This is just me putting out some feelers to see if there’s any interest in doing another 7WC. I noticed a few people liking the idea in another thread.

The 7WC is not a competition. Just a challenge. There are no mugs or thongs to win. It’s just a challenge to see if you can write a feature in seven weeks.

Unlike the OWC, it’s not anonymous. In fact, quite the opposite. We encourage people to discuss their ideas, ask for help when they get stuck and so on. We try to be supportive of each other. The goal is to finish.

The scripts that are sent in, will receive feedback by other participants and usually even from nice people who didn’t take part, but wants to offer up some help. The drafts turned in by the deadline are often first drafts and can be a bit rough to read, to be honest, but with all the feedback, everyone should have plenty to work with their rewrites.

As mentioned in another thread, several people have scripts they’ve written for a 7WC that are now either in production, have already been shot, or as I found out yesterday, become quarter finalists in PAGE! So, it’s well worth the try, IMHO.

The last one we did was a year ago. Don decided to make it a 1+6WC. Everyone was given one week to write the first ten pages of their feature and post them and get feedback and then the other six weeks to finish the feature. I’d like to know if that’s the way you think it should be done or just have the seven weeks.

Also, in the past we have picked a genre by looking at what type of scripts are being requested at InkTip by production companies. After all, what point is there to pour all your effort into something that has little or no chance to be produced? Like a period drama for example. Okay guys, thoughts? Suggestions?

8)

I'm not at the stage where I'd feel comfortable banging out a feature in 7 weeks.  I'd personally like to participate in each and every OWC from here on and out, and I won't be able to do that if the challenge is beyond my level.

I'll get involved with the feedback of course, but I'd like to be in the mix with everybody else, especially since I've become a more active member here.

Not trying to dump on the idea, but those are my personal thoughts.  If it goes ahead, I'll be somewhat happy with the peak in activity.

I'll play.

Max, no worries. If you don't feel ready.  

Dustin, you and Dena can probably write two each!  ;D

I would be interested to see what the genre and ideas are.

If I think I've got a good concept it may be something to look at.

The summer holidays can be challenging for time,but you never know.

Great idea. I really could do with some motivation to write, perhaps even peer pressure. ;)

I'll give it a go if the 7WC happens, that's for sure. Not sure what to expect, as it would be my first feature, but I'm quite optimistic this would motivate me to actually finish something.

I'm in.

IN.

PS.


The 1+6 thing worked for me. I think it helped get things in order.

I'm in too, and yeah we should pick a genre that's being looked for by a company.
And I say we just do the 7 weeks.

I'm in if we do 7 weeks.

I'm impressed that so many people think they're capable of banging out a a passable feature within 7 weeks!

That's a madness.

HOW PEOPLE?

I guess I lack the drive, but y'all have got it on lock.

Quoted from crookedowl I'm in if we do 7 weeks.

Waves of Blood  ;D

Horror is usually good. We did thriller last time. Another one that companies seem to want a lot of is low budget sci fi. I'd be up for that too.

I'm in, just don't start till I get back off hols ;-)

Very cool!

Rick, I haven't looked back at last year's, but didn't a few people drop out due to not so positive feedback on their first 10 pages? Either way is fine with me, I just want people to feel the satisfaction of finishing a feature. It will not shine and be a master piece after just 7 weeks, but as have been proven, those rough diamonds created in a short time can be polished into PAGE contenders!  ;)   Btw, yours was pretty darned good just after the 7 weeks.

Max, 7 weeks is 49 days. All you need is a couple of days of plotting then write 2-3 pages every day. It's hard, but not impossible.  :)

I've looked over some of the last few InkTip requests and it's the same as last year. Thriller. Contained. Low budget... There seems to be an increase in female driven/lead scripts though. Any thoughts on what you guys might be more willing to do there? Low budget sci-fi is something I've been asked about. Something that can be shot in the desert out west or a simple spaceship.

Suggestions?

I'm down for anything.  I pretty much have an idea for every genre.

I can do Thriller, Contained, Low Budget.

I don't mind a female driven lead.

Quoted from dead by dawn I'm down for anything.  I pretty much have an idea for every genre. I can do Thriller, Contained, Low Budget. I don't mind a female driven lead.

Yeah, same.

Quoted from Grandma Bear Very cool! Rick, I haven't looked back at last year's, but didn't a few people drop out due to not so positive feedback on their first 10 pages? Either way is fine with me, I just want people to feel the satisfaction of finishing a feature. It will not shine and be a master piece after just 7 weeks, but as have been proven, those rough diamonds created in a short time can be polished into PAGE contenders!  ;)   Btw, yours was pretty darned good just after the 7 weeks. Max, 7 weeks is 49 days. All you need is a couple of days of plotting then write 2-3 pages every day. It's hard, but not impossible.  :) I've looked over some of the last few InkTip requests and it's the same as last year. Thriller. Contained. Low budget... There seems to be an increase in female driven/lead scripts though. Any thoughts on what you guys might be more willing to do there? Low budget sci-fi is something I've been asked about. Something that can be shot in the desert out west or a simple spaceship. Suggestions?

I'd be able to write a slasher in 49 days, but everything else is a big gamble.  I've also got other personal projects on the go, which would limit my ability to commit to a deadline.

I'll be involved either way, that's what I'm saying  ;)

I'm in.

I'm interested. Thriller, horror, female driven. Yes.

SciFi - not so much. Wouldn't know where to start with that one.

Quoted from LC I'm interested. Thriller, horror, female driven. Yes. SciFi - not so much. Wouldn't know where to start with that one.

You start in space Libby, DUH!

Quoted from Max You start in space Libby, DUH!

Very good, Fen.  ::) ;D But from there it'd be a bit of a hotpotch I fear. Handmaid's Tale, 1984, Brave New World - I love all those and I feel they can't be bettered. Gattica wasn't bad though.

Quoted from LC Very good, Fen.  ::) ;D But from there it'd be a bit of a hotpotch I fear. Handmaid's Tale, 1984, Brave New World - I love all those and I feel they can't be bettered. Gattica wasn't bad though.

Fair enough  ;D

I don't read novels, so don't reference anything and expect me to understand what you're talking about.  All I care about is the screenplay format, nothing else really.

Sad? Yeah, tell me about it.

Quoted from Grandma Bear Very cool! Rick, I haven't looked back at last year's, but didn't a few people drop out due to not so positive feedback on their first 10 pages? Either way is fine with me, I just want people to feel the satisfaction of finishing a feature. It will not shine and be a master piece after just 7 weeks, but as have been proven, those rough diamonds created in a short time can be polished into PAGE contenders!  ;)   Btw, yours was pretty darned good just after the 7 weeks. Max, 7 weeks is 49 days. All you need is a couple of days of plotting then write 2-3 pages every day. It's hard, but not impossible.  :) I've looked over some of the last few InkTip requests and it's the same as last year. Thriller. Contained. Low budget... There seems to be an increase in female driven/lead scripts though. Any thoughts on what you guys might be more willing to do there? Low budget sci-fi is something I've been asked about. Something that can be shot in the desert out west or a simple spaceship. Suggestions?

I know that a few people didn't make it, but I don't know whether that was due to negative feedback or just lack of time. I remember Dena was upset about the feedback on hers (which I was looking forwards to reading btw) but she still managed another one anyway!


For me, personally, the feedback on the first ten helped to build a more solid foundation by identifying problems up front.

In terms of genre, I reckon:

Low budget/contained, ticking clock, horror/sci-fi/drama/thriller should about cover it.

It is very, very rare that my first ten pages will make the cut of an actual first draft. Personally, I'd rather just write. I think though that perhaps if others prefer to show their first ten then they should. For me, it doesn't really help any as I'm being critiqued on something I'll likely change anyway.

Yeah, I loved Dena's original. It's like Dustin often says, sometimes the worst critics are fellow writers - sometimes they're helpful, but too often they're thinking of how they would write it. (That latter part is my opinion btw).

And the first ten of a feature length 1+6 often doesn't impress that much but it really doesn't matter. Case in point, if I may be so bold - yours Rick. I'll just say I didn't think it was all it could be, but you more than made up for it with a final script that blew the socks of me - and I wasn't alone with that opinion.

