We have two approaches:
Tag: script submission
A “polite” pass is quite contrary to substantive notes. When they are polite, they don’t want to see you again. If they really liked you and your project they’d be cruel. Or something close to it. So how do you know they never want to see you again?
- It’s too close to what we are already committed to.
- We can’t wait to see what you do/have next!
- We’d be interested if you beef up the comedy/action/horror/penis jokes.
- Our slate is too full to pay it the attention it deserves.
- We have very defined focus these days.
- It doesn’t fit our model.
- We love it, but
1) Cut at least another 10% of the script. Even when you think you are finished, there’s always another 10% that can come out.
2) Clarify what you feel the themes are and how they evolve during the course of the narrative.
3) Figure out some of the ways that the story can be expanded onto other platforms.
4) Know what the historical precedents are for your story and how you differ from them in how you have chosen to tell it.
5) Review the script from each characters’ point of view and make sure that their dialogue and actions remain emotionally true for each of them in their different situations.
6) Recognize what some of the mysteries contained within both the characters and story are that you are committed to protecting — as not everything should be explained.
7) Understand why you are truly prepared to tell this story at this time – or not.
8) Make the world that the characters inhabit truly authentic; don’t just give them jobs or apartments or hip music to listen to.
9) Make it somehow provocative, intriguing, audacious, or thought provoking — something that will make it stand out.
10) Make sure it is more than just a good story told well. Be truly ambitious. Take us somewhere new, or take us there in a new way.