The TLDR: *Thanks realxwriter!

Prompt: Reinvent a series, preferably an old one. Make it so it will appeal to today's audience. Change something about it. Don't just write a new episode or the premiere of a new season. Make your own custom version of it in any way you see fit.

Pages limit: 24 (You don't have to use all of them).

Deadline: 2 weeks - Due June 1st at midnight (see timer) at simplyscripts.com/OWC.

Instructions:
1- PM Mod DanC what show you plan to reboot to call dibs on it because every show is limited to two entries.

Do not speak of the show you are interested in reinventing in this thread. Please try to maintain anonymity in this challenge. Just send a private message to DanC, which is the guy in charge. He is awesome!


++++++++++++++++++

Hey guys,
     You know what could open up the door for you?  We've always heard that Hollywood never has original ideas,  but lately, it's so true.

We are in the age of Reboots.  And that is what this OWC is about.  The dreaded Reboot.

Here is a list of shows that have been redone: Lost in space, Dynasty, The Odd Couple, Battle Star Galactica, Leathal Weapon, Twin Peaks, Charmed, Married With Children, Magnum PI, Xena, MacGyver, Tales from the Crypt, Gilmore Girls, Star Trek, Mystery Science Theater 3000, Varsity Blues

That's a wide list.  And there are dozens more that are tossed and passed on.  Wonder Woman had a shot, but, the first episode was so bad that it got passed on.

Your challenge is simple.  Take a program that you feel has series potential and reinvent it for today's audience.  

So, in other words, you can't use the established cast and write stories based in today's world.

You have to take a show that you loved and put your spin on it.  

So, if you wanted to have GAY STAR TREK, well, you can.

If you wanted to adapt your fav anime show and make it a horror show, you can.

If you want to take your fav show and make it what you wanted it to be, you can.

The rules are that there are none, save that it must have been on a TV station and it must have been more than 1 episode.  So, yep, all of you hoping to redo "Little Hitler (or was it Lil' Hitler) sorry, you can't, it was only on for 1 episode.

Yes, someone actually made a series called Little Hitler that made it to air.

Go crazy with it.

A contest just ended looking for your idea of a reboot.  Guys, this is big business potential.

There is a 15-page max.  There is no min.

I really hope someone redoes the Herculoids.  I had an idea for that.  I loved that as a kid.

You must send me a PM to let me know what you plan to pick.  No more than 2 people may pick the same show, UNLESS it's a spinoff of said show.  For ex.  say you wanted to write a series about Xander from Buffy and 2 others were doing Buffy, that's fine.  

First come, first serve.  

Lastly, try to pick shows that were your fav at one point or another.  Try to pick something from the 50's on up.  Anime and foreign shows are fine (for you Brits).


Announce on Friday, May 18th at 10:00 pm  (edt)
Scripts Due Friday, June 1st at 12:00 midnight (edt)
Scripts posted Saturday, June 2ndth at noon (edt)
Voting by email ballot Friday, June 15st at midnight (that will be distributed later)
Who wrote what and Writers' Choice posted June 18th

Here is the general framework

24 page (or less) script, properly formatted in PDF format submited to simplyscripts.com/owc
This is a free challenge. There are no prizes, one entry per person.  Revise as many times as you wish up to the deadline.

Please put (c) 2018 on your script.

Hey guys
     I'm here for my first venture into the world of Admin work.  I will be your voice of reason.  So, you're pretty much doomed.

What hints can I offrr?  Well, the topic will be a very popular trend that is happening in the writing world.

Something old becomes something new in the world of who.

While there is a 15 page MAX, there is no min.

More to come later.  Feel free to ask questions.  

I hope to make this fun for everyone.

Dan

Alright, Dan!  WOOHOO...Way to go, bro!

Looking very forward to it.  Haven't written anything ion quite some time.  

Great going, Dan! Let's see if I manage to put something together for this.
I can make a guess it's going to be centered around women since you hint on a topic being trendy.

15 pages? Woah, that's new for an OWC.
Ok, bring it!

I may or may not make it in this one. Glad to see you running it Dan. :)

Should be fun.

Quoted from khamanna 15 pages? Woah, that's new for an OWC. Ok, bring it!

But no minimum. So it can FADE IN, FADE OUT, and leave you wondering what the heck just happened.

Yes no min.  Thanks guys.  I really enjoyed the last event and when I heard that the OWC for April wasn't going to happen, I wanted to get involved.

I know it takes all of the members to keep a site going.  So if this destroys me and I randomly wander around asking about the OWC then I'll know I made a mistake 😃

When you see the challenge you will understand why the 15 pages.  Some might even say it isn't enough.

I had a great idea for this, but can't enter.  Small price to pay for an important tradition to keep rolling on.  So Don and I sat down and figured out something we felt you wanted to do.

No it isn't gay star trek.

Good luck
Dan

Quoted from DanC No it isn't gay star trek. Dan

Then I'm out.

Hey Dan

You can always submit your script after/before OWC. Good luck to all.

Gabe

Can't wait!

All I will say at this stage is, with Dan as Captain OWC...

There will be blood.  ;D
Well, I'll be surprised if there isn't the capacity for it.

15 pages?!
I'm glad it's up to, and there's no minimum. Good thinking on that.

I must take part in this one. I'll force myself

Been wanting to try and get back into the swing of things here. Maybe this will help me ease back in. :)

~Zack~

Quoted from IamGlenn I must take part in this one. I'll force myself

Welcome back, Glenn.

Well Libby,
    Will there be blood????

How much blood??  Oh Libby???

Maybe!!!

I will probably spill the beans before midnight, but not too early.

What do Funky Town (the song) and Dynasty (TV series) have in common??

Or is there anything??

And seriously WTF do the Herculoids have to do with it??

Dan

Release the Krakken!!!!!

Funky Town and Dynasty? Ugh, The '70's. Say it ain't so, Dan!

Quoted from JEStaats Funky Town and Dynasty? Ugh, The '70's. Say it ain't so, Dan!

Dynasty was the very early 80's, and I remember it very well!  HA!!

Well the Herculoids were the 60s.

I can say it ain't so.  Not in the way you think.  And the Herculoids were a hint to the peeps on here that follow what I say.  I've mentioned them a few times in the past.

Dan

I'm TV generation and I've no clue what the Herculoids were. Time to Google....

Me neither, haven't heard about Herculoids. The only thing I know about it is that it rhymes with hemorrhoids.

Hmm, think I know generally what Dan is planning. And if it is, I wish I had saved my energy for this one.

Herculoids?  No clue.

Release the Krakken!!!

I would imagine Stevie has thousands of herculoids in his arse.

C'MON!!!!!

Where is everyone?  I need to know what's going on before I get too schlammied!!

Quoted from khamanna The only thing I know about it is that it rhymes with hemorrhoids.

:D Good one, Kham.

Dan did say he might reveal all before the witching hour.
9:30 in the morning here so I can wait but it'd be nice for the sleepy people.

Dystopian, strong female lead mixed in with metoo is a current popular trend, but somehow I can't see Dan going that route.

T-:30

I think Dan fell asleep actually...

Wakey-wakey!  :D

well, at least Dan is upholding the tradition of running behind on deadlines.

Sorry guys.  Had company that just left.  Will type it out now.  Super fast concept is reboots

Apparently, I'm really dumb.  I can't figure out how to create a new sticky to post it.  So, I will post it here and then it can get moved.

Sorry,

Dan

Quoted from DanC Apparently, I'm really dumb.  I can't figure out how to create a new sticky to post it.  So, I will post it here and then it can get moved. Sorry,Dan

Oh boy...

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

You can do it, Brother!!!

New Thread, or New Post, Dan.

Ok.
   IT's been revised.  Click on page 1 and start there.  Again, it's about reboots.  Your goal is to take your fav show from the 50's, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s, even the 10s, anime, foreign, and reinvent it.

Look at the success of some shows like Lost in Space.  

Dig deep.  

Have fun

Dan

Quoted from DanC     Will there be blood???? What do Funky Town (the song) and Dynasty (TV series) have in common??

...they involve lips..?
Unless you were thinking of the Pseudo Echo cover, or (god forbid) Alvin & Chipmunks, that's Lipps inc with the original.

As for Die Nasty, er, I mean Dynasty, lips, well, Alexi and Crystal had them as well as claws...
catfight in the OWC?
Disco? early 80s?

******
Follow up
******

I wrote response as Dan posted up the flavor a few minutes ago.

Quoted from DanC Ok.    IT's been revised.  Click on page 1 and start there.  Again, it's about reboots.  Your goal is to take your fav show from the 50's, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s, even the 10s, anime, foreign, and reinvent it. Look at the success of some shows like Lost in Space.   Dig deep.   Have fun Dan

Good job, Dan!

Quoted from DanC Ok. Look at the success of some shows like Lost in Space.

Or that lame a$$ trailer for the upcoming Magnum PI.  :(
Hey, but S.W.A.T. is still good, and Hawaii 5.0 was going great (until they ditched half the cast)

Thanks Don.

   And let's all thank Don for letting me do this and stepping up so you can enjoy this.

It's up, so, feel free to start now.  Just let me know what you pick so I can make the proper notes.

Dan

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley Or that lame a$$ trailer for the upcoming Magnum PI.  :( Hey, but S.W.A.T. is still good, and Hawaii 5.0 was going great (until they ditched half the cast)

Agreed.  There are terrible remakes, but, there have been some fun ones too.  I think this has the potential to be fun.

Dan

Quoted from Don Hey guys, Lethal Weapon,  Varsity Blues

These two were movies before they were shows.

The problem I see is that there isn't much we can do with these things after the fact, since it is a safe bet that the shows are existing IPs. I think "Tarzan" could be alright, maybe Robin Hood...That said...

Does Night Gallery , Tales From The Darkside . "Monsters" or Twilight Zone count? Hey, you mentioned Tales From The Crypt.

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley The problem I see is that there isn't much we can do with these things after the fact, since it is a safe bet that the shows are existing IPs. I think "Tarzan" could be alright, maybe Robin Hood...That said... Does Night Gallery , Tales From The Darkside . "Monsters" or Twilight Zone count? Hey, you mentioned Tales From The Crypt.

Yes, they count. Any series is good.  The older the better.  

- Don

(Apologies in advance for the first of upcoming inane queries lol)

So it would be like a half episode of a tv show or a few scenes from a feature?

