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NEED ADVICE
I want to become a better screenwriter and filmmaker and I know I have to read lots scripts and analyze them. Do you recommend I read the script then watch the movie or watch the movie first then read the script? Does it matter? What are some things to keep in mind while I do so and what’s your process?
Thank you
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Both.
I guess it depends how frequently you’re doing this. If it’s pretty rare, I’d vote to read the script first and to then have it with you as you watch.
If you read ahead all the time, that’d sorta suck. Don’t wanna loose track of what’s fun about watching a movie. If you watch first, just don’t watch passively.
I don’t mean distracting yourself with character or structure breakdowns. Give yourself a viewing experience and pay attention to how the story makes you feel. Have a little notepad and jot things down, along with any questions, to look at later.
These little notes can provide really cool points of entry into the story when you do analyze it.
That’s my dumb little trick anyhow.
it depends on what you are trying to learn.
But I would say always after, then rewatch.
Just watch and enjoy a movie the first time. you only ever see a movie one time. Dont ruin it for yourself.
Before. Always before. You need to read the script without the influence of the collaborators to see and learn what’s on the page. A pretty bland script can be turned into something gorgeous and amazing on film, but if you read it afterward you are looking at dialogue and action scenes, you’re seeing acting, hearing voices, and looking at beautiful cinematography.
Both are very helpful. Probably better to not read scripts beforehand for movies you're excited about seeing, since it turns the experience into an academic exercise.
Thank you all for the responses, you make great points. I think I’ll mix it up and see what works best. Maybe read scripts for classics that I haven’t seen in along time then rewatch it. The note taking is a good idea too. Thanks again
People are pretty split on this. In one camp, you read the screenplay first and then watch to see how it was filmed. On the other camp, you watch first and then see how they wrote it (I enjoyed this technique for 500 Days of Summer). If it is a production draft, or an Oscar draft that was touched up after filming, it's not always helpful. I often like to read a script and see how it changed. Alien is a great example. I really enjoyed reading an early version, then a later version, then watching the movie to see the full progression. Same with Nightcrawler.
Another option is to transcribe it, write the script as you watch, then compare to the real script. I have no vote on which option is best, whatever you feel like learning at the time
I do both. I read all the Nolan Batmans after watching them over and over and over (I am a fan). I was surprised how Goyer had describe things in such simple terms.
Before may give you more of an academic experience. But there is never a bad time.