Screenwriter's Showdown, Too

So as not to keep hijacking the "who wrote what thread" or take away from Cornetto's Screenwriter's Showdown, I've opened this thread.

A quick recap;

Baltis has a thirty page script.  I have a thirty page script.    We've agreed to go head to head.  Script against script.   Of course this is all pending on whether Don allows us to do it.

Suggested guidelines:

1) - We'll both submit our script (to Don) within the next couple days.

2) - No required genre or theme.

3) - Scripts will be scored on a point system by three or four judges whosescores will remain anonymous.  No one will know which judge gave what score.  Scores will be sent to Bert and then he will post them.  (Bert hasn't agreed to this yet, but I have a feeling he might)

4) Scoring criteria; 1 to 10 points (10 being the best) on the following components.   Format, Originality, Creartivity, Marketability - (or FOC'M for short)

Dreamscale has already agreed to be a judge.    We'd need a few more volunteers.   I'd like to nominate JohnnyBoy, Electric Dreamer, Andrew Allen, GirlO or maybe even RayW (God forbid).  :D

Alright, it's pretty simple.   Any thoughts?

(Keep in mind this all hinges on Don't approval --  Even if it's against his better judgment)

Quoted from screenrider

We'd need a few more volunteers. I'd like to nominate JohnnyBoy, Andrew Allen, GirlO or maybe even RayW (God forbid). :D

Who do you think sent me to this planet to give guys like you some perspective?
God forbids nothing. ;D

Quoted from screenrider

Stay on topic, Ray. You gonna be a judge or not? If not then spare us your cute rhetoric.

Subject keeps changing on it's own, but that's okay. I have a broader scope of vision than some.
Yessir. I'd be honored.
Awww! That's so sweet. You called my rhetoric "cute"!

Quoted from RayW

Who do you think sent me to this planet to give guys like you some perspective?
God forbids nothing. ;D

Tee-hee-hee

Stay on topic, Ray. You gonna be a judge or not? If not then spare us your cute rhetoric.

Format is 1/4 of the grade?? Marketability?

What about Story, Narrative flow, Dialogue, and Character?

Your scoring system is very flawed. I think you are rushing through this -- again.

Quoted from bert

Format is 1/4 of the grade?? Marketability?

What about Story, Narrative flow, Dialogue, and Character?

Your scoring system is very flawed. I think you are rushing through this -- again.

Then I'm open for suggestions. Fire away.

EDIT: My intention is to keep the scoring system simple as possible.

Yeah, that scoring system is not good at all.

Who is GirlO, BTW? Is she a regular around here?

Quoted from Dreamscale

Yeah, that scoring system is not good at all.

Who is GirlO, BTW? Is she a regular around here?

Meet GirlO.  http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?m-1299561892/

Jeff, if you have a problem with the scoring sytem then now's a good time to toss out some suggestions.   Maybe you and Bert can put your heads together.

Meanwhile I've gotta get back to my script.   I have a feeling Baltis is gonna come at me swingin'.

Things to evaluate:

Format
Originality - Been there, done that, but it's still pretty good.
Creativity - How clever is the setup and solution?
Marketability - To whom? Hollywood or Indie?
Story - Idea vs. Execution
Narrative flow & story pacing.
Dialog - Do we have a beef with talking heads? It seems some people do. I'm fine with it.
Character - Icon creating characters vs. comfortable stock characters

Emotional range required of actors and audience.
- Would actors be interested in playing these parts?
- Are there good lines to deliver?
- What will my film buddy and I say walking out to the car in the parking lot?

How many money shots are there for a trailer?
What single image would I put on a poster?
What images from this short will linger with me?
Can we make Halloween costumes of these characters?
Would people at work repeat any of these lines in the break room, hallway or parking lot?

If turned into a feature what are:
- Target Market Demographics
- Guestimated budget
- Academy Award material, Blockbuster, Cult following
- Guesstimated box office haul

But since it's a short:
- What shorts festivals to submit to
- Production budget
- In what style do you envision this being shot?

