What scribbles are worth fighting for?
I was listening to an interview with game designer Warren Spector, creator of the original Deus Ex and he talked about how his team decided what elements to protect during development. They had a tiered priority system - a quality bar - that helped them make tough calls when time and money got tight.
This system works for screen scribbling too. Whether you're on draft ten and losing your mind, or pondering a producer's notes that seem impossible, this framework is a great addition to the toolbox.
Level 1: The Never-Before-Seen Moment
The reason you had to scribble this story. It might be a visual no one's pulled off, a character type we rarely see, or a structure that breaks the mold. It's what keeps you coming back to the keyboard at 3 AM when you should be sleeping.
Rule: Never cut this stuff.
Think about it:
The sideways world structure in Lost (yeah, I'm probably biased)
The overlapping timelines in Pulp Fiction
That rotating hallway fight in Inception
Lose these elements, and the whole thing falls apart. This is your script's DNA. Protect it at all costs.
Level 2: Beat the State of the Art
Standout moments where your script kicks ass beyond what we typically see. Dialogue that cuts deeper, a structure that works harder, or emotion that hits in a way that surprises even you.
Rule: Worth fighting for, but not untouchable.
Like:
A set piece with actual emotional stakes (not just cool explosions)
A fresh spin on a classic dynamic
A scene that flips expectations without showing off
If these have to go, it should hurt. Cut with care.
Level 3: Match the State of the Art
Your baseline professional stuff: clean character arcs, solid structure, dialogue that sounds like something a human would actually say. It's what makes your script feel legit.
Rule: Do it well, but don't die on this hill.
Consider:
A romantic subplot that hits its marks
A B-story that actually ties into the main theme
Grounded, believable dialogue
You won't get extra credit for nailing this stuff, but readers will notice if it's not there.
Level 4: Nice to Have
Your steez, style, and flair. It's cool, it adds texture, but doesn’t carry real weight. When something's gotta go, start here.
Rule: Cut without guilt.
Examples:
That stylish flashback opening that's kinda off-topic
A dream sequence that sets tone but not stakes
A charming but unnecessary side character
If it hurts to cut, double-check if it actually belongs in one of the higher tiers.
This framework keeps everyone on the same page. Whether you're working with a team of scribblers or just trying to wrangle your own chaos, it offers clarity on what to protect and what to let go. Not everything in your script is sacred. But the parts that are? Cut ‘em at your own peril.
With your Scribbler's Toolbox handy, you're not staring at the blank page alone. So what's your Level 1 element - the thing that makes your current project worth scribbling in the wee hours? The thing you'd fight to keep even if everything else had to change?
