The Script Reader
@thescriptreader.bsky.social
I've been a professional Script Reader for over a decade. Most amateur screenplays are really bad. I'm going to help change that. (No direct messages. Bluesky Age Verification can F-off) www.scriptreaderscheatsheet.com
Honestly, a title only stands out to me when it's really bad or has absolutely nothing to do with the story.
The rest of the time, it's not an element that a Script Reader will spend any time scrutinizing. #scriptsky
The rest of the time, it's not an element that a Script Reader will spend any time scrutinizing. #scriptsky
November 27, 2025 at 6:42 AM
Honestly, a title only stands out to me when it's really bad or has absolutely nothing to do with the story.
The rest of the time, it's not an element that a Script Reader will spend any time scrutinizing. #scriptsky
The rest of the time, it's not an element that a Script Reader will spend any time scrutinizing. #scriptsky
A slow start, but this script did redeem itself in the end.
(If you want to read the rest of this 10-page script, you'll need to visit my Instagram @thescriptreader) #scriptsky
(If you want to read the rest of this 10-page script, you'll need to visit my Instagram @thescriptreader) #scriptsky
November 26, 2025 at 9:16 AM
A slow start, but this script did redeem itself in the end.
(If you want to read the rest of this 10-page script, you'll need to visit my Instagram @thescriptreader) #scriptsky
(If you want to read the rest of this 10-page script, you'll need to visit my Instagram @thescriptreader) #scriptsky
Here's a quick trick to double-check that your "darlings" are worth keeping, correcting, or killing. #scriptsky
November 24, 2025 at 8:14 AM
Here's a quick trick to double-check that your "darlings" are worth keeping, correcting, or killing. #scriptsky
I figured I hadn't done a book promo post for a while. It's just sheer effing coincidence, it's Black Friday. #scriptsky #buynothingday
November 21, 2025 at 8:33 AM
I figured I hadn't done a book promo post for a while. It's just sheer effing coincidence, it's Black Friday. #scriptsky #buynothingday
Can a Reader tell what genre your script is from the first few pages?
Yup, that's something they look for.
Luckily, there's loads of ways to weave or hint at genre both subtly and explicitly.
Use one, or use a few, whatever works. #scriptsky
Yup, that's something they look for.
Luckily, there's loads of ways to weave or hint at genre both subtly and explicitly.
Use one, or use a few, whatever works. #scriptsky
November 20, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Can a Reader tell what genre your script is from the first few pages?
Yup, that's something they look for.
Luckily, there's loads of ways to weave or hint at genre both subtly and explicitly.
Use one, or use a few, whatever works. #scriptsky
Yup, that's something they look for.
Luckily, there's loads of ways to weave or hint at genre both subtly and explicitly.
Use one, or use a few, whatever works. #scriptsky
No one wants AI to read their scripts, so Readers aren't going anywhere!
It's an entry-level job, but make no mistake, it's a highly-skilled job. But, as screenwriters, you've already got a head start on how to do it.
Check the website for more info for wannabe Readers Link in the Bio #scriptsky
It's an entry-level job, but make no mistake, it's a highly-skilled job. But, as screenwriters, you've already got a head start on how to do it.
Check the website for more info for wannabe Readers Link in the Bio #scriptsky
November 19, 2025 at 7:51 AM
No one wants AI to read their scripts, so Readers aren't going anywhere!
It's an entry-level job, but make no mistake, it's a highly-skilled job. But, as screenwriters, you've already got a head start on how to do it.
Check the website for more info for wannabe Readers Link in the Bio #scriptsky
It's an entry-level job, but make no mistake, it's a highly-skilled job. But, as screenwriters, you've already got a head start on how to do it.
Check the website for more info for wannabe Readers Link in the Bio #scriptsky
If the MC has nothing major to lose if they don't succeed, it makes it harder to become invested in their struggle.
If we understand the MC's motivation, that can sometimes be enough, but come on, why not throw in some high stakes too? #scriptsky
If we understand the MC's motivation, that can sometimes be enough, but come on, why not throw in some high stakes too? #scriptsky
November 18, 2025 at 8:14 AM
If the MC has nothing major to lose if they don't succeed, it makes it harder to become invested in their struggle.
If we understand the MC's motivation, that can sometimes be enough, but come on, why not throw in some high stakes too? #scriptsky
If we understand the MC's motivation, that can sometimes be enough, but come on, why not throw in some high stakes too? #scriptsky
Haven't done any line notes in a while.
If you’d like Instagram line notes on your script, send it in PDF form to [email protected]. #scriptsky
If you’d like Instagram line notes on your script, send it in PDF form to [email protected]. #scriptsky
November 17, 2025 at 10:09 AM
Haven't done any line notes in a while.
