Similar story

[trellicktower]

I'm looking for your advice.

As posted by Scott today www.gointothestory.com/2010/03/robs-finds_14.html, there's a movie called Cargo coming out about some strange and unknown cargo on a spaceship.

I am about 75 per cent through a script about some nasty cargo being transported via ocean-going cargo freighter. The cargo in my story is monsters - zombie-like, impossible to kill monsters that are let out by accident by an unsuspecting member of the crew. There are also a couple of characters who are not what they seem interacting with the protag throughout. None of the main characters know each other.

When I first saw the link to Cargo I immediately thought my idea was too similar. But I'm really not sure, having not seen the movie and having no idea what the big twist is at the end of it. Mine isn't sci-fi, it's more of a monster flick.

Would you move onto your next project? Or stick it out and finish this one? I spent months perfecting the outline and characters so I feel like I should stick with it. But I also have other ideas that I'm ready to jump to.

I know this has happened to others on this board, so I'm wondering what you think.

Thanks!

[violet]

I'd finish it. Even if no one buys it (whether its because it's too similar, or whatever) it'd be a good sample that might get you other writing jobs or might get your next script read. And at the very least, it'll give you some practice.

[tous]

I agree. I think you should just get it all down on paper because I know that if I didn't they'd just linger in my head until their actually down on the page, maybe mine are psychotic or just a bit more persuasive.. But ya dude, pour it out. See where that takes you because you never know

[songswithoutwords]

I'd also finish it.

1) It's almost done. Finish it while you still remember everything.
2) Even if it is almost exactly the same, the appetite for it will open up again in a couple of years. Case in point: Cargo itself looks like an 'Alien' copy.

I have another selfish reason: Your post is better than a log line. I want to read it now!

[lazzard]

Finish, for sure.
Then, as more comes out about the other piece, change it where it need to change.
Make sure the logline is very different.
Anyway, the headline on the other one seems to be 'space' - yours is a big f***-off boat.
I think there's enough difference.
Especially if you produce a great script!
Keep at it.

[trellicktower]

Thanks for the replies and encouragement. I was frustrated and annoyed yesterday, but now I can better see the opportunity. I'll share when it's ready.

[dwight]

I say finish it. Sounds different enough than the Cargo movie. I've always enjoyed the creepiness that comes with ghost/monster movies at sea. If you remember the Jamie Lee Curtis movie Virus. All done on a boat, story itself was super weak, but the eerie feel was definitely achieved. Long corridors, deep dark hulls and engine rooms, a great setting for a suspenseful story.

Watch Pandorum too. Much like a the space/cargo ship, not amazing, but similar genre for reference.

[songswithoutwords]

Mar 15, 2010 12:19:51 GMT -5 dwight said:

I've always enjoyed the creepiness that comes with ghost/monster movies at sea.

Yes!

Dead Calm!

(Doesn't get a good rating on IMDB but when I saw it at age 15 I thought it was amazing.)