FINAL TASK - The Rewrite.

[Joe Calabrese]

Okay Entrants, here is your final task.

The Rewrite!

Go back to your entries in Task 1 and rewrite the first few scenes-- UP to the 1st FOUR PAGES.

The only requirement your producer has is...

If its Comedy, make it funnier.
Scary? Make it scarier,
Thrilling? Make the reader sweat with anticipation.

In other words, bring it up a notch.

NOTE: By the end of your new, submitted pages, a reader must be able to tell what the genre is, either by setting, action, tone or dialog. This will be a major part of the voting, so make it clear.

If you wish to change the genre, go ahead, but make note in your email what the new genre is, otherwise I will use the original genre stated from Task 1.

You have until October 22nd (10pm EST) to submit the rewrite.
Email it to me, either in WORD, FINAL DRAFT or HTML only.

THE TOP THREE WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON OCTOBER 31st.

Again, no more than FOUR PAGES of submitted material.

Good luck and you are all winners for doing the three tasks. You are a better writer for it.

Joe

[Joe Calabrese]

I forgot to mention one thing...

You're rewriting someone else's task one entry, not yours.

Email me for your assigned entry number.

NOTE: The legal stuff.
The owner of the original entry from Task 1 is the legal owner of the work and you, the rewriter, have no claims to the title, plot or characters originally written. You are rewriting this work only for demonstration purposes of your talent and in no way can make claim to any co-authorship of the work. Subsequently, the original owners of the work cannot make claim and/or ownership to any additional material written by the rewriter for said rewrite unless permission is obtained from the rewriter to use any said additional material used in such rewrite.

Good luck.

[Joe Calabrese]

HELLO VOTERS.

We lost one entrant, but he/she is still a winner for getting this far.

Down to 12 entries.

VOTING ENDS on Sunday, November 6th, 2005 - MIDNIGHT (EST)

THE END IS HERE! THIS IS THE FINAL TASK TO DETERMINE...
Who can handle a spec, a synopsis and a rewrite!

WHO is THE ULTIMATE SCREENWRITER?

Here is the criteria for judging.

PICK the MOST FAVORITE based on:

1. How well it is written. Does it make you want to read on?

2. Is the GENRE CLEAR? You will need to answer the genre question correctly in order for the vote to count. I made it pretty easy though.

3. If you wish, compare them to TASK 1 entries of the same title to see if it is better than the original (or ruined), however this is not a requirement for judging since it is a lot of pages to read.

You can read TASK 1 entries HERE (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21242).

(NOTE:) If you do compare, indicate your brief thoughts in the PM as it may skew the votes.

VOTING ENDS on Sunday, November 6th, 2005 - MIDNIGHT (EST)

THANK YOU ENTRANTS for your HARD WORK

AND

THANK YOU VOTERS AS WELL!

[Joe Calabrese]

ENTRY 1:
TITLE: EXTINCT

FADE IN:

EXT. ZOO - DAY

The DIRECTOR almost runs into two GUARDS armed with rifles.

DIRECTOR
Have you found it?

GUARD #1
There's no sign of it. We've searched
everywhere.

GUARD #2
We looked in all the storage areas.
The pens and cages, too. Nothing.

The Director checks his watch.

DIRECTOR
We can't wait any longer. We'll
have to let people in.

The two Guards look at each other. Oh-oh.

DIRECTOR (CONT'D)
If we don't, they'll become
suspicious! Next thing you know
we'll have cameras and reporters all
over the place. I can't risk it.

GUARD #1
Hey, how about this? Why don't we
say an animal has escaped? Nothing
dangerous. We just don't want it to
come to any harm.

GUARD #2
People would get it all excited. It
could hurt itself.

DIRECTOR
Say, that's not a bad idea. An hour.
We'll delay opening for another hour.
Keep looking. I'll issue a statement.

The Director and the Guards hurry off. Then they turn
around and hurry past each other, going the other way.


EXT. ZOO ENTRANCE - DAY

The ZOO GATEKEEPER unlocks the gates and lets VISITORS in.

ZOO GATEKEEPER
Hello. Good morning. How are you?
Hope you enjoy yourselves. etc.

Among the visitors, ROBERT and SUSAN, 30, and their 6-year-
old daughter BRITNEY, enjoying a day out together.

ZOO GATEKEEPER (CONT'D)
And have you come to see anything
special, miss?

BRITNEY
I think all the animals in the zoo
are special. You too, Mr. Homo
Sapiens.

The Zoo Gatekeeper grins. Britney skips past him.

SUSAN
It's okay, we keep her on medication.

ROBERT
We never let her out of our sight,
either.

They hurry after Britney.


EXT. LION'S DEN - DAY

Robert, Susan and Britney watch the big cats.

BRITNEY
Mommy, can I climb down there and
play with the cubs?

SUSAN
The mommy lions might object, sweetie.

BRITNEY
You mean the lionesses, don't you?

Robert and Susan exchange weary smiles.

SUSAN
Oh my, we have been reading our animal
book.

ROBERT
Even the cubs are dangerous. They
have claws and teeth too, you know.

BRITNEY
They wouldn't hurt me. I'd talk
nice to them.

Robert sees Guard #1 walking between some cages armed with a
rifle. Guard #1 looks this way and that, then hurries away.
Robert wonders.

ROBERT
Come on, next stop, the monkey house.

BRITNEY
I love monkeys!

Britney runs off, Robert and Susan hurry after her.


EXT. ZOO ENTRANCE - DAY

The Director grabs the Zoo Gatekeeper as more VISITORS enter.

DIRECTOR
You bumbling incompetent fool! Didn't
you get my message?

ZOO GATEKEEPER
What message?


INT. STORAGE ROOM - DAY

Dark. The door opens, Guard #2 enters. He looks around
warily. Feels for the light switch. The lights flicker on.
They reveal wooden crates stacked around the walls, and a
second door facing the entrance.

A big crate lies open and empty in the middle of the room,
with straw scattered around. A stenciled sign on the side
says DEMOCRATIK REPUBLIK OF BOZOSTAN.

Guard #2 approaches the other door. He takes a deep breath,
slowly reaches for the door handle, turns it. He takes aim
with one hand -- and pulls the door open!

An empty broom cupboard. He sighs with relief.


INT. DIRECTOR'S OFFICE - DAY

The Director paces up and down and dabs his forehead with
his handkerchief as he talks angrily on the phone.

DIRECTOR
Don't try to pin this on me! I'm
telling you we got the wrong crate
delivered! It should have been our
new koala, drugged up to the eyeballs.
Instead we got a, a, a, I don't know
what you'd call it! Where is Bozostan
anyway? What? Siberia? How old?!


INT. LABORATORY - DAY

White and sterile. SIX SCIENTISTS wearing biohazard suits
and masks approach a wooden crate. One of them jemmies it
open and lifts the lid. The six Scientists lean over to
peer into the crate.

A koala bear lies curled up and fast asleep on a bed of straw.
The Scientists look at each other, bewildered. One Scientist
crouches down to read the stenciled sign: SYDNEY ZOO. LIVE
KOALA. HANDLE WITH CARE. IT BITES.


EXT. ZOO - DAY

Britney stops at a junction of paths between cages and pens.
She looks around and sees a door that lies ajar.


INT. TOOL SHED - DAY

Dark. Britney peeks inside. Hardware and old tins.

BRITNEY
Hello?

No answer. She squeezes inside. Examines the shadows.

BRITNEY (CONT'D)
I know you're there. I heard you.


INT. LABORATORY - DAY

The koala leaps out of the crate and fastens its teeth into
the neck of a Scientist who screams and topples backward.

A hatch slides shut, sealing the lab. Red lights strobe and
a security alarm HOWLS. An electronic sign says: BIOHAZARD
CONTAINMENT ALERT. The Scientists crowd around the hatch
and hammer it with their fists, terrified.

The attacked Scientist wrestles on the floor with the koala.

In order for your vote to count, you must answer the following question correctly.

WHAT IS THIS STORY'S GENRE?

A) Sci-fi / Suspense
B) Drama
C) Romantic Comedy

VOTE by PM and include either ENTRY 1: or TITLE: EXTINCT in the SUBJECT LINE, along with your answer.

[Joe Calabrese]

ENTRY 2
TITLE: FAMILY OF MAN

FADE IN:



EXT. CENTERVILLE ZOO-NIGHT

The zoo is draped in darkness. Still, quiet.

Inside the cages, animals huddle together in the safety of
shadows, deep in slumber.

Beat.

(O.S) An elephant CRIES out in a harsh painful wail.



INT. MAINTENANCE OFFICE-NIGHT

TOKOFAY, 30's, an African native, wise beyond his years,
bolts upright on a small cot.



EXT. ELEPHANT ENCLOSURE-NIGHT

The door to the enclosure draws part way open. Tokofay ducks
under and enters into a vast opening.

TOKOFAY'S POV: A giant elephant, CHEEKO, wrenches up on his
hind legs in a fit of uncontrolled rage. Another elephant,
MAYLA, lays motionless beneath his feet.

DEIGO, early 20's, a trainee, ignorant and foolish, stands
near Cheeko. He yanks down hard on an extended pole latched
to a collar around Cheeko's neck.

Tokofay races over behind Deigo.

TOKOFAY
Deigo, buya, buya. Get back!

Diego yanks harder. Cheeko shakes his head violently and
again rises up. Deigo struggles to keep hold.

DEIGO
If I let him go, he'll kill Mayla.

TOKOFAY
Don't let him go and he will kill
you. Get back.

Cheeko jerks wildly. Deigo's hands slip from the pole. Cheeko
snaps free and clouts Deigo with his trunk.

Deigo's flies through the air and cracks his head against a
giant boulder. His body slumps to the ground. Blood oozes
from his scalp into the cracks of the cement.

