Welcome to the May, 2015 One Week Challenge:

You must write one script (properly formatted)^* between 5 to 12 pages (courier 12 point font) on this month's theme:

Theme: Open
Genre: Open
Location: An Elevator or Lift (a moving platform or cage for carrying passengers or freight from one level to another, as in a building.)

The story must take place in and/or around an elevator. Low/No budget.

So, what does this have to do with Message in a Bottle by The Police?  The key word is "Bottle" as in Bottle Episode as used in episodic television wherein the episode uses minimal sets, effects and actors.

The scripts are due on Saturday, May 23rd at 11:59PM EST and must be submitted to: SimplyScripts.Com/OWC..

Timeline:
May 23rd at 11:59PM EST - Scripts are due.
May 27th or sooner scripts will be posted
June 6th at 5:00PM EST - Names and writer's choice revealed.

The Rules:

Everything must take place in and/or around an elevator.  There is no genre restriction.

The Gist:

5 - 12 pages.
Properly formatted & saved as a PDF file.
This isn't a contest. There are no prizes.
Free to submit.
One entry per person.
No pissers, please (in other words, please take this seriously).
You can revise your script as many times as you wish up until 11:59PM EST on May 23rd.
You must be a member of the discussion board. Please Contact Me and ask to join.
Please put © 2015 on your title page.

Participants are strongly encouraged to read and comment on/review the scripts submitted. Seriously, if other people take the time to read them and you submitted, you can too.

Do not put your real name on your script. However, please use your real name and discussion board name when submitting your script. (After the challenge closes you can either have your script removed or resubmit with your script with your name on it.


^*Trelby and Celtx offer free screenwriting software.  Many industry professionals use Final Draft.  If you are just starting out, Trelby and Celtx are fine.  Save as PDF file.

Nice and open theme and genre.

To you guys an Elevator is a 'lift' to us Ozzies/English, right? Just clarifying. Yep, first stupid question.

And btw, Don - is 'the geist' some sort of play on, or hybrid of 'gist' and the 'zeitgeist'? Or did your auto-correct just throw a wobbly?  ;D

Love the lack of too many restrictions.

Quoted from LC Nice and open theme and genre. To you guys an Elevator is a 'lift' to us Ozzies/English, right? Just clarifying. Yep, first stupid question. And btw, Don - is 'the geist' some sort of play on, or hybrid of 'gist' and the 'zeitgeist'? Or did your auto-correct just throw a wobbly?  ;D Love the lack of too many restrictions.

LC,

To clarify, yes:  "An Elevator or Lift (a moving platform or cage for carrying passengers or freight from one level to another, as in a building.) "

and, yes.  I meant "Gist" as in "The essence or main point"

Thanks Don, and yep, I was just being a bit cheeky with 'gist' thing. I'll get back in my own cage now. :)

Quoted from LC Thanks Don, and yep, I was just being a bit cheeky with 'gist' thing. I'll get back in my own cage now. :)

LC,

Thanks for the catch.  I appreciate that.

Don

Geez, really? I already wrote mine, but it was about shoe lifts. Things that elevate you. Make you taller. I guess I'll toss that 13 pager on the trash heap.

Sounds great.  Good job on this open ended challenge.

Lots of features come to mind that were mainly set in an elevator, so a short shouldn't be much of a stretch.

Hate to hear no pissers, though, but I guess I better play fair here.

Good luck to all who enter, and as The Don noted, please be prepared to read other scripts. It's only fair, so be fair, eh?   ;) ;) ;) ;)

Not having a grizzle but open themes are just that. Open...   A few restrictions would be nice and produce more interesting scripts IMO.

Quoted from stevie Not having a grizzle but open themes are just that. Open...   A few restrictions would be nice and produce more interesting scripts IMO.

I thought that the location (a moving platform or cage for carrying passengers or freight from one level to another, as in a building) would be a sufficiently annoying limitation that I left the theme and genre open.  

Don

Damn.
So much for my ship in the rum bottle idea. ;D

Quoted from Don I thought that the location (a moving platform or cage for carrying passengers or freight from one level to another, as in a building) would be a sufficiently annoying limitation that I left the theme and genre open.   Don

I hear ya Don. A requirement of a chick in a wheelchair or a shark or urban legend would be nice though.

Hmm, hang on...could be some good ideas there lol

Did I miss something?

What does an elevator or lift have to do with a message in a bottle?

Am I on crack?

I know you say bottle episode.  What if we, like Libby, doesn't know what a bottle episode is?  

Okay, it isn't Libby.  It's Pia.  She asked me to ask you.

Lied again, it's me.  

You mean like a play stage if the play was to be recorded?  So, I can't have a lift to Hell b/c there is no way to show that with no budget.  Is that what you mean?

Or should I take more pain meds?

Thanks
Dan

Quoted from DanC Did I miss something?You mean like a play stage if the play was to be recorded?  So, I can't have a lift to Hell b/c there is no way to show that with no budget.  Is that what you mean?;

Don likes being cryptic in the lead up. If you can show 'hell' on a minimal budget, small cast etc., then hell, yes, you can do it.

Quoted from Dan Or should I take more pain meds?

I think the problem might be too many pain meds.  ;D Carry on.

Oooooh may be able to have a stab at this.

One annoying part is that I already have a script set only in a lift/elevator - which I won't use - so I'll have to shake that story line out of my head.

Now, where could that lift be taking you??

Dan, a bottle episode in TV parlance is one where - maybe to save money or because the writers are having a blank week - the ep is set up in such a way so the set has minimal props, budget etc. numerous sitcoms have these 'cheat' eps. Flashbacks to older episodes are a good example, dream sequences where the chars reminisce about their previous happenings.

An episode of a sitcom or regular series where the chars are stuck in a lift is another good example. A lot of the snows from the 70's and 80's have at least one bottle ep per season. Maybe not so much now.

The bottle refers to them being stuck in a bottle or being bottled up for that ep so that minimal stuff has to be used. Hope that clears it up lol

I'll do this only if I manage to collect all of my energie for my NYWIFT script rewrite. I must do that one first.
Which leaves me with one or two days. Which means the script will be full of it... you know what.

