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SimplyScripts Screenwriting Discussion Board  /   General Chat  /  Spooky Graveyard...
Posted by: Zack, February 25th, 2020, 8:14am
That's what this place is right now. Where is everyone!?
Posted by: SAC, February 25th, 2020, 9:23am; Reply: 1
Seriously
Posted by: Zack, February 25th, 2020, 9:42am; Reply: 2
Fuck it. Guess that just means more room on the dance floor for us. Steven, hit the music! ;D
Posted by: MarkItZero, February 25th, 2020, 12:12pm; Reply: 3
Zack I know you just finished a feature, but if you want to write an entire new one I'm gonna try and start a feature OWC soon. That is, assuming Don gives the okay.

Maybe there's a regular OWC in the works too. I say the more Script Clubs, OWC's, etc... the better!
Posted by: Matthew Taylor, February 25th, 2020, 12:17pm; Reply: 4

Quoted from MarkItZero
Zack I know you just finished a feature, but if you want to write an entire new one I'm gonna try and start a feature OWC soon. That is, assuming Don gives the okay.

Maybe there's a regular OWC in the works too. I say the more Script Clubs, OWC's, etc... the better!


A feature in a week? Jesus...
Posted by: Zack, February 25th, 2020, 12:19pm; Reply: 5

Quoted from MarkItZero
Zack I know you just finished a feature, but if you want to write an entire new one I'm gonna try and start a feature OWC soon. That is, assuming Don gives the okay.

Maybe there's a regular OWC in the works too. I say the more Script Clubs, OWC's, etc... the better!


Hell yeah, Dude! Sounds cool to me. Looking forward to it!

And I agree! The more the better! I wouldn't mind getting another Scarefest together. ;D
Posted by: MarkItZero, February 25th, 2020, 12:33pm; Reply: 6

Quoted from Matthew Taylor


A feature in a week? Jesus...


Ha! I could maybe get through fifteen pages, then mash my keyboard to fill the last ninety with random letters.


Quoted from Zack


Hell yeah, Dude! Sounds cool to me. Looking forward to it!

And I agree! The more the better! I wouldn't mind getting another Scarefest together. ;D


Excellent!
Posted by: Grandma Bear, February 25th, 2020, 12:54pm; Reply: 7

Quoted from Matthew Taylor


A feature in a week? Jesus...


Those are typically 6-7 weeks. At least two features that came out of one of those have been produced.

Posted by: MarkItZero, February 25th, 2020, 1:20pm; Reply: 8
Oh, yeah, not actually one week. Thought you were joking.

It'll be like how the previous ones were run, so 6-7 weeks.

Which will still be brutal. But fun and a good kick up the arse.
Posted by: SAC, February 25th, 2020, 1:50pm; Reply: 9

Quoted from Zack
Fuck it. Guess that just means more room on the dance floor for us. Steven, hit the music! ;D


I got two left feet. Besides, I don’t think anyone would like the music I listen to.
Posted by: Zack, February 25th, 2020, 1:54pm; Reply: 10
We should do a collaborative 7-Week Challenge. ;D
Posted by: Zack, February 25th, 2020, 1:56pm; Reply: 11

Quoted from SAC


I got two left feet. Besides, I don't think anyone would like the music I listen to.


You a big Franzl Lang fan too? ;D;D;D

Posted by: Matthew Taylor, February 25th, 2020, 2:10pm; Reply: 12

Quoted from MarkItZero
Oh, yeah, not actually one week. Thought you were joking.

It'll be like how the previous ones were run, so 6-7 weeks.

Which will still be brutal. But fun and a good kick up the arse.


I was joking.

I saw the previous 7 week challenge but was too new and inexperienced to tackle it. If there is another one I would give it a go  :)
Posted by: SAC, February 25th, 2020, 3:11pm; Reply: 13

Quoted from Zack


You a big Franzl Lang fan too? ;D;D;D


I am now!
Posted by: Zack, February 25th, 2020, 3:13pm; Reply: 14

Quoted from SAC


I am now!


Let's get matching yodeling costumes!
Posted by: mmmarnie, February 25th, 2020, 3:47pm; Reply: 15
Please somebody start something! I'm staring at a blank Final Draft screen!!!!
Posted by: SAC, February 25th, 2020, 4:40pm; Reply: 16
Maybe a 3 page quickie challenge or something?
Posted by: Warren, February 25th, 2020, 4:42pm; Reply: 17

Quoted from SAC
Maybe a 3 page quickie challenge or something?


This is a great idea. The last quickie challenge was a lot of fun.
Posted by: Zack, February 25th, 2020, 5:40pm; Reply: 18

Quoted from SAC
Maybe a 3 page quickie challenge or something?


I'd be down for something like that.
Posted by: MarkItZero, February 25th, 2020, 5:47pm; Reply: 19
I sent Don an email about a feature one. But I could run a quickie instead. Hell, I could do both as long as it starts in March when I'll have a good stretch of free time. But two challenges might break Don.
Posted by: SAC, February 25th, 2020, 5:59pm; Reply: 20

Quoted from MarkItZero
I sent Don an email about a feature one. But I could run a quickie instead. Hell, I could do both as long as it starts in March when I'll have a good stretch of free time. But two challenges might break Don.


