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Lesson 5 Feedback
This week is dedicated to exchanging feedback on your script.
PURPOSE: To see what works well and to check to see if there are any problems you missed.
DO THE FEEDBACK IN ROUNDS
Use the assignment instructions below to find a partner and exchange feedback. Do this with ONE PARTNER AT A TIME.
OBJECTIVE: With each exchange, your purpose is to discover any problems and improve your script. Focus all of your attention on that outcome and you’ll end up with a great script!
Partner up on the forums. Send each other a Private Message and exchange email addresses. Send each other your script in a .pdf. Number the scenes. Give each other feedback. Rewrite your script with the changes you like. Return to #1 if you want to exchange with a new partner.
IMPORTANT: Please DON’T try to get feedback from multiple people at the same time. That causes people to become confused and shut down.
WHEN YOU GIVE FEEDBACK
Please be encouraging. Remember that the writer you are giving feedback to will be part of your community for years, so be kind.
OBJECTIVE: Give the other writer feedback on their script based upon the criteria below AND notice how they used the Problem-Solving Model. Doing that second part will elevate your understanding so you master these skills.
We are looking for two things:
Where have they done a good or great job? Where are there still problems (from the categories below only)?
A. 4-Act Structure
Do any of these structure problems exist? (Lesson 1)
The script doesn’t match the pitch. Missed the outline in some places.Weak Conflict. Do my Acts Work? Need Stronger Turning Points. Weak Transformational Journey. Need Stronger Opening. Need Stronger Inciting Incident. Need Stronger Midpoint. Need Stronger Ending.B.
Characters / Actor Attractors
Do any of these character problems exist? (Lesson 2)
A. Generic Lead Characters. B. Weak protagonist or antagonist.C. Protagonist Too Good or Antagonist Too Bad.D. Weak character intros.E. Characters not in action.F. Protagonist journey not strong. G. All the characters seem the same. H. Lead characters not present.
C. Engaging Scenes
Do any of these scene problems exist? (Lesson 4)
Basic scene design. Situations don’t challenge characters. Uninteresting scenes.Scenes that don’t advance the story. The scene accomplishes only one purpose. Exposition-filled scenes. When do I reveal what? Cliché scenes and action.
Make sure you point out what works. If you see something that doesn’t work, provide useful ideas for improvement.
In short, validate what works and point to what can be improved.
Remember that this is Draft 2, so it is not supposed to include great dialogue but to give us an experience of the story and characters. If something was confusing, let the writer know the exact place it confused you. Tell them the scene number and the specific thing that confused you. If you have a suggestion for how to improve it, let them know.
WHEN YOU RECEIVE FEEDBACK
Getting feedback gives you one person’s experience of reading your script. The purpose is to find a way to improve your writing and your script.
No matter what they say, do not allow yourself to shut down. Keep yourself empowered. You are in charge of your internal experience.
You are the decision maker on your script.
1. Read their feedback and divide it into three categories
A. Totally agree. B.Maybe C. Disagree
2. Move all the “Totally agree” improvement ideas in an email and number them.
3. At the bottom of that email, list each “maybe” to be considered later.
4. Let go of the “Disagree” comments.
5. Make the “Totally agree” changes.
6. Send the improved script to the next feedback partner.
In general, use what will improve your screenplay and disregard everything else. Then move forward.
ASSIGNMENT
Exchange feedback with at least one other writer, then rewrite your script to improve it.
1. Post your request to exchange feedback in the Module 6 forums under Lesson 5 and/or respond to another writer who has posted their request.
2. When you’ve agreed to exchange on the forums, send each other a Private Message by clicking on their usernames, and then clicking “Message.”
3. Exchange email addresses and send each other a .pdf of your script through email. Make sure it includes the following info at the top of the .pdf.
Title: Written By: Email address: Genre: Concept: Script:
4. Give the other person feedback within 72 hours following our guidelines above.
5. Once you receive feedback, do a rewrite using whatever ideas you like.
Subject line: (Your name’s) Script Exchange 1 (in the first line).
When you’ve completed the first one, use Script Exchange 2, etc…
Deadline: One week for all exchanges!
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Have a great time exchanging feedback and improving your script.
Hal
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1 Reply
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Margaret’s Script Exchange 1
Hello! I am ready to exchange scripts. I have a faith-based Fantasy/Drama.
Please let me know if you are willing to exchange!
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