I wrote a short story a few years ago in college for a creative writing course i had to take as an elective. The short story was called RUINED EARTH. its a sci-fi/adventure genre. Just as a hobby ive been messin' around trying to write a pilot for a mini-series.

Heres the concept:

TITLE: RUINED EARTH

GENRE: SCI-FI/ADVENTURE

PLOT:

Have you ever wanted to know what goes on at Area 51, well the whole world is about to find out. Back in 1947, an Unidentified flying Object crash landed in a small town in New Mexico, but not before sending a disturbing message. That message is what the military has been covering up for the past 60 years.

The message: the world will end on Dec 21, 2012.

It is later discovered that a huge asteroid is going to pass between the Earth and the Moon causing global catastrophes, throwing civilization into ruin.

For decades top scientist from around the world have been working on a way to save the worlds inhabitants from extinction.

The solution is what lies beneath Area 51. The largest structure ever built, a vast underground complex built deep below the earth’s surface. A virtual “Noah’s Ark.”. Housing humanities history along with hundreds of thousands of humans, plants, animals, and DNA library of every known species on the planet.

Area 51 was designed to keep its new residents alive in suspended animation for 1200 years, long enough for the Earths atmosphere to restabilize. However, something goes terribly wrong within the depths of their new home, destroying most of the complex, waking the few remaining survivors and forcing them to surface hundreds of years too soon.

What they find on the surface, nobody could have foreseen, a savage post-apocalyptic world so shocking its unrecognizable by its new inhabitants.

Tune in and join humanities last hope on their fantastic adventure as they explore the new RUINED EARTH


*With its main focus on a family of four, trying to survive the dangers of their new world while trying to remain a family. Think "land of the lost" without dinosaurs meets "Swiss family Robinson".

This message has been edited. Last edited by: stinkyfish,

Pretty cool. I like the tie in between the supposed events happening on December 21st, 2012 and the crash at Rosewell. Very cool.

Let me know when you have a screenplay. I'm sure you'll have to design a lot of different sets - so, once you have conceptual drawings, I'd like to see that - and the screenplay.

I don't fancy the title that much. I think you could think of a more interesting title.

You are on a good foot, stinkfish. lol

thanks for your comments.

Im not a writer by any means, i actually build houses for a living, so it will be a real challenge to even get a screenplay written.
I can for sure tell you im not designing any sets or anything. Its just something i work on here and there when i get the time. I dont plan on submitting it to anyone, its just something i find relaxing to work on.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: stinkyfish,

I think that really has potential...just reading it I had a really strong urge to make some concept art just because I think that whole virtual Noah's Ark environment could be so epic.

Two things though...

I would consider not using anything involving Area 51 because it has developed into such an annoying cultural cliche.

Also I think your story could be really awesome, or really lousy depending on what/whose perspective you tell it from. This kind of story could be told from a million different angles with a million different moods, play around with different combinations until you really find the way it should be told.

I quite like your idea but agree that using Area 51 or the Roswell crash isn't a great idea as they have been done to death. Maybe the warning could have come from the seti program with those radio telescopes they use to send out messages?

I agree with you guys. I could certainly be alittle more original. I would guess if you guys read what little i have written, it would probably be considered remedial, intended for a less sophisticated audience. Im really just enjoying going through the process. I thought your guys ideas were great, keep them coming. Any other suggestions would also be welcome.

Thanks

I like the area 51/roswell idea because it gives a reason as to WHY the spacecraft crashed and WHY the government is hiding it.

Brain is right, you could position this story from so many different ways - perhaps from an ordinary person, or someone high up in the governemtn - you never know.

I'd recommend pursuing this and learning how to write screenplays. You might build houses, but that doesnt mean you cant make movies. Get started and brain storm more ideas. Write stuff down. Learn about UFOs, area 51, the government and other things.

Don't ever limit yourself.

Most Sci-Fi concepts involving Area-51, aliens, and the end of the world are tacky, poorly-conceived, and just plain terrible, but this one actually feels far more polished and possible. You should certainly pursue this and develop your story-telling abilities.

I thought it was the usual Area-51 type of cr**y series/movie but I must admit, I do like it.....

The story itself is VERY interesting and I was drawn in from the beginning... to see it on screen, I am sure, would be just as innovating. I agree with braininabox that you should forget about the Area 51 thing... try something different, something that hasn't been tapped into yet as far as sci-fi ideas go.

I love that you build this RUINED EARTH concept around historical facts... the Noah's Ark, actual predictions of our Armageddon, perhaps you can stray from Area 51 to something that is historical, just untapped (like your Noah's Ark idea).

I also agree with braininabox that the point of view is very important in the balance between good story-telling and pathetic story-telling. For me, sci-fi isn't amazing through the eyes of a family of four, and I'm not really interested in seeing what they see. This of course may be the viewers you're aiming for... family viewers... but the majority of sci-fi fans are not made up of families.

Remember your viewers and they'll remember you. (cheesy line courtesy of Lestatinator)

Good luck with your work!
Kim

nice idea....one way to expand upon your ideas is to smoke some salvia....

writers ask questions....

salvia makes you question this very reality youve learned to accept your whole life...everything your brain has been taught to accept...

its a great idea...id love to see a mini series or trilogy on something like this...im getting together a sci-fi idea myself....

