Screenwriting : Terror On Peace Island by Ruby Kleinschmidt

Well, I don't understand small towns, so I'm sympathetic to readers who didn't get your script. (I'm not sure that writing something for such a narrow demographic is a wise idea... I've seen plenty of "small town" movies that communicated their story in a way that was perfectly explicable.) That said, yes, I've gotten terrible coverage (and reviews of movies I've made) that suggested the reader/viewer was a complete dunderhead who missed the point. The key is to get consensus. If you can afford to get more coverage (or post it here and try to get some free coverage) and everyone agrees it's flawed, then you definitely have more work to do. But if two guys say "it's terrific" and one guy says "what is this crap?" then maybe you can ignore that bad review as an outlier.

Thanks for the feedback. I did post the screenplay on my profile here and on my linkedin profile. So far no one has offered comments.

Sorry to hear that Ruby, but it could be the reader or the script. I'd suggest re-posting the logline and general synopsis and I for one will definitely get back to you.

The script is posted on my profile on Stage 32 as a word document. I can post it as a pdf if I need to. I would appreiciate feedback. Right now I feel really beat-up, bruised and defeated. I have literally worked on this script for over 10 yrs. It has survived 3 computer crashes, being lost after computer repair and then found on a floppy and I was able to begin agian to finish the story. Through all of that I was raising children, caring for an elderly, invaild mom and working to support my family. But I got it written.... finding fade out was a victory.

Just like with anything else, you need a second opinion. The thing about a movie script is that the movie will show all over the world, small towns, big cities, and every country you can think of. It has to work in all of those places.

That's excellent and inspiring. We've all been told our stuff is lousy. We just have to pick ourselves up and keep at it. I would recommend a step one for you: get screenwriting software. Maybe someone else can recommend something free or cheap, or you can consult Google. But your script is not properly formatted, and that's always going to create a psychological drag for the reader. A properly formatted screenplay has an instant gloss of professionalism that will cause the reader to go in with an open mind. When the formatting is non-standard (as yours is) readers are probably setting expectations at "amateur" and that will influence how they absorb your writing, no matter how fine. Sorry, I know that's more negative feedback at a time you're feeling down. But it's something relatively simple you can do to boost your script up a level. Paste what you have into Final Draft (or a cheaper equivalent) and then spend a few hours getting it standardized. It'll help.

Thank you both. Right now I am babying along an old computer, running XP. Saving up for a new custom built system. I told the computer guy I need a lot of memory and certain software. It's gonna run around $800.

I have never used https://www.celtx.com/ but believe it to be shareware (ie: free) which is a price just about everyone can afford.

Alle, if you would like to read it it is posted on my profile here on Stage 32. I agree you shpuld be able to write on any device. When I started writing scripts, 1979, I used a manual typewriter.

"Talentville" http://www.talentville.com/ will review your screenplay for points earned doing reviews for others (free). This is all amateur review; however, so I would put more weight on a review by an expert like Alle. And you have to give yourself credit for finishing a screenplay between child care (only the most unscripted, time consuming, emotionally wearing job I know of), learning format, scene writing, story telling, and then having the hutzpah to put it out there. Bravo.

When I was a child around 8 - 9 yrs old my dad told me I was a slut - tramp and whore for wanting to learn to play music and study theater in college. There were no filmmaking majors then. Until my parents died I was reminded daily of the disappointment and horrible person I was because of my choice to study and work in the entertinment industry.

Ruby, welcome. Now you can put that pain to work for you. Learn your craft and press ahead. Your story is written in your head and now you have draft on paper (albeit ten years of work!). You are on the rise. Like Richard Botto said "...let every time you hear 'No' fuel you."

Been there! I could tell the person didn't really read mine by the logline they created for me that had very little to do with my story.

I'm kinda surprised bc when I was an analyst at ScriptShark everything had to be very positive bc they thought that would make writers come back. that's part of why I started No BullScript. But yea - get a 2nd opinion before getting too worked up over it. A non-anonymous opinion.

Hi Ruby: As has been said: You finished it! Now do the re-write. Enter a contest such as Bluecat. If you enter early, you will receive two feedbacks. I agree with the comments about using screenwriter software - very important! I use MovieMagic which runs about $170.00 but there are free script writing software available. Use the earth mother (Google) to find the free ones. I'm gonna' read your script and get back to you. Soldier on! Be Well - Do Good Frank

Celtx or RawScripts are both free - Raw scripts doesn't even need to be installed so you can work on a script at an internet cafe or at work. It doesn't have all the features but it's formatted correctly.

One person's opinion should always be taken with probably a full teaspoon of salt. BUT if 9 out of 10 cats prefer Whiskas, then Whiskas is good cat food, no getting around it...

I use Cetlx, free and you can save your work on their servers/cloud... then pick it up on iPad, different PC etc later... you'll not lose your script again that's for sure. In terms of feedback - one persons opinion should definitely be taken with a pinch of salt, get some additional opinions and go from there. Anthony

Thank you, to all of you for your encouragement. I can do a re-write but I think I will tuck this story away for a while to get a little perpsective and maybe a different viewpoint. As far as the formatting goes. I am slightly dyslexic and using abrevations such as the setting (Interior- Kitchen- Evening) is difficult for me. I have seen scripts such as Int.-Kit-Eve and it runs together as one word for me. It makes the writing process much more difficult for me. I will look into some of the free formatting software and see if I have space to download it if needed. I have a rough draft about 2/3 done and several other ideas to work on.