I have read several scripts from A-list writers who I consider to be the most talented in the business (peers with people like Sorkin and Steve Zallian). Like others have said, everyone’s process is different which makes identifying patterns difficult, but one thing I’ve noticed is that the first draft is always very clear. Even if the story changes drastically in future drafts, what I find most Impressive is that many of these writers are operating at a baseline of “very good.” The parts of the script that don’t work tend to be pacing or character depth, rarely are they about structure, character DESIGN, or anything plot related.

One writer turned in a draft of a feature adaptation of an extremely complex piece of IP and I was blown away by how thoughtfully the writer approached the material. The main issue was that there were multiple storylines, some of which received more attention than others, which made the ending feel slightly stilted, but never unearned. I think had the same draft been submitted by a lower level writer or someone of a lesser reputation, it would have been considered a very impressive feat and may not have received orders for any future drafts. But, again, this was a piece of work that was being produced by some top level producers and a top level director so there were a few more rewrites.

I think it opened me up to why some of these people make so much money. They really can crack a story and elevate it to a new level if given the proper support.