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Lesson 9
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Marc’s Scene Requirements.
My Vision: To win the Nicholl Fellowship and receive a 10 rating on the black list.
What I learned: The Scene requirements give a full robust body to the scene. Supported by a clean, well defined structure.ACT 1 <div>
INT. ANDY’S OFFICE – DAY Andy Beal, an A-type personality Billionaire, is having a mid-life crisis and needs to challenge himself to “High Risk” stimulating endeavors. He shuffles a deck of cards.
Scene Arc: Andy watches financial news report on TV. He unwraps a new deck of cards. Angry, frustrated, he shuffles the deck, real fast. Essence: Andy is frustrated and fed-up with the financial banking industry. He is looking for a new challenge.
Conflict: Internal. Andy needs to decide on his new challenge.
Subtext: Andy feels the banking industry are “dumb asses” and he wants out.
Hope/Fear: We fear Andy will go back into the banking industry. We hope shuffling the deck of cards will push him into the next real adventure.
INT. BELLAGIO CASINO BAR – DAY
Bob Brunson strikes up a conversation with Andy at the Bellagio casino bar. He invites Andy to a friendly game of low stakes poker. Andy accepts.</div><div>
Scene Arc: Bob Brunson sees Andy in the bar flashing money. He invites Andy to a friendly game of poker. Andy accepts. They leave the bar and head to the poker tables.
Essence: Andy is anxious and venerable and wants to play his first poker game.
Conflict: Bob Brunson is a stranger to Andy and he us trying to get courage to move forward.
Subtext: Bob Brunson is scheming Andy by pretending he is an amateur, just like Andy. Andy feels comfortable and accepts the invitation.
Hope/Fear: We hope Bob Brunson is friendly. We fear Andy will be taken advantage of his amateur experience.
INT. CASINO TABLE – DAY Andy, an amateur poker player, loses a low stakes poker game to Bob Brunson, a member of the Corporation, a group of Las Vegas professional poker players.</div><div>
Scene Arc: The games starts. Money and chips are layed on the table. Andy loses. Andy loses all of his money.
Essence: Andy is an amateur and doesn’t know what he is doing.
Conflict: Andy struggles to win against a professional poker player.
Subtext: Bob Brunson gives Andy an education on how to beat an amateur player.
Hope/Fear: We hope Andy gets out alive. We fear it is a losing battle. We can see it in Andy’s face as he loses his money.
INT. DOLE BRUNSON’S OFFICE – DAY
Bob Brunson, informs his Father Dole Brunson (AJ-A) He just beat a new “mark”
And he is sure he can play him for more money.
Scene Arc: Bob explains to his Father how he met Andy. Then, strategy how to get Andy to play poker again.
Essence: Should the Corporation move forward with a new enticement to play Andy again.
Conflict: They debate: small low stake or high stake games.
Subtext: Bob is hungry to show he is the “best” player in the Corporation and wants to play Andy again.
Hope/Fear: We fear the Corporation will wipe Andy out all of his money. We hope Andy has learned his lesson, forget about poker and go home.
INT. ANDY’S HOTEL ROOM – DAY
Humiliated, with a need to recoup his losses, he challenges the leader of the Corporation, Dole Brunson, to a series of high stakes poker games. Andy and Dole agree to terms.
Scene Arc: Dole Brunson meets Andy. Discuss a High stake marathon. Terms agreed.
Essence: Dole wants to get a sense who is Andy Beal. How money does Andy really have to play.
Conflict: What are the money stakes. How long should the games last.
Subtext: Andy wants to know who all the Corporation players are. Dole keeps it a secret.
Hope/Fear: We hope Andy gets to recoup his money. We fear he is too inexperienced.
EXT. PARKING LOT – DAY Andy consults with a private investigator. They are searching for his former business partner who embezzled a fortune from him, and he thinks a poker player in the Corporation is related to the embezzler.</div><div>
Scene Arc: Andy meets private investigator. Reviews photos. Discuss strategy. Andy goes back to hotel room.
Essence: Which poker player is the embezzler’s brother.
Conflict: How to go about an entrapment.
Subtext: Andy questions the PI if she has the right information and is she working hard enough.
Hope/Fear: Andy gets the results he wants. Fear he is going down a dead end.
INT. ANDY’S MANSION – DAY Andy’s PJ: Andy returns to Dallas, Texas to access the situation in Las Vegas and what he can do to recoup his money. Andy tasks his secretary to get 25 of the best books on poker. Andy speed reads all of them.</div><div>
Scene Arc: Andy contacts and tasks his secretary to bring 25 books on poker. Books delivered. Andy speed reads books.
Essence: How can Andy gain new knowledge on the poker game.
Conflict: Which knowledge book is the best.
Subtext: Andy wants revenge on the Corporation players.
Hope/Fear: Andy gets a knowledge breakthrough. Fear he won’t get the right information in time.
ACT 2:</div><div>
INT. ANDY’S COMPUTER ROOM – DAY
Andy brainstorms and creates a computer program algorithm with the help of his son.
Andy is not satisfied with what he read in the poker books. Andy, a “fish out of water” realizes he is no match for the Corporation and gets his son to create a computer program algorithm to give him an advantage. They role play the computer program.
Scene Arc: Andy approaches his son. They design the computer program. They examine the finished product.
Essence: How to get an advantage over the Corporation players.
Conflict: What is the best information to input into the program.
Subtext: The son: “how can I get credit for helping.”
Hope/Fear: They how it works. Andy and Son don’t know enough about poker.
INT. BELLIGIAO CASINO – POKER TABLE – DAY Andy plays the first round of poker games. He starts winning and gets very “cocky.”
Scene Arc: New game. Algorithm knowledge kicks in. Andy beats the Corporation first time.
Essence: Andy is getting much better at poker games.
Conflict: The Corporation can sense Andy is better at poker. They step up their game.
Subtext: Andy is not a “chump.” He’s got this.
Hope/Fear: Hope Andy continues to win. Fear he may get to cocky and slip up.
EXT. ANDY’S RENTAL CAR – DAY To celebrate Andy rents a car and drives in the poor neighborhood and throws money out of his car window to the street, homeless people.
Scene Arc: Andy enters rental car with black garbage bag. Drives through homeless streets. He throws money out of driver’s side window. People pick money off the ground.
Essence: Andy happy he is finally winning at poker. He gives back to the poor.
Conflict: Street people fight over money.
Subtext: Andy feels he has a handle on poker playing and he can beat the Corporation.
Hope/Fear: Hope Andy doesn’t get to cock and continue to play well against the Corporation. Fear Andy is getting to cocky.
INT. BELLIGIAO CASINO – DAY
Dole is forced to recruit more players into the Corporation and pool their money to keep the challenge going. Dole renegotiates new terms of the games and recruits a new round of players.
Scene Arc: Dole approaches new players into the Corporation. New terms. New Players commit to playing Andy.
Essence: Dole wants to beat Andy and recoup his losses.
Conflict: The terms of the new deal.
Subtext: Dole has real power over the Corporation players.
Hope/Fear: Hope Dole can convince the new players. Fear the players will rebel against Dole.
EXT. PARKING LOT – DAY Andy meets again with the female private investigator. hired by Andy has tracked the embezzler to the Corporation poker player, who is his brother, agent/manager. The private investigator is not sure if the poker player is fully related to the embezzler. Andy gets depressed.</div><div>
Scene Arc: Andy meets PI. PI found the poker player. They leave.
Essence: Progress on the Poker player
Conflict: When will the last piece of information be presented.
