Brigitte Timmerman
Forum Replies Created
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Rule 1: Use empowering self talk. Cheer yourself on. B
Rule 2: Understand writing in drafts. A
Rule 3: Choose speed over quality for EARLY drafts. A
Rule 4: Allow yourself to start (or continue) without all the answers. B
Rule <font face=”inherit”>5: Keep moving. Don’t allow yourself to ever stall out. C Ive stalled for about a </font>week<font face=”inherit”> needs </font>work.
6: Even if you can’t create it now, you will be able to at some point in the future! A
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OFFICER JACOB
We have a deceased female appearing to be in her mid 20s with a suspected drug overdose. She has a toddler with her appearing to be between 18-24 months old. He is filthy, malnourished, dehydrated. We have DCFS on the way.
A social picks up the toddler and comforts him.
SUPERIMPOSE:
EXT. DESOLATE ROAD – DAY
SUPERIMPOSE: Future in Former U.S.A.
An old school bus turned RV/home, kicks up dust as it drives along.
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What I learned writing a compelling outline for your script is imperative to the process.
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Concept: In a dystopian future a family traveling on the road must find their nephew’s Native American community for survival.
Inciting incident: Community was raided and they start their dangerous journey on the road in search of Isaac’s family.
Story lines:
A. Family’s search for Isaac’s Native American relatives for survival.
B. Blended family issues with Isaac, Mira and Grandpa Frank.
C. The dangers they face from bandits and traffickers
Teaser:
INT. blonde girl drug overdose. Baby crying
Act 1
Present
INT. Bus Day
Family singing.
EXT. Dystopian world
Seven Years ago.
INT. Social worker office.
Adopt Isaac and agree to find his family.
Act 2
7 years ago.
EXT. Social Worker office
Family makes an effort to find family.
INT. Bus
Burden too much for family they seek help.
EXT. Fuel station
Act 3
7 years ago
EXT. Social worker building
Meet agency that finds families. Irene is on they are fake. They leave.
INT. Bus
Family flees back to their community.
Act 4
7 years ago
EXT. Community Camp
Family arrives at their community and is greeted by everyone to meet Isaac.
INT. Family is informed community safety at risk.
Act 5
Present
INT. Irene and Jessie’s house.
Isaac and Mira are playing
EXT. Community Camp
Militant group raids community. Kills most.
The family flees to the bus for safety and drive off.
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What I learned from this assignment is creating an outline with challenging the characters creates interest throughout the piolet.
Concept: In a dystopian future a family traveling on the road must find their nephew’s Native American community for survival.
Inciting incident: Community was raided and they start their dangerous journey on the road in search of Isaac’s family.
Story lines:
A. Family’s search for Isaac’s Native American relatives for survival.
B. Blended family issues with Isaac, Mira and Grandpa Frank.
C. The dangers they face from bandits and traffickers
Teaser:
INT. blonde girl drug overdose. Baby crying
Act 1
Pass 1.
Start: Irene and Mira singing driving down the road.
Situation: Dystopian world. Dangerous to travel in. They are trying to get to the displacement camp for safety.
Conflict: Come across bandits blocking the road. They attempt to rape and kill Irene and Jessie. Mira and Isaac are hiding.
Action: Grandpa Frank advises them to kill them and not take chances. Irene and Jessie kill them.
Finish: They head down the road in route to the displacement camp.
Present
Pass 2.
INT. Bus Day
Irene and Mira are singing to a song. Isaac wakes up and joins in the fun. Grandpa Frank joins in the fun. Jessie hung over sleeping on the bed wake up irritated.
EXT. Dystopian world
Scenes of a dystopian world revealed.
EXT. Day Road.
Three men wait at a road block to check cars for contraband before they are allowed on their community. Irene and Jessie hide the children for safety. They are bandits that try to rape Jessie and kill Irene. Jessie and Irene kill the bandits and escape.
Act 2
INT: Social Worker Office
7 Years earlier
Start: Social worker office informing Isaac’s loss of mother their sister. They pass Grandpa Frank as they enter.
Situation: They are now Isaac’s guardians and have to make the decision to find his family.
Conflict: Finding Isaac’s family will be high risk and hard to find. They are also low in resources at their community.
Action: They go through the government agency to find the steps for what is best for Isaac.
Finish: They hit the road for another agency and are tipped off from the fuel station attendant about agencies that find families for a price. They can meet at the social worker building.
7 years ago.
INT. Social Worker office
Family makes an effort to find family.
INT. Bus
Burden too much for family they seek help.
EXT. Fuel station
Act 3
EXT: Social Worker Building
Start: They meet the non profit group across the street from the social worker office. Grandpa Frank is introduced sitting outside talking with an elderly man.
Situation: For a small fee they claim will set out with security and their contacts to find Isaac’s family.
Conflict: The women says something that tips them off they may not be legit. Grandpa Frank tells Irene in passing they are not legit.
Action: They make an excuse to leave. They call the social worker she informs them to contact the police. They show up the non profit takes off.
Finish: Grandpa Frank walks with his cane asks to get a lift because he does not walk so good.
7 years ago
EXT. Social worker building
Meet agency that finds families. Irene is on they are fake. They leave.
INT. Bus
Family flees back to their community.
Act 4
Start: Family arrives at the community camp with Isaac and Grandpa Frank. Community greets them.
Situation: The leader is concerned about the resources they have on taking them in. Irene’s best friend is pregnant with Mira.
Conflict: Irene’s best friend informs them they have intel they may be at risk.
Action: Irene thinks its overblown and sluffs it off.
Finish: Irene puts Isaac to bed.
7 years ago
EXT. Community Camp
Family arrives at their community and is greeted by everyone to meet Isaac.
INT. Family is informed community safety at risk.
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Mode 3 Lesson 12
Brigitte Timmerman – Outline with intrigue.
Act 1
Intriguing world -Future Dystopian
Imminent Threat – Bandits
Open Loop: What dangers will they encounter on the road?Mystery: Who are these bandits?Empathy/Distress: Irene and Jessie hide the children from bandits?Payoff: Children survive from Irene and Jessie’s actionsIrony: Irene tries to remain a pacifist. Setup: Will there be retaliation from other bandits?
Act 2
Mystery – How are they going to find Isaac’s family in a dangerous world with little information?
