Welcome to Challenge Number 3, the final round of the May Trifecta Challenge, aka the Mini Writers' Tournament.

Over the last couple of challenges I've messed with your heads, now it’s your chance to mess with mine... And, of course, that of your wider audience.

So, without further ado -

"A story should have a beginning, a middle and an end, but not necessarily in that order." Jean-Luc Godard

With that in mind, this round is all about writing an Experimental Narrative.

Your challenge is to write a one to six page script (1-6 pages) which does not conform to the conventional route of beginning, middle and end. You might elect to write in mixed chronology, or have your story start with the end at the beginning i.e., reverse chronology, you might mix up past, present, and future. Tell your story in non-linear structure.

Think:

Memento
500 Days of Summer
Run Lola Run
Pulp Fiction
Irreversible

- to name a few.

Genre: Open

Theme: Open

Budget: Open - Write with any budget you want, keeping in mind that you may have a better chance of being produced with a low-budget concept.

Links below for inspiration & clarification:

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

https://screenrant.com/best-great-movies-confusing-timelines/

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse_chronology#:~:text=Reverse%20chronology%20is%20a%20method,the%20conclusion%20to%20the%20plot.&text=The%20next%20scene%20features%20Jack,in%20fear%20of%20his%20life.

https://thecinemaholic.com/best-movies-that-use-reverse-chronology/

As always: Story is key.

How you construct your narrative and with whatever method or tricks you devise it (using the basic principles of non-linear chronology) is up to you. Just remember your story will impact your audience more if it is relatable, emotive, compelling, engaging... and hopefully easy to follow.

NB:
Solo writers only.
No pisstakes

Participation requires all entrants to read and comment on the discussion board as many entries as is possible, with a minimum of ten scripts.

Do not put your real name on your script; this is an anonymous challenge. However, please use your real name when submitting your script.

After the challenge closes you can either have your script removed or resubmit your script with your name on it.

This isn't a contest - it's a challenge. There are no official prizes.


Write copyright (c) 2021 on your script.


Submit your entry here:
https://www.simplyscripts.com/unpro_short_exercise.html

A Countdown clock will commence shortly after Announcement.

Any questions, post them on this thread.

P.S. I promised you a breather.
For that reason, and in an attempt to fit in with everyone's schedules and commitments as much as possible, this final round will operate like a normal OWC. Not four days, but seven.

Good luck everyone!

A very interesting… and tough… challenge.

Will need to submit, then figure out what to write afterward.

Oh crap.

Glad it's seven days. This is so far outside of my wheelhouse it isn't even on the same boat.

Quoted from FrankM Will need to submit, then figure out what to write afterward.

Nice.  ;D

Ah shit, only just got my head around linear stories.

Can i just add a caveat to my entry that it must be read backwards?

Very interesting challenge.  I will have a think!

I think this is going to be tough to write and tough to read. Our brains are likely to implode reading so many experimental narratives! I look forward to such an experience!

Hmmm... I've got something brewing in the cauldron. ;D

(Edit: Gotta make Anthony happy!)

Hmmm

Or should that be

mmmH

Quoted from AnthonyCawood Hmmm Or should that be mmmH

Think the top one. Lol  :P

I think looking at it this way (if telling in reverse) is nifty:

Reverse chronology is just what it says, telling the story as a series of revealing scenes going backwards in time. It answers the question, “Why?” whereas most stories answer the question, “What?”

http://www.emergingscreenwritersurvivalguide.com/survive-writing-reverse-chronology/

Quoted from Zack Hmmm... I've got something brewing in the cauldron. ;D! ...

I bet you do. And I just bet it's not for the squeamish.

Can I just put "The End" into the middle of my last script?
Asking for a "a friend"

Quoted from Geezis Can I just put "The End" into the middle of my last script? Asking for a "a friend"

;D
Yes! But then it's not...  The end.

Quoted from LC ;D Yes! But then it's not...  The end.

Damn  ;D

Wow! This sounds fantastic!:)

I love it.

Wow! Thank goodness we have 7 days!!!

Quoted from LC I bet you do. And I just bet it's not for the squeamish.

