If you are a writer who wants a career in Hollywood then you are going to have to learn to take notes. So grab a pen and some paper. I’m not talking about jotting down notes from your hippie biology teacher anymore. I’m talking about notes on the screenplay that you have lost sleep over, procrastinated on, spend hours editing, cried over and mostly written from the bottom of your heart.
As a current student of screenwriting in the UCLA Professional Program I have garnered a few insights from professors, industry executives, working writers as well as my classmates on the importance of taking notes on your writing. We all know that champions are made not born (even writing champions).
Rule 1. Write Something Great
First and foremost your job as a writer is to write something inspired, wonderful, imaginative, unique and engaging. This should be easy because we are all brilliant, creative artists. But it is something that takes time. Don’t be too eager to show your work to someone in its beginning stages. Take the time, put in the work and create! This is your time to write without restraint. So write and rewrite until you have something worthy of showing to others.
Rule 2. Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses
When you’re first starting out in writing it’s difficult to know exactly your strengths and weaknesses. Now is when it’s good to have trusted readers who can give you feedback. These are people that you respect and who know you, maybe someone in your family or circle of friends. They can convey your strengths as a writer. Maybe you write very clear prose. Maybe you have very imaginative settings. They also might be able to hint at areas that need improvement. Just like a coach, sometimes a note can point to something that needs work, and after a rewrite will become stronger. It’s important to work on things you don’t do as well. For example, I hate writing prose. So in re-writing I focus a lot on character descriptions or adding colorful yet concise scene descriptions. Got to work those weaker muscles to get them stronger!
Rule 3. Be a Good Teammate
So you’ve written something great, learned about your strengths and weaknesses and let’s say now you have the opportunity to show your script to a producer! How exciting! Producers and directors are looking for writers who are good collaborators. Making movies is a team effort. No one can do it alone. Even actress/writer/director/producer Lena Dunham works with co-showrunner Jennifer Konner. Directors and producers want to work with writers who can execute notes. Working writers take those frustrating, good-for-nothing notes and use them to make a script better. This is where a lot of us young writers get defensive about our work. “You can’t cut this character! She’s fundamental to the story.” Okay, so maybe it’s a bad note. But if you can make a person feel like they are going to have their concerns addressed and deliver a stronger script than everyone is happy. If you are fussy and defensive and can’t deliver the goods then word gets around. A new writer doesn’t want to have a reputation as someone who doesn’t work well with others. It’s hard enough to get any script made into a movie. Be a good teammate!
Rule 4. Practice Makes Perfect
Taking notes on your work can be difficult. Remember that everyone just wants to help you perform at the top of your game. With that in mind it’s easier to use those notes to create the best script possible. If you want to be the best you have to practice. So when someone gives you a lousy note you can say, “That’s interesting. I’ll have to think about that. Thanks.” Playing with even bad ideas is practice for you as a writer and maybe it could lead you to your next breakthrough. And then you can throw your arms up in triumph from the top. You’re the champ!