A Copywriting Lesson from Knife-Happy Directors
Riffing off of John’s e-column last Monday, I must say I thoroughly enjoy watching DVD extra features as well. My favourites tend to be the deleted scenes with director commentary. Or extended director cuts.
The hardcore fans love them too… for example, the eleven and half hour version of the “Lord of the Rings”. Obviously, you can’t play three plus hour long movies in the theatres, but it makes you wonder about the little snippets here and there.
After watching so many bonus DVDs, you realize the same reason keeps popping up as to why directors cut…
Pacing.
“I loved this scene and how we shot it, but…
“It just dragged on too long.” Or…
“It slowed down the action.” Or…
“It felt excessive.”
Directors possess this keen awareness of making sure the audience pays 100% attention at all times. The white-knuckled, edge-of-your-seat sort of thing.
We can learn a lot from these knife-happy directors.
When you review your copy that second or third time… READ IT OUT LOUD TO YOURSELF. Listen to parts where you stumble, run out of breath or start skimming.
You may have just found a “deleted scene.”
Keep in mind, however, your clients probably don’t care for the “extra features.”
Wishing he had time to watch the extended trilogy again,
Colin Y.J. Chung | REALITYcopywriting.com
P.S. Shaune Clarke talks about “abbreviating” your copy and “speed of the read” in his copywriting coaching program. Check it out…
P.P.S. Do you have certain DVD extra features you enjoy more than others? Please let me know about it in the comment box…
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One Response to “A Copywriting Lesson from Knife-Happy Directors”
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October 7th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
I actually liked The Two Towers in extended form, more. It just made more sense to me how the story unfolded.
In Toronto, they actually showed all three parts of the trilogy in the theaters. I believe it was the extended versions. Took 12 straight hours, with 1/2 break in between.
Crazy.
Great post.
Nice site!
John