Hey everyone! Thanks to your input, we're really starting to see our story come together. Our next heat in the contest is supposed to be "dialogue," but i't become obvious that we won't be needing very much of it.

So here's what I want you to do: clarify our three nightmare scenarios.

Our protagonist is a young woman who realizes at some point in our first scene that she's in a nightmore; she wakes up - relieved to have escaped that nightmare. But then something happens that makes her realize that she's not awake at all, only trapped in another nightmare. Then it happens a third time.

What are those three scenes, and what happens in each one to make our heroine realize that she's in a nightmare?

Saturday February 16th Net Studio is holding an open casting call for EMO 4. The audition is taking place in New York City at 48 West 21st Street between 10am and 4pm. If you play an instrument you may bring it or we will have guitars, bass, keyboards and drums set up and available to play. Horn players please bring your own instrument. The band cast will actual become a real band, writing and performing songs, and making music videos as well as recording a CD. The cast will be featured on the website and the show. Seeking – Blake- male, late teens/early twenties lead singer and guitarist, grungy, good looking, protagonist. He is the real talent in the band. Must be able to sing and play guitar. Eliot – male, late teens/early twenties, marching band geek, plays guitar or keyboards. Must be able to play either guitar or keyboards. Susan – female, late teens/early twenties. Eliot’s girlfriend, she is a vivacious emo-kid; a total contradiction in black, she is able to make contacts with her curvaceous 5 foot body and great smile under jet black hair. Peggy – late 30’s to mid forties. Susan’s mom, short, perky, and extremely religious. Freddy Late teens/early twenties. Bass, heavy set, longer hair, a crazy dude, constantly tries to upstage his band members. Must play bass. Willy – late teens/early twenties is the stoner drummer of Emo 4 much more intense than the rest of the band. He was a total geek in school, marching band, acne - that is till he discovered partying! Must play drums. Neval – male late teen/early twenties – Good looking trumpet player. Must be able to play trumpet. Stephanie –female late teens/early twenties. Sax player. Cute girl next door. Preferably plays saxophone or trumpet but not essential. Other characters not yet created. All ages male and female to fill out show.

Congratulations! We have our main characters and we are ready to move forward to the Plot stage. Our story is about a lesser known Local TV station that is trying to move up in the ratings. I have made a few tweaks to the characters and given them names.

What I would like to concentrate on is the day that Kaitlin O'Donnell arrives at the station. Let's see how she deals with her first day in the real world. Can she maintain her enthusiasm?

Lisa AZ is listed as the winner due to her high point total. The other winners are dariusarsenal and merril. The prize will be divided between them (based on the number of winning Ideas they gave as well.

As you are writing the plot-keep in mind that I want this to be taped in front of a live studio audience-So no elaborate locations.

Keep up the great work.

I'd like to take what Emilio wrote and modify to the following pitch: A young guy who has returned as a hero from Iraq now finds himself homeless, living under a bridge. He has an encounter with La Llorona in which he has to fight for his life, and ends up also regaining his dignity. Interesting question here...shall we make La Llorona evil or good?

An ivy league hooker with a pension for violence" and an "unassuming...weasel" of a doorman, now this is getting interesting! Mixed with the violent terror and sexual scandal from our Plot Stage told with the intriguing "Rear Window through surveillance cameras" stylization from the Pitch Stage, we have one hell of an edgy and provocative show coming together. I have no doubt things will only get more interesting as we continue to move forward. Can't wait to see what you guys come up with next as we enter the Dialogue Stage. Keep up the good work writers!

Very nice work on the Character Stage. I know it took a little longer than originally planned but I think we have some very interesting and dynamic characters to work with. The next stage is the Plot Stage. Take the characters we have created and have them interact. Create conflict. Where do we want this band to go? Create a plot for our story. Remember this is a series not a film, so our story needs to be able to evolve and last over many events. Try to think of the shows you like to watch. What makes you tune back into these shows every week? Try to incorporate the same qualities into this project. Good luck, have fun. I can’t wait to read what you come up with next.

Adam

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Congratulations to Paul Fraley for submitting the winning pitch and many thanks to all of you for your creative ideas! Moving forward, it would be great to develop the conflict. Here is a slightly edited version of the pitch to allow room for development. Have fun!

