Love is in the air!

Welcome to the January/February 2019 OWC.  Your challenge, should you chose to partake, is to write a properly formatted script 5 - 10 pages, not including the title page.


Theme: Love/Romance

Genre: Rom-com

Challenge: Roses, chocolate and something red must be in the script. They should not be mere props in the background, but play some part, even if small.



There will be a Review Page E-mailed to you for you to score the scripts you read.  Please only give scores to scripts that you have read. Please do not rate scripts in your review.


Timeline:  Scripts are due February 1st at 11:59PM EST.

Scripts will be posted February 2nd.

Votes are due February 15th.

Scores will be posted Sunday February 17th.

This isn't a contest - it’s a challenge.  There are no official prizes, but stranger things have happened...

You may submit more than one script, but be aware that we have some seriously good writers here. IMO, it’s better to write one GREAT script than two or three mediocre ones. However, if you can pull it off, you’re welcome to.

You can revise your script as many times as you wish up until February 1st 11:59 EST. Do not put your real name on your script – this is an anonymous challenge.  However, please use your real name when submitting your script here https://www.simplyscripts.com/owc .  After the challenge closes you can either have your script removed or resubmit your script with your name on it.

Participants are strongly encouraged to read and comment/review the other scripts submitted.

Please put © on your title page.

Best of luck and I hope everyone enjoys this challenge.  

For those of you who don't like the subject matter or the genre. Try to think outside the box. Romance and love is not exclusive to a man and a woman, nor is it exclusive to a man/man or woman/woman love. I once wrote a script about a mime and a ventriloquist puppet, both male, who were in a relationship. It was produced too. Channel your creative side of your brains.  

If anything is going to challenge me its a rom-com. This is so far out of my comfort zone, but I'll put something up. I apologize in advance to all that subject themselves to it.

These should be fun to read.

Where's my funny hat? I might spend all my time looking for it.

Chris? Channeling Chris.

Sandra

I was in until I saw that it had to be properly formatted.

I kid, I kid.  I'm definitely interested -- glad to have a OWC to challenge us!!

Quoted from Grandma Bear Channel your creative side of your brains.

What the hell is that? All jokes aside, you're certainly putting the challenge back in this. Should be an interesting one.

Pia, Romantic dramady allowed?

I mean obviously no RomComs are outrageously funny and all scripts have drama elements, right?

I can't wait to read Warren's script!

Quoted from LC I can't wait to read Warren's script!

You need to set your expectations pretty low

Quoted from LC Pia, Romantic dramady allowed? I mean obviously no RomComs are outrageously funny and all scripts have drama elements, right? I can't wait to read Warren's script!

Romantic dramedy. Isn't that pretty close to rom-com?

Drama is conflict and is pivotal to all scripts regardless of genre. Which is why I'm sure Warren will do well because he understands this.

It feels like every Rom-Com I've seen follows the familiar pattern:

Boy Meets Girl
Boy Loses Girl
Boy Wins Girl Back

Obviously the roles can be reversed and there can be same sex rom-coms. Based on the above sequences, it seems like it has to have a happy ending.  However, would it be fair to say that we could do a Rom-Com with a unhappy ending, if it's in a comedic manner (kind of weird to think you could do that)?  

Gary, here's fifteen RomComs with unhappy endings.

https://hellogiggles.com/reviews-coverage/movies/movies-love-actually-depressing/

I think it comes down to writing something that resonates, touches us, humorous sometimes.

...

Haven't heard a peep out of Dave. This is right up his alley.

Two questions spring to mind for me:

1. How much comedy would you figure is needed to qualify as a comedy?

2. Do both sides need to see it as romantic (for example: a stalker might see a relationship as romantic, but the stalked might not...)?

It's simple, straightforward...and well outside my comfort zone.

Challenge accepted!

I'm all in!!!



Here comes that Romantic I was referring to awhile ago...until new Mod Libby made me erase a line.  HA!!!

Sounds like a good challenge to me.

Natural Born Killers is a rom-com, right?

This is my first attempt at writing a OWC. How does one submit their OWC script for reviews and scoring?

Quoted from Hank This is my first attempt at writing a OWC. How does one submit their OWC script for reviews and scoring?

https://www.simplyscripts.com/owc

Here's the link, Hank.

Pia has set out the details, page count, theme etc., on page 1 of this thread.
The countdown timer for deadline is also at the top of the discussion page.

You're not finished writing yet, are you?  