What are you talking about? I write nothing but wholesome family drama!  ;D :P

Quoted from Zack What are you talking about? I write nothing but wholesome family drama!  ;D :P

Or gruesome family trauma.  :P

Quoted from mmmarnie Or gruesome family trauma.  :P

That's what I meant! Damn auto correct!!! ;D :P

Not sure how excited I am to read these. Hopefully there will be plenty of time. I don't mind stretching my brain muscles but this is a small doses kind of thing.

Rene, I imagine the same time as a usual OWC to read.
Plenty. :)

Quoted from Zack What are you talking about? I write nothing but wholesome family drama!  ;D :P

Yes, you start with a nice wholesome family, then rip them to shreds. Literally.

First draft is done! It's a mess. ;D

Quoted from Zack First draft is done! It's a mess. ;D

I think that means you’re finished.

Quoted from Zack First draft is done! It's a mess. ;D

Blood and shredded penises everywhere!

Rating system for round 3:

1. I understood this story.
2. I found this story confusing.
3. FADE OUT caught me completely by surprise.
4. Brain goo is leaking out my ears.
5. My brain exploded through my skull.

I can't wait for the origin of the widow's peak.

I'm out. Important life stuff has come up. Best of luck to everyone remaining!

Quoted from Bort I'm out. Important life stuff has come up. Best of luck to everyone remaining!

Sorry to see you go. But life stuff comes first. Hope all is well.  :)

Quoted from ReneC I can't wait for the origin of the widow's peak.

You're in for a treat! ;D

Quoted from MarkRenshaw Blood and shredded penises everywhere!

LOL.  ;D

Quoted from PKCardinal Yes, you start with a nice wholesome family, then rip them to shreds. Literally.

You know you love it, Paul. No point in denying it. :)

Quoted from MarkRenshaw Blood and shredded penises everywhere!

And don’t forget, you’re also going for the naked guy hat trick. Don’t let us down!

Quoted from SAC And don’t forget, you’re also going for the naked guy hat trick. Don’t let us down!

Happy to know you hold me to such high standards. Lol

We all do, buddy.

I discarded my first 3 ideas and I'm going for the 4th. This gurrentees it won't be cliche, it will be totally original and brilliant... right? That's how this works, yes?

(Taps mic) is this thing on?

Mark, the 4th idea is always brilliant!  ;D
...

And, we'll have no more of this 'I'm out' stuff.
And this means, you too, Warren.

You can all do it!

I have an idea, and it will probably make sense the second time through.

The question is whether it will fit within six pages.

NARRATOR: It will not.

Quoted from MarkRenshaw I discarded my first 3 ideas and I'm going for the 4th. This gurrentees it won't be cliche, it will be totally original and brilliant... right? That's how this works, yes? (Taps mic) is this thing on?

You've had 4 ideas? Jeez, I'm still waiting for the first one to hit me

This is hard

Mark, take a bit from all 4 and mix em together, that should guarantee it won't be linear!

I wonder if we'll get to know how far we're all behind Mathew in the standings before we submit the final round scripts?

I need to write another short by Tuesday so they can start working on pre-prod for it. I'm still mulling over this round, got a couple of nuggets of ideas, so hopefully my subconscious will have it all worked out when I'm done that. I can't wait to see what it comes up with.

Quoted from PKCardinal I wonder if we'll get to know how far we're all behind Mathew in the standings before we submit the final round scripts?

I was also wondering if the scores for round 2 would be announced...

Had no ideas and was thinking about chickening out entirely. Then a ridiculous idea hit me out of nowhere. So ridiculous that I have to write it.

Let's go, last round!

It's the eye of the tiger
It's the thrill of the fight
Rising up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor
Stalks his prey in the night
And he's watching us all with the eye of the tiger

Quoted from MarkItZero Had no ideas and was thinking about chickening out entirely. Then a ridiculous idea hit me out of nowhere. So ridiculous that I have to write it. Let's go, last round! It's the eye of the tiger It's the thrill of the fight Rising up to the challenge of our rival And the last known survivor Stalks his prey in the night And he's watching us all with the eye of the tiger

I'm gonna go punch some meat!  ;D ;D ;D

Quoted from Zack I'm gonna go punch some meat!  ;D ;D ;D

Too much information, Zack  ;D

Quoted from Matthew Taylor Too much information, Zack  ;D

;D ;D ;D

Quoted from Zack I'm gonna go punch some meat!  ;D ;D ;D

You're doing it wrong.