Sorry just re-read Don’s post about it   Has to be a tv show

Quoted from stevie (Apologies in advance for the first of upcoming inane queries lol) So it would be like a half episode of a tv show or a few scenes from a feature? Sorry just re-read Don’s post about it   Has to be a tv show

Well, a question I hadn't planned on.  I'd go with TV show

Yes, you wouldn't own the rights, but you could enter contests looking for rebooted material.

Dan

Is there a different thread for this?

I don't personally get it, as "up to 15 pages is like 2/3 of a 30 minute TV show, and we're to use real shows from the past with the characters that populated these old shows?  In up to 15 pages?

I'm a bit lost, sorry to say...

Here's one example of these new contests.
https://screencraft.org/publicdomain/

I know it says public domain, but it isn't.

Dan

Quoted from Dreamscale Is there a different thread for this? I don't personally get it, as "up to 15 pages is like 2/3 of a 30 minute TV show, and we're to use real shows from the past with the characters that populated these old shows?  In up to 15 pages? I'm a bit lose, sorry to say...

That's a fair point, but it's much easier to flesh out a series than it is to cut it down.  So it's a way to get mostly through an idea here to be touched up if it turns out great.  We felt that 20 to 25 might be too long for a OWC.  I think I recall Don saying this is the longest one he's ever seen.

Dan

So we can use the old cast in a modern setting? It says not to in Don’s post.

Yep, I'd like to know the answer to this one too.

Roseanne, Will And Grace, Murphy Brown, et al - same cast, where are they/what are they up to now?

And being finickity but 20 mins (with ads) is about the page count. Fifteen pages would be a really short ep. Suppose it can just be a teaser aka to be continued.

So, Dan, how can we be sure we won't have fake people commenting on the entries?
Don says there's a faker among us, but we're not being told who it is.
Do you know?
Can I trust YOU?

I have just taken my pick. You guys are doomed. I never come that early. Wait that came out wrong. .... Dammit.

Anyway, thanks to Don notification email, I get to use the whole week to write one this time around. So, yeah, I'm pretty much calling dibs on first place.

Y o u
a r e
d o o m e d.

Bye.

Ok.  I don't want a what are they doing now.  I was going for a reinvention of the past show.  For ex Hawaii 5 0 has some of the same names from the first series.  However, they are being used in a totally different way.

So I guess if you were to have some sort of skitzo Will and Grace or Roseanne where they are reimagined that's ok.

Otherwise, no.  I hope that clears that up.

Quoted from Stumpzian So, Dan, how can we be sure we won't have fake people commenting on the entries? Don says there's a faker among us, but we're not being told who it is. Do you know? Can I trust YOU?

Ummmm can I have some of what you are on??  And sure I'm real bc no one else would ever ask to write something so odd or long.  

Honestly about the page limit being shorter, we weren't sure if people would want to commit to a project that long.  Hey if everyone agrees, I'd lengthen it.  But, we both had reservations about that.

Who's the spy?? Oh wait we can't know that.  Royal wedding starts in what 4 hrs??  I'll be sleeping.  Sleeping of some girl on a tv show that I am entranced by, but which I won't ever contact because I have no way to find out her name......

Dan

I don't get it then. Call me a dumb blonde.

Most of these reboots like the ones I mentioned are just the same cast, present day. Changes have occurred obviously in their lives but they're the same characters.

Indulge me. I'd like a tangible example of what you mean by reinvention. Give me a hypothetical.

Please...

Ahhhhh crap. I'm in London on the Robert Mckee Story seminar when I get an email that there's a OWC afoot! Well I'm going to have to sit this one out. When I get back I've a load of work to catch up on and won't have time for this one. Pity as i love these and it is an interesting idea as well.

So best of luck Dan in moderating and I hope you guys taking part enjoy it. I'll try to check some of the scripts out and comment.

-Mark

Cool challenge, Dan, different to what we're used to.

I don't know reboots so I don't know what I'm supposed to do. If I'm to reinvent I Love Lucy, for example, I'll have actors playing Lucy, Ricky and the rest? And it should be set in the past?

What about Friends, for instance - can I just go with "we meet again" idea? I mean should it be completely the same show? Can it be a spin of?

Quoted from realxwriter I have just taken my pick. You guys are doomed. I never come that early. Wait that came out wrong. .... Dammit. Anyway, thanks to Don notification email, I get to use the whole week to write one this time around. So, yeah, I'm pretty much calling dibs on first place. Y o u a r e d o o m e d. Bye.

Don't forget to run it by me so I can write down what you're doing.  I don't want more than 2 of any specific show, unless you really do something obscure with the characters or show.

Educational version of Show Girls or something crazy.

Dan

Quoted from LC I don't get it then. Call me a dumb blonde. Most of these reboots like the ones I mentioned are just the same cast, present day. Changes have occurred obviously in their lives but they're the same characters. Indulge me. I'd like a tangible example of what you mean by reinvention. Give me a hypothetical. Please...

Hey Libby.

Ok. Google Lost in Space.  The original show was set in the 90s  and has a friendly Robot and evil\incompetent male Dr. smith.

In the reboot the show takes place a few decades from now, no robot on board, and a female Dr. Smith that is fleshed out much better.

In the reboot of Hawaii 5 O, the relationship between McGarrett and his arch-nemesis were really investigated and worked out.

In the reboot of the Thunder Cats much time was spent on the different races of animals and how Mumra was the one who created them.

Say you were gonna reboot Roseanne.  You might make her gay with kids that she had with a guy when she thought she was straight.

Do something that makes the show your own.  You may not own the characters, but you can make them cool, hip, fresh, and ready to be seen by a new generation by doing something bold.

Dan

Quoted from MarkRenshaw Ahhhhh crap. I'm in London on the Robert Mckee Story seminar when I get an email that there's a OWC afoot! Well I'm going to have to sit this one out. When I get back I've a load of work to catch up on and won't have time for this one. Pity as i love these and it is an interesting idea as well. So best of luck Dan in moderating and I hope you guys taking part enjoy it. I'll try to check some of the scripts out and comment. -Mark

That sucks Mark.  I was it would've been cool to have a Brits POV on show ideas.  Thanks for the luck.  I might need it.

Quoted from khamanna Cool challenge, Dan, different to what we're used to. I don't know reboots so I don't know what I'm supposed to do. If I'm to reinvent I Love Lucy, for example, I'll have actors playing Lucy, Ricky and the rest? And it should be set in the past? What about Friends, for instance - can I just go with "we meet again" idea? I mean should it be completely the same show? Can it be a spin of?

Hey Khamanna,
    No it can't be the same show.  It has to be different.  You can pick Friends, but you'd have to change up the relationships or plot points or something to show your spin on it.

You aren't doing a rehash.  You're doing a reboot.  A reinvention of an old and beloved show that needs a facelift to bring it to today's audience.

I've only seen a few episodes of Friends, but say you had it take place in a different city.  One of the characters might have their sex changed because that'd play better on tv today.  There's so much you could do to make it yours.  

In the reinvent of Dallad, they gave everyone from the old cast kids that all had a troubled past as well as a love triangle.  They also made the tone darker.

I hope this helped

Dsn

Ok, from what I understood so far, the entry shouldn't be a continuation. Because what I had in mind is that I could incorporate some of the old characters and make them in a way pass the torch to a new crew. Sort of. But maybe you want us to make something that's completely different to the original show.

Hmmm.

I mean the idea I had in mind would be almost a sequel to the old show. But it will have a different spirit and take place in a new age. But the plot would be pretty much the same. And some of the old characters would survive. I don't know if that is allowed or not.  :-/

Wait a second. I think the new Sherlock Holmes would be a good example of what you guys want from us, no? The one with the famous cucumber actor.

Quoted from realxwriter/ Wait a second. I think the new Sherlock Holmes would be a good example of what you guys want from us, no? The one with the famous cucumber actor.

Cucumber.  ;D

Thanks for the clarification Dan. I get it now. I looked at a few of the current reboots.

Be pointless doing a reboot of an Aussie show. Nobody would know it.
Skippy rebooted.  ;D

Sad indictment on TV (writers/creators) that everything needs to be rebooted really. New TV programs are not good enough perhaps.

Will ponder anyway.
Not sure if I'm in yet.

Oh, I think I might have something for this! Gonna be fun.

~Zack~

Thanks, Dan. That clears up things a bit although not entirely for me.

I haven't seen many reboots, but one I know.

Old TV classic Bewitched was made into a movie in 2005. Can it be called a reboot of the show?

There's a spin off of Bewitched called Tabitha. It's the same thing but the witch in it is her daughter.

Lastly, some call Sabrina The Teenage Witch a reboot of Bewitched.

So can we write any of the three? (I mean can we follow any of the examples I listed here. Three reboots, all three vastly different)

I've got two writing assignments on at the mo but I do love a good OWC... PM on it's way!

This Sounds cool! I haven't done a OWC in forever!

So, like, if I just take the very outer shell of a tv show but completely rip out the innards and redo it to my tastes, that’s cool?

Also, since I’m out of school (finally) I’ll actually be able to fully participate to the fullest extent this OWC!!

I do think it has to resemble the original though, otherwise we won't recognise it.

Anybody else feels reviving their favorite series is almost blasphemous?

I still don't get it at all.

How can one do this in 15 pages or less?  And in reality, my bet is that the vast majority of entries are way less than 15 pages, and no more than a skit of an old series.

Personally, I think this is a very dumb idea, sorry to say.  And the fact that these are supposed to be teleplays makes everything that much more strange - as in a screenplay and a teleplay are 2 different animals.

I'm out on this, as if I did enter, it would be a giant pisser and I doubt anyone wants to read a 15 page pisser, heavy on the urine.

Good luck here, Dan...I think you're really going to need it.

Good luck to everyone who enters and I'll read as many as I can, but I'm going to pass on this one. I usually write because I have an idea burning inside me that I have to get out through visuals and illustrate with plot, characters and dialogue, and this challenge doesn't quite fit that for me.

AJR

Quoted from LC Cucumber.  ;D Thanks for the clarification Dan. I get it now. I looked at a few of the current reboots. Be pointless doing a reboot of an Aussie show. Nobody would know it. Skippy rebooted.  ;D Sad indictment on TV (writers/creators) that everything needs to be rebooted really. New TV programs are not good enough perhaps. Will ponder anyway. Not sure if I'm in yet.

Roar would be a great candidate. Loved that show, before it got prematurely axed from North American networks.

Yeah, I got dragged back by the OWC. I've only managed to write 5 pages in the last three months. I need an outlet.

