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SimplyScripts Screenwriting Discussion Board  /  The 2019 Writers' Tournament  /  Writers' Tournament Round 1 Scripts.
Posted by: Don, June 3rd, 2019, 11:24pm
Where Did He Touch You? by Santa Claus - Rick and Mandy are worried about their son Tommy not speaking.  They seek professional advice but don't receive the kind of answers they were expecting. 5 pages - Short, Horror, Comedy

Head Space by Someone - It's amazing what you can buy from Amazon... 5 pages - Short, Horror, Comedy

Melt by FCP - It's easy for a Psychiatrist to spot delusions, as Monsters don't really exist, do they? 5 pages - Short, Horror, Sci Fi

Sprung by Kandice Caffrey - A couple struggles to follow the recent rules and regulations thrust upon society after entering a new era. It is recommended they attend therapy, that is overseen by a demon inside a vessel. 5 pages - Short, Horror, Comedy

Bobble-ageddon by A guy clutching at straws - A NASA pilot must overcome a peculiar fear if he is to save Earth from impending doom. 5 pages - Short, Comedy, Sci Fi

A Head Full of Lightning by H. Traverse - Dr. Quinlan has treated many unusual cases over the years, but never one who kept her husband in a purse. 5 pages - Short, Comedy, Horror

I'm Being Watched by 48 Hrs. Writer - A man obsessed with conspiracy theories visits his psychiatrist to tell her that he's being watched by bobble-head dolls! 5 pages - Short, Comedy, Sci Fi

Bobblelution by Vince Whirlwind - A young lady's visit to a psychiatrist becomes a life changing experience.  5 pages - Short, Action, Comedy

Bugs by Creepy Binders - In a near future asylum, a young girl, convinced strange bugs are trying to get inside her, tries to save her voice-hearing roommate, who she believes the critters inhabit. 5 pages - Short, Horror, Sci Fi

Virtual Vengeance Container by Anonymous - A therapist convinces his trauma patient of a virtual reality role-play. 5 pages - Short, Sci Fi, Horror

Just Stop by The Temp - A counseling session gets tense when a patient's husband agrees with everything she says. 5 pages - Short, Comedy, Horror, Action

Tucker & Doctor Daleman vs. Crazy by The one that flew over the cuckoo's nest - A man seeking help with his mental state leaves the doctor's office with more than he could have hoped for; a somewhat different hobby. 5 pages - Short, Horror, Comedy

Image Problem by Star Witness - A pop band of teens overcame much to reach the cusp of success, but will a deranged fan ruin everything? 5 pages - Short, Horror, Comedy

The Package by Anonymouse2 - A mysterious package wreaks havoc on a Psychiatrist's home office. 5 pages - Short, Horror, Action

The Doc is Out by Bob L. Head - The post-therapy dissertation is what really matters. 5 pages - Short, Sci Fi, Comedy

Head Case by Tourney Writer X3000 - Henry Kint insists on introducing Dr. West to his wife, but she will insist on much more. 5 pages - Short, Horror, Comedy

Treatment by Shrinks-r-us - A young trauma victim undergoes a new treatment with dire consequences. 5 pages - Short, Horror, Sci Fi

Dr. Schnederly, Mobile Psychiatrist by Mort Winkles - Just your standard psychiatric appointment for a woman and her bobblehead. 5 pages - Short, Comedy, Horror

Never Know what you'll Get by Anonymouse3 - {no logline} - Short, Horror, Comedy
Posted by: Zack, June 3rd, 2019, 11:28pm; Reply: 1
That was fast!
Posted by: Warren, June 3rd, 2019, 11:34pm; Reply: 2
So 5 writers didn't get an entry in, not bad.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 4th, 2019, 12:34am; Reply: 3
The Don and Mr. Blonde are AMAZING!!!
Posted by: ReneC, June 4th, 2019, 12:38am; Reply: 4
Thanks for the rapid postings, Don!

As expected, plenty of horror. Can't wait.  ;D
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 4th, 2019, 1:06am; Reply: 5
So, I've read a coupler and my immediate knee jerk reaction is to DQ them both...

BUT...I didn't enter last year and I don't want to grade these like I do OWC's, so I'm goinjg to sleep on it and read exactly what we're supposed to be grading on.

If am entry is obviously over the page limit, does it get DQ'd?  Or, does it get a ZERO in meeting the challenge?

If am entry obviously does meet the "fusion" genre, does it get DQ'd, or does it get a ZERO in that "part" of the challenge?

Looking for guidance here...
Posted by: Warren, June 4th, 2019, 4:06am; Reply: 6
I think I'm about halfway through, reading from the top down.

The quality is pretty good, and the mix of stories from such narrow criteria is surprisingly varied.

People have done really well for 3 days.
Posted by: Matthew Taylor, June 4th, 2019, 5:09am; Reply: 7

Quoted from Dreamscale
So, I've read a coupler and my immediate knee jerk reaction is to DQ them both...

BUT...I didn't enter last year and I don't want to grade these like I do OWC's, so I'm goinjg to sleep on it and read exactly what we're supposed to be grading on.

If am entry is obviously over the page limit, does it get DQ'd?  Or, does it get a ZERO in meeting the challenge?

If am entry obviously does meet the "fusion" genre, does it get DQ'd, or does it get a ZERO in that "part" of the challenge?

Looking for guidance here...


The original thread ( https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-Tourney19/m-1558900680/ ) said not to DQ - Criteria met is a YES/NO answer - so if the page limit is not met, or the genre, then criteria would get a NO - that's how I have read it anyway
Posted by: Mr. Blonde, June 4th, 2019, 7:24am; Reply: 8

Quoted from Dreamscale
So, I've read a coupler and my immediate knee jerk reaction is to DQ them both...

BUT...I didn't enter last year and I don't want to grade these like I do OWC's, so I'm goinjg to sleep on it and read exactly what we're supposed to be grading on.

If am entry is obviously over the page limit, does it get DQ'd?  Or, does it get a ZERO in meeting the challenge?

If am entry obviously does meet the "fusion" genre, does it get DQ'd, or does it get a ZERO in that "part" of the challenge?

Looking for guidance here...



Quoted from Matthew Taylor
The original thread ( https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-Tourney19/m-1558900680/ ) said not to DQ - Criteria met is a YES/NO answer - so if the page limit is not met, or the genre, then criteria would get a NO - that's how I have read it anyway


Exactly. On the scorecard, you'll be able to select Yes or No, if it meets the criteria. Yes = 5. No = 1. No DQs.
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), June 4th, 2019, 7:37am; Reply: 9
I've only read one so far that correctly fuses genres. As a genre-fusing writer myself, I understand that you're not meant to stick one genre after the other, but fuse them into one seamless genre unto itself.

There are exceptions... Tarantino, for example, in Dusk Till Dawn. So, it can be done. Generally, however, you're meant to fuse the genres, not stick them alongside each other as it will mostly not work.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 4th, 2019, 10:07am; Reply: 10

Quoted from Mr. Blonde


Exactly. On the scorecard, you'll be able to select Yes or No, if it meets the criteria. Yes = 5. No = 1. No DQs.


Where are the scorecards?

Posted by: Mr. Blonde, June 4th, 2019, 10:26am; Reply: 11

Quoted from Dreamscale
Where are the scorecards?


The scorecard exists, but still in test form (Don is working on finishing it up), Jeff. Did you see the post where I recommended making your own personal scorecard, until you're ready to submit? If you're not comfortable with that, you can send a PM to me with your grades for each script individually, which I'll hold and send back to you when you want to send it your final scores.

Just in case it was missed, the categories are: Criteria (Y/N), Story, Characters, Dialogue, Prose.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 4th, 2019, 10:43am; Reply: 12
Thanks, Blondie.  I got it.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 4th, 2019, 10:59am; Reply: 13
I remember first reading about this and finding the scoring (categories are: Criteria (Y/N), Story, Characters, Dialogue, Prose) to be quite odd...maybe even unfair.

If a script goes over the page length max, it gets a ZERO in 1 of 5 categories, but in going over the max page length, it may "complete" the story, which could then get a FIVE, and could contain the only dialogue in the script, which could be excellent, and thus, another FIVE.

And, maybe even more important, having genre(s) lumped in with page length, means you can write any genre you want to (regardless of the challenge parameters), miss the page max by numerous pages, yet only receive a ZERO in this 1 category.

The winning script could easily be 9 pages long and in the romance genre.  This is a serious flaw.
Posted by: ReneC, June 4th, 2019, 11:57am; Reply: 14

Quoted from Dreamscale


And, maybe even more important, having genre(s) lumped in with page length, means you can write any genre you want to (regardless of the challenge parameters), miss the page max by numerous pages, yet only receive a ZERO in this 1 category.

The winning script could easily be 9 pages long and in the romance genre.  This is a serious flaw.


Actually, it would still get a 1 (Meets Criteria Y=5, N=1), which is the same as if a writer didn't submit anything at all. So a minimum of 5 points no matter what.

You could massage the numbers however you want. If you feel a writer went way over the page limit, then rate just based on the first 5 pages. Or dock points. Or whatever you think is fair. Just be consistent.

Across multiple rounds, these things usually even out.
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), June 4th, 2019, 12:03pm; Reply: 15
I'd also like it if we could start a discussion on defining genre-fusion. Particularly with comedy horror. It is impossible to make people laugh and then have them genuinely afraid. They're such opposites that any attempt at it would be completely jarring and just not work.

Horror comedy is just a comedy with horror elements. In essence it can only ever be a comedy where the horror is played for laughs. Writers attempting to mix comedy with straight horror are making a mistake, IMO. Reviewers expecting writers to pull something like that off are also making a mistake.
Posted by: Mr. Blonde, June 4th, 2019, 12:10pm; Reply: 16

Quoted from DustinBowcot
I'd also like it if we could start a discussion on defining genre-fusion. Particularly with comedy horror. It is impossible to make people laugh and then have them genuinely afraid. They're such opposites that any attempt at it would be completely jarring and just not work.

Horror comedy is just a comedy with horror elements. In essence it can only ever be a comedy where the horror is played for laughs. Writers attempting to mix comedy with straight horror are making a mistake, IMO. Reviewers expecting writers to pull something like that off are also making a mistake.


I'll do my best to define it. A horror-comedy isn't always horrific, nor is it always comedic. The idea is to either strike the balance between the two or alternate as the scene dictates. It would be like saying you're writing an action-comedy, but the action is always comedic. If you do that, they won't feel like there are any stakes because you can't take the situation seriously.

But, as I've said before, judge it how you feel they accomplished the parameters. If you feel nobody can do it properly, at least everyone will be on the same playing field in your scores.
Posted by: Scar Tissue Films, June 4th, 2019, 12:14pm; Reply: 17
Comedy horror and horror comedy can be seen as two different genres.

The first is a comedy with scares or at least using horror tropes. Like Shaun of the Dead, Tucker and Dale, and at the very extreme end, Scary Movie.

The second is a horror with laughs. Like Scream or Evil dead 2. They are scary, but also have a strong vein of humour.

It's totally possible to both scare and make you laugh in the same film. Wolf Creek is very scary, but the antagonist is also extremely funny.
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), June 4th, 2019, 12:16pm; Reply: 18
I believe this stretches across the board... but only with mixing comedy. An action comedy is also just a comedy. Even if we get a superb action fight scene, this will be played off afterwards as being humorous for some reason or another. Either the action was so good as to be beyond comprehensible belief, wink, wink, nudge, nudge... or it is funny because it comes from a character that wouldn't usually be able to do that... a blind guy with a white cane, for example. The bad guys are usually hyperblown and play it dead straight, which makes it funnier. Even though there may be some great action sequences, the comedy will never be far away.


OK... maybe comedy drama and comedy romance work well together. It's possible to merge those successfully where both genres have an equal strength.

You can't do that with comedy horror, it just couldn't work. I'm open to hearing some examples and/or contrary arguments.
Posted by: Scar Tissue Films, June 4th, 2019, 12:20pm; Reply: 19
There are loads of examples from Brain dead, bad taste, Tremors, Gremilns, Troll Hunter. Literally hundreds.
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), June 4th, 2019, 12:23pm; Reply: 20

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films

Like Scream or Evil dead 2. They are scary, but also have a strong vein of humour.


I disagree. They're not scary at all. They're both intended to make the audience laugh. The only people that are scared are the fake characters within the comedy that play it straight.


Quoted Text

It's totally possible to both scare and make you laugh in the same film. Wolf Creek is very scary, but the antagonist is also extremely funny.


That's not what I'm talking about. Genre mashing is deeper than that. Every story will have ups and downs. Wolf Creek isn't a comedy at all. A guy can tell a few jokes but it doesn't make it a comedy.

I think some genres naturally lend themselves to others better. You can't have a horror comedy, or comedy horror... that's just semantics. I can't think of one comedy horror, or horror comedy that isn't at its heart simply a comedy. Once you make people laugh, the horror is gone.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 4th, 2019, 12:29pm; Reply: 21

Quoted from ReneC


Actually, it would still get a 1 (Meets Criteria Y=5, N=1), which is the same as if a writer didn't submit anything at all. So a minimum of 5 points no matter what.


OK, got it.  I thought if it gets a "N" in meets criteria, it would be a ZERO, but now I see it's a minimum of 1 in each category.  My scorecard has been updated now.

Thanks.

Posted by: Scar Tissue Films, June 4th, 2019, 12:34pm; Reply: 22
I don't know what to tell you.

It's a well established genre.

Scream was a slasher film, but was so self aware it was also a parody of slasher films and thus comedic, also. Shaun of the dead was a comedy at heart but used the genre beats, premise and scare tactics of zombie films. They both worked.

Most horror films, stories etc aren't actually scary. They're still horror. Those that manage it are gold, like the tiny number of comedies that are actually funny. The films that make you scared and make you laugh are probably even fewer.


Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 4th, 2019, 12:36pm; Reply: 23
Scream and Wolf Creek are not comedies in any way, and are 2 completely different movies, in terms of tone.

Mick Taylor is indeed quite funny, in a psychotic way, but what he does to his victims is indeed quite horrific and even troubling.

The characters in Scream can be quite funny, but again, the tone is far from comedy, although it's much more "acceptable" to main stream audiences, due to its wink wink nature.
Posted by: Scar Tissue Films, June 4th, 2019, 12:42pm; Reply: 24
Where we'd probably agree is that most people in the tournament failed to find the right balance, whichever angle they were coming from. Mostly because people go too surreal., Imo.

For some reason when most people do comedy on here, it's always surrealist fantasy. Some really mad scenario, with really mad character reactions to it. I don't get the sense that's how comedy actually works, but I'm not an expert.
Posted by: Zack, June 4th, 2019, 12:46pm; Reply: 25
The original Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a black comedy, though I'd argue it's scarier than it is funny.

And Scream is not a comedy. Humourous, but still quite horrific IMO.
Posted by: Scar Tissue Films, June 4th, 2019, 12:49pm; Reply: 26

Quoted from Dreamscale
Scream and Wolf Creek are not comedies in any way, and are 2 completely different movies, in terms of tone.

Mick Taylor is indeed quite funny, in a psychotic way, but what he does to his victims is indeed quite horrific and even troubling.

The characters in Scream can be quite funny, but again, the tone is far from comedy, although it's much more "acceptable" to main stream audiences, due to its wink wink nature.


I agree. I mentioned wolf creek because he said its impossible for a film to scare you and make you laugh.. Mick Taylor proves that it's possible. Freddy Krueger was similar. He has a psychotic humour. It's not that easy, because you need to be expert at both horror and comedy.

There's a scale from outright comedy horror. Scary Movie, Rocky horror show  all the way to extreme horror that can also be funny... At the extreme end the humour is usually extremely dark, even troubling, like you say.

Scream is a horror comedy. Definitely more horror than comedy, but there are still elements of both humour and parody, which is a comedic genre.
Posted by: leitskev, June 4th, 2019, 1:02pm; Reply: 27
I think we need to be as generous as possible when it comes to defining genre. One thing I learned when I first came here years ago is that many people have a very narrow definition of horror. For example, most people here at that time would not include a ghost story as horror. For me, most ghost stories would fit. There's a wide range in horror, from ghost to gore. And then once you start combining genres, no one's going to agree.

