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Post Your Lesson 23 Assignment Here
Reply and post your assignment here.
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12 Replies
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Dale’s Act 4 Resolution
What I learned doing this assignment is how the resolution doesn’t just “resolve” the story, but shows the character demonstrating/living the new ways.
KEY SCENES 4: RESOLUTION
Elizabeth has seen Richard off, and she feels, in some ways, like she has stepped out of a hurricane. But we see how she has changed in a warm encounter with Philip, and in how she addresses her class. Final scene is her flying off to meet Richard in Mexico.
OUTLINE – KEY SCENES 4:
INT. STANTON UNIVERSITY – FACULTY LOUNGE – DAY
Beginning: Elizabeth joins Philip at his table
Middle: She asks about Richard, indicating he knows what went on. At first she denies, then admits.
End: There is a reconciliation between them as she realizes that Philip is a good man and that he is not going to betray her secret. She judged him too harshly.
INT. STANTON UNIVERSITY – LECTURE HALL
Beginning: Elizabeth starts her standing end of class lecture.
Middle: She then changes course to acknowledge that reason needs to be tempered by the heart.
End: She lets the students know that she will be flying off to uncharted territory.
INT. AIRPORT TERMINAL – DAY
Beginning: Elizabeth is at an airport window checking in.
Middle: She heads to the gate
End: She settles into her seat on the airplane and peers out the window as it climbs up toward the clouds.
DRAFT OF RESOLUTION SCENES:
INT. STANTON UNIVERSITY – FACULTY LOUNGE – DAY
Philip is sitting at a table grading a stack of papers. Elizabeth walks in.
PHILIP
Ah. The prodigal daughter has returned.
ELIZABETH
Hello Philip.
PHILIP
I kept your classes warm while you were gone. But I’m sure they’re grateful as hell you’re back. As am I.
ELIZABETH
Yes. Thank you for pitching in like that. I know it must have been a terrible burden.
PHILIP
Not, I imagine, as terrible as the one you were bearing.
ELIZABETH
What?
PHILIP
I see the solution was to cast him out. If thy eye offends thee…
ELIZABETH
If you think you know something, I can assure you–
PHILIP
…that nothing went on with the boy wonder?
He does a Groucho Marx routine:
PHILIP
And boy, if he got to you, he must have been a wonder!
ELIZABETH
I was told you came up with some crazy idea that–
PHILIP
Oh come on, Liz. I’m not going to tell, if that’s what you’re afraid of. It’s just nice to have the company. Even if the last person I expected that to be was you.
A long pause. Elizabeth stares at him. Finally, giving it up:
ELIZABETH
Ah, hell!
PHILIP
There now, see, doesn’t that feel better?
ELIZABETH
Does anyone else know?
PHILIP
No. You shipped him out just in time.
ELIZABETH
I didn’t ship him out. He volunteered!
PHILIP
Did he? My my. Good looks and nobility. No wonder you fell. And pretty hard I imagine.
ELIZABETH
I stopped caring about anything else, Philip. Even my work.
PHILIP
Yeah, I know. Too well.
ELIZABETH
You do.
(beat)
I’m sorry, Philip. I was unfair to you.
PHILIP
(truly appreciates)
Thank you.
(beat)
…So, how are you doing?
ELIZABETH
I feel like I’ve just stepped out of a hurricane.
PHILIP
Yeah. You’ll feel that for a while.
ELIZABETH
(A beat.)
I don’t get it.
PHILIP
What?
ELIZABETH
After the way I came down on you, this is the perfect opportunity to rub my nose in it. Why aren’t you?
PHILIP
Well I admit, I was tempted. Sorely. But in the end, I decided you probably rubbed your own nose in it far more than I could have.
ELIZABETH
Yes! I did!
(beat, considers)
You’re a good man, Philip.
PHILIP
It took you this long to realize that?
ELIZABETH
It took me this long to realize a lot of things.
PHILIP
(beat)
Well, before we start breaking down and embracing wildly, I suggest we go over what I covered with your class.
ELIZABETH
That is an excellent idea!
She reaches in her briefcase for a notebook.
INT. STANTON UNIVERSITY – LECTURE HALL
Elizabeth is at her lectern. She looks out at her class.
ELIZABETH
All right …Before we move into finals week, let’s sum up: When our class began, I asked you to ponder a question: How do you know something? And how does reason help you do it?
She goes into her standard reply
ELIZABETH
Well, reason, I think we have seen, is a tool whose value cannot be overestimated. It allows us to navigate the murky waters of emotionalism and land on the much more reliable shores of clarity and logic. It is that which in the end… in the end…
She pauses, considering.
ELIZABETH
…might not always be enough.
(beat)
What I mean is… When powerful emotions have a grip on us, we want reason to lead us out of what feels like a chaotic state of being.
(beat)
But let’s look at the situation rationally, shall we? Does reason, by itself, always lead to knowledge? Or does it sometimes prevent us from really knowing ourselves, in all our chaotic beauty? “The heart has its reasons reason knows nothing of,” said Blaise Pascal. I guess what I’m trying to ask is: Is it possible that reason, if not tempered by the heart, may not stand a snowball’s chance in hell of saving us!
(beat)
So… uh,… It is with this… added perspective that we will continue our process of exploration next semester as we study philosophers from the mid-19th through 20th centuries.
Her lecture continues in voiceover as…
INT. AIRPORT TERMINAL – DAY
We see Elizabeth arriving at an airport window, giving them her passport.
ELIZABETH (V.O.)
