The 2018 Writers' Tournament.

Welcome to the 2018 Writers' Tournament.

During the course of this tournament, you will be competing directly against other SimplyScripts writers and vote for your favorite scripts. The people with the more preferred scripts will move on to the next round until a champion is crowned.

So, come one, come all and test your writing skills against your peers. Please sign-up below.

Details:

Multi-round tournament.
Direct competition against another SimplyScripts writer.
Scripts 1-5 pages.
48 hours to complete a script.
Posted anonymously.
Highest score as voted by the SimplyScripts community wins.
No script entry = automatic disqualification.
Sign-ups are open until 11:59PM EST on March 15th.
Tournament begins March 16th at 12:00PM EST.

Round Two schedule:

3/25 11:59 pm scripts due - Timer
3/29 11:59 pm voting due - Timer - Guessing can begin
3/30 11:59 am (noon-ish) next prompt sent out (reveal who wrote what)

Okay, just before I pop off to bed, (it's the 14th now) is it possible for a little more clarification on this one?

Is it a page, five pages? How's this gonna work exactly?

Thanks in advance, will check in after forty winks.

Sean, something beautifully intricate going on here but I'm a bit lost.

So, we select a pair of actors, right? Then what?

I'm down.

Still have no idea what this is but put me down for 'maybe'.

This is separate from the character-actor tournament?

Quoted from Stumpzian This is separate from the character-actor tournament?

I hope it is, because this one sounds more interesting to me than the actor brackets. (Though now I can't get the image out of my head of Christopher Walken and Christopher Llyod yelling at each other.)

Sorry, guys. Facing down a blizzard and consistent power outages. Will keep you updated, I promise.

Have no idea what you're doing, Sean, but good luck with this. Sounds like a lot of fun.  

Quoted from MarkItZero Still have no idea what this is but put me down for 'maybe'.

I'm going with "perhaps"

If I have time, I may give this one a go. Don't like the actor thing though... but I'm not a film nerd so don't know most of the names on the list anyway. Might know them by face, but, meh. I couldn't care less about any of them. If they died tomorrow, I wouldn't give an eff. In some cases, I might even cheer.

Interested maybe? But not quite sure what the parameters and time constraints are. Is this in lace oft he OWC or in addition to? Anything on the table for the winner?

I just ask as I landed a writing gig that's gonna monopolize most of my time for the foreseeable future and though I love participating and learning from these challenges, time is gonna be an issue for me.

Quoted from CameronD Anything on the table for the winner?

The chance to win!

It's quite a coveted title. I write full time now, but I should still be able to find time for this. A lot of great writers here to compete against. That alone is priceless.

So, the questions I guess would be:

Do we have to choose a pair and stick with the pair we choose, no mix and match?
What's the page length?
Genre - I assume any?
And how long do we have, a week?

The last one is about the logistics of the tournament - the scripts will be judged within the divisions, right?

Quoted from khamanna So, the questions I guess would be: Do we have to choose a pair and stick with the pair we choose, no mix and match? What's the page length? Genre - I assume any? And how long do we have, a week? The last one is about the logistics of the tournament - the scripts will be judged within the divisions, right?

Not sure we're supposed to pick the actors or a pair of actors - there have been no parameters as of yet.

What is this about an actor challenge? I can't find a thread on this.

Quoted from eldave1 Not sure we're supposed to pick the actors or a pair of actors - there have been no parameters as of yet.

There are a plethora of different tournament formats, so it doesn't do much good to guess. But if it is a bracket with seeds, my starting position would be low enough that I'll be paired against someone with an Oscar on their shelf  

Quoted from Steven What is this about an actor challenge? I can't find a thread on this.

It's a completely separate, really elaborate thing over here.

Quoted from FrankM It's a completely separate, really elaborate thing over here.

Thanks.

Im so confused.

Quoted from Warren Im so confused.

Indeed.

My guess (just pulling it out of my ass) is that somehow these two unrelated things will end up being related.

First - we got the "It's coming 3-13-18

On 3-13-18 - We got the Character Actor Bracket. Simply a voting for your favorite actor thing

Then - same day - a mysterious writer's tournament.

Ergo: me thinks:

The parameters (themes, genre, pages) etc. of the writing challenge will be announced soon.

