SCRIPT TITLE: S.A.L.
Nominated: Best Romantic Script, Nominated: Best TV Script
Judge #1 Comments: “Lovely use of film syntax and script structuring. There’s a real sense that someone who understands script writing has had their paws on this. The dialogue, and naturally so are the characters, very poppy and pulp friendly – this is a compliment… it has a unique flavour, one that somewhat recalls the Tarantino era of caricatures, or even the more modern turns, such as Cold Pursuit.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate – there is an indie version attainable
Judge #2 Comments: “The topic at hand feels very era based – that being, a kind of film that is no longer made… one of those character led films set within a niche setting… in the 90’s, or even 2000’s, this would have been the base of a great indie film. Perhaps the takeaway remark though is this could do with some modernisation in terms of it’s approach… but that isn’t to say it isn’t good, or even on point – it is… just it might be a bit hard to convince someone to bank roll at this current era of market-forward films (I hope this makes sense).”
→ Would recommend: Yes, after edit
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 8/10, Craft: 9/10
SCRIPT TITLE: How to Lie to Yourself in Three Maybe Four Easy Lessons
Winner: Best Romantic Script
Judge #1 Comments: “It has a particular understanding of its own cheesy nature that really helps punctuate what it is doing… it might not even be a romantic script, but at its heart it has a clear brand of ideas present… I really have to say that I loved the concept, which somewhat carried the script on its own merits above all other attributes – this is a great idea that has a clear audience.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large for short
Judge #2 Comments: “I think I love the almost comedic nature of this script… but in a certain context it isn’t much more than just this – a surface comedy with a hint of some kind of romantic edge… it has great makings for a post-modern approach, and that really lies in how it is adapted. All in all, it is a great hoot to read, but it could do with some more shading in terms of its realism. Bottom line though – I was really entertained, and if it was filmed I doubt I would have much to say beyond the ‘I really enjoyed that journey’ – so all in all it’s basically great… I guess I just want some grit with my doughnuts is all.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 9/10, Craft: 7/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Mia
Nominated: Best Action/Thriller Script, Winner: Best Subgenre Script
Judge #1 Comments: “At 140 pages, this script needs an edit. It is a hefty read for an unmade script, and one that producers are unlikely to get behind… it’s just the nature of the biz. But – pushing that aside, the one thing I just adored is the use of the Gothic tone. This script reeks of a style, one that could really inject the content with darkness… It has that sort of Zack Snyder potential. All in all quite great, the dialogue at times is perhaps a tad dramatic… which would tie in with the lengthy script. After a trim this might be a bit of a lean mean machine to love.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Judge #2 Comments: “The world building aspects of this project are delicious. The script has a bold idea of where it wants to be and how that world works… There are aspects of this script that hint at a horror-action film – an almost kind of Underworld style project, or something like Dreamcatcher (though better than that messy film. I’m keen to see this made, but also find the length and even the overall presentation of it perhaps a bit slow for its content. Perhaps there are two films in here – a two feature event.”
→ Would recommend: Yes, after edit
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 8/10, Craft: 7/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Death Valley
Winner: Best Action/Thriller Script
Judge #1 Comments: “This has a potential kind of classical finish to it. With the right photographic adaptation, this would be quite a spectacular film. I am very much a fan of the film’s forward thinking presentation of the poetic lives of some individuals who exist in perhaps less-than-poetic settings. It has an immediate nature that few scripts have.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate for genre
Judge #2 Comments: “The characteristics featured here are very well toned and fleshed out… in my humble opinion it resembles what we already have out there on the circuit – which is to say it has a well established audience. I suppose ultimately it is a case of getting this script into the right hands to see it made. All in all bravo!”
