Hi, I'm an intern with the Oklahoma Film Institute.

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Originally posted by Mike Jones of Green Sky Productions:
guys... no complaining I mean yeah maybe oklahoma isnt the coolest place to go in your eyes, but this would look great on a resume and plus if you wanna get n e where you need to get your work out there in any way possible

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I'll refrain from launching into a defense of Oklahoma's coolness. (For now.)

OFI is exciting not so much for where it is, but for who will be teaching the workshops.

We're talking big names with big credits. (Take a look for yourself! http://www.okccc.edu/ofi/aboutus.html)

What's more, every instructor is a working professional in the industry, meaning that the workshops are fresh and relevant to today's world.

Those who attend the Institute will learn how to make a movie hands-on, from the first penciled notes in pre-production to the final keyboard strokes in post, guided the whole way by experts who know the business firsthand.

Oklahoma just sounds cooler and cooler, doesn't it.

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Originally posted by ktabes:
I was reading the ofi website. and they said they dont have housing but there is a lot of hotels for weekly rent. but that would probably cost just as much as the price of attending for three weeks.

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Hotel prices must be pretty high where you are.

There are some pretty good deals around here, with lots of places offering discounted weekly rates.

The internet is a great tool for making travel plans. I can't quote prices or suggest specific hotels, but some travel-booking services online offer the ability to locate hotels are close to a specific address. (The OKCCC campus, where the OFI is held, is located at 7777 S May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK.)

Shop around and you may be surprised at how affordable a stay in Oklahoma City really is.

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Originally posted by ktabes:
Also they said on the website they choose 10 pages from the winning script, to actually shoot. so if i hand in a 20 page script, they are only going to shoot 10 pages of it? (this may sound stupid) but we get to shoot the movie ourselves right?

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Chris is correct-- That's an entirely different competition.

"Demons" was chosen as our winning feature-length screenplay, back in May. We're currently selecting approximately 10 scenes from it to plan, shoot and edit during the OFI workshops in July. Pre-production for the scenes takes place during the first week, shooting during the second week, and editing during the third week. By the end of this year's program, participants will have completed a number of different movie trailers for "Demons." And the participants will have done it all, hands-on, every step of the way.

This new short script competition has been created in order to help publicize the Institute, and also as a way for us to 'give props' to one talented, aspiring filmmaker out there. The winning short script will be used for judging purposes, only. It will not be used in any way during the workshops.

If there are any more questions, ask away! Chris and/or I will do our best to answer them!

Hey Chris, I have a question...
Do you think that there will be a top 5 or top 10 named, so even if say someone didnt win first prize, we could all see where we were in comparison to the other entries?

thanks!
j.

Yes I am planning to list them (if the judges will give me them)

I was also planning to post a small excerpt with the screenwriters permission. But, in lieu of that, a listing would be just fine.

The deadline is soon guys!

-Chris
Studentfilms.com

Hey Chris,
One thing I want to know...

In the rules you said:
"All scripts must be received no later than June 30th 2004."

Question being:
What about the forms and fees? Do they HAVE to be there BY June 30th?

I was also wondering if we could just edit the .pdf, with the information about us and then email it to you, as well as like a PAYPAL for the fee?

Reason I'm saying is because the only other way i see it getting to you on june 30th, is via FEDEX....

Anyways, thanks for everything!
--j.

Also,
Just out of curiosity...

HOW MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE ACTUALLY PLAN ON ENTERING?

I need to get the script via e-mail by the 30th. The application and fee can get there soon after. (but not too much soon after)

-Chris
Studentfilms.com

This is a quote from Gary Frederickson in last night's chat which has me a little un-easy about this competition...

"J.MICHAEL Mr. Frederickson, I have a question, there are a good bit of people here that are going to be entering the StudentFilms.com Screenplay Competition, which you happen to be judging alongside Fritz, my question is.. Are there any pointers you could offer, any advice as to what would stick out in your eyes while reading these scripts? Thanks a lot, Gary... We all REALLY appreciate this! Thanks again!

GFrederickson JM, when you are writing, try to create a character or characters that a major actor or actress would love to play."

Chris,
Does Gary realize that this is a Short Studentfilms Screenplay Competition?

Short, meaning, character depth wont be astonishing, which means A) I don't think Tom Cruise is going to want to be part of it in ANY way... and B) it is a SHORT (20pgs. max) SCREENPLAY?

And ALSO, who cares about A-List celebs, when that is probably the LEAST important decision that goes into scriptwriting...

Unless Gary wants to say "Dude Where's My Car" was a piece of cinematic history, and scriptwriting history---Well, using his "theory" it DOES have 2 HUGE actors in it...(seann william scott and ashton kutcher)

I hope Fritz will have a more realistic approach at judging the scripts...


I was a little disappointed by his response, and I don't know if I am going to "throw away" $25 because my SHORT STUDENT SCRIPT doesn't cater to A-List Celebs like Tom Cruise, etc.

Do you think that he was in a rush when he wrote that reply? Or do you think that is how he will actually base his decision?

THANKS, (a VERY confused )
--j.

He's coming from a Producer's point of view.

Remember - it is story that matters. It is a good story that WILL attract talent. No one would like to do your film if it is not a good story.

Talent isn't really attracted to "Dude Where's My Car" in my opinion. That's just a paycheck. What really entices actors and actresses are films with story such as "Monster's Ball", "Memento", and "Lost in Translation". These are all story based pieces - all critically acclaimed - and all have done wonders for the talent involved. It is the STORY that counts.

I think it was a roundabout way of saying just that - in a direct Producer style.

-Chris
Studentfilms.com

This is the last day to submit your script!

-Chris
Studentfilms.com