P.S. 'There will be a Review Page E-mailed to you for you to score the scripts you read.  Please only give scores to scripts that you have read. Please do not rate scripts in your review'.

Thanks. Yes, I recently finished about an hour ago. I began an outline of the short script yesterday morning and began writing the actual script immediately after the criteria was announced, and was able to apply around half of the outline to this challenge.

Btw, I just checked that link and the only genre option is Horror, Thriller, Suspense, Noir.

I don't think Romantic Horror is an option.  

Needs changing.  I'm sure Pia will get on it so best ignore that.

Okay,  Hank. I was just kidding that you'd written it already.

Be aware of this then:

You can revise your script as many times as you wish up until February 1st 11:59 EST.

I will probably do some revisions throughout the week if any new and worthwhile ideas pop into my head. At the moment I think my script is somewhat lacking in the comedic and also the romantic aspects of the challenge. Although I found it tough to create a cohesive short script when having a 5-10 page limit, but I enjoyed trying my darndest to accomplish that.

What a great OWC, Pia! Hope I can come up with something as I’m away on business all of next week. But I am off early today and all of tomorrow!

Rom-coms are my least favorite type of movies, so I googled and according to wikipedia, it's this.

Romantic comedy is a genre with light-hearted, humorous plotlines centered on romantic ideas, such as how true love is able to surmount most obstacles.

Well, this is gonna be tough.

Quick question, you said roses, chocolate, and something red must be a part of the plot. Can the red thing be a rose? Or is that cheating?

Zack

Quoted from LC Btw, I just checked that link and the only genre option is Horror, Thriller, Suspense, Noir. I don't think Romantic Horror is an option.   Needs changing.  I'm sure Pia will get on it so best ignore that.

I will get that updated...  

Quoted from Zack Well, this is gonna be tough. Quick question, you said roses, chocolate, and something red must be a part of the plot. Can the red thing be a rose? Or is that cheating? Zack

Exactly what I was thinking.

Quoted from Zack Quick question, you said roses, chocolate, and something red must be a part of the plot. Can the red thing be a rose? Or is that cheating?

Something else. It doesn't have to play a big part, just shouldn't be a background item like a red pillow on a couch or such.

Henb is done already?  Huh?  How does that work?

My advice...don't think you're done already.  Read it over out loud...over and over.

My advice to everyone else, bring your A Game, cuz The Kid is gonna be all over this one!

It took me five hours straight, though the first draft is now done.

Thanks for the advice, I will read it over. I have already read it over a couple times, and am sure there's room for improvement, I just don't know what revisions to make yet.

Quoted from Hank It took me five hours straight, though the first draft is now done. Thanks for the advice, I will read it over. I have already read it over a couple times, and am sure there's room for improvement, I just don't know what revisions to make yet.

Just make sure you get rid of all your orphans, because otherwise, no matter how good it is, you'll be disqualified.

lol  

Quoted from Gary in Houston Just make sure you get rid of all your orphans, because otherwise, no matter how good it is, you'll be disqualified.

Or at least tared and feathered in a very public setting!!

Debbie does Dallas is a rom com

I’ll be all over this RomCom thing as soon as I figure out how to write romance... or comedy.

Think the most recent one I watched was Killers.

Quoted from Hank This is my first attempt at writing a OWC. How does one submit their OWC script for reviews and scoring?

Remember, the scripts are posted anonymously. Don’t put your name on the title page when you submit it.

Thanks Rene. I thought of my pseudonym yesterday  

Way out my comfort zone. But I'm gonna try .

Got two separate ideas, both are pretty goofy.

Another question. Does it need to be a literal rose and chocolate? Or could it be metaphorical?

Zack

Rom-Com's are so not my thing but that would be the very best reason to attempt this as it would be a challenge. Alas, I have too many writing projects on with deadlines so I'll have to skip. I'll try to check out some of the entries though.

Quoted from Zack Got two separate ideas, both are pretty goofy. Another question. Does it need to be a literal rose and chocolate? Or could it be metaphorical? Zack

I think that "they should not be mere props" suggests they need to be the real deal.

Got my idea. This will be fun.

Quoted from ReneC I think that "they should not be mere props" suggests they need to be the real deal.

I could argue that it actually suggests the opposite, but you're probably right.

That's one idea in the trash, then. Probably for the best, as it would have been pretty effin' gross. Lol

Zack

Quoted from Gary in Houston Just make sure you get rid of all your orphans, because otherwise, no matter how good it is, you'll be disqualified.

There goes my idea about young love in the orphanage.