→ Would recommend: Yes, after edit
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 9/10, Craft: 9/10
SCRIPT TITLE: The Problem With 13 Denzil Road
Winner: Best Horror Script, Nominated: Best Subgenre Script, Nominated: Best Character Dialogue
Judge #1 Comments: “I’m not sure about the chosen format of this story – it feels as if it might be better suited for a single film rather than a series… However, the script has a great feeling of genre, and that is really something that can’t be neglected – this is a script written by someone who clearly loves the horror subgenres and that’s something we can all just plain old simple love in it..”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Low with right approach
Judge #2 Comments: “I suppose the main takeaway here is that the script is really nicely put together. It is concise, and direct to what it is and wants… that is something that audiences really enjoy in TV – and something that has been a successful element behind a lot of the FX TV brand in recent years – horror themed TV shows and so on. What interests me I guess the most is where one can take this project, as in – what follows on from this particular arc. – I do also want to add a comment about the dialogue – at times it is minimalist, and very sharp — this is a great attribute of the script. Actors should enjoy the physicality, and also carefully deliver these words, and not rush them.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 8/10, Craft: 8/10
SCRIPT TITLE: LEGENDS
Nominated: Best Horror Script, Winner: Best TV Script
Judge #1 Comments: “The project has a sense of pace about it – it has a flair that makes for great TV. The genre is perhaps a bit lost… is this really a horror? Yes for its tone, but perhaps more Gothic than anything else. It reminded me a lot of the subplots of American Gods, and well – the whole plotting of Vikings. All in all it is a great gutsy project.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Judge #2 Comments: “The greatest pleasure of this project is really what it would offer to its cast of characters. There’s so much here for the actors to love. And of course the art department will have a lot of fun – which of course is the milieu and delight of these kinds of TV projects with their dramatic horror splash of blood and period-piece elements. Really enjoyable.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 10/10, Craft: 9/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Streets of Rebellion
Nominated: Best Comedy, Nominated: Best Character Dialogue
Judge #1 Comments: “The set up is rather great – I somehow see this making a really awesome punchy short film in all honesty… the dialogue at times is very stylised and long – and this is a really great element of the script.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Judge #2 Comments: “As a TV Show I guess the main question is where does this go from here? – in a sense it reminds me of Community, and that is both a great and terrible thing (great characters, limited road ahead). All in all the greatest part is the room actors have to play with those long dialogue sets. It’s fun.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 8/10, Craft: 8/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Sam and Dog
Nominated: Best Comedy, Nominated: Best World Building
Judge #1 Comments: “The set up is really quite great – it has a smart postmodern effect that helps establish the plot and purpose of the story. I think many would enjoy this doggie event! – it is also smartly written in a costly fashion… more indies should think in this fashion.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Low
Judge #2 Comments: “This has a certain rehash feeling about it – and perhaps in a bad way… we’ve seen the men in dog costumes before – Wilfred is perhaps the most famous… I guess the main question is – does this have anything to add? – I’m not sure… it is entertaining all the same… but this is well worn ground at this point and I think the dog needs to go out for a walk.”
→ Would recommend: No
→ Budget scale: Low
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 7/10, Craft: 9/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Foiled
Winner: Best Character Dialogue
Judge #1 Comments: “The dialogue in this project is delicious – there’s a real sense of punch to the comedy – the kind that you rarely see in unknown writers’ work.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Judge #2 Comments: “The set up – mostly made up of the intricate art direction and use of cast, will provide much of the foundation needed for a successful project – there’s great care in the finer details of this script and one must acknowledge that there’s a real sense of love here – the writer has put detail in because they love that part of the writing process..”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 10/10, Craft: 9/10
SCRIPT TITLE: One More California
Nominated: Best Lead Character
Judge #1 Comments: “The particular nature of this script is largely aided by its set up – it is clearly a mindful Californian set project that plays on the tongue and cheek of LA work-life-hilarity. It’s a combo we’ve seen before, but one we must welcome again. In recent weseries efforts actually, many have presented similar plots – in particular actors attempting to balance work and play. It is a well tested audience for this particular sub-genre of the comedy world (i.e. the LA we all love and hate and know and think is glamorous). Audiences exist for this material.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Judge #2 Comments: “To pull off the needed finish of this project – in order for it to be convincing – may prove to be too costly for the indie market… unless one attempts something unusual (animation for example)… but that is really besides the point – the core choice of an underrepresented lead character is very exciting and something one must excitedly desire to see brought to life.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 8/10, Craft: 8/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Avalon Farms