Rather than traditional voting - the scripts will be listed in a bracket format much like the actor one and we will vote on who advances to the next round, then the next round then ultimately the finals.

Somehow the character actors ultimately winning in the other contest will somehow end up linked to the parameters of the writing challenge.

That's all I got

Quoted from eldave1 Indeed. My guess (just pulling it out of my ass) is that somehow these two unrelated things will end up being related. First - we got the "It's coming 3-13-18 On 3-13-18 - We got the Character Actor Bracket. Simply a voting for your favorite actor thing Then - same day - a mysterious writer's tournament. Ergo: me thinks: The parameters (themes, genre, pages) etc. of the writing challenge will be announced soon. Rather than traditional voting - the scripts will be listed in a bracket format much like the actor one and we will vote on who advances to the next round, then the next round then ultimately the finals. Somehow the character actors ultimately winning in the other contest will somehow end up linked to the parameters of the writing challenge. That's all I got

Love the idea of a knockout writer’s tournament (anonymous I assume?).

Not so fussed on the actor voting thing.

Quoted from Warren Love the idea of a knockout writer’s tournament (anonymous I assume?). Not so fussed on the actor voting thing.

Would be cool - like I said - just a wild guess

Quoted from eldave1 Somehow the character actors ultimately winning in the other contest will somehow end up linked to the parameters of the writing challenge.

Mr. Blonde has agreed to pay out-of-pocket to hire the Final Four of the actor tournament to do a table read of the winner of the script tournament.

I think. I had just read an article about how easy it is for fake news to spread on the Internet

Quoted from FrankM Mr. Blonde has agreed to pay out-of-pocket to hire the Final Four of the actor tournament to do a table read of the winner of the script tournament. I think. I had just read an article about how easy it is for fake news to spread on the Internet

good one

I'm in for a writing challenge. As long as I'm able to come up with something to write

May not be on the right track at all, but the more I think of it a script vs. script knockout tournament would be pretty awesome.


Oh unless you come up against Mark or Dave in the first round, then you’re f@#ked.

One of the possible ways to make the two related is - the scripts will be judged on the merits of two main characters created by a writer. Just a guess - to connect the two.

So, the first round is not a script against a script, but characters independent of plots against the characters of another script.

I'm so sorry for leaving all of you guys in suspense yesterday. To catch you up, I was putting the finishing touches on the first round of the March Madness tournament as a blizzard was starting to ramp up. I kept losing power for the briefest of moments (5-30 seconds at a time). By the time the whole losing power thing was done, my internet was knocked out and didn't come back online this morning. Now that I'm back, I can finally clarify exactly what's happening:

The two tournaments are separate entities that will run concurrently. The tournament on this board will be as follows: the tournament will be a multi-round writing contest where you, and the writer you are competing against, will be given a specific topic to write about in 1-5 pages. You will have 48 hours to write and submit your short, then they will be posted together (anonymously) and everyone will vote for the script they think is the best. The script with the highest score moves on to the next round. If you sign up and aren't able to complete a script in the given time, you will be eliminated and your opponent will move on, so at least put out something.

I will also be posting this in a more direct way on the OP, so it will be easier to refer back to.

Sign-ups are open until 11:59PM EST on Thursday, March 15th.

What sign-ups? I don't see the sign-up sheet/sheets(

I want in for sure, where do I sign?

You just say that you're interested in the thread and I add your name to the main post.

Stumpzian's in.

I remember doing these types of informal showdowns a few years back.

Is there a deadline for being in? Okay, I see it's the 15th.

I need to know details as to how this is going to work before committing. I don't understand how two writers can compete against each other anonymously.

Unless all scripts are entered at once and then sorted into random pairs.

Else there could be some bias in determining which writer versus who, and with that comes a skewing of results depending on personal preference.

Sure. I'll clarify a bit more. When I know who's in, you'll be randomly paired off (that's where the brackets come in). By PM, you will both receive your topics. You'll write your scripts then submit them, as you would do with an OWC. Then, like an OWC, the scripts will be made available, except there will be two scripts on that page instead of just one. People will have your script and logline, but no name. They will vote on the one they like the best. Highest score moves on.

Quoted from LC I remember doing these types of informal showdowns a few years back. Is there a deadline for being in? Okay, I see it's the 15th.

