Please vote for the type of script you think Script Club XIV should read.  Thanks.

I'll throw out an idea for a "recent" movie that we've all seen, and we could go through the spec script, like we did with The Strangers, which was an interesting discussion.

Since the crew here is HEAVILY biased toward writing for an indie director/producer, I'd suggest choosing:
A) and low budget (not low quality) indie film,
B) that's out on DVD/BR with pretty decent director/producer/whomever commentary.


- Read the screenplay.
- Watch the movie.
- Compare WTH the diff is.
- Listen to the commentaries.
- Let chill in the refrigerator over night.
- Reconcile differences afterward.
- Consider "Why things changed script-to-screen?"

I could tell you already Ray.  Script club will never be that well organized.  All the topics in your list will be covered but it may not be in any particular order - even though we always start out intending it to be.

Anyway, I suggest we should find a spec script that we can compare to the movie.  Spec script is the important part because then we'll see some meaningful changes.  

I know of a couple of spec scripts we can get at that are very different from the produced movies.  Well known movies too, so we all would have seen them already.  Two good ones are Alien and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Alien is an example of a good script that made a good movie - even though it was different. Ark is an example of a fairly "bad" script that was made into a good movie.

We're going to have a poll to decide the script anyway - so we just need a list once we figure out the type of script we want to read.

I'd be interested in Script-Clubbing an SS-member-written piece, mainly because it would encourage constructive discussion on its story content; the reason I say this is because many threads are filled with formatting nits that are mainly trivial in the long run, and also because review threads do not necessarily encourage back-and-forth discussion of a script at hand.

--Julio

Quoted from ReaperCreeper I'd be interested in Script-Clubbing an SS-member-written piece, mainly because it would encourage constructive discussion on its story content; the reason I say this is because many threads are filled with formatting nits that are mainly trivial in the long run, and also because review threads do not necessarily encourage back-and-forth discussion of a script at hand. --Julio

I voted already but I'll second this in post form. Script Club started as a means to discuss the story, character and thematic elements of member scripts as opposed to the more technical aspects. I'd like to see more of that, honestly.

A Spec Script that went into production

The only problem with a spec script that went into production is the problem with making that script available here. With Fox suing PJ McIlvaine for $15M for posting scripts online, it might be hard to get anyone to provide a script unless it's already online somewhere. I know I don't trade anymore.

That's a fair point Pia. But, for us spec writers, I think it's a worthwhile exercise to see the process as it goes from spec to shooting script to film. Most of the script references I have are shooting scripts to their film equivalents. In terms of trying to equate one with the other, a spec is the only way of evaluating what is necessary for us as writers to focus on.

I think there's a post by Ron Aberdeen offering to post his spec and shooting script for comparsion. Maybe someone out there knows of a suitable spec/shooting/film example that's available.

I know and we've done it before. I'm just wondering if anyone will dare to be the one to provide a spec in production here.

Wow, I just voted for something else and saw Pia's note about legal ramifications - I was going to suggest a script from Carson Reeve's blog and do a compare and contrast with film, script and his analysis. Good idea but NOT one we should mess with.

I think it would be fine if we have a link to the script posted somewhere else online. Then it's not someone at SS fault.  

If it comes down to Alien or Raiders of the Lost Ark, I'm way out.  Those are way too ancient.

Those are only two suggestions.  I'm sure there will be more.  As a matter of fact if you can back up your vote with some actual script names, that would be helpful.

Nice to see this thread.

I would like to read the script for Black Swan. Really, though, anything would be an adventure for me. I like to "discover" something out of the blue that really spins my merry-go-round.

Sandra

I would be up for discussing Black Swan.

I cast my vote for SS member. If we're dedicating our time to reading a script and offering our best critique, why not to a member?

A produced script is already produced. Let's help people get produced. Just my thoughts.

Sorry for the tie.

I agree...and appreciate the tie!

Though I'd rather read a member script, I'll third Black Swan should a produced script be chosen.

How about planning on analyzing both.
Breakdown one that has been produced before applying learned perspectives to the (God willing) pre-produced.

As wonderful as it is, since Aranofsky didn't grace us with any worthwhile BTS intel on BLACK SWAN I'd still shoot for something with director/producer perspectives, leaning towards indie prod.

Unfortunately, all I can find from Eli Roth's writer/director debut of CABIN FEVER, with a seven year gestation period, are transcripts, which are useless.
I also can't find any original screenplays for WINTER'S BONE, THE MESSENGER, OPEN WATER, MONSTERS, or SKYLINE. Again, only transcripts.

I see FROZEN has a screenplay up, but I've yet to check it out at the library to even see if it has DVD commentary.
Adam Green has a nice little run of writer/director work. I'm just apprehensive about using any writer/director works, but otherwise seems too few and far between.

Although I have no objection to discussing a non produced script by an S.S. member, I think we already do that here. Don't we?

The act of studying a produced script and giving people the people the opportunity to watch (if they haven't) a movie that they might not have otherwise is an exciting project.

Put it this way:

There's only so many hours in a day and no matter how much you may like movies, I'm sure you also like to do "other stuff". If you're like me, you genuinely appreciate members here, who, having loads of script and movie experience and can "point" you in the direction of (subjective I know) movies and scripts that are truly worth the time.

Although many people here have watched tons of movies, I simply (simply tee-hee) have not and therefore appreciate recommendations.

Believe it or not, I'm quite oxy-moronic in the sense that I need to be given a reason to watch a movie. Either that, or it needs to have the title, "Damn Good Movie". Then I might be persuaded.  

Point is, the Script Club gives people a chance to shout out:

Hey you! You never saw that one? You never read that one? You should! Cause it's superfantabulous!

