Bring on 2010!
Time sure does fly! It’s hard to believe that the 2009 Canadian Short Screenplay Competition is now over and done with. During the course of the next month or so we’ll be taking a look at all of the entries to decide who will come out on top and secure our biggest prize.
Thank you to all who entered last year, we value each and everyone one of your entries and wish you the best of luck!
It wouldn’t be right to not give a shout-out to all those who tweeted, joined our facebook group, or simply used their voice to spread awareness of our competition. From the bottom of our hearts here at the CSSC, we thank you. We can only hope to have your continued support for the 2010 iteration of the competition!
So what does that mean for all of you who wanted to enter this year but forgot to enter, or didn’t have the time to get a script finished? It means be patient and enter in 2010! Put pen to paper and make things happen and you will have the potential to win in what looks to be our best year yet!
…That’s a big claim, isn’t it? Why such hype for the 3rd year of the CSSC?
Well, let’s just say that it is shaping up to be the biggest ever for us. Exact details cannot be discussed as of right now, however, I can say that we are working in partnership with a very prestigious Film Festival! Expect an announcement in the very near future.
It’s no longer debatable, the CSSC has proved this year that Short.Is.Better!
Deadline Rewind!
Do you ever wish that you had the ability to turn the clock backwards and get a second chance in life?
Whether you’re late for an appointment, miss out an important event… or simply learn of something too late, there are always times in life where we find ourselves saying “If only we had been able to do something sooner!”
Unfortunately no human being wields the ability of time travel just yet, so we here at the CSSC have thought of a way to bring this ability somewhat closer to reality. And guess what? You can use this to your advantage!
I introduce to you, the Rewind Deadline Coupon! (Click to enlarge)
With our current deadline model, the longer you wait to enter, the more it will cost.
Kick-off deadline: September 30, 2009 ($25)
Early-bird deadline: October 31, 2009 ($35)
Half-time deadline: November 30, 2009 ($45)
Final deadline: December 31, 2009 ($55)
I-Missed-The-Deadline deadline: January 31, 2010 ($75)
We are currently facing the impending Final Deadline… but with the Deadline Rewind coupon, you can go back to the deadline fee prior to the one you are entering during.
Example: If you enter on January 1st, 2010 and use this coupon you will only pay $55 as opposed to the $75 late fee.
Print it out and send it in with your mail-in screenplays. When you do so, please try and remember that Short.Is.Better!
Make a First Scene that Sizzles!
Writing is all about making a splash, but how do you ensure that your first scene sizzles? Canadian Short Screenplay Competition Founder, David Cormican looks to give some advice on making a stunning introduction to your videos in his latest video blog.
If you happen to stick in for the entire 1 minute and 22 seconds of information, you are treated to David’s musical talents… just don’t expect to see his catchy knee-slapping tunes on the score of our next film!
Oh yeah, and I am asking you to remember that… Short.Is.Better!
Making Your Short Film Sellable!
What makes a short film sellable? CSSC founder, David Cormican addresses this issue in his latest video blog.
[ There should be some useless rambling here, but I decided to keep this section empty for today's blog... after all, sometimes there are no need for words! ]
And when you do your meditations tonight, why not try out our mantra for a change? Short.Is.Better, Ommmm…
Stylin’, Profilin’, The life of a Cormstar!
CSSC founder, David Cormican is a proud man with an abundant amount of wonderful accomplishments. As his Twitter profile bio indicates; David is a “Father, Producer, Performer, [and is very] Well-Dressed“.
Recently, Style Invasion took the time to interview David in a very entertaining–and informative interview about everything from the CSSC (That’s us!), to film, and of course fashion. It’s an interesting read so be sure to check it out HERE.
Interview Excerpt:
David Cormican is an actor/film producer who was born and raised in Alberta, and is currently based in Regina, Saskatchewan. He is also the founder of the Canadian Short Screenplay Competition, which was established in 2008.
How did you get involved in the entertainment industry?
I came into the industry as an actor, and then got involved in writing, in addition to acting. From there, I got into creating and filmmaking, and then a little more into producing. So, that’s what’s led me to my current actor/producer hybrid that I have become.
How did you first become interested in acting?
It was in high school where I was pulled out to an audition for the school musical. It was by a girl – of course, it’s always a girl that lures you in – and she brought me out to the audition, and I had no idea what the hell I was doing. They ended up liking me so much that they had me audition for one of the lead roles. I blew it, so they put me in one of the ensemble roles. That was where my love for theatre and the arts started. At first, I saw it as a way to maybe date the cute girl, and then sort of fell in love with the actual craft itself.
Again, to read the full interview click HERE!
And as we always say, Shorts.Are.Better…
Okay, I can promise you that will be the first and last fashion joke you ever read on this blog. (Please don’t hold me to this!)
15 Minute Storytelling
How do you manage to turn a full idea into a 15 minute short film? Don’t worry first-time writers, this is something short film writers ask themselves all the time!
And now, CSSC founder, David Cormican sets out to give you an answer in his latest Video Blog post.
As always follow our mantra, Short.Is.Better!
Industry Format
One of the most overwhelming burdens for beginner writers is to write a screenplay in the Industry Format.
What is this ‘format’ you keep hearing about and why is it important? David Cormican, founder of the Canadian Short Screenplay Competition discusses this issue in the latest Video Blog!
And as said at the end of the video, Short.Is.Better!
Locations, Locations, Locations
When writing a screenplay you always have a thought in the back of your head that says; “Well how exactly will they (the film crew) make this?”. You may find yourself asking this question a lot, specifically when it comes to locations.
Fear not entrants, the CSSC founder, David Cormican addresses this issue in his latest video blog series.
Shoot for the stars, and remember… Short.Is.Better!
Live-Action Screenplays Only
A frequent question asked is whether or not the CSSC accepts entries for animations, documentaries and lifestyle programs. In today’s V-blog, CSSC founder, David Cormican addresses the issue and finally puts the discussions to an end.
Short.Is.Better!
Do I have to be Canadian?
Oh Canada! Our home and native land! …
While Canada may be the home of the aptly named; Canadian Short Screenplay Competition, we look at the entries from the world over.
To answer your doubts of “do you accept entries from [insert country]?”, yes we do. This is one of the many ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ that CSSC founder, David Cormican addresses in his video blog series which can be found below.
Check back with the CSSC blog to watch the rest of the videos.
And remember, as said at the end of this video… Short.Is.Better.
