Playwright Contest Discussion (Questions, etc for those old and new to playwriting)

I'm thinking about it, if I can find a topic I like. If nothing else, I'll enjoy reading everyone else's submissions.

Angie said:

I'm thinking about it, if I can find a topic I like. If nothing else, I'll enjoy reading everyone else's submissions.

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If you want ideas, just let us know. We might be able to at least get you started.

I can think of half a dozen just looking at your avatar.

Thanks, AC. Maybe my avatar can make a cameo.

Hi all,

I've been tinkering with the idea of participating in this contest. I've been reading through a few threads on the playwright forum to get the feel of what one looks like. I've never read anything like it, let alone write it.

I do have two questions:
a) can I/should I write down a set change that occurs within the scene?

b) is the play supposed to be like a short story, with a beginning-middle-conclusion, is it supposed to be just one scene from a bigger play?

Thanks much.

The play should be self contained with a beginning, middle and end. It needs to tell the whole story.

Can you have a set change: Yes. Should you: No. Ten minutes is not a lot of time to tell a story. To take time out for a set change is not a good use of the available time.

There is another, more important reason not to change the set: Every time the action on stage stops (for a scene change, intermission or even light down and back up to show the passage of time), it takes the audience three to five minutes to get back into the action of the play. You just can't afford this in a ten minute play.

Doug

The set change I was thinking was not that complex, but I see your point. Thanks.

I just noticed that the rules for the contest call for a single set.

Doug

Bumping as a reminder.

Only one day left!

Darn entry is driving me insane. I'm only still working on it to prove I'm more insane than the entry.

Only about twelve hours to go . . .

Remember, it doesn't cost anything to enter. Even if you're not completely satisfied with what you have, you can still enter it. It might be better than you think. Most of us could tinker around with what we write for weeks (or months).

Of course, if you're like me, as soon as you send something in, you will immediately think of lines you wish you had rewritten. Or then you will notice the glaring typo.

Entry submitted.

Treatment

I am developing a screen-play. I need a good example, (one I can read) of what is currently being used as a format for a "Treatment". Am I in the right room... not sure?

Thanks.

rockinhorseman said:

I am developing a screen-play. I need a good example, (one I can read) of what is currently being used as a format for a "Treatment". Am I in the right room... not sure?

Thanks.

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No, this is the playwriting sub-forum. But don't worry, a moderator will move it if needed.

Have you looked at the stickies on the main Script page? There might be a link to some example treatments (I'm not sure).

An alternate is to buy a new or used copy of The Screenwriter's Bible ($10-$15). It will save you a lot of time with questions such as this when you're writing a screenplay.