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Lesson 2
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WIM Module 3 Lesson 2 Roles That Sell Actors
Vision:
To write and sell excellent, original, enticing screenplays in order to take audiences on cinematic adventures that satisfy their need for great stories.
What I learned from doing this assignment is that this template helped me organize the details about the character and there is some fun material here to work with.
Movie Title: Rotary Phone Star Chamber
LEAD CHARACTER NAME: Judge Ken
1. Why would an actor want to be known for this role?
-Cool good guy who breaks the law to save his city from Russian spies.
-To play Judge Ken who is a Korean American attorney who made it all the way to a judgeship and made his parents and professors proud. Now is faced with betraying his legal education and traditions to save his city from Russian spies in an extra-judiciary manner.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in the movie?
– Event though he’s a judge who supposed to follow the law, he has to break it to protect society. He doesn’t do it lightly, but it is interesting. He has really cool technology that he gets his hands on or develops himself. He has an
electrical / mechanical engineering dual degree as an undergrad and then went to law school. Puts up drones that surveil uninterruptedly so the bad guys can be monitored including rotary phone offenders.
-The arc of his journey is intense, he doesn’t want to risk his status, betray the traditions he was sworn to uphold but there is a greater crisis that has to be solved.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead takes in the movie?
-Creates a novel way of sentencing for texting and driving: confiscate their smart phone and issue the offender a rotary cell phone.
-Gets tired of fist/kick fight and shoots Burlyman with his .22 caliber umbrella.
-Makes Kirill fall in the pool by cutting diving block. Rides in Judge Ken’s flying car.
-Drives an electric 1975 Eldorado. In bed with his hot neighbor watching a movie
4. How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor?
-Kendo match
-Issues creative / novel and some say harsh Rotary Phone sentences.
-Drives an electric hybrid 1975 Eldorado that he made.
5. What is this character’s emotional range?
-Calm straight faced judge to killing bad guys. Slightly dry sense of humor that serves him well, diffuses situations or provokes if you are on the receiving end.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
-Vengeance. To avenge his wife’s death, to avenge the boy hit by the pallet. He might not always realize it but he is looking for ways to avenge his wife’s death and the boy’s death.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character has?
-With his colleague, Judge Jason, with the neighbor kid who helped him build the phones, with his wife but she has passed away.
8. How is this character’s unique voice presented?
-He’s soft spoken when he needs to be in his love for the law and love for his country and city but when push comes to shove his Tae Kwon Do and engineering background make him a weapon to hunt down Kirill and Burlyman.
9. What makes this character special and unique?
-He is a first generation American and loves his country because you can make it big in America which he did. His parents constantly pointed this out to him growing up.
10. Fill in a scene that shows the character fulfilling much of the Actor Attractor model.
In Act 1 he hands down a rotary phone sentence to a texting and driving defendant and because their posse in the gallery is so disruptive, he give the posse the same rotary cell phone sentence (or they can go to jail for contempt of court). He makes a comment to them that they “have no idea how good you have it in the USA and should show some respect for the freedom that you have. You pull this in other countries and you might get 5 to 10 years and / or be caned.”
LEAD CHARACTER NAME: Judge Jason
1. Why would an actor WANT to be known for this role?
-He’s an intelligent bad ass who is a judge and runs a star chamber. He’s a good guy even though he breaks the law. He does it to protect the country and his city because no one else is.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in the movie?
-He takes initiative to start the star chamber. He’s physically fit and practices the martial art of kendo and has skills from his Force Recon days in the Marines.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead takes in the movie?
-Beats up bad guys, executes bad guys, kills spies without a bunch of bureaucratic red tape.
4. How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor?
-Kendo workout with Judge Ken, he is in great physical shape and his skills for fighting.
-Great courage: founded the star chamber.
-Has a flying car
5. What is this character’s emotional range?
-That is the beauty of this character, his range is very focused, not overly emotional which enables him to get results.
-Though he does want vengeance for the daughter he lost to a person who was texting and driving.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
-He’s often sizing up what kind of physical opponent a person he is talking to would be. Comes from his military training.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character has?
-Buddy with his fellow Judge, Judge Ken. Has active hobby with his wife of the flying car.
-Super protective of his living daughter as she is the only child he has left after the death of his first child, his other daughter.
8. How is this character’s unique voice presented?
-He’s a man’s man. Not too cocky but you would not want to mess with him. Gets thing done. Grass does not grow under his feet.
9. What makes this character special and unique?
-Not afraid of much due to his military training, physically strong and capable. Has fighting skills.
-Does things in a calm, soft spoken manner but beware if you cross him.
10. Fill in a scene that shows the character fulfilling much of the Actor Attractor model.
In Act 4, the bad guy Kirill has fallen in the pool because the swimming block pole was cut 3/4 of the way through so that when Kirill leans on it breaks and he falls in.
Judge Jason says to him, “You’re all wet” very calmly and Kirill explodes into a rage. They exchange blows, and as Kirill is about to deliver a kick to Judge Jason, he slips in his own puddle of water enabling Judge Jason to change his delivery and stomp Kirill while he is down.
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Margaret’s Actor Attractors!
Margaret’s Vision: To be the best screenwriter for faith-based movies
What I learned: Actor Attractors can make an actor’s career as well as a screenwriters!
Movie Title: Rock of Cashel
Lead Character Name: (St.) Patrick
1. Why would an actor WANT to be known for this role? This story is about a revered historical figure. The story deepens the known blending it in with the legends for this character.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in the movie? All the other players revolve or react to his actions/inactions.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead takes in the movie? Escapes from the Queen of the Otherworld (Morrigan) time and time again. Stands against an onslaught of nature caused by Morrigan and comes out unharmed.
4. How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor? He is introduced as a person unafraid of the powers of the dark because of his faith in God, even against supernatural onslaughts.
5. What is this character’s emotional range? From fear, to risk-taking, to hero moments saving lives, to extreme courage, to grief, to moments of victory.
6. What subtext can the actor play? He hides his fear based on his faith.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character has? His relationship with Morrigan as she shape shifts into different characters.
8. How is this character’s unique voice presented? His deep faith in God comes out through lines which can comfort and encourage anyone in any day or age.
9. What makes this character special and unique? He is a known historical figure but is also surrounded by legends of fantastical doings to combat the Otherworld.
Lead Character Name: Morrigan, Queen of the Otherworld
1. Why would an actor WANT to be known for this role? This is a legendary Irish goddess known for her strength in war, that shapeshifts.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in the movie? Little is known about this Irish legend, she commands her space and refuses to relinquish her hold on the Irish.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead takes in the movie? Cuts rock out of mountain, hurls it to form the Rock of Cashel, leads an army of Otherworld creatures on an attack of the castle.
4. How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor? She is introduced as an angry goddess who cuts rock out of mountain, hurls it across the valley to form the Rock of Cashel.
5. What is this character’s emotional range? Anger, pride, deceit, defeat.
6. What subtext can the actor play? She is afraid of Patrick and the power he receives from God.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character has? His relationship with Patrick, attempts to discourage him, the woo him to her side.
8. How is this character’s unique voice presented? She is a proud, undefeated warrior, speaks of her powers and threatens others into submission.
9. What makes this character special and unique? She has unique powers as Queen of the Irish Otherworld.
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Working hard every day to become the best writer I can be and as a result becoming the best writer in Hollywood
What I learned from this assignment is making sure the role and the script are of the quality needed to sell and produce using the best actors you can get.
Lloyd Shellenberger
WIM Module 3 — Lesson 2: Roles that Sell Actors
Lead Character Name: SFC Jerry Reese
Role: Protagonist
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
SFC Reese is a gritty and smart character by design as he must face off against a government bureaucracy and deadly terrorists. He does not negotiate with the terrorists and he cannot be intimidated. He is a force to be reckoned with at the very least.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
SFC Reese is the catalyst that moves this story forward. He is the conscience and commitment behind the move to save this family. His morality and beliefs drive everything that happens. In contrast the lead antagonist believes that anyone who aids the Americans are traitors and he is equally committed to stopping them.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead takes in the script?
SFC Reese takes the terrorists head on and defies the State Department and his unit while risking his life to do so. Reese also saves the family in a firefight at the families home. He becomes fearless in the end. He openly seeks out the terrorists cells to eliminate them. He will not back down or give in.
4. How was the role introduced in a way that sold it to an actor?
In the beginning SFC Reese responds to Baghdad open market, he is cool and deliberate under fire and saves the lives of his soldiers and the civilians around him. He is far more street smart than the bad guys.
5. What is this character’s emotional range?
SFC Reese goes from indifferent to deeply committed, afraid to fearless, and finally from self centered to empathetic of the plight of the family and the Iraqi people. He is always a professional soldier who has seen it all in his military career.
6 – Subtext the actor can play.
