11.2 Incorporating feedback and notes
8 min read•august 20, 2024
Incorporating feedback is a crucial skill for TV writers. Notes from studios, networks, and fellow writers help shape scripts, balancing creative vision with business concerns. Understanding different types of notes and their sources allows writers to navigate the revision process effectively.
, deciding which to address, and implementing changes strategically are key. Writers must maintain story integrity while addressing concerns, fostering collaboration with executives. The notes process ultimately strengthens scripts, providing new perspectives and building trust within the creative team.
Types of notes
- Notes are an essential part of the television writing process, providing feedback and suggestions from various stakeholders to improve the script
- Understanding the different types of notes and their sources is crucial for effectively incorporating feedback and collaborating with the creative team
Studio vs network notes
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- come from the production company or studio financing and producing the show (Warner Bros., Lionsgate)
- These notes often focus on creative aspects, such as character development, story arcs, and overall tone
- are provided by the television network airing the show (ABC, HBO, Netflix)
- Network notes typically address broader concerns, such as target audience, brand alignment, and advertising considerations
- Balancing studio and network notes requires understanding their respective priorities and finding ways to satisfy both while maintaining the integrity of the script
Writer vs non-writer notes
- come from the show's writing staff, including the showrunner, head writer, and fellow writers
- These notes are often more detailed and specific, addressing elements like dialogue, pacing, and scene structure
- come from executives, producers, and other stakeholders who may not have a writing background
- Non-writer notes tend to focus on high-level aspects, such as marketability, budget constraints, and overall direction
- Navigating writer and non-writer notes involves recognizing the value of different perspectives while staying true to the creative vision of the show
Interpreting notes
- Effectively interpreting notes is a critical skill for television writers, as it enables them to understand the underlying concerns and objectives behind the feedback they receive
- By carefully analyzing and decoding notes, writers can address issues more effectively and collaborate more productively with the creative team
Identifying key issues
- Read through the notes carefully and identify the main points or recurring themes
- Look for patterns or consistent feedback across different sources (studio, network, writers)
- Distinguish between major concerns that require significant changes and minor suggestions that can be easily addressed
- Prioritize the key issues based on their importance and potential impact on the script
Reading between the lines
- Notes often contain subtext or unspoken concerns that writers must decipher
- Consider the underlying motivations or objectives behind each note
- Ask yourself what the note-giver is really trying to achieve or avoid with their feedback
- Look for clues in the language used, such as "I'm not sure if..." or "It feels like...," which may indicate a deeper issue
Asking for clarification
- If a note is unclear or ambiguous, don't hesitate to ask for clarification
- Set up a meeting or send an email to the note-giver to discuss their feedback in more detail
- Prepare specific questions that can help you better understand their perspective and intentions
- Approach the conversation with a collaborative mindset, showing that you value their input and want to work together to address their concerns
Deciding which notes to address
- Not all notes are created equal, and it's essential for writers to prioritize and select which feedback to incorporate into their revisions
- By strategically , writers can maintain their creative vision while still being responsive to important feedback
Picking your battles
- Recognize that some notes may be more crucial to the success of the script than others
- Focus on addressing notes that have a significant impact on story, character, or tone
- Be willing to make concessions on smaller details or personal preferences if they don't compromise the integrity of the script
- Choose to stand your ground on notes that you feel strongly about and that are essential to your creative vision
Knowing when to push back
- There may be instances where a note conflicts with your creative instincts or the established direction of the show
- If you disagree with a note, be prepared to articulate your reasons clearly and professionally
- Use evidence from the script, character arcs, or story structure to support your perspective
- Suggest alternative solutions that address the underlying concern while staying true to your vision
- Remember that pushing back should be done selectively and diplomatically to maintain positive working relationships
Creative vision vs business concerns
- Balance the creative aspirations of the show with the practical business considerations of the studio and network
- Understand that some notes may be driven by factors like budget limitations, scheduling constraints, or audience demographics
- Look for ways to address business concerns while still preserving the essential creative elements of the script
- Be open to compromise and collaboration, finding solutions that satisfy both creative and business objectives
Strategies for addressing notes
- Once writers have decided which notes to address, they need effective strategies for incorporating feedback into their revisions
- By employing these strategies, writers can efficiently and effectively improve their scripts while maintaining a cohesive vision
Combining related notes
- Look for notes that address similar issues or themes and consider addressing them together
- can help streamline the revision process and ensure consistency in the changes made
- For example, if multiple notes mention a character's unclear motivation, address them collectively by clarifying the character's arc and objectives throughout the script
Proposing alternative solutions
- If a note suggests a change that you disagree with, consider that address the underlying concern
