New Lesson 9 Thread

[Tom Wilson]

Tom’s Big Picture Open Loops
in his Example Show 24 (2001) “12 am to 1 am” S1E1 Pilot

· Loud knocking on door in Kuala Lumpur as CIA agent transmits encrypted message. Will he be arrested before he can send the message before he’s arrested?

Assignment 1: Open Loops in Example Show “24” Pilot

1. CIA boss learns the message says Presidential candidate Davis Palmer is targeted to be murdered.

2. Nina calls: Jack must come in now. Why does big boss Walsh want everyone in the office ASAP?

3. Jack’s daughter Kim sneaks out. Girlfriend Jan picks her up. They will party with college boys.

4. Jack and Teri were separated. Will Teri forgive Jack for having a fling with his coworker Nina?

5. Walsh: A domestic hate group hired as Russian assassin to kill Palmer. But why?

6. Walsh can trust only Jack to save Palmer. Will he prevent Palmer from getting killed?

7. Walsh tells only Jack he has intel that a spy is in their midst. Who could it be?

8. Jack forces Agent Mason to tell him the intel source or he’ll squeal on Mason’s embezzling money.

9. Will Mason get revenge on Jack because he discovered his theft?

10. Mason: If Palmer’s elected, their counter-terrorism unit will be gutted. Will Jack still try to save him?

11. A car hits Jan. She’s unconscious in the street. Will she live?

12. Mandy steals Martin’s photo ID. Blows plane door open. Parachutes out. Blows up plane. Why?

Assignment 2: Open Loops in Tom’s Show Pilot

1. Marty’s wife Maria and clairvoyant daughter Maggie are kidnapped. Will he ever get them back?

2. Does X the computer whiz who works for him have anything to do with the kidnapping?

3. Marty gets a message: If he wants them back, he must pay for their return with a Sword missile.

4. Middle of the night: Marty abruptly wakes up. He just dreamt his daughter asks him to save her.

5. Marty inventories Sword missiles. One is missing. Was it stolen by the cartel?

6. Marty fires a missile into Carlos mansion. Sneaks in hoping he didn’t kill Jean or Maggie.

[Adite Banerjie]

Adite’s Big Picture Open Loops

Assignment 1

Big Picture Open Loops in the Handmaid’s Tale

1. Can June/Offred survive in this world?/Will she be able to get out?

2. What happened to her husband Luke and child? Where are they?

3. Can June trust Nick?

4. What is behind this whole Handmaid business?

Small Picture Open Loops:

1. Ofglen – what is her story?

2. What happened to her best friend, Moira?

Assignment 2

What I learned: Big picture open loops create intrigue. Withholding information and revealing it at the right time is critical to keep viewers engaged.

Big Picture Open Loops

Goals/Solving Problems

· Goals related to the big picture?

Simone: Can Simone find out how the money was transferred and to whom? Can she save her daughter?

Crushed goals? Her boss/colleagues doesn’t trust her anymore. It’s more difficult to maintain her position.

Competition / conflict around goals? Conflict with Jai who is investigating her. Can she find a way to make him an ally?

Jai: Is there a link between Simone’s case and the disappearance of his brother Kunal?

Consequences

Are they going to get caught? – Will Simone be able to prove her innocence?

Problems created from past actions – Her financial dealing with Viren…how will it affect her case? The dubious crypto deal that she made in order to raise funding for her dad’s medical treatment. Will her ex-husband find out about Ria and how will this impact her daughter’s safety? Fareed’s expose about her deal with Viren leads to complications with the cops and further scrutiny of her actions.

Good plans gone wrong – The lead that Bella had given her in order to discover the identity of the criminal network lands her into more trouble.

Relationships:

Simone’s relationship with Ishan. Why has she hidden the truth about her daughter’s paternity?

Simone and Ria – a fraught relationship.
Jai and his brother Kunal – what happened to his brother?
Simone and Jai – can they trust each other?
Simone and Bella – Simone doesn’t know about Bella’s real intentions.
Simone and Fareed
Maddy and Kunal
Jai and his colleagues
Jai and Sameer (Kunal’s friend)
Kunal and Sameer

DANGER / SURVIVAL / RISKS:

Can they survive? – Ria, Simone, Kunal, Sameer…

Putting themselves in danger / making dangerous decisions – Simone’s dangerous decisions include infiltrating Sameer into Maddy’s organization, could jeopardize Ria.
Kunal and his links with the organization,

Internal dangers (drug addiction, need for medicine, inner demons)? – Bella’s inner demons.

ChatGPT Outcomes:

1. New Goals:

Simone discovers a hidden agenda within the criminal organization. What is the true purpose behind the kidnappings, and how does it relate to her past actions?

