Day 1 Assignment

[Andrea Higgins]

Andrea / Finds the Essence

Learned: Essence and structure are connected.

Ted Lasso – Pilot

5 Deep Meaning Scenes

1

Scene Location: Scene 3

Scene Logline: the series set -up: A dancing man, who knows nothing about soccer is going to England to coach soccer in a premiere league.

Essence: He may not know soccer, but he knows what’s really important.

2

Scene Location: Scene 17… Press Conference

Scene Logline: Send the lamb to the lions—Ted is completely vulnerable, yet still manages to remain positive in the face of everyone’s doubt and disbelief.

Essence: The fish out of water scene

3

Scene Location: Scene 22 – Post Press Conference

Scene Logline: Rebecca reveals that she’s setting up Ted and the team for failure to get back at her ex Rupert

Essence: Rebecca and Ted are in a similar place (though we don’t yet know about Ted’s marriage), but have completely different mindsets. We know Ted has an ally in Coach Beard. Now we know he has an enemy (frenemy) in Rebecca.

4

Scene Location: Scene 24/25

Scene Logline: Ted and Coach Beard get set up in their new office and push their desks together, even as more enemies (ROY) and allies (Nate / Keely) appear.

Essence: Ted’s “Believe” sign makes its first appearance, and signals Ted’s greatest superpower.

5

Scene Location: End of Pilot Monologue

Scene Logline: As Ted talks to his son and wife, his happy veneer begins to show cracks.

Essence: Ted is a man with a big heart, determined to see the world in a positive light, even as his own heart is breaking.

MOST PROFOUND

#5 : Ted’s monologue

[Note: the script is available publicly but has a clear © symbol, so I feel uncomfortable posting here. But for those who want download for themselves — you’ll find the scene at the very end.]

Essence: Ted is a man with a big heart, determined to see the world in a positive light, even as his own heart is breaking.

Why: Because we already love Ted for his humor, his goofiness, and his goodness, but now we see that he has given us joy while he has been hurting deeply.

[Patrick Malone]

Patrick Malone: Finds the Essence

What I learned is that each scene should have a specific essence. This is the true meaning of the scene, it is more than the expression.

Script I choose: GREEN BOOK

A white nightclub bouncer accepts a job to drive black concert pianist, Dr. Shirley, on a Southern tour.

Scene 1: Copacabana, New York, 1962 – Night
Logline: Frank Vallelonga, known as Tony Lip, hustles for tips by getting guestsgood tables, having their coats checked. He breaks up a fight and beats up a gangster, all in a night’s work.

<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Essence: Tony is tough, street smart, and stands up for himself. linoleum in the kitchen. Tony’s wife gives the workmen glasses of lemonade. When the two men leave, Tony drops

Scene 2 Location: Tony’s Bronx apartment – Day

Logline: His family watches a Yankee’s game while two black workers put down the glasses in the trash.

Essence: Tony is racist. Has a low opinion of blacks.

Scene 3: Location: Interior Diner – Day

Logline: Dr. Shirley and Tony eat lunch. Shirley asks Tony, “How is that?” Tony answers, ‘Salty’. Shirley suggests Tony should be a food critic, he has such a marvellous way with words.

Essence: Dr. Shirley feels somewhat superior to Tony as he is much more sophisticated and educated than Tony.

Scene 4 Location: Interior Cadillac – Mississippi Highway – Night

Logline: Dr. Shirley is angry with Tony for hitting a cop because the cop insulted him. Dr. Shirley says he’s had to live his whole life dealing with slurs, not just one time. Tony then claims that he is more black that Dr. Shirley because he is poorer and has to work hard just to get by. Dr. Shirley is well off. Dr. Shirley breaks down saying he is very alone, not accepted by whites and rejected by blacks.

Essence: Black or white, both men are humans deserving of dignity and respect.

Scene 5: Location: Birmingham, Alabama, fancy hotel

Logline: Dr. Shirley is to perform here, but is not allowed to eat with the others in the beautiful dining hall. He says he will not play if he cannot eat here. Manager George Kindell takes Tony aside. He sees Tony as a loser for working for a black man. He offers him a $100 if he gets Dr. Shirley to play. Tony pushes Kindell against the wall. Dr. Shirley intervenes. He says he’ll play if Tony wants him too. They will both lose the concert fee if he doesn’t perform. Tony says, “Let’s get the fuck outta here.”

