All screenplays on the simplyscripts.com and simplyscripts.net domain are copyrighted to their respective authors. All rights reserved. This screenplaymay not be used or reproduced for any purpose including educational purposes without the expressed written permission of the author.
Limitations: You only have three human actors - two male and one female. (adults who can play between the ages of 18 to 80). One male is in a wheelchair. All events must occur sometime between October 30th to November 1st. You can't use the word Halloween. Everything occurs in and around an abandoned, rundown house. You can do anything to the house, except burn it down.
You must write a script (properly formatted) between 6 and 10 pages. No more, no less (courier 12 point font).
The scripts must be received by Friday, October 15th at 11:59 pm e.d.t.. Please put "(c) Copyright 2010" on your script. Note: This is NOT an anonymous exercise this year. Discussion board members, please submit your discussion board name, also. Scripts must be submitted here. Please, only one submission per person.
For Rendevous: *
Horror Script
Dark
Storm
Night
Two males, one male in wheelchair
One female
Takes place anytime between 10/30 and 11/1
Deserted house you can't burn down
Can't use the word Halloween
This is only an exercise. There is no prize for winning (after all, we all win if we have fun). There will be no official judging for the best script (after all, we all win if we have fun).
The Schedule: 10/8 - theme and genre revealed
10/15 - submissions due
10/17 - 10/20 - scripts posted
10/31 - audio presentation of one selected script presented by iScript.com.
*R.E. hope this is taken in the spirit in which it was intended.
Are they children or can we make them adults? Boy and Girl seems general, but then again restrictive. Also, does the wheelchair bound "person" have to be with the other Two? Love the page length and setting. Probably doing it.
Edit: never mind, I see the bulletpoint run down for Ren
Do we have to include all three characters? I know the boy in the wheelchair is a must, what about the other two?
FEATURE:
Memwipe - Sci-Fi, Action, Thriller (114 pages) - In a world where memories can be erased by request, a Memory Erasing Specialist desperately searches for the culprit when his wife becomes a target for erasure -- with his former colleagues hot on his trail.
What if there's an International House of Pancakes near the house? Can we use the IHOP? My characters may want to have a Rootie Tootie Fresh-n-Fruitee Breakfast Platter.
Are they children or can we make them adults? Boy and Girl seems general, but then again restrictive. Also, does the wheelchair bound "person" have to be with the other Two? Love the page length and setting. Probably doing it.
Edit: never mind, I see the bulletpoint run down for Ren
I've modified to clarify that the actors in question are adults who can play the age range from 18 to 80.
Do we have to include all three characters? I know the boy in the wheelchair is a must, what about the other two?
Herman,
How you use or don't use your talent is entirely up to you. In short, you have a pool of three actors. Two male and one female. One male is in a wheel chair. How you use them or don't use them is up to you.
What if there's an International House of Pancakes near the house? Can we use the IHOP? My characters may want to have a Rootie Tootie Fresh-n-Fruitee Breakfast Platter.
Thanks Don for replying to my question. But I think he's starting to get annoyed.
FEATURE:
Memwipe - Sci-Fi, Action, Thriller (114 pages) - In a world where memories can be erased by request, a Memory Erasing Specialist desperately searches for the culprit when his wife becomes a target for erasure -- with his former colleagues hot on his trail.
I'm in if it can be comedy/light horror. More spooky than anything. I've got some stuff brewing right now. I've got some good bits that use the elements and restrictions we've been given for sure. The fire restriction is One I'll be using. Count on it.
Just Murdered by Sean Elwood (Zombie Sean) and Gabriel Moronta (Mr. Ripley) - (Dark Comedy, Horror) All is fair in love and war. A hopeless romantic gay man resorts to bloodshed to win the coveted position of Bridesmaid. 99 pages. https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-comedy/m-1624410571/
Another thing I think we should have been restricted to is not using "A Dark & Stormy Night" as the title because I just know someone will use it. That or only being allowed to use One word for the title. That'd prove tricky.
I'm in if it can be comedy/light horror. More spooky than anything. I've got some stuff brewing right now. I've got some good bits that use the elements and restrictions we've been given for sure. The fire restriction is One I'll be using. Count on it.
One more thing, Don. When you say "in and around the house", how around are we talking? Only the property line, and if so, how do you determine that? What if we write an abandoned house on a 25-acre plot of land including a private lake? Would it count?
Can't be funny at all? If you laugh even One time it won't meet the requirements? Alright, I'll just have to work around it. But I got a killer fire bit for this thing.
Can't be funny at all? If you laugh even One time it won't meet the requirements? Alright, I'll just have to work around it. But I got a killer fire bit for this thing.
Maybe like American Psycho? Technically horror, but I laughed my ass off throughout it.
Can't be funny at all? If you laugh even One time it won't meet the requirements? Alright, I'll just have to work around it. But I got a killer fire bit for this thing.
One more thing, Don. When you say "in and around the house", how around are we talking? Only the property line, and if so, how do you determine that? What if we write an abandoned house on a 25-acre plot of land including a private lake? Would it count?
Everything occurs in and around an abandoned, rundown house.
I'm not trying to be a smarta$$ but how the heck does the guy in a wheelchair get into a rundown/abandoned house? If it's so rundown then chances are there's no wheelchair ramp.
EDIT: I guess he'll be the first one to get killed.
I'm taking that name Sophie as my female character. I called dibs.
Gabe
Just Murdered by Sean Elwood (Zombie Sean) and Gabriel Moronta (Mr. Ripley) - (Dark Comedy, Horror) All is fair in love and war. A hopeless romantic gay man resorts to bloodshed to win the coveted position of Bridesmaid. 99 pages. https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-comedy/m-1624410571/
I'm not trying to be a smarta$$ but how the heck does the guy in a wheelchair get into a rundown/abandoned house? If it's so rundown then chances are there's no wheelchair ramp.
Can't be funny at all? If you laugh even One time it won't meet the requirements? Alright, I'll just have to work around it. But I got a killer fire bit for this thing.
Just Murdered by Sean Elwood (Zombie Sean) and Gabriel Moronta (Mr. Ripley) - (Dark Comedy, Horror) All is fair in love and war. A hopeless romantic gay man resorts to bloodshed to win the coveted position of Bridesmaid. 99 pages. https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-comedy/m-1624410571/
I'm not trying to be a smarta$$ but how the heck does the guy in a wheelchair get into a rundown/abandoned house? If it's so rundown then chances are there's no wheelchair ramp.
I guess he'll be the first one to get killed.
You have three actors. Two male, one female. The male actor is in a wheelchair. How you use your actors is entirely up to you.
I just finished the first draft of a new short script of mine titled 'Mallory's Friend'- a good chunk of the story takes place in a boarded up basement of an abandoned house in the month of October..
Sadly (?) the house does burn down and it is 30 pages. Just to think I was almost ahead of the curve!
Not To Worry. I had a crazy idea that came to mind that I wanted to incorprate into a script once, but it never came about. Now I have an excuse to use it.
Super Special Shelton Bonus if your guy in the wheelchair is named Franklin.
Super Special Screenrider Bonus if Franklin dies first, because his colostomy bag bursts while he's being pulled up the steps of the rickety ass house.
Super Special Screenrider Bonus if Franklin dies first, because his colostomy bag bursts while he's being pulled up the steps of the rickety ass house.
I'm not trying to be a smarta$$ but how the heck does the guy in a wheelchair get into a rundown/abandoned house? If it's so rundown then chances are there's no wheelchair ramp.
EDIT: I guess he'll be the first one to get killed.
Maybe he doesn't become wheelchair bound till the second page?
You can have as many animals as you want. They are not actors. An, I'm sure you can have a creature as well...maybe even inside the wheels of the wheelchair.
You can have as many animals as you want. They are not actors. An, I'm sure you can have a creature as well...maybe even inside the wheels of the wheelchair.
Someone's thinking inside the loopholes, all right. But, I'm not feeling the creature so much as the animals. My idea is coming together, piece of boat chase-filled piece. =)
I'm not trying to be a smarta$$ but how the heck does the guy in a wheelchair get into a rundown/abandoned house? If it's so rundown then chances are there's no wheelchair ramp.
EDIT: I guess he'll be the first one to get killed.
Who's to say that he wasn't already? A-HA! You see!
You can have as many animals as you want. They are not actors. An, I'm sure you can have a creature as well...maybe even inside the wheels of the wheelchair.
Or have them in a shower sex scene.
FEATURE:
Memwipe - Sci-Fi, Action, Thriller (114 pages) - In a world where memories can be erased by request, a Memory Erasing Specialist desperately searches for the culprit when his wife becomes a target for erasure -- with his former colleagues hot on his trail.
Hers my logline: Three drug mules, one in a plastic wheelchair( so as not to set off airport alarms) and one named Sophie, meet up on a dark and stormy night, in an old abandoned house at the end of October, during the festival that celebrates all things pumpkiny and spooky.
TITLE: A NIGHT TO REMEMBER WHICH HOLE THE STASH IS IN
Two Jedi knights and a wookie in a wheelchair meet in an old abandoned housey sort of space stationey thing. Its the end of October and they are celebrating Luke Skywalker's induction as a Tattoine drug mule.
'kurisuborosen' wins the award* for the fastest OWC submission ever. Nailed Genre, Theme and Limitations.
*The "Award", if you can track me down and confirm you are who you say you are without frightening me, consists of an awkward limp hand shake and two (2) pats on the back. The award must be claimed within 24 hours.
It's a pretty awesome award considering I don't like being touched.
I'm making my abandoned house haunted and it's setting the guy in the wheelchair on fire first. When his fire starts to die down it'll play "Eenie meanie miney moe!" and toss either the remaining guy or girl onto the fire.
The trees in the nearby forest will get a chuckle out of it. Should be a fun night.
I'm in this One with the go deep gloves to my elbows. 2 pages in, easily going to be pushing the 10 page mark unfortunately. Wish I could wrangle it into 6 or 7 pages. But I think it's gonna be a good story and I should be able to meet the requirements of the challenge.
Not gonna rush it - Even at 10 pages this will seem complete.
I'm still trying to figure out how to get the guy in the wheelchair into the abandoned house. There's no ramp and his wheels are stuck in the mud.
I think I'm gonna have to pass on this OWC.
Aw, man! Don't wuss out!
Do-gooder grandson has brought gimpy grandpa back to his childhood home. Grandpa comments on the overgrown privet. Grandson thoughtfully backs the wheelchair up to the steps and pulls grandpa up one step atta time. A few grunts later, maybe a nicked knuckle later, and they are through the front door into the cobwebbed foyer where great grandpa told grandpa how great, great grandma hung herself from the banister.
Professor Cripplestein returns with two lab assistants to retrieve the contents of a file cabinet in the basement. A few screams later and he's spending the night on the front porch steps all by himself.
Brad & Janet experience a blow-out on a dark and stormy night near an abandoned house. Upon entering, in search of a phone, they find the house not so abandoned afterall. It seems Dr. Scott has been conducting some experiments of his own.
C'mon! Givit a wee try. My daddy always says "It works better if you grunt!" I tell my kids to say aloud "It's impossible. It can't be done. It's impossible. It can't be done." And sure enough...
"You can do anything to the house, except burn it down."
Since you said "you can", "anything" includes "nothing" right? I mean do I have to do something to the house at all?
I'm guessing that's an affirmative on the nothing. Likewise, I guess it mean we can't detonate it to kingdom come, either. Which probably means no tornado destruction or micro-blackholes or whatever that was at the end of Poltergeist.
Can it "Poof!" dissappear, ala David Copperfield? Hmm...
I'm still trying to figure out how to get the guy in the wheelchair into the abandoned house. There's no ramp and his wheels are stuck in the mud.
I think I'm gonna have to pass on this OWC.
You could give the guy a super fast, motor powered wheelchair. Like Corey Haim had in Silver Bullet. But put on some serious mud treads. And a license plate that reads "Jesus loves me!"
'kurisuborosen' wins the award* for the fastest OWC submission ever. Nailed Genre, Theme and Limitations.
*The "Award", if you can track me down and confirm you are who you say you are without frightening me, consists of an awkward limp hand shake and two (2) pats on the back. The award must be claimed within 24 hours.
It's a pretty awesome award considering I don't like being touched.
Yup. I'm seriously up for that limp handshake and those pats on the back.
I'm felling pretty proud of myself actually.
"The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat" - Lily Tomlin
I think this is a good challenge. I also think it's hilarious all these micro questions. C'mon, peeps, just write.
Don has made it extremely crystal clear what you have to work with. He's also made it crystal clear that you can choose to use the ingredients provided, or choose not to use all of them, meaning, if you don't want to deal with a guy in a wheelchair, then don't include him in your script...but then you're down to 2 characters.
Don, I apologize for adding fuel to the fire last night, but I just couldn't help myself. I was laughing for hours about all the "serious" questions being thrown out. Now that is full on comedy. Good show everyone!
I have not visited SS much recently - a combination of Life giving me a good kicking and a lot of problems with the internet.
But it looks like I may have wandered by at just the right moment. I had an idea for this within a minute of reading the rules.
Sadly, I think most of the people on here probably had the same idea! It was very obvious. So I don't know if I will pursue it or try for something more adventurous. But we'll see.
I haven't written anything since New Year's Eve, so it would be nice to get going again, and this is a perfect opportunity.
For those of you writing furiously tonight I can offer this respite from the understandably big Lennon day type celebration.
I was gonna put Fame up but then thought you may just wanna break.
Jedward's and Vanilla (cough) Ice's version is shockingly bad. I love Jedward, silly haircutgted lads having the time of their lives. However, when I finally get hold of Vanilla Ice I wring his scrawny wigger neck. Again.
Sadly, I think most of the people on here probably had the same idea! It was very obvious. So I don't know if I will pursue it or try for something more adventurous. But we'll see.
Now, you see, I hate it when this happens. I have got an idea I thought was very original and brilliant and was quite excited getting up this morning to write it. Now you have got me worried that my original idea is actually so obvious that others are already doing it.
I would say just write it and don't worry about it being obvious, the chances are it is only obvious to you and nobody else. At least I hope.
Let's face it. Everyone here is thinking the exact same idea. The question is, who's gonna do it better? =)
Not even close. I'm using an old family story that was said to be true -- (which I've always doubted) -- involving my great uncle. But twisting it around to fit the challenge a bit. No One is doing what I'm doing and if they are we should be related. I just hope to wrangle it into 10 pages, maybe 7 or 8 if possible. On page 4 right now and will be taking the entire week to make it a quality piece.