If you’d like Instagram line notes on your script, send it in PDF form to [email protected]. #scriptsky
If you’d like Instagram line notes on your script, send it in PDF form to [email protected]. #scriptsky
Obviously, all of these methods can also be used in the rest of your spec script, not just the first few pages.
Use them as red herrings or to subvert the audience, too. Get creative! #scriptsky
Use them as red herrings or to subvert the audience, too. Get creative! #scriptsky
November 14, 2025 at 9:14 AM
Obviously, all of these methods can also be used in the rest of your spec script, not just the first few pages.
Use them as red herrings or to subvert the audience, too. Get creative! #scriptsky
Use them as red herrings or to subvert the audience, too. Get creative! #scriptsky
Another worksheet thing I've been playing around with.
Find a fillable/printable version in the Freebie section of the website.
>>>Link in the Bio<<
#scriptsky
Find a fillable/printable version in the Freebie section of the website.
>>>Link in the Bio<<
#scriptsky
November 13, 2025 at 8:19 AM
Another worksheet thing I've been playing around with.
Find a fillable/printable version in the Freebie section of the website.
>>>Link in the Bio<<
#scriptsky
Find a fillable/printable version in the Freebie section of the website.
>>>Link in the Bio<<
#scriptsky
Been busy reading more scripts than usual, so apologies for the repost!
Anyhoo, here's some quick dialogue tips to tide you over.
#scriptsky
Anyhoo, here's some quick dialogue tips to tide you over.
#scriptsky
November 11, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Been busy reading more scripts than usual, so apologies for the repost!
Anyhoo, here's some quick dialogue tips to tide you over.
#scriptsky
Anyhoo, here's some quick dialogue tips to tide you over.
#scriptsky
Yes, querying is still a thing!
In addition to the Don'ts, for the love of gawd, DON'T use AI to write your query email.
Just don't.
#scriptsky
In addition to the Don'ts, for the love of gawd, DON'T use AI to write your query email.
Just don't.
#scriptsky
November 7, 2025 at 8:35 AM
Yes, querying is still a thing!
In addition to the Don'ts, for the love of gawd, DON'T use AI to write your query email.
Just don't.
#scriptsky
In addition to the Don'ts, for the love of gawd, DON'T use AI to write your query email.
Just don't.
#scriptsky
This is kinda a grey area.
Some people call out for it - others advise against it.
I've certainly been reading a lot of spec scripts recently where the writers were being far too vague, so much so, it made it difficult to imagine what we were supposed to see on screen.
Thoughts? #scriptsky
Some people call out for it - others advise against it.
I've certainly been reading a lot of spec scripts recently where the writers were being far too vague, so much so, it made it difficult to imagine what we were supposed to see on screen.
Thoughts? #scriptsky
November 6, 2025 at 7:14 AM
This is kinda a grey area.
Some people call out for it - others advise against it.
I've certainly been reading a lot of spec scripts recently where the writers were being far too vague, so much so, it made it difficult to imagine what we were supposed to see on screen.
Thoughts? #scriptsky
Some people call out for it - others advise against it.
I've certainly been reading a lot of spec scripts recently where the writers were being far too vague, so much so, it made it difficult to imagine what we were supposed to see on screen.
Thoughts? #scriptsky
Big budget doesn't guarantee a great movie, as wowing with effects and grandeur can often mean that the story sucks and the characters lack depth, so don't think low budget means a film will be rubbish. #scriptsky
Simpler can be more effective.
Less is usually more.
Substance over style.
Simpler can be more effective.
Less is usually more.
Substance over style.
November 5, 2025 at 8:14 AM
Big budget doesn't guarantee a great movie, as wowing with effects and grandeur can often mean that the story sucks and the characters lack depth, so don't think low budget means a film will be rubbish. #scriptsky
Simpler can be more effective.
Less is usually more.
Substance over style.
Simpler can be more effective.
Less is usually more.
Substance over style.
As a writer, it's your job to come up with creative solutions to storytelling problems, and working to a limited budget can be one of them.
Here's a few tips on cutting the cost without compromising on story. #scriptsky
Here's a few tips on cutting the cost without compromising on story. #scriptsky
November 5, 2025 at 8:13 AM
As a writer, it's your job to come up with creative solutions to storytelling problems, and working to a limited budget can be one of them.
Here's a few tips on cutting the cost without compromising on story. #scriptsky
Here's a few tips on cutting the cost without compromising on story. #scriptsky
Paragraphs 5 lines or longer just invite the Reader to skim-read, and that means missing pivotal details.
A quick fix is to think of each new shot on the screen as a new line on the page. That gets you to think visually and become much more selective about what info you're delivering #scriptsky
A quick fix is to think of each new shot on the screen as a new line on the page. That gets you to think visually and become much more selective about what info you're delivering #scriptsky
November 4, 2025 at 7:25 AM
Paragraphs 5 lines or longer just invite the Reader to skim-read, and that means missing pivotal details.
