PAC Script Lab Seeks Scripts

3 February 2010

Organisation

PAC Script Lab is seeking advanced draft scripts to be read by professional actors at the Lab’s bi-monthly script readings.

Sponsored by ScreenWest, City of Subiaco and Paddy Maguires, PAC Script Lab is designed to encourage the development and visibility of West Australian screenplays and writers. The ultimate aim is to increase the profile of WA film scripts and screenwriters amongst the wider community and to encourage communication between general public and the industry. The added benefit is an opportunity for a honing of West Australian scripts and an increase in the profile, quality and awareness of local film projects. At each reading, professional actors read one advanced draft screenplay for an audience of general public, fellow writers, producers, colleagues, and members of the filmmaking community. The format is informal and includes pre-reading drinks and hot finger food generously provided by Paddy Maguires and a feedback questionnaire given out at the end.

“For me, PAC Script Lab was exactly what I needed to continue the development of my script. While the reading of a script to an audience is different than an industry practitioner reading a shooting script, a public reading provides a palpable indication of real audience interest. I believe this is critically important, as audience response goes beyond individual opinion, knowledgeable as that may be….. the questionnaire that was filled out at the end of the reading is central to this validation process as it provides test market metrics on the script’s potential success as a commercial film. The reading provides a clear indication of what works and what does not. ..Again, thank you so much for the opportunity to have Bugle Boy read. It was with great joy that I sat there and heard my words for the first time (outside of the inside of my head). You’ve individually and collectively given me a pricelss experience.” (Tom Lubin, writer)

Over the years, this has proven a tremendously valuable exercise for writers. Written feedback is encouraged in a positive and supportive way. Several of the scripts read in PAC Script Lab have gone on to further development funding, are in production, e.g., “Elise” with Natalie Imbruglia by James Bogle; “Stone Bros” by Richard Franklyn; “Dirty Girls” by Andrew Lewis & Dave Warner; and recently Ben Young’s “Dieback” was selected for West Coast Visions funding.

“The unique opportunity PAC Script Lab offers in having screenplays read by professional actors has helped me no-end in identifying fundamental flaws in all of my scripts. The read itself is invaluable but the discussions with the actors and audience members after are equally beneficial. After my screenplay Dieback was read it was optioned by a producer who was in the audience and not long after received development money from notes I modelled on feedback I received after the reading.” [Ben Young, writer/director]

Now in its 6th year, PAC Script Lab has been able to secure the voluntary services of local and leading Australian actors (Gary Sweet/ Bud Tingwell/ Hollie Andrew). There will be 6 readings in 2010, with the next being Burleigh Smith’s “Goliath” on 31 March.

To submit your script for consideration, please see below for criteria and requirements.

Criteria:

• written by a Western Australian based writer or WA production team attached
• feature film script
• not a first draft

Submission Requirements:

• one page synopsis
• pages 1 – 10 of the script
• via email to: pac@screenworkshop.com.au or via mail: PAC Script Lab, 1 Arenga Court, Mount Claremont, W.A. 6010

PAC Screen Workshops
P: 08 9384 4604
E. pac@screenworkshop.com.au
Or visit www.screenworkshop.com.au
Proudly supported by ScreenWest, City of Subiaco and Paddy Maguire’s