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Alright, horror fans. It's time to get your engines revving and to start turning those screws. The April 2019 OWC is finally here!
Your challenge is to write a 3-12 page script. The screenplay must be properly formatted and in PDF format. The scripts are due on Friday, April 19th at 11:59 PM EST.
Theme: Vehicular Suspense
Genre: Horror
Challenge: The majority of your screenplay must heavily feature some sort of vehicle AND have at least one sequence of prolonged suspense. But that's not all. This OWC has a twist. Gore is to be kept to a minimum. Put readers on the edge of their seat with suspense, don't shock them with disturbing gore.
One script per writer, and the writers must remain anonymous until the challenge is over. Remember not to put your name on the title page. Submit your screenplay to Simplyscripts.com/owc.
Participants are strongly encouraged to read and comment/review the other scripts submitted.
What a surprise! So, all that about the timer was to misdirect after all.
And Jaws was set on a boat...
Bearing that in mind I presume the 'vehicle' doesn't have to be car or truck? And not all the action, just the majority, has to take place in the vehicle?
Bearing that in mind I presume the 'vehicle' doesn't have to be car or truck? And not all the action, just the majority, has to take place in the vehicle?
And no gore? Zack, are you feeling okay?
Nope, the vehicle doesn't have to be a car or truck. Planes, boats, trains, blimps, submarines... Hell, even spaceships count. Go crazy with it.
As for no gore... There can be some, but it shouldn't be the focus. This challenge is more about suspense. Build the dread.
It's a shame because I had a great idea - An Orphan trapped on a stage-coach tracked by Wrylie Coyotes.
I'd count a stage-coach.
You should enter, Dave. I know your not a horror guy, but surely even you love the original Jaws. Show us what you got, Dude.
Libby and John, I'm stoked you guys dig the challenge. Can't wait to see how you guys put your own spin on this.
Warren. Sorry this bums ya out. My advice is just have fun and don't be afraid to get weird with it.
And is this really the 3rd one with a focus on vehicles in the past few years? I only remember one from way, WAY back. Sorry for the repetition, oversight on my part. But the challenge must go on!
Yeah this is a cool one with a proper theme for a change lol Am trying to get this damn time travel feature done but I guess I can at least brainstorm a bit cheers Zack
Can’t wait to see all the friendly discussion about scenes INT or EXT the said vehicle 😂😂😂
Thanks Anthony - I better go through the list because I can already see the comments "Another car? unoriginal! boring! I'm out"
Thanks for the challenge Zack - a lot of talented horror writers around here so I can already see my entry being towards the bottom - but it's good to get out of my comfort zone
I also love your enthusiasm for hosting this challenge BTW
Sorry, Zack. I haven't realized it's so soon - I'll most probably pass on this one. My finals are on the 19th - and if you follow my blabberings here I have to have the dress ready (stitching it all by myself).
Too bad cause it sounds like a great challenge. And I love the psychological factor of it. After the 19th I'll be able to read the entries so I'll read and comment. Hopefully the stupid adress won't kill me by that time.
So, looks like I was right after all on the "anticipation not quite being the right word", huh?
Your Hitchcock example is a classic screenwriting technique...the only problem here is that since this is the challenge, it's going to be next ti impossible to pull off the suspense, as it's known going in that each script (including Anon's 2 pager with a single orphan on Page 3) should be focused on this.
But, it's a fun challenge and I look forward to it, bro!
Sorry, Zack. I haven't realized it's so soon - I'll most probably pass on this one. My finals are on the 19th - and if you follow my blabberings here I have to have the dress ready (stitching it all by myself).
Too bad cause it sounds like a great challenge. And I love the psychological factor of it. After the 19th I'll be able to read the entries so I'll read and comment. Hopefully the stupid adress won't kill me by that time.
Bummer you can't join, Kam. But good luck on your dress! And if you are looking for a quality model, Jeff is available.
The Elevator Most Belonging To Alice - Semi Final Bluecat, Runner Up Nashville Inner Journey - Page Awards Finalist - Bluecat semi final Grieving Spell - winner - London Film Awards. Third - Honolulu Ultimate Weapon - Fresh Voices - second place IMDb link... http://www.imdb.com/name/nm7062725/?ref_=tt_ov_wr
Does the vehicle have to be man made / alien made?
A vehicle is just a way to transport from A to B. It could be anything, right?
“The majority of your screenplay must heavily feature some sort of vehicle AND have at least one sequence of prolonged suspense.”