Open Loop: They adopt Isaac yet how will they find his family with little to go on?Mystery: Who is his family?Empathy/Distress: The search is very dangerous they go on a quest.Payoff: They meet a man at a fuel station and motel that tips them off of an agency that can help. Irony: Can you trust the fuel station attendant?Setup: Fuel Station attendant is setting them up with criminal network.
Act 3
Hidden Agenda – Agency is a criminal network trafficking children.
Open Loop: Who is the agency? Will they retaliate?Mystery: What does the agency do with the children they traffic?Empathy/Distress: Is the family in danger when they flee the agency?Payoff: Irene’s hunch pays off knowing the agency is not legit.Irony: The agency present themselves as earnest when they are deceptive.Setup: Fleeing from the agency could cause problems for the family.
Act 4
Imminent threat: Community at risk of being raided
Open Loop: Will Isaac be accepted in the community Mystery: Is there someone in the community planning a raidEmpathy/Distress: Will Isaac take resources they can’t spare. Payoff: Mira is introduced Irony: Irene always wanted a child and her sister had to die to have one. Setup: The threat Mira’s mom fears will reveal in the future.
Act 5
Irony – People from the inside planning a raid.
Open Loop: What will happen to the family as they flee the communityMystery: Who are the raiders?Empathy/Distress: Whole community raided and most killed.Payoff: Jessie’s actions fleeing to the bus saves the family Irony: Grandpa Frank creates chaos for the bandits. Setup: What will happen on the way after the raid.
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Brigitte Timmerman
Series: Refuge Nation
What I learned from this assignment is inciting incident with open loops in the pilot creates anticipation for the viewer throughout all seasons.
Events/Character Reveals/Under-the-Surface for Pilot.
How do they find Isaac’s family?
Will the social worker turn in the traffickers and how?
Will Irene and Jessie give up looking for Isaac’s family?
What is the origins of the trafficking network?
Who organized the raid of the community?
What dangers lie ahead?
Who can the family trust?
How long will it take them to find the Isaac’s family?
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Mod 3 Lesson 8
Brigitte: Adding empathy and distress.
What I learned from this assignment is if you want to keep an audience interested and obsessed keep the characters in constant distress while creating empathy. It gets the audiences emotionally tied for the rest of the show.
1.
A. Crucible: Forced on the road to find Isaac’s family.B. Betrayal: Irene been hiding the maps. C. Forced Decision: Choose to leave Mira on her own after to Omaha banished her and decides to let Irene and Jessie stay on a trial basis.D. Hurt those they love: Jessie and Irene release all there animosity when Isaac is taken from them.E. Emotional Dilemma: Who stays with Isaac and who raises Mira.F. Exposed: Jessie’s indiscretions sleeping with men for resources. G. Must Make Decision with Future Consequences; How are they going deal with the family being split up.
2.
Step 1: Check each scene to see if you can build any of these forms of Empathy/Distress into them.
Undeserved misfortune: Family community was raided and forced on the road. Family is ordered to be banished by the Omaha leader.External character conflicts: Irene and Jessie clash and recent each other. Plot intruding on life: Forced into the unknown on the road. Plans that failed: The Jessie and Irene plan fails when they are banished by the Omaha leader. Witnessing the pain of others: Distress when most of the community is killed.Extreme consequences: The family’s situation could be much worse on the road than looking for Isaac’s family. Major loss: Irene’s best friend and Mira’s mother.Brings their wound present: Irene has had several miscarriages and her husband left her.
Step 2: Make those situations even worse.
Make it more painful: Irene sees her best friend killed. Raise the stakes: Raiders of the community take Mira and Isaac Jessie fights them off. Create more loss: All of the supplies are gone. Can not rebuild. Put any goal, need, value, wound at significant risk: Find Isaac’s family so they can thrive rather than survive. Time this to be at the worst moment: When Irene and Jessie are asked to leave all the tension and animosity flares up in a bug fight with raw emotion showing them at their worst.Make it more physically threatening: Irene and Jessie punch and shove each other leading to a physical fight that wounds both of them.
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Mod 3 Lesson 7 Open Loops and Mystery
What I learned from this assignment creating mystery and open loops create more intrigue that can be used throughout the season. It is also a great format for the pilot.
Make a list of your turning points.
Act 1 The social worker is aware of groups that traffic children but does not tip off Irene and Jessie due to it puts her safety in jeopardy.(M) Who is threatening the social worker?(M) Network is bigger than she thinks (O) What will they do to her if she outs them? Act 2 There is a bandit network that has been following them (M) Who is the bandit network?(M) Are they tied with the traffickers?(O) What do they do with the people they capture? Act 3 Someone from the inside of the adoption agency tipped off the traffickers.(M) Who is tipping off the traffickers? (M) Does this person know what happens to the victims?(O) Is the person part of the network or being threatened? Act 4 There are some people in the community know Isaac is valuable. Will they try to sell him?(M) Irene and Jessie are worried Isaac could be sold from someone in their community. (M) Some members are not happy they brought a child into their community that is stretched for resources. (M) Who in the community would turn Isaac over to a trafficker?(O) What happens to Isaac if he is being turned over to a trafficker? Act 5 A few people in the community member are part of the raid. One tries to take Isaac. (M) Why did some of the community members raid their own?(M) What is their plan for Isaac?(O) Where did the community members go who were part of the raid?
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Mod 3 Lesson 6
What I learned from this assignment is stacking intrigue with a turning point creates a strong scene that will make your series more powerful.
Make a list of your turning points.
Act 1 The social worker is aware of groups that traffic children but does not tip off Irene and Jessie due to it puts her safety in jeopardy.Act 2 There is a bandit network that has been following them Act 3 Someone from the inside of the adoption agency tipped off the traffickers, but who?Act 4 There are some people in the community know Isaac is valuable. Will they try to see him?Act 5 A few people in the community member are part of the raid.
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#1
What I learned from this assignment is presenting a normal situation as a coverup that is revealed in a dramatic way creates intrigue.
New coverup:
Surface: Jessie and Irene find a militant group that reunites Native children with a small donation. An older women calling herself Auntie B. who tells Irene and Jessie she is the liaison for Native American tribes. She is also half Lakota and was reunited with her family many years ago.
Layer beneath: They are a trafficking network who gets a premium payment for finding native children.
Reveal: Auntie B. makes a cultural mistake Irene catches. Grandpa Frank reinforces Irene’s discovery that that do not go with them.
#2
Surface: Fuel station attendant is warm and friendly to family and give Isaac and Mira free candy bars.
