Question 1

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Mark Chandley · Accepted Answer

“Never say no to opportunities,” says Chandley. Especially when someone is first starting out and has no contacts, he recommends taking any available job. It takes time and dedication to be successful in this career, and every job will provide experience that will lead to the next step. Chandley adds, “It will pay off.”

Question 2

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Mark Chandley · Accepted Answer

Chandley notes that some Script Readers come into the industry with a negative mentality, meaning that they focus only on the weaknesses of the scripts they read.
“It’s our job to help Writers,” states Chandley. That means also pointing out what they’re doing right and where they can improve. While giving honest coverage is imperative, the goal is to “help, not hurt” Writers and give feedback in a “positive, constructive way.”

Question 3

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Mark Chandley · Accepted Answer

“What else can I do to help?” Chandley emphatically notes. Being proactive is a key component to being successful in the entertainment industry, and even when starting out as an Intern or Assistant, showing a company’s superiors that above-and-beyond work ethic is important.

Question 4

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Mark Chandley · Accepted Answer

“Persistence.”

Question 5

What does a Script Analyst do?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

A Script Analyst, who may also be called a Story Analyst or Script Reader, is an individual who assesses the quality of a script according to multiple elements, including plot, theme, characterizations, tone, marketability, and formatting.

Question 6

How do you become a Script Analyst?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

Many Script Analysts begin as interns or Production Assistants at production companies where one of their responsibilities is to read scripts and provide coverage on them.
Script Analysts are often Screenwriters themselves as well, which provides them firsthand knowledge of the general components that make for a successful script. As they gain experience, individuals aspiring to become professional Script Analysts may get hired at a production company or studio in this specific capacity.
Other organizations such as professional screenwriting competitions and film festivals also hire Script Analysts, though it may be on a temporary basis.

Question 7

How much do Script Analysts make?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

The salary of a Script Analyst can fluctuate wildly depending on the company or organization for which they are working. A salaried Script Analyst who works at a studio can earn upwards of $100,000 in a given year, but these opportunities are not common. More often, Script Analysts work on a freelance basis for production companies, competitions, and other organizations where they may be earning only a few thousand dollars in a year to supplement their income.

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