I sent Don an email about the quickie, too, James. Don’t really care who runs it but definitely let’s get something going.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), February 25th, 2020, 6:02pm; Reply: 21
I like quickies...always have.

Wait...are we talking about writing or sex?
Posted by: MarkItZero, February 25th, 2020, 6:09pm; Reply: 22

Quoted from SAC


I sent Don an email about the quickie, too, James. Don’t really care who runs it but definitely let’s get something going.


Oh, you go ahead and run it then. I'd rather do a feature one cuz I'm gonna write a script for it too (but disqualified from voting).
Posted by: Zack, February 25th, 2020, 6:41pm; Reply: 23

Quoted from Dreamscale
I like quickies...always have.



You told me I was special. That what we had meant something, even if it did only last about fifteen seconds.  :'(
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), February 25th, 2020, 6:47pm; Reply: 24

Quoted from Zack


You told me I was special. That what we had meant something, even if it did only last about fifteen seconds.  :'(


HA!  Those were 15 great seconds, though, huh?

Posted by: SAC, February 25th, 2020, 7:02pm; Reply: 25
Waiting on word from the big man.
Posted by: Zack, February 25th, 2020, 7:04pm; Reply: 26

Quoted from Dreamscale


HA!  Those were 15 great seconds, though, huh?



A little rough. But I know you meant well. ;D
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), February 25th, 2020, 8:20pm; Reply: 27

Quoted from Zack


A little rough. But I know you meant well. ;D


OK, enough!  I'm gonna puke!

Posted by: Zack, February 25th, 2020, 8:24pm; Reply: 28

Quoted from Dreamscale


OK, enough!  I'm gonna puke!



Again? ;D  :X
Posted by: Grandma Bear, February 25th, 2020, 10:18pm; Reply: 29
I have never met Jeff, but somehow I have a feeling he's experienced. I'm sure he can get past the high school 15 seconds, but also have the reload time down to a millisecond.

As far as the potential feature challenge goes, my suggestion would be to make it something that might actually attract producers rather than making writers write something that fits into some shoehorn thing like the OWCs. My thinking here is that we actually want to see something produced rather than winning a mug type thing.
Posted by: Zack, February 25th, 2020, 10:42pm; Reply: 30

Quoted from Grandma Bear
I have never met Jeff, but somehow I have a feeling he's experienced. I'm sure he can get past the high school 15 seconds, but also have the reload time down to a millisecond.

As far as the potential feature challenge goes, my suggestion would be to make it something that might actually attract producers rather than making writers write something that fits into some shoehorn thing like the OWCs. My thinking here is that we actually want to see something produced rather than winning a mug type thing.


Let's do a low-budget, minimal location, feature 7WC.
Posted by: mmmarnie, February 25th, 2020, 11:33pm; Reply: 31
Some years back a filmmaker set the parameters for an OWC to fit his budget, available location...was that Scartissue?? I love that idea...to have a filmaker list possible locations, any interesting props they have available, maybe even specific male & female actors ages if he/she has people he works with. Just a thought.
Posted by: stevie, February 25th, 2020, 11:34pm; Reply: 32

Quoted from Dreamscale


HA!  Those were 15 great seconds, though, huh?



Impressed, bro, that you and Zackster were able to do it
3 times!! :o
Posted by: AlsoBen, February 26th, 2020, 4:42am; Reply: 33
lets do a fight club
Posted by: Grandma Bear, February 26th, 2020, 7:26am; Reply: 34

Quoted from mmmarnie
Some years back a filmmaker set the parameters for an OWC to fit his budget, available location...was that Scartissue?? I love that idea...to have a filmaker list possible locations, any interesting props they have available, maybe even specific male & female actors ages if he/she has people he works with. Just a thought.


We have done a few of those. One of the 6WC was put together with what types of scripts were being requested most at Inktip at the time. Female lead thrillers. Two of those went on to be produced. Since I wasn't really writing much in 2019 I haven't kept up with the current demand, but if the ultimate goal is to sell something and/or be produced, it's probably a good idea to be in tune with what's in demand.  

Good to see you back in the swing Marnie!  :)
Posted by: mmmarnie, February 26th, 2020, 10:49am; Reply: 35

Quoted from Grandma Bear



Good to see you back in the swing Marnie!  :)


Thanks, Pia. I'm working on it. It's hard after so much time off. SS def helps!

And nice to see you're no longer "angry", Grandma. :P

Posted by: MarkRenshaw, February 27th, 2020, 9:16am; Reply: 36
Longform TV is where all the action is at these days. What about a OWC to come up with a TV Bible for a new TV show around certain parameters instead of a script?
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), February 27th, 2020, 4:32pm; Reply: 37

Quoted from MarkRenshaw
Longform TV is where all the action is at these days. What about a OWC to come up with a TV Bible for a new TV show around certain parameters instead of a script?


WTF?

How about not!!

