Question 1

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

Vanessa Pegram · Accepted Answer

“Make sure you can read a lot. You have to enjoy reading, and that you can read a lot of things that are not perfect. There’s a big difference in reading a published book and reading a first draft of that book. Learn how to be fair with your notes.”

Question 2

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

Vanessa Pegram · Accepted Answer

“I think it kind of goes hand-in-hand with the first question you asked. People think it’s super easy to give notes, and they don’t have the patience to do it. Also if it’s going into business for yourself, you might be setting your rates too low. Make sure you are paying yourself a minimum wage.”

Question 3

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

Vanessa Pegram · Accepted Answer

“The amount of time that it actually does take. If you think about reading a feature script, it takes you an hour and a half to watch it. It takes you at least that long to read it, depending on the quality, and then you have to formulate constructive notes. Some people think they can do 10 scripts in a day, and that’s really difficult to do. I don’t recommend trying.”

Question 4

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

Vanessa Pegram · Accepted Answer

“Patience.”

Question 5

What does a Script Reader do?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

A Script Reader is an individual who professionally evaluates the different components of a screenplay, including the plot, characterizations, themes, tone, marketability, and overall impact, to determine if an independent Producer, production company, or studio should consider producing it.

Question 6

How much money does a Script Reader make?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

A minority of Script Readers are employed fulltime at a production company or studio. Of those who do, they may earn upwards of $100,000 with enough experience and veteran status. Often though, Script Readers work in a freelance capacity for a production company or other organization such as a film festival or screenwriting competition. Because they are not generally working fulltime for an entire year, their overall income may be closer to a few thousand dollars a year.

Question 7

What do you call a Script Reader?

Anna Keizer · Accepted Answer

A Script Reader may also be referred to as a Script Analyst or Story Analyst. Often these titles are used interchangeably.

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