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Lesson 6: Bring Together The Full Plot
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Renee’s Plot
What I learned from doing this assignment is how to take the work I’ve already done and combine it for a pretty decent first draft outline. Doing the initial work to create the three tracks of my story made creating the first draft of an outline fairly easy.
Act 1: Setup
Opening: We are introduced to the quaint, unaltered town of Willowbrook. Sarah is a star soccer player, and Mike is a band member.
Sarah and Mike’s Meet Cute: There’s a freak storm, and Mike creates a makeshift shelter, which Sarah joins him in.
Montage of Sarah and Mike’s budding relationship.
At the prom, Sarah overhears another girl talking about Mike and how they hooked up while Sarah was at the state soccer championships.
Inciting Incident: Sarah overhears a friend talking about hooking up with Mike. They break up at prom. Mike is left heartbroken.
Sarah’s Initial State: She’s a high-powered attorney whose life revolves around her career. She is driven, slightly controlling, and prioritizes her professional achievements over personal relationships.
Sarah breaks up with her ex, a fellow attorney, and is shown packing her things and leaving his apartment.
Mike’s Initial State: He is a local business owner in Willowbrook, nostalgic and rooted in his hometown. He feels inadequate for not having achieved more beyond his small-town life.
There’s a town hall meeting to discuss the high school's struggles and its risk of closure due to funding cuts. It is suggested that the reunion can act as a fundraiser to help bring in the funds needed to keep the high school open.
The former senior class president was in a horrific accident and cannot help plan the reunion. Liz suggests bringing Sarah in to help.
Sarah’s ex is making her life miserable at work.
Turning Point: The class president is in an accident, and Liz calls Sarah to see if she will return home and help organize the 25-year high school reunion.
Act 2: Escalation
Sarah heads to the local diner, looking for the proprietor, Mike’s Dad. A young waitress tells her that he passed away a couple of years ago. She is devastated.
New Plan: Sarah tries to apply her professional skills to manage the reunion intricacies but encounters resistance and skepticism from some committee members.
Sarah’s Initial Challenges: As Sarah plans the reunion, her control issues and insecurities manifest. She struggles to balance her professional demeanor with the laid-back attitude of her hometown, causing friction with Mike and other committee members.
Attraction/Flirting: As Sarah and Mike collaborate, old sparks reignite through their interactions – selecting music, discussing decorations, and reminiscing about high school days become flirtatious exchanges.
Mike and Sarah work together on the decorations committee, leading to moments where they physically bump into each other or share laughs over old-school artifacts, enhancing their flirting.
Mike’s Initial Challenges: Mike struggles with his feelings of inferiority compared to Sarah's successful life. His comfortable small-town existence clashes with her dynamic, high-powered lifestyle.
Plan in Action: As Sarah pushes forward with her plans, the old high school hierarchies and dramas re-emerge. Her interactions with Mike grow more frequent and emotionally charged.
Denial: Despite the growing attraction, Sarah remains focused on her career goals, brushing off any romantic implications of her interactions with Mike. She insists to her confidante that she’s only in town for the reunion and there’s nothing serious between them.
The town calls a meeting to discuss the progress of the fundraiser/reunion. Sarah’s ex shows up, adding to the public drama and narrative.
Later that evening, the town hall where the reunion was to be held mysteriously catches fire.
Midpoint Turning Point: Sarah’s ex shows up, telling everyone he is her fiancé, and their main venue for the reunion catches fire.
Mike’s Major Conflict/Obstacle: Mike feels inferior to Sarah’s ex, doesn’t believe he is good enough for her, and knows he can’t give her the life he thinks she deserves.
Act 3: Complications and Higher Stakes
Following the fire, Sarah and Mike call an emergency meeting with the planning committee to find a new venue.
Separation/Forced Together: Sarah and Mike are forced to spend a day together visiting potential new locations and dealing with the fallout from the false engagement announcement.
Sarah and Mike have a deep heart-to-heart conversation while looking for a new venue, where they openly discuss their past mistakes and current fears.
Working through Issues/Differences: As they address the fake engagement, their deeper personal conflicts surface during a heated discussion. They openly challenge each other's current life choices, revealing their fears and desires.
Sarah publicly confronts her ex about the false engagement during a gathering of the reunion committee, demanding honesty. They find out that the ex is responsible for the fire.
Rethink Everything: Following the crisis, Sarah begins questioning her motivations for her stringent career path and her definitions of success and happiness.
New Plan: She decides to give more of herself to the reunion and to open up to Mike, attempting a more heartfelt approach to both.
Hate/Betrayal/All Hope is Lost: On the eve of the reunion, Sarah overhears Mike venting his frustration to a friend about feeling like she’ll never truly prioritize anything over her career.
Turning Point: Sarah receives a call about an offer for her dream job. The problem is it is overseas. She accepts the position.
Sarah’s Major Conflict / Obstacle: Sarah's acceptance of a job overseas coincides with the deepening of her relationship with Mike, forcing her to choose between her career aspirations and her rekindled romance.
Act 4: Climax and Resolution
Sarah gives a speech that subtly addresses her growth and her appreciation for her roots and hints at her unresolved feelings for Mike.
Climax: Sarah tells Mike about her job acceptance on the reunion night. Liz’s sabotage in high school is unveiled. Sarah leaves Mike standing alone again in the middle of the dance floor.
Self-Reflection: Mike contemplates his life after Sarah leaves and realizes he's been holding himself back due to fear of change and failure.
Sarah’s Self-Reflection: In London, Sarah excels in her new job but feels a void. Memories of Mike and the reunion make her question her life choices, and she realizes that professional success hasn't fulfilled her emotionally.
Mike’s Acceptance and Growth: Encouraged by his daughter, Mike accepts that he needs to be willing to leave his comfort zone and fight for what he wants, deciding to pursue Sarah in London.
Montage of Mike’s Journey to London.
Sarah’s Acceptance and Growth: Sarah acknowledges she must learn to balance love and career to be truly happy. She decides to make room in her life for personal connections alongside her professional ambitions.
Mike Demonstrate the Change: Mike demonstrates his commitment and bravery by flying to London and openly declaring his love for Sarah in a grand, romantic gesture, showing he's ready to start anew.
Resolution: Mike goes after Sarah, realizing he would rather take a chance with her than live the life he knows.
Love Happens: Sarah, moved by Mike's dedication and her own realization of love's importance, decides to balance her career with her relationship, choosing a future with Mike.
Sarah’s Demonstrate the Change: When Mike shows up at her new office in London to profess his love, Sarah openly embraces her feelings for him in front of her new colleagues, publicly prioritizing her personal life for the first time.
Sarah and Mike’s Reunion: Sarah and Mike decide to start a new life together in London, demonstrating their commitment to each other.
Montage of Mike and Sarah’s new life together.
Conclusion: Mike and Sarah build a life together in London and Mike’s daughter keeps the family diner running. -
Rita’s Plot
What I learned doing this assignment:
— Fitting all these lists together felt quite convoluted and didn’t bring me greater understanding of my story.
— I need to focus a little more on Ben’s transformational journey.
DREAMTIME
1. Start with the structure.
Act 1:
Opening — Ariale meets Betty (She doesn’t yet know Betty is her deceased younger sister) in the Summerlands of the Spirit World
Her Initial state: Ariale is in a relationship with someone who doesn’t care about her dreams and desires. He doesn’t fully engage with who she is in general.
His Initial State: Ben is just a guy walking his dog, Chuck.
Inciting Incident — She meets her ex and her dead dad in the same hellish, Spirit World dive bar, which reveals their true characters.
Turning Point — Ariale impulsively goes to a palm reader. Sandra changes her whole view of everything, and…
Meet-Cute — The sudden vivid intensity and intrigue of her dreams causes Ariale to spontaneously stop at a palm reader’s shop to get answers. But the visit only creates more questions. On the sidewalk, she runs into Ben and his dog. She continues talking to herself, then also at Ben which is endearing but crazy. He keeps walking but his dog tugs on the leash toward Ariale.
HER: Ariale freaks out about being caught in front of a palm reader’s shop. She shoos Ben and his dog along.
HIM: Ben obliges but the dog likes her and he’s intrigued. She continues talking to herself then includes Ben, a random stranger, in her monologue which he finds endearing albeit a little crazy.
Act 2:
New plan —Ariale experiments with the lessons she’s received from Betty in her sleep, finds people to be more transparent and easy to spot their intentions than we are led to believe.
2. Attraction/Flirting — Ariale is trying to get back into the palm reader’s shop another day when Ben and his dog walk by again. Palm reader doesn’t open up. They hit it off with easy banter over tea.
HIM: Ben doesn’t trust his own judgment of character. He reluctantly invites Ariale to coffee because Chuck the dog won’t move on until he does.
HER initial challenge: Feeling the sting of recent rejection and the uneasy weirdness of dream experiences, she reluctantly agrees.
Plan in action — Ariale’s experiments show her intuition can be trusted but she doesn’t turn her new wisdom towards Gayle who is sabotaging Ariale’s job right under her nose. She does focus her new senses on Ben. They meet for dinner.
3. Denial — Ariale learns Ben isn’t technically single. He’s about to sign divorce papers but she thinks it’s a lie. She ditches him at the restaurant with no intention of ever seeing him again.
Midpoint Turning Point — Ariale discovers her mom’s affair with Mr Miller.
Act 3:
Rethink everything — She gets fired for talking about her dreams with kids at the library. Goes to the beach for a deserved day off.
4. Separation/Forced Together — where she runs into Ben again and discovers his house is exactly the house she saw in her dreams.
HER: Real life and dream life overlapping is too much to process so she runs away.
HIM: Disappointed but also relieved she left because he has no idea why she freaked out. Feels like he dodged a bullet… that he maybe wanted to get hit by.
New plan — Ariale decides to focus on getting herself together, focus on waking life. Find a new job and get her life sorted out, but she’s afraid to sleep so she goes back to Sandra, the Palm Reader for help.
HER Self-Reflection: More dreams give her further information which she experiments with in waking life.
HIS Self-Reflection: Ben has to deal with Chuck, causing problems because he wants to find Ariale and Ben has to admit that he wants the crazy lady back as well.
Turning Point: Major shift —Sandra’s Dream Chamber experience leads her to confront her mother to confirm everything she’s learned in sleep.
5. Working through Issues/Differences — Ariale must confront her mother about family secrets coming to the fore.
HER Acceptance and Growth: She’s not the problem! It’s the lies she’s lived in her whole life which has undermined her ability to find her true love.
HIS Acceptance and Growth: Ben must find the courage to try again, Ariale might be crazy but at least she’s honest about it and his dog likes her, unlike his ex-wife.
Act 4:
Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict — There’s even more! Ariale learns the entire web of family lies, including Gayle’s role in them and she had a half-sister! She’s already met Betty in her sleep. The clearing of lies clears the path for Ariale to start a healthy relationship with Ben
6. Hate/Betrayal/All Hope is Lost — The lies are deeper than we thought. Her dad isn’t her dad, she has a half sister, Gayle not only got her fired but was her dad’s mistress and she’s known her real father all these years but was never allowed to be his daughter.
HER: How can she invite anyone into this convoluted madness?
HIM: Sadly walks the beach alone. Chuck refuses to go with him in case Ariale returns.
7. SHE Demonstrates the change: Ariale accepts that her dream experiences have had more truth than her waking life. She takes the risk, returns to explain her behavior and apologize before she leaves him alone for good.
HE Demonstrates the Change: He can’t let her go, his dog wouldn’t let him anyway.
Resolution — She and Ben live in their “dream home” and the entire family is reconciled. Their son, Little Dale, is already acquainted with their spirit relatives. Even Gayle’s anger has been
healed with forgiveness all around. She is included since she is Betty’s mom.7. Love Happens — Once all the lies are aired, new relationships can be formed. The whole family gets together at Ben and Ariale’s dream house, even the deceased relatives are invited and forgiven.
8. Reunion: The whole family gathers at their real life dream house for a picnic with everything out in the open and all forgiven.
HER: New confidence in understanding life, bringing everyone together, both alive and those who have passed on.
HIM: Ben has the whole picture, a complete family, and his dream girl.
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Kimbal Thompson Lesson 6: Bring Together the Full Plot ASSIGNMENT:
What I learned doing this assignment is never say never.
Act 1: Opening: Her Initial State: Raised in a quite staid Boston household in
Dorchester, Margo accompanied one of her college professors teaching at the
University of Hawaii summer session. A creative Pisces studying design, she
enrolled in a design studio. His Initial state: Keaton is a student at the
University taking a summer session design studio. A Pisces, he has a girlfriend..
Inciting Incident: (Meet/Cute, Attraction/ Flirting) On the first morning of the
studio, Margo’s eyes met Keaton’s as she approached the studio entrance.
Inside the studio, seated back- to-back she asked Keaton for his astrological
sign. He responded by tossing his Pisces key fob over his shoulder just as a
similar one landed on his desk. Turning to face each other they both
simultaneously said “March Fourth.”
Turning Point: (Denial, Separation, Working through Issues, differences)
Intrigued by this, Margo needed to depart to meet the person she had
accompanied to Hawaii. Yet, her new classmate seems like a soulmate, and she
is empathetic in discussing a dilemma in which he has found himself. She also
questions why he gets himself in such an ambivalent situation. Then, with the
summer session over, she must return to Boston.
Act 2:
New plan: (Major conflict, Self-reflection) Back in Boston, she realizes how
much she misses Hawaii and (Acceptance and Growth) decides to return there
upon graduating.
Plan in action: (Demonstrate the change) Arriving in Hawaii, she takes a cab to
downtown Honolulu. Just as she exits the cab with only her purse and large
design portfolio, (Reunion 1) Keaton’s coincidently exiting his office building and
sees Margo. He takes the rest of the day off , they pick up her luggage from the
airport, have lunch, and offers to let her stay at his house for the night. She
accepts his offer.
Midpoint Turning Point: as they enter his house, set down her luggage, (His
Initial Challenge) he realizes he has a date that evening and she is on her way
over. She arrives, sees Margo and her suitcase. Keaton makes introductions,
then suggests they all go out to dinner together. It does not go well. Following
dinner, his date leaves. Margo and Keaton stay up talking, he says she doesn’t
have to stay in the extra bedroom . (Her Initial Challenge) Margo ops for the
guest bedroom and Keaton’s date returns. (Denial) Margo decides to leave
Keaton’s the next morning.
Act 3:
Rethink everything: (Self-reflection, Acceptance and Growth)Both Keaton and
Margo individually want to see one another again. Keaton invites Margo to
accompany him on the maiden sail of an experimental sailboat of which he has
been involved with the design. While she accepts, she needs to purchase a
swimsuit. Somewhat modest, she purchases one with a swim skirt and arrives at
the boat to find an all-male crew. Finally removing her long cover-up T-shirt, the
crew notices her swim skirt as distracting to her shapely presence. Keaton
cannot believe her choice or ’false’ modesty. Embarrassed, her ultimate reaction
is to put back on her T-shirt.
