Can collaborations prove beneficial?

Let’s discuss the topic of writing duos. Some people like to work alone while some love collaborations. There are certain pros and cons of both. Collaborating with people can be risky but could prove to be fruitful in many ways. When thinking about the advantages of partnering up with other writers, the first major benefit would be finding great ideas. Best ideas won’t come from just a single mind. If a writer pursues a truthful or inspiring he needs to work with various creative people. To pursue the best story, a writer needs to leave his ego behind. Collaborations can have 3 or 4 or even a dozen individuals working on a single script outline. All of them give their feedback to which the writer should respond positively. With a large team, a single script can have an improved creative outlook.

In terms of script mechanics, all professionals see things in a similar way. Only the implementation of their creative ideas vary. So, valuing people with a different perspective is necessary. Sometimes an idea that comes the writer’s way may not be the best one but could enlighten him. Difference of opinion is always good and solving story problems with this technique is very effective. In screenwriting classes, creating a writer’s room experience involves surrounding oneself with multiple people. Only then can a script expedite in terms of quantity and quality. A collaborative environment allows writers to produce better material in a shorter time.

Having a leader and common interests

Being a creative process, the search situation differs from each other. Some individuals believe in having leaders and a hierarchy. For them having an authoritative person is mandatory. As it would be the only way to avoid future fights with each other. Even small fights can disrupt the peace and destroy collaborations almost immediately. So, always collaborate under a leader and most importantly with people who have a common interest. For example, writers won’t collaborate if their basic motivations differ from one another. A writer wanting to create a studio film won’t join hands with a person interested in Indie art dramas. These are two conflicting ideas with no common ground. Two different philosophies can’t create something unique catering to both genres.

Seasoned writers find it easy to collaborate. They have writing teams and numerous connections which make things simpler. However, for newbies, finding those right people can be time taking. Since every situation is different so there are not any set rules. Some might need leaders and authoritative figures. While some do just fine without them. The same kind of rules doesn’t apply to every screenplay structure. Some need more outlining while some use different creative tools to draw inspiration. It’s an instinctual process that is dynamic and has no definite form. Just go with the flow and produce something fruitful. Remember remaining on the same page is the most crucial thing.

How do writer duos or multiple voices create balance?

The script needs to be cohesive. Creating harmony with multiple writers can be time taking. If things don’t stick together or seem to be jumbled up, the whole project fails. To make sure that the entire content is connected, writers can do the three-step rewrite process. First, give all the notes to another writer, let them do the rewrite. Get that script back and do a rewrite yourself. Finally, again pass the story to the second writer for another rewrite. By this continuous back and forth passing, the story is rewritten multiple times until it becomes coherent. In the end, the main writer could polish the script so that his ideas are embedded within the project.

Some writers even read everything line by line with fellow writers by their side. That way both parties ensure that everything is well communicated. However, the writer who is leading the team will have the final say. Even if it’s a duo, it not necessary that both writers are attached to the hip. In some situations, people think in the same way or are connected on a mental level. Such teams won’t find difficulty reaching a conclusion acceptable to all.

At the end of the day what matters is that the script should be cohesive. It shouldn’t have jumbled up facts. Whether it requires one voice or multiple opinions doesn’t matter. As long as the goal is reached, everything else is sidelined.

Visit our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/screenplayawardsnetwork/

Or YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/ScreenplayAwards