Posted by: MarkRenshaw, February 28th, 2020, 10:44am; Reply: 38
I'm just saying. The bare minimum (WGA) rates for a TV bible is $60k, way more than a feature or pilot,  so it might be worth practising it
Posted by: Grandma Bear, February 28th, 2020, 1:02pm; Reply: 39
I'm not against a TV show bible, but I know nothing about it, so wouldn't even know how to think around an idea like that. I know other people have tried their own TV pilots though.
Posted by: Colkurtz8, February 28th, 2020, 2:28pm; Reply: 40
Circling back to the original post: It seems hardly no one reads and reviews scripts on the boards here anymore unless its part of an OWC/7WC. That used to be the heart of the SS community. It was thriving. A shame its fallen away.

Things change, fair enough.

However, there is more "content" being produced now than ever which would suggest there are more screenwriters out there so I just wonder where do these people hang out online to share their work? As has been noted before, there really isn't another website like this.
Posted by: MarkRenshaw, March 2nd, 2020, 4:32am; Reply: 41

Quoted from Grandma Bear
I'm not against a TV show bible, but I know nothing about it, so wouldn't even know how to think around an idea like that. I know other people have tried their own TV pilots though.


Exactly. So what if one day you came up with a great idea for a TV show and because you had the opportunity to practice it on Simply Scripts, you knew what you were doing instead of being thrown in at the deep end?

It’s actually easier to do then write a TV pilot or feature. It’s an outline for a TV show. It doesn’t have to be huge either, you can do a great one in 5-6 pages.
Posted by: MarkRenshaw, March 2nd, 2020, 4:35am; Reply: 42

Quoted from Colkurtz8
Circling back to the original post: It seems hardly no one reads and reviews scripts on the boards here anymore unless its part of an OWC/7WC. That used to be the heart of the SS community. It was thriving. A shame its fallen away.

Things change, fair enough.

However, there is more "content" being produced now than ever which would suggest there are more screenwriters out there so I just wonder where do these people hang out online to share their work? As has been noted before, there really isn't another website like this.


I can only speak personally but for me, there’s too many. There can be 30 new scripts in a week spread over quite a few different forums. I have little time to read and review scripts these days and I don’t see much in the way of interaction by newer members so I do what I can, when I can. The OWC is a focused sprint of reviews in one forum and that helps me.

Posted by: Zack, March 2nd, 2020, 9:53am; Reply: 43

Quoted from MarkRenshaw


I can only speak personally but for me, there’s too many. There can be 30 new scripts in a week spread over quite a few different forums. I have little time to read and review scripts these days and I don’t see much in the way of interaction by newer members so I do what I can, when I can. The OWC is a focused sprint of reviews in one forum and that helps me.



Pretty much in the same boat. I only open scripts that catch my eye. Whether or not I actually finish the script totally depends on the writing and content in the script. If it doesn't grab me early, I'm out.
Posted by: Grandma Bear, March 2nd, 2020, 12:00pm; Reply: 44

Quoted from Colkurtz8
It seems hardly no one reads and reviews scripts on the boards here anymore unless its part of an OWC/7WC. That used to be the heart of the SS community. It was thriving. A shame its fallen away.


I'm currently reading two features and one novel for members.  :)

I know what you mean though. That part of SS has definitely changed.
Posted by: Warren, March 2nd, 2020, 4:40pm; Reply: 45

Quoted from Colkurtz8
It seems hardly no one reads and reviews scripts on the boards here anymore unless its part of an OWC/7WC. That used to be the heart of the SS community. It was thriving. A shame its fallen away.


I remember when I came to the site 4 or so years ago I would literally read every single short that was posted to the board. I think I remember counting once and it was at 70 or so in a row. I remember when the setup of the board changed that it really effected how I used the site. That's not an issue anymore but I've definitely lost the drive to read everything that gets posted. I will generally read scripts that have great reviews, some kind of controversy attached or ones from the members I consider good friends.

Dave seems to be the only real constant when it comes to reviews, which is great for the newbs as his advice is worth following.
Posted by: Colkurtz8, March 3rd, 2020, 6:56am; Reply: 46

Quoted from MarkRenshaw
I can only speak personally but for me, there’s too many. There can be 30 new scripts in a week spread over quite a few different forums. I have little time to read and review scripts these days and I don’t see much in the way of interaction by newer members so I do what I can, when I can. The OWC is a focused sprint of reviews in one forum and that helps me.


Yeah, there are certainly no shortage of new scripts. I'm talking more about the (lack of) conversation around them. Why this newer culture of writers don't want to engage in a dialogue about their work. They just post it with no follow up or participation in the site. That is why I wondered if there are other sites where this is actually going on. Good point about the OWC though.


Quoted from Grandma Bear
I'm currently reading two features and one novel for members.  :)

I know what you mean though. That part of SS has definitely changed.


Yeah, I do all my exchanging off the boards now. On that note, I'm still waiting for your feature ;)


Quoted from Warren
I remember when the setup of the board changed that it really effected how I used the site.


Are you talking about the categorising of shorts by genre?
Posted by: SAC, March 3rd, 2020, 9:14am; Reply: 47
I think in the beginning, when I first came here 5 or so years ago, I was so gung ho about learning the craft and writing and reading, acceptance was key. By my peers here on SS, other writers, and participating. My goals then were different -- I wanted to hone my craft, get better in my own writing, and have my shorts produced. My goals have definitely changed. Almost no focus on shorts and, like Col, I do most exchanging by email with other writers. Mainly writers I have met here.

