I've been around here so many years it's embarrassing, but that's how I've noticed it's extremely slow here. 5 days worth of threads on the portal? Where did everybody go? I have sort of quit writing, but I still check in here, because....like I said, it's been a part of my life for years. Anything we can do to liven it up? Oct OWC? Games? Challenges?...Brawls?  

Bound to be an October OWC....bound..hmmm could even be a theme

As long as the OWC does not have like 10 parameters, I'm game. Keep it simple, and I'm in.

Script Club

Why have you quit writing? You write well and producers make them.

Anyway, I lurk around as others do probably. SS can be a distraction... Ever since I've joined, I've found a script club/writer's network so I've needed SS less and less. I still  exchange scripts/review the work of SS writers I know.

OWC! I'll actually enter for once.

Or Script Club. I've heard those can be interesting...

Quoted from kingcooky555 Why have you quit writing?

I just lost interest one day. Sort of like a balloon that deflated suddenly.

Quoted from crookedowl OWC! I'll actually enter for once. Or Script Club. I've heard those can be interesting...

I'd be game for either one. I love reading good scripts and I don't think I have missed an Oct OWC ever. It might be what I need.  

You know I've been here about as long as you have, Pia. Pretty sure the boards have always been slow. This isn't the first thread to have pointed this out -- maybe not even the first from you.

It's weird that a lot of the time these threads get posted, it's about time for another OWC anyway. They do generate a lot of buzz but after they're over, the boards slow down again. I guess if people are always reading and writing scripts, things are always going to be slow (for a message board) since those things take at least a little bit of time to do. Other than that... I guess people have busy schedules or something?

I'd be down a Script Club regardless. Or a brawl.

It gets too slow around here... need people to submit good scripts worth a read.

Workin' on it.

Haha you ain't workin' on shit, brotha.

Read Breanne's Devil in D Minor and give her a review.  I just checked that one out.  It's pretty good.  Now I'm reading Thistles by Mark.  Almost done it.

Thistles was amazing!

I'm 60 pages in but I had to stop and watch Sons of Anarchy.

Gonna get back to Thistles in a moment!

Quoted from James McClung You know I've been here about as long as you have, Pia. Pretty sure the boards have always been slow. This isn't the first thread to have pointed this out -- maybe not even the first from you. I'd be down a Script Club regardless. Or a brawl.

I did start one and I even looked it up before starting this one. The other one was long and old, so that's why I decided on a new one.

I'd be up for a Script Club too. I don't collect scripts anymore though, so if we want to do one, I will most likely not be able to provide a "current/hot" script. Maybe someone else has a suggestion?

I've never done a Script Club before. I think it'd be interesting, though, to see the gang look either an art-house flick, something that flouts conventions a bit -- maybe My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done; or Melancholia; or something un-threatening like Please Give -- or, alternately, at a successful super-low-budget flick, something like Upstream Color, Sound of My Voice, or Monsters.

I have no idea what a Script Club is or what you guys are talking about.

Script Club always bubbles up on these sorts of threads.  Like a Book Club, but for group discussions of a single script.

They are always cool (to varying degrees), and what is really weird about them is you never know who will turn up.  We have had some very interesting cameo appearances on those threads.

A few things to consider:

• You need a dedicated moderator, or the threads kind of die
  
• You need a script that "most" are genuinely interested in, or the threads kind of die
  
• The Script Club was originally intended for good, unique scripts right here on the boards, but kind of morphed into a discussion of unproduced "pro" scripts; either way -- just pointing out that folks can also consider something "local"
  

Don is pretty "hands off" on those threads, so if somebody wants to step up and organize (not me), that is cool, too.

Different "moderators" give each of those threads an entirely different tone, which is also interesting.

Boards are definitely very slow lately.  We need something to get things going.

October OWC is right around the corner.  May be nice for The Don to pick an OWC Mod and get working on a cool concept for us all.  Hopefully, there will be at least 8 parameters to meet.

Script CLubs can be great but when the script sucks ass, I for one lose complete interest.

Chris, I've got Sound of my Voice near the top of my Netflix que and will hopefully see it within a week - it looks very cool.

