All screenplays on the simplyscripts.com and simplyscripts.net domain are copyrighted to their respective authors. All rights reserved. This screenplaymay not be used or reproduced for any purpose including educational purposes without the expressed written permission of the author.
The scripts must be received by Friday, September 16th at 11:59 pm e.d.t..
Please do not put your real name on your script, however, please use your real name and real e-mail address on the submission form. (After the exercise closes you can either have your script removed or resubmit the script with your name on it).
Please put "(c) Copyright 2011" on your script.
Some Notes:
1. This is only open to and advertised to members of the discussion board. Turnout will be light. It is ok, however, to let MoviePoet.com folks know about it, provided Chris doesn't have a problem with it. (Those MP folks who would participate are probably already registered on SS anyway.) 2. I have intentionally given short notice of the OWC. This is in keeping with the 'real world' theme that you have to produce something good in a short amount of time with short notice. 3. Script must be between six and 12 pages. No less than six pages and no more than 12 pages. 4. You can use up to four actors of any sex or age. You don't have to use all the actors. 5. The script must take place in one location. 6. This is a challenge. There are no prizes or awards of any kind. 7. The spirit of this particular challenge is that any reasonable competent group of people could film the script without having to get major funding. 8. Please, one entry per person. If you can slip a second one by me without me catching you, then good on you.
For a serious question, though, can we have dialogue from a fifth person we can't see or is it four in any form?
I'm kind of interested in having a voiceover from a fifth person.
I see that as fitting the spirit of the challenge. One of the four actors could do the voice over in an accent different from the character he/she is playing, or the director or camera operator could do it.
Since we're asking questions on the number of actors: I am assuming that this means no extras. For example, if the story takes place in a bar or restaurant, there can be no one sitting at tables or at the bar.
Since we're asking questions on the number of actors: I am assuming that this means no extras. For example, if the story takes place in a bar or restaurant, there can be no one sitting at tables or at the bar.
I would say, no extras. However, if say, you were filming in a park and there were people in the background unrelated to the shoot, that would be ok. It would be a difficult shoot, tho since you have no control over them.
Yep, I hope these questions will stop, as this is what spoils an OWC. Same thing happened last October and it went on and on and on until people had their actors playing multiple roles, wearing wigs and beards, and dressing up in Nic Cage bear suits.
C'mon, peeps...4 actors, playing 4 characters, in 1 location, low budget.
Ray should love this one...where the Hell is he, anyway?
By your logic, though, the actors could play multiple roles and the number of characters is limitless.
Breanne
Breaanne,
No problem. Sometimes I really need to think these out before responding. And, yes. By my logic, the actors could play multiple roles either ala~ The Fountain or one of the actors could dress up in a bunny suit to play a monster thus slightly stretching the four actor rule.
And it is four actors, not characters.
I'm going to fall back with "keep the script within the spirit of the challenge."
Looking forward to entering this. I often find I write best when presented with rules and restrictions - worst thing is when someone says "you can write whatever you want"! When you have limits imposed, it makes your imagination work better.
Good to see you all. I will be participating and hopefully I can at least provide good feedback even if my work falls to the nephal ( http://concordances.org/hebrew/5308.htmvariety) variety. It's just wonderful to be here and see things in action.
As a newbie, I am looking forward to seeing what this has to offer. I will give it a shot too. I have no questions, there was nothing ambiguous about the brief at all...
I have determined my location. Low budget equals check. I could garage sale for the basics of this one. Oh yes this is good news, but in my lilly brainstorming session, I've discovered an advantage for SFX. Wella, I don't see a problem with that if computer software is implemented rather than straight dope from the physical location. Lotsa cool minds out there to work the programs.
Are you planning this now, akshav? Or, are you intending to "wing it". If you're going to wing it, please send me some buffalo style that has a good hot sauce and accompany it with a nice dark beer. Some stuffed mushrooms would also be nice.
I have determined my location. Low budget equals check. I could garage sale for the basics of this one. Oh yes this is good news, but in my lilly brainstorming session, I've discovered an advantage for SFX. Wella, I don't see a problem with that if computer software is implemented rather than straight dope from the physical location. Lotsa cool minds out there to work the programs.
Are you planning this now, akshav? Or, are you intending to "wing it". If you're going to wing it, please send me some buffalo style that has a good hot sauce and accompany it with a nice dark beer. Some stuffed mushrooms would also be nice.
Looking forward to hearing your writing stories.
Sandra
No, you aren't. In fact, I may have had the BBQ sauce, drank all the whiskey and smoked the %^*^& mushroom.
Pia, you're hilarious! You say you're not entering, yet you want to know how many entries are allowed each.
BTW, Don said nothing about pissers, so you never know. Sometimes pissers get turned into movies...look at Shark Night 3D!!! That had to be a bog old pisser...
I'm leaning toward horror, but I have a feeling the majority of scripts are gonna lean that way, too. Hmm...maybe thriller. But I can't really think about it until after the fins game.
Not that there is anything wrong with a GOOD horror yarn. It's just that usually, your first idea is probably your worst idea and lots of other people's first idea too.
I just get tired of horror haters that can't judge the story as a story if it's horror. They immediately hate it and lower their score. Happens all the time at MP. Well, guess what? Everyone isn't a rom-com fan!
I actually wrote a horror one for this but there's a good chance that I'm not entering it due to the page limit (mine's 2 pages short and I don't want to expand if it's not necessary). I'll prob submit it normally. Can't wait to see the other entries.
Gabe
Welcome back Phil.
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/
"Pia - That's an unfortunate perspective horror haters have." and I will apologize because I HATE rom-coms so I admit that I probably am biased against those.
I thought about horror, but MP's monthly challenge is a horror too. (Vampire, Ghost, Mummy or Zombie) I could cook one up, but this OWC happens around the same time I'm spinning out something else.
Is there a lot of horror hating here? I love horror especially if it's psychological or anything with a real kicker twist. I've just wrote too many so am resting that particular ganglion for a while
No, quite the opposite. The reason why some are skeptical about writing a OWC horror in this month's OWC is that there may or may not be one in October, which is usually a horror or suspense theme. There was also a real decent OWC in horror last Feb. Also at this time MoviePoet has a challenge with a horror theme.
In the unlikely event that there is no OWC in October, there is nothing stopping you from writing a short script. Also, keep in mind, that the October OWC genre has not always been horror.
Dogglbe: I'm writing shorts all the time. it's having the guts as a newbie to post them here. I have noticed that some of you can be rather... draconic?
Dreamscale: never been posted here (or anywhere else) before, haven't been here long enough! It's likely i'll do a new one anyway.
Whether it's been posted here or nowhere doesn't matter.
The spirit of the challenge is to write a script within 1 week, based on the given parameters...thus, no pre-written scripts should even be considered.
Phil, you're definitely not too late. You can write a great script in a matter of hours, so I'm hoping you'll be in on this one. The more, the merrier. We're happy you're back, so grace us with a good script!
Had this idea floating around for ages and the OWC was ideal excuse to bash it out. It flowed quite nicely and am really looking forward to seeing what you guys think and where I can improve.