I, on the other hand fared pretty well with the first ten - in terms of decent feedback, As for the completed script, well I almost finished it, but not to my liking, so it didn't even get posted afterwards. It's still tucked away ready for working on in the future so imh none of this is a waste of time. It's the opposite in that's it's a really valuable experience, and you'll get no other incentive like it - unless of course someone is offering money.  ;D

P.S. I also liked that Don gave people the option last time of submitting the final script regardless of if they'd posted their first ten in the time allotted.

$20 - 100 Million budget and I'm in.  No reveal of first 10 pages for this Kid. No contained bullshit cheapos.

Genre - any

Must have at least Hannah's horse, 3 naked girls. and 10 + kills.

I'll be in!!!!

Maybe we can leave the budget open.

I'd rather write something I can make than another door stop...however well it's being received in contests.

I'd be interested in this. Could do with the challenge right now. My only worry is I've only written one feature and started another. Don't know if I'm at an acceptable level. I do like challenging myself though..

Got me thinking

# Contained - low budget shoot

# Female lead - like that, decent challenge

# action, thriller

# I would add - stand out concept , something that would appeal to actors and the general public

The lead is going to be pivotal, IMO. Perhaps that's obvious but some need that extra character

Not sure how this was done before but I do like the idea of working from a log line forwards - hopefully give it focus

Thinking cap on - no guarantees but it wasn't beforehand so that's cool

Oh, and Libby's point about writers often giving poor feedback as they keep thinking how they would write it is exactly my flaw. Need to work on that

Open budget sounds fair... especially if it means more writers picking up the pen.

Quoted from IamGlenn I'd be interested in this. Could do with the challenge right now. My only worry is I've only written one feature and started another. Don't know if I'm at an acceptable level. I do like challenging myself though..

I think you're adequately equipped to handle a feature considering Anything For Love, which I read quite a bit of btw, just haven't had any free time to comment on it - sorry for that, but nevertheless, I'd say go for it. :)

Quoted from DustinBowcot Open budget sounds fair... especially if it means more writers picking up the pen.

Yeah I think folk should have freedom - I just fancy the challenge of high concept/ low budget - improve my chances of it being filmed from none to very close to none :-(

Trying to make notes now -  alas a phone isn't really very good for that !

Quoted from Reef Dreamer Got me thinking # Female lead - like that, decent challenge

If it does end up being this it will be interesting to see how some of you guys write lead female characters. Perhaps a collaboration might be needed for some. Just a thought...

I've learned a lot about writing dialogue for male characters from just being around guys, and one in particular...

Quoted from Bill The lead is going to be pivotal, IMO. Perhaps that's obvious but some need that extra character

Am I having a blonde moment? What do you mean by that latter statement - 'extra character'?

I'm wondering how the comment/feedback works in one of these.  Reading and commenting on, say, 15 features is a big commitment.

How did that work out last time?

Henry

Check it out here, Henry:

http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-OWC0714/

and here for the first 10, given this was done in 1+6 format:

http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-OWC0714/m-1404594460/s-new/

Thanks, Libby. Will check it out.

Ug.  I just started a rom-com, and there are other things on my plate as well.  I'm out... at least for now.  Dammit.  :((((  But looking forward to seeing what gets generated!

Quoted from Grandma Bear Max, no worries. If you don't feel ready.   Dustin, you and Dena can probably write two each!  ;D

Ha! Hell no...I've gone from Fast Food Drive Thru Writing to a snail's pace! I doubt I can finish that fast but I'd give it a try if there isn't too many parameters!!

Quoted from LC Yeah, I loved Dena's original. It's like Dustin often says, sometimes the worst critics are fellow writers - sometimes they're helpful, but too often they're thinking of how they would write it. (That latter part is my opinion btw).

Thanks Libby...funny thing is I'm filming the trailer for that script I did that 7wc...I still have NOT completed the script however. I know...crazy but I've never been a girl to color 'in' the lines.

Good to see so many people considering taking part! I really believe it's a great way to get another feature under your belt or in some cases, your first.

As far as posting the first ten or not goes, how about we'll leave that up to each individual to decide? If some people want feedback on those first ten, go ahead and post them. For those who'd rather keep their stories under wrap while they finish, let them. The goal here is to finish a feature in 7 weeks. How you actually get there, is up to you. If you get stuck and need help, we're here to offer help.

About reading the finished features. I think it's good form to return the reads to those who read yours, but it no way are you required to read all entries. The 7WC also don't get as many entries as the OWCs do. I think 6 - 12 is the norm for the 7WC.

I won't take part myself, but I'll be here offering up whatever I can as far as support goes.

I'll get with Don and see what will work best for his schedule and will leave the "parameters" up to him.  8)

What about a 7WC pilot challenge? Every writer needs to have a pilot in their arsenal. Just saying

Quoted from LC I think you're adequately equipped to handle a feature considering Anything For Love, which I read quite a bit of btw, just haven't had any free time to comment on it - sorry for that, but nevertheless, I'd say go for it. :)

Well thanks for taking a look. Appreciate that as I know reading a feature isn't the easiest thing to do. Takes time so thank you.
As I said, I like to challenge myself. So I think I'm in for this one.

As for the parameters.. I like the female lead thing. A thriller/horror would be great. Actually have an idea that could probably slip into this.

Whatever is chosen, I look forward to tackling it. Hard! :)

Never finished the last one - t'was a pile of junk about 16 pages in and I gave up on it. It lost the steam and momentum, and one character got me seriously depressed in his little hardcore murder spree.I soon shifted my writing on rewrites/updates on other specs of mine when I could. I was a bit out of whack with a few things personally as well.

Now that I'm back from my CA vacation (it was mostly family related) I  will soon be picked up where I left off with my recent vampire story. I'm early enough in to it if the 7wk is horror. Putting the female lead is also a snap (I planned it anyway)

Otherwise, As for a new 7 w challenge, it depends on what it consists of.

Kinda pumped for this and want to get shit rolling  ;D

Don will make a post about it soon.  Glad to see you're on and excited about it.  8)

Awesome.  Does "soon" mean later tonight or in a couple days?

Despite the knowing feeling that this is something that I'm going to fail at horribly I think it's worth it - a lot of people seem to have got a lot out of it so - my hat's in.

Pretty sure I'll participate.

The first -- and only -- feature I've written took a year (writing daily) to complete. It was my first script ever. I put everything I had into it. In the middle, I joined Simply Scripts, which helped in ways I can't measure.

I completed it in January 2015 after many rewrites, etc. etc. etc. I was exhausted -- but completely satisfied with the finished script.

I entered it in Page, and it didn't advance. I was crushed. I still am.

However, a short I wrote for Simply Scripts (my first short) DID advance. I spent two days on it.

I don't know what this means exactly, except that maybe the Simply Scripts 7W thing is something I should do.

Haven't done any writing since the elevator OWC. Have been too tired and busy with work though I have projects in the head as usual.  Will have a crack at this mayb if genre and theme ok as I need to get my mojo going again lol.

The last 6 weeker I did in 2009 produced my best work Headlong, which incidentally I am converting to a vehicle - no road trip pun intended lol - for Kevin James and The Rock.

They just don't know about it yet....lol

Quoted from dead by dawn Awesome.  Does "soon" mean later tonight or in a couple days?

I have no idea what soon means in Don's universe. Could be tomorrow or sometime in the near future that's not too far from the present or close enough to the next solar eclipse for me to get my camera out and snap a couple of pics.....

Quoted from dead by dawn Awesome.  Does "soon" mean later tonight or in a couple days?

Soon means this Friday. Apologies for the more than usual,lack of communication. I am moving all my stuff to a new computer.

Don

Quoted from Stumpzian I don't know what this means exactly, except that maybe the Simply Scripts 7W thing is something I should do.

Then you do know what it means. Good luck, Henry. Just go for it. What will be, will be. My last effort wasn't too good, well it was good... it just needed a better execution. I'll try harder this time.

Quoted from stevie The last 6 weeker I did in 2009 produced my best work Headlong, which incidentally I am converting to a vehicle - no road trip pun intended lol - for Kevin James and The Rock.

If you write something for Kevin James I'll de-Buddy List you!

Quoted from Grandma Bear I have no idea what soon means in Don's universe. Could be tomorrow or sometime in the near future that's not too far from the present or close enough to the next solar eclipse for me to get my camera out and snap a couple of pics.....

