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Day 3 Assignments
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DAY 3 More Character in my Dialogue, Please
Lisa’s World View Scene
What I learned is diving into the world views and the life mottos of my characters assists with creating their dialogue.
Character Name: MARY WINTERS
World View: Family first, My life second
Life Metaphor: A life without dreams, is like a bird without wings
Rules and Strategies:· Work hard to get out of Seneca Falls
· Don’t commit because you’ll be leaving someday soon
· Get the family members set up so they can all take care of themselves
· Try to be like Santa Claus: see all things happen, be good and loving, and create miracles for others
Justifications:
o My daughters will experience more in a larger city
o I don’t want to end up like my mother, father, or sisters
o I am meant to have a greater life
o My dreams are not in Seneca Falls
o Everyone here knows me too well
o I deserve more
OPENING OF “MARY’S WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS”
FADE IN
MARY WINTERS (VOICEOVER)
Here lies Seneca Falls, New York, the inspiration for the classic Christmas movie It’s a Wonderful Life…a sickening sweet taste of times gone by that is watched by almost everyone in the world during that magical time of the year…
EXT-SHOTS OF SENECA FALLS, NY IN THE POURING RAIN
SHOTS OF MAIN STREET LIT UP AT NIGHT. THE “YOU ARE NOW ENTERING BEDFORD FALLS” SIGN.
MARY (V.O. CONTINUES)
There’s even a fake sign on the way into town which reads “You are entering Bedford Falls.” For all intents & purposes, Seneca Falls IS Bedford Falls. Just look at it…
Many of the businesses in town cater to the It’s a Wonderful Life theme.
EXT-SHOTS OF SENECA FALLS, NY (CONTINUES)
THE CLARENCE HOTEL, THE BIJOU THEATER, ZUZU’S CAFÉ, MARTINI’S BAR, THE GEORGE BAILEY BRIDGE.
EXT-SHOTS OF SENECA FALLS, NY (CONTINUES)
THE NATIONAL WOMEN’S RIGHTS MUSEUM
MARY (V.O. CONTINUES)
…Not to mention the National Women’s Rights Museum, the other reason Seneca Falls is even on a map.
EXT-SHOTS OF SENECA FALLS, NY (CONTINUES)
THE CHURCH AT THE END OF THE STREET
MARY (V.O. CONTINUES)
Well, the church marks the end of Main Street, except if you look across the way you will find…wait for it…YES! the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum. Our real raison d’etre…
SHOT OF THE FRONT OF THE IAWL MUSEUM
CUT TO SHOT OF THE GEORGE BAILEY BRIDGE
Oh no. There it is the George Bailey bridge sitting in the middle of town and haunting us every day with a story of community and redemption that we must try to live up to…
LONG SHOT OF THE FIRE TRUCK DRIVING IN THE POURING RAIN
MARY (V.O. CONTINUES)
There I am.
CLOSE UP AND STOP FRAME ON MARY’S FACE (ala IAWL shot of George Bailey in the luggage store scene)
MARY (V.O. CONTINUES)
Mary Winters, Mary Mills-Winters. Born and raised in this one-horse, close-knit town in upstate New York. I am a mom, a sister, a daughter, a winery-worker, a community activist, a volunteer firefighter…and an ex.
But the one thing I always wanted to be I am not. A world traveler. Before I could read, I would live under the covers with my mom’s copy of National Geographic magazine. Staring at incredible photos of faraway lands and pledging that I would see for myself whatever escape was featured each week.
After I graduated from high school, I was ready to start my journeys. Then I found out I was pregnant. I wasn’t sure what to do, but Peter and I decided we wanted the baby, so I deferred my traveling dreams. I had Ruthie whom now I wouldn’t trade for the world, literally. Or Janie who came two years later.
I still dream of far-off places. My daughters often ask where I go when I stare into space. I’m in New Zealand or in India or on safari in Africa. When I’m dreaming of the world, I often think of the quote from Helen Keller, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” Sometimes my life feels like nothing at all.
But then I snap out of it and focus on Aristotle who said that “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” So, with my feet firmly planted here in Seneca Falls, I’m focusing on the light of Christmas. And along with the other Christmas man Santa Claus, I try to see everyone and make miracles happen for them.
CUT BACK TO LONG SHOT OF THE FIRE TRUCK DRIVING IN THE POURING RAIN
MARY (V.O. CONTINUES)
Here I am driving the fire truck about 3 years ago. I remember this night as if it were yesterday because this night changed my life forever…
EXT-MAIN STREET SENECA FALLS, NY-NIGHT
The firetruck, which appears to be on its last leg, is driving fast along Main Street. Mary’s firefighting partner is BERT WINTERS, her former brother-in-law.
Mary and Bert look at each other, they think they’ve spotted something on the George Bailey bridge. It’s hard to see through the buckets of falling rain. Mary pulls up to the edge of the bridge and stops the truck. The headlights light up the bridge. It is a tall MAN in his 40’s who is up on the railing and appears to be dressed in an old-fashioned white nightgown ala Clarence, the angel in the It’s a Wonderful Life movie. The intoxicated man wobbles on the edge.
EXT. GEORGE BAILEY BRIDGE – NIGHT
BERT
Is that who I think it is?
MARY
Oh, for god’s sake! Give me a rope and I’ll go talk to him.
BERT
You sure you don’t want me to do it?!
