[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Project and Market

Genre: Fantasy adventure

Title: The Plumed Serpent

High Concept: The Aztecs believed the arrival of the Spaniards marked the literal end of the world. What if they were right?

Logline: An Aztec woman sets out to save humanity from power-hungry gods before an impending apocalypse cleanses the world.

I learned that I need to take marketing seriously and give it just as much time as writing.

• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Ashley Sarikaya.
• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Ashley Sarikaya.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Hi everyone,
I’m Ashley. I have written one script and I’m starting the second. I hope to become an expert marketer of my scripts and enjoy the relationship building aspect. I work in communications at international organizations in Geneva, Switzerland. Looking forward to getting to know you.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

My name is Ashley Sarikaya and I agree to the terms of this release form.

As a member of this group, I agree to the following:
1. That I will keep the processes, strategies, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class confidential, and that I will NOT share any of this program either privately, with a group, posting online, writing articles, through video or computer programming, or in any other way that would make those processes, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class available to anyone who is not a member of this class.
2. That each writer’s work here is copyrighted and that writer is the sole owner of that work. That includes this program which is copyrighted by Hal Croasmun. I acknowledge that submission of an idea to this group constitutes a claim of and the recognition of ownership of that idea.
I will keep the other writer’s ideas and writing confidential and will not share this information with anyone without the express written permission of the writer/owner. I will not market or even discuss this information with anyone outside this group.
3. I also understand that many stories and ideas are similar and/or have common themes and from time to time, two or more people can independently and simultaneously generate the same concept or movie idea.
4. If I have an idea that is the same as or very similar to another group member’s idea, I’ll immediately contact Hal and present proof that I had this idea prior to the beginning of the class. If Hal deems them to be the same idea or close enough to cause harm to either party, he’ll request both parties to present another concept for the class.
5. If you don’t present proof to Hal that you have the same idea as another person, you agree that all ideas presented to this group are the sole ownership of the person who presented them and you will not write or market another group member’s ideas.
6. Finally, I agree not to bring suit against anyone in this group for any reason, unless they use a substantial portion of my copyrighted work in a manner that is public and/or that prevents me from marketing my script by shopping it to production companies, agents, managers, actors, networks, studios or any other entertainment industry organizations or people.
This completes the Group Release Form for the class.

• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Ashley Sarikaya.
• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Ashley Sarikaya.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Angels & Demons Thriller Conventions

I learned that the final reveal doesn’t need to happen before the Climax scene. In this film, it happened afterwards. It’s interesting to create a Climax scene without a visible antagonist. In this case, it was the Illuminati, but we don’t know who.

• Unwitting but Resourceful Hero: Robert Langdon is a Harvard symbologist with a scientific mind. While he is an expert in Catholic history, he doesn’t have faith or believe in a higher power. But these qualities make him a resourceful hero to solve the mystery.
• Dangerous Villain: The Illuminati are fascinating and mysterious characters with a valid motive to want revenge.
• High stakes: The anti-matter could cause a catastrophic event.
• Life and death situations: Four cardinals are kidnapped and will be killed one by one if Robert can’t locate them.
• This movie is thrilling because? Someone on the inside of the Vatican is one of the Illuminati and we don’t know who.
• Big Mystery: Who is the traitor in the Vatican? And where is he hiding the cardinals?
• Big Intrigue: The Illuminati have a covert, cryptic plan to execute their revenge against the Vatican.
• Big Suspense: If they don’t solve the mystery, the anti-matter will fall out of suspension and destroy Vatican City and more.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Hi everyone,

I’m Ashley! I’ve written one fantasy adventure feature film, which I’m now finalizing. And I’m starting a crime thriller feature film. I can’t wait to unravel and elevate my story through this class! Regarding one unique thing about me, I was an artistic gymnast for almost 2 decades and competed professionally.

Looking forward to working with you all!

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley Sarikaya

I agree to the terms of this release form.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s New Outline Beats!

Vision: I write enthralling, entertaining, and transformational scripts that win awards, get produced and create positive change in the world.

I learned that there were a lot of gaps to fill! This exercised helped me move forward with the plot.

Genre: Historical fantasy

The High Concept: After helping the Spaniards conquer the Aztec Empire, a superhuman Aztec translator travels back in time to stop the fall of the Empire. But she must choose between her love for her son and her people.

Act 1: The Spaniards have conquered the Aztec Empire, which is struck by plague.

Malinche Protagonist Journey (PJ): Malinche is a self-loathing translator who caused the fall of the Aztec Empire. Consumed by guilt, she atones for her past mistakes.

Malinche PJ: Malinche is a loving mother, and will do anything for her son.

Hernando Antagonist Journey (AJ): Hernando has conquered the Aztec Empire, but the Spanish Crown doesn’t recognize his authority. So, the new ruler arrives, takes his office, gold, and crew.

Deeper Layer: Hernando has “daddy issues” and not being recognized by the Spanish Crown triggers it.

Hernando AJ: After Malinche tells Hernando about the plague, Hernando is only concerned with regaining power and ignores the needs of the Aztecs, his son, and Malinche.

Inciting Incident: A fight breaks out between the Aztecs and conquistadors. Malinche is called to join the uprise against the conquistadors and to kill Hernando in his sleep.

Malinche PJ: She hates Hernando but she could never kill him and runs away from the fight.

Deeper Layer: Malinche doesn’t realize that she can’t run away from the fight. The gods won’t allow it.

Turning Point 1: After falling down a rabbit hole and discovering the Aztec Calendar Stone, she travels back in time to stop the fall of the Aztec Empire. But after arriving in the past, she realizes that her son doesn’t make it, as he wasn’t born yet.

Malinche PJ: Malinche mourns the loss of her son.

Deeper Layer: Her son isn’t really gone.

Hernando AJ: Hernando is rejected by the Governor of Cuba, and retaliates by going on the mission anyways. He steads several ships and men.

Act 2: Malinche boards Hernando’s ship and becomes his translator. Her motive is to derail his conquest plans.

Malinche PJ: She is in denial that her son is gone and believes he will be born again. She escapes her loss when she tempts Hernando with exotic experiences. (Kübler-Ross’s grief phase 1: denial)

Hernando AJ: Hernando is smitten by Malinche and escapes from his mission with her. He finds her mysterious, but he is also escaping from a recent rejection by the Governor of Cuba.

Deeper Layer: Hernando doesn’t notice that Malinche derails his conquest plans until it’s too late.

Turning Point 2 / Midpoint: Malinche attempts to have sex with Hernando to bring her unborn son back to life. The spirit is disgusted and exposes Malinche’s ploy to the fanatical priest, Jernonimo. Jeronimo then barges into the room while Malinche and Hernando are about to get spicy. Jernonimo exposes Malinche’s ploy to Hernando and crew.

Hernando AJ: Jeronimo reminds Hernando of his mission. Hernando declines Malinche’s advances in exchange for absolute power in the New World – a Christian world.

The spirit uses the Mayan shaman, Itzamna, to inform Emperor Montezuma of the Spaniards arrival.

Malinche PJ: Malinche realizes that her son isn’t coming back and blames Hernando for everything, including all the things he hasn’t yet done yet. When the Aztec emissaries arrive, she secretly offers them important information about the Spaniards. (Kübler-Ross’s grief phase 2: anger)

Deeper Layer: Malinche may be trying to derail Hernando’s plans. But in reality, a naughty spirit, who manipulates Itzamna, is pulling all the strings.

Act 3: Malinche communicates with a spirit, who she believes to be a god through Itzamna. Malinche pleads to bring her son back. The spirit agrees to the deal, but he adds that to save the Empire she must stop hiding her true self.

Malinche PJ: Malinche pleads to a higher power, “If I save the Aztec Empire, will you bring my son back?” (Kübler-Ross’s grief phase 3: bargaining)

Deeper Layer: Malinche thinks she is speaking to a god, but in reality she is speaking to her unborn son. Itzamna makes the connection that he has been communicating with her son all along.

Turning Point 3: She reveals her true identity — a half-bird/half-human. When Malinche reveals her true form, Emperor Montezuma is horrified and frightened. He orders the guards to pluck her feathers.

Emperor Montezuma AJ: Emperor Montezuma feels threatened by Malinche’s power. He fears that the Aztec people will consider her a goddess and choose her as their ruler.

Malinche PJ: Malinche is stripped of her power, and feels naked and hopeless, but tries to control her emotional reaction in front of others. (Kübler-Ross’s grief phase 4: depression)

Deeper Layer: Malinche begins to fall in love with Itzamna, who comes to her rescue and helps her express her emotions in a constructive way.

After gaining powerful local alliances, the Spaniards arrive at the door of the Aztec Empire and Emperor Montezuma welcomes them out of fear.

The Govenor of Cuba is jealous and furious that Hernando succeeded in establishing a colony and forming local alliances. He orders that they destroy him.

Act 4 Climax: Malinche is to be sacrificed to the gods. Upon entering the courtyard, the Aztec people are horrified that the emperor plucked the feathers of a sacred being. They are on the verge of a rebellion against the Aztec royals.

The priest leads Malinche up the temple. When asked to give her final words, she sings an emotional bird song. The priest then pushes her off the temple, but she is able to fly.

Malinche PJ: At her final moment, she accepts herself and soars in her power. (Kübler-Ross’s grief phase 5: acceptance)

Hernando AJ: Hernando stands with the Aztec noblemen and Emperor Montezuma during the sacrifice of Malinche. Hernando is heart-broken to see her body covered in a red rash from the removal of her feathers. He half listens to Jeronimo, who calls Malinche “a demon”.

Malinche PJ: Malinche and Itzamna have their first love scene.

Deeper Layer: Malinche isn’t the “Chosen One”. Her son is.

Hernando AJ: After discovering that the Aztecs wiped out the Spaniards at the colony, Hernando arrests Emperor Montezuma. The Aztec Emperor “rules” from prison until his own people assassinate him. The Spaniards then take control of the empire.

The Governor of Cuba arrives with a fleet to capture Hernando and put him on trial for treason.

Malinche PJ: Malinche and Itzamna are partners in this fight and side with the Governor of Cuba to defeat the Spaniards.

Hernando AJ: Hernando has the opportunity to win but it would mean leaving Malinche to die. He decides to save Malinche and in doing so he is captured.

Malinche PJ: Malinche becomes the heroine for the Aztec people and they nominate her as the new Empress.

Hernando AJ: Hernando and the Spaniards are locked up in prison on the Governor’s ship. The governor says that they will be tried for their crimes in two days. Hernando calls the Governor a kiss ass and ‘slow’ due to the heavy gold in his pockets.

Resolution: An older Empress Malinche sits tall on a throne surrounded by exotic birds, colorful features, and earthly pleasures. The spirit, Martin (now 18), is in physical form. Itzamna (Martin’s biological father) comes into the picture. In silence, they look at Tenochtitlan burned to ash. Malinche says that sometimes Mother Earth needs to destroy everything before we can rebuild anew. She makes Martin emperor and he sets out to rebuild their home.

As they leave, a quetzal bird sings. The bird song breathes life into the ash and it begins to take shape. As the song crescendos, a megalopolis of floating garden plots rise from the ash. The futuristic skyline of Mexico City glows in the late afternoon light.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Beat Sheet – Draft 1

Vision: I write enthralling, entertaining, and transformational scripts that win awards, get produced and create positive change in the world.

I learned a lot about my characters from the deeper layer exercise. It helps me think beyond the plot.

Genre: Historical fantasy

Act 1: The Spaniards have conquered the Aztec Empire, which is struck by plague.

Malinche Protagonist Journey (PJ) 1: Malinche is a self-loathing translator who caused the fall of the Aztec Empire. Consumed by guilt, she atones for her past mistakes.

Malinche PJ 2: Malinche is a loving mother, and will do anything for her son.

Hernando Antagonist Journey (AJ) 1: Hernando has conquered the Aztec Empire, but the Spanish Crown doesn’t recognize his authority. So, the new ruler arrives, takes his office, gold, and crew. We see his childhood wound of being undervalued.

Deeper Layer: Malinche isn’t atoning for her actions that led to the fall of the Aztec Empire, but for the death of her father.

Hernando AJ 2: After Malinche tells Hernando about the plague, Hernando is only concerned with regaining power and ignores the needs of the Aztecs, his son, and Malinche.

Inciting Incident: A fight breaks out between the Aztecs and conquistadors. Malinche is called to join the uprise against the conquistadors and to kill Hernando in his sleep.

Malinche PJ 3: She hates Hernando but she could never kill him and runs away from the fight.

Deeper Layer: Malinche doesn’t realize that she can’t run away from the fight. Karma has a way of catching up with her.

Turning Point 1: After falling down a rabbit hole and discovering the Aztec Calendar Stone, she travels back in time to stop the fall of the Aztec Empire. But after arriving in the past, she realizes that her son doesn’t make it, as he wasn’t born yet.

Malinche PJ 4: Malinche mourns the loss of her son.

Deeper Layer: Her son isn’t really gone.

Act 2: Malinche boards Hernando’s ship and becomes his translator. Her motive is to derail his conquest plans.

Malinche PJ 5: She is in denial that her son is gone and believes he will be born again in this timeline. She escapes her loss when she tempts Hernando with exotic experiences. (Kübler-Ross’s grief phase 1: denial)

Hernando AJ 3: Hernando is smitten by Malinche and escapes from his mission with her. He finds her illusive and mysterious, but he is also escaping from a recent rejection by the Govenor of Cuba.

Deeper Layer: Hernando doesn’t notice that Malinche derails his conquest plans until it’s too late.

Turning Point 2 / Midpoint: Malinche attempts to have sex with Hernando to bring her unborn son back to life. The spirit is disgusted and finds a way to lure the fanatical priest, Jeronimo, into the room. Jernonimo publicly humiliates her and Hernando doesn’t defend her.

Hernando AJ 4: Hernando nearly falls for Malinche’s ploy, but Jeronimo reminds Hernando of his mission. Hernando declines Malinche’s advances in exchange for absolute power in the New World – a Christian world.

Malinche PJ 6: Malinche realizes that her son isn’t coming back and blames Hernando for everything. She commits to derailing his plan by siding with Emperor Montezuma. (Kübler-Ross’s grief phase 2: anger)

Deeper Layer: Malinche may be trying to derail Hernando’s plans. But in reality, a naughty spirit, who has possessed Itzamna, is pulling all the strings.

Act 3: Malinche communicates with a spirit, who she believes to be a god, through the Mayan shaman, Itzamna. Malinche pleads to bring her son back. The spirit agrees to the deal, but he adds that to save the Empire she must stop hiding her true self.

Malinche PJ 7: Malinche pleads to a higher power, “if I save the Aztec Empire, will you bring my son back?” (Kübler-Ross’s grief phase 3: bargaining)

Deeper Layer: Malinche thinks she is speaking to a god, but in reality she is speaking to her unborn son. Itzamna makes the connection that he has been communicating with her son all along.

Turning Point 3: She reveals her true identity — a half-bird/half-human. When Malinche reveals her true form, Emperor Montezuma strips her of her power by removing her feathers. Hernando doesn’t stop him.

Hernando AJ 5: Hernando feels threatened by Malinche’s power. He fears that the Aztec people will consider her a goddess and choose her as their ruler.

Malinche PJ 8: Malinche feels naked and hopeless, but tries to control her emotional reaction in front of others. (Kübler-Ross’s grief phase 4: depression)

Deeper Layer: Malinche begins to fall in love with Itzamna, who helps her express her emotions in a constructive way.

