Last month, my screenplay BREAK AWAY advanced as a quarterfinalist in Script Lab’s Screenplay Contest. 1000 Scripts advanced out of 15,000 entered. In this first round of judging, only the first few pages are read to decide which scripts advance. In the next round, all 1000 screenplays are read from cover to cover to decide the top 250 semifinals. Good news, as you can read from above, BREAK AWAY is now in the top 250, advancing to the semi’s. Here is a sampling of the semifinalists below, with the full list HERE:
The Finalist round will be cut down from 250 scripts to just 50. When you get down to the semi’s, so much of what transpires has very much to do with the reader(s) who are analyzing your script. You hope you get someone who can relate to the material and is moved enough to give the script high enough praise where it can advance. BREAK AWAY deals with two topics: mental illness and hockey. But it’s so much more than that. It tells a complex story of how these two worlds collide and what a family must do to survive both. Regardless of the next round results, it’s a solid script which I hope will get to be read by more eyes.
In the last couple months, I’ve been working on a new play which is tentatively called WAVES, but there is a good possibility the title will change as I work through the script. I’m in the final stages of outlining the play, beat by beat, and I’m coming to the last scene. Everything is written on paper (yes, that’s long hand) and I am now transcribing all my scribbles and notes onto the screen. Each time I write something new I try to set out not to write so much detail in the outline stage. It never happens. A lot of writers write a few pages of notes (if that) and then start writing the opening scene. They work it out as they advance through the story. I work out all the details in the brainstorming/outline phase so that when I actually begin to write, most of the plotting/story/character work is done – it’s just a matter of expanding the ideas that are already there.
In my last blog, I wrote a brief synopsis of what WAVES is about. It will most likely be a two-act play as I feel the story will need that time. Rather than go into further detail regarding what the play is about, take a look at theses photos. If it’s true that “a picture is worth a thousand words“, then for now, let this collage of photos speak for WAVES.
Hey Romeo – congratulations on the placement of Break Away in the top 250! All the best in the next round! I’m curious about your next project WAVES. Looks intriguing.
Thrilled for you Romeo! Congratulations. I just read about Cynthia Lennon and hers is quite a story so to see you are in the same league as this story- super well done. God has given you a talent. I haven’t read your play but I know a professional NHL player who really struggled with mental health issues. I’m sure there were many, even if his name was on the Stanley Cup.
Congratulations Romeo. Your continued perseverance paid off. Goodluck with the next stage of the competition. I have just cast my play for the one act festival at GLT. Brings back memories of when we met. I directed your one act After Alex. That was a good play and a happy experience. I’m hoping this year will go as well.
I’m wondering if the initial 15000 scripts are all from N. America or all over the world.
Congratulations Romeo!
Congratulations Romeo, as I read this I was amazed of how talented you are. I’m excited for you to. make it to the next step. Also the pictures are beautiful.
Congrats Rome! Advancing to the semi finals is certainly high praise that your script is a good one! As you say, now it just takes the “right readers” or people to champion it to the next level!
Interesting photos, and yes, certainly worth a thousand words each, that’s for sure!
Hearty congratulations! You must be so excited and filled with anticipation for the next step in this wonderful journey! I can’t wait to hear what the outcome of the next step is for you as your script moves on in the semi-finals……