THE SEVEN WEEK CHALLENGE 2009

THE CHALLENGE: To plan, write and finish a full-length feature in the next seven weeks, ready to submit on December 21st

THE THEME: Christmas

What else could it really be, given the timing?

This year’s big ‘Christmas’ releases are Avatar, Sherlock Holmes, New Moon, 2012, The Lovely Bones...only one big film, yet another version of A Christmas Carol (this time CGI, 3D and starring Jim Carrey), is overtly Christmassy. There just don’t seem to be that many Christmas movies anymore, and if there are, they’re often not very good. They’re just not out there...until now. Because you, yes YOU, are going to fill that void.

THE OPTIONS
You have three options of what to write, all connected to the ‘Christmas’ theme, OR the fourth, ‘free-for-all’ option.

A): THE ‘TRADITIONAL’ CHRISTMAS MOVIE
Think of the classic, beloved Christmas movies: The Snowman, Nightmare before Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, White Christmas, Christmas Carol, The Santa Clause, Home Alone...notice a trend? That’s right, none of them are from the last fifteen years. Coincidence? Perhaps, but probably not. Simply put, they don’t make ‘em like they used to. But fear not - that’s all about to change, and you’re the one who’s going to change it.

Throw yourself into the tradition of Christmas movies, and try and write one of your own. It can be as realistic or as fantastical as you like; whether Santa himself turns up, or whether it’s just the story of normal people being transformed and uplifted by the magic of the season is up you. Set it when and where you like; all that matters is that you craft a classic tale that people will want to put on and enjoy at Christmas, year after year, one that warms the cockles of your heart and fills you with a feeling of goodwill to all men.

Or...if that all sounds a bit mushy to you, why not try options B or C?

B): THE ‘ALTERNATIVE’ CHRISTMAS MOVIE
Who says Christmas movies have to be all about cute kids and festive cheer? Not me, and not you, neither. It may be set at Christmas, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be merry. As someone pointed out, Die Hard is a Christmas movie!

Whether it’s the gripping story of two hard-boiled LA detectives hunting down a psychotic serial killer called Rudolph (who has a abnormal nose and whose killings follow the Twelve Days of Christmas), the hilarious tale of a gang of high school kids who accidentally transport themselves back to the birth of Christ, an epic sci-fi about an approaching alien mother-ship that will arrive on Christmas Day, a creature feature about enraged reindeer or vengeful turkeys, or a gruesome slasher starring Jolly Old Saint Nic’s evil, resentful assistant, Black Peter, as long as it’s set at Christmas, it counts.  Whether the festive season is just a backdrop or an important part of the story, it’s your choice. Let your imagination run wild, pick any genre or subject material you want, and see what you come up with!

C): THE ‘SPOOF’ CHRISTMAS MOVIE
It’s there to be made, really. Slightly silly genre expectations, a host of well-known stories and characters...just because so many of these spoof movies suck doesn’t mean yours has to. Remember, Scary Movie was actually pretty good. Who says Xmas Movie can’t be even better? After all, even if it’s a stinking pile of poo, these movies always seem to do good business!

D) THE ‘WHATEVER YOU WANT’ MOVIE
This is for the rebels among you, the ones who don’t take no orders from nobody. Or, perhaps for those of you who just hate Christmas.

Disregard everything above, and follow wherever the Muse leads you. Write about whatever you want, just do it in 6 weeks. Remember - if you fail, you can't use the theme as an excuse!

THE RULES (AND SOME ADMIN STUFF)
Pretty straightforward, really:

• The script must be feature length (90-120 pages), and in standard screenplay format
• In options A, B and C, the main body of the plot must take place during the Christmas season
• The plot must be original (i.e. not based on something you don’t have the rights to)
• Completed scripts must be submitted by no later than December 21st
• Scripts should be uploaded to http://www.simplyscripts.com/submit_your_script.html  - make sure you mention in the comments section that your submission is an entry to the Seven Week Challenge
• There won't be any iScripts

And that’s it. The rest, my friends, is up to you. This really isn’t a competition; if we succeed, we really all are winners. This year, try and give yourself a Christmas present you’ll actually be happy to have: the heart-warming, life-affirming knowledge that you’ve completed your very own, original feature.

The challenge is officially open from the second this is posted. Happy writing!

{Don's edit - below are all the 7WC scripts}

The Orphans of Mansfield Hall (7WC) by Tom Pascal (tommyp) - Comedy, Drama, Children - When an orphanage gets taken over by a woman with no care for anyone but herself, the orphans must fight to get their old carer back, before the woman ruins Christmas day for everyone.  68 pages - pdf, format 8)

The Magic of Letters - A Christmas Story (7WC) by Sandra E. Watson - Comedy - A funny grief counselor writes her own true story to help a grieving child; but she's not who she thinks or where she thinks. Her story is out of control and so is her fate as she goes completely virtual. 137 pages - pdf, format 8)

Christmas Eve At St. Mary's (7WC) by P. Cook (me) - Horror, Slasher

Twas the night before Christmas and all through St Mary's,
Santa is horny so the women are wary,
a trio of nurses provide invasive care,
all witnessed by a young girl we're not sure is there.
  90 pages - pdf, format 8)

A Hard Boiled Christmas (7WC) by T. Joseph Fraser (Blakkwolfe) - Drama - Ezra Merriman, a young safecracker, wants to go straight. But after his sweetheart is gunned down in a vicious attack, he decides to pull off the biggest heist of his career. 85 pages - pdf, format 8)

The Prince of Coal (7WC) by Gary D. Rademan (grademan) - Comedy, Family, Animation - Santa loses his Christmas spirit and the responsibility falls on his assistant who screws up by finding a replacement who received coal every year for Christmas leading to a showdown between old Santa and new Santa on Christmas Eve (90 pages, PDF). - pdf, format 8)

Headlong (7WC) by Steve McDonell (stevie) - Comedy - Two Aussie brothers take off on a leisurely drive across Arizona, enroute to their father's 50th birthday party. But the road trip becomes a crazy chase, as crims seek to retrieve hidden money in the boy's RV...   113 pages pdf - pdf, format 8)

One Last Christmas (7WC) by Jon Barton (Jonnyboy) - Drama - Eddie, a grumpy, recently-deceased pensioner, is stuck in Limbo. His only hope of getting to Heaven is to help an unhappy child enjoy the festive season. There’s just one problem: Eddie hates Christmas…85 pages - pdf, format 8)

Just got back from WI with my parents.  Haven't written a word, but I've got alot of it worked out in my brain.  Got to get started tomorrow...hopefully...o at least this week, as we're down to 3 weeks now.

I'll get it done.

What about everyone else?

How many finished scripts are we expecting in 3 weeks?

Quoted from Dreamscale How many finished scripts are we expecting in 3 weeks?

I will have at least one. Not 100 about the drama...

OK, then we'll have...

1)  Pia
2)  Balt
3)  Jeffrey

Who else is going to make it????????

that's it????

I feel intimidated now.  :-/

Yeah, right!  Funny, Pia.

I am writing out of my element this time, and hope it works like I think it will.  No horror for a change.  Should be interesting.

I can say with 99% confidence mine will be done by the deadline. I'm 60 pages in, with maybe 30 to go. Then I just have to fix some things, change some other things and Bob's ya uncle.

Tentative title: Only At Christmas.

This will change after the challenge as i plan to set it differently. Will see how it goes.

Im 35 pages into mine. Havent had time to write the past few days with work but it will be done by the deadline. Ive been rewriting the storyline and reworking it to give it a more original feel, since it could of clashed with other features already made. I feel this is a decent fresh idea and hasnt been done yet... Well I hope not haha

Yeah, I'll have something to submit. Hopefully I'll have to time to make sure it's not a first draft, too. It won't be a lean, word-perfect masterpiece, but with luck I'll have caught most of the typos! I'm currently working out the exact 'how, what, where and whens' of Act Three.

The person I really want to hear from is Tommy. He'd better not be dropping out on us!

Well that's better!  Now we have...

1)  Pia
2)  Balt
3)  Jeffrey
4)  Steverino
5)  Muse
6)  JonnyBoy

Half way there, people...NICE!!!!!

I hope to get a few pages written this week...damn...I sure better!

I'm going to enter this for the heck of it. If anything, for practice.


Planning usually takes a while so I'm going to totally improv this and see where it takes me. It'll probably be a Christmas horror/supernatural.

Still in...at 25 pages and moving forward.

Sounds like we're up to 8, now.  Sweet!!!

Wow! I've got something! I'm not worried about page count, I'm worried about organizing it. And yes! I have something! :)

Sandra

Go for it Sandra!  I know you can do it.

Quoted from mcornetto Go for it Sandra!  I know you can do it.

Thank you, Michael.

I'm just going to try my best. That's the goal. And write from the heart: To entertain, to inspire and to teach. That's the goal.

Sandra

Johnny, I'm at 23 pages... but I'm really not sure I can finish it. I am trying, I am just liking my story less and less as I write it.

I'm not going to give up though.

At this stage I think I will aim for 75 pages.. which is a bit short, but I don't think I can get 90. See what happens.

Tommy,

Go back to the page where you started disliking it and rewrite it into a different direction.  

Quoted from Tommyp Johnny, I'm at 23 pages... but I'm really not sure I can finish it. I am trying, I am just liking my story less and less as I write it. I'm not going to give up though. At this stage I think I will aim for 75 pages.. which is a bit short, but I don't think I can get 90. See what happens.

Like I said Tommy, feel free to bounce it.

Sandra

C'mon Sandra! You can do it!!  :)

Quoted from Tommyp I'm really not sure I can finish it. I am trying, I am just liking my story less and less as I write it.

I hear you Tommy. I'm not liking mine either.  :-/

You'll get through it Pia.  You're a trooper!

Thanks Michael!

I'll get through it. My only concern is posting a shitty first draft for everyone to see...  :-/

No shitty first drafts allowed!

Here's my progress report...

Zero pages written...still...

Quoted from Dreamscale No shitty first drafts allowed! Here's my progress report... Zero pages written...still...

After another randomly deleted file, we're on the same page, Phil.

Once again, I'm going to try and re-write it. Getting really sick of my files deleting though.

-Sean

Dreamscale = Jeff, Mr Blonde.

Jeff, YOU'RE a shitty first draft motherfucker.

I just wrote the last 8 pages in two hours. Now just need to fill in the middle.

Thanks guys, support it good! Made me sit down and write.

Quoted from Tommyp Dreamscale = Jeff, Mr Blonde. Jeff, YOU'RE a shitty first draft motherfucker. I just wrote the last 8 pages in two hours. Now just need to fill in the middle. Thanks guys, support it good! Made me sit down and write.

Really? I swear Dreamscale was Phil. Off to find Phil!

EDIT: Oh, Dogglebe = Phil. Damn it!

In other news, I just found this news article that's sure to help me in the future, "Dyslexia for cure found." Off to practice it! =)

P.S. Sorry, Jeff. =(

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Really? I swear Dreamscale was Phil. Off to find Phil!

I'm not sure why but I find this hysterically funny.

Tommy!  What up, brother? Long time...no hear.

What do you mean, I'm a shitty first drafter?  My first draft will be basically a finished product!  AYYYEEEEE!!!!

I'll get it going.  I've got it worked out through page 40 or so, so...once I start the writing process, I should get up to page 40 or so in a couple days.  That's the plan, at least.

How are those loveable orphans doing?  Tear jerking stuff?  Uplifting?  Funny?  Hopefully, all of the above!

Jeff, I meant you as a person is a first draft... now I think about it, that doesn't even make sense!

What up? Just about to head to work, then get on the beer with the boys. Then talk to some ladies.

Yeah, start writing!

Man, once you have finished reading my script, you will want to adopt a child. No joke. I will have to put a warning at the start of it...

Quoted from Dreamscale Well that's better!  Now we have... 1)  Pia 2)  Balt 3)  Jeffrey 4)  Steverino 5)  Muse 6)  JonnyBoy Half way there, people...NICE!!!!! I hope to get a few pages written this week...damn...I sure better!

Steverino...that's a newie, never been called that before.

Think I prefer 'prick'.

Um, up to 70 pages now. It may be longer than i thought. Some of the dialogue is getting out of hand (as mine does).
But there's action plenty, so maybe no one will notice!    Go for it everyone!

