Welcome to the most unique script writing contest ever, where anyone in the world can create their vision of a Creative Commons licensed property in whatever format they choose. Then the world at large votes up the best, most exciting pieces for industry leaders to choose from. Those pieces are then made available for actual production by the judges, our sponsors - or anyone else.
Why does this matter? Because it's the first time that Hollywood becomes totally open to anyone - the first chance for the public at large to choose for itself what it wants to see. This contest might just change the way Big Media gets produced, forever.
What's this mean for me?
The Creative Commons Script Contest highlights the power of a new generation of media creation and is the first of its kind to prove that new collaborative tools, new licensing mechanisms, and a new relationship between writers and producers can expand the creative landscape and make better content in an entirely new way.
This means new authors whose work has created an audience suddenly have direct access to production studios. And because the original author of Roo'd is making the property available for commercial use, producers can use it for extremely cheap under an agreement predefined for the contest.
For Writers...
...the "write it, send it, and pray" system no longer applies. Using new online tools and the global creative community they can write, edit, and revise with live feedback from their potential consumers in real time - something not possible even a year ago. The CC license means an incredible ability to apply their content to new mediums, with all the artistic flexibility and earning potential that that entails.
* Real time feedback from a global creative community of like-minded writers,
* New collaborative tools resulting in faster, more flexible content creation,
* Write for anything from machima to multiplexes, with complete artistic freedom,
* Have your work commented on by some of the biggest names in Hollywood,
* Get contracted to write a major media production in whatever medium you prefer,
* Exposure whether you win or not; the CC license means your work can go viral.
For Producers...
... this means that they can now directly access a global talent pool of writers. Communities can vote up the concepts they want to see, assuring a product's viability even before the first take. Collaborative tools mean faster turnaround times and better end results. And the work produced can be distributed on as many channels as viewers want to see it, meaning new revenue streams and alternative licensing opportunities.
* Direct access to a global talent pool of writers and collaboratively created content,
* Inexpensive, proven content under an amazingly flexible license,
* Free fan-created spinoffs to drive the brand and increase its value across mediums,
* Let fans prove new mediums, market the property, and write scripts for you,
* Launch a property as a movie, graphic novel, video game, TV series, or anything else fans decide they want to see, whenever they want it, or all at once!
* You get to be first. :)
Are you ready? Then download a copy of the book (a chapter summary is coming soon) and email us your name and contact info. We'll send you a login as soon as the site goes up and you can import whatever you've got using our toolset so the world at large can start giving you feedback.
The Rules
Anyone in the world can submit a 10-page, CC-licensed script or 2 minute video derived from Roo'd for one of five categories:
1) movie,
2) graphic novel,
3) TV series,
4) video game, or
5) "other."
To enter, writers simply make a free account on whatiwanttoseeis.com, which uses Zhura.com to provide the most advanced online media and script writing software available. Writing teams can form online groups and have a dedicated forum to discuss the novel or post questions.
NOTE: because the site is currently in alpha, please email us your contact info and we'll make you an account and notify you when the site is ready.
Participants' scripts are readable by both members and non-members. Senior editors (such as Josh, the original author, produced Hollywood script writers, and readers from top writing agencies) will be on hand to participate in the commenting process and to act as story editors.
Via a voting system, the top 5 entries in each category will be selected by everyone on the Internet over the course of the contest.
The top 5 in each category are read by a panel of leaders in the field, including Robert Kirkman for comic books, Ed Pressman for Movies, Chris Hecker for games, Jesse Alexander for TV, and DJ Spooky for "other." These panelists decide on a winner for each category.
Then the exciting part begins. Beyond a cash prize, the winners become available for direct contract by anyone who wants to produce a full script based on their entry - be that the judges, the sponsors, or anyone else - and our sponsors will be providing $50k to help get it started.
Alternately, get it directly from the Internet Archive, subscribe to installments via Email or RSS through DailyLit.com, or buy a paper copy on Amazon.com. :)
Joshua Klein will hack anything that moves -- his list includes social systems, computer networks, institutions, consumer hardware and animal behavior. His current projects include a vending machine to train crows to fetch spare change for peanuts, a book about GenY's emergence into the workplace, and the creation of an eco-friendly Airstream trailer for green roofs. For more information, visit www.josh.is.
BBH Labs
BBH Labs is an innovation division of BBH, set up in 2008 to pursue experimental agenda in the space created through the collision of technology, mass collaboration & marketing communications. BBH Labs is co-led by Ben Malbon, ex-Head of Account Planning, BBH New York, & Mel Exon, ex-Global Business Director, British Airways, Levi's & Smirnoff Ice, BBH London. For more information see www.bartleboglehegarty.com.
Patti Greaney
Patti Greaney currently heads up the New Media/Interactive division of Giraldi Media in NYC. She's also produced hundreds of commercials, music videos, PSAs, short films, and documentaries, which include some of the world's most distinguished projects...winning virtually every industry award possible. For more information, visit www.giraldi.com.