The term vehicle is also used for something that is only important because of what it’s carrying... such as an action movie functioning as a Steven Seagal vehicle, or baked potatoes serving as a butter vehicle.
Not sure how to get prolonged suspense into a baked potato.
(To be clear, I’m pretty sure Zack did not intend either of these possibilities)
Oh, boy. Got two projects that I'm focused on. I really should skip this one.
Then again, it's a challenge... and a lonely mug needs a good home.
But, I'm soooo bad at horror.
Then again... it's a chance to practice horror.
But, I'm reaaaaally bad at horror.
Then again, I've never written a potato-based vehicle script. So, that might be fun.
What to do...
PaulKWrites.com
60 Feet Under - Low budget, contained thriller/Feature The Hand of God - Low budget, semi-contained thriller/Feature Wait Till Next Year - Disney-style family sports comedy/Feature
Many shorts available for production: comedy, thriller, drama, light horror
60 Feet Under - Low budget, contained thriller/Feature The Hand of God - Low budget, semi-contained thriller/Feature Wait Till Next Year - Disney-style family sports comedy/Feature
Many shorts available for production: comedy, thriller, drama, light horror
Right, I'm fairly confidently that no one will be using the same vehicle as me... now just to construct a script!
Is it the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile? 'Cause nothing says suspense like a hot dog on wheels.
(Oooh! It could be a creature feature! A Godzilla-like creature attacks a city... our hero's only chance for escape is the Weinermobile. Final sequence: our hero, instead of escape, decides to pack the Weinermobile with explosives and -- sacrificing himself -- baits the lizard into eating it. Working title: BELCH.)
Oooh, that's good. Okay... everybody pretend you didn't read that!
PaulKWrites.com
60 Feet Under - Low budget, contained thriller/Feature The Hand of God - Low budget, semi-contained thriller/Feature Wait Till Next Year - Disney-style family sports comedy/Feature
Many shorts available for production: comedy, thriller, drama, light horror
Logline: a nude, well oiled crazed fan named Jeff stalks a bus load of Rams O Line players - the bigger the better - in his mobile hot tub, towing a trailer load of goat nipples, slugs, rancid butter, armchair legs, two wrylies and an orphan. When the Rams team bus breaks down outside Jeff’s desert compound/ dungeon, the sheer horror begins...
Logline: a nude, well oiled crazed fan named Jeff stalks a bus load of Rams O Line players - the bigger the better - in his mobile hot tub, towing a trailer load of goat nipples, slugs, rancid butter, armchair legs, two wrylies and an orphan. When the Rams team bus breaks down outside Jeff’s desert compound/ dungeon, the sheer horror begins...
Logline: a nude, well oiled crazed fan named Jeff stalks a bus load of Rams O Line players - the bigger the better - in his mobile hot tub, towing a trailer load of goat nipples, slugs, rancid butter, armchair legs, two wrylies and an orphan. When the Rams team bus breaks down outside Jeff’s desert compound/ dungeon, the sheer horror begins...
Logline: a nude, well oiled crazed fan named Jeff stalks a bus load of Rams O Line players - the bigger the better - in his mobile hot tub, towing a trailer load of goat nipples, slugs, rancid butter, armchair legs, two wrylies and an orphan. When the Rams team bus breaks down outside Jeff’s desert compound/ dungeon, the sheer horror begins...
They're probably emojis.There's a crack team at the CDC working on eradicating the damned things, but it may take a while.
Spot on in this particular case. Go to the top of the class, Frank! Lil glitches can also happen too, in my experience, if you quote someone's post and select EasyEdit instead of FullEdit. Doesn't seem to occur as much anymore which is good. Stevie just got carried away with expressing himself.
Carry on.
I'm looking forward to reading some nail-biting and hair-raising scripts. Not sure if I'm in yet.
Challenge: The majority of your screenplay must heavily feature some sort of vehicle
So this specifically doesn't say that the screenplay must be SET in a vehicle, it says that your screenplay must HEAVILY FEATURE some sort of vehicle. So like Christine isn't set in a car but it heavily features a car.
So this specifically doesn't say that the screenplay must be SET in a vehicle, it says that your screenplay must HEAVILY FEATURE some sort of vehicle. So like Christine isn't set in a car but it heavily features a car.
You pretty much hit the nail on the head, Dude. It does NOT have to be set in a vehicle. The script just needs to heavily feature some sort of vehicle. The vehicle needs to be integral to the plot.