Not even close. I'm using an old family story that was said to be true -- (which I've always doubted) -- involving my great uncle. But twisting it around to fit the challenge a bit. No One is doing what I'm doing and if they are we should be related. I just hope to wrangle it into 10 pages, maybe 7 or 8 if possible.
Apparently my tone didn't have enough sarcasm in it. Damn. I thought my dialogue was my least weak bit.
On a different note, it's possible someone has the same idea as me, but not quite likely.
I'm writing mine backwards. End to Start. When I get to the start I'll reorder the scenes accordingly. Technically I'm probably on page 6 rather than 4.
Currently listening to My band's Aquatic Astronaut stuff...
Award winning screenwriter Available screenplays TINA DARLING - 114 page Comedy ONLY OSCAR KNOWS - 99 page Horror A SONG IN MY HEART - 94 page Drama HALLOWEEN GAMES - 105 page Drama
Let's face it. Everyone here is thinking the exact same idea. The question is, who's gonna do it better? =)
I'm not so sure about that. But I just submitted my entry. The title is called Pumpkinseeds and it runs 8 pages, not including the title page..
I've read the comments to this point. I don't think I'm doing the same story/character as everyone else. But if I'm right, given the guidelines of the OWC, I might be disappointed. Still, there's a week to go.
I'm basing mine on an old Norse legend about a guy in a wheelchair, some other guy, and some hot chick with a nice rack. The legend also happens to involve an old abandoned house in the desert.
No way can anyone else be writing about the same plot as me. Just no way.
I'm at page 54 so far, and I'm about 4/5 finished, so I will have a few pages to cut out, I guess. The good news is that I did write a 19 page scene involving a group of Moors, a dragon, and 11 Norsemen in a big fire, so I guess I'll cut that out since we can't have any fires or other characters. Hmmm, why did I write all that anyways?
Oh well, I think I'm on track to have this finished by next Friday around midnight.
Please, you guys, no trying to hack into my computer to get my story. You'll have to wait.
We got tons of our Aquatic Astronaut material online. The actual project will be done in december. It has an animated cartoon that goes with the music. We spent 3 years on it to date. I'll post send a link when i get back to the pc. All instrumental stuff. We even had a hip hop trak we cut out of it. Just didn't fit the space theme. Thanks 4 the listen, man.
We got tons of our Aquatic Astronaut material online. The actual project will be done in december. It has an animated cartoon that goes with the music. We spent 3 years on it to date. I'll post send a link when i get back to the pc. All instrumental stuff. We even had a hip hop trak we cut out of it. Just didn't fit the space theme. Thanks 4 the listen, man.
Got 4-5 pgs done. Happy with what I have. I think this may be one of my best works. even though it may be confusing for others... lol.
Just Murdered by Sean Elwood (Zombie Sean) and Gabriel Moronta (Mr. Ripley) - (Dark Comedy, Horror) All is fair in love and war. A hopeless romantic gay man resorts to bloodshed to win the coveted position of Bridesmaid. 99 pages. https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-comedy/m-1624410571/
Anybody else listening to mood music to help get into the mindset while writing? I'm playing Smashing Pumpkins.
I put together a playlist that consisted of:
Black Tape For A Blue Girl ("How Can You Forget Love") Angelo Badalamenti ("Twin Peaks" score) Brian Eno ("Distant Hill") P.O.D. ("Lie Down") Sammy Hagar ("Heavy Metal")
I'm writing my pisstake first to get the fucker out of my head. I'll post it in the general shorts section when done.
Jeff, pia and Rob(Sniper)? I need your vague permission to use your names - but not your actual person - in it! Well, i don't actually need Jeff's approval - like he would give a fuck anyway lol.
Thenn I can start the brainstorming for my first ever horror piece! Excited!! And funny people should mention they were worried a few would have similar ideas - i just made that obsrevation to my wife.
I made another observation about not getting a daily root but she told me to piss off...
OK, finished! It clocked in at 81 pages, which I know is a bit long. When I take out that 19 page fire scene, I'm down to 62, so that means I only have to chop out another 52 pages or so.
I'm thinking the big epic scene with all the long ships needs to go, unless I can disguise it to seem like it all is taking place inside the abandoned house. Yeah, I'll cut it.
I should be done in a few hours. I think it's my best work ever. The characters are all so unique and well rounded. Even Sparky and Wings of a Prayer come off like great characters.
There's a brilliant twist at the end, like sixth sense.
The woman attacks the evil man in the wheelchair with a knife. You think she's killed him, but he just deflates. He's really just a balloon and the real killer is the wheelchair itself!!!
Mine is actually pretty screwed up. I have just wet myself writing a pivotal scene. I think this might be my masterpiece. More coffee for me, and I need to change my pants.
Rick, I like the balloon guy. Very original. Hopefully, people don't steal your idea and make lots and lots of fake balloon people, just to increase their cast size from 3 to 300.
Sounds like you're using your chair like I am...as a main character. I'm going to make sure to flesh out the shower head in the master bathroom as well, so it comes across like a very likable protag, that everyone will be cheering for and fearing for when the water starts running.
My other main protag is my other main protag's beard. It will have a life all its own...believe me!
Mine is actually pretty screwed up. I have just wet myself writing a pivotal scene. I think this might be my masterpiece. More coffee for me, and I need to change my pants.
Damn...that's really funny. Still laughing, actually. Congrats, Murph! Stick with it!
OK, I've hit a hitch already. I didn't realize how difficult it is to chop out 60 some pages! I don't think I can quite do it...so...I have a new idea I wanted to run by all you oh so helpful souls...
I think I will tie together a little known Norse mythology take with Jonah and the Sperm whale. Easily get that stuff in 10 pages. Could be my crowning achievement!!!
But seriously (no, seriously seriously), when you said we have up to 3 characters between 18-80, that shouldn't preclude non humans. Are you now saying we cannot include any non humans into our horror script? I sure hope not.
Animals shouldn't be included when a cast restriction is set...at least IMO.
Please clarify, as this new detail could affect a ton of these OWC scripts. Many, many, many horror scripts have non human "creatures" as the antag, and I think this is an important point.
To be serious for a moment (its hard but I'll do it...)
i agree with Don that no animals should be in it. But demons and the like should be ok - they aren't human actors and I'm guessing most of us will have the cast in the house for some type of summoning.
Unless the requirements are strictly NO OTHER CHARACTERS BUT THE THREE??!! To make it harder? Don? Sorry to bother you but it appears some of us need more clarification. Cheers
Sure "Boy Wonder", but Don specifically said to me, "no Sperm whales...3 human characters", which is the point I'm trying to get clarified.
Blonde, I too have many animals, and without them, my Jumangi 2 script will be lifeless.
Stevie...you are one funny motherfucker!!! I wish I had the energy to start whipping up some BIG quotes. How's that for some ammunition for more altered quotes?
You cant say you can have demons but not have a tiny, little, poor defenceless rat. My poor little guy does not even have a speaking part. Just a squeal, a tiny, cute little squeal.
Oh, and a fart.
And whatever noise a Rat makes when he ejaculates.
You cant say you can have demons but not have a tiny, little, poor defenceless rat. My poor little guy does not even have a speaking part. Just a squeal, a tiny, cute little squeal.
Oh, and a fart.
And whatever noise a Rat makes when he ejaculates.
What is it with the male reproductive system on this thread?
I guess its pissing down up in Bris too Murph? Man, its been one wet October so far...
What respect I had for you, is gone with this OWC.
Shawn.....><
Suit yourself Shawn, but no idea what I have done wrong. I am actually being quite truthful. My script is complete and is a nasty piece of work, but is clearly a parody so am hoping I get away with it.
I've been working all day on a script I just came to the conclusion is nothing but a giant pile of cr@p. Screw this. I'm throwing in the towel for the second time.
You guys said that after I edited my post. Besides, after all the shit we've been talking about, remembering that was low in my mind when I had my idea already ready, anyway. =)
I've been working all day on a script I just came to the conclusion is nothing but a giant pile of cr@p. Screw this. I'm throwing in the towel for the second time.
Best of luck to you all.
Don't be daft, submit it anyway, honestly whatever it is like it is gonna be better than mine. Stupid to spend time on it and not finish it.
Truthfully, I can't see the importance of animals in this challenge. I can't see having them or not having them having any true effect on the nature of the challenge. The animal ban is perfectly understandable for the argument at hand but the problem is, I think it came too late for people. There are people in this challenge who have already written first drafts. It's like saying there's a rule you can't buy Boardwalk in Monopoly after you already put a hotel on it. Obviously it only affects certain people and not others and to tell you the truth, it feels somewhat unfair. This is coming from someone who doesn't have a single animal in his screenplay. I don't want to have an advantage over others with my idea for this challenge just because of the late rule.
And the more rules in place, the more people will throw in the towel: obviously. But I won't. I'm gonna stick this one out, being it is my first one, no matter what.
I'll say this and it it will most likley piss some of you off.
The demeaner that you gentelmen have taken this thread to has completly trashed the spirit IMO of the OWC.
I hope that new posters who are reading this are not assuming that the regular posters here are nothing more than a group of locker room foul mouthed shit talkers who have no controll of their keyboards.
I am ashamed of several of you, who have came to this thread and have done little more than gutter talk it into something I would be ashamed to admit I was a part of.
I'll say this and it it will most likley piss some of you off.
The demeaner that you gentelmen have taken this thread to has completly trashed the spirit IMO of the OWC.
I hope that new posters who are reading this are not assuming that the regular posters here are nothing more than a group of locker room foul mouthed shit talkers who have no controll of their keyboards.
I am ashamed of several of you, who have came to this thread and have done little more than gutter talk it into something I would be ashamed to admit I was a part of.
Grow up!!!!!
Shawn.....><
Shawn, how about once the OWC scripts are posted and you realise that I was actually only posting a truthful concern, and not engaging in "gutter talk" you can come back and apologise to me. Co's this post to be honest is a little OTT, there is nothing really posted here that could be classed as gutter talk as far as I can tell. And most certainly nothing by me.
We can have rats, whales, whatever, as long as they are either male or female and between the ages of 18-80. Just get rid of your human cast...or 1 or 2 of them.
I may have my big old whale in the wheelchair. Sparky and Wings of a Prayer will remain...no matter what.
You guys are funny...seriously...really funny.
Screen, WTF? It's Saturday night...24 hours and change past the announcement of the topic. You can so easily change up your ideas, or just ditch what you were wanting to go with. 6 days to go. A far as I'm concerned, the first 4 days are gravy, right? Brainstorming days. Throw out everything you can come up with and pick and choose what will work best.
I guess Stevie must have gone to bed or work, as I know he would have responded to my twisted quote immediately.
Here's to big ideas and big dreams. Wait...a...fucking...minute...that's it...it was all a dream on a dark and stormy night...
I don't care. I'm writing mine exactly how I've been picturing it with all the animals I originally planned. If it gets DQ'd for that, I'll just re-post it in the Shorts section and add in all the stuff I have to edit to fit it into 10 pages. =)
Just Murdered by Sean Elwood (Zombie Sean) and Gabriel Moronta (Mr. Ripley) - (Dark Comedy, Horror) All is fair in love and war. A hopeless romantic gay man resorts to bloodshed to win the coveted position of Bridesmaid. 99 pages. https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-comedy/m-1624410571/
For (maybe) half a serious second, a lot what looks like fooling around is part of the bull pen creative process.
Screenrider's been in and out twice within 24 hrs. Cool. Murphy, Blonde and Dreamscale have been beating out principles. Stevie... is laughing his a$$ off screwin' around with quotes.
The first few ideas are likely cliche rubbish. Okay. This is how some of us get it out of our system. What'll be left?
Different paths to the same outcome, er... destination. (Don't get any of that on your nose, BTW.)
Too bad folks couldn't go all SyFy Channel with this. Killer termites would rule! BTW, my antag? She's human. Protag in wheelchair? Human. Other dude? Human...until he dies anyway.
Pumpkinseeds is nuts. You all are going to dig it. It's not about killer termites. Instead it's about - - -well this dinner party...
Bah Humbug!! Who %^^%^& needs reality TV anyway? %%^%^%^ confessionals, manipulated &&* stuff and ^&*#$% Dancing with the ^^& Stars. Since Pretty Paula left American Idol, nothin's been the same!!!
I am reality TV! I just don't know I'm in the ^%^%^ Big Brother house yet!!
Yeah, sorry, I am having a few "drinks" tonight...and nothing much else to do but try and humor myself. Drugs? C'mon now...no one does that stuff...do they?
I'm definitely done for the night. I don't wanna muck up what I got going here. I'm on page 5. I rewrote the 1st 4 pages, or 9,8,7,6 -- Two times tonight. I have a personal goal to not utter One cuss word in this One at all. I also don't want any on screen kills. Better get them out in my other work.
i have completed and submitted mine. A record for me for anything, and the rat stayed.
I must say, mine is heavy on the cussing, It is easily the most rank and despicable script I have ever written and it is not very good at all. But I love it!
It is a parody, hopefully that gets me off the hook....
Mine's done, but not submitted yet. I'll give it a couple of days to stew. It's a sequel to one of my other scripts. I hope no one minds, since it isn't anonymous I figured it wouldn't matter and that is what I wanted to write.
But seriously (no, seriously seriously), when you said we have up to 3 characters between 18-80, that shouldn't preclude non humans. Are you now saying we cannot include any non humans into our horror script? I sure hope not.
Animals shouldn't be included when a cast restriction is set...at least IMO.
Please clarify, as this new detail could affect a ton of these OWC scripts. Many, many, many horror scripts have non human "creatures" as the antag, and I think this is an important point.
Jeff,
There are three actors. There are two males and one female. How you use them is up to you. Please note that I've modified the requirements (for the n'th time) to specifically indicate that the three actors are human.
If you have any other questions regarding this, please reference this this.
Are you now saying we cannot have an antag that is not human?
A total first. You have three actors. Two actors are males. They have penises. One actor is a female. She does not have a penis. She has a 'sideways smile'. One male actors with a penis can not walk. He sits in a wheel chair. The three actors are human. How you use them is up to you.
I feel this OWC has been made more complicated than need be. I've asked a few questions, but generally hope the banter hasn't put off others from joining in. Mostly newcomers. I'd really like to see an influx of scripts using this theme.
For one it shows just how varied and different everyone is at using screenwriting as their creative outlet. Just because I see this theme in this way doesn't mean the next guy/gal will. I think the end result could be really good. Very different if taken seriously.
