Nextfest suggestions

[Isaac_Brody]

Because I'm a democratic kind of fellow I'm open to hearing suggestions on what you'd guys like to tackle next.

The decision will rest with me but I'm all ears.

:beer:

[krestofre]

I would like to see the "required element" be eliminated. I know that it's been used in the past to ensure that the script was specifically written for a specific fest, but it was done away with in the current film fest, and I'd like to see the same happen in ScriptFest.

As far as topic, I'm good with anything.

[seansshack]

Would still like to see the scoring broken down into various elements such as story, character etc. At least will give you a guide on what effects you overall score - rather than good reviews and low scores.

I know scoring is not what fests are about. But would be a clearer indication of what is working and what is not.

[lawriejaffa]

Yeah actually id have to agree with that because the scoring 1 - 10 is a bit of an abstract science hehe.

Personally id like to see category ratings like those mentioned above! Far more useful - and it forces more thinking in regards to how reviews are conducted!

The required element is cute, id like to see a bit more clarification for the next script fest competition as this one swung a little too far between comic and noir!

[Isaac_Brody]

I've noticed that when the scoring is overly complex you end up with fewer votes. The system is simple, and as a result people vote with what they like. I think the reviews are where people can get specific and technical, but the scoring I think often breaks down to people's emotional feelings about a script. Not gonna change the rating system since from our end and looking at how it breaks down it's pretty fair.

The required element while a pain in the ass is kind of fun, it's a challenge and I think gives everyone a common thing to work around.

I'm a big believer in this...


The enemy of art is the absence of limitations.

-Orson WellesJust to change the direction of this thread I'm looking for actual topics/genres for the next go around, not suggestions on how this is run. :dankk2:

[preston]

this is from last fest's similar thread:


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

il ike TRUST or SURVIVAL as possibilities...

[Noel Evans]

il ike TRUST or SURVIVAL as possibilities...

Either of those for me as well.

[david jerome]

I like FIRE.

[themightyshrub]

I once had to write a script for a screenplay assignment at university that specified that no dialogue be used - it had to be a purely visual script.

Might not be a very good topic for the next full scriptfest, but it might be a nice mini fest if anybody would be interested

[alex whitmer]

No dialogue is cool.

Here is one the finest examples ever of a dialogue-free short.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP59tQf_njc

aw

[Isaac_Brody]

No dialogue is a fun exercise, but I don't find it that useful unless you actually produce the script. There are things which you think work in the writing which don't actually work in production, no dialogue would be better suited to a dvxfest.

I've done it before, it's a good exercise, but maybe it'll wind up as a scene requirement. :Drogar-Love(DBG):

[Chris_Keaton]

How about we find out what the next DVXFest will be. We're too late for LossFest, but if we could aim for the next quarters, we might see some of our shorts made.

[Nektonic]

PORN FEST!!!!!!!!!!!

Just kidding of course. I think the no dialogue idea is cool, but how about having a theme as well. Maybe the no dialogue concept could replace having a scene requirement.

Also, I like that so far the script fests haven't really been too limiting in terms of genre. The one that was probably most genre related was SCI-FI FEST, which was great. Pulp / Noir was pretty broad so something along those same lines might be good.

Some ideas:

War (could be fictional or historically based)

Grindhouse (or) B-movie

Intrigue / Espionage

Historical (or) Period Piece

Mythology (we would have to either adapt or incorporate a mythology or elements of one into the script, then in our thread give a quick reference as to what myth we integrated or adapted)

Non-linear

Dreamland (or) Nightmares

Fantasy (which can be much much broader and varied than Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter)

Surrealism

These are some that seem like fun, are challenging, yet are not too limiting.

[alex whitmer]

60s Fest.




.

[lawriejaffa]

HomoEroticInterracialFest - you know it makes sense !

And if not that then...

70's HomoEroticInterracialFest!

[DarkElastic]

how about...

Human Sacrifice fest
An example would be the ending of The Wicker Man

[DarkElastic]

Most useless Superhero Fest

[ghalied]

PictureFest - give us a image and we all have to write a script based on it.

ScenarioFest - You give the situation and we take it from there.

