How do screenwriters get feedback?

Congrats! You finished your first screenplay draft. Now what? It’s time for some feedback. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve accomplished as a writer. Everyone needs feedback. There are so many elements that make up a good script; story, structure, format, characters, and dialogue. You may be great in one area, but deficient in another area. Getting feedback is important in improving your script and growing as a writer. 

How and from whom do you receive feedback? 

Everyone has different perspectives when reading scripts so I would get more than one person to read your script. When common issues arise you then know what to work on in your rewrite. Writing is re-writing. 

You may have colleagues, friends, or family members who could read your script and give their best impressions. They may simply sugarcoat the story and not give constructive criticism because they know you, don’t want to hurt your feelings or are simply not familiar with scripts. You want constructive criticism. 

Other writers perfecting their craft who may be more knowledgeable about screenplays would be more honest with your script and therefore more beneficial. Even better are readers working in development whose jobs are reading scripts. 

Screenwriting competitions give feedback. You might have to pay a little extra, but it may be worth it. 

Writers Groups

Writers groups are a great way to get feedback. You’ll receive notes from readers of various backgrounds. It may be beneficial to have readers who specialize in the genre you’ve written your script in. If your script is a horror story, it may be more helpful to have horror writers read it. 

Some writers’ groups involve actors who do cold readings of your script. That way you hear the voices of your characters out loud. This is a whole additional level of feedback. It’s instant feedback. To hear your characters and the dialogue live really shows if you’re on the right track. Do your characters all sound alike? Writers groups can be very supportive.

Screenplay Platforms for Hosting Screenplays, Getting Notes and Pitching

You can pitch your story to development insiders for a price. One screenplay resource platform is Roadmap Writers. You can upload and host your screenplay on platforms to enter contests with savings. Coverfly does peer-to-peer notes. It doesn’t cost anything. They have direct notes too. The International Screenwriting Association or ISA has a low monthly fee to host your screenplay. Stage32 is another platform. Blacklist is a popular platform. You can pay to have your screenplay evaluated. 

There are also pitchfests where you pitch to managers, agents, producers, and production companies. 

Read, Read, Read!

I highly recommend reading scripts in the same genre. In addition, just read any scripts of any genre. Reading scripts helps regardless of the genre. Read Oscar-winning scripts. Read scripts from the best and most prestigious competitions like Nichols and Austin Film Festival. What’s in those scripts that stands out and shines?

Now, go write!