Just know I'm taking this 100% seriously, even if you get a laugh or two out of the script for whatever reason. The story is legitimate and the quality of the dialog will be of the highest quality.
A total first. You have three actors. Two actors are males. They have penises. One actor is a female. She does not have a penis. She has a 'sideways smile'. One male actors with a penis can not walk. He sits in a wheel chair. The three actors are human. How you use them is up to you.
Just a note: You may be a bit confused when you first read mine. You might even be confused if you read mine a second time. I wouldn't recommend reading it a third time though because that might cause permanent brain damage.
To be serious for a moment (its hard but I'll do it...)
i agree with Don that no animals should be in it. But demons and the like should be ok - they aren't human actors and I'm guessing most of us will have the cast in the house for some type of summoning.
Unless the requirements are strictly NO OTHER CHARACTERS BUT THE THREE??!! To make it harder? Don? Sorry to bother you but it appears some of us need more clarification. Cheers
You have three human actors. How you use them is up to you.
You have three actors. The actors are human. 'Scupper'? Honestly, who uses 'scupper' now a days.
Don
It's my word of the day.
Well my rat stayed in, although he does not have a speaking part, I am hoping you do not kick me out of the challenge for it. He is just a rat after all, It's not like he is a Kangaroo or anything, which I agree, would be stretching the rules a bit.
Damn, i was gonna use a scupper joke when Murph first mentioned it...
Shawn, man, apologies sincerely if we annoyed you by our mucking around. Sometimes I can't help myself, and I egg Jeff on to more mayhem - not that he needs much pushing!!!
If the mods thought the bullshit was getting too much, they would've warned us and we would stop it. It doesn't mean we are disrupting anyone or making the site look foolish. I enjoy my comedy and writing funny stuff -that's my go. I've already written a pisstake for this challenge, a Simply one. But it will be posted ini the Shorts and not as part of the challenge.
Now I have the comedy shot outta my head, I can concentrate on writing for a the challenge. This is a first for me - writing something out of my comfort zone - and i hope to make something good of it.
Thank you and apologies again - we meant no harm.
Cheers stevie
PS - great 'quote', Jeff buddy! i was reaading it and thinking, 'I didn't write that'...
Nicely said Stevie, I should add my apologies to Shawn too.
I have not been around too much the last year but one thing I remember is the OWC threads and the banter that goes on around it. Today was only a bit of fun and in no way at all meant to tarnish the experience of the OWC for all.
It is pishing down with rain here, has been non-stop for 3 days now, stuck indoors, a little boredom and a little bit of messing around. The OWC is a great opportunity for everyone to cut loose a little, step outside of their comfort zone and write something different, the messing around, for some, is a part of that.
No offence meant. Honestly. I hope you reconsider and write something, besides you will get the chance to rip my awful piece of garbage to shreds if you do.
** Look, this is my 1111'st post, an important milestone! kinda like when all the planets align, it might be a spooky sign.
Shawn, man, apologies sincerely if we annoyed you by our mucking around. Sometimes I can't help myself, and I egg Jeff on to more mayhem - not that he needs much pushing!!!
If the mods thought the bullshit was getting too much, they would've warned us and we would stop it. It doesn't mean we are disrupting anyone or making the site look foolish. I enjoy my comedy and writing funny stuff -that's my go. I've already written a pisstake for this challenge, a Simply one. But it will be posted ini the Shorts and not as part of the challenge.
Just a note: You may be a bit confused when you first read mine. You might even be confused if you read mine a second time. I wouldn't recommend reading it a third time though because that might cause permanent brain damage
Quoted from Balt
Just know I'm taking this 100% seriously, even if you get a laugh or two out of the script for whatever reason. The story is legitimate and the quality of the dialog will be of the highest quality.
Now you're talking, fellas. G'luck.
I wonder if yours will be better than mine. You wish.
I've had to work 9 hours Friday, 9 hours yesterday, and another 9 today.
I did some brainstorming last night, and came up with some things, but after I thought about them for a while, I decided they were garbage, so I scrapped them, and went to bed...
I woke up at 3:30 A. M. with a story in my head, like it had been planted there, so I jotted notes, and after work I plan to put it on paper.
So I guess I'm in.
Cindy
Award winning screenwriter Available screenplays TINA DARLING - 114 page Comedy ONLY OSCAR KNOWS - 99 page Horror A SONG IN MY HEART - 94 page Drama HALLOWEEN GAMES - 105 page Drama
My apologies as well except for the Stevie quote, as I've owed him something like that for years.
Also, apologies to Don for messing around. It's been raining here for 2 days straight now and my AZ mindset isn't wrapping around WA weather.
I do have to say again that I am disappointed about not being able to have any animals or creatures in the script. I thought it was very clear that this wouldn't be an issue until I started joking around about a Sperm whale. I thought someone even got an OK for some type of cloning for God's sake.
Oh well, 3 actors, 2 males, 1 wheelchair. Got it. That's a tough assignment for horror and leaves very little room for creativity, IMO, but that's the way it goes sometimes.
Best of luck to all. Football today, so no more whining or being irritating...at least I'll try not to be too irritating.
I don't apologize for anything. All my questions were serious and inherent to the story. Luckily, everything I need to know has been cleared up and I'll be writing Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, but I'll be writing two versions. One is the edited version to fit the OWC guidelines and the other is the original version which needs about an extra 20 pages and that one will be put right into the Shorts section. =)
Thanks for setting this challenge, Don. I've been so busy lately with work & decorating my house that I haven't had the chance to read any scripts, let alone write anything, but this challenge has given me the kick up the backside I needed to get started again!
I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with.
If you can't tell I've just been reading Balt's old posts.
You may prise the title from me. Only cost ya two hundred cigs and seven bottles of quality jameson. Cheap if you ask me. Alternatively you can read then thank me with aforementioned items. I look forward to reading all. But they won't be as good as mine.
Christ, I'd never write all that shite if sober. Glad I don't have to get for work. Mind you, be nice for us Irish lads and lasses if there was some. Gizzajob, as Yosser usedta say.
How's everyone? It's hotter than Australia in my house tonight. Must be the Vodka. Bejaysus, I'm turning into keef richards illegimate child with Janis Joplin. I could be, you never know. If I was slightly back I'd said Hendrix. But that's just the dirt. Must have a bath in November. Now, where was I? Oh yeah, feed the feckin' dog...
Oh well, 3 actors, 2 males, 1 wheelchair. Got it. That's a tough assignment for horror and leaves very little room for creativity, IMO, but that's the way it goes sometimes.
I disagree. I don't think it's that tough. In fact, it was too easy. I went to town with it, and hit all requirements. Not to mention the fact that what I cooked up could even be filmed on a low modest budget. If I can do it, I think others can.
I'm still brewing with ideas. I'm now wondering if folks can submit more than one.
I'm still brewing with ideas. I'm now wondering if folks can submit more than one.
Wonder no more:
Quoted from Don in another thread
There will be a limit of one entry per person, however if you think you can get away with a second submission without me catching on, go for it. If I catch you out, tho, only your first entry will go up.
That's alright. I don't think I can top what I wrote and submitted anyway. But if anyone wants to hear that second idea of mine, ask away. I don't mind.
Darren, it's not that it's so tough now to come up with a scenario that works, it's more about limiting the possibilities.
In horror, you usually have death...and some sort of antag that's a killer. This is now a big problem, as we only have 3 total characters to work with, meaning one of those has to be the antag, unless of course, you decide to not even have an antag.
BUT, according to Don, we cannot have any other sort of character to play the role of antag, meaning no creatures, monsters, demons, animals, or ghosts
That's what I'm talking about. And that's why I'm not happy.
BUT, according to Don, we cannot have any other sort of character to play the role of antag, meaning no creatures, monsters, demons, animals, or ghosts.
No, I said, You have three (3) actors. How you use them is up to you.
BUT, according to Don, we cannot have any other sort of character to play the role of antag, meaning no creatures, monsters, demons, animals, or ghosts
That's what I'm talking about. And that's why I'm not happy.
Creatures, monsters, demons and animals I can understand. While I didn't use ghosts, I'm a little surprised that ghosts are off limits- if one of the three principles was a ghost, that is...or the three dummies fooled around with a Oujia board and one of them gets zapped and possessed by Pazuzu (or something like the Exorcist demon)...or the dude in the chair is a Old Catholic Priest wanting to cleanse the (condemned, abandoned) house with his two assistants of an evil but unseen evil demon who doesn't speak but leave blood on the walls etc.
So I understand some frustration here. In fact, I thought about an Oujia board a short while after I submitted.
But so far, nothing prevented my first idea, which I submitted when the script was done.
So, here's what we know:
- The antag (if any?) can't be a termite army (shucks!) a giant termite, a bog monster, Pazuzu, or Great Ceasar's Ghost. No zombies. No ghouls. No running with scissors.
Now I'm almost positive that in less than I week, folks will be onto my vibe. If not, I'll be in shock. Really.
But if you wanna know what I did, PM me. I'll spill the beans just as long as you don't repeat it. Or remain silent and be surprised. But if I spill it, you won't be
I understand, Don. a total of 3, but you said they all had to be human, meaning no non human characters. You said no whales, no rats, all human.
Did you not?
Jeff, just write what you want to write. That's what I did. And honestly, if all this later micro-tuning of the parameters causes it to be dq'd then so be it - I'll post it in the shorts section later - it will still get reads and probably less competitive focused comments as well.
I'm shocked that writers are having a hard time coming up with ways to develop a story with the tools we've been given. Keep in mind nothing has to be Citizen Kane here. And I, for one, don't want to have my hand held through the competition. I'll write within the guidelines and if it's good it's good. If it's not, it's not. There might be one instance where I might get flack, but I hope not as it's not a character or monster. Rather an object/item.
So...you CAN use termites. A Old Priest in a wheelchair, his two assistants (including young nun) dispelling a bad mojo in a rundown house is alright, so long as Demon does not appear in the flesh or speak. Three dunderheads play with Oujia, one of 'em gets possessed. (Technical loophole- he/she is still "human")
Still, I came up with something a bit more out of the box, yet fair game. Again, I'll be stunned if I'm the only yahoo who picked up on it.
Anybody looking for "official rules" is gonna be screwed.
You guys do this every single time.
As far as I am concerned the only rules are in post #1. In a legal sense I think these would supersede anything that follows in the thread. I have checked with my lawyer, he agrees, he thinks we will have a case for a class action if my rat gets disqualified.
Oh fuck it. I give up. This really doesn't make sense.
Based on what you keep repeating, it sounds like the 3 actors can play multiple roles, some with makeup, some with CGI effects, others with wigs and long Amish beards, and then shrunk down to a human rat, and finally blown up to a human whale.
Oh fuck it. I give up. This really doesn't make sense.
Based on what you keep repeating, it sounds like the 3 actors can play multiple roles, some with makeup, some with CGI effects, others with wigs and long Amish beards, and then shrunk down to a human rat, and finally blown up to a human whale.
Looks like it could be time for a pisser again...
Dude, think about what you just said...
Actors getting dressed up and wearing makeup, playing multiple parts, pretending to be animals. Does that really sound weird to you?
No, I said, there are three human actors. I did not say three human characters.
Don
I tell ya. Fuck's sake. One thing I would not be is a Mod or a gafffer for SS. You guys got my sympathy. I remember being a primary school music teacher. You guys got it harder.
With all due respect to the organizers, this is why the OWC sucks now.
Every time the genre and theme get announced, everybody tries to find ways to work around it, no matter how loose the guidelines are. There's nobody stopping you from taking the guidelines of the challenge, writing your own script and submitting it outside the challenge. In fact, when has a script ever been rejected from the OWC just because it didn't conform perfectly to the "rules?" Never. You could always just write it the way you want and submit it anyways, just to see if it'd get by. It probably would. In fact, it certainly would. The pisstakes already have. But instead, everyone has to ask a bunch of questions and out themselves as people who don't want to write the way the challenge has been set out. In fact, you could probably get away with more if you didn't propose so many examples of what might be against the rules.
The fervency of people arguing the OWC guidelines is akin to directors arguing ratings with the MPAA. It's retarded. Why do you guys care so much? Is there really that much at stake? When has a OWC script been the best someone ever wrote?
Seems pretty straightforward to me. Two males, one of them in a wheelchair, and a female. Those are the actors that must be included in the story which takes place in the rundown, abandoned house. Don't use the word Halloween and don't burn the house down. As long as you include those elements, do whatever you want. Throw in a sperm whale and a swamp donkey if you want.
swamp donkey's rule. Deathspank taught me that much. But i still don't see why everyone is so confused by this challenge. I kinda get the feeling now that they're not. They're just stiring the pot.
And sorry Murph, my script, if it doesn't get dq'd will blow everyone else's away.
Not true. Mine is written with 16tons of reinforced steel that run about 200ft into the ground. Not even the big bad wolf could blow this house down. That's how super duper my script is... Even though it's not finished yet. which means, when I am, it'll be 32tons worth of reinforced steel.
Not true, mine is written with 16tons of reinforced steel that run about 200ft into the ground. Not even the big bad wolf could blow this house down. That's how super duper my script is... Even though it's not finished yet. which means, when I am, it'll be 32tons worth of reinforced steel.
Nothing else allowed...no animals...no nothing, just up to these 3 human actors.
You see the issue???
Well, I sure didn't. In fact, it seems I had, like others, taken everything so literally...but unlike others, I came up with a ball o' wax that followed it to the letter.
In my script Pumpkinseeds...
My antag is one of the three main characters. I got the guy in the wheelchair in the house. (Note: he also could have been "around" the house as well, but I chose not to have him "stuck in the mud")
When the script is up, I'll defend and debate the specifics there, but I only used the rules as I understood them at face value.
When folks are stumped, I'm only throwing out additional ideas that I didn't use. I am only trying to help. But not one mention of...
Mine is meeting my standards. 6 overall pages down. Will rewrite tonite and go from there. I know the intro so i'm setting out for the finish line. Pace wins the race, even if i wasn't 1st to cross.
I am beside myself here... I just finished and it came in at 13 pages. I hate that I'm going to have to cut this one down. It's going to be a huge disservice to the story I feel. I wish our page limit was 15 now. I'd have plenty of wiggle room.
I do want to clarify something... It's 6 to 10 pages from page 1 and not the title page, right? I know that's a bit technical but it's something I don't want hanging over my head upon submitting. I'm already going to lose some content it seems and can't have another page.
