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Lesson 1 Assignments
Reply to post your assignment.
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37 Replies
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Mike Green, Crayola Zen, Streaming Market.
1. Comedy, Crayola Zen, What does it mean to be childlike?
2. Busy adults are affected by the sudden change in behavior of a problem child, when in reality it was their own behaviors that needed changing.
3. Actor’s production company, because the three online gamers were written in voices of Simu Liu, Andrew Phung, and Andrea Bang from Kim’s Convenience.
4. What I learned today is I need to become a better marketer.
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Steal Secret Treasure by C A Holmes (Carol Andrade Holmes)
1. Project: Steal Secret Treasure, Genre: Mystery Adventure, Market: Theaters then Streaming
2.Concept: Three Friends who’ve lost all, plot to Steal Secret Treasure and get their lives back The treasure is hidden, a puzzle inside an enigma. Each friend holds a piece of the mystery, based on the worst thing that’s ever happened to them. As they bumble along they begin to realize that they themselves are the answer to the enigma.
3.FIRST focus — Actors Production Companies: A few great actors have said they’re looking for a project like this.
4. I like the simplicity and focus of this task.
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Title: Heather’s Project and Market
1. Give us your Genre, Title, and Concept.
Drama
Title: Absolution
It’s a timely concept that speaks to a situation happening in many First Nations communities throughout Canada and the US today: burial pits full of children’s skeletons.
2. In one or two sentences, tell us what you think is most attractive about your story.
It’s an ‘own voices’ story that is based on the abuse my mother endured in the residential school system
3. Tell us which you will target FIRST — managers, producers, or actor’s production company — and why you picked that target.
I would like to target either Paul Gross’s production Company Whizbang Productions as he is well known for Canadian productions, or approach Gabriel Byrne, who although he is an actor (and the actor I saw in the main part) also produces.
4. Answer the question “What I learned today is…?”
At least I know what I’m shooting for.
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genre – Drama
title – Transitions
concept – When a traumatized counselor receives an eviction notice, she takes work at a transition house where she has six days to convince an abused woman not to return to her husband.
The story shows life at a transition house and how the effects of various forms of psychological abuse, including brainwashing, can be mitigated.
I will target an actor’s production company because I think I need an actor to interest a producer in this script.
What I learned today is: I’m usually a positive person but I have lost confidence in my script. It was a finalist in the Raindance script competition, was considered for the semi-finals at the Austin Film festival, and coverage notes have said over and over again that this is a very important story. However, when I looked for something attractive, I had a hard time finding anything. It’s such a serious topic, I don’t know if anyone will want to watch it. That means a producer won’t be interested because it won’t make money. My other script is an inverse whodunnit and I can easily find what is attractive about it. I’m looking for a confidence boost as I work my way through this course.
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Hi Joan,
I think a lot of people would watch it. I know I would. We’ve all had friends at some point in time who wouldn’t leave abusive situations for whatever reason – or been in those situations ourselves and struggled through whether or not to leave. There’s all the rationalizations about staying… the kids, the family, religion, money, jobs, house, and on and on, not to mention fear!
Six days raises the stakes, too. There’s a deadline, pun intended. Small primary cast also makes it appealing to producers. I think you’ve got a winner.
Joy
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Thank-you Joy. That means a lot to me.
Take good care of yourself.
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Vicki VanArsdale Project and Market
1. Genre: Rom-com, Title: Bliss & Bloom, Concept: A
wedding florist falls for a divorce attorney while trying to keep her business
afloat after the pandemic2. This story is attractive because it has interesting characters and a strong female protagonist, conflict, and is based on a common romance trope (opposites attract), which rom-com lovers are familiar with.
3. I want to target major producers first because this story is entertaining and may be attractive to A-list celebrities.
4. I learned that there’s a lot to marketing, but with the right tools, we have a shot at breaking in. I didn’t feel this way ten years ago when I got defeated and gave up because I have no connections and live on the east coast. But everything is different now, thanks to technology.
