I've been a part of Stage 32 for awhile; more of the lurker variety. My philosophy is, "If I'm in the lounges, I'm not writing" and I already have a limited amount of time to write. I write Noir. I adore the genre and how it puts average people into intense situations where they might never be and asks them to figure things out. It allows one to explore seemingly unsettling truths about the human condition.
One of my noirs has been in the contest circuit for the last year as well as out for criticism. At this stage of its development, I'm getting wildly conflicting suggestions for improving it. "The main character's arc is underdeveloped. Work on that." The next critique says, "Oh no. The arc is perfect for the character. There's a problem with the villain. Work on that."
What do you do when one critique tells you fix x and the other critique says x is perfect, fix y? And what if you disagree with a comment made by a producer? Some producers frame their comments with "If you choose to change things, I would suggest..." Others are, "Well, you have to fix this or the script isn't going anywhere."
I'm slated to pitch this to a manager in December and I'm so confused. Maybe I leave it as it is, even though I'm pretty sure there are things which could be stronger. I just don't know how to navigate this conundrum. You other screenwriters, how do you parse the information you're given?
Thanks.
Sometimes you need to take a stand. If you like it and feel it's right, leave it. Opinion is just that, one person's. If a book, or film catered to everyone it would be a mess.
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Hey, Debra Montague! My name is Kay, I'm the Community Manager here at Stage 32. Nice to meet you and thanks for posting! Oh, man, I love noir, too! Little known fact - I was training to be a police officer as a teenager, but it came from my love of Lethal Weapon and Beverly Hills Cop. When I started doing my PO Co-op, I quickly realized it was nothing like the defiant characters I loved LOL!
In regards to your question, I would suggest getting more feedback, or maybe feedback from a reader who you know understands the genre. The best way is from at least three sources, and reputable sources - for example, Stage32 Coverage (random reader, although Nick has been known to honor requests for a reader "with knowledge of x,y, or z" - drop him a line to see if he could do that: writerhelp@stage32.com), Executive Coverage (where you can choose who reads it), and a trusted Stage32 member (maybe someone you've done a script exchange with in the past and enjoy their notes?).
In the Writer's Room, we've started a bi-weekly "Coverage Report" where members submit their script for notes from other members, and then we review those notes over a Zoom. It's like a really focused script exchange - and pretty cool, if I do say so myself! If you're interested in trying it out, you can DM me or email our Director of Script Services, Jason Mirch, to get a link for your first month free: J.Mirch@stage32.com
I’m sure you’ve already discovered the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting), but definitely reach out on the Acting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/acting) for insight into characters, dialogue, and even when you want to generate interest in a virtual table read! Maybe a table read with feedback from your talent and visiting producers could give you a fresh insight?
Enjoy exploring the lounges, and don't forget to comment and respond to others’ posts, too! It's the best way to really connect! And, of course, feel free to reach out at any time.