New plan: (Self-reflection)A few nights later, Margo decides to surprise Keaton
by stopping by his house one evening.
Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift: Arriving after dusk with a female friend,
they find the lights are off, and she hears soft music. Tapping on his door, the
female voiced response is “nobody home.” (Hate /Betrayal/All hope is lost)
Margo rethinks all and returns to Boston.
Act 4:
Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict: (Self-reflection, Working through
issues, Acceptance and Growth) Margo believes she needs to overcome her
modesty and. to keep in shape, she enrolls in a pole dancing class at her fitness
center. Keaton goes through self-reflection and wants a more than his date-dejour lifestyle. (Demonstrate the Change) A dance class partner of Margo tells
her of an opening at a club. Margo investigates it and decides it could help her
overcome her prudish attitude. The club owner approved of her keeping on a
bikini and appointed a bouncer to protect her. Now a successful professional,
Keaton decides to attend a summer session at the Graduate School of Design in
Boston. Following a Friday class, an old Massachusetts acquaintance invites
Keaton to a strip club that evening.
Resolution: (Love happens) Seated at the club following a drink, Keaton’s friend
excuses himself for the restroom. New music started and a new bikini-clad pole
dancer appeared. In disbelief, (Demonstrate the Change, Love Happens)
Keaton stood up waving his hands sideways. The grizzly-sized Stallone-voiced
bouncer appeared gesturing Keaton toward the exit. “But I know her” exclaimed
Keaton. “That’s wot day all sez” exclaimed the bouncer. Keaton’s also Stallone-voiced friend re-appeared, saying to the bouncer what the F-k?”
(Demonstrate the Change)The music did not stop and Margo, noticing the commotion, kept on dancing.
(Reunion, Love Happens) As the music subsided, she approached Keaton.”
Care to get out of here?” -
Pam’s Plot
What I learned: I have trouble making decisions – I keep seeing things I want to change but am resisting themPam’s Plot
What I learned: I have trouble making decisions – I keep seeing things I want to change but am resisting themAct 1 – 25 to 30 pages — Set up and see Old Ways.
• Opening in lush cartoon – VO child reciting fairy tale story of medieval princess fleeing with a child – VO overbearing mother corrects her in a demanding way – Her Journey facing insecurities
• Inciting Incident – At lunch with her mother Natalie is informed that she must marry and someone has been selected for her.
– Meet Cute – In fleeing the from her mother’s decision, Natalie literally bumps into a man who is negotiating feverously on the phone (MONEY MONEY IS HIS CHARM) They fall together and not only does she make him laugh but she’s wearing his company’s shoes and purse. They have a mutual attraction. WITH HIM SHE CAN LAUGH AT SOME OF HER INSECURITIES. They share a sense of humor. He sees her as a potential wealthy investor. HE HAS DOLLAR SIGNS IN HIS EYES.
– As he escort Natalie away to lunch he sees her mother appear and give him a cold stare that gives him a jolt of fear. FEAR OF MOTHER INFECTS HIM
– Montague of their life together
o Years pass shown as he travels and opens new businesses while she has a new hobby that isn’t very successful
o They each feel more distant – their daily dance avoids each other more and more
• Turning Point – mother who was overprotective dies. Husband tries to have a conversation with Natalie but she pushes him away fearing that he’s going to leave her. Yes – he FLIRTS robotically with her but is more lively with other women and only to get his way. HER INSECURITIES MAKE HER JEALOUS. At the reading of the will Natalie learns she will lose everything if she does not go to the homeland to reclaim her fortune. DENIAL and FULL BLOOM OF INSECURITIES – She also learns that her husband is the man her mother had arranged for her to marry and there were financial incentives attached. HIS SELF-REFLECTION: HE WONDERS IF HE SHOULD NOT HAVE BVEEN HONEST SOONER.Act 2 – 20 to 30 pages — With Midpoint change, Profound moments that give us new ways.
• New plan – SEPARATION but Forced Together – Natalie travels alone to claim fortune because she is rejecting her husband before he can reject her and she is furious at the secret between him and her now dead but still controlling mother. However, her husband tags along and using his charm keeps coming to her rescue. I.e. Having never travelled she’s in coach and she spies him in first class. She confronts him and the first class stewardess asks him the annoying woman is bothering him. He has transport to the village while she’s offered the back of a dairy truck. Her reservation was cancelled so they have to share a hotel room.
• Plan in action – Natalie meets a handsome and fascinating stranger the night before she goes to the bank to claim her fortune. They sing (cape vs trench coat) and dance outside a restaurant and the magic between them is only spoiled by the arrival of her husband. The next day Natalie goes to the bank but the fortune is just a pile of vintage fairy tale books. Her husband tries to help her get on the trail and they try to work together. She teases him that he just wants a bigger divorce settlement.
• Midpoint Turning Point – Natalie’s pursuit of her fortune lands her in trouble. The mysterious stranger’s servant invites her to dinner with his master that night. She assumes that local thugs are following her to rob her. Servant tries to help her ditch her husband. But it turns dangerous for Natalie and she is pursued. Her husband joins the chase but to save her. She’s fearful and is starting to appreciate husband’s help.Act 3 – 20 to 30 pages — With Midpoint change, Profound moments that give us new ways.
• Rethink everything – ACCEPTANCE AND GROWTH – Natalie falls into an old forgotten well. Her husband also falls in and lands on top of her. Thinking they may die, they become honest with each other. They find they do care for each other. He makes her laugh causing the pursuers find them but will return tomorrow with tools to get them out.
• New plan – They need to breakout as the pursuers have found them but can’t get them out. Husband thinks there might be a way out of this old well. Natalie realizes this might be the well from the fairytale of her youth. They find the fallen necklace from the fairytale. Natalie puts clues together and she seems to have acquired supernatural strength since coming here. Her hobbies and his travels have equipped them with knowledge on how to address issues.
• Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift – they break through the well halls and land in a cave. Cave and vampire trope abound – swarming bats, stumbling against each other in the dark, stalactites organ sounds, knocking the fungus setting it aglow. They encourage each other by inventing funny cave poems. They find a door and think they are saved.Act 4 – 25 pages — Test the change in this character! Prove New Ways!
• Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict – But they have entered the castle and taken hostage. fall into the clutches of the villain/mysterious man/vampire overlord and true identities are exposed. He’s put on the rack. She’s dressed up in vintage cottage for a ‘romantic’ dinner. She’s made an offer to keep both of them alive. HI ACCEPTANCE AND GROWTH – HE IS TRULY HONEST WITH WHAT HE LIKES ABOUT HER BUT SHE IS JUST SUPERFICIAL ABOUT WHAT SHE LIKE ABOUT HIM.
o She discovers her true identity – Queen vampire. She can shapeshift and fly. She drops him at the hotel because she has somethings to do.
o Husband uses his true identity to help him escape the rack to help her fight the vampire. HIS JOURNEY REVEALS HIS CHANGE. DEMONSTRATED CHANGE FOR HER – NOT SELFISH. But his true form as a short hairy thing scares her SHE HATES HIM AND HE FEELS BETRAYED and she alerts the vampire to him. Vampire exposes her husband and she is repulsed.
o The vampire takes vampire form to kill her off since she does not accept his offer. The servant pleads for her life until he sees the glint of the necklace she found in the well. The servant reveals that he is in servitude to the vampire to save his descendants in the village so he can’t help her. Then the servant helps the vampire corner her and bite her. She is able to grab a silver steak knife and stab the vampire.
o The vampire bite does not kill Natalie, instead it gives her the powers of the rightful high vampire – her inheritance. But with exposed new identities neither husband or Natalie fly into the other’s arms. She literally drops him off at the hotel and flies off.
• Resolution – She spends the night putting the world right. He makes plans to leave. They meet on the street the next morning as he’s leaving, accepting that at least he was able to help her get her fortune and live without being so shallow. She shares the changes she’s made to the town overnight.
o The servant is now the vampire’s master running a cuckcoo clock shop.
o Husband turns to leave her with her new fortunes and she grabs him to go with him. REUNION. HE IS HONEST AND SELFLESS. (‘someone’s looking like their old self’-‘someone has gotten their feet back on the ground – do you think my shoes would sell well here?’-‘something to think about now that I’m in charge’ -‘so now you have everything you ever wanted.’ He turns to go. She grabs him ‘yes, I do.’ She pulls him into the airport taxi. They laugh together.) SHE’S CONFIDENT. LOVE HAPPENS -
Brenda Clarke
Going through this process, takes some quality brain time placing all the elements together, but having done it, I now realise I have the beginnings of an OUTLINE for the screenplay. This creates great depth both for the characters journey as well as moving the plot along for the viewers. Of course, it is not set in concrete but a great FOUNDATION to begin with:)
OUTLINE:
ACT 1. Introduce the Victorian city, highlighting the contrast between the luxurious upper class and the bustling lower classes. Introduce the two protagonists.Opening Scene/s INITIAL STATE:
Mollie Johnson brilliant young woman from the south of London, a racing car driver, mechanic and inventor. She arrives at the Stage Door greeted by red headed actress Kitty Marion. Marion takes her to the wardrobe department, where she finds suitable men’s clothes for Mollie. Next, they find a false moustache and hat. Kitty’s Dressing Room: Unfortunately, Mollie’s hair gives her away, so Kitty persuades her to have it cut short, which she does then and there. Now fully dressed as a man, her disguise is complete. Mollie askes how much for all this to which Kitty answers:- My dear, come and pleasure me, is all I ask. Mollie not surprised by this request begins to take of the jacket, removes her hat, when Kitty pleads, “oh no, stay as you are” as she is pulled through make-shift curtains onto a small bed.
During the above Kitty questions Mollie’s need for this disguise. She reveals to her (both friends with Annie – probably both women have slept with Annie) that she wishes to enter racing car event, under her brother’s name Oliver Johnson. Who has been dragged off to Brighton with his wife and children and is unable to participate in the race. At this stage motor racing is a “Men Only” event. Mollie thinks she could win, if only she had the opportunity to give it a whirl.HOME of Ethel Smyth: Lady Cornelia Lyttleton charming woman, daughter of major industrial family, (They own working Mills) alias Jean Horton, shares afternoon tea with her fellow like-minded women, who are all suffragettes. Amongst them is the composer Ethel Smyth, a rather butch lesbian, full of life and energy (lover of Emmaline Pankhurst). Cornelia reveals her parents are making it difficult for her to get away attend rallies, as the “coachman” always reports back to them what she is up to. Ethel suggest she purchase a motor vehicle, to be independent from her family and to have her own freedom. Cornelia agrees to do this but doesn’t know how to drive. Ethel hands her a brochure of the upcoming car race, and says she will most likely find someone willing to assist (for a fee) there.
DAY OF RACE: Mollie wins the car race, receives the 400 pounds money. Kitty and Annie are there to cheer her on together with Christabel Pankhurst. Cornelia attends the race and is impressed with the driver & winner. She approaches the race officials to find out who the winner is, they give her the name of Oliver Johnson and say that he owns and runs a garage in Elephant and Castle. Mollie enjoys her celebratory win at a “special” pub in Soho with the girls.
MEET – CUTE
GARAGE Cornelia turns up at the garage seeking Oliver. MOLLIE dressed in overalls, covered in dirt and grime, hammers out a dinted fender when Cornelia enters.
Cornelia mistakes Mollie for Oliver, Mollies says her brother is away working on another job and can she help? Through the discussion Mollie reveals that it was her who won the race and that she is actually a better mechanic and driver than her brother.
Mollie says he won’t be back till tomorrow & can she help. Cornelia fascinated by Mollie, finds out she was the driver that won the race. Mollie shows her some of her inventions, one of which is her electric tricycle. Mollie suggests she take her for a quick spin around the block, as she just might have enough charge in the battery. During the journey, locals wave hi/hello to Mollie, showing she is very popular person in her community. She grabs a snack (fish & chips) and shares it with Cornelia. SCRUF her dog comes along for the ride. Mollie lets Cornelia take over and drive, which is very exciting for her. Mollie captivated by the beautiful Cornelia, instantly attracted to her and secretly wonders if she may have a chance with this stranger.Cornelia decides that Mollie will be the perfect person to teach her how to drive and sends a letter to the garage inviting her to her families home for “afternoon tea”.
Mollie upon receiving the letter, sets about making herself presentable for this “big date” as she sees it.
During the afternoon tea, Mollie goes to take a sandwich and Cornelia sees her black fingernails, is shocked. Mollie quickly apologises and says her nails are very clean but due to the grease, they have become permanently stained.
Eventually Cornelia takes Mollie to the stables where she reveals her brand-new motor vehicle. Mollie overcome with glee and the glistening new motor quickly starts sprouting her knowledge about the vehicle, in order to show off to Cornelia. Cornelia impressed by Mollie begins to show a little more interest in her. Mollie agrees to teach her to drive, both very interested in each other. Cornelia, wants to know what Mollie will charge for the lessons, Mollie doesn’t want to take any money from her, but suggests she cover the costs of her fuel to travel to her home.
During the afternoon Cornelia reveals to Mollie that she is very interested in the Suffrage Movement and wants to become more involved, but needs to keep it a secret from her family. Mollie is flabbergasted to find that Cornelia is so wealthy and connected.ACT 2.
DRIVING LESSON
Perhaps whilst out in the countryside, Cornelia decides to take a break. Unbeknown to Mollie, Cornelia has packed a picknick basket and they enjoy a delightful time flirting with each other under the shade of a tree.
Cornelia explains that her parents are due back from India in the coming weeks and needs the car to be driven to London (her home away from the mansion). She feels she is not up to driving in the big city and asks if Mollie will help her. Mollie agrees, she is to catch the train, where Cornelia will pick her up and then Mollie will drive them both back to London. During the drive the two flirt with each other, Mollie reveals she would love to enter another race, as apart from helping her brother at the garage this is her only opportunity to make some good money.They arrive at a beautiful home in Hampstead, with lovely front garden, side drive that used to be a stable for a horse & carriage. Cornelia, suggests she park in there. Cornelia, invites her inside for some supper, which one of her servants prepares. Mollie asks her outright “blimey who owns this place”. Cornelia says it is her London home, and the country estate belongs to her parents.
When about to leave, Mollie gets up the courage to kiss Cornelia. Cornelia, acts surprised but secretly is thrilled by this advancement. Mollie apologises if she has gone too far, but says she likes her and that she has always been a bit “ginger bear”. Cornelia doesn’t understand what she is saying and Mollie explains that she is queer, always has been. Cornelia although flattered, asks Mollie to leave.
GARAGE: INITIAL CHALLENGES:
Back at the garage Mollie upset that she crossed the line, but was sure she was getting the right signals. She is afraid that she is may be hitting above her league. Oliver suggests that his sister should not be associated with the upper crust and that nothing good will come of it.Cornelia on the other hand lies to her parents, who think she is seeing someone on the sly. Her parents urge her to date a young gentleman, that her father knows that would make an ideal husband. Cornelia says she is not with anyone and that it is her political persuasions that take up most of her time. Her parents say that women will never get the vote so she might as well give up her endeavours all together. Her mother distraught, that she is probably past the marrying age and is fed up with her daughter’s behaviour.
