Message Board

I purchased the original a few weeks (months?) back. First, to answer your question, a few people responded to my query but no real success yet.

Second, they mentioned something about an updated version. Anybody hear anything on that?

Can anyone tell me what "Austin" refers to (I'll stop the smartasses now by saying 'other than the city')? Is this a festival of some sorts? Can I get a link?

Thanks for the info. I'll check it out. I guess it's a toss-up between that and expo. I'd ask for opinions, but I think the consensus on these boards is pretty clear...

Just what the title says: please post your opinions/experiences with the Script Savvy monthly contest. I'm considering entering and I'm looking for some reviews. Has anyone had both the standard feeback and the full analysis? Can you illuminate the differences?

Thanks, James

The website is showing:

"3 Ways to Enter: Basic Entry with no feedback $35 Entry with Standard Feedback $55 Entry with Full Analysis $95 "

I'm assuming you mean the $55?

Wow, thanks for all the great responses! I think I'll certainly check this one out (though I'm still not sure if I'll do $55 or $90).

So, everyone entered in October or is planning on December, right? I'll be the only one in November? Cool, thanks. Dibs.

I agree with the other posters that you need to play up the angle of female protagonist, but I think you should also play down the angle of conjoined triplets--at least in the logline. Let it creep up on them when they read the script.

My take: Evil has many faces in the asylum where Dr. (so-and-so) reaches out to the criminally insane, but the inmates are not among them; she must save them from the true evil, the supernatural terror that is Dead Head.

I've recently been approached to co-write a project with a good friend. I'm all for it, but having penned six scripts all by my lonesome, I don't how to step away enough to make room for a partner.

For those who have experienced this, please share your process. Do you collaboraters out there usually sit down together, switch drafts and meet half-way or what?

I haven't done a Logline Contest before, but the prevalence of the subject on these boards has me interested. Maybe you guys can help me refine mine?

A scientist becomes infected with the very virus he created and must now take an innoculation every three hours or join the masses of living dead that swarm outside his walls.

Well, to put it in context, below is my synopsis:

A new genetic-based therapy to end aging is released, but eternal life comes with a price: All those exposed become the living dead and are all too eager to share their sickness with others. One of the very scientists that created this plague is staving off infection with an inoculation he must take every three hours. The formula running low, he must emerge to face the apocalypse he helped design. Teaming up with a group of other rag-tag survivors, he finds the only way to save them may be to join the ranks of the undead himself.

And the obstacle is that he makes the cure himself and runs low on one of the ingredients. Suggestions on how to fit that in without making the logline too long or ungainly?

What? I know this Dan guy has you all riled up on other threads, but I hope you aren't talking about me because I was just asking for help.

Using your advice as an excersize, I came up with:

A scientist infected with the virus he created desperately seeks ingredients for a cure he must take every three hours, but when he meets a group of other survivors he finds that being able to save them may be more important than the undead fate the virus brings.

I hate when I misspell "exercise", and yet it continues to plague me again and again.

I agree it needs to be simpler, but that sounds more like someone has superaids than something turning them into a zombie. I don't know, I'll take a another look at it.

Actor, congrats on placing (you beat me out on this one!)

Martin, congrats to you as well--I got some funny looks in the office for laughing at my computer.

I saw "A Serious Man" this weekend, and I must say I was severely disappointed considering all the buzz this movie had been getting. I can understand if it gets nominated for sets/costumes but that's about it.

I know it's the story of Job (which somehow is supposed to be a defense in itself for the film), but I thought Job was about blind faith--not about being spineless and therefore walked all over.

Am I the only one that didn't like it?

They asked me to mail a script before Thanksgiving. I did so. No response and then an email asking me again to mail it; immediately followed by a "disregard" message. So, I replied with "I take it this means you got the script?" No reply. I too will update as it happens.

I've been hearing about this newsletter you have to pay for that gives you query requests and wanted some opinions. Has anyone used this? From Inktip:

About 40 to 30% of our options come from the newsletter. Some producers use the Preferred Newsletter only to get scripts. Others use it after they have searched the site and still want more options. It contains at least 4 leads a week from production companies looking for scripts. You are able to submit to these leads right away as a Preferred Subscriber. You can read more about it at http://www.inktip.com/sa_preferred_newsletter.php?cat=sa&sub=services.

Hey man, congrats. That's great news for you and your script.

Congrats to all who made the first cut, and to those who just missed out. I am happy to be along for the ride with you with my script "Infected".

Haha, thanks!

I just noticed that they announced the winners of the Screenwriter Showcase competition:

http://www.screenwritershowcase.com/contest.php

And the top three (I got third!) are also Quarterfinalists in Storypros. I hope you all don't mind me patting myself on the back here, but I noticed we like to give each other accolades on this message board, and this is my first script to place in more than one contest.

Sorry, I'm just very happy at the moment :)

Congrats Mike, Stephen and Robert. I'm in there with you still with "Infected". Merry Christmas!

