The first OWC of the new year is almost upon us (as is the new year).  I'll be announcing the theme and genre on January 2nd.  There will be something a little different this time around, a little twist, something to make it a little more of a challenge.

For those of you unfamiliar with the OWC, it is a little non-competition that we do a few times a year at SS.  A genre and theme is announced and those wishing to participate have a week to write and submit a short script based on the genre and theme.

The whole idea behind this is to see how well you can write under pressure.  Imagine if a filmmaker asked you to write a comedy about an antique salt shaker.  Could you do it in a week?

This will be the ninth time we're doing the challenge and some of these scripts have been incredibly good.


Phil

Class! Phil, your effort is always appreciated with these. Looking forward to it.

Wow. It's OWC time again already. The last one didn't seem that long ago...

Anyway, these things are always fun to read. Should be good.

Cool!!

I'll try to participate again... Unless I'm not happy with the assignment and start a big "bajs storm" again that I have to apologize for later...  

I'll be good! Promise!  

If I feel inspired by the challenge, I'll participate. And I probably will anyway, even if I don't feel inspired.

Quoted from Grandma Bear Cool!! I'll try to participate again... Unless I'm not happy with the assignment and start a big "bajs storm" again that I have to apologize for later...

THis one will be different from previous OWC's, in that I'll need some committments to it before it begins.  I'll explain why after Christmas.


Phil

The OWC starts this Friday night  (wait for the cheers to die down.  good).

This challenge will be a little different, just to mix things up a bit.  For starters, it will be a two week challenge (more cheers.  wait for silence.  good).

This challenge will a two week challenge for a special reason (one person briefly cheers, but realizes he should and quickly shuts up.  others roll their eyes).

This challenge will be a two week challenge because everyone will need the extra time to e-mail their scripts back and forth with their writing partners (numerous gasps ring out from the crowd).

Writers will be teamed up for this particular challenge.  This is why I mentioned, earlier, that some commitment will be needed.  We don't want anyone losing interest in this (someone cuts one.  everyone looks at mcornetto).

If you are interested in participating and can commit, please send me a pm with the header 'Two week challenge.'  Please include your real name in the e-mail.

(phil leaves the podium.  everyone shouts questions at him. mcornetto giggles quietly).



Phil

Pia shouts out "pm or e-mail?"

I'm looking forward to it. What a great way to start the new year!

Sandra

PM me.


Phil

I'm in.

Do i still have to pm you?

Quoted from Grandma Bear I'm in. Do i still have to pm you?

I can't play favorites, Pia.  You have to pm me.

Everyone does.  It plays a part in how I team people up.


Phil

I did pm me...

Quoted from Grandma Bear I did pm me...

ROFL

That was a great response.

Sounds like fun.  I'm in Damnit!

Phil,

if you care about your health, do not team me up with Dreamscale!!!!

He hates me and my scripts. He thinks I have a bad sense of humor!!!....and he's a gringe too!!!!






Just kidding of course.  

Quoted from dogglebe Everyone does.  It plays a part in how I team people up.

I'm guessing the pairings will be assigned via some sort of numbering system, based on the order Phil receives entrants.

I'm going the Charlie/Donald Kaufman route, myself.

Pia?  C'mon now...

I do not hate you or your scripts.  I don't even think your humor completely sucks.

And...remember...it's still the Holiday Season...and that means that I have to be semi-nice to people throughout it. Well, at least I'm trying.  It's not always easy, obviously, with all these Goddamned, idiot, motherfuckering pieces of complete shit...but I still try.

I'll be nice...but...Phil!  Come on man, don't pair me up with that blonde, blood sucking chick!!!!

Quoted from Dreamscale these Goddamned, idiot, motherfuckering pieces of complete shit...but I still try.

Flattery will get you everywhere.

Obviously, I was referring to all the beautiful people in my everyday life...or hopefully?

You guys and gals in here are all great, and I do mean that.

Happy Holidays!!!!!!!

I have sent in my PM...this is a Pre-mention of my participation.  

MBC!!!!!  She's in...nice.

