I think we should choose based on queries from grade school film makers as our # 1 priority.

I want to say this in a way that sounds respectful. And I certainly respect anyone's effort at producing a film. But my question is this: does it really help any of us in any way to have a high school film class, or even a college film class, use our script? It's a sincere question from a newb. I mean, it's cool to have your characters come to life, I guess. I guess.

It seems to me this does zero for someone trying to establish themselves in this industry, unless the director somehow goes on to be a player and you stay in touch with him.

Low budget is not the same as no budget. A reputable film company trying to build its reputation could do a low budget film and do it well. You could get credit on IMDB, and that's no great thing either, but it at least helps you a little. What does having a high school production of your film do for you?

Let's forget about the voting for a second. It really doesn't matter anyway. The main thing is reader feedback. So the reveal is far more interesting than the vote. But one thing I was worried about was that this OWC would be a whole bunch of scripts with people talking in a room. Damn, talk about a horror of ZZZZZ's. Then I looked closer at the instructions. It could have said 'room', it didn't, it said 'location'. It could have said 'characters', it said 'actors'. I'm just glad most people interpreted this on the side of maximum creativity, or it would have been boring as hell.

And again, this is no disrespect to high school filmers. Everyone starts somewhere. I just can't imagine 32 scripts written for a no budget film done in one room. Why would we read all those? That would be torture.

As far as Dark Escort, there are better reasons not to vote for it. As I said in my review, and others agreed, the characters are not likable. That's a fatal flaw. Almost impossible to overcome.

The long winded old man could be a problem, but also could be acceptable in a low budget situation. As long as the old guy is interesting to look at and tells a story that holds our attention, it might be ok,

But the gun problem is probably unfixable. Without the gun, it's impossible to believe the old man will break his rule and talk about the hotel. Certainly without it, he won't take them up, even if deep down he wants to.

If it can't be fixed on rewrite, it's a fatal flaw.

Some of the other stories I'm looking at have flaws that can be easily fixed. If we don;t like the puking in Anne's Camp, it can be removed without changing the story.  First Time is one of my favorites, and it's flaws are easily fixed. Exposed has, IMO, 2 flaws, one easily fixed, the other will be tougher.

So I guess of your vote should be influenced by what can be and should be filmed, you have to look at a scripts flaws and whether they are fixable. Dark's flaws are unfixable; First Time and Anne's flaws easily fixed. Exposed is in the middle. Might be fixable, but a challenge.

That's what this guy thinks.

I'm meeting some SS writers for a beer today! Looking forward to that!

High School film class is one thing, but what about starting even earlier...grade school film class.  You get a kid to film your script, then buy him lunch at his school every now and then, keep in touch, give him dating advice as he get into his teens, then, if you're really lucky, he goes on to college, becomes the next Uwe Boll, and in 15 years or so, you're in!

You never know...

Jeff, could be placed on a registry list for that post! Level 3.

Here's an aside(I know you love em): first official spontaneous combustion case in Ireland

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15032614

Somebody check and make sure Eoin's ok.

OK, next up, a response to Kevin's criticism of Dark Escort.

The flaws on display are not fatal and far from unfixable.  Quite simple, actually.

First - lose all mention and consideration of a gun.

Second - make the 2 Protags likable, cool, "real" people. Give them a reason to be here in this town and specifically at this bar/hotel. Maybe even along the lines of King's Room 1408.

Third - Give the old man a reason to want to show them the hotel and room.  Maybe he'll get his girl back by leading someone else in.  Make him a good guy as well and have him struggle with showing them what he knows will be bad for them but possibly good for him.

Boom!  Fatal flaws gone.  Story fixed.  Ready for grade school film class.  

Without the gun, it's hard to imagine the old man breaking the rule, his rule. He needs to be forced into it. How about a box cutter?(Don't let Chuff hear mention of that)

The rule doesn't have to be there to begin with.  The rule  was a minor issue.  Even if it has to stay for some unknown reason, there are lots of ways to weasel one's way past a rule...and a hot bitch like whatever her name was here, just may have the means to achieve that.

Opens the door up for some good low budget nudity and sex.

On a serious note though, if you watch 1408, you'll see that there was a rule there as well, but it was broken, as it had to for the story to advance and it didn't come across as stupid or hokey, either.

They could get the old man hammered so he passes out and they take the key from him and up they go. He comes to, goes after them to help and BOOM!!  Lots of avenues to walk down.

The best low-budget nudity and sex has to be in Backwoods Bloodbath: Curse of the Black Hodag.  The first scene is hilarious enough, but everyone in the room's jaw dropped during the main "sex" scene.

I tried to find the clip online, but couldn't.

Funny you mentioned 1408. That came to my mind while I was reading as well. Great movie!

You guys are forgetting the four horse drawn carriage. Not cheap or easy.

No, budget-wise, Dark Escort does not meet the guidelines, either, IMO. It also strains the single location, as there are stairs involved, hallways, numerous rooms that are not open and attached, and even scenes in different locations, outside the hotel.

http://www.telegram.com/article/20090724/NEWS/907249980/1116/NEWSREWIND

Not quite the same. He needs a carriage. He's got the hotel though!

I don't see the horse and buggy as a problem. We have them here for tourism. Usually all you need to do is make a request. A lot of times people are willing to lend a hand-- or a horse as the case may be.  

I think Dark Escort can easily work with any number of minor tweaks some of you have already suggested.

Sandra

Quoted from Grandma Bear I'm rather bummed about that coffee mug myself...

Phil, should we tell her how and why we got the mugs?

I'm starting to feel bad.

Cindy

I met Phil and Janet this afternoon for a couple beers. Not fair that people could be that talented and that cool!!