As is or rewrite X4 potential?

Would this attract kickstarter investors?

Quoted from screenrider

Those are all good points Ray, but ultimately it might be best to focus mainly on the story. Who can tell the better story. That's what this is basically all about.
Again, keeping it simple as possible.

I have a broader scope of vision than some.
Those are pretty basic story elements that go or would go into my evaluation of a film or screenplay.

Those are all good points Ray, but ultimately it might be best to focus mainly on the story. Who can tell the better story. That's what this is basically all about.

Again, keeping it simple as possible.

It's about the writing as well.

Story is something that appeals to people in different ways. Good, solid writing is good, Solid writing.

Same with dialogue...there's good dialogue and bad dialogue, and it has nothing to do with talking heads.

I’d be keen. Has this been done before…?sounds like it could end badly :X

- From BlueCat:

What elements of the script are taken into consideration during the judging?
Story, Characterization, Dialogue, Description, Clarity, and Originality.

Quoted from GirlO

I’d be keen.

What elements of the script are taken into consideration during the judging?
Story, Characterization, Dialogue, Description, Clarity, and Originality.

Quoted from Dreamscale

All I know is that I intend on taking my readers for a cool ride. I don't care about the make, model and style of the car. If Don allows this to happen then you judges can figure out the scoring system amongst yourselves. But for the sake of simplicity it should be done on a point system, IMO. As to avoid feedback, opinions and crosstalk.

Most importantly, no one will know what judge gave what score, as to protect the judges from any backlash. Sorta speak.

Mike, or David, would rather attack Goliath here than take on someone more his speed.  The judging would have to be as unbiased as it can possibly be for this to go down.  Face it, over the years I've not been a fan favorite around here... And when you have an ego like mine that's to be expected.

I'd say you have the advantage of board power on your side mike... We couldn't have Jeff as a judge, but a good call having the new girl.  She doesn't know us from Adam or Eve.

Pardon the biblical puns...

Anyways, I'm away for much of the day... Using my phone to check in.  We have to get the criteria of judging, who the judges are and when to sub to move forward.

One bit before I check out - is your script right on 30 pages?  Mine is a bit over after we talked last night.

"What's your point?"

Well, my point is, if your script starts to get hammered in the reviews, are you gonna pull it like you did your two OWC scripts?  As far as your showdown with James, you packed up and ran outta Dodge.

I'll read both of the scripts if this thing gets approved, but no one wants to see you have another meltdown.

So good luck gunnin' down big, bad Baltis.  The deadliest pistoleer in all the west, they say.  So mean he once shot a man just for snorin.'

I'd like to read these just because I'm curious as to how this thing will turn out.

I will be 100% unbiased. I have absolutely no problem with Balt or Screenrider, but if yuo don't want me as a judge, I understand.

The thing is, you need to have judges who know what they're talking about, otherwise, this makes no sense at all.

That is true Jeff. Very true.

@Greg, I'll tell you how it ends right now because it's already been written -- My script nailing Mike's to the cross.

Yahweh dna for the win!

Quoted from Ryan1

Oh poor Ryan. You'll never let me live that one down will ya. Sounds like you've got a chip on your shoulder. Not to mention you're confused. That OWC thing between me and Jwent was never my idea. It was bogus to begin with. I wanted to meet him one on one ( in a showdown like this- scripts submitted directly to Don - the right way)

It was his idea to incorporate our little grudge match into the OWC. Bad idea. So if you wanna say I packed up and ran outta Dodge then take a number, pal, because here I am. Ready to go. After I knock Baltis' script out of the ring then you can step right up and be next. :D

Quoted from Baltis.

Not even close.   I'm probably one of the least fav's on this site.   Just ask Jwent.

My script may go over a couple pages in length as well.  No biggie.    Still waiting for Don's approval on this Showdown.   Fingers crossed. ready to go.

