<aside> <img src="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/f38711d4-66aa-49f9-abea-2322a123578a/007d4095-f0b8-422f-82e4-f039eb9fa194/info.png" alt="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/f38711d4-66aa-49f9-abea-2322a123578a/007d4095-f0b8-422f-82e4-f039eb9fa194/info.png" width="40px" /> A six section rating system for evaluating and rating visual and written media.

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Categories

Impact

How well the story evokes the intended feelings. How enjoyable the story is.

<aside> <img src="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/f38711d4-66aa-49f9-abea-2322a123578a/4f70d2a1-6d73-4958-9ce2-c5d714a3f3fb/lightbulb.png" alt="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/f38711d4-66aa-49f9-abea-2322a123578a/4f70d2a1-6d73-4958-9ce2-c5d714a3f3fb/lightbulb.png" width="40px" /> Examples questions to ask:

• Was the horror scary? Was the action exciting?
• Did the emotional beats hit?
• Did you find yourself thinking about the story after finishing it?
• Were you emotionally invested enough to care about what happens next?

Visual Mediums

• Did the score/music amplify emotions without manipulating them cheaply?
• Were reaction shots and emotional close-ups earned or overused?

Written Mediums

• Did the pacing of revelations and emotional moments give time to process?
• Is the atmosphere and mood felt through the descriptive language? </aside>

Characters

Quality of the main and side characters, and their impact on the story.

<aside> <img src="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/f38711d4-66aa-49f9-abea-2322a123578a/4f70d2a1-6d73-4958-9ce2-c5d714a3f3fb/lightbulb.png" alt="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/f38711d4-66aa-49f9-abea-2322a123578a/4f70d2a1-6d73-4958-9ce2-c5d714a3f3fb/lightbulb.png" width="40px" /> Examples questions to ask:

• Was the bad character hated? Was the good character lovable?
• Did you care about the characters? How well are the character arcs done?
• Are character motivations clear and believable, even when disagreeing with their choices?
• Do relationships between characters feel authentic with genuine chemistry/tension?

Visual Mediums

• Do the actors convincingly embody their characters through performance choices, mannerisms, and emotional range?
• Does the casting fit the characters and is there chemistry?

Written Mediums

• Are characters distinct enough to be identified as speaking without dialogue tags?
• Does the internal monologue deepen understanding or feel redundant? </aside>

Plot + Themes

Quality of the plot, focus, pacing, and themes.

<aside> <img src="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/f38711d4-66aa-49f9-abea-2322a123578a/4f70d2a1-6d73-4958-9ce2-c5d714a3f3fb/lightbulb.png" alt="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/f38711d4-66aa-49f9-abea-2322a123578a/4f70d2a1-6d73-4958-9ce2-c5d714a3f3fb/lightbulb.png" width="40px" /> Examples questions to ask:

• Does the story make sense? Was it interesting? Were there plot holes?
• How was the pacing? Were the acts structured well, such as the common 3-act structure?
• Does the setting work with the plot?
• Are the themes explored with nuance or are they heavy-handed/superficial?
• Do plot twists and reveals feel earned with proper setup and payoff?

Visual Mediums

• Does the runtime structure serve the story or does it feel padded/rushed?
• How well does the visual storytelling convey plot without relying on exposition dumps?

Written Mediums

• Does the section structure enhance or disrupt the narrative flow?
• Are subplots given space to develop or do they feel rushed/bloated? </aside>

Dialogue + Prose

Quality of the script, dialogue, writing, etc.

<aside> <img src="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/f38711d4-66aa-49f9-abea-2322a123578a/4f70d2a1-6d73-4958-9ce2-c5d714a3f3fb/lightbulb.png" alt="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/f38711d4-66aa-49f9-abea-2322a123578a/4f70d2a1-6d73-4958-9ce2-c5d714a3f3fb/lightbulb.png" width="40px" /> Examples questions to ask:

• How was the spoken and unspoken dialogue? Do the characters have unique voices?
• Is it believable and engaging? Does it feel natural or forced and expository?

Visual Mediums

• Does the delivery of lines match the emotional context and subtext?
• How well does the screenplay handle non-verbal communication and visual storytelling?

Written Mediums

• How is the written prose? Does it help visualize scenes?
• Is the narrative voice consistent and compelling throughout?
• Does the author balance showing vs. telling effectively? </aside>

World + Craft

Quality of the world-building, technical craft, and artistic choices in bringing story to life.

<aside> <img src="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/f38711d4-66aa-49f9-abea-2322a123578a/4f70d2a1-6d73-4958-9ce2-c5d714a3f3fb/lightbulb.png" alt="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/f38711d4-66aa-49f9-abea-2322a123578a/4f70d2a1-6d73-4958-9ce2-c5d714a3f3fb/lightbulb.png" width="40px" /> Examples questions to ask:

• Is the world immersive with believable history, cultures, and geography?
• Are the magic/science systems consistent and interesting?
• Does the technical execution match the ambition of the world?
• Do all the craft elements work together to make the world feel real?
• Is the world and setting fascinating?

Visual Mediums

• How effective were the visuals, cinematography, and production design?
• Were the effects, editing, and directing choices effective towards pacing and tension?
• Did the sounds/music enhance immersion or emotional impact?

Written Mediums

• Does the prose effectively paint the world and scenes?
• Can you clearly visualize the settings and action?
• Did the described atmosphere enhance immersion or emotional impact?

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Bechdel Test

Quality of the representation and agency of women.

<aside> <img src="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/f38711d4-66aa-49f9-abea-2322a123578a/4f70d2a1-6d73-4958-9ce2-c5d714a3f3fb/lightbulb.png" alt="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/f38711d4-66aa-49f9-abea-2322a123578a/4f70d2a1-6d73-4958-9ce2-c5d714a3f3fb/lightbulb.png" width="40px" /> Examples questions to ask:

• Do two named women talk to each other about something other than a man?
• Are female characters given agency and meaningful roles?
• Do female characters have their own goals and arcs?
• Is there diversity in the types of female characters portrayed? </aside>