Act 4 Climax: Malinche is to be sacrificed to the gods. Upon entering the courtyard, the people bow. The priest leads Malinche up the temple. Once they reach the top, the priest speaks to the people and the crowd boos. Malinche steps forward and the crowd cheers. She then sings a moving bird song and gives a speech. The crowd demands her release. Hernando wants the people’s support, so he orders his men to release Malinche and in turn, he infuriates the Aztec noblemen.

Malinche PJ 9: At her final moment, she accepts herself and stands tall in her power. (Kübler-Ross’s grief phase 5: acceptance)

Hernando AJ 6: Hernando stands with the Aztec noblemen and Emperor Montezuma during the sacrifice of Malinche. Hernando is in awe by her regal presence, but avoids eye contact. When the people bow at Malinche, Hernando looks around and follows suit. During Malinche’s speech, he feels “called out” at certain moments. He half listens to Jeronimo, who is enraged by the crowd’s approval of Malinche.

Deeper Layer: Malinche isn’t the “Chosen One”. Her son is.

Hernando AJ 7: Hernando and the Spaniards are locked up in prison on Panfilo’s ship. One prisoner throws up. Panfilo says that they will be tried for their crimes in two days. Hernando calls Panfilo a kiss ass and ‘slow’ due to the heavy gold in his pockets.

Resolution: Empress Malinche sits tall on a throne surrounded by exotic birds, colorful features, and earthly pleasures. The spirit, Martin (3), is now in physical form. Itzamna (Martin’s biological father) comes into the picture. In silence, they look at Tenochtitlan burned to ash. Malinche says that sometimes Mother Earth needs to destroy everything before we can rebuild anew. She proposes that they rebuild their home. As they leave, a quetzal bird sings. The bird song breathes life into the ash and it begins to take shape. As the song crescendos, a megalopolis of floating garden plots rise from the ash. The futuristic skyline of Mexico City glows in the late afternoon light.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Deeper Layer!

Vision: I write enthralling, entertaining, and transformational scripts that win awards, get produced and create positive change in the world.

I learned that this is a story about grief and death, and the realization that nothing truly dies.

The High Concept: After helping the Spaniards conquer the Aztec Empire, a superhuman Aztec translator travels back in time to stop the fall of the Empire. But she must choose between her love for her son and her people.

Surface Layer: Malinche is a mother and translator, who is grieving the loss of her son.

Deeper Layer: The deeper layer is that she isn’t entirely human and her son isn’t really gone.

Major Reveal: After speaking with “the gods” (actually her son’s spirit, Martin), Malinche reveals her true identity — a half-bird/half-human. Her true form resembles Martin, the spirit who harasses Itzamna. When Malinche describes a cute story about Martin, Itzamna realizes that he has been communicating with Martin all along.

Influences Surface Story: Martin is actually the one who is moving the chess pieces in order to save the Aztec Empire. Hence, Martin is the “Chosen One”, not Malinche.

Hints: Martin has bird attributes and looks lovingly at Malinche. He is over protective of her. He is also disgusted when things get spicy between Malinche and her lovers.

Changes Reality: Discovering that her son isn’t really gone shifts our perspective on death — nothing truly dies.

Malinche (Protagonist)

Beginning: Two Aztec souls await judgement from the Summoner who leads souls to their death or rebirth. The Summoner says that only the “Chosen One” can atone for their karma.

In the next scene, we see Martin, a newborn being carried by his mother, Malinche. Malinche walks around the capital of the Aztec Empire, after it has been conquered by the Spaniards. She is responsible for the fall of the Empire and she atones for her past mistakes.

Inciting Incident: A fight breaks out between the Aztecs and conquistadors. Malinche is called to join the uprise against the conquistadors and to kill Hernando in his sleep. She hates Hernando but she could never kill him and runs away from the fight.

Turning Point 1: After falling down a rabbit hole and discovering the Aztec Calendar Stone, she travels back in time to stop the fall of the Aztec Empire. But after arriving in the past, she realizes that her son doesn’t make it, as he wasn’t born yet. Malinche mourns the loss of her son.

Act 2: Malinche boards Hernando’s ship and becomes his translator. She is in denial that her son is gone and believes he will be born again in this timeline. She escapes her loss when she tempts Hernando with exotic experiences. Her motive is to derail his conquest plans.

Turning Point 2 / Midpoint: Malinche attempts to have sex with Hernando to bring her unborn son back to life. The spirit is disgusted and finds a way to lure Jeronimo into the room. Jernonimo publicly humiliates her and Hernando doesn’t defend her. Malinche realizes that her son isn’t coming back and blames Hernando for everything. She commits to derailing his plan by siding with Emperor Montezuma.

Act 3: Malinche’s son speaks to her through Itzamna. But she thinks she is speaking with a god when she pleads: “if I save the Aztec Empire, will you bring my son back?” The spirit responds ‘yes’, but he adds that to save the Empire she must stop hiding her true self. So, she reveals her true identity — a half-bird/half-human. Her true form resembles the spirit. Then, Malinche tells a story about her son, Martin, to Itzamna, who then discovers that the spirit harassing him is actually Malinche’s son.

Turning Point 3: When Malinche reveals her true identity, she is rejected by those that feel threatened by her power, including Hernando. To strip her of her power, they remove her feathers and wings. In turn, Malinche feels naked and hopeless, but tries to control her emotional reaction in front of others.

Act 4 Climax: Malinche is to be sacrificed to the gods in the ultimate human sacrifice. Upon entering the courtyard, Malinche is overwhelmed by the number of mourning people. Suddenly, the people bow. The priest leads Malinche up the temple. With each step, she stands a little taller. Once they reach the top, the priest speaks to the people. The crowd cuts off the priest with boos. One throws a melon at the priest’s head. He nearly falls off the temple. Malinche steps forward and the crowd cheers. The Aztec noblemen try to silence the crowds, but to no avail. Malinche opens her wings and the crowd roars. After several moments she closes her wings and the crowd quiets down. Malinche sings a bird song that moves the crowd to tears. Malinche gives the speech of a lifetime. The crowd demands her release. Malinche descends the temple as the people cheer.

Resolution: Empress Malinche sits tall on a throne surrounded by exotic birds, colorful features, and earthly pleasures. The spirit, Martin (3), is now in physical form and tugs at her rainbow colored dress. Malinche picks him up, and holds him in her lap. Itzamna comes into the picture, and we learn that he is Martin’s father. In utter silence, they look at Tenochtitlan burned to black ash. Malinche says that sometimes Mother Earth needs to destroy everything before we can rebuild anew. She then proposes that they rebuild their home. As they leave the scene, a quetzal bird sings. The bird song breathes life into the ash and it begins to take shape. As the song crescendos, a megalopolis of floating garden plots rise from the ash. The futuristic skyline of Mexico City glows in the late afternoon light.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 10 months ago by  Ashley Sarikaya.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 10 months ago by  Ashley Sarikaya.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 10 months ago by  Ashley Sarikaya.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Character Structure

Vision: I write enthralling, entertaining, and transformational scripts that win awards, get produced and create positive change in the world.

I learned that this structure aligns perfectly with Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s 5 stages of grief or change. The protagonist in this story loses her son at the beginning of the film, and deals with the grief throughout the story.

The High Concept: After helping the Spaniards conquer the Aztec Empire, a superhuman Aztec translator travels back in time to stop the fall of the Empire. But she must choose between her love for her son and her people.

Malinche (Protagonist)

Beginning: Two Aztec souls await judgement from the Summoner who leads souls to their death or rebirth. The Summoner says that only Malinche can atone for their karma, as she isn’t bound by the laws of space and time.

In the next scene, Malinche walks around Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec Empire, after it has been conquered by the Spaniards. She is responsible for the success of the Spanish conquest. And she atones for her past mistakes.

Inciting Incident: A fight breaks out between the Aztecs and conquistadors. Malinche is called to join the uprise against the conquistadors and to kill Hernando in his sleep. She hates Hernando but she could never kill him and runs away from the fight.

Turning Point 1: After falling down a rabbit hole and discovering the Aztec Calendar Stone, she travels back in time to stop the fall of the Aztec Empire. But after arriving in the past, she realizes that her son doesn’t make it, as he wasn’t born yet. Malinche mourns the loss of her son. The fear of letting him go keeps her stuck and unable to meet the challenge.

Act 2: Malinche boards Hernando’s ship and becomes his translator. She is in denial that her son is gone and believes he will be born again in this timeline. She escapes her loss when she tempts Hernando with exotic experiences. Her motive is to derail his conquest plans.

Turning Point 2 / Midpoint: Malinche attempts to have sex with Hernando to bring her unborn son back to life. But they are interrupted by the arrival of the Aztec emissaries and Jeronimo. When Jernonimo finds out about Malinche’s affair, he publicly humiliates her and Hernando doesn’t defend her. Malinche realizes that her son isn’t coming back and blames Hernando for everything. She commits to derailing his plan by siding with Emperor Montezuma.

Act 3: Malinche’s son speaks to her through Itzamna, the Mayan shaman. But she thinks she is speaking with the gods when she pleads: “if I save the Aztec Empire, will you bring my son back?” The spirit responds ‘yes’, but he adds that to save the Empire she must stop hiding her true self. She has to overcome her fear to save her son. So, she removes the fabric hiding her “bird-talker” birthmark.

Turning Point 3: When Malinche reveals her true identity, she is rejected by those that feel threatened by her power, including Hernando. To strip her of her power, they remove her feathers and wings. In turn, Malinche feels naked and hopeless, but tries to control her emotional reaction in front of others.

Act 4 Climax: Malinche is to be sacrificed to the gods in the ultimate human sacrifice. Upon entering the courtyard, Malinche is overwhelmed by the number of mourning people. Suddenly, the people bow. The priest leads Malinche up the temple. With each step, she stands a little taller. Once they reach the top, the priest speaks to the people. The crowd cuts off the priest with boos. One throws a melon at the priest’s head. He nearly falls off the temple. Malinche steps forward and the crowd cheers. The Aztec noblemen try to silence the crowds, but to no avail. Malinche opens her massive wings and the crowd roars. After several moments she closes her wings and the crowd quiets down. Malinche sings a bird song that moves the crowd to tears. Malinche gives the speech of a lifetime. The crowd demands her release. Malinche descends the temple as the people cheer.

Resolution: Empress Malinche sits tall on a throne surrounded by exotic birds, colorful features, and earthly pleasures. Martin (3), now covered in bright green feathers, tugs at her rainbow colored dress. Malinche picks him up, and holds him in her lap. Itzamna comes into the picture, and we learn that he is Martin’s father. In utter silence, they look at Tenochtitlan burned to black ash. Malinche says that sometimes Mother Earth needs to destroy everything before we can rebuild anew. She then proposes that they rebuild their home. As they leave the scene, a quetzal bird sings. The bird song breathes life into the ash and it begins to take shape. As the song crescendos, a megalopolis of floating garden plots rise from the ash. The futuristic skyline of Mexico City glows in the late afternoon light.

Hernando (Antagonist)

Beginning: Hernando has recently conquered the Aztec Empire, but the Spanish Crown doesn’t recognize his authority in the New World. So, the new ruler arrives, takes Hernando’s office, gold, and crew.

In the opening, we see his childhood wound of being undervalued. He goes from foul-mouthed conquistador to speaking in ‘baby talk’ with his newborn in an instant. While he tries to put on a royal facade with his upper class wife, he isn’t familiar with upper class customs, and tries to get rid of her in a hilarious way.

Inciting Incident: A fight breaks out between the Aztecs and conquistadors. Hernando tries to use the civil unrest to his advantage in reclaiming power. Meanwhile the plague ravages the empire.

Turning Point 1: Malinche updates Hernando on the plague, and asks for clean water, food, and medicine. Hernando disregards the needs of the people and doesn’t let Malinche finish her argument. Once she realizes that Hernando won’t help, she pleads for housing outside the city for herself and Martin. Hernando doesn’t want to let them go.

Act 2: Hernando is smitten by Malinche and escapes from his mission with her. He finds her illusive and mysterious, but he is also escaping from a recent rejection by the Govenor of Cuba. Meanwhile he doesn’t notice that she derails his conquest plans until its too late.

Turning Point 2 / Midpoint: Hernando nearly falls for Malinche’s ploy, but Jeronimo reminds Hernando of his mission. Hernando understands Malinche’s game and wants nothing to do with her.

Act 3: After bargaining with the priest, Jeronimo, Hernando declines Malinche’s advances in exchange for absolute power in the New World – a Christian world.

Turning Point 3: Hernando feels threatened by Malinche’s power. He fears that the Aztec people will consider her a goddess and choose her as their ruler. When Emperor Montezuma orders the guards to pluck her feathers, Hernando doesn’t stop him.

Act 4 Climax: Hernando stands with the Aztec noblemen and Emperor Montezuma during the sacrifice of Malinche. Hernando is in awe by her regal presence, but avoids eye contact. When the people bow at Malinche, Hernando looks around and follows suit. During Malinche’s speech, he feels “called out” at certain moments. He half listens to Jeronimo, who is enraged by the crowd’s approval of Malinche. The people put pressure on the Aztec noblemen and Emperor Montezuma to release Malinche. Hernando wants the people’s support, so he orders his men to release Malinche and in turn, he infuriates the Aztec noblemen.

Resolution: Hernando and the Spaniards are locked up in prison on Panfilo’s ship. One prisoner throws up. Panfilo says that they will be tried for their crimes in two days. Hernando calls Panfilo a kiss ass and ‘slow’ due to the heavy gold in his pockets.

Itzamna (Triangle Character)

Act 2: Itzamna sees that Malinche is escaping her loss and mission. He helps her find an emotional outlet to express her emotions and makes sure that she is nourishing her body with healing foods and self-care.

Turning Point 2 / Midpoint: Itzamna overhears when Jeronimo publically humiliates Malinche. He is hurt and jealous, but still helps her derail Hernando’s plan.

Act 3: Itzamna bargains, but with the spirit harassing him: “If I let you speak with her, can I be free of you?” The spirit agrees. Itzamna doesn’t tell Malinche that she’s actually speaking with her son, not the gods.

Turning Point 3: Itzamna is a trusted friend when Malinche feels hopeless. While she tries to control her emotional reaction in front of him, she can’t. He helps her express her emotions in a constructive way.

Act 4 Climax: Itzamna is proud of Malinche, as she steps into her power. After she descends the temple, he walks towards her and puts out his hand.

Resolution: Itzamna is no longer tortured by the spirit, who is now born again as his son, Martin. He is a supportive and loving father.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Supporting Characters

Vision: I write enthralling, entertaining, and transformational scripts that win awards, get produced and create positive change in the world.

I learned that I have A LOT of characters. I need to relook at the plot and see which background characters from my first draft I really need.

