Screenwriting : When a script is ready? by Asia Almerico

Ciao, Asia. For me, it's never really ready. I from time to time will revisit a script or pilot and 'tweek' things. Best of luck to you :)

Asia Almerico, I believe a script has really fully matured when it can make the coffee on its own.

Wyman Brent Good Point

Well, there’s no such thing as a perfect screenplay—be 100% sure of that. Every script is subject to the mood of whoever reads it. For example, if your script is science fiction, a historical drama reader will find many negatives in it. It all depends on who’s reading, on the genre, and even on the timing of the read.

But there are general rules that apply to all screenplays. Show your script to three trusted friends—two of them should be writers, and one just a reader (or even just a listener) so you can get their opinion as a future audience member. Then, cross-reference their feedback. This is the method I rely on.

for me it's like when you got the feeling ah it's over this is the end.

Husin Alkhatib, thank you. You also make good points. No script is going to please everybody. I have seen some Hollywood films where I wish they had torn up the script and flushed it down the toilet. I have also seen low budget films with scripts that amazed me.

Hi, Asia Almerico. I know a script is ready when I've rewritten it to the point where I'm just rewriting tiny things. I also get feedback on the script. And it's a gut feeling.

My script is "ready" when the line director and producer get mad at me and say ENOUGH! Otherwise, I awaken in the middle of the night with a brilliant dialogue or scene to change or add. (I'm not normal.) Or am I?

Debbie Seagle, you are perfectly normal. Honest, you really are.

If I can lay it aside for a few days, reread it and make no changes except maybe line edits for errors. When my beta readers are out of questions about the film or episode and ask for the next one.

If I start making tiny changes on my read-throughs that I end up changing BACK to what I had before, I know I've done all I can do. But I do get script coverage for an outside opinion.

Asia, I've also put my scripts on www.scriptrevolution.com, and if anything I've written gets any positive feedback there (as well as here on Stage 32), then I'll see if producers (and some contest organizers) like those scripts of mine, too.

To be honest it’s never ready. it should be polished to send to a producer. But they may have suggestions. You should have a story editor/Consultant who reads the whole script first. But just focus on making it a good script. The edits can be done later. Good luck with everything!

A script is ready when its writer can see it working as a movie and not be embarrassed by it

Asia Almerico, I like to have at least one trusted friend read it. I also use a service (a screenwriting duo who also do script analysis at a reasonable fee) to give me notes. While I'm waiting for their responses, I leave the script alone and don't look at it. Once I get the notes back, I'll take another read through with semi-fresh eyes and makes some changes. Then I'll send it out to one or two script competitions and see how it does. The competitions allow you to submit updates, so you're not stuck with them having an old draft. As others have said above, your script will never be perfect, but nothing will happen if you don't get it out there.