MARY
You know I have to do this Bert!
BERT
But it’s awful high up and your fear of…
MARY
(cutting him off) …Yeah, I know. But I volunteer to try to get over my fears. Now’s as good an opportunity as any.
Mary looks at Bert and makes a scary face. Bert hands Mary a rope. Mary ties the rope around her waist. Mary and Bert jump out of the truck into the pouring rain. Bert turns to tie Mary to the bumper of the fire truck but sees there is no longer one there. It was ripped off at the last fire and they hadn’t had time to replace it. So, Bert ties Mary to the bridge railing. Mary approaches the man standing on the railing.
MARY (yelling over the rain)
Hey there! What ’cha doing?
MAN
(slurring) I can’t go on like this!
MARY
If you jump, you’re going to hurt yourself. There are rocks down there! What about your children? Do you want to leave them without a father?
MAN
You take care of them…(looking toward the fire truck) or Bert!
MARY who is tied to the railing, then ties herself to the MAN.
MAN
Get off of me!
MARY
Your children need they’re dad. Come on down and let’s talk about it.
MAN
No more talking!
The man jumps off the bridge and Mary goes too because they are tied together.
MARY
AAAAAH!
Unfortunately, or fortunately, the rope isn’t long enough to hit the water, so they are hanging upside down in the rain above the running water and the ragged rocks below.
MARY
Now what are you going to do! (half joking) I thought angels could fly!
MAN
(yelling) I haven’t got my wings yet! Let me go!
The man tries to untie the knot in the rope. Another FIRETRUCK arrives on the bank of the river and shines a light on the situation.
MARY
There is no way I’m letting you drop without me and I’m not going into that cold water! Bert! Bert!
Bert looks over the railing but can’t do anything. He’s not strong enough to pull them both up by the rope.
BERT
Hold on Mary!
Bert tries to pull up the rope.
MARY
(Screams)
Bert!!
The man gets the rope untied. Mary and the man fall into the running river with rocks around them. Mary is holding onto the man with dear life and trying to swim to the shore.
MARY
I’m going to hurt you when we get out of this!
MAN
Let me go!
MARY
Sam!! Pull us out!
SAM WELLS, a 30-something Black man and butcher by trade and COREY SANTOS, a 19-year-old Mexican American volunteer student wade into the water to throw them a line. Mary and the man go under. Then Mary pops up and her superhuman adrenaline kicks in. With all the “hysterical strength” of a mother she lifts the man up.
SAM
Grab the line, Mary!
MARY
He’s fighting me!
MAN
Let me go!!
SAM
Sock him!
Mary twists herself and punches the man in his face as hard as she can. He stops fighting her long enough for her to grab the line. Sam and Corey wade in far enough to grab Mary and the man. Mary and the man lie in the pouring rain on the bank of the river.
MARY
What the hell are you thinking!!
Mary starts hitting the man. The man starts to cry.
MARY
(still hitting him) What about Janie? What about Ruthie? Do you know who would have to tell them what happened to you? ME! Stop crying, will ya! We made it! (quieter) We made it.
Mary pulls the man toward her. Mary holds the man tight as he sobs.
MARY
(feeling badly) Stop crying, Peter. I won’t hit you anymore. You’re okay, I’ve got you.
An ambulance arrives and the paramedics jump out and go to Mary and PETER.
FADE OUT
VOICEOVER – OPENING CREDITS
FADE UP ON INT-MARY’S KITCHEN-DAY
During V.O. and opening credits, we see Mary working like a crazy person, putting a cake into the oven, icing Christmas cupcakes, doing dishes, preparing lunchboxes, putting out the dog’s food. There are Christmas goodies and decorations all over the kitchen and in the adjacent breakfast nook. Mary takes a phone call while she is doing all of this. A photo of her mother on the wall watches over her preparations.
MARY (V.O. CONTINUED)
That event was three years ago, and it lit a fire under me. Peter and I divorced soon after and it’s been a whirlwind ever since. And this year for the first time I’m in charge of the It’s a Wonderful Life annual festival.
You may ask, do we ever get tired of living in a town with a theme? Yes, we do!! Especially me. You see, my mother organized the annual It’s a Wonderful Life festival every year for the last 10 years and as the oldest daughter, I was forced to help her.
Now upon her death, the town has voted me as her successor. I tried to get out of it, but no one else wanted the job. Well, except for Violet. I COULDN’T let vile Violet have it. So, I have no choice but to suck it up and put on the best It’s a Wonderful Life festival ever!
Mary stops. Breaks the fourth wall. Stares at the camera with tousled hair and a messy face and rolls her eyes.
FADE OUT
NOTE: The red text wasn’t my doing. It just happened upon uploading the text.
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Cameron Martin’s World View Scene
What I learned doing this assignment is…Filling this out took a good minute, but it gives you a world of options to make your dialogue stand out. I went back and rewrote some of the dialogue between Markus and Apollo, and I was pleasantly surprised by how easily I could elevate the dialogue to something that had teeth. The relationship between the two was interesting already, but giving Markus this smug, argumentative nature really helped to contrast him with the street smart Apollo.
Character Name: Sully
World View: “Life is a battle, and I’m just a grunt.”
Life Metaphor: I’m a warrior.
Rules and Strategies:
-Don’t blindly follow rules
-Don’t let anyone or anything stand between you and your loved ones.