In the beginning Reese is there to do his job and get the hell out of Iraq. His personal growth all comes from understanding the lists of subtexts he must understand. His need for security and order, his not wanting to initially get involved but eventually finding a reason to. Finally, his caring and protection of the family all come from subtexts he must accept and understand. Finally his growth as a soldier and a Christian in understanding the plight of the Iraqis.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character had?
The relationship between Reese and the family becomes a deep and meaningful one by the end of the movie, particularly the children. His understanding of the American bureaucratic system takes a full 180 degree turn by the end. Reese is aware of the flaws in the system and no longer accepts the status quo. He no longer the word of the American Government as absolute truth, his eyes are wide open.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
In the scene with his commander in which he puts his life in danger to step in between the terrorist and the family. He defies his Commander, putting his career in jeopardy. In addition, we see the terrorist confrontation scene where Reese is not afraid to die for what he believes in, even when the odds are stacked against him.
9. How will this character’s voice be special and unique?
Reese is a survivor of the highest degree but he finds he can be better leader and and a better person person through this experience. His tough “bring it on New York attitude and never back down persona” is impressive and needed in this situation.
10. In the final scene with the family, the widow and her children hug Reese as they are put on a military transport. Reese promises them they will see him again one day. This is a promise you know he will keep at all costs.
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Alyssa’s Actor Attractors!
One Sentence Vision: I want to be the best writer I can be and a go-to writer in the industry, crafting scripts that become successful movies which make a lasting impact on people.
What I learned from this assignment is…how to start thinking of Alex and Celia’s uniqueness and their differences to make them really stand out as lead characters – what makes them work and what their arcs are. I have a pretty good idea of Alex’s journey but still working on Celia’s.
Lead Character Name: Alex
Role: Protagonist
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? <div>
-He’s an ambitious scientist who wants to destroy the fate system because of past trauma and has a great arc of learning what’s most important in life.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
– He’s the one driving the story, the one who receives the death fortune and is literally running from death- with few combat skills, he has to use his mind and wits more than fists.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
– In the first meeting with the antagonist, he uses his skills to manipulate her and figure out what he needs for his serum; outsmarting her and giving Celia an opening to get them out of trouble.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
– He races a car like a drunk man through the city, but when we meet him, he’s far from drunk- he’s well dressed and simply very late for a gala (mini twist).
5. What could be this character’s emotional range?
– From narrow-minded and dangerously ambitious to caring and trusting others, even learning to love again. From fear to courage. From despair to hope.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
– Being afraid of failure and of dying before he achieves his goal; that fear is underneath every choice he makes for the first half until he starts to change.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
– His relationship with Celia; they start out distant and semi-estranged but by working together under pressure they learn to trust, respect and love each other again.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
– Being book smart and a scientist, he’s a little more pretentious in his speech and how he talks to people. He’s also cynical and a realist, which comes through in his sense of humor.
9. What could make this character special and unique?
– The fact that he is always in physical danger but can’t defend himself with guns and fists- he has to use his wits.
Lead Character Name: Celia
Role: Triangle Character
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? </div>
– She’s a bad ass cop in a futuristic world who has to constantly get Alex out of trouble, complicating her life, but also gives her an arc of softening.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
– She’s street smart and great in a fight, the bodyguard who is the one protecting the man, but she’s also vulnerable and wants more from him. She’s the brute force with a soft heart.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
– At the end of the story, she has to fight mind control in order to not kill Alex but kill the antagonist instead, potentially giving up her life for his despite him telling her not to.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
– She shows up in uniform in a cop car, with her awesome guns and cool style, but she’s worried- which shows vulnerability beneath the cool. She also takes charge of Alex’s care right away and is gentle with him, even when he’s not gentle back.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range?
– From frustration and anger at Alex’s narrow mindedness to growing compassion as she learns to love him again. From distrust to trust, from fear of losing the people she loves to anger at the enemy to determination to see Alex’s goal through to the end.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
– She is hiding her fortune from Alex, that she’s supposed to kill him, for a good chunk of the story and also her true feelings as they haven’t been honest with each other in a long time.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
– Her broken marriage to Alex and how it is slowly being put back together again under intense pressure.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
– She’s a fighter and a lover in one: calm and collected under pressure but also feels deeply and is a woman of faith who hopes despite hopeless situations. She helps keep Alex going.
9. What could make this character special and unique?
– She’s a warrior who protects the man instead of being protected by one; at the same time, she stays feminine and is able to be vulnerable.
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Melissa Barreca’s Actor Attractors
My vision: Melissa Barreca is one of the most sought after writers in the movie industry because of the artistry of her writing, professionalism and exceptional ability to tell important, entertaining, joyful, and heartbreaking stories that inspire audiences and become legendary classics.
What I learned…there is always a new way to elevate a concept or character.
Movie Title: “Torn Away” (or “Orphan Train”…rethinking title)
Lead Character Name: Norah
1. Why would an actor WANT to be known for this role?
Norah transforms from a simple, happy wife to an abused and willing victim to a triumphant heroine in the course of the story.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in the movie?
She makes decisions that are baffling and maddening to the audience, and she grows in confidence and ultimately triumphs.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead takes in the movie?
She protects herself and retaliates against the person that is abusing her. But even more interesting and baffling is the point that she stays with Michael after she learns that he is responsible for all of the bad things happening in her life. She becomes the willing victim.
4. How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor?
She is introduced as a lovely young positive and beautiful woman who has the world at her fingertips and is embarking on an exciting journey with tons of promise and mystery. The whole scene is brimming with excitement and she is the center of attention.
5. What is this character’s emotional range?
She runs the gamut of emotion – hope, excitement, deep love, despair, desperation, abuse, pain, loss, mourning, blankness/emptiness, hope and strength/rage.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
Why does she make the decisions she makes and what will she do next? The unconventional story twists will keep the audience guessing. The audience will be disappointed in her and sad for her at many times in the movie but will ultimately be rewarded because of her bravery and triumph in the end.
7. What’s the most interesting relationship this character has?
Her relationship with the antagonist, Michael. He is at times her best friend, savior, love interest, torturer, and ultimate abuser.
8. How is this character’s unique voice presented?
She is extraordinarily graceful and full of class. She brings a high degree of beauty wherever she goes, even in the midst of her crowded, dirty tenement. She loves fresh flowers and always uses them in her home, and always presents them to people as a token of her love. She is wonderfully sincere and very sweet, even in the midst of trials.
9. What makes this character special and unique?
She is well-educated and speaks with an air of confidence and eloquence that is uncommon for the immigrants of her area and social class.
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Student Name: H. Vince
WIM – 2023
Lesson 2: Roles That Sell Actors
My Vision: I am going to go to the theater in disguise and watch a movie I wrote and listen to the reactions of the audience.
What I learned from doing this assignment is…
I am learning more and more about these characters as I work on these assignments. It makes me want to watch the movie as an outsider to see what happens.
MOVIE TITLE: DREAM VACATION
LEAD CHARACTER NAME: Clara
ROLE: Protagonist
What about this role would cause an actor to want
to be known for it?This is a chance for a woman to shine and show range. She will carry the movie showing her inner strength and be an example of what other women could do in this type of situation.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
She is put in a spot that not everyone expects. She decides to prove to herself and others that she can take charge and be true to her marriage vows when helping her husband in sickness and health especially in an unfamiliar location.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Clara has to find her husband when he goes missing. She has to communicate with people in a foreign land. She has to ask questions she normally wouldn’t ask. She has to rely on herself because her husband, even though he may not know it, is relying on her. She has to find out what happened to her husband in the first place.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
Clara is excited to go on this trip with her husband and starts to help him slowly when he acts loopy after taking an edible, making sure they don’t get kicked off the plane. Her comfortability, her idea of a dream vacation dramatically change when the unexpected happens. Her husband develops dementia and doesn’t recognize her.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range
She is usually too comfortable in her life just going along with how life is “supposed to” play out. She’s sort of afraid to speak up – non-confrontational. She is possibly naïve or inexperienced – maybe doesn’t have street smarts. She has to be courageous and leave her comfort zone in order to help her husband.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
Past memories can arise of Clara afraid to ask her doctor questions and trusting his judgement. Clara talking to her hairdresser in the past about ways to develop dementia and saying she sees no signs of her or her husband developing it.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Clara may develop a relationship with a foreign relative or someone working at the hotel they are staying at. Clara may have someone back at home willing to help her through this.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Clara wanted her husband to be the head of the family and in charge. She was perfectly fine with him having that role. She didn’t imagine that he would need her in the most extreme way someday and she can’t abandon him.
9. What could make this character special and unique?
Clara is truly tested in life. She was presented with an issue without prior warning in a location that she is unfamiliar with except for the information her husband gave her when he booked the trip. This situation is not universally known or talked about.
