**********The REVIEWS are in on COURTROOM SKETCHES**********
“The script is very vivid and visual. The themes of appearance and authenticity are well served by the subject matter of drawing and artists. Erica is an interesting and multi layered protagonist who we come to understand and whose plight concerns us as an audience. The story moves very quickly indeed. The pacing is tight and concise as would befit a serial killer thriller with psychological overtones. The structure of the story is concise and allows for the suspense to be doled out effectively. You created some striking scenes... (The main character’s medical problem) is an effective storytelling device because it allows an impressionistic paranoia to pervade stretches of the film that works well, like early Polanski psycho horror films. Your plotting folded a lot of storylines and characters into the central narrative well while still moving quickly but not overwhelming the audience with plot. The use of flashbacks is sparing but works well to illuminate the backstory so central to the present. The sense of misdirection among character interactions is used well to build suspense in the first and second acts. Each interaction rachets up the suspense and maintaining a dark and frantic tone consistently.
I liked the courtroom scenes a lot. The controlled chaos of the media circus and the crowds is well presented and adds a lot of snap and energy to the first half of the script. The rich descriptions of action and emotional reaction are novelistic without dragging the momentum of the story. The strong details of the mise en scene are palpable on the page. That worldbuilding is made accessible through the emotional throughline of Erica's arc from a lonely reclusive failure living in shame to a more assertive and confident woman at the center of traumatic events... The dialogue moves quickly enough and lays out the plot... (the reveal of the killer) is effective. His menace through the script is efficiently evoked and add to the dramatic stakes... “
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“First of all, it's always a pleasure to read the work of others who write in a similar wheelhouse to myself so thanks for the opportunity. I read this in one sitting... At first glance the writer knows what they are definitely doing with the medium genre and format. It's a relatively easy read which is super important, lots of white space, clear concise scene descriptions, decent length, its doesn't drag, those are very important signs to readers and executives that the writer can write concisely.
I can honestly say this was one of the best scripts I've read on Coverfly. Probably overall the best prose scene descriptions in any script I have read so far, I was impressed at the word economy, the word choices and smithing, clearly considered in depth, the writer had my attention from page one. The courtroom scene dialogues seemed well researched which added a level of realism and believability to the story, so too did some of the crime scene interactions.
The script has a solid narrative structure and included most elements of the thriller genre with strong pacing throughout and with enough characters to feed the reader red herrings and leave us guessing as to who the culprit or culprits will be. Also a strong twist near the end in the third act.
Loved that realization on page 50 where a few of the pieces of the puzzle are put together.
There were elements of the psychological thriller, the crime thriller to though, it's got a very strong conspiracy thriller feel to it with the way it ends and some of the characters and their status and occupations in the world of the story, where the story starts off with either a minor meaningless crime or a high-profile murder, then someone related to the criminal blamed or the uncovered victim notices some odd discrepancies in the official story and digs deeper. Before the protagonist(s) realize(s) it, they are caught in a multi-layered plot that involves possibly EVERYONE, especially those who are tasked with the official investigation... meaning that the hero/heroine can't go to the cops... or the press... or that janitor in the hallway they just passed who looks a little too much like the guy who'd been shadowing them the last day or so...
Easily could see this playing on one of the many streaming platforms... your scene descriptions were amazing... Some fantastic writing here... thank you for the opportunity to read your work, I'd love to see this made one day, keep writing!”
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"Courtroom Sketches is a captivating screenplay that follows the journey of Erica Lagan, a talented sketch artist who becomes embroiled in a high-profile murder trial. As she captures the details of the courtroom drama with her pencil, she uncovers a dangerous secret that puts her own life at risk. Amidst the tense atmosphere of the trial and the shadows of a mysterious figure, Erica must confront her own inner fears and search for the truth, navigating a treacherous path where justice and danger intertwine. Along the way, she uncovers a personal connection to the case that forces her to confront the ghosts of her past....
Unique Hook: The combination of courtroom drama, psychological thriller, and crime mystery genres creates a unique and engaging story... The use of courtroom sketches as a narrative device and the exploration of the art world add a distinctive and visually interesting element to the story....
The screenplay for 'COURTROOM SKETCHES' has a strong foundation, effectively engaging the audience with its intriguing mystery, well-developed characters, and high-stakes setting. The screenplay's strengths lie in its ability to build tension and suspense, create relatable and compelling characters, and introduce elements of mystery and intrigue...
This screenplay demonstrates a strong command of suspense and tension, with well-written dialogue, atmospheric descriptions, and major plot twists. While emotional impact and character development can be further improved, the overall quality of the screenplay is exceptional, with engaging and suspenseful scenes that keep the audience hooked. The story effectively combines elements of crime, mystery, and thriller genres, and raises the stakes with shocking revelations and intense moments. With a few adjustments, this screenplay has the potential to be an outstanding and memorable piece of storytelling...
The screenplay's plot is a strength, with consistently high ratings and effective use of suspense, tension, and mystery to drive the story forward. The protagonist faces multiple conflicts and storylines that intersect and build upon each other to create a complex and engaging plot...
The screenplay features well-defined characters with clear motivations and conflicts, making for a compelling and engaging narrative. The protagonist, Erica Lagan, showcases compelling growth and development throughout the story...
The screenplay demonstrates a strong ability to create and maintain high conflict levels throughout the story, effectively driving the plot forward and engaging the audience. The multi-layered conflicts, intense scenes, and suspenseful confrontations contribute to the overall strength of the narrative."
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BREFNI O'ROURKE is a New York based screenwriter and novelist. A former stand-up comedian, he is the author of more than 50 original feature-length spec screenplays, primarily within the action, suspense-thriller, and horror genres. The "cinematic Brefniverse" includes:
"The Awning", a supernatural thriller, has been named a quarterfinalist in the 2023 WeScreenplay Feature contests. It was named a finalist in the 2022 Story Pros International Screenplay Contest and has been awarded a Coverfly badge of - Top 6% of discoverable projects. In March of 2023 it made the Red List as the # 8 ranked thriller screenplay. (The novel is now available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CD4ZKQDZ )
"Wake", a psychological thriller, was recognized as a semifinalist in the 2022 Creative World Awards. It was recognized as a quarterfinalist in the Final Draft/Big Break Contest (top 10% of entries) and the American Zoetrope contest. It has been awarded a Coverfly badge of being among the top 23% of discoverable projects.
"Descendancy" was recognized as a Quarterfinalist in The Script Lab - Free Screenplay Contest 2022 and has been awarded a Coverfly badge of - Top 20% of discoverable projects.
"Moving Day", a supernatural thriller, was recognized as a quarterfinalist in the 2015 Final Draft/Big Break Contest. It has been awarded a Coverfly badge of being among the top 34% of discoverable projects.
"Panopticon", an action-thriller, was selected as a "Notable Project" by Amazon Studios (one of only 50 projects recognized as such).
"God's Work", a supernatural action thriller was optioned by The Ferla Consulting Group.
"Threshold", a horror-thriller (Cowritten with Elizabeth Rowin and Greg DeRochie) was optioned by Contribution Films. (http://www.contributionfilms.com/threshold.html).
Read his novels on Amazon Kindle! https://www.amazon.com/author/brefniorourke
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