Writers, writers everywhere and not a soul to read our work!
We’ve all been there. Desperate for some feedback on our work so we can move it forward or send it on with confidence.
When you don’t know anyone it can feel a little bit hopeless.
There are a lot of very credible readers out there, here’s some insights on what’s out there:
Script Readers: I would say invest in a proper script reader, like The Script Factory or Bang2Write, when you’ve a strong draft that you feel is as good as you can get it. But after other’s have read it. This craft and skill set is not to be sniffed at, they charge the fees they charge because they know their lemons and they’ve put in years of time and energy into it.
Fiverr: I don’t want to do any freelancers out of a side hustle, but approach with caution. There are many providers on this platform who do an internship at Warner Bros. and then claim they can review your 60 page pilot for a mere £20. When a script like that would take around four hours of work, it’s a wonder why they would do that for so little… ?
AI: We’ve talked before about using AI. It is entirely your choice if you want to put your work into these chatbots. But fundamentally, you aren’t going to get a nuanced response. You aren’t going to know if what you have written evokes a genuine feeling. And what is TV and Film if not meant to make you feel something.
Family: Just don’t. They have no filter. And they likely don’t understand the craft. My husband does read some of my work, but he and I know that all I want him to do is check for typos… beyond that I’d just want to throw something at him for asking me why it isn’t finished, when I clearly said it wasn’t (I love you really)
Peers: The best, and most rewarding option. Do not underestimate connecting with other writers. I’ve found the ones I trust my work with implicitly. I know they keep themselves fresh and up to date with the craft, and invest in me beyond my ability to give them notes.
So who are these mystical people and how did I harpoon them?
Let me introduce you to THE SHARK TANK (hoo ha ha)
Yes, I did do a Masters in Writing for Script & Screen 2020-2022 – and yes, this group are all from this degree. But not from my cohort.
Top tip: I’ve met lots of writers who I trust with my work through festivals, coffee mornings, LinkedIn, etc.
We actually met on a WhatsApp thread for a podcast we were doing on film analysis (formally The Script Dept. now Outwrd). We got on very well and one day after a long period of waiting for the industry to just knock on my door and offer me a BAFTA, I decided to take action.
“I want to write a script, but I need someone to hold me accountable,” I said. “Who wants to form a regular group where we read each other’s work and give feedback?”
Four brave writers agreed, and so came The Shark Tank.
The format is very simple
We meet regularly and without fail. The same time each week. It was monthly, but we soon realised we needed more and now meet every week.
We meet for an hour, sometimes more, but no less.
We all read the same script that week and make notes.
On our weekly call, we put the writer on mute and we talk about their work as though they aren’t in the room.
We largely focus on what needs more work, what we wanted more of, missed opportunities, confusing things, etc.
We let the writer out after 50 minutes of writhing, and let them ask questions.
We record the audio and submit our written notes. The writer walks away with four sets of notes and an hour-long audio.
It’s a format that has been adopted by other people, who formed a much more casual version called The Dolphin Pool! You know who you are, you awesome people you!
It matters not how hard you go in on feedback, but it does matter that you do it. We support one another daily on WhatsApp, for our ups and downs, in life and in writing. We meet at events as often as logistics allow, and we invest so much in each other.
We’ve done over 40 tanks and dedicated well over 100 hours to reading and feeding back to each other.
Every major opportunity I've had over the last few years has passed through this group first. Every script that has taken me into a scheme, lab, table read, pitch or meeting has been through the tank. We have become the fabric of each other’s careers and when they succeed, I feel like I have too.
My favourite thing to do is our Secret Santa. Every Christmas, we draw our names out of a hat and we have to write an inspirational letter to that person for the 1st of January. It’s so wonderful.
Task for the week: Identify at least one or maybe even two people who you might be able to set up a regular feedback session with.
Meet the Sharks
It’s my pleasure to introduce you to the people who keep me inspired, humbled, and on the straight and narrow, every single day.
Lorna Riley – based in Macclesfield, UK. Lorna writes the most incredible meet-cutes I think I’ve ever read from undiscovered talent. Her recent short, Opening Up, has had a fantastic festival run, and her latest work Ring My Bell is in its final stages of written development. A project that means so much to us all as it explores her recent experience with Vulva Cancer and the importance of talking to other women about female health. Grounded, humourous and heartfelt.
Eva Marie Wilshere – based in Brighton, UK. She-EO of Evolution Media, Eva is a multi-disciplinary creative, ranging through producing, directing, performing, and writing. Her passion for sci-fi and her unique insights when it comes to script reading and editing are commendable. Her play The Year Dot being performed later this year, and her comedy pilot Surviving Somewhen, are both gaining industry interest, keep a weather eye open for the proof of concept.
Mitra Kohnesheen – based in the Netherlands, EU. As a first-generation refugee, Mitra puts us all to shame with her ability to speak multiple languages and speak English better than us! With a wicked wit and generous spirit, she is capable of writing the most harrowing, deep, raw human stories about displacement and belonging. We go from laughing with her to feeling the gut punch in her writing in one breath. Mitra’s pilot, My Friend from the Other Side, is one to look out for, a very timely and apt exploration of civil war in modern times with a mystical twist.
Peter Salisbury – based in Republic of Ireland, EU. An honorary sister in our tank, Peter has a real passion for the classics, has an impressive collection of original scripts in his archive and a passion for teaching the craft. My favourite of his work was Aileen’s Wave set on the western peninsula of Ireland and River Detective set on the Northfolk Broads. His attention to detail and his observations of familial relationships make anything he turns his hand to so relatable.
Please do check these writers out, reach out and say hi. They work so hard and are one of the strongest assets I have in my career. I’d be half the writer I am today without them beside me.
Did you find your own sharks? Let me know!
Helen
Next up… To WGGB or Not to WGGB (What It Actually Means for Writers)