The Perception Gap

You finish your script and you are en fuego – convinced that the script is going to change the landscape of film forever. The premise is extraordinarily unique, the characters rock and the dialogue is, well – you’re working on your Oscar speech, suffice it to say.

That fired up, passionate feeling is wonderful. And you need to really hang on to it, for that is the fuel that we writers need to keep going sometimes. That and high-octane coffee. But some writers, usually newer ones, run hard up against a terrible truth: No, their script really isn’t that great. And boy does it suck the wind right out of them. More experienced writers are often very neurotic. They are unsure their script is any good at all. In fact, it must suck. Through bitter and painful experience, they have learned not to overestimate their work because they have been struck down too many times by idiotic agents, self-indulgent actors or pure bum luck. Don’t count your eggs until they’re hatched. I don’t think this is a healthy space to be in either.

People often say – and I am one of them – that the horrible quality of scripts that flow into production offices is staggering. And it is. But that is not your competition. How can you get anywhere as a writer if you say – well, my script is not as horrible as most horrible scripts? That is no measure. Do not fall into the trap of comparing your script, career or talent against anyone else’s. Neither be too cocksure that the script is the next APOCALYPSE NOW nor be so neurotic that your incredible script lies fallow because you are sure it just can’t be that good.

Take a realistic view. Yes, there are tons of really bad scripts. Abysmal, even. But for every fifty really bad scripts gathering dust in an office somewhere, there is a really terrific writer nipping at their heels. A talented writer who has worked and studied hard. A writer who has invested time and energy into the craft. They might be from Nebraska, they might be from LA. But they are here, they are sending their scripts in and they are going to kick butt and take names.

Readers like to complain and joke quite a lot about the quality of scripts that we read. I’m guilty of it too. It’s much less sensational, however, to talk about the few really great ones we read. Not A-list great, but all hyperbole aside, promising as all get out. You haven’t heard these writers names, but they are out there, they are winning competitions, and they are the next generation. That is your competition.

Aspire to be part of the next generation. Be realistic. Maybe your script is totally terrific. Have you done your due diligence? Taken classes, read books, gotten feedback? Well then maybe you are right. Just don’t get too cocky; you surely aren’t the only one. Take the middle road. Respect your competition but also believe in yourself. I know I’ve said this before but it bears repeating: it generally takes having written several scripts before you write a truly competitive piece of material.

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