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Kathleen O’Neill, Feature film, Streaming
1. GENRE: Family drama
TITLE: My Mother Es Mi Madre
CONCEPT: This is the story of a woman’s journey through her loss of identity, the uniting with her birth family, its impact on her adoptive family and the effect of the two families colliding.
2. Most attractive about my story: The uncovering of family secrets is fascinating as we all seek to find the truth/s of our existence. Doing so with caring, understanding and a sprinkling of fun makes for good storytelling.
3. Target first: Actor’s production company because of the strong actor response from the readings.
4. What I learned today is to slow down and carefully read the instructions I am given. I become impatient.
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I have a completed romantic comedy called “The Perfect Lover” about a woman who gets a robot lover after real relationship ends unexpectedly.
The most attractive aspect is how the sophisticated AI robot takes her through unexpected situations. My target is streaming platforms, the script has a fair amount of complexity and will appeal to a general audience, with a mix of comedy, drama and emotion.
I learned today, getting a movie picked up is way more involved than just putting it out there.
Michael Christopher
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1. genre: Drama
title: Saving Roses
concept: former Playboy model struggles to find her purpose after her year in the spotlight, eventually settling on a career in family law following the murder of her best friend and her own experience with domestic violence. A honorable tribute to Dorothy Stratten, Playboy Playmate and rising star, 2/28/60-8/14/80.
2. This is a touching story with relevant and relatable themes. It’s a female buddy film in the mold of Thelma & Louise, timely enough for the ‘me too’ movement. The Playboy angle attracts men as well, but the character development is solid, making the young women universally relatable.
3. I would first target producers because I think this has potential as an A-list project with an international market.
4. What I learned today is how much more I need to learn about marketing my project.
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Joel Cousins, Feature, Marketing Producers
Dramedy – SHUTDOWN – Shutdown is a story about letting go and moving forward, set in and around Canadian refineries. THE BEAR meets SLAPSHOT.
SHUTDOWN is unique in that it’s prominently set in and around refineries and shows content not previously depicted in film before. It’s relatable to most people who have suffered from anxiety and the title is a fluke, and has nothing to due with the world ‘shutting down’.
I have targeted managers, producers, and companies. In the course of my targeting, I now believe I need to target the right advocate for SHUTDOWN, being producers. Not one manager or agent has responded to my queries.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 4 months ago by Joel Cousins.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 4 months ago by
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Mark Charles Ritter / Binge Worthy TV Show / SciFi-Fantasy-Adventure Fans
1. Title: THE ASCENDANCE
Genre: Science Fiction / Adventure
Concept: A washed up reporter thinks he’s resurrecting his journalism career – but it’s future of humanity that he must help resurrect – a mission he and others could not complete as Native Americans in the mid-1800’s. He must lead a team of other reincarnates to heal their wounded souls, traverse time and dimensions, to prevent a Geothermal Armageddon planned by a hidden alien force and preserve the Ascendance path for humanity and our planet.
2. Most Attractive Things: Quantum Physics is the new Shamanism, as this team of Gridkeepers (guardians of Earth’s energetic grid system) must embrace their higher-selves and explore the underpinnings of reality to fulfill their mission. (This is really a Science-Fusion/Adventure.) This is not a story of a dystopian future – it is a story of the unseen, unrecognized magnificence of us, our planet, and our shared ascended destiny – with incredible challenges to preserve it. Redeeming our past, to resurrect our divinity.
3. First Targets: I’m ordering a full plate of Streamers, with a side of Manager/Producers. Because that is where THE ASCENDANCE belongs and that is who is waiting for this show.
4. What I learned: The SciFi genre explores subjects beyond most human experience, which can make it difficult to explain/express simply in a pitch. Do you build the pitch on the pilot or the entire five season story? I’m learning how to better express the meaningful hooks without creating confusion or indifference – how to intrigue without confusing, when conveying sometimes complicated concepts.
