The Art of Taking Bad Notes Well

When I was a lower-level comedy development executive at CBS (a hundred years ago), there was a big boss. Not naming names here, but he was an egomaniacal jerk. So many things that wouldn’t be tolerated today, but that’s not the point of this story. This story is about the Friday he walked into my office and said, “I want you to think about leaving comedy development and switching over to TV movie development. Give me an answer on Monday.”

I didn’t need to think about it. I knew I didn’t want to do it — for a lot of good reasons. But I did want a job, so I said, “Okay, I’ll think about it.”

That weekend, I took a long, angst-ridden drive and contemplated my options. I decided it was better to make the change than be unemployed. So, on Monday morning, I walked into his office with a smile and said, “I’d love to do TV movies!”

Without even looking up from his desk, he muttered, “Yeah, never mind. I changed my mind. You can stay in comedy.” Welcome to Hollywood, right? 

The real takeaway here isn’t just about surviving a difficult boss; it’s about picking your battles. I could have told him all the reasons why switching to TV movies was a terrible idea, and perhaps lost my job in the process. Instead, I agreed and stayed in the game. 

Taking bad script notes from an executive isn’t all that different from navigating dumb requests from an idiot boss — you’ve got to know when to push back and when to go with the flow. I’m not suggesting you should roll over, but you do need to be strategic and thoughtful about how to respond. You want to protect the artistic integrity and vision of your script, while also coming across as a collaborative and open-minded professional. It’s a balancing act — making sure the higher-ups feel respected and valued, while keeping your script from getting torn apart by well-meaning (or not-so-well-meaning) notes.

Sound like a nightmare? It can be. But navigating this part of the process is absolutely possible — it just takes a little finesse.

Here are a few tips for handling notes calls, both the feedback and the personalities (yours included):

Look for the note behind the note.

Remember, executives and producers are NOT writers. Just because they might be great at getting a show or movie made does not mean they’re great at articulating creative feedback clearly. So, if you disagree with or don’t understand a note, try to find ‘the note behind the note’. For example, let’s say their feedback is,”Can you add a car chase? This scene feels slow,” maybe the real issue is that the scene lacks tension and stakes, not action. Think of it like detective work — look closely at the area in the script where they’ve given a note and see if there’s really something missing or in need of a change.

“Let me take a look at that.”

Even if you hate a note and are positive you’re not going to use it, don’t reject it outright in a meeting or on a call. Present yourself as a good collaborator by saying something like, “Let me take a look at that” (Just a heads up: some execs – not all, but some – feel like this is code for “F*ck that, I’m never taking that note,” so use it sparingly and actually consider the feedback when you get off the call). Also, whatever you do, don’t argue the point in the moment.  It won’t help the situation, and long-term it can damage your reputation. People talk in this town. On the other hand, you can afford to argue if you’re a big time, super successful writer. But that only lasts until you fail a couple of times and then folks will be happy not to work with you again.

24 hours to rage

A senior-level writer I know fully expects almost any notes call could piss him off. So, while he stays the picture of professionalism on the call, once it’s over he gives himself 24 hours to rage. This allows him time to rant, rave and complain about INSERT IDIOT EXECUTIVE HERE who’s too stupid to understand that his last draft was PERFECT! Then, once his frustration’s subsided roughly 24 hours later, he tackles the notes with fresh eyes and a cooler head (sometimes even to realize that said idiot executive’s notes weren’t so bad after all). So, deadlines allowing, if a round of notes has you feeling frustrated, take 24 hours to process — then get on with it.

Don’t knock it until you try it

After you've vented about how awful your notes are, take a breath, open your laptop and actually try them. Ask yourself, “What if I did what they’re asking?” You might find that a note you thought was terrible actually works, or that their bad idea sparks a better choice that satisfies their note and your vision. Worst case, if it doesn’t work, you’ll be in a better position to articulate exactly why.

Don’t take every note

Let me preface this one by saying of course you should take notes from industry professionals seriously. But don’t feel like you have to take every single one (especially if it starts with, “This is the bad pitch…”). Remember, you’re the creative in this situation, if you’re working on a project with execs, it’s because they responded to your vision and your unique voice. I always tell my clients, if a note resonates, great! Take it. If it doesn’t resonate — or worse, it doesn’t serve your story, or offends your personal morals or values, don't take it. Obviously be courteous and polite, and explain why you don’t think it works, but don’t be afraid to stand firm. That said…

Consider everything and don’t be precious

If you want a screenwriting career that lasts, being a good collaborator is essential. Don’t cling so tightly to what you’ve written that you miss out on potentially great new ideas or new directions your story can take. It’s possible to be flexible and open to change, while still maintaining your creative boundaries. So be a team player, but don’t compromise your unique perspective just to please someone else (Unless, of course, they’re paying you a sh*t load of money. In that case, it’s up to you to decide what’s worth it and what’s not).

“Good note!” 

You’re going to get some terrible script notes in your career, but you’ll also get some great ones. And here’s the thing: everyone – execs included – love to get positive feedback. So, when you get a note that you genuinely think is good, say so. It goes a long way towards engendering good will. (I know I always felt good when a writer complimented me on a thoughtful note I gave).

What are your best tips and tricks for receiving notes graciously? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!

For more industry info and tips check out these additional resources:

For the ultimate guide to pitching a TV show that sells, check out my e-book, The Ultimate Guide to a Killer Pitch

To learn how to create your “personal logline” read my free e-book, Tell Your Story in 60 Seconds.

For my in-depth video course on breaking into the business go to: Carole Kirschner’s Hollywood Boot Camp.

And you can find my book, Hollywood Game Plan on Amazon or at Michael Wiese Productions (MWP).