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Lesson 2
Reply to post your assignment.
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10 Replies
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Mary Albanese’s big M.I.S.
What I learned during this assignment? It was really interesting to see the MIS breakdowns of some great classic thrillers.
1. What are the conventions of your story?
Unwitting but
Resourceful Hero: Mia, an arctic biologist <div>Dangerous
Villain: The cult with its evil queen.High stakes:
They want to kill MiaLife and death
situations: They send their head assassin to track and kill her.This story is
thrilling because? We are trying to figure out along with Mia what this cult
is about and how she can stop it from coming after her.2. Tell us the Big M.I.S. of your story?
Big Mystery:
What is the main mystery of your story that will keep us wondering
throughout the story? Why is Mia considered so dangerous to this cult? What is her connection? </div>Big Intrigue:
What is the covert, clandestine, underhanded plot that will live under the
surface for most of the movie? Why has this cult formed and what secret do
they hope to protect?Big Suspense:
What is the main danger to your Hero that will continue to escalate
throughout the script? Will Mia survive their assault when she doesn’t
even know who they are or why they’re after her?<div>
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Leslie A Aguillard’s Big M. I. S.
What I learned doing this assignment is that these components are to be deliberate and are concepts separate from context or story. I think that’s what I meant, but I fear story is already sneaking in to my thinking
Logline: Time is running out fast for saving life on Earth from a planetary extinction event which only an unlikely and obscure connection can prevent.
Hero: Mystic Genius Analyst theorizes proof exists that will cause leaders to wake up and do what they could easily do if they chose to save the world
Villain: faithless, ignorant and selfish, disregarding the plight of all others as inconsequential, want to keep and enjoy feeling good and powerful here & now, and want to silence the hero.
High Stakes: This is the last generation on Earth unless certain drastic measures are instituted now to save all life.
Life & Death: the powerful refuse to believe and/or do not care that there will be no one left after they die unless they act in ways very foreign to them now. They work at discrediting and silencing the hero.
Thrilling because: 99% of humans and the rest of all life doesn’t want to die and must influence the 1% in power, while little time remains in order to stop the extinction event peacefully. Try to convince someone who doesn’t care what you say and dismisses who you are even with proof that they must change utterly.
Big Mystery: Why isn’t acting now to save all life on Earth even up for debate?
Big Intrigue: The secret belief shared by the wealthiest 1% ruling the world and why this belief makes them not care if the planet is destroyed after they die….maybe they believe they will never die.
And /or another secret of incredible individuals preserving the remaining few life giving connections.
Big Suspense: Only a few connections remain that, if broken, will be the tipping point of no return for the extinction level event for Planet Earth, and only a few scientists and thinkers, like the hero, even think about it.
In the grand scheme of Cosmic things, life on Earth is irrelevant except to Life on Earth. Have we enough self-respect or self-love to keep life evolving here?
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What I have learned: That you really need to have all these elements worked out before you attempt to start outlining or writing a thriller script. It’s easy to go into left field if the story points are not clear to you at the beginning.
The Man in the Mist
Logline: A skilled art thief, suffering from amnesia, must confront secrets hidden within his forgotten past, while evading the relentless pursuit of the Russian mafia.
Unwitting but resourceful hero: Graham, the protagonist, initially is suffering from dissociative fugue, but as the story progresses, he demonstrates resourcefulness and resilience in his quest for survival and self-discovery.
<div>Dangerous Villain: The dangerous Russian mafia, led by the enigmatic and ruthless boss, serves as the primary antagonistic force pursuing Graham throughout the story.
High Stakes: The story is driven by the high stakes, as Graham’s life is in constant danger from both the mafia and corrupt FBI agents, and he must unravel the mystery of a rare music box to stay alive.
</div><div>Life and Death Situations: Graham teams up with Claire, a therapist at the hospital he is in, and they find themselves repeatedly facing life and death situations as they navigate the dangerous world of art theft, mafia intrigue, and corrupt FBI agents.
