SCRIPT TITLE: I Don’t Know
Nominated: Best Romantic Comedy, Nominated: Best Love Story
Judge #1 Comments: “The script has a double act of two key features that are really great: solid stakes and a genuinely original concept (which is used in an original function – so this is a different take on the ‘author enters material’ concept). The post-modern twist is especially impressive as the film reaches its third act, where it begins to deliver the punchline solely on this factor. The music featured, and other film referencial elements, is likely to be the film’s downfall from a budget perspective – there’s a lot to get copyright clearance for.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Judge #2 Comments: “Some of the characters featured, especially the female archetypes, seem perhaps a little outdated, despite the post-modern setting. I suppose the main question to any producer considering this script would be: is this a feature film set in a particular time period… because, say it was set in the 1990’s or even early 2000’s – this would be a spot on postmodern self aware comedy… but, in our current era, this script isn’t quite one thing or another – it is smart… but perhaps a little out of place in the current market. An easy comparison the writer should take is to hone in on the current successful romcoms on say Netflix – and particularly look at the posters and marketing materials… and try to see how this script can be edited to ‘fit’ the current demands. All in all though – the project does have a lot of potential, especially from the director’s seat – where the style of film and realism clash (ie something like Stranger Than Fiction or The Purple Rose of Cairo).”
→ Would recommend: Yes, after edit
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 7/10, Craft: 7/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Spirits of Christmas
Categories: Winner: Best Romantic Comedy
Judge #1 Comments: “Nicely written and quite affordable on an indie budget. The script itself is very clean – something that most writer’s fail to provide a reader with is a clear sense of where it is headed, and what the sum of it all is… but with Spirits of Christmas it is quite clear. Also, a big plus here is the combo of potential audience niches – that being of the romcom genre (though it feels at times more com than rom), and of course the Christmas film. Overall, this is quite a nice solid entry, and a film one could see producers reading and knowing where to slot it quite easily.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Medium Indie
Judge #2 Comments: “The script has a great milieu setting – actors and their process… a great lead role – one which an actress will enjoy a lot… though, mind you – it is set within a bit of a tired milieu in reality, one that has been overused especially within horror and romcoms… that being of actresses in training or practice… However – that is actually quite important – it is a film that is already hitting well-walked ground and is likely to already have a pre-established audience. The script overall is quite nicely structured, and at 100 odd pages is basically ready for shooting. I’d personally revisit the end – the stakes are quite well explores through the film, but perhaps the payoff could be stronger – here perhaps one could also reflect on what is the closing off genre note of the film – is this more of a rom com, comedy or a commentary on the life of an actor and these people etc.?”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Small, can be shot on micro
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 7/10, Craft: 8/10
SCRIPT TITLE: A Siren’s Sweet Whisper
Categories: Nominated: Best presentation of Love
Judge #1 Comments: “Epic by design, A Siren’s Sweet Whisper is a grand almost operatic venture… it does have a certain length to it, and one at times could imagine this as either being one of two potentials: either a Lifetime sort of period piece made for a history channel, or the large scale period piece romance films that used to be made in the 90’s. All in all, the film delivers where it should, and though it does need a bit of a tightening in terms of length, it is a lovely display of research and ensemble casting potential.”
→ Would recommend: Moderate yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Judge #2 Comments: “The greatest strength of Sweet is its potential for a director and art department. There’s plenty to be had with the setting, and even the intimacy of some scenes. Overall I think this is a really interesting project for a team with a strong understanding of palette, canvas (and I really do mean the photographic department here) and of course scale. With the right tools, this foundation could be quite the event.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Very large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 7/10, Craft: 10/10
SCRIPT TITLE: The Weekend
Categories: Nominated: Best use of Comedy, Nominated: Most Comedic Roles
Judge #1 Comments: “Audi branding aside, this script punches a fiery sort of set up with a fine delivery. Comedy action fun delivered with a great trio of friends… this might just be a sort of new brand of The Hangover style film. It’s definitely got market potential. With the right cast and director (i.e. someone consciously flavouring the film with the needed music and coverage editing), this could be a fast moving entertainer.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Judge #2 Comments: “For its genre, I’d personally prefer to see it tightened a bit. A solid action comedy closer to the 90-100 page range is an easier read. At times, though very entertaining, it felt a little lengthy and perhaps lost in ensuring each character had its moment, instead of, say allowing the scenario and plot to lead the page.”
