Message Board

I think it all depends on how you want to handle the reveal. Will the audience know that B is Joe Smith before A does? Or will A know before the audience? Or will A and the audience find out at the same time?

Try reading some screeplays from movies that handle the reveal in a similar way.

I've watched every episode so far. The first 2 looked liked they were just thrown together. The two hour episode was pretty enjoyable but the results show dragged out like your typical American Idol results show.

Some are contestants are very good. How the guy who made Wacky Cab Alley made the cut, I'll never know.

I'm hooked and will watch it till it gets cancelled.

I'm so glad this question was posted. Since I am a new writer, I crave feedback. I submitted to ScriptSavvy and was very impressed with their detailed analysis. I also submitted to Barb Doyon based upon the high praise she has received here but found her feedback to be a little jumbled as some of her questions were actually answered in within just a few paragraphs. Maybe it had something to do with the genre as ScriptSavvy "got" my screenplay where Barb didn't.

I guess my best suggestion would be to submit to several contests that provide feedback and then compare notes. I would also strongly suggest that you submit it early so that they won't feel rushed to read it.

And now a word about re-writing...I usually address any "technical" feedback immediately but mull over the story related feedback for a while. My objective is to tell my story the best way possible. If you like your story, stick to your guns.

Hope that helped. :)

I think it's mostly up to each writer's style. I try to make sure that my descriptions are clear, concise, and complete sentences. I write just enough to convey the image I want without waxing poetic. My objective is to immerse the reader by letting them use their imagination to fill in some of the blanks so they can feel the story not just read it. Stephen King, I'm not.:)

Maybe I'm niave but "bury it" seems a little harsh for any story. I wouldn't be too concerned over one "opinion". There are several reasons why good screenplays don't get produced and probably even more for why bad screenplays do.

If you're at the final draft stage and no one seems interested in it, you may want to put it away for a while and start on something else. Continue to keep an eye out for similar screenplays that might be peeking some interest in the market and then try again.

You can withdraw and regroup but "Never give up; never surrender!" I'm such a geek.:)

I would be surprised to see a pitch festival allow for more than one person to pitch one idea. I can see that as being potentially hazardous for the festival.

If you have 3 people that can pitch your spec (and they allow non-authors to pitch), pick the one who can pitch the best.

I've never gotten to the storyboard stage myself but I would imagine that each storyboard scene should coincide with the beat of your screenplay. If the artist can create the images you need in digital format, you can put them together in a PowerPoint slideshow. Also, something else to consider....there are companies out there that will turn your screenplay into a graphic novel.

BEGIN PREFACE

This really isn't new information but a cursory glance and search did not reveal a previous thread.

END PREFACE

It appears that all three Guilds: WGA, SAG, DGA (to some extent) are set to negotiate a new contract in October 2007 (WGA) and early next year (SGA, DGA). It appears as if the WGA and SGA want to present a united front and that the issues to be addressed are related to "fair” compensation for Web and non-traditional media; expanded coverage over reality and animation; and greater DVD and videocassette residuals.

It is also reported that ProdCos are attempting to strike-proof themselves by snapping up spec scripts.

Great! Hopefully July will be a good month:)

Heather, There is an extreme mistrust between Christians and Hollywood when making religious comedies. I'm always concerned about how irreverant or disrespectful they will turn out but I end up watching them. Some I like, some I don't.

The issue I have with the "anal retentive" crowd (be they Christian or not) is that they have a tendancy to judge before knowing anything about it.

OK....How's this for overzealous. I just completed my first script in April and have entered in 11 contests.

Thanks so much! I have three different stories in mind for my next screenplay but everytime I think about starting one, I keep coming back to this one. I can't seem to get away from it. Anyone else every experience this?

Wow! Thanks! I'm a first-time writer and I think I bought into 80% of the myths.

Great Post!

Congrats to All!

With 10 categories, PAGE does an excellent job of comparing apples to apples. This is one contest I will continue to enter in the future. My first ever screenplay "Crystal Death" made the cut in the Horror/Thriller category.

Good Luck to all!

