LESSON

You’ll never write a great script if you don’t read great scripts.

Today, I want you to set aside some time to do just that. You’re free to choose any script you wish. Most studios make the scripts nominated for an Academy Award available online for free each year. Choose any script you’d like. Just make sure you’re reading the actual script (typically presented as a PDF) and not a transcript.

Here are some options I recommend and that you should be able to ﬁnd online through a simple search:

FROZEN (2013)
CASABLANCA (1942)
THE MATRIX (1999)
THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION (1994)
TOY STORY 3 (2010)
AS GOOD AS IT GETS (1997)
THE KING’S SPEECH (2010)

In today’s exercise, you’re going to familiarize yourself with what a great script looks like. You’ll also uncover some of the essential elements of insanely great storytelling. Don’t fret if you’re not sure how to answer the questions. The important thing is that you engage with the script. Before you know it, you’ll be reading and analyzing scripts like a pro. Remember, when it comes down to it, you’re not going to write a great script if you don’t read great scripts.

Click the button below to download this lesson’s exercises.

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Read a Great Script