Script Frenzy is done. I finished it on time. The Celtx Forum Community film is done. I finished it on time. Next up, or at least the next major project, is the Praxis Screenwriting Competition. I'm interested in Praxis because it's not the typical cash grab that so many competitions are. I don't really see the point of competitions which are almost entirely centered around a cash prize. If that's what they think contestants care about then it really illustrated what the organizers are worried about. I really dig Praxis because it's the opposite direction entirely.

Praxis winners are brought to Vancouver to work with veteran writers and editors to focus on the next step. The focus is on the writing. That's far more beneficial to me than cash.

I had every intention of entering last year but fell short for the same reasons as always. I didn't feel that I was ready. Didn't think I had the material that could win. Didn't want to get my hopes up and not make it. The same old shit that I always go through in helping to defeat myself long before I even get off the ground. Not so this year. I have a script, I know what I'm doing, and I'm going to enter. That's the end of that.

The script I have settled on, and will spend the next five weeks working with, is Sid. I'm really glad I came back to this script. I forgot how much I enjoyed working on it and have really enjoyed my first read through. If you want to read it and let me know what you think that'd be cool. If you're interested in helping me along there is a very easy way that you can do so. I have five questions you can answer that would help me immensely.

• Read the first ten pages. Do you feel compelled, based on the first ten pages, to continue reading? Are you intrigued enough by those pages to continue on?
• Is there a character that doesn't work for you?
• Is there a scene or scenario that doesn't work for you?
• Is there a character you really like?
• Is there a scene or scenario that really grabbed you?

david shute - May 3, 2009 at 8:52 AM