Script reading for film and TV

The Script Factory pioneered training for script readers way back in 1999. Our aim was to create an industry standard approach to offering constructive, respectful and informed feedback that would empower a writer to move to the next draft or project with more confidence and a greater understanding of how their work would be assessed within the current production landscape.

Over the years, thousands of film and TV professionals have gained their foundational understanding in script analysis through attending one of our courses. And though script reading is considered an entry-level role, our training focuses on creative development and aims to improve the story analysis and feedback skills of both new and more experienced professionals.

Our new script reading course is offered online via Zoom to a small group who all benefit from practical report writing assignments, group discussions and individual feedback on their work. 

Working with a range of live projects, we delve deep into the bones of story design to build a much more sophisticated and nuanced understanding of screenplay structure.

We have expanded our original training to cover TV pilots as well as feature film scripts. However, we do not teach a ‘catch-all’ approach to screen story-telling, but rather approach the two formats separately to ensure our students gain a thorough understanding of the distinct requirements of each.

Of course, not every one who attends the course is aiming to work in a development role; we actively welcome writers who want to get the inside track on how a reader will evaluate their work or want to improve their feedback skills to support other writers in their network. And, if you ambition is to write, this course allows you to fast-track your understanding of what makes a story work on screen without the pressure of creating your own material.

FAQs
What does the course cover?

Attendees will be guided through a structured process of reading analytically and preparing a report. You will learn how to distill the story into a brief synopsis and how to articulate the premise of the project in terms of its core dramatic conflict.

We will teach you criteria against which to assess the potential strengths of a story idea and how to identify which elements of the current draft serve that concept well.  You will be trained to evaluate where there may be weaknesses in the script and learn how to clearly articulate why those plot or character choices may not be best supporting the story’s intentions.  

We will deepen your understanding of the key principles of story structure (for both film and TV) and consider the nuances that are specific to different genres. We will teach you how to offer useful feedback on all elements of screenplay structure without attempting to rewrite the script or bamboozle the writer with jargon.

We will explore the essential skills behind creating a memorable cast of characters and plotting convincing character arcs. We will give you the tools to assess the quality of the dialogue, the pace and visual storytelling on the page. 

We will also consider how to evaluate where a project might fit within the current marketplace.

Writing analytical script reports is an invaluable practical opportunity to the apply theory and grapple with the demands of different genres, character arcs and story types. And each participant will receive extensive individual feedback on their written work. (This feedback will be written to you individually and not shared with the group.)

Our aim is that you leave the programme with more confidence in the development process and, whether you are attending as a writer or a script editor, better equipped to ask the right questions to unlock problems in the project and take it to the next stage.

Course preparation and assignments

There will be some preparatory reading and a short assignment to complete before the course starts. Between each session there will be a new script to read and prepare written feedback on building up to a full script report. Attendees should expect to commit approximately 4-6 hours each week to the programme, in addition to the teaching time.

As well as reading some excellent un-produced screenplays, we will also study the scripts from successful films and shows to learn from their design and structure.

Where and when will the course take place?

The course will take place over Zoom on either Tuesday evenings from 19:00 - 20:00 or Thursday mornings from 10:00 - 12:00.

What does the course cost?

Attendance on the course costs £245.

Participants will receive a full set of notes to accompany the teaching and receive individual feedback on all written assignments.

The course is limited to just 12 participants to ensure there is plenty of opportunity for group discussions and for everyone to contribute.

What if I miss a session?

This course is intended to be attended live as we value your contributions to the group. However, we will record every class to enable students to revisit the training and for those who unavoidably miss a session to catch up. These recordings will be available for the duration of the programme and for two weeks after its completion.

Course tutors

This workshop will be taught by The Script Factory’s Justine Hart and Charlotte Macleod.

Certificate of completion

All attendees who successfully complete the assignments will receive a certificate of completion.

Bursary applicable

There are ScreenSkills bursaries available to cover some or all of the costs of this training course - including travel, accommodation, subsistence, care or disability access support to attend this course. To find out more about the support you may be eligible for, click the button below:

Apply for a bursary

About this listing

This training course is not funded or commissioned by ScreenSkills, but has been reviewed to ensure it is meeting agreed standards such as industry-led diversity targets, appropriate business insurance, and evidence of previous quality training provision.