DVX Screen writing Contest?

pest22o

pest22o

Well-known member
how come there isnt one? We have a photography contest and a short contest what about a screenplay contest.
 
This is a filmaking site, not a screenwriting site. If you would like to write a short film script, then go over to www.donedealpro.com and click on the 'writing exercise' link. There's usually a contest of some sort over there.
 
Go to www.simplyscripts.com they have what they call the one week challenge about once a month or once every two months.

They pick a logline or genre and give everyone a week to write a short script about it then they all review each others.

I dont know if an official winner is selected but its still a pretty fun thing to do and good practice aswell.

I dont want to seem like im advertising for another site but Simplyscripts has a nice collection of unproduced scripts and they have alot of friendly people who are happy to give you pointers on how to improve your script.
 
I'd really be interested in a dvxuser scriptwriting festival/contest.

You might want to check out moviepoet.com. Chris Messineo, a member here, runs that site. It has a monthly contest with a format that generates of comments on your work by the other writers.
 
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Charli said:
This is a filmaking site, not a screenwriting site. If you would like to write a short film script, then go over to www.donedealpro.com and click on the 'writing exercise' link. There's usually a contest of some sort over there.
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Screen writing and filmmaking go hand in hand, Charli. They are inseparable.

A baker doesn't make cookies without a recipe and ingredients, and a filmmaker doesn't make films without a screenplay, at least not one of worthy note.

It's called a screenplay because it is the blueprint for any film to be 'screened', as opposed to a teleplay, or a stageplay.

Thought we should clear up that error.

I agree, a screenwriting contest would be great, but also feel it would be best if done as a colab with one of the resident filmmakers. Once presented, the film will be judged on its story / plot and dialogue first, cinematic qualities second.

Only problem with that is better than half the screenwriters and filmmakers are complete flakes, and better than half of the films would never be made.

www.thegoloaffair.wordpress.com

www.alexwhitmer.wordpress.com

.
 
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I have an idea! How about we have a script writing contest. And the winner gets to have his short made! That would be the prize! Just get some willing old pros on here to help you out making YOUR movie.
 
Screenwriting contests are so problematic to begin with. I think there are too many things that go into a good film and to judge a script based solely on the six pages of a short film screenplay would be completely arbitrary and random.
 
This dismal enthusiasm about a screenwrting contest is a sad testament to the generally low regard for the writing process.

Pass me the toilet paper. I need to go poop a script.

If a contest should ever actually happen, it should be free and clear of filming attachments, as there is no garauntee it will ever get made. It will only add to frustrations and animosities.

My proposal is this ...

1. Limited to 15 or 20 writers.
2. Limited to 5 minutes/pages
3. Everyone writes about the same topic/theme. For example, two people eye each other across a coffee shop. The sparks are sky-high. So what keeps them from actually meeting.
4. One month to present a script with a logline.
5. One week to judge.
6. The script with the highest marks gets DVX recognition (even first place recognition looks good on a resume).

On Zoetrope these following criteria are used to judge screenplays:

Overall
Character
Plot
Dialogue
Originality
Quality of writing
Cinematic quality

so,

Keep it simple above all else. Should a filmmaker be interested, that becomes a private matter between filmmaker and writer.

It's about time we see a lot more mutual support for the entire process of filmmaking.

Just my 2 pesos. I might be wrong. Usually am.
a

alexwhitmer.wordpress.com

www.guerro.wordpress.com
 
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alex whitmer said:
This dismal enthusiasm about a screenwrting contest is a sad testament to the generally low regard for the writing process.

Pass me the toilet paper. I need to go poop a script....It's about time we see a lot more mutual support for the entire process of filmmaking.

Just my 2 pesos. I might be wrong. Usually am.
a

alexwhitmer.wordpress.com

www.guerro.wordpress.com
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I actually disagree that lack of interest in a contest shows a low regard for screenwriting. On the contrary, I hold it in the highest regard. In higher regard than directing. It's "harder" to do really well. It's lonely. And it's really ephemeral. I think my and your written words deserve better than getting picked over and voted on by a contest. That's not going to be the best test of a script. The best test is when the writer believes in it and writes something that really means something to him and a director successfully interprets that into something we didn't expect but still enjoy. I think the best scripts probably will not reveal themselves to be "the best" until someone has made them.

How about a best writing category in the next short film contest. With a prize that goes directly to the writer. Like cash. Or liquor.

:-)
 
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sean90291 said:
Screenwriting contests are so problematic to begin with. I think there are too many things that go into a good film and to judge a script based solely on the six pages of a short film screenplay would be completely arbitrary and random.
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Oh please.
 
brianluce said:
Oh please.
Click to expand...

And thank you?

Sorry. I just don't think people can judge scripts as effectively as they judge completed films.

Just based on the last 10 years I've spent in and around script development and watching how it goes down. It's not quite as easy as judging the jaggies on a composite. It's not like judging a short film either, which is an experience that includes music and performance and lighting and editing and effects. Screenwriting consists of a handful of words on a page. Black and white. Entirely reliant on the willing imagination of the reader. Look out.

But sounds like the script fest is coming anyhow! And yup, I'll read 'em along with everyone else.
 
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