Essence: Tony realizes this is a moment of truth. They must stand up against this bigoted culture. Screw the money.

Scene 4 has the most profound essence. Up until now Dr. Shirley is confident, sophisticated, intelligent and worldly. Little phases him. Here he reveals how he truly feels. He is lonely and doesn’t fit in the black or the white world.

Here is the scene. Tony is referred to as Lip.

INT. CADILLAC – NIGHT

DR. SHIRLEY

You shouldn’t have hit him!

LIP

I didn’t like treating you, the way he was making you stand out in the rain.

DR. SHIRLEY
Please. You hit him because of what he called you. I’ve had to listen to that kind of talk my entire life, you should be able to take it for one night.

LIP
What, I can’t get mad when he says that stuff ‘cause I’m not black? Christ, I’m blacker than you.

Shirley REACTS to this.

DR. SHIRLEY You’re blacker than me?

LIP
You don’t know shit about your own people! What they eat, how they talk, how they live–you don’t even know who Lil’ Richard is!

DR. SHIRLEY
So knowing who Little Richard is makes you blacker than me? I wish you could hear yourself sometimes, Tony–you wouldn’t talk as much.

LIP

Bullshit! I know exactly who I am.

I’m the guy who’s lived on the same block in the same Bronx my entire life, with my mother and father and my brother, and now my wife and kids. That’s it–that’s who I am. I’m the asshole who’s gotta hustle every goddamn day to put food on my table. You? Mr. Big Shot? You travel around the world and live on top of a castle and do concerts for rich people! I live on the streets, you sit on a throne–so yeah, my world is way more blacker than yours!

DR. SHIRLEY

Pull over.

LIP What?

DR. SHIRLEY Pull! Over!

LIP
I ain’t pullin’ over!

DR. SHIRLEY

STOP THE CAR!

EXT. COUNTRY ROAD – NIGHT – CONTINUOUS

Lip steers the car to the side of the road. Shirley opens the door, gets out in the rain. Lip looks out the window as Dr. Shirley walks down the drenched, muddy road.

LIP
What are you doin’?!

When Shirley doesn’t stop, Lip gets out, hustles after him.

LIP

Get back in the car!

Shirley keeps walking. Lip catches up, grabs his arm. Shirley turns, his face drenched…

DR. SHIRLEY
Yes, I live in a castle! Alone. And rich white folks let me play piano for them, because it makes them feel cultured. But when I walk off that stage I go right back to being another nigger to them–because that is their true culture. And I suffer that slight alone, because I’m not accepted by my own people, because I’m not like them either! So if I’m not black enough, and I’m not white enough, and I’m not man enough, what am I?!

Tony doesn’t know what to say. They stand in the rain while Shirley tries to compose himself. Lip awkwardly touches Shirley’s shoulder. Shirley turns and walks back to the car, leaving Tony standing alone in the downpour.

[Connie Barr]

Constance Barr Finds the Essence

What I learned from doing this exercise
is the importance of identifying the purpose of each scene.

Script I chose is not necessarily the
most profound film I’ve ever seen, but is one that has a strong
message about love and it is a comedy, which I enjoy and am
specializing in… Something’s Gotta Give

Scene
1 Location: A CHIC EATERY – DOWNTOWN

Logline: Confident
Harry Langer swaggers into a packed restaurant with a young slinky
girl on his arm. When he gives his name to the Maitre’d, they are
instantly shown to his reserved table as they pass a variety of
couples, Harry’s V.O.s address his philosophy about marriage, aging,
his life, and his good looks

Essence: This scene
sets the stage for one of the film’s themes about age appropriate
pairings of couples.

Scene
2 Location: INT. ERICA’S DINING ROOM – THAT NIGHT

Logline: As they
dine at Erica’s beach house, Harry, Erica, her daughter, Marin (who
is dating Harry, a man twice her age), and Erica’s sister, Zoe (a
Women’s Studies professor and ardent feminist) get acquainted. Harry
is quite outspoken about his skill at avoiding marriage all his life.

Essence: This
lengthy scene sets up ageist issues and establishes the typical
ROM-COM animosity between the future couple.

Scene
3 Location: INT. MARIN’S ROOM – ANGLE – THE DOOR

Logline:After
hearing Marin scream, Zoe and Erica burst into the guest bedroom
where they find Harry on the floor clutching his chest in the throws
of a heart attack. Erica takes control ordering Marin to call 911 and
gives him mouth to mouth resuscitation despite his resistance.