Quoted from ReneC You're doing it wrong.

I swear I've been studying the instructional video you sent me!   :-/

I really like my idea and I'm really happy with how it is going so far. So, of course, I'm really worried something is fundamentally wrong with it.

I imagine reading through a bunch of non-linear scripts is gonna be a real chore, particularly if they are done poorly.

Quoted from Zack I was also wondering if the scores for round 2 would be announced...

Scores and Averages for Rounds 1 & 2 will be posted just prior to, or just after the Final Round 3 deadline.

Quoting myself there. Gotta give you some incentive.

These scripts are going to be great!
Fighting spirit. C'mon guys!

I'm a really sad panda that I missed out on this one. What I would have given to have participated in this specific challenge. I'd be sure and give everyone nosebleeds by the time "FADE OUT." came 'round... =)

Quoted from Zack I imagine reading through a bunch of non-linear scripts is gonna be a real chore, particularly if they are done poorly.

Is the title of your 3rd round script gonna be "Feeling Fatigued"?

Quoted from Matthew Taylor Is the title of your 3rd round script gonna be "Feeling Fatigued"?

;D

Been wracking my brain for ideas for a couple of days but nothing's coming. Might not be able to get one in. We'll see what happens.

Quoted from MarkD Been wracking my brain for ideas for a couple of days but nothing's coming. Might not be able to get one in. We'll see what happens.

Something still might come. Maybe in your dreams... Good luck, Mark!

And then you're up for The January Project, so never a dull moment.  :)

Submitted mine. I took my time with it (as much time as I'm willing to spend on a short) and I'm actually quite pleased with it. Which means it will score the lowest out of the other ones I submitted in the previous rounds.

I have the start of an idea...

Which is of course no good at all, I need the middle of the idea, then a start and then an end ;-)

I have diddly-squat

First draft is done. I'm happy with the beginning but not sure about the middle, end, or the end, middle, beginning as well as the flashbacks, flashforwards and flashsideways.

Quoted from MarkRenshaw First draft is done. I'm happy with the beginning but not sure about the middle, end, or the end, middle, beginning as well as the flashbacks, flashforwards and flashsideways.

Speaking of which, everyone should keep in mind that the anonymous entry rule has effectively prohibited writers from asking any questions about unusual formatting situations, or if a particular passage reads clearly. It’s way more likely to be an issue this round than in previous rounds.

Just don’t have FLASHBACK in your opening slug.

I'm pretty sure I've never written anything that used a strictly-linear structure, so that wasn't the biggest challenge really. The biggest challenge was everything else, which I'm sure I failed at miserably.

Quoted from spesh2k I'm pretty sure I've never written anything that used a strictly-linear structure, so that wasn't the biggest challenge really. The biggest challenge was everything else, which I'm sure I failed at miserably.

Pretty much the exact opposite for me. I specialize in simple, linear stories. This round was particularly grueling for me. In return, I hope my script isn't too grueling to get through. lol

Quoted from FrankM Speaking of which, everyone should keep in mind that the anonymous entry rule has effectively prohibited writers from asking any questions about unusual formatting situations, or if a particular passage reads clearly. It’s way more likely to be an issue this round than in previous rounds. Just don’t have FLASHBACK in your opening slug.

Very good point, Frank. However, I said use whatever tricks, devices you want...

Let's not argue in feedback about whether you can or can't flashback from nothing.

Interesting article here re preview/flashback.
https://www.lindaaronson.com/blog/starting-a-film-with-a-flashback-preview-flashback

And of course there are movies which begin with Supers: Two Years Earlier etc.

Look here (below) how 500 days of Summer handles time.
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a1c2452268b96d901cd3471/t/5b987b06cd8366dd19611a09/1536719631052/500DaysofSummer.pdf

Day (488 )
followed by
Day (1)

I don't think we should get hung up on how you do it.
If the narrative (story) works that's the main thing. Judge on that.

This is Experimental Narrative.