You pretty much hit the nail on the head, Dude. It does NOT have to be set in a vehicle. The script just needs to heavily feature some sort of vehicle. The vehicle needs to be integral to the plot.
Do Stevie's short denim shorts count as a vehicle? I think they can, as they carry his tiny pecker around.
This could be sheer terror!
Those shorts are a vehicle for success brother. You’re welcome to jump on the Cutoff Bandwagon anytime! You’ll just have to get off - well, pushed off - before it reaches Legend Town
Those shorts are a vehicle for success brother. You’re welcome to jump on the Cutoff Bandwagon anytime! You’ll just have to get off - well, pushed off - before it reaches Legend Town
No idea how you guys manage to go from challenge to fully fleshed out script in just 7 days... The only element of horror mine will have is how badly it's going to be written
I know I'm writing horror and 2 pages of script, plus title page and orphan on last page, followed by, "THE END".
Haha! No need for the orphan - just THE END on the third page - save yourself some work!
But my gentle jibing aside ... I have to thank Zack for coming up with this challenge. Why? Because parameters are incredibly creatively stimulating for me. And ironically - as I've been requesting short page counts - I've now come up with an idea within these parameters that I love so much I'm writing it as a feature.
So I'm out of this challenge - researching my new feature. But big thanks to Zack. I've been mulling over my next feature for weeks and now I'm all set!
Been working through two ideas until one finally made itself clear. Not sure how it will go down with the masses but I'm quite a few pages in and I'm liking what I have.
But my gentle jibing aside ... I have to thank Zack for coming up with this challenge. Why? Because parameters are incredibly creatively stimulating for me. And ironically - as I've been requesting short page counts - I've now come up with an idea within these parameters that I love so much I'm writing it as a feature.
So I'm out of this challenge - researching my new feature. But big thanks to Zack. I've been mulling over my next feature for weeks and now I'm all set!
Happy to have been able to inspire you with the challenge. You should still join in. Write out the short you had in mind, maybe you'll get a better idea of were to take the feature based on the feedback you receive.
No idea how you guys manage to go from challenge to fully fleshed out script in just 7 days... The only element of horror mine will have is how badly it's going to be written
Suppose I better get some words down
Shockingly, some of these peeps get it done the weekend it's announced!
My advice is not to rush to put down words. Flesh it out in your head first, then start the writing. It's the creative part that takes the time, not the writing.
I'm stoked you guys are enjoying this challenge. Getting this thing together has been a ton of fun. Really hoping for a good turn out so I can get the opportunity to host future challenges.
Can't wait to read all of your scripts and see what kinda crazy ideas you guys come up with.
It's not all that strong... And, I'm not sure more time/work is going to help it.
I'll have to decide whether or not to embarrass myself.
PaulKWrites.com
60 Feet Under - Low budget, contained thriller/Feature The Hand of God - Low budget, semi-contained thriller/Feature Wait Till Next Year - Disney-style family sports comedy/Feature
Many shorts available for production: comedy, thriller, drama, light horror
I truly don't think so. This one smells to me. If I don't enter it, I'll send it to you. You can tell me if I'm wrong. But, maybe I'll enter it and take my lumps.
We'll see. Horror's not my thing... and this script isn't convincing me otherwise.
PaulKWrites.com
60 Feet Under - Low budget, contained thriller/Feature The Hand of God - Low budget, semi-contained thriller/Feature Wait Till Next Year - Disney-style family sports comedy/Feature
Many shorts available for production: comedy, thriller, drama, light horror
I truly don't think so. This one smells to me. If I don't enter it, I'll send it to you. You can tell me if I'm wrong. But, maybe I'll enter it and take my lumps.
We'll see. Horror's not my thing... and this script isn't convincing me otherwise.
hor·ror: NOUN/ an intense feeling of fear, shock, or disgust.
From your description of how you feel about your draft, you're golden!
Look out everyone! No false modesty from the reigning champ.
The word to focus in on is "I" - love it. I think the masses are going to have strong opinions about it, but we'll see.
But yes, in all honesty, this is the first OWC script I’ve really looked at and enjoyed straight away. I think it’s one of the strongest pieces I’ve ever written, OWC or otherwise
But yes, in all honesty, this is the first OWC script I’ve really looked at and enjoyed straight away. I think it’s one of the strongest pieces I’ve ever written, OWC or otherwise
The word to focus in on is "I" - love it. I think the masses are going to have strong opinions about it, but we'll see.
But yes, in all honesty, this is the first OWC script I’ve really looked at and enjoyed straight away. I think it’s one of the strongest pieces I’ve ever written, OWC or otherwise
Well, that's intimidating.