Cheeko continues to charge after him.

Tokofay dashes out in front of the giant beast.

TOKOFAY
Ma Cheeko. Cha canyayo!

The elephant stops abruptly, rears back and rises up in front
of Tokofay.

Tokofay reaches out and speaks calmly.

TOKOFAY
Guka ezanzi. Cha esaba.

The elephant eases down on all fours.

TOKOFAY
Bheka lapha nje.

Tokofay points to his own eyes. The elephant reluctantly
makes eye contact.

TOKOFAY
Cooh-le.

Tokofay walks closer and cautiously lays his hand on Cheeko's
trunk and massages gently.

TOKOFAY
Cha esaba. Kulungile.

Cheeko settles and lies down at Tokofay's feet. Tokofay
notices a swollen PUNCTURE WOUND on the side of Cheeko's
neck.

TOKOFAY
Musa shukuma.

Tokofay pats the elephant on the head and hurries over to
Deigo. He kneels beside him, puts his finger on his wrist.

Deigo is dead.



INT. DIRECTOR'S OFFICE-DAY

The director, TOM JENSON, 50's, unreasonably firm, stands
behind his desk, fumbles with the buttons on his jacket.

Tokofay stands before him, adamant and angry.

TOKOFAY
Someone put something in Cheeko. It
made him wild like a rabid animal.
I've seen the same mark on the
others.

TOM
I assure you Tokofay, no one is
hurting the animals. We think it
might be a virus. We're doing
everything we can.

TOKOFAY
How? By killing them then shutting
it out of your mind? I will not let
you kill Cheeko. Another death is
not the answer.

Tom slips off his coat and lays it over his chair.

Tokofay slams his fist down on the desk.

TOKOFAY
You do not hear me. Deigo is dead,
Mayla hurt. How many others will
suffer and die before you see?

Tom darts out from behind his desk, veins pulsing. He pokes a
finger at Tokofay's chest.

TOM
Deigo was a fool! I give you a job,
a place to live. I'd get smart and
watch who's toes you're stepping on
pal, otherwise that little secret
of yours, won't be so secret
anymore. Are we clear?

Tokofay stiffens.

TOKOFAY
You would use this against me? What
they are doing to the animals is
dangerous. Do you not care of what
happened here, what will happen?

Tom puts his face right up in Tokofay's.

TOM
Are...we...clear?

Tokofay clenches his jaws and backs away,

TOKOFAY
Yes. We are clear.



INT. ELEPHANT'S CAGE-DAY

JANET MILLS, late 20's, a dedicated zoologist, bends down
next to Mayla and listens to her heart.

Tokofay approaches her from behind.

TOKOFAY
Where has Cheeko gone?

Janet rises and plucks the stethescope from her ears.

JANET
I'm sorry Toko. They came and took
him only an hour ago.

Tokofay stares blankly. Devastation tugs at every wrinkle,
line, and muscle in his face.

TOKOFAY
No...no.

Janet steps toward him.

JANET
I'm sorry Toko. I tried-

Tokofay falls to his knees and buries his face in his hands.

Janet kneels down in front of him and wraps her arms around
his heaving shoulders as he crumbles into tears.



EXT. ZOO-DAY

Tom stands in front of a crowd, surrounded by media. Camera's
flash from every direction as reporters thrust their mics in
front of his face.

TOM
I'm sorry folks, but that's all I
can give-

A young MAN, a zoo employee, taps Tom on the back.

YOUNG MAN
It's Tokofay. You need to come now.

In order for your vote to count, you must answer the following question correctly.

WHAT IS THIS STORY'S GENRE?

A) Romantic Comedy
B) Horror
C) Sci-fi / Thriller

VOTE by PM and include either ENTRY 2: or TITLE: FAMILY OF MAN in the SUBJECT LINE, along with your answer.

[Joe Calabrese]

ENTRY 3
TITLE: NAKED APE

FADE IN:

INT. LONDON TOWNHOUSE - DAY

DIERDRE SMYTHE, late 40's wearing a frumpy bathrobe and
slippers stands over a table and pours a steaming cup of tea.
She sets the pot down and arranges the morning paper next to
it.

The newspaper, The Daily Sun, has a headline that reads:

"CROWDS GO APE OVER HUMAN ZOO EXHIBIT"

DIERDRE
(yelling upstairs)
John, your tea's hot!

INT. UPSTAIRS BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS

JOHN SMYTHE, late 40's is dressed in a suit much to trendy
for someone of his age, giving him the look of a man who is
going through a mid-life crisis. He is speaking quietly into
a phone.

JOHN
Lucinda? Hello? This is John.
(beat)
She might suspect something.
(beat)
No. I think she's rather hoping I'm
having an affair.

There is a loud knock on the bathroom door.

BILLY (O.S.)
John, open up!!

JOHN
(on the phone)
I'll be over in 45 minutes. Okay, bye.

BILLY (O.S.)
John, open up! I need to use the bog.

John hangs up the phone and opens the medicine cabinet. He
takes out a bottle of Viagra and swallows two of the pills.

John opens the door and his son BILLY SMYTHE, a 14 year old
goth-wannabe rushes past.

JOHN
Do you think you could call me Dad?

BILLY
Piss off John.

Billy slams the door shut.

INT. LONDON TOWNHOUSE - CONTINUOUS

The doorbell rings and Deirdre answers it.

Standing in the doorway are COWBOY and INDIAN. Cowboy is in
his 50's and dressed like a big game hunter on safari. He is
holding a long pole with a noose on the end, a rifle is slung
over his back.

Indian is a ancient looking African tribesman barefooted and
wearing a sarong. He carries a cowbell and drumstick.

COWBOY
Dierdre Smythe?

DIERDRE
Yes?

COWBOY
We're here for your husband.

DIERDRE
Are you coppers?

COWBOY
No ma'am we're with the Royal Zoological
Society. You're husband's agreed to
contribute to an exhibit. We're here to
collect him. We've got papers.

Indian pulls a thick bundle of papers out of his sarong and
hands it to Deirdre.

DIERDRE
Well, if you've got papers... He's
upstairs.

COWBOY
(to Indian)
You go upstairs and flush him out. When
he comes down I'll snag him with the
noose. Don't talk to him, it'll confuse
and frighten him. We'll use code names.
I'll be Cowboy, you Indian.

Indian nods his head.

DIERDRE
You're not going to hurt him are you?

COWBOY
No ma'am, were professionals, we are.
Hunted lions in Africa and never harmed a
hair on their heads.

Indian begins to beat the cowbell with the drumstick and
moves slowly up the stairs. The sound echoes loudly in the
house. John's footsteps can be heard as he comes downstairs.

JOHN (O.S.)
Deirdre! There's a bloody Zulu
warrior...

Cowboy snags John with the noose choking him as he enters the
room.

COWBOY
Got him!

John grabs the pole and jerks it from Cowboy's hands.

COWBOY (CONT'D)
He's loose! Indian hurry, get him
cornered.

Indian follows John around the room and beats the cowbell
faster and louder. John jumps on top of the sofa, the look
of a cornered animal in his eyes. Cowboy pulls the rifle
from his shoulder and puts a tranquilizer dart in the
chamber.

JOHN
Deirdre!

DIERDRE
They've got papers John! Said you've
agreed to contribute to the Royal
Zoological Society.

JOHN
Nigel said that was an investment
shelter...

Cowboy takes aim with the rifle and shoots John in the neck
with the tranquilizer dart. John winces in pain and pulls
the dart out.

DIERDRE
I guess you can't trust your solicitor,
dear.

John falls to the sofa unconscious.

COWBOY
Well that's got it. He should be out for
a good hour now.

DIERDRE
He's not hurt is he?

COWBOY
No, he'll be fine, he will. Bit of a
headache, but he'll be fine.

DIERDRE
Oh, well that's good. Would you like a
cup of tea? I've got the pot on.

In order for your vote to count, you must answer the following question correctly.

WHAT IS THIS STORY'S GENRE?

A) Comedy
B) Horror
C) Drama

VOTE by PM and include either ENTRY 3: or TITLE: NAKED APE in the SUBJECT LINE, along with your answer.

[Joe Calabrese]

ENTRY 4
TITLE: CAGED

A horn blares amongst the traffic sounds of a busy city
street.

MALE VOICE
Step right up and help yourself
folks. Don't be shy. There's
plenty to go around.



FADE IN:



EXT. CITY STREET CORNER - DAY

NOAH PRECKER, late 20's, casual and cocky, stands on a
crowded street corner holding a large box with 'Free
Samples: VALTREX CONDOM INC.' stamped on the side.

Noah winks at a young, pimply faced teen and hands him a
handful of condom packets.

NOAH
Here you go young man. Take a few
in case one breaks. And don't
keep them in your wallet. That's
the worst place.

The teen looks to see if anyone is watching, then stuffs
the condoms in his pockets.

NOAH
(to the teen)
Run along and enjoy yourself now.
(to the crowd)
That's right folks, safe sex used
to mean mom and dad were out for
the night--

Three nuns, in contemporary dress, approach and eye him
warily.

NOAH
--but things are a lot more
complicated now and the good folks
at Valtrex want to make sure...
um...

Noah swallows, and squares his shoulders. BIG NUN, about
as demure as a drill sergeant, goes nose to nose with
Noah and gives him the stink eye.

BIG NUN
You're on our corner.

LITTLE NUN, with an armload of flyers, smiles sweetly at
Noah.

LITTLE NUN
Get lost, buddy. Don't make us
call our back-up.

Noah looks up to heaven and swallows again. He then
flashes his best ****-eating grin.

NOAH
Aw, come on now. Can't we all
just get along? We're both trying
to save people, right? How about
if I just stand over...

