Scriptfest III

[John LaBonney]

Thanks again to dvxuser for the ScriptFests!

When's the next one? Can't wait!

[ConspiracyPenguin]

I move to second the above stated motion and proceed swiftly to Article C, Section XIV of the DVXuser Codebook which states, in excerpt:


...whereas in the event that a third (3rd) ScriptFest is held and sponsored by DVXuser ("THE WEBSITE") it is to be stated upon closure of the voting period that the winner for first place is, undeniably, Nick Lane (also known as ConspiracyPenguin)...any objection to or caused by the above stated, predetermined result is to be oppressed immediately and the poster of said blasphemous comments is to be punished severely in a matter to be determined by a joint team of Jason Ramsey, Isaac Broody and Nick Lane...Further, it is should be known by all parties that any results procured by a voting process of any variety are null and void due to the fact that a voting process such as the one mentioned above and detailed in Article A, Section VII is held only for show and is, by predetermination, a sham and/or hoax...

It goes on, but I think you get the gist. Point is, bring on the next fest! :)

[Isaac_Brody]

Will happen, but I need some feedback on what you guys are interested in as far as genre. Any thoughts?

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Compassion

Fear

Hate

Hope

Irony

[thartley]

I'm open to anything and I really enjoy the exercise of writing for the fests. Feedback is A+ 100% cool, even if it is to bash me over the head with my own work.

I would personally like to write something next time that leaves the reader a little more uplifted. heh! I know this last one had the built in "mistake" and we had the choice of redemption or being undone as the consequence. I could have done with a little more redemption, even in my own story. haha!

The due date may be close to holidays or New Years, so maybe something appropriate for that time of year. New beginnings, celebrations, convergence of conflicted people.

I dunno. My ideas suck. :)

Just name it and I'll write it.

[seansshack]

Comedy/something funny might be an interesting genre.

[John LaBonney]

I'd like to suggest that we have a theme, rather than a genre, kind of like the dvxuser film fests. That way, we could write any kind of film, whether it be drama, comedy, action, or what have you. The film fests have been great in allowing creativity in this way.

[preston]

I'd like to suggest that we have a theme, rather than a genre, kind of like the dvxuser film fests. That way, we could write any kind of film, whether it be drama, comedy, action, or what have you. The film fests have been great in allowing creativity in this way.

:smiley_up pretty much word-for-word what i was thinking...

[Isaac_Brody]

Sounds good, throw me some themes.

[tmpafilmer25]

Found a movie theme index at this site

http://www.textweek.com/movies/themeindex.htm

Just thought it might help

Edit: Only after I posted the link did I realize the site is religious in nature, still has some good themes though.

[preston]

Sounds good, throw me some themes.

oooh, democracy! lol

i don't know... you're putting us on the spot. i'll just list things off the top of my head - see what happens.

war
technology
money
family
mutation
memory
mental illness
water
music
travel


yeah, my ideas pretty much suck right now. i'll have to think about it some more.

[tmpafilmer25]

Water??? How would a water theme work? Like Waterworld?

[Mike Manning]

Lets get philosophical... Existential.
Life is meaningless. Events are random. Fate is coincidence. The only truth is your will. Make yourself. Hell is judgement by "the other." Etc. Etc.

[Mike Manning]

oooh, democracy! lol

i don't know... you're putting us on the spot. i'll just list things off the top of my head - see what happens.

war
technology
money
family
mutation
memory
mental illness
water
music
travel


yeah, my ideas pretty much suck right now. i'll have to think about it some more.

I don't think the items in your list are necessarily themes. A theme is more of an idea. For example, "War" isn't a theme. But "war's negative effect on people's perceptions of soldier's" is a theme. Do you see the difference?

[Simon Höfer]

I don't think the items in your list are necessarily themes. A theme is more of an idea. For example, "War" isn't a theme. But "war's negative effect on people's perceptions of soldier's" is a theme. Do you see the difference?

Well, I have to disagree. They are indeed themes like those for the DVXuser fests. "Lovefest" or now "Twilight fest" for example. They are wide open. Your suggestion is already too specific.

[Mike Manning]

Well, I have to disagree. They are indeed themes like those for the DVXuser fests. "Lovefest" or now "Twilight fest" for example. They are wide open. Your suggestion is already too specific.

"Twilight Fest" isn't the theme, it's the name of the festival. The theme is
Theme: Everything may not be as it appears...perhaps there's a sneaking feeling that something is seriously wrong here...or maybe you're caught between two worlds or realities where anything can happen...
That's pretty specific as well...