People are talking about genres. Well, I'm really not quite sure what genre I'm writing. Although I do know the kind of broad category, but I'm just not sure. It is very real world based, but that's my world.
I wrote one, but I'm not sure if I'll enter it into this OWC.
As usual, I look forward to reading the other scripts. I'm always amazed by the scripts in the OWC. This is a clever bunch here.
Award winning screenwriter Available screenplays TINA DARLING - 114 page Comedy ONLY OSCAR KNOWS - 99 page Horror A SONG IN MY HEART - 94 page Drama HALLOWEEN GAMES - 105 page Drama
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
I haven't got the confirmation that my entry was recieved; maybe it spat out into the void. I guess I can talk about it. This guy walks into a pub dressed in a chicken outfit. Three wemmen gettin' drunk on gin. all three dressed like nuns w/habits. One nun named HARRIET says to Chicken Man...
Oh, I'm sorry, I thought it was stupid and I didn't finish. Wrote something else.
So it looks like the OWC is going to have a good turnout.
Sandra, I haven't read anything from you in quite a while. I'm glad you entered.
Cindy
Award winning screenwriter Available screenplays TINA DARLING - 114 page Comedy ONLY OSCAR KNOWS - 99 page Horror A SONG IN MY HEART - 94 page Drama HALLOWEEN GAMES - 105 page Drama
Just returned after years of absence and low and behold I come to find this. With less than two days to deadline.
But darn, this seems way too interesting to pass up. I'll give it my best shot to submit something.
(Not that anyone really cares, of course. I'm sure nobody remembers me here any more. But posting about it here gives me a boost to actually get cracking.)
The act of writing is a quest to put a hundred thousand words to a cunning order. - Douglas Adams
I'm in the midst of working a first draft of a new feature, w/limited time. And the criteria for this one just seemed...too broad. Thought about adapting an old short story that I've been meaning to re-visit someday, but..nah. I'll wait for October.
So it looks like the OWC is going to have a good turnout.
Sandra, I haven't read anything from you in quite a while. I'm glad you entered.
Cindy
I'm starting to call our house The Crazy Palace. There's so much going on around here all the time it's retarded, but we're pushing into autumn, my favorite time of year, and it's 2011 gosh darn it. Sandra better had enter or what's this world coming to anywhoo.
Glad to see Phil back. I'm excited to watch everything roll.
(Not that anyone really cares, of course. I'm sure nobody remembers me here any more. But posting about it here gives me a boost to actually get cracking.)
Alright! I'm actually done. Got it down from over 30 pages to 3 1/2, then had to increase it up to 6. I'm happy with it. Hope the erotica isn't too much for anyone. I tried my best to keep it under an X rating, and I think I succeeded.
It all takes place within a king sized water bed, so I'm pretty sure I met the requirements.
Hope everyone is coming along nicely on their scripts. If you need any help or a pre-read, send them over to Stevie, in OZ.
Never done one of these before, finally got around to it. Good luck... to me, just me... nah, good luck to all of you... but mostly me.
I'd list my "work" here, but I don't know how to hyperlink.
"Career" Highlights -2, count em, 2 credits on my IMDB page. -One time a fairly prominent producer e-mailed me back. -I have made more than $1000 with my writing! -I've won 2 mugs... and a thong. (polaroids of me in thong available for $10 through PM)
Is anyone else as obsessive as me? I can't stop tinkering. Whenever I have something constructed, (I know the way it goes for me) I keep working on drawing more out of it. That's not unusual, I know, but I really do fight over every word and sometimes a person needs to just let it be. I know that logically, but I just can't leave things emotionally. It's a really hard thing for me to just walk away and switch gears.
Although it's not a "technical problem" as we might typically describe, still: It's a huge stumbling block.
How do you all cope with an over indulgence with regards to the craft? I'd really like to know because I really do have a hard time switching those proverbial gears in an explicit way. The best I've come to accept is to focus firstly on "living my life with others" and then, saying, "If something is supposed to be, it will be." In other words, I try not to worry but just keep working.
I call that white space syndrome. Lots of people suffer from it, I do too but I'm getting better about it.
I call it white space syndrome not because of white space on a script page but because of white space in a drawing or painting. Back when I did both of those things often I used to have a problem of overworking them because I was never satisfied with how the white space looked. And in turn I destroyed the light source of my paintings, the illumination. That would be the stroke itself.
The trick with painting or drawing is to leave the stroke intact. The stroke itself has white space inside of it or at the edges of it. And from those tiny bits of white, those holes, those imperfections, comes the light. It's all those imperfect strokes in combination that make the painting. They also make your painting alive.
Covering them may make each stroke look perfect but it makes the drawing heavy. So leave those imperfections be, make one bold brush stroke and move onto the next. The same is true for your writing.
Award winning screenwriter Available screenplays TINA DARLING - 114 page Comedy ONLY OSCAR KNOWS - 99 page Horror A SONG IN MY HEART - 94 page Drama HALLOWEEN GAMES - 105 page Drama
I'm an obsessive tinkerer myself, but even if this might sound overly simplified, I dare to assert that I've found a one word solution to it: Deadline.
The act of writing is a quest to put a hundred thousand words to a cunning order. - Douglas Adams
Imagine Memento just broken into lots of shorts. My greatest work.
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/
I started a Degree course on Monday, so have been a bit preoccupied and have only just started it. Am on page four now, so don't think there is much of a problem with getting it done. Whether it'll be any good is another matter...
>suddenly struck me this is an anonymous challenge, isn't it, so what I posted might have given the game away! So I have edited it out<
WOW! Damn, from Page 4 to finished in less than 30 minutes! Incredible!!!
I'm now on Page 1, 1/5 of the way down, including FADE IN, on my 3rd entry. My female Protrag just got naked for the 2nd time. Things are coming along nicely.
It was 105 scripts but not 120 scripts, Jeff. It's going to be the best masterpiece ever.
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/
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/
Thanks, Henrik. I actually looked there and didn't see it.
I remember growing up, my Dad would always tell me, "Sometimes you look, but don't see." - It usually had to do with some chore I was supposed to do, but couldn't figure out what it was...well, that was my excuse, at least.
I haven't written anything nor have I had any ideas. My daughter and her fiancé just left for Tampa so that only leaves a few hours so I'm out. I haven't even read a script I promised to read for someone for this. sorry about that. You know who you are.
Finished! And right before I'm leaving for dinner. No theme, weak plot, unlikable protag, and, oh yeah, expository too! It's a keeper. Will be good to teach people how NOT to write. But I'm in! I'll spell check and stuff when I get back from dinner and send it to the boss.
Sounds like mine, Kevin. I decided not to do any spell checking, though. There shouldn't be more than 65 mistakes, though, so it shouldn't be a problem.
I just submitted my script...I may have used too many special effects, but if you know some good camera tricks and can make fake blood, this probably would be low-budget.
I'm submitting mine now. had to cut it down from over 40 pages of beautiful prose...and then build it back up form 3 1/2 pages after necessary cuts. It comes in at 12 pages now of pure bliss.
You guys are going to frickin' love this shit!
Babz, get ready!! You ain't never seen the likes of this before. My proudest moment...so far.