I enjoy reading Rick's posts because of his movie knowledge, which I severely lack. I never would have even thought about the difference between comedy/horror and horror/comedy. But there does seem to be an interesting difference now that it's pointed out to me.

But for this contest, expectations should not be too rigid. If there are elements of horror and some attempts at humor, I'm satisfied the criteria is met. Hard enough to come up with a good story in 72 hours, only 5 pages, and a bobble head!
Posted by: Mr. Blonde, June 4th, 2019, 1:11pm; Reply: 28

Quoted from leitskev
But for this contest, expectations should not be too rigid. If there are elements of horror and some attempts at humor, I'm satisfied the criteria is met. Hard enough to come up with a good story in 72 hours, only 5 pages, and a bobble head!


Admittedly, that's one of the reasons for the new scoring sheet. People here have a tendency to be very liberal with how often they point to scripts which don't fit their view of the parameters. Here, it's not a script killer on an element which is so subjective.
Posted by: PKCardinal, June 4th, 2019, 1:15pm; Reply: 29

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films
Where we'd probably agree is that most people in the tournament failed to find the right balance, whichever angle they were coming from. Mostly because people go too surreal., Imo.

For some reason when most people do comedy on here, it's always surrealist fantasy. Some really mad scenario, with really mad character reactions to it. I don't get the sense that's how comedy actually works, but I'm not an expert.


I wonder if that's partly because of the page limitations. I personally prefer comedy that comes from character. But, that's nearly impossible to pull off in 5 pages. Mainly because character takes time/pages. So, when I write a comedy short, I concentrate on the world, the visuals, actions more than dialogue... because comedic dialogue works best after you know the character.

I find that most comedic dialogue in my shorts feels forced/over the top. I think it's because I'm trying to write something "funny" instead of finding the humor in the character. Or, it doesn't work for a reader because I know the character, but they don't.

Finally, I'd add that when writing shorts, I find myself steering towards known character types. Since I don't have time to build something unique, it's easier to take advantage of the reader's built-in knowledge of cliche characters and build from there.

Probably not a good approach... and I'm hoping my skills evolve to something better. But, that's where I sit right now.
Posted by: ReneC, June 4th, 2019, 1:16pm; Reply: 30
Horror comedy is more about tone than laughs. It has horror moments and maybe some genuine scares, but the tone keeps it light and fun. Shaun of the Dead, Zombieland, the upcoming The Dead Don't Die (zombies are funny!) all fall within that. So do the original Evil Deads (but the remake does not).
Posted by: Scar Tissue Films, June 4th, 2019, 2:03pm; Reply: 31
Re-reading the thread. I think I can see Dustin's point better. I think I read it as comedy and horror don't mix, rather than what he was actually saying.

I'll put it down to the Havana I'm drinking..
Posted by: Scar Tissue Films, June 4th, 2019, 2:13pm; Reply: 32

Quoted from PKCardinal


I wonder if that's partly because of the page limitations. I personally prefer comedy that comes from character. But, that's nearly impossible to pull off in 5 pages. Mainly because character takes time/pages. So, when I write a comedy short, I concentrate on the world, the visuals, actions more than dialogue... because comedic dialogue works best after you know the character.

I find that most comedic dialogue in my shorts feels forced/over the top. I think it's because I'm trying to write something "funny" instead of finding the humor in the character. Or, it doesn't work for a reader because I know the character, but they don't.

Finally, I'd add that when writing shorts, I find myself steering towards known character types. Since I don't have time to build something unique, it's easier to take advantage of the reader's built-in knowledge of cliche characters and build from there.

Probably not a good approach... and I'm hoping my skills evolve to something better. But, that's where I sit right now.


I'm not the judge of what's right and wrong, at the end of the day.

I've got a terrible bias against comedy because it's the genre I most want to watch, but every time I put one on, it's turned off within twenty minutes.

Outtakes are usually the only funny part. Comedy has become a YouTube thing, for me, at least.

Basically, just best to ignore me when it comes to comedy. I'm a curmudgeon.
Posted by: leitskev, June 4th, 2019, 2:14pm; Reply: 33

Quoted from PKCardinal


I find that most comedic dialogue in my shorts feels forced/over the top. I think it's because I'm trying to write something "funny" instead of finding the humor in the character. Or, it doesn't work for a reader because I know the character, but they don't.



There's a lot of truth to this. Not because it can't be done in 5 pages, but more because after only spending 5 pages and one weekend with the story, the characters are simply not developed yet usually.

Posted by: PKCardinal, June 4th, 2019, 2:20pm; Reply: 34

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films


I'm not the judge of what's right and wrong, at the end of the day.

I've got a terrible bias against comedy because it's the genre I most want to watch, but every time I put one on, it's turned off within twenty minutes.

Outtakes are usually the only funny part. Comedy has become a YouTube thing, for me, at least.

Basically, just best to ignore me when it comes to comedy. I'm a curmudgeon.


I think good comedy is incredibly difficult... and there's very little of it being produced by networks.

Add to that the WiDE variety of comedic tastes... and, I can see why YouTube is so popular.
Posted by: Scar Tissue Films, June 4th, 2019, 3:03pm; Reply: 35
It is very difficult. For lots of reasons.

A lot of the things that are really funny are unexpected, spontaneous events which can't be replicated in a scripted form so easily. The very act of trying to create it kind of kills it.

It's also apparent to me that a lot of the funniest people are funnier being themselves than they are in a film. Jack Black being maybe the most obvious example.

It's a strange thing. It feels like there's such a space for some funny films.
Posted by: stevie, June 4th, 2019, 6:28pm; Reply: 36
Will start reviewing soon  have a bad cold and am struggling lol tough night at work with it  

Funny reading the comments about the comedies   It’s quite weird how some comedy doesn’t click with perps for whatever reason   Mind you I’m fussy with it too lol   One major role of writing comedy is not too edit too much   If it ain’t working then scrap it
Posted by: Warren, June 4th, 2019, 9:55pm; Reply: 37
I think the fusion genre is the easiest one to lose points on. In particular, everyone seems to have varied ideas on what constitutes a horror comedy.

The whole "comedy is subjective" thing is also makes it hard. Im sure everyone that wrote a comedy/whatever thought it was funny. You are never going to please everyone when it come to comedy. I think the best result for this round is just to stay in with a chance and hopefully get some strong genre specific scripts in the following rounds.

That is until the next comedy round where almost everyone doesn't find anything funny  :P
Posted by: Mr. Blonde, June 4th, 2019, 10:22pm; Reply: 38

Quoted from Warren
That is until the next comedy round where almost everyone doesn't find anything funny  :P


You mean, next week? Oh... Wait...
Posted by: Warren, June 5th, 2019, 12:13am; Reply: 39

Quoted from Mr. Blonde


You mean, next week? Oh... Wait...


In that case, I thought I'd pop this up. Considering meeting the criteria can easily take you from a 5 to a 1, and it's completely based on whether an individual finds your script funny, then if they don't it automatically isn’t comedy.

Maybe reviewers could take into account the fact that there are many types of comedy, maybe they can take into account a writer’s attempt to meet the criteria of certain comedic beats.

It's probably never going to happen, readers would definitely be more content giving a 1 if they don’t find something funny, but considering people keep saying how hard comedy is and how subjective it is, why not give a little more breathing space.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comedic_genres

Or not...
Posted by: Scar Tissue Films, June 5th, 2019, 1:57am; Reply: 40
You can still tell if something is supposed to be a comedy, even if it's not funny.
Posted by: Scar Tissue Films, June 5th, 2019, 3:44am; Reply: 41
I haven't decided otherwise. If they say it's a comedy, then it's a comedy.
Posted by: Matthew Taylor, June 5th, 2019, 3:54am; Reply: 42
Will we get a chance to guess who wrote what before the names are revealed?

And can we get bonus points for every one we get right? :-)
Posted by: Warren, June 5th, 2019, 4:04am; Reply: 43

Quoted from Matthew Taylor
Will we get a chance to guess who wrote what before the names are revealed?

And can we get bonus points for every one we get right :-)



Yes this is exactly how it works. I'm up to 3 bonus points so far.
Posted by: PrussianMosby, June 5th, 2019, 6:05am; Reply: 44
I saw the genre fusion a little different I must say since I believe a complete "fusion" of two genres that take equal room isn't possible imo. Rather I see the task in getting a strong secondary sub-genre or say atmospheric thematic inside. Indeed as in Scream for instance as they constantly planted humor beats that relax from the rather hard tension.

So, the difference of what we do here is that we don't send a horror f.i. that's straight from the core to its shell. That's all.

As Blonde said somewhere, Alien, as Horror SF mix is a good example.

It's about fear on a space ship. The threat of the Alien is bigger than the futuristic tone and world it's laid in. In a sense, the Alien could be a Wolf hunting people in the woods, doesn't matter, the main genre would be horror anyway but it has strong threads to another genre.

However, to me the entrants do fine. I also found that most placed their 'main genre' re my theory on first position.
Posted by: Scar Tissue Films, June 5th, 2019, 6:25am; Reply: 45
OK, I think I've read them all.


The usual mixed bag, or perhaps more than the usual, mixed bag. The short time frame and the fusion genre seems to have resulted in writers struggling for consistency of tone and story.

I enjoyed reading them, though.
Posted by: Matthew Taylor, June 5th, 2019, 7:33am; Reply: 46
I'm all done too

I'm most impressed with what some people can come up with within a short space of time and some tough stipulations - well done
A couple... not so impressed lol

I did get a bit horror fatigued if i am honest, so sorry if I was a bit harsh in reveiwing some.
I would have quite liked it if the below split of genre options had been a bit more evenly spread

Horror-Comedy - 11
Horror-Action - 1
Horror-Sci-Fi - 4
Action-Comedy - 1
Action-Sci-Fi - 0
Sci-Fi-Comedy - 3
Posted by: Scar Tissue Films, June 5th, 2019, 7:50am; Reply: 47
Sad there were no Sci Fi Action scripts...there could have been stealth ninjas in bio-tech camouflage breaking into a psychiatrists office to steal an incriminating file, or cybernetic warriors being treated for PTSD after a Galactic War.
Posted by: Mr. Blonde, June 5th, 2019, 8:28am; Reply: 48

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films
Sad there were no Sci Fi Action scripts...there could have been stealth ninjas in bio-tech camouflage breaking into a psychiatrists office to steal an incriminating file, or cybernetic warriors being treated for PTSD after a Galactic War.


My second favorite idea, when I pulled these topics, was actually a sci-fi action script. It wasn't an intergalactic war, but it was a war in the future where soldiers were trained to see the enemy as a bobblehead doll. But, that feeling didn't stop once he went back to the real world and it actually got worse, psychologically.
Posted by: ReneC, June 5th, 2019, 9:01am; Reply: 49

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films
Sad there were no Sci Fi Action scripts...there could have been stealth ninjas in bio-tech camouflage breaking into a psychiatrists office to steal an incriminating file, or cybernetic warriors being treated for PTSD after a Galactic War.


All the best ideas come after you've submitted.  ::)
Posted by: leitskev, June 5th, 2019, 12:34pm; Reply: 50
For whatever it's worth, I apologize for the continued discussion I had on one of the scripts. I actually give strong consideration toward adjusting a score if someone defends the script successfully. Sometimes a story that doesn't quite work for me can rise in estimation once I have things defended or better explained. It's certainly not rare that I miss something during a read that throws me off. And if a lot of people really like a story, I will go back and give it another chance. Seems only fair to the writer.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 5th, 2019, 1:27pm; Reply: 51

Quoted from leitskev
For whatever it's worth, I apologize for the continued discussion I had on one of the scripts. I actually give strong consideration toward adjusting a score if someone defends the script successfully. Sometimes a story that doesn't quite work for me can rise in estimation once I have things defended or better explained. It's certainly not rare that I miss something during a read that throws me off. And if a lot of people really like a story, I will go back and give it another chance. Seems only fair to the writer.


You may want to read my review of that script before you go adjusting scores...

Posted by: leitskev, June 5th, 2019, 1:52pm; Reply: 52
Oh, I don't want to give the impression that I'll adjust a score based on its popularity. What happens is that I will go back and read a script to see if I missed key elements that effected my score. I'm not a very good script reader. I do miss things. I remember once I read a script here where I missed that the main character was black, and it changed the whole point of the story.

When it comes to the script in question it seems you and I agreed on several of the problems.

I just want to be as fair as I can to the writers.
Posted by: Gary in Houston, June 5th, 2019, 2:44pm; Reply: 53
Finished reading them all. That was quite the mixed bag.

The hardest part was definitely the fusion element. I know I struggled with it in my own script so I sympathized on that part.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 5th, 2019, 4:11pm; Reply: 54
Once again, I am very surprised to see the reviews mine is getting.  Shocked, actually.

I'm also very surprised to see reviews that others are getting, both negative and positive.

Some of these are so bad, yet are receiving pretty solid praise, while others are quite good and getting shat on.

Maybe I'm not playing in the right sandbox.
Posted by: leitskev, June 5th, 2019, 4:14pm; Reply: 55

Quoted from Gary in Houston

The hardest part was definitely the fusion element.  


Yup. Good exercise, though. I'm not sure I can last 5 weeks of this, however. Time consuming. Next round might be shorter comments, maybe even just grading some.
Posted by: stevie, June 5th, 2019, 4:14pm; Reply: 56
Will try to finish reading them all but I am pretty crook with a cold so may struggle lol

If I don’t get to yours plse PM me so I can make an effort for it   Don’t worry about the anon thing; that should have been retired years back lol
Posted by: Warren, June 5th, 2019, 4:36pm; Reply: 57
Back to hopefully finish these off today. Diving in...
Posted by: Philostrate, June 5th, 2019, 4:59pm; Reply: 58
How long do we have before voting closes? Friday?
Posted by: FrankM, June 5th, 2019, 6:32pm; Reply: 59

Quoted from Philostrate
How long do we have before voting closes? Friday?


I think we have until the next submission deadline (at some point between Saturday and the following Friday, depending on your time zone).
Posted by: Warren, June 5th, 2019, 6:50pm; Reply: 60
Not a bad mix, reading from the top to the bottom, I thought the first 10 were stronger than the last.

Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 5th, 2019, 7:21pm; Reply: 61
5 more to go.

I'm scoring based on the scoring parameters we were given.

I do not agree with these at all, as some very poor scripts, scripts that should have been DQ'd, or not even read, scored rather well.
Posted by: leitskev, June 5th, 2019, 7:31pm; Reply: 62
While I think we should be relatively generous when it comes to genres, I also think it's fair if we deduct a little from the story if the categories were completely missed. For example, the highest one on my board was a straight up comedy. I liked it a lot. But I took a point off story because my thinking is that the story could not be that good if it had operated under the same constraints of fusion. It's still my highest rated script, but I knocked it on criteria AND story.
Posted by: Warren, June 5th, 2019, 7:46pm; Reply: 63
So when does the next round start? I'm a bit confused by the timeline.
Posted by: Warren, June 5th, 2019, 7:55pm; Reply: 64

Quoted from Matthew Taylor


And can we get bonus points for every one we get right? :-)


I think I'm up to 5 points now  :)

Posted by: Gary in Houston, June 5th, 2019, 8:03pm; Reply: 65
I'm looking at the scorecard, and you have no middle ground on the criteria.  Either they met the criteria or they didn't, and there are some scripts where you think, "well, maybe they did," but it's a close call.  And so if it's an otherwise admirable script, it gets severely dinged if it's right on the cusp.  All the other categories are graded on a 1 to 5 scale, but not the fusion or bobble head criteria.

