Screenwriting : Opinion: The One Thing that Should Never Be Outsourced. by Amanda Alencar

Hi, did this happen here on S32?

I've never had this experience, but then again it has been a very long time since I've used services like the one you're describing.

I work for a film festival as a judge and in that capacity I give notes and feedback on the screenplays I read. I also work as an editor and script doctor.

It is completely pointless to outsource this work to AI. I cannot imagine doing it for my clients.

For science, I once asked chatgpt to analyse one of my scripts. It was a lesser-known and not important script that I felt I could shoot into the void... and like you said: what came back was banal, confusing, and utterly pointless. The nuances were not read, the ups and downs and the individual plot points were barely understood or pointed out.

Working through a script for notes take time, and effort and it's actually hard work. Especially if you do it well, or if you're genuinely trying to do the job well. You're thinking about what's on the page, and you're analysing it deeply. Filtering it through your human-ness.

Which is why this job should be taken very seriously.

I don't know if this happened here on the services, or somewhere else... I don't really want to know.

I'm sorry it happened, and hope you find a way past.

Sadly I get the feeling tha tout there in the real world, this seems to be happening more and more as well. I have definitely worked with (actually, NOT worked with would be more correct) producers who insisted upon feeding everything through AI to analyse whether it would be worth taking the script on. I pulled the script back as soon as I saw that that's what he was doing.

Thank you for bringing up, Amanda Alencar. Stage 32 has a strict policy prohibiting the use of AI for script coverage, development reads, and all feedback services.

This policy exists for exactly the reasons you've mentioned: feedback must be authentic, from human insights and from industry professionals.

If you believe you've received AI-generated feedback through any Stage 32 service, please report this immediately to our support team at success@stage32.com. We take these violations seriously and will investigate thoroughly.

We always remind executives that your authentic voice and experience are what writers are paying for and that their unique perspective, shaped by their career and expertise cannot be replicated by AI.

I don't trust AI to give me feedback, Amanda Alencar, but it goes beyond that. Like you said, "an opinion is one of the most personal things a human being can offer. It carries perspective, truth, and individuality." And people have life experiences to draw from when they give feedback, and people can give me unique ideas and solutions for my scripts that AI could never come up with.

Critique or feedback from so-called pros are a waste of money! Save your money. There are no experts.

I’m very new to this, but I’ve already received 6-7 feedback reports on different scripts, and only one was completely useless - just 10 lines with generic comments ending with the rather harsh remark: ‘This could be an interesting script if you put someone with talent on it.’ That wasn’t through Stage32, but through that other platform (the one that starts with a color and ends with ‘list’!).

But none of the feedback seemed AI-generated. Maybe we could just focus more on peer-to-peer feedback exchanges - at least those would be free.

Too late now but next time make sure you speak/type with the person giving the script analysis, know their own playwriting background or other credentials, and make sure they have been involved in your type of script - some people may hate a script just because they hate the genre regardless of quality. As a lurking stage script writer on Stage32, I recommend looking at the way the Dramatists Guild Institute sets up their script analysis service: https://www.dramatistsguild.com/pip

Bravo, Roberto. I agree with you. You’ve put a meaningful period in this discussion.

Amanda: I am my own judge and executioner,

my own defender, my accuser too.

My court is harsh, my grief runs deep,

yet harsher still the verdict due.

Be cautious always

Ronika Merl Thank you so much for your thoughtful response, Ronika. It really helps to hear this from someone with your experience in festivals and script doctoring. You put it perfectly, notes are hard work, and the human filter is what makes them meaningful. AI can be a tool, but it should never replace the responsibility of truly engaging with someone’s script, especially when that writer has trusted you with their work and invested in the process.

As an emerging screenwriter, I’ll admit I sometimes feel a fear of being misinterpreted or even harming my reputation if I raise concerns about someone more experienced. That’s part of why I wanted to open this discussion, because if we want transparency and fairness in our industry, writers at every stage should feel safe to speak up.

