Slated Analytics' reviewers are strictly focused on the strength of the story as its represented 'on the page' in the draft submitted.
The review process is "blind." This means that the story analysts are not told any information about who the submitter is, which filmmakers or actors might be involved, the stage of the project, nor any other supplemental information that could bias their review of the script.
This important policy allows Script Scores to be an apples-to-apples comparison of the strength of each screenplay, separate from the financials or package value.
It also helps keep a level playing field for first-time indie filmmakers who may not have the fancy producer or talent agency attachments that can give studio movies an edge. In other words, our methodology gives early stage projects from first-time filmmakers an equal chance to excel on a story level as projects that might be further along.
For the reasons above, we don't allow filmmakers to share supplemental information or materials along with their feature narrative submissions. That means no pitch decks, budgets, or teasers will be reviewed as part of the Script Analysis process. (If you have pitch decks, budgets, estimates, or teasers, you may, link to any/all of these elements in your film page for other members and investors to see, if you so please.)
There are, however, a few exceptions when it comes to supplemental information that Slated Analytics may evaluate on a case-by-case basis:
Animated Features - Animated feature screenplays follow slightly different standards than live-action narrative feature scripts. They're usually written to be read in conjunction with artwork, like an animatic, storyboard, or concept art. Animated feature format can leave out important visual information like character descriptions, without which it can sometimes be difficult to understand the story without the accompanying artwork. For this reason, if you've written your animated feature script to be read in conjunction with some original artwork, you're welcome to reach out to a Slated team member so they can assess if any artwork can be shared with the script. We'll also assess whether an additional fee may apply for the time it may take readers to review the original artwork.
Musicals - Like animated feature films, musicals can sometimes vary in format, differing from standard live-action film scripts. Some musical scripts include the lyrics in the screenplay itself, while others just include song cues to original songs that accompany the submission. Our analysis pricing does not cover paying our readers to review supplemental material, including music. That said, if you have original music that has been created for your musical film, we're happy to pass along the link to the songs with the understanding that the readers may listen to 1 or 2 tracks to get a feel for the music. Please note that they are unlikely to listen any more than that, and while our story department has extensive experience reviewing films of all genres, including musicals like LA LA LAND and IN THE HEIGHTS, they are not trained musicians and cannot offer an assessment of the music itself. *Also, please note: we will not share any un-original music, like soundtracks, with the story department for non-musical features.
True Stories, IP-Based Stories - If your screenplay is based on a true story, published novel, or otherwise existing IP, please feel free to include a short note on your cover page indicating as much, per industry standards, and we will share this with our story department. While this rarely has any impact on the Script Score, this is a helpful piece of information in understanding the confines of the story. *Cover pages are always removed prior to Script Analysis, so any other supplemental information included on the cover page will not be shared. **Also please note that the story analysts will not be paid to research or review the pre-existing IP or true story on which the script is based.
Questions? Please reach out by clicking the blue chat bubble in the bottom-right hand side of the screen.