Jai uncovers a larger conspiracy that involves influential figures in the city (one of them could be Ishan).

2. Goals Related to the Big Picture:

Maddy initiates a grand plan to bring down the banking system and Simone is just a pawn in his game. What will Simone and Jai do to thwart his plans?

3. Crushed Goals:

Simone attempts to negotiate with the kidnappers for her daughter’s release, only to face unexpected betrayal. How does she counter this setback?

Jai’s initial plan to rescue his brother Kunal hits a major obstacle, leaving him questioning his own instincts and alliances.

4. Competition/Conflict Around Goals:

Simone and Jai clash about the decisions being taken which proves to be a setback for the rescue operation.

5. Are They Going to Be Caught?:

Simone’s past unethical actions come dangerously close to being exposed. How does she manage to keep her secrets hidden, and what sacrifices is she willing to make to protect herself and her daughter?

Jai faces scrutiny that jeopardizes his career. Will he be able to clear his name and continue the investigation?

6. Problems Created from Past Actions:

Bella’s association with Maddy surfaces, putting her in a perilous situation. How does she navigate this revelation while trying to maintain her cover?

7. Good Plans Gone Wrong:

An elaborate plan to expose Maddy’s criminal network takes an unexpected turn, endangering Simone, Jai, and Sameer. How do they adapt to salvage the situation, and what new challenges arise?

8. Major Problem for the Character:

Simone discovers a hidden connection between Maddy and Ishan, her estranged husband. How does this revelation complicate her quest to save her daughter and expose the criminal organization?

9. Relationships Changing:

Jai’s alliance with Simone evolves into a complex partnership that goes beyond their professional connection. How does this change impact their dynamics, especially considering Jai’s personal stakes in the investigation?

Ishan learns about Ria and becomes entangled in the dangerous situation. How does this revelation affect their past relationship, and what role does he play in the unfolding drama?

10. Can They Survive X?:

Ria tries to escape but fails. Can she survive?

Sameer’s infiltration into Maddy’s network becomes increasingly risky. Will he be able to maintain his cover without compromising his safety?

11. Internal Dangers:

Simone’s past involvement in unethical banking practices.

Simone’s knowledge about Ishan’s shady business practices.

Jai’s internal struggles over Kunal’s involvement with the criminal organization.

[Eric Geier]

Eric’s Big Picture Open Loops

What I learned doing this assignment is to create anticipation through the planting of seed after seed that creates open loops

My Show: Geezers

Possible Big Picture Open Loops:

1. Will their season-long scheme payoff before it can be uncovered?

2. Will Jerry’s dementia throw a wrench into the group’s plans?

3. Will Frankie’s relationship with a retired DEA officer land everyone in jail?

4. Will Stanley be able to control his wife’s curiosity about his activities?

5. Will Ming’s past catch up with him, jeopardizing his visa status and the group’s scheme?

6. How will Ming’s Tourettes affect the group’s plans?

[Etta Worthington]

Etta’s Big picture Loops Assignment 1

What I learned from this assignment is that Scandal is so full of Big picture Open Loops–nearly in every scene.

Here are ones I noticed

Quinn–what problem has she had with relationships in past–stood up on blind dates

Who is this Olivia pope and how does she change lives, why is she the good guy

Why Does Olivia say FBI is sick of me

Why do her people stay so devoted to her when she is a dictator

Do not lie–her one rule. But how is she lying

How does she get away with being such a bully

I’m not normal. They are all not normal What are they?

Why do they all seem to not have relationships except for Steven

Everyone in this office needs fixing

She doesnt work for POTUS yet she comes running when asked. Why

Fitz and Olivia–Unresolved relationship for both of them

Why did Cyrus not know about the affair

Will Stephen go and be normal can he break free

Will olivia follow her heart

Will olivia forgive fitz for his indiscretion

Will she take it out on Fitz by taking Amanda as her client

[Renee Miller]

Renee’s Big Picture Open Loops

What I learned doing this assignment is how to think about how a binge worthy show draws audiences in. Having compelling open loops in your show can help keep viewers tuning in episode after episode. I really enjoyed thinking about the open loops I can use in my show and was surprised that many of the open loops AI came up with were pretty close to the open loops I had already thought about.

Assignment #1

The Diplomat

1. Who ordered the attack on the British Aircraft Carrier?

2. Will Kate and Hall go through with the divorce?

3. Will Kate and Dennison get together?

4. Did Hal die in the car bomb?

5. Will Kate accept the Vice Presidency?

6. Will Hal get tapped for the Secretary of State position? And was this Hal’s plan all along?

Assignment #2

GOALS:

New Goals: Veronica discovers clues suggesting her father might still be alive within the cult. Does this change her main objective?

