I’m posting this because I’ve seen several folks looking to exchange screenplays with other writers to receive peer reviews for their work. There are several websites that have been doing this for years, as well as a new website that has thrown their hat into this ring. I will preface the rest of this post by saying that about six years ago, I used to use a now defunct website called Trigger Street Labs, which was an offshoot of Trigger Street Productions. This website allowed you to read other writer’s scripts that you reviewed, and in exchange for your effort, have someone read and offer a review of your work. In theory, this type of setup seems like a fair proposition. However, I caution you that the feedback you may receive from the websites I list below will typically not be professional, and depending on who reads your script, you many not receive the same quality of effort you put into to reading and reviewing other writer’s work. In my experience with Trigger Street, about 70 percent of the feedback I received was rubbish. However, in a few cases, I received exceptionally thoughtful feedback. In one case, I had a very experienced writer provide me with seven pages of detailed notes, which must have taken him several hours to write. I have not used any of these platforms in recent years. However, if you're interested, here is more information.
Here are the platforms I know that allow screenwriters to share and exchange work. These are free hosting platforms and what they say about themselves; as well as a brief note about my experience with that website:
A database of hundreds of downloadable scripts, movie scripts, screenplays, and transcripts of current, classic and maybe a few soon-to-be-released movies, television, anime, unproduced and radio shows. However, uploading your script at this site doesn’t guarantee anyone will want to read it.
In my past experience, you have to work the writer forums to maximize results from this website.
Upload your screenplays to our library and get valuable feedback and reviews and network with writers and industry pros.
I reviewed a script there several years ago but never exchanged work with other writers.
The coverflyX script exchange allows users to give peer script notes and to getpeer script notes via a free token-bidding system. Readers have five days upon claiming feedback to complete their notes, which consist of 300 words on the strengths of the script, 300 words on the weaknesses of the script, and an optional section for any additional thoughts.
I have not used this site.
And the new platform I spoke of earlier is:
4. www.scriptmother.com
ScriptMother is an innovative new platform for screenwriters. Our peer-review app lets you receive unlimited professional feedback for your script. Earn credits by reviewing projects uploaded by your peers. Credits can be spent on better reviews, monthly competitions, and industry exposure for you and your script. And it's FREE to join!
This website is still pretty new, and they don’t seem to have a ton of scripts to choose from yet; but their process seems pretty straight forward. I have not used this site.
I've traded scripts with people right here. Peer sites worry me because you could be getting notes from someone who deems themselves to be better or more advanced then they are. They could be amateurs who think highly of themselves. People I've approached here or have approached me, I get to see their bio and accomplishments or ask them questions via a message to find out more and to gauge qualifications.
Script Revolution is another place.
Zoetrope is another one.
scriptmother has some excellent readers. But it's hit or miss.
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I prefer reviews from people who know more than I do. It is like my mechanic; he knows, 1000% more than I do. Peer reviews seem iffy to me.
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Peter Roach, excellent observation. Many people have come to me for everything from reviews, notes, detailed feedback, polish or full-blown rewrites. Personally I've written more than 40 scripts, which includes features and shorts, I've re-written or ghost-written scores of others. I've produced 14 pictures, including seven features, a little more than half of which came from my source material. One of the shorts I wrote, directed and produced qualified for the Academy Awards. My movies have featured no fewer than two Academy-Award Winners, several Academy-Award Nominees and many A list or character actors. I say this NOT to brag in any way, shape or form, but show that I've helped a lot of others by passing on my experience and knowledge. Many people have come to me for feedback and sometimes those suggestions lead to the movie getting made, other times perhaps to an actor being attached. If you go to a random web-site, you're not necessarily going to get that caliber of feedback. Now, that's not a knock on anybody per say, it's just my belief. GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH! ;)