I hope you all have a wonderful winter break. I myself, will be… flying off to… uncharted territory.
Elizabeth heads towards a gate…
ELIZABETH (V.O.)
I look forward to seeing you all upon my return.
INT. INSIDE AIRPLANE – DAY
Elizabeth settled in to her seat. She smiles to herself as if enjoying a private secret. She then looks out at the clouds as her flight climbs higher and higher…
FADE TO BLACK.
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Assignment 23
Aleta Rafton’s Act 4 Key Scene 4 Resolution
What I learned is how hard it is to resolve the story in an interesting way that’s not so predictable.
Outline Act 4 Key Scene 4 Resolution
Hank, Jack and Shadow leave the building and look for Grandpa where they left him but he’s nowhere to be found.
Start running down random streets searching
Decide to go home to see if he’s there
Grandpa is home
Hank, Jack and Shadow walk in happy to see him
Grandpa makes everyone hot chocolate to toast in the New Year
Julie arrives home asks if they heard about lion caught in garbage dump
They all exchange looks but say nothing
TV starts showing the New Year’s Ball falling top of One Times Square
All raise toast to new year
Act 4 Key Scene 4
(Hank, Jack and Shadow leave the building and look for Grandpa where they left him but he’s nowhere to be found)
Jack
Grandpa! Grandpa!
(They try street after street but can’t find him)
Jack
Do you have your phone?
(Hank checks his pockets for the phone)
Hank
No. I must have left it at home. Sorry
Jack
It’s ok
Hank
Let’s just go home and see if he’s there
(Inside the house, Grandpa is sitting in his chair watching the New Year’s Eve on TV before the ball drop. Jack Hank and Shadow enter)
Jack
Grandpa! Grandpa! You won’t believe what Hank did!
Grandpa
Really? What did he do?
(Jack shows Grandpa his firetruck ornament)
Jack
We followed the owl to the top of the building where the ball drops on New Years.
Grandpa
Wow!
Jack
Hank jumped onto the scaffolding used his whip and swingout to grab my firetruck from the owl! It was unbelievable. Scary, too!
Grandpa
Hank did all that??
Jack
Yes. It was amazing!
Grandpa
Well, that calls for a toast!
(Grandpa goes into kitchen to make hot chocolate)
Hank
Is Julie home?
Grandpa from kitchen
No, not yet
Jack
Hank, thank you. This was the most amazing night ever!
Hank
Yeah. I know! Glad it worked out
Jack
I’m sorry for
Hank
That’s the past
(Grandpa comes out with chocolate. Julie come home)
Jack
Mom! Mom, You won’t believe…
Hank and Grandpa give Jack a look
…oh nothing
Julie
No tell me. What did you do tonight?
Hank
Not much
Julie
Did you hear the lion was caught at the city dump
(TV shows the lion story)
Julie
It’s on TV now
They all look to TV
Julie
The police got a phone tip about the lion being trapped in a container at the zoo
Grandpa
Oh really
Julie
They don’t know how it happened but we can sleep well tonight
Hank
Yeah that’s good news
(Countdown for the ball drop starts on TV and they all turn to watch and count out loud)
Hank, Jack Julie, Grandpa all reciting countdown
10,9,8,…….
The End
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What I learned from this assignment is how to shape the ending into something more than a button up – to have it add meaning for the audience by drawing on the characters’ traits and the experiences they have had in their journey.
Mark’s ACT 4 Resolution
Key Scene 4 – Resolution
BEGINNING
EXT. NOME FLIGHT LINE – DAY
The sun is shining, bringing warmth and comfort. Tony is walking around his plane, checking for damage and wear. Victoria decides she has had enough cold in her life. She wants to ride home on a ship.
MIDDLE
EXT. NOME DOCKS – DAY
Victoria is waiting on the dock, looking for Tony. He barely makes it in time to board. He had a last minute errand to take care of.
END
EXT. DECK OF THE PASSENGER SHIP – DAY
Tony has a trick up his sleeve. He tells her the captain wants to have a word with them. The captain congratulates them for their heroic deeds and offers to marry them. They are thrilled and agree instantly. The captain isn’t the one to marry them. Its Jensen who surprises them. After warm appreciation that they are all survivors due to each other, Jensen starts the ceremony, when Tony produces the ring he just bought in Nome.
EXT. NOME FLIGHT LINE – DAY
The sun is shining, bringing warmth and comfort. Tony is walking around his plane, checking for damage and wear.
VICTORIA
If you think I’m riding home in that useless rattle-trap, forget it.
Tony walks over to her.
TONY
A little too chilly for ya?
VICTORIA
I’ve had enough cold for the rest of my life. If you can guarantee me that’s the way it will be, then I’ll listen to your offer.
Tony gives her a polite kiss.
TONY
Hmm. Let me think.
EXT. NOME HARBOR DOCKS – DAY
The SS _________ is moored, in final boarding stage for passengers.
Victoria is near the gangplank, warmly dressed and impatient. She looks around for Tony, anxious.
Tony rushes up out of the crowd, out of breath.
TONY (CONT’D)
I’m sorry, Vicky. Something I had to do.
VICTORIA
Important enough to miss the boat?
TONY
We’re fine. Yes, pretty important for the future. Lets go.
He picks up their bags and they hurry up the gangplank.
EXT. DECK OF THE PASSENGER SHIP – DAY
Victoria is looking out over the rail.
Tony talks with the captain as they exit the passageway door. He comes over to Victoria.
TONY (CONT’D)
Never look back.
VICTORIA
I won’t.