Sent mine in an hour ago. I wasn't gonna do one, but I felt guilty last night, so I figured I'd try at least. I couldn't think of an ending today, so I went to the book of cliches, and cooked one up! I'll have it deleted from history in a couple of weeks. But I tried.
I'm watching Bad Lieutenant. Never would have expected it, but it's surprisingly good. Very original, I think. Had a few drinks though, judgment could be clouded.
I remember my first OWC this past February. The exciting thing, and anxious thing, for me was this: I had never had any of my work read by anyone, not even friends or family. I had written a couple of features, and had just posted one here, but there were no reads. So the OWC would be the first feedback.
The reviews were mixed, but there were some positive remarks, which was really cool. Most important was that this is where the learning began for me, but I do remember waiting to see what people thought of the story, which was my first short. So if there are any first timers out there, good luck!
And, Kevin, your first OWC script was damn good, bro! But the even better thing is how you've evolved as a writer. You rock, man!! And I mean that very seriously!
I remember my first OWC this past February. The exciting thing, and anxious thing, for me was this: I had never had any of my work read by anyone, not even friends or family. I had written a couple of features, and had just posted one here, but there were no reads. So the OWC would be the first feedback.
The reviews were mixed, but there were some positive remarks, which was really cool. Most important was that this is where the learning began for me, but I do remember waiting to see what people thought of the story, which was my first short. So if there are any first timers out there, good luck!
I'm kind of anxious for reviews myself, even after having two scripts posted already. I'm still learning, but I think this will be one of my better script I've posted so far. Or at least I think so. I've learned a lot on this site. If it weren't for the reviews I've gotten, I'd still be writing sentences like "the man is standing beside the road. It is raining. A car is driving by. The driver is rolling down his window" etc.
as I see some comments about "one location". IMO, and I believe that's standard opinion, one location does not mean one room... It means it takes place in "one location" such as a house or whatever. It can take place in several rooms/places in that one location...
Absolutely, the challenge was one location - not one room.
One of the restrictions of last October's OWC was: "Everything occurs in and around an abandoned, rundown house. You can do anything to the house, except burn it down." That was one location. Doesn't necessarily mean one room.
The only "real" problem I've seen so far was the one that has 2 EXT shots of a studio lot, outside an office. The office may be on the first floor, but based on how it's worded (and how offices are in general), I doubt it, so to me, that was pushing it for sure.
But yeah, INT/EXT in and around an apartment, house, etc is definitely "1 location".
Taking quick look at entries posted so far - is it indicative of society's malaise, or of the mental state of the people on this site (!) that all of them appear to be dark and violent (pandemics, torture, death).
No one went for a loving couple curled up in bed on a Sunday morning reading the papers and enjoying their time together...
The only "real" problem I've seen so far was the one that has 2 EXT shots of a studio lot, outside an office. The office may be on the first floor, but based on how it's worded (and how offices are in general), I doubt it, so to me, that was pushing it for sure.
But yeah, INT/EXT in and around an apartment, house, etc is definitely "1 location".
After the theme was announced it became apparent that, as usual, it was subject to interpretation. e.g., 4 Actors - does this mean 4 characters. My take was you weren't limited to 4 characters, i.e., one could have a fifth or six character entirely off screen or the fifth character could be one of the four actors in a bunny suit speaking in a funny accent.
One location - again subject to interpretation. Taken to the extreme, the writer could have picked the location as 'Texas' which would leave a lot of flexibility. Granted that is a silly extreme. My intent was one location as in one room, a back yard, a basement, clearing in the woods, etc. However, some folks took a little broader interpretation of 'one location' being a house or a movie studio where as long as all the action took place in and around the environs of that location, it was considered 'one location'. In the latter case, I accepted the broader interpretation and posted the script.
In short, two things we are all NOT going to agree on is the interpretation of 4 actors vs 4 character and 'one location' and each person reviewing is going to review based upon his/her interpretation.
...one location as in one room, a back yard, a basement, clearing in the woods, etc.
I would think that if a producer asked you for a script that took place in one location, this would be what they meant. INT and EXT of a house could easily need to be two locations and mean a company move.
Looks like we're in disagreement then. I think there will be 2 distinct camps here.
It's funny, actually, as Don said he intended "one location" to mean literally "one setting", but then when he said up to four actors, he quickly added that didn't mean only 4 characters, which is totally the opposite of the location thing.
I thought exactly the opposite on both accounts. Different strokes...
For what it is worth, I might mention that in the Theatre, it is quite normal for a group of actors to "double up" - play a range of characters, not just one, often, though not exclusively, for budgetary reasons.
My intent was one location as in one room, a back yard, a basement, clearing in the woods, etc.
This is what I took it to mean, which is why I mentioned it the couple of instances I've read so far where it was technically more than one location. I was thinking one slug line for the whole script. Which was the low budget challenge, as I saw it. But, I can see now how "location" can also be interpreted as "setting"(house, etc). So, as long as the story stays within those confines it seems to fit the challenge.
When we shot Old Wounds we called it a one location shoot. Outside the house when he comes home. In the living room, kitchen, bedroom. Just because we had to move the lights 10 feet to another room didn't make it a different location...
When we shot Old Wounds we called it a one location shoot. Outside the house when he comes home. In the living room, kitchen, bedroom. Just because we had to move the lights 10 feet to another room didn't make it a different location...
Good to know. But as I see it, if a character was in the bathroom and now he's in the kitchen, he's in a different location, requiring either a minislug or even a new full slug line. I was just stating my interpretation of the challenge, which was also Don's.
If Don wanted only 1 single Slug throughout the entire script, I think he should have made that clear.
.
True enough. And this has happened in every OWC I've been a part of. People interpret words and phrases in the rules differently. But in this case I actually liked the challenge of keeping it all within one "location" as I understood it.
Taking quick look at entries posted so far - is it indicative of society's malaise, or of the mental state of the people on this site (!) that all of them appear to be dark and violent (pandemics, torture, death).
No one went for a loving couple curled up in bed on a Sunday morning reading the papers and enjoying their time together...
Not even me.
Hmm.
Maybe I should have written the story with the three nuns and dude in a chicken suit hanging out at a bar..
I think a lot of the confusion with location comes from the abandoned house OWC which I think was described as, one location in or around an abandoned house. At least, without looking, that's how I remember it playing out.
So, at the very least, that's why I interpreted the boundaries for this challenge the way I did.
I took it to mean the whole location, like a producer said, "I got access to an old hospital for a few days, write a script". So that would include the grounds, the basement, the roof. Seems like the kind of thing that probably happens a lot in film. I watched a film last week that was shot near where I live about ten years ago. It was an abandoned mental institution in Danvers, Ma. I know they were about to turn the place into condos, so I would imagine someone just got access to the location for a quick shoot. In fact, the story is built around an asbestos removal team, so the interior is largely covered in protective sheets. It wouldn't surprise me if that was really part of the renovation, and they built it into the plot.