PoetryFest - Write a script based on a famous poem (hmm... copyright issues?)

[alex whitmer]

Happenstance Fest ...

A story on accidental circumstances.

Examples: How two people meet by chance, finding something years after it was lost, etc ...


aw


www.alexwhitmer.wordpress.com

[tmpafilmer25]

Here's an idea I thought might be interesting. How about psychological reactance fest, or something like it?

Definition according to Wiki...

"Psychological reactance occurs in response to threats to perceived behavioral freedoms [1] [2]. One's freedom to select when and how to conduct one's behavior, and the level one is aware of the relevant freedom -- and is able to determine behaviors necessary to satisfy that freedom -- affects the generation of psychological reactance. It is assumed that if a person's behavioral freedom is threatened or reduced, he or she will become motivationally aroused. The fear of loss of further freedoms can spark this arousal and motivate reestablishing the threatened freedom. Because this motivational state is a result of the perceived reduction of one's freedom of action, it is considered a counterforce, and thus is called "psychological reactance."

There are four important elements to reactance theory: perceived freedom, threat to freedom, reactance, and restoration of freedom. Freedom is not an abstract consideration, but rather a feeling associated with real behaviors. Free behaviors include actions in addition to emotions and attitudes."

Anyway, whatever the next fest is, I hope to enter. :)

[lawriejaffa]

Id like to see a festival encourage us to write scripts with meanings that transcend character circumstance as it were!

[alex whitmer]

Romeo and Juliet Fest ...

Scripts on forbidden or impossible love. Major hurdles, risking it all.

a

[Zak Forsman]

Id like to see a festival encourage us to write scripts with meanings that transcend character circumstance as it were!

TranscendentalHumanismFest? it's a mouthful, but i'm there!

[david jerome]

Creation Fest

Something new is created that didn't exist before.

[alex whitmer]

RegretFest - something that you wish could be undone.

a

[ghalied]

AutoBiographyFest - true stories from your own lives

[Mailliw87]

This might not be such a good suggestion...but how about a script following a song?

I'm just listening to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtBysnK0CQM

I'm really tempted to write a script to this kind of music and especially this track =D

Listen to it before you say anything ;D

/William

[Richard J. Johnson]

I still like Warfest.

[pauly_the_hitman]

How about Hypnagogic hallucinations fest or pre-sleep dreams, they are dream-like hallucinations that occur in the transition between being awake and being asleep. Often, they are very vivid, frightening dreams.
Pauly

[krestofre]

We could always go less specific and pick something off of this list:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/36_Dramatic_Situations

That would keep everyone to a theme, but wouldn't result in entries that had the same genre. This would harken back to the first Scriptfest which was "Pursuit."

[Nektonic]

I still like Warfest.

I was just thinking that war as a topic could be pretty broad. For example: the parameters could be any type of dramatic or comedic story that takes place in or during a time of war, whether fictional or historical. So you could do a story about wives dealing with the absence of their husbands on the home front during WWII. While the other end of the spectrum could be something along the lines of a fantastical war story taking place in the future or a historical or mythological war story dealing with ancient gods and monsters.

Maybe the scene requirement could be a battle scene?


We could always go less specific and pick something off of this list:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/36_Dramatic_Situations

That would keep everyone to a theme, but wouldn't result in entries that had the same genre. This would harken back to the first Scriptfest which was "Pursuit."

I like this idea too. Even noir allowed a pretty broad spectrum and inclusion of various genres. I think things are more interesting when everyone's script isn't in the same genre.

[lawriejaffa]

Well I like the festivals to be a little more specific myself - as that way you have more idea what to expect, and what folks are anticipating.

One thing i noticed - and sure im piping this up again! Is that people often create things with noble purposes in mind - to enlighten, to teach, preach, highlight etc.

The last script festival highlighted that those that were the most zinger esque and entertaining came up trumps and that was cool for a pulp fest!

But as writers we must surely ask more of ourselves than to be mere entertainers or dramatists in what we wright.

Something with a message - be it political / philisophical or even spiritual would bring two great qualities to the festival.

INTELLECT
MATURITY

We must have something in our hearts/minds to say about the world, the universe, humanity etc. It can't all just be p*ssy and shotguns as it were ;)

So i want to suggest...