-The only person you can trust is yourself
Justifications:
-“Rules” are just another word for “obstacles.” If you follow them, then you’re not really trying.
-There’s no greater honor than fighting for your family
– Everyone’s trying their best, but some people’s best just sucks and gets in the way.
Character Name: Isaiah
World View: “Alien life is begging to be heard and understood.”
Life Metaphor: I’m an expert.
Rules and Strategies:
– If you don’t know the answer, ask.
– Adapt to and follow what’s natural to the aliens.
– Never stop learning.
Justifications:
– Willful ignorance is what makes neurotypicals less intelligent.
– Respect nature and nature will respect you.
– There’re perks to being the smartest in the room.
Character Name: Jude
World View: “Without a steady hand guiding it, a horse will never achieve its greatest potential.”
Life Metaphor: I’m the hired ranch hand.
Rules and Strategies:
– Always use a pleasant voice
– But don’t be afraid to use a big stick.
– Hegemony comes before the citizen
Justifications:
– Gentleness is akin to total control
– Animals aren’t computers
– The Hegemony’s the only source of power furthering mankind’s reach.
Character Name: Markus
World View: “Do no harm, and let no harm come unto others.”
Life Metaphor: I’m a man of GOD.
Rules and Strategies:
– Stay out of conflict
– Do what you’re told.
– Take care of those who can’t take care of themselves.
Justifications:
– Matthew 5:38-40
– Romans 13
– Galatians 6
Character Name: Apollo
World View: “Better to die fighting for yourself than be killed for fighting on behalf of someone else.”
Life Metaphor: I’m a revolutionary
Rules and Strategies:
– Always hit first.
– Waste no time in preparing.
– Don’t put all your eggs in the church basket.
Justifications:
– If you’re not the one hitting, you’re the one getting hit.
– The enemy, wherever he may be, is always trying to get the upper hand.
– “Seminary’s for bitches.” No amount of knowledge you develop about GOD or the Bible will save you from a good kick in the teeth from people GOD seems to have ordained to wrong you.
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INT. PASSENGER VESSEL – LOADING CORRIDOR
A back and forth line of bodies fills up the entirety of a hallway. Barely lit by fluorescent lighting, it’s a claustrophobic’s worst nightmare.
Above the ceiling and lights is a honeycomb metal grid, where armed guards survey the passengers, isolating different conversations.
APOLLO follows MARKUS who keeps up a constant prayer in line, while two lines on opposite sides of them walk the other way. Everyone, eventually, is walking toward the exit, illuminated at the end of the tight room.
APOLLO
You ever think about dyin’?
MARKUS
I’m a preacher.
APOLLO
Fair. So, why’d you dodge the draft?
MARKUS
“Thou shall not kill.”
Apollo
Ha! You’ll kill before the end of the day.
MARKUS
Yeah? It’ll be just that easy to abandon my oath?
Apollo
Fear’s a better motivator than your god. You’ll be killin’ aliens the minute you see they’re teeth. That or…
Markus lifts his head up from his praying hands.
MARKUS
“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Trust me. I’m no killer.
APOLLO
You’re a die-er then.
MARKUS
(chuckles)
I’ll pray for you.
APOLLO
I’ll take it and your services, mate.
MARKUS
And what does the meek and humble Apollo want from me?
Behind them, a panel of the ceiling opens, allowing for the guards to pull up one of the PASSENGERS.
PASSENGER
Wait! I didn’t mean it! I didn’t—
The ceiling panel is replaced, and the line keeps moving forward like nothing happened.
Apollo sighs heavily, trying to gather his thoughts.
APOLLO
(still looking behind at the source of the passenger’s pleas)
Yeah, I’m gonna need you to use that education you got and read between some fuckin’ lines.
MARKUS
Send whatever you want to say to GOD. He’s watching us closer anyway.
APOLLO
That was your fuckin’ god they just took.
MARKUS
Stop it! There’s no way we’re getting out of this by being violent.
APOLLO
Markus, what do you think this line is for? Do you think for one second THEY are going to take care of you and your fuckin’ oath? Hell no! I’ve been on the receivin’ end of plenty of bastards, and let me educate you on somethin’ your unblemished arse couldn’t learn from seminary. If you ain’t the one hittin’, you’re the one gettin’ hit.
Markus slams his forehead into his prayer hands.
APOLLO
I’m no preacher man, but I know your god asked Gideon to spread the fuckin’ word. Judges 6, right? I know you’ll answer his fuckin’ call.
MARKUS
Wait, what?
APOLLO
This is why you got out of the draft, mate. GOD called you here. Now, are you goin’ to be fuckin’ pussyfooted like your precious Saint Peter, or are you a real man o’ GOD like David skullfuckin’ Goliath. Answer his fuckin’ call!
Apollo ducks under the iron bar separating the lines, trading places with one of the passengers.
Markus thinks about his place in all of this, haunted by Apollo’s knowledge of the text and interpretation of it.
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DEV ROSS – DAY THREE – WORLD VIEW
INT. CLAY’S BASEMENT – KKK MEETING – CONTINUOUS
Character Name: Clay Caine
World View: The world is inherently wicked
Life Metaphor: The Mahatma Gandhi for whites
Rules and Strategies: Show people the way by example. Use force only when it’s for the highest good.
What I learned is that having a strong WV most definitively changes how the character expresses in dialogue.