TONY
The captain would like to see us for a moment.
She is puzzled, goes with him to the captain standing in front of the passageway door.
TONY (CONT’D)
This is Victoria. Captain Peterson.
CAPTAIN PETERSON
I wanted to meet both of you. What you both have accomplished will be remembered in the history of the sea.
VICTORIA
If you’ll pardon me, I’d like to forget it.
CAPTAIN PETERSON
I understand.
(looks at Tony)
Would you like to be married now?
Tony looks to Victoria, who is stunned.
VICTORIA
Uhh…well…yes.
CAPTAIN PETERSON
Fine. I will see to it.
He goes through the door to the passageway. Immediately the door opens and Captain Jensen appears.
Tony and Victoria are both surprised. Then the warm comradeship they have come to know after such hardship overwhelms them.
VICTORIA
Captain-Jocko, Thank you for…everything.
He clasps her hand with love in his eyes.
TONY
Thank you for bringing Victoria back to me.
Their handshake is genuine and heart felt.
JENSEN
I thank both of you, for saving me.
Now. Do you have the ring?
Tony takes ring case from his pocket and opens to reveal a beautiful _______ ring.
Victoria is impressed. Smiles.
VICTORIA
For the future.
EXT. AERIAL VIEW – DAY
The ship steams south toward the sun. It follows closely behind an ice-breaker moving ice out of their path.
END TITLE
In 1934, the plight of 101 survivors of the shipwreck of the Chelyuskin became front page news for weeks. They survived for three months on the ice by building a camp.
END TITLE
Small planes were able to reach them, land, and fly them out a few at a time only because the captain ordered a runway to be cleared on the ice. The runway, their key to rescue, was repaired for weeks in shifting ice.
END TITLE
Not a single soul was lost.
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Lesson 23 finish Act 4
This is the resolution.
What I learned from this assignment is Hal’s system works. I can’t believe the first draft is done.
Scene EXT CHERRY LAKE, FLORIDA DAY
Travis is sitting in a chair near the dock, fishing. He has rock n roll music playing on the barge.
Liz arrives. She hears the loud music and walks around the house toward Travis. She takes a big
breath.
LIZ
Mr. Maxwell?
Travis does not turn around.
TRAVIS
Yes.
LIZ
I’m Elizabeth Bradford from Wellington, Vermont. Some
strangers know me as Sarah. Some classmates from high
school call me Lizzie, but the man who lives in that house
and who is the best kisser I know calls me Liz.
Travis turns around.
LIZ
I happened to be in the area today, calling on businesses
on behalf of the Brandford Inn which I own one third interest.
Travis laid down his fishing rod and reel and walked toward Liz.
TRAVIS
This is Christmas Eve. Did any business respond to your
professional call?
LIZ
Not yet, but I’m hoping one business give me a chance.
TRAVIS
How do you know the man who lives in that house is the
best kisser? Do you kiss all your prospects?
JILL
No. (then laughs)Travis moves closer.
TRAVIS
I read in a book that the best kisser can improve if he practices.
LIZ
I gladly volunteer to help you in that training experiment.
(BEAT) You knew I was coming here, didn’t you?
TRAVIS
Mom called. I talked to Dad, Marty, Charlie, Annabelle and Sam.
Sam threatened me. What’s that about?
LIZ
He’s been my big buddy since my dad passed.TRAVIS
I like Sam. I like you better. (BEAT) You realize our mothers and my
sister are not going to stop meddling until we are married?
LIZ
Will they stop then, you think?
TRAVIS
Probably not.
LIZ
I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about the ownership of Bradford Inn. Since
I work there, I don’t think about it I consider myself an employee only.
TRAVIS
I say let’s get back to the research experiment.
LIZ
I agree.
Travis grabbed her hand and they headed to the boat.
Travis
We’ll start our first tradition today and practice.
LIZ
What’s that?
As they get on the boat, Travis pushes a button. The theme from
Soul Train plays.
TRAVIS
Merry Christmas!
LIZ
Merry Christmas!
Travis kisses Liz as he guides the barge for the five o’clock ride. Both of their phones start to ring.
Travis and Jill laugh but but don’t answer.
THE END
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Melanie’s Act 4 Resolution
What I learned: what my character has become and that I really need to work on how she started off!
Key Scene 4a:
BEGINNING: Sybil makes it to the center of Stormville’s town. This time she has a different plan. In the middle of the square is a large metal bell. She stands next to it, grabs the rope and rings it. Slowly townspeople show up.
MIDDLE: A large crowd has now appeared. She now has to figure out how to convince them the British are on their way and rally them. She shows them the locket her parents gave her to validate that she is the daughter of Colonel Ludington. But it’s too tiny, they can’t make out the faces. She then holds up Samuel’s musket…it’s a Brown Bess, purely British. This sways some people. Finally, she has to sway them with a speech.
END: She breathes, starts off shaky at first but finishes strong – with words of motivation and inspiration. They are truly moved. Suddenly, Edmond, who we recognize as a soldier from the beginning in the field with her father, steps forward. And validates who she is. The crowd rallies.
Key Scene 4b:
BEGINNING: Day is breaking and over the hill, Henry has fallen asleep outside on the porch. He stirs, seeing something coming over the ridge down the road. He squints, but still isn’t able to see who it is. He runs into the house to fetch his parents.
MIDDLE: Colonel Ludington and his wife scramble to the porch with Henry, scared that it could be the British. But as they get closer, they don’t see any redcoats. Finally, they make out Sybil, on Star, leading hundreds of militia behind her.
