Script Club Reboot? - Print Topic

Been a while, about over 2 years since we last had a Script Club. I'm itching to get it going again and I was going to run it, but only if there's any interest....so hence the creation of this thread. Anyway, Script Club - for the newcomers and those who vaguely remember it - is where we pick a script and we dissect it in sections for X amount of days. For example, protagonist, story, character, structure, etc. shit like that. It's really fun and a good learning experience. So I'm just making this thread and putting out feelers to see how many are interested in bringing back this cool concept.

If anyone IS interested, I discussed with Pia a reading schedule.... we both feel some point AFTER Christmas & the New Year is definitely the best time to get this going... it'll give everybody time to settle in and relax after the hectic holidays.

As for what script we will read, well, we can do a pro script or a Blacklist or Bloodlist script. Or maybe even an Oscar nominee. I would like to do a script by an SS member, but it's gotta be really fucking good. But we'll worry about the script later, first we need people to be interested and on board with the idea.

So what's everyone say?

I nominate "Damn you, Bruce" for teh script choice.

Excellent! Thanks for taking the initiative!

I have 7000+ scripts to chose from if you need something. :)

I may be interested. :)

~Zack~

That's official, Zack!!!! You are now obligated! :P

Okay, so for those interested, what type of script would you like to see discussed?

Not suggesting anything, but it occurred to me just now that we've never discussed a TV show. As you probably know, TV shows, that's where the "hot" writing is happening right now....

"Damn You, Bruce" is a perfect script to analyze.

Quoted from Dreamscale

"Damn You, Bruce" is a perfect script to analyze.

Okay. Not familiar with it, but feel free to post a link.

http://www.simplyscripts.com/scripts/DAMNYOUBRUCEn.pdf

I knew "Damn You, Bruce" sounded familiar (Turns out, I actually read it a while back). I did a Google search and the first thing that popped up was the PDF and Simply Scripts. It's a short, about 15 pages, and a full-fledged pisser that we will not be wasting our time with. ;D ;D
It's about a guy who kills himself and his blood gets into an "old automatic in ground pool cleaner" and "Somehow Bruce's soul gets trapped inside the piece of pool equipment" and goes on a kill crazy rampage. haha. The first page is hilarious, but for all the wrong reasons.

Moving on? LOL

Will we be discussing a short or a feature?

~Zack~

Most likely a feature, Zack.

Thats fine with me. :)

~Zack~

Sounds cool. I might have to come out of hibernation for this.

Quoted from dead by dawn

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Sorry, couldn't help myself.

So, what does everyone want to read? A script by an active SS member or a produced script or something from the blacklist or Bloodlist? I read the ones on the Bloodlist. I wasn't too crazy about them to be honest. I don't even know why Bullies was even on the list. IMHO, it was a drama, not a horror.

I really like the Script Club idea. I'm interested.

And I'd be up to read anything, apart from maybe, "Damn you, Bruce 2". Though, I did like Angry Bear's idea about discussing a TV show. Some detailed analysis on how a pilot looks with possible character/storyline expansions etc. in mind is something that should be useful for any writer, imo at least. Especially considering TV writing usually goes unnoticed on here and having a TV pilot in a writer's resume is gaining significance.

EDIT: https://sites.google.com/site/tvwriting/ Links to some TV pilots if anyone's interested. It has 16 pilot scripts from the 14-15 season in US, for example.

Let's do one from an SS member. And horror. :)

~Zack~

I don't see anything remotely good in the horror section that's recent, except maybe House of Whorrors.
I'm open to horror from an SS member, but it's gotta be really good and not more of the same old shit.

I always thought it would be a good idea to take a SS script in whatever genre, and then compare it to a pro script of the same genre/tone so you can really constructively analyse the differences and help the SS member improve their script.

It's good to read pro scripts, but we're trying to help people get their scripts better, at the end of the day.

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films

That is a good idea, Rick! Do we have a SS script we can use and if so, what pro script can we use to compare it with? :)

"Esteban" would be a good feature to use. What say you?

Another pisser, Jeff? ;D

I remember when we did Script Club II and Fade to White was the script. Got anything new for us? :P

Quoted from Grandma Bear

That is a good idea, Rick! Do we have a SS script we can use and if so, what pro script can we use to compare it with? :)

Maybe Mike's (spesh2k) Never After and A History of Violence? The only downfall with that one is he hasn't been around lately BUT I do know he plans to make a return (very soon) and start reading again soon as he submits his new script, which I'm co-writing with him. I can't think of another SS script for something like this suggestion except for maybe The Farm by Bert. They're the only 2 SS scripts that I think could stand toe to toe with a pro script (all that I could think of for now, anyway). What about you, did you think of any?

This sounds like a great idea and a even greater learning experience. But I have too much on my plate right now. Otherwise I'd be in like Flynn. Maybe if things get less hectic I wouldn't mind working on my writing chops with you guys.