I tried submitting to this one, but none of the links worked the couple of times I tried.

And better luck next time to the rest of us.

I didn't even know they announced! Congrats to everyone else who made the semis and best of luck to us all in early March.

I decided, after realizing just how much I spent on contests, at festivals, on books, etc, that I'm going to try itemizing my taxes this year to write-off my writing as a business expense.



Does anyone have any experience with this? Any pitfalls to avoid or helpful links?



Thanks,

James

The 5-pack with his DVD is $69.97. Just his is $15 and the link is here:

http://creativescreenwriting.com/store/dvd032.htm

I'm thinking about getting it. My biggest question is if need a big profit this year to deduct? Or any profit for that matter.

I looked through "IRC § 183: Activities Not Engaged in For Profit (ATG)", but I'm still more or less at a loss.

Thanks for all the great comments.

Congrats, Mike. I, for one, am super jealous.

And distraught to realize we're competing in Action/Thriller for Screenplay Search!

Congratulations! I've always wondered about this contest. May I ask in what way yours is "spiritually uplifting"?

Did anyone else enter this one? I think I was drawn by having an excuse to hang out on a haunted ship and watch scary movies.

Notifications are supposed to be 12 Feb.

Hi Jim,

Could you please tell me what you consider "low budget"? I'm considering this for my horror/thriller that's been making the rounds in the contests this year.

Thanks,

James

Congrats on the achievement. I know we all work to be there too one day (again for some). Enjoy the moment!

Seems like a good way to get my stuff read BEFORE I pay to have it done so at a contest. I've signed up; feel free to look me up under username "schannepj" if anyone's interested.

The only one I saw was "The Wolfman". I'd agree that they didn't take many chances, but overall I enjoyed the film. I have a soft spot for men-into-beast films, and I'm currently writing a novel centering on a weretiger, so I wasn't going to miss this one. I've seen some pretty bad werewolf movies, so I was at least pleased that it wasn't garish.

On a casting note, I went into it thinking it was silly that Benicio Del Toro was Anthony Hopkins's son, but after realizing that it was from a mized race coupling I actually warmed up to it rather quickly. I don't know if they tried to exaggerate it (I did notice they cut their hair similarly), but their broad features and subdued yet powerful eyes looked genetically similar.

I saw this posted under "writing gigs" on ISA:

"SCREENPLAY COMPETITION 2010.2.15 16:15 Allegiant Artist Productions is holding a screenplay competition to help aspiring screenwriters break into the entertainment industry as well as to showcase original new voices and support emerging talent. Ten scripts will be recognized as Finalists in the Competition along with 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Winners. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will recieve cash prizes, or have their screenplay optioned for production. Winners will also have the opportunity to have their work forwarded to our talent management and agency partners, and will be recongnized in the Hollywood Reporter magazine. Short Scripts (under 50 pages) will be considered as well. For competition rules, conditions, and submission information please email allegiantartist@yahoo.com"

So I sent an e-mail for info. Here's the response I received:

"James- Here is the screenplay competition submission information, rules and conditions. Ten scripts will be recognized as Finalists in the Competition along with 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Winners. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will recieve cash prizes, or have their screenplay optioned for production. Winners will also have the opportunity to have their work forwarded to our talent management and agency partners, and will be recongnized in the Hollywood Reporter magazine.

Please submit: - Your Name: - Address: - Phone #: - Email: ------------------------------ - Screenplay Title: - Writer/Writers: - # of Pages: - Genre: - Short Synopsis: *Early Deadline: April 1, 2010 *Late Deadline: May 1, 2010 *Early Entry Fee:$30 *Late Entry Fee: $40 Send To: Allegiant Artist Productions 7095 Hollywood Blvd, Suite 809 Los Angeles, CA 90028

All entries must be accompanied by a certified check or money order for the entry fee made out to Stamper Holdings, llc. Screenplays written by up to four people may be entered in the competition. Only one entry fee is required for such entries. All authors' names should be listed with the entry.

You may submit multiple entries. Each screenplay submitted must include its own separate entry fee. Scripts may be submitted via hardcopy or disc. Scripts should be no longer than 185 pages. The entry fee is nonrefundable.

Submissions must be the original work of the applicant. Entries, however, may be adapted from the applicant's own work. If the script is based on a true story, historical or contemporary, that should be noted on the title page of the script.

Script materials will not be returned. Entrants retain all rights to their screenplays. Allegiant Artist will not share your script with anyone except the judges of the competition. Screenplays should be clearly labeled with name of screenplay and writer contact information. Winners will be notified by June 1, 2010."

A few red flags popped up: 1) Yahoo e-mail 2) no website 3) never heard of them/production company not listed on IMDB 4) they don't know how to spell "receive" or "recognized"

Seems like if they took your money, you'd have no way to track it. Thoughts?

