For Now (8 pages in pdf format) by Paul Knauer

A year after losing her husband, a widow struggles with whether to date again.

February, (along with all things Saint Valentine) may technically be coming to a close, but for all of you hopeless and hopeful romantic filmmakers out there we’re continuing along the RomCom theme with another pearl of a script just waiting to be picked up.

The Bridges Of Madison County, Harold & Maude, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Hope Springs, (to name a few) are films with what in common? All are proof that just as Frankie (Sinatra) sang way back in 1965: Love Isn’t Just For The Young. Proof also that there’s a demographic you may not have thought of tapping into but that it’s one highly in demand.

And so, the spotlight for today shines on Paul Knauer’s romantic comedy, For Now.

The opening scene of For Now finds us in a retirement community with Adel, a widowed lady in her seventies sitting alone and nursing a cup of coffee. A very nervous Warren, also in his seventies, slides into the seat across from her…

It’s February 14th, and Warren has just summoned up the courage to ask Adel out on a date. Only trouble is Adel’s a hard sell. She feels blessed enough to have known her soul mate in life and she’s not looking for a replacement. No-one could possibly fill the shoes of her beloved Jimmy.

            WARREN
… Listen… I was wondering
if – maybe – you might want to go to
the Olive Garden tonight? With me.
Endless breadsticks.

            ADEL
     (shakes her head)
It’s Valentine’s Day.

     That’s kinda the point, says Warren.

            WARREN
… See, when a guy – that’s me
likes a gal – that’s you – sometimes
they eat breadsticks together. And,
sometimes, they do it on Valentine’s
Day.

At which point we discover that although Warren has eyes only for Adel he’s hot property amongst the other ladies in the retirement community. In fact a long line of eligible women are queued up outside his door all clamouring for his affections and they come bearing Valentine’s gifts.

As Jimmy says to Adel:

            JIMMY
This guy’s more popular
than a chocolate fountain at a
Kansas City brunch.

Huh? Now Jimmy’s talking to Adel? Who is this guy? Has Warren got competition from a dead man? But he dropped off the peg a year ago, right? Then again, maybe he’s alive. A huge bouquet of roses were just delivered to Adel and the name on the card reads: Jimmy.

Hmm, what’s going on? Well, you’re just going to have to delve into the script to find out.

Suffice to say, For Now is a heartwarming and touching romantic comedy sprinkled with whimsical dialogue gems and astute observations about love and loss, and finding love again when you least expect it.

Filmmakers: Want your own feel-good start to the year? Better get on it then, now!

For Now (previous title: Blessing) placed Writer’s Choice runner-up in the SimplyScripts Romantic Comedy challenge.

About the Writer Paul Knauer is an optioned screenwriter working from the Kansas City area. His primary focus is slightly absurdist comedy (features and pilots), but his portfolio also includes several thriller features, along with shorts in multiple genres. His first script, OH, BROTHER!, placed second in the Fresh Voices sitcom category and was subsequently optioned. You can see more of Paul’s work at PaulKWrites.com.

Read For Now (9 pages in pdf format)

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

Find more scripts available for production.

About the reviewer: L. Chambers has been writing all her life – especially in her head, and on scraps of paper. It’s only in the last few years she began to get serious about screen-writing. Prior to this she worked in the Features Department for ABC TV as a Program Assistant, and trained as a FAD. She currently works as a freelance web-content editor and lives with her husband (also a screenwriter) in Sydney, Australia.

Crazy in Love (9 pages in pdf format) by Warren Duncan

A woman battling mental health issues learns to let her guard down with the help of a quirky patient in a similar position.

February is the month synonymous with Valentine’s Day. Hearts, flowers, chocolates, and of course sitting down to that old movie favourite, the Romantic Comedy.

Now, before you blokes out there switch off and decide RomComs are chick-flicks, only to be indulged to get into the good books of your significant other, it might pay to bear in mind two things: the first is that despite the plethora of action, shoot ’em up and CGI movies, the overwhelming popularity of the RomCom is enjoying a resurgence. Thanks to the success of romance channels like Hallmark, Passionflix and Lifetime and with Netflix Originals hot on their heels there’s a inbuilt audience ready for filmmakers to tap into.

Another important fact to note is that romantic movies don’t always have to feature sugar-coated storylines of boy meets girl with their gorgeous airbrushed lead actors.

Do you prefer your RomComs with a little less saccharine and a bit more edge? Less You’ve Got Mail and Love Actually, and more Silver Linings Playbook, and The Big Sick? Well, writer Warren Duncan, has artfully created the perfect antidote to too much sugar with his dark Romantic Comedy: Crazy In Love.

We open on Henry, a handsome young guy wearing a white-lab coat and roaming the halls of a psych ward. At first we don’t know what to make of him. Is he doctor, patient? Through some very clever voice-over we become privy to Henry’s thoughts, his self deprecating humour, his witty asides and one liners, and his often face-palming and clumsy overtures in his quest to win over Ruby.