Cam,

If we did get this up and going, it most likely wouldn't be until mid-January...some time for everyone to settle in after the holidays.

Right now, it sounds like we have me, crookedowl, Zack, DS, and I'm assuming Pia. That's 5 so far.

You're not even done them yet!! ;D ;D

Removed.

I need something to motivate me. Lol

Quoted from Grandma Bear

... Do we have a SS script we can use and if so, what pro script can we use to compare it with? :)

What about Led's script - 'Equal Retribution' ('What Doesn't Kill You'), - you'd have to get his permission of course, given it's being produced, and share the link between yourselves -unless it's still posted on SS?? Just a thought cause it's a terrific horror/thriller.

Or Ryan's horror script which got top rating also on ScriptShadow - not sure if that's still up? but both are terrific screenplays.

Don't think I'll have time for this btw but just thought I'd throw a suggestion into the mix.

I think it's up to DBD to decide, but if it was up to me, I don't think I would chose a script that's already in production. I thought of a script earlier today though, one I really liked and that was Rick's entry to the last 1+6WC. I don't remember the title right this minute, but I really enjoyed that one. I even sent it to a production company with my own "RECOMMEND". Not sure that did anything, but I tried. ;D

Gabe, I remember reading yours and liking one of them. Like I said though, it's up to DBD. :)

I'd be keen,

Took a look at the beginning of "Damn you" Bruce and got turned off straight away. Sorry.

The opening EXT. POOL - NIGHT

Just doesn't do it for me... Maybe EXT. BACKYARD - NIGHT ?????

Then "BRUCE, 30, sits in his pool..."

Does EXT. POOL mean he is outside of the POOL ??? Hee Hee

Sorry Brandon.

I think maybe a Blacklist script.

Quoted from Grandma Bear

... I thought of a script earlier today though, one I really liked and that was Rick's entry to the last 1+6WC. I don't remember the title right this minute, but I really enjoyed that one. I even sent it to a production company with my own "RECOMMEND". Not sure that did anything, but I tried. ... ;D

Deep In the Bone aka Bone Deep. Terrific script by Rick.

The OP hated Bone Deep, tore it to shreds! :)

Did me a favour, though. It's better now, I think.

It would make for a reasonable discussion...there's certain strengths to it and certain weaknesses that are worth looking at from a writer's point of view, I'd say.

I liked Rick's script!

One thing to remember about the 1+6WC scripts is that most of them when first posted are pretty much first drafts. Most people go on to do rewrites after feedback. From what I saw, it was a decent bunch of scripts entered. I didn't enter mine, but it has been optioned and is slated for production in 2015. What might seem cliche' to some, might be exactly what the producers were looking for. :)

If I remember correctly, Deep In The Bone had no agents of any kind. It was about a doctor trying to save his son.

"we should never write with a mentality like that"
But that's what the whole 1+6WC was about. Prod-cos were looking for a thriller with a race against time with the lead in his 50s....

If we want to be produced, we have to write what people are looking for. :)

Quoted from dead by dawn

I'm sorry but I just thought they were all the same. Non-stop action that got tiresome after 10 pages...protagonists thrown into shit right from page 1 with no development of any character...CIA Agents, FBI Agents, DEA Agents, Ex-agents, terrorists...it was all just so boring. Yeah, what might seem cliche to some might be exactly what a producer is looking for, but we should never write with a mentality like that, unless someone pays you to write like that, then it's fine.

Please let us know what you have written so we can take a look and keep up with the greats.
I'm sure your material is just brimming with originality. Producers? Pfft? Who needs them? Originality is what it's all about!

Why write for producers when you can write original material!? Who, what writer, in any state of mind, would ever aim to write for their script to be produced?

Crazy talk.

Seriously, "reviewers" like you are just people that say " I've seen this film before" a million times over and over again. Yes. It's likely to remain that way. Not just because of lack of originality, but in order to make a movie it costs a lot of money, requires a shitload of people, and to get distribution? It takes more than a storyspinner to wind that deal.

I think you underestimate what scriptwriters are trying to do here. As if everyone is going to write some magical Steven Spielberg shit on their first draft.

I don't understand people like you, slating writers, and asking for "excellence" and "originality" as if to please you. Who the fuck are you? Or more to the point, who do you think you are?

"I would try a new approach" .... fuck off. You've never been there, don't criticize something you don't know.

You can never overburn a celebrated turd.

It's all good. We're just trying to find a script everyone will agreed to review. This wasn't about you. I still think a TV script would be good. I didn't watch TV shows for years because, well, they sucked big time, but in the last few years, it seems the best writing is on television. Sons of A, Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, True Detective...

Maybe we can study one of those?

Haha, I actually watched a lot of those TV dramas. Good god, they made me laugh.
Good times!
Loved the 80's.

