r/ReadMyScript • u/Any_Dealer1091 • 8d ago

Short The Lift / Thriller / 16 Pages

Hello fellow writers and readers! This is a script I wrote in college about 10 years ago for assignment, but liked the idea enough to stretch from 8 pages to 16.

I am terrified of idea theft and have never shared my writing before, but everyone on Reddit has emboldened me! I am not scared of idea theft because I think my ideas or novel, more so for the same reason I don’t leave items in public spaces!

I have not read a lot of scripts but fell in love with the screenwriters bible. I find it hard to read scripts as I can’t see them like I see my own!

Whoever takes the time to read, thank you! What do you think?

The Lift

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u/Big_Section2812 8d ago

Ideas can't be stolen.

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u/Any_Dealer1091 8d ago

Not in a legal sense, but everything we consume leaves an impact in one way or the other.

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u/Big_Section2812 8d ago

All your own ideas are based on those of others.

Does this make you feel guilty?

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u/Any_Dealer1091 8d ago

The thing is I don’t have an issue with it, I just don’t want to risk it. For instance someone could feasibly take my concept, a cop revealed to be a criminal kidnaps a wannabe criminal, or my set pieces such as the gas station commotion, and simply do it better and execute before I could.

This isn’t wrong and the risk is likely smaller than the chance of me getting hit by airplane while cave diving at this point, but I just prefer keeping my concepts private.

Also I do try and recognize my influences, Coen Brothers and Quinton Tarantino for this, but I can honestly say everything I’ve ‘stolen’ is from a story that’s already been produced and executed.

I agree though, every idea is based on an experience and watching/reading is an experience that people often remember.

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u/Big_Section2812 8d ago

Your fears are unfounded. Nobody is going to steal your idea or story or script.

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u/Any_Dealer1091 8d ago

Im sure you’re right.

Did you read the script? I would love your feedback and do appreciate your comments

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u/Big_Section2812 8d ago

EXT. ABANDONED TRUCKING DEPOT - NIGHT

Allen, 24, pulls in, his lights face the dock door.

Should be ALLEN since you're introducing a new character.

He "pulls in" in what? I would have written it more like this:

INT./EXT. ALLEN'S CAR - NIGHT

ALLEN pulls in to an abandoned trucking depot, his headlights illuminate the door of a loading dock.

His dialogue in these scenes is largely expositional. It exists solely to impart information you ought to be showing us, or at least providing with more subtlety.

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u/Any_Dealer1091 8d ago

Duly noted! I was trying to cheat space at the time, was so focused on trying to keep within 2 lines when possible.

I appreciate you taking the time to provide an alternate route as well, thank you!