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Who Wrote What, Writer's Choice and 'final' words on the Feb OWC.
The February 2011 One Week Challenge now draws to a close with the 'reveal' of Who Wrote What and the "Writer's Choice" script..
But first a few words. Again, thanks everyone who entered. The question on everyone's mind is "Which script did Rick pick, if any?" I don't know. I'm sure Rick is still reading through them and it could be several months before there is announcement, if any. Rick is under no obligation to produce any of the scripts. This has been stated at the beginning of the OWC. If there was/is any misunderstanding in that regard, the fault is entirely my own.
Pseudonyms
Thanks to Daren J Seeley for the idea for the pseudonyms used. If you missed it, the pseudonym theme was Executioneers (mostly European). Except for Darren, Kevin, Sandra and Janet (who selected her/his own pseudonym), the names were assigned randomly. Apologies if I've offended anyone's 'gender sensibilities'. It was not intentional.
Writer's Choice
The Writer's Choice selection is at the bottom of this thread. Each writer was asked, "Of the scripts you have read, which one did you enjoy the most". It was left up to the writer's to determine his/her own criteria.
Thanks to Pia for spearheading this challenge This challenge would not have happened if it wasn't for Pia
Now, Who Wrote What?
The Maidens by Brendan O'Neill (cap10xb1s) - Camille Blanchard - Short - A man looking for a good deal on a rare book gets more than he bargained for. - pdf, format
Foreshadow by Shawn Davis (ledbetter) - Paskah Rose - Short - A young couple has their fortune told but without a future, whats the point? - pdf, format
The Flesh Won't Be Missed by Darren J Seeley (DarrenJamesSeeley) - Jack Ketch - Short - A witch and her psychotic boyfriend plan a robbery with the use of a very special candle. - pdf, format
Territory by Janet Clarke (wonkavite) - Alan Smithee - Short - Even killers should respect *certain* boundaries.... - pdf, format
Wisp by Harley G Wolfe Jr. (Hugh Hoyland) - Gregory Brandon - Short - Don't follow the light. 8 pages. - pdf, format
Scottish Lullaby by Kevin Lenihan (leitskev) - The Son of Barbara McDonald L. - Short - A peculiar boy becomes the focus of dark ambition and supernatural forces, as jealous gods reach from the past. - pdf, format
Bell Tolls by Philip Whitcroft (pwhitcroft) - William Calcraft - Short - A disabled woman uses her visions of the moments after people die to battle a Banshee that feeds on souls. - pdf, format
Can't Scare Me by Brian Howell (reuel51) - William Billington - Short - A macho guy sets out into the woods, alone, to prove that he can't get scared. - pdf, format
Frame Of The Open Door by Catherine Hall (cmhall) - Thomas Henry Scott - Short - Three sisters try to use occult powers to keep their little worlds in balance. - pdf, format
The Lamb by Steve Lewis (tinkin) - William Billington - Short - Dave awakens to find his friend has tried to sacrifice him to the Grim Reaper in order to avoid his own death. - pdf, format
The Pond by Gary Rademan (grademan) - John Ellis - Short - A stormy night for a real estate agent and two customers at an old house turns deadly. A storm sprite watches from the pond... for a while. - pdf, format
Revenge of a Sea Witch by Dave Austin (dn061903) - Henry Pierrepoint - Short - Two seafaring thieves pick the wrong person to rob. - pdf, format
Them That's Dead by Robert Glenn Newcomer (bert) - Thomas Pierrepoint - Short - The dark art of necromancy proves perilous for a cutthroat trio of thieves seeking lost treasure. - pdf, format
An Bean Sidhe by Eoin O' Sullivan (eoin) - Robert Baxter - Short - A young man who haunts a village with renditions of a Banshee slowly begins to see and hear the real thing. - pdf, format
Wild Ginger's Wine by Darren J Seeley (DarrenJamesSeeley) - Written by Alan Smitee - Short - For their annual party in the forest, three women break in a new but reluctant member into the inner circle by drinking the blood of her boyfriend. - pdf, format
Bloodstorm by Steve McDonell (stevie) - Stanley Cross - Short - Patrons in a Scottish face a malevolent evil. - pdf, format