[Simon Höfer]

Well, that is not specific at all. These are suggestions to give you an idea. Nothing more. So what about Lovefest? Or Timefest? nothing specific as well. It had to be about love or time.

[Simon Höfer]

From the rules of those fests:

Love fest:

The festival category is a short film with the theme of LOVE. Films can be in any genre as long as the theme is love. If you have any questions about whether your film conforms to the theme please ask me.


Timefest:

The theme of this DVXFest is Time. Time should be an integral theme that runs through each film, but filmmakers are allowed to choose their own genres. A few examples are-- films where the central character is racing against time to complete a vital task, films that explicitly manipulate time through editing and storyline such that time is a central theme, time travel, films that deal with the cause and effect of time's influence.

[Mike Manning]

Not to belabor the subject, but this is something I have studied intensely through college. See Wikipedia's explanation of "Theme" as it explains what I'm getting at better than I did.

In the visual arts, a theme is a broad idea or a message conveyed by work done in a visual experience, such as a performance, a painting, or a motion picture. This message is usually about life, society or human nature. Themes are the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a work. Themes are usually implied rather than explicitly stated. Deep thematic content is not required in a visual work; however, some observers would say that all visual work inherently projects some kind of outlook on life that can be taken as a theme, regardless of whether or not this is the intent of the author. Analysis of changes (or implied change) in dynamic characteristics of the work can provide insight into a particular theme.
A theme is not the same as the subject of a work. For example, the subject of Star Wars is "the battle for control of the galaxy between Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance". The themes explored in the movies might be "moral ambiguity" or "the conflict between technology and nature".
Themes differ from motifs in that themes are ideas conveyed by the visual experience as a whole, while motifs are repeated symbols found inside an over-arching theme. Simply having repeated symbolism related to chess, does not make the story's theme the similarity of life to chess. Themes arise from the interplay of the plot, the characters, and the attitude the author takes to them, and the same story can be given very different themes in the hands of different authors. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theme_(arts))

[preston]

Water??? How would a water theme work? Like Waterworld?

yeah, water might not be on the short-list for he next fest. i'm an idiot sometimes.

[John LaBonney]

Whether we call it a theme or motif or whatever, I just think that we should leave it as open as possible, as long as it can be tied to a central concept. I think that the last two scriptfests have been good, the first one being a little less narrow than the second.

This topic has been explored in-depth whenever there's been a discussion about "what's the NextFest going to be?" in the film festivals, and there are a plethora of ideas in those threads.

I like:

War
Money
Betrayal
Politics
Business
Piracy


There are a million others.

[Noel Evans]

The only thing I ask is that the theme be useful. One where after you finish your story theres a possibility to shoot it without needing a few hundred grand for a 6 minute piece. Also I dont think its worth forcing genres on us, such as comedy, horror or drama, usually people can craft that in if they like no matter the theme.

[alex whitmer]

In film, theme is a broad idea that acts as the foundation, and can be expressed visually.

Love
Time
Money
Greed
Control
Faith
Liberty
Trust

Once a theme is decided upon, a PREMISE is established. It is here each filmmaker goes their own direction.

Theme: Time
Premise: Time heals all wounds - or - There is never enough

Theme: Money
Premise: Money can/can't buy happiness - or - Money makes the world go round

Theme: Faith
Premise: Finding strength in what you can't see - or - Faith and reality rarely mix

Theme: Greed
Premise: Greed destroys all men/women - or - Greed drives the economy.

You need both a broad idea, and the direction you want that idea to take.

From here you develop a plot/story.

Theme: Time
Premise: Never enough
Plot: A man/woman moves to a larger planet so he/she has more hours in a day, only to discover the Darwinian theory applies to time as well.

Water would be an element used to develop a plot/story.

Theme: Survival
Premise: The survival instinct can turn friends into enemies.
Plot: In a post-apocalyptic world, the scarcity of water re-establishes national boundaries.

All of this would be developed within the framework of a genre: Drama, scifi, western, horror, comedy, etc ...

aw

[Bridget D.]

If we're going for genre - I vote for a western. If we're going for theme - then isolation. (Did I get them right?:))

[ConspiracyPenguin]

I threw out some themes on the first page. In case you guys missed them:


Compassion

Fear

Hate

Hope

Irony


Politics.

I would LOVE that, but it will never happen with the rule here. For the record, I am fine with the rule, it keeps things civil.

