Welcome to The Simply Scripts After Dark, Erotic Thrillers One Week Challenge.

Yes folks, SS is bringing back the Erotic Thriller genre and who knows this might be the start of its comeback in popularity.

So, without further ado...

Genre - Erotic Thriller
Theme - Seduction (think sex & danger, femme fatale, revenge, adultery, double-cross, entrapment, blackmail etc.
Page Count - 1-10 pages
Budget, Low. Contained locations with minimal cast are preferable as they are more easy to produce and attractive to Short filmmakers.
Submit your script to SimplyScripts.com/OWC

The No-No's
No Pisstakes
No pornographic depictions (we trust you'll know the difference).
Suggestion is often more potent than explicitness.

Feel free to utilise elements in the thriller component to incorporate Crime, Neo noir, Mystery etc.

"The erotic thriller participates in several genres and film styles at once, taking narrative and stylistic elements from each. Its greatest debt is undoubtedly to the 1940s and '50s film noir..." https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erotic_thriller

Go stylish and classy, with dialogue that sings with wit and banter. Think cinematically - obviously, with regard to your visuals, characters, and scenarios. And create intelligent narratives - more in the vein of engrossing storylines like Basic Instinct & Fatal Attraction, Body Heat and Sea of Love, and less in the vein of schlocky Sliver & Body of Proof

Some links for your perusal, and to inspire:

https://www.imdb.com/list/ls031558984/
https://collider.com/18-erotic-thriller-movies-to-watch-instead-of-fifty-shades-of-grey/
https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/g12795563/sexiest-erotic-thrillers/
https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-erotic-thriller/


**This production is brought to you from the mind of Sean Chipman) – eat your heart out M. Night Shyamalan. If it weren’t for behind the scenes discussions you all might have had to endure another rendition of the Valentine’s Day challenge from yours truly. Thank you, Sean.

*** Pia unwittingly inspired Sean, I think...  

Additional info & timeline:

Timeline: * Don to input final dates.
Friday 2/20 - Theme and Genre release
Friday 2/26 Scripts due 11:59 edt
Sat 2/27 Noon edt scripts posted
Friday 3/5 Writer's Choice votes due

This isn't a contest - it's a challenge. There are no official prizes.

You may submit more than one script but it's better to write one GREAT script than two or three mediocre ones. You may also have a writing partner.

You can revise your script as many times as you wish up until the deadline.

Do not put your real name on your script; this is an anonymous challenge. However, please use your real name when submitting your script.

After the challenge closes you can either have your script removed or resubmit your script with your name on it.

Participants must read and comment/review in the discussion board at least five other scripts submitted.

Please put ©2021 on your title page.

Submit your one to ten page script, anonymously to  simplyscripts.com/owc by midnight February *  midnight edt.

Any questions about the challenge, post them below.

There will be a review page emailed to you for you to score the scripts you read. Please only give scores to scripts that you have read. Please do not rate scripts in your review.

Nice! Good job, Libby. This could be a lot of fun.

Kinda upset about the no porno, tho.

Aaa this is something.

And I knew I knew - as soon as you said erotic thriller I knew it was a guy, that guy. Ugh ah. Sean

Oh, there are links too. Well, if I don't write I'll certainly read. I mean who won't.

Sliver is schlocky?

Quoted from SAC Nice! Good job, Libby. This could be a lot of fun. Kinda upset about the no porno, tho.

Haha.
Don's rules on the no porn.

This is the opposite of your Hallmark fare, Steve. You know how to keep it clean.  

Quoted from khamanna Aaa this is something. And I knew I knew - as soon as you said erotic thriller I knew it was a guy, that guy. Ugh ah. Sean Oh, there are links too. Well, if I don't write I'll certainly read. I mean who won't. Sliver is schlocky?

Yes, Sean has a lot to answer for, but Pia and I thought great idea, something different, and a dying genre.

Sliver, Yep, imho. Compared to some other greats it doesn't cut it.
Hope you're in, Kham!