I would still nominate Jeff for mod...if Don can rope him one more time. He did a fine job. I do advise we limit the checklist on the parameters, however. Don't make it too restrictive. Give writers the freedom to create. Just my penny's worth. Not a complaint, just my input.

I'm out!!!  I want to actually write something for a change.

I nominate Kevin!!!!  If he gets the nod, here's my prediction for his challenge...

Write a script that has some semblance of a plot, some semblance of a story, and at least 1 character.

LOL!!!  

Too many conditions, Jeff! lol

If you've never seen it, best OWC set-up ever, IMO:

http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-OWC0807/m-1185675791/

Quoted from KevinLenihan Too many conditions, Jeff! lol

LOL, indeed!  

How about this...

"Write something and submit by the deadline."

I remember the one with the boat! I think Breanne won too...even though there are no winners.  

We're all winners!  SOme of us are even wieners.

I'll confess to getting married lately - too late to talk me out of it now . . .

By the looks, Eoin hit the lottery! Who needs writing when you hit the lottery?

Maybe a TV pilot would be a good OWC. I'm attempting one now, but I would promise to do something different for an OWC. Maybe we could target the straight to internet crowd.

Quoted from KevinLenihan By the looks, Eoin hit the lottery! Who needs writing when you hit the lottery?

That's what my wife, feels weird typing that, tells me all the time  

I believe she did hit the lottery Eoin Lucky gal!

And I'm in for the OWC I don't care who is the mod

If they had girls in Ireland like that a century ago maybe my relatives wouldn't have left!

Here's a crazy idea for an OWC: beginning and end.

Some writers write the beginning and the end of their features first...then fill in the rest. So you have to write a beginning and end.

October OWC

HORROR - plain and simple

10-12 pages, no other parameters.

Quoted from Dreamscale October OWC HORROR - plain and simple 10-12 pages, no other parameters.

Yeah, sounds about right.

As long it has to include a dwarf called Gerald who has a goldfish fetish and lives in a cave with no light. Oh, he can't speak either....or walk.

Away we go...

Congratulations Eoin!

So, not much interest in a Script Club then? Just an OWC that probably will happen sometime in October anyway?

I don't want to be a mod. Did it once and it was hard and some people say I failed.  

Was just trying to see why it was so quiet here and was wondering where everyone had gone.

I seem to lose interest in Simply then bounce back on the boards for a while before disappearing again...that's just the way I roll.

I do notice that the boards seem to become very active when a few new members join then they fade away and we wait for the next batch.  The old members are always kicking about though, aren't they?

Quoted from Grandma Bear So, not much interest in a Script Club then? Just an OWC that probably will happen sometime in October anyway?

I am definitely interested in a Script Club. I'll read whatever.

I'd be interested in an OWC if the genre and theme are interesting. That's not always the case though and often I just never find the time. I am working on something else in the next couple weeks so I don't know. Honestly, I think it might be due time for a straight up horror Halloween-themed OWC that's been much requested over the years. Sometimes you just gotta throw people a bone.

Quoted from Grandma Bear Was just trying to see why it was so quiet here and was wondering where everyone had gone.

For my part, things could be better on the writing front. Day job stuff takes up a lot of time. I feel bad coming in here posting in general/movie threads and not really contributing as much as I should although sometimes I read scripts that are just sorta middle of the road and I can't really think of anything to say that's not redundant or of any help. And frankly, seeing 4-5 days worth of threads on the portal is just depressing. So, that's me.

Like I said though, I think it's always been slow. What with the whole concept of the board and the nature of reading and writing, it's only natural. No one's fault, really.

Quoted from James McClung Honestly, I think it might be due time for a straight up horror Halloween-themed OWC that's been much requested over the years. Sometimes you just gotta throw people a bone.

Last Halloween's OWC involved stranded people forced to make a choice between good and evil.  The year before, it was about a ghost.  What's straight up horror to you?  Albino school children with bloody knives who run around and kill campers?

Keep in mind that it's a Halloween challenge, not a horror challenge.  That pumpkin-carving one was a good challenge, no matter how big a shit storm people gave Don.


Phil

I haven't been active since I've been trying to finish a rewrite and found a job. lol.

We all have our own definitions of horror.

What about a OWC where you have to write up your own version of what horror is? I won't be participating except for reading the entries. Good luck to all.