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I wonder if the explanation of your theme is a bit daunting for some people, like me, who do not know all the scientific terminology/words you use in the description. I looked up the word ‘dystopian’ and found the meaning to be as follows:
relating to or denoting an imagined state or society where there is great suffering or injustice.” the dystopian future of a society bereft of reason”
Similar: nightmarish, terrifying, gloomy, hellish, totalitarian, scary, science-fiction
<i style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>noun
a person who imagines or foresees a state or society where there is great suffering or injustice.
It is probably excellent if you can find exactly the right learned recipient.
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Cody Jarrett, West Hollywood Cougars, Limited theatrical/streaming
1. Genre: Comedy
Title: West Hollywood Cougars
Concept: Three West Hollywood housewives get revenge on their philandering husbands by forming their own all-female softball team and joining the league of their husbands’ team. Or, “First Wives Club” on the softball field.
2. Attractiveness factor:
West Hollywood Cougars is a big, raunchy, star-driven comedy in the Todd Phillips/Paul Feig realm, but with women protagonists calling the shots. Plus, in a world with so much fragmented news, media & entertainment, this film has broad appeal as classic, laugh-out-loud Hollywood escapism.
3. First target:
Actors & their production companies. These are movie star roles; the three leads are interesting women, 40-50, who get to take hilarious revenge on their (morally challenged) husbands, plus undergo an empowering personal transformation at the same time. These roles would be “audience favorites”, familiar emotional ground for the right actors.
Additionally, this script falls in the mid-range budget category that is suffering pretty deeply at the moment, so an attachment from a name actor/movie star is a good way to counter that.
4. What I’ve learned today is:
How to identify the target market
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Sheila Dionne, Dead Famous, streamers.
1. Give us your Genre, Title, and Concept.
Drama, Dead Famous, A deceased child actress and her accidental killer team up with a reluctant angel to save the girl’s brother from an abusive babysitter.
2. In one or two sentences, tell us what you think is most attractive about your story.
the paranormal and comedic aspect
3. Tell us which you will target FIRST — managers, producers, or actor’s production company — and why you picked that target.
Managers
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Kathryn Gould’s Project and Market
1. Give us your Genre, Title, and Concept.
Action-Comedy, “Supermom”. It’s “Knocked Up” with a superhero – A type-A superhero and CEO accidentally gets pregnant and has to figure out how she’s going to save the world and run her company while battling terrorists, super-sized pregnancy complications, and her baby-daddy’s ego.
2. In one or two sentences, tell us what you think is most attractive about your story.
It’s high-concept comedy with a lot of action. The tone is tongue-in-cheek, not taking itself too seriously, while still (hopefully) delivering an engaging story, characters we care about, and a real message under the surface.
3. Tell us which you will target FIRST — managers, producers, or actor’s production company — and why you picked that target.
My first target will be my manager. If he likes it then we will probably go to agents, because it’s really big budget and I don’t think we can get to the sizes of production companies or stars that we need going directly to them. I also want to use this as a sample script to go up for big comic-movie jobs, like Marvel and DC.
4. Answer the question “What I learned today is…?”
To think about the big picture selling points.
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Kathleen’s Project and Market
What I learned in today’s lesson is thinking about my Screenplay.
Rom/Com
Winter Dreams
When a beloved local Ice Rink needs to close permanently due to poor maintenance, a former figure skater and ice hockey player who once dated are forced to work together to save it.
The most important thing about this script is, it is based on a true story set in Washington State. A local Ice Rink was going to close, and the community came together to save it. I wrote characters around it and Seattle has a new Ice Hockey Team. I would like to submit it to WashingtonFilmworks where it can be filmed here in Washington State.
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Connie Barr, Producers
1. Rom-Com, Love Dance, On the brink of Nationals, a dance-obsessed librarian loses her partner, so her meddling daddy covertly sends a replacement, her polar opposite and maybe her ultimate prize, if his provocative occupation and her ardent ex don’t ruin everything.
2. The main characters are in their 50s and we don’t see many Rom-Coms featuring more mature folks navigating the dating world. Amateur dancers in this age group competing on a national level is also a rarity and affords several cinematic opportunities.
3. My target during this course is producers. I am not currently in the market for a manager. I had one for a couple of years which did nothing to further my career. I have no specific actors in mind who have their own production companies. Perhaps I will target this avenue down the road.
