The October '14 One Week Challenge topic and genre are:

Topic: At sundown on October 31st the doorways to the Otherworld open, allowing the inhabitants to come into our world and also allowing humans to go to the Otherworld. Sunrise on November 1st, that door closes.

Genre: Horror Fantasy

Limitations: Only one character can have dialogue.  (Writer cannot use Voice Over, however the character can speak off camera.)


You have one week to write a screenplay between 6 to 10 pages. The screenplay must  be properly formatted (12 pt courier font) and in PDF format.  

The scripts are due on Friday, October 24th at 11:59 pm edt and must be submitted to SimplyScripts.com/owc.

There will be a Writer's Choice wherein the participants (and only the participants) will be asked to select one script he or she likes the best.



The Gist:

• 6 - 10 pages
  
• Properly formatted saved as a PDF file
  
• This isn't a contest there are no prizes
  
• Free to submit
  
• One entry per person/team (unless you think you try to slip one by me.)
  
• You can revise your script as many times as you wish up until 11:59 pm on 10/24.
  
• Participants are strongly encouraged to read and comment/review on the scripts submitted. If you are not a member of the discussion board, please contact me.
  
• Do not put your real name on your script. However, please use your real name when submitting your script. (After the challenge closes you can either have your script removed or resubmit with your script with your name on it.
  
• Please put (c) Copyright 2014 on your script
  

this is... cool.

I was going to write a script where all the characters would've been talking cats, but I guess I could do non-talking people.


Phil

I like the theme, should be interesting to read these in the end. Hopefully I can come up with something half-decent myself.

Good luck all.

Uhhh...only 1 character can have dialogue?  Like what...talking to himself?  Talking to others who can't respond?

Am I misreading something here?

So, only one character with dialogue. Additional character(s) can speak, but must be OS. Do I have that right?

Steve

Looks good.

Humans going to the otherworld.
Otherwordians coming here.

All in six to ten pages.
That alone begs challenge.

Grass is always greener...


Good luck, scream writers!

Also, is the other world actually called "Otherworld," or can we change the name of the other world to something else?

Quoted from Dreamscale Uhhh...only 1 character can have dialogue?  Like what...talking to himself?  Talking to others who can't respond? Am I misreading something here?

Quoted from SAC So, only one character with dialogue. Additional character(s) can speak, but must be OS. Do I have that right? Steve

Only one character can have dialogue.  In other words, only one character has a speaking role.   The character can talk to whomever or whatever he/she/it wishes.  However, those other characters cannot have dialogue in the script.  

Quoted from SAC Also, is the other world actually called "Otherworld," or can we change the name of the other world to something else?

You can call the Otherworld whatever you wish.

Thanks!

'Inhabitants' - sorry spelling police - can't help myself.

Retracted question. Asked and answered.

Sorry, in my defense it's early here and I just got up.

Quoted from LC 'Inhabitants' - sorry spelling police can't help myself.

I have no idea what you are talking about...  

Quoted from LC Okay, to be clear -  one character only is allowed to have dialogue in the entire script? ?? Sorry, in my defense it's early here and I just got up.

Correct.  Only one character can have dialogue... in the entire script - beginning, middle and end.

And, before anyone asks.  TV, radio, robots that speak, hand puppets that speak would be considered a character.  

- Don

I invited some friends of mine (besides SS peepers) over, hopefully we can have a New Writer turnout like we never seen before.

As to the OWC itself...I got just the thing.

BTW

Quoted Text Uhhh...only 1 character can have dialogue?  Like what...talking to himself?

I see hand puppets!
Yes the hand puppets from hell! (or at least one very evil Ventiloquist,)

And you (Don) answered/clarified it anyway, ta.

Quoted from Don I have no idea what you are talking about...   - Don

Hmm, time for some seriously rambling monologues.  

I guess one character talking with clones of himself would be cheating?  

Quoted from Ryan1 Hmm, time for some seriously rambling monologues.

Perhaps, but there are other ways to communicate. And, other ways to move a story along.

Quoted from Ryan1 I guess one character talking with clones of himself would be cheating?

Each clone would be considered a character. So, yes. That would not be within the limitations set out.

- Don

Thanks, Don.  You clarified it.  No more questions from me.

Being one that adores dialogue, this will be very tough for me.  On the other hand, for many, this will be a huge plus, as we won't have to read page after page of OTN dialogue or dialogue that sounds like it's coming from lobotomized characters in a 70's porno.



You get me?

Special bonus points for using that question at least 1 time in your script.

Quoted from Dreamscale You get me? Special bonus points for using that question at least 1 time in your script.

I'm making it the title!

