One of the things you will always want to be clear about is WHO you let influence your writing. EVERYONE has an opinion… but not all opinions should be given equal weight. Once you finish your script; have worked through all the tweaks and fixes you found for yourself you’ll want to get opinions from others on it’s merits (and weaknesses).
The most important thing you should remember about feedback from others is you often get what you ask for. Most new writers start with the question ‘ WHAT do you think?” We’re afraid to ask for more. And so, you’ll often get answers like, ‘This is good. PERIOD!” That kind of feedback is nice… But not that helpful in fleshing out your script. Your uncle Arthur may be a great mechanic, but what does he know about movies and how they work?
So you’re best approach is to ask people who’s opinion on FILM and WRITING you know and respect; but don’t stop there. In addition to a hard copy of your script - give them a list of questions to answer that will provide PERTINENT INFORMATION for your next draft. The amount of effort you put into your questions will be directly related to the quality of the feedback you get. So think, What do you REALLY want to know about this draft of your screenplay?
For instance, is the OPENING SCENE gripping, engaging or off-putting? Is the MAIN CHARACTER and her/his dilemma compelling, charismatic or completely lame? Are the COMPLICATIONS the hero/heroine encounters real to the world they inhabit or pasted on for show? And finally, is the ENDING convincing and satisfying?
See what I mean, when I say that you get the kind of feedback you ask for? Simply getting solid feedback on these four questions should give you a good shot at starting your rewrite. For a more detailed critique questionnaire, write me at www.Wordsmythe.ca and I’ll send you my own script critique template for FREE. I want your script to be the best that you can make it and I’ll help as often as I can. But when you win that first important screenplay contest… mention my name!
I hope all this helps. And I wish you luck with your screenplay. Let me know when you’ve completed your script. I’d love to read your work!
Showing posts with label screenplay rewrites. Show all posts
Showing posts with label screenplay rewrites. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
A buddy and I took a writing class - and while he just kind of plowed through his first draft I got kind of side-lined fixing stuff. Is this wrong?
Writing really is one of the strangest undertakings. We are seduced by a story idea in our head and practically driven crazy until we succumb and begin the process of putting it on the page.
And then, the real torture begins. We manage to write a scene or two, or even a whole first act; and then, inevitably we begin to second guess ourselves. As we soldier through the next tough scene sequence a little voice begins to speak over the one in our head telling us the story. 'The main characters name isn't strong enough - you should FIX that. The villain isn't evil enough; the opening scene isn't FRESH enough. The scene transitions'.... well, you get the idea!
Some of this self-commentary may actually be quite accurate. Your main character does have a putzy name, at the moment. And maybe those scene transitions do really suck. But guess what, we don't care - NOT RIGHT NOW. Your only job in the FIRST DRAFT IS TO FINISH! Repeat this to yourself, over and over and over again when your inner critic dares to speak. Resist the temptation to go back and just KEEP MOVING FORWARD; that's the only way to finish your first draft.
On the other hand, don't lock up that inner critic and throw away the key. Just throw him/or her a bone to keep her quiet. One of the best gimmicks that I've discovered is keeping a notebook and pen next to your computer and every time that critic SPEAKS - write it down!` Voila, your inner critic feels 'heard' and so deigns to leave you alone so you can write. AND, bonus time, by the time you have a first draft done you also have a dandy blueprint for your first REwrite waiting for you as soon as you type THE END.
I hope this helps. And I wish you lots of luck on your screenplay. Let me know when you've finished. I'd love to see your work!
And then, the real torture begins. We manage to write a scene or two, or even a whole first act; and then, inevitably we begin to second guess ourselves. As we soldier through the next tough scene sequence a little voice begins to speak over the one in our head telling us the story. 'The main characters name isn't strong enough - you should FIX that. The villain isn't evil enough; the opening scene isn't FRESH enough. The scene transitions'.... well, you get the idea!
Some of this self-commentary may actually be quite accurate. Your main character does have a putzy name, at the moment. And maybe those scene transitions do really suck. But guess what, we don't care - NOT RIGHT NOW. Your only job in the FIRST DRAFT IS TO FINISH! Repeat this to yourself, over and over and over again when your inner critic dares to speak. Resist the temptation to go back and just KEEP MOVING FORWARD; that's the only way to finish your first draft.
On the other hand, don't lock up that inner critic and throw away the key. Just throw him/or her a bone to keep her quiet. One of the best gimmicks that I've discovered is keeping a notebook and pen next to your computer and every time that critic SPEAKS - write it down!` Voila, your inner critic feels 'heard' and so deigns to leave you alone so you can write. AND, bonus time, by the time you have a first draft done you also have a dandy blueprint for your first REwrite waiting for you as soon as you type THE END.
I hope this helps. And I wish you lots of luck on your screenplay. Let me know when you've finished. I'd love to see your work!
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