MID TURNING POINT
Ethel pushes Cornelia to reveal who it is that she is “smitten with” as she can see it written all over her face. Cornelia mentions who it is and that she is working class and perhaps should not be associating with her.
INITIAL CHALLENGES: Despite being attracted to Mollie, she doesn’t believe there can be a future due to the class divide and very different personalities. Ethel shakes her up and says “good god woman, life is to short, go forward and see what happens”. You don’t want to die, never knowing what it is like to be in Love!ACT 3. RETHINK EVERYTHING
DRIVING LESSON,
Mollie Mentions she is going to drive in another race, this time they are allowing women to enter. She sees this as a great opportunity for her. During drive Mollie uses Cornelia’s make-up mirror who uses it to see the traffic behind her gets an idea!
Cornelia offers Mollie supper once more, Mollie comes inside, to find that the supper is already laid out. Cornelia informs Mollie that the servants have been given time off, hinting that she wants her to spend the night.
Mollie thrilled, she knew she on the right track. The women sleep with each other for the first time.
NEW PLAN
Cornelia says she can get Mollie a job as a chauffeur for the head of the WPSU Emmeline Pankhurst, as she tries to win Mollies affections. After a night a bliss together, Mollie suggests Cornelia have an alias to protect her when she attends the rallies, in order to keep it a from her parents. JEAN HORTON.NEXT DAY they go shopping to get Cornelia her disguise. Working Class dress, hat, glasses, shoes, stockings, handbag. Cornelia says she will get her servant to sew in “Jean Horton” a common London seamstress, a name tags into her apparel, even her underwear, in case she gets arrested, so it will also back up her alias.
Scenes with Jean Horton, protesting alongside Ethel and her friends. Jean finds herself mixed in with other women in their struggle for equality.
Mollie working on engine, inventing glove box, fixing a ladies mirror to the dash board (as the first rear view mirror).Brother Oliver at dirt race track timing Mollie, they both agree the engine needs some fine tuning to increase the revs on the car, prior to the coming race.
RACE TRACK TRIAL DAY: Mollie, dressed as herself is in a race that allows both men and women. She has her trusted companion Scruf seated beside her. Some of the men make fun of her and her dog. Mollie says’ just wait til’ tomorrow, then we’ll see.
NEXT DAY of RACE, some of the men turn up with Toy Dog’s, Dog statues, strapped into the seat next to them. Some have dog painted on the side of their car door. Mollie comes wins the race. Afterwards in the club room Mollie hands out dog biscuits to her fellow racers. All enjoy the joke.Mollie chauffers Emmaline and Ethel to a WPSU meeting. Mollie sees Ethel passionately kiss Emmaline and give her words of encouragement, before she goes into the hall, (to give a speech to a large audience).
Emmaline askes Mollie to wait in the laneway and afterwards to drive them home.Cornelia’s mother visits her at her London home, wanting to know what’s going on. She sees a flier of an upcoming race. Cornelia says, she knows one of the drivers and is hoping she will win the race. The mother questions her daughter to find out who this person is. Cornelia reluctant to say anything, eventually mentions Mollie. Mother not happy with her daughter mixing with such low life and common sporting event. In a huff leaves for home. Coachman helps her in her carriage and off they trot back to her estate in the country.
TURNING POINT: MAJOR CONFLICT/OBSTACLE:
Cornelia’s mother pays the coachman to sabotage Mollies car prior to the race. (perhaps a wheel comes off) Mollie crashes the car, she is injured and Scruff dies? The winner of the race is another woman ELIZABETH LEVI, popular female driver. (Dorothy Levitt). Molly mentions to Cornelia the car must have been tampered with and blames Cornelia’s family. Cornelia takes umbrage at this and goes off in a huff. Days later Cornelia is arrested at a rally (throwing stones and breaking a shop window) spends time in prison.ACT 4.
SELF REFLECTION: Mollie realises that she may have to change/improve both herself if she is to have a long-lasting relationship with Jean.Cornelia having spent time in prison realises that she is not that much different from other working-class women, they too also want to be seen and to be heard and to be treated fairly and to be given the right to vote. Mollie goes to the Prison and pays for the bail for “Jean Horton”.
ACCEPTANCE AND GROWTH
Jean surprised to see Molly there waiting for her, looking more feminine, clean and tidy. (Mollie has made an effort).
Jean realises that she was perhaps too hard on Mollie and that she sees great strength in her and that perhaps Mollie may provide her with a more grounded and honest relationship, something that she has yearned for.
DEMONSTRATE THE CHANGE
Back at Jean’s home Mollie says she wants to enter an all female big race but realises that her car is not up to standard if she has any chances of winning. Jean kindly offers Mollie her car to drive, which she accepts. Jean confesses to Mollie that it was indeed her mother who put one of the staff up to wrecking her car, is furious with her parents and refuses to see them and apologies to Mollie and asks to be forgiven.Mollie and her brother test drive the car and are impressed with the time trials.
RESOLUTION: RACE DAY/REUNION
Mollie wins the race, earns the respect and recognition for her skills. The public cheers her victory. Jean expresses her love for Mollie and asks her to move in to her home in London. Mollie agrees and Jean hands her a gift, which reveals a new puppy. The women commit to building a future together, blending their talents and challenging societal norms. They become fierce campaigners for Women’s Rights.The two women are seen walking hand in hand, ready to face the future together, symbolizing the union of innovation and tradition and the power of love to transcend barriers, as they march the streets of London as suffragettes.
They march with their friends:- Ethel, Emmaline, Christabel & Annie, Kitty and “new friend”. (from Soho pub) Mollie carries her new puppy.-
This reply was modified 9 months, 1 week ago by Brenda Clarke.
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This reply was modified 9 months, 1 week ago by
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Lynn’s Plot – SOPHIE’S WHITE CHRISTMAS
WHAT I LEARNED doing this assignment is those three previous assignments brought in together pretty much fill out the story. One thing I noticed for this story is there are several phases of inciting incidents (which I read somewhere is okay) — when in Act 1 separately they are made to go on their journeys and when they “meet” not in-person; and early in Act 2 when they are snowed in together and meet in person for the 1st time. Also 2 phases of the meet-cute, when they become aware of each other (not in-person) and later when they meet. If it weren’t for Sleepless in Seattle, I’d be worried… But I am worried there may not be enough of “they are meant for each other” in Act 1, except that they have what the other needs (he family commitment, she adventurous spirit).
1. Start with the structure; 2. Build in Stages of Romance; 3. Build in both transformational journeys; 4. Fill in any other scene ideas that come to you and smooth it out.
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ACT 1:
OPENING few scenes: Tilly with assistant Susan his headed from NY to LA on assignment, expressing dislike for her family in LA pushing marriage on her. Ethan is in his LA weather service office with best friend Paul; he mentions his upcoming trip to Chicago to propose to his girlfriend and shows disdain for Paul’s planned date with Tilly, because he thinks she’s flighty and Paul will get hurt.
_ _ _ _ _HER INITIAL STATE: Tilly, a glamorous travel writer, seems happy/satisfied with her career, but is stressed by her family pushing marriage on her and had problems with them discouraging her adventurous spirit. Also she was crushed when a guy she fell for used and cheated her (these points are dribbled out or alluded to in various Act 1 scenes and spelled out more clearly in Act 2 & 3).
_ _ _ _ _HIS INITIAL STATE: Ethan lives a staid life, wanting a family above all else, planning to propose to (whom he think’s is) sure thing, stable Cheryl, after having been dumped by a glamor woman.
_ _ _ _ _HIS MEET-CUTE MOMENT 1: Ethan sees Tilly’s magazine photo (stifles his attraction to her) in his first scene when his friend Paul says her family is arranging a date for him with her, but Ethan is against that, not wanting Paul to be hurt by a flighty glamor woman (as he was).
_ _ _ _ _HER MEET-CUTE MOMENT 1: When Tilly “meets” Ethan a few scenes later in a negative comment under his pseudonym she is upset, but also realizes there’s some truth in it.HER INCITING INCIDENT 1: Tilly has to do a story on her boss’s uncle’s CO Airbnb; Tilly and Susan go there and to Silver Bells, CO nearby, finding it is a winter wonderland with hot springs pool, etc. They are happy there and Tilly considers staying rather than proceed to LA.
HIS INCITING INCIDENT 1: Ethan’s girlfriend’s father just died, so he has to get to Chicago in time for the funeral; he gets a ride-share, but it’s through CO rather than his preferred safer NM route (he hasn’t left yet).
TURNING POINT: Tilly’s mom and sister’s family invite Paul for dinner to check him out, but he insists Ethan come; Ethan is personable, Paul is scared stiff shy; they all like Ethan better, but know he has a gal. They then call Tilly to tell her they are setting up a blind date with a guy. She is furious and tells them she has a boyfriend (Susan knows it’s a lie, as does her mother); her mother says fine, bring him to LA, they’d love to meet him.
ACT 2:
NEW PLAN: Tilly considers having a friend at work pose as her boyfriend, or only seeing her family briefly unannounced, or not going to LA. Ethan sets out on his trip to Chicago (thru CO r/t preferred NM), despite a CO blizzard warning, figuring with drive-sharing he’ll pass through in plenty of time.
INCITING INCIDENT (ACT 2): the blizzard locks Tilly and Ethan in together for days. It makes her miss her L.A. assignment. It makes him miss Cheryl’s father’s funeral AND (Mid-Point) leaves it open for Cheryl to get engaged to an old high school beau.
_ _ _ _ _HIS MEET-CUTE MOMENT 2: When Ethan meets Tilly in person in the blizzard (not recognizing her) as she saves his life there’s an instant attraction and connection.
_ _ _ _ _HER MEET-CUTE MOMENT 2: When Tilly meets Ethan in person in the blizzard, not knowing he is the negative commenter, she is attracted and impressed by his strong commitment to get to a funeral, despite extremely bad weather. She sees him as a daring traveler (not at the staid guy he is).
_._._. ATTRACTION/FLIRTING: When they meet in person, not realizing who each is, and she saves his life and treats him for frostnip, there is an attraction between them, and more importantly a friendship develops. They engage in playful banter and enjoy each other’s company. There’s simpatico.PLAN IN ACTION: Ethan’s trip is slowed down by several (mostly humorous) factors. Ethan is struggling. Tilly has Susan stay in SB, while she stays as the Airbnb. The historic blizzard hits. Ethan is barely able to make it to Tilly’s Airbnb. Tilly saves his life and treats him for frost nip. He comes to realizes she is a good person and would be good for Paul. There’s something growing between him and Tilly, but due to his plan to propose to his gal, they understand it can’t go further than friendship. An ensuing avalanche blocks access to the freeway, so Ethan misses the funeral and Tilly misses her work assignment in L.A. The blizzard thwarts their plans.
_._._. DENIAL: Ethan is on his way to propose to another woman, so both suppress those feelings of attraction. She mumbles, “The best ones are taken.”
_ _ _ _ _HIS INITIAL CHALLENGES, PART 1: He suppresses that attraction because he’s planning to propose to another. He’s concerned she doesn’t want to date Paul, but hopes it works for Paul and Tilly (now that he’s found her to be a fantastic, caring person), then everyone can be happy.
_ _ _ _ _HER INITIAL CHALLENGES, PART 1: When she shortly finds out Ethan’s trip is not just for a funeral, but to propose to another, she’s a bit disappointed, “All the good ones are taken.”
_._._. SEPARATION/FORCED TOGETHER, PART 1: They are snowed in together in a remote chalet and are together for 6 days, but because of his plan to marry another woman, they suppress their feelings for each other, even though their friendship and attraction grows.
_ _ _ _ _HIS MAJOR CONFLICT / OBSTACLE, PART 1: When at mid-point his “stable” girl dumps him and Ethan is growing more attracted to Tilly, developing a stronger connection, he suppresses that because Paul plans to date Tilly, claiming she’d make a good wife for him. Ethan cannot betray his best friend and needs to at least give Paul and Tilly a chance without interfering.MIDPOINT TURNING POINT: Ethan’s gal informs him she met an old friend who proposed, and she’s going to marry him. Ethan gets dumped and the Ethan-Tilly world changes.
ACT 3:
_._._. SEPARATION/FORCED TOGETHER, PART 2: Still snowed in together. When Ethan’s girlfriend dumps him, what keeps him psychologically separated is Paul’s desire to date Tilly. What keeps Tilly from pushing her love for Ethan is thinking he needs time to heal from being dumped.
_ _ _ _ _HIS INITIAL CHALLENGES, PART 2: After being dumped he still has to suppress his growing love for Tilly because of loyalty to his friend, who plans to date Tilly.
_ _ _ _ _HER INITIAL CHALLENGES, PART 2: Tilly thinks Ethan just needs time to heal and that’s why he’s reticent. She goes on up to Act 4 with this thinking, expecting him to heal so they can be together in love.RETHINK EVERYTHING: Ethan is distressed and wants to return to LA after being dumped. Tilly now has some hope for their relationship, not knowing Paul is Ethan’s best friend, and Ethan now thinks Tilly is wonderful, good for his friend. Even though Susan tells Ethan that Tilly is in love with him, he doesn’t believe it. However, he does all he can (most humorous) to dissuade her, which only makes her love him more. As the three participate in Silver Bells’ pre-Christmas festivities, they come to feel they’d like to stay longer.
_._._. WORKING THROUGH ISSUES/DIFFERENCES: Ethan is family oriented, having lost his parents as a kid. She resists her family’s pressure to get married and tries to avoid them. He is a stay-at-home guy into “staycations,” she is a travel writer into exploration and adventure. (His negative comment was “What are you running from,” which she acknowledges holds some truth—she knows she’s running from a guy who cheated her and from her family suppressing her longing for adventure as a kid.) Before the big betrayal where all is lost, they have come to express these issues and have started to resolve them. He recognizes adventure is important, she realizes family is important.NEW PLAN: Tilly, having missed the date for her LA assignment and knowing Sophie wants a white Christmas, invites her mother and sister’s family to come to CO for Christmas. Ethan invites Paul, saying he’s a good friend (Tilly not knowing he is the blind date). Paul has been getting upset by hearing about Tilly’s reluctance, but Ethan reassures him.
TURNING POINT: HUGE FAILURE / MAJOR SHIFT: Paul finds out Ethan’s girl has dumped him and is now upset Ethan is stealing Tilly from him. Paul calls Ethan and Tilly overhears Ethan’s end and comes to understand Paul is that blind date and Ethan is with her family in on it. She thinks Ethan has only been stringing her along for Paul and is furious. Ethan, having lost his friendship with Paul AND with Tilly, decides to leave for LA.
