"Fix it on the Page: Why a Great Script is Crucial for a Successful Film Production"?
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"Fix it on the Page: Why a Great Script is Crucial for a Successful Film Production"

Anyone who has worked with me knows the level of hate and disdain I have for the expression, "FIX IT IN POST!". This sentiment sets a precedent, (Thank you Mitra Ahourian, Entertainment Lawyer for that Two dollar word!), that it's ok to move on from a setup or a scene even if you do not have it, because the Post Production team can rework it to make it work. When that happens the intention of the Director's vision loses all of its integrity. This happens when filmmakers don't prep. I am a big believer in, "FILMS ARE MADE IN PREP!". Alas, before we can put a film into prep we need a script. Not any script. We need a great script that has gone through an extensive period of development.


As a film director, it can be tempting to jump straight into the exciting process of pre-production and start thinking about casting, location scouting, and shot lists. But before any of that can happen, there's one essential step that cannot be skipped: making sure that the screenplay is of the highest quality. Even experienced filmmakers make the mistake of thinking that a mediocre script can be salvaged during the filming process. They believe that they can improvise new dialogue, add or remove scenes, or tweak the story as they go along. However, this is a recipe for disaster. A bad script will only lead to a bad movie, no matter how talented the cast and crew may be.


The truth is, the screenplay is the foundation of any film production. It's the blueprint that guides all other aspects of the process, from casting to cinematography to post-production. If the script is weak, the entire project is at risk of collapsing. There are several reasons why a bad script is a problem. For one, it will lead to a lack of morale on set. I love m cast and crew. I treat my cast and crew like they are doing me the biggest favor in the world because, in my mind, they are. The best way to start off mistreating your cast and crew is by putting them in a shitty situation on set with a shitty script. Cast and crew will quickly realize that they're working on a subpar project, and their enthusiasm will wane. This can lead to a lack of commitment, and the end result will be a lackluster film that nobody is happy with.


Furthermore, a bad script can be expensive to fix during production. Last-minute changes can lead to delays, additional expenses, and a lot of stress for everyone involved. As a Line producer, one of my jobs is to break down and line a literary "screenplay", turning it into a shooting script. This process is extremely time-consuming, tedious, and frankly fucking aggravating. I now refuse to do this process until the lead producer and screenwriter assure me the screenplay is completely locked. I don't even want a dialogue pass after the FDX file of the locked script has been put through the process. I can't tell you how many times I have marked up an FDX file and then sent a new one from the writer. This is one reason you have to make sure the script has been through a thorough development process before you start prep. It's much easier and more cost-effective to ensure that the script is of the highest quality before prep or God forbid, filming begins.


So, what can a director do to ensure that the script is up to par? One of the most important things is to take the time to review and revise the screenplay with the writer and producer (if the director is not the writer) until all the elements of the screenplay are top-notch and the director gets it, knows it inside out. This may mean hiring other writers, don't waste your money on "script doctors or script consultants". Only work with people who write, sell, and develop for a living. Workshop the script to the nth degree. Get feedback from many different sources and help polish the writing to the point everything WORKS WELL ON THE PAGE!


Additionally, it's important, to be honest with yourself about the quality of the script. If there are major flaws or plot holes, it's better to address them before production begins. The world's greatest actors need great text. You have to supply the cast and crew with a blueprint that works like a sewing machine. Then learn the script inside and out. Then put it into prep. Then production.... This process may mean delaying the start of filming or even scrapping the project altogether. While this may be difficult, it's better than investing time and money into a project that is doomed to fail just because you were excited to get on set.


In conclusion, as a film director, it's crucial to remember that a great script is the foundation of a successful film production. Without a strong screenplay, no amount of talent or creativity can make up for it. By taking the time to fix any issues with the script before production begins, you can ensure that your project is on the path to success. Remember: "Fix it on the page, or it will never be fixed on the set."

jan yahu pawul

writer, DJ-discotheque historian at own books (5)

1 年

Hallo, ? OSCAR MOVIE Maybe you interested to do (Oscar potential) movie about disco deejay of ‘Iron Curtain’ - ’70 communist era Poland - deejay persecuted and who risking life to play USA dance music ? ? ?---- (while I’m still alive) - Check this blog about idea, please:? https://yahu-deejay.blogspot.com/ --- write to [email protected] --- all the best ? … JUST HELP TO SPREAD AS WIDE AS POSSIBLE TO DIRECTORS, PRODUCERS, ACTORS, ETC., PLEASE :-)

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