YOUNG NUN approaches. She's cute, savvy, and all
business. She gives Noah a sarcastic smile.

YOUNG NUN
Okay, what'll it take for you to
set up camp somewhere else?

NOAH
Well, you see I'm not suppose to
go back until I've handed all of
these out and... are you really a
nun? 'Cause you're pretty hot--

Young nun rolls her eyes.

NOAH
--I mean.. not that I'd be
interested but I've got this
roommate who--

YOUNG NUN
Five? Ten?

She pulls out a ten dollar bill and waves it in Noah's
face. He snatches it, and looks back at Big Nun.

NOAH
Okay, now you're speaking my
language.
(whispers)
Are you sure she's not a drag
queen, cause she's really scary.
Just sayin'.

Noah walks away with his nose in air. He stops, backs up
and grabs a flyer from Little Nun. As he crosses the
street he glances at it, then tosses it over his
shoulder.

It drifts slowly to the ground and lands face up: YOUR
DESTINY AWAITS!



EXT. CITY - DAY

MONTAGE
Noah walks the crowded sidewalks
of the city searching for an
available street corner.

The first one is occupied by a homeless beggar. The
second, a street musician. The third, a religious
fanatic. The fourth, a mime. Noah briefly challenges
the mime, then gets chased away by the mime's angry
imaginary dog.

Exhausted, Noah finally finds an empty street corner. He
begins to hand out condoms and is immediately surrounded
by several burly, scary male prostitutes in drag. Noah
sheepishly backs away, as they advance on him. When he
gets backed against a wall, Noah holds out his box of
condoms as a peace offering.

They take it, and he sprints away.



INT. APARTMENT - DAY

LESTER SIMMS, 30, still looking like a buttoned-up
Catholic boy, sits inches away from the television. He
watches 'The Sound of Music' enraptured by the sight of
Maria in the convent.

Noah drags himself through the door, shoulders slumped,
face drawn. Lester immediately shuts the television off,
and sits innocently on the couch.

LESTER
How was your first day on the job?

NOAH
Well... it was also my last day.
That give you an idea?

LESTER
Oh.

Noah slumps down next to Lester on the couch.

NOAH
What you been up to?

LESTER
Um... nothing.

Noah eyes him suspiciously. He notices perspiration on
Lester's upper lip. Noah flicks the television on. The
ugly nun is singing "Climb Every Mountain". Noah shakes
his head.

NOAH
You know, you'd be a lot better
off if you had a burka fetish.
You might actually have a chance
of landing someone, not to mention
avoiding that eternal damnation
thing. I did meet a pretty cute
nun today, though.

Lester gives Noah a look.

NOAH
Really I did. And she gave me a
tip.

Noah waits for Lester to bite, but he looks away instead.

NOAH
She told me the best way to get a
nun pregnant--

Lester is suddenly interested.

NOAH
--dress her up like an altar boy.

Noah laughs loudly and punches Lester on the shoulder.
Lester mouths something under his breath.

A KNOCK at the door.

NOAH
If that's Clara, I'm not home.

Lester opens the door.

LESTER
Hi Clara. Noah and I were both
hoping it was you. Oh look, and
little Scotty too.

Lester shoots Noah an evil grin and moves aside as CLARA,
30's, barges in with SCOTTY, a viciously spoiled four
year-old.

Before Noah can open his mouth, Clara pulls out her check
book.

CLARA
Okay, Noah. Just one night. You
only have to watch him one night.
What's it gonna cost me?

Noah eyes her speculatively.

CLARA
I'm your sister, for God's sake.
How about fifty dollars?

NOAH
A hundred.

CLARA
Seventy-five?

LESTER
Sold. Scotty's such a little
sweetheart, Noah should be paying
you.

Noah shoots daggers with his eyes at Lester.

In order for your vote to count, you must answer the following question correctly.

WHAT IS THIS STORY'S GENRE?

A) Sci-fi
B) Horror
C) Comedy

VOTE by PM and include either ENTRY 4: or TITLE: CAGED in the SUBJECT LINE, along with your answer.

[Joe Calabrese]

ENTRY 5
TITLE: CAT FROM CAHABA

SUPER: December 30th, 1862. The USS Monitor is being towed by
the USS Rhode Island to join the blockade of Charleston
Harbor.

FADE IN:

INT. USS MONITOR / CAPTAIN'S STATEROOM /PASSAGEWAY - NIGHT

At his desk the CAPTAIN writes the daily log. The ship rocks
in the heavy seas.

The Captain ignores the storm until the ship violently bucks.
He gets up and dashes out into the passageway.

In the passageway the Captain is met by a PETTY OFFICER who
was coming down to get him.

PETTY OFFICER
The tow lines--

CAPTAIN
I know, they've become uneven.

EXT. USS MONITOR -

The Captain, the Petty Officer and two CREWMEN emerge from
the turret with a tether rope tied around their waists.

The ship bucks and the men on the deck are thrown.

Two 4 inch cables connect the Monitor to the Rhode Island.
The Chief Petty Officer points to the one taunt tow line.

CAPTAIN
Can we signal the Rhode Island?

PETTY OFFICER
I'm afraid not Captain but maybe we can
tighten the other line from here.

The ship bucks again. Like the crack of a whip one tow line
snaps. Fifty feet of cable flies back with lethal force and
strikes one of the crewmen. His broken body lies on the deck.

The Petty Officer and the other Crewman pick up the wounded
sailor and carry him back into the turret. The Captain
follows them but returns outside with an ax.

The ship continues to buck even more violently than before.
With several swings of the ax the Captain cuts the cable.

The ship no longer violently bucks but is still being tossed
by the storm.

INT. USS MONITOR / TURRET -

Other crewmen carry the wounded man below deck. The Petty
Officer turns to the Captain.

PETTY OFFICER
But now we're adrift--

CAPTAIN
It's a lesser evil, a single tow line
would have capsized us.

The ship pitches from side to side a sea sick crewman vomits.

INT. USS MONITOR / PASSAGEWAY / GALLEY-

Several crewman stand ready as the Captain and the Petty
Office come below deck.

CAPTAIN
Fire up the boiler, the rest of you man
the bilge pumps.

PETTY OFFICER
Aye. You've heard the Captain.

The crewmen rush to their stations.

GALLEY:

Loose objects fall and break LANDSMAN FRANCIS BUTTS loses his
footing and crashes to the floor. HENRY SINCLAIR, an older
African and ship's cook helps Butts to his feet.

A BLACK CAT wearing a collar with a shinny metal tag scurries
to safety.

The Petty Officer enters.

PETTY OFFICER
Both of you to the pumps!

The ship begins to roll again. The Black Cat howls in fear.

PETTY OFFICER
Good God, throw that jinx over board!

FRANCIS BUTTS
I'd sooner touch a ghost than kill a cat.

PETTY OFFICER
And I just as soon hang you.

The Petty Officer reaches for the cat but Henry Sinclair gets
to the cat first and holds the animal in his arms.

HENRY SINCLAIR
I's take care it, if you don't mind.

PETTY OFFICER
Then do it quick and get to the pumps
like the rest of us darkie.

INT. USS MONITOR / TURRET - MOMENTS LATER

Henry carries the cat to the breech of one the large cannons.
He removes the tampion and wad. The cat protests as Henry
places him inside.

HENRY SINCLAIR
Don't you worry, we know it all turns
out.

The metal tag on the cat's collar reflects the light as the
breech is closed.

HENRY SINCLAIR
Your fortune be ours.

INT. MARINE SALVAGE BUILDING / OFFICE - DAY

The two large cannons and several pieces of the turret from
the Monitor are in the middle of preservation. Several
workers clean and examine the artifacts.

TOM BRADLEY, 30's, enters the building. Clean shaven, in a
suit with a cell phone up to his ear. He talks as he walks
past the work area on the way to his office

TOM BRADLEY
(on the cell phone)
Like isn't that freaky? They find a cat
inside... I say maybe they where using
live ammunition... Oh you heard that
one... Don't worry, the Smithsonian can
pick up the cannons next... Yeah bye.

Tom folds up and pockets his cell phone as he comes to his
office.

OFFICE:

Tom enters and to his surprise TWO MEN IN SUITS and ALLISON
LANGLEY, 30'S, dressed professionally with cold hard glint in
her eye are waiting for him.

TOM BRADLEY
****, I thought I'd never see you again.
Still CIA?

ALLISON LANGLEY
Homeland Security. It's about the anomaly
in the cannon.

TOM BRADLEY
The dead cat?

Allison hands Tom the cat's collar. Tom examines the collar
and the engraved tag.

ALLISON LANGLEY
The Smithsonian sent this to us.

TOM BRADLEY
(reads the tag)
Ulysses, 334-872-5683, Cahaba Pet Supply,
Cahaba Alabama.

Tom voice trails off as he reads. He reaches into pocket for
his cell phone.

MAN IN SUIT
I wouldn't do that sir.

Tom stops in mid motion, his face is pale.

ALLISON LANGLEY
I always loved your sense of humor.

TOM BRADLEY
This is no joke, honest.

ALLISON LANGLEY
Shame, I was hoping it was.

Allison nods to one of the men and he leaves the office.

ALLISON LANGLEY
My people will be taking over the site.
And everything that's happen so far comes
under the National Securities Act--

TOM BRADLEY
Yeah I know the drill.

ALLISON LANGLEY
Good. This time don't forget who's in
charge.

In order for your vote to count, you must answer the following question correctly.

WHAT IS THIS STORY'S GENRE?

A) Sci-fi
B) Horror
C) Comedy

VOTE by PM and include either ENTRY 5: or TITLE: CAT FROM CAHABA in the SUBJECT LINE, along with your answer.