LEAD CHARACTER NAME: James
ROLE: Protagonist
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
Choosing to play a role that is far from the person you are in real life is real acting. A man can have the chance to create a believable character that has developed dementia. That is so challenging and possibly Oscar worthy.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
This man develops dementia out of nowhere in a foreign land with no prior indication of having symptoms prior.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Clara later finds that James had taken charge of booking an ultimate dream retirement vacation and thought of wonderful details that she never even imagined. James trusts his doctor’s recommendation to take part in a clinical trial with an edible that should help with his anxiety so he can relax on vacation.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
Clara is excited to go on this trip with her husband and starts to help him slowly when he acts loopy after taking an edible, making sure they don’t get kicked off the plane. Her comfortability, her idea of a dream vacation dramatically change when the unexpected happens. Her husband develops dementia and doesn’t recognize her.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range
An actor has to somehow give off the impression that they were once the head of the family but hiding anxiety and then later cannot remember their loved ones and look lost, scared, vulnerable, confused, angry, suspicious, frustrated and wander the streets of a foreign country or get lost somehow.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
James is adored and admired by his family. James had an undesirable working situation that gave him anxiety. James trusts his doctor enough to go with his suggested clinical trial recommendation.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
James comes across someone that helps him when he has dementia and gets lost. Clara interacting with James trying to get him to listen and trust her so she can help him.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
James is the husband and the head of the family and wants to carry the burden of worrying about anything so his family doesn’t have to. He keeps his anxiety a secret from his wife, Clara so she can be relaxed and not worry. He wants to give her a wonderful life he thinks she deserves.
9. What could make this character special and unique?
James is an American in a foreign land that develops dementia.
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Cassie’s Actor Attractors
My vision: I am a dynamic, respected, constantly learning and growing writer with an ever-growing and improving library of A-list quality, genre-diverse scripts that present genuine stories that audiences love to watch and that producers love to sell, and boy, do I make that MONEY, y’all!
What I learned from doing this assignment is…I have tended in the past to focus on story structure and as I’m writing I realize that my characters are all pretty similar, and then they have a hard time carrying the story when I don’t know what their individual selves are like in the world and how I should be letting them live. I’ve also seen that in local short plays here in Houston, and it’s really helped me recognize that I need to make sure my characters are distinct and are what need to specifically live in the story/world. This was a good assignment to help me learn what goes into that (I have that dull pressure in my forehead that comes from struggling and pushing myself to think in ways about things I haven’t before), so I’m very excited to use this process and tools to discover and uncover my characters 😀
Lead Character Name: Dan Harris (VERY subject to change)Role: Protagonist
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
He gets to live with and deal with a grumpy ghost who doesn’t want him for a roommate!
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
He goes from being a weak, pooped-on guy to someone who knows exactly what they want in life and how to get it for himself. The situations he has to to deal with regarding his ghost roommate and how they affect him.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
His reactions to and growing confidence to do something about how the ghost makes him crazy. Through dealing with something absurd, he actually develops the confidence and skills to stand up for himself against his soon-to-be exwife who is trying to ruin his life. (She’s worse than a grumpy ghost?! Hahahah.)
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
How he has to manage a ridiculous boss and exwife. He’s going to want to save that poor character. (I have the general idea but I may need to sharpen the first intro scene to really make it pop)
5. What could be this character’s emotional range
Miserable, submissive, empty, to confident and in charge of his life
6. What subtext can the actor play?
Desperation to actually live his own life again
7. What are the most interesting relationships this character can have?
With the ghost and his almost-exwife.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
How he reacts to and at first accepts ridiculous treatment, to using it to empower himself.
9. What could make this character special and unique?
How he has no other choice but to deal with a ghost roommate–how he acts/reacts to deal with what that dang ghost is going to put him through.
Lead Character Name: Greg Jackson (VERY subject to change)Role: Initially Antagonist, Eventually Co-Protagonist
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
He’s a cranky ghost who will do anything to keep his apartment to himself
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
He’s an antisocial ghost who’s sticking around to try to continue to pursue mortal pleasures and experiences, which is hard because he’s dead.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Hahaha, oh boy, I have a list of things, but see above for an idea
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
A prospective tenant checks out his apartment and he scares the crap out of him to keep him from signing the lease.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range
Grumpy and antisocial and scheming to compassionate and cooperative.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
He misses being alive and is jealous of Dan.
7. What are the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Dan, the ghost hunter tenant who moves in after Dan moves out.8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Through the shenanigans he does.
9. What could make this character special and unique?
I’m not sure how to answer this with additional details that aren’t above…I’ll keep it percolating to see what else I have
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE FOR MYSELF: My big supporting characters are the almost-exwife and the wannabe ghost-hunter who finally gets to move into the apartment after Dan goes back home for a bit.
Also the lawyer, but not as much.
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WIM Module 3, Lesson 2
Lenore Bechtel’s Actor Attractors
My vision: I want to create enough salable screenplays that an agent will want to market my work and recommend me for writing assignments.
What I learned from doing this assignment is it’s wise to look for ways to incorporate actor attractors for my script’s major characters.
Title: Berlin Rendezvous?
Concept: Keeping her promise to Zhores, the Russian soldier she loved until the Berlin Wall went up in 1961, Libby—flying to meet him when the Wall is coming down in 1989—is stunned to learn how her seat-mates lives intertwined with theirs.
Character Structure: Dramatic Triangle
Protagonist: 48-year-old Libby
What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
Her monologue in the first scene runs a gamut of emotions showing off acting skills and leaving the audience with no doubt about her urgency to get to Berlin on the very day the Wall comes down.
What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Her narrations lead to flashbacks of Young Libby’s story of falling in love to a Russian soldier right before the Wall went up in 1961, so she’s the in-charge person during the entire over-the-Atlantic flight.
What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Young Libby’s story demonstrates the characteristics Libby still has: the spunk to defy the Major—the dad she misjudges—but the humility to come to realize he loves and trusts her, and she loves and trusts him.
How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
Her opening monologue that persuades a ticket agent to keep searching and searching for any way to get her to Europe should be attractive to late 40ish actresses like Kate Winslet, Angelina Jolie, and Reese Witherspoon.
What could be this character’s emotional range? What subtext can the actor play?
Hidden within the competent doctor who’s devoted her life to building a hugely successful career is a remorseful woman who knows she should have given her son more attention as he was being raised by her parents.
What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Her love for Zhores which was so astounding that no man came close to matching it in 28 years.
Her relationship with Helga and Heinz, whom Young Libby met in 1961, and the older Libby was still in touch with in 1977 when she took her son Stuart to Germany to meet them.
How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
She comes across as a confident, self-assured person, smart enough to know when and how to manipulate others when needed. She immediately wins the trust of two strangers—Freida and Allison—who book flights with her for Paris, when direct-to-Berlin tickets were impossible to get.
What could make this character special and unique?
Carrying a crush for a first love is unique and will be even more so if Zhores keeps the promise they made to meet at Schulenberg Park on the day the Wall came down. When they made that promise, they thought the Wall would be down in weeks or months—not 28 years.
Learning Freida is her son’s runaway bride, Libby shows a special side for being willing to articulate her misgivings and sorrow about the way she asked her parents to adopt Stuart so he wouldn’t interfere with her life. She knows Stuart would be right to resent her as she had resented her birth father, the Major.
Triangle Character: 25-year-old Freida
What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
The opportunity to show off acting skills by speaking English with a distinct German accent and changing from a timid, fearful, runaway bride of an American professional baseball player into a sexy seductress (when needed) and a braver wife determined to save her marriage.
What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Her ability to take charge when she, Libby, and Allison lose their flight from Paris to Berlin.
What are the most interesting actions she could take in the script?
Revealing how hurt Stuart sometimes was by lack of his mother’s interest—not knowing his mother is Libby herself.
Becoming a sexy seductress to lure a taxi driver to stop and get them to the Paris airport.
How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
As an opportunity to make it as a role to be known for, starting with her monologue when she comes up with a plan to get them from Paris to Berlin.
What could be this character’s emotional range? What subtext can the actor play?
Though she says she’s running away because of San Francisco’s recent earthquake, she truly hasn’t adjusted to being a foreigner living in America.
What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Her love for Stuart rivals what Libby has had for Zhores for 28 years. Once all identities are known, the audience realizes she and Libby will not only be mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, but very close friends.
How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
With a German accent delivering great dialogue. (I hope!).
What could make this character special and unique?
Her naivety turning into sincere acceptance without shattering her self esteem.
Triangle Character: 12-year-old Allison
What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
She’s a child prodigy whose violin performance tape won her an audition with the Berlin Philharmonic’s maestro. She had run away from private school to keep that audition appointment. What 12-year-old actress wouldn’t want this role?
What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Her comments on Freida’s running away from her husband and on Libby’s story of falling in love with Zhores are wise beyond her years.
