20 Proven Ways To Impress A Script Reader With Your Writing

“Script readers are the gatekeepers of producers, studio executives, financiers, directors and actors. If you want to get your screenplay into the hands of the influential people in the entertainment industry, you first have to impress a script reader.”

When people ask me who I recommend to provide script notes, my answer is always the same: Amanda Pendolino. I have known Amanda for many years and she is not only a professional script reader, but a talented writer. Her book “Wedding Planning for the Busy Feminist” received this accolade from Brides magazine:

“There will come a point during the planning process when you just need a laugh, and if that laugh comes with some actual advice, all the better! With anecdotes along the lines of ‘nothing sexes up a ceremony like a hot usher,’ Amanda Pendolino’s witty read caters to modern brides who want to steer away from certain dated wedding traditions. Plus, the book comes loaded with humorous tips and stories from real couples and vendors.”

Recently, Amanda posted an article at No Film School: 20 Proven Ways To Impress A Script Reader With Your Writing. Here is that list:

1. Create an Original Concept
2. Value Concept Over Execution
3. Stop Referencing Other Movies and Shows
4. Include Specific but Efficient Visual Details
5. Know Your Genre and Audience
6. Find The Most Interesting Angle
7. Run Away From Clichés
8. Include Women
9. Aim For Polished Clarity
10. Work On Your Character Descriptions
11. Cut Things Down
12. Don’t Take “Write What You Know” So Literally
13. Create an Active Protagonist
14. Create a Starring Role
15. Establish Relationships
16. Read Professional Scripts
17. Take a Position
18. Surprise Me
19. Study Structure
20. Aim For Tonal Consistency

Here are a few highlights:

Create an Original Concept 
Around 80% of the scripts sent to me by amateur writers would earn a conceptual PASS. Many writers do not clearly establish their script’s premise at all; others choose concepts that are familiar and predictable. If you can make a reader say “Oh, I’ve never seen that before,” you’ve won.

Work On Your Character Descriptions 
The phrase or sentence you use to introduce your character will stick with the reader. Is hair color and eye color really important? Some physicality can help me envision the right person, but I’m more interested in the person’s essence or vibe. Action can also help; instead of telling me someone is “the kind of person who would drop everything to help you,” you could SHOW me a scene of this instead of TELLING me about it.

Read Professional Scripts 
WE CAN TELL if you’ve never seen a professional script. Now that there are so many available online, you have no excuse! Everything — from how to format an indoor/outdoor flashback to how much description to include for a sex party scene — will be easier once you’ve read a lot of pro screenplays. Eventually, you won’t even need to think about format.

I have written on this subject: Script Readers: Hollywood’s threshold guardians. Amanda knows of what she speaks. I highly recommend you read this article.

Twitter: @amandapendo.