This is a thread to discuss ideas for new collaborative games and rules.

What I'm trying to do with these games is to try and apply patterns and rules to a through line in order allow the authors complete creativity but encourage them to work with other authors ideas to produce a "story" about the through line.

In the killer a pattern is both the scene types CHARACTER and MURDER and how they are put together for the entire game.  For example in the killer game I was heavy on the CHARACTER in the beginning and then heavy on MURDER at the end.  The pattern looks something like this.

Character
Character
Character
Character
Murder
Character
Character
Character
Murder
Character
Character
Murder
Character
Character
Murder
Murder
Character
Murder
Murder
Character
Murder
Murder
Character
Murder
Murder
Murder
Murder
Murder

The rules are statements like "No moves before a murder".

The through line is "Only one survives"

I don't think it's a good idea to add plots.  Let the plot be discovered by all of us as we collaborate.  Some people like to have everything outlined first - some people don't.  It is easier for someone who likes to outline to work without one than it is for someone who works without an outline to work with one (IMHO).  

I think if we experiment with these patterns and rules we can find some magical combos.  This is very similar to how software is produced - I don't see any reason why this method could not be applied to screen plays.  

Thanks Michael. We need this.

Sandra

I truly don't have anything bad to say about our collaborative effort.  It is interesting, mildly funny, and obviously will have a lot of variation in writing style since so many are involved in bringing it to life...or is that death!

What I am personally trying to apply to my scenes is:
- where people are (based on the tracking sheet)
- based on the characters that are left I read through their initial description of themselves, so I can use things that they bring to the table for ideas
- I read through the last 2 posts and write down any significant "happenings" so that I can continue the story line, or create new ones from that point of origin

I'm not a huge outline person, but I have used outlines for other projects (book and articles) but not so much here.   I can understand why we truly can't do that, but it does require a certain amount of discipline to follow for some.

Personaly I am a pretty free spirit, with a twist for order...I can be a total mess...as long as it gets cleaned up at some point. *wiink*

I totally appreciate your leadership on this board Captain...and I mean that with all sincerity.   It is not easy to keep us all going in the same direction, as I am sure we are as diverse a group of writers as anyone has ever seen. (Live in different countries, have different time zones, different ages, different likes/dislikes, and different writing styles, etc)

Keep us on track our fine captain...I am definitely enjoying this!

Fantastic job!

So I'm guessing there's going to be another game but this time with different rules? I've really enjoyed your killer game Michael so hope these do become regular exercises.

When are you thinking of starting this game Michael?  And or how often?

Could be every quarter or after every OWC.

Let me know when you plan getting names for this new collaboration.  

If we're going to do another Killer game, can I submit a fun fair or theme park idea as the location.  And the setting is at night.

I truly do like this game and how it has turned out. I thought it was going to be tough to survive being that no one really knows me on here (I'm a lurker...I lurk around the message boards and post every blue moon then i lurk some more...all...shadowy lurking like.) which would have lead to an early death, but to my surprise i wasn't the first person to be killed off! I appreciate that indeed.

I think this project is working so well because of the various takes on the characters from everyone as well as our different writing styles. I think it would be interesting at the end of this game to see how everyone felt and discuss certain plot twists and how everyone else envisioned that happening, just to kind of get a feel for how the tiniest thing could have turned the script into an entirely new direction.

As far as the moderator status of Cornetto, I think his presence proved valuable. I viewed his posts as almost a checkpoint and a direction turner to keep us on track once we began to stray too far.

Also. as far as Bert the doctor goes. I don't know if we did this the first time around, but i think perhaps he can only revive a character during a certain point in the game..like...only after a certain number of people have been killed, to kind of throw a bigger  wrench into the way things were going and I did like that Bert killed himself after reviving, it kind of took that option off the plate and I enjoyed that. In a sense, though, Bert felt more like a moderator and a static character who existed for that sole purpose alone and everyone else feels dynamic and alive and ever changing and what not...i don't know if that made sense or not...I'm still a little drunk from the bar...

This is a great learning experience since its simple. Character and murder scenes. I'm going to apply this my script.

Oh, let me know for the next one. I'll be ready.

I was going to hold off on posting this but what the heck, I think we should discuss it anyway.  I really didn't want to bash the killer game to death by overplaying it and I wanted to try out this game technique with other genres.  So this is what I'm proposing we do next.  What do you think?

If you haven’t seen Death Race 2000 then you won't have a clue what this is about..        

Death Race SS

The object of the game is to win the race.  Winning the race will depend on how well you overcome your obstacles, meet your challenges, and on how well you entertain the reader.  You may score during the race as well, scores will be calculated and scorers will be ranked.  

This is a team game/exercise and it only has 9 players (4 drivers + 4 navigators + 1 announcer).  This game will depend heavily on voting from the readers and participation from the cast.

The game is divided into three acts plus a finale.  The acts are divided into three types of scenes – ANNOUNCE, REST, and RACE.  

Drivers

Drivers will be picked by the popular vote of anyone interested.  Voting will happen via PM.  Potential drivers will post their backgrounds in a thread and anyone who is interested may vote for that driver.  The drivers do not have to be anything like the author.  The 4 drivers with the highest vote will be the drivers for the game.

Navigators

After the Drivers are picked, then the navigators will be determined.  Potential navigators will post their backgrounds in a thread.  The navigators do not have to be anything like the author. The drivers only will vote via PM indicating, by preference, the four navigators they would choose.  Driver/Navigator teams will be determined from this vote.

Cars

The Driver/Navigator team will develop its car.  The description of the car and the team will be posted and a vote will be held to determine starting order.

Scenes

Scenes will be ordered something like the following.
ANNOUNCE
4 REST scenes
ANNOUNCE
4 RACE scenes
ANNOUNCE
4 REST scenes
(VOTE out one of the cars)
ANNOUNCE
4 RACE
(One of these four leaves the race)
3 REST scenes
(VOTE out one of the cars)
ANNOUNCE
3 RACE
(One of these two leaves the race)
2 REST scenes
(VOTE out one of the cars)
ANNOUNCE
2 RACE
(One of these two leaves the race and determines the winner)
ANNOUNCE
FINALE

ANNOUNCE scenes

These are the domain of the announcer character. They will be mocumentary comprised of media excerpts that assist in the main plot.  There may be one or more announcers.  If you want to do an announcer scene contact me.