- Brainstorm different ways to tackle the issue that align with your creative vision and the overall direction of the show
- Present your alternative solutions to the note-giver, explaining how they resolve the problem while maintaining the integrity of the script
Explaining your choices
- When addressing notes, be prepared to articulate the reasoning behind your creative choices
- Provide context and rationale for the decisions you've made in the script, such as character development, plot points, or themes
- Use examples from the script or from other successful shows to illustrate how your choices serve the story and engage the audience
- Be open to feedback and discussion, but also be confident in your vision and the work you've put into the script
Communicating with executives
- Effective communication with studio and network executives is crucial for successfully incorporating notes and maintaining positive working relationships
- By communicating clearly, respectfully, and strategically, writers can navigate the notes process more smoothly and collaboratively
Maintaining positive relationships
- Approach communications with executives with a positive and professional attitude
- Show appreciation for their feedback and involvement in the project
- Be responsive to their concerns and demonstrate a willingness to work together to improve the script
- Foster a collaborative environment where everyone feels heard and valued
Presenting changes effectively
- When presenting revisions based on notes, be clear and concise in your explanations
- Highlight the key changes made and how they address the main concerns raised in the notes
- Provide a brief rationale for each significant change, tying it back to the overall goals and vision of the show
- Use visual aids, such as updated outlines or script pages, to illustrate the impact of the changes
Navigating creative disagreements
- If there are persistent creative disagreements with executives, approach the situation with tact and diplomacy
- Listen carefully to their perspective and try to understand the underlying reasons for their stance
- Find common ground by identifying shared goals and priorities for the show
- Propose compromises or alternative solutions that address their concerns while staying true to your creative vision
- If necessary, involve other key stakeholders, such as the showrunner or head writer, to help mediate and resolve the disagreement
Rewriting to incorporate notes
- Once notes have been discussed and strategies for addressing them have been determined, writers must dive into the rewriting process to incorporate the feedback effectively
- Rewriting requires a balance of making necessary changes while preserving the core elements that make the script compelling
Minimizing major structural changes
- When possible, try to address notes without making major structural changes to the script
- Significant rewrites can be time-consuming and may have unintended consequences for other aspects of the story
- Look for ways to incorporate feedback by making targeted, surgical changes to specific scenes, dialogue, or character moments
- If major structural changes are necessary, carefully plan and outline the revisions to ensure they enhance rather than disrupt the overall narrative
Preserving story and character integrity
- As you rewrite, be mindful of preserving the essential elements that define the story and characters
- Ensure that any changes made align with the established tone, themes, and character arcs of the show
- Avoid making changes that fundamentally alter the core relationships, conflicts, or motivations that drive the narrative
- If a note suggests a change that feels inconsistent with the story or characters, find alternative ways to address the underlying concern while maintaining integrity
Ensuring script continuity
- When incorporating notes and making revisions, pay close attention to maintaining continuity throughout the script
- Ensure that any changes made to one scene or character are reflected consistently in other relevant parts of the script
- Double-check details such as character names, locations, and plot points to avoid inconsistencies or contradictions
- Have other members of the writing team review the revised script to catch any continuity issues or unintended consequences of the changes
Benefits of the notes process
- While receiving and incorporating notes can be challenging, the process ultimately offers numerous benefits for the script and the creative team
- By embracing the notes process and leveraging its advantages, writers can create stronger, more effective television scripts
Strengthening the script
- Notes provide valuable feedback and insights that can help identify areas for improvement in the script
- By addressing notes thoughtfully and strategically, writers can elevate the quality of their work and create a more polished, engaging final product
- The process of incorporating notes can lead to stronger character development, tighter story structure, and more impactful themes and messages
Gaining new perspectives
- The notes process exposes writers to diverse viewpoints and ideas from various stakeholders
- These fresh perspectives can challenge assumptions, spark new ideas, and inspire creative solutions to story challenges
- By considering and incorporating different viewpoints, writers can create more well-rounded, nuanced scripts that resonate with a wider audience
Building trust and collaboration
- Successfully navigating the notes process demonstrates a writer's ability to collaborate effectively and respond to feedback professionally
- By building trust and establishing positive working relationships with executives, producers, and other stakeholders, writers can create a supportive environment for their creative work
- Strong collaboration and communication skills developed through the notes process can lead to future opportunities and long-term success in the television industry
Key Terms to Review (28)
Asking for clarification: Asking for clarification is the process of seeking additional information or explanation to ensure understanding. This technique is crucial in communication, especially when feedback is given, as it helps to clarify points that may be ambiguous or unclear, allowing for effective incorporation of notes and suggestions into a project.
