Industrial Scripts – Definitive FAQ « IndustrialScripts.co.uk

Industrial Scripts – Definitive FAQ

Welcome to Industrial Scripts’ “Definitive FAQ” page, a place where we hope you’ll find answers to all and any questions you might have.

We are a small team, comprised of very busy, in-demand script consultants and our man-hours are stretched accordingly, so we have put particular effort into this FAQ section.

Please note if you email us asking any of the questions listed below you are unlikely to receive a reply.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

General

Script Feedback & Analysis

Script Doctoring

Script Reading Course

Screenwriting Course

Low-Budget Filmmaking Course

Talent Connector

ScriptStore

Lecturing, Speaking & Mentoring (Education Sector work)

Other

General

1. Who are we?

Industrial Scripts is a new London based script consultancy and training organisation formed by some of the UK’s leading script doctors. The company was founded due to a lack of feedback services in the UK offered by script readers with proven industry credentials, and extensive experience reporting to the top individuals, companies and organisations.

2. What services do we offer?

Industrial Scripts offers the widest range of script analysis and feedback services in Europe. These range from our project screening service at a rate of 20 pounds through to detailed development notes at a rate of a 250 pounds. For a full list of our feedback services please click here

3. How do we differ from other companies?

Industrial Scripts only uses industry script readers with proven track records in script development for the leading companies in the UK. To learn more about our script doctors please click here

4. I purchased a script report but have not received it yet, what should I do?

Firstly, check your junk mail folder. Some clients use over-zealous spam-mail filters and as a result sometimes our mail is delivered there, first. In the event you have checked all spam mail folders, and 21 days has elapsed since the day you submitted your project to us, please email info@industrialscripts.co.uk and we will investigate the issue. However please do not contact us until you have thoroughly checked all email folders connected to your booking because it is incredibly rare for us to miss a deadline.

5. I purchased a training course but have not received pre-course materials, what should I do?

Firstly, check your junk mail folder. Some clients use over-zealous spam-mail filters and as a result sometimes our mail is delivered there, first.

Script Feedback & Analysis

1. How can I submit my script?

Industrial Scripts accepts material submitted BY EMAIL ONLY. Once you have selected and paid securely via paypal, email your script along with our project submission form and signed NDA form to feedback@industrialscripts.co.uk. Both forms are available for download here. Please include the specific feedback service you require in the subject line of the email.

2. What kind of feedback should I choose?

Industrial Scripts offers a range of script report and analysis services for writers and filmmakers of all levels. Our services include project screening, development notes, industry standard dry-run reports and one on one script editing in-person or over the phone. For a full list of our feedback services please click here. If after reading the service definitions on our site you are still not sure which service to select, please do not hesitate to contact us

3. What assurance do I have you won’t steal my idea?

4. How long will it take to receive my feedback?

At Industrial Scripts our maximum turnaround time on all submissions is two weeks (we will normally get it back to you quicker though), and we also provide same day, overnight, weekend, and one-week reports at an additional cost. Please contact us with your specific requirements.

5. Can I request a specific consultant? / Do your consultants specialise in particular genres? / I want a consultant who is really going to “get” my particular vision, can you provide that?

Industrial Scripts analysts have been specifically chosen due to their proven industry credentials working across all genres, and the fact that they remain active as industry script consultants today. Please see individual bios for up to date information on current clients. We believe our consultants’ credentials speak for themselves, however should you wish to request a specific consultant to assess your project we will do our best to accommodate you based on their availability, but cannot guarantee this. It is also worth noting that if your project is to really progress within the industry, it will have to be read by many people, and this will not be a process you can control. So, in summary, your project will have to impress lots of people in the end, so attempting to control this process from the beginning is not the best approach.

6. After I’ve received my report can I roam around the industry leveraging my project by quoting from Industrial Scripts’ report on it or using the Industrial Scripts name in any way?

Absolutely not – this is an area we take very seriously. Unfortunately, you cannot use Industrial Scripts’ consultants’ name/verdict as a reference when submitting your script to producers, agents, financiers or anyone else. However, we do provide a separate project placement service for those scripts we deem to show evidence of commercial potential or writing talent.