I delivered my short and can finally turn my attention to this. Seems I'm not all that far behind. Yay, I guess?

Quoted from LC I don't think we should get hung up on how you do it. If the narrative (story) works that's the main thing. Judge on that. This is Experimental Narrative.

Agreed. The only thing that should really matter is if the writing/structure is clear enough for readers to follow the story. :)

Submitted. You have been warned. :)

I'm out this round but looking at the criteria, I'll just resubmit this mindf@#k script from a few years ago... I can do that right?

Some guy ended up doing some storyboard practice for it back in the day which came out all right.

https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-shorthr/m-1524316533/s-0/

Anyway... tough challenge, good luck all. I remember how much my head hurt after writing the above script :)

Matthew, at this point you probably need to write a barely passable script and you have this in the bag.  

Quoted from Warren Matthew, at this point you probably need to write a barely passable script and you have this in the bag.

I don't even think I am ahead, let alone by a significant margin. Michael has actually spent some time on his entry this round so I would say he is the bookie's favourite  :)

I do now have an idea though finally, in the hands of a better writer I think it could be brilliant, in my hands, I am hoping it just makes sense (This isn't me putting myself down, I have zero experience in this sort of structure so I have no idea what I am doing)

Looking forward to the entries though

Quoted from Matthew Taylor I don't even think I am ahead, let alone by a significant margin. Michael has actually spent some time on his entry this round so I would say he is the bookie's favourite  :) I do now have an idea though finally, in the hands of a better writer I think it could be brilliant, in my hands, I am hoping it just makes sense (This isn't me putting myself down, I have zero experience in this sort of structure so I have no idea what I am doing) Looking forward to the entries though

I definitely think you're ahead.

But, I will agree... when Michael says he has time... it makes me shudder. That dude can write.

Quoted from Matthew Taylor I don't even think I am ahead, let alone by a significant margin. Michael has actually spent some time on his entry this round so I would say he is the bookie's favourite  :) I do now have an idea though finally, in the hands of a better writer I think it could be brilliant, in my hands, I am hoping it just makes sense (This isn't me putting myself down, I have zero experience in this sort of structure so I have no idea what I am doing) Looking forward to the entries though

I'm pretty sure you're well ahead, man. I pretty much shit the bed in the 2nd round. And when I said I had time to work on the 3rd rounder, I probably spent an hour on it. Shorts aren't really my thing, I don't think I've ever spent more than an hour on a short. But I did go back and clean up some typos, fix some dialogue, etc in this round. Still, I doubt my 1st rounder and 3rd rounder will make up for the 2nd round debacle. And both your 1st and 2nd rounders were my top scripts of those rounds.

Quoted from PKCardinal I definitely think you're ahead. But, I will agree... when Michael says he has time... it makes me shudder. That dude can write.

That's an awesome compliment lol, but I really don't think my submission will give anyone reason to shudder. At best, maybe an eyeroll. Matthew's got this is the bag.

Any word on when the scores from round 2 will be revealed?

So, been outta town since early last week and just now able to look at challenge #3 with 2 days and 44 minutes to go...piece of cake. Since I've blown any chance I have with A Bite out of Time, I'll just wing it for the sake of finishing the writers triathlon.

I have something. Not quite sure how I'll pull it off yet, but I have something.

Quoted from Zack Any word on when the scores from round 2 will be revealed?

I'm starting to sound like a parrot.
Scores and Averages for Rounds 1 & 2 will be posted just prior to, or just after the Final Round 3 deadline..

Nearly at the finish line guys and gal...
Even those of you who haven't started, there's plenty of time!

Wonder what Don's got cooked up for June.  :o
Just thinking out loud.
Evil laugh ringing in my ear.

Managed to submit something.

Can't wait for all of you to review it so I can understand what the hell I just wrote.

Typical, I had set aside my workday today for writing this thing - and now the world and his dog are asking me to do jobs for them.

I have, however, managed to squeeze in an entry. just remember though that if you find plot holes/grammar errors/ poorly structured sentences or are just utterly confused by the plot (or lack of) it is completely by design and the script is actually perfect  ;D

Genuinely looking forward to reading these

Well...I'm out. Had today and tomorrow off and an idea...but just got called into work tonight, which will be an insanely busy shift due to Memorial Day travel.