Any thoughts on how to address this criteria when scoring?
Posted by: FrankM, June 5th, 2019, 8:10pm; Reply: 66

Quoted from Gary in Houston
I'm looking at the scorecard, and you have no middle ground on the criteria.  Either they met the criteria or they didn't, and there are some scripts where you think, "well, maybe they did," but it's a close call.  And so if it's an otherwise admirable script, it gets severely dinged if it's right on the cusp.  All the other categories are graded on a 1 to 5 scale, but not the fusion or bobble head criteria.

Any thoughts on how to address this criteria when scoring?


The next four weeks will be more straightforward. Don’t want to speak for Sean, but my interpretation was that it’s a way to penalize something you’d otherwise DQ. I’m trying to be lenient on the fusion thing if it looks like there was a boba fide effort at two genres.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 5th, 2019, 8:11pm; Reply: 67

Quoted from Gary in Houston
Any thoughts on how to address this criteria when scoring?


I think you have to score each category on its own, which just isn't right.

For me, there are obvious things that good scripts contain, but I can't score that way here.

Giving 20% of the overall script either a 1 or 5, just isn't right.  In fact, if it's a 1, it should actually be a zero, because missing the parameters is what it's all about.

Posted by: leitskev, June 5th, 2019, 8:58pm; Reply: 68
Ok, Jeff, whisky in hand. Hope you have your Jaeger. Wish you could send me a shot. God, for years that was my shot, and I was in the bars 6 nights a week.

This is how I scored. I kept a list of each script and scored them 1 thru 5 on the 5 categories. That might not work, it sounds like the actual sheet id different. I have no idea where it is. I saw a link earlier but when I hit it it went nowhere related. And there are always so many threads going I never know where to go. I figure I'lll find the sheet by Sat.

My thinking was the criteria would be graded 1-5 like the other cats. Is that not how it is? Man, why are things never simple.

I have wanted to avoid giving any script, as long as the writer has tried, a score so low that they can't bounce back. So I look for reasons to avoid giving 1 in any category. If the story was bad but I could read it easily, I gave it a decent grade in prose. I mean this is supposed to be FUN and constructive. We want to keep writers participating, don't we?
Posted by: Warren, June 5th, 2019, 9:01pm; Reply: 69

Quoted from leitskev


This is how I scored. I kept a list of each script and scored them 1 thru 5 on the 5 categories. That might not work, it sounds like the actual sheet id different. I have no idea where it is. I saw a link earlier but when I hit it it went nowhere related. And there are always so many threads going I never know where to go. I figure I'lll find the sheet by Sat.




https://simplyscripts.com/WT-Test.html
Posted by: leitskev, June 5th, 2019, 9:03pm; Reply: 70
Thanks, yeah, just found it. Ok, this changes my scoring. I would prefer to rank criteria 1 through 5.
So if it's a yes, does it get 5 pts vs 0 for no?
Posted by: Warren, June 5th, 2019, 9:08pm; Reply: 71

Quoted from leitskev
We want to keep writers participating, don't we?


We won’t know the scores until the end so it really shouldn’t affect a writer's motivation to stay in or not. I don’t see any reason not to score the scripts for what they are.
Posted by: Warren, June 5th, 2019, 9:09pm; Reply: 72

Quoted from leitskev
Thanks, yeah, just found it. Ok, this changes my scoring. I would prefer to rank criteria 1 through 5.
So if it's a yes, does it get 5 pts vs 0 for no?


Yes is 5 points.

No is 1 point.
Posted by: leitskev, June 5th, 2019, 9:15pm; Reply: 73
I'm inclined to look for reasons to be generous if I can. One reason is that I know I make a great many mistakes as a script reader. Jeff devours every word of the slug and action lines. I don't. My eye skips things sometimes. The result could be an unfair impression of a script. Most of these scripts are pretty indistinguishable, IMO. Not a single one stood out. A few really bombed. Most of the others were somewhere in the middle, and frankly I have a hard time breaking the grades down in categories. So for me, the scoring can't truly by indepdent categories. For example, if I think a story, with a little generosity, can be seen as fitting the criteria, but it's kind of borderline, I will reflect that in my story score. If the dialog doesn't really stand out, but isn't really in the way, and the story works, I'm more inclined to bump the dialog score.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 5th, 2019, 9:20pm; Reply: 74
Oh boy...
Posted by: Warren, June 5th, 2019, 9:22pm; Reply: 75

Quoted from leitskev
I'm inclined to look for reasons to be generous if I can. One reason is that I know I make a great many mistakes as a script reader. Jeff devours every word of the slug and action lines. I don't. My eye skips things sometimes. The result could be an unfair impression of a script. Most of these scripts are pretty indistinguishable, IMO. Not a single one stood out. A few really bombed. Most of the others were somewhere in the middle, and frankly I have a hard time breaking the grades down in categories. So for me, the scoring can't truly by indepdent categories. For example, if I think a story, with a little generosity, can be seen as fitting the criteria, but it's kind of borderline, I will reflect that in my story score. If the dialog doesn't really stand out, but isn't really in the way, and the story works, I'm more inclined to bump the dialog score.


I guess everyone has their own system and reasoning behind why they score the way they do, I don’t think yours is wrong by any means. Just thought I'd point out that the writers won’t know quite how well or bad they’ve done until the end and the big reveal.

I personally like the idea that it’s just one crushing blow and not 5 separate ones  :P
Posted by: leitskev, June 5th, 2019, 9:22pm; Reply: 76
So what was that about recognizing a comment as valid and responding to it? :)
Posted by: LC, June 5th, 2019, 9:44pm; Reply: 77
https://simplyscripts.com/WT-Test.html

Copying the scoring sheet for those who haven't found it yet.

It's pretty cut and dry if you ask me.
The cream usually rises to the top.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 5th, 2019, 10:11pm; Reply: 78

Quoted from leitskev
So what was that about recognizing a comment as valid and responding to it? :)


Is this to me, or my good friend, Warren?
Posted by: Mr. Blonde, June 5th, 2019, 10:18pm; Reply: 79

Quoted from FrankM
I think we have until the next submission deadline (at some point between Saturday and the following Friday, depending on your time zone).


Reviewing ends on the 7th at 11:59PM EDT. That's just to keep things uniform.


Quoted from Dreamscale
I'm scoring based on the scoring parameters we were given.

I do not agree with these at all, as some very poor scripts, scripts that should have been DQ'd, or not even read, scored rather well.


What is the prize for winning?


Quoted from Warren
So when does the next round start? I'm a bit confused by the timeline.


You get round 2's topic on the 8th at 12:00AM EDT.


Quoted from Gary in Houston
I'm looking at the scorecard, and you have no middle ground on the criteria.  Either they met the criteria or they didn't, and there are some scripts where you think, "well, maybe they did," but it's a close call.  And so if it's an otherwise admirable script, it gets severely dinged if it's right on the cusp.  All the other categories are graded on a 1 to 5 scale, but not the fusion or bobble head criteria.


I'm not here to tell you guys how to review. The whole reason I set the scoring this way is because the reviews are equally as subjective as the scripts themselves. My personal view is that if it's not a no, it's a yes. Even if a script fails miserably at being comedy or  horror (for example), the attempt is enough, in my mind. Admittedly, that's my bias. I've never been a stickler for rules and would rather see people just writing with some motivation than caring all that much about rules.


Quoted from Dreamscale
missing the parameters is what it's all about.


Actually, motivating people to write is what it's all about. Why do you think I do these challenges so often?


Quoted from leitskev
I mean this is supposed to be FUN and constructive.


Supposed to be. And, yet, they almost never end up that way, do they?


Quoted from leitskev
I would prefer to rank criteria 1 through 5.
So if it's a yes, does it get 5 pts vs 0 for no?


Yes is 5, No is 1.
Posted by: leitskev, June 5th, 2019, 10:28pm; Reply: 80
If yes is 5 and no is 1, it may effect my story score.

Most scripts will get a y from me. But some were so borderline that I can't help reflecting that in my story score.

Lost interest, Jeff.
Posted by: stevie, June 5th, 2019, 10:36pm; Reply: 81
Isn’t there an option of not scoring a script at all if anyone felt it didn’t meet the criteria?  We only have to have reviewed half of them for the points to count, right?   If so that’s an option for Jeff or anyone else   Simply don’t mark that script   Just a point lol
Posted by: LC, June 5th, 2019, 10:39pm; Reply: 82

Quoted from stevie
Isn’t there an option of not scoring a script at all if anyone felt it didn’t meet the criteria?  We only have to have reviewed half of them for the points to count, right?   If so that’s an option for Jeff or anyone else   Simply don’t mark that script   Just a point lol

Yes. On the scorecard for those not read/reviewed - DNS - did not score.
Posted by: Warren, June 5th, 2019, 10:47pm; Reply: 83

Quoted from stevie
Isn’t there an option of not scoring a script at all if anyone felt it didn’t meet the criteria?



I think that completely defeats the point of the scoring system, doesn’t it?

If it didn’t meet the criteria it will take a hit, 1 point as opposed to 5. That’s a decent penalty. The script can still have good dialogue, character, etc. and score well in those areas. What is the point of penalizing it further?
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 5th, 2019, 10:47pm; Reply: 84

Quoted from LC
Yes. On the scorecard for those not read/reviewed - DNS - did not score.


So...does that help...or hurt the average score?  It will help, because it's rare they'd get a 1 average.  And any decent script, should not be getting an average of 1.

I don't know, it's never easy or "fair".  I don't mean to be attacking Kev, as I actually like the guy.

BUT...scoring outside what is set up, is just wrong.

Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 5th, 2019, 10:51pm; Reply: 85

Quoted from Warren
[quote=stevie]Isn’t there an option of not scoring a script at all if anyone felt it didn’t meet the criteria? /quote]


I think that completely defeats the point of the scoring system, doesn’t it?

If it didn’t meet the criteria it will take a hit, 1 point as opposed to 5. That’s a decent penalty. The script can still have good dialogue, character, etc. and score well in those areas. What is the point of penalizing it further?


Because, if it doesn't meet the parameters and doesn't even try, how can that script win the round?

Check this out...

Story - 5
Characters - 5
Dialogue - 5
Prose - 5
Criteria - 1

Average - 4.2!!!  Really?  That's the winning script!  BS!!!!!

Posted by: leitskev, June 5th, 2019, 11:04pm; Reply: 86
I'm choosing to use the criteria as a general guideline. There is no real way to create completely separate scoring. That's illusive.

Let me pose a hypothetical. What if the requirement was fusion, in a vehicle, involving a cup of coffee. Apply this to the Spider script that won the OWC. Would it score well? The cup of coffee played a small part. Dialog was limited. It had one character, and he was not very dimensional. But the story was easily the best of the bunch, far and away. What I wouldn't give to be able to write that way.  

I'm looking at the scripts here as a complete package, then using the categories as a guideline. You can all that
"wrong", but in many scripts there's no clear way to measure some things, sometimes dialog or character.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 5th, 2019, 11:09pm; Reply: 87

Quoted from leitskev
I'm choosing to use the criteria as a general guideline. There is no real way to create completely separate scoring. That's illusive.

Let me pose a hypothetical. What if the requirement was fusion, in a vehicle, involving a cup of coffee. Apply this to the Spider script that won the OWC. Would it score well? The cup of coffee played a small part. Dialog was limited. It had one character, and he was not very dimensional. But the story was easily the best of the bunch, far and away. What I wouldn't give to be able to write that way.  

I'm looking at the scripts here as a complete package, then using the categories as a guideline. You can all that
"wrong", but in many scripts there's no clear way to measure some things, sometimes dialog or character.


Exactly, that was an OWC with a single score, this is very different...and there is the problem.

Posted by: stevie, June 5th, 2019, 11:20pm; Reply: 88
The criteria is the most important aspect of each script in this   Doesn’t matter how good the rest of it is.  
Posted by: Warren, June 5th, 2019, 11:31pm; Reply: 89

Quoted from stevie
The criteria is the most important aspect of each script in this   Doesn’t matter how good the rest of it is.  


But that’s entirely based on what you think.

Sean's system and scoring implies otherwise. He decided not to go with the usual OWC scoring so we use what we're given in the manner it was intended to be used. I don’t think we should be comparing it to how we would score an OWC, but how Sean has asked. The scripts that tick off most areas will still rise to the top.

I don’t know, that makes sense to me.
Posted by: Warren, June 5th, 2019, 11:32pm; Reply: 90

Quoted from LC


It's pretty cut and dry if you ask me.
The cream usually rises to the top.


Yip, agreed.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 5th, 2019, 11:35pm; Reply: 91

Quoted from Warren
But that’s entirely based on what you think.

Sean's system and scoring implies otherwise. He decided not to go with the usual OWC scoring so we use what we're given in the manner it was intended to be used. I don’t think we should be comparing it to how we would score an OWC, but how Sean has asked. The scripts that tick off most areas will still rise to the top.

I don’t know, that makes sense to me.


If that's what you truly believe, and if that's how you're scoring, then we're in agreement...BUT...

That's obviously not how others are, as is very clear from numerous peeps' responses.

Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 5th, 2019, 11:36pm; Reply: 92

Quoted from stevie
The criteria is the most important aspect of each script in this   Doesn’t matter how good the rest of it is.  


SPOT ON, Brother Stevie!!!  America and Australia is in complete agreement!!

Posted by: LC, June 5th, 2019, 11:38pm; Reply: 93
Except cause I'm a stickler, I should have said: Cut And Dried.  ;D

Blame it on (just like Stevie) I have a bad cold. Hate Winter.
Posted by: stevie, June 5th, 2019, 11:46pm; Reply: 94
Yeah mine isn’t too bad today Lib!  I was able to do my workout this morn then I went to bed lol    Working tonight but I’ll be ok  I think the running nose bit is gone next Up is the cough    I love winter actually  it’s 21 here now and great    Going to Victoria on the 14th with my kids for my dads 80th   First time home in winter since 1986 lol

Back to topic:   the criteria has to be the most important part of this because where is the challenge?  
Posted by: Scar Tissue Films, June 5th, 2019, 11:58pm; Reply: 95
We ignore our own scripts, right?
Posted by: Warren, June 6th, 2019, 12:03am; Reply: 96

Quoted from stevie


Back to topic:   the criteria has to be the most important part of this because where is the challenge?  


It is the most important part, that’s why it’s between a criteria met (5) and criteria not met (1), there just also happens to be several other categories to vote in, unlike an OWC where we would decide on one score based on all the information (criteria, dialogue, characters, etc.)

I don’t make the rules.

Personally I think the easiest part is meeting the criteria, any average writer can make sure they put everything in that needs to be there, it may not be great but they can still do it. It takes a better writer to actually write in an engaging way with interesting characters, why not let that be rewarded?

Does anyone really think any of the better scripts didn’t meet the criteria? Good writers will make sure they hit all the marks, so I think this is almost a non-issue anyway.

I get what you’re saying about the challenge, but again, this isn’t an OWC.
Posted by: Warren, June 6th, 2019, 12:05am; Reply: 97

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films
We ignore our own scripts, right?


For voting, Sean said he would screen out people who vote for their own anyway. So the vote won't count either way.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 12:15am; Reply: 98

Quoted from Warren


For voting, Sean said he would screen out people who vote for their own anyway. So the vote won't count either way.


Mine got a 5.0!      ;D ;D ;D ;D

How you doin', Warren?  Are you pleased with how your script is getting reviewed?  I hope I loved it!  Maybe I did, as you're a good writer, just a shitty everything else.

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 1:24am; Reply: 99
If a script doesn't meet the criteria it should score a 1 across the board. The point of the criteria is that it forces somebody to write a new script (mostly). How easy to doctor an old script (that may have had weeks worth of work put in) if the criteria isn't that important?
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 1:26am; Reply: 100
No bobblehead doll? That doesn't matter, the rest still get 5s.
Posted by: ReneC, June 6th, 2019, 1:39am; Reply: 101
I can't help but think that if you don't like the scoring, maybe you shouldn't play. We all signed up for this and the playing field was clearly established. Let it play out and complain about it for the next one if you feel the need.
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 1:42am; Reply: 102
I'm not playing. The scoring system is skewed. I don't see the point in complaining afterward. Things can just as easily be changed now. It's not like it's set in stone.
Posted by: Warren, June 6th, 2019, 2:39am; Reply: 103

Quoted from DustinBowcot
No bobblehead doll? That doesn't matter, the rest still get 5s.