_._._._ HATE/BETRAYAL/ALL HOPE IS LOST: Ethan had belatedly tried to tell Tilly the truth about being Paul’s friend, but circumstances prevent that. When she does find out, she is furious and deeply hurt, thinking Ethan was just playing her for his friend, while she had thought he just needed time to heal from being dumped (“I’m stabbed in the heart again”). Ethan leaves realizing he has hurt her and his friend Paul (who thinks Ethan is trying to take Tilly away from him). Note: Tilly and Paul have not met yet, but Paul with her family are coming to CO be with her for Christmas. Her assistant Susan was not able earlier to convince Ethan that Tilly loves him, and now is unable to convince Tilly that Ethan loves her.
_ _ _ _ _HER MAJOR CONFLICT / OBSTACLE: When Tilly finds out at end of Act 3 that Ethan has been in on her family getting her into a blind date (she hasn’t met Paul yet), she is furious and hurt.
_ _ _ _ _HIS MAJOR CONFLICT / OBSTACLE, PART 2: At end of ACT 3 when Tilly finds out Ethan was in on setting her up (and supposes he was only stringing her along for that), she is so upset and hurt, that Ethan decides to leave, thinking he has lost the precious friendship of both Tilly and Paul.
_ _ _ _ _HIS SELF-REFLECTION: In Act 4 Ethan realizes he made terrible mistakes not being fully honest early on with Tilly and Paul (and not trusting them) – and is very sorry he lost the friendship of both, when what he dearly wants is family, and they were the closest to family he had.ACT 4:
CLIMAX/ULTIMATE EXPRESSION OF THE CONFLICT: Ethan overnights with his ride-share’s family in Grand Junction and they coax him into going back. He wants to apologize to Tilly (she was too angry before to accept it) so he finds another place to stay in Silver Bells. But Tilly and Paul are not happy to see him. Paul is now falling for Susan and worries Ethan having lost Tilly is now after Susan. Ethan thinks of leaving, but an elderly couple convince him to stay and try, saying he has to “tickle her funny bone.”
_ _ _ _ _HER SELF-REFLECTION: After the blow-up (with Ethan leaving) Tilly’s assistant Susan tries to get her to understand that Ethan loves her, but she doesn’t accept that (which harks back to her earlier disappointment in love). Tilly does understand Ethan has (as she puts it) a misguided loyalty to his friend.
_ _ _ _ __HER ACCEPTANCE AND GROWTH: Ethan has helped her develop a better consideration for her family and the need for family. In an earlier scene some 10 pp before the big blow-up, she has expressed a desire to change her career in a direction more compatible with Ethan’s life. There was a plant in Act 1 that she had other (unspecified) ideas about her career, and Ethan helps her to feel okay about having family life AND adventure. Susan’s message is sinking in, that Ethan loves her and not all men are like the former cheater.
_ _ _ _ _DEMONSTRATE HER CHANGE: She has increasingly shown throughout her journey her ability to get over her issues (gets upset, then relents), so in the end it is not surprising that she accepts/forgives Ethan. In Act 4 she graciously accepts her family’s visit and Paul (which she earlier rejected and feared).
_ _ _ _ __ HIS ACCEPTANCE AND GROWTH: Ethan accepts his wrong-doing and his wrong-headedness about Tilly being unsuitable for Paul (and for him). Instead of continuing his flight away from them after the blow-up (what he accused Tilly of much earlier), he realizes he needs to go back and try again to apologize, but that he can’t stay with them and hotels are booked. An older person encourages him to look into B and Bs.
_ _ _ _ _DEMONSTRATE HIS CHANGE: He goes back and tries to make amends, but messes up. Then tries again.
RESOLUTION: Ethan arrives at the Airbnb Christmas day in a Santa’s cap with gifts. Sophie says all she wants from him for Christmas is to help her with scouts. Paul says he didn’t get a gift for Ethan. Ethan says all he wants for Christmas is his friendship–they tearfully embrace. Tilly says she didn’t get him a gift. Ethan says all I want for Christmas is you and declares it was “love at first frostbite.” He gets on his knee and begs her forgiveness. She says, “Sheesh, Ethan. I thought you were going to ask me to marry you.” Ethan surprised asks, “Would you? Marry me?” And she says that’s all she wants for Christmas. They go to a private place and kiss. Sophie peeks then announces to all, “they’re kissing.”
_._._.LOVE HAPPENS: the elderly B and B couple help Ethan to go back and apologize. At first that backfires, but he persists, gets down on his knee and asks her to forgive him (see above).
_ _ _ _ _HIS REUNION: If he can’t have her love, he wants her friendship and focuses on apologizing. He professes his love and she accepts him, professing her love.
_ _ _ _ _HER REUNION: When Ethan shows up at the end of Act 4, she is so ready to accept him and is a bit disappointed he only seems to want her forgiveness. But when he expresses his love for her, they come together. -
David’s Plot
What I learned is the layering of the romantic journey with the overall plot of the story.
ACT 1:
Opening: Fiery Trump rally in a blue collar town.
Her Initial State: She’s a liberal reporter covering a Trump rally, barely containing her disgust.
His Initial State: Face painted red white and blue, whooping it up at the rally with his buddies.
Meet-Cute: A politically motived act of arson occurs. Mitch saves a life- he’s a fireman. She interviews him.
Him: Impressed by her beauty and intelligence- she’s unlike any of the local girls.
Her: She’s impressed by his manliness and selflessness- unlike the guys she usually dates.
Inciting Incident: With the help of his fellow firefighters, he asks her on a date. She says yes.
Him: He’s nervous as a schoolboy, thinking she’s out of his league.
Her: Her friends like him, encouraging her.
Attraction/Flirting: He takes her on a special picnic date- simple but nice. Facetimes with her friends. They end up at the firehouse, sharing their first kiss.
Her: She’s head over heels for him.
Him: He thinks she might be the one.
Turning Point: Her friends discover through social media that he’s an avid Trump supporter.
Her Initial Challenge: Finds out he’s a Trump supporter.
His Initial Challenge: Finds out she’s a woke liberal
ACT 2
New Plan: Date, but keep things fun and on the surface, avoiding any serious discussion.
Plan in Action: She has dinner with Mitch and his Trump loving dad. Politics can’t be avoided- ends badly.
Denial: She thinks it’s not gonna work. He thinks she might be out of his league- too smart.
Midpoint Turning Point: Election night chaos. Riots break out. Their political differences explode.
Major conflict/obstacle: There’s no way to stay toether- they’re too different.
Separation: This isn’t gonna work.
ACT 3
Rethink everything: Liz dedicates herself to career. Mitch goes back to his local bar with his buddies.
New Plan: Go separate ways, back to their comfort zones. Mitch’s dad dies- he has no family left. Liz sees the humanity of the Trump crowd.Self reflection: They both realize the comfort zone is not the answer. They fulfill each other’s needs.
Turning point: Huge failure/major shift. She gets her dream job in NYC while he ends up in the hospital after being involved in a vicious fire.
Working Through Issues: Knowing he has no family left, she pretends to be his fiancee and visits him. They realize political differences are ultimately meaningless. But she has to follow her dream and goes to NYC.
Acceptance and Growth: They understand they can’t be together and accept it.
ACT 4
All is lost: He’s back at the job, miserable. She’s in NYC, miserable.
Demonstrate the change: He goes to NYC- a city he loathes- to plead his love for her.
Climax/ultimate Expression of the conflict:. He surprises her at a big media event.
Reunion: They’re together again.Love Happens: They kiss and declare their true feelings for each other.
Resolution: They’re gonna try to make this work. Love trumps politics.
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Terrie’s Plot
What I learned from this assignment is that many elements overlapped tracks. I’m not sure if this is normal. I’m also not sure I’m happy with this. My original 4 act structure focused more on Sara and Austin. Right now they could just as well end up buddies.
Act 1: Setup
o Opening:
o Introduction to Sara: We see Sara, a dynamic and charismatic productivity coach, filming a vlog. Her passion for helping people maximize their potential is evident. ST1: Squeeze the most out of each day!
o ST2: Meet Cute: Sarah is frustrated that it is taking too long to get her coffee, she has a schedule! One barista is late, as usual, ya’ know he’s an artist! AT2: Austin shows up. She lectures him on the impact of his lack of punctuality. He flirts and charms her, figures she just really needs coffee – gives her an extra expresso shot.
o Introduction to Conner: Conner, a shrewd and somewhat cynical TV producer, is introduced at a production meeting. He's looking for the next big hit and believes conflict is key to success.
o Inciting Incident:
o ST3: Sara Gets Her Chance: Sara is approached by Conner with an offer to star in her own reality show. The twist? Her first client will be an eccentric, disorganized artist named Austin.
o Turning Point:
o AT1: Sara Meets Austin: Sara meets Austin and is shocked by the chaotic state of his studio and life. Sara convinces him to participate in the show, seeing it as a chance to help him and prove her methods work. AT3: Austin only agrees because his friend and gallery owner will drop him if he doesn’t participate. Superior position: Audience knows but Sara doesn’t.
Act 2: Confrontation (Part 1)
4. New Plan:
o AT4 S$4: Reality show struggles: the show starts airing but ratings are low. Sara and Austin clash frequently over their differing approaches to life and work, leading to entertaining but unproductive segments.
o Attraction/flirting: Sara gives Austin a Makeover – for the sake of the show.
5. Plan in Action:
o Conner pressures Sarah to create more dramatic content, hinting that the show might get cancelled otherwise.
o Working through Issues/Differences – She’s into productivity – schedules – structure; He wants to create beauty to make people happy; She believes he’ll be happiest when he gets things done that are important to him!
o Self-Reflection: she too rigid in her approach she needs to allow fun to happen.
6. Midpoint Turning Point:
o After a disastrous episode where Sarah’s productivity techniques go hilariously wrong, Austin storms off the set. Once in his studio, he follows some of her advice and finishes a piece he’s been ignoring. It goes viral, bringing attention to Austin and the show.
o AT5: Self-Reflection: after trying some of Sara’s system, he’s been more creative and accomplishing more as an artist.
Act 3: Confrontation (Part 2)
o Rethink Everything:
o Attraction/Flirting: He makes a backdrop for her reality show set, logo, etc.
o They bond: Sara’s mom had cancer when she was 12 or 13 and Sara thought if she was ‘perfect’ her mom would get better – Sara made sure all the medicine on a perfect schedule, straight A’s at school, took care of the house. Austin was very close to his grandmother as she was dying, he used art to cheer her up. She supported him as an artistic creative person.
o ST5: Self-Reflection: she too rigid in her approach she needs to allow fun to happen. Sarah reevaluates her approach balancing productivity and creativity to better connect with Austin and the audience. ST6: Acceptance and Growth: she alters her productivity process to accommodate Austin’s need for spontaneity.
o Attraction / Flirting: they agree to argue but then act like they like working together for the sake of the show.
o ST7: Demonstrate the change: in an episode of her show she tells everyone how she is changing things because life also needs to be fun.
o New Plan:
o Sara and Austin collaborate to create a plan for the remaining episodes, to help anyone create meaningful progress and artistic breakthroughs.
o AT6: Acceptance and Growth: he realizes that Sara has helped him. It’s real not just a reality show.
o Turning Point: Huge Failure/Major Shift:
o A major conflict erupts during filming causing a temporary rift between Sarah and Austin. The shows future hangs in the balance as ratings start to dip.
o Denial – It’s not real it’s a reality show.
o Hate/Betrayal/All Hope is Lost – Reveal: Austin is only doing the show because if he doesn’t his gallery will drop him.
o The producer lies about the other person to each of them to create drama, such as Sara saying no one can make a living as an artist – creativity is for fun not $.Act 4: Resolution
o Climax/Ultimate Expression of the Conflict:
o ST8: Reunion: Sara asks Austin to return for the final episode even if it is just to give their audience closure.
o AT7: AT8: Austin shows up on time for the last episode of the reality show! Gives her a piece of art (probably has a clock in it somewhere) – gives Sara credit for helping him be more focused on ART.
o The Big Reveal: In the season finale, Austin presents a new collection at a major gallery show. The event is a huge success, showcasing not only Austin’s art but also Sara’s impact on his life. The reality show garners high ratings and critical acclaim.
o Resolution:
o Love Happens – Austin completes the pieces for the upcoming art show and keeps his gallery owner happy. He realizes that Sara really helped him and that she only wants him to be successful. She realizes that she’s changed. Productivity is not one size fits all. She wants room for fun and spontaneity in her life.
o Happy Ending: The show is renewed for another season, and Sara and Austin have formed a genuine relationship. Conner is thrilled with the show's success but still looks for ways-
This reply was modified 9 months ago by Terrie Shaft.
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This reply was modified 9 months ago by
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STRUCTURE
Opening: Charlie walks down the street noticing happy couples everywhere. Then the men start dying while she watches.Meet Cute: Charlie is invited to a Little League game by her best friend. She has an unpleasant encounter with the coach.
Turning Point: Charlie confronts her loneliness superficially, then browses Tinder. She sees a perfect man, which makes her cry. Then she spots the coach–Eamon–and swipes right.
Act 2:
New plan: Charlie will date someone awful so she won’t be alone.Plan in action: Charlie goes on a date with Eamon and it’s awful as she would have expected.
Flirting/Attraction: They’re definitely attracted but doing everything possible to hide it.
Midpoint Turning Point: Charlie invites Eamon home with her and they have sex.
Denial: It was just sex. They make that very clear.
Act 3:
Rethink everything: He becomes the spokesperson for the event,Separated/forced together: and Charlie is forced to take Eamon to see her grandmother, who has a heart attack. In the crisis, Eamon reveals his own father’s fatal hearts disease. They bond and it scares them both.
New plan: They need to see less of each other and get back to the no strings sex that was working so well. She tells him about her death curse and says it’s for his own good. She doesn’t see that rattles him a bit, but they agree.
Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift: Eamon disappears for two weeks because he’s been ill,
Working through differences: but both really miss each other. When they run into each other again, they end up in bed.
Act 4:
Hate/betrayal Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict: Eamon has a massive heart attack after sex, and Charlie accuses him of loving her, even after he said her curse was stupid! Eamon denies it but Charlie says it was too close; she can’t risk it. She leaves.Love Happens/Resolution: Eamon realizes loving Charlie has given him the will to live. He survived BECAUSE of her. He was always at risk. We’re all always at risk. She doesn’t kill people; he is going to LIVE because of her.
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This reply was modified 9 months ago by Donna Donna Hoke Hoke.
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This reply was modified 9 months ago by
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Patrick McCormick’s Plot
What I learned doing this assignment is;
As more and more pieces to fall into place, the story begins defining itself in a natural way. Characters become people, react in situations, and life goes on for them.STEP 1. START WITH THE STRUCTURE FROM TRACK 1
A. WHAT INTERESTING WORLD COULD THIS MOVIE/SHOW BE SET IN?
An aging movie studio that needs saving, leading to another dimension where the Hollywood magic is real.B. WHAT MAJOR CONFLICT COULD BE HAPPENING?
Executive Assistant is doing the deal to save the studio.
Hollywood Executive is stopping the deal to save the magic.
Hollywood Executive escapes to dimension where movies are created before they are made on Earth.
