Contains strong language - from the start.
Screenwriter Josh Olson wrote a piece for the Village Voice about why he no longer reads manuscripts from new writers who he doesn't know. (Warning: contains strong language.)
About one in twenty of the scripts we receive will get taken away for a full read, and if your script reaches this stage then we'll give you a page of feedback on it.
But we guarantee to read the first ten pages of every single script we get sent.
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~00~RS~)
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That's good news, that the BBC will read scripts; Will read the strong-language item later...
=Dennis Junior=
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Good news...if those pesky kids will ever let me get started!
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I think a lot of wannabe writers do not appreciate how great a service the BBC offers in reading unsolicited scripts. Many organisations offered this service in the past but the sheer quantity of material despatched, flooded the resources and patience of their readers. Technology has allowed everyone to be a writer or film producer and the restraints of old (typewriters & celluloid) no longer act as a deterrent for all but the most talented and determined. The BBC's funding and public responsibilities allow this service to continue and sometimes they do discover a pearl in the slush ocean.
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For the O.C.D. out there - fundingand is a new word that I have just created.
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Either a clever piece of technology or human eye has changed my 'fundingand' to 'funding and'. I will never be able to invent words at this rate.
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I completely agree with Maldwyn - sending a script to a producer/agent/publisher for a read isn't possible for most new writers and without professional feedback there is very little chance of scripts being developed in the right direction. The service the BBC provides is admirable. However, I'm intrigued as to what the consequences are for the creative direction of what's being read - if a generation of young scriptwriters has only the BBC to turn to, what will happen to the content deemed inappropriate/unsuitable for the Beeb? Will these writers, who may have particular styles, be stifled?
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...and now we know exactly why American film and televsion is mostly comprised of explosions and FX, rather than the written word. America doesn't care if something is written well, it cares if it's going to make money... and you don't need to read anything to light a fuse.
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Ascensions that is nothing but inaccurate xenophobic self congratulatory drivel, I recommend you seek employment within the BBC new drama department you'll surely go far.
Have you never heard of The Sopranos, The wire, The West Wing, My Name is Earl, Big Bang theory (and I could go on)......and what quality British drama do we have in response? The stubborn stain that is My Family? A plethora of spoof quality medical dramas? A string of random shouty scenes with bad curtains called Eastenders? The 3rd rate 70's exhumation of The Green Green Grass?, Spooks, now it has run out of steam? Or the internationally mocked 'Bone Kickers'
Most insulting of all to emerging writers, is this poor quality writing is elevated and championed by the writersroom.
The only ray of sunshine for British drama is that it can't get any worse and that will only happen when the BBC is willing to look in the mirror and take an honest look.
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I read the article in question last week (I assume we can't mention the title). It almost put me off writing. So many writers online seemed to agree with him, and I don't think that it was a very valid way for mr olson to broadcast his anger. He doesn't come across as a people person, shall we say. Anyway, as an aspiring writer, it is tough to read that article, and I'm glad to hear that writersroom is still on our side. Thanks guys!
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@greyslate: You've actually put me a quite pleasant mood, under your assumption that I'm Xenophobic and self-congratulatory. However I must confess that you may have inadvertently made a incorrect assumption about my nationality, as I am but a lowly U.S. citizen typing from the great land of deep fried Twinkies, Hummers, and Wal-Marts.
That said, I'd gladly trade you my passport for an opportunity to work for the BBC, however unfortunately you don't let nutters such as us near the place.
To reply to your response, I can only speak personally; however, none of the shows you mentioned are all that high in my drama hierarchy. We do have a few here as occasionaly one surfaces to surprise us. Sadly many of our wonderful dramas are nothing more than remakes of a British original drama. It's not that we don't have an occasionally well written film or television show. Lost is a current example, however even that is a remake of "Lost Horizon" which was origianally penned by an Englishman. (The book.)
To rephrase and justify my previous comments, I think what I'm suggesting is that Americans in general are... well let's be honest here... stupid. Metaphors, cliches, "screw that!"- "give us talking cars that turn into robots and blow up pyramids."
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John Olsen's work is vastly over rated anyhow.
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