[John LaBonney]

Ah, I didn't think of that. Good point Nick.

[alex whitmer]

If we're going for genre - I vote for a western. If we're going for theme - then isolation. (Did I get them right?:))


Perfect.

[Mike Manning]

In film, theme is a broad idea that acts as the foundation of the film, and can be expressed visually.

Love
Time
Money
Greed
Control
Faith
Liberty
Trust

Once a theme is decided upon, a PREMISE is established. It is here each filmmaker goes their own direction.

Theme: Time
Premise: Time heals all wounds - or - There is never enough

Theme: Money
Premise: Money can/can't buy happiness - or - Money makes the world go round

Theme: Faith
Premise: Finding strength in what you can't see - or - Faith and reality rarely mix

Theme: Greed
Premise: Greed destroys all men/women - or - Greed drives the economy.

You need both a broad idea, and the direction you want that idea to take.

From here you develop a plot/story.

Theme: Time
Premise: Never enough
Plot: A man/woman moves to a larger planet so he/she has more hours in a day, only to discover the Darwinian theory applies to time as well.

Water would be an element used to develop a plot/story.

Theme: Survival
Premise: The survival instinct can turn friends into enemies.
Plot: In a post-apocalyptic world, the scarcity of water re-establishes national boundaries.

All of this would work within a genre: Drama, scifi, western, horror.

aw

Your close. What you have listed as a "Premise" is actually a Theme. What you have listed as a "Theme" is actually a subject. I don't mean to be nit-picky, but these are things a screenwriter needs to be aware of. Please read up on it on Wikipedia as it defines it simply and concisely.

PREMISE

The premise of a film or screenplay is the fundamental concept that drives the plot.
Most premises can be expressed very simply, and many films can be identified simply from a short sentence describing the premise. For example: A lonely boy is befriended by an alien; A small town is terrorized by a shark; A small boy sees dead people.

THEME

In the visual arts, a theme is a broad idea or a message conveyed by work done in a visual experience, such as a performance, a painting, or a motion picture. This message is usually about life, society or human nature. Themes are the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a work. Themes are usually implied rather than explicitly stated. Deep thematic content is not required in a visual work; however, some observers would say that all visual work inherently projects some kind of outlook on life that can be taken as a theme, regardless of whether or not this is the intent of the author. Analysis of changes (or implied change) in dynamic characteristics of the work can provide insight into a particular theme.
A theme is not the same as the subject of a work. For example, the subject of Star Wars is "the battle for control of the galaxy between Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance". The themes explored in the movies might be "moral ambiguity" or "the conflict between technology and nature".
Themes differ from motifs in that themes are ideas conveyed by the visual experience as a whole, while motifs are repeated symbols found inside an over-arching theme. Simply having repeated symbolism related to chess, does not make the story's theme the similarity of life to chess. Themes arise from the interplay of the plot, the characters, and the attitude the author takes to them, and the same story can be given very different themes in the hands of different authors.

Looking at these definitions, you can see how theme is something more than "Love."
You have to look at theme as what your story is actually about. If you're story is about star-crossed lovers, your theme isn't "Love," it's "Love conquers against all odds." It's the subtext - what you are really saying with your film.

Am I making any sense?

[alex whitmer]

NOTE: Sorry, but Wikipedia is far from my source of reliable info.



IN MY HUMBLE OPINION, theme and premise are...


Theme: Love
Premise: Love conquers all.

Love conquers all is the direction the film goes, what drives it. With that type of premise you see films like Maid in Manhattan, Notting Hill, It Could Happen to You, The Sound of Music, etc ...


Theme is one or two words that establish the broad idea. Premise sets the direction.

A thematic statement on the other hand will explain further the 'underlying theme' of the film. ie; Thanksgiving = being thankful for the bounty provided, etc.

Now, like anything else and including film, there are different schools of thought, and definitions are many. 'Theme and premise' is one topic not everybody agrees on one definition, just as they don't agree on character vs plot, the importance of the three act structure, etc. That's the beauty of it!! It's also why there are so many books and articles out there, each with an individual interpretation on it.

Let's leave it at this and let the individual filmmaker decide for themselves. Either way, I think they got the gist of it.

Gist?

You need a theme, and you need a premise to fully develop a story. How you define theme and premise is your call.

Onward ...

Lets say DVXuser decides Bridget's theme of Isolation will be chosen for the next fest (love that theme by the way).

