Role of Co-Writer | Research

One of my roles during the project is I will be co-writing the script with Laura. Before I start writing the script I wanted to do some research on the role of a co-writer.

Co-writing isn't as simple as it may seem, and it isn't easier than writing individually. There a few ways in which co-writers work with one another. One example is, one writer will create the characters and then hand the script over to the other writer to kill them off. Another example is, all writers take consecutive tries at the same scene, trying to make it better after the last writer has a turn at writing or editing it. Another example is, both writers divide the script into distinct sections and go off and write their designated scenes independently. Once they are finished they combine their efforts and try to make it seem like it was written by one person.
http://www.scriptmag.com/features/columns/legally-speaking-it-depends-christopher-schiller/legally-speaking-depends-co-writers

When relating this to myself and Laura working together, we will need to agree on a way of co-writing and make sure that it works well for us. Not only that, but it needs to sound good, professional and it needs to get the story across in an effective and clear way through showing not telling.

One of the advantages of co-writing, is you get another pair of eyes when writing things in an incorrect way. What is meant by this is, if I were to write something in the wrong format or I'm telling not showing, then someone else is there to change that which makes the script better. This is a good way of not becoming too attached to your writing as it will always change, and by having a co-writer, it will make change more common and easier to take. Another advantage is getting more work done rather than putting it off. There are always people who come up with movie or TV series ideas but they don't get it down on paper. With a co-writer, the chance of getting things done and written is greater, and it's more likely that the ball will keep rolling in developing the idea, which is always positive during pre-production. Every co-writer brings something unique to the table throughout writing and making decisions. This is good as you can broaden your subjects or ideas to make the script better.
https://scriptlarva.wordpress.com/2011/12/12/5-reasons-why-you-should-co-write-a-screenplay/

When relating this to myself and Laura's writing process, we will listen to the ideas we both have and find a middle ground. We'll intertwine both of our ideas together if they are both liked and desired for our show, and work it out together. With both of us writing, we are bound to get drafts finished in a fast pace which in turn will better our script and develop our story throughout the whole Pre-Proudction process, rather than later.

This research was very useful for me when figuring out how to work with someone else, as I've only had the chance to work independently before. I am looking forward to writing this script with Laura, and our next step is to agree, on a process, of how we are going to write together effectively.