Suddenly I am I reminded of one of John Sayles first films, where a low budget meant being inventive. He had one location but needed two or three. So he filmed one side of a room, moved funiture around. Did a reverse angle, move furniture around. Shoot the other side of the room, previously unfilmed. Had a wall painted a different color. (Return Of The Secaucus Seaven)
To me, "one location" is just that, but I'm not so picky about an EXT. like an ajoining hallway or if it is a co-ed dormroom wiith a shared bathroom. One building. INT and EXT. is one location. If some writer wants to put the story in a room or two, I'm not going to go ballistic as I've seen some of the comments.
People did come up with some pretty clever ideas how to do this in one room: the dentist waiting room, the interrogation, the room with the glass divider. But I'm glad most people used a broader interpretation, just from the perspective of a reader. 32 scripts to read, and the more freedom to create, the better.
I took it to mean the whole location, like a producer said, "I got access to an old hospital for a few days, write a script". So that would include the grounds, the basement, the roof. Seems like the kind of thing that probably happens a lot in film. I watched a film last week that was shot near where I live about ten years ago. It was an abandoned mental institution in Danvers, Ma. I know they were about to turn the place into condos, so I would imagine someone just got access to the location for a quick shoot. In fact, the story is built around an asbestos removal team, so the interior is largely covered in protective sheets. It wouldn't surprise me if that was really part of the renovation, and they built it into the plot.
I concur with this. If you are putting a shout out for a script with one location..I think the accepted understanding is that it takes place in one geographical location: A country house, a hospital etc.
From a low budget point of view something like a countyr house is perfect...the crew and cast can stay upstairs and the set can be downstiars and outside.
If you are looking to really narrow it down and just have one room, I think you'd be extremely specific about that.
BTW there's a very good British film called The Hide, that's set almost exclusively in a bird watching hide. Well worth checking out if you can find it. Definitely a writer's film.
I've never been in a hide, trying to picture one. Is it up in a tree? Or just like a little fort on the ground where people can watch birds? Sorry, I'm a city boy. Squirrels and pigeons, occasionally rats.
Examples of films shot mostly in one unique location, that would be an interesting discussion. I imagine the Hide must be some kind of a creature feature. That would be cool.
I concur with this. If you are putting a shout out for a script with one location..I think the accepted understanding is that it takes place in one geographical location: A country house, a hospital etc.
From a low budget point of view something like a countyr house is perfect...the crew and cast can stay upstairs and the set can be downstiars and outside.
If you are looking to really narrow it down and just have one room, I think you'd be extremely specific about that.
BTW there's a very good British film called The Hide, that's set almost exclusively in a bird watching hide. Well worth checking out if you can find it. Definitely a writer's film.
I'm in this boat, even though I'm at the Expo sponging wifi! I took it to mean, the production goes to "one location" and gets the whole film. And yes, "The Hide" was a nifty little contained film.
E.D.
LATEST NEWS CineVita Films is producing a short based on my new feature!
Brett Martin just performed a Blitz! Machine gun posting, I like it.
LOL! I'm at the Expo stealing internets! So, I downloaded the PDFs and read them between pitches. Then copy and pasted a text file when I had the chance from my lappie. Actually, it helps keep my mind off the pitches and getting the jitters. So yay!
E.D.
LATEST NEWS CineVita Films is producing a short based on my new feature!
Feeling slightly bad that I won't be able to give reading, reviewing and keeping up with OWC the attention it deserves. It such happens that I'm heading out to the Helsinki International Film Festival, which is quickly becoming one of the highlights of the year.
The act of writing is a quest to put a hundred thousand words to a cunning order. - Douglas Adams
The Hide is a psychological thriller. If I remember correctly, one man is in the hide watching birds in a remote location when another turns up and menaces him.
I have a background in writing stage plays - the idea of small casts and one room/location settings is nothing new there.
(I once wrote a stageplay with three people in a lifeboat, for example)
It must be a whole different experience writing stage. Not just the location, but the dialogue. No close ups, so the emotions must be revealed in words. I definitely respect stage writers, must be a lot tougher to do.
I just read a script that had me laughing out loud like a mad man. Man, I feel good now! This OWC was worth it just for that moment. Funny chit. Crazy a$$ story, though. If this was school, the grade would be WTF.
So there were 30 some entries, but looking at the scripts posted there are pretty much less than 20 comments for the scripts that have been up the longest. Most are around 15.....
Yep! That's the sad news we always see. I just don't understand why people post an entry and then not read the other entries. I've got 2 more in the last batch and that will make all 28 reads for me...and a few scripts have multiple posts from me, even! Too bad others can't do the same.
I'd give it a few days. Typically you see a lot of people trickle in during the week and get some reading done there. The past few OWC's there's only been a handful of people each time who didn't read anything and in some cases it was just one or two.
What about this for a future member-only OWC: you have to have X amount of posts to participate. It can be something low, like 10 or 20, so even if you're new and plan to participate you have to get involved a little bit. Just some food for thought.
Ok, except for 2 scripts that were not PDF(not gonna open them, sorry), I am done reading the OWC scripts! I have to say, this was a very, very creative batch. Even some of the stories that didn't quite work for me, I admired for their attempt to think outside the box. I liked that people could do horror or something different. The result was decent variety. Thanks for all the work, Don, this was productive and entertaining. Not sure who I'll vote for, but I'll go back and reread my finalists and watch the debate here.
I am still in the reading process and I'm going to the hot tub tonight, but I just realized that I didn't vote on any. Is voting enabled?
I will continue my reads over the next couple of days. I've been impressed with all of them really. They've all had their own flavor and character in their own way and it's very interesting to follow how people interpret the challenge and explore it in any number of ways.
Yep! That's the sad news we always see. I just don't understand why people post an entry and then not read the other entries. I've got 2 more in the last batch and that will make all 28 reads for me...and a few scripts have multiple posts from me, even! Too bad others can't do the same.
Y'know, it just occured to me. I may not know which one was yours, but I betcha I avoided you somehow Jeff
As always, my friend...as always. Par for the SS course, though. No big deal.
I have 3 more to go in the final batch and I'll have read and provided feedback on all of them, but I bet a bunch of peeps wish I hadn't provided the feedback that I did. Sorry up front to all.
I would like to get an impression of what people dug in the last few batches. Because I was at work after your Saturday, I haven't had time to read many more than I already did so I have to pick and choose. Some ideas of what to read would be good.
There is most certainly no requirement for any participant to read all 32 of the scripts. Though if you were to claim you did then you would most certainly have to have fully read each and every one of them.
I do hope that everyone who entered any OWC script takes the time and effort to read and provide feedback on all 32 scripts.
Why wouldn't you? Why pick and choose? Why screw someone over...and over, when you're getting feedback yourself?
I do, too. But the Cabin will be my last one because someone wanted to take a shit. The Cabin was barely funny 5 years ago, it wasn't funny the last 1000 times it's been spoofed, and it's taking potential reads away from people who actually tried for this challenge.
I do, too. But the Cabin will be my last one because someone wanted to take a shit. The Cabin was barely funny 5 years ago, it wasn't funny the last 1000 times it's been spoofed, and it's taking potential reads away from people who actually tried for this challenge.
Wow there's a Cabin script? I'm going to read that next!!!
No, Michael...I most certainly do not have to read every page of every one of them, just like no one has to read any of them.