The story is thrilling because? The story is thrilling because of it’s fast-paced action, the constant danger faced by the protagonist, the mystery surrounding the rare music box, and the emotional depth of Graham’s journey of self-discovery and redemption.
</div><div>The Big M.I.S. of the Story: The main mystery that keeps us wondering throughout the story is the true significance of the rare music box. What makes it so valuable that both the Russian mafia and corrupt FBI agents are willing to kill to possess it? The answer to this is the key to understanding Graham’s past and his sister Morgan’s involvement in the heist gone wrong. (we will learn he witnesses his sister’s murder, causing his dissociative fugue)
Big Intrigue: The covert and underhanded plot that lives under the surface for most of the movie involves the FBI’s true motives behind recruiting Graham and his sister Morgan for the rare music box heist. The FBI’s involvement with the Russian mafia and the hidden agenda of certain agents add layers of intrigue to the overall story.
</div><div>Big Suspense: The main danger to Graham that continues to escalate is the relentless pursuit of the Russian mafia and corrupt FBI agents. As Graham’s memory slowly returns, he starts to remember incriminating information that puts his life in even greater jeopardy. Additionally the identity of the FBI mole and the true intentions of certain characters remain in question, heightening the suspense.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 9 months ago by Dianna Ippolito.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 9 months ago by
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Jen’s Big M.I.S.
What I learned doing this assignment is I have a lot to think about. My story is complicated (in my mind) and I need to think on a lot of these questions…
Unwitting but Resourceful Hero: Harper or Jane? Just like in Law
Abiding Citizen, I have a character who is seeking revenge – is she the
hero or the villain? I can start with the one who is the victim of
bullying (Harper who is actually the daughter of the victim because she committed
suicide) and move over the Jane (the bully who caused the mother to commit
suicide) OR I can start with Jane and we’ll see things happening to her by
a “villain” who is actually getting revenge on Jane for cyberbullying. The
point of this story is to bring to light that ADULTS are CYBERBULLIED and
nobody does anything about it. It’s all about TEENAGERS and maybe CELEBRITIES
or in the workplace, but nobody talks about adults who are digitally
stalked, harassed, etc. but it happens. I am in an online support group
and the “victims” are harassed by the “perpetrators” and I put those words
in quotes because everyone thinks they are the victims….
Dangerous Villain:
High stakes: I want my “revenger” to systematically take down the
life of the bully – ruin it to the point where she commits suicide
herself.
Life and death situations: I didn’t think of this before, but maybe
she kills someone in the bully’s life (and now I’m thinking of the rabbit
in Fatal Attraction, but I want the revenger to remain someone who we can
commiserate with, so I think animals should stay out of it). Maybe there
is blood and the dog is gone and we think it’s dead, but then a mobile dog
groomer brings it home?
This story is thrilling because? Because I am going to make it
thrilling – LOL – I am going to have one mystery lead to another, tension
in every scene and I am going to be bringing to light a situation that is
not in any other movies (at this time)2. Tell us the Big M.I.S. of your story?
Big Mystery: What is the main mystery of your story that will keep
us wondering throughout the story? This is something I don’t know yet. The
why, as in why did the woman kill herself? Seems as though it is clear
right from the beginning. Her daughter has estranged from her and has not
let her see her grandchildren for years and years. We writes a post that
she doesn’t want to go on living, then hangs herself – seems cut and dry,
right? Later we find out it is because people on the support group,
supported her alright – they told her, yeah, go kill yourself – and she
did, and there was no recourse, like there would be if she was a teenager.
Also, why is this woman bullying these women online? It will end up that she
killed her own mother (accidently) and has no way t hash things out with
her, so she uses other people’s mothers….