Hey, I really liked your "Spirit Men" entry in the last OWC.   Not my cup of tea in terms of subject matter, but I thought you hit it pretty well, in terms of a "Goonie"-like quick story.  Also, appreciated the real "horror" at the very end.  One of the few that actually walked the wire in between the squeaky clean and the potential "real" horror.  Loved how you ended it!

See Pia, I can be nice!

PS Pia...what's a "gringe"?  What you talkin' 'bout Wilson?

Quoted from Dreamscale MBC!!!!!  She's in...nice. Hey, I really liked your "Spirit Men" entry in the last OWC.   Not my cup of tea in terms of subject matter, but I thought you hit it pretty well, in terms of a "Goonie"-like quick story.  Also, appreciated the real "horror" at the very end.  One of the few that actually walked the wire in between the squeaky clean and the potential "real" horror.  Loved how you ended it! See Pia, I can be nice!

Thanks a bunch for that DS...It was my first attempt at screenwriting.  You really have to use yur noggin to write in "show not tell" fashion.  

I am excited for this new challenge as I do well when the topic is picked for me! *wink

Quoted from Dreamscale See Pia, I can be nice!

Who said I like nice guys?...

The other day, I came acrost something...it was a pic of an old 'Injun about to scalp some poor pitiful white army guy...I thought of Spirit Men, and that's actually kinda cool, huh?

Nobody likes nice guys...that's why I go balls out to be a total A-HOLE...350 days of the year.  I just can't help it during these of so wonderful Holiday times...niceness glows around me like a Halo.

Quoted from Dreamscale Nobody likes nice guys...that's why I go balls out to be a total A-HOLE...350 days of the year.  I just can't help it during these of so wonderful Holiday times...niceness glows around me like a Halo.

Or like a falling snow flake around Mister Snowman there (he's cute by the way) ...because I doubt you're any kind of angel   tee hee

Quoted from Dreamscale Nobody likes nice guys...

That's a myth.  I lay more pipe than Joe the Plumber.

Quoted from Shelton That's a myth.  I lay more pipe than Joe the Plumber.

Way to go there Mike   This qualifies for things that make you go hmmmmmm

Our Pia has spunk...so maybe she likes naughty and nice!  I kind of do *wink

Quoted from MBCgirl maybe she likes naughty and nice!  I kind of do *wink

I don't really like nice at all...  

Pia, I think I luv ya!

Fuck Nice!!!!!

But then again, you're all going to get "nice" for another few days...I can't help it!

Quoted from Dreamscale Nobody likes nice guys...that's why I go balls out to be a total A-HOLE...350 days of the year.  I just can't help it during these of so wonderful Holiday times...niceness glows around me like a Halo.

There are some people on this planet that really are nice. But most of us are a bunch of wannabe nice people. We might be able to manage it for awhile, but then we slip back to our animal natures.

It's probably better to be a true asshole than a lying nice person.

Here's to assholes everywhere!

LOL-- notice how the swear checker didn't catch the second one? Must be the good intention behind the toast.

Sandra

Yes, to all the Assholes and Pricks of the world!  I throw a toast to you and of of yours!

A-Holes unite!!!!!

Sorry, Dreamscale, no matter how hard you've been at times, you still can't hold a candle to the sheer indescribable assholishness that was Balt. And please, don't try.

Quoted from George Willson Sorry, Dreamscale, no matter how hard you've been at times, you still can't hold a candle to the sheer indescribable assholishness that was Balt. And please, don't try.

Who was Balt? We could use the name for a character. Sounds really cool.

Sandra

It's been while since I've participated in one of these. This could be a good way to get me back into writing mode. I'm in.

Oh, and as for who Balt is/was. He was an interesting member who wasn't afraid to speak his mind. If he didn't like your script it "sucked goat nuts and porked chickens in the butt".

~Zack~

Imagine Dreamscale when he didn't like something. Oh, my script Jagged comes to mind. Now, infuse that high-protein opinionatedness with some ridiculous profanity (sucks goats' balls, anyone?), about 70kg of caffeine (your average cup of coffee contains about 150mg), and a general bad attitude, and you have Balt.

