I always ask myself these questions before I consider my screenplay ready for production. These questions may help you too. All comments are welcomed! https://www.stage32.com/blog/Nine-questions-to-ask-yourself-about-your-s...
Screenwriting : Is Your Script Ready For Production? by Gregory Green
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Your "what to do" comments seem to be going against everything I've ever heard as what not to do. You're telling the actors how to act, where to look, what to do with their hands, for instance. And that makes your sentences very long, taking up a lot of real estate on the page. I believe in setting up the scene with as few instructions and directions as possible.
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The basic answer is no. A script is never actually 100% ready for production - there will be changes/addition/cuts right up to the shooting and even during the shooting. Minor changes may even be made during editing.
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The question should probably be is your script ready for further development?
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folks make changes to scripts in production all the time. Lots of genius happens by accident. For example, Wolf of Wall Street, matthew mcconaughey's masturbation mantra/chanting was made up on set.
script's ready when everyone signs on board, cast and crew, book a shooting schedule and you shoot, make the best of what you have. Movies don't have to be good and good is subjective. Just gotta finish and deliver the product at a reasonable timeframe.
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Charlie is right. #2 - Are you telling instead of showing? The example on showing is way too long, don't you think?
#4 - Are you revealing characters strategically in your scenes? The example is too long. We're not writing a novel. Not enough white space, I think. You can't believe everything in what you read.
A MALE CUSTOMER reaches the table. He sits, reaches for the bun, splits it in half, dabs butter on one, eats it. Is this telling or showing?
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Claude, huh? It looks to me like you've wandered into the wrong play my friend.
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Duh! What do you mean Doug? I read the article like Charlie did. About showing not telling and found the example of #2 and #4 not to my liking and gave an example whether what I wrote is showing or telling. What do you think? I know for a fact that any script is never ready for production. Why don't you read the article and comment what is written there. Not only the question Greg is asking.
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I get what Greg is saying and I don’t disagree with him. I tend to write leaner than what is in his examples. Here is how I probably would have written number 2 and 4.
Michael moves down a dark hallway with two beers. High school couples push pass him, he almost drops his beers. Spots Sarah dancing across the crowded living room. She smiles, motions him over.
Five guys sit around a poker table. The losers throw their cards down. Winner gathers his winnings.