Good luck to everyone.

LC, I'm glad it's not about blonde men (not into them as well), although it could be two blondes in an elevator...

Hi Guys, and girls,
     thanks for letting me know.  You know what makes this really hard, and I did some research on this last night.  Most bottle episodes that occur happen within a certain reference.  In other words, the writers know what the plan is.

Star trek was famous for them.  They knew they had the entire ship to work with.  Other sitcoms knew they could use the school gym or something like that.

Without any "framework" for the series you are working on, it's really hard to create a series in your mind, then create the bottle from that series.

I could easily put an episode of Friends in this set up.  Or Buffy.  

I wish we had a frame of what the series was like.  If this is supposed to be "real life" we'd know what series we are writing for, right?

Dan

ps Libby, the Pain meds are "fun"  yeah, I hate them.  But, the pain isn't optional, it's too much for any human to deal with.

Quoted from khamanna I'll do this only if I manage to collect all of my energie for my NYWIFT script rewrite. I must do that one first. Which leaves me with one or two days. Which means the script will be full of it... you know what. Good luck to everyone. LC, I'm glad it's not about blonde men (not into them as well), although it could be two blondes in an elevator...

What are you working on?  If you need anything read, feel free to send me an email.  I'd be happy to read it for you.

Good luck
Dan

Quoted from DanC Hi Guys, and girls,      thanks for letting me know.  You know what makes this really hard, and I did some research on this last night.  Most bottle episodes that occur happen within a certain reference.  In other words, the writers know what the plan is. Star trek was famous for them.  They knew they had the entire ship to work with.  Other sitcoms knew they could use the school gym or something like that. Without any "framework" for the series you are working on, it's really hard to create a series in your mind, then create the bottle from that series. I could easily put an episode of Friends in this set up.  Or Buffy.   I wish we had a frame of what the series was like.  If this is supposed to be "real life" we'd know what series we are writing for, right? Dan ps Libby, the Pain meds are "fun"  yeah, I hate them.  But, the pain isn't optional, it's too much for any human to deal with.

I feel you're overthinking this Dan. Look at what is required as Don put up. The restrictions are minimal. Write the story, that's the important part within the setting and low budget/small cast in mind.

I haven't written a OWC script in a loooong time, BUT...I got it all planned out last night. It came to me like a homesick puppy. So, I'm in!

You know it will be dark. Some, or maybe even loads of violence. Sex. Well, duh! And, of course a twist!...Or maybe it'll be a nice little childrens' story. Or old people stranded in a stuck elevator while one of them is dying. Or maybe a gay comedy. You just just never know!  ;D MWUAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Quoted from DanC Hi Guys, and girls,      thanks for letting me know.  You know what makes this really hard, and I did some research on this last night.  Most bottle episodes that occur happen within a certain reference.  In other words, the writers know what the plan is. Star trek was famous for them.  They knew they had the entire ship to work with.  Other sitcoms knew they could use the school gym or something like that. Without any "framework" for the series you are working on, it's really hard to create a series in your mind, then create the bottle from that series. I could easily put an episode of Friends in this set up.  Or Buffy.   I wish we had a frame of what the series was like.  If this is supposed to be "real life" we'd know what series we are writing for, right? Dan ps Libby, the Pain meds are "fun"  yeah, I hate them.  But, the pain isn't optional, it's too much for any human to deal with.

You are writing a low to no budget, 5 to 12 page script of any genre set in/or around an elevator.


That's it.

You really do not need to conceptualise an entire series in your head. ;D

Quoted from Grandma Bear I haven't written a OWC script in a loooong time, BUT...I got it all planned out last night. It came to me like a homesick puppy. So, I'm in! You know it will be dark. Some, or maybe even loads of violence. Sex. Well, duh! And, of course a twist!...Or maybe it'll be a nice little childrens' story. Or old people stranded in a stuck elevator while one of them is dying. Or maybe a gay comedy. You just just never know!  ;D MWUAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Yeah...what she said...same for me.   ;D ;D

Quoted from Grandma Bear I haven't written a OWC script in a loooong time, BUT...I got it all planned out last night. It came to me like a homesick puppy. So, I'm in! You know it will be dark. Some, or maybe even loads of violence. Sex. Well, duh! And, of course a twist!...Or maybe it'll be a nice little childrens' story. Or old people stranded in a stuck elevator while one of them is dying. Or maybe a gay comedy. You just just never know!  ;D MWUAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Or maybe, ALL OF IT, TOGETHER. COMBINED.  Now that's a MUHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH coughs, wait, coughing now, can't breathe.  Really can'....can......no...br
passed out

Back now.

Hey Pia, how's the script coming along?  Were my ideas any help to you at all?  I love the concept.

Dan

Am I the only one who is stuck for an idea on this one? I guess I can't come up with something for the sake of coming up with something.

I need a little bit of investment.

Quoted from Max Am I the only one who is stuck for an idea on this one? I guess I can't come up with something for the sake of coming up with something. I need a little bit of investment.

Nope, you are not alone.

My ideas are either too stupid, or far too involved.  I'm having an issue thinking of anything good.  If I knew I was doing this for Star Trek, or CSI or SHIELD, or even Good Wife, then I'd have a better idea.

What throws me off is the series related bottle, which are done in series.  This is a stand alone with no real purpose other then to be a stand alone with no direction.

It's hard to think of something good to great, in 5-12 pages.

Dan

The message in a bottle hint was as obscure as it gets. Well played, Don. ;)

I like the topic. Got nothing so far, but I like it. No crazy boundaries and very indie-friendly. I reckon at least a few will eventually get produced this OWC.

Good luck all -- and to Khamanna with the NYF..T...something rewrite. If you need another pair of eyes to look over it, feel free to drop me a PM.

Coming up with a good to great idea in less than 12 hours is pretty difficult to impossible, in reality.

Take your time, peeps.  No rush here...we've a whole week, and once you have your idea, the actual writing should be a breeze.

