Screenwriter-to-Screenwriter.com » script reader

The Script Reader’s Top 10 Screenplay “Dos”

Monica — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:13:21 +0000

The following is a very basic list of items that get my attention as a script reader. If your script addresses each of these points, you’re probably doing a good job. I will be excited to read your script.

So, here we go, a list of my top 10 screenplay “dos” when reading:

DO keep your page [...]

The Script Reader’s Top 5 Screenplay “Do Nots”

Monica — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:13:36 +0000

The following is a very basic list of items that do not impress me as a script reader and, more often than not, will get your script a resounding pass. If your script contains any of these points, consider rewriting before sending out.

So, here we go, a list of my top 5 screenplay peeves when [...]

Free Screenplay Story Notes Giveaway to Oscar Picks Winner

Monica — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:13:19 +0000

I’m offering a free basic story notes package on a screenplay to any reader who can correctly predict the Oscar winners in the following categories:

1. Best Picture 2. Actor in a Leading Role 3. Actor in a Supporting Role 4. Actress in a Leading Role 5. Actress in a Supporting Role 6. Cinematography 7. Directing 8. Writing (Adapted Screenplay) 9. Writing (Original Screenplay) [...]

Trusting Your Gut: Writing Passion vs. Structure

Monica — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:39:03 +0000

I’m visiting with one of my best friends now whose son, my godson, tragically died in October. This is a part of why I haven’t been writing since that time. I’ve also been trying to prioritize my own creative writing, but I’ve not had an easy time getting those pages in, either. It’s cold and [...]

Q&A: All Screenwriting Competitions Are Not Created Equal

Monica — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:51:01 +0000

Jamie asks: So, I’m just starting to get familiar with the world of screenwriting competitions, and I’m assuming they’re not all created equal. Are there any drawbacks to entering more than one (several even) with the same script? It seems like some contests might require that you don’t submit your script to any other contests? Do [...]

Screenplay Openings: Most Beginnings Are Overwritten

Monica — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:13:59 +0000

This article follows up on Screenplay: The Importance of the First Five Pages.

In the last batch of scripts I read for one of the screenwriting competitions, I would say about 30% of the screenplays had beginnings that were overwritten. It’s not uncommon. In several cases, the real story didn’t start to pick up until [...]

Q&A: Simple Present vs. Present Progressive (“-ing”) Verb Tense

Monica — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 07:31:03 +0000

Michael asks: Is it ever okay to use the “ing” present tense to describe action? “The Complete Screenwriters Manual” says no, but I don’t buy it.

Monica says: Thanks, Michael. Great question.

Here’s the deal with what I refer to as active verbs vs. passive verbs and screenwriting. The standard for screenwriting is to use the most evocative [...]

Subject Matter: Don’t Write About Writers or Hollywood, Please

Monica — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:13:04 +0000

Today I’ve read a couple of stories about Hollywood aspirings – aspiring writers, directors, actors, etc. In this reading season I’ve probably read a number of these kinds of scripts. Please, people, no. Don’t do it. Ninety nine times out of one hundred, your life as an aspiring writer isn’t interesting enough to warrant a [...]

Screenplay: The Importance of the First Five Pages

Monica — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:13:11 +0000

The opening five pages of your screenplay give me a ton of information about the breadth and scope of your project. As with the opening of a novel or any other literary work, the opening of your screenplay should be a microcosm of the world of your script. It’s the first taste – but as [...]

What Happened to the Inciting Incident?

Monica — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:13:31 +0000

You’d be surprised – I have been – but a very high number of scripts I’m reading don’t have inciting incidents. I am getting to page 15, page 20, page 30, and there’s really no defined story. I would say that this is in about 25% of the scripts I’m reading. Obviously, these scripts are [...]