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Lesson 3
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I learned from this assignment how to create the story within the story for a Rom-Com using screenplay structure, the 7 stages of love, and the characters transformational journey.
• A. What interesting world could this movie/show be set in?
It’s set in a theatre reviving a 100 year-old play about Dracula.
• B. What major conflict could be happening?
Sophia is human and Dracula is undead. He needs blood to survive. She needs a challenge.
• C. What intriguing situation could these characters be engaged in?
The Director, Sophia takes Count Dracul under her wing to train him as an actor after he wins the role of Dracula.
Act 1:
• Opening – Sophia is directing her ex-boyfriend, Chris in a Zombie movie. Count Dracul is awakened from his exiled sleep by an invitation to audition for a play.• Inciting Incident – Sophia is selected to direct the stage show of ‘Dracula Lives’ Count Dracul accepts the invitation to audition.
• Turning Point – Count Dracul wins the audition in spite of ex trying to sabotage Count Dracul’s outrageous entrance.
Act 2:
• New plan – Chris discovers Count Dracul’s coffin in the basement of the theatre and agrees to help him if Count Dracul shows him the ‘tricks’ he used at his audition.
• Plan in action – Chris convinces Sophia to work with him on his speech and acting.
• Midpoint Turning Point – Count Dracul falls for Sophia.
Act 3:
• Rethink everything – Chris assists Sophia with speech lessons in an attempt to win her back. Jerry the producer wants to sleep with Sophia and offers her potential Director jobs in his production company. The character in the play, Van Helsing forces Sophia to conduct a full-dress rehearsal of Act 3 of the Play.
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• New plan – Chris tries to weaken Count Dracul with religious artifacts. Jerry tells Sophia he will shut down production unless he is paid weekly. Chris devises a way to provide the money to pay Jerry by selling a real Vampire Stake made of solid silver that he finds as a stage prop.
• Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift – Count Dracul discovers the real vampire stake and blames Sophia for attempting to kill him.
Act 4:
• Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict – Sophia and Count Dracul profess their love for each other during dress rehearsal on stage as Sophia quits the play and returns to London because of all the backstabbing going on.
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• Resolution – Count Dracul turns the tables on the character Van Helsing who is the real Van Helsing and responsible for setting up the whole play in an attempt to destroy Count Dracul forever. He kills Van Helsing, Van Helsings relatives in attendance, and Jerry the Producer. He lets Chris go because he believes he is a real friend. Count Dracul goes to London to find his one true love.-
Ira, this is definitely a unique twist on the Rom Com genre!
I’d like to read it when you’re ready for feedback. The end seems a little dark for what Hal was talking about it the last zoom call so I’m curious how you resolve everything to feel satisfying!
My script for this class also has a supernatural element to it, so that’s part of my interest.
Looking forward to more,
Rita
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Lesson 3 Track 1: The Bigger Story
Lisa Paris Long’s Bigger Story
What I learned doing this assignment is get it down no matter the state of it because it will go through many rewrites later on.
Concept: At Christmastime, the wealthy inventors of a revolutionary “quiet” product vow to never have kids until they see an ad for the most adorable baby and wish for a baby like that…in the morning that baby is in their bed and they must figure out how it got there and what to do with it.
Main Conflict: The sudden appearance of a baby has Caroline rethinking their strict “no kids” policy, but Matt wants to keep it airtight.
Assignment
1. Brainstorm at least 5 ideas for each of these and select the one or combination you like best for your bigger story.
• A. What interesting world could this movie/show be set in?
• B. What major conflict could be happening?
• C. What intriguing situation could these characters be engaged in?
2. Turn that bigger story into a 3-Act or 4-Act structure.Act 1:
• Opening
Meet-cute at an ivy league school library in 2009. The library book Caroline Mason wants to check out has been challenged and removed from the shelves. She protests by standing on a chair in the middle of the library and giving a rousing speech on banning books. Matt Caldwell watches Caroline intrigued. Caroline’s chair starts to wobble and Matt runs in to help her. He sweeps her up and carries her out of the library onto the steps outside. She’s pissed. They argue, he charms her, she calms and we know they’ll get together.
15 years later…
Caroline and Matt are on a tv show being interviewed. The host of the show discusses their great success with their company Shh! Solutions and the paint they invented that blocks almost all noise from coming through walls and ceilings. It’s been a viral sensation. Then the interview takes a turn when the host asks them when they are going to start a family. They say they are a family. But when pushed, Caroline says they have a dog and that she should ask some relevant questions. The host says Caroline’s just equated children to dogs and said that they are irrelevant. All hell breaks loose, and a social media frenzy storm leads Caroline and Matt to retreat to their mansion.• Inciting Incident
Caroline and Matt haven’t been out since the “incident” on tv but decide to go to a Christmas party at their best friend’s house. The wife is pregnant with their 3rd child. Kids abound…running, screaming. Caroline sees a bunch of baby magazines on a side table. Matt is busy talking. Caroline looks over at the tv when a commercial comes on with the most beautiful baby, she’s ever seen. Her mouth drops, staring at the baby. The commercial goes off and she looks down. A magazine in front of her has the same gorgeous baby on the cover. She grabs it and puts it in her tote purse on the floor in front of her.
That night their maid, Lena is getting ready to leave on Christmas vacation to her small Austrian village when Annika, a fellow maid from down the street, knocks on the kitchen door. Annika has to run an emergency errand and needs Lena to hold onto the baby for just an hour. Lena tells Annika okay, but she has to be back in exactly an hour because she has to leave for the airport promptly. Annika gets hit by a car and doesn’t show up. As Caroline and Matt sleep upstairs, Lena sneaks up and leaves the baby on their bed. Lena leaves a note but when she opens the back door the wind causes it to fly under the kitchen cabinet. Lena is gone.• Turning Point
In the morning, Matt and Caroline wake to a gurgling noise. Hilarity when they discover a baby in their bed. They are scared of it and climb over each other to get away. They peek over the side of the bed watching it. They discuss where it might have come from? What are they going to do? They don’t know how to take care of a baby. They haven’t gone to baby classes. Why is it there? Did they sleepwalk and kidnap it? Is it a Christmas miracle?
Lena! Oh, she’s gone to Europe.Reaction:
The things they do:
-try to call Lena, but she’s on her way to her tiny village in the Alps with poor to no cell service.
-get online and check missing persons reports—anyone missing a baby? No.
-check the kitchen, did Lena leave a note? No (it’s under the cabinets).
-do they have milk? No!
-they have to go to the store!
-they don’t have a car seat or buggy!
-diapers!
-clothes!
WAIT! It looks exactly like the baby on the mag cover! Can it be? How? Did Caroline manifest it into existence?
They decide Caroline will stay with the baby while Matt runs to the store. But they’re not sure what to get. Matt will get as much from the baby aisle as he can.
Caroline sits and stares at the baby. The baby stares back.Act 2:
• New plan
They decide they need something to put the baby in. They think of calling their best friends, but they don’t want to share their secret. They put an adult hoodie on the baby and cover its head. They put the Angel Baby in a basket with a lid. They go to a store to get a car seat, but they don’t know anything about them. And they have a baby in a basket. When people ask about the basket they say they have their puppy in there, but they can’t see it because it’s not trained yet.
More uncomfortable situations such as trying to figure out what a baby eats and how to feed her. How to put on the diapers. They swaddle her even though the Angel Baby is too big for it. They google everything.• Plan in action
Discuss what they’re going to do. Seems curious that no one is looking for the baby. Where did she come from? They decide to contact the magazine to see if they can give them a name or something.
The magazine can’t give out personal information on a client. And the ad person whose campaign it was is out of town for the holidays anyway.
They play with the Angel Baby and actually enjoy it. But when she finally starts to cry they can’t stand it! They live in their own quiet environment. She’s been good up until now…what’s wrong with her?• Midpoint Turning Point 2
They can’t think of what else to do at this point. Do they tell someone? Who can they trust?
Annika has been in a coma in the hospital after being hit by a car when running her errand. The baby’s parents come to the hospital frantic. They had been on holiday in Africa and when they finally heard that Annika and the baby were missing, they flew home immediately. They plead with Annika…Where is Valentina? The Angel Baby’s real name. No response from Annika yet.
Matt can’t take it anymore. He decides to leave. He’s used to quiet and needs some time alone. Caroline doesn’t stop him. She knows that he never wanted a child. She decides she can take care of Angel Baby by herself. But will Matt ever return if she keeps the child?Act 3:
• Rethink everything
Caroline knows that someone is missing this baby. She can’t possibly be a miracle from Santa…or God. But in the meantime, she continues to bond and realize that maybe she can be a mother after all.• New plan
Caroline decides to tell her best friend but swears her to secrecy. Her best friend is shocked. She’s a little mad that she hadn’t told her sooner. Caroline brought Angel Baby with her and they all play. Caroline warns that she can’t tell anyone, not even her husband!• Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift
After trying to hold it in, she breaks and tells her husband. Her husband calls Matt and says if they don’t go to the police that he will…it’s the right thing to do. Matt tells him that they will do it.
Caroline sees Angel Baby’s parents on tv asking for any information on where the baby is. She’s scared. It can’t be over! But those are Angel Baby’s parents.
Caroline cries.Act 4:
• Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict
On Christmas Eve, Annika wakes up and has trouble remembering everything, but recalls talking to Lena. Lena must have the baby, but she’s in Austria for Christmas.
The police and parents race to Caroline and Matt’s house.
Before they arrive, Matt returns and apologizes to Caroline. He agrees never to run away again when things get tough. They will hand over the Angel Baby together.
