PGL- assigning a rating

[GothamWriter]

At some point in the review process, the reader is going to be asked what rating the script in question will receive. This is going to be a very subject call.

One reviewer might rate anything with even one expletive as an R rating, while another reviewer might view a script with plenty of profanity as a PG-13.

Same issue with violence.

And this concerns me (although I do not see any easy fix in a peer review system).

I am in the process of modifying a script for submission to PGL. The original version contains a hefty amount of profanity (which seems natural for the subject matter and the characters) and, to be honest, was intended as an R-rated story. I feel that some of the profanity must stay. After all, how many f-words can you turn to 'friggin's'?

What rule of thumb are you using to bring your script in line with a PG-13 for Project Greenlight?

Are you setting a magic number of curses to include?

[Hairy Lime]

If they're looking for PG-13 work why in the world are they asking specifically for horror scripts (among other genres)? This is the nail in the coffin. No way in hell I'm submitting my horror script with the target of a PG-13 rating.

[RKBentley]

I guess they're figuring with editing and revisions they could get a nice Ring-themed horror movie or a good Thriller.

[Jami]

I'm taking all the "f" words out of mine, too. Although I believe the FCC says it's permissible if it's an adjective. Presumably, though, not an adjective describing Janet Jackson's breast.

Jami

[Jack0902]

Gotham, I'm dealing with this very issue. I'm taking out all F's, even though we are allowed one as an expletive. I'm also toning down the blood in one of my more violent scenes. And I'm toning down the sex scene.

My script really should be an R-rated film. But, for PGL, I'll modify.

Think about it this way, try to give as little excuse as possible for a competitive reader who begrudingly likes your script to knock off points rating it as an R film.

[gwhurls]

If people read the rules, they'll finally realize that scripts get EDITED after being selected for production, and that anything that needs to get removed to make the rating will... then. I'm watching what I do in regards to nudity (using well placed POV's), but there's still three f*words in my script (at least).

[puddins mommy]

I'm in the process of doing the same thing. There is one F word I refuse to remove because, if I can only have one, I want that one right where it is.

But I'm wondering what to do about other words, for instance: bullsh*t, jack@ss, sh*t, son-of-a-bitch...are those ok for a PG-13. I guess, if I had a 13 year old, I wouldn't want him/her to hear those words, but I don't know what the *rules* are about that. I don't see very many PG-13 movies.

Although my screenplay doesn't have any sex scenes or excessive gore, it really wasn't intened to be a PG-13, so I'm finding it difficult to convert it to one.

[KimBritt]

UGH, I hate when I forget to logout. That last post was from me :rolleyes

[gwhurls]

In one spot I wrote "Effen" rather than "fu*ckin'". The character doesn't say the f-word at all before that, and she's in a moment where she might. It looks like crap on paper but phonetically it works.

[DogStalker]

My second PGL screenplay has "****s" out the ass. Heh. And I'm not @#%$ changing it for anyone, either. @#%$ 'em if they don't @#%$ like it. The dumb ******s.

My other SP has nary a curse word in it, though. Definitely PG material. :D