Quoted Text No pornographic depictions (we trust you'll know the difference). Suggestion is often more potent than explicitness

Agreed. If you ever seen one or more of those mid tolate 90sDTV/cable fare ('Skinemax")
then you know those our to five minute soft core kink fests must have had only two lines of description at least. Hedonism writes itself.



By the way, some of those titles in those links suck. Cruel Intentions? Wild Things? Body Of Evidence? yeeech.
List they praise DePalma and gave a shout out to John Dahl's Last Seduction. And Kasdan's Body Heat.

What’s erotic? I’m a married family man

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley Agreed. If you ever seen one or more of those mid tolate 90sDTV/cable fare ('Skinemax") then you know those our to five minute soft core kink fests must have had only two lines of description at least. Hedonism writes itself. By the way, some of those titles in those links suck. Cruel Intentions? Wild Things? Body Of Evidence? yeeech. List they praise DePalma and gave a shout out to John Dahl's Last Seduction. And Kasdan's Body Heat.

No, I haven't, but...
Clearly you can tell your trash from treasure.
So write a goodie, Darren.

Quoted from Geezis What’s erotic? I’m a married family man

Let's not forget the Thriller emphasis. Well, depends where you place the emphasis I suppose, but you know what I mean. It has to be both.

How about 9 1/2 weeks

Quoted from Geezis What’s erotic? I’m a married family man

Things they do to us

Quoted from khamanna How about 9 1/2 weeks

Are you going to write the sequel, Kham?

Is The Human Centipede classed as an erotic thriller, Lib?

Quoted from LC Are you going to write the sequel, Kham?

The sequel is out there. There’s Another 9 1/2 weeks starring Mickey Rourke.

I want to know how appropriate it is and if it’s a schlocky

Quoted from stevie Is The Human Centipede classed as an erotic thriller, Lib?

I heard it’s thrilling.

Stevie, Ha de ha. It most definitely does not come under the banner of Erotic.

Quoted from Khamanna The sequel is out there. There’s Another 9 1/2 weeks starring Mickey Rourke. I want to know how appropriate it is and if it’s a schlocky

I should have remembered the sequel...

Kham, anything you like.
I actually liked 9 1/2 weeks - quoted Joe Cocker's song You Can Leave Your Hat On on the teaser thread. But you might need to add some Thriller to the raunch, if you're going that way.

Everyone likes different movies. Schlocky is often in the eye of the beholder.  

Quoted from khamanna I heard it’s thrilling.

Not to mention filling  

Sexxxxxxy...

May I write about animals?

Quoted from khamanna May I write about animals?

Only cougars.

Quoted from mmmarnie Only cougars.

lol

Film Noir?! Sweet

Great theme Libby, definitely a fun genre to work with, but it just occurred to me; I have no idea how to write erotic, thriller perhaps, erotic no. I’ll figure it out.

I’ve always had a ‘8mm’ type story brewing in my head, but I think that’s pushing the envelope of smut, even if it’s just implied. I’ll have to mull over a good story 'hook' for a few days before I type Fade In:

Love this!! During grad school I relaxed in the evenings by watching my way through a good chunk of 80s and 90s erotic thrillers. What a hilarious and fascinating subgenre.

Netflix seems to be trying to bring the erotic thriller back, too. This is a great idea for a challenge.

Quoted from khamanna May I write about animals?

Um, okay,  Kham, can you elaborate on what you mean...?

Marnie, yes, cougars in the human sense are definitely allowed.

Rick, I'm not sure 8mm is classed as an Erotic Thriller.
Snuff themed films fall under a different genre - Horror imho.

Nice to see not exactly an overwhelming response overall to the challenge, but a positive one.  

There are always writers flying under the radar with OWCs so I hope we get a good turnout.

Btw, I did a search for Short films - Erotic Thrillers, (research, of course)   and came up with three, and one was an Erotic Horror.