I'll still read all of them.

Nice touch by Don to add the evil laugh sound effect every time you look at the countdown clock.

I mean, everyone else hears that too, right?

With time running out and ideas thin on the ground I'm probably gonna have to bail on this one.

Quoted from PKCardinal Nice touch by Don to add the evil laugh sound effect every time you look at the countdown clock. I mean, everyone else hears that too, right?

I hear it. Sounds... Happy.  :)

Quoted from Zack I hear it. Sounds... Happy.  :)

;D

I've managed to submit something. This was a tough one for me and I just hope I've met the parameters.
Good luck to everyone who managed to get a story in, I know how hard this has been.

This one definitely put the challenge in challenge.

I'll be in.

Not yet. But, I will.

Quoted from LC I'm starting to sound like a parrot. Scores and Averages for Rounds 1 & 2 will be posted just prior to, or just after the Final Round 3 deadline..

Lol. Sorry! Should have checked the thread before I asked. Thanks for the response though! :)

Quoted from PKCardinal This one definitely put the challenge in challenge. I'll be in. Not yet. But, I will.

I'm actually enjoying the meticulous construction of what I have. It's almost like directing and editing right on the page. Which means nobody will get it, but at least I know what I'm talking about.

Hi all,

Has anyone else had issues uploading a script through the submission link? I tried twice and keep getting an error,
Here's the message:

‘One or more files failed to upload. The reasons returned are:  Upload failed : No data in (file name.pdf. No size on server's copy of file. Check the path entered. ‘

'File name' in the error is the name of the script I’m trying to upload, I just swapped that out for ‘file name’ to post the error message. I’ve never had any issues before, just curious if it’s my end (the file loads fine on my PC) or the SS server side. Thanks in advance...

I have a quick question, according to the contest rules, do these submissions have to be created within the time frame of the challenge? What I mean is If I had and Idea or something I've been working on but not necessarily in script form,  would this be allowed to submit in this contest? Or is this more of from conception to completion piece, no using ideas for scripts we already have laid out fairly well?

Quoted from Lono I have a quick question, according to the contest rules, do these submissions have to be created within the time frame of the challenge? What I mean is If I had and Idea or something I've been working on but not necessarily in script form,  would this be allowed to submit in this contest? Or is this more of from conception to completion piece, no using ideas for scripts we already have laid out fairly well?

In short, you need to submit a complete script in screenplay format within the parameters set out on this link: https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?m-1621637270/

Don

Quoted from Gum Hi all, Has anyone else had issues uploading a script through the submission link? I tried twice and keep getting an error, Here's the message: ‘One or more files failed to upload. The reasons returned are:  Upload failed : No data in (file name.pdf. No size on server's copy of file. Check the path entered. ‘ 'File name' in the error is the name of the script I’m trying to upload, I just swapped that out for ‘file name’ to post the error message. I’ve never had any issues before, just curious if it’s my end (the file loads fine on my PC) or the SS server side. Thanks in advance...

I can't recreate the error.  You can also email the script to webmaster@simplyscripts.com if you have issues.  

Don

Quoted from PKCardinal Nice touch by Don to add the evil laugh sound effect every time you look at the countdown clock. I mean, everyone else hears that too, right?

Actually, that's LC laughing.  I have a high pitched laugh so it is an easy mistake to make.

Don

Quoted from Don Actually, that's LC laughing.  I have a high pitched laugh so it is an easy mistake to make. Don

Haha! Very good.  ;D

Okay, I haven't been able to get on Simply all day (just after 11pm here now) - Pia had the same problem.
Site down for everyone it said.

What happened Don?
Serious withdrawals here all day.  :D

I've emailed mine to Don as the site was down all night for me (seems to be back now) but I'm in.

As of right now, I love what I've written. I can't control how it is received, all I know is I'm over the moon with it. I want to thank LC for pushing me out of my comfort zone and challenging me to write something I've never attempted before.

Quoted from MarkRenshaw I've emailed mine to Don as the site was down all night for me (seems to be back now) but I'm in.