7. What is Talent Connector?

Script Doctoring

1. Do you do re-writes (help with drafts of screenplays)?

Through our resident Script Doctors – Aaron Anderson, Jon Croker – we offer writers, producers and directors the opportunity to have their project re-written, doctored, polished, re-structured and significantly improved according to their requirements.

2. How much does the service cost?

Fees are by negotiation depending on your requirements. For more information please contact us.

Script Reading Course

1. What is ‘Effective Script Reading’?

Industrial Scripts’ ‘Effective Script Reading’ is the first UK training course in script reading to place equal emphasis on the skills required to find paid script reading work, as well as write quality coverage. This course is ideal for those new to the industry looking to build a career in development, sales or distribution, the course is also valuable for people looking to develop contacts in development and earn an extra revenue stream from script reading. Please click here for full course details.

2. How does ‘Effective Script Reading’ differ from other script reading courses?

At Industrial Scripts our training courses are tailored to suit the requirements of the industry, and are lead by professionals with proven track records of success in their own individual area of the business. We believe that when you sign up for any training course with any provider the least you can expect from the tutor is that they possess the necessary credentials, and as a result all our courses are lead by people who have been there and done it in their respective area. ‘Effective Script Reading’ is the ONLY script reading course in the UK that covers how to source paid script reading work.

3. What is the course outline?

The course is broken into two sections. The morning is dedicated on how to write quality coverage, the afternoon on how to source script reading work. For a more detailed course outline please click here.

4. Do I have to prepare/do any work after?

Prior to the course each participant will be sent an original script to prepare notes on, which will be discussed during the course. An additional original script is contained in the course pack each participant receives on the day of the course. After the course, participants then email a script report to the course tutor who will send feedback via email.

5. Where is the course held?

The course is held in Industrial Scripts’ offices on Regent Street in central London, moments from Oxford Circus tube. For a map of our location and full contact information please click here.

6. How many people attend?

Each course can receive a maximum of ten bookings. Numbers are deliberately kept low to ensure the interactivity and close participation of all attendees. Places are strictly limited and participants are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.

7. How much does it cost?

The course fee is 150.00 pounds, which includes detailed course notes and up to date contacts overview of the UK industry and refreshments.

8. Do I need any prior experience/qualifications to attend?

Industrial Scripts’ training courses are tailored to suit the requirements of the industry and are attended by writers, filmmakers, and film lovers of all levels. There are no specific academic qualifications or industry experience requirements to attend this course.

9. When is the next course held?

The next ‘Effective Script Reading’ course will take place on Saturday the 31^st of July 2010. For a full list of course dates please click here.

Screenwriting Course

1. What is ‘Screenwriting For Beginners’?

Industrial Scripts’ ‘Screenwriting for Beginners’ has been designed for creative individuals who possess great ideas for films or TV shows, but don’t know where to begin. This course is ideal for those new to screenwriting, new to writing or both. Participants are guaranteed to leave with: an improved ability to identify a good concept or idea; a thorough understanding of what producers are looking for; an appreciation of the importance of genre; knowledge of the fees paid to screenwriters and typical industry screenwriting contracts; as well as a host of other information relating to the world of a screenwriter.

2. How does ‘Screenwriting For Beginners’ differ from other scriptwriting courses?

3. What is the course outline?

The course is broken into two sections. The morning is dedicated to the basics of screenwriting, the afternoon on the finer points of craft and on becoming successful within the industry. For a more detailed course outline please click here.

4. Do I have to prepare/do any work after?

5. Where is the course held?

The course is held in Industrial Scripts’ offices on Regent Street in central London, moments from Oxford Circus tube. For a map of our location and full contact information please click here.

6. How many people attend?

7. How much does it cost?

The course fee is 150.00 pounds, which includes detailed course notes and up to date contacts overview of the UK industry and refreshments.

8. Do I need any prior experience/qualifications to attend?

Low-Budget Filmmaking Course

1. What is ‘Making the Low Budget Feature Film’?

Industrial Scripts’ ‘Making the Low Budget Feature Film’ is an intensive one day seminar where participants are given a highly detailed and comprehensive analysis of all areas of low budget film production, by a producer with more experience and success in this area than most in recent years (typified by his credits).

2. What is the course outline?

The course is split into three sections. In the morning there is an overview of low budget filmmaking in the UK followed in the afternoon by a series of case studies from the producer’s filmography. Finally there is a workshop in which course participants pitch their projects and receive feedback.