→ Would recommend: Yes, with changes
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 9/10, Craft: 8/10
SCRIPT TITLE: TROLL (Produced)
Categories: Winner: Special Prize – Best Monologue
Judge #1 Comments: “Annie fox provides a scenario and a character that perfectly marries to produce a kind of nut job comedy show that only living through 2020 lockdown life could inspire. It is a delight to be had.”
Judge #2 Comments: “Heather Coombs ought to consider doing a one woman ‘stand up’ kind of show, as a vlog. She’s got the style for one.”
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 8/10, Craft: 7/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Gimme Shelter
Categories: Winner: Best Dramatic Script
Judge #1 Comments: “This is far too long. But it is an epic. The most epic script we’ve had so far.”
→ Would recommend: Perhaps after an edit
→ Budget scale: Large
Judge #2 Comments: “The text is very rich… but one could easily state that this is thanks to its whooping near 300 page length. And edit is needed, if this is to be a film… it could be a TV series perhaps… which is to say it is rather timely for the TV era we are living in. Mini-series here we go!”
→ Would recommend: Not for film, but yes for TV
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 7/7, Craft: 9/10
SCRIPT TITLE: LOONATOONA
Categories: Nominated: Best use of Comedy
Judge #1 Comments: “The major selling point of Loonatoona is perhaps its original comedic spin. It somewhat reminds me of Mental, the indie darling from 2012… that’s really to say that this a homegrown effort, one with a particular sense of Australian comedy. It’s a great thing really – as unique titles like this one can become unique items in an overcrowded comedy market.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Judge #2 Comments: “For me the script is perhaps at times long for a comedy, but it does provide a really unique angle to its content – an approach that would provide many choices to a director in terms of visual style and of course – for the actors… There’s a lot of room here for tonal performances and character based line delivery. For the writer to have an indie film made I’d suggest a smaller scale project, but this is a great one that could, with the right backing, be a really great large scale comedy ensemble type of film.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 9/10, Craft: 8/10
SCRIPT TITLE: The Pub Team
Categories: Winner: Best Characters
Judge #1 Comments: “The biggest upside of this script is its cast. The actual film won’t appeal to most, and the genre is very niche (outside of the UK – at least in the context of film goers). But sports films often hit a sort of social/buddy audience, and this one does hint at that kind of flavouring. There’s much to enjoy here, and with the right cast, these characters will come to life and delight.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Medium
Judge #2 Comments: “The thing I really like here is that there’s a distinct voice. The roles of Gluten and Boulder are especially great – they will be an actor’s dream to play. It could be a little tighter for a comedy. But there’s also lots to sink teeth into. Highly recommended.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Indie – with the right team this could be very cost effective
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 10/10, Craft: 8/10
SCRIPT TITLE: The Misguided Path of Rocky Rhodes
Categories: Winner: Best Comedy Script, Nominated: Best Characters
Judge #1 Comments: “Comical and full of charm, this devil starring script is hilarious and recalls that sort of 90’s comedy that rarely gets made these days… that kind of blend of adult humour with childhood themes (ie fantasy) and contemporary men living in not so contemporary settings.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate to large
Judge #2 Comments: “A potential indie delight – this script has that sort of individual flavouring that really engages the comical and the arty potential. One can see a Director of Photography spilling light with great creativity into some of these settings… and the cast delivering wild performances to suit the tempo and style of the text. Somewhat, in a roundabout way, reminiscent of Human Nature. (ps. Love Human Nature).”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Medium, got indie potential
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 10/10, Craft: 9/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Cornelius Adams
Categories: Winner: Best TV Script
Judge #1 Comments: “With a very theatrical structure, Cornelius Adams feels like a kind of 2000’s big budget sci fi TV event series. The skill with which the script and the story is presented is crisp and very well written.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large, TV Scale
Judge #2 Comments: “The cast of characters here at times feels more like we’ve known you a long time, than say the TV pilot norm of we’ve just met… but that isn’t a bad thing really. In fact, if anything, it provides proof that the main sauce of this sci fi epic has plenty of dishes to serve up. Ultimately, the budget might be a pain… but this could be an indie sci fi production, something along the lines of what some of the on-demand distributors are currently looking for.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Depends on route, but indie is a potential
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 8/10, Craft: 10/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Earthjacked
Categories: Nominated: Best Sci Fi Script
Judge #1 Comments: “The script seems loaded with directional notes. This isn’t so much of an issue, but it really does flavour the reading in a singular approach… – putting this issue aside though, the film is an epic blow out with a serious understanding for the potential of casting a diverse cast, as well as interlacing a particularly strong take on a vision, something that the likes of Arthur C Clarke has done with say Childhood’s End. Basically that is to say that there are big idea concepts here, and plenty of texture to bring it to life.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Judge #2 Comments: “The characters speak often with a kind of ease that feels perhaps at times less than familiar for the genre (yes, there’s plenty of science chatter… but the hellos and goodbyes are very mundane). Beyond that, I guess one would only want to criticise the flavourings of the potential sub-genres… is there room in here for more of a comedic take on the sci fi or should it be further pushed into the darker tones to match its vision of planet sacrifice? – I’d try a revision… but only to further enhance the content – which is already quite smashing.”