Nominated: Best Subgenre Script
Judge #1 Comments: “I’m not sure of this being a continuous narrative – ie TV – but the cast of characters and the overall use of genre is quite fun and something we know is well and tested (Glee etc). Perhaps the scope, and how it is made, is likely to be the real selling point of the script – ie how it translates to screen etc.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate for TV
Judge #2 Comments: “I see this as a great challenging casting project – one would need to find the right talent and ensure that they deliver step and tune for the whole thing… it is a great thing to take on… and one that with the right baking could lead to great work.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 9/10, Craft: 8/10
SCRIPT TITLE: The Unstoppable Force Meets The Immovable Object
Nominated: Best Comedy, Winner:Best World Building
Judge #1 Comments: “After some trimming, this character showdown might be quite a snazzy little comedy. I don’t have much else to add – as it is quite well rounded in terms of what it is doing.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Judge #2 Comments: “Barking mad. I wish this was an animation.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 8/10, Craft: 8/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Thirst Class
Winner: Best Comedy
Judge #1 Comments: “The main premise, which is very English, has this core selling element that is very much in vogue at the moment – niche characters with a bursting, enjoyable comedic tone and a great sense of caricature in a small, humble and loveable setting.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Judge #2 Comments: “The pub locale is a great setting for a TV Show – it has a kind of Are You Being Served? quality about it – there’s a set up that will guarantee laughs.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 8/10, Craft: 8/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Stand Tall
Nominated: Best Subgenre Script, Nominated: Best Comedy, Winner: Paperscreenplay Special Mention Award
Judge #1 Comments: “The premise, though perhaps a tad dated, is actually hilarious. The film reminds me for some reason a lot of the Sandra Bullock comedy that no one has seen – Love Potion No. 9 – which is to say Stand Tall is a solid hoot, much like Love Potion.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Judge #2 Comments: “There’s a particular fun blend here of comedy and science fiction – a rare comedy blend these days… making this a unique and interesting comedy title that would make for a fantastic headline comedy with one of those eye-catching posters that makes you wonder how bizarre and funny the actual film might be. All in all, it has a great premise and a solid use of gender conflict to keep it quite amusing.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large, but appropriate for genre blend
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 9/10, Craft: 7/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Violent Indigo
Winner: Best Writing Technique
Judge #1 Comments: “Very classic with its set up – Violent Indigo has a certain crime-tale tradition at use, but with a very specific character and locale – making it somewhat unique in a certain subgenre. Comedy? – I’m not sure… but it is a nice blend of those kinds of 90’s films used to be..”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large for genre
Judge #2 Comments: “The greatest asset of this project is its clear sense of direction and of course the writer’s own voice – the text is presented in a nice attentive manner – and likewise, the characters and their interactions within the scenario match this model. I guess what I’m trying to say in a very convoluted way is that this is tone perfect.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 8/10, Craft: 9/10
SCRIPT TITLE: SOUNDBITE
Nominated: Best World Building, Nominated: Best Character Dialogue, Winner: Best Concept
Judge #1 Comments: “I almost wrote an email to Mr.Staff asking if I could take this script off of his hands and try to get it made. But reality sunk in, perhaps as quickly as my excitement for the material… Though I could not personally see this made, someone should – it has a great quality to it. A simple and loveable premise. I have nothing better to say really.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate for genre
Judge #2 Comments: “Some of the action description is at times too literary – but overall, the use of characters of a certain age, and the journey they go on within this almost superhero styled film (yes, I mean this in the core arc of the hero’s journey… just in the post-Marvel era) is a fantastic niche of a story. It reminds me of Super 8 actually… Anyways, all in all it is very exciting and I think it has a clear audience demographic (family) that it will appeal to.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 10/10, Craft: 8/10
SCRIPT TITLE: The Prince of Walgrove Manor
Nominated: Best Character Dialogue
Judge #1 Comments: “The interpersonal relationships of the characters of this party are quite well rounded and nicely developed.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate for budget
Judge #2 Comments: “The script perhaps lacks a faster opening, and well – at 120 pages it is more of a drama than anything else… but I wonder if there’s room here to hone in on a different tone, one which would make the material more exciting.”
