Hey Scott,

I have asked this question elsewhere but I would really like your feedback on it. How do you read scripts? Do you still print them out or do you read them directly off of a device (PC, iPad, Kindle, etc.) and if it is the latter then how do you analyze the scripts. Do you take notes or use an application? I am really interested because sometimes it feels like Im not really learning from the script if I read on a screen. Maybe it's just a psychological thing. Anyway thanks for reading.

Top ten screenwriting books everyone should have on their shelf.

Top ten screenplays everyone should analyze.

Hi Scott, thanks for this blog.

I have a story idea for an action film. Its a one page(i dont know what to call it, - a treatment?.

I am not sure of how to get the logline of that story.
Can you help me to write the logline, if I send you the story?

Thankyou.

Howdy Scott,

Long time, no post! I have a quick question: would a studio still buy a script that had been uploaded for critique on a public website such as GITS Club?

Would the fact that virutally anyone in the world may also have a copy of the script put them off?

When trying to sell a spec, what are the advantages of trying to attach talent vs. just going wide with the script itself? Which one should I be doing (assuming the script is the type a studio is looking for)?

I'm struggling with the subject of script length. I've read some discussions on GITS and I realize that script readers have a tough job - they want short scripts.

On the other hand, my genre is action and if you look at the script lengths of many successful movies, a page count of 115 or less isn't possible without cutting out complete scenes/beats. Trimming only gets you so far.

Consider the following list of scripts. My own script is similar in tone and story. I listed the page count behind their names.

Aliens (120), Gladiator (121), Avatar (152), Titanic (173), Batman Begins (150), Inception (147), Dark Knight (141), Star Trek (156)

Suddenly 125 pages sounds short (the page count of my own screenplay ;) )

Considering this, would you cut scenes (although it would compromise the story quite a bit) to bring it down to 115 or leave it as is?

Thank you

Any tips on tone? What I'm most intimidated by, strikes me as what you most gain through experience (and if Diablo Cody didn't nail the tonal shift in Jennifer's Body to folks' satisfaction, what hope do I have, esp as a newbie?).

Does tone entirely spring from genre? Is it tempo? Is it emotion?

If my story has lots of action, some humor, some violence, some love, how can I make sure the tone is melodious in all the ways it needs to be?

Any and all savvy appreciated. Thank you, Scott!

Scott, did you get the email I sent you a few days ago? Thanks.

I have a question.

I've followed this blog every day for roughly eighteen months and you post... every single day.

6am to 6pm.

Has Mrs. M ever asked...

"Can we leave the house... please?"

The information you post on a daily basis is priceless but I do wonder...

Do you ever vacation?

Or, are you actually...

A ROBOT!

Dun... dun... duuuuuuuuuuuuuun!!!

Hey , Courtney...thts a gr8 question man....LOL...even I want to know how Scott manages his time.

Scott,

I know you are not a lawyer and don't play on on TV, but....

When a producer or manager states that they will only look at material submitted by the screenwriter’s legal representation, would your personal lawyer suffice? Does he/she have to be an entertainment attorney? Does he/she have to be licensed in California?

Thanks in advance.

I have a script based (loosely) on the characters and ideas in the songs from an album by a big 70s-80s band. (The script is like "The Hangover" but different, certainly much more different than "The Hangover 2".)

I have a contact who is going to be meeting the band in a few weeks - and he said he'll talk to them about the project.

I'm working on the assumption that getting the band onboard is a good move - while not huge they have credibility and one of the songs (from that album) is a "classic".

Anyway, the question: where the hell do I go with a meeting assuming I get one with them?