Subtext: Lets get this done and finalized.
Hope/Fear: Hope Andy wins. Fear the poker player could be the wrong person.
Act 3:</div><div>
INT. BELLIAGIO CASINO – DAY
Dole’s recruits are losing to Andy and dropping out, one by one.
Scene Arc: Andy is winning. Players losing. Corporation funds are busted.
Essence: Andy knows what he is doing.
Conflict: How can Dole find new player to go against Andy.
Subtext: The Corporation is losing its reputation.
Hope/Fear: Hope more players can come forward. Fear: Andy may not play the embezzler’s brother.
INT. DOLE BRUNSON’S OFFICE – NIGHT
Dole calls up and recruits Phil Ivey, the best poker player in the world, for a one-on-one challenge with Andy Beal.
Scene Arc: Dole calls Phil Ivey. Discuss Andy’s game.
Essence Dole needs a master player to beat Andy.
Conflict The terms of the deal
Subtext: Bring Phil out from under a previous scandal.
Hope/Fear: Phil accepts. Fear/ Andy may not agree to terms.
INT. BELLIGIAO CASINO – POKER TABLE – DAY Andy wins all the Corporations money, including the embezzler’s brother. He wants to leave Las Vegas but Dole temps him with one more last game with the Master” Phil Ivey.
Scene Arc: Dole meets with Andy and convinces him to play Phil Ivey. Andy accepts.
Essence: A new adventure and challenge for Andy.
Conflict: Andy wants time to research Phil.
Subtext: Andy could have bragging rights by playing Phil Ivey
Hope/Fear: Andy rises to the challenge. Andy will let fear take over.
INT. PHIL IVEY’S SUITE – DAY Dole Brunson: Dole meets with Phil Ivey and briefs him on Andy’s playing style.
Scene Arc: Detailed discussion on Andy Beal.
Essence: Get Phil excited about playing Andy.
Conflict: How soon can the game start
Subtext: Phil can he be the true king of high stakes poker
Hope/Fear Dole hopes Phil can win. Andy may have an “ace” up his sleeve.
INT. ANDY’S HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT Andy tasks his secretary to fast forward all the information on Phil Ivey.
Scene Arc: Andy contact secretary for Phil Ivey research. Andy speed reads.
Essence Andy to gain confidence to play Phil.
Conflict: Internal: Is Andy good enough.
Subtext: How can Andy gain courage to play a real master poker player.
Hope/Fear Andy gains courage. Andy will falterer and not try to win.
Act 4</div><div>
INT. BELLIAGIO GRAND POKER ROOM – DAY
Phil Ivey plays one final game and beats Andy Beal and recoups the Corporation’s winnings.
Scene Arc: Game starts. Game drama. Game ends
Essence: View the strategy of each player.
Conflict: Internal for both players.
Subtext: Can I win.
Hope/Fear Hope Andy applies what he has learned. Fear Andy loses his concentration.
INT. ANDY’S MANSION HOME – DAY
Andy returns home to Dallas, Texas. He researches and finds a new “High” risk challenge.
Scene Arc: Andy watches financial news on TV. Tosses a deck of cards in the trash can.
Essence: Andy conquered poker
Conflict: Internal:
Subtext: What challenge will Andy choose next.
Hope/Fear: Hope Andy goes to the next challenge. Fear: Andy will return to banking.
</div>
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Looks like it is coming along nicely. Looking forward to seeing how the story builds in script.
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Jeff Glatz Scene Requirements
My Vision: To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring electrifying memories to those that have watched one of my films.
What I learned from doing this assignment – Make sure that each scene answers the important questions of scene arc, essence, conflict, subtext and hope/fear.
NOTE – I’m sorry but I just worked thru the entire outline and it is quite long. This is the cutdown version 🙂
The element of Wind is layered subtlety throughout the story so far, from breezes to the swishes of the shinai, to the plane flying through the clouds, to the boy moving elegantly through the air, to a rapidly spreading fire on a television in the background of the restaurant bar.
Picture more DaVinci Code meets Mission Impossible/recent Bond films look versus Marvel world.
OPEN –
Scene Sequence Arc (Amazon Jungle): Peaceful village is attacked out of nowhere. Many are killed, but a child escapes carrying a key.
EXT. AMAZON JUNGLE VILLAGE – DAY (TWENTY YEARS AGO)
Deep in the Amazon a tribe of warriors, hidden among the trees, enjoy a peaceful day twenty (20) years ago.
Introduction to the Wind Tribe living undetected in the Amazon.
o Set up unique skills of the tribe.
o Mixture of super and normal
Scene Arc: Peaceful village is attacked out of nowhere.
Essence: Showing the quiet hidden life of a tribe living undetected in the Amazon.
Conflict: The tribe is attacked.
Subtext: Why is the tribe attacked?
Hope/Fear: Hope that the Amazon tribe will not be killed.
EXT. AMAZON JUNGLE – DAY (TWENTY YEARS AGO)
In the village among the trees, the tribe perceives the change in the air. Animals shriek and scurry. The Queen motions to one of her closest guards to approach her. She places her baby in the guard, Diana’s, arms and sends her into the forest to protect the child with her life.
Scene Arc: They sense the danger and begin preparations.
Essence: Queen send her child out of danger.
Conflict: She must save her child and the “key above all else.
Subtext: The Key is more important than anything else.
Hope/Fear: Will the child survive?
EXT. AMAZON JUNGLE – DAY (TWENTY YEARS AGO)
The army of men, dressed in exo-skeleton armor, are upon the tribe in a flash of movement. A tremendous battle ensues.
Scene Arc: The attackers come from the trees to attack the unsuspecting village. The Evil Descendants attack the tribe looking for a “Key.”
Essence: Demonstrating the super human abilities of the attackers and some of the tribe members.
Conflict: The fight between the two (2) Wind Tribes.
Subtext: Why is the tribe attacked?
Hope/Fear: Fear the tribe will be defeated.
EXT. AMAZON JUNGLE – DAY (TWENTY YEARS AGO)
In the distance, Diana, stops atop a tree with the child in her arms, and watches as her village and family are destroyed.
Scene Arc: Diana escaping with child and watching as her friends and family are killed.
Essence: Child escapes with the “key.”
Conflict: A Warrior, Diana, leaving a battle pulls at her desire to defend her people.
Subtext: The Key and Child above all others.
Hope/Fear: What will happen to child?
EXT. AMAZON JUNGLE VILLAGE CENTER – DAY (TWENTY YEARS AGO)
As the Queen and a few of her guards are surrounded in the center of the village, preparing for a final stand, a tall Asian man drops from the trees above, to land in front of her.
He stands above her, promising to spare her life for the Key, but she resists to the end. In his anger, he strikes her dead.
Scene Arc: Ronin has arrived to claim the Key and no one will stand in his way.
Essence: Ronin is the evil Antagonist in the film.
Conflict: The fight between the two (2) Wind Tribe Leaders to the death.
Subtext: Why do they have these super human abilities?
Hope/Fear: Who will win the battle – Ronin.
EXT. AMAZON JUNGLE VILLAGE – DAY (TWENTY YEARS AGO)
High in the treetops, Diana turns with a tear and streaks out among the trees away from the danger.
Scene Arc: Diana sees the destruction of her world.
Essence: A child has escaped the battle alive.
Conflict: The fight between the two (2) Wind Tribes.
Subtext: Why is the child taken to safety while others stay and fight?
Hope/Fear: Hope/Fear if the child will escape.
