BLACK LIST READERS: ARE THEY WORTH IT?

BLACK LIST READERS: ARE THEY WORTH IT?

In a previous post, I explained my irritation with the Black List readers' rating system. Now my paranoia and potential ego lead "butt-hurt" has been justified, as an interesting paraphrased post about writer Jeff Lowell's experience with  the rating system in this post, hosted and paraphrased by Slug the Lines.

In it, he orders two evaluations, receiving a 9 and a 6 on an early pilot he wrote. The post argues against Lowell's quote that "the Blacklist would be a no-brainer to try" as a novice, imploring that the system is flawed due to fact that it encourages re-writes, regardless of scoring, and that it's only actually the alosive 8-10 scoring that brings you to producers attention, especially if you get 9+, where BL will use your log line as a sent newsletter to producers.

The post even mirrored my own frustration, quoting that the re-write script getting a <5 is not an uncommon sight.

I don't wish for this post to be simply a rant justifying my previous post, but considering the Slug the Lines post was posted in the last few days, it may be possible that we are seeing something of a mini-scandal; one where the reputation of a script hosting site could be in jepordy due to the lack of a consenses among the readers for BL.

A TALE OF TWO SCRIPT READERS

A TALE OF TWO SCRIPT READERS

I've recently purchased two evaluations from The Black List, about roughly a month apart. The difference between the two drafts of the same script was after the first evaluation, I implemented the suggested changes, meaning the second evaluation was on a new, improved draft.

Below is a screenshot of the two different evaluations. Remember; the newer evaluation is on a new draft with suggestions from the older evaluation.

How does that make any sense? I have no problem with the ratings, per se, but it's sort of confusing to think a previous draft could get 7 out of 10, while a newer one that takes the notes of the older rating and uses them could get 5 out of 10. It's like getting silver in the Olympics, then working harder than ever before, and getting bronze next time.

It raises a question; how valuable are readers opinions and ratings if they aren't objective?

Don't get me wrong, I understand people have different tastes, and, let's face it, this is exactly how bad scripts get through; someone with the connections thought "well, I think it's good". But how is it that two similar readers, working for the same company, both reading the same script (albeit improvements) could give different ratings. Look at the difference in the ratings on plot; 6 versus 4. You're talking about two opposite sides of the mean of five. Then look at dialogue and setting; 8 versus 5. Again, 8 is something of a "good", 5 is a "meh/ok". It's scary to think maybe getting your foot in the door has little to do with your talent and more with whether or not a reader is in a good mood or not.

But then there's the flip side. Was I wrong for making the suggested changes in the script noted in the first evaluation? And if so, what's the logic there? There's improvements to made, but don't do them?

Reader evaluations on the Black List is something of a "pay-to-play" scheme, where ratings over a certain average will get featured in the top list of the website. I was featured due to my first rating, and it was noticeable, in the form of views and downloads. It's a good way of gaining traffic and helpful criticism. But, this has made me question the service slightly. On the website, the Black List explain they stand by reader ratings, though are vague about how they manage and oversee them, leading to the suspicion the website lends a lot of trust to the reader that they are able to make fair and concise calls on rating.

The ironic thing is, the feedback on the second rating was also helpful. So much so that it only heightens the harsh rating of 5/10. To summarize the second evaluation feedback, my favorite line has to be "This show could work on major broadcast or network". Not exactly something you would expect someone to say about a 5/10 script.

The funny thing is, this has only made me want to improve the script even more. If not for myself, than at least to prove Mr. X wrong.

My Review of Black List's Review

My Review of Black List's Review.

A while back, I submitted my sitcom script "Tested" to the Black List, and only recently (December 16th) orders an evaluation. I don't care too much for paid reviews, though I've never actually had one. Today (or tonight, since it's 3:42 am here) I received my evaluation, which I will show below. Please check out my script for reverence.

Everything in Courier is the Black list.

SCRIPT EVALUATIONS

Era:

NYC

Locations:

Modern Times

Genre:

Dark Comedy

Logline:

In an attempt to warn a past lover he may have given her herpes, womanizer Ryan accidentally breaks up and must subsequently rekindle her engagement.

