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Day 8 Assignments
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6 Replies
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Carol Dougherty’s Beat Sheet Draft 2
What I learned from this assignment: This beat sheet is a difficult balancing act between being concise and including all of the important information. It feels like quite a different project than it was a week ago when we started. Most of all, I keep learning that there is always something else new to learn.
Act 1:
INT. ONSTAGE – NIGHT
OPENING – successful opening night of Antony & Cleopatra with Terry (best friend/acting partner)
INCITING INCIDENT – sees unknown woman in the audience and is reminded of Danni, her first (and only) love
INT. PEN’S DRESSING ROOM – NIGHT – Pen changing to go seek out unknown woman, Sam (lover) shows up unexpectedly
INT. PEN’S DRESSING ROOM – NIGHT – Sebastian (director) comes to challenge Pen to take on a new role in next season
INT. PEN’S DRESSING ROOM – NIGHT – unknown woman shows up at door and Pen is entranced, then Terry pops in – he knows her (Katie) and introduces them; Pen annoyed/jealous
INT. GREEN ROOM – NIGHT – Pen gives Sebastian his answer, plays the star, and watches the effect on Katie
INT. THEATRE RECEPTION AREA (TO GREEN ROOM) – DAY – months later, Katie returns, Pen runs into her at entrance to theatre and takes her to green room for coffee
INT. GREEN ROOM – DAY – Pen charms and is charmed by Katie
INT. GREEN ROOM – DAY – Terry shows up as Katie leaves and warns Pen to watch her step with Katie
INT. TERRY’S KITCHEN (TO LIVING ROOM) – NIGHT – Pen flirts with Katie again
INT. TERRY’S KITCHEN – NIGHT – Terry pissed at Pen – Katie reminds him of his late half-sister
INT. TERRY’S LIVING ROOM (TO KITCHEN AND OUTSIDE) – NIGHT – Katie and Sebastian go head-to-head in a discussion, and he invites her to rehearsal; Pen impressed
INT. REHEARSAL HALL – DAY – first read-through; Katie invites Pen for a picnic on next day off
EXT. LAKE – DAY
TE 1 – during a picnic in a rowboat Pen wants to hear about Katie, and ends up responding from the heart
TURNING POINT – Pen has a perfect opportunity to pursue Katie as a potential conquest and doesn’t – she realizes she is developing feelings for her
Act 2:
New plan – Pen decides to try a combination of friendship and manipulation
Plan in action – Katie doesn’t respond exactly as Pen plans. They connect in rehearsals and outside, but when Katie finds out Sam is Pen’s lover, she pulls back. Pen eventually breaks off with Sam but refuses to tell Katie.
INT. REHEARSAL HALL – DAY – Pen blows up in rehearsal, Sebastian guides her through it
INT. PUB – NIGHT – Pen, Terry, Katie, Sebastian out together and Michael, grad school friend of Katie shows up. Katie not please, Terry charmed, Pen jealous
INT. – REHEARSAL HALL – DAY
TE2 – Pen tries to make Katie jealous, embarrasses herself and hurts Katie
INT. PEN’S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
TE3 – an unexpected kiss in an informal private rehearsal causes both Pen and Katie to take turns backing off and shutting down
INT. PEN’S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT – Pen trying to make sense of Katie’s actions and suddenly puts it together with her character, Viola
EXT. PEN’S GARDEN – DAY – Pen and Katie cautiously friendly after night before, Katie asks about Danni
INT. REHEARSAL HALL – DAY – Pen uses movement from Katie’s action night before, Katie upset
EXT. LAKESIDE THEATRE LAWN – DAY – Sebastian talks with Katie, then Pen apologizes
INT. REHEARSAL HALL – DAY – Katie inadvertently uncovers Katie’s relationship with Danni and Terry flips out
INT. PEN’S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT – Terry and Pen reconcile
INT. PEN’S DRESSING ROOM – NIGHT – Katie visits Pen after the opening and is a little drunk already, makes a pass at Pen which she carefully deflects
INT. GREEN ROOM – NIGHT – Pen runs across Michael flirting behind Terry’s back and warns him, he laughs
EXT. PEN’S GARDEN – DAY – Katie is hungover and embarrassed; admits to Pen she drank too much because of her
INT. RACETRACK BOX – DAY – Pen takes Terry, Michael and Katie to track for Sam’s horse’s race – his wife and teenage son show up, Katie steps in front of Pen when son attacks
EXT. KATIE’S HALLWAY/LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
TE4: Pen apologizes for what happened at the track, they end up in a fight, then an intense kiss, Pen leaves
INT. PEN’S DRESSING ROOM – DAY – Terry heard about last night with Katie and checks in
INT. PEN’S DRESSING ROOM – DAY – Sam shows up later and Pen breaks up with him, he is livid
EXT. PEN’S GARDEN – DAY – Pen gardening when Terry, Michael, Katie appear, Pen goes inside to avoid Katie
EXT. PEN’S GARDEN – DAY – later Pen hears Michael break up with Terry and goes out to him, she and Katie comfort him
INT. TERRY’S KITCHEN – LATE NIGHT – a few weeks later Pen helps Terry with a dinner, he has a heart attack
INT. AMBULANCE – LATE NIGHT – Pen is with him, his heart stops
INT. HOSPITAL E.R. – LATE NIGHT – Pen furious with Terry for dying
INT. HOSPITAL E.R. ENTRY – LATE NIGHT – Katie and Sebastian show up and Pen points them to where Terry’s body is, then leaves
EXT. LAKE PATH – NIGHT – Pen walks around lake, finds Terry’s dog, Trixie has followed her
Midpoint Turning Point – Pen’s acting partner/best friend, Terry, dies suddenly and Pen retreats into her work.
Act 3:
Rethink everything – Pen isolates herself in her grief and works through the end of the season.
New plan – She decides to head home to England to figure out if she can act without Terry and who she is without her best friend and acting partner. In England she revisits the past and discovers some possibilities for the future. Once there she ignores Katie’s plea for contact, decides to quit acting, then realizes she doesn’t want to quit and that she loves Katie.
