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
Loads of long-winded scene headings can interrupt the flow of the read.
Yes, they're necessary, and sure, maybe there's no other option for one to dip into the next line, but if you can, keep 'em short! #scriptsky
Yes, they're necessary, and sure, maybe there's no other option for one to dip into the next line, but if you can, keep 'em short! #scriptsky
February 6, 2026 at 7:56 AM
Loads of long-winded scene headings can interrupt the flow of the read.
Yes, they're necessary, and sure, maybe there's no other option for one to dip into the next line, but if you can, keep 'em short! #scriptsky
Yes, they're necessary, and sure, maybe there's no other option for one to dip into the next line, but if you can, keep 'em short! #scriptsky
It's always a good idea to keep tabs on who you've sent your screenplay to and when.
Check out the slightly re-designed freebie on the website (Although I'm already thinking of more stuff to add to it 😂) #scriptsky
>>>Link in the Bio<<<
Check out the slightly re-designed freebie on the website (Although I'm already thinking of more stuff to add to it 😂) #scriptsky
>>>Link in the Bio<<<
February 5, 2026 at 9:27 AM
It's always a good idea to keep tabs on who you've sent your screenplay to and when.
Check out the slightly re-designed freebie on the website (Although I'm already thinking of more stuff to add to it 😂) #scriptsky
>>>Link in the Bio<<<
Check out the slightly re-designed freebie on the website (Although I'm already thinking of more stuff to add to it 😂) #scriptsky
>>>Link in the Bio<<<
Do you, or have you, considered using the 8 Sequence method when outlining?
The "GOAL, ACTIVITY, COMPLICATION" structure can be used when brainstorming acts, sequences, scenes, and even dialogue (like a gag), so it's well worth considering. #scriptsky
The "GOAL, ACTIVITY, COMPLICATION" structure can be used when brainstorming acts, sequences, scenes, and even dialogue (like a gag), so it's well worth considering. #scriptsky
February 4, 2026 at 8:50 AM
Do you, or have you, considered using the 8 Sequence method when outlining?
The "GOAL, ACTIVITY, COMPLICATION" structure can be used when brainstorming acts, sequences, scenes, and even dialogue (like a gag), so it's well worth considering. #scriptsky
The "GOAL, ACTIVITY, COMPLICATION" structure can be used when brainstorming acts, sequences, scenes, and even dialogue (like a gag), so it's well worth considering. #scriptsky
Probably should re-do this one to say "Non-English" instead of "Foreign", too 😳
(I had intended to post about "exposition", but gawd, it's such a huge subject! Maybe later.) #scriptsky
(I had intended to post about "exposition", but gawd, it's such a huge subject! Maybe later.) #scriptsky
February 3, 2026 at 9:56 AM
Probably should re-do this one to say "Non-English" instead of "Foreign", too 😳
(I had intended to post about "exposition", but gawd, it's such a huge subject! Maybe later.) #scriptsky
(I had intended to post about "exposition", but gawd, it's such a huge subject! Maybe later.) #scriptsky
There's a mistake in this old post that people always point out, but I can never remember what it is. #scriptsky
February 3, 2026 at 9:55 AM
There's a mistake in this old post that people always point out, but I can never remember what it is. #scriptsky
If you're past the first draft, consider taking a moment to think about what conflict is occurring in each of your scenes.
- What new info is being delivered?
- Is character being revealed?
- Is the conflict engaging, entertaining, and does it leave us wanting more? #scriptsky
- What new info is being delivered?
- Is character being revealed?
- Is the conflict engaging, entertaining, and does it leave us wanting more? #scriptsky
February 2, 2026 at 8:17 AM
If you're past the first draft, consider taking a moment to think about what conflict is occurring in each of your scenes.
- What new info is being delivered?
- Is character being revealed?
- Is the conflict engaging, entertaining, and does it leave us wanting more? #scriptsky
- What new info is being delivered?
- Is character being revealed?
- Is the conflict engaging, entertaining, and does it leave us wanting more? #scriptsky
Are you paying attention to what the audience is looking at when writing your script?
The more you can visualize each shot, the better you'll get at translating that onto the page. #scriptsky
The more you can visualize each shot, the better you'll get at translating that onto the page. #scriptsky
January 30, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Are you paying attention to what the audience is looking at when writing your script?
