Comments on: How to Read a Script

By: David W. Boles

David W. Boles — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:08:31 +0000

If you’re paying for the feedback, then the dyad changes and real work is done. If you’re reading a script as a favor or for free — then the terms are hypersensitive and variable.

By: kathakali.chatterjee

kathakali.chatterjee — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:37:16 +0000

I think if I am asking for professional advice I should be ready to digest his/ her honest feedback, that’s the only way to improve if that’s my real objective…or, am I missing something?
I also think being candid is the best policy…but if I am looking for “ego-boosting” then I shouldn’t be let the script out beyond my friends’ circle…may be that’s just me.

By: David W. Boles

David W. Boles — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 18:09:48 +0000

The problem with the “3 good, 1 bad” measure of criticism is that it is by rote and therefore phony. You can try to mix it up, but those who are on to you will still count on their fingers what you say just to throw you off and show you how boring you are. I agree that just being fresh and honest and direct with your fixes — that may well be rejected in total in the end — is the only way to read a script.

By: Gordon Davidescu

Gordon Davidescu — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 17:32:36 +0000

Perhaps one should occasionally mix it up and say only two nice things — or four! Of course, the important thing is that these nice things be non fluff. Clarification is also an excellent thing to request. I love the notion of not just saying that something doesn’t work but expounding on it and helping to make it work.