Q&A with The Scriptshadow

So there's this website called Scriptshadow. I blogged about it here saying:

But my big discovery of the week was ScriptShadow, a blog where writer Carson Reeves reads and reviews recent spec scripts that have sold. For example, here is Carson's take on "Permission," a script that sold to CBS Films. Carson also has direct links where you can download a bunch of selling spec scripts. Any GITS reader knows how much importance I put in actually reading scripts. Well, Carson is not only doing that himself, he's helping you to do it. So be sure to check out this very cool site.

I was so impressed that there was (A) somebody out there actually reading hot spec scripts, (B) analyzing them, and (C) making the best of them available online, I thought GITS readers needed to know more about this dude. So I lobbed some questions to The Scriptshadow -- in Morse Code per his request, which I thought was a little odd -- and he was kind enough to forward his answers via a pack of African swallows. Read and learn:

What's your name, your daytime job, and where do you live?

Some know me as Carson. Some know me as The Scriptshadow. But my true identity must remain a secret. My current job is reading scripts/script analysis/scripts, scripts, and more scripts. I live here in sunny Los Angeles (which btw has been way too hot these last few days)

What is your general background in re screenwriting (i.e., how did you become a screenwriter, how many scripts have you written, what type of genres are you most interested in writing)?

I became a screenwriter because I had, at the time, what I considered to be a genius idea. A movie about a guy who thought he was a llama. It was very elaborate. His parents had lost him in the jungle on vacation when he was a kid. As he was adopted and grew up under the care of llamas, he began to realize how unlike them he was. So he goes on a journey of discovery which leads him back to America and his real family. I thought the Hollywood Elite would come knocking on my door. They didn't. But it was from that script that I fell in love with screenwriting.

I have probably written a dozen scripts, although I've occasionally burned through a first draft in a weekend and then never gone back to it. If you include those, lots.

I write sci-fi. I write comedy. I like a good romantic comedy (which there seem to be fewer and fewer of). And I love a good independent character piece. "Everything Must Go", my favorite script, is the perfect example of that. Something where you see a character in a really tough situation and through that experience, he grows as a human being. That's my favorite genre to read and write.

Why did you create the blog ScriptShadow?

I began getting my hands on a lot of scripts. Too many scripts. With such a big collection, I had to make choices on what I was going to read. But I had no compass, no idea what any of these scripts were about. I wished there was someone online who could tell me. Then I thought, "Wait a minute. Why don't I be that person?"

But I also wanted to introduce beginning writers to something I never had access to when I started writing: unproduced screenplays You can learn so much from reading them. They really are invaluable resources.

What value do you see in reading recent selling spec scripts?

Whoa, did you, like, predict my last answer? -- I originally had a long answer here but let me break it down for you very simply: I actually second-guessed emphasizing the importance of reading to you because I was afraid that by giving you this secret information, I would substantially increase my competition as a writer. I'm not exaggerating. Read scripts. You'll become a better writer.

How do you obtain spec scripts?

Now that's the true mystery. I will say this, in the three months since I started Scriptshadow, I have received communication from a number of great people who have given me some of the hottest scripts in Hollywood. Even the writers themselves will send them to me. My current goal is to get the Holy Grail of scripts at the moment: Inception.

Are there any trends that you may have noticed in the spec script market? If you haven't, don't worry. I just thought you might have picked up on something from all your reading.

I've seen a ton of comedy lately and that will likely continue for some time. If you can write comedy well, do it, because it's a lot cheaper to make a comedy than a lot of these other genres. Dramas have been selling pretty well too though, just not for as much.

If there's anything else you'd like to talk about, please feel free to.

As someone who's read a lot of scripts, one thing I've noticed is that writers don't challenge themselves enough. They're satisfied with making it "good enough". This isn't bullsh*t guys. You are going up against the Alex Rodriquez's and the Manny Ramirez's of this industry. Do not bring your B game. Put your heart and soul into every script and make it unique. People will notice. Maybe even me. :)

Hmm. Interesting and mysterious chap this Scriptshadow. Well, let me add a dollop more mystery to the pot. I invite you to stop by GITS and/or Scriptshadow tomorrow at 12PM EDT / 9AM PDT. Those of you who are of sound mind and brave enough to expand your Hero's Journey shall be initiated into a monthly ritual.

Yes, I said it: A MONTHLY RITUAL!!!

Dangerous?
Oh, yes... more than just a little.

Worthwhile?
Can you say...
Million dollar spec script?

Occupo proprius scriptor!