If he did not like your script, you knew it. Oh God, how he made it known how bad he hated it.

But on the flip side, if you got a compliment, the world revolved around you for a bit.

Wanna read Balts review of my first screenplay? His review is post number 12.

http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-short/m-1144501628/s-0/

Enjoy.

~Zack~

Quoted from Zack Wanna read Balts review of my first screenplay? His review is post number 12. http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-short/m-1144501628/s-0/ Enjoy. ~Zack~

Thanks Zack.

I've got a lot of reading to do and I don't want to waste my time on easy put downs-- we're all subject to that kind of thing no matter what.

To just consider the put downs of The Big Time Hits encourages us to wonder "What makes a good show anyways?"

I'll keep reading the works from the people I respect and no matter what any critic tells me, my word will be final in my books.

Sandra

Quoted from Shelton That's a myth.  I lay more pipe than Joe the Plumber.

I'm sure the pipes are very happy, Mike.

About ten people have pm'ed me, so far.  And those willing to participate need to pm me!  (*cough* Pia *cough*).  The order that people pm me is a big factor in how I set up the teams.

The genre and theme will be announced this Friday night (NYC time).


Phil

Quoted from Zack Wanna read Balts review of my first screenplay? His review is post number 12. http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-short/m-1144501628/s-0/ Enjoy. ~Zack~

I just read this review and I, personally, liked it.


Phil

The script or the review?

The review.

I've always liked Balt's reviews.


Phil

Yes... the script is, what's the word, shit-tastic. However, being that it was my first screenplay, I do think his review was a bit harsh. This is off topic, so I'll shut up now.

~Zack~

Quoted from mcornetto If I feel inspired by the challenge, I'll participate. And I probably will anyway, even if I don't feel inspired.

That's good to hear Michael. That's what we've gotta do. Write when we're not inspired.

The inspired part is a bonus when it happens.

Sandra

The game starts tomorrow and I still haven't heard from some people saying they were participating.  If you don't pm me, I can't place you and you can't participate.

Oh, and happy new year.


Phil

I signed up.  

Quoted from Sandra Elstree. That's good to hear Michael. That's what we've gotta do. Write when we're not inspired. The inspired part is a bonus when it happens. Sandra

Sorry but I won't be able to participate because I'm starting a new job in one week. If this were a one week thing, like usual, then I would have been able to do it.

Cheers.

Just to make things a little easier on me, the cut off for people entering the challenge must PM me within 24 hours.  I won't finalize the team up list until then.


Phil

Are the teams going to be posted?

I'll announce the teams when I announce the genre and theme.  

The teams will be chosen, mostly, by the order of PMs.  I'll make changes if a team consists of two very experienced people or two new people.


Phil

I think I'm signed up.

~Zack~

I think you are.


Phil

I think that's effin sweet.

~Zack~

I think you're effin swet.


Phil

Oh my...

Quoted from mcornetto Sorry but I won't be able to participate because I'm starting a new job in one week. If this were a one week thing, like usual, then I would have been able to do it. Cheers.

Our thoughts will still be with you Michael. Every good wish for you in this new venue is sent.

We're with you!

Love from myself and the group,
(a gang of Alber-tites in the heat of a chinook)

Sandra

I think I'm signed up too.

I think so, too.


Phil

Quoted from Shelton That's a myth.  I lay more pipe than Joe the Plumber.

Yeah, but are you properly licensed?

Quoted from seamus19382 Yeah, but are you properly licensed?

Not only am I licensed, I'm in the union.

Do we have a final head count?

When will the genre and theme and teams be announced?

~Zack~

The gate for the January 2009 challenge is now closed and no one else may enter.  Sorry.  You snooze.  You lose.

For those unfamiliar with the OWC (though it is now a two week challenge), I will go over the rules:

Each team has two weeks to come up with a short script (15 pages maximum) based on the genre and theme chosen for this competition.  If the genre and theme were science fiction and ‘solving the food shortage,’ you would have to write a sci-fi script that deals with solving the food shortage.  Mentioning the shortage and writing a story about the auto industry isn’t enough.

