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Wednesday, November 6, 2024

House Divided by Paul Knauer – Short Script Review – Available for Production* - post author Matthew Taylor

House Divided (Short, Drama) 5 pages by Paul Knauer

A couple reaps the consequences of a long held disagreement.

Most of us have held onto a grudge longer than we should, clutching it stubbornly when it might be easier to forgive and forget. But few have gone to the same lengths as the characters in Paul Knauer’s excellent script, HOUSE DIVIDED.

The story follows Richard and Lizzy, an elderly couple living with a quirky setup. Like bickering siblings forced to share a room, they’ve split their entire house down the middle—right down to the very last detail.

INT. SMALL HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – DAY
Two of everything. TVs. Recliners. Side tables.

In fact, the room is split right down the middle, as marked with faded SPRAY PAINT across the aging carpet.

Richard pushes the front door closed. He heads for the

KITCHEN

Richard sets the groceries on the counter. The kitchen, just like the living room, is divided–there are lines everywhere.

The aging stove–split–two burners on each side of a line. The table. The counter. Everything divided by faded paint, weathered tape, whatever else was handy in the moment a long time ago.

Richard, standing left of a line on the floor, empties the bag, setting some of the food left of a line on the counter, some on the right.

He pulls out two cartons of milk, opens the fridge, where, yes–there’s a line down the middle. He places one carton left, one right.

As we follow Richard through his daily routine, we can’t help but chuckle at the absurdity and sheer dedication to this divided lifestyle. But make no mistake—this script isn’t all laughs.
When Richard finds Lizzy collapsed on the bedroom floor, he realizes she’s not on his side of the line.

            LIZZY
Maybe call for help?

Richard hurriedly pulls a cell phone from his pocket. His hands shake as he tries to dial. In fact, they shake so badly, he drops the phone.

The phone bounces off the bed, lands at Lizzy’s feet–on the wrong side of the line.

His shoulders slump: This is bad.

She looks up. Her phone sits on a table, right of the bed. It’s not an option.

            LIZZY
Stay with me?

            RICHARD
Of course

You’ll find yourself rooting—no, practically yelling! —for him to break through the invisible walls that they’ve maintained for so long. At first, Richard seems heartless for not immediately rushing to her side, but as the scene unfolds, it becomes clear that his reluctance is rooted in deep love and an abiding commitment to his wife. His adherence to her wishes and the boundaries they set together adds layers of tenderness to this seemingly absurd situation.

The simplicity of the setup allows the deeper themes of love, regret, and connection to shine through with heartbreaking elegance. If you want to know what happens to Richard, Lizzy, and their divided house, I strongly urge you to read Paul’s masterful script. You won’t regret it.

And that final shot? Genius! It perfectly encapsulates the emptiness that remains when we cling too hard to our divisions—both hilarious and deeply moving. With only two actors, minimal dialogue, and a single location, this is a filmmaker’s dream. You’ll just need a bit of imagination for that unforgettable final shot.

 

About the writer: Paul Knauer’s main focus is thrillers and slightly absurdist comedy with heart, but he believes becoming a better writer requires pushing personal boundaries, so you’ll notice a thorough mix of genres in his portfolio. Much of his work has universal appeal, evidenced by successful productions in the UK, UAE, and US–and options in Australia, Russia, India, Canada, and Thailand. He recently optioned his first feature.

Read: House Divided (short drama) 5 pages in pdf format

Discuss on the Discussion Board

About the reviewer: Matthew Taylor just loves telling stories, usually in the thriller and sci-fi genres, most likely involving dark themes, unique characters and almost always ending in tragedy. Some of them are even produced!

*This screenplay may not be used or reproduced for any purpose including educational purposes without the expressed written permission of the author.

Sunday, November 3, 2024

Writers’ Choice for the 2024 Halloween One Week Challenge! And Who Wrote What! - post author Don

Theme: Urban Legend.

The Challenge: Write a 2-6 page script that surrounds an urban legend. One of two options: Create an original one, or put your own spin on an existing one. 2 to 5 characters.