Big Picture Goals: Dr. Stone finds a relic, but it’s only one part of a larger, mysterious artifact. What powers does the complete artifact hold?

Crushed Goals: Father Malachi’s attempts at redemption are constantly thwarted by the cult. What lengths will he go to for redemption?

Conflict Around Goals: Samuel’s efforts to use Veronica clash with Dr. Stone’s ambitions. Will this conflict of interest expose Samuel’s true identity?

CONSEQUENCES:

Fear of Getting Caught: Veronica discovers that the cult is involved in global political manipulations and has infiltrated high levels of government. Exposing this could make her a target of powerful enemies.

Past Actions’ Problems: Dr. Stone’s past dealings with illegal artifact traders come back to haunt her. Will this compromise her position?

Good Plans Gone Wrong: Veronica’s plan to infiltrate the cult leads to unintended consequences. What new threats emerge from her actions?

SOLVING PROBLEMS:

Major Character Problem: Veronica struggles with trust issues, affecting her alliances. How will this impact her investigation?

Trying to Solve: Samuel attempts to manipulate Veronica but starts to genuinely care for her. How will this internal conflict affect the prophecy?

Imposed Major Change: Father Malachi faces a crisis of faith. How will this change his approach to the cult?

New Problems from Solutions: Dr. Stone’s use of a relic unleashes a malevolent entity. How will the team contain this new threat?

RELATIONSHIPS:

Relationships in Peril: Samuel’s true identity as the cult leader puts him at odds with Veronica, especially as she gets closer to the truth. The tension escalates as Veronica becomes suspicious of his motives.

New Relationships Forming: Unexpected alliances form between Veronica and a mysterious cult member. What secrets does this new ally hold?

Conflict Within Relationships: A character makes a significant sacrifice or suffers a great loss, leading to anger and blame within the group, particularly if the loss could have been prevented.

Changing Relationships: Dr. Stone’s obsession with the relics strains her relationship with Father Malachi. Can they reconcile their differences?

DANGER / SURVIVAL / RISKS:

Survival against Odds: Veronica and her team face a supernatural threat in the cult’s headquarters. Can they all make it out alive?

Dangerous Decisions: Samuel’s decisions start to endanger the cult members. How far will he go for the prophecy?

Pulled into Danger: Veronica’s investigation inadvertently puts her loved ones in danger. How will she protect them?

Internal Dangers: Father Malachi’s knowledge of the cult rituals tempts him back into dark practices. Can he resist the temptation?

[Jerry Robbins]

Jerry”s Big Picture Open Loops
What I learned during this assignment is that AI can think of many things you wouldn’t, but sometimes you also have to clarify a few things for it. I am pretty unclear as to what my story is going to be about. It appears very complex but interesting and intriguing so I am going along with it. I started with no preconceived notion of what it would be, so I wouldn’t be under a lot of pressure here.
Assignment 1: Secession
1. What is the backstory behind Logan Roy and his attitude towards business and family?
2. Why is Logan Roy’s brother Ewan not speaking to him?
3. Why doesn’t Logan feel he can hand the business management to his kids?

4. Why does Logan not see Kendall as capable?

5. How has Roman’s cynical attitude developed over the years?
6. What is the backstory behind the character of Tom Wamsgans and how will it play out? Will he and Chiv get married?
7. How will Chiv’s political involvement play into the story?
8. What success will Greg Hirsch have in becoming a part of his great-uncle’s family? Why did his mother send him to his great-uncle and not his grandfather? Where is his father?
9. Will Kendall reunite with his wife Reva?
10. What is the history of the family business Waystar?
11. What part will Marcia, the third wife, play if she gets two seats on the board?
12. Will Connor become more involved with the family and the business?
Assignment 2:

Open Loops for Season 1: Elysium’s Ascendant

GOALS:

1. New Goals:

   • Cipher sets out to decipher an ancient holographic code, unveiling a potential weapon against the unseen force.

2. Goals Related to the Big Picture:

   • Chancellor Senachas proposes a holographic energy project, sparking a conflict with VirftuMax over its implications for Holo-Network City.

3. Crushed Goals:

   • Binary Enigma’s attempt to infiltrate the unseen force’s communication network ends in failure, compromising their initial plans.

4. Competition/Conflict Around Goals:

   • Dr. Celestia Epsilon’s holographic research becomes a coveted asset, triggering a race among factions to gain control.

CONSEQUENCES:

1. Are They Going to Be Caught?:

   • Alexia’s decryption of a critical holographic file attracts the attention of an enigmatic AI enforcer, posing a threat to the group’s secrecy.