Do I have a good idea?  No.  Do I have any ideas?  Well, yeah...a script set in some sort of elevator.  I'll just take it from there.

I'd like to commit to the OWC, but the idea I have... without giving anything away, are we allowed to do a script that takes place in/on a LIFT that's NOT in a building but outside?

Quoted from Dreamscale Yeah...what she said...same for me.   ;D ;D

Jeff Bush - covered in honey - stuck in a lift with a bunch of gay St Louis Rams fans....

Quoted from Leegion I'd like to commit to the OWC, but the idea I have... without giving anything away, are we allowed to do a script that takes place in/on a LIFT that's NOT in a building but outside?

The location is elevator/lift. If the elevator/lift exists outside a building, it seems it would fall within the parameters of the exercise.

Don

Quoted from DanC What throws me off is the series related bottle, which are done in series.  This is a stand alone with no real purpose other then to be a stand alone with no direction. It's hard to think of something good to great, in 5-12 pages. Dan

Dan,

It has been explains twice before and perhaps you are not getting it.

Let me emphasize the challenge,

Write a script between 5 to 12 pages that takes place in and/or around an elevator. Low/No budget.  

That is it.  This challenge has nothing to do with any series or any bottle.  

Quoted from Grandma Bear I haven't written a OWC script in a loooong time, BUT...I got it all planned out last night. It came to me like a homesick puppy. So, I'm in! You know it will be dark. Some, or maybe even loads of violence. Sex. Well, duh! And, of course a twist!...Or maybe it'll be a nice little childrens' story. Or old people stranded in a stuck elevator while one of them is dying. Or maybe a gay comedy. You just just never know!  ;D MWUAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

This brings a certain AEROSMITH song to mind :)

Quoted from eldave1 This brings a certain AEROSMITH song to mind :)

Pia Got A Gun?

;D 8)

Quoted from stevie Pia Got A Gun? ;D 8)

Love in an Elevator - although I like yours better.

I got some ideas rambling around. Finding a logline is going to be the more challenging. I can say that peeps are going to hate me for writing my entry, and thus might hate the script too. What else is new. The way things are looking though, I'm actually considering to ask for possible collaboration, because I want this thing to be that much better.,

Are teamups allowed in this OWC?

I finished mine, guys! Will tweak during the week, but feeling pretty good about it so far! I love shorts! I miss them! If someone would just pay me to write shorts all day, I'd be in heaven! :)

Dan, yes, I appreciated your suggestions for SLEEP. I got a LOT of suggestions from people and I think in a way, that actually messed me up. <it made me doubt my own ideas and brought me to a halt. I'm taking a break from it for a couple of days to finish this OWC and my conspiracy thriller.

For what it's worth, everyone LOVES the concept of SLEEP! It's a winner, I know it, if I can just get it right.  :)

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley I got some ideas rambling around. Finding a logline is going to be the more challenging. I can say that peeps are going to hate me for writing my entry, and thus might hate the script too. What else is new. The way things are looking though, I'm actually considering to ask for possible collaboration, because I want this thing to be that much better., Are teamups allowed in this OWC?

Yes, teamups are allowed.

Quoted from Don Yes, teamups are allowed.

But no teacups? Darn!

BTW

Quoted Text "There is no genre restriction."

Be careful how that can be interpreted.  ;D
Anyway, as for my entry, if anyone is still having troubles and wish to add to my own,  ;D message me.  
Just know who you will be dealing with...
But I'll need to know by Tuesday if you are in.

I've written three high concept ten-page TV ideas and synopses during the past week and am writing another. Not sure I have any creative juice left. I'm well due a week away from writing so may have to back out of this one.

Quoted from DustinBowcot I've written three high concept ten-page TV ideas and synopses during the past week and am writing another. Not sure I have any creative juice left. I'm well due a week away from writing so may have to back out of this one.

I doubt I could manage that if there was a gun to my head. Especially if someone else was holding it.

I have thought of three ideas for this elevator business though. The first was rubbish. The second was dull and third was frankly appalling. So, the usual type of thing then.

Ho hum.

R

Oooh a OWC! I've not taken part in the last few of these and miss them. I'd like to write something new, for the past few weeks I've just been doing re-drafts of old scripts for various film festivals and competitions.

Wouldn't it be nice if we had an official pisser contest for a change? ;-)

The OWC normally gives me some great inspiration but the openness of this is currently drawing a blank in my mind. However I'll have a think and see if I can come up with something. :-)

Best of luck everyone, I look forward to reading these.

-Mark

No teacups?! But I had it all figured out...

Thriller - After holding a speech about their experiences in the war on Remembrance day, two grumpy old Englishmen end up stuck inside a broken elevator in a building that's not set to be visited for 7 days. Paranoia breaks out when they find out they only have enough tea to sustain one of them for a week.

I'm going to make a prediction that the OWC will have a lot of restrictions next time around. And, I think there'll be a ton of entries this go round, - a large proportion of them, horror.

Quoted from LC I'm going to make a prediction that the OWC will have a lot of restrictions next time around. And, I think there'll be a ton of entries this go round, - a large proportion of them, horror.

Agreed. I'm predicting that there will be a fair share of thrillers too.

Oh :) OWC time... Found out about it yesterday and we are leaving for Missouri (week vaca) tomorrow...if I wasn't the driver, I could write one on the road...perhaps I'll be able to squeeze one in :) Will try.

Quoted from LC I think there'll be a ton of entries this go round, - a large proportion of them, horror.

I don't know about that. Don has not mentioned this on FB nor on the SS home page. Also, there's no longer a moviepoet to announce it on either. I haven't mentioned it anywhere either because I figured if Don isn't saying anything about it, then maybe he doesn't want a ton of scripts submitted.

My take.  :)

Quoted from LC I'm going to make a prediction that the OWC will have a lot of restrictions next time around. And, I think there'll be a ton of entries this go round, - a large proportion of them, horror.

Yeah, this leads itself to horror, suspense, terror etc.  I can also imagine a cute love story comedy of getting stuck in an elevator, but, it'd be a snippet from a bigger movie or something.