*** UPDATE ***

Thanks for the help, Steve. I sent this in to the ISA website yesterday:

"Subject: Scam on your writer's gigs

Message: Your latest posting, entitled "SCREENPLAY COMPETITION 2010.2.15 16:15" about "Allegiant Artists" would seem to be a scam. This is not a real production company, and if you google the mailing address they provide upon contact, you will see feeds about a spring break scam. It would be good to take down this post immediately or at least look into it."

And the response I got:

"Consider it gone! thanks for updating us. "

Well, that's one less scam trying to profit off the dreams of the little people.

Book of Eli -- I didn't see this as a movie only for the Christian mainstream. As a matter of fact, the villain's goal being that he wants a Bible in order to control the populace I found to be a witty criticism of religion in organized form.

Also, **SPOILER ALERT** Did you think he was blind or just a guy who could read Braille? I thought that there is no way he is blind with the coordinated movements he makes, let alone the long distance crack shots with the pistol. But a friend of mine insists he is blind. Thoughts?

After not hearing from them, I called Eric Greenstein to follow up (inspired by the thread "when to follow up"!).

He told me I should talk to his partner, Rick Shannon, who would be in the next day. The next day I called, left a voicemail, no reply for a week.

Well, it's now "Early March" when the finalists & winners are supposed to be announced. Good luck everyone!

Congrats Janet, Robert(s) and Mike. I'm continuing my tradition of always being a contest bridesmaid and never the bride by making a finalist with "Infected".

I've just completed a killer rewrite (pun intended), so hopefully that'll put me over the top in future contests.

Again, congrats to all.

James

Woops! Sorry about that. Just think of it as an early congrats for the next one.

Using that logic, I'm going to start writing "Perfect Draft" on the cover of my scripts!

I don't know, Irin, but if you're responsible for killing it, I hope I can do the same with the cowrite "contest".

"This Mermaid Bites"

"The Young Wolf and the Sea"

"Howling and Splashing"

"Sorelle: The Water Wolf" sounds good to me. Or just "Sorelle" or "The Adventures of Sorelle" that kind of thing.

One more for good measure: "Canis Lupis Aquarius"

Cloudy with a chance of meatballs was a childrens book written in the late 70s. And that was the original title, so I don't think it works well as an example of a quirky title for a modern movie.

Are you involved with the show?

That's cool too. All great writers started as fans of great writing.

I might be the closest. 8 hours away in Montana.

The Hollywood Standard says V.O. as well.

I think of it this way: If there is an actor physically speaking in the scene, it's O.S. since they're there, but just can't be seen. If it is a voice track that would be added later in editing (i.e. a voice on the phone), it's V.O.

So, the "is the character physically present?" test works for me.

Crazy that there is such a disparity here. I thought this was pretty simple, as everything I've ever read on the subject says to use V.O.

And, just personal opinion here, O.S. doesn't make sense to me since the person on the other end of the phone call wouldn't even need to be around for filming, let alone that their character could be halfway around the world during the scene.

I've always written voices on the phone as V.O. Same goes for radios, etc. I've had many coverage reports and never has this been brought to my attention as being incorrect.

This would lead me to believe the bottom line (as is for anything in screenwriting) is if your intent is clearly and concisely expressed, then no one really cares.

You can make it even shorter if you so choose. There is nothing wrong with a "Mini-slug" such as the example below:

INT. HOUSE - NIGHT

Dave walks into the

KITCHEN

where he picks up a sandwich.

Jim,

I've noticed you use moviebytes quite a bit to advertise your contest. Have you considered giving a "Who's Buying What" WBW discount for other moviebytes users?

James

Saw a lot of names I recognize from this site. Congrats everybody, and good luck in the next cut.

Also, keep us updated with the aftermath. I'm considering putting it on my slate for next year and any reviews would be helpful.

Good use of alliteration with the parent names. I was considering entering this month's SS contest as well tonight. Care to go head-to-head? :)

or A half-fish out of water comedy?

I've submitted. See you next month!

Quarter-finalists posted:

http://www.fadeinonline.com/Contests/2009_SWA_Quarter.html

Anyone else on here with me? The list is huge, so if you've made it, post here so we can extend congratulations.

I entered Extreme Screenwriting based on reviews on this site for Barb Doyan. She had a deal going on in March where you could enter the contest x2 and get an analysis all for $99. So I bit.

I noticed you didn't list feedback as a reason to enter a contest. I guess I'm enamored by the thought of 'even if I don't place in this contest, I'll still get feedback' or the flipside of 'if I want feedback, why not have the opportunity to win something as well?'.

At risk of offending Bobbette, I think that is terrible advice.

Dark comedies, by their very nature, are not for the ultra-mainstream. They deal with the macabre, the bizarre and often the disturbing.

If you do your dark comedy right, people will get offended. I wouldn't watch Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang with my mother and yet there is an audience for it (I loved it).

Like everyone else's caveat here, I'd have to read it to be sure. But I think you can go with your gut on this one.

By the way, SPOILER ALERT, Irin. I'm glad I saw the movie before your post!