About the whole minimal gore thing...I'm making a choice. Not sure if people will consider it outside the bounds of the competition or not, but I think I'm using considerable restraint for the story. It's not excessive or gratuitous, but it's there. Minimal means minimal, not restricted entirely.
About the whole minimal gore thing...I'm making a choice. Not sure if people will consider it outside the bounds of the competition or not, but I think I'm using considerable restraint for the story. It's not excessive or gratuitous, but it's there. Minimal means minimal, not restricted entirely.
As long as the focus is more on suspense than gore, you'll be good.
About the whole minimal gore thing...I'm making a choice. Not sure if people will consider it outside the bounds of the competition or not, but I think I'm using considerable restraint for the story. It's not excessive or gratuitous, but it's there. Minimal means minimal, not restricted entirely.
Coming from a double mugger!
OWC's are meant to illicit creativity. I think going out side of the box, but still managing to capture the parameters makes for far more interesting stories than 20 script that strictly adhere to them.
In saying that, every OWC has issues with how far people feel the boundaries can be pushed. That's why I quoted and clarified some issues with Zack, but I still know I'm going to cop it.
Second draft done and digging it. I should even get time for a 3rd or 4th, which is almost unheard of for me in OWCs.
A bit of advice for those unsure if their work is good or not. You never know until you send it out to the world. I’ve entered stuff in these OWC’s I’ve been convinced are the best scripts I’ve ever written, only for them to bomb. And vice versa, stuff I thought was a bit meh but entered anyway have gone down a storm. In general, the response seems to be a MIX OF BOTH! Which is bonkers, but that’s how it goes. So enter, find the bits in you script people seem to dig and identify the areas that need work. It’s all part of the learning process.
Last point (for now) this OWC to me sounds perfect for a horror anthology and they are all the rage at the moment. Just saying, any producer out there, just sayin!
For more of my scripts, stories, produced movies and the ocassional blog, check out my new website. CLICK
My advice is not to rush to put down words. Flesh it out in your head first, then start the writing. It's the creative part that takes the time, not the writing.
Thanks for the tip. I have most of it laid out in my head - but no end.
I'm hoping a satisfying ending will present itself as I write it out - otherwise, it's going to be: Wake up - it was all a dream - the end. That will please people, right?
Thanks for the tip. I have most of it laid out in my head - but no end.
I'm hoping a satisfying ending will present itself as I write it out - otherwise, it's going to be: Wake up - it was all a dream - the end. That will please people, right?
I feel like I don't post here enough for people to know what my style is and thus no one will know which is my entry.
You say that, I know, I'm sure you believe But, I remember a script you soundly conceived
Not a style, just a choice, I'm sure you would say For me? I'll never forget the form of that day
PaulKWrites.com
60 Feet Under - Low budget, contained thriller/Feature The Hand of God - Low budget, semi-contained thriller/Feature Wait Till Next Year - Disney-style family sports comedy/Feature
Many shorts available for production: comedy, thriller, drama, light horror
The script just needs to heavily feature some sort of vehicle. The vehicle needs to be integral to the plot.
Hey Zack, so my script features a vehicle in the majority of the pages, however it is not used as a story-moving plot device. The story is just set in a vehicle when something unrelated happens to the characters to make it scary. Would this be a disqualification? This might be the deciding factor of whether I'll be entering or not.
Hey Zack, so my script features a vehicle in the majority of the pages, however it is not used as a story-moving plot device. The story is just set in a vehicle when something unrelated happens to the characters to make it scary. Would this be a disqualification? This might be the deciding factor of whether I'll be entering or not.
Who cares. Just enter it. The feedback will decide for you.
Hey Zack, so my script features a vehicle in the majority of the pages, however it is not used as a story-moving plot device. The story is just set in a vehicle when something unrelated happens to the characters to make it scary. Would this be a disqualification? This might be the deciding factor of whether I'll be entering or not.
The Jaws 2 scene Zack used as a hint was set in a boat, but it was just the means of getting the characters into shark territory. The way I see it, as long as you use a vehicle as a primary element in your story, even if it's just a mode of transportation, it's a story-moving plot device. Your job is to build suspense into that as well, whatever the source is.
Hey Zack, so my script features a vehicle in the majority of the pages, however it is not used as a story-moving plot device. The story is just set in a vehicle when something unrelated happens to the characters to make it scary.
I was going to try again today, but work was exhausting and I really need to take a break.