I wrote from end to beginning and the 1st 4 pages ended up being set up and story builder. I expected Only 2 pages of it and miscalculated by some 3 pages. It ends up reading too slow for a 10 min short because the 1st 4 pages are dedicated to character, setting and history.
Wow. And I do mean wow. I don't think I've ever ever seen a thread go from zero to a zillion so fast as this one. Lots of complaints, but you've all got to remember the point of this challenge.
This was based directly on an actual contest where a theme and genre are given and the participants given a limited time to complete a short script. While this has morphed over the years, there's a level of real world-ness to the challenge which is its real appeal.
The thing is you can write what you want at any time you want. These challenges give you a taste of the idea of an actual producer walking up and saying "here's what I need." I like the parameters given here. I think they're very real. They ring just like someone would actually ask for.
"I have a couple guys and a girl and we wanna shoot somethin' down at the old Miller place. And I got no money for anything else, but we can mess that place up pretty good, but if we burn it down, I'm toast."
Looks like I'll actually be able to participate this time. I'm done with mine -- just need to revise and rewrite.
I like the theme. I've always found the OWC to be much more enjoyable when you have a realistic theme and realistic limitations for the challenge, like it was a real filmmaker actually asking you to write a script.
We wouldn't be having any problems with this thread if I was allowed to use an abandoned International House of Pancakes....
Phil
From what I can gather from this very informative thread you still can set your script in an International House of Pancakes. You just have to get one of your (adult) actors to play the House of Pancakes part. It would require quite a bit of make-up I would think, but not impossible.
I was gonna put in a good KFC with loadsa black people and white scalliy types as customers, like my favourite one down the road.
However, it may have spoiled the atmosphere. At one point this really cool black dude started jamming with Jimi and Janis and then...
I thought I'd better go back and read the criteria. No mention of dead rock stars or fast food joints. Bejehovahullian, I'll just have to adjust. The rules can be bent, but they must not be broken. Therein lies the fun.
After sitting on my script over night I have started the rewrite... Unfortunately 3 pages of content will have to be cut from it. My formula is/will be 5 pages outside the house and 5 pages inside the house. That's all I'm divulging of the story or setting. Even with the cuts and edits, this script will definitely be worth a read.
I didn't have a problem writing this. I didn't stretch the rules and or bend the or anything. It seemed pretty easy.
Just remember the original spirit of the challenge: if a director gave you a genre and theme, could you write a short in seven days. Do you really think that, if said director, gave you these guidelines that you could toss in talking termites?
The entire scenario screams low budget. Any good scripts, here, stand a good chance of being produced by a low-budget filmmaker.
Just remember the original spirit of the challenge: if a director gave you a genre and theme, could you write a short in seven days. Do you really think that, if said director, gave you these guidelines that you could toss in talking termites?
The entire scenario screams low budget. Any good scripts, here, stand a good chance of being produced by a low-budget filmmaker.
Quoted from Balt
"REN: The criteria suggested to me most of it takes place indoors."
I just wanted to quote Don himself here... Because half of my script is hinged upon the outside of the house...
Quoted from SS
Everything occurs in and around an abandoned, rundown house.
You're both right. He / they gave us room to move. I just said what it meant to me. Personally (must stop starting sentences with that one soon) I felt it must happen in the house. Otherwise, what's the point? It's an OWC, play in the rules. That is the point of them, isn't it? Obviously things can happen outside but, the location is a farmhouse, or an abondoned house, a shitehole. With a guy in a wheelchair. I imagine he's a bit of shut in. That's where it's at.
Limitations: You only have three human actors - two male and one female. (adults who can play between the ages of 18 to 80). One male is in a wheelchair. All events must occur sometime between October 30th to November 1st. You can't use the word Halloween. Everything occurs in and around an abandoned, rundown house. You can do anything to the house, except burn it down.
You must write a script (properly formatted) between 6 and 10 pages. No more, no less (courier 12 point font).
The scripts must be received by Friday, October 15th at 11:59 pm e.d.t.. Please put "(c) Copyright 2010" on your script. Note: This is NOT an anonymous exercise this year. Discussion board members, please submit your discussion board name, also. Scripts must be submitted here. Please, only one submission per person.
10/31 - audio presentation of one selected script presented by iScript.com.
I find the iScript audio presentation the most interesting aspect of this challenge.
With that in mind I poked around a little bit (as I'm prone to doing) and thought I'd lump a consideration out here for those of you who've yet to submit an entry.
Okay, there has been some messing about in this thread and around the OWC, some of it funny and some of it nearly funny. There have been people looking to stretch the rules, finding ways to break them and let's be honest just looking to have a good time with it all.
That's okay in my book, But you know what's worse? The posters sat up there in the clouds pouring scorn on anyone who wants to take the OWC and have a bit of fun. Get off your high horses people! it ain't serious, it ain't a real writing assignment.
The world takes all sorts to keep in turning, thank God. The OWC is there, how you interpret it and how you respond to it is your own damn business. If you want to be serious then be serious, if you want to have a little fun then have a little fun. This ain't North Korea.
One thing I hope I'm not hung for is having too much story in mine. Mine is very much suspense and build up to the ending payoff. It's 10 pages and to make something deep and complex is hard, but I've got a story and some depth here in mine. Just don't go expecting tons of gore, 3 on screen kills, cussing and buckets more blood. Although, there is some blood and some killing going on.
To me, it's very entertaining and would play out well on screen. It's something I'd love to sit back and watch. I've let 3 others read it and so far so good.
One thing I hope I'm not hung for is having too much story in mine. Mine is very much suspense and build up to the ending payoff. It's 10 pages and to make something deep and complex is hard, but I've got a story and some depth here in mine. Just don't go expecting tons of gore, 3 on screen kills, cussing and buckets more blood. Although, there is some blood and some killing going on.
To me, it's very entertaining and would play out well on screen. It's something I'd love to sit back and watch. I've let 3 others read it and so far so good.
Yeah, mine goes really deep too. It's a bit long for all intensive purposes but I think it comes to satisfying conclusion.
Sounds like you Balt, are doing a real horror thing. You and I no doubt have a different view bout them.
I think mental torture is far more effective. But then again, I'm Irish.
You've had three folks read already? You are the dogs bollocks. That's a good thing, by the way. I know you knew, just qualified, for the tourists. You understand...
One thing I hope I'm not hung for is having too much story in mine. Mine is very much suspense and build up to the ending payoff.
Sounds good to me. Which reminds me, do you still have your 7WC from last year? I really wanted to read it because it had a similar vein to what I was writing but you kind of disappeared and it never went up. If you did it and have it, can you e-mail it to me? I'd kind of like to see how it compares to what I wrote.
Sorry for being off-topic but I was really curious.
Good question, smartass. I thought dat what my job.
One day you guys have to pay me for this this stuff.
I can dream,.,,
R co
Your typoset is fuckd, by the way. ASCII, webbos. I'm out for tonight. Thank you for being nice to me. Tis appreciated. I',m here to help folk. Don't give a feck If I make it. Be nice but... I'll help some to get there if I can. God's honest.
That one bothers me but not nearly as much as when people type "should of" instead of "should have". I hate that one more than any other because when they type that, it means that they actually believe that's how it's said.
I'm on page 5, so far. Still have a lot of pages left after this. I haven't decided if I'll write the short version first, or if I'll write the whole thing then just edit 2/3 of it out.
Flattery goes a long way, laughing at my feeble jokes is most certainly the quickest route to cool city. I am going to try and not get into fights with you while I am back, and try not to annoy you either.
You have left Arizona I see! That's good, The only people I know from Washington are all cool people. Seattle by any chance? I think that helps the coolness.
Edit** Yes I know it says Seattle in your sig, idiots don't read very closely, or think very hard before posting. Sigh.
Well this big time changes things for me. I was not expecting a bloody READING of the screenplay!, clever and entertaining as it is.
WTH is the point of one dude reading a screenplay out loud? ("Yes", he does have a lovely voice. However... )
I can read. I can read just fine. WhoTH here can write but can't read? Where's the entertainment in listening to a screenplay being read when I can do that myself?
Well, if THAT'S what's considered satisfactory then that's what'll be submitted. Now I'm seriously considering submitting one screenplay to be read and another written to be produced as A) a radio drama AND B) a filmed short. THAT is a challenge, flatulent sperm whales, talking rats, CGI zombies with penises and sideway's smiles and whathaveyou aside.
Well this big time changes things for me. I was not expecting a bloody READING of the screenplay!, clever and entertaining as it is.
WTH is the point of one dude reading a screenplay out loud? ("Yes", he does have a lovely voice. However... )
I can read. I can read just fine. WhoTH here can write but can't read? Where's the entertainment in listening to a screenplay being read when I can do that myself?
Well, if THAT'S what's considered satisfactory then that's what'll be submitted. Now I'm seriously considering submitting one screenplay to be read and another written to be produced as A) a radio drama AND B) a filmed short. THAT is a challenge, flatulent sperm whales, talking rats, CGI zombies with penises and sideway's smiles and whathaveyou aside.
(mumbling expletive, expletive, expletive)
Ray, do you remember the rule in school about eating sweets in class?
Well I am starting the same rule here on Simply Scripts. Starting today if ANYBODY wants to bring CRACK to the message board then you better have enough for everyone.
An Australian who gives a damn about MLB? I'm impressed.
Yeah, love it and the NFL. Saw a ballgame in Milwaukee years ago- and snagged a training ball - and it was awesome. Have read a few books about the sport; i just live the traditions and stats and shit.
Same with the NFL - have followed the Niners for 21 years.
Hear, hear, Murph! Rugby league, union and cricket are all shit!
Its the Ashes next month Stevie. I am not a cricket fan but always love a good old England vs Australia contest.
You not going then? We got out tickets for the first test in Brisbane, have not decided yet who I am gonna support. I never used to support England in anything when back home of course, but being in Australia makes it fun to support England, even if only pretending. Especially when the English beat 'em.
Can't believe I am looking forward to a cricket match, but can't wait.
The problem with doing these scripts would be that they would need to be written as a radio plays rather than a screenplays. While a screenplay could be adapted it wouldn't be the same as if the author had written it directly for the radio. And it even might not be appropriate for the media.
The problem with doing these scripts would be that they would need to be written as a radio plays rather than a screenplays.
No, no, no. Not the problem. THAT'S the challenge itself! It has to be good both visually on screen AND as just audio.
Any wiener can write a 6 - 10 pg visual delight with little dialog or sound. But can that same wiener write a screenplay that sounds great with no visuals AND it looks good AND it reads good? That'd be fun.
You're missing the point. The media is different. And just like you don't write a stageplay as your screenplay (at least some people don't) or vice versa. You wouldn't write a screenplay as your radio play. There are things you can or can't do in both.
If you were going to write a piano concerto you would very likely use as close to the 88 keys as possible. And while maybe you could play an adaptation of it on the accordion you couldn't play the same piece of music because the accordion doesn't have 88 keys. And even if you did adapt it, it wouldn't guarantee that it would ever sound as good as it would on the instrument it was written for.
Only the OCT 2009 OWC. Sounds just like a fella reading the screenplay. iScripts could've at least used one narrator and at least two other voice actors for the dialog of the characters.
I think what Raw is saying is that he wants a group of fella's to actually "ACT" the script out. And that's a great idea. But I don't think it's something that's going to readily happen anytime soon.
I do, however, think a 10 page OWC like this one would be the ideal place for something like that to occur. Maybe I'm wrong... I dunno.
Eitherway, I'm a little upset with my script at the moment. In an attempt to save content I've reformatted into Trottier's format and not the beautiful and clean Cole & Haag format that reads so fast and so clean. Depending on if I can get content down I want it formatted in C&H badly. We'll see. It just looks so much better. aaaaarg!!
I think what Raw is saying is that he wants a group of fella's to actually "ACT" the script out. And that's a great idea. But I don't think it's something that's going to readily happen anytime soon.
I do, however, think a 10 page OWC like this one would be the ideal place for something like that to occur. Maybe I'm wrong... I dunno.
Bingo. Although "voice" it rather than "act", but yeah. That! Sound effects. Music.
I thought (mistook, it appears) that was the point of the iScripts add-on.
Everyone was tickled pink to have the FEB 2010 "The Dark" OWC turned into machinima, so naturally (Ha!) I (erroneously) figured the iScripts "audio presentation" would've been akin to the "machinima" presentation.
Michael, you're not making those still shots of "The Dark" standing around the fireplace reading the screenplay's aloud, are you? Probably not (I hope).
However, for the iScripts audio presentation it's just gonna be a dude reading aloud... for the legally blind. ??
You can actually learn a lot by having your script read as an iScript. Plus you get wider coverage. People who wouldn't normally think of reading a script will listen to an iScript. Though, of course, it may be the only script they ever read or listen to but that is besides the point.
iScripts are popular among the iCrowd like iPod users (they even share a first letter) and for some reason iScripts are smash in China (which shares the same letter but buried inscrutably in the middle somewhere). Who knows what the Chinese do with these iScripts but whatever it is they use a lot of them to do it. The Russian's have also gotten into the ring of iScript users as well and the last I heard iScripts were a bigger commodity there than blue jeans. By the way, never sell your blue jeans in Russia if you don't have another pair of pants (primo but true bad move).
Anyway, I digress, you digress, we all digress and the next thing you know we've moved forward for no explicable reason.
Just finished writing my serious one by hand. It came out sort of different to how it was in my head (ain't that always the case?)
It was tough to be writing dialogue that wasn't funny! Or meant to be funny...
I'll copy it onto the computer and hopefully in that process, I'll see what can improve it - that's my normal way of revising. Pia is gonna read it, so I should be able to get some great feedback from a 'horror master'.
Jimmy lad, you make me laugh. We must have a drink in a good pub sometime. Let's bring Rob and Screenrider and Pia. And not shag anyone. It won't be easy, but at least we'll have a laugh. They'll all agree hat geniuses we are. We fecking wish. They will also frown at our alcoholic content.
"You can't catch me, because I'm The Gingerbread Man!!"
It was a tongue-in-cheek deliberate joke, DJ. I'm paying closer attention than I appear to be.
"Hi FIVE!
2slo!"
Sucky part is it's gonna be some lame dude reading the wiener's script out loud for... like... the reading impaired of simplyscripts. Apparently it's all the rage with Chinese Germans.
"You can't catch me, because I'm The Gingerbread Man!!"
