Onyanserat med Scriptshadow

Who are you?

I am a mystery.  I am an enigma.  Haha.  No, I’m just a guy who reads a lot of scripts.  There are people who claim to know my real name but, psh, they know nothing!

When and why did you start ScriptShadow?

I started it a little over a year ago because I felt that reading scripts was the most under-utilized tool to learning screenwriting out there.  I wanted to make more writers aware of it. I also wanted to be a super-hero.  And I thought Scriptshadow was a cool super-hero name.

Are you a writer yourself?

Aspiring, yes.  But I’m just like all my readers.  Still trying to make it.  Maybe a little further along in the process, but learning just the same.

Do you think that its fair to review drafts that aren´t finished?

Yes, as long as the readers of the review understand the context by which the script is being reviewed.  I make it clear I’m not judging the script as a movie.  I’m judging it as [a first draft, a second draft, etc.]

Do you think it can hurt a scriptwriter if you post a review of an unfinished script?

A couple of years ago, maybe.  But these days, anybody with an internet connection and a little ambition can find the latest screenplays in Hollywood.  Also, although the site is popular, by Hollywood standards it’s a drop in the bucket.  I don’t get 1/50 the hits as, say, Aint It Cool or Slash Film.  People are still getting used to it.  But even if Scriptshadow disappeared tomorrow, the digital screenplay revolution would continue to grow.

Whats the best script that turned into a bad movie?

I don’t know about the best script, but I thought ”Law Abiding Citizen” was a really good screenplay.  But they cast it all wrong and it turned into something pretty silly.  I think that’s where the mistakes happen.  Cast someone wrong for the part and a good script will dissolve into a piece of crap.

Whats the worst script that turned into a great movie?

Mood pieces in general make lousy scripts.  Something like ”The Thin Red Line” by Terrance Malick. I’d rather eat my hand off than slog through that pile of paper.  But the film is quite beautiful.

How many scripts do you read a week?

Anywhere from 7-30.  Any more than that and I start turning into a turnip.

Which is the best unproduced script?

People on the site generally seem to agree that Source Code, a sci-fi script about a guy who keeps waking up on the same train right before it’s about to blow up, is the best unmade script (it has since gone into production).  The Brigands of Rattleborge, a dark twisted Western, is also really awesome.

Who is the best screenwriter today?

Aaron Sorkin is pretty much the guy that all other writers look up to.  But as for my tastes, I’d choose Kurt Wimmer for action, Ben Ripley (the writer of Source Code) for sci-fi, and Michael R. Perry (whose script ”The Voices” was a Top 5 on this year’s Black List) for quirky independent.  Frank Darabont is also huge.  Oh, and everyone loves The Coen brothers, although I think their plots are too simple.  Every one of their scripts is about a bag of money and someone else chasing it.

Who is the best screenwriter alltime?

Wow, that’s a great question.  A lot of people might say Robert Towne or Billy Wilder.  There are so many.  I just thought Shawshank was flawless though. So I’ll go with Darabont today.  Don’t ask me again next week though or I’ll give you another answer.

Which do you enjoy most, a great script or a great movie?

A great script and I’ll tell you why.  It’s impossible for a movie to surprise you anymore.  They hit you over the head with so many trailers and TV spots, you know the whole movie before you walk in the theater.  I can open a script and have no idea what’s going to happen.  You can’t equal that power.

Best movie?
Back To The Future

Worst movie?
Cabin Boy

Best actor?
Daniel-Day Lewis

Worst actor?
Mark Whalberg

Best Tv-show?
Community

Worst Tv-show?
Deal or No Deal

Best Director?
James Cameron

Worst Director?
Uwe Boll

Worst Screenwriter?
I forgot his name, but he sent me a script that was 414 pages and had no punctuation.

Anything to add?

If you’re interested in being a screenwriter, I will make you this promise.  For every 300 scripts you read, you will cut 2 years off your learning period.  If I were to start all over again, I’d hunker up in my apartment and read 8 scripts a day for an entire year.  Just by doing that, I’d be better than 95% of the aspiring screenwriters out there. I’m serious!