Draft Quote by Dustin Lance Black
“I do try to deliver a solid first draft, meaning it's my tenth or twentieth draft and then I call it 'first' and hand it in, much to the chagrin of the studio sometimes when they look at the contract and go, 'You've passed your deadline.'”
About This Quote
Writers often label heavily revised drafts as “first” to meet deadlines, despite studio pressure.
In simple terms: Drafts are repeatedly edited before being called final.
Key Takeaway
Be transparent about revisions to manage expectations.
Themes
writing
deadline pressure
revision
Mood
pragmatic
cautious
Type
professional
creative
When to use this quote
- submitting scripts
- communicating with producers
- setting realistic timelines
Key Concepts
creative process
contractual obligations
professional integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance quality with deadlines?
- What communication strategies help?
A Different Perspective
Studios may distrust repeated “first” drafts, harming credibility.
