New Lesson 8

[Jeff Chase]

Jeffrey Alan Chase’s Show Mysteries

What I learned doing this assignment is AI can help reinforce what I feel are my two main mysteries. The AI returns are very close to what I intuitively wrote in my “first draft” of this lesson. But AI opened several new avenues of thought and helped me to widen the emotional horizons of both the characters and the main story. Still getting a handle on all this but very excited to see what next comes down the road.

ASSIGNMENT 1:

Watch the 7^th episode of “The Queen’s Gambit”. I watched the last episode of this mini-series for Lesson #7. The mysteries I noticed in TQB are:

1. What will Beth do now that she is the
   world’s champion chess player?
2. Will Beth have a relationship with
   Townes, Benny or other players?
3. What will Beth do to support herself
   in the future?
4. Why was Beth’s mother driven to
   suicide?
5. Will Beth go crazy like her mother
   did?
6. Who and where is Beth’s father and
   would he welcome her back into his life?
7. Would Beth welcome her real father
   into her life?
8. What will the relationship of Beth
   and Joleen be in the future, if any?

ASSIGNMENT 2:

TITLE OF MY SHOW: The Backpack

FORMAT: One-hour serialized

GENRE: Christian Thriller

MYSTERY 1: THE MASSACRE OF AFGHANI CIVILIANS

1. Create your Shocking Event Mystery and tell us the WWWWW and H, along with the part withheld.

A. Shocking Event: An Army Humvee on patrol in Afghanistan comes under attack from a house. An Army sergeant, NOAH ADAMS, returns fire but the Humvee rolls over an IED, and the bullets hit a different house where an innocent Afghan family is slaughtered. Noah is the lone survivor.

B. Secret: Now back in the States, why is Noah on the run with a battered backpack and who is he running from?

C. Investigation: The audience has been set up to search for WHY Noah was chosen to receive the backpack, WHO created it and WHY.

WHO: Noah Adams is ex-Army, homeless and on run.

WHAT: is charged with war crimes and dereliction of duty.

WHERE: escaped from custody while being transported to Leavenworth.

WHEN: a year ago

Part Withheld:

WHO is truly responsible for the massacre of Afghani civilians? One of Satan’s demons was responsible for setting up the massacre.

WHY did they do it? In the hope that Noah would die and not be able to fulfill the mission God has planned for him with The Backpack.

HOW did they do it? A magnetic IED was attached under the Humvee to kill Noah.

MYSTERY TWO: THE BACKPACK

When Noah finds the backpack, he tries everything to rid himself of it.

A. Cover up: Noah keeps meeting people who have a spiritual need for an item in the backpack.

B. Secret: Noah is on a quest for the rightful owner of the backpack but keeps getting told that he is meant to have it.

C. Reveals: It starts with the Humvee driver and Noah’s best friend, Corporal Simon Kane, who was possessed by one of Satan’s demons. It continues with Keith Kane, Simon’s twin brother, who is also possessed, has become a rogue Army CID officer who swears to bring Noah to justice, but in reality, wants to possess the backpack for Satan.

WHO: The backpack was created by God…or was it?

WHAT: It is the thing that keeps Noah on a quest to find himself and help others.

WHERE: Noah and the backpack are always where they need to be.

WHEN: and when they need to be there.

WHY: To spread the gospel and love of Jesus Christ.

Part Withheld:

WHEN: The backpack was created millennia ago.

WHY: To give a man a chance to redeem himself. Noah eventually realizes his tortured path to salvation has been engineered by God, to demonstrate that he, and everyone else, has free will to choose their path in life.

HOW: The backpack is a metaphor like the loaves and fishes, the unlimitable bounty of God’s love. No matter how many items are removed from the backpack, there will always be one item inside that will provide someone with what they need to change their life.

[Barbe LaPierre]

Barbe’s Show Mysteries

What I learned doing this assignment is that by concentrating on these types of questions my concept is getting darker and darker. By asking Chat to generate 10 random mysteries everything is getting muddled – and I’m getting overwhelmed. They are cool mysteries, but they don’t really fit the concept anymore. Because we are not giving Chat enough information, it can’t build on the concept correctly.

