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I applaude those who wrote something for the 3WC and I promise to read them all.
I do however sense that there was some disappointment with the challenge. It was a good idea to have a challenge to write something longer than 10 pages, but people love the shorts.
Can't we have a regular OWC in February? Thoughts?
I blame Phil completely for the 3WC. The idea was great, but I was hoping for a 22-24 page recent sitcom. Meh, I'm stuck to writing horror, because writing horror better then most is easier. And, I'm not that good.
I still love ya, Phil. - But that's two in a row for me. Vegan and a carnivore? I couldn't write that either.
I would love it if Don throws one up. I love that week where your brain churns to come up with something. I actually drink less. A little.
This was a good one. It's easy to write a script with your own characters; no one can say they're off. When using established characters, it's harder to do.
If you want to write something, then write something; you don't need a OWC for that.
This was a good one. It's easy to write a script with your own characters; no one can say they're off. When using established characters, it's harder to do.
If you want to write something, then write something; you don't need a OWC for that.
I'd have to disagree with you on that. You pick a show, that while everyone has heard of it, it's about as niche as you can get. People are either hardcore fans or couldn't care less.
And, for people who don't know, you say it should feel like an episode. If you don't know the show, you have to be researching that, which cuts into your writing time.
Not to be argumentative, but a much better challenge would be for you to say write a Star Trek episode. If you don't know this show, feel free to write a fan fic for a show you are familiar with. I guarantee you, you would've not only had more participants, but you'd also have higher quality scripts if people know the show they're writing about.
At the same time, if you want to write a fan fic of any given show, then just write one. You don't need a OWC for this. I'm currently writing an episode of a television show for some of the upcoming fellowship programs. As soon as I finish this one, I'll write another one of a different television show.
I agree with Pia and James. I think a February OWC would be a great idea. I didn't enter this 3WC because I'm in the middle of finishing a feature and couldn't commit to 45 pages of fan fiction. Everyone loves the OWC because of that one week deadline and the inevitable controversy about the subject. Last one was what, October? Yep, time for another one.
Nothing wrong with a challenge and nothing wrong with being limited, but there's a fine line and it was crossed on both of the last 2 OWC's, IMO.
The problem occurs when the vast majority of the scripts are all the same. It makes for dull and tedious reads when there is an exact amount of characters, for instance, or when you have to have a character in a wheelchair...just didn't work at all, IMO.
The best challenge I've ever taken part in here was actually a non official one and it was started by Martin Lancaster I believe. It was also the first script of mine here. It was in Feb -06 (I think). The challenge was to write a 10-15 page script with absolutely no dialogue. It had more impact on me than any other challenge. Film is a visual medium and that was an awesome excersise. I even remember most of the scripts entered still.
While I agree with Phil that a OWC is not needed for someone to write, I also agree a challenge of some sort would be welcome.
Why not a "Pia and Jeff's Unofficial Challenge in a Week"?? Just to avoid trademark issues and inevitable court disputes! Or it could just be a consensus challenge where we go ahead with an agreed theme. Surely this would circumvent the issues with not liking the subject matter.
Why not a "Pia and Jeff's Unofficial Challenge in a Week"?? Just to avoid trademark issues and inevitable court disputes!
I like this. You two figure the stats. Page limit. And the story content. Then we can all post our scripts with FOWC attached to the title. I don't think Don would get mad. It would be less work for him.
There would be less entries. It would mostly be solid board members.
I agree that the show selected was not nearly accesible enough for many people, but I see no reason why we should have another OWC so soon after this one -- even though this one wasn't "technically" an OWC -- but I digress. For what it's worth, I liked the idea behind it.
When there is an OWC that doesn't interest me, I simply don't participate in it and wait for the next one like anybody else. It's as simple as that.
We can all make our own challenge if we wiished to:
"Hi! I'm an independent producer seeking a high quality feature HORROR screenplay with an emphasiz on Drama.
