Communication Quote by Charlie Kaufman
“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
Source Interview: The Art of Screenwriting, 2015
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.