Benefits of the notes process: The benefits of the notes process refer to the positive outcomes gained from gathering, analyzing, and incorporating feedback during the development of a television pilot. This process helps refine the script, enhance character development, and improve overall narrative structure. By systematically addressing notes, writers can create a more polished and compelling product that resonates better with audiences and stakeholders.
Building trust and collaboration: Building trust and collaboration refers to the process of establishing a reliable and cooperative relationship among team members, encouraging open communication and mutual respect. In creative environments, this term is essential as it fosters a safe space for sharing ideas and incorporating feedback, ultimately leading to better outcomes in projects.
Combining related notes: Combining related notes refers to the process of synthesizing feedback and observations from various sources into a cohesive understanding that can inform and improve the development of a script. This practice is crucial for writers as it allows them to refine their work based on diverse perspectives, ensuring a more polished final product that resonates with audiences and meets industry standards.
Communicating with executives: Communicating with executives involves effectively sharing ideas, progress, and feedback between writers and high-level decision-makers in the television industry. This communication is crucial for ensuring that the creative vision aligns with business objectives and that feedback is properly incorporated into the writing process, leading to a successful pilot script.
Creative vision vs business concerns: Creative vision vs business concerns refers to the ongoing tension between the artistic aspirations of creators and the financial realities of producing content. While creative vision focuses on storytelling, character development, and unique expression, business concerns prioritize profitability, audience engagement, and marketability. Understanding how to balance these two aspects is crucial for writers when incorporating feedback and notes into their work.
Deciding which notes to address: Deciding which notes to address refers to the process of evaluating and prioritizing feedback received on a television pilot script or project. This step is crucial as it helps the writer determine which suggestions will enhance the script, maintain their original vision, and effectively improve storytelling elements without diluting the core message.
Ensuring script continuity: Ensuring script continuity refers to the practice of maintaining consistency and coherence throughout a screenplay, making sure that character arcs, plot lines, and details remain consistent from one scene to another. This is crucial for keeping the narrative flow smooth and for avoiding confusion among viewers, especially when incorporating feedback and notes into the revision process. Attention to continuity ensures that changes made during revisions align with the established story elements.
Explaining your choices: Explaining your choices refers to the practice of articulating the reasoning behind decisions made in writing, especially when responding to feedback or notes. This process helps clarify the writer's intent, demonstrates critical thinking, and builds a stronger connection between the writer and their audience, which is essential in refining a script and enhancing its overall quality.
Gaining new perspectives: Gaining new perspectives involves the ability to view situations, characters, or stories from different angles and interpretations. This process is crucial in creative fields, as it enriches storytelling by allowing writers to understand and incorporate diverse viewpoints and experiences, ultimately leading to more relatable and compelling narratives.
Identifying Key Issues: Identifying key issues refers to the process of recognizing and understanding the main challenges, concerns, or focal points that need attention in a given project or context. This skill is essential for effective decision-making and problem-solving, allowing creators to prioritize feedback and focus on significant elements that enhance the overall quality of the work.
Interpreting notes: Interpreting notes refers to the process of analyzing and understanding feedback provided by peers, mentors, or industry professionals regarding a script or a concept. This involves not just recognizing the suggestions given, but also assessing how they align with the writer's vision and intentions, and determining which feedback is most applicable for revisions and improvements.
Knowing When to Push Back: Knowing when to push back refers to the ability to respectfully disagree or challenge feedback and notes provided by others, particularly in creative settings. This skill involves weighing the value of the feedback against your vision for the project, maintaining a balance between collaboration and personal integrity in storytelling.
Maintaining positive relationships: Maintaining positive relationships refers to the ongoing effort to foster and preserve healthy, respectful, and collaborative interactions between individuals or groups. This concept is essential in creative environments, as it promotes open communication, constructive feedback, and a supportive atmosphere for growth and development.