3. Do I have to prepare/do any work after?

The day is heavily interactive, and prior to the course, participants submit short, embryonic proposals for low budget feature projects they are intending to develop, which they then receive feedback and project specific advice on during the course workshop at the end of the day.

4. Where is the course held?

The course is held in Industrial Scripts’ offices on Regent Street in central London, moments from Oxford Circus tube. For a map of our location and full contact information please click here.

5. How many people attend?

6. How much does it cost?

The course fee is 150.00 pounds, which includes detailed course notes offering overview of the UK industry and refreshments.

7. Do I need any prior experience/qualifications?

8. When is the next date/course held?

The next ‘Making the Low Budget Feature Film’ course will take place on Saturday the 31^st of July 2010. For a full list of course dates please click here.

Talent Connector

1. What is Talent Connector?

Talent Connector is a new script development service open only to unrepresented writers and filmmakers (ie. those who don’t have an agent). People who send their scripts to Industrial Scripts for feedback, and whose project receives an “Honourable Mention” verdict (or above – see question 3, below) from one of our consultants are eligible to have details of their project sent to an extensive list of established industry agents, executives and producers, with our endorsement. This service is free of charge to qualifying projects, and there are no hidden costs or limitations. The service originates and has been highly successful in America, where freelance project trackers or “brokers” position projects at companies and studios but don’t act as a writer’s agent, in the conventional sense. The service is also a response to the increasing challenges facing new or inexperienced writers, in terms of accessing very influential – but extremely busy – producers, development executives and agents.

2. How does it work?

The service is a potentially 6-stage process, as follows:

A writer or filmmaker books us to provide feedback on their script (please note only services #9, #10, #11, #13, #14, #15, #16, #17 on our website qualify for Talent Connector).
We assess the script, and deliver the script analysis and feedback requested.
In addition to their feedback, the writer/filmmaker will also receive notification of the industry standard at which their project was graded (ie. a) a Pass, b) a Honourable Mention, c) a Consider or d) a Recommend.)
If their script is considered to be at a Honourable Mention level or higher, then the writer/filmmaker will be invited to have their project championed by Industrial Scripts through Talent Connector.
If the writer/filmmaker wishes to have their work championed by Industrial Scripts, then details of their project (including Title, Genre, Page Length, Writer/Talent attached, What We Said, Verdict and the participant’s contact details) will be marketed to a comprehensive list of bona fide executives, agents and producers in film and TV, once a month.
Agents, executives and producers participating in our Talent Connector scheme are then able to contact the writers/filmmakers directly, in the event that they wish to read their scripts.

3. What do “Pass” | “Honourable Mention” | “Consider” | “Recommend” mean?

These are industry terms, commonly used to grade projects in script development. So a “Pass” means that the project does not merit further consideration. An “Honourable Mention” verdict means that the project merits further consideration, but with reservations. A “Consider” verdict is a strong endorsement of a script, albeit one with at least some reservations. And a “Recommend” verdict suggests that the script is an extremely accomplished piece of writing, demanding serious and potentially urgent consideration.

4. How much clout does Industrial Scripts’ recommendation carry? Aren’t I better off submitting the script myself?

With our industry credentials, the fact that we’re personally known by many of the key decision-makers, and the fact that there’s nothing in it for us if your script sells or if you find representation, means that our recommendation carries considerable weight. Unlike agents, who are under pressure to promote their writers simply to underline the notion that they are working away, championing them, we are not obliged to promote any material, which therefore increases the weight of our recommendation when we do promote a script we like. It is also worth noting that, due to the huge volume of scripts written every year, most leading production companies and even some leading literary agencies no longer accept unsolicited material. The only avenue in to them is via a trusted and respected source – and Industrial Scripts offers that.

5. If my script qualifies for Talent Connector, how many other projects would be included alongside mine when it’s marketed to the industry? I’m concerned it might be overlooked in a very long list…

The number will vary, but depending on the volume of material submitted, it is extremely unlikely that the number of projects we recommend would exceed 10 in a month, and it will usually be far less. Some months, it is also possible that we won’t promote any scripts. It’s vital to the success of this programme that the standard of material we promote is high.