Baltis is goin' down in the first round.

"Mike, or David, would rather attack Goliath here than take on someone more his speed."

- not sure if you want to use that comparison...Goliath did go down, after all :)

Only if you're christian.

Quoted from screenrider

I'm probably one of the least fav's on this site. Just ask Jwent.

I'll second that. I think there should be something at stake. I liked Bert's idea of the loser having to leave the site for a week. I don't have a problem with Baltis, but, I'd like to see SR make like his scripts... and dissapear.

James

Don't see what the issue is here...keeps the boards ticking along.

One thing:

What's the thinking behind all these 30 page shorts? Seems like a very long time for a short, really reduces the chance of festival presentation.

I noticed that Balt's got a few in his locker. Are you going to stick them together in an anthology or something?

I can sort of see a high level drama playing out in 30 mins in a fest, but a 30 page horror looks a tough sell.

Rick.

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films

I'm not worried about festivals at this point I just wanna sharpen my sword and battle it out with, Baltis. In the words of Charlie Sheen; "I'm gonna cut off his head, put it in a box and send it to his mom".

And before anybody blows that comment out of proportion just remember Charlie said it first. Send him the hate mail.

I have an anthology series called "Hallows of Horror", which I toss my shorts into for copyright. Usually 3 to 4 stories a pop. Most at 25 to 35 pages. I'm entering this script into shriekfest because I got a script entered into the features cat and wanted one in the shorts cat... And because it's really, really good. Make no mistake, my script is a drama... It just blast you in the face with horror and suspense throughout. It will, all hype aside, be worth the wait and time it takes to read it.

Trust me...

Quoted from jwent6688

I liked Bert's idea of the loser having to leave the site for a week.

Oh...I had forgotten about that.

And hey -- who told you about that, anyway? I don't remember telling you guys about that idea....

At any rate, it would be nice to see some actual stakes involved instead of you guys just shooting spitballs at each other.

Only problem with loser leaves is they don't get to chime in when all is said and done. So that naturally is going to upset Mike...

How about the loser critique everyone's several-page anonymous pisstake of their script?

How about the loser sends me a 1.75 L bottle of Jagermeister?

If I lose this showdown I'll agree to read and review 7 full-length features of your choosing. Or better yet, I'll leave SS for three months. Whatever you decide. But it ain't gonna happen, folks. I believe my script is that good. Baltis is just gonna be a quick sparring session for me. A warm up.

Good point, Jeff. I'm sure we'll accept your resignation shortly.

Yes, I would be up to assist with this. As Rick says, it would be good for board activity.

Assuming everyone plays fair and is there really any need to not do so... but shouldn't Balt and SR submit anon for those reading the work? That way, those rating would surely not know the writer. The judge being anon is less important.

Also, shouldn't the writer get x picks each? That way, they get 50% say in who reads and rates these things.

Girl0's comp suggestion as a 'rating scheme' seems simple and sturdy enough.

What am I resigning from? My 1.75 L bottle of Jagie? C'mon now...

Context, Jeff!

Was just a shit joke, anyway.

Down the Jager. I had a few on my last night in Sydney recently. Had been a while.

Quoted from screenrider

If I lose this showdown I'll agree to read and review 7 full-length features of your choosing.

As I've said before, I've found little value to your reviews in terms of helping the writer. You either like it, or you don't and usually say as much.

Quoted from screenrider

Or better yet, I'll leave SS for three months.

That, to me, is like winning the lottery. Go Balt!!!

James

Quoted from Andrew

but shouldn't Balt and SR submit anon for those reading the work? That way, those rating would surely not know the writer. The judge being anon is less important.

Also, shouldn't the writer get x picks each? That way, they get 50% say in who reads and rates these things.

Sensible enough.

How about Mike and Balt go read through the reviews left on the fan fave choices for the FEB OWC and Rick's pick, too?
See who's valuation approach is most suitable.