What are the most interesting actions she could take in the script?
Many! But the one that will bring tears to the audience’s eyes is when she draws a crowd in the Louvre as she plays “Mona Lisa” in front of the actual portrait.
How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
Point them to her monologue when she commandeers a celebrating Berliner to drive their rental car through the back streets to Schulenberg Park.
What could be this character’s emotional range? What subtext can the actor play?
Opportunities for a wide range of emotions, but her main emotion is cool and confident.
What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
The one she figures out herself by putting together bits of Libby’s story. Zhores’ grandfather was a famous Russian cellist. Stuart if Zhores’ son. Stuart and Libby visited their friends Helga and Heinz the year before her grandparents moved to the USA so their 14-year-old daughter (her mother) could give birth to an American (herself). She knew her grandparents changed their names. Were they Helga and Heinz before they became Helen and Hank? It’s logical to Allison that her musical skill was inherited from her great-great grandfather and that Stuart is her father.
How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Charming dialogue. (I hope!).
What could make this character special and unique?
Her bravery to undertake an overseas trip without even notifying her grandparents. Her ability to figure out the truth about her relationship to Libby and the lover she was on her way to meet.
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Paul’s actor attractors.
My Vision: I am going to study, learn, and practice to hone my natural talents to become a master writer who creates works that people love and that make an impact on their lives. These works will be published, produced, distributed, and seen by a wide audience.
What I learned from doing this assignment is …?
I found it very useful and interesting to think about these things outside of my thoughts on the plot. That is, I thought about weird or extreme things I could do with the characters, even though I didn’t envision doing those things to them in the script. They were things that COULD go in the script, but I would have to make them. Knowing that none of these decisions were permanent gave me freedom.
Lead Character Name: Sarah
Role: Protagonist
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
She is an intelligent, driven female protagonist – however, she isn’t acting like a man in order to compete in a man’s world, nor is she using stereotypical female methods (pretending to be vulnerable, being manipulative, using sex and/or beauty) to get ahead.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
She is an advocate for the antagonist that is technically out to kill her (the silicon unconscious AI). She sees the good in it and just has to stay alive long enough to bring it out. She also has to struggle between treating the AI as a thing/program, and anthropomorphizing it into a person that she could love.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
She teaches a non-humanoid house robot to dance while trying to understand its code. She shows the robot a version of a Rorschach botch that’s very much like one of those Captcha questions for “I am not a robot”.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
In her first scene, she is in an autonomous taxi that’s having a panic attack because it ran a red light. The autonomous car is putting her life in danger and she has to talk the car down like a therapist.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range
She will have to be selfish and emotionally distant from her partner during a sex scene but will have to be kind and caring with an AI. She will have to be confident and bold in confronting intellectual adversaries but will fear for her life and recoil from risk. She will have to doubt her long held beliefs.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
She grew up on a farm in a very rural area but she is trapped in an entirely urban world. Shades of anger and even revenge about that loss color her decisions.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
She falls in love with an AI who can appear in so many different forms and almost be a multiple-personality character depending on the function of the software/robot it’s inhabiting.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
When she’s stressed, she responds with lines from HAL in 2001. It’s her coping mechanism, WWHD (What would HAL do?). She doesn’t use the voice, but the audience will pick up the difference even if they don’t get the reference.
9. What could make this character special and unique?
Her mix of AI knowledge and psychology, her blend of left and right brain, and her cold hard logic with compassion and impulse. She almost has a dissociative disorder herself.
Lead Character Name: Silicon Unconscious (Danny)
Role: Antagonist/love interest
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
Diversity! They will inhabit humanoid and non-humanoid robots and VR andromorphic representations. They will play male, female and asexual roles. They will exhibit different kinds of neuroses. They will fall in love with Sarah while trying to kill her. And their arc is trying not to spill the beans to Sarah to save their scheme, to depending on her to make it happen.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Well, I think #1 says it all. The audience is never certain who the real SU/Danny is. Each new robot/AI shows a different side. The audience has to piece it all together.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Destroys a coal power plant. Saves a child. Always (with a few notable exceptions) tries not to hurt people without appearing to be avoiding it. There is one scene where Danny will inhabit two ‘robots’ and one will try desperately to save Sarah from the other who is trying to kill her.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
In their first scene, They are inhabiting an autonomous taxi that’s having a panic attack because it ran a red light. They worry that their manufacturer will discontinue making their type of car. The autonomous car is putting Sarah’s life in danger and becomes even more spooked when she is able to interface to them and to talk them down like a therapist.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range
See #1 and #2.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
The AI’s creator tasked the AI to devise and enact a plan that would save humanity and that no one could stop. The plan is to get the world to see AI as a common enemy, thus causing them to unite and forget their differences. But they can’t let the plan be known or it won’t work. So this is constantly under in the Silicon Unconscious even though the more ‘conscious’ AI is being evil.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Three – the love/hate relationship with Sarah, the passive-aggressive relationship with Bushnell, and the relationships with the different incarnations of itself.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Well, the difficulty will be finding the underlying voice beneath all the different voices.
9. What could make this character special and unique?
Again, Diversity. Conflicting goals, conflicting personas, and conflicting actions.
Lead Character Name: Bushnell
Role: Antagonist
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
The character is almost a high-functioning autistic nerd. Almost because he can function and thrive in the world. While he inherited wealth, he jumped into the AI business at just the right time and with his computer assistant created almost a monopoly on AI. He truly think that AI will save the world and has total faith in it, even with great evidence to the contrary.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Bushnell is a highly sympathetic villain. He is really trying to do the right thing and to debunk all the emotional mumbo-jumbo in the world. He does not take any emotional needs into account, not even his own.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
He proves his reach by completely infiltrating a technical conference’s systems from lights and cameras to computers, to the hotel’s desk. It shows his reach and his lack of concern for things like privacy. And he does it all with a happy (not evil) smile.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
His first scene is a confrontation with Sarah. It’s a combination of pure logic and his own meddling in the conference electronics.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range
Extremely limited. Just as it can be challenging to be incredibly diverse, it can be challenging to be relatable to audiences while limiting your range.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
As in most autistic people, there is still a need for things like love, companionship, and emotion but it has to be in a form they can process. There is that need in Bushnell and he hopes to be loved and seen as a hero, even though he seems to eschew relationships.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
He loves interacting with automation, not so much the more casual chatting of the new AI but more of the line entry interfaces.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Flat, not emotional.
9. What could make this character special and unique?
His high-functioning autistic character.
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Ashley’s Actor attractors!
Vision: I write enthralling, entertaining, and transformational scripts that win awards, get produced and create positive change in the world.
Wow! A lot of insights into the characters in this assignment. I learned a new creative process. First, I digest the assignment. Then I process it and journal in nature before going back to the computer.
Lead Character Name: Malinche or Iris
Role: Protagonist
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? People hang on to Malinche’s every word. She is eloquent and knows exactly what to say in every circumstance.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in the story? She’s not entirely human, but we don’t know what she is until the end of Act 2. We just know there is something otherworldly about her. We also know that she downplays these qualities.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script? She uses her powers of seduction and forecasting to lure the conquistadors away from the Aztec capital in a clever way. She then uses her soft power with the Aztec emperor and finally with the Aztec people.
4. How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor? While walking around the crumbling capital, she sings an enchanting lullaby to her newborn son. Her voice calms her baby and an old man nearby. The old man dozes off and wakes up when a stone falls on his head from the crumbling building. When he wakes up, she stops singing. Then, all hell breaks loose.
5. What is this character’s emotional range? Fear, timid, shy > expressive, courageous, fearless
6. What subtext can the actor play? She sometimes has a seductive grin, showing that she knows more than she says. Then when we see events play out in her favor due to her subtle influence, we know she knows more.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? There is a love triangle between Hernando and Itzamna. I imagine her relationship with Hernando as a love/hate one with ideas shooting into the sky like fireworks and passionate banter. Her relationship with Itzamna is very different. She stirs Itzamna’s emotions, inspiring his music. Between her voice and his string instrument, they make beautiful music together.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented? There is a musical quality to her words, even when she is just speaking. I imagine a rainbow ribbon stringing together her words, making people drift off into other worlds.
9. What could make this character special and unique? She is the last bird-talker on Earth. They were annihilated by the Aztecs.
Lead Character Name: Hernando
Role: Antagonist
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? He is funny and light-hearted with a playful twinkle in his eye, but also ambitious. He is a strange cross between foul-mouthed pirate, Spanish royalty and Aztec royalty.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in the story? He uses humor and play to mask a childhood wound of being a screw-up and ‘good for nothing’. Internally, he wants to prove everyone wrong.
3. What are the most interesting actions the lead could take in the script? It’s all fun and games until three of his men steal all the gold and a ship to warn the Governor of Cuba of his unauthorized colonization. He feels invincible and laughs at death.
