Is it possible to get it as close to right as possible with the first attempt? I finished a feature horror/action script. I did my usual routine. I left it unopened for more than 6 weeks, then I gave it a full read in one session. Then, without looking at my original notes and outline I deconstructed the entire script and using highlighters I mapped out story progression, theme and character arc. Now I'm racking my brain because after doing all that I'm actually very happy with it. Obviously that which I'll be tweaking is the dialogue. WTF!
Screenwriting : First Draft by Norman Welthagen
First Draft
Other topics in Screenwriting:
Check out Trending Discussions
Register / Log In
No I don't think you should ever be thinking a first draft is good enough to start sending out. If you think its ready then its ready for you to hire an independent script reader to give you an assessment. Then you can knuckle down and get the next draft done.
That's the thing. I tend to rewrite the hell out of my stuff and I never ever think of a first draft as ready. This is the first time I've ever done a first draft and not found a billion holes. That's why I'm a little stumped. As for script readers, there are so many, most of them with fabricated cv's and overpriced services designed to serve themselves and not what they promise! I've had 3 consecutive bad experiences with consultants.
1 person likes this
Norman many of us rewrite as we write. That's how I write. Then in the "polish" phase I do a cleanup. Others get it all on the page first, knowing full well it's a rough first draft and do rewrite after rewrite. Get an independent reader to review and take it from there.
Thanks for the advice
Also, one thing worth mentioning is perspective. Get some time between you and the draft, and get away from the computer. The come back to it, and see if you still feel the same way.
Your first draft, no matter how much thought goes into it, will likely still need work. For me, my "first" draft has gone through several revisions in my head before I even write anything out. Like others have said, get more eyes on the script. They'll find what you may have missed. If a few pro reviews say it's ready, then you're probably the first writer in history to write a perfect draft.
Nothing is written, it's rewritten . First draft is getting it on paper. Having that tangible source. Depending on your character/story development before writing, you can minimize the quantity of drafts. Personally, I'll fill a note book or two before writing and edit while I write before going on to the next scene and only do two drafts. Other times, I just sit down and go for it and it usually results in having to write more scenes and more piecing in the editing process, but the story writes itself and has a more organic feel. There are no rules. Do what you feel, just use your smarts. Remember... anything is possible.
my first draft usually is really expanded notes for me. Quite honestly I dont have "Drafts". I just keep going at the original. moving, deleting, adding, redeleting etc until I like that scene. then sure enough after 6 months I will redo that scene to match the ending i changed 15 times or to coincide with a line I added. Its really a work in progress
1 person likes this
If you've done your homework ahead of time, it shouldn't take too many rewrites. I'm not a huge fan of writing outlines per se, but I tend to outline my key points based off of this: http://www.storymastery.com/articles/30-screenplay-structure
1 person likes this
I agree with everyone's comments. From experience, the first draft is the finished article, everything else is a polish.