Pale Yellow, I love your avatar.  It's creepy as all hell.  Very Exorcist-like or Weeping Angel-like from the Dr. Who series.

For those fellow Dr. Who fans, has there been a better idea in the new series then the Weeping Angels?  They are freaking awesome.  I have watched that first episode more then 6 times.

Dan

Quoted from LC I'm going to make a prediction that the OWC will have a lot of restrictions next time around. And, I think there'll be a ton of entries this go round, - a large proportion of them, horror.

Actually, I was thinking more along the lines of 50 Shades of an Elevator, but you never know.

Quoted from Don The location is elevator/lift. If the elevator/lift exists outside a building, it seems it would fall within the parameters of the exercise. Don

Sounds like my idea can participate then.  Thanks for the green light, Don.

Quoted from Grandma Bear I don't know about that. Don has not mentioned this on FB nor on the SS home page. Also, there's no longer a moviepoet to announce it on either. I haven't mentioned it anywhere either because I figured if Don isn't saying anything about it, then maybe he doesn't want a ton of scripts submitted. My take.  :)

Pia would be correct.  Unlike the October One Week Challenge, this is advertised only on the discussion board and limited to members of the discussion board.  Trying to keep it intimate and friendly.  

- Don

Oh God. This couldn't have came at a worse time. New job has me working 7 days a week at the moment.

If I don't enter I'll try read as much as I can though.

Sounds like a good one. Thanks again, Don.

Thanks Dan(dunno where I found it somewhere on google)...and I think it's good to have a smaller challenge.

It will surely be easier to read the entries this way! :)

Dena, I'll know yours as soon as I read the first 1/2 page!    You know I will...right?

BWOOOHAHA!!!!!!   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Jeffie...I do not know how you always can guess mine!!!??? Tell me how you are doing it?? Tell me your secret!!! I'm going to steal your crystal ball this year! I dunno how to camouflage mine! LOL

That is...if I get to write one... I'm driving 18 hours to Missouri tomorrow ....and vacation time....so unless I write it by the pool or while hiking through the woods and who knows if there's even internet service in such place??!!

You better not be cheating...who does that!?? I mean where they do that at?? You got me?  LMAO :)

Quoted from Pale Yellow Jeffie...I do not know how you always can guess mine!!!???

See, that's the fun part of the old days with the OWC. It's hard to guess who wrote what when there are 35 entries, but if there's only 15 or so written by board members, the guessing game becomes an extra fun thing! I've missed that part personally.

Writers that were easy to spot in those old days were Helio, Shelton and Jordan.  :) 8)

Quoted from Grandma Bear Writers that were easy to spot in those old days were Helio, Shelton and Jordan.

...and PiPi...and Dena...

Okay - first draft done - time for a beer.

Quoted from eldave1 Okay - first draft done - time for a beer.

Impressive!!  Well done.

I've got an idea, and will hopefully write it soon, as I will not be able to this weekend.

Brilliant!

I've got the beginning of an idea but not an ending. Still that hasn't stopped any writer in Hollywood getting a multi-million dollar deal so I'm going for it lol.

Quoted from DanC What are you working on?  If you need anything read, feel free to send me an email.  I'd be happy to read it for you. Good luck Dan

It's a Christmas rom com flick. Thanks, I really appreciate it!! - I need to finish working on the rewrite first if that ever happens)

I have my second draft done.  I'm gonna lose my OWC virginity.  I feel so special right now...

Congrats, Dan!

Still at INT. ELEVATOR here. :(

Second 1/2 draft for me. Nobody was interested in a team up, so it's all doom and gloom from here.

I've got a concept, a genre, a beginning, and an end in my head. I'll see what becomes of it.

This month's theme is intriguing and lends itself to several genres.

Quoted from Pale Yellow You better not be cheating...who does that!?? I mean where they do that at?? You got me?  LMAO :)

Actually, there IS a way to cheat.  But I would never, ever, ever do so.  Where would be the fun in that?  :P  Besides, I wouldn't want to be even subliminally biased on the read by knowing!

I'm in...who will join me?

Best
Richard

Quoted from RichardR I'm in...who will join me?

I've submitted mine. Just waiting for confirmation.

I've gone from vomit draft...to ....very ugly draft...but it's on it's way ..hopefully

I've just thrown one off... and then I wrote a short. I didn't have time to write anything as earth-shattering as my usual outings, but it's something. I've gone for full on porn this time, but only when the lift is going up. When on the way down it changes to a western with horses, Indians and astronauts.

Quoted from DustinBowcot I've just thrown one off... and then I wrote a short. I didn't have time to write anything as earth-shattering as my usual outings, but it's something. I've gone for full on porn this time, but only when the lift is going up. When on the way down it changes to a western with horses, Indians and astronauts.

Sounds like a New Years party!  ;D

I submitted yesterday, but was informed I might not meet the parameter. Most of it's on an elevator, but there's an opening scene in a room connected to the elevator. Oh well.

Quoted from JSimon I submitted yesterday, but was informed I might not meet the parameter. Most of it's on an elevator, but there's an opening scene in a room connected to the elevator. Oh well.

It may be for another reason as:

The story must take place in and/or around an elevator. Low/No budget.

It seems like an opening scene around the elevator shouldn't be an issue.

mine may be rejected for being crap

that could be a valid reason

but still, i haven't written in months so its good to be back, so to speak

I want to cry a little. I don't have time even to scratch my head this week, and I really don't want to miss this challenge. What to do? :'(

I genuinely wasn't going to enter, working on a feature, too busy, didn't have a decent idea... usual excuses...

Then inspiration hit... written half of it tonight, rest is coalescing in my head... looks like i'll be entering afterall...

Dustin - looking forward to yours, Western section obviously ;-)

I haven't been active on SS in a very long time, so I had thought my submission would be *extra* anonymous. Then I realized that I was going to read and review as many submissions as I could and, well, you people aren't dummies (okay, there's always a few ;) ) many of you would probably have assumed that I had submitted something - I might as well admit it. :)

I haven't yet, but will very soon.

