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So Far?

Printed From: NYC Midnight : Creative Writing & Screenwriting
Category: GENERAL DISCUSSION
Forum Name: Screenwriting Bar & Lounge
Forum Description: Discuss NYC Midnight Screenwriting Competitions or Screenwriting in general.
URL: https://forums.nycmidnight.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=54
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Topic: So Far?
Posted By: gmercer
Subject: So Far?
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2006 at 1:40pm
Just curious how the writing is coming along for everyone?
 
I think I have my idea and now I'm drenching myself with the conventions of the genre so I can sit down and break 'em.
 
Hope All is Going Well!
glenn



Replies:
Posted By: Requiem
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2006 at 1:45pm
I've crapped out 6 pages of utter drivel based on a loose outline. I was hoping the comedy would come naturally... I was wrong. I'll probably scrap the idea and start something else.

Other than that, it's going great Big smile


Posted By: BarbaraFL
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2006 at 1:47pm
Originally posted by gmercer gmercer wrote:

Just curious how the writing is coming along for everyone?
 
 
I just re-read my first five pages and realized that the story can't possibly work and I seem to be incapable of building suspense.
 
but hey, I'm enjoying the forums!
 
Ermm


Posted By: gmercer
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2006 at 1:50pm
Comedy's tough - it's an art in and of itself, not that any one genre is harder than another, but comedy would be hard for me as well. But I'd still rather have that than fantasy.
 
Good Luck,
glenn


Posted By: gmercer
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2006 at 1:54pm
Wanna trade, I'd love suspense. Did you go rent Wait Until Dark - Blockbuster should have it - I think Audrey Hepburn's in it - actually I know she is. One thing I've read about suspense and thriller is in a thriller if there's a bomb under a table that 2 characters are sitting at - the characters will know it's there - in a suspense only the audience knows. Hopefully that was helpful - and hopefully I don't get any crap for being helpful.
 
Good Luck
glenn


Posted By: Chris Messineo
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2006 at 2:12pm
I've got nothing so far.

Chris


Posted By: gmercer
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2006 at 2:14pm
Well put Chris, you're a funny guy - not like a clown though.
 
good luck
glenn


Posted By: gmercer
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2006 at 2:16pm
Actually I take that back when I first saw you're post there was huge space and then right at the bottom was your text, and then after I replied it was back to normal - so you're not as funny as I thought - lol
 
glenn


Posted By: wenonah
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2006 at 2:23pm
Page 8, relishing the fact that I know the story, know where it's going and I love it.  I've never written a thriller before, but like all genres it has it's own pace and 'rules' and it's all going very well and I'm sticking to it tightly. I should be done with the first draft tonight.

wenonah


Posted By: BarbaraFL
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2006 at 2:25pm
Originally posted by gmercer gmercer wrote:

One thing I've read about suspense and thriller is in a thriller if there's a bomb under a table that 2 characters are sitting at - the characters will know it's there - in a suspense only the audience knows. Hopefully that was helpful - and hopefully I don't get any crap for being helpful.
 
Good Luck
glenn
 
Hey, that's good, Glenn, thanks!
 
I am in mourning for mockumentary. Maybe I can write a very suspenseful mockumentary comedy rom com


Posted By: Requiem
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2006 at 2:42pm
Originally posted by gmercer gmercer wrote:

One thing I've read about suspense and thriller is in a thriller if there's a bomb under a table that 2 characters are sitting at - the characters will know it's there - in a suspense only the audience knows.


Last year I took this old Hitchcock adage and applied it literally.

My genre/subject was suspense/an old record.

I put a bomb in the record player, informed the audience, but not the characters.

My script won its heat, so I'd say this is solid advice.


Posted By: gmercer
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2006 at 3:12pm
I remember that script Requiem - that was top notch - I didn't even realize at the time that was what you were eluding to - how's this years script coming?


Posted By: ABEAR111
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2006 at 3:43pm
Originally posted by gmercer gmercer wrote:

Just curious how the writing is coming along for everyone?
 
I think I have my idea and now I'm drenching myself with the conventions of the genre so I can sit down and break 'em.
 
Hope All is Going Well!
glenn


Had three outlines yesterday, narrowed it to one this morning, finished page 18 at 1:00 this afternoon.  I like the general story, but it still needs a lot of work, and a touch more character development.
As usual, I'm full speed ahead and now need to go back and fill in the stuff I missed.


Posted By: Willie
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2006 at 3:44pm
I've come up with the general idea and how it goes, but I'm not writing until tomorrow.  Still working it all out in my head... I wish I had comedy or mockumentary, so I spent the first day cursing all the lucky bast**** who did end up with those categories.
 
Writing suspense is not my thing, so I had to do some technique research.  I think I've got it now... or do I?
 
