Ooh, early announcement...

Sean... Could you clarify for the dummy (me) what you mean by positive, negative, indifferent cause most commenters in the first round, at least in my estimation, were only impressed if the theme was viewed as agreement e.g. Yes, money is the root of all evil.

Jmho.

Quoted from LC Ooh, early announcement... Sean... Could you clarify for the dummy (me) what you mean by positive, negative, indifferent cause most commenters in the first round, at least in my estimation, were only impressed if the theme was viewed as agreement e.g. Yes, money is the root of all evil. Jmho.

Sure. We'll use the example from the 1st round: Money is the root of all evil. You can show it being untrue (Positive. Money can lead to virtuous things). You can show it being true (Negative. Money corrupting everyone it touches). You can show neither (Indifferent. Just telling a story involving money without making any moral judgments on it).

Okay, now do blood is thicker than water!

AJR

Quoted from ajr Okay, now do blood is thicker than water!

That's your job. =)

In all seriousness - a theme is a hypothesis.  There is no indifference to a hypothesis.

AJR

I need "the implied meaning of the proverb, not literally" be explained to me.

Quoted from ajr In all seriousness - a theme is a hypothesis.  There is no indifference to a hypothesis.

Sure, there is. Think of it like the media. Indifference is the AP. They just report the facts. Lol.

Quoted from khamanna I need "the implied meaning of the proverb, no literally" be explained to me.

Don't write a story about blood literally being thicker than water. The theme refers to family forming a closer bond with people than friends and acquaintances.

Looks like this will be the shit script of my five lol

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Don't write a story about blood literally being thicker than water. The theme refers to family forming a closer bond with people than friends and acquaintances.

Should it be about a bond only?

There are things like inside jokes, some traits or else - families have things in common - can it be about that?

Quoted from khamanna Should it be about a bond only?

As is typical with themes, it should be in the background -- what your story is really about -- but the plot would be about something else.

Kham, when it comes down to it, your blood, e.g. those you're related to will come first, above all else - loyalty. Kinda like charity begins at home.

P.S. I agree with AJR.
Imh, if a character treats the theme in an indifferent manner I think tension and conflict might be lacking for one thing and the theme wouldn't be very powerful.

Quoted from LC I agree with AJR. Imh, if a character treats the theme in an indifferent manner I think tension and conflict might be lacking for one thing and the theme wouldn't be very powerful.

Not character. Writer.

That said, there's are some themes where indifferent won't work. This is one. It would've in the first. All depends on the writer's perspective.

You choose the one which works best.

Ok, I'll give an example.

Could it be something else but exploring family ties.

Like I have a feature about vampires biting only their own. Does it answer the theme?

I thought about writing 'writer' in there. Last minute changed it to my creation/character.  :D

Quoted from khamanna Ok, I'll give an example. Could it be something else but exploring family ties. Like I have a feature about vampires biting only their own. Does it answer the theme?

Wow. I'm going to let Sean answer that one.  ;D If he doesn't I'll give you my opinion.

I believe in letting the reviewers decide. I don't want to tell you what you can or can't write. Sounded fine to me, though.

Thanks, Sean.
Libby, I could use your opinion too.

Okay, Kham, I might have the wrong end of the stick with your vampire story...
Sounds interesting btw.

So, just go with what Blondie said and I'll say no more.
Better get looking at the elements again.

I've always thought it meant blood...family ties..
Are thicker than "water"...non family.

Like if you had to choose a side, you would choose your family.

Well, to me it depends with the example you gave Kham if your vampires were in anyway affected in a bad way.

I'll just say... The proverb means family comes first. Above everyone else. Loyalty, sacrifice etc.

Ok, got it thanks)

Ah, but hang on...

There's another meaning contrary to the classic belief:

“Blood is thicker than water.”
The quote comes from: “The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.” This actually means that blood shed in battle bonds soldiers more strongly than simple genetics. Although we commonly use it to suggest the strength of family ties, it doesn't refer to family at all

From a site called 35 quotations we've been getting wrong.
https://thoughtcatalog.com/nico-lang/2013/09/31-famous-quotations-youve-been-getting-wrong/

I still think modern usage refers to family coming first though.
Already a conundrum... or an extra choice, if you see it that way.

Quick question - with you listing the genres again does that mean we can reuse genres or are we not allowed to the use the genre we or our partners from last week used?

this may not be the right thread for this question but here goes...

when voting, I assume we don't vote on ours, obviously, but we do vote for our buddy even though we will know the script.

I would imagine it would be cleaner not to vote on theirs but that may not be the intention

ta

We vote on our Buddy's script, Bill. Review as normal.

Just not our own.
Blondie hopes we can post reviews on our Buddy's without prejudice. I can't trawl through his exact words but that was the crux of it.

Quoted from MarkRenshaw Quick question - with you listing the genres again does that mean we can reuse genres or are we not allowed to the use the genre we or our partners from last week used?

Quoted from Blondie By the time the Tournament is done, every genre, object, location and character will be used once and only once.

Thanks for the clarification!

As for this weeks topic, I see it as loyalty. Week 1 was greed, this is more about some element binding people together. Family is the most obvious choice because of blood, but I think you can be flexible, like the brothers-in-arms example or a family of vampires. I'm certainly going to be flexible in my scoring as long as I can see the element in there.

What Mark said!

And Libby that's fascinating, never knew that we were using it wrong all along! Tx for sharing

Quoted from MarkRenshaw As for this weeks topic, I see it as loyalty. Week 1 was greed, this is more about some element binding people together. Family is the most obvious choice because of blood, but I think you can be flexible, like the brothers-in-arms example or a family of vampires. I'm certainly going to be flexible in my scoring as long as I can see the element in there.