What's with the red stipulation? Easy enough to simply make a red box of chocolates and would that suffice? Or does the color need to be a plot point?

I'd hate to lose points in the judge's eyes because a color wasn't centrally focused on. And I know there are sticklers here who will if that's the case, lol.

Quoted from CameronD What's with the red stipulation? Easy enough to simply make a red box of chocolates and would that suffice? Or does the color need to be a plot point? I'd hate to lose points in the judge's eyes because a color wasn't centrally focused on. And I know there are sticklers here who will if that's the case, lol.

Blood.

Blood is red.

Just sayin'.

The genre that has gotten me into the mess I’m in today, if it wasn’t for rom-coms I probably wouldn’t have three kids XD

I love em, love love love, yup, but I also loved my sanity at one point.

Anywho, lets see if I can channel my inner romantic...who am I kidding I love Sleepless in Seattle so it shouldn’t be too hard!

Quoted from ReneC I think that "they should not be mere props" suggests they need to be the real deal. Got my idea. This will be fun.

also says: must play some part, even if small

or, something like that.

No problem for me, though, as my idea centers on a box of chocolates that falls in love with a dozen roses. (Oops. I may have said too much.)

Quoted from PKCardinal also says: must play some part, even if small or, something like that. No problem for me, though, as my idea centers on a box of chocolates that falls in love with a dozen roses. (Oops. I may have said too much.)

Oooooh, a polyamourous relationship! Or is it one chocolate for each rose?

I’m gonna skip this one too as I’m knee deep in two features at the moment.

Rom-coms ain’t my thing - I prolly have never even seen one lol - but I’ll try and read a few entries.

Quoted from irish eyes Debbie does Dallas is a rom com

Subtle difference, but I think that's actually a romp com.

I have the seed of an idea. This is tough.

Brutal.


The romance is hard enough.

The rom com genre is surprisingly tough... I'm realising why there are so few good comedies around.

With the extra elements as well, it's a very difficult challenge.

I can seem to think of several ideas that are good for a page or two, but 5-10 pages.... no.

I may have to double-space everything and have a ton of white space.

Quoted from Gary in Houston I can seem to think of several ideas that are good for a page or two, but 5-10 pages.... no. I may have to double-space everything and have a ton of white space.

Running into the same issue. Not sure how I'm gonna reach 5 pages with my idea. This is a tough one for sure.

Zack

I'm in, though it'll probably be last minute for me.

I don't mind som rom-coms. Some consider Silver Linings Playbook a rom com, although I never saw it that way. Say Anything is one of my favorite films.

I couldn't write a rom com to save my life.

Quoted from irish eyes Debbie does Dallas is a rom com

And he 50 shades flicks ---let us not forget...

This is an interesting challenge. Can’t wait to read what you ladies and gents come up with.

Gabe

And I have a completed script! Rom-com, I hate you.

Now to polish the hell out of this turd.

Whatever happens, I'm definitely in.

I was on vacation to Baku, Azerbaijan and on the tough time change right now. And, started school, yey, here in New York! I'm back to school - actually only taking a few design courses but this are the toughest for me as I don't sketch etc etc.

Anyway, can't do this one sadly. Good luck to all, I'll try to read some.

Quoted Text Easy enough to simply make a red box of chocolates and would that suffice? Or does the color need to be a plot point?

I believe the colour red has to be from something separate from both the roses and the chocolates. Not necessarily a plot point (though it could be), but an item that is utilized in the script at some point.

Very surprised at several things...

1)  That most are saying how difficult this is.

2)  That at least 2 writers are finished already, first draft or not.

3)  That numerous peeps are asking dumbass questions, when the challenge parameters are so clear.

Not at all surprised at a couple things...

1)  Stevie is out (again).

2)  That numerous peeps are asking dumbass questions, when the challenge parameters are so clear.

Best of luck to all.  I'll start thinking about this tomorrow or Tuesday.  No problem on the deadline.

Quoted from Dreamscale 3)  That numerous peeps are asking dumbass questions, when the challenge parameters are so clear.

What kind of dumbass question qualifies as a dumbass question? With that said, I'm in. I haven't written a short in about three years, so this should be an interesting one.

Oh my God. The moment I said I was not going to write I jinxed it. Since then I cannot stop thinking about it and the stupid ideas keep arriving.

I even forgot half of them thank God. But one I remember - an alien falling in love with the Superman when they met up in the air. Here I said it out loud. Good for me - now I can't write about it for the challenge.