→ Would recommend: Yes, after edit
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 7/10, Craft: 9/10
SCRIPT TITLE: No Man’s Property
Nominated: Best Drama
Judge #1 Comments: “Well researched, moving and clearly an important tale to be told with a strong individual voice leading it.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate for period piece
Judge #2 Comments: “A story inspired by the life of Harriet Jacobs – is, like many recently produced projects, a great push to see equality and history surrounding these issues brought to the forefront of our culture. It’s greatly detailed and well balanced as a drama piece.”
→ Would recommend:
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 9/10, Craft: 10/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Mother and Daughter
Nominated: Best Drama
Judge #1 Comments: “A simple story, one which has the makings of what could be a thriller or even art house picture with a distinct style… basically, this is a great foundation for a director’s palette to really engage and tighten the content tone wise.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Judge #2 Comments: “To me this is a great character film – the type that allows a lead actor to really delve into the scenario, the psychological state of the characters and relish the experience. Bravo!”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 8/10, Craft: 9/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Cross Cultures
Nominated: Best Drama, Nominated: Best Character Dialogue
Judge #1 Comments: “This globe-trotting drama has a great understanding of characterisation, and of course the immediate nature of human beings fighting for survival in what is now a global world of trade (ie not national).”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Judge #2 Comments: “Olivier Assasyas has made several films which encapsulate the themes of this kind of film, as has Zhangke – both representing the complex realities of our current almost nationless sense of human reach… the greatest… I guess what I am trying to say is that this has a unique audience, and is therefore by nature, a unique film – the type that is often made by well established and well supported artists who are considering our world in the context of the largest canvas.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 8/10, Craft: 8/10
SCRIPT TITLE: CALL SIGN 22
Winner: Best Drama
Judge #1 Comments: “It’s simple really – this is an important story, and it is well told in an intimate setting. Bravo!”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Judge #2 Comments: “Large tasks ahead for actors, but really rewarding and clearly a personal story that has been carefully cared for.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 10/10, Craft: 9/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Drunk Isidor
Winner: Best Lead Character
Judge #1 Comments: “This arty film script reminded me of Words and Pictures – it’s a rewarding read, and one which considers both the struggles of the artist and the art world to live through what is a life that at times is anything but inspiring.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Judge #2 Comments: “I’d personally like to see this lean into a different subgenre more heavily – it’s the poster and marketing potential which I am considering really… the film doesn’t scream to me as a simple film to present for sales… but all in all it is an interesting topic and well told.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 8/10, Craft: 9/10
SCRIPT TITLE: S.A.L.
Nominated: Best Romantic Script, Nominated: Best TV Script
Judge #1 Comments: “Lovely use of film syntax and script structuring. There’s a real sense that someone who understands script writing has had their paws on this. The dialogue, and naturally so are the characters, very poppy and pulp friendly – this is a compliment… it has a unique flavour, one that somewhat recalls the Tarantino era of caricatures, or even the more modern turns, such as Cold Pursuit.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate – there is an indie version attainable
Judge #2 Comments: “The topic at hand feels very era based – that being, a kind of film that is no longer made… one of those character led films set within a niche setting… in the 90’s, or even 2000’s, this would have been the base of a great indie film. Perhaps the takeaway remark though is this could do with some modernisation in terms of it’s approach… but that isn’t to say it isn’t good, or even on point – it is… just it might be a bit hard to convince someone to bank roll at this current era of market-forward films (I hope this makes sense).”
