Some people on this site seem to have the ridiculous and illogical notion that your screenplay will be literally translated onto screen. There is a HUGE gap between what appears on screen and the script you submit. There is often even a significant gap between the shooting script and what appears on screen.

Here is a scene from 40 Year Old Virgin that was in various drafts but didn’t make the final cut: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJd7UfIX9-k

I can’t believe I have to make such an obvious statement.

So you are saying some scenes in the script don't make it into the film....

I think most people on this site realise and understand that.

Therefore you do not need have to make that obvious statement.

Quoted from Ralph Some people on this site seem to have the ridiculous and illogical notion that your screenplay will be literally translated onto screen. There is a HUGE gap between what appears on screen and the script you submit. There is often even a significant gap between the shooting script and what appears on screen. Here is a scene from 40 Year Old Virgin that was in various drafts but didn’t make the final cut: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJd7UfIX9-k I can’t believe I have to make such an obvious statement.

Sounds like you're reaching a little bit... But you're also addressing "Hollywood" and not the industry as a whole.  The independents are shaping the future of the business and they are the ones who most people will pitch and be produced through.  Your script, with this side of the industry, will often be in your care until "That's a Wrap".  

You're being too general is what I'm saying.  Sure there are elements that just cannot be due to time restraints or when a scene just dosn't add to the film.  And in those instances of course it'll be cut.  But you're using 1 movie out of thousands and thousands to make a point and it still isn't made.

Let me help you out... Groundhog day, the "real" script is nothing like the Groundhog day that we got on film.  But again, this is general and it's Hollywood.  Most of us aren't selling our scripts to Hollywood just yet... We're selling them to Independent, capable directors/producers who are trying to make it like we are... In Hollywood.... So all our material can be altered and messed around with.  

Quoted from Ralph There is a HUGE gap between what appears on screen and the script you submit. There is often even a significant gap between the shooting script and what appears on screen.

And sometimes that gap is so large, you take your name off the piece of shit.

Indeed.

I think they've now banned the Alan Smithee trick.

Of course, the other side is they do sometimes film the script exactly as written.

Like they will for me, one fine day. Or else I will start punching people. Very hard. I always find violence effective on idiots. Usually the threat of it will do.

However, unless you have nice rich friends that bail business can be tricky. As can police cells.

Howeverer, a good pair of running shoes and skilful willing taxis can be a godsend.  

Love and wishes,

R ox