Script editing and constant changes are an inevitable process on the way to creating a literary basis for a film, play or other production. Their goal is to create an absolutely believable story, devoid of contradictions and unjustified from the point of view of the logic of actions and events. The editing is done by the scriptwriters, directors and a specialist - script doctor.
Instructions
Step 1
The first and most significant changes to the script are made by the scriptwriter himself. After writing the full text, postpone the work for a day or two, and then re-read it. Mark the places that seem illogical, stretched to you. If there are no such places, read the script aloud.
A good script is active. In other words, it has few descriptions (clothing, appearance, interior) and many events clinging to each other. The number of remarks is not strictly regulated, but in the words of the heroes there must also be an action. Avoid lengthy dialogues about nature and weather, put in the lips of characters only those words that can contribute to the development of the plot. Cut and cross out the rest without regret.
Step 2
If you did not find any inconsistencies and paradoxes in the script or found and corrected it, contact the director who will direct the work according to your script. Read the script aloud, and ask him to stop you every time he senses something illogical or contradictory. Ask him for an explanation, listen to his suggestions for editing. Correct the script as you go, or write down what needs to be changed. Read on.
Step 3
After reading it aloud, rewrite the script to suit the director's requirements. Usually, due to the developed three-dimensional thinking, he can prove and explain his opinion quite clearly and easily. After editing, invite the director to read the script on their own and make notes in the margins if he does not like some part.
Step 4
Re-read the script, discuss the marks and errors, and how to fix them. Rewrite the script again. Make sure the director doesn't have any complaints about the script anymore.
Step 5
Describe the scenario according to the standard. Each minute corresponds to one script page. In other words, each replica and each event must be scheduled in seconds. It is convenient for such cases to use tables in which one graph will be devoted to the actions on the stage, the other to the speaker's name, the third to the remark, the fourth to the time of the action or remark, the fifth to the technical means, decorations, etc. necessary in the frame.
Show the result of your work to the director again. Go through several stages of editing with him, changing the actions and their duration depending on his requirements.
Step 6
The script doctor is an alternative to the scriptwriter at the editing stage. Depending on the depth of processing (from making small adjustments to complete rewriting of the script), the work of the script doctor is estimated at a higher or lower fee.