The police and parents arrive. They grab Valentina from Caroline. Valentina holds out her hands for Caroline. As Caroline and Matt are being arrested for kidnapping, Lena walks in the door. Surprised to see the commotion.
Lena’s brother was at Christmas, and they are estranged, so she came back early to spend Christmas with Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell.
She smiles at Valentina…talking goo-goo talk to her. Lena explains that she left Valentina with Caroline and Matt. She knew they’d be fine taking care of her until Annika came to get her. They are always so kind to her.
Valentina’s parents decide that since it was Annika that left her there, they won’t press charges against Caroline and Matt. It was all a huge misunderstanding because of Annika’s accident. They thank Caroline and Matt for taking care of Valentina.• Resolution
It’s Christmas morning, Caroline and Matt decide to try to have a baby together since the business is well established…they have excellent managers in place.
They think they can do it now! But they tell Lena she can never take another vacation.
Caroline runs to the powder room and throws up. All laugh because they know that they are pregnant! -
ASSIGNMENT
Tita Anntares’ Big Story
What I learned from doing this assignment:
• These questions, building on the earlier concept/character thinking, are midwifing the story without months of anguished blind writing/rewriting
• Thankful I took SU’s courses, particularly the rewrite course
• Interesting that I could keep with the Big Story until the Climax/Resolution… then I had to focus on the two characters within overall events
Note – to give some context if anyone skims this: This is based on an actual journey I took from my living room with two Afghans escaping death by Taliban. When I have a clear dramatic story outlined, I will interview them to find out if I an align my guesses with their world views… or write it as a story I made up.
1. Ideas for a bigger story.
• A. What interesting world could this movie/show be set in?
o Afghanistan before and after the US evacuated and the Taliban took over the government
o The Taliban is chasing down any pro-democracy Afghans
o It is difficult to get a visa out of Afghanistan
o Pakistan refugee areas are difficult and dangerous
o Creating a new life in the US is better than the Taliban but the streets are paved with pain and uncertainty for immigrants• B. What major conflict could be happening?
Desperate Afghans, Adam and Zari, flee for their lives. Specific conflicts in the bigger world include all of these related ones:
o When the US evacuates, Afghans who continue to support the promise of democracy are in danger of imprisonment and torture or assassination
o The US will only consider cases of Afghans outside the US until they have finalized the thousands of cases of Afghans who got to the US during the evacuation… and therefore elected US leaders and rights organizations cannot help
o The backlog of Special Immigration Visas of Afghans in the US may take 3-4 years to finalize before Afghans’ cases outside the US can be considered for immigration
o Pakistanis resent Afghans who are taking up living space, food, supplies, specially after floods put Pakistanis in need of support, so they do not hire them and some actually harass, beat them… and the Taliban’s friends in Isis-k in Pakistan are helping to track and kill refugees from Afghanistan
o Living conditions in the refugee areas are bleak – no electricity for fans despite very hot temperatures• C. What intriguing situation could these characters be engaged in?
o They need help because there are so many refugees that rights organizations are overloaded
o They are not only fleeing for their own lives but helping other refugees
o They have to find ways to persuade rights organizations to help them out of the millions who need help… so that they can help other refugees
o Adam puts an alert message into Linkedin and an aging American woman asks how she can help – support letters from an American can build the confidence of rights agencies that they are not helping future sleepers and terrorists get to America
o Their American helps them get a visa to Pakistan, then finds a way to connected with a US general who mobilizes help but fails and says it will be 3-4 years before the backlog of Afghans in the US is finalized and their situation cannot be considered because they are outside… but suddenly something happens…
2. Turn that bigger story into a 3-Act or 4-Act structure.
Act 1:
• Opening – the lovers are parting, cannot marry because they do not want to hurt their families, each from a different faith and ethnic Afghan culture, and Zari’s family is prejudiced against the husband. They will stay in touch by email – but never marry
• Inciting Incident – The US evacuates Kabul, the Taliban takes over the government and Adam puts a message into Linkedin asking people to tell rights organizations what is happening. An American woman sees it, but her friends warn her it might be from a terrorist trying to get into the US or just wanting money from her
• Turning Point – Adam refuses his opportunity to get on a plane to the US during the evacuation because he cannot bear to leave Zari alone to face the Taliban’s control. She is a college teacher of women’s history and rights… a good target for Taliban’s fears of women and need to dominate, lock them into their homes or extinguish them
Act 2:
• New plan – Adam will ask Zari and her family if she can marry him because he will protect her.
• Plan in action – While his pro-democracy friends are trying to get on planes to the US, Adam drives out of Kabul towards Zari’s home while truckloads of bearded, armed Taliban men ride towards Kabul
• Midpoint Turning Point – – Taliban ransacks Adam’s office, finds out about his many pro-democracy actions and wants to kill him, puts him on the execution list
Act 3:
• Rethink everything – Adam and Zari try to live with his mother, but the Taliban is tracking them and they must find new shelters every night
• New plan – get visa out of Kabul with the help of their American and try to make a temporary life in Pakistan – the American’s support letter gets the visa
• Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift – the American puts them in contact with a US general she started talking with on Linkedin who mobilizes many to help… but then he fails too. They will have to wait 3-4 years in squalor and danger… so they start applying to any country that will accept them, from Albania to Zambia, with support letters from their American
Act 4:
• Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict: Leading up to the climactic moment (I’m not sure what the dramatic climax will be) the policy of finalizing Afghan cases already in the US before those outside suddenly changes. They get to the US but suddenly are faced with challenges they did not expect. They feel anger, despair, and even start fighting not just disagreeing… but they persist.
• Resolution: Life in America is tough but they rebalance, realize this gives them a base to help other Afghans, and they find ways to connect their original fantasies about American democracy with their love of the vision of what the country will be and commit themselves to becoming full Americans by helping to turn the vision of democracy more and more into realityAgain, the easiest way to create your structure is to just fill in the blanks listed in #2 above. Don’t worry about being perfect. Just fill in what you can…and know the rest will come to you.
Have fun creating your bigger story and structure!
Hal-
This reply was modified 9 months, 4 weeks ago by Tita Beal Anntares. Reason: Every time I Reply and paste in my assignment, it shows up without any spacing and is impossible to read. But if I click edit and then save, the spacing holds. Need to let the Web Master know about this glitch... also every time I go to the forum to put in my assignment I am told I am not enrolled, etc. and have to fiddle... still not sure which click works
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Hi Tita. I replied to your post and it disappeared. So posting again…
Love your concept and the bigger story in which the romance is set. Re: the climax, I have a suggestion which you may like to consider…You could have the two lovers trying to board the last flight out. The Taliban are trying to stop them and they are spraying bullets all around. Many of the Afghans who are trying to get on to the plane are shot dead. Seems like Zari is in grave danger. But at the last moment she gets on and the aircraft leaves. (an incident like this actually happened…you could do a google search).
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This reply was modified 9 months, 4 weeks ago by
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Lynn’s Bigger Story SOPHIE’S WHITE CHRISTMAS
WHAT I LEARNED FROM THIS ASSIGNMENT is the importance of looking into the best way to present these characters and their love journey. Even though I just finished writing the rough draft, I came on some other ideas for different versions (one with less settings!). Then the filling in the acts and beats helped me realize where my weaknesses and strengths were. NOTE: I wrote it with the Hallmark 9 Act structure (the first one, 25 pages; the other 8 ranging from 8 to 12 pages, usually 3 to 5 scenes). This was helpful because I tried to finds some hook cliff-hangers at the end of each act. And if it doesn’t sail with Hallmark, I can take the Act markers out for the other Holiday prodcos and distributors.
1. BRAINSTORM AT LEAST 5 IDEAS FOR EACH OF THESE AND SELECT THE ONE OR COMBINATION YOU LIKE BEST FOR YOUR BIGGER STORY.
A. WHAT INTERESTING WORLD COULD THIS MOVIE/SHOW BE SET IN? My idea was to have a blizzard and one character telling the other it may have been enhanced by global warming (more precip, greater storms, Rossby waves, etc). If it is a Hallmark script, this “issue” will have to be light and subtle (they don’t do issues). If not Hallmark type it could be more risque, slightly more issue-oriented, and more dramatic.
_____ 1. Hallmark type: Ethan is a meteorologist in snow country (CO or elsewhere), and Tilly comes on assignment and they get snowed in. (this might be good for less settings)
__X__ 2. Hallmark type: Ethan is going from LA to Chicago to propose to a woman, Tilly is going from NY to LA on assignment. A harsh blizzard and avalanche make them hole up together in CO.
_____ 3. Not Hallmark type: Ethan is a meteorologist in the Rio Grande Valley, Tilly has come to do a story. A big freeze happens (like the 2021 one, except worse) and she gets stuck there.
_____ 4. Not Hallmark type: No 2 above, except Tilly is the one who tells Ethan that the warming is causing harsher blizzards.
_____ 5. Hallmark type: Tilly and Ethan knew each other in high school and dated, but went their separate ways. He is now a widow with a daughter, Sophie, and has brought her to a snow resort because she wanted a white Christmas, but what she really wants is a mother and works to get them together. They get snowed in by a blizzard and avalanche….B. WHAT MAJOR CONFLICT COULD BE HAPPENING? Note: Hallmark types don’t have very huge conflicts, and the antagonists turn out not to be bad or they come around to being good.
__X__ 1. Hallmark type: RE No 1 & 2 above: Ethan thinks Tilly is bad for his friend, until they are holed up in a blizzard. Tilly doesn’t like Ethan under his online screen name for making somewhat negative comments.
_____ 2. Not Hallmark type: Tilly is planning to marry a guy (who is just using her for free publicity for his resort) and resents Ethan trying to dissuade her. Ethan resents her from dissuading her against the gal he plans to marry.