Beneath the surface: He works with a network of bandits that tip off travelers with valuables.
Reveal: Irene and Jessie are stopped by bandits posing as border patrol.
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What I learned from this assignment is creating a structure to a character intentionally drives their storyline and they drive and draw the audience deeper into their lives.
Irene:
Beginning: Irene ivy league educated activist forced on the road to find her nephew Isaac’s family for survival. She is approached by bandits on their way to the displacement camp.Turning Point: Community was raided she takes action with her sister Jessie to keep Isaac’s and her best friend daughter Mira safe after her parents were killed.Midpoint: 7 years earlier she and Jessie foster their 2 year old Isaac and knows finding his Native American family yet, knows it will be dangerous. Turning Point 2: Irene meets another social worker who puts them in touch with an investigative team who will assist the family in finding Isaac’s family. Irene was never able to have children feels this is her chance to be a mother and feels finding Isaac’s family may rob her of that. She knows it’s the right thing to do so she moves forward with the social worker.Major Conflict: Through her work experience Irene notices a cultural mistake the social worker says and discovers the investigative team are child traffickers who get a premium for Native children. She is also tipped off by Grandpa Frank who knows they are fake. Ending: Irene gathers the family reports the criminals and heads back on the road back to their community. She realizes it is too dangerous to find Isaac’s family.(Dilemma is optional.) 7 years later her and the family hope to survive the displacement camp picked up from the beginning of the episode.
Jessie:
Beginning: Waking up from a hangover on the road with sister Irene, 9 year old Isaac and 7 year old Mira they come upon bandits posing as security check. She is on to them right away they are bandits. Turning Point: Her and Irene hide the children get in a scuffle with the bandits and Jessie and Irene shoot them. Midpoint: 7 years earlier they adopt Isaac but is against finding his family due to its too dangerous. She unsure taking on Isaac due to the burden and limited resources they have in their community. She tells Irene let the social worker take care of finding his family. Turning Point 2: Jessie is newly sober not wanting responsibility is relieved when she meets the social worker with her investigative team and tries to convince Irene to let them take care if it. Major Conflict: Jessie is devastated that if they allowed Isaac to go with the investigators alone Isaac would be trafficked. Ending: 7 years later from the beginning of the episode as they pull into the displacement camp Jessie uses her sexual currency to seduce an officer to see what she can get out of him.(Dilemma is optional.) She resents Irene that fact Jessie does the dirty work for the family behind the scene with Irene constantly looking down at her wondering if it’s worth it to stay with them.
Grandpa Frank:
Beginning: Grandpa Frank see’s Irene and Jessie pull up at the social workers office. He is intrigued why they are they. He sits next to an elderly women telling her how his people used to pick up checks from the government. Turning Point: He notices the social worker outside with the investigators and security team. He tells the women how it’s getting so bad you need armed guards to travel anymore but no one much cares about him. Midpoint: He is onto the social worker and the investigators team that they are fakes and are really traffickers. Turning Point 2: He turns to Jessie and Irene saying they better do their due diligence.Major Conflict: He walks by the fake social worker and investigators says in Lakota “good thing you are just ignorant enough that this child will be saved.” Ending: As Irene and Jessie are leaving with Isaac to escape the traffickers he approaches them walking with his cane with a limp asking for a ride since he does not walk so good. He feels they owe him since he tipped them off about the traffickers. He sings to Isaac in Lakota in back of the bus as they drive away. He thanks Irene and Jessie saying he won’t be much trouble. (Dilemma is optional.) 7 years later as they approach the bandits Grandpa Frank warns them of danger.
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Mod 3 lesson3
What I learned from this assignment is setting up the essence whole having a turning point in every act creates intrigue for audiences to want to find out what happens next.
Teaser:
Essence: Family forced on the road with the goal to find their nephew Isaac’s Native American Family to seek refuge.
Turning Point: They come upon what they think is a community road block but they are bandits attempting to raid them.Act 1:
Essence: 7 years ago Irene and Jessie find out their niece dies of a drug overdose and they have a nephew.
Turning Point: They meet with the social worker who to go though the options of fostering or adopting Isaac and informs them he is Native American and strongly advises they find his family so they will be taken in and live in safety. They agree to find his family.Act 2:
Essence: 7 years ago Irene and Jessie make a concerned effort to find Isaac’s family but it more difficult than they thought
Turning Point/Midpoint: The burden of traveling is too much to bare finding Isaac’s family.Act 3:
Essence: They are relieved to find an investigative agency that will find Aissa’s family. They supply security escorts to go on the road.
Turning Point: They find out the investigative company is really a front to traffic Native children they receive premium dollar for.Act 4:
Essence:The family decides to return to their community with Isaac where there is food and safety.
Turning Point: Although the community is safe for now there is constant threats of bandits and rivalry.Act 5:
Essence: 7 years later they adopt d Isaac and are a happy family. Isaac grows up with Irene’s best friends daughter Mira.
Lock In: Community is rated by a militant group most of the people flee or are killed. Irene, Jessie, Issac flee to their bus they find Mira’s parents killed and take her. Grandpa Frank waits at the bus ready to go. They are the only known survivors. They head out with the bus to the unknown for safety. -
Mod 3 lesson3
What I learned from this assignment is setting up the essence whole having a turning point in every act creates intrigue for audiences to want to find out what happens next.
Teaser:
Essence: Family forced on the road with the goal to find their nephew Isaac’s Native American Family to seek refuge.
Turning Point: They come upon what they think is a community road block but they are bandits attempting to raid them.Act 1:
Essence: 7 years ago Irene and Jessie find out their niece dies of a drug overdose and they have a nephew.
Turning Point: They meet with the social worker who to go though the options of fostering or adopting Isaac and informs them he is Native American and strongly advises they find his family so they will be taken in and live in safety. They agree to find his family.Act 2:
Essence: 7 years ago Irene and Jessie make a concerned effort to find Isaac’s family but it more difficult than they thought
Turning Point/Midpoint: The burden of traveling is too much to bare finding Isaac’s family.Act 3:
Essence: They are relieved to find an investigative agency that will find Aissa’s family. They supply security escorts to go on the road.
Turning Point: They find out the investigative company is really a front to traffic Native children they receive premium dollar for.Act 4:
Essence:The family decides to return to their community with Isaac where there is food and safety.
Turning Point: Although the community is safe for now there is constant threats of bandits and rivalry.Act 5:
Essence: 7 years later they adopt d Isaac and are a happy family. Isaac grows up with Irene’s best friends daughter Mira.