At least I managed to spell suspense correctly this time around, so I guess I'm on the right road Wink.  Thank goodness for my wife and editorial skills.


Posted By: gmercer
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2006 at 3:49pm
I'm coming up with plenty of ideas for the feature I'm polishing but I only have the concept for this one. That's why I'm usually working on 2 or 3 scripts at a time - usually different genres - you never know which one the ideas will flow for!
 
I'm definitely going to start laying out this story tomorrow!
 
glenn


Posted By: BarbaraFL
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2006 at 4:59pm
Originally posted by Willie Willie wrote:

I wish I had comedy or mockumentary, so I spent the first day cursing all the lucky bast**** who did end up with those categories.
 
Writing suspense is not my thing, so I had to do some technique research.  I think I've got it now... or do I?
 
 
Heh, you and I are in the same heat AND in the same boat Smile
 
I just changed my entire story and I think I have something ok (a heat winner I can't imagine). Had wanted to have the first draft done by now because work will be crazy this week, but them's the breaks! Maybe late tomorrow night...or Tuesday...


Posted By: Willie
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2006 at 5:10pm
I'll have some time on Tuesday and Thursday.  We'll see what happens.  Make it interesting, if not original.  In suspense, I feel there are only interesting takes on unoriginal ideas.
 
Good luck to you.


Posted By: Peter Ramsey
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2006 at 7:10pm
Ten pages and counting. I hope to finish by wednesday and do any corrections or additions by the deadline. I am taking a break just to check in here and see who is responding. Best of luck to all!
PRStar


-------------
Never assume anything!


Posted By: gmercer
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2006 at 7:31pm
I can't believe so many of you are so far along on your scripts - I better pull something out of my...soon, don't worry I'll clean it up first, or I'll never be a contender.
 
Actually I'm not worried, my idea is strong and I just need to find the best plotting for my story and it should write itself, which is good cause I ain't gonna write the damn thing.
 
glenn


Posted By: BarbaraFL
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 1:39am
Originally posted by Willie Willie wrote:

I'll have some time on Tuesday and Thursday.  We'll see what happens.  Make it interesting, if not original.  In suspense, I feel there are only interesting takes on unoriginal ideas.
 
Good luck to you.
 
You too! I think this new one is ok...I like my original idea better but I'm not sure it fits the genre.  Maybe I'll write the original one after the contest.


Posted By: richke
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 4:01am
firts time on the forums, but i signed up for the comp...so hello
 
I thought id see how others are doing and im glad to see there are few out there who need to really think out thier stories and just dont write masterpieces off the top of their heads  :)
 
I got Thriller with the Photo Album.  I worked on it about 6 hours yesterday and got 7 pages or so....i think i have a good story going, but i dont know if ill be ablke to pull off the thiller aspect...I hope i do enough so it doesnt get disqualified.   I have Tuesday and Wednesday off and im hoping to be done by then to have my group of proofreaders check to see if its any good....


Posted By: Chris Messineo
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 4:38am
I'm impressed with how far along everyone is so far.
 
I wish it came to me faster, but unfortunately I tend to write better when I am in full panic mode and that won't happen until at least Wednesday.

Chris


Posted By: kirstenb
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 5:16am
I can't believe how far people are also......its still forming in my head....I'm stuck with comedy/hunting....the concept came to me pretty quickly - but now I'm just trying to figure out how to turn it into a story with a beginning a middle and an end. 
 
I work best under pressure too.  I think I might motivate tonight to try and get started though.  With my luck work will get out of control this week and I'll be in trouble.


-------------
Kirsten

http://forums.nycmidnight.com/28-romance-grocery-store-digital-camera_topic10737.html" rel="nofollow - 28_KROGER STORE #325 9/3/14/11:52 - Romance/Grocery Store/Video Camera


Posted By: keyeski38
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 5:22am
Finally.


Posted By: richke
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 5:29am
My idea didnt come easily...it started as one thing, formed to another , then to another and now im heading towards option 4....but im getting stuck here and there trying to do character development, good story, good ending and make it a thriller....hope it works out.  Worst that will happen i wont win... best thing(well besides taking the prize home) is im getting my mind and hands dirty by doing this...


Posted By: 2184pro
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 5:34am
So Far...I've completed a first draft of my assignment: Ghost Story-A Lost Trail.

It's 15 breezy pages. I'm trying not to think about it today. I'll attack it tonight with a critical eye.

The PDF function isn't working on my software, but I have an effective back-up plan.

And finally, today is my birthday. My boss brought a cake. I am loved.

-------------
Check out my other videos. http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=2184pro


Posted By: trike
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 5:40am
Originally posted by ABEAR111 ABEAR111 wrote:

Had three outlines yesterday, narrowed it to one this morning, finished page 18 at 1:00 this afternoon.  I like the general story, but it still needs a lot of work, and a touch more character development.
As usual, I'm full speed ahead and now need to go back and fill in the stuff I missed.


