TV writing thrives on feedback. From peer reviews to network notes, writers navigate various types of input to refine their scripts. Understanding these feedback forms helps writers grow and collaborate effectively in the industry.
Giving and receiving feedback gracefully is a crucial skill. Writers learn to provide specific, actionable comments while balancing praise and criticism. They also develop techniques for , asking clarifying questions, and separating emotion from critique when receiving feedback.
Types of feedback
Feedback plays a crucial role in TV writing, shaping scripts and storylines through various perspectives
Different types of feedback serve unique purposes in the creative process, from initial drafts to final production
Understanding these feedback types helps writers navigate the collaborative nature of television writing
Constructive vs destructive feedback
Top images from around the web for Constructive vs destructive feedback
Unit 3: Troubleshooting Miscommunication – Communication Skills View original
Is this image relevant?
Teaching and Learning Resources Portal/Distance Technologies/Feedback - Kumu Wiki - TRU View original
Is this image relevant?
About this Site - Dr. Scott A. Saunders View original
Is this image relevant?
Unit 3: Troubleshooting Miscommunication – Communication Skills View original
Is this image relevant?
Teaching and Learning Resources Portal/Distance Technologies/Feedback - Kumu Wiki - TRU View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Constructive vs destructive feedback
Unit 3: Troubleshooting Miscommunication – Communication Skills View original
Is this image relevant?
Teaching and Learning Resources Portal/Distance Technologies/Feedback - Kumu Wiki - TRU View original
Is this image relevant?
About this Site - Dr. Scott A. Saunders View original
Is this image relevant?
Unit 3: Troubleshooting Miscommunication – Communication Skills View original
Is this image relevant?
Teaching and Learning Resources Portal/Distance Technologies/Feedback - Kumu Wiki - TRU View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Constructive feedback offers specific suggestions for improvement and highlights strengths
Destructive feedback focuses solely on negatives without providing actionable solutions
Constructive feedback uses "I" statements to express personal reactions (I felt confused during this scene)
Destructive feedback often employs harsh language or personal attacks (This dialogue is terrible)
Effective TV writers learn to differentiate between and utilize constructive feedback for growth
Formal vs informal feedback
involves structured processes like or network reviews
occurs in casual conversations, brainstorming sessions, or impromptu discussions
Formal feedback typically follows a specific format or template (script coverage forms)
Informal feedback allows for more spontaneous and creative idea exchanges (writers' room discussions)
Both types contribute to script development, with formal feedback often carrying more weight in decision-making
Peer vs professional feedback
Peer feedback comes from fellow writers or colleagues at a similar career level
Professional feedback originates from industry experts, showrunners, or network executives
Peer feedback often focuses on creative elements and story structure
Professional feedback considers broader aspects like marketability and production feasibility
TV writers benefit from balancing both perspectives to create compelling and producible scripts
Giving effective feedback
Effective feedback in TV writing fosters creativity while improving script quality
Learning to give constructive feedback enhances collaboration and strengthens professional relationships
Mastering feedback techniques contributes to a positive and productive writers' room environment
Specific and actionable comments
Provide concrete examples from the script to illustrate points (The car chase on page 15 feels too long)
Suggest alternative approaches or solutions to identified issues
Use clear language to pinpoint exact areas for improvement (The protagonist's motivation in Act 2 needs clarification)
Avoid vague statements that don't offer clear direction (This doesn't work)
Tie feedback to specific storytelling elements (character development, pacing, dialogue)
Balancing praise and criticism
Begin feedback with positive observations to create a receptive atmosphere
Use the "sandwich" technique placing between positive comments
Maintain a ratio of positive to negative feedback (3:1 ratio)
Acknowledge strengths and successful elements of the script (The twist ending was unexpected and satisfying)
Frame criticism as opportunities for enhancement rather than failures
Focusing on the work
Direct feedback towards the script content, not the writer's abilities
Avoid personal comments or assumptions about the writer's intentions
Discuss specific scenes, characters, or plot points rather than generalizing
Use objective language to describe reactions (The pacing slowed during the boardroom scene)
Relate feedback to the overall goals of the show or episode
Receiving feedback gracefully
Accepting feedback professionally is crucial for growth in the TV writing industry
Developing the ability to process and utilize feedback improves script quality and career prospects
Mastering feedback reception fosters positive relationships with colleagues and executives
Active listening techniques
Maintain eye contact and open body language during feedback sessions
Nod or provide verbal cues to show engagement (I see, Interesting)
Resist the urge to interrupt or defend your work immediately
Take notes on key points for later reference and
Summarize feedback received to ensure accurate understanding
Asking clarifying questions
Seek specific examples when feedback seems vague (Could you point out where the dialogue feels unnatural?)
