tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706282221761427996.post1363059089494280783..comments2024-03-07T20:15:45.996-08:00Comments on The Bitter Script Reader: Reader question: how to deal with too long a scriptThe Bitter Script Readerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16575166527272639709noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706282221761427996.post-36259135930164589172013-02-21T12:46:27.641-08:002013-02-21T12:46:27.641-08:00This is very true. I had a script that was nearly ...This is very true. I had a script that was nearly 180 pages long. <br /><br />So what did I do? I cut it down to 120. I took out things I LOVED but once I snipped them...it really helped my story in the end. It moved faster and I realized the scenes really didn't do much to enhance the story.<br /><br />You have to swallow your pride and just re-evaluate the story. You know the old saying: "if you love it so much, you'll have to let it go." If you love your story that much, you have to cut out/modify scenes that are cool but really hinder the pacing.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706282221761427996.post-9820381008252712412013-02-20T12:19:32.974-08:002013-02-20T12:19:32.974-08:00I agree with Steve -- if you're writing a 165 ...I agree with Steve -- if you're writing a 165 page horror script, the story almost certainly is not tight enough (or there's something wrong with your formatting, or both), and you need to start from scratch and get a handle on efficient story telling. As for the second question, I unfortunately have no suggestions, but trying to work your way into the local market and gain traction there first seems like a good option. Valhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05469113236579911252noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706282221761427996.post-50942626082938763012013-02-20T10:21:29.550-08:002013-02-20T10:21:29.550-08:00Here's the real advice you should give:
Table...Here's the real advice you should give:<br /><br />Table this script and start on your next one. <br /><br />You wrote a 165 page horror script? People keep saying it needs to be 110-120 pages, but in reality, a horror script should be 100-110 pages. If you can't figure out what to cut, then you need a few more scripts under your bet to understand the process. Start from scratch and write a 100 page script. Focus on brevity and efficient use of time. Once you're done, you'll be able to go back to your 165 page monster and see all the fat that needs to go. <br /><br />PS - To anyone who writes a long feature and things "Hey, I'll just turn this into a series," your deluding yourself. A television series has completely different rhythms than a feature. In order to make it work, you're going to have to do just as much work as writing a new series from scratch. Steve the Creephttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10265147408563991491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4706282221761427996.post-15273051104906273332013-02-20T06:45:24.483-08:002013-02-20T06:45:24.483-08:00I'm going to be cruelly honest in response to ...I'm going to be cruelly honest in response to that final question.<br /><br />If you're writing 165 page first drafts and considering splitting it in two as a solution, then you're not ready for the US market (or the UK market for that matter). You're just too green.<br /><br />Chances are your script won't sell, but if it's halfway decent it could generate some meetings - but only if you've got good quality representation. Given you're asking the question "how can I try to sell it in the US?", a question which would normally be settled with a chat with your agent, I'm guessing the reader doesn't have a top-tier agent.<br /><br />Getting THAT in place should be this writer's goal, not taking a blind swing at market choked with newbie's unread efforts.<br /><br />I feel Dan's checklist ought to be:<br /><br />1. Write amazing script<br />2. Secure enthusiastic representation<br />3. Together with agent, take the script to market, with America as an option in the mix if appropriate<br />4. Ensure that, in the likely event it fails to sell, Dan is at least in a position to show it to his local market and take some meetings and maybe land his first assignment.<br /><br />A distant 5. would be write another US-intended spec and take a second shot, or gain US representation through heat generated by success in your local market.<br /><br />But by all means disregard the above, pack a haversack and head for LA and shoot for the dream!<br /><br />Really though, good luck Dan. I hope your 110 page (not 120) final draft brings you good fortune.Iamtinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15716102160475270421noreply@blogger.com