Our spies over at Channel 4 have managed to get us their script reader's guidelines, hit these points and you are that much closer to getting TV show or film off the ground.

Script Reading - How To Guide 

    1. Read uninterrupted
    2. 65% comes from real events
    3. Simple, concise
    4. XXX is teacher
    5. Every word has meaning – read carefully
    6. Make notes whilst reading
    7. Write report immediately after a brief break
    8. Make that first reading count
    9. Major changes, new character, phrasing
    10. Write expectation of what will happen before page 40 

REPORT STRUCTURE: 

Synopsis:

What you understand, including tone, reflects writer’s intention. Don’t right wrongs. Three paragraphs – beginning, middle end. Short! Time and place (EG Camden 1969). Try to write from memory – key to what works. “Spine of story” 

Premise:

Concept – what story is about. Thematic conflict, issues, ideas, truths, what does it mean? Resolution. Use definitions (E.G what dramatic conflicts does the main character have to overcome?).

It + about = premise 

Dramatic conflict: 

  • Look at main character – goal, wants needs
  • What is standing in their way?
  • Which is it – internal, interpersonal, situational
  • Whose story is it?
  • Find defining conflict.
  • Interrogate
  • Is the journay clear?
  • Does character take convincing action?
  • Is setting (“world”) unique?
  • Does conflict change?
  • Assess what’s at stake for characters
  • Why do we care?
  • Is source of antagonism strong enough?
  • Is story complex enough to hold our interest?

Thematic Conflict; 

  • Controlling idea
  • Must have a viewpoint.
  • Must resonate.
  • “movies move” – does it move us?
  • Resolution of conflict

Structure:

Beginning, middle and end. One thing happens because of another, causality. Structural spine, Management of information – fear, suspense, intrigue, mystery must be sustained. “Dramatic Irony” – we know more than the characters.   

  • Does it start/end in the right place?
  • Are the characters introduced in correct manner?
  • Are antagonists clearly defined?
  • Logical progression.
  • Does it build to a climax?
  • Must have an ending of some sort.
  • Learning curve of character must be clear.
  • Genre must be clear.

Characters: 

  • Care, consistency, credibility.
  • Do we care?
  • What emotions do you feel for characters?
  • Internal conflict – has it been effectively dramatised?
  • Dialogue, visual grammar & pace – difficult, revelation needed re character/short sections.

Pace

Ability to vary tempo & mood. Locations. Length of reading may be different than screen. 

Dialogue

Visual grammar – cinematic storytelling, montages, parallel time, weather, colour. 

Conclusion

Strengths, weaknesses. 

Coverage

Engaging? Does it move? Potential market? Does it speak to people on a universal idea? 

Leave no stone unturned. 

Good script = story well told.