Supporting Characters:

– Governor of Cuba

– Martin, Malinche’s son

– Jeronimo, a Spanish friar and Hernando’s translator of Chontal Mayan

– Francisco, an Aztec prisoner and Hernando’s translator of Nahuatl

– Emperor Montezuma II

Background Characters:

– World Tree

– Ixchel, Itzamna’s sister

– Catalina, Hernando’s wife

– Totonac Chief of a disgruntled Aztec tributary city-state

– Chief Tlahuicole of the Tlaxcalan tribe, a former ally and now enemy of the Aztecs

– Goddess Coatlicue

– Aztec magicians from the prophecy

– Old woman who spits on Malinche in the opening scene

– King Charles of Spain

– Conquistadors, Hernando’s crew

– Mayan villagers mourning on the Tabasco battlefield

– Neighborhood children cared for by Ixchel

– Mayan villagers during Itzamna’s performance

– Spanish cook on Hernando’s ship

– Alonso, Hernando’s best friend and captain

– Tendile, Aztec emissary

– Pitalpitoque, Aztec emissary

– Aztec warriors

– Pedro, the nastiest of the conquistadors

– Juan, the Spanish assistant

– Carlos, the traitor

– Rodrigo, the traitor

– Diago, a scrawny sailor

– Juan de Escalante, a trusted captain in charge of the Veracruz settlement

– Emperor Montezuma’s palace guards

– Tlaxcalan warriors

– Xicotencatl, a Tlaxcalan war chief and one of the conquistadors’ captives

– Wild Aztec adolescents playing music

– Emperor Montezuma’s assistant

– Cholula girl

– Cholula chief of an Aztec tributary city-state

– Cuitlahuac, Emperor Montezuma’s younger brother

– Cacamatzin, co-regent of Texcoco

– Aztec noblemen

– Aztec war chiefs

– 2 Aztec women and a farmer in the crowd

– Garcia, one of Hernando’s men

– Prison guard

– Priest to sacrifice Malinche

– Acatl, Aztec elder

– Chipahua, Aztec elder

– Aztec elders

– Aztec messenger

– Anton, Diego’s loyal captain

– Sick man on Diego’s ship

– Aztec villagers celebrating the festival of Toxcatl

Support 1:

Name: Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar

Role: the Governor of Cuba

Main purpose: He is a regal, father figure who represents the rule of law. He helps the Aztecs defeat Hernando and his crew to keep the status quo.

Value: To trigger Hernando’s childhood wound of not being worthy or good enough, causing Hernando to grow up.

Support 2:

Name: Martin

Role: Malinche’s son and the spirit haunting Itzamna

Main purpose: To fan the flames of Itzamna and Malinche’s relationship and to drive the ship.

Value: His presence increases the mystery and creates anticipation that Malinche might uncover the truth. He also may be the only thing that can save the world.

Support 3:

Name: Jeronimo

Role: a Spanish friar and Hernando’s translator of Chontal Mayan

Main purpose: He represents the ‘old world’ and tries to keep Malinche in her place.

Value: He tries to belittle Malinche in front of Hernando. His presence pushes Malinche to break free of the old-establishment and to step into her power.

Support 4:

Name: Francisco

Role: an Aztec slave and Hernando’s translator of Nahuatl

Main purpose: He is in competition with Malinche to be head translator.

Value: Eventually, he betrays Hernando, helps Malinche, and escapes with her.

Support 5:

Name: Emperor Montezuma II

Role: the last Aztec emperor who has lost his patents of nobility and connection with Spirit

Main purpose: He forces Malinche to reveal her true identity.

Value: Shows us the stakes for the Aztecs.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 11 months ago by  Ashley Sarikaya.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 11 months ago by  Ashley Sarikaya.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Character Profiles Part 2

Vision: I write enthralling, entertaining, and transformational scripts that win awards, get produced and create positive change in the world.

I learned about dilemma and wound versus flaw in this lesson. These are areas that I hadn’t previously considered and I find them revealing.

Malinche

The High Concept: After helping the Spaniards conquer the Aztec Empire, a superhuman Aztec translator travels back in time to stop the fall of the Empire. But she must choose between her love for her son and her people.

This character’s journey:

Arc Beginning: Self-loathing translator who caused the fall of the Aztec Empire

Arc Ending: Heart-centered doula to usher in the New Age

Old Ways:

Hiding her true self and supernatural abilities
Tries to please her captors and ex
Directs anger and blame inward
Accepts punishments without question
Indirectly orchestrating on the sidelines
Lives “small” in fear
Suffering

New Ways:

Flaunts her true colorful self
Tries to make choices that serve the collective good
Accepts and loves herself, flaws included
Leads with love
Lives and speaks courageously
Trauma becomes wisdom that she shares
Her authenticity and honesty are an example to those around her
Sharing is healing

External Journey: From trying to blend into her foreign surroundings on the sidelines to being her true Self — a bird talker who can lead her people into the New Age.

Internal Journey: From ashamed and afraid to proud and courageous

Actor Attractors: People hang onto her every word. She is eloquent and knows exactly what to say in every circumstance. In addition, she’s not entirely human, but we don’t know what she is until later. At the end of Act 2, we discover that she is the last bird-talker on Earth. They were annihilated by the Aztecs.

She also uses her powers of seduction and forecasting to lure the conquistadors away from the Aztec capital in a clever way. She then uses her soft power with the Aztec emperor and finally with the Aztec people. Her emotional range is from fear, timid, and shy to expressive, courageous, and fearless.

Role: The protagonist is the conquistadors’ translator who is secretly a half-bird/half-human tasked by the gods to save the Aztec world.

Description: An Aztec woman with enigmatic eyes and unkempt hair holds her newborn son.

Core Traits: diplomatic, accommodating, polite, communicative, private

Motivation: Malinche wants to save her people, but she needs to overcome the grief of losing her son.

Wound: She idolizes her deceased father, and looks for romantic partners with similar qualities. She fears her partner will die and leave her for the wolves. She also fears that her identity will be discovered.

Relatability: She wants to be accepted by the community. She tries to fit in despite being different. She hides her “hideous” birthmark and tries to dress like the people around her. As a result, she won’t let herself be truly seen.

Likability: Malinche is a loving mother, and will do anything for her son. She is dedicated to service and freedom for everyone. She tries to save her people from the plague. In Act 3, she finds her community through leadership and sharing her story, struggles and wins.

Empathy: Malinche was sold into Mayan slavery as a child by her Aztec mother and stepfather to gain her inheritance after her biological father died. She falls in love with Spanish conquistador, Hernando, but he casts her aside and summons his wife from Cuba after he discovers Malinche is pregnant with his child. She experiences the death of her child when she travels back in time.

Character Subtext:

Subtext Identity: An Aztec translator who isn’t entirely human
Subtext Trait: scheming, secretive, seductive
Subtext Logline: Malinche is a seductive translator who is secretly a half-bird/half-human being tasked by the gods to save the Aztec world.
Possible Areas of Subtext: She doesn’t reveal who she truly is, as she is afraid of the consequences in a world where being “different” means death. Instead, she uses temptations, foresight, and scheming to lure the conquistadors away from the Aztec capital.

Character Intrigue:

She is miraculously ten steps ahead of everyone else and has an enchanting voice. She isn’t entirely human, but we don’t know what she is or why she is terrified of revealing her true identity. She has a strange birthmark that she covers up.

Unspoken Wound: Malinche was sold into Mayan slavery as a child by her mother and stepfather to gain her inheritance after her biological father died. She idealized her deceased father, and looks for romantic partners with similar qualities. She fears her partner will die and leave her for the wolves.

Subtext: She is over-protective of Hernando and Itzamna.

Secret Identity: She is a bird-talker, or a half-bird/half-human with the ability to communicate with birds through song. She can also see the world from a superhuman bird’s eye view which gives her the power of forecasting.

Subtext: She uses her gift to gain material comfort, safety and security. She is careful to not reveal her true identity. She has a strange birthmark, an identifying mark for bird-talkers and she makes sure it is covered up.

Flaw: She makes rational, and sometimes cruel, decisions that ignore the feelings of others.

Values: family, community, intelligence

Dilemma: Saving her son versus saving her people

Hernando

The High Concept: A lowborn conquistador travels to modern day Mexico to conquer the land and become the first foreign Emperor. But he must stop his lover from derailing his plans.

This character’s journey:

Arc Beginning: An egotistical conquistador who ruthlessly pursues ultimate power and wealth to prove himself.

Arc Ending: A humble man who sees the true value of material possessions, relationships, and life. He no longer has to prove himself to anyone but himself. He can be his own boss (even under a king).

Old Ways:

Demanding
Obsessed with unmet desires
Forceful
Demands respect and loyalty

New Ways:

More flexible
Sees that obsessions kept him imprisoned
Loved and respected by those that matter

External Journey: From a ruthless conquistador who pursues ultimate wealth and power to a mature man in Cuba who sees the true value of things, people and relationships.

Internal Journey: From egotistical and obsessed to thoughtful and flexible

Actor Attractors: The life of the party, he is funny with a playful twinkle in his eye, but also ambitious. He uses humor to mask a childhood wound of being a screw-up and ‘good for nothing’. Internally, he wants to prove everyone wrong. His emotional range is from hot-headed, angry, and prideful to playful, silly, and humorous.

Role: The antagonist is a jolly conquistador who has grandiose ambitions to become the first foreign ruler of the Aztec Empire. In his quest to colonize, he goes against the Governor of Cuba and King of Spain.

Description: Hernando (30s) is eccentric and scruffy with an air of sensuality. A strange cross between foul-mouthed pirate, Spanish and Aztec royalty.

Traits: adventurous, passionate, independent, egotistical, humorous

Motivation: He wants to rule the Aztec Empire, but he needs praise and to prove himself to the world.

Wound: He is constantly disappointing the “father figures” in his life. He wants to prove his worth by becoming the most powerful emperor of them all. But he is deeply insecure that they are right about him.

Relatability: Hernando’s father wants him to pursue a career in law, which would be a slow death for him. He wants a different life than his father envisioned for him — one full of adventure.

Likability: When he isn’t planning his next move, he is the life of the party. On the surface, he is charming, funny, and playful. But it’s all fun and games until someone steps on his pride.

Empathy: Hernando has been rejected by his father, the Governor of Cuba and King Charles of Spain. After having sacrificed everything to conquer the Aztec Empire, Hernando is fired from his position as ruler by the King of Spain. The new ruler arrives, takes Hernando’s office, gold, and crew.

Character Subtext:

Subtext Identity: The wounded child
Subtext Trait: ruthless, overly ambitious
Subtext Logline: Hernando is a popular and jolly conquistador who has grandiose ambitions and will do anything to prove his worth.
Possible Areas of Subtext: He laughs at death. It’s all fun and games until someone wounds his pride. He is more ambitious and power hungry than he seems and is quietly plotting to become the first Spanish emperor of the New World.

Character Intrigue:

On the inside he is a wounded boy who wants to make his father proud, but on the outside he’s fun-loving. It’s all fun and games until someone wounds his pride.

Hidden agendas: Hernando has a covert plan and is taking action to become the new Emperor of the New World without his crew’s knowledge.

Subtext: He stays up late, secretly planning his next move. Resists Malinche’s pull towards fun. He keeps a journal handy to record his learnings and plan.

Competition: Hernando is striving to out the Governor of Cuba for acknowledgement, profit and power in the New World.

Subtext: He hints at his grandiose ambition to his crew, and they laugh. Hernando changes the subject. His madness becomes known after his men betray him.

Flaw: obsessed with “the chase”, particularly in love and becomes uninterested once he attains his desires.

Values: power, wealth, respect, adventure

Character Dilemma: being powerful versus being respected

Itzamna

The High Concept: An apprentice shaman who goes against his family and community to help a strange girl from an enemy tribe save her people. But he must overcome his mental health challenges.

The character journey: Itzamna is a leader and an inspiration for Malinche. He leads with love and shares his heart through his music.

Arc Beginning: An apprentice shaman who shares his heart through music.

Arc Ending: A wise sage who passes the torch to his son.

Old Ways:

Youthful
Naive

New Ways:

Wise

External Journey: From an apprentice shaman to a wise sage and teacher.

Internal Journey: From naive and youthful to wise and experienced.

Actor Attractors: A young Yoda. On the outside, he is a young musician, training to be a shaman. On the inside, he has the wisdom of an old soul. A man of few words, but those words are profound. He uses music and symbols to communicate meaning. He goes against his sister, shaman/teacher and Mayan community to help Malinche, a foreigner from an enemy tribe. His emotional range is from a heavy pool of grief to dreamy and in love.

Role: The triangle character is the apprentice shaman who helps Malinche stop the conquest of the Aztec Empire and secretly communicates with her unborn son’s spirit.

Description: Itzamna (20s) is a talented musician covered in aquatic tattoos and turquoise jewelry. He has a faraway look in his eyes.

Traits: sensitive, emotional, dreamy, imaginative

Motivation: He wants to help Malinche in her mission, but he needs to escape into his dreams.

Wound: He is haunted by a spirit, which causes mental health problems. The spirit also triggers his jealousy.

Relatability: Itzamna admires his sister and doesn’t want to disappoint her. He also suffers from anxiety, migraines, and paranoia. His mental health challenges make him want to escape in music and sleep. Lastly, he is falling in love with Malinche while she is pursuing Hernando.

Likability: Despite warnings from his sister about the Aztecs and their gory human sacrifices, Itzamna is kind to Malinche. He feels a past life connection with her and is bound to help her mission.

Empathy: He has no boundaries with people and the spirit. The spirit shows up at night, in bodies of water, and during the most inappropriate times. This exacerbates his anxiety.

Character Subtext:

Subtext Identity: An apprentice shaman who secretly communicates with a spirit (in Act 3 we discover that the spirit is Malinche’s unborn son)
Subtext Trait: in love with Malinche, sensitive, emotional, moody, dreamy, jealous
Subtext Logline: Itzamna is falling in love with Malinche and secretly communicates with her unborn son.
Possible Areas of Subtext: he has conversations with himself. He knows things about Malinche that he shouldn’t know. He doesn’t want her to have sex with Hernando and becomes jealous.

Character Intrigue:

Intrigue: Itzamna is falling in love with Malinche and secretly communicates with a spirit. He is also wiser than his years.

Secrets: Itzamna is communicating with a spirit. The spirit knows things about Malinche and is helping Itzamna guide Malinche. In Act 3, we discover that the spirit is actually Malinche’s unborn son who becomes born again.

Subtext: His mind is buzzing and he experiences anxiety and migraines. Sometimes he is paranoid as the spirit warns him of future challenges. His mental health challenges make him want to escape in music and sleep.

Flaw: jealousy causes Itzamna to sabotage Malinche’s plan

Values: family, community, love

Character Dilemma: saving the world versus escaping it

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Character Profiles Part 1

Vision: I write enthralling, entertaining, and transformational scripts that win awards, get produced and create positive change in the world.

I learned a lot more about my main characters. The story is still unraveling, but this exercise helped me move forward.

Malinche

The High Concept: After helping the Spaniards conquer the Aztec Empire, a superhuman Aztec translator travels back in time to stop the fall of the Empire. But she must choose between her love for her son and her people.

This character’s journey:

Arc Beginning: Self-loathing translator who caused the fall of the Aztec Empire

Arc Ending: Heart-centered doula to usher in the New Age

Old Ways:

Hiding her true self and supernatural abilities
Tries to please her captors and ex
Directs anger and blame inward
Accepts punishments without question
Indirectly orchestrating on the sidelines
Lives “small” in fear
Suffering

New Ways:

Flaunts her true colorful self
Tries to make choices that serve the collective good
Accepts and loves herself, flaws included
Leads with love
Lives and speaks courageously
Trauma becomes wisdom that she shares
Her authenticity and honesty are an example to those around her
Sharing is healing

External Journey: From trying to blend into her foreign surroundings on the sidelines to being her true Self — a bird talker who can lead her people into the New Age.