Quoted from Grandma Bear Thanks Michael! I'll get through it. My only concern is posting a shitty first draft for everyone to see...  :-/

I feel the same way, aval, it's too bad, we couldn't experience the same joy we did when we first learned to color. Maybe we can? If we can, then stick man script or not, we will be happy.

Cling to the effort; not the outcome,

Sandra

Quoted from stevie Steverino...that's a newie, never been called that before.

I have.  Lots of times.  Maybe it's an American thing.  :)

Quoted from Mr. Blonde After another randomly deleted file, we're on the same page, Phil. Once again, I'm going to try and re-write it. Getting really sick of my files deleting though. -Sean

You know, for all it's alleged 'faults', I've never had that problem with Celtx.

Feel like I really just tempted fate there...I'm gonna go make a back-up!

You know what, Stevie?  I agree...Prick!

Gonna try and get started today, as I'll be busy tomorrow and Friday.  Let's see if we can start this beast.

When does this get done?  I'm excited to read these!

12/21 is the submission deadline.

page 60, but I have a feeling the ending will be tough.

Hopefully I will have a first draft by this weekend.

Quoted from Grandma Bear page 60, but I have a feeling the ending will be tough. Hopefully I will have a first draft by this weekend.

You'll have to have it done by 4 pm on Sat so you can fully enjoy the butt whoopin' that Tebow is going to lay on 'Bama...

I hear you. My husband is already stressed out about it!

Zero pages still, zero effort today.  Pitiful!!!!!

Quoted from Dreamscale Zero pages still, zero effort today.  Pitiful!!!!!

I know you're going to whip something up in the last couple of days!  ;)

I hope...maybe I need to feel the crunch nowadays.  I don't know.  I had all day today and I just couldn't get in teh mood at all.  I'm upset with myself.  I'll do it...somehow.

This thread actually helps...sure hope we don't get deleted!!!!!!!!

Keep at it, everyone!!!!!

Get writing Jeff!  I know you can do it.  Pump out that feature and leave the maintenance of the thread to the moderators.

Quoted from Dreamscale I hope...maybe I need to feel the crunch nowadays.  I don't know.  I had all day today and I just couldn't get in teh mood at all.  I'm upset with myself.  I'll do it...somehow. This thread actually helps...sure hope we don't get deleted!!!!!!!! Keep at it, everyone!!!!!

Don't feel bad about how much you have written or not.

From my perspective, I'm working solely on structural aspects, defining and redefining.

Time is running out for this pre-phase, but I'm letting the clock tick and working this irregardless.

Everyone works differently and so the challenge is to find one's own "method". Eventually, we all internalize "something" and my intuition tells me that "something" is often a bit of a different equation for everyone, but it all equals out in the end, as in:

5+6=11

7+4=11

9+2=11

3+8=11

2+9=11

10+1=11

...and we draw these equations, but they're all the same in their outcome.

As I work in "aerial view", I have difficulty, but this difficulty drives me forward despite it all.

Together my dearl Simplycripters,

Sandra

Since part of the inspiration for this challenge was the fact that I felt no new original 'Christmassy' films were really around at the moment, it is worth mentioning that there is one out here in the UK, and I saw it last night.

It was called Nativity!, and it starred Martin Freeman (Tim from the original The Office) and Ashley Jensen (Maggie from Extras). It's about Mr. Maddens, a former actor who now teaches at a state primary school in Coventry. Every year his school and the posh private school up the road compete for a five-star review of their Christmas production in the local paper - every year the state school loses. This year, Mr. Maddens in put in charge of directing the Nativity. He is reluctant at first, but while out buying a Christmas tree for the school he bumps into his rival (and former acting classmate), the director of the private school's play, Irritated by the other teacher's cockiness, Mr. Maddens tells him that not only is the state school's play going to be extraordinary, but his ex-girlfriend, now a producer in Hollywood, is coming to see it and is considering turning it into a film. This lie makes its way back to the school, and suddenly Mr. Maddens finds the entire situation getting rapidly out of hand...

It wasn't fantastic, and I definitely wouldn't expect it to do anything (or perhaps even be released) over the US. But it was fun, and definitely Christmassy, and had the theme of 'unhappy character made happy' that all good Christmas films have. I enjoyed it, and it further stimulated my enthusiasm to write one of those movies for myself.

So yeah. Nativity! Proof that these movies DO still, just about,  exist. However, not enough of them do. I'm convinced there is still a gap in the market for good, festive fare. Let us be the ones to fill it!

So this morning I woke up with an idea, not a big idea but an idea...3 weeks too late!  Given the fact that I usually write about a page an hour, things are looking grim.  I bailed a few weeks ago but now I'm wondering....wondering if I could do it?

Of course you can! And if you don't complete it in time, at least you'll be well on your way to a brand new feature. Do it.

Do it!

Well I've wrote 12 pages in an hour, which is lightning quick for me.  I've never written anything that quick!  Obviously it's rough and I'm not sure I've got a whole story yet but hey it's a start.  Now I've got to keep it up.  If I can reproduce that sort of speed I should do it, although I'm aware if I were to submit a first draft I might get crucified by a few here lol.

Quoted from alffy Well I've wrote 12 pages in an hour, which is lightning quick for me.  I've never written anything that quick!  Obviously it's rough and I'm not sure I've got a whole story yet but hey it's a start.  Now I've got to keep it up.  If I can reproduce that sort of speed I should do it, although I'm aware if I were to submit a first draft I might get crucified by a few here lol.

Getting it finished is the difficult part. After that, it's just proo-freading and smoothing. =)

You can do it, Alffy. =)

Quoted from alffy I'm aware if I were to submit a first draft I might get crucified by a few here lol.

Except for Balt, we will all be crucified for our first drafts, but I hope those who will read will take that into consideration.

So go ahead. Stamp one out.  :)

Alffy,

If you get a firm grasp on the story first, you'll be surprised on how fast you can write it.

Quoted from Grandma Bear We will all be crucified for our first drafts, but I hope those who will read will take that into consideration. So go ahead. Stamp one out.  :)

Keep moving forward without fear of failure- there is no fail;

This is a learning exercise for most of us, and it's definitely something you learn by doing...

Most of us have figured out how to write shorts reasonably well (which is, admittedly, a matter of opinion), and that was through a lot of trial and error.

The same learning curve should be expected when applied to a feature length project.

So let's Git R' Done.

40 pages so far... This is gettin quite hard now lol

So I've finished the day with 16 pages.  Whether or not they're any good, I'm not sure.  I'm kind of making it up as I go, which is never a good thing lol.  I only have a basic idea of where I'm going so I'm not expecting anything fantastic.  It's a Christmas story but an adult one I guess, kind of strange.  Working title of 'Mr Benn saves Christmas'.

Detailed progress update: I'm on page 44. Eddie has been shown the child he has to make happy, been given the rules, and left to get on with it. I've also written the final 8 pages, so really that's 52 pages in the bag. Act 1 needs a couple of pages trimming off of it, but I'll get to that if I have time before the deadline. Just about 40 pages to go!

I remain confident. Whether what I've written is anything other than garbage, time will tell.

Progress report...ZERO!  SHIT!!!!!

It's fine, Jeff. It's fine. Deep breaths...we're here to help.

Do you have any ideas in mind? Any kind of starting point?

He has most of it in his head.

I'm sure Jeff will get it written before the date, he works very well under pressure.

I'm starting to sound like his Mum! "He's always been a good boy.... when he's sober.... he's never sober though..."

32 pages for me... gonna try and crank out 10 today.

Thanks guys!  Tommy...yes, I need another Mum!  Just spent a week with her...very nice.

Yes, Tommy is correct.  I do have it pretty much written out in my pea brain...at least the first 40-55 pages.  Just haven't been in teh writing mode lately, and I'm now doing some hidious painting during the day...and heavy drinking when I get home.  Maybe this weekend?  We'll see.

I can still do it, if I get that motivation.

Correction...I will still do it and I will motivate myself.

How are those orphans doing, Tommy?

Quoted from Dreamscale Thanks guys!  Tommy...yes, I need another Mum!  Just spent a week with her...very nice. Yes, Tommy is correct.  I do have it pretty much written out in my pea brain...at least the first 40-55 pages.  Just haven't been in teh writing mode lately, and I'm now doing some hidious painting during the day...and heavy drinking when I get home.  Maybe this weekend?  We'll see. I can still do it, if I get that motivation. Correction...I will still do it and I will motivate myself. How are those orphans doing, Tommy?

I've learned not to wait for motivation, Jeff. I think that you are actually doing better than what you imagine. If you have a lot worked out in your head, that just indicates "the way" you tend to work. It doesn't mean you have zero. It means that it's concealed as of yet.

Today, I began writing the actual script from a loose outline I had developed. And it was going well, but we've had a cold snap here weather wise and was feeling chilled and so I decided I would go and do some thinking in the bathtub. Wow!!! Who knew that a bathtub would be that helpful. I too was writing solid in my head and came out with something I was thrilled with.

For me, my difficulty I feel with this particular script will not be, "Will I have enough material?" But "Will I have enough space for the material.

That's the part I might have to work with. Why do I get myself into such binds? You know what? I've got the same problem with this script as Thief has. Too many bloody characters, but I feel I have a better handle on things than I ever would have because I've internalized certain aspects and might be able to deal better this time around.

The truth is, I won't know for sure until I write the 100 pages. Hopefully, I can keep the page count down to that.

What I'm going to do is try and go back and forth between structural work and writing work and keep coming back to "big picture" aspects.

I'm sure I'll meet with several revelations along the way.

My advice Jeff, is to just try something new-- anything, and maybe it will help unstick you if you feel stuck.

Sandra

Am only a few pages from the end!

Just wanted to say a couple of things: my script is set near Christmas but there's bugger all refs to xmas. That, coupled with the fact i don't want to have to worry about Arizonz's harsh winter weather, means i'm gonna change the time of year. It won't affect the story or anything but i didn't want the weather to interfere, like it would have.

I went to the Grand Canyon in March of '97; it was still below freezing at night then, but sunny and warm in the day. I was gonna do this anyway, after the deadline but conferred with Tommy about it today, and he agreedto change it all now.

Spewing though - found the perfect title!!  My 6 year old daughter suggested 'Runaway Christmas". From the mouths of babes...
But i can't use it now.

Anyway, just wanted to pre-warn everyone.  Good luck all!!!

I'm at 70 pages. Not sure I want everyone to read it though. It's sort of borderline...dark territory, if you know what I mean.  .

If I finish the first draft this weekend, I might try to give the drama a go as well. I need a good title for that one though.  :-/

Pia, how about "Giant Erect Cock"?  You like that title?

no Jeff, that sucks...

Quoted from Grandma Bear no Jeff, that sucks...

Yes, it does.

And, I like dark scripts. I'd want to read it anyway, though. =)

Progress for yesterday = bugger all!  After a great start, I did sod all on Friday.  I really need to hit them keys today but...it's saturday, there's football on and I'm out on the lash tonight so...

I hear you alffy. I had a busy day or two and then my mojo got crushed by work. off for another 9~hour shift. I think Im going to have to incorporate another character to stretch it to its max 90pages. I only have 2 characters atm... but should be easy to do. my phone is my pc atm haha

The beat goes on.

Sandra

75 pages of....crud!

Wanna read it?

Yeah, Pia, I'll read it.

ZERO pages still.  Looks like it's going to come down to the wire for this kid.

Come on Jeff. I believe in you!

Watch some horror flix, read some horror scripts. You'll get in the mood!   :K)

Quoted from Dreamscale Yeah, Pia, I'll read it. ZERO pages still.  Looks like it's going to come down to the wire for this kid.

yis sumhow now i only hav zerow pagis two and hoo nos wut hapined.

s e

Quoted from Grandma Bear 75 pages of....crud! Wanna read it?

I’ll read it. I’m not sure what this whole challenge is about and I haven’t kept up with this thread so I don’t know if I can get to it before it’s due but I’ll read it as soon as I can.


Breanne

Please don't!!!!!!!!