As I see it, this is more a concept-challenge. I think the goal should be to reveal your original spin within those few pages.

But I got one question: Is the reboot's world settled in 2018 or can I also go back in time?

f.i. say write about the childhood of Agent Scully from X Files

This is a cool idea, but how are we to write a legitimate episode of a TV series with a 15 page max? What about a reboot of an hour long show? That would be much longer than 15 pages. So the challenge, really, is to write a teaser for a rebooted series? I predict a ton of cliffhangers.

Quoted from Pete B. Lane This is a cool idea, but how are we to write a legitimate episode of a TV series with a 15 page max? What about a reboot of an hour long show? That would be much longer than 15 pages. So the challenge, really, is to write a teaser for a rebooted series? I predict a ton of cliffhangers.

Yeah, it's tricky for sure. There's not much time for an intro, I'd say. Not even sure if one should write that thing from the perspective of a pilot.

I myself probably will, if I can achieve something, go full on concept. There's not really a chance to establish a story when the world is completely new and there's few space.

But again it's really important to me to get to know if it's situated in 2018, otherwise I can't get my head circling about where to go here????

DAAAAAAN!!!!!!!!!!
Don't keep me refreshing, I leave the house in one hour.

Will try to answer your questions at one time.

You can make it in any time.  Say you wanted to reboot Gunsmoke for today's crowd.  You can have it set back then.

You can also absolutely have the old cast passing it on to a new cast.  They did that to end Warehouse 13 when the old cast retired.  So Real that's ok.  Passing the torch is a great way to reboot a show.

Ok  let's talk about Bewitched.  That isn't exactly what I had in mind.  But that's a great show to reboot.  And I will give you an exsmple.

You could make the new version about Sam, a witch, who married a mortal and the repercussions of her choice.  Instead of a comedy, you could make it a drama.  You could go one step further and make Darren black and play with the dynamics of prejudice.  

Take the old and make it your own.  Or you could make her mortal and him the warlock.  Maybe make her a single mom.  Lot's of ideas and potential for that series.

We for it being similar to the original, let's use bewitched again.  Say you made Samantha the human and Darren the warlock, but called it the ssme, people would recognize it.

Blasphemous is such an ugly word.  Don't take your absolute favorite, take a show you liked that would play well today.

It's  screenplay, not teleplay.  Not yet.  I don't want to confuse anyone with acts etc.

15 pages is plenty long enough to tell a solid story\teaser for it.

Sorry that ajr and Jeff won't be in it.

You could go with a series like Primeval that had a solid BBC run but a terrible USA run.  Being Human was another series that had different shows in both countries.

Hope that helps.

Dsn

Do you guys want to expand it to 24 pages?  That's a solid 30 min show.  

Don and I were concerned that it'd be too long.

What we all of you??

Dan

Yo, thanks, man. Hope I wasn't unfriendly when wanting an answer within seconds :-)

When it comes to the length, I'm rather neutral.

@ well, then since several people seem to have a problem with the length, it would makes sense to expand

24 pages is a lot of pages.

Quoted from SAC 24 pages is a lot of pages.

I'm ok with opening up the maximum # of pages to 24.  Don't have to use all of them...

- Don

Quoted from Don I'm ok with opening up the maximum # of pages to 24.  Don't have to use all of them... - Don

Agreed. I was thinking more of reading all these long stories, but if it helps some people...

Yo Dan, I PM'ed my reboot show to you. Let me know....
John

Quoted from DanC You can also absolutely have the old cast passing it on to a new cast.  They did that to end Warehouse 13 when the old cast retired.  So Real that's ok.  Passing the torch is a great way to reboot a show. Dsn

Yay! For a second I thought my idea would be breaking the rules. It really broke my heart. But it doesn't! Thanks again, Dan. This is such an amazing idea for the OWC. It's gonna be a lot of fun writing one and a lot of fun reading others attempts. It may even open doors for some. Sorry about all our annoying questions.

24 pages isn't too much to write, but reading is going to be a huge undertaking. We'll need more time before voting, and there will be more than a few abandoned ships after just a few pages in if it isn't working for the reader.

My idea is a one hour show, but it's about getting the idea across with a complete story, so I'm treating it like a short episode, just to whet your appetite for the real show. Still complete, just a mini-episode.

Also, this doesn't have to be a pilot episode, does it? It might be better to assume the show is already familiar and jump into a later episode to better demonstrate how our own spin affects the show as a whole, not just the introduction.

Dan,

Just asking for further clarification— No characters from the original show can be used? Say I wanna do Seinfeld, I would have to use, say, Jerry’s son and a whole new cast of characters?

Quoted from SAC Dan, Just asking for further clarification— No characters from the original show can be used? Say I wanna do Seinfeld, I would have to use, say, Jerry’s son and a whole new cast of characters?

Looking back at Dan's Bewitched example, you can use original characters, you just need to add your own spin on them somehow. Like a gender swap or race switch or something to modernize it for today's TV landscape.

can we take an old show and twist the genre?

Quoted from Pale Yellow can we take an old show and twist the genre?

Yes.

Looks interesting. I won't be in this one is right now I am touring the East Coast. Good luck to all who enter.

Quoted from eldave1 Looks interesting. I won't be in this one is right now I am touring the East Coast. Good luck to all who enter.

I didn’t know you were in a band, Dave.

Quoted from SAC Dan, Just asking for further clarification— No characters from the original show can be used? Say I wanna do Seinfeld, I would have to use, say, Jerry’s son and a whole new cast of characters?

Steven
    You can use the old characters.  Another user is gonna do a handoff.  That's perfectly ok.

Let's do bewitched again.  I'm fine with Sam and Darren being the benchmark for the new version of the show.

Dan

Quoted from ReneC 24 pages isn't too much to write, but reading is going to be a huge undertaking. We'll need more time before voting, and there will be more than a few abandoned ships after just a few pages in if it isn't working for the reader. My idea is a one hour show, but it's about getting the idea across with a complete story, so I'm treating it like a short episode, just to whet your appetite for the real show. Still complete, just a mini-episode. Also, this doesn't have to be a pilot episode, does it? It might be better to assume the show is already familiar and jump into a later episode to better demonstrate how our own spin affects the show as a whole, not just the introduction.

Rene,
It doesn't have to be a pilot episode.  Just a reboot.  You guys don't have the pages to do a great pilot and the episode idea.

Dan

Quoted from SAC I didn’t know you were in a band, Dave.

Yeah,  it's "The Obedient Husbands". We do all the classics

Quoted from Pale Yellow can we take an old show and twist the genre?

Hey Dena,
     Yes you can twist the genre.  In my Bewitched idea, I commented on making it a drama.  Or horror.

So that'd be a great way to bring it to modern times.  You could make 3's company a drama with 2 guys and a single mom.  Or my 2 dads  with a different genre.

Lots of ways you can take your new idea.

Dan

Quoted from eldave1 Looks interesting. I won't be in this one is right now I am touring the East Coast. Good luck to all who enter.

Dave, if you will be near Buffalo, NY  let me know and we can meet.

Dan

Hey Dan, check your PMs...a bunch of us are waiting for the go ahead to start writing.  :P

DC and Philly

Could the old show be a cartoon and put into live action?

I thought I had it but am still a little confused re the extent of changes to the reboot needed.

Here's a current example of a reboot of Murphy Brown:

This time around, Murphy will anchor a cable morning show called Murphy in the Morning.
This time however she'll be competing (rival news network) with her son Avery.
Last we saw of Avery he was a baby.
Most of the key cast are back except for those who are sadly no longer with us.
There are new cast members.

The essential change seems to be Murphy in competition with her now Millennial son and will focus on world cable news, social media, fake news and a very different political and cultural climate.

...
So, the big change is her rival and adult son is a new and key character.

Dan, (or anyone else who thinks they've got this sussed) if I were to do similar with another show, would that type of change/addition be sufficient?

Not to push, but is it a "Yes" or "No" on the 24 page max? As Don said, "Don't have to use all of them...", but having them available may be useful for some.

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley Could the old show be a cartoon and put into live action?

Yes, that's fine Darren.

Quoted from LC I thought I had it but am still a little confused re the extent of changes to the reboot needed. Here's a current example of a reboot of Murphy Brown: This time around, Murphy will anchor a cable morning show called Murphy in the Morning. This time however she'll be competing (rival news network) with her son Avery. Last we saw of Avery he was a baby. Most of the key cast are back except for those who are sadly no longer with us. There are new cast members. The essential change seems to be Murphy in competition with her now Millennial son and will focus on world cable news, social media, fake news and a very different political and cultural climate. ... So, the big change is her rival and adult son is a new and key character. Dan, (or anyone else who thinks they've got this sussed) if I were to do similar with another show, would that type of change/addition be sufficient?

Libby,
     That's fine.  It's a reboot.

Dan

Quoted from Pete B. Lane Not to push, but is it a "Yes" or "No" on the 24 page max? As Don said, "Don't have to use all of them...", but having them available may be useful for some.

Yes, you can go up to 24 pages.

Dan

Guys,
     I didn't notice my pm's have exploded.  I'm doing them all right now.

Dan

Thanks Dan.

Okay, every private message responded to.  Again, wow did those blow up.  Sorry.  That was my drop of the ball, but, I have picked it back up and scored a 3 pointer!!

So far, we have the following series that have been claimed by our great members:


Monster
Friday the 13th - the series
Dark Shadows
6 million dollar (I'd prefer pesos) man
Quantum Leap
Branded
Moonlighting

And Knight Rider has 2 entries.  So, Knight Rider has been closed (unless the writer chooses the Muppets instead, but, honestly,, I'd go with Knight Rider).

On a side note, I'm shocked at the Knight Rider and Dark Shadows love.  Both were failed series reboots (one series and one movie, respectively), but, hey, this might be the version that opens doors and I can say, both are in great hands.

Dan

Quoted from eldave1 Yeah,  it's "The Obedient Husbands". We do all the classics

Ha! Cracked me up.  :D

...
Dan, interesting choices so far.

Monster? Is that the Nordic series of 2017?

I have the genesis of a pretty cool idea -- but whether I can write it up within a week is a different story.  Going to give it a go, though.

This is a really interesting concept. I have a bit of an idea, but I need to let it gel for a bit to see if it has any chance of working.

Thanks for the email, Don.

I really like getting the OWC email.  It always sparks my determination to get something on paper.

I'm in.

Quoted from LC Ha! Cracked me up.  :D ... Dan, interesting choices so far. Monster? Is that the Nordic series of 2017?