4. What I learned today is to keep an open mind about entities to potentially target to get my projects sold or optioned.
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Taylor McNulty’s Limited Series for Streaming
1. What ever happened to Roanoke?
History/Mystery
A character-driven limited series where each episode focuses on the potential possibilities of what happened to the mysterious disappearance of the people from Roanoke colony.
2. It is a fun way to watch the uncovering of an old American mystery, which leads the audience to decide which theory is the most plausible. It is interactive and engaging, while still getting your “good story” fix.
3. I would target the heads of development at a streaming service first (or are they more likely to steal the idea…). This could be produced by Netflix or Hulu.
4. I learned about taping into the big picture concept in your pitch and not getting bogged down by specifics.
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Name: Vernall Ritchey, Project: Man Hunt, Market: Theater and Steaming
1. Comedy, Man Hunt, An unlikely romance between a beautiful young woman and a tribesman
2. The fact that the beautiful young woman stands to inherit $25 million from her late, estranged tribesman father whom she never met, if she marries a man like him by her 28th birthday which is in 3 days.
3. Actor’s production companies, producers, then managers. I picked target because an actor may have a vested interest in the role.
4. What I learned today is that marketing is just as important as a great script.
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Melodrama (multigenre)
Title: ShyTown (Copyright: PAU003666381)
Similar to the childhood story about the baby eagle who grows up in a chicken coop and fails to fly after multiple attempts, finally reaches success only after understanding the keys to life. (Mini Series)
2. During the 1980s, Jason Tyler as a child has several supernatural experiences with God where he discovers his life’s purpose. He discovers a new purpose for his life after being shot during a robbery on a Chicago commuter train. He is rushed to the hospital and pronounced dead in the ER but miraculously regains life later after having an out of body experience. Jason’s new life’s mission is to help his assailant understand his life’s purpose.
3. My TARGETS are:
– Westbrook Studios (Overbrook Entertainment): A well written Shytown could be a project “monument piece” where Will and Jada Smith could continue legacy their artistic work with their three adult children. 1) Will commits suicide, 2) Jada stabs her boyfriend to death, 3) Jaden is the gunman on the train who shoots Jason, 4) Willow is Jason’s mixed race sister, and Trey is the antagonist who is a thief, liar, high school dropout, and a bully who beats his girlfriends.
– Streaming Services (Netflix and Amazon). The word on the street is there is a shortage of great “Binge Worthy” content. Streaming services are great production and distribution efforts under one umbrella.
– Other “short list of producers and directors” Ryan Coolger, Denzel Washington, The Hugh’s Brothers, and Quentin Tarantino.
4. What I learned today is that “Knowledge is powerful but organized information is superior.”
WKS
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Scott Strohmaier “Dream-man!” Streamers
1. Give us your Genre, Title, and Concept.
Coming-of-age comedy. “Dream-man!”
After discovering he can dream of the future, Sammy, a teenage comic book geek becomes the world’s most unlikely superhero as he races against the clock battling crazies, criminals and killers in order to save the girl he loves…and maybe even save the world!
2. In one or two sentences, tell us what you think is most attractive about your story.
“Dream-man!” features an unlikely yet relatable ‘superhero,’ fun supporting characters and at its core a strong message (live your dream).
3. Tell us which you will target FIRST — managers, producers, or actor’s production company — and why you picked that target.
Producers
4. Answer the question “What I learned today is…?”
There’s a lot to learn…and I’m ready.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 4 months ago by Scott.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 4 months ago by
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Joy Geldard-Smith – THRILLER – ACTOR’S PRODUCTION COMPANY
1. Give us your Genre, Title, and Concept.
Genre: Thriller
Title: First Law
Concept: An ambitious journalist goes undercover at a psychiatric care facility to uncover malpractice, only to find herself questioning her own sanity.