Justifications: Must save the white race. God wants whites to rule.
Hanging from the basement’s laminated wall is a framed blue-eyed Jesus. Surrounding Jesus are KKK and family photos. In a corner, a dress form bears a yellowing KKK robe.
CLAY (O.S.)
Dear Lord, as we gather in your name, grant us the strength to bring your will back into the world.
CLAY CAINE, (60) the pontific Grand Dragon of this local Arkansas chapter, presides. His eyes are closed, his bible opened. If he were a cross, he’d be burning. He lowers his head, closes his well-worn bible.
CLAY
Amen.
Present, are three KKK members: JESS (late 30’s) with bulging belly that portends death by heart attack, skinny ARNOLD (50’s) who sports a Fu Manchu beard pulled together by three separate rubber bands in three different places, and DUNN (20’s) a fidgety dude who suffers premature balding and ejaculation. Their heads are lowered.
JESS/ARNOLD/DUNN
Amen.
Clay sets his bible down. The men sink into the well-worn couch.
CLAY
Boys, I’ll head straight to the first order of business: Membership. Or our recent lack there of…
The members nod, mutter agreement.
CLAY
Adam Spencer and his Sons of Patriots are current right now, ‘hot’ as my wife’s generation would say, but that’s no reason for us to lose faith. The pendulum will swing back. It always does.
JESS
With all due respect, Grand Dragon, with it just being us three, I don’t think we can wait for the pendulum.
ARNOLD
Jess is right. Our membership needs rebuilding now. It’s become an issue of respect.
DUNN
That’s right. Ella Stevens, that cute waitress at Berk’s, always gave me free coffee and pie but no more.
The men shake their heads, agree that it’s awful.
CLAY
Brothers, we all miss what we once commanded, but there’s no doubt in my mind that we are being tested.
DUNN
Maybe we could have a big picnic or something.
JESS
Yeah, we could have a raffle — for a car.
Arnold’s the skeptic.
ARNOLD
Right. Who’s gonna give us a new car?
DUNN
It doesn’t have to be a new one.
CLAY
Let me remind you that our ranks were once filled with doctors, lawyers, and decent politicians who were gentleman first. All Christian men with integrity.
DUNN
Are you saying they don’t like picnics?
ARNOLD
Look, Clay….
Clay
Grand Dragon.
ARNOLD
Grand Dragon… We get what you’re saying, but we need a path forward. What are we going to do?
Clay regards them all with great solemnity.
CLAY (CONT’D)
I don’t know. Not yet. But the question is: Do you believe in me?
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Matthew Frendo’s World View scene
WHAT I LEARNED: I learned how to find a character’s worldview and then express it in dialogue. This will help differentiate characters from each other and make them stronger for the audience.
Character Name: Kristen
World View: God is in control of everything
Life Metaphor: One of God’s chosen people
Rules and Strategies: -She must be perfect to do good by God. -Can’t violate Biblical rules in the strictest sense. –Must remain positive and happy to show devotion.
Justifications: -Anything good that happens comes from God. -Anything bad that happens is because God is getting her ready for something better. She shouldn’t fight for herself because it shows lack of faith.Character Name: Jocelyn
World View: the world fucks you over and then you die
Life Metaphor: victim. rebel against everything in life.
Rules and Strategies: drugs and alcohol to take away pain. Stay away from world as much as possible. Be mean to everyone around so they can’t fuck her over again.
Justifications: this is the world, I didn’t make it. If I don’t be mean, they’ll hurt me again. This world hurt me worse than I could ever hurt it.EXT. ABANDONED CIRCUS – NIGHT
Kristen nervously sits while Jocelyn sharpens a stick into a point with an old box cutter.
KRISTEN
I can’t wait to get out of here.
Jocelyn looks at her like she’s stupid.
KRISTEN
What? I told you. God’s going to save me.
Jocelyn shakes her head.
JOCELYN
You haven’t been out in the world much, have you?
Kristen just looks down.
KRISTEN
Seen enough.
JOCELYN
Notice how no one’s happy? That’s God for you.
KRISTEN
Nope, that’s because they turned away from God and are bad people. Or because they’re good and God is testing them for something better. That happens to me alot. God always gives me hard situations to test me so I can rise to another level.
JOCELYN
And this–?
KRISTEN
This is a big test. He must be getting me ready for something important.
Jocelyn just shakes her head knowingly.
KRISTEN
Don’t worry, I’ll put in a good word for you. I mean, even if you’ve done bad things, and I’m sure you’ve done–
JOCELYN
Oh enough already!
Kristen flinches at the tone.
JOCELYN
Listen, no God is coming to save you. That’s not the way the world works. If anything, if there’s a God, he’s going to fuck you over when you can least deal with it just to make himself laugh.
KRISTEN
I don’t believe that–
JOCELYN
You’re beliefs don’t matter. What matters is reality. And in reality, nothing is good. No God, no people, definitely no shitty tests you might die in. It’s all crap. Everything is crap and anyone who says different is deluding themselves. So, get it together in here, or you’re going to die praying to someone who stopped giving a shit long ago, if he ever did.
Kristen just looks down, tears running down her face.
Jocelyn starts sharpening the stick again, when she notices some scars peeking out from under Kristen’s wristband.
And she knows what they mean.
She moves closer to Kristen, who flinches back.
KRISTEN
No more. I don’t want to hear–
JOCELYN
Shh!
Jocelyn puts the stick in Kristen’s hands.
JOCELYN
This is a stake. It’s not much, but it’s what we have to work with. Now, I’m gonna show you how to use it. In case, you know, the whole God thing doesn’t work like you hope.
She starts to show her.
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KATE’S WORLD VIEW SCENE
What I learned doing this assignment is having those clear signposts helped me really see and hear Min who until then had been a pretty vague character simply moving the story a long.
Character Name: MIN
WORLD VIEW Anything is possible with focus
LIFE METAPHORS:
The Mother Makes the Child
Nothing is Free
Blood is Thicker than Water
RULES AND STRATEGIES:
Work then playDon’t look back
Better to ask forgiveness than permission
Come in fast and strong
A little sweetness goes along way
Don’t fuck with a Chinese Mother
JUSTIFICATIONS:
I worked incredibly hard for what I haveHe’s my only child
A powerful woman has something to teach men
Children owe their parents
BACKGROUND
Min, Shaunn’s businesswoman mother (who is Chinese) who has turned up unexpectedly to help, is talking with Luciana, the Latina Mayor. They only met the day before but find they have a lot in common as they share a glass of wine away from the ‘kids’ at Luciana’s house.
INT. LUCIANA’S LIVING ROOM – AFTER DINNER
LUCIANA
You are a mujer increíble!
MIN
Gracias- tu tambien.
LUCIANA
Oh! Tu hablas español?
MIN
Oh no, muy poco español.
LUCIANA
And I have no Chinese! We use English. How have you made your way in this world? A single mother, successful businesswoman! And so pretty too.
MIN
Ah Luciana. I am sure you know how. You do the same. Anything is possible if we focus!
LUCIANA
Tell me. I want to hear.
Luciana fills their glasses and sits cross-legged on the floor, looking up at Min who is enveloped in a large armchair.
MIN
It begins with work. Work hard, from the beginning. Nothing comes to you for free. And yes, your parents help when they can. It might not be money but they give their love and advice. We never forget our family.
LUCIANA
And Shaunn? You are his family?
MIN
His father was not a – strong – man. He left. I was too much for him. He didn’t know what to do with a powerful Chinese woman.
LUCIANA
(laughing in agreement) )
They don’t know what to do with a powerful Latina woman either.
MIN
It is the Mother who makes the child. I don’t look back. I move on with life. Better to come in fast and strong, ask for forgiveness afterwards, yes?
LUCIANA
Like you did with arriving yesterday? Sure surprised Shaunn.
MIN
He’ll get over it. He is my son. I am his mother.
LUCIANA
He loves this theatre world, Min.
Min looks at her thoughtfully.
MIN
Yes, he does. I have to take that into account. But a little sweetness, then remind him of his duty. He must work before he plays. He has it backwards. He’ll come around. Blood is thicker than water.
LUCIANA
Sometimes.
MIN
Hey, he knows it! Don’t fuck with a Chinese mother!
Luciana grins and raises her glass.
LUCIANA
And don’t fuck with a bruja mexicana!
MIN
Bruja?
LUCIANA
Witch!
Min raises her glass too.
MIN
To the women with something to teach those men!
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June Fortunato’s World View scene day 3 of dialogue
What I learned: very helpful to list the character traits and world view before writing the scene.
Roy Dent
World View: Like the song: They’ll take your soul if you let them. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Life Metaphor: I’m a hitchhiker going from ride to ride. It’s about the rides, because at the end,
there is death. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Rules and strategies: Know when it’s time to go. Don’t hang on. Keep moving. Make a plan and go for broke. Use humor as a weapon.
Justifications: Had some great times, some beautiful women, excellent adventures and escapes, wild rides. Who else is poor, and yet has had such an amazing life? You can’t beat my thrills.
Traits: Wiseass on top below: deeply sad. Outrageous. Rescuer. Resourceful. Perseveres.
——————–
Nurse Suzy Welsh
World View: Keep moving and taking care of others or you might have to look in the mirror. Everyone needs help. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Life Metaphor: I’m here to help others.
Rules and Strategies: if there’s a need, you can’t say no. Always say no at first and then give in. Plan everything and leave no moment empty. <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Justifications I’m the one who can figure things out. Others are weak, and I am strong enough for everyone. It’s amazing how much I can do in a day. Avoid self- Do things for self only to appease others and make others happy. Seeing the relief on another’s face makes my heart sing.
Traits: Overachiever Quick to laugh Caretaker Lonely and afraid to attach
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EXT. RITTENHOUSE SQUARE – LA CROIX RESTAURANT – NIGHT
A delicate neon sign, “La Croix” hangs above the upscale restaurant/hotel. Suzy and Denny, on the balcony, savor drinks and look down at the park across the street. Denny puts his arm around her waist, talks a streak and Suzy laughs. A charter bus, marked “Senior Flyers” pulls into the drive below and opens it’s doors. Tired gamblers pile out, and among them, Roy. Suzy turns her back quickly.
SUZY Let’s go inside.
DENNY Are you cold?
SUZY No. I’m. Roy’s below.
DENNY Where?
SUZY He just got off that bus.
Denny looks down.
SUZY Don’t look. He’ll see you.
DENNY So what?
SUZY God. I’m so self indulgent!
DENNY Like Mahatma Gandhi. Getting you here is like climbing a waterfall.
