Two recent readings of my romcom screenplay COMEBACK IN VIENNA were successful. Not only did they raise $$ for a theater-based foundation, but the audience was enthusiastic. Laughs landed where we wanted them.
Readings can be a good way for the screenwriter to hear their words and gauge an audience reaction. Our first reading 16 months ago told us we were on the right track but showed us spots that needed more work. This second reading - of the revisions - showed we got the text solid! I recommend readings when possible.
Next step - possibly a pitching session at the Berlinale, then another trip to Vienna.
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Glad the foundation raised money and the audience enjoyed your scripts, Marc Baron! You're right. Readings can help. One of my scenes was read at a mini table read, and I saw issues with dialogue, action lines, and the story. I act out my scripts as I write them sometimes, but it's not the same as having a group of actors acting them out. Hope the pitch session goes great! Safe travels to Vienna!
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You should give more details about this. I'm really interested in having a blind read of one of my screenplays to see actor/audience reaction. But I know it would be mostly to entertain myself and get me out of the home for a day, costing probably $200. Congrats on the success.
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Table reads are a hugely valuable tool for screenwriters. It makes you view your script from the position of an audience member and is a great way to get a different perspective of your own work.
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I love readings! I keep signing up for "Table Read my Screenplay" contests so someday I might get a win and get to hear my screenplays read by pros.
My television pilot screenwriting classes used to do table reads of what we'd written that week then critique the writing, and at the end of the class the Instructor, Yvette Vargas, hired voice actors to read the entire episode we were working on. It was not only great encourage writers to keep on, it was helpful because you'd hear things you wouldn't consider while writing, even if you read your writing out loud, and the feedback gave you ideas of what worked and what didn't.
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Vital piece of the process. Happy to hear yours went so well, Marc Baron.