Bible Logline:

After finding out he has herpes, an artist and his sister seek out his past lovers to warn them of their potential risk.

Strengths:

This script truly shines in its dialog. The sharp wit reflected in banter between the entertaining characters - most notably Ryan and Emily - helps push the plot forward and ameliorate the premise with the audience. There are moments of comedic brilliance akin to the early years of HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER - with Ryan floating in to save the horny damsel in distress, or Chelsea launching herself at the car after discovering she might have herpes. These are fantastic and entertaining visuals further improved by brilliant descriptions that run throughout the script, carrying the same tongue in cheek tone so well established in the story.

Weaknesses:

However, the plot itself is too straightforward. There aren't sufficient complications to the script - everything happens very linearly and generally without much character-based or external confrontation. Without that, there isn't much growth for Ryan to go through, as there's little that makes him vulnerable. This is actually a major problem with the script in general - it takes far too long to make Ryan sympathetic - something that should happen much earlier in the script doesn't actually happen until the third act. At that point, he should have already demonstrated his merit to win the heart of the audience but he's spent the entire time acting only out of self-interest. The opening can also be eliminated - it does little to have it repeated and Ryan's discovery of his infection is a much more effective opening. Finally, the character of Summer is non-existent in the script but discussed as a main character in the Bible - by adding her to the script, not only will it add significant complications to the pilot, but it will also help establish her character as an important one.

Prospects:

The show could be very successful, but needs to focus much more on its characters in order to do so. Ryan needs to be significantly more sympathetic to the audience, and Emily needs to be much more present to solidify her character in the audience's mind. With stronger characters, viewers would be more inclined to return to the show about a morally depraved man trying to make amends.

Pages:

25

General Thoughts on Bible:

The bible is concise with not only good discussion of the characters, but a lengthy discussion of sample episodes. The only thing missing that could benefit the Bible would be a discussion of the endgame for Ryan's character development, to help establish a sense of overall direction with the show.

As stated before, I've never ordered an evaluation, and all I can say is I could not be more satisfied. Exact, concise, and straight to the point, this has opened my eyes to the strengths and weaknesses. The rating given to the script at 7 out of 10, which is a fair rating in my opinion and I think matches up pretty well with the review; praise but with notes. Funny enough, I've gotten the "How I met your mother" bit before. I don't normally watch that show, though I am not above thinking it's a good show. Point is, for $50 (yes, 50), the review is reasonably affordable and comparable to many other evaluations services that are a little more on the steep end. As well as that, the evaluation has an option of being seen publically, so that $50 could be the handy bit of exposure you needed (granted the rating is complimentary).

My review of the review; 10/10. Informative, eye-opening, and extremely confirming. If you're not sold on the whole Black List thing, this should be a strong recomendation, if for nothing else than its evaluation service.

WRITER LIFE HACKS: REDDIT

WRITER LIFE HACKS: REDDIT

Can anyone truly talk about Reddit positively without something unironically late to the party. Besides having a subreddit (i.e. dedicate forum) for practically everything, Reddit has some pretty good subreddits for writing.

r/Screenwriting : An forum dedicated to screenwriting news, queries, and advice. A unique combination of sourced news and personal discussions, this is something of a Swiss army knife, though would require for determined searching to find gems.

Active Subscribers (at time of publication): Over 19,000.

r/Writing : Something of a more general subreddit, though still containing screenwriting topics, it is a subreddit for the general activity and pursuit of writing, though at times it seems more skewed towards books and movies than anything else. Similar to the screenwriting subreddit, it features a mix of news, discussions, and general promotion.

Active Subscribers (ATP) : Over 100,000.

r/ReadMyScript : My personal favorite and definitely a must for those seeking encouragement, advice, and feedback on your scripts. In this subreddit, you can post a script you've written and wish to get feedback on. Most commonly, these are done by uploading the files to Google Drive, and setting the privacy to allow anyone with the link. Typically, my rule of thumb is that for every upload you do, you must read someone else's script and give feedback, especially positive or constructive.

Actove Subscribers (ATP): Over 2,000.

Reddit indeed has alot to offer. And I'm sure we haven't even scratched the surface of how it can help you.

FAMILY GUY BRINGS BACK BRIAN!