6. What type of person/company will details of my project be sent to?

Details of your project will only be sent to bona fide, reputable companies and agents, with strong track records in the business. More often than not, these will be people we have a direct relationship with, or know. Unfortunately due to the ‘personal referral’ nature of the programme, we are unable to provide eligible writers with an absolutely specific list of the people details of their work have been sent to, but all the companies we currently work with (some of the UK’s best) are participating in the scheme and many more with them. The list of companies and individuals who will receive details of your project is extensive.

7. How will my project be displayed to the industry?

Details of your project will be uploaded to a very secure members-only network, accessible only to Industrial Scripts-approved personnel and companies, in the following form:

PROJECT TITLE:

WRITER:

GENRE:

SUB-GENRE:

SETTING:

PERIOD:

BUDGET: (Micro/Low/Medium/High)

PAGE LENGTH:

FORMAT: (if applicable)

COMPARABLE TITLES: (recent TV shows or movies similar to the project).

WHAT WE SAID: (3 line overview taken from our report of the project)

PROS:

CONS:

VERDICT: (Honourable Mention/Consider/Recommend)

WRITER’S CONTACT DETAILS: (email & phone number)

8. Why hasn’t my project’s logline been included in the Talent Connector marketing text?

We don’t reveal your project’s full logline to prevent any misuse of content. However we do reveal enough information for agents, execs and producers to get a strong feel for what type of project yours is, and to make the project attractive.

9. Why do I have to purchase one of your script analysis services in order to be eligible for Talent Connector? / Why isn’t this service free?

We’d love to have an open-door policy, where we read everyone’s script for free, but unfortunately we’re a small company and simply do not have the time or resources to read every script that comes our way. We would be out of business very, very quickly if we did. We’ve developed Talent Connector due to the increasing challenges from both sides of the fence: for new writers it’s increasingly difficult to have their work read and taken seriously by extremely busy agents, development executives and producers; however from an agent’s point-of-view, dealing with the ever-increasing reading pile is also becoming increasingly challenging. With Talent Connector, we aim for an “everybody wins” scenario, as follows:

Writers & filmmakers receive guaranteed high-quality feedback on their work and the opportunity to launch their careers with our endorsement through Talent Connector, at no extra charge;
Execs, agents and producers receive promising writing samples from new, exciting voices without having to expose themselves to an unmanageable surfeit of material;
Industrial Scripts manages to pay its overhead and remain in business.

10. Why is ‘Talent Connector’ only available with some of your script feedback services?

Some of our services help people develop script ideas that are still in an embryonic stage – often first drafts or treatments or even simply loglines. So that we don’t waste busy people’s time, we will only recommend scripts and writers who display concrete potential – an idea is not enough, you need to show you can execute it effectively.

11. Why haven’t you recommended my script for the ‘Talent Connector’ service?

We only provide the “Talent Connector” service for scripts if we think they’re good enough. If we sent every script we received to our contacts, we would quickly lose their interest – not to mention their respect. By only sending scripts that are well written, well-developed and ready to be marketed, we can ensure that the Talent Connector service remains a useful, reliable service, for both our contacts and our clients.

12. Who will read my script if I send it to you? Why should Industrial Scripts decide which scripts connect with the powers-that-be? What qualifies you to do this?

There are 8 script consultants involved with Industrial Scripts, and your work will always be assessed by one of them – we don’t farm work out to other assessors. Our consultants’ credentials are listed here. Between us, we’ve worked and in many cases are currently working for many of the leading film companies in the UK. There are a worrying number of script feedback services online, but ours is one of the very, very few with high-level industry credentials.

13. So, if you think my script is good enough and I use one of your selected feedback services, Talent Connector is free? What’s the hidden catch?

There is no hidden catch. If any of the people we send your script to show an interest in your work, then any future contact will be entirely between you and them. We take no percentage fee, and have absolutely no rights over your work. We are not involved in negotiations of any kind, and have no further involvement. All further dealings are between you and the agent/executive/producer.