REST scenes

These are plot driven scenes.  They will be written by the navigators. They happen in different locations along the race.  For example if the race were from New York to LA.  The first rest scenes would be in New York.  The next might be in Chicago, then Denver, then Las Vegas, then the FINALE in LA.

Before the rest scenes your opponent cars will be asked to give you one challenge each.  A challenge will be composed of some type of action that your characters must perform.  You must meet all your challenges.  Failure to meet challenges will results in deductions from your votes.  Meanwhile you should also be providing “story” for your characters to exist within.

RACE scenes

These are action driven.  They will be written by the drivers.  They happen between REST scenes and between locations. For example, New York to Chicago, Chicago to Denver, Denver to Las Vegas and Las Vegas to LA.  

Before the race scenes your opponent cars will be asked to give you one obstacle each.  You must encounter and resolve the obstacles on your way to your destination. Failure to resolve all of your obstacles will results in deductions from your votes. You can also score using normal Death Race scoring mechanisms. You can move your Driver/Navigator “story” forward as well.  

If you were voted out during the previous REST scenes then you may also receive instructions to remove your car from the race.  How you remove it is up to you. Once your car is removed from the race your team no longer writes scenes.

  

I've been approaching the game from many perspectives. I felt amused by working with the characters and toying with different "possible" scenarios.

It was a curiosity to me "why" these people might know each other and so my mind started inventing a connection through "The Agency" idea. And I thought that they were like puppets in many respects to some kind of energy that none of them had control over and this energy was fluctuating around the ship and was entering into different people causing them to kill or have distorted perceptions or whatever...

When Dana wrote the crystal scene, I thought she saved a part of Michael's broken soul and that (the broken soul) was the reason Michael couldn't remember the name of the person responsible for the SS Romero disaster.

I started thinking of Cornetto as the protagonist and Gabriel as a kind of antagonist, but not truly bad- more of a trickster- hence the power I gave him of "inducing laughter". I even toyed with the idea of giving other people latent powers of some sorts, but I was already whacking things out of the ordinary and that was enough.

My approach of the game wasn't actually to live, I guess I was thinking like Bert that way, I even toyed with the idea of suicide.

Well, we'll see how this turns out in the end. We do have a very "spirited" bunch here.

Sandra

Michael,

That is a great idea, i can tell that. Seriously. The only bad thing about it, if we can call it bad is that it has only 9 players. But i guess that makes it even more interesting.

Can't wait for it.

Also somewhere i wrote about a killer game in a spaceship, how about that. Of course i like the Death Race 2000 idea more.

Congrats on making cool things here.

Michael, will all this be within a given time frame and communicated through pm or email as this one? This seems more interesting due to the voting aspect. I'm brainstorming now. lol.

Sandra, this is simply a fun learning experience. Don't get bumped out about the characters and story. When you need to be bumped is when you write a script, lol. I should know...  

Not sure if this is very relevant or not but it seems to me that one of the things that have made the current game a success is the speed in which entries have been posted. When you first suggested this Michael I was expecting it turn into a yawn fest while waiting 2 days for each entry and seeing people getting bored rather quickly. I am really pleased how I was made to be so wrong on that.  

I do think one of the key things that have helped speed the game along is the fact that we have contributers on three different continents and 6 different time zones - Think i am right in that, 3 in the US, 2 in Aus and the UK  (although to be fair I seem to remember Newcastle was always about 10 years behind Redcar )

So we are easily getting a couple of posts a day as people wake-up or come home from work around the clock. It would be great to ensure that we keep this international flavour, I think it does certainly help.

Quoted from Murphy    (although to be fair I seem to remember Newcastle was always about 10 years behind Redcar )

Oooh, low blow Murphy. Low blow!

I was born in Swindon...where does that put me?

I'm in the sunny world of Phoenix, AZ.  Beautiful weather here these days...80's, warm, cool at night...stars - bright in the desert sky.  

Quoted from MBCgirl I was born in Swindon...where does that put me? I'm in the sunny world of Phoenix, AZ.  Beautiful weather here these days...80's, warm, cool at night...stars - bright in the desert sky.

I was born in Vancouver where Jordon is. Weather wise- very much like Seattle I think- quite a bit of rain, but very beautiful with the mountains and the ocean.

I'm very curious about this racing game, I haven't heard of Death race 2000, but I do remember the 1963 movie: It's a Mad Mad World. Is this the idea? Or are we talking about something serious like  a Night Rider kind of thing?

Sandra

Quoted from MBCgirl I was born in Swindon...where does that put me?

From someone who used to live in a village very near Swindon I can say with some authority that you have made the right choice.

Seen as everyone wants to get naked why don't we player a collaborative game of strip poker then!! Everybody will just have to trust each other on that - No web cams!!!

Quoted from Murphy Seen as everyone wants to get naked why don't we player a collaborative game of strip poker then!! Everybody will just have to trust each other on that - No web cams!!!

I've got an imagination that won't quit- especially when it comes to the "S" word. It's so lively that no web cams are needed- mind you...

So we have some good ideas for the next killer game.

- Fun Fair or Theme park
- Spaceship (Maybe Alien-esque)

Any others?  I'm not so sure about the spaceship because whatever we do we need to find a map to use.  I don't know that we'll find one of a spaceship but I suppose one of us could make one. Or maybe we could find one of the Alien ship.

I would like to have a killer game quarterly with some other game between them.  Different genres - like the Death Race suggestion.  This game technique lends itself well to ensemble pieces so we might even want to try a drama. Nashville comes to mind as a script that could very easily be created using this game.  Also mockumentaries like Best of Show would lend themselves to this approach.

What about sequels to existing ensemble type movies or TV shows? Characters already established, previous storylines to draw inspiration from etc..

We could do the Soprano's movie script!

Also there is of course the old classic English country house whodunit, essentially an online game of Cluedo (I think it might be called Clue in the US - someone help me out on that one).

It's called Clue in the US.  

Both of those are good suggestions.  I'm not too sure about the Sopranos because I don't watch it.  Plus I don't think it's really that structured.

Whatever we do it has to be something we can break up into a pattern and rules that can be followed.  

(I can't wait to change my avatar.)

Quoted from mcornetto I'm not too sure about the Sopranos because I don't watch it.

Coming off topic for a moment you could do a very lot worse than renting a box set, along with The West Wing it represents some of the best written television ever made.