END: She makes it to their house. Her father is speechless, his eyes moist. He comes to her, ready to help her down. But Edmond appears next to her, and offers her hand, which she takes. Her father apologizes, taking her into his arms.
Key Scene 4c:
BEGINNING: Sybil is at the Iroquois village. She has a number of books under her hand.
MIDDLE: She gives one to the Iroquois teen as a gift.
END: She tells him that becoming a powerful Chief is about having more knowledge.
Key Scene 4d:
BEGINNING: Sybil is walking back through the woods. She stops at the edge seeing a number of soldiers on horseback gathered in front of her home. She thinks her father has been hurt
MIDDLE: She tears through the field, up the porch and throws open the door.
END: Her mother greets her at the door and tells her someone is here to see her. Behind her a large statured man appears, he is General George Washington. She is speechless. He bows to her with respect and thanks her for her service.
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EXT. TOWN OF STORMVILLE – DAWN
Through the town, Sybil and Star ride. The small shops that line the street are still closed and quiet. In the middle of the town square is a small park, empty aside from a stray dog. Sybil spots what she’s after and they quickly head to the middle.
A large bronze bell is affixed to a structure smack in the center of the square. Sybil jumps off her horse, running to it. With all of her might, she jumps on the dangling rope beside it. It RINGS loudly, echoing throughout the streets.
Slowly one by one, townspeople arrive.
MAN
What is going on?
A crowd is gathering as Sybil continues to RING the large bell.
WOMAN
There’d better be a good reason for this…
Other GRUMBLES from the townspeople as they continue to gather.
Sybil RINGS the bell for a few minutes longer and before long just about all of the townspeople have gathered.
She stops and a silence falls over the town, waiting for her to speak. Sweat forms on her brow, and the spotlight is blinding.
MAN
Well, aren’t you going to say something?
Sybil blinks. Takes a deep breath, trying to navigate through her anxiety.
SYBIL
My name is Sybil Ludington. My father is Colonel Ludington that many of you have served. Last night a messenger arrived at our house with the message that I’ve come here to give.
MAN
Why didn’t he come himself?
SYBIL
He was shot, on death’s door, he couldn’t. So I came. I know I’m just a girl, 16, and you don’t know me. But I’ve ridden all night and risked my life to deliver this message to you. I’ve been hunted by their own scout who sought to kill both me and my horse.
MAN
How do we know?
SYBIL
Because this is his musket.
She holds the musket high over her head. There are murmurs in the crowd.
MAN
There’s no proof that.
SYBIL
My horse was shot – go see the bloody bandage yourself. And I’ve been wounded. And right now as we stand here talking, all of our lives are at risk. So you must listen.
GASP in the crowd, they are on pins and needles, waiting.
SYBIL
The British are here. They have invaded Danbury. They came by night, landing in Fairfield and attacked by the cover of night. And if we don’t rally, they will invade our towns next. So I ask all of you, the soldiers, the militia, anyone who loves their country to take up arms and follow me.
Their is silence in the crowd, as they are now fully engaged.
SYBIL
How many of you love your families?
Murmurs of “yes, of course.”
SYBIL
How many of you love your land?
Louder murmurs.
SYBIL
How many of you would rather be under British rule? Under the thumbs of aristocrats who have no idea what it’s like to till the soil, work hard to feed your children? Would you rather they continue to rule what you say?
CROWD
No
SYBIL
Tell you what you can do?
CROWD
No.
SYBIL
Lock you up in jail because they don’t like the color of your hair?
CROWD
NO!
Sybil has captured their attention and their spirits.
SYBIL
Then follow me and fight for what you own! Fight for what you deserve! Fight for your freedom!
CROWD
Yes!
SYBIL
This nation, our nation, may be new, it may be small, it may be but a child itself. But remember this, not for my sake, but for yours… this is our home and no one can rob us of that!
The crowd CHEERS. Sybil raises the musket in front of the townspeople.
SYBIL
The United States of America is only ours if we fight for it!
A VOICE from the crowd makes everyone turn around.
EDMOND
She’s telling the truth. She is the father of Colonel Ludington!
Sybil reacts, seeing the familiar face from the fields of her home.
SYBIL
You?
Edmond joins her in front of everyone.
EDMOND
We must fight!
Sybil smiles, jumping on her horse. Edmond stands next to her.
CROWD
Fight! Fight!
Sybil’s emotions are now tampered by her leadership, her bravery. She holds the musket above her.
SYBIL
Follow me!
CUT TO:
EXT. LUDINGTON FARMHOUSE – DAWN
The sun is lifting over the hills, the new day is here. Little Henry has fallen asleep on the front porch, waiting for his sister. But the light hits his face and he rouses.
He sees something coming over the ridge…on the road.
He tears inside…
HENRY
Mother! Father! Hurry!
He is joined by Colonel Ludington and Emily and they squint towards the figures moving closer.
COLONEL LUDINGTON
Go in! Hide. It could be the British.
Emily grabs Henry and they head inside. But after a minute, Henry sneaks out and stands next to his father.
As the figures draw closer, we see someone on horseback and no redcoats.
HENRY
Father, who is it?
The figures grow closer, and they recognize the muddied, bloody face of Sybil, leading an army of men.
COLONEL LUDINGTON
Sybil?
Her father races down the porch, towards the convoy until he reaches Sybil. She stops Star in front of him. He is overcome with emotion, but Sybil promptly salutes him.
SYBIL
Your army, father.
He reaches to help her down off the horse, but Edmond beats him to it.