→ Would recommend: Yes, after edit
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 8/10, Craft: 9/10
SCRIPT TITLE: How to Lie to Yourself in Three Maybe Four Easy Lessons
Winner: Best Romantic Script
Judge #1 Comments: “It has a particular understanding of its own cheesy nature that really helps punctuate what it is doing… it might not even be a romantic script, but at its heart it has a clear brand of ideas present… I really have to say that I loved the concept, which somewhat carried the script on its own merits above all other attributes – this is a great idea that has a clear audience.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large for short
Judge #2 Comments: “I think I love the almost comedic nature of this script… but in a certain context it isn’t much more than just this – a surface comedy with a hint of some kind of romantic edge… it has great makings for a post-modern approach, and that really lies in how it is adapted. All in all, it is a great hoot to read, but it could do with some more shading in terms of its realism. Bottom line though – I was really entertained, and if it was filmed I doubt I would have much to say beyond the ‘I really enjoyed that journey’ – so all in all it’s basically great… I guess I just want some grit with my doughnuts is all.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 9/10, Craft: 7/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Mia
Nominated: Best Action/Thriller Script, Winner: Best Subgenre Script
Judge #1 Comments: “At 140 pages, this script needs an edit. It is a hefty read for an unmade script, and one that producers are unlikely to get behind… it’s just the nature of the biz. But – pushing that aside, the one thing I just adored is the use of the Gothic tone. This script reeks of a style, one that could really inject the content with darkness… It has that sort of Zack Snyder potential. All in all quite great, the dialogue at times is perhaps a tad dramatic… which would tie in with the lengthy script. After a trim this might be a bit of a lean mean machine to love.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Judge #2 Comments: “The world building aspects of this project are delicious. The script has a bold idea of where it wants to be and how that world works… There are aspects of this script that hint at a horror-action film – an almost kind of Underworld style project, or something like Dreamcatcher (though better than that messy film. I’m keen to see this made, but also find the length and even the overall presentation of it perhaps a bit slow for its content. Perhaps there are two films in here – a two feature event.”
→ Would recommend: Yes, after edit
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 8/10, Craft: 7/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Death Valley
Winner: Best Action/Thriller Script
Judge #1 Comments: “This has a potential kind of classical finish to it. With the right photographic adaptation, this would be quite a spectacular film. I am very much a fan of the film’s forward thinking presentation of the poetic lives of some individuals who exist in perhaps less-than-poetic settings. It has an immediate nature that few scripts have.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate for genre
Judge #2 Comments: “The characteristics featured here are very well toned and fleshed out… in my humble opinion it resembles what we already have out there on the circuit – which is to say it has a well established audience. I suppose ultimately it is a case of getting this script into the right hands to see it made. All in all bravo!”
→ Would recommend: Yes, after edit
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 9/10, Craft: 9/10
SCRIPT TITLE: The Problem With 13 Denzil Road
Winner: Best Horror Script, Nominated: Best Subgenre Script, Nominated: Best Character Dialogue
Judge #1 Comments: “I’m not sure about the chosen format of this story – it feels as if it might be better suited for a single film rather than a series… However, the script has a great feeling of genre, and that is really something that can’t be neglected – this is a script written by someone who clearly loves the horror subgenres and that’s something we can all just plain old simple love in it..”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Low with right approach
Judge #2 Comments: “I suppose the main takeaway here is that the script is really nicely put together. It is concise, and direct to what it is and wants… that is something that audiences really enjoy in TV – and something that has been a successful element behind a lot of the FX TV brand in recent years – horror themed TV shows and so on. What interests me I guess the most is where one can take this project, as in – what follows on from this particular arc. – I do also want to add a comment about the dialogue – at times it is minimalist, and very sharp — this is a great attribute of the script. Actors should enjoy the physicality, and also carefully deliver these words, and not rush them.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 8/10, Craft: 8/10
SCRIPT TITLE: LEGENDS
Nominated: Best Horror Script, Winner: Best TV Script