"Soon" in my universe, Pia, is no where near as specific as "Could be tomorrow or sometime in the near future that's not too far from the present or close enough to the next solar eclipse for me to get my camera out and snap a couple of pics..."

The time of "soon" that can be known is not the true "soon".

;)

Quoted from Don Soon means this Friday. Don

Can't wait.  Super excited to read the other entries as well.  8)

Quoted from DustinBowcot Then you do know what it means. Good luck, Henry. Just go for it. What will be, will be. My last effort wasn't too good, well it was good... it just needed a better execution. I'll try harder this time.

Encouragement much appreciated, Dustin. Will give it a shot.

Stoked for Friday. Any idea if it'll be 6+1 or not yet?

Quoted from DS Stoked for Friday. Any idea if it'll be 6+1 or not yet?

Nope. As per usual Don will dangle the bait and let you know details when he's ready. The header at the top of the home page says 7 Week Challenge if that's any indication. Perhaps it will be flexible...

See, more conjecture, this time from me.  ;D

Any special tricks you guys have for quick-plotting?

Just outline, then go to draft? Maybe some index cards, or character bios?

I'm super into this. Shorts have never been my thing, I've always focused on features, but lately I've picked up the horrible habit of starting so many and abandoning them after act one like bad one night stands.

I've been working for a company and reading tons of scripts that come in and I feel the more I learn the harder it's become to write because I've just been over-thinking every scene. I used to be able to stay up all night and write a full script, granted they weren't always great, but they were finished! Deadline exercises like this really help me, also a little competitive fire doesn't hurt either. I'm in.

Looks like a hell of a crew involved.

Should be some good scripts.

Quoted from Max Any special tricks you guys have for quick-plotting? Just outline, then go to draft? Maybe some index cards, or character bios?

I think everyone has their own different way that works for them. Personally I would say, come up with your idea first, then try to come up with a logline. It doesn't have to be perfect. Don't obsess over it. Just think up a sentence or two to tell your best buddy what your script is about. Tape that logline to your computer. That will help you keep the story in focus and keep you on the right track if your story starts to wander.

Know your ending. It's a lot easier to write the middle if you know where it's going to end.

Personally I then write a minimum of 45 bullet points. Each representing a scene. Fill in each one or close to each one. After that, all you have to do is write the script. Don't stop after the first act to go back and rewrite it. That's for later. At this point, you should only focus on getting to the end.

I'm sure others have their own way, but that's how I do it and I've written numerous features that took me no more than 2-3 weeks for the first draft. It's those damn rewrites I hate and probably always will, but the feedback you'll get will help you understand where your script needs work.

Hope you'll take part and good luck.  8)

Personally I just like to write. I get an idea then make it work. It's very rare I know the ending to any of my stories. I prefer the organic process for the initial draft.

I do a treatment after the organic process and then add order to the chaos.

I've tried working other ways and I always end up going organic. Whatever way works for you is best. We're all in it together and there is generally a lot more support from the members due to an understanding of the constraints we are all under. It can bring members closer together, at least for the duration of the contest. It's a good thing to be a part of... there are lots of benefits.

Quoted from LC Nope. As per usual Don will dangle the bait and let you know details when he's ready. The header at the top of the home page says 7 Week Challenge if that's any indication. Perhaps it will be flexible... See, more conjecture, this time from me.  ;D

One can hope for some minor early spoilers, though. ;)

Quoted from Colkurtz8 If you write something for Kevin James I'll de-Buddy List you!

Lol! I love him in King Of Queens ( and Leah Rimini :K)). Not so much his movies though the kids like them. If I can produce a good script for him...mayb you can stay on my buddy list lol

Stuff it, I think I'll throw my hat in for this one.

If it doesn't get completed, oh well, but at least this will give me a motivation to write.  I just hope the genre is either action or drama.

Looking forward to the reveal.

Gonna take an educated guess as to what these parameters will be..

-Must be 206 pages long
-One of the characters must be an imaginary farmyard animal
-No dialogue allowed
-Each scene must contain a fart
-Must end with a barn dance hosted by Jet from Gladiators

Easily done..

Quoted Text -Each scene must contain a fart

Won't be a problem for Dustin  ;D

I'm in the middle of a family holiday, so I will probably end up trying to jam this into whatever is left once I get back to blighty!

GL all

Quoted from IamGlenn -One of the characters must be an imaginary farmyard animal

No joke, I'd be shocked if someone hadn't yet done that for one of those low-budget indie comedies...

Excited to see how many people will take part in this. Don't forget, unlike the OWC, this one is not anonymous and we're all here to help and see everyone get a feature written. Trust me, it's a lot more satisfying than writing a short. I love shorts, but they're not exactly big achievements. Features are, at least in my opinion.  :)

Even if I take part (I'd like to), it'll probably only be able to be a 3WC for me. Still, all the best to everyone who does take part and even if you don't complete it in the seven weeks, keep working on it until it's done so you do have that finished feature. =)

Come on 7WC!

24th July has nearly finished over here!

Sit tight Max! It will happen soon! I imagine the challenge won't be announce too late. I mean, what does a few hours matter when you've got 7 weeks?  ;D

Quoted from Grandma Bear Sit tight Max! It will happen soon! I imagine the challenge won't be announce too late. I mean, what does a few hours matter when you've got 7 weeks?  ;D

If I don't get started right away I'll end up writing 45 pages instead of 90.

I watch an incredible amount of wrestling as well, which depletes my time for writing scripts.

I'd be interested at the end of the month.  

Sorry I've been away.  I have had a slew of issues.  The 250 deadline was today.  I barely got my script rewritten on time and sent it in.  I was hoping to get it read here, but, oh well.

That Impact series is due at the end of the month.

Then, I'm open.

On top of that, my health has been problematic.  And we are in the process of looking for a hew house.  Doing all that when you don't feel well is draining.

And the worst:  One of the side effects of my condition causes me to "radiate" heat all the time, like a mutant.  So, I can get hot, even in the dead of winter and only need a tank top and a pair of shorts.  I have even had to go outside in winter dressed like that to cool down.

In the summer, I die with the heat.  It's brutal.  So, I can't sleep due to the heat, but, I can't stay awake or focus, so, I drift here and there.  And it gets hot here in the summer.  And the humidity is the worse...

But, hopefully, I'm back to stay.
Dan

Quoted from DanC The 250 deadline was today.  I barely got my script rewritten on time and sent it in.  I was hoping to get it read here, but, oh well. Dan

Hey Dan, good to see you back.

You know the Scriptshadow deadline has another two weeks to go - Carson added to the deadline due to popular demand apparently, so, you could always email him and tell him you're putting in another draft in two weeks time, if you still wanted to get feedback here beforehand.

Anyway, glad you're feeling a bit better. :)

Quoted from LC Hey Dan, good to see you back. You know the Scriptshadow deadline has another two weeks to go - Carson added to the deadline due to popular demand apparently, so, you could always email him and tell him you're putting in another draft in two weeks time, if you still wanted to get feedback here beforehand. Anyway, glad you're feeling a bit better. :)

Hi Libby,
     I did NOT know that.  Where was that listed?  I just checked yesterday when I got the info and it still read Aug 1 11:59pm PST.  

Glad to be back.  I'm taking stuff slow.

If you'd like to read it, I will certainly send it to you, but, I thought it wasn't fair to ask anyone to read it under such tight circumstances.  However, if there are 2 more weeks, then that could alter stuff.  I'm sure he'd let me do that.  I hope...

Dan

http://scriptshadow.net/scriptshadow-screenwriting-contest-just-15-days-left/

Dan, I'm working on the 7WC at the moment but not everyone is doing it. Perhaps post your opening in the work in progress section to avoid the delay with general posting, to get some feedback?

You're not meant to send a script. You're meant to send a pitch that entices him to request your script.

Quoted from DustinBowcot You're not meant to send a script. You're meant to send a pitch that entices him to request your script.

From http://scriptshadow.net/the-scriptshadow-250-screenwriting-contest-starts-now/

4) Your submission should include:
a. The title of your script.
b. The genre of your script.
c. The logline of your script.
d. A pitch of why your script should be selected for the contest – up to 300 words.
e. A PDF attachment of your screenplay.

