What is StudioNotes?  

StudioNotes offers in-depth analysis of your screenplay/manuscript, through coverage, development notes, treatment, and/or private consultation.

Who runs StudioNotes, and who will read my material?  

Click here to see about who we are and the experienced script analysists we have on our staff -- second to none!

What can be submitted, and how do I submit my material?  

We offer analysis of screenplays, one hour teleplays, 1/2 hour teleplays, treatments, and shorts. StudioNotes accepts submissions via either email or mail. To submit material, please click here.

What services are offered, and what is the cost?  

Click here to see detailed descriptions of various services and their cost.

What are fellow writers saying about StudioNotes?  

Click here to see about our customer's comments.

How do I view a sample set of notes?  

Click here to see a sample set of notes.

Do I have to be a professional writer to submit?  

No. Although professional writers do use our service, guild membership is not required.

Are my projects, notes, and consultations kept confidential?  

Your projects, notes and related material will not be released to any third party without your prior consent.

What is the best advice for a new screenwriter?  

Finish your script. Whatever you do, finish a draft. It is easier to dive back in if you have a completed pass and future rewrites tend to be more constructive. Don’t give up.

How do I know when my screenplay is ready to submit to StudioNotes?  

If you can answer "yes" to all the following, then you are ready to submit:

• Is your screenplay between 95-140 pages?
• Do you have some internal questions?
• Are you ready to have other people read it?
• Are you ready for constructive feedback?

Do I need a screenplay formatter?  

To submit to StudioNotes, it's a good idea at least to make sure that your screenplay is neat and has fairly consistent pagination and margins; a screenplay formatter may not be necessary for that purpose.  When you're ready actually to submit to studios and agencies, however, your script must adhere to all the standard screenplay formatting rules; and for that purpose, a screenplay formatter is ideal.  (We strongly discourage writers from paying for needlessly high-priced formatters, of which there are all too many.   A formatter such as Hollywood Screenplay not only has been around for decades, but also is reasonably priced.)

How long is the standard feature film screenplay?  

The standard feature length screenplay is between 110-120 pages. The rule of thumb is one minute of screen time per page.

I finished writing my first draft. Now what?  

Pat yourself on the back, close your computer and take a break. Think about your script, take notes but don’t read it. In a week, come back with fresh eyes and incorporate your new ideas. When you feel you’ve exhausted yourself, find an outside person to read it. Many writers have turned to StudioNotes for this purpose. Having a fresh take on your project from someone not familiar with it is essential. According to Hemingway, “all first drafts are [expletive deleted].” That may be extreme but it is important to note that writing a movie is a process and part of that process is listening to input from others. If you’re looking to be a professional writer you need to be able to hear new ideas.

What is the difference between a synopsis and a treatment?   

A synopsis is essentially a short summary of your story. A treatment is a detailed outline with your plot and main characters well defined.

I have a treatment for a screenplay. Now what?  

Great. You’ve created the foundation for your story. If your treatment is meticulously mapped out, your journey into writing the screenplay will be a much easier ride. If you feel confident in your blueprint then get off the Internet and start writing. If you still have unanswered questions or internal concerns it may be helpful to submit your treatment to StudioNotes and receive some detailed feedback.

How do I find out who controls the film rights to a book?   

You need the title of the book, the author, and the name of the publishing company. Information on film rights can be obtained through the book’s publishing company. Phone numbers can be obtained through information. Most of the publishing companies are located in New York. Email or fax your request to the publishing company’s sub-rights department. It may take up to 3-6 weeks for a reply. The reply will generally state the name of the agent representing the material. It is then necessary to contact the agent directly to find out if the book is available or if not, the name of the party controlling the rights.

What does it mean to have a screenplay optioned?   

It means that a production company or an individual producer has agreed to terms with the writer to control the rights to his or her material for a given period of time. Once the option expires, the rights revert back to the writer.

The standard option agreement is ten percent of the purchase price. The standard option period is one year. The option is usually renewable at least once at the production company’s discretion. If the screenplay is produced, the money paid for the option is deducted from any future payments.

I have a producer interested in optioning my script, but I don’t have an agent. What do I do?   

Any lawyer can negotiate your option agreement but it may be best to find a lawyer who specializes in entertainment law. Understand that unless you have executed contracts with a producer you are under no obligation to that producer and are free to shop your material elsewhere.

If I sell my script, what are the odds it will be made into a movie?   

When a script is sold it only means a production company has purchased the rights to the material. Unfortunately it doesn’t mean it will get made. Only one in ten screenplays developed at the major studios are ever turned into a movie.

What is a spec script?  

A spec script is a script written without a deal. The writer is speculating that he or she can sell the project once finished.

I don’t understand the three-act structure? Do all screenplays have to follow it?   

The three-act structure is a guideline not a rule. It can be a great tool for young writers. Essentially, the first act is the set up. The second act is the follow through. The third act is the climax and resolution. The three-act structure helps you focus your ideas. That being said, a screenwriter doesn’t have to follow this structure, but you may find you naturally write within it.

What if I still have an unanswered question or concern?  

If you've referred to other webpages (see the buttons at the very top or bottom of each screen for navigation) and still are unable to find the answer(s) to your question(s), please feel free to call StudioNotes at the Writers SuperCenter at 866-855-1272 or email info@writerssupercenter.com.