Notes from Readerproof on ‘Super Ted’

cartoon by Hugh MacLeod

Despite Super Ted making it to the quarterfinals of the 2010 Silver Screenwriting Competition, which will announce semifinalists on August 1st, I’d be a pretty big idiot if I didn’t recognize that I still have a huge amount of work left to do on the script.

After receiving feedback from a workshop I went to some weeks ago, reading through notes from Reader Proof and working some things out with my writing partner on the project, I’ve got a game plan of where I’m going to go next.

The goal is to have the rewrite finished and send queries out by August 1st.  It will be a bit of a challenge, but I believe it’s realistic. Besides, being put under pressure is when I seem to do my best work.

The notes that I received from Marcus at Reader Proof were particularly helpful.  Marcus noted things that worked and didn’t work, while also suggesting ways to improve on the things he felt needed to be strengthened.  He challenged me and also jump-started my brain to start thinking about the project objectively.  Although I may not take all his suggestions, I am going to be incorporating a large amount of them.

Within the “Heavy Proofing” package that I received, Marcus did point what may be considered minor problems, though play a huge role in a reader enjoying a script, such as typos and clarity issues. But, he went much further into the story, addressing both hero and antagonist character concerns.

Marcus’ real strengths, however, come from his understanding of pacing and structure.  He somewhat tore Super Ted apart, but in a constructive way, explaining why things did and didn’t work, and for each of those areas that needed some extra love, he discussed how they could be improved to increase drama.

After taking the notes and going over them with my wife/writing partner on this project, I’m completely amped to get back to work on the script.

Note:  If you’re interested in receiving notes from Marcus and Reader Proof, you can visit his website, here.  I received the “Heavy Proofing” package, which will also give me one free reproofing after I’ve completed my rewrite, plus a free hour phone consultation and unlimited email support. You can order the Heavy Proofing package for $250. “Light Proofing” and “Maximum Proofing” packages are also available. (Reader Proof’s Website, Blog, Twitter)