BWTV-AI Mod 3 – Lesson 7: Mysteries and Open Loops

[Jean-Pierre Serra]

JP Serra’s Open Loops and Mysteries

What I learned doing this assignment I should spend more time talking about my main mystery in my pilot.

Look through your current outline and find opportunities for at least 5 Open Loops and 5 Mysteries either in the plot or about the characters.

• Main Mystery: Why did the grimlopes abduct the mineworkers?
• Sub-Mysteries:
• (M) Why is Lambert building a cannon? What do they need protection from?
• (M) What are the origins of this oil?
• (M) Who destroyed Cody’s project?
• (M) Why can’t Mirelle have any children?
• (M) Where does Nayeli come from?
• (M) Why does Sylvanor need all of the Gemvale’s mineworkers?
• (M) Why doesn’t Cody want to follow his parents footsteps?

• Main Open Loop: Are the creatures born from the magical oil good or bad?
• Sub-Open Loops:
• (OL) Will Urnek and his comrade fight off the grimlopes so that they don’t steal the gold?
• (OL) What happened to the mineworkers? Where were they taken?
• (OL) What unique properties does this mysterious oil has?
• (OL) What is Nayeli looking for going from town to town?
• (OL) What are the implications of having a magical oil that can animate metal?
• (OL) How will Lambert contain this secret?
• (OL) Will Mirelle listen to Lambert and stop all experimentations on the oil?
• (OL) What are the powers and curses of each stone?
• (OL) Will Sylvanor’s forces overcome Gemvale’s defenses?
• (OL) How will Mirelle hide the creature she created?
• (OL) What will be the villager’s reaction when they find out about her secret?

—

Add those to your outline:

Teaser:

• Essence: While escorting a mineworker through the forest, Urnek and his comrade are ambushed by a horde of grimlopes, shadowy creatures known for their greed.
• (OL) Will Urnek and his comrade fight off the grimlopes so that they don’t steal the gold?
• Turning Point: Breaking from their usual motive of stealing gold, the grimlopes unexpectedly kidnap the mineworker, signaling a sinister shift in their behavior.
• Main Mystery: Why did the grimlopes abduct the mineworkers?
• (OL) What happened to the mineworkers? Where were they taken?

Act 1:

• Essence: Lambert, the town’s blacksmith, finds himself in a heated argument with Urnek regarding the town’s safety measures.
• (M) Why is Lambert building a cannon? What do they need protection from?
• Turning Point: Amidst their dispute, the automatic cannon Lambert is repairing misfires, striking the earth and uncovering a mysterious oil that seeps out from the ground.
• (OL) What unique properties does this mysterious oil has?
• (M) What are the origins of this oil?

Act 2:

• Essence: Lambert surprises his son, Cody, by completing Cody’s automatic cannon project. However, they discover the project in ruins.
• (M) Who destroyed Cody’s project?
• (M) Where does Nayeli come from?
• (OL) What is Nayeli looking for going from town to town?
• Turning Point/Midpoint: Heartbroken, Cody flees and accidentally falls into the mysterious oil, causing some drops to fall on the shattered metal pieces. The pieces take a life of their own, revealing the oil’s magical properties.
• (OL) What are the implications of having a magical oil that can animate metal?

Act 3:

• Essence: Seeking understanding, Lambert invites Mirelle, known for her knowledge of magic, hoping she can shed light on the oil’s power.
• Turning Point: Driven by curiosity rather than caution, Mirelle animates a metal butterfly with the oil. Lambert, fearing the unknown implications, destroys the creation and bans further experimentation.
• (OL) How will Lambert contain this secret?
• (OL) Will Mirelle listen to Lambert and stop all experimentations on the oil?
• (M) Why can’t Mirelle have any children?

Act 4:

• Essence: To bolster the town’s security, King Marcus decides to significantly increase the guard for the mineworkers, hoping to deter further attacks.
• (OL) What are the powers and curses of each stone?
• Turning Point: Sylvanor, the vengeful druid, observes the town’s movements through his spy bat. Seeing an opportunity, he orders his entire army to launch a surprise attack on the town, aiming to capture the mineworkers all at once.
• (M) Why does Sylvanor need all of the Gemvale’s mineworkers?
• (OL) Will Sylvanor’s forces overcome Gemvale’s defenses?