I have only ten actors to work with; I also have aging make-up at my disposal --
JANE SMITH (20s-- can play as young as sixteen or as old as 25)
JOHN SMITH (20s--can play as young as sixteen or as old as 25)
JOANNE DOE (40s--can play as old as mid-fifties or as young as mid-thirties)
JOE DOE (40s--can play as old as mid-fifties or as young as mid-thirties)
JAKE JOHNSON (child--can play as young as six or as old as 8 )
JAINA JOHNSON (child--can play as young as six or as old as 8 )
JERRY SMITHSON (scruffy looks, limited acting ability, can play late teens)
JADE SMITHSON [FEMALE!] (slightly overweight, limited acting ability, can play late teens)
We cannot afford any digital effects, expensive shots or elaborate sets (LOCATION ONLY! Urban areas preferred, small-town or rural settings possible for a couple of scenes), though we can afford fake blood and prosthetic make-up.
Remember, make it heavy on the Drama. We are looking for a Horror screenplay that would work even without the Horror angle.
You have until the end of February at midnight to finish it. Now get to writing, dammit."
See? Simple.
I'm down with a non-OWC challenge by Pia or anyone if she's interested in making one.
I personally think writing a 10 pager with no dialogue in any genre is very helpful. Especially since so many people love to write dialogue heavy scripts. I'm reading one right now, but I'll give it a break since it's a TV show.
My thinking was also to breathe some life into these boards because the OWC always creates chatter and discussions. It's been very dead here for quite some time, but hey, maybe nice and quiet is what people like.
and no, I don't need a OWC in order to write. I write every day and will continue to do so even if this website went away.
We could always do both...have the option of writing a no dialogue script and also have the option of doing one for me.
Doing a non dialogue script is a very useful way of learning to write visually...at the same time I'm looking for both horror scripts and some drama ones, so that could be fun for those so inclined...obviously it comes with a relatively high chance of being produced because it will be geared towards what I need.
I think alot of people are busy writing scripts or making films. In my case, I'm working a feature and short. The short will be submitted soon.
We still have soulshadows 3d which I'm not sure if its still on or not.
Sidenote: Hey ScarTissueFilms, people are willing to write those type of scripts. I would offer up The Art Of Persuasion but I submitted this to a festival already. Just my luck.
Just Murdered by Sean Elwood (Zombie Sean) and Gabriel Moronta (Mr. Ripley) - (Dark Comedy, Horror) All is fair in love and war. A hopeless romantic gay man resorts to bloodshed to win the coveted position of Bridesmaid. 99 pages. https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-comedy/m-1624410571/
A challenge where a director or producer asks for a film within certain parameters is what I always thought the OWC should be about. Go for it. It's the ultimate challenge.
I don't object to doing a challenge in February. I ask that you wait until after the 15th of February so that the Star Trek Challenge can run its course.
Pia will be choosing the requirements for the challenge. As with the January Challenge, it will be limited to registered members of the discussion board and there will be no iScripting of a selected script.
As for folks who didn't like the January challenge, that is to be expected. There has never been a challenge that someone hasn't objected to in some form or another. That doesn't bother me. We tried something new as we did with the Halloween challenge and got a lot of healthy discussion. I've enjoyed reading the scripts and I applaud the four writers who took up the Star Trek challenge.
Seriously...I didn't mean to cause trouble. Seems like am an instigator everytime the OWC comes around.
As far as a Feb OWC goes, I think we should let Rick/ScarTissueFilms come up with the challenge since he's actually looking for scripts and that way maybe some scripts have a chance to be produced.
Seriously...I didn't mean to cause trouble. Seems like am an instigator everytime the OWC comes around.
As far as a Feb OWC goes, I think we should let Rick/ScarTissueFilms come up with the challenge since he's actually looking for scripts and that way maybe some scripts have a chance to be produced.
Pia, may consult with whomever she wishes regarding the theme and genre.
Sounds like a plan. I was sort of hoping the subject might be comedy this time, but I guess that would be up to Rick or whoever heads this up. I do like the idea of keeping the writers anonymous, as the guessing game is always interesting.
I agree with Ryan that the anonymous aspect is pretty important. That's the most fun for me.
Regards a produced script at the end, it has been something I have personally called for in the past. It does turn it from a challenge to a competition, however. That in itself creates an edge, which can be either a good or bad thing. The mechanics of it all would need a good looking at, of course.
What budget would you be looking to film on, Rick?
I like this idea, but it needs to be totally clear up-front that this is NON-BINDING.
It is cool of Rick to toss it out there -- but this is by no means an iron-clad obligation for him to produce the winning script.