MESSAGEFEST!


//
Btw Nektonic - i see your portrait - just be wary that i'm gonna steal your stimpacks! Oh yes!!!

[alex whitmer]

Interesting idea.

Many a good film has a second 'film' going on in the background. On the surface, for example, a particular film may be a comedic look at infidelity, while underneath, and what the film is 'really about', there is a cynical view if vanity and its addictions. Both play out side by side.

Be kinda fun to guess what a script is 'really about' other than what reads on the surface.

aw

www.alexwhitmer.wordpress.com

.

[preston]

The Dark Knight and The Happening come to mind as recent examples...

[lawriejaffa]

Sure i suppose the purpose of a proposed MessageFest would be that - there is a tangible point to the piece - close to the heart of the author.

[Nektonic]

MESSAGEFEST could be very interesting, but I also have a few questions and concerns:

1. What will the message be? Will if be of our own choosing or will it be a specific topic that will be part of the rules?

2. My concern is that some people will not like it due to feeling that they are being forced to include a message. If one is so inclined they can weave a message or social commentary into any script in any genre. Some of the pulpfest entries seemed to set out to be more than just purely entertaining. Lawriejaffa's did, DarkElastic's did, I like to think that mine had more to it than just a clever twist, etc. If we looked at them all more closely I think that we could find that there is more than just he hook and the twist to most of them.

Please don't infer that I'm saying that it is a bad idea for a scriptfest topic at all.

[lawriejaffa]

Yep well the message would be in my eyes something described as - an overrding principle for example - political, moral, spiritual that bares a special significance within the story.

For example 'The Killing Fields to A Beautiful Life, to Battleship Potempkin (forgive typo) to the Great Dictator!'

I think it would show some intellectual bankruptsy if folk struggled to actually find something important they want to talk about in their script that they consider significant to discuss in their story.

From those films above you can discern the difference of 'meaning and message' than ones we can 'search for' within their narratives. In other words the examples above have a clear agenda - rather than a subtle message.

It doesnt have to be good or nice, i mean a christian spiritaul film like barndance is one example but if you think religion is bad you might produce a script that highlights percieved religous narrowmindedness and violence. Same could be done for politics and so on.

The point would be that as writers we should have something of ourselves to say to the world - for the betterment in some form to mankind - be that a cynical or idealistic message we must have SOMETHING beyond the humbling genre basics to pelp out ;)

In answer to someone not liking being forced to include a message - well in that case we would have to find someone who believes in nothing and or believes that nothing should ever be told - of significance beyond entertainment. (Lets face it... they'll only end up working for Michael Bay')


The exciting prospect would be that this festival would produce scripts that examine a spectrum of social, political and or religious issues that could be edgey and contraversial! It would stretch the writers to examine their own beliefs too. That must be more rewarding than say - GangsterFest and such like!

As such anyone just shoving in some crappy genre thing with no relation to the fest would be fairly evident however much we could hypothesis deeper meaning in the way the gangsta slaps his broad hehe ;) But joking aside, gangster films particularly Noir period were steeped in meaning, and even zombie movies - especially Romero!! So its flexible, but the message should be clear enough that we're not trying to create it entirely in our heads as its not 'MEANINGFEST or SUBTLEMEANINGFEST but would be MESSAGEFEST' ie. a message is being conveyed.

(Not a stupid tale of a guy trying to deliver a message either cos his kids been taken hostage... lol)

[Faith Nelson]

I second messagefest!

Faith

[lawriejaffa]

Oooh cool, well its Isaacs call but thanks for that! Let's see if we can get anyone else to second MessageFest!!! Annnyone hehe? ;)

[krestofre]

Well I like the festivals to be a little more specific myself - as that way you have more idea what to expect, and what folks are anticipating.


We'll agree to disagree. :)

Here's to whatever Isaac throws at us next. :beer:

[lawriejaffa]

Yah, thats ok krestofire, its certainly not a big deal to me.

[alex whitmer]

I third it, but it will be a challenge - which is a good thing.

Samuel Goldwyn once said "Pictures are for entertainment, messages should be delivered by Western Union".