Request elaboration on suggested improvements (What aspects of the character arc need development?)
Probe for underlying concerns behind critiques (Is the pacing issue related to the overall episode structure?)
Ask about potential solutions or alternatives (How would you approach this scene differently?)
Confirm understanding by restating feedback in your own words
Separating emotion from critique
Recognize that feedback targets the work, not personal worth
Take deep breaths or use other calming techniques during intense feedback sessions
Allow time for emotional processing before responding to challenging feedback
Focus on the potential for improvement rather than dwelling on perceived failures
Seek support from peers or mentors when struggling with difficult feedback
Feedback in writers' rooms
Writers' rooms form the collaborative heart of TV show development
Feedback processes in these environments shape scripts through multiple iterations
Understanding writers' room dynamics enhances a writer's ability to contribute and grow
Table reads and notes
Table reads involve the entire writing staff reading a script aloud
Writers take notes during the read, focusing on pacing, dialogue, and story flow
Post-read discussions address major story issues and character arcs
Notes are compiled and prioritized for the writer to address in revisions
Multiple table reads may occur for a single episode as the script evolves
Showrunner feedback process
Showrunners provide overarching vision and final approval on scripts
They often give big-picture notes on theme, character development, and series continuity
Feedback may be delivered one-on-one or in group settings
Showrunners balance individual episode needs with overall series goals
Writers learn to interpret and implement showrunner notes while maintaining their creative voice
Network and studio notes
Network executives provide feedback considering audience appeal and brand alignment
Studio notes often focus on budget concerns and production feasibility
These notes carry significant weight and usually require implementation
Writers must balance creative integrity with network/studio requirements
Developing skills to address these notes while preserving story quality is crucial for success
Implementing feedback
Effectively incorporating feedback is a critical skill for TV writers
The ability to revise based on notes while maintaining creative vision sets successful writers apart
Mastering feedback implementation leads to stronger scripts and smoother production processes
Prioritizing conflicting notes
Identify common themes or concerns across multiple sources of feedback
Weigh the importance of different notes based on their source (showrunner vs peer)
Consider the impact of each note on the overall story and character arcs
Create a hierarchy of changes, addressing major structural issues before minor tweaks
Seek clarification or mediation when faced with directly contradictory notes
Maintaining creative vision
Understand the core elements and themes of your script
Evaluate feedback against your original intentions for the story
Find creative solutions that address notes while preserving key story elements
Articulate your reasoning for keeping certain elements when pushing back on notes
Remain open to new ideas that enhance your vision rather than compromise it
Revising based on feedback
Create a revision plan outlining major changes and their ripple effects
Address structural issues before diving into line-by-line edits
Rewrite scenes or dialogue to incorporate suggested improvements
Review changes for consistency and flow within the larger script
Conduct personal read-throughs to ensure revisions enhance the overall story
Feedback etiquette
Proper fosters a positive and productive writing environment
Understanding and practicing appropriate feedback behavior enhances professional relationships
Mastering feedback etiquette contributes to a writer's reputation and career advancement
Timing and delivery
Choose appropriate moments for giving feedback, avoiding high-stress situations
Respect deadlines and writing processes when scheduling feedback sessions
Deliver feedback in a timely manner to allow for revisions and further discussion
Consider the recipient's preferences for receiving feedback (written vs verbal)
Allow time for the writer to process feedback before expecting immediate responses
Tone and language
Maintain a professional and respectful tone regardless of the feedback content
Use constructive language that focuses on improvement rather than criticism
Avoid sarcasm or humor that might be misinterpreted in written feedback
Frame feedback as suggestions or observations rather than commands
Employ "I" statements to express personal reactions (I found this scene confusing)
Cultural sensitivity
Be aware of cultural differences in communication styles and feedback reception
Avoid stereotypes or generalizations based on cultural backgrounds
Consider the diversity of audience perspectives when providing feedback on content
Use inclusive language that respects various cultural experiences
Seek to understand and appreciate diverse storytelling traditions and techniques
Feedback for different TV genres
Different TV genres require specialized feedback approaches
Understanding genre-specific feedback enhances a writer's versatility and effectiveness
Mastering feedback across genres expands career opportunities in television writing
Comedy vs drama feedback
often focuses on joke density, timing, and comedic structure
emphasizes emotional impact, character development, and tension building
Comedy notes may address punch-up opportunities or running gags
Drama notes typically explore character motivations and plot complexities
Both genres require feedback on pacing, but with different rhythms and expectations
Feedback for serialized shows
Emphasizes long-term story arcs and character development across episodes
Focuses on maintaining consistency in complex plotlines and character journeys
