Hi screenwriters :))
I post this at the Writers’ Room, but I would love also to know from you.
Until now, I’ve written scripts to be produced and directed by other professionals. But stepping into the production and directing side, I’ve realized something fascinating: the final draft of my script was different from the final version after shooting.
Why? Several factors come into play:
Actors adjusting dialogue to fit their delivery or character’s voice
Scenes adapting to the cinematic and directorial vision
Props, locations, and practical elements, shifting on set
It’s been eye-opening to see how a script evolves once it moves from page to screen.
Have you experienced this? What changes surprised you the most in your work? I would love to learn from your experiences.
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Yes and this is normal.
There are three versions of a script. The one you wrote, the one you film and the one you edit.
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I did know Stephen Folker, but now makes sense for me :)) And like that, it’s the one we film, the final version?
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I hope I can experience this one day :)
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You will Yaşar Taşbaş :))
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I have directed 3 no-budget TV-movies. The difference between the original script and the finished movie was about 1 %. About the same for all. So I am one of those who change least. Changes often occur because problems are discovered during pre-production, filming or editing. In addition, new mistakes are introduced when one can't do what has been planned.
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That’s good to know Göran Johansson, and thank you for sharing! I see what you mean. When you have experience in producing and directing, writing a screenplay naturally includes all the details needed for filming, making the final version closely align with pre-production plans. But if you're only writing the script without involvement in production or direction, the final result can turn out quite differently. This is what I am understanding in all of this journey.
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Nice that you liked what I wrote. And I forgot. In Hollywood it is popular with test audiences. So a limited number of person may watch a preliminary version, and then there follows further changes.
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That’s something now that I learned with you Göran Johansson :)) I didn’t know that. I don’t know many things, always learning. Thank youuuu
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I’ve had four of my screenplays produced -- one even got a theatrical release -- but none of them ended up on screen exactly as written. One had about 20 scenes cut just before shooting. Another lost 16 pages that were never filmed. In some cases, actors changed the dialogue. Some of those changes I was okay with... others, not so much.
I remember reading a review that said I shouldn’t be allowed near a computer again -- “My five-year-old could write a better script… with crayons.” That script? It won Best Screenplay at a film festival before it was sold and altered. The version on screen wasn’t what I wrote -- still, I got the credit and the blame.
Of the four, one was an award-winner, and all had Double Recommend coverage. But once someone buys your script, they usually want changes -- and those changes often strip out the very beats or character work that got the script noticed in the first place. Some of that is unavoidable -- locations fall through, time runs short, scenes get dropped. That’s just production.
Unless you’re in “F-You territory” and can dictate terms -- or you’re producing or directing -- it’s not your script anymore once it's sold. That said, I’ve had directors talk me through their changes, which I really appreciated. I got to offer input, and that makes a big difference.
My fifth movie is now in pre-production. Whether it’ll be a smooth ride or a bumpy one, who knows? But no matter what happens, I still love this business.
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https://www.stage32.com/lounge/animation/Universal-Rules-for-Continuing-...
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Congratulations on your fifth movie being in pre-production, Jerry Robbins!
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Oh Jerry Robbins, that’s such a beautiful testimony, I really appreciate them. Thank you. Congratulations on all your success with your scripts. It’s a true victory when they come to life as films! I understand that reality, and having the right mindset as a screenwriter can make the process much smoother. Letting go of ego and embracing the journey is key, especially when selling a script and watching it transform. And yes, as a director, one of the most crucial aspects is knowing the writer and collaborating through brainstorming; that connection can make the final result even stronger. Congratulations for your fifth movie being in pre-production and I am being inspired by you with your comment. I really appreciate when you say this: “Whether it’ll be a smooth ride or a bumpy one, who knows? But no matter what happens, I still love this business.” This is what makes our journey so special. I hope they don’t change a lot the script. Crossing fingers :))
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Thank you for sharing your post Bedirhan Öztürk. Brings more value to all of us.
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Jerry, here's wishing you plenty of success with your fifth movie...and continued success with your previous ones! (And thanks for the reminder that a movie or a TV show REALLY is a team effort!)
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Göran Johansson Years ago I saw a test preview of 3:10 to Yuma. At this point the movie had no music - not even a temp. score from another picture. Peter Fonda sat directly behind me - I remember thinking how strange it was as we were in a dark theatre watching the movie - and he never took his sunglasses off! Anyway, my point is, the movie was great. When I saw it later with the finished score, I had to admit -- I thought the movie played better without the music. NOTHING against the music! The score is wonderful... I just thought I got drawn into the story more without it. I don't think this works for all movies (Imagine HALLOWEEN without that pounding score), but it worked on Yuma. It's the only time I've been to an actual test preview.
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Sandra Isabel Correia I don't want to sugarcoat things - watching your script transform when out of your hands can lead to some very dark moments. And it has, lol. However, there is a line from THE LION IN WINTER that has become a bit of advice I live by: "There's no sense asking if the air is any good when there's nothing else to breathe." I adapt and move on. Maybe one day I'll get to produce and have more say in things.
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Hello dear!es This is normal.and there are three versions of a script. The original you wrote, the script you film with changes on the fly between the script consultant and the director. Then is the final one you edit.
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You are right Jerry Robbins and I hope one day you can produce. Will help you a lot in your filmmaking journey:))
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Hi my beautiful friend Pat Savage. Thanks for reaching out. Yes, now I know and for me I am editing the final one after shooting :)) Now I understand the process:)) Big hug for youuuu