[Joe Calabrese]

ENTRY 6
TITLE: CANCER BLOWS

DUKE (V.O.)
You wanna know what New York is?
It's a series of people telling you
in precise terms exactly why it is
you can't get what you want.

BEGIN SERIES:

A TEENAGE GIRL with serious attitude shakes her head.

GIRL
We don't have that.

A RENTAL CAR CLERK shakes his head.

CLERK
If you look at the fine print on
the ad, you'll see it's available
in all areas EXCEPT New York City.



A FAST FOOD CLERK SMIRKS.

FAST FOOD CLERK
We don't take that coupon!



A MOVIE THEATRE CASHIER CHEWS GUM.

CASHIER
Sold out.



DIFFERENT SHOTS OF PEOPLE SHAKING HEADS: A BANK MANAGER,
WAITRESS, CAB DRIVER, DOORMAN.

A GREASY MAN sits behind a thick wall of protective glass.

GREASY MAN
NO!!!!

DUKE (V.O.)
But everyone once in awhile you
meet someone who won't take no for
an answer. Someone who CAN'T take
no for an answer. And that's what
makes New York, New York.



INT. HOSPITAL ROOM

DUKE, 30, is talking to TIMMY, 15, hair just beginning to
grow back from his chemo.

DUKE
You want what?

TIMMY
You heard me.

DUKE
You're a freakin' kid.

TIMMY
That's if you count from my birth
day til now. But if you count
backward, from my deathday...

DUKE
Deathday? That's not even a word.

TIMMY
So you're gonna fight this on a
technicality?

DUKE
No, I'm gonna fight this on account
of it's unethical, not to mention
ILLEGAL.

TIMMY
You said you were here to grant my
wish, right? I could have anything
I want, right?

DUKE
Yes, but-

TIMMY
That's what I want.

DUKE
I think you're missing the point of
what we do. Now, if you wanted a
visit from, say a Yankees player...

TIMMY
Okay, first of all, I'm a Mets fan.
Second, I'm not on treatment. I'm
gonna die here in this bed. I don't
think a visit from a ****ing
baseball player is gonna cut it!

DUKE
Great, I finally get a Mets fan,
and instead he wants a hooker.

TIMMY
I didn't say hooker. I said I want
to lose my virginity.

DUKE
Oh excuse me, you want me to find
you a girlfriend who puts out on
the first date. And where are you
gonna take her? The hospital
cafeteria?

TIMMY
You really don't seem cut out for
this job. Wish granting.

DUKE
I have granted every wish that's
ever been asked of me.

TIMMY
It's a shame you're not going to be
able to say that now.

DUKE
How about a trip to Disney? Or a
meeting with a movie star?

TIMMY
Can I have sex with her?

DUKE
No!

TIMMY
I told you my wish.

DUKE
You're serious?

TIMMY
How many kids you know survive
longer than a month when they go
off Chemo?

DUKE
You're serious.

TIMMY
How old were you when you lost your
virginity?

A moment. The two just stare at each other.

DUKE
I'll see what I can do.

INT. HOSPITAL ICU HALLWAY

Duke meets up with MAGGIE, 28, who holds a stack of very
clearly labeled and color coded files. They walk down hall.

MAGGIE
The Yankees, right?
(Duke shakes head, Maggie
gets excited for him)
The Mets?

DUKE
(visibly upset)
I don't want to talk about it.

MAGGIE
Look, you can't leave me in the
dark here. We only have so much
time. He went off the treatment two
weeks ago.

DUKE
I know.

MAGGIE
So there are things we need to set
in motion. If he wants to meet
someone from out of state, we have
to book travel...

DUKE
I'm pretty sure we won't be going
out of state for this.

They reach the double doors.

MAGGIE
So, what do you need me to do?

DUKE
Don't ask.

He pushes through the doors and leaves her.

MAGGIE
(shouting)
We are a team! I want to help!

In order for your vote to count, you must answer the following question correctly.

WHAT IS THIS STORY'S GENRE?

A) Drama
B) Horror
C) Comedy

VOTE by PM and include either ENTRY 6: or TITLE: CANCER in the SUBJECT LINE, along with your answer.

[Joe Calabrese]

ENTRY 7:
TITLE: REGRET

INT. SYNTECH LABORATORY, MEN'S WASHROOM - DAY

In the mirror above the sink of a high tech stainless
bathroom DARWIN TRUETT washes his teary face. He towel dries
his face and then dabs off the water on his expensive dress
shirt and tie.

A scientist, DR. MILES rushes in. He flicks back his long
white lab coat and takes a whiz.

DR. MILES
You okay, Dar? You've been in here
a long time.

DARWIN
A little nausea, that's all.

DR. MILES
Those damn protestors outside
getting to you too?

Dr. Miles zips up and vigorously scrubs his hands in an
adjoining sink.

DR. MILES
When are they going to get it? We
sacrifice the lives of a few
monkeys in order to save human
lives.

Darwin leans back on the sink. He sways - a wave nausea.

DR. MILES
You know you shouldn't have named
them...as if they were pets.
(shaking hands dry)
That's what's making you sick.

Darwin rubs his eyes.

DARWIN
I'll be alright.

Dr. Miles leaves.

Relieved, Darwin heads into a private booth. He locks the
door tight. He stretches a pair of surgical gloves on.

He removes the lid to the toilet's tank and pulls out a large
ziplocked bag. He shakes the water off the bag and zips it
open. Several green substance filled syringes inside.

Darwin zips it shut. He peeps between the cracks of the
booth...No one. He wipes beads of sweat from his forehead.

Darwin removes his white lab coat from a hook. From it's
pocket he pulls out a .45 pistol and flicks off he safety.
He peeps between the cracks again...No one.



INT. SYNTECH LABORATORY, MONKEY ROOM - DAY

Several caged monkeys sit listlessly in their cages. Some
monkeys jump around in excitement as Dr. Miles moves from
cage to cage and checks the clipboard chart in front of them.

A MONKEY observes Darwin as he quickly and quietly walks
behind Dr. Miles through the room and behind a desk.

ON THE DESK

Several tiny monitors each with a view of a caged monkey. He
inconspicuously flips a master switch and the monitors go
blank.

He slips the bag of syringes from beneath his lab coat and
stashes it between the monitors.



INT. SYNTECH LABORATORY, LAB ROOM - DAY

The giant lab is full of busy, lab-coated SCIENTISTS.

Darwin quickly moves to the back of the room. He jumps on a
desk and waves his gun.

DARWIN
Okay everybody, move to the monkey
room.

The Scientists look up confused. Some stand and raise their
hands.

SCIENTIST
Darwin, what are --

DARWIN
Shut up! And do as I say. Move
it. Everybody. Now!

SCIENTIST
(concerned)
Darwin...

Darwin shoots a light in the ceiling. It shatters. The
Scientists crowd through the door to the monkey room.



INT. SYNTECH LABORATORY, LAB ROOM - DAY

The Scientists file in to the room.

DR. MILES
What's going on?

SCIENTIST
Darwin's finally flipped his lid.

DARWIN
(pointing the gun)
Open that cage, Miles.

DR. MILES
Are you crazy?

Darwin shoves the gun on Dr. Miles head.

DARWIN
Do it.

DR. MILES
Alright. Alright.

Dr. Miles opens the cage. The Monkey just sits there.

DARWIN
Joby, get out.

Joby, the monkey hops out of the cage.

DARWIN
(to Dr. Miles)
Get in.

DR. MILES
I'm not --

Darwin slams the gun on his head. Some Scientists lunge
toward Darwin but he quickly responds by swinging the gun
around.

DARWIN
Everybody shut up! And just do as
I say.

Dr. Miles bleeds as he crams himself into the cage.

DARWIN
(to a scientist)
You next.

Monkeys run around in wild abandonment, while others sit
lethargic and spiritless as Darwin locks up the last
Scientist in a cage.

Joby jumps on the desk and shakes the bag of syringes.

DARWIN
Give me that.

Joby lovingly jumps right into Darwin's arms and obediently
hands him the bag.

MONKEY SCREAMS come from one cage.

Darwin points his gun at a Scientist.

DARWIN
Give me your cellphone.

The Scientist reluctantly hands over his phone. Darwin looks
over each cage. Each Scientist watching him like a hawk.

SCIENTIST
You are insane.

Darwin takes a syringe from the bag and sticks the Scientist.

DR. MILES
Darwin, what are you doing? That
stuff could kill us.

Darwin immediately sticks Dr. Miles with another syringe.

The other Scientists scream out which excites the Monkeys
even more. Each Scientist attempts to fight of the needle
stick by they efforts are useless in the tight cages.

It takes only moments for each Scientist to squirm and thrash
about in their cage...until they are DEAD.

Some Monkeys pick up the empty syringes and continually stab
the Scientists through the cages, excited, freaked out, and
happy.

Darwin removes the ammunition from the gun and drops them in
a hazardous waste can. He gives Joby the gun. Joby runs
around jubilant with his gift.

Darwin locks himself in a cage. He squirts out most of the
fluid from the last syringe, injects himself with a small
dose, and drops the needle through the cage.


In order for your vote to count, you must answer the following question correctly.

WHAT IS THIS STORY'S GENRE?

A) Sci-fi
B) Thriller
C) Comedy

VOTE by PM and include either ENTRY 7: or TITLE: REGRET in the SUBJECT LINE, along with your answer.

[Joe Calabrese]

ENTRY 8
TITLE: 21st CENTURY YENTA

FADE IN:

RUBY (O.S.)
I'm quite certain Ma would not have
understood, nor approved.

INT. LOFT -- BEDROOM -- DAY

RUBY, almost forty though none would guess, an over
achieving business savvy professional with nothing left
over for her personal life, sits up in bed talking on the
phone.

