Revised Article Title: Alter Your Perspective on Redrafts: A Fresh Approach to Story Writing
In the world of screenwriting, rewriting is not just an optional step, but a crucial phase that professional writers treat with utmost importance. Carson Reeves, screenwriter and founder of Shadow, advises that every draft should be better than the previous one, and that this process is a lot of work.
John August, screenwriter of beloved films like Big Fish, Corpse Bride, and Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, emphasizes the difference between rewriting and polishing. He advises writers not to confuse the two, and to only polish after the scene accomplishes its function.
The journey of rewriting can be a challenging one, but it can also be rewarding. As Chris Soth, screenwriter of Firestorm and author of Million Dollar Screenwriting: The Mini Movie Method, puts it, the rewrite process is like hacking away at a block of marble to create Michelangelo's David. Despite losing many aspects of the story details they've loved, at the end of the day, the writer has a better product.
Working with producers often involves rewriting to fulfill their vision, better the work, and fight for what you love. Hal Croasmun of ScreenwritingU highlights that most scripts are turned down due to structural issues, plot holes, character problems, dull scenes, and missing subtext.
Professional screenwriters approach major rewrites of feature scripts as a crucial phase where the real storytelling takes shape. They treat rewriting not as mere polishing but as an opportunity to reimagine, restructure, and deepen the script. This involves significant structural changes, rigorous self-editing, and a mindset open to radical revisions.
Embracing rewriting as core writing is a key strategy. Professionals view rewriting as integral to writing—often the second or third draft is stronger and closer to their vision. They rewrite scenes completely if needed, rather than just editing surface details.
Letting go of attachment is another important mindset strategy. Writers consciously detach from parts of the script that don’t serve the story, even if beautifully written, practicing “kill your darlings.” Being ruthless about cutting or revising is essential to focus solely on story efficacy.
Structural focus is another key aspect of major rewrites. This involves patching plot holes, streamlining narrative and character arcs, and tightening pacing. This may require reshaping entire acts or character motivations.
Marking problem areas and prioritizing is another useful technique. Using notes or color coding to highlight weaknesses helps concentrate rewriting efforts on scenes or elements that undermine the script’s clarity or emotional impact.
Some pros even print their scripts to spot issues missed on screen, facilitating a more tactile and thorough revision process.
Maintaining persistence and celebrating progress is also essential. Recognizing rewriting as a marathon, professionals celebrate improvements between drafts to sustain momentum and remain motivated despite the challenge of major changes.
In conclusion, a professional screenwriter’s mindset combines disciplined honesty, flexibility to overhaul structural elements, and a focus on crafting the screenplay as a cinematic blueprint rather than just a polished text. They approach major rewrites as a creative, iterative process essential to achieving the best possible version of the story.
For a writer currently rewriting a feature script, the process can be painful but also revelatory, resulting in a better product. Doug Richardson, screenwriter of Die Harder, Bad Boys, Mooseport, emphasizes the importance of loving rewriting as a screenwriter. It's normal to cut parts of the script that you love during the rewriting process, but giving yourself the freedom to make the script the best it can be is crucial.
Writers who are willing to look beneath the surface and do the work get tremendous amounts of respect from producers. Carson Reeves of Shadow advises new screenwriters not to show their script to anyone unless they have done at least ten drafts. Chris Soth suggested that the writer should challenge their preconceptions about the script and ask if they have delivered and over-delivered on the promises of the idea.
In the end, embracing rewriting is not just about creating a better script, but also about growing as a writer and learning to love the process of shaping a story into its best possible form.
- The process of rewriting a screenplay is not just an optional step, but a crucial phase that professional screenwriters treat with utmost importance.
- Carson Reeves, screenwriter and founder of Shadow, advises that every draft should be better than the previous one, and that this process is a lot of work.
- John August, screenwriter of Big Fish, Corpse Bride, and Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, emphasizes the difference between rewriting and polishing.
- Working with producers often involves rewriting to fulfill their vision, better the work, and fight for what you love.
- Professional screenwriters approach major rewrites of feature scripts as a crucial phase where the real storytelling takes shape.
- Embracing rewriting as a core part of writing, and viewing it as a crucial step instead of a minor polish, is a key strategy.
- Letting go of attachment to certain elements of the script, and being ruthless about cutting or revising, is essential to focus solely on story efficacy.
- The journey of rewriting can be a challenging one, but it can also be rewarding, resulting in a better product and the growth as a writer.
