When you factor in the reading time (each script at least
twice); thinking about and analysing the screenplay and ordering my notes in a
usable format; then the discussion and any follow up; it is a big chunk of time
away from writing my own material.
I have occasionally been paid to do this sort of work but
usually it is for the price of a coffee and a hearty thank you. Alas, my
circumstances have changed and money has now become a concern where it hasn’t
been for some time. It’s also a skill that has value… so where does that leave
us?
The Australian Writers’ Guild rates for “freelance script
assessment” are $51.40 an hour or not less than $411.20 per feature script,
television pilot or theatre piece for a reader's report. I mention this to illustrate what the
industry rate is for what presumably would be an experienced writer (full AWG
member) to undertake this task. Now, I’m not suggesting this is the rate I
would charge nor does it cover short film scripts.
What I am saying is that if you value my feedback and want
me to read your script then make me an offer. I can’t afford to do it for
gratis anymore.
Part of the struggle of being a creative person in Perth is
deriving an income from your craft, whether that is as a writer, actor,
director or any of the many other specialist roles in the film industry. My
value is in my ability to write and to analyse script structure and visual
stories.
With a professional transaction also comes guaranteed
timelines whereas now, with my workload, I cannot make any commitment on
turnaround times to get to the pile of scripts I have been sent.
I have already said I will charge to write monologues or show reel scenes as, again, this is the generation of a product with inherent value.
If you are interested and have a script you would like my feedback on then please contact me at rwhyde3.0@gmail.com to discuss further. If you have received feedback from me before and would be so kind as to offer a testimonial to the usefulness of my services, that would be greatly appreciated.
Happy writing!
Richard Hyde
ps The only exception I would add is where I choose to undertake a mentoring role which I am currently doing with a young writer. That's all about giving a little something back and hopefully helping the next generation tell good stories in their own distinctive voice.
