Entering the field of writing may seem intimidating for new writers, as producing a well-structured piece calls for talent and persistence. Building an interesting story with unpredictable developments takes considerable focus and hard work. Fortunately, there are many influential figures to study and draw inspiration, with Melissa Rosenberg emerging as a standout in the field.
In this article, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of the art of screenwriting and, in this case, what makes Melissa Rosenberg stand out. This will be a broader discussion of whether you still need to write the first page of your screenplay or are on your way to getting a script optioned.
Photo credit: Gage Skidmore
Background
For those who don’t know, Melissa Anne Rosenberg is an accomplished American television writer, producer, and screenwriter with a notable career in film and television. She has received a Peabody Award and has been nominated for two Emmy Awards and two Writers Guild of America Awards.
Between 1993 and 2003, Rosenberg wrote for various television series before joining the writing staff of The O.C., where she left to write the 2006 film Step Up. From 2006 to 2009, she was the head writer for Showtime’s Dexter, ultimately becoming an executive producer by the end of the fourth season. In 2007, she adapted Stephenie Meyer’s novel Twilight into a screenplay and went on to write the adaptations for its three sequels.
As you can assume, there’s a lot we can learn from Melissa Rosenberg based on her accomplishments alone. Regardless, let’s dive into what makes the writer unique and what we can learn from Twilight to The O.C.
Adapting an Iconic Story
While there's much to cover in Melissa Rosenberg's career, Twilight stands out, at least from a box office perspective. Adapting anything is a challenging endeavor, especially when it's from such a popular franchise. The Twilight craze is still going on, so if you weren't around from 2005 to 2012, it isn't easy to imagine how it was back then.
Whether you love or hate Twilight, you can't deny the sheer success the franchise lauded with its debut in 2008. I argue that that centers on the screenplay and Melissa Rosenberg's willingness to trim the fat. 'Trimming the fat' in screenwriting refers to the process of removing unnecessary or excessive elements from a script, such as lengthy scenes or detailed descriptions, to focus on the core story and keep the audience engaged.
The book contains extensive passages detailing Bella's everyday routines, which even the biggest fans hurried through. The main plot, the romance with Edward, fully develops about a third to halfway through the book.
In the film adaptation, these lengthy scenes are omitted, allowing for more of the story's essential elements to be included. A common criticism of book-to-movie adaptations is the necessity to cut story details, characters, or subplots due to time limitations.
However, the narrative of the first Twilight book is straightforward enough that most of it can be captured in the movie. As a result, unlike many other adaptations, it feels like a significant portion of the story is still there.
Resilience
Plenty of interviews and articles feature Melissa Rosenberg and her emphasis on resilience as a writer. Resilience is a crucial for writers to learn, though it often takes time and practice. While it's easier for some rather than others, resilience is a skill that can be developed and refined.
Maintaining optimism is vital, even when faced with constant rejection or criticism. Resilient writers are those who can keep a positive outlook despite setbacks. Focusing on your goals and believing in the potential of your work-in-progress can help sustain your motivation. Remember, not everyone will connect with your story, and that's okay. There will be other audiences who will resonate with it and support it. This should empower you to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles.
When receiving feedback, try to find the positive aspects. After you've had time to process a rejection, revisit the input. Look for any positive remarks or constructive suggestions from the editor. If they've made suggestions for improvement or invited you to submit other work, take this as a positive sign. Please focus on the constructive feedback, apply their suggestions, and remember to respond with gratitude to the editor.
Furthermore, not everyone will connect with your story. Even with Twilight’s success, you know plenty of people hate the franchise, but that’s okay. Not everyone will understand your work's plot, characters, or actions. There will be other audiences who will resonate with it and support it.
Don’t Ignore Notes
Melissa Rosenberg is a strong proponent of note-giving and examining internal and external notes regarding your script. There may be a grain of truth even in a heap of seemingly unhelpful notes. While some readers might express frustration in their feedback, their intention is often to be constructive. The suggested fix might not always be the right solution, but it can shed light on underlying issues in your script.
The more feedback you get, the greater the consensus. This is why major movie studios do test screenings of their films: they're looking to learn what works for people and what doesn't. Think of feedback as a test screening for your script, which can begin at home. Embrace it as an example of improvement, and remember that even seemingly unhelpful notes might contain a grain of truth. The suggested fix might not always be the right solution, but it can shed light on underlying issues in your script. This should enlighten you and make you eager to apply this advice to your own writing.
Television and Film Writing Versatility
Part of why Melissa Rosenberg is so successful is her willingness and ability to write any script type. Whether it’s a part of a teen television drama like The O.C., an adaptation of iconic work like Twilight, or a Marvel adaptation like Jessica Jones, none of her works are too similar to one another.
While people may try to categorize your writing, having three excellent scripts in different genres can work in your favor. An agent might pitch them at various times to shape how you're perceived strategically, but ultimately, having a variety of solid samples increases your chances of landing more opportunities.
Write what comes naturally to you and what you're passionate about. Whether it's a romance script this year, a horror next year, or a crime thriller afterward, it's perfectly fine. Focus on creating great work. Your unique style and sensibilities will shine through regardless of your chosen genre.