James Gunn explains the studio’s notes on scripts and how it works for him as head of DC Studios

During a recent series of updates from James Gunnrevealed that he has completed the script of Superman: Legacy. At one point he was asked if Warner Bros. had given him any script notes and how he received them and Gunn replied:

“No, WB wouldn’t give notes on a DC Studios production. Since we came on board, we are two separate entities within WBD.

Then another fan asked if no one at the WB is giving him notes, who is giving them? This prompted Gunn to give in long explanation of his experience with the studio’s notes on scripts and how it works for him as head of DC Studios:

Interesting to see the many responses to my answer here about how notes work in Hollywood. Since I started writing I have given my scripts and stories to many different trusted parties for “notes”. Hearing constructive criticism is the lifeblood of any writer.

So, as head of DC Studios, I give the script to people I trust (like my executive Chantal Nong or DC comic writer @TomKingTK) and get their opinions on what works well and what could work better so that be able to improve the script.

To paraphrase @StephenKing, “first draft closed, second draft open”. Writing is communication so this is important.

That said, as a director I have NEVER received any notes that I was instructed to take. Not from Universal on Slither, from Marvel on the Guardians movies, nothing. I’ve always tried to take the notes that will actually make the movie better, and I argue about the ones I think won’t work.

This process has worked for me because I’ve been blessed in the partners I’ve chosen to work with – we’re all moving towards one thing: making the film better. And I can put my ego aside and be open when I need to be and convincing when I need to be.

I KNOW that’s not the case for everyone (and it hasn’t always been the case for me as a writer). Again, I’m blessed this way. But that’s how notes work, and I’m not going to suddenly stop taking them because I’m the head of a studio. #write #SupermanLegacy

James Gunn’s recent updates on Superman: Legacy shed light on his process and his personal experience as a writer and director in Hollywood. Despite being the head of DC Studios, he still appreciates the importance of getting constructive criticism and feedback from trusted people to improve his scripts. His process has been successful because he works with partners who are all about making the film better, and he knows when to put his ego aside and be open to suggestions.

While this may not be the case for everyone, Gunn’s dedication to the craft of writing and storytelling is admirable, and it’s clear he’s committed to making great plans for fans of the DC universe.