Clash of the Titans was only titled such due to Hollywood's need for brand recognition. Other than a cameo by the mechanical owl, two or three events, and a few character names, it didn't have much in common. Sort of like that travesty Beowulf movie with Angie.

That being said, I did not enjoy the original "Clash". Nor did I the remake. However, in my opinion, this new one was better. Not a difficult feat as far as I see it. Maybe by the fourth remake we'll have a decent film.

Great job Robert & Mike! Best of luck in the next round.

Stephen, seems like some great advice. I've never tried cold calling production companies, though. Have you gotten many requests from doing such? And what do you say, "Hi can I give you a pitch real quick?"

Anyone know when the next cut is?

Does anyone know of a proofreader who does scripts AND novels? Do any of the above recommended? I find myself dabbling in each.

Screenwriter Showcase. I took third place in 2009 and haven't heard anything. Not a single request or contact.

I hate to say it, since they were at least on top of their stuff enough to make me a winner! :)

Here's my follow up: This was completely worth the effort.

Thanks Martin for suggesting the DVD, it was a great help.

My day-job office had some people come in and assist us with our taxes, so you could say I used a professional, but I told the professional to use a schedule C (which I learned from the DVD) and I'll be getting back significantly more than I would have otherwise.

Lessons learned: you do not need to make money as a writer to do this, you do not need to set up a "company" or the like to do this, you can spend as little as $1 on writing and still have it deducted on a schedule C--no minimums like normal itemizing, you need to treat your writing as a career and not a hobby and so will the IRS, this is all completely legal and worth the effort.

I'll be doing this from now on. Thanks to all who posted for their advice.

Janet, is it a coupon code that you'd be willing to share?

I'll throw my congrats in the lot as well! Can't wait to hear "part 2".

I'd like to go to bat for Red Inkworks. They make no claims that they'll get you reads if you win, so if that's what you're looking for then, yes, this should not be at the top of your list.

But I don't think it belongs on a "Do not enter" list, becuase (and go ahead and look up the contest on this website) it offers amazing feedback. And that is what it blatently says you get. You should enter if you want great feedback for $50, it's as simple as that. You could pay a lot more for less insightful notes.

I won't be entering this year because I feel like I've polished my script to where reads really is the primary thing it needs. But I've entered in the past with rougher drafts, and it's paid off well.

Hope to see you in the finals, Irin. I'll be submitting to this deadline as well...

[I feel like I should be petting a cat and laughing maniacally. Maybe I should have said "Mr. Evers" for effect?]

Just so you know, my golf comedy "Fore Kings" has no similarity either.

I'm in the same boat as you Irin. I submitted my script to the Las Vegas Film Festival and while I didn't win, I was in the top twenty so they're offering free admission to the festival and all the networking events along with a "Golden Ace" awarded at the end of the festival. I too am pondering the merits of attending versus airfare and hotel.

I've been named as the grand prize winner for the first month of this contest:

http://www.moviebytes.com/ContestDetail.cfm?StoryID=3823&ContestNumber=2471&NewsTab=TRUE

I'll keep you all updated on how it plays out and, while it's only a small achievement, if it gets me any reads.

Good luck guys. Congrats!

It seems like "Clash" is a great example of what happens when they try to change the script DURING filming. Apparently there used to be a completely different story (more in-line with the original) along with gods subplots. All was changed and additional scenes had to be shot just for it to make a little sense. That's why there're so many incongruities. See this article for the full story:

http://chud.com/articles/articles/23...SEE/Page1.html

Me neither. I was trying to figure out if that meant Tim did all those nasty things in the past, but clicking on his name doesn't show old messages because he has a hidden profile.

I did, however, stumble upon an interesting gang-rant from Shell and "Ben" et al. after clicking the other James's name.

I'm looking for some assistance.

I absolutely hate writing the logline/synopsis. I loathe it. Taking something that (as tight and concisely as I can write it) takes up 103 pages, and then paring that down to just a few words is a terrible process for me.

So, I beseech any and all do-gooders to give me your 2 cents on what I have and how I can make it better.

You can find my information (and even a 10-page excerpt if you are so inclined) on this website:

http://www.screenwritershowcase.com/scripts/s652.php

I'm thankful for any comments, and I have a thick skin. I know I've written a great script, but I also know that my logline/synopsis sucks.

James

Irin — Thanks. This is some solid general advice. I'll take another look.

Terri — I agree completely! I know how important the logline is, and I understand why it's a necessary evil. Which is probably why I'm stressing out so much over it. It's the first thing a producer sees, and it can make or break your opportunity to get reads.

SusanFirst, thanks for your kind words about my pages. I know my synopsis does my script no justice at all, and that's why I've turned for help. You've got some good advice here, and I'll look at it with this in mind.

Mike, I loved your top 10 (for the most part--thought 12 Monkeys was OK), but I hated "Let the Right One In". What on earth was the appeal? Seemed like the depressed Swede version of "Twilight".

