I am an aspiring screenwriter, having written a couple features, a novel, a TV pilot and produced a few shorts. I also do a lot of web writing on the side, mostly movie reviews and entertainment content. I have recently been hired by a L.A. production company (remotely) to be a script reader! I was reading scripts for fun (or more for inspiration) now I am getting paid to do it. I feel like this is slightly a side step, but I am learning so much about what executives are looking for now, and feel this is great preparation for me as a screenwriter!
Screenwriting : A Side Step by Ami Brown
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Ami, you clearly are a screenwriter . Not aspiring. Or you wouldn't have landed this job. Own it, and GO GET 'EM!
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Looking forward to your next post -- when you tell us what executives are seeking and paying big bucks for.
Lisa, yes, I'm holding my breath -- and I'm holding an umbrella! We have ice pellets coming down on New York City! Pot belly stove, anyone?
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Are you blue yet Linda? The fact is that this particular production company is focused on a few genres basically. But the report I have to fill out - is what the executives base whether they are going to even read the script or not feels very powerful. I am a first weed out of any material that is not in their wheelhouse, so they don't waste their time. Sorry I can't help you more than that. :-)
Ami, my very darling niece works in Beverly Hills, Calif. for a very similar film production company. Nice to meet you.
Ha, yes but each production has their own "wheelhouse". Where are one may be family friendly PG content only with a budget of under 20 million, one may be strictly horror/sci-fi/thrillers with a limit of 100M. With there being hundreds of production companies seeking scripts - there clearly is not ONE answer for screenwriters. I wish it were that easy guys.
For example take a look: http://www.virtualpitchfest.com/ourpros#5210
Ha it's not MY wheelhouse, but I am a reader for a production company that strictly makes family friendly movies (no horror) PG rating with a budget of under 20M. (I mentioned in the previous post) The scripts come from the production company - I don't seek out scripts either. :-)
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Reading teaches writers how to tell a story. Reading good and back pieces will tell you what captures the readers attention and what lands their script in the, hopefully, recycling bin. Congrats Ami.
Tony you are right! The nice thing is that I was already reading scripts on Trigger Street (before they closed) Zoetrope and also simplyscripts just to learn more, study structure and get inspired. Now I get paid to do what I was doing for free - so it's a win win. I really hope ALL screenwriters are reading lots of scripts regularly - good and bad scripts. Lisa: I responded to a freelance ad post, I had to send them a sample of my writing first. Then they emailed and wanted to do a Skype interview. During that interview they asked me about the last 3 scripts I had read, and who is my favorite screenwriter/why. I guess I said all the right things. About 3 days later they emailed and offered me the job. :-)
That sounds like an amazing gig, Ami! It's true that reading can be a way for writers to procrastinate . . . but at least you are being paid to do it.
Can you read some of my scripts and tell me your thoughts?