The October 2012 OWC Scripts - Master List

Here
is the 'master list' of the OWC entries.  There were a total of 36 entries.  I'll be posting them over the next two days.

Enjoy~

The Ledger by Rene Claveau (renec) - Short - When travelers take refuge from a hurricane, they learn not all shelters are safe havens. - pdf, format 8)

Sacred Acceptance by Renee Joynson (bflywings) - Short - {no logline} - pdf, format 8)

Lost in the Storm by Janet Clark (wonkavite) - Short - Brought together by a missing children's convention, three strangers bond over shared grief and loss.  But when a storm traps them in their hotel for the night, one of them finds their ordeal far from over. - pdf, format 8)

Into The Eye by Bill Sarre (reef dreamer) - Short, drak comedy - When two storm chasers are forced by a hurricane to take refuge in an abandoned motel, they soon discover the locals are more challenging than the weather. - pdf, format 8)

Super Inn by Khamanna Isdandarova (khamanna) - Short - A young woman must rekindle her supernatural powers to save her sister's life - pdf, format 8)

Isidro by Darren James Seeley (darrenjamesseeley) - Short - A documentary crew and a couple find shelter in a laundry room of an abandoned motel during a hurricane. But is a werewolf after them? Or is it something else? - pdf, format 8)

Procella by Gage Eggleston (asteroidjuice) - Short - The tempest is here, its wrath is universally damning.  Its origins are dark and mysterious.  Can it be stopped? - pdf, format 8)

Double or Nothing by Clabe R. Polk (trapper) - Short - {no logline} - pdf, format 8)

ExtraTERRORestrial by Dena McKinnon (paleyellow) - Short - As a hurricane rages, an alien bent on revenge must fight two other enemy space travellers, who have chosen an abandoned motel on Earth as their battleground. - pdf, format 8)

Corpus Christi by Mark Lyons (rc1107) - Short - A homeless man and his mother beg the owner of a lonely motel for shelter from an approaching storm. - pdf, format 8)

Left or Right by Alex Sarris (alex_212) - Short - An eccentric lawyer takes refuge from a hurricane in an unusual beat-up hotel. His perception of good and evil is distorted, as everything is not as it seems. - pdf, format 8)

House by Steve Cadieux - Short - needed refuge from the weather, she find a place, make a unexpected acquainted character, ho hide a dark mystery.  - pdf, format 8)

The Final Trip by Thomas Pascal (Tommyp) - Short - A hurricane turns what could have been the ultimate road trip for two best friends into a real-life nightmare. The culprit? A cup of hot, steamy tea... - pdf, format 8)

Deliver Us From Evil by L. Chambers - Short - A man's faith is tested as he attempts to evade an unknown assailant. - pdf, format 8)

Damages by Kayla Minchew - Short - When a priest chooses an old motel as sanctuary from a hurricane, he must protect his entrusted companion from an unstable resident, the violent elements, and possibly, even himself. - pdf, format 8)

Johnny by Dirk Visser (DV44) - Short -  On the brink of insanity, Johnny makes a life altering decision.  - pdf, format 8)

One of God's Special Children by Jeff Bush (dreamscale) - Short - Hurricane Wilma battered the Florida Keys in October, 2005.  On a lonely Key, a young woman must make a decision that could affect the entire world. - pdf, format 8)

The Tool of Morality by Ray Whitter (RayW) - Short - An strange couple takes refuge one night from a hurricane in a run down motel where decisions about morality create a constant flow of choices between good or evil and the survival of humanity. - pdf, format 8)

Jericho by Will Ball (albinopenguin) - Short - A priest and a harlot take refuge in a desolate motel. - pdf, format 8)

When God owns a motel by Mark Moore (irish eyes) - Short - In the most unlikely of places, one man gets another shot of redemption. Which path will he choose? - pdf, format 8)

Room 107 by Reginald Beltran (kingcooky555) - Short - Bank robbers make a pit stop to a remote hotel on their way to Mexico. - pdf, format 8)

A Light In Room Twelve by James Williams (jwent6688) - Short - A couple seek refuge in a motel during a hurricane, despite the inn keeper's warnings. - pdf, format 8)

Darkness by Arsenij Voitko (vaultman) - Short - A murderer refuses to follow his supernatural master's orders and leaves his victim to live, only to find himself as the new victim. - pdf, format 8)

Cowboy Sam by Leon Aria (leon) - Short - A supernatural being, a friend, an enemy, a deviant. Cowboy Sam - pdf, format 8)

Room 3 by Dan Ball (danball) - Short - A couple having an affair spend the night in a secluded motel and become involved in the affairs of other guests who are battling their own demons and demons from beyond. - pdf, format 8)

A Dark and Stormy Weekend by Will Campbell (crookedowl) - Short - At a writers’ retreat, four writers are trapped in their motel with a raging hurricane outside and a killer inside. But worst of all, they have writer’s block. - pdf, format 8)

Skitzo by  David M Troop (dtroop506) - Short - {no logline} - pdf, format 8)

Blood Ties by Steve McDonell (stevie) - Short - As a hurricane bears down on the Texas coast, a man arrives at a remote motel, searching for his missing brother.  He soon uncovers a horrible secret, which threatens to release an ancient, primal power. Horror, 8 pages - pdf, format 8)

Bad Juju by marnie mitchell lister (marnieml) - Short - When a hurricane approaches, residents of a flood prone homeless shelter seek refuge at The Hilltop Motel, but some will soon find out the storm isn't their greatest danger. - pdf, format 8)

Skiptrace by Sean Chipman (Mr. Blonde) - Short - When a bounty hunter takes shelter in a motel with a bail jumper, he finds out that maybe the bounty hunter was the one being sought. - pdf, format 8)

Those That Help Themselves by Mikos Zavros - Short - Two men and one woman on the way to their next music gig find a deserted motel and a free room in a hurricane. But is it luck that brought them here? - pdf, format 8)

Forgotten Faith by Steven Cooper - Short - A motel owner’s faith is put to the test. - pdf, format 8)

Ghosts of the Third Reich by Greg Baldwin (greg) - Short, Thriller - A nerdy ghost hunter must negotiate with a Nazi poltergeist in order to save his family or face a second Holocaust. - pdf, format 8)

Will the Real Demon Please Rise by Gary Kohatsu (Abe from LA) - Short - During a hurricane, a police officer responds to an incident at a motel, where among its inhabitants is a demon with a sexual appetite. - pdf, format 8)

Now Lie In It by Felipe Machado (cinemachado) - Short - A couple struggles with a tough choice after making a bad deal with the devil. - pdf, format 8)

This one was well written and my favorite so far.

Great beginning, middle and the payoff was great.

Just kidding !!!

I will try to read what I can, but did not have time to participate.

For this early round, most compelling logline goes to The Cycle -- though even that one could be shorter.

If you did not care enough to compose any logline at all, I doubt I will find the time to read it.

I think 'Lost in the Storm' takes the logline award out of these 10 scripts posted. It attracted me right away and will definately be the next one I read.

On a sidenote, I like 'The Ledger' as best title so far. Just strikes a chord with me.

Not sure why, but I feel more relaxed about this oWC than before. Possibly, it's the tight criteria which I think many scripts will struggle with. I hope that readers cut the scripts some slack, not too much, when reviewing. After all, most have been written in a couple of days. Compared to the Movie Poet competitions, that's a lot more to do in a short period of time.

Once again, thanks Don for all the hard work.

Wow.

36 entries for the challenging criteria given is impressive participation.

I look forward to seeing what all you guys have come up with to meet most of the criteria in some form or fashion.

I wrote a script, had ten minutes to submit it, then got cold feet and aborted. I wish I would've submitted now. Did anybody go through something like this? I actually feel like I need a specialized Twelve Step group to process my emotions.

Might start a Screenwriter's Anonymous meeting on another thread. ;(

Quoted from M.Alexander

I wrote a script, had ten minutes to submit it, then got cold feet and aborted.

I wasn't going to participate but the urge overtook me and I started writing mine with just over 3 hours to go... I finished with about 10 minutes left and hated it but I thought what the hell... it's all a bit of fun and a great experience.

I literally had no time to think up a logline. I don't think it matters, if you gave me another 7 days to write a logline, it would suck. I'm terrible at loglines. :)

Shame you didn't get a script in, Mike. :)

I brainstormed mine for days, thought I had a decent idea then when I started writing it, it fell apart. In my head it worked but on paper it was difficult to fit in all the criteria in just 12 pages without it sounding completely goofy.

Hey guys,

I spent a couple of hours planning my screenplay the first day, then spent a few hours writing and checking it the second day. A 2 day script for me as I had a busy week with other commitments.

Alex

Quoted from CoopBazinga

Shame you didn't get a script in, Mike.

I wouldn't call it a shame.

Just slightly annoying.

Live and learn!

EDIT:  I just figured out my dilemma.   I took such a thrashing from Jwent at the last screenwriter's showdown  that I'm actually second guessing my writing skills now.   I'm really gonna have to get over it and get back up on the horse.

Jwent, you barstard.    :o

Michael, you disappoint me. I know you have way more skills than I do and I didn't hesitate about entering once (based on my awful script. More about not being able to incorporate everything).

But, that's okay. There will always be more OWCs. =)

Quoted from Mr. Blonde

Lmao. Right.

Quoted from M.Alexander

I wouldn't call it a shame.

Just slightly annoying.

Who for? You or the readers? Was it that good? Just post it next week in the shorts section and call it "second guessing my writing skills script" Then let us all tear you a new one and make you feel more confident. ;D ;D

That always works. ;D

Funny that you guys are talking about the log lines. I never read those. I will attempt to read most of them, but if I come across one that I find really really bad right off the bat, I will not finish it.

Quick request to readers.

With lots of entries and quick-growing threads, it is difficult for moderator eyes to be everywhere.

If you spot a questionable review that goes too far -- or other trouble brewing -- please drop me a PM. You can copy Don, but he is probably too busy with the actual mechanics of the challenge itself.

Also, if somebody has already posted that a script will not open for whatever reason, there is no need for 5 more "me too" posts. It is just clutter on the thread.

Thanks.

Quoted from M.Alexander

Jwent, you barstard. :o

That's me. I think everyone doubts their skills at some point. I'm sure, after reading some of these entries, you're kicking yourself for not entering. Kick yourself one time for me.

James

Quoted from CoopBazinga

No thanks.

Quoted from jwent6688

That's me. I think everyone doubts their skills at some point. I'm sure, after reading some of these entries, you're kicking yourself for not entering. Kick yourself one time for me.

James

8) Ha!

An excerpt from my script;

Code

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy...

I had an idea going all week then at 4pm Pacific yesterday, I decided I wanted to do something else. Sorry to say I was still writing at around 8:45 (11:45 EST) so I will probably cringe when I look at it again. Please rip it apart... (as if I had to ask)

Next batch is up. 15 of 36 now live.

More!! More...please.

HUng over from last night, so I need more of these wonderful scripts to read.

Thank you!! ;D ;D ;D ;D

Jeff, calm down. I've only gotten to 7 of the first 15 so far. Let me catch up first! =)

Blonde, love the grades you're dolling out. I think they've ranged from F to C+ so far.

Only one F. Trouble is, none have blown my hair back yet. However, there's still 27 left and I've barely gone a quarter of the way. Always hope and hell, I'm a realist. =)

Quoted from JC Cleveland

If English isn't your first language, my apologies...if it is, you owe me an apology.

This is my favorite line of the night :D

Mark

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Hope the writer is not offended by my comment.

batch four is up. 20 of 36. 16 to go.

Don

Thanks, Don!

I just realized I left a huge logistical error in mine. It would be the easiest thing to fix, but it's probably going to get slammed.

I am complete for the night. Even if you put more up tonight, I can hardly see straight and am in no position to properly review anymore. Some good, some not-so good. However, none blew my hair back so I'm still waiting for that true standout. Overall, though, I'm pleased with the entries so far.

And, did anyone else notice that nearly every story had either a priest, alien or angel? I believe there were only two that didn't. Go figure. =)

I've read til my eyeballs are falling out and there is no ghost, alien or priest in my room to fix them... :)

Some good work.

Nite nite ..............................

PS Thanks again DON ;)

Quoted from Mr. Blonde

And, did anyone else notice that nearly every story had either a priest, alien or angel? I believe there were only two that didn't. Go figure. =)

Hmm, doesn't surprise me one bit - a brief dealing with good v evil, a hurricane, and surviving the night, kinda seems like the obv. choices to me.

No disrespect meant btw MrB.

I've avoided a few with all atrocious reviews. I know I will just be beating a dead horse. I'll open them and look and if I agree, I don't comment.

Is English your first language? You need to get some screen writing software...

To any noobs who may have entered, I never felt the OWC was a great place to start. Contributing members usually try to read most of the scripts and you won't get a detailed review. Just bashed.

Post a script individally and say "hey, I'm new to this" and the people here will be much more congenial.

James

Quoted from LC

No disrespect meant btw MrB.

None taken. Just one of those things that hadn't occurred to me until I was already halfway through the first 20. =)

PLease post more of the quality from batch #4.

20 posted, 20 comments left.

Wow, that was quick... Read 'em all in about 2 minutes....

Wait. I'm supposed to read the actual scripts, too? :) (Just kidding. Taking my time this OWC - reading and reviewing 'em thoroughly, rather than rush through and miss details as I go...)

My mime and ventriloquist puppet horror love story is going over well! 8)

Of the 8 or so that I have read so far, I think quite a few have great potential. most of these are 1st drafts after all.

Of the 20 I read, I think 4 or 5 have potential, and the other 15 or so? Sorry, but no go, bro.

How long do the scripts stay anonymous? I'm reading as much as I can, but I've only gotten to a few because I'm so busy at the moment. I'd really like to review all of them before the big reveals.

Quoted from Gage

How long do the scripts stay anonymous? I'm reading as much as I can, but I've only gotten to a few because I'm so busy at the moment. I'd really like to review all of them before the big reveals.

I believe it's a week to the day. So, next Friday, they're either revealed or that's when the voting starts. Can't recall.

Quoted from Gage

How long do the scripts stay anonymous?

There is no hard-and-fast rule for that.

It is up to Don, and done at his convenience -- or whim -- whichever applies.

If he sets up voting, however, the reveal would certainly follow that phase.

Sometimes, peeps reveal themselves...or get revealed by smart arse others, who pick out their style.

I'm reading two to three a day - on vacation right now but will pick up as soon as I get back home. Lots of entries for the hard challenge!

Enjoying the OWC. First time participating in it, plus it's my first script ever posted. Get a little nervous every time a new review pops up on my script. Having fun either way though.