Beside her a lump rests beneath the sheets.

RUBY
I'm not sure I do.

INT. SALON -- DAY

DIAMOND, Ruby's stunning half sister, an early 30-something
who doesn't take the family business as seriously as she
perhaps should, blows her nails dry as she chats on her cell.

DIAMOND
(affected Jewish
accent)
Ru-bel-lah, you look so...what's
the word?
(her own voice)
Survey says: desperate!

INT. LOFT -- BEDROOM -- DAY

Ruby appears exasperated.

RUBY
Please stay on topic.

The lump stirs.

RUBY (CONT'D)
I think Jamey's awake. Gotta go.

Ruby hangs up as the lump moves toward the top of the
sheets.

JAMEY, a giant mongrel of a dog, explodes from the sheets.
His tongue lashes at Ruby; she GIGGLES as she deflects with
a pillow.

GWEN, mid-20's, elegant, uber-professional, bustles in.

GWEN
It's on.

She sets a coffee down near the bed and grabs the remote,
turning the TV on.

INSERT - TV

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.


RUBY (V.O.)
It's love at first sight, or...

Diamond and JEFFREY, a dishy model, lock eyes.

RUBY (V.O.) (CONT'D)
...At least by that night.

Jeffrey helps Diamond with her coat. Pause. A
Kiss--passionate, full. The commercial FADES as a TITLE
appears:

"21st Century Yenta 1-800-YOUR LUV"

Ruby GROANS O.S. as the TV clicks off.

BACK TO SCENE

RUBY (CONT'D)
Who wrote that mindless drivel?

GWEN
Don't be so hard on yourself.

Gwen bustles back out the way she came.

GWEN (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Gazebo at ten. Come Jamey!

Jamey bounds off the bed and exits the bedroom.

RUBY
Traitor!

Ruby resignedly tosses back the covers and climbs from bed.

INT. GAZEBO -- DAY

At the edge of the gazebo Ruby, Diamond, and Gwen watch as
the handful of well dressed GUESTS gather around the GROOM
and BEST MAN.

A PREACHER clears his throat, ready to begin.

The Groom turns to face the Preacher. So does the Best
Man. The two hold hands as it becomes clear: they are
actually Groom and Groom.

PREACHER
Friends, family, we are gathered
here today....

As the Preacher drones on, Diamond beams, Gwen discreetly
checks her planner, and Ruby looks away uncomfortably.

A frisbee catches her eye. Ruby watches it to Jamey's
mouth. He runs it back to HOGAN, a hippy throw back and
permanent assistant to Ruby and her crew.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.


The frisbee again flies and Jamey follows after it, as
polite APPLAUSE sounds behind Ruby.

She turns and sees she has lost track of time as Groom and
Groom cement their vows with a polite peck.

Ruby grimaces, quickly replacing it with a smile. Ruby
whispers to Diamond.

RUBY
Ma definitely would not have
approved.

Diamond politely claps, smiling like a runway model.

DIAMOND
She would have liked the paycheck.

Ruby can't stand it anymore. She leaves.

Diamond runs to catch up. Gwen deftly handles the couple
of Guests who notice the abrupt departure.

INT. PARK -- DAY

Ruby paces through the park toward Jamey and Hogan.

RUBY
Jamey!

Diamond catches up, places a hand on her half sister's
shoulder and spins her to face her.

DIAMOND
You're right.

This catches Ruby off guard.

DIAMOND (CONT'D)
You and the rest of the cynics.

Ruby scrunches up her brow, unsure she's following.

DIAMOND (CONT'D)
Love sucks. And we've had the cash
flow problems to prove it.

Ruby squints at Diamond, knowing she's being set up.

DIAMOND (CONT'D)
But these guys--

Ruby knew it. She turns and marches on.

DIAMOND (CONT'D)
No! Wait. Hear me out.

Ruby turns again to face Diamond.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.


RUBY
No, you hear me. This isn't right.
And you know it. Never mind what Ma
would say. How about her mother
before her, and hers, and so on.
This is something our family's been
doing since time began.

DIAMOND
And we're still able to do it, you
and I.

RUBY
Not me. No more. I won't do this.

Ruby turns just as Jamey catches up. She walks past Jamey.
Unfazed, Jamey trots back to Hogan, who obliges the dog with
another toss of the frisbee.

Gwen catches up to Diamond.

GWEN
Trouble in paradise?

DIAMOND
Nothing a week in the country won't
cure. Make sure she's not alone.

Diamond turns and heads back toward the wedding party as
the Guests make their way toward a lavish tent.

Gwen dials her cell phone as she watches Ruby climb into
her refined SUV, REV it up, and PEAL out of her parking spot.

GWEN
Hi Scott. Gwen. We need your help.

INT. CABIN -- DAY

Ruby sits up in bed talking on her cell. A lump rests
under the sheets.

RUBY
She actually said Yenta
Schmenta...of course, take it.

Ruby clicks off her cell phone and tosses it aside just as
the lump stirs. From the sheets pops bare chested SCOTT
COHEN, late 30's, reliable and wise, a family heirloom.

SCOTT
(affected Jewish
accent)
Ahh, my sweet Yenta Schmenta.

He lashes at Ruby, all lips and tongue; she GIGGLES,
deflecting with a pillow.

n order for your vote to count, you must answer the following question correctly.

WHAT IS THIS STORY'S GENRE?

A) Romantic Comedy
B) Thriller
C) Sci-fi

VOTE by PM and include either ENTRY 8: or TITLE: YENTA in the SUBJECT LINE, along with your answer.

[Joe Calabrese]

ENTRY 9
TITLE: BLOOD AND BOOKS

EXT. MANHATTAN SKYLINE -- NIGHT

The city shines in all it's nocturnal glory.



EXT. CLAUDIO'S RESTAURANT

A costume party inside. VIP GUESTS in every kind of
disguise imaginable frolic in a sea of sin and alcohol.

Across the street in shadows, a lone figure scans the
party through the plate glass window. He spies his
quarry. Opens a bag...selects his weapon of choice.
Loads it. Brings it up to aim. It's a camera. He
smiles.

PHOTOGRAPHER
Why Senator Treadway, you've been
a bad bad boy.

Before he can click the shutter, a SECRET SERVICE GHOST
agent pops in front of the view screen. No words. A
couple of silent, but powerful hits and the Photographer
is on the ground. His camera in pieces.

GHOST
Senator's off limits tonight.

He talks into a mini-comlink.

GHOST
All clear. The lizard has been
squishified.



INT. CLAUDIO'S RESTAURANT

GHOST LEADER answers.

GHOST LEADER
Excellent. We're bringing him out
now.

He motions...SENATOR TREADWAY, Roman Conqueror, escorts a
way too young FRENCH MAID toward him. An AIDE, done up
like the Hunchback jumps in.

AIDE
Got 'em.

TREADWAY
Let's hear it.

AIDE
Governor Karns' lead is only three
points ahead. And most favor YOU
as the only hope of unseating the
Prez.

TREADWAY
Nice. Perfect. Things are coming
together.

He caresses the Maid...not so discreetly.

TREADWAY
Speaking of coming together, my
wife's plane?

AIDE
Unfortunately, has a small problem
with the hydraulics so she wasn't
able to take off. Better safe
than sorry.

TREADWAY
That's my motto.

He laughs.



EXT. ROOFTOP ACROSS FROM CLAUDIO'S

POV BINOCULARS: the whole thing has just been witnessed.

A dark figure drops the spy glasses. Opens case.
Selects weapon. Loads it. Brings it up to aim. It's a
very odd looking gun.

FIGURE
Hamlet, thou art slain. No
medicine in the world can do thee
good. The treacherous instrument
is in thy hand, unbated and
envenom'd...



EXT. CLAUDIO'S RESTAURANT

The Senator, his mistress, his aide and the ghosts exit.
A car is waiting. The door is opened for him. He
laughs.



ROOFTOP

FIGURE
The King. The king is to blame.

He pulls the trigger.

STREET
A dart strikes the Senator's
chest. It startles more than
hurts. The Ghosts snap to
attention. Guns drawn. One pulls
the dart out...but it's too late.

FIGURE
Then venom...to thy work.

The Senator begins convulsing and foaming at the mouth.

GHOST LEADER
Get him out of here.
(in comlink)
We have a breech. The Senator is
down. Find the Bogey.

Another dart pierces the left eye of the French Maid.
She screams and drops. The Ghost saw this one.

GHOST LEADER
(pointing to roof)
There! Up There.

Agents from out of nowhere hit the Figure's position with
a hail of bullets.

ROOF
The Figure jumps back. Quickly
disassembles his gear and tears
off. Bullets explode all around.

STREET
GHOST LEADER

Hanrahan! He's in your building. Get up to the roof!

They shove the Senator in the car. And it peels off.
The girl is left to die screaming on the street.

All the Ghosts head toward the shooter's building.

GHOST LEADER
Find Him!

ROOF
HANRAHAN explodes through the
service door, gun drawn. The
figure is at the edge of the
building.

HANRHAN
Don't you MOVE.

The figure stares at him...eyes blazing.

HANRHAN
(to comlink)
I've got 'em chief...I...

He is silenced forever with a lightning quick knife throw
to the jugular. He drops.

FIGURE
A hit! A very palpable hit!

Several other Ghosts make it to the service door. One
trips over Hanrahan's body. The others get a bead on the
figure. GUNS BARK. The figure attaches a climbing hook
to the fire escape ladder and flings himself off the
building.

The ghosts rush to the edge. Peer down into the
blackness.

GHOST
We lost him.

STREET
The ghost leader is not happy.

GHOST LEADER
FIND HIM!!

The girl is still screaming. Violently convusing.

