Josh Olson, screenwriter of A History of Violence, wrote this fantastic article about a non-writer “friend” who asked him, as a favor, to read an outline.
This explains exactly why writers shouldn’t spend free time reading work that isn’t at a peer level. Because the average non-writer douchebag isn’t really interested in notes. They just want a gold star.
Ah, and the heart sings.
Click here to read the article.
This gem was forwarded to me by my friend Lisa from my writers’ group. Thanks, Lisa!
BWAHAHAHHAAHAHA! Great post, great article.
I’m not a nice guy, but I certainly play one on TV. I am such a sucker for these sob stories… “hey, could you read this and give me notes, please please please???” And I can never say no and OH THE HOURS I’ve spent shaking my head at:
INT. BEDROOM – CONTINUOUS
She lies there, having sex but not making love.
GWEN
Oh yeah, oh yeah. That’s it. Do it.
Then she realizes she doesn’t love him anymore.
FADE TO BLACK
Or
EXT. JUNGLE – EARLY MORNING, SUPER FOGGY
She comes out from behind a PALM TREE, her hands up, her MACHINE GUN hanging over her awesome CLEAVAGE.
STACEY
It’s over, Jase.
Jase throws down his RIFLE and rushes to STACEY and plants a wet one on her super hot pouty Angelina Jolie-like lips.
JASE
It hasn’t even started.
SMASH CUT TO JUNGLE LOVE
I need to learn, no. No, I won’t read your flipping script. GOT THAT, WORLD?
*sigh* unless you ask real nice or make me dinner.
HELP ME.