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Post by RJ Alden Lackie on May 29, 2014 20:38:53 GMT
Have you ever been to a live performance of a screenplay? What did you think of the process? Was it entertaining or boring?
Have you ever had one of your scripts (or scenes) performed this way? Did you direct, or did a dedicated director lead the process? Did the process help you as a writer - either by helping with revisions, or raising the profile of a completed project? Would you do it again?
I had the chance to attend two scene-readings of my works through the annual Ryerson Showcase, as my scripts Timeless and Inhuman Condition were showcased consecutively. Sadly, poor direction on my part essentially scuttled the Timeless reading, giving me a greater appreciation for the value of direction. Meanwhile, the IHC reading helped me feel like the project worked, not just on the page but off it. Sadly, neither reading was widely attended, but both scripts ended up going through further revision anyhow.
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Post by Srini Madhavan on May 29, 2014 23:47:33 GMT
I've yet to do a staged reading however my screenwriting classes workshopped samples of everyone's script by doing a table read. Simply put, we cast characters and the narrator. Early on it was clumsy but as the weeks progressed we got really good at working out how to deliver the lines, with no direction. There were a few actors in class but barring one clown we did well regardless.
I think with experience, we learnt how to play the characters right off the page which I think was a compliment to the writing (keeping in mind we all knew not to direct through the script). But directing could definitely add nuance and consistency.
At the end of the day, I see readings serving two purposes. Primarily, to get an aural idea of how the script plays off the page. The secondary purpose (more so for stage but still for table reads) is to entertain.
And most importantly, if done right, it's bucketloads of fun and reward for everyone involved.
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Post by RJ Alden Lackie on Jun 15, 2014 18:42:26 GMT
I know The Black List staged one of these recently with an all-star cast, which is pretty cool. Not A-Listers, but folks from Mad Men and whatnot. Wish I'd been there!
I'm considering doing one for After the Fight in the fall, as a promotional tool to create some buzz and interest investors. We'll see if that happens, though.
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