ASSIGNMENT 1:

Example Show: Star Trek: Discovery (Season 4)

Big Picture Mysteries

• Who are “Unknown Species 10-C”?

• Where are they?

• How do we communicate with them?

• Who is Ruon Tarka — really?

• Why does Tarka want to destroy the DMA?

Smaller Mysteries

• What destroyed the planet Kwejian and the space station?

• What is the Dark Matter Anomaly (DMA)

• Where did it come from?

• Who created it?

• Why did they create it / What is it used for?

________________________________________

ASSIGNMENT 2:

My Show: Destiny

1. Shocking Event Mystery

• A. Shocking Event: Nika, along with two colleagues, is trapped in the ancient ruins.

• B. Secret: One of the colleagues is secretly an acolyte of Vosskara Slyth.

• C. Investigation:

• WHO: Who is Vosskara Slyth? Who is the acolyte? Who is the team member that saves Nika?

• WHAT: Was he trying to kill Nika?

• WHEN: Why did the ruins collapse just after Nika entered the secret chamber?

• HOW: Will they get out of the ruins? How does the team member save Nika?

• WHY? Why did the ruins collapse? Accident or on purpose?

• Part Withheld:

• WHERE: Where is Vosskara Slyth?

2. Over Time Mystery

• A. Cover up: Who is Noren Amsala – really?

• B. Secret: What is his connection to Vosskara Slyth?

• C. Reveals:

• WHO: Who were they before they meet again now?

• WHAT: What happened to make them enemies?

• WHEN: What in their past has caused the rift?

• WHERE: Where did the dispute start?

• Part Withheld:

• WHO: Who will win?

• WHY? Why does Slyth hate Noren?

• HOW? How will they face off against each other?

________________________________________

ASSIGNMENT 3: ChatGPT

1. The Lost Heirloom:

• Mystery: Noren and Nika stumble upon a mysterious artifact on a distant planet that holds a clue to A’Lyx’s whereabouts. The artifact is also linked to a forgotten prophecy that foretells the rise of a powerful figure – possibly A’Lyx.

2. The Cryptic Coordinates:

• Mystery: A’Lyx unknowingly possesses a device with cryptic coordinates leading to a hidden location. Nika and Aurora decipher the coordinates, leading them to a forgotten space station where A’Lyx’s past and destiny intersect with a powerful ancient technology.

3. The Telepathic Connection:

• Mystery: Nika’s telepathic abilities become a key asset in the search for A’Lyx. However, an unknown telepathic force is manipulating A’Lyx’s thoughts, making him a pawn in a larger, sinister plan.

4. The Betrayal of Trust:

• Mystery: A’Lyx discovers Noren’s true identity, leading to a crisis of trust. As A’Lyx grapples with conflicting loyalties, Vosskara Slyth exploits the situation, attempting to turn A’Lyx against his own family.

5. The Galactic Convergence:

• Mystery: A series of astronomical anomalies across the galaxy align with ancient prophecies. Nika’s archaeological expertise becomes crucial in understanding the celestial events, revealing a hidden connection to A’Lyx’s destiny and the impending threat from Vosskara Slyth.

6. The Enigmatic Cult:

• Mystery: A secretive cult worshipping an ancient civilization kidnaps A’Lyx. Noren, Nika, and Aurora must infiltrate the cult to rescue him, discovering a dark secret about the cult’s connection to Vosskara Slyth’s rise to power.

7. The Genetic Cipher:

• Mystery: A’Lyx possesses a unique genetic code that holds the key to unlocking a powerful weapon. Noren and Nika race against time to decipher the genetic cipher before Vosskara Slyth uses it to tip the balance of power in the sector.

8. The Shadowy Saboteur:

• Mystery: The Destiny faces a series of mysterious malfunctions. A’Lyx, unknowingly harboring a saboteur’s presence within him, becomes the focal point of an internal conspiracy that threatens the safety of the entire crew.

