1) How do I properly describe my genre?
This is the single most important thing to get right so that we can score your work correctly. Knowing genre conventions is key to getting this right.
There is only 1 primary genre in your script. If you are mashing genres then your genre description will be your primary genre plus elements of another. If applicable, other types of “flavoring” can be included in the prefix selection, for example: adventure, dark, psychological, spy, sports, supernatural, and so on.
Examples of film genre descriptions:
- Back to the Future – Adventure comedy with Sci-Fi elements
- Paranormal Activity – Supernatural Horror
- The Brutalist – Drama
- The Substance – Horror with Sci-fi elements
- Anora – Comedy with Love elements
- The Departed – Crime with Thriller elements
- The VVitch – Drama with Horror elements
- Happy Death Day – Comedy with Horror elements
- Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) – Horror
- Moneyball – Sports Drama
You get the picture. If you are still unsure, select ONLY the primary genre.
2) How does my score compare to produced films?
A sampling of high scoring screenplays:
- Casablanca (1942) – 90/7
- Silence of the Lambs – 93/9
- John Wick (2014) – 93/9
- Seven – 92/9
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind – 95/8
- Raging Bull – 91/7
- Schindler’s List – 94/8
- Insomnia – 93/8
- Amadeus – 91/8
- Princess Bride – 92/9
- The Dark Knight – 93/10
- Avatar (2000) – 92/10
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part 2 – 95/10
If you are not scoring in the 90s we suggest: focus on your writing skills, improve your concept, work on dialogue and subtext (usually the weakest), avoid cliches and focus on originality.
3) Can I resubmit my rewrite?
Yes. We expect you will. Study the weaknesses in your script that we provided, rewrite, then resubmit. However, your resubmission must be when our submission window is open. We will accept script submissions several times per year so don’t worry.
4) How many times can I submit?
You can submit more than once. However, if you decide to send us every script you’ve ever written you will get flagged. We are not a free coverage service. Please don’t abuse the system and our goodwill. Send your best script.