Quoted from Heretic Love this!! During grad school I relaxed in the evenings by watching my way through a good chunk of 80s and 90s erotic thrillers. What a hilarious and fascinating subgenre. Netflix seems to be trying to bring the erotic thriller back, too. This is a great idea for a challenge.

Netflix bringing it back, really? I hadn't noticed. Are they any good?

Nice to hear you like the challenge, Chris!

I came across Two Moon Junction yesterday.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096324/

Watched a trailer. Very steamy.

Quoted from LC Um, okay,  Kham, can you elaborate on what you mean...?

Oh, just disregard me. I drink a lot

Been throwing around a few ideas in my head for this one but so far nothing is making me think ‘This could work’. I’ll have a crack at something tomorrow, get the laptop warmed up and see if anything is forthcoming. If I submit at the end of the week I’ll amaze myself. Erotic thrillers are a real challenge for me but I’ll ‘rise’ to it :-p

Erotic Thrillers are not my bag, baby, so I'll be passing on this one. Best of luck to all who enter.

Seduction? I think I remember what that is. Now, how to create a thriller with the podiatrist seducing someone while wearing Birkenstocks...

Quoted from khamanna Oh, just disregard me. I drink a lot

It is the weekend after all.

Kham, if you were thinking along the lines of an animated Jessica Rabbit type character, go for it!

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jessica_Rabbit
"I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way."

Or, something else...
Whatever your imagination conjures is all good.
You can always PM  me if you're unsure if it meets the parameters.

Quoted from Grandma Bear Seduction? I think I remember what that is. Now, how to create a thriller with the podiatrist seducing someone while wearing Birkenstocks...

Oh, I'm looking forward to this one.  
Pia, am I right in recalling that your produced script about the mime and the ventriloquist was inspired by a conversation in an OWC thread?

Owen, yes. Rise to the occasion.
And Mark, you know Thrillers, just add a bit of spice and voila!

Rallying the troops here. You can all do it!

Well, if you're going to play in a circus...someone has to be the Ringleader and everyone else are clowns,

Another fabulous challenge Libby.

Quoted Text I'm not sure 8mm is classed as an Erotic Thriller.

Um...how about Jagged Edge? Another good one too.

Yes! Love Jagged Edge.
Was going to use a jagged-edge knife blade in the clues - thought it too obvious.

Still, my clues were not obvious enough.  

Hope you guys will be in!

Getting in the mood...watching Basic Instinct

Hmm. Wonder if Against All Odds qualifies as erotic thriller? I think so. Def one of my favorites...

I am not ready for OWC, but definitely it is a good genre. I will try to read all of them. Good luck to all.

Quoted from SAC Hmm. Wonder if Against All Odds qualifies as erotic thriller? I think so. Def one of my favorites...

Hmm, is it?

Steve, I looked it up and found this classic one-liner from Roger Ebert.

There have been too many sweet girls in thrillers. What we need are more no-good, double-dealing broads who can cross their legs and break your heart...

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/against-all-odds-1984

Of course this was pre Basic Instinct & Fatal Attraction.  

Struggling...a couple thoughts but nothing blowing my skirt up. And that's exactly what I need is an idea that tickles my fancy for this challenge. Not sure I'm going to make this deadline.

Quoted from LC Rick, I'm not sure 8mm is classed as an Erotic Thriller. Snuff themed films fall under a different genre - Horror imho. Btw, I did a search for Short films - Erotic Thrillers, (research, of course)   and came up with three, and one was an Erotic Horror.

No no, lol… I definitely don’t wanna go that route (snuff), I was just thinking out loud previously re: 8mm film and having an idea about (someone) finding some with questionable content, but now that I let that cat out of the bag, I’ll have to put the kybosh on that idea… for now.

Quoted from JEStaats Struggling...a couple thoughts but nothing blowing my skirt up. And that's exactly what I need is an idea that tickles my fancy for this challenge. Not sure I'm going to make this deadline.

Ditto, man. I haven’t written a single word, yet. I have an idea, I love the genre, I just need to get motivated…

Hmm, just discovered this OWC, 4 days late...

