| As writers work on their screenplays, they gradually lose the ability to objectively assess their own stories. This is what most writers refer to as ‘being too close’ to their work. It’s like standing an inch away from the Mona Lisa. Before long, you stop seeing art. |   |
You start seeing a mess of blurry paint, unrecognizable as the masterpiece you thought you knew so well.
KEEP READING.
KEEP READING.
All too often, writers ignore their own closeness to the material, and send their work out to agents, managers and producers expecting a dozen calls the following morning.
But the responses are underwhelming. The plot confuses readers. They’re put off by tonal inconsistencies. They don’t see the writer’s intention at all.
The writer's closeness to the script ends up killing their chances in Hollywood.
But script analysis solves that problem.
But the responses are underwhelming. The plot confuses readers. They’re put off by tonal inconsistencies. They don’t see the writer’s intention at all.
The writer's closeness to the script ends up killing their chances in Hollywood.
But script analysis solves that problem.
What Is Script Analysis?
Script analysis is when an objective third party evaluates a screenplay with fresh eyes and a fresh perspective.
For many writers, it’s an essential last stop before scripts are sent out to Hollywood, designed to catch problems with story, structure and characters before producers, agents and managers do.
But script analysis is also used to detect problems early in the writing process in order to solve problems before they get too big for the script.
Before I go on, it’s important to note that script analysis and script coverage are very different.
Script coverage offers a synopsis of the script with brief feedback. Studios and producers usually use it as a way to vet scripts that get sent their way.
Script analysis is designed to help the writer assess their writing with an eye towards improving the script.
There are tons of sources of script analysis out there, many of which are very helpful as writers develop and refine their work.
That said, family and friends are not great sources for true script analysis. While these people may provide feedback and encouragement, if they’re unfamiliar with screenwriting, there’s a limit to how much they can really help.
But other writers can be tremendously helpful when it comes to script analysis. They understand screenwriting, they’re objective, and they know the language of story telling. They can effectively articulate what works about your screenplay and what might not work as well.
In Los Angeles, there are tons of screenwriting groups that offer script analysis on a weekly or monthly basis.
But there are options outside of LA too. Websites like Triggerstreet and Talentville are designed around the idea of writers helping other writers, and they can be great resources for script analysis.
One word of warning: There can be a certain element of the blind leading the blind in both online writing relationships and brick and mortar writer’s groups.
If someone hasn't gotten where you want to be, be careful when you take their advice on how to get there. While fellow writers often provide terrific script analysis, you have to take the good with the bad.
Never be afraid to ignore a note or idea that doesn't resonate with you.
For many writers, it’s an essential last stop before scripts are sent out to Hollywood, designed to catch problems with story, structure and characters before producers, agents and managers do.
But script analysis is also used to detect problems early in the writing process in order to solve problems before they get too big for the script.
Before I go on, it’s important to note that script analysis and script coverage are very different.
Script coverage offers a synopsis of the script with brief feedback. Studios and producers usually use it as a way to vet scripts that get sent their way.
Script analysis is designed to help the writer assess their writing with an eye towards improving the script.
There are tons of sources of script analysis out there, many of which are very helpful as writers develop and refine their work.
That said, family and friends are not great sources for true script analysis. While these people may provide feedback and encouragement, if they’re unfamiliar with screenwriting, there’s a limit to how much they can really help.
But other writers can be tremendously helpful when it comes to script analysis. They understand screenwriting, they’re objective, and they know the language of story telling. They can effectively articulate what works about your screenplay and what might not work as well.
In Los Angeles, there are tons of screenwriting groups that offer script analysis on a weekly or monthly basis.
But there are options outside of LA too. Websites like Triggerstreet and Talentville are designed around the idea of writers helping other writers, and they can be great resources for script analysis.
One word of warning: There can be a certain element of the blind leading the blind in both online writing relationships and brick and mortar writer’s groups.
If someone hasn't gotten where you want to be, be careful when you take their advice on how to get there. While fellow writers often provide terrific script analysis, you have to take the good with the bad.
Never be afraid to ignore a note or idea that doesn't resonate with you.
What About Script Analysis Services?
There are also a wide variety of script analysis options available for a fee online.
While feedback from a professional service will probably be of a higher caliber than what you’ll get from fellow writers, the same caveat applies…
When it comes to script analysis, consider all notes very carefully.
Screenwriting is subjective, after all, and if you don’t agree with someone’s opinion (no matter how professional they are), you should feel free to toss it aside.
Robert McKee is one of the most famous script analysts out there. He’s the author of “Story,” a seminal screenwriting text that’s probably on the bookshelf of half the screenwriters you know, even if only a third of them have read it.
McKee charges around $3,000 to read your screenplay and provide a one hour story consultation.
Yes, that’s a pretty big sum, but it could be worth it if you’re ready to hear what he has to say.