By blood, they mean what you perceive to be your family, not your literal family (although it can mean that). Military, athletes, cops, anything like that, or you could do a straight family piece.

Whomever your character considers to be their blood, they're closer to that person or people than they are to anyone else.

Quoted from LC Ah, but hang on... There's another meaning contrary to the classic belief: “Blood is thicker than water.” The quote comes from: “The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.” This actually means that blood shed in battle bonds soldiers more strongly than simple genetics. Although we commonly use it to suggest the strength of family ties, it doesn't refer to family at all From a site called 35 quotations we've been getting wrong. https://thoughtcatalog.com/nico-lang/2013/09/31-famous-quotations-youve-been-getting-wrong/ I still think modern usage refers to family coming first though. Already a conundrum... or an extra choice, if you see it that way.

Yes, Like Mougli was fighting for his wolf pack!
In Russian movie they'd say "You and I of the same blood" and it was like a theme of that movie.

Writing this week's bit is crusin right on. But I'm going through this tug of war between titles.
I finally decided on one, due to a surprise revelation in the script. It's too ripe.

I have half of an idea. Gonna write it today in the hope that it inspires the second half!

Ever looked at a script and thought...what is the point of that!!

::) ::) ::)

All to frequently Bill ;-(

I got to page three and realised I'm not gonna make it, Captain!  Time for an emergency rethink and restructure!

I need coffee and chocolate,  stat!

Quoted from MarkRenshaw I got to page three and realised I'm not gonna make it, Captain!  Time for an emergency rethink and restructure! I need coffee and chocolate,  stat!

I’m on page four. Now to fit a couple hours’ worth of story on that last page :)

"Love is (love is!) higher then a mountain,
Love is thicker than water,
You are (you are!) this dreamers only dream,
Heaven's angel,
Devil's daughter..."

Thanks Blondie, I've had this song in my head for 4 days now...

AJR

Quoted from ajr Thanks Blondie, I've had this song in my head for 4 days now...

Weren't my fault... =)

That shit is STILL in my head, Blondie, even as I write to satisfy your evil urges.

I even tried scrubbing it with Zeppelin. No luck.

I think it's grounds for a lawsuit.

AJR

Quoted from ajr That shit is STILL in my head, Blondie, even as I write to satisfy your evil urges. I even tried scrubbing it with Zeppelin. No luck. I think it's grounds for a lawsuit. AJR

It’s the Aussie factor bro. We get into your head like...like pigeons on a face!!!

Bee Gees were born in England but Oz claims them as Aussies.  Well they did until Saturday Night Fever lol  ;D

Quoted from FrankM I’m on page four. Now to fit a couple hours’ worth of story on that last page :)

I have managed to push a slightly polished turd across the finish line. I know I'll deserve all the derision aimed at it.

Sorry for missing the first week.

Do we submit Week 2 travesties on same link as week 1?

Quoted from AnthonyCawood Do we submit Week 2 travesties on same link as week 1?

All travesties are expected to use the same submission link, yes.

Well, I wrote it! And my daughter read it and said that the tour one script was much better.

Tx, Blondie, now submitted.

Quoted from AnthonyCawood Tx, Blondie, now submitted.

With a day for rewrites still ticking. You da man!

Submitted, that was not good :/

I've gone snow blind on it John, any more tinkering would be pointless!

Submitted mine. I actually think it's a good idea and I did what I could in five pages but I am definitely going to be revisiting this and turning it into the ten pages the idea really deserved!

I also think, as per usual with some of my ideas, people won't quite get it, but I will use the feedback to figure this out for the second draft.

Quoted from MarkRenshaw Submitted mine. I actually think it's a good idea and I did what I could in five pages but I am definitely going to be revisiting this and turning it into the ten pages the idea really deserved! I also think, as per usual with some of my ideas, people won't quite get it, but I will use the feedback to figure this out for the second draft.

as above...but for my script.

not great, but it's the best I could do

Quoted from Reef Dreamer as above...but for my script. not great, but it's the best I could do

I can’t do better with mine either. So the only other option is to not submit but I can’t do that.

But look at the plus side - I got your backs!

Quoted from MarkRenshaw Submitted mine. I actually think it's a good idea and I did what I could in five pages but I am definitely going to be revisiting this and turning it into the ten pages the idea really deserved! I also think, as per usual with some of my ideas, people won't quite get it, but I will use the feedback to figure this out for the second draft.

I probably will add a few pages to my entry after this, since I already had to cut out a page to get within the five page limit, and I think the script might have suffered for it.  
I'm still debating if I want to rearrange some scenes. And I did notice a mall but noticeable error, so I'll resub by the end of the day anyway.

I do hope that reviewers are a little more chilled this time

it's fine not to like a story, or that it doesn't work for you etc, but I hope we appreciate the challenge everyone faced and that a perfect combination of the elements is not required.

well, do that for my script

you can roast the others  :D :D :D

yes, yes and yes.
what a difference one extra line and one line zapped away can make.
bah
it's probably still a trainwreck

The thing is I'm sort of not against mine this time. I don't know why my daughter is so much against it. I knew exactly what was wrong with the other one. It was sort of obvious.

Oh, anyway. I'll wait a couple of hours just in case and submit

Submitted. Definitely writing out of my comfort zone this time. Best of luck to all of us!

Quoted from MarkRenshaw Submitted mine. I actually think it's a good idea and I did what I could in five pages but I am definitely going to be revisiting this and turning it into the ten pages the idea really deserved!