I'm 15 pages into writing a feature that should shoot in April...

Day job is super busy...

Definitely don't really have time for a diversion...

Erotic Thriller, never written one, or even close...

But I do love a good OWC

You can all do it!

You know you want to.    

Quoted from LC You can all do it! You know you want to.

No, no I don't want to.
I don't mind if it's closer to a film noir feel. ] I guess a better influence is something off The Murder Channel (ID Discovery) and the tabloid style true crime. Or maybe After Dark My Sweet or China Moon.

But it also depends on my mental state. Could I pull it off? Maybe.
Do I really want to write the OWC? My heart and soul isn't in it.

Well, do a film noir-ish one then, Darren. A lot of Erotic Thrillers owe their inspiration and style to that genre.

It's a challenge but that's what OWCs are about.

Just be thankful it doesn't include the parameters Stevie just mentioned to me:
- A dwarf, a scuba tank or a homing pigeon.

Wow, you can hear a pin drop around here. I hope you're all hard at it. No pun intended.  
Writing up a storm I mean.

A certain person just told me the link is not active for the OWC entries. And my apologies the dates are not up yet for when scripts will be posted,  & voting etc.

I'll PM Don to confirm.

I got nothing yet. Holding onto hope that I still might get inspired.

I can't write. I'm going through midlife crisis. It just sad to me that it had to strike during this OWC. This is like the best theme ever. Something I would have never attempted if it wasn't a task. Well, too bad. I'm sure there will be enough callers and a lot to read though. I'll be reading!

Quoted from khamanna I can't write. I'm going through midlife crisis.

Midlife crisis is a bitch! Once she leaves, you'll feel an inner peace that's amazing.  

I'm not sure I'll have time for this. Have a LOT going on at the moment. Sort of feels like 2020 is still lingering, but it's spring here now, so I'm hoping we're headed towards brighter times.

Quoted from Grandma Bear Midlife crisis is a bitch! Once she leaves, you'll feel an inner peace that's amazing.

unless I manage to do a lot of damage before I reach peace. I started yesterday!

Quoted from khamanna unless I manage to do a lot of damage before I reach peace. I started yesterday!

Oh, dear.
Kick it in the butt!

All of you, there's still one whole day and nearly a quarter left.
I hope there'll be a few entries.  

Don't worry Libby. I'm sure there will be plenty of entries. This always happens.  

I have a script written for this one week challenge. I submitted the script. I hope you like it.

Quoted from TyriqM I have a script written for this one week challenge. I submitted the script. I hope you like it.

Welcome to the site, Tyriq and good luck in the challenge!

The ceiling fan has little effect on the heat of the moment. Sweat trickles down from his temple. He pauses as his finger begins to tremble...dare he enter her? He thinks...once he does, there's no turning back...what will tomorrow bring? Ridicule and retribution? His mind is made up. He closes his eyes, clenches his teeth, and...submitted.

Be gentle.

I think this post is written better than my script.

Quoted from TyriqM I have a script written for this one week challenge. I submitted the script. I hope you like it.

Excellent. That's two that I know of.  
Welcome, Tyriq!
OWCs can be tough, but just roll with the punches... if there are any.
And, don't forget to comment on other submissions. I hope you submitted anonymously?

Here's a Newbs Guide for you, for all things SS.
https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-cc/m-1124159895/

Quoted from JEStaats The ceiling fan has little effect on the heat of the moment. Sweat trickles down from his temple. He pauses as his finger begins to tremble...dare he enter her? He thinks...once he does, there's no turning back...what will tomorrow bring? Ridicule and retribution? His mind is made up. He closes his eyes, clenches his teeth, and...submitted. Be gentle. I think this post is written better than my script.

Ooh, very nice noir.

Yay, John! I was hoping you'd be in. That's three.  
Raymond Chandler eat your heart out! Or more aptly -

“If your writing doesn't keep you up at night, it won't keep anyone else up either”
- James M. Cain

I am so looking forward to reading these.

