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Thanks Jeff for doing this, but I think the quality was average at best.
The fish out of water or stranger living in a strange place with a maximum of 4 people were diametrically opposed parameters in my opinion. Judging how so many, including myself either missed the mark, didn't try, or tried but failed, shows that my concerns were correct.
I had 2 ideas and I struggled with both if they met the parameters.
Even in these stories, I didn't think the parameters were met. You wanted realism so how could a person singlehandedly run a boat or a child survive that storm?
How could someone be in a busy park, or country, or bar with nobody around and no reason as to why??
IMO, the parameters really hurt the realism of most stories. Factor in that you also wanted locations that the writer knew well.
If I may make a suggestion for anyone doing any writing for us to take part in, show some examples of what is, and isn't OK. Especially for such difficult parameters. Quite a few voiced their concerns.
I think back to the first one I did. Low budget on or in or around an elevator. Those made sense together.
Or the interpretation of stuck in a cab. Or write horror with cannibals or monsters.
Just my 2 cents, but I sensed the confusion right away.
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I think back to the first one I did. Low budget on or in or around an elevator. Those made sense together.
Or the interpretation of stuck in a cab. Or write horror with cannibals or monsters. Dan
Take a direct veto from me, Dan :-) I hated those parameters. Served so many boring one-sided, cheap and generic stories with few exceptions.
As much as I like the host of this one, I think many have misunderstood his interpretation. Me too.
Just look at the Red On Yellow take. Two tribesmen experience their "supposed" isolated hunting ground became an actual deforestation spot.
The third character, a woodworker from the first world, finds out his deforestation site is actually part of a tribe's hunting ground.
The characters personal experience at this place and what they find there is so massively contrary to what they originally believed it to be, their familiar everyday spot. Nope, they are in completely strange land from their view.
It's very intelligent how nothing is what it seems for both character groups; and the topic couldn't be hit much better the way I saw the challenge…
Sure, some as usual go in with a sledgehammer and interpret all possible against each and every writer but you find the truth in the undertone as usual.
I've read the half yet and saw everyone went their way, and saying they haven't tried, is just an unreasoned assumption.
The general badmouthing about this challenge isn't needed. I don't like that. We all done our best and you cannot expect more.
I can see a character out of his element in each entry except for one. But I'm not downgrading for this, I'm sure the writer got some explanation for that just like I have for mine.
I'm not sure about an entry that went over the character limit though. (I guess we all are mean in some way )
It's been a pretty decent challenge. I do think that the parameters are enforced a little too strictly though. The parameters should encourage inspiration and not stifle the writer in any way. The fact that a writer has come up with a story, possibly one that may sell in the future, is enough.
It's been a pretty decent challenge. I do think that the parameters are enforced a little too strictly though. The parameters should encourage inspiration and not stifle the writer in any way. The fact that a writer has come up with a story, possibly one that may sell in the future, is enough.
I actually agree with this and have always thought this. It's better for the writer AND the reader.
I actually agree with this and have always thought this. It's better for the writer AND the reader.
But guys, do you not think the one week challenge should be...challenging? Is this the one week challenge or the one week creativity exercise?
If it's easy or the parameters are there just for guidance only, how are writers going to learn how to write within parameters or attempt things out of their comfort zone?
For example (this is based on a couple of screenwriting adverts I saw recently on a 'scripts wanted' website)
'Seeking scripts w/ lead role for black male actor in his mid to late 30's. Scripts with Haitian male lead will also be considered. I am looking for great vehicles with social conscience as the theme. 10 pages ideally, minimal locations. Scripts will be made and come to life!'
Now that's challenging!
Even if the parameter is 'low budget' and this is adhered to, this one stipulation is great practice for the majority of script requests out there.
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I thought the parameters were just fine. They were clear and presented a creative challenge. That being said, not all OWCs are for everyone.
I did not participate in the Fairy Tale OWC because the parameters were not by cup of tea - fine. Same for one of the Halloween OWCs because I suck at horror. Okay by me - not all OWCs are for everyone. Even though I have got questions on whether my script met the guidelines for this one (which it did damn it!!! , I thought the restrictions were absolutely fine. We have had to write scripts that take place in an elevator, in a Taxi, etc, - how is this anymore narrow?
Totally agree, Dave. It's a challenge, not an 'everybody gets a trophy' exercise. Believe me, I've been dragged across the coals so many times and have wanted to quit just as many. I feel the I'm a better writer for taking up the challenges.
I understand why some or many do not like tight parameters...I don't either, which is why I really tried to have this pretty open ended. I am very much against things like - "must include a wheelchair, must be set in a room, etc.
The way I looked at this challenge, the 4 character max wasn't an issue at all, nor did it butt heads with the theme, but it seems like most or all didn't view it the same way, which is fine and cool.
The Elevator Most Belonging To Alice - Semi Final Bluecat, Runner Up Nashville Inner Journey - Page Awards Finalist - Bluecat semi final Grieving Spell - winner - London Film Awards. Third - Honolulu Ultimate Weapon - Fresh Voices - second place IMDb link... http://www.imdb.com/name/nm7062725/?ref_=tt_ov_wr
When we think of a fish out of water or a stranger in a strange land, whit images invoke the strongest emotions?
A person sitting alone in a cafeteria. A person with no one to play with on a playground. A person who isn't invited to be part of something.
There are dozens more. And none of them were doable due to the 4 person limit.
So people had to concoct extraordinary reasons why there were only 4 people. Many times it didn't feel real and harmed the suspension of disbelief for me. Also, instead of showing how someone was alone, we had to just tell it instead.
Again, any of the parameters by themselves is fine, just not in conjunction. A few of us got saddled with femme fatale without any men which breaks the genre IMO.
Anytime you can challenge yourself to become better is worth it, but conditions that oppose each other really put the writer in a bad spot. Jeff, even you said how many failed to meet the parameters. IMO, that was the reason why.
I freely admit mine was awful. Dave, I am not ragging on anyone else's story, I certainly don't have any right to, especially with the crap I turned in. Honestly, I am shocked people haven't hated on it as much as I did.
I'm interested in reading animation, horror, sci fy, suspense, fantasy, and anything that is good. I enjoy writing the same. Looking to team with anyone!
Totally agree, Dave. It's a challenge, not an 'everybody gets a trophy' exercise. Believe me, I've been dragged across the coals so many times and have wanted to quit just as many. I feel the I'm a better writer for taking up the challenges.
Before I started writing I thought that low budget was one of the parameters. Something doable, easy to film I mean. But then I saw that very few of those are easy to film and checked the top post. Don't know where this came from - I was sure we need to write something budget friendly. Must be all the talk and answers to questions that tripped me. Didn't any of you think the same?
Before I started writing I thought that low budget was one of the parameters. Something doable, easy to film I mean. But then I saw that very few of those are easy to film and checked the top post. Don't know where this came from - I was sure we need to write something budget friendly. Must be all the talk and answers to questions that tripped me. Didn't any of you think the same?
The guidelines were:
Quoted Text
Budget – Open, but limited to real-life existing structures and creations.
Maybe you conflated "real-life" with low budget???