The Professional Pen
THE PROFESSIONAL PEN
  • LOGIN/register
  • HOME
  • WHERE DO I START?
  • LEARN
    • COURSES
    • MASTER CLASSES
    • WORKBOOKS
  • DEVELOPMENT NOTES
  • CONSULTATIONS
  • COMMUNITY
  • PROGRAMS
    • MENTORSHIP
    • SCRIPT COMPETITION
    • EXECUTIVE TRAINING PROGRAM
  • ABOUT

The Blog

HOW TO REWRITE YOUR SCREENPLAY

3/23/2023

0 Comments

 
screenplay rewrite
So you finished the first draft of your screenplay - congrats! This is a great accomplishment, and you should be proud of yourself. But now, the journey continues as you move on to phase two of your writing journey: the rewrite. In this article, we are talking all about the rewrite process and sharing three tips on how to prep for your rewrite.

​HOW TO REWRITE YOUR SCREENPLAY

Starting on the journey of rewriting your screenplay can be a daunting process, especially as a new screenwriter. But as the saying goes, writing is rewriting! If your goal is to be a professional screenwriter, then getting familiar with rewrites is imperative. If working with a producer, studio, or network, they will almost always have notes, and it’s your job to deliver and execute. Knowing your rewrite process and how to approach a rewrite is a much-needed tool in your toolbox. Below are three tips for how you can approach rewriting your screenplay.
WRITER'S BLOCK

​3 TIPS FOR REWRITING YOUR SCREENPLAY

  1. ​Have an open mind. As creatives, and especially screenwriters, we can sometimes get caught up in the simple fact that we completed a project that we do not see the need to make any changes. But sometimes, change can be for the better. Take a week away from your story, then return and reread with an open mind making notes for yourself along the way. Ask yourself: Does my inciting incident occur within the first 15 or so pages? Does my protagonist have a clear goal? Is my protagonist actively seeking the goal? Start to explore the idea of change and ways that you can strengthen your screenplay.
  2. ​Come up with a game plan. If you have no plan, you have no vision. When sitting down to rewrite your screenplay, having a plan and executing that plan is key to having a successful rewrite process. This may mean returning to the outline after you’ve reread your screenplay and found story holes and other areas of development.Start the rewrite work here. Make the necessary changes to the structure of the beats and follow the cause and effect of those changes in your outline before returning to the page. If you want to add a big reveal at the end of Act 2, how can you place breadcrumbs of this moment in Act 1 in the outline?This will help align your current story with the new vision for your screenplay. Reworking your outline is a very important step when tackling your rewrite.
  3. Speak with an expert. Sometimes we are standing in our own way. That’s why it’s important to get an outside opinion. Speaking with an expert can allow you to get out of your own head, come up with a plan, and set you on your way to rewriting your screenplay. An expert can also offer insight on problems and solutions that you might not be seeing in your screenplay. The Professional Pen is here at your service with a multitude of services for any part of your screenwriting journey.

READY TO IMPROVE YOUR SCREENPLAY?

Check out our Development Notes service to get personalized feedback from one of our Story Experts and take your screenplay to the next level!

Happy Writing!

author

Khadija Roane is a Magna Cum Laude graduate from the illustrious Howard University where she received her BFA in Theatre Arts. Khadija then graduated from UCLA's MFA Producers program where she interned in film and television development at MACRO, Vertigo Films, Gamechanger Films, and Pamplona Productions before working as a Scripted TV Assistant at WME. She has placed in the Pittsburgh Shorts Screenwriting Competition and the Atlanta Film Festival, and received the Barbara Boyle Promising Producer Award. Khadija lives in Los Angeles where she is an independent filmmaker and a Story Expert at The Professional Pen.
Picture


Tweet
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    ABOUT
    ​THE PROFESSIONAL PEN

    TPP is a script consultancy that offers mentorship through 1:1 coaching and membership through our BFF writing community to writers seeking a professional career in screenwriting.
    Work with a Coach

    Archives

    December 2024 November 2024 October 2024 January 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023 June 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 2023 January 2023 December 2022 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 April 2020 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 November 2015 October 2015

    Categories

    All Film Reviews Reviews Rewrite Screenplay Elements Script Notes EXPLAINED! TV Reviews Writer Advice

    RSS Feed



    Best Friends Forever
    Join our FREE writing community.
    A safe space to learn and grow in screenwriting.


    No Judgement. No Pressure. Just Writing.
    JOIN NOW

Find it Here

About

  • About Us
  • Testimonials​
  • Project Formats
  • ​Policies + Agreements​
  • Newsletter Sign-Up
SCHEDULE A CALL

LEARN

  • Screenwriting Courses​ 
  • Update Stripe Account
  • Screenwriting Master Classes
  • Screenwriting Workbooks​​​

COACHING

  • Where do I start?
  • Consultations​
  • Development Notes
  • Submit a Revised Draft
  • Submit a Short Film Script
  • Mentorship​
  • Executive Training Program

#FreeGame

  • $1 Screenwriting Community
  • Blog
  • Screenplay Vault​​​​

Business services

  • Development Consulting
  • Script Coverage Services
  • ​College Speaker Series
READ THE BLOG
Become Best Friends with TPP to enjoy exclusive screenwriting benefits
Gain access to:
  • Exclusive monthly office hours
  • Industry guest speakers
  • Scriptwriting workshops​
BECOME A BFF
READ SCREENPLAYS

Contact Us

Copyright © 2022 The Professional Pen
LogIn
  • HOME
  • WHERE DO I START?
  • LEARN
    • COURSES
    • MASTER CLASSES
    • WORKBOOKS
  • DEVELOPMENT NOTES
  • CONSULTATIONS
  • COMMUNITY
  • PROGRAMS
    • MENTORSHIP
    • SCRIPT COMPETITION
    • EXECUTIVE TRAINING PROGRAM
  • ABOUT
Newsletter Signup