First Read
First Read is a web-based screenwriting platform that reimagines AI assistance as a true creative collaborator. Developed by a veteran TV writer with credits including God Friended Me and a network drama, First Read is currently in open beta at storyhack.io/writers. The service is built around a deep, adaptive interview that captures how a writer actually thinks, their taste, their deal-breakers, and the invisible rules they write by. From these answers, First Read generates a detailed Voice Profile for the specific project, which then powers every stage of the writing process. The platform guides writers through a structured pipeline from concept to production script, tailored to the chosen format—whether film, TV series, or vertical video. At each stage, First Read evaluates the writer’s choices against the Voice Profile, providing constructive pushback that challenges vague ideas and safe options. The built-in brainstorming tool listens for signal in half-formed notions, while the Get Notes feature delivers structured feedback that highlights what works, what doesn’t, and the key question the story needs to answer next. Writers can also generate project bibles, pitch decks, one-pagers, and character bibles, all in their own creative DNA. What sets First Read apart is its commitment to preserving the writer’s voice. It never trains AI on user content, and every document is cryptographically signed and independently verifiable, proving which profile was used and whether the content has changed since creation. The tool is designed for serious production environments, with industry-standard FDX export for traditional TV and film workflows. The platform is free to try for 7 days with no card required, and it is available in all three formats during the trial.
- Category
- Scriptwriting
- Pricing
- Freemium
Problem solved
First Read solves the problem of generic, voice-less AI writing tools that produce formulaic scripts. By building a personalized Voice Profile for each project, it ensures that every generated idea, note, and document is evaluated against the writer’s own standards. This allows screenwriters to maintain their unique creative identity while benefiting from AI-powered collaboration, from initial spark to polished script.
Use cases
- Developing a feature film from a logline through outline and screenplay
- Writing a TV series pilot while keeping consistent character voice across episodes
- Creating a series bible, pitch deck, or one-pager in the writer’s own style
- Receiving structured script notes that align with personal creative preferences
- Brainstorming story directions with an AI that challenges vague or safe choices
- Producing vertical-format video scripts through a guided pipeline
- Exporting a final draft in industry-standard FDX format
Audience
- Content Creators
- Hobbyists
Pros
- Interview-driven onboarding creates a detailed Voice Profile for each project
- All development stages are measured against the writer’s own standards
- Built by an experienced TV writer, making it highly relevant for narrative work
- Cryptographic signing establishes data integrity without training on user content
- Includes production-ready features like FDX export and document generation
Cons
- Still in open beta with a limited number of participating writers
- Requires completing a substantial initial interview before personalization takes effect
- Primarily aimed at narrative screenwriting and not optimized for other content types
- Proprietary platform with no open-source or self-hosted option
- No public API or plugin ecosystem available yet
Official website: https://www.storyhack.io/writers
Canonical LambdaBase page: https://www.lambdabase.com/tools/first-read