I'm coming to think that the sweet spot for telling a layered short opens up around page 7 or 8. 5 is just a tad tight.

I know my first-rounder would have really come to life with 2 more pages. As it was, it felt thin. I think the same of many of the other first-rounders. Good idea, good script. Just needed a tad more depth.

Brevity is my friend.

Quoted from Spqr Brevity is my friend.

FADE IN:

EXT. {ASSIGNED LOCATION} - DAY

An {ASSIGNED CHARACTER} uses an {ASSIGNED OBJECT} in an {ASSIGNED GENRE}ish way.

FADE OUT.

Well. I have pages. That's about all I have to say about this week.

From me to you goes my script.
Submitted and ready. To read yours I mean.

Quoted from FrankM FADE IN: EXT. {ASSIGNED LOCATION} - DAY An {ASSIGNED CHARACTER} uses an {ASSIGNED OBJECT} in an {ASSIGNED GENRE}ish way. FADE OUT.

Damn, that's better than mine.

These are challenging, but good practice for the studios.

Quoted from Arundel These are challenging, but good practice for the studios.

No studio exec will ever be this big of an asshole... probably. Lol.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde No studio exec will ever be this big of an asshole... probably. Lol.

Yeah you’ve attained that mantle smoothly, Blondie  :'(

Script uploaded. I was last in the competition last week so I'm aiming for second last this week. Baby steps, that's what's needed, tiny toatie baby steps.

Quoted from Geezis Script uploaded. I was last in the competition last week so I'm aiming for second last this week. Baby steps, that's what's needed, tiny toatie baby steps.

You beat me, Brother!   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Quoted from Geezis Script uploaded. I was last in the competition last week so I'm aiming for second last this week. Baby steps, that's what's needed, tiny toatie baby steps.

I really liked your script, don’t know how that happened. I was actually in shock to see the result but what do I know.

Yeah Geezis I second Kahn’s post.  Yours had some great lines. I actually marked it as my second favourite one

Well I went camping this weekend after agreeing on what criteria I was using.
So now that I got home about 5 hours ago, I churned a story out in about 3 hours.

My apologies to all who read it and find all the problems I didn't while I reviewed it all of once. Maybe twice. Kinda.

Quoted from Nomad Well I went camping this weekend after agreeing on what I criteria I was using. So now that I got home about 5 hours ago, I churned a story out in about 3 hours. My apologies to all who read it and find all the problems I didn't while I reviewed it all of once. Maybe twice. Kinda.

Looking forward to it!   ;D ;D ;D ;D

Quoted from Dreamscale You beat me, Brother!   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

It’s not about the results my friend, it’s all about my improving  :)

Quoted from khamanna I really liked your script, don’t know how that happened. I was actually in shock to see the result but what do I know.

That’s very kind of you to say Kham, thank you  :)

Everyone before the scripts post: My script sucks. I will pre-emptively commit seppuku in shame.

Everyone after the scripts post: These are all excellent work. Well done.

Everyone after the scores are released: This is exactly opposite of the way I ranked them! What happened?

Quoted from stevie Yeah Geezis I second Kahn’s post.  Yours had some great lines. I actually marked it as my second favourite one

Thank you Stevie, some basic mistakes probably had folk marking me down but it’s an opportunity to improve  :)

Well I hope ppl are submitting to the round 2. There’s not a whole lot of “submitted!” announcements which makes me worried.

Quoted from khamanna Well I hope ppl are submitting to the round 2. There’s not a whole lot of “submitted!” announcements which makes me worried.

I expect to dinged for misunderstanding the theme, the object being shoehorned in, the character not having enough screen time, the location not being important enough, and not really fitting the genre.

My only hope of placing well is having virtually no one else enter.

Please don’t let that happen. Get your scripts in!

Quoted from FrankM I expect to dinged for misunderstanding the theme, the object being shoehorned in, the character not having enough screen time, the location not being important enough, and not really fitting the genre. My only hope of placing well is having virtually no one else enter. Please donT let that happen. Get your scripts in!

Yeah yeah. John told us his story sucked but his formatting was top notch last time. Guess what - Im not sure about his formatting!

Quoted from khamanna Well I hope ppl are submitting to the round 2. There’s not a whole lot of “submitted!” announcements which makes me worried.

Oh...I submitted but the script is so boring I forgot about it immediately.

Quoted from khamanna Well I hope ppl are submitting to the round 2. There’s not a whole lot of “submitted!” announcements which makes me worried.

I'll be submitting, Kham. The girls are still in it, yay!
Good to know you've still got our backs too.  :D
Still some time left till deadline.

Quoted from khamanna Well I hope ppl are submitting to the round 2. There’s not a whole lot of “submitted!” announcements which makes me worried.

We are good.  Just waiting on one more and we are ready to post.

Don

Quoted from LC I'll be submitting, Kham. The girls are still in it, yay! Good to know you've still got our backs too.  :D Still some time left till deadline.

You did well last time! Nice little script!

Quoted from Don We are good.  Just waiting on one more and we are ready to post. Don

Wow Don. And I bow to you for all the hard work!

Quoted from mmmarnie Oh...I submitted but the script is so boring I forgot about it immediately.

Lol. I feel like it will only get worse from now on for me)

Quoted from khamanna You did well last time! Nice little script!

Thanks, Kham.
Btw, I loved the vibe of A Lost Diamond.

15 minutes. Seems like it's so far away...

Everyone, I just want to make sure we're clear on this, in these reviews. The theme. You don't have to state it as true, in order for it to be done correctly. Of course, that's one way to do things. You can also disagree with it (killing their family to save their friends, for example) or, if you character is a real hero, kill someone else to save themself.