EXT. TERRY’S GRAVE – DAY – Sebastian has shocking news for Pen, she has news for him
INT. PEN’S HALLWAY/LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
TE5 – Terry’s death prompts Katie to offer comfort to Pen and they make love
INT. PEN’S BEDROOM – EARLY MORNING – Pen can’t tell Katie she’s about to leave for England
INT. SEBASTIAN’S HOME – EARLY MORNING
TE6 – Pen asks Sebastian for his help get away from Katie
INT. LIBRARY IN BATH, ENGLAND – DAY – Pen looks up info on her father and finds a woman (Mollie) who knew him and loved him
INT. MOLLIE’S KITCHEN – DAY – Sebastian asks her to come back for next season, says Katie would really like her to call; she tells Mollie she may quit acting, won’t call or return to Katie as it’s best for Katie, Mollie disagrees
INT. SEVENOAKS, ENGLAND HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT – Pen discovers clippings and reviews of her father and letters from him to her mother, plus pictures of the three of them
EXT. THICKET OF TREES/BUSHES – DAY
TE7 – Pen returns to the place in England where she last saw Danni before her suicide
INT: SEVENOAKS, ENGLAND HOTEL ROOM – DAY – Pen lets Sebastian know she’s coming back and that she’ll play the parts
Turning Point: Huge Failure/Major shift – Pen tells Sebastian she’s coming back. She decides to let Katie know she loves her when she gets back, and before she can do so, Katie rejects her.
EXT. LAKE PATH – DAY
TE8 – Katie rejects Pen when she returns; she’ll work with her, nothing more
Act 4:
Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict – Pen and Katie see each other often in rehearsals. Pen treats Katie with the kind of warmth and friendliness Katie offered before Pen left but Katie continues to rebuff her, unable to understand why Pen couldn’t respond to her at all from England. Pen doesn’t withdraw from Katie, and in fact begins connecting as a friend with others in the company as well. Katie notices the positive change but announces she has been offered a new job in another theatre and that she will take it and leave after opening night.
Resolution – Pen talks to the company before the opening, apologizing for her standoffishness before and after Terry’s death. She also thanks several people for their help, ending with Katie, telling her in front of the company that she loves her. Katie leaves, but after the opening performance, Pen and Katie confront one another in Pen’s dressing room. Katie realizes Pen is sincere and decides not to take the other job but to stay with Pen and the theatre they both love.
INT. REHEARSAL HALL – DAY – first read through of Private Lives with Michael and the company
INT. GREEN ROOM – DAY – Pen and Michael talk to clear the decks, she’s skeptical
INT. REHEARSAL HALL – DAY – Pen and Michael work well together and it upsets her, feels like a betrayal of Terry
EXT. PEN’S GARDEN – DAY – Katie comes by to talk about Pen’s work with Michael, says Terry would be proud of her
EXT. PEN’S GARDEN – EARLY EVENING – Pen has the company over to share some mementos of Terry
INT. PEN’S KITCHEN – EARLY EVENING
TE9: Katie tells Pen she’s been offered another job and she’ll leave after opening night, they argue
INT. GREEN ROOM – EARLY EVENING – Pen addresses the company before the opening that night, thanks them for their support after Terry’s death and addresses both Sebastian and Katie; tells Katie she loves her, Katie walks out without a word
INT. PEN’S DRESSING ROOM – NIGHT – Katie stops in furious about Pen’s public statement, says it was manipulative, Pen explains, they reconcile
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Gerry Cousins – 4-Act Transformational Structure including Character Arcs
Lesson 7 and 8
What I learned doing this assignment: I never did an outline prior to signing up for this course and what I did now came after the play was a fact. Nevertheless, working this way (with the outline) made most issues with which I had been struggling much clearer and easier to handle. I found myself knowing the characters better and their relationships to one another. The last two scenes of ACT II have always been an issue for me and now I believe I know how to solve what has always bothered me, i.e., the end of the play with credit going entirely to the outline. But as yet, while it is more or less rectified in my mind, it is still not on paper, so work remains to be done.
Adding the character arcs and making sure the beats work back and forth has been difficult for me. I do have Final Draft 12, but I’m not yet familiar enough with the Beat Board, etc. to use it. Learning it might help. But again, while beat are certainly employed in plays and tactics change accordingly, I’m still writing a straight play in two acts and not a film in four. Also, you have not broken your beats into individual scenes between characters (sequences). All together though, the play has never been this clear to me. Thank you.
MARFA LIGHTS – Outline
ACT I – Stage play and Screenplay (19 pages)
1. Create premise of two independent almost out-of-work team writers investigating their possibility of writing a straight play. Protagonist leads the way, while antagonist is in denial and negative on the idea. In fact SID doesn’t even want to consider that the series may in fact be cancelled.. Establish personalities of each writer/character, emotional issues, their relationship, and work habits. Discuss lead character in sub play, including her name, MOLLY, appearance, state of mind, personality, issues, and what leads to the opening of the play. Writer, JENNA and SID begin sub play/play-within-a-play. Personally, JENNA pushes past any of her own issues.
a) JENNA wont’ deal with her own issue but acknowledge the possible loss of CRIME STOPERS and leads the way on the idea of writing a play. SID denies the show may be cancelled and wants to part in writing a play.
b) JENNA pushes forward in order to hide from herself. SID disregards JENNA and her ideas.
2. Establish sub play with scene already in progress between MOLLY and TODD at peak moment in the break-up of their marriage and with it revealing portraits of both characters’ outward and inward attitudes including who did what to whom. TODD is cold and calculating, despite his so-called concern for MOLLY, while she is completely surprised and shaken. Nevertheless, Molly proves herself a worthy opponent. c) JENNA creates a character thru whom SHE can live vicariously. SID sticks his toe in the water.
