Once again I'm flattered I was asked to participate. I would have thought that 2002/2003 and the days of Angie has faded from memory and I too would be forgotten - but it's such a delight to visit The Bay through this site and the Forum, where such passion for the show exists.
While we are all agreed that the standard was not as high this year, there were nevertheless some extremely good entries. My own feeling is not that it was harder to be given the parameters of Sally leaving, but that entrants may have underestimated it, assuming it was easier not to have to think of the story. Perhaps they had a false sense of security.
Nevertheless, when it came down to it, ALL the judges had the same shortlists, we were in total accord. That kind of makes a mockery of the suggestion that professionals know better than the audience!
So, it's with pleasure that I get to announce the winners!
The envelope please....what do you mean there's no envelope? Not even a cyber Avatar? Spoilsports!
16 and Under
In the 16 and under group there were TWO scripts shortlisted:
New Experiences by bttb-rox (last year's runner-up)
Her Shadow's Reflection by Amii
And the winner is.....
....who superglued the envelope....?
The winner is Amii for 'Her Shadow's Reflection'
Congratulations to you both....it was very close! Keep writing, and always feel passionate about what you write.
17 and Over
In the 17 & Over Category there were five nominations (wow....this really is like the OSCARS)
They were:
Home by Foxy
A Change Is As Good As by RoosRevenge
The House WILL Not Rise From The Ashes by Drew
What Flynn Would Have Wanted by petetown
A Lukewarm Happy Ending by emmasi
And the winner is.... (drumroll on the keyboard).....
Drew for 'The House WILL Not Rise From The Ashes'
Drew was last year's winner of the Under 16s. He impressed me then, as now, and it's great to see how much more sophisticated and deep his writing is in just 12 months. One day, when Drew has his AWGIE, we'll all be saying we knew him from the BTTB script competition.
Congratulations to ALL entrants. Writing is a solitary occupation and it isn't easy to put yourself out there to be criticized. I'm glad I had the chance to participate with such terrific judges and thanks Frankie for cracking the whip...I'm sure the red welts will heal eventually.
Here's to next year (hint hint) and here's to Kate's second gold Logie. Don't forget to vote!
Coral