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• Bill Martell celebrates 50 years of NORTH BY NORTH WEST
• Take some time out at film school with Mystery Man
• Download American Beauty and Chinatown screenplays.
• How to make a Charlie Kaufman movie (if you really wanted)
• A movie is ultimately made in the edit. Why not write for the edit
• How to sell? Here’s the answer. Or rather: 101 answers.
• Pitch to yourself! After all, you are your worst critic.
• Did you ever stop to think the villian thinks he’s the good guy?
• Dropping product names, okay?
• Your first draft always sucks. Finish what you started.
• Where Fantastic 4 Rise of the Silver Surfer went wrong, so wrong
• Pixar writer/director Pete Docter: “A completely messy hodgepodge”
• How to write for editors: the last rewriters of the show.

With thanks to Sol.

Enjoy!

Karel

Noun: A compound used to fill cracks in plaster and produce a smooth surface.

What is ‘mental spackle’?
Merrel Davis explains how to ensure you fill all the gaps in your script.

Mental Spackle is a term I’ve coined to describe what the mind of a writer does when revising. As you go through each change, shift scenes, consolidate characters, details inevitably fall through the cracks.

With each minor adjustment, with each new scene, even the most dedicated and observant writers will miss minutiae that could ultimately cause their excellent, thoughtful script to be a pass.

While a story may exist fully in the writer’s mind, it almost never exists entirely on the page – certainly not in the first couple of revisions. It is very easy for a writer to gloss over holes or problems in story as they revise because as the old saying goes “you can’t see the forest for the trees.” Writers can unwittingly become blind nature walkers and every additional revision seems to solidify a layer of spackle somewhere.

Am I Spackling?

It is so easy to get lost “too inside your own head” during the writing process and forget there is a difference between subtext and nothing there at all. You won’t know you are spackling until after you have put away the putty knife.

As you write, you’ll gain a sense of depth and breadth of your character. After all, you are living with them every revision. But is it on the page? If you write like I do, then you have likely created detailed backgrounds for all your characters. 98% of this detail will never make it into the script outright.

If when you receive notes and you find yourself explaining how your protagonist needed that chocolate ice cream as a child in order to set up his current job loss as a engineering contractor at the end of Act Two, but the ice cream scene isn’t in there, nor mentioned, it is likely you are Spackling.

An example from one of my scripts: My protagonist must make a pointed decision at the age of eight, one which will forever change the direction of his life. In the first two revisions this decision took place off screen. I knew the decisions, based on the backstory I had developed so, in retrospect, I believed that the different lives he would lead as a result of those decisions would contrast enough. It didn’t.

In the next revision, the decision took place on screen, but it still didn’t pronounce in a truly effective manner. Even though I knew what was going on, there was a disconnect between what I knew in my head about the character and what was actually on the page. Mental Spackle struck at the most important incident of the first act! It happens to the best of us, but if you follow a few simple steps, this won’t happen to you.

How do I combat Mental Spackle?

As you are the closest person to your own work, it will always be hard to ferret out things that may seem obvious to others. That’s why it’s always important to have a group of readers whom you trust.

I have a friend that is excellent with grammar and typos. I have another who can critically deconstruct even the most challenging plot arcs with ease. I have actor friends who help me make dialogue more authentic.

Don’t fly solo.

Discuss your work with your trusted peers. The simplest of spackle jobs can be addressed with a read through by someone other than you. Send it out for a round of informal notes. This will catch the top level stuff; grammar, wording, formatting and spelling problems.

Have professional coverage written on your script.

Getting coverage on your script can really help you make your story a concise, precise and marketable piece of work. A good analyst will deconstruct your story, find your mistakes and missteps and tell you what may be holding your script back. It is through this analysis that you’ll know what works, if your highs are where they belong, and if your characters’ arcs read correctly.

Organize a table read with real actors.

There is nothing more helpful than hearing the words you’ve written coming form the mouths of actors. A table read is not for performance sake, it is to hear your dialogue and action text spoken aloud. Does it seem natural? Does it make sense? Does the pacing work?

I personally like to have the actors read the script cold. If my characters and their voices are strong, the actors will be able to find their groove easily and spot embarrassing mistakes.

Revise, Revise, Revise!

Each pass through of your script you’ll find something new to adjust, sweeten and tweak. I know writing is an eager process and instant gratification is the solution for excited writers. And while it may feel like it’s done at the end of revision two or three, it probably isn’t.

Space out your revisions. Editing back to back will increase the likelihood that you will accidentally spackle right over major problems because you’re too close to your project to notice.

Workshop your script.

Workshops provide an immediate, collaborative environment to vet your work. If you are able to get into a workshop with a strong workshop leader and committed participants you’ll find it a worthwhile endeavor. Plus, you never know what comment will spark that “Eureka!” moment that will help you fix your script.

Most importantly, Step away for a bit.

If you have the luxury, let the work breathe. You can’t eat a pie straight from the oven, and you can’t finish a script and shoot it out to the world before really making sure that every detail, every character, every scene is perfect.

