Having People Read your Screenplay

Don’t ask too many people to read your screenplay. Not because you’re afraid they will steal your ideas, but because it will be difficult to give you an opinion. Reading a screenplay is quite different to reading a novel.

Instead choose two people who will really read the screenplay carefully. Once they have read it, write down their comments.

Question your readers point by point to check they have understood your film properly. Ask them questions that correspond to the elements of your story. Who is the hero, what is the hero’s aim and motivation…? And see how your readers answer. Is that really the story you wanted to tell?

Then, return to your screenplay and make the necessary changes to improve your account of the story.