9. The Echoes of Betrayal:

• Mystery: Nika’s archaeological research leads her to a long-lost communication device that replays conversations from Noren and Vosskara’s impoverished past, unveiling shocking secrets and hidden alliances that could alter the balance of power in the sector.

10. The Phantom Nebula:

• Mystery: A’Lyx’s quest for identity takes him to a nebula shrouded in mystery. Within its depths lies a hidden truth about his origins and a revelation that could change the course of the battle against Vosskara Slyth.

Mystery 1: Opening Shocking Event

A. Shocking Event:

• While exploring the ruins of Lumor, Nika, and her archaeologist companions, uncover an ancient artifact with intricate inscriptions. As Nika steps into a secret chamber to investigate further, the ground trembles, and a sudden cave-in seals the entrance.

B. Secret:

• The artifact emits a telepathic signal upon discovery, activating an ancient defense mechanism embedded in Lumor’s ruins. This mechanism is designed to protect a long-lost secret that could potentially shift the balance of power in the sector.

C. Investigation:

• Nika, trapped inside the chamber, begins to experience vivid telepathic visions that lead her to a series of encoded messages. These messages reveal a connection between the artifact, A’Lyx Amsala’s true heritage, and the impending threat orchestrated by Vosskara Slyth. The investigation becomes a race against time to decipher the messages, escape the chamber, and unveil the ancient secret.

Mystery 2: Over-Time Mystery

A. Cover up:

• Years ago, on a remote planet, a covert experiment took place involving the genetic manipulation of embryos. A’Lyx Amsala is the result of this experiment, and his true parentage is concealed to protect him from those who seek to exploit his unique abilities.

B. Secret:

• The experiment was orchestrated by a secret faction within the Interplanetary Syndicate, led by Vosskara Slyth. A’Lyx possesses a genetic code that, when activated, could unlock a dormant power capable of reshaping the galaxy. Noren, unaware of the experiment, has been unknowingly safeguarding A’Lyx from those who would use him as a weapon.

C. Reveals:

• Over the course of the series, Nika, Noren, and A’Lyx gradually uncover the truth behind A’Lyx’s origin. They decode ancient prophecies that foretell the rise of a figure with the power to either save or doom the galaxy. As the Syndicate tightens its grip, A’Lyx’s struggle with his identity intensifies, and the revelation becomes a key turning point in the battle against Vosskara Slyth.

[Renee Miller]

Renee’s Show Mysteries

What I learned doing this assignment is how to create an overall mystery for my show that shows up in the pilot episode and doesn’t get revealed until later episodes and how to create smaller mysteries for each episode that may or may not get solved in the same episode.

Assignment #1

The Diplomat

Big Picture Mysteries

· Who’s responsible for the attack on the British Airship Carrier?

· Will Kate agree to the Vice President position?

· What is Hal after?

Smaller Mysteries

· Will Kate divorce Hal?

· Will Kate get with Stuart Dennison, the British Foreign Secretary?

Assignment #2

Big Picture Mysteries

· The mystery of why Veronica was kidnapped by the cult as a teenager and what role she plays in the ancient prophecy, with revelations about her past slowly unfolding.

· The mystery surrounding Samuel’s true identity.

Mystery Strategy #1 – Opening Shocking Event

A. Shocking Event: Veronica, haunted by cryptic visions and disturbing dreams, tries to dismiss them as mere psychological effects of her traumatic past. The cult actively conceals information about her role in the prophecy, ensuring she remains in the dark.

B. Secret: Veronica’s role in the ancient prophecy is deeply intertwined with a ritualistic artifact connected to her teenage abduction. The cult has been manipulating her experiences to gradually steer her towards fulfilling the prophecy without her awareness.

C. Investigations: As Veronica unravels the secrets of the artifact and her traumatic past, she begins to realize the cult’s malevolent intentions. Clues emerge, hinting at her pivotal role in the prophecy, and she becomes a target for both the cult and supernatural forces. The gradual revelation of Veronica’s significance adds layers of complexity to the overarching mystery.

Who: Veronica

When: she was a teenager

Where:

Part Withheld:

What: her connection to the cult

Why: Why she was kidnapped by the cult as a teenager.

