Blind Justice by Zane Blue - Thinking he's gotten away with murder, a man realizes there is more than one type of justice.  Short, Crime

Honor Thy Father by Todd Robinson - To fulfill their father's last wish, two Giants fans embark on a mission to sneak into Dodgers stadium and curse the plumbing.  Short, Comedy

A Sea of Stars by Elliot - Hope for rescue is all that's left for two people in the middle of the ocean.  Short, Sci Fi

Live Bait by Jean Splycer - A day of relaxation and fishing was what they expected, but that’s so not what they’re going to catch.  Short, Sci Fi, Thriller

A Bite Out Of Time by A Writer Out Of Time - A decades long experiment in ecological remediation results in unexpected consequence.  Short, Sci Fi

The Deepest, Darkest Water by Fjord Explorer - Disaster strikes the first manned mission to Europa.  Short, Sci Fi

Sins & Souls by Bad One - A guy minding his own business is interrupted by a stranger.  Short, Crime

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by Nemo - Special Forces Marines undertake a time-critical mission and find something unexpected beneath the waves.  Short, Sci Fi

Acolyte by Casey Jones - A train station guard waiting to go home is surprised by the last package of the night.  Short, Horror

It Must Be Something In The Water by Haywood Jabolomey - A peaceful day fishing becomes a struggle for survival when a father and son see something fall out of the sky and into the water... something otherworldly.  Short, Sci Fi

Bygones by Hindsight - A remorseful old man gets a unique chance to make a better choice.  Short, Sci Fi, Thriller

Guantanamo by Nalon R. - An Arab takes part in a scientific experiment that explores his brain and extracts his memory data. But is his participation truly voluntary?  Short, Sci Fi, Thriller

Sweet Brandy by Not Him, The Other Guy - A plain-spoken father recounts a tale of childhood tragedy in an ill-judged attempt to comfort his grieving teenage son.  Short, Dark Comedy

Coco by One With The Water - Cass and Spence just want to go to this dope art party.  Short, Comedy

Awakening by The Hunter - A superhero is called upon to save commuters stuck in the subways. But what waits for him there might be more than his match.  Short, Horror

The Lake by The One That Got Away - The annual family fishing trip becomes a choice between the past and present when a mysterious object falls from the sky.  Short, Sci Fi

Dark Waters by Rushed? Moi? - A team of researchers looking for the fabled Loch Ness Monster come across something far more terrifying.  Short, Sci Fi

Destination Unknown by Couldn't be bothered to come up with a psudonym .   - A Subway ride takes a man on the most unwanted journey.  Short, Horror

Monster of Rock by Slash - A fan discovers a grotesque piece of rock memorabilia.  Short, Horror

Ash Hole by Nameless - A fitting celebration of one's life.  Short, Comedy

Feeling Justified by Seth Gecko - A hardened detective gets a chance at closure. Content Warning  Short, Horror

One Mississippi by Ed - A family trip to Myrtle Beach goes awry.  Short, Comedy

Too Good to be True by No name - A grieving widow and her bestie find out if it's too good to be true, it probably is.  Short, Comedy

Lure by The Fisherman - An inventor time travels into the near future and finds himself waist-deep in water and neck-deep in a whole lot of trouble.  Short, Sci Fi

Lake Search by Greg Lake - Two men search for their colleagues who went missing.  Short, Thriller

Queen of the Deep by Marin - A damaged woman takes to the sea to find her true calling.  Short, Thriller, Sci Fi

Ashes to Ashens by Godfrey Park - Love finds a way in the strangest of places.  Short, Romantic Comedy

A Game With Dad by Un & Dis Qualified - An oblivious man brings his Dad's remains to a baseball game.  Short, Comedy

No dropouts!? Amazing!

Thanks for all your hard word, Don and Libby. :)

I'm gonna swan dive into these bad boys. ;D

27!!! Wow!

Thanks Don and Libby!

Fantastic, 100% retention rate. I did not expect that, kudos everyone for pushing through and getting it done!

I'm starting to wonder if we don't have some new entrants in this round...

Quoted from ReneC I'm starting to wonder if we don't have some new entrants in this round...

Was thinking the same thing...

I know of 1 person that definitely dropped out. I think there are new entrants this round that didn't submit to the first round or someone wrote more than one script.

Up to 4 page scripts, we should have 4 days to read and vote.

48 hours worked for 2 pagers. 24 hours per page is a nice formula to follow. That's my thought.