RUN TITLE
ACT 1
INT. CLASSROOM – DAY (PRESENT DAY)
Twenty years later,
A university classroom at Columbia in New York City. It is an advanced applied mathematical theory class featuring the best and the brightest.
Scene Arc: Chris is a student sitting in the front row and answers a highly challenging mathematical equation, demonstrating her brilliant mind.
Essence: Show Chris as a beautiful bright college student who is a little awkward and shy.
Conflict: Some of her classmates are annoyed at her being the teacher’s pet.
Subtext: Who is the student James, and does he have anything to do with Chris?
Hope/Fear: Hope she get the answer right.
INT. SWISS ESTATE – DAY
In a large richly paneled room, very much the feel of a room from Versailles, we see the villain, Ronin, a little older looking, but not much even though it has been 20 years. On one wall of the enormous room is an entire array of state of the art computer displays. A computer search is underway for a 20-year-old girl.
Scene Arc: Ronin (antagonist) and his son Ando search for a twenty-something female child throughout the world on high-tech computers and screens, finding a lead.
Essence: Set up Antagonist as continually looking for the Key and the Child twenty years later.
Conflict: Ando is frustrated with the method for searching for the girl.
Subtext: Ando is Ronin’s son, but his concerns/thoughts are dismissed.
Hope/Fear: Fear – an image of Chris pops up on the screen and Ando is sent to grab her.
EXT. COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HALL – DAY
As the class is letting out, the professor asks the girl to stop by his desk. “Chris (short for Christina), can you work on this equation over the weekend and let me know your thoughts on Monday?”
Scene Arc: From nerd to nice freshman coed.
Essence: Building a normal college life for Chris.
Conflict: She feels out of place among the other students.
Subtext: Why does she feel out of place? Why is James paying attention to her?
Hope/Fear: Create embarrassing moment for her.
EXT. PRIVATE AIRSTRIP – SWISS ALPS – DAY
The sinister boy, Ando, arrives in a string of black Range Rovers at a private airstrip with six additional mercenary looking guys.
Scene Arc: Ando arrives with a team of mercenaries and boards a private plane.
Essence: The hunt is on.
Conflict: Mercenaries are on the prowl.
Subtext: Overwhelming force is being deployed against an unknowing Chris.
Hope/Fear: Will they find Chris?
EXT. NEW YORK CENTRAL PARK – DAY
It is late afternoon in Central Park and the crowds are out in force. Chris (Christina) walks through the park with a group of friends.
Scene Arc: Chris arrives with friends and attempts to befriend James, but he does not respond.
Essence: Establishing normal college life and possible connection/interest in James.
Conflict: Chris fighting to be normal.
Subtext: Chris has friends but is truly alone.
Hope/Fear: Disappointment in not be acknowledged by James.
INT. PRIVATE PLANE – NIGHT
On the plane, Ando and his men are going over Chris’ bio and discussing different strategies for where they may be able to snatch her.
Scene Arc: Ando and his team of mercenaries are on the move toward Chris.
Essence: Background on Chris and her upbringing as well as resources of Ronin.
Conflict: Ronin/Ando v. Chris
Subtext: Chris appears to lead a normal life and be a normal college student.
Hope/Fear: The odds look dire for Chris.
INT. NYC DOJO – LATE AFTERNOON
In an old dojo, we hear the wood strikes of the shinai hitting each other in rapid succession.
Scene Arc: Two people practice martial arts, revealing one of them is Chris, along with Diana, the woman who took the baby away from the opening fight.
Essence: Demonstrate that Chris is not a normal 20 year old. She is not only brilliant but possess incredible martial arts skills.
Conflict: Training exercise,
Subtext: Who is Chris?
Hope/Fear: Hope that Chris may possess the skills to defend herself from the attack that she is unaware of on the horizon.
EXT. PRIVATE AIRSTRIP – NJ – EARLY EVENING
Ando’s plane arrives at another private airfield outside of New York City. More mercenary types are there to greet Ando and his men.
Scene Arc: Plane arriving and unloading the mercenaries.
Essence: Display the evil forces now outside NYC, moving closer to Chris.
Conflict: A battle is about to happen.
Subtext: Does Chris have a chance at survival?
Hope/Fear: Does Chris have a chance at survival?
INT. NYC RESTAURANT – NIGHT
Chris and Diana arrive at the hip and trendy NYC restaurant. Chris trying to be civil, but clearly annoyed at having to sit through yet another of these dinners.
Scene Arc: Chris arriving to meet her parents for dinner and being annoyed about being set up on a date.
Essence: Displaying family nucleus and those closest to Chris.
Conflict: Chris having to deal with her parents friends son.
Subtext: Chris is independent.
Hope/Fear: Opportunity to cheer for Chris.
EXT. NYC RESTAURANT – NIGHT
As the dinner ends much to Chris’ relief, the Wall Street family enters their town car, the valets hailing for a cab… both Chris and Diana instinctively look to the rooftop across the street. They are in motion as a hail of assault rifle fire rains down upon the group
Scene Arc: Chris and her family are attacked and her father, Diana are killed, her mother wounded. She escapes because of James.
Essence: Inciting Incident – Those closest to Chris are killed or seriously wounded and she is on her own. Chris exhibits “Super Human Powers” for the first time.
Conflict: Battle with Ando and his men’s overwhelming force.
Subtext: She still needs help to survive.
Hope/Fear: Will she live?
EXT. NYC STREET – NIGHT
Chris is fighting with James to stop and finally pries herself loose from his grasp and jumps off the flying motorcycle.
Scene Arc: James has saved Chris and the fly off into the night. She tries to stay but James tells her some facts about her childhood, and she must go with him.
Essence: More clues to determine who Chris may be.
Conflict: Fights with James to go back to her mother.
Subtext: She has help.
Hope/Fear: Maybe she will learn more and be able to figure out what is going on.
INT. BULLET TRAIN – JAPAN – DAY
The bullet train in Japan speeds through the countryside like the wind.
Scene Arc: James and Ashely travel to Japan.
Essence: Showing extent of the world Ashley may be a part of.
Conflict: She is not sure she should be going.
Subtext: Fear of the unknown.
Hope/Fear: Fear of the unknown.
EXT. JAPAN – MOUNTAINS – AFTERNOON
Multiple small scenes of journey to Castle.
In the distance we see a large Japanese castle built on a high ridge against the backdrop of the snowcapped mountains.
Scene Arc: Chris and James journey to the castle where a reluctant Chris will learn more about herself, her parents and her duty.
Essence: Beginning to go into detail about who she truly is.
Conflict: Her world is being turned upside down.
Subtext: She is alone again.
Hope/Fear: Perhaps there is a path forward.
INT. SWISS ESTATE – NIGHT
Back at Ronin’s estate, he is furious with his son and men, “How could you fail me? My own son, we must acquire the Key!”
Scene Arc: An angry Ronin meets his son and must alter his plans.
Essence: Ronin is the Evil leader and will not be deterred by a small defeat.
Conflict: Ronin v. Ando (his son)
Subtext: He has psychotic elements to his personality.
Hope/Fear: He is a worthy foe for Chris.
INT. JAPANESE CASTLE – NIGHT
Chris is taken before the Master and served tea by him. He begins to tell her of her life, who she is, what she represents and what she must do for mankind.
Scene Arc: Major revealing scene where Chris is taken before a “Master/Guardian” and her role in the world is predestined and that she is a Descendant and learns of the Key.
Essence: She is a direct descendant of Zeus.
Conflict: Emotional battle within herself to deal with these facts.
Subtext: Can she live up to her role?
Hope/Fear: She has the abilities to survive.
