Screenwriting : Posting Your Work Online by Phillip E. Hardy, Prolifique

I don’t want to hijack this thread. I think many people post stuff for the positive feedback you mention, also to get told how to fix it.

(warning uncharitable statement coming)

Instead of reading, studying and working at their craft. They wrote a screenplay as good as they can (I hope) and post it, hoping people will fix it for them.

I don’t read other peopl’se work (super rare). If you tell me “it’s a first draft” I really don’t want to read it. I don’t share stuff that isn’t as perfect as I can get it. So why do others want to share an immature draft.

I post some of my work online, especially prowling on feedback...never had "atta boy", always strong references on the flaws, however some people actually read the story (which is the essence of it all) and if it works, it works...you can fix typos, format, slugs, whatever with ease...If the story misses the frame of being filmable...that's a real problem...

Unfortunately, many readers never go beyond the abovementioned surface...but in time one learns to distinguish real deal from bs feedback...a skill of its own...

It’s easier to tear things down than it is to build things up. Reading scripts and giving constructive feedback is a skill in itself that more people should learn if they are going to react to other people’s work. That doesn’t mean a rubber stamp or pay on the back but it helps to start from a place of appreciation for the work that has been done, the courage to share that work and then a collaborative spirit to offer notes and criticism. It is something that seasoned executives and managers know how to do well and all producers and supporters should work on IMO.

They do expect feedback but sometimes they are surprised when it isn’t what they expected. If you want to help someone they tend to listen to you when you point out something good before hitting them with the bad stuff. Personally, I try to answer specific questions but I am reluctant to give feedback anymore because more often than not it backfires and ends up being a waste of my time.

Dan: You're right about that.

I think it's important to offer constructive feedback on technical and story issues. Particularly to newer writers seeking guidance. However, a recipient of feedback should not overreact to what other writers say. Every decent screenwriter will generally offer suggestions for improving the work. But, at this stage of my writing career, I no longer seek peer feedback. And have only ever exchanged work with writers I know well, some of whom have asked to read a particular script.

You give constructive feedback because you are a nice guy. You are right a recipient of feedback should not overreact to what other writers say. Unfortunately, some people will. That is because there are two types of screenwriters who want feedback. Those that really want help to improve. The other ones just want someone to tell them how wonderful they are.

Dan: Thanks for your kind words. One of the cornerstones of my writing philosophy is writers who build relationships, maintain their humility, and help their colleagues will do better than ones who don't.

You're my new favorite uncle

Cassandra: Thanks and I totally get it.

Manuele: I like your style!

I'm with Dan and Craig. I rarely read and give notes because the general expectation is a kiss on the cheek and a belly rub - and not real, constructive feedback. I will read a script and give notes to someone I know, because I tell them up front how honest I will be. Even that doesn't always work.

Cassandra, Phil is many people's favorite uncle! Great reel BTW!

I used to give requested feedback on Coverfly. And there the writers can rate the people giving feedback. I found whenever I gave a 5/5, I as a reader got great feedback on my coverage skills. If I gave a 3/5 to some first draft with no second act, I was given scolding feedback on my coverage skills!

Michael: That sounds about right. Screenwriters are sensitive souls. Late last year, a person I don't know contacted me about his screenplay and asked me to read it because he thought I was interested in his subject. I told him no thanks. Then he offered to pay me to evaluate his script. It took me 8 hours to slog through his dense and hyperbolic writing, and I provided him with three pages of notes, notes written on his PDF file screenplay, and a scorecard. I told him in advance my evaluation would be straightforward. He then whined for several days about how I somehow misunderstood his genius and wanted me to explain everything written in my summary. Even after spending more than ten hours of work, I refunded his money (and he didn't ask) because he was so annoying. The irony is this person sought me out and then hated what I gave him. I recently turned down another high-paying writing gig because I saw similar problems on the road ahead.

Sorry you went through that, Phillip E. Hardy, Prolifique.

"I recently turned down another high-paying writing gig because I saw similar problems on the road ahead." As writers, it's important to see the potential problems with projects and avoid those projects because if we don't, we'll have headaches, conflict, issues, etc. as we work on those projects. Gotta know when to join a project and when to say, "No."

Maurice. Right on the money. I hate wasting time, but each mistake is a lesson learned.

Phillip "Uncle Phil" Hardy. That is why I don't give screenwriters feedback.

Manuela:

I'm too nice a guy sometimes.

Manuele. It is okay to disagree. Personally, I just don’t like reading screenplays and giving feedback. Some people like to do that and some don’t and some even charge to do it. It’s just not my thing.