Internal Journey: From ashamed and afraid to proud and courageous

Actor Attractors: People hang onto her every word. She is eloquent and knows exactly what to say in every circumstance. In addition, she’s not entirely human, but we don’t know what she is until later. At the end of Act 2, we discover that she is the last bird-talker on Earth. They were annihilated by the Aztecs.

She also uses her powers of seduction and forecasting to lure the conquistadors away from the Aztec capital in a clever way. She then uses her soft power with the Aztec emperor and finally with the Aztec people. Her emotional range is from fear, timid, and shy to expressive, courageous, and fearless.

Role in the Story: Protagonist: The conquistadors’ translator who is secretly a half-bird/half-human tasked by the gods to save the Aztec world.

Description: An Aztec woman with enigmatic eyes and unkempt hair holds her newborn son.

Core Traits: diplomatic, accommodating, polite, communicative, private

Motivation: Malinche wants to save her people, but she needs to overcome the grief of losing her son.

Wound: She idolizes her deceased father, and looks for romantic partners with similar qualities. She fears her partner will die and leave her for the wolves. She also fears that her identity will be discovered.

Intrigue: She is miraculously ten steps ahead of everyone else and has an enchanting voice. She isn’t entirely human, but we don’t know what she is or why she is terrified of revealing her true identity. She has a strange birthmark that she covers up.

Relatability: She wants to be accepted by the community. She tries to fit in despite being different. She hides her “hideous” birthmark and tries to dress like the people around her. As a result, she won’t let herself be truly seen.

Likability: Malinche is a loving mother, and will do anything for her son. She is dedicated to service and freedom for everyone. She tries to save her people from the plague. In Act 3, she finds her community through leadership and sharing her story, struggles and wins.

Empathy: Malinche was sold into Mayan slavery as a child by her Aztec mother and stepfather to gain her inheritance after her biological father died. She falls in love with Spanish conquistador, Hernando, but he casts her aside and summons his wife from Cuba after he discovers Malinche is pregnant with his child. She experiences the death of her child when she travels back in time.

Hernando

The High Concept: A lowborn conquistador travels to modern day Mexico to conquer the land and become the first foreign Emperor. But he must stop his lover from derailing his plans.

This character’s journey:

Arc Beginning: An egotistical conquistador who ruthlessly pursues ultimate power and wealth to prove himself.

Arc Ending: A humble man who sees the true value of material possessions, relationships, and life. He no longer has to prove himself to anyone but himself. He can be his own boss (even under a king).

Old Ways:

Demanding
Obsessed with unmet desires
Forceful
Demands respect and loyalty

New Ways:

More flexible
Sees that obsessions kept him imprisoned
Loved and respected by those that matter

External Journey: From a ruthless conquistador who pursues ultimate wealth and power to a mature man in Cuba who sees the true value of things, people and relationships.

Internal Journey: From egotistical and obsessed to thoughtful and flexible

Actor Attractors: The life of the party, he is funny with a playful twinkle in his eye, but also ambitious. He uses humor to mask a childhood wound of being a screw-up and ‘good for nothing’. Internally, he wants to prove everyone wrong. His emotional range is from hot-headed, angry, and prideful to playful, silly, and humorous.

Role in the Story: Antagonist: A jolly conquistador who has grandiose ambitions to become the first foreign ruler of the Aztec Empire. In his quest to colonize, he goes against the Governor of Cuba and King of Spain.

Description: Hernando (30s) is eccentric and scruffy with an air of sensuality. A strange cross between foul-mouthed pirate, Spanish and Aztec royalty.

Traits: adventurous, passionate, independent, egotistical, humorous

Motivation: He wants to rule the Aztec Empire, but he needs praise and to prove himself to the world.

Wound: He is constantly disappointing the “father figures” in his life. He wants to prove his worth by becoming the most powerful emperor of them all. But he is deeply insecure that they are right about him.

Intrigue: On the inside he is a wounded boy, but on the outside he’s fun-loving. It’s all fun and games until someone wounds his pride. He is more ambitious and power hungry than he seems and is quietly plotting to become the first Spanish emperor of the New World.

Relatability: Hernando’s father wants him to pursue a career in law, which would be a slow death for him. He wants a different life than his father envisioned for him — one full of adventure.

Likability: When he isn’t planning his next move, he is the life of the party. On the surface, he is charming, funny, and playful. But it’s all fun and games until someone steps on his pride.

Empathy: Hernando has been rejected by his father, the Governor of Cuba and King Charles of Spain. After having sacrificed everything to conquer the Aztec Empire, Hernando is fired from his position as ruler by the King of Spain. The new ruler arrives, takes Hernando’s office, gold, and crew.

Itzamna

The High Concept: An apprentice shaman who goes against his family and community to help a strange girl from an enemy tribe save her people. But he must overcome his mental health challenges.

The character journey: Itzamna is a leader and an inspiration for Malinche. He leads with love and shares his heart through his music.

Actor Attractors: A young Yoda. On the outside, he is a young musician, training to be a shaman. On the inside, he has the wisdom of an old soul. A man of few words, but those words are profound. He uses music and symbols to communicate meaning. He goes against his sister, shaman/teacher and Mayan community to help Malinche, a foreigner from an enemy tribe. His emotional range is from a heavy pool of grief to dreamy and in love.

Role in the Story: Triangle: The apprentice shaman who helps Malinche stop the conquest of the Aztec Empire and secretly communicates with her unborn son’s spirit.

Description: Itzamna (20s) is a talented musician covered in aquatic tattoos and turquoise jewelry. He has a faraway look in his eyes.

Traits: sensitive, emotional, dreamy, imaginative

Motivation: He wants to help Malinche in her mission, but he needs to escape into his dreams.

Wound: He is haunted by a spirit, which causes mental health problems. The spirit also triggers his jealousy.

Intrigue: Itzamna is falling in love with Malinche and secretly communicates with a spirit. He is also wiser than his years.

Relatability: Itzamna admires his sister and doesn’t want to disappoint her. He also suffers from anxiety, migraines, and paranoia. His mental health challenges make him want to escape in music and sleep. Lastly, he is falling in love with Malinche while she is pursuing Hernando.

Likability: Despite warnings from his sister about the Aztecs and their gory human sacrifices, Itzamna is kind to Malinche. He feels a past life connection with her and is bound to help her mission.

Empathy: He has no boundaries with people and the spirit. The spirit shows up at night, in bodies of water, and during the most inappropriate times. This exacerbates his anxiety.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 11 months ago by  Ashley Sarikaya.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Likability/Relatability/Empathy

Vision: I write enthralling, entertaining, and transformational scripts that win awards, get produced and create positive change in the world.

I love this exercise. It really helps me narrow down the essence of each main character.

Malinche (Protagonist)

Relatability: She wants to be accepted by the community. She tries to fit in despite being different. She hides her “hideous” birthmark and tries to dress like the people around her. As a result, she won’t let herself be truly seen.

Likability: Malinche is a loving mother, and will do anything for her son. She is dedicated to service and freedom for all. She tries to save her people from the plague. In Act 3, she finds her community through leadership and sharing her story, struggles and wins.

Empathy: Malinche was sold into Mayan slavery as a child by her Aztec mother and stepfather to gain her inheritance after her biological father died. She falls in love with Spanish conquistador, Hernando, but he casts her aside and summons his wife from Cuba after he discovers Malinche is pregnant with his child. She experiences the death of her child when she travels back in time.

Hernando (Antagonist)

Relatability: Hernando’s father wants him to pursue a career in law, which would be a slow death for Hernando. He is constantly under-estimated and disappointing the “father figures” in his life. He wants to prove his worth, but he is deeply insecure.

Likability: When he isn’t planning his next move, he is the life of the party. On the surface, he is charming, funny, and playful. But it’s all fun and games until someone steps on his pride.

Empathy: Hernando has been rejected by his father, the Governor of Cuba and King Charles of Spain. After having sacrificed everything to conquer the Aztec Empire, Hernando is fired from his position as ruler by the King of Spain. The new ruler arrives, takes Hernando’s office, gold, and crew.

Itzamna (Change Agent/main supporting character)

Relatability: Itzamna admires his sister and doesn’t want to disappoint her. He also suffers from anxiety, migraines, and paranoia. His mental health challenges make him want to escape in music and sleep. Lastly, he is falling in love with Malinche while she is pursuing Hernando.

Likability: Despite warnings from his sister about the Aztecs and their gory human sacrifices, Itzamna is kind to Malinche. He feels a past life connection with her and is bound to help her mission.

Empathy: He has no boundaries with people and the spirit. The spirit shows up at night, in bodies of water, and during the most inappropriate times. This exacerbates his anxiety.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Character Intrigue

Vision: I write enthralling, entertaining, and transformational scripts that win awards, get produced and create positive change in the world.

I learned how to illustrate the wound and hidden motives in a way that’s intriguing and entertaining for the audience.

Character Name: Malinche

Role: Protagonist

Unspoken Wound: Malinche was sold into Mayan slavery as a child by her mother and stepfather to gain her inheritance after her biological father died. She idealized her deceased father, and looks for romantic partners with similar qualities.She fears her partner will die and leave her for the wolves.

Subtext: She is over-protective of Hernando and Itzamna.

Secret Identity: Malinche is not entirely human. She is a bird-talker, or a half-bird/half-human with the ability to communicate with birds through song. She can also see the world from a superhuman bird’s eye view which gives her the power of forecasting.

Subtext: She uses her gift to gain material comfort, safety and security. She is careful to not reveal her true identity. She has a strange birthmark, an identifying mark for bird-talkers and she makes sure it is covered up.

Character Name: Hernando

Role: Antagonist

Hidden agendas: Hernando has a covert plan and is taking action to become the new Emperor of the New World without his crew’s knowledge.

Subtext: He stays up late, secretly planning his next move. Resists Malinche’s pull towards fun. He keeps a journal handy to record his learnings and plan.

Competition: Hernando is striving to out the Governor of Cuba for acknowledgement, profit and power in the New World.

Subtext: He hints at his grandiose ambition to his crew, and they laugh. Hernando changes the subject. His madness becomes known after his men betray him.

Character Name: Itzamna

Role: Change Agent and main supporting character

Secrets: Itzamna is communicating with a spirit. The spirit knows things about Malinche and is helping Itzamna guide Malinche. In Act 3, we discover that the spirit is actually Malinche’s unborn son who becomes born again.

Subtext: His mind is buzzing and he experiences anxiety and migraines. He wants to escape like a hermit. Sometimes he is paranoid as the spirit warns him of future challenges.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Subtext Characters

Vision: I write enthralling, entertaining, and transformational scripts that win awards, get produced and create positive change in the world.

I learned a lot more about my characters and a great way to create subtext. My characters have become a lot more rich and multidimensional from this exercise.

Example movie:

Movie Title: Travelers

Character Name: David

Subtext Identity: A social worker who is secretly in love with his client

Subtext Trait: Sensitive, compassionate, shy

Subtext Logline: David is the Traveler’s only trusted person in the 21st and will do anything to help the woman he secretly loves.

Possible Areas of Subtext: He does kind gestures throughout the story, but he won’t accept physical advances by the woman he loves. He tries to keep it “platonic” but his niceties are over the top.

For my leads:

Character Name: Malinche

Subtext Identity: An Aztec translator who isn’t entirely human

Subtext Trait: scheming, secretive, seductive

Subtext Logline: Malinche is a seductive translator who is secretly a half-bird/half-human being tasked by the gods to save the Aztec world.

Possible Areas of Subtext: She doesn’t reveal who she truly is, as she is afraid of the consequences. Instead, she uses temptations, foresight, and scheming to lure the conquistadors away from the Aztec capital. She plays with Hernando.

Character Name: Hernando

Subtext Identity: The wounded child

Subtext Trait: ruthless, overly ambitious

Subtext Logline: Hernando is a popular and jolly conquistador who has grandiose ambitions and will do anything to prove his worth.

Possible Areas of Subtext: He laughs at death. It’s all fun and games until someone wounds his pride. He is more ambitious and power hungry than he seems and is quietly plotting to become the first Spanish emperor of the New World.

Character Name: Itzamna

Subtext Identity: An apprentice shaman who secretly communicates with a spirit (in Act 3 we discover that the spirit is Malinche’s unborn son)

Subtext Trait: in love with Malinche, sensitive, emotional, moody, dreamy, jealous

Subtext Logline: Itzamna is falling in love with Malinche and secretly communicates with her unborn son.

Possible Areas of Subtext: he has conversations with himself. He knows things about Malinche that he shouldn’t know. He doesn’t want her to have sex with Hernando and becomes jealous.

• This reply was modified 2 years ago by  Ashley Sarikaya.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Actor attractors!

Vision: I write enthralling, entertaining, and transformational scripts that win awards, get produced and create positive change in the world.

Wow! A lot of insights into the characters in this assignment. I learned a new creative process. First, I digest the assignment. Then I process it and journal in nature before going back to the computer.

Lead Character Name: Malinche or Iris

Role: Protagonist

1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? People hang on to Malinche’s every word. She is eloquent and knows exactly what to say in every circumstance.

2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in the story? She’s not entirely human, but we don’t know what she is until the end of Act 2. We just know there is something otherworldly about her. We also know that she downplays these qualities.

3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script? She uses her powers of seduction and forecasting to lure the conquistadors away from the Aztec capital in a clever way. She then uses her soft power with the Aztec emperor and finally with the Aztec people.

4. How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor? While walking around the crumbling capital, she sings an enchanting lullaby to her newborn son. Her voice calms her baby and an old man nearby. The old man dozes off and wakes up when a stone falls on his head from the crumbling building. When he wakes up, she stops singing. Then, all hell breaks loose.

5. What is this character’s emotional range? Fear, timid, shy > expressive, courageous, fearless

6. What subtext can the actor play? She sometimes has a seductive grin, showing that she knows more than she says. Then when we see events play out in her favor due to her subtle influence, we know she knows more.

7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? There is a love triangle between Hernando and Itzamna. I imagine her relationship with Hernando as a love/hate one with ideas shooting into the sky like fireworks and passionate banter. Her relationship with Itzamna is very different. She stirs Itzamna’s emotions, inspiring his music. Between her voice and his string instrument, they make beautiful music together.

8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented? There is a musical quality to her words, even when she is just speaking. I imagine a rainbow ribbon stringing together her words, making people drift off into other worlds.

9. What could make this character special and unique? She is the last bird-talker on Earth. They were annihilated by the Aztecs.

Lead Character Name: Hernando

Role: Antagonist

1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? He is funny and light-hearted with a playful twinkle in his eye, but also ambitious. He is a strange cross between foul-mouthed pirate, Spanish royalty and Aztec royalty.

2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in the story? He uses humor and play to mask a childhood wound of being a screw-up and ‘good for nothing’. Internally, he wants to prove everyone wrong.

3. What are the most interesting actions the lead could take in the script? It’s all fun and games until three of his men steal all the gold and a ship to warn the Governor of Cuba of his unauthorized colonization. He feels invincible and laughs at death.

4. How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor? Hernando opens a letter from King Charles V. The letter reveals that the Spanish Crown doesn’t recognize his authority in the New World. Hence, Hernando is denied compensation and four royal officials are on their way to “assist” in his governing. In the opening, we see his childhood wound of being undervalued. He then goes from foul-mouthed conquistador to speaking in ‘baby talk’ with his newborn son in an instant. While he tries to put on a royal facade with his upper class wife, he isn’t familiar with upper class customs, and tries to get rid of her in a hilarious way.