EXT. JAPANESE CASTLE – NIGHT
James is waiting for her outside and they take a walk through the cherry blossoms. She digs for more information and asks him about himself. He speaks of his life and some of the loneliness he has felt being a guardian, but also understands the responsibility.
Scene Arc: James tells Chris more about his life and his role and sacrifice.
Essence: James and Chris continue to build the bond between them.
Conflict: Chris is learning people sacrifice themselves for her.
Subtext: Guilt of being a Descendant.
Hope/Fear: Will she be able to be worthy of the protection?
INT. JAPANESE CASTLE – NIGHT
During the night, the Master wakes Chris. James is up as well. Just then, explosions begin to rock the building.
Scene Arc: Chris is awoken in the night and must fight her way out of the Castle.
Essence: No place is safe.
Conflict: Battle of the Tribes.
Subtext: No place is safe.
Hope/Fear: Will Chris survive the assault?
EXT. JAPANESE CASTLE – NIGHT
In the sky above, mercenaries of the Wind dive out of planes and free fall toward the battle below, no parachutes, just armored gear as they fall silently toward Chris and the others below.
Scene Arc: The battle moves outside, and Chris joins the other descendants and monks in trying to defend the castle against Ronin and his Tribe.
Essence: Engaging fight scene where sacrifice is again made on Chris’ behalf.
Conflict: Battle of the Tribe Leaders.
Subtext: No place is safe.
Hope/Fear: Will Chris survive?
INT. WELL – NIGHT
1st Turning Point – Chris and James are the only to escape.
They surface in a cavernous underground cavern. It is an ancient crypt; signs of the Elements are throughout…. Symbols and hieroglyphics of the Japanese Gods…
Scene Arc: They escape by jumping in the well and swimming to a large underground cavern.
Essence: Just the two escape as in NY.
Conflict: Fleeing for safety.
Subtext: Everyone is dying to safe her.
Hope/Fear: She lives to fight another day.
EXT. JAPANESE CASTLE – Night
Ronin burns the castle compound down (the element of Fire).
Scene Arc: Ronin burns the Castle to the ground. He will stop at nothing to find the Key and destroy anyone one or thing in his path.
Essence: No mercy.
Conflict: Defeats the entire compound.
Subtext: No mercy.
Hope/Fear: He will stop at nothing to find the Key.
Act 2
EXT – TOKYO AIRPORT – DAY
INT. PRIVATE AIRPLANE – DAY
New Plan– Chris and James head to England to meet and learn more about herself, her role, and the. Chris and James learn about each other on the plane. A bond is being formed, possibly the start of a new romance.
Scene Arc: Arrive on plane. Chris is torn and worried but begins to form a closer bond with James.
Essence: Introducing possible beginning of a romance.
Conflict: Emotional trauma within herself.
Subtext: She is making the transition to being a stronger person.
Hope/Fear: Can they win?
INT. SWISS ESTATE – DAY
At the estate, the maps show a bigger picture of the Descendants support around the globe.
Scene Arc: Ronin continues the search for where Chris may go next. He determines England the likely destination and send Ando off again, with better support this time, more Descendants on the team, not just mercs.
Essence: The race to find Chris and the Key continues.
Conflict: Elevating the antagonist armies weaponry.
Subtext: Taking Chris seriously.
Hope/Fear: This will be new challenge for Chris.
EXT – ENGLISH COUNTRY ESTATE – MORNING
Chris and James arrive at English Country Estate and are greeted by Franklin and his two hounds.
INT – ENGLISH COUNTRY ESTATE – MORNING
Franklin welcomes them into a hidden lair beneath the estate. He teaches Chris about the other tribes as he hands out new weaponry that she and James may need going forward.
Scene Arc: They arrive at estate with a little knowledge but leave with vastly more.
Essence: Starting to follow a clue trail to learn about the Key and what it does.
Conflict: Learning the extent of the Descendants and how they live unseen in our world.
Subtext: Overwhelming.
Hope/Fear: Can she win?
EXT – ENGLISH COUNTRY ESTATE – AFTERNOON
James and Chris spar outside to stay tuned up. They have fun and Chris knocks James down and reaches her hand to pick him. They look into each other’s eyes.
Scene Arc: Fun training becomes something more.
Essence: Create romantic sparks in the middle of all the danger.
Conflict: Chris has always been a loner.
Subtext: Has she found someone?
Hope/Fear: Hope she has found a kindred spirit.
EXT. OXFORD UNIVERSITY – DAY
Establishing shot of Chris, James and Franklin arriving at University.
INT. OXFORD UNIVERSITY – DAY
They are ushered into the Professors chambers, and they discuss the history of the Descendants and specifically references to a key that would control the world.
Professor tells them their next stop needs to be the Vatican archives.
Scene Arc: Arrive with some knowledge and are about to leave with more.
Essence: Another clue is discovered.
Conflict: Unknown to them, they are being surrounded.
Subtext: As they feel they get a step closer; they are stopped (well attempted)
Hope/Fear: They see a light at end of the tunnel.
EXT. OXFORD UNIVERSITY – DAY
High tech stealth helicopters arrive over the quad out of nowhere. Descendants and mercenaries repel down, wearing black tech gear and weapons. Ando leads.
Scene Arc: Chris and team speaking safely with Professor are now in dire danger.
Essence: They have been found again.
Conflict: Beginning of another battle.
Subtext: She is never safe.
Hope/Fear: How will the two of them escape all these assailants?
INT. OXFORD UNIVERSITY – HALL – DAY
The assailants have moved inside and are advancing through the building looking for Chris. Killing anyone who gets in their way. (Ando is killed?)
Scene Arc: The team is attacked. The Professor is killed, along with students, and they escape the building.
Essence: Beginning of fight sequence.
Conflict: Battle
Subtext: Overwhelming odds
Hope/Fear: Will they survive?
EXT. OXFORD UNIVERSITY – DAY
EXT. BLENHEIM CASTLE – ENGLAND – DAY
EXT. SKYS ABOVE ENGLAND – DAY
Chris and James jump in a wicked Aston Martin Valkyrie. Franklin jumps in his Bentley. They take off across the quad.
James has called for a helicopter that is waiting for them on the lawn. A massive dog fight ensues and as they reach the English Channel they are shot down and violently crash into the water and the chopper settles beneath the surface as Ronin’s helicopters circle above.
Scene Arc: Massive chase scene starting with an escape from Oxford but ending with a crash into the English channel.
Essence: Nice battle and chase.
Conflict: Battle of the Tribes.
Subtext: They’re in over their heads.
Hope/Fear: Are they dead?
EXT. ENGLISH CHANNEL – DAY
As the helicopter settles beneath the surface and starts to drift toward the sea floor.
From the depths of the sea comes a state-of-the-art private submarine.
Scene Arc: Chris has crashed into the sea after being shot down and must fight for survival. She is save by a member (descendant) of the Water Tribe.
Essence: Looks like she has been defeated/killed but is saved by another Descendant, Lexus.
Conflict: Climax of recent battle.
Subtext: She needs help to survive.
Hope/Fear: Will she survive?
INT. SUBMARINE – DAY
Inside the state-of-the-art private submarine, they meet Lexus Octavianus, a Descendant of Poseidon.
Scene Arc: On the edge of perishing, Chris is saved and grateful.
Essence: Chris and James are saved.
Conflict: End of battle.
Subtext: Chris needs help against Ronin and his army.
Hope/Fear: They live to fight another day.
