How do you handle changes to a screenplay during post-production?

1 Assess the need

The first step is to determine why you need to change your screenplay in post-production. Is it because of feedback from test screenings, distributors, or producers? Is it because of continuity errors, plot holes, or unclear motivations? Is it because of legal issues, budget constraints, or censorship? Whatever the reason, you need to assess how essential the change is, how much it will affect your story and vision, and how feasible it is to implement.

2 Choose the method

The next step is to choose the best method to make the change. Depending on the nature and extent of the change, you have several options. You can use voice-over narration, text cards, or graphics to add or modify information. You can use editing techniques, such as cutting, rearranging, or inserting scenes, to alter the pace, tone, or structure of your film. You can use sound effects, music, or dialogue to enhance or change the mood, meaning, or emotion of your film. You can use reshoots, pickups, or ADR (automated dialogue replacement) to fix or improve your footage or audio.

3 Communicate the change

The third step is to communicate the change to your post-production team and collaborators. You need to update your script supervisor, editor, sound designer, composer, and visual effects supervisor on what you want to change and how you want to do it. You need to explain your creative vision and goals, and listen to their feedback and suggestions. You need to coordinate your schedules, budgets, and deadlines, and make sure everyone is on the same page.

4 Execute the change

The fourth step is to execute the change with skill and efficiency. You need to work closely with your post-production team and collaborators to ensure the quality and consistency of your film. You need to review your footage, audio, and effects, and make adjustments as needed. You need to test your film with different audiences and platforms, and make sure it meets the technical and artistic standards of your industry.

5 Evaluate the change

The fifth step is to evaluate the change and its impact on your film. You need to ask yourself if the change achieved your intended purpose, improved your film, and satisfied your stakeholders. You need to reflect on what you learned from the process, what challenges you faced, and what solutions you found. You need to acknowledge your successes and failures, and celebrate your achievements.

6 Adapt to the change

The final step is to adapt to the change and move on with your film. You need to accept that your film may not be exactly what you envisioned or wrote in your original screenplay, but that it is still your film. You need to embrace the creative possibilities and opportunities that post-production script changes offer, and appreciate the collaborative nature of filmmaking. You need to share your film with your audience, and be proud of your work.