The God Stick by Ryan Lee (ryan1) - Albert Pierrepoint - Short - A young man and his grandfather venture into an Irish forest, where the grandfather explains a grim family burden. - pdf, format
The Cries by Phil Clarke Jr. (dogglebe) - Harry Bernard Allen - Short - An old man must save his granddaughter from the demon that took her mother twenty years earlier. - pdf, format
The Spirit of Ben MacDui by Stephen Brown (stebrown) - John C. Woods - Short - Spending their wedding anniversary on a hiking and mountaineering holiday in Scotland, the Lassiter's come face-to-face with a creature of myth and legend. - pdf, format
CAILLIIIX by Sandra El. Watson (Sandra Elstree) - <>+<> - Short - Triple Helix and pain resistance are under the scrutiny of a modern sorceress born from the lineage of Cailleach. She vows to rid the world of suffering, but first she needs a suitor, a difficult task when her beauty turns-- as does her world so strange. - pdf, format
Selvage by James Williams (jwent668 - Godwine Porthund - Short - Sometimes, even a simple game of truth or dare can end up deadly. - pdf, format
Bean Sidhe by Khamanna Iskandarova (khamanna) - Charles Sanson - Short - When she wails she takes a soul with her. - pdf, format
Imposter by Pardeep (Yohn Yohnson) - Henri Sanson - Short - A couples camping trip takes a frightening turn when a manic stranger turns up with a tall tale of murder and a killer who he believes was him. - pdf, format
Spike and Hike by Joe Garza (SPQR) - Henry-Clément Sanson - Short - A group of hikers on Scotland's second highest mountain meet an unfriendly friend. - pdf, format
Monsters by Leon Aria (LeonAria) - Jean-François Heidenreich - Short - Aiden is tasked to hunt down and kill an murderous shape-shifting creature, but who is the greater monster. - pdf, format
…And I Take You by Greg Baldwin (greg) - Franz Schmidt - Short - Some people see Jesus. A few people see Satan. The rest see Her. - pdf, format
Reliquary by T.J. Fraser (Blakkwolfe) - Lorenz Schwietz - Short - A homeless prostitute learns that even those who have nothing can still sacrifice everything. - pdf, format
She by Bryan Mora (BryMo) - Joseph Malta - Short - Rival hunters, jaded by ordinary woman, join forces to capture the most renowned woman of all…a Siren. - pdf, format
Captive by Brian K. Millard (shootingduck) - Albert Gustaf Dahlman - Short - A motorist intervenes in an act of violence on a young girl and gets them both into a life and death situation, at the mercy of a malevolent masked madman. - pdf, format
A Hazing at Dead Lake by Marnie Mitchell-Lister (wannabe) - Per Petter Christiansson Steineck - Short - An overpriveledged University student learns the hard way that there is no "I" in team when he gets stuck out on a haunted lake with two other teammates. - pdf, format 8)
Taibhse by Sean Chipman (mr. blonde) - Ray Liotta - Short - Three teenage troublemakers with a mission to burn down an abandoned house get into trouble they couldn't imagine. - pdf, format 8)
Devil's Erudition by Ray (rayw) - Darshan Singh - Short - A student seeks assistance to enter college from his principal by sacrificing him to a demon knight in hell. - pdf, format 8)
Water by Shane Michael Dean (shane) - Muhammad Saad al-Beshi - Short - Some things are better kept below the surface. - pdf, format 8)
The White Women by Jeff Bush (dreamscale) - Vasili Blokhin - Short - Sometimes old myths are more than just old myths - pdf, format 8)
The Writer's Choices were:
Them That's Dead by Robert Glenn Newcomer (bert) - Thomas Pierrepoint - Short - The dark art of necromancy proves perilous for a cutthroat trio of thieves seeking lost treasure. - pdf, format 8)
The God Stick by Ryan Lee (ryan1) - Albert Pierrepoint - Short - A young man and his grandfather venture into an Irish forest, where the grandfather explains a grim family burden. - pdf, format 8)
No shame in coming in second place to the all-powerful Bert. Loved the dialogue in Them That's Dead. Thanks to everyone who gave my script a vote and the rest of you go to hell. But, no, there were some great stories in this OWC and I look forward to seeing Captive filmed.