Those were a lot of fun. I remember going against Ryan Lee. That was a disaster, for me I mean)

I'm in, Sean.

OK. I'll play. I'm in.

Looking at the names already down, this is going to be brutal.

Yea looking at the names, this isn't going to be easy.

Sounds fun.

If there's a voting aspect to it, shouldn't the scripts be submitted without names, at least? Just saying, we all like some people better than others.

Could you sign me up as a maybe still? When could I start writing?

-Julio

Julio, they will be submitted without names. I'll mark you down for now and the tournament begins on Friday.

Well, my name's on there so I can't bail now. Richard Sharpe would never refuse a duel.

1-5 pages? I'm in.

In

I’ll throw my hat in the ring, though don’t expect to last very long...

Okay, sign me up!

-R.J.

Some great writers in so far. It's not going to be easy to take out the crown.

In like Errol

Quoted from stevie In like Errol

"My Wicked, Wicked Ways."

Newbie here. This sounds like fun! Reading, writing and voting on shorts every 48 hours.

If it's possible, please sign me up! Thanks!

Quoted from MartinS Newbie here. This sounds like fun! Reading, writing and voting on shorts every 48 hours. If it's possible, please sign me up! Thanks!

Oh gee, I dunno, Newbs usually have to pass the initiation tests first.
Plus there's that little matter of you thinking this is 'fun'?!


Only kidding.
Welcome aboard the best script writing site around, Martin.

Quoted from LC Welcome aboard the best script writing site around, Martin.

There are others?

The sign-up period ends tonight at midnight for anybody interested in joining.

Do previous OWC winners get a 1st round bye?

Perhaps, but just for asking, you will most definitely NOT get a first-round bye... Lol. =)

I don't deserve it anyways lol.

Well, it's hard to say who'd get a bye at this point, anyway. There are fifteen entries thus far, so that's only one bye. If two more enter, all but two will receive the bye. Just a matter of luck at this point.

Couple of questions:

Will all writers see the PM at the same time? i.e., do we all have the same two days too write and submit a script and then they're just revealed in a bracket format?

Will there be parameters other than the page (e.g., a theme, genre, etc) to be announced?

I will have the PMs sent out as close to the same time as possible. Certainly, the ones for the people who are paired together will go out at the same time, but they should all be out within the span of 5-10 minutes.

Your story parameters will be randomized for variety. I have a bunch of topics and other goodies saved up, so we should be good to go.

Will we know who we're up against?

Quoted from Mr. Blonde I will have the PMs sent out as close to the same time as possible. Certainly, the ones for the people who are paired together will go out at the same time, but they should all be out within the span of 5-10 minutes. Your story parameters will be randomized for variety. I have a bunch of topics and other goodies saved up, so we should be good to go.

Thanks for the clarification

Interesting idea. I'm tempted to sign up however I only really have the weekends to write and I'm concerned about having to post a big fat goose egg. Sean, how long will each round stay up, and will the new round start every Friday evening like the first one?

Khamanna, once registration closes tonight, I'll randomize who goes against who, then I'll post up the bracket ahead of time. This should probably be around noon tomorrow.

Thanks. I'd prefer we didn't know, but oh well - it's the next best thing.

I'd prefer you assigned us a letter (for youself to keep track of who is who). It would be more fun to guess to the very end who stayed and all.
But, your call.

Anthony, each round will end up being about five days total (two to write the script, then when Don gets them available. Then, not including the day they go up, you'll have two days to review them). The following day, you'll get your next topic. So, realistically, five or six days per round. I mean, I suppose we could have two days, then the upload day, then have through Thursday to review. If you guys would prefer that, I have no problem with it at all.

Yikes, forgot about having to review others' work.  Do any of you really have that amount of time on a daily basis?

If so, can I come work for you?

(0:

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Well, it's hard to say who'd get a bye at this point, anyway. There are fifteen entries thus far, so that's only one bye. If two more enter, all but two will receive the bye. Just a matter of luck at this point.

Then ideal for you would be an exactly 16 or 32 of contenders?

So, as no. 16 I'd pretty damn sure in an extra round if math haven't left me completely or nobody else enters later on.

Whatever, I like the page count, so put me down.