2. In one or two sentences, tell us what you think is most attractive about your story.
I think this is attractive for two reasons. Firstly, everyone loves a good conspiracy, and big pharma is a likely target, especially with all the recent focus on the opioid crisis. Secondly, it’s a good vehicle for an actor to give an excellent performance, as it’s based on one person, their struggle with mental health, and how finely the balance can be tipped.
3. Tell us which you will target FIRST — managers, producers, or actor’s production company — and why you picked that target.
I would target an actor’s production company first, as the role (hopefully!) will appeal to an actor.
4. Answer the question “What I learned today is…?”
What I learned today is that without actually realising it at the time, I had written a script that would be perfect for an actor’s production company. I hadn’t really considered marketing it that way before, or thought of all the avenues listed, such as management companies that also produce. This is great, because it means that there are a lot more doors open to me than I first thought – I just need to research them once I’ve perfected my pitch!
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Andy Kadison. Life in Technicolor. Streaming.
Road Picture/Romance
A well-liked doctor, his marriage crumbling, borrows his recently deceased brother’s Ferrari and heads west to notify the brother’s girlfriend, but gets way more than he bargained for along the way.
The journey across America brings into focus the grandeur of the country, set against the isolation felt by the protagonist, whose brother’s death has ignited a long-dormant need for a deeper more profound understanding of his life – including coming to terms with the hatred he feels for his departed brother.
First target: Producers.
Reminded that’s it’s all about the writing, though the pitch is crucial. It’s noisy out there and development executives – at least in streaming – are the last honest-to-God gate keepers. No barrier to entry in film or music (at least in getting stuff made) but getting it seen and played (TV) is what we’re all after. So the pitch is almost everything!
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This reply was modified 2 years, 4 months ago by Andy Kadison.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 4 months ago by
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Hi Cheryl,
I just got back in from out of town and was out of power for 5.5 hours today. If I prefer to do the course privately, do I send my responses to you through email, or do I just not send any? Thanks for letting me know. — Lauri Jon
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Patrick McCormic’s Project and Market
Genre: Supernatural Thriller
Title: THE THRIFT STORE
Concept: An alien intelligence comes to Earth to study humanity.
Most Alluring Part: A sentient being arrives to solve the mystery that makes humanity unique. The more she sees, the more she longs to experience humanness, to fulfill an ancient void.
First Target: Actor’s production company, because a masterfully-written role can jump start careers.
What I Learned: The importance of viewing business as creative decisions, doing both at the same time.
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1. Give us your genre, title, & concept
a. Genre: American post-apocalyptic neo-western
b. Title: Charred Earth (also the title of the poem)
c. Concept: When a six year old girl survives a neo-American civil war by hiding in a wall, then scavenging and foraging for the next decade, she decides to venture out for revenge against the men in crazy hats waving tattered flags.
2. In one or two sentences, tell us what you think is most attractive about your story.
a. My story is based upon a poem I wrote in a 24 hour poetry marathon a couple of years ago. Everyone who has read that poem always says “I want to know what happens next”. It’s about a six year old girl who survives a neo-American civil war, grows up alone, then gets revenge because she never learned to be afraid of powerful men. She’s crazy smart, like a wild lioness stalking her prey, unseen and unnoticed.
3. Tell us which you will target FIRST — managers, producers, or actor’s production company — and why you picked that target.
a. I have no idea who to target first. Maybe an actor’s production company. The lead actress is late teens, early 20s. Maybe there’s something I haven’t read yet, but I’m not sure of the pros and cons of targeting any of those three groups first.
4. Answer the question “What I learned today is…?”
a. The poem contains many of the elements of the Joker first scene, so I should expand upon that and write it in screenplay format.
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Cassie Richardson, Breakfast With Santa, Network Television
“Breakfast With Santa” is a 9-act Christmas Rom Com movie for network television. It’s a story about an overthinking perfectionist who turns a fledgling town into a thriving Christmas destination with the help of her ex, an NFL legend and members of the quirky business community.
This story is light-hearted and whimsical, which is in contrast to most Christmas Rom Coms featuring African American characters. Also, Breakfast With Santa features fashion and home decor, albeit quirky, which is fun.
