Day 10 Assignments

Module 3: Your Brilliantly Complex Pilot Outline

Day 10 Assignments

Posted by cheryl croasmun on April 11, 2022 at 7:02 am

Reply to post your assignment.

Marie Jordan replied 2 years, 11 months ago 9 Members · 8 Replies
8 Replies

H.G. MIDDLEMASS

Member
May 11, 2022 at 4:41 am
Mod 3 – Lesson 10: Create a Beat Sheet. Title: KILLER JOB

Concept: Verna Williams is a blue-collar, middle-aged woman with a life-threatening disease and an unlikely contender when she competes for a very lucrative corporate job against twelve other more qualified candidates. Killer Job takes place at a remote, isolated facility in the desert using a vetting process never-before-seen in the corporate world. In a one-of-a-kind competition to become the Vice President of Special Services, thirteen “unsupervised” candidates will be tested for one month to see how far they are willing to go to win the coveted job but this is no Reality Show!

Inciting Incident for Series: There is no internet, no cell service, no staff and no contact with the outside world for thirty days. Their only means of communication is a Panic Button, however, if it’s pressed, no matter what the reason, everyone is disqualified! But the situation becomes harrowing when the body of Karen Hodges is found in her bathroom. Cracked skull, wet floor, tranquilizers on the night stand and no way to call for help, the group decides to press “The Button”. Verna refuses to risk “group disqualification” and threatens to kill the first person who tries to press the button!

A Story: The competition to win the job of VP of Special Services. Focus on Verna Williams.

B Story: The other main characters and supporting characters.

C Story: The mysteries and intrigue of the facility, the corporation, the job itself and various alliances and conspiracies.

Teaser

EXT. APT BLDG – DAY

A luxury apartment building in Santa Monica near the Pacific.

INT. HALLWAY – DAY

A dark hallway in same upscale apt bldg. A middle-aged black woman, Verna Williams, creeps along the dimly lit hallway looking around. Expression a mix of bewilderment and apprehension. She sees a door, stops, looks up and down hallway.

She pulls out a leather case from her pocket, unzips it. We see and assortment of lock picking tools and she proceeds to ply the door.

INT. APT – DAY

Slipping into the apartment, the nautical and diving theme décor was not expected. Verna looks around but moves slowly without urgency. Opening a drawer she finds clothes and a fancy watch but doesn’t take it. She opens a closet but we don’t see inside. The strange expression on her face indicates she’s found something that doesn’t belong in such a place\

ACT I

INT. OFFICE – DAY

I GAVE UP ON TRYING TO EDIT THIS MUCH TEXT IN THE FORUM. THERE IS A SERIOUS FLAW IN THE COPY AND PASTE FUNCTION IN THIS FORUM. THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURS “EVERY TIME”.

I TRIED DIFFERENT COMMON FONTS…..TIMES NEW ROMAN, ARIAL, CALIBRI…….I TRIED DIFFERENT FORMATS: DEFAULT, TEXT BODY, HEADING….. BUT NOTHING WORKS. EVERY MODULE AND FORUM THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURS.

PLEASE HAVE YOUR IT PERSON FIX THIS……IT SHOULD NOT BE THIS DIFFICULT.

Start with Verna at interview, she’s asked about criminal record and says not much is there. 

TWO WEEKS LATER

EXT. VACANT CORPORATE RESORT – DAY

Nevada desert. Broiling Sun beats down on a vast, barren emptiness as far as the eye can see.

No water, No trees, No escape from the scorching heat.

A large, single story tan building. Looking at the front, it’s thick and solid. A vacant office building or an ugly hotel built in the middle of nowhere. Dead. Still. Hot. 

In fact, it’s so hot we see a heat mirage shimmering off the roof. Faintly, noise is heard. It’s indecipherable at first but it sounds like muffled shouting is coming from the building.

They arrive blindfolded and dressed in business attire at facility. Remove blindfolds and exit the van. Some check their phones, no signal. 

ACT I

INT. OFFICE – DAY 

Start with Verna at interview, she’s asked about criminal record and says not much is there. 

TWO WEEKS LATER

EXT. VACANT CORPORATE RESORT – DAY

Nevada desert. Broiling Sun beats down on a vast, barren emptiness as far as the eye can see.

No water, No trees, No escape from the scorching heat.

A large, single story tan building. Looking at the front, it’s thick and solid. A vacant office building or an ugly hotel built in the middle of nowhere. Dead. Still. Hot. 

In fact, it’s so hot we see a heat mirage shimmering off the roof. Faintly, noise is heard. It’s indecipherable at first but it sounds like muffled shouting is coming from the building.

They arrive blindfolded and dressed in business attire at facility. Remove blindfolds and exit the van. Some check their phones, no signal. 

EXT/INT. CORPORATE RESORT – DAY

Enter vacant bldg go thru metal detector. 

All electronic devices are confisicated and placed in a safe. Gretchen protests. 

Suitcases are searched by shuttle drivers. 

INT. VARIOUS COMMON AREAS – DAY

Brief Character introductions. 

Mr. Gray & masked handlers give candidates tour. Lobby. Common areas. Training Room. Kitchen. Dinning area. Points down corridors toward bedrooms. 

The facility is as comfortable as a resort hotel. The candidates look visabily happy about their accomodations.

Mr. Gray warns candidates of extreme heat and tells them it’s 50 miles from anything. Tells them that in precisely ten minutes they will watch a video about the rules. He says it’s last chance to leave with him and then leaves.

TURNING POINT – Masked man in Video explains all the rules and ends with the ominous warning in low menacing voice – if they press the “Panic Button” they are ALL Disqualified!

ACT II

INT. MEETING LOUNGE – DAY

The candidates all look surprised by the tone of the video and seriousness of the Panic Button and they discuss it briefly with each other, then roll their suitcases to their rooms.

INT. HALLWAYS/BEDROOMS – DAY

Each of the thirteen candidates are shown finding their rooms. Some insight into who the characters are will be seen by personal items they unpack. 

INT. MEETING LOUNGE – DAY

Questions arise from group about bizarre setting and weird format of training.

Characters are properly introduced.

Verna reveals her serious health issues.

Karen askes if she’s met Lili before causing Lili to look put-off and she snaps she was VP of a medical supply company, in an imperious tone she says she can’t remember all employees. 

TURNING POINT – The tone changes from lighthearted meeting of the candidates to Karen Hodges turning into an Ogre. She says: Tell us about the worst thing you’ve ever done in your life and there is no set of steak knives for second prize if you lie……..you’re fired! 

ACT III

INT. MEETING LOUNGE – DAY

Karen’s demeanor changes from friendly to overbearing as she becomes an Inquisitor during the confessions…..a – Cult leader, sociopathic bully.

Karen berates Satish after he confesses.

Karen chastises Gretchen. 

Karen videos Ira smoking in bedroom and puts him on report.

Conchita mocks Gretchen

TURNING POINT – Verna is shown sneaking into off-limits hallway in direct violation of the rules read by Karen. But the door at the other end is locked.

ACT IV

INT. DINING AREA – NIGHT

Karen reveals a secret to Ginny and Fabio.

Karen angers Bobby Joe.

INT. MEETIN LOUNGE/HALLWAY – DAY

The group is assembled and waiting for Karen. Nobody looks happy after yesterday’s berating by her. Why is she late? Conchita volunteers to get her.

Conchita knocks on Karen’s door but when there is no answer she reports to the group that she’s not answering.

Half the group goes to her room. Ira kicks in the door.

INT. BEDROOM – DAY

They yell her name but there’s no repsonse. Gretchen walks into bathroom and screams when she finds the body. Sam and Jake examine the body. Cracked skull, wet floor, tranquilizers on the night stand leaves the group in disarray. 

TURNING POINT – Death of Karen Hodges. 

ACT V

INT. MEETING LOUNGE – DAY

Confusion and stress reign as the candidates grapple with the death.

The debate over using the panic button causes shouting and chaos. 

Verna’s had enough of the drama and leaves the group.

INT. OFF LIMITS AREA – DAY

Verna walks down a corridor to a set of double doors marked as offlimits. She looks around, nobody’s watching and she doesn’t see and security cameras. 

She’s surprised to find them unlocked so she goes through. This leads into another hallway and she hears the low hum of machinery. The door at the end is locked, she pickes it and enters a stairwell.

She descends four flights of stairs.

REPEAT TEASER

A dark hallway – Verna creeps along the dimly lit hallway looking around. Expression a mix of bewilderment and apprehension. 

She sees a door, stops, looks up and down hallway.

She pulls out a leather case from her pocket, unzips it. We see and assortment of lock picking tools and she proceeds to ply the door .

INT. APT – DAY 

Slipping into the apartment, the nautical and diving theme décor was not expected. Verna looks around but moves slowly without urgency. Opening a drawer she finds clothes and a fancy watch but doesn’t take it. She opens a closet but we don’t see inside of it. The strange expression on her face indicates she’s found something that doesn’t belong in such a place.