I think DeadByDawn meant well. And in his defence, he didnt mean bad. Just gotta stop saying stupid shit. He's a nice dude :)

So...do we still have people interested?

Suggestions so far seem to be

Deep in the Bone by Rick
Equal Retribution by Shawn
Ryan's horror that I've read but don't know the current title of
Michael Kospiah's script
True Detective TV pilot

Any other suggestions?

Looks like Scoob has beeb hitting the sauce again.

It's very entertaining how every once in awhile, he'll jump into a thread and go off on someone.

Wonder when his apology will pop up, saying he was shitfaced again and jumped on his computer, looking for trouble. ;D ;D ;D ;D

Why is everybody talking about script club?

Script Club is something we've done every now and then in the past. We pick a script, either pro or from one of us here and then we discuss all the aspects of it. Story, characters, dialogue, pace and things like that. Trying to figure out what works, what doesn't. What can be improved and the occasional, how the hell did this script ever get greenlit by a studio??????

You're welcome to join in. :)

Yeah, I got it... I was just having a little joke. You're not supposed to talk about fight club.

I'd discuss Equal Retribution or Deep in the Bone, personally.

I remember reading Shawn's 'Equal Retribution' and LOVING the living hell out of it because it was one of those outstanding redemption scripts with a supernatural twist.

Deep in the Bone I think I finished too, Doctor goes after the Mob to get Bone Marrow from the Mob Boss' son to save his own son from dying. This one I recall enjoying too.

Not sure about the others. Never heard of True Detective either...

After some thought, I decided I want to do a pro script (and not a tv pilot) for this. Anybody have a genre in mind?

If we're doing horror, my vote goes to "Home" by Adam Alleca. It's probably the best recent horror script most people haven't read. Alleca wrote the remake of Last House on the Left, and this script was optioned by Wes Craven's company.

The logline, without giving much away, is "A paranoid delusional man is left on house arrest out in the middle of the woods." It's best to go into it blind, though. It's truly a great script and it's a shame it hasn't been made. It will make you happy, Zack.

I'm down for that! Sound's like my kinda flick. ;D

~Zack~

I'm down too. I've heard great things about it, plus I loved the remake of Last House on the Left.

Quoted from dead by dawn

I'm down too. I've heard great things about it, plus I loved the remake of Last House on the Left.

How high were you when you watched the remake of Last House on the Left? Or did you have several scantily clad young ladies working your bone?

I was not so impressed, but I guess it wasn't downright terrible.

My only problem was with the microwave.

Home sounds good. I've heard great things about it. I would like to read it for Script Club.

Okay, so who's got the script then? 8)

Quoted from Grandma Bear

Okay, so who's got the script then? 8)

Looks like we are just going around in circles !!!!!

Quoted from Alex_212

Looks like we are just going around in circles !!!!!

I thought DBD had decided on HOME...

I'm not familiar with it myself, but if it's a good horror, I'm game. :)

Quoted from LC

I'm secretly hoping Libby gets divorced so I can marry her. Or at least become my manager. :)

Btw..Lib, thanks for the kind words eariler tonight. I needed those prayers.

I'll throw mine in if folks want to read it, but I am interested in Ryan's script as well.

My vote's for Ryan.

Shawn.....><

Last House on the Left was the one with Jennifer Lawrence, right? If so, I have the script... problem is, it's on my (dead) PC. I'll try and find it again if that's the script ya'll wish to discuss.

I might be reading this wrong... I do that sometimes. Home, Last House on the Left, Equal Retribution?!?!?! Which one is it? Befuddled.

Quoted from Leegion

Last House on the Left was the one with Jennifer Lawrence, right?

Jennifer Lawrence was House at the End of the Street. I think that was the title?

Quoted from Grandma Bear

Okay, so who's got the script then? 8)

I believe Crookedowl does. I'll talk to him as soon as I can.

How are we gonna go about the reading? Are we gonna wait until after the holidays?
And are we gonna post a link to it directly on the board or are we gonna shoot it out through emails to people who want to participate?
I guess these are the final questions.

Quoted from dead by dawn

Jennifer Lawrence was House at the End of the Street. I think that was the title?

That's the one.

Quoted from dead by dawn

How are we gonna go about the reading? Are we gonna wait until after the holidays?
And are we gonna post a link to it directly on the board or are we gonna shoot it out through emails to people who want to participate?

Why are you asking all these questions? You're the one running this thing! ;D

Usually, we start by deciding on a script.

Next, announce when the SC will start. Give people at least a week to read the script. I would wait with the start of the discussion though until after the holidays. I will be on vacation until first week in January and won't be able to comment, but it would be nice to read during that time. Maybe others feel the same?

Start a thread for the discussion when you're ready. We'll lock that thread until the discussion will start.

