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The Script Reader @thescriptreader.bsky.social · 2h

Screenplay too long? Need to cut out the first draft fluff? #scriptsky

Here's a handy checklist of various actions you can take to snip any fat that's slowing the pace or causing any unnecessary distractions.

A download and print version is in the Freebie section of the website >Link in the Bio<

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The Script Reader @thescriptreader.bsky.social · 1d

Noob screenwriters often overuse parentheticals.

While they aim for clarity, it's often overkill; the line delivery is usually pretty obvious.

They take up space, so make them count!

#scriptsky

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The Script Reader @thescriptreader.bsky.social · 2d

Sometimes, if the titles ADD to the story, then yup, you can use them.

Here's a quick lowdown on what works and what doesn't to help you decide whether you should keep or cut the titles in your script. #scriptsky

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The Script Reader @thescriptreader.bsky.social · 3d

Even if a story is great, if a screenplay is poorly put together, it's unlikely that people will be willing to embarrass themselves by passing it around town, so yeah, sweat the small stuff, and give your script the chance it deserves. #scriptsky

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The Script Reader @thescriptreader.bsky.social · 5d

(Correction on a previous post. Accidentally used the wrong first page)

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The Script Reader @thescriptreader.bsky.social · 6d

That's an awfy lot of words to say "write lean", but yeah, defo don't disagree with this one.

With a finite number of pages in a screenplay, mastering word efficiency helps you pack in more plot, increase the speed of the read, and trim off the fat, leaving only the pivotal bits. #scriptsky

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The Script Reader @thescriptreader.bsky.social · 7d

You can talk tropes forever. It's such a huge subject.

If you want to avoid predictability, understanding tropes and how to use them is pivotal.

tvtropes.org is hands down the best resource on the topic and is well worth a look. #scriptsky

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The Script Reader @thescriptreader.bsky.social · 8d

Many scripts focus on the same subjects: romance, past trauma, minority discrimination, zombie apoc.

While relevant, what makes a script lack originality is predictability.

Take the plot somewhere unexpected and breathe new life into an old plot, then you've got a Reader's attention. #scriptsky

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The Script Reader @thescriptreader.bsky.social · 9d

Big shout-out and thank you to the writer who sent this in. Appreciate the send. I wrote more comments on the Instagram post. Much as I came to Bluesky to get away from billionaires, the platform is pretty limiting.

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The Script Reader @thescriptreader.bsky.social · 9d

A few comments made on a recent submission. If you’d like line notes on your script, send it in PDF form to [email protected].

There’s no guarantee that your script will be used, as I only pick ones with something worth talking about. #scriptsky

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The Script Reader @thescriptreader.bsky.social · 10d

#scriptsky This short exercise is for those of you who don't spend much time on theme as yup, it's difficult, and every viewer interprets a movie in their own way anyway, right?

As always, a fillable PDF/printable version can be found on the Freebie section of the website.

>>>Link in the Bio<<<

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The Script Reader @thescriptreader.bsky.social · 11d

Got a genre script that's ready to wow?

Short Com's Feature Screenplay Competition is open for submissions!!!

Use code TS626, and £5 will be knocked off the entry fee, courtesy of yours truly 😊

More details to follow. #scriptsky

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The Script Reader @thescriptreader.bsky.social · 13d

Is there anything happening at the END of your scenes (yup, all of them) that makes the Reader want to continue?

If not, that's when they may lose interest.

Use this handy list of hooks to spark intrigue and encourage a Reader to keep turning the page #scriptsky

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The Script Reader @thescriptreader.bsky.social · 14d

This is end draft stuff, and orphans aren't deal breakers. In fact, they're very forgivable, but Readers do notice them. Viewed as being untidy, they can also give the impression that a writer didn't attempt to write lean. It's more about attention to detail during those last few passes. #scriptsky

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The Script Reader @thescriptreader.bsky.social · 15d

Caught myself watching a Superman reaction yesterday (the original, not the ridiculous new one 🤣), and thought I really should watch more of Gene Hackman (I have a loooong to-watch list), anyhoo, here's a reminder of some of his wise words. #scriptsky

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The Script Reader @thescriptreader.bsky.social · 16d

Much appreciate the writer sending this one in. A great learning opportunity for newbies. To everyone else - If you're using Word to write your script, save the final draft as a PDF, so that it can't be edited. #scriptsky

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The Script Reader @thescriptreader.bsky.social · 17d

Don't automatically assume the Reader will love your MC as much as you do - give them a strong reason to care about what happens to them - that's how you ensure they'll keep turning the page. #scriptsky

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The Script Reader @thescriptreader.bsky.social · 20d

What makes a great character intro?

That's the million-dollar question.

Sometimes a sparse visual is all we need. Other times, more detail is useful.

Here's a small selection of what can grab and what can turn a reader off to help you decide. #scriptsky

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The Script Reader @thescriptreader.bsky.social · 21d

If you’d like Instagram (yes, Instagram allows me to post more than 4 measly images, imagine that!) line notes on your script, send it in PDF form to [email protected].
#scriptsky

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The Script Reader @thescriptreader.bsky.social · 22d

Is your antagonist a worthy opponent for your protagonist to fight against?

A weak villain very likely means a weak hero.

Head to the Freebie section on the website to download the full fillable/printable 4-page workbook.

>>>Link in the Bio<<<

#scriptsky

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The Script Reader @thescriptreader.bsky.social · 23d

Gawd, writing is all ups and doons, isn't it. #scriptsky

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The Script Reader @thescriptreader.bsky.social · 24d

Does anyone still listen to podcasts?

I'm a bit out of the loop with any good new ones, so leave your recommendations below if you have any. #scriptsky

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The Script Reader @thescriptreader.bsky.social · 27d

This might be useful to show just how easy poor direction can create confusion.

Where are the cops? What are they doing? Can we even see them, or is the whole scene in voiceover, and we're just watching a bird's-eye view of a river?

That's why clear direction is so important #scriptsky

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The Script Reader @thescriptreader.bsky.social · 28d

If you find incorporating subtext into speech a little daunting, here are a few simple methods to get you started. #scriptsky

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The Script Reader @thescriptreader.bsky.social · 29d

If you can shorten the time it takes to deliver info without impacting the message or impact, you probably should.

Readers love a fast read, and shaving off a line or page leaves more space to add story.

Go make sure you're not wasting space by stating the obvious in your script. #scriptsky

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