Best Websites for Unedited Original Screenplays in PDF

Screenwriting enthusiasts and aspiring screenwriters often seek access to unedited, original screenplays. This quest is particularly challenging as many well-known resources have faced legal or voluntary shutdowns. In recent years, sites like myPDFscripts (formerly a reputable source) fell victim to legal pressure from studios, which led to the removal of their extensive script library. Despite these challenges, there are still valuable resources available for screenwriters. This article explores some of the best websites for unedited original screenplays in PDF format.

myPDFscripts: A Brief History

Before its closure, myPDFscripts was a treasure trove of unedited original screenplays from studio films. The website featured a vast collection of PDF scripts that made it a favorite among screenwriters. Many acclaimed scripts, including Oscar-winners from earlier decades, were available via this platform. However, due to legal concerns, the site was forced to shut down, and most of its scripts were removed. Users who accessed myPDFscripts could benefit from the ability to study unedited draft scripts, providing a unique learning opportunity.

Wisconsin Screenwriters Forum: A Database Rich in Scripts

For those seeking a reliable and legally compliant source of unedited scripts, the Wisconsin Screenwriters Forum is an excellent resource. This website, which I, as the former president of the Wisconsin Screenwriters Forum, helped create, hosts an extensive database of PDF scripts. The collection includes a wide range of well-known film scripts from various decades, including many Oscar-winning works from the past 70 years. Each script in the database has been specifically added for educational purposes, ensuring that they are trustworthy and suitable for study.

Additional Resources

Other websites also offer a range of scripts, though their formats and content may vary. For instance, another website ScriptDatabase (not to be confused with other similar names) provides a range of scripts, some of which are early drafts that may differ slightly from the final shooting script. While these early drafts can be valuable for understanding the evolution of a script, it's important to verify that the scripts are in PDF format before studying them.

Important Considerations for Studying Screenplays

When studying screenplays, it's crucial to keep in mind the historical context of the work. An Oscar-winning script from the 1950s, 1960s, or 1970s, for instance, may look quite different from a contemporary screenplay. The writing styles, dialogue, and narrative structures of past decades often differ significantly from today's norms. Therefore, it's essential to understand the historical context in which a screenplay was written to fully appreciate its artistic and cultural significance. By doing so, screenwriters can gain valuable insights into the craft and apply these lessons to their own work.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, while the landscape of online resources for unedited original screenplays is continually evolving, websites like the Wisconsin Screenwriters Forum and others that provide PDF scripts remain valuable resources for screenwriters. These platforms allow writers to study and learn from the most original and authentic scripts, enhancing their understanding of the craft. It's important for screenwriters to use these resources responsibly, ensuring that they only study unedited, PDF-based scripts for educational purposes.