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley I invited some friends of mine (besides SS peepers) over, hopefully we can have a New Writer turnout like we never seen before.

I think I'll do the same with some peeps from a filmmaker forum.

How much warning should I give them about the format Nazis?

Quoted from RayW I'm making it the title!

Triple points for using it as the title.

Quintuple points for also using it as your opening line.

10 times, not sure what the actual word is and don't feel like researching it, for also using it as your closing line.

Quoted from RayW I think I'll do the same with some peeps from a filmmaker forum. How much warning should I give them about the format Nazis?

Ultimate warnings!!!!!!

Is it safe to presume that the others characters can MOAN and GRUNT and make other noises?


Phil

Deal!

Sold!



Long live Write Club!

Quoted from dogglebe Is it safe to presume that the others characters can MOAN and GRUNT and make other noises? Phil

Demon sex!

Quoted from dogglebe Is it safe to presume that the others characters can MOAN and GRUNT and make other noises? Phil

If it is generic moaning and grunting that is fine, e.g.,

STEVEN walks by a pit of MOANING zombies.

- Don

Quoted from Dreamscale Thanks, Don.  You clarified it.  No more questions from me. Being one that adores dialogue, this will be very tough for me.  On the other hand, for many, this will be a huge plus, as we won't have to read page after page of OTN dialogue or dialogue that sounds like it's coming from lobotomized characters in a 70's porno. You get me? Special bonus points for using that question at least 1 time in your script.

I think there is still room in this for a dialogue between characters. It is all on how one pulls it off.  

- Don

Human centipede rewrite!  Only the doctor can talk!  Lol. Game set and match

Quoted from Don I think there is still room in this for a dialogue between characters. It is all on how one pulls it off.  - Don

The Don, I think you know how in past OWC's, I laugh at the redonkulous questions peeps spout, but I have to be honest in that your quote here leaves me more unclear than before.

If only 1 character can speak, other than grunts, groans, or sign languiage of some kind, there's no real "dialogue", other than the 1 character.

I may form a new language of grunts and groans and symbols.  

A query Don?

Is telepathic communication classed as dialogue? I guess it would be written in italics maybe( in novels they do that) and would still be in be in the dialogue space of a formatted script?

And hand signals are a form of communication too. Or morse code.  Or hand written signs. Hmmm


Jeff, every time you drink a bottle of Jagie you invent a new language. Mostly Swahili

Quoted from Dreamscale If only 1 character can speak, other than grunts, groans, or sign languiage of some kind, there's no real "dialogue", other than the 1 character. I may form a new language of grunts and groans and symbols.

It can be done, if that is the route you want to take. I do not want to sway anyone. Remind me after the challenge and I will give you my take on this.

- Don

Quoted from Don It can be done, if that is the route you want to take. I do not want to sway anyone. Remind me after the challenge and I will give you my take on this.- Don

OK, cool.  Thanks.

Quoted from stevie A query Don? Is telepathic communication classed as dialogue?

Depends on how you write it.

Quoted from stevie I guess it would be written in italics maybe( in novels they do that) and would still be in be in the dialogue space of a formatted script?

Written that way, that would be dialogue.

Quoted from stevie And hand signals are a form of communication too. Or morse code.  Or hand written signs. Hmmm Jeff, every time you drink a bottle of Jagie you invent a new language. Mostly Swahili

Depends on how you write it.

- Don

Quoted from Dreamscale If only 1 character can speak, other than grunts, groans, or sign languiage of some kind, there's no real "dialogue", other than the 1 character.

Consider something like this:

Code Censored until after the challenge       - Don

See?!
They're communicating!


++++ Don's edit  ++++


Ray has a great interpretation of the limitations, however, I want to censor this as I want everyone to come up with his/her own interpretation.   Once the challenge is over, I would very much like Ray to share his take.  Very clever.

Quoted from Don Ray has a great interpretation of the limitations, however, I want to censor this as I want everyone to come up with his/her own interpretation.

Hear, hear.

If your ideas are that good, then write them.

I've asked you not to do this in the past, Ray, but that goes for anyone.

Throwing out random ideas kind of "spoils" that idea for anyone else.  

Apologies, Don.

Bert, don't recall being asked to not do this in the past, but my memory's pretty shoddy.
Apologies to you, as well.

Quoted from RayW Apologies, Don. Bert, don't recall being asked to not do this in the past, but my memory's pretty shoddy. Apologies to you, as well.

Ray,

It's all good.  I hope you can wrap another 5 or so pages around your idea.

Don

I like the challenge - the idea came to me almost immediately. I wonder if it's a good thing though.