Repeat teaser showing Verna finding hidden room opens closet door finds diving mask, flippers, wetsuit. She unzips case looks inside but we don’t see what’s inside.

INT. MEETING LOUNGE – DAY

Nobody notices Verna slipped past the chaos and is sitting low in a corner chair when they start the vote, Jake’s yes vote mean’s majority agrees to push the button until someone notices Verna didn’t vote. 

The group turns to see Verna blocking the panic button, she’s holding a speargun.

TURNING POINT – Verna threatens to Kill first person who tries to press button!

END OF EPISODE
- This reply was modified 3 years ago by H.G. MIDDLEMASS.
- This reply was modified 3 years ago by H.G. MIDDLEMASS.
- This reply was modified 3 years ago by H.G. MIDDLEMASS.
Kimberly Gore

Member
May 16, 2022 at 1:51 am

Kim’s Beat Sheet

What I learned from doing this is how to further plot out my pilot.

SHOW CONCEPT – Past life personalities interfere with a couple’s relationship, hinting they need to change the trajectory of their lives.

INCITING INCIDENT – Natalie seemingly attacks her husband Eric in a fit of rage, only it turns out to be one of her personalities.

ABC Stories

A. Nat’s Multiple Personality Disorder is actually a reincarnated soul. She struggles to understand this while Eric ignores and squelches it. Even though one of her personalities wants to harm him.

B. Eric will do anything to prevent his wife from being the main suspect in the case to harm him. Even lie.

C. The police plan to find enough evidence to charge Natalie with the crime.

ACT ONE

INT. NATALIE’S YOGA STUDIO—midday

Natalie finishes up instructing a yoga class, and a young woman stops to chat. At first, she is very complimentary, but then she brings up Eric’s flirty behavior and Natalie becomes curt. Her friend, LaDonna, soothes things over, but it’s obvious the woman has pushed on a tender bruise.

INT. ERIC AND NATALIE’S LIVINGROOM—Evening

Natalie and Linnie are playing together. Eric watches on, irritated.

EXT. ERIC AND NATALIE’S HOUSE—continuous

Danielle walks up the sidewalk and is about to ring the doorbell, but hears yelling inside. She peers through the side pane.

INT. ERIC AND NATALIE’S LIVINGROOM—Evening

Natalie stalks off like a huffy little kid, and Linnie defends Nat to her father. The doorbell rings, and he lets Danielle in. Danielle doesn’t disguise the fact she’s watched the ordeal, and Eric is about to defend Natalie when Natalie walks in as if nothing has happened.

ACT TWO

INT. ERIC AND NATALIE’S LIVINGROOM—Evening

Eric discusses Natalie’s medication and that she needs to keep taking it, even as Natalie disagrees. She sets off to go grocery shopping.

INT. ERIC’S HOME OFFICE—Evening

Eric sits at his desk, looking out his window, flirting with someone on the phone. He hears a noise behind him and turns around. A knife plunges into his shoulder and he drops his phone. It skitters beneath the bed. He screams, but the knife strikes him again, this time in the leg.

INT. ERIC AND NATALIE’S KITCHEN—Later

Natalie drops her purse and two bags of groceries on the kitchen counter. She calls to Eric, asking him to help her put away the groceries. No answer. She walks towards the hallway.

INT. HALLWAY—Continuous

It’s eerily quiet. She walks further in, shouts to Eric. No reply. Peers in the bathroom. Empty. Walks further to his office. The door is shut. She calls his name again and hears a groan. Fearful, she swings open the door and finds him in a bloody mess on the floor.

INT. ERIC AND NATALIE’S KITCHEN—Continuous

She runs to her purse on the counter, rifles through it, and calls 911. She sees a bloody knife in the sink and picks it up, drops it back down in horror. She explains everything to the 911 operator, who tells her not to touch anything. She admits she touched the knife.

ACT THREE

EXT. ERIC AND NATALIE’S HOUSE—Evening

Detective Bernard inspects the exterior of the house and discusses with a policeman how there is no evidence of a break-in.

INT. ERIC AND NATALIE’S KITCHEN—Continuous

Natalie is clearly upset. She watches a policewoman bag the bloody knife. Says she needs to go meet her husband at the hospital, but the policewoman tells her she is being taken to the police station.

EXT. ERIC AND NATALIE’S HOUSE—Continuous

Neighbors stand outside, watching and whispering. Natalie is humiliated. Her friend LaDonna is there, also watching. So is the young woman who spoke to her about Eric’s flirtatious nature at the yoga studio. But Natalie holds her head up high. Announces to the group that she will find out who did this to her husband. And stares at the young woman until the woman looks away.

INT. POLICE STATION—Later

Detective Bernard receives the polygraph results and stares at them. He asks the person who has given the test if this is accurate. The man lets him know there can be errors, but this was pretty clear.

INT. POLICE STATION’S INTEROGATION ROOM—Continuous

The detective enters the room and quizzes Natalie, but Natalie won’t answer his questions. She wants to see her husband. She’s worried about him. The police took her phone, she hasn’t been able to get in touch with him to see if he is okay. Detective Bernard continues to press her for answers to his questions. She demands to know the outcome of the lie detector test, and he admits she passed with flying colors. She asks if he has any other evidence, and he admits not right now. She tells him then he can’t hold her anymore. She’s done. He is forced to let her go.

ACT FOUR

EXT. HOSPITAL—Evening

A woman marches towards the hospital, her pocketbook tucked under her arm. People move out of her way, she is clearly upset.

INT. ERIC’S HOSPITAL ROOM—Continuous

A policeman asks Eric questions, but Eric is evasive. His arm is bandaged, his legs beneath the covers. He’s tired and on painkillers. The woman from outside the hospital strides into the room, hands her purse to the policeman, and throws her arms around Eric. He sobs into her arms, suddenly acting like a young boy, and calls her momma.

A nurse enters and adjusts the medication going into his arm through an IV. She addresses Eric’s mother and they clearly know one another.

Detective Bernard enters, and asks for everyone else to clear out. But Eric’s mother refuses. The detective and Eric’s mom argue until Eric tells his mother it’s okay, she can go. After she leaves, the detective asks if he saw who attacked him, and he says no.

EXT. ERIC’S HOSPITAL ROOM—Continuous

Eric’s mom makes a phone call and explains what happened to Eric and wants to know if she has any idea who would have done this to Eric. She then admits to the caller that she thinks Natalie did this. But Eric always protects Natalie.

Natalie shows up, and Eric’s mom acknowledges her coldly. Natalie ignores her and enters Eric’s hospital room, despite her protests.

INT. ERIC’S HOSPITAL ROOM—Continuous

Detective Bernard and Eric both look up, startled. Natalie runs to Eric, hugs him, cries. Eric is now angry with the detective, yelling at him about accusing his wife, who clearly loves him. The detective leaves. Natalie asks if Eric saw who did this to him. He says no. And then checks to make sure she is okay. It’s clear their love is genuine.

ACT FIVE

INT. ERIC AND NATALIE’S KITCHEN

Natalie, exhausted and hungry, enters the kitchen, tossing down her purse. She starts stuffing food down her throat when she hears a phone ring.

INT. HALLWAY—Continuous

She runs down the hallway, listening. Finally, she reaches Eric’s office.

INT. ERIC’S HOME OFFICE—Continuous

She finds his phone beneath his desk. The phone number is unfamiliar. She answers, and the person hangs up.

INT. BATHROOM—Later

Natalie takes a bath with the doll in her hands. “Drown” the doll, then realizes what she is doing. Horrified, she throws it from the tub. She gets out of the bathtub and walks to the mirror. In the condensation is the sentence: You did this to him. She wipes it away.

EXT. ERIC’S HOSPITAL ROOM—Later

Eric’s mom kisses him goodnight. On the way out, she stops the nurse she knows and tells her to give Eric whatever it is he wants or needs. The nurse nods and slips into Eric’s hospital room. Eric’s mother tucks her purse under her arm and strides away, smiling.
Brigitte Timmerman

Member
May 20, 2022 at 11:13 pm

Concept: In a dystopian future a family traveling on the road must find their nephew’s Native American community for survival.

Inciting incident: Community was raided and they start their dangerous journey on the road in search of Isaac’s family.

Story lines:

A. Family’s search for Isaac’s Native American relatives for survival.

B. Blended family issues with Isaac, Mira and Grandpa Frank.

C. The dangers they face from bandits and traffickers

Teaser:

INT. blonde girl drug overdose. Baby crying

Act 1

Present

INT. Bus Day

Family singing.

EXT. Dystopian world

Seven Years ago.

INT. Social worker office.

Adopt Isaac and agree to find his family.

Act 2

7 years ago.

EXT. Social Worker office

Family makes an effort to find family.

INT. Bus

Burden too much for family they seek help.