Ruby’s the new kid on the block. To say Henry’s instantly smitten is an understatement. As with all good romantic stories however, the road to true love may be paved with obstacles and Ruby’s damaged veneer indicates she may well be a hard nut to crack.

Crazy In Love is a cleverly constructed and out of the box love story. It’s a touching tale about the human condition and about finding love in unexpected places whilst bearing the literal scars of life. With its carefully balanced mix of nuanced humour and its underlying message of hope and love triumphing over adversity this is one love story you don’t want to pass up.

Filmmakers: Feeling any creative woes over which path to take? Well, we have just the remedy. Dare I say, you’re gonna’ need your head read if you don’t snatch this one up fast.

Crazy In Love placed first as Writer’s Choice in the SimplyScripts Romantic Comedy challenge.

About the Writer Warren Duncan is an aspiring screenwriter from Australia who has had multiple shorts produced. He typically enjoy writing in the darker genres like horror, thriller, or drama. Please feel free to contact him at warren_duncan (a) hotmail.com.

Read Crazy in Love (10 pages in pdf format)

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

Find more scripts available for production.

About the reviewer: L. Chambers has been writing all her life – especially in her head, and on scraps of paper. It’s only in the last few years she began to get serious about screen-writing. Prior to this she worked in the Features Department for ABC TV as a Program Assistant, and trained as a FAD. She currently works as a freelance web-content editor and lives with her husband (also a screenwriter) in Sydney, Australia.

The Diver 1 page drama in pdf format by Max Ruddock

Filmed as “il Sub” by Colm Whelan

An epiphanal moment in an athlete’s life when he finally understands the reason behind his lack of success.

il Sub from Colm T Whelan on Vimeo.

Best Adapted Screenplay

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs – Undated, unspecified draft script by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen – hosted by: Netflix – in pdf format

Follows the story of two trail bosses on the Oregon Trail and a woman on the wagon train who needs the help of one of them and who might be a marriage prospect for the other.

Information courtesy of imdb.com
Black Klansmen – undated, unspecified draft script by Charlie Wachtel & David Rabinowitz and Kevin Willmott & Spike Lee – hosted by: Focus Features – in pdf format

Ron Stallworth, an African American police officer from Colorado Springs, CO, successfully manages to infiltrate the local Ku Klux Klan branch with the help of a Jewish surrogate who eventually becomes its leader. Based on actual events.

Information courtesy of imdb.com
Can You Ever Forgive Me? – March 13, 2017 Final Shooting Script script by Nicole Holofcener and Jeff Whitty – hosted by: Fox Searchlight – in pdf format

ollowing the critical and commercial failure of her biography of Estée Lauder, author Lee Israel struggles with financial troubles, writer’s block and alcoholism. With her agent unable to secure her an advance for a new biography, Israel is forced to sell her possessions to cover her expenses; she sells a personal letter she received from Katharine Hepburn to Anna, a local book dealer. While conducting research for a novel about Fanny Brice, Israel happens upon a letter from Brice folded in a book, which she takes and offers to sell to Anna. She offers Israel a low price due to the letter’s lack of interesting content. Israel begins to forge and sell letters by deceased writers, playwrights, and actors, lacing them with intimate details to command a higher price. Anna, who is a fan of Israel’s own writing, attempts to initiate a romantic relationship with her, but is rebuffed..

Information courtesy of imdb.com
If Beale Street Could Talk – undated, unspecified draft script by Barry Jenkins (Adapted from the novel by James Baldwin) – hosted by: AnnaPurna Guilds – in pdf format

Baldwin’s novel “follows Tish, a newly engaged Harlem woman who races against the clock to prove her lover’s innocence while carrying their first born child. It’s a celebration of love told through the story of a young couple, their families, and their lives.”

Information courtesy of imdb.com
A Star is Born – October 5, 2018 final as filmed script by Eric Roth and Bradley Cooper & Will Fetters (based on the 1954 screenplay by Moss Hart and the 1976 screenplay by John Gregory Dunne & Joan Didion and Frank Pierson (based on a story by William Wellman and Robert Carson)) – hosted by: Warner Bros. – in pdf format

Seasoned musician Jackson Maine discovers-and falls in love with-struggling artist Ally. She has just about given up on her dream to make it big as a singer – until Jack coaxes her into the spotlight. But even as Ally’s career takes off, the personal side of their relationship is breaking down, as Jack fights an ongoing battle with his own internal demons.

Information courtesy of imdb.com

Best Original Screenplay
The Favourite – March 23, 2017 Final Shooting script by Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara – hosted by: Fox Searchlight – in pdf format

In early 18th century England, a frail Queen Anne occupies the throne and her close friend, Lady Sarah, governs the country in her stead. When a new servant, Abigail, arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah.