Oh you mean that epic party that was so awesome that everyone blacked out with no memory of it? I mean, yeah, technical difficulties. ;)

Quoted from LC Okay, I haven't been able to get on Simply all day (just after 11pm here now) - Pia had the same problem. Site down for everyone it said.

Quoted from Gum Has anyone else had issues uploading a script through the submission link? I tried twice and keep getting an error,

Quoted from Don I can't recreate the error.

Weird but issue resolved hopefully with the submission link (I’ll try again). I was able to get on the site with no issues, however, thought there might be a problem when the number of active users said “1”… as in me.

0 members (0 invisible) 1 guest

Never experienced that before, was like: “hello…! hello…! hello…! echo... echo... echo

Quoted from FrankM Oh you mean that epic party that was so awesome that everyone blacked out with no memory of it? I mean, yeah, technical difficulties. ;)

I woke up wearing an extra-large Tupac shirt with mayonnaise on my back. Fun night! ;D

Hangover 4: SimplyScripts Noir.

Submitted! Can't wait to read everyone's stuff ;)

7 hours to pare this monster down. Oof.

Two hours of cutting and firming up and it's done. Submitted.

I really like it. That's not a good sign.

Quoted from ReneC I really like it. That's not a good sign.

Typically that's the kiss of death.   :P

Having trouble submitting an updated version of my script. Link won't work. :(

Quoted from Zack Having trouble submitting an updated version of my script. Link won't work. :(

Is this version better? 'Cause rules state that once you submit, you can't submit anything better. The system is programmed to account for that. It's real official and everything.

(Don posted an email address on the previous page of this thread. Said to use that if the submit link doesn't work.)

To be clear, for all newbies... I'm just messing with Zack. You absolutely can submit an updated (and better) version of your script.

Also, it's fun to mess with Zack.


I'm officially in. And, I too like my script. What is going on around here?

FYI, had to email it.

Quoted from Zack Having trouble submitting an updated version of my script. Link won't work. :(

Email it to Don.

I'm out. Have the opening slug written, that's about it. Too tired to do this thing now and if I drink more coffee my heart might explode this time.

Thought I was Rocky but turns out I'm Apollo Creed fighting Drago.

Quoted from MarkItZero I'm out. Have the opening slug written, that's about it. Too tired to do this thing now and if I drink more coffee my heart might explode this time. Thought I was Rocky but turns out I'm Apollo Creed fighting Drago.

Apollo died fighting.

Just sayin'. ;)

Quoted from MarkItZero I'm out. Have the opening slug written, that's about it. Too tired to do this thing now and if I drink more coffee my heart might explode this time. Thought I was Rocky but turns out I'm Apollo Creed fighting Drago.

Is the opening slug non-linear? You could still submit. I mean, if it's good.

Quoted from PKCardinal Is the opening slug non-linear? You could still submit. I mean, if it's good.

I'm waiting for the nested flashbacks entry.

BACK TO SCENE

BACK TO SCENE

BACK TO SCENE

BACK TO SCENE

FADE OUT.

Damn, that was close. An hour to spare.

I'm in. Well, I hit submit and it said SUCCESS!

Now a three day weekend to take in some reading!

Quoted from PKCardinal Is this version better? 'Cause rules state that once you submit, you can't submit anything better. The system is programmed to account for that. It's real official and everything. (Don posted an email address on the previous page of this thread. Said to use that if the submit link doesn't work.)

Just cleaned up some typos, and increased the number of naked dudes. You know, just for flavor.  :P ;D

Quoted from PKCardinal Also, it's fun to mess with Zack.

To be fair, I bring it all on myself.  ;D ;D ;D

It breaks my heart to see dropouts in the one challenge tailor-made for me. Lol.

Breaks my heart too, Blondie!

You shoulda/coulda been in on this.
You still have 15 minutes...

Posting averages for 1 & 2 very shortly, if anyone's keen.  ;D

Quoted from LC Breaks my heart too, Blondie! You shoulda/coulda been in on this. You still have 15 minutes... Posting averages for 1 & 2 very shortly, if anyone's keen.  ;D

I can write a lot in 15 minutes... but not when I'm at work. Lol.

Jeez Don and Libby are on it! Round 3 scripts up already!