Rewriting Techniques

[ducky1288]

How do you go about re-writing your script?

Do you start from scratch and just bring in scenes from your script or do you just erase and write within your existing script?

I find that when I start with my script and just start with deleting a scene and re-writing it that I rewrite it then pick up where I left off with reading the next scene and I think "Hey that works" and I move on. When in reality it probably doesn't.

So I find it's easier when I just start with something blank that way when I rewrite a scene there is nothing after it to read and "be okay with". Then I bring in things from my other script that I want to keep.

But I have no idea what the norm is because I'm still fairly new. What does everyone else do?

[Jake Schuster]

With scripts I start from page one every day; with novels I go back twenty pages or so. In that way you've caught all the inconsistencies and the work has a seamless quality when it's finished.

[BattleDolphinZero]

I ask myself this question: "what is this movie about?" Then I write it down. Usually a few sentences that make up one short paragraph.

Then I re-outline from memory. That usually that cuts out several scenes.

For each beat I refer to the paragraph. The remaining scenes need to service that paragraph.

Then I eat many donuts and shame spiral.

[BattleDolphinZero]

With scripts I start from page one every day; with novels I go back twenty pages or so. In that way you've caught all the inconsistencies and the work has a seamless quality when it's finished.

I do this too, but my first drafts still suck. But I agree with your method and your rationale for employing it.

[Biohazard]

I rewrite as I write. Then when I'm finished writing, I go back and find ways to better exploit the concept, tie things together thematically, etc.

Then I usually let it sit there for a little bit, begin outlining something else, get tied up in that story...and then go back to the finished work with fresh eyes.

[Anagram]

I can't rewrite by editing sections of an existing screenplay. Changing something in the beginning requies all sorts of changes later on, which is tough to keep track of.

I have to spread out the notecards on a table. It's only when I can see the story in its entirety that I can make changes. It's the only way to keep track of the consequences and flow.

Only after I've hashed out the rewrite on the notecards do I start to edit the screenplay itself. It saves a ****load of frustration.

[Population17]

I rewrite as I write. Then when I'm finished writing, I go back and find ways to better exploit the concept, tie things together thematically, etc.

Then I usually let it sit there for a little bit, begin outlining something else, get tied up in that story...and then go back to the finished work with fresh eyes.

That's exactly how I do it as well.

brad

[12916studios]

I rewrite a tiny bit as I go, but I have heard from a lot of sources to not do that very much, as it's so easy to just get caught up doing it and never finish the draft. It's better the just get the damn thing done, than to rewrite every day, as there is only so much you can rewrite in the beginning while there is still no end.

When I finally get to rerwriting, though, I break the script into about 8-10 equal parts, and then spend time working on each until satisfied. If I am cutting, I always have a specific goal number of pages in mind that I will be chopping, and I edit until I get to the predetermined length. As I go through the parts I colorcode. Blue means fully rewrite. Red means potentially cut.

Once I finish all the parts, I put them all together as my brand new Draft 2, then break it apart again into about 4 equal parts. This time I turn on revisions mode, and away we go again...

Once done, I put everything back together as the new Draft 3. Cut that into 2 pieces. Edit. Rewrite. Once done: Draft 4. And I edit that as a single document.

The way I rewrite keeps me from skipping around, which keeps me from getting distracted. By having the parts be longer with each draft, when there are generally less edits than there were in the beginning, I get less bored because there are more pages to look at.

I don't know if you guys have ever used revisions mode, but it is insanely helpful. It shows your changes, and seeing those little asterisks along the side of the page can give you a nice little ego boost, because it provides proof you got something done "today".

I also outline heavily, so I take care of any major inconsistancies well ahead of even starting the thing. Outlines save lives. Remember that.

[Rathmon]

Whether it's the second, third, or fourth draft, I take chunks of the existing work and paste it into a new file- when I'm done with that chunk, I paste it over the old scene.

Some chunks are just tweaks and continuity work, other chunks are complete re-writes and new scenes.

I find by doing this, it's not as intimidating to re-write as it would be if I looked at the whole screenplay.

It's also nice when those chunks are fewer and smaller as I get into the subsequent drafts.

[Jcorona]

How do you go about re-writing your script?

I on't know.

Corona :|

[Sinnycal]

I usually just get it perfect the first time. Saves time and energy.

[ducky1288]

I on't know.

Corona :|

Some how that doesn't surprise me Mr. Corona. You've always been stingy with your information :P.

I'm pretty sure "you on't know" how to dunk either :)

[Angeloworx]

I do somthing completely unrelated to writing after finishing a new scene. keeps me from walking away from a draft i've read endlessly.

[The Road Warrior]

--no set techniques, I write all the way through initially, with no loop backs to fix on draft 1 -- to keep the pace up. As time is always an issue, the rewrite is a combo of tinkering and some "blocks" of fast writing, I may completely rewrite a section - fast. Or lots of messin' and tinkerin' and adjustin' - try not to get bogged down if at all possible, so may leave it if I do. Still developing this technique. I'll continue to try and write at speed.

Occasionally I'll change approach, anything to keep it alive, whatever works for me at the time might be a good way of putting it. Do prefer to write quickly though. I think William Goldman said something about this.

I have a rewrite to do, but I'm leaving it for weeks, as it's still too familiar.

[Script a Wish]

Outline/research - first draft in 10-21 days - put away for 2 weeks - come back; read it; make revisions based on fresh thoughts - send 2nd draft out to readers - get notes - do 3rd draft based on readers' thoughts - send back to readers - repeat as needed...

