Lesson 22

[Rick Whitney]

R WHITNEY LESSON 22

What I learned: I’ve learned to brainstorm in different directions for an individual scene some of which may not be valuable but some of which might add interest to the scene.

Logline: During a political debate, George is put on the spot by his opponent Kerry about allegations of a bribe he took but after they agree not to sling mud, George goes on the offense.

Interest Technique Ideas:

STRUCTURE

1. Suspense: George holds back his intention of blasting Kerry by acting quite professional.

2. Twist: After defending himself of the allegations, George brings up other he knows that have taken bribes.

3. Surprise: George doesn’t defend himself but implicates his own Campaign manager.

4: Interesting setting: debate takes place on live National TV.

5. Mislead: George denies claim of bribery but lets it slip that he is quite wealthy.

6. Irony: Kerry is also apart of the bribery scheme.

7. Hope/Fear: George fears this allegation will ruin his chances for election. Kerry hope it does.

8. Intrigue: Kerry gives examples of possible bribes.

9. Mystery: George throws out allegations that Kerry was seeing the President in secret.

10. Cliffhanger: George collapses on stage.

11. Dilemma: Kerry can’t respond to Georges allegations.

12. Something unseen: The debate moderator presses George to respond to the allegations.

CHARACTER

1. Character Change: George confesses to bribery but never inhaled.

2. Betrayal: George doesn’t stick with the truce he makes with Kerry.

3. Dilemma: Kerry confesses to having an affair with George.

4. Uncomfortable moment: George accuses Kerry of affair.

5. Misinterpretation: George calls the bribes paid appearances.

DIALOGUE

1. Hook: George calls Kerry a whore right off.

2. Prediction: George tells Kerry she is a loser.

3. Create a Future: The two tear into each other so bad that neither win the election.

4. Anticipatory: Mediator tells them the bickering will not serve them well in the election.

SCENE

INT. DEBATE PODIUMS – EVENING

GEORGE – Hansom man around 45 – dashing full head of dark hair – very nice blue suit.

KERRY – Lovely woman around 40 – beautiful long hair – very nice gray dress suit.

The mediator announces the two candidates as they both enter the stage at the same time. They shake hands as the Mediator begins the debate.

MEDIATOR

George you go first. What is your stances on taxing the wealthy?

GEORGE

It’s always been my feeling that…

Kerry breaks in.

KERRY

Shouldn’t your question be on how he plans to pay taxes on his bribes?

The crowd murmurs.

MEDIATOR

You will get your chance to answer questions.

GEORGE

As I was saying, I’ve always felt that the tax burden should be fair across the board and a flat tax should be instituted.

MEDIATOR

The same question to you, Ms. Kerry.

KERRY

I suggest you look into my opponents record. You can see how he has vote over and over again for higher taxes while he collects cash from his wealthy friends and donators.

GEORGE

Now just a minute…

Mediator breaks in.

MEDIATOR

Let’s take a break and hear a word from our sponsor.

The mediator addresses the candidates.

MEDIATOR

I will have order here. These debates are set up for the benefit of the voters and I will not have them sink into a school yard name calling affair.

GEORGE

Her brining up something that has no basis in fact is not debating the issues…

KERRY

The issue is whether the voters want a candidate that bends to the whims of his donors.

MEDIATOR

I will have order!

The candidates quiet.

MEDIATOR

Can we aagree to debate the issues?

GEORGE

I’m all in on the issues.

KERRY

Same here.

MEDIATOR

Isn’t that peachy. We’re back on in 15 seconds.

KERRY

(to George)

Sorry I spoke out of turn.

GEORGE

(to Kerry)

Sometimes these debate can bring out the worst.

MEDIATOR

We are back with our two candidates. My next question goes to Kerry. What do you think about holding our elected officials to a higher ethical standard?

KERRY

I believe we must maintain a healthy basic ethical standard such that the voters can have faith in us to do your jobs.

MEDIATOR

Same question to you George.

GEORGE

That’s a fine answer coming from a person that is known to sleep with anyone that can aid her bid to win.