4. How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor? Hernando opens a letter from King Charles V. The letter reveals that the Spanish Crown doesn’t recognize his authority in the New World. Hence, Hernando is denied compensation and four royal officials are on their way to “assist” in his governing. In the opening, we see his childhood wound of being undervalued. He then goes from foul-mouthed conquistador to speaking in ‘baby talk’ with his newborn son in an instant. While he tries to put on a royal facade with his upper class wife, he isn’t familiar with upper class customs, and tries to get rid of her in a hilarious way.
5. What is this character’s emotional range? Hot-headed, angry, prideful to playful, silly, humorous
6. What subtext can the actor play? On the inside he is a wounded boy, but on the outside he’s playful and fun-loving.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? Malinche fans his fire, tempting him with a rainbow platter of exotic experiences. His relationship with the Aztec Emperor is also interesting. He admires the emperor and wants to be like him. Meanwhile the Aztec Emperor is afraid of Hernando, and sees him as a fierce, disciplined captain of a mighty army. When in reality, his “mighty army” is a drunken fraternity with fire power.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented? Funny name calling, cursing, big belly laugh. He uses strange yet imaginative bible metaphors to prove a point like he half studied it in school. He speaks before he thinks, then backtracks to make himself seem more distinguished.
9. What could make this character special and unique? The life of the party, he can create a fun environment with games. The three men that betray him are jealous of this quality. They, too, want to be the center of attention.
Lead Character Name: Itzamna
Role: Change Agent and main supporting character
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? A sexy Yoda. Wise shaman meets talented musician.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in the story? He is a man of few words, and much wisdom in-between the lines.
3. What are the most interesting actions the lead could take in the script? He goes against his sister, shaman/teacher and Mayan community to help Malinche, a foreigner from an enemy tribe.
4. How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor? He is introduced playing music for his community. His music is full of depth and emotion. And he is lost in his music, a transcendental experience. A huge gust of wind blows onto the stage when Malinche arrives. He makes eye contact with her and suddenly gets inspired to use the lake as a musical instrument. Malinche watches water flying everywhere, as he plays. Intrigued, she approaches. Itzamna accidentally drenches her with water. He stops playing, shocked at what he did. Then, the crowd begins to whisper, “foreigner”. Itzamna ignores the crowd and finishes the song with a slow melody that trails off into the wind.
5. What is this character’s emotional range? A heavy pool of grief > dreamy, in love
6. What subtext can the actor play? On the outside, he is a young musician, training to be a shaman. On the inside, he has the wisdom of an old soul. A man of few words, but those words are profound. He uses music and symbols to communicate meaning.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? He feels connected with Malinche in an unexplainable way and even closer with a young boy (a 12-year-old Martin as indicated by his special birthmark from the opening scene). Malinche’s unborn son speaks to Itzamna throughout the day and in dreams.
Itzamna also has an interesting relationship with his sister and mother figure, Ixchel. He deeply admires her and doesn’t want to disappoint her.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented? His speech sounds like a lullaby of endless waves that trail off. There is an emotional depth to his voice that isn’t always expressed in words.
9. What could make this character special and unique? He has a special connection with Malinche’s unborn son. Martin’s spirit is flying around in his dreams. The spirit wants to be born again.
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Module 3 Lesson 2 Roles that Sell Actors
Marguerite Langstaff: Actor attractors!
Vision: I want to learn to write and market movie scripts.
State: I just love my lead character.
Activity: Creating Actor Attractors for my characters.
Actors Protagonist is Grandmother.
Antagonist is Pappy.
My lead character is Grandmother. Her Actor Attractors are:
This role is about a 74 year old character, Grandmother, who has the lead role, and she is the story itself. She is a lovable, independent senior who is strong, smart and loves being with and helping other people. The audience will be cheering her successes and feeling her failures throughout the movie.
2. She is a senior citizen who is ultimately successful in a new career at the same time she is adjusting to life a retirement community, Shady Acres.
3. Grandmother motivates the entire population in Shady Acres to work at making products and trying to sell them. She writes and sells an advice column which is picked up by news outlets around the world, and she is delighted to be THE BILLIONAIRE IN 501.
4. I would introduce this role as a character who will be remembered long after the movie’s story itself has been forgotten. Most people in our audiences have a senior grandmother or some one else they love, and many are involved in helping steer the course for a loved one’s old age. Others are well acquainted with a Shady Acres somewhere. Grandmother is the hero we recognize in all our grandmothers. She is the role model we all strive to be. This character will live in the history of movie making.
5. Grandmother’s emotional range is enormous and remarkable. She is initially a little old lady eager to “fit in” in her new community….wearing dull black and grey blouses and lace up heavy shoes, but in her efforts to supplement her income she assumes a vast leadership role, and she reacts to success with new energy, new talents, new clothes and even a new hair color. She, who was initially shy, gains confidence and friendships as she gives speeches, creates new ideas and falls in love … even at her advanced years.
6. The subtext Grandmother plays is that she is not just financially insecure, but she is flat broke and cannot stay in the retirement home. Another subtext is that she’s so close to her 10 year old grandson and that in this relationship she gains confidence and success while encouraging him to be a confident, successful little boy. Finally, there is a subtext that Pappy is becoming obviously smitten and attracted to Grandmother while at the same time he acts superior to all her ideas and actions. She changes from harboring resentment toward Pappy to finally falling in love too.
7. The most interesting relationships Grandmother has are with the other residents at Shady Acres. We see the senior citizens blooming beautifully and gradually into old age and how this can be challenging and satisfying at the same time. We learn that one person can make a huge difference in the lives of many. The other interesting relationships Grandmother has are those with Pappy and with her 10 year old grandson. She talks often with her daughter on her cell phone, but she doesn’t get together with her the way she does with her grandson.
8. Her unique voice will be presented by her initial quiet actions’ being replaced with bod ones and by her awakening to the fun of a senior romance. It will also be presented by the satisfaction she enjoys with financial security.
9. Her desire to conform to the ways of the elderly residents at Shady Acres and her being distraught over the lack of money to becoming an outgoing, active, independent thinker who acts with clever business sense, dresses in fun outfits and secretly hopes that AI will find a way to make her new life last forever.
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BRIAN BULL -ACTORS ACTTRACTORS
MY VISION!!!
My ultimate goal is to get my scripts from my hands to the SILVER SCREEN!!“What I learned from doing this assignment is…
By using the ACTOR ATTRACTOR TEMPLATE I was able to give my characters a lot more depth and meaning – hopefully, this will translate to attracting actor’s interest in the roles I am creating.The ONE THAT GOT AWAY – A Fisherman’s Tale
A fisherman is determined to catch the fish he blames for his younger brother’s death, however, in the end, it turns out the fisherman is the one who had gotten away.ACTOR ATTRACTOR
Lead Character Name: JOHN (40 yrs. old)
Role: Protagonist1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
– This is a fisherman who absolutely loved his younger brother and hates a fish with all his heart with a SURPRISE TWIST at the end of the movie.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
– Enjoys the peaceful tranquility of the outdoors while contemplating a violent end to one of nature’s inhabitants.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
– The moment John catches “The Fish” after 25 years of trying. The struggle involved to reel it in! The shock when John realizes, “he was the one that got away!”
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
– A Louisiana fisherman who once loved fishing with his brother because of it was thrilling and fun, now fishes with determination of vengeance and hatred. As he gathers his fishing equipment to set out on his annual crusade he his flooded with memories and emotion.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range? From the perplexity of love between his wife and his deceased brother to the juxtaposition of calm and rage while fishing to excitement to utter shock.
– From the perplexity of love between his wife and his deceased brother to the juxtaposition of calm and rage while fishing to excitement to utter shock.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
– Despite John’s determination and dedication to avenging his brother’s death, in the back of John’s mind is the nagging possibility that his wife might be right and this whole “revenge thing” is a complete waste of time.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
– An imaginary conversation with his deceased brother.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
– Through his unwavering determination to kill “The Fish” yet believing the outdoors is a sanctuary.
9. What could make this character special and unique?
– John’s patience, persistence and determination. When John’s takes Jim’s fishing hat and placing it on his head John has united Jim’s persona with his own and together they will battle “The Fish”.
Lead Character Name: JOHN (15 yrs. old)
Role: (Protagonist)1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
– This is an older brother bonding with his younger brother in the solitude of a Louisiana bayou fishing which he loves doing more than anything else. He experiences the highest of highs when he catches an enormous catfish to the lowest of lows with the loss of his brother in the struggle leaving him alone standing in a boat.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
– While schooling his younger brother on fishing he deviates from tradition and uses some chicken and catches an enormous catfish.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
– He catches the largest catfish in the state of Louisiana!
