The Scary Thing about Scriptwriting

The scary thing about script writing is this:  The work has to stand up to actors. 

And you know how actors are.  They’ll do things to your words.  They’ll take them places you’re not sure they are ready to go.  And your words, like ungrateful children, will happily go along for the ride.

Seriously, you have to be able to give the script away and watch others interpret your words.  Their interpretations will not be based on your intentions or on how the words sounded in your head.  What’s on the paper has to be good enough, on its own.

Of course, this is also the glorious thing about scriptwriting.  Because if the words are good, actors and directors will add a layer of their own to them, adding nuances that make the work even better.  Give the same words to two different actors and get two different values.  At least two.

In a way, I suppose it is true for novels and stories as well.  The meaning and the value of the work does not end with the author’s intentions, or even with the author’s words.  The reader brings something to the table as well.  But it’s really visible with scripts.

And really fun.