KERRY

That’s not right. None of that is true. I have…

MEDIATOR

The candidates will contain their responses to the questions and I will allow rebuttals after.

GEORGE

She is nothing but a political whore.

KERRY

And he is nothing but a corrupt candidate enriching himself on donors bribes.

GEORGE

She had an affair with my former campaign manager in order to get information on my campaign so she could have a chance to win this election.

KERRY

And I know for a fact you used over $150,000 in campaign money to finance a vacation. Once the truth comes out, you won’t have a chance to win.

The mediator has the mic’s cut off.

MEDIATOR

To those of you still watching, our network people have decided to halt the proceedings and show a rerun of the Three Stooges.

The cameras fade out. The two candidates walk off in separate directions as they don’t speak to each other.

[William Whelan]

WILLIAM WHALEN — ASSIGNMENT 22: MAX INTEREST scene

What I learned doing this assignment is to increase the use of max interest techniques.

Logline: Rocco goes to Armando, the head of a rival family, seeking a truce in the war between the families.

STRUCTURAL:

Suspense: what is going to be the outcome of the sit down.

Major twist: Rocco proposes knee surgery for the nephew.

Surprise: Rocco turns the tables on Armando and poisons him.

Interesting setting: Dark café, sinister surroundings.

Mislead/Reveal: Rocco is out for revenge not peace.

Superior position/Irony: Armando holds all the high cards.

Uncertainty: Who will win the sit-down.

Intrigue: What are the circumstances that lead to the war.

Mystery: What will be the outcome of the sit-down.

Cliffhanger: Is the poisoning of Armando the end of the mafia war or an escalation.

Something unseen: How the compensation for the nephew’s injury will be resolved.

INT. BACKROOM OF A dark CAFE IN LITTLE ITALY – DAY

Rocco approaches a table at which Armando is sitting.

ROCCO

I want to call a truce, enough blood has been spilled — let’s bury the hatchet.

Armando motions for Rocco to take a seat.

ARMANDO

It’s about time you came to your senses.

ROCCO

And you can keep half the smack. Agreed?

ARMANDO

It was dropped in my territory — by rights it’s all mine.

ROCCO

You know the policy is you keep twenty-five percent — I’m giving you fifty, I’d recommend you take my deal and not get greedy.

ARMANDO

Possession’s nine-tenths of the law — I can legally keep the whole five kilos.

ROCCO

But don’t forget you’re a nice guy — you won’t want to ruin your reputation.

ARMANDO

What about my nephew Pauly? The guy you kidnapped and kneecapped trying to get your stash back.

ROCCO

I guess you’re looking for monetary compensation.

ARMANDO

Yeah, you got it. You owe me.

ROCCO

How much?

ARMANDO

He’s crippled for life, how about an annuity — like say a thousand bucks a month for the rest of his life.

ROCCO

You really want to go there? You want to give me an incentive to bring about his untimely demise?

ARMANDO

Let’s say I consider you an honorable man and you will let him die in God’s good time.

ROCCO

Tell you what, my wife Carla has a cousin who is an orthopedic surgeon. He said he’ll take a look at him. He thinks he can give him a metal kneecap that will make him good as new — it’s unbelievable what they can do nowadays.

ARMANDO

What? You think I’m stunotz? You think I’m going to fall for that trick? you think I’m going to let you kidnap both him and me? I’m lucky we were able to find out where you were hiding him the first time and rescue him.

Armando raises two fingers and signals the waiter to bring two more cups of expresso.

ROCCO

So, is that a no?

ARMANDO

A big fat no with a bow on it! Capice?

The waiter brings two expressos to the table and removes the dirty cups and saucers.

ROCCO

Well, I’m not going to give that sleazebag nephew of yours squat — so I guess this sit down is over.

Armando shrugs his shoulder,

ARMANDO

Ciao! And don’t let the door hit you in the butt on the wat out.

Armando takes a healthy sip of his expresso. He then begins to gag, grabs his neck with both hands while drool starts to emanate from the side of his mouth. Rocco stands.

ROCCO

You forgot — the switch goes to the highest bidder. Enjoy your cup of Drano you greedy, fat, fuck.

THE END