How: how she escaped

Mystery Strategy #2 – Ongoing Over Time Mystery

A. Cover Up: A broken and bloodied Samuel is thrown from a car into the church grounds with an ominous note attached to his shirt. Father Malachi finds him and recognizes him from the time he spent in the cult.

B. Secret: Samuel is posing as a lost follower who was caught trying to escape the cult but is in fact the current leader of the cult in search of Veronica, the missing piece to an ancient prophecy he is trying to fulfill.

C. Reveal: intrigued by the mysterious occurrence and believing that Samuel will help her figure out the cult’s secrets, Veronica begins digging into Samuel’s past, unaware that he is subtly guiding the investigation. The enigma surrounding Samuel becomes a central focus of her search for truth, leading her down a path filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Who: Samuel

When: since Veronica was kidnapped as a teenager

Where:

How: is he going to gain Veronica’s trust

Part Withheld:

What: he’s the current cult leader.

Why: he needs Veronica to fulfill the ancient prophecy

[Peter Saltzman]

<b cid=”n218″ mdtype=”heading”>Assignment 2:

Shocking Event: An entire star system disappears in matter of minutes and almost takes the DeFunked with it on its maiden voyage.

Secret: The star system’s disappearance was a test initiated by the Programmers to assess the DeFunked’s capabilities. They want to gauge Misty’s musical prowess and the crew’s resourcefulness in the face of unexpected threats.

· Who: Misty van Monk (Partially Revealed)

· What: They initially think it’s a natural phenomenon but then discover coded musical frequencies hidden in the residual energy patterns. (Revealed)

· Where: In a Milky Way star system with no life (Revealed)

· When: Present day in the story (Revealed)

· Why: The programmers want to redo the universe and rid it of evil (Withheld)

· How: The tip the balance of matter vs. anti-matter to favor the latter resulting in negative space. (Withheld)

Over Time: The Programmers fear the revelation that they are not the true creators, and their immortality is a facade. They are desperately trying to erase any evidence of their true origin while maintaining a facade of omnipotence.

Secret: They are the masters of the universe, therefore in control of its fate, the truth of their existence is a mystery even to them.

· Who: Elan Trank, Petar Salomon, Dorian Sleetee, Artistic Authority (Helena Seamly) (Partially Revealed)

· What: The programmers were created by others to be the Gods, but it’s a front for a deeper plan, As Misty delves deeper into the coded musical frequencies, she stumbles upon ancient musical artifacts hidden in the fabric of the universe. These artifacts hold the truth about the Programmers’ creation and their vulnerability (Withheld)

· Where: Earth (Withheld)

· When: Millions of years ago (Partial Reveal)

· Why: The real “creators” want to hide their identity and make it look like their program is legitimate (Withheld)

· How: The programmers have created an entire history that seems real (Withheld)

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Assignment #1 Mysteries of The Morning Show

Big Picture:

What happened to cause Mitch’s firing, and who else is involved?
Will it end up bringing down the entire show and perhaps network?

Over Time:

Will Alex save her job? Was she involved in the culture? What did she know and when?
Who was the leak? How complicit is Chip? Will he lose his job?
What did Mitch do? What will he do? Who will he take down with him?
What secrets do all the characters have?
What makes Cory tick?
What’s in Bradley’s past?
Will she and Alex become real friends or enemies?

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Assignment #2 Show Mysteries

What I learned doing this assignment is learning to separate a sprint from a marathon; to look farther ahead than the immediate mystery.

My Shocking Event Mystery:

A. Shocking event: When Jess stumbles into a seemingly innocuous café, she discovers two things. He mother may still be alive and she has latent magical powers that put a target on her back from at least one entity who wants to control her.

B. Secret: The café is a portal between a magical world and earth.

C. Investigation:

Who – Who is Jess really?
What – What are Jess’ magical powers?
When – Now, but what was in her past?

Where – The Mythic Café located in Washington, DC.

Why – Why is Jess just now learning this and why is she threatened?
How – How did she get these powers, and what do they do?