This agreement/disagreement/indifference will be true for every round in the tournament, tailored to each individual theme, of course.

Thanks for reiterating this point, Sean.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Everyone, I just want to make sure we're clear on this, in these reviews. The theme. You don't have to state it as true, in order for it to be done correctly. Of course, that's one way to do things. You can also disagree with it (killing their family to save their friends, for example) or, if you character is a real hero, kill someone else to save themself. This agreement/disagreement/indifference will be true for every round in the tournament, tailored to each individual theme, of course.

Thanks for pointing this out, I've seen and commented on two that were like this and didn't realise. I'll take it into account with my scoring.  I wish I'd realised this when I was coming up with an idea, it might have made it easier, doh!

I'm still seeing that some people don't get that the  Blood is thicker than water theme doesn't have to mean family, it can mean any strongly forged bond, and it can also mean throwing that principle out the window e.g. going against it.

Quoted from LC I'm still seeing that some people don't get that the  Blood is thicker than water theme doesn't have to mean family, it can mean any strongly forged bond, and it can also mean throwing that principle out the window e.g. going against it.

It is understandable, people are confused. I've written two screenplays not realising this open aspect of the theme.

If you say the story has to follow a theme but then add that you can be positive, negative or indifferent to the theme and throw it out of the window why have a theme at all? BTW I think the use of a theme is good and I'm just throwing the question out there.

Quoted from MarkRenshaw If you say the story has to follow a theme but then add that you can be positive, negative or indifferent to the theme and throw it out of the window why have a theme at all? BTW I think the use of a theme is good and I'm just throwing the question out there.

My understanding was that even if your story is indifferent to the theme, it still needs to be called out. The OTN way would be to have a character outright suggest the positive version of the theme, then have the main character say, “I. Don’t. Care.”

Quoted from MarkRenshaw If you say the story has to follow a theme but then add that you can be positive, negative or indifferent to the theme and throw it out of the window why have a theme at all? BTW I think the use of a theme is good and I'm just throwing the question out there.

Because, like any theme, it's not meant to be the story, it's what the story is meant to be about. I don't believe in telling people what to write or else I would've gone with a standard theme like "Good always conquers over evil", something that tells you exactly what's expected and leave out the positive/negative/indifferent. I didn't want to do that, though, because it stifles creativity. That, I hate.

That said, I believe in the reviewers' own perspectives to determine things. There's really no point in having an objective scoring system in a subjective medium.

Quoted from FrankM My understanding was that even if your story is indifferent to the theme, it still needs to be called out. The OTN way would be to have a character outright suggest the positive version of the theme, then have the main character say, “I. Don’t. Care.”

Remember: the writer is positive/negative/indifferent, not the characters. I mean, the characters can feel however you want them to, but the purpose is to determine whether or not the writer makes any moral judgments on the themes.

Mark, here's my 2c:, Going for or against the theme can create a great story.

Example 1: If you're my brother and you're a drug smuggler I might turn you in if it means saving my own neck.
Example 2: I'm still your brother in the second scenario but also a cop so I might frame someone else to save my brother.

It was stated pretty clearly that you can agree with, or oppose (turn it on its head) the principle behind the theme.

I do think indifference doesn't apply to this theme and Sean said that too.
I have trouble getting my head around indifference for any theme really.

Quoted from LC I have trouble getting my head around indifference for any theme really.

Good conquers evil. Hero and villain both die. Everyone loses.

Okay, I'm just pondering that one, Sean...
I don't know that that would be your theme. I suppose if a character explicitly said it in dialogue, - we're going to get through this, and then they both die, then yep, okay, but I'm not convinced.

The indifference factor is a tough one.
Hey, healthy discussion here. You're making me think.

Quoted from LC Okay, I'm just pondering that one, Sean... I don't know that that would be your theme. I suppose if a character explicitly said it in dialogue, - we're going to get through this, and then they both die, then yep, okay, but I'm not convinced. The indifference factor is a tough one. Hey, healthy discussion here. You're making me think.

Admittedly, that's part of why I like the differences in people's reviews, because everyone sees these scripts a different way. It's fun. =)

Quoted from LC Hey, healthy discussion here.

Nope, healthy discussions are not allowed. This is the Internet, dammit!

Theme is theme, and if it's required, it's a necessity that the script actually has this theme.

So many do not, some, not even close.  And sadly, many of those did shockingly well in the week 1 scoring.  Personally, I don't get it, nor do I get how it could even be a point of controversy.

I thought about themes in general and I think if Sean gives us "there's no place like home" i'm skipping it.

Get it out there btw so he does not give it to us!

Commented on them all and now voted, time to rest up before the next round of madness ;-)

My thought about theme is...zzzzzzzzzzz

Jeff, we're not debating the necessity of there being a theme, just how it's being used.
People are calling out if the theme is non existent but some are also commenting if it fails to be in agreement with the principle.

Also, regardless of theme it becomes obvious if a script is well done and entertaining it's going to rise to the top. It's just the way it goes.

Haha, Frank. Very good.  ;D

And Sean, no, it's not fun, especially when you leave a crucial element out of a script and you have to suck it up for a whole week. Well, maybe in a humbling way it's fun, and a good learning experience.  :P

Quoted from mmmarnie My thought about theme is...zzzzzzzzzzz

Says it all really.  ;D

Quoted from LC Jeff, we're not debating the necessity of there being a theme, just how it's being used. People are calling out if the theme is non existent but some are also commenting if it fails to be in agreement with the principle. Also, regardless of theme it becomes obvious if a script is well done and entertaining it's going to rise to the top. It's just the way it goes. Haha, Frank. Very good.  ;D And Sean, no, it's not fun, especially when you leave a crucial element out of a script and you have to suck it up for a whole week. Well, maybe in a humbling way it's fun, and a good learning experience.  :P

Well, I don't agree, Libby.  If someone decides not to use the parameters, or just vaguely throw something in, I don't see how it can be rewarded, as it averted the challenge, which others tried hard to meet.

