Why Josh Olson Doesn’t Want to Read your Effing Script
Posted on | September 13, 2009 | No Comments
I just read a hilariously truthful article by Josh Olson, writer of A History of Violence, called “I Will Not Read Your F*cking Script.”
He uses a true story to help explain why professional screenwriters should not be asked to do anyone the favor of reading their screenplay and why most people can’t write.
You should definitely check out the full story here, but below is a brilliant excerpt from it:
And the truth is, saying something positive about this thing would be the nastiest, meanest and most dishonest thing I could do. Because here’s the thing: not only is it cruel to encourage the hopeless, but you cannot discourage a writer. If someone can talk you out of being a writer, you’re not a writer. If I can talk you out of being a writer, I’ve done you a favor, because now you’ll be free to pursue your real talent, whatever that may be. And, for the record, everybody has one. The lucky ones figure out what that is. The unlucky ones keep on writing shitty screenplays and asking me to read them.
Just plain true and superbly written at the same time.
Tags: A History of Violence > Josh Olson > screenplays > Screenwriting > Script Critique > script doctor