How to Take a Note on your script AS A NEW SCREENWRITER

Just got back your first set of notes on your screenplay and are wondering what it all means? In this article, we cover how to take a note and what it can mean for your rewrite process. ​

WHO IS THE NOTE COMING FROM?

Let’s preface this read with the fact that not all notes are created equal. How you respond to a note may differ based on who’s giving the note. For example, how you respond to a note from a family member or friend may be different from how you respond to a note from an executive. 

Here at The Professional Pen, our Story Experts go through a strenuous training program to ensure that their notes are not only easy to understand but effective when it comes to strengthening your screenplay. 

When receiving any feedback on your screenplay, consider who the note is coming from and what they are really trying to say. Below are three simple tips for taking notes so that you can be most prepared for your rewrite.

3 TIPS ON HOW TO TAKE A NOTE ​

1. Don’t be on the defense. Now, we all know our projects are like our babies, and sometimes we can get in our feelings about the smallest critique. Don’t. Doing this can be a complete disservice to your screenplay. Instead, take in the information. Don’t think you have to justify every choice in your screenplay because it was critiqued.
2. Consider how the note serves the story.  Before you completely shoot down a note, consider how the note serves the story. Does the note strengthen the screenplay’s overall structure? Does the note help to develop or enhance your protagonist’s goals? These are aspects to consider when vetting if a note serves the story or not.  If the note aids in the betterment of the overall story, consider reflecting on it and making the appropriate adjustment. Not every note will resonate with you as the screenwriter, but that doesn’t mean that the root of the suggestion could not enhance your screenplay.
3. ​​Ask questions if you need more clarity. When working with a network or studio, it’s especially important that you are clear on the note before going into the rewrite to save both you and the studio a major headache. If you are unclear about a note, there is no harm in asking clarifying questions. Being clear on the note will create an action plan for the rewrite so that you can feel confident when sitting down to write your next draft.
   

LOOKING TO GET NOTES ON YOUR NEXT SCREENPLAY?

Sending your screenplay off for notes can be a scary feeling. But as we all know, writing is rewriting, so getting used to sending your work off for notes will help you in the long run on your journey as a professional screenwriter. Looking to get notes on your script? Our trained Story Experts are prepared to give you actionable and effective notes to take your screenplay from good to great. Learn more about our development notes service here.

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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.