EXT. Fuel station

Act 3

7 years ago

EXT. Social worker building

Meet agency that finds families. Irene is on they are fake. They leave.

INT. Bus

Family flees back to their community.

Act 4

7 years ago

EXT. Community Camp

Family arrives at their community and is greeted by everyone to meet Isaac.

INT. Family is informed community safety at risk.

Act 5

Present

INT. Irene and Jessie’s house.

Isaac and Mira are playing

EXT. Community Camp

Militant group raids community. Kills most.

The family flees to the bus for safety and drive off.
Phyllis Strong

Member
May 21, 2022 at 11:37 pm

Phyllis’ Beat Sheet

I learned from this assignment that the organizing of plot helped me tell the story I wanted.

Show Concept: A disgraced criminal investigator for the Environmental Protection Agency takes a bizarre offer from a billionaire environmental activist, and these two lost souls transform each other for the better as they dive into a supernatural underworld.

Pilot as Inciting Incident for Series: Sasha and Duncan team up and they start searching for creatures Sasha deems delusions, but may be real.

A Story: Sasha’s fall from grace

B Story: Duncan’s pursuit of creatures

C Story: Delia’s manipulations

TEASER

EXT. RUSTIC HOUSE – DAY

A volunteer fireman and his brother are hosing down his house to save it from a wildfire raging miles away. They and their wives refuse to leave.

INT./EXT. RUSTIC HOUSE – EVENING

The four adults are eating dinner when they get the alert that the fire won’t break through to their area. Unnoticed, outside a window, a reptilian eye peers in. A moment later, the door is battered down.

ACT 1

EXT. EPA HEADQUARTERS (ESTABLISHING) – DAY

The marble columned and high arched headquarters of the Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.

INT. EPA CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION – CONTINUOUS

While other colleagues gather in groups, Sasha is alone in her cubicle. Watching a press conference on her laptop, where Delia declares that the charges are unfounded and they will fight in court.

EXT. PRICE PETROLEUM BUILDING – CONTINUOUS

As Delia walks away from the microphones, she tells her lawyer to open up a backchannel with the DOJ.

INT. EPA SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE OFFICE – DAY

Her boss confirms Sasha will receive a promotion and expresses wonder at how she got this indictment. Asks how she’s going to celebrate.

EXT. PRIVATE GOLF COURSE – TEEING AREA – DAY

Duncan is chatting with the wealthy and powerful attendees at the event to raise funds to clean up oil spills. He tees off with a magnificent drive.

INT. EPA CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION – EARLY EVENING

Sasha can’t get any colleagues to come out and have a celebratory drink with her. They make up excuses. As do those she texts.

INT. WASHINGTON D.C. BAR – NIGHT

Sasha is having a drink on her own. She toasts her dad, sarcastically. Hears a birthday celebration. It’s her colleagues from work. After a beat, she calls up Zack, her “friend with benefits” and tells him to meet her at her place.

EXT. DUNCAN’S MANSION (ESTABLISHING) – NIGHT

A magnificent Tudor mansion with pool and tennis court.

INT. DUNCAN’S MANSION – UNDERGROUND SHOOTING RANGE – NIGHT

Duncan, armed with a pistol, finishes shooting at the target. Mediocre results. He calls his private investigator to have him look into the suspicious deaths we saw in the Teaser. After the call, the Private Investigator calls someone else to report the conversation.

INT. SASHA’S APARTMENT – NIGHT

Neat, orderly, with tasteful furniture that looks expensive. Zack and Sasha toast with wine. Zack is DOJ, is prosecuting the indictment. Wine leads to a seductive Sasha drawing Zack in. They have lustful sex.

INT. SASHA’S APARTMENT – EARLY MORNING

It’s the weekend, but Sasha is kicking Zack out anyway. She has to go to the gym, run errands. He’s hurt – she never wants to spend time with him outside her apartment. They fight.

INT. DUNCAN’S MANSION – HOME OFFICE – A WEEK LATER

The private investigator is delivering a standard report. Duncan’s frustrated. Private investigator presses for more details, including a hint of looking for creatures. Now Duncan knows he’s working for his sister.

INT. DUNCAN’S LAIR – SHORT TIME LATER

A command center with screens. A training area nearby. Duncan is staring at a wall covered in corkboard, articles and photos of suspicious deaths, as well as renderings of what could be creatures. He calls his sister and we realize it’s Delia. She’s in a great mood…

INT. EPA CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION – DAY

Sasha is preparing to go out into the field when her boss comes over with infuriating news: Price Petroleum has reached a settlement with the DOJ. Sasha calls Zack, straight to voicemail. Texts him, no response.

INT. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE – ZACK’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS

Zack is looking at his phone with Sasha’s text. He deletes Sasha from his contacts, blocks her number.

ACT 2

EXT. ZACK’S APARTMENT BUILDING – NIGHT

Sasha is across the street. A stakeout. She accosts Zack as he approaches, asking if Delia got to him. She’s embarrassingly loud. He ushers her inside.

INT. ZACK’S APARTMENT – MOMENTS LATER

Hell hath no fury like Sasha when it comes to protecting the environment. The subtext of the fight is that she didn’t let him get close.

INT. EPA – SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE’S OFFICE – NEXT DAY

Sasha’s boss warns her that accusing Delia and Zack of collusion will be tough to prove. She should take the win and move on.

INT. EPA – LAWYER’S OFFICE – SHORT TIME LATER

Sasha is with lawyer who is on the Price case with her. Convinces lawyer to subpoena Zack’s bank records.

INT. DUNCAN’S MANSION – LAIR – COMMAND CENTER – DAY

Screens are showing details of the wildfire area, including homes. Duncan on phone with Secretary of the Interior. Asking for permission to go to the wildfire zone.

EXT. RUSTIC CABIN – NEXT DAY

A crime scene. Duncan chats up the lone deputy guarding the place. Discovers which concerned neighbor found the bodies.

EXT./INT. MODEST HOME – SHORT TIME LATER

Duncan presents himself as an environmentalist seeking answers. Offers money for info. Learns about broken door, the bodies with burns but not to a crisp, frozen in their seats around the dinner table. Pushes too hard.

EXT./INT. SHERIFF’S OFFICE – LATER

Duncan enters to help: the sheriff’s “blow torch” theory is wrong. But Sheriff is incensed that he bribed a witness for confidential information. He arrests Duncan (who walked right into it). Mug shots and jail cell.

INT. CORPORATE JET – DAY

Delia on route to DC office from Houston HQ. Discussing dossier of Sasha on phone, noting that her father was responsible for the chemical dump that killed thousands of fish in New Jersey. What do they do about her?

INT. DOJ – ZACK’S OFFICE – A FEW DAYS LATER

Delia is there to sign settlement papers but also to deliver a thumb drive to Zack. It has data and photos of tankers. Zack reluctant to deliver this info to Sasha’s boss. Delia says Sasha is relentless and this is the only way to stop her from destroying the two of them.

INT. EPA – SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE’S OFFICE – DAY

Sasha’s boss accuses her of burying evidence of other ships in the vicinity that could have been responsible for the oil spill, along with Price Petroleum. Forensics colleague on case confirms it’s plausible.

INT. EPA – CORRIDOR – CONTINUOUS

Sasha wants to know why forensic colleague didn’t back her up – they’ve worked together many times. She would never do this. Forensics colleague says she doesn’t know Sasha well-enough to say.

INT. EPA – SASHA’S CUBICLE – LATER

All eyes on the train wreck. Sasha angrily puts her badge and gun on desk and clears out her stuff while two security guards wait. They escort her out.

ACT 3

INT. DUNCAN’S HOME OFFICE – DAY

Duncan conferring with his lawyer, upset that he had to plead guilty. Fine wasn’t a problem, but now he’s in the system. How will he get info without paying for it?

INT. RESTAURANT – DAY

Sasha meeting an executive recruiter for lunch. Delia’s bad press dominating her Google page. Ex-boss calling her untrustworthy. She’s unemployable in environmental field and in law enforcement. Couldn’t get a private security job if she wanted it.

EXT. RESTAURANT – DAY

Sasha gets a call from her Mom, Helen. Sasha says she’s fine and asks what’s wrong. Is she taking her insulin? Needy mom upset she hasn’t visited. She works too hard.

INT. DUNCAN’S HOME OFFICE – DAY

Duncan interviewing a new private investigator. This one insists Duncan tell him what he’s really looking for in these suspicious death cases. Hints at the unexplainable – he’s a believer, too. Delia’s gotten to him.

INT. DELIA’S CORPORATE APARTMENT – EVENING

Duncan tells Delia to stop interfering. Delia has a deep list and can get to anyone Duncan is considering. She’s just looking out for him, wondering if he’s seeing creatures like ten years ago. He protests he wasn’t in his right mind then.