It was a tongue-in-cheek deliberate joke, DJ. I'm paying closer attention than I appear to be.
"Hi FIVE!
2slo!"
Sucky part is it's gonna be some lame dude reading the wiener's script out loud for... like... the reading impaired of simplyscripts. Apparently it's all the rage with Chinese Germans.
I'm just gonna roll widdit.
Is it the winner's script or the weiners? If it's the winner's, you probably needn't spend too much time worrying about it
Is it the winner's script or the weiners? If it's the winner's, you probably needn't spend too much time worrying about it
Are you really sure you wanna play your ugly little game or do you wanna reconsider? Last I checked I have yet to fling poo at anyone, let alone flung it first.
Oh YES! she did. First blood goes to Seamus. Everyone congratulate him on his bravery. Seems he's itchin for a scratchin'. My fuse is almost as long as I am so don't be in any hurry.
Are you really sure you wanna play your ugly little game or do you wanna reconsider? Last I checked I have yet to fling poo at anyone, let alone flung it first.
No, just complained REPEATEDLY about the prize DONATED for the FREE competiton that you've VOLUNTARILY entered.
But you're right you hven't flung poo, so I apologize.
No, just complained REPEATEDLY about the prize DONATED for the FREE competiton that you've VOLUNTARILY entered.
Ahem...Not a competition either. We aren't competitors, rather we're all in this together. Think of it as a big group hug where everyone is out to help everyone else meet the challenge head on.
(Whoa! I've been spending too much recreation time in James' new script)
Ahem...Not a competition either. We aren't competitors, rather we're all in this together. Think of it as a big group hug where everyone is out to help everyone else meet the challenge head on.
(Whoa! I've been spending too much recreation time in James' new script)
Does that mean there will be no wagering on the event?
I don't know, Mike. I think of it as a competition. Not me against others, though, like usual. It's me against me. And so far, we're both losing. Nowhere near done on the short or long versions yet.
Ahem...Not a competition either. We aren't competitors, rather we're all in this together. Think of it as a big group hug where everyone is out to help everyone else meet the challenge head on.
You know it is sometimes difficult for a rabid right winger like me when you think I am trying to be part of an industry littered by hippies, communists, tree-huggers and politically correct lefties.
Where are you Joe McCarthy?
We need a real competition, sort the men out from the boys. No quarter given, no quarter taken. Only one winner and everyone else loses. Every man for himself, fight them on the beaches and leave no man standing.
If Aaron Sorkin and Bono had a love child it would probably be the OWC, though with better dialogue and a fake Irish accent.
It's like the schools that ban scoreboards from football games because competition is bad for the losing kids. What the hell? This is why how we stop breeding winners. And we all secretly want to be winners, we all really want a Ferrari with a glovebox full of coke and a free pass to the Playboy Mansion.
Put down your solar panels, your green tea and Jesus sandals and start being winners.
You're fine, Blonde. Seriously...it's far from crunch time.
This is a weird OWC in that so many are doing theirs early and submitting way before the deadline. You've got PLENTY of time. Most usually don't even start writing until Friday afternoon...night.
I haven't written anything yet. Probably won't have time to either. However, if I gave a couple of hours on Friday night, I might give it ago. That's usually how mine are done. Friday night drunk scripts. Sadly those tend to turn out better than when I'm concentrating trying to do a good job...
I know you guys want a no hold barred sort of competition. I've actually thought a lot more about it than you could imagine, or more about it than is possibly healthy depending on how you look at it.
However, this is not a competition. Why can't it be that - because all hell breaks loose - you guys don't treat each other in a civilized manner - people don't act their age. There's all kinds of hurt feelings which results in loads of messages to the moderators and to Don. And then we all have to act as psychologist to sort the issues and none of us are really trained to be or want to be that.
In other words, it takes up a lot of our time for you to have a competition. It sticks us in the middle of awkward situations that we don't really want to have anything to do with. That's why this is a challenge, not a competition.
However, this is not a competition. Why can't it be that - because all hell breaks loose - you guys don't treat each other in a civilized manner - people don't act their age. There's all kinds of hurt feelings which results in loads of messages to the moderators and to Don. And then we all have to act as psychologist to sort the issues and none of us are really trained to be or want to be that.
In other words, it takes up a lot of our time for you to have a competition. It sticks us in the middle of awkward situations that we don't really want to have anything to do with. That's why this is a challenge, not a competition.
Yes. Thank god none of that's happened with this challenge!
No, just complained REPEATEDLY about the prize DONATED for the FREE competiton that you've VOLUNTARILY entered.
But you're right you hven't flung poo, so I apologize.
Seamus, my newest buddy, oh, pal of mine, women hate it when all you do is handle the high-value stuff. You gotta spend time fondling EVERYTHING.
You gotta pay attention to EVERYTHING, not just the naughty bits. Likewise:
Quoted from ray
I'm just gonna roll widdit.
The parameters of the CHALLENGE were established. I, among others, found issue with an element that I was actually interested in. I queried. I received useful, actionable feedback. I stated "I'm just gonna roll widdit." I'm not complaining. I'm pointing out a clarification of an issue that perhaps you understood, but I cower in all the glory that is Seamus who has bestowed upon me a generous apology, for which I will humbly accept before scurrying back under the rock from whence I came.
I'm finding it absolutely gut wrenching to cut anything from mine. I even wrote my backwards the 1st run as to not run into this kind of trouble. I'm on my 3rd draft and it's just not working for me. In fact it's actually longer now. My wife said to sub the 10 page and blast out a 30 page "complete" version shortly after. Kind of like (this is only half of the story)... I dunno???
What I've got is really good, though. I'm most proud of it, even if it gets hung for having too much story and set up for a ten page short, short. I'm writing from 11 to 4 tonight in an attempt to wrangle it all under one roof. I look to sub it tomorrow or Thursday.
I know you guys want a no hold barred sort of competition. I've actually thought a lot more about it than you could imagine, or more about it than is possibly healthy depending on how you look at it.
However, this is not a competition. Why can't it be that - because all hell breaks loose - you guys don't treat each other in a civilized manner - people don't act their age. There's all kinds of hurt feelings which results in loads of messages to the moderators and to Don. And then we all have to act as psychologist to sort the issues and none of us are really trained to be or want to be that.
In other words, it takes up a lot of our time for you to have a competition. It sticks us in the middle of awkward situations that we don't really want to have anything to do with. That's why this is a challenge, not a competition.
Mr C. I need to add that I am grateful to yourself, Don and the other Mods for the work you do and know it is not easy. I hope you took my post in the manner it was intended, i.e. lighthearted and not a serious complaint.
Except the coke, and the Ferrari. I do really want those.
And the tree-huggers of course.
But it would be good to have a competition of some sorts around here. When I used to do the Oscar prediction game I often wondered about why we don't have a Simply Scripts award ceremony at the end of each year. I think we should have one for 2010, can you run it up the flapole with all concerned?
Just like the Oscars, all members get a vote. We could have Best Screenplay, then Best short, best horror, comedy etc... Throw in a few best poster, best avatar, best Mod etc...
I know you guys want a no hold barred sort of competition. I've actually thought a lot more about it than you could imagine, or more about it than is possibly healthy depending on how you look at it.
Now, every year you guys hold what looks like four of these OWC per year and one or two 7WCs plus whatever odzNendz "Werewolves" challenges and such.
Looks like plenty of opportunity to mix N match and give a little bit of something to everyone. Obviously I just got here, I don't know sh!te, yadda yadda yadda but I don't understand why folks can't be happy with what, as Seamus validly points out, is a free... event. Challenge, competition, blood bath, pisstake, whathaveyou.
Ya'll keep doin' what your doin' If folks wanta Coke vs. Pepsi blind punch brawl they can go do that at that five-page-site.
My wife said to sub the 10 page and blast out a 30 page "complete" version shortly after. Kind of like (this is only half of the story)... I dunno???
What the fuck? This is the second time you're doing something similar to what mine is. Not story-wise, but I knew my story needed more than ten so I was writing two versions. And, in last year's 7WC, you were writing a similar style of story (multiple intersecting stories).
Come up with your own fucking script problems and stop stealing mine.
Ray, we do know these things..an believe it or not, we all appreciate everything...even all the fucking around with each other and fights.
You were the one putting down the iscript read. Personally, I think it's great whether or not the reader rocks the script out. It's really cool, just to say, "Hey, yeah, I've got 1 of my scripts recorded and available for the world to listen to.
I do hear you..damn, how cool would it be if we could get a nice sound effects, multi-talent read, but that shit costs money...even for Grade Z "talent". It's alot better than nothing.
I'd love a real challenge too, but it wouldn't be a good thing, like Cornie said.
I mean, seriously, it'd be like Iron Maiden vs. Helloween...there are no losers....they're both WINNERS!!!
What the fuck? This is the second time you're doing something similar to what mine is. Not story-wise, but I knew my story needed more than ten so I was writing two versions. And, in last year's 7WC, you were writing a similar style of story (multiple intersecting stories).
Come up with your own fucking script problems and stop stealing mine.
Joke.
Kind of.
Oh, I wouldn't worry too much. There is no way the stories are remotely similar. If they are, as I said earlier on, we'd have to be related in some way. And while I need the extra pages to really blast this story out I don't think I'll take the time to do it given I've got 3 other projects right now that are commanding my attention.
One that I'm prepping for a few contest next year.
Also, I remember the 7WC bit. I wrote a script called "Santa's gotta secret" for it. It was an anthology-like film with a central hub. I remember pulling out of the site after some disputes with the mods and feeling as if I was about to be banned every time I had posted. I also remember acting like a disrespectful Dick Twist with no regard too, though. Then, around that same time, I had some infringement issues too. To have posted that script for the 7wc wouldn't have been fair. It had more time than 7 weeks to be fleshed out. And given the fact I'm very protective, now more than ever, over my work I don't post as often in open forum and only let a select few read my work.
But, again, I wouldn't worry. I can guarantee our scripts will share only the theme and restrictions in common. Name, plot, pace and hook will all be different. At least I hope so. If not we should team up for an epic Action flick!!
Jeff, I understand how my initial disappointment does/did come across as putting down the iScript read, but I have swallowed that bitter pill and have moved on the wiser.
When next year's crop of freshmen staggers around in here, bumping into sh!t, saying dumb sh!t and complaining about the smell I will calmly and succinctly rip their f@cking nube heads off and p!$$ down their throats.
No.
Really.
I am.
Nah, just effin' off. I'll be like Mike and sanely point out what's what and that "HELL YEAH! IT'D BE SO F@CKING AWSOMMMME IF WE COULD GET CORNETTO AND HIS SOUND GEAR TO RECORD PHIL, PIA and SEAMUS (as the wheelchair dude, HA!) AND MAKE A REALLY EFFIN' COOL RECORDING WITH SOUND EFFECTS OF THUNDER and STORMS and HOWLING WIND and CREAKING WHEELCHAIRS and GIRL SCREAMS and GUY SCREAMS and poor ol' SEAMUS GETTING MURDERED IN HIS GIMPCHAIR! THAT"D BE SOOOOOO EFFIN' AWSOME!!!" But instead we get this. It's like fiber. Trust me kid. It's good for you. Deal, Lucile.
Quoted from Dreamscale
I do hear you..damn, how cool would it be if we could get a nice sound effects, multi-talent read, but that s*** costs money...even for Grade Z "talent". It's alot better than nothing.
I'm a cheap bassard. - You're male one. - Seamus is male two - Pia is the female. http://www.sfxsource.com/ There's a dozen sites like this with royalty free stuff. Foley a little if ya gotta. Pick a entry good for radio. Everyone has a script. Michael sets it up like a radio interview. Mike spends a couple hours dubbing over music and soundtracks afterwards. Wa-la! Nine months later a beautiful baby horror radio story is born.
Pia, you have been in America too long, it appears to be destroying you natural, in-built European, Ironic humour radar.
unfortunately I hear everyday where words are butchered and Americanized. I don't find it funny. It's one reason why I have 3 kids who don't speak Swedish...
Jeepers, ya' all can go on! Pontificating writers. You'll all do anything (even throw poo at each other, apparently) except that which you should be doing! Writing. Thought you'd all be happy getting 'horror' for the latest OWC. This is twenty seven pages of...
You know what? Forget that... I'm reading & some of this is bloody entertaining.
I'm just bitter n twisted for two reasons: first off I'm a way better editor than writer - (you can ask those who pay me) and secondly, being in Oz' I was sleeping, which meant I missed being ringside for Ren & Jeff's latest heavyweight stoush.
Did anyone copy n paste that one? Sorry, shouldn't be encouraging. But, did anyone? Now, I'll prob. get deleted.
Seriously, anyone want an edit? Or a look over their script. Kick it to me if you do. N' g'luck to all. I'll be reading, at the very least.
Pet peeve of mine... it's voila, not walla or wa-la...
Nah... I'm pretty shure its walla. As in:
My wife absolutely despises the way I destroy the English language when she knows darn gute an morgan that I kan speek it juss fyne. We play mean games of scrabble and wordplay over here.
"Yes". viola is correct. Makes perfectly good sense something that sounds like walla should be spelt viola. The word "of" is a personal favorite of mine, superseded only by the nine letter word "abbreviate" meaning to shorten. Yeah, Sum phunny mutherph@cker even put an extra "b" in the word. Clever. Followed by: there, their and they're. Butte munch's.
I'm surrounded by comedians perpetuating this farce of a written language with zealotrous fervor. But that's okay. I'll just roll widdit.
It wont be good. That is the one thing I am truely consistant at.
Look forward to reading your's as well.
Shawn.....><
Trust me, you're not looking forward to it!
I am not even joking, it is garbage. It should carry a warning, in fact it might carry a warning. It really is garbage. I am not going to apologize for it, but I am not going to lie about it either.
LC...cool! Me too, I'm, an editor. Welcome to my island!
Ryan,,,actually...no. But yeah, when throwing 1 of the most successful recording acts of all time into the mix, it's tough to stand and fight. BUT...seriously, the Pumpkins stand on their own. Crazy popular in South America and Japan, and you've got to remember, they're actually considered 1 of the "grandfathers" of melodic Euro power metal...been around as long as Maiden. They've sold a shitload and routinely play to some of the biggest concerts all around the world. And, if you consider their various offshoots, former members associated with them, side projects, and even current member's former bands...they're fucking HUGE! LOVE 'em!
Oh well...Maiden still rules, obviously. The new release was/is big all over the world.
