[Madeline Smith]

Lesson 2: TV Series THE AMERICANS
A. Main Characters
1. Elizabeth Jennings – KGB Spy, in an arranged marriage with Philip. Committed to the motherland.
2. Philip Jennings – KGB Spy; in an arranged marriage with Elizabeth. Potential defecter. Not as committed as wife
3. Stan Beeman – FBI agent in Counter Terrorism division and new neighbor to the Jennings

B. Connected Characters
1. Henry Jennings – son of the KGB couple
2. Paige Jennings – daughter of the KGB Couple
3. FBI Agent Chris Amador = Stan’s partner
4. Sandra Beeman – Wife of FBI agent
5. Matthew Beeman – Son of FBI agent

C. Community
1. US government officials targeted by the spys
2. FBI officials/agents
3. KGB officials/agents
4. Jennings’s travel agency employees and clients
5. Soviet Union Embassy staff

• This reply was modified 1 week, 2 days ago by  Madeline Smith.

[Madeline Smith]

Assignment 1
TV Series: The American
What I learned doing this assignment is that layered storytelling and unique situations are important when creating bingeworthy TV.
The 5 Star Points for the show.
1. Big-Picture Hook – The world is really fresh, unique, and intriguing. I have never seen a show that focuses on the Russian spy. Typically it is on the government agents who are trying to find them.
2. Amazing and Intriguing Character – Their loyalty or lack there of, to Russia after so many years in the States is fascinating. I was impressed with the sharp senses the spies had when trouble is near.
3. Empathy/Distress – The scenes with the captain in the trunk and the fact that the wife and the captain had crossed paths in a tragic way in Russia and how the husband avenged her. It showed his love is more than just a character, while her love had a been an act up until that incident.
4. Layers/Open Loops – the couples new neighbor is an FBI agent assigned to the counter terrorist unit was an amazing twist. It will make for an exciting series. I have seen those situations in comedy situations but never in a drama like this.
5. Inviting Obsession – That last scene forces you to watch the series to see what happens. Both the spies and the agent have great instincts. It makes for a great story.

[Madeline Smith]

`I am Madeline Smith. I am just starting to write scripts. I have developed several unscripted shows but I have so many ideas for scripted shows. I chose Screenwirting U as my educational tool to enable me to go beyond just a good idea. I have been a writer most of my life and these courses are honing my gift. I hope to turn this gift into a viable career in TV development including writing. Something unique about me, I am also a fashion designer.

[Madeline Smith]

I agree to the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement

[Madeline Smith]

I agree to the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement.