Script Review - EXAMPLE
This is an example of a Script Review. Screenplays are able to receive Script Reviews after they have finished (completed the Script phase). The goal of the Script Review is to give a more detailed evaluation of the screenplay, including comments on the overall idea, structure, story execution, characters, and script. A Script Review will help the writer(s) understand how well they executed the screenplay and also give the Open Screenplay community an idea of its quality.
Title:
THE DARK BOTTLE
Logline:
A woman finds an old bottle of perfume at an estate sale and when she uses it things get complicated.
Theme:
Isn’t it better to find peace?
Setting:
Small Town
Main Genre:
Horror
Subgenre(s):
Drama, Experimental
Type:
Short Film
Time Period:
2008
#Pages:
8
Strengths
What are the strengths or what is working well in the script? if none, write "none."
Concept 18% of Overall Score
Idea
How fresh is the idea for the screenplay?
Somewhat fresh
How many moments are there is the screenplay that show the idea?
Some
Any other comments on the screenplay's idea?
Genre
Is the stated main genre delivered in the screenplay?
How much is the stated main genre show throughout the script? (How funny, scary, thrilling, moving, etc.)
Somewhat
Any other comments on the Genre?
Title
How effective is the title?
Strong - unique and gets across the idea
Any other comments on the screenplay's title?
Theme
Does the stated theme apply to- and give a greater meaning to what written in the script pages?
Average - somewhat applies and adds some meaning
Any other comments on the screenplay’s theme?
Are there enough visuals to merit the idea being on screen (instead of a different medium such as a stage play)?
Overall rating for the screenplay's concept:
Structure 20% of Overall Score
Does the screenplay have a clear 3 Act Structure (beginning, middle, end)?
Does Act 1 introduce the Protagonist, set up the world, and end with an event that launches the Protagonist into the Act 2 problem?
Well
Does Act 2 show the idea, adventure and give the audience an experience?
Somewhat
Does Act 3 include an appropriate resolution, battle, or climax to the story?
Well
In your best guess, approximately what percentage of the material is NOT necessary to the story?
16-30% of the material is unnecessary
Overall rating for the screenplay's structure:
Any other comments on the Structure?
Story Execution 20% of Overall Score
How much of the story follows or is about the stated Protagonist?
Most of the story
Does the Protagonist pursue a clear goal?
Goal is not clear
How much pressure is put on the Protagonist to achieve the goal?
No pressure but it's needed
Are the stakes (what will be gained or lost if the goal is achieved or not) for the Protagonist clear?
Mostly clear
Does the Influencing Character help change the Protagonist92s character flaw, aid them in their goal, or have some sort of relationship with them that evolves?
Somewhat
How often does the Opponent present obstacles in the story?
Rarely
Overall rating for the screenplay's story execution:
Any other comments on Story Execution?
Characters 20% of Overall Score
Is the Protagonist more active or reactive in the story?
Is the Protagonist compelling enough to make us want to watch them for the entire story?
Mostly compelling
Does the Protagonist have the necessary amount of distinct character traits (dimensionality) for the story?
Mostly has the appropriate amount of traits
In the story does the Protagonist show an active, visible, non-internal character flaw?
The Protagonist does not show a character flaw
Does the Protagonists character flaw change in some way throughout the story?
If an Influencing Character is included in the story, does that character show appropriate traits to help change the Protagonist92s character flaw?
A little
If an Opponent is included, is that character compelling enough in the story?
Compelling
Overall rating for the screenplay's characters
Any other comments on Characters?
Script Work 12% of Overall Score
How is the dialogue?
Average
How much of the exposition or backstory included is necessary for the story?
Most included exposition and backstory is necessary or helpful
Are the montages or series of shots included necessary for the story?
Are the flashbacks included in the script necessary for the story?
Some included flashbacks are necessary, some are not
How much telling instead of showing is there in the script pages? [include a question mark and pop-up explanation if clicked]
A little
Are there internal words in the scene direction (like “thinks,” “realizes,” “feels,” “hopes,” “senses,” “wants,” etc.)?
Some
Are most of the scenes an average of 1-2?
Does the screenplay avoid camera angles unless necessary?
Overall rating for the script work
Any other comments on Script Work?
Overall Rating 10% of Overall Score
Overall does this screenplay work?
Somewhat