Judge #1 Comments: “The project has a sense of pace about it – it has a flair that makes for great TV. The genre is perhaps a bit lost… is this really a horror? Yes for its tone, but perhaps more Gothic than anything else. It reminded me a lot of the subplots of American Gods, and well – the whole plotting of Vikings. All in all it is a great gutsy project.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Judge #2 Comments: “The greatest pleasure of this project is really what it would offer to its cast of characters. There’s so much here for the actors to love. And of course the art department will have a lot of fun – which of course is the milieu and delight of these kinds of TV projects with their dramatic horror splash of blood and period-piece elements. Really enjoyable.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 10/10, Craft: 9/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Streets of Rebellion
Nominated: Best Comedy, Nominated: Best Character Dialogue
Judge #1 Comments: “The set up is rather great – I somehow see this making a really awesome punchy short film in all honesty… the dialogue at times is very stylised and long – and this is a really great element of the script.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Judge #2 Comments: “As a TV Show I guess the main question is where does this go from here? – in a sense it reminds me of Community, and that is both a great and terrible thing (great characters, limited road ahead). All in all the greatest part is the room actors have to play with those long dialogue sets. It’s fun.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 8/10, Craft: 8/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Sam and Dog
Nominated: Best Comedy, Nominated: Best World Building
Judge #1 Comments: “The set up is really quite great – it has a smart postmodern effect that helps establish the plot and purpose of the story. I think many would enjoy this doggie event! – it is also smartly written in a costly fashion… more indies should think in this fashion.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Low
Judge #2 Comments: “This has a certain rehash feeling about it – and perhaps in a bad way… we’ve seen the men in dog costumes before – Wilfred is perhaps the most famous… I guess the main question is – does this have anything to add? – I’m not sure… it is entertaining all the same… but this is well worn ground at this point and I think the dog needs to go out for a walk.”
→ Would recommend: No
→ Budget scale: Low
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 7/10, Craft: 9/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Foiled
Winner: Best Character Dialogue
Judge #1 Comments: “The dialogue in this project is delicious – there’s a real sense of punch to the comedy – the kind that you rarely see in unknown writers’ work.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Judge #2 Comments: “The set up – mostly made up of the intricate art direction and use of cast, will provide much of the foundation needed for a successful project – there’s great care in the finer details of this script and one must acknowledge that there’s a real sense of love here – the writer has put detail in because they love that part of the writing process..”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 10/10, Craft: 9/10
SCRIPT TITLE: One More California
Nominated: Best Lead Character
Judge #1 Comments: “The particular nature of this script is largely aided by its set up – it is clearly a mindful Californian set project that plays on the tongue and cheek of LA work-life-hilarity. It’s a combo we’ve seen before, but one we must welcome again. In recent weseries efforts actually, many have presented similar plots – in particular actors attempting to balance work and play. It is a well tested audience for this particular sub-genre of the comedy world (i.e. the LA we all love and hate and know and think is glamorous). Audiences exist for this material.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Judge #2 Comments: “To pull off the needed finish of this project – in order for it to be convincing – may prove to be too costly for the indie market… unless one attempts something unusual (animation for example)… but that is really besides the point – the core choice of an underrepresented lead character is very exciting and something one must excitedly desire to see brought to life.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 8/10, Craft: 8/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Avalon Farms
Nominated: Best Subgenre Script
Judge #1 Comments: “I’m not sure of this being a continuous narrative – ie TV – but the cast of characters and the overall use of genre is quite fun and something we know is well and tested (Glee etc). Perhaps the scope, and how it is made, is likely to be the real selling point of the script – ie how it translates to screen etc.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate for TV
Judge #2 Comments: “I see this as a great challenging casting project – one would need to find the right talent and ensure that they deliver step and tune for the whole thing… it is a great thing to take on… and one that with the right baking could lead to great work.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 9/10, Craft: 8/10
SCRIPT TITLE: The Unstoppable Force Meets The Immovable Object
