Thu, 2020-Dec-17 17:44 (GMT)
Hello everyone,
I am a bit conflicted. Usually when I upload a new script, I never actually upload the script itself. I want, if people want to read, people to request to read it from me.
For me, this allows me to know that not only someone is interested but to know who has my writing in their hands.
At the same time i feel like if someone sees the script is not already readily avaliable, they will just lose interest and move on.
What are your opinions on this. I'm not one of those "I don't want anyone to steal my script idea" type people.
My only real issue is that sometimes uploaded script PDFs seem to have lower-quality resolutions than those e-mailed as files. The ones on my website were lookin' like 75-80% (some fading in letters, etc) to the point I wondered if just that alone would be kinda offputting to someone who looked at them. But SR's seem to be like 90+% so I'm less worried about it.
My present general philosophy tho (which I don't always manage) is to try and make things as easy to access as possible (every little roadblock will stop x%) minus sending script attachments in query e-mails, since everyone seems to hate that... I think it'd make things easier/quicker, if you wanna look at it there it is no pressure but I'm not the one getting 100 inquiries per day or writing the checks. haha
There's no real way to control that. Not the fault of SR at all, it's the nature of the internet, and it's always been that way. If you don't want to allow anyone to read for free, don't post it online.
SR provides a place where screenwriters can showcase their scripts for free, regardless if a file is attached or not. While some who are searching for scripts on SR might be turned off if the script isn't attached, at the same time if they really, really like the idea (logline/synopsis) they'll contact you. So, if a file isn't attached and your logline is kicks ass, it might actually be an incentive to contact you instead of reading online first.
I've seen many screenwriters on SR who don't attach a file for whatever reason. Many who decide to attach the first ten pages only. Many more who put a note in the file, if you enjoyed this please contact this name at whatever email, etc. It's a personal choice. I don't think any method is right or wrong. Whatever works best for you and your goals.
Small technical note. When someone “downloads” a script, it doesn't always mean they downloaded a copy of the file. More often than not it only means they downloaded a copy in a PDF viewer so they can read online but don't actually have a copy on their computer or device.
I post full shorts and only the first pages of my longer works.
You have to make a risk/reward calculation that you feel comfortable with and never feel pressured either way. Some will tell you never to share a script online, others will tell you it's essential.
It will always be a catch-22; a less exposed script is a less exposed writer.
For what it's worth, Script Revolution members do get read requests and those requests have gone somewhere in terms of options and sales.
I have requested to read someone's script on S R twice only. One writer uploaded his work for me. I read his script fade in to fade out, enjoyed it, clicked the favorite button then sent him a personal message of thanks with praise for the script. The other writer did not upload his work, no explanation. With approx 7000 scripts on the site there's plenty to choose from readily available material. Just my tuppence worth.
I was always one of those who was a bit paranoid, but on the other hand I do register the copyright of my scripts, and publish them as eBooks which also protects their copyright. Yet, while I've been with SR for a while, it was only in the past week that I went through all of my listings and added scriptname_1st10pages.pdf for download, on EVERYTHING. If they inspire, amuse, disturb, or disappoint, that's fine. To be honest, I have a few really great first tens, but most of my material tends to do a slow burn so that the endings are big and bad. But I think posting first 5s, 10s, or 30s as CJ suggests somewhere, it'll show prospective buyers that you at least know how to format a script and sort-of tell a story. So go for it! (But copyright your stuff first: US Copyright Office