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Most people just starting out loathe the notion of rewriting. Ask anybody who has ever had a script optioned or bought and you'll hear about rewrites. Whether they're good notes or bad, if your script is optioned or bought you will have to incorporate them into your script. The logic is that the notes you'll get will make the script better. Maybe it'll be better. Maybe it won't. It depends on the expertise of the notes you get.
You will most likely despise most of the notes, especially if they're conflicting and they probably will conflict. Nevertheless, you will have to go home and start rewriting. If you're not used to doing much rewriting the task before you could be daunting.
So it's wise to get a healthy vision of the value of rewriting your script now. If you don't it could interfere with the next step of your deal. If you can't deliver the revisions they'll either drop the project or you.
I'm not here to tell you how to rewrite, but rather to encourage you to have a system. Finish the first draft as fast as you can (within reason). I don't mean dash it out in four days. But if you can get it out in 3 or 4 months, good. Then, give it to a couple of people you trust to read it. Take in what they say. Then read the script by yourself. Not on your monitor, but in your hands. With a pen. Study every line. See what works and what doesn't. Cut. Add. Whatever. But read the script. You'll be surprised at how much you find that you don't need.
Then start the second draft. Again, pour over each page. The scenes that feel right you can pass by. The ones that don't spend more time on.
Now this is the hard part. Don't look at it for a month. Don't even think about it. Then read it again. Not on your monitor, but in your hands.
You'll find more stuff that can be cut or improved.
Then do one more pass.
If you have representation, pass it on, understanding that your agent or manager will suggest revisions.
If you don't have representation and you send the script to agents and managers, if somebody takes you on, they will most likely suggest revisions. They won't send the script out unless you make the revisions. If you're lucky their notes will be good and will improve the script. If the notes are stupid, well, you have a decision to make.
I've worked with producers who gave terrific notes and producers who were idiots. I've been fortunate with notes from agents. They've always been smart.
So if serious rewriting is something you've been avoiding, start rethinking that. It'll make your script better now and you'll look like a pro when somebody important asks for changes. |