I’m glad to see this conversation resonating. I truly believe we as a community need to protect that human layer of storytelling, it’s our most valuable and irreplaceable resource.

Geoffroy Faugerolas Thank you, Geoffroy, for your thoughtful response. I truly appreciate knowing that Stage 32 values authentic, human-driven feedback. I’ll follow your guidance and reach out to the support team directly. It’s reassuring to see that the platform is committed to protecting both writers and the integrity of the process.

I can definitely see the uses of AI as a tool, but I could never imagine using it in lieu of an actual human opinion, even if I personally disagree with everything about the latter. I'm sorry that happened to you, that's incredibly disappointing.

Nuno Graça Thank you for sharing your perspective, Nuno. I think you’re right, maybe I should also try to build more peer-to-peer connections with writers for feedback. Honestly, that’s something I’ve struggled with. I’ve reached out a few times asking for thoughts or even ratings on my work, but I haven’t had much success so far.

That’s one of the reasons I’ve been paying for professional evaluations, both for the hope of constructive notes and also with the intention of eventually finding a manager. It’s definitely a learning process for me, but I’m committed to finding the best ways to grow as a writer and to connect with others in the community.

Tita Anntares Hi Tita, You’re absolutely right, next time I’ll make sure to check more carefully who is reviewing, their background and connection to the genre. It’s a great reminder that sometimes the reaction says more about the reviewer’s taste than about the script itself. I’ll definitely look into the Dramatists Guild model, thanks for sharing this resource.

Asl Seil Beautifully said, Asl. I think as writers we often become our own harshest critics, and maybe that’s why authentic human feedback matters so much, it helps us step outside of our own inner court.

Somay Gupta Thank you, Somay, wise advice indeed. You're right, in this industry we always need to be cautious. I see this experience as a tough but valuable reminder.

Maurice Vaughan Thank you so much, Maurice. That means a lot. Exactly, life experience, perspective, individuality, all of these are what make feedback truly valuable. It’s reassuring to know that Stage 32 shares this understanding. I believe if we keep protecting that human layer, writers will feel more trust and confidence in the process.

But what if your outsource said it was amazing? And suggested it be submitted and put into production NOW. I agree with you, it's not worth getting so much money and recognition by an outsourced judge. Take this check written out to me burn it. How dare you!? I've fine tuned my skills and invested time and money, I'll not have some outsourced person tell me I'm good enough, and pay me 10 times my investment as a signing bonus? I am not the one.

You're welcome, Amanda Alencar. Great topic! And you're right. If we keep protecting that human layer, writers will feel more trust and confidence in the process.

Banafsheh Esmailzadeh Thank you so much, Banafsheh. Yes, it was very disappointing for me. As writers, I think we can easily recognize when feedback comes from a real human voice versus AI, simply by the language and the depth. And it’s such a shame when people discard something as powerful and precious as a sincere opinion, especially when it’s offered willingly, and even more so when it’s paid for. An honest perspective, even if critical, is always far more valuable than something generic.

Deriq Carr I hear you, Deriq and I think you put it very powerfully. Whether the feedback is praise or criticism, if it’s outsourced and detached from a true human reading, it loses its meaning. Like you, I believe our craft deserves to be met with genuine engagement, not a shortcut. At the end of the day, what matters most is the authenticity of the dialogue between writer and reader. Thank you for putting it into words so strongly.

It’s a good idea to use AI for the initial screening of scripts—there’s no harm in that. AI, as an advanced language model, is capable of detecting structural flaws in a script, such as illogical time jumps, scene sequencing, and it can even provide a preliminary overview of a screenplay by comparing it to thousands of similar scripts.

But it will never, ever, ever be able to evaluate what lies beneath the text. I have a phrase I always stick to: “If a screenwriter is unable to tell the story behind the story, they have failed.” AI cannot uncover this hidden story behind the structure—not now, not in a million years—because it’s cold and devoid of emotions.

So what should I do to evaluate my script as a writer? My advice is to send the script to three passionate and honest writers after I have already run it through AI to catch structural flaws. Each of them will give me their opinion, and by comparing the feedback, I can identify the weaknesses of my script from a human perspective.

