Actually Quote by Steven Zaillian
“The main thing that I learned from editing is that most people, when they're making a film, they start too early into the story. They will try to set up the characters, they will try to establish things before the plot actually starts.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Film Editing Insights (Magazine, 2003)
Editors notice filmmakers often start story too early, rushing character setup before plot begins.
In simple terms: Premature exposition hampers narrative flow.
Key Takeaway
Delay character introductions until plot is clear.
Themes
storytelling
film craft
editing
Mood
analytical
professional
Type
educational
technical
When to use this quote
- screenwriting workshops
- film productions
- storyboarding
Key Concepts
narrative structure
character development
Questions to Reflect On
- When is early setup beneficial?
- How to balance setup and momentum?
A Different Perspective
Early setup can build intrigue.
![“You do a draft and you get more notes. You start to get the feeling that this either isn't going to happen or it is going to take a really long time to happen, and I never felt that with this [the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo].” quote by Steven Zaillian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/504/steven-zaillian-43283_dragons_you-do-a-draft-and-you-get-more-notes-yo_2757296.jpg)