This is a challenge on how to write a feature fast. I don't want my first posted feature to be read by people that I would prefer to read something serious. Please!!!!!   :B

Yeah, that's part of the problem...I haven't seen any movies in over 2 weeks!  BUT...Pia, mine is not horror, so seeing a horro flick won't help.  Mine is serious Christmas...sad but heart warming.  Guess my heart isn't very warm right now...

Quoted from Grandma Bear Please don't!!!!!!!! This is a challenge on how to write a feature fast. I don't want my first posted feature to be read by people that I would prefer to read something serious. Please!!!!!   :B

Truthfully, I don't care if mine gets read or not. My challenge is completely personal and if someone dares to read it, then they will pay the consequences and those consequences might be good depending on the roll of the dice.

At present, I'm working back and forth between the cards and writing through it.

In this process, I've come up with variations on the beginning and, if several years from now, it ever gets into production, I would wager to guess that the beginning would be changed yet again and the total tally for possible beginnings might wind up... who knows what number.

I have to say, that I am enjoying myself. I'm studying, doing psychic work, outline work, and actual writing-through-it work and that is so very critical I feel because it's a process like everything in life.

Most importantly, I'm where I want to be right now and I'm grateful for that.

Sandra

Another day yesterday and another 0 pages written. After my good start, I've definately faultered.  I better get something down todat or fear my script is doomed! lol.

Quoted from pia This is a challenge on how to write a feature fast. I don't want my first posted feature to be read by people that I would prefer to read something serious. Please!!!!!

I don't consider seven weeks to be fast! When I did write features, I could knock them out in about four weeks. And others here beat that easily. Don't confuse taking two years to write a screenplay with writing a good one, or seven weeks with writing a bad one.

And if I do ever actually produce anything for this challenge it will very definitely be a serious piece of work - anything else would be an insult to Jonny and the others taking part in this challenge.

Whether it would be any good is another matter, of course :)

I think I could knock a feature in 2 weeks if I was off work for 2 weeks but unfortunately I'm not so things are a lot slower.

I once stayed up 28 hours straight due to writing - I went to work for eight hours, got home, had dinner, wrote until the early hours, went back to work. The resultant script was not too bad - ironically, if anything it was over written!

If I produce anything for this challenge - and it is still my intention to do so, it will be written between now and the 21st - what's that, 16 days? - at most. It will be an interesting achievement if I can.

You're not alone, Niles.  I have ZERO pages written as well...still.  I'm beginning to worry that my heart isn't in this.  I like my concept for sure, and will eventually get to it, but I'm just not feeling it yet...maybe I need more pressure.  We'll see how this coming week goes.

More pressure Jeff, Jez there's only a couple of weeks to go.  I'm only 20 pages in and don't have a full plan yet but now I've started, I'm panicing I won't finish.  Maybe I'm panicing because it might be crap...that seems more likely lol.

I wish Jeff and Niles the best of luck if you take up the challenge.  Times a ticking.

I know, Alffy.  I hear each tick but I don't do anything about it.  Football today, so unlikely. Painting all day Monday and Tuesday, so that's not looking good either.

Hopefully motivation will kick in SOON!!!!!

I haven't written anything these past few days but I've got a day off tomorrow, maybe time for some writing? :D I know my finished script won't be anything close to the amazing standards, I wish I knew a script doctor lol

Look at it this way: it will be the best that ya can do in seven weeks while balancing the rest of life's responsibilities, y'know things like work, the kids, the dogs, the rabbit, the guinea pig...

30 pages...thus far, but moving along. Got to the point I wanted to be for the main thrust of the story. (He's ready to meet the girl that makes him question his life of crime, but not before taking on the biggest heist of his career...during Christmas time, of course)

Quoted from Muse32 I know my finished script won't be anything close to the amazing standards, I wish I knew a script doctor lol

That's why we post them here. It's scary to put up a first draft, but I know we all will get enough comments so we know what will need to be fixed in the re-writes.

I'm at page 75. The torture scene is over. It was fun to write... ;D

I'm so close to the end!  I have the final scene written but th eone before that, the big finale, is proving difficult to nail. I know what it has to be but it comes out a bit dodgy.
But then there is an air of wackiness throughout the whole script.  Its up to 96 pages which i hadn't planeed, with maybe 10 to go. Then i have to change a bit of stuff in the first half.
I went to bed last night hoping to 'dream' some good stuff for it( one of my best sources of inspiration) . But it was a very warm night and the kids were restless. Put the a/c on at midnight but no thoughts of the script came.  Into it today then...

I have a title!!!           HEADLONG

Good luck all- keep at it.    And go the Niners!!

Well I've fallen short of my 30 page target for the weekend, only made it to page 22 but, 22 pages in 4 days isn't bad I suppose and at least I kind of know where I'm going now.

Pia, you're on page 75!  I can't imagine being that far, that's not good is it? lol.

I didn't say it was any good... In fact, I'm not even sure I like it. :)

If I start writing tomorrow, I figure I would need to produce an average of 7 pages a day in order to reach the 100 page target by the 21st.

Put like that, it sounds workable. 100 pages in two weeks is daunting - 7 pages a day isn't.

All I need now is an idea, a plot, a structure, a beginning, middle and end (but not necessarily in that order), some characters, and some dialogue.

It'll be a doddle!

IMHO, it's not the typing that takes time. It's the thinking. If you know the story and the characters then the writing is easy and fast... I admit that I do not really know my characters nor the story. I'm sort of just making stuff up as I go along. I know, I know. Not a good sign.  :)

Quoted from Grandma Bear IMHO, it's not the typing that takes time. It's the thinking. If you know the story and the characters then the writing is easy and fast... I admit that I do not really know my characters nor the story. I'm sort of just making stuff up as I go along. I know, I know. Not a good sign.  :)

Pia, don't worry! I don't think it matters too much...the challenge of doing a script in 7 weeks is the main thing. As long as its readable, it'll be ok; they all will!

The feedback we get from it will help to improve the scripts, if needed. Someone who is neutral and hasn't been involved in the pressure of writing it, will point out new ideas and such. Then, we can do proper re-writes if needed and in the end, the scripts will turn out ok.
Would you have written this script off your own bat? Like all of us, probably not! ITS A BONUS!!

Cheers  stevie

Well I'm struggling now.  About 30 pages in and while I know ehere the stories going, I'm not sure how I'm going to get there?  I need to add a lot more story to the characters.  I just wrote page 26 and then figured it was the trigger for the final act!! Oops.  Now I need to go back and write the 2nd act lol.

Zero pages still.  It's not looking.  I've got some issues going on that are really stressing me out, and that may be why I'm not in writing mode.

Anything I can do to help you along Jeff? All you have to do is let me know.

I'm at page 80, but I don't have a clear defined protag or antag. I write from the hip, no plotting or planning and I don't know my characters...sounds good?  Didn't think so!  ;D

This challenge looks to be a bust...  Never put a time line on perfection, I guess.  Deadlines are one thing - Life is another.  Take care of what needs to be taken care of and let the rest fall into place.

A bust? I will have mine done. It may be far from perfect, but I will do it.

I think Jeff will too!  :)

No, Pia, I don't think anyone can help me with this.  As I said, I have my story, characters, plot, etc. all worked out, but I'm just not into writing for some reason.  Could be the Holiday season, could be as Balt just said, the deadline/timeline.  I'm not sure.

If I don't start soon, I may have to be a big wuss and bow out gracefully.

Quoted from Baltis. This challenge looks to be a bust...

Ah well, we tried. :) Better luck next time, eh? Once it's over, maybe we should have a quick post mortem, try to figure out exactly what went wrong and what could be improved for next time - if, indeed, there is a next time.

Jeff, sorry to hear you've got some bad stuff going on - hope things get better soon. Good luck to all those still writing. I'm going to ask Don exactly how he wants the submissions process to work, so I'll update on that the Friday before the deadline.

Quoted from JonnyBoy Ah well, we tried.

Hey, lets not call this thing off yet. There are still a few people in this. Balt for sure and I am too. I was hoping to get some reads by other fellow 7WC people.  :-/

Don't worry, I'll be there reading. I need to sort out exactly how the submissions process is going to work...can't have people whacking '7WC' on any old script in the hope of attracting more reads! Maybe people have to post on this thread in order to verify that their uploaded script is a bona fide entry? We'll see.

I should also have a script to submit too, provided nothing unforseen and catastrophic happens in the next ten days. Looking forward to seeing what people have come up with!

Yes, that's right!  I will definitely be reading all of the other scripts.

If nothing else, I will defintely read and review each and every script that is written, as I promised earlier.

I also plan to read all the entries, as well, as I planned originally.

Quoted from Dreamscale No, Pia, I don't think anyone can help me with this.

You never asked. Sorry Jeff, but maybe someone can help you get unstuck.

Sandra

I often write a short when I need to get unstuck.  Tell us what we can do Jeff. I think we all want you to take part.

I want to take part and will still try.  One of the issues is time...not as in deadline time, but time in general.  The Holidays are tough...I spent a week with my parents for Thanksgiving, and I leave for Christmas with my sister (and parents) on the 20th.  I've got some things going on recently that are eating up all my day hours (I'm not used to that, actually), and my nights are being wasted away with...well, they're being wasted away quite literally.

I've been feeling like crap lately and been whining and complaining about this and that, so I won't throw those reasons in here now.  Suffice to say, I've been a wuss and a big baby, and just feeling crappy overall, stressed, and shitty.

Maybe I can get going Wednesday, one I finish this shit I've got going tomorrow.

Thanks for all your concern guys...I mean that.  I'll get through this.

Quoted from Dreamscale I want to take part and will still try.  One of the issues is time...not as in deadline time, but time in general.  The Holidays are tough...I spent a week with my parents for Thanksgiving, and I leave for Christmas with my sister (and parents) on the 20th.  I've got some things going on recently that are eating up all my day hours (I'm not used to that, actually), and my nights are being wasted away with...well, they're being wasted away quite literally. I've been feeling like crap lately and been whining and complaining about this and that, so I won't throw those reasons in here now.  Suffice to say, I've been a wuss and a big baby, and just feeling crappy overall, stressed, and shitty. Maybe I can get going Wednesday, one I finish this shit I've got going tomorrow. Thanks for all your concern guys...I mean that.  I'll get through this.

Sometimes people need to bitch and you have my complete permission to do so, Jeff. Not that you need my permission, but I hope you know what I mean.

Pretend I'm your friendly neighborhood bartender.  :)

Right now, my desire is to finish this tomorrow. Not the first draft, but the first draft of a number of subsequent first drafts. I currently have roughly eighty-some pages. I say eighty-some because I'm very good at going back and trimming off the fat, even though I don't write too fat to begin with, but still...

If I can finish this tomorrow with another thirty pages, hopefully less, then I will be ready to create some reports for myself and begin working on the cards again.

I've found that as I worked through them the first time around, I was getting an interesting new picture that was working. It didn't mean that I was throwing out my old picture altogether, but I was working with what I was getting, as a gift from the muse gods.

My challenge will be to learn to pace the story with all of the character threads. Perhaps it's to be my bane in the screenwriting world, that multiple character movies are drawing me. Why can't I make myself a nice and simple little script? I can't answer that, but this is the way it's turning out and truthfully, I'm enjoying it.

The positive feeling I'm getting though is that I think I've managed to create a kind of "group character" in this script in that they are all fulfilling one function and all have one goal in a specific way and so if "a common desire" defines and individual, then here, a "common desire" is defining "the group" that is working for one goal.

I don't know if I'm explaining it very well, but I'm trying to make a group of individuals be "the protagonist". Their personal challenges are all different, but their unified goal, to help certain individuals in the story are the same.

It's a dialogue heavy script and I intend to keep it that way, but I want to work up the elements of the visuals and get a feel for the time spacing and pace of it as a whole.

Thanks again Johnny for providing the challenge. It couldn't happen without people like you!

Sandra

You have a lot of holidays in America, don't you!

The last public holiday we had here was one day back in August!

I am shattered from work and everyone there is dragging themselves towards the Christmas break (which starts for me on the 18th). Redundancies earlier this year meant that there are less of us to do even more work and it is taking it's toll.

I am tired, depressed and generally pissed off. So it is just like Christmas already!

Quoted from Niles Crane I am tired, depressed and generally pissed off. So it is just like Christmas already!

