Being a script editor is a huge privilege – you get to help a writer make their work as good as possible and this isn’t something to take lightly. Most writers write from the heart and as a result put a lot of themselves onto the page and understandably hearing criticism can’t be easy.
What follows are a number of clichés that most script editors will be guilty of using at some point when giving notes to a writer. Sometimes they can help you out of an awkward moment by allowing you to say something vaguely constructive rather than just telling them that their script needs a lot of work. More often than not though, it’s better to try and avoid them and be as clear as possible. Script editing is a hugely collaborative process and it always works best when the writer and the editor completely understand what the other one is saying/meaning.
Here’s a humorous look at what can get lost in translation:
1 – Script Editor says: “You’ve given us a lot to work with.”
Script Editor means: “It’s an unholy mess, but there’s some semblance of a story.”
Writer hears: “Tear it up and start again.”
2 – Script Editor says: “We think it needs one last big push.”
Script Editor means: “I’ve got nothing left to give. Please, God, do your job.”
Writer hears: “Nail it in this draft or we’ll get you rewritten.”
3 – Script Editor says: “I especially loved the bit with the dog in scene 21.”
Script Editor means: “I especially loved the bit with the dog in scene 21.”
Writer hears: “This was literally the only thing I liked in your script.
4 – Script Editor says: “Could we dig a little deeper in the next draft?”
Script Editor means: “Could you write a little better in the next draft?”
Writer hears: “Make an effort, you lazy bastard.”
5 – Script Editor says: “This is just a suggestion. I’m sure you’ll think of something better.”
Script Editor means: “You’re being paid so much more than I am. I’m not doing your job for you.”
Writer hears: “I think you should write it exactly like this.”
6 – Script Editor says: “I wonder if this will read to an audience?”
Script Editor means: “I have no idea what you’re trying to do here.”
Writer hears: “Time to dumb down your intellectual vision for the lowest common denominator.”
7 – Script Editor says: “Feel free to ignore if you disagree.”
Script Editor means: “Take this note unless you want your script to suck.”
Writer hears: “Feel free to ignore if you disagree.”
8 – Script Editor says: “Some of the character voices are a bit off.”
Script Editor means: “Have you watched this show?”
Writer hears: “Time to bland out your dialogue.”
9 – Script Editor says: “We’re so nearly there now…”
Script Editor means: “Two more drafts should do it.”
Writer hears: “A couple of line tweaks should do it.”
10 – Script Editor says: “I’ve got a few scheduling notes. Nothing too bad.”
Script Editor means: “Please God, don’t throw your toys out of the pram at this stage.”
Writer hears: “Cancel your weekend plans. Time for a rewrite.”