Lock In: Community is rated by a militant group most of the people flee or are killed. Irene, Jessie, Issac flee to their bus they find Mira’s parents killed and take her. Grandpa Frank waits at the bus ready to go. They are the only known survivors. They head out with the bus to the unknown for safety. -
What I learned from this assignment is inciting incident and creating characters that connect with the audience but you still need the mid point lock in to create the intrigue.
What is the “Inciting Incident” of your series that this pilot needs to deliver powerfully? The family must find Isaac’s family for survival. They have been on the road for months in dangerous territory.
2. Give us the main beats of that Inciting Incident:
Intriguing Concept: New World Order. The US has changed and Native American’s retrieved some of their treaty land back.
Act 1: The family is on the road in a bus turned home after their community was raided. They come upon what they think is a safety road block but are bandits raiding them.
Midpoint: Flashback to Irene and Jessie adopting their nephew Isaac who is half Native American but his tribe is unknown. It is revealed if they find his tribe they can seek refuge with the Native Nation. After many failed attempts to find Isaac’s family they decide to return to their community that is safe for now.
Lock In: 7 years last later the family’s community is raided by an organized militant group. Most of them are killed and resources taken. The few who survived run off. Jessie and Irene survive retrieve Isaac and Irene’s best friend’s daughter Mira the only one they see alive. They pack up their bus Isaac and Mira find Native American elder Grandpa Frank standing by the bus. They bury Mira’s parents and head on the road. -
What I learned from this assignment is outlining the big picture is essential when writing your first draft.
World: Dystopian limited resources. New government after economy and government breakdown. Some Native American retrieved some broken treaty land back and become sovereign nations Indipendent of the US.
Main mystery: Who is Isaac’s family?
Impossible Goal: Must travel through dangerous territory to find Isaac’s family to seek refuge.
Main Conflict: Yellow Smoke banished Irene and Jessie and keeps Isaac.
Second Mystery: What will become of Irene and Jessie with their new life.
Season 1 Arc: conflict with where Isaac belongs
Season 1 Protagonist Internal Yellow Smoke struggles trusting the outside world because it has failed him many times.PILOT INFO:
Pilot Conflict: The family has a dangerous journey on the road. Bandits attack them.
Characters Introduced: Irene, Jessie, Isaac, Mira and Grandpa Frank
Inciting Incident of Season 1: Family forced on the road and must find Isaac’s family for survival. -
What I learned from this assignment is less is more. I learned to eliminate unneeded words and sentences can create clarity and a quick read. I put myself into a producer role reading it for the first time to see if I get the concept in one page. Using Lesson 11 techniques on consistency and compiling content can form a more polished sales tool for my series. While editing the pitch bible I’ve realized certain aspects should be amplified to create more Intrigue while editing parts that are repetitive or fluff that is not needed. It is still a work in progress.
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What I learned from this assignment is creating an intrigue titles through a procedure list that sparks interest.
Episode 1
The Road
Land Back
Grapes of Wrath
Episode 2.
Hell Away from Home
Displacement
Visas and Passports
Broken Refuge
Episode 3.
Tension in the Camp
Waiting Game
Safer Than it Seems
Episode 4.
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Assignment
First Nation
Danger at Border
Episode 5.
Arrived
Berries from the bush, fish from stream, deer from forest
Spirit Plate
Episode 6.
Isaac’s Test
Should we stay or should we go.
Wounded Knee 73
Episode 7.
Cousin Calvary
Sweat
Written on the wrong side of history
Cowboy Culture
Episode 8
Not Welcome
Put on some lipstick
Grandmother’s Activism
Land Grab
Blood and Water
Episode 9
Calvary’s Alliance
All the Pretty Horses
Episode 10
Yellowsmoke
You took, we take
Family is Family
Son of Yellowsmoke
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What I learned from doing this assignment is I’ve found many ideas in my frame work to ad to the pitch bible. This is a work in progress I’ve opened many loops to keep intrigue for future seasons. My writing is now deliberate to not waste a sentence if it does not create interest in the big picture.
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<div>What I learned from this assignment is creating different versions of statements in your pitch bible can uncover a great marketing product to intrigue producers viewing your product. </div><div>
</div><div>A. Establish something shocking and point to the terrible things it could mean.
</div>In a dystopian world a determined activist must find a boy’s Native American community for family’s survival. They are not prepared for the danger that lies ahead.
B. Strong statement; question about something underhanded beneath the surface.
In a dystopian world two sisters Irene and Jessie must find their nephews Native American community for survival. Will rebellious sister Jessie uncover a secret that Irene has been hiding that could alter their future?
C. Question that points to hidden agendas, hidden identity, conspiracy, etc..Irene has been withholding a secret that could save or endanger them.
D. Character 1 is convinced/worried/wondering that Character 2 has done _____________.
Irene and Jessie are constantly at odds with each other. Irene taking the righteous high road will Jessie’s risky behavior put the family in danger?
E. But maybe it is all wrong.Irene and Jessie are in a desperate search for their nephew Isaac’s family for survival. Will they be accepted into the community or turned away?
F. A Pattern that Leads to Future Consequences
G. If he does ________________, that means ___Intrigue_____.If authorities finds Irene’s secret maps in codes she’s been hiding that would mean her freedom is in jeopardy.
H. State the mystery.Who is Isaac’s family? Will they ever be found?
I. Should be/could be _______, but it is even worse.Should Isaac be turned over to his family? Irene and Jessie could never see him again.
J. Intense language.Irene thinks Jessie is a fuck up.
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This reply was modified 3 years, 2 months ago by Brigitte Timmerman.
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This reply was modified 3 years, 2 months ago by
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What I learned from this assignment is I have uncovered story lines that have been buried gems within the story.
Tool 1: Dig: What’s beneath that? Jessie’s drug and alcohol abuse and sexual exploits and prostitution
Tool 2: Extrapolate: If Jessie was abused and trafficked when Irene and grandmother was away left by her single mother and boyfriend inflicted, then she sees her sexuality as currency and has deep resentment.
Tool 3: Wonder: What if Jessie fell in love and gets pregnant?
Tool 4: Backtrack: How could she being infertile have happened?
Tool 5: Forecast: How could this get even worse not sure if the baby is her new love?
Grandpa Frank leaves his family
Tool 1: Dig: What’s beneath that he was abused physically and sexually in the boarding schools?