But, Led, be careful reading Murph's script. He already admitted to wetting himself when he write a certain scene. Make sure the wife's not around....just in case.
You guys are all kicking ass with this OWC. Can't remember when so many had already completed their scripts by now.
That's a heck of alot more than I have. Congrats..you've started.
Where did 'e go?! SR was juss here a minute ago and then "POOF!"
Hey, Mike?! Whaddup? And congratulations! I haven't even thought up of a title yet. But I do know the setting and time of day! Maybe I need to go sleep at a Holiday Inn. Hmm... ?
Imagine if the Bible had been written like that! Imagine what the world would have ended up like then!
Hmmmm, Actually it might be pretty good, a lot less war anyway.
That's a brilliant idea for a film. Whoever edited the bible had a computer crash and everything was deleted, so he had to start again. With a poor memory and no notes he actually ended up writing "The cat in the hat". Now every Sunday millions of people sit in a church singing songs about a cat, who wears a hat. And millions of Middle-Easterners kill each other over what colour the hat was.
When I read bible stories to my little kids I always make a point out of after two thousand years people are still pretty much doing the exact same stupid, pagan things as they did way back then. Nothing new under the sun. SR can probably cite you the time lag from WTH Moses witnessed his brother Aaron doing when he came down the mount to Gabriel telling Zechariah his good news, and since then - same dumb sh!t. Do people still believe in ghosts and witches? Are people threatened by Harry Potter books and wish to burn them or at least strike them from the shelves of public schools and libraries? Does Salman Rushdee still have a million dollar bounty on his head for writing words? Offensive words.
JC was killed because he threatened the local clergy. What's different today?
What if the good guy doesn't always win in a mash-up of Saving Ryan's Privates and The Book of Eli? Whatapickle.
Next OWC: Bring a Biblical story to life. H3ll. There are a bazillion horror stories in the Bible.
Now that's funny. Maybe we are on the same wavelength.
In my submission, a character eats part of a gingerbread man!
Does he scream? The GingerBread Man? Bleed? Does he summon gingerbread hordes to pour from the oven of Hades then surround and eat the flesh from the bones of the GBM biter?
If not we should team up for an epic Action flick!!
That would be the weirdest collaboration in history. Besides, I can't write interesting action lines, which is why I basically steer towards dialogue-driven character dramas, as best I can. And we all know the highest grossing action movies of all time (about the top 10, at least) are there due to budget, marketing and V.E., not dialogue, I'd be fucked if I tried to go that route. Admittedly, I did try to write an "epic" action movie before. Long story short, I'm never attempting that again.
Yeah, and us Aussies get an extra 14 hours to finish in (even though we gave youse 14 hours head start)
So there...PTHHHHHHHWWWWWTTTT
As an old friend of mine said, you lot are from the future.
Quoted from Murph
Larger than average dolphins can cause issues when on camping trips with small shelters.
In fact they can be too long for all in tents, and porpoises.
Oh shite. Someone who's a bigger smartarse than I am. Fuck. What happens next? Hopefully mutual appreciation, understanding and good work to entertain.
Mine seems rushed compared to what I want to do with it. The pace has been thrown off completely in the last few pages. Everything happens way faster than I want it to due to the page restrictions. I've got all these ideas I want to throw in here but simply don't have the page space to do it.
What everyone is getting is a watered down version to be sure. A made for TV version. ha. Still good but missing elements. Why o' why couldn't the page restriction be 10 to 15 pages instead of 6 to 10!!!??!?!?!?!?!??!
That's the way it goes, Balt. Same deal every OWC, but this one has a bigger page restriction than usual.
I still may try and put something together but at this point, I'm not sure. I will definitely read them all, though. Of course, my reviews will be 100% positive and I can already tell that I love them all.
Mine seems rushed compared to what I want to do with it. The pace has been thrown off completely in the last few pages. Everything happens way faster than I want it to due to the page restrictions. I've got all these ideas I want to throw in here but simply don't have the page space to do it.(
This may be the first time in the history of the site (since I showed up) where you and I agree 100%. I may actually skip over the OWC part and just write the whole thing out the original way I planned it and post it up when it's done the way I pictured it. We'll see, though. Two more days to decide.
When I read bible stories to my little kids I always make a point out of after two thousand years people are still pretty much doing the exact same stupid, pagan things as they did way back then.
Keep in mind that the Apostles didn't start writing the New Testament for thirty or forty years after Jesus died. By this point they were old men. Their memory might be called into question at this point.
Add to the fact that the church kept the New Testament under lock and key for a thousand years. Handwriting copies for itself for generations. THe world were translated to different languages over and over again. You don't think things changed over this time?
Anywhere from The Evil Dead to Nosferatu to The Shining to I spit On Your Fucking Grave. Sorry, is it past the fucking shed of water yet? Eau? Eh?
Now, or then, whenever...
Mr. Blonde says "F**king story. I hate this. I'm writing it, but I can't get it to come out the way I want it. The further I get in, the less I like it."
This is a common problem. I've been there. And in my role as Mr. Pink I say "Get a grip. If you don't like it Blondie then fucking start again. Scrap it. If you don't like it what chance have the rest of us got? You gotta like it.
Or maybe you've written something genius. Get someone else to read, see what they say then ask questions. My fellow writers, to misquote Dave Stewart, in producer role for a well know Irish musician, "There's 7 billion people on the planet, somebody's bound to like it"
Here endeth the lesson.
Don't let anyone stop you. Keep writing, or cooking, as I like to say. Never stop. You never know...
I thought that this was the biggest gimme for the OWC. Any type of horror was permissible. In the past, the genre was adolescent horror or gothic horror. I think these narrower genres made the OWC more difficult.
This is a common problem. I've been there. And in my role as Mr. Pink I say "Get a grip. If you don't like it Blondie then fucking start again. Scrap it. If you don't like it what chance have the rest of us got? You gotta like it.
Or maybe you've written something genius. Get someone else to read, see what they say then ask questions. My fellow writers, to misquote Dave Stewart, in producer role for a well know Irish musician, "There's 7 billion people on the planet, somebody's bound to like it"
Oh, I would like it, I think. I just need the write the whole story instead of the Cliff Notes version. I have a habit of writing these post-apocalyptic stories, but instead of focusing on all the interesting stuff, I just stick to dialogue. So, generally, my stories aren't well received, to say the least.
No, it's not genius. Genius is the guy who figured cutting a pig into strips and frying it to become bacon would taste good. Mine's closer to the guy who thought to make blood sausage. You know, someone likes it but the majority... not so much. As for the 7 billion. I can't guaurantee one of them would like it, but I'm sure one of the 100 billion people who have lived on the Earth at some point would've.
I think this OWC was easy to come up with an idea for.. Don't get me wrong. I just wasn't expecting to like the idea as much as I do and not be able to handle it the way I feel it should be. Give it the care and attention it deserves. There is a huge backstory in mine that I would love to explore, pace, and plot out better. The way it is, I bet the some of the first things people will say is "I want to know more" ... "You didn't explore this aspect as much as you should have" ... "You should've been more clear here".
The story works, don't get me wrong. It's complete, but not near as complete as I know it could be. I'm not unhappy with the script, I'm very happy with it and cramming the bulk of the story into 10 pages is a challenge in itself. I'm happy... Just not as happy as I could have been if it were only 2 to 3 pages longer.
I'm at my 10 page mark but still need a bit more to call it complete. After that, it's revision time. By today or tomorrow, I'll submit.
Just Murdered by Sean Elwood (Zombie Sean) and Gabriel Moronta (Mr. Ripley) - (Dark Comedy, Horror) All is fair in love and war. A hopeless romantic gay man resorts to bloodshed to win the coveted position of Bridesmaid. 99 pages. https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-comedy/m-1624410571/
"No, it's not genius. Genius is the guy who figured cutting a pig into strips and frying it to become bacon would taste good."
Or the guy who put CO2 through drinks. Or Percy the Cats Eye guy.
Blut Blondie, every published writer knows you gotta ask someone else to read it who you respect. Find out what they like. There's no other way of knowing. Not me, I'm reading Yeaster's and I owe six billion people reads. You know the craic. Keep on keeping on.
And Balt, think of it as more the start of the movie, you gotta fill the criteria. Hell, I coulda made mine twenty pages long. It was when Janis and Freddie Mercury and Kurt Cobain were in it. Something had to go. And it did.
Ever seen Sideways? He delivers his book to his bird. It's three boxes worth. That's not a book. It's the Encyclopedia Brittanica.
But Blondie, every published writer knows you gotta ask someone else to read it who you respect. Find out what they like. There's no other way of knowing. Not me, I'm reading Yeaster's and I owe six billion people reads. You know the craic. Keep on keeping on.
I know that, but I need more room than the 10 pages. Not to ruin anything, but without the extra pages, I can't properly explain what's going on and I guarantee someone would think what's happening involves zombies. Granted, I love my "zambehs", but it's not them.
I know that, but I need more room than the 10 pages. Not to ruin anything, but without the extra pages, I can't properly explain what's going on and I guarantee someone would think what's happening involves zombies. Granted, I love my "zambehs", but it's not them.
I've about at least three, maybe four possible stories with this scenario. I understand some stories are really just scenes, while others are vignettes and then there are the 2hr+ epics and trilogies just dying to be birthed. You gotta pick another story to fit within the given confines.
Does he scream? The GingerBread Man? Bleed? Does he summon gingerbread hordes to pour from the oven of Hades then surround and eat the flesh from the bones of the GBM biter?
Yes. Yes. No. He is the only seen human-sized Gingerbread Man out of the massive brick oven; the witch snaps off a piece of him and takes a nibble.
I know that, but I need more room than the 10 pages. Not to ruin anything, but without the extra pages, I can't properly explain what's going on and I guarantee someone would think what's happening involves zombies. Granted, I love my "zambehs", but it's not them.
Sometimes in horror, leaving a few things unexplained is a lot better. Over-explaining can be a bigger problem. If you feel you need to have one, hit it and move on.
I'll have something to submit. I like bits of it, and overall I think it'll be okay, but I'm going to take the cheap route of thinking that even finishing a script is a victory in itself.
I'll have something to submit. I like bits of it, and overall I think it'll be okay, but I'm going to take the cheap route of thinking that even finishing a script is a victory in itself.
Regardless of how shit it is.
Not cheap at all, a finished script is a victory! Even if it is shit, which I doubt it really is. As Mr C. said, we are all winners here. Getting a script finished in a week is an achievement.
Thanks for sending yours over to me. Just read it.
I won't give anything away but WOW......
Off the charts my friend. Really.....Well Done!!!!
That's right up my alley, style wise.
Shawn......><
P.S I now see what you mean about the RAT. My apoligies.
Thanks Shawn, but I don't think my script is very good, it is a bit of a piss take, am a bit worried about taking the piss while everyone in working hard to do something good. But thats what I wanted to do, and as this is my first script for God knows how long (18 months?) It was just good to write something again. And has actually helped me get my writing head on so I can get a feature started at last.
I liked yours, a lot. I have sent you an email, It was a clever idea.
Mine will be submitted tomorrow for better or worse... I've got a few people wanting to read it, but I'd rather it be a surprise and let them wait it out. I've got some well placed jabs at the restrictions in there, one or two that might be pushing the grounds of it being disqualified for breaking the rules. But we'll see. I've got a wealth of traditional horror in here, though, too. I think the ending scenes would play out well on film.
All 3 of my characters, by the way, were used as protagonist. How's that for challenging?
Well, back to working on the damn story. Figure I'll finish it tonight, not even bother glossing it up but I'll be sure there's no errors worth noting then get back to Christmas Story.
I've got a few people wanting to read it, but I'd rather it be a surprise and let them wait it out. I've got some well placed jabs at the restrictions in there, one or two that might be pushing the grounds of it being disqualified for breaking the rules. But we'll see. I've got a wealth of traditional horror in here, though, too. I think the ending scenes would play out well on film.
I agree that Sunday is good for surprises. I think all of my scenes would play well on film. The last one isn't really needed on paper, but given my subject and the horror tale I chose, folks would Hunt me down with pitchforks and a slingshot if I didn't!
Nobody will read me yet anyway. Not unless they are drunk and smokin' 'shrooms.
Jeff, I read the OWC script you sent me. While I thought it was clever, I don't think that Don is going to appreciate a story taking place in an abandoned house of cards. Your use of a Jack, a Queen and a King (in a wheelchair) was unique but it is completely against the spirit of the OWC.
There was me, George Orwell, Shakespeare and Stephen King in a gay bar last night. e didn't talk about writing or anything like that. Although Bill said just after he get the drinks in that he'll be entering the OWC. He's only written five pages so far.
Place was full of women, they were pushing and shoving and touching me. It was great, I'm going back next week.
Better music than the straight bar next door. That's full of pseudo macho morons who only use pens to clean their ears with. Beer in there is rubbish too.
Welp, I'm in... I just submitted mine Two seconds ago. I had my wife read it 4 times. I had a friend read it and to keep hacking away at it would just tarnish it further. I'm happy for what it is. I hope you all enjoy it. Please note the format is not Cole & Haag, either. I wanted to format it in that because of how beautiful and easy to read it is... It is actually formatted in Trottier's style, which, as many will know, allows for more on the page sadly.
Reviewing the gamut of technical Q&A about writing for execution, I need just a skosh more clarity on the wheelchair ACTOR.
Approaching this as if a producer asked for a short with the given parameters, I am asking if the actor in a wheelchair, that I can use or not use - as I wish - , is an actual wheelchair bound actor and I should write accordingly or is simply part of the "fun" having some bloke in a wheelchairacting, or not?
And to the entrants - Should we preempt some of the questions others are likely to have by stating our known creative work-arounds & justifications, like we would with a producer/director, in a post on each work's thread ASAP?
Or "Screwit", let A - readers find their own problems and B - directors figure it out for themselves? (IMHO, neither of which sounds very professional or real-worldly since we've already figured it out.)
I haven't seen this come up yet, but after reading my work, I spotted a spelling error at the end and corrected it. While I was in the edit mode, I decided to up the ante as it were and change ropes to vines, remove a line of dialog I didn't care for (it was like a "zinger", coffin humor) and put in an extra bit of something else the antag does.
In any case, does adm. accept recent revisions before deadline?
Reviewing the gamut of technical Q&A about writing for execution, I need just a skosh more clarity on the wheelchair ACTOR. )
Way I understood it, one of the two main guy characters has to be in a wheelchair. If not, then I am disqualified because my wheelchair actor would need a stunt double!
