Screenplay Productions is a fantastic enterprise and they have a new feature http://www.screenplayproductions.ltd.uk/index%20First%20Look.htm
First Look
That's interesting and looks like an innovative idea, unless it's something already trialled in America or somewhere. I'd have to read it again a few times and look into it a little more though, because one little thing already bothers me, rightly or not I don't know, but it's this - are some/many of these readers going to be naturally negative about other writers' scripts, because obviously they wouldn't want to make out they are better than their own. If this does happen, then the company will not be getting a true reflection of the scripts' potential, and overall, the marking or feedback might be lower than if a proper reading agency read them. I'm so sceptical about these new so called breakthrough ideas to help writers - it could be a great scheme, but, well, possibly not one for me. I'll look into it a bit more though.
Sounds good. Have to look into this a bit more.
Quote: Alfred J Kipper @ September 13 2009, 8:56 AM BSTI'll look into it a bit more
Quote: MrWriterMan @ September 24 2009, 2:55 PM BSTHave to look into this a bit more.
Have already - but will again - a bit more.
Is first look worth a second look?
It's genuine, and underpinned by a free Copyrighting service. New writers would be crazy to overlook this – highly recommended. Within the blurb you'll see the issue of 'fairness' in critiques has already been addressed. Go for it.
Quote: Rhubarb @ September 25 2009, 8:41 AM BSTIt's genuine, and underpinned by a free Copyrighting service. New writers would be crazy to overlook this – highly recommended. Within the blurb you'll see the issue of 'fairness' in critiques has already been addressed. Go for it.
As I read it - what the copyright business means is that he will keep records of who is reading what so that if you are working on something similar to what you are reading and it later gets made - he will back up a claim by the person whose work you have read that you have nicked the idea from them.
And for that reason I am out.
Marc! You're so cynical about new writing opportnities
Quote: Rhubarb @ September 25 2009, 9:15 AM BSTMarc! You're so cynical about new writing opportnities
Well I wish him well and the company well and I think he is genuinely trying to get new writers opportunities to be produced which is great. I just don't think this particular scheme is well conceived. For the reasons above. Also if I was a new writer sending a script to a production company to be assessed I would want it to be assessed by a professional. If I wanted it to be be assessed like a wannabe like me I would take it to my next door neighbour who is keen on surfing or post it in critique. Having said that it's probably no diffeent to sending a sitcom script to the Writers Room I guess, and it's just a way for him to get his slush pile filtered.
Quote: Stan Doubt @ September 25 2009, 9:20 AM BSTOuch. I don't usually agree with Mark's cynicism, but I did think the same thing.
Which particular cynicism don't you agree with? I wasn't aware I was cynical.
Marc, step away from the this thread before you explode. 
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ September 25 2009, 9:36 AM BSTMarc, step away from the this thread before you explode.
I get so desperate, I'll try anything with anyone.
(I get so lonely sometimes)
Quote: Stan Doubt @ September 25 2009, 10:56 AM BSTWhen you disagreed with Screenplay optioning scripts without payment. I didn't agree at the time. Now I do, but I don't think Screenplay does it with anything but the best intentions. However, it's not something I would do again or with another company.
Well it's not cynicism it's just experience. I have had problems in the past, more than once, with things are that done on a wink and a nod and outside of normal industry practice. I have had a number of things optioned and have always been paid an option fee is all. By signing an option agreement you are basically taking your product out of the market for a year. It makes n osense to do that unless there is some kind of commitment and investment from the company you are signing the option rights away to. I see no problem with a company saying we are not going to pay you an option fee because we are a new company trying to get off the ground but would love to work with you and take your product to a broadcaster/co production company. No problem with that, that doesn't take a year to do - so why sign rights away is all. I am entirely sure Screenplay are a thoroughly reputable outfit I have sent stuff myself to Jan and was extremely happy with his take on it, and if he wanted to take something of mine to someone else to develop it I would be more than happy. I just wouldn't sign away the rights for a year is all. It's something I would discuss and negotiate. It's not the money it's the control. Money's nice of course but far from everything - which is just as well if you are a writer!
I got another email asking me to sign up to this today. I might do it to pass the time, but I might not...