Part withheld: What is the connection to Jess’ mother, and where is she?

My Over Time Mystery:

A. Cover up: Where is Jess’ mother (who allegedly died) and who is she really?

B. Secret: What does Jess’ father, the US President, know?

C. Reveals: Jess has a twin.

Who – Who are Jess’ mother and twin?
What – What happened to both of them? Are either alive or dead, and are they magicals? What is Lilah’s connection with them?
When – When Jess (and her twin) were born until the present.

Where – Where are Jess’ mother and twin?

Why – Why were they kept a secret? Why is a Senator so interested in Jess? Why are her powers wanted so badly?
How – How will Jess know who to trust?

Part Withheld: Gabriel Frost has a far bigger stake in Jess’ future than he has shared with her.

[Sylvia Krawczyk]

BWTV-AI Module 1 – Lesson 8: Inviting Obsession Through Mystery

Sylvia’s Show Mysteries

What I learned doing this assignment is…This was great fun. I was surprised at how many ideas came. I am also noticing more in the tv sample.

ASSIGNMENT 1: My Sample Show

Big Picture Mysteries-Car crash at the beginning where Beth survives and her mother dies.

Smaller Mysteries-How is she going to survive the orphanage, become the world chess champion, survive on her own when her adoptive mom dies and dad is a putz and tries to rip her off. How will Beth pay for the house?

ASSIGNMENT 2: My Notes on my show-

1. Create your Shocking Event Mystery and tell us the WWWWW and H, along with the part withheld.

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[Jamie Stegner]

Jamie Stegner

What I learned: It is effective to systematically design the mysteries with the WWWWWH formula. Then to at least the author knows the whole story and can reveal as desired. (The magics not magic to the magician – it’s skill.) I had to get used to the idea of knowing a lot more about the story than the reader/ audience does. As writer, I don’t experience the story in the same way. Up until now I was wanting to feel the story the same way the audience does, with mysteries still unknow to me as well. Now I see that the writer must craft the story more like a magic trick – surprise to the audience is brought about by skill, not magic.

ASSIGNMENT 2:

Create two mysteries for your show — one that shows up strong in the Pilot and the other that is revealed over time.

1. Create your Shocking Event Mystery and tell us the WWWWW and H, along with the part withheld.

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[Patrick Malone]

AI Module 1 Lesson 8: Inviting Obsession Through Mystery

Patrick’s Inviting Obsession Through Mystery

I found that AI gave answers that were quite unrelated to my story. Therefore I improved the content of my concept and got some better responses.

ASSIGNMENT 1: The Diplomat

– Who, which country attacked the British aircraft carrier?

– Why is Kate Wyler suddenly appointed US Ambassador to Britain?

– Will Kate accept the position of Vice President?

– What position does Hal envision for himself if Kate becomes Vice President?

– What killed the Iranian Foreign Affairs minister’s death?

– Will Secretary of State Ganon run for President?

– Will British Prime Minister arrange to have US send warships into the Gulf to provoke Iran?

– Will British Prime Minister choose to bomb Russia?

– Did Roman Lenkov plan the attack on the British aircraft carrier?

– Will Kate and British Foreign Secretary Dennison persuade the French to allow them to arrest Lenkov?

– Did British Prime Minister hire Lenkov to attack the British aircraft carrier?

– Who blew up the car of the British MP?

ASSIGNMENT 2: The Dead lakess

Mystery 1: Opening Shocking Event Mystery

Shocking Event

Confederate soldiers transporting gold to a safe location are attacked by Union soldiers. Most are killed except for Union Colonel Cassius Fairfield and Confederates Sergeant Roland Johnson and a private. As Fairchild flees, a monstrous creature, the Amaruga, devours the corpses. Sergeant Johnson and the private escape with the gold.

Secret:

What is the monster? Where did Sergeant Johnson and the gold disappear to.

Investigation:

In 2023 local Floridians and a rival group of Northerners will search for the lost gold,

Who: Sergeant Roland Johnson

What is the monster.