A dark force prepares to use Hollywood to destroy the world.C. WHAT INTRIGUING SITUATION COULD THESE CHARACTERS BE ENGAGED IN?
Executive Assistant trying save the studio.
Hollywood Executive trying to save the magic and escapes.
Deal falls through and all collapses.
Executive Assistant tries to find Hollywood Executive.
They discover evil plan in other dimension.
Hollywood Executive and Assistant try to stop evil, save Hollywood and humanity.ACT 1:
OPENING
Hollywood Executive in failing studio looking for disappearing Hollywood magic.
Executive Assistant trying to save studio by doing multi-picture deal.INCITING INCIDENT
Hollywood Executive tries to stop deal that could save his studio.
Executive Assistant trying to do the deal that could save the studio.
Hollywood Executive escapes to find the Magic.
They pursue him to sign the papers.TURNING POINT
Hollywood Executive escapes to another dimension.
Studio collapses into bankruptcy and all is lost.ACT 2:
NEW PLAN
Executive Assistant tries to process the loss of their life’s work.
Executive Assistant searches for Hollywood Executive after it falls apart.PLAN IN ACTION
Executive Assistant goes to where he disappeared, desperately trying to find him.MIDPOINT TURNING POINT
At the moment she could die, Hollywood Executive pulls her into the other dimension.ACT 3:
RETHINK EVERYTHING
The now-rejuvenated Hollywood Executive gives tour of other dimension.
They find something very wrong. Begin to investigate, uncovering evil plan.NEW PLAN
Ascension Guide prepares them for return to Earth to stop evil plan of using Hollywood to fulfill armageddon.
They will probably fail and die.TURNING POINT: HUGE FAILURE / MAJOR SHIFT
Hollywood Executive and Assistant get caught and arrested.
Armageddon approaches on the horizon.
Humanity gets isolated by higher forces to minimize cosmic damage.ACT 4:
CLIMAX/ULTIMATE EXPRESSION OF THE CONFLICT
Hollywood Executive battles ancient demon for fate of humanity, and loses.
Humanity now cut off from Heaven and Earth to minimize armageddon.
They are thrown into void to die.RESOLUTION
Demon’s future good self stops his ancient evil self and saves them.
Senior Executive and Assistant wind up together and use Hollywood to save humanity.STEP 2. INTO THAT STRUCTURE, FILL IN THE 7 STAGES OF LOVE
1. MEET-CUTE
The initial moment that signals that a love relationship might start. This is the spark! There is usually a mutual connection/attraction, even if it is awkward.Sean has mentored Linda for 15 years, but his studio is failing. He stalls the studio-saving deal as he looks for the missing Hollywood magic.
Linda shows him the studio will die if the deal doesn’t happen, covering for him so the investors don’t run away.2. ATTRACTION/FLIRTING
These two feel an attraction to each other and engage in playful or flirtatious behavior. Together with the Meet-Cute, this causes us to believe these two might belong together.Linda tries convincing Sean to just do the deal, then he can retire.
Sean stalls, using craziness, pranks and wit to buy time while searching for the magic.
Linda puts up with him by being the grown up stuffy business person.3. DENIAL
With the intense feelings that come early in love, people often go into some type of denial. They don’t know if this is the right person or if it will last. It’s easier to be in denial.Linda stays focused on being the serious deal maker while being secretly entertained by his childishness and admiring his dedication.
Sean is charmed by her denying her inner-silliness while wearing a shiny executive veneer. If only they weren’t 5 decades apart.4. SEPARATION/FORCED TOGETHER
The situation somehow forces the characters to spend time together for long enough to build a relationship – either good or bad.Working together for 15 years; he the mentor, she the student.
But old friends find it hard to admit their deeper love.5. WORKING THROUGH ISSUES/DIFFERENCES
Each of them has an issue that must be resolved for them to be together. During this story, they confront the main issue that will keep them apart.He just won’t give up on finding the lost magic, even if he loses the studio.
She never really believed in his crazy dream, and has to betray/disagree for the first time to get the deal done.6. HATE/BETRAYAL/ALL HOPE IS LOST
A major conflict or betrayal occurs, making it seem like the relationship is irreparably damaged. This part often causes one or both to go into desperate action to resolve things.Watching him go into that interdimensional portal, left with a dying studio, all is lost.
Admitting her true feelings, going after him, she gives up.
He pulls her into the realm of real Hollywood magic just in time, and her old life is gone.7. LOVE HAPPENS
The characters realize their true feelings for each other and do whatever it takes to be together. This stage provides the emotional resolution.While giving her the tour of the creative dimension, something is very wrong.
Now they must fight to save humanity, and his studio is the key, he was right!
Along the way they risk it all while falling in love.
She must be there for him even if it kills her.3. BUILD IN BOTH TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEYS
SEAN DAERY’S TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY
1. INITIAL STATE:
Sean is an aging studio executive who is watching Hollywood lose its substance to a modern world, becoming just a profit machine without a soul.2. MEET-CUTE MOMENT:
Sean discovers Linda 15 years before, admiring her youthful sincere hopefulness wrapped in a cute awkward girl. He takes her under his wing and gives her a chance. Now she tries to save him like he saved her.3. INITIAL CHALLENGES:
Sean decides to find and save the magic being lost in Hollywood, becoming obsessed. As the modern world converges around him and his studio is dying, he has to balance both worlds.4. MAJOR CONFLICT / OBSTACLE:
Sean must choose which world to live in. Sell out and modernize, or stay on his path of finding the magic and saving it.5. SELF-REFLECTION:
Resisting the deal of a lifetime, Sean realizes he must stay true to who he is, leaving it all to be lost.6. ACCEPTANCE AND GROWTH:
Entering the dimension where real Hollywood magic is made before it goes to Earth, he has to find out what is wrong that he first felt happening on Earth.7. DEMONSTRATE THE CHANGE:
Deciding to go to Earth and stop the end of the world, Sean risks everything, not only to save humanity, but Linda who he has always loved but could never be with.8. REUNION:
Battling the demon creating armageddon, Sean must now face who he really is, an ancient god with the power of fate in his hands incarnated as a human.
With the fight for humanity now over, he and Linda can now return the course of humanity on the right path.LINDA DELANEY’S TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY
1. INITIAL STATE:
Linda was just a naive kid wanting to do big things in Hollywood when they met. Sean taking her under his wing, she was always thankful for the chance.2. MEET-CUTE MOMENT:
15 years later, with a studio saving deal for the taking, Linda knows this will set them up to become truly successful. Showing Sean the numbers, he acts like he doesn’t notice, going on about his quest for the magic.3. INITIAL CHALLENGES:
Linda has to get Sean to sign the papers so the deal can go through, but he does everything he can to stall it.4. MAJOR CONFLICT / OBSTACLE:
As Sean runs away, the investors ready to leave and they chase after him, he disappears into another dimension. Linda has to clean up a bankrupt studio, losing everything they worked for.5. SELF-REFLECTION:
Finally admitting how she really feels, waking up halfway across the world from a drunken stupor, she tries to find Sean, and just when she admits failure and faces death, he pulls her into that realm.6. ACCEPTANCE AND GROWTH:
Sean and Linda investigate whats wrong in the Creator Realm, uncovering the plan to awaken armageddon using Hollywood. They risk everything to stop it or humanity is doomed.7. DEMONSTRATE THE CHANGE:
As Linda learns to commit crimes to save the world, she must awaken her inner hero just to survive. Battling the demon along Sean, she faces the fact its better to follow your truth rather than betray who you really are.8. REUNION:
As Sean and Linda save the world, they must now change the course of humanity, using the same vehicle it was to be destroyed with, Hollywood. -
Jess’s Plot
What I learned doing this assignment is layering the three tracks together, and finding deeper meanings and potential ideas for improving the story.
Act 1:
Opening: Stella wins a class-action lawsuit — for the corporation being sued — destroying the lives of dozens of families.
Meanwhile, Stan rescues a baby from a burning building.
Inciting Incident:
Stella’s new assignment is to evict a widower and his kids in small-town Canada. She bargains for a partnership in her law firm.
Jealousy: Stella is jealous that Joe has someone to love, and she does not.
Jealousy: Stella is jealous that someone else is taking Joe away from her.Turning Point:
Stella arrives in Canada in time to be caught driving in freezing rain and crashing. Stan rescues Stella from freezing after her car accident.
Act 2:
Reaction:
Meet-Cute: Stella wakes up at Stan’s, having been feverish and dazed for five days. She realizes she’s in strange pajamas and freaks out.
Attraction: Stan dotes on Stella day & night.Her Initial Challenge: Stella knows that she must hide her reason for being in Queensborough.
His Initial Challenge: Stan, a single parent facing eviction, and recently bereft, doesn’t want to lay his troubles on a stranger.
The Plan: Donald insists that Stella stay with Stan and learn his weaknesses, to be used in court to evict him. Stan wants this beautiful guest to hang around a little longer.
Flirting: Stan says he has a beautiful tenant in his B&B.
Major conflict / Obstacle: Stan turns out to be the person Stella is there to evict for LotSmart.
Flirting: When Stan saves her from drowning, Stella kisses him. Repeatedly.
Self-Reflection: Stella begins to realize how friendly small towns can be, and how wonderful a family can be. She begins to doubt her winner-take-all existence and participates in community activities, bringing her ever closer to Stan. She even defends him against a LotSmart employee.
Flirting: They visit the lake and have an ice-cream fight.
Turning Point 2: Sandy gives Stella an ultimatum, and the time she needs to make a decision.
Act 3:
Denial: Stella runs off to see Joe. He tells her she’s in love with Stan.
Rethink: Stella learns that what Stan has told her about how corporations destroy small towns is true.
Forced Together: Donald hints that Stella should seduce Stan — which she wants to do.
Self-Reflection: Stella can’t keep herself from spending the weekend alone with him — and falling in love completely.
New Plan: Stella tries to convince Donald to offer to relocate Stan’s house rather than to demolish it.
Demonstrate the change: Stella tries to convince Donald to offer to relocate Stan’s house rather than to demolish it.
Betrayal: Stella goes to Atlanta hoping to save Stan’s house, but without his approval.
Acceptance and Growth: Donald convinces Stella that she’s fallen for this idyllic portrayal of rural life, and she goes to see Stan to prove to herself that it’s all been a pleasant dream — and falls for Stan all over again!
Hate: Stan finds out that Stella works for the Corporation and believes she is just pretending she loves him.
All Hope is Lost: Stella goes to warn Stan about Donald’s plan, but Stan has learned who she is and rejects her utterly.
Act 4:
Demonstrate the change: Instead of retreating into her business law cubby hole, Stella plots a new course on how to save Stan and the kids. She calls the Queen and convinces her to interdict against the eviction Stella herself was sent to Queensborough to prosecute.
Climax:
Stella, recalling what her assistant Doug said about about the British monarch “technically” owning all of the land in Canada, calls Buckingham Palace and enlists the aid of Queen Elizabeth! She saves Stan’s house and the town from the corporate giant!
Resolution: Love Happens: Reunion:
Stella returns to Stan’s, ready to beg him to take her back. He does, and they become engaged — and Stella uses her new home to practice “anti-corporate law”!!!
Demonstrate the change: Stan proposes to Stella.
Demonstrate the change: Stella becomes an anti-corporate attorney. -
Ruthie’s Plot
What I learned doing this assignment: Just put it all together step-by-step, your outline will automatically take shape.
Posting to mark complete, rather than adding a giant block of text here. Not sure how y’all are posting with spacing! -
Stuart’s Plot:
What I learned from this assignment is the importance of integrating three story tracks for a much stronger romantic comedy: the Bigger Story Structure, the 7 Stages of Love, and Her Journey/His Journey. These three passes helped me elevate the stakes within the story's world while deepening the individual transformational journeys of my two lovers as they find true love.Act 1:
Him – Initial State:
Julian is a risk-averse engineering student who believes he's in love with Remi. However, he has never fully given himself up to love, doing only what he believes is correct without truly making himself vulnerable. He engineers romantic relationships with dates and gifts—token obligations rather than authentic, vulnerable experiences. Professionally, he’s following the career path of his father as a marine engineer, but he has a hidden passion for art.Her – Initial State:
Angelina is a sophisticated, emotionally guarded professor from Venice. Her expertise is in Art and Romance. She is cynical about true love due to a past heartbreak. However, she is facing family pressures to marry and has two suitors, both well-respected in Venetian society, who are vying for her heart.Opening:
Julian works for his dad at a shipyard. He helps his dad with an innovative fix but needs to rush off for a date with Remi.Inciting Incident:
Julian's girlfriend, Remi, dumps him, claiming he doesn’t understand love. Remi shares that she’s studying abroad in France and wants to go with an untethered, open heart. Julian didn’t know she applied for Study Abroad! Julian’s determined to follow Remi to France.Him – Meet-Cute Moment:
Julian, frustrated after being dumped by Remi, goes for an intense early morning rowing session to figure out how to fix the breakup. He accidentally collides with Angelina, who is sketching in a small boat. They both fall into the water and angrily blame each other for the incident.Her – Meet-Cute Moment:
Angelina, enjoying a peaceful morning sketching in a small boat, receives a call from her mother in Venice, pressuring her and distracting her, contributing to the collision with Julian's rowing boat. They both fall into the water and angrily blame each other.Awkward discovery! Angelina is a guest lecturer for Julian’s Romance in Art seminar. She discovers Julian is a student and embarrasses him in class. A guest professor from Venice, Angelina, lectures about the imagery of water and love in art. She calls on Julian to interpret a painting, but he falters to see the imagery of love. She embarrasses him, noting that his name, Rossi, offers Italian heritage of romance—especially the romance of the gondolas that define her home city.
2. Attraction/Flirting:
At the university’s wine and cheese gala for Angelina, Julian has an accidental encounter with her. There’s attraction, but they maintain a professional distance: professor and student. He provides his interpretation of the painting—impressing her. She asks why he’s taking the seminar. He wants to find out what true love is, to accept the challenge from his ex. She remembers his name and asks whether he’s related to the famous Rossi family, the gondola builders, and gondolier trainers. Clearly, he has demonstrated weak skills at rowing—it's obvious he couldn’t be related to the great Rossi family. She suggests the way to know what love is to experience the world as a gondolier. Playful banter, laughter, their hands brush accidentally.
3. Denial:
Both hide the spark they feel from their encounter. She is the professor, and he is the student. And he’s also committed to Remi. Angelina has two suitors vying for her heart. Julian makes a final show of his love for Remi, and it’s humiliating—Remi’s with another guy. Julian’s investigation uncovers likely ties to the Venetian Rossis. His father doesn’t offer much—his grandfather had a falling out with them and immigrated to America. He wants to connect with his family.
4. Separation/Forced Together:
Distance initially keeps Julian and Angelina separated. But Julian takes a semester leave to get closer to Remi and take Angelina’s challenge: to become a gondolier to find out what romance and love are. He goes to Venice and trains as a gondolier (and connects with his family and water heritage) with the Rossi family.