I thought your story was very good Ryan. It was my fav until I read Captive. If I had the right props I'd ask you if you minded me animating it in Moviestorm. That wouldn't happen until I get through the rest of the stuff I have to do though. I bet it will have already been picked up by then but if it isn't you might remind me in a few months.
Thanks to Pia for spearheading this challenge This challenge would not have happened if it wasn't for Pia.
Thank you, Pia, for all your work at getting this OWC organized, coordinated and "working the boards" as moderator. Even moreso considering your other obligations.
Hope your daughter's arm is recovering well. God bless.
Thank you, Pia, for all your work at getting this OWC organized, coordinated and "working the boards" as moderator. Even moreso considering your other obligations.
Hope your daughter's arm is recovering well. God bless.
Thanks Ray!
I wanted to participate in this myself but I just couldn"t find the time.
i think Rick's an excellent director and I'd love to see what he does with Captive,
Thanks to all took part and I was happy to see no one entered pisstakes!!! LOL!!
And to let you guys know, I've been around to all the machinima forums I hang out at and told them about the available scripts here. If anyone asks you about doing an animation or machinima of your script be nice to them.
Any people who hang out at other film-making forums should definitely let them know about the scripts that are available. If we band together and get the news of these scripts out there, I'm sure a few more will get made.
Having decided to stick out of this one, I do not feel I should eliminate myself from the reading process. With so many entries, I am not sure where to start, so if anyone wants a read, just let me know. It's time I got back to doing what I came here for... reading!
I knew Bert's entry was written by a pro -- I pegged Phil or Bert for it in the offset, so I'm vindicated for my guess. It was easily the best script I've read of the Owc challenge thus far -- And I've read a lot. I don't think I've read Phil's yet, but I will... If I had I might have to read it again. This OWC, to me, was weak. It didn't have near the quality of work the October one had. Not even close...
I'm glad I pulled out and let my script take a life of its own -- You'll be reading my "would be" entry here on the boards soon -- Phil and Bert sooner than later. I'm entering it into the shriekfest 2011 contest shorts cat at 35 pages on March 20th. Believe, if you wanna go up against it, to have stiff comp. I don't care who you are -- I've had a few people look at it now -- Aside from my cats, friends and family and they all loved it -- The cats more than most, though.
In fact, it's so good that if I don't place in the event I'll give up screenwriting completely -- Not that I need money, but yeah... It's that good.
Adonis DNA and Tiger's blood means nothing when you've got Dairy for blood and Yahweh DNA.
This was my fourth OWC. One thing I've never realised is that I've never reposted my scripts with my name and contact info on the title pages. Is this recommended? If anyone ever wanted to shoot one of our OWCs they might not figure out how to contact us. Could be alot of work for Don though.
Thanks to those who read Captive, thanks to Rick and thanks to the organizers of the OWC and the simplyscripts site itself. While I am not considered to be a regular SS'er, I have been around since the last OWC in October. I have not been as active as I'd have liked since joining, but I'm trying. I will be giving every one of these scripts a read and review, it's just been a slow going. I believe I am through all of the first two batches. I don't want you guys to think I am just a troll on the board, I'm here to participate as much as I can, to learn and possibly even help someone less experienced. I hope to one day be accepted as a full fledged member, but it appears it can be a tough clique to crack...
I am really looking forward to seeing what Rick does with my story! It's very exciting! I've filmed two of my own projects (one that will never see the light of day and one that is currently in post production) but this will be the first time my work is brought to the screen by another director...
I look forward to seeing you all around the boards. And don't worry if I haven't gotten to your OWC script yet, I've been away this weekend, but starting tomorrow morning (at work of course) I plan to continue reading and reviewing.
Thanks again for everyone's comments and support, they are all extremely appreciated!
Bert? Huh? Why are you saying you wasted your time on those scripts? Did the authors not read any scripts? If that's the case, they should be tarred and publicly feathered.