EXT. NECKER ISLAND RESORT – VARIOUS – DAY

Dream sequence of Duncan with daughter Caitlyn at her sweet 16 party, excited for Katy Perry to show up. Hurricane hits, their beach house is inundated. They’re swept away. Duncan loses her, and sees in the distance a watery creature take her.

INT. DUNCAN’S BEDROOM – NIGHT

Duncan bolts upright in bed as he awakens from his nightmare.

INT. SASHA’S APARTMENT – NIGHT

Sasha looking at a notice that her rent is doubling. Also pays the minimum on her credit card. Notice from credit card company that they are raising their rates. She calls her mother, asks if she can come home for a while.

INT. HELEN’S CONDO – NEW JERSEY – NEXT DAY

Sasha’s mother Helen says the EPA was too political for her, and maybe losing (quitting?) the job was a good thing. Maybe she can find something that will give her time for a relationship, too. Something that shows Helen is needy.

ACT 4

INT. DUNCAN’S LAIR – DAY

On one screen, Zack is announcing the DOJ settlement with Price Oil for $2 billion (4th largest for environmental violations in EPA history), while Duncan is working other screens for info on the investigation. Sees Sasha’s photo (in full EPA uniform) and Googles her.

INT. HELEN’S CONDO – DAY

Miserable Sasha is on laptop, sending out resumes and cover letters. Helen is nearby, knitting. Sasha has had no responses or inquiries from LinkedIn. Helen is annoying and depressing. Sasha storms out.

INT. LOCAL SHOP-RITE – DAY

Sasha is holding an application form, envisioning herself at the checkout counter ringing up an order. In her fantasy, the person buying the food is Zack. She shakes it off when she hears her phone ring. Answers automatically. It’s Duncan.

INT. HELEN’S CONDO – DAY

Sasha is excitedly explaining to Helen who Duncan is and what he does. She’s going to be his assistant, helping to fund climate scientists and supportive politicians. Sasha expecting a car but a helicopter arrives, instead.

INT. DUNCAN’S HOME OFFICE – DAY

Duncan needs an investigator to find creatures from 55 million years ago. If his theory is correct, they will absorb vast amounts of greenhouse gases. He’s chosen Sasha because she would never betray him to Delia, who could seize control of his trust fund if he’s found delusional. Sasha is disappointed and angry. If he’s trying to make up for his family’s sins, he can’t risk his fortune by hunting these creatures. His promises of money are worthless. She storms out.

INT. DUNCAN’S LAIR – DAY

In the training area, Duncan is slamming a boxing bag to relieve his frustration that Sasha has crippled his plan to hunt the creatures.

INT. HELICOPTER – DAY

Sasha receives a call from her mother. Helen’s diabetes has led to severe kidney disease. She may need dialysis and has no one but Sasha to rely on.

ACT 5

INT. HELEN’S CONDO – EVENING

Helen is so grateful Sasha moved in with her. What good luck. She can’t afford to hire help. Sasha sees her independence slipping away.

EXT. SASHA’S CHEVY BOLT – NEXT DAY

Sasha’s shiny electric car glides down a highway.

INT. CHEVY BOLT – CONTINUOUS

Sasha, driving, is on the hands-free phone inquiring about the cost of home care. She tries to keep her temper during the conversation.

EXT. DUNCAN’S MANSION – LATER

Sasha buzzes in at the front gate, is told Duncan is not available. Sasha reminds the housekeeper she was there yesterday. Can she please wait?

INT. DUNCAN’S MANSION – PARLOR – SHORT TIME LATER

Sasha is taking in the art work when Duncan enters. She apologizes for her behavior yesterday. She wants the job. Lies and says she believes in the creatures. Duncan: great, can you start today? Sasha, reacting to Duncan’s eagerness, adds one condition: after three years, she wants him to fund a foundation for her so she can be her own boss and fight climate change directly.

INT. DUNCAN’S LAIR – MOMENTS LATER

As Duncan shows Sasha the wall of suspicious deaths, she comments that there’s nothing causal between the events. It’s just a collection. He briefs her on the recent incident, and she dissuades him from sending her to interview more people for sightings. What they need is cause of death. Duncan contacts the California Attorney General for help with a special autopsy of the bodies.

INT. DUNCAN’S GUEST HOUSE – A FEW DAYS LATER

Sasha is directing the movers bringing in her furniture while on the phone with her mom, who’s complaining about the aide. Duncan calls.

INT. DUNCAN’S HOME OFFICE – SHORT TIME LATER

As crime scene photos come across Duncan’s laptop, the biologist who attended the special autopsy reports that the bodies were cooked from the inside out. Duncan notes that the interior of the house was slightly charred, but not the outside. The temperature had to have risen quickly to 200 degrees to kill those people as they ate dinner. That just doesn’t happen. After biologist leaves, Duncan says it was his creature and shows Sasha a photo of a scorch mark that looks like a claw, at least to him.
Marcus Wolf

Member
May 26, 2022 at 3:16 pm

Lesson 10

Marcus’ Beat Sheet

I learned how to start a beat sheet for a TV pilot.

Show Concept: The happy side effect of the practice of magic is extreme longevity. But longevity can only delay the inevitable. At long last, elderliness afflicts even the most powerful witches. Witches who still have something to prove.

Inciting Incident: Cassandra discovers that her ancient arch-enemy, Trabeus, thought to be long-dead, is alive and active.

A Story: Cassandra

B Story: Trabeus

C Story: Beatrix/Marius

TEASER [at some point, maybe Cassandra meets Trabeus in secret, he tells her he loves another]

MONTAGE

SUPER: 1141 A.D. Near Lincoln, England

EXT. A LARGE FIELD – DAY

In the distance is a castle and a cathedral in the town of Lincoln. On the field before the castle, a pitched battle rages with infantry and cavalry.

All women in their 20s, CASSANDRA, BEATRIX, WINIFRED and ENDOR, dressed in armor, stand at the points of a pentagram. At the fifth point, stands EMPRESS MATHILDA, 40, dressed in royal clothes. They are far enough from the battle to go unnoticed by the combatants. They join hands. Led by Cassandra, completely coordinated, they perform SFX magic.

EXT. BATTLEFIELD – DAY

At the battle itself.

The fighting suddenly changes. Leaders from one side flee. TRABEUS, a man in his 20s desperately tries to rally the losing troops and uses magic. But to no avail. It becomes a massacre. Trabeus narrowly escapes.

SUPER: [15th century]

Place holder: Cassandra and her coven influence an event. They are now in their mid-40s. There are arguments before Cassandra can assert her dominance. They are successful against Trabeus who is involved on the other side of things and who appears to be on the side of evil.

SUPER: [18th century]

Place holder: Cassandra and her coven influence an event. They are now in their late 50s. There are significant arguments before Cassandra can assert her dominance. They are successful against Trabeus who is involved on the other side of things and who appears to be on the side of evil.

SUPER: [early 20th century]

Place holder: Cassandra and her coven go up against Trabeus directly. They all appear in their late 60s. ASTRA, 30s, is now the fifth witch. There is a great deal of discord among the witches. Beatrix argues against killing Trabeus. After argument and negotiation, they agree try to disable him.

They fight Trabeus magically and after a vicious struggle, they place a spell on him, focused through Cassandra, that suppresses the greatest of his powers. Trabeus is gravely wounded and they leave him to die. Beatrix sneaks away from the others and checks on Trabeus. She says a tearful goodbye to him, apologizing for what they have done to him and telling him that she had hoped that he would survive. He’s too wounded to respond. Beatrix has to leave.

There are hard feelings among the witches and they go their separate ways. Beatrix returns to where Trabeus was, but he’s gone. There are evident reasons why his body might be gone leading to the conclusion is that he’s dead.

SUPER: Present Day

INT. SUPERMARKET – DAY

CASSANDRA, 80, pushes a shopping cart through the aisles. She is bored, going through the motions. She can’t reach a can atop a shelf and is angry and frustrated. She fails to get anyone’s attention. Seeing no one else in the aisle, she performs magic (with SFX) and the can flies over her head. Enjoying this little display of power, she makes a few other cans fly around in formation. Suddenly she loses control, and a can hits her on the head and knocks her out. Someone calls an ambulance.

ACT 1

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – NIGHT

Hospital room with two beds. Cassandra lies in one bed; the other is empty. She is festooned with tubes, oxygen, etc. A large bandage is on her head. She awakens from unconsciousness. Bewildered by all the machinery around her, she pulls the sensor off her finger and the heart monitor flatlines. NURSE runs in and calls the doctor.

DOCTOR comes and informs her that while unconscious, they did extensive tests uncovering that she has end stage metastasized cancer and some other bad problems, as well. He doesn’t understand how she could even be alive. She’s very upset that they did all these tests without her consent. Doctor insists she stay in the hospital. She leaves the hospital against medical advice.

INT. CASSANDRA’S APARTMENT – NIGHT

LIVING ROOM

A small, sparsely furnished living room with no technology other than a land line phone. Cassandra arrives home. She agonizes, then finally gets on the phone and calls Beatrix for the first time in years.

