Screenwriting Critique Circle and Story Development Group

Welcome to the Screenwriting Critique Circle and Story Development Group. This circle is for screenwriters of any genre and experience level. Submissions up to a word count of 3500 words are due at 11:59pm on January 13 to participate.

In this circle, you can submit scripts for film or television, or even another visual medium like stage plays, graphic novels, etc., or, if you are looking for help developing/outlining your story, you can submit an outline, beat sheet, or description of your idea for discussion.

Here’s how it works:

1. Enter your email in the RSVP box for access to the Dropbox. 
2. Submit a draft script, or an outline, beat sheet, or description of the idea that you want to develop by January 13. Include a brief summary of the story/concept so far if you’re not submitting the beginning of your work, plus any details you may need critiquers to know or aspects you might want them to focus on. The total submission should be no more than 3500 words. Please submit as a Word doc, docx, or PDF.
3. Read and critique the other submissions before the meeting takes place. Resources for tips, guidelines for how to critique, and definitions of genres are linked below. Track changes/electronic comments are preferred. Remember to always provide reasoning and, if possible, point out examples.
4. At the meeting, everyone will take turns critiquing each member’s submission before moving onto the next submission. If you’ve submitted an outline or story idea, you’ll have a moment to describe what sort of help you’re looking for, then the floor will be opened for comments and brainstorming.  Make sure you provide the writer a copy of your comments electronically by posting your critiques in the Dropbox after the meeting.

Here are some resources you can use if you’re unfamiliar with how to critique someone’s work:

If you’re not sure what to critique, here’s a cheat sheet for things you can look at: https://www.dropbox.com/s/d92euyncz3mgft4/critique_sheet.pdf?dl=0

Although these tips are intended for critiquing novels and short stories, most are also applicable for critiquing a screenplay.

If you’re not sure how to critique in person, here are some guidelines to make the most of the time you have: https://www.dropbox.com/s/6p4h7froiy5mfq0/General%20Critique%20Circle%20Guidelines.docx?dl=0

Looking forward to seeing you at there!