Doesn't matter, I'm not in, not scoring, but I will post me feelings.

Yes, Marn! Exactly lol.  I’m saving some of my variables for the final round. Gonna start writing it tomoz   Not bothered if it doesn’t fit the theme for any of the 3 remaining rounds as it’s too good an opportunity to write a classic script lol

Quoted from stevie Yes, Marn! Exactly lol.  I’m saving some of my variables for the final round. Gonna start writing it tomoz   Not bothered if it doesn’t fit the theme for any of the 3 remaining rounds as it’s too good an opportunity to write a classic script lol

SCORE OF 5.0!!!!!!  YES!!!!

Quoted from mmmarnie My thought about theme is...zzzzzzzzzzz

Aga!! Exacacately!

Just woke up. What'd I miss? Ahh. More talk about theme. Oh...great...I....zzzzzzzzzzzzz

Quoted from mmmarnie Just woke up. What'd I miss? Ahh. More talk about theme. Oh...great...I....zzzzzzzzzzzzz

Well, we don't have to talk about themes. We can talk about them...atic elements? Morals, maybe? There are lots of things to discuss...

Maybe we should discuss Sean's sadistic side, as he laughs maniacally as we struggle with some of his wild ass, obscure, sometimes have to Google what it is...variables. lolol

Quoted from mmmarnie Maybe we should discuss Sean's sadistic side, as he laughs maniacally as we struggle with some of his wild ass, obscure, sometimes have to Google what it is...variables. lolol

I thought I was rather kind. You should've seen the variables I deleted, from when the lists were 170 items each (when I thought there were going to be 17 teams).

Quoted from Mr. Blonde I thought I was rather kind. You should've seen the variables I deleted, from when the lists were 170 items each (when I thought there were going to be 17 teams).

Omg. :o I know you don't want to do this again next year but of course, we all want you to. But I think we may regret it when you pull out the doozies that didn't make it in this year.
:P

Quoted from mmmarnie Omg. :o I know you don't want to do this again next year but of course, we all want you to. But I think we may regret it when you pull out the doozies that didn't make it in this year. :P

Okay, you take the torn contact lens and I’ll take the slightly wobbly rolling pin. Now we have to divvy up the genres polka opera and preschool educational.

Quoted from LC Mark, here's my 2c:, Going for or against the theme can create a great story. Example 1: If you're my brother and you're a drug smuggler I might turn you in if it means saving my own neck. Example 2: I'm still your brother in the second scenario but also a cop so I might frame someone else to save my brother. It was stated pretty clearly that you can agree with, or oppose (turn it on its head) the principle behind the theme. I do think indifference doesn't apply to this theme and Sean said that too. I have trouble getting my head around indifference for any theme really.

Indifference is the tricky one. Round one, pretty much everyone went for Greed corrupts. I don't think anyone chose the money is a good thing angle but certainly no-one went for a story where money neither corrupted nor was a power for good.

With round 2 we do have some stores which shows people picking a friend or recent acquaintance over family, so water over blood. This did throw me for a bit, but I get the negative aspect now. Indifference though would be a story about someone with no loyalty to anyone, which could be cool, but it could also be about pretty much anything. Indifference leaves it open far more than I imagined when this contest began.

Maybe that is a good thing?

Anyway, to move away from themes, what about scoring? Are the scores for each week going to be added and we get an update as to what position we are in? Then after week 5 will I be announced the winner regardless?

Woulda been cool if one of the variables was an actual shoehorn  ;D

Quoted from stevie Woulda been cool if one of the variables was an actual shoehorn  ;D

Someone would write a script about someone having to shoehorn a specific object into a script.

"What kind of a producer gets a product placement deal for a movie set in ancient Greece?"

Quoted from FrankM Someone would write a script about someone having to shoehorn a specific object into a script. "What kind of a producer gets a product placement deal for a movie set in ancient Greece?"

If Yogurt pays the bills...

AJR, I'm not calling you out btw, I just find your comment below (that you left on a script - not mine btw)interesting:

So absent the parameters, do you have a marketable story? I think what we have here is an elaborate futuristic set where man and robot, after a plague, with mutants, find a cryo-pod. I don't think it's broken any new ground, and feels like the first 5 pages of a story rather than a short. And it's almost as if this wouldn't have been written if not for the criteria - it's been constructed purposely FOR the criteria, rather than a story that is supported by its own legs that incorporates the criteria, if that makes any sense.

Absent the parameters? The parameters are the challenge. Without them I highly doubt the scriptwriter would have put the combo (location, genre, object, character) together. They're just too incongruous - hence the challenge.

How many of these scripts work independently of the criteria? Not many imho.
I think your comment (above) could be attached to the majority of scripts in the challenge

I've been saying from the get-go that the scripts with good and entertaining stories will rise to the top in the voting regardless of meeting criteria. I suppose we'll see if that's true.

I recall saying to Sean in the last challenge - I think it was in response to the bobblehead doll in the psych office - that if more sensible parameters were given we would have a higher chance of marketable scripts being written.

So, I'm kinda confusing myself here...
What is the aim .when the elements put together are just nuts?
Sean reminds us how difficult it will be in the final round.