I hear you.  I'm knackered already too.  I work for Royal Mail so this is our busiest time, then I've got a second job so by the time I get home to start writing, my eyes start nodding lol.  I do have some holidays after Xmas so I should get to read over the 7WC scripts...hopefully mine will be among them.

How's everyone doing? I reached the end today at 95 pages.

It completely sucks goat balls (Baltis fan quote), but I did it...usually it takes me just a couple of weeks to stamp one out. That's not bragging however because they are usually really bad. Now I need to learn to stay focused enough for re-writes.  :-/

Well done P! I've finished the handwriting, have 2 pages to put on the computer.
Its up to 110 pages but i hope to knock at least 10 off in revision.
The mad finale had me stuck for a couple of days - i knew what i wanted but it was hard to write.
The fact that the whole script has a 'crazy' feel to it got it through in the end. My logline should contain the words - Suspend a good deal of belief all ye who read this...

Now i can relax and read through it at leisure, fixing and cutting.   This has been fun??!!

Ps - its goat NIPS!! But balls sound ok too..

Nice job, you two!  Seriously!  Congrats on a difficult job, well done!

For me, we're still perched at ZERO pages, and interest is getting lower by the day.  Not looking goof for this kid here.

How's everyone else doing?

Quoted from stevie Well done P! Ps - its goat NIPS!! But balls sound ok too..

I don't know who P is, but I know it's not me...

I believe balls is what he used to use long time ago. I could of course be wrong.

So we have Balt, Stevie, sandra and me finished with at least a first draft?  :)

P = "Pia" maybe?

Well done guys! I have lots on this week, still at around 35 pages.

Next week I will get cracking and write lots every day. I WILL finish by the deadline!

Quoted from Grandma Bear I don't know who P is, but I know it's not me... I believe balls is what he used to use long time ago. I could of course be wrong. So we have Balt, Stevie, sandra and me finished with at least a first draft?  :)

Yes, now I need to work on working it. A lot of checks and balances are in order and there are things I'd like to work into it as well and some very fine edits.

The show must go on!

Sandra

I'm finished with mine... I got to 3rd draft.  Took out a ton in the middle and chopped out a story.  It works.  It's good. I'm happy with it... I wouldn't be posting if I wasn't 100% okay with it.  I'd just opt out completely.  

It's not terribly new or innovative but it's good.  It takes all the elements of horror and comedy, mixes them together and runs its course.  But there isn't a more abstract santa than this one. That is true. I hope to read some good scripts from the rest of the participants as well.  

I may decide to do one. I'm not sure yet - it depends on how much time I will have.  But I came up with an idea yesterday.  It's called

Candy Kane  

Santa's master candy-maker elf vows to have his revenge on Santa and Christmas after being wrongly accused of a murder he didn't commit.    

Quoted from Tommyp P = "Pia" maybe?

I know exactly what he meant. First rule of social etiquette is to not make fun of or alter someone's name or chosen nickname. You don't call Don Donny, Shelton Sheltie, bert Berty Basset  or George Willson GW.

Take it easy Stevie, I'm not mad, I was trying to be helpful. :)

Balt, I hear what you are saying. I'm not exactly proud of mine, but will post it anyway. Hopefully with some feedback, I can turn it into something decent at least.

Cornetto, I know you can write one in hurry! Go for it!  I know Jeff can too...  

Sandra, I'm proud of you. I'm sure yours is a real trip.  ;)

Took my Dad to see 2012...Cut deeply into writing time, but tomorrow should be like eggs in coffee...Working on establishing the romantic aspect to spin this character around some- give him something to think about before taking on the next big gig...

P.S.  that's what Ps is!

Thought I'm definitely going to call George, George W.   He should love that.

If I have time, I'll write it. It's already outlined so the job is pretty mechanical.

Yeah, we've got an interesting little group of scripts coming. Which, oh which, to read first? I'm getting excited thinking about the order I'm going to read them in. =)

My deepest apologies, Pia. I didn't mean to be so flippant with your name.
I have a (bad?) habit of abbreviating people's names if more than two syllables - even when I speak to people I hardly know, I do it!

Yep, I'm looking forward to reading the scripts. And, like Pia, I am looking for some helpful feedback for mine.  I've got a real fondness for it, and may enter it in a comp if its deemed ok.
Cheers stevie

No worries Stevie. I know you meant no harm. :)

Quoted from Grandma Bear I know exactly what he meant. First rule of social etiquette is to not make fun of or alter someone's name or chosen nickname. You don't call Don Donny, Shelton Sheltie, bert Berty Basset  or George Willson GW. Take it easy Stevie, I'm not mad, I was trying to be helpful. :) Balt, I hear what you are saying. I'm not exactly proud of mine, but will post it anyway. Hopefully with some feedback, I can turn it into something decent at least. Cornetto, I know you can write one in hurry! Go for it!  I know Jeff can too...   Sandra, I'm proud of you. I'm sure yours is a real trip.  ;)

Hey, the name game!!!

Sandra-Sandra So Sandra Banana Fana Fo-Fandra Me-Mi Mo-Mandra- Sandra!!!

Looking forward to these, most definitely!!!

And mine will probably be a weird trip.  ;D

Sandra

Quoted from Blakkwolfe Took my Dad to see 2012...Cut deeply into writing time, ...

Is the movie really that long?


Ba dum bum.

Quoted from Shelton Is the movie really that long? Ba dum bum.

Maybe not, but it must have been real deep.  ;D Maybe deep and moving too.

Sandra

Quoted from Shelton Is the movie really that long? Ba dum bum.

2:40, unless that was sarcasm. Seriously, though, it didn't seem like it would ever end. And, I swear, I've never seen a movie with so many close calls involving planes. Ever. Lol.

Well, I have an idea. And I have a title.

A Snowflake Fell

By accident I came across this song by Glasvegas, and it fits perfectly with the images I had in my head.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YW4b2_Xpwbs

All I have to do now is write some actual words!

Quoted from Niles_Crane Well, I have an idea. And I have a title. A Snowflake Fell By accident I came across this song by Glasvegas, and it fits perfectly with the images I had in my head. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YW4b2_Xpwbs All I have to do now is write some actual words!

I love it when songs do that. Every now and then, you'll hear a song that makes you think, "Man, could that be any better for a story like this?!"

Go Simon!

Quoted from Niles_Crane Well, I have an idea. And I have a title. A Snowflake Fell By accident I came across this song by Glasvegas, and it fits perfectly with the images I had in my head. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YW4b2_Xpwbs All I have to do now is write some actual words!

I love the title!!! It's truly miraculous when that happens. Last night a song inspired me to write a poem and what is surprising is how a person never knows when something like that is going to happen, it just does.

Sandra

Good to see you're going to give it a shot Niles.

I might give the second one a shot, but that would be tough to complete in 2 weeks. I still haven't come up with a title for that one yet...  :-/

In the thick of the woods and cutting trails. Better make sure I watch the shadows when they get long so I can get back to the cabin safely before nightfall.

Sandra

OK,

"Things have changed" sums up the state of my script...

The logline, the pointed, but circuitous way that the road is going... things are the same, but things have changed...

In a logline thread that was recently started, I actually posted this:

You are the characters in a Virtual World where the spirit of Christmas defines the lives of the actors. As the actors try to help a child in grief and an old woman in a mysterious conflict, you probably figure out how it should go.

**Did I really mean that? Or was I just going off the deep end? I don't know. Some of that holds very true, but I don't know if I can bring it down to a level of understanding for normal people that live and breath. This is a Virtual Script and so, I'm really not sure.

I'm also not sure of all the things that don't seem to belong in a "Christmas Script", but what the Hell? It's Virtual, right?

You wouldn't believe it, but yeah, it's true and the pink elephants are flying:


Bob Dylan - Things Have Changed (Official Music Video) - Watch the top videos of the week here

Sandra

A Snowflake Fell

When a job goes wrong, underworld enforcer Cage returns to his home town to hide out, but finds himself haunted by the ghosts of Christmases Past

I am not great at loglines, and this one needs work, but sums it up OK. I have it quite well worked out in my head now - even have the last scene in which Cage... but no, better leave it for the screenplay.

Quoted from Niles_Crane A Snowflake Fell When a job goes wrong, underworld enforcer Cage returns to his home town to hide out, but finds himself haunted by the ghosts of Christmases Past I am not great at loglines, and this one needs work, but sums it up OK. I have it quite well worked out in my head now - even have the last scene in which Cage... but no, better leave it for the screenplay.

Niles,

Your logline sounds perfect to me, ...

but then again... I had such a perfect logline, and my characters screwed with me.  :-/ :-/

I would say, that if your method always falls in line with your logline, you are in GREAT SHAPE!!!

Maybe we need to start a thread in the future: "When your characters screw with you"...

Really, your logline sounds perfect to me. If it melds with your finished script, then you WIN!!!!

Sandra

Well, I've started it.

One scene, and half a page.

If there is a 2010 7WC it may be completed in time. :)

C'mon Niles! You can do it!

Jeff...how ya doin?

I don't have a logline. I suck at those. :-/

Quoted from Grandma Bear C'mon Niles! You can do it! Jeff...how ya doin? I don't have a logline. I suck at those. :-/

Me, if you need help with that, let me know. I can be quite good at them, especially if I'm working from someone else's perspective.

For myself, when I'm in "the process", that is defining and redefining, I go from logline-to-logline, but I'm always happy to give the input. Sometimes I think, that it's the little things, even things we don't see or hear, that make a difference.

I went out to do business today, and came back with an idea that will be used in the 7WC.

It seems weird to me juggling two scripts simultaneously. Very very weird and for me, you know that must be VERY WEIRD!!!

Feel free if you need a bartender to confide in. I'm not a good drink mixer because I make them too strong and disregard any frillies or mixers-- pretty much just go for the rocks and the alcohol, but I'm a good person to talk with if you're feeling the angst because I feel it too.

Sandra

Oh man, I haven't written anything in days! Ten days left and I'm still on page 39 :( Can't seem to get into the writing mood with all this Christmas pressure, followed with work. Does it need to be submitted on the 21st? or be available to read by then?

Looking forward to reading everyone's scripts, who've completed this challenge already.

I'm out!  Just not into it.  I agree with all the Christmas stuff going on, it's a tough time to want to write.

I'm sorry evreyone.  I really am.  I just don't see it happening with me, but I will read everyone's stuff for sure.

Good luck all!!

Sad to hear that Jeff. I'm hoping I can get some more writing done, written 3 pages just now hahaha, it just feels like a mountain to climb at the moment. I write a scene, then sit back and think, maybe this is doable... then when I see what page i'm on, it makes it even more depressing to think how far I've got to go. BUT I WON'T GIVE UP!!!

Don't give up!  You're almost half way there.  The 2nd half should be easier, also.  Keep going!

Quoted from Dreamscale I'm out!  Just not into it.  I agree with all the Christmas stuff going on, it's a tough time to want to write. I'm sorry evreyone.  I really am.  I just don't see it happening with me, but I will read everyone's stuff for sure. Good luck all!!

Jeff, I completely understand. It's a really hard space we're in sometimes and we really can't predict how we're going to feel one day from the next.

DON'T FEEL BAD!!!!  Days come and days go and we all get this!!!

Just because this doesn't work out it doesn't mean that IT won't work out!!!

We need to stick together and raise each other up. Not a one of us is good on our own.

Luvya,

Sandra

Thanks, Sandra.  You're right.

Quoted from Muse32 Ten days left and I'm still on page 39 :( Can't seem to get into the writing mood with all this Christmas pressure, followed with work. Does it need to be submitted on the 21st? or be available to read by then? Looking forward to reading everyone's scripts, who've completed this challenge already.

Maybe do what I do when I need to get into the mood of writing, I start by reading a script. Usually works for me.

I haven't completed mine yet. I would like to do at least one re-write and I have a couple of people who've promised to read it before I post it. See how helpful people here are? I love those people because I know reading first drafts can be a pain.  :K)

Quoted from Dreamscale Don't give up!  You're almost half way there.  The 2nd half should be easier, also.  Keep going!

Fingers crossed, cheers for the support Jeff. Why is it when you get into the mood of writing the hours mount up but the pages dont exactly equal the number you were hoping for, 1 hour = 5 pages, shocking. Got work in 6 hours, best go to sleep.