Libby
     Monster was an anime that is pretty old.  It is foreign, and have been assured by the buggers that they are "by far the best horror, nay best anime of all time.". Can you guys put the daggers away now? ?  Please??

And I can disclose that the writer plans to do a love action adaptation!!!

Can't wait.

Dan

I've picked my series. What I'll be doing is essentially writing a pitch scene for a reboot series. Is that alright?

~Zack~

Quoted from Nomad Thanks for the email, Don. I really like getting the OWC email.  It always sparks my determination to get something on paper. I'm in.

Glad to see that you're in.  Very happy with the turn out so far.  With the last 2 events, I feel like new life has been pumped in for these challenges.  Good to see.

Dan

Quoted from Zack I've picked my series. What I'll be doing is essentially writing a pitch scene for a reboot series. Is that alright? ~Zack~

Sure.  As long as you adapt it and make it your own, cool.  I just don't want to see an episode based on an old series.

Take Bewitched.  You can write a pitch for the new idea for it.  But you can't submit an episode based on the old series.  For ex. I wouldn't want to see Endora changed Darren into a dinosaur as punishment for hurting Sam's feelings about a dress she bought.

Hope that helps.

Dan

Quoted from DanC Okay, every private message responded to.  Again, wow did those blow up.  Sorry.  That was my drop of the ball, but, I have picked it back up and scored a 3 pointer!! So far, we have the following series that have been claimed by our great members: Monster Friday the 13th - the series Dark Shadows 6 million dollar (I'd prefer pesos) man Quantum Leap Branded Moonlighting And Knight Rider has 2 entries.  So, Knight Rider has been closed (unless the writer chooses the Muppets instead, but, honestly,, I'd go with Knight Rider). On a side note, I'm shocked at the Knight Rider and Dark Shadows love.  Both were failed series reboots (one series and one movie, respectively), but, hey, this might be the version that opens doors and I can say, both are in great hands. Dan

So you're getting private messages with the writers telling you what they are writing?

Quoted from DanC Okay, every private message responded to.  Again, wow did those blow up.  Sorry.  That was my drop of the ball, but, I have picked it back up and scored a 3 pointer!! So far, we have the following series that have been claimed by our great members: Monster Friday the 13th - the series Dark Shadows 6 million dollar (I'd prefer pesos) man Quantum Leap Branded Moonlighting And Knight Rider has 2 entries.  So, Knight Rider has been closed (unless the writer chooses the Muppets instead, but, honestly,, I'd go with Knight Rider). On a side note, I'm shocked at the Knight Rider and Dark Shadows love.  Both were failed series reboots (one series and one movie, respectively), but, hey, this might be the version that opens doors and I can say, both are in great hands. Dan

To judge if the person did a good job, it helps to know the original series.  As I've never seen the original Moonlighting, I wouldn't be able to judge if this was successfully executed.  This is a tough ask for us readers.

I've only seen Quantem Leap & Monsters.  So I'll only read those efforts.

Quoted from jayrex To judge if the person did a good job, it helps to know the original series.  As I've never seen the original Moonlighting, I wouldn't be able to judge if this was successfully executed.  This is a tough ask for us readers. I've only seen Quantem Leap & Monsters.  So I'll only read those efforts.

This actually raises a good point. The story alone, regardless of what show you picked, should be able to read as a stand alone — a good story, in spite of the characters you’re writing about. Sure, throw in idiosyncrasies related to that particular show, and a few things only the die hards will know, but make it relatable. Universal so as not to alienate the reader. In other words—story, story, story.  

If one wants to read a couple entries that he is familiar with, then fine. However, if you plan on entering and still have that mindset, I’d say this challenge isn’t for you.

I'm with Xavier - it's going to be hard to read and understand some. Many for me actually.
And if they go for 20-24 pages... man! Even 15 pages of something that loses you is not going to be fun.

So, what to do, what to do

     
I also think a week is too little for that. Should be two weeks at least.

OMG I just remembered... I have a 48 hour film project coming up. Not sure I'll get to this challenge! Gonna try though. ;)

Surprised that no one has pick Hogan's Heroes or Green Acres. The former would make a great drama and the latter a great horror

Dave, I almost picked both of those.  Hogan's Heroes could have been made "Stalag 17" like.  I thought "Green Acres" could have been turned into a family drama where Oliver and Lisa have domestic issues because she wants to return to NY, there's battles with neighbors, etc.  I also thought about the Beverly Hillbillies being made into a family series where instead of staying in Beverly Hills, they return to Bugtussle (or wherever they lived) and totally change the lives of everyone that lives there, greedy business people wanting to steal from them, and so on.

There's a ton of material to steal from in the 60's:  Gomer Pyle, I Dream of Jeannie, Andy Griffith, The Brady Bunch (that one is just begging for someone to reboot), Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Combat, My Three Sons, and on and on.  I honed in on one immediately and now may regret going with one of these others.

I don't agree that we need to know the series in order to judge the scripts appropriately. It's the same thing as saying audience won't be able to tell if a reboot is good or not unless they have watched the original series. A successful reboot can be judged on its own merits. Was it a good story? Did you enjoy reading it? Would like to watch more of it? I don't think we're being asked to take the original in consideration while judging the entries. Whether they respect the rules and actually reinvent the original instead of just rehashing it --to borrow Dan term, I honestly believe that has always been the admins job. We are not here to disqualify entries. We're here to smell and sip storytelling wine and speak of its taste.

I can't speak for the admins though. That's what I think.

Yo Dan! I'm getting way ahead of myself but does the logline need to be entirely different from the original?

Quoted from FrankM This is a really interesting concept. I have a bit of an idea, but I need to let it gel for a bit to see if it has any chance of working.

I think my original idea would have turned out way too political, though I won't mention the show in case someone smarter than me figures out how to make it work.

Quoted from Gary in Houston Dave, I almost picked both of those.  Hogan's Heroes could have been made "Stalag 17" like.  I thought "Green Acres" could have been turned into a family drama where Oliver and Lisa have domestic issues because she wants to return to NY, there's battles with neighbors, etc.  I also thought about the Beverly Hillbillies being made into a family series where instead of staying in Beverly Hills, they return to Bugtussle (or wherever they lived) and totally change the lives of everyone that lives there, greedy business people wanting to steal from them, and so on. There's a ton of material to steal from in the 60's:  Gomer Pyle, I Dream of Jeannie, Andy Griffith, The Brady Bunch (that one is just begging for someone to reboot), Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Combat, My Three Sons, and on and on.  I honed in on one immediately and now may regret going with one of these others.

Sure you'll write a stellar one

Quoted from realxwriter I don't agree that we need to know the series in order to judge the scripts appropriately. It's the same thing as saying audience won't be able to tell if a reboot is good or not unless they have watched the original series. A successful reboot can be judged on its own merits. Was it a good story? Did you enjoy reading it? Would like to watch more of it? I don't think we're being asked to take the original in consideration while judging the entries. Whether they respect the rules and actually reinvent the original instead of just rehashing it --to borrow Dan term, I honestly believe that has always been the admins job. We are not here to disqualify entries. We're here to smell and sip storytelling wine and speak of its taste. I can't speak for the admins though. That's what I think.

I agree with this. The point of a rebooted TV show isn’t just to appeal to the audience that loved the original, it’s meant to draw in a new audience who never watched the original.

Every entry should appeal to today’s audience, as in us, regardless if it’s familiar or not. If it doesn’t meet the requirement of rebooting the original show, then those who do know it can call that out.

I was initially gonna do Power Rangers (I already wrote a film reboot 11 years ago), but I don't know if it would've been different enough... or too much of a rehash. Every season is essentially a reboot anyway.

I've picked my show and two alternatives. Here comes that PM.

Quoted from DanC Sure.  As long as you adapt it and make it your own, cool.  I just don't want to see an episode based on an old series. Take Bewitched.  You can write a pitch for the new idea for it.  But you can't submit an episode based on the old series.  For ex. I wouldn't want to see Endora changed Darren into a dinosaur as punishment for hurting Sam's feelings about a dress she bought. Hope that helps. Dan

Never watched Bewitched, so that reference unfortunately doesn't help much. This OWC is much tougher than I initially expected, but I'm gonna keep brainstorming.

~Zack~

Quoted from DustinBowcot So you're getting private messages with the writers telling you what they are writing?

Ummm, yeah, because I'm running this.  I have to know who's picking what.  Don and I didn't want 10 versions of the same reboot.  I can't vote since I'm running it.  So, I have to let Don know who's doing what and let the rest of the people know that a show has been claimed.

Questions??

Dan

Quoted from jayrex To judge if the person did a good job, it helps to know the original series.  As I've never seen the original Moonlighting, I wouldn't be able to judge if this was successfully executed.  This is a tough ask for us readers. I've only seen Quantem Leap & Monsters.  So I'll only read those efforts.

I disagree.  First off, all the series are gonna be listed, so anyone can check out a trailer on them.  Secondly, if we only commented on what we knew, then anyone who writes a story about boats, space, fantasy, should exclude anyone that doesn't understand them??

I'm looking for a reboot.  That's what separates it from just another episode.  You don't need to know the old Lost in Space series to know if the new one is good or not.  As a matter of fact, I'd say that the only chance that a show has to get another season is to make the appeal for fans and non-fans alike.

Dan

Quoted from FrankM I think my original idea would have turned out way too political, though I won't mention the show in case someone smarter than me figures out how to make it work. I honestly think this series will get a reboot treatment in three or four years when Trump is either reelected or voted out, and there is enough time for the original characters to have grandchildren without any teen births. EDIT - Incredibly obscure quote/hint... Son: Well, it skips a generation. Father: That means your kids won’t have it. Son: (long pause) Don’t even joke about that, Dad. The idea was that his kids don’t have “it” but his grandkids do, setting up similar tensions between kids/grandkids as in the original series.

Try to do it regardless.

Dan

UPDATED LIST THUS FAR:

Here are the shows that have been claimed:

Knight Rider is closed.  There are 2 entries.

Monster

Friday the 13th The Series

Dark Shadows

6 Million Dollar Man

Quantum Leap

Branded

Moonlighting

Space Ghost

Columbo

Nightmare on Elm St.

Mayberry RFD

Cosby Show

Green Acres

Gilligan's Island

Note.  Mayberry might be closed b/c I saw interest in a second person who wants it.  PM me second person.