My partner and I already have elements that would never go together under normal circumstances to produce a marketable film. How many tournament scripts have resulted in produced shorts? Warren has one in post I think, and maybe John?

Like I said, I just think your comment could apply to any of these scripts, especially as time goes on.

Not trying to start anything. I'm just curious what others think.
I think it's a challenge, a bit of fun (or torture, depending) ...
Sean said this: Remember: this is all in good fun and meant to inspire creativity and enjoyment. I hope you are inspired and I hope you enjoy yourselves.

If a marketable script comes out of this tourney then talent is definitely a big factor but also clever choices looking at the big pic from week 1. I can't speak for my partner but speaking for myself - I don't think I chose that well. And this is only two rounds in.  :D

Carry On. It's nearly my bedtime.
Just curious, like I said.

Personally, I see the challenge with the weird and wacky criteria as just that, a challenge... if I get a marketable script out of it then it's a bonus BUT i genuinely don't expect to... for me it's about seeing if I can come up with something that has the criteria in, that's entertaining, flexing my creativity muscle.

Imho of course

Quoted from stevie Woulda been cool if one of the variables was an actual shoehorn  ;D

I already have...it’s just called a different thing on the paper  :D

You can always imagine it’s a paid writing gig where you’re required to work in not-well-thought-out product placements.

Hi Libby,  

So maybe marketable is not the right word here. I tend to do two reviews, one against the
criteria, and then, recognizing that on Monday this silliness will all be behind us, Ethernet there is a story there apart from the parameters, and if there’s a marketable story, all the better. I’m giving the writer credit by saying sure, you may have skimped on the potato masher but in the end you created something lasting out of it.

I didn’t feel that from the last script I reviewed and I think I explained my reasons. In essence it’s a robot and and human finding a pod, with no theme. Is what I’m suggesting tough to pull off in 5 pages? Absolutely. That’s why I’m saying the story was chosen specifically for the criteria and not that the criteria supported the story...

And if this makes no sense or there are spelling issues it’s cause I’m typing on my phone because my laptop died. Not too conducive to reviewing, or writing... )0:

AJR

I've had two "picked up." One from each tourney. Though, the first (Unreliable Witness) never got made (as far as I know) and the second had production shut down by the pandemic (Sanctuary).

I definitely try and think in terms of marketability and ease of shoot when writing these, but sometimes there's just no way. And, sometimes you have to decide -- do I want to go for score, or do I want to go for something that can actually be made? 3 Hail Marys comes to mind for me. I had to throw marketability out the window for that one. I mean, an aircraft carrier task force and destroying an F-18 is a bit outside of most people's budget.

Nothing stretches the old noodle like these challenges/tourneys. It is BY FAR the best thing I do to push myself creatively.

So, that's my #1 goal for tourneys: push myself, get better. If I get a chance to write something that could get made, I go for it, but that's a bonus.

Quoted from ajr Hi Libby,   So maybe marketable is not the right word here. I tend to do two reviews, one against the criteria, and then, recognizing that on Monday this silliness will all be behind us, Ethernet there is a story there apart from the parameters, and if there’s a marketable story, all the better. I’m giving the writer credit by saying sure, you may have skimped on the potato masher but in the end you created something lasting out of it. I didn’t feel that from the last script I reviewed and I think I explained my reasons. In essence it’s a robot and and human finding a pod, with no theme. Is what I’m suggesting tough to pull off in 5 pages? Absolutely. That’s why I’m saying the story was chosen specifically for the criteria and not that the criteria supported the story... And if this makes no sense or there are spelling issues it’s cause I’m typing on my phone because my laptop died. Not too conducive to reviewing, or writing... )0: AJR

Like a stand-alone script maybe?

When does voting close for this week? The work logjam that made me miss week 1 isn’t completely cleared, so spacing out the reads as best I can.

Quoted from FrankM When does voting close for this week? The work logjam that made me miss week 1 isn’t completely cleared, so spacing out the reads as best I can.

I don't like specific timeframes for voting, but when the next round's scripts are due always felt good to me.

Quoted from ajr Hi Libby,   So maybe marketable is not the right word here. I tend to do two reviews, one against the criteria, and then, recognizing that on Monday this silliness will all be behind us, Ethernet there is a story there apart from the parameters, and if there’s a marketable story, all the better. I’m giving the writer credit by saying sure, you may have skimped on the potato masher but in the end you created something lasting out of it. I didn’t feel that from the last script I reviewed and I think I explained my reasons. In essence it’s a robot and and human finding a pod, with no theme. Is what I’m suggesting tough to pull off in 5 pages? Absolutely. That’s why I’m saying the story was chosen specifically for the criteria and not that the criteria supported the story... And if this makes no sense or there are spelling issues it’s cause I’m typing on my phone because my laptop died. Not too conducive to reviewing, or writing... )0: AJR

Ah, okay, I get it.
It was late at night for me I may have missed your inherent meaning.

Thanks for your input Frank, Ant, and Bill, and Kham.
And PK - smartarse.  ;D Sorry I missed you from the produced list. There may be others I missed too.

Quoted from LC My partner and I already have elements that would never go together under normal circumstances to produce a marketable film. How many tournament scripts have resulted in produced shorts? Warren has one in post I think, and maybe John?

2 filmed - A New Present and A Generous Donation
1 that was recently funded by the filmmaker on Kickstarter - The Painter
1 that was used by a storyboard artist for practice - Retired

I have had a pretty good run with WT scripts and OWC scripts (3 produced). I generally keep production in mind but sometimes that is impossible with the criteria, although I never thought I'd have a time travel script with a time machine produced and I did.