Nominated: Best Comedy, Winner:Best World Building
Judge #1 Comments: “After some trimming, this character showdown might be quite a snazzy little comedy. I don’t have much else to add – as it is quite well rounded in terms of what it is doing.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Judge #2 Comments: “Barking mad. I wish this was an animation.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 8/10, Craft: 8/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Thirst Class
Winner: Best Comedy
Judge #1 Comments: “The main premise, which is very English, has this core selling element that is very much in vogue at the moment – niche characters with a bursting, enjoyable comedic tone and a great sense of caricature in a small, humble and loveable setting.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Judge #2 Comments: “The pub locale is a great setting for a TV Show – it has a kind of Are You Being Served? quality about it – there’s a set up that will guarantee laughs.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 8/10, Craft: 8/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Stand Tall
Nominated: Best Subgenre Script, Nominated: Best Comedy, Winner: Paperscreenplay Special Mention Award
Judge #1 Comments: “The premise, though perhaps a tad dated, is actually hilarious. The film reminds me for some reason a lot of the Sandra Bullock comedy that no one has seen – Love Potion No. 9 – which is to say Stand Tall is a solid hoot, much like Love Potion.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Judge #2 Comments: “There’s a particular fun blend here of comedy and science fiction – a rare comedy blend these days… making this a unique and interesting comedy title that would make for a fantastic headline comedy with one of those eye-catching posters that makes you wonder how bizarre and funny the actual film might be. All in all, it has a great premise and a solid use of gender conflict to keep it quite amusing.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large, but appropriate for genre blend
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 9/10, Craft: 7/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Violent Indigo
Winner: Best Writing Technique
Judge #1 Comments: “Very classic with its set up – Violent Indigo has a certain crime-tale tradition at use, but with a very specific character and locale – making it somewhat unique in a certain subgenre. Comedy? – I’m not sure… but it is a nice blend of those kinds of 90’s films used to be..”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large for genre
Judge #2 Comments: “The greatest asset of this project is its clear sense of direction and of course the writer’s own voice – the text is presented in a nice attentive manner – and likewise, the characters and their interactions within the scenario match this model. I guess what I’m trying to say in a very convoluted way is that this is tone perfect.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 8/10, Craft: 9/10
SCRIPT TITLE: SOUNDBITE
Nominated: Best World Building, Nominated: Best Character Dialogue, Winner: Best Concept
Judge #1 Comments: “I almost wrote an email to Mr.Staff asking if I could take this script off of his hands and try to get it made. But reality sunk in, perhaps as quickly as my excitement for the material… Though I could not personally see this made, someone should – it has a great quality to it. A simple and loveable premise. I have nothing better to say really.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate for genre
Judge #2 Comments: “Some of the action description is at times too literary – but overall, the use of characters of a certain age, and the journey they go on within this almost superhero styled film (yes, I mean this in the core arc of the hero’s journey… just in the post-Marvel era) is a fantastic niche of a story. It reminds me of Super 8 actually… Anyways, all in all it is very exciting and I think it has a clear audience demographic (family) that it will appeal to.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 10/10, Craft: 8/10
SCRIPT TITLE: The Prince of Walgrove Manor
Nominated: Best Character Dialogue
Judge #1 Comments: “The interpersonal relationships of the characters of this party are quite well rounded and nicely developed.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate for budget
Judge #2 Comments: “The script perhaps lacks a faster opening, and well – at 120 pages it is more of a drama than anything else… but I wonder if there’s room here to hone in on a different tone, one which would make the material more exciting.”
→ Would recommend: Yes, after edit
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 7/10, Craft: 9/10
SCRIPT TITLE: No Man’s Property
Nominated: Best Drama
Judge #1 Comments: “Well researched, moving and clearly an important tale to be told with a strong individual voice leading it.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate for period piece
Judge #2 Comments: “A story inspired by the life of Harriet Jacobs – is, like many recently produced projects, a great push to see equality and history surrounding these issues brought to the forefront of our culture. It’s greatly detailed and well balanced as a drama piece.”
