This is last draft stuff focusing on enhancing readability.
If you need to hammer a point home, go for it, but usually, stating the obvious is just adding more words to trawl through, instead of pushing the story forward.
Cut the fluff! #scriptsky
As a script reader, you see the same old issues crop up over and over.
These errors (when combined) make it easy to pass on a script, which is great at whittling out the chaff, but reading shit scripts all day can be incredibly soul-destroying at the same time.
Burnout is real, folks! #scriptsky
Short Com isn't just looking for traditional sitcoms (aka low-cost comfort food for the eyes), comedy dramas, compelling single-cam realism, and binge-able comedy content are all just as welcome.
If you've got a half-hour script that's funny as f*ck, this is the contest for you. #scriptsky
Here's what's happening on the contest submission front.
Don't be afraid of trends, btw.
Just ensure your concept is MEMORABLE (for good reasons, not bad ones), and ORIGINAL (take a trend and put a new spin on it).
#scriptsky
In ensembles, it's always ONE character's story more than the others, but if a Reader can't figure out who they're supposed to be following, things have gotten muddled.
Here's a few reasons as to why a Reader may struggle to figure out who the real lead of your story is. #scriptsky
Are you tracking your character's emotional transformation just as much as you're plotting out those structural story beats? #scriptsky
Submission season is hotting up, but don't fall on the last hurdle before clicking 'send' and grab the fillable PDF in store now!
Want to avoid a whole load of other errors? Check out The Final Draft Cheat Sheet, which details every commonly made problem and how to fix or avoid them.
#scriptsky
True #scriptsky
A little goes a long way when it comes to authentic dialogue.
Keep readability in mind.
Will adding accents make reading easier or more difficult?
If in doubt, use scene description or a parenthetical to inform the actor and leave the performance up to them.
#scriptsky
Back from a much-needed holiday 😊
Here's the first 4 pages of a 10-page mystery.
The full script and analysis can be found in the latest blog post on the website, where you can also find details on how to submit your script too.
>>>Link in the Bio<<< #scriptsky
Sick of getting free stuff? Why not spend some money instead?
All proceeds go towards maintaining the website, which puts me out of pocket year on year.
Go on, support your friendly neighborhood script reader! #scriptsky
Some are trivial, some are major headaches. Point is, don't forget your screenplay needs to be as enjoyable to read as it will be to watch. #scriptsky
An exercise I keep meaning to do myself, is to 'Write an essence statement for all the people you already know'.
How would you describe your mum, your best mate, or your boss, if they were a character in a screenplay?
Maybe make this a once-a-week 5-minute habit? #scriptsky
A minute of screen time can feel like an absolute age if nothing very interesting is happening to look at.
Another reminder to do the READ YOUR DIALOGUE OUT LOUD pass 😊 #scriptsky
'Sinners' (2025) isn't just a supernatural thriller - it's about how "race" is an idea invented to control others.
'The Running Man' (2025) isn’t just a daft action adventure - it’s about how being poor feels like a sick, cruel game.
What's your story REALLY about?
#scriptsky
In other words, let the dialogue do the talking. #scriptsky
If you're trying to option a spec script, you're trying to sell a product.
Consider whether there's a market for that product or whether that product will make a profit. #scriptsky
Does treating your passion like a business take all the fun out of it? Good question.
Yes, you should be writing for you, but if that means unmarketable projects, accept that it'll be a lot harder to make a career out of writing.
But not impossible!
Carving a new niche can be done. #scriptsky
If you want to keep those travelling scenes, then make them work harder -
- Throw in a moment that reveals character.
- Add a setup that comes in useful later on.
- Make it hugely entertaining.
- Add conflict by throwing in obstacles.
Use it or lose it! #scriptsky
Goals are good, but STAKES and MOTIVATION are what make them interesting.
Get us emotionally involved, and we'll want to follow your characters. #scriptsky
Let's kick off Monday with a bang.
Here's even more reasons why my job sucks.
Are there any typos in this one? Maybe aye, maybe no 😂 #scriptsky
#scriptsky NEW short book out!
Don't forget, a screenplay needs to be as enjoyable to read as it will be to watch.
This guide gives you the lowdown on how to avoid all the stuff that makes a script a chore, rather than a pleasure, to read.
Bargain at £4.99
>>>Store Link in the Bio<<<
Dunno who else needs to hear this today. I did! #scriptsky
As submissions start to pick up, I'm noticing some worrying tell-tale signs that more writers are using AI.
Beware! While AI MIGHT be able to generate a passable novel, it isn't currently capable of sticking to screenplay mechanics.
#scriptsky
No, this isn't a call to cut all the filler words from your dialogue.
It's a call to enhance the readability and the efficiency of the story - that's all.
FREE pdf download can be found on the website.
>>>Link in the Bio<<<
#scriptsky
If you want a masterclass in subtext, watch Game of Thrones (Season 1).
Yes, it's ye olde talk, so not exactly contemporary, but by gawd, there are some fantastic lines being delivered in there. #scriptsky
Here's a quick Script Fix using a script submitted for feedback on r/ReadMy Script.
There's a strong writing voice, but poor formatting and forgetting about the visuals make it all too easy to pass on the script.
Don't make the same mistakes! #scriptsky
Feels like the world's so full of hate right now, so here's some more 🤣
(Eat the rich before they eat you)
#scriptsky
Is the great dialogue in your script being swamped by the less interesting talk around it?
If so, try the 'Enter late, leave early' approach to help get to the good stuff quicker. #scriptsky