Quoted from Grandma Bear Maybe do what I do when I need to get into the mood of writing, I start by reading a script. Usually works for me. I haven't completed mine yet. I would like to do at least one re-write and I have a couple of people who've promised to read it before I post it. See how helpful people here are? I love those people because I know reading first drafts can be a pain.  :K)

Send me it Pia, I'd be happy to give it a read. I would let you read what I've got but it's kind of jumbled at the moment, chunks missing here and there. Would probably read like a jumbled nightmare... no wait, that's how I write haha.

I think my story will have to wait as well.  Have too much going on - there's was a sudden Christmas competition over at Moviestorm, have to go for that.

I have this worked out almost completely in my head scene for scene, including the ending, but it's not much good up there. There seems to be a block on me translating what's up there into words on a page.

I hope that this weekend, free from the distractions of work, I may be able to get something underway. Even though there are now only around 9 days left, I am not that worried - given how much I have it worked out, if I can get it down on paper I think I can do it.

In the UK it is cold, by the way - deep frosts and fog in my part of the country. When I looked out of the window this morning, it looked as if it had snowed! Maybe it'll get me in the mood?

That's what I was hoping - that the time of year would provide inspiration. It's quite hard not to feel a least a little Christmassy in London at the moment, with all the lights and decorations. My characters visit the Somerset House ice rink and Trafalgar Square during the course of my script, so I've spent time at both to absorb the atmosphere.

I'm still a good 20 pages away from the end, mind. And it'll need a good polish before it's ready for you lot. I'm in a play at uni this week (Ionesco's The Bald Prima Donna) so that's taking up a lot of time - think I'm going down to the wire!

Quoted from Niles_Crane I have this worked out almost completely in my head scene for scene, including the ending, but it's not much good up there. There seems to be a block on me translating what's up there into words on a page.

Man, Simon, if I could put into words what I was thinking before my file got deleted, it would be that.

It was a shame, too, because I knew the story backwards and forwards. I still do, in fact. It's that translation problem. Lol.

You can do it, man. Don't give up. =)

It is the fact that we can come up with images in our heads, but then have to find a way to describe these in words to others that can be the biggest hurdle to overcome.

This is why I believe screenwriting is as much a literary art as writing novels or stage plays. You need to understand language just as much to write a screenplay as a book. Maybe even more so, as novels aren't governed by such strict rules as scripts are as regard to format.

Well having not written a page since last weekend, I think i'm going to have to bail too.  I've only around 20 pages and I don't have a full story in my head.  I'm also trying to re-write a short, a long short, if that makes sense.  Seen as I'm getting in to that, I don't have the time for both.  Good luck to all those still in the game :)

Quoted from Muse32 Send me it Pia, I'd be happy to give it a read. I would let you read what I've got but it's kind of jumbled at the moment, chunks missing here and there. Would probably read like a jumbled nightmare... no wait, that's how I write haha.

I might take you up on that.

If you plan on posting yours and need someone to look at it first you can send yours to me. That's what we are all about here. Helping each other.  :)

Well, it's underway - I did five pages last night, late on.

My main concern is it is whizzing along a bit fast - in my head, it seemed more leisurely, but the way it is going it's not going to make 20 pages!

Oh well, we'll see.

---

Sunday 13th 8.55am - Now 10 pages.
Sunday 13th 1.31pm - Now 16 pages. It is now officially the longest thing I have written in 7 years!

Way to go, Simon. 16 down and plenty of time left. =)

Quoted from Niles_Crane Well, it's underway - I did five pages last night, late on. My main concern is it is whizzing along a bit fast - in my head, it seemed more leisurely, but the way it is going it's not going to make 20 pages! Oh well, we'll see. --- Sunday 13th 8.55am - Now 10 pages. Sunday 13th 1.31pm - Now 16 pages. It is now officially the longest thing I have written in 7 years!

Excellent! How do you write except by writing?!

Sandra

Sunday 13th 4.46pm - 18 pages written.

FRANK
Who are you?

CAGE
I'm the Ghost of Christmas Past. The Jason Statham version.

Thought that was quite good. :)

That's great Niles!

I started something new today. I decided to leave the "Lolita" thingy alone and come up with something more lighthearted instead.

Leanne's Noel

Kind of a redneck drama/comedy (I suck at comedy btw  ;D  )

Got 10 pages done today. Hopefully I can crank something out...I usually do better under pressure

Probably always wisest to leave Lolita thingies alone - only gets you into trouble.

Quoted from Grandma Bear Kind of a redneck drama/comedy

Here's a dose of inspiration from Jeff Foxworthy...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJOe3CXE-mA

Hard to feel Christmassy when it is sunny and 85 degrees outside....

Im gettin worried about my feature... Havent written anymore pages and the days are counting down. Plus my broadband is off till 4th January ahhh. hope I can upload it off my phone maybe or go to an internet cafe. On the plus side, Bad Santa is on the Tv =)

Funny Blakkwolf. Most of those things are already in it! ;D

I'm 20 pages in on the script. Seems to be more of a drama than I intended, but I usually let stories go where they want so it doesn't mean I'm struggling or anything. I've got to pick up the pace though if this one is going to make it.  :)

Have done the couple of pages needed to fix things. Now, will read through it one last time for errors and stuff.
Will post it in the next couple of days.

Keep at it everyone, you can do it!

Question mis amigos,

Say i had up to 40 pages written last august or september and just never worked on it again(bc of school starting)

If i were to haul ass and finish it before the deadline could i enter this challenge?

Is that fair since i technically started it a couple months ago?

But then again, i never had to time to further the story after that.

Quoted from BryMo Question mis amigos, Say i had up to 40 pages written last august or september and just never worked on it again(bc of school starting) If i were to haul ass and finish it before the deadline could i enter this challenge? Is that fair since i technically started it a couple months ago? But then again, i never had to time to further the story after that.

I think that technically, you should have been starting fresh for the challenge because it's designed to make people dig deep and see what they can come up with in seven weeks time.

My feelings are that this is only fair. It's a 7WC challenge, not a "Something I had cooking a couple months ago, but never finished it challenge".

Why not keep and eye out and enter the next challenge fresh and just keep working on what you had a couple months ago anyways. Pretend you've only got a week to finish it, but don't submit it as 7WC because that's not what it is really about.

Sandra

I just submitted my script to Don. It came out at 113 pages but i hope to knock some off after feedback.
There should be no typos(maybe 1or 2 i missed).

I'm happy with it. It reads fast. I didn't tinker with many of the comic lines I wrote originally.
Hope you enjoy it.  cheers

Quoted from stevie I just submitted my script to Don. It came out at 113 pages but i hope to knock some off after feedback. There should be no typos(maybe 1or 2 i missed). I'm happy with it. It reads fast. I didn't tinker with many of the comic lines I wrote originally. Hope you enjoy it.  cheers

Congratulations Stevie!!!

I'm working on adjustments in mine and adjusting the adjustments.  ;D

Sandra

Nice work, Stevie!  Congrats, man!  That's awesome.  Way to go, bro!!!!

Congrats Stevie!!

I need to re-write Christmas Eve at St. Mary's and finish Leanne's Noel. I'm currently on page 25... I feel stressed about it. :D

Just wanted to add that I would read more if I wasn't trying to write all this stuff. I'm NOT being lazy!

Well done, Stevie! Just one thing - did you remember to specify in the comments box that it was a 7WC script?

Make sure you do that, everyone!

I'm set to upload and reformat my comp data to my new mac "kiss fuck PC" so let me know when we have to put these in.

Quoted from Baltis. I'm set to upload and reformat my comp data to my new mac "kiss fuck PC" so let me know when we have to put these in.

Quoted from First Post THE CHALLENGE: To plan, write and finish a full-length feature in the next seven weeks, ready to submit on December 21st

Macs rule!!!

Congrats for coming over to the other side Balt!!  You'll never regret it.  :)

Guess wouldn't have killed me to re-read that part on the 1st page...

Well, I'm a go... hope the contest goes over well and that people have quality scripts to bring to the table.  I'm of a mind, since I'm entering, to read all of them so I hope it's not a waste of time in the end... I hope those who bring scripts into the mix did the best they could do, cos I know I did and it will show.  I'm dropping my name into this with us reading and reviewing the scripts entered.  I wouldn't be posting a script for the hell of it here, so I only hope people will put aside their biased behavior when it comes time to read my script.

Quoted from Grandma Bear Macs rule!!! Congrats for coming over to the other side Balt!!  You'll never regret it.  :)

I put it off far too long but Windows 7 really pissed me off.  I'm through with it & PC's... I had an Acer t690 I had used to write with for 2 years, bought a Dell about 5 months ago and tried to import all my material from the Acer into it last week using Windows 7 as an OS and it kept bringing up Retrieving System Pool Data and a black screen.  I couldn't get it to boot at all.  I spent 3 days installing Windows 7 and it just wouldn't install on it...  So I went back to Vista, it loaded up fine, but I spent 100 some bucks for Windows 7, I wanted to use it, right?  So, I thought well... Maybe one more go.  I installed it again and the same damn thing happened.  I then did some checking' up online and found some info saying Windows XP to Windows 7 is a smooth transition, so I tried to install XP on it... No go.  It was missing root files.

So I went back and Installed Vista, imported all my screenplays and data into it and chucked Windows 7 to the side.  Two days ago I caved in and bought a Mac. I've had more trouble with Pc's and I'm not computer illiterate by no means.

Quoted from JonnyBoy Well done, Stevie! Just one thing - did you remember to specify in the comments box that it was a 7WC script? Make sure you do that, everyone!

Yep. I remembered you mentioneing that first up.

You can count on me not being biased. I read almost One feature every day. They sort of blend together. I try to do my best, but the script is in my head before the writer. Some people don't like my comments, but hey...that doesn't effect me either.

In regards to my 7WC submission...It may not be up to your standards, but I did the best that "I" could.  :)

I will read all the other scripts submitted.

Cheers to everyone


Oh, and jonny? Will the scripts be put in general threads pertaining to genre? Or will they be seperate, in their own section?
I suppose Don or a mod might answer that.

I have hit a bit of a hurdle in that, at 22 pages, the damn thing is already half over!

I have no idea if this will be ready in time - I suspect not, but never say never. I finish work on Friday, so will have the weekend and Monday free to do some serious work if need be. In theory, at least, it is possible.

---

By the way, some people may appreciate the irony of this, but a friend has offered to buy me FD v8 as a Christmas present, if I would like it - it's expensive, so they didn't want to buy it without checking it was something I wanted. I am mulling over my response.

Quoted from Niles_Crane I have hit a bit of a hurdle in that, at 22 pages, the damn thing is already half over! I have no idea if this will be ready in time - I suspect not, but never say never. I finish work on Friday, so will have the weekend and Monday free to do some serious work if need be. In theory, at least, it is possible. --- By the way, some people may appreciate the irony of this, but a friend has offered to buy me FD v8 as a Christmas present, if I would like it - it's expensive, so they didn't want to buy it without checking it was something I wanted. I am mulling over my response.

Ask for the cash and then e-mail me...

Niles, that is indeed a problem!  How can that happen?

I have an idea for you.  Insert an extended scene in which a group of young kids all go to a mall and sit on Santa's lap. Play it out so that each kid has about 3 pages, talking with Santa about what he or she wants for Christmas,  If he group of kids is at least 10 strong, then you have an additional 30 pages!

But that's still only going to get you to around 74 pages...so...I have another idea for you.  Have your main characters attend a Christmas play and just show 20 or so minutes worth of the play.

Wallaw!  A 94 page script out of a 44 pager.  If you want to go for a 104 pager, include a Christmas dream scene.  To go to 114, add a 10 page bloopers reel at the end with all your characters dressed as elves, getting drunk on spiked egg nog.

Quoted from Niles_Crane I have hit a bit of a hurdle in that, at 22 pages, the damn thing is already half over! I have no idea if this will be ready in time - I suspect not, but never say never. I finish work on Friday, so will have the weekend and Monday free to do some serious work if need be. In theory, at least, it is possible.