Each writer first needs to decide a genre to deliver the story. Let's pick horror just for the sake of example, though drama and comedy would be equally great.

Okay, so we have isolation, and horror. Now what? We need a direction for the story to follow. We need a premise.

Genre: Horror
Theme: Isolation
Premise: When left alone in the dark, the mind is a dangerous place to be.

Then onto story ...

Plot/story: After being stuck in a dark elevator for three days, a woman begins to hallucinate, and can longer tell what is what is real, and what is not.

You might develop this story where the color of the walls change, figures come and go, or even her own guilt for some past event manifests itself in nightmarish scenes.

You get the idea. Build it like a pyramid. The big stone (theme) on the bottom, and refine as you go.

[ConspiracyPenguin]

I don't think the point is to argue about what the hell a theme is, but what a good one would be for the next fest. It is a valid discussion, I just don't want it to overshadow the brainstorming session this is supposed to be. :)

[alex whitmer]

Hardly and argument, but a spirited debate could develop. Not a bad thing considering we all want to learn as writers. The great thing about debate is that there is rarely a consensus or resolution, but a lot of great food for thought.

And a smorgasborg of food for thought helps us define our own direction.

That said ...

I really like Bridget's suggestion of isolation. A million ideas come to mind.

A 'bum' on the street nobody really sees. Even with a million people around, a person can still be isolated.

Locked in a closet with your own thoughts.

The whole road rage thing and 'Car Wars', how we are the nicest person in the world until we are alone in our cars, and the jockeying for position begins.

The doomed soldier.

Anyways, I think Isolation should be considered.

a

[thartley]

Well, Alex...since you won the last contest, how about you get what you want? A little extra pull in having a say in what the next fest is?

Can people get behind Isolation as a theme (or whatever others wish to call it) for the next fest?

[ConspiracyPenguin]

I am pro-isolation as a theme. That could incorporate any number of genres and styles providing the possibility for varied stories. What would the required element be, though?

[Noel Evans]

I am pro-isolation as a theme. That could incorporate any number of genres and styles providing the possibility for varied stories. What would the required element be, though?

Exactly what I was talking about. Anyone can craft their own style into that.

Could it work, without disrupting peoples flow to have the required element as something like a particular obsession etc?

[Bridget D.]

Could it work, without disrupting peoples flow to have the required element as something like a particular obsession etc?

I think obsession would work great with isolation. Can we each choose our own particular obsession for our script? Or would it be the same obsession for everyone?

[alex whitmer]

Isolation with an obsession. Loving it!!

Sad part is knowing I'll most likely have to sit this one out due to upcoming work and travel obligations. Always have time to read them though.

Isolation/obsession would make for a great film fest as well. Someday.

a

[alex whitmer]

I am pro-isolation

I thought Penguins were sociable.

[thartley]

Can we each choose our own particular obsession for our script? Or would it be the same obsession for everyone?

As long as porn is not an option, otherwise we may end up with a bunch of 6-page autobiographies/day-in-the-life pieces. :)

[seansshack]

Isolation with an obsessionSo basically we write a six page script about ourselves(writers that is)?

But isolation/obsession would be an interesting theme.

But alas, might make for some dark reading.

[ConspiracyPenguin]

I thought Penguins were sociable.

It depends on my mood. :grin:

[Nektonic]

To me it doesn't really matter if the fest is theme-based or genre-based. As long as it allows us enough freedom to write without being too restricted.

For example: WARFEST could be any story that is taking place during a war or has something to do with WAR. It could be a historical war, the current conflict in Iraq, or a future war taking place on another planet. If it was specified as WWII or Vietnam, then it might be a bit limiting.

I think WAR would be good as well as ISOLATION, but that is enough. Anymore specific rules besides the obvious scene requirement and page limit is too much restriction.

How about FAIRY TALES? Either make up your own fairy tale or take an old one and retell it in a new way. Would be good practice for adaptation work.

[Isaac_Brody]

Isolation as a theme can sometimes lead to too many man cowering in the corner of a shower scripts.

[alex whitmer]

Damn, you just killed my story.

[Nektonic]

Isolation as a theme can sometimes lead to too many man cowering in the corner of a shower scripts.

I don't know about showers, but when isolation was mentioned I immediately thought of The Thing. Isolation could be just normal people in a location far removed from normal civilization.

How about someone trapped in a cramped bathroom while the toilet begins overflowing.