Holy canoli!  I just thought of an ending to mine early this morning.  (2 am -- ain't that always the way?)

I haven't even started writing it, yet, since I have to take the missus to the doctor's office and I don't want to get into that "writer who excludes the rest of the world" headspace and miss it.

Doug


Posted By: trike
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 5:44am
Originally posted by 2184pro 2184pro wrote:

So Far...I've completed a first draft of my assignment: Ghost Story-A Lost Trail.

It's 15 breezy pages. I'm trying not to think about it today. I'll attack it tonight with a critical eye.

The PDF function isn't working on my software, but I have an effective back-up plan.

And finally, today is my birthday. My boss brought a cake. I am loved.


Happy birthday! Big smile

First draft done already?  I hate you! LOL

Doug


Posted By: 2184pro
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 5:48am
Originally posted by trike trike wrote:


First draft done already?  I hate you! Doug

    
I was so excited by the progress I almost posted it on the forum. D'oh!!!

-------------
Check out my other videos. http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=2184pro


Posted By: trike
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 5:49am
LOL


Posted By: Willie
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 5:52am
I'm already on my 3rd draft... the only problem is, I have to now transfer it from my head to paper.
 
I don't really "have a way with words".
 
It's all images, and to wring the words from them is very tough... but I am happy with the storyline, at least.
 
Let's see what kind of mess I can make on paper.


Posted By: Choirman6
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 6:05am
It sounds like all of us comedy/hunting people are havng problems (including me). I wish I would have gotten something more serous like drama. Oh well! I have a rough outline in my head and that is about as far as I have gotten


Posted By: aurora68
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 6:28am
We have comedy/weightlifting.  Haven't started drafting yet, but once we settled on an idea we both liked, we spent Sat. afternoon and most of yesterday plotting the story and develop the characters a bit.  We'll draft today and tomorrow, and hopefully be into polishing by Weds.  We'll see how it goes.  Last year we had our first draft done by Monday night -- I don't think that'll be happening this year.


Posted By: Hairy Lime
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 6:39am
So far my laptop died thanks to a virus acquired through a false myspace friend request ...
 
Spent yesterday shopping for a new one but didn't actually make a purchase. $2,000 is a lot to spend without doing proper research just for a $40 contest.
 
I do have a couple ideas perculating, but neither is grabbing me. Last year it took me 4 days to come up with my plot so I'm not worried.
 
Ask me Thursady. I might be worried then.


Posted By: richke
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 6:48am
 
Originally posted by Willie Willie wrote:

I'm already on my 3rd draft... the only problem is, I have to now transfer it from my head to paper.
 
I don't really "have a way with words".
 
It's all images, and to wring the words from them is very tough... but I am happy with the storyline, at least.
 
Let's see what kind of mess I can make on paper.
 
3rd draft and its still all in your head...wow.  My mind would lose all the data once i fell asleep.  :)
 
As for the laptop guy...that sucks, i always get bogus friend requests on myspace...usually hot porn stars...but i just delete them after i rub one off!!!ClapLOLWinkCry
 
I guess you learned you klesson.


Posted By: Hairy Lime
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 6:49am

I virtually always delete myspace friend requests unless I immediately know the person, but I've been getting a bunch of requests lately from folks on a messageboard I frequent so I followed the link thinking it was one of them.

Alas, it was not. Unless one of them hates me!


Posted By: spiffyvictory
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 8:28am
Horror - Gambling is what they gave me.
 
Lot's of ideas, three in particular that I'm keying in on.  I mean, I can write all three.

And that's the problem.  I have to choose one.
 
And that's always been my problem with things like this.


Posted By: richke
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 8:35am
Originally posted by spiffyvictory spiffyvictory wrote:

Horror - Gambling is what they gave me.
 
Lot's of ideas, three in particular that I'm keying in on.  I mean, I can write all three.

And that's the problem.  I have to choose one.
 
And that's always been my problem with things like this.
 
does anyone ever think that their ideas may not be original enough.  Like say this gambling/horror...what if like 50% deal with cards and death...i bet the judges get tired of reading...


Posted By: spiffyvictory
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 8:42am
Yeah, I was afraid of that also.
 
Two of my ideas are generally like that.
 
But one of them (which I think I'm going to focus on now) isn't like that at all, really.
 
That stated, if anyone with the same genre-topic combo writes about dogs playing poker with Death, post it whether it passes or not. 

Seriously, dogs playing poker with Death?

That's got Hollywood written all over it!


Posted By: Chris Messineo
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 9:31am
Originally posted by spiffyvictory spiffyvictory wrote:

Yeah, I was afraid of that also.
 