I still check the weekly list of new scripts, and generally look for scripts by folks I know. But back when, it was all so new and fun and I couldn't wait to dive in and participate. So, yeah, things have definitely changed for me, personally. There's less drama, too. We used to have member against member, arguments, fights, back and forth on threads that lasted all night long. I love those writers that refuse to accept constructive criticism, think their word is God's gift. It makes for good drama.

Maybe we've all gotten a bit more mature and, then again, so many old schoolers have left, moved on. I miss those people.
Posted by: Zack, March 3rd, 2020, 9:58am; Reply: 48

Quoted from SAC


Maybe we've all gotten a bit more mature and, then again, so many old schoolers have left, moved on. I miss those people.


I miss Baltis.  :'( :'(
Posted by: Colkurtz8, March 3rd, 2020, 11:47am; Reply: 49

Quoted from Zack


I miss Baltis.  :'( :'(


Haha, the great Baltis! Now there's a blast from the past.

I assumed he elevated to a higher, astral-like plane (think Hugh Jackman in "The Fountain") reserved for those truly exceptional minds, visionaries, trailblazers, geniuses, etc.

He's still here alright, it's just us normies cannot perceive him anymore.
Posted by: Zack, March 3rd, 2020, 11:50am; Reply: 50

Quoted from Colkurtz8


Haha, the great Baltis! Now there's a blast from the past.

I assumed he elevated to a higher, astral-like plane (think Hugh Jackman in "The Fountain") reserved for those truly exceptional minds, visionaries, trailblazers, geniuses, etc.

He's still here alright, it's just us normies cannot perceive him anymore.


In some strange alternate dimension, Baltis is telling some poor writer that their script sucks goat nuts and porks chickens in the butt. ;D;D
Posted by: SAC, March 3rd, 2020, 12:14pm; Reply: 51

Quoted from Zack


In some strange alternate dimension, Baltis is telling some poor writer that their script sucks goat nuts and porks chickens in the butt. ;D;D


See, that's what I'm talkin bout.
Posted by: khamanna, March 3rd, 2020, 12:42pm; Reply: 52
Omg you all were in the time of Baltis! I came after but managed to catch like a glimpse of him. And I thought he was fine. People said he changed before he disappeared. But he�s like a legend here.
Posted by: SAC, March 3rd, 2020, 1:01pm; Reply: 53

Quoted from khamanna
Omg you all were in the time of Baltis! I came after but managed to catch like a glimpse of him. And I thought he was fine. People said he changed before he disappeared. But he�s like a legend here.


I came post-Baltis. I do recall hearing his name spoken in hushed tones, though.
Posted by: Heretic, March 3rd, 2020, 1:12pm; Reply: 54
Sure, everyone remembers Balt, but where would we be without Chris Halvorson??

Simply was founded on the tail end of the indie film boom and the spec script boom. Microbudgets of all genres had been playing in theatres to acclaim and financial success, while breakout writers like Shane Black and Joe Eszterhas were prominent icons of overnight success from original, gutsy approaches. The internet was a new and wildly democratized space where no-one knew your age or identity.

Flash forward twenty years, and corporate giants are doing their best to push anything less than perfectly safe out of the mainstream while screenwriting gurus ramble on about rules, structures, and systems to make your work look exactly like the currently-desired product. On Simply, lots of reviewers will similarly criticize formatting and aesthetic without attending to story, implicitly propelling the view that corporate-friendly craft should be a primary consideration for budding writers.

Film, writing for film, and online film forums held an excitement and appeal to amateurs and hobbyists then that is not the same now, when the barriers seem so different (and as the web itself has been tamed into a dull, homogenized, largely corporate space).

There don't seem to be as many colourful and talented characters like Balt coming around, but there also aren't nearly as many intrepid young amateurs and curious hobbyists. All are equally important in making Simply such a great place.

TL;DR -- "we can see her ass shining in the moonlight."
Posted by: Scar Tissue Films, March 3rd, 2020, 1:51pm; Reply: 55
Great Post, Heretic.

Especially the iconic reference.

It's a strange world for us oldies. The Internet was a sudden, enormous, exciting freedom thrust upon the world. A Freedom, like you say, that somehow got largely taken away. For the younger ones who grew up with it, I suspect they don't even have an inclination of the freedom it once represented.

It's amazing, really, that the advent of the Internet along with super powerful cameras at a budget price has led not to a golden age of independent cinema, but to its near demise.
Posted by: James McClung, March 3rd, 2020, 4:19pm; Reply: 56
I've been here 15 years. Place definitely has changed.

I've sorta chocked it up to an influx of new members, a higher profile for SS as a place to be discovered and make things happen, and a greater priority placed on going professional. I've seen many posts here and there where folks have suggested they're a little more precious of their work and time compared to the old days, which I expect factors into more private script exchanges among people who know and trust each other and less people reviewing scripts regularly on the boards themselves.

The OWC has also changed drastically. Back in the day, everyone knew each other's work, so the anonymity factor seemed more for fun compared to these days where it seems the intended effect is to preserve the honesty and lack of bias in reviews. Plus there're tons more people involved, the challenges are harder, and there's way more commitment expected from the participants. As an observer, it seems like people take it way more seriously than they used to.