Big Intrigue: What is the covert, clandestine, underhanded plot that
will live under the surface for most of the movie? The daughter of the
woman who committed suicide will destroy the life of the bully. The
question will be how far will she go? She will try to get police help and
they will say there is nothing we can do, so she will get revenge (like
Clyde!) but she’ll just keep upping the stakes as the woman will continue
to bully others online
Big Suspense: What is the main danger to your Hero that will
continue to escalate throughout the script? What will happen next? I will
have scenes that seem like her children are getting taken, hurt, etc. but
it will all be fake (again, think of Fatal Attraction, but she is not the
clear antagonist) -
Subject line: Jim Thompson Big M.I.S.
ASSIGNMENT
Give us your logline, then answer these questions. As you do, try to get to the essence for each answer. If you give more than a paragraph for each answer, you’ve likely gotten sucked into your own story. The more you can get to the point, the stronger your story will end up being.
“What I learned doing this assignment is…?”
When thinking about my protagonist, one issue in creating suspense and tension is usually done with the ‘hero’ failing. If my protagonist fails by being seen/identified then it leads to him being captured and imprisoned. The way I have looked at this in the past has been through intense rehearsals, simulation techniques, infiltration of the LEA, use of disguise and other tradecraft. I need to find a way to use those to add M.I.S. into the scenes.
1. What are the conventions of your story?
Unwitting but Resourceful Hero: Scott Guderian
Dangerous Villain: FBI Special Agent in Charge, FBI Deputy Director, Fargo Police Department homicide detective, DHS Special Agent
High stakes: Destruction of the US infrastructure – specifically power grid and the Department of Justice court system
Life and death situations: Attack on Fargo, ND with multiple encounters with LEA but maintaining a distance and no killing of local LEA in spite of being trapped, keeping closed circuit systems from identifying, getting the federal LEA to attack a decoy safe house which also takes them down a false path, nearly every scene has life or death situations or set up the next.
This story is thrilling because? The underdog attacking injustice and corruption with a near constant set of attacks, near defeats/captures, and the chase of a monolithic group of law enforcement and homeland security. Can this ‘little’ man persevere over the government agencies while maintaining some level of rationality to maintain a non-covert persona?
The Big M.I.S.:
Mystery: Why did Scott attack Fargo, ND? Why does he continue attacking the US justice system? Does Scott part of a larger organization?
Intrigue: Will Scott be caught? How does he have the skills to accomplish this campaign? Is he able to change the US justice system through violence? Does he use other means? Why can’t the US Federal, state and local law enforcement organizations catch the terrorist?
Suspense: Will Scott be caught – killed or captured? Can he keep up the increased chaos and domestic terror attacks as multiple law enforcement agencies work to find the terrorists?
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<div>PETER FELIZ THE BIG MIS</div>
What I learned doing this assignment is…?”