For every writer there is a want, a need to finish a revision and share it with the world. That urgency is healthy. But being hasty can be your downfall.

Avoiding Mental Spackle altogether is impossible. Your mind will always fill in your character’s gaps, confuse removed scenes from five drafts ago with your current version and think like they are still a part of the script.

Plan ahead and be methodical. If you don’t, you may end up like my friend Emery. He wrote a script that took place in Kansas; it was subsequently moved to outer space. Apparently, Emery didn’t catch that when he changed the meet-cute from the Wichita Wal-Mart to his new location planet Merrilia, he left the stage directions the same.

But who knows, maybe Emery knows something about inter-stellar retail that we don’t.

Merrel Davis.

(Article written with contributions from Xandy Sussan)

Merrel Davis is a script analyst based in Los Angeles. He’s worked as a video editor, writer, producer, director, graphic designer and cinematographer on various projects including cutting HD video for the 2008 Bejing Olympics. He’s the creator of ‘Screenwriter Karaoke‘, a successful monthly networking event and is currently working on a feature and a web miniseries.

Here’s my weekly selection from the blogosphere. Feel free to recommend anything or give your feedback in the Questions and Comments below.

And don’t forget you can subscribe to our posts so you don’t miss any of this, ever.

• Sometimes the best rewrite is going back to the index cards.
• Don’t twitter a tweet, Hollywood contracts keeping it confidential
• Applying your faith: Advice on making Christian films
• For Akiva Goldsmith all it takes is genius, madness
• Where the Wild Things Are, script now online
• I’ve done my list of annoyances before, here is Julie Gray’s
• Mad Max 4 pre-production underway.
• Know your story elements: Act One
• Story elements cheat sheet: an index card checklist
• To co-write? Are two minds really better than one?
• Never summarize the scene: how to keep pace
• Matt Weiner of Mad Men won’t say “agent”

COMING SOON to the Story Department:

• Merrel Davis on ‘Avoiding Mental Spackle’
• Structural breakdown of THE UNTOUCHABLES
• Paul Gulino: Screenwriting, the Deadline Approach

Enjoy!

Karel

If you only have $500 to spend, a few brief story consultations will be immensely more beneficial than a snap shot assessment.

$99 to $449

Option 1: Story Diagnosis ($99) = story session on synopsis/logline.
Option 2: Step Outline ($385) = story session on step outline.
Option 3: Kickstart Pack ($429) = (Option 1) + (Option 2).

$450 to $949

Option 4: Script Notes ($495) = story, style, format.
Option 8: First Draft Pack ($737) = (Option 1) + 2x(Option 2).
Option 9: Progress Pack ($748)= (Option 2) + (Option 4).

$950 +

Option 12: 2nd Draft Pack ($1,485) = (Opt. 1) + 3x(Opt. 2) + (Opt. 4)
Option 15: Intensive Pack ($2,563) = (Opt. 1) + 5x(Opt. 2) + 2x(Opt.4)
Option 17: Pro Pack ($5,940) = six months of intensive script coaching.

If you still can’t find what you need, try the full list by budget.

Alternatively, find services by time frame or script stage.

description:

Test-drive the consultancy service before embarking on an exciting journey of story exploration and screenplay perfection. Or just test your own talent. How solid is your story, how sharp your style?

This service combines the simple efficiency of Option 1 with notes on up to 30 script pages. Find out whether you’re on the right track, at half the cost of Script Notes.

objectives:

- check the story structure
- check if the synopsis sells
- check format and style of the screenplay
- analyse basic inner and outer journey structure
- first draft: set a target for your story, then stick to it
- first draft: test drive The Story Dept. before committing to a development plan

turnaround(*):

- five working days from receipt of materials and payment.

payment:

- payment in full prior to commencement of the phone consultation.
- methods accepted: PayPal, Direct Transfer, Bank Cheque, Credit Card(**)
- part-refunded if in conjunction with an other service (within one month).

proceed and book this service

Back to services by budget range, time frame or script stage.

____________________________________________________________

(*) Estimated, based on past experience.
(**) Processing fee may apply.

description:

A rough story concept or first draft is thorougly analysed on character and plot during the Story Diagnosis. Next, the detailed story is tested, re-written and refined during three consecutive, intensive Step Outline sessions. The final result is incorporated in a next draft and reviewed with detailed Script Notes.

objectives:

- to thoroughly analyse the story with major turning points.
- to properly develop all the story’s plot points.
- to write a next draft and revised it.

turnaround(*):

- commencement: two working days from receipt of first materials and deposit.
- full service must be taken within four months.

payment:

- equal monthly installments; or
- 30% on order, with submission of (first) materials, 30% after two months
- balance prior to commencement of the (last) consultation.
- methods accepted: PayPal, Direct Transfer, Bank Cheque, Credit Card(**)
- part-refunded if in conjunction with an other service (within one month).

Back to services by budget range, time frame or script stage.

