Message Board

I don't like the tone of some of the posts here. We as writers shouldn't have to deal with ringers in contests, period! So I resent the cooler than thou attitude that says, who cares? You writers have too much time on your hands. Who the hell are you? All writers have too much time on their hands! All writers have active imaginations! And yes, sometimes we get carried away. But this is a righteous cause. So zip the attitude.

Yo, script Dude (just your name shows your level of maturity). There is a concept known as the "customer is always right." You should get what you pay for. You're of the generation that thinks "yo, if you can get away with it, do it. Life's not fair, dude." I wasn't angry. I was ticked off by the too cool attitude. And your email reinforced it, dude.

It never hurts to make sure you're getting what you paid for. Despite what the cynics say! I thought this was a place where screenwriters could support each other, lol....

Glover, How do you get from my email that I don't understand that it takes WORK, dedication and LUCK? Nothing I've written in my email would even begin to suggest that. Nobody needs a trite lecture on which contests to enter. If you're using this as a way to express some self-pity, fine. My point was and is, this is a forum to support writers, so let's support each other. If something seems strange, let's let each other know. We don't need hipsters telling us how hard it is and we need to know somebody. Everyone knows that. If you think Script Dude is "da man," that says enough right there.

I like the way they run this contest! I had some questions and they were generous, kind and prompt. I'll definitely be submitting again next year!

Thanks, Tom!

Heather, I entered this contest last year and didn't hear back from them. Nothing. And it was very expensive. I think the kind of films they want are very limited in scope. I sent a script with a Christian viewpoint but not of the kind of overly warm, "Fireproof style" of squishy cinema. My beef is that Christian films all have that same sun-filtered, warm and fuzzy look, the same content, the same trailers, the same kind of blah-ness and could be more appealing aesthetically and intellectually to attract a secular audience who need to hear the message. Christian films are primarily preaching to the choir. So my script took some chances. I didn't even know whether or not they received the script. I think I had to contact them to find out. Anyway, I wanted to enter a script this year which is a modern retelling of the Noah story. But uplifting, it isn't. It's more of a satire on the media and global warming. And something tells me satire would not sit well with the readers of this contest. But I'm glad you had a great experience.

Heather, The fee was higher last year, I believe. I could be wrong.

And satire is NOT snark. Snark connotes a negative viewpoint. Not sure why you'd use that word. Satire exaggerates man's foibles to make a point. I find the tale of Noah's ark uplifting but there is also the reality that much of humanity was drowned. Therefore it isn't all warm fuzzies. My impression is warm fuzzy is the way to go in this contest. Which limits artistic expression.

Nicholl Fellowship is definitely the creme da la creme.

Again, I'm being ascribed things I didn't say. I'm not writing for just a specific contest. It's just that there so few contests for Christian writers. And the parameters are very limiting. I guess you can't understand that point of view.

After being in a few of these contests, it seems that many do a second round with a large number of entrants so you won't feel completely ripped off, lol. This one cuts right to the chase! No time to hope and dream...

I'm not angry, lol. I just think satire is beneficial and viewed in the right light, ultimately uplifting. Love all around!

Ha ha, yes. Readers. They can get your blood boiling. I have to remind myself that they are often film students who get hired at low rates with looming deadlines.

I also submitted some screenplays to the Bluecat to get coverage because, while it's been hit or miss, I have received decent coverage from a few very intelligent, kind readers. And getting two is a nice contrast to see what's gelilng for both readers. I don't think I have a chance at winning because it seems like they have very eclectic ideas about what constitutes a winning entry. I have also been insulted for political stands I didn't even take! And I got an entire review in dude-speak. "I'm liking on this character but have you seen Empire Strikes back?" Stuff like that. (And the script wasn't sci-fi, lol)

I also submitted some screenplays to the Bluecat to get coverage because, while it's been hit or miss, I have received decent coverage from a few very intelligent, kind readers. And getting two is a nice contrast to see what's gelilng for both readers. I don't think I have a chance at winning because it seems like they have very eclectic ideas about what constitutes a winning entry. I have also been insulted for political stands I didn't even take! And I got an entire review in dude-speak. "I'm liking on this character but have you seen Empire Strikes back?" Stuff like that. (And the script wasn't sci-fi, lol)

Valerie, Just posted on the other thread about some bizarre reviews I receieved from Bluecat.

And the Kairos contest also mentions that they like "compelling" stories that increase our understanding of God. Which is what my script is. However, the overall "uplifting" thing has me thinking I'd better save my money.

They both pointed out what was working, so that was valuable. But they had different ways of correcting it, so that I had to figure out for myself.

They have readers. I don't think Gordy reads any scripts until the later rounds. Or if you win the friday drawing.

Did anyone receive their 2nd round letters? I was curious if you got a "p.s. Keep writing" note on yours as well?

I decided to resubmit my screenplay from last year. I was being too grumpy and even if I don't win, I'm contributing to a worthy contest. God bless!

Seems like the p.s. is pro forma...everyone gets one

Scriptdude, you are a genius! Will you be my friend and get me a writing job?

How come Moviebytes doesn't cover the Act One Screenwriting contest? It gives space to Kairos...

They've been really great. And I received notes that were spot on! I'd encourage everyone to check it out on the next go-around. I had entered Kairos and heard nothing back from them. Similar kind of contest, much less responsive.

And thanks on the congrats!

Congrats to everybody moving on.

I'd still like to see the ratio of those advancing who paid for their coverage process versus those who hadn't. Keep it honest.

I don't think so. And this is a great organization, Act One.

All good. You just have to wonder when a contest is structured that way.

Decorum, Timothy, decorum....