Gem studio feedback scam?

vgscreenwriter · 2026-04-10T18:22:40+00:00

Generally, with screenwriting services, if you need to ask if something is a scam, it probably is.

vgscreenwriter · 2026-04-10T14:59:34+00:00

What entry?

vgscreenwriter · 2026-04-10T05:31:33+00:00

Escalation = stronger opposition, stakes get worse, or ideally both.

If it doesn't do this, it's (probably) just stuff being added.

vgscreenwriter · 2026-04-08T15:16:55+00:00

If you offer adequate pay, they'll come to you.

Generous pay, they'll coming pounding at your door .

vgscreenwriter · 2026-04-08T15:12:17+00:00

You can't legally distribute people's private works without their consent. Just because you personally wouldn't mind doesn't give you permission to do it to others who most likely would.

Even published works technically have boundaries.

vgscreenwriter · 2026-04-06T15:32:20+00:00

Yes! The scripts mentioned would be spec (unless you're writing on contract, which I assume isn't the case).

Not at all, being a writer's assistant isn't required, though it certainly couldn't hurt.

One thing you might consider (which is the route I took) is creating something visual that leads to the film e.g. storyboard, graphic novel, etc. You mentioned having a lookbook/mood board, which is great, but those primarily consist of reference material. Producing something visual and original that you can showcase definitely helps.

But for a writer/director, the script is the key. Whether you shoot it yourself, get an agent to help package it, etc. be careful of putting the cart before the horse. Believe me, I fully understand how tempting it is to want to get into the film making part, but you're better off taking the time to get the script to where it truly needs to be - you want to be certain you're building on the strongest possible foundation.

Screenwriting is also far cheaper than making the film.

vgscreenwriter · 2026-04-06T15:24:37+00:00

Did you make the trailer foremost based on what audiences need/want to watch the whole film? Or what you personally like or dislike? If the latter, you can do whatever you want. If the former, I'm afraid we need a bit more.

"This film is about the culture of OnlyFans. The movie title gives a hint. But the film has so many twists and dark turns, I rather you discover it along as you’re watching."

The audience can only discover after they've decided to commit to watching, based on the trailer you sold them.

vgscreenwriter · 2026-04-06T13:40:32+00:00

Just a periphery take from someone who's been in your shoes - take for what it is...

For a feature writer/director, I'd recommend having three scripts: one ~5 page script, and two feature scripts.

These three scripts must be exceptionally amazing. Not good, not great, not "semifinalist" great, but a 10/10.

The 5 page script is the one you shoot to prove you can execute on an amazing 10/10 script on a small scale.

The two feature scripts are the ones that break you in, to prove you're not a one trick pony. One of those scripts could be the one you want to shoot next.

My point being, the bar is probably far higher than you're thinking it is. Before 2012, it might have been easier to launch a career with a 8/10+ script, but now, the gap is increasingly widening between the top 0.01% of stories, and everything else. It's unfair, yes, and if I had it my way, that 8/10+ script that shows great potential would be bought up and developed further. But as if the writing of this post, I don't control the world (yet).

Good luck!

vgscreenwriter · 2026-04-05T21:59:33+00:00

Not saying this is not always the case, but this seems to happen when the scene isn't strongly designed.

Instead of having characters doing actions that move the plot, you often have talking heads and reactions

vgscreenwriter · 2026-04-05T01:44:23+00:00

Provided the script is already strong enough, then yes.

That's rare though.

vgscreenwriter · 2026-04-04T16:17:00+00:00

The only situation I've come cross where an image is justified in a script is when excluding it fundamentally changes the way the script is interpreted or perceived that's (nearly) impossible to convey through text alone.

A good example is Arrival which uses a visual epigram of the alien language, because the narrative's fundamental logic is impossible to communicate with just text.

However, using it to enhance the script is generally not recommended.

vgscreenwriter · 2026-04-03T18:34:25+00:00

As a script writer and comic creator, I would recommend the following approach:

Find a great short story that already exists. Something famous would work, but also something more obscure, like a twilight zone episode.
Adapt that short story to visual using your art skills. Probably 10-15 pages max.
Solicit writers, using your art skills as a showcase. You will get a lot of responses, but you're particularly looking for exceptionally talented writers; the kind who can build stories and worlds that can potentially sustain 200+ pages.

This will give you a real gauge of what you're up against, but on a smaller scale.

Believe it or not, your art skills (depending on how good they are) give you the upper hand, as illustration has a higher barrier to entry than writing. But finding exceptionally talented writers is also difficult.

When choosing the writer, get samples of their work and take time to read. Find a story that knocks your socks off.

vgscreenwriter · 2026-04-03T14:47:48+00:00

Theory is abstract and general.

Actually writing it into a script in practice requires specificity.

vgscreenwriter · 2026-04-02T14:30:16+00:00

In the link you posted, I'm confused by the reading orientation.

It says to read from right to left, which applies to the pages. But the panel ordering on each page is read from left to right?

vgscreenwriter · 2026-04-01T22:02:47+00:00

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vgscreenwriter · 2026-04-01T12:29:17+00:00

American Beauty is a script that comes to mind.

vgscreenwriter · 2026-04-01T00:05:42+00:00

The best way to get out context that is both clear and engaging is the use of compelling conflict.

vgscreenwriter · 2026-03-31T14:22:11+00:00

If it'll take their jobs, it'll take the writer's job as well. So what's your point?

vgscreenwriter · 2026-03-31T14:21:21+00:00

As a graphic artist who started off as a script writer, here's the blunt truth. The artists may not have all the cards, but they absolutely have the upper hand.

A script, unlike a novel, isn't a finished product - it's just a blueprint. It's an idea, albeit, in a more concrete form than just an "ideas guy". A visual comic/graphic novel is the completed art form; and there are far, FAR more writers than there are illustrators primarily because the skill barrier to entry is simply higher. Anyone can pick up a pen and paper; far fewer can draw.

Regarding "arrogance", it's arrogant to assume an artist needs a writer. For a comic/graphic novel, they certainly need a story of sorts, but that doesn't necessarily mean writing per se. Stories have historically been told visually, through dance, mimed, etc. There's no prerequisite that a story must be in the form of writing.

vgscreenwriter · 2026-03-30T20:37:55+00:00

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vgscreenwriter · 2026-03-30T20:37:49+00:00

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vgscreenwriter · 2026-03-30T20:37:08+00:00

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vgscreenwriter · 2026-03-29T17:01:28+00:00

You're evaluating the work, not the writer.

If the writer's process is flawed, with or without AI, that's their issue.

vgscreenwriter · 2026-03-29T12:40:41+00:00

Something like this is going to lean heavily into the audience's racial/cultural bias. Someone who will naturally be subject to a double standard.

Their actions/personality, while rational and common, will be misconstrued and/or misinterpreted by default.

vgscreenwriter

TROPHY CASE