Bob, Scriptapalooza announcements as follows: QuartFinalists - End of July Semi-Finalists - August 07, 2007 Finalists - August 10, 2007 Winners - August 15, 2007

Good luck to all!

Bob,

Scriptapalooza announcements as follows:

QuarterFinalists - End of July

Semi-Finalists - August 07, 2007

Finalists - August 10, 2007

Winners - August 15, 2007

Good luck to all!

Got my response today. Out of 5,050 screenplays, 254 were selected as QuarterFinalists. Sadly, my screenplay was not one of them.

I have made several rewrites since entering so, in retrospect, it probably wasn't ready. I look forward to submitting my final version in next year's contest though.

To those that made the cut, I wish you all continued success!

Simon, You're not alone. I also missed the boat with this one and failed to make the semi's with PAGE. I'm not disheartened though. With Nicholl, only 254 out of 5,050 made the Quarters...THAT IS STIFF COMPETITION.

Scriptapalooza announces its Quarters tomorrow so I'm hoping I can at least make that list. I revised and polished my screenplay considerably since I submitted to Nicholl, Page, and Scriptapalooza. It is much better now then it was then so I don't think it will get much higher than Quarters.

At this point, I'm more interested in seeing how my latest revision places in the contests it has been entered in.

Good Luck to all who've made the cut. For those who didn't, take a deep breath and keep on writing.

A coworker of mine talked to an old college roommate who is a produced screenwriter that has several screenplays that he is currently pitching. He said that he'd be happy to read my screenplay but that I would need to sign a release form.

This sounds like common practice to me but my wife was a little concerned.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Great info all! Thanks!

My work is registered with the WGA but not copyrighted. The person requesting me to sign a release form is actually a screenwriter (a friend of a friend) and will provide me with feedback (not a ProdCo - if that matters)

Jean, Looks like we made Finalist! Congrats! I didn't recognize the other names. Anybody else place?

Jean, I couldn't agree more. It was quite a refreshing change to read notes from a contest that actually "got" my screenplay.

I'd like to add ScriptSavvy to that list. A wonderfully run contest. I received 3 pages of detailed notes from 2 readers that broke down my screenplay into 6 different categories. In addition to the notes, each category was scored on a point system from 1-10 and feeback is returned after the read instead of at the end of the contest. All this for a $45 entry fee!

I entered as well and got nothing. Not surprised though. I wasn't ready for it. I'm a new writer and this was the second draft of my first screenplay.

Since it is an International contest where they only select the top 20 screenplays out of over 5,000, I shouldn't have entered it....maybe after I retire and devote myself to writing fulltime.

I entered an early verion of my screenplay and got a 54 but what was most helpful was the feedback. I can't say enough possitive things about ScriptSavvy. Good luck to everyone who entered!

mine had a chihuahua in it. :p

Good Lord! I think we've discovered the "secret" to screenwriting! Quick, somebody get me the Patent Office!

:)

Second Round Qualifiers announced. http://www.filmmakers.com/contests/2007/win/index.htm

Congrats to all who made the cut!

Randy, I agree. Although $25,000 sounds good as far as competitions go, most if not all competitions let you retain the rights to your own screenplay.

The first two announcements were the qualification rounds. Real judging (or placement judging) begings with the QuarterFinals (which will be announced on 09/25).

352 out of over 1300 have passed through the qualification stages to be considered a Quarter Finalists or better. So only about 25% of the initial field will be considered for Quarter Finalist placement or better.

Best of luck to everyone!

no worries. Every contest seems to have their own criteria for determining QuarterFinalists. You would think that top 25% would be the standard but that's not always the case. And some contests even modify their own criteria from year to year.

I guess it all depends on how many screenplays are usually entered and what the prize is. Nicholl's is probably the most prestigious getting over 5,000 scripts a year and giving out over $150,000 in scholarships. QF's are 5% but that usually represents 250 or so screenplays.

Page International is also a fairly popular contest that distinguishes by genre. They get around 3,400 or and QF's represent 25% or 850 screenplays.

Some contests don't even announce QF's or SFs only Finalists and Winners.