Gabe

Quoted from KevinLenihan Some writers write the beginning and the end of their features first...then fill in the rest. So you have to write a beginning and end.

I think this is a great idea but I know a lot of people despise writing feature-related material for OWCs. Works for me though.

In the end, I'm up for whatever.

I don't know if it's been done, but what about writing a short based on an image.

I've been working alot. But I'm finally getting some time to write again. Getting an itch to read some new stuff too. So if you got something new up that you want me to take a peek at... Send it my way.

~Zack~

Hey Pia,

It's been crazy for me too.

But the reason I'm not around to much is I'm trying to get traction on other writing sites.

The folks that reviewed my script were amazing but I then watched it drop to the bottom and never resurface again.

I figured if a mamber who's been here this long and has 1700+ post can't get more reads, I'll need to look around and see what sites can.

I'm not pushing for a read nor did I ever bump my work.

I just know that if I'm going to invest serious time and effort in my work, I want to visit sites that can also offer varying opinions based on my work.

Shawn.....><

I hear you Shawn. Actually, quite a few people I know won't post their babies here anymore. I was one of those too, but if I start writing again, I'll change my tune...probably.  

A lot of people are serious about their writing and their careers. I can understand that. I've just been around too long to leave, I think. I've seen people come and go and right now, it seems to me a lot of people are on the go.

I'll be here though, like a bad stain just won't go away.  

Quoted from Grandma Bear I'll be here though, like a bad stain just won't go away.

Some stains are better than others.

Shawn.....><

Quoted from Mr.Ripley What about a OWC where you have to write up your own version of what horror is?

Where's the challenge in this?  The idea behind the OWC challenge is to see if you could write a script based on something you probably wouldn't have come up with on your own (ie:  a zombie in an ice cream shop).


Phil

I agree with Phil it should be a challenge, something a little unique. There just shouldn't be 10 things to check off. You make it too restrictive and the stories are more likely to stink, and frankly it becomes too much of a bother.

Last October I came up with some creative ideas, but there was always one thing that didn't match the long checklist. So I didn't bother. Same thing with the last OWC. Make it interesting enough that people don't have one lying around, but don't get carried away with conditions. Simple is good!

The Halloween challenge in 2010 was great. The one with the wheelchair, deserted house, etc. people whinged about the parameters (wel, whinged more than normal, lol) but a lot of the scripts were very good. It forced you to think and write differently.

That was my first ever crack at a horror script and was a real challenge to do new stuff.

Quoted from stevie The Halloween challenge in 2010 was great. The one with the wheelchair, deserted house, etc. people whinged about the parameters (wel, whinged more than normal, lol) but a lot of the scripts were very good. It forced you to think and write differently.

That was HORRIBLE!!!!  No fucking wheel chairs...please!!!!

WTF?????  For reals?

Shawn....where you been, you old fucker????

People need to submit more scripts.  Good ones, anyway.

Digging through the horror and the drama section... can't find anything to read.

Fucking bored too.

My writing's slowed down a bit because I just started grad school. But I'm trying to rework a short about a cowboy and a wizard. Also, I might submit a "super"-short I wrote called "Swell."

As for OWC, I know horror is a big market, but I feel like that's all we write. Why not do comedy, scifi, romance...anything but horror? I don't mind the laundry list of the restrictions, though, as long as they don't really affect the plot too much. With the last OWC, the discovery about mankind wasn't too bad, but it wasn't too good, either. So many other movies have made 'discoveries' and it was hard to present a fresh scenario and do it in a fresh way. That part of the challenge was kind of fun, but I felt it only became that way because I got lucky and hit upon a good idea with the forest-dwellers who were former Chinook chiefs/tribespeople.

Quoted from stevie The Halloween challenge in 2010 was great. The one with the wheelchair, deserted house, etc. people whinged about the parameters (wel, whinged more than normal, lol) but a lot of the scripts were very good. It forced you to think and write differently. That was my first ever crack at a horror script and was a real challenge to do new stuff.

I had a good time with it.  And I didn't find the parameters constricting at all.


Phil

Quoted Text Where's the challenge in this?  The idea behind the OWC challenge is to see if you could write a script based on something you probably wouldn't have come up with on your own (ie:  a zombie in an ice cream shop) Phil

I had a English professor who expected a 3-5 page, MLA format essay on each book assigned for us on that week. The rub, the students had to come up with the topic. For some books, the students and I dealt with the same topic. For others, we came up with different topics. It was very difficult since it was so...open ended.

What if a director didn't have an idea of what he wants and just tells you to come up with something 10-12 pgs and horror?

Gabe

Quoted from Guest People need to submit more scripts.  Good ones, anyway. Digging through the horror and the drama section... can't find anything to read

I think for most forum members at least, SS is a place to upload a script that needs help. Most people want input on their story so they can rewrite. Also, most people come here to learn screenwriting, so naturally, most scripts posted are not going to be great. To say that there is nothing to read in the horror or drama section is kind of a snub to most of us here.

I have an idea for the October OWC. One I think would be fun.

Quoted from Grandma Bear I remember the one with the boat! I think Breanne won too...even though there are no winners.

I never win anything. Sean Elwood won with Bull Creek.

Quoted from Grandma Bear I think for most forum members at least, SS is a place to upload a script that needs help. Most people want input on their story so they can rewrite. Also, most people come here to learn screenwriting, so naturally, most scripts posted are not going to be great. To say that there is nothing to read in the horror or drama section is kind of a snub to most of us here.

That sounds like a snub toward me  

Haha, nah, I'm not trying to snub anybody.  I used to be a member here for years, under a different name.  I've already read my fair share of scripts here.  Maybe that's why I can't find anything to do when I'm bored with this place.

Like I said, I'm not trying to knock anyone.  In fact, the first scripts I try to check out are from well-known members.  Most of the time they're satisfying reads.

But let's be honest, there's more shit than there is good.

I can understand that most people are new to screenwriting, need help with it, and there first script isn't going to be great.  I just wish there was more people submitting stuff that's semi-entertaining.

Quoted from Mr.Ripley I had a English professor who expected a 3-5 page, MLA format essay on each book assigned for us on that week. The rub, the students had to come up with the topic. For some books, the students and I dealt with the same topic. For others, we came up with different topics. It was very difficult since it was so...open ended.

Without restrictions, there's no reason to run a challenge.  Anyone can write a horror script whenever they want.

Quoted from Mr.Ripley What if a director didn't have an idea of what he wants and just tells you to come up with something 10-12 pgs and horror?

I wouldn't take him seriously and wouldn't waste my time with him.


Phil

Quoted from Guest That sounds like a snub toward me   Haha, nah, I'm not trying to snub anybody.  I used to be a member here for years, under a different name.  I've already read my fair share of scripts here.  Maybe that's why I can't find anything to do when I'm bored with this place. Like I said, I'm not trying to knock anyone.  In fact, the first scripts I try to check out are from well-known members.  Most of the time they're satisfying reads. But let's be honest, there's more shit than there is good. I can understand that most people are new to screenwriting, need help with it, and there first script isn't going to be great.  I just wish there was more people submitting stuff that's semi-entertaining.

This site has a wealth of pro/produced scripts...if you do not like amateur or unproduced scripts, maybe you should go read some pro scripts. We are all learning here...do you have any good ones we could read?

Also there are amateurs who've posted here and been optioned from here...and even produced from here. Winning shorts have made it to film out of here. So I do not mind reading in here. I read my share of pro scripts also. We all do.

Cornetto and I did the assignment one time. Our intent was to co-produce an anthology feature together. Not the most popular OWC perhaps, but we took it seriously. Turned out it was a lot harder than we first thought to make a good feature script out of several of the shorts. Also, the motel we intended to use for the location has been sold and is going to be a transitional home for veterans. Our intentions were good, sometimes things just don't work out. That's how it goes.

I enjoyed the one set in a jail cell.

~Zack~

Pia...

I still think you guys could make a mini series about the things that go on in that hotel from that OWC...it was a great plan.

Was thinking fondly about the Pumpkin-based OWC earlier today after looking at an R.L Stine story. Looking forward to seeing what the next challenge is gonna be about.

An OWC with only PISSERS

Halloween pissers to be precise.

Jeff and a pumpkin in "DREAMSCALE 2"  
One man's dream is another inanimate objects nightmare.



Mark

Jeff wakes up, in a wheel chair, only to discover he is imprisoned in a giant pumpkin with no one to carve out his escape.  It's a chilling tale of one man's struggle to seek out the truth...even if he has to read through a stack of pissers, every last word, to find it.

Rated PG.

Writing a horror (ironically) scares the hell out of me because I can't do it. Suspense and thriller-type horrors are a much better way to go. Just my $1.02.

All I know is that the last time I entered into a horror-based OWC, it ended up as a time travel, zombie, haunted house slasher with Celtic and gothic-ish horror elements and was a complete disaster. I'd prefer to not have to go there again.

Quoted from irish eyes An OWC with only PISSERS Halloween pissers to be precise. Jeff and a pumpkin in "DREAMSCALE 2"   One man's dream is another inanimate objects nightmare. Mark

Jeff's St Louis Rams have to score against a field of giant pumpkins or else the world supply of Jagie disappears.

After their effort against the Niners today, Jeff will be switching to vodka....

Quoted from Pale Yellow This site has a wealth of pro/produced scripts...if you do not like amateur or unproduced scripts, maybe you should go read some pro scripts.

I know that, but I pretty much read everything SS has to offer with the produced section, partly for entertainment and partly for educational purposes.  Some were just not good at all and barely held my interest.  There may be a couple of scripts that I would like to read, but they aren't online.  I'd probably have to ask around for 'em.

Quoted from Pale Yellow We are all learning here...do you have any good ones we could read?

Haha, not yet.  However, years ago I did have a feature on here that received quite the amount of positive reviews but I've since had Don delete the thread -- currently re-working that script right now.  When I feel it's ready, maybe I'll post it.

Quoted from Pale Yellow Also there are amateurs who've posted here and been optioned from here...and even produced from here. Winning shorts have made it to film out of here. So I do not mind reading in here. I read my share of pro scripts also. We all do.

I'm not trying to get into an argument with anybody.  This part of your post sounds like you're getting kinda mad. haha

Don't get me wrong.  I like (and love) some of the writers here and the scripts that they have posted.  Bert and Michael being my favorites.  Phil's good too, even if his material isn't my cup of tea.  Crookedowl, Dreamscale, Niles Crane (who's no longer here), Breanne (who I'm now a fan of), etc.  I'm not saying the board's members are sucky.  It's mostly the random submissions from people (and there are a lot of these) who never, ever pop up on here as a member.  I just wish there was a decent submission, maybe once a week.  Instead, it's more like a clusterfuck of shit, and I never get past the first page.  I'm tired of that.  I've been coming to this place, on and off, for years, and it's always been like that.  I'm getting to the point where I've almost read everything on here and I'm just waiting for something new to blow me away.

Copied from The Prisoner thread.

Quoted from Forgive Seems to be a bit of a buzz about this ... Anyone seen it? It was BlueCat Finalist a few years ago: http://www.bluecatscreenplay.com/blog/2005-bluecat-finalist-aaron-guzikowskis-prisoners/ Script's at: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ndmu6byz1itu6ld/Prisoners.pdf

Would anyone be interested in a Script Club about this script? Could be interesting to have a discussion about an amateur script that was made into a film while waiting to hear from Don about an OWC. Thoughts.  

I'm game.

I'd like to too but I'm pretty hyped for the film so I'm not sure if I'd like to ruin it by reading the script, although I did hear they messed around with the third act in the shooting draft.

Quoted from nawazm11 I'd like to too but I'm pretty hyped for the film so I'm not sure if I'd like to ruin it by reading the script, although I did hear they messed around with the third act in the shooting draft.

I'm with you on this, although I think I'll be seeing the film sometime this week.

Quoted from Pale Yellow I'm game.

Wanna help run it?  

Quoted from nawazm11 I'd like to too but I'm pretty hyped for the film so I'm not sure if I'd like to ruin it by reading the script, although I did hear they messed around with the third act in the shooting draft.

Yeah, I heard that as well. In that case, it might make sense if we wait a week, or so, until people have seen the film, so that we can also discuss our thoughts on the changes made to the shooting script?

agreed.  I think I'm seeing it tomorrow.

I'm down if indeed there's going to be an official Script Club. I haven't seen a single clip from the film so I've got no issues with spoilers. It'd be interesting to see how it translates to film without any preconceptions.

I'd like to be a part! What do I do now? Read the script? Or we are supposed to read it together - kind of first 30 pages, then discuss...?

Okay, sounds like a few people are interested. I'd say, let's do it! The only thing we need is someone to sort of run it. I've done it in the past, but I wasn't very good at it. All it really needs is someone to keep the discussion focused and to keep it going. As far as I remember, SC has never descended into anything out of control. It's more about keeping a good discussion going about story, characters and so on.

If anyone is up for it, I'll definitely take part. It will be the first script I've read in quite awhile.  

Khamana, if we do this, a special thread will be created for it and then it will be locked for a week to give people a chance to read.  

Quoted from irish eyes An OWC with only PISSERS Halloween pissers to be precise.

The halloween challenge is the most favorite and most revered and the most caloric of the challenges.  It would be wrong to do pisstakes.

It's funny that, when the OWC genre was a comedy, everyone would complain because they can't write comedy.  But people are willing to do pisstakes.


Phil

Quoted from dogglebe It's funny that, when the OWC genre was a comedy, everyone would complain because they can't write comedy.  But people are willing to do pisstakes.

I still don't understand the humor behind them. Obviously, it stems from a so-bad-it's-good idea, but writing something that's intentionally awful? I just don't get it.

I never thought they were funny, myself.  At the same time, I always thought those Simply-scripts (with board members as characters) sucked as a whole.


Phil

Quoted from dogglebe I never thought they were funny, myself.  At the same time, I always thought those Simply-scripts (with board members as characters) sucked as a whole. Phil

Pretty hard to pull off, if even there are a few good one liners thrown in. Firstly, I have never met anyone from simplyscripts, so I don't know what they are actually like. I'd say that's the same for the majority of people.

It's pretty difficult to base characters on SS members so that A. You know what traits to emulate and twist. B. That everyone else is in on the joke C. You don't piss said members off . . .

Quoted from Eoin Pretty hard to pull off, if even there are a few good one liners thrown in. Firstly, I have never met anyone from simplyscripts, so I don't know what they are actually like. I'd say that's the same for the majority of people.

That's why they're not good.  If Bert were to use a bed-making reference, the Simply-script would have a bed-making joke or two or three.    Generally not worth reading.


Phil

Quoted from Grandma Bear I've been around here so many years it's embarrassing, but that's how I've noticed it's extremely slow here. 5 days worth of threads on the portal? Where did everybody go? I have sort of quit writing, but I still check in here, because....like I said, it's been a part of my life for years. Anything we can do to liven it up? Oct OWC? Games? Challenges?...Brawls?

I disappeared because of a few bad moments...

Lately I've been thinking up new scripts, so I feel I'm getting back to my old self again.

Back in the day, Michael did collaboration scripts, that brought the site together.

Could do that on a smaller scale, one or two projects maybe.

I'm up for a collaboration script. It may be harder to get participants in that than a regular OWC, though.

Will we all be writing parts of an anthology, or will they just be short scripts with a couple of authors?

All the heavily polarized bickering about OWC topics has left SimplyScripts deadlocked! With an Oct. 17th ad revenue ceiling fast approaching, will everyone be able to see eye to eye on the controversial new Script Club plan, or will partisan posturing drive SimplyScripts to economic catastrophe???

Quoted from Heretic All the heavily polarized bickering about OWC topics has left SimplyScripts deadlocked! With an Oct. 17th ad revenue ceiling fast approaching, will everyone be able to see eye to eye on the controversial new Script Club plan, or will partisan posturing drive SimplyScripts to economic catastrophe???

Maybe SimplyScripts needs a third-party candidate who can piss everyone else off so much that they'll realize working together is preferable to dealing with that idiot any longer...?

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Maybe SimplyScripts needs a third-party candidate who can piss everyone else off so much that they'll realize working together is preferable to dealing with that idiot any longer...?

Phil????

I'm up for the Script Club, just asked for help running it and no one answered. It takes a little effort (not much) to keep it going and on track.  

No Script Club for me.  Too busy with work (for a change).

It is a great thing, though, for those who've never participated.

Another idea to drive traffic to the site is Google Adwords, although this is for Don.