I don't think anyone is saying that. The criteria are as important as the rules deem them to be. In an OWC it's win or lose, here it's just one part.

Would be a pretty pointless task to submit something that is completely void of the required criteria. I don't see how it benefits anybody. Why even bother participating?

Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 3:19am; Reply: 104

Quoted from Warren


I don't think anyone is saying that.


But they clearly are. As Jeff has pointed out. The logic is undeniable. The bobblehead thing is clearly hyperbole.



Quoted Text
The criteria are as important as the rules deem them to be. In an OWC it's win or lose, here it's just one part.


Exactly. So any story can win then. The criteria is merely, to you, one part of this exercise. So a story that doesn't match the criteria can win solely on its other merits. If the criteria can be ignored then any old story can be cut to suit. The Bobblehead doll is merely a Mcguffin anyway.


Quoted Text

Would be a pretty pointless task to submit something that is completely void of the required criteria.


Not if one wanted to stay in the challenge and needed a quick-fix script that will still score points.



Quoted Text
Why even bother participating?


Well, if one doesn't have to follow the criteria, why, indeed?
Posted by: Mr. Blonde, June 6th, 2019, 3:28am; Reply: 105

Quoted from DustinBowcot
Well, if one doesn't have to follow the criteria, why, indeed?


Because there's no prize for winning and cheating by using an old script is, literally, cheating yourself on this. The challenges I do are only there to incentivize writers who, otherwise, may not be tempted to write anything without a prompt. So, I give them a prompt.
Posted by: Warren, June 6th, 2019, 3:37am; Reply: 106
I can't see what Jeff says and I don't particularly care either.

Yes, any well writen story that has great characters and dialogue, and meets the criteria, as criteria is also part of the scoring.

Nobody would purposely write outside of the criteria, I just can't see that happening. The competition can run its course and we can see if it happens then adjust from there. At the moment you're talking about something that hasn't happened.

People here are brutal, no one would let a script that is clearly outside of the required criteria stand. It could merely be marked as a DNR.

But one does have to follow the criteria, and in this first round everybody did, or you can at least see an attempt to. The things you are concerned about are completely unfounded at this point.
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 3:49am; Reply: 107

Quoted from Mr. Blonde


Because there's no prize for winning and cheating by using an old script is, literally, cheating yourself on this. The challenges I do are only there to incentivize writers who, otherwise, may not be tempted to write anything without a prompt. So, I give them a prompt.


How is it cheating yourself to use an old script? This is a tough challenge. This isn't about writing one script, it's 5... and done in 72 hours. If I hadn't written in a while, I'd be put off by that prospect. I don't buy that with this challenge. An OWC works because it takes its time and I can see that being what you said... but this? You'll have to try harder than that. All I see is the regulars and even half of us aren't entering this because of how much effort it takes.

This challenge is definitely for the real writers and is a challenge against each other. Let's not kid ourselves otherwise. Everybody wants to beat the other guy/person.
Posted by: Matthew Taylor, June 6th, 2019, 3:57am; Reply: 108

Quoted from Warren

But one does have to follow the criteria, and in this first round everybody did, or you can at least see an attempt to...


I marked 8 of them as NOT meeting the criteria - one of them had 6 pages lol


Quoted from Warren

I think I'm up to 5 points now  :)


I see your 5... and I'll raise it to 9  ;) Although I'm not convinced I've got yours right - which is annoying as I thought I had you pegged lol


Quoted from Dreamscale

... as you're a good writer, just a shitty everything else.

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


I mean, I don't agree with the latter part of the sentence.... But I lol'd  - I'm so immature
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 4:04am; Reply: 109
A suggestion...

A challenge like this would be better suited running throughout the year and not over 5 weeks. The points can be tallied over a year and maybe even include OWC points too.


In the current set-up, it doesn't encourage full participation and, IMO, this has the opposite effect of 'getting people to write'... yawn. The thrill of this is in the competition we have against each other. To have a full scoreboard - that should be viewable permanently - may encourage greater participation... it will even force us to enter when we may not want to (quickly writing something on a flight for example) just so we can grab some points.

The winners will always be the winners... so for the people at the bottom, for them, they will just want to improve on what they got last year. Even entering late will be fine as your points can be guaged (not scored!) relatively.
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 4:07am; Reply: 110
The idea that we need to 'get people to write' on a forum for writers seems very strange to me.
Posted by: Warren, June 6th, 2019, 4:07am; Reply: 111

Quoted from Matthew Taylor


I marked 8 of them as NOT meeting the criteria - one of them had 6 pages lol


Yes I marked a few as not meeting the criteria as well, I guess the word I used was "attempted" and I think people did, even the 6 pager, it was two lines over and for whatever reason they didn't bring it back to 5 pages, so that was a failed attempt. I still don't think anyone went out of their way to break the rules as Dustin is suggesting.


Quoted from Matthew Taylor
I see your 5... and I'll raise it to 9  ;) Although I'm not convinced I've got yours right - which is annoying as I thought I had you pegged lol


I'm actually up to 6 now, but 9, damn. Be interested to see how many you get this time.



Quoted from Matthew Taylor
I mean, I don't agree with the latter part of the sentence.... But I lol'd  - I'm so immature


Turns out I can see what Jeff says if someone quotes him. I take it that was directed at me? Jeff's opinion means so little to me that I blocked him. He has nothing to offer me on SS. Well technically I don't think he has much to offer anyone but that's for them to decide. Either way, he literally doesn't exist in my SS experience and it's been a great place to be :)
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 4:12am; Reply: 112
You might disagree with somebody, but one day they may say something you learn from. It's always worth keeping an ear open.
Posted by: Warren, June 6th, 2019, 4:13am; Reply: 113

Quoted from DustinBowcot
You might disagree with somebody, but one day they may say something you learn from. It's always worth keeping an ear open.


Jeff? Unlikely, I'll take my chances  :P
Posted by: Mr. Blonde, June 6th, 2019, 4:44am; Reply: 114

Quoted from DustinBowcot
A challenge like this would be better suited running throughout the year and not over 5 weeks. The points can be tallied over a year and maybe even include OWC points too.


Give it a shot. Some people may be into that.


Quoted from DustinBowcot
In the current set-up, it doesn't encourage full participation and, IMO, this has the opposite effect of 'getting people to write'... yawn. The thrill of this is in the competition we have against each other.


It was never meant to encourage full participation. It's meant to encourage participation among those who want to take part and have the willingness to do so. As for the last part, if you're speaking for yourself, that's fine. Not so much if you're speaking for other people.
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 4:54am; Reply: 115
Why isn't it fine if I'm speaking for other people? There's clealry competition between each other. You're even using a scoreboard.
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 4:57am; Reply: 116
I wonder if it's fine to speak for other people when I say they don't want to be in a car accident today? Or get hit by a train? It's fine to speak for other people when the statement is an obvious one.
Posted by: Gary in Houston, June 6th, 2019, 6:56am; Reply: 117
Man, I’m kinda sorry I brought this up.  I withdraw the question.
Posted by: AnthonyCawood, June 6th, 2019, 7:04am; Reply: 118
I've seen a couple of comments re scoring, I assume these are referencing people's notes rather than an actual voting system I've missed the link to?
Posted by: Matthew Taylor, June 6th, 2019, 7:07am; Reply: 119

Quoted from AnthonyCawood
I've seen a couple of comments re scoring, I assume these are referencing people's notes rather than an actual voting system I've missed the link to?


You did miss the link. Here it is -----> https://simplyscripts.com/WT-Test.html
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 7:52am; Reply: 120
Another suggestion...

Make the criteria points worth more. Instead of out of 5, make it out of 10.
Posted by: AnthonyCawood, June 6th, 2019, 7:58am; Reply: 121
Tx Matt!
Posted by: Matthew Taylor, June 6th, 2019, 8:00am; Reply: 122
Could do it as a % basis - IE if criteria has not been met, all other scores are reduced by 40% (or whatever %)
That way, the writers who have spent a lot of time trying to get their score up in the other categories while ignoring criteria have the most to lose.
Posted by: leitskev, June 6th, 2019, 8:00am; Reply: 123
I'm only comparing this to an OWC script, not the OWC itself. My point is that if a script stands out here as the best one it should still rise to the top. Anything else would not really work.

And it's not hard to do. When I'm listing my scores for a script, how do I decide if the dialog was a 3 or a 4? A 2 or a 3? It's not like something that an actual mathematical number can be applied to. Sometimes a script stands out with dialog that is excellent or poor, but most of the time it's neither and there's no real reason to distinguish between a 3 or 4.

So how I break down those scores IS effected by my overall evaluation of the work.

Some of the ones I read had completely senseless stories, but were easy to read. So I tried to be generous in prose and dialog.

One story, probably my favorite, was pretty much straight comedy. But I don't want to give it a N on criteria. I'm going to read it again, and if I can justify the y, I'll give it...but I will ding it on the story a little.

Look, I'm sure Nicholls judges do the same thing. The contests use categories for a reason, but it has all the same problems. There's no prize here, just let it roll.
Posted by: FrankM, June 6th, 2019, 8:02am; Reply: 124

Quoted from DustinBowcot
it will even force us to enter when we may not want to (quickly writing something on a flight for example) just so we can grab some points.


I kinda-sorta did this for Round One, which I otherwise would have missed entirely. I checked the criteria when they posted, found about eight hours on Monday to actually get the story typed up. Knew it wasn't polished, but should get more than straight 1s. I hope.

Timeline went something like:

11:58PM EDT: Submitted, panting at the virtual mailbox.
12:40AM EDT: See my script posted, click on it.
12:41AM EDT: Notice a typo. Oh well.
12:42AM EDT: Notice a serious mistake. Maybe no one will notice?

Later... one of the first reviews points out the mistake. Desk gets a new head-shaped dent.
Posted by: khamanna, June 6th, 2019, 8:10am; Reply: 125
Time to score this. Thats where the challenge begins!
Posted by: LC, June 6th, 2019, 8:17am; Reply: 126
I also posted the voting link on p.6 and have alerted Sean I think it needs to be more prominently displayed.

To reiterate my own opinion, I think Sean did a great job this time around with the revamp on voting, no disqualifications etc. No system will be perfect, the superior scripts will rise to the top, and I think everyone just needs to loosen up a bit and get in the spirit.
Posted by: LC, June 6th, 2019, 8:20am; Reply: 127

Quoted from FrankM


I kinda-sorta did this for Round One, which I otherwise would have missed entirely. I checked the criteria when they posted, found about eight hours on Monday to actually get the story typed up. Knew it wasn't polished, but should get more than straight 1s. I hope.

Timeline went something like:

11:58PM EDT: Submitted, panting at the virtual mailbox.
12:40AM EDT: See my script posted, click on it.
12:41AM EDT: Notice a typo. Oh well.
12:42AM EDT: Notice a serious mistake. Maybe no one will notice?

Later... one of the first reviews points out the mistake. Desk gets a new head-shaped dent.

;D I know this feeling well.

Posted by: ReneC, June 6th, 2019, 8:47am; Reply: 128
I thought we had until the end of the next round’s submission deadline to read and vote, which would be Monday, but now it’s tomorrow?
Posted by: Zack, June 6th, 2019, 9:31am; Reply: 129
Votes are due tomorrow!? Oh, shit. :(
Posted by: khamanna, June 6th, 2019, 9:34am; Reply: 130
Next time I'll score them as I go. It's not easy to do at the end. Some entries I have as very good ones but can hardly remember. I always thought it was a bad sign since they are not memorable and therefore weak. On the other hand I reread and agree with myself on the entry being a good one. Don't know what to make of this.

Now there are other entries, the ones I'll remember forever. These are easy to score at the end. But not every entry is this way. I thought it was due to my own preference in genre, but it's not.

I wonder if it's the same story for you. How does my brain picks some to remember for much longer time? That just escapes me.
Posted by: leitskev, June 6th, 2019, 9:42am; Reply: 131
"Well, I'm not sure you've met the criteria because the bobblehead could be replaced by a sock puppet and the story would be the same."

"While your action/horror story has tons of action and plenty of horror, I'm not sure they are fused properly, so I'm struggling with whether to give this a Y on criteria."

"Well, much of your story IS in a psychiatrist's office, but it feels more like a psychologist to me, so I'm afraid this doesn't meet criteria. Sorry."
Posted by: FrankM, June 6th, 2019, 9:43am; Reply: 132

Quoted from khamanna
I wonder if it's the same story for you. How does my brain picks some to remember for much longer time? That just escapes me.


I'm in a similar boat. Due to travel, read a lot of these PDFs on a phone, have to come back later at a real machine and figure out the scoring.
Posted by: ReneC, June 6th, 2019, 10:01am; Reply: 133

Quoted from leitskev
"Well, I'm not sure you've met the criteria because the bobblehead could be replaced by a sock puppet and the story would be the same."

"While your action/horror story has tons of action and plenty of horror, I'm not sure they are fused properly, so I'm struggling with whether to give this a Y on criteria."

"Well, much of your story IS in a psychiatrist's office, but it feels more like a psychologist to me, so I'm afraid this doesn't meet criteria. Sorry."


You don't need anyone's input for how you score the criteria category. Go with whatever makes sense to you.

I'm being generous, but there still needs to be two of the required genres present in it and the bobblehead has to be more than just a placeholder object.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 10:01am; Reply: 134

Quoted from khamanna
Next time I'll score them as I go. It's not easy to do at the end. Some entries I have as very good ones but can hardly remember. I always thought it was a bad sign since they are not memorable and therefore weak. On the other hand I reread and agree with myself on the entry being a good one. Don't know what to make of this.

Now there are other entries, the ones I'll remember forever. These are easy to score at the end. But not every entry is this way. I thought it was due to my own preference in genre, but it's not.

I wonder if it's the same story for you. How does my brain picks some to remember for much longer time? That just escapes me.


Yeah, it would be almost impossible to go back after reading and trying to score every script, especially since we have 5 categories each script has to scored on.

I created my own xcel spreadsheet and after each read (and after commenting on the thread), I went to the spreadsheet and typed in my scores.

You may have seen that I actually commented on a few threads, that based on the scoring system, this particular script scored higher or lower than it should have.

Never meant to say Blondie didn't do a good job, just pointing out the error in the scoring, and as I first said and Dustin reiterated, a script that does not meet the challenge parameters, could very easily win the round.

Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 10:04am; Reply: 135

Quoted from Warren
Turns out I can see what Jeff says if someone quotes him. I take it that was directed at me? Jeff's opinion means so little to me that I blocked him. He has nothing to offer me on SS. Well technically I don't think he has much to offer anyone but that's for them to decide. Either way, he literally doesn't exist in my SS experience and it's been a great place to be :)  


Ahhh, how sweet.  And how mature of you, Warren.

Actually, it's not very sweet and makes me kind of sad.  Hopefully, more peeps will quote me so Warren can see my words of wisdom.   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Posted by: khamanna, June 6th, 2019, 10:10am; Reply: 136

Quoted from Dreamscale



Never meant to say Blondie didn't do a good job, just pointing out the error in the scoring, and as I first said and Dustin reiterated, a script that does not meet the challenge parameters, could very easily win the round.



That we can't know unless I missed the importance Blondie puts on his "meeting the requirements" parameter.
What if scoring a script as "N" for the requirement makes him cut the average in half?
I think Sean has something in store for this and doesn't want to voice it out. Again, unless I missed something...
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 10:20am; Reply: 137

Quoted from khamanna
That we can't know unless I missed the importance Blondie puts on his "meeting the requirements" parameter.
What if scoring a script as "N" for the requirement makes him cut the average in half?
I think Sean has something in store for this and doesn't want to voice it out. Again, unless I missed something...


