America’s Ben Franklin in: The Electrocution String was recognized as the Best Screenplay on Amazon Studios for January 2011. At the time, I didn’t pay much attention, except to evaluate what an award-winning screenplay looks like.
However, the critics were adamant that the screenplay was horrible. That prompted me to take a closer look. I found the writing style to be amateurish, inactive; basically, “not up to professional standards.” Still, Amazon Studios is only looking for great stories – writing style is stuff that will never show on the movie screen.
Also, I felt I would only be interjecting my personal opinions about the story. After all, it was intended for an audience of which I am not a part. My main opinion of the screenplay was how it seemed to be picked since a certain Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter was about to be released into theaters. America’s Ben Franklin: The Electrocution String would be Amazon Studios’ pick to contend with Abe Lincoln’s success.
The main problem is Ben Franklin won’t be released into theaters for at least three years, the amount of time is typically takes to properly develop a major motion picture. By then, Ben Franklin would be riding on the coattail’s of Abe Lincoln’s success. Or, development halted if Abe Lincoln fails.
Either way, Amazon Studios should really be looking three years into the future and making choices based on what will be popular then. Of course, “nobody knows anything” so who knows what will or won’t be successful three years from now.
Time went by and Amazon Studios, on July 12, released official feedback for America’s Ben Franklin in: The Electrocution String. Surprised was I to find the feedback agreed almost completely with most of the reasons the critics didn’t like the screenplay.
The feedback sparked an opportunity for me. After letting the suggestions gel for a few days, I wrote some beats of what, I hope, will appeal to the judges of Amazon Studios. Last night, I detailed 60 pages of the screenplay. As customary, I needed permission from the original author in order to upload my draft.
I felt reasonably confident I can detail the final 60 pages. So, today, I asked for permission from the original author. He granted.
Over the next week, I will finish writing, proofread, and edit. All this to have a draft ready for upload sometime during the first week of August.
Wish me luck. Thanks.
Good to see you making “A dent” in this market. I have messing with a low budget “zombie rip off” since walking away from Amazon. It’s been a struggle, and somewhat of a challenge. You are a gifted writer, and the best editor I have ever had. Keep up the good fight.
If you need a good FX artist.. I am available.
-Mark Nickells-
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>> try visiting http://studios.amazon.com/
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Nice site, nice and easy on the eyes and great content too. Do you need many drafts to make a post?
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