When 1864

Where the forests of Northern Florida

How Johnson escape with the gold shipment

What we don’t know.

Who or what is the monster.

Where did Johnson and the gold disappear to.

Mystery 2: Over-Time Mystery

The Ongoing Search for the Gold by Ollie, Clark Tammy, and Grant.

Cover up:

The gold was hidden and is protected by Sergeant Roland Johnson who mysteriously is still alive.

Secret:

The Amaruga does exist and protects the gold.

Reveals:

Clark, Ollie and Tammy’s research and expedition uncover old journals, artifacts and other clues as to the location of the gold. Tammy seeks personal revenger on Grant Fairchild. The Amaruga threatens.

Part Withheld:

The location of the gold. The existence of Sergeant Roland Johnson. What happened to Clark’s missing father.

[Rich Bradley]

Assignment Lesson 8

Subject line: Rich Bradley’s Inviting Obsession Through Mystery

What I learned doing this assignment is you can layer different mysteries so you always have something to hide and always have somethings to be revealed to keep the suspense and interest. Also, how to work the short and long term mysteries together so there is always a reservoir drama and situations to draw from.

ASSIGNMENT 1:
Watch the next episode of your Example Show and focus on the mysteries that have been created in that show. Also, notice the difference between the big picture mysteries that are a big part of the plot across the entire season versus the smaller mysteries.
Tell us about the mysteries from this show.

• Big Picture mysteries for “The Americans”:
o What is the end game for Phillip and Elizabeth?
o Do they get caught?
o Do they get killed?
o Do they defect? Does just Phillip defect?
o What happens with Phillips real love and his son he just found out about that Elizabeth doesn’t know about?
o Does FBI Stan really know who they are?
o Will Stan get caught cheating?
• Smaller mysteries:
o Will they catch the assassin who went off the grid?
o Will Elizabeth and Claudia tension come to a head?

ASSIGNMENT 2:
Create two mysteries for your show — one that shows up strong in the Pilot and the other that is revealed over time.
1. Create your Shocking Event Mystery and tell us the WWWWW and H, along with the part withheld.
• A. Shocking Event: Dred is shot in the head by Jay on Big Chuck’s orders.
• B. Secret: Why did Big Chuck want Dred dead and why have Jay do it?
• C. Investigation: Who was Dred and what did he do to Big Chuck?
• WWWWW and How:
• WHAT: Jay was picked to do a hit on Dred. Jay took Vic with him without telling him what was happening.
• WHEN: On their way to a BBQ with Vic’s girlfriend’s family. Vic is going to propose to Yossie.
• WHERE: In Miami Gardens.
• WHY: To take back drugs and cash.
• WHO: Big Chuck chose Jay, someone new to be further removed from the situation. He didn’t know Vic would be with him.
• HOW: Looked like a home invasion, but was targeted.
• Part Withheld: Dred was about to become an informant in another murder case-for Det. Kelley- (possibly implicating BC or Big Unc) and saw ARam, BC right hand man at the police station. ARam is a Miami Dade Narcotics detective.
2. Create the Over Time Mystery and tell us the WWWWW and H, along with the part withheld.
• A. Cover up: Who killed Vic’s and Big Chuck’s father.
• B. Secret: Big Unc was the mastermind
• C. Reveals: Jay’s father was involved
• WHAT: Big Chuck’s father was a Miami detective who was murdered with a drug addict,
• Jay’s father.
• WHEN: 15 years ago
• WHERE: Miami in an abandoned apartment in the pork and beans
• WHY: Big Chuck’s father Charles and Big Unc, who are brothers in law, had a falling out over Big Unc’s drug dealing. Vic’s father was a childhood friend of Charles and wanted to warn him about Big Unc’s plan.
• WHO: Big Chuck chose Jay for the Dred hit because he found out Jay’s father may be involved in his father’s death. Wants to try to find leverage with Jay’s family for info. He didn’t know Vic would be with him.
• HOW: Execution with no witnesses.
• Part Withheld: Det. Kelley and the current police chief were responding detectives. They hid evidence to make Big Chuck’s father look clean.