8.2 Script notes and feedback

Script notes and feedback are crucial tools for improving screenplays. Writers receive various types of notes from studio executives, producers, directors, and actors, each offering unique perspectives on the script's strengths and weaknesses.

Interpreting feedback effectively is key to making meaningful improvements. Writers must identify recurring themes, separate subjective opinions from objective critiques, and prioritize notes that align with their creative vision while addressing the script's most pressing issues.

Here is the expanded study guide on script notes and feedback for The Craft of Writing: Film Focus class:

Types of script notes

• Script notes provide critical feedback on screenplays to help writers improve their work
• Different stakeholders in the filmmaking process offer various types of notes based on their role and perspective
• Understanding who is giving notes and their objectives is key to effectively interpreting and addressing the feedback

Studio notes vs producer notes

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• Studio notes come from executives at the studio financing and distributing the film and focus on marketability, budget, and alignment with the studio's brand
• Aim to ensure the script appeals to a wide audience, stays within budget constraints, and fits the studio's overall slate of films
• Producer notes come from the producers actively developing and overseeing the project, offering a more hands-on creative perspective
• Focus on enhancing the story, characters, and overall quality of the screenplay while balancing creative vision with practical production considerations

Director notes vs actor notes

• Director notes provide feedback from the filmmaker's visual and storytelling perspective, addressing narrative structure, pacing, and how the script translates to the screen
• Offer insights on how to elevate the cinematic aspects of the screenplay and align it with the director's creative vision
• Actor notes come from performers and focus on character development, motivation, and dialogue
• Provide valuable insights into making characters more authentic, relatable, and compelling from a performance standpoint

Writer notes for rewrites

• Writers often receive notes from multiple sources and must synthesize the feedback to determine which changes to implement in rewrites
• Self-generated notes involve the writer critically assessing their own work and identifying areas for improvement
• Peer notes from other writers offer a fresh perspective and can help identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for refinement in the script

Interpreting script feedback

• Effectively interpreting and prioritizing script notes is crucial for making meaningful improvements to the screenplay
• Writers must learn to discern actionable feedback from subjective opinions and identify the most impactful changes to implement

Identifying key themes in notes

• Look for patterns and recurring points of feedback across different sets of notes to identify the most pressing issues to address
• Key themes may include pacing, character development, dialogue, story structure, or themes that resonate with multiple stakeholders
• Prioritize addressing the most common and significant themes in the notes to have the greatest impact on improving the script

Separating subjective vs objective feedback

• Subjective feedback reflects personal opinions, tastes, and preferences, while objective feedback points to specific issues with the script's craft and execution
• Distinguish between subjective and objective notes to determine which feedback is most constructive and actionable
• Objective feedback (unclear character motivations, pacing issues) should take precedence over subjective opinions (personal dislike of a character)

Prioritizing notes by importance

• Assess the significance of each note and its potential impact on the overall quality and effectiveness of the script
• Prioritize addressing notes that fundamentally improve the story, characters, and structure over minor or cosmetic changes
• Focus on notes that align with the core creative vision and intent of the project, rather than feedback that may dilute or compromise the script's unique voice

Strategies for implementing notes

• Developing a systematic approach to addressing script notes helps writers tackle feedback efficiently and effectively
• Implement changes in a way that preserves the script's core strengths while addressing its weaknesses

Addressing notes in stages

• Break down the revision process into manageable stages, focusing on different aspects of the script in each pass
• Start with foundational changes (story structure, character arcs) before moving on to more specific elements (dialogue, scene description)
• Allows for a more focused and thorough approach to revisions, ensuring that each aspect of the script receives adequate attention

Techniques for major rewrites

• Major rewrites involve significant changes to the script's structure, characters, or plot and require a comprehensive approach
• Create a detailed outline or treatment incorporating the major changes before diving into the actual rewriting process
• Break the script down into smaller sections and tackle the rewrites piece by piece to make the process more manageable

