Screenwriting : How long do you work on a screenplay? by Sumit Sengupta

I work through my process. Then I know there is nothing more I can. I may change as a writer and can improve it at a later date. But once I have finished I am finished. That is at least half the skill. Hemingway rewrote the first chapter of a novel over a hundred times until his publisher stole it and published it. Develop s checklist to check on yourself not your story.

Thanks Craig for the advice. :)

It takes me 90 to 120 days to finish a screenplay.

Before, I used to be super cool and thought my screenplay was the bestest ever. Now at this point in my life... I wait until I get a recommend from some readers, then I read it one more time. - Chris

Stephen King once said you keep revising until the story stops improving.

I always have an issue with this question, primarily because I firmly believe that a successful pitch is more about the idea than the screenplay.

So if I'm sending spec stuff out, I tend to write to a decent second draft and then send it out with a strong outline of the plot. It certainly seems to work for me.

I spend 60-90 days on the first draft, sometimes a bit more if I have other stuff going on. I usually do two rewrites before I start sending it out.

Don't send it out until you have other eyes on it and have digested some good feedback and made the necessary changes. You don't want people you are selling to giving you the feedback you should have gotten before you sent it out.

Thank you all for your comments :)

Varies depending on how many other projects are going on, spec vs assignment (deadlines), complexity of story, tv vs film, family life, etc. Typically I'll go closer to 4-6 months once I actually have a solid outline done.

3 months is a good time for me to puke up a first draft, maybe more depending on research. I believe it is important that you step away after your first draft though. Clear your mind of the project then get back to it. When you revisit it you will find many of the opportunities you have to make it better all by your lonesome. I also agree with Chad about the importance of having a separate set of eyes take a look.

Hey Tribeswo/men,

I have a an adage I live by... Focus. Focuse on course until success. The screenplay will never be finished. There hs to be a time when as the famous Seth Godin has said "Fisi!" Pronounced Fizzy. You have to say F*&k it, SHip it. When I finish a draft, I'll take a day: Go for a walk, hike, a screw, a yoga class. Whatever it takes. Then I call my trusty band of associates and send them the script with 10 questions. These 10 questions will help me mke or add changes to the next drafy and Iwill interpret th einformation as how I see fit and try to see there view as they are my audience. They have to be 10 people that have what I call an investment FEE. Focus, Energy, and Enthusiasm. I give them a 2 week deadline as everyone is busy. If a few cannot abide, I send it to the rest that I do.

I also do not trust most script services and am looking for a reputable one that actually gives feedback, instead of judgement. I love critiscism for everything needs to be enhanded to dance. Sumit Sengupta, feel free to send me your script. I'll give you feedback on the first 10 pages and give constructive critiscism. If not, all good.

Today, I'm calling Black Box Entertainment and will let you know how it goes. As I don't feel I'm ready either. I know I'm a great writer though. If you are not willing to TOOT your own horn, then what is the point of having a horn. Being funny, glib and hope you get my expressive humor.

Love Ray

Since the mind tends to employ "closure", we can often re-read a screenplay and browse right over undetectable mistakes or items that need attention. A fresh set of eyes like Chad S. suggests from someone in the Industry upstream or uphill (better than you) is always best. I don't believe I've ever sent out a script or considered it completed without a couple peeps taking a read first -- sometimes another screenwriter friend (we often trade script reads), and still other times a script doctor for $350.00-$600.00. It's always been worth it. The old adage: "You only get one chance to make a first impression" still stands. I know an industry person who turns to page 25 and 26 (and/or approx. twenty-five minutes into the feature); and if a certain structure item is not present there, he places it further down the stack. Watch the "Black Stallion", and find what happens at exactly 25-26 minutes into the film. If a screenwriter does not know what should or could be on page 25 or thereabouts, or if other similar screenplay guidelines are unknown to them, he or she, more than likely, is not ready to send out his or her script.

Good points about first impressions and script consultants, Pidge. I also know people in the industry who go to certain pages, and know other people who pretty much want to hear only beats and reversals. But first impressions are everything, and making sure your script stacks up to the scripts of working professionals should be the standard for all writers.

Some very important and interesting points there. Wasn't aware about people going to certain pages to check the structure. Thanks a lot :)