_____ 3. Not Hallmark type: Both Tilly and Ethan agree about CC being a danger, but their bosses are against. Tilly’s or Ethan’s reluctance to go against the boss puts them at odds.
_____ 4. Hallmark type: Ethan is against the arranged date between his best friend and Tilly, because he thinks Tilly is not good for Paul.
_____ 5. Hallmark type: RE No 5 above: Tilly left Ethan because she wanted a career and free lifestyle, but is settled now in that town with a small business she loves. Something happens to make her think Ethan is going back to another woman or career opportunity ???C. WHAT INTRIGUING SITUATION COULD THESE CHARACTERS BE ENGAGED IN?
_____ 1. Hallmark type: RE No 1 above: Ethan’s girlfriend is planning to join him and he’s planning to propose. Meanwhile his co-worker friend is planning to date Tilly when she comes (but Ethan thinks she is bad). Only Ethan and Tilly alone are holed up together during the blizzard and avalanche, he finds she is good. They fall in love, but due to girlfriend and friend issues, Ethan can’t express it until these get resolved.
_____ 2. Not Hallmark type: Tilly could be the one planning to marry a guy (who is just using her to get free publicity for his resort), and Ethan is on his way to an assignment at a meteorology station, but they get snowed in together.
_____ 3. Not Hallmark type: Both Tilly and Ethan are on the same page re CC, but their bosses are against. The issues that keep them apart are Tilly’s or Ethan’s reluctance to go against the boss.
__X__ 4. Hallmark type: RE Nos 1 and 2 above: When holed up with Tilly in a blizzard he finds she is a good person, but can’t express his love for her due to other commitments, while she comes to love him, not knowing he’s trying to set her up with his friend.
_____ 5. Hallmark type: RE No 5 above: Tilly left Ethan because she wanted a career and free lifestyle, but is settled now in that town with a small business she loves. They are falling in love again, but something happens to make her think Ethan is going back to another woman or career opportunity ???
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2. TURN THAT BIGGER STORY INTO A 3-ACT OR 4-ACT STRUCTURE.ACT 1:
__OPENING few scenes: Tilly with assistant Susan his headed from NY to LA on assignment, expressing dislike for her family in LA pushing marriage on her. Ethan is in his LA weather service office with best friend Paul; he mentions his upcoming trip to Chicago to propose to his girlfriend and shows disdain for Paul’s planned date with Tilly, because he thinks she’s unstable and Paul will get hurt.
__INCITING INCIDENT: Tilly has to do a story on her boss’s uncle’s CO Airbnb; Tilly and Susan go there and to Silver Bells, CO a few miles farther, finding it is a winter wonderland with hot springs pool, etc. They are happy there and Tilly considers staying rather than proceed to LA; Ethan’s girlfriend’s father just died, so he has to get there in time for the funeral; he gets a ride-share, but it’s through CO rather than his preferred safer NM route (he hasn’t left yet).
__TURNING POINT: Tilly’s mom and sister’s family invite Paul for dinner to check him out, but he insists Ethan come; Ethan is personable, Paul is scared stiff shy; they all like Ethan better, but know he has a gal. They then call Tilly to tell her they are setting up a blind date with a guy. She is furious and tells them she has a boyfriend (Susan knows it’s a lie, as does her mother); her mother says fine, bring him to LA, they’d love to meet him.ACT 2:
__NEW PLAN: Tilly considers having a friend at work pose as her boyfriend, or only seeing her family briefly unannounced, or not going to LA. Ethan sets out on his trip to Chicago, despite a CO blizzard warning, figuring with drive-sharing he’ll pass through in plenty of time.
__PLAN IN ACTION: Ethan’s trip is slowed down by several (most humorous) factors. Ethan is struggling. Tilly has Susan stay in SB, while she stays as the Airbnb. The historic blizzard hits. Ethan is barely able to make it to the Airbnb. Tilly saves his life and treats him for frost nip. He comes to realizes she is a good person and would be good for Paul. There’s something growing between him and Tilly, but due to his plan to propose to his gal, they understand it can’t go further than friendship. An avalanche blocks access to the freeway, so Ethan misses the funeral.
__MIDPOINT TURNING POINT: Ethan’s gal informs him she met an old friend who proposed, and she’s going to marry him.ACT 3:
__RETHINK EVERYTHING: Ethan is distressed and wants to return to LA. Tilly now has some hope for their relationship, not knowing Paul (her blind date & who has expressed to Ethan that he loves her) is Ethan’s best friend. Even though Susan tells Ethan that Tilly is in love with him, doesn’t believe. However, he does all he can (most humorous) to dissuade her, which only make her love him more. As the three participate in Silver Bells’ pre-Christmas festivities, they come to feel they’d like to stay longer.
__NEW PLAN: Tilly, knowing Sophie wants a white Christmas, invites her mother and sister’s family to come to SB for Christmas. Ethan invites Paul, saying he’s a good friend (Tilly not knowing he is the blind date). Paul has been getting upset by hearing about Tilly’s reluctance, but Ethan reassures him.
__TURNING POINT: HUGE FAILURE / MAJOR SHIFT: Paul finds out Ethan’s girl has dumped him and is now upset Ethan is stealing Tilly away from him. He calls Ethan and Tilly overhears Ethan’s end and comes to understand Paul is that blind date and Ethan is with her family in on it. She thinks Ethan has only been stringing her along for Paul and is furious. Ethan, having lost his friendship with Paul AND with Tilly, decides to leave for LA.ACT 4:
__CLIMAX/ULTIMATE EXPRESSION OF THE CONFLICT: Ethan overnights with his ride-share’s family in Grand Junction and they coax him into going back. He wants to apologize to Tilly (she was too angry before to accept it) so he finds another place to stay in Silver Bells. But Tilly and Paul are not happy to see him. Paul is now falling for Susan and worries Ethan having lost Tilly is now after Susan. Ethan thinks of leaving, but an elderly couple convince him to stay and try, saying he has to “tickle her funny bone.”
__RESOLUTION: Ethan arrives at the Airbnb Christmas day in a Santa’s cap with gifts. Sophie says all she wants from him for Christmas is to help her with scouts. Paul says he didn’t get a gift for Ethan, thinking he wouldn’t be there. Ethan says all he wants for Christmas is his friendship – they tearfully embrace. Tilly says she didn’t get him a gift. Ethan says all I want for Christmas is you and declares is “love at first frostbite” for her. He gets on his knee and begs her forgiveness. She says, “Sheesh, Ethan. I thought you were going to ask me to marry you.” Ethan surprised asks, “Would you? Marry me?” And she says that’s all she wants for Christmas. They go to a private place and kiss. Sophie peeks then announces to all, “they’re kissing.”-
The HALLMARK 9 ACT STRUCTURE: I wanted to clarify how I think it relates to the SU's 4 act structure:
SU Act 1 = HM Act 1 (the 1st act alone being 25 pp)
SU Act 2 = HM Acts 2, 3, 4 (each act after Act 1 being between 8 and 12 pp)
SU Act 3 = HM Acts 5, 6, 7
SU Act 4 = NM Acts 8, 9
more or less…..You can check how this 9-Act structure works in most of Rick Garman's scripts (he writes mainly for Hallmark) at https://rickgarman.com/projects/tv-movies/
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It just occurred to me that the bigger story is the historic CO blizzard (that throws them together), which Ethan explains could be enhanced by global warming bec it causes greater precip and storms, some coming as more snow and worse blizzards in some places. Which makes me think of Naomi Kline's book about climate change, This Changes Everything,… it also changed the trajectories of my 2 protags….
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Jess’s Bigger Story
What I learned:
Begin with the big-picture story, then layer the romance over it.Concept:
Small-town Canada is where the fight against corporate hegemony will occur.
LotSmart Corporation is cheating people into selling their houses so they can set up a new mega-store, but one solitary man stands in their way.
When corporate lawyer Stella comes to town to evict Stan, he rescues her from a car wreck and tends to her while she recovers — and while they fall in love.Main Conflict:
Stan is holding on to the property that Stella’s corporate client needs to build their new mega-store.
Act 1:
Opening:
Stella wins a class-action lawsuit — for the corporation being sued — destroying the lives of dozens of families. Meanwhile, Stan rescues a baby from a burning building.
Inciting Incident:
Stella’s new assignment is to evict a widower and his kids in small-town Canada. She bargains for a partnership in her law firm.
Turning Point:
Stella arrives in Canada in time to be caught driving in freezing rain and crashing. Stan rescues her.
Act 2:
Reaction:
Stella wakes up at Stan’s — and learns that he is the man she’s there to evict!
The Plan:
Donald insists that Stella stay with Stan and learn his weaknesses, to be used in court to evict him.
Turning Point 2:
Donald hints that Stella will make more progress if she seduces Stan.
Act 3:
Rethink:
Stella learns that what Stan has told her about how corporations destroy small towns is true.
New Plan:
Stella tries to convince Donald to offer to relocate Stan’s house rather than to demolish it.
Turning Point:
Stella goes to warn Stan about Donald’s plan, but Stan has learned who she is and rejects her utterly.
Act 4:
Climax:
Stella, recalling what her assistant Doug said about about the British monarch “technically” owning all of the land in Canada, calls Buckingham Palace and enlists the aid of Queen Elizabeth! She saves Stan’s house and the town from the corporate giant!
Resolution:
Stella begs Stan to take her back — and he proposes to her! She moves in with him and the kids, and sets up her own law firm.
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This reply was modified 9 months, 4 weeks ago by Jess Paxton.