But how do I find these friends? There’s no way except by following them, observing their writings, and paying attention to their opinions in communities like this wonderful one.

Is it worth paying for script evaluation? Yes—but only in a trusted community like this. And if there’s even a one percent doubt that the feedback you received was AI-generated, contact support—with evidence.

As a writer, you will be able to spot flaws in the evaluation. Share the feedback with two or three other writers, and if you get the same conclusion, report it to support directly.

With all due respect to the Stage 32 community, I don’t recommend that any writer throw their money away recklessly. Master the craft of writing first, train yourself well—especially to receive criticism objectively—then pay for services, not before.

Husin Alkhatib Thank you, Husin, you expressed it so clearly. I completely agree that AI can sometimes help with catching structural issues, but it can never touch the hidden layer of emotion and humanity that storytelling requires. That’s exactly why I felt so disappointed because what I needed was a real human perspective, not a cold summary. I also like your suggestion of balancing feedback from multiple writers; it reminds me how important community is in this process.

I have never experienced this however I sometimes don't always catch the robot responses. I do pay for coverage here at Stage 32 but before I give my VISA a workout - I do attend a writing group in person at my local library. I tend to discuss my script with humans before I get to the point of paying for professional feedback. Now you've mentioned it, I will pay closer attention to see if this response feels 'AI'-ish.

In the future, you might want script coverage that includes a conversation with the reviewer. I find it extremely helpful to have a bit of back and forth on the readers notes in real time to clarify or dive deeper into the content. My recent full script read with a phone call was spot on with suggestions.

Lauren Hackney That’s wonderful that you have an in-person writing group, Lauren I think that kind of support is invaluable. I don’t have that where I live (yet), but based on all the comments in this thread I see how important it is to build more organic connections with other writers. I’ll make a real effort to engage more here with fellow screenwriters so we can share feedback in a more human and supportive way. That’s such a great piece of advice, thank you for reminding me.

Lori Jones That’s a really good point, Lori. I can see how having an actual conversation with the reviewer would make a huge difference being able to ask questions, clarify their perspective, and go deeper into the notes in real time sounds incredibly valuable. I’ll definitely keep that in mind for my next coverage experience. Thank you so much for sharing what worked for you!

It's been my experience that so-called professional script docs are no better equipped at evaluating scripts than AI. I cannot stress this enough...Save your damn money!

The only time I use Chat GPT in my writing is to help me with a polished concrete logline and help me figure out what I want in the script’s outline. I’m doing okay figuring out the the action description after the slug lines and my dialogue is still challenging for me because peers says it’s still on the nose. This is where my fellow screenwriting buddies come in on meetup and tell me the God’s honest truth about what needs work and what doesn’t. I think for every time you feel insecure have more trustworthy screenwriters read your work.

Or pay for another screenwriting consultant.

Diana Levin Thank you so much for sharing this, Diana. I think you’re absolutely right, AI can be a very practical tool for polishing outlines or loglines, but the 'God’s honest truth' always comes from real writers who can catch nuances no machine ever will.

I wish I had a local writing group like yours. That sounds amazing! I’ve honestly struggled a bit to build these kinds of organic connections where I live, and sometimes I feel unsure of how to approach fellow writers for feedback without it feeling 'too soon' or awkward. Since you already have that support system, may I ask do you have any advice on how to start or nurture those kinds of relationships here on Stage 32 (or even locally) so that feedback exchange feels natural?

I’m really sorry you had that experience and even lost money – that’s incredibly frustrating. Thank you for being open and warning the rest of us.

AI is the ultimate in lazy thinking. It has been studied and may produce long term damage in cognitive skills: MIT Study Finds Artificial Intelligence Use Reprograms the Brain, Leading to Cognitive Decline

Jon Shallit I agree with you. It can be used as a tool, but with great care. The other day, I saw a young man who had received three excellent job offers and was asking the AI ​​and opening a poll to find out which one to choose. I thought to myself, wow, how dependent people are becoming on the internet and are losing the ability to even know or decide what's best for themselves. After all, only we know what it's like to be in our own skin, our routine, etc., and we can make our own choices. Therefore, I emphasize that ideas, opinions, choices, decisions, and experiences can never be outsourced to "save time." It's not worth it. Mental damage will certainly occur in the long run.