I still haven’t figured out solidly my big intrigue
1. What are the conventions of your story?
<div>Unwitting but Resourceful Hero: Lucky Lunes, food blogger and sometime casino lizard</div>
<div>Dangerous Villain: Cuichi Valenzuela, Lucky’s high school pal, possible drug mule</div>
<div>High stakes: Lucky is pursued by a Mexican Cartel, the Federales </div>
<div>Life and death situations: Lucky almost ends up in a Mexican jail, almost killed by cartel thugs, almost maimed by a casino boss, and may be killed by Cuichi Valenzuela </div><div>This story is thrilling because? Lucky Lunes can’t trust anyone especially his estranged friend Cuichi Valenzuela as long as he is in Mexico</div>
<div>2. Tell us the Big M.I.S. of your story?</div><div>
</div><div>Big Mystery: What is the main mystery of your story that will keep us wondering throughout the story? Where is Cuichi Valenzuela and is he a ruthless criminal </div><div>
</div><div>Big Intrigue: What is the covert, clandestine, underhanded plot that will live under the surface for most of the movie?</div><div>Though it appears Cuichi Valenzuela may have been killed in prison. It also seems like Cuichi is alive and he is working with the Federales on a shaky or shady plan to topple a Mexican drug cartel</div><div>
</div><div>Big Suspense: What is the main danger to your Hero that will continue to escalate throughout the script? How can Lucky Lunes escape danger and get out of Mexico </div><div>3. Answer the question “and put it at the top of your work.</div><div>
</div><div>4. Post your assignment in the forums.</div><div>
</div><div>Subject line: (Your name’s) Big M.I.S. (place in first line)</div><div>
</div><div>Deadline: 48 hours</div> -
PETER FELIZ THE BIG MIS<div>
</div><div>What I learned doing this assignment is…?”</div><div>
</div><div>I still haven’t figured out solidly my big intrigue</div><div>
</div><div>1. What are the conventions of your story?</div><div>
</div><div>Unwitting but Resourceful Hero: Lucky Lunes, food blogger and sometime casino lizard</div></div><div>
</div><div>Dangerous Villain: Cuichi Valenzuela, Lucky’s high school pal, possible drug mule</div></div><div>
</div><div><div>High stakes: Lucky is pursued by a Mexican Cartel, the Federales </div></div><div>
</div><div><div>Life and death situations: Lucky almost ends up in a Mexican jail, almost killed by cartel thugs, almost maimed by a casino boss, and may be killed by Cuichi Valenzuela </div><div>This story is thrilling because? Lucky Lunes can’t trust anyone especially his estranged friend Cuichi Valenzuela as long as he is in Mexico</div></div><div>
</div><div><div>2. Tell us the Big M.I.S. of your story?</div><div></div><div></div><div>Big Mystery: What is the main mystery of your story that will keep us wondering throughout the story? Where is Cuichi Valenzuela and is he a ruthless criminal </div><div></div><div></div><div>Big Intrigue: What is the covert, clandestine, underhanded plot that will live under the surface for most of the movie?</div><div>Though it appears Cuichi Valenzuela may have been killed in prison. It also seems like Cuichi is alive and he is working with the Federales on a shaky or shady plan to topple a Mexican drug cartel</div><div></div><div></div><div>Big Suspense: What is the main danger to your Hero that will continue to escalate throughout the script? How can Lucky Lunes escape danger and get out of Mexico </div><div>3. Answer the question “and put it at the top of your work.</div><div></div><div></div><div>4. Post your assignment in the forums.</div><div></div><div></div><div>Subject line: (Your name’s) Big M.I.S. (place in first line)</div><div></div><div></div><div>Deadline: 48 hours</div></div> -
What I learned doing this assignment is to keep the suspense, intrigue and mystery growing in each scene.
Log Line
While asked by an old associate to try and uncover proof of the actual cause of the Challenger disaster, the soon-to-be US Congressman struggles to stay alive after finding the proof and uncovering a global threat.
1. What are the conventions of your story?
Unwitting but Resourceful Hero:
A retired executive is appointed to fill a vacant US Congress position when he is approached by a famous physicist from his past to help uncover a hidden secret.
Dangerous Villain:
A former head of Regans’ SDI program who was instrumental in hiding the truth of the Shuttle disaster, is now working with major a defense contractor and a Russian Oligarch, to cause a tactical nuclear confrontation between the US and Russia.
High stakes:
Millions of lives and trillions of dollars are at stake if the conflict between the US and Russia is accelerated.
Life and death situations:
The hero uncovers unknown proof of the shuttle disaster, but soon discovers a much bigger plot. He is pursued by governments, and private agencies, bot form the US and Russia, to prevent the truth from being told.
This story is thrilling because?
The hero never knows who is telling the truth, who is protecting him, and who is trying to kill him. The ones he trusts most are the ones that put him in the most danger. He is trying to uncover the truth while staying alive.
2. Tell us the Big M.I.S. of your story?
Big Mystery: What is the main mystery of your story that will keep
us wondering throughout the story?The initial mystery is who was responsible for the destruction of the Challenger in 1986 and why has it been hidden for 35 years. The larger mystery is what is going on behind the scenes when the truth is revealed. There is also another effort not revealed until near the end that may ultimately save the world.