Two of my ideas are generally like that.
 
But one of them (which I think I'm going to focus on now) isn't like that at all, really.
 
That stated, if anyone with the same genre-topic combo writes about dogs playing poker with Death, post it whether it passes or not. 

Seriously, dogs playing poker with Death?

That's got Hollywood written all over it!
I got my money on the dogs.  Dogs are sneaky like that.

Chris


Posted By: pamelajo
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 11:04am
10 pages submitted this morning. One thing I've learned in screenwriting since last year is that less is more. I think I wrote 19 pages last year. I was 2nd runner up in the Fairy tale heat. I don't know if it was exactly smart to submit so early, but what the heck, I'm impulsive. Good luck to everyone and happy writing!


Posted By: richke
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 11:08am
Originally posted by pamelajo pamelajo wrote:

10 pages submitted this morning. One thing I've learned in screenwriting since last year is that less is more. I think I wrote 19 pages last year. I was 2nd runner up in the Fairy tale heat. I don't know if it was exactly smart to submit so early, but what the heck, I'm impulsive. Good luck to everyone and happy writing!
 
i'm hoping less isnt more if i have a good story...good question...what are the lengths some people submitted last year


Posted By: Requiem
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 11:19am
My two scripts last year were 13 and 11 pages if I remember correctly.

I've written 12 already for this one. I think my concept is too big for 20 pages. I might scrap it and start something new. There's always a danger that you'll condense your ending and make the whole thing seem rushed. Well, more rushed... Smile


Posted By: trike
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 11:25am
Originally posted by Requiem Requiem wrote:

My two scripts last year were 13 and 11 pages if I remember correctly.

I've written 12 already for this one. I think my concept is too big for 20 pages. I might scrap it and start something new. There's always a danger that you'll condense your ending and make the whole thing seem rushed. Well, more rushed... Smile


Act 3:  And then a miracle happened.  The End.

I've done that. Confused

Doug


Posted By: Chris Messineo
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 11:34am
I have written a lot of short films in the 5 to 10 page length, but I worry that if I submit something so short here, it won't be taken as seriously.
 
Actually I worry about a lot of things.  I'm a worrier.

Chris


Posted By: richke
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 11:40am
Ive written a couple here and there and i had one that was around 9 pages that the people loved, but said the ending was to quick...wish i had written 15 pages in stead.
 
Right now im at 7 and i still ahve alot to go...maybe im making it to in depth...i guess ill find out when i get there.
 
And chris dont worry...just have yourself a good cry in a lonely corner.  amazing the amount of relief that provides.  But take so tissue...can get alittle messy when your soul startspouring out  Cry   LOL
 
 


Posted By: wenonah
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 11:45am
Agreed, souls are very messy.

I wrote the longest short I've ever written - and I've written a lot of them. It's 16 pages - I very rarely go over 10 but it went really fast and I think it worked out well without dragging.

who knows though.




Posted By: richke
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 11:48am
Originally posted by wenonah wenonah wrote:

Agreed, souls are very messy.

I wrote the longest short I've ever written - and I've written a lot of them. It's 16 pages - I very rarely go over 10 but it went really fast and I think it worked out well without dragging.

who knows though.


 
geesh normally ten...maybe my spacing is wrong when i do dialog or im doing it wrong....another question...what if my screen writing format isnt exact...like the margins for action, dialog, expressions....
 
Anyone who did fairly well last year willing to show me their subbission from then?  I only really want it for the actual layout...i read book and i thought i did it right, but im just curious to see how others do it...


Posted By: aurora68
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 11:54am
Originally posted by richke richke wrote:

i'm hoping less isnt more if i have a good story...good question...what are the lengths some people submitted last year
 
Ours last year was 18 pages.  We got fourth runner-up in our heat.  Based on our outline we're probably looking at about 15 pages this year, although it may end up shorter.


Posted By: 2184pro
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 11:57am
Last year my story was 19 pages. A peer suggested that my narrative sections were too long. Maybe so. I didn't advance.

Here's something I picked up from a book: Enter the scene at the last possible moment.

When you review what you've written that can be a gem of advise.

-------------
Check out my other videos. http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=2184pro


Posted By: pinkpanther
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 12:30pm
I'm going to go for 19 or 20. Brainstorming nearly done, will try to start the writing tonight.

-------------
http://www.awesomeburger.com - http://www.awesomeburger.com


Posted By: Willie
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 12:36pm
Originally posted by 2184pro 2184pro wrote:

Here's something I picked up from a book: Enter the scene at the last possible moment.

When you review what you've written that can be a gem of advise.
 
 
I agree with that statement.  I read that during the last year as well. 
 
