Script consultant Corey Mandell found this information on Reddit and posted it to International Screenwriters Association. If you’re unfamiliar with this website, you might want to check it out. It’s apparently from a studio reader who categorized 300 scripts into 24 categories of why they failed to generate further interest.
This reader is reading hundreds of screenplays, so imagine what it takes to get past their desk, which is the entry point up the decision-making process.
Do you think this person understands what they’re looking for?
https://www.networkisa.org/articles/view/common-reasons-why-scripts-get-...
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The reader seems to know what they're talking about/understand what they're looking for in a script. I haven't seen someone break down the mistakes like this before. I bookmarked the article to use as a checklist in the future. Thanks, Phillip E. Hardy, Prolifique.
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Maurice:
It's a very comprehensive list. Great work from the reader.
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Thank you, Phillip. I’m really curious as an author how this reader operates to decide…
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Agree with most of it...however, I've seen a loads of such mistakes in produced, even high-commercialized flicks...so the formula ain't that easy...it's like telling a baby-driver to operate an vehicle...oh, I just have to turn the wheel?. No...you have to drive...
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Very helpful. Concise.
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Screenwriting is like professionally driving a car... hmmm... Just don't get a ticket... https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/editienl/artikel/5311296/kleine-wegpiraat-aange...
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Guessing "studio reader" is a salary position? Maybe the chain of command is different.
I was a reader at prod companies with studio deals, i read as a freelancer per script & salary, and I didnt make any more or less money recommending, or passing. Actually recommending scripts is how Readers get in trouble, or fired.
From what I remember the "hot scripts" went straight to creative directors/bosses. For example, "Stay" by David Benioff went directly to the creative director (they're making 6-figure salaries) at the company I was freelancing per script ($40 a read).
Basically, dont recommend any scripts and you will continue to collect paychecks :)
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Thank you for the link to the list Phillip. @Dan MaxXx you make it sound like sending scripts to readers is a waste of time. Is there any merit in doing so now that this blueprint of what not to do is published? i.e. Why would I want someone elses opinion now that I know what not to do? I'm also with Kiril on this one. I've seen those mistakes in tons of movies. Bad movies get made. It sounds like the best plan is to get rich and make it yourself. p.s. I'm still working on the get rich bit ... I'll let you know. ha ha.
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Steve- the ppl I was reading for wanted readers to find a talented & cheap writer to hire for assignment work.
The bosses had their own ideas and needed writers to write for them. But if you are a writer-director-actor, maybe they will do meetings.
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What does "The script has a by-the-numbers execution" mean?
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Great post! I've seen similar lists, but this one is far more comprehensive.
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Roberto Dragonne, I think the reader means the plot points happen at the right time in a script/everything that happens is based on formula (Act Two starts on this page, Midpoint starts on this page, etc.), but the storytelling isn't great. Following a formula is ok, but you want to make sure you have a great story. And you want to make sure your script isn't predictable/you want to make sure your script has moments of surprise for the reader.
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Over decades, I'm pretty sure I've read all those types and it's my observation that as the herd of 'screenwriters' has grown, the writing quality has declined.
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Thank you Maurice Vaughan
You're welcome, Roberto Dragonne.
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Thanks for sharing! I'd be very curious to see the same for scripts that were well-received, too. Interesting takes on a lot of issues I've seen but couldn't quite describe.
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Damn! Phillip E. Hardy, Prolifique I'll choose to read this (making a point of not using the word 'must' after the logline webinar...ha ha). So much to read, write & ponder in so little time....#Hamletsyndrome.
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Phillip E. Hardy, Prolifique a lot of those points are very true for screenwriting. Thanks for sharing. It's good to get an insight into what should be avoided when writing a script. Lot's of great advice in this post indeed!
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Thank you for sharing!