If a script is too shitty, I for one am not going to waste my time, but I will still provide feedback as to why I'm not reading all of it.
The point is that when people don't even look at some, many, or all, it defeats the purpose and intention of what this.
If someone chooses not t rad a "pisser" or a crappy script, that's their choice and it's understood and totally cool. But for some reason, some people just choose to skip certain scripts that are worthy of a read, feedback, and took serious effort from the writers.
People obviously PM their buddies and tell them which script is theirs and to read it an give positive feedback, which isn't cool, as again, it completely defeats the purpose of what the OWC is.
People obviously PM their buddies and tell them which script is theirs and to read it an give positive feedback, which isn't cool, as again, it completely defeats the purpose of what the OWC is.
No, Michael...I most certainly do not have to read every page of every one of them, just like no one has to read any of them.
No one said you did. What I said was that if someone wanted to claim that they have read every script, then they should have actually fully read every script (otherwise they'd be stretching the truth).
I've read every script beginning to end...except Cabin, for reasons stated. And I've reviewed every script. Most of these were easy reads. 6 or 7 pages, clean enough as far as writing.
I've read every script beginning to end...except Cabin, for reasons stated. And I've reviewed every script. Most of these were easy reads. 6 or 7 pages, clean enough as far as writing.
Excellent Kev, wanna recommend one, that I haven't read, that I might like? I'm looking for suggestions on what to read next - not a comedy though.
I don't want to do that. Doesn't seem fair. There's plenty of time to read them all for you, or at least take a look. Like Jeff said, it one isn't working, get out after a few pages.
I would like to get an impression of what people dug in the last few batches. Because I was at work after your Saturday, I haven't had time to read many more than I already did so I have to pick and choose. Some ideas of what to read would be good.
I do, too. But the Cabin will be my last one because someone wanted to take a shit. The Cabin was barely funny 5 years ago, it wasn't funny the last 1000 times it's been spoofed, and it's taking potential reads away from people who actually tried for this challenge.
Yes, I agree. I've pulled it from the OWC. I'll repost it later after the OWC is over.
Quoted from Dreamscale
People obviously PM their buddies and tell them which script is theirs and to read it an give positive feedback, which isn't cool, as again, it completely defeats the purpose of what the OWC is.
I've seen absolutely no indication that this is happening. With very few exceptions, all entrants are old timers who enjoy the anonymity of the OWC to float his/her work. There is simply no incentive to have folks give favorable reviews.
Sorry for "crapping on" your OWC. I'll bow out. Enjoy, everyone.
Some really great writing here! Especially the ones where no one has a clue whether or not they're supposed to be serious efforts or pissers. Tat takes a true talent.
Yes, I agree. I've pulled it from the OWC. I'll repost it later after the OWC is over.
I've seen absolutely no indication that this is happening. With very few exceptions, all entrants are old timers who enjoy the anonymity of the OWC to float his/her work. There is simply no incentive to have folks give favorable reviews.
Don
I don't know what happened, but I want everyone to know that you're all a damn good bunch of players.
For myself, I realized, (but had forgotten) that there's a way to determine "the author" if, they are as lame brained as me, and leave it within the file name.
I need to find out how to "erase" my name in the future, but please forgive me. I'm quick in some ways, but slow as cold hell in January in others.
Don't you guys underestimate yourselves. I smell "cool" in every single entry-- even those ones with that "wtf ?: where we're wonderin': Are they funnin' with us?
Seriously, I think that there are many excellent writers out there that completely have "the story" down pat, but they're missing some of the technique. These writers are probably some of the best of the bunch and will wipe people like me clean. Why? Because they've got the visceral feeling within their bones. They don't need a bunch of shmancy or not so shmancy words to get across the experience. These are the kinds of people to admire and spend time with. These are the people that make "experience" a REAL WORD.
I haven't finished yet, but I can say so far, "You guys did one helluva good job!!!" To hang out with people of this caliber brings a person to attention and raises them to a higher level of competency.
This is my first OWC, indeed the script is my first ever post. With a few exceptions, so far I am taking a good beating.
However, after the initial OMG moment, along with "what have I done", this is turning out to be a great experience and I just wanted to let you know.
Within such an intense phase, it is wonderful to be able to read so many scripts and then compare my thoughts with others.
Whilst on SS I have learnt a few new abbreviations, such OMG, IMO, LOL, etc so I offer a couple more. Firstly, it is clear I have LTL (lots to learn) and with all the advice I very much hope to avoid writing a POC (pile of ... You get the point)
So from a new timer, thanks for this and when's the next one. I've caught the bug and will come out fighting!!!
Cheers RD
PS Did I miss one that's been pulled? Why was that?
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
I wasn't able to be here yesterday, but I'm going to do some more reading today as well as tomorrow.
There's some pretty neat stories being told. That's why I love the OWC The scripts are sooo different, yet they still have something in common.
As for my script, well, it's a mixed review. A lot of the new people didn't really care for it, but most of the older members seemed to like it.
Now, back to the reading.
Cindy
Award winning screenwriter Available screenplays TINA DARLING - 114 page Comedy ONLY OSCAR KNOWS - 99 page Horror A SONG IN MY HEART - 94 page Drama HALLOWEEN GAMES - 105 page Drama
I'm trying to get to as many as possible. Im working a lot right now at my job(which Im thankful for!) but dang its hard to keep up reading when your tired.
The readings start to blur after a bit.
I hope to make it through them all asap. If I miss anyone let me know, exp. if you looked and commented on mine.
I know what you mean, many are read at night, but it's been a good challenge.
Indeed, I want to go back to one script as it was late when i read it and on reflection i'm not sure i was fair. i appreciate those who have been considerate to me.
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
Just about to finish the last three. With the exception of maybe one script, I found all the entries to be quite inventive. Most people obviously dug deep (with varying degrees of success). I really enjoyed my first OWC - my cherry is officially popped, now I want more!
I think when people post a pisstake on the boards--especially during OWC--it discourages reading of other scripts. I didn't see it prior to its removal. If I did, it would've upset me.
Jeff, you talk about people needing to read all the scripts and, yet, you post one of these? It kind of goes against your overly-critical, hard-ass format-nazi persona.
I would hope to read, and make some small comments at least, on as many of the entries as possible. Work, and doing a Degree, get in the way though and I would be surprised if I did all 32, or even a majority before identities are revealed.
I have commented on my own. It obviously doesn't make sense to skip it. Hardest part is reading someone's comments and wanting to respond but having to resist!
Phil, I purposely wrote a logline that made it perfectly clear what the script was, and within the first passage, it was again crystal clear exactly what it was. If someone decides against reading it, after that, that's perfectly fine.
For me, it's a very liberating experience...and quite comical, as well. Whether others see it as humor, is up to them.
Let me be clear again on my point about "reading all" the scripts. We all know that it's a common occurrence for writers to post OWC scripts and read and comment on absolutely ZERO scripts. It is also more common for writers to post a script and then read a few of the other entries...most likely ones they are already familiar with who wrote it. Everyone then "votes" for their 3 (or whatever number) favorites. If you read 0% -20% of the entries, how can you vote for a favorite in good conscious? How much does that vote really mean? Nothing.