[Kwinnky]

I don't rewrite while writing, or I'd never finish a draft. I write a draft, usually a terrible one that shouldn't see the light of day. I print it out, then I let it rest for a week.

Then I write a better draft, using notes from the last. It's better, I have a clearer idea of what the story is, but some scenes are unfocused and every line is on the nose. I print it out and wait.

I write another draft that's very close to the final one. The structure is better, the tone fits the genre better, and it's a lot closer to what I had imagined when I started. I don't print this one out.

I polish off the last draft.

[Population17]

I on't know.

Corona :|

Are you sure you on't know? :)

[Ulysses]

I try to avoid rereading my own things too often.

Makes me lose the necessary distance. Like a self-applied brainwash.

I try to keep the whole screenplay in my head. That's the only way where I can work freely. No looking at a page. Working with the images, not with the words. The words come anyway, they come when the image is right. It's the images that are worth fighting for.

A screenplay has to support itself in the imagination without the written text, like one of those tennis halls that hold up by their higher inner pressure alone, and not by walls.

This way, things that don't fit stand out. And get shot by the delete key.

[ShaneBlackFan]

I always go back to the outline and just work on it continuously until I feel I have exploited the concept to its fullest, then I go to Final Draft. Then I print the script and read it meticulously, graffiti the pages with biros. Back to FD --- and viola.

[DavidK]

I always go back to the outline and just work on it continuously until I feel I have exploited the concept to its fullest, then I go to Final Draft. Then I print the script and read it meticulously, graffiti the pages with biros. Back to FD --- and viola.

You play the viola while writing? I'm impressed.

[Angeloworx]

You play the viola while writing? I'm impressed.:rolling:
everything becomes funny when you're in the middle of rewriting.

[ShaneBlackFan]

You play the viola while writing? I'm impressed.

:D

Rewriting fatigue. ;)

[reddery]

probably a frame of mind question, more than a screenwriting question.

I mean, if you're writing everyday and pressuring yourself to finish a project, you might be worried about if it plays off the last scene. Ask yourself, "did I just write a bunch of total crap?" Then self doubt sets in and you rewrite

And then again you might have a million index cards and a scene cries out to be written, a prefect addition to the product. After a few scripts you'll know yourself and your writing.

-I'm sure it's different for everyone.:mpopcorn:

[lucidimage]

I rewrite a tiny bit as I go, but I have heard from a lot of sources to not do that very much, as it's so easy to just get caught up doing it and never finish the draft. It's better the just get the damn thing done, than to rewrite every day, as there is only so much you can rewrite in the beginning while there is still no end.

When I finally get to rerwriting, though, I break the script into about 8-10 equal parts, and then spend time working on each until satisfied. If I am cutting, I always have a specific goal number of pages in mind that I will be chopping, and I edit until I get to the predetermined length. As I go through the parts I colorcode. Blue means fully rewrite. Red means potentially cut.

Once I finish all the parts, I put them all together as my brand new Draft 2, then break it apart again into about 4 equal parts. This time I turn on revisions mode, and away we go again...

Once done, I put everything back together as the new Draft 3. Cut that into 2 pieces. Edit. Rewrite. Once done: Draft 4. And I edit that as a single document.

The way I rewrite keeps me from skipping around, which keeps me from getting distracted. By having the parts be longer with each draft, when there are generally less edits than there were in the beginning, I get less bored because there are more pages to look at.

I don't know if you guys have ever used revisions mode, but it is insanely helpful. It shows your changes, and seeing those little asterisks along the side of the page can give you a nice little ego boost, because it provides proof you got something done "today".

I also outline heavily, so I take care of any major inconsistancies well ahead of even starting the thing. Outlines save lives. Remember that.

Wow. To each their own I guess. You make your edits based on a predetermined page count you want to delete? Seems like that could backfire.

I write straight through then return and clean it up, make necessary changes. Get it to a close set of eyes early into the process, make sure I am on the right track. Then move forward.

[snwrist]

Honestly, I try to get it right the first time. I outline, explore the characters and themes...by the time I write, it's nailed down pretty cold. I'll change minor elements when completed, but not anything major. I'm of the conceit that, when I'm done, I've usually told the story I set out to tell. I'm sure that most don't work on this idea.

[BattleDolphinZero]

Honestly, I try to get it right the first time. I outline, explore the characters and themes...by the time I write, it's nailed down pretty cold. I'll change minor elements when completed, but not anything major. I'm of the conceit that, when I'm done, I've usually told the story I set out to tell. I'm sure that most don't work on this idea.
This is a technique more writers should try.

[snwrist]

Ha ha...do I detect a faint scent of sarcasm?

[BattleDolphinZero]

A bit. With a tinge of skepticism.

[snwrist]

Hey, you may be right. I haven't sold anything yet.

I do take notes from my manager and implement them, but they're typically somewhat minor. Again, still no sales though....

[BattleDolphinZero]

Crazier things have happened. There are just enough successful writers who don't outline to make most writers think they don't need to outline. However, many writers don't outline and are still successful so then again maybe not. Or not. But maybe, who knows. Either way if it works then it worked.

[hscope]

Whatever works, well, works.

I usually have the script (or at least all the major scenes) in place in my head - I'm not into written outlines - and write straight through, maybe reading the last few pages before each writing session.

I do a general read through at the end, making written notes on the page, then make the corrections/amendments. I repeat this maybe two or three more times. My wife does a line by line check for typos (bless her!) then I send it out to my trusted readers.

They give me notes and I do a final run-through and incorporate some or all of their suggestions (which are invariably excellent) and I'm good to go.