Addresses the balance between episodic satisfaction and overarching narratives
Considers how each episode contributes to the larger season or series story
Explores opportunities for foreshadowing and payoffs in future episodes
Feedback for procedurals
Concentrates on the structure and pacing of the central case or problem
Addresses the balance between the case-of-the-week and character subplots
Focuses on maintaining the show's formula while introducing fresh elements
Emphasizes in explaining complex procedures or investigations
Considers how each episode stands alone while contributing to series themes
Tools for feedback
Utilizing appropriate feedback tools streamlines the TV writing process
Familiarity with industry-standard tools enhances collaboration and efficiency
Mastering these tools demonstrates professionalism and adaptability in the field
Digital collaboration platforms
Online script-sharing platforms allow for real-time feedback and version control (Final Draft)
Cloud-based services facilitate remote collaboration and feedback sessions (Google Docs)
Project management tools help organize and track feedback implementation (Trello)
Video conferencing software enables virtual table reads and feedback discussions (Zoom)
Specialized TV writing software often includes built-in feedback and note-taking features (WriterDuet)
Script coverage formats
Standardized forms used to evaluate and summarize scripts
Typically include sections for logline, synopsis, and detailed feedback
Often use numerical or letter grading systems for various script elements
May include recommendations for next steps (pass, consider, recommend)
Learning to read and write coverage helps writers understand industry expectations
Feedback tracking systems
Spreadsheets or databases to log and prioritize received feedback
Color-coding systems to categorize different types of notes or their sources
Progress tracking features to monitor the implementation of feedback
Note compilation tools to aggregate feedback from multiple sources
Version control systems to manage different drafts based on feedback iterations
Developing thick skin
Resilience is crucial for success in the competitive TV writing industry
Learning to handle criticism constructively fosters personal and professional growth
Developing emotional fortitude enhances a writer's ability to navigate industry challenges
Handling rejection
Recognize rejection as a normal part of the creative process
Separate personal worth from the reception of individual projects
Analyze rejections for constructive feedback and learning opportunities
Maintain perspective on the subjective nature of creative evaluations
Use rejection as motivation to improve and persevere in pursuing goals
Learning from criticism
Approach criticism as valuable input for improvement rather than personal attacks
Identify patterns in feedback to recognize areas for skill development
Seek out trusted mentors or peers for honest assessments of your work
Practice self-reflection to objectively evaluate your writing strengths and weaknesses
Implement lessons learned from criticism in future writing projects
Building resilience
Develop a support network of fellow writers and industry professionals
Engage in self-care practices to maintain emotional and mental well-being
Set realistic expectations for the ups and downs of a writing career
Celebrate small victories and progress along the writing journey
Cultivate interests outside of writing to maintain a balanced perspective
Feedback in career development
Feedback plays a crucial role in advancing a TV writer's career
Leveraging feedback effectively can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations
Understanding the broader impact of feedback on professional growth enhances career strategies
Using feedback for growth
Identify recurring themes in feedback to focus on specific skill improvements
Seek out diverse feedback sources to gain a well-rounded perspective on your work
Apply lessons learned from feedback to personal writing projects and spec scripts
Track progress over time by comparing feedback on earlier and later works
Use positive feedback to recognize and build upon your unique strengths as a writer
Building professional relationships
Approach feedback exchanges as opportunities to connect with industry professionals
Demonstrate receptiveness and professionalism when receiving feedback from executives or showrunners
Follow up on feedback sessions with thank-you notes or implementation updates
Offer thoughtful feedback to peers to establish yourself as a valuable collaborator
Use feedback discussions to showcase your passion and knowledge of the TV industry
Networking through feedback
Participate in writers' groups or workshops to expand your feedback network
Attend industry events or panels that offer script feedback opportunities
Engage with online writing communities to exchange feedback with a global network
Seek out mentorship relationships that include regular feedback on your work
Offer to provide feedback or script coverage to build relationships with producers or executives
Key Terms to Review (31)
Active listening: Active listening is a communication technique that involves fully focusing, understanding, and responding to a speaker. It goes beyond just hearing the words; it requires engagement, feedback, and clarification to ensure mutual understanding. This approach fosters deeper connections and can significantly enhance the effectiveness of giving and receiving feedback as well as managing creative differences.
Clarity: Clarity refers to the quality of being easily understood, free from ambiguity, and presenting information in a straightforward manner. In writing, especially in scripts, clarity is crucial for conveying the intended message and ensuring that the audience comprehends the story without confusion. It involves using precise language and structure, which aids in effective storytelling.