Dan

Looks like you're doing well here, Dan.  :) Can't participate as I have to babysit my sick granddaughter this week, but if I were, I would have done Dallas. Huge show in Sweden when I grew up.  ;D

Quoted from Grandma Bear Looks like you're doing well here, Dan.  :) Can't participate as I have to babysit my sick granddaughter this week, but if I were, I would have done Dallas. Huge show in Sweden when I grew up.  ;D

I can't do it, either, as I have to babysit my sick squirrel.

Guys, great news.  Don and I talked about it.  This generated more interest than was initially thought, so Don asked how I felt making the deadline 2 weeks instead of the customary 1 week.  The review will also be a 2 week time change.

Hope this helps those on the fence.

Dan

Is the page limit still 15?

~Zack~

Quoted from Zack Is the page limit still 15? ~Zack~

Hey Zack
    No you have up to 24 pages.

Dan

Right, so now it's a two week challenge and up to 24 pages

Just confirming also (not sure if I'm in btw) that the genre does not have to change from the original?.

Fate is so cruel. You were already doomed when the pages limit was 15 and the deadline was within a week. Now it's 24 and two weeks. It seems fate is craving a fatality.

So so cruel.

Bring your A-game, guys. I don't wanna feel guilty after this. I'm not holding back.

Disclaimer: I'm not running this joint. DanC is. I'm just an overly enthusiastic potential participant in this contest who has been electrified by the awesomeness of this May OWC. Don't take my word to the bank. This is my own summary of what I understood so far from reading this thread.

So to sum it up:
Prompt: Reinvent a series, preferably an old one. Make it so it will appeal to today's audience. Change something about it. Don't just write a new episode or the premiere of a new season. Make your own custom version of it in any way you see fit.

Pages limit: 24 (You don't have to use all of them).

Deadline: 2 weeks.

Instructions:
1- PM Mod DanC what show you plan to reboot to call dibs on it because every show is limited to two entries. We don't want everybody to reinvent Lost and Breaking bad- I'm so heartbroken that nobody picked those shows.  :'(

Do not speak of the show you are interested in reinventing in this thread. Losing anonymity in this contest will disqualify you. Just send a private message to DanC, which is the guy in charge. And he is awesome.

This is the shows picked so far:

Quoted Text Knight Rider is closed.  There are 2 entries. Monster Friday the 13th The Series Dark Shadows 6 Million Dollar Man Quantum Leap Branded Moonlighting Space Ghost Columbo Nightmare on Elm St. Mayberry RFD Cosby Show Green Acres Gilligan's Island Note.  Mayberry might be closed b/c I saw interest in a second person who wants it.  PM me second person.

Stay tuned! You never know what you might find next in this thread. Netflix might sponsor this contest. I'm not kidding. You really never know.

Quoted from LC Right, so now it's a two week challenge and up to 24 pages Just confirming also (not sure if I'm in btw) that the genre does not have to change from the original?.

Correct.  If you want to keep it the same genre, that's fine.  It's the updated version for the reboot.

Dan

Quoted from realxwriter Fate is so cruel. You were already doomed when the pages limit was 15 and the deadline was within a week. Now it's 24 and two weeks. It seems fate is craving a fatality. So so cruel. Bring your A-game, guys. I don't wanna feel guilty after this. I'm not holding back. Disclaimer: I'm not running this joint. DanC is. I'm just an overly enthusiastic potential participant in this contest who has been electrified by the awesomeness of this May OWC. Don't take my word to the bank. This is my own summary of what I understood so far from reading this thread. So to sum it up: Prompt: Reinvent a series, preferably an old one. Make it so it will appeal to today's audience. Change something about it. Don't just write a new episode or the premiere of a new season. Make your own custom version of it in any way you see fit. Pages limit: 24 (You don't have to use all of them). Deadline: 2 weeks. Instructions: 1- PM Mod DanC what show you plan to reboot to call dibs on it because every show is limited to two entries. We don't want everybody to reinvent Lost and Breaking bad- I'm so heartbroken that nobody picked those shows.  :'( Do not speak of the show you are interested in reinventing in this thread. Losing anonymity in this contest will disqualify you. Just send a private message to DanC, which is the guy in charge. And he is awesome. This is the shows picked so far: Stay tuned! You never know what you might find next in this thread. Netflix might sponsor this contest. I'm not kidding. You really never know.

Wow.  You are excited.  I'm happy to see this level of excitement.  Every word in this post is correct.    I'm glad that someone was so moved by a series from long ago that they have such passion to tackle this.  I wish all of you the best and a big shout out to Don.  Oh you can also send Don the email with your selection.  We are keeping each other on top of the latest.  

I wonder for future challenges if we shouldn't have a suggestions box.  Might be fun.  So far, I'm enjoying this.  If Don and the other Mods would have me, I'd come back.

Dan

Quoted from DanC Guys, great news.  Don and I talked about it.  This generated more interest than was initially thought, so Don asked how I felt making the deadline 2 weeks instead of the customary 1 week.  The review will also be a 2 week time change. Hope this helps those on the fence. Dan

That's really good news, nice.

And wow, isn't Ammar excited!))

2 weeks? Oh thank god.

And of course I'm in. I need to defend my crown from the last OWC. ;)

Anyone got dibs on The Cosby Show?

Dustin, only Knight Rider is closed off. But please change your message so it doesn't mention your show idea, then email the idea to DanC to "reserve your spot."

Quoted from DustinBowcot Anyone got dibs on The Cosby Show?

I had 1 maybe on the Cosby show.  Go ahead and claim it.  Send me a pm and I will c.f. It to Don.

Dan

I was kidding. I tried to think of the show least likely to get made and came up with that.

Oh, Dustin...I'd love to see what you would do to that.

Well my PM is off to Dan.

Now I get to try to ruin one of my fond childhood memories :)

Hopefully the original cast won't hunt me down and kill me.

I had to change my original request- so hopefully Dan isn’t pulling his hair out right now!

Oh this is going to be fucking insane.

Just to be clear, I can modify an existing show from a certain time period, and use those characters as long as it still takes place during the original run? I think I'm reading that right.

I'm not trying to take a cast and update the show to 2018.

Quoted from Steven Oh this is going to be fucking insane. Just to be clear, I can modify an existing show from a certain time period, and use those characters as long as it still takes place during the original run? I think I'm reading that right. I'm not trying to take a cast and update the show to 2018.

Not quite (as I understand it). You're supposed to create new characters and place them in a reimagined version of an old show. And not set during the original show's original run, but rather set in the present or another time period.

Please someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Quoted from Pete B. Lane Not quite (as I understand it). You're supposed to create new characters and place them in a reimagined version of an old show. And not set during the original show's original run, but rather set in the present or another time period. Please someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Put it this way - our favorite show wouldn't be anything special if we had none of the characters. Say we took Married With Children and updated it both in time period and characters? That just doesn't make any sense. It wouldn't be Married With Children without Al and Peg as we know them. You can't have all new characters and call it by the same name of an existing show.

EDIT: I'm an idiot. The Power Rangers has had many incarnations with different characters.

Quoted from Pete B. Lane Not quite (as I understand it). You're supposed to create new characters and place them in a reimagined version of an old show. And not set during the original show's original run, but rather set in the present or another time period. Please someone correct me if I'm wrong.

It depends. For something that was originally set in its present day, I'd expect a reboot to take place in our present day. If you're rebooting Buck Rogers or Gunsmoke or Covington Cross, it'd probably be set around the same time as the original. Every retelling of the Aurthurian legend seems to slip a little further forward in time, so a reboot of Merlin would probably be set in the 2200s :)

Wait — does the reboot HAVE to be present day?  If so, my idea is ruined.

So, in other words, you can't use the established cast and write stories based in today's world.

Dan, I think you should edit this from the first page parameters of this thread. Cause based on what I understand you can use key characters with new ones incorporated. See my Murphy Brown query and answer from you.

...

Gary, I don't read anywhere where it says it's compulsory your reboot must be set present day.
Young Sheldon is a spinoff, obviously not set now.

I agree with LC, the present day is just the default time period for TV shows. Sometimes a radical shift in time or place is appropriate to let the show deal with painful/controversial subjects in an "out of context" way that lets the lesson sneak by before the audience realizes what happened.

Leave It to Beaver was set in its present day, so it'd probably be appropriate to bring it into the present. Happy Days was set in the past, so you'd probably want to leave it in the 50s (besides, it already had a spin-off set in the 60s and another in the 70s complete with physically impossible cross-over episodes).

Quoted from FrankM I agree with LC, the present day is just the default time period for TV shows. Sometimes a radical shift in time or place is appropriate to let the show deal with painful/controversial subjects in an "out of context" way that lets the lesson sneak by before the audience realizes what happened. Leave It to Beaver was set in its present day, so it'd probably be appropriate to bring it into the present. Happy Days was set in the past, so you'd probably want to leave it in the 50s (besides, it already had a spin-off set in the 60s and another in the 70s complete with physically impossible cross-over episodes).

Ooh, Happy Days in the 1880s! A spaghetti western version! Seriously, it writes itself!

Okay,  

I wanted to read everything and respond to all the questions.

1.  By present day I mean that it is for TODAY'S AUDIENCE.  It does NOT have to take place today.  If you want to write about Merlin, it'd be during that time period, just updated for the people of today.  

I hope that clarifies that.

Hawkeye, nah, I'm pretty much on top of stuff.  I thought this would be a lot harder.  It's easier when you write it all down, then make changes as you need to.  Sometimes, good old pen and paper come in handy.  

My hair told me to tell you to stop that.  I don't have much left and they are in riot mode.  I'm scared.  

Steven, it depends.  Let me give you a few examples:

As someone else stated, Young Sheldon is a spinoff of the original, set in the past.

Lost in Space rebooted the Robinson family but took out the robot and made Dr. Smith a woman.

BattleStar Galactica went from a sleek sci-fi show to a gritty rag-tag bunch of stragglers in space looking for a new home after the Cylons destroyed it.  And Starbuck was changed from a man to a woman.

I know someone else plans to have the old cast meet the new cast.  In Heroes Reborn, they kinda jumped a set number of years in the future and did a "where are they now" with certain characters.

So, I'd hate to say it MUST be this or that.  I'd leave it up to the creator to know how to deal with the original concept and best adapt it.   I saw a Married With Children.  You could go the Roseanne route, bring them all back as older and (supposedly wiser), or you could reboot them all, or you could make it generations later and explain that the old cast can't ever come back.

Take different versions of Superman.  They've had others from previous series show up as guest stars.  There are all different ways to deal with the cast.  