The more you can visualize each shot, the better you'll get at translating that onto the page. #scriptsky
The more you can visualize each shot, the better you'll get at translating that onto the page. #scriptsky
Have a quick look at this opening page (found on r/ReadMyScript).
While the story isn't bad, and its visual, which is great, some small giveaways reveal the writer's inexperience with the craft.
Good news is, it's nothing a quick tidy up wouldn't fix.
Fake it until you make it! #scriptsky
While the story isn't bad, and its visual, which is great, some small giveaways reveal the writer's inexperience with the craft.
Good news is, it's nothing a quick tidy up wouldn't fix.
Fake it until you make it! #scriptsky
January 29, 2026 at 8:14 AM
Have a quick look at this opening page (found on r/ReadMyScript).
While the story isn't bad, and its visual, which is great, some small giveaways reveal the writer's inexperience with the craft.
Good news is, it's nothing a quick tidy up wouldn't fix.
Fake it until you make it! #scriptsky
While the story isn't bad, and its visual, which is great, some small giveaways reveal the writer's inexperience with the craft.
Good news is, it's nothing a quick tidy up wouldn't fix.
Fake it until you make it! #scriptsky
Fresh, diverse, critical thinkers are needed more than ever in the film industry (as we all discover how shit AI is 😂)
If you love screenwriting, there's no better way to improve the craft than reading other scripts - so why not get paid for it!
#scriptsky
If you love screenwriting, there's no better way to improve the craft than reading other scripts - so why not get paid for it!
#scriptsky
January 27, 2026 at 8:23 AM
Fresh, diverse, critical thinkers are needed more than ever in the film industry (as we all discover how shit AI is 😂)
If you love screenwriting, there's no better way to improve the craft than reading other scripts - so why not get paid for it!
#scriptsky
If you love screenwriting, there's no better way to improve the craft than reading other scripts - so why not get paid for it!
#scriptsky
New PDF workbook available in the store. #scriptsky
This one helps you disguise all those little giveaways that tell the reader that you're a new writer, and removes any formatting errors that a nitpicking reader might zone in on, instead of becoming engrossed in the story.
>>> Link in the Bio<<
This one helps you disguise all those little giveaways that tell the reader that you're a new writer, and removes any formatting errors that a nitpicking reader might zone in on, instead of becoming engrossed in the story.
>>> Link in the Bio<<
January 26, 2026 at 11:33 AM
New PDF workbook available in the store. #scriptsky
This one helps you disguise all those little giveaways that tell the reader that you're a new writer, and removes any formatting errors that a nitpicking reader might zone in on, instead of becoming engrossed in the story.
>>> Link in the Bio<<
This one helps you disguise all those little giveaways that tell the reader that you're a new writer, and removes any formatting errors that a nitpicking reader might zone in on, instead of becoming engrossed in the story.
>>> Link in the Bio<<
I just realized my fave book from English in high school is now public domain - and it's very tempting!
Could any of your cherished stories now be freely available to adapt, and are you up to the challenge? #scriptsky
Could any of your cherished stories now be freely available to adapt, and are you up to the challenge? #scriptsky
January 23, 2026 at 7:52 AM
I just realized my fave book from English in high school is now public domain - and it's very tempting!
Could any of your cherished stories now be freely available to adapt, and are you up to the challenge? #scriptsky
Could any of your cherished stories now be freely available to adapt, and are you up to the challenge? #scriptsky
A new 6-page script study is on the BLOG for anyone interested (couldn't post it all on this limited platform 😐)
>>> Link in the Bio <<<
#scriptsky
>>> Link in the Bio <<<
#scriptsky
January 22, 2026 at 10:59 AM
A new 6-page script study is on the BLOG for anyone interested (couldn't post it all on this limited platform 😐)
>>> Link in the Bio <<<
#scriptsky
>>> Link in the Bio <<<
#scriptsky
It's pretty give and take in the film industry.
If you want others to help you, also consider how you can help them 🥰 #scriptsky
If you want others to help you, also consider how you can help them 🥰 #scriptsky
January 21, 2026 at 8:25 AM
It's pretty give and take in the film industry.
