...for practice? Is it better to read the script all the way through and decide what you think does or doesn't work without watching the programme/film and then read the script through again while watching and thinking about why there were cuts or alterations? Or is it better to just read through the script while watching and deciding what does or doesn't work, etc?
It is totally what works for you. I know people that will read a script first and then watch the movie. I actually do it the other way as I like to de-construct it from the top. Also, how do you know if you like a movie if you haven't seen it?
Of course a good script can be done badly so there is a flaw in that. But I enjoy watching a film/program more than reading a script so I do that first and the script after. Just try both and see what your own learning pattern is.
Quote: ContainsNuts @ September 20 2010, 10:52 PM BSTIt is totally what works for you. I know people that will read a script first and then watch the movie. I actually do it the other way as I like to de-construct it from the top. Also, how do you know if you like a movie if you haven't seen it?
Of course a good script can be done badly so there is a flaw in that. But I enjoy watching a film/program more than reading a script so I do that first and the script after. Just try both and see what your own learning pattern is.
Thanks for your reply.
The scripts I read are usually of films or programmes that I've watched before so I already know if I like them or not.
Quote: ContainsNuts @ September 20 2010, 10:52 PM BSTI actually do it the other way as I like to de-construct it from the top.
I bet you're fun at the cinema.
Quote: Leevil @ September 21 2010, 12:36 AM BSTI bet you're fun at the cinema.
Quote: Leevil @ September 21 2010, 12:36 AM BSTI bet you're fun at the cinema.
Don't worry, I don't watch films 'as a writer' yet. Just as a fan and then I might read and deconstruct the script in my own time. 
But out of interest, can anyone BE fun at the cinema?
Quote: ContainsNuts @ September 21 2010, 11:59 AM BSTDon't worry, I don't watch films 'as a writer' yet. Just as a fan and then I might read and deconstruct the script in my own time.
But out of interest, can anyone BE fun at the cinema?
Nope, just violently annoying.
Quote: ContainsNuts @ September 21 2010, 11:59 AM BSTBut out of interest, can anyone BE fun at the cinema?
I can. I get right up front, do an hour of stand up and show off my fire juggling skills. If it's a really long film like JFK I tend to cover the shortfall with impressions of 19th Century British Prime Ministers.
Quote: ContainsNuts @ September 21 2010, 11:59 AM BSTBut out of interest, can anyone BE fun at the cinema?
Sit at the back Sit at the back and you pick your nose and no one will know. That's quite fun... 
I would like some answers to my question as well.
Quote: Marooned @ September 21 2010, 1:50 PM BSTI would like some answers to my question as well.
What I do is start at FADE OUT and work my way backwards seeing if I can guess the beginning.
Quote: David Bussell @ September 21 2010, 1:51 PM BSTWhat I do is start at FADE OUT and work my way backwards seeing if I can guess the beginning.
In my opinion, there are only two things that are certain in this life: FADE IN and FADE OUT.
If you're into reading scripts for practice then you're best of reading scripts from films you enjoy and the circling your favourite parts. Then reading scripts for films you don't like and then circling where it doesn't work. And then reading a script to a film you haven't seen and then watch it to see how it worked out.
I'm not sure what your question is, but if it's about research then come at research from every angle. What have you got to loose in this case, as a presumably amateur writer?