Quoted from realxwriter I want to cry a little. I don't have time even to scratch my head this week, and I really don't want to miss this challenge. What to do? :'(

You can do both bro! Drink a cup of cement to harden the f**k up then start writing. Then scratch your head and do any other chores every 10 minutes. Works for me  ;D :o

I got my concept figured out as well, it's a rather simple twist but I think it works.

Can't wait, 3 days to bang out 6 pages LOL, bring it on!

Look forward to reading your stuff.

Quoted from Max I got my concept figured out as well, it's a rather simple twist but I think it works. Can't wait, 3 days to bang out 6 pages LOL, bring it on! Look forward to reading your stuff.

6 pages?  Why stop at 6 pages?

Okay - dokay - just submitted my script (thanks for the inspiration Libby).

Off to Hawaii to visit grandsons at end of month - got to find a wifi connection for sure.

This actually has me thinking juices flowing. I may participate. :)

~Zack~

Quoted from eldave1 Okay - dokay - just submitted my script (thanks for the inspiration Libby). Off to Hawaii to visit grandsons at end of month - got to find a wifi connection for sure.

On ya, Dave.  ;)
...Oh you lucky dog. Hawaii sounds great. Think I'll go some day.

Just submitted my first draft. I'll most likely tweak it when I have more time.

Good luck to everybody.

I had a title picked out, but I changed it when I got to the last page. The new title fits the script a bit more.  ;D I must have written and rewritten the dialog a hundred times. Taking things out, putting things back in and in which order. I have already decided that regardless of the feedback, this one I will not disown. This is a keeper. In fact, iwhen I resub after the OWC with my actual name on it, I'll ask that the revision be put in the shorts section. There's some stuff in this OWC I really like.

I debated on taking the alias. You all will spot my yarn in a minute or two,  But who knows...man, I want to film this short bad. Bad. Bad. Bad.

Quoted from stevie You can do both bro! Drink a cup of cement to harden the f**k up then start writing. Then scratch your head and do any other chores every 10 minutes. Works for me  ;D :o

Sounds like a good plan. Thanks stevie. :D

Will our REAL NAME be displayed on the forum when we submit? Just curious, or will that be kept secret unless we want to reveal it?

Quoted from Dreamscale 6 pages?  Why stop at 6 pages?

I don't think I'm good enough to stretch the concept out over more than that.

I've just finished the whole thing and even that... I felt like I was padding out the dialogue.

Real names aren't revealed initially, could influence the voting!

Fenigus: names are revealed after a week for others to review. Anonymity is a key part of the concept. And if 5 pages feels right for your story, trust your instincts. You'll be fine, and everyone is here to learn how to get better. Good luck!

Quoted from AnthonyCawood Real names aren't revealed initially, could influence the voting!

But if my discussion board name is on the script, won't people know?

Quoted from LC On ya, Dave.  ;) ...Oh you lucky dog. Hawaii sounds great. Think I'll go some day.

You would think - I am more of a city person - so, other than the grandsons - it's a bit of a snoozer.

Quoted from Max I don't think I'm good enough to stretch the concept out over more than that. I've just finished the whole thing and even that... I felt like I was padding out the dialogue.

Don't pad. It will show. So long as you have five pages you have an eligible short. Being able to know what to cut is an essential trait.

Quoted from Max But if my discussion board name is on the script, won't people know?

Don't put your discussion board name on the script. That's for Don's use when he reveal the names of the writers.

Done mine, sent it in.

It's awful but at least it doesn't have my name attached, I just wanted to bang it out and speed-run it... I got a lot to do over these next 2 days so I didn't have too much time to spend on it.

Good luck to the rest of y'all, not sure how many entries are gonna' flood in but I'll be sure to leave some feedback for you guys, as much as I can.

Quoted from Zack This actually has me thinking juices flowing. I may participate. :) ~Zack~

You sound excited bro! Nearly as excited as Jeff Bush in a hot tub with the St Louis Rams O Line

Fengius max - from your post per day you've been around a while. Makes me wonder....

tips

don't put your name on it

don't tell us the page length - we can then guess you

don't break any of Jeff's rules - he gets grumpy

don't use the name cowboy sam or madam putz, or something, I've forgotten

don't expect an easy ride - the OWC is a tough assignment

but...do

expect to learn...fast

back to story

does anybody else spot the same issues arise with their OWC entries?

Mine, trying to fit too much in. Too complicated. same old same old.

my reliable wife read mine tonight.

you know you've got issues when she pauses with what she thinks.  :'(

but, i repeat, its good to write.  i've enjoyed the challenge and whilst i will be beaten up, it has made me reflect on my joy for writing. to challenge the mind.

next week it won't be so nice to be read, but hey, thats why we turn up

good old SS

Quoted from Reef Dreamer my reliable wife read mine tonight. you know you've got issues when she pauses with what she thinks.

This made me laugh - I think my wife must somehow be related to yours :)

Quoted from Reef Dreamer Fengius max - from your post per day you've been around a while. Makes me wonder.... tips don't put your name on it don't tell us the page length - we can then guess you don't break any of Jeff's rules - he gets grumpy don't use the name cowboy sam or madam putz, or something, I've forgotten don't expect an easy ride - the OWC is a tough assignment but...do expect to learn...fast back to story does anybody else spot the same issues arise with their OWC entries? Mine, trying to fit too much in. Too complicated. same old same old. my reliable wife read mine tonight. you know you've got issues when she pauses with what she thinks.  :'( but, i repeat, its good to write.  i've enjoyed the challenge and whilst i will be beaten up, it has made me reflect on my joy for writing. to challenge the mind. next week it won't be so nice to be read, but hey, thats why we turn up good old SS

I haven't been around too long, I joined in 2009 and have been a lurker pretty much since then... but all of a sudden I've had some sort of renewed passion for writing... I just enjoy it... no matter what the quality.

I try and follow all the rules ect. but to me... it's just about creating something which I can call mine, no matter how bad... it was me who came up with something and no-one else.

Either way, I'm looking to contribute more and leave more feedback.

I'm not a naturally gifted writer, I read scripts... and I try and replicate what I see... I try and adapt a style... I try to write visually and not all fluffy.

