The Gilded Cage (fairy tale) - #1 / 27
An unhappy bride finds solace in an old fairy tale. Is the story of the nurseryman and the nymph
a cautionary tale for her own situation?
Judge's Comment (excerpt): I was fully enthralled by this story! You did an amazing job of creating a captivating fairytale and weaving that narrative in and out of the overarching storyline. The characters and story world were very well crafted and overall this is a fantastic work of script!
The Tomb of Balmoral (mystery)
An investigative podcaster enlists a young bellhop, to solve a century old mystery at a gothic Edinburgh hotel.
Judge's Comment (excerpt): Wow! This was a very unsettling and compelling mystery. The premise of there being a hidden suite in a historic hotel was fascinating. You created strong characters with the contrast between the strict Ms. Wilson, the seemingly affable Annie, and the two young people.
The Curious Case of the Robber's Boneyard (mystery) - #14 / 36
Two podcasters explore a long abandoned train yard, on the trail of a family mystery. Is there more than rusting steam engines waiting to be found?
Judge's Comment (excerpt): I really enjoyed the fun premise of this screenplay, with two girls managing to uncover one of the great mysteries of the Great Train Robbery. The discovery of the body was shocking and thrilling - I'd love to see this on screen! You created strong atmosphere with the setting of the train boneyard - this was perfect for a mystery that had stretched from as far back as the 60s. Well done!
For Love or Money (romance) - #5 / 35
A young woman hoping to restore the historic Leith Public Baths accepts help from a conscientious official from the National Lottery.
Judge's Comment (excerpt): There are several aspects of this script that give it depth beyond its clever and entertaining dialogue. The use Max of playing old footage Leith Public Baths on cracked walls while drinking champagne is a lovely visual that adds a romantic aspect to the script. This is vital and scripted impeccably. Thanks for a satisfying and romantic read!
Ivy & Knotweed (spy) - #3 / 25
Two young secret agents clash on a routine mission, but must work together when events take a dramatic turn.
Judge's Comment (excerpt): The pacing is tight, the scope of the story is perfect for its length, and the characters’ motivations are clear. Spy gear and technology can be hard to work with, but you did a good job of visualizing. Overall an enjoyable story with great action and a surprise ending!
Love in the Limelight (romantic comedy) - #6 / 26
When a Hollywood actor decides to ditch his appearance at Comic Con, he has a chance encounter with someone at the start of their own career.
Judge's Comment (excerpt): I truly enjoyed this story/screenplay. It had a sort of Star is Born sort of set-up, which worked beautifully in such an unexpected and fun way. And I loved the character of Wendy--she came off as a classic quirky romantic comedy heroine.
Concerto de Silencio (Romance) - #3 / 29
A driven orchestra conductor sees a new side to her husband when a twist of fate changes her life forever.
Judge's Comment (excerpt): This was such a beautifully written romance! I loved the way in which you allowed this relationship to evolve, and the emotions throughout felt raw and genuine. Wonderful job!
The Ivory Comb (Fantasy)
An elderly woman is helped in her time of need by a young witch looking to repay an old family debt.
Judge's Comment (excerpt): I really loved the way that you built up so much mystery in the first half of your screenplay. Also, the way that you slowly released new information to the reader during the second half was nicely done as well!
Alice & Dorothy (75 pages) - Quarterfinalist
When teenaged Alice returns to her family hotel after a traumatic ten year absence, vivid nightmares and a strange discovery in the woods point to a family mystery and a world beyond our own.
Judge's Comment (excerpt): This script makes excellent use of materials from The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland to create an intriguing mystery that does a great job of blending fantasy elements with more grounded, community conflict.
Alice & Dorothy (70 pages) - Quarterfinalist
When teenaged Alice returns to her family hotel after a traumatic ten year absence, vivid nightmares and a strange discovery in the woods point to a family mystery and a world beyond our own.
Judges Comment (excerpt): Overall, this is a fantastic concept with so many good story pieces. The dialogue and the characters are strong, and the writing style is vivid.