GHOST LEADER
Will you shut up.

In order for your vote to count, you must answer the following question correctly.

WHAT IS THIS STORY'S GENRE?

A) Comedy
B) Action Thriller
C) Drama

VOTE by PM and include either ENTRY 9: or TITLE: BLOOD AND BOOKS in the SUBJECT LINE, along with your answer.

[Joe Calabrese]

ENTRY 10
TITLE: THE GRAVEYARD OF THE ATLANTIC


FADE IN:



TITLE: 1862 -- OFF HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA



EXT. ATLANTIC OCEAN, SURFACE - DAY

The U.S.S. MONITOR, a grand armored turret gunboat, comes
up alongside the ominous looking gunboat U.S.S. VIRGINIA.



EXT. U.S.S. MONITOR, LOOKOUT - DAY

THOMAS CARROLL, SR., late 30s, a robust sailor, scans the
horizon through his binoculars.

Gunfire explodes from the U.S.S. Virginia's artillery,
seems to come right for him.

THOMAS SR.
Holy ****...



EXT. ATLANTIC OCEAN, SURFACE - DAY

KAPOW! The gunfire slams right into the belly of the
U.S.S. Monitor.



INT. U.S.S MONITOR, COAL ROOM - DAY

YOUNG THOMAS CARROLL, JR., 12, a skinny kid with an eye
for trouble throws a piece of coal up in the air and
catches it again.

ROBERT COOK, 12, a pudgy boy with a kind disposition,
watches Young Thomas wearily as he pushes a stack of
coal.

JOHN MASON, 20, thin with bulging eyes that only bulge
more when he's under stress, runs into the coal room,
frantic.

JOHN
We're going down, boys! Abandon
ship!

Young Thomas points to CASSIE, a regal black cat, who
licks her paws in the corner.

YOUNG THOMAS
But I can't leave Cassie!

John walks over to Cassie, she raises her tail and hisses
as he comes near.

YOUNG THOMAS
Please, John!

John reaches out his hand to Cassie, she sniffs it and
lets her tail loose, comes closer.

John picks her up.

Young Thomas sighs, relieved.

John places Cassie inside a canon.

YOUNG THOMAS
What are you doing?

JOHN
She'll be safe there. Come on
boys. We haven't the time.

Robert follows John, but Young Thomas turns, looks at the
canon with a glimmer of mischief in his eye.



TITLE: 1935 -- OFF CAPE HATTERAS, NORTH CAROLINA



EXT. ATLANTIC OCEAN, UNDERWATER - DAY

THREE DIVERS investigate a sunken 4-masted schooner. The
divers; wearing face masks, snorkels, and swim fins; are
only recognizable as two men and a woman.

The larger of the two men swims toward the cargo hold of
the ship. He peers into the darkness.



EXT. ATLANTIC OCEAN, SURFACE - DAY

CHARLES WILLIAMS, 30, athletic and robust, breaks the
surface. As he removes his mask, HELEN WILLIAMS, 23, slim
and attractive, comes up behind him. MICHAEL WILLIAMS,
19, a paler younger version of Charles comes up last.

Together, they turn and swim towards their small,
dilapidated, single-masted boat, the "CAROLINA QUEEN."



EXT. CAROLINA QUEEN, DECK - NIGHT

Charles loosens the sail.

The boat's equipment is old, rusty, yet surprisingly
modern.

CHARLES
What do you think?

Michael grins.

MICHAEL
The cargo hold was collapsed, but
there were definitely bags aboard.
Hard as rocks.

Charles nods with a knowing smile.

CHARLES
It's the Katherine Monahan.

HELEN
It's not the Veturia.

Charles shakes his head.

HELEN
Look around you, Charles. The
whole country has gone to hell and
we're out here.

She motions to the open ocean.

HELEN
Hunting ships that donÍt exist.

CHARLES
Listen to me, Helen, we find the
ghost ship, we find the Monitor.
We find the Monitor, we get the
reward.

The motor noise comes to a SCREECHING halt.

Michael surveys the boat, chipped paint, rusty equipment,
and all.

MICHAEL
We really could use the reward.

In the distance, Michael spots the "CASSIE II," a nice
sized sailboat.



EXT. CASSIE II, DECK - NIGHT

Charles and Michael each offer Helen a helping hand as
she climbs aboard.

THOMAS CARROLL, JR., 80s, a stocky old man, his long
white hair tied back in the fashion of an old world
sailor, saliently observes them from the stern - his
perpetual leaning post.

THOMAS
You kids better be careful
meandering around in the open
ocean with a boat like that.

CHARLES
The boat's all we've got. Where'd
you get your sea legs old man?

THOMAS
I was a crewman most of my life.

Charles looks at him in disbelief.

Thomas turns his nose up at him.

THOMAS
Good honest work. What do you do?

CHARLES
I'm a hunter. I aim to be the man
who finds the U.S.S. Monitor.

THOMAS
I aimed to make pigs fly.
MonitorÍs lost to the graveyard of
the Atlantic, son. But maybe
you'll have better luck.

Just then, Cassie (the black cat) walks past. She rubs
against Thomas' leg and then moves onto Charles.

Charles is dumbstruck, doesn't know what to do with
himself as Cassie purrs on.

HELEN
You keep that black cat for luck?

THOMAS
Oh Cassie? She and I have been
through a lot together.

Thomas reaches down to pet Cassie.

THOMAS
You're a lucky girl, ain't you?

In order for your vote to count, you must answer the following question correctly.

WHAT IS THIS STORY'S GENRE?

A) Comedy
B) Historical Fantasy
C) Drama

VOTE by PM and include either ENTRY 10: or TITLE: GRAVEYARD in the SUBJECT LINE, along with your answer.

[Joe Calabrese]

ENTRY 11:
TITLE: DEAD END JOBS

FADE IN:



INT. HIGH SCHOOL COMPUTER LAB -- DAY

SETH, a lanky, bored student sits at a keyboard in the
computer lab. Others are busy, Seth just looks around.
He moves the mouse and clicks the 'Print' icon, then
pushes away from the desk and walks to a line at the
printer. In front of him is GINA, a nice looking new
girl. She looks the papers over, turns, then smiles at
Seth.

GINA
Hi, I'm Gina. Oh, sorry, I picked
up yours by mistake. Ten most
dangerous jobs, you have
interesting goals in life.

RICHARD, good looking, expensive clothes, stuck up, grabs
the papers from Gina, looks them over then smirks at
Seth.

RICHARD
Looks like you'll be working for
me.

Gina grabs the papers back and hands them to Seth.

GINA
At least he'll be working in a
man's job. What was your
aptitude, lingerie store manikin?

She storms off, Seth smiles at Richard, scratches his eye
using only his middle finger and returns to his computer.



EXT. CITY STREETS -- DAY

SETH saunters up to a high rise office building
construction site, bustling with activity. He looks down
at his list.

SETH
Steel worker.

Looks back up as a steel beam swings free and drops on a
WORKMAN, squashing him. People run to help as GINA walks
up and stops by his side.

GINA
Do you think he'll be OK?

SETH
If he's going to heaven. What are
you doing here?

She holds up a folded computer printout like his.

GINA
Career stuff, same as you. You
going to be a steel worker?

Seth looks at the people pulling the workman from under
the beam, then up at the steel workers straining hard
above.

SETH
Maybe not, too much heavy labor.

He looks at his list and walks away.



EXT. CITY STREETS -- LATER

SETH walks to an electric company utility truck. He
ignores the orange cones and moves to stare into a dark
hole. He hears something and turns to find GINA standing
next to him.

GINA
Electrical power repair man?

SETH
You here for career research too?

She nods and is about to speak when the crackle of
electricity is heard and sparks fly up. Inside a MAN
shrieks in pain.

SETH
I don't think so.

GINA
I'll call for help.

She grabs her cell phone, Seth walks off shaking his
head.



EXT. IN FRONT OF SETH'S HOUSE -- EARLY MORNING

The sound of a garbage truck working its way closer. The
front door opens and SETH walks out hold a box of
PopTarts. He pulls out the last bag and opens it. He
looks at the truck as it stops in front of his house.

SETH
(mispronouncing)
Refuse collectors.

He looks the filthy workers over, grimaces, then walks to
the curb and throws the empty box in the back of the
truck. He steps out of the way as a GARBAGEMAN drags a
trash can to the truck. Seth looks him over and wrinkles
his nose.

SETH
Do they make you wear that suit?

GARBAGEMAN
Yep, it's our uniform.

Seth steps back as the truck moves to the next house.

SETH
Dude, I wouldn't be caught dead
dressed like that.

A car drives up, window down. GINA's head pops out.

SETH
Career stuff or are you stalking
me?

She smiles and waves her paper at him.

GINA
I guess it looks like I'm a
stalker, no really, it is for my
career counseling appointment this
morning.

SETH
Yeah, mine's tomorrow. Did they
really say that you should be a
steel worker or garbageman?

She starts to speak when the garbage truck revs its motor
loudly, one of the workers pulls a lever and the big
metal blade starts to scoop the trash inside of the
truck.

ANOTHER GARBAGEMAN dumpS a can then slips. He grabs the
truck as he falls and the metal blade starts to drag him
screaming into the truck. Gina gasps then pulls out a
cell phone.

GINA
I'll call for help.

Seth nods then walks closer to get a better look. As he
checks it out, COUNSELOR STEVE'S voice is heard.

COUNSELOR STEVE (V.O.)
Really, you want to know which is
best, dying by falling off a roof
or in a plane crash?



INT. SCHOOL COUNSELOR'S OFFICE -- MORNING

COUNSELOR STEVE sits behind A desk, black glasses,
outstretched legs show white socks with black pants and
shoes. He questions SETH, his comments pick up from the
previous voice over.

