Script Analyst
Who is in Charge of Scripts Making it to the Screen?
Description
A Script Analyst, Story Reader, or Script Reader is tasked with reading scripts to determine if they are acceptable for production or to decide a winner for contests and provide notes on said scripts. Although this occupation is commonly freelance, studios, producers, and script competitions require script analysts.
Responsibilities
A Script Analyst is responsible for evaluating a screenplay with the hopes of becoming a production.
The main task a Script Analyst does is drafting up a report or a coverage that both summarizes and evaluates the script.
The components of a script report include:
Skills
Understanding
a basic script format by recognizing features such as scene headers, dialogue, action lines, and parentheticals
Familiarity
with current and past Cinema helps recognize clichés, originality, plot holes, archetypes, and even plagiarism
Patience
is required when coming across numerous scripts where some may need more work while others have potential
Providing
fair and concise constructive criticism helps hopefuls become better screenwriters.
Tools and Technology
Email to communicate with screenwriters
Strong Internet connection
A reliable computer or laptop
​Scriptwriting software such as Fade In, Final Draft, or Highland 2 may be used to write scripts, therefore Script Analysts will need them to open scripts.
Microsoft Word is acceptable too, but might not translate script format well.
Education and Experience
Script reading can be a freelance job, however, anyone with a degree, a different degree, or no degree can pursue this job
Script Analysts should have a degree in Creative Writing, Media and Communications, Screenwriting, or anything in the film or writing field.
What's most important is the experience in understanding cinema, storytelling, screenwriting, and have a love for TV and film
Wages and Path
Payment for script analyzing ranges from as little as $20 to as much as $75 per script
Try writing your own scripts for practice
Seek for internships or writer's clubs
Check out peer-reviewing sites like SimplScripts, CoverflyX, or Script Mother to get experience
Network by doing job searches or ask around
Additional Resources/Sources
Script Coverage Resources
Detailed Info on Script Reading
Screenplay & Storytelling resources