The only people I ever have a problem with are people who read ZERO scripts.
And yeah, it is those guys.
I delete my reviews -- and encourage others to follow suit -- and make absolutely no apologies for it.
Bert,
If it bothers you this much then maybe there should be a mandatory rule implicated in the next OWC for anyone who enters to review a certain number of scripts to be eligible.
If it bothers you this much then maybe there should be a mandatory rule implicated in the next OWC for anyone who enters to review a certain number of scripts to be eligible.
Nope, no rules like that, as Don doesn't want to run things that way.
I respect that -- so I simply content myself with calling them out, deleting my posts, and that's pretty much the end of it. Just a little mini-vent.
We have a few every OWC, always will, and there is no way to guard against them.
Nope, no rules like that, as Don doesn't want to run things that way.
I respect that -- so I simply content myself with calling them out, deleting my posts, and that's pretty much the end of it. Just a little mini-vent.
We have a few every OWC, always will, and there is no way to guard against them.
If we abandon the anonymous thing, it will help. Ok, i know its a bit of a 'tradition', from before my time here. But if we know all the authors and some 'ring-in's aren't reading any other scripts, then we can choose not to read theirs.
We didn't have the anon for the Halloween challenge - can't recall exactly why not - and it wasn't a big deal. Also, if people know who what wrote from the start, then more regs will get reads - I had to PM a couple of 'senior' regs to read mine( I wanted some extra feedback) and felt like a bit of a bottom feeder. I was a bit bemused that people were picking their faves when they had only read a handful of scripts.
Anyhow, not trying to stir up trouble and be a prique.
There's one reason in particular i like the anonymous posts. You get an honest opinion from board members whom you even consider your friends here.
I kinda like that honesty. read my script as if it were posted by a newbie. Tell me what you really think. Don't hold back.
Although, I did my fair share of PM's this time and found out alot of the writers prior. I still tried to be honest. No favoritism. Just my humble opinon.
One thing I really like about MP is the anonymous voting. Also like that you can't move on to the next script if you don't review and vote on the scripts in the order they come up. That means all scripts also get the same amount of reviews.
I use to post work here all the time until 1 was stolen from me and another that I posted, one that ended up selling and partially filmed "Deliver Me Death", got like 5 reads... It was crazy. It was nuts. It was absolute lunacy. It was better than 90% of the shit I was reading or that was being read at the time and it really woke me up to the
"I'm giving my time not getting any in return mentality."
Luckily it was bought by Jeremy Garner quickly after it was posted and I had it removed inside of a month I believe... Maybe month and a half.
I've released one script since "DMD"... And that was for the October OWC. I read and review peoples scripts without a single favor in return. (I have asked Bert and Phil to read my newest script before it gets posted. That aside -->) When someone comes to me and says "hey, read my script and if you got anything you want me to look at let me know" I seldom reply back with sure here ya go. I do read their script more often than not, though.
I'm posting my latest script for feedback, something I seldom do... And I'm only doing it because I'm entering it into some contest this year. If it doesn't get read don't ever question why I don't post my work here again. Screenrider I'm looking at you... And since I am looking at you
Coffin Canyon (154 "at the time. It is now 117 pages strong" page feature) Gruff (35 page short) Just What you need (36 page short) Lady across the way (27 page short) Midnight Snack (24 page short) The Toll (32 page short) Manor Morgue Motel (3 part mini series) Mr. Parks New Lease on life (34 page short) What a long Strange Trip (116 page anthology) Deliver Me Death (33 page short) The Road (24 page short)
Are some scripts I've posted on this site over the years... Sorry you and others weren't around to learn from them. All were well received. The Toll being one of the best scripts I've ever written some say.
I'm posting my latest script for feedback, something I seldom do... And I'm only doing it because I'm entering it into some contest this year. If it doesn't get read don't ever question why I don't post my work here again. Screenrider I'm looking at you...
I still think we should have a screenwriter showdown. Your thirty pager against my thirty pager. Whattya say, ol' chap?
Sounds like a great idea, screen. How'd that last showdown work out?