I'm not aware of that.  As far as I can tell, a script can receive the least possible in meeting the requirements, which is 1 point, but still receive 5's in the other 4 categories, which would render an average score of 4.2, which, you'd think, would/could win the round.

For instance, I still have 5 to go, and the highest score on my card, is a 4.0 - and that entry received 5 in the criteria section.

Also, on my scorecard, no script has received a 5 in any category, other than the criteria section...and none remotely deserve any scores of 5.

Posted by: khamanna, June 6th, 2019, 10:26am; Reply: 138
Well, let's see if you are correct at the assumption that "Yes" equals "5" and "No" equals "1".

And see, Sean is not even responding to this. I do think he'll do something more regarding this criteria met/not met thing. Let's see.
Posted by: ReneC, June 6th, 2019, 10:27am; Reply: 139

Quoted from Dreamscale


I'm not aware of that.  As far as I can tell, a script can receive the least possible in meeting the requirements, which is 1 point, but still receive 5's in the other 4 categories, which would render an average score of 4.2, which, you'd think, would/could win the round.

For instance, I still have 5 to go, and the highest score on my card, is a 4.0 - and that entry received 5 in the criteria section.

Also, on my scorecard, no script has received a 5 in any category, other than the criteria section...and none remotely deserve any scores of 5.



For this, as in the OWC, I don't look for perfection. I reserve the 5 spot for the best of the bunch, not comparing to every script I've ever read. There are almost always at least two or three 5s from me, and a whole lot of 3s because most of the scripts fall into the average, as it should be. I've even adjusted scores down because another script blew past them and deserves the top spot, but that's the point of this, to identify which are the best scripts of the lot.
Posted by: eldave1, June 6th, 2019, 10:53am; Reply: 140

Quoted from Dreamscale


I'm not aware of that.  As far as I can tell, a script can receive the least possible in meeting the requirements, which is 1 point, but still receive 5's in the other 4 categories, which would render an average score of 4.2, which, you'd think, would/could win the round.



Jeff, from a mathematics perspective you are correct. But the doomsday scenario will never happen. I didn't enter this one, but in the ten of so that I did enter, I don't recall a single situation where a quality script that didn't meet the parameters finished well. i.e., we've used a a variety of different scoring systems and somehow the cream always rises to the top. My bet is that it won't be any different for this one.

Generally - Solid writers look at the OWC criteria and do their best to fit it knowing that their work is going to be judged on that basis. Weaker writers often don't - they merely submit what they are comfortable with. There's kind of a linkage - scripts that don't meet the the parameters are generally weaker ones anyway.

A separate thread - in between OWCs - on an ideal scoring system including the handling of scripts that don't meet the criteria might be a useful discussion. Not sure it is a productive one exercise for one where the scoring system is already in stone. It's not going to change (I think) and I give kudos for the effort to address the non-compliance in a simple and straightforward way.  It's a good leaping off point for future discussions.


Posted by: leitskev, June 6th, 2019, 10:58am; Reply: 141
I finished and turned in. Some notes.

- I do make plenty of mistakes in my reads, and if someone defends a script, I reread it. That happened with one Kamanna just defended. I gave it a fresh read, and in some ways my perception improved a lot.
- I gave 3 scripts a N on criteria. And to be sure, I went back and looked at each one to make sure. But even assuming that results in a 1 in that, where a y would be a 5, 2 of these scripts still did very well with me.
- no script stood out or even came close. Not surprising considering the limitations. When I used to do OWC's, there would usually only be 1 script that stood out, sometimes not even 1. I've only had one of my scripts stand out. This is hard, and the really talented people that wander through tend to move on.
- while none of them stood out, the general writing in most of them was decent. They weren't as a rule hard to read. Most of the writers have the ability to hit it out of the park if it all comes together.
Posted by: Gary in Houston, June 6th, 2019, 10:59am; Reply: 142

Quoted from eldave1


Jeff, from a mathematics perspective you are correct. But the doomsday scenario will never happen. I didn't enter this one, but in the ten of so that I did enter, I don't recall a single situation where a quality script that didn't meet the parameters finished well. i.e., we've used a a variety of different scoring systems and somehow the cream always rises to the top. My bet is that it won't be any different for this one.

Generally - Solid writers look at the OWC criteria and do their best to fit it knowing that their work is going to be judged on that basis. Weaker writers often don't - they merely submit what they are comfortable with. There's kind of a linkage - scripts that don't meet the the parameters are generally weaker ones anyway.

A separate thread - in between OWCs - on an ideal scoring system including the handling of scripts that don't meet the criteria might be a useful discussion. Not sure it is a productive one exercise for one where the scoring system is already in stone. It's not going to change (I think) and I give kudos for the effort to address the non-compliance in a simple and straightforward way.  It's a good leaping off point for future discussions.




Co-sign.
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 11:13am; Reply: 143
Jeff is already keeping score and has noted that due to the scoring system some scripts have scored lower than what he would ordinarily give them. Likewise, some will score unjustifiably  higher. That means that a script, Jeff feels is better than another script may lose out to that other script.

Although the Doomsday scenario may not happen, the scoring system is skewed and also makes it easier for writers to tailor old scripts as there is only a 1 point penalty for missing the criteria.
Posted by: ReneC, June 6th, 2019, 11:20am; Reply: 144

Quoted from DustinBowcot
Jeff is already keeping score and has noted that due to the scoring system some scripts have scored lower than what he would ordinarily give them. Likewise, some will score unjustifiably  higher. That means that a script, Jeff feels is better than another script may lose out to that other script.

Although the Doomsday scenario may not happen, the scoring system is skewed and also makes it easier for writers to tailor old scripts as there is only a 1 point penalty for missing the criteria.


Okay, but...so what?
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 11:26am; Reply: 145

Quoted from ReneC


Okay, but...so what?


It makes it an unfair and easy to manipulate playing field. And it just isn't necessary when there is a simple solution.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 11:28am; Reply: 146

Quoted from DustinBowcot
It makes it an unfair and easy to manipulate playing field. And it just isn't necessary when there is a simple solution.


Exactly.

Posted by: ReneC, June 6th, 2019, 11:31am; Reply: 147
There's no way to know if a writer submits an old short or revamps an existing one. No scoring system will change that. And nobody submitted anything that is wildly outside of the requirements, so what are you complaining about? Because something very unlikely to happen might happen and somehow everyone will go along with it and score it so well it wins?

Come on.
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 11:41am; Reply: 148
If you're unclear Rene, you should go back and re-read. I'm not going to repeat myself because you can't be arsed to keep up.
Posted by: FrankM, June 6th, 2019, 11:42am; Reply: 149

Quoted from ReneC
There's no way to know if a writer submits an old short or revamps an existing one. No scoring system will change that. And nobody submitted anything that is wildly outside of the requirements, so what are you complaining about? Because something very unlikely to happen might happen and somehow everyone will go along with it and score it so well it wins?

Come on.


Genre: Action
Object: Script that scores much better than it deserves
Location: SimplyScripts.com
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 12:09pm; Reply: 150

Quoted from ReneC
so what are you complaining about? Because something very unlikely to happen might happen and somehow everyone will go along with it and score it so well it wins?

Come on.


Yeah, exactly.

Actually, I always get a big kick out of such "discussions"...those where something is obviously flawed,is proved that it's flawed, and everyone says, "Who cares, don't worry, it won't play out like that."

Well, I care, I do worry, and I've seen things play out like peeps don't think they will.

Not to pick on Kev, again, but he's stated very clearly that he is adjusting category scores to make sure each script ends up where he thinks it should, score-wise.  In other words, he's throwing the category scoring out the window to make sure what he feels are the best scripts, score the highest.

That's a problem in itself, and an obvious problem with the scoring system we're supposed to be using.

Posted by: ReneC, June 6th, 2019, 12:26pm; Reply: 151
I hate to break it to you but nobody's going to be getting phone calls for winning the WT. It's meant to be a fun exercise, nothing more.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 12:29pm; Reply: 152

Quoted from ReneC
I hate to break it to you but nobody's going to be getting phone calls for winning the WT. It's meant to be a fun exercise, nothing more.


Right...and what does this comment have to do with what we're talking about?

Posted by: eldave1, June 6th, 2019, 12:32pm; Reply: 153

Quoted from DustinBowcot
Jeff is already keeping score and has noted that due to the scoring system some scripts have scored lower than what he would ordinarily give them. Likewise, some will score unjustifiably  higher. That means that a script, Jeff feels is better than another script may lose out to that other script.

Although the Doomsday scenario may not happen, the scoring system is skewed and also makes it easier for writers to tailor old scripts as there is only a 1 point penalty for missing the criteria.


Tabling the issue of 1 point for not meeting the criteria for a moment. I don't see how scoring a script in categories (e.g., Story, Dialogue, etc) is a problem. They do that for contests all the time. Coverage is often done along those lines as well. So they seem to be pretty good rating categories. At a minimum, they're not out of bounds or wacky.

In terms of the category for not meeting the criteria and the relative weight (giving incentive to writers to tailor old scripts because as there is only a 1 point penalty for missing the criteria).

Maybe - I just doubt it. If a script does not comply with the criteria, it's only eligible to receive 84% of the total points. It's cap is basically a B grade. Would someone do that intentionally?? And I still believe that even if some would - certainly the best scripts won't and as always the cream will rise to the top.

I'm also not sure if this is really all that different from other OWCs.  They are basically average rather than accumulative scores. Let's say a script in a prior OWC got ten reviews. It received 6 scores of 3 and 4 outright DQs.  It's average score would still be 3 (I think). i.e., I don't think  zero points are typically allocated for a DQ.  If I am right about this, the scoring impact of not meeting the criteria for this OWC is actually more penal than it was for prior ones.  


Posted by: Philostrate, June 6th, 2019, 12:34pm; Reply: 154

Quoted from FrankM


I think we have until the next submission deadline (at some point between Saturday and the following Friday, depending on your time zone).


Thanks you, Frank.
Posted by: ReneC, June 6th, 2019, 12:35pm; Reply: 155

Quoted from Dreamscale


Right...and what does this comment have to do with what we're talking about?



It means lighten up. You do care, that's clear, but is it worth stressing this much over?
Posted by: Philostrate, June 6th, 2019, 12:36pm; Reply: 156

Quoted from Mr. Blonde

Reviewing ends on the 7th at 11:59PM EDT. That's just to keep things uniform.

You get round 2's topic on the 8th at 12:00AM EDT.


Good to know, thanks!
Posted by: ReneC, June 6th, 2019, 12:41pm; Reply: 157

Quoted from Mr. Blonde


Reviewing ends on the 7th at 11:59PM EDT.


See, that's the start of the next round, not the end of the next round's submission period. That would be Monday the 10th at 11:59PM EDT. That's why I wanted clarification.
Posted by: leitskev, June 6th, 2019, 12:44pm; Reply: 158
Pick on me all you want, I think you know I am capable of a robust defense. :)

Let's keep this friendly, none of this matters.

Ok, if this was the SATs or the police exam tests, adjusting scores would be flat out wrong. In each part of the SAT there multiple choice questions. Your score is your score.

That doesn't apply here. When you sit down to score, say, dialog, how do you differentiate between a 2 and 3 or a 3 and a 4? Maybe you have a way. I have a hard time. What if the script has no dialog? What it has sparse dialog and that sparseness fits the story? What if the dialog is creative but there is way too much of it so that it slows the story? What if much of the dialog is cheesy but there is one line that makes you laugh so hard you fart through your ears?

My guess is your response will be...if the categories don't work, why not just give a flat score?

My reply is this: the categories do work...if you use them as a guideline.

I kept a running spreadsheet. Then, this morning, now that I've read them all, I went back and looked at my scores and looked at my comments on EACH script. It was a pain in the ass. But having the scores and the comments together did help me form a better impression of the script, especially now that I've read them all.


I understand how you view it. It's how your mind works, and it's not a bad thing. You were meant to be an engineer. You see things according to very strict rules, guidelines, structures. You would look at a work of art and calculate how paint strokes the artist used, what paint mixtures, whether the artist was right or left handed. That's great. It's great that we all have slightly different ways of doing things.

I feel my approach was as fair as I could be to the writers. That's all I want. People defended scripts, I went back and took a second look. Sometimes I had questions about a script. A couple times I defended some. It's all good.
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 12:46pm; Reply: 159

Quoted from eldave1


Tabling the issue of 1 point for not meeting the criteria for a moment. I don't see how scoring a script in categories (e.g., Story, Dialogue, etc) is a problem. They do that for contests all the time. Coverage is often done along those lines as well. So they seem to be pretty good rating categories. At a minimum, they're not out of bounds or wacky.

In terms of the category for not meeting the criteria and the relative weight (giving incentive to writers to tailor old scripts because as there is only a 1 point penalty for missing the criteria).

Maybe - I just doubt it. If a script does not comply with the criteria, it's only eligible to receive 84% of the total points. It's cap is basically a B grade. Would someone do that intentionally?? And I still believe that even if some would - certainly the best scripts won't and as always the cream will rise to the top.

I'm also not sure if this is really all that different from other OWCs.  They are basically average rather than accumulative scores. Let's say a script in a prior OWC got ten reviews. It received 6 scores of 3 and 4 outright DQs.  It's average score would still be 3 (I think). i.e., I don't think  zero points are typically allocated for a DQ.  If I am right about this, the scoring impact of not meeting the criteria for this OWC is actually more penal than it was for prior ones.  




Criteria is also part of the scoring. Ordinarily a script that failed to meet the criteria in an OWC would lose a lot of points. Usually so many that even a good script would be trashed. In this new scoring system, a script that misses the criteria completely can still get a good round score to take into the next round.

Criteria should be more important than all other scoring points. If a prod co was looking for a comedy horror and they get comedy with a horror scene attached to the end they would throw it int he bin.

If a comp asked for Western scripts and you sent them a straight drama, would you expect to get a score on character and plot or would you expect them to send you the script back alerting you to your mistake?
Posted by: eldave1, June 6th, 2019, 1:07pm; Reply: 160

Quoted from DustinBowcot


Criteria is also part of the scoring. Ordinarily a script that failed to meet the criteria in an OWC would lose a lot of points. Usually so many that even a good script would be trashed. In this new scoring system, a script that misses the criteria completely can still get a good round score to take into the next round.

Criteria should be more important than all other scoring points. If a prod co was looking for a comedy horror and they get comedy with a horror scene attached to the end they would throw it int he bin.

If a comp asked for Western scripts and you sent them a straight drama, would you expect to get a score on character and plot or would you expect them to send you the script back alerting you to your mistake?


I don't think we have any disagreement philosophically.  The most important task is to meet the parameters of the challenge. I've often been accused of being too harsh in that regard (prior OWCs). But obviously, without the parameters one could simply submit a previously written short. That's patently unfair to the ones that wrote a short for a particular challenge. If it were me, once a script got three DQ ratings it would be out. So on the premise - i.e., the number job is too meet the parameters - we are in sync.

My comments really focus on whether this particular scoring system skews the results in that regard. My theory is that it won't because (a) generally the best scripts are the ones that meet the parameters anyway and (b) there is essentially no penalty in the prior OWC scoring systems used for a script since no points were associated with meeting the parameters. If five people gave you a rating of 5 and two people DQ'd you - you're getting a 5. Here - if you don't think a script meets the parameters you are taking away 16% of the total points. I like that it general except I would have made it even more severe - probably would weight it around 40% - but it is a step in the right direction, IMO.



Posted by: PrussianMosby, June 6th, 2019, 1:37pm; Reply: 161
Well, what if "others" disagree with somebody who considers a script as 'criteria not met'.

Then, if the impact of a criteria not met scoring was much higher, that would flip the coin completely, since few are able to kill a script off when turning their thumb down. Just a balance thing I guess…
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 1:47pm; Reply: 162

Quoted from eldave1
I don't think we have any disagreement philosophically.  The most important task is to meet the parameters of the challenge. I've often been accused of being too harsh in that regard (prior OWCs). But obviously, without the parameters one could simply submit a previously written short. That's patently unfair to the ones that wrote a short for a particular challenge. If it were me, once a script got three DQ ratings it would be out. So on the premise - i.e., the number job is too meet the parameters - we are in sync.

