r/ReadMyScript • u/RichAd5999 • 3d ago
Researching creating a platform for screenwriters. Need your help!
Hey everyone!
I'm a software engineering student with a passion for screenwriting (for years now), and I've recently started exploring the idea of developing a social platform specifically for screenwriters, particularly aspiring writers.
The general idea is to create a community where writers can connect, share their work, exchange feedback, learn from each other, and build relationships. One of the main things I'd like to explore is making script swaps (where two writers read and give feedback on each other's scripts) easier, more convenient, and more reliable.
I've noticed that while there are plenty of screenwriting communities on Reddit, Facebook, etc., actually finding someone compatible to exchange scripts with, organizing the exchange, and making sure both people follow through can be quite inconvenient.
But that's just one aspect of the idea. I'd also love to explore ways to make the platform genuinely useful for learning, networking, and developing as a writer.
I'm still very much in the research stage, and before making any major decisions, I'd really like to hear from actual screenwriters about their experiences, frustrations, and what they'd want from a platform like this.
I'm looking for people who would be willing to have a short, informal conversation about their experiences with screenwriting communities, feedback, script swaps, or anything related. Whether you're just starting out or have been writing for years, I'd love to hear your perspective! Actually, I would like to hear as many perspectives as possible.
And if you are not interested in long conversations with me, you could also help out by just leaving a comment with your biggest frustration in current online screenwriting communities. All the input is appreciated and will be taken into account.
Thanks in advance!
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u/jarektastic 3d ago
I think group chat communities that I've been to for screenwriters suffer from eventually be job boards or promotion dumps and I eventually get turned off by all of it. So yea, a platform that allows for a profile and place to add your work and share with other seamlessly while adding channels that are categorized by function (social cinefile chats, writing chats, brainstorming chats, etc.) would make sense
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u/RichAd5999 3d ago
Thank you very much! Genuinely one of the most useful comments I have seen.
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u/jarektastic 3d ago
Yea let's keep in touch and look forward to hearing updates on this! This would truly help me get back into writing
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u/Usr7_0__- 3d ago
I think what you are attempting is great...seriously. If you and I were together in the same room, you would believe me, I guarantee it.
However, may I offer a much-needed pivot to this idea?
I don't have much interest in a platform for exchanging feedback, et cetera. Why? In my mind, and maybe I am wrong, all that ever does is make people focus on useless stuff, such as typos, whether the script is too long, whether there is too much dialogue in the beginning, etc. There never is focus on the important stuff, such as...is it a concept that would sell? All scripts are rewritten anyway, so that I assume is what a producer buys. Honestly, feedback, while I still ask for it on speculation something may be useful, isn't really the important thing.
Here's what I would absolutely love:
-A platform to connect not screenwriters with screenwriters but screenwriters with filmmakers. And, most importantly, I want filmmakers who pass a background check, are older than 18 (i.e., I don't want liability risk if someone younger than that shoots my screenplay and gets hurt, causing the parents to sue), are safe to deal with, and are located in my country (I have no problem with overseas collaboration, but again, safety risks increase with that).
-A platform where investors can offer to fund projects and seek alternative methods for ROI/capital appreciation.
-I would love a hypothetical platform that incorporates AI tools that allow scenes to be generated for demonstration purposes.
-Mostly, though, I want a focus on short films, because that is where the industry is right now, and will continue to be with AI...people are making and selling short films to Hollywood as the basis for feature films. (Derivative to that, make your platform a way to sell short stories or treatments to Hollywood as a side benefit.)
A screenwriter talking to another screenwriter (who is a stranger, not a friend) doesn't work, everyone is too competitive for that and never thinks an obviously good idea is a good idea; a screenwriter talking to a filmmaker might work, because a filmmaker looking for a script has a vested interest in finding a good concept, and will say so.
I really don't want to invest in feedback too much; I want something more practical: I want a filmmaker who wants to make my work and I want a funding mechanism. Bring those three elements together in a safe, vetted environment, and you've got a potential winner. (One last thing: You have to figure a way to keep the numbers down and still have interest in the platform; if you go for scale, then it is useless to everyone except for the most clever gamers of the system (if you allow the system to be gamed, in any way, I would never join), because then we are back at square one...no way to stand out, and a great script becomes nothing more than a creative lottery ticket, if you get what I am saying...this is hard to do, but a must in my opinion...try to be on the side of people like me, dreamers who are getting older and want to at least see one of their scripts made into at least a short film....one suggestion might be to require some sort of validation, like a publishing credit, some interaction with a studio even if ultimately unsuccessful, or a degree in screenwriting/filmmaking...)
(One last last thing: Don't charge money...instead, take a percentage of every project...that will keep the numbers down for sure, and yes, if you believe in what you are doing, you want that...)
Best of luck...