Scriptwriter looking for help

MikeEllis · #1 03-30-2011, 03:45 PM

I'm Mike Ellis from Austin, Texas, and I hope I can get some help on this site.

I've got a job writing a script that deals (in part only) with a college freshman going through rush. My problem is that I went through only informal rush more than 20 years ago and I didn't actually pledge after that. I need to find some people who are willing to answer some basic questions for me.

This is the first script I've written for these people, and I want to get the details right. Any help would be appreciated.

knight_shadow · #2 03-30-2011, 03:58 PM

If the questions are basic, you should be able to find information by browsing the recruitment threads.

MikeEllis · #3 03-30-2011, 04:07 PM

Thanks. I've been doing that, and I've been reading just about every online recruitment schedule I can find, but they don't explain some basic things.

For example, it seems as if most school have only a few days for "rush" (I gather that term isn't used in a lot of places anymore). It starts with some kind of orientation/overview/introduction to all the chapters. Then there are a few days to go to event held by specific houses.

But I don't find much online to explain what happens to the student who wants to get to know 2 or 3 houses before before making a choice? It seems like students are given very little time to make what could be a very important decision. Realistically, how much time does a guy have to get to know the houses and make a choice before he runs out of time?

33girl · #4 03-30-2011, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeEllis

Thanks. I've been doing that, and I've been reading just about every online recruitment schedule I can find, but they don't explain some basic things.

For example, it seems as if most school have only a few days for "rush" (I gather that term isn't used in a lot of places anymore). It starts with some kind of orientation/overview/introduction to all the chapters. Then there are a few days to go to event held by specific houses.

But I don't find much online to explain what happens to the student who wants to get to know 2 or 3 houses before before making a choice? It seems like students are given very little time to make what could be a very important decision. Realistically, how much time does a guy have to get to know the houses and make a choice before he runs out of time?

You're confusing sorority and fraternity rush in that first paragraph.

Your best bet is to go to the Greek life page of a school that resembles the school in your screenplay and go from that description. Fraternity rush varies widely from school to school.

MysticCat · #5 03-30-2011, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeEllis

This is the first script I've written for these people, and I want to get the details right.

If you did get the details right, you'd be the first screenwriter to do so. Ever.

MikeEllis · #6 03-30-2011, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 33girl

You're confusing sorority and fraternity rush in that first paragraph.

From this, I'm assuming that you mean fraternities still say "rush" but that sororities don't use that word anymore. Did I understand you correctly?

preciousjeni · #7 03-30-2011, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticCat

If you did get the details right, you'd be the first screenwriter to do so. Ever.

lol

MikeEllis · #8 03-30-2011, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticCat

If you did get the details right, you'd be the first screenwriter to do so. Ever.

That's why I want the information.

I like the suggestion about basing the university in the script on one real university and then just copying what they do. I'm going to be spending a lot of time reading the various fora here, but I still hope it's cool if I post specific questions and get feedback. I don't want to be obnoxious, but I do want the information.

MysticCat · #9 03-30-2011, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeEllis

From this, I'm assuming that you mean fraternities still say "rush" but that sororities don't use that word anymore. Did I understand you correctly?

She means both that and that sorority recruitment is often more structured than fraternity rush. Beyond that, what you're looking for can vary widely depending not only on the specific campus but on what kind of fraternity (or sorority) you're talking about: NIC, NPC, NPHC, NALFO, locals or any of a number of other possibilities.

preciousjeni · #10 03-30-2011, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeEllis

fora

*giggle*

MysticCat · #11 03-30-2011, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by preciousjeni

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeEllis

fora

*giggle*

Hey, I bet it means he understands the difference between alumnus, alumna, alumni and alumnae.

agzg · #12 03-30-2011, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticCat

Hey, I bet it means he understands the difference between alumnus, alumna, alumni and alumnae.

preciousjeni · #13 03-30-2011, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticCat

Hey, I bet it means he understands the difference between alumnus, alumna, alumni and alumnae.

Well, he definitely looks more promising than the other "researchers" we've had around these parts.

Benzgirl · #14 03-30-2011, 05:18 PM

Wouldn't it be easier if he walked over to some of the fraternity houses at UT and asked them? I know, stupid question about the obvious.

ellebud · #15 03-31-2011, 12:25 AM

After the script is written you have to WGA it. I will tell you the odds of representation is little. No production company will open an unsolicited script. I can also tell you that unless you have a VERY unusual spin (all other things being conquered) you will be smack in the way of legal challenges because the script has been done...and done.