For beginning writers, script analysis from McKee is like getting your Mazda tuned up by the guys at Ferrari.
Your consultation is going to be really, really helpful, but if the script wasn't a Ferrari to start, it’s not going to magically turn into one now.
For advanced writers, writers that can truly hold their own in a dialogue with McKee, I'd imagine that those $3,000 could really benefit both your script and your writing on the whole.
But McKee isn't the only option out there. He's at the very top of the price range, and there are lots of services online that offer similar services for a fraction of the cost.
A quick search of ‘script analysis,’ or ‘screenplay consultant’ will bring up dozens of results, ranging from $50 a script all the way to McKee’s $3,000, with almost everything in between.
While feedback from a professional service will probably be of a higher caliber than what you’ll get from fellow writers, the same caveat applies…
When it comes to script analysis, consider all notes very carefully.
Screenwriting is subjective, after all, and if you don’t agree with someone’s opinion (no matter how professional they are), you should feel free to toss it aside.
Robert McKee is one of the most famous script analysts out there. He’s the author of “Story,” a seminal screenwriting text that’s probably on the bookshelf of half the screenwriters you know, even if only a third of them have read it.
McKee charges around $3,000 to read your screenplay and provide a one hour story consultation.
Yes, that’s a pretty big sum, but it could be worth it if you’re ready to hear what he has to say.
For beginning writers, script analysis from McKee is like getting your Mazda tuned up by the guys at Ferrari.
Your consultation is going to be really, really helpful, but if the script wasn't a Ferrari to start, it’s not going to magically turn into one now.
For advanced writers, writers that can truly hold their own in a dialogue with McKee, I'd imagine that those $3,000 could really benefit both your script and your writing on the whole.
But McKee isn't the only option out there. He's at the very top of the price range, and there are lots of services online that offer similar services for a fraction of the cost.
A quick search of ‘script analysis,’ or ‘screenplay consultant’ will bring up dozens of results, ranging from $50 a script all the way to McKee’s $3,000, with almost everything in between.
Here's How We Do It:
At Script Quack, wer're a three person team.
Craig Sabin is a veteran writer that's been working in the business for almost twenty years. He's written for TNT, HBO and Disney, and he's currently working with several producers setting up scripts he wrote.
Matt Giegerich and Chelsea Mize are writing partners. They graduated from Duke University with honors in 2009, winning numerous writing fellowships. They're currently in pre-production on a feature romantic comedy, "Friend Zone."
Below, I’ll outline exactly how the three of us approach script analysis. This will give you a good overview of how we work, while also giving you a little more insight into script analysis as a whole.
This process takes about 8-10 business days, which is pretty standard for most script analysis services. We also offer rush services, which come in handy for writers under producer or studio deadlines.
We focus our notes on providing solid, actionable steps that the writer can take to improve their script that very day.
We approach every script like our own, and we always focus on the writer's intentions, not our interpretation of what their work should be.
Click below to download a copy of our Script Analysis Template.
Craig Sabin is a veteran writer that's been working in the business for almost twenty years. He's written for TNT, HBO and Disney, and he's currently working with several producers setting up scripts he wrote.
Matt Giegerich and Chelsea Mize are writing partners. They graduated from Duke University with honors in 2009, winning numerous writing fellowships. They're currently in pre-production on a feature romantic comedy, "Friend Zone."
Below, I’ll outline exactly how the three of us approach script analysis. This will give you a good overview of how we work, while also giving you a little more insight into script analysis as a whole.
- A Script Quack screenplay strategist reads the submitted script. This ‘clean read’ allows us to get a general impression of the story before forming an opinion on any of the individual components as we go.
- The strategist reads again, paying attention to 10 key aspects of the screenplay: Concept, Style, Theme, Characters, Tone, Act I, Act II, Act III, Overall and Next Step Notes.
- The Script Quack strategist writes the notes, devoting 6-8 pages to the 10 areas above.
- The rest of the Script Quack team reviews the notes, providing feedback on the analysis given.
- The script analysis is re-written and tweaked according to our team analysis.
- The client receives their script notes.
This process takes about 8-10 business days, which is pretty standard for most script analysis services. We also offer rush services, which come in handy for writers under producer or studio deadlines.
We focus our notes on providing solid, actionable steps that the writer can take to improve their script that very day.
We approach every script like our own, and we always focus on the writer's intentions, not our interpretation of what their work should be.
Click below to download a copy of our Script Analysis Template.
| script_analysis_template.doc |
What Now?
Have you been considering script analysis for one of your screenplays?
We offer a variety of services and every package we offer is fully customizable to meet your needs.
Contact us, and we can help you figure out what's the right next step for you.
Or check out our screenplay services page and place an order today.
We offer a variety of services and every package we offer is fully customizable to meet your needs.
Contact us, and we can help you figure out what's the right next step for you.
Or check out our screenplay services page and place an order today.