I disagree, and think most writers will, consciously or not, put a bit of their own paradigm in their films, or at least live vicariously through one of their characters, if even for just six pages.

However, defining what exactly is a message is no small task. What is important to me may be hysterical notions to another, and carry no perceivable message at all. Is a complex 'message' about afterlife or the purpose of violence any more lofty than say a 'message' about the importance of a tidy kitchen or clean underwear?

Who decides?

The film "Dead Poet's Society" - which I think is one the most intelligent films ever written and made - comes to mind, and Charles' decision not to participate in Keating's 'walk'.

Keating: I want you to find your own walk right now, your own way of striding, pacing: any direction, anything you want. Whether it's proud or silly. Anything. Gentlemen, the courtyard is yours. You don't have to perform. Just make it for yourself. Mr. Dalton, will you be joining us?

Charles: Exercising the right not to walk.

Keating: Thank you, Mr. Dalton. You just illustrated the point. Swim against the stream.

In other words, MessageFest is just as vulnerable to any and all levels of writing one wants to engage in to present their message, be it to send a silly message, or to argue Goldwyn's angle, or even 'exercising the right not to send a message'.

How do we fairly judge 'messages'? Will poor formatting count against a fantastic message?

I'm all for it, but it will be far more subjective than meets the eye. And, as writers, we will be exposing our soft underbellies.

My message ...

I cringe when I see adults talk to children like they are idiots, and believe strongly you reap what you sow. Should MessageFest be selected, i would likely write something that addresses that pet peeve.

I have only seen bits and pieces of Dakota Fanning's "Hounddog" and as far as I can tell, it's a very well thought out story, and the director/producer had a very clear message she wanted to send, and based on real life experience. Well, needless to say it raised quite a firestorm, and had to go overseas to find a distributor with the guts to touch it.

Point is, a number of people found the 'message' offensive and inappropriate, and even took legal action to snuff the film.

Are both sides valid?

Most of us here at DVXuser really only know each other via cyberspace. Perusing comments over three fests, I think we respect each other's work and are mutually supportive of our careers in film. I believe we can write from our deepest of hollows without the fear of a cyber bludgeoning, be it a cynical approach, an emotional firestorm, or even 'preachy'. First one to get offended loses!

The message of the MessageFest can be tolerance, and man does the planet need a honkin' helping of that right now.

aw

[lawriejaffa]

Agreed Alex that sounds like the best translation of the whole idea, certainly if MessageFest was selected then that would be the ethos it should express and certainly your quite right that the validity of the message should be lie within the eye of the beholder of course!

I would just very much look forward to reading scripts that attempted that most ambitious objective, to make me think about its message - most often its argument for something. I think it would lead to some really inspirational work!

[krestofre]

Alex, your explanation of the subjective nature of MessageFest so mirrors one that I spent a long time typing, then decided not to submit. Had I just waited I could have saved myself a lot of time. :)

I think that is the thing that concerns me most about MessageFest, but I am usually the person in the room saying "It cannot be done" yet once I'm convinced you cannot hold me back. You guys have just about convinced me....

[jamiejay]

i wouldn't mind the challenge of a messagefest. my last script was definitely more towards pure and simple entertainment, but, as a writer, i feel it would be interesting.

i really liked someone's idea from the end of the second fest about isolation as well. just thought i'd throw that out there. :)

[Nektonic]

lawriejaffa, I get what you are saying and agree that it would be a great type of scriptfest, I was only trying to say, hey, this could upset a lot of people who just want to do something fun. I personally like to weave some sort of philosophical ideals or social commentary into the things that I write, however, I can always sit back and watch a silly comedy or mindless action film as well. Depends on what mood I'm in.

Actually, all of my scriptfest entries, including the ones for Pursuit and Sci-fi were written with the intention of being more than merely entertaining. I'm not saying that I'm some genius commentator on life or anything, but I did go for both entertainment and enlightenment at the same time.

Personally, as long as these fests keep offering a broad topic or genre for us to create our stories around, I'm a happy camper.

MESSAGEFEST would be a good challenge for all of us to have to do something deeper and more meaningful, especially since these fests usually have a 6-10 page limit. Usually the dissection and examination of a deep or important cultural topic is done in a longer piece, so it will definitely be a challenge to do this in 10 pages or less. I will accept the challenge if it is given.