Suzy’s preoccupied. Then she takes off.
DENNY Where’re you going?
SUZY I’ve got to talk to him. But I promise- it’ll solve a couple of problems.
She dashes out. Denny signals a wait person; hands her a credit card. The wait staff zips the card right there and returns it. Denny runs after Suzy who’s already below.
SUZY Roy! Roy!
Roy turns.
What happened? Are you in pain?
ROY Suzy Q. How grand to see you in grandeur. Is this the famous “La Croix” I’ve heard about? So many times.
Denny catches up.
DENNY Hi Roy. I see you’re surrounded by the ladies! Well done, man.
ROY I’m just a hitchhiker in a harem.
SUZY Roy, I don’t know how to get ahold of you, and
ROY Lovely Suzy Q, I seem to recollect that you bounced and left me on the grill.
SUZY Well, for once, I need your help.
ROY Ah! She needs my helfen mit den Hunden. Woofie and Ludwig.
SUZY How do you know that???
ROY Take care of her Denny. She’s a fine girl.
He leaves.
SUZY Roy! Stop by the hospital. Please.
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Anna Harper’s More Character in Dialogue Day 3
Work up from The Bittersweet of Summer’s End The Village Fringe 2
What I learned from this assignment; It really made me think about my characters, keeping the dialogue strong, not allowing it to drift into the banal. It also helped me edit down pages.<div>
Character MAGGIE WITHALL
World View On a stalled life journey; a wanna-be artist.
Metaphors Martyr, Breaking out of the box, A rebel, sociopath. Bread and Roses
Rules and Strategies I am entitled to my best life. I will break any rules that get in my way.
Justifications I am unappreciated. This is not my life. I will not put up with anything less than what I deserve, most especially in my career and love life.
Character LORD STUART WITHALL
World view I am entitled.
Metaphors A failing knight confused that his matrix isn’t working.
Rules and Justifications
Tradition, no need for change even when things are not working. I am the head of the household and what I say is the way it will be no matter what.
SCENE
A conversation between Maggie and her husband Stu.
INT.STU AND MAGGIE’S BEDROOM/NIGHT
STU
What’s going on between us, Maggie? I want you close to me. You are my wife.
MAGGIE
That’s the problem; it’s always what you want.
STU
What on earth do you mean? Don’t you have a beautiful home here? You are respected in the community, the business at the Manor is going really well, and you know I love you.
MAGGIE
I don’t feel loved. I feel that I am here at your convenience, for sex when you want it, the way you want it, and for endless work. And you are taking me for granted. You don’t even pay me properly, and I am totally done with it. I am quitting the Manor work as of right now.
It’s all in hand for this weekend and I will give you the info to get another event manager. And they will require regular payments incidentally!
STU
Maggie, where is all this coming from? Why are you being such as bitch? Are your women friends influencing you? Putting ideas in your head?
MAGGIE
For God’s sake, Stu, I said I am tired and I don’t want to have this stupid conversation right now.
STU
We need to hammer this out, like it or not. I am not going to bed with this not fixed.
Well, perhaps we can’t fix it on demand!
STU
Maggie, I just don’t understand.
MAGGIE
Here it is, plain and simple. I am fed up with making your business work and not doing what I want to do, which is my photography. When I stepped in three years ago, that was only meant to be temporary, as you were having a financial emergency. Now things have been going well, while I work my arse off. I am not on the payroll, no pensions, and no savings. If I was still at my job I would have made an average of 45K per year after tax, plus some wedding photo gigs.
With you, I am lucky if I get paid anything most months, and you throw a couple of grand my way every now and again like you are doing me a favour. I am so angry with you right now! I think you should sleep in the spare room.
STU
What are you saying? Don’t I put money into the household account every month?
Yes, and that goes to pay for the food and utilities, and the supplies for the Manor fundraising dinners, the housekeeper, and the like, the upkeep of your manor.
Nothing in that account has anything to bloody well to do with the endless hours, weekdays and weekends, and evenings of unpaid work that I have done since coming here three years ago. Enough is enough!
STU
So, is this all about money, then? Is that what you are about?
MAGGIE
That bloody does it! I am entitled to have, and fund, a life that makes me happy, not just work for you to make your dream a reality.
All we ever do is talk about this fucking farm and the Manor. I don’t have a life here or much of marriage either! We don’t go out or do anything social. We haven’t had a holiday, ever. You don’t know who I am, or what I want, but I sure as hell know what you want and need 24/7.
MAGGIE picks up a wooden hairbrush from the dresser and pitches it hard at STU’S head, missing smashing and crashing the large mirror behind him.
END SCENE
This reply was modified 5 hours, 33 minutes ago by
anna harper. -
Day 3: (Advanced Dialogue) – World View Scene
What I learned: Keeping a character’s world view in mind is as important as their traits. It also colored how I wrote the ‘audience’ in my scene.
Character Name: Cyrus Kilner
World View: Nobles Oblige (I was born and raised to lead and to have others follow me)
Life Metaphor: Power is mine / I am in control
Rules and Strategies:
Dress for success – appearances matter
Perception is everything
Schmoozing
The worst kind of political animal
Anything goes, as long as I’m not caught (Ethics? What ethics?)
Justifications:
The End justifies the Means
If I don’t take charge, who will?