Anyway, you did a great job with this current one I would trust you on whatever you went with.

Quoted from MBCgirl What I am personally trying to apply to my scenes is: - where people are (based on the tracking sheet) - based on the characters that are left I read through their initial description of themselves, so I can use things that they bring to the table for ideas - I read through the last 2 posts and write down any significant "happenings" so that I can continue the story line, or create new ones from that point of origin

I think this is a good approach but I would also like to add that you should treat your scene as a story. It should have a beginning, middle, and end.  It should have conflict and resolution.  That isn't to say that you shouldn't have cliffhangers or leave some things dangling for later scenes.  But your scene should be satisfying on it's own regardless of the rest of the script.

Quoted from Murphy Coming off topic for a moment you could do a very lot worse than renting a box set, along with The West Wing it represents some of the best written television ever made.

I don't watch the Sopranos because it reminds me of the people I grew up with.  Not the violence but the characters themselves.  I grew up in Northern New Jersey in an Italian family.  I know these people. I left New Jersey to get away from them and I'm not going to watch them on TV.

I might check out The West Wing though.

Just found this thread...interesting stuff.  Death Race 2000 sounds lik a good idea to me.  Maybe Naked Death Race 2000?

Quoted from mcornetto (I can't wait to change my avatar.)

Getting a little chilly maybe on the boat these days!

Quoted from mcornetto I think this is a good approach but I would also like to add that you should treat your scene as a story. It should have a beginning, middle, and end.  It should have conflict and resolution.  That isn't to say that you shouldn't have cliffhangers or leave some things dangling for later scenes.  But your scene should be satisfying on it's own regardless of the rest of the script.

Ah...good point to a beginner.  I will go back and read my parts and apply this. Thank you for that additional thought process.  I will make sure to include that with the next write.

I don't mind cliff hangers either and I think we have to have them in order to drive the story along...just like to tie things into the story...because sometimes I think about some of the stuff we have written and I think to myself, "I wonder what happened to that?"  Ya know?

Allegory here for that application: Puzzles are fun...they have a lot of pieces...but they all have a spot in the bigger picture.

Hmmmm...grew up in New Jersey...no wonder you ran away to Australia...most people head West! lol  Phoenix is full of transplants.

~m~

Quoted from mcornetto So we have some good ideas for the next killer game. - Fun Fair or Theme park - Spaceship (Maybe Alien-esque) Any others?

How about a Haunted Mansion, Castle or Hotel?  Maybe it's in the middle of being renovated and there are trinkets hidden in the walls etc...

I like that idea...lots and lots of possibilities!!!

Quoted from jayrex How about a Haunted Mansion, Castle or Hotel?  Maybe it's in the middle of being renovated and there are trinkets hidden in the walls etc...

I like this one Javier. It reminds me of Identity. Great movie.

Anyway i think we should focus on finishing the killer game we already have.

This is just for discussion

I like the haunted Castle idea.  

Another idea is a small town and I know just the place...every year they do a mystery weekend at the end of February.  People get all the clues and that leads them to the killer.  We could use this small island town and there is a map of the town so you would know where you are and where you are going.  

Plus, if we did it right...maybe they would take on our story and use it in 2010.  They do a lot of advertising in Seattle for this thing, but people come from all over the world.

Check out the website...it's a VERY COOL town.  

http://www.visitlangley.com

For the record...I'm getting a bit homesick.  I need to smell the ocean!
~m~

Quoted from MBCgirl Another idea is a small town and I know just the place...every year they do a mystery weekend at the end of February.  People get all the clues and that leads them to the killer.  We could use this small island town and there is a map of the town so you would know where you are and where you are going.

That's a good idea MBCgirl.

Here's the link to the map.

http://www.visitlangley.com/maps/

It's at the coast, pretty rural and can have any manor of old buildings lurking about.  Endless possibilities for creative license.

Quoted from GM although to be fair I seem to remember Newcastle was always about 10 years behind Redcar

I fell off my chair laughing when I read this! lol.

I'm a bit behind with this thread but there's some great ideas in here. Love the haunted house idea too. Not seen death race but it sounds cool although the rules a bit complicated.

Quoted from mcornetto I think this is a good approach but I would also like to add that you should treat your scene as a story. It should have a beginning, middle, and end.  It should have conflict and resolution.  That isn't to say that you shouldn't have cliffhangers or leave some things dangling for later scenes.  But your scene should be satisfying on it's own regardless of the rest of the script. I don't watch the Sopranos because it reminds me of the people I grew up with.  Not the violence but the characters themselves.  I grew up in Northern New Jersey in an Italian family.  I know these people. I left New Jersey to get away from them and I'm not going to watch them on TV. I might check out The West Wing though.

I do more reading since I watch very little TV, but your comments have me interested in checking out at least some of this series.

Sandra

Quoted from alffy Not seen death race but it sounds cool although the rules a bit complicated.

Not complicated.  Just a number of steps which I will guide everyone through.  Ultimately it will involve posting scenes - just like the killer game.  It's more collaborative than the killer game though and requires teamwork.  

If you have seen Death Race 2000 you would understand it a bit better - it just plays on that films structure.  

Quoted from MBCgirl This is just for discussion I like the haunted Castle idea.   Another idea is a small town and I know just the place...every year they do a mystery weekend at the end of February.  People get all the clues and that leads them to the killer.  We could use this small island town and there is a map of the town so you would know where you are and where you are going.   Plus, if we did it right...maybe they would take on our story and use it in 2010.  They do a lot of advertising in Seattle for this thing, but people come from all over the world. Check out the website...it's a VERY COOL town.   http://www.visitlangley.com For the record...I'm getting a bit homesick.  I need to smell the ocean! ~m~

I like your input here MBCgirl. Not only would the game idea be fun, but you're making it a strategic move as well and thinking ahead.

Sandra

I think let's finish S.S Craven first then we gather the ideas and have a thread where everyone of us could vote. No we won't vote for the USA president but for which game we will play next.

I don't know what you think about it.

Quoted from NiK I think let's finish S.S Craven first then we gather the ideas and have a thread where everyone of us could vote. No we won't vote for the USA president but for which game we will play next. I don't know what you think about it.

I think that's an excellent idea!

Sandra

I don't think there is any harm in floating ideas around while we're waiting for the game to finish.  I'm keeping an eye on the game and I'm not going to let you forget about it.

