A good cook can follow almost any recipe and consistently turn out quality product. A true chef understands the “language” of cooking at a different level and can make the recipe their own. They intuitively know which ingredients can be added or subtracted, how the flavor profiles and textures can be altered, different seasonings and cultural influences might come into play. The point is: the more deeply you understand the recipe, the less you actually have to follow it. Screenwriting is kind of like that too. Except you are the one writing the recipe.
https://www.stage32.com/scriptservices/coverage/buy?id=29&genre=film&exe...
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rules can be stifling. no rules can be disaster. Paradox is always part of this profession. Thanks for your insight.
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I like it! A very good analogy.
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I do feel like the writing is much like cooking in the kitchen, and I love the adventurous opportunities for risk in each art form!
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Michael Schulman thank you for including the above link to "Feature Script Read + 60 Minute Talk with an Executive," for screenwriters here on the platform. A major opportunity!
With this level of discussion, do you generally talk at all about a writer's additional projects or simply focus just on one screenplay?
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I love this analogy Michael Schulman and after watching The Chef Show, it makes sense why so many filmmakers get into cooking (although it speaks volumes if they chose baking instead!).
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For me, it’s know the language then let go and trust... then the writer or cook elevates to the artist!
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Juan, I partially agree with you. A good editor can profoundly improve a screenplay.. But I think there is a difference between editing and rewriting. True rewriting is done on the concept-level from inside the screenplay, not by marking up the page.