5. What is this character’s emotional range? Hot-headed, angry, prideful to playful, silly, humorous

6. What subtext can the actor play? On the inside he is a wounded boy, but on the outside he’s playful and fun-loving.

7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? Malinche fans his fire, tempting him with a rainbow platter of exotic experiences. His relationship with the Aztec Emperor is also interesting. He admires the emperor and wants to be like him. Meanwhile the Aztec Emperor is afraid of Hernando, and sees him as a fierce, disciplined captain of a mighty army. When in reality, his “mighty army” is a drunken fraternity with fire power.

8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented? Funny name calling, cursing, big belly laugh. He uses strange yet imaginative bible metaphors to prove a point like he half studied it in school. He speaks before he thinks, then backtracks to make himself seem more distinguished.

9. What could make this character special and unique? The life of the party, he can create a fun environment with games. The three men that betray him are jealous of this quality. They, too, want to be the center of attention.

Lead Character Name: Itzamna

Role: Change Agent and main supporting character

1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? A sexy Yoda. Wise shaman meets talented musician.

2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in the story? He is a man of few words, and much wisdom in-between the lines.

3. What are the most interesting actions the lead could take in the script? He goes against his sister, shaman/teacher and Mayan community to help Malinche, a foreigner from an enemy tribe.

4. How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor? He is introduced playing music for his community. His music is full of depth and emotion. And he is lost in his music, a transcendental experience. A huge gust of wind blows onto the stage when Malinche arrives. He makes eye contact with her and suddenly gets inspired to use the lake as a musical instrument. Malinche watches water flying everywhere, as he plays. Intrigued, she approaches. Itzamna accidentally drenches her with water. He stops playing, shocked at what he did. Then, the crowd begins to whisper, “foreigner”. Itzamna ignores the crowd and finishes the song with a slow melody that trails off into the wind.

5. What is this character’s emotional range? A heavy pool of grief > dreamy, in love

6. What subtext can the actor play? On the outside, he is a young musician, training to be a shaman. On the inside, he has the wisdom of an old soul. A man of few words, but those words are profound. He uses music and symbols to communicate meaning.

7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? He feels connected with Malinche in an unexplainable way and even closer with a young boy (a 12-year-old Martin as indicated by his special birthmark from the opening scene). Malinche’s unborn son speaks to Itzamna throughout the day and in dreams.

Itzamna also has an interesting relationship with his sister and mother figure, Ixchel. He deeply admires her and doesn’t want to disappoint her.

8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented? His speech sounds like a lullaby of endless waves that trail off. There is an emotional depth to his voice that isn’t always expressed in words.

9. What could make this character special and unique? He has a special connection with Malinche’s unborn son. Martin’s spirit is flying around in his dreams. The spirit wants to be born again.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Actor attractors for The Little Mermaid

Vision: I write enthralling, entertaining, and transformational scripts that win awards, get produced and create positive change in the world.

I learned a lot more about my protagonist. Slowly I’m unraveling this character and her relationships.

Movie title: The Little Mermaid (I saw it with my 5-year-old recently!)

Lead Character Name: Ariel

1. Why would an actor WANT to be known for this role? A new spin on the Disney classic.

2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in the movie? This mermaid is fascinated with humans and collects mundane gadgets despite her mother being killed by a human.

3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead takes in the movie? Ariel has to seduce the prince and kiss him without her voice, and without knowing that she must kiss him if she is to remain free.

4. How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor? While collecting lost items from a shipwreck, she nearly gets eaten by a shark. She is willing to risk her life to discover the human world.

5. What is this character’s emotional range? In love, rebellious, courageous

6. What subtext can the actor play? She doesn’t know that she must kiss the prince. She must show that she doesn’t know her mission without using her voice.

7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character has? Her relationship with the prince and her father, the king

8. How is this character’s unique voice presented? Her voice is enchanting, and is taken by Ursula.

9. What makes this character special and unique? A mermaid who wants to be human.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Genre Conventions

Vision: I write enthralling, entertaining, and transformational scripts that win awards, get produced and create positive change in the world.

I learned that I need to pick a genre. Currently, my film is more of a historical fiction piece than a fantasy one. The protagonist is a fantasy character, but the audience doesn’t know this until Act 3. I need to jump into the fantasy genre instead of sit half-way between historically fiction and fantasy. This means developing the story world, and making it a fictional representation of 16th century Mexico or another story world. I also need to consider making the Antagonist supernatural in some way. If I choose the fantasy genre, I need to learn more about the genre conventions and make some changes to this outline below. I ordered a few books to learn more about the genre.

Title: The Plumed Serpent

Concept: After helping the Spaniards conquer the Aztec Empire, a superhuman Aztec translator travels back in time to stop the fall of the Empire. But she must choose between her love for her son and her people.

Genre: Fantasy

Example for Fantasy:

Purpose: To explore fantasy worlds and cause us to stretch our imaginations into the unknown.

Demand for Fantasy: The story world is dramatically different from our current world, in one or more major ways, usually through supernatural beings.

Mission: to save the world

Hero: A being who embarks on a quest into an unknown world.

Antagonist: a criminal, a mastermind, a personification of evil, and perhaps a supernatural being

Act 1:

Opening: Holding her newborn son, Malinche walks around X fictional city or Tenochtitlan, the fictional capital of the Aztec Empire, after it has been conquered by the X people (an advanced, fantasy race of conquistadors). People are dying of X strange disease and the city is in ruin. An old woman approaches Malinche, spits on her feet, and blames her for the fall of the Empire. More people blame her.

Malinche and her son are cast aside by Hernando (her ex, baby’s father and the new Emperor of the Aztec Empire) and his new wife.

Inciting Incident: Holding her son, Malinche trips and falls down a rabbit hole. They slide down a long tunnel and into an otherworldly cave. There she finds a talking tree who says that she is the doula to deliver the new age.

Turning Point: The only way out of this cave is by traveling back in time using the Aztec Calendar Stone. But when she travels back in time, she is horrified to discover that her son doesn’t make it. He wasn’t born yet.

Act 2:

Reaction: Malinche becomes a servant on Hernando’s flying machine. She must destroy his colonization plans. She tries to mask her anger at Hernando.

New Plan: Malinche uses her powers of seduction to lure Hernando away from the Aztec Empire. She tries to convince him to take his gold back to his world.

Midpoint Turning Point: Three of the conquistadors disapprove of Hernando’s actions. Hernando wasn’t authorized by the Governor to colonize. So, the men decide to take all the gold back to their world and warn the governor. Furious, Hernando burns down all the flying machines to prevent anyone from leaving and he continues his march inland.

Act 3:

Rethink: Itzamna helps her rethink why things weren’t working. She has to truly commit to being the “Chosen One”. She must put the collective good before her own desire to be reunited with her son.

New Plan: Malinche tries to ally herself with the Aztec Emperor. She wants to use her knowledge of the future to help him change history.

Turning Point (Huge Failure): After the Emperor discovers that Malinche is a bird talker, she is imprisoned and will be sacrificed to the gods. Malinche cries out to Hernando, but he is disgusted by her wings. Hernando doesn’t release Malinche from prison.

Act 4:

New Plan: Malinche embraces being a bird talker, a half-bird/half-human with the ability to communicate with birds through song and to see the world from a superhuman bird’s-eye perspective. She uses her power of forecasting into the future to defeat the foreigners and create a new world.

Climax: While trying to escape the city with treasure, the conquistadors are confronted with Aztec warriors. Hernando gallops away from the battle and reaches the mainland where Malinche is waiting. He tries to ride around her, but she spreads her wings and begins to levitate, blocking the path. Malinche draws her bow and points at Hernando. She holds her stance, but her eyes well up with tears. Hernando grabs his rifle and shoots her wing. Malinche spirals down into the lake. Hernando gallops to the mainland without looking back. Malinche squawks one final time before her head goes under the water’s surface. She then passes out and her limp body sinks to the bottom.

Above the surface, Hernando gallops back to the lake. He throws off the gold chains from around his neck and empties the gold from his pockets. Hernando then dives into the lake. He drags her body to the surface and plops it onto a floating garden plot. Just as he pulls himself onto the plot, an arrow pierces his shoulder. He looks up to find Itzamna ready to shoot again. Itzamna shoots his leg. The commander approaches and arrests Hernando.

Resolution: Empress Malinche sits tall on a throne surrounded by exotic birds, colorful features, and earthly pleasures. She looks at the Aztec capital burned to black ash and is ready to rebuild. As she leaves the scene, a quetzal bird sings. The bird song breathes life into the ash and it begins to take shape. As the song crescendos, a megalopolis of floating garden plots rise from the ash. The futuristic skyline of Mexico City glows in the late afternoon light.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s 4 Act Transformational Structure

Vision: I write enthralling, entertaining, and transformational scripts that win awards, get produced and create positive change in the world.

I learned how to create a 4 Act Structure. This is a new story structure for me, as I’m used to the 3 Act structure.

Concept: After helping the Spaniards conquer the Aztec Empire, a superhuman Aztec translator travels back in time to stop the fall of the Empire. But she must choose between her love for her son and her people.

Main conflict: Malinche is the “Chosen One” to usher in a new age, but she must own her secret superpower.

Malinche Old Ways:

– Hiding her true self and supernatural abilities

– Tries to please her captors and ex

– Directs anger and blame inward

– Accepts punishments without question

– Lives “small” in fear

Malinche New Ways:

– Flaunts her true colorful self

– Tries to make choices that serve the collective good

– Accepts and loves herself, flaws included

– Heart-centered leader

– Lives courageously

External Journey: From trying to blend into her foreign surroundings and please her captors to being her true Self — a bird talker who can lead her people into the New Age.

Internal Journey: From ashamed and afraid to proud and courageous

Act 1:

Opening: Holding her newborn son, Malinche walks around Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec Empire, after it has been conquered by the Spaniards. People are dying of smallpox and the city is in ruin. An old woman approaches Malinche, spits on her feet, and blames her for the fall of the Empire. More people blame her.

Malinche and her son are cast aside by Hernando (her ex, baby’s father and the new Emperor of the Aztec Empire) and his new wife.

Inciting Incident: Holding her son, Malinche trips and falls down a rabbit hole. They slide down a long tunnel and into an otherworldly cave. There she finds a talking tree who says that she is the doula to deliver the new age.

Turning Point: The only way out of this cave is by traveling back in time using the Aztec Calendar Stone. But when she travels back in time, she is horrified to discover that her son doesn’t make it. He wasn’t born yet.

Act 2:

Reaction: Malinche becomes a servant on Hernando’s ship. She must destroy his colonization plans in the new world. She tries to mask her anger at Hernando.

New Plan: Malinche uses her powers of seduction to allure Hernando away from the Aztec Empire. She tries to convince him to take his gold back to Spain.

Midpoint Turning Point: Three of the Spaniards disapprove of Hernando’s actions in the new world. Hernando wasn’t authorized by the Governor of Cuba to colonize. So, the men decide to take all the gold back to Cuba and warn the governor. Furious, Hernando burns down all the ships to prevent anyone from leaving the new world and he continues his march inland.

Act 3:

Rethink: Itzamna helps her rethink why things weren’t working. She has to truly commit to being the “Chosen One”. She must put the collective good before her own desire to be reunited with her son.

New Plan: Malinche tries to ally herself with the Aztec Emperor. She wants to use her knowledge of the future to help him change history.

Turning Point (Huge Failure): After the Emperor discovers that Malinche is a bird talker, she is imprisoned and will be sacrificed to the gods. Malinche cries out to Hernando, but he is disgusted by her wings. Hernando doesn’t release Malinche from prison.

Act 4:

New Plan: Malinche embraces being a bird talker, a half-bird/half-human with the ability to communicate with birds through song and to see the world from a superhuman bird’s-eye perspective. She uses her power of forecasting into the future to defeat the Spaniards and create a new world.

Climax: While trying to escape the city with treasure, the Spaniards are confronted with Aztec warriors. Hernando gallops away from the battle and reaches the mainland where Malinche is waiting. He tries to ride around her, but she spreads her wings and begins to levitate, blocking the path. Malinche draws her bow and points at Hernando. She holds her stance, but her eyes well up with tears. Hernando grabs his rifle and shoots her wing. Malinche spirals down into the lake. Hernando gallops to the mainland without looking back. Malinche squawks one final time before her head goes under the water’s surface. She then passes out and her limp body sinks to the bottom.

Above the surface, Hernando gallops back to the lake. He throws off the gold chains from around his neck and empties the gold from his pockets. Hernando then dives into the lake. He drags her body to the surface and plops it onto a floating garden plot. Just as he pulls himself onto the plot, an arrow pierces his shoulder. He looks up to find Itzamna ready to shoot again. Itzamna shoots his leg. The Cuban commander approaches and arrests Hernando.

Resolution: Empress Malinche sits tall on a throne surrounded by exotic birds, colorful features, and earthly pleasures. She looks at the Aztec capital burned to black ash and is ready to rebuild. As she leaves the scene, a quetzal bird sings. The bird song breathes life into the ash and it begins to take shape. As the song crescendos, a megalopolis of floating garden plots rise from the ash. The futuristic skyline of Mexico City glows in the late afternoon light.

• This reply was modified 2 years ago by  Ashley Sarikaya.
• This reply was modified 2 years ago by  Ashley Sarikaya.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Vision: I write enthralling, entertaining, and transformational scripts that win awards, get produced and create positive change in the world.

I learned that there are many ways to create layers, depth, and meaning. This exercise helped me decode how to do it.

The Plumed Serpent is about a superhuman Aztec translator who travels back in time to stop the fall of the Aztec Empire in 16th century Mexico. But she must choose between her love for her son and her people.

Subplots:

1 – Someone Hides Who They Are: In a world where everyone has their place in the social hierarchy, people that are different are sacrificed to the gods. Do not stand out. Do not question the status quo is the ingrained law. Malinche tries to blend into her foreign surroundings and hides that she is not entirely human. She’s a bird-talker, or a half-bird/half-human with the ability to communicate with birds through song and to see the world from a superhuman bird’s-eye perspective. This gives her the power of forecasting into the future.

2 – Superior Position: The audience knows that Malinche is from the past, but the other characters don’t. On the surface, Malinche is flirtatious and friendly with Hernando. Under the surface, she is his angry ex who tries to destroy his colonization plans in the new world.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Transformational Journey

Vision: I write enthralling, entertaining, and transformational scripts that win awards, get produced and create positive change in the world.

I learned that this is a powerful technique for creating social change, particularly for my work in change management. This assignment also helped me find the essence of my protagonist. She had a lot of qualities, and now I’m able to focus on her main ones.

Character Arc for Malinche:

Arc Beginning: Self-loathing translator who caused the fall of the Aztec Empire

Arc Ending: Heart-centered doula to usher in the New Age

Internal Journey: From ashamed and afraid to proud and courageous

External Journey: From trying to blend into her foreign surroundings and please her captors to being her true colorful Self — a bird talker who can lead her people into the New Age.