There are always several of the better entries that get very few reads, while other, sometimes absolutely terrible entries, get many reads and comments. Doesn't seem right to me. To say that a purposely written pisser is any worse than an unintentional pisser, or "steals reads" from better scripts is rather hypocritical, IMO.
I always give each and every script a fair shot. If it's too bad to finish (IMO), I'll come out and say that, so at least the writer knows I didn't skip their script for some unexplained reason. IMO, it's the only fair and reasonable way to go about it.
Reading and commenting on 30+ scripts in a few days is a big time investment, but all entrants should take that into consideration before even entering. If something comes up that takes one away from this, that's cool. If someone knows up front they won't be able to read, they should acknowledge that up front and make sure they "repay" their readers ASAP, when they do have the time. IMO, it's just common courtesy and decency.
People say I'm harsh, cold, or downright mean in my feedback, but one thing I stick to is being honest. Some things may be my own personal opinions, but I feel it's important that writers understand what can potentially turn their readers off and why. It's up to each individual to decide how to take feedback and criticism. When it comes from me, it is meant to help and enlighten...whether they choose to acknowledge it or thumb their nose at it, is completely up to them.
I don't ask or expect anything more than I give, and that's honest feedback that highlights mistakes of all forms. When I make a mistake, I want to know about it and am thankful that someone caught it for me. It always surprises me how that doesn't seem to be the case for most others.
It's one thing to be honest; it's another thing to be brutal. And I'm not just talking about the OWC; I'm talking in general here.
When someone posts his/her first script here, and you slam it, you scare him off. You don't have to lie about how you feel but you can try to be a little more encouraging. The experienced writers can take; I wouldn't be surprised if a number of them just ignore you. The new guy, OTOH, doesn't know you're so harsh with everyone; they think they're a shitty writer.
Phil...seriously...are you telling me you don't find some of your comments/reviews/feedback extremely harsh, as well? I'm obviously not going to do a search and bring certain instances to your attention, but I'm quite sure I've seen a number of doozies from you in the past.
I'm not sure why someone would enter their very first script ever written into a 1 week writing challenge, either...not the way to go, IMO, for many reasons, other than just the restraints. Feedback is usually limited in these challenges, as peeps are trying (hopefully) to read as many as they can and not dwell on extensive feedback.
If the "experienced writers" ignore my comments, that's their prerogative, but not very smart, IMO. The things I bring up are real and obviously unknown or not caught at the time of writing, so why one would choose to ignore such feedback, is beyond me...unless they're writing poorly on purpose, and if that's the case, their entries should be pulled, just like mine was.
I'd just like to say that this was my first OWC, and indeed my first finished script, and so far it has been a very enjoyable experience. My reviews have been pretty mixed, some have liked it which has been encouraging, and some really haven't. I'm in no way disheartened by the criticism as for the most part it was very constructive. At first read the criticism stung a little, but then I took a few deep breaths, followed by a 'man up' pill, and I realised that with the help of feedback provided I can certainly turn it into a much better script. Something I intend to, and will, do at some point.
I do plan to review each script but wanted to read them all before doing so, hopefully on my next day off I can just rattle them out for everyone. It's only work and the fact I'm a slow reader causing the hold up right now.
Just for the record the two that I've enjoyed the most so far are 'Sweet Justice' and 'Splitzkrieg', well done to whomever you are.
Phil...seriously...are you telling me you don't find some of your comments/reviews/feedback extremely harsh, as well?
I know some of my critiques are harsh. I'm harsher with the more experienced writers and harsher with those who just don't listen to critiques of past scripts. Your critiques, OTOH, seem to be all harsh.
Award winning screenwriter Available screenplays TINA DARLING - 114 page Comedy ONLY OSCAR KNOWS - 99 page Horror A SONG IN MY HEART - 94 page Drama HALLOWEEN GAMES - 105 page Drama
Award winning screenwriter Available screenplays TINA DARLING - 114 page Comedy ONLY OSCAR KNOWS - 99 page Horror A SONG IN MY HEART - 94 page Drama HALLOWEEN GAMES - 105 page Drama
I think expecting participating writers to read all 32 scripts is impractical. It’s a lot of scripts to read and after a while the feedback tends to get repetitive. It would make more sense to assign writers 6 or so scripts. This ensures all of them get read a fair amount of times. They can, of course, read whatever they want beyond their assigned reads.
Also, I think pisstakes and multiple entries should be excluded. Multiple scripts from the same writer and pisstakes are annoying and offensive when there are so many entries to read.
I also think writers who enter should have to read every page of the scripts they comment on. I think this is different than giving regular feedback. This is a challenge, not the regular board.
My suggestion is to:
1) Assign a select number of scripts to entrants to read and comment on. 2) Readers score each of their assigned scripts. 3) Top scoring scripts get a certain number of low scores dropped. 4) The highest scoring script is the “winner.”
And, of course, I’m allowed to read whatever I want.
As a newbie, the concept of "pisser" is new to me. I assume that it is just for a laugh? a script written by someone in a deliberately bad manner? If so, not sure what purpose that serves but hey ho.
Anyway, In real life, I am a very sensitive person, so coming here and getting some harsh feedback should have shook me or upset me away to never come back. BUT I know that all art is subjective and any critique should be taken within the spirit of the harsh real world we live in. A thick skin is definitely a requirement in any media/art/entertainment outlet (as a music producer and DJ I have had my fair share of lovers and haters). My point is that I take no offence at even the harshest of opinions but can see the difference between flaming/trolling and proper, well thought out, critique. I try to draw wisdom from their knowledge and perspective from their opinion and I would urge any other newcomers to stick with it and talk about what has been said in a subjective manner.
By the way, what happens next on the OWC? do we vote or reveal or just wait for the next one?
A pisser is an entry that is there to make fun of the challenge rather than take it seriously. The reason people don't like them is because it takes reading time away from other scripts that are seriously trying to meet the challenge. And if you have a bunch of them, like we did one challenge where half of them were pissers, then it's a real drag to read the scripts.
A pisser is an entry that is there to make fun of the challenge rather than take it seriously.
Really, Michael? That's the definition of a "pisstake" or "pisser"? Or is that your new definition, used in reference to my most recent pisser, posted and pulled in this OWC?
You know that is not the truth, and if you, Don, or anyone else thinks that the reason I submitted a pisser was to make fun of the challenge, you are thoroughly mistaken.
It's funny to me how certain things are alright from certain individuals, but not alright from others. Amazing...
You know that is not the truth, and if you, Don, or anyone else thinks that the reason I submitted a pisser was to make fun of the challenge, you are thoroughly mistaken.
What I said was not about you, it was an answer to Darren's question. If you have a different answer, then fine - state it. But honestly, my response to Darren was nothing to get defensive about.
Obviously a pisser is not intended to be taken completely seriously, but in no way do I see it as a slap in the face of a legitimate challenge like our OWC's.
Most of the Sci/Fy movies are complete pissers. many "so bad they're good" horror movies have to be pissers.