I thought it was too late to resubmit to Bluecat? Did I miss an extended deadline? I really would love to resubmit, but I thought I missed my chance.

Okay, I've changed it up. Looking for new thoughts and critiques:

Logline: "Science will finally give us eternal life, and the immortal will eat the flesh of the living."

Synopsis: Lewis Deleon is a young, hotshot geneticist vying for the Nobel Prize with his new formula to end aging. But eternal life has a price: those exposed become the living dead, eager to share their sickness with others. Now Deleon must navigate the apocalypse he created in order to finalize his cure. When he meets a group of malnourished, draconian survivors, he must balance the need for their help with the secret that he's staving off infection. Will he find the cure before it's too late? Or will Deleon prove to their damnation rather than their salvation?

Blast it, Irin! You're right. It is a tagline.

I'll keep the new synopsis, but try this on for size for a new logline:

"A group surviving the zombie apocalypse joins a man hiding a terrible secret: not only did he create the undead virus, but he's also infected with it."

Also, thank you Susan.

Everything they sent me said April 5th.

But, my resubmit link still worked, so I went ahead and resubmitted. We'll see if they throw a fit (though I have a hunch they like money, so they won't).

Thanks for the info, and best of luck now that my SUPER DRAFT is competing!

Okay, Mike, maybe I was overly harsh in my comparison.

However, I was actually looking to see how much of the movie was left when watching "The Right One". I couldn't wait for it to end. So I was very surprised (especially seeing as how I agree with most of the posts I've seen you make) to see this one a top 10, much less to have it be "the best ever".

I guess this is just a good example of opinion getting in the way of merit. If I had the funds, I would have rejected this movie. You would have gladly produced it. This is something to keep in mind as screenwriters trying to find a home for our scripts.

To each his own.

Terri -- Great suggestion! I've incorporated it. I'll certainly give you my two cents, if you want it.

Mike, just off the top of my head:

Interview with the Vampire

Shadow of the Vampire (probably my fave)

From Dusk Till Dawn (silly, but still fun)

Which Blade movie? Because Blade 2 is on my worst movies of all time list.

Robert — I appreciate what you're getting at with leading with the lead, but it reads a little clumsy. Four punctuation marks is one hell of a sentence! I'll ponder this&

Also, in my experience, no one cares 'how' the zombies were made (however, I do think my way is pretty cool). Some movies even skip the explanation altogether. I feel like the concept of ''zombie apocalypse'' is familiar enough that I can keep it short and sweet and omit the 'how'. Good stuff, though.

Heather — I'm not offended! I know everyone's comments are just their opinion and I'll only use what I think helps. I think your logline sounds interesting, but sounds more like an Ebola type movie than a zombie movie.

Thanks all, keep 'em coming.

I'm thinking of entering Visionary Screenwriter and StoryPros Awards (both deadline today). Any thoughts?

Let me add my congratulations to all those mentioned, and to Robert Watson as well.

Congrats all!

"Me horny, want to chat?"

Sounds like Hollywood to me.

Thanks for the congratulations everyone. In case anyone cares (or is really bored/procrastinating), here is my interview:

http://www.moviebytes.com/ContestDetail.cfm?InterviewsTab=TRUE&InterviewID=515&ContestNumber=2471

A millisecond in my fifteen minutes.

What's so bad about that? Tear-jerking, dramatic scripts win contests, flashy genre scripts get produced...everybody wins, right?

Honestly, I try to ignore "the end is near" claims like this. If you try to follow the trends, you'll end up reaching them right as they change again.

Thanks all, and congrats to you as well.

Susan, it's good to be afraid...because we're writing in the horror category. Best of luck to us both!

Congrats!

Nice job, Mike! Good luck seeing it to the finish.

So far so good, Susan! We're in the semis.

Also, congrats to Robert and Mike (and anyone else I missed).

Has anyone heard anything? Next week will be two months since the last notification. No answer every time I call.

Which I think roughly translates into American English as "thanks guys".

Congrats to you Robert.

Susan, glad to see you're still in it. Win it for me, will you?

My question for this thread is 'how do I answer this question?'

I was just soft-pitched a job offer to write a sequel for an indy film company. They're ultra low budget and looking for the film festival/international/dvd market. This is the first time I've ever been asked this.

So, how do I respond? Should I go with guild minimums (and if so, where do I find these?)? Percentage? What?

Any advice, please help!

The answer is obvious.

Firmly grasp her leg (almost to the point of pain) and then stare powerfully into her eyes with an unwaiveringly commanding gaze. Don't break eye contact.

Either she'll never do it again or you'll be married within 3 months.

Congratulations!

Robert, 1st place -- that's awesome! I hope you get some reads, congrats.

Susan, thanks for winning for me. Great job. May I ask, what's the premise?

Thanks for the great advice everyone. I really appreciate it. Jim, I may take you up on that contact depending on how things shape up in the next few weeks.