Either way is good. I know how to order it if we get an odd number, Prussian. =)

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Anthony, each round will end up being about five days total (two to write the script, then when Don gets them available. Then, not including the day they go up, you'll have two days to review them). The following day, you'll get your next topic. So, realistically, five or six days per round. I mean, I suppose we could have two days, then the upload day, then have through Thursday to review. If you guys would prefer that, I have no problem with it at all.

Hmm. So if I understand it, you could be writing up to 5 scripts if there are 32 and 4 scripts if there are 16.

e.g., if there is 16 participants, you could be writing as many as:

Write a script for round 1. After that, 8 remain

Write a script for round two - after that 4 remain

Write a script for round three - after that 2 remain

Write a script for the finals - winner selected

Yes?

And - if so - will writers have a choice sticking with their same script or must they write an original one for each round?

Exactly. If we get another entrant, somebody could, theoretically, have to write five scripts. And, yes, you will be writing a new script for each round, with a new topic. No carry over.

Quoted from ajr Yikes, forgot about having to review others' work.

Wait, we have to give feedback on every script too? Can't we just pick a couple and do thorough notes on those?

In the later rounds, it'll end up being plenty of feedback.

I can go 5 rounds... <<<< final words before an early knockout.

Quoted from Mr. Blonde No carry over.

"Sergeant, a huge mass of zombies is converging on our location!"

"Don't worry, Private, we're in a comedy. No one will get seriously hurt."

Moments later...

"What do you mean the genre changed to horror? Why wasn't I notified?!"

Quoted from MarkItZero Wait, we have to give feedback on every script too? Can't we just pick a couple and do thorough notes on those? In the later rounds, it'll end up being plenty of feedback.

This tournament relies on people reading the scripts and picking which of the two they think were better. Although, depending on the lengths of the scripts, I doubt the feedback will have to be extensive.

But wait, Sean, if I see two scripts, and know who the authors are - I'll know which belongs to who cause it's easy to tell if there's only two scripts. How's that anonymous?

How will you know who the authors are? Are you talking, in the case of your match-up?

If there's Script 1 and Script 2. And I know the authors are let's say Alex and Dave I'll be able to put the names to the scripts.

Or do I misunderstand the whole thing?

Sign me up

Quoted from khamanna If there's Script 1 and Script 2. And I know the authors are let's say Alex and Dave I'll be able to put the names to the scripts. Or do I misunderstand the whole thing?

How will you know the writers if it is posted anonymously? Unless you mean at the very end of the bracket?

Sign me up.

I see ya' got 16. Nice number. Don't want to mess it up, but if someone drops, I'll take the slot.

Just sign-up if you want to. I know how to bracket it. Also, have g internet problems again. Will update tonight.

Quoted from TheUsualSuspect How will you know the writers if it is posted anonymously? Unless you mean at the very end of the bracket? Sign me up.

I might be misunderstanding the whole process. If I know two scripts and the writers for every two are announced - I'd be able to tell for the most part. I mean out of those whose work I read before.

But that doesn't matter actually. I don't have problems with anyone. And I'll be fair)

Quoted from Mr. Blonde Just sign-up if you want to. I know how to bracket it. Also, have g internet problems again. Will update tonight.

Alrighty then, I'm in.

The ideal solution would be to refer to scripts by title only with no author information whatsoever. Readers just know it's "The Unpleasantness in Pleasantville" vs. "Boy Meets Girl Meets Zombie Meets Chainsaw".

If that's a logistical problem, go ahead and assign each author a random letter.

I'm a beginning writer but I would like to give this a try

Quoted from FrankM The ideal solution would be to refer to scripts by title only with no author information whatsoever. Readers just know it's "The Unpleasantness in Pleasantville" vs. "Boy Meets Girl Meets Zombie Meets Chainsaw". If that's a logistical problem, go ahead and assign each author a random letter.

My thoughts, exactly.

Although anonymity shmamomymity.

Tentative
I'm in the process of revising older unfinished stuff of mine. But I might be able to squeeze something in. It all depends on what's in the wheelhouse.

.

I’m interested to know how the voting will work, as in, by signing up are you making some sort of commitment to read and vote on all the scripts till the end of the challenge? What happens if you get knocked out in round one?

I have no issues seeing it through even if I get knocked out early but I can definitely see people losing interest.

Sounds interesting, sign me up.  It's been a while!