Script Reading: “The Motorman”

For those of you in NYC, here’s an opportunity to check out a “script reading.” Via Gil Seltzer:

Hi Scott,

Hope you’re good! Wanted to let you know about a reading I’m having in
New York of my feature script, “The Motorman”.

The story is about a diehard, pro-union subway motorman who discovers
his troubled son has mistakenly led to the death of the union leader’s
beloved daughter, and struggles between allegiance to his cause or
loyalty to his family. Set during the mayhem of the 1980 subway
strike.

My casting director managed to get Anthony Arkin (Alan’s son) to read
for the lead role. I also have Richard Petrocelli (from Philip Seymour
Hoffman’s theater company) to read the co-starring role and David Alan
Basche (from “The Exes” and “United 93”) to read the narrator. Have
several other fantastic New York actors as well.

Reading will be Tuesday July 16th at 7pm at the Producer’s Club on
44th and 9th.

Invite and more info is available here

Or folks can RSVP directly to gil@gaff-films.com

Thanks!
- Gil

This script reading sounds like a “staged reading” which takes place in front of audience. There’s also a “read-through” or “table read” which is more of a private thing. Both can be a valuable step in writing a screenplay. Once you have gotten your script into viable shape, to be able to see actors play their parts, hear their dialogue, and feel the rhythm of the narrative is a way to externalize the process, as opposed to the writer sitting alone in the room imagining the story in their mind.

In Gil’s case, he’ll not only benefit from that, but also expose his project to actors, writers, reps and maybe even potential investors.

The thing is you don’t have to live in NYC or LA to do a table read. There are community theaters everywhere with actors who I’m sure would be delighted to participate for free.

If anyone has had experience with a script reading and has any opinions and/or tips, please share in comments.

Good luck, Gil!

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