I love this place tho, a lot of good work and lot of hidden gems floating about. I love the screenplay format... for me it's a more snappy straight to the point style of writing compared to a novel.

Quoted from Max I haven't been around too long, I joined in 2009 and have been a lurker pretty much since then... but all of a sudden I've had some sort of renewed passion for writing... I just enjoy it... no matter what the quality. I try and follow all the rules ect. but to me... it's just about creating something which I can call mine, no matter how bad... it was me who came up with something and no-one else. Either way, I'm looking to contribute more and leave more feedback. I'm not a naturally gifted writer, I read scripts... and I try and replicate what I see... I try and adapt a style... I try to write visually and not all fluffy. I love this place tho, a lot of good work and lot of hidden gems floating about. I love the screenplay format... for me it's a more snappy straight to the point style of writing compared to a novel.

good to see you back, and all the best

cheers

Quoted from Reef Dreamer don't break any of Jeff's rules - he gets grumpy

That's up for debate--Jeff is always out by page three, regardless of who wrote and what substance they were on while writing it.   ;D

Submitted, now back to the feature!

Quoted from AnthonyCawood Submitted, now back to the feature!

You wrote it while you were watching a movie?

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley That's up for debate--Jeff is always out by page three, regardless of who wrote and what substance they were on while writing it.   ;D

That is not true, Darren.  But, if the script I'm reading is bad with the same mistakes over and over, yep, you can bet I'll be out...but I always will tell the writer why I'm out.

I hope to be much more gentle this OWC.  I really will be trying, and the tone of my feedback will not be assholish...I hope.

For the first time in OWC history, I'm actualy done before the final day.  I banged this out today, after coming up with the concept Tuesday, on a hike, and then writing it in my head on a hike yesterday.  Thank God for the hikes, or I'd be in deep shit, looking at a deadline I probably wouldn't make.

Will submit later tonight.  It's a first draft, but of course, there shouldn't be any errors.

;D ;D ;D ;D

Best of luck to all who enter.  And if you enter, please read all or as many of the other entries as you can.  It's really only fair.

Peace, brothers and sisters!!!

If we send in another draft before the end date, will the last one you submit go up?

Quoted from Max If we send in another draft before the end date, will the last one you submit go up?

Yes.

I think the timer is a day out?

Maybe we really do have until Saturday... =)

I'm in!!!  Woohoo...feels great to have something in...early for a change.

Quoted from realxwriter I want to cry a little. I don't have time even to scratch my head this week, and I really don't want to miss this challenge. What to do? :'(

I heard payapl works wonders for those who don't have the creativity at this time :)

Just submitted my second draft. I like how polished this version is.

Again, good luck to everybody. :)

Got a little too much drama in my life right now to wrap my noggin around an OWC, but looking forward to reading what you guys come up with. :)

Quoted from LC I think the timer is a day out?

No, the timer is correct. This is bringing run Saturday evening Eastern Time to Saturday at 11:59 pm edt.

Don

Came up with an idea yesterday, wrote half of it last night – will finish the rest tonight hopefully. Don’t have time to do a second draft so this is going to be pure vomit.

The premise of the OWC makes me think we'll see a lot of similarity in the stories but time will tell, always does, and you guys are very creative and surprising, so I'm looking forward to reading these.  

entered.

didn't have any more time and travelling all tomorrow

nothing like a five day challenge  ;D ;D ;D

i will be interested to see what folk come up with. usually they are all so different and i expect that to be the case this time, but you never know with such tight criteria.

reading starts next week, which is good for me as I'm on holiday, but we shall see.

thanks Don

cheers

I'm predicting lots of sex and murders in elevators. (Sometimes in the same script.)

Just sayin'...

:P

Not really much you can do with an elevator tbh, it's a weird setting...

Almost like you're trying to pull a story out of thin air.

Although I have watched an entire film set in an elevator and it was really cool, can't remember what it was but somebody ended up bein dead in the lift.

Quoted from wonkavite I'm predicting lots of sex and murders in elevators. (Sometimes in the same script.)

Hopefully in that order. ;D

I finally got an idea that I don't downright hate. Jotted my thoughts down a few minutes ago and ended up with a decent half-page treatment. One and a half days left to make a script of it now.

Congrats to everyone that's submitted and good luck to everyone still going. You can do it!

If there's no penguins in any of these scripts, I'm gonna be angry.

Quoted from Max Although I have watched an entire film set in an elevator and it was really cool, can't remember what it was but somebody ended up bein dead in the lift.

Only three films came to mind, it sounds like Devil, a from a five years ago (and all film is subjective, so "really cool" is up for debate) but I expect at least one entry to give a tip of the hat to Dutch writer/director Dick Mass ( '83's De Lift and the 2011 remake The Shaft)

Where's Ray?

He always turns up for a OWC..doesn't he?

And he always posts the 'hole in the fire' clip.

Kind of missing that now....

I looked back through the older challenges and had a ball reading Dreamscale's comments, lol.

Quoted from MarkRenshaw If there's no penguins in any of these scripts, I'm gonna be angry.

Hmmm... is that a call for Bad Penguin?  Where's dogglebe when you need him?  :P

Quoted from wonkavite Hmmm... is that a call for Bad Penguin?  Where's dogglebe when you need him?  :P

I asked about him not too long ago, in the questions and comments sections...

Dude was smooth when it came to that screenplay format, simple... easy... which is why I requested his Burnout script.

Gotta keep it trimmed and on point, he did that well.

Quoted from Max I asked about him not too long ago, in the questions and comments sections... Dude was smooth when it came to that screenplay format, simple... easy... which is why I requested his Burnout script. Gotta keep it trimmed and on point, he did that well.

;D Yep, and as with last time, Janet (Wonka) knows how smooth he is.  They're a bit tight, remember Fen?

Quoted from LC ;D Yep, and as with last time, Janet (Wonka) knows how smooth he is.  They're a bit tight, remember Fen?

Yes, I remember now lol :)

My memory is shot, I can't remember what I post at the best of times. With regards to wonka... All I think about is Willy Wonka, chocolate river, glass elevator, everlasting gobstopper ect.

