When Lori Crawford sits down to read a script, she's ready to immerse herself in the unknown world the writer has created. It's a favorite pastime for her, as well as a part-time job; she's been a reader for the Big Break Screenwriting Contest since its inception.
The only thing more unknown to Crawford than that fictional world is the script’s writer. That's because Crawford -- along with the 40 other Big Break script readers -- go into each script blind. Crawford has no idea who wrote the script she's reading.
Blind reads are one of Big Break's super powers. The goal is to identify the most compelling narratives, the ones that are deserving of an award, and of traction in Hollywood. Big Break rewards the writing, regardless of the writer.
“Blind reads remove unnecessary bias from the process,” Crawford said. “Evaluating story is, by definition, a subjective process. Ensuring a blind read is just a simple way to level the playing field.”
This is a job that carries weight for Crawford. She gives her utmost attention when she is reading her portion of the thousands of scripts entered in the contest each year.
According to Big Break director Kala Guess, the contest removes all identifying information about the script’s writer before sending it on to the reader. A blind read protects the writers, the readers and the competition; it all but eliminates any possible prejudice, assumption or bias. It allows the reader to learn the writer’s voice on their own.
“If I’m reading a script from someone I know, it's going to be easier for me to see elements of their lives on the page instead of experiencing an unknown writer’s expertise jump off the page,” Crawford said.
According to Guess, Big Break has always insisted on blind reads.
“Blind reads allow for an unbiased evaluation,” she said. “You can't do that if you see the writer’s name or WGA copyright number or who their representation is.
"It’s supposed to be a blind read because you don't want any outside influences on your opinion of that script,” Guess said. “I don't want someone giving a script preferential treatment because they know the writer.”
Blind reads are so crucial to the competition that Guess has instructed her readers to report if and when they receive a script where they even think they know the identity of the writer. This has happened to Crawford several times: she'll be a few pages into a script when she realizes she knows the writer. When this happens, she asks for a reassignment.
It might seem like an extra added level of complexity for an already intense process, but it's just another way that Big Break insures that scripts -- and their writers -- are recognized for their excellence.
Learn More about Entering the Big Break Screenwriting Contest!