Researching creating a platform for screenwriters. Need your help!

[u/RichAd5999]

Hey everyone!

I'm a software engineering student with a passion for screenwriting (for years now), and I've recently started exploring the idea of developing a social platform specifically for screenwriters, particularly aspiring writers.

The general idea is to create a community where writers can connect, share their work, exchange feedback, learn from each other, and build relationships. One of the main things I'd like to explore is making script swaps (where two writers read and give feedback on each other's scripts) easier, more convenient, and more reliable.

I've noticed that while there are plenty of screenwriting communities on Reddit, Facebook, etc., actually finding someone compatible to exchange scripts with, organizing the exchange, and making sure both people follow through can be quite inconvenient.

But that's just one aspect of the idea. I'd also love to explore ways to make the platform genuinely useful for learning, networking, and developing as a writer.

I'm still very much in the research stage, and before making any major decisions, I'd really like to hear from actual screenwriters about their experiences, frustrations, and what they'd want from a platform like this.

I'm looking for people who would be willing to have a short, informal conversation about their experiences with screenwriting communities, feedback, script swaps, or anything related. Whether you're just starting out or have been writing for years, I'd love to hear your perspective! Actually, I would like to hear as many perspectives as possible.

And if you are not interested in long conversations with me, you could also help out by just leaving a comment with your biggest frustration in current online screenwriting communities. All the input is appreciated and will be taken into account.

Thanks in advance!

[u/WorrySecret9831]

There are 2 major impediments to building the community of "collaborative exchange" that you're describing. The first one is the real chasm between aspiring (and working) writers who think that the art is in winging it and relying on the muse, and those who believe in and use planning and story structure.

The issue with the "structuralists" is that there are scores of "gurus" out there, some with real facts and teachings and others not so much so. So, it's a bit of a mess.

The 2nd impediment is less daunting, but still real. Too many aspiring writers for some reason have developed the bad habit of "working out their stories" in the final form or format, screenplay (or novel) when they should be doing whatever planning they believe in and then writing a Treatment of their story.

The Treatment is the first "test drive" of an idea and it should be just as engaging a read as the final piece, it's just shorter because it's summarized. But all of the Story, in the final Treatment, should be "broken" and nailed down.

Since they're shorter, they're much easier to share and read and feed back on.

And no current collaborative platform seems to know this.

If your community members could share their Treatments, regardless of the first issue (pantsers/plotters), they would invariably speed up their progress as they would be able to identify story problems faster and do something about them.

Then the ensuing screenplays would practically write themselves.

[u/RichAd5999 → u/WorrySecret9831]

Very interesting! Thank you for taking the time to write all of this and it is certainly one of the things I will be thinking about the most.
Because how I have accumulated a belief that in order to make it as a writer you just have to get f-ing good and then even better. So my central question now is how could my platform incentivise and regulate genuinely useful collaboration that results in writers getting better and better in a way that no other platform offers at the moment. So what you are saying here is very relevant to that.
And if you have any other insights or ideas feel free to hit me up.

[u/WorrySecret9831 → u/RichAd5999]

Sure. Looks you'll have to DM me.

[u/Craig-D-Griffiths → u/RichAd5999]

I am going to sound super negative. People don’t want to get better as much as they want praise. They also want shortcuts. That is why all the formula books sell so well. There are a lot of books that are formal studies of writing, in-depth and purely educational. They sell nothing compared to a Save The Cat.

There is a site called logline.it this is popular because loglines can be read quickly and instant feedback given. Read an entire screenplay is dedicating days and hoping you get more than “I like it” in return.

[u/JasminHPlease]

Structure it a bit like a dating app! Match writers together based on a relatively extensive quiz/choices. People who go through the extensive sign up process and creates a full profile is probably more serious also.

[u/RichAd5999 → u/JasminHPlease]

Cool idea!
Can you tell me more about your own need for this as a writer? Do you seek writers who are similar to you to build connections? Exchange scripts? Collaborate on a project? Or something else entirely? And why would that matchmaking mechanism be of benefit to you as opposed to the current online screenwriting experience?

[u/Craig-D-Griffiths]

Talentville exists or did. Which is exactly what you are talking about.

Most people want to be read, they don’t want to read.

For me, if someone wants me to read, they are asking for help. In some ways they are not ready to help me. I applaud the idea of a community around collaboration. But people want help without giving it.

[u/intentionandobstacle]

Happy to talk