Batch five (I think) which makes 25 of 36.

Don

I only had 2 hrs to write and submit mine, hence the slamming begins. Think Jeff was bout ready to pull his hair out - sorry.

But my first OWC so thanks to all who comment :)

Oh no...did I slam youurs? Me sorry.

Don't worry about my hair(s) as there's really not that much to worry about.

lol, not too badly, but there was definite tension. My entry could have been a lot better.

Don't worry he beat on mine too...:D:D:D

Thanks Jeff :D:D

Mark

I'm sorry you guys. Seriously. I hope I wasn't mean.

I've said some positive things about a bunch of scripts, I think.

I'll be nicer.

WE all are gonna get a lil beating! :) It's par for the course OWC time around here! But it's good...and we are all learning as thing and these wonderful reviewers kick us about :)

Jeff din't kick me too hard this time...and the pirate didn't even call me cliche' :) woohoo I'm stoked....I mean better than my first owc last year!

But still..it's amazing how you can get some really really good feedback and then the next feedback is totally the opposite! :) crazy I say. :)

Live ...learn... write tomorrow!

Jeff, it all comes along with the OWC... say what you see... Trust me I deserved it...

I think you've been pretty fair so far on what I've read..

Mark

I agree with Mark..Jeff has been overly nice compared to last year! He should get extra points for that!! :) haha

Oh no...I want to be as unfair as I can be. ;D ;D ;D ;D

Quoted from Dreamscale

Oh no...I want to be as unfair as I can be. ;D ;D ;D ;D

Jeff, you've been absolutely cordial compared to your past self. It's a nice change and I certainly take back what I said in the beginning. =)

And I love your grades. Very cool. Good OWC so far.

Let's see another batch!!! Please...

I think the "BEST CRAZY OUT OF NOWHERE MAKEOUT SCENE AWARD so far goes to Isidro.

It'll be tough for anyone to top this one, I think.

Quoted from Dreamscale

And I love your grades. Very cool. Good OWC so far.

Let's see another batch!!! Please...

There are probably a dozen people who would disagree with that first sentence, Jeff... Lol.

Agreed. Only one batch today (which is fine with me because it was football day) but I'm going to be needing some new blood tomorrow. =)

Hell yes - learning heaps - as I said; thanks to all who comment, good and bad. I hope I haven't dealt anything too bad either.

I just thought it was funny with Jeff's comments on mine - I could literaly see someone sitting at their computer, banging their head on the keyboard, yelling ARGHHHHH!

Now I need to know which scrpit is yours, bfly.

Keep it anon, folks.

Quoted from mcornetto

Keep it anon, folks.

Where's the fun in that, boss man? =)

Ah, time to get back into reading some more scripts. I like your grade method Blonde so I think I'll start doing that. I saw it a lot in the last October OWC.

Batch 6. That would be 30 out of 36 up.

Don

Quoted from Pale Yellow

WE all are gonna get a lil beating! :) It's par for the course OWC time around here! But it's good...and we are all learning as thing and these wonderful reviewers kick us about :)

I agree most of us are going to get a beating, the challenge was tough so it's not surprising to see a few confusing entries.

I actually think this OWC has been more fun than the only other previous one I was here for in February. It almost seems light-hearted if that's at all possible and some of the feedback and comments has been quite funny to read. I just hope the authors of any such work take it in the way it's meant and don't get to troubled or down-hearted by it.

It's only a little bit of fun and these were "first" drafts so a lot will be a lot better once they've gone through a re-write without the restrictions.

Quoted from Dreamscale

And I love your grades.

I like the grading system as well, Sean. Good stuff. :)

Agree with Steve here...all these need a cleaning up after the restrictions are lifted...and I can't wait to change mine around. But for a weeks time...and a few tight parameters..it's been a good time I think.

We need to be pushed to write out of our comfort zone IMO...and kudos to Don for putting this thing together even though I won't be seeing a coffee cup this go around! :)

Cheers!

PS and it does feel almost light hearted ;)

Quoted from Pale Yellow

WE all are gonna get a lil beating! :) It's par for the course OWC time around here! But it's good...and we are all learning as thing and these wonderful reviewers kick us about :)

Too true. In those immortal words, "It's déjà vu, all over again!"

Even if one person likes your script you can bet that the next will have issues.

Last batch posted. 36 of 36.

Don

Down to the final 6 to review. Good times. =)

8 more for me, I think.

I'm doing my reviews by the master list and there are 36 but "Now Lie In It" is up there twice. Trying to figure out which one is missing.....

I've recently PMed Don about this.

Here are the missing submissions from the Master List page:

A Dark and Stormy Weekend
http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-Oct12/m-1350874243/

Bad Juju
http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-Oct12/m-1350874152/

Blood Ties
http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-Oct12/m-1350874173/

Room 3
http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-Oct12/m-1350874266/s-new/

Skitzo
http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-Oct12/m-1350874219/

When I scroll through the comments in the script threads, I don't see 36 different people commenting. I see the same people most of the time and some of those I know for a fact did not enter themselves...

Isn't that always the problem, Pia? It really pisses me off, but that's the way it seems to go.

There's nothing you can do about it except keep reviewing. However, it's still early. It's only Monday, so I'm still willing to give people the benefit of the doubt. =)

Quoted from mmmarnie

I'm doing my reviews by the master list and there are 36 but "Now Lie In It" is up there twice. Trying to figure out which one is missing.....

Sorry, I screwed up the master list. It is fixed now.

Don

Quoted from Don

Sorry, I screwed up the master list. It is fixed now.

Once again, Don is unquestionably the man. Good times. =)

I've just started my reviews, got 6 or 7 done so far. It'll take a few days but I hope to review most of them.

I'm about fifteen or so reveiws in. A lot of reading but fun.

2 more for me, I'll get to tonight.

Eh, thought I was making good progress. I've only read 23.

No one has to read them all! It was just an observation that I kept seeing the same names in every thread.

I've had a busy day but plan on reading the ones I've missed...I've read the majority though...

Busy week....glad Don started posting over the weekend ...gave me a head start!

Didn't enter, horror or supernatural doesn't do it for me, but will read as many as I can, time permitting.

I would like to nominate Cowboy Sam for 2 prestgious awards in which I highly doubt any other scrpts will be able to equal or better this beast.

First up is the...

BEST USE OF A 4 DOOR SALOON - THE 4 DOOR SALOON IN THE BEGINNING

And finally, the coveted...

BEST FATHER DAUGHTER RELATIONSHIP - JACK AND LIZ (KIDNAPPER AND KIDNAPPEE)

Congrats!!!

Quoted from Dreamscale

I remember from a previous owc that saloon is Brit slang for sedan. You really do learn stuff on these challenges.

Not sure about the father/daughter award, as I haven't read all the scripts yet. But, for most memorable/grotesque character I nominate Madam/Lady Putz, for your consideration.

I like Reef Dreamer's suggestions for some informal awards:

OCT 2012 - OWC - Informal awards.

These would be non offensive, light hearted BUT still seek to identify issues that we can learn from, errors, mistakes etc I don't envisage real voting just banter, posts etc within the thread, unless a mod wishes to do more, but that's not the intention of this.

My suggestions would be, and I welcome others and general discourse on the subject;

Worst LOGLINE - that's mine, nobody else is getting close
Funniest line - intended or unintended, such a big difference
Weirdest character - not writer!
Highest kill - in case of dispute extra wounded characters can be included in a count off. Lost limbs getting bonus points.
Script furthest away from the criteria - could be mine again, but a title with lots of competition I expect
Most amount os spelling mistakes - got to have one to keep us on our toes, yup mine again
The What? Award - for the what the hell have I just read title. Open to interpretation as to what this would mean.
The Jeff Bush Award for worst Slug line - just had to add that one
The most unlikely stranger/character that saves the day. Mask optional.

With supplement suggestions!

Mr. Blonde

The Worst Use of a Hurricane Award.
The Most/Least Interesting Character Award.
The Worst Motel Room Award.
The Worst Title Award.
The Worst Ending Award.

ReneC

The Wassup! Award - for the script with the most clichés, disputes settled by most clichés on a single page.
The IDGI - for the script least understood. (Yeah, I'd win this one.)
The Deus Ex Machina award - for the script with the lamest coincidence saving the day.

Jeff/Dreamscale:
How about some positive awards?

Best written
Best story
Makes the most sense
Best use of the requirements
Hottest character
Best use of mimes and dinosaurs

Gage:

Least amount of dialogue? (this one will be coveted)
Most dialogue?
Most characters?
Most interesting characters?
The one where the storm was only in it because one of the requirements said there had to be a storm in it award?
Longest/most frequent sex scene(s)? (between mimes, of course)

It's been fun reading these. I get to see different styles - see what works and what doesn't. Mine was a rush three hour job and submitted on the day of the challenge, definitely needs work and probably could win some awards for "yeah, that's only in there because that's part of the contest stipulations."

Looks like religion / possession is the winner for favorite theme.

Gonna read the rest of them by the end of the week.

I don't know what I look foward to more in a OWC ... reading all the new Scripts or reading Dreamscale OBLITERATING all of them.

GetYoPopcornReady

This challenge was, well, challenging. To be honest, I think the scripts show this as they struggle to tick all the boxes (re Ticks - Ray - don't even think about it).

I' m not surprised we have had a few mad priests with the good versus evil requirement, just shame there has been so many. Particularly if you read a better one towards the end.

I actually expected more voodoo and hurriances in New Orleans. In fact I decided not to go down that route because of my expectations. What do I know, hey?

It's fair to say that most have needed to push the criteria a bit, with a few miles off. I can accept some variation, don't mind a few typos/slugs off etc, what I want reflect on is a decent story, an original take and maybe a script I could see developed, as the one I would back. After all, they are written in such a short period. I don't think I am alone in saying that even an extra week would help me considerably tighten up and check for errors.

Almost there.

After reading some of the scripts, I think there was some serious creative influence induced by some strong illegal substances. Awards should be given for typing, let alone finishing . . .

For those of us still reading...don't forget there are scripts from the master list that have fallen off the portal.

Quoted from Pale Yellow

For those of us still reading...don't forget there are scripts from the master list that have fallen off the portal.

Is there? I think they're just on page two of the portal... well, I just counted 36 scripts.

Anyway, That's 17 down for me I think. Not even halfway yet. :o

Quoted from Pale Yellow

For those of us still reading...don't forget there are scripts from the master list that have fallen off the portal.

Yep.
You will find them all on pages 1 & 2 here: http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-Oct12/

Oh you guys. I didn't obliterate any scripts. I think I was pretty nice, actually, and complimented many scrpits, including Cowboy Sam.

OK, you slow readers, read mine, damnit!!!!

I had to reread the requirements - okay, a priest isn't one of them . . . what's with all the priests and possessions ???

Quoted from Eoin

I had to reread the requirements - okay, a priest isn't one of them . . . what's with all the priests and possessions ???

Good vs Evil, most likely.

Quoted from Eoin

After reading some of the scripts, I think there was some serious creative influence induced by some strong illegal substances. Awards should be given for typing, let alone finishing . . .

just the other day I found out my Pumpkin flavored coffee was spiked...

Quoted from Eoin

I had to reread the requirements - okay, a priest isn't one of them . . . what's with all the priests and possessions ???

It is getting hard to tell some scripts apart, even some of the decent ones.
But at least there's a few with run down motels with elegant ballrooms,
Mimes and dinosaur maaks ;D

Nice job, bro! Keep it up. You're rocking it.

Good to see a few peeps reading all...very cool.

Thanks Jeff. Don't know how you did it so fast. My eyes are burning from all the reading. Maybe a little jaeger fueled you, perhaps?

Jager does fuel me, but in this case, my back went out on me again and I was in all weekend (after a wild Friday night, that is), so I read and commented...and then had a little Jagie after Opening Hour chimed.

All the scripts are starting to blend together for me. Can't match any stories, loglines, or titles anymore. Characters from old scripts start showing up in new ones. Why the hell is Spiderman exorcising a demon out of a pregnant black woman? Starting to wonder which one I wrote.

Too bad about the back. Hopefully you'll be up and moving soon. I bet some people wish you hurt your fingers instead. lol. I know you get a bad rap for the harsh comments but I think it's good that somebody tells it like it is. Imagine if the writer gave that script to an agent. They would laugh in their face. As long as the writer has thick skin and takes whatever advice you give them it's all good.

It's subjective in terms of story and style. Some like scripts that I call dog shit. Others don't like scripts I call well done.

In many ways, it comes down to what you know, what you don't, what you see, and what you don't see.

It amazes me when multiple readers say a script is well written, when I know damn well there's 20+ mistakes on each and every page of it.  The thing is, those readers who said it was well written, don't realize what was even wrong with it.

I don't mean to hurt anyone's feelings and it doesn't make me fee like a big man putting writing down.  I want to help and I want to enlighten, and I'm not going to sugarcoat my feelings.

There were some good entries here, some bad entries, and some run of the mill entries.  IT was a tough challenge and anyone who stayed within the requirements and wrote a solid story, I say job well done.

Yeah I agree. I'm one of those people who has said great job on just about every script I've read and that's because I'm new to writing and really do not have a clue as to properly construct a script. My OWC script was my first so maybe as I read and write more scripts I will get a better understanding as to what I'm doing and in turn be able to give a better review to other people's scripts.

Hope your back is getting better, Jeff.

At least we know it ain't from shagging...

Quoted from stevie

Hope your back is getting better, Jeff.

At least we know it ain't from shagging...

Thanks, you ARSEHOLE!

You're right...no shagging in awhile for this kid. Very sad state of affairs.

Quoted from JC Cleveland

You're right...no shagging in awhile for this kid. Very sad state of affairs.

It's ok... You're getting off on all these wonderful OWC's :D

Mark

I am almost embarrassed to admit it, but there are sperm leftovers all over the brown floor around me.

Is it time to start guessing?

My first guess is that Ryan wrote Cowboy Sam

Quoted from JC Cleveland

but there are sperm leftovers all over the brown floor around me.

The old visible sperm trick.... Did you write that script?

Mark

I wish I did.

I wrote the one with the hurricane battering some old fucking beat up motel. I had at least 1 character and there weren't any cars or flying creatures. Does that help?

It's very possible 1 of my characters was a father, a daughter, or a cowboy.

Quoted from Dreamscale

I am almost embarrassed to admit it, but there are sperm leftovers all over the brown floor around me.

Is it time to start guessing?

My first guess is that Ryan wrote Cowboy Sam

Sperm leftover cuz you uh excited 'bout this owc stuff! haha...

And I don't think Ryan wrote Cowboy Sam...I'd guess he wrote The Ledger or Lie In It...but who knows ;)

Maybe Stevie wrote Cowboy Sam?

