[…] One script that received a lot of attention in the 2013 Black List is “Shovel Buddies” by Jason Mark Hellerman (it garnered 22 votes). I was quite struck by the story — “Over 24 hours, four teenage friends try to complete the “Shovel List” (a will/bucket list) left for them by their best friend before he died of Leukemia” — and reached out to talk with Jason about it. We ended up talking for 90 minutes, an excellent conversation covering a lot of territory. I think aspiring screenwriters will find Jason’s insights particularly relevant as we got into quite a …read more […]

Scott, I wished you had asked Jason about the timeline of his 65 drafts. How long did it take? What was each major draft changing? Major plot overhauls or just minor revisions. How many drafts were done before he was signed? How many were done as a result of being asked to do changes his agent, manager or a producer? I actually really like the idea that he took 65 drafts. It really shows commitment to the craft. Some people are querying before they even finish their rough draft.

Eric, I'll forward your questions to Jason and see what he says.

Thanks Scott.

Hey Eric, Those 65 drafts were from October 2011 to April 2014. With a year gap in the middle when I put it down to write other things. I had written it about 30 times when I got reps and 30 more times getting it right for the director - all for free. That sounds nuts but it's the only way these days to get things noticed, they have to be close to perfect. Shovel hasn't sold yet either but it got me into 50 rooms and my name circulating. I tried to do a few drafts for each character, a bunch where I only worked on dialogue. I did seven drafts with a Voice Over, a bunch where I added Susan, Sammy's Mom's character, and a to where the kids used Flashbacks, went different places, and met more people from their school. I explored the whole world with these people.

Thanks for sharing the details. I really love the story of the 65 drafts. It shows dedication. A real desire to be master of one's fate.