My comments really focus on whether this particular scoring system skews the results in that regard. My theory is that it won't because (a) generally the best scripts are the ones that meet the parameters anyway and (b) there is essentially no penalty in the prior OWC scoring systems used for a script since no points were associated with meeting the parameters. If five people gave you a rating of 5 and two people DQ'd you - you're getting a 5. Here - if you don't think a script meets the parameters you are taking away 16% of the total points. I like that it general except I would have made it even more severe - probably would weight it around 40% - but it is a step in the right direction, IMO.


Actually, when an OWC script is DQ'd, as far as I'm concerned, it receives the lowest score possible (0 or 1) to average in with the other scores.  At least that's how I do it - if I DQ an entry, I just give it the lowest score I can, because I did read it and I'm going to rate all entries.

Posted by: eldave1, June 6th, 2019, 2:13pm; Reply: 163

Quoted from Dreamscale


Actually, when an OWC script is DQ'd, as far as I'm concerned, it receives the lowest score possible (0 or 1) to average in with the other scores.  At least that's how I do it - if I DQ an entry, I just give it the lowest score I can, because I did read it and I'm going to rate all entries.



Okay.  But that is how you do it. Not necessarily how it's designed.  You're way would yield an appropriate result
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 2:45pm; Reply: 164

Quoted from eldave1


Okay.  But that is how you do it. Not necessarily how it's designed.  You're way would yield an appropriate result


I think it is designed to be that way, as several of us have commented - if a script misses the parameters, it should get the lowest overall score it possibly can.

Prose, dialogue, characters, and story don't even matter, because it has missed the challenge parameters.

Posted by: leitskev, June 6th, 2019, 2:49pm; Reply: 165
I think some people are looking for reasons to DQ based on criteria. For me, I think we need to be as generous as possible, especially with this fusion thing. If there are futuristic elements and speculative technologies, it's sci fi. If there are violent killings or monsters, it's horror. If there are attempts at humor, funny or not, it's comedy. It's amazing how many comments seem to be looking for reasons to DQ someone because of some subjective interpretation of genre.
Posted by: eldave1, June 6th, 2019, 2:55pm; Reply: 166

Quoted from Dreamscale


I think it is designed to be that way, as several of us have commented - if a script misses the parameters, it should get the lowest overall score it possibly can.

Prose, dialogue, characters, and story don't even matter, because it has missed the challenge parameters.



You're missing my point . That's okay.  I can't think of any other way of saying it. We do generally agree that scripts should meet the parameters.


Posted by: Scar Tissue Films, June 6th, 2019, 3:00pm; Reply: 167

Quoted from leitskev
I think some people are looking for reasons to DQ based on criteria. For me, I think we need to be as generous as possible, especially with this fusion thing. If there are futuristic elements and speculative technologies, it's sci fi. If there are violent killings or monsters, it's horror. If there are attempts at humor, funny or not, it's comedy. It's amazing how many comments seem to be looking for reasons to DQ someone because of some subjective interpretation of genre.


You've got to differentiate on something. There are so few categories and so many scripts.
Posted by: leitskev, June 6th, 2019, 3:02pm; Reply: 168

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films


You've got to differentiate on something. There are so few categories and so many scripts.


Seems to me there's a world of difference between DQing someone and scoring it lower because you didn't dig the way the fusion was done.
Posted by: leitskev, June 6th, 2019, 3:05pm; Reply: 169
After my initial scoring I had 3 scripts that I felt didn't even really try to fuse two genres. But I went back and looked closely at each one to make sure I wasn't missing something. I don't want to be looking for excuses to DQ something, especially if the script was competent.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 3:19pm; Reply: 170
OK, so there's 1 script which has ScI FI as 1 of the category, and the only Sci Fi elements in the entire script, is a dream sequence, which really has nothing to do with the rest of the script/story.

For me, this clearly did not meet the parameters - thoughts?
Posted by: Matthew Taylor, June 6th, 2019, 3:23pm; Reply: 171

Quoted from leitskev
After my initial scoring I had 3 scripts that I felt didn't even really try to fuse two genres. But I went back and looked closely at each one to make sure I wasn't missing something. I don't want to be looking for excuses to DQ something, especially if the script was competent.


Jeez, it's not DQ'ing if it didn't meet the criteria - it just means they score lower in 1 of 5 categories - if it's competent then you score highly in the other categories.

Sounds like you are being too nice in your scoring - how is it fair on the other scripts who deffo met the criteria if you score that ones that didn't the same because your worried about giving them too low a score? How will that allow the best ones to rise to the top?
Posted by: eldave1, June 6th, 2019, 3:28pm; Reply: 172

Quoted from Dreamscale
OK, so there's 1 script which has ScI FI as 1 of the category, and the only Sci Fi elements in the entire script, is a dream sequence, which really has nothing to do with the rest of the script/story.

For me, this clearly did not meet the parameters - thoughts?


Not sure it's good form to dissect a script here, especially if voting is still on. I'd use a generic example.
Posted by: stevie, June 6th, 2019, 3:28pm; Reply: 173
If in doubt over the cri, DNR is your friend
Posted by: leitskev, June 6th, 2019, 3:43pm; Reply: 174

Quoted from Matthew Taylor


Jeez, it's not DQ'ing if it didn't meet the criteria - it just means they score lower in 1 of 5 categories - if it's competent then you score highly in the other categories.

Sounds like you are being too nice in your scoring - how is it fair on the other scripts who deffo met the criteria if you score that ones that didn't the same because your worried about giving them too low a score? How will that allow the best ones to rise to the top?



I think some people are going out of their way to look for reasons. I made a joke earlier: "If the bobblehead can be replaced by a sock puppet, DQ it!"

I think it would have been better to be able to score on criteria like the other categories. That's how I set up my scoresheet. This gave some flexibility. I mean it's getting crazy. I story will have clear elements of 2 genres, a prominent bobblehead, and in a shrink's office, and we're seeing people say it doesn't meet the criteria. So it will get a 1 in that?

Jeff: I didn't consider the space dream to be sci fi. Especially since it was just tacked on with no other space elements.

I also didn't think my favorite one met the criteria. It was comedy horror, the horror being when she carves up the bobbleheads. That's not really horror.

Posted by: Matthew Taylor, June 6th, 2019, 3:53pm; Reply: 175
If certain reviewers feel that way, then yes. Each reviewer has their own personal views, let them get on with it.

You may be over thinking it, it's 1 category of 5... Amongst 15-20 reviewers... Over 5 rounds. Have faith that the balance of averages will send the best to the top
Posted by: eldave1, June 6th, 2019, 3:55pm; Reply: 176

Quoted from Matthew Taylor
If certain reviewers feel that way, then yes. Each reviewer has their own personal views, let them get on with it.

You may be over thinking it, it's 1 category of 5... Amongst 15-20 reviewers... Over 5 rounds. Have faith that the balance of averages will send the best to the top


As is always the case.
Posted by: stevie, June 6th, 2019, 4:04pm; Reply: 177
Just did the scorecard.  12 were DNS(one was my own lol) The highest score I gave in any category was 4
Posted by: Warren, June 6th, 2019, 5:36pm; Reply: 178

Quoted from leitskev
I think some people are looking for reasons to DQ based on criteria. For me, I think we need to be as generous as possible, especially with this fusion thing. If there are futuristic elements and speculative technologies, it's sci fi. If there are violent killings or monsters, it's horror. If there are attempts at humor, funny or not, it's comedy. It's amazing how many comments seem to be looking for reasons to DQ someone because of some subjective interpretation of genre.


If I see the attempts at comedy (or any genre for that matter), I'm saying it was there.  I put up a list of the types of comedy earlier, there is a really broad range.

People keep using the word DQ. The way Sean has this set up, you can’t be DQ'ed for anything, and it’s just the difference between 1 and 5 points.
Posted by: eldave1, June 6th, 2019, 5:43pm; Reply: 179

Quoted from Warren


If I see the attempts at comedy (or any genre for that matter), I'm saying it was there.  I put up a list of the types of comedy earlier, there is a really broad range.

People keep using the word DQ. The way Sean has this set up, you can’t be DQ'ed for anything, and it’s just the difference between 1 and 5 points.


Yep. No DQ
Posted by: Matthew Taylor, June 6th, 2019, 6:02pm; Reply: 180
I don't see the point in DNS myself.

It removes the reviewers score from the weighted average, if anything it benefits the writer rather than hinders them. Going to extremes, if every reviewer bar one felt a script pisses all over the criteria and so DNS, but it rang true with the final reviewer and they scored 4 across the board... The average is now 4, right?
Removing yourself entirely from the scoring of a script feels like a cop out to me
Posted by: leitskev, June 6th, 2019, 6:12pm; Reply: 181

Quoted from Warren


If I see the attempts at comedy (or any genre for that matter), I'm saying it was there.  I put up a list of the types of comedy earlier, there is a really broad range.

People keep using the word DQ. The way Sean has this set up, you can’t be DQ'ed for anything, and it’s just the difference between 1 and 5 points.


True. But it would be better if we could grade this 1 thru 5 too. For years I have participated in the NYC Midnight contests, both screen and prose. They're not cheap...like $55. It's similar, you get a genre, location, object. The judge's notes are fantastic. Granted, they are paid, but they really are good. And none of them are looking for reasons to dismiss scripts based on criteria. If you get it close enough you're ok.

The overwhelming percentage of scripts here had a bobblehead that was prominent, a shrink's office, and something close to 2 genres. Yet it's amazing to see so much of that questioned. But I guess that's what happens when writers judge each others work in a competition. There's a tendency to look for reasons to dismiss. All par for the course.

I can't spend this much time on these things the next few rounds. I want to complete my novel by the time I get my next health scan in mid-July.

Posted by: Warren, June 6th, 2019, 6:12pm; Reply: 182

Quoted from Matthew Taylor
I don't see the point in DNS myself.

It removes the reviewers score from the weighted average, if anything it benefits the writer rather than hinders them. Going to extremes, if every reviewer bar one felt a script pisses all over the criteria and so DNS, but it rang true with the final reviewer and they scored 4 across the board... The average is now 4, right?
Removing yourself entirely from the scoring of a script feels like a cop out to me


I said something similar but deleted it because when I read it back it didn’t make sense to me.

But yes I agree with this.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 6:13pm; Reply: 183

Quoted from Matthew Taylor
I don't see the point in DNS myself.

It removes the reviewers score from the weighted average, if anything it benefits the writer rather than hinders them. Going to extremes, if every reviewer bar one felt a script pisses all over the criteria and so DNS, but it rang true with the final reviewer and they scored 4 across the board... The average is now 4, right?
Removing yourself entirely from the scoring of a script feels like a cop out to me


Totally agree!
Posted by: Warren, June 6th, 2019, 6:49pm; Reply: 184
The spread on the comments is pretty big, from 13 to 31. I realise some of that is back and forth but that still seems large considering voting ends soon? Doesn’t it? Oh and Dustin didn’t enter.

I guess some might be cashing in on the fact that you only need to read half not to lose any points.
Posted by: khamanna, June 6th, 2019, 6:53pm; Reply: 185
Lol Im pretty sure Dustin is in.
Posted by: khamanna, June 6th, 2019, 6:56pm; Reply: 186
Hmm I remember Sean said a week for reviewing and scoring. How did "tomorrow" come up at all. I was able to do it quickly this week but I cant be sure for the upcoming 4 weeks
Posted by: Zack, June 6th, 2019, 6:56pm; Reply: 187
I've got some catching up to do. Lol. Diving back in. ;D
Posted by: Warren, June 6th, 2019, 7:07pm; Reply: 188

Quoted from khamanna
Lol Im pretty sure Dustin is in.


He definitely isn't, the list of names is up for everyone that is competing.
Posted by: Warren, June 6th, 2019, 7:09pm; Reply: 189

Quoted from khamanna
Hmm I remember Sean said a week for reviewing and scoring. How did "tomorrow" come up at all. I was able to do it quickly this week but I cant be sure for the upcoming 4 weeks


I thought that was the case as well. I'm not sure where the "tomorrow" thing came from either.

Can we get some clarification?
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 7:11pm; Reply: 190

Quoted from Warren


He definitely isn't, the list of names is up for everyone that is competing.


Where's this list?

Posted by: khamanna, June 6th, 2019, 7:14pm; Reply: 191
Posted by: Gary in Houston, June 6th, 2019, 7:18pm; Reply: 192
I counted 25 names on that list but only 20 entries in the first round.  I guess some people found the fusion thing a tough nut to crack.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 7:49pm; Reply: 193
Thank you, Khamanna!!!

Never saw this or knew it was here.  Very interesting!
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 7:51pm; Reply: 194
Dena's in?  YEAH!!!!!

BUT...

I haven't seen a single review from the young lady.

Where are you???DENA!!!!!  
Posted by: eldave1, June 6th, 2019, 7:51pm; Reply: 195

Quoted from Warren
The spread on the comments is pretty big, from 13 to 31. I realise some of that is back and forth but that still seems large considering voting ends soon? Doesn’t it? Oh and Dustin didn’t enter.

I guess some might be cashing in on the fact that you only need to read half not to lose any points.


Not sure that's how it works. I think it says you're ballot is only valid with at least half.  
Posted by: Warren, June 6th, 2019, 7:53pm; Reply: 196

Quoted from eldave1


Not sure that's how it works. I think it says you're ballot is only valid with at least half.  


Ah okay, I may have misunderstood.

Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 8:27pm; Reply: 197

Quoted from eldave1


Not sure that's how it works. I think it says you're ballot is only valid with at least half.  


That's what I thought.  Based on what I've seen, numerous peeps are short on their reviews.  If the deadline is tomorrow, hopefully, these peeps review, and don't get nixed for the round.

I have 3 more to go...maybe 1 tonight, the last 2 tomorrow morning.  So far, I have a range of scores from 1.0 to 4.0.  The majority are sitting well under 3.0.
Posted by: eldave1, June 6th, 2019, 8:30pm; Reply: 198

Quoted from Dreamscale


That's what I thought.  Based on what I've seen, numerous peeps are short on their reviews.  If the deadline is tomorrow, hopefully, these peeps review, and don't get nixed for the round.

I have 3 more to go...maybe 1 tonight, the last 2 tomorrow morning.  So far, I have a range of scores from 1.0 to 4.0.  The majority are sitting well under 3.0.


Maybe they'll be a flutter reviews tomorrow. Who knows
Posted by: FrankM, June 6th, 2019, 8:41pm; Reply: 199

Quoted from Dreamscale
That's what I thought.  Based on what I've seen, numerous peeps are short on their reviews.  If the deadline is tomorrow, hopefully, these peeps review, and don't get nixed for the round.

I have 3 more to go...maybe 1 tonight, the last 2 tomorrow morning.  So far, I have a range of scores from 1.0 to 4.0.  The majority are sitting well under 3.0.



Quoted from eldave1
Maybe they'll be a flutter reviews tomorrow. Who knows


I am seriously pressed for time this week, reading and scoring but not commenting very much. Mostly because what I'd say has already been said. Will be trying to participate a bit more publically in the coming rounds.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 8:54pm; Reply: 200

Quoted from FrankM
I am seriously pressed for time this week, reading and scoring but not commenting very much. Mostly because what I'd say has already been said. Will be trying to participate a bit more publically in the coming rounds.


You know what I'd suggest, Frank?  Every one you read and voted on, just give a heads up that you read it and if you liked it or not.

Literally less than 2 minutes per entry.

Just my 6 cents.

Posted by: Warren, June 6th, 2019, 8:58pm; Reply: 201

Quoted from FrankM

I am seriously pressed for time this week, reading and scoring but not commenting very much. Mostly because what I'd say has already been said. Will be trying to participate a bit more publically in the coming rounds.