INT. PHYSICS LABORATORY – NIGHT

Beatrix, late 70s, collects data on a device under test. Other PHYSICISTS and ENGINEERS also work feverishly on this clearly critical project, some new weapon tech. Beatrix gets the call and unhappily speaks to Cassandra.

She tries to get out of helping Cassandra. Cassandra begs pathetically. Beatrix reluctantly leaves the lab, irritating her boss. She holds up her cell and tells him he can always get ahold of her if there’s an emergency.

INT. CASSANDRA’S APARTMENT – NIGHT

Cassandra lets Beatrix in. There’s no warm greeting. Beatrix looks at Cassandra’s head with minimal concern. Cassandra, gets right to it. She lies on the couch and tells Beatrix to examine her magically. Beatrix refuses. An argument ensues.

Beatrix agrees, on the condition that it’s the last time. With great effort she holds her hands over Cassandra and performs SFX magic scan.

Beatrix confirms the cancer. She also discovers something else. The remnants of the spell they had cast on Trabeus are there, indicating that Trabeus lives. Beatrix quickly suppresses momentary joy. Cassandra, too, is happy, because now she has a purpose in life. Kill Trabeus.

The spell is weakening in proportion to Cassandra’s weakening condition. Cassandra and Beatrix argue bitterly over what to do. Cassandra: kill – she admits to holding a grudge about something and seeks revenge. Beatrix: leave him alone. Either way, the old spell connects Cassandra with Trabeus.

Beatrix storms out.

ACT 2

EXT. TRABEUS’ NEIGHBORHOOD – DAY

An old suburban neighborhood with tall old trees along the street.

TRABEUS, 70s, distinguished and well-dressed, smiling and pleasant, walks along the sidewalk. Everyone he passes happily says hello to him, calling him “Mr. Belmondo”. He helps somebody do something.

Trabeus is accosted by three young thieves. He tries to reason with them. They pull out knives. MARIUS, 40s, a very large man, comes up behind Trabeus, joining him, and stares angrily at the thieves. Thieves are not intimidated; they adopt fighting stances.

Nice car pulls up, [NEED-NAME], 30, a well-dressed good-looking man gets out and joins Trabeus. He approaches the thieves, they back off. They recognize him. He tells them not to bother Trabeus and they run off.

Trabeus turns angry and confronts Need-name. His deal with the gang is they stay out of the neighborhood. Need-name tells him he hasn’t been answering his burner phone and the boss wants to see him, then leaves. Trabeus pulls out the phone and it won’t work. He gives it to Marius who tells him the battery is dead. Another phone rings, Trabeus pulls it out and says he’ll be right there.

EXT. OFFICE BUILDING DOWNTOWN- DAY

Establishing shot. Marius waits in the car. Trabeus enters.

INT. US MARSHAL’S OFFICES – DAY

Trabeus witness protection case officer is very friendly with Trabeus and informs him that she’s being transferred for a promotion. The replacement is an asshole who complains about Trabeus’ association with Marius, who is not actually in the program and who could lead the people Trabeus turned on, to him. Trabeus threatens to leave the program, despite the dangerous criminals that are hunting him and the new case officer takes him up on it.

INT. TRABEUS’ CAR – DAY

Trabeus tells Marius what happened. Marius drives. He is unhappy that Trabeus didn’t discuss it with him first. Trabeus ignores him and tells him to go to the gangster’s house. Marius expresses disapproval about working for the gangster. Trabeus ignores him.

EXT. LOWER CLASS SUBURBAN NEIGHBORHOOD – DAY

The houses have bars on the windows and doors, etc. Trabeus and Marius enter one.

INT. GANG HEADQUARTERS – DAY

[GANG LEADER], late 30s, speaks disrespectfully to Trabeus, angering Marius. Trabeus does jobs for this man. The job assignment is to find and get information from a rival gang member. By whatever means necessary.

INT. TRABEUS’ HOUSE – DAY

LIVING ROOM

A warm and cozy sitting room with 19th century style décor.

Marius, a magic apprentice, wants to cast the location spell to find the rival gangster. He can’t get it right. Trabeus loses patience with Marius and belittles him. Trabeus does it himself. He can tell something is going wrong as he casts it but won’t let Marius help. Marius insists that Trabeus has located the wrong man, angering Trabeus.

ACT 3

INT. CASSANDRA’S APARTMENT – DAY

LIVING ROOM

The suppression spell that Cassandra and the coven used on Trabeus connects them and might be used to locate Trabeus if another spell is cast in conjunction with it. Cassandra desperately wants to kill him while he’s still weak and she’s still alive. She does her locating spell wrong, inadvertently interfering with Trabeus’ locating spell, which then goes wrong, leading him to the wrong man. She goes into…

OFFICE

A small bedroom. An old dusty computer sits on a desk. Cassandra tries to find Trabeus on the internet, but gets nowhere. She’s frustrated. She calls Beatrix.

INT. TRABEUS’ HOUSE – NIGHT

BASEMENT

An unfinished basement with a drain in the floor. A chair is attached to a pole. VICTIM, 30s, is tied to the chair. Trabeus tortures the man physically, causing Marius to wince. Trabeus attempts to extract information magically. Everything fails. Marius tries to use magic. He tells Trabeus that this is the wrong man and he knows nothing. They argue intensely, Trabeus loses his temper.

Trabeus lifts a spell he has on Marius that quells his vampire bloodlust. Marius uncontrollably drinks the man’s blood. Marius is furious with Trabeus for allowing him to do such a thing when he’d promised to prevent it. Marius starts to come at Trabeus, but stops. He fears Trabeus.

Trabeus quickly reestablishes the spell. Marius remarks that it took him three days to put that spell on the first time. Trabeus is getting stronger.

ACT 4

INT. GANG HEADQUARTERS – DAY

Gang Leader is furious about his failure to get the information. Trabeus tells him a better way to do what the information would have helped him with. Gang Leader is appeased but still angry with Trabeus and reduces his payment by half. Trabeus, unhappily leaves the house. Marius stays behind to use the bathroom.

Marius discusses with Gang Leader joining the gang. Marius brings many skills to the table and no longer feels safe with Trabeus. Gang Leader says he’ll get back to Marius. Meantime, it’s just between them.

Marius privately prays that his own magic is now strong enough to keep his vampirism suppressed.

INT. TRABEUS’ HOUSE – NIGHT

LIVING ROOM

Trabeus offers to teach Marius a new spell. Marius sees this as reconciliation and is happy. The spell has to do with why Trabeus’ strength is improving by the day.

Marius performs the spell and the result is that the long-term suppression spell on Trabeus is weakening. It allows him to feel the presence of Cassandra, wherever she is. She can feel his presence as well.

Trabeus determines that while Cassandra’s spell is to blame for his failure to find the right guy, he orders Marius to find Beatrix. Marius questions this.

Trabeus reveals to Marius that he had once loved Beatrix and still does. Trabeus can’t try to magically connect with Beatrix without alerting Cassandra to his whereabouts. Trabeus knows that Beatrix will look for him on the internet. So, he orders Marius to lay some clues for Beatrix on the internet – something Trabeus is not capable of doing.

Trabeus eagerly wants to find Beatrix before Cassandra finds him. Cassandra and her coven have repeatedly foiled his attempts to rid the world of injustice. He senses her weakness and feels the best course of action is to avoid her at all cost – until she dies.

But with this new threat, he will have to accelerate other plans.

OFFICE

Marius sits at a well-appointed computer table holding a first-class computer set up and works confidently and expertly.

ACT 5

INT. BEATRIX’S OFFICE – DAY

A very modern office with a window. Beatrix sits at a computer feverishly working. She searches for her old love online.

Beatrix speaks to Cassandra on the phone. Cassandra has sensed the murder Trabeus committed and tells Beatrix. That gives Beatrix her first clue to find Trabeus (the murder made local news).

INT. TRABEUS’ HOUSE – DAY

OFFICE

Marius, working through the night, finds what he’s looking for. He opens a dialog window. In it, he greets Beatrix, posing as Mr. Belmondo.

INT. BEATRIX’S OFFICE – DAY

A dialog window opens on Beatrix’s screen. She is being contacted by a Mr. Belmondo. “Mr. Belmondo” implies that he’s Trabeus and reveals some information that only Trabeus could know. Beatrix is very excited. Mr. Belmondo proposes a live meeting in a hotel in a town several hours away. Beatrix goes to her boss to beg for leave for a few days.

INT. BEATRIX’S APARTMENT – DAY

BEDROOM

Nice comfortable bedroom. Beatrix feverishly packs a bag.

Cassandra calls Beatrix to see how far she’s gotten. Beatrix tells her she’s been unsuccessful and will let her know as soon as she finds anything.

Beatrix gets in her car and drives away.

