A lot of first time spec script writers get into this whole thing with readers – the keepers of the gates.  If a reader has a strong opinion about your script and how it should change…listen…consider.  If you don’t agree, don’t make the change.

If you are hired to re-write your script and get notes from a producer you don’t agree with, you are stuck.  You pretty much have to make the change the best you can or you’ll be fired and someone else will be hired to ruin your script. 

But at least you got paid.

Don’t make that change for free.  If the reader says, “I’ll show it to my boss if you’ll make the following changes,” and you hate the changes…then don’t make them.  Don’t ruin your script for free.

The best writing comes from intention.  If your heart ain’t in it, if you’re only making the change to please someone else…then chances are it won’t be up to the best of your writing.  Thank the reader and move on.  If the notes are right, they’ll probably feel right and the changes will practically write themselves.  But a lot of readers want you to turn your script into their movie.  Don’t do it.

On the other hand, if a lot of different readers say that you should cut something, and all you really have to do is push the delete button, only you don’t want to… maybe they’re right.  Even if you don’t want to, consider it.  Cutting is easy.  But re-working story at the script stage is hard. 

Make sure you’re telling the story you intend to tell.  Losing what you consider a brilliant piece of dialogue or a really cute moment won’t hurt your story.