You mean the one where James balked, wouldn't meet me one on one, and instead had a so-called showdown with me via the OWC? Yeah, that didn't go too well.
What's your point?
Personally I think my Crimson Swirl and Business Before Pleasure scripts faired just as well as James' Selvage script. I'm glad I got your attention though, Ryan. You're one of the best on this site so ultimately I'm looking to have a showdown with you. If you're up to it.
Michael, I think you should have a Throwdown with yourself. We'll be the judge of which Michael wins...
I've got a better idea. Why don't you be one of the judges when me and Baltis go head to head. Could be fun. I'm still waiting to hear back from Don to see if he's gonna let us do it.
If he gives me a greenlight then I'll post the details on another thread. Should probably quit hijacking this thread for now. I fail to see why people keep wanting to make a big deal out of this. Put up or shut up.
I think film is a collaborative process, which is something you learn on set. As a bit of fun, this one-on-one might be interesting, but certainly not as a philosophy for working in a true filming environment.
Still, it'll be two head strong people writing scripts that will hopefully be of a good quality.
Screenwriting is a cutthroat business. What better way to sharpen the sword than to do it here. One on one. Script against script. Who can tell the better story? That's all it's about. And yes, it'll be interesting to say the least.
Instead of a smackdown, why not a collaboration? Time to put away the daggers! Give peace a chance. All that.
Can't believe how things can turn nasty here if you don't have time to monitor stuff for half a day...
I thought this OWC turned out real well. Just wish I had had more time myself to spend on it. The scripts I read were of good quality and Rick found something he wants to film. All around success if you ask me.
I submitted a rewrite for WISP the day before yesterday. I'ts a bit more in line with my original idea (and that may not be good lol). I suppose it'll pop up in a few days or so. :] Anyone got one they would like me to check out. AGAIN I make no pretense at being some sort of S&E of screenplay reviews.
I thought this was a stellar challenge. All those that made it happen put forth a truly quality event. Even though I did not contribute a script, I was thrilled to read everyone's efforts. SS has really helped me step up my effort to improve my craft. The opportunity to review and critique here has truly elevated my skills. Drama and personality clashes aside, all the contributing members rock. And those that drop off a script and screw off, you're missing out big time. There's some fierce talent here and you can learn truckloads from members. So check your ego at the door and let her rip, this dog can hunt. Thanks guys.
E.D.
P.S. The proceeding gushing was brought to you by cheap bourbon. ^__^
LATEST NEWS CineVita Films is producing a short based on my new feature!
I was bored yesterday yesterday, so I decided to draw a little more blood from the OCW. I thought maybe some of the other participants might want to join me.
No one really wants to read rewrites unless asked as a favor. So I decided to try something different.
I wanted to address the various criticisms and comments, so I decided to write a spin off story. Not a new chapter, as a short should kind of a stand alone probably. I used some lesser characters and a setting from my short to write a new story.
I wanted to create a script that no one would complain "it's not horror". So this one has plenty of blood. The overall tone will be very different too, while some of the theme remains.
I did 9 pages yesterday, but still have not worked out the ending. When I finish, if any other OCW people want to look at it, maybe I will post on a blog and link here so people can take a look. That way I can post it here when it's been refined by criticism.
I thought maybe some of the people active with the OCW might be interested in doing this. I know Wonka is still working on her story, maybe Darren, or Jeff.
Mine will be rewritten but it's looking like that won't be happening until the weekend (although, in reality, there are only several additions, and a few corrections).
Has anyone already posted rewritten OWC scripts? Where are they being posted...shorts?
Mine will be rewritten but it's looking like that won't be happening until the weekend (although, in reality, there are only several additions, and a few corrections).
Has anyone already posted rewritten OWC scripts? Where are they being posted...shorts?
Haven't gotten around to it yet. It was a great exercise and a good learning oppurtunity. The brevity of it was one of the biggest attractions. It's not on my priority list at the moment, but I might get around to doing it at the weekend. Still struggling with a feature, when I get the time that is!
Mine will be rewritten but it's looking like that won't be happening until the weekend (although, in reality, there are only several additions, and a few corrections).
Has anyone already posted rewritten OWC scripts? Where are they being posted...shorts?