Always do what you cannot do. That is what promotes brain growth.

I just wrote my first video game script. Hardest thing to do in my opinion. Now redoing a Myanmar/Turkey action for Myanmar/Thailand. I watch videos so local language, customs, locations are authentic.

I coach screenwriting novices worldwide real time so they can see why certain things work, and learn to reduce rambling off topic. Big talents, but often expository.

Working with one in India, another in Italy, another in California.

Learned some Thai and Burmese swear words...a yoo ma, Burmese for crazy lady. (Not anyone here). Burmese seems to borrow many Mandarin words.

I am very afraid AI is taking over. I heard from a friend in FL yesterday that someone I worked with is doing an AI script. That friend says it looks good.

So many AI programmers, the ones that developed the tech, say it scares them. College teachers have told me most papers from students are AI, then put through a "humanized filter'.

I know of one student who can't get her resume even considered because the AI relied on by HR to scan resumes insists she is NOT an American citizen, even though she is!

A good way to get good feedback is to talk with the person who's giving feedback. If it's just written feedback then that can be AI generated. You want to have a conversation with them so you can get into the weeds why something doe or doesn't work so you can figure out pathway to something you'll be happy with.

You made me reflect on something: we don’t just pay for “notes,” we pay for someone’s voice – their perspective, judgment, and experience. Without that, the value is gone.

So I’m curious: when you do decide to invest in coverage or feedback, how do you make sure it actually comes from a trusted, experienced professional? Are there signals you look for before sending a script?

Hi! Well, this made me a bit sad now. I submitted my work to 3 people. :( And also paid for it. I haven’t received any feedback yet. But now I’m scared...

Staffan Zeipel Well, my friend, I confess that as a screenwriter, despite years of work, I still don't have representation, and I'm only now searching for it. I end up letting myself be carried away by anxiety, both in the search for feedback to "validate" my work and in the search for attention in the industry. So I've been investing a LOT of money whenever notifications or posts about someone willing to pitch appear, especially when they're managers. And of course, most of them have clients who have already sold to well-known platforms. Maybe I'm doing it wrong. I've had pitches lasting more than an hour, and believe it or not, I didn't have the opportunity to talk about my project during that entire time, the executive only talked about himself. Now I'll be more attentive to who's actually looking to read/discover new stories, talents, scripts, concepts, or at least provide constructive and real feedback to help. Or who's looking for who knows what.

Did you submit your script(s) through Stage 32's Script Services, Sanna Peth? When was it?

Sanna Peth So Don't worry.

If it's taking a long time, that's a great sign.

My bad experiences have come from extremely quick responses.

That's when I get suspicious.

People I've sent complex documents to have gotten back to me within hours... what do you mean? Then, when you see them, they're just generic responses.

But if they're taking a long time, they may be carefully reviewing your script, as it should be.

Maurice Vaughan Yes, I submitted them there — two about two weeks ago and one a week ago.

Sanna Peth Thats perfect. They have 21 days to return it. So thank God its taking time for them to make a good reviewing. Wish you luck and an serious and construtive feedback.

Well, I’m not sure they’d spend that much time on a 2-page pitch. Maybe I messed something up. Although the deadline is only September 12. I read somewhere that they process them after that.

Amanda Alencar Thank you so much, Amanda! I really hope so. I came with big dreams but little knowledge. I’m a complete beginner in this field. I work as an Engineering Manager and used to be a photographer — neither of which really fit here. :D I wish you lots of success too. Believe me, it will happen eventually... it’s just about the right timing ;)

Amanda Alencar It’s a business, and we have to understand it as such — business. You want the manager to care about your career, and the agent to sell your work and invite you to showcase your creativity.

