Rewriting

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Rewriting
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Rewriting

• Motto 5 Scripts arent written, they are
  rewritten

Three stages of rewriting - writers drafts
based on critiques and rereads - filmmakers and
actors change things during production -
postproduction and editing can change the film
dramatically
Only about 80 of what shows up on the screen is
in the script
First cut out all the wisdom, then cut out all
the adjectives. - Paddy Chayefsky
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Rewriting problems with Story

• Is the story concept flawed?

Are there problems with the structure?
Is the story boring?
Does the plot work?
Is the Story logical?
Does it target one of the primary audiences?
Does it play on one emotional note?
Is the Story logical?
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Rewriting problems with Characters

• Are the characters motivated?

Do the characters write the story?
Does the story contain a powerful conflict
between hero and villain?
Are the characters interesting?
Is there positive change in the hero?
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Rewriting problems with Scenes

• Do the scenes lack focus?

Has the emotional juice been wrung out of the
scenes?
Are the scenes too long? Too short?
Do the scenes lack structure, tension, and
conflict?
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Rewriting problems with Dialogue

• Dialogue from weak characters

Dialogue that lacks subtext
Repetitive Dialogue
Preachy Dialogue
Dialogue rhythms and patterns