I plan to FIRST target producers who make Christmas movies and already have relationships with networks because I heard that’s the smartest way for new writers to get projects read / made.
What I learned today is that when it comes to marketing a script, it’s best to limit details and focus on story clarity.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 3 months ago by Cassie Richardson.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 3 months ago by Cassie Richardson.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 3 months ago by
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Right off the bat something new to movies,the ROBBERS start killing each other off as instructed by the JOKER who hired them, whom unknown to them is a part of the crew. The Joker then kills last of them the bus driver, and drivers off with all the money, he’s the ultimate protagonest.
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The scene is fast paseded action, intimidating dialoge, violence, betrayal.
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Angelina Flueher
1.
Genre: Fiction Action
Concept: As the boundaries between good and bad are not clearly defined. It is a story about that everything comes down to a choice and the choices will be evaluated one day. Two fantastic main heros in action drive the story to an ultimate level.
2. In one or two sentences, tell us what you think is most attractive about your story.
Many people like Sci-Fi and Action. I have roles for two young interesting actors.
3. Tell us which you will target FIRST — managers, producers, or actor’s production company — and why you picked that target.
I would target first producers and second actor’s production companies. Let’s see.
4. Answer the question “What I learned today is…?”
New stuff. Formulation and thinking about the concept, its presentation etc.
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1. Give us your Genre, Title, and Concept.
Genre: Magical Realism/Comedy
Title: Alcohol Aisle
Logline: An Empath, whose shopping addiction forces her out of Retirement, to work as a grocer, telepathically picks up on a Human Trafficker, who buys cheap booze to sedate his victims. A deceased victim guilt trips her to find help for all concerned, including the Empath learning to live with her abilities.
2. In one or two sentences, tell us what you think is most attractive about your story.
Learning more coping skills for Empaths, which represents about 20% of the population.
3. Tell us which you will target FIRST — managers, producers, or actor’s production company — and why you picked that target.
I would target whomever produced Grace & Frankie or The Kominsky Method. The Duffer Brothers might be a possibility, since they did Magical Realism with Stranger Things.
4. Answer the question “What I learned today is…?”
I’m wondering where this assignment was posted? I’m just following what others had posted, as far as the questions go. I learned that exploring what an Empath is would be a good therapeutic exercise for me. I’ll be madly reading a couple books, as I write this. I’ll need to flesh out the Human Trafficker Antagonist and the Deceased Spirit.
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Tully’s Project and Market
What I learned today is that this is doable steps.
1. Well I don’t actually know which script I want to go out with first, so I’ll just pick one at random. 🙂 It’s a horror, “Unconditional” – After moving into a haunted house with her abusive mother, an 11-year-old girl must deal with the supernatural threat all alone, before the jealous entity destroys them both.
2. I think what’s most attractive is the arc of this little girl, how it’s not an age thing, it’s a maturity thing – lots of people five times her age are only just now learning that they can’t put their parents’ approval over shit they need, like self respect.
3. For this one, I’d go for producers, because I don’t have anyone in particular in mind as far as actors.
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Week 1 Day 4: 3rd Act Climax
Insights, what makes scene great:
The writer’s did a good job crafting each CHARACTER, which fit perfectly
into the story.
WADE(Russell Crow) has an exceptional gift reading people, which enables
him to antisapating their next move. And his CREW very violent, obedient
and would follow him to hell if necessary.
DAN EVANS(Christan Bale) a war vet that lost one of his legs, low
self-es-teem, needed money, to keep the rail road from taking his land.
For two hundred dollars, Dan agrees to be a part of a POSSE to deliver
Wade on the 3:10 to Yuma for hanging.
WILLIAM EVANS(Logan Lenman) Dan’s Son is at the age when he thinks he
knows better than his Father, questions his leadership on some matters.
He disobeys his Father and follows the Posse to Yuma.
After a long Act 2, filled with challenges of which they over come, Wade and
Dan converse about each other’s past, they bond, Wade admires Dan, his
beautiful Wife and Sons. Wade understands why Dan joined the Posse it was
to prove himself, to show his Sons that he’s not a failure.