COUNSELOR STEVE
Do I have to clean up the mess?

SETH
Really, I'm working out my future
here.

COUNSELOR STEVE
This is how you're going to decide
it?

Seth nods decisively. Steve delicately holds the ripped
and folded paper.

COUNSELOR STEVE
Why did you cross these out?

Seth stares back blankly.

COUNSELOR STEVE
What's wrong with taxi driver?

Seth springs to life, grabbing an imaginary steering
wheel.

SETH
It's like this! I'd be driving
this guy around; some dark, mean
SOB, and he'd say something snide
about my driving. And I'd meet
his eyes in the rear view mirror
like this.
(stares at Steve)
Then he'd pull out a gun and BANG!

Steve jumps and Seth settles back.

SETH
See, obvious.
(thinks a second)
Did Gina have taxi driver too?

Steve now looks confused.

COUNSELOR STEVE
Gina? No, hers were, let's see,
doctor, grief counselor. She
followed you to see what they
would be like.

Seth looks confused and a little shocked.

COUNSELOR STEVE
She asked about you too. I think
she likes you, ask her out before
Richard does.

SETH
Richard?

COUNSELOR STEVE
Yeah, hers is the only family
around richer than his.

In order for your vote to count, you must answer the following question correctly.

WHAT IS THIS STORY'S GENRE?

A) Action
B) Comedy
C) Drama

VOTE by PM and include either ENTRY 11: or TITLE: DEAD END JOBS in the SUBJECT LINE, along with your answer.

[Joe Calabrese]

ENTRY 12
TITLE: DEADLINE

FADE IN:



EXT. CITY STREET -- NIGHT

Made slick by torrential rain.

A menacing black car pulls up next to a phone booth,
across from a large building.



INT. BLACK CAR -- CONTINOUS

JOEY VREES, 35, a massive heap of a man, is seated behind
the wheel.

JOEY
Ok, here we go.

Joey exits the car.



INT. PHONE BOOTH -- CONTINOUS

Joey, now drenched in rain, enters the booth.

He quickly dials a number he has long ago memorized.

JOEY
(into the phone)
Ya, I'm here. Yes I know. The
letter. And the fifty. Yes ma'am.

JOEY
(beat)
I love you too.

Joey hangs up the phone with a grin.

He pulls a small business card out of his pocket, and
stares at it as he dials another number into the phone.

He listens intently as the phone rings.

JOEY
C'mon, c'mon, pickup already.

JOHNNY
(on the other end of
the phone)
Krugar Investigations. You lost
it, we'll find it.

Joey quickly hangs the phone up.

JOEY
(to himself)
Good. He's in.



EXT. CITY STREET -- CONTINOUS

Joey exits the phonebooth and runs across the street
towards the building.

He throws the door open and enters.



INT. HALLWAY -- MOMENTS LATER

Joey stumbles up the stairs, his large body too big to
handle, now completly soaked.

JOEY
Who in the world wants an office
on the top floor?!?

Joey peers down the hallway and relief floods his
features as he spots the office of 'J.KRUGER.'

JOEY
(to himself)
Finally. This prick better accept
this offer; I know I just didn't
climb all this way to give him
fifty bucks.



INT. OUTER OFFICE -- CONTINOUS

Joey enters the empty outer office and stares at the mess
that clutters the desk.

JOEY
(to himself)
Looks like he needs the work too.

Joey walks over to the official door of Johnny Kruger's
office, and places one meaty paw on the doorknob.

JOEY
(to himself)
Ok, gameface.

Joey's normally grinning, quirky smile fades; his mug
becomes a granite slab.

Joey swings the door open with caution, and peers into
the dark office.

JOHNNY (O.S.)
Glad you could drop by. Nice
weather we're having, huh?

Joey reaches into his coat for the note.

In a blinding flash, six bullet holes rip into Joey's
chest.

Joey grabs his chest and stumbles backwards, finally
collapsing in a heap that shakes the building.

JOHNNY, 30, appears in the doorway of the office, a
revolver in the belt of his pants; he is staring at the
fallen Joey.

Johnny walks over to the secretary's desk and picks up
the phone, dials.

JOHNNY
(into the phone)
Sergeant Novello, please. Mr.
Johnny Krugar calling. Yes I'll
hold.

Johnny bends down and examines what Joey was reaching
for: an envelope, with Johnny's name on it.

JOHNNY
(into the phone)
Hey Tony, it's Johnny Krugar. So
guess what? I'm looking at a three
hundred pound lump of muscle lying
dead on my carpet with six slugs
in its heart.

An angry voice buzzes in Johnny's ear as he examines the
envelope.

JOHNNY
(into the phone)
Never saw him before. He opened
the door, drew a gun and took a
shot at me. Well I didn't feel
like pausing for an introduction.
Old faithful jumped into my hand
and I let him have it.

Johnny pours the contents of the envelope out into one
hand as he listens to the angry voice.

A sheet of paper with a clipped fifty dollar bill appears
in his hand. A small glass vial of a liquid also slips
into his hand.

Johnny reads the letter with interest at first, but this
grows into concern the more he reads.

JOHNNY
What the...

Suddenly the glass vial that was in his hand slips out
and comes crashing to the floor. The liquid splatters.

JOHNNY
(into the phone)
Ya, I'm still here, I just, uh,
can I call you back?

Johnny stares with worry at the liquid on the floor, and
prepares to hang the phone up.

SUDDENLY the corpse of Joey LASHES out at Johnny's ankle!

Joey bites, HARD, into Johnny's tendon and blood explodes
everywhere, showering the room.

Johnny screams in anguish and falls down, dropping the
phone.

NOVELLO
(on the other end of
the phone)
What? What is it? KRUGER?!?

Johnny is wimpering on the blood smeared ground as the
corpse of Joey crawls towards him. Joey is smiling now,
he is ready for dinner.

JOHNNY
Awww, ****.

Joey pounces on the detective, ripping into flesh,
devouring it greedily.

Johnny screams in agony. His wailing is heard throughout
the night.

A shred of the paper with the clipped fifty dollar bill
floats in the air. It reads: "-ncluded a sample of the
virus that infected my husband. Hope you can use it to
determin--"



EXT. CITY STREET -- NIGHT

All goes silent in the office of the late Johnny Kruger.
The night becomes quiet, the torrential rain drowning all
sound.

Yet somewhere in the distance the wail of a police siren
is heard.

In order for your vote to count, you must answer the following question correctly.

WHAT IS THIS STORY'S GENRE?

A) Thriller
B) Comedy
C) Drama

VOTE by PM and include either ENTRY 12: or TITLE: DEADLINE in the SUBJECT LINE, along with your answer.

[Joe Calabrese]

HELLO VOTERS.

VOTING ENDS on Sunday, November 6th, 2005 - MIDNIGHT (EST)


THE END IS HERE!
THE FINAL TASK TO DETERMINE
Who can handle a spec, a synopsis and a rewrite.

WHO is THE ULTIMATE SCREENWRITER?

Here is the criteria for judging.

PICK the MOST FAVORITE based on:

1. How well it is written. Does it make you want to read on?

2. Is the GENRE CLEAR? You will need to answer the genre question correctly in order for the vote to count. I made it pretty easy though.

3. If you wish, compare them to TASK 1 entries of the same title to see if it is better than the original (or ruined), however this is not a requirement for judging since it is a lot of pages to read.

You can read TASK 1 entries HERE (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21242).

(NOTE:) If you do compare, indicate your brief thoughts in the PM as it may skew the votes.

VOTING ENDS on Sunday, November 6th, 2005 - MIDNIGHT (EST)

THANK YOU ENTRANTS for your HARD WORK

AND

THANK YOU VOTERS AS WELL!

[Joe Calabrese]

THE VOTES are tallied and the WINNERS are...

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.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.


Before I tell you, let me tell you all how proud I am of the hard work and talent you all put into it.

The voting was tough and it was close, in fact very very close with multiple ties, but we now do have winners and they are...


.
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.
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First let me tell you how the winners were determined.

For all three tasks, entries were voted by your peers and each vote counted as one point.
At the end of all three tasks the top three entrants would be the winners.

However, I because of the ties, I gave bonus points for the winners of each individual task, with
3 points for first place,
2 points for second
and 1 point for third place in each task.

Winners of TASK 1
1st place = Rainy Night
2nd Place = Brian James
3rd place = Stegosaurus

Winners of TASK 2
1st place Tie= Rainy Night & Brian James
2nd Place Tie = NikeeGoddess, Nidorina & Aldenard
3rd place Tie = Stephanie76, dpaterso , Stegosaurus & Green Chair

Winners of TASK 3
1st place = dpaterso
2nd Place Tie= Aldenard, Dichucks, NikeeGoddess, & Sukee
3rd place Tie = Rainy Night & Green Chair



Based on individual task bonus points and overall points for all three tasks,
the PRIZE WINNERS ARE...



3rd PLACE WINNER
who wins the Adobe Acrobat, HCD, ScriptPIMP and Scr(i)pt Magazine subscription package worth over $200 is... DPATERSO

2nd PLACE RUNNER UP
who wins the Final Draft, ScriptPIMP, Inktip Package worth over $375 is... BRIAN JAMES

And the Ultimate Screenwriter who wins a $750+ package from the Movie Magic and ScriptPIMP people is... RAINY NIGHT!




Winners will be notified in order to claim their prizes and all Entrants will recieve info on how to get a Scr(i)pt Magazine Discount.


Congrats to all the winners, entrants and voters.

I will send emails over the next few weeks to all entrants, giving them my personal critique and standings in all three tasks and tips to improve their writing. Again, it was a close race and all entrants should be proud of their accomplishment.


It's been a fun two months.

Goodnight and Goodbye.