It's a rainy day. Location is a country cottage where a guy and girl sit opposite each other. Guy is sketching the girl on an artist pad, as she plays along and tries to sit still. We catch a glimpse of what they could be doing, i.e. having a picnic on a sunny day, riding in a truck with the windows rolled down. Girl has made guy pose as she sketches him. We eventually see them reveal their sketches of each other. His is a beautifully drawn sketch of her, her canvas is empty. The rain has stopped. And she's out the door and guy stands in doorway as he watches her pull away. More glimpses of a brighter, better day flash by. The door closes.

Here are lyrics-

NICE TOMORROW

By Brian Sizensky

I know
I dont know much about you
Not as much as I thought I did now
I know
I dont see as much as I claim
Half as much I claim to see now

[chorus]
And it oughta be nice tomorrow
Whatchya think about that
Whatchya think about that
It oughta be nice tomorrow
Whatchya think about that
Whatchya think about that
Cause Ill be dammed if its not
Dont think you understand
Half as much as you say you do now
Cause Ill be dammed
Ill be dammed
Yeah

You know
You dont know much about me
Not as much as you thought you did now
And you know
Half of what youve seen go
Hasnt really gone anywhere now

[chorus]

Then you went
And threw a curveball in my gears
Now youve gone
And fired headlights on this deer
Somehow love
I saw me landing up right here

I know
I dont know much about
Hey, lets forget it
Let this one roll on

It oughta be nice tomorrow

.

Hey everyone, Bryan Cranston here. I want to introduce you to BILL TIMONEY. Bill & I are old friends and associates - he helped produce my directorial debut, the indie film LAST CHANCE. I don't know anyone who knows as much about horror movies as Bill, so I invited him to write and direct a Fright Site short film promo. We just finished it, and I think it came out great! I had Bill incorporate some of our Fright Site contest elements in it. It's our featured video, so you should really check it out!

I've asked Bill to work with us on our Fright Site short film. We're at the final stage of the contest now - "Writer's Block" - and then we'll go into production.

For this last round, we need IMAGES. Send in some really unsettling, disturbing images that you'd like to see appear in our heroine's nightmares. Thanks!

We're now in the Character development stage. We have our lead character- a war hero from Iraq now living under a bridge. We have La Llorona. Let's develop who these characters are, what they want and what stands in their way. There can be other characters involved if you'd like, however, just keep in mind that this is a short script...not a feature script. So lets keep it simple, interesting, and especially SCARY AS HECK.

Hey everybody! We have decided to re-open the character stage to collect user submitted auditions. Currently up are the auditions of everyone who came out to the casting call in February.

Think you’ve got what it takes? Submit your audition! And remember, the more votes your audition gets the better a chance you have at being cast, so tell all your friends to come to the site and vote!

You can find character descriptions and audition scenes in the 'Scripts' section of the site under 'Emo 4'. Have fun!

Hey everybody! We have decided to re-open the character stage to collect user submitted auditions.

Think you’ve got what it takes? Now is the chance to upload your video auditions! And remember, the more votes your audition gets the better a chance you have at being cast, so tell all your friends to come to the site and vote!

Below are a list of the characters and a couple of scenes for you to audition with. Have fun!

CHARACTERS:

Blake: Broken lead singer and guitarist, protagonist. He reads the poetry at the beginning of each episode, and he is the most emo of the group. He’s the real talent, and only reason the band is popular. Often cries while writing the songs, which results in smearing and no one can read the lyrics. Sometimes he writes the songs on his arms too. Biggest quirk is getting so caught up in the music he forgets the words. Reading while singing is hard. Especially when it’s all written on your arms. (Character submission by: dariusarsenal)

Susan Martin: Eliot’s girlfriend, she is a vivacious emo-kid; a total contradiction in black, she is able to make contacts with her curvaceous 5 foot body and great smile under jet black hair. She is obsessed with music, knowing scremo, emo, and most every genre releasing a cd. She is the booking manager, working with her mom, Peggy. Due to her age Susan needs her mom to be the adult to contact the clubs and take them seriously. Her goal is to make these musicians hit the scene at the best clubs and dives out there. (Character submission by: lisa_az)