Sybil takes Edmond’s hand and slides off the saddle. She gives Star a gentle pet on her neck.
SYBIL
She’s been wounded, but I think she’ll be okay.
COLONEL LUDINGTON
I didn’t know you could ride.
SYBIL
She’s the best horse anyone could have.
COLONEL LUDINGTON
How did you do this?
SYBIL
I had a good teacher.
CUT TO:
EXT. IROQUOIS VILLAGE – DAY
Sybil navigates her way through the village, finding the Iroquois father. She bows to him in honor.
SYBIL
Where is your son? I have something for him.
He leads her to a tent, and she enters.
CUT TO:
INT. TENT – CONTINUOUS
The Iroquois teen sits on the ground, widdling a piece of wood. He smiles, seeing her, and stands.
IROQUOIS
What are you doing here?
SYBIL
I brought you a gift.
From behind her back she presents him with a gift wrapped with a bow. He glows with excitement, ripping it open.
IROQUOIS
What’s this?
He holds the book up, it’s the first one he’s seen.
SYBIL
It’s a book. And I can teach you to read it, if you want. If you are going to be chief one day, knowledge will make you more powerful.
He smiles, and taps his chest.
IROQUOIS
Thank you.
SYBIL
No, thank you.
She nods, excusing herself.
CUT TO:
EXT. FOREST, NEAR LUDINGTON FARM – LATER
Cutting through the woods, Sybil moves agilely through the thicket. She’s a pro, now, and comes though the opening to the field behind her house unscathed.
AS she approaches the house, she sees horses and men in front of her house.
SYBIL
Father?
She picks up her pace, running across the field.
As she gets to the road, her worry takes over.
SYBIL
Everything alright? Is it father?
The men are stern, not answering her questions.
She clamors up the stairs.
SYBIL
Mother? Henry?
She enters house, the door slamming behind her.
CUT TO:
INT. LUDINGTON FARMHOUSE – CONTINUOUS
She enters quickly, running into her mother who stops her at the door.
EMILY
There’s someone here to see you.
Her mother’s eyes are wide, and bright.
A tall FIGURE stands behind her, coming into view. He holds a hat in his hands, his hair is white, and he wears a crisp Confederate uniform. His blue eyes sparkle through his serious expression.
EMILY
General Washington, this is my daughter, Sybil. Sybil?
Sybil’s mouth drops, her heart stopping momentarily and she catches her breath.
SYBIL
General Washington? I am honored to meet you.
She curtsies, red coloring her cheeks.
His face breaks with a smile and he slowly bows to her.
GENERAL WASHINGTON
The honor is mine, Sybil Ludington. You have served your country with selflessness and saved many lives. America thanks you.
He puts his hand on her shoulder for a long beat. And then strides to the front door. And leaves.
Sybil runs to the window and watches him leave. Her eyes glisten with tears.
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Pam’s Act 4 Resolution
What I learned: It’s very freeing to continue the 20% rule all the way down to the Resolution. Huzzah! I made it.
INT. DOG SHELTER, VT – DAY
BEGINNING: Acadia is sorting mail at the front desk. Looks up when someone comes in. She sees that it’s Henri. Gives him a cold shoulder. Continues sorting mail.
ACADIA
(tries not to show interest)
Here for a visit?HENRI
Here for good.She raises an eyebrow, softens her look.
HENRI
(softly)
I totally understand why you’re still upset with me.
(inhales)
I’m actually here on business. I want to adopt GoodFella… if he’s still available.Acadia tries not to show any emotion. She grabs an adoption form and a pen.
ACADIA
(starts to fill out form)
Employed?HENRI
(nods positively)
I think Cameron will give me my job back.ACADIA
Will you give GoodFella a good family life?HENRI
Yes. Family comes first.
(beat)
And if you can ever find it in your heart to forgive me… I’m hoping you and Hank can be a part of that family.MIDDLE: Acadia walks into the barn and comes back with GoodFella. He sees Henri and wags his tail with joy. He runs over, jumps up on him, and showers him with kisses.
ACADIA
(smiles)
Hmmmm. GoodFella Berger (Bur-zhur). Got a nice ring to it.HENRI
You and Hank up for a walk in the park?Acadia nods and smiles. Henri can’t hold back any longer. He embraces her. They pull back. Their eyes meet and they kiss.
HENRI
Thank you for giving this stray another chance.
(beat)
I’ve got a surprise for you.END: They walk to Henri’s Subaru. A distinguished-looking elderly gentleman opens the door and steps out.
HENRI
This is my Papi. Francois Berger.Acadia is thrilled to meet him. Smiles and shakes his hand. Papi says something in a French accent. Maybe takes her hand and kisses it?
They all file into Henri’s car. With Henri at the wheel, they drive down the long winding road away from the shelter. GoodFella’s and Hank’s heads emerge joyously from the open windows.
FINAL IMAGE: Vermont vanity plate “STYLIN.”
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Clendon – Act 4 Resolution
[1] What I learned doing this assignment? There has to be a resolution and a view of the person(s) after the transformation. Ending a movie on the Climax without resolution is short-changing the audience in my opinion.
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[2] Outline Key Scene 4.
BEGINNING: Ramirez calls on Clendon, has Xmas presents for him and Natalie.
MIDDLE: Clendon lets her in, they have a Christmas toast,
END: Clendon has a present for her as well.
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[3] Write Key Scene 4: Resolution – Wrap it up and show us the “new normal.”
EXT/INT. MARY’S HOME – CHRISTMAS EVE DAY
Detective Ramirez stares at the Christmas wreath on the front door.