Mine is the one that takes place at night.

Dena, which one's yours? Room 3? ;D ;D

Maybe so :) ...ya know my birthday is on the 3rd but don't give it away Jeff ...I could still pull this thing off! ;) Go vote instead!!!!

Mine is the one that's in script format. It has a title, a plot, and characters. What really separates it from the pack, though, is that it has not only a beginning, but also a middle and even an end.

That one.

Sorry. I was just guessing.

Actually, I think you wrote that one about the hurricane and the old beat up motel one. Am I close?

I think they were all decent for the parameters and the amount of time! I got some work to do on mine when this thing's over ;)

Now where did I put the hatchet??? Oh Lizzie?? Where is our hatchet!?

I wrote the one, that peeps wrote feedback on... About the things and stuff...

Mark

...and you left your name on the script...

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Sorry...

No I didn't, did I?

I just looked I didn't see it

Mark

PM me what you think it is...

Mark

Jeff have magic ways to look at the pdf's properties...

:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

I looked at that... Still didn't see my name

Mark

It's there, bro. Right click and it's in the doc properties.

Jeff, I think for the first few batches you left somewhat nice comments but towards the later scripts, they became a little too serious ;D. I didn't really understand your comment on mine but maybe my script is to blame for that. :P

We're giving clues to our scripts now? Coop didn't even read the first sentence and automatically knew it was mine so I probably shouldn't...

I'm trying to read the ones with least replies first so it might be a while until I get to the good ones.

We usually don't start guessing until a week's gone by...

Sorry, Mo, and anyone else. I guess I was getting bored or fed up.

Didn't mean to hurt anyone's feelings and that's serious.

Sorry!!

Quoted from Dreamscale

It's there, bro. Right click and it's in the doc properties.

That's cheating! ;D ;D ;D

You'll see my name if you do that for sure. I never got a chance to do anything about it. Oh, well - it's more fun guessing I think.

I don't remember yours being there, Coop.

I learned a number of years ago about that when a bunch of A-Holes tried to gang rape me, by telling their goonies to trash mine because they knew it was mine. One fucknut even erased his post completely from saying he liked it to saying he hated it.

There were very few that had their names on it this time.

Sorry again to anyone that I slammed. I didn't mean to hurt any feelings, just trying to keep it real.

Quoted from CoopBazinga

That's cheating! ;D ;D ;D

Not really cheating, but takes away a lot of the fun for sure.

Quoted from Dreamscale

I don't remember yours being there, Coop.

Oh, it's definitely there, mate.

Quoted from Dreamscale

Sorry again to anyone that I slammed. I didn't mean to hurt any feelings, just trying to keep it real.

The tears have gone, but the pain will last forever, thanks for that! ;D

The fact that you left a sperm stain on the brown floor after reading my mime/ puppet script earned you an extra star!

Coop, maybe I didn't even recognize you, cuz  think of you as Coop.

Did I trash yours, too?  C'mon now. I complimented a bunch of scripts...stand up and tell the crowd whoever you are.

Or did I actually submit multiple entries and only compliment my own?   ;D ;D ;D ;D

Quoted from Dreamscale

Or did I actually submit multiple entries and only compliment my own? ;D ;D ;D ;D

Quoted from SimplyScripts

One script per person.

So unless you used all of your sock puppets, you didn't submit multiple scripts.

I have lost track of which ones I have read ( some I haven't commented on).

Anyone out there wants a read or I missed yours, PM me and I'll check it out.

I'd love a read, but you'll have to guess which one is mine. =D

All done! Great job to everybody. Some very good scripts, some ok and some that need a little help but either way nice all around. It was very cool to see the different writing styles from everyone. I enjoyed my first OWC and can't wait for the next one. - Dirk

You can guess mine too Stevie :D

Mark

Read and commented on all. If I somehow missed yours then send me a message.

Interesting takes with really hard requirements but I enjoyed all of them.

Nice job everyone!

Yup finished.

Whilst there have been quite a few priest stories, the variety was decent. I think this was a hard challenge.

I didn't have a favourite from the first reads but am checking out a short list, see what I missed etc it will be interesting to see the writers revealled.

It's been a fun time yet again.

Shout out to Don for these owcs. Thanks, man!

And after it's all said and done, time to get back down to learning the craft and do better next year!

Greetings from Seattle. Enjoying the reviews. My back is out bad and I'm miserable.

Looks like we're winding down here.

Congrats to everyone who entered. It was a tough challenge.

I also apologize again for any negativity in my feedback.

I'm having a tough time deciding which one to vote for. None of them really wowed me, so my top contenders are all closely matched. I still have 6 or 7 left to read, hopefully one of them will stand out.

I just want to admit that while some of the critiques of my entry were rough and likely well-earned, I'm ready to come clean and own my awful submission. Should I give it away just yet or do you guys want to guess? I'm still new, so you'd probably have to guess for a few days.

I have about ten left to read. Probably won't be able to read any more after today until after the weekend. One of my daughters is getting married in VA. And, well, that's a tad more important. :P ;)

Quoted from DanBall

I'm ready to come clean and own my awful submission. Should I give it away just yet or do you guys want to guess? I'm still new, so you'd probably have to guess for a few days.

It doesn't matter to me if I know who wrote what. I'm looking at the story the same way regardless of who wrote what.

Just wait until everyone's outted Friday or whenever.
In the meantime roll around in your guilty conscience. ;D

I've eleven more to analyze and evaluate, hopefully will finish tomorrow afternoon and start flooding the board with my humble opinions.
A couple of these are decent, most are lame (don't take it personal), a few are... contenders for "Most Improved Screenwriter" next year. LOLOLOLOL!

Well, I'll give a hint. I forgot the hurricane! So I kind of made it easier on all you's for leaving something out.

BTW - To Don and the Powers That Be -

I'm wondering if maybe instead of voting for one favorite, we should adjust the vote to top three or five... Think that'd be a huge plus for all future OWCS... IMHO.... :P

It's a good idea since it's tough to really compare favorites. If we could vote for 2 or 3 it would probably make more sense.

If we each only get one vote, then someone could theoretically be everyone's second favorite and someone who is three people's favorite would beat that person out. If we all vote for two or three then that won't happen.

In the end it doesn't really matter, though. WE ALL WIN! Except for most people.

Usually it's a vote for top three, in some order, for a cumulative score.
Ties have been known to occur. ;)

No worries, folks. Ain't his first rodeo.

9 more to go. Sorry if I miss anyone... Trying to balance work/fatherhood/soccer coaching and reading OWC's.

Mark.

I'm with you there Mark; 4 kids, housework and a husband that hates it when I'm on the computer lately :-/

Will get to them when I can. Sorry if I miss anyone.

Quoted from irish eyes

9 more to go. Sorry if I miss anyone... Trying to balance work/fatherhood/soccer coaching and reading OWC's.

Mark.

8 more I think... not sure to be honest. They're all muddled up.

Soccer coaching? You probably need it! The aim is to kick the ball, once you've got that, you're all good. ;D

Quoted from Coop

The aim is to kick the ball, once you've got that, you're all good.

Is that where Aston Villa go wrong :D:D:D:D:D:D

So have I read yours yet??? You still haven't got mine...

Mark

Quoted from irish eyes

Is that where Aston Villa go wrong :D:D:D:D:D:D

So have I read yours yet??? You still haven't got mine...

Mark

No! Villa are just shit - pure and simple! ;D

I'll be getting to yours later today, promise. ;D

INT. Mark's living room - Night

After reading the thirty fifth and final OWC, Mark crashes to the floor, taking table and all.
His body appears lifeless... saliva slowly dripping from his mouth, the only clue to him being conscience.

In one final plea... he whispers:

Mark
No more murdering psycho priests, mimes, dinosaurs and visible semen stains.

Living room floor

And on that note, he lay there... until his wife kicked him and told him to get to bed.

Quoted from Marky Mark

The grammar is awful and I couldn't follow the story. Who is Mark? Why does he need to read these scripts? Expand it, make us care for his predicament.

I'm afraid this one wasn't for me.

Good work finishing, though. :)

Just making an idle comment here regarding the significance of screenplay titles:

Seems Extraterrorestrial (hope I got that right) has had the most reviews and about 800 odd views - the most of any of these OWC scripts.

I criticised the title and actually suggested a change of name when I critiqued it (no offence to the writer) but actually must now give kudos to the writer for his choice of headline grabber. :)

Quoted from LC

Seems Extraterrorestrial (hope I got that right) has had the most reviews and about 800 odd views - the most of any of these OWC scripts.

It's the author afflicted with OCD and ~~can't quit looking at his/her own reviews and his/her own remarks~~ really appreciates and enjoys the beautiful comments his/her forum mates have left.

Can't wait for the reveal just to shake my head.

It ain't the magnificent ::) title.

Quoted from Coopster

You's is an funny guy ;D;D

Mark

If you want to see which ones you read ( nd which ones you did not) go to your profile and click "last comments by this member" - thats what I do)

My latest 2 guesses...

Phil did not write Corpus Christi or Sacred Whatever it is. ;D ;D

I'll shortly begin pasting individual reviews in each story's discussion, but for those of you who can't wait, here's my complete review & analysis structure and evaluation matrix comparison spreadsheet.

Analysis & Spreadsheet

The idea is to provide some context as to why or how any given individual's story succeeded or failed in relationship to other submissions.
Doesn't do us much good to just hear nothing back or glib remarks such as "You suck" (which I essentially did on a few of these myself.)

A good story can be overcome by a blown budget or poor genre marketability.
A mediocre story can be a contender with a tight budget and high genre marketability.

Most of all - this sh!t is subjective.
How one producer evaluates your submission will be different than how five or twenty-five other producers evaluate your submission based upon their own individual capabilities in production, estimating, and marketing.
Where ten producers see nothing usable one will see something that they can do well.
THAT'S the guy or gal you're looking for.
This is just like dating.

Damn! I can't say I really agree with some of the things you wrote on mine, but I tip my hat to you for the incredible amount of work you put into the reviews. Thanks, man!

And I'm referring to the objective statements. Obviously we will disagree on some of the subjective statements and agree on others.

Finished. The contest was certainly a challenging one but 36 people still came out for it which is good times.

When all was said and done, I did a cumulative average of all the scores I gave out which came out of just over a C- average. I found no As among the scripts but considering the challenge, that's no surprise to me.

Congratulations to everyone who entered and, oh yeah...

Quoted from RayW

If there were ever a definition of going above and beyond... Wow. Good times, Ray.

My new nickname for my buddy Ray -- Ray the Ripper ;)

You must have more time than God...thank you for the lengthy analysis. It will help us all and I love the cost analysis included in your thorough run down.

Holy shit, Ray. I can agree with cinemachado in saying that while I disagree with some of the objective statements you made on the one I wrote [ mine had a choice between good and evil, dammit! ;) ], the amount of effort you've put into this is ungodly. I feel like I've only put half-assed efforts into my reviews now.

Outstanding job.

Quoted from RayW

Ray, your production breakdown is always a tremendous asset and I think even more so for this challenge. With a micro-budget restriction, it's important to get this perspective, and you did a fantastic job of it. My eyes were certainly opened a little more as a result, so thank you for that. It's greatly appreciated.

I concur (name that film!) really useful.

Ray, thanks for that. Whilst I have no idea how mine didn't reach 120plus it is a really different approach to everythign else, which helps me think about production.

Curious how you weighted the genres (even thought you put mine in the wrong one) as this seemed to have quite an affect, whatever the script quality.

Really good food for thought.

Thanks.

Catch Me If You Can?

Wow, great work Ray! No wonder you have no friends - you are too busy doing analysis :P

Actually, I'm your new bestest friend - you gave my script love and it made your final list, lol

Awesome job Ray... although I disagree on some points especially my budget... you did a heck of a job..
Mark

Only four more to go. Kind of burning out on the religious themes - but I'll get through the rest. Seems like there have been a good amount of reads for everyone this OWC - so great work all.

Back in AZ after a VERY successful business trip to the Pacific Northwest.

Awesome stuff here, Ray. Alot of time and effort you put into this and it is appreciated.

Are we guessing yet? Revealing yet?

Good job reading a reviewing by many. Very impressive. We'll find out soon who the A-Holes are that didn't read any, or just a few. You know who you are, so now's your last chance to jump in and start...before we send Cowboy Sam after you!!!!!

This was a hard bunch to guess. I'm thinking Phil might have written Now Lie In It. SR for Corpus Christi. TommyP for The Final Trip.

Any allegations that I wrote Cowboy Sam will be met by legal action.

Tough challenge.

Quoted from Ryan1

SR for Corpus Christi.

If I had one guess for someone who DIDN'T write Corpus Christi, it'd be Screenrider. Lol. My, how minds think differently.

Quoted from Ryan1

If Michael Harrop or Michael Alexander, as he's now known, entered a script, I for one will be very pissed, s he didn't read or review a single entry, as far as I can tell. I would have thought the same, but I just highly doubt he'd be so lame as to not leave feedback for everyone.

Just in case Cowboy Sam is not a pisser, my apologies to the writer - hopefully, everyone knows my comments and jests are all in good fun.

I think Ryan may actually have written Jericho, which I did like indeed.

I have this sneaky suspicion Cornie wrote the X rated one.

I agree Tommy P wrote The Final Trip, and wouldn't be surprised if was tripping when he wrote and conceived it.

We know Mark - the one with those Irish Eyes, wrote Dante's Inferno...I mean If God owned a Hotel.

I think DJS wrote the one about the super heroes.

Quoted from mcornetto

Only four more to go. Kind of burning out on the religious themes - but I'll get through the rest. Seems like there have been a good amount of reads for everyone this OWC - so great work all.

I was burned out on those themes since yesterday. I have a lot of respect (and sympathy) for those brave souls who have read everything, especially when a chunk of these started to bleed into each other. I haven't commented on everything, and I think I read everything, but I can't be sure because, again, I felt like every other OWC sp was a rewrite of the previous one I read---with all the religious themes and priests, nuns and demons. I think this was a tough OWC not just to write...but read as well.

Some titles also sound alike, although that couldn't be helped I 'spose.

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley

I haven't commented on everything, and I think I read everything, but I can't be sure because, again, I felt like every other OWC sp was a rewrite of the previous one I read---with all the religious themes and priests, nuns and demons. I think this was a tough OWC not just to write...but read as well.

Not sure if you have a typo in here or not, Darren, but you definitely did not comment on everything, and if you read everything, I don't know why you wouldn't comment on it, at least briefly, but as is always the case, you chose not to comment on mine, and that makes every single OWC and every single script I've ever written that's been posted on SS.