ACT II – Screenplay (21 pages)
3. Further involve main characters in each other and in their relationship to the sub play and their main character. Learn about SIID’s changing attitude toward women after suffering a whirlwind recent divorce and an impromptu failed date. Uncover idea of Marfa Lights. JENNA and SID discuss the how and why of MOLLY’s character going there, and investigate visiting the place themselves, in the name of research. The principals introduce the name of Molly’s psychic and BFF, SIMON, with its complicated connection and his influence on her…
4. Delve into the combined world of a gay healer/clairaudient, SIMON and MOLLY, and their incongruous platonic/love/nonsexual joining. Steeped in fascination and friendship, MOLLY seeks out SIMON for answers and spiritual healing. Both of which she receives from him and his Guides in a kind of code. In the course of their discussion afterward, Marfa trips a memory for her. She talks about two gay men with whom she was friends and a three-way sexual encounter with them that almost took place twenty+ years before. Will MOLLY go to Marfa? Will she seek out the two men? Emotions and subtext run rampant.
ACT III – Screenplay (25 pages)
5. JENNA and TODD have made their arrangements for the Marfa trip. JENNA’s husband, MARTY is not pleased that the two writers are going without him and tries to insinuate himself. JENNA tells MARTY a flat-out NO. She confesses to TODD that her marriage of twenty years is a bore and what keeps her going is the magic that happens in the creative process between the two writers. TODD is uncomfortable and maybe a little guilty about the turn of events. BUT they are going to Marfa and looking forward to it. And so is MOLLY. d) JENNA recognizes the lesser role she has willingly accepted in her personal life, and begins questioning it it. SID fully engages in the play and finally recognizes CRIME STOPPERS may well be behind them. HE is becoming more and more personally involved with MOLLY as a character substitute for JENNA
ACT II – Stage Play
6. By hook and by crook MOLLY’s finds her way to where RAND and GAVYN live. Arriving in the middle of the night. SHE is welcomed and fed by the two startled men. Both manic and exhausted, also famished, MOLLY prattles on about how it is SHE got there and includes in her ramblings the entire back story to the moment at hand. Staying with them and seeing the Marfa Lights are paramount in her mind. Both RAND and GAVYN are somewhat dismayed at her showing up on their doorstep but are gracious about the whole thing. They have a life now in which SHE has no part. GAVYN waxes on philosophically, while RAND takes on the part of settling her in for the night. While subtext is the unspoken voice, nothing is decided about what will happen with her in their care.
7. JENNA and SID have arrived in Marfa. It’s late, they look for something to eat and take it with them for their first look at the Lights which turn out to be as magical and mystical as imagined. The moment calls for congratulations and the intimacy of a kiss. SID and JENNA seat themselves facing the lights with their back to the audience. As THEY do so and for this scene only, we enter a dual reality as MOLLY, RAND and GAVYN enter to see the Mystery Lights. Each of the separate parties views the other as strangers. At first, MOLLY, petrified by both failure and her need to control, can’t see past her nose. But with the coaching and guiding support of her companions, finally opens her eyes to what was impossible for her to comprehend. JENNA and SID leave first to check into the Marfa Inn, followed a few beats later by the characters they created.
ACT IV – Screenplay (27 pages)
8. It’s late morning back at the home of RAND and GAVYN. At breakfast, a bubbly MOLLY offers that she is leaving their truly wonderful hospitality to go meet TODD in Odessa, from which THEY will travel back home to NYC together—for a trial reunion. While much remains unresolved, SHE has learned from the lights that even the inexplicable deserves a shot—to learn how to believe and to be happy right where we are and grow. The guys are not happy with what she’s doing. THEY encourage her not to go back—that stasis isn’t growing–and to call SIMON. But MOLLY’s made up her mind.
e) JENNA honors the fear and denies the choice MOLLY’s made
SID becomes the facilitator.
f) Although JENNA doesn’t accept MOLLY’s choice, SHE won’t accept change for the sake of change.
SID encourages MOLLY
g) JENNA honors herself foremost.
SID deals with the hand he’s been given
9. In the casita, JENNA naked under the sheets is awakened by husband, MARTY, on the phone, who advises her that he’s on his way to join them in Marfa, SHE no sooner hangs up when the network calls to inform the writers that their show has been renewed for one more season. As SHE speaks, SID, wrapped only in a towel enters the room and takes the phone from her. It immediately becomes apparent that they were about to have sex when SHE fell asleep and now that’s not going to work. THEY both decide to leave the following day at dawn and head off MARTY at his Dallas connection. JENNA gets up to use the bathroom when MARTY calls back, SID takes the call and tells him about the series and their change in plans. The cell service is really bad in Marfa and SID asks MARTY to book them all out of Dallas back to LAX. The mood is filled with a mixture of disappointment, melancholy and relief. SID notes the plane MOLLY took from Odessa to Dallas is the same one they’ll take tomorrow. They dress, go out for dinner, tell the Inn Keeper about their change in plans, and see the lights the last time. We cannot live a choiceless life. Every day, every moment, every second, there is a choice. That choice affects all the other choices.
NOTE: This outline is formatted for both a two-act stage play and a four-act screenplay. Larger type denotes screenplay, while smaller type denotes stage play
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M.M.’s Beat Sheet Draft 2
What I learned in this assignment is how to do improve the Beat Sheet by interspersing the theme and adding the Antagonist’s Journey.
Act 1:
EXT. BASEBALL STADIUM – NIGHT
Teaser: Lone shooter in the baseball stadium during the national college championships game; turns out to be Emilio (end of the story).
EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING – DAY
Luke honks the horn and Bella rushes out. He laughs and reminds her that she was late the first time he ever met her as a college senior on tryouts day.
INT. COLLEGE GYM – DAY
Opening: Head Coach Matt explains how the spring tryouts will work and talks up the national college baseball championships.
EXT. COLLEGE BASEBALL FIELD – DAY
College spring baseball tryouts. Bella and Luke and many others listen to Coach Matt before the tryouts begin. A devastatingly handsome dude saunters in and takes a seat near them. Bella recognizes him – Emilio – a high school crush from back in Puerto Rico. They strike up a conversation. Emilio immediately takes control and asks Bella to sit with him. She does. They catch up and tryouts begin.
