REWRITING AND EDITING: PERFECTING YOUR SCREENPLAY

The journey of a screenplay from its first draft to its final form is often long and iterative. This phase of rewriting and editing is where good scripts become great, and great scripts become iconic. Here are strategies for revising your screenplay, including how to effectively receive and incorporate feedback, make tough decisions about cutting scenes, and refine dialogue to ensure your script is the best it can be.

Embracing Feedback

Feedback is crucial for identifying the strengths and weaknesses of your screenplay. Aaron Sorkin, acclaimed screenwriter of “The Social Network” and “A Few Good Men,” emphasizes the importance of feedback: “Good writers borrow from other writers. Great writers steal from them outright.” While Sorkin’s advice may sound cheeky, the core idea is to learn from the feedback and success of others.

Strategy for Incorporating Feedback:

• Be Open: Don’t take criticism personally. View feedback as an opportunity to improve.
• Consider the Source: While all feedback is valuable, prioritize notes from those with experience or an understanding of your vision.
• Look for Patterns: If multiple people point out the same issue, it’s likely an area that needs work.

Cutting Scenes

Killing your darlings is a painful but necessary part of the editing process. William Goldman, the legendary screenwriter behind “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” famously said, “Screenplays are structure, and that’s all they are.” This highlights the importance of pacing and narrative flow, which sometimes means cutting scenes you love but that don’t serve the story.

Strategy for Cutting Scenes:

• Assess Each Scene’s Purpose: Every scene should push the story forward or reveal something crucial about a character.
• Focus on Pacing: Be ruthless with scenes that slow down the story without adding value.

Refining Dialogue

Dialogue revision is where the true personality of your characters comes to life. Quentin Tarantino, known for his distinctive dialogue, advises writers to, “Write like you’re writing a novel.” This approach encourages depth and authenticity in dialogue, transforming it from mere conversation to a tool that reveals character and advances the plot.

Strategy for Refining Dialogue:

• Read Aloud: Hearing the dialogue spoken can highlight awkward or unnatural phrasing.
• Keep it Purposeful: Ensure each line of dialogue serves a purpose, whether it’s building character, advancing the plot, or enhancing the theme.

Notable Rewriting Examples

One of the most famous examples of the impact of rewriting comes from “Jaws.” The film’s most iconic line, “You’re gonna need a bigger boat,” was improvised by actor Roy Scheider but fits perfectly into the revised narrative structure, emphasizing the theme of underestimation of nature.

Another example is “The Godfather.” Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola made significant changes during the scripting process, including the expansion of the role of Michael Corleone, which shifted the film’s focus and contributed to its status as a masterpiece.

Conclusion

Rewriting and editing are where much of the creative magic happens. It’s a process of transformation, refining, and sometimes even rediscovering the heart of your screenplay. By being open to feedback, willing to cut unnecessary parts, and dedicated to refining dialogue, your script will not only improve, but it might just become the next iconic film that inspires future generations of writers. Remember, as Joss Whedon, creator of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and director of “The Avengers,” says, “You are not your idea, and if you identify too closely with your ideas, you will take offense when they are challenged.” Keep this in mind as you navigate the rewarding process of rewriting and editing.