I like the haunted house as a setting for a killer game - it would be something like The Haunting or Rose Red.

I like the idea of using a town but I'm not sure how well a traditional mystery would lend itself to this technique.  Everyone would be sending out red herrings right and left and there wouldn't be any satisfaction in finding out who-dunnit.  If we picked a person to represent the killer then the game is up once that person is discovered.  Though maybe not.  I'd have to think about how we might structure something like that.  It would certainly require a bit of planning on our parts to pull it off well.

Much better if a corpse is discovered and several people in the town have a reason to be the murderer.  Accusations fly and the town in thrown into climate of fear and paranoia.  Dark secrets are uncovered as the towns temper boils. Then the murderer is revealed.



    

Quoted from mcornetto I like the haunted house as a setting for a killer game - it would be something like The Haunting or Rose Red. I like the idea of using a town but I'm not sure how well a traditional mystery would lend itself to this technique.  Everyone would be sending out red herrings right and left and there wouldn't be any satisfaction in finding out who-dunnit.  If we picked a person to represent the killer then the game is up once that person is discovered.  Though maybe not.  I'd have to think about how we might structure something like that.  It would certainly require a bit of planning on our parts to pull it off well. Much better if a corpse is discovered and several people in the town have a reason to be the murderer.  Accusations fly and the town in thrown into climate of fear and paranoia.  Dark secrets are uncovered as the towns temper boils. Then the murderer is revealed.

Can I just say....NEVER put your clothes on again!   Who the hell is that guy on your avitar?

With regard to the town...I think that is a version that they do...the killing has already happened, but they don't know who the killer was, but as you mentioned...they are all suspect.  Small towns are famous for dirty little secrets.

I'm in marketing and was a disc jockey in the Seattle area for 13 years so I could probably get more of the rules and thoughts of what they like to see....twist a few arms.  Anyway...it's something to think about...and just think if there were actually people who became our characters and got the clues we gave   It could be loads of fun.

Whichever way it goes...I'm happy no matter what we do...loads to learn and experience.

~m~

Quoted from mcornetto I like the haunted house as a setting for a killer game - it would be something like The Haunting or Rose Red. I like the idea of using a town but I'm not sure how well a traditional mystery would lend itself to this technique.  Everyone would be sending out red herrings right and left and there wouldn't be any satisfaction in finding out who-dunnit.  If we picked a person to represent the killer then the game is up once that person is discovered.  Though maybe not.  I'd have to think about how we might structure something like that.  It would certainly require a bit of planning on our parts to pull it off well. Much better if a corpse is discovered and several people in the town have a reason to be the murderer.  Accusations fly and the town in thrown into climate of fear and paranoia.  Dark secrets are uncovered as the towns temper boils. Then the murderer is revealed.

I'm glad someone is thinking about the technical side of things. Last night, I called out in a dream (no shit!)

I NEED A MAN!!!!

Because I couldn't fix a bicycle wheel! And I really am that inept when it comes to fixing things...

When "The Man" showed up:

Ooooh -- now that was heaven!!!

Sandra

Perhaps a all inclusive resort on a small private island accessible only by boat?

Quoted from Orange Perhaps a all inclusive resort on a small private island accessible only by boat?

Look like LOST the series.

I consider Death Race and the Haunted House for our next game would be the pretenders.

Does lost have shuffleboard? i think not!

Langley is a resort town on an island   

I think the haunted house or castle sounds the easiest to navigate...and get a floor plan of.

All in all...what ever we do...it will be a lot of fun!

~m~

Quoted from mcornetto A corpse is discovered and several people in the town have a reason to be the murderer.  Accusations fly and the town in thrown into climate of fear and paranoia.  Dark secrets are uncovered as the towns temper boils. Then the murderer is revealed.

This idea has really grown on me and I'm thinking about this for the next game.  But I need some kind of scoring angle.  Some way to win.  Any suggestions?

Quoted from mcornetto This idea has really grown on me and I'm thinking about this for the next game.  But I need some kind of scoring angle.  Some way to win.  Any suggestions?

We might possibly have to set up a certain amount of fixed clues that will have to be written into scenes...these clues are linked to either towns people or secrets that lead to the killer...they would have to be dolled out throught the tale.

Not sure how we would score that...but if all the clues together made it obvious who the guilty character killer was, then it would be up to each writer to stay on top of the clues given in order to come up with the killer.

I've never written anything like this, so I'm not sure if I am way out in left field...but if we can discuss it a little more...my creative wheels will begin to turn a lot faster.   Right now I have a headache...I'm in a room that is being painted and it is getting to me   lol

~m~

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=.....mp;lci=lmc:panoramio

In case we decide to go this route...Here is a link to an ariel map for Langley...I have a call in to the Chamber to see if they have a drawn map of the stores that we can use.  There is also a wonderful wharf with a small marina.  My daughter used to work there and it had the most colorful owner...old Barney, a grumpy old man who smoked cigars.  There is a big fair there every August and a huge arts festival that takes over the main street of town every year as well...it has a little earthly, eclectic "hippy" personality   It's colorful...and beautiful and one of the best hotel listed is the Inn at Langley.  The store names are cool too: The Star Store, Mike's Place, The Dog House, The Star Bistro... It has the most beautiful sunsets, and drizzly days, seaguls and whales and seals...

Please don't feel like we have to use any of this...just thought I would try to sell it a little better.

I have to get home soon! Missing it!

Another possible idea is a monster attack/survival horror scenario, something like Dawn or Day of the dead, where we have a group of people holed up in a place, Mall/Bunker/Town/whatever, and tensions are rising, supplies are low, but help is on the way.  A helicopter is due to fly in and rescue our survivor(s) in X-days (or X-posts/turns), maybe from another location though, and our survivors must band together to make it to that location? Though some may have their own agendas.

We could have the CHARACTER AND KILL scenes, but also EVENT scenes (I guess these would preceed the KILL scenes).  This would be where someone, maybe mcornetto (or we could just take it in turns to create an event), throws a random event at us, for example our supplies are low and a small group of us must venture out into the danger zone to acquire more.  The person who created the event, also chooses which characters the event involves, but it would be up to the next poster to decide how that event pans out.  For the purpose of objectivity the poster should be someone whose character is not invovled in the scene.

I dunno, just another possible idea... Probably needs more thought.