EXT. OCEAN CONTAINER SHIP – NIGHT
INT. OCEAN CONTAINER SHIP – NIGHT
The submarine approaches a large container ship in the open seas owned by Poseidon Shipping.
Scene Arc: Journey aboard the ship from England to France. Chris is intimate with James when she is looking for comfort. She gets stronger as they approach Marseille.
Essence: Transition to another clue.
Conflict: Chris’s emotional state and looking to James for warmth.
Subtext: She is still vulnerable.
Hope/Fear: Is she in over her head?
EXT. MARSEILLE HARBOR – DAY
EXT. ROAD(S) TO ROME – DAY
Chris, Lexus and James enter a Range Rover (Ferrari, Aston Martin, etc.) and begin the road journey to Rome
Scene Arc: Chris is changing to be more comfortable with herself and closer to James.
Essence: Transitional journey from Marseille to Rome.
Conflict: Who was James speaking with?
Subtext: Is a betrayal on the horizon?
Hope/Fear: Hope that they will find more information in Rome.
EXT. ROME ESTATE – DAY
INT. ROME ESTATE – DAY
Chris, Lexus and James arrive at a Cardinal’s residence in Rome.
Scene Arc: A plan is developed to break into the Vatican, and they leave to execute the plan.
Essence: Meet another Descendant “supporter” at the highest level of the Catholic Church.
Conflict: The reach of the Descendants runs deep.
Subtext: Anyone may be a Descendant.
Hope/Fear: Hope the plan will work.
EXT. SAINT PETERS SQUARE – VATICAN – NIGHT
Elaborate B&E of the Vatican vault. The young priest has special abilities as well.
Scene Arc: Enter the Vatican and secure the Scroll.
Essence: Finding a clue to lead them closer to what they key will do and what it “opens.”
Conflict: Eluding Vatican guards.
Subtext: Breaking an occasional law is necessary.
Hope/Fear: Will there be a clue on the scroll?
MID-POINT
INT. CARDINAL’S OFFICE – VATICAN – NIGHT
They find the Scroll and take to the Cardinal’s office. Chris learns where the “Lock” may be hidden and how it could be used, and vows to defend with her life.
Scene Arc: Arrives with a small bit of knowledge but leaves with a lot more.
Essence: What the key is used for.
Conflict: Enormity of situation.
Subtext: She has a duty she cannot turn away from.
Hope/Fear: Fear of failure.
INT. ROME ESTATE – NIGHT
Arriving at their “safe house” they feel something is amiss. Ronin takes the copies of the Scroll.
Scene Arc: They arrive at the safe house feeling successful but end losing the scroll to Ronin.
Essence: Ronin wins a round, Lexus is killed.
Conflict: Attack by Ronin.
Subtext: Ronin is adept at playing the game.
Hope/Fear: Ronin has killed a Water Tribe leader and taken the scroll – have they lost the war?
EXT. LUXURY MEGA-YACHT – MEDITERREAN SEA – DAY
Funeral at Sea for Lexus. All Tribes, (Water, Earth, Fire, Wind) send a representative.
Scene Arc: Chris arrives defeated to bury a new friend and leaves feeling stronger after support from all the Tribes.
Essence: Wallowing in defeat.
Conflict: Emotional roller-coaster of highs and lows of quest.
Subtext: Continued building emotional strength in Chris.
Hope/Fear: Hope they can still defeat Ronin with help.
EXT. MARRAKESH ESTATE – EARLY EVENING
Finally feeling safe for the moment, Chris and James stroll the beach (alt – remains of Carthage or the pyramids) after a lite beach bar candlelight dinner.
Ronin, by himself, steps from the shadows (maybe Ando trying to prove something to his father and is killed). NOTE!! TWIST?? Does James betray Chris and she must kill him??
2nd Turning Point – Chris loses the Key to Ronin. James is killed.
Scene Arc: Chris is feeling confident, but soon loses everything.
Essence: She is defeated emotionally.
Conflict: Battle with Ronin.
Subtext: She is still not ready to defeat Ronin.
Hope/Fear: All is lost
ACT 3
INT. NYC HOSPITAL – DAY
Rethink everything. Chris visits her adopted mother (Mrs. Wentworth) in the hospital. Her mother tells her she must accept the ultimate responsibility and recover the Key.
Scene Arc: A defeated Chris visits her mother and gains her inner strength to continue the fight.
Essence: Emotional support to continue the fight.
Conflict: Internal emotional battle.
Subtext: She is all alone again.
Hope/Fear: Can she step up.
EXT. AMAZON JUNGLE VILLAGE – DAY
EXT. AMAZON VILLAGE GRAVEYARD – DAY
Chris goes on the offensive.
Scene Arc: Chris arrives diminished and grows stronger as she sees her heritage first hand.
Essence: Taking her to her birthplace/birthright.
Conflict: Struggle to accept her destiny with all she has lost.
Subtext: Strength from her birth mother
Hope/Fear: Hope she is going to become the leader she needs to be.
EXT. AMAZON JUNGLE VILLAGE – NIGHT
A member of Fire, Water and Earth arrive in the Amazon and offer their help. Old school bonfire, no technology present.
**Twist – does a Descendant try and kill Chris in her sleep?
**Twist – she captures Ronin’s spy?
Scene Arc: Other Descendants show up to help and a plan is developed to take the fight to Ronin.
Essence: Rethink everything and come up with a new plan.
Conflict: Differing opinions on next steps.
Subtext: Chris becomes the Leader.
Hope/Fear: Will they prevail?
EXT. AMAZON JUNGLE AIRSTRIP – NIGHT
Crisis/Dilemma (New Plan) – She recruits a small team to help her save the World. Knowing they may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Scene Arc: Begin in the Amazon Jungle and end over an island off the coast of Africa.
Essence: Preparations for the climactic battle.
Conflict: The final battle is coming.
Subtext: Is there a traitor?
Hope/Fear: Will they prevail?
EXT. LUSH AFRICAN ISLAND – DAY
They land on the far side of the lush island and make their way towards Ronin’s camp. They encounter a few sentries along the way, but no problem.
Scene Arc: The Descendants land on the island undetected and work their way through the jungle.
Essence: Infiltration of Island.
Conflict: Fright.
Subtext: True leader emerging.
Hope/Fear: Will they prevail?
INT. MOUNTAIN CAVE – DAY
Ronin is making his way through the Mountain on his way to discover the Portal.
EXT. ISLAND COAST – DAY
Chris’ team make the coast and the rocky shoreline they were looking for and put on suits for the water and enter. They find an underwater cave and enter the mountain from below.
Scene Arc: Chris and her small team make their way to the Coast and enter and underwater cave.
Essence: Getting closer to Climax.
Conflict: Battle on the horizon.
Subtext: Tension building.
Hope/Fear: Will they be caught?
INT. GREEK/ROMAN CHAMBER – DAY
They arrive first at the vast Greek God/Roman looking chamber and wait for Ronin. The chamber is massive and has been there for thousands of years. Chris finds the Portal under a statue of her ancestor, Zeus.
They are in the middle of placing charges to destroy the temple when Ronin arrives.
Scene Arc: Arrive unnoticed but are discovered by Ronin and his men.
Essence: They are found out.
Conflict: Battle is about to begin.
Subtext: Sabotage?
Hope/Fear: They almost made it in the clear.
ACT 4
SEQUENCE OF SCENES
INT. GREEK/ROMAN CHAMBER – DAY
EXT. LUSH AFRICAN ISLAND – DAY
Climax – Battle of all battles takes place on an uninhabited island, off the coast of Africa, where all 4 Elements exist. A Volcano for Fire, the pounding Ocean for Water, the fertile lands for Earth and the winds that move the Clouds around the Volcano’s peak for Wind.
