I recently presented my completed screenplay—a biopic about the Marx Brothers titled "Hello, I must be going"—to a producer. He called me excitedly, and we arranged to meet over coffee. As is always the case, he had notes. Feedback is an invaluable part of the screenwriting process; his insights were exceptional in this instance. After incorporating his suggestions, the script has become more compelling and marketable. We're now exploring avenues to bring this project to life.
I'm sharing this experience to underscore the importance of embracing constructive criticism. Feedback not only refines our work but also enhances its appeal to a broader audience. As we progress, we're keen to connect with other producers and industry professionals interested in collaborating on this project, and they, too, will have great ideas.
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Critique vs Criticism . The former is always the better of the two. Agree.
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"Feedback is an invaluable part of the screenwriting process." Agree.
I've received many sets of notes on several scrripts of mine and I can't imagine how'd they would have gotten to their current pretty good state without those notes. It was frustrating but so was learning handwriting in 2nd grade.
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Wow, humor, an advanced topic. :) I would agree, with your title. Take the meeting, take the critique, embrace it and make it yours. The editing process involves suspension of the ego. That part of your brain that, for survival, thinks it knows what's going on must surrender for a moment to incorporate a new view, a new synapse.
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What a great experience to share. People that want to work with you often just want to help make the project the best version of it that it can be.
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Thanks for the feedback. Collaboration makes everything happen in the writing and the whole process. The more open you are to it, the easier the project will be.
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Here! Here! It might not only make the screenplay stronger but you are developing relationships in a positve way.
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How exciting, and a great lesson! Best of luck on this project! (Hopefully the producer suggested more Zeppo!)
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Hi Brad, Zeppo is well and truly part of this story.
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Hi Brad Eastridge, Yes, I have always thought Zeppo was a forgotten member and was a massive part of the story; my screenplay is mostly set before the movies in Vaudville, and Zeppo was integral.
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So excited to see this! Congrats and best of luck, can't wait for this to get made!
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Congratulations on the feedback. I shared my screenplay with a Canadian director/producer. He was excited about my dark comedy/horror project and of course came back with soooooo many notes that I got frustrated. It's taken me some time but I rewrote my screenplay using his notes and I'm ready to pitch again.
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Great advice and words to live by!
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Gerry Barrett Well after my discussion with the producer and taking his great ideas he just optioned the script. So keep going.
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The director/producer really likes my dark comedy/horror storyline - says it's unique, (and hinted at helping me pitch it to others ). So, I did take his notes, swallowed my pride and wrote on. I'm excited to see where my project goes!
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Gerry Barrett Good luck with that.
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Thats amazing, Leigh Sheehan! Congratulations on making progress like that!
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Ashley Renee Smith, Thank you. This is an Australian producer who saw the potential. We will be looking for International producers to join us. There are several great incentives, not to mention the exchange rates. So, I look forward to our next steps.