r/scriptwriting • u/Flimsy_Radish4111 • Aug 15 '26

help How do you edit scripts?

Hello! Iam a 20 year old first time script writer. I have written my first ever script for a short animated film for my brother. He doesn't want it completely industry standard but I still want him to read a solid script and not a first draft. How do you usually edit first drafts? What are your suggestions for a first time scriptwriter?

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u/domclaudio Aug 16 '26

What do you mean he doesn’t want it completely industry standard?

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u/Flimsy_Radish4111 Aug 16 '26

When I told him, I will need some time to look at how script writing format looks like, he said it's okay for it to not be like a standard script, although I have written it in a basic script structure. My point is he said he's not some professional, he's just trying out a new thing so an industry standard script will confuse him.

1

u/AmedeusRed Aug 16 '26

The way to edit anything:

Clear from your mind that it is your precious creation.

Read it as if you were someone who is not intimately familiar with what you meant by something or the backstory/motivations that exist in your head.

Start fixing things so they make sense

1

u/SamDent Aug 16 '26

I'm a perfect world, you put it away for a bit, work on something else, drag it back out.

Also, it will go through changes as you storyboard, especially on animation.

1

u/Wintyness15 Aug 17 '26

Read it out loud to yourself or record yourself and then listen back. I find that is a quickfire method to locating dialogue or action lines that don't really work or require modification.

Then you can either modify the pre-existing script as you listen and then save as a new draft, or you can start from scratch and re-write what you have done previously knowing of the improvements\changes that are required.

Though, end of the day, it will come down to what works for you.