For shows like Gunsmoke more than half the cast is dead.  So, how you handle it is up to you.

There is no set rule here.  You're the creator, so, have at it.  If you want to PM me for advice, go ahead.

I think that's all of it.  I will update the list shortly with a new cast.  I have let Don know so he can update them as well.

This is fun, for me, really.  Put the gun down, overworked gun follicles.  I promise it'll be ok.

Dan

Hey Guys

UPDATED LIST THUS FAR:

Here are the shows that have been claimed:

Knight Rider is closed.  There are 2 entries.

Monster

Friday the 13th The Series

Dark Shadows

6 Million Dollar Man

Quantum Leap

Branded

Moonlighting

Space Ghost

Columbo

Nightmare on Elm St.

Mayberry RFD

Cosby Show

Green Acres

Happy Days

The Lone Ranger

12 O'Clock High

Saved By the Bell - The College Years

Cheers

If you don't see your show listed, contact me please.  

Note.  Mayberry might be closed b/c I saw interest in a second person who wants it.  PM me second person.

Dan

PS, if you are watching closely, Gilligan's Island has been dropped and in its place is Happy Days.

Also, how would each of you that submit something feel about your names being randomly listed in a separate thread so that people can try to figure out who wrote what?  I know people like to do that, but, with so many not even saying if they entered or not, we felt that some might want to keep that private.  So, if you want to be listed as a confirm, let me know so that people can try to figure out what you wrote.  Obviously, should you want your story taken down, we'd remove your name as well.  

Somebody actually took The Cosby Show! In this episode, Bill invites around his good friend Jimmy Saville so that he can molest the children.

About guessing - It's always been that way. We often deny the participation, makes it more fun to be guessed out.

I'm already working on my second draft. Pretty fun so far.

Quoted from DanC PS, if you are watching closely, Gilligan's Island has been dropped and in its place is Happy Days.

Aww. So much for Gilligan as a gritty survival drama.  ;D Oh wait, that already exists. It's called LOST.

Quoted from DanC Also, how would each of you that submit something feel about your names being randomly listed in a separate thread so that people can try to figure out who wrote what?  I know people like to do that, but, with so many not even saying if they entered or not, we felt that some might want to keep that private.  So, if you want to be listed as a confirm, let me know so that people can try to figure out what you wrote.  Obviously, should you want your story taken down, we'd remove your name as well.

Fine by me.

My only question. Where is this guy?

Alf, but told from the perspective of the neighborhood cats, who are plotting their revenge.

Quoted from Steven Alf, but told from the perspective of the neighborhood cats, who are plotting their revenge.

That'd be a great skit on Robot Chicken.  Like when the cats and dogs planned their vengeance on Bob Barker.

Actually there are several shows that Don and I thought would be claimed by now.  That's why we set the 2 person limit.  We thought you'd see 10 Buffy reboots with Lost and Firefly mixed in.

Personally, I would have loved some Herculoids or Prince Planet love.  And I know for a fact that Prince Planet is in public domain.  I also would've enjoyed H.R. Pufnstuf

Dan

Quoted from DanC That'd be a great skit on Robot Chicken.  Like when the cats and dogs planned their vengeance on Bob Barker. Actually there are several shows that Don and I thought would be claimed by now.  That's why we set the 2 person limit.  We thought you'd see 10 Buffy reboots with Lost and Firefly mixed in. Personally, I would have loved some Herculoids or Prince Planet love.  And I know for a fact that Prince Planet is in public domain.  I also would've enjoyed H.R. Pufnstuf Dan

My mind always turns to the twisted/weird. I've also always had these thoughts of what the other characters in the cities of all these cartoons/shows are up to. Maybe the residents of Bikini Bottom hate spongebob and want to lynch him.

Quoted from DanC That'd be a great skit on Robot Chicken.  Like when the cats and dogs planned their vengeance on Bob Barker. Actually there are several shows that Don and I thought would be claimed by now.  That's why we set the 2 person limit.  We thought you'd see 10 Buffy reboots with Lost and Firefly mixed in. Personally, I would have loved some Herculoids or Prince Planet love.  And I know for a fact that Prince Planet is in public domain.  I also would've enjoyed H.R. Pufnstuf Dan

Buffy, Lost and Firefly are hard to improve on and they have passionate fans. Attempt to reboot them at your peril, anything you write will be a pale comparison.

But I was tempted to do a Firefly reboot set many years later...

Yo Dan - I just sent you a pm with some questions....

Stargate would be good, based in the past when the gates were created.

Quoted from ReneC Buffy, Lost and Firefly are hard to improve on and they have passionate fans. Attempt to reboot them at your peril, anything you write will be a pale comparison.

Lost would have been so much better if it wasn't on network TV. Even with the same amount of episodes.

Wish I wasn't swamped this week... but, I'll jump in and read/vote.

Good luck to all!

And, somebody... please... M*A*S*H...as a civil war story. Opening credits with full cast running to the ambulance wagon.

BJ and Hawkeye in surgery. "I'm gonna have to take this leg." "Oh, really? Where you gonna take it?" "I was thinking someplace nice. Like Appomattox."

Or, an alternative Hogan's Heroes where Sgt. Schultz actually knows something.

Quoted from PKCardinal Or, an alternative Hogan's Heroes where Sgt. Schultz actually knows something.

I know Nothing!

HA!  My Dad's favorite show.  Funny thing is, my Mom absolutely hated it, but he would watch the reruns over and over, and then proclaim to my Mom, "I've never seen this episode before...is it a new one?"

My Mom would then roll her eyes, and say, "Give me strength!".

I should have done this.

The lines are flowing for my M*A*S*H civil war series...

Hawkeye: "Somebody get Radar."

Nurse: "What's a Radar?"

Hawkeye: "Short guy, funny glasses. Does the morning announcements on the megaphone."

Nurse looks at him blankly.

Hawkeye: "Carries the Teddy Bear."

Nurse: "What's a Teddy Bear?"

It's comedy gold, I tell ya.

Ugh, there's a comedian in every forum. :P

At least, somebody who thinks he is!

Is this M.A.S.H. or Marx Brothers?

Quoted from CameronD Is this M.A.S.H. or Marx Brothers?

Why can't it be both? That would take it to the next level.

This could be huge.

Maybe a SS collaboration?  ;D

Quoted from LC Ha! Cracked me up.  :D ... Dan, interesting choices so far. Monster? Is that the Nordic series of 2017?

Maybe it's Monsters, the anothogy horror series from the late 80s.
Or is it The Munsters?

Hmmmm

I'm shocked nobody wants a new Airwolf
Or BJ and The Bear.

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley I'm shocked nobody wants a new Airwolf Or BJ and The Bear.

BJ From The Bear.

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley I'm shocked nobody wants a new Airwolf

Interesting if it’s not in the present day...

“To the autogyro!”

Quoted from Steven BJ From The Bear.

That's a solid pass.  I don't want anything like that done by a bear of any kind.  I'm fragile.

Dan

Quoted from PKCardinal Why can't it be both? That would take it to the next level. This could be huge.

You should enter.  You have 9 full days to write something.  It doesn't have to be 24 pages.

Dan

Let it be known that Thundarr the Barbarian was claimed.  That was one of my favs back in the day, so, I will be reading closely!!

Also, Becker was taken.  

This has been a great turn out so far.  I've let Don know about Becker, so, it will be up soon.

Dan

Quoted from DanC That's a solid pass.  I don't want anything like that done by a bear of any kind.  I'm fragile. Dan

The Bear could just be a huge, hairy gay man.

Are we expected, or are any of you writing these pilots/episodes in a standard single/multi cam format?

Quoted from Steven Are we expected, or are any of you writing these pilots/episodes in a standard single/multi cam format?

Good question.
I wouldn't bother with it. It isn't needed.The vast majority of shows today are shot single camera. Multi camera format is still used in a few sitcoms, but is most used in reality and game shows, or talk shows.  Multi camera was best used decades ago when sitcoms were filmed in front of live audiences as well.


Don't worry over setups. Some of our peers might call us out on setups  anyway. Not worthh the time. That's just my thoughts.

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley Good question. I wouldn't bother with it. It isn't needed.The vast majority of shows today are shot single camera. Multi camera format is still used in a few sitcoms, but is most used in reality and game shows, or talk shows.  Multi camera was best used decades ago when sitcoms were filmed in front of live audiences as well. Don't worry over setups. Some of our peers might call us out on setups  anyway. Not worthh the time. That's just my thoughts.

Thanks for the advice.

What sucks that I'm putting a lot of backstory into my show, and I know I'll never to be able to expand past the pilot. Well, I could write it as personal fan fiction, but I don't want to, haha.

Important question. Does the reboot need to share the same plot/characters as the original series? Or can the reboot be it's own thing with just minor references to the original series?

I'm ten pages in and need to know if I need to scrap this thing and start over.

~Zack~

No, the reboot doesn't need to share same plot and characters. Actually, it's advised that you change those. That's the inference I drew from what DanC said so far. But you can always wait for Danc to confirm.

So keep on writing for now. DanC is hugging his teddy bear now. He will be back tomorrow.

Quoted from Zack Important question. Does the reboot need to share the same plot/characters as the original series? Or can the reboot be it's own thing with just minor references to the original series? I'm ten pages in and need to know if I need to scrap this thing and start over. ~Zack~

It can have whomever you want.  It has to have some tie to the original, but what that tie is, is up to you.  Remember you are the creator of this new series.

Dan

Quoted from realxwriter No, the reboot doesn't need to share same plot and characters. Actually, it's advised that you change those. That's the inference I drew from what DanC said so far. But you can always wait for Danc to confirm. So keep on writing for now. DanC is hugging his teddy bear now. He will be back tomorrow.

Puhlease.  Like I use a Teddy Bear.  Its Andy from Toy Story.  And my Sarah Michelle Gellar Buffy doll!!!!

Wait

Too much?????

Dan

Quoted from DanC Puhlease.  Like I use a Teddy Bear.  Its Andy from Toy Story.  And my Sarah Michelle Gellar Buffy doll!!!! Wait Too much????? Dan

I'm in love.

:K)

Just finished reading through my fifth draft. Talk about a reinvention.

Good luck to everybody. :)

I'm loving mine so far. All 7 pages of it.  ::)

I love it so much that after this is over I'm going to write the real deal and use it as a sample.

Mine is going to be so different from the original that you are going to wonder what I’ve been smoking. And whether you can have some of that.