A quick fix is to think of each new shot on the screen as a new line on the page. That gets you to think visually and become much more selective about what info you're delivering #scriptsky
A quick fix is to think of each new shot on the screen as a new line on the page. That gets you to think visually and become much more selective about what info you're delivering #scriptsky
Whether you've read professional scripts with a character bio page attached to the beginning or not, if you're submitting a spec script to a contest or industry professional that HASN'T requested you add one - Don't do it! #scriptsky
November 3, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Whether you've read professional scripts with a character bio page attached to the beginning or not, if you're submitting a spec script to a contest or industry professional that HASN'T requested you add one - Don't do it! #scriptsky
For me, dialogue is the hardest screenwriting element to master. There's just so many different ways to convey info.
Less is usually more.
And remember, you're writing a SCREENPLAY, not a play. There's a big difference. Keep the visuals in mind, more than the verbals. #scriptsky
Less is usually more.
And remember, you're writing a SCREENPLAY, not a play. There's a big difference. Keep the visuals in mind, more than the verbals. #scriptsky
October 31, 2025 at 7:46 AM
For me, dialogue is the hardest screenwriting element to master. There's just so many different ways to convey info.
Less is usually more.
And remember, you're writing a SCREENPLAY, not a play. There's a big difference. Keep the visuals in mind, more than the verbals. #scriptsky
Less is usually more.
And remember, you're writing a SCREENPLAY, not a play. There's a big difference. Keep the visuals in mind, more than the verbals. #scriptsky
If you're writing a short, could shaving off some non-essential words help cut down the page length?
Would limiting the filler words help make dialogue feel more immediate?
Could cutting the fluff help make the read faster, so we're getting to the good bits quicker? #scriptsky
Would limiting the filler words help make dialogue feel more immediate?
Could cutting the fluff help make the read faster, so we're getting to the good bits quicker? #scriptsky
October 30, 2025 at 7:48 AM
If you're writing a short, could shaving off some non-essential words help cut down the page length?
Would limiting the filler words help make dialogue feel more immediate?
Could cutting the fluff help make the read faster, so we're getting to the good bits quicker? #scriptsky
Would limiting the filler words help make dialogue feel more immediate?
Could cutting the fluff help make the read faster, so we're getting to the good bits quicker? #scriptsky
If a story is so complex, unrelatable, full of technical jargon, or exposition, it can suck all the enjoyment out of the read.
Keep it unique, but understandable. Go make sure your script is as easily digestible as it can be #scriptsky
Keep it unique, but understandable. Go make sure your script is as easily digestible as it can be #scriptsky
October 29, 2025 at 7:52 AM
If a story is so complex, unrelatable, full of technical jargon, or exposition, it can suck all the enjoyment out of the read.
Keep it unique, but understandable. Go make sure your script is as easily digestible as it can be #scriptsky
Keep it unique, but understandable. Go make sure your script is as easily digestible as it can be #scriptsky
An incorrectly formatted scene heading is one of the first indications to the Reader that a writer lacks experience or hasn't yet mastered the basics - either way, not the best first impression to make.
Here's some common errors to avoid.
#screenwriters #screenplays #specscript #scriptsky
Here's some common errors to avoid.
#screenwriters #screenplays #specscript #scriptsky
October 28, 2025 at 7:46 AM
An incorrectly formatted scene heading is one of the first indications to the Reader that a writer lacks experience or hasn't yet mastered the basics - either way, not the best first impression to make.
Here's some common errors to avoid.
#screenwriters #screenplays #specscript #scriptsky
Here's some common errors to avoid.
#screenwriters #screenplays #specscript #scriptsky
Auto save is a wonderful thing, but external hard drives (or the cloud) are a lifesaver if your computer ever fails.
We've all been there!
#scriptsky
We've all been there!
#scriptsky
October 27, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Auto save is a wonderful thing, but external hard drives (or the cloud) are a lifesaver if your computer ever fails.
We've all been there!
#scriptsky
We've all been there!
#scriptsky
A logline, pitch, summary, or more is often FIRST required to help get producers and execs to commit to reading a script.
Writing supporting docs is something screenwriters NEED to be familiar with. There's no one way to compose these documents, but here's a decent guide to writing 2 #scriptsky
Writing supporting docs is something screenwriters NEED to be familiar with. There's no one way to compose these documents, but here's a decent guide to writing 2 #scriptsky
October 25, 2025 at 8:18 AM
A logline, pitch, summary, or more is often FIRST required to help get producers and execs to commit to reading a script.
Writing supporting docs is something screenwriters NEED to be familiar with. There's no one way to compose these documents, but here's a decent guide to writing 2 #scriptsky
Writing supporting docs is something screenwriters NEED to be familiar with. There's no one way to compose these documents, but here's a decent guide to writing 2 #scriptsky