SWW held a unique “Web 13” script contest on May 17th, 2014 (for posterity, the rules are below). First, a pilot webisode was written that all writers used to write their submissions. Of the 56 submissions, 12 five-minute scripts were chosen. All 13 scripts (including the pilot) later had a public reading. Even cooler, in conjunction with the Twin Cities Film Festival’s Bill Cooper, a pilot episode was produced and screened in the Twin Cities Film Festival.
Since then, SWW hired local showrunner Beth Pecunas to oversee rewriting the winning scripts with several of the winning writers (to improve story continuity). Beth later optioned the webseries and has been further developing and pitching the series to distributors and networks. All involved have learned a tremendous amount, and we’ll post any new developments here. Go Beth!
Click here for the list of 12 winning scripts.
Here is a “red carpet” interview with the lead actors.
Below is Bill Cooper’s “behind the scenes” video of the pilot episode being made.
(Rules from 2014–THIS CONTEST IS FINISHED)
RULES AND GUIDELINES:
WEB 13: Webisode in a Day Contest is a Screenwriters’ Workshop (SWW) and Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) Cinema Divison sponsored event made possible by MRAC and MCTC Cinema Division, with additional support from Write Brothers Movie Magic Software and Claude Chmiel. This event seeks to bring together writers of all ages for a day of writing, fellowship, and fun.
WHEN: Saturday, May 17th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Minneapolis Community and Technical College
MCTC Cinema Division 4th Floor Computer Labs
Room T4020 and T4050
Parking available in ramp on Hennepin Avenue adjoining MCTC via a skyway. Street parking and surface lots (i.e. Basilica Parking Lot) are also available in the area.
WHO: Open to writers of all ages. Most appropriate for high school age and up.
WHAT: Participants will be asked to write a five-page maximum webisode based on a pilot episode presented at 9:30 a.m on the event day. The premise (main characters, themes, motifs, setting suggestions, possible plotlines, etc.) will NOT be revealed BEFORE then. The webisode premise and characters will appeal to all ages and contains aspects specifically targeted at high school students. Writers will have the day to complete their webisode or even two, if so motivated.
Writers do not need to stay the entire day. Just until they are done.
There is a five (5)-page limit for each webisode.
Teams of two (2) are permitted, but prize money will be split fifty-fifty.
Webisodes must be sent to mnscreenwritersworkshop@gmail.com by 5 p.m.
Participants must attend the event. No off-site entries allowed.
Screenwriting software (Write Brothers Movie Magic) will be available on the lab computers or participants can use their own laptops with other screenwriting software (Final Draft, Celtx, Word, etc.).
Lab computers are limited so please register early if you need a lab computer reserved.
A continental breakfast will be served from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided around twelve noon. Refreshments and snacks will be available throughout the day.
PRIZES: The completed webisodes will be judged during Summer 2014 and thirteen winners chosen. Each winner will receive a $50 prize and have a public reading in Fall 2014 as part of the Twin Cities Film Festival. Contingent on funding, the plan is to film the webisodes in 2015.
FEES / REGISTRATION:
Pre-registration and pre-payment are required prior to May 10th.
SWW Members and MCTC Students FREE
Adult Non-Members $25
College Students $10
High School Students $5
Senior Citizens (over 65) FREE
Fee Waiver(s) available for economically disadvantaged. Contact SWW via email or phone.
To Register: email mnscreenwritersworkshop@gmail.com with
NAME(S)
ADDRESS
SWW MEMBER/MCTC/ADULT/COLLEGE/HIGH SCHOOL/SR
EMAIL ADDRESS
RESERVE LAB COMPUTER OR USE OWN COMPUTER ??
Send payment / check to SWW offices:
Screenwriters’ Workshop
528 Hennepin Avenue South Suite 507
Minneapolis, MN 55403
or use PayPal / credit card (pending)
(PayPal / credit card payment method is currently being created.)
COPYRIGHT / LEGAL:
Because of the potential of film production the winning webisodes by SWW, all participants will need to sign a copyright / production agreement on the day of the event. SWW will hold the rights to film the webisodes and distribute the productions. Writers will be credited in any production or reading.
Participants should be aware the winning scripts will be edited for style and continuity (i.e. rewritten) for the public reading and possible production. SWW may or may not consult with the original writers concerning rewriting. Film production of the winning webisodes is not guaranteed.
(A legal agreement is currently in process and will be posted when complete.)
See LEGAL AGREEMENT (pending).
MORE INFO: email mnscreenwritersworkshop@gmail.com or call (612) 492-1742