Information courtesy of imdb.com
First Reformed – undated, unspecified draft script by Paul Schrader – hosted by: A24 Awards – in pdf format

A minister of a small congregation in upstate New York grapples with mounting despair brought on by tragedy, worldly concerns and a tormented past.

Information courtesy of imdb.com
Green Book – Undated, unspecified draft script by Nick Vallelonga & Brian Currie & Peter Farrelly – hosted by: Universal Pictures – in pdf format

A working-class Italian-American bouncer becomes the driver of an African-American classical pianist on a tour of venues through the 1960s American South.

Information courtesy of imdb.com
Roma – Undated, unspecified draft script by Alfonso Cuarón – hosted by: Netflix – in pdf format

A story that chronicles a year in the life of a middle-class family in Mexico City in the early 1970s.

Information courtesy of imdb.com
Vice – undated, unspecified draft script by Adam McKay – hosted by: AnnaPurna Guilds – in pdf format

The story of Dick Cheney, an unassuming bureaucratic Washington insider, who quietly wielded immense power as Vice President to George W. Bush, reshaping the country and the globe in ways that we still feel today.

Information courtesy of imdb.com

Check Other scripts up for award consideration.

THanks to Ali and Barksid for the heads up on this script that studios are posting for award consideration.

Green Book – Undated, unspecified draft script by Nick Vallelonga & Brian Currie & Peter Farrelly – hosted by: Universal Pictures – in pdf format

A working-class Italian-American bouncer becomes the driver of an African-American classical pianist on a tour of venues through the 1960s American South.

Information courtesy of imdb.com

Can You Ever Forgive Me? – March 13, 2017 Final Shooting Script script by Nicole Holofcener and Jeff Whitty – hosted by: Fox Searchlight – in pdf format

ollowing the critical and commercial failure of her biography of Estée Lauder, author Lee Israel struggles with financial troubles, writer’s block and alcoholism. With her agent unable to secure her an advance for a new biography, Israel is forced to sell her possessions to cover her expenses; she sells a personal letter she received from Katharine Hepburn to Anna, a local book dealer. While conducting research for a novel about Fanny Brice, Israel happens upon a letter from Brice folded in a book, which she takes and offers to sell to Anna. She offers Israel a low price due to the letter’s lack of interesting content. Israel begins to forge and sell letters by deceased writers, playwrights, and actors, lacing them with intimate details to command a higher price. Anna, who is a fan of Israel’s own writing, attempts to initiate a romantic relationship with her, but is rebuffed..

Information courtesy of imdb.com
Find this and more on the Scripts studios are posting for award consideration

Thanks Dean for the heads up on this studio posted script for award consideration

Mary Poppins Returns – undated, unspecified draft script by David Magee (Music by Marc Shaiman; Lyrics by Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman; Screen Story by David Magee & Rob Marshall & John DeLuca; Based on the “Mary Poppins” stories by PL Travers) – hosted by: Disney – in pdf format

In Depression-era London, a now-grown Jane and Michael Banks, along with Michael’s three children, are visited by the enigmatic Mary Poppins following a personal loss. Through her unique magical skills, and with the aid of her friend Jack, she helps the family rediscover the joy and wonder missing in their lives.

Information courtesy of imdb.com

Later that day. Thanks Barksid for the heads up on

First Man (written as Armstrong) – Undated, unspecified draft script by Josh Singer (Based in part upon the book First Man by James Hansen) – hosted by: Universal Pictures – in pdf format

A Biopic on the life of the legendary American Astronaut Neil Armstrong from 1961-1969, on his journey to becoming the first human to walk the moon. Exploring the sacrifices and costs on the Nation and Neil himself, during one of the most dangerous missions in the history of space travel. 

Information courtesy of imdb.com

Thanks Barksid for the heads up on these studio posted scripts for award consideration

Capernaum (Chaos) – Undated, unspecified draft script by Nadine Labaki, Jihad Hojeily, Michelle Keserwani – hosted by: Sony Classics – in pdf format

A politically-charged fable, featuring mostly non-professional actors, about a child who launches a lawsuit against his parents.

Information courtesy of imdb.com
The Happy Prince – Undated, unspecified draft script by Rupert Everett – hosted by: Sony Classics – in pdf format

The untold story of the last days in the tragic times of Oscar Wilde, a person who observes his own failure with ironic distance and regards the difficulties that beset his life with detachment and humor.

Information courtesy of imdb.com
Never Look Away – Undated, unspecified draft script by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck – hosted by: Sony Classics – in pdf format

German artist Kurt Barnert has escaped East Germany and now lives in West Germany, but is tormented by his childhood under the Nazis and the GDR-regime.