Essence: This
inciting incident scene creates more animosity between Erica and
Harry.

Scene
4 Location: SOUTHAMPTON HOSPITAL

Logline: In the ER,
we meet hunky Dr. Julian Mercer who attends to Harry and quizs him on
all the drugs he takes which could adversely impact the IV he is
given. Specifically he asks about Viagra which Harry denies taking it
or even needing, but when the Dr. says if he did it could be a fatal
combo with the IV meds, Harry rips the IV from his arm as Marin
enters the room.

Essence:This scene
shows Harry’s vulnerabilities and that he is not the stud muffin he
would have the world believe.

Scene
5 Location: INT. CHIC EATERY – NYC – A HOT AUGUST NIGHT

Logline:Back to the
restaurant where the story opened where Harry tells the maitre’d his
name and “party of four and a half”, then leads the pack of
Erica, Marin, her husband, Danny and their baby girl, who Harry then
proudly parades around the room.

Essence:This final
scene of the film shows the complete transformation Harry has made to
being a very married family man and proud of it.

My selection for
the most profound essence is scene #5 because it clearly shows how
dramatically Harry has altered and expanded his life and how joyful
he is.

INT. CHIC EATERY –
NYC – A HOT AUGUST NIGHT The same restaurant from the first scene of
the film – One Year Later. Harry ENTERS FRAME, just like he did
before. ” HARRY Langer, party of four.. .and a half. The
Maitre’D snaps to attention and leads Harry, Erica, Marin, holding
her Baby Girl, and her husband Danny through the crowded restaurant.
The Baby fusses and reaches out to Harry who takes her in his arms
and proudly parades her through this swanky crowd to a round table in
the center of the room. Harry beams at the prize in his arms as he
sits with his family for a Sunday dinner.

FADE OUT:

The essence of the
above scene is that a person can truly change in a fundamental way.
And,
I believe it is the most profound because it so beautifully shows
Harry’s metamorphosis from an arrogant self-absorbed single to a
loving family man.

[Ruthie Harris]

Ruthie Finds the Essence

What I learned: Deep dive and think about the subtext.

Script I choose: Bridesmaids

Scene 1 Location: Int. Diner – Day Pg. 4
Logline: Lillian is admonishing her best friend Annie for continuing to be at fuckbuddy Ted’s beck and call.
Essence: Lillian is attempting to get Annie to stand up for herself and to do better than continually acquiesce to someone who does not respect her – merely using her. We know deep down Annie agrees but she’s trying to play it cool, which only highlights her insecurities.

Scene 2 Location: Ext. Street – Day Pg. 7
Logline: The two friends walk by Annie’s old bakery, now closed down and empty.
Essence: That Annie feels a failure. Now we know the route of her insecurities and why she puts up with a creep like Ted. It’s as if she believes she’s not good enough because her business failed.

Scene 3 Location: Int. Jewelry Store – Day Pg. 8
Logline: Annie is deliberately off-putting to a couple looking to buy an engagement ring.
Essence: Compounding Annie’s sense of failure, we know she’s gone from business owner to a crappy sales job her mom got her. Since she’s also in a crappy relationship, or lack thereof, she has zero desire to sell the idea of love.

Scene 4 Location: Int. Engagement Party – Day Pg. 22
Logline: It’s Lillian’s engagement party and Annie meets the impeccable Helen for the first time.
Essence: Annie’s sense of worth is tested by meeting the flawlessly gorgeous Helen. She’s immediately jealous and sensitive about this new person and her relationship to her best friend. There’s immediate rivalry as the two try to outdo each while giving speeches.

Scene 5 Location: Int./Ext. Helen’s House – Day Pg. 81
Logline: Helen is hosting a lavish bridal shower having commandeered all of Annie’s ideas.
Essence: Annie knows immediately that Helen’s lavish party is based off her ideas with Helen taking the credit. But Annie is not wealthy enough to have executed them. She bites her tongue until Helen pulls out her ace card – an all-expenses trip to Paris for a dress fitting with a fancy French wedding dress designer. This pushes Annie to her lowest, (and funniest), moment. She proceeds to try and push over the chocolate fountain and then bashes a massive heart cookie to pieces. Lillian then suggests Annie should no longer come to her wedding. Helen has won.

My selection for most profound essence: The Engagement Party

This is the incident towards the end of Act 1 that showcases the immediate rivalry between Annie and Helen for Lilian’s friendship. It sets-up how Annie will stop at nothing to outdo and compete with Helen as Bridesmaids. It also has the audience feeling sorry for Annie as it would appear Helen is far superior in status.

