So I'm having a little trouble, which isn't anything new.

Quite recently, I wrote a first draft for a producer.  A zombie feature.  The producer loved what I created from her treatment and sent me her notes, only a few changes were needed in order for it to function.

Then the second draft comes along... and this is where I ALWAYS get lost.

I can't do it.

Simple as that really.  I cannot write the second draft.  It's not that I "can't" write it, it's that I CANNOT write it.  If that makes sense.  I want to, I know how it works, I understand everything about it, but I cannot do it.  

The producer is offering me money, as most do, but that doesn't change the fact that when push comes to shove and it's my time to jump off the board, I always freeze up and end up clinging to the rail.

Basically, I freeze whenever I get an opportunity.  It's happened many times before.  

It's happening now.  

So what I need, really, is for someone to take this off my hands.  It's a zombie script contained within a school.  I have the first draft, the producer's notes and treatment to hand, and her email address for PM replies.

Anyone interested?

EDIT: Oh, and to be clear, I haven't received payment yet so you'll take what she's offering me.

Heya Lee,

Not interested in that offer, but if I can contribute notes/suggestions/anything that'll help you get it done and get paid, I'd be happy to do so.

There's a first time for everything. I know the feeling of "CANNOT" but I bet there's a way that the good people at Simply can help you get it done! You seem super hard-working and you deserve to capitalize on the opportunities you've made.

How much is she offering?

I say suck it up and bang out that 2nd draft, get your money. Unless you don't believe the money she's offering is worth the trouble. But you already invested time into a first draft. You drop out now, that first draft turns out to be a complete waste of time. At least get paid, dude.

-- Michael

Hit Janet up! She's good at rewriting.  

Someone here may well want to collaborate on it with you. Don't just give your idea away at this point with all the work you've already put into it. Plus, looks like she wants to hire you primarily.

Lee,

Suck it up and knock out the 2nd draft.  

Don

Seconded. Wot Don Said. You're not making a speech, Lee. Keep working on it til you get it right. It's better than digging holes in the road or stacking shelves for corporate wankoes.

R

Writing is rewriting. Get used to it.

Dude, write the damn thing. Lol. You've done it plenty of times before. Just imagine your writing for yourself.

Hell, if u need a fresh pair of eyes to read what u got, I'll do it. you can do it.

Gabe

You CAN do it. You got this far.

Don't let someone take it off your hands. Finish the job. What's the worst that can happen?

Come on, Lee. You can... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qztuEucrNBc

Don't give up now. Forget the script for a few days, do something enjoyable, clear your head and then get back to it. You can do it!

I'm curious if he's reading these?

Hoping he's writing.

This is Lee's hurdle... he writes, but never rewrites. Only half the job. It's hard to come up with  an entire first draft... but what's even harder are the rewrites. A lot of writers go down with just story by credits as their work is rewritten by people that can do it. It's like falling at the final hurdle, from an assured first place to maybe being out of the race altogether.

Most scripts take several rewrites. If you don't nail it exactly the first time, keep working it till you do.

I know you don't plan your scripts... but you should plan them after the first draft is done. Lay out your script in a treatment, even write down the points from each scene and flip them around, add and take away. Lay them all out on a table, or the floor if you have to, and you will see what you need to do. Ideas will come to you.

Just finished the 10th or so draft of Scarred. They're starting to shoot in March, I believe, so we're close. I talked to the lead yesterday and it looks like I will do a minor rewrite again before the shoot. I'm one of those who HATES rewrites, but I know now that they are necessary evils. Maybe eventually, I even learn to embrace them.

Stick with it. You can do it. Ask for input from others. That will help spur ideas and help you see the script clearly.