✍️Intro to Screenwriting Unit 9 – Rewriting and Revising

What's the Big Idea?

• Rewriting and revising focus on refining the core concept or theme of the screenplay
• Ensure the central message or premise remains clear and compelling throughout the script
• Identify any deviations from the main storyline and consider removing or reworking them
• Strengthen the connection between the protagonist's journey and the overall theme
• Assess whether the climax and resolution effectively convey the intended message
• Evaluate if the title accurately reflects the essence of the story

First Draft Frenzy

• Completing the first draft is a significant milestone in the screenwriting process
• Embrace the imperfections and focus on getting the story down on paper
• Avoid self-editing or second-guessing during the initial writing phase
• Maintain momentum by setting daily writing goals or deadlines
• Celebrate the accomplishment of finishing the first draft before diving into revisions
• Resist the temptation to share the first draft prematurely with others

Reading Your Work Out Loud

• Reading the screenplay aloud helps identify awkward phrasing, unnatural dialogue, and pacing issues
• Recruit friends or fellow writers to participate in a table read of the script
• Pay attention to any lines or scenes that feel clunky or disrupt the flow of the story
• Note any moments where the audience loses interest or becomes confused
• Consider recording the table read to review and analyze the performance later
• Use the insights gained from the table read to guide the revision process

Feedback and Critique

• Seek constructive feedback from trusted readers, such as writing groups or industry professionals
• Prepare specific questions or areas of concern to guide the feedback process
• Be open to criticism and avoid becoming defensive when receiving notes
• Look for patterns or recurring issues mentioned by multiple readers
  • If several people point out the same problem, it likely needs to be addressed
• Distinguish between subjective opinions and objective observations about the script's effectiveness
• Consider the source of the feedback and weigh its relevance to your vision for the story

Structural Overhaul

• Assess the overall structure of the screenplay and identify any pacing or plot issues
• Ensure the three-act structure is properly balanced and the story progresses logically
• Evaluate if the inciting incident occurs at the right moment to engage the audience
• Analyze the effectiveness of the midpoint and its impact on the protagonist's journey
• Verify that the climax is satisfying and resolves the central conflict
• Consider removing or combining scenes that do not advance the plot or character development

Dialogue Polishing

• Revise dialogue to ensure it sounds natural and authentic to each character
• Eliminate any unnecessary or expository dialogue that doesn't serve a purpose
• Ensure each character has a distinct voice and vocabulary that reflects their background and personality
• Look for opportunities to convey information through subtext rather than direct statements
• Trim any lengthy monologues or exchanges that slow down the pacing
• Read the dialogue aloud to check for flow and cadence

Character Development Tweaks

• Deepen the characterization of the protagonist and supporting characters
• Ensure each character has a clear arc and undergoes a meaningful transformation
• Identify any inconsistencies in character behavior or motivation and address them
• Develop the relationships between characters and how they evolve throughout the story
• Assess if the antagonist poses a credible threat and has a compelling reason for their actions
• Consider adding or expanding upon character backstories to provide context for their decisions

Tightening the Narrative

• Streamline the plot by removing any unnecessary subplots or tangents
• Ensure each scene has a clear purpose and advances the story or character development
• Identify any scenes that can be combined or condensed without losing essential information
• Maintain a consistent pace and avoid any lulls or slow sections that may lose the audience's attention
• Evaluate if the transitions between scenes are smooth and logical
• Trim any excessive description or action lines that don't contribute to the visual storytelling

Final Touches

• Proofread the script for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors
• Ensure the script adheres to industry-standard formatting guidelines (margins, font, page numbers)
• Double-check character names, scene headings, and other details for consistency throughout the script
• Assess the overall page count and trim if necessary to meet the desired length
• Consider the script's marketability and target audience when making final revisions
• Celebrate the completion of the revised draft and prepare for the next steps in the development process