Old Ways:

• Hiding her true self and supernatural abilities
• Tries to please her captors and ex
• Directs anger and blame inward
• Accepts punishments without question
• Lives “small” in fear

New Ways:

• Flaunts her true colorful self — a bird talker, a half-bird/half-human with the ability to communicate with birds through song and to see the world from a superhuman bird’s-eye perspective
• Tries to make choices that serve the collective good
• Accepts and loves herself, flaws included
• Heart-centered leader
• Lives courageously

• This reply was modified 2 years ago by  Ashley Sarikaya.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Intentional Lead Characters

I write enthralling, entertaining, and transformational scripts that win awards, get produced and create positive change in the world.

I learned that I have a lot going on in this film. In these loglines, I’m focusing on Malinche’s moral dilemma: the impossible choice between her unborn son and her people. However, there is also another hook…

Malinche is deathly afraid of exposing who she truly is. While she looks human, something is tweeting beneath the surface. The gods chose her to save the Aztec world, but she must own her superpower. She must shine her light, even if it puts herself in mortal danger.

I wonder if I can have both hooks at the same time or if it becomes lost and confusing. I would love any feedback here.

Title & Concept: The Plumed Serpent is about a superhuman Aztec translator who travels back in time to prevent the fall of the Aztec Empire in 15th century Mexico. But she is torn between her love for her son and her people.

Protagonist: Malinche is a superhuman Aztec translator who must stop the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire. But when she travels back in time, she is horrified to discover that her son doesn’t make it. He wasn’t born yet. She can’t repeat her destructive actions that led to the fall of the Aztec Empire, but she also desperately wants her son to be born. Therefore, she must choose between her unborn son and the Aztec people.

Unique: She is a bird-talker, a half-bird/half-human with the ability to communicate with birds through song and to see the world from a superhuman bird’s-eye perspective. This gives her the power of forecasting into the future.

Antagonist: Hernando is her baby’s father and ex. An eccentric and foul-mouthed conquistador, he is ruthless in his pursuit of ultimate power and wealth in the new world and proving all the naysayers wrong.

Unique: Hernando is fearless in his pursuit of his grandiose ambitions.

Triangle Character: Itzamna, a deeply sensitive Mayan shaman and drummer, is Malinche’s love interest on this new timeline. In a shamanic journey, Itzamna discovers that Malinche is the “Chosen One” by the gods to deliver the “Promised Land”. He senses that Malinche isn’t entirely human, but she denies it.

Unique: Itzamna doesn’t play small. He uses his musical talents to create change in his community.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Title, Concept, and Character Structure!

Vision: I write enthralling, entertaining, and transformational scripts that win awards, get produced and create positive change in the world.

I learned that my outline for this film is too long (20 – 30 pages) and a great outline is 5 – 10 pages. I also learned that an outline isn’t just for me. It’s also for managers and producers.

The Plumed Serpent is a historical fantasy film about Malinche, a superhuman Aztec translator, who travels back in time to stop the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire in 16th century Mexico. But Malinche is torn between her love for her son and her people.

I chose the Protagonist versus Antagonist Character Structure, but there is the potential for a Romantic Triangle if I choose to go in that direction.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

I, Ashley Sarikaya, agree to the terms of this release form.

GROUP RELEASE FORM

As a member of this group, I agree to the following:

1. That I will keep the processes, strategies, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class confidential, and that I will NOT share any of this program either privately, with a group, posting online, writing articles, through video or computer programming, or in any other way that would make those processes, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class available to anyone who is not a member of this class.

2. That each writer’s work here is copyrighted and that writer is the sole owner of that work. That includes this program which is copyrighted by Hal Croasmun. I acknowledge that submission of an idea to this group constitutes a claim of and the recognition of ownership of that idea.

I will keep the other writer’s ideas and writing confidential and will not share this information with anyone without the express written permission of the writer/owner. I will not market or even discuss this information with anyone outside this group.

3. I also understand that many stories and ideas are similar and/or have common themes and from time to time, two or more people can independently and simultaneously generate the same concept or movie idea.

4. If I have an idea that is the same as or very similar to another group member’s idea, I’ll immediately contact Hal and present proof that I had this idea prior to the beginning of the class. If Hal deems them to be the same idea or close enough to cause harm to either party, he’ll request both parties to present another concept for the class.

5. If you don’t present proof to Hal that you have the same idea as another person, you agree that all ideas presented to this group are the sole ownership of the person who presented them and you will not write or market another group member’s ideas.

6. Finally, I agree not to bring suit against anyone in this group for any reason, unless they use a substantial portion of my copyrighted work in a manner that is public and/or that prevents me from marketing my script by shopping it to production companies, agents, managers, actors, networks, studios or any other entertainment industry organizations or people.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Hello, my name is Ashley. I’m nearly finished with my first script. I’ve always been a writer, but I’m new to screenwriting. I hope to transform my first draft into a professional quality script.

I’m taking this class to learn how to write high level scripts that entertain and get sold.

I have a masters degree in media and communications, and I currently work for the World Health Organization in Geneva. I’ve been an American expat for about 15 years.

I’m looking forward to working with you all!

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley Builds Meaning with Dialogue

I learned how to evolve the protagonist through profound dialogue. It helped me revise some of the dialogue in a way that shows her transformation.

1 – In Act 1, she tells the World Tree, “I can’t relive that nightmare, please.” The World Tree responds, “There is only death now and in the immediate future… At least on your timeline.”

Malinche is experiencing “escapism” or the denial phase of grief. She doesn’t want to confront her past.

2 – In Act 1, Itzamna says, “You have a haunting look in your eyes… It’s as if the ghosts of the past are still with you.” Malinche responds, “My trauma is like a ghost. Every time I think of something stupid to say, it reminds me to shut it.” Itzamna responds, “You can’t let fear paralyze you.” Malinche responds, “Fear keeps me safe.”

Malinche confronts her past.

3 – When referring to her infant son Martin in Act 2, Malinche says, “I used to think that he pulls me out of my nightmares… But he doesn’t… he gives meaning to my past.”

Malinche finds meaning and accepts her past.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Height of the Emotion

This exercise helped me dig deep. It’s an exercise that I’ll refer to as I explore other scenes.

Make a list of the 5 most emotional moments in your screenplay.

1 – When Malinche says ‘good-bye’ to her infant son, Martin, so she can defeat the Spaniards.

2 – Itzamna visits Malinche at night with Martin. It’s the first time she is reunited with Martin.

3 – In a romantic scene, Malinche leads Hernando to a lagoon where there are quetzal birds. They swim. They talk about the quetzal bird, a symbol of freedom.

4 – Near the end of Act 2, Malinche gives her first speech to the people of Tenochtitlan.

5 – At Plot Point 2, Malinche is in prison and has taken on bird-like qualities. Malinche cries out to Hernando, but he looks disgusted. Jeronimo says that this devil will surely rot in hell.

With each of those scenes, go to the height of the emotion and brainstorm lines that can deliver the deeper meaning of the scene.

1 – Itzamna enters the room, telling Malinche that they have to leave now. Malinche kisses Martin on the forehead. For Malinche, Martin represents a feeling of home and safety that she hasn’t ever felt before. Perhaps she touches his heart and says, “Home is here.”

2 – When she holds Martin by the river, she says, “I’ve missed you so much, baby bird. The world is oddly silent without you.”

3 – Malinche and Hernando observe the quetzal birds called “feathered snakes”. The talk about their value in the New World and how they will let themselves die of hunger, rather than live in captivity. They also speak about how only emperors are allowed to wear quetzal feathers. Malinche disregards social rules and plucks two feathers from a quetzal bird. She puts one around Hernando’s ear and one around hers.

4 – Malinche opens her speech with telling the people that she is a ‘foreigner’. She is different. “Fear me. But you are only fearing yourselves. Every single person here is different. A foreigner. But together we are stronger. Together we can defeat those that squash our freedom. We can defeat those that dim our light.”

5 – After Hernando rejects her, she recalls the quetzal bird scene in Act 2 when she says, “I will let myself die of hunger, rather than live in captivity.” Hernando responds, “We are not the same. I’m an emperor and you’re just a bird.”

Give us a quick explanation of the emotion and meaning of the scene, then the new line that you are going to place there.

1 – Malinche leaves behind ‘home and safety’ to accomplish her goal. But ultimately, she can find that feeling within. She knows this, but doesn’t believe it. In her effort to comfort Martin, she says, “When you feel lost, look to your heart. I will always be there.”

2 – With Martin in her arms, she finds a feeling of ‘home’ and ‘safety’. Perhaps she says, “I’ve missed you so much, baby bird. The world is cold and strange without you.” She then talks about Martin to Itzamna, “He makes me forget the nightmares of my past… He pulls me back to my heart, my home.”

3 – When Malinche plucks the feathers, she says, “I don’t see why only emperors can wear their feathers.” And Hernando responds, “Because only emperors are truly free.” In this scene, we understand the ‘why’ behind Hernando’s hunger for power. Both Malinche and Hernando desire freedom, but Hernando believes that only emperors are truly free.

4 – At the end of her speech, the guards arrest her and the next Mexica emperor in line finishes her speech. “This slave woman is not like you or me. She’s from the bottom of the barrel, using YOU to wiggle her way up to power. Don’t fall for her twisted bird songs. She will lead you to your death.” As Malinche is being taken away, she calls out, “Just as the Moon is reborn each cycle, so are we. There is no end, only new beginnings.”

5 – She realizes that it’s not about preventing the Spanish conquest, but about rebuilding. So, perhaps she responds, “I’d rather be a bird with a view from the heavens than an emperor blinded by gold.”

• This reply was modified 2 years, 2 months ago by  Ashley Sarikaya.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley Delivers Irony

I learned about the importance of irony and how it works. This is a new area for me, and I’m still integrating irony into my story.

New Way: Malinche owns her strange ability to use her voice and communicate with birds.

Malinche owns her voice and superpower, giving the speech of a lifetime to the people of Tenochtitlan. As she finishes, the Mexica authorities arrest her and the next Aztec emperor in line finishes the speech and gets the credit.

New Way: Everyone is a ‘foreigner’, as each person has a unique gift. Insight: ‘Foreigners’ make the collective stronger.

She is seen as “special” and terrifying for her unique ability to communicate with birds, but then they throw her in the bird cage with all the pigeons.

New Way: Playing “small” is a slow death and living in fear doesn’t serve yourself or the world.

At the Midpoint, the Mexica emissaries demand the semi-annual tribute from Cempoala. As punishment for hosting the Spaniards, they demand 20 men and women as a suitable sacrifice to the gods. Instead, Malinche offers herself to the emperor as a human sacrifice instead of the 20 people (she is the woman he is looking for). In a way, she courageously sends herself to her death bed.

New Way: Malinche courageously opens up to new love with Hernando.

After the love scene, Malinche sits on the beach and watches the ships burn (her only chance of sending the Spaniards back to Spain or Cuba).

Malinche gets her need for love, but loses her want to save her people, herself, and her son.

New Way: Malinche doesn’t fear death and destruction. She understands that the end of a cycle offers healing, purification, and integration.

She doesn’t prevent the massacre at the Festival of Toxcatl, because she knows that it will lead to the Spaniards demise. She does the wrong thing for the right reason.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Delivers Insights Through Conflict

This method forces me to think of creative ways to deliver the new way/insights. I put down all the places where the insights might be able to be delivered, but will see if it works as I get to each scene.

New Way: Malinche owns her strange ability to use her voice and communicate with birds.

– Argument with Jeronimo provokes Malinche to use her voice.

– Competition with Francisco “the Aztec” about the role of translator in Hernando’s crew.

– Conflict with Itzamna leads to uncovering Malinche’s superpower.

– When her superpower is discovered by Emperor Montezuma in the Garden of Coatlicue.

– Malinche has nothing to lose on the altar ready to be sacrificed to the gods and gives the speech of a lifetime.
Malinche owns her voice and superpower, using it to lead the people.

New Way: The hierarchal society is dismantled and it is a flat playing field.

– After Hernando burns down the ships, he says that no-one is leaving the New World, no matter their social class.

– Argument between Itzamna and Emperor Montezuma. Itzamna points out that the Mexica’s hunger for more power makes the tower taller, so tall that it will eventually fall.

– Power struggle with the lower classes. They are discontent with the status quo and get riled up.

– Power struggle with the noble class and Malinche.

New Way: Everyone is a ‘foreigner’, as each person has a unique gift. ‘Foreigners’ make the collective stronger.

– Falsely accused by Emperor Montezuma, as she is a ‘foreigner’

– During Malinche’s first speech to the people of Tenochtitlan, she admits to being a ‘foreigner’ in her own homeland and communicates the new way. However, afterwards she is falsely accused of trying to take power by the elite and is sent to death.

– Communicated symbolically during a hostile chess game against the noble men.

New Way: Playing “small” and living in fear doesn’t serve yourself or the world.

– Argument with Itzamna when she lies about hiding her gift. The truth comes out.

– Malinche experiences loss, particularly the loss of her infant son, as she thinks she is being sent to die.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 2 months ago by  Ashley Sarikaya.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Turns Insights Into Action

I gained more clarity from this assignment, specifically for Act 3.

5 New Ways:

1 – Despite being a former slave, Malinche speaks out to the people and for the people. She shines bright, flaunting her powerful voice and her ability to communicate with birds. In turn, she gives each person the permission to share their unique gifts. We see this in her first speech to the Mexica people near the end of Act 2 and in the scene where she is to be sacrificed to the gods in Act 3.

2 – Malinche dismantles the hierarchal system in Tenochtitlan, giving each person the freedom to choose their profession and attire.

3 – Malinche shows the world that we are all ‘foreigners’. But each person’s special sauce makes the collective stronger.

4 – Malinche plays ‘big’, and lives courageously. She isn’t afraid of destroying the status quo and current systems in order to rebuild from the ground up.

5 – In the Festival of Toxcatl, smallpox and resolution scenes, Malinche doesn’t fear death and destruction. She understands that the end of a cycle offers healing, purification, and integration. Just as the Moon is reborn each cycle, so are we. There is no end, only new beginnings.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Seabiscuit Analysis

There was one message (“you don’t throw a whole life away because he’s banged up a little”) that was repeated throughout the film by multiple characters. I thought the simplicity and the context within the Great Depression time period was powerful. It was a message that many people can relate to. We have all had hard times when we have to pick ourselves up. The message gives hope to underdogs.

Profound Moments:

– When Tom heals the horse with hawthorn and says, “you don’t throw a whole life away because he’s banged up a little.”

– When Tom makes a connection between Seabiscuit and Red for the first time. Both Seabiscuit and Red are fighting off people.

– When Seabiscuit wins for the first time. There was massive applause and publicity, and Red recites Shakespeare.

– When they discover that Red is partially blind, and Charles says, “you can’t throw away a whole life because he’s banged up a bit.”

– When Seabiscuit wins the big race against the War Admiral horse. It seemed like a climatic scene, so the following scenes were surprising and raise the stakes.

– When we see both Seabiscuit and Red with broken legs. Again, this raises the stakes and reinforces the key message and theme.

– When we see that Charles sees Red as a son, and is afraid that he could die like his own son.
The V.O. at the end, “the horse fixed us… We fixed each other.”

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Living Metaphors

I learned that there are many ways that I can improve my outline to create more depth. This exercise was very revealing, and I was especially excited about the interesting metaphors that emerged.

5 SHOULD WORK, BUT DOESN’T

Trying to fit in by hiding her gift doesn’t lead to friends or family. She is still seen as a foreigner or outsider.