Act 5:

• Essence: Lambert tucks Cody into bed, reassuring him about the town’s defenses and their capability to ward off any outside threats.
• (M) Why doesn’t Cody want to follow his parents footsteps?
• Lock In: In a bold move, Mirelle stealthily collects all of Cody’s discarded toys. Using the magical oil, she breathes life into one, hinting at her plan to harness the oil’s power for purposes unknown.
• (OL) How will Mirelle hide the creature she created?
• (OL) What will be the villager’s reaction when they find out about her secret?
• Main Open Loop: Are the creatures born from the magical oil good or bad?

—

Run it through AI to find improvements:

Mystery 1: Why did the grimlopes kidnap the mineworkers?

• A. Shocking Event: The grimlopes, typically greedy creatures, unexpectedly shift their behavior from stealing gold to kidnapping mineworkers.
• B. Secret: It remains unclear what the grimlopes intend with the mineworkers, hinting at a larger, undisclosed motive or plan.
• C. Investigation: Lambert and others might seek to uncover the reason behind the grimlopes’ actions, though the 5 Act Structure does not explicitly detail this investigation.

Improve:

• Bold A: To enhance the shocking event, consider introducing a personal stake for a main character, such as a mineworker being a relative or close friend of a key character.
• Bold B: Integrate hints or clues about the grimlopes’ motive early on, perhaps through legends or rumors, to deepen the mystery.
• Bold C: Explicitly include scenes of Lambert or others actively seeking answers about the grimlopes, perhaps by consulting ancient texts, tracking them, or seeking wisdom from the village sorceress.

Mystery 2: Are the magical oil creatures good or bad?

• A. Cover up: The town, especially figures like Lambert, might initially seek to hide the existence of the magical oil creatures from the wider community due to fear of the unknown.
• B. Secret: The true nature and potential of the magical oil creatures remain secret, surrounded by uncertainty and speculation.
• C. Reveals: The gradual discovery of the magical oil’s properties and the creatures it animates, as seen through acts 2 and 3, peels back layers of the mystery.

Improve:

• Bold A: To improve the cover-up aspect, introduce conflict or tension between characters who wish to explore the oil’s potential and those who fear its dangers, highlighting the town’s divide.
• Bold B: Offer more nuanced insights into the magical oil’s origins or effects, perhaps through Mirelle’s experiments or ancient lore, to enrich the secret surrounding it.
• Bold C: Ensure that each reveal builds logically on the last, leading to a climax that challenges the characters’ initial beliefs about the oil creatures.

Additional Notes:

• Intriguing World: The enchanted town of Stonevale, born from magical gemstones, is a compelling setting that could further intertwine with the mysteries. For instance, the town’s origins might be linked to the grimlopes’ motives or the magical oil.
• Impossible Goal: Lambert’s goal to protect the town introduces a broader conflict, especially with Mirelle’s actions. Highlighting the challenges Lambert faces, not only from external threats but also from within, could add depth to the narrative.
• Major Conflict: Mirelle’s curiosity-driven actions versus Lambert’s caution presents a fundamental clash of ideals. This conflict could be leveraged to drive both the plot and character development, emphasizing the themes of curiosity, control, and the fear of the unknown.

[Moses Quainoo]

BWTV-AI MOD 3 – LESSON 7: MYSTERIES AND OPEN LOOPS

Moses Quainoo

“What I learned doing this assignment is…?”

ASSIGNMENT

1. Look through your current Outline and find opportunities for at least 5 Open Loops and 5 Mysteries in the plot or about the Characters.

List them like this:

Main Mystery:

What are the global conspiracy and ultimate goals of the Beauty Industry?

Sub-Mysteries:

Who is the undercover ally in the Beauty Industry supporting the Rebellion, and what motivates them?

How do Dr. Ava Green’s secret experiments in the Beauty Industry affect her current behavior?

Who is responsible for the technologically advanced Falcon and its origin?

Main Open Loop:

Can SKYY LAR and the coalition uncover and dismantle the global conspiracy of the Beauty Industry, and what will it take?

Sub-Open Loops:

How will the coalition adjust to the growing targeting from the Beauty Industry?

How will the coalition endure the growing targeting from the Beauty Industry?

How will the coalition’s actions affect urban wildlife and the broader ecosystem?

What will be the resolution to Raphael’s internal conflict and wavering loyalty?

Which side will Raphael ultimately align with?

Why are SKYY LAR’s freedom flights necessary?

What does SKYY LAR represent in its journey?

2. Look through your Outline to see if you can build in at least one mystery and open loop into each Act of your outline.

Teaser

Mystery = Why is the pigeon in the sky?

Open-Loop = What type of pigeon is in the sky? Is it a bionic pigeon? What is it up to? Why is it fitted with a prosthetic leg? What nails/talons are after/chasing/about to attack the pigeon? Why?

Act 1

Mystery = How did SKYY LAR reach squaddie status?

Open-Loop = Will SKYY LAR ever break free from the string/waste?

Act 2

Mystery = Does SKYY LAR’s roost belong to RAPHAEL? Why has it rented it out to its girlfriend?

Open-Loop = How will she pay for the roost?

Act 3

Mystery = How did the Rebellion find the Beauty Company Headquarters?

Open-Loop = How will the five-year-old EMMA transport herself or travel around as an activist without parental knowledge?

Act 4

Mystery = Why is the pigeon in the sky/navigating?

Open-Loop = What type of pigeon is in the sky? Is it a bionic pigeon? What is it up to? Why is it fitted with a prosthetic leg? What nails/talons are after/chasing/about to attack the pigeon? Why?

Act 5

Mystery =

Open-Loop =

3. Add those to the Outline.

4. Tell us which Open Loops and Mysteries you’ve added and what the effect is on the interest level of the Outline.

5. Use this PROMPT with AI to ensure your mysteries are strong.

I’m going to give you my [5 Act Structure] for a [Format/Genre] TV series about [Concept]. Please check the following and tell me each part of the Mystery that is currently shown and how I can improve the A, B, and C. Label each one with the word “Improve:” on its own line, and please bold the word “Improve.”

Mystery 1 provides:

A. Shocking Event:

B. Secret:

C. Investigation:

Mystery 2 starts in the Pilot and continues throughout Season 1, providing:

A. Cover up:

B. Secret:

C. Reveals:

[Mystery 1] begins the Pilot. [Mystery 2] is established at the end of the Pilot. The [Intriguing World] is introduced in Act 2. The [Impossible Goal] is established at the Midpoint or in the 2nd half of the Pilot.

Mystery 1 = What entangled SKYY LAR, and why? What are the properties of the synthetic material and the manufacturer?

Mystery 2 = Impact of the Beauty Industry’s synthetic compounds on wildlife. What is the true extent and nature of the Beauty Industry’s influence and plans regarding environmental destruction?

Impossible Goal = How to dismantle the deeply entrenched and globally influential Beauty Industry, causing widespread environmental destruction.

Intriguing World = EcoHaven: A Dynamic Urban Sanctuary

EcoHaven is a unique sub-world in London that highlights how the Beauty Industry affects the environment and its inhabitants. The sanctuary-like space combines nature, technology, and community in the city’s heart.

Major Conflict = The conflict concerns economic interests and environmental sustainability. The beauty Industry is a powerful business with significant influence and resources that causes widespread ecological harm in pursuit of profit. The Rebellion/alliance is against the Beauty Industry’s detrimental environmental practices.

(Format/Genre) = 1 hour Drama/Family/Animation

(Concept) = SKYY LAR, a feral pigeon injured by human negligence, collaborates with a compassionate girl EMMA, in London to ignite a worldwide bird rebellion against environmental destruction, focusing on the beauty industry’s influence.

5 Act Structure =

Teaser:

Essence: SKYY LAR takes a freedom flight over the London Eye. A Falcon ambushes and assaults SKYY LAR and a dramatic aerial battle ensues. EMMA witnesses the ordeal from the ground.

Turning Point: A car coming towards them hits the Falcon.

Act 1:

Essence: SKYY LAR mentors young pigeons, goes to the market to seek sustenance, and gets trapped in synthetic waste. EMMA discovers SKYY LAR and intervenes by de-stringing.

Turning Point: SKYY LAR loses its left leg.

Beginning:

Introduction to the World/World and Character Introduction

SKYY LAR, a squadron leader, mentors five hundred young pigeons on urban survival and thrives. He is deeply connected to its habitat and the city. However, because of construction, SKYY LAR faces the looming threat of losing its nesting area.

SKYY LAR needs to work on its sense of purpose or identity as a leader, questioning the effectiveness of its efforts to protect and guide its flock amidst growing environmental threats.

Middle/Incident:

SKYY LAR goes to the Ridley market to seek sustenance and gets its legs trapped in synthetic waste. It cannot break free, and three seasons pass.

Ending: EMMA discovers SKYY LAR and intervenes by de-stringing.

Turning Point 1: EMMA knows that the family may be connected to the source of the waste.

Turning Point 2:

SKYY LAR loses its left leg.