I'm thinking I'll try asking for 3% in 3 payments (as Stephen described). IMDBpro showed the budget of the original as $250,000 but I don't know how accurate that is. I'll make sure I find this out before I ask. Should I say "3% of the budget"? or should I calculate what that is and then ask for the dollar ammount?

Also, it's a Canadian company, so I don't know how much the guild would apply even if they were big enough for it to (which I don't think they are).

As far as agents, I was thinking that my payment would probably be too low to attract any interest. Ten percent of squat. But it might be different for you, D.

Congrats guys, that's great.

I didn't win this contest, and I don't think it promised reads, but it's a real money pit and I feel strongly that it should be avoided:

Cowrite

Take a look at these comments for yourself:

http://www.moviebytes.com/ContestDetail.cfm?ContestNumber=2324&CommentsTab=TRUE

I'll send you both if you send me an e-mail.

Congrats to all who advanced (4 Stephen? Wow.) and thanks Steve for the encouragement...sniffle.

(Susan, what a great idea! I'll tell myself that too; they just don't like horror/thriller...)

Hmm. I understand your concerns, Janet, but maybe you should rename the list "DOES NOT GET READS" because if the list is called "DO NOT ENTER" then Cowrite belongs on it.

INT. BEDROOM - DREAM SEQUENCE

Distorted light. Surreal.

Jane's makeup and dress are abnormal. Amy's voice speaks through her.

JANE (AMY'S VOICE)

Hi Tom, aren't you happy you picked me? We'll be very happy together...



I don't think your reader would be confused if you did something like this. Hope it helps.

Best of luck seeing it through to the finish!

Let me add my sincere congratulations as well.

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

Thanks so much for posting this, Susan. I was just asked to write a treatment as well, and I found this article very helpful. I think I'll go with the "Sinbad style".

IMO, not necessary at all.

Take Star Wars as an example. Darth Vader and Boba Fett were badass and evil and we never questioned it. Then Lucas went and showed them as kids, but turns out nobody wanted to see that.

Comedian Patton Oswalt has a good bit about this. Saying he can like ice cream without first being fed salt, ice, eggs, cream, etc. Also says something about how he can think Angelina Jolie is hot without wanting to see her dad's balls. Funny stuff, but the moral is the same.

Unless, as Eric said in the Magneto case, it is extremely relevant.

I read somewhere (I'm pretty sure it was "The Hollywood Standard") that you should CAPS both the sound, and the thing that makes it--except sounds made by actors (coughs, et al). Supposedly everyone is used to reading it this way, but the functional reason is because it let's sound editors know what to focus on.

I just finished writing my (first) treatment, but I have to say I didn't think it was all that bad. Hopefully it will work as the pitching document for a sale I'm trying to make.

I can see why it would be annoying, specifically if you had already written the script and were backtracking, but starting the treatment at the conceptual level wasn't the worst.

Granted I'd rather just write the script, but we're all pretty much at the level where we have to spend as much time marketing ourselves(if not more) as we spend writing.

And I agree, Michael. It is pretty absurd for these services to agree to write for you. "Can you write the script for me too? And sell it for me also? Just send me the check when you're done, thanks."

I completely get where you're coming from Irin, but in this one instance I'm not writing on spec -- so the script doesn't exist yet. It's basically my 'proposal' for where a sequel should go, and if they like my treatment then they'll pay me to write the script.

For my spec scripts, I've never written a treatment, and I would give the same answer about reading a few of my pages instead of writing a treatment after the script already exists.

In case you want more input, here's a thread about the same topic:

http://messageboard.donedealpro.com/boards/showthread.php?t=55308

I'm pretty sure we can safely file this in the "doesn't matter so long as you don't hinder the reader's experience" category.

Just a thought: If you want to enter one this month and one next month (presumably CWA), couldn't you just enter two this month and opt-out next month?

When's the deadline?

Congrats to the three of you and to anyone else who advanced. I'm in there with you with "Infected". Best of luck to all of us.

Does anyone know how much they cut for the next round?

Not sure if you get inktip leads, but this was in my inbox this morning. Hope it helps.



Plan C Management - Musical Dance Scripts, Diverse ---------------

We are looking for feature-length musical dance scripts (a mix of "Moulin Rouge," "Planet B Boys," "Step Up"). We are looking for a script that has an international appeal, with diversity in cast, and targeted international distribution.

Budget has yet to be determined. WG and Non-WG writers may submit.

We are a management company that reps various talent and assists with casting for feature film and television, in addition to working in international financing, branding, and packaging.

To submit to this lead, please go to: http://www.inktippro.com/leads/

Enter your email address.

Copy/Paste this code: cbwr7uqjh2

NOTE: Please only submit your work if it fits what the lead is looking for exactly. If you aren't sure if your script fits, please ask InkTip first.

First, I think we can all agree that tossing a script because the address on the cover doesn't say "LA" is deplorable.

