PLEASE PRINT THIS OUT AND CAREFULLY READ IT AT YOUR LEISURE.

We read your script, if we recommend it we put an appraisal and a synopsis on the site. If we pass on it you will get a comprehensive appraisal, and the opportunity to re-submit for a reduced fee. If producers like the idea they simply contact you to see the script, or scriptshop if you prefer.

It's all a bit hit or miss out there really, these days most big production companies will only read solicited material recommended by an agent or an acquaintance. The rest get sent straight back unread. Working Title get about 70 unsolicited scripts a week. All get the big heave-ho I'm afraid.

With 'SCRIPTSHOP' production companies can log on and within minutes see some of the best spec work around.

If you're on 'SCRIPTSHOP'S' site you could reach over a 1000 production companies, one of whom may request to see your script because they're looking for that kind of idea and are impressed by the appraisal, so you're over that difficult first hurdle. Even if you have an agent they can never get your idea to this many potential buyers.

'SCRIPTSHOP' may not change all this closed shop stuff, it won't necessarily make life easier out there in the world for the writer, but it might improve the chances of getting your ideas accessed by the people who matter, might just make your banging on the door a little louder, and put you in touch with the right people for your project - as well as maybe saving you hundreds of pounds in wasted copying and postage costs. And remember, once you're on site you can inform anyone in the world who might be interested in taking a look at your synopsis and appraisal.

'SCRIPTSHOP' will also be able to recommend excellent scripts directly to production company contacts we have.

'SCRIPTSHOP' isn't just interested in scripts with the great high concept line, we hope to be able to entice readers to request to see simple uncommercial stories as well. After all, there are many great films that wouldn't look hot as high concepts.

Producers will only use a website to look for scripts if they know the work they request has already been selected and recommended. Free websites sound great, but I'm afraid no truly professional producer has time to plough through the hundreds of synopsis you get on these sites, and of course they have no way of telling whether they are any good or not.

IF WE PASS ON YOUR SCRIPT

If we pass on your script you will get a comprehensive 3-4 page appraisal giving you guidelines for improvement.

If re-submitting a script that has already been passed on, before you part with more money we ask you to seriously consider whether the script has significantly changed from the original you sent us. It's only likely we would change our opinion to 'recommend' - if the piece has pretty much improved beyond recognition. But you will have to be the sole judge of this. You will doubtless get some indication from the critique we sent you how near the piece is to a possible 'consider' and hence inclusion on the website.

Unfortunately there will be no refund of any kind for those whose scripts do not get on the site.

PLAGIARISM

One worry some of you may have is that someone 'steals' your idea from the synopsis. To this I would say:

a/ Anyone you send your script to can steal the concept.

b/ If it sounds like that good an idea - ie good enough for some aspiring writer, producer or director to try to copy - then you could safely say that some professional production company will almost certainly demand to see the script, and remember another thing, you've finished yours already.

c/ If something is that original we would endeavour to sing its praises in the critique without giving too much of the story away in the synopsis. In short, what makes it really special we wouldn't reveal, but we would make it very clear this is a piece that just has to be read.

DOING A DEAL

If a company wants to do a deal with you it is up to you to decide whether or not you go with them. (Many queries may be from small companies who have little or no money) But remember if one company is interested a few others may be as well, so hang in there a while, you might get a better deal elsewhere.

'SCRIPTSHOP', I'm afraid, will not have the time to give out any advice in doing deals, so please check carefully before you sign anything. A lot of film lawyers will happily give your contract a quick once over free of charge, because if you do go big time……maybe they'll get to do your future deals.

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'SCRIPTSHOP' SUBMISSION

Features (130pgs max) reading and appraisal fee. £100

If selected for the website, a 6month posting fee. £75

Script re-submission. £50

Before you send in a script we urge you to be as sure as you can you've done the best possible draft and that it's properly formatted.(Any script not properly formatted will never be read by anyone in the business, and that includes us. If you have any doubts about script layout for film and TV, consult a book on screenwriting first.)

Remember although we may read your piece twice and give you that second shot, people out there in the business will not. Once they've passed, they've passed.

We realise that if you are sending a feature, £100 and postage is a lot of money. But consider what you'd spend sending it out 'spec' to say four agents and ten production companies.

All material will be returned once the script has been read and appraised, we hope to turn a script round in approx 4-6 weeks.

If successful, the writer will be informed of the three month period that his/her project will be on site for

Please e-mail us at mail@scriptshop.co.uk if you have any problems or if you have any news regarding requests to read your script so we can put it on the 'SCRIPTSHOP NEWSBOARD', this may encourage other readers to ask to see your work.

Best of luck, and please don't be too deterred if rejected. Remember you only learn from your mistakes, and the next one could be the one.

They say in this business it takes 15 years to crack it. So keep writing.

We require a signed copy of the registration form. You will find it by clicking here 'Script Submission' or on the home page.

Send your bound script along with an SAE IF YOU WISH YOUR SCRIPT TO BE RETURNED, and a cheque/postal order for the appropriate amount to;

SCRIPTSHOP, PO BOX 26382, LONDON N8 7ZP.