FAQs
Can we send in our loglines then send the script later on?  No.  You must send a PDF of your script ALONG WITH YOUR SUBMISSION. You can’t test out a query, see if I bite, and then go write the script if I say you’re in. Your script MUST BE SENT along with your query.

Quoted from PrussianMosby From http://scriptshadow.net/the-scriptshadow-250-screenwriting-contest-starts-now/ 4) Your submission should include: a. The title of your script. b. The genre of your script. c. The logline of your script. d. A pitch of why your script should be selected for the contest – up to 300 words. e. A PDF attachment of your screenplay. FAQs Can we send in our loglines then send the script later on?  No.  You must send a PDF of your script ALONG WITH YOUR SUBMISSION. You can’t test out a query, see if I bite, and then go write the script if I say you’re in. Your script MUST BE SENT along with your query.

Ah. I thought he was going to read the pitch and then ask to read the screenplay. Obviously I wouldn't pitch a screenplay I hadn't written yet as he could ask for the script right away. Anyway, good job, you clarified this for me, thanks.

Damn, that means I'm suddenly overloaded. I admit, I was going to polish the scripts when requested. They are fully written and viable. That means I need to polish two features and finish this one for the 7WC. Writing two for the 7WC is out of the question now.

Sigh.

I'm sure the rules were different when I read them.

One of the upsides of being temporally disabled - on crutches etc, not to be confused with those with more serious issues - is that I have had some free time.

Now up to p64

Had a good afternoon plotting which is helping the second half, but inevitably I wonder off which causes a few spin off issues. Going to need some checking for plot holes, but moving forward.

You guys are beasts.

I've been able to only write about 10 pages this past week, as I've been on vacation, so have been out most of the day and evenings. On the plus side, I took my notepad out with me most days, and have got most of the plot fully hashed out.

I'm accepting that this script will definitely be above the 100 page mark... probably nearer 110. It's going to be a classic red-herring heavy noirish detective story. So I just need the pages to fully flesh out the story.

Aiming to hit the halfway mark within the next two weeks.

Quoted from Reef Dreamer One of the upsides of being temporally disabled - on crutches etc, not to be confused with those with more serious issues - is that I have had some free time. Now up to p64 Had a good afternoon plotting which is helping the second half, but inevitably I wonder off which causes a few spin off issues. Going to need some checking for plot holes, but moving forward.

I'm rewriting my first draft right now, but you're not too far behind me. Mine's going to actually take a fairly large rewrite as there is lots more I want to incorporate, so you may well be ahead of me, depends how you work.

Nice going though. See you at the finish line.

Almost finished - p90

Got a lot of work to be done and it is the usual vomit draft, but there is a foundation.

I'm away for ten days so can use that time to think about the fine tuning, pacing, plot holes etc in that time.

Just seemed to come together.

How's everyone doing?

Anyone struggling or need help?

I came across this article this morning by Michael Hauge. It's great. Especially for those of you who are a little newer at this.

http://www.storymastery.com/story/screenplay-structure-five-key-turning-points-successful-scripts/

First draft done

Working through the inevitable issues

Quite like it but I know it still has issues. It still requires the reader and viewer to buy into 'something' and that hasn't been tested.

I will need some reads....soon. Happy to share a read with others

Cheers

Great work, Reef! A first draft conceived and written in two weeks? Now, that really is impressive.

I'm only 40 pages in, myself. Aiming to hit the 60 page midpoint by this time next week. Still well on track... for now ;D

Doesn't mean its good.

But I think I also got lucky. An idea I was struggling to plot came together, quickly....plus I had time

Quoted from Reef Dreamer I will need some reads....soon. Happy to share a read with others

You can send it to me Bill.  :)

I'm still only 20 pages in :(

Been working non stop and had a family event over the weekend I'm still recovering from. I'll kick on this week.

And, good work Bill. The first draft complete! Nicely done.

Sadly, I won't be able to enter.  I have to work on the other screenplay since people have felt it's too wordy.  I had a cool idea in mind.

I guess I could try to write a feature in 3 weeks, but, that's a lot of writing....

Dan

I'm working on rewriting feature number 2 for the 250 thing at the moment. Then I can come back to this. I've also received a free entry into Scriptapalooza first look competition, so am also writing one of my most epic ideas (if not my most epic idea) for that. So, I'm juggling 3 features at the moment. Not to mention rewriting another this past few days. I will get this one done though too.

Quoted from DustinBowcot I'm working on rewriting feature number 2 for the 250 thing at the moment. Then I can come back to this. I've also received a free entry into Scriptapalooza first look competition, so am also writing one of my most epic ideas (if not my most epic idea) for that. So, I'm juggling 3 features at the moment. Not to mention rewriting another this past few days. I will get this one done though too.

Best of luck Dustin

Not sure what I can add other than if you have a decent opportunity, give that your best shot, others come second

Quoted from Grandma Bear You can send it to me Bill.  :)

Thanks

I'm back on Saturday, so may fire over Sunday

It's still gatotales etc

Quoted from Reef Dreamer Best of luck Dustin Not sure what I can add other than if you have a decent opportunity, give that your best shot, others come second

Yeah, well luckily it is only rewrites that I need to do aside from the scriptapalooza script Even the 7wc is basically there, just needs a rewrite and a tighten. Once this second script goes to Scriptshadow I'll be down to just the two features. I'l put my effort into the 7wc script though too as that is also one of my old stories that I'd like to finally get off my board.

Quoted from Grandma Bear You can send it to me Bill.  :)

Just PM'd you a link

Thanks

I think I kind of slipped out of this competition, but it got me started on a script that I'm really excited about. I've done more writing than I have in months, so thanks a ton 7WC for getting me back in the game.  

I won't enter mine here because I think I really started to over think the mcguffin and I don't think I have one. I'm still not even entirely sure I know what a mcguffin is, the word makes me hungry though. Can't wait to read the scripts this competition conjures up (especially horror, it's only august but I've seen halloween decorations in stores and I'm itching).

I'm out as well, which doesn't sit very well with me tbh...but I haven't written a page. Been too busy planning a film.

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films I'm out as well, which doesn't sit very well with me tbh...but I haven't written a page. Been too busy planning a film.

Ah... I was looking forward to reading yours. By the way, I watched that dog film and had to switch it off. One of the most horrifying things I've ever seen.

I had to put my dog down a few years ago. Well, he was on his way out, passing out, defecating... he was going. My biggest regret was not letting him die at home. So, I watched your film and it disturbed me so much, I had to turn it off.

Good luck with the next one.

It upset me when I read it. One of the reasons I made it. I like stories where the horror is something unusual.

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films It upset me when I read it. One of the reasons I made it. I like stories where the horror is something unusual.

I'll never do that again. I'd rather they went naturally. Might not be pretty, but none of it is. Takes a lot to get to me... your film really affected me. I actually watched it a few weeks ago, it's still sitting with me and it always will. You did an excellent job and I couldn't even watch it all. But now that I know, I won't be making the same mistake.

On a lighter note, I'm now working on this 7WC script again.

Don't worry about what it says in the film...I think that's just artistic licence. I don't think they suffer.

It sounds believable enough to work on film, but I don't think it's actually true.

Hope not, anyway.

I hope it isn't true either.  Putting your pets down is seriously one of the hardest things you can do.  You aren't losing a pet, you are losing a family member.

I was bothered by the movie too.  It's how we became friends, started talking about that movie.  I can't wait to see more stuff from him, and from you Dustin.

Dan

I'm very sorry to hear this, guys. It always happens though. It's tough. It's not like whipping up a short in a week. I appreciate everyone giving it a shot though. Anything anyone of us can do to change your minds?

Quoted from Grandma Bear I'm very sorry to hear this, guys. It always happens though. It's tough. It's not like whipping up a short in a week. I appreciate everyone giving it a shot though. Anything anyone of us can do to change your minds?

Sure can.  Rewrite my screenplay by tomorrow, fix all the shorts for the Impact, and find me a spine that works.  That's for starters.

Let me know when you get any of them.  I'm taking another nap...

J/K
Dan
I want a beer, and I don't even like beer....

Oh Pia, can you please change your icon back?  Every time I see it now, I think someone new has joined and hijacked your account....

It absolutely had NOTHING to do with you being hot....