For me personally, nothing is more frustrating than submitting my hard work to a contest that draws over 3500 screenplays but only anounces the top 20, top 10, and Winner.

"To each his own" and "live and learn" I guess.

I have received some interest from a ProdCo that wants to read my screenplay. As common practice would dictate, they have sent me a release form for me to sign. Overall I believe it to be standard fare but there is one item that I might have an issue with. "6. I hereby represent and warrant that: (a) the Material was created and is owned free and clear of all other interests; (b) I have full right to submit the Material to you and to comply with the Agreement; and (c) the description of the Material included in this form is complete. I will fully reimburse you if you incur any losses, damages or expenses (including, without limitation, lawyers' fees and expenses) because any or all of these statements I made in this paragraph are not true, or because any person, firm or corporation claims that any or all of those statements are not true, or as a result of your having or using the Material."

The part I am most concerned with is the "I will fully reimburse...". Is this normally included in such release forms?

Thanks, Marty

INT. TAXI - DAY This where you put the initial conversation with the taxi driver...maybe even show reactions by the occupants as the taxi lurches forward.

EXT. NYC STREETS - DAY This is where I would put the entire the entire trip to the airport. If you want reactions from the occupants you can use them as VOs or do quick cuts to INT. TAXI for expressions and then back to EXT. NYC STREETS. I wouldn't think that describing every turn in detail would be needed. If the tax heads onto a Highway or Expressway, I might add another slugline for that.

EXT. JFK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - DAY This where I would show the cab screeching to a hault.

Looks like they won't be making their announcements until 10/15.

Here's a little snippet on the topic from InkTip's newsletter:

>>Many of you are concerned about the WGA strike and what to do with your scripts during this time.

Our suggestion for non-WGA writers: never stop marketing your work or yourself, ever. Remember, the writers who get hired and the scripts that get sold AFTER the strike are going to be the writers who were discovered and the scripts that were read DURING the strike (non-WG writers).

And WG writers can use this as a great opportunity to seek representation, as the WG signatory agents are not considered 'struck companies.'

So don't stop promoting yourself during the strike to non-struck companies if you are not a WG member, and if you are, then only to representatives. >>

Marty

Here is an MSNBC article that could provide a little perspective....http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20163110/

Not all Chinese people eat dogs. Not all animal farms house animals exclusively for the purpose furring or eating.

Not all US Kennels house dogs for the purpose of killing them and not all Americans train their dogs to kill each other for sport.

Broad assertions against a people such as "Chinese are immoral", "Jews are greedy", "American soldiers are baby killers", "Humans are responsible for killing the planet" are wholy inaccurate. Such statements serve more to propogandize an agenda by villifying the "enemy" than seek actual resolution.

Peace

I have to agree. There was something missing. I normally enjoy the actors that played Glitch, Tin Man, and DG in other stuff. it just seemed a little off to me. The actor that played the older sister stold the show IMO. I never really felt invested in the characters and any reference to heart, brain, or courage was either over dramatic or apathetic. They had some really interesting ideas to work with but they didn't really pan out for me. Could be a combination of the writer and the director. In short, I prefer the original. I'd give it a 6/10 but my wife loved it.

I entered last year with an early, early draft. Figured I'd resubmit with the final draft and see how it does.

I'm in.

Has anyone had their script requested by a ProdCo through WinningScripts?

I had to bite the bullet last year and pay the deadline fee but I got it in early this year. IMHO, it's one of the better competitions out there and one I will continue to submit to.

Depends on the story. If the story has the Prince as a homosexual jarhead pursued by a giant homicidal bunny, he should do the job nicely. :)

I saw that on the Filmmakers last year...but only after I submitted....was tempted to submit this year but with so many other contests that don't employ this "technique", I decided against it.

Looks like they won't be announcing Finalists until July 10th.

http://www.scriptpimp.com/writing_competition/home10.cfm

Good Luck to all who entered.

Marty

Downloaded and played around with it a few weeks back. Not just a formatter but also has some interesting tools to manage the entire pre-production project: storyboards, note cards, scheduler, online collaboration and publishing. Haven't used it to write a script yet but its definitely worth a look.

http://www.celtx.com/overview.html

Wow! I had the WGA# on my cover for a year and a half.....but then again, I am a newbie and/or amateur:)

Thanks for askin' the question, Terri. I learned something new today.