If you want others to help you, also consider how you can help them 🥰 #scriptsky
If you want others to help you, also consider how you can help them 🥰 #scriptsky
Are you painting enough of the picture in the reader's mind, or making them do all the hard work? #scriptsky
January 20, 2026 at 8:20 AM
Are you painting enough of the picture in the reader's mind, or making them do all the hard work? #scriptsky
There's a thin line between overdescribing every single thing that happens on screen and not telling us nearly enough.
It's up to you to find the balance. #scriptsky
It's up to you to find the balance. #scriptsky
January 20, 2026 at 8:18 AM
There's a thin line between overdescribing every single thing that happens on screen and not telling us nearly enough.
It's up to you to find the balance. #scriptsky
It's up to you to find the balance. #scriptsky
Ditching the orphans can be particularly helpful when writing short scripts, where shorter is usually better.
But it's also a good exercise to do during the polish phase, to tighten and tidy up the prose and presentation. #scriptsky
But it's also a good exercise to do during the polish phase, to tighten and tidy up the prose and presentation. #scriptsky
January 19, 2026 at 8:12 AM
Ditching the orphans can be particularly helpful when writing short scripts, where shorter is usually better.
But it's also a good exercise to do during the polish phase, to tighten and tidy up the prose and presentation. #scriptsky
But it's also a good exercise to do during the polish phase, to tighten and tidy up the prose and presentation. #scriptsky
Listing clothing can work if it fills in some blanks, such as revealing a profession.
But we don't need detailed clothing descriptions that SERVE NO PURPOSE.
Have a look at your own character descriptions and ask: Do we really need to know what they're wearing? #scriptsky
But we don't need detailed clothing descriptions that SERVE NO PURPOSE.
Have a look at your own character descriptions and ask: Do we really need to know what they're wearing? #scriptsky
January 16, 2026 at 8:27 AM
Listing clothing can work if it fills in some blanks, such as revealing a profession.
But we don't need detailed clothing descriptions that SERVE NO PURPOSE.
Have a look at your own character descriptions and ask: Do we really need to know what they're wearing? #scriptsky
But we don't need detailed clothing descriptions that SERVE NO PURPOSE.
Have a look at your own character descriptions and ask: Do we really need to know what they're wearing? #scriptsky
Formatting isn't always definitive. There are lots of nuances to many of the elements within, so not every writer is going to format their script exactly like you do.
That said, there are definitely ways NOT to format a script. Hopefully, this post will help you discover what to avoid #scriptsky
That said, there are definitely ways NOT to format a script. Hopefully, this post will help you discover what to avoid #scriptsky
January 15, 2026 at 8:59 AM
Formatting isn't always definitive. There are lots of nuances to many of the elements within, so not every writer is going to format their script exactly like you do.
That said, there are definitely ways NOT to format a script. Hopefully, this post will help you discover what to avoid #scriptsky
That said, there are definitely ways NOT to format a script. Hopefully, this post will help you discover what to avoid #scriptsky
A little dose of reality as January sets in.
But I'm still optimistic.
A writer is a noob who didn't quit, and if you love writing, you'll find a way. #scriptsky
But I'm still optimistic.
A writer is a noob who didn't quit, and if you love writing, you'll find a way. #scriptsky
January 14, 2026 at 7:53 AM
A little dose of reality as January sets in.
But I'm still optimistic.
A writer is a noob who didn't quit, and if you love writing, you'll find a way. #scriptsky
But I'm still optimistic.
A writer is a noob who didn't quit, and if you love writing, you'll find a way. #scriptsky
What info does your character intros convey?
Is it pivotal to the plot, or is it decorative fluff?
What does the action they're doing reveal about them?
Are there blanks the reader has to fill in themselves? If so, will they come to the correct assumptions?
#scriptsky
Is it pivotal to the plot, or is it decorative fluff?
What does the action they're doing reveal about them?
Are there blanks the reader has to fill in themselves? If so, will they come to the correct assumptions?
#scriptsky
January 13, 2026 at 8:48 AM
What info does your character intros convey?
Is it pivotal to the plot, or is it decorative fluff?
What does the action they're doing reveal about them?