Anyway, great challenge Zack! I have my hands full of ideas I want to explore, including one that I really liked but that was too complex for the challenge.
ARGH!!! Nothing is coming to me that doesn't seem to be...a little stale.
It's only Tuesday and plenty of time left...and Friday is a Holiday for me, so I'll get something in.
Here's some words of wisdom you shared with me when I was doubting my participation in the last OWC. Pretty sure you were wasted, but it did encourage me.
Quoted from Dreamscale
Zack, have faith, my good man. Yuo can do it...but...you have to just do it.
Here's some words of wisdom you shared with me when I was doubting my participation in the last OWC. Pretty sure you were wasted, but it did encourage me.
YES!!! That's exactly what I need to hear. Thanks, Zack.
I'll get this done and I'll give it my best. Warren has already declared he's written his best script ever, period, already. Rene has 3 features in mind based on this. Anon has a 2 pager ready!
I'll get this done and I'll give it my best. Warren has already declared he's written his best script ever, period, already. Rene has 3 features in mind based on this. Anon has a 2 pager ready!
I will persevere.
You guys are just lucky I'm not allowed to enter this OWC. I'd kill this one.
I’m sat listening to live music, half drunk, and think an idea has finally come to me...
I will be in for sure, but, although I'm full on drunk and a little baked, as well, I have no concept yet. I have some ideas, but not thrilled with any and no story or even characters yet.
Good to see some "old blood" bubbling out of the abyss.
Looking forward to yours, Andrew, and wish old short shorts himself, Stevie, would grace us with a rare OWC entry, that doesn't involve his secret love, Bunnyman!
I will be in for sure, but, although I'm full on drunk and a little baked, as well, I have no concept yet. I have some ideas, but not thrilled with any and no story or even characters yet.
Good to see some "old blood" bubbling out of the abyss.
Looking forward to yours, Andrew, and wish old short shorts himself, Stevie, would grace us with a rare OWC entry, that doesn't involve his secret love, Bunnyman!
I will be in for sure, but, although I'm full on drunk and a little baked, as well, I have no concept yet. I have some ideas, but not thrilled with any and no story or even characters yet.
Well, there's this car...no, a unicycle. And it's after a clown. In a wheelchair. There's a set of train tracks they're both racing along, looking for somewhere to cross. And the train is coming.
I love watching suspense so I'm really looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with in script form. It's not as easy as some might think...
And Zack, like Pia said, don't fret about those saying they're bowing out. A lot of that went on with the RomCom challenge and look what happened there.
I love watching suspense so I'm really looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with in script form. It's not as easy as some might think...
And Zack, like Pia said, don't fret about those saying they're bowing out. A lot of that went on with the RomCom challenge and look what happened there.
I might or might not be able to be in on this one.
You all can tell me if it's trash or not. 'Cause I can't tell.
PaulKWrites.com
60 Feet Under - Low budget, contained thriller/Feature The Hand of God - Low budget, semi-contained thriller/Feature Wait Till Next Year - Disney-style family sports comedy/Feature
Many shorts available for production: comedy, thriller, drama, light horror
(Insert Lion King song here... Circle of life, is a wheel of fortune...)
PaulKWrites.com
60 Feet Under - Low budget, contained thriller/Feature The Hand of God - Low budget, semi-contained thriller/Feature Wait Till Next Year - Disney-style family sports comedy/Feature
Many shorts available for production: comedy, thriller, drama, light horror
60 Feet Under - Low budget, contained thriller/Feature The Hand of God - Low budget, semi-contained thriller/Feature Wait Till Next Year - Disney-style family sports comedy/Feature
Many shorts available for production: comedy, thriller, drama, light horror
I always liked Ghost Ship. It’s not good, but it’s got some genuine scares, the tone is great, the cast is great, it has some interesting character moments, and I like the premise. But it doesn’t execute the premise well, it has some terrible dialogue, it hits cheesy in a few places, and the third act goes off the rails.
But man, that wire haunts me. It’s bonkers, but it got me.
As for my entry, I’m not looking at it again until Friday. It’s done and the rough edges worked down. It’s nothing special, but I like it.
I'm six pages into my second script. Yeah, baby! This one hit wonder may have done it again. It looks like this blind squirrel may have found another nut! Move over you two muggers!
But then again...how many times have I thought this only to be dashed upon the rocks again.
Good luck everyone entering! If it weren't for work, and two other things I' just completed exhausting drafts of, I'd love to be able to compete. Horror always makes for good OWC
I've managed to get the first draft down... finally
I have very little time today and absolutely no time tomorrow so I gotta try and squeeze in redrafting on my lunch.
