| [BACK]
I have a corporate video director friend who's fond of saying: "scripts are never finished-they're merely abandoned." Whether you're writing a corporate video or a screenplay, I believe there's a kernel of truth and wisdom in this aphorism.
Why do scripts become abandoned? Probably the most obvious is that it is time for production. At that point, there is simply no more time for tweaking and fiddling. And, of course, once a corporate video or screenplay is produced, no one reads the script anymore (save for aspiring writers). It no longer has a life as words on paper. It's a sight and sound experience captured on film or videotape.
What about spec scripts? It is true that movie scripts are not written, they are rewritten. So when is it time to abandon the script and turn to marketing it? Probably not until it has gone through several drafts. Hearing the work read aloud is also a good barometer for a writer to assess whether more revision is necessary. Seeking coverage or feedback from industry experts is another way to determine if a script is ready for the marketplace. Entering contests offers a third avenue to pursue.
A more difficult choice comes when the writer knows deep down the script isn't ready-but is unsure how to fix it. Sometimes the material gets the better of us. In those cases, it's important to know when the script should be assigned to that pile of work representing good practice writing experiences. They are unworthy of a full-blown marketing effort. Nor do they merit contest submissions.
I have a few screenplays that I feel the material simply licked me. I couldn't unlock the secret to making it work. Perhaps later, with more technique or some new insight, the idea will be worth returning to.
This latter reason for abandonment represents the writer's most ruthless, honest choice. After living with a topic for months, or even years, you must cut your losses. It seems such a waste. To soften the blow, I tell myself that I still learned valuable lessons from time devoted to the project. And maybe someday I'll return to that abandoned script and make the sucker work.
|
