Betty Spinks
NFS Score
74
(Freshman)
Article Comment
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The Script Reader's Checklist: 60 Things That Will Land Your Screenplay in the Trash
7 years ago
This checklist is solid. Keep in mind, this checklist contains requirements for a Hollywood movie. The negativity in these comments is frustration at the daunting task of meeting all these requirements, as well as pushback against being told what to do with regard to creativity.
But if you have a great idea--and believe me, many of you don't (although you think you do)--then you're going down this checklist saying "Yes" to each and every item.
Bottom line: If you can't say yes to every last one of these things? Then you and your idea/screenplay aren't ready to be recommended by a reader. Let me reiterate: Your idea should be so freakin' good that you glide through this list, WITH EASE, nailing every last point.
That's when you're ready. And yes, it will feel like hitting the lottery, because endorphins will cascade over your previously insecure little brain and now all you have to do is write your script, if you haven't already.
As for the commenter who says readers get paid $10 per script, I read 20 per week at my job reading for an A-list producer and I get paid ZERO dollars. Can he please get me a job, thank you.