One thing for sure, my entry will not be final draft quality.
at no point have I liked my story lol I'm not even sure it makes sense, or has any suspense, or is even a horror... damn, I can feel the anxiety rising lol.
Time to put some masking tape over the plot holes and hope no one digs around too hard lol
Last time Jeff gave me a 1 star - If I can beat that this time I'll be happy.
I saw someone mention that their wife was going to read their entry. Do many people get opinions from their friends/family about OWC entries?
I used to get my partner to read them (general scripts - I've only entered 1 OWC) - Don't bother anymore, all I used to get was the polite "yeah it's good"
I saw someone mention that their wife was going to read their entry. Do many people get opinions from their friends/family about OWC entries?
I had 3 friends read it, all liked it, but I'm never sure if they’re just being kind.
I have family and writing friends go over mine. I get to the point where I think it's perfect, then the OWC reviews start coming in and I get the honest, brutal feedback and suddenly life has no meaning and the universe becomes a dark, cold and deadly place.
Regardless, really pleased with how mine is going. One more draft tonight and I think I'm ready. Penguins are classed a vehicle if you ride them, right?
For more of my scripts, stories, produced movies and the ocassional blog, check out my new website. CLICK
Out of interest - how many entries are people hoping for?
I know Zack will want as many as he can - and I hope he gets them.
But as a reader/reveiwer - I'm hoping for about 15. Lat time I felt so pressured and rushed, I couldn't actually enjoy the scripts as I wanted to get to the end as quickly as possible.
15 seems like a good number to properly devote some time to each one.
As a reader/reveiwer - I'm hoping for about 15. Lat time I felt so pressured and rushed, I couldn't actually enjoy the scripts as I wanted to get to the end as quickly as possible.
When I first became a member, a million years ago, there used to be around twelve entries. Then over the years it ballooned to 30-40 because Don used to announce it in social media and such. What happened was that we got a lot of entries from writers who never read any of the entries. This got a lot of active members cranky to say the least, so lately he has cut down on the announcements. I don't believe he did any outside announcements this time, so probably a smaller number this time.
Btw, it has never been said that everyone entering has to read every single script. Ideally, writers should, but they don't have too. Should read as many as they can, but in the case of a lot of entries, it might not be possible for some. By insisting that it's the "rules", several people no longer enter because they know they can't read them all if there's a lot and that's kind of sad too. Also, scripts can still be read after the reveal. Reviews are sometimes more thoughtful and helpful when there isn't a pressure to hurry. The writers appreciate reviews even after the OWC is over.
I will most likely not be able to enter this time. I haven't even had time to think about this.just this week I've had grandkids #4 and 5 enter this world and unfortunately a close family friend lost his mother two days ago and he's been in shock and devastated since it was very unexpected. That's a lot in less than a week. But... who knows. I used to always write my entries Friday night while drinking.
PS: I see you are a Star Wars fan Matthew. One of my granddaughters's name is Stella Rey. I'm told it has something to do with Star Wars.
PS: I see you are a Star Wars fan Matthew. One of my granddaughters's name is Stella Rey. I'm told it has something to do with Star Wars.
Many congrats on the two extra additions to your family
The Rey part is deffinitely a reference to Star Wars - don't know about the Stella part - Could be for interSTELLAr I suppose I keep suggesting Yoda for my next born... other half is not so keen
I'm also a big Marvel fan - so I named my son Stanley after marvel legend Stan Lee (My grandad was also called Stanley, but that was a happy coincidence)
Yes, I'll only enter one. My first story was 'good' but had mediocre suspense and zero horror (as per my three readers that hold NOTHING back). I'll post it sometime after the OWC.
The story I'm going to submit is tenfold in both horror and suspense.
I have four people that I usually ask to read and proof. They're brutally honest and more times than not have very good suggestions.
Last OWC, I asked my girlfriend to read and comment. She was furious with me for days and we actually got into several fights after scripts were released and I told her peeps were offended by mine - she said she told me and then proceeded to go into 1 of those, "You never listen to me" rants.
Last OWC, I asked my girlfriend to read and comment. She was furious with me for days and we actually got into several fights after scripts were released and I told her peeps were offended by mine - she said she told me and then proceeded to go into 1 of those, "You never listen to me" rants.
Never again!
This wasn't some story about a dude brutally murdering his girlfriend, was it?