So, stupid questions were asked?! I need to read the thread.

Who's asking dumbass questions? Please specify, Jeff.

Zack

Quoted from Zack Who's asking dumbass questions? Please specify, Jeff.

Well, I did. Lol.

Now, a question of personal taste which I'm curious of all people's opinions about. How dark and depressing can a romantic comedy get before the romance is no longer romantic and the comedy is no longer comedic?

I believe if there is at least one character that is without a doubt in love with someone or even to a degree something, then the script would qualify as romance, and I believe that everyone has their own preferences when it comes to comedy. I enjoy physical, surreal, dark, over-the-top, and silly comedy.

Count me among those having a difficult time with this challenge (sorry, Jeff). I actually find open challenges more difficult than ones with strict parameters and would say this challenge leans toward the open side of things. The roses and chocolates also throw me a little since they're essentially cliches of the subject matter and can't easily be inserted into a romantic comedy context without feeling contrived somehow. And yet of course they can, because the challenge doesn't stipulate how they're to be used other than that they should be used meaningfully, which is a no-brainer for any writer worth their salt. In that sense, it's a pretty thoughtful, effective challenge, and I'm making best efforts to participate.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Well, I did. Lol. Now, a question of personal taste which I'm curious of all people's opinions about. How dark and depressing can a romantic comedy get before the romance is no longer romantic and the comedy is no longer comedic?

Don't expect I need to tell you that this is entirely subjective. But I'll bite for the sake of discussion. I think once the primary aims of the story no longer appear to be romance and comedy, you could make a case that it is no longer a romantic comedy, even if perhaps it contains elements of romantic comedy. A simpler posit would be once the writer is no longer successful in their aims of romance and comedy, but that goes back to my initial comment that it's all subjective. Trying to be circumspect here.

My personal stance is that no such point exists. You can find romance and comedy in anything if you're savvy enough. I actually think there're tons of dark, depressing romantic comedies out there that are brilliant. I also prefer and even tend to seek out films with dark, depressing vibes generally speaking, so long as they're made sincerely and thoughtfully (sometimes the ones that aren't are fun too).

1st draft done. Had a few hours to kill while car was serviced at the dealership yesterday.

I've willingly written a rom-com for a the writer's challenge, Till Cake Do Us Part, and I think maybe that helped a little. https://www.simplyscripts.com/scripts/TILLCAKEDOUSPART.pdf

It's not so much the romance that is hard, but the comedy. And since that is so subjective it's tough to write. I'd say my current script is cute but not yet funny so I'll work on some lol moments the rest of the week.

Best of luck to all and let the funniest win!

Quoted Text Now, a question of personal taste which I'm curious of all people's opinions about. How dark and depressing can a romantic comedy get before the romance is no longer romantic and the comedy is no longer comedic?

Good question. IMO - as long as the script deals with love or romance and has some comedic tone (even if the humor is dark).

Just finished the revisions on my first draft. Also a turd, but I'm in!

Quoted Text 1. How much comedy would you figure is needed to qualify as a comedy? 2. Do both sides need to see it as romantic (for example: a stalker might see a relationship as romantic, but the stalked might not...)?

I would say considering the page limit, that if there are at least 2-3 really good funny moments found in each script, I would safely consider them comedy. In the case of the romantic side of things, I think that both (or however many) parties do not have to share feelings for each other.

Sean, to answer your question - in my opinion, genres are super subjective. I may find it depressing and the others will say it's light and funny. So, just go for it I'll say.

Hey, people, how about we let the challenge master decide this time? I for one would say a script doesn't fit the challenge only if it severely off and doesn't have something red or chocolates or if it's doesn't fit the page length requirement.

I could name more RomComs that are not rolling in the aisles stuff than are.
Something About Mary, for example, is a ComRom imho. Knocked Up genuinely cracked me up in spots but made me cringe in others.

Even Woody's material (Annie Hall) often just brings a smile of recognition with his acute observations.

If you make me quietly chuckle or smile at some point and I'm touched by the romantic element I'll be happy.

Kham has a point too. It's subjective, and dare I say the SS female audience may be impressed by stuff you guys roll your eyes at.

Now, has anyone heard from Dave?

Like I said, right up his alley and I'm looking forward to reading his entry, and Antthony's too!

My participation isn't looking so good at the moment. Really struggling with this one. I believe I have a clever idea, but I just can't seem to get it on the page. Whether I enter or not, i look forward to reading the entries.