Old Way: Playing “small” keeps you safe.
Challenge: What’s the worst thing that can happen? You are already all alone.
How it plays out in the story: Itzamna (the Change Agent)’s sister doesn’t accept Malinche.

Hiding her gift doesn’t lead to a role or job within the community.

Old Way: Playing “small” keeps you safe.
Challenge: How does playing “small” serve yourself, your son, and the world?
How it plays out in the story: Hernando doesn’t want Malinche’s help on the ship, as he already has two translators.

Hiding her gift keeps her safe and ensures her survival.

Old Way: Playing “small” keeps you safe.
Challenge: Who do you want to become? You are the sum of the people you’re around.
How it plays out in the story: She attracts jealous types who live “small” and act from fear, such as Jeronimo.

Playing “small” leads to not being seen as valuable.

Old Way: Playing “small” keeps you safe.
Challenge: Is an un-lived life better than death?
How it plays out in the story: She cleans up the vomit on the ship, as they can’t find another job for her.

Playing “small” makes her a “bad mom”.

Old Way: Playing “small” keeps you safe.
Challenge: What’s the worst thing that can happen? You are already all alone without even your son.
How it plays out in the story: Hiding her gift leads to resentment and jealousy of Martin, who is praised for his ability to communicate with birds.

5 LIVING METAPHORS

Nobody adopts pigeons. There’s nothing special about them.

Old Way: Playing “small” keeps you safe.
Challenge: What’s the worst thing that can happen? You are already all alone.
How it plays out in the story: Malinche is observing Emperor Montezuma’s zoo. She comments that there must be every exotic bird on the planet here. The Emperor responds that there aren’t any pigeons.

Playing someone else’s song leads to isolation.

Old Way: Playing “small” keeps you safe.
Challenge: How does playing “small” serve yourself, your son, and the world?
How it plays out in the story: Itzamna explains to Malinche that he can’t drum the same beat over and over and expect the audience to stay. He needs to mix it up with something unique, something that only he can do. Nobody wants to hear him play someone else’s song.

Not “shining your light” keeps you a slave.

Old Way: Playing “small” keeps you safe.
Challenge: Is an un-lived life better than death?
How it plays out in the story: The peasants aren’t allowed to dress as they want. Even if they have the money, they can’t wear bright colors, feathers, or gemstone jewelry. Beautiful attire is only for the noblemen and royalty. Itzamna points out that it keeps them “small”, controllable, slaves. It doesn’t benefit the peasants. It benefits the noblemen.

Not “shining your light” isn’t good for the collective.

Old Way: Playing “small” keeps you safe.
Challenge: How does playing “small” serve yourself, your son, and the world?
How it plays out in the story: Malinche indulges the Mexica elders and war chiefs with a Spanish strategy game called Alquerque that she learned during her time with the Spaniards. She explains that each player has a unique role. The King’s role is leadership. The pond’s role is serving the greater good (I’m making up these game pieces/meanings for now). Then she asks, what happens when everyone tries to be a pond or a king? The game stops. There’s no progress. It decays.

Even when you hide your gift, you can still get eaten.

Old Way: Playing “small” keeps you safe.
Challenge: What’s the worst thing that can happen?
How it plays out in the story: Malinche notices a map of New Spain on the table which carves out tribal territories. While the map is nearly accurate, Malinche says that it is a false mirage. Hernando asks her to explain. Malinche explains that there is much underground that the map doesn’t capture. Hernando is intrigued and wants to know about this underground world. Malinche takes a mushroom from her plate. She explains that above ground you have the Triple Alliance of powerful city-states, as she gently touches the top of the mushroom. But “below the surface, you have a web of hidden motivations and grievances.” She explains that once you see below the surface, you have infinite possibilities to conquer your heart’s desires. Hernando asks, “I may not be able to see the mushroom’s roots, but it still doesn’t stop me from eating it.”

• This reply was modified 2 years, 2 months ago by  Ashley Sarikaya.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Counterexamples

This assignment is helping me add more depth to each scene. I’m starting to find the film’s deeper truth. A lot of “ah ha” moments over the past few days. For this assignment, I’m focusing on one “old way” to keep it clear with already so many layers. But I’m sure I will add more as I progress with the script.

Old Way: Playing “small” keeps you safe.

Question Challenge 1: What’s the worst thing that can happen? You are already all alone and dead inside. Is an un-lived life better than death?

Question Challenge 2: How can you survive and ensure the survival of your son without a planet? Earth needs your gift to be reborn in the next cycle.

Question Challenge 3: Do people truly feel more safe without “the One” to deliver the new world?

Question Challenge 4: Why were you given this gift if not to develop it?

Question Challenge 5: How does playing small serve yourself, your son, and the world?

Counterexample 1: Itzamna (the Change Agent) doesn’t play small. He uses his musical and psychic talents to create lasting change in his community. Yes, there are obstacles, but using his gift is empowering.

Counterexample 2: Martin (the protagonist’s son) also has the gift to communicate with birds. And he is worshiped in the Mayan tribe when his gift is discovered.

Counterexample 3: Hiding her gift made her “disposable” without a job or tribe. “We don’t need another translater. We have Jeronimo.”

Counterexample 4: Malinche uses her gift to communicate with birds and the Mexica people feel more optimistic about the future and want her leadership.

Counterexample 5: Hernando has the gift of truth. He has traveled the world and experienced other cultures, and he knows that his God has many faces. When he doesn’t share the truth, Jeronimo instigates a massacre of the Mexica people.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Old Ways Challenge Chart

This assignment helped me identify the challenges to the Old Way. I hadn’t previously thought of this, and I’m excited to integrate it into the Act 1 script and outline.

Old Way: Women, especially slave women, shouldn’t speak out.

Challenge: Malinche has an extraordinarily influential voice, plus she can communicate with birds

Old Way: A hierarchal society benefits everyone, not just the wealthy.

Challenge: Lower classes are put in danger by the decisions made by Mexica noblemen and Spanish royalty.

Old Way: Foreigners are evil and can’t be trusted.

Challenge: Both the protagonist, Malinche, and antagonist, Hernando, are foreigners. And everyone is a foreigner depending on the perspective.

Old Way: Playing “small” keeps you safe.

Challenge: Malinche needs to use her gift to survive and to ensure the survival of her son and her people. And that means courageously “shining her light”.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s 12 Angry Men Analysis

I learned that you don’t need a complicated plot to create a powerful film.

Old Way: Assuming the witnesses are telling the truth

Challenge: Humans make mistakes; the knife isn’t so rare after all; How did the old man hear him with the roaring train sound; Witnesses might want attention or recognition; Witness’s eye sight is called under question

Old Way: Assuming the boy is guilty because he’s from the slums

Challenge: Straight-laced jury member grew up in the slums; We all have our prejudices; Perhaps he couldn’t remember the film because he was under emotional distress

Old Way: Assuming “I’m gona kill you” is a real threat

Challenge: Angry man says it and the jury member asks “you don’t really mean it”

Old Way: Talking is a waste of time and costs money

Challenge: What if the boy had a “stupid” lawyer or his lawyer didn’t want the case; Immigrant highlights the beauty of democracy

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Profound Ending

I learned that I need to sit with the Change Agent character. I also got more clear about the ending. It was the first time I sat with the setup/payoffs and the surprise element. Really helpful.

What is your Profound Truth and how will it be delivered powerfully in your ending?

The Profound Truth is: Sometimes you need to destroy everything to create something new. The protagonist needed a bare foundation to rebuild a better world. Of course, it’s hard to see death and destruction from a higher perspective. So by showing the outcome of her actions ~200 years in the future, the audience sees that death and destruction led to a new beginning.

How do your lead characters (Change Agent and Transformable Characters) come to an end in a way that represents the completed change?

By the end of the film, Malinche no longer hates herself and her people. She doesn’t try to blend in with her surroundings and hide her superpower. Instead, she loves herself, owns her gift, and uses her powerful voice to create change. She has also reclaimed her lost desire to truly live versus merely survive.

Hernando’s pride and hunger for more wealth and power no longer drive his actions. He realizes that he doesn’t have to prove himself to anyone but himself. He can be his own boss (even under a king).

What are the setup/payoffs that complete in the end of this movie, giving it deep meaning?

Answers to: Will Malinche and Hernando end up together? Can Hernando conquer Tenochtitlan a second time? Is Malinche truly the “Chosen One”? Will Malinche choose her love for Hernando over her people?

How are you designing it to have us see an inevitable ending and then making it surprising when it happens?

We think that Malinche out tricks the Spaniards and they are defeated. Just as they are sent back to Cuba, the plague starts. We are surprised to see that Mother Nature needed to destroy everything first. And Malinche needed to go on this journey to step into her superpower.

What is the Parting Image/Line that leaves us with the Profound Truth in our minds?

Newly elected Empress Malinche sits on a throne surrounded by exotic birds, colorful features, and earthly pleasures. She is awakened and in her sovereignty. She looks out to see a Tenochtitlan burned to black ash. A visionary Malinche then ‘gets to work’ as a quetzal bird lands on her shoulder. As she leaves the scene, we see Tenochtitlan or “Mexico City” 100 years in the future, then 200 years and so on.

The narration is a version of this: “The fires of desire transform words into things. But they must destroy everything first. Only when the world is turned into ash, can we create a better one.”

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Connection with Audience

This assignment helped me to refine my character personas. I have a lot more clarity now. With so many ideas it helps to pick out the important traits of each character.

Malinche

A. Relatability: Malinche doesn’t like herself, and is ashamed. She is afraid of shining and being different.

B. Intrigue: We don’t know what Malinche is hiding until after the Midpoint, only that it’s “her gift” and the key to saving her people. And we don’t know why she is ashamed of it.

C. Empathy: Malinche is sold into slavery by her mother and step-father. She is then given to the Spaniards after their victory in battle. She falls in love with Spanish conquistador, Hernando, but she must betray him to save her people. She must also own her supernatural gift to save the world. However, doing so would put her in danger.

D. Likability: Malinche is a loving mother, and will do anything for her son. She is also clever and entertaining when alluring Hernando away from his mission.

Hernando

A. Relatability: Hernando’s father wants him to pursue a career in law, which would be a slow death for Hernando. He is constantly disappointing the “father figures” in his life. He wants to prove himself, but at the same time he is deeply insecure.

B. Intrigue: Will he conquer the Mexica Empire a second time? And if he does, will he rule the Empire despite the orders against it from King of Spain and Governor of Cuba?

C. Empathy: The King of Spain won’t allow Hernando to rule Tenochtitlan despite his victory. The Governor of Cuba and the King of Spain underestimate him.

D. Likability: Hernando is charming and flirtatious and isn’t afraid to flaunt his eccentric and slightly feminine style.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Subject line: Ashley’s Transformational Structure

I learned another story structure model. I’ve been working with the one through my university, but it’s interesting to explore other models.

Transformational Logline:

A secretive slave woman is the only one who can save her people from her lover, a Spanish conquistador, but she must use her terrifying superpower.

Change Agent:

Itzamna, a Maya shaman, is the Change Agent. In a shamanic journey in Act 1, he has seen two possible futures: one is negative and the other is ideal. He guides Malinche (“the One”) on her journey to create a better future. He goes through hell trying to change Malinche. She needs to own her gift to communicate with birds and use her voice to create positive change, but she is deathly afraid of standing out.

Transformational Character:

Malinche, a Mexica woman, also “The One” from a prophecy to save the Mexica people, who was sold into Maya slavery by her mother and stepfather as a child.

List out your Mini-Movie structure:

I didn’t want to attach my film outline, as it’s 29 pages. But I went through each scene thinking about the three gradients and escalating challenges. And overall, Malinche makes the Transformational Journey in the logline. Going forward, will need to find a way to integrate the “Betraying Character”.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Three Gradients

I learned that I might need to make some choices. On one hand, the protagonist has this secret superpower that she is terrified to expose. But she needs to use it if she is going to save her people. On the other hand, her love for the conquistador also prevents her from saving her people. I’m not sure if the story is getting lost with the different themes. Will see as it progresses.

The Forced Change Gradient

A seductive slave woman is the only one who can save her people from her lover, a Spanish conquistador, but she must use her secret superpower.

A. Emotion: Denial

B. Action: Malinche approaches Hernando (now “the Emperor”) to inform him that the Mexica people are dying of the plague. She asks him to give his people medicine, clean water, and food. She believes he will help his people.

C. Challenge/Weakness Gradient: He doesn’t care if his people die, as he can bring new settlers from Spain. Hernando cuts Malinche off, and she doesn’t get to finish her argument.

A. Emotion: Denial

B. Action: During the conversation with the World Tree, Malinche doesn’t believe she is “the One” to usher in the new age.

C. Challenge/Weakness Gradient: she only desires to ensure her survival, and the survival of her son. She doesn’t desire anything more. Still, she travels back in time to make different choices.

A. Emotion: Anger

B. Action: After traveling back in time to redo the events of the past, Malinche runs into Hernando. He can’t understand why a stranger is angry with him.

C. Challenge/Weakness Gradient: Malinche must overcome her love/hate for Hernando if she’s going to save her people from the Spanish Conquest.

A. Emotion: Bargaining

B. Action: Malinche tries to seduce Hernando, so she can allure him away from his mission and send him back to Spain.

C. Challenge/Weakness Gradient: Hernando casts Malinche aside when the topic “wealth” comes up. In another scene, Hernando responds that in this new world, he can be an Emperor, and in Spain, he is simply a servant of the king. In another scene, she’s truly falling in love with him.

A. Emotion: Denial

B. Action: During a conversation with Itzamna, Malinche denies that she’s “the Chosen One.”

C. Challenge/Weakness Gradient: Itzamna knows that she is hiding her gift.

A. Emotion: Depression

B. Action: Malinche sits on the beach, watching the ships burn.

C. Challenge/Weakness Gradient: How is she going to send the Spaniards back to Spain without a ship?

A. Emotion: Bargaining

B. Action: After Emperor Montezuma discovers her gift, she is put in prison. Malinche then tries to bargain with the guards and Itzamna. Information in exchange for her freedom.

C. Challenge/Weakness Gradient: Her love for Hernando.

A. Emotion: Depression

B. Action: After accidently pushing Emperor Montezuma down the rabbit hole, Malinche is silent/shocked, and lets Itzamna lead her back to the palace.

C. Challenge/Weakness Gradient: she could be accused of killing Emperor Montezuma.

A. Emotion: Acceptance

B. Action: Malinche warns the people of Tenochtitlan of the future Spanish conquest.

C. Challenge/Weakness Gradient: The guards rush in and arrest her.

A. Emotion: Depression

B. Action: Malinche cries out to Hernando as he passes her prison cell, but he doesn’t even look at her.

C. Challenge/Weakness Gradient: Malinche is heartbroken that Hernando would rather see her die. And she is heartbroken to leave her son.

A. Emotion: Acceptance

B. Action: On the altar, she gives the speech of a lifetime. The crowd demands that they release her. She finally steps into her power, using her voice to lead her people.

C. Challenge/Weakness Gradient: Mexica politics and the patriarchal system

• This reply was modified 2 years, 3 months ago by  Ashley Sarikaya.
• This reply was modified 2 years, 3 months ago by  Ashley Sarikaya.
• This reply was modified 2 years, 3 months ago by  Ashley Sarikaya.
• This reply was modified 2 years, 3 months ago by  Ashley Sarikaya.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Lead Characters

I feel like I’m figuring out the essence of this story. I clarified the logline, and gave one supporting character a new role “Betraying Character” which fits nicely with his current persona and life experiences.