Definitely need a bit more time. But, if I recall correctly, LC said we'd have breathing room between this and the next round. So, I think we're getting it.

Great turnout. Congrats, Libby and thanks again, Don.

Wow! I thought more would drop out.
Brilliant everybody!

Checking with Don on what seems like an extra entry?

So, regarding time:
My thoughts are 72 days to read.
I'll have to work out the maths.

Thoughts on weekend writing going into perhaps Mon/Tues next week?
Or a bigger breather like I suggested?

We don't want to lose too much momentum.

Quoted from LC Wow! I thought more would drop out. Brilliant everybody! Checking with Don on what seems like an extra entry? So, regarding time: My thoughts are 72 days to read. I'll have to work out the maths. Thoughts on weekend writing going into perhaps Mon/Tues next week? Or a bigger breather like I suggested? We don't want to lose too much momentum.

I think 72 days is a tad extreme lol

Quoted from Matthew Taylor I think 72 days is a tad extreme lol

Shhh!!! She said it! Now it's LAW!  ;D

;D Haha! It is a bit extreme.
What a breather that would be, eh?

72 hours?
Takes us up to Friday morning Oz time, rolling over to midnight Thurs/Fri UK Europe, and Thursday U.S.

And that would be from now time, so you actually gained 8 hours from me sleeping.
Something like that... Don't quote me.

Quoted from LC ;D Haha! It is a bit extreme. What a breather that would be, eh? 72 hours? Takes us up to Friday morning Oz time, rolling over to midnight Thurs/Fri UK Europe, and Thursday I.S.

Dammit, Matthew! Look what you did! Hmph.  :P

Wow, one Romantic Comedy in the mix.
Well done, whoever you are.

2 Crime
5 Comedy
1 Dark Comedy
1 Romantic Comedy
8 SciFi
6 SciFi Thriller
5 Horror

I think that's right.

72 hours from now feels a lot better than 72 hours total.

Though, if that 72 day offer is still on the table...

I've been scoring these as I go along because it's easy to forget which scripts after a while. But I do not see "A Game With Dad" on the ballot.

Quoted from spesh2k I've been scoring these as I go along because it's easy to forget which scripts after a while. But I do not see "A Game With Dad" on the ballot.

Last one on the ballot, Michael.
If you still don't see it request another from Don.

I'll just send you the link.

Anyone else have that problem?

Quoted from LC Last one on the ballot, Michael. If you still don't see it request another from Don. I'll just send you the link. Anyone else have that problem?

Nope, not on the ballot. The last one on mine is "Too Good to be True".

Quoted from spesh2k Nope, not on the ballot. The last one on mine is "Too Good to be True".

Sent you another link, Michael.

Everyone better check 28 on their ballot sheet.

Starting with Guantanamo, and finishing with A Game with Dad.

That one wasn't in the original posting. Must be a last minute addition.

All right, ballot sent. Though I almost missed a few scripts because they overlap on the next page, sorta mixing with the Round 1 scripts.

Sent Don a PM for clarification on the Ballot.
Thanks, guys.

Note to everyone: Entries run onto the 2nd page!

Quoted from JEStaats Note to everyone: Entries run onto the 2nd page!

You can always jump off from the script list.

Bump to make my life easier.

Nine scripts to go and I'm a little over it... I'd say this will be my last round.

Quoted from Warren Nine scripts to go and I'm a little over it... I'd say this will be my last round.

You haven't even seen what the last round will be. It might call to you, like a flame to the moth. You'll be over there minding your own business and it will suddenly light up the dark and draw you in against your better judgment, against all reason because it simply will not leave you alone, until you realize the only way to rid yourself of it is to dive head first into it.

Burn, baby, burn.

Quoted from Warren Nine scripts to go and I'm a little over it... I'd say this will be my last round.

What? Warren, where's your fighting spirit? You've got more than two days to read/review.. Read that wrong. You're technically over the line. Ten minimum to review anyway, so you're one off. you're all good... If you like.

Quoted from ReneC You haven't even seen what the last round will be. It might call to you, like a flame to the moth. You'll be over there minding your own business and it will suddenly light up the dark and draw you in against your better judgment, against all reason because it simply will not leave you alone, until you realize the only way to rid yourself of it is to dive head first into it. Burn, baby, burn.

Ha! Nice one, Rene.

Quoted from Warren Nine scripts to go and I'm a little over it... I'd say this will be my last round.