But, that doesn't surprise me either.

So...was I correct on yours?

Quoted from Dreamscale

I think DJS wrote the one about the super heroes.

I knew I missed one to read. I'll find it. I don't recall reading one w/ superheroes. But what I do know Jeff, is that I didn't write one w/ Superheroes. I was tempted to have mine around a comic book character, and make it a fan-script, but changed my mind.

Quoted from Dreamscale

I said I didn't comment on everything Jeff. Lay off the sauce ;D
I said I wasn't sure if I read everything, and I was correct. Even so, I don't feel I need to comment on everything even if I did read it. I don't want to sound like a kool aid drinker. If there's nothing new to say, generally I won't say it.

As for not getting to your entry ;D
What are the odds?

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley

Lay off the sauce? Meaning what. exactly? I'm far from on any special sauce right now, bro...just got back from a big business trip...relaxing, trying to catch up on all I missed today on these threads, as they actually mean alot to me.

What are the odds of you commenting on a script of mine? I an easily say they're ZERO %, as you've never commented on anything of mine, which means you're probably down about 14 to ZERO, but that's OK, bro. As I said, the odds are highly against that ever happening.

Just want to apologize for my quick responses I'm giving to these latter stories I'm reading. I'll go over them a little more thoroughly later. I just want to spend more time reading right now so I can get my vote in to Don.

Right, I’m finished getting through them all I think. If I missed anyone and they want a read, just pm me.

Great effort by everyone on what was a really tough challenge. And an extra special mention to Ray for some outstanding feedback. I was impressed with his analysis of the scripts – good stuff.

When do we start guessing the authors?

Quoted from Dreamscale

We'll find out soon who the A-Holes are that didn't read any, or just a few. You know who you are, so now's your last chance to jump in and start...before we send Cowboy Sam after you!!!!!

I have to admit to being surprised by the lack of readers, I think it was 32 members of the board that entered. There certainly weren’t 32 readers about but on the same note, a big thanks to guys/gals who didn’t enter but were giving out reads.

I assume Don as written to everyone asking for one choice. One! That's hard.

In respect of the reads, i thought the turn out was quite good this time. Seem to remember even less last october.

Now, which one?

Does anyone know when the reveal is coming. Today? Tomorrow? Haven't been too active on these boards but will try'n get through them all this weekend. Want to read them before the reveal, before my comments loose all credibility.

~~Two to go for me~~... all done now.

I think the reviewing turnout has been pretty good. Not everyone has the time to review 36 of them.

If it were me and I couldn't critique all, I'd at least read all of them, so my vote for fav. was legit.

And, as for voting I think it's one thing to judge the writing i.e. format/description etc but 'story' is key here in regard to the eventual audio performance imh. Should go without saying really... but I just thought I'd add my 2c.

Okay, finally finished. I think I skipped 1 or 2 entries because they seemed like they were from a first writer and I didn't want to echo everyone's comments and flame the script. But, hey, if I missed you and you want me to comment, I'd be happy to. :)

Only one 'A', I think 4 or 5 'B's? Two of them recommended first to read by Dena.

Can't wait to see the writers. I used Jeff's sneaky doc property way to find out a few entrants but kind of regret it now. ;D

It's hard picking a favourite entry, three would have been good but what can you do?

Great job, everybody. A pleasure reading the scripts.

I also read all the scripts. Didn't comment on some due to as Mo said...people before had already said the same things over and over.

This was a hard contest to pick 'just one' for me. I had about five in the almost equal range on my list.

Congrats to everyone, no matter the feedback, on getting a script together and working to stay in the parameters. It's not about winning but about learning and I know I've yet again, learned a huge amount about writing, story, and cost analysis(thanks to Ray) :)

Enjoyed this lil OWC. Hate judging though.

I love Ray, but I have no idea where he comes up with these production costs numbers. I will respectfully disagree with him though. Reason being is that he has no idea what the filmmakers/producers have access to and what type of quality film they aim to make. I've seen people make unbelievable features for less than $10K and i've seen people spend $50K on a short. There's also no way of knowing what they can do with CGI. That's the reason, I would say, not to put to much focus on Ray's budget numbers for your scripts. :)

Quoted from Grandma Bear

Good news Pia to some of us who went 'over' micro budget per Ray's analysis. I tried to write low budget but even mine was scored more expensive that I thought it would be to produce.

First, thank you everyone for your recognition of what I did put into this.
You are very much appreciated.
Sincerely.
You guys are great.

Quoted from Grandma Bear

EXACTLY!

BTW: And I love you too, Pia.
I think you're cooler than an iceberg's toes!

Your point here is just what my disclaimer addresses:

Quoted from RayW

Most of all - this sh!t is subjective.
How one producer evaluates your submission will be different than how five or twenty-five other producers evaluate your submission based upon their own individual capabilities in production, estimating, and marketing.

Please, let me be clear: In no way do I EVER want to get into some p!ssing contest over subjective evaluations as this.
I know that.
You (and to everyone alse: Pia) know(s) this.
"Well, Ray says it will cost $X,000 t make this!"
"Well, Pia says it will cost half as much!"
OMG. Please, just don't...
Anybody ever get bids from several contractors to do the same job? Same thing.
based upon their own individual capabilities in production, estimating, and marketing.

Now, if you guys are game, I can trot out a thread of shorts with known costs, whole or partial since a lot of these things are pretty sketchy.
We can kick the tire, take a look under the hood, and beep the horn all together.

We will see amazing shorts with casts of fifty friends that cost nothing.
We will see sh!t shorts that some fool spent the price of a nice car to make.
Mostly we'll see 4 - 10minute shorts that cost from $2,000 to $5,000 to make.

No one makes money with shorts.
Film festivals show roughly a hundred shorts and turn down several thousand submissions each year.
What good is a short that no one wants to watch or only a hundred people watch?
Youtube's full of them.

If you got actor friends that'll work for sanwiches and film credits - fine.
Most folks gotta goto craigslist.org, book audition space at local libraries or whatnot, and then pay the actors... something.
Same for the audio guy.
Often the producer is also the director / also the DP / also the editor.

Maybe you know a motel manager/owner that'll let you have an empty room for free or walk-on part in the short, or doesn't mind if your crew up-ends the room or moves everything outside for "a few hours."
Probably not, though.

Props and costumes cost money.
Actors cost money.
Locations and permits often cost money.
Insurance certainly costs money.
Cameras.
Sound crew.
Editing equipment.
Film festival submission fees.

Well... how much does all this shhhtuff cost?

Why is my "driving down the road in the rain" scene getting cut?
Well... what is the director supposed to do? Wait until it rains one night when the actor + director/DP + audio guy are all available to shoot that scene?
Puh-leeeeeeze.

A room full of dead bodies and dismembered limbs with blood sloshed everywhere is going to be a $$$ nightmare. The scene had better last longer than 15 screen seconds.

Right?
This isn't Hollywood.
This is Bob barkeeper or Deanna dance teacher putzin' around on their weekends just havin' some serious fun.

My intent was only to provide SOME context.
I hope I showed some. Nothing difinitive.
Just one imaginary producer's free estimate for your job, Ma'am. ;)
I estimated to the best of my ability.
I determined the market for each submission to the best of my ability.
It is what it is. :)

Okay, I believe I'm done. I skipped over a couple that had just atrocious reviews. Especially the one where the author chimed in and admitted to being French Canadian--not because he may need help on his script, but because he only had one post and that was it.

Gonna be a tough vote, usually one or two of these stand out above the rest, but I think all of the decent entries suffer from that super natural backstory exposition, or they just skipped over it which is a no vote for me.

If I missed anyone, PM me.

Cheers,

James

Are we voting private or swaying votes with divulgences? (I think it's cool every time I use a word that spellcheckers red lines. ;D )

I got an email from Don to let him know my favorite and he will compile a list. So, private I guess.

James

Wonder when the deadline for votes is. Hard to pick one favorite. Wish we got 3 choices.

I'll make it easy for you, Felipe, just choose Cowboy Sam and be done with it.

I'm leaning that way.

Also, I've read most if not all of these but skipped on making redundant comments. I still have more comments to add, but please let me know if I've missed yours.

Well, the jig is almost up, folks. It's time to gather the roses so we can throw them at the feet of whoever wrote Cowboy Sam. It's also time to dig deep and analyze which script made best use of mimes... "The Cycle" perhaps? Or "Tool of Morality"?

It's been fun and I'm anxious to see who wrote my favorites! :D

So when's the actual deadline to turn in our votes?

The deadline is immediately after reading my script.

Going to debate about it at work and send my choice to Don tonight.

It's between 3 of them for the best. A lot of them were decent, and some not so much. (On one (the last one I had to read that I was saving for last because I somehow knew with my magic ways of reading loglines,) I only read the first 3 paragraphs and that was enough.)

I'll go back and make comments on the ones I didn't respond to over the next few days.

Isn't there usually a separate voting thread... Or are we replying to Don's emails?

Mark

Reply to The Don, and please vote for mine. Thank you! ;D ;D

I think Stevie wrote Cowboy Sam, the more I think about it.

I also guess that Phil wrote Room 3 to throw us off.

My original guess was that Jeff wrote One of God's Special Children, but now I'm confident the actual writer has been mentioned very recently.

Stevie wrote a much better script than Cowboy Sam.

I read em all. Commented on most.

Hopefully tomorrow the veil will be lifted, the ugly truth revealed.

I wrote "Will The Real Demon Please Stand Up", and I actually had all the Scooby Do characters in it, but The Don rejected it as a pisser, so I farmed it out to Ledbetter.

Yeah, you wrote "Will the Real Demon Please Rise" (get the title right) but I gave you the idea for it. You didn't even give me my Story By credit...

I tried to get to them all but didn't read five of them. Two small kids who refuse to sleep, by the end of the week I'm brain-dead.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde

Yeah, you wrote "Will the Real Demon Please Rise" (get the title right) but I gave you the idea for it. You didn't even give me my Story By credit...

No, that was my original title that got rejected, and yes, thank you for the idea, Sean.

On my original draft, on the title page, I had written by Quentin Tarentino, original idea by Mr. Blonde. Shawn (Led) changed it up and took away your credit. Sorry, bro.

Quoted from Dreamscale

On my original draft, on the title page, I had written by Quentin Tarentino, original idea by Mr. Blonde. Shawn (Led) changed it up and took away your credit. Sorry, bro.

Son of a bitch Avary'd me... Lol. =)

I started off reading and evaluating them all, but life got in the way. I hope to still read all of them and comment, even if others said the same thing. I don't read the reviews before I read the scripts, as to not taint my eval. I did, however, just read Cowboy Sam because of all the comments on this thread.

I am still shaking my head, and also can't get the image of the fat lady crashing through the wall!! The motel room scene reminded me of the one in From Dusk Til Dawn. I think whoever wrote this is not an amateur. I base this on some of the words used and the ages of the characters. Not this writers "first rodeo," but was written in haste.

I really appreciate all of the writers that submitted something, and kind of feel I owe it to them to at least read them all.

Quoted from Felipe

Stevie wrote a much better script than Cowboy Sam.

True...but then so did 34 other people :P

I like the fact that I have only two other scripts on this site and they are both OWCs. No one can guess my script.

My  guess is that Felipe wrote Room 3 or Isidro.

I think Stevie definitely wrote One of God's Special Children, as I found his name on the doc, but didn't want to call him out.  It's a good script, and one of my faves, but I did not vote for it.

IMO, there are about 4 scripts that are hands and shoulders above the others.  And there are 3 or 4 that are passed out in the basement, ready to be killed in an ugly fashion.   ;D ;D ;D

Quoted from Dreamscale

I think Stevie definitely wrote One of God's Special Children, as I found his name on the doc, but didn't want to call him out.

His Beatles reference must've been thinly veiled, then, because I didn't see any. In fact, the only overt Beatles reference I recall seeing was when a script had "Yellow Submarine" playing. Good times.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde

That's the same script I'm talking about!!! Unless someone was fucking with the short short, wearing balding Aussie...

Quoted from Dreamscale

My guess is that Felipe wrote Room 3 or Isidro.

I went back to read your comments for those scripts. I think you we're a little more positive about my script but I read your review several days ago.

Hey Felipe, (I'm assuming that's your name)

I don't believe I've really met you yet, but it's nice to meet you.

You had one of the funniest comments I've read in a while on my story's thread. I don't even know if you really meant for it to be funny, but I loved it.

OK, cool. I don't know then, but as you said, how could we know your style yet?

Reveal soon?????????

Hmm, if I could guess, I'd say that One of God's Special Children, while not my favorite, will be in the top tier and maybe win the grand prize. Not sure what other scripts will make it. Any guesses?

Damages

Skiptrace

Now Lie in it

Cowboy Sam

Quoted from Dreamscale

Cowboy Sam

My guess is that Jeff wrote Cowboy Sam.

Quoted from Dreamscale

Damages

Skiptrace

Now Lie in it

Cowboy Sam

That confuses the hell out of me. You have three wholly average scripts (according to my scoring; C+, B- and C-, respectively) along with Cowboy Sam, so you can't be saying which is the best OR worst. Are you guessing what someone wrote?

And, damn it, I wish I could pick out your styles easier. I guess I'm just not that detail oriented.

Quoted from mcornetto

My guess is that Jeff wrote Cowboy Sam.

I think I said this earlier, but I'll say it again now...

I wish I wrote Cowboy Sam! I honestly do. I love it. And no offense to the writer if it's a serious effort, but it is seriously so God Awful, that IMO, it is a classic. There are lines in there that I only wish I could come up with.

maybe it really is Ryan's? His first Pisstake, per chance? If so, a home run has been hit and Price Fielder won't have to show that blazing speed and athletic ability he displayed last night

Sean, I'm basing it on reviews and what I see as good writing and well executed OWC requirements.

Now...I jest on the Cowboy.

Maybe I'd throw Jericho in there as well.

Maybe I'd toss ExtraTERRORestrial in as well.

Not sure anything else really has a shot, does it? Am I missing anything?

I still have ExtraTERRORestrial as my number one overall. Also, a lot of people really liked Johnny.

ExtraTERRORestrial.

A Dark and Stormy Weekend (Could've easily been an A).

Johnny.

One of God's Special Children.

Corpus Christi.

Those are my top five. Seems like we have a little bit of a disagreement.

EDIT: That said, I tried not to focus on all the requirements so much because it was insanely tough to try and hit them all. But, if they did their best, they got a pass from me.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde

Not really. I thought Johnny had something, and as I said, I definitely thought the TERROR was very well written.

Corpus Christi was far from bad, but definitely not in my top 5.