That's an interesting suggestion too, Yohn.  A survival story strung together by EVENTS.  That's kind of the same structure as the Death Race one only that one uses ANNOUNCE.   I like the idea of EVENTS and of that scene deciding who is involved in the next scenes.  One could really control the flow of the story using that scene.

For that matter something like that could be applied to any disaster movie as well.  

Good stuff!  The next game is going to be very interesting - whatever scenario we play.    

There are so many great ideas here, i'm curious to see which one we will get into.

Michael are we going to vote ?

I think we should vote.  All ideas sound good to me.  I think the easiest in terms of possible success woud be the haunted house/castle, but again, I haven't heard a single idea that I don't like.

Ok i got an idea.

The game will based on a hospital, a "weird" hospital. There we could divide into groups the patients and the doctors.

Imagine all the weird people that could be there.

The haunted house can be mixed in with the survival theme.

That is my least favorite idea, Nik...sorry.

Quoted from Dreamscale That is my least favorite idea, Nik...sorry.

No problem.

Anyway if we'd go for a vote i know who to give my vote to.

I was thinking something like the idea Yohn mentioned but his is a lot more thought out than mine would have been, I think that is one of the better ideas for the next game.

Wherever the setting...it will be an interesting tale...

It would be killer to really come up with something unique...because much of what we throw out there has been done...especially the zombie/being hold up in a mall or other place...trying to get to another place...but hey!  People LOVE zombie movies!

If it had an interesting backstory...it could be very cool.  Maybe one that was laid out as a simple outline so we didn't get too far off our mark.

Maybe it could be a world, within a world...whatever we choose...

Here's my marketing brain coming into play...and it could possibly beef up this site too in the process, bringing new people to the site...is to send out a press release about the uniqueness of our exercise...and what we are writing.  The very fact that we come from different countries, we have never met, we represent a broad age demographically, we are male and female, etc., etc...maybe someone would take note...you never know!  If nothing else it would draw attention to this wonderful site and what it offers writers. It's the ultimate "writing game"

Of course we would need permission from our fabulous Don. *wink

We all have resources and contacts...and I'm ready for 2009 to be a BIG year! lol

And if not with this exercise...then maybe when we feel we have it together!

There is so much to explore here...but it's exciting and there is loads to think about!

~m~

Quoted from MBCgirl Wherever the setting...it will be an interesting tale... It would be killer to really come up with something unique...because much of what we throw out there has been done...especially the zombie/being hold up in a mall or other place...trying to get to another place...but hey!  People LOVE zombie movies! If it had an interesting backstory...it could be very cool.  Maybe one that was laid out as a simple outline so we didn't get too far off our mark. Maybe it could be a world, within a world...whatever we choose... Here's my marketing brain coming into play...and it could possibly beef up this site too in the process, bringing new people to the site...is to send out a press release about the uniqueness of our exercise...and what we are writing.  The very fact that we come from different countries, we have never met, we represent a broad age demographically, we are male and female, etc., etc...maybe someone would take note...you never know!  If nothing else it would draw attention to this wonderful site and what it offers writers. It's the ultimate "writing game" Of course we would need permission from our fabulous Don. *wink We all have resources and contacts...and I'm ready for 2009 to be a BIG year! lol And if not with this exercise...then maybe when we feel we have it together! There is so much to explore here...but it's exciting and there is loads to think about! ~m~

I love your thinking Morgon!!! The skie's the limit!

Sandra

I think we aren't quite ready to tell the world about this.  Give it a couple more tries and maybe then.  Of course if we can produce a marketable script using this technique then we have something to really brag about...

At the moment, I think it's best if we stick close to movies that we know - simply because it's easier to communicate something that's known to a group. If we can say it's like Dawn of the Dead or it's like Death Race 2000 then everyone can visualise it and we'll end up with better results.

Unfortunately, there is a limit to what we can do.  The stories need to fit the technique.  Gaming aside, it lends itself best to ensemble pieces.  If we try to do a single storyline sort of story, it won't work because everyone will be all over the place.  So we have to stick to concepts that can handle more than one story line.  For example: We could not do something like 'I am Legend'.

Since I'm hosting these games and I'm trying to develop this technique I'd like to skip the vote on what we do next - at least for the first few tries.   This will allow me to choose what I think is the best trial for changes to our methods.  Everyone ok with that?  That isn't to say that I won't consider your comments on what you think we should do next and that isn't to say that we won't incorporate voting into the games.

Cheers,

Michael

We are definitely not ready to tell the world!  Abolutely not.

Go with what you think will work the best, Michael.  I for one trust your judgement.

I'm down for anything, Michael. I'm starting to see my skills slowly improving because of this.

I'm completely down with whatever you chose.

There has to be a leader for this decision...and I'm glad it's you Captain.

I say we write and get better at what we are doing for sure before we announce it to the world...but when we get there...It Could Go All The Way!"  (thank you Boomer  for that well known line )

The cool part is we learn to write collaboratively in the process of having a lot of fun writing and developing our skills.

Nothing wrong with "dreaming a little dream."  

~m~

yes learning. Learning is always a good thing.

I think we should all watch the movie that we are going to pattern after. As I mentioned before, I'm not a big television watcher- I do watch movies, but I'm not the movie buff that some of you are. I'm more of a reader; so I think that by all of us watching, "said" movie, it will help to give us an idea of where we want to be.

There have been so many good ideas in this thread. Did someone mention an amusement park idea before? How about this premise:

A killer has chosen an amusement park for his workplace, but the park manager's determined to keep the park open and the rides going.

Sandra

Nothing wrong with learning (or dreaming as Sandra would tell you).  And thanks for the support guys and girls.  But you know, it doesn't happen without you all participating so thanks for that too.  

I'm leaning toward the survival story at the moment because it lends itself nicely toward a game.  But rather than zombies - which are overused - we might pick some other foe. Not sure what yet.  Any suggestions?

And also since we are very near the end of Killer.  I'd like to ask you all:

What sort of information helped on your turn?
What information didn't you use?  
What extra information would you have liked to use if it was available?
Is there any particular rules you would like to see added in the next game?

Cheers,

Michael

No zombies? Okay, how about a militia of some sort? or perhaps some sort of alien life form?

Alien life forms is a pretty easy way out since we could come up with pretty much anything and call it alien. What about something like a plague of rats.  Rats are creepy and they can do varied sorts of things to get rid of people.