Tool 2: Extrapolate: If he was abused, statistically he fell into drugs and alcohol.
Tool 3: Wonder: What if Grandpa Frank starts to save other children and gets killed rescuing them? He still guides children when as a spirit.
Tool 4: Backtrack: How could have happened? Grandpa Frank was tracked by
Tool 5: Forecast: How could this get even worse? He watches these kids get abused and can do nothing.
Yellowsmoke’s relationship with a white women when he was young.
Tool 1: Dig: What’s beneath that? Met at Dartmouth getting MBA.
Tool 2: Extrapolate: A spark between the woman and Yellowsmoke that starts the relationship.
Tool 3: Wonder: What if he married her? Against his family’s wishes they would have never accepted her.
Tool 4: Backtrack: How could this have happened she pursued him as a conquest and curiosity. She brought him home on Thanksgiving. Her parents are old money conservative and disrespect him.
Tool 5: Forecast: How could this get even worse? She breaks up with him after they graduate and moves on. He’s deeply hurt and has intense distrust against white people.
Calvary’s battle to keep his land.
Tool 1: Dig: What’s beneath that? His grandfather and father started to form a militia to keep their land.
Tool 2: Extrapolate: They assassinate government officials. Calvary makes his first kill to.
Tool 3: Wonder: What if the current politicians sells the country out?
Tool 4: Backtrack: How could have happened? The grandfather is executed by the government.
Tool 5: Forecast: How could this get even worse? Many people are killed in their community which is when they plan for independence for the Sandhills.
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What I learned from this assignment… a high quality fast read that captures a show runners attention must have key elements to sell the pitch bible.
Brigitte Timmerman – Refuge Nation
In a future dystopian world, the environment of the earth is in peril and the U.S. Government is broken down. The United States is fragmented and many Native American tribes have retrieved their broken treaty land back. These tribes have become their own nations completely independent of the United States. They speak their native language, practice their cultural ways and protect themselves from the outside world. Many of the Native Nations’ environments are thriving with fertile land and clean water. They are far better off than the U.S. territories.
Activist Irene along with Jessie, her rebellious younger sister travel with their nine-year-old Nephew Isaac who is half Native American and a seven-year-old Muslim girl Mira. Irene adopted Isaac after her and Jessie’s niece died of a drug overdose when he was two. They took in Mira after her parents were killed when their community was raided. They travel through what is left of the United States and Native Nations in a school bus turned RV and home. They are in search of Isaac’s Native American relatives and Native Nation. Isaac’s ancestor Grandpa Frank, a Native American spirit travels with the family that only Isaac and Mira can see. Irene picks up on Grandpa Frank’s guidance unknowingly and thinks they are her own thoughts.
Irene, Jessie, Isaac and Mira have been forced to live on the road for months after their community was raided and everyone killed including Mira’s parents. Isaac is their key to survival. If they can find what Native Nation Isaac belongs to, the nation will allow the whole family to seek refuge there. They stayed briefly in bleak conditions of a displacement camp. They also survived encounters with raiders. Irene’s sister Jessie puts the family’s safety at risk with her substance abuse and erratic behavior. Irene’s goal is to keep the family safe until they find Isaac’s Native Nation.
A special test is conducted at the Native Nation to find if Isaac has their bloodline. They travel hundreds of miles to Ojibwe Nation and find the test is negative. They then travel to Oglala Lakota Nation and find Isaac does not have or enough of their bloodline to take him and the family in. On their travels the family finds a relative, rancher Calvary Cullom who resides in the Sandhills Nation that claimed it’s independence from the US. The Sandhills Nation is thriving due to they are above one of the largest water reserves in the world. They are extremely protective of their land. Calvary unfortunately cannot take them in at the time due to family politics.
Will the family find Isaac’s Native American family to seek refuge?
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This reply was modified 3 years, 2 months ago by Brigitte Timmerman.
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This reply was modified 3 years, 2 months ago by
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What I learned from this assignment is creating a series description in a format that emphasizes constant action and movement creates intrigue.
Refuge Nation
Episode 1.
Hook/Intrigue: Family traveling on a bus in a dangerous dystopian world. Main Character Journey: Irene, Jessie and Isaac must find his Native American family to survive.Major Challenge/Conflict: They are surrounded by bandits that are disguised as military.Action/Reaction: Bandits attach family at gun point. Irene has gun hidden pointed at them. Cliffhanger: They hold them captive with the intent to kill them, ransom Isaac and take everything.
Episode 2.
Hook/Intrigue: Their new life and harsh reality of the displacement camp puts the family in jeopardy.Main Character journey: Irene and Jessie must obtain their visas and passports to ensure their journey. Major Challenge/Conflict: A mentally ill man Willie greets the family that puts them at unease. Jessie leaves Mira alone when she is with a man. Action/Reaction: The family must navigate through the camp and it new laws and bureaucracy.Cliffhanger: Irene finds Mira alone. In a rage Irene searches for Jessie that is nowhere to be found. Family waiting if their visas and passports will come through
Episode 3.
Hook/Intrigue: Irene finds Jessie roughed up and intoxicated. Irene is mortified thinking she was raped. Main Character journey: Back story on Jessie’s sorted past. Jessie gets intel of a criminal underworld at the displacement camp.Major Challenge/Conflict: Knowing about the criminal world puts Jessie at risk. Action/Reaction: Violence breaks out at the camp. Jessie is involved. Cliffhanger: Family get word they may have their visas and passports ready.
Episode 4.
Hook/Intrigue: Family gets passports and visas and have their invites to Native Nations.Main Character journey: They leave the camp for Ojibwe Nation their first stop.Major Challenge/Conflict: Willie tips off bandits about the family headed on the road. Action/Reaction: Irene and Jessie are terrified to see the bandits. Cliffhanger: Bandits close in on them when they almost reach Ojibwe Nation.
Episode 5.
Hook/Intrigue: Bandits close in on the family. Ojibwe military intercept them and bring the family safe to their Ojibwe Nation. Main Character journey: Revealed Grandpa Frank is a sprit. Major Challenge/Conflict: Irene and Jessie at odds with each other due to Jessie’s actions at the camp. Irene fears she will have them thrown out. Action/Reaction: The family is greeted with a lavish dinner and is greeted by the Ojibwe that who are very hopeful.Cliffhanger: They get ready for the ceremony the next day that will tell if it is Isaac’s family.
Episode 6.
