Not just one but TWO...

[The White Album]

...contained supernatural thrillers set on an airplane went out this week. One is already set up, the other a hot spec into studios and will most likely sell.

Something in the water.

[emily blake]

Since this is Chris Sparling's third contained thriller, isn't there a bit of a risk that he's going to pigeonhole himself as the contained thriller guy?

[The White Album]

Since this is Chris Sparling's third contained thriller, isn't there a bit of a risk that he's going to pigeonhole himself as the contained thriller guy?

Or he can corner that market and dine off of that the rest of his life.

[SkyPolynomial]

I read it and enjoyed. It's got some issues, (Most of the 2nd half) but the dude knws how to hook.

I don't consider this one to be "contained" anymore than the movie Misery is. Yes, it mainly takes place in 1 location, but compared to scripts like buried, atm, and phone booth not really.

He has a couple other script that don't adhere to the "contained" formula. So I dont think he's pigeonholed. He just has somethng to lean back on if he wants an aparent sure sell.

I wouldn't consider this one to be "smart." There was nothing clever plot wise in the story, just a fun plane ride.

[Brice]

Can somebody please post the titles/loglines for these? I know I heard something about one but can't remember the details.

[The White Album]

I read it and enjoyed. It's got some issues, (Most of the 2nd half) but the dude knws how to hook.

I don't consider this one to be "contained" anymore than the movie Misery is. Yes, it mainly takes place in 1 location, but compared to scripts like buried, atm, and phone booth not really.

He has a couple other script that don't adhere to the "contained" formula. So I dont think he's pigeonholed. He just has somethng to lean back on if he wants an aparent sure sell.

I wouldn't consider this one to be "smart." There was nothing clever plot wise in the story, just a fun plane ride.

"Contained" is a malleable term in this context. Just by the mere fact that they don't get on the plane til page 9 makes it less contained than BURIED. But it still has the same pressure cooker tension as those other scripts.

[SkyPolynomial]

Yeah that's true...

I guess I'm trying to make a small distinction because I feel that there's a new negative view towards scripts like ATM. I've heard many claim that these tight spaced movies are just gimmicks.

I personally find them to be excellent thrillers. If playwrights can do it (lots of plays with 1 or two locations) why can't screenwriters?

But yeah, you're correct. It's essentially contained.

[Terrance Mulloy]

I hope Supernatural Thriller specs come back with a vengeance. I'm currently writing one at the moment.

I feel that in many ways Sparling has already cornered that contained thriller niche. When you hear his name you immediately think "contained." At least I do. Not sure about SHEEP MEADOWS though. I think that was more of a Serial Killer/Cop thing.

[one seven spectrum]

I hope Supernatural Thriller specs come back with a vengeance. I'm currently writing one at the moment.

I feel that in many ways Sparling has already cornered that contained thriller niche. When you hear his name you immediately think "contained." At least I do. Not sure about SHEEP MEADOWS though. I think that was more of a Serial Killer/Cop thing.

I'm crossing my fingers, for both our sakes ;)

[MCuk]

Didn't like 459.

[Shot Across the Bow]

Bummer.