Really



You believe me, right????? :)

I forgot all about The Impact scripts!!! That's what I get for waiting until the last minute!

Beer is a food group, Dan...

My avatar is a still from a feature I wrote.  :)

Regarding the 7WC, how's everyone else doing? Last year, I ended up writing one in two weeks because I thought no one else was going to enter anything, but then there were several entered once the deadline hit.

I started writing something I was quite happy with the other week then was reading a post from Anthony re dual protags -he was querying whether there could be both - thinking to myself - no silly, it has to have a 'female lead' - looked mine over again and realized my story was male protag/male lead even though the female featured in a major role. Head slamming moment - can't believe my female had slipped from front and centre.

Can't simply reverse the roles - tried but it doesn't work. Suffice to say, it's back to the drawing board for me. Still hoping I can use my original premise in some way but who knows...

I'm doing a heavy rewrite too. Trying a new angle with the characters. If I can do it, you can too. For me the female lead is the most important thing. I'm not too fussed about the Macguffin.

I'm doing pretty bad, might just be at square one. Maybe I'll still meet you folks at the finish line, though. We'll see!

Thanks for the vote of confidence, Dustin. I dunno... I'm going to put my head down this week and start all over again. Still just under four weeks to go, so maybe, and I'll give it a good shot.

DS, hang in there. Keep going at it. You never know when inspiration might hit.

Quoted from LC Thanks for the vote of confidence, Dustin. I dunno... I'm going to put my head down this week and start all over again. Still just under four weeks to go, so maybe, and I'll give it a good shot. DS, hang in there. Keep going at it. You never know when inspiration might hit.

Wow, you're gonna start over with just 4 weeks?  You are very brave.

I thought I was stretching myself too thin with the 250 contest and the shorts for the Impact and then this.  But, if you are gonna try, I might too....

Dan

Keep going folks.

If anybody wants to run a concept past me, without hitting the boards, feel free to PM

Once the story is there it takes but a week to get it down. My original is OK. I just want to try a new angle with two of the mains.. actually turn them into antags... and one of the bit players is now becoming the main. That has changed the story quite a lot too. So it's essentially a complete rewrite... but I am able to keep the main antag. She's still pretty cool. Lot of female parts in mine, in fact all but one of the mains are female. 4 main female parts with one male.

My entry has begun to snowball quickly... 60 pages in. Still a little way away from the midpoint. I will be surprised if the final thing clocks in anywhere below 120. Not worrying about that for now, though. First thing will be to finish!

And, importantly, I am still on track for finishing on time.

Quoted from DustinBowcot I just want to try a new angle with two of the mains.. actually turn them into antags... and one of the bit players is now becoming the main. That has changed the story quite a lot too. So it's essentially a complete rewrite... but I am able to keep the main antag.

Sounds really interesting. Good luck with it. How'd the 250 entry come along? Get it finished in time?

Yeah finished both of the 250 scripts then turned my attention back to this. It needs a lot of work.

Well, writing is rewriting...

Never a truer word was said...well there probably was... but you know... :D

Out of curiosity, do most of you guys knock out a first draft before you do any rewriting?

I've never been able to do that, which is why I think it always takes me considerably longer than most to finish anything, haha.

What works in a treatment often goes against the grain when it comes time to tell the story. So I do a vomit draft, just throw down the execution I intend to go with and see what comes of it. Sometimes, that will mean I need to scrap what I've written and start again. Sometimes scrap it entirely for another time and then try executing it another way. So in a sense, it can take me a couple of years to truly do a concept justice, or I can nail it right away.

I think our biggest problem as storytellers lies not in finding ideas, but in choosing which direction to take a story. Today I arrived at a crossroads... where I had to consider going werewolf or not. Going werewolf would change the complete tone of the story. It's such a crossroads that I actually had to stop writing and wait and think. If I don't go in that direction, I need to think of another angle. If I do go werewolf, I have to do it different.

Writing a good story is like solving a particularly difficult puzzle. Sometimes our execution will be off and the puzzle will seem insurmountable... but that doesn't make the idea bad, it just means we need to find another method of execution and try again. Don't let it beat you. If you have something to say, then, imo, you have to keep going until you solve it. Else, it'll leave a hole in you... not a physical one, for all you literal mofos out there.

Quoted from LC I dunno... I'm going to put my head down this week and start all over again. Still just under four weeks to go, so maybe, and I'll give it a good shot. DS, hang in there. Keep going at it. You never know when inspiration might hit.

Cheers and good luck to you, as well! I think I'm starting from scratch, too. What I got up to was ho-hum anyway, didn't get a good sense of what I wanted to do. With a little under four weeks weeks to go -- it's far from hopeless, eh?

Quoted from DustinBowcot What works in a treatment often goes against the grain when it comes time to tell the story. So I do a vomit draft, just throw down the execution I intend to go with and see what comes of it. Sometimes, that will mean I need to scrap what I've written and start again. Sometimes scrap it entirely for another time and then try executing it another way. So in a sense, it can take me a couple of years to truly do a concept justice, or I can nail it right away. I think our biggest problem as storytellers lies not in finding ideas, but in choosing which direction to take a story. Today I arrived at a crossroads... where I had to consider going werewolf or not. Going werewolf would change the complete tone of the story. It's such a crossroads that I actually had to stop writing and wait and think. If I don't go in that direction, I need to think of another angle. If I do go werewolf, I have to do it different. Writing a good story is like solving a particularly difficult puzzle. Sometimes our execution will be off and the puzzle will seem insurmountable... but that doesn't make the idea bad, it just means we need to find another method of execution and try again. Don't let it beat you. If you have something to say, then, imo, you have to keep going until you solve it. Else, it'll leave a hole in you... not a physical one, for all you literal mofos out there.

Wow, that's interesting.  Even before I put a single word to the story, I have worked out an outline to show me every inch of the story.  I even know how long I want each segment to be.  So, once I get that and see how long the story is, according to my estimates, then I alter that and either add in, or take out.  I once had a story come to (in outline breakdowns) at 150 pages, which is terrible, so, I cut out 40 pages of ideas.  

We should have a discussion of this, all the ways to arrive at doing a story.  Then, if people have an idea of all the different styles out there, they can work on the one that suits their style the best.

Personally, I could never do a vomit draft.  Your story could end up being War and Peace vol 2 and that is death to a script.  Yes, Dune went like 4 hrs, but, even that was cut heavily.

For me, I think about each scene, think about what has to happen within that scene, outline it in notebook, then go to the next scene, all the time writing the time requirements that I envision it taking.  I usually give myself 5-8 for action scenes and 2-5 for most others and 6-9 for the big climax, but, each segment is carefully planned out...

What are some others that you live and die by?

Dan

I think you are right Dan, it's about finding the method that works for you... there's no right or wrong way (imho).

My first feature, I outlined extensively... the story then decided to go in a different direction... the second script was loosely outlined and it more or less went according to the loose plan... third script (which I've just finished) had no outline at all.

I think all three scripts work and I'm still unsure what the 'best' way for me is... I'm taking it one script at a time ;-)

Anthony  

Quoted from AnthonyCawood I think you are right Dan, it's about finding the method that works for you... there's no right or wrong way (imho). My first feature, I outlined extensively... the story then decided to go in a different direction... the second script was loosely outlined and it more or less went according to the loose plan... third script (which I've just finished) had no outline at all. I think all three scripts work and I'm still unsure what the 'best' way for me is... I'm taking it one script at a time ;-) Anthony

While I agree that it is up to each person, I can't imagine not using an outline.  Here's why:

I have a free-style background in creative writing.  There, you can truly vomit anything b/c there are no real limits, save for contest rules.  You can put out a 1000 page book and someone will read it (if it's good) and since you get paid by the word, it makes sense.

You can't do that in a manuscript.  So, what if you have a story that tops off at 180 pages?  That's bad.  Cutting 60 (or more) pages out of a script most likely tears the heart and soul out of the story.  Lets face it, that's the first thing to go.  It is also why some people get lost on some scenes b/c you forgot that this one sentence in act 1 page 4 has meaning in act 3 page 170 and it's a vital clue.  Gutting a story that much isn't always good.

