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Author
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Topic: professional way to revise a script
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SAFilms
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posted 01-02-2001 12:58 AM
i'm not looking for HOW to revise a script, but i'd like to know WHO should, and HOW MANY revisions are a good number?I mean, I don't like other people reading my stuff, but I know other should otherwise the script will turn out kinda weird. So how many people should I get to edit/revise my script? Unbreakable had 9 revisions. Sixth Sense had 8 revisions. I'll do it if its a good idea, but 9 revisions!?! I'll be finishing up my first draft tonight, and it'll have taken me three days to do a first draft. From here i'm going to try to fatten it all up and throw in some more subplots. |
Black Mantis
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posted 01-02-2001 01:48 AM
I'd say as many revisions as it takes. After only a revision or two you might be happy with what you have, or it might take you as many as 10 or 12. It all depends on when you think it's right, there isn't a set number that's perfect (although usually a handful of revisions will turn out a more refined piece of work). |
SAFilms
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posted 01-02-2001 02:40 AM
well, yeah, but if you say "yeah, i did one revision and that's all i thought i needed," it doesn't make it sound good. english teachers always tried to tell me that no matter how good a paper is, it can be made better. So how many times should I make my paper better before its going to be good enough? gimme a standard number, or a recommendation, if you would. |
dogcow
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posted 01-02-2001 10:45 AM
Revisisons just to do revisions is pointless. First bounce the script off your friends get their suggestions for what is wrong. Further revisisons will probably come from the producer. There are also professional "script doctor" service which is someone (usually an accomplished screenwriters) who will (for a fee, but sometimes not) read your script and give you notes and suggestions on what works and what doesnt. Another good idea is take a few days off working with it, then go back and read it fresh from the start, this allows you too be more objective when deciding what works and what doesn't. -nick |
Felix
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posted 01-02-2001 05:50 PM
My scripts and there number of revisions:· World Domination- One Revision (Final Scene Only)
· Biographical Fiction- No Revisions
· Bermuda Triangle- One Revision (Full Script)
· Interwoven (Working Title)- Thousands, constantly changing scenes, ditching characters, adding lines, changing lines, adding nudity… It depends on the script you are writing, if you think it needs the revision. Go ahead. For me, nine sounds one hell of a lot also. Maybe the first script was absoloute garbage. Try and write a really good one first go, then you won't need to revise... ------------------
'The professional is the guy that can do it twice'
-Dizzy Gillespie, Jazz Trumpeter |
dogcow
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posted 01-02-2001 08:06 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Felix:
adding nudity…
Now there is a revision worth making! ;-> -nick |
lucasian
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posted 01-04-2001 08:17 PM
revisions are usually made because the producer, not the writer, doesn't like the script and wants some sort of change. Revisions really pile up when they bring in a new writer because he may take the script from being just a little off from what the producer wants and turn it into something the producer can't even recognize. What you should do once you finish a script is put it in a drawer forAT LEAST 6 weeks! Then get it out and read it in one sitting. You'll spot most of anything that is wrong in it. you just need some time away between drafts so the thing becomes less fresh in your mind. That way you can be a little more objective, almost like you're readng someone else's work. Thats the way to do it! |
SAFilms
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posted 01-04-2001 09:17 PM
good advice, lucasin, award everyone a point!
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Red Stranger
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posted 01-05-2001 05:27 PM
You should revise it as many times as YOU think is necessary. If it looks good, keep it.------------------
Never doubt the Red Stranger |
Gamecat
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posted 01-17-2001 01:05 AM
Go through your script and question every line and every scene.. ask yourself, "does this further the plot in any way..." if not, it looks like a rewrite is in order... have your friends and family do the same thing, and sort of decide if you think it needs to be reworked. Remember now is not the time for ego, now is the time to seriously listen to what others feel about your script... If they can't picture it now, chances are they still won't be able to when you film it. |
SAFilms
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posted 01-17-2001 09:41 PM
ego, eh? yeah, i've got that problem a little. i think that if and when i get famous, i'll start listening to all my fans and start thinking "yeah, i kick ass..." more so than i do now and that'll be the end of me. so right now i'm making a lot of ideas for me to work on when im famous.when does one cross the line between self confidence and egotistical? i see a lot of damned sh!tty work out there and i know i can do better, and when i do better i say "that kicks ass," but is that wrong? anyhow, back on topic, i've decided to just write on a few drafts while others revise old revisions. this 9 to 5 job stuff i have now is limiting my writing time, though. |
Gamecat
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posted 01-17-2001 09:48 PM
Well sometimes you have to stick to your guns and stay with what you wrote... ego comes into play when you're constantly defending something you wrote say even though everyone has trouble understanind it or something... For example I knew a guy who took a writing class... everytime someone would give him advice he would just discard it saying they didn't know anything... ego... blahand yeah I hear you about the 9-5 stuff... By the time you get home yoiu're wornd out physically and emotionally and writing goes from being pleasant to a pain in the ass... [This message has been edited by Gamecat (edited 01-17-2001).] | |
