When I'm writing a script, before I can write dialogue or…
“When I'm writing a script, before I can write dialogue or anything, I have two or three hundred pages of notes, which takes me a year. So, it's not like "what happens next." I've got things that I'm thinking about but I don't settle on them. And if I try to write dialogue before then, I can't. It's just garbage.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He emphasizes extensive pre‑writing research and note‑taking before any dialogue can be crafted, treating the process as foundational.
In simple terms: He writes many pages of notes first, then dialogue.
Key Takeaway
Gather ideas before writing dialogue.
Themes
creativity
process
writing
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
instructional
process‑oriented
When to use this quote
- screenwriting
- novel writing
- film development
- creative planning
Key Concepts
pre‑writing
note‑taking
drafting
Questions to Reflect On
- How does thorough preparation affect your creative output?
- What risks arise from rushing dialogue?
A Different Perspective
Skipping notes leads to poor dialogue.