Way I understood it, one of the two main guy characters has to be in a wheelchair. If not, then I am disqualified because my wheelchair actor would need a stunt double!
Well... exactly!
I wanna know if I gotta write a bit for Stephen Hawking or the late Christopher Reeve, post accident, or am I writing for Johnny Depp to be screwwin' around in a wheelchair.
World-O-diff when I'm told: - Two males, one male in wheelchair - One female And the boss bolds ACTOR in one of his replies to a similar question.
I could be writing this for some PC, National Handicapped Horror Buffs League and I gotta figure out if we're casting NHHBL members or making something for them. I dunno. I can see some special interest gig wanting to see victory in wheelchairs! Or some political action committee testing public opinion on the wheelchair bound.
I sent in my script 3 times now. I hope he accepts the last draft, because a scene is missing from the other 2 and some mistakes are present in them that I had gone back and caught.
Anyways, mines done. I just hope the right version is uploaded now.
I just can't believe that you guys are re-submitting your scripts after finding mistakes, have you got no self control? Why can't you wait until Saturday to submit and have all your errors fixed by then? A real writer would not be so clumsy, Don must be pissed at you lot, Jeez Louise.
Actually, I have submitted mine three times too, feel a bit better knowing I am not the only one. I think four would be out of order though.
I just can't believe that you guys are re-submitting your scripts after finding mistakes, have you got no self control? Why can't you wait until Saturday to submit and have all your errors fixed by then? A real writer would not be so clumsy, Don must be pissed at you lot, Jeez Louise.
Actually, I have submitted mine three times too, feel a bit better knowing I am not the only one. I four would be out of order though.
Mine isn't so much about self control, rather control. If I held onto it anymore I'd cut and splice and remove even more from it. After I had it read on print out did I realize an entire scene was missing... This due to me dropping it into the full on version I'm working on. I've edited 6 pages worth of material from mine in total. Mine was very hard to cohesively make remotely work in 10 pages.
I had 2 PDF's on my desktop and uploaded the wrong one 2 times -- I got the 3rd one right after viewing the file and seeing the mistakes made.
I would wait until people read your script before resubmitting it. Yeah, they'll point out the typos and stuff, but they'll also point out other things that you don't see that may need correcting. In this case, you may end up resubmitting a third time.
Mine isn't so much about self control, rather control. If I held onto it anymore I'd cut and splice and remove even more from it. After I had it read on print out did I realize an entire scene was missing... This due to me dropping it into the full on version I'm working on. I've edited 6 pages worth of material from mine in total. Mine was very hard to cohesively make remotely work in 10 pages.
I had 2 PDF's on my desktop and uploaded the wrong one 2 times -- I got the 3rd one right after viewing the file and seeing the mistakes made.
Mine is all about being an idiot and not picking up mistakes the during the first 300 reads. I guarantee that as soon as I fix up some errors and re-submit I will find more. I am so bad and finding mistakes, it's really weird.
Straight after my third submission and a grovelling apology to Don I found two more. So now I know I have two spelling mistakes and just gonna leave them there now.
Next time I am gonna put it away for a couple of a days then read again before submitting.
Mine is all about being an idiot and not picking up mistakes the during the first 300 reads. I guarantee that as soon as I fix up some errors and re-submit I will find more. I am so bad and finding mistakes, it's really weird.
Straight after my third submission and a grovelling apology to Don I found two more. So now I know I have two spelling mistakes and just gonna leave them there now.
Next time I am gonna put it away for a couple of a days then read again before submitting.
Ha, that's exactly what I did. Crazy. Good to know I'm not alone.
I would wait until people read your script before resubmitting it. Yeah, they'll point out the typos and stuff, but they'll also point out other things that you don't see that may need correcting. In this case, you may end up resubmitting a third time.
Phil
Now that would be the sensible thing to do, I just wish I was sensible.
I wanna know if I gotta write a bit for Stephen Hawking or the late Christopher Reeve, post accident, or am I writing for Johnny Depp to be screwwin' around in a wheelchair.
World-O-diff when I'm told: - Two males, one male in wheelchair - One female And the boss bolds ACTOR in one of his replies to a similar question.
I could be writing this for some PC, National Handicapped Horror Buffs League and I gotta figure out if we're casting NHHBL members or making something for them. I dunno. I can see some special interest gig wanting to see victory in wheelchairs! Or some political action committee testing public opinion on the wheelchair bound.
I would wait until people read your script before resubmitting it. Yeah, they'll point out the typos and stuff, but they'll also point out other things that you don't see that may need correcting. In this case, you may end up resubmitting a third time.
Phil
Well, actually I went back because I wanted to take out a line of speak which I was having second thoughts about. It was then I spotted the error. I say if I'm there and I see an error? I should correct it there while I'm there. Sure, some feedback may address other issues- but it's before deadline AND it saves the reader the trouble of seeing the error- and writing up a whole essay on the damn mistake.
And if that's how you work with your boss or co-workers - cool.
We all have varying professional standards for whatever reasons.
I find it much simpler just to take a few minutes for a brief conversation about simple things before people spend hours working under incorrect assumptions, such as the person in the wheelchair really needs to be in the wheelchair or can I put him in a bathtub as well or on the sofa or have him play another part because really he's an actor.
Does the producer or director want to explore what a wheelchaired actor can do or are they making something that appeals to a wheelchaired audience?
When people are on the set, spending gobs of money for a professional production or a few peeps playing with their visdeo/audio/editing equipment, it's quite relevant, thus the story can be fabricated accordingly.
Tis no big whoop.
(I'm gonna dress up my male as a female so that I can have two hot chicks messing with the wheelie! I'm using my actors- "Any way I see fit"!)
Welp, mines done. Very skeptical with this one. Since you guys are doing some quick peeks, wondered if anyone else would exchange. I've left almost the whole tenth page blank and I'm sure there's a scene that could use a bit more development if not two. PM if interested, will go up regardless. James
And if that's how you work with your boss or co-workers - cool.
We all have varying professional standards for whatever reasons.
Nothing to do with professional standards, I just think you're overanalyzing this OWC to a ridiculous degree. You're not writing for Stephen Hawking or Johnny Depp, just a character in a wheelchair.
Nothing to do with professional standards, I just think you're overanalyzing this OWC to a ridiculous degree. You're not writing for Stephen Hawking or Johnny Depp, just a character in a wheelchair.
Nothing to do with professional standards, I just think you're overanalyzing this OWC to a ridiculous degree. You're not writing for Stephen Hawking or Johnny Depp, just a character in a wheelchair.
While I agree that a lot of people are overanalyzing this, I disagree with your comments regarding Hawking and Depp. We should never say we're only writing only for the riff-raff on these boards.
I wrote my script so it could be produced by a film student; simple and low budget. While I'll probably have to do a rewrite on it, I will shop this around. There's no reason why everyone else shouldn't do the same.
While I agree that a lot of people are overanalyzing this, I disagree with your comments regarding Hawking and Depp. We should never say we're only writing only for the riff-raff on these boards.
I wrote my script so it could be produced by a film student; simple and low budget. While I'll probably have to do a rewrite on it, I will shop this around. There's no reason why everyone else shouldn't do the same.
Phil
I agree. I definitely wrote mine with production in mind. I'm very happy with what I could come up within 10 pages time and, although I need a rewrite and to add back in some scenes, this is a complete project. One I took pretty serious. I don't see Depp clamouring to play my lead, Dylan, but he's too old anyways. Regardless if he looks it or not
If Stephen Hawking reads my script I will poop my pants. Personally I have only written mine as nothing more than an exercise to show the world what a huge talent I am. I am not expecting an agent to call based on this script, but will be surprised if they don't. The world needs my screenplays more than it needs another Transformers Movie and I expect this is my calling card to fame. No other motive here, I am not trying to punch above my weight or anything. I am just writing for myself...and to get a Ferrari and have a coke problem.
While I agree that a lot of people are overanalyzing this, I disagree with your comments regarding Hawking and Depp. We should never say we're only writing only for the riff-raff on these boards.
Phil
Well, I would never say I was only writing for the "riff-raff" on these boards, whatever that means. I'm just surprised how some people have taken such a simple, straightforward writing assignment and thrown it under a microscope.
Quoted from dogglebe
I wrote my script so it could be produced by a film student; simple and low budget. While I'll probably have to do a rewrite on it, I will shop this around. There's no reason why everyone else shouldn't do the same.
Phil
Exactly. I write my shorts for the same reason, for low budget production by a film student or independent producer. Which is why when I saw the names being dropped and the questions being asked about what specific audiences we were writing for, it just seemed a bit much.
If Stephen Hawking reads my script I will poop my pants. Personally I have only written mine as nothing more than an exercise to show the world what a huge talent I am.
As much as I hate to brag, I've had one of my OWC scripts produced. And it made it to Cannes.
Do your best in everything you write; you'll never know where it'll take you.
As much as I hate to brag, I've had one of my OWC scripts produced. And it made it to Cannes.
Do your best in everything you write; you'll never know where it'll take you.
Phil
Brag away, you have well earned the right.
When my first film opens Cannes I'm gonna get t-shirts made. When it wins the Palm D'or I will get it tattooed on my schlong. When it wins the Oscar I will have my name legally changed to "Acadamy Award Winning Murphy"
Which is why when I saw the names being dropped and the questions being asked about what specific audiences we were writing for, it just seemed a bit much.
While I enjoyed busting Don's balls with this, I thought asking questions was crazy. If he gave a specific audience, it would be just another obstacle. If he said it was adolescent horror (which was used in the past), I couldn't have submitted my script.
Whatever October 15th, 11:50pm is... I'm done and 4th time "cough" submitted. So, I was fortunate enough to get mine wrapped up early. I can't wait to read the different takes on the theme. It's gonna prove interesting. Think of all the ideas they'll spawn for a possible rewrite even.
Nothing to do with professional standards, I just think you're overanalyzing this OWC to a ridiculous degree. You're not writing for Stephen Hawking or Johnny Depp, just a character in a wheelchair.
I may very well be over analyzing. And the counter view also holds value.
Meat on a stick is fine, depending on what critter it was, usually. Ground beef, flame broiled on a bun with ketchup and pickles is arguably better. And don't even get Benjamin Buford 'Bubba' Blue started on what can be done with shrimp.
- Dude in a w.c. only gives us X amount of stories. Your basic Ironside or Lincoln Rhyme, even. - Dude that can walk but ends up in a wheelchair gives us X+Y stories. "I had it, but then I lost it" stories. - Dude begins the story in a w.c. but ends up walking again gives us X+Z stories. "I lost it, and then I found it!" stories.
Now, I know darn good and well Denzel Washington aint no paraplegic playing Lincoln Rhymes. However, that story begins and ends just as you say - "Ray, just put the guy in a damn wheelchair." scenario. Which is cool and all if that's really what a P/D has to work with.
If not, then... X+Y or X+Z are bigger pots to pick stories out of than just pot X.
Not over analyzing. Consideration of real world options.
Quoted from dogglebe
I wrote my script so it could be produced by a film student; simple and low budget. While I'll probably have to do a rewrite on it, I will shop this around. There's no reason why everyone else shouldn't do the same.
Approaching it the same way. Simple props and make up. No whacked out CGI. I have some foolery in mind though, so it's just slightly more complex than three talking heads in and around a house.
I write my shorts for the same reason, for low budget production by a film student or independent producer. Which is why when I saw the names being dropped and the questions being asked about what specific audiences we were writing for, it just seemed a bit much.
Now you're under analyzing. The names were examples of people we all know are not going to be actors "acting" like they can't get in and out of a wheelchair. That's not name dropping. It's example citation. And I'm pretty sure the point of this "non-anonymous challenge" is to work together and cultivate relationships. A lot of industry and government relies on "who you know" rather than "who's the best" which is why so much writer/director rubbish actually gets on screen while perhaps much better work never sees the light of day.
FWIW, I'm ready to give this conversation a big WHATEVER! rubber-stamp. Allowing for rebuttal, "Deal?"
Thank you, Don. I was wondering what kind of clocks you guys and gals are looking at.
Led, I don't know. I doubt it. Nothing written, nothing really even considered. There's always tomorrow...tomorrow, tomorrow, it's till a fucking day away.
Very impressed with how fast everyone write their scripts and how serious people are about what they've put together.
Actually as I keep working on it I see that's it's shaping up into something okay for OWC (in my opinion). Usually I let it simmer but no time now. I'll continue working on it tomorrow and am planning to submit. Have been working a lot on it today so it'd be a waste not to.
It's a fun subject and I loved the restrictions - and they make sense too - few characters, few locations (meaning in and out at most). Had the idea developed and the first scene written from the very beginning it's the rest of it that I couldn't get to on time.
Hoping not to get cold feet tomorrow - will work on keeping them warm.
A lot of bickering on this thread - looks like everyone got excited about the assignment.
I think, personally, this was one of the most rewarding challenges to be apart of. It helped me a great deal to get back into writing as I've taken so much time off from doing it to complete my Animated project and record the past 8 months.
But after reading my entry for the 15th time I am glad I participated in it. The challenge was great. The theme was great. The restrictions were great. And I believe it's going to help me polish up a script I'm working on and gearing up to submit into contest next year. I feel, regardless of how bad my OWC script turns out to be, the challenge has opened me back up and sparked my passion for screenwriting again.
I'm happy with what I've done... However, there are some things in it that teeter on breaking the rules; just remember I never "technically" broke any of them and met every challenge given. I think the ending of mine, in one instance, will raise a few brows and have people calling foul, but I still never broke a rule. Not technically. Remember that if you read my entry.
I think the ending of mine, in one instance, will raise a few brows and have people calling foul, but I still never broke a rule. Not technically. Remember that if you read my entry.
How weird - I can say exact same thing about my entry. Exact same thing.
How weird - I can say exact same thing about my entry. Exact same thing.
It seems, after your last post, you and I had the exact same writing patterns for this challenge. As soon as Don listed the criteria for the challenge I went to town and wrote the opening.
However, I did end up writing the 1st draft end to beginning after the initial 1st page opener.
Just submitted so I'd like to echo above points about it being a fun exercise and even if mine sucks to those that read it, it was a nice break from what I'm currently writing.
Just submitted mine. A first for me - a horror piece. A few people kindly read and made some suggestions.
Like Balt, I hadn't done any writing for a few weeks, while the footy finals were on. I was waiting for this challenge as well. Now I'll continue on with my Hedlong re-write and try and get it good enough to enter a few comps by Xmas.