I posted a rewrite couple of days ago. Not heard anything yet. I guess it might take a while to get posted. I assume in shorts, but not sure.
Might I recommend that we hold off on any and all 'challenges' until the next regularly scheduled OWC? People get a little excited as they approach, which wouldn't happen if challenges occurred every other week.
Use this down time to write something on your own.
When did you post it? I sent mine a few days ago. Maybe I messed up somehow. Would it be put in the OWC section? Shorts?
Don will post them on the same thread the scripts already have, but the old script will be swapped out for the new draft.
For example, look at the first post of "Scottish Lullaby" and, near the bottom, you will see the "Revision History" showing Don uploading the new draft on March 7th, 2011, 6:13pm.
Yours has not been done yet, but he'll get to it. Just give him a chance to catch up.
Don will post them on the same thread the scripts already have, but the old script will be swapped out for the new draft.
For example, look at the first post of "Scottish Lullaby" and, near the bottom, you will see the "Revision History" showing Don uploading the new draft on March 7th, 2011, 6:13pm.
Yours has not been done yet, but he'll get to it. Just give him a chance to catch up.
My idea had nothing to do with a new challenge. I merely thought, for those interested, we could extend a little life out of this one. For example, let's say hypothetically Bert wrote a new story about an adventure of Shark Tooth. People might be more apt to read it now while the characters are fresh in their mind.
There might be no interest from anyone to do that, and that's fine. But if there is, I don't think it will distract from the October OWC.
Might I recommend that we hold off on any and all 'challenges' until the next regularly scheduled OWC? People get a little excited as they approach, which wouldn't happen if challenges occurred every other week.
Use this down time to write something on your own.
Phil
I have to agree. I think emotionally, people put a lot of work into the OWC no matter how good or what it amounts to in the end. It's kinduv like Christmas. You put so much energy into making it special for everyone... But you can't have Christmas everyday.
Mini challenges and such, if people want to do them, I think that's great. But maybe keep the OWCs as a bit more of a special phenomenon.
My idea had nothing to do with a new challenge. I merely thought, for those interested, we could extend a little life out of this one. For example, let's say hypothetically Bert wrote a new story about an adventure of Shark Tooth. People might be more apt to read it now while the characters are fresh in their mind.
There might be no interest from anyone to do that, and that's fine. But if there is, I don't think it will distract from the October OWC.
I got your PM, I'm assuming this i the'idea' you mentioned. I bolded the last part because off and on since last November, I have been expanding and/or switching up my entry in that challenge (Pumpkinseeds) off and on. It's becoming more of an RL Stine sort of flavor but I'm taking my time with it. I don't think I'll expand Wild Ginger or Flesh too much in he future. If I do it will be due to some person wanting to film them and asking me for another page or two. As it is, one of the two in this OWC (Wild Ginger) has three more pages.
It isn't uncommon for some to rework the shorts into longer shorts or feature length scripts.
Quoted from Dreamscale
I think I'l do an offshoot of my OWC from one of the horses POV...or possibly from one of the seal carcasses POV.
So long as you are not inspired from the original Hills Have Eyes 2... I'll comment on your revision when it's up. Let me know when and I'll get to it.
HaHa!! Darren, that's funny. That was one of the all time lamest flicks, and I know there are a plethera of possibilities when it comes to worst of the worst.
I think you're referring to a POV of the family dog, right? Like they actually inserted scenes showing its memory? Is that it? I can't recall exactly, but I do know it SUCKS to high Heaven.
HaHa!! Darren, that's funny. That was one of the all time lamest flicks, and I know there are a plethera of possibilities when it comes to worst of the worst.
I think you're referring to a POV of the family dog, right? Like they actually inserted scenes showing its memory? Is that it? I can't recall exactly, but I do know it SUCKS to high Heaven.
Yeah, I remember seeing it when it came out and not being impressed...but many years later, when I started understanding more about movies, and enjoying reading about movies, I recall reading alot about this shocking insertion.
And "shocking" is a good word for it. What in the Hell they were thinking would be a great commentery to hear. I bet ya they were all completely stoned/wasted when they came up with that idea.
