Hi, everyone. I've had a stressful time screenwriting lately. I've been working on a horror script for the past four years now, and I felt like I was so close to completing the FINAL final draft. However, after doing some soul-searching and reviews of my story, I still feel like there's a lot I need to do to make it a unique, cohesive story. Now I feel like I'm back to square one and that I have to essentially rework my entire story, and with all the time and money I spent in writing and revising it, part of me is worried that I'm wasting my time.
I still have high hopes for this script, and I have a lot of ideas for it going forward. But I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips on how to alleviate all this self-doubt and help make this revision process go more smoothly. If anyone has anything to share, I'd be very grateful to hear
3 people like this
Maybe write a full synopsis (heard it's called a "scriptment"- dialogue and prose) & ask for feedback from ppl you respect.
Sorry, but nobody really knows what will work or dont work on the screen, but ppl can critique on storytelling on the page- like setups & payoffs (Chechov's gun- fast n Furious 1 when Dom talks about the Charger car he never drives until climax, Mcguffin's (Pulp fiction suitcase), metaphors, misdirection... tools of the trade that many good stories have.
3 people like this
Sometimes going back to square one and rewriting the entire story is easier than changing parts of the script, Anthony John Orlando, because if you rewrite a scene, it might affect another scene(s) and you'll have to rewrite that scene too. Dan MaxXx's idea to write a full synopsis and ask for feedback is a great starting point if you're gonna go back to square one.
If you feel it's better to shelf this script for now and start another project, do that.
2 people like this
Maybe try a table read. Ask some friends to meet up, assign parts - including someone to read the directions sop you can sit back and listen - and experience what it sounds like to your ear. I've always found that a fun way to experience your work - which you can be proud of getting to this place - and it may be a new way for you to think about it that breaks through the current process. Just a thought but it usually helps me push through on projects and it's a cool experience.
2 people like this
Hi Anthony John Orlando! I'm sorry you're struggling - we've all be there. I like Dan's suggestion of going back to a scriptment, basically looking at it from a 30,000 ft view just so you can see if the broad strokes of it work. That doesn't mean you have to throw out all the scenes, just pull back for some perspective. And then when you go back into the script you might wind up keeping more of it than you thought.
One thing I do is work on another script. I finish a draft and then go work on something else so when I come back to it, I then have some space from it and some perspective before getting into a new draft.
And if you need some inspiration, check out the Stage 32 blog or education - there are so many great resources to help out in this moment, and I love that you're looking for support here!
3 people like this
Every writer goes through that at some point. It usually doesn’t come together as fast as you want it to. But, if you stick with it, it will be that much sweeter when you do figure it out. just keep showing up!
2 people like this
Hi Anthony. A lot of great ideas here! Barnstorm offers a program called The Loop: a yearly fee ($350, last time I used it) and it provides unlimited reads with notes for one year. You send, they read and review (inline notes), send back in 2 weeks, you revision it, send it back... for one year. Or - send a different script each time, your choice. My year just expired, and it helped me polish 3 of my scripts (outside eyes always help). Maybe look into it. Cheers.
5 people like this
Sounds to me like the issue is psychological and you already know that, Anthony. You're suffering self doubt that's tying you in knots.
In the creative arts, this typically comes from far too much introspection.
What's powerful for me is taking time out to rewatch my favourite movies. This always reminds me of who I am, what inspired me, and what my creative voice is the product of.
All writers have to be able to nail their colours to the mast and say this is my story as I want to tell it. You have to take ownership, and it has to be born out of passion and confidence.
3 people like this
Worry less about being unique and more about being a solid story. Look at the movie 'Terrifier'. The premise is not unique, but it's well done and entertaining! Which is why they are on the third movie!
3 people like this
In terms of the self-doubt, it might help to realize that this is THE job. Writing the first draft is like 10% of the job. Everything after that is the muck nobody talks about but takes up the most time. There are movies that took more than a decade to get to the screen and had five different writers doing rewrites. In TV, one top-level showrunner once told me that for the pilot of his hit show, from first vomit draft to the script being used on day 1 on set was 36 drafts! Writers sometimes say to me, I just want to finish this script and sell it so I can be done dealing with notes. I’m like, wait, you know that once you sell it, all you get is more notes and more to write, and then more notes on that, right? You have to enjoy the process not just want the product. There’s nothing “wrong” with what you’re doing, or with you as a writer,, or the time you’re putting in. This is the job.