Comedy feedback: Comedy feedback refers to the process of giving and receiving critiques specifically aimed at humor in comedic writing or performances. This type of feedback is crucial in shaping comedic content, as it helps writers and performers understand what resonates with their audience, refine their timing, and enhance punchlines. Effective comedy feedback can foster growth and creativity, ensuring that comedic pieces achieve their intended comedic effect.
Consider revising...: Consider revising... refers to the process of thoughtfully evaluating and making changes to a script or piece of writing based on feedback received. This concept emphasizes the importance of reflection and openness to constructive criticism in order to enhance the overall quality of the work.
Constructive criticism: Constructive criticism refers to feedback that is specific, actionable, and aimed at improving performance or work while maintaining a positive and respectful tone. It focuses on identifying areas for improvement rather than just pointing out flaws, fostering a supportive environment where creativity and collaboration can thrive. This approach is essential in group storytelling, collaborative writing, and the processes of giving and receiving feedback, as it encourages open dialogue and continuous development among writers.
Cultural sensitivity: Cultural sensitivity is the awareness and understanding of the differences in cultural practices, values, and beliefs among various groups. It involves recognizing and respecting these differences in order to communicate and engage effectively, particularly in storytelling and media. This concept is essential when shaping narratives, receiving feedback, ensuring representation, adhering to ethical practices, and considering global market dynamics.
Digital collaboration platforms: Digital collaboration platforms are online tools that enable individuals and teams to work together in real-time, regardless of their physical locations. These platforms facilitate communication, sharing of resources, and project management, allowing users to provide and receive feedback efficiently. They play a vital role in enhancing productivity and streamlining workflows in various creative fields.
Drama feedback: Drama feedback refers to the process of providing and receiving constructive criticism regarding a performance or script within a dramatic context. It plays a vital role in shaping the development of a piece, allowing writers and performers to identify strengths and weaknesses, and to enhance overall storytelling. This exchange helps foster creativity and collaboration, ensuring that the final product resonates with audiences.
Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, allowing individuals to connect on an emotional level. It involves recognizing emotions, validating experiences, and fostering a sense of community and support. This skill is crucial in creative environments, as it helps navigate feedback, manage differences, and ensure ethical storytelling.
Feedback etiquette: Feedback etiquette refers to the appropriate manner and guidelines for giving and receiving feedback in a constructive way. This involves being respectful, clear, and specific while providing input, as well as being open-minded and gracious when receiving it. Good feedback etiquette helps create a positive environment for collaboration and improvement.
Feedback loop: A feedback loop is a process in which the output of a system is circled back and used as input, creating a cycle that can either amplify or dampen the effects of the original action. This concept is crucial in various contexts, including creative collaboration and content development, as it fosters continuous improvement and adaptation. In creative environments, feedback loops allow showrunners and teams to refine their work based on audience reactions and internal evaluations.
Feedback Tracking Systems: Feedback tracking systems are tools or processes used to gather, analyze, and manage feedback from various sources to improve performance and decision-making. These systems are essential in fostering communication, ensuring accountability, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement within teams or organizations.
Formal feedback: Formal feedback is a structured evaluation process that provides specific information about a person's performance, work, or ideas, often in a written or documented form. It typically follows established criteria and is intended to guide improvement or validate achievements. This type of feedback is essential in creative environments as it helps individuals understand their strengths and areas for growth, leading to enhanced skills and better project outcomes.
I noticed...: 'I noticed...' is a phrase commonly used in feedback conversations to initiate a discussion about observations regarding a piece of work or behavior. This phrase encourages constructive dialogue, enabling the receiver to understand specific aspects of their performance that stand out, whether positively or negatively, and fosters an environment for growth and improvement.
Informal feedback: Informal feedback refers to spontaneous, unstructured comments or reactions that arise during interactions, typically in a casual setting. It allows individuals to gain insights about their work or ideas without the formalities of structured evaluations, often facilitating open communication and fostering creativity.
Mentor: A mentor is an experienced and trusted advisor who provides guidance, support, and feedback to someone less experienced, typically in a specific field or area of interest. This relationship fosters personal and professional development, as the mentor shares their knowledge and skills to help the mentee grow. Mentors are essential in storytelling, as they often help shape a character's journey and can also offer constructive criticism that aids in the creative process.
Open-mindedness: Open-mindedness is the willingness to consider new ideas, perspectives, and feedback without bias or prejudice. It allows individuals to engage in meaningful discussions and embrace constructive criticism, fostering an environment of collaboration and growth.