Last OWC, I asked my girlfriend to read and comment. She was furious with me for days and we actually got into several fights after scripts were released and I told her peeps were offended by mine - she said she told me and then proceeded to go into 1 of those, "You never listen to me" rants.
I saw someone mention that their wife was going to read their entry. Do many people get opinions from their friends/family about OWC entries?
I had 3 friends read it, all liked it, but I'm never sure if they’re just being kind.
I sometimes have my wife read. She's a freelance marketing writer, and she's got a good creative eye. But, most times she's too busy actually making money, so I don't bother her with my non-revenue-generating fare.
I will almost always verbally walk her through my story over dinner or something. She's good at punching holes in my plots... a trait that doesn't always strengthen the marriage. (Especially when she's right.)
I started walking her through this one and she made me stop. Is that a good sign?
PaulKWrites.com
60 Feet Under - Low budget, contained thriller/Feature The Hand of God - Low budget, semi-contained thriller/Feature Wait Till Next Year - Disney-style family sports comedy/Feature
Many shorts available for production: comedy, thriller, drama, light horror
I should also add... I sometimes share scripts with my mom. But, it's not for true feedback, as she never gives negative feedback. Though, she came close on UNRELIABLE WITNESS. I don't think she approved.
On my last challenge script FOR NOW (formerly BLESSING), she begged me to expand it out and turn it into a Hallmark script. God bless moms.
(Sidenote: My dad, 75, is heavy into Hallmark movies. Twenty years a cop... now he's an expert on Hallmark. Literally can run you through the plot of any movie they show. He watches them over and over.)
PaulKWrites.com
60 Feet Under - Low budget, contained thriller/Feature The Hand of God - Low budget, semi-contained thriller/Feature Wait Till Next Year - Disney-style family sports comedy/Feature
Many shorts available for production: comedy, thriller, drama, light horror
We're lightweights... neither one of us like horror. Our idea of horror is A Quiet Place... so, that tells you our level of sophistication in the genre.
Point is... don't read anything into her reaction. Horror fans likely won't feel the same!
PaulKWrites.com
60 Feet Under - Low budget, contained thriller/Feature The Hand of God - Low budget, semi-contained thriller/Feature Wait Till Next Year - Disney-style family sports comedy/Feature
Many shorts available for production: comedy, thriller, drama, light horror
We're lightweights... neither one of us like horror. Our idea of horror is A Quiet Place... so, that tells you our level of sophistication in the genre.
Point is... don't read anything into her reaction. Horror fans likely won't feel the same!
I wasn't too much into horror either until a few years ago, when a friend introduced me into the genre.
I’m no expert, but this haven't stopped me from writing a few short horror scripts. Last week, I was notified that one of them is a finalist in the Crimson Screen Horror Film Festival. Not that it means something, but it's a start.
You're a good writer, Paul. I'm sure you’ll do good.
I wasn't too much into horror either until a few years ago, when a friend introduced me into the genre.
I’m no expert, but this haven't stopped me from writing a few short horror scripts. Last week, I was notified that one of them is a finalist in the Crimson Screen Horror Film Festival. Not that it means something, but it's a start.
You're a good writer, Paul. I'm sure you’ll do good.
Thanks. It's been fun writing the script.
Congrats on the festival placement... that's awesome.
PaulKWrites.com
60 Feet Under - Low budget, contained thriller/Feature The Hand of God - Low budget, semi-contained thriller/Feature Wait Till Next Year - Disney-style family sports comedy/Feature
Many shorts available for production: comedy, thriller, drama, light horror
I'm out. Life throwing much interference my way this week (mostly positive). It's a great challenge though (well done, Zack!). Definitely curious to see what folks come up with.
I have one adoring fan I usually let read these, and it’s always high praise. I don’t do it for me.
I used to let my wife read them. She’s a good story analyst and her grammar is impeccable. But that stopped a long while ago, she’s busy and I don’t write genres she enjoys.
Now, you folks are the only critiquing for these and it’s plenty. I tend to use the OWCs as a starting point, and the ones that hold up to your keen eyes and sharp tongues sometimes elevate to something more. And that’s a great thing.
Hmm...come to think of it, none of them have been sold or produced.
I get to the point where I think it's perfect, then the OWC reviews start coming in and I get the honest, brutal feedback and suddenly life has no meaning and the universe becomes a dark, cold and deadly place.
This is the best description of an OWC I've ever seen. Spot on
Now the part where everyone shows me the 5 obvious mistakes that I became completely blind to as I read and reread the script over the course of 6 days.