[jamiejay]

all art is more than just entertaining. but, at the same time, what's wrong with just wanting to entertain? i don't know about you, but i'm not easily entertained anymore. i need characters and situations that are new and clever and make me laugh and think at the same time. it's really hard to make something entertaining, in my opinion. i respect someone who can come up with something original and really make me laugh.

not everything has to have a deep underlying meaning to it...but, then, even my last script, which i did just want to be interesting and funny wasn't just entertainment. there's always an underlying message to everything.

but i already over-think everything (and i do mean everything;) and so i have no problem with a messagefest. i am just a little worried of sucking the fun out of it.
:bath:

[alex whitmer]

The message can be fun and silly. Like, 'hey world, lighten up' would be a good one.

A message to not take life too seriously?

A message that chocolate makes love richer?

anything lighthearted!!

[jamiejay]

alex- when you put it that way... sounds good. :beer:

[lawriejaffa]

Yah agreed - i mean im enthusiastic personally to see the kinda serious stuff simply because its so rare i think here! But that would be totally unfair for such a specific taste as say mine personally in this case being the 'required element.'

On the contrary a world lighten up message is just as valid - any other that i think would meet the poignancy of having a message.

The difference to me is just in the idea that well all films have a message if we look for one so why have a messagefest - as we know that simply isn't true - there are films where the message it is telling is emphasised and not searched for.

We all love richer chocolate too!

So how are we standing so far whose for a Message Fest?

We got me, Alex and Faith! Who else will join the crusade!!!

[alex whitmer]

Alex, your explanation of the subjective nature of MessageFest so mirrors one that I spent a long time typing, then decided not to submit. Had I just waited I could have saved myself a lot of time. :)

Oops!

Well, best part is a few of us are on the same wavelength!

Submit anyways if you still have it!

a

[Nektonic]

So how are we standing so far whose for a Message Fest?

We got me, Alex and Faith! Who else will join the crusade!!!

I'm game. I've already got two ideas that I could use for MESSAGEFEST.


Oops!

Well, best part is a few of us are on the same wavelength!

Submit anyways if you still have it!

a

http://images.wikia.com/memoryalpha/en/images/thumb/5/51/LocutusOfBorg2367.jpg/220px-LocutusOfBorg2367.jpg
Resistance is Futile

[preston]

how about MusicFest (not Musical, just something inspired by or involving music)

or RoadFest (travel, road stories)

or GhostFest...

??

[Chris_Keaton]

how about MusicFest (not Musical, just something inspired by or involving music)

or RoadFest (travel, road stories)

or GhostFest...

??


Shit, I have a butt load of music inspired SPs. I also have a bunch of ghost stories, but I don't really like them. :)

[RodThompson]

LYRIC FEST: The dialogue must be completely composed of OBVIOUS song lyrics. (with footnotes to name the various songs you use.)

FIGHT FEST: If it's your first fest....you have to fight. Speaks for itself.

6TH Suspect Fest: Write a script with a Usual Suspect/Shamaylan ending.

END FEST: Humanity is ending or has ended...talk amongst yourselves.

FALL FEST: Scripts about people falling, having fell, or during the fall...so many uses for the word "fall."

SUSPECT FEST: Your lead is wanted for a crime, or maybe he's an innocent man, or maybe he's on the run...or maybe his friends think he's gay?

[Tormod]

How long until next fest? :D

[Nektonic]

LYRIC FEST: The dialogue must be completely composed of OBVIOUS song lyrics. (with footnotes to name the various songs you use.)

FIGHT FEST: If it's your first fest....you have to fight. Speaks for itself.

6TH Suspect Fest: Write a script with a Usual Suspect/Shamaylan ending.

END FEST: Humanity is ending or has ended...talk amongst yourselves.

FALL FEST: Scripts about people falling, having fell, or during the fall...so many uses for the word "fall."

SUSPECT FEST: Your lead is wanted for a crime, or maybe he's an innocent man, or maybe he's on the run...or maybe his friends think he's gay?

I like these ideas. I have a good feeling that the next fest will be message fest though. Just a hunch.