Dark and Stormy? No clue what that one even is, but I guess based on that, it didn't do it for me, but we share a few tops, right?

Quoted from Dreamscale

Dark and Stormy? No clue what that one even is, but I guess based on that, it didn't do it for me, but we share a few tops, right?

Dark and Stormy was the writer's retreat one. A good idea that had one severe misfire that should be an intriguing fix if the writer decides to rewrite it.

Pretty much. Just one of those things where I do agree with a couple people's suggestions that a top 3 would certainly work better than just a winner (considering the 36 entries). Picking one out of 36 is hard enough but then, to have multiple people choose that same one? I'm guessing we're going to have some ties at the top.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde

Dark and Stormy was the writer's retreat one. A good idea that had one severe misfire that should be an intriguing fix if the writer decides to rewrite it.

Ummm...yeah...now I remember that one. Sorry, actually one of my least faves that were half way decently written.

Quoted from Dreamscale

Ummm...yeah...now I remember that one. Sorry, actually one of my least faves that were half way decently written.

Well, it seems we have four tiers of writers.

Top tiers. Writers who have been honing their craft for years.

Second tiers. Writers who have been at it for years but can't get a true hold of the craft.

Third tiers. Writers who are relatively new and eager to learn the craft by reading and reviewing.

Fourth tiers. Writers who write because they love writing and will bother with the craft later on.

"Dark and Stormy" probably fits into the second, when it comes to the writer.

Third tier for sure here.

Have to say that I loved The Ledger. I might be on my own here, but something about the story had me. Who ever wrote it - hats off from me. :)

Jeff, what if I tell you my script is within the four you mentioned?

Quoted from Felipe

Jeff, what if I tell you my script is within the four you mentioned?

My money's on Damages. =)

I think I know which one Michael wrote... then again could be wrong. As far as anyone else perhaps could guess Jeff and Led maybe, but haven't been around enough lately to guess any of the newbs.

Top contenders, not nec. by order, for me:

Left to Right
Skiptrace
A Light in Room 12
Corpus Christi

purely cause to me they had the most 'story' and entertained me.

Felipe, if yours is there, then I salute you, my brother! Great job! Impressed, bro.

Quoted from Felipe

Jeff, what if I tell you my script is within the four you mentioned?

I would say you should wait until the voting is over before revealing your script.

Not revealing. Just teasing. I wish I knew people's styles enough to guess.

Left to right?  Seriously?  Wow...easily in my bottom 7.

Different strokes of course, unless you're touting your won script, LC?  For reals?  The one that missed almost every single OWC constraint purposely, blew through even a mid sized budget for a short, and ended with a joke/dream?

Hey, again, we all have our own opinions and sorry for jumping on this, but this does actually shock me.

EDIT - Wow, I am shocked and I apologize if this is any other writer than LC, but this thing has at least 20 mistakes, probably 30 on every single page!  I am amazed at this.  Maybe LC wrote this or she didn't read more than 2 scripts, including Cowboy Sam and House.

Sorry to be harsh, but this kind of crap really upsets me...

Quoted from rc1107

Well, I'm glad I made you laugh! I can only hope I was trying to. It was probably either a bad pun or play on words... Or maybe just self-deprecating humor. =D

And yes, that is my name. Pleasure to "meet" you as well!

Quoted from Felipe

Or maybe just self-deprecating humor. =D

I have been known to indulge in heavy doses of that from time to time. =)

P.S. I stand by Damages until further notice.

I will let Don reveal it. It's about as good a guess as any.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde

P.S. I stand by Damages until further notice.

I thought you gave Damages a C Blonde??

Quoted from Pale Yellow

I thought you gave Damages a C Blonde??

C+.

I'll reveal my vote, and it was for Damages...and no, I did not write it.

Quoted from Dreamscale

I'll reveal my vote, and it was for Damages...and no, I did not write it.

*With a horrible Schwarzenegger impression* You expect me to believe you? You know you're lying.

This has been fun but I'm ready for this thing to be over...ready to rewrite quickly...then bury this one somewhere under the bed. ;)

When is Don going to give us the tally?

"A four door saloon" What is a four door saloon? Is that some sort of fancy car? I'm thinking a watering spot or gin mill..... ;) but then they don't zoom down the highway. :)

I love that Cowboy Sam story. Maybe I'm retarded...hmmm I've been called 'that' before...recently even. ;)

Whoever wrote Cowboy Sam...my hat's off to ya! And my cowgirl boots too! :)

I voted for 'Evil Dead Remake'. I know, I know, probably not the most original take on the OWC and it didn't follow the parameters, but just reading it and the descriptions, it's like I saw it playing in front of me without even trying.

My top 5:

Now Lie In It
A Light in Room 12
Damages
Deliver Us From Evil
Bad Juju

(I know, I know, but I loved the idea behind 'Bad Juju' so much. I just wish that ending never happened.)

Quoted from Mr. Blonde

*With a horrible Schwarzenegger impression* You expect me to believe you? You know you're lying.

I'm actually not lying and The Don can confirm that.

I thought it was very well written and very well conceived. I did not like the ending, but I had to give it the edge over the other contenders...sine I couldn't vote for my own. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Quoted from dena

What is a four door saloon?

I think I saw Ryan mention that it was European slang for 'sedan', or SUV, maybe.

Quoted from Dreamscale

sine I couldn't vote for my own. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Now, I see how you operate. Voting for your own when no one's looking, eh? Meh. Who am I to judge? I was *this close* to voting for my own. Except Don would know that I was a complete ass.

Okay, not really. I'm not even that fond of my own. Lol. =)

EDIT: I agree that Damages was good but that ending... It could've been done so much better. Possibly a victim of a single week of writing but there was a much darker route to take it that I think would've been good times. =)

Jeff's script should be easy to spot.

Just find the one where he gives a review which doesn't result in the writer to quit screenwriting because it's so harsh and negative!

Agree...with yall...that ending needs fixing...prolly someone trying to write too fast...too many scripts...with too much on his/her mind.

Quoted from rc1107

I think I saw Ryan mention that it was European slang for 'sedan', or SUV, maybe.

ooooh ...never heard of that ;) learn something new everyday :)

I really liked the twist ending to 'Damages'. That's why I put it so high on my list.

Quoted from dena

learn something new everyday

:-) Believe it or not, in that same post where Ryan described what 'saloon' meant, he also said that, too.

Learning something new rocks :)

Tomorrow when my daughter texts me:

MOM, WYD?

I'm going to text back:

In my saloon zooming, P/U a jug of koolaid cuz it's better to be on'r side than to have'r bust down the wall!

You could create that if you wanted, but I say that if you've already developed a voice, you'd fit into the second tier.

I swear I saw Punkin Spice a while ago...and then poof...it's gone!!! Blond did you see that?

Looks like I got deleted.

Just giving my very honest opinion. Pleas delete LC's idiotic feedback as well then.

Unreal...

Quoted from Mr. Blonde

You could create that if you wanted, but I say that if you've already developed a voice, you'd fit into the second tier.

Just so folks know, I deleted my post above because I would fall somewhere into the first and second tier.,,so the comment was redundant.

Pumpkin Spice, pale?
No, Pumpkinseeds. My first OWC on SS.
Now feature length and highly re-tooled.

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley

Just so folks know, I deleted my post above because I would fall somewhere into the first and second tier.,,so the comment was redundant.

Uhhhh...sure... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

In the span of a couple minutes, I was completely with it and now, I look at the last few posts, think to myself, "Uh..." and pass out. Lol.

"Now, where was I?"

Ah, yes. I believe we were discussing the results of the votes we turned into Mr. Don. I'm hoping they're up tomorrow because tonight is like the last few hours before the Oscars start and you're making your picks, knowing that nothing of interest is happening (because the Red Carpet goes on for eight hours) but you're hoping for the damn thing to start.

Did I ramble too much? I hate the Oscars.

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley

Sorry ...me got punkin spice on my brain...everything is punkin flavored this time of year ;)

Quoted from Dreamscale

Uhhhh...sure... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Well, you got me to read about the Cowboy, you should get drunk now. ;D

OK, my apologies for going off the handle here. No reason for that, and I feel bad about it.

Other than to LC, I do apologize for everything I said that was or even could be construed as mean or assholish.

I'm going to bed. Pain pills and alcohol do not mix and it's on me. Sorry.

Quoted from Pale Yellow

Sorry ...me got punkin spice on my brain...everything is punkin flavored this time of year ;)

I do have to get more Pumpkin Spice Coffee.
Hopefully someone won't spike it with Jim Beam like they did while I was writing the OWC with my bondage blonde on my lap

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley

... like they did while I was writing the OWC with my bondage blonde on my lap

Where's a good animated GIF when you need one?!!! ;) :P :P :P

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley

I do have to get more Pumpkin Spice Coffee.
Hopefully someone won't spike it with Jim Beam like they did while I was writing the OWC with my bondage blonde on my lap

Hmmmmmmmmmmm my my that punkin spice stuff done made you go an hallucinate. Told ya to stick with the shrooms :)

Hahaha....

Pretty sure Jeff wrote One of God's Special Children.

We will see...

I think my vote would have to go to....Now Lie In It. It was far from perfect, and other scripts were technically better written, but with a rewrite I think it could make a great, mini-grindhouse short. Very memorable visual of pulling the steak from the sink and tossing it to Satan Jr. in the tub.

Quoted from Tommyp

Pretty sure Jeff wrote One of God's Special Children.

I'm pretty sure it was Stevie who wrote that one. The use of 'Yellow Submarine' was too much of a giveaway. I'm also pretty sure James wrote 'A Light In Room Twelve'.

I couldn't vote as I didn't actually enter the challenge, but my choice out of the ones I did read would probably have been 'Damages'. Even though I had major problems with the ending, this is the one that I though about the most after reading it.

I voted for Now Lie In It. I still have a few to read though.

One of God's Special Children got my #1 vote, followed by Isidro then Skitzo.

Cowboy Sam should get some extra points :)

Shazaam! Cowboy Sam has its own DANCING Cowboy Rap!!!!

Slowly reading through, and I don't get a vote, but I liked Damaged, God's Children, and Room with a Light.

I voted for A Light In Room 12.

Just wanted to get that in before the 'Reveal'... in case it happens when lights are out in the Southern Hemisphere.

I voted for ExTERRORstal, no second or third. I did not vote for my own. As for my own, I am rewriting it a little bit and including a few gags.

.

I didnt get to enter this one and I've been to busy to sit down and give justice to what I read. But I'll get to as many as possible asap.

I voted for The Ledger. It was flawed, as all these scripts were due to the constraints, but it had the most memorable characters to me. I also gave honorable mention to Skitzo, which I think Jeff wrote, and Procella, no idea who wrote that. I had Michael pegged for Now Lie In It, but now that Phil started reading all of these, I think that's his. Absolutely zero inside info this OWC, so these are complete guesses.

James

I couldn't decide between a few so went for Skitzo. As with every script there was something to disagree with, but I liked it.

One outside guess is Ryan for Ghosts of the third reich - reminded me of Chads Briggs in a strange way.

I had Jeff down for Now lie in it. Maybe Mark (RC) for tools of morality.

As James says above, pure guesses.

James...how dare you...Skitzo? No...definitely not me.

I am pretty sure which one you wrote, though, and it actually was a contender, IMO, in the top 6 or 7.

'Tools of Morality'? When have I ever mixed sex and viol-...

Nevermind.

I'm just glad to see I at least made a couple of people's top 5. I didn't think it would.

Yes.
I am a freak.
Deal with it.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AsBznn8D13zOdDlWZEYyVHBKRzB5MzFtQmlNYnFVWUE

Anyone wanna comment on any observations, conclusions, or theories/interpretations?

Just because Jeff talks to his slugs doesn't mean he's Schizo!

Ray, I gotta say. You are amazing. If I ever actually get the chance to lend a helping hand (I've been asked, but I lived too far away), in any future productions, I am giving them your name during pre-production.

D@mn. That's awfully nice of you to say! Thank you! :)

Also gotta wonder, because of that views-to-comments chart, just how much is it the author clicking on their own link over and over.

Yep. Can't wait for the reveal to see who I can discreetly label OCDOCDOCDOCDOCDOCDOCD...

I find it (what's a word less dramatic than "disturbing"?) unfortunate that some submissions have received so few views, and others few comments. :(
I've yet to go back to my own notes (which I'll concede are subjective) and compare with the comments of others to see if there's a suck-to-few-comments correlation. There might be. Just a theory, though.

Oh, and my submission is one of the higher-viewed count submissions and I assure you I haven't read the comments to my entry anywhere near enough to jack up the views count.
So, I'm using that perspective as a foundation to formulate a theory.

Quoted Text

Anonymous user 18: i dunno how you have the time :) to do this

Takes about two minutes to think of it, five minutes to collect the data and prep it, about thirty minutes to arrange the data, another twenty minutes to do the three graphs, and then over the next couple hour's I'll think of refinements to modify or supplement the info. No biggie.

I voted for Scriptrace. Also liked Jericho, Schitzo, Johnny.
Was torn between Scriptrace and Jericho.

Haven't read a few, actually started but didn't finish. I was on vacation all these days, the internet connection wasn't the best and I would get disconnected in the middle of the read sometimes. The entries that I commented on I read in full.

Big thanks to Don for another fun OWC! And thanks to all who read and commented!

Just voted for "One of God's Special Children" with Now lie in it a close second.

Glad to see all the loving for Now Lie In It, I voted for it as well.

I voted for Skiptrace. Had a good feel to it, though as James noted, all the scripts were tough to get through in one way or another. Very challenging OWC.

Oh, and I didn't write the one with Yellow Submarine! I haven't put in Beatles refs to an OWC in about 3 years, lol!

My first OWC is in the books.

Sometimes exciting.  Sometimes bubble-bursting.  Sometimes flattering.
Sometimes demeaning.  But always a grueling good time.

Sort of like a root canal during Mardi Gras.

My vote went to ExtraTERRORestrial.
Most of the priest and demon scripts wadded together like a bag of gummibears left in the car on a hot August afternoon.
ExtraTERRORestrial stuck out and stayed fresh in my mind at the end of the week.

Thanks to Don for a wonderful week of triumph and humiliation!!

:)

I voted for ExtraTERROrestrial as well.

I read them all, commented on 20 something. My story was an embarrassment. I really screwed it up but at least a few people saw there was a decent idea buried in a mess. LOL.

Just been reading over Ray's spreadsheet - interesting statistics for sure.

My vote went to The Ledger. I enjoyed it immensely and think that it has tons of potential.

Others I enjoyed was ExtraTERRORestrial, Damages, Skiptrace, A Light in Room Twelve and Now Lie in It.

