Be Objective With Your Own Script. #shorts #film #script #creative #filmmaking

Introduction

Writing a screenplay can be an emotional journey. As writers, we often find ourselves deeply attached to our characters, scenes, and dialogue. It's a passion project, and understandably so. However, this attachment can cloud our judgment when it’s time to evaluate our own work.

One valuable piece of advice for writers—whether they’re crafting books or screenplays—is to put your draft away for a while. After you believe you have your "finished" version, take that script, place it in a drawer, and step away from it for about a week. During this time, you can gain the fresh perspective necessary to assess your work critically.

When you return to your script, you are more likely to view it with an objective eye. This distance allows you to detach from particular scenes and lines of dialogue that you may have become overly fond of. Yes, you might have written an absolutely phenomenal piece of dialogue or created a captivating character, but that doesn’t mean they belong to the current story you are telling.

By revisiting your work after a break, you can adopt a more pragmatic approach. You can evaluate each aspect cold-heartedly—celebrating what works well while acknowledging what doesn’t contribute to the story's overall effectiveness. This practice, though challenging, is essential for crafting a polished and engaging screenplay. Objectivity is key; sometimes, the hardest part is letting go of those elements that don't serve your narrative, no matter how much you love them.

Keyword

• Objectivity
• Script
• Writing
• Screenplay
• Characters
• Dialogue
• Revision
• Fresh Perspective
• Critical Evaluation

FAQ

Q: Why should I put my script away for a week?
A: Taking a break allows you to gain a fresh perspective, making it easier to evaluate your work more objectively.

Q: What is the main benefit of being objective with my script?
A: Objectivity enables you to identify elements that don't contribute to the story, which helps in creating a more cohesive and engaging screenplay.

Q: How can I detach from my characters and scenes?
A: By stepping away from your script for a while, you can reduce emotional attachment and view your work as if it were someone else's.

Q: Is it really that necessary to get a fresh perspective?
A: Yes, it is crucial. A fresh perspective can reveal flaws and opportunities for improvement that you might not recognize when you’re too close to the material.