rewrite

[aceinc1]

Hi all,

I need some help with rewrite.

If you say, I need to focus on dialogue, my problem is I’m a English second language guy so I’m pretty much helpless.

If you say my script needs focus. I understand that I have established a plot and then put the lead in situation that dilutes the established plot.

For one of my scripts a dev. exec suggested the changes in the story. I tried to do it but was blocked completely because I feared of plotholes that might be created in the process of making the changes she wanted.

Any help is appreciated,
Thanks in advance,
Ace.Inc1

[icerose]

I'm curious as to what you're after. If you're asking people to tell you what and how to rewrite you've already gotten that.

With you saying "Don't tell me to improve my dialog or characters because I can't do that." Well you're basically saying "Don't tell me to rewrite and make this any good because I can't do that."

Either you're a writer or you're not. If you're a writer then you have to be willing and able to learn and improve otherwise get out now and make something of your life while you're young.

[padnar]

For my part I am always willing to learn. I know that I am not like a native writer and I also in my defense say that my English is not so poor that anybody will find it too difficult to help me. I am waiting for a kindred soul to help me with my dialogues.
padma

[aceinc1]

I'm curious as to what you're after. If you're asking people to tell you what and how to rewrite you've already gotten that.

With you saying "Don't tell me to improve my dialog or characters because I can't do that." Well you're basically saying "Don't tell me to rewrite and make this any good because I can't do that."

Either you're a writer or you're not. If you're a writer then you have to be willing and able to learn and improve otherwise get out now and make something of your life while you're young.

the dev.exec doesn't have any problem with my dialog. she told me it was much better that she expected.

she told me to make changes to the story, I jumped at it. now I'm finding that the changes would create plotholes in the script. I am having fears that I might end up ruining what I have. all she wants me is to make to add and remove a few things in ACT 1 but there are connections in ACT 2 and 3 linked to those scenes so this would create plotholes and this is bothering me so much that I can't focus.

there is this saying in Bollywood, agar kuch acha hai to waise he rehene do, sholay ka shaan muth banao. if something is good leave it, don't try to make it better you'll end up losing what you got. I don't want this to come true. I want to make it good enough for a sale.

regards,
Ace.Inc1

[icerose]

There are many ways to learn how to write dialog. Most involve teaching yourself.

I can't recommend this enough, read lots of scripts. Find ones with diverse dialog. Blade, Gone Baby Gone, Taxi, and so on. Get really diverse in your script reading.

Copy down the dialog word for word. Then write it how you normally would and see the difference. Really study it. Just quickly paging through a script won't get you much of anything. Take weeks to study each one.

Take those pre-existing characters after you have studied the dialog and write dialog for them that's true to their voice.

Practice, practice, practice.

Once you can mimic other's dialog that's already established you'll be far more equipped to write your own.

If you're not willing to do the above exercises and really put in months of effort to learn, then there's nothing anyone can teach you about dialog.

[icerose]

the dev.exec doesn't have any problem with my dialog. she told me it was much better that she expected.

she told me to make changes to the story, I jumped at it. now I'm finding that the changes would create plotholes in the script. I am having fears that I might end up ruining what I have. all she wants me is to make to add and remove a few things in ACT 1 but there are connections in ACT 2 and 3 linked to those scenes so this would create plotholes and this is bothering me so much that I can't focus.

there is this saying in Bollywood, agar kuch acha hai to waise he rehene do, sholay ka shaan muth banao. if something is good leave it, don't try to make it better you'll end up losing what you got. I don't want this to come true. I want to make it good enough for a sale.

regards,
Ace.Inc1

Then you need to weave the changes into your story even if it involves making changes through out the script. Plot holes are your problem for you to make sure they don't happen.

Person doesn't want your main character to be a surfer, then you change everything that corrosponds to them being a surfer.

[padnar]

Ok Icerose I get the point . I am reading as many scripts as I can and I will try to read the scripts you suggested and thanks
padma

[icerose]

Ok Icerose I get the point . I am reading as many scripts as I can and I will try to read the scripts you suggested and thanks
padma

My point is to learn you have to go beyond reading. I made that mistake myself when I was starting. You won't get much just by reading them if you're just reading them other than getting the basics of how they're written. It's when you break down the elements and really focus your efforts on learning the specifics that you start to make breakthroughs.

Good luck. :)

[mario_c]

there is this saying in Bollywood, agar kuch acha hai to waise he rehene do, sholay ka shaan muth banao. if something is good leave it, don't try to make it better you'll end up losing what you got.

Neat. A phrase more commonly associated with Thomas Edison in English, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." :)

[icerose]

And I prefer to strive for the best. Better to strive for the best than settle for mediocrity.