Well, no manager will care about a writer who doesn’t have the passion to keep going and the ability to face challenges — this is a big rule. A manager wants a writer who won’t put them in a position that could harm their reputation in the future, because Hollywood is such as a small village. A manager will be under a lot of pressure if the writer fails.

So yes, getting a good manager is almost impossible, but with persistence and perseverance it’s possible — the only condition is that they see in you the passion, the drive, and the ability to elevate their own career as well.

Hi Amanda.

Personally I prefer peer-to-peer. I feel as though I received more constructive criticisms from other screenwriters like myself, then professional feedback. Don't get me wrong, I have received some helpful feedback, but most were insanely vague, or contradictory that it left me with more questions than answers. There were two that I received that made me feel like they put my script through chat gpt and asked for it to be summarized, because throughout the feedback they kept telling me that I never addressed certain issues or that I never wrapped up a plot point, when I mostly certainly had, and was even able to point them to the page in which I addressed said issue. They apologized and said they didn't remember reading it, but personally I feel as though this individual never read my script. It sucks, especially since many of us really look forward to getting advice and getting constructive criticisms from industry insiders, but that's not always the case.

I’m only speaking for myself here, as a writer. I believe that if someone has a truly strong and marketable story, they won’t just get a ChatGPT-style response. Filmmaking today is in a very difficult place. Hundreds of good films are being made, but because of generational and social changes, it’s especially hard to figure out what audiences really want.

For example, I grew up on Dawson’s Creek, while today’s younger generation grew up on Fifty Shades of Grey. I only mean that it’s a huge challenge to know what resonates now. It’s understandable to some extent that agents look for what has a greater chance of being sold. And let’s admit it, it’s very hard to tell someone that what they’ve put their faith and hard work into simply doesn’t work.

That’s why I think they often choose to give a generic ‘bla-bla’ response that isn’t offensive. But personally, I would appreciate it much more if someone just said straight out: ‘Look, this isn’t good, it’s not marketable. Better to start a new story.'

Hi Amanda Alencar ! sorry to hear about your experience. I've not had anything like that happen on this platform & I am sure Stage32 is going to address this. Also, happy to see people with your background (Inter Relations) bringing their insights into stories that can be shared with a global audience - very needed. excited for your journey here on Stage32!

Sebastian Tudores Thanks a lot, Sebastian! I do feel that my background in International Relations gives me a different way of looking at conflict and human nature when I’m writing, so it was really nice to hear your words of encouragement. By the way, I checked out some of the projects you’ve been part of and wow, really impressive work! Excited to connect and keep learning here on Stage32.

Aubrey Tomlinson I completely agree with you. I’m currently trying to build an organic network of fellow screenwriters so I can both share my work and also appreciate the projects of my peers. And just to be clear, as you also mentioned, it’s true that this isn’t the majority, what I experienced were just a few isolated and unfortunate cases. Most professionals are still working with real seriousness and integrity. But I do think it’s worth pointing this out now, at the very beginning of this AI era, so it doesn’t quietly grow into something larger and harder to reverse later on.

Amanda Alencar I certainly feel for you. Our relationship with AI is sure to be an ongoing concern and an ongoing conversation. Lately it seems to be top of mind for just about everyone I talk with. Thank you for speaking up about it.

I've had at least one case of (most likely) AI generated feedback, it seemed to misunderstand significant parts of the script. As in, assassins with predatory animal codenames were referred to as "human-like creatures" who fight.

And along the lines of what others have said here: it was a learning experience in being careful about where to submit to, looking at the contest background, reader involved, etc...

Organic network is the best. AI doesn't run the world yet.

I'm so sorry to hear this. It's why I go to people I know such as producers, directors, etc and pay them a fee to provide me with feedback. I would rather hear from someone I know and respect than an anonymous individual. Just my take though. Again, so sorry you went through this.

Would love to collaborate with other writers to give feedback on each other's work and support!