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This reply was modified 9 months, 4 weeks ago by
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I have a question about the bigger story. In the examples Hal gave, those were huge bigger picture stories, but many romcoms don’t really have a story within a story. The romance is the main story and there are smaller goals that each character is trying to achieve (NOTTING HILL, MAN UP, etc.) The nature of my premise is making it very hard to come up with a huge external story because these two characters can’t know each other in close proximity to another situation because they are putting up such fronts. Once the truth is out, there can be a somewhat bigger picture but it has to be something already in play that just gets a little bigger; I don’t think it can be the main story. THoughts?
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Hi Donna – So I went back and looked at your reply for lesson 1. Am I correct in assuming that both characters are looking for love online and happen to come across each other’s profiles? If that is the case then I would say that the bigger story is in fact that your protagonist’s bigger story is searching for love, not the romance that she has with the 2nd character. Are you planning on having a scene where one of her past relationships ends in her partners death to show why she believes she will kill any man that she loves?
Hope this helps a little bit. – Renee-
Yes, her backstory will be revealed, but it’s already happened at the point where we join her. Setting this type of story inside a big adventure thing or something like that doesn’t feel right, but it seems like that’s what Hal is saying is the new model, a romcom inside another genre, whereas I see this as being more like NOTTING HILL or MAN UP, where yes, they have lives beyond the romance, but they’re not in the middle of some huge plot, you know? Is he saying people aren’t writing things like that anymore? I mean, I guess if you look at Hallmark romances, there is always a bigger story but it’s like save the old museum or find homes for these kittens… I’m just having a hard time coming up with something that fits that also allows room for their individual stories.
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Renee’s Bigger Story
What I learned doing this assignment is how to think about more than just the romance of the story. I can see why you need to focus first on the bigger story that the romance can fit into to create the romance of the story.
Act 1: Setup
Opening: We are introduced to the quaint, unaltered town of Willowbrook. Sarah is a star soccer player and Mike is a member of the band. There’s a freak storm and Mike creates a makeshift shelter and Sarah joins him in it.
Inciting Incident: Sarah overhears a friend talking about hooking up with Mike. They break up at prom. Mike is left heartbroken at the senior prom.
Turning Point: The class president becomes ill and reaches out to Sarah to see if she would come back home and help organize the 25-year high school reunion.
Act 2: Escalation
New Plan: Sarah tries to apply her professional skills to manage the reunion intricacies but encounters resistance and skepticism from some committee members, including subtle sabotage from Liz.
Plan in Action: As Sarah pushes forward with her plans, the old high school hierarchies and dramas re-emerge. Her interactions with Mike grow more frequent and emotionally charged.
Midpoint Turning Point: A crisis during the reunion planning, likely involving Liz's first major act of sabotage, pushes Sarah to rely on Mike. Their moment of vulnerability together deepens their bond, shifting their relationship from strictly professional back toward romantic.
Act 3: Complications and Higher Stakes
Rethink Everything: Following the crisis, Sarah begins to question her motivations for her stringent career path and her definitions of success and happiness.
New Plan: She decides to give more of herself to the reunion and to opening up to Mike, attempting a more heartfelt approach to both.
Turning Point: Sarah receives a call about an offer about her dream job. The problem is it is overseas. She accepts the position.
Act 4: Climax and Resolution
Climax: On the night of the reunion, Sarah tells Mike about her acceptance of the job. Liz’s sabotage is unveiled, and Sarah's ex-partner makes a dramatic final plea. Sarah leaves Mike standing alone again in the middle of the dance floor.
Resolution: Mike goes after Sarah realizing he would rather take a chance with her then live the life he knows.
Conclusion: Mike and Sarah build a life together in London and Mike’s daughter keeps the family diner running.
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David’s Bigger Story
What I learned from this assignment is the story has to be bigger than just the romantic element.
1. Brainstorm at least 5 ideas for each of these and select the one or combination you like best for your bigger story.
A. What interesting world could this movie/show be set in? Dystopia America. Civil War. World War III. Martial law. Overthrow the government.
B. What major conflict could be happening? See above.
C. What intriguing situation could these characters be engaged in? Political turmoil, have to pick a side.
2. Turn that bigger story into a 3-Act or 4-Act structure.
Act 1
Opening: Rally for Trump-like candidate. A liberal, female reporter (Liz) is on the scene, visibly jarred. A face painted fan (Mitch) wrapped in an US flag whoops it up with his buddies.
Inciting Incident: The liberal candidate’s house is set on fire. Mitch, a fireman, escorts the guy and his family to safety. Liz interviews Mitch- she’s impressed by him.
Turning Point: They go on a date and have a wonderful time- (barely) avoiding any political talk- ending with a kiss.
Act 2:
New plan: Start dating, but keep things on the surface and fun.
Plan in action: Meet friends and family, learns that he’s a huge supporter of the Trump-like candidate. Questions relationship.
Midpoint Turning Point: They watch the chaos of election night, decide they’re too different and go their separate ways.
Act 3
Rethink everything: She becomes more committed to her liberal beliefs. He goes back to his old life.
New plan: Pour everything into her job, try to get out of this town.
Turning Point: Riots have broken out, arson is rampant. Mitch nearly dies, in hospital, while Liz gets a job offer in SF. She visits him in hospital, realizing she does indeed love him.
Act 4:
Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict: Should she take job or continue relationship? She takes it, then misses him. Realizes having everyone agree with your beliefs is not ideal.
Resolution: They both learn to compromise and make the relationship work. -
Pam Ewing’s Bigger Story
What I learned doing this assignment: the adventure part is lacking – pacing needs work1. Brainstorm at least 5 ideas for each of these and select the one or combination you like best for your bigger story.
• A. What interesting world could this movie/show be set in?
o Transylvania
o Bottom of dry well
o Cave
o Castle
o Hotel balcony
o Bank safety deposit boxes
• B. What major conflict could be happening?
o Searching deeper for money/family/connection
o Lies that uncover truth
o Song and Dance
o Fairytale trauma and endings
o Can you trust a cuckoo clock to be accurate
• C. What intriguing situation could these characters be engaged in?
o Describing how the cuckoo clock mechanisms work – maybe the city has a fancy public clock that is broken
o She overhears husband to his cousin and misunderstands – later she’ll understand ‘so when you said xxx, you meant YYY’
o Being chased, outwitting pursuers only to be outmaneuvered and caught
o Retrieving fortune from safety deposit box only to discover bank was destroyed but her mother knew that before she moved
o Vampire tropes – some true, some ironic, and some having different meaning2. Turn that bigger story into a 3-Act or 4-Act structure.
Act 1:
• Opening – fairy tale story of medieval princess fleeing with a child
• Inciting Incident – mother who was overprotective dies
• Turning Point – Natalie has a quest in order to reclaim her fortune or all is lost
Act 2:
• New plan – Natalie travels alone to claim fortune but her husband tags along
• Plan in action – Natalie meets a handsome and fascinating stranger but discovers trail to fortune has a weird turns
• Midpoint Turning Point – Natalie’s pursuit of her fortune lands her in trouble
Act 3:
• Rethink everything – Natalie’s husband joins her and they rekindle their love
• New plan – They need to breakout but it ends up being an adventure through the mess
• Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift – they make it to the castle and think they have found rescue but now they are captured by the villain
Act 4:
• Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict – They fight the villain and true identities are exposed
• Resolution – They gain the fortune but abandon it to the oppressed town and restart their marriage on a deeper, truer level -
I learned from this assignment that the romance is the easy part! I still don't think I'm doing this right.
• A. What interesting world could this movie/show be set in?
A mid-sized city where Eamon is a life insurance salesman/sex symbol and Charlie is hospital PR person.
• B. What major conflict could be happening?
Charlie needs a spokesperson for February Heart Health Awareness month.
• C. What intriguing situation could these characters be engaged in?
Mr. Heart Throb is the perfect person, having lost his father to heart disease.
Act 1:
Opening: Charlie walks down the street noticing happy couples everywhere. Then the men start dying while she watches.Inciting Incident: Charlie is invited to a Little League game by her best friend. She has an unpleasant enocounter with the coach.
Turning Point: Charlie confronts her loneliness superficially, then browses Tinder. She sees a perfect man, which makes her cry. Then she spots the coach–Eamon–and swipes right.
Act 2:
New plan: Charlie will date someone awful so she won’t be alone.Plan in action: Charlie goes on a date with Eamon and it’s awful as she would have expected.
Midpoint Turning Point: Charlie invites Eamon home with her and they have sex.
Act 3:
Rethink everything: Charlie is forced to take Eamon to see her grandmother, who has a heart attack. In the crisis, Eamon reveals his own father’s fatal hearts disease. They bond and it scares them both.New plan: They need to see less of each other and get back to the no strings sex that was working so well. She tells him about her death curse and says it’s for his own good. She doesn’t see that rattles him a bit, but they agree.
Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift: Eamon disappears for two weeks because he’s been ill, but both really miss each other. When they run into each other again, they end up in bed.
Act 4:
Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict: Eamon has a massive heart attack after sex, and Charlie accuses him of loving her, even after he said her curse was stupid! Eamon denies it but Charlie says it was too close; she can’t risk it. She leaves.Resolution: Eamon realizes loving Charlie has given him the will to live. He survived BECAUSE of her. He was always at risk. We’re all always at risk. She doesn’t kill people; he is going to LIVE because of her.
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This reply was modified 9 months, 3 weeks ago by Donna Donna Hoke Hoke.
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This reply was modified 9 months, 3 weeks ago by
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Lesson 3 Assignment:
What I learned doing this lesson is the importance of asking questions. They helped me be open to the bigger story (the rival Venetian families). And to know when I can pull back from the rabbit holes the questions unearth, and put something down as the current draft to work from. The bigger story perspective explored in this lesson was very valuable.