Yep, another showoff!  :P
I kid. All credit to you.

Quoted from LC Yep, another showoff!  :P I kid. All credit to you.

Lol.

Congrats on all the production tho to Warren.

Written a lot of OWC shorts and got none produced. Me! How about that.

Quoted from khamanna Lol. Congrats on all the production tho to Warren. Written a lot of OWC shorts and got none produced. Me! How about that.

I've had 15 shorts produced. Some from SS, some from MP, some from NYCMM...all came from challenges. Apparently I can't come up with an original idea...I need prompts and a deadline. Lol

Quoted from mmmarnie I've had 15 shorts produced. Some from SS, some from MP, some from NYCMM...all came from challenges. Apparently I can't come up with an original idea...I need prompts and a deadline. Lol

That's quite a lot. Nice, Marnie. If you forward them to Don he places them here - on your top right - but you probably know that.

Oh, another show off.  :P Only fifteen, Marnie?
...
I just optioned Short Fuse! It will be the Tamil version which should be interesting. A lovely recently graduated female filmmaker whose prev work looks mighty fine, so I'm looking forward to seeing it.

Quoted from LC Oh, another show off.  :P Only fifteen, Marnie? ... I just optioned Short Fuse! It will be the Tamil version which should be interesting. A lovely recently graduated female filmmaker whose prev work looks mighty fine, so I'm looking forward to seeing it.

Haha, who's a show off now.

But congrats. Is that an OWC? I remember the script but don't know what it was for.

Haha. Got me, Kham!

This'll be number two.  Wow, me!  ;D
I got a mug for Short Fuse, tied with Gary's, I'll Be Seeing You - the OWC pandemic scripts.

Quoted from LC Haha. Got me, Kham! This'll be number two.  Wow, me!  ;D I got a mug for Short Fuse, tied with Gary's, I'll Be Seeing You - the OWC pandemic scripts.

Right. That was a very nice script. good luck, hope to see it soon!)

Well done, Lib

Quoted from LC Haha. Got me, Kham! This'll be number two.  Wow, me!  ;D I got a mug for Short Fuse, tied with Gary's, I'll Be Seeing You - the OWC pandemic scripts.

That was a good one. Congrats!

Quoted from LC Oh, another show off.  :P Only fifteen, Marnie? ... I just optioned Short Fuse! It will be the Tamil version which should be interesting. A lovely recently graduated female filmmaker whose prev work looks mighty fine, so I'm looking forward to seeing it.

That's great about Short Fuse!! And FYI...that's 15 out of like 90 I've written so actually thise are pretty bad statistics. Lol.

Thanks, guys! I'm hopeful it'll look good. :)

Congrats to Libby and Marnie.  Very impressive.

Hopefully, more productions will come from this crazy, evil tournament!

Thanks, Jeff!  :D
...

I doubt they will come from my efforts with the crazy elements we've got left in this Tourney.
Sean's a meanie.

Quoted from LC Sean's a meanie.

Only took everyone 11 years to notice... =)

Congrats Libby & Marnie... post links when available Libby... Marnie - where can we see yours?

Thanks, Ant! I always believe it when I see it, but am quietly optimistic.

And tomorrow it starts again....

No wonder I’ve hit the beers 🍺

Mind you I now know I’ve only got two more to do - just realised I am away for the last week.

Mind you, another two..that’s enough. I’m frazzled already.

See you all tomorrow for round three.

Blondie, I still have quite a few to review. I was afraid of this, getting too busy to read.

AJR

Read them all and voted. Looking forward to some more torture. Bring it on!

Quoted from ajr ... I was afraid of this...AJR

Exactly how Blondie wants you! And the rest of us.  ;D

...Though Marnie seems to be enjoying the torture.

Quoted from LC Exactly how Blondie wants you! And the rest of us.  ;D ...Though Marnie seems to be enjoying the torture.

My life has been too peaceful lately. Kids are good, I'm on an extended staycation, keeping far away from crazies...even getting along with my soon-to-be ex-husband. I need to shake things up a bit.  :P

Quoted from mmmarnie My life has been too peaceful lately. Kids are good, I'm on an extended staycation, keeping far away from crazies...even getting along with my soon-to-be ex-husband. I need to shake things up a bit.  :P

Sounds like a chilled environment for being creative. Nice when things even out a bit, good for you, Marnie!

P.S. With time zone differences I keep losing track of the timeline.
Is it close to midnight today the next theme is announced?

Nah. I think I'm getting ahead of myself.  ::)

I think it’s 2pm our time Lib.  Same as the deadline on Monday

Quoted from LC Sounds like a chilled environment for being creative. Nice when things even out a bit, good for you, Marnie! P.S. With time zone differences I keep losing track of the timeline. Is it close to midnight today the next theme is announced?

Thanks, Lib. Took some years and a ridiculous amount of drama to get to this point but, yeah...enjoying the hell out of it.

4 more hours till midnight. Maybe good old Seany will let us know theme a little early again this week???  Or did we bust on his ass too much and he'll make us wait till 11:59?????

Oh, goodie. I had it right the first time.
Thanks, you two!

Quoted from mmmarnie Thanks, Lib. Took some years and a ridiculous amount of drama to get to this point but, yeah...enjoying the hell out of it. 4 more hours till midnight. Maybe good old Seany will let us know theme a little early again this week???  Or did we bust on his ass too much and he'll make us wait till 11:59?????

I know the feeling. Yep, drama gets exhausting after a while.  :)

... I really hope we get an early mark.
It's gone all quiet around here.

Quoted from LC I know the feeling. Yep, drama gets exhausting after a while.  :) ... I really hope we get an early mark. It's gone all quiet around here.

