Film Industry

When The Script Sucks, But You Already Started Shooting

Published

1 month ago

April 16, 2025

The Nightmare Scenario

Every filmmaker dreads it: cameras are rolling, the crew is assembled, actors are in costume—and it becomes painfully clear that the script just isn’t working. Maybe the story feels lifeless, the dialogue is clunky, or the characters lack direction. Yet, the production machine is already in motion, and stopping now isn’t an option. What do you do when the script sucks, but you’ve already started shooting?

Why This Happens

There are many reasons productions find themselves in this predicament:

Rushed Development: Sometimes, excitement or external pressures push a project into production before the script is truly ready. The result is a “we’ll fix it on set” mentality, which rarely works out2.
Constant Rewrites: Directors or producers may keep rewriting the script during shooting, leading to confusion and inconsistency for cast and crew.
Unforeseen Changes: Actors drop out, locations fall through, or budget constraints force last-minute alterations, all of which can compromise the script.
Lack of Preparation: Skipping the crucial step of thoroughly workshopping and locking the script before production begins often leads to problems that are hard to fix on the fly.

The Cost of a Bad Script in Production

Morale Drops: Cast and crew quickly sense when a project is on shaky ground, leading to diminished enthusiasm and commitment.
Increased Expenses: Last-minute changes mean delays, overtime, and sometimes reshoots. This can balloon the budget and exhaust the team.
Creative Chaos: Actors struggle to understand their characters, and the story can become incoherent as new pages arrive daily.
Technical Confusion: Crew members rely on the script for planning shots, lighting, and logistics. Constant changes disrupt this process, increasing the risk of mistakes.

Strategies for Survival

1. Embrace Controlled Flexibility
While some rewriting is inevitable, especially on indie productions, it’s vital to maintain a clear vision. If changes must be made, communicate them clearly and ensure everyone understands how they fit into the overall story.

2. Prioritize Core Story Elements
Identify the essential beats and character arcs that must remain intact. Focus on shooting those well, even if other scenes are in flux. This ensures you have a coherent backbone to build around in post-production.

3. Collaborate and Communicate
Actors and crew should feel empowered to ask questions when changes arise. Open communication helps maintain professionalism and keeps performances consistent, even as the script evolves.

4. Troubleshoot Ruthlessly
If scenes feel flat or boring, analyze why. Are stakes clear? Are character motivations strong? Even on set, it’s possible to punch up dialogue, clarify objectives, and inject urgency into scenes.

5. Lean on Structure
A well-structured script is your safety net. If you’re forced to rewrite, use established storytelling frameworks (like the three-act structure) to maintain pacing and narrative momentum4.

6. Don’t Rely on “Fixing It in Post”
The myth that editing can save a bad script is dangerous. While editors can work wonders, they can’t invent story or character where none exists. Focus on getting the best material possible during production.

Lessons for Next Time

The best way to avoid this situation is to invest heavily in script development before cameras roll. Workshop the script, get feedback, and don’t start shooting until the screenplay is truly ready. A locked, well-crafted script saves time, money, and morale—and gives your cast and crew the foundation they need to deliver their best work.

“A bad script will only lead to a bad movie, no matter how talented the cast and crew may be… By taking the time to fix any issues with the script before production begins, you can ensure that your project is on the path to success.”

Conclusion

When you find yourself shooting with a script that isn’t working, the key is to stay calm, communicate, and focus on the story’s essentials. While it’s a tough spot, creativity and collaboration can sometimes salvage a troubled production. But the ultimate lesson is clear: fix it on the page, not on the set.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life

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Film Industry

Mastering Short-Form Storytelling for Filmmakers in the TikTok Era

Published

2 days ago

May 29, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

The filmmaking world is experiencing a seismic shift: short-form storytelling is now at the forefront of how audiences consume content. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts have redefined the rules, demanding filmmakers deliver powerful, memorable stories in under a minute. For filmmakers eager to stay relevant and expand their reach, mastering this new narrative form is essential—and it’s also a gateway to opportunities like the Houston Comedy Film Festival, where innovative short-form content is celebrated.

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Why Short-Form Storytelling Dominates in 2025

Short-form video thrives because audiences are busier and more mobile than ever. These bite-sized stories are easy to remember, emotionally resonant, and perfectly tailored to the way people scroll through content on their phones. Every second counts, so there’s no room for filler—each moment must drive the story forward and connect with viewers instantly.

Key Strategies for Filmmakers

1. Focus on Relatable Micro-Stories
Micro-stories—single, impactful moments or emotions—are ideal for short-form platforms. They’re relatable, easy to consume, and perfect for the rapid pace of TikTok and Instagram. Think of a 30-second comedic mishap or a quick twist ending that leaves viewers laughing or surprised.

2. Visual and Auditory Impact
Dynamic visuals, bold colors, and creative camera angles are essential for grabbing attention in the first few seconds.Sound design and music can enhance emotional impact, even in the absence of dialogue, making your story universally accessible.