The 3rd Act Climax the scene at the train station where Wade’s Crew shoots
Dan several times, and free Wade. Wade feals sympathy for Dan and kills
his entire Crew, after a stand off with William he jumps on the train,
hands jailers his weapons, call his horse as the train pulls away. Wade
has excaped Yuma Prison many times and one more excape will be an
adventure.
What I Learned was sometimes to show a small amount of humility in the
antagonist creates a more engaging story.
PITCH:
SAMI D. one of the fastest guns in the west, a decorated Military Vet. turned
Bounty Hunter, robbed of his horse silver and bounty, seeks revenge.
TITLE: “SILVER”
GENRE: WESTERN
FADE IN:
EXT. SOUTH WEST TOWN – DAY
The scene opens in a chase that starts in a small town, the Bounty makes
a run for it.
Sami D is in hot pursuit of his Bounty JOHN LOGAN wanted for robbery and murder.
Logan shoots at Sami D but can’t get a clear shot, he high tails it into a mountain
area, hops off his horse and start shooting, Sami D hops off his horse takes cover
then returns fire.
SAMI D
Logan, there’s only two ways for this to end.
I take you in alive or dead, the choice is yours.
JOHN LOGAN
Come and get me Bounty Hunter!
The Men exchange gun fire, Sami D climbs his way in the rocks, gets behind Logan
jumps him, they fight in the dirt. Sami D knocks Logan out, cuffs him puts him on
his horse and they begin their journey to Yuma.
Both Men are parched by the hot miday sun beams down on them as they make
their way accross the prairie.
EXT. CAMPSIGHT ON THE PRAIRIE – NIGHT
Sami D and Logan sit together at the campfire sharing beans, jerky, a biscuit, before
beding down for the night.
JOHN LOGAN
How much are you get’en paid for this, I’ll double
it. When the word gets out, my BOYS will come
for me. We’ll never make it to Yuma.
Sami D says nothing, he’s heard that before, he ties Logan to a tree, covers him
with a blanket, puts out the fire, then makes himself comfortable on the ground.
EXT. ON THE PRAIRIE – EVENING
After exhausting hard ride in the burning sun they stop at the second camp sight,
cook, eat and bed down for the night.
Sometime during the night the OTHER TWO MEN in Logans CREW show
up free Logan, Take SILVER Sami D’s horse, his two Ivory handled Colts, his water,
food and any money they can find. All three men burst into laughter.
JOHN LOGAN
I warned you bounty hunter.
CREW MEMBER
Shall I kill him, boss?
JOHN LOGAN
No it’s a hard days ride to the nearest town,
with no water or food in this desert heat.
If that don’t kill him, the indians will.
Logan and his Boys ride off into the darkness laughing until they are out of range.
Sami D begins walking towards the town taking advantage of the coolness of night.
EXT. THE HOT DRY PRAIRIE – MIDDAY
Sami D makes his way across the harsh plains showing signs of dehydration, every step
gets hard to make until he falls to the ground unconseious.
A BAND OF COYOTES aproach him sniffing and checking to see if he’s dead, Sami D.
wakes up and chaces them off and begins walking again.
EXT. PRAIRIE – NIGHT
Sami D can finally see the lights of the town, he stops for a rest, then makes his way
into town…
EXT. TOWN OF YUMA – NIGHT
Sami D spots his horse, goes to him, gives him a big hug and moves him to a hidden
place, then heads to the Sheriffs Office.
INT. YUMA SHERIFFS OFFICE – NIGHT
Sami D enters the SHERIFFS JOHNSON’S office.
SHERIFF JOHNSON
Sami D, it’s been a long time, what brings you to
Yuma?
SAMI D
I’ll tell you about it in the morning, right now I need
to borrow a set of irons. And direct me to the hotel.
SHERIFF JOHNSON
The hotel is up the street on the left you can’t miss it.
Sheriff Johnson tosses Sami D a set of colts in a holster and he’s on his way.
Sami D goes to the hotel gets a room, takes a hot bath a meal and goes to bed.