Her – Initial Challenges:
Angelina's cynicism about true love and her guardedness create a barrier to connecting with Julian. She also holds a grudge from their water encounter. She maintains professionalism and class to demonstrate her power over him and keep their hearts distanced. In the university seminar, she is the visiting professor, he is the student. In Venice, she is upper-class Venetian and treats him as a lower-class apprentice gondolier, resisting her growing feelings.Him – Initial Challenges:
Julian accepts Angelina’s challenge to go to Venice and learn about love from the experiences of a gondolier. Julian is determined to win back Remi but has growing feelings for Angelina. Angelina sees him as a gondolier, a servant. Julian’s fear of vulnerability continues to hold him back, and he holds a grudge from their fiery meet-cute. Julian ingratiates himself with the Rossi family as a distant cousin and begins his training as a gondolier. His experience on the crew team helps him accelerate through the initial steps of training. He has repeated encounters with Angelina, but she is from higher society, and he is an apprentice gondolier. The class and privilege keep them separated.Turning Point:
He passes the initial test to become a Rossi trainee. He’s assigned to Francesco Rossi. He’s determined to become a gondolier (to win Remi’s heart) and to connect with his Italian roots (a member of the Rossi family).Act 2:
Angelina frequently uses gondolas and is particular about her gondolier, hiring Francesco Rossi, who is training Julian. Julian doesn’t want to be discovered by Angelina, and she doesn’t recognize him.
New Plan:
Francesco Rossi is aware of Julian’s pining over Angelina, who is seen as unattainable, especially by someone seen of lower class—a gondolier, and a gondolier-trainee at that. So Francesco convinces Julian to take on disguises to get closer to Angelina.Julian investigates his great-grandfather’s story—and the circumstances of his falling out with the family. This has been “forgotten” history—the Rossis have ripped his page from the family history. Julian’s investigation will elevate it and get him in trouble when Francesco outs him.
Plan in Action:
Julian struggles with the physical demands of gondoliering and navigating Venice's canals, while also uncovering the bitter rivalry between the Rossi and Bianchi families. He discovers the divide goes back several generations. As he gets closer to Angelina, he discovers that she has two suitors—upper-class, well-established Venetians.5. Working through Issues/Differences:
She treats Julian as a servant, a gondolier (in disguise). But he starts revealing insights that reveal an innocence of love that intrigues her—Angelina still protects her heart and follows family expectations to marry, and she has two suitors for her heart.
Midpoint Turning Point (Carnival):
During the two-week Carnival celebrations, Julian immerses himself in Venetian traditions and uses disguises to get close to Angelina, manipulated by Francesco. Angelina’s suitors also plan to propose to Angelina during the festivities. With Francesco’s scheming, Julian takes on disguises to get closer to Angelina, be accepted in her higher social circles, and disrupt the rivals’ plans. Julian is taking more risks, with the mask and costume. He’s realizing the deeper true love that he’s feeling for Angelina. During his training, he serves as a gondolier for Angelina and her suitor during a double date. In another disguise, Julian is mistaken for one of the suitors. This encounter sparks something in her—she feels something different—and commits to him, the suitor!Him – Major Conflict / Obstacle:
During the Carnival festival, Julian uses disguises to manipulate her suitors’ schemes to win her heart. But this leads to Angelina mistaking Julian for one of her suitors and using this to make her decision.Her – Major Conflict / Obstacle (continued):
Julian realizes the depth of the Rossi-Bianchi feud and uncovers further details about his great-grandfather’s reason for cutting himself off from the Rossis. He was in love with a member of the Bianchi family.Act 3:
Rethink Everything:
Julian has failed with Angelina because she’s beginning to commit herself to the suitor (who was actually Julian in disguise). Julian feels a need to reveal himself, but he knows she’ll reject him. Additionally, the family stakes help fuel Julian’s commitment to his Italian heritage and the craft of the gondola and gondolier.New Plan:
Julian commits to rigorous training and uses his engineering skills and fashion design passion to create an innovative gondola design and experience.6. Hate/Betrayal/All Hope is Lost:
Julian realizes his disguises and trickery have pushed Angelina to commit to the wrong suitor. He feels their love is true and reveals himself to Angelina. Enraged and betrayed by Julian’s trickery, Angelina ends any relationship with Julian, and she stops her connection to the Rossis for her gondola service.
Turning Point: Huge Failure / Major Shift:
Julian now needs to reveal himself, be authentic, and take a risk. He reveals himself, and Angelina is enraged that he deceived her. Broken-hearted, Julian needs to find a way to win her heart.Him – Self-Reflection:
Separated from Angelina, Julian focuses on the testing for his gondolier certification. But his cousin outs him as an imposter. This forces Julian to reflect on his actions and realize that his fear of vulnerability and need for validation have kept him from being authentic—he recognizes a need to fully open up, expose himself, and experience true love. His cousin, Francesco Rossi, outs Julian as representing the “rot” of the family that needs to be removed. Francesco manipulates Julian’s qualification round for gondolier testing, and Julian fails miserably. A humiliating blow. Recognizing what his great-grandfather may have felt, Julian leaves the Rossi family.Him – Acceptance and Growth:
Julian accepts that he must be vulnerable and genuine to achieve a meaningful connection. He sets up an encounter with Angelina to show his heart, but she rebuffs him. Remi visits him from Paris—she’s been following his gondolier training on social media and wants him back. She pushes him to complete his gondolier training without the Rossi sponsorship.Her – Self-Reflection:
When Julian reveals his deception, Angelina feels betrayed and ends their relationship. This conflict forces her to confront her fear of being hurt again and her belief that true love is unattainable. Separated from Julian, Angelina reflects on her past heartbreak and realizes that her cynicism, fear, and biases have prevented her from opening up to new possibilities.Her – Acceptance and Growth:
Angelina accepts that she must let go of her past hurt and be open to vulnerability. She begins to see the value in risking her heart for genuine love and starts to soften her guardedness. She rejects Julian’s authentic declaration and his invitation to attend the gondola competition. Her grandmother reveals a dark secret about finding true love a second time, prompting Angelina to reconsider her beliefs. She attends the gondola competition in disguise.Act 4:
His – Demonstrate the Change:
Julian demonstrates his change during the gondolier competition at Festa della Sensa. His performance showcases his authentic self, displaying skill, passion, and artistry (in love and marine engineering).Climax/Ultimate Expression of the Conflict (Festa della Sensa):
Julian channels his authentic heart and enters the gondolier competition during Festa della Sensa as an unexpected participant. He’s facing the top trainees representing each of the gondola families, including the fierce rival Marco Bianchi.Her – Demonstrate the Change:
Julian initially falters in the competition, but Angelina accidentally drops her disguise—enough to catch Julian’s eyes. This prompts him to reveal his authentic self. Angelina supports Julian’s performance, recognizing his genuine skill and heartfelt passion. Julian delivers the ultimate romantic experience with skill, prowess, and romantic heart… Remi believes it is for her, and Angelina leaves.Resolution:
Julian wins the competition, earns the respect of both families, and brokers a level of peace between the families. Julian commits to Remi, but he’s heartbroken for another—Angelina. Remi wants to return to the U.S., but Julian has found a new life in Venice.7. Love Happens:
Angelina commits to her suitor, and on their wedding night, she has hired Marco Bianchi to escort her, the bride, to the event and the married couple from their wedding—Marco gives the position to Julian.
His – Reunion:
Angelina discovers the switch on the way when she asks for romantic songs to carry her to her wedding. Conflict ensues, and Angelina commits to the wedding plans. From the gondola, Julian watches the romantic wedding ceremony on the water. Angelina can’t complete the ceremony and storms Julian’s gondola, irate that he’s ruined her wedding.Her – Reunion:
He wins her heart with his vulnerability and authentic actions. They kiss on his gondola and almost fall into the canal. What the hell—Angelina pulls him into the water. She welcomes true love.-
This reply was modified 8 months, 4 weeks ago by Stuart Voytilla.
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This reply was modified 8 months, 4 weeks ago by Stuart Voytilla.
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This reply was modified 8 months, 4 weeks ago by
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I learned a unique way of structuring a Rom-Com by creating an outline and expanding it to include the essentials of a Rom-Com.
Lesson 6 – Putting it all Together
I learned that by using all three plot tracks together can create a structure and outline for the Rom-Com screenplay.
Act 1:
Setup
Opening: Count Dracul sits with his assistants Renfield and Boris at his 500th birthday party at his castle.
His Initial State: When no one shows up to celebrate he decides to self-exile himself for 100 years because he feels irrelevant.
Her Initial State: Sophia is on the set of a zombie movie as her ex-boyfriend Chris fumbles his way through a scene as a zombie. His attempts to impress her fall flat as she is more concerned about the set itself and her career than with Chris.
She tells him about a new job she has as set designer for a major play. She shows Chris the unique rotating set she is designing as she stares at a picture of Dracula. Chris goes to his talent agent, Ron Fielder, for more information.
Inciting Incident: Renfield, and Boris are now in New York running a talent agency for actors when they receive a certified letter addressed to Count Dracul. It is an invitation to audition for the role of Count Dracula in a play called, “Dracula Lives”. They awaken Count Dracul.
Chris discovering the news about the play and a potential opportunity to obtain a speaking role. Chris believes he will gain relevance as an actor and rekindle his relationship with Sophia if he can get the lead role as Dracula.
Turning Point: Count Dracul decides to audition. Chris decides to sabotage the other actors’ auditions for the role he desires. Sophia places the picture of Dracula above her workstation.Act 2:
New Plan: Dracul heads to New York for the audition. (He thinks he is still in his castle in Transylvania.)
Plan in Action: Renfield, now calling himself Ron Fielder and Boris who goes by Bo pretend to transport him in his coffin to New York for the audition.) He watches the others audition and wins the part with his dramatic entrance.
Meet-Cute: Count Dracul sweeps Sophia off her feet and flies up to the top of her set piece with her in his arms.
Him: His gaze into her eyes is meant to hypnotize her but has no effect.
Her: Sophia finds him a bit much as he is flamboyant and somewhat conceited.
Flirting: Count Dracul raises his eyebrows in an attempt to seduce her with his trademark move.
Her: She is not fooled but amused by his continued attempts to place her in his control.
Him: Perplexed by Sophia’s strength of character and not falling for him.
Her Initial Challenge: She tells him she likes that he presented an excellent audition as Dracula down to his egotistical attitude along with his suave act but insists he is no vampire.
His Initial Challenge: No woman has ever resisted his attempts to hypnotize and seduce them. He is confused by her reaction and feels more irrelevant than when he auditioned.
Denial: Count Dracul believes its due to his temporary exile and his powers of control will return.
Count Dracul wins the role as Dracula as the producer is convinced Count Dracul is perfect for the part. Everyone is congratulatory except Sophia. Chris is offered the part as the Judas vampire who hands the vampire killing stake to Van Helsing in the play.
Attraction/Flirting: Count Dracul compliments Sophia on her design of the castle and village that are part of her set pieces and how it rotates for easy transitions between acts. They make small talk until Chris interrupts them.
Midpoint Turning Point: A disgruntled zombie actor, Chris, who is sabotaging the other auditions for the role decides to investigate Count Dracul and locates his coffin and accoutrements in the basement of the theatre where the play will take place. He is convinced Count Dracul is a method actor who excels at magic with mirrors. Chris agrees to help him with the part in exchange for teaching him the tricks he used in the audition.Act 3:
Rethink Everything
New Plan: Count Dracul is enjoying his newfound fame when the producer decides his accent is too off-putting for modern audiences and wants him to change his speech.
Major Conflict/Obstacle: Chris suggests using Sophia, the set designer who was his old voice coach knowing she is a tough teacher and will upset Count Dracul.
Chris has been a friend to Count Dracul the whole-time offering advice on how to gain Sophia’s trust and get her to like him. The advice is always bad but somehow Count Dracul misinterprets his meaning and gets Sophia to laugh and open up more.
Attraction/Flirting: Count Dracul continues to try to charm Sophia as she starts coaching Count Dracul. At first, she is sweet and endearing to him in an effort to see if that encourages him to change his speech.
Denial: When that fails, she runs roughshod over him in her training using all of the tools of speech pathology and diction at her disposal. They are now at each other’s throats, literally.
Chris stops by one of their sessions to find them fighting and arguing about the lessons. Count Dracul insists he has no interest in what the precipitation is in Spain while Sophia is almost in tears.
Chris is still determined to rid himself of Count Dracul and finds out from the actor playing Van Helsing that Chris can weaken Count Dracul with religious items and food that is part of his heritage. He mistakenly believes Count Dracul is Jewish based on seeing a Jewish star in Count Dracul’s basement lair, presents a prayer shawl, talis, and chicken soup for them to eat.
Separation/Forced Together: Count Dracul complains to Ron Fielder and Bo that his speech classes are terrible, and he is not convinced he can change his speech.
Not wanting to go back to Transylvania Ron and Bo convince Count Dracul to give it one more attempt.
Working Through issues/Differences: Chris tries to make it worse by putting on an AC/DC album to ‘calm’ everyone down. When the song, “If You Want Blood” plays, Count Dracul and Sophia in a call-and-response technique. When Count Dracul sings, “If you want blood,” Sophia responds, “you got it!”
Chris leaves in frustration as Count Dracul and Sophia dance and sing the night away. They make love that night but Count Dracul leaves before dawn.
Turning Point: Huge Failure/Major Shift: Count Dracul after believing Sophia is in love with him sees her getting chummy with the producer, Jerry.
Hate/Betrayal/All Hope is Lost: Count Dracul discovers the fake stake prop that will be used to ‘kill’ him on stage has been replaced by a real Vampire-killing stake stolen from the Hollywood Museum. He blames Sophia who scheduled a rehearsal of the death scene. He is so incensed he changes into a demon in Ron and Bo’s office and plots his revenge.Act 4:
Climax/Ultimate Expression of Conflict: Count Dracul has Ron Fielder replace all the extras from the play with his ‘family’ of undead and vampires. They will attack and kill everyone else associated with the play at the rehearsal which is open for family and friends of the original cast. Ron Fielder even has the ushers and concession stand employees replaced with Count Dracul’s clan.
Self-Reflection: Count Dracul and Sophia confront each other on stage during the rehearsal.
Her: She gazes into his eyes and raises her eyebrows copying Count Dracul’s earlier moves. A wry smile on her face.
Him: He laughs and reaches for her hand.
Love Happens: Count Dracul cannot kill Sophia and instead they confess their love for each other on stage. He explains he could not bite her because she represents all that he has lost. Her humanity, her warmth, her light that shines through her that he has missed for centuries.Acceptance and Growth: He lets her leave but unleashes the vampires on Van Helsing and his family. It was Van Helsing who set up the entire play in an attempt to draw Count Dracul out of his self-imposed exile to kill him.
Acceptance and Growth 2: Count Dracul lets Chris go because he is the friend who helped him throughout the process and tells Chris his family of the undead are Chris’s biggest fans. He hands Chris one of his capes as a parting gift.