Mrs. Peggy Martin: Susan’s mom. After years of feeling she was loosing her only daughter, Peggy tries to reconnect with Susan. After overhearing Susan’s trouble with the clubs and no one taking her seriously, Peggy offers to help her daughter. Not only does she appreciate there rekindled bond, she actually starts to enjoy and get self worth from her new vocation. She is short, perky, and extremely religious. She is constantly criticizing the band for their lyrics and encourages them to be more upbeat. (Character submission by: RachelWinchester)

Freddy Withrington: Bass, heavy set, a crazy dude, constantly tries to upstage his band members. Thinks he is good enough to go on to a bigger label. He is actually not a great player. Constantly threatens to leave. Gets no respect because, well because he plays the instrument you can't hear. Longer hair, but not over eyes. Has a habit of forgetting his stuff for shows. Usually plays barefoot. Which causes lots of problems? (Character submission by: dariusarsenal)

Willy Romano: The stoner drummer of Emo 4. His dumming technique follows Tre Cool of Green Day, laid back, eyeliner, and much more intense than the rest of the band. He is constantly looking for a moment to step out and party with the fans, the young girl fans mainly. . . .He was a total geek in school, marching band, acne - that is till he discovered partying! (Character submission by: lisa_az)

Eliot Golden: The founder of the band, has more heart than ability. He plays keyboards and sings. Lost the lead singing spot to Blake, who writes all the good songs for the band and refuses to let anyone other than himself sing the words. Eliot is constantly trying to write his own songs so he can sing lead. Eliot’s girlfriend, Susan, runs sound and “manages” the band. (Character by: Adam Reist)

THE SCENES:

SCENE 1: BLAKE AND ELIOT.

EXT. PARKING LOT. NIGHT.

Blake is unlocking his car and throwing his guitar in the backseat as Eliot comes jogging up.

ELIOT: Hey Blake, wait up.

BLAKE: What’s up?

ELIOT: That song you brought tonight was great.

Blake continues what he is doing

BLAKE: Thanks.

ELIOT: I loved the groove and the words ... the words were so deep.

BLAKE: Yeah, Thanks.

Eliot just stares at Blake.

BLAKE: So. Is that it?

ELIOT: Yeah. (Hesitates) I just wanted to say good job.

Blake starts to get in his car.

ELIOT:One more thing. When I started this band I kinda thought ... well I figured, you know that I would be ... That I am the lead singer of the band.

Blake sits in his car not saying a thing.

ELIOT: Well tonight when you brought the song in, you sang it.

BLAKE:Yeah.

ELIOT: And it was cool and all but so we don’t have a problem on Wednesday I just wanted to make sure we were both on the same page.

BLAKE: Same page?

ELIOT: Well if I could just get the words from you, I can have them ready for Wednesday.

BLAKE: You want to sing my song?

ELIOT: (Nervously laughs) Yeah.BLAKE:My song?

ELIOT: Yeah.

Blake gets out of his car.

BLAKE: I sing my songs.

ELIOT: I understand, but I think there needs to be uniformity in the band and I am the singer.

BLAKE: Not on my songs.

ELIOT: But ... I just think ...

BLAKE: Dude. What I write are not just words. They are pieces of my soul. The essence of my being. Mirrors into my melancholy life. I can’t just let anyone sing them. That would be a fraud. My music is true, pure. I want it to be from the heart. Sorry but if you want me and my songs, I sing them.

Blake gets back in the car and drives off leaving Eliot troubled.

END OF SCENE.

SCENE 2: SUSAN AND PEGGY.

INT. SUSAN’S BEDROOM – DAY

Loud music blears as Susan is lying on the bed talking on the phone, upset.

SUSAN:Yeah!... the band’s name is Emo 4... Yes, duh!... Um, like, cool, emotional music... like bands like the ones that are cool today! The ones worth listening to... of course it ,is the best.. I guess Weezer, Dashboard Confessional, Senses Fail... Yes... God it is called Emo 4... Emo, e-m-o 4... the number duh!...Whatever... Who cares... fine... Blake Jeffries... Um, like my boyfriend’s friend... their manager duh!... Um, of course they have played places before (dummy)...nothing!...Um, I am...okay I guess...maybe, possibly...Um, 16.

The phone clicks dead.

SUSAN: Fine! Be that way with me. Hang up! You’ll be the one that is sorry when Emo 4 is the best new band and you could of had them play mister!

As Susan is talking to herself her mother, Peggy walks into the room.