I'm going to jump on the conspiracy wagon for one second  :P

I guess the whole 'reading half' thing is completely irrelevant. Nothing to stop someone scoring them all and saying "reading and scoring but not commenting".

Please note that you need to read this comment with The X-Files theme playing in your head.
Posted by: FrankM, June 6th, 2019, 9:27pm; Reply: 202

Quoted from Warren
I'm going to jump on the conspiracy wagon for one second  :P

I guess the whole 'reading half' thing is completely irrelevant. Nothing to stop someone scoring them all and saying "reading and scoring but not commenting".

Please note that you need to read this comment with The X-Files theme playing in your head.


"X-Files with no lights on."

This was a subtle reference to the One Week teaser, right? Right?

Out for the night, hope to get to the commenting tomorrow.
Posted by: Warren, June 6th, 2019, 9:34pm; Reply: 203

Quoted from FrankM


"X-Files with no lights on."

This was a subtle reference to the One Week teaser, right? Right?

Out for the night, hope to get to the commenting tomorrow.


I obviously don't think that's what you're doing. I'm just messing, and I really just wanted to throw my own conspiracy into the mix.

But it is a pretty easy work around, just saying :)
Posted by: Warren, June 6th, 2019, 9:48pm; Reply: 204
So when can we start guessing?

I think I'm pretty damn close to perfect on my guesses this time.


Posted by: khamanna, June 6th, 2019, 10:59pm; Reply: 205
Im not sure they'll let us guess at all as the entries are not to be revealed up until the very end. Just my thinking.

Where's Sean to answer our questions? Probably sleeping somewhere
Posted by: Warren, June 6th, 2019, 11:10pm; Reply: 206

Quoted from khamanna
Im not sure they'll let us guess at all as the entries are not to be revealed up until the very end. Just my thinking.

Where's Sean to answer our questions? Probably sleeping somewhere



I think the scripts are being revealed after each round, just not the scores until the end. But if you’re right we should still be able to guess when each round of scoring is over, at least I'd think so.
Posted by: LC, June 6th, 2019, 11:12pm; Reply: 207
Well I deffo have picked one writer for a particular script.

I'm not in this Bobblehead round, don't know if I'll be in the next either... Not because I don't want to be btw, but because of an emergency home situation which is still up in the air. If I can't partake in the next round I'll bow out.

Because of that I'm unsure if I'm entitled to cast my votes. ??
Oh well, reading and giving my comments regardless.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 6th, 2019, 11:18pm; Reply: 208
Who's deleting my posts again?  Really?

WEAK!!!!
Posted by: stevie, June 6th, 2019, 11:30pm; Reply: 209
Hope all is well Lib   Take care, ay?
Posted by: LC, June 6th, 2019, 11:39pm; Reply: 210
Thanks Stevie.
Crossing my fingers.

And to top things off I'm now in the (you predicted it) coughing stage of my cold and keeping hubby up all night.  ::)
Posted by: khamanna, June 6th, 2019, 11:39pm; Reply: 211

Quoted from Warren



I think the scripts are being revealed after each round, just not the scores until the end. But if you’re right we should still be able to guess when each round of scoring is over, at least I'd think so.


Oh if scripts are revealed each time then yes, why not guess. Lets see what Sean says
Posted by: khamanna, June 6th, 2019, 11:40pm; Reply: 212
Take care, Libby. Get well soon!
Posted by: LC, June 6th, 2019, 11:53pm; Reply: 213
Thanks Kham.
Great to see you (and Dena, maybe?) are keeping the female contingent up.  ;)
Posted by: Warren, June 7th, 2019, 12:03am; Reply: 214
One thing that's abundantly clear, as it always is, is that people have very different taste.

I literally can’t believe some of the praise on some scripts, I even reread a few that people really liked and my opinions were completely unwavering.

It's also another round where I couldn’t really pick one that's standing out heads above the rest. In saying that I think the overall quality was pretty high considering the restraints of the challenge.

I just want to know who wrote what now  :)
Posted by: Warren, June 7th, 2019, 12:03am; Reply: 215

Quoted from LC
Thanks Stevie.
Crossing my fingers.

And to top things off I'm now in the (you predicted it) coughing stage of my cold and keeping hubby up all night.  ::)


Hope all is well and you feel better soon.
Posted by: stevie, June 7th, 2019, 12:07am; Reply: 216

Quoted from LC
Thanks Stevie.
Crossing my fingers.

And to top things off I'm now in the (you predicted it) coughing stage of my cold and keeping hubby up all night.  ::)


Yeah I’m over the snot stage and am coughing as well   Lol
Posted by: LC, June 7th, 2019, 12:28am; Reply: 217
;D Stevie
...
And thanks Warren. Can't work out if I've read yours yet. I like to think I can pick you now, but not sure here. The Bobbleheads have thrown things in disarray.
Posted by: Warren, June 7th, 2019, 12:55am; Reply: 218

Quoted from LC
;D Stevie
...
And thanks Warren. Can't work out if I've read yours yet. I like to think I can pick you now, but not sure here. The Bobbleheads have thrown things in disarray.


Well I won’t confirm or deny that. But yes I have to agree, I think you have me pretty well figured out... or do you?
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), June 7th, 2019, 1:35am; Reply: 219
I'm definitely not in this. I could probably have made it this round but I'm waiting on a contract to sign. Once that's done, I will not have the kind of time I've had these past couple of weeks.
Posted by: Matthew Taylor, June 7th, 2019, 3:08am; Reply: 220

Quoted from Warren
So when can we start guessing?

I think I'm pretty damn close to perfect on my guesses this time.




I'm up to 12 guesses now ;-) - I'm only really sure of 4 of them though.... still not positive I've found yours
Posted by: Matthew Taylor, June 7th, 2019, 3:53am; Reply: 221

Quoted from Warren

I literally can’t believe some of the praise on some scripts, I even reread a few that people really liked and my opinions were completely unwavering.


I hear you - one, in particular, is terribly written - The very first sentence has three things wrong with it and it only gets worse from there... Then I look at the comments

"This is well written" -  :o :o :o
Posted by: leitskev, June 7th, 2019, 9:41am; Reply: 222
None of the scripts stood out to me. Not even close. Not surprising considering the limitations.

I myself have not written a script in several years, and I have never been able to write within the 5 pages. I'm also limited by mediocre talent. Just can't escape that, sadly. That's why I switched to prose, see if I could do better. My only hope in these is to sometimes stumble into a really good concept.

As far as everyone else's comments on scripts, I found them helpful. Sometimes they straightened me out when I misunderstood a script.

There was one script that really seemed like comedy could have worked for it, but it wasn't comedy. The story was really strange, but most people loved it. I've read it three times, and I guess I'm still missing the boat. I try to find out where I'm missing stuff so I can learn and apply to future stories.
Posted by: PrussianMosby, June 7th, 2019, 12:50pm; Reply: 223
Hey, when do the scorecards have to be sent? I have guests in a few minutes, and can remember that somewhere was a discussion that the deadline has been changed to "today"???

Can someone please send me a pm when since I of course want to participate?

Thank you.
Posted by: Mr. Blonde, June 7th, 2019, 1:24pm; Reply: 224
Sorry for being so absent for most of the last 24 hours. My car officially died and I spent about 12 hours at dealerships last night and another four this morning replacing my registration and DMV stuff. Long story short, I should be back to full strength now. I have a lot of posts to reply to, so here we go.


Quoted from LC
I also posted the voting link on p.6 and have alerted Sean I think it needs to be more prominently displayed.


I wish I had those great mystical powers. All I can do is keep updating people on it.


Quoted from ReneC
I thought we had until the end of the next round’s submission deadline to read and vote, which would be Monday, but now it’s tomorrow?


I know. I went back and re-read that. I was completely fucked up at the time. The time is review round 1's scripts ends on the 10th at 11:59PM EST. I'm really sorry about misleading people on that. You have until the end of Monday night.


Quoted from leitskev
"Well, much of your story IS in a psychiatrist's office, but it feels more like a psychologist to me, so I'm afraid this doesn't meet criteria. Sorry."


Who the hell wrote that one? The only difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist is that a psychiatrist can prescibe drugs...


Quoted from khamanna
What if scoring a script as "N" for the requirement makes him cut the average in half?


They are structured evenly and each valued at 20%. Two main reasons why. Those are my reasons.


Quoted from Dreamscale
I'm not aware of that.  As far as I can tell, a script can receive the least possible in meeting the requirements, which is 1 point, but still receive 5's in the other 4 categories, which would render an average score of 4.2, which, you'd think, would/could win the round.


It could, which is why there are five rounds. You really think somebody's going to intentionally miss the criteria five weeks in a row and bank on good scores alone, in order to get the high score? They'd have to be a pretty talented writer to do that and, if they're that talented, why screw themselves out of points by intentionally missing the criteria?


Quoted from khamanna
Well, let's see if you are correct at the assumption that "Yes" equals "5" and "No" equals "1


It does.


Quoted from ReneC
It's meant to be a fun exercise, nothing more.


It is, but some people feel otherwise. That's their prerogative.


Quoted from ReneC
See, that's the start of the next round, not the end of the next round's submission period. That would be Monday the 10th at 11:59PM EDT. That's why I wanted clarification.


Yes, I messed this up. You have three more days to review.


Quoted from Dreamscale
I think it is designed to be that way, as several of us have commented - if a script misses the parameters, it should get the lowest overall score it possibly can.


"it should get the lowest overall score it possibly can." - In that category, yes. But, if you're scoring scripts down in all categories because it missed the parameters, that's not how it works.


Quoted from leitskev
I think some people are looking for reasons to DQ based on criteria. For me, I think we need to be as generous as possible, especially with this fusion thing. If there are futuristic elements and speculative technologies, it's sci fi. If there are violent killings or monsters, it's horror. If there are attempts at humor, funny or not, it's comedy. It's amazing how many comments seem to be looking for reasons to DQ someone because of some subjective interpretation of genre.


Believe me, if we had an independent group of reviewers, instead of reviews by the competitors, I would do that instead. It wouldn't remove bias, but it would make the reviewing parameters more uniform. Some people, when reviewing, take into account the difficulty of the parameters and the timeframe. Some don't. What can you do?


Quoted from Matthew Taylor
I don't see the point in DNS myself.


That wasn't added by me. Neither was the zero score for the other four categories.


Quoted from leitskev
True. But it would be better if we could grade this 1 thru 5 too. For years I have participated in the NYC Midnight contests, both screen and prose. They're not cheap...like $55. It's similar, you get a genre, location, object. The judge's notes are fantastic. Granted, they are paid, but they really are good. And none of them are looking for reasons to dismiss scripts based on criteria. If you get it close enough you're ok.

The overwhelming percentage of scripts here had a bobblehead that was prominent, a shrink's office, and something close to 2 genres. Yet it's amazing to see so much of that questioned. But I guess that's what happens when writers judge each others work in a competition. There's a tendency to look for reasons to dismiss. All par for the course.


Yes. Literally, to the whole thing. By the way, I finally entered this year, just to see.


Quoted from khamanna
Hmm I remember Sean said a week for reviewing and scoring. How did "tomorrow" come up at all. I was able to do it quickly this week but I cant be sure for the upcoming 4 weeks


It came up because I accidentally gave wrong information. Reviews end three days from today.


Quoted from Warren
I guess the whole 'reading half' thing is completely irrelevant. Nothing to stop someone scoring them all and saying "reading and scoring but not commenting".


Well, it's true that people could do just that. I'd hope they wouldn't, but there's no way to prove that they didn't read it. Then again, forcing them to review doesn't solve the problem, either. Somebody could put a half-assed, bullshit response like, "This script sucked, out at page 1" for 11 scripts and score them just because. This is the one thing I can't protect against is proving that people are actually reading.


Quoted from Warren
So when can we start guessing?


People can guess anytime they want. Just don't confirm that the guessers are right or wrong until reviewing ends for this round.


Quoted from khamanna
Where's Sean to answer our questions? Probably sleeping somewhere


Car buying. Way, way worse than sleeping.
Posted by: ReneC, June 7th, 2019, 2:29pm; Reply: 225
Sean, I applaud your ability to sift through all the posts and address questions in such a succinct, effective manner. Hats off to you.
Posted by: leitskev, June 7th, 2019, 2:52pm; Reply: 226
Sean, you did the NYC? Which one? Did you already get notes? What did you think if so?
Posted by: Mr. Blonde, June 7th, 2019, 3:03pm; Reply: 227

Quoted from leitskev
Sean, you did the NYC? Which one? Did you already get notes? What did you think if so?


Doing the short story one in July. Debated for about a month, but I went for it last night.
Posted by: khamanna, June 7th, 2019, 4:09pm; Reply: 228

Quoted from ReneC
Sean, I applaud your ability to sift through all the posts and address questions in such a succinct, effective manner. Hats off to you.


And I'm wowed as well. Swear to God I screamed "go, Blondie, go"
Posted by: JEStaats, June 7th, 2019, 4:35pm; Reply: 229
16 pages with 229 replies and it's only week one. You can't afford to miss a day with THIS forum.
Posted by: stevie, June 7th, 2019, 4:52pm; Reply: 230
Well handled Blondie  in typical legend fashion as a June 22 baby is capable of!
Posted by: eldave1, June 7th, 2019, 4:53pm; Reply: 231

Quoted from stevie
Well handled Blondie  in typical legend fashion as a June 22 baby is capable of!


Concur
Posted by: leitskev, June 7th, 2019, 5:02pm; Reply: 232
Great Sean. Me and Dena are signed up I think. We do them as a team. When the time comes, feel free to send yours to me if you want a quick read.
Posted by: jayrex, June 7th, 2019, 5:25pm; Reply: 233
I think I've read everything.

Can we submit tomorrow?
Posted by: Zack, June 7th, 2019, 5:38pm; Reply: 234

Quoted from jayrex
I think I've read everything.

Can we submit tomorrow?


I think you have to submit before midnight tonight.
Posted by: Matthew Taylor, June 7th, 2019, 5:39pm; Reply: 235

Quoted from Zack


I think you have to submit before midnight tonight.


Nah, it’s been clarified that you have until 11:59 on Monday night EDT
Posted by: Zack, June 7th, 2019, 5:42pm; Reply: 236

Quoted from Matthew Taylor


Nah, it’s been clarified that you have until 11:59 on Monday night EDT


Ah. Thanks for the clarification. :)
Posted by: Mr. Blonde, June 7th, 2019, 6:07pm; Reply: 237
But, also being clear, submit where you're ready to, so long as it's before then.
Posted by: Zack, June 7th, 2019, 6:16pm; Reply: 238
I submitted already, because I thought tonight was the deadline. :( Since I have more time, can I resubmit my scores after I read a few more?
Posted by: Warren, June 7th, 2019, 6:29pm; Reply: 239

Quoted from Mr. Blonde




People can guess anytime they want. Just don't confirm that the guessers are right or wrong until reviewing ends for this round.



Thanks, but I'll wait until the round is officially over because I'm quite sure of some if my guesses. So it's more of a reveal than a guess.

Posted by: JEStaats, June 7th, 2019, 6:49pm; Reply: 240
And if I understand correctly, we have just over five hours until the next challenge is announced?
Posted by: FrankM, June 7th, 2019, 6:52pm; Reply: 241
So cannot reply to our commenters until Tuesday?

Must... resist... urge... to... reply...
Posted by: Philostrate, June 7th, 2019, 7:20pm; Reply: 242
Finished reading and reviewing.

The quality is way better than I expected, especially given the time constraints and the killer parameters.

I'm impressed.
Posted by: Warren, June 7th, 2019, 8:50pm; Reply: 243
Another busy weekend for me so the first two days will just be formulating a plan of attack in my head.

Public holiday here on Monday and no plans so will still have a full day to get it all down.

Bring on round 2 :)
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 7th, 2019, 9:25pm; Reply: 244
I can't remember where I saw this, but I'm pretty sure somewhere in the rules it said we can change our Title and Logline 1 week after the challenge is announced.