Scene Arc: Battle starts in the cave chamber and moves out into all areas of the Island.
Essence: Climax Battle!
Conflict: War.
Subtext: Elements are part of the battle.
Hope/Fear: Who will be victorious?
EXT. LUSH AFRICA ISLAND – DAY
Resolution – Chris regains the Key and strikes down Ronin who is killed. The World is Safe. Buries the Portal without knowing where it ultimately leads. A portal to a far off world? The past? The future?
Scene Arc: All looks lost, but they regroup and become victorious.
Essence: End of War.
Conflict: Battle
Subtext: The Elements.
Hope/Fear: The World is Safe
EXT. LUSH AFRICA ISLAND – DAY
Chris is pretty beaten up but stands as the Leader after Ronin falls. The other Tribe Leaders vow to stand together and to never let this happen again.
INT. COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY CLASSROOM – DAY
All is now as it started. Chris knows who she is, but she has lost her father, Diana, James and many others that stood with her against Ronin.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 11 months ago by jeffrey jeff glatz glatz.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 11 months ago by jeffrey jeff glatz glatz.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 11 months ago by jeffrey jeff glatz glatz.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 11 months ago by jeffrey jeff glatz glatz.
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Hi Jeff,
I would like to do what Hal suggested and give more critiques to people, even though they don’t critique me. I have done a critique for you if you are interested in having another viewpoint. I had to do it based off this Lesson 9, since I didn’t see your assignment for Lesson 10. Let me know your email, so I can send it if you are interested. Anna
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This reply was modified 1 year, 11 months ago by
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Pam Ewing’s Scene Requirements!
My Vision: Professional. Produced. Prolific. Popular.
What I learned: The fight for disciplined writing
Scene Arc: Demonstrating current life to poverty and need to pursue inheritance.
INT. DINING ROOM – NIGHT
Natalie and husband share time with her mother; gets necklace; we see the creepy décor made creepier with bright paint.
Essence: mother asks Natalie for help and Natalie is inefficient and can’t make a decision on her own.
Conflict: Husband emotionally absent then on phone; Natalie frustrated can’t do anything; Mother is pushy.
Subtext: no supportive connections
Hope/fear: Natalie keeps trying to be perfect.
INT. LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Mother confronts shadow and dies
Essence: Mother knows the end is near and begs for time
Conflict: shadow teases that Mother failed with Natalie then kills her
Subtext: Danger and lack of defense
Hope/fear: Hope Natalie and Mother get more chances
EXT. FUNERAL – DAY
Natalie is overcome with grief
Essence: Husband arrives late and schmoozes way to Natalie
Conflict: Natalie brushes off husband’s comfort
Subtext: loneliness begets loneliness
Hope/fear: Will Natalie suffer same fate as her mother
INT. ATTORNEY’S OFFICE – DAY
Meeting with attorney re mother’s death
Essence: no money but maybe in the inheritance
Conflict: Natalie tells husband it’s over before he can end it with her; his business is in trouble anyway
Subtext: things get worse without money
Hope/fear: inheritance will be worthwhile
Scene Arc: Everyone attempts courage and hope
INT. AIRPLANE – DAY
Husband gets the first class seat
Essence: Natalie has used all her gumption to do this and her husband is there with a first class ticket
Conflict: Natalie is humiliated and fascinated by her husband’s confident demeanor
Subtext: Natalie needs to find her confidence in herself
Hope/fear: Hope for success on trip but husband drains her
EXT. TRANSYLVANIA AIRPORT – DAY
Natalie flustered/gets a tail/husband has new friends
Essence: Natalie finds a kinship there; Natalie’s powers appear but can be explained away; husband’s schmoozing fails for the first time
Conflict: Competition with Natalie and Husband
Subtext: Natalie belongs
Hope/fear: Maybe things will work out for Natalie
INT. HOTEL LOBBY – DAY
Natalie checks in while husband finds his room no longer available
Essence: Natalie welcomed and husband has troubles
Conflict: Competition with Natalie and Husband
Subtext: Natalie feels she has the upper hand and helps husband out
Hope/fear: Natalie’s new connections and growing confidence will pay off
Scene Arc: Natalie builds connections with people and the place
EXT. LOCAL MARKET – DAY
Natalie shops/meets gypsy/monitored by henchmen
Essence: connecting with the culture builds Natalie’s confidence
Conflict: Henchmen shadow her and people cower
Subtext: Something is not to be trusted
Hope/fear: Natalie doubts but hopes gypsy’s good prediction
INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT
Natalie meets Vlad/plays Vlad off husband
Essence: Vlad charms the pants off Natalie but doesn’t recognize that she her powers are spiked around him
Conflict: Husband suspects Vlad; Natalie thinks husband isn’t jealous but trying to control her
Subtext: who is in control of who
Hope/fear: That Natalie will be able to pick the best suitor
EXT. SIDEWALK – NIGHT
Saying good night to Vlad then having argument with husband
Essence: Vlad says she’ll dream of him; husband gets bitchy; we see Vlad behind the scenes being cruel
Conflict: Natalie likes being the center of attention
Subtext: even players can be played
Hope/fear: Hope that someone is looking out for Natalie
Scene Arc: Husband keeps messing up Natalie/Vlad romance
Natalie is rejuvenized and dreams of Vlad, as he had predicted, but it is a musical number
Essence: Natalie’s dreams plays off Vlad’s charm and gives her no reason to fear him
Conflict: Romantic tension with Vlad
Subtext: does trust require change
Hope/fear: Natalie will find inner strength
Vlad lurks with henchmen
Essence: Vlad senses Natalie’s dreams and laughs that she is unique – but not enough to live
Conflict: Henchmen note that there is something different with her; same shadow as at mother’s house
Subtext: Is Natalie different
Hope/fear: Natalie can outlive Vlad’s intended harm
INT. HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT
Husband wakes Natalie from her dream; tries to expose Vlad; sleeps on floor to protect her
Essence: Husband has been investigating Vlad and tries to warn Natalie off him
Conflict: Natalie likes this side of her husband but of course if pissed that he’s interfering
Subtext: Do you trust truth or dangerous romance
Hope/fear: Hope husband can defend Natalie
EXT. NATALIE’S HOTEL – NIGHT
Vlad’s henchmen suppress laughs at how husband’s interruption has frustrated Vlad
Essence: Vlad is not used to being thwarted
Conflict: Vlad’s evil plan for husband – and henchmen
Subtext: don’t laugh at the devil
Hope/fear: fear that Natalie blinded by Vlad and therefore doomed
Scene Arc: Hunting for inheritance
INT. HOTEL ROOM – DAY
Happy Natalie steps over sleeping husband to get on with her quest
Essence: Natalie primps and displays confidence
Conflict: Husband wakes up to warn her but she thinks he’s holding her back
Subtext: people run from feelings
Hope/fear: Hope husband will step up
EXT. MARKET – DAY
Excited Natalie walk to town hall and tells the gypsy that her prediction was accurate; gypsy tries to warn Natalie that she got the prediction wrong; sees Natalie’s necklace
Essence: Natalie is building her confidence as she approaches town hall
Conflict: henchmen follow and endanger gypsy; Natalie rejects truth
Subtext: we see what we want to see
Hope/fear: fear Natalie’s naivety will cause her harm
EXT. TOWN HALL – DAY
Husband is waiting for Natalie to accompany her but she sends him packing; henchman lurks; dismissed husband spies on Natalie behind henchman
Essence: Natalie would rather bet on what she doesn’t know
