I just signed up and requested my first script to review.
I couldn't log in in IE, but tried in Firefox and it was fine.
First Look Page 7
Noted, and duly edited.
If anyone fancies reading a sitcom script of mine it's posted up in the critique forum: https://www.comedy.co.uk/forums/thread/16254
What's everyone's overall thoughts on this so far? Any good?
It's an interesting excersise I think, reading other writers work. With it being anonymous it's easier to be objective, not like reading a script your mate has written and not wanting to be too critical.
I have found myself thinking 'no, don't do that' - then realising I do it myself and I need to watch out for it when editing. So I've learnt from the experience too.
I was a little disappointed in the feedback I got on the script I submitted, possibly more because I spend about 3-4 hours reading and reviewing the scripts I've done, and I'm pretty sure the reports I got were not as in depth as that.
That said, there is an opportunity to re-submit if you're not happy and the reviews are graded by Screenplay so hopefully the standard should pick up if people realise they're a bit lacking.
That said, it garnered enough stars to get read by Screenplay and they want me to re-write it for radio instead of TV. Which is great as it was the first sitcom script I wrote 4 years ago and I thought it was dead.
Plus you can read someone elses and kid yourself that the one you're working on is genius by comparison and so it really is worth logging out of BCG and getting on with it.
A very positive experience all in all.
I've reviewed 16 scripts and 3 stars was the most I gave any of them. I guess that yours was not among them. It's good to know that 1st Look have taken an interest in your script. It shows there is a real incentive to do better, try harder and strive to improve. Comments such as yours would be a benfit to other aspirants if it was posted on the 1st Look website. Best of luck with the radio-ising process and best of luck with the finished article.
Quote: Stephen Birch @ February 4 2010, 8:59 AM GMTI've reviewed 16 scripts and 3 stars was the most I gave any of them. I guess that yours was not among them. It's good to know that 1st Look have taken an interest in your script. It shows there is a real incentive to do better, try harder and strive to improve. Comments such as yours would be a benfit to other aspirants if it was posted on the 1st Look website. Best of luck with the radio-ising process and best of luck with the finished article.
Thanks for the good wishes. And I did get a 3 from someone so, who knows?
Sounds worth a go, cheers
Steve aren't you already working with Screenplay and mentioned on the talent section of the site - or am I really befuddled this morning?
If I gave you a '3' it shows that I'm one of those who are 'lacking' and need to improve. However, I read scripts 3 times and I then provide the assessment and page by page comments of errors and inconsitencies, and suggestions. 4 hours minimum. AND if, after all that, I gave you a '3' it shows I need to improve in my evaluation of concepts and themes.
Quote: Stephen Birch @ February 4 2010, 9:29 AM GMTIf I gave you a '3' it shows that I'm one of those who are 'lacking' and need to improve. However, I read scripts 3 times and I then provide the assessment and page by page comments of errors and inconsitencies, and suggestions. 4 hours minimum. AND if, after all that, I gave you a '3' it shows I need to improve in my evaluation of concepts and themes.
Good point. And on that basis, it clearly wasn't you.
Quote: Dolly Dagger @ February 4 2010, 9:22 AM GMTSteve aren't you already working with Screenplay and mentioned on the talent section of the site - or am I really befuddled this morning?
That is, indeed true. The working with and the mention, the fact that it's in the talent section is probably a mistake.
I have a number of projects I'm working with Screenplay on and a few others that are in various states of incompleteness. I ran the list of works in progress by Screenplay and they suggested I concentrate on a particular idea. When the First Look scheme started, I submitted a script from my work in progress list as it was finished but had been languishing for years following a review from Marc Blake who thought it was too similar to something that had aired since I wrote it. It was a last ditch attempt to get it read by a producer to see if anything could be salvaged as I still think it's a good script.
what do you find harder to review a really good script or a really bad script?
Really bad. No question. I'd like the opportunity of reviewing a good script - like "by any other name's" for e.g.
I agree. The script reviews are graded too and I am judged higher when I report on a better script than a less good one. I think it's harder to comment on the characterisation if there isn't any, or pick out the positives if it's just a rip off of an existing sitcom.
My scripts (4) have scored a consistent 3. The concept of one of them is well regarded. I did a requested re-write, and made the reccommended changes - it still scored 3!!! However, I've now got other reccommended changes to make and maybe this time I'll get some 4's. If not, I'm thinking of changing my name to Steve by any other tree.
A confession: 1st Look have awarded my assessments with three 2's, nine 3's and two 4's. My average is 2.999999999999999999999999999.
When you're new to script-writing, like the first person, and you don't have a fair grip on the assessment headings it makes the task more difficult. "Series Arch", "Structure", "Pace". I have a hard time with these three and it makes my eyes water.