→ Would recommend:
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 9/10, Craft: 10/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Mother and Daughter
Nominated: Best Drama
Judge #1 Comments: “A simple story, one which has the makings of what could be a thriller or even art house picture with a distinct style… basically, this is a great foundation for a director’s palette to really engage and tighten the content tone wise.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Judge #2 Comments: “To me this is a great character film – the type that allows a lead actor to really delve into the scenario, the psychological state of the characters and relish the experience. Bravo!”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 8/10, Craft: 9/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Cross Cultures
Nominated: Best Drama, Nominated: Best Character Dialogue
Judge #1 Comments: “This globe-trotting drama has a great understanding of characterisation, and of course the immediate nature of human beings fighting for survival in what is now a global world of trade (ie not national).”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Judge #2 Comments: “Olivier Assasyas has made several films which encapsulate the themes of this kind of film, as has Zhangke – both representing the complex realities of our current almost nationless sense of human reach… the greatest… I guess what I am trying to say is that this has a unique audience, and is therefore by nature, a unique film – the type that is often made by well established and well supported artists who are considering our world in the context of the largest canvas.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 8/10, Craft: 8/10
SCRIPT TITLE: CALL SIGN 22
Winner: Best Drama
Judge #1 Comments: “It’s simple really – this is an important story, and it is well told in an intimate setting. Bravo!”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Judge #2 Comments: “Large tasks ahead for actors, but really rewarding and clearly a personal story that has been carefully cared for.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 10/10, Craft: 9/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Drunk Isidor
Winner: Best Lead Character
Judge #1 Comments: “This arty film script reminded me of Words and Pictures – it’s a rewarding read, and one which considers both the struggles of the artist and the art world to live through what is a life that at times is anything but inspiring.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Judge #2 Comments: “I’d personally like to see this lean into a different subgenre more heavily – it’s the poster and marketing potential which I am considering really… the film doesn’t scream to me as a simple film to present for sales… but all in all it is an interesting topic and well told.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 8/10, Craft: 9/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Screech
Nominated: Best Lead Character , Nominated: Best Locale
Judge #1 Comments: “The grit of this feminist horror is quite fantastic – it recalls The Eye – a female lead film mostly about scarring and conflict within turmoil of a particular land… this is to say that this has a real locale and anxiety around these particulars… recalls even the old page turning style of Ray Bradbury’s work, such as The Whole Town is Asleep.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Low
Judge #2 Comments: “Marketing execs and distributors would love to push this kind of product out. It has a clear leading duo and a very distinct take on well established genre norms. One can easily see it being sold with an enthusiasm that would be met by buying customers… basically – this is a solid product ready for the market.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 10/10, Craft: 8/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Out of the Black
Nominated:Best World Building, Winner: Best Gothic Script
Judge #1 Comments: “The script’s cultish milieu is greatly enhanced by its fable-like structuring of acts. The project would be a delight for art departments, and a challenge for producers (in the context of runaway budgets). All in all quite exciting, and a potential director’s delight.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Judge #2 Comments: “The thing that greatly appeals to me with this script is the nature of the materials potential – there’s a lot going on here, and much like with say American Gods – there’s lots of texture to explore during production… it is the kind of project that would greatly benefit from being filmed and coming to life.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Large
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 9/10, Craft: 9/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Wrathwood
Special Mention: Best Technique
Judge #1 Comments: “Frankly, and this is counterintuitive to the event we run… but these filmmaking writing duo should stop submitting scripts to fests and just go and shoot the bloody thing. It’s ready for the production stage, though of course quite costly.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Judge #2 Comments: “The ending has that great horror TV late night quality of ‘GOTCHA’ content. But that’s really a great thing… no one likes leaving a horror event without feeling like they’ve been played with a bit… it’s all part of the fun we desire when we exchange money for a good thrill ride. Bravo!”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: High for indie horror
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 10/10, Craft: 9/10
SCRIPT TITLE: Mourn
Nominated:Best Gothic Script
Judge #1 Comments: “Der Golem has a modern competitor in Mourn, which if I’m honest, has a great kind of burnt feeling to it. It is a Gothic styled project, one that really enjoys the unique setting and minimalist approach to its content.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Low
Judge #2 Comments: “The project’s greatest asset is its forward thinking approach to the tone of the material. The script reads as if it has been written with great efficiency… though, one must add – it might be worth trying to flesh it out a bit… as at 77 pages I fear most companies won’t see it as being long enough for a solid purchase when all is said and done.”
→ Would recommend: Yes
→ Budget scale: Moderate
Overall script scores: Entertainment: 9/10, Craft: 7/10