Act 1:
Opening:
Julian Rossi is a shy, risk-averse engineering student at an East Coast university, following the career path of his father as a marine engineer. He’s interning for his dad at a shipyard during the summer. Julian has a hidden passion for art, and is also taking a summer session on Romance and Art.
Inciting Incident:
Julian’s girlfriend, Remi, dumps him, claiming he doesn’t understand love. Remi’s preparing for her study abroad in France and she wants to go with an open heart. Julian’s determined to follow Remi to France. The Romance in Art seminar has a guest lecturer, Angelina, a visiting professor from Venice. Smitten, he tries to connect with her, but she’s the professor and he’s the student. At the end of the seminar, they have an exchange and she’s curious about his heritage. She’s familiar with the Rossi family based in Venice, famous gondola makers and gondoliers. His father doesn’t know much about the Italian cousins. His grandfather had a falling out with them and immigrated to America.
Turning Point:
Julian’s investigation uncovers likely ties to the Venetian Rossis. He takes a semester leave from university and travels to Venice, determined to become a gondolier and connect with his distant family.
Act 2:
New Plan:
Julian ingratiates himself with the Rossi family as a distant cousin and begins his training as a gondolier.
Plan in Action:
Julian struggles with the physical demands of gondoliering and navigating Venice’s canals, while also uncovering the bitter rivalry between the Rossi and Bianchi families. Discovers the divide goes back several generations. Also discovers that Angelina has a suitor.
Midpoint Turning Point:
During Carnival, Julian immerses himself in Venetian traditions and uses disguises to get close to Angelina. He’s taking more risks, with the mask and costume. Deeper in the training, he serves as gondolier serving Angelina and her suitor. This happens to be the night and situation when the suitor proposes to Angelina. Julian crashes the gondola, ruining the romantic moment for Angelina and suitor.
He realizes the depth of the Rossi-Bianchi feud, and uncovers further details about his great grandfather’s reason for cutting himself off from the Rossis.
Act 3:
Rethink Everything:
Julian’s failure with Angelina makes him recognize the importance of authenticity. The stakes help fuel Julian’s commitment to his Italian heritage and the craft of the gondola and gondolier.
New Plan:
Julian commits to rigorous training and uses his engineering skills and fashion design passion to create an innovative gondola design.
Turning Point: Huge Failure / Major Shift:
His cousin, Francesco Rossi outs Julian as representing the “rot” of the family that needs to be trashed. Francesco manipulates Julian’s qualification round for gondolier testing, and Julian fails miserably. A humiliating blow. Recognizing what his great-grandfather may have felt, Julian leaves the Rossi family.
Act 4:
Climax/Ultimate Expression of the Conflict:
Julian channels his authentic heart, and enters the gondolier competition as an unexpected participant. He’s facing the number one trainees representing each of the gondola families, including the fierce rival Marco Bianchi. Julian delivers the ultimate romantic experience with skill, prowess, and romantic heart. And winning the heart of Angelina.
Resolution:
Julian wins the competition, earns the respect of both families, and brokers a level of peace between the families. He’s established his new life in Venice and love and romance with Angelina.
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This reply was modified 9 months, 3 weeks ago by Stuart Voytilla.
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This reply was modified 9 months, 3 weeks ago by
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Luc’s Bigger Story
What I learned doing this assignment is that I thought I knew what I was doing until I came back to the simple questions A,B and C. Answering them triggered the whole structure, forcing me to concentrate on the essentials.
A. What interesting world could this movie be set in?
Intensive care unit / Near Death Experience Limbo.
B. What major conflict could be happening?
Patients trying to communicate with the normal world.
Patients trying to live a new life in limbo.
C. What intriguing situation could these characters be engaged in?
Patients in limbo wanting to die, but seeing the healthcare team keep trying to save them.
Patients in limbo wanting to live, but seeing the healthcare team giving up on them.
Living a love story with another patient, knowing that any minute one of them can be awakened or dead.Act 1:
Opening:
Rock band member Damien (30) has an accident on stage.
Opening credits on press titles about him being in a coma, the tour canceled, the band waiting for him to get out of coma, the band replacing him one year later.
Marguerite (80) showing signs of Alzheimer tries to commit suicide, but is hindered by her grand daughter’s own suicide, Lilly. Marguerite drives Lilly unconscious to the hospital, where she herself falls into a coma. Both end up between life and death in ICU.
Inciting Incident:
Marguerite has an NDE in a parallel world, where she looks 18 years old again (looking just like Lilly) and where she meets other patients of the ICU having their own NDE.
While Lilly is out of danger, but must stay comatose for a while, Marguerite’s prognosis is uncertain and the healthcare team do all they can to keep her alive. Marguerite would like them to let her die in peace, but no one can hear her in the real world.
Turning Point:
Tracing a mysterious electric guitar sound in the basement of the hospital, Marguerite meets Damien in a secluded room rehearsing for the concert he thinks is coming up. Revisiting her forlorn wish to be a rock star, Marguerite joins him.
Act 2:
New plan:
Before dying, Marguerite wants to have a chance at the love story she didn’t dare try when she was younger. She is torn between revealing her real age to Damien (and doing so risking being turned down) and letting him think she is not that old lady in room number three, but Lilly in the next room (and doing so letting him look forward for a life long romance with her in the real world).
Plan in action:
Marguerite decides to embrace the fleeting time she has with Damien, choosing not to reveal her true age and identity. She helps him prepare for his concert, rediscovering her own passion for music in the process.
Their love blossoms as they rehearse together and explore the liminal spaces of the hospital. They form a deep connection, sharing their dreams, regrets, and hopes for the future.Midpoint Turning Point:
In the real world a med student can hear them sing.
Act 3:
Rethink everything:
They use the med student to connect with the health care team. But it is not easy, as he is not willing to bear the responsibility, and also as he is the worst student of the team and isn’t taken seriously.
New plan:
Turning Point with Huge failure / Major shift:
Damien finds out Marguerite’s real age and breaks up with her.
Act 4:
Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict:
Marguerite’s health deteriorates to the point that the healthcare teams are considering her disconnection from life support (therapeutic relentlessness is illegal). Marguerite absolutely needs to tell them she doesn’t want to be disconnected and goes to Damien for help.
They try to do their usual trick with Bastien, while the team is already proceeding with the disconnection. But it doesn’t work. Realizing he is about to loose her for good, Damien can’t help embracing her in a last carnal connection. They make love frenziedly in the same room where Marguerite’s body is being disconnected from life support, with her relatives witnessing the disconnection and with Bastien still trying his best to stop them.
Resolution:
In limbo, Marguerite is drawn to the light in the tunnel, while Damien wakes up from coma and runs to Marguerite’s room where he catches the glimpses of a last smile, holding her hand. -
BRENDA CLARKE, must have posted in wrong section?
What I learned was that even though I just started out with the romance in a modern day setting SNORE, doing this exercise really made LEAPS & BOUNDS as far as getting to the BIGGER PICTURE 🙂
A. WORLD English Victorian Setting with a Steampunk Aesthetic,
B. MAJOR CONFLICT Forbidden Love, Class Divide, Family Rivalries,
C. INTRIGUING SITUATION Suffragettes with a love of Car Racing and perhaps a major Competition
I have a basic 4 Act Outline, with only a hint at the characters names and an early title.
TITLE: "RACY WOMEN"
Act 1:
Opening:
• Introduce the Victorian city with its steampunk aesthetic, highlighting the contrast between the luxurious upper class and the bustling lower class.
• Introduce the two protagonists:
o The Inventor (Muriel): A brilliant young woman from the lower class, working on developing a groundbreaking petrol engine in her cluttered workshop.
o The Heir (Christabel): A charming and adventurous woman from a wealthy family that owns a major industrial company.
Inciting Incident:
• At a public car race, Muriel, disguised as a male racer to avoid detection, competes with her self-built petrol car. She catches Christabel's eye with her skill and daring driving.
Turning Point:
• Christable intrigued by the mysterious racer, discovers Muriel’s true identity and is impressed by her ingenuity. She proposes a secret collaboration to build a superior car for the upcoming prestigious race, despite knowing it would anger her family.
Act 2:
New Plan:
• They secretly work together, blending her engineering prowess with his resources. They meet in secluded locations, away from prying eyes, to develop the car.
Plan in Action:
• Their partnership deepens, and they begin to fall for each other. They face various challenges, including mechanical failures and close calls with being discovered by their families.
Midpoint Turning Point:
• During a test run in the underground racing circuit, they are confronted by Christabel’s cousin, who recognizes her and threatens to expose their collaboration, adding tension and urgency to their secret project.
Act 3:
Rethink Everything:
• They argue about the risks they are taking. Muriel fears that their relationship will jeopardize her dreams and her reputation. Christabel reassures her, but doubts linger.
New Plan:
• Determined to win and prove themselves, they decide to enter the official race under a new strategy: Muriel will race openly, and Christabel will provide covert support, leveraging his influence to navigate obstacles. But to avert attention from her family, she works with the Alias of Jane Goodwin, a common London Seamstress.
Turning Point: Huge Failure / Major Shift:
• On the day of the big race, just as Muriel is about to take the lead, Christabel’s family discovers their involvement. They sabotage the car, causing it to malfunction. Muriel barely avoids a crash, and their plan falls apart.
Act 4:
Climax/Ultimate Expression of the Conflict:
• Despite the sabotage, Muriel refuses to give up. With Christabel’s / Janes encouragement and last-minute repairs, she gets back into the race. The climax is a thrilling race where she uses her ingenuity to overcome mechanical challenges and fierce competitors.