None of this is intended to be a criticism btw. I just figured I might throw out some personal observations from an old head. Plus the site's not the only thing that's changed over the years, as Chris has nicely illustrated above. The industry's changed, the Internet's changed, people change, etc. I've definitely changed. I don't even write anymore; I still show up because I know a decent chunk of people and want to see how they're doing, there're some engaging discussions from time to time, and the nostalgia factor.

Maybe it is what it is.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), March 3rd, 2020, 5:07pm; Reply: 57

Quoted from Heretic
Sure, everyone remembers Balt, but where would we be without Chris Halvorson??


Oh yeah, who could forget the great Chris Halvorson?  But who remembers that Jackson Abernathy actually also contributed to that classic, Cannibal"?

Do we remember the writer, Andrew Senesac, or just his classic creation, entitled, "The Cabin: Episode one - Continuous Evil (originally named The Cabin Party)"?

Or, how about the greatly underappreciated Josh Bushman's, "Damn you Bruce!!!"?

And, let's not ever forget Donny Thirsty's pirate classic, "Estaban".

The impact these scripts have had on me is immense.  I even wrote 2 OWC scripts using characters so artfully created by Halvorsen, Abernathy, and Senesac.

To this day, I still use the phrase, "Damn you, Bruce", and every time I do, my girlfriend, Teri, asks WTF I'm talking about.  LOL.

These are some of the masters for sure and I can't thank them or Simply Scripts enough for being a part of my life.

Posted by: Warren, March 3rd, 2020, 6:25pm; Reply: 58

Quoted from Colkurtz8




Are you talking about the categorising of shorts by genre?


I am, yes. It really messed with how a used the site. I cant really recall what the issue was, but I do remember it changing the experience for me. I do realize it's better for producers though, so all good in the end.
Posted by: eldave1, March 3rd, 2020, 6:53pm; Reply: 59
I've been here since 2014 when I typed my very first FADE IN - and I think I did that wrong. I think I've reviewed about 30 features - mostly PM requests. I have noticed three general macro level changes since I joined.

OWC EXPLOITATION

OWCs do thing to be the only real comment generators here - although I grow increasingly pissed at the number of folks who enter and don't read/review.  It's almost like eff you - I'll use the review resources of SS for my own purposes and a big eff off to everyone else. I'm also getting older and therefore crankier - so maybe that's it.  

WRITER'S NOT RESPONDING

Seems like when I first joined writers almost always responded to comments on their scripts. Now, other than the regulars, it seems that they almost never respond.

Although I did recently chided from a writer who finally weighed in two years after my initial comment.  I don't know what caused this change - but it does make me less interested in commenting.

WRITER'S NOT REALLY TRYING

Okay, again - this may be just me being cranky - but there seems to be an ever increasing frequency of new writers just winging it and slapping stuff on paper to see if it flies. Admittedly, when I started I needed a lot of help and got a lot of that help here  but I did Google how to write a scene heading, how to use a transition, etc. etc. before just throwing up something on the site (kids these days!).

For me, one thing that would be nice is if there was a "written by" by field on the recent threads page. I almost always read scripts from peeps I know and hardly do now from peeps I don't. The written by field would help in identifying those up front.

Anyways......




Posted by: Zack, March 3rd, 2020, 7:07pm; Reply: 60

Quoted from eldave1


OWC EXPLOITATION

OWCs do thing to be the only real comment generators here - although I grow increasingly pissed at the number of folks who enter and don't read/review.  It's almost like eff you - I'll use the review resources of SS for my own purposes and a big eff off to everyone else. I'm also getting older and therefore crankier - so maybe that's it.  





This bothers me as well. How can we fix this?
Posted by: eldave1, March 3rd, 2020, 7:23pm; Reply: 61

Quoted from Zack



This bothers me as well. How can we fix this?


Not sure we can. Guess if it were me, I'd DQ anyone who didn't make a comment on at least half the scripts - but that would be suck an ass-ache for whoever is running it to keep track of.
Posted by: Grandma Bear, March 3rd, 2020, 7:27pm; Reply: 62

Quoted from Colkurtz8

Yeah, I do all my exchanging off the boards now. On that note, I'm still waiting for your feature ;)


Still haven't finished it. I seem to have a hard time finding enough time to get my mind in the right place and then immerse myself in my script. I did finish yours today though. Will read my comments over tomorrow and email you.  :)

I've been here since Sep 2005, so yeah, things have definitely changed. I'll go with Heretic's and Scar's explanation. As far as the OWC's goes, the complaints I read here are the same as they've always been. Bert started the thing about deleting your comments on the scripts where the writer never read in return after the reveal. Sounds pretty good to me.

There used to be more females here. I wish there were more. I think one reason there are so few compared to MP for example is that the tone and language can be a bit on the crude and harsh side. Dena left for that reason. How sad is that? Everyone likes Dena! Me? I used to deliver auto parts to the shady side of town. Not much you can do to me that I have not already seen or heard.