Conflict: fight with husband; she doesn’t see henchmen
Subtext: trust and belief in a frustrating person causes rejection of truth
Hope/fear: Natalie is gaining hope
INT. TOWN HALL – DAY
Natalie gets the cold shoulder and a handy henchman offers greetings from Vlad and help in translating which he does not tell her the truth
Essence: Henchman is now controlling access and learns Natalie’s identity which gives him an edge on Vlad
Conflict: henchmen and Natalie at odds though she doesn’t know it; her identity causes panic in people; her powers show up but she doesn’t realize it
Subtext: Somethings are better as secrets (her identity) when she doesn’t understand them
Hope/fear: Henchman will help Natalie or at least fight Vlad
EXT. MARKET – DAY
After frustration at Town Hall the market is totally different – people are rude, afraid, unhelpful; henchman plots; husband confronts gypsy about villager’s change
Essence: Her identity has altered everything; she gets angry at the Town Hall because she’s not getting answer she wants; her anger activates more powers
Conflict: villagers, henchmen pose new threats to Natalie and her husband tries to help her but she pushes him away
Subtext: who do you turn to when everyone turns you away
Hope/fear: Will Natalie prevail
Scene Arc: Vlad shows his true intent
INT. HOTEL ROOM – DAY
Natalie is frustrated and confused but heartened by invite from Vlad; husband arrives and tries to keep her from going
Essence: Natalie brushes on the day’s confusion in anticipation of date with Vlad
Conflict: Natalie doesn’t listen to husband
Subtext: hope isn’t always a good thing
Hope/fear: Natalie puts all her hope on meeting with Vlad
INT. VLAD’S CASTLE – DAY
Vlad phones Natalie to confirm the invite; his evil plans become evident in planning with henchman
Essence: Showing Vlad’s true colors
Conflict: henchman has secret from Vlad
Subtext: can an abuser be abused
Hope/fear: fearful for henchman and in turn Natalie
EXT. HOTEL – NIGHT
Natalie and husband argue all the way to the car and Natalie’s powers push him away supernaturally – they both realize she has something powerful but Natalie excuses herself and doesn’t acknowledge power
Essence: Natalie’s power in the open
Conflict: Natalie rejects husband and he is physically hurt by her
Subtext: push away what we don’t understand
Hope/fear: Natalie will harness powers
INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT
Husband drinks and overhears Vlad horror stories
Essence: Husband pieces together at least part of the truth of Vlad; seeks out gypsy for help
Conflict: husband fights with himself about why he should pursue someone who is broke and rejected him
Subtext: drinking makes nonsense make sense
Hope/fear: Husband understands Natalie’s peril
INT. VLAD’S CASTLE – NIGHT
Vlad wines and dines Natalie but she starts to notice the décor similar to her mother’s and makes some pointed questions about Vlad’s past; in his over confidence Vlad accidently lets Natalie’s inheritance slip
Essence: Natalie starts to piece things together and realizes her peril and tests her powers
Conflict: mental chess match between Vlad and Natalie each knowing but hoping the other doesn’t know that they know; Natalie plays along with Vlad
Subtext: the truth makes everything more dangerous
Hope/fear: Hope Natalie can be powerful and clever
EXT. VLAD’S CASTLE – NIGHT
Husband half-drunk comes to Natalie’s rescue but a henchman captures him
Essence: Husband making decision that is the right thing for Natalie but might be a problem for him
Conflict: Husband tries to play dumb with henchman and gets thrown in torture chamber
Subtext: playing stupid might be a protection
Hope/fear: Hope husband will survive
Natalie has to fight for her life and her husband’s life
INT. VLAD’S CASTLE – NIGHT
Vlad thinks he’ll be even more powerful with Natalie under his control and fulfilling the terms of the inheritance
Essence: Thinking he’s won Natalie over, she pretends to be interested; Vlad learns husband is captured so sets up celebration test for Natalie to destroy mortal husband
Conflict: Husband’s peril; Natalie needing to step up with her powers; Vlad cocky and maybe winning
Subtext: confidence versus cocky
Hope/fear: stakes are high and Natalie and her husband are rubes
INT. VLAD’S TORTURE ROOM – NIGHT
Vlad sets Natalie up against her husband; the gloves are off she needs to expose her power and fight Vlad
Essence: supernatural fight; top henchman weighs in to get his freedom; husband is bound but tries to relay information that Natalie could use; Natalie hears husband but doesn’t want his help
Conflict: Everyone fighting a various levels
Subtext: physical fight is only as strong as the mental battle
Hope/fear: Hope Natalie and husband survive and Vlad disabled/dead
INT. VLAD’S CASTLE – NIGHT
The battle has raged back into the castle where it is nearly dawn and Vlad thinks he can burn Natalie
Essence: Natalie has accepted her power but she doesn’t know if her physical nature has been altered to make her susceptible to light; henchman dies; husband frees himself but can only get outside not to the fight
Conflict: Vlad recites his history and why he is destined to win but something he says makes Natalie more confident that she will prevail
Subtext: those victory speeches before the victory will kill you
Hope/fear: Hope Natalie can pull off a victory
EXT. VLADS’ CASTLE – DAWN
Husband is back outside; the fight comes to him; he stumbles across a silver stake
Essence: husband reenters prepared to fight
Conflict: is husband fighting just for himself or for his relationship
Subtext: vampire tropes
Hope/fear: That Natalie can defeat Vlad and free the land
INT. VLADS’ CASTLE – DAWN
Husband enters and tosses stake to Natalie but Vlad laughs it off and maneuvers Natalie into window bay drenched in light
Essence: Natalie accepts that she might have lost and her last effort is to save her husband
Conflict: Natalie and Vlad; husband and Vlad
Subtext: what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
Hope/fear: Natalie’s new nature will not be killed by the sunlight
Scene Arc: all is resolved
INT. VLAD’S CASTLE – DAY
Natalie has won. She confronts husband that both she doesn’t need his help and what does he really want from her.
Essence: Natalie has her life under control rather than being bossed around by everyone
Conflict: what does she really want; what will she do with Vlad; will she stay in Transylvania/with husband
Subtext: control creates questions
Hope/fear: afraid she could become Vlad if she takes over his life
INT/EXT. LOCATION – DAY/NIGHT
Natalie and husband head out; Vlad is basically publicly imprisoned; Natalie has power
Essence: Natalie is happy to leave the town under new control
Conflict: she and her husband agree to the level of conflict that draws them together
Subtext: you get what you deserve
Hope/fear: hope it will be a happily ever after
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Heather’s Essense requirements
Vision statement: I want to see my scripts optioned this year and turned into movies that the audience will remember long after they leave the theatre.
I only included the first Act as the outline is now up to 10 pages.
INT: KITCHEN – DAY
1950’S kitchen strewn with hanging laundry. Sarah, harried, is trying to make pancakes for her two girls.
The oldest (Becky -6-) is fighting with her mother. The youngest (Lila -3-) won’t stop crying.
The phone rings. Her husband is on the phone: he’s not coming home. Seems the ‘logging camp’ where he’s been living is named Ruby and he’s going to start a new life
with her.
Scene arc- things go from bad to worse.
Conflict- Sarah and her daughter Becky. Also Sarah and her husband.
Essence- Sarah doubts her skills as a mother.
Fear – How will Sarah provide for her children now? Sarah is terrified her children will be taken away from her because of Lila’s illness and Becky’s belligerence.
