The Reader

In a used-books store, I recently found Reading for a Living: How to be a Professional Story Analyst for Film & Television (Pacific Palisades: Blue Arrow Books) for only Php 45.

The author, who identifies himself as T. L. Katahn, begins with his own back story of landing the job of a reader. Then he points to what to look for in a submission, and to how to identify a beginner's script and a professional script.

So why do companies have a reader? Katahn says:

"Since these are the companies that shell out the money to make the films, they tend to be very picky about the ones they choose to produce. You may not always agree with their criteria, but it behooves you to be aware of their preferences."

Katahn demonstrates how to write a synopsis and how to break down a character. He also explains what a log line is, and what a reader should take note of in a plot line: continuity, complications, and the hook. On characters, it's motivation, flaws, and evolution.

After taking up writing the cover sheet, Katahn centers on how to get a job, formulating a job search plan and presenting the possibilities of where reading can lead. For example, he cites the rise of Sherry Lansing from story analyst to president of 20th Century Fox Studios. There is also practical advice on keeping books and producing sample coverages.

Additionally, Katahn throws in some things you might not know, as when you are in a library or an archive:

"You are not allowed to check scripts out or photocopy them, but you may read them and take notes on the premises."

In its appendices, the book offers a glossary, a list of proofreader's marks, sample scripts, and coverage.

Here's Katahn on how much money there is to make:

"You can expect to be paid about fifty to a hundred dollars for book coverages depending on how long or complex the manuscript is."

Because the book was published in 1990, some facts and figures have dated. For instance, this is Katahn on the tools of the trade:

"I'm writing this book on an IBM-compatible Tandy 4000 SX.... I use the FRAMEWORK word processing software by Ashton-Tate....Many writers swear by Microsoft WORD, however." (italics his)

In general, though, the book still captures the essence of a story analyst as it is still practiced today.