Information courtesy of imdb.com
Puzzle – Undated, unspecified draft script by Oren Moverman and Polly Mann (Based on the film ROMPECABEZAS By Natalia Smirnoff) – hosted by: Sony Classics – in pdf format

Agnes, taken for granted as a suburban mother, discovers a passion for solving jigsaw puzzles which unexpectedly draws her into a new world – where her life unfolds in ways she could never have imagined.

Information courtesy of imdb.com
The Rider – Undated, unspecified draft script by Chloé Zhao – hosted by: Sony Classics – in pdf format

After suffering a near fatal head injury, a young cowboy undertakes a search for new identity and what it means to be a man in the heartland of America.

Information courtesy of imdb.com
Ruben Brandt, Collector – Undated, unspecified draft script by Milorad Krstić and Radmila Roczkov – hosted by: Sony Classics – in pdf format

A psychotherapist suffers violent nightmares inspired by legendary works of art. Four of his patients, expert thieves, offer to steal the works, since he believes that once he owns them, the nightmares will disappear. He becomes a wanted criminal know as “The Collector”. Who will dare to catch him and his gang? 

Information courtesy of imdb.com
Stan & Ollie – April 20, 2017, goldenrod draft script by Jeff Pope – hosted by: Sony Classics – in pdf format

Laurel and Hardy, the world’s most famous comedy duo, attempt to reignite their film careers as they embark on what becomes their swan song – a grueling theatre tour of post-war Britain.

Information courtesy of imdb.com
The Wife – Undated, unspecified draft script by Jane Anderson (Based on the Novel “The Wife” by Meg Wolitzer) – hosted by: Sony Classics – in pdf format

Behind any great man, there’s always a greater woman – and you’re about to meet her. Joan Castleman: a highly intelligent and still-striking beauty – the perfect devoted wife. Forty years spent sacrificing her own talent, dreams and ambitions to fan the flames of her charismatic husband Joe and his skyrocketing literary career. Ignoring his infidelities and excuses because of his “art” with grace and humour. Their fateful pact has built a marriage upon uneven compromises. And Joan’s reached her breaking point. On the eve of Joe’s Nobel Prize for Literature, the crown jewel in a spectacular body of work, Joan’s coup de grace is to confront the biggest sacrifice of her life and secret of his career.

Information courtesy of imdb.com
All Is True – Undated, unspecified draft script by Ben Elton – hosted by: Sony Classics – in pdf format

After the Globe Theatre burns down in 1613, during a performance of Shakespeare’s play Henry VIII, he returns home to Stratford[5], and his wife Anne Hathaway.

Information courtesy of imdb.com
Black Panther – Undated, adapted draft script by Ryan Coogler & Joe Robert Cole – hosted by: Walt Disney – in html format

Prince T’Challa returns home to the reclusive, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to serve as his country’s new king. However, T’Challa soon finds that he is challenged for the throne from factions within his own country. When two foes conspire to destroy Wakanda, the hero known as Black Panther must team up with C.I.A. agent Everett K. Ross and members of the Dora Milaje, Wakandan special forces, to prevent Wakanda from being dragged into a world war.

Information courtesy of imdb.com
Spider-man: Into The Spider-Verse – December 3, 2018 unspecified draft script by Phil Lord and Rodney Rothman (Story by Phil Lord) – hosted by: Sony Pictures – in pdf format

Miles Morales comes across the long-dead Peter Parker. This Peter Parker is not from his world though; he’s from somewhere else in the multiverse. With Parker’s guidance, Miles will become Spider-Man: and through that he will become part of the ever-expanding ‘Spider-Verse’.

Information courtesy of imdb.com
Crazy Rich Asians – August 15, 2018 final as filmed draft script by Peter Chiarelli and Adele Lim (based on the novel by Kevin Kwan) – hosted by: Warner Bros. – in pdf format

The story follows Rachel Chu, an American-born Chinese economics professor, who travels to her boyfriend Nick’s hometown of Singapore for his best friend’s wedding. Before long, his secret is out: Nick is from a family that is impossibly wealthy, he’s perhaps the most eligible bachelor in Asia, and every single woman in his ultra-rarefied social class is incredibly jealous of Rachel and wants to bring her down.

Information courtesy of imdb.com
A Star is Born – October 5, 2018 final as filmed script by Eric Roth and Bradley Cooper & Will Fetters (based on the 1954 screenplay by Moss Hart and the 1976 screenplay by John Gregory Dunne & Joan Didion and Frank Pierson (based on a story by William Wellman and Robert Carson)) – hosted by: Warner Bros. – in pdf format

Seasoned musician Jackson Maine discovers-and falls in love with-struggling artist Ally. She has just about given up on her dream to make it big as a singer – until Jack coaxes her into the spotlight. But even as Ally’s career takes off, the personal side of their relationship is breaking down, as Jack fights an ongoing battle with his own internal demons.

Information courtesy of imdb.com