10.5 Giving and receiving feedback

TV writing thrives on feedback. From peer reviews to network notes, writers navigate various types of input to refine their scripts. Understanding these feedback forms helps writers grow and collaborate effectively in the industry.

Giving and receiving feedback gracefully is a crucial skill. Writers learn to provide specific, actionable comments while balancing praise and criticism. They also develop techniques for active listening, asking clarifying questions, and separating emotion from critique when receiving feedback.

Types of feedback

• Feedback plays a crucial role in TV writing, shaping scripts and storylines through various perspectives
• Different types of feedback serve unique purposes in the creative process, from initial drafts to final production
• Understanding these feedback types helps writers navigate the collaborative nature of television writing

Constructive vs destructive feedback

Top images from around the web for Constructive vs destructive feedback

• 

  Unit 3: Troubleshooting Miscommunication – Communication Skills View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Teaching and Learning Resources Portal/Distance Technologies/Feedback - Kumu Wiki - TRU View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  About this Site - Dr. Scott A. Saunders View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Unit 3: Troubleshooting Miscommunication – Communication Skills View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Teaching and Learning Resources Portal/Distance Technologies/Feedback - Kumu Wiki - TRU View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Constructive vs destructive feedback

• 

  Unit 3: Troubleshooting Miscommunication – Communication Skills View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Teaching and Learning Resources Portal/Distance Technologies/Feedback - Kumu Wiki - TRU View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  About this Site - Dr. Scott A. Saunders View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Unit 3: Troubleshooting Miscommunication – Communication Skills View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Teaching and Learning Resources Portal/Distance Technologies/Feedback - Kumu Wiki - TRU View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Constructive feedback offers specific suggestions for improvement and highlights strengths
• Destructive feedback focuses solely on negatives without providing actionable solutions
• Constructive feedback uses "I" statements to express personal reactions (I felt confused during this scene)
• Destructive feedback often employs harsh language or personal attacks (This dialogue is terrible)
• Effective TV writers learn to differentiate between and utilize constructive feedback for growth

Formal vs informal feedback

• Formal feedback involves structured processes like script notes or network reviews
• Informal feedback occurs in casual conversations, brainstorming sessions, or impromptu discussions
• Formal feedback typically follows a specific format or template (script coverage forms)
• Informal feedback allows for more spontaneous and creative idea exchanges (writers' room discussions)
• Both types contribute to script development, with formal feedback often carrying more weight in decision-making

Peer vs professional feedback

• Peer feedback comes from fellow writers or colleagues at a similar career level
• Professional feedback originates from industry experts, showrunners, or network executives
• Peer feedback often focuses on creative elements and story structure
• Professional feedback considers broader aspects like marketability and production feasibility
• TV writers benefit from balancing both perspectives to create compelling and producible scripts

Giving effective feedback

• Effective feedback in TV writing fosters creativity while improving script quality
• Learning to give constructive feedback enhances collaboration and strengthens professional relationships
• Mastering feedback techniques contributes to a positive and productive writers' room environment

Specific and actionable comments

• Provide concrete examples from the script to illustrate points (The car chase on page 15 feels too long)
• Suggest alternative approaches or solutions to identified issues
• Use clear language to pinpoint exact areas for improvement (The protagonist's motivation in Act 2 needs clarification)
• Avoid vague statements that don't offer clear direction (This doesn't work)
• Tie feedback to specific storytelling elements (character development, pacing, dialogue)

Balancing praise and criticism

• Begin feedback with positive observations to create a receptive atmosphere
• Use the "sandwich" technique placing constructive criticism between positive comments
• Maintain a ratio of positive to negative feedback (3:1 ratio)
• Acknowledge strengths and successful elements of the script (The twist ending was unexpected and satisfying)
• Frame criticism as opportunities for enhancement rather than failures

Focusing on the work

• Direct feedback towards the script content, not the writer's abilities
• Avoid personal comments or assumptions about the writer's intentions
• Discuss specific scenes, characters, or plot points rather than generalizing
• Use objective language to describe reactions (The pacing slowed during the boardroom scene)
• Relate feedback to the overall goals of the show or episode

Receiving feedback gracefully

• Accepting feedback professionally is crucial for growth in the TV writing industry
• Developing the ability to process and utilize feedback improves script quality and career prospects
• Mastering feedback reception fosters positive relationships with colleagues and executives

Active listening techniques

• Maintain eye contact and open body language during feedback sessions
• Nod or provide verbal cues to show engagement (I see, Interesting)
• Resist the urge to interrupt or defend your work immediately
• Take notes on key points for later reference and reflection
• Summarize feedback received to ensure accurate understanding