The characters are pretty much the same, just in a much different setting and genre.  Hopefully for the better.

Quoted from Gary in Houston Mine is going to be so different from the original that you are going to wonder what I’ve been smoking. And whether you can have some of that. The characters are pretty much the same, just in a much different setting and genre.  Hopefully for the better.

Ha, I'm right there with you. If you're going to change it, go all out and change the tone, setting, time period, whatever.

Quoted from Gary in Houston Mine is going to be so different from the original that you are going to wonder what I’ve been smoking. And whether you can have some of that. The characters are pretty much the same, just in a much different setting and genre.  Hopefully for the better.

Richie Cunningham and the Fonz in True Detective: Unhappy Days.

Quoted from DanC You should enter.  You have 9 full days to write something.  It doesn't have to be 24 pages. Dan

I'm so far behind on work and my other writing, I have to skip this bad boy. But, I'll be reading for sure. Sounds like lots of fun!

Submitted and ready for primetime. :)

I thought I would be able to write one, but then work handed out a lot of overtime.
I can wait to read other scripts during my lunch hours though.

I'm not rushing my entry, I'm taking my time. I'm about halfway in.
And watching my 3s.

One thing for those of you who are writing in this -- is your "reboot" going to be the first episode in the new series, or will it be a standalone episode?  Mine feels like it could begin with any episode in the new series, but that it's the beginning of a new arc or story.  Since the characters are similar I don't feel a need to reintroduce them necessarily.  Anyone else encountering that?

Quoted from Gary in Houston One thing for those of you who are writing in this -- is your "reboot" going to be the first episode in the new series, or will it be a standalone episode?  Mine feels like it could begin with any episode in the new series, but that it's the beginning of a new arc or story.  Since the characters are similar I don't feel a need to reintroduce them necessarily.  Anyone else encountering that?

My understanding is that we’re writing TV episodes but effectively in “movie” format, so there is no series Bible, list of recurring characters, etc. I’d introduce characters as if writing a stand-alone movie based on the series, with a focus on differences from the source material... and otherwise letting the casting people do their thing.

I suppose it makes a difference if you intend the original series to be in the reboot’s history. If you reboot Bewitched, was there a Samatha and Darren in the 60s? Witches in Bewitched seem to live hundreds of years or longer, so it’s an important distinction whether it’s the exact same Samantha or not.

My entry for this OWC is episodic. It's the start of a story arc and does not completely resolve at the end. I'm really curious to see how this is received. Gulp!

Quoted from Gary in Houston One thing for those of you who are writing in this -- is your "reboot" going to be the first episode in the new series, or will it be a standalone episode?  Mine feels like it could begin with any episode in the new series, but that it's the beginning of a new arc or story.  Since the characters are similar I don't feel a need to reintroduce them necessarily.  Anyone else encountering that?

All main characters have be "introduced" when we first see them. Business as usual. I have no problem leaving open a door for future eps even if technically, none will follow, but I wouldn't give an out and out cliffhanger. I treat my entry as either a "fan script" or something that is "pilot stage"

I think both are ok.  You want to hook the fans so they want to learn more about this world.

Good luck to all of you.

Dan

So, what do you all think, how many will make the cut of those 20+ show concepts so far?

If anything close to that number truly enters, then there's really a lot to read, like 400+ pages. It seems the outcome will require a lot of patience from the reader.

++ Personally, not sure if I can write a script here... haven't even one word on the page so far except for some scribbles of research

Quoted from PrussianMosby So, what do you all think, how many will make the cut of those 20+ show concepts so far? If anything close to that number truly enters, then there's really a lot to read, like 400+ pages. It seems the outcome will require a lot of patience from the reader. ++ Personally, not sure if I can write a script here... haven't even one word on the page so far except for some scribbles of research

Hopefully folks will be merciful and only go 15 to 16 pages :p
Personally, I'll give a prediction of...20 to 22 entries.
But I want folks to surprise me and we get the whole lot.

Quoted from PrussianMosby So, what do you all think, how many will make the cut of those 20+ show concepts so far...

Alex, I don't know. People seem pretty keen. There's obviously a lot of nostalgia going on for old favourites.

Like you, I did my homework, but I'm afraid I'm a purist, so as far as putting pen to paper I couldn't get far off the starter's block.

Lots of fun stuff to read, I hope.

So, are you going to watch the pilots for the same shows first just to understand what the main character should sound like?
I'm thinking of doing that.
I won't be able to start reviewing until June 8th anyway.

Quoted from PrussianMosby So, what do you all think, how many will make the cut of those 20+ show concepts so far? If anything close to that number truly enters, then there's really a lot to read, like 400+ pages. It seems the outcome will require a lot of patience from the reader. ++ Personally, not sure if I can write a script here... haven't even one word on the page so far except for some scribbles of research

Maybe we could read the first 10 or something, see if it gets us interested in reading further. Otherwise, it's going to turn into 400 pages of skimming.
Better drop the read than skim, I think.

Quoted from khamanna Maybe we could read the first 10 or something, see if it gets us interested in reading further. Otherwise, it's going to turn into 400 pages of skimming. Better drop the read than skim, I think.

That seems more than fair. I had an idea before the page limit was extended to do a “previously on” segment followed by the season finale, but decided to go the distance given we got 24 pages to do it proper. That said, I don’t expect most to read the whole thing anyway.

I hope some folks nail their reboots, I’m looking forward to all of them especially “Quantum Leap”, that was one of my favs when I was a kid.

About 90% done.  Re-read the first draft.  Pretty cringe-worthy.  Now I know why I don't write for TV.

I'm on ~rev. 5 and I think I'm just making it worse. Now I'm second guessing everything. Argh!

Quoted from oJOHNNYoNUTSo That seems more than fair. I had an idea before the page limit was extended to do a “previously on” segment followed by the season finale, but decided to go the distance given we got 24 pages to do it proper. That said, I don’t expect most to read the whole thing anyway. I hope some folks nail their reboots, I’m looking forward to all of them especially “Quantum Leap”, that was one of my favs when I was a kid.

It's good to see you, Johnny. Last time you were here you said you had a new baby.

I'm done but it could be so much better if I didn't write it at all.

I'm kidding. It's not that bad. I just have to make changes, then edit edit edit and submit.

I have a lot of ground to make up. Will be trying to get the first draft finished tonight.

~Zack~

Quoted from khamanna It's good to see you, Johnny. Last time you were here you said you had a new baby.

Good to see you too, Kham. Wow, the baby’s 18 months now has it been that long?! I’ve been around here and there but this owc caught my attention because of its TV angle.  ;D

After a very (very) long hiatus from writing, I think this is a perfect challenge to kick my depression and get back into doing what I love. Hopefully bipolarity won't get in the way this time! (Damn you brain)  

Good for you, Waleed! More power to you.  Hope the challenge helps you to get back on your feet. :)

So far, so good. There's a few spots that I think are rather rough in areas, but I'll keep them for now. Nearly done, but I'm not rushing it. Can't say much else, because if I did, I might as well put my real name on the title page because it would make it too easy for most of you.

Half the fun is creating an alias.

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley but I'm not rushing it. Can't say much else, because if I did, I might as well put my real name on the title page because it would make it too easy for most of you.

You say that, but then...

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley Half the fun is creating an alias.

Drop another breadcrumb anyway.

Quoted from DustinBowcot Drop another breadcrumb anyway.

The majority of scribes have one in OWCs. Others go blank.

I'm going with "Breadcrumb" as my alias.  Hopefully you won't be able to figure out which one is mine (unless you're adept at spotting my shoddy writing by now).

Sorry I haven't been on much.  I lost internet for days.  After many hrs on the phone, My ISP Spectrum blamed my wireless co. Linksys and vise-versa.  Finally it ended up being Spectrum.  Got it fixed, dropped Linksys and am paying5 extra per month bc I was tired of how hard it was to deal with Linksys.
Dan

Quoted from DanC Sorry I haven't been on much.  I lost internet for days.  After many hrs on the phone, My ISP Spectrum blamed my wireless co. Linksys and vise-versa.  Finally it ended up being Spectrum.  Got it fixed, dropped Linksys and am paying5 extra per month bc I was tired of how hard it was to deal with Linksys. Dan

Thought you were remarkably quiet. Glad you're back online. :)

Quoted from DanC Sorry I haven't been on much.  I lost internet for days.  After many hrs on the phone, My ISP Spectrum blamed my wireless co. Linksys and vise-versa.  Finally it ended up being Spectrum.  Got it fixed, dropped Linksys and am paying5 extra per month bc I was tired of how hard it was to deal with Linksys. Dan

You lost me after "many hours on the phone", but I reread and now I see that Linkys are bad. Glad to learn you are Spectrum! I have no idea what I am. Hopefully Spectrum.

Okay, my script is in. First I (breadcrumbed), but then decided to (breadcrumb) instead. So when you see the (breadcrumbs), just remember it's only a TV show.

I'm cutting it pretty close. 14 pages in. After I get off work tonight I'm gonna try my best to finish this bastard off. :)

~Zack~

Quoted from FrankM just remember it's only a TV show.

So, you're telling us it's a TV show! What a huge breadcrumb.

I'm 5 pages into mine, and have introduced multiple characters. I'm actually afraid I'll be over the page limit.

Five pages in with two days left. Geez, Steven, can you spell p-r-o-c-r-a-s-t-I-n-a-t-I-o-n? What would you do with a three week limit?;)

Quoted from JEStaats Five pages in with two days left. Geez, Steven, can you spell p-r-o-c-r-a-s-t-I-n-a-t-I-o-n? What would you do with a three week limit?;)

Seriously. Luckily I do write fast, and three of those pages were written during my lunch at work. Just need to crank out 20 more pages of drivel and I'll be on my way to makin' some moolah.

I finished mine more than a week ago. Been tweaking it every day and just submitted. Enough is enough!

Quoted from JEStaats I finished mine more than a week ago. Been tweaking it every day and just submitted. Enough is enough!

I hope I'll finish, but I have a feeling I wont.

I'm almost done. I'll be able to finish.
But now...I need more coffee.

Just got off work. Gonna sit down and get this monster finished.

~Zack~

I gotta say that Don and I are stunned at the interest in this.  It's pretty cool.  I have other crazy ideas and perhaps Don might be willing to let me try again.

I had a ball doing this.  I'd do it again.    I have hopes that at least 20 of the 28 will get it done.

Let's go fellow writers!!

