The Art of Rewriting: When The Curtains Fall

There's something deeply humbling about returning to a draft after stepping away from it. It's like seeing an old friend with fresh eyes—you recognize them instantly, but suddenly notice all these details you somehow missed before. That's exactly what I've been experiencing while rewriting When The Curtains Fall, and honestly, every single day I revisit my script, I find myself tunneling deeper into the heart of what this story is really about.

Rewriting isn't just about fixing clunky dialogue or tightening scenes (though there's plenty of that). It's about listening to these characters, understanding the world they inhabit, and making sure every moment—every beat—serves the larger purpose. As I move scenes around, slash unnecessary lines, and refine the rhythm of the narrative, I can feel the characters taking on new dimensions. They're no longer just words I've strung together on a page—they breathe, they react, they exist in ways I didn't fully grasp in earlier drafts.

So, what is this story about? 

When The Curtains Fall follows two aging television writers on a night-long odyssey through New York City and Brighton Beach, after being fired from the network. As old wounds resurface, their journey takes a tragic turn, forcing one to confront his fading relevance and the other to face the cost of his past.

So, as I continue shaping When The Curtains Fall, I keep reminding myself: every revision brings me closer to the truth of the story. This is an ambitious story and I can't wait when I’m behind the camera directing.

Would love to hear from fellow writers/filmmakers—what's your biggest revelation when returning to a draft after some time away? Let's talk about the magic (and struggle) of this rewriting journey.

All the best,  

Roberto Lopez