Finishing the first draft of your screenplay is a huge accomplishment. After days, months and maybe even years of effort and creativity in bringing your story to life, you have a completed movie or TV pilot script in front of you.
We cannot deny that it’s tempting to submit your first draft to competitions, agents or production companies but (and here’s the hard truth), your script in its current form, is far from ready. First drafts are very rarely the best possible version of the work, and that’s for all screenwriters.
You’ll need to revise and refine to ensure your script is the absolute best it can be. In this blog, we’ll explore why your first draft isn’t quite ready for submission, discuss practical tips for your editing process and how you can seek feedback. Later, we’ll also discuss how to submit your polished script to competitions and festivals, make industry connections and explore alternative avenues for success.
First on our list, let’s dive into just why your first draft isn’t quite ready for submission.
Why your First Draft Isn’t Ready for Submission
The first draft of any screenplay is a crucial starting point and is one that should be celebrated. However, it’s not the final product; there’s always room for improvement.
Not all the points below will apply to every script, but it’s useful to bear them all in mind when considering your own work.
It’s Often Lacking Structure
It’s common for writers to rush through certain scenes or skip over key beats to reach the part of the story that we’re excited to write. While this can be part of the creative process, scripts can likely lack the well-organized structure needed to keep readers engaged all the way through.
Our scripts need a clear beginning, middle and end, with a defined inciting incident, rising action, climax, and resolution. Without these key plot points, our scripts may feel lost or confused.
Refinement of Dialogue and Character Development
Dialogue in a first draft can often be clunky or unnatural as we’re still developing our characters’ individual voices. Their dialogue may not serve the story in the most efficient way, or conversations may not advance the plot how we’d ideally like them to.
The most important thing to look out for in our dialogue is exposition dumping. Dialogue should feel authentic and showcase the depth of character, rather than give everything away.
If we revise the dialogue and character depth, we can help our stories feel more real and engaging.
A Lack of Polished Transitions
Effective transitions set the pace and help guide our readers through our scripts to create a seamless flow from one moment to the next. However, sometimes these transitions can seem abrupt in a first draft, which can throw the pacing off.
By ensuring that the story either doesn’t drag or jump erratically, we can improve the pacing ten-fold!
There Are Likely Plot Holes
While most of us are experts at calling out plot holes in existing movies and TV shows, we may not always notice them as first glance in our own work, including in the first draft.
First drafts often have logic gaps or confusing story continuity. For example, our characters may act inconsistently in terms of their motivations, or we could begin a subplot that doesn’t end up being resolved at the end.
The revision stage is a great time to go through your script with a fine-tooth comb and identify and solve any plot holes or inconsistencies.
Editing your script? Use Celtx’s tools to refine every scene and perfect your story.
The Tone needs to be Polished
The tone of our scripts guides the feelings of the audience, providing the emotional atmosphere. First drafts can have inconsistencies in their tone. For example, what begins as a comedy could veer unexpectedly towards dark drama, or vice versa.
By ensuring our tone is consistent and supports the theme of our stories, we can set the audience on the right path in how they should be feeling while watching our movie or TV show.
Formatting Errors
Formatting is one of those conventions that can infuriate us, but is essential to show our professionalism as writers and that we know what we’re doing. Correct formatting ensures that our work is industry-standard.In the heat of writing our first drafts, it’s easy to overlook spacing, and how action is laid out versus dialogue. While it’s our first instinct to focus on content, we must also pay attention to the technical details of formatting, from the title page to the final line.
Tips for Editing Your Script
We know, it’s all well and good discussing why our first drafts aren’t ready for submission, but what we really want to know is how to revise and refine. Here are our top tips to do just that!
Step Back and Take a Break
Once you’ve finished your first draft… do nothing! Yes, that’s right, absolutely nothing. Don’t jump straight into revisions and give yourself a few days or even weeks away from your script. This distance allows you to return with fresh eyes and a clearer perspective on what works in your script and what doesn’t.
Read Your Script Aloud
When you do go back and read your script for the first time, read it out loud to help you identify awkward dialogue, unclear phrasing and other inconsistencies.
If you find something feels off when you read your script aloud, it’s likely to stand out to a reader as well.
Focus on Big Picture Changes First
It can be overwhelming if you find many things you wish to change about your screenplay. But before you get bogged down in the details, focus on the bigger picture issues first like the overall structure.
Do any scenes drag on too long? Is the pacing off? Are there any plot points that need to be developed further or even cut entirely? Once you’ve solidified the bigger picture of your story, you can zoom in on the smaller edits.
Trim the Fat
We’re all guilty of writing way too much and overexplaining certain scenes or dialogue that don’t move the plot forward.
Make sure to review every scene and line of dialogue and ask yourself whether it’s essential to the story. If it’s not, cut it.
Also, don’t be afraid of white space in your scripts – the leaner it is, the better!
Clarify Your Themes
Ensure your script’s overarching theme is communicated all the way through. Does each scene and character choice reflect the theme you’re trying to evoke?
As you revise your screenplay, make sure your themes are clear and help give your script depth.
Seek Professional Help
If you’re struggling with where to start with your revisions or need an objective perspective, consider working with a professional script consultant who can help you find any weaknesses and suggest character or plot improvements. They can also provide general feedback on how you can elevate your script to the next level.
Seeking professional help like this often requires a small investment, but it could mean the difference between a good script and a great one.