As far as Balt goes, does he now have cult status? If so, I'm gonna brag. I've read Frostbite! Have you?  ;)  
Posted by: Zack, March 3rd, 2020, 7:42pm; Reply: 63

Quoted from Grandma Bear



As far as Balt goes, does he now have cult status? If so, I'm gonna brag. I've read Frostbite! Have you?  ;)  


His werewolf script? I've read it.  ;D
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), March 3rd, 2020, 7:58pm; Reply: 64

Quoted from Grandma Bear
As far as Balt goes, does he now have cult status? If so, I'm gonna brag. I've read Frostbite! Have you?  ;)  


What?  Frostbite?  I remember that.  I even included it in 1 of my OWC scripts, "Screwed".  HA!  Hilarious.

You read it?  You did, too, Zack?  Damn.  I'd love to read that thing!!

Posted by: Grandma Bear, March 3rd, 2020, 8:06pm; Reply: 65
It was supposed to be the best script ever!!! Definitely not a werewolf script. Won't share without permission though. IMO, when we share our scripts privately, it stays private. Lots of snow though.  :)
Posted by: LC, March 3rd, 2020, 8:09pm; Reply: 66
I read a good part of Frostbite. Does that count?...Back in the day when Jeff was wearing his smoking-jacket.  ;D

As for DQing OWC slack-arses, I think Don is very generous and benevolent. There's an upside to that. SS is one of a kind.
Posted by: Zack, March 3rd, 2020, 8:17pm; Reply: 67

Quoted from Grandma Bear
It was supposed to be the best script ever!!! Definitely not a werewolf script. Won't share without permission though. IMO, when we share our scripts privately, it stays private. Lots of snow though.  :)


Not a werewolf script??? What the Hell am I thinking of? I swear he wrote a werewolf script set in the snow.

Whatever, I do distinctly remember him talking about Frostbite. Guess I haven't read it, though. Lol
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), March 3rd, 2020, 8:37pm; Reply: 68
I want to read Frostbite!!!!
Posted by: SAC, March 3rd, 2020, 8:40pm; Reply: 69

Quoted from Dreamscale
I want to read Frostbite!!!!


What was the deal with Frostbite? It sounds legendary
Posted by: Zack, March 3rd, 2020, 8:41pm; Reply: 70
We should start a petition to get the great Baltis back to SS. Then, maybe, he'll share this legendary script. ;D
Posted by: LC, March 3rd, 2020, 8:47pm; Reply: 71

Quoted from SAC
What was the deal with Frostbite? It sounds legendary

Balt hyped it up for so long we were all desperate to read his horror masterpiece.  ;D

Posted by: SAC, March 3rd, 2020, 8:56pm; Reply: 72

Quoted from LC

Balt hyped it up for so long we were all desperate to read his horror masterpiece.  ;D



Yes, but did anyone read it and was it a masterpiece?
Posted by: Zack, March 3rd, 2020, 8:57pm; Reply: 73

Quoted from SAC


Yes, but did anyone read it and was it a masterpiece?


How DARE you question the great Baltis!?
Posted by: eldave1, March 3rd, 2020, 9:04pm; Reply: 74

Quoted from SAC


Yes, but did anyone read it and was it a masterpiece?


I tried to do some Google research since this guy was before my time. All I could find was that it made the 2012 PAGE Semis (didn't move on from there)

There's another Frostbite on this site written by: Jonathan Sieff

Sounds like it was a goodie.


Posted by: SAC, March 3rd, 2020, 9:24pm; Reply: 75
I can’t tell if you guys are being facetious about Baltis or not, but seems like he had some chops if he made Page semis.
Posted by: Zack, March 3rd, 2020, 9:29pm; Reply: 76

Quoted from SAC
I can’t tell if you guys are being facetious about Baltis or not, but seems like he had some chops if he made Page semis.


I genuinely liked the guy. He was funny and actually gave me some pretty good advice. :)
Posted by: Grandma Bear, March 3rd, 2020, 10:10pm; Reply: 77

Quoted from SAC
I can’t tell if you guys are being facetious about Baltis or not, but seems like he had some chops if he made Page semis.


He was a character. A very colorful person. He was like Jeff in some ways, but not at all in other ways. Very outspoken and almost Trump like in his belief in himself and his abilities as a writer. He was banned at least once at SS. He was a good writer though. In the "old" days, we did have some very colorful members. I can't remember all their names now, but those people, weird as they were kept the boards alive.
Posted by: SAC, March 3rd, 2020, 10:36pm; Reply: 78

Quoted from Grandma Bear


He was a character. A very colorful person. He was like Jeff in some ways, but not at all in other ways. Very outspoken and almost Trump like in his belief in himself and his abilities as a writer. He was banned at least once at SS. He was a good writer though. In the "old" days, we did have some very colorful members. I can't remember all their names now, but those people, weird as they were kept the boards alive.