Asking clarifying questions

• Seek specific examples when feedback seems vague (Could you point out where the dialogue feels unnatural?)
• Request elaboration on suggested improvements (What aspects of the character arc need development?)
• Probe for underlying concerns behind critiques (Is the pacing issue related to the overall episode structure?)
• Ask about potential solutions or alternatives (How would you approach this scene differently?)
• Confirm understanding by restating feedback in your own words

Separating emotion from critique

• Recognize that feedback targets the work, not personal worth
• Take deep breaths or use other calming techniques during intense feedback sessions
• Allow time for emotional processing before responding to challenging feedback
• Focus on the potential for improvement rather than dwelling on perceived failures
• Seek support from peers or mentors when struggling with difficult feedback

Feedback in writers' rooms

• Writers' rooms form the collaborative heart of TV show development
• Feedback processes in these environments shape scripts through multiple iterations
• Understanding writers' room dynamics enhances a writer's ability to contribute and grow

Table reads and notes

• Table reads involve the entire writing staff reading a script aloud
• Writers take notes during the read, focusing on pacing, dialogue, and story flow
• Post-read discussions address major story issues and character arcs
• Notes are compiled and prioritized for the writer to address in revisions
• Multiple table reads may occur for a single episode as the script evolves

Showrunner feedback process

• Showrunners provide overarching vision and final approval on scripts
• They often give big-picture notes on theme, character development, and series continuity
• Feedback may be delivered one-on-one or in group settings
• Showrunners balance individual episode needs with overall series goals
• Writers learn to interpret and implement showrunner notes while maintaining their creative voice

Network and studio notes

• Network executives provide feedback considering audience appeal and brand alignment
• Studio notes often focus on budget concerns and production feasibility
• These notes carry significant weight and usually require implementation
• Writers must balance creative integrity with network/studio requirements
• Developing skills to address these notes while preserving story quality is crucial for success

Implementing feedback

• Effectively incorporating feedback is a critical skill for TV writers
• The ability to revise based on notes while maintaining creative vision sets successful writers apart
• Mastering feedback implementation leads to stronger scripts and smoother production processes

Prioritizing conflicting notes

• Identify common themes or concerns across multiple sources of feedback
• Weigh the importance of different notes based on their source (showrunner vs peer)
• Consider the impact of each note on the overall story and character arcs
• Create a hierarchy of changes, addressing major structural issues before minor tweaks
• Seek clarification or mediation when faced with directly contradictory notes

Maintaining creative vision

• Understand the core elements and themes of your script
• Evaluate feedback against your original intentions for the story
• Find creative solutions that address notes while preserving key story elements
• Articulate your reasoning for keeping certain elements when pushing back on notes
• Remain open to new ideas that enhance your vision rather than compromise it

Revising based on feedback

• Create a revision plan outlining major changes and their ripple effects
• Address structural issues before diving into line-by-line edits
• Rewrite scenes or dialogue to incorporate suggested improvements
• Review changes for consistency and flow within the larger script
• Conduct personal read-throughs to ensure revisions enhance the overall story

Feedback etiquette

• Proper feedback etiquette fosters a positive and productive writing environment
• Understanding and practicing appropriate feedback behavior enhances professional relationships
• Mastering feedback etiquette contributes to a writer's reputation and career advancement

Timing and delivery

• Choose appropriate moments for giving feedback, avoiding high-stress situations
• Respect deadlines and writing processes when scheduling feedback sessions
• Deliver feedback in a timely manner to allow for revisions and further discussion
• Consider the recipient's preferences for receiving feedback (written vs verbal)
• Allow time for the writer to process feedback before expecting immediate responses

Tone and language

• Maintain a professional and respectful tone regardless of the feedback content
• Use constructive language that focuses on improvement rather than criticism
• Avoid sarcasm or humor that might be misinterpreted in written feedback
• Frame feedback as suggestions or observations rather than commands
• Employ "I" statements to express personal reactions (I found this scene confusing)

Cultural sensitivity

• Be aware of cultural differences in communication styles and feedback reception
• Avoid stereotypes or generalizations based on cultural backgrounds
• Consider the diversity of audience perspectives when providing feedback on content
• Use inclusive language that respects various cultural experiences
• Seek to understand and appreciate diverse storytelling traditions and techniques

Feedback for different TV genres

• Different TV genres require specialized feedback approaches
• Understanding genre-specific feedback enhances a writer's versatility and effectiveness
• Mastering feedback across genres expands career opportunities in television writing