Hook/Intrigue: Family gets to know the Ojibwe. Grandpa Frank makes a friend with an elder who can see and hear him.Main Character journey: Grandpa Frank’s past is revealed. Major Challenge/Conflict: Grandpa Frank is conflicted with his past when he was alive as alcoholic and drug addict in the 1970s on Pine Ridge in South Dakota.Action/Reaction: Irene and Jessie learn about the Ojibwe culture they are excited about the prospect living with the Ojibwe.Cliffhanger: Isaac takes the test the family waits for the results.
Episode 7.
Hook/Intrigue: Isaac is not Ojibwe the tribe and Irene and Jessie are heartbroken. They set on their journey for their next stop.Main Character journey: Irene surprises the family to stop to see their distant cousin Calvary Cullum leader of the Sandhills Nation.Major Challenge/Conflict: Grandpa Frank reflects on the violence inflicted on his people in a small town in the Sandhills. Action/Reaction: Grandpa Frank wants no part of being at the Sandhills Nation he informs Isaac he’s going away for a while.Cliffhanger: The family arrives at Sandhills Nation.
Episode 8
Hook/Intrigue: Greeted by Calvary who is jovial but has a violent past. Main Character journey: Calvary destiny is revealed how he became leader. Major Challenge/Conflict: Irene is confronted by a hostel resident of the Sandhills revealing her family lost their ranch due to Irene’s grandmother. Action/Reaction: Family tries to stay but Calvary can not take them in due to family politics. They depart and arrive at their next stop Oglala Nation.Cliffhanger: As they arrive at Oglala Nation a group of riders follow them into their nation.
Episode 9 I
Hook/Intrigue: The Oglala riders looking fierce riding around the family to greet them. Main Character journey: Background and Percy and Calvary’s childhood growing up together. Major Challenge/Conflict: Percy knows about Irene and Jessie’s grandmother through Calvary. They perform Isaac’s test right away with no fanfare. Action/Reaction: Isaac has traces of Oglala yet must find his dominant tribe and if they are not found they can return to live with them. Cliffhanger: Family departs and arrive at Omaha Nation.
Episode 10.
Hook/Intrigue: Family is greeted coldly be the leader Yellow Smoke. The test is preformed Isaac is a match. The family can stay. Main Character journey: Yellowsmoke is Isaacs Grandfather. Yellowsmoke recalls the day left to explore the outside world and the news of his son’s death.Major Challenge/Conflict: Yellowsmoke keeps Isaac and banished Irene, Jessie and Mira. Action/Reaction: Yellowskmoke allows Irene and Jessie to stay on a trial basis but does not apply to Mira. Cliffhanger: Irene stays with the Omaha, Jessie and Mira leave and end up with Calvary who allows them to stay only to find out what intel they can get from them. Irene residence is uncertain with the Omaha.
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This reply was modified 3 years, 2 months ago by Brigitte Timmerman.
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This reply was modified 3 years, 2 months ago by
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Brigitte Timmerman – Character Descriptions – Refuge Nation
Irene
Older sister of Jessie and Aunt of Isaac. She is an activist and was a leader in her community that had fallen. She feels she is responsible for the family’s survival.Noteworthy traits: Educated has a law degree and botany, Empathetic until she is pushed. Survival skills. Skilled navigator. Went to school for botany then switched to law. Intriguing history: Graduated from law school became an activist to follow her grandmother’s footsteps. Was married to her husband Dan who whereabouts are unknown. She miscarried several times which put stress on the marriage that led to divorce. Intrigue? Mystery? She has special maps in code she does not discuss with Jessie. They are very valuable. How do they support or drive the conflict with others? Irene and Jessie are always in conflict. Irene claims to do things the ethical way and thinks Jessie is a lost cause. Irony — She lies quite often in her mind she is doing the right thing.Opposing agendas/etc. that naturally causes conflict with other characters. Jessie and Irene are constantly at odds with each other. Irene always policing Jessie and her risky behavior. Unpredictable? She hides her agenda from the family. Intriguing relationship with one or more characters Irene appears stong when she is weak. Jessie appears weak when she is strong.
Jessie
Who is the character? Role in the show? Younger rebellious sister of Irene. Noteworthy traits Wild, tough, Does things that are ethically questionable but it is all to keep the family safe. Intriguing history: She was born when Irene was a teenager. Irene raised her after their parents were killed by raiders. Intrigue? Mystery? Jessie was sexually abused by a neighbor when she was a twelve. She killed the neighbor and the crime went unsolved. She is pregnant when she and Irene thought they were unfertile. How do they support or drive the conflict with others? Jessie and Irene are constantly at odds with each other. Irene looks down at her risky behavior. Irony — Opposites or paradoxes that exist with the character. No one see the sacrifices Jessie makes to keep the family safe. She prostitutes herself to keep the family alive. Opposing agendas/etc. that naturally causes conflict with other characters Jessie and Irene are constantly at odds with each other. They are polar opposites. Unpredictable? She flies off the handle and has fits of rage. Intriguing relationship with one or more characters. Jessie and Irene has always had a turbulent relationship. She becomes close to Calvary who appreciates her tenacity.
Isaac
Who is the character? Role in the show? Native American Nephew of Irene and Jessie. There niece was his mother, the father is Native American, his tribe and whereabouts unknown. Noteworthy traits His Native American family is the key to the family’s survival. If they do not find Isaac’s family they will be forced to live in a displacement camp.Intriguing history: Isaac was born in a community far from Irene and Jessie. He has very little memory if his mother. His father left before he was born. Intrigue? Mystery? Who and where is Isaacs family? How do they support or drive the conflict with others? When he finds his Omaha family he is emersed into his culture and starts to questions his upbringing from Irene and Jessie. Irony — Opposites or paradoxes that exist with the character The family that raised him he starts to reject. He had struggled with his identity. Opposing agendas/etc. that naturally causes conflict with other characters Isaac is the key to the family’s survival but also he is why the family is banished. Unpredictable? Maintains the relationship with Irene and Jessie but gets closer to his grandfather Yellowsmoke. Intriguing relationship with one or more characters. He grow closer with Yellowsmoke and Grandpa Frank.