Big Intrigue: What is the covert, clandestine, underhanded plot that
will live under the surface for most of the movie?A Russian oligarch working alongside an American government official are conspiring to cause a tactical nuclear strike between the US and Russia. Their common goal is to get both governments to commit trillions of dollars in increases in defense spending, regardless of the loss of human life.
Big Suspense: What is the main danger to your Hero that will
continue to escalate throughout the script?Once the Hero uncovers the truth behind the Challenger destruction and the collusion between the Soviet and US contractors he is targeted by both sides. Someone, however, continues to keep him alive.
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LOGLINE:
In the harsh Utah desert, a haunted investigator, burdened by her mother’s unsolved murder, dives into a series of puzzling killings. Unraveling eerie ties to a secretive cult’s supernatural rites, she’s compelled to confront the elusive killer and the chilling truth about her mother’s death. Racing against time, she battles her own demons, pushing her fragile psyche to its limits in a quest to solve both mysteries.What I learned doing this assignment is how fun it is to create a story, and also the importance of the MIS in a thriller.
What are the conventions of your story?
Unwitting but Resourceful Hero:
Ylva Andersen / intuitive, haunted, resilient young detective on a self-destructive
path
Dangerous Villain:
Henrik Voss aka the “Seer” / is charismatic, ruthless, and cunning with a
deep resentment for society.
High stakes:
as she investigates serial murders, she herself becomes a person of interest
to a local FBI agent.
Life and death situations:
Multiple situations of her own life, others being killed, threats to FBI
agent
This story is thrilling
because?
The emotional journey with Ylva as we dodge dangerous situations while unwrapping
a decades-long personal mystery for her while tracking a serial killer in real-time
while being a target herself from both the FBI and the cult/leader.Tell us the Big M.I.S. of your story.
Big Mystery: What is the main
mystery of your story that will keep us wondering throughout the story?
Is Ylva on the right track to solve her own mother’s murder or is her own
mind misleading her?
Big Intrigue: What is the
covert, clandestine, underhanded plot that will live under the surface for
most of the movie?
What is the relationship between Ylva, Henrik “the Seer” and Ylva’s deceased
mother – does Henrik have a special purpose for Ylva to fulfill his own twisted
prophecy
Big Suspense: What is the main
danger to your Hero that will continue to escalate throughout the script?
Will she be framed/arrested for the serial murders, or will she be able to
stay one step ahead of both the FBI and the cult leader? -
Tracy Fleming’s big M.I.S.
What did I learn during this assignment? I learned that I have a million ideas and I just have to commit to one and get started.
1. What are the conventions of your story?
Unwitting but
Resourceful Hero: Tess, the leader of a team of intelligence agents from around the world.Dangerous
Villain: Tess’s mentor who is responsible for the global attacks using environmental disastersHigh stakes: Will the team be able to discover who is behind the attacks in time before a tsunami is detonated?
Life and death
situations: Floods, hurricanes, fires, and droughts are taking place around the world. Killing millions.This story is
thrilling because? It’s a constant cat and mouse game to see if the team can catch the person or organization behind the attacks.2. Tell us the Big M.I.S. of your story?
Big Mystery:
What is the main mystery of your story that will keep us wondering
throughout the story? Who is masterminding the creation of environmental disasters? Why are they targeting places around the world?Big Intrigue:
What is the covert, clandestine, underhanded plot that will live under the
surface for most of the movie? The disasters occur in places where there are materials the villain needs for the creation of nanobiotech that will be used to essentially clone individuals. It is used to give new identities to criminals.Big Suspense:
What is the main danger to your Hero that will continue to escalate
throughout the script? The main danger will be how Tess and the team finds out who is behind the attacks. She has to keep from being blinded by her devotion to her former mentor.
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