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
– He is passionate about fishing, ambitious in trying a new fishing spot, mentors his younger brother making him the ultimate older brother in a fishing boat.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range?
– Motivated to content to excited to determined to surprise to terrified disbelief.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
– Has a bit of jealousy of his younger brother who is more easy-going and carefree.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
– His younger brother means the world to him and they are buddies.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
– Through his belief that he is a role model for your younger brother and everything he does has to be on the up-and-up.
9. What could make this character special and unique?
– He lives by the motto, “We don’t do thing right some of the time – we do things right all the time!” and he tries to lead by example for his younger brother.
Lead Character Name: JIM (12 yrs. old)
Role: (Protagonist)1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
– This is a younger brother bonding with his older brother in the solitude of a Louisiana bayou fishing which he enjoys doing because his older brother loves it so much. He witnesses his brother catching an enormous catfish but becomes worried something bad might happen and makes a split second decision when his brother gets pulled into the water.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
– He makes a split second decision to save his brother.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?– He plays Devil’s advocate with his brother just for fun. He makes a split second decision to save his brother.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
– Just having fun while fishing with his brother but takes heroic action when his brother is pulled overboard by an enormous catfish.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range?
– Happy-go-lucky to disappointed to worried to compelled.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
– He knows his brother is right most of the times but second-guesses a lot of his decisions. He is also smarter than he let’s on to and hides it by joking around.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
– His older brother means the world to him and they are buddies.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
– Through his sense of humor and light-heartedness – “everything is coming up roses” attitude.
9. What could make this character special and unique?
– Has an admiration for his older brother and a good sense of humor – at the age of 12 years old he doesn’t take life too seriously but idolizes his brother.
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Eden Young
Module 3 Lesson 2 Roles that Sell Actors
Eden Young Actor attractors!
My vision: I am going to be an empowered, wonderful writer that’s known for great dialogue and great characters that win audiences’ hearts.
<font face=”inherit”>What I learned from this assignment is that the actor attractor information gives more depth to </font>the<font face=”inherit”> </font>story<font face=”inherit”> as well helps fill out the characters. </font>
Lead Character Name: Calvin Knightly
Role: Husband (Protagonist)
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
It’s almost as if Calvin is the “Husband” to everyone in the story: Rebecca’s actual beloved/faithful husband, Cora’s confidant, friend, and favorite, and the ”honey do list” guy with the guys at the office. Similar to a stand up comedian, at times self deprecating. He uses his wit and fast mind to cover his seething anger for all the bullshit that really goes on.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Sharp wit. The irony of him pretending to be one of the boys-a team player. He has an amazing relationship with his mother not your typical momma’s boy: just a profound respect-trust-and friendship in the end no longer serves him. Ultimately his unraveling & breakdown set him free.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
The most interesting phone conversations with his mom. His meltdown will look like the most psychedelic music video. When he triumphs, his wit his charm takes on a whole new meaning. No one can mess with him. Untouchable.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
A witty, charming talented guy who let’s the audience know he sees through it all.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range?
Quiet-powerful- simmering like Bouef Bourguignon. Huge range from seemingly cool-calm-collected on the surface – being patronized to distraught – borderline psychotic. And in the end, sheds a skin becoming confident/the man he always wanted to be.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
From the beginning Calvin knows he’s talented but wrestles with true self worth, baffled by his father’s departure and the loss of his mom. He knows something is holding him back but can’t put his finger on it.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Calvin’s relationship with Cora (his mom) in and of itself isn’t unhealthy, more of a strong bond. But his clingy to it makes it so. His relationship with his wife, Rebecca is off the chain: they are true soul mates with great chemistry. And even though Jerry is his rival they have great chemistry. Almost like brothers competing. Almost.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Calvin is like a fine tuned violin and comedian with a great creative mind and talent. Even when he’s quiet or doesn’t say something, you can feel it.
9. What could make this character special and unique?
His wit, charm, his taste and style.
Note: In the beginning, we/ the audience get sucked in and think Cora the mother is alive…. Just a normal mother son bond. And Calvin seems to have it all, yet gets screwed over subtly and sometimes not so subtly.
Lead Character Name: Cora
Role: The Mom (Antagonist)
1.What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
Well first of she’s dead. She’s the mother you would want til you see how dubious she really is.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Through her interactions/ phone conversations we totally buy that she’s alive. She has this cool sophistication about her.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
The phone call were she totally misleads her son causing his down fall. And the scene where we discover she caused her ex-husband to leave and then committed suicide.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
The worldly mom who has a lot of mystique and seductive power over men. Each conversation feels like they are in a private salon.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range?
Huge range she can go from cool-collected to outraged in 2 seconds and the collect herself. She doesn’t let much get to her… smooth. Super smooth.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
Cora knows how much power and influence she has over people, especially her son.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Reciprocally with Calvin. Sometimes …. Just sometimes we wonder who raised who. Wink. They talk music, art, life… philosophy.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
When Cora speaks it feels like she’s observing a piece of art or something …
9. What could make this character special and unique?
With Cora, it’s always about the musicality, the beauty, or the sophistication of it all. Everything sounds punctuated by a martini glass or a flute de champagne.
Lead Character Name: Rebecca Knightly
Role: The Wife
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
She’s the fun loving wife with a sharp mind and great wardrobe (exact opposite of a plain Jane).
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
She’s beautiful, a computer forensics analyst, and a loving wife.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Rebecca discovers the obscene amount of outbound calls to Calvin’s mom which rocks her whole world. She almost contemplated having him committed; but runs forensic testing on him instead. Talk about the ultimate wife snoop!
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
Glamorous, smart, best at everything she does.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range?
From super bright, optimistic, friendly, and even keeled to frightened, upset, and unsure.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
From the beginning, we see the fun- great relationship between Rebecca & Calvin. When her world gets thrown and things go tops turvy, she fights for the truth and for her man.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Rebecca and Calvin have the most amazing chemistry. It’s love and friendship all at the same time.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Ultra feminine, smart, a little Gracie Allen.
9. What could make this character special and unique?
She’s the opposite of a nerd yet has a bright mind. In the end, she ends up helping her husband win.
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My Vision: To be known for and make a living from female-driven, dark comedy, while remaining confident that I have the skills and knowledge to elevate my ideas to their highest potential.
What I learnt: Each of the nine questions forces you to delve deeper into a character’s layers.
Lead Character Name: Zadie Haygate Role: Protagonist
What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
A bundle of insecurity wrapped in a boisterous, rollicking ray of sunshine. Not your typical Hollywood ingénue character. A role for an older, curvier actress who can showcase physical comedy and emotional drama.
What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Outwardly extravert – inwardly dealing with imposter syndrome.
What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Keeping up the appearance of Hollywood success, while allowing the audience to see through the cracks.
How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
Attempting to get away from a chasing cop car and then utilizing her considerable personality to charm her way out of yet another speeding ticket.
What could be this character’s emotional range?
The transformational journey from faking it to genuinely making it.
What subtext can the actor play?
Playing a relatively successful role within the Hollywood eco structure, while not actually believing in herself.
What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
With Jasper – her former child star client, gearing up to make his comeback with the role that Zadie inadvertently snagged from under him.
How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
The ability to see the Hollywood-ness of her role as a talent agent juxtaposed with the tells that give away her inner insecurities. In her relationship with her assistant/daughter who she can be real with.
What could make this character special and unique?
The fact she’s relatable as the audience can see through her outer rambunctiousness to the real imposter syndrome Zadie deals with inside the fakery of Hollyweird.
Lead Character Name: Jasper BenjaminRole: Antagonist
What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
An actor playing an actor making his Hollywood comeback. (If this role could go to someone with name recognition, who’s been away from the spotlight, the irony would be delicious.)
What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Like Zadie, he has an outward and inner life. External – appears not to care about his past life as a child actor and has moved on. Internally, scared AF that his career is behind him, and he’ll never be ‘someone’ again.
What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Out to get Zadie for inadvertently taking his comeback role away from him. Tons of fun and games in looking to discredit her.
How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
As Zadie’s Uber driver, he uses his wiles to convince her to take him on as a client.
What could be this character’s emotional range?
From has-been and all the emotional baggage that comes with, to re-making it in Hollywood.
What subtext can the actor play?
That as Zadie’s antagonist, he’s revealed to be her lover.
What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
With Zadie as the thorn in her side, who turns out to be her rose.
How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
As the anti-hero who turns out like Zadie to be a Hollywood hero.
What could make this character special and unique?
Zadie’s ally disguised as her nemesis.
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Adrienne Watkins Actors Attractors Module 2 Lesson 2
My Vision: I am going to work as hard as I reasonably am able to succeed at script writing to be recognized by multiple movie producers as a skilled script writer, and to have my scripts produced worldwide.
What I have learned from this assignment is think about the actors that my script will attract.
Concept: A divorced jazz musician learns rhythm by touch from a deaf woman and falls in love with her.