What I do find a bit distressing is all of the "golden advice" by Joe Schmo - who, by the way has no screenwriting credits, that keeps popping up all over the place.
 
For me it's always about the interesting story.  I'm so tired of everyone's DOs and DONTs, because they are so arbitrary and mostly contradictory.
 
Well, I could go on as my wife could attest, but I must finish that first scene.
 
INT.  BILL'S DINNING ROOM - NOW.
 
BILL is pounding on his keyboard, checking out all of the NYC Midnight forums.  He decides to reply, avoiding finishing that first scene.
 
                                                  MICHELLE (V.O.)
                                Take out the garbage!
                                                   
                                                        BILL
                                               (sighing)
                                Can't you see I'm trying to creat genius?
 
                                                  MICHELLE (V.O.)
                                Create has an E at the end of it... genius.


Posted By: ABEAR111
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 12:36pm
Originally posted by richke richke wrote:

Originally posted by wenonah wenonah wrote:

Agreed, souls are very messy.

I wrote the longest short I've ever written - and I've written a lot of them. It's 16 pages - I very rarely go over 10 but it went really fast and I think it worked out well without dragging.

who knows though.


 
geesh normally ten...maybe my spacing is wrong when i do dialog or im doing it wrong....another question...what if my screen writing format isnt exact...like the margins for action, dialog, expressions....
 
Anyone who did fairly well last year willing to show me their subbission from then?  I only really want it for the actual layout...i read book and i thought i did it right, but im just curious to see how others do it...
 
Look at the early posts, there is a topic entitled:  "Last Year's Scripts" where serveral people have been kind enough to link to their entries from last year.


Posted By: ABEAR111
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 5:50pm
Originally posted by pamelajo pamelajo wrote:

10 pages submitted this morning. One thing I've learned in screenwriting since last year is that less is more. I think I wrote 19 pages last year. I was 2nd runner up in the Fairy tale heat. I don't know if it was exactly smart to submit so early, but what the heck, I'm impulsive. Good luck to everyone and happy writing!


I hope you are wrong about the "less is more" because I am always up against the page limit.  I doubt 20 pages is "too long", unless it is not interesting, then one page would be too long....
Wow, can't believe you submitted already.  I always wake up a few days after writing something and see how I can do it better. 


Posted By: Hairy Lime
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 5:52pm
Last year I wrote 15 pages for the 1st round, 20 for the second. Sometimes less is more (since my final round script didn't win).

I think I finally found a germ to my story and one of our own was kind enough to lend me a laptop for the week so I don't have to rush out and make a $2,000 impulse buy.


Posted By: pamelajo
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 6:04pm
    Less is more is just what I learned for me, and it doesn't necessarily work for other people. I'm the kind of person if I sit around and rewrite too much, I tend to just mess it up. I've learned to trust my instincts. Yes, I'm a newbie, but I've done fairly well in some contests. At the Expo last year, I had the highest score in the first round of the writing competition and I think I was the third person to turn in their work.
I learned another thing during the expo...confidence kills my creativity! I was booted in round two.


Posted By: sck5000
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 6:47pm
Originally posted by pamelajo pamelajo wrote:

    Less is more is just what I learned for me, and it doesn't necessarily work for other people. I'm the kind of person if I sit around and rewrite too much, I tend to just mess it up. I've learned to trust my instincts. Yes, I'm a newbie, but I've done fairly well in some contests. At the Expo last year, I had the highest score in the first round of the writing competition and I think I was the third person to turn in their work.
I learned another thing during the expo...confidence kills my creativity! I was booted in round two.
 
What's the Expo?
 
 


Posted By: jadeph
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2006 at 11:34pm
Phew! I just finished and now for the polish.


Posted By: pamelajo
Date Posted: 25 Jul 2006 at 3:43am
    The Screenwriting Expo in LA. It's put on by Creative Screenwriting Magazine. They have a ton of classes, speakers, a pitch session and the writing competition. Last year for speakers they had John August, Joss Whedon, Susannah Grant, William Goldman, and several others.


Posted By: Willie
Date Posted: 25 Jul 2006 at 4:34am
Goldman is one of my favorites - and The Princess Bride is a brilliant screenplay.


Posted By: Willie
Date Posted: 25 Jul 2006 at 4:54am
Okay - so, how far...
 
FADE IN:
 
That was tough, coffee break....


Posted By: ABEAR111
Date Posted: 25 Jul 2006 at 5:04am
Originally posted by Willie Willie wrote:

Okay - so, how far...
 
FADE IN:
 
That was tough, coffee break....
 