FAMILY GUY BRINGS BACK BRIAN!

FUCKING CALLED IT!

BRIAN GRIFFIN DEAD: GENIUS OR DICKERY

BRIAN GRIFFIN DEAD: GENIUS OR DICKERY

The news has already probably broken where ever you are; Brian Griffin, the anthromorphic, alcholic, aspiring novelist dog from the Family Guy show has been killed off, and replaced with Vinny, a tough, no B.S. taking canine.

While fans are calling for blood, I'll list briefly why, from a writing point of view, this is either genius or dickery (i.e. an act of completely dick-headed-ness).

Genius:

Fitting tone, style, and humor; Family Guy was been known for its random and absurd actions, namely random flashbacks, gruesome chicken/man fights, period jokes (both historical and ovulation), and deaths (Diana Simmers, Murt Goldmine's wife, Joe Swanson's son (sort of), and KIND OF Cleaveland Brown in a way). Even Peter died and came back to life (TWICE!).

In fact, Brian's death has been hinted at for many years; he's 35-50 in dog years, I can count at least two occasions where his own dog mortality has been the butt of a dark  joke, and even he's hit and killed a dog mirroring his own future death.

Why would you truly think, in a show as random and bizzare as Family Guy, that ANYONE would be safe.

Plus, in a world of long running TV shows, where "killing off character" is usually code for a side character leaving, it's kind of refreshing that one show went for the gusto.

Even the introduction of a replacement seemed like a stab at the idea.

Dickery:

This changes the entire dynamic of the show. It's short-sighted simply to quote Brian as being simply Stewie's equal when he was also Peter's best friend, a (not so) secret admirer of Lois, a comforter to Meg, and even Quagmire's pet-peeve (pun not intended). Admittedly, Brian had slipped away from the voice of reason character he was in the beginning, but he was still something of a father figure to Peter.

It is of course ironic that the most human character should be an animal in a world where they are easily disposed of and tossed aside. It's almost cruel and slightly sadistic that a semi-pro-animal rights show would just cull a dog. Their reasoning, according to reports, is that killing off a human, especially in the family, would have too much of an impact and been too close to home. Though the backlash on twitter, with the hash tag #bringbrianback, says otherwise.

But...

I can't be the only one who's skeptical of this. I can't be the only one who thinks there's a bigger joke to all this. It wasn't so long ago the infamous "You're getting old" episode had us think they were closing down shop when really it was a big joke about hype and normality. I think one of a few things may happen;

1. Brian is brought back; According to report the staff writers loved "an idea" and planned several next episodes around it. Notice the report never said "THE idea" or even specifying it directly as being the idea of Brian's death. I think the idea may be of simply killing off a character, bringing in a new one, making them unlikable as possible, and then killing them off and returning everything to normal.
2. Some possible solutions to Brian's death may be;

• Vinny slowly morphs into Brian, to no one's notice.
• God brings Brian back to life.
• Brian isn't dead.
• Stewie finds a way to bringing Brian back (maybe with a Brian ray gun or something)
• Death himself brings Brian back.
• Or (possibly most likely in my opinion) They just act as if nothing happen, Brian back in place.

Worth a thought. Only the 8th of December, Family Guy's next air time, will tell.

BRIEF NOTE PART 2

BRIEF NOTE PART 2

I forget to mention I have two more sitcom pilots under consideration for Amazon Studios.

TITLE: TRACY

BRIEF: An eager, ambition, and outspoken young woman has one advantage over most women when it comes to living in a man’s world… she’s was a man. Tracy takes on a world of double standards and patriarchy with her sense of feminism, outspoken views, and awe inspiring humanity.

GENRE: Sitcom, LGBT, female protagonist, feminism.

IT'S LIKE: "Ugly Betty" meets "Queer as folk".

TITLE: TESTED

BRIEF: What happens when your one night stands become your to-do list?

When Ryan finds out he has herpes, he has to contact every partner he’s had in the last year… all 582 of them! With the help of his persistent sister, Ryan owes these women more than just an apology.

GENRE: Sitcom, dating, episodic.

IT'S LIKE: "My name is Earl" meets "Sex and the city".

Please check them out. The links are the pictures themselves.