As for reading only the first 2 or 10 pages of a script--I wish it weren't done. And I want to state that I won a contest that reads ONLY the first 10 pages, so I don't think I'm being naive. Here is my argument for why I don't like it:

I call it the "two weeks earlier" syndrome. I came up with it after watching the remake of "The Crazies" where right away we see a landscape littered with chaos and destruction in order to 'catch our attention' and then cut to "two weeks earlier" where we see the actual opening of the film. This 'real' opening is slow, brooding, and filled with tension--but on the page it risks being boring. This 'real' opening stood on its own in theaters, but on the page the screenwriter had to hook the audience within the first 10 (or 2) pages.

Working writers know this and writing has changed over the years to accommodate. But because of the "two weeks earlier" syndrome, almost every movie in theaters these days starts with some kind of chase sequence, gun fight, or maybe a guy jerking off before we can get into the 'real' story.

Personally, I'm tired of needing to be "shocked" into a movie and wish it would stop. There's something to be said about building tension and letting it pay off.

Yes, we should write great openings. We should also write great middles and ends.

Seems to me the controversy stems from 1) the attitude 2) people feel that if they pay $50, they should at least get read.

Sorry you had such a bad movie weekend! Maybe they'll finally stop letting M. Night Shymalamadingdong make movies.

You should have went to "Knight and Day". Not perfect, but very enjoyable/entertaining.

''David'', I thought your pseudonym was only for speaking for or against competitions? So why use it to ask such an innocent question to Susan? Could it be because you know that what you're implying (that if you speak out against a competition after being rejected you're somehow 'jaded') is rude? You clearly, and understandably, have offended her with the remark. I didn't advance in Silver, so am I not allowed to think they handled this ''scandal'' poorly? I think fadeinonline is doing a terrible job right now--but I did advance there--so what?

Oh, and you could have found out for yourself if Susan (Or I, for that matter) advanced because we use our real names, and all you have to do is check the published list. We don't know if you advanced, but I don't personally care, because I think you're entitled to an opinion either way.

DILLON, YOU SON OF A BITCH!!!!

(I'm looking forward to Predators as well)

You don't have to be a member to read, only to post. Here are the threads:

http://messageboard.donedealpro.com/boards/showthread.php?t=56014

http://messageboard.donedealpro.com/boards/showthread.php?t=56097

There's a lot of good points on both sides, but most of it is too venomous for my taste. I'm glad we keep it somewhat civil here.

Hey Jack, what branch were you in? I'm Air Force.

I have mixed feelings on things like article. Tends to perpetuate the stereotype that people in the military are all like the villian from Avatar. On the other hand, I do know quite a few people like that...

So does this mean we're done fighting and can go back to helping each other break into screenwriting?

That's why I'm here, other than to muse confusedly over all the inside jokes you guys make to one another.

P.S. I've always wanted to know, what's a crumpet?

Too much effort. Can someone just mail me some?

Also, we may change spellings but at least we don't call aluminum 'aloominium' or say 'anyfing'!

I love NPR & Lattes, but I also love guns. Call me a conundrum.

Add to the pet peeves: "This is not a drill!"

It also cracks me up that any time someone is an extraordinary badass all you need is another character to call them "ex-military" and you're good to go.

Umm...really? What about people who didn't submit, can they read this post?

I'm all about the free exchange of opinions, and I was on board with your standpoint, Stephen, until I read this. This is just childish.

I wish all of those that advanced the best of luck in this, and any endeavor.

Okay, I just read the other thread (that presumably prompted this) so I see where you're coming from...but still.

This whole thing has gotten out of hand on all levels. I, like many others I'm sure, am ready to move on.

Seen any good movies lately?

Congrats!

That's awesome, Jim.

Very encouraging to someone like me. Reading your story, I feel like I'm a few steps behind on the same path. Hope to see you at the top.

Agreed, the madness needs to stop.

I also think people are taking these boards too seriously. I take my writing seriously, not a messageboard. That's because I aim at being a professional writer, not a professional poster.

If speaking ill of someone's services (their livelihood) is the main issue here, what about her disparaging remarks (posted by Stephen above) against donedealpro?

Response by a donedeal moderator:

"I work on the DoneDealPro message board that Julie Gray assails in this column. Though I can understand her frustration, I feel Julie's criticism here unfairly blames message boards and their members as a whole for a minority of vocal and inflammatory members.

On DoneDealPro, some members wildly overreacted to the controversy regarding SilverScreenwriting's judging standards, while others expressed criticism that was reasonable and measured, and others defended Julie and her contest.

For Julie to now write a column that belittles everyone on a message board like ours as mobs of bullies and trolls is, to me, quite offensive. In fact, that kind of demeaning generalization shows little more effort to make a reasonable argument than those she means to lambaste.

Julie asks in this column, "Do moderators have the responsibility for quality-checking replies on posts?" I was a moderator who, on several occasions, did exactly that in the threads in question. I defended the practices of the SilverScreenwriting contest especially when ridiculous allegations were made about criminal fraud. Furthermore, as moderators, we locked these threads when we felt they were getting too mean-spirited.