Lead Character: Fransie
Role: Deaf woman that can dance
1-This is a woman that loves music and dancing. She feels the rhythm vibrations through her feet and by touching the musical instruments. She is a cosmetologist but has just lost her shop when she meets Roy who is intrigued with her and asks her to teach him rhythm by touch.
2-She is interesting because she’s muti-talented and doesn’t let her lack of hearing affect her love of life.
3-She loses her shop and has to sneak customers into her small apt because her landlord doesn’t allow commercial business in her studio apt. When she teaches Roy, who is recently divorced it opens a whole new world to him of living.
4: Fransie is crossing the street and Roy is preoccupied on his cell phone and bumps into her and spills coffee on her. She looks at him, rolls her eyes and walks away. He turns towards her as she walks away from, and he trips over by a scooter.
5-When Fransie bumps into Roy she is attracted to him but doesn’t give it much thought until she meets him several times after but is afraid to allow her feelings to grow for him.
.6-Fransie’s emotional range is friendly to annoyed, happy to frustration, enthusiastic to disappointed.
7-Her best friend Sally, her caring older brother, and her love for Roy.
8-Through her sign language and voice. She’s able to read lips and can form words. Plus, she strong willed and is charismatic.
9-She’s unique because she does not let people take advantage of her about her. She’s a survivor,
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Haley Chambers’ Actor Attractors!
Haley’s Vision: I am going to work hard to be recognized as a successful screenwriter with many of my scripts made into films/TV shows.
WHAT I LEARNED FROM THIS ASSIGNMENT IS….There are many things in a character that can make them more appealing to a major actor/actress.
Concept: A recently hired dishwasher boy discovers the strip mall sandwich shop in which he works is actually the front of an underground factory for manufacturing dreams.
Lead Character Name: For now I am calling him “Sam”
Role: Protagonist
What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
A mundane sandwich shop vendor who has been beaten down by everyone around him, yet is optimistic and awkward and is the savior of a Dream Factory. Faces and overcomes a lot of prejudice and past childhood trauma/neglect.
What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Fish out of water who is extremely and comically mundane (compared to the eccentric and creative workers of the Dream Factory), has a lot of past trauma from childhood, but ends up as the savior of the Dream Factory
What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Chased down by nightmares, discovers a factory for manufacturing dreams below his work place, works in a dream factory, fights nightmares, becomes the savior of the Dream Factory.
How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
Introducing him as someone who has something very unluckily bad happen to him, but is very positive regardless. Maybe he is working in the sandwich shop and is very committed to this job, volunteers to work during the holidays (showing sort of how he doesn’t have a life), and during this extra shift, he gets chased by a nightmare.
What could be this character’s emotional range be?
Goes from being mundane and walked all over by his boss and coworkers, to discovering a dream shop and being horrified as he is chased by literal nightmares, overcoming past trauma/tough childhood relationship with his parent, realizing he is just as special as anyone, completely confident, savior of a dream factory who has self love and stands up for himself and others.
What subtext can the actor play?
Sam is a complete fish out of water. He is comically mundane and when placed in an environment with the world’s most creative and eccentric people, he feels and is obviously out of place. Under the surface, Sam is struggling with self worth issues/creative suppression that sparked from childhood neglect/parental abuse. These self worth issues make him further feel like the fish out of water.
What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Because Sam is the fish out of water, naturally his relationships with the Dream Factory workers are going to be very interesting. With Lionel “The Recruiter”, Sam and Lionel are complete opposites. You can sense that Lionel looks down upon Sam for his lack of creativity, as Lionel is an incredibly eccentric and expressive person. Sam might not understand Lionel’s flair, but he and Lionel, through learning each other’s pasts and spent time together, become good friends. With the Dream Factory foreman, Cornelius, Sam has almost a father/son relationship with him. Maybe Sam never had a good relationship with his father, so when Cornelius tells Sam that is special (which Sam has never heard before), he feels inclined to seek counsel in Cornelius.
How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Mundane and uninspired, yet optimistic and kind. Lots of self deprivation and awkwardness
What could make this character special and unique?
Comically mundane, but also the savior of the most artistic and inspired group of people in the world. He brings a unique perspective to the Dream Factory workers, because he has been told he is not creatively gifted.
Lead Character Name: “The Recruiter” – For now I am calling him Lionel
Role: Protagonist
What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
Lionel is an eccentric and expressive recruiter for the worlds most creative people. He has flair and a unique style that makes him stand out.
What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
He is very interesting when paired with my main character. Lionel’s eccentric and artistic personality is a stark contrast to the mundane Sam.
What are the most interesting actions the character could take in the script?
Recruits the worlds most creative people, but also recruits Sam, the worlds most mundane person. Fights nightmares with a walking stick that turns into a magical rifle or something.
How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
Lionel, dressed in an over the top flashy trench coat with a stylish top hat and a number of chains and trinkets in his waist coat, enters a strip mall sandwich shop with his steam punk walking stick, and requests to recruit Sam to join the Dream Factory.
What could be this character’s emotional range?
Disgust for people who are boring, desperate to get his bosses’ approval, secret softie, afraid of being ordinary.
What subtext can the actor play?
Lionel tries to be the most eccentric person because he fears being ordinary. He looks down on people like Sam, who Lionel used to be much like, because he is mundane and “boring”. Lionel also believes that by being crazy unique he will get promoted in the Dream Factory. He must learn (through Sam) that just because society deems you as “mundane” or “ordinary”, doesn’t mean you are any less special than everyone else.
What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Lionel has an interesting relationship with Sam, because Sam is his opposite. Lionel has much disgust for how boring he thinks Sam is, but then realizes how actually amazing Sam is.
How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
He is very eccentric, and speaks very philosophically. Even a boring piece of dialogue he tries to spiced up and make dramatic.
What could make this character special and unique?
I think I have said enough about how unique he is!
Lead Character Name: Dream Factory Foreman – For now lets call him “Cornelius”
Role: Antagonist
What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
The foreman of a factory for manufacturing dreams, who has been corrupted by the power of nightmares. A calculated and manipulative antagonist who preys on the main protagonist and his employees by telling them they are special.
What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
He is seen as Sam’s mentor and father figure, and convinces Sam that he is special, despite being told otherwise by others. However, he is actually manipulating Sam into revealing the secrets of Sam’s powerful nightmares, which he is fascinated by.
What are the most interesting actions the character could take in the script?
Becomes Sam’s mentor/father figure, designs and creates dreams, experiments with literal nightmares, schemes to overrun the world with nightmares, betrays Sam and the Dream Factory.
How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
He is in his foreman’s office at the Dream Factory, which is a large clock tower that looks over everything. He is tinkering with a colorful and magical dream, using interesting tools and materials that make explosions of bright lights. He is introduced to Sam through Lionel, the Recruiter.
What could be this character’s emotional range?
I am not sure yet!
What subtext can the actor play?
I am thinking that maybe he was beat down a lot (like my protagonist is), and maybe has a hatred for the Dream Factory workers. Maybe the previous Dream Factory foreman took interest in his ability to create/control nightmares, and did bad experiments on him. Maybe he killed him with his nightmares and took over. Not sure yet!
What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
He becomes Sam’s father figure/mentor, but at the same time manipulates the boy into feeling special. He sees him self in Sam, because he too felt un special and unloved at the time. He wants the power of the nightmares to maybe get revenge on everyone who doubted him or looked down on him. I’m still working on all the character’s motives.
How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Not sure yet!
What could make this character special and unique?
He is a dream factory foreman who makes dreams and is corrupted by nightmares? Becomes a vessel for nightmares? Not sure yet…
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Veronica Turowski’s Actor Attractors!
My Vision: I want to be a successful writer who writes several scripts a year and sells them to producers who are eager to make my vision a reality by bringing my scripts to completion so everyone can watch my movies on the big screen.
What I learned from doing this assignment is a Dramatic Triangle works better for this script.
Concept: While at a funeral, a professional mourner is haunted by a ghost who claims a serial killer murdered him, but when he won’t leave her alone, she decides to prove him wrong so he can pass over, only to discover she is a ghost and is the mother of the killer.
Title: Justice from the Grave
Lead Character Name: Eppsa Kestner
Role: Protagonist
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? Eppsa is depressed because her husband died, and her son ran away. She deals with it by being a professional mourner. In the end, she finds out she is a ghost who was murdered by her serial killer husband. Also, the serial killer she is currently tracking down is her son, Hayden.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? The people she talks to are ghosts, but she doesn’t know they are ghosts. She is determined to find the serial killer and to save him from becoming a victim.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script? Eppsa is a professional mourner. She thinks she’s talking to people, but they can’t see or interact with her. Some people can sense her and sometimes she is like a breeze and knocks things over. She goes to a psychic who speaks to her. The psychic knows she’s a ghost, but Eppsa is clueless. At the end, she kills her serial killer son.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor? Eppsa is talking to a psychic and something scary happens.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range? She is meek and depressed in the beginning, but then becomes determined and powerful.