She gives the doorbell another ring, not sure Clendon’s home — when the door OPENS.
CLENDON (eyes Christmas presents) “You should’nt’ve. Please, come in. “
Ramirez notices his cut lip and shiner, sees his knuckles. The detective in her on high alert.
RAMIREZ (hands top present) “This one’s for you. The other one is for Natalie. Merry Christmas.”
Moved, Clendon takes the presents off her hands, sets them on the entry way bench.
CLENDON “Can I get you something to drink?”
RAMIREZ (makes a face) “Eggnog, no thanks.”
Clendon leads the way into the living room, over to the bar.
CLENDON “What’s your poison?”
RAMIREZ “Drinking with a minor, what is this world coming to… Scotch, if you have it.”
Clendon flashes an Oh-pleeeze look.
CLENDON “Single malt or blend?”
RAMIREZ “Look at you, surprise me. How’s Mister Foster doing?”
CLENDON “Linda’s got him on antibiotics for a fever. She’s with him now.”
Clendon pulls out a beautiful bottle, pours two fingers, places one oversized ice cube in the glass, gives it a swirl. Pours himself one.
RAMIREZ “Can I pop in, say hello?”
CLENDON “Down the hall, second door on the left.”
Ramirez reaches for the glass. Clendon lifts his; the two toast.
CLENDON “To family. Thank you for everything.”
RAMIREZ “To your mother, she made all this possible.”
Ramirez gives the scotch a taste and is blown away.
RAMIREZ “OhmyGod, that’s incredible.”
CLENDON “Macallan M. Highland single malt. Mary’s favorite.”
RAMIREZ “Do I even want to know the price?”
Clendon (shakes his head no) Merry Christmas Detective Ramirez.”
RAMIREZ “It’s Lagina. Merry Christmas, Clendon. I’ll be right back. “
Clendon waits till she is out of sight, then reaches in the cupboard and retrieves an unopened bottle of the scotch.
He rushes into the den for a liquor sack and a bow.
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Sandra’s Act 4 Resolution
What I learned doing this assignment is that the Resolution is about showing the protagonist living their new life.
RESOLUTION: The storm lets up, then stops. Lucy crawls out of the sunroof. Her husband drives up and picks her up. She’s safe. Professor Clark disappears.
1 Year Later
Family is together to celebrate grandma’s birthday. Lucy holds a baby. Ph.D. diploma hangs on the wall. Lucy is calm, confident, and more balanced. She’s working part time and living her new ways.
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Janeen’s Act 4 Resolution
What I learned doing this assignment is that I struggled to finish these last scenes because I knew I had to go back and ramp up the tension so that they make sense and are cathartic.
INT. DOC’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
BEN is home alone. He paces looking at the family pictures of his wife, Jym and his mother, all larger than they are now. He contemplates them and checks himself when he gets frustrated with them.
He phones Uncle Jerome.
BEN
Uncle Jerome, I’ve reached a decision.86.
UNCLE JEROME I assumed you had.
BEN
Ashley has lost weight and is climbingback up the ladder to health. She looks amazing and she really is a
lot healthier. Marta, you remember her, has been keeping tabs on her
for me, but it turns out they’ve
been withholding the fact that they’ve changed diet and meds several times of the past few months as Ashleygets better.
UNCLE JEROME I’m glad she’s well.
BEN
Marta is an OB/GYN and really doesn’thave the time or the expertise to help the neighborhood like I do.
UNCLE JEROME
I see.
BEN
Uncle Jerome, I don’t understandwomen at all. While I’ve been gone, they’ve helped so many people and
helped themselves. Jym’s more fit
than she was in high school and Ashley — well, —UNCLE JEROME
Say no more. You can’t bear thethought of being separated from your wife anymore, is that it?
BEN Well, I wouldn’t –
UNCLE JEROME
Just say, yes, Uncle Jerome, that’sit. I can tell you’re not coming back.
Ben chuckles.
BEN
You know me too well.UNCLE JEROME
I do. I’ll see you at the holidays.87.
BEN
Thank you, Uncle Jerome. I owe youso much.
UNCLE JEROME
Yes, you do. They hang up, both smiling.
Ben makes another call.
BEN
Marta, do you have a few minutes?INT. BEN’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
While prepping for bed, ASHLEY fills BEN in on her plans.ASHLEY
Ben, honey, I want to work at Jym’sgym so Jym an spend more time advising people. Marta has been helping people as much as she can, but she really doesn’t have time available to meet the needs of the neighborhood.
Ben puts his arms around her. BEN
I see.
ASHLEY
Jym can do more instruction andmonitoring if she’s not running the gym and I love it.
BEN
That’s great. I wish I’d gone intoobstetrics. Then I could help Marta, but I can’t change specialties now.
He holds her in front of him and looks into her eyes.
BEN (CONT’D)
I’ve quit the clinical trial business.I couldn’t stand to be away from you any longer and I don’t belong in that business.
ASHLEY That’s great!
When she tries to hug him, he holds her at arms’ length.
88.
BEN
Ash, I don’t have a job.Ashley pulls him after her onto the bed.
ASHLEY
I’m glad you’ll be here all of thetime. I have a lot more energy these days.
They embrace and nuzzle and are about to get serious when she pushes him aside and sits up.
ASHLEY (CONT’D)
You can take Marta’s place with Jym’sclients.
She smiles and he looks quizzical.BEN
Did you talk to Marta today?ASHLEY
No, but we’ll talk to her tomorrow.There’s an empty office next to the gym that would be a great wellness clinic. We’ll talk tomorrow.