The important thing is that we want to try and keep the tone serious this time.

Quoted from mcornetto Nothing wrong with learning (or dreaming as Sandra would tell you).  And thanks for the support guys and girls.  But you know, it doesn't happen without you all participating so thanks for that too.   I'm leaning toward the survival story at the moment because it lends itself nicely toward a game.  But rather than zombies - which are overused - we might pick some other foe. Not sure what yet.  Any suggestions? And also since we are very near the end of Killer.  I'd like to ask you all: What sort of information helped on your turn? What information didn't you use?   What extra information would you have liked to use if it was available? Is there any particular rules you would like to see added in the next game? Cheers, Michael

I'm going to jump in here   

First, as I mentioned earlier, when doing a collaborative project it is important that we utilize pieces from each of the scenes written before us...tying things together.

For instance...when people work together on a project they round table ideas and work out character development to advance the story.

I know it's hard to do this sometimes, but we need to discipline ourselves to keep the structure going while advancing the screenplay.  

In some cases, while I like the writing, the story went way out in left field so it was impossible to tie some of it back in.

If I watch a movie and I have to ask myself...why was that in there, it never got answered...then it probably shouldn't be in there in the first place.

I realize that's not gong to be a popular comment, but I'm thinking of how we can learn to write and develop our skills.  I hate to say it, but boundaries exist in the universe for a reason, and they do in almost every aspect of life.

Allegory:  A body has a skeletal frame work...that is the framework for the rest of the body, which from person to person is so very unique.  We look different, have different mannerisms, but we all have a structure, a framework.

I think writing together like this is a true challenge and extremely good for all of us.

I utilized the ship layout, and the scenes written before me...I liked having this information to draw from.

So secondly...I think it would be cool, as the moderator, if you not only told us what type of scene we were writing, but perhaps the characters we are to develop, and to keep things moving in a "connected" direction, an objective of the scene that must be carried out.  That way there would be more control as to where the story line went.

I know...I know...some aren't going to like that either, they think that's too much structure...but I believe it provides a bigger challenge, rather than crushing our creativity.

If you don't like that...then here's how we can get around having too much structure...I think the moderator should pre-read before posting...as we had guidlines and rules to follow and we didn't succeed at times.

I totally appreciate everyone here...all those who have contributed...so don't read anything into this, other than I want us to get better and better!  Learning to write with one or two others is challenge enough...let alone 10 or more.

Keep the words flowing!

Quoted from mcornetto Alien life forms is a pretty easy way out since we could come up with pretty much anything and call it alien. What about something like a plague of rats.  Rats are creepy and they can do varied sorts of things to get rid of people. The important thing is that we want to try and keep the tone serious this time.

That's funny, considering I'm writing a screenplay about pretty much that same thing. Infected rats tormenting a small island and its survivors trying to...well, survive.

we could probably do something like dogs. I think dogs would work better because they travel in packs and most people can't really outrun a dog. Rats like...they would probably go about their own business, but infected dogs...those are vicious. Also, depending on teh city, there could be a lot of stray dogs, in addition to like..house pets...

Both rats and dogs have been done to death, and the majority of those movies they populate are downright TERRIBLE!!!!

Not be sound like an ass or be difficult, but I think we can do alot better.

I'm thinking...if we want to go in a semi-serious situation, we should allow for nature to be the problem.  For instance, if we're in the woods, there are lots of potential trouble.  Or, the Aussie outback.  Or the mountains.  I don't know, I'm more of a semi-serious sort of situational guy.  Let's not limit the possibilities.

It all depends on where we are and what's potentially out there.  You know?

Whatever it turns out to be, as our resident orange one said, "I'm down with it"!

Quoted from Dreamscale Not be sound like an ass or be difficult, but I think we can do alot better.

Monkeys.  Monkeys are the answer.

Good stuff!

Quoted from MBCgirl For instance...when people work together on a project they round table ideas and work out character development to advance the story.

That's what the backgrounds are about.  They are the characters. If you want to work out background with other characters you are always encouraged to do so.  

In certain situations you may want to work out the entire story with another character.  I would discourage you from doing this.  Part of the benefit of the collaboration stuff is to let go of your control of the story.  Be flexible enough to be able to take the story in other directions based on other peoples ideas and not try to bend them to your own.  This is very hard for some people to do and it is the most valuable thing you can learn from doing these excercises.

Quoted from MBCgirl I know it's hard to do this sometimes, but we need to discipline ourselves to keep the structure going while advancing the screenplay.   Allegory:  A body has a skeletal frame work...that is the framework for the rest of the body, which from person to person is so very unique.  We look different, have different mannerisms, but we all have a structure, a framework.

This is what the  patterns are about.  You shouldn't have to really think about this too much.  Maybe think about what act we are in, but if you find yourself thinking about it too much then I haven't set up the patterns correctly.  You should just be writing your scene of the type requested.  We can have as many types as we want and they can have stricter rules than I gave the scenes in the killer game.  For instance, I loved the EVENT scene suggestion and we will be using that in the next game.

Quoted from MBCgirl In some cases, while I like the writing, the story went way out in left field so it was impossible to tie some of it back in. I realize that's not gong to be a popular comment, but I'm thinking of how we can learn to write and develop our skills.  I hate to say it, but boundaries exist in the universe for a reason, and they do in almost every aspect of life.

Completely agreed. The next game is going to have a rule about the type of content considered appropriate for the story (a genre). All games are going to have a rule about deleting scenes that are deemed inappropriate to the story - inappropriate will be at the discretion of the moderator.  It sounds pretty severe but I think it is necessary, especially if we start having new people join in.

Quoted from MBCgirl So secondly...I think it would be cool, as the moderator, if you not only told us what type of scene we were writing, but perhaps the characters we are to develop, and to keep things moving in a "connected" direction, an objective of the scene that must be carried out.  That way there would be more control as to where the story line went. I know...I know...some aren't going to like that either, they think that's too much structure...but I believe it provides a bigger challenge, rather than crushing our creativity.

The next game will have the EVENT scene.  This should allow us to tie groups of characters together in an event.  They will happen at a regular interval and be used to drive the story.  I really liked this suggestion from Yohn.  

Also when you are done with your turn, you will provide  a challenge for the next author.  A challenge is an action you would like them to take.  It's a special instruction related to plot.  This way if you have an idea that you would like to continue you can make it happen through the challenge.

