Notes for the last summer

WRITING DEVELOPMENT NOTES
1) OPENING/OVERVIEW A compliment is standard. Discuss what the script
should become.
2) STYLE/TONE/INTENT Is the script working in its genre – comedy, thriller,
drama?
3) CHARACTERIZATION This is the heart of the notes. Define each character
and describe his journey. Are his flaws clear? His growth? Are the characters
differentiated?
4) RELATIONSHIPS Are they vividly defined? How do they feel about each
other? What can enhance their bond, their conflict? Break each relationship up and
describe each configuration.
5) STRUCTURE/PLOT How is momentum being sustained? Are we getting
bogged down in any act? Is the script delivering maximum impact?
6) DIALOGUE Define any awkwardness. Does the dialogue work for the
characters, the period, the genre? Is it age-appropriate, etc.?
7) CONFLICT Is the author’s intention being realized in defining the life and
death struggle of his characters?
8) PAGE NOTES Be simple and specific.
9) STATE THE PROBLEM/STATE THE SOLUTION Why is it or is it not
working? What should be done about it?
10) WHY SHOULD IT BE MADE What’s the big idea of the movie, the
themes, the spine. Do the plot and dialogue spin off of this main idea?
11) DO’S AND DON’TS Don’t write this like a thesis – maintain the
conversational tone. Never say: “please enhance,” or “strengthen this relationship.”
12) CHARACTER AND SCENE DESCRIPTIONS The descriptions of scenes
and characters are engaging and visually effective.