I often have the same problem as I'm used to writing shorts mainly. I'm sure you'll figure out a way to add onto it and I'm sure you will finish on time too. My goal for today is hitting page 40 or at the very least 35, but you never know. Might stall at 28.  :)

Quoted from Grandma Bear I often have the same problem as I'm used to writing shorts mainly. I'm sure you'll figure out a way to add onto it and I'm sure you will finish on time too. My goal for today is hitting page 40 or at the very least 35, but you never know. Might stall at 28.  :)

I have the opposite problem. I am currently cutting huge chunks in favor of other scenarios I am employing.

There were certain elements that I knew weren't working in this context and I'm not sure how it's going to go, but I'm just going to keep working it until I run out of time.

Sandra

I guess, if the story screams at you, you can fly through the pages.

The problem I've got is, I'm cutting chunks out before I've written them. If I don't feel it, I can't write it.

50 pages so far, but I might elaborate on certain scenes and add some more pages to it, seems to go a little fast at the moment.

40 pages to go, got a few hours tonight, then Sunday all day to get it done and uploaded.

Wish me luck! :)

Good luck!

page 35. starting to feel really stressed because I still have to do a re-write of the first one...  

Quoted from Grandma Bear page 35. starting to feel really stressed because I still have to do a re-write of the first one...

Me too, Pia. My goal is to just keep working. I've taken an axe to it and I think that it just goes with the territory. There's no way around it, but through it- for better or worse.

If I just can keep working, then that's the goal for me. It's a battle, but it's a good battle and it can't be any other way.

I will do my best and submit "something". Hopefully it won't be a complete and massive collage disaster and have some redeeming points.

The road is something you need to learn to drive for yourself. No one can do it for you. No writers' manuals. No formulas. They might work to an extent, but they will prove mere "dolls" by comparison to a skilled screenwriter who can write the real thing- well, at least as close as art can come.

Sandra

I actually might just barely make this.

Hopefully I do.  Another feature of mine up here, and then maybe, perhaps, I can work on my previous one and have a new draft up.

Slogging along at 54 pages...At the middle, story wise...things are going real well for the protag (after some early setbacks) and things are about to go very, very bad...

So who's done (I know Baltis is) and who's almost done?

I have one done. Hopefully halfway through with the second one tonight.

Quoted from slabstaa So who's done (I know Baltis is) and who's almost done?

I'll know it when I'm done this round of rewrites, but I'm going to be working on it until the end of the 7WC here on the 20th. Hopefully I can improve it significantly and then maybe next summer give it work again after it's very cold.

Sandra

I've reached 51 pages, and I'm going to try and reach 80 by the 21st.

Pia, if you get two done that will be truly amazing. Good luck!

To be honest with you Tommy, I decided to write this second one so the people that have promised to read some of these could chose between a slasher or a drama. I didn't want anyone who hates murder, mayhem and dismemberment to have to struggle through mine. I was thinking this way they could chose to read about a nice little pig instead....and, yeah, obviously these are done in a hurry and won't be gold, but I'm hoping with some feedback that maybe I can turn them into something decent.  :)

Quoted from Grandma Bear To be honest with you Tommy, I decided to write this second one so the people that have promised to read some of these could chose between a slasher or a drama. I didn't want anyone who hates murder, mayhem and dismemberment to have to struggle through mine. I was thinking this way they could chose to read about a nice little pig instead....and, yeah, obviously these are done in a hurry and won't be gold, but I'm hoping with some feedback that maybe I can turn them into something decent.  :)

Me too. My problem is, that after axing and rewriting a lot, I am happy with what's transpiring, but it's too long and will need a lot of critical work in the future.

I'm thinking that maybe, it might make a good three part television show, but that's another ball game.

For now, I'm still trying to work and rework and study along the way.

Sandra

It's looking a little grim right now on the redneck christmas pig story. I'm stuck and I have to make a choice of making a dash to the end or re-write the first one. I'll re-write the first one and I'll say here right now, that anyone who doesn't want to read a slasher for Christmas even if you've promised to read all the submitted scripts, you don't have to read mine.  :)

Quoted from Grandma Bear It's looking a little grim right now on the redneck christmas pig story. I'm stuck and I have to make a choice of making a dash to the end or re-write the first one. I'll re-write the first one and I'll say here right now, that anyone who doesn't want to read a slasher for Christmas even if you've promised to read all the submitted scripts, you don't have to read mine.  :)

Don't think it's grim, Pia. It is what it is. We don't ever know until the Fat Lady sings.

I've just spent a whack load of time catching a whole lot of errors in the slugs and typos and consistency issues and all kinds of problems, not to mention structural issues which I'm still working with, but that's OK, I'm working and that's what counts.

I'm going to spend the evening going through the twelve pages of notes I made and fix those things before I do anything more.

A few more hours and I will definitely need a break.

Sandra

Hey everybody...want to wish you all the best of luck completing your scripts.  It's no easy task for sure, and I failed miserably, and I apologize for that.  Funny, but sad...I really thought I'd have 2 completed scripts for this, and instead, I have ZERO pages.

Pitiful!

I'mmoutta here on Monday morning for my sister's place, outside of St. Louis.  I've got a long plane ride, so if anyone wants to E-Mail me their completed script, I can read it on the plane and provide feedback Tuesday (most likely).

First one in gets first read, if anyone's interested.  It will be a hard copy read, and my feedback will be based on memory alone, so no detailed page by page notes going on this time around.

OK, there we go.  Keep at it, you guys and gals.  I know you can do it!!!

Quoted from Dreamscale Hey everybody...want to wish you all the best of luck completing your scripts.  It's no easy task for sure, and I failed miserably, and I apologize for that.  Funny, but sad...I really thought I'd have 2 completed scripts for this, and instead, I have ZERO pages. Pitiful! I'mmoutta here on Monday morning for my sister's place, outside of St. Louis.  I've got a long plane ride, so if anyone wants to E-Mail me their completed script, I can read it on the plane and provide feedback Tuesday (most likely). First one in gets first read, if anyone's interested.  It will be a hard copy read, and my feedback will be based on memory alone, so no detailed page by page notes going on this time around. OK, there we go.  Keep at it, you guys and gals.  I know you can do it!!!

Jeff, i just sent you mine.  Chin up buddy! we're always here for you!  I hope my script gives u a laugh. I think it will.

Damn, that was fast! Guess it's Stevie's script I'll be reading first.

If anyone else wants to jump in, I can probably get through 2 between now and the end of my flight.

Curious...will these actually be posted 12/21, or later?  If it's later, I'm sure I'll have some time to read at least 1 more before I head back frickin' Christmas day.  I'll have 5 days of nothing to do between CHristmas and the 30th, so I'll defintely read and comment on them all.

Happy Holidays to all!!!!

Quoted from Dreamscale Damn, that was fast! Guess it's Stevie's script I'll be reading first. If anyone else wants to jump in, I can probably get through 2 between now and the end of my flight. Curious...will these actually be posted 12/21, or later?  If it's later, I'm sure I'll have some time to read at least 1 more before I head back frickin' Christmas day.  I'll have 5 days of nothing to do between CHristmas and the 30th, so I'll defintely read and comment on them all. Happy Holidays to all!!!!

I won't be ready to post the first of a several first drafts until the 20th.

Working my way through my notes and noting more-

Have a wonderful flight Jeff!!!

Sandra

I can't believe I'm not crying right now. Some weird glitch happened and I have to go through it line by line because action elements are inside dialogue and complete craziness. It's all wonky!!!

I had pages and pages of notes of OTHER stuff that needed fixing and I can't even get to that until I fix the formatting issues.

This is definitely one of those things you can't do anything about.  :'( :'( :'(

Sandra

I'm sorry to hear that Sandra. I believe you can still do it.  I'm in re-write hell!!  :-/

I think I'm out.

I've 35 pages done, but there is no way I will manage another 55 by the deadline.

And I am not sure it has another 55 pages in it anyway. As it is I am padding it to make it longer. I would be surprised if it was more than 60 pages long when it's finished.

It'll still be the longest thing I have written this century, however.

I do intend to finish it, whatever length it eventually comes in at, and post it on SS, but not now as an official entry of the 7WC.

Niles, I think I may be having the same problem as you.

I think i have a full story... but I will only make 70 pages or so.

I think I will still post it, in the hope that people can find the holes in my writing. It is my first feature, so I might be doing something completely wrong, eg. not enough subplots, not spacing action lines out enough, finishing scenes too early, too many montages... the list goes on.

So is it okay to post or should I send it around to people and post it when it is more complete? (It is a complete story, just not long enough)

I don't have a problem with you posting what you have, Tommy. Bloody good effort for your first feature.
The feedback for our scripts will be a huge help, and should be able to get yours to at least 90 pages.
I say post them all regardless of length. People will make their own choices about readiing anyway. Cheers

I think I may have to drop out aswell, been so busy at work and I very much doubt I can write 40 pages by tonight :( I'll have a crack at it, but my optimism has ran out.

Who-hooo...Just uploaded what I hope will be 86 pages of a gritty, gripping story remincient of the classic 30's gangster movies (although I stopped just short of the grapefruit scene)...Came up a little short in the page count, but some of the action scenes could be spread out a bit...

It's called A Hard Boiled Christmas and is about a young safecracker who wants to go straight. But, after his sweetheart is shot in a vicious attack, he decides to strike back and pull of the biggest heist of his career...

Still a first draft, but would like to polish this up for some contests next year.

Alright, I can say these words,

This one draft is completed.

It's been a tremendous challenge to work with this. I started fearing that I wouldn't be done something that I felt was my best effort this time around.

But yes, this one's done for now.

Sandra

Unfortunately, I'm gonna have to drop out too.  I gave it my best shot, but only managed to get up to page 62.  Hopefully I'll get it finished & uploaded some time soon, but there's no chance of having it up by the end of tomorrow.

Congrats to everyone who has managed to get theirs finished - I look forward to reading as many as I can over the holidays.

Congratulations Blakkwolf and Sandra!!!

I just uploaded mine too. A slasher...

Christmas Eve at St. Mary's

At the rundown hospital of St. Mary�s, a lot of things are going on during Christmas eve. None of them are nice and none of them have anything to do with healing.


Thinking about it though, I'm not exactly sure who the protag is. I'm thinking it's the women in the story and the men are the antags. Well, maybe not all of them, but most.  :)

Well done guys, for getting it done!

Mine is only 70 pages or so. It is a complete story.

Is everyone fine with me uploading it?

Quoted from Grandma Bear I just uploaded mine too. A slasher... Christmas Eve at St. Mary's

Very cool.

Glad my gal did not wind up St. Mary's after she got shot up.

Quoted from Tommyp Is everyone fine with me uploading it?

I got no bones about it.

Okay, I think I will upload it.

68 pages.

I'm prepared to get shouted at by people regarding its length! :)

The length isn't everything. As long as it some weight to it.

Quoted from Blakkwolfe Glad my gal did not wind up St. Mary's after she got shot up.

Who got shot up?  

Quoted from Grandma Bear The length isn't everything. As long as it some weight to it.

Is that the same as girth?

Don't be put out by the length, Tommy. If it's a complete and well-told story, we'll love it just the same. Most of us, that is... =)

Quoted from Grandma Bear Who got shot up?

Character in my story... Only fictional people, thank goodness.

I'm really looking forward to reading these, and I'm glad that I can scrape one New Year's resolution off last year's list...

As far as length, it's quality over quantity...can always add some Rocky IV era video montages...

Which one? Training Montage? Hearts on Fire? There's No Easy Way Out...?

Yeah, Black, I think you're a "There's No Easy Way Out" guy.

I'm "Hearts on Fire", myself. =)

Quoted from Blakkwolfe Character in my story... Only fictional people, thank goodness.

I'm glad to hear that! I was worried there for a while.

Yeah, you don't want anyone checking into St. Mary's...unless you're into murder and mayhem!

Good job to all who completed a script!  Guess you still have the rest of the day, right?

I forgot about 2day lol oh well i'll have another crack at it... if it fails it will have to be a long short lol

Although I failed to meet the challenge as set, which is a disappointment, I still feel that this has been a worthwhile exercise. The script I am writing, while it will not be feature length, will be the longest piece I have written since 1999, and hopefully will be another step in the right direction that will eventually lead to me writing features again.

When it is completed in a few days time, I will post it on SS in the shorts thread).

When all the completed 7WC challenge entries are up, I will read them and give feedback.

And I would hope that if this challenge is repeated I will be able to take part more successfully.

