THE STORY SPOT

I received an email today from someone in New York asking how to become as Script Reader and I thought, “If she wants to know, maybe you want to as well. “

Reading services aren’t just for the big studios, there are directors, actors, producers, investors, and book publishers everywhere who need screenplays evaluated–or “covered”.

Here’s what I told her:

1. Read a pile o’ scripts. At least five, preferably more…a lot more. Either mix up genres or not but do choose your favorite movies. You can buy published screenplays but there aren’t too many. This site will start you off: http://www.script-o-rama.com/snazzy/dircut.html Be sure to choose FILM SCRIPTS and not Transcripts.

2. Get this book and study: Reading for a Living: How to Be a Professional Story Analyst for Film and Television by Terri Katahn.
3. Try your hand. Just Google “coverage sample” and copy someone’s format. The industry standard should be represented.

Extra credit if you brush up your story knowledge with any or all of these: The Reading List @ [[ The Story Spot ]]

Giving good coverage not only requires the ability to understand the mechanics of a screenplay but also the ability to assess the viability of the project from the standpoint of the person hiring you to read. That’s another skill entirely but without it, your opinion means diddly.

Those are the basics of starting out in screenplay coverage as I see it.

Check out my story services at storydoc.fatbrain.ca or click the script pile to the right.

Calling all writers! Love the smell of books in the morning? This may be the gig for you. Tell them you saw the posting here!

March 18, 2008

Dear Friends of Portrait of a Bookstore, portrait of a Bookstore is hiring for a full-time position that will train to become General Manager.

Portrait of a Bookstore is a 22-year-old independent boutique bookstore and gift shop with heavy foot traffic, high sales volume, a tightly knit staff, and a high level of customer service. Possibly the smallest bookstore in the world, we’ve been dubbed “pound for pound, the coolest bookstore in LA, if not the entire world” (Yelp.com), a sentiment that’s echoed by our faithful customers and new converts nearly every day. We’re small but mighty, and our success depends heavily on our excellent customer service and the diverse personalities of our staff members. We value their passion, opinions, and the immense amount of pride they take in their work.
You can learn more about our bookstore at www.portraitofabookstore.com

We’re looking for a book lover who is also a highly organized, personable, responsible, creative thinker who takes pride in his/her work, and who gets along extremely well with others. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, are a must. We don’t mind if you don’t have bookselling or managerial experience, but you must be a passionate, voracious reader who possesses relevant qualities we can help you develop in up to 4 months of paid training.

Applicants must pick up and fill out an application at the store. Please bring a resume, and introduce yourself. We’re open 10am-10pm every day.
Lucia Silva is the General Manager. Please feel free to contact her if you have any questions.

Portrait of a Bookstore (inside Aroma Cafe)
4360 Tujunga Ave.
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 769-3853
www.portraitofabookstore.com

Good luck!