I'm not bothered about the no-dialogue thing... it's the portal to the underworld that bugs me. It's very specific. I'm going to have to think on this a while.

Ok, only one person can talk. Bit limiting but let's see. Reminds me of the gecko out of Tangled.

Otherworld.  Hummm. I assume the other world can be anything you like, just not as before. So if the lingerie department at Walmart Mart was your idea of another world, you could end up there...possibly.

Horror fantasy. Not comedy. Don't go there.

Oh and 10 pages.....not 12. Made that mistake before.

I have an early idea, but it's a bit dull. Time to think.

Quoted from Reef Dreamer Horror fantasy. Not comedy. Don't go there.

Wait, did it specifically state "can't be a comedy"? I think horror fantasy can be a comedy, it can be anything you want. Unless there's a rule written out for this OWC here.

Is there?

Quoted from khamanna Wait, did it specifically state "can't be a comedy"? I think horror fantasy can be a comedy, it can be anything you want. Unless there's a rule written out for this OWC here. Is there?

Horror Fantasy is the genre.

Not Horror Comedy Fantasy.


So..Horror with Fantastical elements.


Hellraiser, Mama, Evil Dead.

Quoted Text Horror is a genre which is intended to, or has the capacity to frighten, scare, or startle its readers by inducing feelings of horror and terror. Literary historian J. A. Cuddon has defined the horror story as "a piece of fiction in prose of variable length... which shocks or even frightens the reader, or perhaps induces a feeling of repulsion or loathing."[1] It creates an eerie and frightening atmosphere

Quoted Text Fantasy is a genre of fiction that commonly uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a primary plot element, theme, or setting. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic and magical creatures are common.

So...a story intended to scare, with a creepy, eerie and frightening atmosphere that probably takes place in a magical/supernatural setting with magical characters.


Apologies...I tend to be pedantic when it comes to genre in the OWCs. Phil always used to say you were to imagine a production company was asking you for something specific...genre for me is absolutely critical. If a Producer asks for a horror, and you send a comedy...it totally fails the challenge for me.

Rick

So.... Don't know if this is a silly question, but what exactly is the "otherworld"? Is it anything specific? Or can we give our own interpretation of what it is?

What about The Witches of Eastwick? It's a horror fantasy. And a comedy.

I'd prefer to hear from Don if comedies are out of the question

Witches of Eastwick would be primarily a comedy with fantasy elements and horror elements (though any horror elements are extremely thin on the ground, it's not scary in any way, nor designed to be).

A Comedy Fantasy Horror....if you will.


I'm happy for people to write what they want, but if that's the case, we should stop putting a genre up.

Hmm yep, I'm with Rick on this one and all due respect K, but I think comedy would likely result in too many pisstakes and the horror element being greatly diminished. It's too much of a mix imh.

Quoted from IamGlenn So.... Don't know if this is a silly question, but what exactly is the "otherworld"? Is it anything specific? Or can we give our own interpretation of what it is?

Glenn, I would think that's entirely up to your own interpretation. 'Otherworld' to me means the supernatural/fantasy element within the horror.

And, of course the Halloween element of this i.e., those dates, are supposedly when the dead come back from whatever realm they now inhabit.  Do a search on Halloween/Day of the Dead etc. and it'll be pretty clear what folklore says.

Have a look at this for starters:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Dead

Quoted from LC Hmm yep, I'm with Rick on this one and all due respect K, but I think comedy would likely result in too many pisstakes and the horror element being greatly diminished. It's too much of a mix imh.

About pisstakes:
I'm against pisstakes but to be fair there's no notion of them not being allowed. So, I think they'll crawl in. Unless Don puts it up there that pisstakes are not allowed I guess. Or is it in there and I missed it?
But if a pisstake states it's a pisstake I wouldn't mind it being in the pile. I'd just go around it when reading the entries.

Quoted from khamanna About pisstakes: I'm against pisstakes but to be fair there's no notion of them not being allowed. So, I think they'll crawl in. Unless Don puts it up there that pisstakes are not allowed I guess. Or is it in there and I missed it? But if a pisstake states it's a pisstake I wouldn't mind it being in the pile. I'd just go around it when reading the entries.

You're probably right there. Based on experience they tend to creep in anyway.

I still think horror/fantasy/comedy is one too many, but again that's up to the boss...

Well if you have the approval of the Don...

Time for Scoob to make his escape.

All the best,

Quoted from Scoob Well if you have the approval of the Don... Time for Scoob to make his escape. All the best,

There's no approval yet, Scoob. We'll know later, in couple hours - it's night in the US right now.