Quoted from MBCgirl I totally appreciate everyone here...all those who have contributed...so don't read anything into this, other than I want us to get better and better!  Learning to write with one or two others is challenge enough...let alone 10 or more. Keep the words flowing!

Couldn't agree more.

Something I should make really clear is that this technique will never produce a totally finished ready to market script.  What it may produce is a rough first draft script that we can take and polish. We may even make the polishing into a competition. More on that when we are ready

Cheers.

Quoted from Shelton Monkeys.  Monkeys are the answer.

Night of the living monkeys...

Quoted from mcornetto Nothing wrong with learning (or dreaming as Sandra would tell you).  And thanks for the support guys and girls.  But you know, it doesn't happen without you all participating so thanks for that too.   I'm leaning toward the survival story at the moment because it lends itself nicely toward a game.  But rather than zombies - which are overused - we might pick some other foe. Not sure what yet.  Any suggestions? And also since we are very near the end of Killer.  I'd like to ask you all: What sort of information helped on your turn? What information didn't you use?   What extra information would you have liked to use if it was available? Is there any particular rules you would like to see added in the next game? Cheers, Michael

For the first question: I used a lot of Character background and things that caught my eye in the posts.

Some notes:

Michael, I grabbed hold of your dialogue, "Bermuda Triangle… Ha ha, what nonsense.
Nothing bad ever happens out here.

Yes indeedee, nothing happens-- I thought it was perfect.

My mind was immediately drawn to the idea of "The Philadelphia Experiment" with Bert as a scientist on a cutting edge, but that was frowned upon by his collegues (according to the backstory in the intros).

From our trusty Wikipedia:

"The experiment has been claimed to have been conducted by Dr. Franklin Reno (or Franklin Rinehart) as a military application of a Unified Field Theory, a term coined by Einstein. The Unified Field Theory aims to describe the interrelated nature of the forces that comprise electromagnetic radiation and gravity; although to date no single theory has emerged with a viable mathematical expression."

The time overlaps entered my mind courtesy of the weird and wonderful "Groundhog Day" and that's why I recreated Gabriel coming to the elevator "AGAIN", but with a different scenario playing out.

As I mentioned before, I was asking myself, "What is the connection between these people?" I imagined them as kind of a family- with roots and ties that go way back. So I was playing with a fictitious "The Agency" with Elders that control destiny and keep the balance between order and chaos.

The turn to hilarity was not planned, it just happened and I went with it. My imagination went wild with the characters perhaps holding "subtle" super powers. Not Xmen type, but very subtle, like clarolfacation, but there's only so much space and I just decided to work with Gabriel's appa rent ability to make people laugh.

Because I really do want to die laughing, I wrote that into this killer game. The goal for me was to have fun with Gabriel in the gymnasium, intoxicated by his power that was being affected by the Bermuda's effects.

Bert's entry with: Alffy punching in 666 on the Pyramid Portal Opener made me think that whatever was going on, it was messing with things and I was thinking that perhaps "an energy" or indeed even part of Cornetto's soul was "corrupted and entered Alffy here". I loved the scene with him trapped in the elevator and the remnants of this were written in by someone as "Claw marks" and that stuck in my mind also.

Regarding my character, I needed a way to explain why I came on the ship, apparently terribly afraid and I thought it to be part of a great tradition in spiritual growth- to overcome the greatest fears: Death is a big one- hence it ties in with the "laughing" idea. Die laughing. That was my personal mission. I thought that each character had their own personal mission and demons to deal with. Like Nic's voices.

I loved Nic's work with the camera. This really stuck with me throughout and I felt compelled to work with "The Room".

I really felt drawn to juxtapose the elements of horror with complete craziness and love-- hence the Alffy song.

For me, a lot of character work was going through my head- Ste, boozing and with the girls. Bush, knee caves and all, but wanting to enjoy life nonetheless. Dana, the gal who I thought needed to have her day in the sun; so I gave her the Alffy song.

I actually had written a whole bunch of scenes that I couldn't post. Steamy romantic scenes with you and Morgon. Scenes with Zadora's history. But I had to choose and I chose.

When you wrote in the idea of The Star Book, I wanted to work with it as some kind of "Book of Destiny".

It's always a bit of a tightrope we walk between wanting to know and not wanting to know.?" Hence: "Do I dare open it?"

When Dana had taken part of your soul and put it in the crystal, that was a key point I thought.

The romance between you and Morgan was a strong part. You, in a terribly ugly state, and I thought this was an excellent scene!

In the next game I think we need more parameters: ie: No ghosts. No Vampires. Or: A defined genre patterned after a pre existing movie.

After all is said and done, I liked what happened here because it was completely unexpected:

The naked idea brought on by Dreamscale and Nic's Room were fabulous additions to the Vampiric element in the beginning. We've even got explanations for the nakedness- and although I'm finished my portions of the writing I think it's excellent and am completely entertained by it.

As far as "what information would I have used if it were available?" it would have been Bert's experiments. That's why I made up a kind of Philadelphia experiment paradigm in my head.

I thought an important plot point was "Cornetto remembering" thus, I worked with the Regression therapy. There was an apparent connection between Cornetto and Bert, but it didn't really come to light in the script.

Finally, "The Alice in Wonderland" analogy is a good one. It's interesting to note that Lewis Carroll was a mathematician and logician and yet he wrote this kind of story. I really like that idea as well. Reversals in mirrors fascinate me.

These were how some of the wild ideas that were running through my mind got started.

Sandra

In response to your post Sandra...I love your creativity, your ability to completely let things fly.  Sad to say my mind doesn't work like that

In life I swing from being practical and then completely free spirited.  I love working independantly in my professional life...but I'm a HUGE "people" person...so go figure! lol

I appreciate your explanation for why you wrote certain things...but here in lies one of the problems...and it would happen, no matter who was writing...myself included.  None of the other writers in this game were privy to those toughts, so when they appeared in the screenplay...while I loved many of those parts...I couldn't follow it.

I felt disconnected at that point.   That's where collaboration between us would be helpful...as Cornetto mentioned - we are certainly welcome to do that...and that would help a lot.

The mere fact that you have to explain what you were thinking...would make it way too hard for another writer...or take it to the next level...the "viewer" to follow...not that a movie or story can't include things that leave us "thinking"

Part of the discipline of this exercise is to help us learn to write together, work together, fit together....for the good of the bigger picture.