Congratulations to all those who did meet the deadline.

I've failed. I can't really believe it, but I have. The damn thing is stuck at 70 pages, and while I'm actually reasonably happy with what I have so far, work and whatnot means that I now won't be able to finish it until after Christmas. However, I WILL have it uploaded by the New Year.

I'm gutted that I've failed, but there you go. Must move on. Congrats to all those who finished - and to those still slaving away, the deadline is just a few hours off now. I promise to read every entry, and congratulations to those who succeeded and thanks to all who've taken part. We actually did an OMC (sort of). Maybe next time I'll actually have something to turn in...

JonnyBoy,

don't feel bad. I didn't manage to finish the Redneck pig story. My goal with it is to finish it by next Christmas!  ;D

Btw, don't feel you have to read mine. I only want hardcore slasher people to read it.  :)

Quoted from JonnyBoy I've failed. I can't really believe it, but I have. The damn thing is stuck at 70 pages, and while I'm actually reasonably happy with what I have so far, work and whatnot means that I now won't be able to finish it until after Christmas. However, I WILL have it uploaded by the New Year. I'm gutted that I've failed, but there you go. Must move on. Congrats to all those who finished - and to those still slaving away, the deadline is just a few hours off now. I promise to read every entry, and congratulations to those who succeeded and thanks to all who've taken part. We actually did an OMC (sort of). Maybe next time I'll actually have something to turn in...

Thank you JohnnyBoy, for helping us rise to the challenge. It would not have been without you.

I feel bad that I had a lot of formatting issues when everything went wonky at the end and I was struggling only with that- and even still, I think there are errors that I missed with action lines in the dialogue, but the important thing is to do the work and we've all worked hard; so thank you!!!

Sandra

Yeah, Jonny, we owe you!  

I tihnk we should try this again in a couple of months or after the next OWC, whichever is first.
And i reckon we should have a really specfic theme in that one. cheers man

It was really great, Jonny. You got me believing that I could actually finish a feature. And, I would've, too. Congrats to all those who finished and I'll be glad to read them when they're available. =)

Quoted from Grandma Bear JonnyBoy, don't feel bad. I didn't manage to finish the Redneck pig story. My goal with it is to finish it by next Christmas!  ;D Btw, don't feel you have to read mine. I only want hardcore slasher people to read it.  :)

  

Pia, I'm not a "hardcore slasher person", but I love to exit out of my zone and enter into new ones.  :) :) :) ;)

Sandra

So, what's the final count, then?  Like 4 or so?  Kind of what I predicted awhile back.  Oh well, it was tough with the Holidays and all.  Looking forward to reading the entries.

Uh, scratch what I said earlier.

For reasons that will become clear at a later date, I am now back in. I've got work tomorrow, but who cares? Even if it's just a first draft, I WILL have something to submit.

Quoted from JonnyBoy Uh, scratch what I said earlier. For reasons that will become clear at a later date, I am now back in. I've got work tomorrow, but who cares? Even if it's just a first draft, I WILL have something to submit.

These are the submitted writers thus far:

Tom Pascal (tommyp)
Sandra E. Watson
P. Cook (me)
T. Joseph Fraser (Blakkwolfe)
Gary D. Rademan (grademan)
Steve McDonell (stevie)

If you've submitted your script, but don't see your name, please PM me with the name of your script.

Don

What about Baltis?????

I'm late to the dance... When I get home I'm gonna send mine in.  I've been away from my base for a few days. Don't worry, mine's going to be up.

Six, with a couple more possibly to come - that's not bad.

I look forward to reading all of them.

Will there by a special thread for them, or will they be distributed across the boards and just marked as 7WC entries?

I imagine it'll be similar to the OWC and the SoulShadows series. It'll get it's on thread. I think...

I don't want to seem antsy, but wasn't the deadline on the 21st?  I'm ready to read!

Quoted from Grandma Bear I don't want to seem antsy, but wasn't the deadline on the 21st?  I'm ready to read!

Agreed. Can't wait to see some of these Christmas opuses. =)

First drafts or otherwise is cool with me.

I will be working "Christmas" here and might be slow to start with the reads, but I will be reading them.

My apologies now, if for some reason any bold font turns up when you open it. I've spoken with my husband about this and he says it's got something to do with other people's computers and how their settings are.

This has been confirmed to me by Rob, who said, when he was at work, and opened the Bloomb Thicket script it was all bolded, but at home, it opened fine in normal font.

Also apologies for any action in dialogue. I tried to get them all. I thought I did, but going through it again, I've caught one at least.

Right now though I'm going to congratulate everyone who went through this. It really is very difficult. Especially if you're new. And then too, even if you're an old timer, you have a higher bar for yourself so it's just as hard.

Sandra

And my script's submitted! Two days late, only 84 pages (6 pages short of the minimum page count I set, but still the longest screenplay I've ever written) and most likely rubbish, but there you go. It's done.

Now I can fill you in on why I suddenly changed my mind n'all that (I've been given permission it reveal all). Well, minutes after I said I was dropping out of the challenge I received this PM, menacingly entitled, Finish Your Script.

Jon

You kicked it off,  you need to finish.  I'll hold off posting the 7wc scripts until tomorrow night 12/22.  For crap or for whatever, you need to push your baby out.  That is what the challenge is about.  If I don't get a script from you by midnight, 12/22 none of the other seven week scripts will be posted.  

Don

Not knowing whether he was bluffing or not (I rather suspect he was), I suddenly had an extra incentive to finish - I had to save the challenge. Whether it was a genuine threat or not was academic, actually; personal intervention from Don was enough to show me how silly it was to come so far only to fail. The added thought of having the challenge halted for everyone else only served to reinforce my desire to finish. In fact, of course, that must have been Don's idea - to give me one final, badly-needed, steel-toed kick up the backside. The result is that I wrote 14 pages over the next 30 hours and managed to finish an 84 page script (pleading for a 2 hour extension along the way, to which I got the wonderful reply: 'I will wait').

Yes, I was 26 hours past the deadline. Yes, I'm 6 pages short. But you know what? Thanks in part to Don himself, I finished, I can say I've written a screenplay that is within spitting distance of being feature-length, and I can look forward to reading the other scripts knowing I managed to produce something myself. It may be nearly 8 o'clock in the morning, I may have just pulled an all-nighter and a 9-hour work day may be rapidly approaching, and because the script is very much a first draft it may end up being torn apart (particularly by Balt - nervous about that review already!), but you know what? Right now, I feel bloody brilliant.

Thanks for coming along for the ride, guys. 8 entries in the end - not bad, eh? Let's move onto Phase 3 - Reviewing the Scripts (Phase 1 was Picking the Theme, Phase 2 Writing the Scripts) and end this 7WC on a high!

Jonny, that was the most inspiring post I've read for months! The whole post should be on 'Quote of the Day'!
Wow, it was like, your 'Henry V' moment...

As I've said before, YOU were the impetus for this. YOU deserve the credit, mate!!
It's been fantastic and I would love to try it again, with, perhaps a more specific theme.

Um, and I just want to remind folks that my script isn't anything Christmasy. I mentioned it on this thread a couple of weeks back, but it proably got buried.
The story was originally set at Christmas but became unworkable because of the weather. Not the weather here - hot - but the weather in the script setting would've intruded too much on the story.  Thank you and cheers all.

I wouldn't worry about length Jonny (er, I feel a Kenneth Williams moment coming on) - size isn't everything (as my ex used to say).

It may be noted that the screenplay for Trainspotting is only 80 pages long!

Quoted from stevie Jonny, that was the most inspiring post I've read for months! The whole post should be on 'Quote of the Day'! Wow, it was like, your 'Henry V' moment...

I agree with all that. Feel free to add.

Been watching this thread without comment but with interest over the last few weeks. For those of you who've submitted - well done. I'll be reading as much as I can over Christmas.

Ren

Quoted from JonnyBoy Not knowing whether he was bluffing or not (I rather suspect he was), I suddenly had an extra incentive to finish - I had to save the challenge. Whether it was a genuine threat or not was academic, actually; personal intervention from Don was enough to show me how silly it was to come so far only to fail.

You never can tell with Don, can you? I wouldn't put it past him to hold out and wait.

Either way, if this was your first completed screenplay, Jonny, then congrats. The deadline is what did it for you and sometimes that's what it takes. I know when I suggested this type of challenge, the goal was not necessarily to have a production worthy draft, but just a completed draft of some kind. If it's crap, guess what? You'll rewrite it. I've rewritten my first screenplay probably 6 times to date and it's finally to a presentable, acceptable point. And since you've done one, the next one will be that much easier.

Well done to everyone who successfully completed this challenge. We'll have to do it again sometime...

Quoted from JonnyBoy Well, minutes after I said I was dropping out of the challenge I received this PM, menacingly entitled, Finish Your Script.

Ouch! When the big man talks - you listen.

George, Bert, Mike, W, you've been around for a while now (no, I'm not calling you guys old - except Bert obviously) but do Don himself write screenplays?

I could ask him myself but...I'm, like, afraid to.

Rob, this question was asked and answered by Don in the podcast, which was put up a few days ago :)

Have a listen Rob, it's actually pretty damn good. You'll find it fascinating.

Don has been dangling the carrot of script(s) he's written for some time, but he won't tell anyone which one(s) is his. I've made some guesses in the past, but he neither confirmed nor denied.

I have a question, which comes to mind after reading Jonny's post above:

Is Don his name ... or his title?

He obviously made you an offer you couldn't refuse.

Quoted from Tommyp Rob, this question was asked and answered by Don in the podcast, which was put up a few days ago :)

Whoa - totally missed that one. Will check it out.

Good job, Jonny!!!!!  Knew you could do it.

Looking forward to reading these!!!

Congratulations to everyone who finished one, whether they needed to be threatened or not!

Congratulations to everybody and i can't wait to start reading!

Congratulations everybody! Wow, Don's a badass, glad he gave you the kick you needed to get there.

I've started reading, I will get through them all in the next few weeks. Promise.

If you start a challenge like this again, I'm in for sure.

I have downloaded all seven scripts so far posted, and will start reading them tomorrow.

I have been a bit preoccupied this evening installing Final Draft v8. Yes, I am now the proud owner of this software, backtracking on everything I have previously said :)

I had anticipated A Snowflake Fell being my last Celtx script - but having obtained FD quicker than I thought, it looks as if it will in fact prove to be my first Final Draft one.

Pity it could not have been as part of the 7WC, but there you go.

Quoted from Niles_Crane I have downloaded all seven scripts so far posted, and will start reading them tomorrow. I have been a bit preoccupied this evening installing Final Draft v8. Yes, I am now the proud owner of this software, backtracking on everything I have previously said :) I had anticipated A Snowflake Fell being my last Celtx script - but having obtained FD quicker than I thought, it looks as if it will in fact prove to be my first Final Draft one. Pity it could not have been as part of the 7WC, but there you go.

Welcome to the Final Draft family, Simon. Lol.

I hope to see some quality stuff from youse. =)

Eventually, I have to teach my brother how to use the damned thing, but it's tough when he's so far away and him being a visual learner. Lol.

What happened to Balt's script? I was looking forward to reading it.

Balt said he was away from base and would get it in asap.

All the 7WC scripts are posted.  The list, in one location can be viewed at the end of the first posting in this discussion here http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?m-1257167159/

Don

To everyone, I would like to offer my apologizes for failing to finish a feature during the allotted seven week time frame. I'm sorry, guys. I will continue to work on some idea and post them later in 2010 while I read you all's stories.

So...where is Balt's script?  WTF?

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all!!!!

I have just finished "A Snowflake Fell".

53 pages. I wrote 18 of those today, in about four hours.

I have to ask myself if this is because I'm now using FD? Was Celtx slowing me down? Or was I just in the right mood? Until today, the most pages I had produced in one sitting was 6! This output is more like the olden days, when I used to sit at a battered manual typewriter and bang out scripts like there was no tomorrow!

It's appropriate I should have completed it today - It is now exactly four months since I began writing again - thanks in no small part to this community - and in that time I have produced seven scripts, and 99 pages.

Just to say again, in the seven years before that I had written nothing - zero.

I owe this site more than I say. I will mention it in my Oscar speech.