I'm a new member, but it's great to have a shot at this.
My script will stick out like a sore thumb, only wrote it in about an hour, but I will comment on all I read.
I expect to finish bottom of the pile, and my "reviews" will only be about a sentence long, but hope its all good and fun.
Beats screenwriting workshops.
:)

Steve - don't do yourself down mate... we all started somewhere, and for most that means scripts that makes us cringe when we look back on them ;-)

Just submitted mine. No penguins were harmed in the writing of my script.

May god have mercy on our souls.

I'm in.  Was disappointed I had to miss the last challenge, but I'm finally starting to find more time to write.  Best of luck to all.

I don't think I'm going to make it. Ran into an obstacle with my plot and I have a bunch to study for next week. Shame, guess I'll have nothing for the OWC again.  :-/

On the bright side, even if I don't make it, getting a few pages done has actually brought me some motivation to write again.

15 hours left!

Sorry to hear about that DC, you can always submit to the shorts section I guess.. lol.

Hopefully he's bluffing. You never can tell.

R

A real man of course... submits on time.

Quoted from stevemiles I'm in.  Was disappointed I had to miss the last challenge, but I'm finally starting to find more time to write.  Best of luck to all.

Good news. One of my favourite writers. But I bet I will guess yours...there's a challenge

Hey, Don...I appreciate you work hard for little return, but a few scripts posted tomorrow would be appreciated.

Cheers

Quoted from Max elevator going to heaven... down to hell ect.

Something tells me the title "Hellevator" is taken.

Quoted from MarkRenshaw Just submitted mine. No penguins were harmed in the writing of my script. May god have mercy on our souls.

I wish I could say the same.  I had 10000000 penguins harmed in mine.  And 50mil elephants.  And 30mil tigers.  Noah's ark ran ashore in an elevator.  You try cramming that much into a storage elevator.

Parts are parts folks.

And to think, this was shot on a $5.00 budget...

Yeah, I might have failed the parameters of the challenge...

On the plus side, I promise to read everyone who submitted.  I enjoy reading ideas about sex, murder, and umm, sex, murder,  oh, and laughing.  Hopefully not at the sex and murder...

Quoted from Max My ideas were so cliche for this. Elevator opening up to a brick wall ect, elevator going to heaven... down to hell ect. Typical garbage.

Now, now. Don't make folks remember the ending subtext of Alan Parker's Angel Heart (1987) now!

Quoted from DanC I wish I could say the same.  I had 10000000 penguins harmed in mine.  And 50mil elephants.  And 30mil tigers.  Noah's ark ran ashore in an elevator.  You try cramming that much into a storage elevator.

I killed no 'guins.I killed no 'phants
no tigs not even the skeeters.
Killin' time
ah!
now that's summptin else!

Quoted from DarrenJamesSeeley Now, now. Don't make folks remember the ending subtext of Alan Parker's Angel Heart (1987) now!

Hey, I liked Angel Heart.  It wasn't perfect, but, there was some good stuff in that movie.  And I'm not just talking about Lisa Bonet.

I never saw any elevator movies so it was too hard to come up with one. Sorry.
Good luck to everyone, I'll read as many as I can.

I've never seen any elevator movies either. I did read Charlie and the Glass Elevator as a kid though, so maybe that has helped.

My short is actually very close to that... I hope Roald doesn't get too mad.

Quoted from DustinBowcot I've never seen any elevator movies either. I did read Charlie and the Glass Elevator as a kid though, so maybe that has helped. My short is actually very close to that... I hope Roald doesn't get too mad.

Yeah I remember that book, I preferred The Twits though... loved that.

I like this writer called Paul Jennings as well, you might've heard of him... I loved his stories.

My favorite book tho, from my childhood was Creature Teacher... a goosebumps book.

Quoted from Max My ideas were so cliche for this. Elevator opening up to a brick wall ect, elevator going to heaven... down to hell ect. Typical garbage.

I will be surprised if we don't get some of those; it is the obvious way to go. As long as they are entertaining and try to do it with a bit of a different slant on it I'm sure all will be good.

Quoted from Reef Dreamer Good news. One of my favourite writers. But I bet I will guess yours...there's a challenge Hey, Don...I appreciate you work hard for little return, but a few scripts posted tomorrow would be appreciated. Cheers

Bill,

I will start posting tomorrow.  

Don

Film called "Elevator" on Netflix, I enjoyed it as a time waster but it wasn't anything special.

A good single setting location film was "The Exam", again... not anything special but it was tyring to be original.

Well theres a low/no budget requirement so no blow ups snakes in an elevator or other weird stuff. Even sex is not cheap to film...

Quoted from khamanna Well theres a low/no budget requirement so no blow ups snakes in an elevator or other weird stuff. Even sex is not cheap to film...

Okay, I gotta ask, why not?

Are we talking about sex or porn?

I mean, 2 naked people going at it.  I know you have to work camera angles and what not and the other rules for not showing porn, but, it doesn't strike me as being THAT hard to film, as long as they are willing to be naked.

Quoted from khamanna Even sex is not cheap to film...

Says the voice of experience.

Quoted from Max Yeah I remember that book, I preferred The Twits though... loved that. I like this writer called Paul Jennings as well, you might've heard of him... I loved his stories. My favorite book tho, from my childhood was Creature Teacher... a goosebumps book.

I missed Paul Jennings. By 85 I was reading the likes of Pratchett, Tom Holt and Piers Anthony.

Quoted from DustinBowcot I missed Paul Jennings. By 85 I was reading the likes of Pratchett, Tom Holt and Piers Anthony.

I LOVED Piers Anthony's work.  I read a bunch of Xanth novels and a few others like the Phthor series...  (or was that the name of the book?  The one where the guy ends up on the prison planet naked for his crimes of loving his wife to death)...

I always have wondered why is Xanth not on the big screen?  Those early stories A spell for Chameleon, Night Mare, Dragon on a Pedestal, Centaur Aisle, etc were such good stories.  His puns were amazing.  

