"Look, I get it. I know you don’t like to read scripts. I experience a monthly reminder of this every time we do a GITS Script Reading & Analysis where it’s largely empty echoes, whistling winds and tumbling tumbleweeds around these here parts." "There is real value in reading scripts." When you're right, you're right. Damn it. Buuut--I have to be choosy about when I read someone else's work, or else the self-loathing, "I have no talent compared to _____" sets in. So, for the sake of my writing self-esteem, I'll binge script-read before I start a new project. Never during.

Here's my problem. I'm a persnickity little bastard when it comes to reading scripts. If it's not one that I feel is in my wheelhouse (i.e. comedy, horror, adult drama) I more or less shun it. If I had any sense at all, I would do the opposite and read more action/sci-fi/thriller scripts, broaden my scope, and probably learn something fer Pete's sake. Also, I tend to read the same scripts over and over. Ones that I have found particularly meaningful or educational in some way. Which leads me to an interesting question - - what script do you folks use as your "go to" script to get that little extra juice, that little nudge of inspiration? Mine is a somewhat ridiculous one that I found on the streets of L.A. in 1994, from a weird vendor who also had bobblehead chihuahuas and cassettes of his own little mixtapes. A hard copy of Earl Mac Rauch's BUCKAROO BANZAI (revised third draft dated 2/18/83). Yours?

Jeff, I can't adequately express my jealousy over your Buckaroo Banzai script. Wow. My go-to script at the moment is Four Lions. It's a comedy, so you might enjoy it, too.

Incidentally, we've just opened up a script discussion area on the GOYOQ Forums. Right now, the scripts under scrutiny are: All About Eve, Citizen Kane, The Disciple Program, The Nines, and Shadow 19. Everyone is welcome to come and discuss the scripts you're reading. Also, if you are looking for scripts to read, don't forget Scott has run several excellent series that analyze scripts or excerpts from scripts: - the extensive script link library in the Genre Essentials series - GITS Script to Screen series - GITS Great Scene series - GITS Screenplay Analysis series

Shaula, it's a dinged up, yellowed, creased, dog-eared mess...but the original brads are intact! :D Thanks for the tip on Four Lions. Looks like my kind of thing, to be sure. I'm (the only?) fan of "Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World" by Albert Brooks so this'll do just fine!

Why don't more people read scripts? Probably because the great reservoir of scripts (The Internet) is also the biggest distraction and time-waster on the planet. Surf's up!

Then it may well be up your alley. I'd love to hear what you think of it, Jeff.

Scott, you mention reading spec scripts - where does one get access to these?

Two things, Traci. Totally agree reading exceptional scripts can, over time, be a bit debilitating. But I find you can balance that out with inspiration. It's like that quote from Ted Elliott: “When I hear aspiring screenwriters who talk about, ‘Yeah, I saw Godzilla and it was terrible. I can write better than that.’ My feeling about that is, no, go watch The Godfather or Casablanca or Ghostbusters, and say, ‘Holy crap! That was great, I want to write something that good!’ If you look at a movie and say, ‘That’s crap, I can do better,’ then basically all you’re trying to do is write crap plus one. It’s far better to try to write the best thing you’ve ever seen, because at least you’re aspiring to a higher level.” Second thing, and I'm glad you mentioned it, I do NOT recommend reading scripts in the SAME GENRE of what you are writing when you are writing it. Don't want that cross-pollination, potentially pollution, with your creative process.

Dean, check out the current post up top on the blog. The easiest thing is to subscribe to an online tracking board like the one I link to in the post. There are strict usage rules, which there should be, to protect the work of the writers. As I note ALL the time, the circulation of spec scripts that have sold should be ONLY for educational purposes. No posting in public, only private reading.

Shaula, that's a great idea. I'm sure you won't mind if I re-post this info.

Daniel, I suppose this is true. But to be honest, I've NEVER met anyone who complains about or confesses to reading TOO MANY scripts... unless it's professional script readers who get paid to read. My experience is that reading scripts is the lowest item on their to-do list... which is why I keep hammering the point. But yes, if you do find yourself JUST reading scripts and not watching movies, not thinking concepts, not writing pages, and not living life, then you should try to find a balance.

With my blessing, Scott!

PS One more great script source: if you are a college or university student or alumni, you may well have access to your school's online library of scripts. I'm a McGill alumna myself and the McGill script collection is tremendous--they have a subscription to the Alexander Street Press American Film Scripts collection of more than 1,000 scripts.

The screenplays for this year's awards contenders are here, including Beasts of the Southern Wild, Amour, Rust and Bone, Moonrise Kingdom, Promised Land, Smashed and This is 40.

You're a prince David! Thanks so much for clustering them all in one place, much appreciated!

Seconded! Thank you very much, David. Merci bien!

You're welcome. For good measure, I've just added the screenplay for Lincoln by Tony Kushner.

[...] Read Scripts Look, I get it. I know you don’t like to read scripts. I experience a monthly reminder of this every time we do a GITS Script Reading & Analysis where it’s largely empty echoes, whistling winds and tumbling tumbleweeds around these here parts. [...]

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