To Mazin's point, it is unlikely that anyone is going to LOVE a bad script, but also unlikely that EVERYONE will LOVE a great script. The BL does allow for, to a certain extant, a variety of feedback to give you an idea if there is any potential. Of course it is all too easy to give writers hope, even when it's hopeless.

Scott, in agreement! I only recently started using the blacklist, but I have to say even though I have had the benefit of a couple of professional reads as well as some wonderful input from writer's group and friends, the BL evaluations do take the scripts to another level, so highly recommended. I realize it's subjective and different for everybody, but my own reviews have been spot on and I have seen improvement in my drafts . Also on the same note, IMHO, while this is a great tool, the blacklist it seems to me is really looking for the best and the highest level in scripts they read, so I also think it's important for us writers to make sure we have done everything we can on our own first before putting it there to cater to the general high standards of the industry. It's great though to help you see where your work stands overall and does so in a fairly transparent way and yet still allowing you to improve your work, which is great.

I’m seeking a little advice here from folks who’ve been around awhile. I’m considering posting a script for a month (the $25 deal) and buying the $50 coverage from the Blacklist on that script. I’m unclear how this works. Does this mean the script is available for all industry professionals to read? Or just the Blacklist’s “readers?” I ask because I’ve read many times that you shouldn’t put a script “out there” unless it is as good as you, the writer, believe it can be. This script, I believe, still needs work. However, the work it needs (I believe) is dependent on development considerations such as budget, locations etc. I believe it is “good enough” to see if there is interest in its concept and characters. The major beats are there, IMO, to test whether it is a good story that might make, with development, a good movie. In other words, does Howard Hawks’ observation that a good movie is three great scenes and no bad ones hold any water for a new writer trying to market a spec script? Because I believe this script has three great scenes and no bad ones. But it needs some in-fill. The note (among others), might be “it’s a little thin here.” So, do I risk hurting the script’s chances (and my chances as a writer) if I subject it to public comment when, in my heart, I know it still needs work, even if I believe the work it needs is dependent upon development considerations? Thanks in advance.

Short, gut shot answers are expected. I can take it!

Hey, mafatty79. I don't think you hurt the script's chances. The readers are anonymous readers hired by BL. You may want to head over and check the BL FAQ page to be sure, but you can control who sees the reviews. In that regard, the comments aren't really "public". Generally, people who are on there looking or material (producers etc) are only reading high scoring material that comes their way via a news letter of some sort. I doubt they are noting or reading reviews for anything else. You'll find that you need at least 2 reviews before that would even happen. And frankly, I'm not sure one review will do you a ton of good either way. Basically, you are in control, and can pull the work at any time.

What do you know, Craig Mazin had absolutely nothing good to say about something a lot of people like and value greatly. Does that guy ever wake up on the right side of the bed?

I'm finding everything Declan says here is true about the Black List. Their suggestions have been spot-on. Up to 7's and 8's but i think this latest draft will push this story over the top. What's the key skill? Embracing the criticism I need and leaving the rest. But if the same issue comes up many times... well.

Mazin's comment is a actually encouraging, as I see it. He's saying your work only has to find that one champion. Which is more likely to happen on the BL than anywhere else, because it stands a chance of getting seen. Again, if it's no good, nobody will like it. If it is good, and you find a reader on the BL (or preferably a few) who like it, it can be seen by someone influential who falls in love with it. That has happened on the BL more often than other avenues, I believe. He just doesn't see the point in taking the coverage you get there as expert advice. Or really any coverage you pay for. That's always been his stance. The only coverage that matters is by the one who might make your movie.