Writing and Rewriting Your Script

A guest post from screenwriter and educator Tom Benedek.

Spontaneity is great. The word even sounds fantastic — the letters burst out from S to Y, don’t they? Reflection is nice, too. If you like what you see or if you’re making a selfie in a joyous moment with a pal, etc.. But reflection sounds serious. A bit like introspection.

Writing a first draft — the rough draft — is usually fueled by a measure spontaneity at the keyboard. There are other things in play — nerve, cajones, discipline, creative firepower, on and on.

But when you are in flow as you write, there is spontaneity as you put your new vision on the page — a walk in that wilderness where no one has ventured before.

Rewriting, initially, is fueled by something different initially — reflection. But the goal — the light at the end of that long tunnel of reflection about what is in those pages you wrote — more spontaneity.

But first, after writing The End. or End., you stop.

Clear your mind.

Reread.

Stop.

Clear your mind.

Makes some notes.

Make a few more notes.

Brainstorm new ideas or improved versions of exiting ones.

Get some feedback.

Think about the feedback.

Reflection: Think about what you want your script to be.

Spontaneity: Brainstorm more.

New scenes.

Adjustments.

Cuts.

Alterations in plot direction.

Adjustments to characters.

New characters.

And then you put together a new outline with new pages to write and specific plans for cutting and pasting scenes you already have.

Start writing again.

Get the new draft on the page.

Stop. Clear your mind. Reread. Repeat.

Rewriting is as much fun and as difficult as facing the blank page. But even better, as you take your script up to the next level. And then the next.

Pages II — 10 week online rewrite class starts Monday, October 2

There will be guidance, honest, thorough, constructive feedback on your current draft, the companionship of other screenwriters in the same boat, deadlines, a well-ordered system for the rewrite process to add to your craft arsenal.

The best way to for a writer to clear their mind — write something else. As in — “Keep writing.” It’s the only way to get better. (Other than rewriting:)

Pages I — 10 week online first draft class starts Monday, October 2

Take a few weeks to work on your script outline or start writing pages immediately. Read some great scripts. Gain some new insights into dramatic structure, character creation, plot and story, scene writing, more. Mainly write your first draft in good and supportive company to help you move forward well with your story and script.

I participated in the international event Character Day and it started me down the road to set up a new Facebook Group for writers — Character Day and Night.

Using character development tools in screenwriting plus Character Day paradigms, the purpose of the group is to explore character building in scripts, draw inspiration from great characters on film. All are invited to join the group and contribute to the discussion. Initially, I am going to be taking a look at the characters in the scripts I use in my Pages I — Writing the First Draft class at ScreenwritingMasterClass.com and elsewhere: Gladiator, American Beauty, Amelie, Unforgiven, Michael Clayton, You Can Count On Me, The Social Network, The Devil Wears Prada.

For my former Pages I writers, this is a sequel, of sorts. But post on any movie (or TV show) you have something to say or ask about! So please join. And contribute to the conversation!!