Peer review: Peer review is a process in which individuals evaluate each other's work to provide constructive feedback and improve the quality of the output. This process fosters collaboration and enhances the writing by encouraging writers to consider different perspectives and refine their ideas. By engaging in peer review, writers not only develop their own skills but also contribute to the growth of their peers, creating a supportive environment for creative development.
Procedurals feedback: Procedurals feedback refers to the process of providing constructive criticism and suggestions related to procedural elements in a script, particularly in the context of writing for television. This type of feedback helps writers identify strengths and weaknesses in their work, ensuring that the procedural aspects are engaging, logical, and align with audience expectations. It fosters a collaborative environment where writers can refine their scripts to enhance clarity, pacing, and overall storytelling.
Reader: In the context of giving and receiving feedback, a reader refers to an individual who reviews a script, screenplay, or any written material to provide constructive criticism and insights. This role is crucial as it helps writers understand how their work is perceived by others, allowing them to refine their craft and make necessary adjustments before finalizing their scripts. A reader not only evaluates the content but also assesses the structure, character development, pacing, and emotional impact of the writing.
Receptivity: Receptivity refers to the ability to be open and responsive to feedback, ideas, and constructive criticism. It involves not only the willingness to listen but also the capacity to understand and integrate the information provided. A high level of receptivity is crucial for effective communication and collaboration, especially in creative fields where feedback plays a vital role in the development process.
Reflection: Reflection is the process of critically thinking about and analyzing one's own work or the work of others, often in the context of receiving or giving feedback. This involves assessing strengths and weaknesses, understanding the impact of decisions, and considering how insights gained can improve future projects. It is a vital part of the creative process, allowing individuals to grow and develop their skills through constructive dialogue.
Response Cycle: The response cycle is a structured process that involves giving and receiving feedback in a collaborative environment, where both parties engage actively to improve communication and understanding. This cycle emphasizes the importance of not just delivering feedback but also receiving it, which creates a loop of continuous improvement and effective collaboration. Each stage of the response cycle plays a critical role in enhancing the quality of interactions and ensuring that messages are understood and acted upon.
Sandwich method: The sandwich method is a feedback technique that involves presenting constructive criticism between two positive comments. This approach aims to soften the impact of criticism and maintain a supportive atmosphere, making it easier for the recipient to accept and act on the feedback. By starting and ending with positive notes, it helps in reinforcing strengths while addressing areas for improvement.
Script coverage formats: Script coverage formats refer to the standardized templates and guidelines used to evaluate and summarize scripts for film and television. These formats help writers, producers, and development executives to assess a script’s strengths and weaknesses while providing constructive feedback for improvement. By using a consistent format, the feedback process becomes clearer and more organized, making it easier to communicate thoughts on pacing, character development, and plot structure.
Script notes: Script notes are written feedback and suggestions that are provided to screenwriters to help them refine their scripts. They serve as a vital tool in the creative process, enabling collaboration between writers, directors, and other stakeholders, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of the script and align it with the vision of the production team.
Self-awareness: Self-awareness is the ability to recognize and understand one's own emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, as well as their impact on others. This awareness is crucial for personal growth, communication, and effective collaboration, particularly when it comes to giving and receiving feedback in interpersonal relationships.
Serialized shows feedback: Serialized shows feedback refers to the ongoing responses and critiques received during the development and airing of serialized television series, which are programs that tell a story over multiple episodes or seasons. This type of feedback is crucial as it shapes the narrative direction, character development, and overall production quality based on audience reception and critical analysis. Understanding how to effectively give and receive feedback in this context enhances storytelling and audience engagement, ensuring that creators can adapt to viewer preferences and maintain interest throughout the series.
Specificity: Specificity refers to the quality of being clear and precise, especially when giving or receiving feedback. In the context of feedback, specificity ensures that comments are directed towards particular aspects of a work, making it easier for the recipient to understand what is being praised or criticized and how to improve. This clarity can enhance communication and lead to more productive revisions and discussions.
Timing and Delivery: Timing and delivery refer to the strategic use of pauses, pacing, and emphasis in presenting dialogue or action to maximize impact and engagement. In storytelling, especially in TV writing, the effectiveness of a scene often hinges on how well these elements are executed, creating tension or comedic effect while ensuring the audience is fully engaged with the narrative.
Tone and language: Tone and language refer to the style and emotional quality of communication in writing or speech. Tone conveys the writer's attitude toward the subject, while language encompasses the choice of words and phrases used to express ideas. Together, they shape how a message is perceived and can significantly influence the audience's response and engagement.