Life As A Script Reader
I have been considering script reading as my starting route in to the film and television industry, so I interviewed professional script reader Michelle Goode to find out what it’s really like to work as a script reader and whether it’s a good route in to the industry. Here’s what I found out:
Script reading is a good way in for someone without a lot of work experience as it’s easy to find material to build up your portfolio. Michelle started out by writing reports for friends’ scripts, then sending those to production companies and competitions.
Michelle runs a blog – writesofluid – and recommends using blogs, rather than social media, for connecting with other writers and industry professionals as you get to showcase your writing at the same time as networking. But if you have the money, attending networking events and short courses are also great for meeting people and finding potential work. Michelle says it’s definitely who you know that gets you work in this industry, and it’s easier to make a lasting impression in person.
Essential skills for a script reader are good time management, strong analytical skills, patience and enthusiasm. Michelle says it can be tough working to deadlines and it’s not a very well paid job, even as a freelancer. You have to love the job, but it’s a nice working environment in which clients often become friends.
Script reading has led on to other work in script editing and novels for Michelle, but she also says it’s a great starting point for almost any job in the industry that could benefit from script development knowledge including directing and producing. It will also help you to improve as a screen writer as you are constantly thinking about character development and plot as you are writing your report.
Another benefit to working as a script reader is that most of the work can be done from home, so you don’t have to relocate to London if you’re not ready. Michelle works almost entirely from home, occasionally attending networking events to keep in the loop.
Script reader and film maker Danny Stack also runs a fantastic blog with lots of advice and tips on getting in to script reading if it’s something you’re interested in.
Sources:
Danny Stack’s blog.
Write so fluid – Michelle’s blog
Script reading is a good way in for someone without a lot of work experience as it’s easy to find material to build up your portfolio. Michelle started out by writing reports for friends’ scripts, then sending those to production companies and competitions.
Michelle runs a blog – writesofluid – and recommends using blogs, rather than social media, for connecting with other writers and industry professionals as you get to showcase your writing at the same time as networking. But if you have the money, attending networking events and short courses are also great for meeting people and finding potential work. Michelle says it’s definitely who you know that gets you work in this industry, and it’s easier to make a lasting impression in person.
Essential skills for a script reader are good time management, strong analytical skills, patience and enthusiasm. Michelle says it can be tough working to deadlines and it’s not a very well paid job, even as a freelancer. You have to love the job, but it’s a nice working environment in which clients often become friends.
Script reading has led on to other work in script editing and novels for Michelle, but she also says it’s a great starting point for almost any job in the industry that could benefit from script development knowledge including directing and producing. It will also help you to improve as a screen writer as you are constantly thinking about character development and plot as you are writing your report.
Another benefit to working as a script reader is that most of the work can be done from home, so you don’t have to relocate to London if you’re not ready. Michelle works almost entirely from home, occasionally attending networking events to keep in the loop.
Script reader and film maker Danny Stack also runs a fantastic blog with lots of advice and tips on getting in to script reading if it’s something you’re interested in.
Sources:
Danny Stack’s blog.
Write so fluid – Michelle’s blog