Subtext- Sarah was placed in foster care after her brother died while she was looking after him. She can’t get over that hurdle.
Opening – Sarah doing laundry: a perfectionist marathon. Sarah’s Emotional Beat 1 – Betrayal.
Let’s explore the intriguing moments of Sarah’s backstory and how this fits with her husband’s betrayal.
-Sarah’s brother died when she was looking after him. She blames herself for his death and everything that happened afterward – that she had to go into foster care.
– in her mind her parents didn’t want her, she wasn’t perfect. Now she overcompensates by being a perfectionist.
– But it isn’t working. She isn’t good enough. The kids aren’t good enough and the house is a mess. (It isn’t really)
– It doesn’t matter because now her world has crashed and she’s a single mother of 2, with an epileptic toddler and a jealous 6-year-old who knows how to push all her buttons.
Sarah’s big secret/cover up is she’s sure social services are going to come and rip her children away. She’s determined to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Beat 2
On the radio a story play about the Harrison Lake Sasquatch throwing rocks at some local fishermen. Scary music. And screaming – REVEAL ONE – BUILD UP – JOE’S FATHER IS REALLY THE SHADOW MAN
Beat 3
Becky wants to paint. Sarah says no. Becky has a hissy fit.
Beat 4
The doorbell rings. Sarah answers.
INT/EXT: FRONT DOORWAY – DAY
Joe Green going door to door with a cooler of salmon.
Sarah would dearly love a salmon but doesn’t have the money.
Joe sees she’s having a rough day and gives one to her free.
Scene Arc—takes Sarah
from hopeless to a tiny ray of light coming through.
Essence- to establish
Joe as a man she can trust.
Conflict- Sarah is still
wary of men.
Subtext- Joe is trying
to be seen as someone helpful
Hope/fear– Sarah is
scared she won’t be able to provide for her family.Establishing Joe as a caring and empathetic individual, in contrast to the things Harper is about to say.
Beat 6
EXT: STREET – DAY
Harper watches Joe give Sarah a salmon and decides to arrest Joe for selling salmon off the reservation.
Harper cruising by arrests Joe, Emotional beat 3 – Harper taking his anger at the loss of his promotion out on Joe.
Scene Arc- from an innocent act
on Joe’s part to Harper just being a jerk because he can be.
Essence—establishing Harpers
vindictive character.Conflict – establishing the animosity
between Harper and JoeSubtext- Harper is taking out his
anger at being passed over for a promotion on Joe, simply because they
have a history between them.Hope/fear- Joe
is going to be arrested, No one ever listens to the Indian’s side of things.What’s going on here? Why is this cop so angry at this Indian guy? Is it really about selling fish off the reservation?
It’s really about an argument Joe and Harper had years ago that made Harper look bad and wrecked his chances for a promotion – A secret only Harper, Joe and Harper’s CO know about.
Beat 7
INT: KITCHEN – DAY
Becky pulled out the paints anyways. Lila spills paint all over her dress and the clean sheets. Sarah goes ballistic and throws the kids outside telling them to stay out of the woods. Sarah overreacts because of the phone call. Emotional beat 4
Sarah realizes she’s lost it big time and needs to calm down. In her mind Social Services are already watching her (Conspiracy), paranoia.
Scene Arc- Sarah loses her temper
and has a melt down and a good cry. She needs to get herself under
control.
Essence- Doing others’ laundry is
her only means of income. She’s got to find a way to look after her
children,
Conflict- Sarah and Becky are
always at loggerheads.
Subtext- deep inside she feels
she’s just not worthy.
Hope/fear- She fears she will never be perfect and
she’ll kill her children the way she killed her brother.Beat 8
EXT: BACKYARD – DAY
Becky wants payback. She drags Lila into the woods to see her “secret” place: a dark hollow where Becky leaves trinkets, and something leaves gifts in return.
Scene Arc-The children move from
a safe haven into a mysterious place.Essence- Becky’s jealousy for her
sister becomes clear.Conflict- Becky wants to get rid
of her sister.Subtext- with her epilepsy, Lila
gets more of her mother’s attention. Becky resents that.
Hope/fear-
Becky wants to be an only child, she just doesn’t’ want to get blamed for
anything that happens to Lila.Beat 9
EXT: FOREST – DAY
The ‘shadow man’ watches, a dark blurry figure following behind them. REVEAL 2 HE WATCHES THEM PLAY IN A FAIRY RING OF MUSHROOMS. LILA LEAVES ONE AS A GIFT TO THE SHADOW MAN
Beat 10
INT; KITCHEN – DAY
Inciting Incident – Lila disappears.
Becky wanders in looking for something to drink. Sarah asks where Lila is. Becky is reluctant to tell her.
Sarah shakes
her. Becky says the Shadow Man took her.EXT:BACKYARD – CON’T
Sarah freaks and runs outside screaming Lila’s name.
The neighbors ask what’s wrong and Sarah tells them. One of the neighbors, an uptight busybody who criticizes everyone tells Sarah it’s all her fault.
Sarah tells her to go to hell.
Her husband tells her to go inside, then says he’ll go search the woods.
Scene Arc – Sarah goes from calm
to hysterical, to angry.Essence- things are playing out
just the way Sarah feared they would.Conflict- The neighbor doesn’t
like Sarah because she’s raising her children ‘wrong’
Subtext- The neighbor insinuates
Sarah is a loose woman who can’t keep her husband at home.Hope/fear- Sarah has no idea what the ‘Shadow Man’ is
and thinks Lila might already be dead.Beat 11
EXT: THE HOLLOW – DAY
Searchers find a long clump of black hair at the hollow.
INT: KITCHEN – EVENING
Hours later Becky tells her mother she’s happy her sister is gone.
Sarah begins to think she’s losing it. Are there really people watching her? Was it Social Services taking away her daughter. She can’t say anything to anyone about this secret or they’ll take Becky too.
Scene Arc- Sarah’s mental health is taking a nosedive and she has to find a way to cope,
Essence- We begin to see how selfish Becky really is – NOT average 6-year-old selfish, but twisted selfish.
Conflict-. Sarah wonders how she can possibly hate her oldest daughter for what she’s done.
Subtext- What’s going on with Becky? Or what happened to Becky….?
Hope/fear- Did she miss something happening to Becky because she was so focused on managing Lila’s epilepsy?
Beat 12
INT: KITCHEN – EVENING
Harper doesn’t seem too worried about the girl he’s sure it was Joe Green. He was there just this morning. Sarah shouldn’t worry her pretty little head about it. Thank you, ma’am, for the coffee.
Scene Arc- Sarah goes from relief to disbelief.
Essence- The law is corrupt and won’t do a thing.
Conflict – Harper doesn’t take Sarah seriously or doesn’t really care.
Subtext- Harper’s problems are more important than Sarah’s.
Hope/fear- No one is going to help Sarah find her daughter.
Beat 13
EXT: BACKYARD – EVENING
Sarah despises Harpers condescending attitude toward her. Sarah -grief, terror, fear her children will be taken away by S.S. Emotional beat 5
to show Harper what she’s made of and decides to find Lila on her own, despite her terror of the forest.
The fear of losing her children is stronger than her terror of the forest.
Scene Arc- Sarah goes from terror to determination.
Essence- if no one will help me, I’ll do it on my own.
Conflict-. Sarah’s conflict is internal: she is overcoming her fears.
Subtext- Sarah doesn’t have a high opinion of men. Especially those in authority.
Hope/fear- Sarah hopes her determination will be enough to overcome her phobia.
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