Hell no, Man! You gotta' hang tough. Wouldn't be a challenge if it was easy. :)

Quoted from ReneC You haven't even seen what the last round will be. It might call to you, like a flame to the moth. You'll be over there minding your own business and it will suddenly light up the dark and draw you in against your better judgment, against all reason because it simply will not leave you alone, until you realize the only way to rid yourself of it is to dive head first into it. Burn, baby, burn.

I definitely have the urge to write, I'm just not enjoying the reading and reviewing process that much. Nothing to do with the amount of time or having a potentially great idea for a script.

I had the same issue in the first round, but now the slightly larger page count had made it even more choresome (is that a word?)

Nothing to do with the scripts, just where I'm at.

I do have a new idea for a feature which I'm really keen to get started so I will aim my new found enjoyment for the actual writing towards that.

I'll knock over the last 9 scripts and then will exit stage right:)

Challenge 3 might be right up your alley, Warren.
We'll see...

Just a reminder and a note of clarification, which I added on the main page.
Probably my fault for adding a /

Genre selection in this challenge can be either, or, or a combo of both genres in the particular chosen category.

Quoted from Zack Dammit, Matthew! Look what you did! Hmph.  :P

My bad lol

Gonna have a break now and read the rest tomorrow. I'm enjoying the scripts, I just find if I try to go through too many in a single go I get a headache and cranky and that isn't fair on the writers.

That's a good idea, Mark.

I think there's a temptation to get them all read and the 'job' out of the way but I think everyone's work deserves fresh eyes e.g.
a break in between. Jmho, of course.

I've not started yet, but will be diving in tonight, I don't sleep so should have plenty of time to go through them all in next 48...

I'm really struggling to find time to read these - Whenever I can grab some time I am getting through 1 or two.

Very sorry if I don't get round to reading anyones entry this round

Quoted from AnthonyCawood I've not started yet, but will be diving in tonight, I don't sleep so should have plenty of time to go through them all in next 48...

More proof that Anthony is a bot!

lol, affirmative

"Object falls from the sky" is the new "person being chased."

Quoted from PKCardinal "Object falls from the sky" is the new "person being chased."

Amazed at the similarity amongst the entries this round and how the majority seemed to toss budget out the window. Many also seemed to take three pages to set-up and the fourth page for the quick reveal or resolution. Quite a few didn't seem to have an ending either. I'll admit, I fell into a few of these categories as well.

I hope not to read another comedy set in a public restroom with an urn for a long time.

That said, a lot of really good work for 72 hours. Congrats to all that entered.

Just read comments on mine for the first time bc I was afraid to see what people would say, it's not something I'm very proud of and I'm still not sure why, out of all the directions I could've gone, I went THAT direction. BUT... the comments are not nearly as bad as I thought they'd be lol. But I stand by what I said... it is BY FAR the worst thing I've ever written. I thought of so many better ideas after I hit submit, it's excruciating.

Done - done and done.

Aout half of these totally ignored the budget guidance.  I just ignored it as I didn't want to DQ half the field and decided that it wasn't part of the parameters at all. BUt good grief - there were some that would be more expensive to shoot than a low bud feature

Quoted from eldave1 Done - done and done. Aout half of these totally ignored the budget guidance.  I just ignored it as I didn't want to DQ half the field and decided that it wasn't part of the parameters at all. BUt good grief - there were some that would be more expensive to shoot than a low bud feature

I'm not docking anyone for budget. While it's a good idea to keep these low budget in the hopes of them actually getting made at some point, I didn't see it as a hard rule to follow. And some of them might appear to be big budget but could be done with some clever filmmaking. The ones that clearly aren't, well, they're writing samples.

Quoted from ReneC I'm not docking anyone for budget. While it's a good idea to keep these low budget in the hopes of them actually getting made at some point, I didn't see it as a hard rule to follow. And some of them might appear to be big budget but could be done with some clever filmmaking. The ones that clearly aren't, well, they're writing samples.

Ditto to this.
We usually say preferably low budget to attract filmmakers, but I agree some people are clever and like to play around with SFX.

I wouldn't DQ any entry. Everyone's put effort in to be creative with the parameters.

Like I said - I ignored it and didn't take it into account at all in rating.

BUT - for argument's sake.

Then why do we if include it, even if stated as a preference?  This one was - Budget: Preferably Low. Minimal characters. Aim for easy and cheap to produce with minimal SFX.