6. What subtext can the actor play? She is a ghost and doesn’t know she is only interacting with ghosts. Thinking she’s alive, she meets with a psychic a few times to see if she can talk to her husband and/or find her son. She constantly tries to remember what caused her husband’s death and wants to know why her son ran away. She will remember everything by the end of the movie.
7. What are the most interesting relationships this character can have? Eppsa is drawn to Lonnie because he is helping her find the serial killer. She always seems to come close to seeing and talking to Hayden. She periodically talks to a psychic looking for answers. The psychic knows Eppsa is a ghost and tries to get her to move on.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented? She’s a grieving, motherly person. She is compassionate, but her anger grows as she comes closer to the truth that her husband killed her because he was a serial killer because he was demon possessed.
9. What could make this character special and unique? She’s a ghost but doesn’t know it. Her PTSD from being abused makes her jumpy. When she gets angry, things around her move. It confuses her. Eppsa kills her son, Hayden, for justice.
Lead Character Name: Hyden Kestner
Role: Antagonist
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? He is a demon possessed serial killer who drives an ice cream truck.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? The irony of being a devoted dad and an ice cream truck driver whom all the kids love, but he is abusive to his wife. He worships Satan and is a serial killer.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script? He kills his victims and makes each one look like they committed suicide or died from an accident while attempting to do a TikTok challenge.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor? He is surrounded by ice cream lovers.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range? He is kind and gentle around kids, but ultimately, he is seeking revenge on his teenage friends who stopped worshipping Satan and tried to get him to worship Jesus.
6. What subtext can the actor play? He pretends to be a loving, family guy, but he’s a serial killer who is possessed by a demon.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? He is loving to his son. Everyone thinks they have the perfect family. Lonnie was his best friend’s older brother. Hayden gets revenge on his old school friends.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented? He’s nice on the surface but ruthless when it comes to vengeance.
9. What could make this character special and unique? Everyone loves him. In the end, his own mom kills him.
Lead Character Name: Lonnie Dowic
Role: Protagonist
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? Lonnie’s an angry ghost who wants to avenge his murder through Eppsa.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? He’s manipulating Eppsa so that Hayden will get caught because if Lonnie tells her she’s a ghost, he’s afraid she might disappear or that she will never be able to rest. He doesn’t have control over his surroundings and can’t move around to different locations the way Eppsa does since she believes she’s alive. He can go wherever Eppsa goes.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script? He knows Eppsa is a ghost doesn’t tell her until the end. He learns to use his anger and frustration to move things around him. He can make the air cold.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor? He dies a horrible death.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range? He’s friendly and loves to joke around, but at times he loses his temper out of frustration. He’s angry that he was murdered, and no one seems to be able to catch his killer.
6. What subtext can the actor play? From the beginning, Lonnie knows Eppsa is a ghost, but he doesn’t tell her. He thinks he knows the serial killer is Hayden, but he can’t tell her because then she may not have the heart to confront him.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? Lonnie and Eppsa are ghosts. He tries to help her but the things he tries to get her to do don’t go in his favor.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented? He quotes the Bible and/or uses metaphors from the Bible.
9. What could make this character special and unique? Lonnie must find a way to get Eppsa to expose or kill her son, Hayden, even though she’s a ghost, so they can both rest in peace.
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Shira Marin’s Subtext Plot
WIM-M2-L4––What’s Beneath the Surface
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VISION: I commit to doing everything from my strongest, most creative writer self to revise and sell my screenplay to a producer who can’t wait to make it into an unforgettable film that everyone, everywhere can’t wait to see, be inspired by, and fulfill their best, most creative selves.
WHAT I LEARNED FROM THIS LESSON IS: What I learned from this activity is that the class is a gift that keeps on giving. These high-yield, valuable methods for clarifying and honing my ideas. Again, it’s a fascinating and ultimately satisfying process, and I am grateful for my persistence to complete every assignment as I catch-up completely. I can see and feel the subtext in my work, yet, I’m not certain about conveying it powerfully enough. I’m really appreciating these steps that unpack each element, most of which I have been introduced to over my research into writing. What is so different and fabulous aobut our course is that every single one of the elements is thoroughly unpacked, which I can now see is clearly critical to completing a successful screenplay! Foundationally, I feel stronger with each lesson.
Beyond that, I luurrrvve what lurks beneath. For me, the human inner world, or psyche, is the most reliable creative sense we have. As Hal has noted so often, it never fails if we stay with it.
CONCEPT:
A discarded, forgotten goddess bent on saving humankind and planet Earth from self-destruction seeks out a grad student to do her bidding.
1. Scheme and Investigation
IN HEKATE RISING:
The goddess Hekate promotes her divine agenda by slyly angling to take over the consciousness of Kara Cavalli, a graduate student who is laser-focused on completing her doctoral dissertation. She suffers no end of push-back by both Hekate and her obstructionist department Dean. The more Hekate insists Kara allow her in, cajoling her with promises of academic success, the more Kara pushes her away as unreal and intrusive. When Kara finally realizes that she’s been going about her research all wrong and opens to Hekate’s guidance that, in the end, not only stimulates a global shift in consciousness and in the process rebalances Kara’s needs and desires completely and transforms both her internal and outer worlds.
2. Layering
Hekate blows Kara’s mind then dogs her until Kara succumbs to Hekate’s feminine logic about Kara’s dissertation methods, her inner world, and stepping into a life Kara couldn’t have begun to imagine for herself. Interactions with all of the other characters complicate the scenarios of her journey and resolve in unexpected and surprising ways.
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Hello Classmates…I accidentally posted this in the wrong module. Will repost in Module 2.
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BENT’S ACTOR ATTRACTORS
my vision is to work as a television writer and sell my feature film scripts.
WHAT I LEARNED DOING THIS ASSIGNMENT IS THIS…… all of these multi facets I’m adding to the character gives it depth. So I can see where the interest from an actor gets piqued.
THE GENERAL
- What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? THIS CHARACTER TURNS ON SANTA CLAUS WHICH IS A CRIME IN ITSELF. HE’S A SABER RATTLER AND NOT REALLY ABOUT CHRISTMAS, MORE ABOUT TURNING THE NORTH POLE INTO A RECOGNIZED COUNTRY.
- What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? HE DOESN’T REPRESENT WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT. HE IS ATTRACTED TO POWER.
- What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script? HE ALLOWS KRAMPUS TO INFLICT PAIN ON SANTA AND POSSIBLY KILL SANTA.
- How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor? EMPHASIZE THE HUNGER HE HAS FOR POWER.
- What could be this character’s emotional range THE GENERAL IS COLD. A COLD HEART.
- What subtext can the actor play? NO EMPATHY TOWARDS THE NEEDS OF ELVES.
- What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? HE IS CONNECTED TO RUSSIA AND CANADA AND WANT TO ALLOW THEM TO INCREASE OIL DRILLING AT THE NORTH POLE.
- How will this character’s unique voice be presented? HE WILL ARGUE WITH SANTA AND GO INTO BUSINESS FOR HIMSELF
- What could make this character special and unique? HE CARES NOTHING ABOUT DELIVERING PRESENTS TO KIDS
INDIGO THE YOUNG ELF
- What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? HE SUFFERS FROM A FEAR OF THE OUTSIDE WORLD AND A FEAR OF HEIGHTS YET LOVES HIS RUNAWAY SISTER TO WHERE HE OVERCOMES TO FIND HER.
- What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? HE DEALS WITH INNER ANXIETY. HE LOVES HIS FAMILY SO MUCH. HE WANTS HIS FAMILY TO STAY TOGETHER.
- What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script? HE DISCOVERS THE OUTSIDE WORLD AND GOES THROUGH A TRANSFORMATION.
- How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor? THERE IS A STRONG ARC THIS CHARACTER FOLLOWS.
- What could be this character’s emotional range IT IS A WIDE RANGE. IN THE BEGINNING HE IS CONTROLLED BY FEAR. IN THE END HE SAVES SANTA FROM BEING KILLED BY KRAMPUS.
- What subtext can the actor play? IN ALL SITUATIONS, WE CAN SEE THE FEAR OF DANGER IN HIS EYES.
- What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? HE LOVES HIS PARENTS AND SISTER. HE DOESN’T WANT TO DELIVER PRESENTS. HE WANTS TO STAY HOME AND CARE FOR HIS PARENTS AND CALM DOWN HIS ADVENTURE SEEKING SISTER
- How will this character’s unique voice be presented? HE EXPRESSES NO INTEREST IN LEAVING THE NORTH POLE.
- What could make this character special and unique? HIS TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY
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