Resolution:
• Muriel wins the race, earning respect and recognition for her skills. The public cheers her victory, and her success forces both families to confront their prejudices and animosities.
• Christabel stands by Muriel publicly, defying his family’s expectations. They commit to building a future together, blending their talents and challenging societal norms, and become fierce campaigners Women’s Rights
• The story ends where they walk hand in hand, ready to face the future together, symbolizing the union of innovation and tradition, and the power of love to transcend barriers, as they march the streets of London as Suffragettes.-
This reply was modified 9 months, 3 weeks ago by Brenda Clarke.
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This reply was modified 9 months, 3 weeks ago by
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Patrick McCormick’s Bigger Story
What I learned doing this assignment is:
Ironically, clarifying the larger framework gives our creative self freedom to create without limitation in the defined world, without being bogged by details.A. What interesting world could this movie/show be set in?
An aging movie studio that needs saving, leading to another dimension where the Hollywood magic is real.B. What major conflict could be happening?
Executive Assistant is doing the deal to save the studio.
Hollywood Executive is stopping the deal to save the magic.
Hollywood Executive escapes to dimension where movies are created before they are made on Earth.
A dark force prepares to use Hollywood to destroy the world.C. What intriguing situation could these characters be engaged in?
Executive Assistant trying save the studio.
Hollywood Executive trying to save the magic and escapes.
Deal falls through and all collapses.
Executive Assistant tries to find Hollywood Executive.
They discover evil plan in other dimension.
Hollywood Executive and Assistant try to stop evil, save Hollywood and humanity.Act 1:
Opening
Hollywood Executive in failing studio looking for disappearing Hollywood magic.
Executive Assistant trying to save studio by doing multi-picture deal.Inciting Incident
Hollywood Executive tries to stop deal that could save his studio.
Executive Assistant trying to do the deal that could save the studio.
Hollywood Executive escapes to find the Magic.
They pursue him to sign the papers.Turning Point
Hollywood Executive escapes to another dimension.
Studio collapses into bankruptcy and all is lost.Act 2:
New plan
Executive Assistant tries to process the loss of their life’s work.
Executive Assistant searches for Hollywood Executive after it falls apart.Plan in action
Executive Assistant goes to where he disappeared, desperately trying to find him.Midpoint Turning Point
At the moment she could die, Hollywood Executive pulls her into the other dimension.Act 3:
Rethink everything
The now-rejuvenated Hollywood Executive gives tour of other dimension.
They find something very wrong. Begin to investigate, uncovering evil plan.New plan
Ascension Guide prepares them for return to Earth to stop evil plan of using Hollywood to fulfill armageddon.
They will probably fail and die.Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift
Hollywood Executive and Assistant get caught and arrested.
Armageddon approaches on the horizon.
Humanity gets isolated by higher forces to minimize cosmic damage.Act 4:
Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict
Hollywood Executive battles ancient demon for fate of humanity, and loses.
Humanity now cut off from Heaven and Earth to minimize armageddon.
They are thrown into void to die.Resolution
Demon’s future good self stops his ancient evil self and saves them.
Senior Executive and Assistant wind up together and use Hollywood to save humanity.Setup For Next Movie
Ascension Guide shows how demon program escaped and has to be stopped.
The demon program could escape into Heaven Matrix and threaten Creation. -
Joe McGloin’s bigger story
What I learned doing this assignment is that Chat GPT is fairly good at creating storylines. I’m relying on it in these early stages due to time constraints.
1. Brainstorm at least 5 ideas for each of these and select the one or combination you like:
A. Interesting worlds for the movie/show setting:
1. A futuristic society where life extension technology is available but regulated
2. An exclusive resort island catering to the ultra-wealthy
3. A world where people can legally sell their remaining lifespan
4. A bustling international financial hub like Hong Kong or Singapore
5. A near-future where AI has taken over most legal work, leaving only complex human-centered cases
B. Major conflicts that could be happening:
1. A legal battle over the client’s vast fortune with estranged family members
2. Ethical dilemma over the client’s desire to try an illegal experimental treatment
3. Corporate espionage targeting the client’s company as they’re trying to settle affairs
4. The lawyer discovering her client’s wealth comes from morally questionable sources
5. A race against time to clear the client’s name in a high-profile scandal before they die
C. Intriguing situations the characters could be engaged in:
1. Planning an elaborate “living funeral” celebration
2. A globe-trotting bucket list adventure that challenges both characters
3. Navigating a complex web of trusts and shell companies to protect the client’s legacy
4. The client playing matchmaker for the lawyer while sorting out their own past regrets
5. Uncovering a long-buried secret that connects their pasts in unexpected ways1. Motivation: The client, facing death, realizes the importance of human connection and doesn’t want the lawyer to make the same mistakes they did. This adds depth to their relationship, moving it beyond the professional realm.
2. Contrast: While the client is trying to set up the lawyer with potential partners, we can explore flashbacks or anecdotes from the client’s past failed relationships, creating a poignant contrast.
3. Complication: The lawyer might initially resist these matchmaking attempts, highlighting her relationship avoidance issues. This could create both humorous and emotionally charged situations.
4. Character growth: As the client shares wisdom gained from their regrets, the lawyer slowly opens up to the idea of relationships, showing character development.
5. Unexpected turns: The client’s matchmaking efforts could lead to unforeseen complications. Perhaps an introduced suitor becomes involved in the legal case, or the lawyer starts to develop feelings for someone inappropriate (like the client’s doctor or a family member).
6. Parallel storylines: While the client is arranging dates for the lawyer, they could also be reaching out to people from their past to make amends, providing a rich subplot.
7. Ethical dilemmas: The situation might blur professional boundaries, forcing the lawyer to navigate complex ethical considerations while also dealing with her personal growth.
8. Reversals: As the lawyer becomes more open to relationships, the client might have moments of bitterness or regret, adding layers to their dynamic.Choice: Unexpected turns
Act 1:
• Opening: Introduce the jet-set lawyer and her wealthy, terminally ill client. Establish their professional relationship and hint at their personal issues with relationships.
• Inciting Incident: The client decides to play matchmaker for the lawyer, believing it’s part of their legacy to help her overcome her relationship avoidance.
• Turning Point: The lawyer reluctantly agrees to one date, thinking it will appease the client and end the matter.
Act 2:
• New plan: The client creates an elaborate matchmaking scheme, leveraging their connections to set up multiple potential suitors.
• Plan in action: The lawyer goes on a series of increasingly awkward dates, while the client reminisces about their own past relationships.
• Midpoint Turning Point: A particularly disastrous date leads to an emotional confrontation between the lawyer and client about their respective fears and regrets.
Act 3:
• Rethink everything: Both characters reflect on their behavior and motivations. The lawyer starts to see the value in opening up, while the client realizes they’re projecting their regrets.
• New plan: They decide to work together on addressing their relationship issues, with the client sharing wisdom and the lawyer taking small steps towards vulnerability.
• Turning Point: The lawyer meets someone she genuinely connects with, but discovers this person is entangled in the client’s legal affairs, creating a conflict of interest.
Act 4:
• Climax: The lawyer must choose between pursuing this potential relationship and maintaining professional ethics, all while the client’s health rapidly declines.
• Resolution: The lawyer makes a decision that demonstrates her personal growth. The client finds peace in seeing the positive change they’ve inspired. Their professional relationship evolves into a meaningful friendship in the client’s final days. -
Kimbal Thompson ROM COM Lesson 3: Track 1: The Bigger Story: Assignment
What I learned doing this assignment is the possibilities of combining genres.
1. Brainstorm at least 5 ideas for each of these and select the one or combination you like best
for your bigger story.
A. What interesting world could this movie/show be set in?
1. Life
2. Following a career
3. Where to settle geographically
4. Espionage
5. Dealing in rare stag beetles
B. What major conflict could be happening?
1. Trying to determine their next step in life
2. Following a career; licit or illicit.
3. Where to settle geographically.
4. Espionage; spy vs. spy.
5. Where best to deal in rare stag beetles
. What intriguing situation could these characters be engaged in?
1. Life
2. Following a career
3. Where to settle geographically
4. The middle east situation.
5. Setting the market price for rare stag beetles.
2. Turn that bigger story into a 3‐Act or 4‐Act structure.
Act 1:
A male (Keaton) and a female student (Margot) find themselves in the same small
summer session university design studio. They are mutually attracted to one another at
first sight, then discover they have the same birthdate just before each having to depart
until the next class on Monday.
Inciting Incident: While with his girlfriend, Keaton receives a phone call from a female
caller asking; “guess who this is?” As out of earshot as possible, he responds with the
name of his new classmate. The response asks: “who’s she?” The caller turns out to be
his visiting former high school girlfriend, wanting to get together. Turning Point: He suggests meeting at a beach, not realizing it to be a gay beach.
Act 2:
New plan: Keaton invites his former girlfriend to have dinner together with his present
girlfriend.
Plan in action: It’s a disaster and life becomes complicated.
Midpoint Turning Point: As the new classmates become “soulmates” he expresses his
dilemma, and Margot tells Keaton that she is here because of the visiting professor. As
the studio ends, they depart i
Act 3:
Rethink everything: Two years later Keaton decides to take a break and go outside of his
high‐rise office. Just as he exits his building, Margot is walking toward him carrying a
large deign portfolio. She has just flown in from the east coast, leaving her luggage at
the airport. He takes the day off, they pick up her luggage, have lunch, and he invites
her to stay at his house on the beach. They arrive and are standing just inside the
entrance door when his male housemate tries signaling him that a present girlfriend is
on her way over. She arrives, seeing his Margot and her suitcase.
