Pay the Piper

When it comes to paying for script reading, some companies act like it's the biggest waste of money on the accounting spread sheets.

Let's see, if you have a good reading staff, your executives are freed up to focus more on creating the relationships that bring in the material, development of the material you buy and all phases of production, including pre- and post-, once the ball starts rolling on a project. However, rather than treat reading staffs with any respect, prices are low-balled and kept at one level for years.

I once read at a company for seven years, during which the rate they paid never went up. Sure, keep it low for new Readers (why pay a lot for unproven talent), but if you get yourself some good ones (defined as those who understand what your company is looking for), reward them. Sometimes a reward can just be a Christmas gift (hey, I love Best Buy cards). Even a little acknowledgement can go a long way. A $5 per script bump every two years is probably little more than a cost-of-living increase. You keep a good Reader, they're happy that someone is noticing their work and the world is a better place. Or at least your part of the world.

Besides, you give the receptionist a raise, right? Isn't a good reading staff at least as important as that position?