Refining dialogue based on notes

• Dialogue notes may address issues such as authenticity, subtext, or character voice
• Read dialogue aloud to assess its natural flow and make necessary adjustments
• Ensure each character has a distinct voice and that their dialogue aligns with their personality, background, and motivations

Enhancing character arcs from feedback

• Character notes often focus on development, motivation, and growth throughout the story
• Identify key moments in the script where character arcs can be strengthened or made more impactful
• Ensure that character transformations are earned, believable, and satisfying based on their experiences and decisions in the story

Collaborating with others on notes

• Collaboration is essential when addressing script notes, as it allows for diverse perspectives and expertise to enhance the final product
• Building strong relationships and maintaining open communication with key stakeholders is crucial for a successful revision process

Effective communication with studio executives

• Engage in constructive dialogues with studio executives to understand their perspective and the reasoning behind their notes
• Be open to their feedback while also advocating for your creative vision and the integrity of the story
• Find common ground and work towards solutions that satisfy both the studio's needs and your artistic goals

Partnering with producers on revisions

• Collaborate closely with producers throughout the revision process, as they have a deep understanding of the project's creative and practical aspects
• Seek their guidance on prioritizing notes and finding effective solutions to address feedback
• Work together to ensure that the revised script aligns with the project's overall vision and production requirements

Engaging actors for character insights

• Actors offer valuable insights into character development and can help refine dialogue and motivation
• Seek their input on how to make characters more authentic, relatable, and compelling
• Incorporate their feedback to create well-rounded characters that resonate with both the actors and the audience

Maintaining creative vision

• While addressing script notes, it's essential for writers to stay true to their creative vision and the core elements that make their story unique
• Find a balance between incorporating feedback and preserving the script's original intent and voice

Deciding which notes to incorporate

• Evaluate each note based on its alignment with your creative vision and its potential to enhance the overall quality of the script
• Be selective in which feedback to implement, focusing on notes that strengthen the story, characters, and themes without compromising your artistic integrity
• Trust your instincts and be willing to defend your creative choices when necessary

Preserving core story elements

• Identify the essential themes, characters, and plot points that define your story and make it compelling
• Ensure that any changes made during the revision process do not undermine or dilute these core elements
• Find ways to address notes while still maintaining the heart and soul of your script

Negotiating alternative solutions

• When faced with notes that conflict with your creative vision, propose alternative solutions that address the underlying issue while staying true to your story
• Engage in constructive discussions with stakeholders to find mutually agreeable compromises
• Be open to exploring different approaches that satisfy both the feedback and your artistic goals

Script notes in various stages

• Script notes and feedback occur at different stages of the filmmaking process, from development to post-production
• Understanding the focus and priorities of each stage helps writers effectively address notes and refine their scripts

Notes in development phase

• During development, notes focus on the script's overall concept, story structure, and marketability
• Feedback aims to ensure the script has a strong foundation and aligns with the project's goals and target audience
• Address notes that strengthen the core story, characters, and themes to create a solid blueprint for the film

Feedback during pre-production

• Pre-production notes often address practical considerations such as budget, locations, and casting
• Incorporate feedback that helps streamline the script for production, making it more feasible to shoot within the given constraints
• Refine elements such as set pieces, action sequences, and character descriptions to align with the production's resources and limitations

Addressing notes during production

• During production, script notes may arise from on-set challenges, creative discoveries, or performance-related insights
• Be responsive to feedback that enhances the script's translation from page to screen
• Collaborate with the director and actors to make necessary adjustments that improve the story and characters while staying within the boundaries of what has already been filmed

Post-production script adjustments

• In post-production, script notes may focus on refining the story, pacing, and character arcs based on the assembled footage
• Address feedback that helps clarify plot points, strengthen emotional beats, or improve the overall narrative flow
• Work closely with the editor and director to ensure that any script changes align with the visual storytelling and enhance the final cut of the film