I am entitled / born & bred to be in power
I know more than anyone else
INT. POSH COUNTRY CLUB – NIGHT
Cyrus and his wife, KAREN are ‘holding court’ in the large tastefully appointed dining room.
The mood is self-congratulatory – a post-election celebration.
Karen is the perfect arm candy for Cyrus – stylish, adoring. The center of attention is the ecosphere where she shines.
A variety of wealthy members buzz around Cyrus and Karen, the local royalty of the hour.
CYRUS
It wasn’t just a win John, it was a landslide! Not that we didn’t expect it to go that way.
JOHN
That’s what I like about you Cy – modest and humble to a fault!
LAUGHTER from the collective.
CYRUS
Two of my very best qualities!
Cyrus is jovial to a fault tonight. Nothing could spoil his sense of entitlement.
CYRUS (CONT’D)
In fact, here’s a toast to you, John.
(expansively)
And to all of my supporters. It was you who got me here. This State Judgeship is as much your victory as mine!
CLAPS and HURRAYS! from his admiring audience.
JOHN
So now we’ve got you situated at the state level. I assume we can count on your conservative influence at the Circuit Court of Appeals next?
KAREN
Now John, don’t try to move us out of our beloved <st1:state w:st=”on”><st1:place w:st=”on”>Texas</st1:place></st1:state> too soon! We still have two children to raise and the next tier puts Cy in <st1:place w:st=”on”><st1:city w:st=”on”>New Orleans</st1:city></st1:place>!
She gives a convincing shudder of horror.
CYRUS
Oh I think the 5th Circuit could use a a major infusion of good ol’ <st1:state w:st=”on”><st1:place w:st=”on”>Texas</st1:place></st1:state> values!
Karen and Cyrus exchange looks – barely covering their naked ambition.
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PS81 – Dana’s World View Scene
What I learned Doing This Assignment.
I decided to step outside my current script and use a scene from a previous screenplay written before taking PS81.
This World View metaphor approach gave me a much better understanding of my lead antagonist, and as I rewrote the scene for this assignment, her character became stronger and focused.
I’m learning with each new assignment, including this one, the better defined my antagonists and protagonist, they write themselves.
Character Name: Catherine Lansing
World View: The world is for the taking
Life Metaphor: I’m a huntress
– Thief
– Killer
Rules and Strategies:
– Trust no one
– Life is a negotiation
– Never steal anything small
– Steal only from those who have too much
– Never let anyone know what you’re thinking
Justifications:
– There’s no such thing as enough
– If they’re dumb enough to trust me, then they deserve to be robbed
– Loyalty is one way blind – to myself
SCENE:
INT. OFFICE, KHOURY JEWELERS – DAY
In Khoury’s hand, the diamonds in one of the stolen necklaces sparkle under the light from a desk lamp.
KHOURY (O.S.)
Lovely. Just lovely.
Khoury examines the bracelet with a loop.
KHOURY (CONT’D)
No blemishes. No inclusions. Flawless.
Khoury sits at his desk. The room is shadows and soft lamps. The jewelry is laid out on a velvet roll.
KHOURY (CONT’D)
You never disappoint, my dear. These are some of the best stones you’ve ever brought me.
KATHERINE
But..?
KHOURY
There seems to be a piece missing.
Katherine sits across from Khoury in a leather club chair.
KATHERINE
I’m still debating.
Khoury reclines in his chair, locking his fingers together across his chest, fatherly.
KHOURY
Trophies are dangerous. And from what you’ve told me, it’s not the sort of piece you wear in public.
KATHERINE
I’ll wear it when I vacuum.
KHOURY
I can’t imagine you as a domestic.
A moments hesitation, and Katherine reaches into her bag and hands a jewelry box to Khoury.
Khoury sets the box in front of him, looks once at Katherine, heightening his expectations, then flips it open. His breath is stolen.
ON THE RUBY NECKLACE
winking at him in the light.
KHOURY (CONT’D)
Magnificent.
The piece is mesmerizing. Khoury uses his loop again. He caresses the stones with a gentle touch.
Then it’s back to business. He closes the box, thinking. He waves a hand over the other jewelry.
KHOURY (CONT’D)
These can be recast and the gold melted. But this –
(tapping the box)
This is art. It would be a sin to destroy something so exquisite. But resale is limited. Europe, Russia. Asia. Anywhere else — a problem for me, a problem for you.
KATHERINE
How much?
KHOURY
Thirty percent for the small pieces. Twenty-five for the necklace.
KATHERINE
Forty for everything.
Khoury shakes his head, snickering.
KATHERINE (CONT’D)
I can go to New York or Miami.
KHOURY
Miami died. Cancer. And New York has gone to ground.
KATHERINE
Why?
KHOURY
Rumors.
KATHERINE
Should I be worried?
KHOURY
Fate works against us all.
(rethinking)
Thirty for everything.
KATHERINE
Forty. Or I’ll take the necklace to New Jersey. I understand they have a new partner in Tel Aviv.
KHOURY
(he’s beaten)
You certainly know how to put in the knife.
(opening a laptop)
The usual account?
The screen blinks on. Khoury navigates the mouse. Types. Navigates. Types again.
Katherine locks onto Khoury with a predator’s gaze with a ‘Don’t Fuck Me’ smile.
Oblivious to her death stare, Khoury continues. He uses the keypad, hits enter and waits.
Katherine’s cell phone DINGS. The message satisfies her.