As for a few guesses or just good detective work on my part. ;D

The Cycle - Mo (nawazm11)

Sacred Acceptance - Renee (bflywings)

A Light in Room Twelve - James (jwent6688)

When God Owns a Motel - Mark (irish eyes)

Isidro - Darren (DarrenJamesSeeley)

One of God's Special Children - Stevie

Cowboy Sam - Jeff (Dreamscale)

The Final Trip - Tommy (Tommyp)

Damages - Dena (pale yellow)

Left or Right - Alex (Alex212)

Room 107 - Gage

Lost in The Storm - khamanna

Obviously just guesses apart from Cowboy Sam - I'm pretty confident I got that one right! :D

Well done to everyone who took part - an extremely difficult challenge for sure.

And a big thanks to Don for organizing everything. :)

Man, I kinda wish I had written Room 107. It only followed two or three of the guidelines but it had me laughing my ass off throughout!

Now that the OWC is coming to a close, it is time to order the official
2012 One Week Challenge T-shirt!

http://www.customink.com/designs/oneweek1/qha0-000s-7jx9/hotlink?pc=HL-76684&cm_mmc=hotlink-_-3-_-Header_txt-_-prehead1

;D ;D ;D

Meh, seems like that covetted SS coffee mug eludes me once again. Bass Turd!

James

You guys really think Don would allow me to enter with Cowboy Sam?

Not mine, sorry to say, but some of your guesses are correct, others are wrong.

Good job to everyone.

So there's actually a big freaking hurricane coming my way tonight. I should find me a motel room :D:D

Quoted from Coop

When God Owns a Motel - Mark (irish eyes)

;D;D;D

I wish I wrote this. This was the penmanship of a genius, who was able to take a 14th century poem and place in the modern era, using minimum budget and a beat up motel. I'm not that talented.

I wrote Cowboy Sam ;D

Mark

Quoted from irish eyes

I wrote Cowboy Sam

OK, let's all come clean, huh gang?

The reality is that Cowboy Sam was written by 11 different writers, who each had up to 1 page. We started with Mark, and continued down the line until we had some semblance of a full story. We obviously ran out of room at the end but didn't feel it would be right to get rid of our beloved Madame Putz.

So, I've outed 2 of us. Do the rest of you want to chime in now and take a bow, or should we wait?

Jeff wrote Will the Real Demon Please Rise?

Quoted from Ryan1

Time to name names.

You should all be able to guess right now, but I would hold off from doing any reveals on your authorship until we are sure the voting is done. I think some people are still reading.

However, if what Jeff says about Cowboy Sam is true then it probably wouldn't hurt for the authors to come forward since two of you have already. I don't think we have any worries that the reveal of an author of that particular script would affect the voting on it.

I think I may have written one page of Cowboy Sam, but I'm not sure which. What page had the really bad dialogue?

Ryan, you wrote the page with Cowboy Sam saying something about bringing a severed arm in for a watch fitting.

Genius!!

I was poppin' a lot of Ambien that week. Hell, I don't know what I wrote.

Quoted from CoopBazinga

Lost in The Storm - khamanna

Naa:) I should be so lucky... I royally screwed up the OWC. In my defense - I thought every character was supposed to be supernatural. Also, had a vacation to tend to.

Lost In The Storm is a decent entry.

One right guess:

Reef wrote Scriptrace!

Did anyone else notice how many duffle bags were included as a prop item?

I just might go back through my notes and see what were there the most of, duffle bags or priests! ;D

FYI: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theatrical_property
A theatrical property, commonly referred to as a prop, is an object used on stage by actors to further the plot or story line of a theatrical production. Smaller props are referred to as "hand props". Larger props may also be set decoration, such as a chair or table. The difference between a set decoration and a prop is use. If the item is not touched by a performer for any reason it is simply a set decoration. If it is touched by the actor in accordance to script requirements or as deemed by the director, it is a prop.

MORE FUN WITH NERD NUMBERZ! https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AsBznn8D13zOdDlWZEYyVHBKRzB5MzFtQmlNYnFVWUE#gid=0 Rows 183 - 218, Column E
Comments per non-outlier average of 394 views. (As if it had received no more or less than 394 views)

Code

36 A Dark and Stormy Weekend - Tied, Highest 25 A Light In Room Twelve 34 Bad Juju 31 Blood Ties 23 Corpus Christi - Tied, Lowest 24 Cowboy Sam 22 Damages 31 Darkness 25 Deliver Us From Evil 33 Double or Nothing 17 ExtraTERRORestrial - Data unusable 35 Forgotten Faith 28 Ghosts of the Third Reich 31 House 25 Into The Eye 33 Isidro 32 Jericho 29 Johnny 35 Left or Right 25 Lost in the Storm 26 Now Lie In It 23 One of God's Special Children - Tied, Lowest 30 Procella 30 Room 107 30 Room 3 26 Sacred Acceptance 28 Skiptrace 27 Skitzo 26 Super Inn 28 The Cycle 25 The Final Trip 24 The Ledger 25 The Tool of Morality 36 Those That Help Themselves - Tied, Highest 31 When God Owns A Motel 31 Will the Real Demon Please Rise

The purpose of analyzing this sort of data is that there are largely two major factors in evaluating the marketing of a film.
The first is the film's premise: Is it interesting? Premise is what puts butts-in-seats AKA $$ in a theater owner + studio's hands. People can't tell if they like the film or not until they've already paid to go see it. Well... I've already got my money, who cares?
The second is the film's word of mouth/buzz/feedback: Did people like it or not? Usually positive/negative feedback equates to corresponding ticket sales beyond the opening weekend. This is why we care.

If there's positive feedback on a low premise interest film - who cares?
If there's negative feedback on a high premise interest film - everyone laughs all the way to the bank.

So, now you gotta determine if the feedback is good or bad to determine the VALUE of the comment QUANTIFICATION.
Are we writing titles and loglines that promote an interesting premise (views) - and - does the initial feedback garner ADDITIONAL interest (comments)?

Quoted from khamanna

One right guess:

Reef wrote Scriptrace!

I will neither confirm or deny, but....

....whichever script was mine, In the UK it would be called the Marmite script - you either like it or loathe it!!

Reefer did not write Skiptrace.

I am surprised no one other than Ryan outed himself on our little Cowboy Sam gag.

Ok Ok...I wrote Cowboy Sam.

...wrote the rap song to go along with it :) And found a cowboy to even dance in the video!

I did write the rap but me teasin' about the script :) Love it though :)

Quoted from Dreamscale

I am surprised no one other than Ryan outed himself on our little Cowboy Sam gag.

Even joking, I would never attempt to take credit for writing a single page of that script. First of all, I'm not clever enough. Second of all, anyone who's ever read anything of mine, knows there's none of my usual tropes in there.

Quoted from Dreamscale

You guys really think Don would allow me to enter with Cowboy Sam?

Jeff,

Your days of playing with the Village People catching up with ya again, eh?

Shawn....><

I admitted it Jeff

I wrote the title page ;D

Mark

Ledbetter write the majority of it, including Madame Putz.

Out of curiosity, how long does it usually take between Don asking for Votes and the results being released?

I think I would have had a better shot at this if second and third place votes counted. =P

Also, I hear I was the inspiration for Cowboy Sam, if that counts.

Quoted from Felipe

Out of curiosity, how long does it usually take between Don asking for Votes and the results being released?

Usually about 19-41 days.

I don't even know if I'll live that long.

One hurricane.. One beat up motel..

Mark

This'll take a fair bit more time than you think to go back and complete.
(D@mn. I wonder if this is like Academy Awards voting? ;))

Worst LOGLINE (No logline doesn't count) -
Funniest line -
Weirdest character -
Highest kill -
Script furthest away from the criteria -
Most amount os spleling missakes -
The What? Award -
The Jeff Bush Award for worst Slug line -
The most unlikely stranger/character that saves the day. Mask optional -
The Most/Least Interesting Character Award -
The Worst Motel Room Award -
The Worst Title Award -
The Worst Ending Award -
The Wassup! Award (script with the most cliches, disputes settled by most cliches on a single page) -
The least understood Script -
The Deus Ex Machina award -
Best written -
Best story -
Makes the most sense -
Best use of the requirements -
Hottest character -
Best use of mimes and dinosaurs -
Least amount of dialogue -
Most dialogue -
Most characters -
Most interesting characters -
The one where the storm was only in it because one of the requirements said there had to be a storm in it award -
Worst sex scene -

I think Room 107 had the best sex scene... or maybe that was just me fantasizing.

I've read them all now (I think) except for House which I couldn't finish. There are a couple that I read on my iPad and was going to write comments on ones I got to my laptop, but then I had forgot the script. Sorry. When the authors are revealed, I will go back and comment on those if the writers were contributing to this OWC or are members here.

Hope the reveal is soon and that Don tells us where he came up with this bizarre idea. 8)

Quoted from Gage

I think Room 107 had the best sex scene... or maybe that was just me fantasizing.

I had a sex scene between a mime and a ventriloquist puppet in mine. I did not post it for a reason, but will soon. And I hope to get some feedback on it since I took part with reading. ;D

I thought you said you voted, Pia.

I can't wait to read yours Pia ;)

Thanks for reading all the owcs and thanks for the good comments too :)

I thought Don only sent the e-mail to people who submitted.

You didn't submit?

I guess "Writers' Choice" still applies considering you are both writers. =D

Quoted from Felipe

I thought you said you voted, Pia.

She wrote two stories.
Submitted one.
Got to vote.

Quoted from RayW

She wrote two stories.
Submitted one.
Got to vote.

Only wrote one Ray and I did not submit it. When I do though, I want to see you do a breakdown of it!! It would also be fun to see your budget for it compared to mine. ;)

Yeah!
I'm very much interested in seeing a side-to-side estimate comparison.
That'd be so cooool!
Oh, and inforrrrmative, too.

Would you care to break down a few of your favorite submissions to this Oct OWC, as well?

You've inspired me to go on my next research quest: US/Canadian Film Festival short films; past entries and the discernible factors that go into them.

It also reminds me that I need to do a respectable amount of homework about SAG rates and regs.
http://www.sagindie.org/resources/contracts
http://www.brighthub.com/multimedia/video/articles/108806.aspx
http://www.showbizsolutions.com/LaborGuide/14%20-%20LOW%20BUDGET.pdf
http://www.easy-budget.com/articles/articles.asp?article=ultralow

While we're discussing budgets, Ray, I'd like to see you put together a budget for me, including 3 nights out per week, and 1 of those being at my local strip club establishment, coming in under $200.

You must understand that the libations alone are over $50/night, and I'd like to have a nice meal in there as well, at least once per week. I am open to killing someone each week, if I have to.

OMG :) I love this place.

Given:

Quoted Text

- 3 nights out per week
- 1 of those being at my local strip club establishment
- libations alone are over $50/night
- a nice meal in there as well, at least once per week
- under $200.

I am open to killing someone each week, if I have to.

$200
- $150 ($50 x 3)
= $50
- $20 Good meal, for one
= $30 for strip club. Go crazy, Jeff.

Killing someone can be performed at no cost with found objects.
Cars work good.
Firearms, if you got 'em, are also popular.
Knives and blunt objects work good.
Poisoning if you're feeling girly - and patient.

Good luck!

Actually, Ray, you've helped out already, because if I were to go to The Titty Twister, I bet my libations come in well under $50/night.

I also own a car and could use a kitchen knife.

I think I'm there...now I just have to move down to Mexico and be within 30 miles or so of that establishment...but I'd need to bring garlic, crucifixes, and stakes, to take care of the local vamps.

Quoted from RayW

Would you care to break down a few of your favorite submissions to this Oct OWC, as well?

Maybe when this OWC is over. :)

Quoted from Dreamscale

I think I'm there...now I just have to move down to Mexico and be within 30 miles or so of that establishment...but I'd need to bring garlic, crucifixes, and stakes, to take care of the local vamps.

Can I go with you Jeff? Sounds like my kind of place!! ;D

May as well make it a road trip...I could stand a lil vacation around here!

I haven't had a real vacation in eons...but then again, pretty much everyday feels like a vacation, the way I live them. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Wouldn't it be ironic if Sandy is what postponed the results of the Hurricane OWC?

Stay safe, everyone!

Quoted from Felipe

Wouldn't it be ironic if Sandy is what postponed the results of the Hurricane OWC?

Could be because Don lives in VA.

Quoted from Grandma Bear

Maybe when this OWC is over. :)

Can I go with you Jeff? Sounds like my kind of place!! ;D

I wouldn't get too excited, Pia. Sounds like Jeff is talking about his family Christmas...

Or 'Santa's Jagie Dungeon' as its known locally.

Quoted from stevie

I get too excited about Pia, Jeff, and Santa.

Quoted from Dreamscale

I am surprised no one other than Ryan outed himself on our little Cowboy Sam gag.

Am I too late to own up? Well, I wrote the page with the guy playing air guitar in his pants in front of the hostage.

I used a real life experience as I thought it would add some realism to what was quite an unbelievable story otherwise. ;D

Good job, Coop. I was hoping...and assuming more would own up to their share of this son to be classic.

Who else wants to come clean? For some reason, Dena's only owning up to the rap song and her boytoy's awesome dance routine.

Yeah Jeff....the writing team asked me to do a preproduction video based on the script. Killer lyrics and all.

This is going to be such a big hit...they wanted to get started on marketing the project and all. Not even kidding....I'm for reals *smile*

Will Jon be willing to play the title role of Cowboy Sam?

Have him read some lines, especially Ryan's severed arm exchange. It will be tough to portray such evil, but I actually think he can pull it off.

If he is baked he can surely pull it off...infact, I have some interesting neighbors that could all be Cowboy Sam!

OMG laughing ;) funny that Cowboy Sam I love that script.

I think we should start revealing. This has gone on too long. There are no winners or losers, and if some peeps haven't voted yet, they too have waited way too long.

For starters, Cowboy Sam was not written by multiple writers, as far as I know. I had hoped a bunch of you knuckleheads would jump in and keep the charade alive, but...NO...no players wanted to play along, which in my big fat book, is fucking WEAK!

So, who honestly wants to step up and take credit for this guaranteed script of the year?

I don't see a reason why people cant reveal what they wrote. It used to happen about a week after the scripts were posted in the old days anyway. There doesn't seem to be too many new people reading anyway. Besides, it's nt a damned contest!!

Quoted from Grandma Bear

Besides, it's nt a damned contest!!

I beg to differ... =)

Sorry, didn't know the iScript was such a coveted prize...

OK. I'll start by honestly revealing mine...