Ha ha, hope you got comedy


Posted By: ABEAR111
Date Posted: 25 Jul 2006 at 5:06am
Originally posted by pamelajo pamelajo wrote:

    Less is more is just what I learned for me, and it doesn't necessarily work for other people. I'm the kind of person if I sit around and rewrite too much, I tend to just mess it up. I've learned to trust my instincts. Yes, I'm a newbie, but I've done fairly well in some contests. At the Expo last year, I had the highest score in the first round of the writing competition and I think I was the third person to turn in their work.
I learned another thing during the expo...confidence kills my creativity! I was booted in round two.
 
You obviously know what you are doing.  I usually write a quick first draft then use subsequent drafts to add in layers and color.  It is interesting seeing how different people have completely different methods at reaching the same end.
Good luck!


Posted By: sck5000
Date Posted: 25 Jul 2006 at 1:12pm
Originally posted by pamelajo pamelajo wrote:

    The Screenwriting Expo in LA. It's put on by Creative Screenwriting Magazine. They have a ton of classes, speakers, a pitch session and the writing competition. Last year for speakers they had John August, Joss Whedon, Susannah Grant, William Goldman, and several others.
 
Ah - that. Speaking of which, is anyone here in Creative Screenwriting's current AAA contest?
 
 


Posted By: 2184pro
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 4:34am
Well, my script is finished. I looked it over last night and managed to cut an entire page. I cleared up some points as well.

Peer review tonight (my wife will read it) and I'll be submitting it tomorrow.

That leaves only one problem...creating a Title and a Logline...

-------------
Check out my other videos. http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=2184pro


Posted By: Willie
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 4:45am

Congrats to you... I have my logline and title already done, and I am 1/3 of the way into the script.



Posted By: Hairy Lime
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 6:56am
Wrote 5 pages last night. They're abysmal.
 
Note to self: drink scotch after you write.


Posted By: richke
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 6:58am

LOLi just finished my first draft..that ive reread 5 times...now ive sent it to my proofreaders..none in the business, just like to see if the story is entertaining.

 

As for the narrative, i feel more descriptive is better..but im no pro.  The first script i wrote was vague and more targeted towrds the dialog and i got sdestroyed by someone i had reviewing it.  As i began to write more i started being more descriptive with the narrative so they audience could completely visualize what i wanted them to see...will this kill me, i dont know.  I have great visuals and great dialog...but if this is a contest about a script writing format..then ill probably be screwed.

Here is an example of how i do my layout

Rich type excessivley to get his point acrossed.
 
      Rich                               (confused)
                                 "What do I do now, is this way right?"
 
      Board Member     "Of course, you're the greatest writer ever!"
 
      Rich                               (bashful)
                                  "Oh stop, you're making me blush."
 
He walks over and strokes the judges off.
 
 
This should be ok right. 


Posted By: 2184pro
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 6:59am
Originally posted by Hairy Lime Hairy Lime wrote:

Wrote 5 pages last night. They're abysmal.
 

Note to self: drink scotch after you write.

    
Turn videocamera on self. Drink Scotch. Talk out loud as you write.

Now we're getting somewhere.

-------------
Check out my other videos. http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=2184pro


Posted By: gmercer
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 7:52am
Originally posted by richke richke wrote:

LOLi just finished my first draft..that ive reread 5 times...now ive sent it to my proofreaders..none in the business, just like to see if the story is entertaining.

 

As for the narrative, i feel more descriptive is better..but im no pro.  The first script i wrote was vague and more targeted towrds the dialog and i got sdestroyed by someone i had reviewing it.  As i began to write more i started being more descriptive with the narrative so they audience could completely visualize what i wanted them to see...will this kill me, i dont know.  I have great visuals and great dialog...but if this is a contest about a script writing format..then ill probably be screwed.

Here is an example of how i do my layout

Rich type excessivley to get his point acrossed.
 
      Rich                               (confused)
                                 "What do I do now, is this way right?"
 
      Board Member     "Of course, you're the greatest writer ever!"
 
      Rich                               (bashful)
                                  "Oh stop, you're making me blush."
 
He walks over and strokes the judges off.
 
 
This should be ok right. 
 
richke,
 
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but the character name is supposed to be centered on the line above the dialogue. Maybe you've done that and it's just the way it appears on this post that's all jumbled but if it isn't you're gonna want to fix it, and I read in one of your other posts that you were just 3 lines short of 20 pages so if this is how you have it layed out I'm afraid you have some cutting to do as well.
 
glenn


Posted By: gmercer
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 7:58am
richke,
 
there's a free web based screenwriting program/formatter called http://www.scriptbuddy.com - http://www.scriptbuddy.com  - because in all contests the first thing that is graded is the formatting of the screenplay - this site can be upgraded to a the pro version for $5 a month then you can turn your scripts into .PDF's
 
glenn


Posted By: BarbaraFL
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 8:35am
Richke,
 
Download scriptbuddy and look at this:
 
http://www.oscars.org/nicholl/format.html - http://www.oscars.org/nicholl/format.html
 
Formatting is crucial like Glenn said, good luck!


