By Sai Vijendhiran – Creator of Screenplay Auditing
Every screenplay audit I take on teaches me something new—not just about writing, but about people, process, and perception. This case, in particular, revealed how ego can blind even the most creative minds from embracing necessary corrections.
ЁЯОн The Request
A film director approached me with a clear objective: he wanted his screenplay audited before moving into production. He was confident about the story but open—at least initially—to suggestions that could strengthen the script.
ЁЯФН The Findings
Once I completed the audit, I uncovered serious structural issues:
- The characters’ behavior felt irregular, unnatural.
- There were sudden, illogical plot turns that weren’t organically built.
- Most importantly, it was clear that the characters and events were simply doing what the director wanted—not what the story required.
- The writing was heavily influenced by what I call the “writer’s bend”—a situation where plot choices are dictated not by logic or emotion, but by forced authorial decisions.
ЁЯЪл The Backlash
Upon reviewing my detailed report, the director became visibly offended. Rather than discussing the findings or seeking clarity, he refused to pay for the auditing service.
In a dramatic moment, he summoned all his assistant directors and asked them one question:
“How many of you agree with Sai’s report?”
To his shock—and mine—they all agreed that my observations were accurate. His response? He scolded them for siding with me and muttered something unpleasant. He then said:
“If these mistakes were visible during story discussions, why waste money on auditing?”
I calmly reminded him:
“Even if your assistants had pointed this out back then, you wouldn’t have taken it seriously—simply because they don’t have enough experience in your eyes.”
Upon reviewing my detailed report, the director became visibly offended. Rather than discussing the findings or seeking clarity, he refused to pay for the auditing service.
In a dramatic moment, he summoned all his assistant directors and asked them one question:
“How many of you agree with Sai’s report?”
To his shock—and mine—they all agreed that my observations were accurate. His response? He scolded them for siding with me and muttered something unpleasant. He then said:
“If these mistakes were visible during story discussions, why waste money on auditing?”
I calmly reminded him:
“Even if your assistants had pointed this out back then, you wouldn’t have taken it seriously—simply because they don’t have enough experience in your eyes.”
ЁЯУЙ The Result
Fast-forward one year.
The film was released.
And it sank within just a few days.
Critics and reviewers called out the exact same issues I had highlighted: character inconsistencies, unnatural transitions, and forced storytelling.
Fast-forward one year.
The film was released.
And it sank within just a few days.
Critics and reviewers called out the exact same issues I had highlighted: character inconsistencies, unnatural transitions, and forced storytelling.
The Lesson
This experience was a stark reminder:
A screenplay audit is not an attack—it’s a diagnosis.
Ego might win a momentary battle, but it often costs the war at the box office.
Had the director embraced the suggestions and evolved the script, the film might have had a fighting chance. Instead, it became another title lost to stubbornness.
This experience was a stark reminder:
A screenplay audit is not an attack—it’s a diagnosis.
Ego might win a momentary battle, but it often costs the war at the box office.
Had the director embraced the suggestions and evolved the script, the film might have had a fighting chance. Instead, it became another title lost to stubbornness.
ЁЯЦК️ Final Thought
As someone who has committed to the craft of Screenplay Auditing, I offer not judgment, but clarity.
This process exists to protect stories—not to break them.
As someone who has committed to the craft of Screenplay Auditing, I offer not judgment, but clarity.
This process exists to protect stories—not to break them.