INT. TRABEUS’ HOUSE – DAY

OFFICE

Trabeus pops his head in and informs Marius he’s going out. Trabeus is dressed casually but elegantly. Marius insists that he should drive, but Trabeus orders him to keep working.

EXT. LOWER CLASS SUBURBAN NEIGHBORHOOD – DAY

Trabeus parks in front of gang headquarters. Some local toughs eye his nice car. Trabeus, cocky, puts a spell SFX on the car. He goes into the house. The toughs touch the car which shocks them with painful sparks. They go away.

INT. GANG HEADQUARTERS – DAY

BACK YARD

There is a large grill where Gang Leader cooks meat. There are tubs filled with ice and beer. GANGSTERS and their GIRLFRIENDS party. Trabeus, clearly unexpected is confronted by two GANG MEMBERS. Gang Leader sees Trabeus and calls them off. He waves Trabeus over.

Need-Name approaches and hands Trabeus a cold one. Gang Leader fixes a hamburger for Trabeus and Trabeus goes off with Need Name to a picnic bench to eat. He privately informs Need Name that plans have changed and he should be ready to take over the gang, as planned. Need-Name is worried and doesn’t think it’s a good idea for Trabeus to murder Gang Leader out in the open with everyone to see. Trabeus assures him that he has a hunch Gang Leader isn’t as healthy as he looks.

Trabeus turns and looks at Gang Leader. Trabeus magically focusses on Gang Leader with SFX. No one else can sense the magic except for GANG LEADER 2, a lieutenant of Gang Leader. Gang Leader 2 doesn’t know what he’s seeing but watches closely.

Gang Leader clutches his head and falls to the ground. An ambulance is called, but he is dead.

Need Name takes charge and most of the gang goes along, informally accepting him as the new leader.

The barbecue breaks up and Girlfriends and most of the Gangsters leave. Need Name calls a meeting of the leadership in the house. Everyone goes inside including Trabeus.

Gang Leader 2 insists that Trabeus leave and Need Name says he can stay. Several Gangsters back Gang Leader 2. A fight between Gang Leader 2 and Need Name erupts.

Trabeus with magic SFX tries to help Need Name, but his magic won’t work on Gang Leader 2, who can actually see it. Gang Leader 2 punches Need Name. There is a magic SFX in the punch. Need Name drops top the floor, dead. Gang Leader 2 takes over. He orders Trabeus to leave.
David Thome

Member
May 28, 2022 at 2:13 am

What I learned: After doing all the groundwork, and keeping in mind to keep loops open, etc, putting together this stage of the outline was easier than I would’ve imagined at the beginning of the class.

I did end up going into my second episode, so I’ll have to revise that in the Pitch Bible. That’s cool.
Diana Ceres

Member
May 30, 2022 at 2:08 am

Diana’s Beat Sheet

What I learned: Working the beat sheet helped me flesh out the acts and to see the flow of the story better. I’m excited to see an outline in the making.

1. Tell us your Show Concept and Inciting Incident: When a pediatrician is bankrupted and framed for possession and dissemination of child porn by his wife, he is sent to an out-of-state prison where he meets another inmate with a similar fate. Realizing they are both married to and framed by the same woman, they hatch a plan to track her down and get even.

2. List your A, B, and C Stories: A story: Jake gets robbed by his wife Lupe and framed for pedophilia. B story: Kids and grandmother. C story: Law enforcement and later on the Sinaloa Cartel.

3. Present your current Beat Sheet with no dialogue.

Surving Lupe Beat Sheet – PILOT

Teaser:

EXT. BAHAMAS – NIGHT

Tropical Storm Lupe destroys houses. Winds howling, branches flying, windows boarded over. Streets flooded.

V.O: Newscaster: Potential of Lupe turning into a Category 5 hurricane when it hits the coast of Florida.

INT. COURT ROOM – DAY

Judge receives verdict from jury foreman. Man is convicted on three counts of pedophila: 1) possession of child pornograph, 2) dissemination of child pornograpy, and 3) running the country’s largest child pornography ring. Judge sentences man to seven years in max security prison. We don’t see who is being cuffed.

V.O.: Newscaster warns all Southern Florida residents to evacuate, in case Lupe increases in power and becomes the worst hurricane to ever touch down in our nation’s history.

Act 1

INT. JAKE’S HOME – DAY

Jake having breakfast with family and dismisses threat of hurricane.

INT. JAKE AND LUPE’S BEDROOM – SAME

Jake and Lupe fight over the conference he is going to.

INT. DOLORE’S BEDROOM – SAME

Dolores smiles as she hears Jake and Lupe argue then opens closet door to expose a santeria altar. She lights a black candle and chants something in Spanish.

INT. KIDS ROOMS – SAME

Carlos and Mikey are packing and fighting over what to take.

INT. JAKE’S HOME – SAME

Jake SLAMS front door and heads toward garage.

EXT. GARAGE DOOR – SAME

Jake clicks remote, closes garage door, then drives away.

Turning point: Jake ignores Lupe’s divorce threats and leaves for conference.

Act 2:

INT. JAKE’S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

The TV is blaring with news that Tropical Storm Lupe is growing stronger. Lupe and Dolores fight over the volume.

INT. DOLORES’ BEDROOM – SAME

Dolores storms up to her room and SLAMS the door. She opens her closet, exposing an elaborate altar. She chants in Spanish as she lights several candles and places an offering of flower, fruit and rum on her altar.

INT. MARCO’S HOUSE – NIGHT

Marco and Lupe have sex. Afterwards they discuss plans to liquidate Jake and Lupe’s shared accounts and for Marco to contact the movers.

Turning point: Lupe sets the plan to rob and frame Jake in motion.

Act 3:

INT. JAKE’S HOUSE – DAY

News reports Tropical Storm Lupe is building momentum. 24-foot swells are predicted. Lupe rushes everyone to pack.

INT. JAKE’S HOME OFFICE – DAY

Marco walks into Jake’s office and sticks a thumb drive into Jake’s computer.

INT. DOLORES’ ROOM – DAY

Dolores packs santeria shit calmly while everyone else is rushing. She is more focused on the lit candles on her altar than packing.

INT. BANK – DAY

Lupe empties all of her joint accounts.

INT. BEAUTY SUPPLY STORE – SAME

Lupe purchases hair dye, clippers, scissors, wigs, makeup, etc.

INT. JAKE’S HOUSE – DAY

Marco arrives with a team of movers who clear out the house FAST. The only items left are Jake’s clothes, his office furniture, and computer.

Turning point: Lupe robs Jake and prepares for escape.

Act 4:

INT. JAKE’S HOUSE – DAY

Marco boards up all the windows. Lupe and the kids start carrying suitcases downstairs.

INT. HOTEL ROOM – DAY

Jake unpacks his suitcase and answers a knock at the door. It is an attractive woman, smiling.

INT. JAKE’S HOUSE – DAY

Lupe is stressed out, because Hurrican Lupe is less than 12 hours away and Dolores is casting spells in her bedroom when they need to go. NOW.

EXT. JAKE’S HOUSE – SAME

The wind is strong, branches are blowing across the yard. Neighbors are piling into cars and leaving. Lupe tosses everyone’s cell phones into the bushes.

INT. HOTEL ROOM – DAY

Jake and attractive woman have sex.

INT. JAKE’S HOUSE – NIGHT

Jake calls to check on the family. Calls go to voicemail. Lupe yells at Dolores to hurry.

EXT. JAKE’S DRIVEWAY – SAME

Lupe rushes everyone in the van. Dolores is the last one in. Before she gets in the van, she looks up at the dark sky and smiles.

INT. DOLORES’ ROOM – SAME

Closet door open, candles burning wildly on a makeshift altar.

EXT. HWY – NIGHT

Long stretch of cars leaving. Hail pummels the cars as one hydroplanes its way into a ditch.

Turning point: Lupe and family leave. Tropical storm Lupe predicted to turn into a Category 5 hurricane and hit land by the middle of the night.

Act 5:

INT. POSH HOTEL – DAY

Lupe and her family are out of state. Everyone has changed their appearance. Large sealed envelopes are on the bed.

INT. JAKE’S HOME – NIGHT

Jake comes home to an empty house. He searches frantically from room to room. Everything is empty, save for his office.

INT. POSH HOTEL – NIGHT

Marco arrives with dinner.

INT. JAKE’S HOME – NIGHT

Jake calls Lupe. Call goes to voicemail. Jake calls police to report a robbery and his missing family.

INT. JAKE’S HOME – LATER

The police show up. Jake is relieved. He gives them photos of the family to place on TV so they can find his mising family.

INT. POSH HOTEL – NIGHT

Lupe and family are watching the news. Hurricane Lupe did extensive damage in Florida and is making her way up the Eastern Seaboard. Dolores retires to her suite, opens her suitcase, creates an altar on her nightstand, then places a call from her burner phone.

INT. JAKE’S HOME – NIGHT

Jake is confused because the police do not seem interested in the robbery or his family, but rather his computer and what’s on it.

