It takes a year for us to generate a script that is ready to shoot. There are maybe 20 drafts of a script. And, each time, someone saying 'I don't really love this,' we discuss it for 15 minutes.
This quote offers a candid look into the meticulous and collaborative process of filmmaking, particularly in the development of a script. It highlights the significant investment of time—up to a year—to refine a screenplay to a state where it is ready to be shot. This duration underscores the amount of patience, iteration, and collective input that goes into crafting a narrative that meets the creative vision and practical requirements of a production. The mention of roughly 20 drafts illustrates how iterative the process is; each version serves as a stepping stone toward improvement, refinement, and clarity. Frequent feedback, such as colleagues expressing doubts or proposing changes, indicates an environment of open critique and continuous enhancing of the work. Giving emphasis to short discussions—just 15 minutes—on each critical comment reveals how targeted and efficient these review sessions are, focusing on key elements rather than prolonged debates. Overall, the quote exemplifies that filmmaking is as much a process of perseverance, collaboration, and attention to detail as it is about the final product being compelling and polished. It teaches an appreciation for the behind-the-scenes effort that often remains unseen but is essential for creating quality cinema, reminding us that great stories are rarely born overnight but are the result of persistent effort and teamwork.
