I acquired screenplay consultations from a few executives with two scripts. The consultations were in conflict. I came to the realization that you have accept advice that makes sense to you as a writer and ignore what doesn't. After making edits based on the consultations that made sense to me, both scripts became finalist in national and international screenplay competitions. As a creating writer, you have to trust your instincts eventually.
Has anyone else had experience navigating conflicting notes and determine what's compatible with the story you want to tell?
Hey Rodgers, this is Suzanne from the Stage 32 team. I just wanted to let you know I moved your post from Acting to Screenwriting, as it fits much better there. Let me know if you have any questions, and all the best to you!
I think the best thing you can do is take what resonates with you. I've had conflicting feedback with readers before and I realized I can't make everyone happy, but I am the writer so I can decide what I want to do with the feedback I get.
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Rodgers, well done on those results. Yes, trust yourself for sure and always. I'd suggest to others with similar feedback to identify notes as either technical or fundamental. The technical, like industry standard format etc. need some corrective action and accept as a learning opportunity. The fundamental notes on things like; 'that character comes across an outsider' suggests the reader may not be connecting or getting YOUR VOICE and that is a flag you must weigh into the notes received. Mostly, stay positive and write, write, write.
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Art is very subjective. In my opinion, the best thing you can do is approach those who have a passion for the genre you're working in. A consultant who genuinely loves the genre will give you more useful notes than someone processing fifty scripts a month across every category.
I've had similar experiences with my own scripts. The notes that conflicted most were usually the ones where the consultant was trying to pull the story toward something more conventional. The notes that actually improved the work came from people who understood what I was trying to do and pushed me to do it better, not differently.
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There are two kinds of creative.
Those who cling to objectivity and chase approval.
Those who accept subjectivity and rely on conviction.
Artists are the ones who make the jump from the former to the latter.