INT. RITZY RESTAURANT – NIGHT
Emilio sits with his parents. His father says he is a college senior and it’s time to settle down, pick a wife and have an heir. His mother says he doesn’t have to love her but he does need to treat her well, and that they will give her a monthly allowance so he won’t have to cut his lifestyle. Emilio says what if he just wants to play baseball. His parents say that is not an option and he better find a wife before MLB draft – that gives him about 6-8 months. His father says they will be closing on a house soon so it will be move-in ready. His mother says his bride will love not having to decorate and pick out furniture, and she’ll have everything down to guest towels and dishware. They continue talking about the parents’ criteria in a bride and Emilio dutifully listens. When he asks what happens if he doesn’t, his father shakes his head and says he will be cut off so don’t even think about it.
PLACEHOLDER (SERIES OF SCENES/DATES)
Emilio immediately puts the rush on Bella and they become a couple.
INT. WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE – DAY
TE 1: Bella believes she will have love and security by marrying Emilio. She discusses it with Mia, Luke’s girlfriend. Mia, jealous of Luke’s relationship with Bella, pushes Bella toward Emilio.
EXT. SHOOTING RANGE – DAY
Inciting Incident: Emilio asks Bella out on a first date at the range. She proves to be a natural marksman, beats Emilio. She teases him about beating him to the point that he barely holds his temper.
EXT. COLLEGE BASEBALL FIELD – DAY
Luke and Bella joke around so playfully, tapping each other on the shoulder and behind as players do, that Emilio gets jealous.
INT. HUNTING LODGE – NIGHT
Emilio introduces Bella to his parents on a hunting weekend. They check her out and when Bella is taking a shower in the guest room, they tell Emilio they approve. She seems submissive enough for Emilio and will fit into the family as a Puerto Rican living in the States. And she is a rising baseball star. Emilio tells them she will have to drop that. They ask how he will convince her to do it and he says he’s the master of the house and he will get what he wants or else. Emilio’s mother gives him a family heirloom ring and tells him to propose that night. After dinner, the parents retire early to the room and Emilio invites Bella outside for a walk.
EXT. MOONLIT LAKE – NIGHT
Turning Point – Emilio gets serious about Bella and proposes on a deck in the moonlit lake near the cabin. She is thrilled to accept but she makes him promise not to say anything to the team until baseball season is over. He agrees. He broaches the subject of not continuing with the MLB draft, and she changes the subject asking him to soak up the romantic view.
MONTAGE – BASEBALL GAMES, DUGOUT GLANCES, HUNTING TRIPS
They share a passion for baseball and hunting and make a good team. During games in the dugout, Emilio and Bella steal glances at each other. Several times Emilio tries to raise the idea of dropping out of baseball but Bella changes the subject. Emilio’s temper flares but he manages to keep it in check. He gets frustrated that she keeps controlling the conversation.
Act 2:
EXT. COLLEGE BASEBALL FIELD – DAY
New plan: Scouts watch the team in action and approach Bella, but not Emilio. He is infuriated and walks off, punching his fist in his hand. He cannot let her get ahead of him, not in baseball.
INT. EMILIO’S APARTMENT – NIGHT
He calls his parents and tells them he has to be the star of their relationship; a girl can’t outshine him, even if he does care for her. They tell him not to worry – that their connections have arranged for him to be drafted but for him not to expect being in the top few picks. They have to make it look natural since his stats aren’t worthy of a top draft pick.
INT. BELLA’S APARTMENT – NIGHT
Bella shares her plan with Luke over dinner at her place to have it all – MLB draft, husband and then a family. Luke cautions her about Emilio’s temper shown on the field. Bella brushes it off.
INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT
TE 2: Over dinner, Emilio shares that he wants them to use the same agent — hers. Bella balks. Emilio pressures her. She realizes he is using her to get an agent for the MLB draft but she goes along with it.
INT. AGENCY OFFICE – DAY
Bella’s agent meets with Emilio. He is polite and says he wants to think over signing him but Bella gives him an ultimatum – he has to rep Emilio or he can’t rep her. The agent reluctantly agrees. Emilio says that he will be making all decisions for Bella in the future and the agent has to go through him. Bella nods meekly. The agent advises against it and asks if she will reconsider and she starts to say yes, but Emilio squeezes her hand so it smarts and she shakes her head.
EXT. PUERTO RICAN BEACH – DAY
Plan in action: Emilio and Bella get married back “home”. Emilio dances with all the women.
INT. BEACHFRONT MANSION – DAY
Emilio’s parents sit Bella down and tell her what is expected of her as Emilio’s wife. His father gives her a debit card and tells her how much money he will put in an account for her every month if she is a “good girl” and does what Emilio wants. Emilio walks in and Bella asks if he knows about it. Emilio says she knew what she was getting into and now she has to quit the MLB draft. Bella is speechless. Emilio is in total control.
INT. EMILIO/BELLA’S HOME – NIGHT
Bella and Emilio return and move into a beautiful new home bought by Emilio’s wealthy parents. She thought they would be living in his apartment, and cannot stand the decor but feigns happiness at the furniture that is not at all her taste or what she wants in a home.
INT. PRIVATE CLUB – NIGHT
Emilio’s parents throw a huge post-wedding party with all of their friends to introduce Bella to them. Emilio drags her on his arm to show her off like a prized possession. She wonders if this is what her life will be like. He insists she follow his lead, do as he says and say what he suggests. She feels smothered and completely dominated.
EXT. CAFE – DAY
Bella talks with her mother Valencia about Emilio’s temper. Valencia tells her to be understanding and any arguments will blow over. Her advice: Just be a good wife.
INT. COLLEGE LIBRARY – DAY
Bella is hard at work studying in a carrel back to back with Luke. He leans around and starts joking. They start laughing so much the other students shush them until they rush out.
EXT. COLLEGE LIBRARY – DAY
Emilio is waiting for Bella and angry that she is with Luke. She learns Emilio has a tracking app on her phone. Luke tries to calm him down and he threatens him unless he leaves. He says he ha a date with Mia anyway so no problem. Bella chides Emilio for treating their friend that way. Emilio reminds her she is his wife and she is to do as he says. And he wants her to stay away from Luke. She reminds him they are all on the same team and Emilio says she can be polite but not talk alone with him.
