notes on notes
A big part of the process of being a screenwriter is that of sending your screenplay to others so they may read it. In return, you should expect those to whom you send your masterpiece to offer suggestions and ideas that may or may not improve your story. You will receive them whether wanted or not. You have no choice. These unsolicited ideas and suggestions are known in the industry as notes or coverage. Your reaction to the notes is directly related to confidence you have in your ability and mastery of the craft, as well as your position on the screenwriting ladder of success: lower rungs - arrogant dismissal; higher up - polite consideration. In either case you are under no obligation to incorporate them, but a polite reply should be your minimum.
As an example, I offered to read the script of an aspiring screenwriter. An amateur who has neither sold a screenplay nor had one produced. I informed the writer that I too was a novice and could offer nothing constructive, but, despite my non-interest in the genre, would definitely be interested in reading it. I received the script. Although the premise was simple, in a good way, and its execution as a story was fine, there were a couple of typos, and what I thought to be a flaw in the logic. As a kind gesture, I drew attention to the typos and questioned the other. I was promptly told that notes were not wanted on typos or anything else. The script is finished. Is that right? I'm sure they wouldn't constitute a deal-breaker, but for a script labeled 'ready to go' one should think the writer wanting it to be perfect in every way, regardless of the nature of the infraction. The thought that this piece of work is so amazing, the writer so brilliant, that no further work is necessary, that advice, especially from lower rungs, is neither warranted nor acceptable, well you get my point. I can only imagine the gushing and ass kissing if the Wite-Out belonged to Dreamworks.
On the other hand, I received another script, also from an amateur, but one who has actually had his screenplay accepted into competitions at high profile film festivals. I read it. It was a pleasurable read free and clear of typos and spelling mistakes. It was good and I told the writer so, but I was curious about something. The response? A willingness to address the comments and questions, and a thank-you for reading that ended with, 'It could stand some more work; you never really finish these things...' . Gracious and polite and humble. You see what I mean?
Here's a couple from the highest rungs:
As an example, I offered to read the script of an aspiring screenwriter. An amateur who has neither sold a screenplay nor had one produced. I informed the writer that I too was a novice and could offer nothing constructive, but, despite my non-interest in the genre, would definitely be interested in reading it. I received the script. Although the premise was simple, in a good way, and its execution as a story was fine, there were a couple of typos, and what I thought to be a flaw in the logic. As a kind gesture, I drew attention to the typos and questioned the other. I was promptly told that notes were not wanted on typos or anything else. The script is finished. Is that right? I'm sure they wouldn't constitute a deal-breaker, but for a script labeled 'ready to go' one should think the writer wanting it to be perfect in every way, regardless of the nature of the infraction. The thought that this piece of work is so amazing, the writer so brilliant, that no further work is necessary, that advice, especially from lower rungs, is neither warranted nor acceptable, well you get my point. I can only imagine the gushing and ass kissing if the Wite-Out belonged to Dreamworks.
On the other hand, I received another script, also from an amateur, but one who has actually had his screenplay accepted into competitions at high profile film festivals. I read it. It was a pleasurable read free and clear of typos and spelling mistakes. It was good and I told the writer so, but I was curious about something. The response? A willingness to address the comments and questions, and a thank-you for reading that ended with, 'It could stand some more work; you never really finish these things...' . Gracious and polite and humble. You see what I mean?
Here's a couple from the highest rungs: