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Zack I know you just finished a feature, but if you want to write an entire new one I'm gonna try and start a feature OWC soon. That is, assuming Don gives the okay.
Maybe there's a regular OWC in the works too. I say the more Script Clubs, OWC's, etc... the better!
Zack I know you just finished a feature, but if you want to write an entire new one I'm gonna try and start a feature OWC soon. That is, assuming Don gives the okay.
Maybe there's a regular OWC in the works too. I say the more Script Clubs, OWC's, etc... the better!
Zack I know you just finished a feature, but if you want to write an entire new one I'm gonna try and start a feature OWC soon. That is, assuming Don gives the okay.
Maybe there's a regular OWC in the works too. I say the more Script Clubs, OWC's, etc... the better!
Hell yeah, Dude! Sounds cool to me. Looking forward to it!
And I agree! The more the better! I wouldn't mind getting another Scarefest together.
I sent Don an email about a feature one. But I could run a quickie instead. Hell, I could do both as long as it starts in March when I'll have a good stretch of free time. But two challenges might break Don.
I sent Don an email about a feature one. But I could run a quickie instead. Hell, I could do both as long as it starts in March when I'll have a good stretch of free time. But two challenges might break Don.
I sent Don an email about the quickie, too, James. Don’t really care who runs it but definitely let’s get something going.
I have never met Jeff, but somehow I have a feeling he's experienced. I'm sure he can get past the high school 15 seconds, but also have the reload time down to a millisecond.
As far as the potential feature challenge goes, my suggestion would be to make it something that might actually attract producers rather than making writers write something that fits into some shoehorn thing like the OWCs. My thinking here is that we actually want to see something produced rather than winning a mug type thing.
I have never met Jeff, but somehow I have a feeling he's experienced. I'm sure he can get past the high school 15 seconds, but also have the reload time down to a millisecond.
As far as the potential feature challenge goes, my suggestion would be to make it something that might actually attract producers rather than making writers write something that fits into some shoehorn thing like the OWCs. My thinking here is that we actually want to see something produced rather than winning a mug type thing.
Let's do a low-budget, minimal location, feature 7WC.
Some years back a filmmaker set the parameters for an OWC to fit his budget, available location...was that Scartissue?? I love that idea...to have a filmaker list possible locations, any interesting props they have available, maybe even specific male & female actors ages if he/she has people he works with. Just a thought.
Some years back a filmmaker set the parameters for an OWC to fit his budget, available location...was that Scartissue?? I love that idea...to have a filmaker list possible locations, any interesting props they have available, maybe even specific male & female actors ages if he/she has people he works with. Just a thought.
We have done a few of those. One of the 6WC was put together with what types of scripts were being requested most at Inktip at the time. Female lead thrillers. Two of those went on to be produced. Since I wasn't really writing much in 2019 I haven't kept up with the current demand, but if the ultimate goal is to sell something and/or be produced, it's probably a good idea to be in tune with what's in demand.
Longform TV is where all the action is at these days. What about a OWC to come up with a TV Bible for a new TV show around certain parameters instead of a script?
For more of my scripts, stories, produced movies and the ocassional blog, check out my new website. CLICK
Longform TV is where all the action is at these days. What about a OWC to come up with a TV Bible for a new TV show around certain parameters instead of a script?
I'm not against a TV show bible, but I know nothing about it, so wouldn't even know how to think around an idea like that. I know other people have tried their own TV pilots though.
Circling back to the original post: It seems hardly no one reads and reviews scripts on the boards here anymore unless its part of an OWC/7WC. That used to be the heart of the SS community. It was thriving. A shame its fallen away.
Things change, fair enough.
However, there is more "content" being produced now than ever which would suggest there are more screenwriters out there so I just wonder where do these people hang out online to share their work? As has been noted before, there really isn't another website like this.
I'm not against a TV show bible, but I know nothing about it, so wouldn't even know how to think around an idea like that. I know other people have tried their own TV pilots though.
Exactly. So what if one day you came up with a great idea for a TV show and because you had the opportunity to practice it on Simply Scripts, you knew what you were doing instead of being thrown in at the deep end?
It’s actually easier to do then write a TV pilot or feature. It’s an outline for a TV show. It doesn’t have to be huge either, you can do a great one in 5-6 pages.
For more of my scripts, stories, produced movies and the ocassional blog, check out my new website. CLICK
Circling back to the original post: It seems hardly no one reads and reviews scripts on the boards here anymore unless its part of an OWC/7WC. That used to be the heart of the SS community. It was thriving. A shame its fallen away.
Things change, fair enough.
However, there is more "content" being produced now than ever which would suggest there are more screenwriters out there so I just wonder where do these people hang out online to share their work? As has been noted before, there really isn't another website like this.
I can only speak personally but for me, there’s too many. There can be 30 new scripts in a week spread over quite a few different forums. I have little time to read and review scripts these days and I don’t see much in the way of interaction by newer members so I do what I can, when I can. The OWC is a focused sprint of reviews in one forum and that helps me.
For more of my scripts, stories, produced movies and the ocassional blog, check out my new website. CLICK
I can only speak personally but for me, there’s too many. There can be 30 new scripts in a week spread over quite a few different forums. I have little time to read and review scripts these days and I don’t see much in the way of interaction by newer members so I do what I can, when I can. The OWC is a focused sprint of reviews in one forum and that helps me.
Pretty much in the same boat. I only open scripts that catch my eye. Whether or not I actually finish the script totally depends on the writing and content in the script. If it doesn't grab me early, I'm out.
It seems hardly no one reads and reviews scripts on the boards here anymore unless its part of an OWC/7WC. That used to be the heart of the SS community. It was thriving. A shame its fallen away.
I'm currently reading two features and one novel for members.
I know what you mean though. That part of SS has definitely changed.
It seems hardly no one reads and reviews scripts on the boards here anymore unless its part of an OWC/7WC. That used to be the heart of the SS community. It was thriving. A shame its fallen away.
I remember when I came to the site 4 or so years ago I would literally read every single short that was posted to the board. I think I remember counting once and it was at 70 or so in a row. I remember when the setup of the board changed that it really effected how I used the site. That's not an issue anymore but I've definitely lost the drive to read everything that gets posted. I will generally read scripts that have great reviews, some kind of controversy attached or ones from the members I consider good friends.
Dave seems to be the only real constant when it comes to reviews, which is great for the newbs as his advice is worth following.
I can only speak personally but for me, there’s too many. There can be 30 new scripts in a week spread over quite a few different forums. I have little time to read and review scripts these days and I don’t see much in the way of interaction by newer members so I do what I can, when I can. The OWC is a focused sprint of reviews in one forum and that helps me.
Yeah, there are certainly no shortage of new scripts. I'm talking more about the (lack of) conversation around them. Why this newer culture of writers don't want to engage in a dialogue about their work. They just post it with no follow up or participation in the site. That is why I wondered if there are other sites where this is actually going on. Good point about the OWC though.
I think in the beginning, when I first came here 5 or so years ago, I was so gung ho about learning the craft and writing and reading, acceptance was key. By my peers here on SS, other writers, and participating. My goals then were different -- I wanted to hone my craft, get better in my own writing, and have my shorts produced. My goals have definitely changed. Almost no focus on shorts and, like Col, I do most exchanging by email with other writers. Mainly writers I have met here.
I still check the weekly list of new scripts, and generally look for scripts by folks I know. But back when, it was all so new and fun and I couldn't wait to dive in and participate. So, yeah, things have definitely changed for me, personally. There's less drama, too. We used to have member against member, arguments, fights, back and forth on threads that lasted all night long. I love those writers that refuse to accept constructive criticism, think their word is God's gift. It makes for good drama.
Maybe we've all gotten a bit more mature and, then again, so many old schoolers have left, moved on. I miss those people.
Haha, the great Baltis! Now there's a blast from the past.
I assumed he elevated to a higher, astral-like plane (think Hugh Jackman in "The Fountain") reserved for those truly exceptional minds, visionaries, trailblazers, geniuses, etc.
He's still here alright, it's just us normies cannot perceive him anymore.
Haha, the great Baltis! Now there's a blast from the past.
I assumed he elevated to a higher, astral-like plane (think Hugh Jackman in "The Fountain") reserved for those truly exceptional minds, visionaries, trailblazers, geniuses, etc.
He's still here alright, it's just us normies cannot perceive him anymore.
In some strange alternate dimension, Baltis is telling some poor writer that their script sucks goat nuts and porks chickens in the butt.
Omg you all were in the time of Baltis! I came after but managed to catch like a glimpse of him. And I thought he was fine. People said he changed before he disappeared. But he�s like a legend here.
Omg you all were in the time of Baltis! I came after but managed to catch like a glimpse of him. And I thought he was fine. People said he changed before he disappeared. But he�s like a legend here.
I came post-Baltis. I do recall hearing his name spoken in hushed tones, though.
Sure, everyone remembers Balt, but where would we be without Chris Halvorson??
Simply was founded on the tail end of the indie film boom and the spec script boom. Microbudgets of all genres had been playing in theatres to acclaim and financial success, while breakout writers like Shane Black and Joe Eszterhas were prominent icons of overnight success from original, gutsy approaches. The internet was a new and wildly democratized space where no-one knew your age or identity.
Flash forward twenty years, and corporate giants are doing their best to push anything less than perfectly safe out of the mainstream while screenwriting gurus ramble on about rules, structures, and systems to make your work look exactly like the currently-desired product. On Simply, lots of reviewers will similarly criticize formatting and aesthetic without attending to story, implicitly propelling the view that corporate-friendly craft should be a primary consideration for budding writers.
Film, writing for film, and online film forums held an excitement and appeal to amateurs and hobbyists then that is not the same now, when the barriers seem so different (and as the web itself has been tamed into a dull, homogenized, largely corporate space).
There don't seem to be as many colourful and talented characters like Balt coming around, but there also aren't nearly as many intrepid young amateurs and curious hobbyists. All are equally important in making Simply such a great place.
TL;DR -- "we can see her ass shining in the moonlight."
It's a strange world for us oldies. The Internet was a sudden, enormous, exciting freedom thrust upon the world. A Freedom, like you say, that somehow got largely taken away. For the younger ones who grew up with it, I suspect they don't even have an inclination of the freedom it once represented.
It's amazing, really, that the advent of the Internet along with super powerful cameras at a budget price has led not to a golden age of independent cinema, but to its near demise.
I've been here 15 years. Place definitely has changed.
I've sorta chocked it up to an influx of new members, a higher profile for SS as a place to be discovered and make things happen, and a greater priority placed on going professional. I've seen many posts here and there where folks have suggested they're a little more precious of their work and time compared to the old days, which I expect factors into more private script exchanges among people who know and trust each other and less people reviewing scripts regularly on the boards themselves.
The OWC has also changed drastically. Back in the day, everyone knew each other's work, so the anonymity factor seemed more for fun compared to these days where it seems the intended effect is to preserve the honesty and lack of bias in reviews. Plus there're tons more people involved, the challenges are harder, and there's way more commitment expected from the participants. As an observer, it seems like people take it way more seriously than they used to.
None of this is intended to be a criticism btw. I just figured I might throw out some personal observations from an old head. Plus the site's not the only thing that's changed over the years, as Chris has nicely illustrated above. The industry's changed, the Internet's changed, people change, etc. I've definitely changed. I don't even write anymore; I still show up because I know a decent chunk of people and want to see how they're doing, there're some engaging discussions from time to time, and the nostalgia factor.
Sure, everyone remembers Balt, but where would we be without Chris Halvorson??
Oh yeah, who could forget the great Chris Halvorson? But who remembers that Jackson Abernathy actually also contributed to that classic, Cannibal"?
Do we remember the writer, Andrew Senesac, or just his classic creation, entitled, "The Cabin: Episode one - Continuous Evil (originally named The Cabin Party)"?
Or, how about the greatly underappreciated Josh Bushman's, "Damn you Bruce!!!"?
And, let's not ever forget Donny Thirsty's pirate classic, "Estaban".
The impact these scripts have had on me is immense. I even wrote 2 OWC scripts using characters so artfully created by Halvorsen, Abernathy, and Senesac.
To this day, I still use the phrase, "Damn you, Bruce", and every time I do, my girlfriend, Teri, asks WTF I'm talking about. LOL.
These are some of the masters for sure and I can't thank them or Simply Scripts enough for being a part of my life.
Are you talking about the categorising of shorts by genre?
I am, yes. It really messed with how a used the site. I cant really recall what the issue was, but I do remember it changing the experience for me. I do realize it's better for producers though, so all good in the end.
I've been here since 2014 when I typed my very first FADE IN - and I think I did that wrong. I think I've reviewed about 30 features - mostly PM requests. I have noticed three general macro level changes since I joined.
OWC EXPLOITATION
OWCs do thing to be the only real comment generators here - although I grow increasingly pissed at the number of folks who enter and don't read/review. It's almost like eff you - I'll use the review resources of SS for my own purposes and a big eff off to everyone else. I'm also getting older and therefore crankier - so maybe that's it.
WRITER'S NOT RESPONDING
Seems like when I first joined writers almost always responded to comments on their scripts. Now, other than the regulars, it seems that they almost never respond.
Although I did recently chided from a writer who finally weighed in two years after my initial comment. I don't know what caused this change - but it does make me less interested in commenting.
WRITER'S NOT REALLY TRYING
Okay, again - this may be just me being cranky - but there seems to be an ever increasing frequency of new writers just winging it and slapping stuff on paper to see if it flies. Admittedly, when I started I needed a lot of help and got a lot of that help here but I did Google how to write a scene heading, how to use a transition, etc. etc. before just throwing up something on the site (kids these days!).
For me, one thing that would be nice is if there was a "written by" by field on the recent threads page. I almost always read scripts from peeps I know and hardly do now from peeps I don't. The written by field would help in identifying those up front.
OWCs do thing to be the only real comment generators here - although I grow increasingly pissed at the number of folks who enter and don't read/review. It's almost like eff you - I'll use the review resources of SS for my own purposes and a big eff off to everyone else. I'm also getting older and therefore crankier - so maybe that's it.
Not sure we can. Guess if it were me, I'd DQ anyone who didn't make a comment on at least half the scripts - but that would be suck an ass-ache for whoever is running it to keep track of.
Yeah, I do all my exchanging off the boards now. On that note, I'm still waiting for your feature
Still haven't finished it. I seem to have a hard time finding enough time to get my mind in the right place and then immerse myself in my script. I did finish yours today though. Will read my comments over tomorrow and email you.
I've been here since Sep 2005, so yeah, things have definitely changed. I'll go with Heretic's and Scar's explanation. As far as the OWC's goes, the complaints I read here are the same as they've always been. Bert started the thing about deleting your comments on the scripts where the writer never read in return after the reveal. Sounds pretty good to me.
There used to be more females here. I wish there were more. I think one reason there are so few compared to MP for example is that the tone and language can be a bit on the crude and harsh side. Dena left for that reason. How sad is that? Everyone likes Dena! Me? I used to deliver auto parts to the shady side of town. Not much you can do to me that I have not already seen or heard.
As far as Balt goes, does he now have cult status? If so, I'm gonna brag. I've read Frostbite! Have you?
It was supposed to be the best script ever!!! Definitely not a werewolf script. Won't share without permission though. IMO, when we share our scripts privately, it stays private. Lots of snow though.
It was supposed to be the best script ever!!! Definitely not a werewolf script. Won't share without permission though. IMO, when we share our scripts privately, it stays private. Lots of snow though.
Not a werewolf script??? What the Hell am I thinking of? I swear he wrote a werewolf script set in the snow.
Whatever, I do distinctly remember him talking about Frostbite. Guess I haven't read it, though. Lol
Yes, but did anyone read it and was it a masterpiece?
I tried to do some Google research since this guy was before my time. All I could find was that it made the 2012 PAGE Semis (didn't move on from there)
There's another Frostbite on this site written by: Jonathan Sieff
I can’t tell if you guys are being facetious about Baltis or not, but seems like he had some chops if he made Page semis.
He was a character. A very colorful person. He was like Jeff in some ways, but not at all in other ways. Very outspoken and almost Trump like in his belief in himself and his abilities as a writer. He was banned at least once at SS. He was a good writer though. In the "old" days, we did have some very colorful members. I can't remember all their names now, but those people, weird as they were kept the boards alive.
He was a character. A very colorful person. He was like Jeff in some ways, but not at all in other ways. Very outspoken and almost Trump like in his belief in himself and his abilities as a writer. He was banned at least once at SS. He was a good writer though. In the "old" days, we did have some very colorful members. I can't remember all their names now, but those people, weird as they were kept the boards alive.
Yeah, I came on board in 2013, and I remember a few of the 'older" crew. We need a few characters around here. Like seven more Jeff's.
Still haven't finished it. I seem to have a hard time finding enough time to get my mind in the right place and then immerse myself in my script. I did finish yours today though. Will read my comments over tomorrow and email you.
There used to be more females here. I wish there were more. I think one reason there are so few compared to MP for example is that the tone and language can be a bit on the crude and harsh side. Dena left for that reason. How sad is that? Everyone likes Dena! Me? I used to deliver auto parts to the shady side of town. Not much you can do to me that I have not already seen or heard.
It is a shame there are not more women here but is it because of crude/harsh language? Are women more sensitive to that than men? I'm not so sure, I think its a person-to-person thing, not gender specific. Other than a select few, people here are courteous/respectful.
In terms of receiving criticism, it's really down to the receiver and how you process it. We all risk getting our ego trampled on everytime we share our work, it's part of the deal. Negative criticism only affects me when I know it's true, in that I know they are right, it's undeniable. It might be the opposite for others.
Some people, when called out for being belligerent or rude about a script, will just say they are being honest. I've always believed it's possible to be totally "honest" without being an asshole. You can eviscerate a script and still remain a gentleman/lady about it. To those who are assholes, I find them easy to dismiss. They're often insecure about their lack of analytical skills so they resort to insults/swearing. That's on them. As I said, it's all about how you process it.
As far as Balt goes, does he now have cult status? If so, I'm gonna brag. I've read Frostbite! Have you?
Haha, I wrote a 10,000 word review and numerous think pieces about the much teased (but never posted) "Coffin Canyon" An epic, game changing work. His would-be magnum opus I reckon.
I can’t tell if you guys are being facetious about Baltis or not, but seems like he had some chops if he made Page semis.
Yeah he could definitely write. The only work I read of his was a 30 something page short called "Deliver Me Death" I think. A sort of trippy, horror western with a bar saloon as a kind of purgatory weigh station. Not too original in concept but I remember it had some colourful characters (Like the great Baltis himself) and was well written.
But yeah, as Pia said, Trump levels of vanity and a dab hand at withering reviews/retorts (mostly concerning bodily fluids and assorted viscera) Hence, his memorable-ness.
Plus, I always got a chuckle just out of the name: Baltis
The legendary Frostbite made it to the 2012 Page Semi finals and the 2013 Page Quarter Finals, so it did exist.
I read it. It was pretty good, but nothing really special. I gave him honest feedback on it which he said he appreciated. It's a monster story.
He wrote a longish short once that I remember better. I can't remember the title, but it was a about a troll under the bridge. Gruff maybe or something like that. I thought that one was really good.
Balt and I share the same birthday along with Blondie. He used to use Sophocles software and sent me a �key� so I could download it for free. Loved that software which unfortunately vanished suddenly off my laptop a few weeks back lol
He was funny in that if he liked you, he would communicate with you a bit then other times just be not there. Secretly he dug the quips about Frostbite. I used to incorporate it into some of the old OWC pissers lol. He would give really precise reviews too if he dug your script.
I don�t have his email anymore I don�t think I might see if he�s still on Facebook Hmm he is and quite a few recent posts are visible lol. He certainly hasn’t toned down his views on a wide range of topics. Mainly the PC rubbish that infects the world now lol I might message him!
Balt and I share the same birthday along with Blondie. He used to use Sophocles software and sent me a ‘key’ so I could download it for free. Loved that software which unfortunately vanished suddenly off my laptop a few weeks back lol
He also shared Sophocles with me. Awesome software.
There used to be more females here. I wish there were more. I think one reason there are so few compared to MP for example is that the tone and language can be a bit on the crude and harsh side. Dena left for that reason. How sad is that? Everyone likes Dena!
Lol I’d forgotten about this stuff Lib! Balt loved it too. Pia, ‘Gruff’ was the troll script you were thinking of. I recall reading Coffin Canyon by Balt too. Anyway I messaged him on FB (Lol Facebook not Frostbite) so we’ll see if he responds
Yep, you started the ball rolling on that one, Stevie.
Balt was kind enough to pass on Sophocles to me too and I've still got it on my old PC. It really was one of a kind.
It was bloody great! You can still find it on the net but it�s a pain to get going lol
I panicked when it shut down on my laptop as I was 40 pages into my new feature. Luckily I save the PDF as I go so I was able to cut and paste it into Celtx But it was touch and go lol
Always good to have backup, Stevie. Thank God, you did. That sinking feeling when you've lost a big chunk of your work is excruciating cause you can never duplicate what was.
Tell me about it Lib. This script is hopefully gonna be my big one It’s a great concept although quite big budget lol. Been labouring on it since August last year. I do get slack some days with being tired from night work, gaming, reading etc But I’m aiming for Easter to have it done.
Even cutting and pasting from the PDF was a chore but once I converted to rich text I could lob it onto Celtx. But I do miss Soph... it had such character
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