INT. CLUB – LATER – NIGHT

Lillian’s father, ED, finishes a speech.

ED

… and I really do look forward to

having Doug as part of the family.

So much that I think you two should

just get married now. Save me a

shitload of money.

(everyone LAUGHS)

People always laugh when I say that

but I’m not joking. Anyway, thanks

to all of you for coming. Here’s

to Doug and Lillian.

(everyone toasts)

All right, enough of me. Maid of

honor, you’re up. Annie.

Everyone claps, some whistles, as Annie nervously takes the

mic from Ed, who sits down.

ANNIE

Um, hi everyone. I’m Annie Walker.

LILLIAN

Yay, Annie!

ANNIE

(laughs)

I actually don’t want to go on with

a long speech, so I’ll just say

this. I’m so happy to be a part of

this celebration. You two deserve

each other as well as a lifetime of

happiness. So, cheers!

She raises her glass, people clap. Helen stands clapping and

takes the mic from her. Annie looks a bit surprised. Helen

gives her a smile motioning Annie to sit.

22.

HELEN

Thanks Annie, that was so sweet.

Lill, remember when the four of us

spent that weekend in Miami, and

the boys ended up working the whole

time? You and I sat by the pool the

whole time, drinking wine and

eating that peanut brittle.

(laughs)

We got such a tummy ache! I will

never forget all that we shared on

that trip. I told you things I’ve

never told anyone before. You made

me realize I can trust people

again. So let me just say, Lillian,

you are my best friend.

Annie’s mouth drops. People, including Lillian, are moved,

sniffling. Helen wipes away a tear.

HELEN (CONT’D)

(composing herself)

And I’m so proud of you. Now,

‘Dougly’, sorry inside joke, you’d

better not keep my Lill on a leash.

I still need my drunken Saturday

nights at Rockin’ Sushi!

Helen winks. People applaud and LAUGH. She gets emotional

again.

HELEN (CONT’D)

Everybody, raise your glasses to

the couple of the decade: DOUG AND

LILLIAN! Have a great night,

dessert wine is out.

Everyone “Ahh’s” and claps a little bit LOUDER. Without

thinking, Annie stands up and takes the mic from Helen.

ANNIE

I just wanted to say really quick

that you’re SO special to me. One

of the reasons is because I’ve

known you my entire life and you’ve

really helped shape who I am. I

just want to thank you for

carefully selecting me as your Maid

of Honor. I know you had some other

choices. You’re like my sister and

I love you. Well, that concludes

the speeches for the night.

23.

Annie sits down, keeping the mic. Helen reappears with her

own WIRELESS MIC.

HELEN

Thank you, one last thing. It’s

rare to meet an adult you really

connect with. That’s you Lill. I

went to Thailand recently with my

husband Perry and there was a

beautiful saying that I learned

there. So, let me say …

(speaks in Thai)

It means, “You are a part of me, a

part that I could never live

without. And I hope and I pray

that I never have to.”

(bowing)

Kap-hoon-kow.

The crowd quiets. Annie looks around the room and sees

everyone is in awe.

HELEN (CONT’D)

That’s it for tonight. Thank you

all for coming, dessert wine is

out. Consuelo?

People are crying and hugging. Annie pops back up.

ANNIE

Speaking of Consuelo, Lillian and I

took Spanish together in school.

And so I want to say to you and to

everyone here…gracias para vivar

en la casa. En la escuelas and el

azul marcada. Tienes con vivir en

las…forstuatsa, and gracias.

Helen instantly appears again with her mic.

HELEN

I feel so close to you and can

trust you. You’re my angel and

soulmate. I feel I can communicate

with you with simply a look.

Helen “looks” at Lillian.

HELEN (CONT’D)

Thank you for coming.

Helen has concluded the speeches, but Annie’s back.

24.

ANNIE

Lillian…

She stares at Lillian for a long, awkward beat.

ANNIE (CONT’D)

(suddenly singing)

“Keep smilin’. Keep shinin’.

Knowin’ you can always count on me,

for sure, that’s what friends are

for.

Helen steps forward with her now louder mic and in a very

loud R & B voice sings with Annie.

HELEN AND ANNIE

“In good times, in bad times, I’ll

be on your side for ever mooooore.

That’s what friends are fooor!!!”