You kidding? I'll make you all sweat until 11:59.59 this time, just to offset things. Lol.

Quoted from ajr Blondie, I still have quite a few to review. I was afraid of this, getting too busy to read. AJR

It's simple. Just vote on the ones you read. They're averaged. Not review doesn't hurt a script, it just weighs the average a tad lighter.

C'mon Sean, cut us some slack!

;-)

Quoted from AnthonyCawood C'mon Sean, cut us some slack!;-)

Yeah. The UK people need to get to bed!

Indeed, Libby - catch you all tomorrow!

Quoted from LC Yeah. The UK people need to get to bed!

Sleep is for the weak. =)

Possibly true Sean ;-)

Quoted from Mr. Blonde It's simple. Just vote on the ones you read. They're averaged. Not review doesn't hurt a script, it just weighs the average a tad lighter.

Yeah, that's not fair. I'm sure everyone is putting the time in on mine and the least I can do is return the favor. I had no idea I didn't have to vote on all, though. Does this mean some readers can skip the voting entirely?

AJR

Quoted from ajr Yeah, that's not fair. I'm sure everyone is putting the time in on mine and the least I can do is return the favor. I had no idea I didn't have to vote on all, though. Does this mean some readers can skip the voting entirely?

It's sort of fair. Just because you aren't able to get to the reviews before the scorecards are due, doesn't mean you don't review them. You can, just as easily, go back and review the scripts you didn't get to in time when time is available. As for the scores, like I said, it's not a strike against them if you don't score them in time. Besides, I'm an optimist. If a script were not your particular cup of tea, the writer may be glad that you didn't score it, so it doesn't get weighed down.

As for voting entirely, voting is strongly encouraged. Of course, if you're not available to, that's very different from choosing not to (Henb, for example). I think people will understand and acknowledge the difference between the two. =)

Should we vote for voting thing?

Quoted from khamanna Should we vote for voting thing?

If you're all done, yes, you can vote. Votes will be due when round 3's scripts are due.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde If you're all done, yes, you can vote. Votes will be due when round 3's scripts are due.

I voted the day before yesterday, ha!
I'm asking if we have to take sides on ppl voting on half of the scripts? Should we vote on that?

Quoted from khamanna I voted the day before yesterday, ha! I'm asking if we have to take sides on ppl voting on half of the scripts? Should we vote on that?

I won't stop you... Lol.

So far I have read every script and scored every one of them. I think if only a portion of the scripts are voted on, the entire score is skewed. For me it's either an all or nothing approach, no half-arsed measures.
If you only plan on voting on half the scripts, don't vote at all.

The wait is killing me. How many ballots are we waiting on?

Quoted from JEStaats The wait is killing me. How many ballots are we waiting on?

None. Don let me know that everything was set. However, I couldn't access it before I left for work. A glitch on my end, I believe. They should be up, hoping, in the next five hours or so.

Quoted from JEStaats The wait is killing me. How many ballots are we waiting on?

I can wait... I think it might be the result this round that kills me.  ::)

Error on my end.  I sent Sean the google docs link, but forgot to give him permissions to view.

- Don

So everyone's voted... time to guess?

AJR

Quoted from ajr So everyone's voted... time to guess? AJR

I definitely wrote one!

I'm only pretty sure on two: The Leak for Kham, Override for Stevie.

I confess, I wrote the one about blood being thicker than water. Or did I?

Regardless, it's bed time in limey land, so I'll have to see who wrote what tomorrow.

Bed time Mark, early yet ;-)

I wrote the one everyone hated.

AJ, if you issue the challenge you gotta put up a guess yourself.
Them's the rules. :)

Quoted from mmmarnie I wrote the one everyone hated.

Lol you sure it wasn’t mine
I think I got your back. Mine is clearly to come the last this time

Quoted from LC I'm only pretty sure on two: The Leak for Kham, Override for Stevie.

Ditto on Stevie

Libby’s is One Last Stop!

Ooh, at last, another brave guesser.
On ya, Kham!

I've got Anthony Cawood for FIRST GENERATION... Warren for MICHELIN MAN, and LINES had to be written by an American so I will guess PK... JE Staats or Frank M for ONE LAST STOP.

This all based on nothing, btw.

AJR

Quoted from mmmarnie I wrote the one everyone hated.

Wrong, I wrote that one.

Quoted from FrankM Wrong, I wrote that one.

Hey, get in line please.

Quoted from ajr I've got Anthony Cawood for FIRST GENERATION... Warren for MICHELIN MAN, and LINES had to be written by an American so I will guess PK... JE Staats or Frank M for ONE LAST STOP. This all based on nothing, btw. AJR

Ah, good guess...but, sorry,  wrong!

Oh, I didn't receive a confirmation on my voting. Did I have to receive it?

Me either, Kham. I'm just assuming votes are all in meant it was.

Quoted from LC Me either, Kham. I'm just assuming votes are all in meant it was.

Oh, I missed that they were all in.

Kham, this a couple of hours ago -

Quoted from Mr. Blonde ... Don let me know that everything was set. However, I couldn't access it before I left for work. A glitch on my end, I believe. They should be up, hoping, in the next five hours or so.

Quoted from Don Error on my end.  I sent Sean the google docs link, but forgot to give him permissions to view. - Don

Quoted from Don Error on my end.  I sent Sean the google docs link, but forgot to give him permissions to view. - Don

Sean should have just take it on faith. :)

Quoted from FrankM Sean should have just take it on faith. :)

I do. Trouble is, then Don would literally have to do everything himself. We can't abide that.