Calvary Cullum
Who is the character? Role in the show? Rancher and Leader of the Sandhills Republic. He was first cousins with Irene and Jessie’s grandmother. His father claimed the Sandhills Republic as a sovereign nation. His family was completely prepared for the fall of nations. They stockpiled weapons for many year to militarize their country. Noteworthy traits tough, smart, took in families that land was taken. Can be brutal if he and his community is threatened. Intriguing history: Father started Sandhills Nation and Calvary followed in his footsteps. Intrigue? Mystery? Comes across friendly and jovial yet has a deep desire to get back some of the community ranches. How do they support or drive the conflict with others? He protects his community at any cost. Irony — Opposites or paradoxes that exist with the character. Pleasant personality with rage underneath. Opposing agendas/etc. that naturally causes conflict with other characters. He has great animosity to Irene thinking she is a threat to take his land. Unpredictable? You never know what trigger. Intriguing relationship with one or more characters. He builds an alliance with Jessie to go against Irene.
Grandpa Frank
Who is the character? Role in the show? Native American ancestor and spirit.Noteworthy traits He guides the family on their journey. Only Isaac and Mira can see.Intriguing history: He was an alcoholic and addict that turned his back on his family. Intrigue? Mystery? He sober up and become part of the upraising at the Wounded Knee take over in 1973. How do they support or drive the conflict with others? When he was using he abandoned his family and never stood up for his people. When a rapist targets Native American women. Grandpa Frank plans his attack. Irony — Opposites or paradoxes that exist with the characterOpposing agendas/etc. that naturally causes conflict with other characters. His drinking puts him in conflict with his family and community when he was alive.Unpredictable? You never know when he is going to show up. Intriguing relationship with one or more characters. He grows closer to Irene and shows himself to her.
Yellowsmoke
Who is the character? Role in the show? Leader of the Omaha Tribe. Grandfather of Isaac. Noteworthy traits Tough, smart, born leader, his community looks up to him. Intriguing history: His son died in the United States who is Isaac’s father. Intrigue? Mystery? Does not let outsiders into his community.How do they support or drive the conflict with others? He lets Irene and Jessie family in his community only to banish them. Irony — Opposites or paradoxes that exist with the character Intrigue? Mystery? Animosity against whites. He had an affair with a white women years ago who broke his heart. Opposing agendas/etc. that naturally causes conflict with other characters. He turns Isaac against his aunt Irene and Jessie. Unpredictable? Hides what he knows about people and used it against them later. Pretends he does not speak English. Intriguing relationship with one or more characters. Turns Isaac against Irene will use her for intel to see Isaac.
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Brigitte Timmerman – Character Descriptions – Refuge Nation
Irene
Older sister of Jessie and Aunt of Isaac. She is an activist and was a leader in her community that had fallen. She feels she is responsible for the family’s survival.Noteworthy traits: Educated has a law degree and botany, Empathetic until she is pushed. Survival skills. Skilled navigator. Went to school for botany then switched to law. Intriguing history: Graduated from law school became an activist to follow her grandmother’s footsteps. Was married to her husband Dan who whereabouts are unknown. She miscarried several times which put stress on the marriage that led to divorce. Intrigue? Mystery? She has special maps in code she does not discuss with Jessie. They are very valuable. How do they support or drive the conflict with others? Irene and Jessie are always in conflict. Irene claims to do things the ethical way and thinks Jessie is a lost cause. Irony — She lies quite often in her mind she is doing the right thing.Opposing agendas/etc. that naturally causes conflict with other characters. Jessie and Irene are constantly at odds with each other. Irene always policing Jessie and her risky behavior. Unpredictable? She hides her agenda from the family. Intriguing relationship with one or more characters Irene appears stong when she is weak. Jessie appears weak when she is strong.
Jessie
Who is the character? Role in the show? Younger rebellious sister of Irene. Noteworthy traits Wild, tough, Does things that are ethically questionable but it is all to keep the family safe. Intriguing history: She was born when Irene was a teenager. Irene raised her after their parents were killed by raiders. Intrigue? Mystery? Jessie was sexually abused by a neighbor when she was a twelve. She killed the neighbor and the crime went unsolved. She is pregnant when she and Irene thought they were unfertile. How do they support or drive the conflict with others? Jessie and Irene are constantly at odds with each other. Irene looks down at her risky behavior. Irony — Opposites or paradoxes that exist with the character. No one see the sacrifices Jessie makes to keep the family safe. She prostitutes herself to keep the family alive. Opposing agendas/etc. that naturally causes conflict with other characters Jessie and Irene are constantly at odds with each other. They are polar opposites. Unpredictable? She flies off the handle and has fits of rage. Intriguing relationship with one or more characters. Jessie and Irene has always had a turbulent relationship. She becomes close to Calvary who appreciates her tenacity.
Isaac
Who is the character? Role in the show? Native American Nephew of Irene and Jessie. There niece was his mother, the father is Native American, his tribe and whereabouts unknown. Noteworthy traits His Native American family is the key to the family’s survival. If they do not find Isaac’s family they will be forced to live in a displacement camp.Intriguing history: Isaac was born in a community far from Irene and Jessie. He has very little memory if his mother. His father left before he was born. Intrigue? Mystery? Who and where is Isaacs family? How do they support or drive the conflict with others? When he finds his Omaha family he is emersed into his culture and starts to questions his upbringing from Irene and Jessie. Irony — Opposites or paradoxes that exist with the character The family that raised him he starts to reject. He had struggled with his identity. Opposing agendas/etc. that naturally causes conflict with other characters Isaac is the key to the family’s survival but also he is why the family is banished. Unpredictable? Maintains the relationship with Irene and Jessie but gets closer to his grandfather Yellowsmoke. Intriguing relationship with one or more characters. He grow closer with Yellowsmoke and Grandpa Frank.
Calvary Cullum
Who is the character? Role in the show? Rancher and Leader of the Sandhills Republic. He was first cousins with Irene and Jessie’s grandmother. His father claimed the Sandhills Republic as a sovereign nation. His family was completely prepared for the fall of nations. They stockpiled weapons for many year to militarize their country. Noteworthy traits tough, smart, took in families that land was taken. Can be brutal if he and his community is threatened. Intriguing history: Father started Sandhills Nation and Calvary followed in his footsteps. Intrigue? Mystery? Comes across friendly and jovial yet has a deep desire to get back some of the community ranches. How do they support or drive the conflict with others? He protects his community at any cost. Irony — Opposites or paradoxes that exist with the character. Pleasant personality with rage underneath. Opposing agendas/etc. that naturally causes conflict with other characters. He has great animosity to Irene thinking she is a threat to take his land. Unpredictable? You never know what trigger. Intriguing relationship with one or more characters. He builds an alliance with Jessie to go against Irene.