Resolution: The horde of vampires attack the audience who are all Van Helsing family members as the theatre burns to the ground.
Chris finds new satisfaction with continuing to be a top zombie/undead actor.
Sophia returns to London to reopen her speech school for actors.
Demonstrate the Change: Count Dracul follows her to London saving her from two thugs who try to attack her along the Thames River.
Reunion: They embrace and decide to give their love the chance to flourish. She asks him if they make the coffin that is carried by Ron and Bo in a double-wide model. -
Dean's Plot
What I learned from this assignment is to combine the trifecta of the different elements we have into one coherent story TRI-umphantly. ;oP
Act 1: The Beginning of the Journey
Opening (Story Breakdown):
Initial State (Sophie’s Transformational Journey):
Sophie Taylor is a talented actress frustrated with her career, feeling stuck in a cycle of mediocre romantic comedies. She’s professional but cynical about romance, both on-screen and off.
Initial State (Ethan’s Transformational Journey):
Ethan Blake is a once-famous actor now struggling to find meaningful roles. He is charming on-screen but jaded and cynical off-screen, taking the role in the romantic comedy purely for financial reasons.
Meet-Cute (7 Stages of Love):
On their first day on set, Ethan and Sophie are introduced and exchange forced pleasantries. They are filming their first scene together in a quaint fishing village during Arbor Day. Ethan, trying to impress the crew, clumsily falls into the water while attempting to reel in a fish. Sophie can’t help but laugh, and they share a moment of genuine amusement despite their initial animosity.
Inciting Incident (Story Breakdown):
Ethan and Sophie both reluctantly accepted their roles for different reasons. As they rehearse more scenes together, they start to share inside jokes and playful banter. During a break, they find themselves sitting by the dock, talking about their favorite movies and past roles.
Attraction/Flirting (7 Stages of Love):
Despite their growing attraction, both Ethan and Sophie refuse to acknowledge their feelings. They convince themselves that any chemistry they have is purely for the movie. They continue to bicker off-camera, maintaining a facade of disinterest.
Turning Point (Story Breakdown):
Ethan and Sophie have an argument that gets way out of hand, resulting in a small fire on set (perhaps caused by a mishap with the lighting equipment during a night fishing scene). The fire is quickly extinguished, but the damage is done. Furious, Max fires Ethan on the spot.
Separation/Forced Together (7 Stages of Love):
Sophie, however, stands up for Ethan, declaring that if he’s fired, she’ll leave too. Max, not wanting to lose his lead actress, reluctantly gives them both one more chance after they both beg and promise to behave. Now, forced to spend even more time together, Ethan and Sophie decide to put aside their differences and focus on making the movie a success.
Act 2: The Connection Deepens
New Plan (Story Breakdown):
Determined to make the best of their situation, Ethan and Sophie decide to put aside their differences and focus on making the movie a success. They work together to improve their on-screen chemistry and start rehearsing their scenes more diligently.
Working Through Issues/Differences (7 Stages of Love):
As they spend more time together, Ethan and Sophie start to share personal stories. During a particularly challenging scene set by the lake, Ethan asks Sophie which experiences in her life she drew upon to portray an emotional scene so vividly. Sophie opens up about losing a close friend in a car crash. In turn, when she asks Ethan the same question, he shares about losing his wife to cancer. This moment of vulnerability marks the beginning of a shift in their relationship, as they start to see each other in a new light, and their off-screen relationship begins to soften.
Plan in Action (Story Breakdown):
Their improved on-screen chemistry catches the attention of the crew and the marketing team. The marketing team seizes on Ethan and Sophie’s apparent off-screen romance to promote the movie. Their supposed real-life love story becomes a media sensation, blurring the lines between reality and fiction even further.
Midpoint Turning Point (Story Breakdown):
After the movie hits number one at the box office, Ethan tells Sophie that her acting was phenomenal and very convincing, but he was referring to their off-screen “romance” used for marketing. Sophie, thinking their connection was real, feels deeply betrayed and storms off in tears.
Act 3: The Conflict and Growth
Rethink Everything (Story Breakdown):
After the movie hits number one at the box office, Ethan tells Sophie that her acting was phenomenal and very convincing, but he was referring to their off-screen “romance” used for marketing. Sophie, thinking their connection was real, feels deeply betrayed and storms off in tears.
Hate/Betrayal/All Hope is Lost (7 Stages of Love):
Sophie, devastated by the realization that Ethan thought their off-screen connection was just an act, walks away in tears.
Major Conflict/Obstacle (Sophie’s Transformational Journey):
After the movie becomes a hit, Ethan’s comment about their “fake” romance for marketing purposes devastates Sophie, who had started to develop real feelings. She feels betrayed and walks away in tears.
Major Conflict/Obstacle (Ethan’s Transformational Journey):
Ethan’s comment about their “fake” romance for marketing purposes leads Sophie to believe he never had genuine feelings for her. This misunderstanding causes a painful rift between them.
Self-Reflection (Sophie’s Transformational Journey):
Sophie reflects on her feelings and realizes she had been too guarded, letting her frustrations with her career prevent her from seeing the genuine connection she had with Ethan.
Self-Reflection (Ethan’s Transformational Journey):
Ethan realizes that he had been hiding his true feelings out of fear and insecurity. He reflects on his past losses and understands that he has been using cynicism as a shield.
New Plan (Story Breakdown):
Gwen, the screenwriter, overhears the entire conversation and tells Ethan that Sophie genuinely loves him. Ethan, now realizing his mistake, asks Gwen if she can write a way for him to win Sophie back. Gwen, initially offended by his earlier comment, reluctantly agrees to help.
Acceptance and Growth (Sophie’s Transformational Journey):
Sophie decides to give love a chance despite her fears and frustrations. She opens her heart to the possibility that Ethan’s feelings might be genuine.
Acceptance and Growth (Ethan’s Transformational Journey):
Ethan decides to be honest and vulnerable about his feelings. He understands that he needs to show Sophie his true self and earn her trust.
Turning Point: Huge Failure / Major Shift (Story Breakdown):
Ethan, following Gwen’s advice, makes a grand romantic gesture on set, recreating the cheesiest scene from their movie but adding his sincere feelings. However, Sophie is initially too hurt to accept his apology and walks away, leaving Ethan devastated.
Act 4: The Resolution
Climax/Ultimate Expression of the Conflict (Story Breakdown):
Ethan doesn’t give up. He plans one final, heartfelt gesture. He organizes a special event at the fishing village where the movie was filmed, inviting the entire cast and crew. He gives a heartfelt speech, confessing his true feelings for Sophie and acknowledging his mistake.
Demonstrate the Change (Sophie’s Transformational Journey):
When Ethan makes his grand romantic gesture at the fishing village, Sophie listens to him with an open heart. She recognizes his sincerity and forgives him.
Demonstrate the Change (Ethan’s Transformational Journey):
Ethan organizes a special event at the fishing village, recreating a scene from their movie with genuine, heartfelt additions. He publicly confesses his love for Sophie and acknowledges his mistakes.
Love Happens (7 Stages of Love):
Sophie and Ethan reunite, acknowledging their growth and the genuine connection they’ve developed. They share a heartfelt kiss, united by their mutual growth and newfound love.
Reunion (Sophie’s Transformational Journey):
Sophie and Ethan reunite, acknowledging their growth and the genuine connection they’ve developed. They embrace, ready to face the future together both on and off-screen.
Reunion (Ethan’s Transformational Journey):
Sophie, moved by Ethan’s persistence and genuine apology, forgives him. They share a heartfelt kiss, united by their mutual growth and newfound love.
Resolution (Story Breakdown):
Sophie, moved by Ethan’s persistence and genuine apology, forgives him. They share a heartfelt kiss, this time knowing their love is real. The scene fades as they hold hands, surrounded by the supportive cast and crew.
Closing Shot (Story Breakdown):
The camera pans out, showing the bustling movie set with crew members and extras preparing for the next scene of their new movie together, a cheesy romantic comedy about a bakery about to go bankrupt on Flag Day. Ethan and Sophie, now a real-life couple, are at the center, smiling and happy. They exchange a look of genuine affection, and the scene fades to black with the sound of a clapperboard signaling the start of another take.
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This reply was modified 8 months, 3 weeks ago by Dean Burkey.
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This reply was modified 8 months, 3 weeks ago by
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Pat's Plot
What I learned is that having an imperfect and incomplete plot beats the hell out of having no plot at all!ACT I
Opening: Dressed in a clown suit, Jaki is supposed to give a special performance to welcome Mitch’s father as the new resident – this being a part of her volunteer work at the home.
Jaki notices Mitch’s expensive car, but her sites at this time are on his dad, who she hopes to bilk out of some money.Inciting Incident: Jaki starts a sexy dance and teases she’s about to do a strip, which Mitch and the other residents find delightful.
Jaki takes Mitch’s dad to buy some ice cream. When Mitch joins them, Jaki discovers they have the same sense of humor. Her plan to use his dad for money starts to fade due genuinely enjoying his company.
Mitch hears rumors at the assisted living home that Jaki is a gold digger, as his ex-wife was. He becomes wary of her.
Jaki when Mitch turns a cold shoulder to her and for revenge she ups her flirtation with his dad.
Turning Point: Jaki sees Mitch at the strip club where she bartends and learns that he’s interested in buying the place, something she also planned to do.
ACT 2
New Plan: Mitch catches Jaki rifling through his dad’s belonging and won’t listen to her explanation at to why. She’s just trying to help him find his vintage Rolex which he misplaced.Plan in Action: Mitch tells the home’s director of his suspicions that Jaki may have stolen the watch and she is banned from her volunteer duties. However, Mitch’s dad helps her find a work-around, which causes Mitch to suspect Jaki is playing his dad for the money that she thinks he has.
Midpoint Turning Point: Mitch’s dad helps Jaki find a work-around so she can continue her activities at the home, causing Mitch to believe Jaki will do anything to get her hands on Dad’s money.ACT 3
Rethink everything: Jaki puts her house up for sale in an attempt to get the downpayment for the strip club, but discovers she will barely make a profit after the mortgage is paid. She confronts Mitch, accusing him of ruining her life.Mitch arrives at the strip club when it’s closed and is surprised to find Jaki in the kitchen, making a meal for homeless folks in the neighborhood.
Jaki learns that Mitch works at a food bank in the neighborhood, but she can’t stop being angry with him for thinking she stole Dad’s watch.
New Plan: Mitch’s dad has a stroke, he’s downtrodden and miserable. Mitch tells him that he’ll do whatever is possible to make Dad requests a visit from Jaki, because she makes him laugh.
When Mitch calls Jaki to ask her to visit his dad she insists that he apologize for the watch accusation first. Mitch accuses her of being selfish.
Turning Point: Huge Failure/ Major shift: Jaki overhears Mitch tell his Dad that she showed interest because she wanted to bilk him out of his money.
Hurt by the accusation, Jaki confronts Mitch in front of his dad, and Dad appears to have another stroke. They are both told to leave Dad’s room while he’s attended to.
ACT 4
Climax/Ultimate expression of the climax: Mitch finds his dad’s vintage Rolex and feels like a fool for accusing Jaki of stealing it.Mitch arrives at the home to give dad his watch only to learn that Dad fakes the stroke, hoping it would bring Mitch and Jaki together due to concern over him. And Jaki will be there with Dad.
Jaki’s house is sold, but she then learns that Mitch has purchased the strip club. She believes that she is out of a job and homeless.Mitch arrives at the strip club to find Jaki making what she thinks will be her final meal for the homeless.
Mitch tells Jaki that his plan all along is to use the building for a recreation center for disadvantaged folks in the neighborhood, and he asks Jaki if she’d consider being the center’s supervisor.
Mitch sticks around to help Jaki and the homeless folks clean up after the meal.
Resolution: Mitch tells Jaki that he bought her house, and presents her with the deed.
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This reply was modified 8 months, 3 weeks ago by Pat Fitzgerald.
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This reply was modified 8 months, 3 weeks ago by
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Joy Geldard-Smith’s Plot
What I learned doing this assignment is… although I need to deepen my characters and amend the plot, I do have a first draft of a plot for my movie, which was fairly painless because I’d taken most of the decisions before. It will definitely change, but for now, I’m going to keep moving forward because I’m really behind in the classes, and I want to keep learning and improve this concept.
Act 1:
Opening: Introduces Stella’s mission (via the inside of the ice cream stand) and Crispin as a reporter.
Her initial state: A lone US Marshall, focussed only on her career and catching the bad guys.
His initial state: Also very focussed on work. Struggling to look after his niece.Meet-Cute: They meet when Stella is just getting set up with her surveillance van. Crispin’s niece drops an ice cream she bought and is distraught. Stella gives her another one. They both see each other as being caring and good with children.
Her Meet-Cute moment: Takes pity on what she assumes is a Dad out of his depth, and gives a small child an ice cream to stop them from crying. It’s part of her cover, and it’s Christmas, after all. Stella has been watching the same Santa as the kid.
His Meet-Cute moment: Can’t calm down his niece after she drops her ice cream, distracted by Santa, and is rescued by Stella, who gives her a new one.Inciting Incident: Her ice cream truck breaks down in front of his car. He reluctantly helps her and they discover they’re going to the same place (he is tailed by the ice cream truck!) as he received a tip about a robbery due to take place.
Attraction/Flirting: After they both head to the same crime scene, they pretend that they’re together, shopping for their child to get access to the store?
Her initial challenges: Keeping her undercover identity secret – taking work too seriously and lying to Crispin despite feeling attracted to him. Law enforcement don’t trust the press.
His initial challenges: He feels that there’s something not right with Stella. When he’s late to a scoop because her ice cream truck broke down and parked him in, he dislikes her.Turning Point: After more coincidental meetings, he confronts her in her ice cream truck and says she’s no ice cream seller. She says she is, but has to tell her team he’s on to her.
Act 2:
New plan: stay out of each other’s way
Denial: They clash over intelligence and crime scenes and keep arriving at the same place. “Not you again”.Her Major conflict / Obstacle: She’s trying to bust a major crime ring and this local reporter keeps showing up.
His Major conflict / Obstacle: He’s trying to get the scoop of his career, and this ice cream seller keeps showing up at all the crime scenes.Plan in action: See each other everywhere they go – wholesalers, crime scenes, everything.
Midpoint Turning Point: Crispin makes a bust – it’s Stella! She confesses she is an undercover Marshall and shares her info with him.
Separation/Forced Together: as above.Act 3:
Rethink everything – they reluctantly work together to try and find the right Santa (the criminal). Stella is unconvinced of his non-law enforcement investigative skills, and Crispin thinks all cops are rubbish/undercover means liar.Her Self-Reflection: If she wants to get the criminal, she has to trust Crispin.
His Self-Reflection: Maybe not all law enforcement personnel are liars and cheat, and they can work together.New plan – they realise they’re stronger together, and Crispin plants a piece in the paper about where the hottest new toy is going to be stocked. It’s a trap for Santa and his law enforcement friends.