The script does not have to be strictly horror. Horror-comedy, horror-thriller, horror-drama, etc., are acceptable. Please put the name of the Urban Legend on the title page.

And here is the result: The Scripts of the SimplyScripts 2024 Halloween One Week Challenge.

Scripts were written in a week and anonymously submitted. The Writers’ Choice has been revealed.

Get more deets on the Discussion Board

PC: PHC ;D

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Pumpkin Nightmare 3 by P.H. Cook - post author Don

Never work with animals or children
– W.C. Fields

Challenge accepted
– P.H. Cook

Talk about it on the discussion board.

Sunday, October 20, 2024

Original Script Sunday for October 20th - post author Don

Over on the Unproduced, Original Scripts page are twenty original scripts for your reading pleasure.

And, brace yourself for the Halloween One Week Challenge! Sharpen your pencils and get writing! Your 6 page or less script is due Friday, October 25th at Midnight (est).

– Don

Friday, October 11, 2024

Award Season is coming! - post author Don


Thanks Barksid for the heads up on this.

Inside Out (pdf) by Meg LeFauve & Dave Holstein from Walt Disney Studios – A sequel that features Riley entering puberty and experiencing brand new, more complex emotions as a result. As Riley tries to adapt to her teenage years, her old emotions try to adapt to the possibility of being replaced.

IMDb

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Original Script Sunday (has come on a Tuesday) - post author Don

Still sorting out from server migration. But in the meantime, there are twelve original scripts on the Unproduced Scripts page for your reading pleasure.

– Don

Sunday, September 29, 2024

Original Script Sunday is going to be delayed. - post author Don

Bear with.

Sunday, September 15, 2024

Original Script Sunday for September 16th - post author Don

Over on the Unproduced Scripts page are twenty-one original scripts for your reading pleasure. And scripts from the week before are here and the Writers’ names for OWC are revealed (and Writers’ Choice).

– Don

Sunday, September 1, 2024

Original Script Sunday – Scripts of the One Week Challange - post author Don

The One Week Challenge theme was The Chase. (You can also read the scripts on the Unproduced Scripts page. If you have interest in any of these scripts, please reach out to me or wait until the names are revealed next week).

Porch Pirate by Ezster Has – A cocky porch pirate steals a package and finds himself hunted by its relentless owner, unaware of the consequences awaiting him. (Short, Drama, Crime) pdf format – Discuss this script on the Discussion Board

Streets of Bourbon by Florist Grump – A waiter chases a patron through New Orleans to give him his wallet he left behind at the restaurant. 3 pages (Short, Comedy) pdf format – Discuss this script on the Discussion Board

Why are we Afraid of Bears? by Boo Boo – A hiker encounters a hungry bear in the wilderness. (Short, Action) pdf format – Discuss this script on the Discussion Board

Run by A Perpetual Loser – A routine run takes a dark turn for a carefree young jogger. (Short, Horror) pdf format – Discuss this script on the Discussion Board

Fractured by Alan Smithee – An afflicted woman confronts past trauma by revisiting the old family home. (Short, Drama, Thriller) pdf format – Discuss this script on the Discussion Board

Laws Of The Jungle by Chimp Chimcheree – A family of Gazelles. A pack of Lions. Nature can be cruel. (Short, Drama, Crime) pdf format – Discuss this script on the Discussion Board

Prey For the Hunter by Chasing Ally – A female motorist with a dark past is chased by a killer to a dead end in the road. (Short, Horror) pdf format – Discuss this script on the Discussion Board

The Chase by Kname of Rider – With nothing else left to lose, a dad and daughter bet their last dollar on a horse that will change their lives. (Short, Family) pdf format – Discuss this script on the Discussion Board

chase challenge by Clever Pseudonym – She may be sexy smart but Marita means trouble. A fun Friday night chaos ensues. (Short, Sci Fi) pdf format – Discuss this script on the Discussion Board

Border Patrol by Brother Warren – A pair of border patrol agents get more than they bargained for on a routine patrol. (Short, Drama) pdf format – Discuss this script on the Discussion Board

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