This Algorithm Might Predict the Box Office Success of a Movie Based on Its Screenplay

Hollywood movies are often accused of being formulaic, but does that mean there’s an actual, identifiable formula for success? A Belgium start-up thinks there is, and they’re creating software that will recognize it. Called ScriptBook, the software, which is still in development, will read screenplays and predict how much money they’ll make at the box office. 

According to Engadget, ScriptBook claims the finished software—which they plan to premiere at the Berlin Film Festival in February—will analyze screenplays and create a report identifying their strengths and weaknesses. “It's promised that ScriptBook will know who the main character is, how good the dialog sounds, and if the story elements are successfully resolved,” Engadget explains. “The software is then promised to be able to predict how much cash the picture will make at the box office.”

The creators of ScriptBook, per the program's website, will market the software towards film executives, who they say will be able to get a sense of how a movie will perform "prior to financing, producing & releasing ." 

Since ScriptBook has yet to perform any demos, or reveal any of its technology, it’s unclear how well the finished software will work. Is it possible to automate something as intangible as personal taste, turning a computer into the ultimate film critic? We’ll just have to wait and see.