Ok my rewrite of WISP is up. If anyone can muster it, please give it a read and let me know what you think. I'll return the favor and read one of your rewites! Thanks!
I still think the Star Trek challenge was brilliant.
there was nothing wrong with it, but it appeared too many people were not familiar enough with the show (I was one of those) or liked it enough to want to write 30 pages about it.
I think Twilight Zone, complete with Rod Serling monologue opening, would be incredibly fun to do. I absolutely loved Rod Serling -- But in a manly way, not the way you're thinking... (looks around)
With the exception of the intro and summary by Rod Serling, how would this be any different from any other OWC? It wouldn't be any different from Soulshadows.
With the STC, you had to write a script using established characters. That's where the challenge is. Rod Serling gave his monologue with a deadpan delivery. That's no challenge in that.
I think a Twilight Zone theme is too vague. That show, though great, would be too vague for a theme. It would be saying:
GENRE: Suspense THEME: something scary.
Phil
I dunno, man, Twilight Zone had sub-genre's within the show.
They had Si-fi They had suspense They had oddity They had horror
You could be restrictive within the shackles.
GENRE: Si-Fi THEME: Space explorers on a collision course with the sun have to make a choice between landing on -- PLANET A. an icy, un-inhabitable planet with a under ground advanced civilization or PLANET B a prehistoric planet with primitive life -- in hopes of survival.
The writer could then decide which planet they wanted to set their story on. Like a choose your own adventure book in a way. Each writer's vision could/would be vastly different and each take of the planets would be neat to see unfolded. Hell, now thinking about it we could leave the Twiligth Zone out of the mix and just go for Si-fi.
TZ is too vague. As Balt pointed out, it could be horror or sci-fi or suspense or WTF... Why even have one if there is that much room to play with? Even if you were to throw in a limitation (ie: it must take place in a bar), there is still too much room to play with.
How many OWC scripts get produced? I know it's supposed to be a challenge, but why not do something people actually want to do as well? Besides, to many writers, writing a 12 page short in one week is the challenge. Not the genre and theme...
There is a nuance to the Twilight zone that makes it different from other shows. The show has to bear a certain signature that anyone who has ever watched the show recognizes it as such.
In the way Star Trek had its own voice; TWZ has its own voice also.
That's the trick. Catching that wind.
The twilight zone sets a stage, gives you a short story and ever so slightly pulls the rug at the end. They are never overboard, and sometimes silly.
I liked the idea of the Star Trek challenge and considered trying it, but in the end it was difficult to justify investing the time.
I’d suggest a future challenge that asks us to write a spec of any TV show we choose. That would give us a chance to produce something we could use as a work sample.
It doesn’t matter if reviewers are familiar with the shows because when you submit sample work you don’t know if the person reading it will know the show or not. I’ve heard it suggested that it’s better if they don’t, since that way they can’t pick holes in what you’ve done!
So if OWC goes back to TV I'd suggest leaving the choice of show open and having the challenge be to produce spec sample that's ready to send to TV producers.
I’d suggest a future challenge that asks us to write a spec of any TV show we choose. That would give us a chance to produce something we could use as a work sample.
OWC's let us exercise our "short skills" and leave us with something which can be eventually produced.... Plus there are only 12 pages or so, which means more entries and more reads...
Getting back to OWC diiscussion, my first one here was in January 2009, when we did a collab challenge. with a sci-fi/future scenario challenge.
Now, I know some people here look upon the word 'collab' with the same distaste as 'genital rot', but I thought this was a great challenge.
I didn't really know that many SS people, conversation wise, and i was paired with the man himself...JEFF BUSH!!! We had a ball, emailing ideas and stuff, and we got to know each other better. And the stuff I learned was invaluable, as I was still green in scrrenwriting.
Another challenge similair to this would be cool; if we set some parameters, so it, maybe a 25 pages script in 2 weeks, and have 15 teams of two, I dunno, whatever.
The pairing can be random to make it more interesting - if anyone wasn't happy they could pull out, as happens in any OWC - and I feel the quality of these scripts would be pretty special.