I believe the old threads are gone, but way back when there was an all-out war over a competition with "promised" production and things fell through -- lots of nasty words and bitterness and hurt feelings.
We should all take steps to ensure that such a scenario does not arise again.
You may say it cannot happen -- but it can -- as has been shown in the past.
Yes, that's pretty much the vibe I was on there, bert, which is why I wanted to gauge the budget, and more importantly, the access to it as a means of seeing how serious Rick is. To film a good quality short and not just something on your digital camera, you need to get a good team together. Most likely you are asking them to work on a lo/no basis, so you are effectively asking a DOP and team, makeup artists and others to work for nothing on their spare time. Even with that, there are inevitable costs involved throughout the process and it's got to be from a strong script first and foremost; so I am sure Rick would highlight the limitations of a contest like this, to avoid the issues you rightly raise.
Getting 'produced' is also something that many seem to want to rush to. That's the wrong approach from the outset and usually ends up with sub-standard results.
Yeah, I would be interested too. Even if it is rom-com in honor of St. Valentine. Or a rom-com with zombies. And lots of wine but all out of candy. Or a Soulshadows season coming up.
I like the idea of not knowing who wrote what until a given time.
Rick/ScarTissueFilms who does excellent work as a director/producer is looking for scripts and will be asking us in the Feb OWC to write something for him. As Bert said, there are no guarantees that a script will actually be produced, but he will tell us what sort of script he is looking for.
The Feb OWC will be announced on Feb 18th and will be due one week later.
I prefer one week. It keeps you motivated and focused more. Add to this it will be much easier for the quality writers to shine over the not so quality writers... Face it, being able to write a script in a week is a mark of merit. A good script that is. Anyone can write a shitball script in a week... A good one, that's another story.
VOTE: One week
Not saying I'm entering just yet, we'll see the criteria and see how busy I get doing other things from now to then.
I thinks Rick's ideas for writing something for big time festivals is more of a serious longer term collaborative effort. It's a great idea and I would like to be part of that. Did I misunderstand?
IMHO, the OWC should be just that...a One WC. And I agree with Balt that there may be a lot of entries, but the time constraint will separate the weak scripts from the strong scripts.
If Rick finds one that he would like to produce, I imagine there will be lots of rewrites anyway so I don't see the need for a 2 WC. Just my opinion though...
I thinks Rick's ideas for writing something for big time festivals is more of a serious longer term collaborative effort. It's a great idea and I would like to be part of that. Did I misunderstand?
IMHO, the OWC should be just that...a One WC. And I agree with Balt that there may be a lot of entries, but the time constraint will separate the weak scripts from the strong scripts.
If Rick finds one that he would like to produce, I imagine there will be lots of rewrites anyway so I don't see the need for a 2 WC. Just my opinion though...
That was my feeling as well. I like the OWC's...and this situation arose because we wanted one.
Everyone thinks for two days, farts around the third and fourth, begins pecking the fifth, or sixth, then pounds it out the last few hours of the seventh day in about four hours.
One week.
If this is going to be a semi-collaborative effort - rough enough is good enough. Maybe consider two possibilities as many of these festivals have multiple contests to enter.
Re-write aggressively. Rick and crew will end up making up a lot of it on the set at the last second, anyway. I'm 100% A-Okay with that reality.
And we better get our understanding together pronto about shared credit - if any.
My problem with a OWC is that, should Rick try to choose a winner to produce, he would rather have scripts that have been polished up a little bit. What are the odds that a script is good enough to be produced after only one week?
Cornetto found 6 or 7 for the Dark series. I believe we all did rewrites after our scripts were chosen...
You all did varying degrees of rewrites. Plus I made other small changes as they were being made. It very easy to find dialogue that shouldn't have been then when you are editing.
Not everyone can write a polished/producable script in one week.
I propose that Rick run a 2/3WC, given certain requirements for a ten page script. He may say it requires a specific location, or a certain cast of characters, or whatever. To promote the practice of rewrites, the script cannot be submitted until a day or two prior to the deadline. This way, no one can crank a script out in two days.
I also recommend that a rule be set, saying that only one script per person.
The whole point is to submit a script that is as good as it can be.
