Screenwriting : Reading Scripts by Maurice Vaughan

Maurice Vaughan

Reading Scripts

One of the ways to get better at writing scripts is reading scripts. You'll learn how to structure scripts, ways to format sudden things, how to write gripping action lines, etc.

Here are some websites where you can download scripts: www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/10-great-websites-download-movie-scripts

You can also find scripts here on Stage 32: www.stage32.com/loglines

Lindbergh E Hollingsworth

I've always said to those starting out to read scripts. Not any scripts, but scripts that were made into movies at the studio level. Why? Because they usually have good structure because they're coming from top agencies and the writers are experienced. So later, a few years down the line, when reading a script the mistakes will jump right out and be seen.

Maurice Vaughan

Great point, Lindbergh E Hollingsworth! Don't you think reading poorly written scripts is helpful for new writers too so they'll know what to avoid writing in their scripts?

Siddhant Choudhary

That's a good point Maurice well it's true if one gotta be a good writer he should also be a good reader as well.

Lindbergh E Hollingsworth

Maurice, I would not recommend any writer who's new to read poorly written scripts. Train the brain on what is good structure first then that sets a baseline inside your mind so you're on autopilot.

Maurice Vaughan

Agreed, Lindbergh E Hollingsworth. I suggest screenwriters want until they're experienced to read poorly written scripts to learn from (so they'll know what to avoid writing in their scripts).

Jason Boyer

I did a lot when I was a script reader. Oh boy, 10 percent of scripts are good. One percent of them are incredible. Most of them are wrong.

Maurice Vaughan

Do you think if screenwriters read more scripts that percentage would've been different, Jason Boyer?

Other topics in Screenwriting:

register for stage 32 Register / Log In