Pissers are supposed to be funny...funny in their poor execution, implausible action and dialogue, and situations. Like any comedy, it all comes down to what each individual considers to be funny. The funniest things I am aware of are piss poor movies, as most true comedies aren't all that funny, as far as I'm concerned.
I did that with the wheelchair OWC. The writer got real pissed, IIRC.
Phil
I could see that. Especially if you were calling it a pisstake and it wasn't. I think it's difficult calling anything a pisstake if you don't know the intentions of the writer.
If something is worth doing, it's worth doing to the best of your ability.
That doesn't necessarily mean it'll be any good, of course.
Mine was written very quickly (under an hour), because I wanted to enter the OWC but had almost run out of time (being up to my eyes in my Degree, which I started last week).
But it was written as a serious entry, as well as possible given the rush. It didn't come out too badly. I've taken longer on things which have not been as good.
Congrats to all. An extremely creative and varied OWC, from a relentlessly gory and vile shocker to...whatever Thrice was.
I think Thrice is still my favourite, but there was lots of seriously neat stuff on display. Mad props to the writer of Criterion and the writers of all the other scripts that were super ambitious -- there were many of those!
Also welcome and similarly mad props to all first-timers. Look forward to seeing who wrote what!
I think I may have a misunderstood on the concept of one location.
I was under the impression that a location was something like "A Mansion" of course, but you could have several scenes within the one location.
Like a scene in a bedroom of the Mansion, then another in the Mansions living room, basement ect. but its all happening in the one location...a Mansion.
There's no set time to finish, RD. We don't vote for a winner with the challenge. Don't burn out rushing to read all of them.
Hugh, location actually refers to where the equipment has to be moved to, via truck or whatever. It doesn't mean one room or one exact outdoor location.
The movie Paranormal Activity is a single location movie, although it was filmed through the house.
Equipment? Some people shoot movies with their cell phone!
Just kidding. Actually that's the best answer yet for this debate on location.
RDHay; you can read after the name reveal, too. The discussion continues then with the writers now able to comment on their work, and tell people why the reviews of their story suck! But seriously, it's hard to read all 32 for most people, at least in a week. Just do the best you can.
I thought the caliber of stories was exceptional. A great variety of interpretations of the OWC rules. Strictly as a reader, the "wide open" guidelines worked well. The more specific the OWC rules, the more fatigued I get, as a reader. I got burned out on dark and stormy nights & Donkey Kong. This round was much easier for me to read all the submissions.
32 scripts and on average about half that total in reads, not bad so far. I hope more participants chime in on the threads. I had to prep all week for the Screenwriting Expo this past weekend. Then two more days at the Sherwood Oaks Producer/Director Summit. Five days in a row, I'm exhausted. but reading OWC scripts between pitches was cool. Took my mind off the pressure of performing. So, yay.
That being said...I did enter a script into the OWC. No one asked, I suppose folks assumed I wouldn't given my event schedule. But, we're getting close to when the "guessing game" begins. So, it was time to come clean, a little bit.
Superlative work across the boards. This was lots of fun for me. Thanks!
Regards, E.D.
LATEST NEWS CineVita Films is producing a short based on my new feature!
Award winning screenwriter Available screenplays TINA DARLING - 114 page Comedy ONLY OSCAR KNOWS - 99 page Horror A SONG IN MY HEART - 94 page Drama HALLOWEEN GAMES - 105 page Drama
I think guessing can begin at any time you want. Name reveal usually happens about a week after the scripts were posted. Usually right around now Don posts a poll thread where you can cast your vote for your favorite script.
Thank you Jeff, and Kevin previous for posting your picks. If Phil wrote Anne Goes to Camp... MAN! Was I surprised by that one. Whoever is responsible for this one, I have to use HTC's lingo and say, "Mad Props!!!"
I want to say right now, (before I forget G-d forbid) that:
For Customer's Only wa a completely entertaining script!!! I loved it! And you know what? I can relate and have a story to tell, (when I'm loaded or too senile to care). It's not a pooper, but a pisser and it IS a real story. Happened in Europe last year. But digressions aside...
There was one script that for me stands out because it really had me laughing and lifted me out of wherever the hell I was at the time. It was:
Dead n' Gone
This was for me such a wonderful read. If it's that good to read? How much more wonderful it will be when actors getting a hold of it.
Yeah, I think that Anne Goes to Camp and this one are pretty much neck and neck in my lilly mind. You guys or gals did a superb job!!! Now...
Who wrote Dark Escort?
An amazing FEATURE!!! Not a short. Gosh darn not a short.
Who wrote Thrice?
I know, but Ima keepin' it a seecret. And not only that-- but I'm not incline ta tellya whatchya shoulda figgured out fer yurselves
I'm going to go back and do some re-reads and I'll get back to yall again.
There's twenty guests visiting the site now. I think the OWC challenge has something to do with it. Maybe, with the October OWC, we'll get a high number of filmmmakers visiting.
There's no set time to finish, RD. We don't vote for a winner with the challenge. Don't burn out rushing to read all of them.
Hugh, location actually refers to where the equipment has to be moved to, via truck or whatever. It doesn't mean one room or one exact outdoor location.
The movie Paranormal Activity is a single location movie, although it was filmed through the house.
Yes Dogglebe, thats what I thought as well. I need to wrap my wits around that concept now and I'll be okay. lol
It is an unusual number of guests. Been like that a couple days at least. At first I thought maybe the OWC, but I think actually it must be a search engine driving people here. Something a lot of people are looking for and this forum is showing up in the search. Best I can think of.
Don't worry, Pia, when you "win" this OWC, Don is going to send you one of those highly sought after mugs and maybe even a special roast blend to enjoy inside of it.
Don't worry, Pia, when you "win" this OWC, Don is going to send you one of those highly sought after mugs and maybe even a special roast blend to enjoy inside of it.
There's no chance mine will win Jeff as most people disliked it. I also don't drink coffee, but I like mugs. I got tons of them from horse shows.
It's actually a far cry from past OWC's, and pretty sad, IMO.
I'm willing to bet a $4.00 "Home Town Collection" puzzle that there are numerous entrants who didn't read and comment on a damn script, and I'll also bet an old bathrobe that "most" of the entrants read less than 8 of the entries...but I'm quite sure they'll be able to vote for their favorite with a very well educated vote, based on their extensive reads.
Pretty frickin' weak, IMO, as I thought this was going to be a "closed" "small" OWC, only for contributing members...
A lot of people in Feb took the position that they would read scripts of people who read theirs after the reveal. Kind of poor sportsmanship to do it that way, but better than nothing.
Alone was the first released, Chris. It was the first I read I think.
If you get 10 or so reads, it's enough to give you a pretty good idea of what worked and didn't work in your story.
Suggestion....Don does to MP Chris what Phil did to Don to get that mug and maybe Chris will give Don the code for the voting system at MP which is perfect and the most fair I've ever seen.
It is an unusual number of guests. Been like that a couple days at least. At first I thought maybe the OWC, but I think actually it must be a search engine driving people here. Something a lot of people are looking for and this forum is showing up in the search. Best I can think of.
