Choices Quote by Terence Fisher
“The written word is the basic of everything. Most important, the idea, and after that, the dialogue. You can rehash the dialogue as you go along, it 's disgraceful to have to do this, but now and again you have no choice.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Film director discussion, 1962
The written word underpins all storytelling; dialogue is vital but can become repetitive without purpose.
In simple terms: Words and dialogue are foundational to storytelling.
Key Takeaway
Use dialogue purposefully.
Themes
storytelling
dialogue
writing
Mood
analytical
instructive
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- film scripts
- novel writing
- stage plays
Key Concepts
narrative structure
creative process
script development
Questions to Reflect On
- How can dialogue stay fresh and meaningful?
- When should dialogue be trimmed for clarity?
A Different Perspective
Repetitive dialogue can dilute narrative impact.
![“Success in TV-showmaking is just a matter of being authentic and doing the best you can, and you hope that people watch it and like it. For us [showmakers], we know where our bread is buttered, and we live by the written word of the critic. That's how shows build a critical mass on cable.” quote by Walton Goggins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/88a/walton-goggins-13029_being-authentic_success-in-tv-showmaking-is-just-a-matte_203396.jpg)
