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#CastMeComp - We received a lot of soap/kitchen sink drama scripts in our last submission period and now we are reaching out for specifically for duologues in the style of films and comedies. 

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We are looking for duologues that can be used in both the AMERICAN and BRITISH market.

We supply at least FOUR scripts to all actors per competition. TWO that must apply to all genders under the age 35 and TWO for those above the age of 35. If you can make a character suitable for all gender/age ranges then that’s great but don’t let this restrict you too much.

'We had a lot of kitchen sink style scripts which are brilliant but remember to not paint the scene with just the one issue/topic you are exploring. Exploring issues is something we want to see, but how can you explore these in a different way? 


The world is your oyster - you have the freedom to be creative. Give the actors an opportunity to imagine a different world around them. Can the scene be set somewhere different than a bedroom, or use a different time period, in a dystopian world, in a ... wizards school? Below is a few examples of TV/Films which have real characters and explore real issues in a unique way/setting:

Hidden Figures - Women in Nasa, oppression
Whiplash - Drumming, passion, teacher / student relationship
Peaky blinders - ‘Gangster’ but gangsters in 1919
Harry Potter - Real people who have been placed into a world of magic Hunger Games - Real people, real issues in the setting of a really interesting world and game
A few more are The Purge, Hand maid Tale, Ozark, Breaking bad, Vikings. Let’s get creative with the world we are building.

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#CastMeCompVO - We are looking for duologues for our new castmecomp voice over initiative. Duologue scenes suitable for animation/gaming audition audio tapes. This will include a detailed character descriptions of each character as well as a 2 minute scene maximum. 

Animation scenes give you a lot of free range to be fluid with the characters. If you can pick a character that can be female of any age and the other male of any age or summit one script with 2 female animated characters and another with 2 male animated characters.

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For instance a wizard may be played by men of any age and witch by women of any age - in fact either can be played by any and all. 

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Once submitted we will have a cartoonist/illustrator draw the characters you have created which will also be sent to the actors. 

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Example of character descriptions and a scene can be seen attached here: 

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Feedback from our last submission window:

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• These scenes must be duologues

• If possible write a duologue that could be performed by both American and British actors - this may mean avoiding British slang or terms, or giving an option in your script for actors. (Eg: MIKE: Throw that in the bin/trash will you).

• Roles should be reasonably balanced in terms of the amount of dialogue.

• Between 1 minute 30 seconds and 2 minutes ( 2 pages MAX) - anything over this will not be considered.

• Scenes should be suitable for a self-tape audition scenario - Actors will be filming at home with restricted resources and ability to move.

• Scenes should be written for screen with minimal stage directions and prop usage.

• Give your scenes a journey... it's important we allow actors to show range and/or give them something to sink their teeth into.

• Maximum of 2 scenes per person will be considered.

• All genres are encouraged! 

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Our feedback for the last submission window:

• Many of the scenes started with ‘Hey, Hi, How are you’ etc which works in a longer scene set up, but in 90 seconds - 2 minutes we suggest jumping straight into the action. Take us right into the heart of the scene. 

• Really know what your character's objectives are (What do they want?) 

• CastMeComp actors only have a few days to learn the text and self tape. Scripts with complex dialogue or with a lot of long speeches may not be suitable. 

• Many of the scenes were based around props or written with the characters in action. As an audience, not being able to see the object or feeling left out of the action tends not to work as well in a self tape scenario. Anything that takes eyeline down isn’t helpful for self tapes either - phones etc.

• It’s great not to use character stereotypes. People are not defined by one thing. Find the complexity in your characters. 

• Allow the dynamic of the writing to change. Quick one liners, to a 2/3 line speech.

• Don't be afraid to use silence but make sure that there's an objective in the silence so the actors can play it.

• Think about the life of the characters (back story) and the bigger story arc, the film/play the scene might sit in, this gives your scene life rather than write a stand alone with no before or after. 

• Tread carefully with some subjects. It is important that the actors feel like they have depth to play, however, if a subject is not well researched or if it is flippantly written with no complexity, this could be triggering for some.

• Remember, to the actor, the subtext is king. Let there be something bubbling under the surface. 

• It’s interesting to note that we had a lot of scenes submitted that were first dates and couples sat on a hill gazing into the distance. If you chose to set a scene here ask yourself why.

• Don't be afraid of using different styles or different time periods. 

• We have a wide age range of actors. So, unless necessary, don't limit your script's potential of being chosen by making a character's age/gender(s) really specific. If character 'A' says 'Grandads eating all the cake' it will only appeal to a younger pool of actors. Try using a sister or friend instead, or give the option in your writing - this opens up your script making it more appealing for us to use in our competitions.

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Submitted scripts will go through a panel of 3 people at Do or Die Studios who will independently vote on each script.

If successful this will be a paid opportunity at £75 per scene. Successful scripts may also be used in future workshops/events at Do or Die Studios and by entering you agree to this. Writers may also continue to use these scripts for their own purpose but this must be after the CastMeComp winner announcement. Writers may also enter the CastMeComps as actors but won't be able to use their own material 

We will be keeping all scripts on file for possible use in future CastMeComps, so although your scripts may not be suitable for our next Castmecomp, they may be right for future ones - if this is the case there will be a fee paid to you per scene. For this reason, we won't be sending out any unsuccessful emails.

Please title your script and label your file with your name and the scene name. In your email please also state the suggested gender(s) of each character along with the age range you think is suitable Eg: A = Any gender 35+. These must be emailed in Word/Pages format to Castmecompscript@gmail.com

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