New plan: He invites both out to dinner. It’s a disaster. The former classmate opts for
the extra bedroom, and later, the dinner mate sneaks in through his window to stay and
be present the next morning. Margo decides to exit stage left.
Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift: One evening several weeks later, Margo
decides to stop by Keaton’s house. unannounced. The house is dark although with music
on low volume, her tapping on the door is met by a voice saying: “Nobody home!”
Act 4:
Keaton, now a practicing professional, is invited to take a summer course at the
Graduate School of Design. He calls an old friend living in Massachusetts so they can see
one another. His friend offers to fix him up, while in town. That does not work out and
they decide to go to:
A. Go to a beach on the Cape.
B. Go to a night club
C. Go to a strip club
Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict: In Boston Keaton and Margo meet again.
Resolution; Keaton and Margo are reconnected -
Avi's Rom Com Project
What I learned doing this assignment is: I don’t have to have perfect ideas right off the bat. I just need to fill in the blanks for now and keep moving ahead.
1. Brainstorm at least 5 ideas for each of these and select the one or combination you like best for your bigger story.
• A. What interesting world could this movie/show be set in?
– International espionage.
– Publishing.
– International politics.
– War.
– Corporate world.
• B. What major conflict could be happening?
– Campaign for President.
– Peace talks to end a war.
– Plummeting sales.
– Assassination attempts.
– Covert intelligence operations to destabilize a country.
• C. What intriguing situation could these characters be engaged in?
– A novelist and a spy on the run.
– A novelist whose publisher wants to boost sales anyhow.
– A spy whose boss is a traitor.
– A novelist and a spy whose luggage gets mixed-up.
– A novelist who wants to shadow a spy for an upcoming book.
2. Turn that bigger story into a 3-Act or 4-Act structure.
Act 1: 25 to 30 pages — Set up and see Old Ways.
• Opening – Daniel is a successful, good-looking, wealthy novelist who likes superficial relationships he can break off without committing. Ashley is beautiful, charismatic and a super spy who hates relationships.
• Inciting Incident – Daniel is accused of an assassination attempt and arrested.
• Turning Point – Ashley breaks him out of custody.
Act 2: 20 to 30 pages — Challenge the Old Ways.
• Reaction – Daniel and Ashley are now on the run, being hunted by global agencies.
• Plan in action – They try to draw out the real assassin, but fail.
• Midpoint Turning Point – Ashley’s boss, the only man who knows that Ashley is on a mission, is killed. Someone else is aware of their plan and is trying to sabotage it! Bounties are placed on Ashley and Daniel’s heads.
Act 3: 20 to 30 pages — With Midpoint change, Profound moments that give us new ways.
• Rethink everything – They are forced to seek safety/go underground.
• New plan – Tie up with a rival agency/agent/bounty hunter to expose the traitor who killed Ashley’s boss/the power behind the plot to assassinate XYZ.
• Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift – They are betrayed and arrested!
Act 4:
• Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict – A mysterious person helps Ashley and Daniel escape. It’s her boss, who is presumed dead! He tells them that ABC is behind the plot, in connivance with a hostile power, whose aim is to stop assistance being sent to EFG country for X purpose.
• Resolution – The force behind the plot is exposed/arrested/killed, the plot is foiled. Ashley and Daniel part ways, because Ashley is not ready. But her boss convinces her otherwise. Daniel gets a mysterious request to go on a mission to Paris to meet a source and gather intel, but instead, Ashley is waiting for him at the top of the Eiffel tower. They kiss, but before they can do anything else, they get a notification of a joint mission!
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This reply was modified 9 months, 2 weeks ago by Avi K.
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This reply was modified 9 months, 2 weeks ago by
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Connie’s bigger picture
What I learned doing this assignment is that brainstorming the bigger picture ideas enriches the story.
Rom-Com SU class Lesson 3 The Bigger Story
• A. What interesting world could this movie/show be set in?
1. Karen & Jim are transported into an AI world with their fake partners
2. They find each other in a totally different culture when traveling separately to Mexico/Tuscany/Greece or?
3. They give up on the standard dating sites & go on RetroRomance.com where every interaction is from the 1960’s (ie; no texting, snail mail and personal notes only.
4. They meet in a widow/widower’s support group & are both haunted by their deceased spouses
5. They meet in a dog park where their pups go to war with each other
6. They meet at a highly competitive senior aqua aerobics class where the instructor pushes them to the limit
7. They meet at a meditation retreat/psychic faire where a medium matches them up but they do not share her belief that they belong together
8. They meet at a training session for Meals on Wheels volunteers where Karen and Bev are bossy instructors
9. A Mystery Matchmaker event finds Karen and Jim provided with clues about their potential matches
10. A series of gourmet cooking classes show that both Karen and Jim are the worst cooks possible
• B. What major conflict could be happening?
1. Jim may think the AI world is cool but Karen is disturbed and fearful about it, worried about what tricks could be played on them
2. In a different culture their hosts push them together assertively which makes them both uncomfortable
3. Initially they are amused by the memories of life in the 60’s but it gets old fast and them long for the conveniences of the modern age or one of them wants to continue with the throwback modes of communication while the other desperately wants their cell phone back.
4. One of the deceased spouses wants the new relationship and the other adds to the guilt their living spouse already struggles with
5. They love their pets so much that they can’t bring themselves to foster a love relationship which excludes their dogs
6. They try to outdo each other before, during and after class
7. They consult two different psychic and get more conflicting predictions about their connection and potential life together
8. Jim is turned off by Karen’s extreme rule follower nature as she trains him in the volunteer protocols
9. They miss connecting with one another and both choose other partners
10. Maybe one is a blossoming chef and the other is hopeless in the kitchen
• C. What intriguing situation could these characters be engaged in?
1. They could have concerns about returning to their real world or getting stuck in the AI world
2. Their romance-obsessed hosts could be planning Karen and Jim’s wedding without even consulting them
3. They time travel back to their high school or college days in the 60’s and learn that they actually met back then
4. They both decide to have heart to heart talks with their ghost spouses
5. They hire a special dog trainer to bring the pups together so they can pursue their romance
6. They create a special senior water Olympics club to compete with other aerobics fans or they decide to train as aqua aerobics instructors especially for seniors
7. They decide to ignore both psychics and try living together to see what happens
8. Wisely both agree to support different volunteer venues
9. The mystery partners they select turn out to be disasters. When they share their experiences, they have a good laugh and decide to go out.
10. They agree to mostly dine out and when they do eat at home, one will cook and the other do the clean-up.
Act 1: (25-30 pages – set-up & see old ways)
• Opening: In their respective homes, Karen and Jim both gaze at photos of their dead spouses remembering happier times.
• Inciting Incident: They attend a support group for seniors who have lost their long-term spouse after which they both are visited by the ghosts of their deceased spouses
• Turning Point: They each declare their intention to enroll on a dating site to overcome the soul-crushing loneliness and quiet.
Act 2: (20-30 pages – challenge the old ways)
• New plan: Karen and Jim sign up on the same senior dating site and identify a few potential people to meet.
• Plan in action: Both go on several unsuccessful dates via the dating site
• Midpoint Turning Point: They both have experienced so many bad dates and dishonest people that they each contemplate the notion it might be better to remain alone.
Act 3: (20 to 30 pages — With Midpoint change, Profound moments that give us new ways
• Rethink everything: Independently they decide to change their tactics by being far more selective, pro-active and taking control of the situation.
• New plan: Both Karen and Jim, having read the same book about how to date effectively decide to create a comprehensive list of “must haves” in a new partner and vow to pre-qualify people via phone conversations before the actual dates
• Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift: Each of them experiences the worst deception in the form of AI bots who appear to be the absolute perfect match for each of them and then are exposed.
Act 4:
• Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict: They both cancel their dating site subscriptions and swear off dating entirely forever!
• Resolution: After support group. Karen and Jim share about their unbelievable AI bot disasters and console one another, lock eyes, hug and kiss. They realize the perfect mate has been right in front of them all along. -
what is weird is that posted this over a week ago and it's gone now.
Terrie's Bigger Story
What I learned doing this assignment is that I'd already considered some of these issues. My concern is that my 4 act structure is not enough about the 'bigger story' and too much about the character's relationship.
1. Brainstorm at least 5 ideas for each of these and select the one or combination you like best for your bigger story. I used AI to brainstorm and decided to go with what I already had.
• A. What interesting world could this movie/show be set in?
A reality show. Sara has an opportunity to do a 7 episode reality show.
• B. What major conflict could be happening?
Sara is a social media influencer who posts about productivity. Austin is an artist who is struggling to get by, partly due to his chaotic work habits. Sara is a social media influencer who posts about productivity. Austin is an artist who is struggling to get by, partly due to his chaotic work habits. Austin only believes he can create when he’s inspired. Sara believes that being organized leads to greater opportunities to be inspired.
• C. What intriguing situation could these characters be engaged in?
Austin is the focus of Sara’s new reality show – Run Your Schedule, Win Your Life!
1. Brainstorm at least 5 ideas for each of these and select the one or combination you like best for your bigger story. I used AI to brainstorm and decided to go with what I already had.
• A. What interesting world could this movie/show be set in?
A reality show. Sara has an opportunity to do a 7 episode reality show.
• B. What major conflict could be happening?
Sara is a social media influencer who posts about productivity. Austin is an artist who is struggling to get by, partly due to his chaotic work habits. Austin only believes he can create when he’s inspired. Sara believes that being organized leads to greater opportunities to be inspired.
• C. What intriguing situation could these characters be engaged in?
Austin is the focus of Sara’s new reality show – Run Your Schedule, Win Your Life!