INT. EMILIO/BELLA’S HOME – NIGHT
Bella gets a call from the agent who is dropping her and Emilio and won’t discuss it further. She is furious and disillusioned, feels trapped with nowhere to go. Emilio accuses her of telling the agent to drop her. Bella tries to talk to Emilio and explain she can be trusted. He brushes her off.
INT. BURGER JOINT – DAY
Bella continues her friendship with Luke and asks him what to do about Emilio wanting to control her decisions with her agent. He suggests talking to his dad Coach Matt. Mia pops in and squeezes into the booth, interrupting their conversation.
COACH MATT’S OFFICE – DAY
Bella asks Coach Matt for advice about the agent who dropped her. He makes a couple of phone calls to agents. They speak to Bella and schedule a trip to visit with her. She asks about Emilio and they say they can’t take him on due to his non-stellar career. She says she has to think about it and can’t make a decision without talking to him. Coach Matt asks her if she is sure she knows what she is doing and she nods.
INT. EMILIO/BELLA’S HOME – BATHROOM – NIGHT
Midpoint Turning Point: Bella learns she is pregnant from a pregnancy test. She jumps for joy!
EXT. SHOOTING RANGE – DAY
TE 3: In the middle of shooting, Bella can’t hold it in any longer. She tells Emilio she is pregnant. Emilio waves his gun in her direction telling her to get an abortion until the range director rushes over. Emilio says he was joking. She discovers Emilio is the enemy who wants her to abort her child.
INT. CAR – NIGHT
On the way home, Emilio orders her to have an abortion even though it is against their religion and Emilio feels guilty. She refuses. They get into huge fight. He accuses her of not respecting their wedding vows promising to “obey” and she accuses him of wanting to murder their child. He slaps her in the car. She cries and curls up in her seat.
INT. EMILIO/BELLA’S HOME – GUEST BEDROOM – NIGHT
Bella cries herself to sleep, hugging her stomach.
INT. EMILIO/BELLA’S HOME – MASTER BEDROOM – NIGHT
Emilio paces in the room.
INT. PRIVATE CLUB – NIGHT
Emilio’s parents meet with a baseball agent and hand him a stack of bills in an envelope. He agrees to sign Emilio and calls him.
INT. EMILIO/BELLA’S HOME – MASTER BEDROOM – NIGHT
Emilio gets a phone call from the agent and goes out..
INT. EMILIO/BELLA’S HOME – GUEST BEDROOM – NIGHT
Bella hears the front door slam shut. Feels a sense of relief, but checks the lock on the door to make sure it is locked. She calls Luke and tells him what happened. Luke warns her to get out of there before Emilio returns and he’ll help her get a divorce lawyer. Bella downplays it and apologizes for calling him and says it will be fine..
Act 3:
EXT. PROLIFE AMERICA BUILDING – DAY
Rethink everything: Can Bella stay married to Emilio if he wants her to abort their baby, which goes against every value she holds? Bella drives back and forth in front of the building, wary of abortion activists jeering at her and throwing water balloons at her car. She builds up her courage, drives up to the gated parking lot, presses the button for entry and the gate opens enough to let her in. She drives in and sits quietly in her car. A young woman in a ProLife America T-shirt raps on her window and smiles. She escorts Bella in.
INT. PROLIFE AMERICA OFFICE – DAY
Bella goes in to get support. Gets an ultrasound and sees she is having a baby boy. The volunteer gives her a print of the ultrasound which Bella keeps with her. They coach her on how to handle Emilio and placate him and protect her baby, but warn her to document everything and install cameras in the house. She says she could not do that but thank them.
INT. EMILIO/BELLA’s HOME
New plan: Bella wants to placate Emilio that they can both play baseball and that his career is more important than hers. She agrees to step back from the draft for a year; he makes her agree she won’t sign with an agent again. When she agrees, he tells her he signed with an agent who guarantees he will be drafted.
INT. PROLIFE AMERICA OFFICE – DAY
TE 4: Bella makes the decision to keep her child and drop out of the draft. Considers the best way to tell Emilio she is keeping the baby with the counselor. Decides not to tell Emilio right away.
INT. EMILIO/BELLA’S HOME – DINING ROOM – NIGHT
Bella informs Emilio of her decision to keep the baby now that she won’t be drafted. Emilio is pleased that she is not competing with him in the draft. But he is still pushes her to have an abortion. She refuses and says if he does not support her having their baby, she will not say anything to the draft and stay in just to prove a point — that she will get drafted in a higher rank then he will. Emilio lies, saying he will support the pregnancy if she drops out.
INT. COACH MATT’S OFFICE – DAY
Bella tells Coach Matt about her pregnancy and Emilio’s reaction. Coach invites Bella and Emilio to dinner at his home with his wife Grace and son Luke and his girlfriend Mia. He plans to bring out their new baby boy that should melt Emilio’s heart for children.
INT. COACH MATT’S HOME – NIGHT
Dinner is a disaster. The baby cries and spits up all over Emilio who leaves in a huff and leaves Bella stranded. Mia pushes Luke to get engaged and she elicits Bella’s help but Bella won’t take sides. Bella
INT. COACH MATT’S OFFICE – DAY
Coach Matt and Bella talk by video chat with Emilio’s agent. Coach explains the situation and asks about endorsements during Bella’s off year.
PLACEHOLDER
Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift – The new agent drops Emilio and pivots to get endorsements for pregnant Bella with baby food and clothes companies.
INT. EMILIO/BELLA’S HOME, LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
At home, Emilio is rageful about losing the agent and that he reps Bella now. He pushes Bella down and stomps into the kitchen, shouting at her. She is athletic and gets up and rushes down the hall to their bedroom.
INT. EMILIO/BELLA’S HOME, MASTER BEDROOM- NIGHT
She locks herself in the bedroom and grabs her gun from her nightstand. Emilio beats on the door in an uncontrollable rage. She rushes into the bathroom and locks herself in.