Loved this theme, just didn't have any time this week. I admit...we  had two 70 degree days which fell on my 2 days off,  so I played outside instead of writing.

Quoted from LC Yay, John! I was hoping you'd be in. That's three.

Woohoo! With that, I'm guaranteed a place on the podium! Although no bragging rights for first and second loser

OK, managed to get one in, just submitted…

Quoted from LC Yay, John! I was hoping you'd be in. That's three.

And one more is 4, and if this script of mine is on par with how bad I did the last two OWCs, that being: coming in dead last, then this time I can honestly say; “I came in 4th”, lol.

That being said, I’m guessing there will definitely be more than 4, way more.

Well done, Number 4!  

I was unable to get a script in for this challenge, but I will definitely be reading the entries.

-- Michael

Looking forward to see what folks came up with.
Good luck to all.

Yes....
I'm in like Flynn...
You were given fair warning.

Quoted from Gum ... that being: coming in dead last, then this time I can honestly say.....

Actually, I think I'm dead last. just beat the clock by a few minutes. I was rewriting it up to the very last ten minutes. Not that it helped.

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley Looking forward to see what folks came up with. Good luck to all. Yes.... I'm in like Flynn... You were given fair warning.

You sure fooled me, Darren.

...

Bravo to all who entered!  Well, there's at least five of you that I know of now.  
I imagine this was not an easy challenge.

Can't wait to crack some open.

I'm sure there are plenty of entries Libby. I would have loved to enter, but I've been too busy with moving our business, plus that same business almost burned to the ground last week, so things have been rather crazy. Also, this week, one of our granddaughters had her fourth BD and then also all three of our kids and our DIL also had theirs'.

Quoted from khamanna I can't write. I'm going through midlife crisis. It just sad to me that it had to strike during this OWC. This is like the best theme ever. Something I would have never attempted if it wasn't a task. Well, too bad. I'm sure there will be enough callers and a lot to read though. I'll be reading!

There is good news and good news.

1. You look like 25 - TOPS - that gives you a leg up on the rest of us mortals with no hair and age-marked skin.

2.  It passes sooner than you think. Had mine years ago - it doesn't last long and you will come out on the other side happy - and Eldave guarantee!

Sadly, am going to miss here as well as the reads - A shame for me is I really, really like these parameters.

Having a tough week with the elders in my life. Between the wife's 96 year old father and my 87 year old Mom - I think I have been to a hospital or clinic or dozen times in the last week.

They're fine (sort  of) - Mom had another fall (3rd one in two years) and broke vertebrae - now arranging for all the doc visits, rehab, etc and - trying to convince her to go to assisted living.

She is very independent and doesn't want to - I get that. Anyway - she has finally agreed to visit places so I'll be spending most of the week doing that.

Good luck to all who entered!

Pia & Dave: perfectly good reasons to not have the time for the challenge.

My best to your Mum, Dave.  Getting old ain't for wimps.

We just had a Royal Commission here into Aged Care and it was reported/alleged? that there were 50 sexual assaults a week of residents.   What the hell. I could not believe it!

Pia, you have enough on your plate. Hope your business is up and running again pronto.
And, congrats on the bubs! How many is that? That's terrific news.  

Quoted from khamanna I can't write. I'm going through midlife crisis. It just sad to me that it had to strike during this OWC...

Time of year could be a big factor too. ‘Round here it’s called ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder’ (SAD), seriously… the acronym is: SAD, I cannot make this up.

Typically, waiting for the snow and ice to melt is a ‘two steps forward one step back’ thing (nice days, shitty days, nice days, shitty days, etc.), causing depression in the spring or early summer, at least for millions of Canadians, and most likely millions of Americans living in the northern states.

My remedy: alcohol… and OWCs, at least… till the flowers bloom.

Oof... Y'all are going through some heavy stuff.
Thank you for sharing, provides a lot of needed perspective.