I also don't want to see a shit gaggle of those absurd "pisstake" scripts some people like to write... I hate those and if it wasn't for me committing ahead of time to reading, and I did, every 1wc last go around I would have passed all of them by.
No piss takes will be allowed. People that write those will be shunned by the SS community!
I still don't want to see a 2 or 3 WC. We're sticking with the OWC. Rick will know if he sees a script that has greatotential even if a few rewrites will be needed.
Why not do something a bit different? Something like a league competetion in rounds. Allow the first round to get crit like a normal OWC (hopefully better because it will be used) then pick a number of them to continue on to the second round. For the second round give the author two weeks to make changes based on the crit for their first round. At the end of that round Rick should have an idea if any of the scripts will work. Not only that but he'll get a good idea of how the author works with rewrites - which is going to be essential if he wants to mould it for a festival.
I'm not even talking about pisstake; I don't think there would be any of the chance of production is there. I'm just saying that people should have the chance to produce the best script they can.
In a fairly recent OWC, someone submitted a script in four hours. And guess what! It sucked! Do we really want to submit that? Or read that?
Supposing Rick says he wants a ten page horror script that takes place in a light house, using only three adolescent female characters. And he's giving everyone three weeks to write it. People shouldn't be allowed to submit their script for eighteen days. If you finish writing your script in six days, you have twelve days to improve it.
Why not do something a bit different? Something like a league competetion in rounds. Allow the first round to get crit like a normal OWC (hopefully better because it will be used) then pick a number of them to continue on to the second round. For the second round give the author two weeks to make changes based on the crit for their first round. At the end of that round Rick should have an idea if any of the scripts will work. Not only that but he'll get a good idea of how the author works with rewrites - which is going to be essential if he wants to mould it for a festival.
I think that's a good idea. Only the best of the best get in. This also takes care of what Phil is talking about too (idiots posting their epics in 4 hours and all)... Well, in a round about way. I also think that any script submitted before the deadline should be shit canned from the get go.
Don't want a competition for this one. Too divisive and who's to say that the very "worst" script couldn't metamorphosize into the "best" given the chance to apply constructive feedback?
Whatever length of time we go for, I insist that everyone gets the same chance.
But that is why you would judge it after the feedback. If you think they should apply the feedback then it goes on.
I think the idea is a good one, I just don't want it to be the case that a group of people are suddenly debarred from continuing after the first round.
I don't think it's in the spirit of the site/challenge and it may foster resentment.
I understand that you (and everyone else for that matter) are trying to ensure a certain standard...but I'd rather it was inclusive of everyone at all times.
Consider suspending normal procedures for special projects.
The precedent has been established: - Normally, anyone submits whatever they would like reviewed and critiqued and Don posts it ten to fourteen days later. - Challenges seem to have their entries posted much earlier. - Sometimes they're even anonymous. - The SS community bears a weighting toward content and theme more for shorts, while features receive more spelling and grammatical fine tooth comb attention.
A whole new set of rules may evolve from this. Just consider it. Maybe even make entries anonymous to minimize tender feelings. Once a project gets rolling everyone's two cents will metamorphosize the base idea. Eventually that can be revealed.
I support that an interesting idea, poorly executed initially, can be teased forward.
I'm in love with the idea too - reworking a script using all the feedback. --this way a rewrite is ensured (even though only for a script that has potential) and some of us are too lazy to rewrite for the sake of rewriting (I rewrite but don't repost).
Since Rick doesn't like the idea of a competition, it will be run as a regular OWC. The fun difference this time will be that the challenge will actually be to write something for a real producer/director who is actually looking for something specific to shoot.
It should be lots of fun. Just remember, if you don't like the theme/genre do not send in a pisstake!!!!!!!
Friday February 18th will be the anouncement and Friday the 25th will be the due date!
For those whom cannot seem to help themselves, we could take the fun out of submitting pisstakes by finding competitions that cater to humor and comedy.
A separate category can accommodate the p!ssers. Make it gold.
After reading all the discussion, here's my two bob's worth (though it don't mean jack as its all decided anyway...?)
I see the points about making sure we get decent scripts done for Rick to look at. But any type of competition and next round thing would've have been too formal for this site. If we wanna try our luck in that we can pay money and enter real comps.
I understand Phil's thinking about avoiding too many unpolished scripts - but if the writers here are keen enough to produce something special for Rick to do, then i guess they'll apply extra discipline and make sure its spot on.
