of the script. It's very revealing to the writer because "it" doesn't lie. If difficulties exist, the generating of a synopsis will help.

After all that, do I want to read a synopsis for every script I read? No. If I were paid to discover scripts that I thought were marketable? Yes, of course.

Sandra

This is a good idea.

Not to pimp and pontificate (whore myself), but I have just started in a lowly position for a short film here in Sydney - which is hopefully about to turn into a feature (aforementioned pimp mention insertion) - and this baby really hit me by reading the synopsis. It helped the script resonate more, and gave me a broad picture, with the script filling in the holes - very useful.

As a starter in the game, it was of great use - I imagine experienced industry-types would be more encouraged to delve the site for material if there was such an option.

I think the big man - Don, not God - should allow this.

A small but positive change, IMO.

Be nice if it works out.

What's the Kraken then? Do you have to write a synopsis or wot?

Have to be careful, Pontificating these days. May not help yer rep AA. Knowarrameenlike?

R

I would say it would be optional. I mean, strictly speaking, the logline is optional. Not everyone has one.

This logline is very revealing:

"It is about true disaster story when the hero dies at the final"