3. Strong Narrative Structure
Even in 60 seconds, a story needs a clear beginning, middle, and end. Focus on a central conflict or theme, and use editing techniques like jump cuts or montages to condense time and keep the narrative tight.

4. Experiment and Iterate
Short-form platforms reward experimentation. Test different genres, tones, and formats, then refine your approach based on audience engagement. Each post is a chance to learn what resonates.

5. Leverage Technology and Trends
AI tools for editing and scriptwriting, as well as AR/VR experiences, are making short-form storytelling more immersive and accessible than ever. Stay attuned to trending challenges and sounds to boost your content’s visibility.

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Why Filmmakers Should Enter the Houston Comedy Film Festival

If you’re honing your short-form storytelling skills, the Houston Comedy Film Festival is the perfect stage to showcase your talent. This festival is renowned for celebrating innovative comedic shorts and giving filmmakers a chance to connect with industry professionals, audiences, and fellow creators. It’s a platform where the best micro-stories and comedic twists get the recognition they deserve—plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to see how your work stands out in a competitive, supportive environment.

Conclusion: Embrace the Short-Form Revolution

Short-form storytelling isn’t just a trend—it’s a new language for filmmakers. By focusing on concise, relatable stories and leveraging the latest visual and narrative techniques, you can captivate audiences and carve out your place in the digital landscape. And if you’re ready to take your work to the next level, submit your best comedic short to the Houston Comedy Film Festival—where the future of storytelling is unfolding, one laugh at a time.

Film Industry

100% Tariffs: The Death Sentence for International Movies

Published

3 weeks ago

May 7, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

The 100% tariff announced by President Trump on movies produced outside the U.S. aims to revive the “dying” American film industry by discouraging studios from filming abroad, where tax incentives attract productions to countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand (Variety, 2024).

This tariff threatens to double costs for foreign-made films entering the U.S. market, potentially causing studios to shift production back to the U.S., but also risking fewer films being made due to increased expenses (Hollywood Reporter, 2024).

The move has sparked widespread alarm internationally, with film sectors in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand warning of devastating job losses and industry damage, especially as these countries have become major hubs for high-end film and TV production (Deadline, 2024). Industry insiders call the tariffs “insane” and warn they could cripple independent distributors and streaming platforms reliant on global production networks (The Guardian, 2024). Major U.S. media stocks, including Disney and Netflix, fell sharply following the announcement due to concerns over increased costs and disrupted international collaboration (CNBC, 2024).

Uncertainties remain about the tariffs’ exact scope-whether they apply to streaming content, co-productions, or how enforcement would work-adding to industry confusion and anxiety (Variety, 2024). Experts caution that retaliatory tariffs by other countries could further harm U.S. films abroad, potentially shrinking the global market and undermining Hollywood’s recovery from recent setbacks like the pandemic and strikes (Hollywood Reporter, 2024).

In summary, the 100% tariff on foreign-made films is widely seen as a drastic measure that could severely disrupt the global film industry, raise production costs, threaten thousands of jobs internationally, and create significant uncertainty for studios, distributors, and audiences worldwide (Deadline, 2024).

Film Industry

Weinstein Backs Baldoni in Legal Dispute

Published

2 months ago

April 10, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced former Hollywood producer serving prison sentences for sexual assault convictions, has publicly voiced support for actor-director Justin Baldoni in his ongoing $250 million defamation lawsuit against The New York Times and actress Blake Lively. Weinstein, currently incarcerated at New York’s Rikers Island ahead of a retrial for his overturned 2020 conviction, drew parallels between Baldoni’s case and his own 2017 media exposé, claiming The Times “cherry-picked” evidence to fit predetermined narratives in both instances.

The Allegations
The dispute stems from a December 2024 Times article titled “We Can Bury Anyone,” which detailed alleged efforts by Baldoni’s PR team to discredit Lively during a conflict over the film It Ends With Us, which Baldoni directed. The report cited text messages suggesting a coordinated smear campaign, which Baldoni claims were misrepresented and stripped of context. In his lawsuit, Baldoni accuses the publication of colluding with Lively to publish a “false and defamatory narrative” as a “vehicle for her vengeance”.

Legal Developments
A March 2025 court ruling signaled potential dismissal of The Times from the case, with U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman stating the publication presented “substantial grounds” for dismissal and a “strong likelihood” of prevailing on First Amendment grounds. Despite this, Baldoni expanded his lawsuit to $400 million, naming Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist as co-defendants, alleging extortion and retaliatory tactics.

Weinstein’s Role
Weinstein, whose 2017 Times exposé catalyzed the #MeToo movement, told TMZ that Baldoni’s legal action “hit me hard,” likening it to his own experience of “selective” reporting. He added, “I should have stood up and fought back then. That regret still haunts me”. The Times defended its reporting, stating its Weinstein coverage was “rigorously reported” and based on documented evidence, while emphasizing Weinstein’s past admissions of misconduct.