The flip side is also bad.  Writing a story and getting it done on page 56 is (in some ways) worse.  You wrote this tight story (you hope) and it isn't long enough for a feature.  So what do you do now?  Add to it?  You are adding stuff you didn't think you needed.  Reshape it into a 1 hr story?  Then you have to cut (for commercials).  

Likewise, if you have 56 pages and it's a vomit draft that is really bad b/c it's already short, and now, you literally have to think of ideas to add to it.  

Carson at Scriptshadow said that most scripts start off really good, then around page 40, lose steam and then shock for the sake of shock, not b/c the story called for it.  

But, if you do an outline before, you can tell where you are before you commit X hours of your life and discover that it's too long or short.  You can add where it makes sense as you create your tale.  

Screenwriting is a task, set to rigid rules insofar as page count.  

Quoted from Toby_E Out of curiosity, do most of you guys knock out a first draft before you do any rewriting? I've never been able to do that, which is why I think it always takes me considerably longer than most to finish anything, haha.

No, definitely not. I'm with you, Toby.

I rewrite as I write...as in, I continually go back and edit what I've written.  When I'm done, I've got a finished draft that just needs a few more edits, but story-wise, I'm done.

No outline, no nothing like that.  The planning stage of writing is much longer than the actual writing, for me, and it takes place pretty much, all in my head.

I do the same/similar Jeff... I tend to review and edit what I wrote yesteday before I start with new pages...  

Dan - I think you've identified what works for you, and confirmed what I said about having our own methds.  

I'm still finding my 'best' way, and enjoying the journey.

Jeff and Dustin both think first and then write, Jeff edits as he goes, Dustin (I think) gets everything down and then starts the re-write process.

All three of us will re-write some more at the end.

Three different ways to do it, all three of us have written multiple features.

Did any of us do it wrong, or indeed yourself? No we just did it in the way that we're comfortable with.

Vive la defference.

Quoted from Dreamscale No, definitely not. I'm with you, Toby. I rewrite as I write...as in, I continually go back and edit what I've written.  When I'm done, I've got a finished draft that just needs a few more edits, but story-wise, I'm done. No outline, no nothing like that.  The planning stage of writing is much longer than the actual writing, for me, and it takes place pretty much, all in my head.

Jeff, I think we're talking about the same idea per se.  The only difference is that I write it down while you keep it in your head.  At one time I could do that, but, with age, pain meds, 3 cysts in my spinal canal blocking nutrients from going to my brain, lots of partying with alcohol and lots of heavy metal concerts, well, the old brain isn't what it used to be...

Kids, don't kill your brain cells.  You need them as you get older.  Trust me.  The one working brain cell that I have left is grumpy, sleeps far too long, takes too many brakes, and always wants vacations and days off.  I keep telling him that we're gonna hire someone new, but, man, it's tough finding working brain cells that want to exist in my brain...

So, point of the story is that you (Jeff) follow a rigid game plan in your head and keep to it before you write anything.  So, it isn't a vomit draft, but, a carefully planned and executed project that meeds several touches once you get done.

That's the idea I shoot for.  Lets hope I get there soon....

Damn it, why are you on ANOTHER break??????????!!!!!!!!!


Dan

Quoted from AnthonyCawood Dan - I think you've identified what works for you, and confirmed what I said about having our own methds.   I'm still finding my 'best' way, and enjoying the journey. Jeff and Dustin both think first and then write, Jeff edits as he goes, Dustin (I think) gets everything down and then starts the re-write process. All three of us will re-write some more at the end. Three different ways to do it, all three of us have written multiple features. Did any of us do it wrong, or indeed yourself? No we just did it in the way that we're comfortable with. Vive la defference.

I guess I see planning as a way of doing an outline.  Now, the going back and fixing is something I do as well, I bet we all do similar stuff and just call it different terminology.  But, if we were to meet and discuss in person, we'd find the method similar.

For instance, Jeff said the planning stage takes longer then the writing.  Same is true for me.  I plan it all out in my head and run it as a movie.  

As opposed to having an idea and just vomiting it out to see where it goes.  Now, I will admit that you can have some truly wonderful ideas that pop out if you write your lead into a bad corner and have an inventive way to get them out of that pickle.  

But, as I said, I'd be too afraid that my end product would end up being 180 pages or 59.  

Quoted from Dreamscale No, definitely not. I'm with you, Toby. I rewrite as I write...as in, I continually go back and edit what I've written.  When I'm done, I've got a finished draft that just needs a few more edits, but story-wise, I'm done. No outline, no nothing like that.  The planning stage of writing is much longer than the actual writing, for me, and it takes place pretty much, all in my head.

Snap. Exactly my method, as well. I normally rewrite/ edit/ delete everything that I've written the day previously, before I write anything new.

I also rewrite each act in its entirity, once I have finished putting those words down on paper.

I find it so fascinating how everyone has their different approach which works best for them.

I kinda do a mixture of things. I think every story is different. I have a few executions that I'll never show anybody, almost whole features in some cases, like 90 pages in. Then, just as I get to the end, and am happy with it, another idea occurs and I'll rewrite the whole thing with a different execution. In fact I also have a 140 page draft on my machine for Donny and Floyd, before I stripped all the jokes out of it and got it down to 90.

I don't want to put myself in a box only to contradict myself later down the line. I have varying methods of working. My favourite is when I get a fresh idea and have to put everything on hold just to write it... and I don't stop till it's done. Some stories I will actually make tiny plans throughout. I use a whiteboard and make notes... arrows... possible plot points etc.

It really depends.

For me - if I had to figure out everything before I write I would never finish a script.  I actually only do an outline after I'm done with a draft (I know it sounds reverse) and the outline as just a  nice tool to help me see holes in the story I've written. If I'm struggling with dialogue I'll  even write - "later on write something funny about XXXX here" and just gt back to it later.

Long winded way of saying - my scripts tend to morph to something rather than start out as something.

Anyway - different strokes.

Just to be clear, when I say I plan "everything" out in my head before I start writing, that doesn't mean I have the entire script plotted.

I believe in coming up with a story and plot organically, and when you do that, you'll find that the story takes a life of its own and new ideas surface, new plot points develop, and everything just comes together organically.

I never sit down to write a single word unless I know where that scene is going and how it develops.  Once things are moving, the characters and events move things where they want to take it...if that makes any sense.

I find it strange when I plot something out only to find the 'inner voice' take me in a different direction once I start writing.

Those damn pesky voices  ::)

Quoted from Reef Dreamer I find it strange when I plot something out only to find the 'inner voice' take me in a different direction once I start writing. Those damn pesky voices  ::)

Have you considered medication?

It works. I'm living proof :)

Today marks the 3 week deadline...

How's everyone doing? Is the end nearing?

Ha! Yeah. Twenty pages in, (late starting) still figuring out continuing plot, and only three weeks to go.

This is hard. Really hard. But I'm still in the race. So far, anyway.

P.S. I'm doing a fair bit of what Dave mentioned too:

Quoted from Dave If I'm struggling with dialogue I'll  even write - "later on write something funny about XXXX here" and just gt back to it later.

Just insert the word 'scary' instead of 'funny'.  

P.S. I am told by my other half (also a writer) that the more I do it the easier it will get. Let's hope so.

I've pretty much done a page one rewrite and am currently sitting at 68.5 pages. The end is in sight... but I am currently working with an inactive protag that I will need to figure out on the next draft.

Couple of days will see this draft done, then I can work on that issue. The story itself is fine... and to be honest I'm in two minds about whether to activate the protag to fit predetermined notions of how a narrative should go.

I'll do my usual thing once I arrive at an execution I'm happy with... write a treatment. For me, treatments are something I do after an organic first draft. How can you treat something you don't have yet? When you treat something, you fix it, so that's how I utilise that tool. My treatments consist of one or two lines about what happens in each scene or sequence that I've already written.

The point of that is that I get to see every scene faster and can quickly determine plot holes or things that need improving. So, if you do have an organic first draft, give the treatment thing a try.

It's time consuming though. I hate writing treatments because they usually take around 2-3 hours to complete and is just mind numbing shit. But the help it provides is worth it.

Glad to hear that progress is being made for the both of you!

I'm currently 75 pages in. Aiming to get the second act finished by next Wednesday, so that I will then have about 10 days to write the final act, and then just under a week to give everything a turbo-ed polish!