INT. EMILIO/BELLA’S HOME, BATHROOM- NIGHT
Bella dials 9-1-1 for the police and an ambulance. She hears Emilio beating on the bedroom door and screaming at her in a rage. She falls to the floor and holds her stomach, bleeding. (don’t know if she lost the baby).
INT. EMILIO/BELLA’S HOME, MASTER BEDROOM- NIGHT
Emilio kicks down the bedroom door and rushes to the bathroom, pounding on it and demanding that Bella come out.
INT. EMILIO/BELLA’S HOME, BATHROOM – NIGHT
Bella shakily points her gun at the bathroom door as she dials Luke’s number. When he answers she says “Luke, he’s going to kill me…” then passes out.
INT. LUKE’S APARTMENT – NIGHT
Luke is on the phone calling for Bella to talk to him. He hears Emilio’s threats “I’ll kill you and that baby if it’s the last thing I do. You ruined me and my career!” Then he hears shouts, “Police! Hands up!”
EXT. EMILIO/BELLA’S HOME – NIGHT
Police push Emilio into the perp backseat and they drive off.
Luke drives up after they leave, finding the house dark but the front door wide open. He enters, sees the damage, takes photos everywhere not touching anything. He leaves just as the evidence van drives up.
INT. POLICE STATION – NIGHT
Emilio is booked, fingerprinted, mug shot taken.
INT. LUKE’S CAR, MOVING – NIGHT
Luke calls area hospitals but they won’t tell him if she is there. He drives to each one to find her. Finally succeeds.
INT. POLICE STATION – NIGHT
Emilio’s family’s expensively-dressed lawyer shows up.
INT. JUDGE’S CHAMBERS – NIGHT
Emilio’s VIP status allows the lawyer to arraign him privately and get him out on a $250,000 bail.
INT. COURTHOUSE HALL – NIGHT
The lawyer warns Emilio not to go near Bella. Emilio tunes him out. He’s got his own ideas.
INT. HOSPITAL – NIGHT
Police detectives ask Luke to leave, then they interview Bella and ask if she wants to press charges. At first she hesitates, then says no, but Luke steps in and says she has to press charges if she wants to be safe. The detectives make him leave and Bella agrees to press charges. In the hallway, Luke calls his dad Matt and asks for the best divorce lawyer in town. He thinks Emilio’s wealthy family will try to hire that lawyer so he wants to hire the lawyer first. Matt suggests someone and Luke arranges an appointment in the hospital for the next day.
INT. HOSPITAL – DAY
Luke has stayed in Bella’s room all night. The doctor walks in and announces the ultrasound shows the baby is fine but wants her to stay for observation for another day.
EXT. HOSPITAL – DAY
Bella is discharged. Luke insists she move into his home and she and the baby can stay as long as she likes. She agrees she needs protection from Emilio.
INT. LUKE’S HOUSE – DAY
Luke moves Bella in with him.
INT. LUKE’S HOUSE, GUEST/BABY ROOM – NIGHT
Luke and Bella paint the baby’s room, laughing and flicking paint on each other. Bella paints clouds and stars on the ceiling with luminous paint. They turn the light off and stare at the ceiling. Luke stares at Bella until she turns and he praises her artwork. Bella senses he wants more but she ignores it. Does she want more, too? The mood is shattered by his cell phone and Mia leaving a message complaining she has not heard from him all day and that she’s bored.
INT. DEAN’S OFFICE – DAY
The Dean expels Emilio from the university. Emilio protests this will hurt his MLB chances. The general counsel for the university explains he can still go through the draft and doesn’t need to finish college. The Dean tells him Coach Matt is waiting for him.
INT. COACH MATT’S OFFICE – DAY
Coach Matt drops Emilio from the team.
EXT. EMILIO/BELLA’S HOUSE – NIGHT
Emilio is enraged Bella is not home. He jumps in his sports car.
INT. EMILIO’S SPORTSCAR, MOVING – NIGHT
Emilio heads for Luke’s house.
EXT. LUKE’S HOUSE – NIGHT
Emilio can see Luke and Bella laughing in the dining room window. As Emilio approaches, Luke’s security lights and alarms go off. Within a minute, sirens approach and Emilio jumps in his car and drives off.
INT. PROLIFE AMERICA OFFICE – DAY
TE 5: Bella builds a new life for herself as a volunteer with ProLife America.
EXT. ABORTION CLINIC – DAY
Bella volunteers with ProLife America to join prayer groups outside the abortion clinic. She befriends a young woman hesitating about having an abortion and shows how pregnant she is. When the woman learns who Bella is, she changes her mind. The abortion clinic director screams at Bella for interfering with their business. The young woman drives out, then parks on the street and joins the prayer group, hugging Bella for helping her not make the biggest mistake of her life.
INT. PROLIFE AMERICA OFFICE – DAY
The director praises Bella’s courage and offers her a full-time position with as much time off as she needs for the baby. Bella happily accepts, knowing she has found a real home that loves her and her baby.
Act 4:
EXT. BASEBALL FIELD – DAY
Emilio tries to enter the field but is blocked by security. He shouts threats through the fences at Luke warming up. When he sees Bella sitting on the bench nearby, he threatens her until campus security rush toward him. Then he drives away.
INT. LUKE’S HOUSE – NIGHT
Luke and Bella discuss the threats by Emilio with Coach Matt and an attorney who suggests getting a restraining order. Bella decisively agrees but also asks that he prepare divorce papers. The attorney makes a call and the top divorce lawyer in the state gets on a conference call and agrees to have the paperwork done the next day.
INT. CLERK’S OFFICE – DAY
Bella walks with her lawyer who files her divorce papers. He tells her not to worry and that he will go with her when the papers are served. The process server picks the papers and leaves to go to serve Emilio. Bella and the lawyer walk out in the direction of the courtrooms.
INT. COURTROOM – DAY
Bella sits with her lawyer. He obtains a restraining order from the judge. Following her tracking, Emilio is furious and bursts into the courtroom, trying to grab Bella saying she is his wife. The judge orders the bailiff to take Emilio to a holding cell and grants the order. Emilio shouts through the hallway that he is her husband and he can see his wife anytime he wants.
