Frequently Asked Questions:
- Who comes to HSSW?
- What are the costs?
- Do I have to have an agent to join?
- What if I do not live near Boston?
- What is the review process?
- Will you 1)Write my script ...?
Who comes to HSSW?
Representatives from almost every profession in the film industry have come to
Harvard Square Scriptwriters . Some come for help on a specific project, others
come to learn the basic skills necessary to write scripts, and still others
come to refresh or hone their skills.
Members have included Emmy, Toby, and Ace award winners, journalists,
novelists, Harvard professors, doctors, lawyers, and high school dropouts --
and everyone in between!
What are the costs?
There are two fees involved. The first is the meeting fee of $15 per
meeting or $150 per semester. This is the amount paid each meeting/semester
that you attend. You can attend meetings for as long as you want without
joining and paying the additional membership fee of $300. This one time fee
must be paid prior to having a script or treatment reviewed by the group.
Do I have to have an agent to join?
No. While our members have achieved successes most film schools would be proud
of and many members either have or obtain an agent after joining, it is not a
prerequisite.
What are the requirements (besides fees)?
A basic knowledge of script format and story telling techniques, a desire to
improve your writing skills, and a willingness to work with others and to help
them improve their work.
A completed screenplay of not less than 90 pages nor more than 150 pages is
extremely desirable.
If you have not written a screenplay before, consider taking one of the many
excellent "Introduction to Screenwriting" classes available in and
around Boston.
What if I do not live near Boston?
The benefits of full membership are not available to those who live too far
away to attend meetings on a regular basis however script reviews are
available. Ideally the writer will be present when the group reviews their
script. When this is not possible, an audio or video tape is made and each
participant types up his/her notes for the writer. The tape, notes, and marked
up script copies are sent to the writer, who may then call or email the
reviewers with follow up questions and further discussion.
What is the review process?
A script is read by a group of readers who either specialize in the genre or
have special interest and/or knowledge of the genre or other aspects of the
script. Each reader brings special abilities to the script. Some are better on
story structure, some on character development, some on dialogue, and some on
format.
Before the review begins , the writer is asked four questions:
What is the story in a short verbal paragraph?
This answer must be short
– a "TV Guide" tag line. This forces the writer to distill
their story to it's most important aspects.
Why did they choose to write this story?
This gives the writer a chance
to express the passion they bring to the story - why it is important to them,
and why they believe it is important to others.
What is the theme?
This is an extension of the
previous question, and further focuses the writer's intent in writing the
screenplay.
What is the commercial genre?
This question is perhaps the
most important. The answer defines the audience for the movie in commercial
terms - and this defines the market.
Clarification questions from the readers follow, then positive parts of the
script are listed by each reader, followed by more in depth questions,
perceived problems, and/or solutions. Finally, there is a general discussion of
the script.
Brainstorming during the general discussion period helps the writer and readers
find common ground while breaking new ground. Often the best ideas are
developed in this section of the review.
The whole process takes about ninety minutes, however further discussion after
the meeting is encouraged.
Will you 1)Write my script for me for free? 1a)Write my script for me if I
promise to give you, oh, say, thirty per cent of the proceeds of the sale?
2)Fix my script for free? 2a)Fix my script for me if I promise to give you, oh,
say, thirty per cent of the proceeds of the sale? 3)Read and review my script
for free? 4)Sell my script for me?
No.