Taika Waititi Cold Draft Edit

Review and refine a screenplay draft using Taika Waititi writing routine principles, focusing on fresh-eyes evaluation and memory-based rewriting.

4 time blocks, 60 minutes in total.

Time blocks

Cold Read Assessment: 15 min
Read through the text without stopping or making edits
Memory Reconstruction: 20 min
Rebuild scene beats from memory to keep only memorable ideas
Out Loud Dialogue Test: 15 min
Read dialogue out loud to test timing and natural rhythm
Ruthless Cut Pass: 10 min
Delete flat jokes and slow exposition without hesitation

About this routine

Taika Waititi writing routine for script editing relies on taking a long break from early drafts. By letting a project sit in a drawer for months, he returns to the work with the detachment of an audience member rather than an attached writer.

During this review session, Waititi reads through the cold draft quickly without tweaking lines on the fly. He then tests which story beats remain memorable by outlining scenes from memory. If a character beat or joke was forgotten during the break, he considers it unnecessary and cuts it.

The session concludes with an out-loud read of the dialogue. Speaking every part helps uncover awkward phrasing, forced comedy, or slow pacing that was hidden on the page.

Why this routine works

Develops emotional distance from early drafts
Highlights memorable plot points by testing recall
Improves dialogue rhythm through spoken performance
Eliminates unnecessary exposition and weak jokes

FAQ

What is Taika Waititi's writing routine for reviewing drafts?

Waititi lets drafts sit untouched for long periods before reading them with fresh eyes, rewriting key points from memory, and cutting anything unmemorable.

Why does Taika Waititi rewrite scripts from memory?

He believes that if he cannot remember a plot point or joke after time away, it was not strong enough for the audience to remember either.

Sources

Taika Waititi BAFTA Screenwriters Lecture, BAFTA