Dan

Quoted from DanC ...I had a ball doing this.  I'd do it again...Dan

Well, hold onto your hat cause it's barely even started yet.   :D

Quoted from LC Well, hold onto your hat cause it's barely even started yet.   :D

Oh,  should I be scared?  Or very scared?  Or very scarred??

Dan

I'm thinking mine might spark up some controversy for multiple different reasons. Screw it. I tried something new with this and am having a blast so far. Got my spark back, so to speak.

Thanks for getting this together Dan. You rock, Dude.

Can't wait to read some of these.

~Zack~

First draft is done! Woo! Time to rewrite it now. :)

~Zack~

have nothing to do tomorrow.  20 pages in 1.5 days.  Can it happen?  ... hopefully.

I have three pages to go. I just hope I have time to polish it up before submitting, but I'll definitely be in the running.

Cool.  I might have organized it, but you guys have to write it.  So thanks for running with my idea.  Can't wait to read what others have come up with.  In a way I'm glad I don't get to vote.  

Good luck to all!!  

Yeah, I’m not intimidated at all by Rene and Vin and their multiple cup pictures.  I’m perfectly happy drinking out of my “World’s 6,793,431st best dad” mug.  

Really wish I could have entered this as I have several reboot ideas but I'm swamped with shit to do.

Good luck to everyone else.

Quoted from DustinBowcot Really wish I could have entered this as I have several reboot ideas but I'm swamped with shit to do. Good luck to everyone else.

I had the time to write but not to read and comment.

The one idea I had was Topper (1950s).

i don't think I'm gonna be in... dammit.

although i think i'm gonna go forward with the idea anyway and write a pilot similar to this.  Maybe I'll post it on the site when I'm done.  Either way, good luck everyone.  Wish I could have made this work, but i don't see how i could possibly write it all from now til tomorrow night

I'm not sure I'll submit mine. didn't have time to rewrite and will be travelling tomorrow. Planning to be absent for the next week which means not much time will be left for reading and commenting either. Too bad, I wrote mine a while ago and was sure it would be in.

Quoted from khamanna I'm not sure I'll submit mine. didn't have time to rewrite and will be travelling tomorrow. Planning to be absent for the next week which means not much time will be left for reading and commenting either. Too bad, I wrote mine a while ago and was sure it would be in.

You’ll be missed, Kham. But in your avatar there’s this human next to you, maybe she’s staying behind and could comment?  ;)

Is this due Midnight tonight? Or tomorrow at midnight? I''l submit now, just in case.

~Zack~

Quoted from Zack Is this due Midnight tonight? Or tomorrow at midnight? I''l submit now, just in case. ~Zack~

According to the countdown it’s due 30 hours from now.

Quoted from FrankM According to the countdown it’s due 30 hours from now.

Sweet. Then I'll have time to give this another pass.

~Zack~

Quoted from FrankM You’ll be missed, Kham. But in your avatar there’s this human next to you, maybe she’s staying behind and could comment?  ;)

Good idea! She'll open her own account. She's very opinionated though and I know she likes everything I write but hates everything everyone else writes.

Submitted!  There's a breadcrumb for you!

Done!
Now I just gotta hit the send button..
I think it's a good as I can get it. It could be better, but that's just me.

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley It could be better

Breadcrumb! :)

Guys, guys, guys! I just thought about something. Shouldn't we include two loglines? One for the series as a whole and one for the particular episode we're submitting? I believe both will differ big time and it will give the reader a better idea on what he's about to read, no?

Also, shouldn't we include a brief summary of the original show? For the lazy ones among us who would never take the time to watch or even check the original show wiki page.

Just a thought.

The story should stand on its own legs. Needing to know the old show shouldn't be an issue, IMO.

I think it's up to us, as judge and jury, to be informed. There were a couple shows on the list that I was unfamiliar with, so I took some of my oh-so-little precious time to either watch the opening or the pilot episode to know what to compare. It's the least we can do.

It’s important for the episode to stand on its own because someone who has ONLY seen the pilot will not see the fully-formed characters.

Absolutely correct. You can't count on the reader to know of previous events/episodes that may influence a characters reaction or decisions.

Quoted from realxwriter Guys, guys, guys! I just thought about something. Shouldn't we include two loglines? One for the series as a whole and one for the particular episode we're submitting? I believe both will differ big time and it will give the reader a better idea on what he's about to read, no? Also, shouldn't we include a brief summary of the original show? For the lazy ones among us who would never take the time to watch or even check the original show wiki page. Just a thought.

TV shows only have one logline when pitched. It should be what the show is about, not the individual episode.

Quoted from FrankM Breadcrumb! :)

Y'know what? You're right. I should have requested and wrote The Red Shoe Diaries instead :p

Done! Woo! I've been proof reading all day, so naturally it's probably full of typos! :D

~Zack~

How's everyone doing? Anyone doing a mad dash to the finish?  Just under three hours and counting...

I'm really looking forward to reading these ones especially:

Moonlighting, Cheers, Columbo, Six Feet Under, Quincy, Friday 13th series, Quantum Leap.

I wonder how many are going for the full glory of 24 pages. We've a lot of reading ahead of us!

Quoted from LC How's everyone doing? Anyone doing a mad dash to the finish?  Just under three hours and counting... I'm really looking forward to reading these ones especially: Moonlighting, Cheers, Columbo, Six Feet Under, Quincy, Friday 13th series, Quantum Leap.

Hopefully some peeps will make the deadline, Under an hour to go!
Otherwise....Quantum Leap, Moonlighting,  Six Feet Under,  Columbo,and  Cheers are not on the reading list :(

Hopefully....

Looks like Quincy and Friday The 13th made the cut thus far, though.
I'm kinda curious 'bout The Lone Ranger. That gets my attention.

Good luck everybody. ;)

So, any LAST MINUTE entries?

Ding Ding Ding! And the winner is:
Everyone who submitted or spent the last two weeks trying to write something for this contest! Congratulation everyone.

Quoted from LC How's everyone doing? Anyone doing a mad dash to the finish?  Just under three hours and counting... I'm really looking forward to reading these ones especially: Moonlighting, Cheers, Columbo, Six Feet Under, Quincy, Friday 13th series, Quantum Leap.

Mad dash, just finished. For me, I have my eye on:

Quantum Leap
Saved by the Bell
Knight Rider
Six Feet Under (Interesting...)
Friday the 13th the series
Space Ghost

Seriously, anyone else had a blast writing for this TWC like me? That was so much fun! And we still got the reading ahead of us. Thanks, DanC and the other mods, for making this possible.
Whew! It was some two weeks, huh?

and.... I'm in. It's been over a year since I've done one of these. And long year at that. I suppose I've been rebooting myself a bit, but it's good to be back  :)

Wait...what? The submissions are closed?

It's not even 10pm Pacific! Did I actually miss the deadline? I thought we had until midnight!

Damn. Looks like I missed it by less than an hour. I see messages from 40 minutes ago about last minute entries. Did it end at quarter past the hour or something?

Man, that sucks. I really like what I have.

Quoted from ReneC Damn. Looks like I missed it by less than an hour. I see messages from 40 minutes ago about last minute entries. Did it end at quarter past the hour or something? Man, that sucks. I really like what I have.

Send Dan or Don a PM. You might just get in over the wire considering you weren't on the ball with the time.

On second thoughts, you've already got two mugs!  ;D
Hmm, maybe you're going for the thong.

Hmm, seems the list of series titles v those submitted has diminished somewhat.

Had to happen I suppose.

Quoted from LC Send Dan or Don a PM. You might just get in over the wire considering you weren't on the ball with the time. On second thoughts, you've already got two mugs!  ;D Hmm, maybe you're going for the thong.

I just really wanted people to read what I came up with. But yes, it is about the thong. I've come to realize it is the thing missing from my life.

Quoted from ReneC I just really wanted people to read what I came up with. But yes, it is about the thong. I've come to realize it is the thing missing from my life.

;D

So, PM, the bosses!
We're down 9 entries from the original slated list.

Quoted from ReneC I just really wanted people to read what I came up with. But yes, it is about the thong. I've come to realize it is the thing missing from my life.

I think two weeks of worth of effort weighs a little heavier than an hour or so past the deadline. I don’t see an issue, it’s just a challenge.

Regardless, I'm thankful for the challenge. It got me writing, and I love what I wrote. That's worth it even if it doesn't get in.

I had a blast writing this. Really proud of what I was able to come up with. I hope it's half as clever and creative as I think it is.

As for what I'm looking forward to reading...

Freddy's Nightmares
Friday the 13th
Dexters Laboratory
Saved By the Bell
Knight Rider
Space Ghost

I honestly don't watch a lot of TV shows, so I don't recognize a lot of the series chosen.

~Zack~

Please let Rene script in. We need the addition. One hour is not an issue. He deserves a chance at this. I believe the mods will show leniency. We're doing this for fun after all.

Quoted from ReneC Wait...what? The submissions are closed? It's not even 10pm Pacific! Did I actually miss the deadline? I thought we had until midnight!

Midnight edt.  I even have a count down clock...

I hate to say it but it's pretty tough to misinterpret the countdown clock. Especially for a two-time winning veteran. I doubt we'd lower the standard for a first time rookie.

Post it and readers will read it.

Wow 20 entries.  Great job all.  Don I'm fine with letting Rene in.  

Good luck to everyone.  I plan to read a bunch.  

Sorry about not being on last night.  Had a 3 hr. Dr. Apt that was a killer.

Dan

Quoted from JEStaats I hate to say it but it's pretty tough to misinterpret the countdown clock. Especially for a two-time winning veteran. I doubt we'd lower the standard for a first time rookie. Post it and readers will read it.

Seconded.

Quoted from JEStaats I hate to say it but it's pretty tough to misinterpret the countdown clock. Especially for a two-time winning veteran. I doubt we'd lower the standard for a first time rookie. Post it and readers will read it.

I am wondering if ad blockers are disrupting the clock... hence the poll...

- Don

Quoted from Don I am wondering if ad blockers are disrupting the clock... hence the poll... - Don

In the past I’ve seen some tearing to the countdown clock on my laptop, but not my phone.

Quoted from JEStaats I hate to say it but it's pretty tough to misinterpret the countdown clock. Especially for a two-time winning veteran. I doubt we'd lower the standard for a first time rookie. Post it and readers will read it.

Yeah, but as a veteran I remember many an OWC that had some loose deadlines, including one that was midnight in any time zone you're in. While I appreciate the need for a deadline, I've never had a problem with late entries before, especially if it means more competition for the challenge.