If what we mean is - any budget you want. There are some writers that may have abandoned what were otherwise stellar ideas based on the budget suggestion. Just have something like - Write with any budget you want, keeping in mind that you may have a better chance of being produced with a low-budget concept.

Based on reading so far I don't think anyone abandoned their idea due to budget preference, but it's possible.
We're encouraging low budget in these early rounds for sure.

But Dave, you make a good point.
For Round 3, Budget will be extended anyway to pretty much what you've stated above. I may even copy your words verbatim.  ;D.

And that's all I'm giving away on that front.
(Insert evil laugh for the third time.)

Write with any budget you want, keeping in mind that you may have a better chance of being produced with a low-budget concept.
I like it!

Quoted from LC Based on reading so far I don't think anyone abandoned their idea due to budget preference, but it's possible. We're encouraging low budget in these early rounds for sure. But Dave, you make a good point. For Round 3, Budget will be extended anyway to pretty much what you've stated above. I may even copy your words verbatim.  ;D. And that's all I'm giving away on that front. (Insert evil laugh for the third time.) Write with any budget you want, keeping in mind that you may have a better chance of being produced with a low-budget concept. I like it!

I nuked my high-budget concept!

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE URN KIND

An alien spacecraft lands on a lake carrying an urn from their commander only to be told that the only way to get to the burial ground they are seeking is through an abandoned train station filled with severed heads.

Okay - maybe I didn't nuke a high-budget idea :)

Quoted from eldave1 I nuked my high-budget concept! CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE URN KIND An alien spacecraft lands on a lake carrying an urn from their commander only to be told that the only way to get to the burial ground they are seeking is through an abandoned train station filled with severed heads. Okay - maybe I didn't nuke a high-budget idea :)

Cracking me up, Dave.  ;D Classic stuff, but...
You missed the abandoned public bathroom in a train station... You would have been DQ'd.

Quoted from LC Cracking me up, Dave.  ;D Classic stuff, but... You missed the abandoned public bathroom in a train station... You would have been DQ'd.

Whew......... close one Glad I went with my 2nd idea

For mine, I'm kind of baffled that so many people think it's an extraordinarily high budget. Without giving it away, they must think Lucio Fulci's House by the Cemetery was on par with Avatar. I even wrote with budget in mind, keeping everything dark with just a small light source. I've seen German amatuer movies that would require more money. Oh well.

Quoted from eldave1 Whew......... close one Glad I went with my 2nd idea

You're lucky. You HAD a 2nd idea.

It's a good thing we don't score ourselves as I would've really beat myself up.

LC - What if we just count our best two scores?!?! Come on round 3!

Quoted from eldave1 Like I said - I ignored it and didn't take it into account at all in rating. BUT - for argument's sake. Then why do we if include it, even if stated as a preference?  This one was - Budget: Preferably Low. Minimal characters. Aim for easy and cheap to produce with minimal SFX. If what we mean is - any budget you want. There are some writers that may have abandoned what were otherwise stellar ideas based on the budget suggestion. Just have something like - Write with any budget you want, keeping in mind that you may have a better chance of being produced with a low-budget concept.

I like this idea as well.

I won't DQ anyone for budget but I do give a higher score to a well-crafted story that meets the criteria and has scaled back the budget, simply because it's harder to do this and is part of the parameters.

I scaled back Smiler as per my notes because of budget and I've cut the one in this challenge back considerably because of budget.  It is a bit frustrating when you make this effort and then see loads that have ignored it. If it wasn't a requirement but simply an optional aspect to improve the chances of someone producing it, that would sit better with most people I reckon.

Wahey! I got to them all (had to sack off some important jobs at work though)

Well done everyone, some great stories in there.  I think I scored entries higher in this round than I did last round.

Gotta say... I'm digging having sci-fi scripts to read. Nice change of pace.

And... done.

So, when will the criteria for the next round be announced? Tomorrow?

Quoted from spesh2k So, when will the criteria for the next round be announced? Tomorrow?

I did promise you all a breather.

Depends on how much time you all want?

Announcement would come as usual, just before the clock rolls over again.

Quoted from LC I did promise you all a breather. Depends on how much time you all want? Announcement would come as usual, just before the clock rolls over again.

Well, if we're given more time to write it, I'd consider that a breather. So, IMO, I wouldn't mind knowing the theme earlier. That way, we can get a look at our work schedules maybe and plan for it just a little bit.

-- Michael

Okay, back to finish these off.

Done, done, and done!!

4 scripts got my highest vote, hopefully one of them comes out on top.

