An idea for GITS
As longtime GITS readers may remember, in the past we have done a variety of script reading and analysis series including 40 Days of Screenplays, 6 Days of Screenplays, and so on.
I think it’s time to bring something like that back for these reasons: (A) To encourage GITS followers to read screenplays. (B) To engage in an open dialogue about story-crafting principles. © To further develop our individual and collective critical analytical skills.
Here’s my idea: We focus on one script per week. It will be a script from a notable produced movie. We will rotate by genre each week (e.g., Action, Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller). The GITS community will suggest scripts and determine each week’s choice by vote or consensus.
The concept is to create a schedule a few weeks in advance so people who want to participate will have a chance to download a copy of the script (via myPDFscripts.com) and read it in time for the weekly discussion.
I’m thinking we break down the analysis of each script per five categories: Structure, Characters, Dialogue, Scenes, Theme, designating one for each day of the week. So for instance, let’s say next week the genre is Drama and we decide to read The King’s Speech. People would have 2 weeks to read the script. Then this schedule for analysis and discussion:
Monday: Structure
Tuesday: Characters
Wednesday: Dialogue
Thursday: Scenes
Friday: Themes
We would do this weekly so that in theory participants could read and analyze up to 52 scripts per year.
Obviously no one is required to do anything. This is strictly a voluntary initiative. But speaking from my own personal experience, every time I sit down, read, and analyze a script, I learn something more about the movie as well as the craft of screenwriting.
So my question to you is this:
Would you be interested in participating in such a GITS script analysis series? If so, how enthusiastic are you about the idea? Highly likely to participate. Likely. Maybe. Not likely. No way.
As you know, I think reading scripts is one of the three most important activities you can do to develop as a screenwriter. If there is enough interest, I would be happy to take on this new series as moderator and facilitator. If not, I will move onto the next idea.
Please post your thoughts in comments. If you would prefer to provide feedback in private, feel free to email me.
UPDATE: Okay, I sense there’s enough enthusiasm for this idea. I will post something in the next few days to get the ball rolling. Should an exciting addition to the other GITS series. Also I have another idea I’m going to suggest. I’ll present that one next week.