I apologise for everyone that gives mine a read... It's unlikely to come below the 130 page mark. The midpoint didn't arrive until p. 64. I think this is because the idea initially started as a TV show. It had been swirling in my head for quite a whilst now. But as a result, there's a load to fit in. But this page count is pretty normal for similar detective/mystery scripts... Prisioners, Seven, Zodiac, etc. all ran way over 2 hours.

But once again, I am sorry for all you readers!

Quoted from LC Ha! Yeah. Twenty pages in, (late starting) still figuring out continuing plot, and only three weeks to go. This is hard. Really hard. But I'm still in the race. So far, anyway. P.S. I'm doing a fair bit of what Dave mentioned too: Just insert the word 'scary' instead of 'funny'.   P.S. I am told by my other half (also a writer) that the more I do it the easier it will get. Let's hope so.

I take my hat off to you, Lib, starting so late! I'm confident that you'll get it finished on time. I'm rooting for ya'!

And I do the exact same thing that you/Dave mentioned above. I even do it with scenes; I'll have the slug, then write a brief two or three line outline of the scene below, then go back and write the damn thing at some later date. That's normally if I can't get an important scene to work. Revisiting it at a later date tends to make the writing process move much easier.

Quoted from DustinBowcot I've pretty much done a page one rewrite and am currently sitting at 68.5 pages. The end is in sight... but I am currently working with an inactive protag that I will need to figure out on the next draft. Couple of days will see this draft done, then I can work on that issue. The story itself is fine... and to be honest I'm in two minds about whether to activate the protag to fit predetermined notions of how a narrative should go. I'll do my usual thing once I arrive at an execution I'm happy with... write a treatment. For me, treatments are something I do after an organic first draft. How can you treat something you don't have yet? When you treat something, you fix it, so that's how I utilise that tool. My treatments consist of one or two lines about what happens in each scene or sequence that I've already written. The point of that is that I get to see every scene faster and can quickly determine plot holes or things that need improving. So, if you do have an organic first draft, give the treatment thing a try. It's time consuming though. I hate writing treatments because they usually take around 2-3 hours to complete and is just mind numbing shit. But the help it provides is worth it.

You are an absolute machine, haha. I've been averaging 25 pages a week, which is the highest output I have ever generated when it comes to scripts, but this is still way below your output! Goddamn you, lol. I definitely agree with everything you have said about being able to attack the plot/ treatment much easier once you have a finished script in front of you.

Good luck, both!

Some good tips there, Tobe, and from Dustin as well. It certainly helps to know how everyone approaches the job. Good to know I'm not the only one who does some strange stuff either.  ;)

DS, how're you coming along?

Good to see you guys are in! Looking forward to see what you guys come up with. 8)

Finished, now fine tuning. Just trying to get the most out of it.

As I will be on crutches for four more weeks I may think about another

All the best to those still writing

Just hit the 80 page mark. Written the end to the second act... Now, I just need to go back and write the 15 pages that directly precede it, and I'll be grand ;D

I hit 90 yesterday. I thought this would be wrapped up at 90... but I've still got the ending to write which will take around 10 pages. I like to use at least 10 pages for the climax.

Then I've got to add stuff to the beginning, activate the protag some more which will come by way of adding a new beginning anyway. There's also a new character intro'd late (page 70+) that I'm going to intro at the start instead and then weave into the story more thoroughly to cement his position.

I'm away next week, so I have just under 2 weeks left to finish this.

Nearing the 100 page mark... Probably a good as time as any to enter into the final act. Seriously cannot see this being anywhere below 130. I guess that's what happens when you try to condense a story that was initially envisioned as a TV series into a feature.

Anyhow, that gives me two weeks to write the final 30ish pages, then (hopefully still have a few days spare to) give this a quick polish up.

How's everyone else doing with their entries?

Not good. Things have got in the way and I'm still only 30 odd pages in. Still hoping to get it done in time. Good luck to everyone still going.

I'm in a similar position to Glenn. Got 35 pages done in a pretty short period of time but then another commitment came up  ??) and it continues to suck up a lot of my time and leaves me exhausted as well.  

It will be a sweet miracle if I can get enough quiet time to get 70 odd pages done in two weeks - not to mention if it's decent enough to post. I'm a slow writer at the best of times. Very annoying, but I'll keep at it.

I've just arrived at an execution I'm pleased with after rewriting the beginning. I still have the very end scene to write and plenty of tweaks. Should be a nice and tight story for people to read by the submission date though.

I'm very sorry to hear this guys.

Dustin, looking forward to reading yours! ;D

I've read Bill's and I was impressed with what he wrote in just two weeks.

Toby, looking forward to read yours too. I liked the beginning of it.

If anyone is up for it when you finish, I have one to trade with. It fits this challenge, except for I changed the McGuffin to diamonds.  :)

Quoted from Grandma Bear If anyone is up for it when you finish, I have one to trade with. It fits this challenge, except for I changed the McGuffin to diamonds.  :)

Why can't the diamonds act as a McGuffin, Pia?

Quoted from Grandma Bear I'm very sorry to hear this guys. Dustin, looking forward to reading yours! ;D I've read Bill's and I was impressed with what he wrote in just two weeks. Toby, looking forward to read yours too. I liked the beginning of it. If anyone is up for it when you finish, I have one to trade with. It fits this challenge, except for I changed the McGuffin to diamonds.  :)

If you want a read, fire it across, only fair after your read of mine

Toby, I guess they could be. For some reason I thought the McGuffin had to be sort of a secret.

Bill, I'll take you up on it! Thank you very much. :-)

I'll try my best and make it my top priority to get this done. I'd really like to.

Quoted from Grandma Bear Toby, I guess they could be. For some reason I thought the McGuffin had to be sort of a secret.

Hey Pia, according to the ever reliable source of Wikipedia, a McGuffin is:

Quoted from Wikipedia(The Fountain of Knowledge) In fiction, a MacGuffin (sometimes McGuffin or maguffin) is a plot device in the form of some goal, desired object, or other motivator that the protagonist pursues, often with little or no narrative explanation.

Your diamonds are definitely a McGuffin, in my opinion :)

This seriously is the script which just keeps on growing... After adding two scenes earlier -- one in the first act, another in the second -- the script is now 105 pages... and I am only just sitting down to begin act three.

I'm going to try my best to wrap up the final act in under 20 pages, to ensure that this doesn't come in much above 125. Normally, after finishing a feature, I spend a week or so trimming the fat, which normally drops the page count down by an additional 5-10%. Hoping to be able to spend the final two days before the deadline doing this here (as well as giving this badboy an overall polish/edit)... Which gives me 10ish days to finish the damn thing.

Good luck, all! Libby, Glenn and DS... I'm rooting for ya'!

Dustin, Reef and Pia: Looking forward to reading your entries :)

I've got to a good stage....I'm bored with it....want to move on.

Once it's read, things will change, but now it's time for me to look at other scripts and await the reads

Quoted from Toby_E Dustin, Reef and Pia: Looking forward to reading your entries :)

Toby, I won't be entering mine since I wrote it a couple of months before this was even announced. As mentioned though, I'd be happy if anyone offers a read in return. I'm hoping to read all the entries.  :)

Bill, that's how I felt after having written two and a half versions of SLEEP. Not two and a half drafts. Completely different stories. I got so bored with the story itself I wanted to puke and I stayed away from writing for a while and when I started again, I wrote a few shorts then this feature. Sometimes, you just have to step away for a bit.

I haven't written anything for two days, and I'm away tomorrow till Friday. So, I won't write another word till Saturday. I like to have occasional breaks, they usually last a week. After a whole week, I can't wait to get stuck back in.

Ok, over 40 pages in now. I'm gonna go all in now and make sure I get this done. Might be a bit rough, but the feedback will help me sort it all out. Looking forward to reading everyone's work.

Just picked mine up after giving it a break for three days. Always a good idea to stop working on a script for a while. You then read it with fresh eyes.

Longer is recommended but under the time constraints that was enough.

Not long now before we need to send the links or script, to Don.

Hope everyone is making progress. I wonder how many will finish?

I'm still on track for getting something in...

I've already got some ideas for the next rewrite -- plot points that I want to change, etc. -- but I doubt that I will get these done on time. But I'll have an entry, nonetheless :)

How's everyone else doing?

DON

i was about to submit mine, but i don't see the option of a dropbox link.