Minimizing major structural changes: Minimizing major structural changes refers to the practice of making incremental adjustments to a script rather than undertaking extensive revisions that could alter the foundational elements of the story. This approach allows writers to incorporate feedback and notes while preserving the core narrative, character arcs, and thematic integrity of the pilot.
Navigating creative disagreements: Navigating creative disagreements refers to the process of effectively managing and resolving conflicts that arise during the creative development of a project. This involves listening to differing viewpoints, finding common ground, and working collaboratively to reach solutions that enhance the overall vision of the work. It's crucial in maintaining a productive environment where all voices are heard while ensuring that the project's objectives are met.
Network notes: Network notes are the feedback and suggestions provided by television networks during the development and production of a show. These notes can cover various aspects, such as character development, pacing, and story arcs, with the aim of aligning the content with the network's branding and audience expectations. Understanding and incorporating these notes is essential for writers to ensure their projects have a better chance of being accepted and successfully aired.
Non-writer notes: Non-writer notes refer to feedback and observations provided by individuals who are not directly involved in the writing process of a television pilot. These notes can come from producers, executives, or even test audiences, and they often focus on the overall story, character development, pacing, and marketability. Incorporating non-writer notes can be crucial as they provide an external perspective that can help improve the script's appeal and effectiveness.
Picking your battles: Picking your battles refers to the strategic decision-making process in which one chooses which conflicts or disagreements to engage in and which to avoid. This concept is particularly important in creative fields, where feedback and notes can be subjective, and not every critique requires a response or rebuttal. Understanding when to stand firm on a creative choice versus when to concede can lead to more productive collaborations and ultimately better final products.
Presenting changes effectively: Presenting changes effectively means communicating revisions and updates in a way that is clear, concise, and impactful. This involves understanding the feedback received, translating it into actionable changes, and presenting those adjustments to others, such as collaborators or producers, in a manner that emphasizes the benefits and improvements made.
Preserving story and character integrity: Preserving story and character integrity means maintaining the core elements of a narrative and its characters, ensuring they remain authentic and true to their established arcs throughout the development process. This concept is crucial when incorporating feedback and notes, as it involves balancing constructive criticism with the need to stay true to the original vision and emotional resonance of the story and its characters.
Proposing alternative solutions: Proposing alternative solutions refers to the process of suggesting different approaches or options in response to feedback or challenges. This involves analyzing the feedback received, identifying areas for improvement, and creatively generating new ideas that can enhance a project. The ability to propose alternatives demonstrates adaptability and critical thinking, essential skills in refining any creative work.
Reading between the lines: Reading between the lines refers to the ability to understand the underlying meaning or subtext in dialogue and actions, beyond what is explicitly stated. It involves interpreting characters' motivations, emotions, and intentions based on their words and behavior. This skill is essential for grasping nuances and depth in storytelling, especially in how feedback and notes shape a script's development.
Rewriting to incorporate notes: Rewriting to incorporate notes is the process of taking feedback and suggestions from others and integrating them into a script or narrative to enhance its overall quality. This practice is crucial in refining a pilot by addressing plot holes, character development, pacing, and dialogue based on the insights provided by peers, mentors, or industry professionals.
Strategies for addressing notes: Strategies for addressing notes are specific methods used by writers to effectively incorporate feedback and suggestions from peers, producers, or executives into their scripts. These strategies help writers maintain their vision while making necessary adjustments to enhance the overall quality of their work. Utilizing these approaches can lead to improved storytelling, character development, and structural coherence in a pilot script.
Strengthening the script: Strengthening the script involves refining and enhancing the screenplay to improve its overall quality, coherence, and emotional impact. This process includes incorporating feedback and notes to address weaknesses, clarify themes, and develop characters more deeply, ultimately making the script more engaging and effective for its intended audience.
Studio notes: Studio notes are feedback provided by studio executives or producers on a script or a project, aimed at improving the story, characters, or overall production. These notes can range from minor suggestions to major changes and often reflect the studio's vision, marketability concerns, or audience expectations. Understanding how to interpret and incorporate studio notes is crucial for writers as it can significantly impact the development process and final outcome of a project.
Writer notes: Writer notes are the comments, suggestions, and feedback made by writers, producers, or collaborators that provide guidance on a script's development. These notes serve as a vital tool in the creative process, allowing writers to refine their work based on input from others, which can lead to improvements in story structure, character development, and overall clarity of the narrative.