Scripts must be submitted by January 16th, 11:59pm, EST.

The teams are listed below.  Those participating must submit one copy of their script to Don.  Even if one member of the team sits on his or her ass the entire time, not working on said script, it must be submitted as a joint venture.

No betting!

Don’t come bitching to me, or anyone else, if your writing partner isn’t doing his or her share.  I don’t care!

Don’t come bitching to me, or anyone else, if you don’t like your writing partner.  I don’t care!

Don’t come bitching to me, or anyone else, if—well, just don’t!  I don’t care!

The teams are as follows:

GM Miles  &  Stebrown;
Dreamscale  &  Stevie;
George Willson  &  Sandra E;
MBCGirl  &  Shelton;
The Boy Who Could Fly  &  Me;
Higgonaitor  & Tommy P;
Zack,  Nixon  &  James R.

Yes, the last team has three people in it.  The end result of an odd number of entrants.

And now for the genre and theme:

Genre:  Comedy
Theme:  A pedophile priest.

On second thought, it should be the example provided above in the rules.  Don't do the priest script.  Really.

Enjoy yourselves.


Phil

So it's sci-fi and solving the food shortage?

The actual genre and theme are Sci Fi - "Solving the food shortage"

No pedo priests here, people

Yes.  It should be sci-fi about the food shortage.

And no soylent green references, okay?  It's too easy.


Phil

Quoted from dogglebe Even if one member of the team sits on his or her ass the entire time, not working on said script, it must be submitted as a joint venture.

Ste, there is only one 'r' in my name. Cheers mate.

Quoted from Murphy Ste, there is only one 'r' in my name. Cheers mate.

I'll let you know when I have it finished mate

You wanna do this by email or pm?

So it's me and Pia....This will be the most messed up twisted script of all time

Quoted from stebrown I'll let you know when I have it finished mate You wanna do this by email or pm?

email would be better, my email address is linked to my profile.

Quoted from The boy who could fly So it's me and Pia....This will be the most messed up twisted script of all time

...maybe fucked up, but definitely good!!  

Quoted from Grandma Bear ...maybe fucked up, but definitely good!!

incest, dead babies, bodily fluids, anal rape.....hell ya it's gonna rock

I've sent you an email Gary.

Quoted from The boy who could fly incest, dead babies, bodily fluids, anal rape.....hell ya it's gonna rock

You forgot mummy babies...

can't go wrong with mummy babies.  

I stopped for a few moments to try and think of ideas or the peder-ass priest comedy before scrolling down and being relieved . . . yet slightly disappointed.  I had come up with a good one.


I know, right?

Quoted from The boy who could fly incest, dead babies, bodily fluids, anal rape.....hell ya it's gonna rock

Those are all innovative

Hey Stevie...where ya at?  I'm not sure how to get in touch with you.

Thank you Phil for not pitting that crazy Swede and I togther.

Best to all!  Sound like fun.

Message sent to Shelton.  It is going to be interesting for sure!   My brain is already turning over lol

Quoted from MBCgirl Message sent to Shelton.  It is going to be interesting for sure!   My brain is already turning over lol

Check your email.

Checked and replied    We're already on the same track!   

We can check in with each other tomorrow....for now I'm going to sleep on it.

Sweet. This is gonna be a good one.

~Zack~

Question:

Will the scripts still be posted as anonymous?

The script will originally be posted anonomously.


Phil

Just in case anyone is unfamiliar with this uber-famous sci-fi movie from 1973 involving the solution to a food shortage, here's the imdb link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070723/

And while I hate spoiling a movie, this twist is probably more famous than Luke's lineage in The Empire Strikes Back, so as Phil suggested, let's try to be more creative than cannibalism...

When I saw the theme, I immediately thought of Soylent Green, much the way the Shiva game immediately reminded me of the Stand.

EDIT: How about that? 3000 posts...again.

You know, there was a reason I kept changing Phil's post and redacting the Soylent Green reference, but I'm not about to go back and forth on that for two weeks, and I'd like to think I'm far more original than that anyway.