[Ezekiel667]

I'm seeing a mass agreement for MessageFest coming to pass. I personally like that idea. It allows us to make an entertaining script, that makes the readers think about the message we wove into it.

Not to say I wouldn't also love writing a purely balls-to-the-wall script with no deeper meaning.

So basically I'm up for whatever Isaac deems the Fest shall be!

[Nektonic]

I'm seeing a mass agreement for MessageFest coming to pass. I personally like that idea. It allows us to make an entertaining script, that makes the readers think about the message we wove into it.

Not to say I wouldn't also love writing a purely balls-to-the-wall script with no deeper meaning.

So basically I'm up for whatever Isaac deems the Fest shall be!

Same here. As long as there is some flexibility in terms of letting us choose what genre we want to set our story in and if we can do it in either a serious, silly, or satirical style then I'm fine with whatever the theme ends up as.

[alex whitmer]

Hello, and thank you for calling ScriptFest Four. Please leave a message at the sound of the rant.

Can I vote twice for Message fest?

a

[Nektonic]

Wait, do you know something we don't Alex? A little inside information about next script fest? Is it message fest?

[lawriejaffa]

Oh fingers crossed, i mean message fest would really hopefully stretch writers to express something meaningful (or to satirise it!)

Personally I'd love a chance to write something political / social - everyone else will have their own messages!

[preston]

Oh fingers crossed, i mean message fest would really hopefully stretch writers to express something meaningful (or to satirise it!)

Personally I'd love a chance to write something political / social - everyone else will have their own messages!

i'm not convinced Message Fest is a great idea... i mean, you can incorporate a message into any script, nothing wrong with that. but if it's the theme of the fest, it's sooo subjective that all the threads will end up being discussions on "the message" of the story instead of the merits of the story itself, not to mention structure and style. then it becomes "who's script had the best message?" which, again, is really subjective, and kinda defeats the purpose of Script Fest.

these are Script Fests, not homework assignments for Sociology Class. i think we need a narrow, unifying theme (or genre). then we can feel free to load up on underlying themes and subtext.

[themightyshrub]

I agree with Preston. Message Fest is a nice idea in principle, but I think it's far too subjective to but into practise. Perhaps make a message some kind of element to be incorporated into the script, but give it some kind of unifying theme so that we have some kind of brief to write to. Otherwise, you can just upload any script and tack some kind of moral onto the end of it.

[Isaac_Brody]

I have the next fest idea, just trying to hammer down a requirement that stretches the genre's limitations a bit. Will have it figured out by end of this week.

[preston]

ooh that sounds awesome - thanks Isaac :)

[Noel Evans]

Good news. These scriptfests are serving as my practice range so to speak and look forward to getting stuck into it.

[lawriejaffa]

Isaac wanted me to tell you guys, he went with HomoInterracialEroticFest which i think will be quite exciting for all of us - certainly I can give you all great tips.

Im ready for your PM queries - let the competition begin!

[lawriejaffa]

Yeah Mightyshrub i think your criticism of my genius suggestion of messagefest is a bit irrelevant really! Now its not just because its obviously amazing and beyond criticism anyway but...

MessageFest is based on the idea of 'message films' ie those films that put their message at the forefront.

If that seems far too subjective to put into practice, then talk to (oh wait he's dead) Berthold Brechte (thats if i did spell his name right.)

The idea that you can upload any script and put a moral on the end of it?! Well yeah, but how many - HOW MANY did that say in pulp fest?

The idea is for scriptwriters to talk about something relevant (or to satirise the idea of doing so id imagine) as the point of their script.

I mean i could never imagine this being vaguer than any other festival suggestion. *shakes head* tsk tsk

And Preston... sweet Preston,


sooo subjective that all the threads will end up being discussions on "the message" of the story instead of the merits of the story itself

Yes just imagine if we were discussing the message inherit within scripts written for Scriptfest. You may be surprised to learn that stories since the dawn of time have had meanings - metaphors as you will, that have touched upon what some might call 'deeper meaning' in life. Sometimes this goes so far as to include oh... politics, race, religion etc. While these provide devices for any narrative - it is 'tis' rare for that narrative whose sole purpose is to illustrate the authors preferred message.