Posted By: BarbaraFL
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 8:37am
Originally posted by Hairy Lime Hairy Lime wrote:

Wrote 5 pages last night. They're abysmal.
 
 
Me too and I didn't have scotch.
 
I did, however, go to another bad chinese restaurant today at which I thought of a decent twist to the ever changing story.


Posted By: gmercer
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 9:02am
I'm working on 2 scripts and I could care less about either one of them - but thtat's not my job for this contest - it's about writing the damn thing because that''s what I'm assigned to do - I just don't understand the odds of getting the 2 worst genres both years I enter this contest - well maybe not the worst but their are a whole lot better.
 
I hope Others are Having Better Luck or Skill.
glenn


Posted By: gmercer
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 9:05am
Good lord I just read my post - hopefully I don't send in my submission wth that many mistakes.
 
glenn


Posted By: Choirman6
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 10:07am
I have a formatting question. Exactly how are you supposed to format an intercut between? where do you put the intercut?


Posted By: gmercer
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 10:29am
Originally posted by Choirman6 Choirman6 wrote:

I have a formatting question. Exactly how are you supposed to format an intercut between? where do you put the intercut?
 
CHoirman6
 
Usually an intercut is put on the right side where the transition goes or the fade out would go.
 
For instance:
 
                                                 CHOIRMAN6
                             Where would an intercut go in a screenplay?
 
                                                                                                  intercut to:
INT. GMERCER'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
           
                                                  GMERCER
                              But it also is acceptable to use as a subheading.
 
intercut to:
 
The first is more traditional formatting but the second isn't wrong either.
 
hope this helps,
glenn
       


Posted By: gmercer
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 10:40am

Choirman6,

One last thing - it actually isn't necessary to have intercut as long as you're going back and forth to the same slug lines. Some people feel as a writer you should limit the amount of transitions in a screenplay because it's not your job to direct the film and transitions are a directorial, visual tool. With that said you should write in the style that you feel will tell your story the best it can be told.
 
glenn


Posted By: wenonah
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 10:41am
I've been writing screenplays for five years and have never used intercut in any of my scripts. Maybe I'm just lucky ;-)

glenn has good advice.




Posted By: gmercer
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 10:52am

Thanks wenonah,

The funny thing is you can suggest transitions without outright using them. If you're telling a visual story, the writer does have the oppurtunity to tell it...visually, without looking like your stepping on anybody's toes.

If Only I Could Write a Short I'm Pleased With,
glenn


Posted By: Rory MacLeod
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 11:19am
I'm 16 pages in, and at the end of Act Two.  The hardest part was coming up with a plot for "Mystery/Plagiarism".  Once I had the plot down, I wrote a two page outline, and off I went.
 
The main concern I have is fitting it all in.  I'm worried that I might go over 20 pages.  I have all day Friday and Saturday (off work) to do the rewrite.
 
All in all, I guess I'm in fairly good shape.


Posted By: Choirman6
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 12:01pm

Thanks for the intercut help!

The thing is that I have two people reading the same thing outloud, but i want it to switch back anf forth between them without5 having to write the sluglines over and over again.


Posted By: trike
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 12:05pm
I just finished the beginning and ending scenes of mine, and I'm at 12 pages.

I'm kind've thinking that 8 pages isn't going to be enough to fit in all the exposition I have planned, as well as another action scene.

Time to start channelling those Reader's Digest Condensed Books editors and take out every third word.

Doug


Posted By: gmercer
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 12:20pm
Originally posted by Choirman6 Choirman6 wrote:

Thanks for the intercut help!

The thing is that I have two people reading the same thing outloud, but i want it to switch back anf forth between them without5 having to write the sluglines over and over again.
 
Are they in different settings or time - if they are then you kinda have to - the use of an intercut doesn't negate the need to change your slugline.
 
don't mean to be preachy just offering my knowledge
glenn


Posted By: gmercer
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 12:21pm
The bit of knowledge I do have anyway.


Posted By: Requiem
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 12:29pm
You can INTERCUT between two people in different locations as long as you establish the locations first. For example:

INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY

John slumps on the sofa, scratches his balls. The phone rings. He leans over and snatches it up.
   
JOHN
Yup?

INT. CAR  - DAY

Ted speeds along the freeway, shouting into his hands free kit.

TED
John, you lazy sonofabitch, where the hell were you this morning?!

INTERCUT: LIVING ROOM/CAR

John looks down at the crusty tissues strewn across the floor. A copy of Midget Gang Bang 12 on top of his DVD player.

JOHN
Uh....

Ted shifts gears, changes lanes.

TED
Jesus, John, please don't tell me it was the midgets again...