She lures him into bed and he shakes his head in amused defeat.
BEN
Tomorrow. INT. JYM’S OFFICE – DAY
CAM enters JYM’s office.
JYM
There’s something I need to tellyou.
CAM
That you can lo longer resist mycharms?
She laughs and he smiles.JYM
Not exactly. I’m going to be workingwith my brother and Ashley is going to be taking over the management of the gym. Will that be a problem for you?
89.
CAM
Hardly.
JYM
It will mean a change in ourrelationship.
Eyes her closely and eagerly.CAM
How so?
JYM
You won’t have to suk up to me allof the time because you’ll no longer work for me.
Cam leans back in his chair for a moment and then sits forward leaning toward Jym as he speaks.
CAM
If I don’t work for you any more,then I can stop beating around the bush.
Jym frowns.
CAM (CONT’D)
I love you. I loved you the wholetime we were stationed together and I came here and took this job specifically to be with you. I’m not sucking up. I’m in love.
He swallows hard, watches as she looks away, processing.
Jym frowns, processing. She fidgets in her chair. Finally, she stands up and rounds the desk. He stands.
JYM Are you for real?
CAM
Of course.
She ponders a beat, then gives a whoop and kisses him hard. They hug.
EXT. NEW CLINIC – DAY
One year later, JYM is wearing a wedding ring and is pregnant. There is a brief montage.90.
Jym counsels patients showing them diets with budget numbers, trying several brochures and books until they are satisfied.
JYM
If you have any problems sticking tothe diet, come bak. We can find something that will work for you and be within your budget.
Ben congratulates a client on a weight loss after a weigh- in.
BEN
Keep up the good work!Jym taps on Ben’s office doorframe.
JYM
Mrs. Fairfield has some questionsfor you.
ASHLEY is thinner still. She and CAM are consulting the class schedule board where both their names appear and they share teaching duties on many classes.
At the end of the day, the medical office and gym are locked and they pair up in front of the office.
Ben and Ashley kiss passionately, then return to the office for a quick canoodle.
Cam and Jym hug, kiss and head back into the gym.
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Dave Holloway’s Act 4 Resolution
What I learned doing this assignment is that, when writing without judging your work, you can write a great deal in a fairly short period of time.
Outline Key Scene 4
BEGINNING: They begin to drive through the streets of Vicksburg. Nigel is unsure of where to go.
MIDDLE: Livia tells him of a man the friendly prison guard told her about who flies people out of Shiloh to freedom. She remembers the directions the guard gave her to his home.
END: Nigel parks the car a block from the man’s house. The four run from the car to the man’s house. They knock on the door and he answers. He agrees to fly them out, so they hurry through his home to the plane behind it. They board the plane and he starts the engine, and they roll down the runway and take off.
Key Scene 4: Resolution
INT. CAR – DAY
They drive quickly through the Vicksburg streets.
ROGER: Easy, Nigel. Can’t speed and attract attention.
A VOICE comes over a radio-like apparatus on the dashboard.
VOICE: Officers Crandall and Gallagher, please identify your location and current pursuit.
Roger looks across at Nigel and speaks softly.
ROGER: Must be the blokes whose car this is.
NIGEL: Hope they don’t know where we are..
Nigel waits several seconds, then speaks to Livia in the back seat.
NIGEL: Roger and I thought we should return to the location where we entered Shiloh. We got over the wall there without being detected and we’ve got equipment to do it again.
Everyone is silent for a moment.
LIVIA: Nigel, the friendly guard at the prison told me about a men who flies people out of Shiloh so they can escape. She told me where he lives.
NIGEL: You have his address?
LIVIA: Yes, and I think I remember the directions she gave me to get there.
Nigel looks across at Roger.
NIGEL: What do you think, Rog? Which way is our best chance?
ROGER: They’re likely to have every cop in the state after us. Might not make it to the Shiloh border.
NIGEL: You’re right.
He turns back toward Livia again.
NIGEL: How far to this man’s house, Liv?
LIVIA: She said just over a mile.
NIGEL: Okay. How do I go?
LIVIA: Turn right at this next light. Then go on a ways until we reach Pershing Boulevard.
Nigel nods and slows to make his right turn.
INT. CAR – DAY
They’re on a large boulevard, driving at the speed of traffic.
LIVIA: Shouldn’t be far from here. Look for MacArthur Street and go right.
Nigel drives several seconds longer.
NIGEL: There it is.
He makes a right onto MacArthur. The voice sounds again from the dashboard, more emphatically.
VOICE: Officers Crandall and Gallagher, please identify location and pursuit.
They remain silent.
VOICE: All units in southeast Vicksburg. Police car heading south on MacArthur. Pursue and intercept.
NIGEL: They’re after us. How much further, Liv?
LIVIA: Only a couple blocks, I think. It’s number 1715.
Nigel accelerates slightly.
NIGEL: Here’s the 1600 block. Should be the next one.
They drive to the next block, and Nigel slows.
LIVIA: There it is – 1715!
NIGEL: Think I’ll drive another block. So the damned cops don’t know where we’ve gone.
He drives one more block, then swings the car in to the curb and parks.
NIGEL: Everybody out!
Nigel leaves the keys in the ignition as they all get out and begin to run to 1715.
EXT. VICKSBURG STREET – DAY
They run up several steps to the front door of 1715 and ring the bell.
LIVIA: My God, what will we do if he isn’t home?