As far as I know, Julie never once contacted our moderating staff to complain. She instead chose to write a public column maligning message boards like ours, ignoring that many of the members are magnanimous, creative, intelligent people genuinely interested in crafting positive and productive relationships.

As far as I see it, this is just cyber-bullying with a bigger microphone."



I'm going on vacation for a few days, hopefully when I get back we'll have moved back to the real spirit of these boards--helping on another out as we all try to break in.

Did they mention anything about the contest results schedule?

I've never explored this part of moviebytes and I was hoping to get some opinions on this feature. Anybody here that's used it? Has anything come of it (read requests)?

Thanks, Irin. I'll give it a try.

http://www.moviebytes.com/ws/WinningScripts.cfm?ScriptID=6760

Sound is of paramount importance. Bad sound will ruin your short faster than anything else.

Credit where credit is due, this is a spin-off of Irin's 2010 thread. I thought it would be a good idea to break it down by month so we can see what the upcoming deadlines are, discuss those contests, and decide what to enter. Additionally, we can anticipate results. This is proabably gonna start off rough, but here we go...

Here's what I've got so far:

CONTESTS:

August 1 -- Screenplay Festival ($40) [Also has a 10/1 deadline for $50]

August 2 -- American Zoetrope ($35) [Also has a 9/3 deadline for $50]

??? -- Atlanta Labs [Couldn't find any info, but the dates where around this time last year. Anybody got anything?]

RESULTS:

None on my list, but feel free to add.

Congrats, Susan! No love for me, despite the waiting :) Best of luck in the next round.

Congrats James! That's one hell of a logline.

That makes a lot of sense. Thanks Greg.

Congrats! That's great to hear.

Dang. That's freaking awesome. Hope it works out for you (knock on wood).

I keep my pseudonym off the internet because he (or she?) is meaner than I am.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_disinhibition_effect

Well, it's that time again. I procrastinated on all the August contests since they had later deadlines.

Here's what I've got for this month:

CONTESTS:

Sept 3 -- American Zoetrope ($50)

Sept 30 -- Thegreenlight.com ($50)



RESULTS:

Sept 1 -- Fadeinonline [I got an e-mail saying judging is still a go and the 1st is supposed to be the next cut]

Sept 1 -- Exposurama [There is a "please be patient" notification on the website, so...who knows]

Sept 15 -- Eerie Horror Fest [I entered this one during a contest binge...]



Anything to add?

I can't believe I forgot Austin! I'm in there too.

Thanks, and best of luck to you too!

Janet, you just got a dose of your own medicine. I too was kidding. I don't have a pseudonym; I was trying to infer that if I did it would be akin to a split personality.

Also, Robert, don't be sad. I for one appreciate you. And no, my female pseudonym is not hitting on you.

Congrats Robert and Susan and to all us MBers!

Haha! I did forget. Thanks for the happy news reminder and best of luck to us all.

I'm in the same boat of those that were planning on going if they didn't get axed. Oh well, next year.

Congrats to those that advanced, and to those going: have fun! Austin is a great town.

Congrats, youse guys.

I'm gonna channel my jealousy into writing a new kick-ass script so I can join you all next time.

There are those who were upset/disappointed on principle. Even some who didn't enter the competition this year.

Water under the bridge.

Congrats Robert! You deserve it.

Add my congrats as well!

Congrats Irin, that's awesome!

Cool review, Andrew. I guess if your biggest complaint is the opening titles, they must be doing something right.

The thing that stuck out most for me (SPOILERS) is the introduction of a famous figure, a la Al Capone. This was a valuable writing lesson for me.

It changes the game so much in both good and bad ways. Good in that you know "this is a guy to watch, he's gonna be big" but bad in the sense that you also know he's going to get out of any sticky situation, as he cannot die.

Bowm-chicka-bow-wow

I've heard interesting things about you.

Let me go grab a bag of popcorn in case this gets entertaining.

Uhh... That's a pretty offensive comment, James F. H.

I know a Steve Garcia...

Holy crap! Sounds like I missed out on an amazing conference.

I really need to put this on my calendar for next year. Glad you guys had such a great time.

Michael, I hope all is well with your family. I'd try calling the festival director directly.

Hmmm...

I don't think emailing them to colleagues counts as posting on the internet.

Wanna be colleagues? :)

I would argue there aren't ten worth entering. A risky point to argue on a message board geared specifically toward contests, but a stance I take nonetheless.

Contests can be great to hone your skills, but as far as actually affecting your career, there aren't many.

Matt Tolbert has a pretty good list in his "Primary" (with the exception of Sundance, which is mostly for films).

And if you want notes, just pay for notes. I used to think "Worse case I get feedback, best case I win!" But in reality, if your script needs notes then you shouldn't be submitting it in the first place.

Just my 2 cents...

Very happy for you, Irin!

Even if I can't stand Jersey Shore... ;)