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First things first. Bert - I've PMed Don. That didn't cross my mind, which it clearly should have done. Mr. C - very good point. In fact, I don't know what to say to that. This was really more to guage interest than kick things off because the LAST thing I want to do is interfere with the OWC, which is a wonderful thing and has been around on these boards far longer than I have.
I do, however, have an answer to the question: 'what if none of them get read'? My response would be that in fact, getting lots of reads is only half the point. The main thing about this kind of challenge, I think, is that it gives the people who struggle to write features the motivation to actually write one. I think that actually finishing a feature, being able to say you've taken that step, is an achievement on its own. Reads would actually be a bonus. Also, I didn't expect more than six, maybe eight people to take part...perhaps I underestimated!
The more people ask about the theme I have in mind, the more I lose faith in it. The chosen theme has to be broad enough for the scripts to be allowed to shoot off in different directions, but contained enough that it directs our thought processes and focuses our energies. I can say this: although it is a theme I myself want to write, I'm not really getting a 'head-start' because my writing focus is on finishing my current feature. Also, I really don't see this as a competition; the idea here is to achieve something you might not otherwise have achieved.
I only have occassional access to internet at the moment, so I might not be back on again today, but continue to talk amongst yourselves. At least we've made some progress towards actually getting this idea off the ground!
Well, however you want to do the theme is up to you, but here's a sample of my suggestion. This is an actual screenplay request out of that Inktip newsletter:
We are looking for completed feature length-comedy or dramedy scripts from Canadian writers. Please note that, due to funding purposes, this lead is only open to Canadian citizens. Please do not submit horrors, thrillers, or scripts in any other genre with elements of comedy; we are only open to comedy or dramedy submissions. Submissions must be for contemporary material with no scenes requiring large numbers of extras, no stunts, special FX or visual FX.
Budget must not exceed $2.5 million Canadian. WGC and non-WGC writers may submit.
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So you can see they're not specific much at all. Sometimes, they want a more specific genre or specific locations (or not specific locations) or a specific theme. One time, someone wanted a thriller or mystery set at a bed and breakfast in Costa Rica. Actual request. That same request cropped up exactly one month later, which is what sort of inspired the idea of one month. If I'd written that script, I could have submitted a logline for it while frantically rewriting it.
Anyway, I guess that makes me four cents on this topic.
EDIT: And to respond to one of Jonny's points above, I agree that the point of the challenge isn't for reads. Reads are cool, but the real point is to complete a feature. If you've never done it, this might give you the motivation. If you need help getting through this, using that Screenwriting Palette in the screenwriting class (it's a sticky) is a great way to keep it on track. Sure, it's by the numbers, but you've got to start somewhere and when there's a time limits, that structured approach works very, very well.
We are looking for completed feature length-comedy or dramedy scripts from Canadian writers. Please note that, due to funding purposes, this lead is only open to Canadian citizens. Please do not submit horrors, thrillers, or scripts in any other genre with elements of comedy; we are only open to comedy or dramedy submissions. Submissions must be for contemporary material with no scenes requiring large numbers of extras, no stunts, special FX or visual FX.
Budget must not exceed $2.5 million Canadian. WGC and non-WGC writers may submit.
Damn. I wish I were Canadian. I just finished a dramedy. Lol.
EDIT: And to respond to one of Jonny's points above, I agree that the point of the challenge isn't for reads. Reads are cool, but the real point is to complete a feature. If you've never done it, this might give you the motivation. If you need help getting through this, using that Screenwriting Palette in the screenwriting class (it's a sticky) is a great way to keep it on track. Sure, it's by the numbers, but you've got to start somewhere and when there's a time limits, that structured approach works very, very well.
Yeah. A broad description could really mean anything.
Here's a personal example: Career criminal's last job. Right off the bat, several things could come to mind. What genre? What type of thief is he? What does he plan to rob? Does he do it alone? Does he succeed? Is he a good guy for a bad guy? Blah, blah, blah. Just from something like that, you could easily have 6 to 8 completely different movies.
As for the Screenwriter's Bible post. That info is awesome, I just haven't been able to do enough with it yet to make it work. Goddamn feature length scripts. Lol.
Maybe the theme should be very broad, to ensure the widest possible range of responses - say "All scripts have to be set at Christmas" or even "on Christmas Day".
I can think of at least three different ideas that would fit this and fulfill different generic types, including a horror film!
It would also fit in with the period in which the scripts would be read (if they are read!).
No way, that would never work! And Bruce Willis is not enough of a star for something like that. Vin Diesel, maybe.
Fuck Vin Diesel. The guy did Fast and the Furious. Then, he sucked for about 7 years. Then, after his career died off, he did another one to bring up back again. It'll die again until they make number 5.
Good, it seems the interest for this is definitely there. Most people seem okay with the timing, too.
I haven't heard back from Don yet, but I'm anticipating him not having any problems (hopefully those aren't famous last words...). I've decided to have the courage of my convictions and stick with my original theme, which I won't announce until November 2nd. So what if it means I have longer to think about it (although with the chaos of the beginning of a uni year in full swing, and with three novels to read by next week, I don't even have time to give to writing what I'm currently working on, let alone what I plan to write in the future!)? This isn't a competition. It's a way of encouraging each other to actually plan, write and finish a feature in 6 weeks. We will succeed together.
Fuck Vin Diesel. The guy did Fast and the Furious. Then, he sucked for about 7 years. Then, after his career died off, he did another one to bring up back again. It'll die again until they make number 5.
You know I'm joking, right? I'm not saying I'd want Vin Diesel anywhere near a Die Hard movie. But if someone pitched that idea today, his name would be thrown out there to play John MacLaine.
You know I'm joking, right? I'm not saying I'd want Vin Diesel anywhere near a Die Hard movie. But if someone pitched that idea today, his name would be thrown out there to play John MacLaine.
Of course I know you're kidding. And, because of that, we agree. You don't want him near Die Hard and I think he has no talent. =)
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Six Week Challenge 2009: Anyone Interested?
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