Fresh Eyes on Your Screenplay: Techniques for Rewriting with Verdict
As you dive into the revision process of your screenplay, it's crucial to approach it with a fresh mind. Here’s a detailed guide on how to achieve this and enhance the quality of your script through innovative approaches.
1. Time and Space
The first step in gaining new insight into your screenplay is to set it aside for a while. This allows you to return to it with a fresh perspective. It's often recommended to upload it to a drawer or digital file for a period of two weeks. By coming back to it when you've forgotten the specifics of what you wrote, you'll treat the process more as an editor rather than the initial creator. This separation helps you identify areas of strength and weakness with a clearer mind.
2. Reading Exercises
To further refine your characters and hold your script accountable, consider these detailed reading exercises:
Reversing Order: If you're working on character development, reading a few scenes in reverse order can help you sense them out of context. This technique allows you to focus on the progression and development of the characters without the usual flow.
Character-Specific Reading: For voice drafts and polishing, work on just one character during a draft. This narrows your focus and can make editing more manageable. This method is particularly effective for fine-tuning dialogue and nuances.
Table Reading: Another productive technique is to hold a reading. Invite friends or colleagues over for a dinner, and have them read the parts aloud. As a writer, you can sit facing away from them, listening attentively. Keep a copy of the script on your lap to take notes. This method allows you to hear how the words sound in practice, providing immediate feedback on what is working and what isn't.
3. Feedback in a Social Setting
The best way to experience your screenplay in a fresh way is to listen to it read aloud, either by friends or strangers if possible. Many writing software programs like Final Draft come with text-to-speech tools, but they may lack the personal touch of a real human reader. Serving wine and cheese can create a relaxed and social atmosphere that encourages meaningful feedback. Invite six to ten people to your house for a table reading, and they'll be happy to give you their thoughts.
Listening to your words read aloud in the presence of others will provide you with a new and often surprising experience of the story. This method will make it painfully clear what is working and what isn't, helping you focus on improving specific aspects of your script. The presence of others can also add a layer of nervous excitement, motivating you to pay closer attention to your work.
By following these techniques, you can approach your screenplay with a fresh mind, ensuring that every element of your story is polished and refined. Whether through solitude, collaboration, or social feedback, the key is to step away from your work occasionally and reintroduce it with a renewed perspective. Good luck!