While the police are searching his office, Jake texts a photo of his family to a local TV station.

INT. POSH HOTEL – NIGHT

A news bulletin flashes. A photo of Lupe and family appears and newscaster says they are missing and that he has been robbed.

Turning point: Jake is investigated by police for posession and dissemination of child porn.
Marie Jordan

Member
June 11, 2022 at 6:34 am

Assignment lesson 10 Mod 3

Marie’s Beat Sheet

What I’ve learned doing this assignment is to create a beat sheet. First by selecting three main story lines that deliver what’s the story is about and to make a clear list of scenes. I really struggled but I learnt so much. The difficulty was to keep things clear and simple.

Show concept:

What if a Guardian Angel protecting a 13-year-old Cyber prodigy would be dragged down with her into the dark web and fighting to save her life unaware that she is working there undercover and his efforts are ruining her plans.

A STORY

Skyler, the Guardian Angel with the mission of guiding Rose (13) a Cyber prodigy while training at the school of Angels when he is a victim of a murder attempt at school and discovers his God Parents had betrayed the angels.

B STORY

Rose (13), a Cyber Prodigy inspired by her Guardian Angel, Skyler who trains with a Cyber Security Governement Agency when her search for her real father interfere with her work and she is accused of leaking information.

C STORY

Logan (20) a mature prodigy who fears Rose is taking the notoriety away from him so he decides to spy on her to steal her ideas and manipulates the system to have her accused of leaking information.

Pilot as an inciting incident:

Skyler’s past leads him to have to hide on earth despite his mission as a Guardian Angel to protect Rose.

BEAT SHEET

TEASER

EXT. SUBURBAN HOUSE FRONT CARPORT – DAY

SKYLER (13) steals his mum’s car and his brother DYLAN(7) insists on going with him.

EXT – COUNTRY ROAD – DAY

The car gets out of the road into a ditch and hits a tree. Dylan is dead.

ACT 1

EXT. ANGEL PETER’S CLASSROOM – SCHOOL OF ANGELS – DAY

Class = teenager’s behavior 101. How teenager’s brain are rewiring.

EXT. PARADISE LANDSCAPE IN TASMANI – SCHOOL OF ANGELS – DAY

Peter reports about Skyler’s distracted behavior. Merrill is scared the boy could have memories of earth. No one must notice.

INT. ROSE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT

ROSE (13) asleep in her bedroom receives coded data from Skyler, her Guardian Angel, floating above her.

Other bedrooms, other teenagers, other Guardian Angels, the images multiply.

V.O. Angels are only the messengers, they receive the guidance that they pass on to humans.

EXT. STREET IN A BIG CITY CENTER – DAY

A crowd of pedestrians along a busy street seen from angels POV.

V.O. Explaining the role of Guardian Angels and how they inspire human beings.

Coded Data falls over people who have a glow of light above their heads.

V.O. Not everyone is receptive to the celestial messages.

INT. ROSE’S BEDROOM – ROSE’S HOUSE – DAY

Skyler above Rose watching her. She is surrounded by computers, types nonstop on her laptop.

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY

Rose is talking in a Cyber conference. She receives an award and cries, sobs, so over reacting that everyone is embarrassed and her mum has to take her backstage.

INT. BACKSTAGE – CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY

Skyler above Rose watching Rose who fights her mother for not telling her who her father is.

INT. WOMEN’S TOILETS – DAY

Skyler above Rose watching her as she meets a cyber psychologist who justifies Rose’s behavior as normal: being successful at such a young age has a price to pay.

EXT. EDEN GARDEN – SCHOOL OF ANGELS – DAY

As his friends are playing a game, flying up and down, screaming and laughing like kids, Skyler stands alone, looking petrified. He has a traumatic memory.

EXT. CLIFF ABOVE SEA – DAY

Skyler falls like a stone from a high cliff into the sea. He has no wings.

EXT. EDEN GARDEN – SCHOOL OF ANGELS – DAY

Merrill gets Skyler to fly away and gets his confidence back.

INT. ARCHIVES – DAY

Skyler and Charlie search books under the supervision of ANGEL DOMINIC who they try to trick. Did Angels have memories in the past? Only Fallen Angels.

INT. ROSE’S BEDROOM – DAY

Skyler above Rose watching her. Rose gets her period.

INT. ROSE’S KITCHEN – DAY

Mia runs to tell her mum about Rose’s period.

INT. ROSE’S BEDROOM – ROSE’S HOUSE – DAY

Skyler above Rose watching her. Her mum comforts Rose in pain.

EXT. ROSE’S GARDEN – DAY

Mia runs to inform her father, her brother and the neighbor about Rose.

INT. ROSE’S BATHROOM – DAY

Skyler above Rose watching her. Rose complains to her mum that Logan had a bigger award than her.

EXT. GARDEN OF EDEN – DAY

Skyler shares his traumatic memories from earth with his friends Charlie, Alex, Simone, Nicola. That boy could be his previous assignment and he failed to protect him?

EXT. CLASSROOM – SCHOOL OF ANGELS – DAY

Class on the Power of energy with Teacher Angel Agnes = how to move objects or people (and even cars) without touching them. Skyler is confronted by Andy in front of half of the class. Andy questions his identity.

EXT. GARDEN OF EDEN – DAY

Teacher Angel Peter makes a speech about the safety of the school. Unfortunately, there is a rumor about the Fallen Angels who are coming back with a new plan. The 13 year peace is over.

EXT. GARDEN OF EDEN – SCHOOL OF ANGELS – 13 YEARS BEFORE

All angels running, escaping, surrounded by a dark smoke.

They are under attack. Their enemies are dark Angels.

EXT. GARDEN OF EDEN – SCHOOL OF ANGELS – DAY

Teacher Angel Peter asks all the angels to report any thing unusual immediately. Andy reports aloud that Skyler is an Angel with memories from earth. Everybody looks suddenly scared of Skyler.

EXT. PARADISE LANDSCAPE – EDEN VOLCANO – DAY

Skyler learns from the teachers that he was found at the gate of Heaven a few months before. He has no memories of that.

EXT. GATES OF HEAVEN – DAY

A group of Guardian Angels find Skyler lying naked and wet at the gate of heaven.

EXT. PARADISE LANDSCAPE – EDEN VOLCANO – DAY

Merrill doesn’t want him to know more. He’s not ready yet. He needs to complete his basic education.

EXT. EDEN GARDEN – SCHOOL OF ANGELS – DAY

Charlie, Nicola, Simone, and Alex protect Skyler from the hostile crowd. Skyler decides to find the truth and they promise to help him.

EXT. MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN – DAY

Plan of action. Skyler wants to investigate Teacher Merrill. Why did she refuse to let him know the truth?

ACT 2

INT. LUCY AND PAUL’S BEDROOM – DAY

Skyler above Rose watching her. who searches her mum’s drawers and cupboards, and finds a USB stick.

INT. ROSE’S BEDROOM – DAY

Skyler above Rose who shares with Brigit her plan to connect with her mum’s old friends to find out who her father is. Brigit suggests a surprise birthday party.

EXT. DATA ROOM – SCHOOL OF ANGELS – DAY

Skyler and Charlie sneak into the data room while Simone, Nicola and Alex keep the DATA KEEPER busy.

INT. DATA ROOM – SCHOOL OF ANGELS – DAY

Skyler and Charlie explores Merrill’s file. They discovered she is grounded after failing a mission. Charlie discovers her mission was: Skyler!!! But he doesn’t tell Skyler. Merrill’s not allowed to be a guardian angel anymore and is assigned to be a supervisor until…She must have Skyler save a life to redeem herself. They get interrupted by the keeper who chases them.

EXT. DATA ROOM – SCHOOL OF ANGELS – DAY

Skyler shows he had time to steal an access stick. He can now remotely access the data.

INT. ROSE’S KITCHEN – DAY

Skyler above Rose watching her.

Lucy takes Mia and Luke to the swimming pool. Roses finishes the dishes with Paul. Once Lucy out, she explains her plan for a surprise party for her mum. Paul is excited.

INT. MARIAN’S KITCHEN – DAY

MARIAN (45) stares at her computer and shares her discovery to her husband PHIL (45). An Invitation to Lucy’s surprise party. Lucy had disappeared and had never contacted them since Uni. The invitation suggests they bring other people from that time.

INT. TEACHER ANGEL MERRILL’S OFFICE – DAY

Teacher Angel Merrill confronts teacher Angel Agnes. She shouldn’t have told Skyler about how he was found. Teachers angels Peter and Dominic are worried about possible tensions and about Skyler’s safety. Merrill tells them he believes he failed his previous mission and she let him believe it. Peter says it’s in her interest that he succeeds with Rose. (does she manipulate Skyler for her own good?)

INT. MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN – DAY

Skyler cannot find his stick. Who took it from him?