Getting Feedback: How to Improve Your Script
Receiving feedback is an essential part of your revision process. There’s not just one way to acquire feedback and there are many different avenues you can go down.
Peer Reviews
In our opinion, our fellow writers are one of the best resources for receiving feedback on our work. Peer reviews offer insights from those who understand the writing process and have been through the same experiences as you.
Be sure to also offer to give feedback to others’ work too, as giving your own critique can help you develop a more discerning eye for your own scripts.
Join a Writers’ Group
If you thrive off peer feedback, then writers’ groups could be a wonderful place for you! With the advancement of technology and the use of video messaging platforms, many of these groups can now be found online as well as in person.
Celtx Recommends: AbsoluteWrite Forums
Writers’ groups mean regularly to review each other’s work, offering varied perspectives and understanding. Another great benefit to writers’ groups is the ready-made network for you to tap into. Networking is a key skill you should have as a writer, and a writers’ group is a fantastic way to start or continue to hone your networking prowess.
Utilize Online Platforms
If you’d prefer to send your script online for feedback from other writers and industry professionals, then sites like Script Reader Pro or The Black List could just be what you need.
Each of these offer script evaluation services, which give writers valuable feedback into what works and what doesn’t in their work.
Here’s an informative video from Film Courage all about The Black List and all you need to know:
Submitting to Competitions and Festivals
Another one of the most popular ways to get your script in front of the right people is through sending to script competitions, festivals and fellowships.
Several of these are highly regarded in the industry and attract thousands of writers every single year. Here are some of our favorites:
The Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting is a prestigious competition run by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, offering financial support and industry exposure to their winners.
The Austin Film Festival Screenplay Competition is extremely well known for helping emerging writers get noticed, with industry connections and networking opportunities.
The Script Pipeline Screenwriting Contest offers winners the opportunity to meet with Hollywood professionals.
Finally, the highly competitive Sundance Screenwriters Lab provides writers with mentorship and development opportunities.
The list doesn’t end there! Check out our list of competitions you should definitely consider entering here.
Winning or even being a finalist in these competitions can open doors to agents, managers, and producers. As rewarding winning these contests is, it’s not just about the prizes but more so getting your script in front of the right people as well as receiving valuable feedback.
Many contests will provide detailed notes, and even your script being selected can be fantastic validation for you and your writing, bolstering your motivation.
Competitions and festivals can also offer valuable feedback, even if you don’t win. Some competitions provide detailed notes, and simply being selected for a contest can serve as validation for your script, motivating you to keep going.
Connection, Connection, Connection
While submitting to competitions and festivals is a terrific way to gain exposure, making direct connections with industry professionals can take your script to the next level. Remember, it’s not just about your scripts, but your career as a writer.
If you’re looking to be selected for a writers’ room or eventually sell your work, even if it’s your first or tenth script, finding those you connect with and enjoy your company can make the world of difference.
Finding an Agent or Manager
Many writers strive to get an agent to help them navigate the industry, pitch scripts to production companies and negotiate deals.
To find the right agent, you’ll need to network. Attending industry events, festivals and workshops can set you off on the right track, or you can contact them directly. Here is where it’s extremely important for you to have a polished script first before you submit it to an agent.
We also wanted to note that it’s not paramount that you have an agent to succeed in the industry. Plenty of writers have forged successful careers without one, so don’t feel as though you absolutely must have one!
Networking with Producers
There’s our favorite word again – networking! Producers are always on the lookout for new and compelling scripts and can often be found at film markets, industry events and even writers’ workshops. It’s these personal connections whom you can pitch your script to that can make all the difference.
Cold Submissions
Probably the most challenging of the options open to us as writers, cold submissions can still be a route into the industry. Each agent or production company will have their own individual submission guidelines, so make sure to read these carefully before submitting.
As always, your script should also be formatted to industry standard and be polished.
Your script is just the beginning.
Start shaping its future with Celtx today.
Alternative Avenues
If you have a TV or web series scripts instead of a feature or short film, there are alternative directions you can take.
Some production companies do specialize in TV or digital content and are crying out for unique stories in those formats. Research those production companies in your area and hit them with your well-crafted pitch!
Pitches are pivotal no matter which route you choose but are also great if you decide to crowdfund to make your script a reality yourself. Many writers go on to make their movies and series with the help of a fanbase which they foster through social media and an online presence. Sites like Kickstarter or Indiegogo have seen countless projects through from beginning to end through supporters of indie filmmakers.
Before you approach anyone, create a strong proof of concept. This usually comes in the form of a short video that shows the tone, style, and potential of your series.
Back to the wonderful people of Film Courage who discuss why a proof of concept is essential when developing larger projects:
Using Celtx for the Next Steps
You know it! Celtx is here to help you at every stage of your script journey! We offer first class collaborative script editing tools, making it easy for you to make and track revisions. Working in a writing team? No problem, as Celtx allows you and your peers to work on a script in real time.
Once you have your killer screenplay and want to kickstart production, our budgeting, scheduling and planning features are here to organize your project.
But the best part is that everything is in one place, with everything you need for your project ready to go and accessible from anywhere in the world.
Conclusion
While completing your first draft is a significant achievement, remember that it’s only the beginning. Through thoughtful revisions, feedback, and a little faith, you can transform your script into something truly exceptional. Keep refining and stay committed – your best version is yet to come.
If you want to find out more about selling your screenplay, check out our dedicated article right here!
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