Matthew B. Roberts confirms that writing will continue throughout the holiday season.
The filming for Outlander season 4 may be currently on a holiday break, but not everyone behind the scenes is getting the full time off. The writers are using the time to get more of the scripts created. Matthew B. Roberts confirmed this on Twitter, making it clear that this is the best time for the writers to get their work done.
Starz and Sony managed to negotiate the deal for two seasons of Outlander after the successful second season. This meant a shorter Droughtlander betweens seasons 3 and 4, since the writers could get straight on with writing for fourth season, instead of waiting and hoping for negotiations to conclude positively. However, because writing, filming and editing takes so long, it can mean planning ahead to make sure the writing remains ahead of production.
Actually, there will be a lot of writing done over the break (ha ha); the holiday hiatus is the only time for the writers to get out ahead of production once the season starts filming. https://t.co/ONfjblpW80
— Matthew B Roberts (@TheMattBRoberts) December 17, 2017
This means the writers are currently drafting the scripts for more episodes. These scripts will go through multiple drafts before being completed. Even then, changes can be made at the time of filming depending on how the scenes work. The actors do have some of a say in their characters, which happened in season 3. Sam Heughan decided the actions dictated in the script at the print shop scene didn’t quite fit his character, so he opted to adapt slightly.
https://twitter.com/WrigleyGuinness/status/942461842521317376
I hate that you have to do this, but I respect your work ethic. Do take some time for your personal happiness. Life is short. Spend time with those you love. And thanks for your fine work. ❤️
— IndyMegs1 (@IndyMegs1) December 17, 2017
While fans are happy that the writers (and showrunners) are so dedicated to keep Outlander season 4 on track, they have also shown their love for the people behind the show. Thanking everyone for working so hard, fans have asked that everyone gets a “wee” bit of time off over the holiday season. Fans have also said they don’t want to see the writers burnt out, as that could affect the show.
Next: Ranking all Outlander season 3 episodes
Outlander returns in 2018. Follow Claire and Jamie on Twitter for more news about the series.