There's something about this contest that just isn't sitting right with me. I entered through withoutabox and sent them an email requesting receipt. I have two versions of my script on withoutabox (one with a synopsis and one without) and asked which version they had downloaded from WAB. I got a very short response saying that my submission was complete but they never specified which version they had received (after several requests). Also, WAB does not show that they even downloaded a version. Second, I asked if they would be announcing Semi-Finalists this year like they did last year....I was told by the contest coordinator that they would be.

I'll be steering clear of this one in the future.

General Rules for Submission (according to their website):

I acknowledge my understanding that eligibility to compete in this contest is limited to individuals who do not fall within any one of the following:

1. Individuals who have received sole or shared producer credit as to any film, series, or episode that has been produced for presentation in theaters or by means of television, home video, or any similar medium;

2. Individuals who have received sole or shared writing credit as to any film, series, or episode that has been produced for presentation in theaters or by means of television, home video, or any similar medium;

3. Individuals who have received sole or shared directing credit as to any film, series, or episode that has been produced for presentation in theaters or by means of television, home video, or any similar medium;

4. Individuals who have sold or optioned, in consideration of the receipt of the sum of $15,000 or more, any film screenplay to any entity or individual.

Sorry for the formatting.

Geoffrey -

I was referring to the Semi-Finalists that they listed on their website for 2007. They had listed the winners, finalists, and semi-finalists last year. I asked if they would be listing the semi-finalists again this year.

http://www.scriptpimp.com//writing_competition/home7.cfm

I don't believe contacting them again will do any good as they haven't been very forthcoming or accurate with their responses so far. I figure its one of those 'live and learn' lessons.

Can't speak for everybody but the issue I have isn't with competing with pros. Its with the way the contest was administered. They appear to contradict their own submission guidelines and are not good at responding with accurate information to emails.

Proclaiming themselves as a "Pipeline into Motion Pictures" means they are targeting the aspiring writer. Charging for a contest and allowing semi-pros/pros to submit (eventhough it is against their submission rules) seems to be a direct contradiction to what they are marketing themselves as.

Also, I don't pay ProdCo's to read my script.

I'm sure at this point it may sound like I'm complaining....maybe it's the hour. I'm not really, I just wanted to share my experience with them.

Caveat emptor.

Crystal Death (Horror) made the cut for PAGE as well.

Congrats and good luck to all.

Ron - Looks like we're in the same category with PAGE. Also, Congrats on winning ScriptSavvy's December contest! Looks like your Horror/Drama Werewolves and my Action/Horror Zombies will be competing against each other in quiet a few contests this year. Best of Luck.

Marty

Ron - Ah....a monster challenge, eh? Well...I don't have an exact count as the zombies in Crystal_Death were the result of a Mexican Drug Lord infecting millions of meth addicts with an ancient virus.

It does raise an interesting question though. Would a werewolves be immune to a zombie bite? hmmmmmm....Next script, "Werewolf Zombies from Hell" :)

Sun - I like "Argument for the Defense" as a working title.

Here's my idea for a logline.

"When a prosecutor is jailed on suspicion of murder, he must convince his estranged ex to find evidence that will clear his name."

I would remove any negative elements from your opening paragraph. For example: "About a month ago, through VirtualPitchFest, you said that you are looking for a serious love story.

"What would you do if..."

Sun - To be brutally honest. I have yet to read your entire query letter. It is just too darn long. Make every effort to insure that you are not wasting a potential buyers time. I would remove the entire synopsis from your query letter entirely. As a compromise, if you still feel the need to include it then add it as a seperate enclosure. This will keep the query letter short and give the reader the option of reading your synopsis. Since he has asked you to inquire again with a serious love story, you can get away with adding it as an enclosure. Mention in the query letter that a short synopsis is enclosed.

Keeping your query letter short shows that you respect his time. By showing this respect and mentioning that he asked you to inquire with a serious love story, he will be more inclined to read the attached synopsis.

well, there it is....incontrovertible evidence, right there. I don't know WHAT I was thinking.