Posted By: gmercer
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 1:04pm
I never knew that - in your example you have their phone conversation as their connection - which in essence puts them in the same scene and time -- but if two unrelated characters are reading the same thing but do not have any connection is that, does that still work?  
 
glenn


Posted By: Requiem
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 1:16pm
I don't see why not. As long as there is a dramatic reason for cutting between the two.

I rarely use INTERCUT myself but I've seen it done in plenty of specs I've read. It makes for a cleaner read without all the sluglines.







Posted By: gmercer
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 1:19pm
Good point, I've always just used sluglines - assuming a reader of screenplays can read sluglines quickly without them being interruptive.
 
glenn


Posted By: Willie
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 1:31pm
Originally posted by Rory MacLeod Rory MacLeod wrote:

I'm 16 pages in, and at the end of Act Two.  The hardest part was coming up with a plot for "Mystery/Plagiarism".  Once I had the plot down, I wrote a two page outline, and off I went.
 
The main concern I have is fitting it all in.  I'm worried that I might go over 20 pages.  I have all day Friday and Saturday (off work) to do the rewrite.
 
All in all, I guess I'm in fairly good shape.
 
I just had a brainstorm... why doesn't everyone in "Mystery/Plagiarism" hand in the same script?
 
 


Posted By: AndyHeck
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 5:26pm
[/QUOTE]
 
I just had a brainstorm... why doesn't everyone in "Mystery/Plagiarism" hand in the same script?
 
 
[/QUOTE]
 
That is awesome!!! 


Posted By: ABEAR111
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2006 at 8:58pm
Originally posted by Requiem Requiem wrote:



John looks down at the crusty tissues strewn across the floor. A copy of Midget Gang Bang 12 on top of his DVD player.


I believe they prefer to be called "little people"


Posted By: richke
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2006 at 4:11am
Originally posted by gmercer gmercer wrote:

richke,
 
there's a free web based screenwriting program/formatter called http://www.scriptbuddy.com - http://www.scriptbuddy.com  - because in all contests the first thing that is graded is the formatting of the screenplay - this site can be upgraded to a the pro version for $5 a month then you can turn your scripts into .PDF's
 
glenn
 
sh*t!!!!!!  I have a copy of final draft i just picked up...but i didnt install it yet...ill be using that tonight,....and i will be too long now....F%$#K!!!!!!!!
 
Well...crap......nothing like starting from scratch....with two days to go.... 


Posted By: ABEAR111
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2006 at 4:36am
Originally posted by richke
<DIV>Well...crap......nothing like starting from scratch....with two days to go.... </DIV>[/QUOTE richke
Well...crap......nothing like starting from scratch....with two days to go.... 
[/QUOTE wrote:


 
You work well under pressure, no?
 
You work well under pressure, no?


Posted By: richke
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2006 at 4:39am
Originally posted by ABEAR111 ABEAR111 wrote:

Originally posted by richke 
<DIV>Well...crap......nothing like starting from scratch....with two days to go.... </DIV></td></tr></table> 
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>You work well under pressure, no?</DIV>[/QUOTE richke
Well...crap......nothing like starting from scratch....with two days to go.... 
 
You work well under pressure, no?
[/QUOTE wrote:

 
I'll find out.... :)
 
I'll find out.... :)


Posted By: ABEAR111
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2006 at 4:44am
Take a deep breath.  It will be fine. 


Posted By: Hairy Lime
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2006 at 5:26am
Originally posted by Hairy Lime Hairy Lime wrote:

Wrote 5 pages last night. They're abysmal.
 
Note to self: drink scotch after you write.
Okay, I went back and read them this morning. They aren't as bad as I thought. I scrapped about one quarter of it and am now up to 8 pages. Should finish my first draft tonight. Won't be anywhere near 20 pages, which is fine with me (and the readers).


Posted By: Rory MacLeod
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2006 at 6:04am
Well, 16 pages in and I've decided to junk what I have so far.  Crazy?  Maybe.  But I want to win.
 
I decided that my original idea was too boring.  It was just too conventional, and certainly not a movie I would watch.  My new idea is a lot better.  I just hope I have enough time to do it justice in 20 pages.
 
 


Posted By: 2184pro
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2006 at 6:19am
It is DONE.

I just e-mailed my script. I was glad that I re-read the requirements. I almost didn't title it correctly for submission. Heat number_Title

That could have been a problem.

But I'm done. Whew...HAPPY DANCE!!!!!



-------------
Check out my other videos. http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=2184pro


Posted By: aurora68
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2006 at 8:44am
Originally posted by Willie Willie wrote:

 
I just had a brainstorm... why doesn't everyone in "Mystery/Plagiarism" hand in the same script?
 
 
Hee!  That's fantastic.



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