PEGGY: Hi honey, is everything okay? Who was on the phone?

SUSAN: Fine! Someone. Why do you want to know????? Also why the heck are you in my room??? Haven’t you like read the sign that says like "Stay out, knock first"?!

PEGGY: Yes I have but your mother gets free admission, isn't that what your aunt always says?

SUSAN: Not really...

PEGGY: I came in to make sure everything is okay. I heard you yelling all the way downstairs.

SUSAN: Like I said I am fine. Has Elliot called, he like said he would. He knows I like hate when he like does that.PEGGY: Yes I know, but he hasn’t called yet. You guys haven’t broken up have you?

SUSAN: No. He is probably hanging out with Blake. They started a band together.

PEGGY: Oh... I didn’t know they had started one. That’s pretty cool.

SUSAN: And Eliot asked me to be in it.

PEGGY: Oh... I thought you hate to sing.

SUSAN: I do hate to sing, I’m the manager. I am trying to get them gigs with not much luck.

PEGGY: Oh.. That’s why you’ve been on the phone so much. Maybe I can help?

END OF SCENE.

Last Updated: 4/8/2008 5:32 pm

Congratulations to dariusarsenal for his compelling pitch. Two men forced to fight - an image that without a doubt parallels the dark circumstances of dog fighting. Originally we weren't going to do a character stage, but after reading and selecting darius's submission, we couldn't help but wonder what these men were like, and furthermore, how monstrous the men that have forced them into this situation. Remember to be as detailed as possible about who these characters are. The more fleshed out they are, the more effective this PSA will be.

Good luck writers!

Congratulations to Genrewriter for his winning plot submission! As we move forward I would like to focus on the scene in the elevator between Kaitlin and Rod Granger’s assistant.

What does an anxious intern say to someone she thinks is the hottest up and coming director in Hollywood? How does he respond? This introduction to our main character could be quite a funny one. Let’s see what you guys come up with!

A big Thanks and Congrats to Lisa for winning the PLOT stage of "Nice Tomorrow", the premiere music video for up-and-coming Singer/Songwriter, Brian Sizensky. As we move on to the CHARACTER stage of this process, we look forward to sumbissions that really flush out our two heroes. How can we better tell this story in the span of only a few minutes? As we will forgo the "dialogue" stage due to established lyrics, what can you help us discover about this guy and girl that will bring a dramatic twist, depth, and color to every frame? Who really ARE these two? (Remember...Brian (the singer) is NOT the protagonist....) Good Luck from SkyTown Entertainment!

A big Thanks and Congrats to Lisa for winning the PLOT stage of "Nice Tomorrow", the premiere music video for up-and-coming Singer/Songwriter, Brian Sizensky.

As we move on to the CHARACTER stage of this process, we look forward to submissions that really flush out our two heroes. How can we better tell this story in the span of only a few minutes?

As we will forgo the "dialogue" stage due to established lyrics, what can you help us discover about this guy and girl that will bring a dramatic twist, depth, and color to every frame? Who really ARE these two? (Remember...Brian (the singer) is NOT the protagonist....) Good Luck from SkyTown Entertainment!

NICE TOMORROW (Lyrics)

By Brian Sizensky

I know I dont know much about you
Not as much as I thought I did now
I know
I dont see as much as I claim
Half as much I claim to see now.

[chorus]
And it oughta be nice tomorrow
Whatchya think about that
Whatchya think about that
It oughta be nice tomorrow
Whatchya think about that
Whatchya think about that
Cause Ill be dammed if its not
Dont think you understand
Half as much as you say you do now
Cause Ill be dammed
Ill be dammed
Yeah.

You know
You dont know much about me
Not as much as you thought you did now
And you know
Half of what youve seen go
Hasnt really gone anywhere now.

[chorus]

Then you went
And threw a curveball in my gears
Now youve gone
And fired headlights on this deer
Somehow love
I saw me landing up right here.

I know
I dont know much about
Hey, lets forget it
Let this one roll on.

It oughta be nice tomorrow.

I would like to congratulate Haley Bucey for winning the CHARACTER stage submission. And thanks to everyone who submitted material for "Nice Tomorrow". It was difficult to choose only one winner for each category. We now look forward to bringing all the elements together into one cohesive project and shooting the video over the summer. Stay tuned for more updates!