Elements of Screenplay Revision
Taking it One Layer at a Time Ensures a Strong, Cohesive Script
Jun 11, 2009
"The time to begin writing...is when you have finished it to your satisfaction," Mark Twain once wrote, and these words are still true today. For the novice or experienced screenwriter, it is especially true that the real writing begins once the first draft is done. A well-written script needs to have gone through a lengthy revision process, mainly because there are so many layers in a screenplay, and so many different elements that need to be shaped and molded, condensed and developed.
Examine the Elements
There are several main elements to a screenplay, each of which should be addressed separately in a "pass," or revision read-through of its own. In order to keep it all straight, it is best to work on one layer at a time. For example, one week the writer works only on the dialogue, and the next on the characters, then moving on to plot and afterward concentrating only on the pacing.
Character development is a fundamental part of any good rewrite. The lead roles and supporting roles all need to be scrutinized for dimensionality, consistency, likability, and entertainment value. The main characters need to have a story arc, and they each need to have unique and memorable qualities. Learn more about character development in the article Developing Great Screenplay Characters.
The narrative structure also needs attention. Does it stay focused? Does it follow a three-act structure and can one feel the drama build? This means that there needs to be set up, development, and payoff in each scene, each act, and the script overall.
Dialogue can be read aloud, so that the writer can make changes to enhance it's authenticity and flow. Dialogue should evoke the unique personality of each character. For more tips on writing great dialogue, read the article Writing Screenplay Dialogue.
Prose in a screenplay needs to be sparse. Editing the action in a scene means paring down the description to make every word count. As Strunk and White dictate in Elements of Style, "Omit needless words!" At the same time, the screenplay must be filled with images and be visually descriptive enough for a reader to see the unique world being painted. Writing that evokes the five senses is always richer and better.
More Dramatic Tips to Keep in Mind
- Scenes must be concise. The rule is to get in, accomplish the goal of the scene and, get out, by cutting to the next scene.
- End the scene on a question, leaving the audience hanging
- Use a variety of pacing to keep audience interest strong. Alternate fast scenes with slow ones, happy scenes with sad or scary ones, longer scenes with short ones.
- Each scene needs to contain conflict - someone wants something, someone or something is getting in their way, they must overcome obstacles to get what they want.
Each of these building blocks contributes towards the whole, overall story. Without any of them, the script will be weak and is likely to be passed over by an industry executive.
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