Yeah, I came on board in 2013, and I remember a few of the 'older" crew. We need a few characters around here. Like seven more Jeff's.
Posted by: LC, March 3rd, 2020, 11:39pm; Reply: 79
Posted by: khamanna, March 4th, 2020, 12:23am; Reply: 80
I remember rendezvous. And Sandra. And Ray. These were fun people.
Posted by: Zack, March 4th, 2020, 12:27am; Reply: 81
Awesome find, Libby! That thread is absolutely hilarious. ;D
Posted by: LC, March 4th, 2020, 1:08am; Reply: 82
It definitely brings back memories, Zack.   ;D
Can't believe it's over ten years ago now. Time sure does fly.
Posted by: Colkurtz8, March 4th, 2020, 6:22am; Reply: 83

Quoted from Grandma Bear
Still haven't finished it. I seem to have a hard time finding enough time to get my mind in the right place and then immerse myself in my script. I did finish yours today though. Will read my comments over tomorrow and email you.  :)


No worries. Take you time ;)


Quoted from Grandma Bear
There used to be more females here. I wish there were more. I think one reason there are so few compared to MP for example is that the tone and language can be a bit on the crude and harsh side. Dena left for that reason. How sad is that? Everyone likes Dena! Me? I used to deliver auto parts to the shady side of town. Not much you can do to me that I have not already seen or heard.


It is a shame there are not more women here but is it because of crude/harsh language? Are women more sensitive to that than men? I'm not so sure, I think its a person-to-person thing, not gender specific. Other than a select few, people here are courteous/respectful.

In terms of receiving criticism, it's really down to the receiver and how you process it. We all risk getting our ego trampled on everytime we share our work, it's part of the deal. Negative criticism only affects me when I know it's true, in that I know they are right, it's undeniable. It might be the opposite for others.

Some people, when called out for being belligerent or rude about a script, will just say they are being honest. I've always believed it's possible to be totally "honest" without being an asshole. You can eviscerate a script and still remain a gentleman/lady about it. To those who are assholes, I find them easy to dismiss. They're often insecure about their lack of analytical skills so they resort to insults/swearing. That's on them. As I said, it's all about how you process it.  


Quoted from Grandma Bear
As far as Balt goes, does he now have cult status? If so, I'm gonna brag. I've read Frostbite! Have you?  ;)  


Haha, I wrote a 10,000 word review and numerous think pieces about the much teased (but never posted) "Coffin Canyon" An epic, game changing work. His would-be magnum opus I reckon.
Posted by: Colkurtz8, March 4th, 2020, 6:30am; Reply: 84

Quoted from Zack
I swear he wrote a werewolf script set in the snow.


Wait. Werewolves or Swearwolves?

Sorry, I couldn't let a "What We Do in the Shadows" reference opportunity pass ;D

Posted by: Colkurtz8, March 4th, 2020, 6:38am; Reply: 85

Quoted from SAC
I can’t tell if you guys are being facetious about Baltis or not, but seems like he had some chops if he made Page semis.


Yeah he could definitely write. The only work I read of his was a 30 something page short called "Deliver Me Death" I think. A sort of trippy, horror western with a bar saloon as a kind of purgatory weigh station. Not too original in concept but I remember it had some colourful characters (Like the great Baltis himself) and was well written.

But yeah, as Pia said, Trump levels of vanity and a dab hand at withering reviews/retorts (mostly concerning bodily fluids and assorted viscera) Hence, his memorable-ness.

Plus, I always got a chuckle just out of the name: Baltis :D
Posted by: SAC, March 4th, 2020, 8:09am; Reply: 86
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), March 4th, 2020, 10:12am; Reply: 87
It's funny how the things you hate about a person while they're here are the things you miss when they're gone.
Posted by: Dreamscale (Guest), March 4th, 2020, 10:18am; Reply: 88

Quoted from LC


OMG!  Hilarious!  Absolutely hilarious.

See?  The old days were fun, here.  Peeps came up with funny shit and it went on and on and on.

Over 10 years ago...WOW!  And the thread just ended and we never saw any of the shit Balt was teasing with.
Posted by: Zack, March 4th, 2020, 10:32am; Reply: 89

Quoted from Dreamscale



Over 10 years ago...WOW!  And the thread just ended and we never saw any of the shit Balt was teasing with.


That's the disappointing part. All that ridiculous, over-the-top hype lead to absolutely nothing.
Posted by: Scar Tissue Films, March 4th, 2020, 10:37am; Reply: 90
The legendary Frostbite made it to the 2012 Page Semi finals and the 2013 Page Quarter Finals, so it did exist.

https://pageawards.com/past-winners/2013-winners/2013-quarter-finalists/

Maybe he'll come back one day and post it up.
Posted by: eldave1, March 4th, 2020, 11:14am; Reply: 91

Quoted from DustinBowcot
It's funny how the things you hate about a person while they're here are the things you miss when they're gone.


Think how use that on my tombstone
Posted by: Colkurtz8, March 4th, 2020, 11:54am; Reply: 92

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films
The legendary Frostbite made it to the 2012 Page Semi finals and the 2013 Page Quarter Finals, so it did exist.

https://pageawards.com/past-winners/2013-winners/2013-quarter-finalists/


Baltis Sinclair Schuller. How perfect is that? Sounds like a villian from a Bond spoof.

Posted by: Grandma Bear, March 4th, 2020, 12:00pm; Reply: 93

Quoted from Scar Tissue Films
The legendary Frostbite made it to the 2012 Page Semi finals and the 2013 Page Quarter Finals, so it did exist.  

I read it. It was pretty good, but nothing really special. I gave him honest feedback on it which he said he appreciated. It's a monster story.