INT. HOLDING CELL – NIGHT
Emilio’s family’s expensively-dressed lawyer appears and says it was much more expensive to get him out this time. Emilio says his father can afford it.
EXT. EMILIO’S HOUSE – DAY
Emilio is served with the restraining order and divorce papers. He punches holes in the wall, and starts to light the master bedroom bed on fire but thinks better of it at the last minute.
MLB DRAFT – DAY
No surprise that Luke is a first draft pick as pitcher. He and Coach Matt hold a press conference – like father, like son. Emilio is not even considered for the draft. He calls his parents who tell him no one would touch him after the restraining order. His father chides him and says he had it all, and just had to hold his temper but he couldn’t do it and he’s a no-good loser. He’ll have to make it on his own. Emilio asks his mother and she says his father makes all the decisions. All he had to do was control his wife and this would never have happened, so it’s his fault for not keeping her in line. He tells them she is pregnant and they both shout at him that he should never have touched her. That is their heir too. His father says he is cutting him off from support.
INT. MALL – DAY
TE 6: Bella realizes she is in love with Luke, and has been since she met him her senior year in high school, four years earlier. After court, Luke takes Bella shopping and they buy baby furniture and clothes. While shopping, Bella comes to this realization.
INT. LUKE’S HOUSE – DAY
Luke sets up the baby furniture in one of the guest rooms.
EXT. BASEBALL STADIUM (teaser opening image):
Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict: Luke is starting pitcher in his first game for the farm team on his way up to MLB. Bella sits on the field near the dugout, not in the stands. When the game starts and Luke pitches, Emilio in disguise moves down to a seat just above Bella and in front of home plate.
Emilio pulls out a gun and starts spraying bullets onto the field at Luke and Bella.
Fans scream and scatter, blocking exits so police cannot get down to Emilio’s spot.
Police call for backup and use a megaphone to demand that Emilio stand down.
Bella is rushed into the dugout by the catcher and Luke. Emilio grazes Luke’s leg but he hobbles into the dugout.
Emilio refuses and continues spraying bullets onto the field, though all the players, umpires and coaches have escaped to safety.
Emilio jumps down from the stands to the ground and heads to the dugout.
INT. DUGOUT – DAY
Bella has grabbed a concealed carry from Luke’s bag, having seen him pack two guns many times during practices together.
Luke grabs another one and together they both lean out of the dugout looking for Emilio.
From out of nowhere, Emilio shoots but misses as they both quickly retreat.
Bella tells Luke she needs to do this. He says he must do it.
TE 7: Bella protects herself against Emilio by shooting him. She leans out and sees Emilio rushing toward her, and shoots him just as Luke does the same thing.
EXT. STADIUM FIELD – DAY
Resolution: Emilio drops to the ground. EMT’s rush to the scene and pronounce him dead. They put Luke on a stretcher and Bella follows him as they walk toward the ambulance.
INT. AMBULANCE – DAY
TE 8: Bella commits to begin the relationship with Luke by riding in the ambulance with Luke on a stretcher.
INT. AMBULANCE, MOVING – DAY
Closing: Luke grabs Bella’s hand and leans up as Bella leans down to him. They kiss slowly for a long beat.
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What I learned doing this assignment is really getting into my antagonist’s head.
Danielle’s Beat Sheet Draft 2
Act 1
Opening – EXT. Apartment – DAY
Montages of Tina kicking out various boyfriends and the kids watching
Theme: Be careful who you let into your life.
TE 1: Tina wants to make a change in finding the right man
INTICING INCIDENT: Montage of Tina meeting Kenny, they look happy, cut to him in front of the TV each day while she goes to work, insert other montages of him mooching. Tina kicks him out. The kids watch.
Placeholder: How does Tina feel, what are her thoughts? How does this affect the kids?
TE 2: A woman at Tina’s church gives her a bitter prophecy about her lifestyle.
Placeholder: How does Tina feel about this? What does it make her do/think?
Act 2
INT. Church – Day
Barry is hanging around the Sunday school area and catches Tina’s eye. He’s warm, she’s interested.
Antagonist’s agenda: He’s hanging around the Sunday school area to scope out the kids. He sizes up Tina and asks if she has any children. He asks about their dads to see if they’re in the picture or not. If they’re not around, he has more access to the kids without their dads’ protection. He offers to teach them things like fishing, enhancing their basketball skills or helping them with tough subjects in school. Says he’s an elementary substitute schoolteacher.
TE 1: Barry asks Tina out. He seems to be the perfect package she’s been looking for in a mate.
Placeholder: Barry says the right things and they have a lot in common. Tina thinks this is the right man for her. She meets his family, his kids. There are romantic feelings on both sides.
INTICING INCIDENT: Tina invites Barry to move in with her and her kids.
Placeholder: The kids start to like him, they post fun videos with him, he helps them with their homework. He’s romantic with Tina.
Antagonist’s agenda: Barry is grooming the kids. He’s gaining their trust for his own benefit. He’s flirting with Tina’s daughter, but in a friendly, jovial way that seems innocent. He offers to spend daddy/daughter time together. He buys her toys and nice clothes. She sees him as a father figure.
TE 2: Tina catches him in a couple lies about his job.
Antagonist’s agenda: Distract Tina with domestic violence. The focus goes on the abuse, not his work. This will emotionally break Tina down so he can continue getting close to her daughter.
Theme: Be careful who you let into your life.
Placeholder: How does Tina feel? Betrayal? Suspicion? Disloyalty?
ACT 3
INT. School – DAY
Tina decides to surprise Barry at his job but finds out he doesn’t work there.
Theme: Be careful who you let into your life.
Placeholder: How does Tina feel about this? Who does she tell?
TE 1: Tina confronts Barry about his work, and he becomes violent.
Antagonist’s agenda: Increase violence to gain more control over Tina. He’s careful to not abuse Tina when the kids are around because he wants to maintain their affection and trust.
Placeholder: What is Tina feeling now? How does she respond to the violence? What does she do, call the police, give Barry another chance?
INTICING INCIDENT: Tina sees questionable images of kids on Barry’s phone and computer. And he wants to spend more time than usual with her daughter.