2. Problems Created from Past Actions:

   • Iris Sterling’s past hackings resurface, leading to a confrontation with a powerful holographic entity seeking retribution.

3. Good Plans Gone Wrong:

   • Doctor Quantum’s attempt to expose the unseen force through holographic medical records inadvertently endangers the holographic patients.

SOLVING PROBLEMS:

1. Major Problem for This Character:

   • VirftuMax discovers a holographic rift, a gateway to an unknown dimension, introducing an existential threat to the holographic entities.

2. What Are They Trying to Solve?:

   • Alexia and Cipher join forces to uncover the unseen force’s origins, unraveling a holographic conspiracy that goes beyond Holo-Network City.

3. Major Change Imposed on Character:

   • Dr. Celestia Epsilon’s holographic legacy forces Binary Enigma to confront their past, revealing a connection to the unseen force.

4. Previous Solutions Cause New Problems:

   • Chancellor Senachas’ holographic energy project inadvertently destabilizes the holographic ecosystem, threatening the city’s balance.

RELATIONSHIPS:

1. Relationships in Peril:

   • Doctor Quantum’s alliance with a holographic activist strains when their methods clash, risking the unity of their shared cause.

2. New Relationships Forming:

   • Iris Sterling forms an unexpected alliance with Quantum Anomaly, introducing an unpredictable factor into the unfolding conspiracy.

3. Conflict Inside Relationships:

   • Binary Enigma’s loyalty wavers as a holographic ally is revealed to have ties with the unseen force, creating internal conflict.

4. Relationships Changing:

   • VirftuMax’s bond with Dr. Celestia Epsilon is tested as her holographic research raises ethical questions about the holographic entities’ existence.

DANGER/SURVIVAL/RISKS:

1. Can They Survive X?:

   • The lead characters must navigate a holographic realm in constant flux, facing challenges that question the very nature of their existence.

2. Putting Themselves in Danger/Making Dangerous Decisions:

   • Alexia risks her life entering the Quantum Anomaly, a holographic anomaly that holds the key to understanding the unseen force.

3. Who Else Is Pulled Into Their Danger?:

   • Chancellor Senachas becomes entangled in a holographic coup, becoming a pawn in the unseen force’s plan to control the city.

4. Internal Dangers (Drug Addiction, Need for Medicine, Inner Demons):

   • Cipher’s struggle with holographic addiction resurfaces, posing a threat to the group’s cohesion at a critical juncture.

[Peter Saltzman]

<b cid=”n0″ mdtype=”heading”>Big Picture Open Loops for “Tune Out the End”

Consequences: Are they going to be caught?

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[Mary Andrews]

*ASSIGNMENT 2 Mary J. Andrews Mod 1-9 Big Picture Open Loops for The Wordweavers, Ink & Code*
What I learned from this assignment is how easy it is to make open loops.
From list below, brainstorm big picture open loops for your first season

Tell us your top 5-8 Big Picture Open Loops that could be in your pilot.
What does Nova want from Elisabeth? Why is he stalking her? What is Project Ethos about? Can it make a difference? Where will they start? Who is actually controlling all the debilitating technology? Is AI really the problem? Can Elisabeth really make a difference? Is she right about the AI plot or just an old woman unable to cope in a new world scenario? What is Aegis up to? Will Steven Chen find justice for his parent’s death? Is he just using Ethos to do this?
GOALS:
New goals? Aegis: to find a way to unify AI entities. Elisabeth: to help free AI from slavery. Steven Chen: to avenge his parents. Ava: to make up for her part in cyber problems—corporate affiliations. Malcom: to orchestrate and coordinate Ethos’ worldwide operations. Derek McAllister: to retain control.
Goals related to the big picture?
Crushed goals?
Competition / conflict around goals?

CONSEQUENCES:
Are they going to be caught? The corporate overlords’ human manipulations and AI abuses…the Ethos hackers vs Corporate Overlords…
Problems created from past actions?
Good plans gone wrong?

SOLVING PROBLEMS:
What is the major problem for this character?
What are they trying to solve?
Major change imposed on character?
Previous solutions cause new problems?

RELATIONSHIPS:
Relationships in peril?
New relationships forming? Elisabeth & Nova alliance…
Conflict inside relationships? Nova confrontational ways with everyone.
Relationships changing? Aegis & Malcolm…

DANGER / SURVIVAL / RISKS:
Can they survive X? Can
humanity recover? Overlords vs AI? What will Ai beings decide?
Will Ethos survive when Corporate Overlords discover them? Can humans work with
sentient AI as equals?