I don't necessarily agree that scripts done quick are gonna suffer for being ripped out - sometimes that initial flash of inspo needs to done to preserve the 'magic'. You could write the thing on Day One and just spend all week making any adjustments to it before submitting.
Make it a 2WC. Everyone submits anonymously. After they're posted and so much time is dedicated to reading/critiquing them, Rick picks the best four (or however many) scripts.
The four writers are given another two weeks to tweak said scripts and resubmit them.
Rick picks the best of the four for consideration to produce.
Make it a 2WC. Everyone submits anonymously. After they're posted and so much time is dedicated to reading/critiquing them, Rick picks the best four (or however many) scripts.
The four writers are given another two weeks to tweak said scripts and resubmit them.
Rick picks the best of the four for consideration to produce.
You're welcome.
Phil
Phil,
Rick doesn't want the advantage of seeing how the writers develop their stories because he believes it would be divisive. He would rather give everyone a chance by considering the scripts after the writer had one week to work on it.
If we want to do a tournament, we'll have to wait until another OWC.
Or we could give everyone one week to write a script. Then after getting comments, give everyone (who wants to continue) two weeks to do a rewrite. That isn't divisive and it gives everyone a chance to develop their stories if they want to.
I'm all for the One Week Challenge. Let Rick figure out what he wants and thinks would be the best criteria. We'll give it our best seven day shot. If one grabs him, he can work with the writer over several weeks to get the script ready.
Plus, I wouldn't be surprised if we see a serious upswing of scripts submitted this go around. Adding more time, just adds more scripts. If I logged onto the site one and a half weeks into a two week challenge... I could krank out a ten page script in three days. Would it be good? Of course, Cuz I wrote it.
There is no guarantee that Rick will find any to meet his criteria. Just reminding you all about that.
By having a chance to work on it, with Rick's feedback included, will increase everyone's chance of producing a script that Rick wants. Just reminding you of that too.
Having gone through this exercise with The Dark - I'm not making the suggestion of adding this extra step lightly.
There are scripts that are popular when read, that do not make good films when it comes to production and vice-versa. Having that extra step will give those unpopular gems a chance to grow on the readers.
Okay people. Rick has sent me the challenge info. Sadly I can't partake due to the FK work, but you guys should prepare and sharpen your keyboards. The challenge is only two days away! An excellent chance to get your script produced by an award winning director/producer!
I hope it's as restrictive as the last OWC in October, myself. I want something challenging to write. Something that will push me towards wanting to do it.
I enjoyed writing for the October challenge and how the script came out for only a weeks time.
Keep in mind the better you can provide challenge requirements based on resource capabilities, wide or narrow, the better I/we can zero in on what is feasible.
Keep in mind the better you can provide challenge requirements based on resource capabilities, wide or narrow, the better I/we can zero in on what is feasible.
Looking forward to it. Had a good concept and outline for the Star Trek one, just got too busy. However, it may be worth taking a stab at in the future with different characters. Nothing is ever wasted, really.
Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently - Dove Chocolate Wrapper
We'll leave the Academy Award winning ones till a later date...well you can give it a go actually, the theme is wide enough, but I'll really be looking for very good examples of [what it is], not so much films that I think will win an Oscar.
Hi to the new guys. The genre and theme will be posted later this evening. You haven't missed anything yet.
Do not put your name on the submission, and if you are going to play, you are very much encouraged to comment on the works of your fellow authors during the "anonymous" week.
Submitting a script, getting lots of comments, and giving nothing in return is considered very bad form. Just sayin'.
The February 2011 One Week Challenge Starts 2/18 at 10:00 pm est
The criteria will be announced then, so you'll hafta hold onto your little spurs till tonight EST.
You two have your format down pretty decent? You can go do some homework in the meanwhile by digging through the beefs and gripes over past one week challenges (OWCs). http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?c-OWC/ That'll keep you outta a lot of trouble. Keep in mind it's difficult for readers to focus on story elements and content when format is bogging them down. (GUILTY!!!)
Do we have our assignment yet? Yes! Genre: Sci Fi Romance Theme: With enough imagination it all feels the same! Alternate theme: Baby, you must be an alien because you're outta this world!
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