Well, here we are again. I understand we're only about two months removed from our last One Week Challenge, but what better way to usher in the new year (without lots of Jager. You know who you are...) can you think of?

I encourage you all to join and participate because anybody who's done it can tell you that it's entertaining and a hell of a lot of fun.

The topic will be introduced on December 31st at 11:59PM EST.

Wow, that's early. I always thought it was Feb. Bring it on, sounds good!

Sounds good.

But will be a one weeker or the 7WC feature? At this moment I hope it's just a traditional OWC

Mind you, 31st dec is a tricky time to release and expect done in a week, or maybe a two page challenge  - they're good

I'd like 7WC but I think we need to come up with something like "Submit first 30 in two weeks", then "60 in another week", then "whole thing - end of 7weeks".

And if it's like that we could rewrite the first 60 or so based on feedback or something.

Libby,

It's true that the contest has typically been in February in years past, but going all the way back, it kind of alternated between January and February. Just trying to mix things up a bit. =)

Bill,

Standard One Week Challenge (although considering the timeframe it's being released in, there is going to be a slight amendment, but that will all be properly sorted out). =)

Khamanna,

It's been almost a year since the last one, so my guess would be that if someone ran the next one, they may be looking at a 7WC. Anything is certainly possible. =)

Seems cool, seems like a lot of peeps will miss it just because of time frame. I'll see if I can enter if the theme piques my interest.

7 days is enough time to write first draft of a feature. Pull your fingers out.

Quoted from DustinBowcot 7 days is enough time to write first draft of a feature. Pull your fingers out.

But who would want to read such a draft?

These challenges are about quality and quantity.

Plenty of folks here can write fast -- nothing to it -- but nobody wants to read through a bunch of scripts pooped out in a few hours.

These challenges are about crafting something good -- taking a bit of time -- while also showcasing what you can do on a deadline.

If your first draft is done in a few hours, fine -- but let it simmer before posting -- reread and rethink to make it shine.

Those who post what they have written in only a few hours -- well, frankly, it shows.

Okay, I'll have the time for this.  Hopefully it's not too soon in January.  Got to finish my novel, which is nearly there - this is something to look forward to for my screenplay return.

Can't wait for the details. Would def like to enter if time permits. I enjoy working with those deadlines.

Happy holiday's everyone. Be safe.

Steve

I love Reef's two page challenge idea.  Curious to see the parameters of this OWC

I promise you won't feel constricted by parameters, but there are a couple specific requirements. But, you're writers. I have faith in all of you. =)

Sounds good. See what this brings.

Deadline is perfect for me. Leaving for a trip on the 7th. Also perfect way to kick off the new year. Only drawback is I expect the countdown will start with a killer hangover.

Quoted from bert But who would want to read such a draft? These challenges are about quality and quantity. Plenty of folks here can write fast -- nothing to it -- but nobody wants to read through a bunch of scripts pooped out in a few hours. These challenges are about crafting something good -- taking a bit of time -- while also showcasing what you can do on a deadline. If your first draft is done in a few hours, fine -- but let it simmer before posting -- reread and rethink to make it shine. Those who post what they have written in only a few hours -- well, frankly, it shows.

I disagree Bert. I believe people work at different speeds and it is possible to hammer out a script in just a few hours and it read as well as someone that has taken a week.

It's a shame we can't measure the contests in writing hours. If you think about it, one writer may take one hour per day for a week and work seven hours total on a script. I could do that seven hours in a day, with pleasure. Most days. Obviously it's Christmas right now, and we have New Year, etc.

So if I spend a week on a script, I could potentially (if we take the one hour/seven hour per day example) have seven times the hours put into the script.

Quoted from DustinBowcot I believe people work at different speeds and it is possible to hammer out a script in just a few hours and it read as well as someone that has taken a week.

Well, fair enough.  I am sure we have both read authors that reside on either end of that spectrum.

But there are plenty of members here who can only write on weekends -- or stolen snippits of time during the week -- so placing undue time restrictions would exclude a great many people who might otherwise participate.

I would still contend the emphasis on quality over pure speed is appropriate.

Quoted from bert I would still contend the emphasis on quality over pure speed is appropriate.

