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When I finished my first screenplay, I did what any self-respecting screenwriter does. I sent it to my mom. She read the script, and called me gushing with pride. For about half an hour, my mom waxed poetic about every nuance of the script: the story, the imagery, the profound metaphorical qualities. She only had one question. Even though it all “worked”, she was a little bit confused about why the characters were saying certain dialogue to each other… “EXT. STREET – DAY” for example.
That was when I realized I was in trouble. She thought the slug lines were dialogue that the characters were speaking them to each other. And she loved me so much, she actually enjoyed it!
As good as it feels to receive praise (and sometimes even helpful advice) about our scripts, we have to be extremely careful about who we take feedback from. Very few people actually know how to write a script that works. And though I like to tease my mom, the truth is that much worse notes have been given by countless screenwriting teachers, development executives, and well-meaning professional writers. Whether it comes from a big time producer or a loving family member, it’s fairly easy for writers to recognize an obviously bad note. It’s the helpful ones that are truly dangerous.
But when writers try to solve each other’s scripts, they usually end up doing more harm than good. I’ve added a series of posts about how to give feedback, not only for other writers, but also for yourself.  Make sure to check them out.
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[…] — valeriaolivetti @ 10:13 Tags: Escrever, Motivacional, Roteiro Olá! Hoje temos mais um artigo do blog Write Your Screenplay, escrito pelo roteirista Jacob […]
[…] reminds us of the dangers of the wrong way turns of misguided feedback and the challenges we go in getting to truly know our characters, our stories, and ourselves each […]
[…] the real story might actually be. He reminds us of the dangers of the wrong way turns of misguided feedback and the challenges we go in getting to truly know our characters, our stories, and ourselves each […]
[…] I discussed in yesterday’s post, it’s easy for most writers to identify a obviously terrible note. The real danger occurs […]