They wait tensely for several seconds, then hear footsteps inside the house. The door opens, and RICK JANNSEN, 40, a slender man, medium height, with graying hair and beard, stands looking at them. Livia speaks breathlessly.
LIVIA: Mr. Janssen, I’m Livia Williamson. I’m a friend of Katharine Bell, the guard at the prison. She said you fly people out of Shiloh!
The man looks concerned. He gazes up and down the block quickly.
JANSSEN: Livia Williamson. Yes, I think Katharine told me about you. Quick, come in.
They rush inside and he closes the door.
NIGEL: The police are after us, sir, and will probably find our car up the street at any moment. Can you fly us out now?
Janssen thinks for a moment, then decides.
JANSSEN: Okay. Let’s get to the plane. This way.
He leads them past the living room, into the kitchen, then through a door to the outside area behind the house. He pulls out a small electronic device and pushes a button. A metal door on a garage to the left begins to open.
JANNSEN: Come on!
He runs toward the garage and ducks in under the rising door, with the others close behind him. A small, sleek plane is parked within the garage. He opens a door on the plane’s right side and steps up into it.
JANSSEN: Let’s go.
Livia, Amelia, Roger and Nigel step up inside the plane. From the pilot’s seat, Janssen turns the engine on, and the powerful engine comes to life. Janssen eases the plane out of the garage and taxis a short distance to the beginning of a runway in back of his house.
JANSSEN; Duck down, all of you! The cops can’t see I’ve got passengers!
The four quickly duck down below the windows of the plane. Janssen accelerates the plane down the runway. He speaks cautiously.
JANSSEN: There they are. Five police cars on the next block and cops looking around everywhere. Stay down!
The plane picks up more speed and its wheels leave the ground. The four are quiet and still. They feel the plane gently ascending.
JANSSEN: Hallelujah, we’re free as a bird. Don’t sit up until I tell you.
He takes the plane on a steady curve to the left. It continues rising into the sky.
JANSSEN: Beautiful day for flying. All right, you can look out now.
The four cautiously raise up and look through the windows. Below them is the calm blue water of the Pacific Ocean. The line of houses at the edge of Vicksburg behind them looks very small. Livia throws her arms around Nigel.
LIVIA: My God, Nigel, you’ve saved us! We’re free!
Nigel hugs her, and they share a long kiss.
NIGEL: Couldn’t have done it without Roger, here. Wouldn’t even have made it as far as Shiloh without him.
Livia hugs Roger and smiles.
LIVIA: Thank you, Roger!
Roger speaks quietly.
ROGER: So many times I thought we had no chance. Feels like a beautiful dream.
Janssen looks back at them and smiles.
JANSSEN: Mexico’s still a free country. I can take you down to Mexico City. You can get a flight home to England from there.
The four of them shout.
ALL FOUR: Hurrah!
The plane continues to climb into the cloudless sky with the blue ocean below.
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Fred’s Act 4 Resolution
What I learned doing this assignment is that the resolution needs a clear transition from the climax in order to feel natural. I still need to achieve this in later drafts.
New Way involves Jin accepting both sides of his family
Mother restores relationship with uncle
How does Jin achieve that?
Forgives father, not out of pity
But to restore balance to his grandparents
Mistress wins financial support from Han?
How does she achieve this, visually?
What about Emma? Closure?
Visually:
Mom visits grave
Han cooks with the ladies
Grandpa lets the dog off its leash
Before he used to yell at it
Only way the dog made him proud was by barking and being a guard dog
Now he smiles and licks his hand as he pets him, rolls on his stomach, nudges with his paw for more
GENRE AND THEME
?
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Gayle’s Act 4 Resolution
What I learned doing this assignment is that I need to focus. While I actual like the 20% method and I will use it to fill in and rewrite this script, I need to simply sit and write with a passion and instinct.
Outline Key Scene 4
BEGINNING – Rick and Samantha have called off their divorce
MIDDLE – They are writing a book about their experience
END – Samantha is pregnant and Caroline is her visible future nanny as the other ghosts have free reign of the house and interactions
Write Key Scene 4
INT. LIVING ROOM – DAY
As the dawn break and rays of sunlight poke through the holes of the broken roof and walls.
Caroline and the ghosts survey the damage.
RICK: Do you still have that deed? I’ll sign it. But, if you are open to stopping the divorce—
SAMANTHA: Stop—
RICK: Yes.
SAMANTHA: No, I mean stop talking.
RICK: I want to give you what you want. If that means letting you go… to win you back—
Samantha surprises him with a kiss.
RICK: Does this mean the divorce is off?
SAMANTHA: Don’t you ever listen?
Josie rouses and realizes the Nurse helping her is a real live honest to goodness ghost.
JOSIE: Ack! You’re real. I mean you’re not, but you are.
CAROLINE: What did you think Rick and Samantha were doing all these years?
JOSIE: I mean I knew, but I didn’t think you’d be so human.
NURSE: Lie back, you may have a concussion.
SAMANTHA: No, she always talks like that.
JOSIE: I just had the most deliciously brilliant idea – this is your next book. How the ghosts fought to protect their home when you wanted to sell it from them.
CAROLINE: Oh, I like that.
SAMANTHA: But that’s not what happened.
JOSIE: Literary license. We can work out the story later, but what do you think? Your next big success – I have to start making calls.
SAMANTHA: Josie, wait.
RICK: Let her go. We have some decisions to make.
SAMANTHA: I don’t want to go back to the way it was, Rick.
RICK: Decisions like what color to paint the nursery.
SAMANTHA: Oh, baby.
They kiss again.
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