Quoted from khamanna There's no approval yet, Scoob. We'll know later, in couple hours - it's night in the US right now.

Um, I could be mistaken but I think they're talking about something else, K. ?? Anyway, I'll bow out of this one for now.

Khamanna,

My last two OWC entries both got slammed for having too much comedy in them.

My 2 pesos: keep the entry straight horror fantasy.

Quoted from LC Um, I could be mistaken but I think they're talking about something else, K. ?? Anyway, I'll bow out of this one for now.

Oh, okay, got it. That's funny))

Quoted from RayW Khamanna, My last two OWC entries both got slammed for having too much comedy in them. My 2 pesos: keep the entry straight horror fantasy.

Maybe I was not going to write a comedy. I like reading them and I don't mind them.

I think Horror Fantasy can be a comedy, drama, dramedy (whatever is the difference between the drama and the dramedy). But let's hear from Don.

First draft done.

I'vr seen plenty of horror films that were funny too. Just make sure you don't write a comedy with some horror.  

Maybe if I finished that mason jar of moonshine tonight, I'll come up with something.  Excellent OWC, btw!

"First draft done" dig this style. I'm going to try to come up with something - have an idea.

Have quite a few scripts to read though.

Man! I love life. Loving some October/Halloween. Digging this challenge.

I'm struggling with the "Otherworld" also.  I usually nix my first 10 ideas even if I like them. They're usually the most obvious. I'll sit on it a few days and write something at the last minute, as usual. LOL.

I simply try to think of an original concept in the first place. Instantly discounting anything that feels unoriginal. Sometimes it can take me a few days, but I'm fresh off writing a horror feature, so maybe that helped on this occasion. Plus I do like writing horror. Not usually one for the fantasy aspect (of any genre) but I can work with it when needs must.

Quoted from DustinBowcot I'm not bothered about the no-dialogue thing... it's the portal to the underworld that bugs me. It's very specific. I'm going to have to think on this a while.

Quoted from IamGlenn So.... Don't know if this is a silly question, but what exactly is the "otherworld"? Is it anything specific? Or can we give our own interpretation of what it is?

I used "the Otherworld" rather than "the underworld" specifically because it left room for interpretation.  

- Don

Don

Character can not use voice over? Not sure why when there is one one character, seems a bit too restrictive.

Anyway, I assume this still applies to his thoughts, reading something etc even though it is one voice and he is in the scene? It's not off screen.

If not let me know, as it may be helpful.

Cheers

Ps can the other world be the brain of my mother in law - it certainly seems like an other world sometimes . Also has a touch of horror and fantasy all mixed up.

Dustin - cocky bastard , I'm still lost in an idea conundrum vortex  >

well... to sound even cockier, I've started on a new feature too. I've never written an xmas script. Got an idea today and I'm running with it.

I have this trumpet. I'm not sure how to blow it. Can anyone give me a hand?

R

Quoted from Grandma Bear I'vr seen plenty of horror films that were funny too. Just make sure you don't write a comedy with some horror.

That makes sense - thanks Pia!

Think I have an idea.. Gonna start writing tomorrow hopefully.

Another couple of noob questions.. Why does the title have to be in capitals?
And...
Why do we not put our name as the writer on the title page?

Quoted from IamGlenn Why do we not put our name as the writer on the title page?

Well that's the fun part, Glenn. It's anonymous - least for the first week of reviewing. As a result reviews are done without prejudice - unless of course you can pick somebody's writing style.

Nobody knows who wrote what until the big reveal.  

Quoted from IamGlenn Think I have an idea.. Gonna start writing tomorrow hopefully. Another couple of noob questions.. Why does the title have to be in capitals?

Title in caps is just a screenwriting convention.  I'm not going to toss a script just because the title isn't in caps.  (I will toss the script if it begins with "We see...")

Quoted from IamGlenn And... Why do we not put our name as the writer on the title page?

This is so we can play, "Guess who wrote what," wherein writers try to guess who wrote what script.  This is also why a number of writers will publicly declare that they will not be participating and then turn around and write a script.  

However, when you submit, please use your real name and real email address. (If the email address bounces, I have to delete the script.  That is because if a BIG NAME producer with a WAD of CASH and a MOUND of cocaine wanted to make YOUR script and I couldn't get in touch with you that would be a shame (and a waste of a mound of coke).

Don

Quoted from Don (and a waste of a mound of coke). Don

Personally I prefer Pepsi.

R

I will not be participating this time.  Sorry.

Or...maybe I will be participating this time.  Sorry, as well.

Quoted from khamanna What about The Witches of Eastwick? It's a horror fantasy. And a comedy. I'd prefer to hear from Don if comedies are out of the question

What Pia said.  Namely,...