Alternatively, the members at large could read the reviews and nominate some judges.

Writers pick two each - first dibs.
The mob picks three.
No ties with five judges.
No narrow, swinging vote that just three judges create.

And if you guys are going to start getting real "competitive" over this, both submissions need to be submitted with the same computer program so freaks like me can't do a forensic format investigation and start biasing reviews based upon educated guesses.

It's not going to be a narrow vote...highly unlikely...

Good on you, Andrew for drinking some Jagie! It does the body good!!!!!

Quoted from screenrider

If I lose this showdown I'll agree to read and review 7 full-length features of your choosing.

Jilted Wives of the Potomac,
Adoption: The Ugly Truth,
Beyond a Long Glimpse,
Love Without a Leading Man,
Silent Maid's Rebellion,
Curse of America's Last Raped Slave,
Clipping the Wings of Our White Masters

seven shitburgers, all written by Max Alexander Malloy.

Phil

Alright, herein lies one of the problems. The last time I attempted a screenwriter showdown everybody and their mother started chiming in about how it should be done and it turned into a sh1tstorm, IMO. Too many chiefs and not enough indians.

So, Ray, cool it. If Don allows this showdown to happen (still waiting for his approval) then I'll be the one to set the standards. I plan to keep it simple and not make it rocket sugery. ;)

Keeping it simple...

1)  Is it written in English?   -   100 points
2)  Is there some semblance of a story within?   -   100 points
3)  Are there any characters and do they speak?   -   100 points

Tie Breaker

1)  Which script is better?

What are the odds the wheels come off before this bus even gets rolling? I'm guessing 80 percent. SR has a way of starting things, then backing out. Somebody just likes attention IMO.

James

Quoted from jwent6688

What are the odds the wheels come off before this bus even gets rolling? I'm guessing 80 percent. SR has a way of starting things, then backing out. Somebody just likes attention IMO.

James

And I'm surprised no one has mentioned the possibility of another Frost Bite.

But I'm willing to give this the benefit of the doubt and I won't start Ray and K's showdown until after this is over.

Have fun guys.

My question is...are the wheels on the bus now, even? I don't know. It will be interesting for sure...

Frost bite will be entered into the feature cat of shriekfest as khold stare... Trust me, it's real. And it's good. Very good. I let some even read a few scenes of it if you recall...

And there will be no backing out on my end. I believe in my script that much. If I release a script........... It's good.

Quoted from jwent6688

What are the odds the wheels come off before this bus even gets rolling? I'm guessing 80 percent. SR has a way of starting things, then backing out. Somebody just likes attention IMO.

James

You got some big kahonas, James. Doin' what you do best. Talkin' sh1t. News flash:; I'm still here.

Quoted from Dreamscale

My question is...are the wheels on the bus now, even? I don't know. It will be interesting for sure...

Jeff, seems like you're in the sh1t-talkin' camp as well. I dunno what to say, bro. If you don't wanna play then don't play. Go find another sandbox.

At this point I'm gonna wait till Don PM's me back, then we'll take it from there.

Quoted from mcornetto

But I'm willing to give this the benefit of the doubt and I won't start Ray and K's showdown until after this is over.

She & I have been conversing this issue in PMs.

We both respectfully agree to put aside our event until this one has played out.
Tentatively sometime the week of the 21st or later.

We wish the competitors in this event good luck.

Quoted from screenrider

Of course this is all pending on whether Don allows us to do it.

Of course I'm not going to allow it. In fact, I'm pretty angry. You are rude to me. You hijack my OWC thread twice. You lie to me. You start this silliness without waiting for a response from me. And, we know how this is going to end. You are going to delete all your posts and send me an angry email asking me to take your script down because nobody is playing by your rules.

Don

Quoted from screenrider

Of course this is all pending on whether Don allows us to do it.

Quoted from screenrider

Of course this is all pending on whether Don allows us to do it.

Print Topic