9.1 The rewriting process

Rewriting is a crucial part of the screenwriting process. It involves refining and improving various aspects of a script, from story and character development to structure and dialogue. Writers must navigate different types of rewrites to enhance their work.

The rewriting process consists of several stages, starting with completing the first draft and progressing through feedback, analysis, and iterative improvements. Writers must balance maintaining their original vision with incorporating constructive criticism to create a polished, engaging script.

Types of rewrites

• Rewrites are an essential part of the screenwriting process that involve making changes to improve the overall quality, clarity, and effectiveness of a script
• Different types of rewrites serve various purposes, from refining the story and characters to enhancing the structure, pacing, and dialogue

Developmental vs polishing rewrites

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• Developmental rewrites focus on making significant changes to the story, characters, and structure of a script
  • Often involve reworking major plot points, character arcs, and themes
  • May require substantial alterations to the script's outline and scenes
• Polishing rewrites aim to refine and enhance the existing elements of a script without making major structural changes
  • Focus on improving dialogue, action descriptions, and scene transitions
  • Involve fine-tuning the script's pacing, tone, and overall readability

Rewriting for story and character

• Story rewrites focus on improving the narrative arc, plot coherence, and character development
  • Ensure that the central conflict is compelling and that the protagonist's journey is engaging
  • Address plot holes, inconsistencies, and areas where the story may lag or feel disjointed
• Character rewrites aim to deepen and refine the characters' personalities, motivations, and relationships
  • Ensure that characters are well-developed, distinct, and relatable to the audience
  • Strengthen character arcs and ensure that their actions and decisions align with their established traits and goals

Rewriting for structure and pacing

• Structure rewrites focus on improving the script's overall organization and flow
  • Ensure that the story follows a logical progression and that each act serves its intended purpose (setup, confrontation, resolution)
  • Address issues with pacing, such as scenes that drag on too long or feel rushed
• Pacing rewrites aim to maintain a compelling rhythm throughout the script
  • Balance action, dialogue, and emotional beats to keep the audience engaged
  • Ensure that the story's momentum builds appropriately towards climaxes and resolves satisfactorily

Dialogue and scene rewrites

• Dialogue rewrites focus on refining the characters' spoken interactions to make them more natural, engaging, and purposeful
  • Ensure that each character has a distinct voice and that their dialogue reflects their personality, background, and emotional state
  • Eliminate unnecessary or expository dialogue, and ensure that each line serves to advance the story or reveal character
• Scene rewrites aim to enhance the effectiveness and impact of individual scenes
  • Ensure that each scene has a clear purpose and contributes to the overall narrative
  • Refine the visual descriptions, action beats, and character interactions to create a more immersive and compelling experience for the reader

Rewriting process stages

• The rewriting process involves several stages, from completing the first draft to iteratively refining the script based on feedback and self-evaluation

First draft completion

• The first draft serves as the foundation for the rewriting process
  • Focus on getting the story, characters, and structure down on paper without worrying too much about perfection
  • Embrace the idea that the first draft is a starting point and that rewrites will help shape it into a polished script

Feedback and critique

• Seeking feedback from trusted readers, such as writing partners, mentors, or industry professionals, is crucial for identifying areas for improvement
  • Be open to constructive criticism and use it to guide your rewriting efforts
  • Consider joining writing groups or workshops to get diverse perspectives on your work

Identifying areas for improvement

• After receiving feedback, take time to reflect on the comments and identify the most pressing areas for improvement
  • Look for patterns in the feedback, such as consistent issues with pacing, character development, or dialogue
  • Create a list of specific aspects you want to address in your rewrites, prioritizing the most critical issues

Prioritizing rewrite tasks

• Break down your rewriting tasks into manageable chunks, focusing on the most important aspects first
  • Prioritize rewrites that address fundamental story and character issues before moving on to more granular aspects like dialogue and scene descriptions
  • Set realistic goals and deadlines for each rewriting phase to maintain momentum and progress

Executing rewrites iteratively

• Approach the rewriting process iteratively, making several passes through the script to refine different aspects
  • Start with big-picture changes, such as story and structure, before moving on to more detailed rewrites like dialogue and action descriptions
  • Be prepared to make multiple rounds of rewrites, as each pass may reveal new opportunities for improvement or uncover additional issues to address

Rewriting best practices

• Effective rewriting requires a combination of self-awareness, objectivity, and a willingness to make bold changes when necessary

Maintaining script essence

• Throughout the rewriting process, strive to maintain the core essence and themes of your script
  • Ensure that any changes you make align with the central message and emotional resonance you want to convey
  • Be cautious not to lose sight of what originally made your story unique and compelling

Cutting unnecessary elements

• Be ruthless in cutting elements that do not serve the story or characters
  • Eliminate subplots, characters, or scenes that do not contribute to the central narrative or theme
  • Streamline your script to maintain a tight, focused story that keeps the audience engaged

