REWRITES THREAD

People frequently ask about rewriting their screenplays and a few days ago while waiting for a plane I tweeted a bunch of stuff - but not in any thread. Unconnected. So I am correcting that now, with this thread.

#scriptsecrets #rewrites

2. The most important thing with any rewrite is distance - to have "fresh eyes" on the screenplay so that you can see the flaws. The *best* way to do this is to alternate drafts. Write Script A, then write Script B, *then* rewrite script A.

#rewrites #scriptsecrets

4) But when you alternate drafts like this you forget what you have written and are able to see to problems - sentences that don't make sense now (because you forgot what they were supposed to mean). Better rewrites.

#rewrites #scriptsecrets

5) REWRITES THEMSELVES: I do a series of rewrites each focusing on a different element beginning with story and structure issues (so no deckchairs on the Titanic). Start with the big things. Focus on one thing at a time.

#rewrites #scriptsecrets

6) It makes no sense to fix a line of dialogue in a scene that I am going to cut or combine with some other scene. So I start with the big stuff. And I am ruthless.

#scriptsecrets #rewrites

14) One of my ongoing projects is rewriting a bunch of early scripts with weak concepts. Giving them a "high concept injection". This is a page one rewrite. Everything changes! Look at your *concept* in rewrites, too. #scriptsecrets #rewrites

18) Look at each scene. What do you want the audience to feel and how is *your writing* in this scene accomplishing that? Our job is to create Emotion Pictures! Is your writing creating tension? Does it pull the reader into the next scene?
#scriptsecrets #rewrites

8) There's a controversy in a writers group about loglines before the first draft. I come up with a logline and post it on a sticky on my laptop screen to stay on course when writing. Great tool for rewriting, too. #rewrites #scriptsecrets

11) Combining scenes is a great tool! especially if your screenplay is long. First drafts can have 4 scenes that accomplish different parts of 1 thing. Combine them! Also combining character who serve the same story purpose.
#rewrites #scriptsecrets

13) PS: I've done rewrites to strengthen the *concept*. Old version was typical genre, new version is not typical (still genre). Sometimes your script has a bland idea - and you need to make core changes! #scriptsecrets #rewrites

15) That's important: to get into the mindset that anything and maybe everything can change. My Script Tip from a couple of days ago was on "challenge drafts" where you challenge everything. #scriptsecrets #rewrites