Definitely. I'd also go so far as to say that somebody doing an hour per day would write a better script than somebody writing for seven hours in one day. Those extra days help with thinking time. Even when at work one could be writing their story, keep it in their minds then throw it down once they get home.

Mr. Blonde, Congratulations on the Mod status!!!

I won't be able to participate, but you already know that.  

I'll try to read though.

I don't know if an hour a day would produce a better script. I write most of mine like that, and in some cases it has helped keep my writing in focus going more scene by scene, but the rewrites are slow. It does get a bit tedious. Now, however, I long for an extended amount of writing time because I can't churn em out like I used to. I think it's a double edged sword. If I had to choose: eight hours a day uninterrupted would be fine by me.

But like Bert said, small snippets of time is all some of us have.  

Steve

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Well, here we are again. I understand we're only about two months removed from our last One Week Challenge, but what better way to usher in the new year (without lots of Jager. You know who you are...) can you think of? I encourage you all to join and participate because anybody who's done it can tell you that it's entertaining and a hell of a lot of fun. The topic will be introduced on December 31st at 11:59PM EST.

Sweet. I keep planning on joining in a OWC, and then getting sidetracked or uninspired by the topic. Hopefully neither will apply this time around!

Happy Christmas!

Most all of my OWCs are done in one hour ...two tops....and I often submit them without even a read of the first draft. STUPID I know...but that's the way it happens sometimes. People either love it or they hate it with my work.

Quoted from DustinBowcot 7 days is enough time to write first draft of a feature. Pull your fingers out.

True. The Asylum does this on a regular basis....only that's also the shooting script too.

To be fair to The Asylum, their stuff is no worse than Hallmark Channel. Given the option, I'd pick the asylum's awful films every time.
I don't agree with how they gone about their business, but it works. They seem to want to evolve, and get away from just ripping off titles. We'll see.
Can't knock them too much, they have done ridiculously well. Fair play to them.

Quoted from SAC I don't know if an hour a day would produce a better script. I write most of mine like that, and in some cases it has helped keep my writing in focus going more scene by scene, but the rewrites are slow. It does get a bit tedious. Now, however, I long for an extended amount of writing time because I can't churn em out like I used to. I think it's a double edged sword. If I had to choose: eight hours a day uninterrupted would be fine by me. But like Bert said, small snippets of time is all some of us have.   Steve

Well I'm very lucky. I allow myself at least 6 hours per day most days. There are cases where I have written for 12 and longer.

My point on taking longer to write the scripts is in regards to the extra thinking time afforded. Even when I'm not writing, my head will be inside one story or another, so I write them in my head before committing to paper anyway.

Although, yeah. I have to agree that I much prefer having at least 6 hours per day to write.

Well, that's the luxury that's afforded to professional screenwriters. My point being is it IS their job to write. They, I'd assume, approach it as a job and not a little side thing, which I think a lot of us here do. If it is your job, then the work of writing, IMO, would be much more insistent and real, with deadlines and such. At least it might feel that way. The dream would be the job, not the other way around.

Steve

Guys, amount of time doesn't matter in a One Week Challenge. Everyone's going to have seven days to do it, regardless of how many hours. Besides, I have a feeling you guys are all going to have a lot of fun with the topic. =)

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Besides, I have a feeling you guys are all going to have a lot of fun with the topic. =)

it's not midgets in fancy dress? Has potential though  

You should definitely roll with that, if you can make it fit with the theme, Bill... Lol. =)

A Jan OWC???? ooohhh

Quoted from Steven Well, that's the luxury that's afforded to professional screenwriters. My point being is it IS their job to write. They, I'd assume, approach it as a job and not a little side thing, which I think a lot of us here do. If it is your job, then the work of writing, IMO, would be much more insistent and real, with deadlines and such. At least it might feel that way. The dream would be the job, not the other way around.

Totally agree, their entire working hours are spent writing scripts... Mine, working 2 jobs and spending family time with my girls

I think I have an hour to spare somewhere

Mark

I used to have my days to write...now I work all day so when I get home...it's not much time. I am not very productive anymore either. Oh well..I did give it a go for a while though!

Quoted from Dena I used to have my days to write...now I work all day so when I get home...it's not much time. I am not very productive anymore either. Oh well..I did give it a go for a while though!