Theme: Be careful who you let into your life.
Placeholder: How does this make Tina feel, is she worried? How does she handle this?
TE 2: Barry’s abuse against Tina escalates. Tina notices that Barry has been in her daughter’s room. Tina confronts him.
Antagonist’s agenda: Barry is able to get in Tina’s daughter’s personal space.
Theme: Be careful who you let into your life.
Placeholder: How does Barry respond? How is Tina handling Barry’s abuse and lies? How is she coping? Are the kids witnessing the abuse? Does she hide any injuries, and does she tell anyone?
ACT 4:
INT. Church – Day
Tina has a breakdown. She recalls her painful past.
TE 1: Tina gets help and her assignment is to confront the person who has hurt her in the past. Tina confronts her mother, and they rehash the past.
Placeholder: What does Tina remember? How does Tina heal and move forward? Why does she want to change? Will she forgive?
INTICING INCIDENT: Tina finally kicks Barry out after a bad fight, but when he leaves her daughter goes after him to find him. Her daughter has bonded with him and sees him as her beloved father figure that’s she’s never had.
Antagonist’s agenda: Barry knows that leaving will devastate Tina’s daughter. He leaves expecting her to put up a fight. She does and runs away to be with him. He coaxes her on to further lure her to him.
TE 2: Tina finds out about Barry’s record of being a child abuser. She gets her daughter back.
Placeholder: Tina’s fear and desperation on finding her daughter. Tina’s transformation and strength. How will she get her daughter back? Will she get her back before Barry hurts her?
Theme: Be careful who you let into your life.
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Robin Atwood’s Beat Sheet Draft 2
I learned that a well written beat sheet interweaves both of the main characters. One is almost dependent upon the other. The high speed writing rules helped tremendously.
EXT. FOREST — DAY
Opening: Ivy is in the forest gathering herbs when Henry comes upon her. He is immediately smitten with her beauty and innocence and decides he must have her. Ivy is frightened by the unknown man who is greedily staring at her.
TE 1: Meets Ivy and is immediately smitten.
Inciting Incident: Ivy runs from him. He follows slowly.
INT. IVY’S FAMILY COTTAGE — DAY
She finds out from her father that the man pursuing her is Henry the crown prince of England. She is intrigued and daydreams of a life with him.
EXT. IVY’S FAMILY COTTAGE — DAY
Ivy and Henry have their first conversation.
Inciting Incident: Ivy is afraid of Henry who is worldly and confident. He vows to pursue her until she gives in.
PLACEHOLDER: Ivy talking with her mother about Henry.
INT. IVY’S FAMILY COTTAGE — DAY
There’s a knock on the door. It’s Henry. He brings gifts for the family. He turns on the charm to woo them all.
TE 2: Henry’s gifts and charm allow him to get a bit closer to the family.
Inciting Incident: Ivy’s father asks Henry to join him outside to discuss his intentions.
EXT. IVY’S FAMILY COTTAGE — DAY
Henry tries to convince Ivy’s father that he only has the best intention. Ivy’s father explains his concerns and love for his only daughter.
PLACEHOLDER: Henry expresses interest in herbalism cures while talking to Ivy’s father in an effort to get closer to him. Henry finds that he is truly interested.
EXT. FOREST — DAY
Henry has accompanied Ivy and her father into the forest to gather herbs and plants for healing. Ivy’s father explains what they are gathering and how they cure. He further explains how it’s the only medicine that the poor have available to them.
Inciting Incident: Henry is surprised at his own interest in herbal medicine and asks for more information. He is more interested in the information than in Ivy. She is intrigued.
EXT. FOREST CLEARING — DAY
Ivy’s mother joins them bringing food for a picnic in the clearing. Henry lays on the charm flirting with Ivy’s mother and ignoring Ivy. Her father looks on with interest.
Inciting Incident: Ivy is hurt that Henry is ignoring her. She wants his attention.
TE: 3
INT. IVY’S COTTAGE — NIGHT
Ivy, Henry and her parents are back at the cottage. Henry has joined them for dinner. He is telling them stories about his life. He asks for stories about Ivy. Ivy and Henry’s relationship heats up. It’s late and Henry asks if he can sleep in their barn because it’s too late to find his way back home. After some consideration they agree.
Inciting Incident: Ivy is thrilled to have Henry’s attention again. Ivy and Henry fall in love and begin a relationship. A year later she gives birth to a boy. She is heartbroken that they cannot be a family.
PLACEHOLDER: These visits continue for months and Henry charms everyone in the family. He explains to them that they must keep it a secret.
TE: 4
INT. WESTMINSTER ABBY — DAY
TE: 5
It’s Henry’s Coronation. He is able to have Ivy who is pregnant with their second child and her parents present in a hidden alcove. He does this because he know how much it will mean to them. He wants them there for his big day. Ivy is thrilled to be a part of his public life even if she is hidden out of view of others.
Inciting Incident: After the coronation, Henry goes immediately to his betrothed Catherine of Aragon. Ivy is devastated.
INT. WESTMINSTER ABBY — DAY
Henry marries Catherine of Aragon two months after his coronation. He is concerned about Ivy but he is duty bound.
Inciting Incident: Ivy is giving birth to their second son during the marriage ceremony.
TE: 6
INT. IVY’s FAMILY COTTAGE — DAY
Ivy is giving birth to their third son while King Henry is in London attending to Catherine as she is giving birth to their second child.
Inciting Incident: Ivy is sad and crying while birthing the babe. Her mother and father are extremely upset. Ivy can’t believe the path she has chosen for herself and her family.
PLACEHOLDER: Ivy realizes that her relationship with Henry will never be more than it is. She must make sure she and her family are all provided for knowing now that this is the only relationship she will have. A smarter, more worldly Ivy knows what she has to do.
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Angelina Fluehler – Beat Sheet Draft 2
“What I learned doing this assignment is…?”
I double check the theme implementation that it goes through the beat sheet as well as I paid additional attention the antagonist, namely, to his journey and scenes where he is introduced and where/when/ & how he is showing up.
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