Doesn't mean I can't mess with people though.

Quoted from dogglebe George Willson  &  Sandra E

Hah -- I can't wait to see this one.  The best pairing since Felix Ungar and Oscar Madison.

Nicely done this time, Phil -- but must they be posted anonymously?  That isn't written in stone, is it?

There are only a few, which should make it fairly easy to guess -- (at least for a couple **coughPiaJordancough**) -- and frankly, I think I would enjoy the reading much more knowing the team behind them.  

We might surprise you... or maybe not.

Haven't even talked to Jordan yet.

Quoted from Grandma Bear Haven't even talked to Jordan yet.

Check under your bed

Quoted from Shelton You know, there was a reason I kept changing Phil's post and redacting the Soylent Green reference, but I'm not about to go back and forth on that for two weeks, and I'd like to think I'm far more original than that anyway. Doesn't mean I can't mess with people though.

Frankly, I'd rather have the Soylent Green reference out there right from the beginning. In my opinion, this one will be more difficult for some because he picked a topic that has a well known movie behind it. This is the kind of thing that a producer would do. He'd see a hit movie, and say "I want something like that." But of course, you have to take your own original twist on that used topic. I like this one BECAUSE it's been done before. We just have to do our own take on it so that we're original even though the topic isn't.

Nice choice, Phil.

And I think the reason originally for the anonymous posting was to prevent sort of "preferential reading and commenting." You're more likely to be honest in some cases if you don't know the person who posted. In addition, some people are more likely to be read if their identity isn't known.

But on this one, there aren't even going to be a full dozen and it looks like everyone is a regular, so the anonymity probably isn't necessary. This may yield some of the best OWC scripts to date.

Quoted from dogglebe The Boy Who Could Fly  &  Me

Mommy, I'm scared.

Quoted from George Willson This is the kind of thing that a producer would do. He'd see a hit movie, and say "I want something like that." But of course, you have to take your own original twist on that used topic. I like this one BECAUSE it's been done before. We just have to do our own take on it so that we're original even though the topic isn't.

Actually, I think a producer would come to someone and say "Hey, we're remaking Soylent Green.  Care to pitch us your take on it?" And they would make their pitch and try to change a few things here and there before ultimately ending it with that one line that just about everyone on God's green Earth knows, and it would be fresh and everybody would go see it, and it would make $100 million dollars at the box office before half the people who went to see it even realized it's a remake.

Now, if it's the Asylum, that's a totally different scenario because they would want you to write Soylent Green, but it wouldn't be Soylent Green.  It would be called Wheatlent Blue or some crap, and Thorn would be changed to Rose.  You know, just enough to avoid lawsuits.

Quoted from Mr.Z Mommy, I'm scared.

Be afraid.......be very afraid

Quoted from George Willson Frankly, I'd rather have the Soylent Green reference out there right from the beginning. In my opinion, this one will be more difficult for some because he picked a topic that has a well known movie behind it. This is the kind of thing that a producer would do. He'd see a hit movie, and say "I want something like that." But of course, you have to take your own original twist on that used topic. I like this one BECAUSE it's been done before. We just have to do our own take on it so that we're original even though the topic isn't. Nice choice, Phil. And I think the reason originally for the anonymous posting was to prevent sort of "preferential reading and commenting." You're more likely to be honest in some cases if you don't know the person who posted. In addition, some people are more likely to be read if their identity isn't known. But on this one, there aren't even going to be a full dozen and it looks like everyone is a regular, so the anonymity probably isn't necessary. This may yield some of the best OWC scripts to date.

The saying from Ecclesiastes, "There's nothing new under the sun," is what comes to mind here. Indeed, nothing new-- it's only the packaging that changes.

I agree that it's good to have a reference point in style. Our creativity in twisting the same old into a new shape is always a challenge and reference to anything done or not, the challenge is the same.

This challenge will give me the opportunity to watch the movie and attend to my New Year's resolution: To watch more movies. I'll never be on par with Michael Shelton in that department, but it's definitely a must.

Sandra