Screenwriting : Writing Process by Imo Wimana Chadband

Ah! Okay Derek Reid I see.

My rewriting steps go like this:

First thing I do is fix the homophones ("break, brake") and other typos that my software and my eyes didn't catch. Then I strengthen the verbs. Then I make sure the conflicts of each scene are as dramatically strong as possible. Then I make sure the dialogues are as strong as possible. Then I make sure the narration is as strong as possible. Then I make sure the ironies are as strong as possible. Then I make sure the emotional truths, logic and verisimilitude are as strong as possible. Then I make sure the unity of action is as strong as possible. Then I make sure the subtext is as strong as possible. Then I make sure the tone and voice are as strong as possible. Then I make sure the pacing is as strong as possible. Then I make sure the whole thing is visual enough, and that I'm getting the best movement and reader engagement that I can. Then I go, line for line, and word for word, to make sure each word and line is really necessary.

I have to do each one of the re-write steps individually, starting with the easiest and going to the hardest (for me), because that's what works best for me. Without rushing any of those steps.

Best fortunes to you in your creative endeavors, Imo!

RIP DICK DALE (May 4, 1937 - March 16, 2019)

Wow Bill Costantini This process sounds very refined! Always a pleasure hearing about the process of more seasoned writers. Everyone has a process that works for them, but I can learn from the detailed focus and attention you place on each part of the script which in turn comes together to make it a strong finish. Oh and might I ask what software do you use?

Imo, it always helps to set aside any form of writing for a few days or more and return to it with a fresh perspective. When I finished the first draft of my first feature-length screenplay, I shared it with a local scriptwriting mentor who offered a generous discount for his services. The constructive feedback was invaluable and also gave me the confidence to continue on with my dream. I ended up setting it aside for a while and invested more time into learning and practising the art and craft of screenwriting. My rewrite process is now underway and I will seek out the services of a mentor when the rewrite is complete.

I eat a pint of Ben and Jerry's, then put the script away for a year. Unless I get impatient. Then I start working on it right away.

Haha Phillip! What is Ben and Jerry's? I don't think we have that tonic here in Australia.

It's the US version of Damper and Vegemite.

Thanks Tony. I'm a toasted sourdough with raw honey kind of gal.

Oh! Linda Summer I can understand the logic behind that process. I was thinking along similar lines. Currently I've just finished up my first script, and placing it down for a few days while I start my second. Also taking the time to read more scripts and developing my craft so when I go back I'm better equipped to review and edit

Phillip E. Hardy, "The Real Deal" haha I'm more of a "start working on it right away" type of guy. Right now i'm fighting to stay away from it for just a couple days before diving back in.

Linda Summer - Tony S. is having a laugh. Ben & Jerry's is a brand of ice cream in the US. God help us if they come out with a Damper and Vegemite flavor!! I'm not sure even Aussies would eat that lol

I save it as a PDF and read it on my tablet a day later, as if it were any other screenplay. I know there are going to be issues. Those issues are going to be glaringly apparent, or bubble up in the form of a general dissatisfaction yet one more day later. Then I go back into authoring mode, and repeat, addressing the notes I make on the PDF. For me, it helps to keep moving, as if on a deadline. Deadlines are good tools, even if they're self-imposed.

That's not a bad method Jai Cullen It's important for some to take the time away to get that fresh perspective upon return

Ahhhh Jonathan Edward Young I'm really liking that process. Precise and doesn't give way for procrastination to kick in or the completion of that script to draw out. The PDF format and notes sound like a good angle to go, instead of trying to read and adjust simultaneously, make the notes then go back and adjust after reading the script in entirety. Good stuff Jonathan!

Hi, Imo. My first draft tends to be pretty far along. I edit/revise sometimes while writing or I’ll leave myself notes within the script so that way I’ll move on knowing I’ll fix it later. After that first draft is done I’ll walk away for a couple of days. Then I’ll print it out and use a highlighter and a pencil to mark the whole thing up. I find it more effective to go through it on paper rather than on a screen because that way I won’t start fiddling with the digital document as I read it. I’m rather “forced” to deal with it in a more tactile and tangible way, which I find very helpful. All the things that need fixing are more apparent when they’re glaring up at you from a piece of paper, at least for me, anyway. ;)

Ah Beth Fox Heisinger Being a "mark up the paper" kind of guy, I'm surprised I never even thought of printing out and going that route. Now that you say it, I'm thinking to myself "you know I do focus better when it's on paper." Maybe after stepping away for a few I'd try that method. It seems like it would do my process justice. I've gotten so caught up hammering away at my laptop, I neglected good ole Pen and Paper

Wow! You really blew the lid off that one, Phil. :)

Beth, I too have to print it out and I will print out several versions even with just a few minor changes. I need a highlighter and to sit down not at a desk and scribble all over my pages. How long I go back to it is how long is a piece of string. Any amount of time to be honest. depends on my feels.

Thanks for sharing your process Cherie Grant ^_^