INT. MARIAN’S DINING ROOM – NIGHT

Rose mum’s friends from Uni comment on how Lucy had disappeared and about the thrill of meeting her again after all those years. Will she reveal what had happened then? Lucy was a thief and something went wrong.

EXT. PARTY SHOP – DAY

Skyler above Rose watching her and Brigit, inappropriately dressed, (one over dressed the other one under dressed) as they collect party items from the shop shelves. Rose is envious of Brigit’s relationship with her father.

INT. CLASSROOM – SCHOOL OF ANGELS – DAY

During a class of magic, the teacher Angel DREW uses Magic to prevent Skyler from being physically injured by Andy and his friends.

INT. ROSE’S KITCHEN – DAY

Skyler watches Rose and Paul who try to prepare the party without being spotted by Luke and Mia but they fail. They make up a story for Mia but tell the truth to Luke.

EXT. ROSE’S GARDEN – NIGHT

Skyler watches Rose who leads Marian and Phil into her garden with instructions to hide.

INT. ROSE’S FRONT DOOR – NIGHT

Skyler watches Rose who lets in a group of guests that Paul and Luke know and hug. Rose leads them to the garden.

EXT. CLASSROOM – SCHOOL OF ANGELS – DAY

Another class about teenagers behavior with addiction.

INT. ROSE’S KITCHEN – NIGHT

Skyler watches Rose as Lucy and Mia enter the house just as the garden is lit with garlands of fairy lights. The Surprise party is on! Lucy freezes when she sees Marian and her group of friends.

EXT. ROSE’S GARDEN – LATER

Skyler watches Rose who drinks too much alcohol and questions her mum’s Uni friends so she can get names of potential father although her mum is aware of what she is doing.

INT. ROSE’S KITCHEN – LATER

Skyler watches Rose hiding while Paul confronts Lucy about her hidden past.

INT. ROSE’S BEDROOM – ROSE’S HOUSE – NIGHT

Skyler watches Rose who is tracing her three potential fathers online with Birgit.

EXT. CLASSROOM – SCHOOL OF ANGELS

Someone tries to kill Skyler. No one witnessed it. No one knows who the murderer is.

ACT 3

EXT. GARDEN OF EDEN – DAY

All the Guardian Angels are gathered while bells are ringing and more Guardian Angels arrive from every where. Anyone who knows who tried to kill Skyler must come forward or see him later on. Teacher Angel Merrill will lead an investigation and everyone will have to be ready to answer her questions.

INT. SICK ROOM – SCHOOL OF ANGELS – DAY

Teacher Angel Agnes treats Skyler still unconscious with magic while Merrill has a dilema. Should she take him back and loose everything or should she risks to have him killed but give hersef a chance to succeed?

INT. OFFICE – CYBER SECURITY AGENCY – LATER

Skyler watches Rose. Briefing at the office. Antoine leads the meeting and assigns her to a task.

EXT. OFFICE – CYBER SECURITY AGENCY – LATER

Skyler watches Rose tell Logan about a personal project and he encourages her to bring it to work on it at the office.

INT. ROSE’S BATHROOM – DAY

Skyler watches Rose, Lucy and Mia getting ready to go to bed and Lucy warning again Rose to not try to find her father and focus on her new training.

INT. OFFICE – CYBER SECURITY AGENCY – DAY

Skyler watches when Antoine and the team rave about Rose’s exceptional talent and Logan looks jealous.

EXT. GARDEN OF EDEN – DAY

Guardian Angel Poppy reveals that Skyler had God Parents who betrayed the school, hurt lots of people. Not the actual students, but their parents.

INT. SICK ROOM – SCHOOL OF ANGELS – DAY

Skyler questions Agnes who refuses to answer as she is busy treating a sick angel with a spell that requires concentration.

INT. ARCHIVES – DAY

Skyler visits Teacher Angel Dominic at the archives to get more information about his God Parents. Dominic finds a way to not have to answer.

EXT. STADIUM – SCHOOL OF ANGELS – DAY

Skyler loose a school game because he has again a traumatic memory. Skyler angry, gets into a fight. It’s a disgrace for a Guardian Angel to fight.

INT. TEACHER ANGEL PETER’S OFFICE – DAY

Conflict between school teachers about what to do with Skyler.

INT. ROSE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT

Skyler watches Rose who finds out Jo, her possible father, is connected to a Cyber group they investigate at the office.

INT. OFFICE – CYBER SECURITY AGENCY – DAY

Skyler watches Rose who locates Jo from the office computer unaware that Logan is spying.

INT. SICK ROOM – SCHOOL OF ANGELS – DAY

Skyler uses forbidden magic to force Agnes to tell him the truth. He learns that he is the son of the couple who betrayed the school and was hidden when he was a baby in a family on earth. The magic spells is too short for him to learn more.

EXT. MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN – DAY

Skyler accesses the data regarding her God Parents and shows it to Charlie.

INT. CLASSROOM – SCHOOL OF ANGELS – DAY

Skyler’s GOD FATHER and GODMOTHER are surrounded by Guardian Angel who fight them to death. They both kill Guardian Angels when the stick stops working. Skyler is devastated. This is the prove that his God Parents betrayed and destroyed their owns.

EXT – MEDITERRANEN GARDEN – SCHOOL OF ANGELS – DAY

Skyler wants to hide there and give up everything.

ACT 4

INT. TEACHER ANGEL PETER’S OFFICE – DAY

Skyler is punished for using forbidden magic, and sent to guard the ramparts.

EXT. RAMPARTS – GATE OF HEAVEN – DAY

Skyler discovers the other angels guarding the ramparts are also punished, some for a few days, some for eternity who chose to be there rather than becoming fallen Angels.

EXT. RAMPARTS – GATE OF HEAVEN – DAY

Skyler meets AN OLD ANGEL who recognizes him. He says Skyler looks so much like his God father.

The old man talks about his God Parents as good people who lead the fight against the fallen Angels. He warns him that they are back. He asks him to follow him.

EXT. ANOTHER RAMPART – GATE OF HEAVEN – DAY

Skyler led by the old man witnesses an attack of a Fallen Angel on a Guardian Angel: The Guardian Angel is suddenly surrounded by a black smoke and the smoke disappears inside him.

Skyler asks how they can protect themself.

The old man tells him that a few are naturally protected like he is and if Skyler is the son of his God father as he believes, he has a natural protection.

Skyler learns that he has been sent to the ramparts, not as a punishment but because Teacher Angels are aware of what’s happening and want him to know about it also.

EXT. RAMPARTS – GATE OF HEAVEN – NIGHT

Skyler uses forbidden magic to escape the ramparts but something goes wrong.

INT. SKYLER’S BEDROOM – EARTH – DAY

Skyler finds himself in the future. He is not an angel. He is the boy who had a car crash. He uses magic again to go back to the school of angels.

INT. GARDEN OF EDEN – SCHOOL OF ANGELS – DAY

Skyler lands by Charlie and runs with him to meet the teachers before Andy and his friend could stop him.

INT. TEACHER ANGEL PETER’S OFFICE – DAY

Skyler reveals what he saw at the ramparts and Peter call the other teacher to meet immediately.

They want Skyler to find out which Guardian Angel has been corrupted by the fallen Angels.

His traumatic memories were his own memories while he was hidden on earth. People wanted to kill him as a revenge for the arm his God Parents did. Merrill was his Guardian Angel.

EXT. DECK – APARTMENT – PARIS – DAY

Teacher Angel Merrill flies, holding a baby and gently drop the baby on a hammock on a deck. She flies off.

ACT 5

INT. OFFICE – CYBER SECURITY AGENCY – DAY

Skyler watches Rose.

Rose finds out she is working on Jo’s file, her potential father.

INT. ROSE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT

Skyler watches Rose who shows Bridget how Jo is under investigation and Brigit wants her to warn him. They drink too much and decide to meet Jo without telling him but just to see how they feel about him.

INT. CLASSROOM – SCHOOL OF ANGELS – DAY

Another class on teenager’s behavior 101. V.O. teacher and how they can become incredibly stupid.

EXT. JO’S BUILDING – NIGHT

Rose and Brigit are in danger, between older men trying to catch them and the police sent by Antoine to spy on Jo’s activities.

Skyler watches Rose and Brigit and saves the girls’ life.

INT. TEACHER ANGEL PETER’S OFFICE – DAY

Merrill announces that Skyler has saved Rose’s life, he redeemed himself and she can take him back to earth now.

INT. GATES OF HEAVEN – DAY

Race between Merrill and Andy’s group. Which one will get him first. Merrill wins.

INT. PATIENT ROOM – HOSPITAL – PARIS – DAY

Merrill carries Skyler back on earth. Skyler wakes up from a 7 month 11 day coma.

INT. PATIENT ROOM – HOSPITAL – PARIS – LATER

Guardian Angel Charlie watches Skyler surrounded by overwhelmed family and staff.

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