Are there blanks the reader has to fill in themselves? If so, will they come to the correct assumptions?
#scriptsky
Is it pivotal to the plot, or is it decorative fluff?
What does the action they're doing reveal about them?
Are there blanks the reader has to fill in themselves? If so, will they come to the correct assumptions?
#scriptsky
This writer wanted to know if their action sequence was good and visual. In essence, yes, it is, so job well done 😊
But, as always, there's always room for improvement.
Check out the blog for a more enhanced view of the script with a few more observations noted. #scriptsky
>>>Link in the Bio<<<
But, as always, there's always room for improvement.
Check out the blog for a more enhanced view of the script with a few more observations noted. #scriptsky
>>>Link in the Bio<<<
January 12, 2026 at 10:53 AM
This writer wanted to know if their action sequence was good and visual. In essence, yes, it is, so job well done 😊
But, as always, there's always room for improvement.
Check out the blog for a more enhanced view of the script with a few more observations noted. #scriptsky
>>>Link in the Bio<<<
But, as always, there's always room for improvement.
Check out the blog for a more enhanced view of the script with a few more observations noted. #scriptsky
>>>Link in the Bio<<<
Explore the same question as the main plot (but from a different angle or with different stakes).
AND
Use them to make the main plot harder to solve (creates obstacles, forces difficult choices, splits the MC's focus).
(Sounds simple, but yeah, I really struggle with subplots, too) #scriptsky
AND
Use them to make the main plot harder to solve (creates obstacles, forces difficult choices, splits the MC's focus).
(Sounds simple, but yeah, I really struggle with subplots, too) #scriptsky
January 9, 2026 at 8:18 AM
Explore the same question as the main plot (but from a different angle or with different stakes).
AND
Use them to make the main plot harder to solve (creates obstacles, forces difficult choices, splits the MC's focus).
(Sounds simple, but yeah, I really struggle with subplots, too) #scriptsky
AND
Use them to make the main plot harder to solve (creates obstacles, forces difficult choices, splits the MC's focus).
(Sounds simple, but yeah, I really struggle with subplots, too) #scriptsky
Who hasn't gone back to an old script and realized it's not that good?
That's a great thing.
It means you've grown as a writer and are now better equipped to tackle the rewrite.
#scriptsky
That's a great thing.
It means you've grown as a writer and are now better equipped to tackle the rewrite.
#scriptsky
January 8, 2026 at 10:31 AM
Who hasn't gone back to an old script and realized it's not that good?
That's a great thing.
It means you've grown as a writer and are now better equipped to tackle the rewrite.
#scriptsky
That's a great thing.
It means you've grown as a writer and are now better equipped to tackle the rewrite.
#scriptsky
Here's a quick Script Fix that takes a muddled opening with many common formatting mistakes and cleans it up.
The script was found on r/ReadMyScript - a great place to get and give feedback to other aspiring screenwriters. #scriptsky
The script was found on r/ReadMyScript - a great place to get and give feedback to other aspiring screenwriters. #scriptsky
January 7, 2026 at 7:43 AM
Here's a quick Script Fix that takes a muddled opening with many common formatting mistakes and cleans it up.
The script was found on r/ReadMyScript - a great place to get and give feedback to other aspiring screenwriters. #scriptsky
The script was found on r/ReadMyScript - a great place to get and give feedback to other aspiring screenwriters. #scriptsky
Yup, when you're constantly being told to 'show, don't tell', it's easy to think that means jotting down every head turn, hand movement, or lip bite a character makes.
It doesn't.
I go into this in a bit more detail on the blog >>>Link in the Bio<<< but this is the gist of it. #scriptsky
It doesn't.
I go into this in a bit more detail on the blog >>>Link in the Bio<<< but this is the gist of it. #scriptsky
January 6, 2026 at 8:09 AM
Yup, when you're constantly being told to 'show, don't tell', it's easy to think that means jotting down every head turn, hand movement, or lip bite a character makes.
It doesn't.
I go into this in a bit more detail on the blog >>>Link in the Bio<<< but this is the gist of it. #scriptsky
It doesn't.
I go into this in a bit more detail on the blog >>>Link in the Bio<<< but this is the gist of it. #scriptsky