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Even isolation within one's self would be a possibility. (C) 2008, Nick Lane. :)

[arroway]

why not a SILENT-FEST where dialog-free scripts are set to a single piece of music (no film scores though) that we provide a youtube link for in our threads so people can read the scripts while they listen to our chosen soundtrack? it would definitely be a challenge to do something in visuals only.

another cool premise could be "A SECRET GROUP HOLDS A MEETING". nice open topic. it could be horrific or hilarious. legal or illicit...

and i 2nd the FAIRY TALE FEST and OLD WEST FEST ideas.

:beer:

whatever the theme or premise, my entry WILL include glow-in-the-dark, fire breathing, laser sneezing, vampire dinosaurs...so it really doesn't matter to me (as long as no pesky budget restrictions are announced).

[mjjason]

I think war fest will be a great idea.

[alex whitmer]

Even isolation within one's self would be a possibility. (C) 2008, Nick Lane. :)

You're killing me Nick.

I take it you're (C)'n the idea of isolation within one's self. Sorry, but I believe that notion has been around since the first caveman doodled on the walls, not to mention it has made a few psychiatrists rich and/or famous.

No doubt you could come up with a fresh and interesting twist on it, however. You always do.

a

[Captain Pierce]

Damn, you just killed my story.

Story hell, he just described my life. GET OF MY HEAD!!!

[alex whitmer]

GET OUT OF MY HEAD!!!

Fine, I'm gone. Little scary in there anyways.

My new film ...

No Cabeza for Old Men


a

[seansshack]

I think war fest will be a great idea.

would imagine that war and isolation go together like sex and sweat...sorry jelly and ice-cream.

So you could easily write a war story concerned with a soldier's isolation, or a lover, a shop worked, writer... endless really.

[mjjason]

would imagine that war and isolation go together like sex and sweat...sorry jelly and ice-cream.

So you could easily write a war story concerned with a soldier's isolation, or a lover, a shop worked, writer... endless really.
Unfortunately the war story I had in mind possibly wouldn't fit the isolation aspect though I can try to re-work it.

In any case, whatever idea they decide to go with is fine with me.

Regards,

[Captain Pierce]

Fine, I'm gone. Little scary in there anyways.

My new film ...

No Cabeza for Old Men


a

Oh, my bad--if it was just a "little scary in there," then it wasn't my head. :D

If I might be serious for a second, though, and make you wonder what's wrong with me--I really have nothing to suggest for SF3. Honestly, the thing I've liked about the first two was the challenge of writing something to the fest's spec, and I'm hoping for that again... :)

[ConspiracyPenguin]

You're killing me Nick.

I take it you're (C)'n the idea of isolation within one's self. Sorry, but I believe that notion has been around since the first caveman doodled on the walls, not to mention it has made a few psychiatrists rich and/or famous.

No doubt you could come up with a fresh and interesting twist on it, however. You always do.

a

I am just reclaiming it for this fest! :grin: Thanks for the compliments, though. :)


My new film ...

No Cabeza for Old Men

I had the pleasure of looking at an advanced script, here is a sample:


B.J. approaches the counter holding a tube of peanuts.

B.J.: How much?
Attendant: 69 cent.

B.J. pulls a coin from his pocket, flips it in the air and traps it between his hand and the counter top.

B.J. Call it.

That's as far as I will go and enough subliminal messaging to deem any further suggestive context unnecessary. Good day all, I wish I had had one.

[John LaBonney]

At any rate, we've got plenty of good ideas. Let's get it on!

[Captain Pierce]

Soooooo... now that we've been demoted all the way down the page, how's THREE comin' along? :)

[Jason Ramsey]

You haven't been demoted... You've been upgraded and now have your own special section :)

I like the theme of "Fear" seems awfully appropriate to the climate these days.

later,
Jason

[ConspiracyPenguin]

I agree, Jason. In fact, I think I have suggested fear not only for ScriptFest but for the FilmFests as well on several occasions. Now, let's see some rules! :)

[Isaac_Brody]

I've got an idea, and I'm making the rules for it right now. Just need to get through my thesis reading and then I'll have time to get the next assignment. It's coming. :)

[Ezekiel667]

Excellent! I missed the last ScriptFest and I'm exciting to participate in this one!

Bring it on!

[seansshack]

I'll have time to get the next assignment. It's coming

I can feel the fear building up already:)

[ConspiracyPenguin]

Odd, I replied to this earlier. Must not have gone through. I am looking forward to this! :)

[MrKilloran]

I'm ready to go, lets hurry up on this idea and rules for it.