Screenwriting : Letting Go of a Script by Martin Reese

I put down a script and move to another project when I feel the script doesn't need any more rewrites. Or when there's an issue with the script and I need to put it aside for a while (to come back to later).

When someone buys it.

I've worked on this script. Rewritten several times. Pitched it. now rewriting based on feedback, but now I'm at a point where I'm feeling like I'm not getting any other work done. I don't want to be putting all my eggs in one basket so to speak.

Martin Reese, it's great to get different scripts done, but it's more important to have one great script completed, so I would finish doing rewrites on that script, then move to another one. Quality over quantity.

You could also work on that script as your main project and write another one a little bit at a time.

Got to agree with Doug.

Martin Reese I stop when I get the "move on," vibe. This is usually after several rewrites, notes, and contest submissions. Although, I will dust off old projects if I get new ideas that will enhance character and story. I tend to work on multiple projects to keep my creative juices flowing.

Thanks of the advice folks.

Every word I write makes me a better writer in some aspect of my writing. So taking that fact. As soon as the screenplay does what I want it to do I stop. I then start another project. This new project makes me a better writer. This better writer can improve previous more effectively that the previous Craig that created it.

Depends on where you are in your writing career. Early on I would put a script down if I reached a point where felt I didn't have the skills necessary yet to execute my vision. I could always come back to it later after I'd grown. Beyond that, if I send a script out for feedback now and find I'm not making any major rewrites or revisions I can set it aside and start work on the next project in earnest.

When you finish it!

Me personally. I've been working on many as two, three, of material. This is just me though. I've learned to follow my God above and beyond my talents. Agy, this is just me.

I've put down too many scripts in the trash due to reading about a similar plot written by a more popular writer in the trades.

You're welcome, Martin Reese. Hope you get a final draft done that wows producers and companies!

I'm going to push through. For the most part the feedback on the project has been very positive. It's just not there yet. The real challenge I guess is mental. Working on getting it there, but feeling like in doing that you're neglecting other ideas you could be working on. Thanks again folks for the comments. It has been really helpful.

I put down the script after generally completing about 2 drafts (maybe more, maybe less depending on other circumstances). My reasoning is that after spending time brainstorming and writing one draft, then revising and writing another, the entire story is too fresh in my head for any immediate revisions to make a difference. So I shelve it and return to it at a later date with the benefit of hindsight.

Totally agree with Alexander. I usually stop on average 2-3 rewrites, depending on the project and feedback. One to get it out, two to write, and third to lift emotions and edit. Yet, is our work ever done? To quote Paul Valéry, “a work is never completed, but merely abandoned.”

HI! Martin Reese I generally leave a script when new ideas come knocking on my door or invade my dreams. If I have a screenplay that's ready to sell on the market, I realise that it is going to be edited by me or someone else, so I basically don't spend too much energy on it, after I feel its ready to take that step.

Hello, Martin! Unfortunately, Martin, I don't know if you ever completely put a script down. Big believer in feedback and rewriting, so I'm constantly trying new things or coming up with new versions. Generally, though, I stop 4 or 5 drafts. I am so anal retentive I have gotten up as high as 13 drafts!

Dunno but If your circle of ppl are still excited about your idea after multiple drafts and years (Time), keep going but also write something else. It is just Time management. Especially when we are writing spec scripts- there is no timeline, no income and no expectations from employers & peers.

I usually do one or two rewrite.