Asking Quote by Les Standiford
“And while dollars have little to do with it, the fiction writer should be asking the same question any capable film producer would ask: Is this scene truly necessary? It is the kind of thinking that, put into practice, results in a story with a sense of energy and direction.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Writing for Film, 2010
A scene must earn its place; unnecessary elements drain a story’s energy and focus.
In simple terms: Every scene should serve purpose.
Key Takeaway
Trim excess from your story.
Themes
storytelling
editing
efficiency
Mood
analytical
practical
Type
instructional
professional
When to use this quote
- screenwriting
- film editing
- creative workshops
Key Concepts
narrative economy
visual storytelling
film production
Questions to Reflect On
- Which scenes feel essential?
- How do you test a scene’s necessity?
A Different Perspective
Removing scenes can risk losing nuance.
