The Oscars are finally here! Well, at the end of the week, anyway. On Thursday, I’ll be handicapping the original and adapted screenplay categories. That’ll be sure to ruffle some feathers as I’ll probably spend the whole time writing how if Spotlight wins, it means nobody in the Academy understands screenwriting. But in the meantime, let’s check out some FUTURE Oscar winners. That’s right, YOU GUYS! Read as much as you can of each script, let the writers know where you stopped (or if you stopped) and why, then vote for your favorite. Good luck to all!
Oh and remember, you can submit your own script to challenge your peers by sending me an e-mail (carsonreeves3@gmail.com) with your TITLE, GENRE, LOGLINE, WHY YOU THINK IT DESERVES A SHOT, and a PDF of the screenplay. A good review tends to get writers some industry contacts. So keep’em coming!
This one sounds like an old school 90s spec!
Title: Keep Talking
Genre: Thriller
Logline: A lowlife informant must struggle to stay alive when a vicious cartel implants an explosive device in his throat, which is set up to detonate if he stops talking.
Why you should read: It has horrible criminals, entertaining violence and colorful profanity, surrounded by a copious amount of GSU. I’m also fairly certain the title page is centered.
Title: The Meal Plan
Genre: Crime Thriller
Logline: After armed thugs take over his dorm, an outcast resident fights to save the roommates he loathes and the girl he loves from being held hostage.
Why you should read: The Meal Plan came about after a neighboring dorm was robbed and the residents were tied up with their shoelaces during my Freshman year of college. From those true events sprang the foundation for this Die Hard-meets-Reservoir Dogs tale. I’ve workshopped this script quite a bit but have yet to take it for a spin on the contest circuit or in the marketplace. I’d love to hear what the Script Shadow community thinks of The Meal Plan before I do. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Title: American Witch
Genre: Horror
Logline: When Emma’s sister Sadie is kidnapped by a witch and hidden in an abandoned mine, Emma must search the witch’s lair in an attempt to save Sadie’s life.
Why you should read: If you enjoy horror then I have a treat for you… This Amateur Offering comes paired with a 5-minute award-winning short film based on the feature I wrote. The script itself has received two 7’s on The Black List and has been read by respected agents and studios around town (my witch script is among Alex Ross’ HEXEN on TBL, https://scriptshadow.net/amateur-friday-hexen-witches/, it’s cool to be among fellow SS readers. I don’t feel so lonely). Alas, I have yet to reach the level we all hope to be apart of, “produced writer.” So please, watch and read and give me your thoughts on what more I have to do to sell my first screenplay. I’d really appreciate it.
Title: Back In Line
Genre: Comedy
Logline: Spiraling out of control, the best detective on the force must team with a by-the-book female partner in order to finally catch his arch nemesis who he believes is a time traveling criminal from outer space.
Why you should read: I’m pretty sure the guy I hate most in this world is actually from another planet. I can’t prove it, though. And it’s driving me nuts. Because I can’t just causally mention to people that I think this person is from another planet. When I do they think I’m kidding. I try to leave a moment of silence after they chuckle in the hopes that they get that I’m not kidding. But then I chicken out and chuckle back. Anyway, I hope you like the script.
Title: HALFS
Genre: Horror
Logline: After a routine liposuction, a man discovers his unborn twin living inside him.
The horror begins when the entity takes over his body.
Why you should read: I’ve been writing screenplays for a really, really long time. I’m either a stubbornly horrible writer or an undiscovered talent. You be the judge, sir. I’ve sold a screenplay to Justin Lin (“Fast and Furious 3-6” and “Star Trek Beyond”). This was a Sigmund Freud biopic, if you can believe that. I’ve had countless scripts optioned over the years. “HALFS” is one of the best of these scripts. I will promise one thing… you will be entertained until the last page.