Khoury closes the laptop. Time to relax.
KHOURY (CONT’D)
When can I expect you next?
Katherine says nothing. An undecided expression.
KHOURY (CONT’D)
Are you concerned about New York?
KATHERINE
What are the rumors?
KHOURY
She’s on the run. She sold the wrong piece to the wrong buyer.
KATHERINE
She’s smarter than that.
KHOURY
We’re all only one mistake away from someone’s vengeance.
KATHERINE
That doesn’t give me comfort.
KHOURY
Do you suspect a ruse?
KATHERINE
We’d be foolish not to.
KHOURY
Are you exposed?
KATHERINE
She doesn’t know me as well as you.
KHOURY
Assuming I know you at all.
(beat)
What will you do?
KATHERINE
Prague is lovely this time of year.
KHOURY
Retire?
KATHERINE
My motives are financial, not political. I don’t share your passions or your beliefs.
KHOURY
May I impart some wisdom?
KATHERINE
Please.
KHOURY
There is no quitting for someone like you. It isn’t in your blood. This candy is your reward, but not your narcotic. You lust for the hunt. And without it, you’d die.
ON KATHERINE
She flattered by his advice.
KHOURY (O.S.) (CONT’D)
You’re a predator, my dear. A huntress. It’s not what you do. It’s who you are.
Katherine smiles a small, knowing smile.
CUT TO:
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Day 3 – More Character In My Dialogue, Please – Assignment
Mike O – World View Scene
What I learned doing this assignment is…. The drivers for realistic characters comes from symbols, from using subtext and crafting a world view that reaffirms their character traits and defines the rationale behind their actions and motivations.
[I] Write a scene where a character displays their World View. For each character, list the following like I did above:
Character Name: Brooklyn (protagonist)
World View: Art is love, it defines creation and is mankind’s one saving grace. Life Metaphor: I am an artist
Rules and Strategies: (1) Live your art, (2) paint from your soul, (3) don’t paint for a buck ever!
Justifications: (1) Painting runs in the family ————————————————————-Character Name: Richard (antagonist)
World View: I’m the smartest, best-looking person in any room Life Metaphor: I deserve to be rich
Rules and Strategies: (1) I am smarter and better looking therefore people want to be my friend, (2) There is always an angle in life, finding and using it is the key, (3) Everyone has a weakness, find it and use it. Justifications: (1) Using people is just smart business (2) I deserve the best in life because I am the best————————————————————-
Character Name: Tarek Bennett (love interest)
World View: Family comes first before love or success Life Metaphor: I am a father
Rules and Strategies: (1) My boys come first, (2) family is the most important thing in life Justifications: Being a parent means doing what is necessary, (2) It is just me, so stay safe=================================================================
[II] Write a scene where that character OVERTLY displays their World View and each of its components.
INT. BROOKLYN’S ART STUDIO – DAY
SAME GIFT, pull back to reveal Tarek standing behind Brooklyn surveying the studio.
In the corner, a large industrial sink. Wooden placard above it reads: ‘Paint from your soul’. To the left of it, metal shelving with tubes of paints, trays of paint brushes, cans of turpentine, everything labeled, everything organized.
Against the adjacent wall, dozens of blank canvases arranged by size. Written in Old English script on the wall above them, a proclamation: ‘Art is love.’
On the cabinet to his right, a microwave, blender and toaster. Beside it, a refrigerator covered in decals.
In front of Brooklyn, six canvases on identical easels. The paintings in various stages of completion. Bolted into the wall in front of her, the name Hephaestus.
Brooklyn, in fuzzy slippers, baggy sweat pants and paint-splattered tee shirt, hair down and wild. Soft piano music plays in b.g. Overhead, light spills in through bank of clear-story windows giving the loft its cathedral-like solemnity.
The central canvas Brooklyn’s working on is covered in pencil lines, paint and partially completed scenes of ancient Roman life.
Fascinated. Intrigued. Tarek takes a step — about to say something — doesn’t. Instead, he walks slowly toward Brooklyn, gift in hand.
BROOKLYN (senses a presence) “Carolyn, you’ve got to stop sneaking up on me. (looks over her shoulder) OhmyGod, what are you doing here? (eyes wide) You came… You really came!”
Tarek holds out the gift-wrapped package.
TAREK “I brought you your Christmas present. Didn’t want it getting damaged in the mail.”
Brooklyn DROPS her paint brush and RUSHES to him. They come together in a long over-due KISS. In one another’s arms, Brooklyn suddenly realizes:
BROOKLYN “Oh no, I got paint on you, your shirt, it’s ruined.”
She rubs the yellow paint splotch making it worse. Tarek chuckles, takes her hands in his.
TAREK “It’s okay. We match. (gestures to her slippers) I see you’re still in the process of waking up. “
BROOKLYN “Come on, slippers are like curling up in a blanket or sipping hot cocoa. There is no right time of day.”
Brooklyn, her face beaming, eyes Tarek’s gift.
BROOKLYN (hangs a lip) “Just a peek. “
Brooklyn gestures one inch with her fingers. Tarek points to the name on the wall.
BROOKLYN(redirects) “How about a hint? A clue? (off him shaking his head) Can I buy a vowel?”
Tarek kisses the tip of her nose and as her arms go around him, he whispers,
TAREK “It’ll mean more if you wait.”
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