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You're script is done. Four drafts. Your network of trusted friends have read it (maybe all four versions) and given it high marks. It's ready to go out.
There's one more pass you should take.
Go through the script line by line--especially the dialogue--and try to be as objective as the most coldhearted agent in Hollywood, then, look for the periodic line that pops out and makes you say, "No way would anybody say that!"
Then cut it. Or rewrite it.
Same with those scenes you thought you needed, usually transition scenes that seemed so crucial to the movement of your story.
"No way do I need that!"
You'll actually find yourself trimming a lot of the fat from your script. Yes. Fat. Even though you've already made it lean and mean. It can always be leaner and meaner. If it's 118 pages. Get it down to 115. If it's 114. Get it down to 110. Etc.
But try to keep it over 100 pages. I think 105 is just right.
Why am I being so anal about page length?
I know too many producers and development people who love reading shorter scripts. They read so much stuff that when something comes in and it feels light and then they turn to the last page (which they will certainly do) and see that it's 105 pages...they'll read it first and they're already in a good mood because, if they like it, they know they're not reading a tome.
The "No Way!" quotient is a valuable last minute tool.
Try it. |