Donna is awesome! Congrats as well!

Keep in mind that the issue is not whether or not credited writers can enter contests. There are plenty out there that limit entries based on earnings received.

The issue is whether or not ScriptPimp did their due diligence to insure that they ran a fair and open competition which is marketed to aspiring writers who wish to gain access to industry pros through the contest's professed "Pipeline Into Motion Pictures." Seems like some finalists have already established their own pipeline by receiving credit.

I have nothing against the writers or their stories and think its great that they have written a story that ScriptPIMP enjoys as well. My issue has to do with the way the contest is administered. Certainly, there are way too many "trash can" contests out there already.

I submitted to ScriptPIMP because, historically, they have been a well-organized and professionally run contest. This year's contest leaves me wondering whether or not they've decided to change their focus. For me, I started having concerns about the contest well before the finalists were announced. The listing of finalists was the "straw" that confirmed my suspicions.

It will be several years before I even consider submitting to this contest again.

Now some positive news.....my screenplay made the Semis in PAGE!

Marty

Wow! Its great to see all these MB'ers on the list. Just getting a screenplay ready for entry can be a daunting task unto itself. Congrats to all who entered!

Marty

PJ- That is exactly my position.

Thanks Guys!

Gene, I didn't use their service either.

Gene, Didn't really cross my mind. Wasn't interested in the service at the time; just the contest.

From their site:

After a bit of a wait, the judges have made their decisions in the Short Screenplay competition!

Thank you to every one of you who entered to this category.

Your hard work was evident!

That said, I'm happy to announce our 2008 Short Screenplay Semi-Finalists!

"Dead Eyes" by Dennis M. Jones

"Fountain of Youth" by Sarah Cluderay

"Ghost Train" by Patrick Sweeney & Chad Underkoffler

"Kaptiv" by Mark Mavrothalasitis

"Love and Decadence" by Joseph Kamiya

"New Year's Eve" by Rick Tobin

"Under the Apple Tree" by Erik Van Schaaik

"The Urban Creepers" by Dream Elmore

"World of Wildlife" by Jeremy T. Nicholson

"You're All Going to Die" by Jason Arnopp

Congratulations to all of our semi-finalists!

Thank you again to all of you who entered this season - good luck with your future projects!

What's next? Another round of voting...

Three Finalists will be chosen from this list on September 22nd. Each one of those three finalists will be awarded with two All Acess Passes to the 2008 Eerie Horror Film Festival & Expo! One of these final three will win the Best Short Screenplay at our Awards Ceremony at the Festival. Though the winner doesn't have to be present to win, we do hope our three finalists can attend the Fest in October.

The Feature Length Screenplay semi-finalists will be announced tomorrow! Film selections on Wednesday.

All the best - =Rev. Greg=

Anyone used this service? Your thoughts?

Thanks, Marty

Awesome news, Greg! Congrats! You gotta logline you wanna share?

I am in desperate need of a structure guru. Although, my story has placed well in several contests, the resounding concensus is that it does not conform to the 3 act structure. I, and my usual suspects, are too familiar with the story to determine pacing pacing problems.

Would anyone care to volunteer to read my story and rip it to shreds?

Thanks, Marty

Thanks, Gene. Yes. It fits the basic structure. Inciting Incident=Protag's niece dies at the hand of a drug dealer. Plot Point 1 = Protag is committed to taking out Antagonist (Drug Lord) Midpoint = Accident during raid flips assault into survive and escape. Plot Point 2 = Last and closest member of team dies.

I guess what I need is "eyes on the script" if you are willing to do so.

Thanks, Marty

ScriptSavvy is now accepting revised scripts from their monthly contest winners to determine the $1000 winner.

Good Luck to all!

Ron? Have you sent in your latest version of Eclipse? Looks like round 2 of Zombies vs Werewolves :)

Marty

No doubt! They are awesome!

Announcements should have been made on 9/30. Sent an email but have not received a response. Anyone know what the status is?

CWA was supposed to announce results on 10/1. Got the following response from Heather Waters earlier today.