27 scripts at 4 pages was a bit of a punish for me (not sure why, that's barely a feature), how did we ever do 12-15 page OWC's!

Good luck to all that continue on to the finial round :)

Read, reviewed and voted.

Although a few have risen to the top as they always do, I think a lot of scripts are going to score well this round. Considering the criteria and time frame to write, that's impressive! Everyone who entered should give themselves a pat on the back.

Quoted from MarkRenshaw Although a few have risen to the top as they always do, I think a lot of scripts are going to score well this round. Considering the criteria and time frame to write, that's impressive! Everyone who entered should give themselves a pat on the back.

Agreed, this batch of scripts were considerably stronger than the first round.

Quoted from ReneC Agreed, this batch of scripts were considerably stronger than the first round.

Also agree. As I score on a 1-5 basis, two scripts got my top score, while four others got 4s. The quality was def better, and I’m sure the upping the page count gave more people the space to write a more fleshed out story. Though it’s still a challenge to do it in four pages.

Once again there was some really great stories and no terrible ones in this challenge. Spread my reading out over 2 days and it was still several hours to get through them. Glad I persevered though, really enjoy reading them.  
Massive well done to everyone.

Hey where'd the timer thingy go?

Quoted from MarkItZero Hey where'd the timer thingy go?

Libby! We have more time to vote, yes? Won’t be able to get my votes in till later

It may have been discussed, but did someone dip out? My count is 29 but the ballot says 28

Hey, yeah, I was just reading the final 3 I have. I haven't voted yet.

Quoted from SAC It may have been discussed, but did someone dip out? My count is 29 but the ballot says 28

What was the last title on the ballot? I had to get a new one sent to me because Game With Dad was missing (which was supposed to be the last one on the ballot).

That script is there. Don’t have time to find the mistake now. Maybe it’s mine. Not sure.

Never mind. It was my mistake. My list had two of the same scripts listed twice. Duh.

Wait...time is up?? Thought we had till 7pm eastern time.

I don’t think time is up. Personally, I was just hoping for a little extra time to get my votes in. Don’t think I’ll need it, though.

I think you are right Marnie, I think the timer is f3cked

Whew. Lol. Thanks.

There's a full banner of time zones around the world now. SS is embracing its international presence!

Quoted from ReneC There's a full banner of time zones around the world now. SS is embracing its international presence!

I don't like change!  :(

Quoted from mmmarnie Wait...time is up?? Thought we had till 7pm eastern time.

Error mine.  I got am and pm mixed.  Still time to get votes in.  APologies.

Don

I see the clock again now. Thanks, Don. 1 hour,  2 mins to go...and counting!

I've already voted... but watching that clock, I feel the pressure to get SOMETHING done in the next hour.

I'm already pretending round 2 didn't even exist. I'm embarrassed at what I submitted and apologize in advance.

Come on round 3!

Quoted from JEStaats I'm already pretending round 2 didn't even exist. I'm embarrassed at what I submitted and apologize in advance. Come on round 3!

Seriously? I have a hard time picturing you writing a stinker.

But, I guess we've all got 'em in us! We can only hope to suppress them. (Or, keep them contained under the covers.)

Quoted from PKCardinal Seriously? I have a hard time picturing you writing a stinker. But, I guess we've all got 'em in us! We can only hope to suppress them. (Or, keep them contained under the covers.)

LOL!

Okay...read them all and voted. Last one I read ended up being my fave by a mile.

Grateful for this distraction during what has probably been the hardest 2 weeks of my work life. LOL. Probably have one more nightmare week left, so my third round entry will be as crappy as my first two...but enjoying the reading.

Looking forward to what's in store for round 3!!

Only 5 seconds left!

Quoted from PKCardinal I've already voted... but watching that clock, I feel the pressure to get SOMETHING done in the next hour.

You know.  My lawn could use a little work...

With regard to the time zones.  It may be temporary.  I was experimenting.  I did it primarily so as to more easily communicate with LC and then got carried away.

I may go with UK, Aus and US and India time zones.  SA is only an hour off BST which surprised my geographically challenged self.

- Don

Quoted from Don You know.  My lawn could use a little work... With regard to the time zones.  It may be temporary.  I was experimenting.  I did it primarily so as to more easily communicate with LC and then got carried away. I may go with UK, Aus and US and India time zones.  SA is only an hour off BST which surprised my geographically challenged self. - Don

Personally loving the new time zone setup.