I think this is an awesome idea, I'd love to take part in this... I'm wondering, though, if these comment sections are the best way to go about them. While you don't want to require legal arrangements or anything, some sort of login-required message board would probably help keep the looky-loos out and maybe help organize the conversation a little more. Which I guess the Black Board might qualify as, but I haven't been able to get on the Black Board for a while now (the link just keeps sending me back to the main page).

I had thought a private message board as well and as part of the user agreement, everyone would have to agree to a waiver release. That's probably the best way to go about it and protect the original IP from general public. Re the Black Board: After a good run, that has ceased operation. I'm not averse to creating some sort of private GITS workshop site, but there are a lot of details that would have to be worked out.

Yeah, it could be sort of like the class message board, except more open (the campus, rather than the classroom). Maybe with a time limit, so the threads expire after a certain amount of time, so that the information isn't up there forever.

It would be very nice to have a place where us, newbies could workshop our screenplays. I used to post stuff on TriggerStreet forums, but they are gone. I would prefer some sort of private environment because we would be discussing scripts that may not be ready for wide distribution and maybe it could hurt the script if an early version is available. I wonder if we would follow a similar format like the one used to analyze movies (Structure, Characters, Theme, Dialogue).

Yeah, compartmentalization would really help keep the conversations focused and easy to read and use. So you have a main thread with the script and general talkback, then sub-threads for Character, Structure, Theme, Dialogue, etc That's actually a real good idea, Alejandro.

That's actually how I mentor writers through the rewrite process: After they do a Clean Read Assessment, I have them work on Characters and Themes, then Structure and Pace. I'll need more input from people that they'd be interested in something like this before we get into the weeds re specifics. Maybe run it as an experiment at some point...

Quick thought: Maybe a discussion about feedback would be important. How to give useful feedback, best practices, what to avoid.

Alejandro, see my link in the OP called "constructive critique" for my thoughts on feedback.

This is such a great idea. Why don't we try it once, see what the real "problems" are, if any? Thanks for you interest!

Great idea. I would comment and participate for sure.

I'd enjoy being a part of this type of "workshop," by submitting my script and/or giving constructive feedback for another.

Maybe it’s time to resurrect the GITS Club Message Board ;-)

This is a great idea and I agree with the comments above. I thought about this overnight, and I, too, think that there must be some sort of log in process that protects everyone involved. You log in, you agree you're a commentator, not a writer of the script unless it is your script that is being reviewed. Also, in all the time I've known you Scott, I don't think I've ever heard you brag on yourself - but I absolutely agree, you run the best workshops and classes I've ever attended! I'm happy you owned up to it! :)

I think it's a fantastic idea. I'm definitely game for hoping that one of our screenplays gets picked from the Blacklist and also giving constructive feedback!

Okay, I'm going to do some more thinking on this. Feels like I'd need to create a private message board with some sort of user agreement for people to sign in order to participate. Have to balance this out with the amount of time involved. Also the private site angle is somewhat off-point with express desire of a lot of people for me to be more involved here on the blog in terms interactivity, so that concerns me. But going to explore it and see what happens. If anyone has other suggestions how to approach a monthly script workshop, please post here or email. Thanks for all your feedback so far!

I love this idea, as well, and would commit to participate as a commenter. I've been reading for writer friends and believe giving feedback on works in progress has helped me ID problems in my own work.

Haris, it's looking good for a go. Let's see what type of response happens today.

Austere, great then. Thanks!

Great to hear, Bretton. Thanks.

Hey, Mike, great to hear from you. Maybe something like that only private...

Great to hear from you, Judy. I'll see if we can work this out.