HOW TO RESPOND TO COMPLETELY BRUTALLY HONEST SCRIPT NOTES

Should script notes be completely brutally honest? Last week, I wrote about what it would look like if script notes were completely, brutally honest. This week, let’s focus on how to respond to such notes.

The first thing to remember is that a brutally honest note is not a personal attack. It is about the work, not you. Take a deep breath before reacting. Read the note again, slowly. Often, the words may sound harsh but the real message is about making the story better. For example, if someone says a joke is not funny, it is not because they want to hurt your feelings. It is because they want the audience to laugh. The second thing to do is to ask questions. If a note says your scene makes no sense, do not just nod in silence. Ask what part is unclear. Find out which details are confusing. This will help you know exactly what to fix instead of guessing. Third, try to see the note as an idea starter. A tough comment can push you to think in new ways. Maybe a simple rewrite will not work but the feedback could spark a fresh scene or a stronger twist. Treat the note as a challenge to make the story even better than you first imagined. Finally, respond with gratitude, even if you do not agree with every point. Thank the person for taking the time to give feedback. Then, calmly explain which suggestions you will use and why. This shows you are professional and open to collaboration.

Brutally honest script notes can sting but they can also be the reason your script goes from good to unforgettable. The key is not to fear them but to use them as fuel to make your story shine.