Quoted from Grandma Bear I've seen plenty of horror films that were funny too. Just make sure you don't write a comedy with some horror.

I see..
So I, and everyone else, will be totally anonymous until a week in?

Sounds like fun

Sounds good.  interested to see how folks work around the dialogue issue.  Time to put on the thinking hat and dig out the drinking boots...

To reiterate, for those who missed it earlier (and deletions may occur, as have a few this morning):

Quoted from Don I want to censor this as I want everyone to come up with his/her own interpretation...

Quoted from bert If your ideas are that good, then write them. Throwing out random ideas kind of "spoils" that idea for anyone else.

Discussion is great, but if you wish to impress with your cleverness, show us in your script....not here.

Personally, I interpret the topic's outline, as if there has to be a thematically reason why living terrestrial humans can meet characters who are not (whatever those are). So, the doorway is just a point that connects those parties. The doorway could be anything, a dream, a curse or sth. Still the events have to happen between sundown October 31st to sunrise on November 1st. Also it's legit to play at one of those sides only, otherworld or our world.

If I'm wrong with some or all points, and have to take the topic word for word, please correct me.


Anyway, when it comes to Horror, my problem is the ending. Horror, similar to the Action genre, works with very little meaning or message out of pure live-impression, entertainment, and art of course. I usually go with a kind of - after the script(film) experience, something we think about and take with us, sth. that works on a different level within the script.

To me, it's a very straight genre and the hardest with regards to endings. You just have tension, tension, tension; there's no other way to finish. Even irony at the end doesn't work so well.

I hope to serve something this time.

Good luck and have fun everybody.

While you lot have spent all this time yapping about writing, I've written one short and am 5 pages into a new feature.

So, should I say write on

or join, or nothing because you don't want to yap

I've written my short this morning. But the ending sucks. I think I take one scene from the outline...

I don't mind yapping... whether you me or anyone else. I'm simply pointing out how productive I've been while all this procrastination has been going on.

Glad to hear you've written yours already... so when you said this:

Quoted from PrussianMosby I hope to serve something this time.

It was an attempt at disinformation. Bit of a waste of time now though, eh.

Good luck. Hopefully you create something that is picked up and sold. That's what this game is about, after all.

Quoted from Don (I will toss the script if it begins with "We see...")

^^Helllloooo Pet Peeve.....   

By the way, while you guys were yammering away about writing I've done 5 loads of laundry, given myself a pedicure, made egg salad, had sex twice (both with multiple O's), ran to the store for milk and still had time to comment on these threads.

Quoted from DustinBowcot It was an attempt at disinformation. Bit of a waste of time now though, eh.

No, it wasn't meant that way. It was meant to convey that I want to make it better than I did with some of my OWC shorts.
Because,
I connect the term "to serve" to a certain kind of quality, and not in a way that I probably will submit something anyway.

Quoted from mmmarnie ...had sex twice (both with multiple O's)

You think I can have a few minutes of your partners time?

You know, just to ask what they might have in their playbook...

Shawn....><

Quoted from marniemi By the way, while you guys were yammering away about writing I've done 5 loads of laundry, given myself a pedicure, made egg salad, had sex twice (both with multiple O's), ran to the store for milk and still had time to comment on these threads.

Perhaps we should start a new thread on this? Just a suggestion.

Steve

I've got my story.

Game on.

Quoted from mmmarnie ^^Helllloooo Pet Peeve.....    By the way, while you guys were yammering away about writing I've done 5 loads of laundry, given myself a pedicure, made egg salad, had sex twice (both with multiple O's), ran to the store for milk and still had time to comment on these threads.

Damn, you're a prostitute who works in a Laundrette.

No wonder you write in your spare time!


PrayforMarnie!

Quoted from mmmarnie ^^Helllloooo Pet Peeve.....    By the way, while you guys were yammering away about writing I've done 5 loads of laundry, given myself a pedicure, made egg salad, had sex twice (both with multiple O's), ran to the store for milk and still had time to comment on these threads.

I yelled at the kids.
Got a headache.
Wondered why my wife was on a course today.
Poured myself a drink...now another
Got lost inside an idea that doesn't float for this challenge but won't leave my damn head.

Life is a riot in my house  

Marnie,

You're beautiful.  

Title: YOU GET ME?

FADE IN:

EXT. PORTAL - NIGHT
We see a pair of trolls, one tall, one short.

We hear the tall one pleading with the short.

TALL TROLL
(earnestly)
You get me?

FADE OUT:


I win.
Ya'll can just quit now.