Enhancing theme and subtext

• Use rewrites as an opportunity to deepen the thematic elements and subtext within your script
  • Look for ways to weave your central theme throughout the story, characters, and dialogue
  • Ensure that subtext is present in character interactions and that their actions and words hint at deeper meanings and motivations

Refining character arcs

• Pay close attention to each character's arc and ensure that their journey is compelling and well-defined
  • Make sure that characters undergo meaningful change and growth throughout the story
  • Ensure that character arcs are properly set up, developed, and resolved in a satisfying manner

Elevating stakes and conflict

• Use rewrites to heighten the stakes and intensify the conflict within your script
  • Ensure that the central conflict is clear, compelling, and that it puts significant pressure on the characters
  • Look for opportunities to raise the stakes and create a sense of urgency that keeps the audience invested in the story

Improving scene transitions

• Refine scene transitions to create a smooth, cohesive flow throughout the script
  • Ensure that each scene leads logically into the next and that there are no jarring or abrupt shifts in tone or pacing
  • Use transitions to maintain momentum and keep the story moving forward at an engaging pace

Tightening dialogue

• Refine dialogue to make it more concise, natural, and impactful
  • Eliminate unnecessary or expository dialogue that does not serve a clear purpose
  • Ensure that each character's voice is distinct and consistent throughout the script
  • Use subtext and implication to convey meaning and emotion beyond the literal words spoken

Sharpening action and description

• Use rewrites to refine your action descriptions and make them more vivid and engaging
  • Ensure that each description is clear, concise, and paints a compelling picture in the reader's mind
  • Use active, evocative language to convey a sense of movement, emotion, and atmosphere

Rewriting challenges

• The rewriting process can present several challenges that writers must navigate to create a polished, effective script

Overcoming writer's block

• Writer's block can be a significant obstacle during the rewriting process
  • Break through creative blocks by setting aside dedicated writing time, even if progress is slow
  • Try freewriting or brainstorming exercises to generate new ideas and approaches to problematic scenes or characters

Avoiding endless rewrites

• It's easy to fall into the trap of endlessly rewriting without making meaningful progress
  • Set clear goals and deadlines for each rewriting phase to maintain forward momentum
  • Recognize when diminishing returns set in and be willing to move on to the next stage of the process

Knowing when to stop rewriting

• Determining when a script is "finished" can be challenging, as there is always room for improvement
  • Seek feedback from trusted readers to gauge whether the script feels polished and effective
  • Trust your instincts and be willing to let go of the script when you feel it has reached its full potential

Balancing feedback vs instinct

• Navigating feedback from multiple sources can be challenging, as opinions may differ or conflict with your own vision
  • Carefully consider each piece of feedback, but trust your instincts when deciding which suggestions to incorporate
  • Remember that ultimately, you are the steward of your script and must make decisions that align with your creative vision

Staying true to original vision

• Throughout the rewriting process, it's essential to stay true to the original vision and essence of your story
  • Be open to changes that enhance and refine your vision, but be cautious of feedback that fundamentally alters the core of your script
  • Regularly refer back to your original intentions and themes to ensure that your rewrites are serving to strengthen, rather than dilute, your story

Rewriting tools and techniques

• Various tools and techniques can aid writers in the rewriting process, helping them to analyze, refine, and improve their scripts

Scene-by-scene script analysis

• Break down your script scene by scene to assess the effectiveness and necessity of each moment
  • Evaluate each scene's purpose, conflict, and contribution to the overall story and character arcs
  • Identify scenes that may be redundant, slow-paced, or ineffective, and consider cutting or reworking them

Character consistency checks

• Ensure that characters remain consistent throughout the script, both in terms of their actions and their dialogue
  • Create character profiles or charts to track each character's traits, motivations, and arc
  • Review the script with a focus on each character, ensuring that their behavior and voice remain true to their established personality

Dialogue table reads

• Organize table reads with actors to hear your dialogue spoken aloud
  • Pay attention to the natural flow, pacing, and impact of each line
  • Note any dialogue that feels clunky, expository, or out of character, and make revisions accordingly

Tracking story changes

• Keep a log of the changes made during each rewrite to maintain a clear record of your script's evolution
  • Use version control software or a simple spreadsheet to track alterations to story, characters, and scenes
  • Refer back to this log to ensure continuity and to assess the impact of each change on the overall script

Seeking fresh perspectives

• Seek out new readers, such as beta readers or writing group members, to gain fresh perspectives on your script
  • Be open to feedback from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences
  • Consider how different readers interpret and respond to your story, characters, and themes

Comparing drafts side-by-side

• Use script comparison software or manual methods to analyze changes between drafts
  • Identify areas where rewrites have significantly improved the script, as well as areas that may have been weakened by changes
  • Assess the overall impact of your rewrites and determine whether they have successfully addressed the identified issues and enhanced the script's quality