Is that cool?
Posted by: Mr. Blonde, June 7th, 2019, 9:31pm; Reply: 245

Quoted from leitskev
Great Sean. Me and Dena are signed up I think. We do them as a team. When the time comes, feel free to send yours to me if you want a quick read.


I appreciate the offer, but I haven't written in a novelistic style in nearly a decade. I'd rather subject paid people to that kind of torture.


Quoted from Zack
Since I have more time, can I resubmit my scores after I read a few more?


Yes. I haven't calculated, yet.


Quoted from JEStaats
And if I understand correctly, we have just over five hours until the next challenge is announced?


I'm actually going to announce it in a few minutes because I need to be up real early tomorrow.


Quoted from Dreamscale
I can't remember where I saw this, but I'm pretty sure somewhere in the rules it said we can change our Title and Logline 1 week after the challenge is announced.


That was never stated one way or the other. But, you can change things any time you'd like.
Posted by: Zack, June 7th, 2019, 9:37pm; Reply: 246

Quoted from Mr. Blonde


I'm actually going to announce it in a few minutes because I need to be up real early tomorrow.



Dammit. These next few minutes are gonna be torturous! My nipples can only handle so much! ;D;D;D
Posted by: Mr. Blonde, June 7th, 2019, 9:39pm; Reply: 247

Quoted from Zack
Dammit. These next few minutes are gonna be torturous! My nipples can only handle so much! ;D;D;D


Lift up your eyes and look north.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 7th, 2019, 9:44pm; Reply: 248
Really?  OK, here's my new Title and Lpgline...


;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Posted by: Mr. Blonde, June 7th, 2019, 9:46pm; Reply: 249

Quoted from Dreamscale
Really?  OK, here's my new Title and Lpgline...


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


I like your midpoint shift. I didn't see it coming...
Posted by: jayrex, June 8th, 2019, 4:24am; Reply: 250
I've just submitted my reviews.
Posted by: Scar Tissue Films, June 8th, 2019, 4:29am; Reply: 251
How do you change the title?

It's the worst title I've ever written. I actually started laughing about it last night.
Posted by: stevie, June 8th, 2019, 5:09am; Reply: 252
Lol why would perps be changing title and log now?  Those rd 1 Scripts are done and dusted now
Posted by: FrankM, June 8th, 2019, 6:30am; Reply: 253

Quoted from stevie
Lol why would perps be changing title and log now?  Those rd 1 Scripts are done and dusted now


I always fix my scripts based on the feedback, not that anyone ever went back and read that new and improved Family Ties reboot pilot that I worked on so much  :'(
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), June 8th, 2019, 6:44am; Reply: 254

Quoted from FrankM


I always fix my scripts based on the feedback, not that anyone ever went back and read that new and improved Family Ties reboot pilot that I worked on so much  :'(


It shouldn't be reads that concern you. You should only be concerned about sales. Writing something in the hope of reads on a forum seems pretty sad to me. You'd be better of writing novels. At least you can self-publish.

You end up fixing things based on comments from readers here for nothing. If the idea is a good one, then pitch it to people that actually care. If they want changes then you have far more incentive to make them.
Posted by: FrankM, June 8th, 2019, 6:58am; Reply: 255

Quoted from DustinBowcot


It shouldn't be reads that concern you. You should only be concerned about sales. Writing something in the hope of reads on a forum seems pretty sad to me. You'd be better of writing novels. At least you can self-publish.

You end up fixing things based on comments from readers here for nothing. If the idea is a good one, then pitch it to people that actually care. If they want changes then you have far more incentive to make them.


The probability of NBC rebooting Family Ties with that specific, unsolicited, unrepresented script is roughly the same as being struck by lightning while carrying a winning lottery ticket. But the initial writing and the revision were useful practice.

In the case of Round One here, just planning on posting a link to the script I had before I performed an all-the-important-parts-ectomy to get it down to five pages.
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), June 8th, 2019, 7:40am; Reply: 256
They may not want to make yours... but if you can prove that you can write for the show then maybe they have a reboot planned. I've never seen it. I have no idea what it is and I can't be bothered to Google it. You can also use it to prove that you can do reboots. Maybe not Family Ties... maybe they have another show in mind.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 8th, 2019, 11:18am; Reply: 257
HA!  I was joking about the Title and Logline...although I will change it once it's revealed to be mine.

How funny wuold that be...all of a sudden, a script has a completely new Title and Logline?  Funny!
Posted by: Warren, June 10th, 2019, 12:29am; Reply: 258
People ready to start guessing? It looks like everyone is focused on round 2 and round 1 is a distant memory, and Sean did say we could.

I really want to throw mine out there...
Posted by: ReneC, June 10th, 2019, 12:54am; Reply: 259

Quoted from Warren
People ready to start guessing? It looks like everyone is focused on round 2 and round 1 is a distant memory, and Sean did say we could.

I really want to throw mine out there...


You can guess whenever you want, we just can't confirm or deny until the reveal.
Posted by: Warren, June 10th, 2019, 1:30am; Reply: 260

Quoted from ReneC


You can guess whenever you want, we just can't confirm or deny until the reveal.


Same thing Sean said, let's do this...


Never Know what you’ll Get – Jeff

The Package – Zack

Virtual Vengeance Container– Alex

Melt – Richard

Sprung - henb
Posted by: Matthew Taylor, June 10th, 2019, 3:10am; Reply: 261
Let's do this Warren!

Tha Package - Zack
Head Space - Anthony Cawood
Dr Schnederly - PKCardinal
Just Stop - Hawkeye
I'm Being Watched - Philostrate
Virtual Vengeance Container - Warren (Although you just guessed someone else, so I must be wrong)
The Doc is out - JEStaats
Never Know what you'll get - Dreamscale
Where did he touch you - Jayrex
Sprung - Henb
Posted by: Warren, June 10th, 2019, 3:12am; Reply: 262

Quoted from Matthew Taylor
Let's do this Warren!

Tha Package - Zack
Head Space - Anthony Cawood
Dr Schnederly - PKCardinal
Just Stop - Hawkeye
I'm Being Watched - Philostrate
Virtual Vengeance Container - Warren (Although you just guessed someone else, so I must be wrong)
The Doc is out - JEStaats
Never Know what you'll get - Dreamscale
Where did he touch you - Jayrex
Sprung - Henb


We've got a few similarities.
Posted by: Gary in Houston, June 10th, 2019, 9:04am; Reply: 263
Never know what you’ll get — my gut says Jeff, but it could be a wild card like Stevie
Dr Schnederly - this has Paul written all over it
Virtual Vengeance Container - could be Warren or Rene
Melt - because it was over the limit and Zack was mentioning how much he had to cut, I’m going with Zack
Need to think about some of these other ones.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 10th, 2019, 9:42am; Reply: 264
Melt - Scar
Posted by: ReneC, June 10th, 2019, 10:53am; Reply: 265
Done reviewing and submitted votes.
Posted by: khamanna, June 10th, 2019, 10:55am; Reply: 266
I still think Dustin is in. but whatever.
Posted by: PrussianMosby, June 10th, 2019, 5:56pm; Reply: 267
Tucker & Doctor Daleman vs. Crazy
or I'm being watched - Warren
Where Did He Touch You? - Kham
Melt – Kevin
Bugs-Rene
Treatment-John

Never know what you'll get – Jeff
Bobble-ageddon- Stevie
Somehow I think I could have mixed up the last two.

Not sure if Pale Yellow is in but I'd go with Sprung there.
Libby for 'Just Stop' but then there's that Hayley Chambers character. Suspicious.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 10th, 2019, 6:57pm; Reply: 268
You may be right about Melt.

I think Scar must have written Bugs, then.
Posted by: leitskev, June 10th, 2019, 7:17pm; Reply: 269
Can't take credit for Melt. Dena did not participate. I don't think Rick did Melt, his comments were too enthusiastic. I think he just genuinely really liked it.
Posted by: Warren, June 10th, 2019, 7:21pm; Reply: 270

Quoted from leitskev
I don't think Rick did Melt, his comments were too enthusiastic. I think he just genuinely really liked it.


I don't really know his writing, but that's half the reason I think it's his...

Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 10th, 2019, 7:29pm; Reply: 271

Quoted from Warren


I don't really know his writing, but that's half the reason I think it's his...



He said he had to cut hus script in half...or even more, which accounts for the Sci Fi-lite elements...as in there were some descriptions about things that were most likely very high tech, but nothing to let us on to it - I think he had to cut that shit out.
Posted by: PrussianMosby, June 10th, 2019, 7:39pm; Reply: 272

Quoted from leitskev
Can't take credit for Melt.


Okay. The reason of my guess was that you somewhere said you recently more and more connect to literature.


Posted by: LC, June 10th, 2019, 7:49pm; Reply: 273
Reminder, folks:
Guesses are okay but at this point - no confirm, no deny.

Sean, is this how we're playing this?
Posted by: Warren, June 10th, 2019, 7:50pm; Reply: 274

Quoted from LC
Reminder, folks:
Guesses are okay but at this point - no confirm, no deny.

Sean, is this how we're playing this?


This was confirmed by Sean :)
Posted by: Warren, June 10th, 2019, 7:51pm; Reply: 275


Quoted from Mr. Blonde


People can guess anytime they want. Just don't confirm that the guessers are right or wrong until reviewing ends for this round.




Posted by: Gary in Houston, June 10th, 2019, 7:59pm; Reply: 276
When does reviewing end?  Tonight?
Posted by: PrussianMosby, June 10th, 2019, 8:00pm; Reply: 277

Quoted from Warren


This was confirmed by Sean :)


I think Libby means that one should not give a clear reaction to a guess which might give away you either have or haven't written the respective script. ??? You know what I mean?

Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 10th, 2019, 8:00pm; Reply: 278
When can I change my title and logline on the 1st one?

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Posted by: Warren, June 10th, 2019, 8:01pm; Reply: 279

Quoted from PrussianMosby


I think Libby means that one should not give a clear reaction to a guess which might give away you either have or haven't written the respective script. ??? You know what I mean?



I know exactly what you mean, that's what I just confirmed  :P
Posted by: LC, June 10th, 2019, 8:02pm; Reply: 280

Quoted from PrussianMosby
I think Libby means that one should not give a clear reaction to a guess which might give away you either have or haven't written the respective script. ??? You know what I mean?

Right on, Alex.
& Right on, Warren.  :D

Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 10th, 2019, 8:03pm; Reply: 281
I will have to politely neither deny nor agree to any guesses made about me or anyone I kind of know or only know on SS.

Nor, will I admit to having polished off several large drinks along with multiple shots of Jagie.

Cheers!   ;D ;D ;D ;D
Posted by: PrussianMosby, June 10th, 2019, 8:06pm; Reply: 282

Quoted from Warren


I know exactly what you mean, that's what I just confirmed  :P


Yeah, I see. Perfect. Sorry, internet context problems.
Posted by: PrussianMosby, June 10th, 2019, 8:10pm; Reply: 283

Quoted from Dreamscale
When can I change my title and logline on the 1st one?

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D


Haha, never.

Just loved your storytelling of how your girlfriend punished you with pure ignorance in the first round.
Posted by: leitskev, June 10th, 2019, 8:16pm; Reply: 284
Oops, sorry. Didn't think I was giving much away, and figured the voting is done.

Anyway, Prussian(Alex if my memory is not gone?), that's true, I am more into prose, but I still remember my script style, which tries to economize words and lines. I did like the sagging bookshelves in Melt, someone with a good eye for images. Dena has that eye too, I don't.
Posted by: Gary in Houston, June 10th, 2019, 8:22pm; Reply: 285
Just asking again -- when is the voting over? Tonight?
Posted by: JEStaats, June 10th, 2019, 8:27pm; Reply: 286

Quoted from Gary in Houston
Just asking again -- when is the voting over? Tonight?


2.5 hours to submit rd. 2 entries and rd. 1 votes.
Posted by: Gary in Houston, June 10th, 2019, 8:28pm; Reply: 287

Quoted from JEStaats


2.5 hours to submit rd. 2 entries and rd. 1 votes.


Mucho gracias.
Posted by: PrussianMosby, June 10th, 2019, 8:30pm; Reply: 288

Quoted from leitskev
Anyway, Prussian(Alex if my memory is not gone?), that's true, I am more into prose, but I still remember my script style, which tries to economize words and lines. I did like the sagging bookshelves in Melt, someone with a good eye for images. Dena has that eye too, I don't.


Memory not gone. All good. I'm off for the week so I can sit here till 3am and drink wine. It's a hard challenge I think. My strategy so far was to think two days and write whatever there is on the third.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 10th, 2019, 8:38pm; Reply: 289

Quoted from PrussianMosby


My strategy so far was to think two days and write whatever there is on the third.


Aye Aye, mate.  Exactly the same strategy here.
Posted by: leitskev, June 10th, 2019, 8:40pm; Reply: 290
I wrote mine this morning, cleaned it up a few times, sent it in so I wouldn't waste more time on it. I can't wait to read Jeff's comment. The very thought of it inspired me while writing.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 10th, 2019, 8:52pm; Reply: 291
It's submitted!  I'm in!  AAAAYYYEEE!!!!!!
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 11th, 2019, 1:25pm; Reply: 292
When are Round 1 scores going to be posted, and where?
Posted by: ReneC, June 11th, 2019, 1:38pm; Reply: 293

Quoted from Dreamscale
When are Round 1 scores going to be posted, and where?


I'm guessing the scores are being tallied. We're all anxiously waiting...
Posted by: PKCardinal, June 11th, 2019, 1:39pm; Reply: 294

Quoted from Dreamscale
When are Round 1 scores going to be posted, and where?


Was wondering the same thing. But, since nobody was talking about it, I thought I'd just missed something. Hadn't yet spent time to search.
Posted by: Matthew Taylor, June 11th, 2019, 1:47pm; Reply: 295

Quoted from Dreamscale
When are Round 1 scores going to be posted, and where?


Don't think we get to see scores - we get a leaderboard but absent actual scores. I wanna see who wrote what though
Posted by: FrankM, June 11th, 2019, 2:05pm; Reply: 296

Quoted from Matthew Taylor


Don't think we get to see scores - we get a leaderboard but absent actual scores. I wanna see who wrote what though


Same here.

Only problem is, then everyone will know which abomination I wrote.
Posted by: Matthew Taylor, June 11th, 2019, 2:25pm; Reply: 297

Quoted from FrankM


Same here.

Only problem is, then everyone will know which abomination I wrote.


Use a pseudonym, like MrankF - no one will ever know
Posted by: Don, June 11th, 2019, 2:41pm; Reply: 298
Regarding voting, I still have two votes sheets listed as outstanding.  Sean and I both receive the ballots.  I have a running score, but I think Sean wants to tally the scores himself and we can compare scores to check out math.

Don
Posted by: Mr. Blonde, June 11th, 2019, 7:39pm; Reply: 299

Quoted from Don
Regarding voting, I still have two votes sheets listed as outstanding.  Sean and I both receive the ballots.  I have a running score, but I think Sean wants to tally the scores himself and we can compare scores to check out math.


Don, by all means, if you have the scores tallied, post up the leaderboard. I wasn't able to use my computer for the vast majority of the day and fell behind on calculating. I should get it done tomorrow and can check the scores, but I doubt your numbers are off, so I'm not overly concerned about it. Thank you.
Posted by: Don, June 11th, 2019, 9:05pm; Reply: 300

Quoted from Mr. Blonde


Don, by all means, if you have the scores tallied, post up the leaderboard. I wasn't able to use my computer for the vast majority of the day and fell behind on calculating. I should get it done tomorrow and can check the scores, but I doubt your numbers are off, so I'm not overly concerned about it. Thank you.


I will post "tentative" scores until verified by Sean.  

+update - Tentative "Standings" posted here: https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?m-1560305503/

Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), June 11th, 2019, 9:10pm; Reply: 301

Quoted from Don


I will post "tentative" scores until verified by Sean.  


YES!  Sweet!

I can't wait to see my 1.something score.   ;D ;D ;D ;D

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