To criticise the discussion of a stories message - is about as intellectual as criticising the idea of discussing the meaning of a story. In actual fact these things form the base of any narrative relevance. The merits of the story.... well now your being subjective ;)

Muhahahaa

[themightyshrub]

I'm fully aware of the work of Brecht, having been a drama student for goodness knows how many years, and an english student for even more than that, and I think to be honest he is a perfect example of why I don't think messagefest would work. He's put so much effort into putting his point across that the actual writing in his plays suffers. That's not to say that his plays suck, far from it, but as a writing style it is only really conductive if shown exactly as he intended - in a very melodramatic style, on stage. I've seen both a stage and film version of Threepenny Opera, and the film version sucked, because that kind of thing just doesn't work on camera.

So where do you go with it? Well, you have to water it down slightly so that the writing can take over and make the story flow properly, so that it reads well and doesn't tire the reader. But if you water the message down, then it's just another facet of the story, not the main objective. Add to this that you only have ten pages, and you're either going to end up with a really big moral and very little story, or a nice flowing story with a moral that the average reader/viewer would have to search for.

All of the above may be irrelevant, it may not. I was merely pointing out that I don't think Brecht necessarily proves your point.

To be honest, I think this is getting a bit silly and petty. It's also irrelevant, seen as Isaac has already chosen the next fest =P
I'd be perfectly happy with MessageFest, I'm just pointing out it's limitations

[lawriejaffa]

Thats rather silly shrubby because lets face it - to say Brecht simply wouldnt work in film is sooo subjective as to be irrelevant.

I mean the whole point of art is that it can be expressed in any interesting way - there is no rules - only a smaller audience for the lesser marginal as it were :)



All of the above may be irrelevant, it may not. I was merely pointing out that I don't think Brecht necessarily proves your point.



It is a little irrelevant just because your debating with my example for a point rather than the point. I mean my suggestion was in as much a referral to the so called 'message films' we all know of - than as a technical description of the required type of script.

It is a bit petty but im not being too serious - i always sound like i have a kind of consistent male version of PMS anyway! It's just part of my charm!

Whatever the next script fest is i can't wait its so much fun to participate etc.

[Nektonic]

Whatever the next script fest is i can't wait its so much fun to participate etc.

Same here. I don't really care if it is ninjafest or clownfest or some other bizarre idea like that. Hey, maybe I'll write one about a ninja clown. He could be like Bruce Wayne and Batman or Clark Kent and Superman.

By day, he's a clown with a big funny feet and a honking red nose.

By night, he's a badass shadow-crawlin' and throwing star-throwin' ninja vigilante.

[alex whitmer]

maybe I'll write one about a ninja clown

Now a Ninja clown with a message, that I would like to read!

a



www.brooklyngarrison.wordpress.com

.

[RodThompson]

Now a Ninja clown with a message, that I would like to read!



Here ya go! (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082332/)

This movie won the "Worst Death Scene" award on YouTube!

[Sarah Daly]

Ooh I wanna know what the theme is! Crossing my fingers for message fest - nothing I love more than ramming my ideals into the brains of the audience while they think they're being entertained. Mwa ha ha!

But I'm also open to ninja clowns. As if clowns aren't terrifying enough without martial arts skills...

[RodThompson]

I agree that message fest is a boring idea. Every story should have a message woven into something entertaining, vice basing the whole theme on displaying a message of some sort.

[lawriejaffa]

Every story should have a message woven into something entertaining, vice basing the whole theme on displaying a message of some sort.


Eh!? So for example, The Killing Fields, Salo, or Come and See, were those films with messages woven into something entertaining.

Films cover a wide range of ideas and thoughts because they are like all art forms an abstract visualisation of an idea, a thought, a feeling.

The idea that oh you know, a movies a product and here we make movies with a dose of entertainment and a hint of message is ludicrous.

Its also the exact reason why i think messagefest would be a good idea, it would encourage folk to use grey matter in their brains - and engage with what sometimes is more important than pure entertainment.

Light hearted fun genre ideas for scriptfests are great, and if we get another one rock on im in, but if as artists we don't endevour for more and have something important to say, then your intellectually bankrupt.

