Editing the script and constant changes is an inevitable process on the way to creating the literary basis of a film, performance 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. Editing is done by the scriptwriters themselves, directors and a specialist - a script doctor.
Instruction manual
1
The first and most significant changes to the script are made by the scriptwriter. After writing the full text, postpone the work for a day or two, and then re-read it. Mark the places that seem illogical, strained. If there are no such places, read the script aloud.
A good scenario is characterized by activity. In other words, there are few descriptions in it (clothing, appearance, interior) and many events clinging to each other. The number of replicas is not strictly regulated, but action must also be present in the words of the heroes. Avoid long conversations about nature and weather, put only those words in the mouth of the characters that can contribute to the development of the plot. Cut out and cross out everything else without regrets.
2
If you did not find any inconsistencies and paradoxes in the script or found and corrected, contact the director who will stage the work according to your script. Read the script aloud, ask to stop you every time he feels 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.
3
After reading aloud, rewrite the script in accordance with the requirements of the director. 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 his own and make notes on the margins if he does not like some place.
4
Read the script again, discuss notes and errors, and ways to fix them. Rewrite the script again. Make sure the director no longer claims the script.
5
Describe the script in accordance with the standard. Each minute corresponds to one scenario 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 column will be devoted to actions on the stage, the other to the speaker’s name, the third to the replica, the fourth to the time of the action or the replica, the fifth to the necessary technical equipment, decorations, etc.
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.
6
The script doctor is an alternative to the screenwriter at the editing stage. Depending on the processing depth (from making small adjustments to complete correspondence of the script), the work of a script doctor is evaluated in a larger or smaller fee.