Why has no one ever made a movie out of them?  Alas, I stopped reading them more then a decade ago, but, I had to have read quite a few, more then 8...

Another one of my fav books btw, soon as we're on the subject...



It's like an adventure book, you make your choice and turn to a page...

Loved it!

Quoted from Don Bill, I will start posting tomorrow.   Don

Awesome! Thanks Don. I'm off work tomorrow so I'll have plenty of time to read whatever is posted. The open genre this OWC should offer some nice variety, I think (I hope :P ) .

I was doubtful there for awhile (the idea came easy, but I was swamped with the writing), but I'm in!

It's 12 pages a penguins having sex in a blood-drenched elevator, as per the requirements.

Penguins? I can't stomach Happy Feet and Surf's Up.

AWFUL.

I had intentions to write one called Hellevator and incorporate Dante's Inferno theme to some extent but I ran out of time...so my entry is short and NOT good this time. :) But I did get a few pages done! On vacation still and hubby didn't want me at the computer! :)

I can't believe it.  I actually submitted.  It's my first time.  Be gentle.  Just kidding.  Kick the crap outta me!  Good luck to all.

Quoted from Jeremiah Johnson I can't believe it.  I actually submitted.  It's my first time.  Be gentle.  Just kidding.  Kick the crap outta me!  Good luck to all.

It's all good bruh, you can take the heat for my god awful script.

Everybody will think you wrote it, lol!

I'm looking forward to Dreamscale tearing scripts up, his comments are gold.

Ha, no problem.  Bring on the heat!

I'm on vacation, but we have to drive a bit tomorrow and as usual when a bunch of guys are involved, they always drive and I have to sit in the backseat like some kid, but it'll be a good time too read these scripts...on my phone...  :-/

Cheers people!  ;D

Quoted from Pale Yellow I had intentions to write one called Hellevator and incorporate Dante's Inferno theme to some extent but I ran out of time...so my entry is short and NOT good this time. :) But I did get a few pages done! On vacation still and hubby didn't want me at the computer! :)

Hope you're having a great time Dena!!!

I wrote one for an OWC once called 9 Circles!!! Also about Dante's Inferno! It also had an elevator theme! We think alike!!!!!!!! Talk to you soon, Dena!!!  ;D

Quoted from EWall433 I was doubtful there for awhile (the idea came easy, but I was swamped with the writing), but I'm in! It's 12 pages a penguins having sex in a blood-drenched elevator, as per the requirements.

Wait, that was the requirement?

I thought it was penguins having sex in a ship with a bottle that has an elevator that went inside and outside of the ship, through the elevator thingy.

I guess I didn't meet the requirement.

My submission has lots of penguins, sex, elephants, roses, carpets, and griffins.  Think I failed it?

Quoted from DanC it doesn't strike me as being THAT hard to film, as long as they are willing to be naked.

Yeah its getting naked part. Actors dont like that - what the world is coming to...

Quoted from khamanna Yeah its getting naked part. Actors dont like that - what the world is coming to...

What indeed.  Just tell them something like they ain't got nothing you ain't seen.  

Or it's a natural thing.

Or you were born that way and will die that way.

Of if that fails, blackmail them with pics of them in Hello Kitty costumes...

Or I could tell them no one watches shorts and promise itll be rejected by Cannes and Oscar

I'm going to get fried alive in the reviews. Bring it on, you cold-hearted b@$#@#$! I didn't have the time to write and rewrite, but I had to submit something. Becaue Stevie advised me to harden the F@#% up. :D

Good luck everyone. I may have a more loose schedule in the reviewing week.

They keep adding time - obviously want me to submit. Oh, the pressure...

That is it. We are done.

Don

Quoted from khamanna Or I could tell them no one watches shorts and promise itll be rejected by Cannes and Oscar

Cannes would never reject anything with sex in it.

I'm itching to know how many scripts there are in total.

Can't believe you guys managed to come up with something. Kudoes to each and every one who submitted!

Quoted from Max 15 hours left! Sorry to hear about that DC, you can always submit to the shorts section I guess.. lol.

Hm, maybe.

Yeah, I didn't make it as presumed. Randomly figured the problem I had with the plot out this morning, though. Oh well, too late and only 1/4 of it is written anyway. I was planning a political thriller of a CEO being manipulated to believe that the management is working against her. Whilst she's stuck in an elevator and has no way to confirm anything directly of course. I suppose the main idea behind the script was how reliable the media/people you know can be when they have their own agenda and you have no access to where everything is actually happening. I still like that idea, maybe I'll indeed finish it despite the OWC ending.

Congratulations everyone that made it! Look forward to reading the entries.

I thought it would have been up by now.  Or at least have a partial up...

It's quite distressing to watch a countdown timer actually counting up.

Quoted from EWall433 I was doubtful there for awhile (the idea came easy, but I was swamped with the writing), but I'm in! It's 12 pages a penguins having sex in a blood-drenched elevator, as per the requirements.

I'm auto-voting for this one.

Quoted from DanC I thought it would have been up by now.  Or at least have a partial up...

Keep in mind that Don last posted in this thread at nearly 2 am, barely more than 6 hours ago. The man needs to sleep.  ;) He'll get them up asap, I'm sure.

~Pete

Quoted from Pete B. Lane Keep in mind that Don last posted in this thread at nearly 2 am, barely more than 6 hours ago. The man needs to sleep.  ;) He'll get them up asap, I'm sure. ~Pete

It also happens to be a holiday weekend here. Maybe, Don has something else to do with his family besides worrying about scripts for us. :-)

You mean like actually having a life? Pia, that's just crazy talk. Lol. =)

I don't know about you guys, but, I'd be willing to help out.  

I have time on some days.  

He should ask for volunteers to help him.  I'd certainly do that.

I actually wish we had these OWC like once a month.  It was fun.  And like I said, I'd volunteer to help and do the work...

I'm sure Don is fully aware none of us have lives.  :-/

Don't worry you all - Don doesn't need our help, he has elves.

And, just like that, Don is a beast. They're up before noon. Thank you for hosting this OWC. =)