The ScriptShark Grid: Discussion

I came across the ScriptShark Grid (see previous post) while sojourning on triggerstreet.com, whose "Screenplay of the Month" nominees (http://www.triggerstreet.com/gyrobase/ScreenplayOfMonth) qualify for review by same scriptshark.

Some criteria that stand out:
- "Action lines clearly and concisely manifest visual action and literal context." I don't know what literal context means but I do know about visual action. Amateur scripts are full of description that doesn't translate to the screen, i.e., can't be directly seen or heard. Stuff like, "Alice twisted and turned in bed, unable to sleep. She was thinking about her mother's obsession with success."
- Spelling, grammar and proofreading. They count.
- Character. The basics. The protagonist has internal/external goals, has opposition to his goals including an antagonist, and is sympathetic.
- Structure: strong setup (the first 10 minutes should be your best writing), plenty of reversals, a central conflict.
- Market Value: the story has universal appeal. No stories about obscure feminists or labor leaders UNLESS the story makes them universally appealing. For example, "I Walk the Line" and "Ray."
Production Value: The lead character is castable and has star appeal. Critical. For example, a while back, for a class, I had to review the scene in Pulp Fiction where Samuel L. Jackson gives his biblical speech to the terrified yuppies, before killing them and experiencing his life-changing miracle of not getting shot. I and the other students came up with many reasons why this was a great scene. But, we all missed the key element: it's an awesome scene that will attract stars.