→ Would recommend: Yes, with revision
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 8/10, Craft: 8/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Quantum Driver
Categories: Winner: Best Sci Fi Script
Judge #1 Comments: “The world building element of this script is quite grand and impressive. Of course, the one major downturn is the budget… but other than that, this script has a great understanding of scale, sci-fi dystopia and human suffering.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Judge #2 Comments: “The biggest selling point for me with this script is the dialogue. There’s a lot of it, and it is well written. In a way, despite the sci-fi setting, this reminds me of those sort of submarine films. Those set in the quarters of generals and officers, and those battles they have… ah – there we go – this is kind of like Snowpiercer. All in all, great use of character, and great use of sci fi based dialogue, which builds great tension of world building.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 9/10, Craft: 10/10
SCRIPT TITLE: The Stress Goblin’s Hat
Categories: Nominated: Best Children’s Script
Judge #1 Comments: “There’s some revision needed – some syntax errors and the script format doesn’t remain consistent throughout. However, putting that aside it was quite a great TV concept for children, and it has a lot of promise.”
→ Would recommend: Yes, but needs revision
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Judge #2 Comments: “The script provides a great understanding of the intellectual property. There’s a real sense that this writing duo have a strong passion for their project, and will see it made with a solid understanding of what it is they are producing. I’d recommend this is made – and furthermore, I can imagine it wouldn’t be too hard to see produced on a moderate indie budget with freelance animators. Also, one should add – voice actors will love this project.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Small – Medium
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 8/10, Craft: 6/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Review
Categories: Winner: Best use of Comedy, Nominated: Best Thriller
Judge #1 Comments: “So there’s something special and very simply enjoyable with this script: the concept. Add to that some zangy characters and engaging dialogue, and it is a bit of a solid winner. It will take some effort to mount with the right budget scale, but it is already well worth the ticket price for admission.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate to Large
Judge #2 Comments: “This has an indie darling feeling about it – the dialogue really pops… and despite the very serious content, the concept allows for a sort of melodramatic undertone in how the dialogue could be delivered. It is in a way rather kitsch, but it is the best kind of kitsch… the kind that is actually entertaining and disturbing (at least in a morals sense) at the same time.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 9/10, Craft: 10/10
SCRIPT TITLE: A BILLION PARTS PER MILLION
Categories: Winner: Best Thriller
Judge #1 Comments: “I’d revise the title. It is too dramatic for the content… and likewise, try and edit it down a bit – the length will be a put off for some producers (just in the context of they will feel there must be some fat to trim). However, pushing that aside, the actual design of the script is really impressive – it is cleanly written and well structured. There isn’t much wrong here, but it is a massive undertaking for anyone who wants these kind of productions – i.e. if one was trying to get it made in the indie sector that is.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large, Hollywood scale
Judge #2 Comments: “The one thing that really appeals with this script is the sense of an author. There’s plenty that is being said here, and the script goes beyond the simple ‘this is the set up, and here are my points’… the other point that really appeals is that this kind of large scale, almost globe trotting media heist film? (is this a genre?!), is that it provides a director with a lot of room in terms of what one can do with the edit, scale and photography. One can’t help but immediately think of films like The Laundromat from 2019 as an example of what one could do with this content. ”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate to large, depends on director
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 10/10, Craft: 9/10