Tell us your transformational journey logline.

A secretive slave woman is the only one who can save her people from the Spanish conquest, but she is torn between her love for a conquistador and her people.

Tell us who you think might be your Change Agent and give a few sentences about how that character fits the role. Also, include: – Their vision: – Their past experience that fits that vision:

Itzamna, a Maya shaman, is the Change Agent. In a shamanic journey in Act 1, he has seen two possible futures: one is negative and the other is ideal. He guides Malinche (“the One”) on her journey to create a better future. He goes through hell trying to change Malinche. She needs to own her gift to communicate with birds and use her voice to create positive change, but she is deathly afraid of standing out.

Tell us who you think might be your Transformable Character(s) and give a few sentences about how that character or characters fit the role.

The protagonist, Malinche, is the transformable character. In the “old world,” she is merely surviving as a slave woman, hiding her supernatural gift out of fear. And in the “new world,” she is thriving as an empowered woman who embraces her gift and uses her voice to inspire change. She needs to change to save herself, her baby, and her people.

Tell us who or what you think might be The Oppression and give a few sentences about how The Oppression works in your story.

The Oppression is the patriarchal worlds of the 15th century indigenous people and Spaniards. Women, especially slave women, aren’t supposed to stand out, use their voice or lead. And Malinche needs to do just that if she is going to save her people.

Tell us who you think might be your Betraying Character and give a few sentences about how that character fits the role.

The betraying character is Jeronimo, a Franciscan friar, who was previously a Mayan slave. Jeronimo disapproves of “un-Christian” behaviors, and particularly, when Malinche starts to step into her power.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley’s Transformational Journey

I’ve been digesting this story idea for the past four months. I’ve had a lot of ideas. In this assignment, I learned to identify the essence of the protagonist and her transformational journey. It helped me make some important choices. However, it’s still not there yet.

Tell us your logline for the transformational journey.

A secretive slave woman is the only one who can save her people, but she must find her desire to truly live.

Tell us what you see as the Old Ways.

After Malinche is sold into slavery, she uses her sexuality and whatever means necessary to survive.

• Her main rule: don’t let anyone know your gift
• Manipulative
• Secretive
• Only cares about her survival and the survival of her newborn son
• No real desires
• Hates her people
• Doesn’t feel like she belongs

Tell us what you see as the New Ways.

Malinche owns her ability to communicate with birds, and uses her seductive voice to guide her people. She has a real relationship with Hernando.

• She owns her gift
• Direct leadership
• Moved from surviving to thriving
• Desire is aflame
• Able to have a real relationship
• Loves her people
• Feels like she belongs
• Concerned about the welfare of her people

• This reply was modified 2 years, 3 months ago by  Ashley Sarikaya.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley Sarikaya’s First Three Decisions

I had to reconsider the profound truth of this movie. I was a little off track, but this exercise gave me a lot of clarity.

What is the Profound Truth of this movie? Sometimes you need to destroy everything to create something new.

What is the change your movie will cause with an audience? The protagonist went from a villain to a heroine. We see death and destruction from a hopeful, higher perspective. It’s not the end of the world, but a new beginning.

What is your Entertainment Vehicle that you will tell this story through? It’s an Embellished True Story meets Time travel.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley Nicole Sarikaya “I agree to the terms of this release form.”

GROUP RELEASE FORM

As a member of this group, I agree to the following:

1. That I will keep the processes, strategies, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class confidential, and that I will NOT share any of this program either privately, with a group, posting online, writing articles, through video or computer programming, or in any other way that would make those processes, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class available to anyone who is not a member of this class.

2. That each writer’s work here is copyrighted and that writer is the sole owner of that work. That includes this program which is copyrighted by Hal Croasmun. I acknowledge that submission of an idea to this group constitutes a claim of and the recognition of ownership of that idea.

I will keep the other writer’s ideas and writing confidential and will not share this information with anyone without the express written permission of the writer/owner. I will not market or even discuss this information with anyone outside this group.

3. I also understand that many stories and ideas are similar and/or have common themes and from time to time, two or more people can independently and simultaneously generate the same concept or movie idea.

4. If I have an idea that is the same as or very similar to another group member’s idea, I’ll immediately contact Hal and present proof that I had this idea prior to the beginning of the class. If Hal deems them to be the same idea or close enough to cause harm to either party, he’ll request both parties to present another concept for the class.

5. If you don’t present proof to Hal that you have the same idea as another person, you agree that all ideas presented to this group are the sole ownership of the person who presented them and you will not write or market another group member’s ideas.

6. Finally, I agree not to bring suit against anyone in this group for any reason, unless they use a substantial portion of my copyrighted work in a manner that is public and/or that prevents me from marketing my script by shopping it to production companies, agents, managers, actors, networks, studios or any other entertainment industry organizations or people.

This completes the Group Release Form for the class.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Hello! I’m Ashley. I’m writing my first feature film. I currently have an outline and Act 1 script. Through this class, I hope to revise my outline and clarify the character journeys before diving into the script again.

I’m originally from Southern California, but I’ve been an expat for 15 years. I currently live in Switzerland. When not writing (I work in media & communications), I practice yoga and belly dance.

Looking forward to this class!

[Ashley Sarikaya]

1. What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?

Phil Connors transforms from an egocentric and selfish “primadona” with no real talent to a generous and helpful person who seizes the day.

2. Lead characters:

Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change? Rita is the change agent because she represents the end of Phil’s transformative arc. She is generous, down-to-earth, and cultured.

Who is the Transformable Character (the one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this profound journey? Phil is the transformative character. His flaws prevent him from a relationship with Rita and a fulfilling life.

What is the Oppression? Every day is Groundhog Day, Phil’s least favorite day. Phil is stuck in a time loop.

3. How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story? The concept of a time loop is fascinating. We wonder how Phil will get out of it. It’s also interesting how the supporting characters change their behaviors and actions when Phil changes.

4. Looking at the character(s) who are changed the most, what is the profound journey? From “old ways” to “new way of being.” Identify their old way: Identify their new way at the conclusion: Phil’s “old way”: selfish, egocentric, sarcastic, and acts like a spoiled celebrity (a mask for his self-hatred). Phil’s “new way”: generous, helpful, selfless, talented, and lives in the moment.

5. What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?

– Complains about his job and Groundhog Day

– Confused, less mean, but he repeats the same mistakes

– In a rush, avoids the same conversations, wants Rita to solve his problem

– Rebellious, reckless, suicidal, and puts people in danger

– Plays and womanizes women

– Tries to win Rita over by pretending to be her perfect man

– Pushy, impatient, and pressures Rita

– Apathy, bitter, and gives up on life

– Commits suicide many times.

– Sees himself as a god. Honest and authentic.

– Generous (helps the old man, gets his colleagues coffee and food) and is helpful at work

– Takes piano lessons and learns how to make ice sculptures (seizes the day)

– Rita falls in love with the man he becomes.

6. How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?

Phil believes that he is better than everyone else, which isolates him and prevents him from winning over Rita. He is bitter about his life and the situation he finds himself in. When he shifts his focus from “me” to others, he becomes a better man.

7. What are the most profound moments of the movie?

– When Phil commits suicide with the groundhog inside the car.

– When Phil calls himself a god.

– When Rita buys Phil at the auction and he makes an ice-sculpture of her.

– When Phil masters the piano and plays at the party.

8. What are the most profound lines of the movie?

– “You’ll never love anyone but yourself,” said Rita. “That’s not true. I don’t even like myself,” Phil responds.

– “I’m a God…. I’m an Immortal. I want you to believe in me.”

– “The first time I saw you I knew I wanted to hold you as tight as I can.”

– “I don’t deserve someone like you. But if I ever could, I swear I would love you for the rest of my life.”

9. How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?

Rita waking up next to Phil the next day was a satisfying ending. He transformed into a better man, and found true love.

10. What is the Profound Truth of this movie?

Sometimes we get stuck in our trivial problems. The film shows the power of generosity and taking advantage of our time on Earth.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 3 months ago by  Ashley Sarikaya.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Ashley Sarikaya

I agree to the terms of this release form.

GROUP RELEASE FORM

As a member of this group, I agree to the following:

1. That I will keep the processes, strategies, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class confidential, and that I will NOT share any of this program either privately, with a group, posting online, writing articles, through video or computer programming, or in any other way that would make those processes, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class available to anyone who is not a member of this class.

2. That each writer’s work here is copyrighted and that writer is the sole owner of that work. That includes this program which is copyrighted by Hal Croasmun. I acknowledge that submission of an idea to this group constitutes a claim of and the recognition of ownership of that idea.

I will keep the other writer’s ideas and writing confidential and will not share this information with anyone without the express written permission of the writer/owner. I will not market or even discuss this information with anyone outside this group.

3. I also understand that many stories and ideas are similar and/or have common themes and from time to time, two or more people can independently and simultaneously generate the same concept or movie idea.

4. If I have an idea that is the same as or very similar to another group member’s idea, I’ll immediately contact Hal and present proof that I had this idea prior to the beginning of the class. If Hal deems them to be the same idea or close enough to cause harm to either party, he’ll request both parties to present another concept for the class.

5. If you don’t present proof to Hal that you have the same idea as another person, you agree that all ideas presented to this group are the sole ownership of the person who presented them and you will not write or market another group member’s ideas.

6. Finally, I agree not to bring suit against anyone in this group for any reason, unless they use a substantial portion of my copyrighted work in a manner that is public and/or that prevents me from marketing my script by shopping it to production companies, agents, managers, actors, networks, studios or any other entertainment industry organizations or people.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Hello! My name is Ashley Sarikaya. I’m new to the screenwriting world. I’m working on an MFA in Writing for Film, Television and Digital Media at the Academy of Art, San Francisco. I’m currently working on a script for a short film. Outside of this new passion, I’m a communications consultant for international organizations, focusing on multimedia storytelling. I’m really excited to start this class, and learn more about character building. As far as something unique about me, I was an elite gymnast and I have lived abroad for 10+ years. Looking forward to meeting you all!

[Ashley Sarikaya]

1. Ashley Sarikaya

2. I agree to the terms of this release form.

GROUP RELEASE FORM

As a member of this group, I agree to the following:

1. That I will keep the processes, strategies, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class confidential, and that I will NOT share any of this program either privately, with a group, posting online, writing articles, through video or computer programming, or in any other way that would make those processes, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class available to anyone who is not a member of this class.

2. That each writer’s work here is copyrighted and that writer is the sole owner of that work. That includes this program which is copyrighted by Hal Croasmun. I acknowledge that submission of an idea to this group constitutes a claim of and the recognition of ownership of that idea.

I will keep the other writer’s ideas and writing confidential and will not share this information with anyone without the express written permission of the writer/owner. I will not market or even discuss this information with anyone outside this group.

3. I also understand that many stories and ideas are similar and/or have common themes and from time to time, two or more people can independently and simultaneously generate the same concept or movie idea.

4. If I have an idea that is the same as or very similar to another group member’s idea, I’ll immediately contact Hal and present proof that I had this idea prior to the beginning of the class. If Hal deems them to be the same idea or close enough to cause harm to either party, he’ll request both parties to present another concept for the class.

5. If you don’t present proof to Hal that you have the same idea as another person, you agree that all ideas presented to this group are the sole ownership of the person who presented them and you will not write or market another group member’s ideas.

6. Finally, I agree not to bring suit against anyone in this group for any reason, unless they use a substantial portion of my copyrighted work in a manner that is public and/or that prevents me from marketing my script by shopping it to production companies, agents, managers, actors, networks, studios or any other entertainment industry organizations or people.

This completes the Group Release Form for the class.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Hello! My name is Ashley Sarikaya. I’m new to the screenwriting world. I’m working on an MFA in Writing for Film, Television and Digital Media at the Academy of Art, San Francisco. I’m currently working on a script for a short film. Outside of this new passion, I’m a communications consultant for international organizations, focusing on multimedia storytelling. I’m really excited to start this class, and create my very first binge worthy series script. Looking forward to meeting you all!

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Thanks, Eden! I love your concept too! So many interesting places you can take it. Is he a psychic medium? I can’t wait to see how it unfolds!

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Thanks, Cassie! I’m excited to watch your idea develop too! I can’t wait to discover who this cranky ghost is! Hmm maybe she’s connected to the recent divorcé or her ex?

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Thanks, Michael! That’s very encouraging. Looking forward to it!

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Nice meeting you too, Karyn! Yes, good luck to us! I’ve heard some skills cross over to screenwriting. 😊

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Looking forward to working with you too!

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Looking forward to working with you too!

[Ashley Sarikaya]

I totally agree! I love how you’re not limited by space and time with those genres. Oh no way! I work in Geneva, but I live in Lausanne actually. Looking forward to getting to know you better too!

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Nice to meet you, Alyssa! I also love the science fiction/fantasy genres.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Thanks Bob. I wanted to focus on one Old World for now, as I’m learning this framework and also how to write a feature film, in general. That’s an interesting point about the mushroom’s roots. I will have to research it further.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Thank you so much, Joan. This speech is exactly the transformation. I saved it in my notes for inspiration. 🤩

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Thanks, Bob, for your comment. Does this clarify her journey?

In Act 1, Malinche uses her sexuality to survive. She only wants to ensure her survival and the survival of her son. She hides her gift out of shame, self-hatred, and fear. She hates her people for selling her into slavery.

In Act 2, she is bold, using her powers of seduction and foresight to defeat the Spaniards. She pretends to be confident, but this mask hides her shame. While she lusts for Hernando, she can’t truly love and be loved.

In Act 3, Malinche loves herself, and in turn, she can truly love her people and Hernando. She owns her ability to communicate with birds. Shining bright, she fearlessly uses her hypnotic voice to guide her people into a new era.

It’s still a work in progress. I appreciate your feedback.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

I was thinking it would be Jeronimo, a Franciscan friar, who was previously a Mayan slave. Jeronimo disapproves of “un-Christian” behaviors, and particularly, when Malinche starts to step into her power. But I like the idea of her Spanish conquistador being the “Betraying Character” too.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Thanks, Chris! That’s a great question. She will have to lean more towards her people. This will be challenging as she resents them for selling her into slavery as a child. Will be challenging to make this gradual shift from hating them to loving them. Will have to explore this further.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Thank you, Vivien!

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Thank you for the feedback! Jeronimo was simply a supporting character in the original idea. But this exercise helped me identify him as the Betraying Character and I think it will really improve the story.

[Ashley Sarikaya]

Thanks Bob for the feedback. I really appreciate it.

So I’m playing with the logline. Here is the desire piece expanded:

Malinche makes a transformation from surviving to thriving. There’s a narration about desire at the beginning of the film: “Desire can create, but it can also destroy.” Malinche has a positive goal. She wants to create a better world for her son and herself. She learns the power of her seductive voice, the seed of all creation. When she speaks, her wishes are echoed into the mental realm. And people listen.

But her words are powerless without desire. The fires of desire transform words into things on Earth. So, her journey is about reigniting her desire, which had been squashed after being sold into slavery. And her love stories with Hernando and Itzamna helped her to reclaim that lost desire. She thinks she is seducing them to accomplish her goals, but really she seduces herself.

Is it more clear now? Perhaps it’s too esoteric for film. I need to play with it. And perhaps it’s just an underlying theme.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 3 months ago by  Ashley Sarikaya.