Again...please know that I am not dishing you...my comments are not personal...in so many ways I think you are brilliant...you think so far beyond the norm...I wish I had just a quarter cup of that!

Write away sister!  

Quoted from mcornetto I'm leaning toward the survival story at the moment because it lends itself nicely toward a game.  But rather than zombies - which are overused - we might pick some other foe. Not sure what yet.  Any suggestions? Cheers, Michael

How about vice? How about people trapped in a cabin in the woods (my brother has such cabin) and they have to deal with each others vices that are getting wildly intensified for some reason.

One is perhaps an alcoholic. Another is a workaholic. One chain smokes to beat the band and no one can breath inside because of it. Another is hell-bent on power- trying to control the rest and have it his way. One is more subtle- "a manipulator", controlling using different methods. One likes to gorge, and there's little food that comes in at a time. Another is a hoarder, stealing food, drying it and tucking it away... You get the idea.

So in this case, we'd be fighting against something that isn't so much a "who" but a "what".

Sandra

The problem with vice as an enemy is that there really isn't any way to score it.  Perhaps someday we will drop the game idea and be able to write things of that nature or we may find a way to score it.  But I think for now the fact that this is a game helps motivate people to write.

Good brainstorming though.

And Orange said dog and Mike said monkeys (but I think he was monkey shining).  And Jeff suggested the outdoors. What about all animals?  This has been done before I think in a movie called Day of the Animals - probably elsewhere as well, but it hasn't been over done.  Plus it will give us a variety of attacks to play with.  How's that? Any other suggestions? Anything to add?    

Quoted from mcornetto The problem with vice as an enemy is that there really isn't any way to score it.  Perhaps someday we will drop the game idea and be able to write things of that nature or we may find a way to score it.  But I think for now the fact that this is a game helps motivate people to write. Good brainstorming though.

That's something that I feel very troubled by: How to score it. It takes time to assimilate the concept and then try to figure out "the angle". But at least our wheels are turning.

Sandra

What about a sickness like the flu in Stephen King's The Stand, which I'm currently reading. We could be trying to survive some sort of disease. Just a thought.

I like the idea that we should try to follow the previous scene's intent and follow it. That's a challenge in itself. I like that.

Michael's questions:
What sort of information helped on your turn? What you provided Michael and what I got from reading the previous scenes.

What information didn't you use? I used whatever was available to me. I tried to find a pattern. If it didn't flow with the previous scenes, I dropped it.
  
What extra information would you have liked to use if it was available? Maybe a small paragraph of the previous author's intent of what he or she tried to do in the scene, written by the previous author.

Is there any particular rules you would like to see added in the next game? Keeping the story in order as suggested above.  

I like the all animals idea. It does definitely give us a host of deaths and situations to work around. Especially if it is in a city or something, one with a zoo....

Something like the Stand could easily work, with it's good vs evil plot.  Some characters could be good, some evil and we could see which triumph.

How's this?

A virulent airborne form of rabies decimates the human population and leaves the animals mad. Some people band together and try to survive in this strange new world, but they are plagued by visions and dreams of a creature both frightening and comforting.  It wants them to come to it and they have no choice but to obey -- no matter how dangerous the journey may be.

EDIT: And I think we'll give Sandra a special role in this one and let her be in charge of the dreams.

Quoted from Mr.Ripley I like the idea that we should try to follow the previous scene's intent and follow it. That's a challenge in itself. I like that. Michael's questions: What extra information would you have liked to use if it was available? Maybe a small paragraph of the previous author's intent of what he or she tried to do in the scene, written by the previous author. Is there any particular rules you would like to see added in the next game? Keeping the story in order as suggested above.

I really like your idea Ripley...if we provided the next writer with a paragraph about what our intent was, it will make it easier for us to tie things in...then when people get super creative, we will have some understanding of where they were going with it.

Quoted from mcornetto How's this? A virulent airborne form of rabies decimates the human population and leaves the animals mad. Some people band together and try to survive in this strange new world, but they are plagued by visions and dreams of a creature both frightening and comforting.  It wants them to come to it and they have no choice but to obey -- no matter how dangerous the journey may be.

Now we're getting there!  I like the use of varied animals...I like it calling to us...drawing us to the danger...

~m~

Yeah, "Day of the Animals" was an old flcik with all sorts of animals attacking everyone.  BoinT actually did a script in here a few months back called "Beasts of the Earth", that was alot like "Day of the Animals".  There weren't really many attacks though in his script.

I like the idea of being outdoors and away from help with killer animals all around.  Just think...a killer skunk could torment the group, while a killer chipmunk creeps in for the kill...

Lots of possibilities for different settings, which would obviously set our posibilities of animals.  I persoanlly like the idea of an island, so we'd have both land ans sea creatures.

Quoted from mcornetto Something like the Stand could easily work, with it's good vs evil plot.  Some characters could be good, some evil and we could see which triumph. How's this? A virulent airborne form of rabies decimates the human population and leaves the animals mad. Some people band together and try to survive in this strange new world, but they are plagued by visions and dreams of a creature both frightening and comforting.  It wants them to come to it and they have no choice but to obey -- no matter how dangerous the journey may be. EDIT: And I think we'll give Sandra a special role in this one and let her be in charge of the dreams.

Do you have a vision for what this creature might be? It sounds like we're working with an interesting premise.

Sandra

Quoted from mcornetto A virulent airborne form of rabies decimates the human population and leaves the animals mad. Some people band together and try to survive in this strange new world, but they are plagued by visions and dreams of a creature both frightening and comforting.  It wants them to come to it and they have no choice but to obey -- no matter how dangerous the journey may be.

This is the next game and I'm really excited about it.  

Two or three groups of people, each heading from a different location: New York (New York), Detroit (Michigan) and/or Ottawa(Canada). Heading for a startling climax at Niagara Falls where they meet up with the creature from their dreams: some want to kill it, some want to worship it.  Whoever survives will write the ending.

It will be called 'Shiva'.

We will start taking characters on the 16th and will play mid December.

Cheers.        

I'd love to take part in this one unless I'm too busy, but I think I might be able to.  

And Sandra should absolutely be in charge of everyone's dreams!!  

wounds fun, I'd love to participate if  there aren't enough people (which i dont think will be an issue). Want to give others a chance to participate and get a spot on the fun train, if you know what i Mean.