EXT. THE MAIN ROAD NEAR TRAIN STATION YUMA – MORNING
The Logan Gang has been informed that Sami D awaits them in the street. They
exit the saloon and all four men are facing each other in the street.
SAMI D
John Logan, you are under arrest for robbery,
murder, theft and are those my ivory handled
colts your wearing?
JOHN LOGAN
They were yours.
Everything goes silent as the men stair each other down, a small whirl – wind
kick up dust and debris.
A GROUP OF ON LOOKERS watch from the reach of stray bullets.
Finally the moment comes, the Men draw and Sami D shoots the guns out of
all of their hands, arrests them and they all march to the Sheriff”s office.
Sami D collects his bounty, grabs his belonging, several more wanted posters,
hops on Silver and rides out of town…THE END
FADE OUT
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This reply was modified 2 years, 2 months ago by Huey Williams.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 2 months ago by
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Deleted – problem with posting
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This reply was modified 2 years, 2 months ago by John Duvall.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 2 months ago by John Duvall.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 2 months ago by
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John Duvall
What I learned: The “dangerous villain” may remain hidden until the climax.
Film: Primal Fear (Legal Thriller)
Unwitting and Resourceful Hero: Cynical lawyer takes pro bono murder case because it seems like a lost cause
Dangerous Villain: This film doesn’t fit the model of having a clear villain.
High Stakes: A death penalty for the accused, a reputational risk for the lawyer.
Life and Death situations: The lawyer faces physical danger on a couple of occasions.
Movie is thrilling because: Lots of twists and turns in the search for the underlying motive for the murder.
BIG M.I.S.:
Big Mystery: Who killed the Archbishop and why?
Big Intrigue: Multiple potential suspects, from the lower class to the upper political echelons
Big Suspense: Major story twists requires constant shifts in the lawyer’s trial strategy
Anything else: Most of the suspects turn out to be red herrings. The mental state of the original suspect dominates the second half of the story.
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Scandal
What I learned is that inviting obsession is intentional and strategic. You have to write in a way that makes people want to come back and binge on the whole season.
1. Big picture hook:
*what is the big hook of the show?
The show is about a political fixer who can’t fix her personal life
2. Intriguing characters
*what makes the lead characters intriguing and interesting?
They call themselves “Gladiators in a Suit”. They handle business with precision. Non nonsense. Fast talking but very clear. They make it cool to do back door, dangerous deals. They have dynamic chemistry and each person’s purpose is evident.
Olivia Pope has a hypnotic spell on her team. People stop when her name is said bc of who she is and what she does. She is firm, bold, forthright and a great negotiator. She is a leader who has surrounded herself talented people who do her bidding and gets the job done by any means necessary. She follows her gut.
Harrison is clean cut, suave, focused, confident.
Tuck is the muscle. Mysterious. Loyal.
Abbey-investigator: she asks for what she wants and if she doesn’t get it, she throws dirt to influence the outcome. She isn’t easily moved by emotions when confronting people.
Steven-litigator, insecure
Quinn-new, inexperienced, nervous, eager to please, learning how things work
3. Empathy/Distress
*what situation causes us to feel both empathy and distress for this character?
For Olivia, being with the Russian mobsters and being short $3M the figuring out how to get by with the kj Neg they had been given without being shot or killed.
The main story is about with Amanda Tanner. The president wants to silence Amanda bc she claims they are having an affair. He says they aren’t. He lied and made Olivia doubt her fit bc she loves him.
She struggles to prove Sully is innocent and when she does, he sabotages it.
4. Open loops
*what questions are created by this first episode that can only be answered by watching the entire season?
Who is Quinn and why did Olivia hire her to work with them? Why did Olivia leave the White House? Why is she having an affair with the president? Why didn’t he tell his right hand man? Does his wife know about the affair?
5. Inviting obsession
*how does this pilot create the need to see every single episode?
We now want to know more about the affair and see what other cases she solves. Also, why is each person on her team…what did she save them from? What’s going to happen between Olivia and the President?
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