Shooting my "encouragement ray-gun" to you all as I write this.

Quoted from LC Pia, you have enough on your plate. Hope your business is up and running again pronto. And, congrats on the bubs! How many is that? That's terrific news.

Business is still up and running, but there was damage. We're now organizing and packing for the actual move. A lot of big and heavy stuff...  

The last line in the quote, is that directed at me? I don't even know what it means.  

Did I misunderstand, Pia?


Also, this week, one of our granddaughters had her fourth BD and then also all three of our kids and our DIL also had theirs'.


It sounded like  everyone was having babies (bubs).

...

Right OWC is up!

Quoted from LC Did I misunderstand, Pia? Also, this week, one of our granddaughters had her fourth BD and then also all three of our kids and our DIL also had theirs'. It sounded like  everyone was having babies (bubs).

Lol. I didn't know what bubs were. No new babies, just five people having BDs within 5 days.  

Ah, birthdays, not Baby Daughter and babies.  

Sorry to hear that Dave, the elders can be a challenge at times.

Pia - hope the move goes okay and nothing else catches fire!

Have read and commented now, some decent entries and the lower volume is definitely easier as a reader

I'll read one or two now.

Thank guys for letting me know your solutions to my problem. Maybe I just need a job. That way there will be less time on my hands to deal with these other things)

Dave, sorry to hear. Having elderly on your hands is a full time job. My grandparents had three sons. One (my father) passed away at 37. Another one immigrated 10 years prior to them passing away. the third one left for St. Petersburg and never came back. All the other grandkids were somewhere, I was the only one who stayed with them. I remember how it's been. Lucky for me I loved them dearly. But it's still a task, sorry to say. It just is very very hard.

Quoted from khamanna I'll read one or two now. Thank guys for letting me know your solutions to my problem. Maybe I just need a job. That way there will be less time on my hands to deal with these other things) Dave, sorry to hear. Having elderly on your hands is a full time job. My grandparents had three sons. One (my father) passed away at 37. Another one immigrated 10 years prior to them passing away. the third one left for St. Petersburg and never came back. All the other grandkids were somewhere, I was the only one who stayed with them. I remember how it's been. Lucky for me I loved them dearly. But it's still a task, sorry to say. It just is very very hard.

Thanks, Kham - yeah - been a grind. We have my Wife's 96 Dad living with us and my Mom takes about 4 visits a week for me now for the basics. It struck me that given the increase in life expectancy this is the first generation were old people are taking care of old people

There's probably a script in that Dave!

Quoted from AnthonyCawood There's probably a script in that Dave!

Ha! - You're right.

Quoted from AnthonyCawood Pia - hope the move goes okay and nothing else catches fire!

Thanks! It's no small thing. It's not like we're moving a couple of desks and a printer.

The fire started because someone forgot to flip the circuit breaker to one of the machines. When my husband got there in the morning, the machine had caught on fire and the whole warehouse was full of smoke. Had he got there a couple of minutes later, it would've burned to the ground.

On a brighter note, I didn't write anything at all pretty much in 2020, but tonight I finished the second draft of Desert Tears. I think it's my best feature so far and I'm excited to read it through tomorrow then send it out for feedback and maybe even enter a competition or two.  

Well, that’s all read and commented on; boring Sunday here in this neck of the woods so lots of time to read and write reviews. Only 10 submissions, but quite a few that hit the mark, and then some. Probably be quite difficult for me to choose a fav, I’ll definitely have to go over my notes tooth and nail before I vote.

I think I got them all, if I missed yours let me know, other than that… best of luck to all and I’ll see you on the other side

All done. Hats off to Blondie&Libby&Don for a superb challenge. And to all those who entered and to the ones who didn't, but were nice enough to comment. Some mighty fine entries.

And thanks to Pia.

She started the conversation with a little remark about sex with strangers post-lockdown, and Blondie ran with it.   Whoops. I should say, 'suggested writing a script with the theme of sex with strangers'.