I have a new spec I'm getting ready to take out, and since I'm always spouting off about paying for reads, I figured I'd try it. Seemed like the fair thing to do. (I did a similar experiment with a treatment a couple of years ago, but never with a script.)
I picked a couple of people who are recommended here, put a fake name on the script, and sent it off with my money.
My basic view hasn't changed - I think critiquing and being critiqued are both important to do continually, which is why one should really work on developing a circle of writers. I also worry about running into someone who just doesn't click with a certain story sending a writer in the wrong direction.
But that said, both people did a great job. One of them is too busy and asked that I not plug them right at this moment, but the other one has said I can talk about it: EvilRbt (ScreenplayMechanic.com).
One of the reasons I wanted to try him out is that his basic service seems fair - he charges writers about what studios pay for coverage. If you're curious to see how a pro reader breaks down your story and what he thinks of your execution, and whether he'd pass it along at the companies he works for, this is a reasonable way to do it.
And I'll say his notes were right on, and the things he pointed out were things that my reps mentioned when they read it.
And beyond that... although he clearly isn't one of those "pay me and I'll send your script to producers!" guys (and doesn't advertise himself as such), he went above and beyond and offered marketing ideas.
EvilRbt, if you want to add anything I missed, that'd be great - but the only thing I ask is that you not reveal any details of the script before it goes out.
I picked a couple of people who are recommended here, put a fake name on the script, and sent it off with my money.
My basic view hasn't changed - I think critiquing and being critiqued are both important to do continually, which is why one should really work on developing a circle of writers. I also worry about running into someone who just doesn't click with a certain story sending a writer in the wrong direction.
But that said, both people did a great job. One of them is too busy and asked that I not plug them right at this moment, but the other one has said I can talk about it: EvilRbt (ScreenplayMechanic.com).
One of the reasons I wanted to try him out is that his basic service seems fair - he charges writers about what studios pay for coverage. If you're curious to see how a pro reader breaks down your story and what he thinks of your execution, and whether he'd pass it along at the companies he works for, this is a reasonable way to do it.
And I'll say his notes were right on, and the things he pointed out were things that my reps mentioned when they read it.
And beyond that... although he clearly isn't one of those "pay me and I'll send your script to producers!" guys (and doesn't advertise himself as such), he went above and beyond and offered marketing ideas.
EvilRbt, if you want to add anything I missed, that'd be great - but the only thing I ask is that you not reveal any details of the script before it goes out.
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