Hey there, my lovely readers!
Oh. My. Gosh! I am absolutely bursting with excitement to share some incredible news with you all. Prepare yourselves because this is big!
Out of a whopping 2,600 talented writers who participated in the NYC Midnight Screenplay Competition 2020, I clinched the remarkable 11th place with an Honourable Mention! Can you believe it? I’m still pinching myself to make sure it’s real!
Now, let’s talk about what’s next. As many of you know, I’ve been hard at work on transforming one of my previous story submissions, ‘Light Heart,’ into an enchanting animated short film. The magic of storytelling truly comes alive through animation, and I can’t wait to see the characters and world I’ve created leap off the screen.
But that’s not all! I’m also exploring the possibility of adapting ‘Sparks Flying‘ into either an animated short or a delightful children’s story. The whimsy and imagination in this tale have captured my heart, and I believe it has the potential to captivate audiences of all ages. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting projects!
Now, I know many of you might be curious about the feedback I received from the judges for my final screenplay submission. Well, worry not! I’m here to satisfy your curiosity. Let’s dive into what the judges had to say about ‘Sparks Flying‘ in all its magical glory.
The judges were delighted by the charm and vivid descriptions that brought the characters and atmosphere to life. The fantastical elements of the story were praised for their engaging nature and seamless integration. They particularly enjoyed the concept of figments and writer’s blocks, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of creativity. The whimsical imagery and heartwarming narrative struck a chord with the judges, making it a fun and well-rendered tale.
However, there’s always room for improvement. The judges suggested further developing the tension when Stella and Tabitha attempt to infuse the writer’s tea with sparks. Exploring how the writer’s presence impacts the urgency and building a sense of anxiety could heighten the stakes. They also recommended enhancing the stealthy maneuvering of Stella and Tabitha, ensuring that the writer’s obliviousness to their actions is more believable.
To make the story even more captivating, the judges suggested raising the stakes and adding additional obstacles for the witches to overcome in their quest. They felt that the final line could be more impactful by ending with the owl vanishing against the glimmering stars, rather than repeating the previous dialogue.
Some stylistic concerns were raised, such as clarifying earlier in the script that Stella and Tabitha are tiny characters. Additionally, exploring more depth and personal investment from Tabitha could enhance the story’s engagement. The judges also recommended making the concept of “inspiration” more general and accessible to struggling artists, allowing the script to stand on its own.
Thank you all for joining me on this thrilling journey. Together, we’ve celebrated a remarkable achievement, and I can’t wait to see where the future takes us!
Until next time, friends,
Mahalo,
Kristy
