Proofreader's limits

alex whitmer

alex whitmer

Veteran
I recently had a screenplay proof-read. I was expectiing a page (or several) of suggestions, heads up on plot holes, and other advise. What I got instead was this person making changes to the script. Match cuts were changed, dialogue replaced, scenes changed.

In addition, this person's style and mine are so different, it really compromises the integrity of the work. That combined with numerous spelling mistakes, grammatical issues, action lines where dialogue should be, missing text, etc., gives the script a real amature feel.

The proverbial two chefs in the kitchen.

I'm just so pissed off.

Imagine if you will directing a film, then having somebody come along and make changes, re-shoot some scenes, edit out other scenes, and change the lighting. Then, they attach there name to the project.

This ever happen to anyone else? I take my work very seriously, and really feel trampled on here.

Yes I've said something to the DP, but I think at this point I prefer to just keep my mouth shut, and hope it all works out in filming.

A
 
Clearly the line has been crossed. My assumptions would be the same as u expected. Was it the director who was proof reading it? Some have a tendancy to do that without a clear understanding of the intention of a scene and the ramafications to the rest of the story.
 
When it comes to filming, you should take over the DP's job when he's on break and **** it up like he did your work.

Then see how he likes it.

I would ask for a set of notes again, and ignore the re-written scenes. The Dp ulitmately doesn't have the right to re-write you.

NOTE: Maybe next time you should send out stuff only via a locked PDF.

EJ
 
Ramifications is probably the word I was looking for. I'm sure the inconsistencies will multiply in filming.


Fact is, I like two or three of the ideas, but all things considered, it's just a hack job, compounded by the poor spelling, dropped text, margin errors, removal of key scenes, etc, etc, etc ...


I have worked on many projects with partners, but there is always one who is the designated writer to keep things consistent.


I have proof read many scripts, and have had many of mine proof read. Never have I seen where this person actually makes changes to the script, and then attaches their name as a writer.


Editing is one thing. Proof reading is another. Maybe it's part ego talking here, but the bottom line is this person really F'd it up.

a


www.alexwhitmer.wordpress.com
 
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Proof reading to me is when someone reads it to check for spelling mistakes and other minor grammar issues.

Editing is tweeking dialogue and the above.

Coverage is obvously the book report on your script.

Development notes is the Presidents Notes on your material used to raise it to the next game.

What did you use this person for BTW?

EJ
 
If the person doing this was billed as a "proofreader" then you got shagnhied. What (s)he did would be like taking your car to a carwash and ending up finding yourself in a bad episode of "Pimp My Ride".

Sounds like somebody wasn't being honest with you.
 
Yeah..it sound like more of a story edit than anything else. Usually, story editors work with you to keep the piece focused and have it flow well...not apart from you to hack it up and make significant changes.

This actually sound like a polish, or a rewrite...which should have been requested of you if it was desired. I can see how you'd be pissed.
 
I've proofread scripts (indy) for consistency, flow, spelling, Newtonian errors, etc., but if I have "suggestions" (i.e. notes) I ask first if the writer/director is even interested before i bother to write them up.
 
Dilemma

Dilemma

I guess the big dilemma now is whether to go with the flo, or ask to have my name removed from the project. yea, it's that bad.

I want nothing more than to make a movie, but I don't want to do it well below standards I have set for myself. Nor do I want to look back on my career someday and say, 'Oh, that one. Can we talk about something else?' I'd rather die penniless and obscure than to be remembered as half-assed.

I have a deep respect for the DP and do not want to jeapordize the project in any way, so making a big stink is out. My feeling is this little worm duped his way in, took a big dump and then signed his name.

Imagine a painter with his or her work on exhibit, and one critic comes along and makes changes to one particular piece, then signs their name to it. Yea, it's that bad.

For those of you who know Wolfgang Puck, imagine the Sous Chef dumping a pound of salt (metaphor) into a dish because he felt it enhanced the flavor. I think WP would be just a little peeved. Yea, it's that bad.

Ok, I made my point.

What to do?

a


www.alexwhitmer.wordpress.com
 
alex whitmer said:
I guess the big dilemma now is whether to go with the flo, or ask to have my name removed from the project. yea, it's that bad.

I want nothing more than to make a movie, but I don't want to do it well below standards I have set for myself. Nor do I want to look back on my career someday and say, 'Oh, that one. Can we talk about something else?' I'd rather die penniless and obscure than to be remembered as half-assed.

I have a deep respect for the DP and do not want to jeapordize the project in any way, so making a big stink is out. My feeling is this little worm duped his way in, took a big dump and then signed his name.

Imagine a painter with his or her work on exhibit, and one critic comes along and makes changes to one particular piece, then signs their name to it. Yea, it's that bad.

For those of you who know Wolfgang Puck, imagine the Sous Chef dumping a pound of salt (metaphor) into a dish because he felt it enhanced the flavor. I think WP would be just a little peeved. Yea, it's that bad.

Ok, I made my point.

What to do?

a


www.alexwhitmer.wordpress.com
Click to expand...

Earlier, you mentioned speaking to the DP, but that's the wrong guy, unless he's also the director and/or producer, which would be the right guy(s). If the director in particular prefers the rewrite to your version, you're hosed. It's his call there. But if you have a (calm) discussion with him and he sees the wisdom of your version (and the lack thereof of the other) you may well get most or all of your work reinstated. It's worth a shot.
 
EJ Pennypacker said:
Proof reading to me is when someone reads it to check for spelling mistakes and other minor grammar issues.

Editing is tweeking dialogue and the above.

Coverage is obvously the book report on your script.

Development notes is the Presidents Notes on your material used to raise it to the next game.

What did you use this person for BTW?

EJ
Click to expand...

What EJ said. Spot on.

did you pay this guy?
 
shawneous said:
You sound so hamstrung. Why not just ignore all of these guys comments and not put his name on it? What obligates you to take *any* of his comments?
Click to expand...

That's what I'm wondering. What's unclear through this whole thread is the relationship the original poster has to the whole project. Who is the producer? Who is the director? Who owns the rights to produce the screenplay? What is in the contract (if any) regarding screenwriting duties and credit?
 
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