14. My project was marketed through Talent Connector but no-one requested my script, why is that?

Although it is highly unlikely that your work would be requested by no-one on the back of our recommendation, Industrial Scripts’ Talent Connector offers no guarantees in terms of selling your work or attracting an agent. Perhaps your project isn’t a suitable fit for a producer’s slate of projects. Or perhaps an agent has already taken on two new clients recently and isn’t looking to sign anyone else. There are obviously other variables that are beyond our control that may affect the level of interest in your project. But, as suggested, it is unlikely that based on our judgement, no-one will get in touch with you concerning your work.

15. My script was championed via Talent Connector, a producer asked to see my script, but then I never heard anything more…what should I do?

That is between the producer and yourself. Talent Connector is a connection service, not an agency. If your script was requested by a producer and you didn’t hear back from them then, logically, it seems unlikely they have continued interest in it. Likewise, for your part, you may not wish to consider this producer again when submitting your work to the industry, if that kind of etiquette disagrees with you. Industrial Scripts firmly encourages best-practise behaviour, but what goes on between parties after the Talent Connector marketing stage is not our responsibility, and we cannot be held accountable for anything that transpires after details about the project have been released.

16. I am a bona fide producer/executive/agent/director and wish to receive monthly updates and access qualifying projects, how do I go about this?

Simply email talentconnector@industrialscripts.co.uk with “Talent Connector Opt-In” in the subject line, and your CV attached.

17. Is there a start and/or end date for the programme?

The programme is constantly open for submissions, and the first set of projects were marketed to the industry on 20th July 2011. There is no end date for the programme – it is continuously open to applications, and runs all year round.

ScriptStore

1. Do you stock any filmmaking or any screenwriting products?

We stock a variety of screenplays, e-readers, screenwriting DVDs and screenwriting books. We also sell the industry’s primary screenwriting software Final Draft at the lowest price in the UK. To see our range of products and for more information visit our ScriptStore.

2. I’m having trouble making a purchase, what should I do?

Visit our ScriptStore FAQ, which should clarify any issues you may be having.

Lecturing, Speaking & Mentoring (Education Sector work)

1. Do you do any work outside of the film and television industries?

In addition to our work in film and TV, Industrial Scripts is also increasingly active in the education sector, delivering high-quality media careers talks and workshops in schools and universities, lecturing and speaking at events, and also acting as mentors to people looking to build a career in the business.

2. What do the talks/seminars cover?

They are broadly intended to give candidates a sense of how to pursue a career in the media, covering the dos and don’ts of interning and the skills required. The talks give students an insight into the industry’s techniques for commercially assessing film projects with detailed and specific references to contemporary cinema. The half-day talk also includes a pitching workshop in which students are divided into groups and ‘pitch’ a project of their own imagining.

3. How long are the talks?

Our talks can be tailored to the required length but the categories we charge by are a half-day session, a two hour seminar or a one hour lesson

4. What is the cost?

A half day session, which includes a pitching workshop, costs £500. A two hour seminar costs £300 and a one hour talk costs £200.

5. Can I request a specific speaker/topic?

If you are looking for a media professional with very specific experience, we also act as an agency and through our contacts in the media can source you an appropriate speaker. Similarly if there’s a particular aspect of careers in media you’d like our speaker to emphasise then that is also possible.

6. What institutions have you worked with recently?

We have recently given talks at Westminster School, The Latymer School, St. Bede’s School and Woodhouse College. A more comprehensive list can be found here.

7. Who are your speakers?

Our speakers are media professionals with an established track record in their area of expertise. They have worked with some of the most distinguished companies in the UK film industry, including BBC Films, Ealing Studios and Paramount Pictures.

8. How does your mentoring program work?

We offer mentoring, support and career acceleration services to appropriate individuals. Please contact us with your specific requirements, your short and long-term career goals, and please remember to attach an up-to-date CV.

Other

1. Do you offer internships with Industrial Scripts?

We do: send a CV and cover letter to info@industrialscripts.co.uk

2. How can I keep up with all the latest news on Industrial Scripts’ feedback services and courses?

You can follow us on twitter (@Indust_Scripts) and sign up for our monthly newsletter here, which will keep you up to date with new and exciting offers. Registering for our site will also give you complete access to all our exclusive content and is completely free.

3. What are the Insider Interviews?

The Insider Interviews are an exclusive series of interviews conducted with leading film professionals which give an unparalleled insight into the inner-workings of the film industry. The interviews are only accessible to site members but registration is free – sign up here.