"We are wrapping things up as we speak and are set to release the quarterfinalists over the weekend. We'll send out a group email to folks to let them know, and also post it on the site."

ok.....just because I'm a geek with this sorta stuff, here is a breakdown by genre of CWA's QF's and HMs:

Genre QF HM QF% HM% Overall% Drama 15 9 30.00% 39.13% 32.88% Comedy 10 4 20.00% 17.39% 19.18% Action 4 1 8.00% 4.35% 6.85% Adv 4 1 8.00% 4.35% 6.85% Family 4 1 8.00% 4.35% 6.85% Sci-Fi 4 1 8.00% 4.35% 6.85% Thriller 3 2 6.00% 8.70% 6.85% Fantasy 2 1 4.00% 4.35% 4.11% Anim 1 1 2.00% 4.35% 2.74% Horror 1 1 2.00% 4.35% 2.74% War 1 1 2.00% 4.35% 2.74% Western 1 0 2.00% 0.00% 1.37%

I can never predict if there will be formatting issues but if you copy and paste into excel, it looks nice :)

oh well.....c&p into excel doesn't look pretty either. wish there was a better editor. :(

Awesome, Steve! Congrats! Keep us posted!

Marty

i have to admit I'm a little disappointed in how long it is taking to post results and respond to emails as I only entered this contest because a fellow MBer won last year's contest.

if you make the detective a guy that falls in love with her you could have a Chinatownish kinda thing going. i like it.

According to the their updated website, they will be making initial announcements this Friday, October 17th.

Jage, If you feel moved to write this story, please do not let ANYONE's opinion convince you otherwise.

There is an answer to the "Write what you know" mantra and that's called "Research".

As with any story, it can be done well or poorly depending on how much respect the writer gives it.

Clearly this story intrests you and I encourage you to write it. You might even learn something in the process.

And to all those women that want to write about football...Do it! Again, with any story, as long as you give it the respect it deserves and do the research, there is no reason why it wouldn't be an excellent story.

Good Heavens, Janet! If you really feel compelled to list all the different way to mutilate a man's private parts, please do it off-line. Better yet, write a story.

Janet, The post was originally intended to get feedback on a story idea. I understand that the topic is controversial and can stir up all sorts of emotions.

As a father of a victim, I know all to well the emotions that can be stirred up. Being that the majority of posters on this board conduct themselves with a degree of professionalism and dignity, I'm sure that no one had any intention of hurting anyone else's feelings.

Best, Marty

Janet, This is my last post on this message as I refuse to be further drawn into your childish headgames.

It was not my story idea and it appears that all you are interested in is highjacking this post for your own agenda.

We all have are own personal pains that we must deal with in order for are true selves to shine through though I'm beginning to question whether or not you've actually been a victim or if your just posing to create controversy.

Whichever it is, I hope you get past it.

Dorothy,

Do you have a link to the list or can you post it? I can't seem to find it.

Thanks,

Marty

Congrats,Ron! Looks like your werewolves bested my zombies on this one:)

Marty

I've noticed that myself. Everything from "rich and interesting" characters to "dull and forgetable". Good Luck!

Marty

What's the name of the planet?

I think it is best when trying to figure out a title for the fantasy/sci-fi genre that you use a title that can be quickly identified by your audience. Take a look at the Star Wars sagas. Though he dealt with several galactic terms his titles are quite earthly by using words like "Attack", "Revenge", "Strikes Back".

I have found that most people are not intrigued by titles they don't understand.

It seems that all the movies have a "Regenerator" theme.

For a working title I would suggest using something simple like Regenerator, Regenerator 2, Regenerator 3. Only after the first one is made can you tell what the audience identified with....This is why Lucas was able to use "Jedi", "Sith" in later titles.

Best of luck.

After _________ , the ________ must ________ to __________.

Anyone currently subscribed? What are your thoughts?

Good post. I too have had numerous issues with my submissions through WAB. Not sure if the fault lies with WAB or with the companies that use WAB ( I can't get a straight answer from either). As a result, I'm avoiding any competitions that rely on WAB exclusively for submissions.