Once again - Happy Christmas to one and all.

Here's to 2010

Glad your're happy with Final Draft. Whatever software people choose, the more it stays out of the way of the thought process, the better it is...Hope Santa was good to everyone!

Just finished reading my first one. Headlong by Stevie. Thought is was a good effort. Needs a little work, but not bad at all. Now I have to pick a second one.  :)

My comments on Headlong will be up in an hour or so.  Where is Balt's script?  Did he back out all of a sudden?

WEAK!!!!

I agree. No Frostbite or 7wc...

All talk...

Quoted from Dreamscale All talk...

Sometimes people talk and with good intentions, but things happen. Let's just worry about ourselves.

Sandra

Don't worry, I do that all that all the time, as there is alot for me to worry about!

Balt said he was done weeks ago, though.  I don't see any excuses for this.

I'll say it again...WEAK!!!!!!

He was still around on the 22nd, as he was posting unpleasantries directed at me on another thread. Since then he seems to have gone quiet.

In all fairness, and Christ knows why I should say this, it is possible that he felt the script needed more work before he submitted it, and didn't want to post something he felt was below the best he could do.

I am sure he will let us know at some point in his usual refined and restrained manner.

I have now submitted "A Snowflake Fell", and hopefully it will make the Short section before the New Year. You are all welcome to come over and point and snigger at it!

I'd just like to add my congratulations to everyone who managed to complete a script.

I'd also like to say that this challenge looks like a good idea. I didn't really see the point when it was first suggested, because I thought that it was something anyone could do on their own time, but it added an excitement and drive to it, even for those of us just watching from the sidelines.

Well done.

I would hope that we do it again in a few months time - and that I will be able to enter it this time. It has been a real challenge and an excellent endeavour.

I've read 3 so far and just wanted to say that I'm impressed. Sure they are first drafts or close to it, but they are really much better than I anticipated. I sort of dreaded reading a bunch of first draft features, but you people really pulled it off.

We must do this again sometime. IMO, it was a success!  :)

I've read them all!  AGreed, most were much better than I anticipated. Only 1 real clunker, and I hate to say that.

Biggest problem or question, is where the FUCK IS BALT?????  All that tough talk about how great his script was and that it was finished in like 2 weeks?  And?  NOTHING!

PATHETIC!!!  He didn't even  read or comment on a single script.  That really pisses me off.

Great job everyone who completed a script and those that gave them reads and comments!

Happy Holidays!!!

Alright, Jeff.  You've made your point a couple of times, and that is plenty.

It does seem odd -- I know Balt has horror chops on par with anybody -- myself included -- and I am one vain SOB -- but....

He has not been around at all, and you never know somebody's personal circumstances off the boards.

Be careful tossing that kind of disdain around -- as it can come back to bite you in the ass later.

That's the last Balt bashing I wanna see on this thread, and that's all I'm gonna say on that.

Sorry, Bert!  I was actually just trying to draw him out.  I honestly hope nothing is wrong with him, or his, as I do think he's a great guy, and I love his comments.

I truly mean that.

Quoted from Dreamscale I was actually just trying to draw him out.

Batting at the ol' hornet's nest, huh?  He'll appreciate that.

I am just concerned at his total silence on this.

I was not surprised to find that the script was not posted -- but you would think he would at least be around shoveling shit about its unseen magnificence, you know? :)

So, yeah -- no more beating on Balt till he checks in.  But then all bets are off.

I have read one script so far, though I have yet to post comments (mainly because they would be negative and at the moment I wish to avoid being unduly negative).

I have been writing, and that's taken up my time this week (I finished off "A Snowflake Fell" and wrote another short in less than a week).

Will have to get my finger out though and get on with it.

Niles, if you read a script, you should post feedback. Negative or not, you know it helps.

C'mon, mate!!!!

I just don't feel in the mood to slag someone's work off at the moment!

Actually, I haven't read the threads either - I wanted to read the scripts beforehand, uninfluenced by other people's opinions. I think I'll have a look at them today though.

So, Jeff, which one was the "clunker"?

If it's mine Niles, you don't have to be shy about it. My skin is like a Rhino's. I knew mine wasn't going to be for everyone and I said so many times. I didn't want people who don't like slasher type films/scripts to have to read something like that. Especially not during Christmas. :)

I've finished them all. Overall, I've been impressed, especially taking into account the time frame. Well done to all who took part.

Well, in that case, Pia ... yes, I am afraid it is.

It is true to say that I do not like this kind of film, or this kind of script, and I struggled to get through it. Had it not been for the fact that I said I would read all entries, I wouldn't have even started it, truth be told. I have made some notes and may post more detailed comments on the actual thread (I haven't decided yet).

I know you said you'd prefer people who weren't into this kind of film not to read it, but I think that everyone who entered (or in my case, tried to enter) the 7WC should read all the entries by the others.

I have now read another one, by the way.

Whatever my opinion of the scripts - you all managed to write features for the challenge, and I have not - which puts you all one up one me! Which may explain my reluctance to criticise - not something I usually have a problem with, I should say! If I had succeeded, I'd be on a level playing field - as it is I feel a bit like a armchair fan booing the player who just scored the winning goal.

I guess you won't be going with me to see Hostel 3?  ;D

Niles, Pia's script defintely was not the "clunker".  Read on, you'll find it...

I'll go with you to Hostel 3!!!!!!

I have one more to read and it's been a pleasure to work on this from the writing aspect and from the reading aspect.

The New Year is upon us and let's hope it brings us plenty of joy with family and friends.

Sandra

i really liked Pia's script and I ain't a slasher fan at all. I've never seen any Saw,Hostel type films.
But she put together a neat story and I was sucked in to it. Sure, there was some nasty stuff in there but, well, that's the genre and what fans of it want.

Congrats to all who submitted - as I keep saying: you now have a new script you wouldn't have done.

I have one more to read, but today is reserved for one of my dreams.

I always wanted to go and see Jesus Christ superstar live and that was one of the gifts my husband bought me for Christmas.

This is so exciting!!!

Happy New Year again!!! Auld Lang Syne and all that!  ;D

Sandra

I've read 4 so far and I'm actually impressed. I think all of them can definitely be re-written into great scripts. I'm starting to read the next one today.

I removed mine temporarily. Should be back up later today. I', currently re-writing it. The students are gone and the stories come together a little more. I've studied everyone's comments and I think the new draft will be lots better. The gore and other unpleasantries are still in it though. I thought about toning it down, but decided not to. Why? Because then it won't be what I set out to do anymore. People can hate slashers if they want, that's fine, but that's what I set out to write and that's what I want it to remain.

Is anyone else busy re-writing?

I've been busy lately with the holidays and such, but I have been re-structuring my script completely.  I think posting it up here made me really freaky about comments. I don't want my rough draft exposed to the world. In other words, the pressure of the challenge carried over into a re-write even. I'm very pleased what this has done. I normally abandon scripts after I finish the first draft, but I now feel I have to please those that were disappointed. So here I am re-writing. Woohoo!!

Btw, the re-write is just as hard as writing the first draft.  :-/

Some people believe you should just start from scratch when you rewrite.  Then with the story clearer in your head you can do an even better job on the rewrite.

I'm leaving my script for a while, moving on to other things I have in progress that I didn't finish. When I come back to it, hopefully I'll have a measure of objectivity and will be able to implement everyone's excellent suggestions.

Quoted from Grandma Bear Is anyone else busy re-writing? I've been busy lately with the holidays and such, but I have been re-structuring my script completely.  I think posting it up here made me really freaky about comments. I don't want my rough draft exposed to the world. In other words, the pressure of the challenge carried over into a re-write even. I'm very pleased what this has done. I normally abandon scripts after I finish the first draft, but I now feel I have to please those that were disappointed. So here I am re-writing. Woohoo!! Btw, the re-write is just as hard as writing the first draft.  :-/

I'm planning on re-writing after it's gone cold. I'm working on following up with a sequel hour program to what I've done, (Oh gawd, what have I done!) and what will be a prequel to what I do after that.

Sandra

I just finished my second draft. I think it's much better. It is still a slasher though...

I still have two left to read, but judging from the ones I've read so far, I hope you all take the time to do at least one re-write. I think they are all worth it.

The link to the 2nd draft is this  Christmas Eve At St. Mary's

Quoted from Grandma Bear I still have two left to read, but judging from the ones I've read so far, I hope you all take the time to do at least one re-write. I think they are all worth it.

I've read 5 of them or so thus far and I agree that they're all worth the time to put in a rewrite.  Each of the scripts I've read have been very good quality and obviously had a good deal of effort put into them.  Some took on stories that have been told X amount of times, but I found myself enjoying them nevertheless.  

So kudos to everyone who participated.

-Greg

Like Jonny, I'm gonna sit on mine for a few weeks, let it freshen up. I'm definitely gonna re-write it and may start sooner if I have some new ideas.
I'm keen to make it better to enter in a comp.

Quoted from Grandma Bear I just finished my second draft. I think it's much better. It is still a slasher though... I still have two left to read, but judging from the ones I've read so far, I hope you all take the time to do at least one re-write. I think they are all worth it. The link to the 2nd draft is this  Christmas Eve At St. Mary's

The link didnt work for me.


edit - now it seems every PDF File I open (on here or on my desktop) it says "Do you want to save this file, or find a program online to open it?" or "Choose the program you want to use to open this file" and it gives me "Recomended programs:  Internet explorer", which never works.  Has anyone ever had this problem before?

Congratulations to all.

Should be staying in one place soon - kinda am at the minute - so will start reading these ASAP.

Andrew

Quoted from slabstaa edit - now it seems every PDF File I open (on here or on my desktop) it says "Do you want to save this file, or find a program online to open it?" or "Choose the program you want to use to open this file" and it gives me "Recomended programs:  Internet explorer", which never works.  Has anyone ever had this problem before?

I get that on certain things. To fix that one, download or re-download Adobe Reader from the Adobe website. Then, it should work. =)

For some reason, nothing evers works when you do the Recommended as "Internet Explorer".

I still have 2 to read, but I was wondering if everyone has received all the promised reads?

I think everyone did a good job for such a short time and feedback is crucial in order make these scripts great.

...and I'm very curious about what happened to Balt.

Read 'em all!  Just finished up the last of the batch and I enjoyed them all very much.  Some really interesting takes on the theme and very entertaining stories for only 7 weeks, so I commend everyone who participated in this.  I think they're all worth a revision for the future.

Quoted from Grandma Bear ...and I'm very curious about what happened to Balt.

I might be making this up, but didn't he say somewhere that he was taking some time off?  Or am I just seeing things?

-Greg

The last reference to Balt on the web that I can find:

http://profile.myspace.com/baltisss


Baltis Schuller Recharging his batteries...
Mood: drained
Posted at 2:50 21 Dec 2009


He'll be out there, watching, waiting.....

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films Baltis Schuller Recharging his batteries... Mood: drained Posted at 2:50 21 Dec 2009

He had a baby not that long ago so that sounds about right. They can really screw up  your sleep pattern those little ones (speaking from experience).

Quoted from Balt - Myspace I like to watch the behavior of people... more so when they're morons, though. see, morons are funny to me and when morons do moronic things, I have something to shake my head at and intentionally argue over why you're a moron and I'm not.

Classic Balt.

I still owe reads on some of the entries - plus a couple of scripts that I have promised reads for.

My priority at the moment though is writing this elusive feature screenplay - especially having failed to do so for the 7WC. I am working on a script entitled "In the Blink of an Eye" and have set myself my own personal deadline of the end of the month to complete this. It is not going well at the moment.

Everything - and I mean everything - comes second to this.

It is even more important now that I get it completed as an agent has asked to see my work - but they are only interested in feature length scripts, so I need to get this done and sent to them. It may indicate the level of their interest that they personally replied to my email approach within 30 minutes! They are a pretty big agency, so I don't want to let this opportunity slip away from me, as I have done others in the past.

Anyway, in my spare moments, I am still reading 7WC scripts, and fully intend to comment on them - I just can't say when at the moment.

---

By the way, as I mentioned previously, Baltis was slagging me off on the 22nd on the "Brittany Murphy" thread, accusing me of persecuting him and having his posts removed from the boards (not true, I can assure you). Since then he seems to have disappeared. No doubt he will be back though.