One of God's Special Children, as some correctly guessed, but others were way off.

Thank you for some kind words. Glad some enjoyed it. I almost didn't enter, because I wasn't very happy with it, but as the days and weeks have passed, I'm cool with it.

Who's next??

I don't care about the iScript, really, but I look at it as a contest nonetheless. You write a script under a set of guidelines and have it done by a certain, specified time with a prize for first. You can understand how I'd mistake it as such.

Besides, I'll give you another reason why I like to look at it as a contest. I had no other reason to write this script. It's not one I'm particularly fond of and the execution was weak because it was rushed. To me, it's a free "contest" that comes up a couple times a year and it would be a shame to miss out on it.

Quoted from Grandma Bear

Sorry, didn't know the iScript was such a coveted prize...

IT's that God Darned coffee mug that I want!

Don has only given those away a few times. I don't think he has to unless he feels like it. It costs him money, you know and he hasn't promised to give one away...

Btw, you can buy those mugs too. Just don't by the left handed one. Ridiculously over priced!! ;D

Quoted from Mr. Blonde

What if someone actually intended to produce a few of these. Would you still prefer the mug?

Quoted from Dreamscale

One of God's Special Children, as some correctly guessed, but others were way off.

Thank you for some kind words. Glad some enjoyed it. I almost didn't enter, because I wasn't very happy with it, but as the days and weeks have passed, I'm cool with it.

Who's next??

I got fooled twice, that rarely happens. Can usually peg Jeff.

I wrote A Light in Room Twelve. I hated this challenge. Almost didn't enter. My writing starts out pretty smooth and then goes right into the shitter. Was on my fourth tall can at the time. Oh well, was fun to enter.

Gonna guess that Now Lie In It wins overall. Don't know who wrote that.

James

Congrats to you Jeff, I voted for your script.

Quoted from Grandma Bear

What if someone actually intended to produce a few of these. Would you still prefer the mug?

Well, nobody will be interested in producing mine because it's not ready to be produced (besides, I've had 53 offers since I joined the site. To this point, not one has actually been filmed), so I honestly don't have to worry about that. As for the mug, I don't need it. I only drink water. Lol.

Quoted from jwent6688

I liked yours...

I wrote Skiptrace.

In case anyone actually cares (final scores):

ExtraTERRORestrial - B+
A Dark and Stormy Weekend - B
Johnny - B
One of God's Special Children - B
Coprus Christi - B-
Skiptrace - B-
Damages - C+
Into the Eye - C+
Lost in the Storm - C+
Procella - C+
Skitzo - C+
Will the Real Demon Please Rise - C+
Bad Juju - C
The Cycle - C
Deliver Us From Evil - C
Forgotten Faith - C
Jericho - C
The Ledger - C
A Light in Room Twelve - C
Room 107 - C
Sacred Acceptance - C
Darkness - C-
Ghosts of the Third Reich - C-
Now Lie In It - C-
Room 3 - D+
Blood Ties - D
The Final Trip - D
Left or Right - D
Super Inn - D
Those That Help Themselves - D
When God Owns a Motel - D
The Tool of Morality - D-
Cowboy Sam - F
Double or Nothing - F
House - F
Isidro - F

Was surprised at all of the love for Extraterrorestial. I don't think it hit the parameters at all. Just because they're aliens, it does not give them SUPER natural backstory. Super natural means to be above or beyond your own kind.

James

Quoted from jwent6688

That's what I thought, too, but before I contest started, I looked up things that could be considered supernatural. Aliens were among them, so I had no particular problem with it.

I liked skiptrace a lot. Was in my top five for sure. And Sean, thanks for the passing grade for my script Johnny. It was my first script ever and I was a little nervous about submitting it but I was glad you liked it along with some others. - Dirk

Quoted from DV44

Thank you. And, I'm not the only one who seemed to like it. A lot of people did. But, I still say it needed a darker ending (just me), though.

James, I actualy was liking yours, but as you said, it feel down as it went and your writing did show signs of the Tall Boys coming to play.  I also knew yours by your PDF...not sure what's up with that, but it's always a dead giveaway.

Thank you DV.  I also think I gave you some positive feedback.  It was wel done and I applaud your eforts for a tough OWC.

Sean, yours as well...good job.  There were things I really liked about yours and others that I obviosly didn't, but it was a very solid effort and I wouldn't be sruprised if you take this baby home and get to drink water out olf the coveted mug.

Who's next?

Quoted from Dreamscale

Sean, yours as well...good job. There were things I really liked about yours and others that I obviosly didn't, but it was a very solid effort and I wouldn't be sruprised if you take this baby home and get to drink water out olf the coveted mug.

You, as well. Besides the borderline Kimmie May dialogue, I really enjoyed yours. Maybe if I had come out and plainly stated that Petric was the Grim Reaper, I would have a shot at the proverbial mug but at this moment, I say yours is in a battle with ExtraTERRORestrial for the top prize.

And thanks for that feedback too Jeff. Honestly I sweating a little before I read your review on Johnny. But you were nice in your review and you gave me some useful advice. Things like "Sounds of people screaming" is the same as we see. I had no idea about that so thank you.

We hear, we see, the sounds of..., etc.

"SCREAMS"

"FOOTSTEPS"

"MOANS"

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

C'mon, peeps...keep, 'em coming.

I think Johnny was definitely in my top 10 and if that's your first script ever, bro, you gonna be a force to reckon with!!! ;D ;D ;D

I liked yours Jeff, though I voted for Skiptrace(nice work, Blonde!)

Mine was Blood Ties - might as reveal as no one will guess it, lol. It got panned abit but I was happy with it, seeing as it became a deadline slog.

Not to confuse you Pia about the "Sounds of" but I was commenting what Jeff said in my review of Johnny.

And a force to be reckon with. Ha! Thanks but I've got a long way to go!

Quoted from stevie

Thank you, Stevie, but you did say that it wasn't our best overall OWC. I agree, though, but I think everybody did their best with the time and stipulations we had.

And the important thing is that you like your script. I don't know if I'd say it was panned, though. There were some that were PANNED (and I'm not even talking House or Cowboy Sam)... =)

Stevie, bro, I was liking yours up front and then it feel..nosedived, and as I said, I wondered if it was a pisser. Please don't take offense, but for me, the dialogue was far from your best, and you usually nail good dialogue.  It seemed to me like you were running on empty or against the hour and you just revealed everything through a character, that made it all seem so unreal.  Thanks, bro. for your kind words as well - I kinda hung you out to dry with the Beatles song and I actually even put your name on the doc properties!   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

DV, yeah, for reals..your first ever script in this tough challenge?  WOW..well done, bro.  Very impressed...

And again, to each and all, sorry if my comments offended or hurt.  They were not meant to. I speak from the heart and from my overly rotund gut and I do calls 'em as I sees 'em.

Glad to see some peeps owning up. As I said before, this was a ridiculous challenge. I think its why the likes of Ryan, Bert, and Kev stayed out. They're always contenders.

Zero power here in Ctown now. Transformers arcing in the distance which gives this night quite an ominous clos ure. Makes me want to write an end of the world script. Before 12-12-12. Or is it 11-11-11? Friggin Myans

It's perfectly ok to write "the sound of"....

Who's a force to be reconed with?

I wrote A Dark and Stormy Weekend. I was really regretting entering day after submitting, so I was surprised when some of you liked it. So, thanks for the reviews. (And I know the winged creature at the end was a bad call...)

There were a lot of these I liked. One of God's Special Children, Procella, Lost in the Storm, Johnny...but I voted for ExtraTERRORestrial. It was a really tough choice, though.

Coops knew as soon as he read Sacred Acceptance that it was mine. As I said though - idea Wednesday morning, worked out I had 2 hours while my husband was at darts to write it, no rewrites and submitting while my husband walks through the door - no logline!!! face palm!!! He hates it when I'm on the computer - writting consumes me.

Thanks to all comments. I don't know where the whole icecream thing came from - just popped into my head and I ran with it.

Jeff and Ray - your input didn't help me at all. :(

Who wrote The Ledger - I loved it.

Bflywings, I'm sorry...I didn't mean to be mean. Honestly, I didn't.

I actually had to go back and see what I wrote, because I had absolutely no clue what your script was...or what it was about. But, as I said, your 5th line or whatever it was about someone turning around and seeing a hurricane approaching or whatever it was, is just...well..it ain't good, sister. I've never been in a hurricane before but I'm fairly confident that you don't just turn and see one coming at you in the distance, and for me, that was your death knoll.

It obviously doesn't help with no logline. Sorry about my words, but I do hope you understand how a single horrible line early on can literally sink the ship.

Scriptrace is yours, Sean? --I loved it.
And DV (sorry, don't know your name) - Johnny was very close for me. I actually think that Scriptrace and Johnny are somewhat alike in theme - someone turning delusional.

Quoted from Dreamscale

Cheers bro. Actually, if I'm not doing comedy, I find dialogue tough. I thought I did ok on this one, as I was trying to show the Mexicans speaking politely, as they would do around each other.

Actually, I can handle any criticism after the Niners fisted the Cards today. LOL!

Quoted from stevie

Actually, I can handle any criticism after the Niners fisted the Cards today. LOL!

Touche, bro. You guys stuck it in us and then pulled it out...and out fucking guts came out with that fist.

Looks like the west is yours now. My Rams and Cards are not who I hope they'd be.

Well, if everyone is going to start outing themselves, I'll admit I wrote Now Lie In It.

Thanks for the kind words and criticism alike.

From the previous thread:

Quoted from Mr. Blonde

Finished. Disappointed, but finished. I had a stretch where I was liking it, then it all kind of fell apart.

My response then:
Again, that's the way I felt with mine, but perhaps, like me, you'll re-read your work again in, say, 24 hours, and wonder what was so bad about it.

I should have added: given the parimeters Because one thing I never liked in mine (and most everyone's in general) was the concept that all the characters had to have a supernatural expierience.

And I attempted to write in a "popular" sub-genre which I don't do often,, but only to challenge myself to make this worthwhile. I'll have you all know what I didn't like about my entry, Isidro was the same things some of you didn't like. I was iffy when I wrote that demons on the wind stuff, even if the characters meant it to BS the other characters and get them off guard. I expected a mixed reaction at best. I was far, far off.

I already done the rewrite. I'll put it up here when the time is right, but it's up at Talentville right now.

Jeff - No, no offense taken, lol. My first bout of criticism was in early Jan this year (by no-one on here) and my reaction was "What the...." I jumped around for a bit, cursed, then realized I was wrong and they were right. Ever since then it's been smooth sailing - any criticism is good criticism.

I only have trouble when I can't understand why - which was kind of what happened with your comment until...

"I've never been in a hurricane before but I'm fairly confident that you don't just turn and see one coming at you in the distance, and for me, that was your death knoll."

Now I get it.

As I said in an earlier comment, I'm guessing mine was the last of the first five you read, cause I could literaly see you banging your head on the keyboard at that stage. ;D

Oh yay, we're revealing.

I wrote Procella. Not Room 107, Coop. Not everything I write is about bank robbers. ;D

Congrats to everyone. I especially like Now Lie In It, One of God's Special Children, ExtraTERRORestrial and Skiptrace (though I don't think I stand alone in liking those).

Good job, everyone!

Quoted from DV44

First script! Good effort Dirk.

Mine...

Into the Eye

About time there was some butt jokes in an OWC!

However, that is the last time i do a comedy for an OWC.

i think the scripts would have been tighter with a few less restrictions, but i suppose no one can say that wasn't a challenge!!

Quoted from Reef Dreamer

Mine...

Into the Eye

Would have never guessed it was yours! Good disguise!

Super Inn is mine.

Where's Ray with the list of who wrote what? :)

Ok since the cat is out of the bag...I may as well reveal also ;)

I wrote Extra AND Damages :) I couldn't resist yall....so I broke the rules a lil and wrote two!!

Don may kick me out of the silly contest for it ;) but I cannot keep a secret!

Who wrote Cowboy Sam???

Quoted from khamanna

Yeah, it was mine. I recall you saying you pretty much knew who it was and I couldn't help but chuckle because there was a 99.7% chance that whomever you thought wrote it... wasn't me. Whose did you actually think it was?

And, DV44 is Dirk. Not a bad reaction for a first one, huh? =)

Quoted from RJ

As I said in an earlier comment, I'm guessing mine was the last of the first five you read, cause I could literally see you banging your head on the keyboard at that stage. ;D

Actually, now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure you're right - it was the last of the first batch. Funny...

Very impressive, Felipe. Great work!

But why did you have your male character butt ass nude the entire script?.

As general advice to each and every writer in the world, if you're gong to have nude characters, for my sake, please make them female and sexy as Hell. ;D ;D ;D

Damn, Dena...2 of the top 5 scripts were written by you? Very, very impressive!

Great writing on display. I am seriously impressed.

Now, you better send The Don a nice bottle of vino and apologize about entering 2 scripts.

I think I have read and commented on 28 of the entries, read more but will get to comment on the rest later. Didn't enter myself . . . Cowboy Sam is loosely inspired by my persona though, someone of you will have spotted the parallels . . .

I think those that do not enter, but read and comment on all of them should be allowed vote, just my opinion . . . or sour grapes :)

Congrats Dena,

Very impressive. Not only did you have time to write one but you wrote two excellent scripts in a week.

Congrats Felipe on your script. Nice job. It was a close second for me next to Jeff's script.

To Bill (Reef Dreamer) thanks for the kind words. I enjoyed Into the Eye, nicely done in a week's time.

Khamanna - I'm Dirk by the way. Thanks for the review, glad you liked it.

To Sean (Mr. Blonde) Skiptrace was great. Pretty nice writing for someone who started late because he didn't know what to write about but you came through at the end.

And thanks to everybody who took the time to read my script! My writing was all over the place but you have to start somewhere.

Cheers to everyone!

Quoted from Pale Yellow

You managed to think of two scripts for this challenge, and good ones! Well done.

Ok i wrote... when god owns a motel... .. ... yeah the one with the predictable ending and over use of ellipsis..:)

I thought i was being creative puttjng dantes inferno in a motel and yes i should have changed the ending...it was supposed to be modernized which is why i didnt use all the characters from the poem as michael pointed out.. i also wanted to keep it under budget

Thanks gotta go back to work.. the joys of being an electrician in a storm :D

Mark

Quoted from Dreamscale

What happened was I started writing a script and when I was 6 pages in, on Friday afternoon, I decided to go with another idea. So I backtracked all the way to the sex scene and started over. Both stories had the same characters so it worked out. The problem is that I completely forgot to put clothes on them.

