EVERY SCRIPT DESERVES A SECOND (OR TENTH) DRAFT

Writing multiple drafts is essential to ending up with a great shooting draft. One of the best qualities a good writer should possess is open-mindedness. A good writer shouldn’t hold on too tight to their ideas. Instead, they should be willing to give a thought to ideas and opinions that are alternative to theirs objectively. As such, writers should always have it at the back of their minds that their first script is JUST THE BEGINNING and it can be modified. Writing for yourself gives you the liberty to focus fully on your own vision, without considering other people’s opinions. However, it is the opposite in a collaborative setting such as a production house because writing in this context is a team effort and the final draft should communicate a collective vision rather than just yours.

In animation, script development involves everyone on the creative team bringing their own expertise and perspective to shape the final piece. So, what starts as a strong draft might be totally rewritten after the first reading or the storyboard phase reveals pacing issues or a better picture. It is, therefore, important to view every rewrite as an opportunity to tighten the story, sharpen the humor, and deepen the emotional impact. Wendy Kram, a film producer and an industry leading script consultant, says in an exclusive interview with Film Courage that “The biggest part of writing a script is the rewriting. The purpose and the benefit is that it is going to get clearer and crisper and better and tighter.” Sometimes, a small note like “this dialogue feels typical” can lead to a major character breakthrough. Other times, a visual idea from a member of the production team can spark a new joke or a moment that wasn’t on the page before. Rewrites also help the script align better with the visual language of animation. Timing, rhythm, and visual storytelling are everything. What works in text doesn’t always translate well to the screen. Revisiting scenes again and again helps ensure that every moment is built to shine in motion.