If the script is in production or soon to be released, you should not post a link to it here. Email only, unless it's readily available online.

Quoted from Grandma Bear

Why are you asking all these questions? You're the one running this thing! ;D

lol I just want to pick a date that's cool for everyone, that's why I'm asking. I guess we can start the discussion January 13th, on a Tuesday. I'll start the thread when I can...a quick look on IMDB shows that Home is currently filming and Dennis Iliadis (Last House on the Left) will be directing. So I guess we're sending the script out through e-mail.

All those who want to take part in Script Club, send me a PM with your e-mail and I will make sure you get a copy of Home written by Adam Alleca. 8)

Quoted from dead by dawn

lol I just want to pick a date that's cool for everyone, that's why I'm asking. I guess we can start the discussion January 13th, on a Tuesday.

Sounds good. Any time after the holidays is fine by me.

I'm ready when you guys are.

~Zack~

send me your e-mail via PM (goes for everyone) so I can make a list of who gets the script.

So when are we starting this? I haven't got the script yet.

~Zack~

01-13-15

I got all your PMs, guys....all 2 of 'em. lol

Looks like it won't be a big turn out. I'll send the script soon...

Send me a copy pronto so I can read on vacation. I think you have my email. :)

I'd be down for this! This year I've had to put reading & writing on hold up to the last couple of months after starting a business, and this seems like a good way to get me back into the swing of reading again!

For those I sent the script to, I'll post the initial thread on the 3rd....Pia will lock it...it will be re-opened on the 13th....The initial post will already have something for us to discuss, but since the thread will be locked for a bit, you'll have plenty of time to come up with a response. Hope you guys enjoyed the script. I thought it was awesome.

Finished the script. I can see what the fuzz was about, impressive handling of a contained thriller/horror.

I also just realized Home is currently in production. Certain elaborate discussion on a movie in production is a good idea on a public message board?

I don't know. Didn't think of that until now. It's up to the moderators.

Quoted from dead by dawn

I don't know. Didn't think of that until now. It's up to the moderators.

I have no idea. I'm not a legal expert. We've done it before though. Not sure discussing a script is the same as sharing the script online. Maybe Don or Bert has a thought on this.

Quoted from Grandma Bear

I have no idea. I'm not a legal expert. We've done it before though. Not sure discussing a script is the same as sharing the script online. Maybe Don or Bert has a thought on this.

I am no expert, either -- but if Don had nothing to do with you guys obtaining the script, I do not see how there could be much of a problem.  At the very worst, a "cease and desist" type of thing, but even that seems quite a reach.

I will add that we have had some very interesting vistors on past Script Club threads -- folks that seemed "pro" and who have popped onto our boards for those discussions alone -- and were likely watching the internet for those titles to pop up somewhere.

Rather than stopping the conversation, however, they offered a unique perspective to the conversation.

I seem to recall one on the sci-fi that Breanne moderated, "Countdown" I think it was, and another on our discussion of "I Want to F*** Your Sister."  (I still think that title is brilliant)

Just saying.  You never know who is watching.

Quoted from bert

I'm not liable for what you post on the discussion board. The worst that can happen is I get a C&D and am asked to close down the discussion. Quite frankly, the chances of that happening are quite slim.

Don

Would you like your script to be debated about if you were the writer in question?

I think it's a bit dodgy and probably not worth the fuss. Why not focus on recently produced scripts, or scripts that were produced back in the day and compare. Then you have the film to see what finally happened. Is there a real need to deconstruct a script that's in production? Why?

When a script, be it a short or feature, is optioned from this site it is usually requested to be removed. Often by producers. There is a reason for that. I think discussing a script in production, on a popular movie/script forum, is not the best of ideas.

Not trying to be argumentative. But I am curious why anyone would want to read something that's ultimately not finished anyway, that's in production, and they know full well the consequences...

...And then I remember the Halloween remake. Yup. OK. I'll shut up now. Do as you do, haha.

I think we'll be fine, but we can cancel, I don't care. I'm not reading another script, though, and someone else can run SC.

Seems like Script Club is looking for a new person to run it. Anyone feeling like stepping up and take over the job?

Let me/us know. If not, I will lock this thread and call it over with.

Well, that escalated quickly.

I suppose I could take over running it, however it's no more than a maybe for now. How many people are still interested in participating and are we still going with "Home"?

I've read the first 35 pages so far and I really like it. Would be a good script to discuss, IMO. Story keeps you interested at the same time the writing itself could be improved.

Let me know if you want to run it. 8)

I'm still in. I don't want to run it, but I'll participate if this is still on.

Quoted from DS

Seems to me the interest in this SC has cooled off. If you are interested in running one, you are perfectly welcome to do so. I would suggest you'd start over though. Maybe pick a new script and start a new SC thread? You can pm me when/if you're ready. I will lock this one and let it go bye bye..