Birthing a script is harder than birthing a baby. Being a new mom only 2 weeks out of the hospital, I can say that with certainty. And this is after 24hrs of back labor, a terrible resident who told me I was 9.5cm dilated when I was only 7cm (the worst kind of mind fuck) and a fair share of tearing. I’m being graphic, I know, but this is a serious metaphor, so it warrants candidness. Okay, back to it: birthing a script is harder than birthing a baby. Why? Because birthing a baby looks like this: after nine months of slightly nauseated bliss and people fawning all over you, you go through labor and you’re done. You get a baby. A baby everyone says is “perfect” even if they’re not. (Note: my baby is perfect). But, birthing a script is different. First, it can take much longer than nine months. From conception to birth, it can take years. And along the way, no one treats you like a special princess. No one opens doors for you, no one let’s you cut the bathroom line, or gushes over how amazing the whole “process” is. Instead, there you are, alone at your computer, massively nauseated, hopped up on coffee and pulling all your hair out. And in the end, when you’ve finally typed “The End”… everyone has notes. Can you imagine this happening after birthing a baby? Someone says, “Hey, your baby has some strong elements, but I’d suggest major changes if you want him to succeed in the world.” I mean… NO! This is your baby! Something you created from passion and love and it’s perfect, damn it. It’s perfect! And yet, your script is not… even if it is.
So, here’s some advice on how to take notes:
If you were hired to write a script… assume the people who hired you are smart and insightful and take their notes. Even if you disagree, this script is their baby too, so you must include their ideas in your process. That said, if you don’t understand a note, or if you can’t see a way to make the note work, or the note pulls a million threads that change the fabric of your script, ask questions. Get to the note behind the note. Especially, if their note comes in the form of a suggestion that sounds terrible to you. Find out what the issues are that caused them to make the suggestion, then find your own way to address their concern while staying true to your vision. If you can’t find a way, pushing back is always an option. But do it gently. Explain your case, fight for your intention, but do not fight for your execution. After all, if you executed your intention perfectly there wouldn’t be a note. Again, assume the people who hired you are smart and insightful. Let them help you find a better way to articulate your idea. And above all, trust that the next draft of the script will be better than the last. Spending time resisting change is worse than making changes. Just take the notes. Get back to work. The pain shall pass.
If you are writing on spec… assume the people you’ve reached out to give you notes are smart and insightful and consider their notes. But first, consider the source. Maybe you reached out to this note-giver because you respect their work. Maybe they are only writer you know. Just make sure they get your genre. Don’t ask a horror film writer to read your rom-com and expect genius notes. Make sure your reader can play in the same playground. You want them to elevate what you are doing, so you need to make sure they get what you’re doing before you ask them to read. Now, assuming they are the perfect person to read your work, please direct them as to what you need. You should have a sense of your script’s strengths and weaknesses, so ask them to focus their thoughts where they will be most helpful to you. Ask them to be specific. In a void, writers tend to give notes based on what they would do if they were writing the script. You don’t really want those kind of notes, so direct them first and you shouldn’t get them. Next, please listen. Nothing is more annoying than being asked to read someone’s script and give notes only to have them fight you at every turn. Fighting is unnecessary. Just listen. Receive. You can decide what you want to do with their notes later… after they are long gone. If their notes resonate with you, take them. If not, it’s your spec, so it’s your prerogative not take their notes. Usually, something they said will spark a new idea you’ll be excited about. If you have two people read noticing where the notes cross over is great. If two people note the same thing, consider it more closely. Don’t be afraid to share your work. Just knowing you have the final say should bring some comfort.
Finally, remember this: bad scripts get made all the time and great ones can sit in piles, never to be read. Don’t take the process too seriously. Don’t be too precious. Just try to enjoy yourself along the way. And celebrate each win no matter how small. Keeping it in perspective and finding some balance in your life is key. At the end of the day, your script may be perfect, but it won’t love you back. Find something else to fulfill that need. Like a baby. Or a partner. Or a dog. Definitely, get a dog!