Comedy vs drama feedback

• Comedy feedback often focuses on joke density, timing, and comedic structure
• Drama feedback emphasizes emotional impact, character development, and tension building
• Comedy notes may address punch-up opportunities or running gags
• Drama notes typically explore character motivations and plot complexities
• Both genres require feedback on pacing, but with different rhythms and expectations

Feedback for serialized shows

• Emphasizes long-term story arcs and character development across episodes
• Focuses on maintaining consistency in complex plotlines and character journeys
• Addresses the balance between episodic satisfaction and overarching narratives
• Considers how each episode contributes to the larger season or series story
• Explores opportunities for foreshadowing and payoffs in future episodes

Feedback for procedurals

• Concentrates on the structure and pacing of the central case or problem
• Addresses the balance between the case-of-the-week and character subplots
• Focuses on maintaining the show's formula while introducing fresh elements
• Emphasizes clarity in explaining complex procedures or investigations
• Considers how each episode stands alone while contributing to series themes

Tools for feedback

• Utilizing appropriate feedback tools streamlines the TV writing process
• Familiarity with industry-standard tools enhances collaboration and efficiency
• Mastering these tools demonstrates professionalism and adaptability in the field

Digital collaboration platforms

• Online script-sharing platforms allow for real-time feedback and version control (Final Draft)
• Cloud-based services facilitate remote collaboration and feedback sessions (Google Docs)
• Project management tools help organize and track feedback implementation (Trello)
• Video conferencing software enables virtual table reads and feedback discussions (Zoom)
• Specialized TV writing software often includes built-in feedback and note-taking features (WriterDuet)

Script coverage formats

• Standardized forms used to evaluate and summarize scripts
• Typically include sections for logline, synopsis, and detailed feedback
• Often use numerical or letter grading systems for various script elements
• May include recommendations for next steps (pass, consider, recommend)
• Learning to read and write coverage helps writers understand industry expectations

Feedback tracking systems

• Spreadsheets or databases to log and prioritize received feedback
• Color-coding systems to categorize different types of notes or their sources
• Progress tracking features to monitor the implementation of feedback
• Note compilation tools to aggregate feedback from multiple sources
• Version control systems to manage different drafts based on feedback iterations

Developing thick skin

• Resilience is crucial for success in the competitive TV writing industry
• Learning to handle criticism constructively fosters personal and professional growth
• Developing emotional fortitude enhances a writer's ability to navigate industry challenges

Handling rejection

• Recognize rejection as a normal part of the creative process
• Separate personal worth from the reception of individual projects
• Analyze rejections for constructive feedback and learning opportunities
• Maintain perspective on the subjective nature of creative evaluations
• Use rejection as motivation to improve and persevere in pursuing goals

Learning from criticism

• Approach criticism as valuable input for improvement rather than personal attacks
• Identify patterns in feedback to recognize areas for skill development
• Seek out trusted mentors or peers for honest assessments of your work
• Practice self-reflection to objectively evaluate your writing strengths and weaknesses
• Implement lessons learned from criticism in future writing projects

Building resilience

• Develop a support network of fellow writers and industry professionals
• Engage in self-care practices to maintain emotional and mental well-being
• Set realistic expectations for the ups and downs of a writing career
• Celebrate small victories and progress along the writing journey
• Cultivate interests outside of writing to maintain a balanced perspective

Feedback in career development

• Feedback plays a crucial role in advancing a TV writer's career
• Leveraging feedback effectively can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations
• Understanding the broader impact of feedback on professional growth enhances career strategies

Using feedback for growth

• Identify recurring themes in feedback to focus on specific skill improvements
• Seek out diverse feedback sources to gain a well-rounded perspective on your work
• Apply lessons learned from feedback to personal writing projects and spec scripts
• Track progress over time by comparing feedback on earlier and later works
• Use positive feedback to recognize and build upon your unique strengths as a writer

Building professional relationships

• Approach feedback exchanges as opportunities to connect with industry professionals
• Demonstrate receptiveness and professionalism when receiving feedback from executives or showrunners
• Follow up on feedback sessions with thank-you notes or implementation updates
• Offer thoughtful feedback to peers to establish yourself as a valuable collaborator
• Use feedback discussions to showcase your passion and knowledge of the TV industry

Networking through feedback

• Participate in writers' groups or workshops to expand your feedback network
• Attend industry events or panels that offer script feedback opportunities
• Engage with online writing communities to exchange feedback with a global network
• Seek out mentorship relationships that include regular feedback on your work
• Offer to provide feedback or script coverage to build relationships with producers or executives