Hate to burst everyone's bubble, but the 20 'guests' is actually BaiDu.com a large Chinese search engine (like google) http://www.baidu.com/
Suggestion....Don does to MP Chris what Phil did to Don to get that mug and maybe Chris will give Don the code for the voting system at MP which is perfect and the most fair I've ever seen.
Ugh! No. That Poor to Excellent voting system reminds me of English class. We're voting on scripts for movies and the scoring should reflect that. Reader scoring all the way! Pass, Consider, Recommend. Only way to do it.
Just came back from the Film Festival and it's too bad that I missed most of the action. I'll do better next time and I do have to admit that the Film Festival was, in the end, very much worth it.
The act of writing is a quest to put a hundred thousand words to a cunning order. - Douglas Adams
What do you all think about starting a thread for this ongoing OWC where we can list favorites according to a bit of some classification?
A few might be horror, comedy, drama... in a very very general sense.
Perhaps some of our scripters, who so desire, could create classification headers and it would help us identify certain patterns that cause an individual script to be labeled as such...
Now I know, some are obvious and this might not be the right OWC for this, but there are so many sub-genres that are difficult to nail/classify (and some being born as we speak) and so we could learn a lot in this, and future OWCs.
The reason I bring this up is because I have a favorite in this and it's a comedy, but I feel like I'm being remiss to some of the dark entries which I found to be equally excellent. So yeah... got me thinking... And I would like to learn more about genre classification and have the chance to study some works that you all might be familiar with, but I haven't the faintest knowledge (of).
I listed my top 10 or so in the other thread, Sandra, and discussed strngths and weaknesses. If that might help you.
I saw that and I so much appreciate you being on top of things. What I'd like to see is (in future OWC's if we have a broad range) is for instance,
Someone relates someone's work as being "Film Noir"...
And the person who's the author (being green) goes:
"What the hell's film noir?"
Now if we had an open OWC like this one, there's probably not too many chances that your going to get one let alone two film noirs together in one go, but...
Let's say we all trip our proverbial circuits and all of a sudden we get several OWCs fitting into "neat genric holes" or at least close...
Then could we create some headers for these and those and...
People can check them out according to category?
For instance, "Where There's Smoke There's Fire" is in a certain kind of vein. It's a lovely script and completely different than Dark Escort. How can I even begin to evaluate them by comparison? I can't. They are completely different animals.
That's why I think it would be nice to have a separate thread that allows people to comment (not based on a vote of best) but why they chose that as "a best" as it were, because of certain factors. Of course, genre indeed, might be one of the factors, since some of us gravitate toward horror or fantasy etc...
So, it would be very interesting because (for me) I don't gravitate anywhere especially. I appreciate all forms. So...
What will make me choose a horror script over a damn good comedy that I equally enjoy? That is, all things being equal, at least in my own mind.
If this kind of situation occurs, it might have us really questioning what we value in a script. And that, might lead to a lot of excellent discussion and enlightenment.
Thanks Kevin. You are definitely one of my rocks here on Simply.
Woohoo, just finished reading and commenting, and I've got my three favorites (The later batches were a lot easier to read than the earlier ones, IMO.)
Haha, yes I did and no, you didn't trash it. Which is good, especially considering it's only my 2nd short I know it needs work and I'll resubmit it soon after this is all done.
Okay, so today we vote on three scripts that we liked best. One thing to remember though is this:
From Don... Did the script: stay within the page count meet the character limitations meet (in your opinion) the location requirements meet the spirit of the challenge in that any reasonably competent group of people could film the script with a low budget.
I sincerely hope to see these scripts get fleshed out and tuned up and eventually get made. My selection of the theme was geared specifically to address any queries I get from high school, college or other short film makers for a low budget script.
I'm only mentioning this because when looking over the scripts I liked, I realized that some of those would be VERY hard to do on a low budget. Thoughts?
I am glad most people chose not to think of one location as one room. That would have really hampered the creativity. I would not wish to have to read 32 one room scripts. It seems reasonable to me that one location means just that...one location. As Phil said, one spot to bring the truck. So if someone did a firehouse(wish I thought of that), that would include anywhere in and around the firehouse; the garage, the living quarters, the kitchen, the parking lot.
The other requirement was 4 actors. If we had 4 firemen sitting around dinner, and one leaves, and then later there is a ghost fireman in the garage, that's obviously the other actor, but different character. Since it would not be a problem for the production company, it should be Ok, I think. Same thing with the Anne Goes to Camp. No reason the actors couldn't do the voices in the cartoon.
Budget is a tougher one. If the company doesn't have access to a fire station, not much you can do. But having that as your location seems reasonable if there's no budget breakers like a fire or an explosion.
I don't remember any scripts going over the page count. Not an issue, I don't think.
Having a real hard time picking three, myself. One factor is I might look at a script and think that as it stands, no, not quite, but with one quick fix, it could be perfect. I'm not sure if I should factor that.
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
The Dark Escort was one of my favorites, but the props in that one can't be done on a low budget. The four horse carriage comes to mind, but other props in that script as well. So, do I vote for it or not? I liked it a lot, but IMO it definitely failed on the low budget part.
I think what's got to be taken into consideration as well is that these writers are going to probably need to rewrite it. lol. Don encouraged it in the email. If you like it, vote for it.
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/
My selection of the theme was geared specifically to address any queries I get from high school, college or other short film makers for a low budget script.
I'm only mentioning this because when looking over the scripts I liked, I realized that some of those would be VERY hard to do on a low budget. Thoughts?
I was thinking of that as I finished reading last night and will keep it in consideration. Now to go back over each one and pick 3. Not going to be easy - I think most, if not all, were well written and good reads.
This always amuses me, when a script or 8 totally fail within the ramifications of the challenge, yet because people like the scripts, they move forward.
If I were going to vote, I would vote for Dark Escort, but since it clearly does not meet several of the restrictions, I can't in good faith, vote for it...therefor, I'm not going to vote period, cause there's no way I'm voting for a script of poor quality, a dull script, or a ridiculous script.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Phil, should we tell her how and why we got the mugs?
I'm starting to feel bad.
Cindy
Award winning screenwriter Available screenplays TINA DARLING - 114 page Comedy ONLY OSCAR KNOWS - 99 page Horror A SONG IN MY HEART - 94 page Drama HALLOWEEN GAMES - 105 page Drama
Kevin's not only cool and talented, he's also a rock...a cool, talented rock of an individual!!!
And you are too, Jeff. You are too. ...
Seriously, I do consider many of you as my family. I appreciate your "characters" and I know we talk a lot about character as the driving force in plot points...
As such, I just want to say that's what I love about Simplyscripts is its character and especially its, "clouding character". In that it has the ability to join personalities, though often "opposites" and this cojoin creates opportunities that are "off the normal scale" of things.
I'm not completely on the same page as everyone because I don't have the same experience in the realm of "film" in its strictest sense, but I love "the life" that exists here. Even...
When its a:
Been Quiet Here Recently /thread/. I think the diagonals are due to the fact that I've been studying Sentence Diagramming as a means to help a Chinese student I will be working with.
So yes my friends, you are the reason I'm here. I learn from you and grow and what else is there after all?
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The September 2011 One Week Challenge Theme is...
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sorry about that. You know who you are.
haven't submitted yet though
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