First of all Salvia use is right up there with huffing gasoline. Like Dali said "I don't do drugs, I am drugs." If you need drugs to question reality you have some growing up to do.

As for the pitch I think it's a Great idea, don't change the Area 51` angle, it's simple and clean. In fact don't change a thing. Granted there are dirivitve elements but who here can name a modern era film that isn't in part derivitive.

Don't waste any time learning how to write this up as a screen play. Wite an expanded synopsis 3-5 pages register it at http://www.wgawregistry.org/webrss/

Then write up a query letter similar to the pitch you just posted above, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Query_letter) and send it to as many agents and producers as you can get from the Hollywood Creative Directory (http://www.hcdonline.com/)

If someone digs it they will pay you to develop it or sell it outright, then you can worry about writing it up. Then you can email me to help you write the pilot.

------------------------------------
My newest Music video For Insolnece
http://www.redkingindependent.com/InsolenceBlueSky.html

This message has been edited. Last edited by: REDking,

quote:

Originally posted by REDking:
First of all Salvia use is right up there with huffing gasoline. Like Dali said "I don't do drugs, I am drugs." If you need drugs to question reality you have some growing up to do.

Not sure where you are making that parallel...salvia is physically harmless, legal, and, if used maturely, is a powerful tool for creativity and introspection.

If used foolishly, what is easily the most powerful hallucinogen, can cause extreme terror and teach you a lesson that you may not be ready to see.

Its not for everyone, but I would cautious to undermine it.

Argh. Artists are often tortured souls who use drugs to self-medicate through the pain of suffering fools. They don't use drugs to inspire creativity. Again I think if you need drugs to expand your mind then it's quite possible you're simply limited creatively to begin with. Drugs are not going to help, maybe distract someone from realizing they suck but ultimately it won't help.

Please before it's too late Braininasox watch this video and be somebody. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoUidwxIN_w

Anyone sitting down and taking a bong rip of Salvia to spur inspiration is an out and out hack. Now taking a bong rip just to get spun is at least an honest reason, but don't try and say there's some greater purpose for getting zooted.

And on a side note, Bob Marley Died from brain, lung, liver, and stomach cancer. Happy toking everyone.

I would say no one really does salvia for fun or to get spun...at least not more than once. It is not for recreational use...it is an entheogen (which interestingly enough means "that which generates godly inspiration" in Greek)

I totally agree with your reasoning in regards to pretty much any other substance...but I think you misunderstand the nature of salvia divonorum, which is understandable. Most people assume that it is a legal alternative to marijuana or LSD. But its not even remotely similar to either of those. Its not a buzz or a high or a hallucinatory state of mind. You lose concept of "self" so there usually isn't even a "you" to enjoy or participate in the experience. We are talking possible complete transcendence of time, existence, humanity, ego/self, your five senses, logic, and conscious thought.

Please find another relevant Mr. T video to respond with! That last one was awesome.

quote:

Anyone sitting down and taking a bong rip of Salvia to spur inspiration is an out and out hack. Now taking a bong rip just to get spun is at least an honest reason, but don't try and say there's some greater purpose for getting zooted.

Its ok if the nature of salvia is foriegn to you....just admit it....i really dont understand how you can have such a strong negative opinion of something you seem to know so little about.

salvia is not FUN....in fact most people who use it for fun unknowingly usually get scared OFF of it forever...it is that intense...

im not asking you to try it, just asking you not to knock something because of myths and misconceptions...

but you SHOULD try it, if you EVER want to get close to knowing what im talking about....reading reports, and watching videos on youtube will never give you an inkling of an idea of the salvia expirence

and what was wrong brain? was my post too long??ill try to keep it short...

quote:

Originally posted by jackmode211:
and what was wrong brain? was my post too long??ill try to keep it short...

My bad there, jackmode! I was trying to quote you (because I thought you made a good point), but as a moderator the "edit/erase" icon is in the same location as the "quote" icon used to be. So in my effort to quote you, I accidentally just edited your post.

Sorry for the slip-up there, I'll try not to let that happen again

That is a pretty cool idea actually. It started buzzing ideas in my head for thematic music...! Look me up if you need a composer!

Argh! What a crock of shizzzzz.

My viewpoints in regards to any drug use comes from my own experiences. If I could get back all the time I wasted trying to get outside my self I would. In the end talent is there or not, insight is there or not, all the Salvia in the world couldn't make a hack into a shaman.

I just want any of the young highschoolers who read these forums to realize that there is no badge of honor in removing yourself from reality through chemicals, it is ultimatly a waste of time and a distraction from your art. And the great artists of the modern era did drugs to quell thier pain not to inspire themselves.

It's a shame that a population of young adults who are naturally curious about all life experiences would be falling for the "complete transcendence of time..." horseshizz. I wish I could replace that curiousity with self confidence. Maybe next time someone is offered Salvia that kid will tell them to shove it up thier azz.

And a final note that moderators should not be condoning the use of Salvia it reflects poorly on the site.

Again as Dali said, "I don't do drugs, I am drugs."

This message has been edited. Last edited by: REDking,