Joseph Calabrese

[StephieM]

CONGRADULATIONS to Rainy Night, Brian James, and Dp. A job well done and prizes well deserved. :)


Steph

[dpaterso]

Thanks a bunch, Joe, for organizing this contest and for your personal comments on my entries. And thanks to everyone, writers and voters, for making the contest interesting and fun.

Hearty congrats to the winners! Damn good prizes! I'm very happy with mine. Commiserations to the "losers" (I use the term loosely) but just think of the great practice you've had at writing to theme and to deadline, two of the most important skills a writer can hope to develop.

'Fess up, who turned my Noir epic into a zombie Horror-fest? What the heck, I liked it! :) Joe's "accidentally" assigning me the opening I was most allergic to (Extinct - Entry 1) made me laugh out loud. I hope the author didn't object too much to my edit.

-Derek
My wittle web page - hack stories, failed novels, dud screenplays, terminal writer's block. (http://hometown.aol.co.uk/DPaterson57)
The fool, the meddling idiot. As though his ape's brain could contain the secrets of the Krell.

[Rainy Night]

I posted a thank you in a new thread - but I'd like to say it again, what a great contest and thanks for everything.

In round 3 I re-wrote The Naked Ape - which was one of my favorite scripts from that round. I really loved the dialogue, and being a Monty Python fan I could not resist trying to push it in that direction.

And I'm just curious as to who re-wrote mine, The Cat from Cahaba.

[Joe Calabrese]

Brian James Rewrote the "Cat" and did a pretty good job IMHO.

[Green Chair]

Thanks, Joe, for organizing and supervising this. No small task.... Now rest up and take good care of yourself!

Congrats to the Top Three! It was an amazing pool of talent; thanks for letting me play along.

I had most fun with the rewrite. YENTA was a fave of mine, and I enjoyed having the opportunity to give it a complete twist. Hope the author didn't mind too much. I thought I'd just play into every nightmare we as writers have...seeing a completely different story emerge from our original words.

Cheers,
Green Chair, aka Dana
-----
PS If you're in the neighborhood, I've just opened a new web log after attending a weekend workshop: http://greenchairpictures.blogspot.com/

[Aldenard]

Wow, I'm surprised! I honestly didn't think I would get any votes at all in the last two rounds (because I myself didn't vote, and i assumed that would be the only way i would get votes)

That was me that turned Deadline into a zombie screenplay, i bet the original author is mad at me for butchering his work. Sorry 'bout that, but I just wanted to spice it up a bit, y'know?

Thanks so much everyone for this wondeful experience. Even though I may have 'lost' it doesn't feel that way. I gained wonderful experience and helpful critique on all of the rounds, and enjoyed reading the works of others.

I would like to sincerly congradulate the winners, yall really deserved it. Well, gatta run now, it's my mom's birthday and I'm taking her out to dinner. See ya around.

[scripter1]

to everyone that placed and to Rainy for winning.

I really enjoyed reading the great varity of work displayed here.

[Aldenard]

Hey, I do have one question that I hope someone can asnwer for me. I hope this isn't nickpicking, but im just very curious about this. I suppose Im misunderstanding the rules, but I bet yall can clear this up for me.

Ok, so its 3 pts for 1st? 2 for 2nd? and 1 for 3rd? right?

Ok, I agree with Rainy Night and Brian James taking 1st and 2nd, respectivly, but 3rd place is where my issue lies.

dpaterso got (according to the scoring system) 4 points (1 for 3rd place on the 2nd part, 3 points for 1st place on the 3rd part)

Well, it appears that Nikee Goddess and I also recieved 4 points (we each placed 2nd in the last two rounds).

So how did dpaterso get third? To me, it appears to be a three-way-tie. I imagine that I missed something, but I just thought I would check and make sure there wasn't a mistake made.

[Rainy Night]

Hey, I do have one question that I hope someone can asnwer for me. I hope this isn't nickpicking, but im just very curious about this. I suppose Im misunderstanding the rules, but I bet yall can clear this up for me.

Ok, so its 3 pts for 1st? 2 for 2nd? and 1 for 3rd? right?

Ok, I agree with Rainy Night and Brian James taking 1st and 2nd, respectivly, but 3rd place is where my issue lies.

dpaterso got (according to the scoring system) 4 points (1 for 3rd place on the 2nd part, 3 points for 1st place on the 3rd part)

Well, it appears that Nikee Goddess and I also recieved 4 points (we each placed 2nd in the last two rounds).

So how did dpaterso get third? To me, it appears to be a three-way-tie. I imagine that I missed something, but I just thought I would check and make sure there wasn't a mistake made.
As I understand it you got 1 point for each vote and then bonus points for 1st, 2nd or 3rd place. I may be wrong, but that's how I read it.

[JennaGlatzer]

I think that's right. Aldenard, I voted for your rewrite-- I thought the original was great and was wondering how someone would improve upon it... I thought your take on it was a lot of fun. :)

[Joe Calabrese]

Okay, let me explain it.

Each entrant that got a vote, got 1 point. At the end of the three tasks The bonus point system was added to reward those top three in each separate task above and beyond the 1 point/ 1 vote received from the jury of your peers.

I did this so people who won each task would get rewarded as such and to break up the multiple ties we had in 2nd and 3rd place with the votes alone.

So, let's say Person A got 10 votes for Task one, 15 for Task two and 10 for Task three AND made 1st place in two tasks and third place in one task, then that person has a total of 35 votes/points PLUS 7 bonus points for a total of 42.

Not to go into specifics, but in this case, Dpat got more votes in task 1,2, and 3 than the other people in the tie.

As I said, it was very close and you are all winners.

[NikeeGoddess]

aldy - i understand where your coming from. the bonus points needed to be awarded because there really weren't enough voters to break up the multiple ties. just know that you and i in truth tied with dp with the few votes that we got and be proud that you, a high school kid actually faired well with more seasoned writers. ;)



Aldenard, I voted for your rewrite-- I thought the original was great and was wondering how someone would improve upon it... I thought your take on it was a lot of fun.



Jenna - i don't know how you know which rewrite was Aldy's but it was I who rewrote his task one assignment. so, thanks for the vote OR.....someone cheated ;)

[Joe Calabrese]

That was me that turned Deadline into a zombie

That's how Jenna knew which one he did.

[StephieM]

"Aldenard, I voted for your rewrite-- I thought the original was great and was wondering how someone would improve upon it... I thought your take on it was a lot of fun."

I think you're confused Nikee. Jenna didn't vote for the rewrite of Aldernard's task 1 entry. She voted for Aldernard's rewrite of Dp's task 1 entry. :)

Steph

[NikeeGoddess]

yep, i was confused. i was looking for a post that identified the writers of task 3 but i guess it doesn't exist. :(

[NikeeGoddess]

gone - task 3 that is.

yep, i was confused. i went looking for a post that identified the entrants of task 3 but, i guess it either doesn't exist or i just can't find it.

[paprikapink]

I'd like to offer my congratulations and thanks to all who participated in this contest -- organizer, contestants, voters. (I fall into that latter category.) I really enjoyed reading all the entries. Great job, everyone!

[Joe Calabrese]

Here's what I got.


dpaterso
1: EXTINCT

Aldenard
12: DEAD LINE

Green Chair
8: 21ST CENTURY YENTA

Brian James
5: THE CAT FROM CAHABA

Rainy Night
3: THE NAKED APE

rickdemille
11: DEAD END JOBS

Dichucks
6: CANCER BLOWS

NikeeGoddess
7: REGRET

Annabanana
10: THE GRAVEYARD OF THE ATLANTIC

Sukee
4: CAGED

Nidorina
NO ENTRY

stegosaurus
9: Fresh Blood, Old Books

Stephanie76
2: FAMILY OF MAN

[StephieM]

Okay, so now that I've gotten over my disappointment, frustration, bitterness, and everything else that goes along with being a loser, I realized that this is what it's all about.... the big biz. Frusteration, disappointment and bitterness comes along with the ride. You just got a learn to suck it up, deal with it, and try again. So along with everything else I learned in all this, the deadline, minimizing your work to fit the requirements, and the importance of setting the genre ASAP, I've learned the most important thing by losing. That rejection is inevitable and sooner or later that rejection is going to be knocking on my door, and it's going to suck big giant toe. But what sets the loser and the winners apart, isn't who got the sell. It's the writers who don't give up, they learn from their mistakes, get back on the horse, and ride even harder. So to those of you (like me) who didn't win, you are still winners for participating, for putting yourself out there, and taking the risk of being rejected. Now get back up on that horse, learn from your mistakes, and keep at it!

Thanks Joe, for putting all this together and for the prizes, though I had my heart set on that FinalDraft, I can honestly say I'm coming out of this a stronger writer. It was an awesome contest and for me, every task was a challenge.

Great entries everyone! And again Congrats to the winners!

Steph :Clap:

[Rainy Night]

Don't be so hard on yourself Steph. You did a great job, you just have to keep at it. I'm and old guy and I've been writing off and on for the last 30 years and this is the first contest I've won since college. Never give up!

[StephieM]

I'm not being hard on myself, I know I gave it my all and I had fun. I'm just saying that in some ways it's an eye opener. I've still got a lot to learn and that's okay. I just don't want anyone thinking that because they lost that they aren't any good at it. In this business comes a lot of disappointment but that doesn't mean you should ever give up. :)

Steph

[Annabanana]

Congrats to the winners!

I re-wrote "The Graveyard of the Atlantic" in the final task, and my vote went to the re-write of "Family of Man," well done Steph.

[Aldenard]

O, ok that's how it worked. Thanks for clearing up the confusion. And thanks to everyone who participated, and congrats to the winners.

Is there any word on any other contest coming up soon?