What is a peer review web site?
Peer Review web sites very simply allow writers to post personal information and upload their material for review by other writers. In most cases, to do so, you must become a reviewer yourself and read other scripts. These services provide an interactive forum for exchange of ideas.
Can it help?
Getting feedback is one of the most difficult issues facing writers. This model allows writers the ability to get valid feedback from a number of different people. Others read your material because they need you to read theirs. While it's important to remember the person analyzing your project may know much less about writing than you, non-biased opinons can always help shape mechanical choices in future rewrites. That being said, there is no substitution for a professional opinion - someone that has a deep level of knowledg and will hold your material to high standards.
Are there concerns?
While minimal - there are two significant issues a writer should keep in mind before using a Peer Review web site. 1) You are posting your project's information (and often the material itself) to other writers you don't know. While theft of ideas happen far less than commonly believed, this is a forum in which the possibility is greater. Be sure to Copyright or Register your screenplay before it's posted.
Which sites should I visit?
Below are the most notable Peer Review web sites. Each have a unique approach and different style. All three offer great support for new and veteran writers.
| TRIGGER STREET |
General Info: |
Flash-based web site that made a huge media splash several years ago when it was launched. Recently listed as one of Time Magazine's 50 Coolest web sites. |
Who Runs It: |
Kevin Spacey's production unit. |
Visit Them : |
www.triggerstreet.com |
Worth Posting? |
This is a massive community of writers with the potential to provide you with a lot of feedback. We suggest posting at least one screenplay and take a stab at some of the reviews - it can be very elightening. |
SCREENWRITER UTOPIA's "SCRIPT-SWAP" |
General Info: |
The new kid on the block, this service has just opened its doors and is already beginning to take off. PHP-based, it is fast and the tools are easy to use. |
Who Runs It: |
Screenwriters Utopia |
Something Unique: |
www.script-swap.com |
Worth Posting? |
Definitely. The folks at Screenwriters Utopia are, as always, on top of their game. Additionally, anytime you can get in on something at the ground level, your material stands the best chance at maximum exposure. |
| AMERICAN ZOETROPE |
General Info: |
Based in Northern California, their peer review system focuses on the development of stories. While they DO NOT accept standard screenplay submissions, their peer review section will allow a writer with a short story or one-act play to develop the ideas. |
Who Runs It: |
Francis Ford Coppola's production company |
Visit Them : |
www.americanzoetrope.com |
Worth Posting? |
The oldest of the three on this list, American Zoetrope has been helping writers of all levels to create better art. While it may not lead to immediate financial success, there are many great story tellers involved with the site. |
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