Why Hollywood Screenreaders?

This comprehensive training will answer all the questions you may have about how to become a reader. But not just any reader. A Hollywood Screenreader. We have coined this term because we are passionate about raising the bar for readers in the entertainment industry. Too many people do coverage for free. There are no trainings available for readers. Instead, interns end up reading scripts without having a deep understanding of how to do script analysis. Consequentially, screenplays are often overlooked even though they have merit. And coverages are often subpar. 

WHAT SETS HOLLYWOOD SCREENREADERS APART?

At Hollywood Screenreaders, we train readers to represent the script. To uplift the writer. To retell the story in a coverage that gives each screenplay its best shot at being produced. 

Respecting the process is of the utmost importance at Hollywood Screenreaders. Too many times readers are overwhelmed and eager to burn through scripts. We train readers to keep in mind the importance of paying attention to details and producing succinct and thorough coverage to make the process easier for everyone involved. If a Development Director and/or Production Team receives quality coverage, they are better able to focus on their job of producing quality movies. Agents and managers are also able to focus on representing their client, rather than reworking a coverage.

Readers need to be able to provide a support system for producers. Producers are often overworked and undervalued. We train readers to be a source of support by teaching them to listen to the needs of the producer and the producer's team. Hollywood Screenreaders are aware of the multifaceted job of the producer and of their importance within the overall goals of a development office. Their coverages reflect that understanding.

We have a 'no-snark" policy. We train readers how to avoid the pitfalls and sidetracks that will cause a reader to become burnt out. Burnt out readers produce sarcastic coverage. Let's face it. They're mean and bitter. We train readers to understand the nuances of finding...and keeping....a job. If a reader is having trouble finding work, there are legitimate reasons. We tackle those reasons and help readers overcome the challenges. In this business, readers can stay as busy as they want....it's in their hands.

Readers should be the conduit between writers and producers. They need to understand what the producer wants and be able to retell a writer's story in a succinct and valuable fashion. 

Hollywood Screenreaders is here to raise the bar of the reading profession as a whole.

SCREENREADER BRAG FEST!

We have so many incredible people in our programs ~ we decided to take a moment to brag about them!

DOUGLAS SHANER is the founder and COO of Beach Cities Ketchup Co LLC, which boasts the award winning Kickin’ Ketchup, now available in local restaurants and retailers such as Whole Foods Market. He has produced marketing videos for the best-selling product, Naked Wallet, and served as still photographer for Motel 6 Feet Under, short films THE BOY starring Bill Fagerbakke (COACH, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS), and the award-winning films THE BIG MEET and VANISHED. Doug has been a screenplay judge for the prestigious Hartley Merrill International Screenplay Competition and a film judge for the Newport Beach Film Festival. He was also a founding board member and officer of the Southern California Writers’ Association. Doug has worked on film projects including the bio picture for Heavyweight Boxing Champion Ken Norton. He has written screenplays including, UNCROWNED CHAMPION (THE KEN NORTON STORY), THE DEVILLE STRANGLER, THE TIGER OF MALAYA (continuing work on the novel of the same title), RETURN TO POSITANO, THE CYCLE, CHASING STANLEY, and CRAWL SPACE among others.