Comments on: The Seeds For Screenwriter’s Success

By: Timothy McCarthy

Timothy McCarthy — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 20:51:16 +0000

Very encouraging, Melody. I do believe it is my birthright. One of the
issues that continues to astound me is why did someone else not
write an action-adventure recovery film 50 years ago? Yet I continue
to be the pioneer-just as I pioneered the National Drug Court Institute
vision back in 1989.

By: Melody Jackson

Melody Jackson — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 00:13:46 +0000

In reply to OC Custer. Yes, very true, O.C. In this week's newsletter, I write about how in contests (and also in production company feedback), you have to keep in mind that you don't really know the person covering your script or certainly where they are coming from. It's one of the artist's greatest quandaries, how to create meaningful works to make an impact but yet not being stopped by the criticism of the very people whose eyes you would like to open.... being a change-maker is tough business.

By: OC Custer

OC Custer — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 13:17:26 +0000

When examining and writing about current events, one can’t help but wonder if criticism is meant constructively, or is just the product of mind controlling political correctness. If the latter is operating, one can pity those succumbing to and exercising such thought manipulation, while at the same time steeling oneself against also falling prey to it.

By: Edwin

Edwin — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 00:01:38 +0000

My classic example of alternative fact negative style criticism was writing a screenplay about Jonah, and being faulted for not making this runaway prophet into a strong protagonist when, for anyone who has actually read the Book of Jonah, he is the antagonist who attempts to avoid doing what his God wants him to do.

By: Shedpal

Shedpal — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 02:04:35 +0000

Children, rejection is part of the territory. You have to grow a tough skin. This is true of all writers – novelists, playwrights, journalists, and screenwriters. If that is too much to cope with, go do something else.

By: admin

admin — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 01:23:22 +0000

In reply to Patrick Gamble.

I totally agree, Patrick. It’s unclear whether your review came from a paid analyst or a production company reader. I have a bit to say if it was a paid analyst, but if it was a reader…. there’s not a whole lot that can be done about it.

Whichever it was, it can be very tough to take. And I have a lot of respect for you writers who put your work out there…. and bare your soul like you do.

If it was an analyst who was really harsh, they are either inexperienced or simply not very good at their job. It would be like a school teacher completely criticizing a student because they don’t already know what they’re teaching them. Screenwriters get their script reviewed because they have a sense that their script needs work. It’s very important for the reviewer to respect their efforts. Sometimes an inexperienced analyst will try to show off how much they know by telling you everything that they think is wrong.

A good analyst will guide you in what you need to do next for your level of writing. I’ve worked with writers at all different levels, including ones who sent me work that only slightly resembled a script. Sometimes a writer needs guidance from the very beginning of making their work even read like a screenplay….. while others are at advanced levels and are ready for guidance on such things as deepening the theme, tweaking dialogue, and developing their writing style.

The point is… wherever you are in your writing, you deserve to be supported in your efforts when you go to an analyst. On the other hand, if it was feedback from a production company reader, hopefully it will give you some practice at trying to take what they say in stride. This business is tough. I always wonder how celebrities and movie stars can take so much criticism… much of which isn’t even true.

Anyway… thanks for sharing, though! None of us like that negative feedback…. but we all get it! A great reminder that you/we are not alone in it!

Good luck.

Melody