So I paid for a screenplay analysis of "At Whit's Inn" and got a grade of "consider". This was my first script and I wanted to thank all of you at Stage 32 for all your comments and suggestions. And after all the warnings, I still had too many spelling and grammatical errors. (I think that's the main reason I didn't get a recommend.) I also wanted to share some of the comments:
"Concept / Premise
The story has a very simple yet effective idea: two mismatched people spy on each other, and end up falling in love. The story is very straightforward with this concept and utilizes it very effectively. The setup is very brief, and the second act pays it off with flying colors."
"The bulk of the story is incredibly charming and fun."
"it's a really good script that just needs a little bit of work."
"There were so many scenes in the second act that I absolutely loved."
"this is just the type of story couples would go to see in theaters."
So, is this good or bad? I think I'm about ready to pitch this one. Keep your comments and suggestions coming.
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Well done!
Alan - that's basically very good - You're in the top 10%. Few scripts ever make it that far. Now it's time for a polish. Edit it for spelling and maybe some grammar and make it shine. You're in the running but it's still a long hard uphill trek. All the best.
Doug ... top 10% of what?
Alan, next polish, hire a Pro to proof your script. Happy Writer charges $350. Use their price point to negotiate.
Isn't it a widely held assumption that a "consider" means top 5% (of all scripts assessed by the reader) and a "recommend" top 1%? Somebody correct me if I'm wrong.
$350 to proof?!?! My rate is much better than that and I have great testimonials.
Dan M - top 10% of the entire script scribe clan - probably closer to the top 3%.
Doug, what would possibly make you think that's top 10%?? Top 2% get Recommends. Id say 40% get Considers. The rest are Passes. But i can promise you this...typos are never the ONLY reason something doesnt get a Recommend. Not to be the downer, but none of those comments discussed characters, and the subtext to those comments is that the story is too simple and straightforward. And if all your payoffs are in the second act, it prob means you have 3rd act issues. Notes, especially those done by execs, are given in a specific way. You have to look for the note within the note.
Wescreenplay's averages are 2-3% recommends, 6-7% considers, and the rest passes. So a consider based on their averages puts you in the top 10%.
Congrats Alan, that is great news!
Great job Alan. Keep moving forward.
One thing to consider is that 'consider' is not a score, in fact it's even more subjective than a score. Generally a reader is looking for certain types of films. (I'm guessing you targetted who you had look at it based on the genres they look for.) There are many times when a reader or exec will have a ton of praise for your script, but still pass on it because it's just not the kind of script that they are looking for, which can often confuse writers who are left thinking "If you liked it so much why did you pass".
Frankie, WeScreenplay is not the barometer of all coverage. And coverage is very different than Notes. And i really really doubt they only give 6% considers.
Danny - I agree, they're not the barometer. To be honest I'm not quite sure of the difference between notes and coverage. Alan said he had an analysis done, what category would that fall under? I emailed Wescreenplay a few months ago to get their averages out of curiosity, and that's what they said. So unless if they're lying or made some kind of an error, that's what their averages are.
Alan - I hope you've noticed by now that there are a few lurkers with pins skulking about, just waiting to poke your bubble. Never mind - Ya done good.
The percentages are 82%, 15% and 3% for this site. I didn't say that the "Analysis" (and I call it that because that's what is written in bold on top of the page) didn't note some issues. Two of the issues I had already addressed before I received the Analysis.
Other notes included: "Two scenes were way too long", "no side character resolution", and "random inconsistencies in her character".
Fixes: Scenes shortened. Resolutions included. Inconsistencies addressed.
I understood each of his concerns, agreed or not, and made some adjustments. I changed things to make a better script. Thanks again all, it's not over yet.
Alan - What service did you use?
I emailed stage 32 to get their stats for my own reference. I'll post them eventually after I hear back.
Doug - Thanks for the encouragement. I know there's a lot of that out there. I still need to hear it. The thick skin came early on with my fishing and golfing buddies.
Frankie - SellingYourScreenplay.com . I looked at WeScreenplay.com. I didn't see how I could research my reviewer. I did NOT like that. And if I did request a reader I would have to pay $15 extra. I wish I could read their business model. "Let's charge more for the shoes that fit that customers."
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Not really wanting to burst anyone's bubble here BUT, any feedback that you, the writer pays for that offers a Pass, Consider or Recommend is absolutely meaningless and carries no weight and is only there to make you feel better about your script.
Coverage is feedback that a studio pays for so they'll know whether they should CONSIDER pursuing your script or not.
Feedback is what the writer pays for so they'll know what areas need to be improved.
It seems to be the trend that feedback services are now offering "Coverage" with the Pass, Consider, Recommend grading because they've found that writers will pay for what they deem is the next level service. But in reality, how does a Pass, Consider or Recommend, that is not for a specific studio, help you? It doesn't. Does a studio care that a reader from a feedback service gave your script a Recommend? Nope. Will a studio consider looking at your script because someone from a feedback service gave it a Recommend? No way.
What writers should be interested in, and what is actually helpful to them, is feedback that tells you what works, what doesn't, why, and recommendations on how to improve your script. Anything more, such as a grading or a Pass, Consider or Recommend is just ego fluff.
what is this?
I love it; "not really wanting to burst anyone's bubble here BUT..."
Pierre, Meaningless? Think we addressed that in another post. Maybe I should have just posted the whole 5 pages. Keep the comments coming. I learn something from every post.
Alan, yes, it's meaningless. Tell me how a consider grade helps you? What was the other post?
The hard truth point here is that this "consider," while encouraging, is not from anyone or any entity that is in fact actually "considering" to buy or produce this script. This "consider" is a grade given from a script consultant who does analysis. ;)
And I do wish you the best with it, Alan. ;)
For $100, it's understandable that all you're gonna get are broad strokes, especially when the actual reviewer is lucky to be paid half of that and it takes a good couple of hours to read the script and put the notes together.
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Thats why writers need notes, not coverage. And never anonymous feedback.
I heard back from stage 32. They don't keep stats on pass/consider/recommend for their paid coverage.
I agree with Dene's comments. Best of luck!
Don't use a coverage service blindly. A website could use a dozen different readers, all of whom have varying levels of experience. Solo outfits are the best because you'll know the actual reader and can research them. That reader will also get 100% of the fee, so the $100+ you pay isn't mostly going to the owner of the site, while an inexperienced reader gets $25 to read your material. Danny Manus (above) is a great reader. Some people say nice things about my service too. Again, seek out specific readers, who have real industry experience (and ideally credits). Don't just submit to a website which will use an anonymous reader on-staff.
Albert. QUIT ADVERTISING HERE!
Dan, I wasn't aware I was advertisig. Sorry.
Frankly don't like them that much. I deleted the post.
I was talking about Albert not you. He has been trying to market his loans on every discussion.