Hi friends, I recently received coverage for my newest script, LOSERS, and received a double PASS. I also did not make the quarterfinal cut for the Nicholl and now I'm awaiting word from Sundance Writers Lab. The coverage, from the Writers Store, was very useful as it has given me a clearer idea of where I need to improve my script. My problem is, and the reason I'm telling you all this, is that I seem to have lost my grip on my story. I don't know where or how to start the rewrite process with this new information. I rewritten my script three times already so I know how to do it as it is but the coverage showed me how my script has a lot of confusing characters and details that are in the way of the story I want to tell. I've extracted all of those pieces but now I don't know if I should I start all over with 3x5 cards or just start typing and try to build the story up again? How do you begin your script again once you've been told it needs a major overhaul? I'd also love to know what you think of my story which is an artist loses all faith in himself and rediscovers it with the help of an unlikely friend. That friend is an abandoned dog. Thank you in advance for your thoughts and ideas. Wishing you all the best, Karen
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I like the concept, Karen. It's so easy to get into a muddle when you get feedback, your screenplay can feel like this huge convoluted mess. Firstly you should let the feedback sink and and consider if you really want to apply the points raised. It might be that the person who's written it doesn't actually align with your final vision. So you need to make a list of what points you are actually going to apply. If there are generic points there like dialogue that's too on the nose or grammar issues, then you need to put that on a back-burner until you've addressed more specific points. I feel a significant thing you need to do psychologically is save your current draft somewhere safe and then think of your working draft as something you have freedom to hack apart and walk away from imperfect. You may need to type in notes, or change the font colour, or just hack it up a little before you get that blank slate feeling you need to be creative. Then get in there and start changing things, again you can be imperfect, you can have multiple written attempts at dialogue, you can have cumbersome action prose, and you can leave notes to yourself. Just try to think of it like painting a room, you wouldn't want to do it with all your pictures still hanging and your furniture uncovered, but once you have it all ready, wow, you just can't wait to get going.
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Thanks, CJ. I appreciate your feedback. It's great to have a kindred spirit out there to offer advice. I guess I'm still feeling a bit bruised by the notice and lack there of to get hacking at my script. I think I will take your advice and just let it sink a bit longer. What is clear to me is the story I thought I wanted to tell really wasn't all the clear to me until I got the feedback and then it magically crystallized in my brain so for that gem, the pain is worth it. Thanks again for your input and best of luck with your project. -k
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Yep boil it down to the key elements, combine characters but most of all be - brutal - you will have to cut characters and scenes you like but it seems that's what you need to do.
Find someone who doesn't know your screenplay. Tell them the story. Ask them what they think. Write down anything they have to say or questions they have. I do this with my 84-year-old mother all the time and she constantly points out either plot holes or confusing parts in my stories. Cheers!