B-Movie Romance (Romantic Comedy) - #2 / 28
An unlikely romance blossoms on the set of a trashy horror movie.
Judge's Comment (excerpt): The plot of the fake horror film sounds truly heinous, which adds a hilarious layer to this. The banter between Laura and Chris is great.
Escalating Folly (Political Satire) - #4 / 28
A government minister crosses paths with an inquisitive young journalist at the unveiling of a tourism project in the Scottish Highlands.
Judge's Comment (excerpt): The comedy was great, and I especially liked the different way Edwina communicated in public versus with just Jamie.
Experience is the Best Teacher - (Drama)
A young teacher learns to take his own advice after a disagreement with some obnoxious colleagues.
Judge's Comment (excerpt): The frantic energy mixed with apathy, that is so common in schools, is very well illustrated. The characters are well-written.
Swipe Right (Horror) - #8 / 24
A young professional is pressurised into joining a social media app, with sinister consequences.
Judge's Comment (excerpt): I applaud your clever and inventive take on the writing prompts and genre. I like the commentary on peer pressure in the social media world.
Holo World (Science Fiction) - #4 / 32
A young woman risks her future when presented with an opportunity to escape her weary life.
Judge's Comment (excerpt): Morag is a sympathetic and likable protagonist. Her character arc was believable and understandable.
Festive Embers (Ghost Story) - #4 / 32
The young barman of a quiet country pub finds himself drawn into the story of a tragic Christmas past.
Judge's Comment (excerpt): An engaging and touching ghost story with a nice twist at the end. You do a good job creating interesting characters in a very short space.
Family Time in the Crystal Cavern (Fantasy) - #5 / 25
A young witch seeks guidance from a beloved family member in her time of need.
Judge's Comment (excerpt): I loved this author's way with physical details. Amanda's character transformation was well plotted and paced, with melodramatic reveals at all the right moments.
White Teeth (Science Fiction)
A letter from a desperate child causes a crisis of conscience in a young employee.
Judge's Comment (excerpt): This is an engaging and complex Sci Fi story. The ending is also very touching and powerful.
Blood in the Ballots (Horror) - #1 / 24
A guidance counsellor makes a sinister discovery about a young girl working for a local mayoral candidate.
Judge's Comment (excerpt): Very strong overall, your pacing and descriptions are excellent. Visual elements were well considered and unique, the character of Van Horne is exceptionally well done and he's the perfect level of gross.
The Silent Dead (Historical Drama / Horror) - #9 / 30
François "Papa Doc" Duvalier, Haitian dictator, seeks guidance from Vodou spirits.
Judge's Comment (excerpt): This is such an original piece with a tone and near world of its own. Dialog is well used and at times poetic without being overly flowery or polemic.
The Great Hogwarts Witch Off! (Fantasy)
The staff at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry take inspiration from 'The Great British Bake Off' to put the students through their paces.
Sophie's Bicycle (Political Satire) - #5 / 31
Britain’s Prime Minister must rethink election tactics when faced with a manipulative opponent.
Judge's Comment (excerpt): I love your absolutely immaculate story telling. The choice to have a bike-coup force the PM to go undercover is spot on in every way.
Love Birds (Drama) - #8 / 31
A young woman surrounded by happy couples is facing a lonely Christmas.
Judges Comment (excerpt): I love the sweet and playful tone you use in your story. It works perfectly both with Sophie's longings and Chris' good-natured flirting.
When The Boys Come Home (Mystery) - #4 / 24
A young girl takes up a housekeeping job with a reclusive artist. They are busy preparing for ’the boys’ coming home, but what will happen when that day arrives?
Judge's Comment (excerpt): Beautiful story overall! I enjoy that you inverted the mentor-protégé exchange.
Soldiers of Fortune (Romantic Comedy) - #7 / 30
A twist of fate brings two very different young men together. Unfortunately an unhinged ex, and half a circus, are not too far behind.
Judge's Comment (excerpt): Your dialogue writing was perfect, short, flowed well, and felt natural while still being interesting. Good humor interspersed throughout.