Interested to read Ray's comments about how the wheelchair might be used - mine is none of those and either is jwent's!
I'm happy with what I've done... However, there are some things in it that teeter on breaking the rules; just remember I never "technically" broke any of them and met every challenge given. I think the ending of mine, in one instance, will raise a few brows and have people calling foul, but I still never broke a rule. Not technically. Remember that if you read my entry.
Same here and why I asked if people wanted to simply preempt the "HEY! That's breaking the rules!" comments by posting ASAP our creative work-arounds as if we were talking to the D/Ps themselves.
- CGI this. - Guys dressed as girls that. - Girls dressed as guys the other. - Voice for this. - Make up for that. - Dual and triple roles the other.
As I've read comments on past OWCs "following the rules" becomes a fair point to DQ someone. (Yes, I know this is a challenge and not an outright competition.) However, the perceived approach is the same.
Participants with "creative solutions" that a real W/D/P would utilize should be given the benefit of a doubt when their stories are read. IRL a D/P would just flag what their limitations are and the story rewritten accordingly. No need for heads to roll here. Only in the challenge, please.
Wow, 500+ posts. I haven't read most of these (could read a feature before I read all of these posts), and I wrote mine with the restrictions firmly in mind. As with others (I'm gathering), I also did not break any rules, though some may question it as well. Before I wrote it, I simply analysed Don's word choices in the first post. This isn't the first time, I've had some stringent restrictions, nor the first time I used the solution I did.
Of course, I still have to finish reading the 7WC scripts, so I could understand if my reads are a little shallow.
Don posted- Everything occurs in and around an abandoned, rundown house.
When I wrote mine, I meant this to be an abandoned OR rundown house. James pointed out to me that I might be in violation of the guidlines of the script.
My house is busted up and boarded up and run down but some one is in it.
Is there a way to replace that script with a revised one?
Nothing to do with professional standards, I just think you're overanalyzing this OWC to a ridiculous degree. You're not writing for Stephen Hawking or Johnny Depp, just a character in a wheelchair.
Wait until he starts posting links to charts and graphs with the ROI's of 6 minute horror shorts that feature an actor in a wheelchair.
Is Johnny Depp in a wheelchair cos their was a fire in his hole? Me conphuzed. Do I have to put Stephen Hawking in my script as well? Are the charts and graphs on the wall in the house? How do you spell 'confuzed'? Can I have a saucy french maid to help Johnny with graphs and his hole? We need to know. On second thoughts I suppose we don't. I do feel sorry for depp though. He was so pretty. Say it ain't so...
However, there are some things in it that teeter on breaking the rules; just remember I never "technically" broke any of them and met every challenge given. I think the ending of mine, in one instance, will raise a few brows and have people calling foul, but I still never broke a rule. Not technically. Remember that if you read my entry.
A telephone conversation with a fourth party?
FEATURE:
Memwipe - Sci-Fi, Action, Thriller (114 pages) - In a world where memories can be erased by request, a Memory Erasing Specialist desperately searches for the culprit when his wife becomes a target for erasure -- with his former colleagues hot on his trail.
No. Yes. No. Sorry. If possible. Working on it. Kunphyoozed. Only if you're taking video. You'll get over it. Some people like both oysters and snails. "It ain't so."
Anybody remember the old cartoon series Wacky Racers? Dick Dastardly would always try to cheat so he would win the race. He always got ahead of the others, create some sort of trap only to have it fail and put him back in last place. And he always lost as a result.
Oddly enough, he would have to get into the lead position to cheat. Think about that.
I think if people spent as much time writing a straightforward piece--instead of devising ways to bend and break the rules--we would have a better quality of scripts.
Surely the fire isn't eternal and he'll have to sit down at some point. Hang on, I'm having a serious conversation about Johnny Depp's arse being on fire and the aftermath. Or afterpants, if you will.
Anyway, I'd just like to say I have thoroughly enjoyed this thread and hope the serious debate that takes place here continues. Well done everybody. I am now going to badger some scientists with nitwit questions about aliens then move on to some young tuneheads board who know nothing about music, or sphellwing or anything much. Ah, the joys of the internet.
No, way more clever than that. Well, I won't say more clever. Just different. I only have 3 characters in mine... all protagonist. And I Actually believe there are 3 instances or 4 that many will think I broke a rule with, but didn't technically. But all mine lend to the story at hand and were taken very seriously. I didn't write them to take pot shots at the challenge or make a mockery of it. I really did take it seriously. I have 1 joke at the Halloween bit, but that's it.
And I Actually believe there are 3 instances or 4 that many will think I broke a rule with, but didn't technically.
If I gave you a basic camera, lighting, sound & editing equipment, Adobe After Effects or some such simple effects program, two guys, a girl, a wheelchair, small budget for costumes and props, pointed to an old abandoned house on a country lane in Justaboutanywhere, USA - could you film a ten minute short in a night or two?
If "Yes" then PASS. If "No" then FAIL.
Easy as pi.
I could with mine.
Phones and voice overs and such aren't cheating. Failing to creatively utilize your resources is "self limiting" to be polite. Gotta think like a director.
If I gave you a basic camera, lighting, sound & editing equipment, Adobe After Effects or some such simple effects program, two guys, a girl, a wheelchair, small budget for costumes and props, pointed to an old abandoned house on a country lane in Justaboutanywhere, USA - could you film a ten minute short in a night or two?
If "Yes" then PASS. If "No" then FAIL.
Easy as pi.
I could with mine.
Phones and voice overs and such aren't cheating. Failing to creatively utilize your resources is "self limiting" to be polite. Gotta think like a director.
Me? No... I'm not a filmmaker. Someone could though. Just not me. I could write it in under a week, though.
If I gave you a basic camera, lighting, sound & editing equipment, Adobe After Effects or some such simple effects program, two guys, a girl, a wheelchair, small budget for costumes and props, pointed to an old abandoned house on a country lane in Justaboutanywhere, USA - could you film a ten minute short in a night or two?
If "Yes" then PASS. If "No" then FAIL.
Easy as pi.
I couldn't, personally, but a film student could shoot mine. Of course, that would also depend on the weather....
My God! Don't you guys ever watch the 48hr film competitions on youtube? Some of those beat the cr@p outta some of the horror schlock that comes out of Horrorfest and whatnot.
We're all flippin' out over a whole week to WRITE a ten page screenplay. Those student teams have 48hrs to write, shoot and edit a five to seven minute ditty.
Camera work and editing ain't no big whup. Hell, I record crap off my crappy cellphone camera, email it to myself, down load it, convert 3GP to AVI and edit with Videopad. Swiping public domain MP3s for background music and effects is shitzengiggles.
With some legit equipment and some time... shakeNbake. Too bad my kids only know how to act like apes. Maybe I could write a story about bickering little snots. Hmm... ?
That's why I figured Michael could have some fun (in all of his spare time - like I have any myself!) making some of these into audio theater. But he sounds like his plate's overflowing as it is. You, too, pops.
Oh well...
(My apologies to those of you who found this overstimulating.)
LOL, Screenrider! You're cheating by deleting your posts! Funny munkey muther.
Oh, and in the best interests of those whom love little numbers I'll creatively utilize my editing resources and reply to both Jeff and Phil, here.
Jeff, squirt guns would be wonderful on a remote shoot. Gopherit!
Phil, you gotta goto war with the army you have, not wait around for the one you want. Were you seriously going to expect a small film crew to both wait for a storm and then film in it as well? What were you expecting film students to use?
Car lights aren't strong enough to illuminate a scene and they aren't adjustable enough to suit anyone's need.
Guerrilla film-making, Phil. Every filmmaker needs to invest in a crane to hold their light bulbs to get the perfect shot
A water hose? Seriously? Not gonna get anything resembling rain for an exterior shot with a water hose.
Tell that to these kids here
The soundtrack, sure. But that would be put in during post. OR just use stock footage from other movies with thunder and lighting and pull them into our own. Who cares about matching actors or film quality.
Don posted- Everything occurs in and around an abandoned, rundown house.
When I wrote mine, I meant this to be an abandoned OR rundown house. James pointed out to me that I might be in violation of the guidlines of the script.
My house is busted up and boarded up and run down but some one is in it.
Is there a way to replace that script with a revised one?
Shawn.....><
I think you'll be fine with it, Shawn. As long as its some crappy house , we'll get the idea.
Just finished submitting my script. Hope people like it.
Just Murdered by Sean Elwood (Zombie Sean) and Gabriel Moronta (Mr. Ripley) - (Dark Comedy, Horror) All is fair in love and war. A hopeless romantic gay man resorts to bloodshed to win the coveted position of Bridesmaid. 99 pages. https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-comedy/m-1624410571/
Just Murdered by Sean Elwood (Zombie Sean) and Gabriel Moronta (Mr. Ripley) - (Dark Comedy, Horror) All is fair in love and war. A hopeless romantic gay man resorts to bloodshed to win the coveted position of Bridesmaid. 99 pages. https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-comedy/m-1624410571/
Just starting on mine. Came up with an idea last night. Like Baltis' story, my idea is very backstory-heavy, so it's a real challenge to get those details across in ten pages. Not really gonna have time to polish this if I finish. Ah well, back to the script. Time to start drinkin .'
Funny, Stevie. You are a master with the quotes. I have to cheat.
Fuck it, I better start drinking as well. I'm on page 6, so one way or another, it'll be submitted. Mine is also very back-story heavy. But the only way to get this written within 10 pages, was to throw out the back-story, and go right in for the jugular.
I have adhered to the rules, as far a I can see.
Don't worry, James, no roto tiller for me this go around. I will love every script, just as everyone will love my script.
Stevie, you were right, Don got back to me and said it would be Okay the way I used it.
James, I went back and tweaked it and resubmitted it before I heard back from Don, and I actually owe you a thanks. I re-wrote a scene I wished I had after I submitted it. Don just emailed me back letting me know he accepted the second one, so I'm good.
By the way, thanks for the second set of notes today. I really apperciate it.
Well, I have about 3 hours to finish my clusterfuck. I'll have a chance to read it over for errors once (not including the fixes I make as I write) and I'll make it just before midnight.
Anybody else here failing as hard as I am right now?
Anybody else here failing as hard as I am right now?
Big time. I stayed in the Casino till 6am while watching what was at one stage a huge stack of chips, dwindle to nothing, I tried to sleep this morning but hard to keeping one eye open in case Mrs Murphy tries to cut my balls off.
Now 3 hours to fix my script up for a 4th and final.
But the easier I go on my own stuff, the harder you'll go on it fixing all the stuff I didn't bother fixing. I know. I had to do that for a feature, recently. Looks like I'll be done on time. I just hope people kind of think of mine as horror, or at least a little bit thriller-ish.
It's kind of funny but everyones interpretation of horror is pretty different. I noticed this not long ago when there was a horror contest over at Movie Poet and the scripts were very varied. Some I didn't consider horror at all, yet other's did and vice versa. Remember that when you are reviewing.
It's kind of funny but everyones interpretation of horror is pretty different. I noticed this not long ago when there was a horror contest over at Movie Poet and the scripts were very varied. Some I didn't consider horror at all, yet other's did and vice versa. Remember that when you are reviewing.
Don't worry Michael, yours is a horror, truly horrific.
It's kind of funny but everyones interpretation of horror is pretty different. I noticed this not long ago when there was a horror contest over at Movie Poet and the scripts were very varied. Some I didn't consider horror at all, yet other's did and vice versa. Remember that when you are reviewing.
Just as long as I don't see vam"peers" with glowing yellow/red eyes and always referred to as The Shadow, the ("hip") character who is self aware that he/she is in a horror story, or torture porn by pulling out nose hairs, I'm good, happy joe !
Just as long as I don't see vam"peers" with glowing yellow/red eyes and always referred to as The Shadow, the ("hip") character who is self aware that he/she is in a horror story, or torture porn by pulling out nose hairs, I'm good, happy joe !
Damn~ >
Actually, I took a different route to be honest. But I kept the "hip" character... Well, maybe. My main is kind of a smack. So, yeah, different route.
I went a one-night horror film festival last year. About five shorts and one feature. I didn't consider three of the shorts as horror. And the same went for the feature. Just go to show how people's opinions vary.
Fourth and final draft now completed and submitted. Hopefully all spilling mistakes are now banished, some tidying up, removal of one or two things that did not work, addition of another few things that will work even less.
I am done.
Well done everyone, looking forward to reading everyones work.
When is a subject or content sub-horror? Is it like... intense drama while not necessarily horrific?! "You must be this high to scare people or at least make 'em squirmy"? Is Mommy Dearest horror? Slingblade? Marathon Man? Nights in Rodanthe?
I'm sorry, Mr/Mrs Screenwriter. According to The League of United Horror Writers of America we find your usage of blood and gore to be... not quite up to our standards. Although your torture sequences were indeed "intense" the 1.5 centimeters of bone exposed failed to meet our minimum criteria to qualify as horror as defined in the LUHWA guidebook. We look forward to your next work.
Just submitted. The story actually ended up darker than I thought when I came up with the idea last night. Don't know if it's good, but its definitely horror.
When is a subject or content sub-horror? Is it like... intense drama while not necessarily horrific?! "You must be this high to scare people or at least make 'em squirmy"? Is Mommy Dearest horror? Slingblade? Marathon Man? Nights in Rodanthe?
That would depend on the writer's intent, I believe. If the writer want to primarily frighten you, then it would be a horror script. The movies that you mentioned are dramas with frightening elements to it.
There are those who say that A Christmas Carol is a horror story because it is about a man who is haunted by ghosts. In Hamlet, the prince is haunted by the ghost of his murdered father. Are these really horror stories?
I see both points here. As someone who watches VERY little TV and has not been to a movie in over ten years, my definition of horror may vary from the average person here.
I do have the insite of being a PI for several years. My primary area was in patholigy documentation.
Nothing IMO has more horror than reality. The public seems to agree as well for the most part. A safe seat watching NCIS, SVU, and others reminds us, we all have a morbid facination with terror. But only at a safe distance.
It has been my experience, it is not the gore, but the reality when experiencing that gore that another human being created the carnage.
In my book, be it reality, or not, scary differs greatly from horror. Scary gives you goose bumps. Horror makes you double check the windows and doors.
We should all pitch in and buy Don a designer coffee mug or something. God knows we kept him up late tonight. Not to mention the work it's gonna take to post all the entries.
Pages: 
Author
The October 2010 OWC Theme and Genre are...
Logged
Locked Board