So you're only down to 4 features, 3 shorts, 2 mini series and a partridge in a pear tree in one week

I love whatever you write

Mark

Oh Irish! You are too good to me! I've gone so snailish though! Dena doesn't do fast or furious anymore! I miss those days though!!

She does furious, though. Watch out!

Sean, seeing as this (OWC) is getting closer, care to drop a few clues as to what we might expect?  

Quoted from LC Sean, seeing as this (OWC) is getting closer, care to drop a few clues as to what we might expect?

Libby, you are perfectly free to ask that. But, no, you will not be getting any hints as to the content. However, because the topic will be introduced at 11:59PM on a Tuesday night, you will have an extra three days to complete your script, as it will be due on Friday the 10th at 11:59PM EST. Hopefully, that's a little more helpful, in some way. =)

Quoted from Mr. Blonde ... However, because the topic will be introduced at 11:59PM on a Tuesday night, you will have an extra three days to complete your script, as it will be due on Friday the 10th at 11:59PM EST. Hopefully, that's a little more helpful, in some way. =)

Well yes, that's very helpful, Sean. Was just attempting to create some buzz and thought you might dangle some bait, (Jeff and Phil being away and all) but the reveal is close now anyway.   

Extra time enables those with hangovers to get their entries in. That's a good and fair move. Looking forward to seeing what you've cooked up.

Oh, there's no need to create buzz. Once the contest actually opens, people will check it out and instantly make their decision on whether or not they're interested. This is mainly a test run, because if it were to go well and I could get the okay to do more, I have plenty more OWC ideas in the pipeline for people to get interested in. =)

Quoted from Mr. Blonde ... This is mainly a test run, because if it were to go well and I could get the okay to do more, I have plenty more OWC ideas in the pipeline for people to get interested in. =)

Ah, well right there you've created buzz.  

I wish you well... and now I'll wait patiently.

I'm back!!!

An OWC in January?  YES!!!  Sounds great.

Look forward to the reveal, Sean...best of luck with this!!!!  I hope to be in.

Jeffro!  Check your e-mail, I sent you a script to read!  I think it was your e-mail. haha


--Steve

Quoted from Dreamscale I'm back!!! An OWC in January?  YES!!!  Sounds great. Look forward to the reveal, Sean...best of luck with this!!!!  I hope to be in.

Mods, please delete this post and ban the author..

See, Stevie, I would have done that but you didn't quote Jeff was saying anything derogatory so there was nothing ban-able in his post. =)

Quoted from Dreamscale An OWC in January?  Ironically, that was my exact thoughts when I learned the Packers would be playing the mighty Niners in the first playoff game... Ouch We're Cactus

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Libby, you are perfectly free to ask that. But, no, you will not be getting any hints as to the content. However, because the topic will be introduced at 11:59PM on a Tuesday night, you will have an extra three days to complete your script, as it will be due on Friday the 10th at 11:59PM EST. Hopefully, that's a little more helpful, in some way. =)

excellent - extra time. just what is required at this time of year.

I just hope its a challenge that could lead to decent scripts. difficult to say what does and what doesn't, but you kind of know when you see it

Bill,

As a result of the extra time, this will not be called an OWC, either, nor a 1.5WC (because that just sounds stupid). Nope, the contest itself is actually going to have a title. Like I said, I'm going to try something new here and see if it flies. =)

Decent scripts or not, I doubt anyone will feel boxed in by the requirements. We shall certainly see. Just over 12 hours until game time. =)

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Bill, As a result of the extra time, this will not be called an OWC, either, nor a 1.5WC (because that just sounds stupid). Nope, the contest itself is actually going to have a title. Like I said, I'm going to try something new here and see if it flies. =) Decent scripts or not, I doubt anyone will feel boxed in by the requirements. We shall certainly see. Just over 12 hours until game time. =)

sounds good.

i will be interested to see what this bring once i have woken up

Quoted from Guest Jeffro!  Check your e-mail, I sent you a script to read!  I think it was your e-mail. haha--Steve

No, bro...never got anything.  I think you have the wrong E-Mail...

dreamscale@cox.net

Rough time to release the challenge as everyone will be completely schlammied!!  Well, I will, at least.

I think Stevie should be banned just for the fuck of it.  

Happy New Year, everyone!