Can you discuss a time when you had to revise a screenplay based on feedback? How did you handle the revisions?

Sample answer to the question

Yes, there was a screenplay that I had to revise based on feedback. I was working on a romantic comedy script and after submitting the initial draft, I received feedback from the director and producers. They felt that the pacing was too slow in the first act and suggested some changes to make it more engaging. I handled the revisions by carefully reviewing the feedback and analyzing the script to identify areas that needed improvement. I worked closely with the director to understand their vision and brainstormed ideas to enhance the story. I made the necessary changes to the script, focusing on tightening the pacing in the first act, reworking scenes, and adding more conflict and humor. Throughout the revision process, I maintained open and regular communication with the director and the producers, sharing updated versions of the script and seeking their input to ensure the changes aligned with their expectations. The revisions were completed within the given timeline, and the final script was well-received by the stakeholders.

A more solid answer

Certainly! I had the opportunity to revise a screenplay after receiving valuable feedback from both the director and the producers. At the time, I was working on a thrilling suspense screenplay. After handing in the initial draft, the director and producers shared their thoughts and concerns about certain plot points and character development. To handle the revisions, I approached the feedback with an open mind and a willingness to improve the script. I carefully reviewed the feedback and compared it to my own ideas, aiming to find the best balance between their vision and my creative instincts. I scheduled a meeting with the director to discuss the changes they had in mind and to share my own suggestions. We collaborated closely, bouncing ideas off each other and brainstorming ways to address the feedback while staying true to the core essence of the story. Throughout the revision process, I maintained clear and consistent communication with both the director and the producers. I shared updated versions of the script, incorporating their suggestions and refining the dialogue, character arcs, and pacing. I was adaptable to their creative visions and work styles, ensuring that the revisions met their expectations. The revisions were successfully completed within the designated timeline, and the final version of the screenplay received positive feedback from all stakeholders involved.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing more details about the specific screenplay and the feedback received. It highlights the candidate's open-mindedness, willingness to collaborate, and their ability to find a balance between incorporating the feedback and maintaining the core essence of the story. The answer also emphasizes the candidate's excellent collaboration and communication skills by mentioning the close collaboration with the director and the consistent communication with both the director and the producers. Furthermore, it showcases the candidate's adaptability to various creative visions and work styles.

An exceptional answer

Absolutely! Let me share a time when I had to revise a screenplay based on valuable feedback. I was working on an action-packed thriller script, and after submitting the initial draft, I received detailed feedback from the director, producer, and a focus group of target audience members. The feedback highlighted the need for more character development and a clearer structure to enhance the overall impact of the story. To handle the revisions, I engaged in a thorough analysis of the feedback, breaking it down into specific areas for improvement. I took the time to research successful action thriller films and studied their character arcs, narrative structures, and pacing techniques. With this knowledge in mind, I collaborated extensively with the director and producer, scheduling multiple brainstorming sessions and sharing my own ideas for enhancing the script. We identified key scenes and moments that required additional depth and worked together to develop compelling backstories and complex motivations for the characters. Additionally, I restructured the script to improve the overall flow and added high-intensity action sequences to heighten the suspense. Throughout the revision process, I maintained a high level of collaboration and communication, sharing revised versions of the script and incorporating their feedback. I remained adaptable to the creative visions of both the director and producer, ensuring the revisions aligned with their expectations and seamlessly integrated with the existing elements of the screenplay. The revisions were successfully completed, resulting in a more engaging and impactful script that resonated with the target audience.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a detailed and engaging account of a specific screenplay revision process, showcasing the candidate's ability to handle feedback in a comprehensive manner. It demonstrates the candidate's commitment to conducting research and using it to inform the revisions, highlighting their strong research capabilities. The answer also emphasizes the candidate's exceptional collaboration and communication skills by mentioning extensive brainstorming sessions, sharing ideas, and incorporating feedback from multiple stakeholders. Additionally, it showcases the candidate's adaptability to various creative visions by mentioning the integration of the revisions with the existing elements of the screenplay. The exceptional answer stands out due to its thoroughness and the candidate's ability to go above and beyond in addressing the question.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on past experiences where you have received feedback on your writing or creative work and how you handled it. Consider screenplay-specific examples if possible.
Familiarize yourself with common techniques for revising screenplays, such as analyzing structure, character development, and pacing.
Research successful screenplays in the genre you are applying for and take note of their strengths and weaknesses.
Practice discussing how you incorporate feedback in a collaborative environment, highlighting your ability to adapt your creative vision to meet the needs of stakeholders.
Consider highlighting specific instances where you demonstrated strong research capabilities to refine your writing or storytelling.
Think about how you can showcase your communication skills in delivering and receiving feedback, as well as maintaining open and regular communication during the revision process.

What interviewers are evaluating

Ability to receive and incorporate constructive criticism
Excellent collaboration and communication skills
Adaptable to various creative visions and work styles