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For me, if it's an attempt at comedy and a whistle is included in the script, it immediately gets the 5 points.
I don't care if it's not funny, and I definitely don't care if it's a pisser.
That's why I was so surprised to see so many did not meet criteria scores in round 1 from everyone. I expected a bit more leeway, but this is a learning process like last year.
Probably better than I expected. I reckon the biggest problem amateur comedy has, outside of Spoof/Parody, is its failure to create situations that are relatable to the experience of the reader/audience.
I read some of the pro comedies on this site before trying my hand at the script. The thing that stood out for me was that they open with stuff that everyone can relate to...Ace Ventura and a UPS guy delivering packages in a comedic way...we can all relate to the way fragile stuff is delivered, American Pie and the mother walking in on a teenagers bedroom habits. Even if you've not experienced it yourself, you can still relate to the awkwardness.
That's the biggest thing I would say the Pre Pro comedy writers miss: Grounding the story in relatable human experience.That's my two cents on the matter.
Good job all.
Personally, I'm inclined to say it's a 100% criteria pass on this one.
All good points, excellent observations. However, that's hard to do...a) in 72 hours, and b) in a sewer.
A pro script has been through many drafts and had feedback and development. I'm not in any way knocking the parameters. I just think readers have to go into it with a proper mindset. I think the last comedy I watched was a spoof about two convicts who escape from prison but are at each other's throat. Not sure how identifiable that is for too many people.
Early versions of many famous comedies are not very funny. There's a humorous concept at the core, and some characters with great potential, and it gets expanded on.
I'm not at all arguing Rick's point. It's a good one and I agree with it. I think the last two funny pro features I read was one of the Mean Moms scripts(it didn't get made) and The Heat(Melissa McCarthy). Both were funny scripts that did have relatable characters.
That's why I was so surprised to see so many did not meet criteria scores in round 1 from everyone. I expected a bit more leeway, but this is a learning process like last year.
I do think some writers were really hunting for reasons to dismiss. I think maybe next time if criteria could be ranked 1 thru 5 too. For example, I think dismissing a script because the bobblehead wasn't absolutely essential to the story is kind of harsh. It's easy to make a bobblehead prominent, but not easy to make it "essential". And in some stories it was essential to the point of making a serious story seem absurd.
I do think some writers were really hunting for reasons to dismiss. I think maybe next time if criteria could be ranked 1 thru 5 too. For example, I think dismissing a script because the bobblehead wasn't absolutely essential to the story is kind of harsh. It's easy to make a bobblehead prominent, but not easy to make it "essential". And in some stories it was essential to the point of making a serious story seem absurd.
If there's a next time for me and if this scoring format remains, that's at the top of my list of things to look into.
Agree on waiting until next round to change the parameters. And, I agree it's a good idea to do so. That said, if you change them for this round... please hurry. I don't want to have to go back and reread everything for a new scoring element.
I'm about a third of the way through the scripts. (Enjoying this round's scripts so far. A couple of standouts, and the rest are fun in their own ways.)
PaulKWrites.com
60 Feet Under - Low budget, contained thriller/Feature The Hand of God - Low budget, semi-contained thriller/Feature Wait Till Next Year - Disney-style family sports comedy/Feature
Many shorts available for production: comedy, thriller, drama, light horror
Kind of surprised at alot of the feedback, but then again, I'm sure most are "surprised" by my feedback.
Very little comedy in most of these, but many that actually do have comedy front and center aren't getting positive posts.
I really think most peeps here don't know what constitutes various genres, which is very strange.
5 more to go for me...I think I'll save mine for last. HA!!!
Have to say... my feedback is all over the place for these first two rounds. I'm hoping to tighten it up going forward, but for whatever reason I'm having a tough time getting a handle on things this go round.
I look at my scores... it's not the usual pattern I see for myself. Weird. Feels like a bigger spread than normal.
PaulKWrites.com
60 Feet Under - Low budget, contained thriller/Feature The Hand of God - Low budget, semi-contained thriller/Feature Wait Till Next Year - Disney-style family sports comedy/Feature
Many shorts available for production: comedy, thriller, drama, light horror