And for those confusing 'meaning' in stories, with those stories that have messages... let me tell you, there is a reason we have two words to distuingish meaning and message... because there different.

Muhahaa

[Chris_Keaton]

I think 'movies' are first and foremost entertainment. If a message can be delivered, then great. But don't forget to be entertaining.

I'm sure we've all sat through dull-as-shit movies chuck full of message. If your point is to get a message across you better make the movie entertaining, this way the most people are touched. Otherwise only snooty douche bags are ever going to see your 'message'.

Don't get me wrong I think message films are fine, just make them entertaining, damnit!

[lawriejaffa]

Don't get me wrong I think message films are fine, just make them entertaining, damnit!


Yah thats inspiring...

Its like saying 'hey... don't make me think without my bubblegum'

Incidentally films are a form of art that can be entertaining.

Its not entertainment that can be art... Writers of all people should appreciate that, even if overtly pop culturally educated swine (i.e noobie directors gumbies) think otherwise.

Am i suggesting all films should be educational? Should all have messages... etc no of course not. But some respect gentleman please... isn't it about time we had a fest focussing on us engaging with something intelligent.

It would be a nice change after PulpFest!

[preston]

Lawrie, it's ok for people to have different opinions than you; that's what makes it fun.

and maybe switch to decaf, brother... :)

[DarkElastic]

Lawrie, it's ok for people to have different opinions than you; that's what makes it fun.

and maybe switch to decaf, brother... :)

Are you Hulk Hogan, pretending to be a normie? :)

[lawriejaffa]

Lawrie, it's ok for people to have different opinions than you; that's what makes it fun.


Don't worry i believe your entitled to your wrong opinion.



and maybe switch to decaf, brother... :)


Oh how American! How drole... Its tea over here daarling ;) The only problem is that i don't have normal tea, but all kinds of Earl Grey variants (which only girls and Captain Picard seem to like)

[preston]

Are you Hulk Hogan, pretending to be a normie? :)

haha, he lives about five minutes away from me!

[Isaac_Brody]

and maybe switch to decaf, brother... :)

This is good advice. :beer:

[lawriejaffa]

This is good advice. :beer:


Um... no i don't think so - i think writers would be sweeping the streets tomorrow if it weren't for the magical potion called coffee! Heres some advice - why don't you hurry up and announce the next fest you fiend?

[nitramlehcar]

Oh how American! How drole... Its tea over here daarling ;) The only problem is that i don't have normal tea, but all kinds of Earl Grey variants (which only girls and Captain Picard seem to like)

There is such a thing as decaf tea, by the way. Just sayin'...

[lawriejaffa]

There is such a thing as decaf tea, by the way. Just sayin'...


Well, let us know if it changes your life...

[nitramlehcar]

I'm sure you would be on tiptoes.

[RodThompson]

Honestly, as a hardcore, US Navy, He-Man coffee drinker, I have to say that when the times are tight, and there is no coffee to be found...tea just does not suffice.

I find the lack of bitter bite, and hard core black, asthmatic kick in the breath takes away from the overall enjoyment of tea. I prefer to sip or gulp with the precognitive notion that three cups later, I will be more hyperactive and superhuman. I mean, come on, who doesn't want to be superhuman?

Tea is the BB to coffee's Magnum-like shot to the brain. Even now, as I type away, jumping here and there around my subject matter, making no sense, I look to my coffee cup with a proud and humble, "Thank you!"

You see, I don't need to make sense when I drink coffee, because COFFEE IS SENSE! Coffee is life. Tea is death.

In fact, check your history books. I just went back in time from drinking so much coffee and changed a few things! Now, Hippies are famous for saying, "Peace Love Coffee" and the Boston Tea Party...well I didn't change much given the context of this event, though afterwards we all sat down and got hyper-blitzed on some good ole Columbian love! Those colonials....whew!...I tell ya!

All in all, this post makes no sense and can be considered filler. But nothing fills like a good cup of Joe!

Rod

How long before the next fest though...I'm getting antsy!

[Ezekiel667]

I'm with Rod. Where's this Fest we were promised? I'm itching to write a script over here!