11 Commandments for Script Readers

Screenwriter and script reader Danny Stack has written up 11 commandments for script readers on his blog. Even if you don't get paid to read, it provides quite an insight into the life of those who write those painful rejection letters. Eg:

7. All Scripts are the Same, but Some are more Samey than Others A lot of scripts follow the generalised style of screenwriting and so-called rules of the game. This can make them feel very ordinary and mediocre, despite one or two promising ideas or glimpses of talent from the writer. However, the never-ending pile of samey scripts will diminish your optimism about ever reading a good script again. Try to remain patient and positive. Good scripts, and good writers, are out there. They’re just hard to see in the crowd.

1. Thou Shalt Read The Script in Its Entirety
When you’re reading a poor script, your mind will naturally wander and your attention will stray so try to stay focused as you don’t want to miss any important plot detail that will impede your ability to write up a good synopsis later.

2. Pitch it, Baby
Writing a good logline will tell you, and the exec, whether the script is actually a film or not. Trying to sum up the script you’ve just read in one or two sentences can sometimes take longer than any other part of the report, but it’s worth it.

A broad sweep of the premise and the story is more suitable than a basic description of the concept. The following (flexible) template works particularly well in getting all you need to get across: “It’s about A CHARACTER who WANTS SOMETHING/HAS A GOAL but CONFLICT and WHAT HE DOES TO OVERCOME CONFLICT.”

3. Thou Shalt Write a Good Synopsis
Your synopsis may contain more narrative flair than the script itself but hey, you’re a writer too, so be respectful to the plot (no matter how poor) and don't describe the script ‘beat by beat’. Avoid long sentences. This will be hugely appreciated by the execs, as they’re always looking for concise, clear and well-written reports, especially the synopses. It makes their job so much easier. You might make the story sound good but you can always rip it to pieces later in the ‘comments’ section.

4. Be Harsh, but Fair; Be Cruel, but Kind
Scathing criticism has become a trademark style for readers everywhere but it’s important to stay objective and not just trash a script because you feel like it. If something is terrible, you have to give sound reasoning as to why it’s so bad, and offer valid critical comment on the style and detail of the script.

Even the most turgid of screenplays will have some merit, somewhere, so offer a few positive comments, if you can, as it will help the exec be kinder in his rejection letter. Also, the recommendations break down into “Pass”, “Consider” or “Recommend”. There is no “Pass/Consider”. This drives execs nuts. Make up your mind, be decisive.

5. It’s Not About ‘You’
There is no ‘I’ in ‘Reader’ so avoid phrases like: “I don’t think this works” or “I laughed out loud” because the coverage shouldn’t bring attention to the reader, it should be wholly focused on the script. Your comments represent what you think so there’s no need for any first person narrative. Some comments like, “in this reader’s opinion”, are okay because it helps to qualify the balance of critique being offered. Also, don’t try to be too funny, jokey, glib or dismissive. This doesn’t help anyone.

6. Thou Shalt Not Covet the Writer’s Luck
Most script readers are aspiring scriptwriters. They will burn with jealousy and rage when they read an inferior script to their own work that’s been optioned or about to be made. Get over it. You don’t have an agent. Or if you do, then why aren’t your scripts being covered by other readers around town? Or ask yourself why that particular script is getting made, despite being shite?

7. All Scripts are the Same, but Some are more Samey than Others
A lot of scripts follow the generalised style of screenwriting and so-called rules of the game. This can make them feel very ordinary and mediocre, despite one or two promising ideas or glimpses of talent from the writer. However, the never-ending pile of samey scripts will diminish your optimism about ever reading a good script again. Try to remain patient and positive. Good scripts, and good writers, are out there. They’re just hard to see in the crowd.

8. All Reports are the Same, but Don’t get Sucked into Routine
The dearth of samey scripts will have you regurgitating typical phrases and observations from report to report. You’ll develop stock-phrases and neat expressions that will lie conveniently at hand, and/or will make you look witty. You’re a writer so shake it up a bit, develop a good style, but remember ‘Commandment No. 5’.

9. Thou Shalt Not Complain
Like a pre-Jedi Luke Skywalker whingeing about buying a power converter, a novice reader will moan about the amount of scripts he has to read, and the pitiful price he’s getting for the privilege. Hey, no-one asked you to be a reader, you asked them, remember? You’re in a lucky position really, so just get on with it.

10. Never Miss a Deadline
If you accept a particularly heavy workload, then make sure you can get the reports done in time. If you accept a ‘fast turnaround’ script (overnight report), ask the exec what time, at the latest, does he need the coverage by. It’s quite common to be called up at the last minute and asked to read a 600 page book or a script in an overnight stint. You won’t want to say ‘No’ because you want to appear reliable and flexible, but if you can’t fit it in, then say so.

11. Don’t Wear Yourself Out
Everything about the movie business is turned up to eleven, and that means that your reading workload will sometimes get the better of you as the scripts pile up in your in-box. Reading two-four scripts per week should be more than manageable, especially if you have a proper full or part-time job.

As a jobbing freelancer, reading four or more scripts should be okay but if it becomes a regular fix, it might wear you out with the time and demand that the reading requires. Try to accommodate it as you see fit but remember that familiarity breeds contempt, and the quality of your coverage will suffer as you become more cynical and dismissive of every script you read.