What does a script editor do?
A script editor works with a writer to help them create the best possible screenplay. They also need to help fulfil the requirements of the producers and financiers and be aware of the kind of film they want delivered. It involves lots of meetings and cups of tea with the writer to talk about the story they want to tell and how best to communicate it to the audience. If a script is a bit slow or something in the story is not clear, I’ll help try and work out why that is. It’s all about helping them tell their story. It’s not about imposing your vision on them – that is the sign of a bad script editor. First, I’ll read the screenplay right through as if I was watching a film at the cinema. At the end, I’ll write down if I got bored at a certain point or if I didn’t empathise with a character. Only when I’ve read it through a second time will I start to analyse the script. For example, I’ll ask if the reason I don’t empathise with a character is because I haven’t been shown enough of the