Have i had a senior moment?  As i would prefer it that way so i can update as the reads come in.

No point tin the same typos remaining

cheers

bill

I'm back... got a request for a one-pager on Momma's Boy while away. I'll write that up tomorrow. May also have Time for Love optioned. I'll need to the deadline, but the script for this (TBV) will be finished to a decent standard.

118 pages in... Finally reaching the final showdown. I'm giving myself ten pages for that, then another five to wrap everything up. Aiming to get the writing finished on Sunday, then spend the five days before the deadline rewriting, editing, and working to bring the page count down to the 125 page mark.

Dustin and Reef-- Solid work, to you both. Really looking forward to reading both your entries.

How's everyone else getting along?

Since I didn't know about this contest until about last month, I'm not as far into my script as most of you are yours. Luckily, I'm at 28 pages and counting. Hopefully I have something I can enter by the next Friday's deadline.

And I'm dedicating mine to Wes Craven, even though it isn't horror.

submitted

thanks Don for the link.

However, can you check it got through as it didn't then like the fact i wasn't attaching a file.

i can still work on this, so will probably read again before being posted.

Two days to go and I've finally written the ending, well, almost. The story is there now, but I could really do with another week to make it better.

However, it's full of action, ne'er a dull moment, so it should read quickly and be fairly enjoyable. I've pretty much written this in around 30 days, which is a normal turn around time for a first draft for me. Not to mention the first 80 pages that I almost completely scrapped. To get to this first draft has actually taken me 4 drafts.

Anyway, good luck to everyone. Glad to see Reef and Toby still in. Anyone else?

^^ I know at least one other member from the boards will be entering their entry; so there will be at least four of us, five including Pia.

Looking forward to reading the entries!

Quoted from DustinBowcot Two days to go and I've finally written the ending, well, almost. The story is there now, but I could really do with another week to make it better.

I'm in the exact same boat, mate. Wrote the end. Realised that it was one of the bleakest, nihilistic endings ever put onto paper. Went back in and scrapped that, changed a few things around... But now I'm thinking nihilism might indeed be the way forward for this.

Normally, in situations like these, I would take a few days away from the project, and just let everything breathe. This normally gives me the perspective I need to make the decision on what path to take. Unfortunately, time is not a luxery I have! I'll make the decision today and then just spend the final two days giving everything a quick polish.

... Nihilism wins. I'm already preparing myself for the backlash ;D

Quoted from Toby_E ^^ I know at least one other member from the boards will be entering their entry; so there will be at least four of us, five including Pia.

I'm not entering mine.  ;D  It was already written when this challenge started. It's currently on InkTip. I'll read you guys' entries though.

Bill read mine and I read his, so some reading has already been going on.  8)

Ah, well, I shall still give yours a read :)

Do you have a DropBox link? Or would you prefer to email it over?

(That is, if you don't mind sharing and still want reads...)

Can I take a raincheck?  :)

Two people have already read it and given notes and I also sent it to Screenplay Readers. Both readers gave it a CONSIDER, so I'm set for know when it comes to input. I very much appreciate the offer though.  :)

I'll be here! Just give me a shout when you want a fresh pair of eyes and I'll get to it ASAP.

Looking forward to these

I haven't written a feature in a couple of years, didn't really feel I could, so it's been nice to get back in the race.

I fired mine off to coverage, like Pia, and got decent feedback, but every script still needs work. I sure there is a mistake on the first page I haven't seen.

Thanks Don and Pia

I'm out, sadly. Too much got in the way and at roughly 50 pages in, there's no way I'll have something any way decent ready for Friday. Still want to finish this one though and will post it when it's done. Best of luck to everyone. I'll be reading.

Just finished and submitted mine. Man, it was a monster expanding a 21 page short into an 88 page feature. But I did it! :)

Quoted from ChrisBodily ...an 88 page feature...

I like the sound of that.


The thing about it being a slog isn't so good though, lol. Makes me think that perhaps there's going to be lots of exposition or unnecessary dialogue to bump up page count. Hope I'm wrong.

Either way, you have plenty of time to improve it. I doubt that any of us will have written a perfect script this time. With the holidays, kids being off school (it's during summer break in my country and I have 4 of the little feckers) etc, etc, I always find it hard to write anyway. I need perfect silence or music with perfect silence in the background, else I'm wearing headphones with them on full blast and then it can become unpleasant, almost a chore to write, especially when there is a 'deadline'. Maybe not a real deadline with money involved, but it's nice to pretend.

To my dismay, a bumpy shoot over this month meant I didn't have time to finish my 7WC script. However, it'll appear around here soon enough, and I look forward to reading everyone's entries!

Will there be a list of who wrote what?  Or is it anonymous?

It's not anonymous ... Well mine won't be.

As far as I see it, this is just a club set up to help us improve what we've written

Quoted from Reef Dreamer It's not anonymous ...

Ok, good.

The 7WC is not like the OWC, which has become more of a competition. This one is still just a challenge. A challenge to write a feature in a set amount of time. Some people do better with deadlines than without. When finished, you won't get a mug. All you get is the satisfaction of having written a feature and you will also get others to read and comment on your work.

I don't really see why anyone would want to enter their script anonymously.

Looking forward to see what you guys came up with and I'll miss those of you who didn't make it.  :)

Mine has been submitted. I'm still not 100% happy with it, but it all works for now. 92 pages.

Here's the logline I just made up on the hop:

An unbeknownst descendant of the Van Helsings must finish what her family started when the last vampire, kept alive and farmed for her blue blood that gives users vampire powers for one night, escapes and seeks her rightful place as ruler of the planet.

Looks like I'm going to take top prize for word count... 138 pages. I really did try my best to keep the page count down (and even trimmed a good 10-15 pages), but the detective aspect of the script just needed the pages to breath... Apologies for everyone that reads it ;D ;D ;D ;D

I'm just polishing up the final 10 pages, then I shall be submitting mine. Logline's still the same as it was for when I posted the first 10, six weeks back.

Looking forward to reading all the entries!

Don,

I uploaded my script with a DropBox link (instead of uploading the script file), and got this error message:

Quoted Text "One or more files failed to upload. The reasons returned are: No files were selected for uploading"

Did the upload go through?

P.s. I will also PM you the information, just in case it didn't (or just in case the DropBox link didn't upload properly...)

Quoted from Toby_E Don, I uploaded my script with a DropBox link (instead of uploading the script file), and got this error message: Did the upload go through?

I didn't get the error because I ignored the upload screen. usually when you use a link the upload screen becomes unnecessary and there is a little message that tells you this. I noticed that the message wasn't there this time, but if you submitted a link then that should be fine. That's exactly what I did.

You got the error because you clicked submit on the file upload screen... without actually uploading any files. Hope that makes sense.

Ah, cheers for confirming that, Dustin. Much appreciated.

Don -- You can ignore the PM that I just sent (unless the initial DropBox link doesn't -- for whatever reason -- work; as the one in the PM definitely does).

Thanks all, looking forward to reading the submissions!

Okay, mine's been submitted. Ran across the same problem as Toby, but I put the dropbox link in so it should be fine. It too is on the higher end -- 124 pages. Although, it's actually somewhere around ~117 or ~116, but I added a few page breaks which increased the length. Seems like we have a solid amount of entries, will be nice to see what people wrote.

I've been laying low for the longest time because I had no idea if I would make it. I was averaging about a page a day for awhile, buoyed only by the fact that I'd written a one page synopsis and had a decent idea of the structure.

Then I got a bunch of good writing days... then I spilled beer on my laptop in the middle of writing the last scene. Luckily the only thing I lost was my keyboard.

All in all, I haven't had a lot of time to edit. Basically one pass through after the draft was done, though I did manage to cut it from 102 pages to 99, which was nice since my starting goal was in the 90-99 range.

Looking forward to seeing what everyone came up with. I'm gonna close my computer now, before it has a chance to spontaneously burst into flames (it's been that kind of week).

Mine is...

The Memory Map

After a traumatic mission, a covert agent goes on the run only to discover that her survival depends on an experimental procedure to unlock part of her memory.

Well..I think that's the log line I entered. You know what it's like, you start to enter  a link and suddenly remember you've got to put one together, could have been anything   :D

Dustin - like the sound of yours.