ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

9 years, 11 months ago - Marlom Tander

I entered a script into the Shore Scripts competition. Out of curiosity as a way of testing a script report system from people who seem to have the ear of those who actually shoot movies.

I bought the full package.

Today I got my feedback.

They consider it "imaginative hip and fresh" and "fun, fresh and with the potential to be a cult classic". They think it could be made inexpensively and make some money.

In fact they suggest that "an original and clever movie that is sure to attract attention from visionary film makers and prominent comic actors"

They clearly have taste :-) And I love flattery as much as anyone :-)

My feedback on their feedback.

1) They have read the script. Not just skimmed it.

2) They have given it some thought. Some of their comments I agree with, (because they are the parts I'm always tweaking as never happy with), some I would put into the "tossing ideas around". A few points have picked up on things that I was in two minds about, so that's interesting. Once scene I keep putting in and taking out will probably now be dumped and another will be expanded.

3) Some of their comments really reflect the fact that I write to leave space for acting. I can see why they have made the comments - and if I wanted to send the script to random people I'd take them on board and write the "selling version". As it stands an actor/producer friend is running with it for the time being, and he likes it as is.

4) Some of it flatly contradicts other advice I have been given. Hardly a surprise, after all, no one knows anything :-)

So, was it worth it?

As a writer seeking input, it represents an interesting conversation with an educated reader who has a reasonable amount of time to invest, and they are always worth having.

As a writer wanting a third party endorsement, selected quotes are, as I write, winging their way to my actor/producer friend and if they help him reel in some money, cheap at twice the price :-)

I'd say that if you have a script that you're fairly serious about, the Shore Scripts comp is worth going for. Move quickly, closes soon.