Zack

Quoted from Dreamscale Very surprised at several things... 1)  That most are saying how difficult this is. 2)  That at least 2 writers are finished already, first draft or not.

Well considering I'm one of those that is finished a first draft, I will say that I found this incredibly difficult for many reasons. I hardly ever write comedy and I don't really enjoy writing it either. And romance that's just a whole other beast, that being said, it's a long weekend here in Australia so I spent almost 7 solid hours yesterday on that first draft, and about 2 hours today making it pretty.

At this point I don't hate it, so that's a start.

I'm concerned over asking a "dumb ass " question.  Yeah right!  Would like to submit a rewrite of an old script, retrofitted to meet , what I think are, the rom-com requirements.  Also it's only four pages.

If either of these  are  "out of bounds"  I'll forego.  Would still like to submit.  Exclude me from the challenge results if necessary.

thnx

Quoted from Zack My participation isn't looking so good at the moment. Really struggling with this one. I believe I have a clever idea, but I just can't seem to get it on the page. Whether I enter or not, i look forward to reading the entries. Zack

Zack, my brother...relax.  It's Sunday night.  Parameters were just released less than 48 hours ago!

To each their own how they write and it's why the world keeps turning, but for this Kid, I don't even intend on thinking about it yet.

I'll be in, and I'll read (at least some) of every single entry.  Personally, I really like the challenge!

Quoted from Dreamscale Zack, my brother...relax.  It's Sunday night.  Parameters were just released less than 48 hours ago!

You're probably right. Lol. Maybe it'll click for me in a day or two. Just need to let it cook a little in the oven.

Zack

Quoted from JakeJon Would like to submit a rewrite of an old script, retrofitted to meet , what I think are, the rom-com requirements.  Also it's only four pages. If either of these  are  "out of bounds"  I'll forego.  Would still like to submit.  Exclude me from the challenge results if necessary.

The challenge is to write a new script in one week...

5-10 pages. A  4 page script would simply not be posted for the challenge.

As far as the romcom stuff goes, this is what a romcom is according to wikipedia.

Romantic comedy is a genre with light-hearted, humorous plotlines centered on romantic ideas, such as how true love is able to surmount most obstacles. One dictionary definition is "a funny movie, play, or television program about a love story that ends happily". Wikipedia

Quoted from LC If you make me quietly chuckle or smile at some point and I'm touched by the romantic element I'll be happy. Now, has anyone heard from Dave?

If you quietly chuckle at how bad it is, that counts, right?

Dave has been unusually quiet on the boards all round.

First draft done.

No idea what I have.

At least it's an entry.

Quoted Text I'll read (at least some) of every single entry

I find the (at least some) part of your statement discouraging. They are going to be 10 pages at most. It should take less than ten minutes to read one. Then probably another five-to-fifteen minutes to write a review. I will be hoping to read and review every script submitted in their entirety. I don't find it that hard to commit to reading all of a script (especially a short), unless it is riddled with grammatical, spelling, formatting errors and, or is just too confusing.

Quoted from PKCardinal First draft done. No idea what I have. At least it's an entry.

Considering how dominant you've been over the course of the last few challenges, and just knowing your writing, I'd say it's safe to say you probably have a competitor.

Quoted from Hank I find the (at least some) part of your statement discouraging. They are going to be 10 pages at most. It should take less than ten minutes to read one. Then probably another five-to-fifteen minutes to write a review. I will be hoping to read and review every script submitted in their entirety. I don't find it that hard to commit to reading all of a script (especially a short), unless it is riddled with grammatical, spelling, formatting errors and, or is just too confusing.

This being your first OWC, you will quickly become accustomed to Jeff's... um... method?

Remember not to take any comments personally, people just have different ways of reviewing scripts.

Good advice from Warren for you there, Hank.

No matter the temptation to respond to your critics, try to bite your tongue.  Even overwhelmingly good scripts can get a: 'Nope, didn't do it for me.'

You can also review your own script as long as you don't inadvertently out yourself.

Quoted from Grandma Bear Romantic comedy is a genre with light-hearted, humorous plotlines centered on romantic ideas, such as how true love is able to surmount most obstacles... "a funny program... that ends happily".

Uh oh... Lol.

If I did enter this, I think I'd be sorely tempted (for the first time ever) to write a pisser. Proper Mills and Boon bad over the top romance buffoonery.

I'm in. Going to try and steal a few hours at work to secretly type this up.

Mine will most likely be lacking in the comedy element, but it is light hearted so we will see.

Good luck to all