Michael Dzurak I completely agree. This also happened to me. For example, the AI ​​feedback I received, which I'm referring to, confused my characters' names and interpreted it as a serious spelling error, pointing out that sometimes I spelled the name one way and sometimes another, when in fact... they were two different characters. The names were merely similar, but all the interactions, relationships, positions, personalities, and especially the script's description of this, make me absolutely certain that it wasn't a human who read and interpreted that. That would be impossible. Aside from the AI's writing style and language, which is quite standard and despite the filters, I think we can still identify it. Besides, is it worth the time savings and having a robot speaking in their names? This can make people miss out on a lot of great things.

Ilanna Mandel I agree with you, you're right. I'm still at the beginning of my career, and I'm looking to connect with people here on this platform organically, precisely for this purpose. This is how I can do it myself and be useful in helping others in any way I can. There will always be a way for us to collaborate.

Ken Schreiber That's a great idea! I'd also love to exchange feedback and support with fellow writers. And I think your background as a psychiatrist must give you such an unique perspective on characters and storytelling. That could bring incredible depth to any collaboration.

Hi Amanda, this has been happening a lot lately and I have turned to getting feedback that comes with 1-1 call where the specifics can be explained. I maybe paying a little more but I feel it's worth it when I get personal feedback.

Well, anyone who would like to join a peer to peer feedback group, I'm in!

Hey Ken, I would definitely like to be in such a group.

Ken Schreiber and Ilanna... Lets make it happen! Really appreciate and admire the willingness, will be very helpfull.

Ilanna looks like you are a fellow Trekkie! Please accept my network request. Trying to figure out how we can communicate in a different forum. Open to suggestions. Prazer e muito obrigado Amanda!

Wow, you are both so accomplished!

Count me in Ken.

I'm in Ken Schreiber !

Ken, yes I am and I would love to connect. I am actually looking for a psychiatrist to do a brief consult for my short film, Spectral Whispers.

Sure. Happy to do a consult for your film.

Thank you Amanda Alencar - it's appreciated. Look forward to connecting as well.

Thanks, Ken, you can message me privately and let me know your fee. It's a one question issue as I know most of it.

One possibility is that you do as I have done. Write to those in your network here at Stage32. "I am willing to read your screenplay if you read mine". My experience is that half answer that they are willing to read. Of those, half keep their promise. And of those who keep their promise, half give extensive notes while the other half simply answer "I (didn't) like it". I have received multiple useful comments in this way.

Great commentary! AI is indeed a useful tool, but that's all it is. A tool. We have, over the centuries, used dictionaries, thesauri, encyclopedias, almanacs, search engines, language models, and now ML/AI. These should all be tools, not replace the sympathy, empathy, opinion, expertise, and humanity of another person critiquing our work.

In my day job (physician), our biggest fear is both having our work impugned our diagnostic and prognostic determinations for a patient (prior authorizations) but, even more so, being supplanted by the same, especially in the cognitive specialties (internal medicine, pediatrics, etc). These models can provide immense power to knowledge, but they are not knowledge in and of themselves, nor can they bring empathy, instinct, or compassion. That can only be provided by a human.

It should be the same in the creative sphere.

Hi Amanda and Ken: i am very interested to do this with you. I have a script I very much want looked at.

Amanda Alencar

Ma'am, the same thing happened to me although I didn't pay anyone to give feedback on my script. The writer seemed genuine at first, but when he eventually sent me his feedback, I could immediately tell it was AI generated. Some of the scenarios he mentioned weren’t even in my script.

It was really frustrating, but I felt the best response was just to stop engaging with him. He could have simply ignored my request if he wasn’t interested but instead, he chose to respond with something so careless

Hi Ilanna and Amanda, Nuno from Portugal is working on a Discord Channel for us to use. As soon as there is more info, will pass it on so we can get started!

I paid for a review and got the same thing. The comments I received did n ot add up. While there was some good feedback, the general "evaluation" seemed like it was from a source that did not read the entire script, it made some references to some points that were commented in the script various times... Anyhow, be careful, an honest read is worth a lot and there are a lot of people taking advantage of AI.