I remember reading I want to Fuck Your Sister. Glad I did and was totally NOT a waste of my time because I enjoyed it.

Sandra

How about 'Buried'? Didn't the writer post that here himself after the film was produced?

Quoted from B.C. How about 'Buried'? Didn't the writer post that here himself after the film was produced?

What is Buried about?

Sandra

Quoted from Sandra Elstree. What is Buried about?

Credit card debt

Quoted from Dreamscale Buried is dull, dull, DULL!!!

Sadly, agreed.
Supposed protag was a self centered fKup.
I usually don't care about the protag and find the local obsession with bonding with them rather "queer", but I outright disliked the guy.
Fk him.
Idiot.

Buried is dull, dull, DULL!!!

Quoted from RayW Credit card debt

Are you serious or funnin' me?  

Sandra

Quoted from Sandra Elstree. Are you serious or funnin' me?

If either of our spouses were in the room I'd be in trouble.   XO

Ok then, Nominate scripts of both types and we'll vote on the script to read.

What if I can't make up my mind?

Sandra

Something here: http://www.imsdb.com/latest/
Produced.
Hopefully indie.
And with good DVD commentary.

With some finching, FROZEN.
Pig in the poke nomination.
I don't know if it has any decent commentary - and - it's writer/director.

UPDATE: WooHoo!
Special Features
Audio commentary with writer/director Adam Green and actors Shawn Ashmore, Kevin Zegers and Emma Bell
Catching Frostbite: The Origins of Frozen featurette
Three Below Zero featurette Shooting Through It featurette
Beating the Mountain: Surviving Frozen featurette
Chair 92 Easter Egg
Deleted scenes
Theatrical trailer

THEN... ! we cannibalize a family member, I mean "review" a peer with filet knives... I MEAN USEFUL INSIGHT!
REVIEW WITH USEFUL INSIGHT! REVIEW WITH USEFUL INSIGHT!

Quoted from Sandra Elstree. What if I can't make up my mind?

Your mind doesn't need any makeup.
It has that natural beauty.

(Okay, I'm making myself sick. Someone get me some pancakes for all this syrup!)  

That's why we'll do it for you when you nominate some scripts...

Quoted from RayW Something here: http://www.imsdb.com/latest/ Produced. Hopefully indie. And with good DVD commentary. With some finching, FROZEN. Pig in the poke nomination. I don't know if it has any decent commentary - and - it's writer/director. UPDATE: WooHoo! Special Features Audio commentary with writer/director Adam Green and actors Shawn Ashmore, Kevin Zegers and Emma Bell Catching Frostbite: The Origins of Frozen featurette Three Below Zero featurette Shooting Through It featurette Beating the Mountain: Surviving Frozen featurette Chair 92 Easter Egg Deleted scenes Theatrical trailer THEN... ! we cannibalize a family member, I mean "review" a peer with filet knives... I MEAN USEFUL INSIGHT! USEFUL INSIGHT! USEFUL INSIGHT! Your mind doesn't need any makeup. It has that natural beauty. (Okay, I'm making myself sick. Someone get me some pancakes for all this syrup!)

I think that line has two people in a bar with two strong drinks.

But I'm going to fight that urge and just be a good little girl and go do my exercise routine.  

Sandra

Buries was a pretty good read which is what we do here.  I like Ray's enthusiasm, but I'm not going to watch a movie and listen to commentary too.

Quoted from Grandma Bear I like Ray's enthusiasm, but I'm not going to watch a movie and listen to commentary too.

Anti-hedonist.  

I didn't say others can't. I personally do not have the time to do so.

As far as Buried goes, it could be a good discussion on how a good script turnred into a dull film.

Pia, don't you think it was obvious, based on the script, that Buried was going to be extremely dull onscreen?

Quoted from Grandma Bear I didn't say others can't. I personally do not have the time to do so. As far as Buried goes, it could be a good discussion on how a good script turnred into a dull film.

That is a very interesting comment because I find that movies don't match up to the books I've read. It seems rather strange since pictures really are worth gazillions of words. I've never seen the movie, so if this script were chosen, then I'd read the script first and then watch the show. Make a big deal of it, make popcorn and maybe bake a cake or something.  

Sandra

I thought Buried was a decent movie. Considering the film is set in one tiny space for 90mins, I thought they did well.

Anyhoo. I've seen Frozen, it was alright.  

How about 127 Hours? Based on book. Real life. Just throwing it in the mixer...

127 HOURS may have achieved critical appreciation but was major "Meh... " to watch, IMO.

FWIW, I think trying to find a consensus on much of anything is gonna be tough. Ha!

Well, we won't find a movie everyone likes. Maybe a mod should choose one and enforce it.

So far the list:

Black Swan
Buried
Frozen
127 Hours
Alien
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Inception(if we can find the spec)

Any other suggestions?  Including SS member scripts because It was a tie.   Then I'll set up a poll and whatever script wins the poll is the script we'll do.  In the case of a tie, Pia will decide.

Quoted from RayW FWIW, I think trying to find a consensus on much of anything is gonna be tough. Ha!

Always has been, Ray.

Personally (just me) I always thought the greatest value came in the discussion of sold or at least buzz-generating spec scripts.  Why do they work -- at least, before the Hollywood machine ruins them?  

I (and probably many others) have a few good contenders to toss into the mix.  I know that I took quite a bit away from the discussion of "I Want to F*** Your Sister."

Discussions of Produced scripts have proven less fruitful in the past.

There is a good case to be made for evaluating SS member scripts, too -- but while it is very helpful for the member involved, nobody really learns much.

I did not vote.  Just putting these thoughts out there from past experience.

I voted produced but I'm fine with either.  Inception would be a trip.