Act 2:

Essence:

Conflict and Alliance Formation

EMMA constructs a prosthetic leg, and SKYY LAR bonds with her. SKYY LAR returns home to the community’s distress, overwhelming concern, and solidarity. RAVEN makes a strategic proposal.

Turning Point: The bird community supports SKYY LAR to act against environmental harm.

MIDPOINT:

Conflict Expansion and Revelation

SKYY LAR commits to forming and leading a birds’ coalition against environmental destruction and collaborates with EMMA to broaden the human alliance.

Act 3:

Essence:

Challenges and Strategy Development

SKYY LAR forms a core group, recruits RAVEN, skeptical RAPHAEL, and collaborates with EMMA. DR. GREEN joins.

Infiltration and Discovery

SKYY LAR and allies infiltrate a Beauty Company Headquarters to gather evidence. It is fraught with danger and moral dilemmas, especially for EMMA, which grapples with conflicting loyalties.

The rebellion uncovers a global conspiracy that threatens their cause.

The mission’s outcome reveals sinister aspects of the Industry’s agenda, with RAPHAEL’s loyalty and RAVEN’s intentions under intense scrutiny.

Turning Point 1: EMMA’s decision to form a coalition against the Beauty Industry marks a pivotal shift from individual struggle to collective resistance as she confronts her family’s legacy.

Turning Point 2: The Industry covered its trail, and the Rebellion uncovered the global conspiracy.

Act 4:

Essence: SKYY LAR enjoys a freedom flight over the London Eye. A mighty Falcon ambushes SKYY LAR, and an aerial battle ensues.

Turning Point 1: A car coming towards them hits the Falcon.

Turning Point 2: The coalition’s discovery of the Beauty Industry’s cover-up operations intensifies the conflict and sets up future confrontations.

Act 5:

Climactic Confrontation and Future Directions

The coalition’s bold actions against the Beauty Industry led to a significant confrontation, underscoring the deep-rooted environmental and ethical issues.

Cliffhanger: A surprising betrayal within the coalition poses a new threat, leaving the future uncertain and the audience eager for the next episode. Doubts about RAPHAEL’s allegiance introduce critical uncertainty, propelling the narrative into future episodes.

Lock In: After losing the left leg, forming and leading a birds-human alliance, publicly committed and action, psychologically transformed, reinforcing community and relationships, infiltrating the Beauty Company’s facility, and becoming targets, SKYY LAR feels alive again. It is doing what he does better and will continue for a very long time until death does it part on the sixth birthday.

AI GENERATED

Mystery 1:

A. Shocking Event: SKYY LAR gets entangled in synthetic waste, leading to a significant injury.
Improve:
To deepen the mystery, provide hints or visual clues during the entanglement scene that suggest the synthetic waste is not just random debris but part of a more extensive, sinister operation by the Beauty Industry.

B. Secret: The synthetic material’s properties and its manufacturer are unknown.
Improve:
Introduce subtle clues or discrepancies at the entanglement scene that pique curiosity about the material’s origin, perhaps hinting at a unique, unnatural quality or a cryptic logo.

C. Investigation: The inquiry into the material and its origins.
Improve:
Showcase a more dynamic investigation process, perhaps involving other characters or experts, to unravel the mystery, which can also serve as a vehicle for revealing more about the world and the stakes involved.

Mystery 2:

A. Cover-up: The Beauty Industry’s efforts to hide the impact of their synthetic compounds on wildlife.
Improve:
Reveal the extent of the cover-up gradually, showing its impact on different levels, from local businesses to global operations, to illustrate the pervasive influence of the Industry.

B. Secret: The true extent and nature of the Beauty Industry’s influence and plans.
Improve:
Peel back layers of the secret in stages, not just through the Rebellion’s findings but also through leaks, insider testimonies, or unexpected discoveries, adding complexity to the narrative.

C. Reveals: The gradual uncovering of the Industry’s global conspiracy.
Improve:
Ensure that each reveal is connected to character development or plot advancement, preventing the disclosures from seeming expositional devices. Each reveal should escalate the tension and stakes.

Regarding the Intriguing World and Impossible Goal:

Intriguing World – EcoHaven:
Improve:
Deepen the world-building by showing contrasts within EcoHaven itself—areas where nature triumphs versus regions under threat. This can symbolize the broader battle and provide a tangible backdrop for the Rebellion’s efforts.

Impossible Goal – Dismantling the Beauty Industry:
Improve:
Highlight early on this goal’s David vs. Goliath nature through character dialogues, media snippets, or the visual scale of the Industry’s influence versus the Rebellion’s humble beginnings, setting the stage for an epic journey.