____________________________________________________________

(*) Estimated, based on past experience.
(**) Processing fee may apply.

description:

An initial Story Diagnosis provides the required intelligence to start outlining with a vision. Two subsequent Step Outline sessions allow to rework the story in areas where it is flawed. The result will be a structure that can serve as the basis for a much healthier next draft.

objectives:

- to establish the main and supporting character arcs.
- to find the story’s major turning points.
- to analyse existing plot points, cut dead scenes and create new ones.
- to identify sequences, tighten and tweak the dramatic flow.

turnaround(*):

- first session: two working days from receipt of materials and payment.
- full service must be taken within eight weeks.

payment:

- 50% on order, with submission of (first) materials.
- balance prior to commencement of the (last) consultation.
- methods accepted: PayPal, Direct Transfer, Bank Cheque, Credit Card(**)
- part-refunded if in conjunction with an other service (within one month).

Back to services by budget range, time frame or script stage.

____________________________________________________________

(*) Estimated, based on past experience.
(**) Processing fee may apply.

description:

All three basic services in one affordable, intensive pack:
- Story Diagnosis to identify any core issues with the plot.
- Step Outline to remedy the structure and prepare a next draft.
- Script Notes to fix scene issues and improve the screenplay draft.

objectives:

- to create a first draft from concept; or
- to deliver a draft to a deadline.
- fast early draft development.
- development on a tight budget.

turnaround(*):

- first session: two working days from receipt of synopsis and payment.
- this pack must be completed within eight weeks.

payment:

- 50% on order, with submission of (first) materials.
- balance prior to commencement of the (last) consultation.
- methods accepted: PayPal, Direct Transfer, Bank Cheque, Credit Card(**)

Back to services by budget range, time frame or script stage.

____________________________________________________________

(*) Estimated, based on past experience.
(**) Processing fee may apply.

act one: concept to first draft

You explore concepts, jot down ideas, a rough synopsis, a structural overview, you do research, you build characters. Next, all that rough info goes into a quick & dirty first draft. It’s about ‘getting it out’ and keeping your inspiration.

Option 1: Story Diagnosis ($99) = story session on synopsis/logline.
Option 2: Step Outline ($385) = story session on step outline.
Option 4: Script Notes ($495) = story, style, format.
Option 19: The Cave ($3,740) = private, 3-day workshop + Option 4.

act two: first to advanced draft

Act Two is the hardest and the longest. You struggle to stay on course and to find enough meat to feed your plot points. You may even have to go for a complete reversal, a change of direction for the story. Hard, heartbreaking but inevitable.

Option 6: Step Outline Build ($583) = S.O. build + (Option 2).
Option 12: 2nd Draft Pack ($1,485) = (Opt. 1) + 3x(Opt. 2) + (Opt. 4).
Option 19: The Cave ($3,740) = private, 3-day workshop + Option 4.
Option 17: Pro Pack ($5,940) = six months of intensive script coaching.

act three: advanced to final draft

You have enough plot points, enough rough diamonds. Nothing should change their order: you are ready to move into the last stage and turn the advanced into the final draft. You won’t write any new drafts, but revise your final draft.

Option 5: Polish ($528) = close reading, soft edit, notes on hard copy.
Option 7: Market Pack ($627) = polish, synopsis edit + logline.
Option 19: Final Draft Trim ($770) = hard edit, errors, style and pace.

Alternatively, find more services by time frame or by budget range.

If you still can’t find what you need, try the full list by budget.

____________________________________________________________ (*) Please inquire to tailor a development program to your specific needs. (**) SO: Step Outline

one week to two weeks

Option 1: Story Diagnosis ($99) = story session on synopsis/logline.
Option 20: Short Script Analysis ($140) = story, style, format.
Option 2: Step Outline ($389) = story session on step outline.
Option 3: Kickstart Pack ($414) = (Option 1) + (Option 2)
Option 4: Script Notes ($489) = story, style, format.

two weeks to six weeks

Option 6: Step Outline Build ($588) = S.O. build + (Option 2)
Option 8: First Draft Pack ($740) = (Option 1) + 2x(Option 2)
Option 9: Progress Pack ($752)= (Option 2) + (Option 3)
Option 10: Blitz Pack ($840) = (Option 1) + (Option 2) + (Option 3)
Option 19: The Cave ($3,740) = private, 3-day workshop + Option 4.

one to six months

Option 12: 2nd Draft Pack ($1,488) = (Opt. 1) + 3x(Opt. 2) + (Opt. 3)
Option 15: Intensive Pack ($2,980) = (Opt. 1) + 5x(Opt. 2) + 2x(Opt.3)
Option 19: The Cave ($3,740) = private, 3-day workshop + Option 4.
Option 16: Pro Pack Elite ($3,992) = six months of script coaching (**)
Option 17: Pro Pack ($5,940) = six months of intensive script coaching.

Alternatively, find services by budget or script stage.

If you still can’t find what you need, try the full list by budget.

____________________________________________________________

(*) Flexible payment plans are available for any service from $500.
(**) For selected projects only, with part-deferred payment arrangement.