Tag Archives: movies

May 31, 2010 · 7:36 pm

Semi-semi finalist in the CSCS Open Screenwriting Contest

I got an email this afternoon while I was at the ballpark indicating that I’m one of 12 finalists in the Creative Screenwriting Cyberspace Open, a time-limited writing contest. For Round 1, I had 48 hours to write a scene based on a premise delivered on Friday evening and scored a 96. I had just 24 hours to write my Round 2 entry and came out with a score of 94.

For many reasons, doing this well is extremely exciting. I had confidence before in my abilities, but receiving two attaboys from strangers who’s aren’t invested in my feelings is nice. Being considered for one of the final three slots in the contest also validates my decision to shoot “Executive Action” in July with local actors. As written, it’s extremely low-budget and can be shot in a single location with five performers and a small crew.

If you live in the Bay Area and would like a role in the scene, please let me know. There’s no pay, but I’ll give you several DVD copies of your performance, and the craft services team is par excellence.

I’m supposed to learn later tonight if I’ve made the cut; wish me luck.

“Sleep, Angel”

I wrote this 5-page scene for the Creative Screenwriting 2009 Cyberspace Open. It was a time-based writing competition in which contestants had 48 hours to write a 5-page scene based on a premise offered by the judges.

I worked pretty hard on the entry, but scored only an 89; a score of 91 or higher was required to move on to the next round. Looking back, this was an okay piece, but it’s not my best work. I’m posting it more so that any interest readers can see the change between this and successive scenes.

Here’s the entry I received for the Fall 2009 Contest:

Your PROTAGONIST’S allies have turned on him (or her.) His reputation is now in tatters, largely due to his own screw-up — which has been magnified and broadcast by the ANTAGONIST. Write the scene in which the protagonist tries to win the allies back. The scene should include a heartfelt mea culpa. You may use any setting, era or characters in addition to the ones indicated, as needed.

Here’s the scene:

FADE IN:

INT. NORTHPORT PD INTERROGATION ROOM – NIGHT

TED WARMS (43,) slumps in a chair. His left wrist is shackled to a thick plate bolted to the dented table top. In bare feet, he wears a bathrobe, pajama bottoms and a T-shirt with the Dalai Lama’s serene face. His right hand fiddles with a salt-and-pepper ponytail.

He sits up straight when the door opens to admit ERNIE ASTORIA (56,) a burly man who clearly loves to smile, and PATTY CAIN (35,) a curvy, petite woman who does not. Astoria carries a large brown bag, they both wear detectives’ badges. Astoria sits as Patty observes her reflection in the two-way glass.

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