Script Reading Jobs - What Are They and How to Get One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A script reader's primary responsibilities are to read a screenplay for a movie or TV show, evaluate the content, and provide feedback on what works and what does not work. You examine all features in the script, including story, concept, dialogue, pacing, characters, structure, and marketability. Script reading is used for pilots to decide if an idea should move forward, to choose a rating, or to see if a particular writer is a good fit for a company. Your duties include reading, analyzing, and writing coverage or a summary. Your employer or supervisor uses this to decide whether to move the script forward or not. You can find script reading jobs through a studio, production company, or talent agency.

To get a script reading job, you need to start as an intern or an assistant in the film industry. You need to be able to analyze the screenplays and understand the screenwriting process. A bachelor's degree in English is beneficial to critique the features and write a summary. You must be able to communicate the positives and negatives of a script and break down every part of the story. You can also increase your reading rate by networking and establishing a reputation. Additional qualifications include social perceptiveness and critical thinking skills.