He wrote a longish short once that I remember better. I can't remember the title, but it was a about a troll under the bridge. Gruff maybe or something like that. I thought that one was really good.
Posted by: stevie, March 4th, 2020, 3:20pm; Reply: 94
Balt and I share the same birthday along with Blondie.
He used to use Sophocles software and sent me a �key� so I could download it for free. Loved that software which unfortunately vanished suddenly off my laptop a few weeks back lol

He was funny in that if he liked you, he would communicate with you a bit then other times just be not there. Secretly he dug the quips about Frostbite.  I used to incorporate it into some of the old OWC pissers lol.  He would give really precise reviews too if he dug your script.

I don�t have his email anymore I don�t think   I might see if he�s still on Facebook    Hmm he is and quite a few recent posts are visible lol.  He certainly hasn’t toned down his views on a wide range of topics.  Mainly the PC rubbish that infects the world now lol   I might message him!
Posted by: Zack, March 4th, 2020, 3:24pm; Reply: 95

Quoted from stevie
Balt and I share the same birthday along with Blondie.
He used to use Sophocles software and sent me a ‘key’ so I could download it for free. Loved that software which unfortunately vanished suddenly off my laptop a few weeks back lol


He also shared Sophocles with me. Awesome software.   :)
Posted by: stevie, March 4th, 2020, 3:28pm; Reply: 96
Yes, Zack!  I was spewing when it buggered up on me and I have to use Celtx   Not sure what happened but I can’t retrieve it sadly    
Posted by: Zack, March 4th, 2020, 3:57pm; Reply: 97

Quoted from Grandma Bear


There used to be more females here. I wish there were more. I think one reason there are so few compared to MP for example is that the tone and language can be a bit on the crude and harsh side. Dena left for that reason. How sad is that? Everyone likes Dena!


I believe Dena may have just rejoined the boards. :)

You have something to do with that, Pia? ;D


Quoted from stevie
Yes, Zack!  I was spewing when it buggered up on me and I have to use Celtx   Not sure what happened but I can’t retrieve it sadly    


Unfortunately, something similar happened to me. Lost the software and have never been able to get it back. :(

Still, nothing wrong with celtx. It's a solid free software.  
Posted by: stevie, March 4th, 2020, 4:20pm; Reply: 98
Yeah it does the job and I’ve used it before Soph. Tried some other free ones but they didn’t feel right
Posted by: stevie, March 4th, 2020, 4:39pm; Reply: 99

Quoted from LC


Lol I’d forgotten about this stuff Lib!  Balt loved it too.  Pia, ‘Gruff’ was the troll script you were thinking of.  I recall reading Coffin Canyon by Balt too.  Anyway I messaged him on FB (Lol Facebook not Frostbite) so we’ll see if he responds
Posted by: LC, March 4th, 2020, 5:30pm; Reply: 100
Yep, you started the ball rolling on that one, Stevie.  ;D

Balt was kind enough to pass on Sophocles to me too and I've still got it on my old PC. It really was one of a kind.
Posted by: stevie, March 4th, 2020, 5:47pm; Reply: 101

Quoted from LC
Yep, you started the ball rolling on that one, Stevie.  ;D

Balt was kind enough to pass on Sophocles to me too and I've still got it on my old PC. It really was one of a kind.


It was bloody great!  You can still find it on the net but it�s a pain to get going lol

I panicked when it shut down on my laptop as I was 40 pages into my new feature.  Luckily I save the PDF as I go so I was able to cut and paste it into  Celtx    But it was touch and go lol
Posted by: LC, March 4th, 2020, 6:19pm; Reply: 102
Always good to have backup, Stevie. Thank God, you did. That sinking feeling when you've lost a big chunk of your work is excruciating cause you can never duplicate what was.
Posted by: stevie, March 4th, 2020, 6:39pm; Reply: 103
Tell me about it Lib. This script is hopefully gonna be my big one   It’s a great concept although quite big budget lol.   Been labouring on it since August last year.  I do get slack some days with being tired from night work, gaming, reading etc   But I’m aiming for Easter to have it done.

Even cutting and pasting from the PDF was a chore but once I converted to rich text I could lob it onto Celtx.   But I do miss Soph... it had such character
Posted by: Zombie Sean, March 5th, 2020, 12:31pm; Reply: 104

Quoted from Zack
And I agree! The more the better! I wouldn't mind getting another Scarefest together. ;D


Wow, that's a blast from the past. I'd be in if you're serious about it! ;)
Posted by: Zack, March 5th, 2020, 12:54pm; Reply: 105

Quoted from Zombie Sean


Wow, that's a blast from the past. I'd be in if you're serious about it! ;)


Totally serious. :)

Would have to wait until the 7WC is finished. Don't wanna steal any of Jane's thunder. ;D

Would anyone else be interested in another Scarefest?
Posted by: DustinBowcot (Guest), March 5th, 2020, 12:59pm; Reply: 106

Quoted from Zack

Don't wanna steal any of Jane's thunder. ;D


Tarzan wouldn't be pleased.
Posted by: Zack, March 5th, 2020, 1:02pm; Reply: 107

Quoted from DustinBowcot


Tarzan wouldn't be pleased.


Ha! Damn auto correct. Meant James' thunder. Lol.
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