I just read an amazing script called Devils at Play by James Dilapo. The script was a Nicholl's finalist this year and is now on the Black List. I sent Carson a review encouraging him to review this on the blog.

Once I started reading this script I couldn't stop, and I really don't like reading scripts. So it's rare I say that.

The story is powerful because it puts us in the strange position of rooting for the protagonist to succeed in his goal despite the fact that this goal is reprehensible. That's a pretty good trick for the writer to pull off.

That makes this script very different, very unique.

I'll comment more on this script if someone else reads it so we can discuss. I'm not sure what kind of film this would make, and there are a few plot points I'm not too sure make sense. But they weren't enough to bother me. Part of the writer's goal is to show us what rather normal humans are capable of in the right circumstances, which has been done before but never in the way presented here. It's effective and original.

Often I've read Black List scripts are have difficulty chasing away the letters WTF.

Not this time. This script is a proud achievement.

By the way, I noticed there is a writer that had 2 scripts reach the semi's at Nicholl's this year. Man, that would be tough to do that and then not be a finalist. Still, that's a pretty good achievement in itself.

I didn't download the script. Send it on if you'd like.

It sounds almost like the issue I'm having with Breaking Bad. I actually really really like it now, even though I'm rooting for a guy doing reprehensible things.

So, it turns out I actually had that script... Thanks Kevin!  

I can see how the story would make a great film even though I only read the first 15. I wasn't blown away by the writing itself, that's for sure. "In the distance the huge garage door begins to open, revealing a storming raining night".

The story seems gritty and serious enough for me to enjoy, but not enough to continue to read the whole thing unless I had nothing else to do that is.

There are a few writing mistakes, even spots where a word is missing. Which shows Nicholl's judges don't care about that stuff much.

But there is nothing to trip over.

A few times he took what seemed to be a series of shots and just combined them into one action paragraph a few lines long. I think some of the rules people would throw up their hands at that, but it didn't slow the read or make it any less clear.

In fact, one of the reasons I kept reading through the early parts was because it was so easy, and then I got to the more interesting parts.

I think the other reason I kept reading was that I was intrigued by the idea of having the main character be an old veteran of the secret police whose job is to arrest those suspected of treason, which during the Stalin purges, were mostly innocent people. That certainly ain't your Save the Cat type hero!(though there is an STC moment).

Wow! Congrats Brett! Clone Wife is the next amateur script up for review!!!  

Nice going Brett!  Carson heard our pleas.  Look forward to a good review.

Good luck, Brett

Try to get some sleep this week! We know you're gonna be freakin!

Don't worry, though. The script's been through the ringer. It will stand.

Oh Congrats Brett!!!!!

Thanks so much for all the notes and well wishes.
It hasn't sunk in yet.
The butterflies in my stomach won't knock it off.
I think I need a beer.  A really good beer.

You guys just rock my world.
Without this site, I'd never have made it Carson.

Think I'm gonna go spaz for a bit.

Think Huge and Dream Endless!
E.D.

Gratz, Brett! He'll love it!

Also, anyone else thinking about giving your script a try on Tuesday for the free notes?

Just seen the e-mail.

Congrats, Brett. Absolutely great news!

I bet you're buzzing right now...bring on next Friday.

Congratulations, Brett!! Good luck!!

Thats fantastic Brett!

Look forward to the review and good luck!

HGW

SHORTS

Script Shadow opportunity

And i don't mean stevie in his denims - haven't had the privilege of that sight.

As a newbie to Script Shadow i noticed he is doing an amateur short opportunity - entry by 3rd Jan. Must appeal to a few around here.

I was thinking of entering Inner Journey but have been working on that for Page so will pass, but should be an opportunity for someone.

Just thought i would point it out.

For example, would love to see something like Bert's, Somewhere Nice and Dark (think thats the title) get reviewed.

Ps fingers crossed for you Brett - had a look at the first pages of CW and saw major changes even since the second draft. Had a good feel about it.