That was fun. Good challenge.
Thanks, Zack!
PaulKWrites.com
60 Feet Under - Low budget, contained thriller/Feature The Hand of God - Low budget, semi-contained thriller/Feature Wait Till Next Year - Disney-style family sports comedy/Feature
Many shorts available for production: comedy, thriller, drama, light horror
It’s when snails take off their shells just before entering into an extended martial-arts fight.
I laughed.
PaulKWrites.com
60 Feet Under - Low budget, contained thriller/Feature The Hand of God - Low budget, semi-contained thriller/Feature Wait Till Next Year - Disney-style family sports comedy/Feature
Many shorts available for production: comedy, thriller, drama, light horror
Submitted. It's not groundbreaking or anything special, it might even be tired and boring, but I like it. And I expect it to be torn apart, which will also be fun.
Finally finished. Many will guess this one to be mine. I'm going to let this rest and marinate for a couple hours before I send this in. I'm usually not one for last minute submittals but my first story just wasn't horrific enough for my taste.
SUMMITTED 1ST TIME! OK...just sent in my second script ever written...be gentle boys(and girls) !
Welcome to the OWC, Chris. I hope you understand the basics: Submitted anonymously and committed to reading and reviewing as many entries as possible. If you have your name on your title page, you still have a chance to resubmit.
Gentle? We're all friends here and we all try to be constructive with criticism. Well, most of us
SUMMITTED 1ST TIME! OK...just sent in my second script ever written...be gentle boys(and girls) !
It also worth pointing out that OWC critisim can be brutal, that's just the reality of the OWC. At least for as long as I've been participating.
Try not to let it affect you, take the helpful stuff and use it to better your writing, and let the rest of it slide off your back. You definitely need to be thick skinned as a writer.
Try not to let it affect you, take the helpful stuff and use it to better your writing, and let the rest of it slide off your back. You definitely need to be thick skinned as a writer.
noun 1. an intense feeling of fear, shock, or disgust.
Thought I'd throw this up again a few hours before closing. I think people have some very set ideas about what makes a horror, but the spectrum is very broad.
It doesn't say fear and shock and disgust. It says fear or shock or disgust.
It's all about making someone feel one or all of these things when they read your script.
And yet there is still a part of me that hopes this is all posturing and that you are going to put up a contender.
That's still my goal, Brother!
As you said the other day, 1 day you love your script, the next, not so much. I'm just hoping that works in reverse, as well, as I'm not loving mine right now, but I did love the concept.
Is it the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile? 'Cause nothing says suspense like a hot dog on wheels.
(Oooh! It could be a creature feature! A Godzilla-like creature attacks a city... our hero's only chance for escape is the Weinermobile. Final sequence: our hero, instead of escape, decides to pack the Weinermobile with explosives and -- sacrificing himself -- baits the lizard into eating it. Working title: BELCH.)
BTW, swear to God, I thought of this except it was being chased by hell-hounds. I was stupefied when I read this and had to come up with something new.
I am officially out. Sorry Zack. I promised Jeff last night that I would do one of my old last night efforts thins, but I had to babysit all day and this afternoon we had a horrendous storm come through and we had no power for six hours. As much as I wanted to enter regardless of quality, I was totally tripped up by unforeseen events. I'm sorry.
I am officially out. Sorry Zack. I promised Jeff last night that I would do one of my old last night efforts regardless, but I had to babysit all day and this afternoon we had a horrendous storm come through and we had no power for six hours. As much as I wanted to enter regardless of quality, I was totally tripped up by unforeseen events. I'm sorry.
No apology necessary, Pia. I'm just honored you even considered entering.
First draft done. I’ve passed it around to the Rams players in the spa with me. Hopefully they like it. But may get held up on the second draft as they have that glaze in their eyes which means they want me. Taking a deep breath and submerging now!
Good luck buddy, both in that steamy water and with the writing
‘Talk about mounting suspense... And it could all end horrifically’.
No dinner here...Teri is PO'd!!!!! But, I'm happy anyway, as I came through...if I didn't, i'd literally never hear the end of it from Warren....an/or Anon.
I miss the old days when we'd all jump on Skype and discuss the challenge and get more wasted together!
Figuring out a logline is troublesome enough. Finding a new alias is harder yet. Why do I even bother ---as soon as you peeps read my latest atrocity - er, I mean my contribution, you'll figure it out it was me. I took no efforts to hide my style. I'm really digging it, might revise some, but not a lot. We'll see how this goes.
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