I also think a lot of people didn't understand the ending. The last 2 pages were written with 15 minutes left to submit so I had to rush it (and it showed). The original idea was that Gabriel was not an angel at all but an agent from hell sent to give the couple their final placement test. If they gave up their lives, they'd go to heaven and if they gave up the baby's they'd go to hell.

Hell in this case turns out to be being stuck with each other for all eternity in a dumpy motel in the middle of a hurricane.

It didn't come off clearly in the script, so in the end, that is not what I expect anyone to interpret it as.

Turns out you and I had similar ideas for this, Jeff. =D

Quoted from Felipe

Hell in this case turns out to be being stuck with each other for all eternity in a dumpy motel in the middle of a hurricane.

The worst part of it all is that the only thing on TV is endless re-runs of "The Nanny". That's a scary ending... =)

Quoted from Felipe

Turns out you and I had similar ideas for this, Jeff. =D

Yes, we did. Maybe I should have had Kimmie May get naked and do some jigs with Lew? ;D ;D ;D

You did good, Felipe, especially if it was as rushed as you said. I know how that feels as you see time slipping away and you know you have to somehow bring everything to a conclusion.

My original idea involved a time machine shower instead of a demon baby, but they were still Satan Jr's parents.

Quoted from RJ

Who wrote The Ledger - I loved it.

That one's mine. The feedback was spot on, I was too ambitious with it and didn't have the full week to work it all out, but I'm glad a few of you sees the potential at least.

I voted for One of God's Special Children as well, not really surprised to learn Jeff wrote it. Great stuff!

I also voted for Lost In The Storm and Procella. Lots of potential in those as well.

Quoted from ReneC

I voted for One of God's Special Children as well, not really surprised to learn Jeff wrote it. Great stuff!

Thank you, Rene. Very nice to hear this. I appreciate it.

I think most everyone did a superb job with the parameters as strict as they were.

Hats off to everyone!

Now time to get back to writing!!!

Write on!

Big reveal time here! Here is the reason for the October 2012 OWC and it is also the reason why I could not submit my entry.

A while ago, on a Friday night, I was chatting with Michael Cornetto on Skype. As usual, like a good friend, he sat through and listened to my drunken ramblings and I don't remember exactly how this came about, but that is when we came up with this idea. I had just finished shooting TTD and I swore that I would never shoot another film again. mostly because I really hate the production part of it. especially pre-production. we came up with this idea, that maybe we could coproduce a film. Michael would do most of the stuff that I hate and I would shoot the film here in Florida. We came up with the idea of asking people from SS to write short stories that we would weave together into a feature. Then we came up with the idea of doing it in a rundown motel. after having some issues with the difficult locations I had chosen for TTD, I wanted it to be in a contained area where I could have better control over the environment. especially sound and lighting. since I am also funding this myself, it had to be rather low budget. We asked Don what he thought and he thought it was a great idea. So, there you have it.

we know this challenge was hard, but now you know why. we will meet this weekend and discussed the scripts that we are interested in. Hopefully, now you also understand why we were looking at the scripts differently than the average reader. We had to look for scripts that would fit our purposes, not necessarily scripts that won the popular vote. when we decide which scripts we are interested in, we will contact the writers.

And, if you thought I was kidding about my mime and the puppet story, you were wrong. I did write that script and I will post it soon and hope to get feedback on it. Michael has not read it yet, so there is a good possibility that he hates it. ;D

Anyway, thank you all for participating. I think all of you did a great job on such a short notice with such a difficult challenge.

If you have any questions regarding our plans for the feature film, feel free to ask here.

:)

Wowee :) I guessed it pretty good ;)

Best of luck on the production and we will all love to see it on here once you guys are done with it!! ;)

And again..thanks for the hard but fun OWC.

d

Quoted from Grandma Bear

I love it. ;D

Awesome idea and it made for a difficult but very interesting OWC.

I feel dirty and used. ;D

You... you used us? Like ANIMALS? ;D

Really cool idea, Michael and Pia. Might I ask where you shoot in Florida? I live in Titusville and it's weird to see another person in the good ole Sunshine State.

I want to know who wrote Will the Real Demon Please Rise. I actually really enjoyed it toward the end.

Forgive me if the writer already owned up and I missed it.

We didn't use anyone!...and if you don't want your script considered for "use", just let us know.  ;)

This will be shot in Gainesville at a motel called The Sunshine Inn.  http://travel.yahoo.com/p-hotel-344354-sunshine_inn-i

Be sure to read the review!!  ;D The pic at the beginning of this thread is the actual place.

Btw, my first ever solo short was last year at Halloween. I have come, if not a long way, but at least some way from that by now.  ;D
https://vimeo.com/31068950

Not sure why the embed didn't work.  :-/

Well, as long as we're all revealing our scripts, I wrote The Cycle (like Coop correctly guessed). Can understand the comments, after the first 5 pages I got lazy and typed the first thing that came to my head. A few days later I realized the OWC is due tomorrow so I posted what I had.

Great job, everyone. I loved Skiptrace as well as One of God's Special Children.

I hope you could tell I wasn't serious, but in case you couldn't... I don't actually feel used. This is actually pretty cool!

Pretty cool idea. What was with the supernatural backstory element, though? Or even the choice between good and evil? Most of these scripts could've been better if not for that. And they would still be confined to a run down motel.

James

wow, good stuff Pia!

i don't mind being used...

Its better than being fisted by the Niners ;D

Quoted from jwent6688

Pretty cool idea. What was with the supernatural backstory element, though?

The idea was to have a common theme that ran through them. So that very different stories would have an something in their structure that made them feel like they belong together on some level.

Hopefully, Cowboy Sam will make the final cut.

I just don't see how you guys couldn't include that in your flick.

Please, for the love of God and all things Holy and bright, you must include this classic.

Great idea guys.. You have quite a few good scripts to choose from

Mark

Who the heck wrote Cowboy Sam anyway?

Jeff wrote Cowboy Sam and had someone else submit it.

I am basing this on the dialogue - I've seen that style before and it's exactly what Jeff does when he's doing a pisstake.

I thought Jeff wrote it too!!!!

Confess Cowboy Sam author!!

That is gonna be quite the undertaking to assemble a feature from 10-12 of these scripts. Idea: Madame Putz tackles Gabriel from "Now Lie In It" in the parking lot and steals lil Satan back to her room. Then Robert from the Cycle appears out of the bathroom with some fresh steaks.

LOL!!!

I think we were thinking using 6-8 scripts. Add the stuff that weaves them together and hopefully we have 90 pages at the least.

Btw, I hope everyone understands this will take quite some time. :)

Cornie, I swear to God I did not write Cowboy Sam. I wish I did, but I honestly did not.

Quoted from Dreamscale

Cornie, I swear to God I did not write Cowboy Sam. I wish I did, but I honestly did not.

Maybe not you but it was definitely written by a regular. It just has that feel about it where it is intentionally bad. The type of thing only someone who's familiar with the way things operate around here would know...

Quoted from nawazm11

Great job, everyone. I loved Skiptrace as well as One of God's Special Children.

I was laughing so hard when I found out that had an A-. Of all the people... Lol.

Pia, I distinctly remember you promising the movie would be finished by christmas...

Quoted from Felipe

Pia, I distinctly remember you promising the movie would be finished by christmas...

Ah! But she didn't say which Christmas.

I don't remember saying anything about Christmas... I remember having a pre-Halloween screening for TTD, but that had to take a backseat due to a wedding and an assignment script. :-/

Quoted from Grandma Bear

I don't remember saying anything about Christmas... I remember having a pre-Halloween screening for TTD, but that had to take a backseat due to a wedding and an assignment script. :-/

Yeah, so now I have to pay a fee to change my ticket I bought for the premier at the Hippo. Damnit!!!!

You should do a live Youtube stream of TTD followed by a Skype q&a with all the SS folks.

Quoted from Felipe

You should do a live Youtube stream of TTD followed by a Skype q&a with all the SS folks.

I'll let Michael do whatever he wants. I don't like that kind of stuff. If he wants to broadcast it to the world, that's fine with me. ;D

I'm willing to fly over and have a walk-in role wearing my denim cutoffs. ;D :X :o

Quoted from stevie

I'm willing to fly over and have a walk-in role wearing my denim cutoffs. ;D :X :o

YES!!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

This now guaranteed to be a worldwide hit!!!!

Quoted from pia

I really hate the production part of it. especially pre-production. .... We didn't use anyone!...

Technically, Ray might feel a little used.  Afterall, he has already done all your pre-production work for you.  :-)

This is a neat idea, though, Pia and Michael.

And Pia, I do agree with what you said about 'Bad Juju'.  I think that one really had the best idea, and I really really loved the beginning.  I would've definately voted for it if I feel it didn't trail off at the end like it did.

Cinemachado.  You did 'Now Lie In It'?  Excellent work.  Yours definately had the greatest atmosphere.  I was SO close to voting it over 'Damages'.  However, I feel 'Damages' had a little more of a complete ending.   'Now Lie In It' ultimately just felt a little incomplete, like something was missing, and it was only at the end.  I think you'll have an amazing story after the rewrite.

And since we're all owning up, mine was 'Corpus Christi'.  I knew I was going to get slammed for the hymen still being intact after giving birth plothole, and I had my defense already.  Since it was a modern story, he was going to be born C-Section.

But in Felippe's comment, I think he filled my plothole in for me.  (I thought it was the most hilarious thing I've read in a while), he mentioned how 'I guess Jesus could've touched and healed it as he was being born.'

And it wasn't exactly a retelling of a Bible story, either, although, of course, because it was Christ, I had to incorporate things from the Bible, though.  It was an interpretation (and not the most popular interpretation, either) of a hymn written in the early 1500's, entitled 'Corpus Christi Carol'.  (Some people might recognize it most popularly from Jeff Buckley, who covered it on his album.)  I'll explain it more in the thread later, though.

I thought you named it that because of Corpus Christi, Texas which has it's shares of hurricanes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Corpus_Christi,_Texas

That just happened to be a strange, wonderful coincidence. (It also means 'The Body of Christ' in Latin.) Incidently, when I was a child, we stayed at a motel in Corpus Christi, and the photo Don posted, reminded me of that motel. (That's why my motel is also on the beach.) Because of the palm trees, I kind of assumed the beach was right across the street from the motel in the pic.

Quoted from Felipe

I feel dirty and used. ;D

Raped! That's the word!

...but let it not stop you, Pia and Michael. I'm onto the rewrite of mine...

;D

Quoted from Ryan1

Then Robert from the Cycle appears out of the bathroom with some fresh steaks.

Robert's everywhere.... BECAUSE HE CARES!!! :'( :'(

Quoted from Mr. Blonde

I was laughing so hard when I found out that had an A-. Of all the people... Lol.

Very strange coincidence. ;D

Pia, Michael,

From what Don said i guessed there was a producer/maker behind this but i didn't guess you lot.

The amalgamation of shorts into a feature seems popular as illustrated by the fifty kisses competition which is combining 50 two minute scripts.

http://www.50kissesfilm.com/#/

One point to note with this competition is that they have opened it up to other film makers. Just a thought if it proves too much?

A script i wrote for that reached the long list but alas not the final fifty.

I assume you intend to film the short scripts and make this into a feature but combining them rather than putting into one single feature? Love to hear your current thinking.

One final point, if you do proceed, remember to get the donate button out - must be a lot of cost involved.

all the best

I think our plans was to take the shorts and then Michael and I would write the stuff that ties them all together. In other words, it would be a feature script rather than several shorts.

My idea for filming this would be to hopefully do each short over one weekend each. That way works better for not just myself, but the actors too than shooting for two weeks straight.

When it comes to "using" SS members, I think Michael and I both think that it's more fun to involve people from here in any way we can rather go out on our own. At least that's how I feel and that's one reason I decided to shoot TTD. Which turned out to be a very ambitious project. More so than I had thought, for sure. ;D

Stevie can play both male and female roles, if he wears those short jean shorts of his.

Just put a wig on that bald head and he'll look like a really ugly broad.

You need a manly man, put a fake Abe Lincoln beard on him, and you're set.

If you need him to play a baby, stick a passafier in his mouth, and you have Baby Stevie, all ready to wet himself on que.

Quoted from Grandma Bear

I think our plans was to take the shorts and then Michael and I would write the stuff that ties them all together. In other words, it would be a feature script rather than several shorts.
D

Now that sounds like a challenge. Are you sure that's worth it, trying to bring together various different scripts? I don't want to be negative but that seems really hard and could possibly be disjointed?

On the other hand, I would love to see how you do it. Much to learn.

Whatever they do...it'll be good :)

If you need any help Pia...I'm only an hour or so away from ya!

Wow...look at the mimes!!!!!

It'll be a Mime Xmas :) Merry Halloween and Happy New Year ;) haha

Has the writer of The Tool of Morality stepped forward yet? Kinda curious who penned that one.

I wonder about that one also Ryan....that one and Cowboy Sam :) two I'd love to know who wrote!

Did you ever confess what you wrote??

Any idea when the official word will come on who wrote what and who gets the audioscript?

Maybe Don is busy dealing with the aftermath of Sandy? He could've been affected. :-/

You may get it, felipe!

I think it sounds like either you, Sean or Dena.

We'll see...

Quoted from Dreamscale

You may get it, felipe!

I think it sounds like either you, Sean or Dena.

We'll see...

Pretty sure a friendly amount voted for you, as well.

Nah...I'm out of the runnings...cuz I entered two :) I got as many bad reviews as I got good anyhow.

Between Jeff, Felipe and Sean.

HOPE Don is ok and hasn't been gobbled up by Sandy! Ugh...one bad bitch!

The official Who Wrote What thread is up!

Quoted from Pale Yellow

I got as many bad reviews as I got good anyhow.

The bad reviews don't count against you in the vote. I would feel pretty safe betting on you, thugh you may have split your votes by writing two. =D

Hope Don's doing alright in the aftermath.

Nervermind... you didn't split the votes. CONGRATS!

Quoted from RayW

Ran across a article with a small relevant blurb regarding budgets for SAG actors.
http://m.movies.com/movie-news/noah-segan-interview/10233
"... A lot of people don't realize that there are very common, heavily used SAG contracts called the Ultra-low Budget Filmage, which is movies under $200,000. A lot of the Fantastic Fest movies are made under that contract. That allows me to work for $100 a day, and usually I'm working for 12 hours. The average day in a movie starts at about 12 hours. So usually I'm working 12 to 18 hours a day.

... The minimum for an Ultra-low Budget Filmage, which is these days a lot of indies, now that technology has gotten to the point where we can do so much, you can make a movie for a hundred grand and you can pay your actors $100 a day. And that day is a very long day."

Print Topic