Working through Issues/Differences – They are put in a situation where they have to trust each other to help the investigation.
Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift – lots of parents show up, trying to buy the toy, the parents get a bit antsy, a bit of disorder/argy bargy (not a riot!) and the cops step in. Now Santa knows that the cops are onto him!
Her Acceptance and Growth: Stella realises she needs some roots after all, as she faces Christmas alone, staking out a criminal in an ice cream van.Act 4:
Demonstrate the change: They trust each other enough to set up a sting, without their superior’s permission, and face the consequences together, as a team.Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict: they are chastised by their superiors, and have to work as part of larger teams, and with each other, to make sure they catch Santa.
His Acceptance and Growth: Crispin wants a little more adventure in his life, and this US Marshall has certainly provided it so far.
Hate/Betrayal/All Hope is Lost: Santa and his gang now know that they’re onto him. They both get in trouble with their agencies for arranging the unsanctioned sting. How will they catch Santa now?
Resolution: They catch Santa, distribute the must have toys to every kid in Monterey, and get together.
Reunion: They work together through Christmas Eve to ensure each child wakes up to a toy on Christmas morning.
Love Happens: They work as part of a team, realise how well they work when they’re together, and catch Santa. Then distribute a toy to every kid in Monterey.
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This reply was modified 8 months, 3 weeks ago by Joy Smith.
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This reply was modified 8 months, 3 weeks ago by
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Luc’s plot.
What I learned doing this assignment is how much it feels great having a full plot worked out, even if it doesn't stop evolving. It is there, so you can change things, even major things, you'll get back on your feet since you know where you're going, having asked yourself the right questions.Act 1:
⁃ Opening
Meet Alph-O: 30 year old wannabe famous rap singer making cheap glossy videos with is friends and attending to open mics. Meet Marguerite: 70 year old Marguerite watches on her smartphone a video where she is seen playing the wrong violin solo opening in front of a mesmerised audience, a panicked orchestra and an awe stricken conductor, who stops her, giving the lead to another violinist. Title of the video: « Alzheimer’s lead violin in action ».
⁃ Meet Cute:
Alph-O is excited about the recognition his last video got on social media. Looking at comments on his smartphone he sees a video of a high-school girl rock band making fun of his video.
⁃ 17 year old Lilly and her girl rock band watch Alph-O’s reply video on their smartphone.
⁃ This ignites a rap battle banter between them on social media, ending in a real date where Lilly brings her grand-mother. Alph-O and Marguerite click, while Lilly says she’s lesbian.• Inciting Incidents:
Alph-O is visited by a label executive on the set of his new musical video. Wanting to show off, he plans a spectacular shot, against the advice of his crew, who thinks it is too dangerous. Alph-O does the shot anyway and gets into a dreadful accident.Argument between Marguerite and the conductor, who happens to be her husband. She resents that he gave the lead to someone else instead of just correcting her. Her husband wants her out of the orchestra. Marguerite writes a letter, puts it in her pocket and commits suicide. She is caught in the act by Lilly, who takes her to the hospital, driving frantically. They have a terrible accident.
• Turning Points:
Alph-O has an NDE (near death experience) in ICU (intensive care unit), where he can see from above the medical team trying to resuscitate him. For some obscure reason Alph-O is still holding on to the guitar he was playing when his accident occurred. Alph-O’s condition is stabilised, but he can’t be taken out of his coma. His friends visit him in hospital, taking shots of him with their smartphone. He is furious and doesn’t want them to do that, but can’t tell them.Act 2:
• New plan
Alph-O discovers he is not alone in this alternate world. He is sharing it with other patients going through their own NDE. In the real world, the video of Alph-O’s, featuring his real accident, edited with the shots his friends made in ICU gets viral. Because of this, all his songs get immediate popularity.
• Attraction/Flirting
Alph-O meets Lilly in limbo, who also stands between life and death in a coma. They immediately banter back to where they left when they first met. Lilly is shocked that Alph-O’s isn’t mad at his label for putting his unfinished track online. Alph-O takes her reaction as proof of her immaturity.
• Plan in action
Alph-O uses his guitar to work on new songs about his NDE experience. Lilly makes fun of him. Alph-O confronts her attitude: if she’s such a smart girl, why doesn’t she show him something of her own making? She gives him her own interpretation of his song. Doing so, they realise that a student on the medical team can hear them play.• Forced together:
People in limbo want them to deliver messages to their relatives, friends and most of all to the health care team, through the student. It’s hard: the student is crushed by the responsibility of taking their case to their family, friends and doctors. And when he finally does, he’s not taken seriously. Which is not surprising, since everyone on the team has already a bad opinion about him, being the worst student of the lot.
• Trying to solve the problem, Alph-O and Lilly have a great collaboration, where they can share their deepest feelings. They both resent getting short of opportunities as they grow older. Both resist bringing their relationship to a sexual level. Alph-O sees Lilly as too young, and it looks like Lilly is a lesbian fighting her attraction for a guy. Until they finally do.
• Midpoint Turning Point:
Lilly wakes up from her coma. But for some obscure reason she can still be seen in limbo, as if the Lilly in the real world and the Lilly in limbo were two different persons. Alph-O discovers that Lilly in limbo is not Lilly. She never was. She is Lilly’s grandmother Marguerite, who looked just like Lilly at the same age, and who has been given back her young body in limbo. Feeling betrayed and lied to, Alph-O breaks up with LimboLilly (Marguerite).Act 3:
• Rethink everything:
Alph-O works on new songs and shows signs of recovery from his injuries (planting seed for his awakening). LimboLilly goes into some sort of depression, breaking her connection with the student and deteriorating her condition in the ordinary world. The others urge Alph-O to connect with the student, but without LimboLilly it doesn’t work.
• New plan:
Under pressure from patients in limbo, Alph-O and LimboLilly start singing together again, but only for the sake of the connection. It’s harder than before because a new doctor gets in charge of the unit and doesn’t believe in limbo and its connection with the student. The fight brings Alph-O and LimboLilly back together.• Turning Point:
Huge failure / Major shift Alph-O wakes up unexpectedly, remembering nothing from limbo. He goes back to his old life, working on his album again.
Also, the student’s apprenticeship ends, breaking the connection for good.
Marguerite’s condition deteriorates to the point that the medical team and her family consider disconnecting her to let her die in peace.Act 4:
• Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict:
Working on his music makes Alph-O remember everything from limbo. He goes back to Marguerite’s room, seeing her as she is in real life: an old woman dying in hospital. He stumbles on the student who sings him a message from LimboLilly, urging him to leave her to her fate and live his own life. Which he does, leaving the room. Alph-O bumps into the real Lilly during a rap event, who tells him her grandmother is about to be disconnected from life support. Seeing her makes him realise how different she is from the LimboLilly he knows, and how big a mistake he’s doing leaving her to her fate.
• Resolution:
A team of doctors, students and nurses meet with Marguerite’s family in her room. As they disconnect her from life support, Alph-O bursts into the room, declaring his love in front of everyone. Against all odds, Marguerite wakes up. She doesn’t recognise Alph-O and has no memory of limbo. Alph-O declares his love again, in front of an old bewildered senile woman, but it doesn’t alter his vow. Seeing this, Marguerite reverts to her real self, as it was just an act to test Alph-O’s resolution. A new life starts for them, where they do concerts, together with Lilly’s band (the real Lilly) and where they deal with Marguerite’s growing Alzheimer too.-
This reply was modified 8 months, 3 weeks ago by Luc Pagès.
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This reply was modified 8 months, 3 weeks ago by Luc Pagès.
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This reply was modified 8 months, 3 weeks ago by
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Avi Kapurala's Plot
What I learned doing this assignment is: I need to not keep wanting to fill in all the blanks right away. Trust the process.
Act 1: 25 to 30 pages — Set up and see Old Ways.
• Opening – Daniel Walker, a successful, good-looking, wealthy novelist who likes superficial relationships he can break off without committing. He’s at a party/with his mom. Ashley is beautiful, charismatic and a super spy who hates relationships. She’s being pursued by militia members after a mission goes awry. Escapes safely.
Her initial state: In a mission, being pursued by terrorists.
His initial state: In a meeting with his publisher, about a book tour stop in Dubai.
Meet-Cute: Ashley stuns Daniel at a hotel pool in Dubai.
Him: He tries to seduce her.
Her: She brushes him off brusquely.
Inciting Incident: The oil billionaire who was her ticket to the party her target is throwing, dies of a sudden heart attack.
Him: He’s trying really hard to impress her.
Her: She’s informed by HQ that Daniel is going to the same party, so she must seduce him now, to get an invite.
Attraction/Flirting – Ashley drops by his room with the excuse of inviting him to dinner to make up for her rude behavior. She flirts with him, but he’s pissed and resists.
Her: Finally, as a last resort, she kisses him!
Him: He ends up inviting her to the mega-exclusive party he’s going to.
They go to the party, where Ashley assassinates the arms dealer. In the ensuing chaos, she sticks to Daniel as her cover and manages to evade suspicion.
Attraction/Flirting – Daniel flirts with her to get her to sleep with him.
Him: Buys them expensive champagne and tries to ‘comfort’ her.
Her: Dodges him and leaves.
She discovers that her room has been broken into. For safety, she goes back to Daniel. She sleeps with him in order to stay in his room that night.
Initial challenges Ashley: She’s surprised by the way Daniel opened up to her after they slept together, and feels attracted to him.
She has to leave him in the middle of the night to make her escape.
Initial challenges Daniel: he finds himself totally out of his league. For the first time, he’s been left hanging by a stunning woman, and has no idea how to deal with the rejection; he likes her on a deeper level than his usual women and is at a loss on how to process his feelings.
Denial Daniel: He consoles himself by thinking of her as a bitch and he would have dumped her anyway.
Denial Ashley: She convinces herself that he probably lies all the time to sleep with women.
Daniel returns to NYC and receives an invite from a mysterious admirer to visit his private island and yacht. The ‘admirer’ is a top assassin, whose mission was to kill the arms dealer in Dubai that Ashley killed instead. From CCTV footage, he identified Daniel as her lover and wants to use him for revenge. The assassin flatters Daniel and asks him how he would plot the assassination of a top global figure. An unsuspecting Daniel comes up with a plot.
After Daniel leaves and lands in the US, he is arrested from home by Homeland Security for assassinating the same top global figure! No one believes his claims he was framed – there is evidence. He’s transported to a black-bag prison.
• Turning Point – Ashley breaks him out of custody as he’s being transported!
Act 2: 20 to 30 pages — Challenge the Old Ways.
• Reaction – Daniel and Ashley are now on the run, being hunted by global agencies.
Ashley was sent by her boss to protect Daniel, who’s convinced that Daniel is being used as a decoy to mask the identity of the real killer. Her mission is to keep him alive, thereby forcing the real assassin to come after them to silence Daniel and protect himself.
She sneaks him out of the US on a private plane to Europe and takes him to a safe house in London, but the safe house is blown. They flee to Amsterdam, Brussels and Italy, but keep being pursued.
Separation/Forced Together – They are forced to work together to survive the manhunt.
Major conflict / Obstacle Daniel: Suddenly, Daniel is thrown together with Ashley again, in a situation where his life and safety depend on her. He tries to charm her and get to know her better despite their circumstances, but she resists his advances. He’s more bitter than ever.
Major conflict / Obstacle Ashley : Unexpectedly, Ashley is assigned to protect/shepherd Daniel. Their time together proves tricky as they keep bickering. He’s bitter and it turns her off even more.
Plan in action – They fail to draw out the real assassin.• Midpoint Turning Point – Ashley’s boss, the only man who knows that Ashley is on a mission, is killed. Someone else is aware of their plan and is trying to sabotage it! Bounties are placed on Ashley and Daniel’s heads.
Act 3: 20 to 30 pages — With Midpoint change, Profound moments that give us new ways.
• Rethink everything – They are forced to seek safety/go underground.
Ashley and Daniel try to come to terms with the fact that they’re on their own and could be killed. He consoles her on the loss of her boss, who was a father figure. She feels vulnerable and shuts down, upsetting him. They decide to focus on saving their lives.
• New plan – Contact/tie up with a former agent from a rival agency.
Ashley’s contact helps them get new identities, a car, some money and guns, along with information that her boss asked him to pass on if Ashley contacted him. They make their way to Switzerland to access a secret locker her boss maintained there.
They find a hard drive and access it. Files in the drive point to a traitor in the agency. They hack into agency servers, but before they can access secure comms downloaded from a particular system, they are traced and surrounded.
• Working through Issues/Differences – They fight dozens of troops when their location is exposed. Ashley discovers that Daniel is trained in combat and firearms.
• Hate/Betrayal/All Hope is Lost – Daniel takes a bullet for Ashley and will die unless he receives treatment.
• Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift – Daniel is shot! The only way for him to live is to be taken to a hospital, so Ashley gives them both up. They are arrested!
Act 4: 25 pages — Test the change in this character! Prove New Ways!
• Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict – A mysterious person helps Ashley and Daniel escape.
Ashley’s boss, who is presumed dead, returns and tells them that the global figure was assassinated because he was secretly trying to broker a peace deal between X and Y countries. A hostile power, whose aim is to stop the peace deal for their own purposes was behind the assassination.
Daniel tells her he wants to see her again, but she says no. They part ways.
Self-Reflection Ashley: Ashley goes home after the mission, and keeps thinking of how Daniel took a bullet to save her. Her boss suggests that Daniel proved his trustworthiness. Having a partner who has your back is the best thing in life, especially in their profession. She regrets how she behaved with him.
Self-Reflection Daniel: Daniel goes home to his mother after the assassin is killed and the plot is exposed. She tells him that his journey is his own and need not be what his parents’ relationship was. He’s foolish to give up on love because of mistakes someone else made.
Acceptance and Growth Daniel: He contemplates what she said and makes a call to Ashley. When she doesn’t answer, he makes another call and says he needs help.
He then goes out for a run and is kidnapped.
Acceptance and Growth Ashley: Ashley doesn’t pick up Daniel’s call, but listens to his voicemail and changes her mind about not seeing him. She rushes to NYC to see him, but he’s not there. The doorman jokes that he might be out with a new fling. She leaves a letter for him.
• Resolution – Ashley and Daniel reunite.
Ashley gets sent on a mission to Paris by her boss. She is asked to meet a source at the top of the Eiffel tower to get valuable intel. Instead, Daniel is waiting for him at the top of the Eiffel tower.
Demonstrate the change Daniel: He meets her in Paris and accepts his mistakes. Begs for her forgiveness and love. Insists that he will support her no matter what.
Demonstrate the change Ashley: She discovers that her Paris rendezvous is actually Daniel. She asks him to forgive her as well and that she’s ready to trust and have someone in her life.
Reunion: She gives in and they kiss. They’re then sent on a joint mission!
Twist: the boss is Harry Tasker (Arnold from True Lies) who tells them that he knows all about going on missions with someone you love!
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This reply was modified 8 months, 3 weeks ago by Avi K.
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This reply was modified 8 months, 3 weeks ago by
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