As a script consultant and script writer for hire I often get asked by new writers where they can read and download some really good screenplays.
Of course there are some amazing resources across the internet, but to help out I’ve listed a load of screenplays right here that are worth a read.
Note: Some of these scripts are shooting scripts and contain technical info – these are not the scripts that the screenwriter would deliver – for example – most of the Kubrick scripts contain technical info (these are shooting scripts) – ‘The Bourne Identity’ script by Tony Gilroy, The Prestige screenplay, and Sam Raimi’s ‘The Evil Dead’ script are closer to what a screenwriter delivers.
Shooting scripts are interesting technical documents – so they’re listed here as well. But screenwriters need to know the difference.
So, in alphabetical order we have:
The Shining (post production script)
Hollyoaks – Trial episode by me (in correct format)
That should give newbie script writers something to read for now. If I come across more scripts worth reading I’ll continue to update this page.
Matthew Cooper has been a script writer for hire, UK Script editor and UK script consultant for over 20 years. He’s written for most of the UK soaps, including writing award-winning episodes of Emmerdale, EastEnders, Hollyoaks and Family Affairs and has been BAFTA shortlisted and Royal Television Society nominated as a script writer. His UK script coverage service, Script reading service and script development service are highly sought after.
You can find some of his broadcast credits on the IMDb.
You can contact Matthew directly to purchase his ebook The UK Soap Opera Script Writers Handbook.
His directorial debut, the rubber reality horror thriller Markham was released in 2020. You can find out more about Matthew’s work as a director here.