Genre: Romantic comedy
Concept: A struggling artist’s career gets a surprising boost when Sara, a viral productivity coach, takes him on as a client for her new reality show. As the coach introduces structure and order to the artist’s chaotic world, they both discover that love can be found in the most unexpected places, even in a meticulously planned schedule.Characters:
• Sara: Social media influencer and productivity coach, passionate about helping people get more out of life.
• Austin: Talented but disorganized artist, struggling to produce enough work and facing the risk of being dropped by his gallery.
Act 1
• Opening:
o Introduce Austin’s chaotic lifestyle and struggles as an artist. Show his missed opportunities and the imminent threat of being dropped by his gallery.
o Introduce Sara’s structured, productive life as a social media influencer. She’s preparing for her new reality show.
• Inciting Incident:
o Sara’s team selects Austin as a participant for her new reality show. Austin didn’t apply – his friend and gallery owner did it without his knowledge. He reluctantly agrees, because otherwise his gallery will drop him.
• Turning Point:
o Sara’s initial interventions yield surprising positive results, such as Austin meeting his first deadline. However, these changes cause friction, as Austin feels his creative process is being stifled. Additionally, the constant presence of cameras makes Austin uncomfortable and self-conscious.
Act 2
• New Plan:
o Sara devises a more customized plan to help Austin without compromising his creativity. They set specific goals and milestones.
• Plan in Action:
o Austin and Sara work together, with Sara introducing new productivity techniques. They begin to see success, and Austin’s work improves. However, the reality show producers pressure them for more dramatic content, leading to manufactured conflicts and misunderstandings.
• Midpoint Turning Point:
o Austin experiences a breakthrough, creating a viral piece of art thanks to Sara’s methods. They celebrate the success together, growing closer in the process. The reality show’s ratings soar, but the increased attention starts to invade their personal lives.
Act 3
• Rethink Everything:
o The newfound closeness leads to personal conflicts. Austin feels Sara is taking too much credit for his success, or her methods cause a significant personal setback for him. The producers exploit this conflict for drama, making things worse.
• New Plan:
o They must reassess their approach. Sara realizes she needs to balance productivity with creative freedom, while Austin learns to appreciate structure. They agree to set boundaries with the reality show producers to protect their personal relationship.
• Turning Point: Huge Failure / Major Shift:
o The producer of the reality show threatens to find a different influencer for the show if Sara doesn’t push Austin harder to use her techniques. The producer wants it all – not just a reality show but branded content. Sara goes along with some of it, which threatens her professional identity and growing feelings for Austin. Sara & Austin have a falling out, and the show’s future is in jeopardy. The producers push for a dramatic confrontation, leading to an on-camera meltdown that goes viral for all the wrong reasons.
Act 4
• Climax / Ultimate Expression of the Conflict:
o In a pivotal moment, both must confront their fears and flaws. Austin needs to accept help and structure, while Sara must embrace flexibility and creativity. They must decide whether to prioritize the show and their careers or their feelings for each other. They confront the producers and demand changes to the show’s format to allow for a more authentic portrayal of their journey.
• Resolution:
o They find a balanced approach to life, blending creativity with productivity. They commit to a relationship that embraces both chaos and order. The reality show becomes a success, reflecting their new, harmonious dynamic. The final episodes focus on their genuine growth and connection, winning over the audience with authenticity.-
This reply was modified 9 months, 1 week ago by Terrie Shaft.
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This reply was modified 9 months, 1 week ago by
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Completed but every time I cut and paste my Word doc on here, it turns it into a solid, un-spaced block, so I’m not subjecting anyone to reading that!
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Joy Geldard-Smith’s Bigger Story
I have a lot of catching up to do, as I’ve been doing the marketing class as well! It’s going great, so I’m taking a day to catch up on this class.
What I learned doing this assignment is… that romantic comedies aren’t really just about the couple. The situation of the Bigger Story provides reason for them to stay together, and comedic situations.
I already had an idea for the Bigger Story for this romcom, but I still had to ‘drill down’ into the structure to make it make sense (and I’d already changed the concept so that the Criminal wants to steal the toys.
1. Brainstorm at least 5 ideas for each of these and select the one or combination you like best for your bigger story.
• A. What interesting world could this movie/show be set in?
o The world is California at Christmas time. The holiday vibes change people’s behaviour, sometimes for better and for worse, but both ways can be comedic.• B. What major conflict could be happening?
o The conflict comes from trying to catch the bad guys.• C. What intriguing situation could these characters be engaged in?
o They’re trying to catch a criminal Santa before he steals all the ‘must have’ toys of the season.Concept: A US Marshall working undercover and a local crime reporter team up to catch a dangerous criminal who is on the run posing as Santa, and plans to steal the season’s ‘must-have’ toy from every store in Monterey.
Main Conflict: Law enforcement vs journalism as they both want to catch Santa and take the credit.
2. Turn that bigger story into a 3-Act or 4-Act structure.
Act 1:
• Opening – Stella and Crispin meet when he’s looking after her niece, and she drops her ice cream. Stella replaces it. Introduces Stella’s mission (via the inside of the ice cream stand) and Crispin as a reporter.
• Inciting Incident – Her ice cream truck breaks down in front of his car. He reluctantly helps her and they discover they’re going to the same place (he is tailed by the ice cream truck!) as he received a tip about a robbery due to take place.
• Turning Point – After more coincidental meetings, he confronts her in her ice cream truck and says she’s no ice cream seller. She says she is, but has to tell her team he’s on to her.Act 2:
• New plan – stay out of each other’s way
• Plan in action – see each other everywhere they go – wholesalers, crime scenes, everything.
• Midpoint Turning Point – Crispin makes a bust – it’s Stella! She confesses she is an undercover Marshall and shares her info with him.Act 3:
• Rethink everything – they reluctantly work together to try and find the right Santa (the criminal). Stella is unconvinced of his non-law enforcement investigative skills, and Crispin thinks all cops are rubbish/undercover means liar.
• New plan – they realise they’re stronger together, and Crispin plants a piece in the paper about where the hottest new toy is going to be stocked. It’s a trap for Santa and his law enforcement friends.
• Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift – lots of parents show up, trying to buy the toy, there’s a bit of disorder and the cops step in. Now Santa knows that the cops are onto himAct 4:
• Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict – they are chastised by their superiors, and have to work as part of larger teams, and with each other, to make sure they catch Santa.
• Resolution – They catch Santa, distribute the must have toys to every kid in Monterey, and get together.-
This reply was modified 8 months, 4 weeks ago by Joy Smith. Reason: Word pastes into a single giant block which is very difficult to read!
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This reply was modified 8 months, 4 weeks ago by
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What I learned during the assignment is don’t worry about being perfect, just fill in the blanks.
Cindi’s Bigger Story
The bigger story: what major conflict could be happening?
Concept: she inherits an old mansion/house from her aunt and has to fix it up before the city condemns it and bulldoze it down.
Conflict: she doesn’t have the funds.
(set up and see the old ways)
Opening:
She stops by a nursing home to visit her aunt on the way to work. The Aunt gives her a document showing that she deeded her old mansion/house, to the girl but it needs repair. The Aunt describes it’s historical significance and not to let anything ever happen to that house.Opening: he is teaching history to a bunch of hostile highschoolers who really don’t care and aren’t listening are fooling around.
Opening:She is gets to work via morning obstacle/traffic at a stressed out corporate job. A never ending stream of People stop by her desk and keep plopping files on her desk. It’s work that needs to get done. she’s frazzled.
Inciting incident: she is at the courthouse in a Townhall meeting where the neighbors are griping and shouting about the old mansion being rundown, cuz it’s an eyesore. The Judge says he has to condemn it and knock it down by a certain date.
A male from the back row shouts “you can’t destroy history! “Turning point:
He and she meet in the hallway of the courthouse after the meeting. she thanks him for speaking up. they brainstorm trying to figure out how to raise money to save the house/mansion. go to Café for coffee.New Plan/Reaction: he brings in the high school kids as a project to help fix up the house/mansion. It’s a disorganized mess. Things get broken even more tools are lost broken.
Plan in action/The plan: use volunteers. This doesn’t work either. most of the volunteers are arthritic elderly people w/canes & walkers. they can’t do a good job ,everything‘s done wrong. It’s a mess.
Turning point 2: Midpoint:
There have been so many complaints about the noise and the commotion going on. the mayor stops over with a document telling them they have 30 days to clean it up or it will be bulldozed down.Rethink:
They both go to that coffee café again and brainstorm ideas. They go back to the mansion. walk-through it make a list of all the things that need to be done ASAP to prevent the house from being demolished.New plan:
They write up applications for grants from the historical society and her corporation and his department of education. She talks the corporation into giving her some money as it would benefit the corporation as being a write off to charity. She has new Hope.Turning point: Huge failure/Major shift:
They call the first building contractor to fix the most important issue, which uses up most of the money and they don’t have any more left. (Plumbing/needs new pipes/new roof/new flooring)Climax: Ultimate expression of Conflict: a group of neighbors and the mayor show up to gripe and say that since the house has not been fixed up, it has to get condemned/demolished. Gives her the document stating this.
She sits on the porch steps, holding the documents and crying in despair.
Resolution:
He comes running up the sidewalk, happy and excited. He picks her up and dances all over the yard and is excited. she’s hysterically crying and doesn’t know what to do.He waves papers around announces he just got an answer from the educational grant giving him a large sum of money from the “Preserve History program” /historical educational department.
They celebrate by going out for a fancy dinner, even though he’s a sloppy eater & spills things and food dribbles office chin. She dabs at his chin. They kiss
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