Grandpa Frank
Who is the character? Role in the show? Native American ancestor and spirit.Noteworthy traits He guides the family on their journey. Only Isaac and Mira can see.Intriguing history: He was an alcoholic and addict that turned his back on his family. Intrigue? Mystery? He sober up and become part of the upraising at the Wounded Knee take over in 1973. How do they support or drive the conflict with others? When he was using he abandoned his family and never stood up for his people. When a rapist targets Native American women. Grandpa Frank plans his attack. Irony — Opposites or paradoxes that exist with the characterOpposing agendas/etc. that naturally causes conflict with other characters. His drinking puts him in conflict with his family and community when he was alive.Unpredictable? You never know when he is going to show up. Intriguing relationship with one or more characters. He grows closer to Irene and shows himself to her.
Yellowsmoke
Who is the character? Role in the show? Leader of the Omaha Tribe. Grandfather of Isaac. Noteworthy traits Tough, smart, born leader, his community looks up to him. Intriguing history: His son died in the United States who is Isaac’s father. Intrigue? Mystery? Does not let outsiders into his community.How do they support or drive the conflict with others? He lets Irene and Jessie family in his community only to banish them. Irony — Opposites or paradoxes that exist with the character Intrigue? Mystery? Animosity against whites. He had an affair with a white women years ago who broke his heart. Opposing agendas/etc. that naturally causes conflict with other characters. He turns Isaac against his aunt Irene and Jessie. Unpredictable? Hides what he knows about people and used it against them later. Pretends he does not speak English. Intriguing relationship with one or more characters. Turns Isaac against Irene will use her for intel to see Isaac.
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What I learned from this assignment is creating unique worlds and sub worlds draws a viewer into intrigue which can make a binge worthy show.
Refuge Nation
A. Engaging and highly proactive hero… Irene and Jessie goal is to keep their family safe on their journey to find their Native American nephew’s community for survival. B. …up against a major conflict… Family travels through dangerous territories of what is left of the United States and Native American Nations with special passports. C. …goes on unique transformational journey… Isaac transforms when he finds his Native American family when he is emersed in his culture. D. …Into an intriguing world. Native American retrieve some of their broken treaty land back and are now sovereign nations. What once was Nebraska and South Dakota claimed it independence as the Sandhills Republic.
2. Tell us the World of this show.
Unique Sub-World: Outsiders are only allowed in the Native Nations and Sandhills Republic with special visa and passports. Previously unexplored: The displacement camps are where bandits and criminals gather for intel and planning crimes. The unknown:The unseen: Grandpa Frank is a spirit that guides the family only seen by Isaac and Mira. Unheard of Dangers: Bandits have been tracking the family.Reason to explore it: Bandits and criminals backstories. <div>
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What I learned from this assignment is outlining episodes must have layers and intrigue with open loops to capture the interest of an audience.
Episode 1. In a dystopian world Irene and the family on the road to find their nephew Isaac’s Native American family to survive. They are attached by bandits and are searching for answers at a displacement camp.
Episode 2. At the displacement camp the family must adhere to adjust to their temporary home. Background on Irene and Jessie’s upbringing. The run across a strange man Willie who tries to help. They apply for visas and wait for their new assignments.
Episode 3. Grandpa Frank consoles Isaac and Mira by talking about his past. Background on Mira’s and parent’s story. Tensions and violence break out in the displacement camp. Jessie gets intel on criminal activity inside and outside the camp. The family gets word they may have invites to Native Nations. Flashback of Jessie’s sorted past.
Episode 4. Family get their visas and passports and assignment to a list of nations that could be Isaac’s tribe. The first is Ojibwe Nation. They leave the camp in for Ojibwe. Willer tips off a criminal to go after the family. Criminals engage just before they arrive at the Ojibwe check point.
Episode 5. Criminals close in on Family. Ojibwe soldiers chases bandits away. Arrive at Ojibwe Nation. Reveals Grandpa Frank is a spirit. Grandpa Frank when he was alive. Celebration before the test. Ojibwe are very hopeful.
Episode 6. The family gets to know the Ojibwe. Grandpa makes a friend with an elder who can see and hear him. He reveals his sorted past in the 1970s and redemption. Isaac takes the test.
Episode 7. Isaac is not Ojibwe. Family and Ojibwe heartbroken. Oglala Nation is there next stop. Irene surprises the family to make a stop on the way to meet their distant Calvary Cullum who’s leader of a militarized ranching community. Grandpa Franks leaves due to bad memories of whites in the 1970s. He witnesses a horrific crime from a local cowboy to a Native American women in Sweat, SD. They arrive at Calvary’s community.
Episode 8 Calvary is jovial to the family but has hidden violent past. Irene finds the locals are hostel because of her grandmother’s past. Calvary’s destiny is revealed from his past when he was a boy. Family departs, heads to Oglala Nation. They are surrounded by Natives running full speed on horseback. They lose them arrive at Oglala and they are greeted by Percy and the horse riders. Grandpa Frank is back. Grandpa Frank recounts his past in 1973 the reappearance of the violent cowboy who is ambushed by a group of Native Women and kills him. Percy escorts Isaac to the test.
Episode 9 Isaac has small amount of Oglala but not enough. Continue their search but will have Oglalas as a backup. Backstory on Percy and Calvary’s friendship from childhood and how they became allies. Calvary’s backstory with trade with Native Nations. Family departs for the Omaha Nation. Arrive at Omaha Nation
Episode 10 Greeted coldly by the leader Yellowsmoke. The test is a match for Omaha for Isaac. Yellowsmoke is his grandfather. Yellwosmoke banished the rest of the family and keeps Isaac. Irene stays with the Omaha Jessie and Mira leave and are accepted into a new community. Calvary invites Jessie and Mira to live with his community as a ploy to get intel.
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I can not post on Module 2. Can anyone help??
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Subject: Brigitte Timmerman completed BW Framework.
I would like Option B. Pro feedback from SU
What I learned doing this assignment is the Framework is imperative using all the skill in this class to have a clear illustration of your show to get producers interested in your project.
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Assignments 1 and 2 Irony
What I learned from this assignment is creating irony in characters and within the story keeps the viewer engaged on many levels knowing that the nothing is as it seems.
Assignment 1
Handmaid’s Tale – Irony
Commander Waterford claims to be high morals.
He forces June to sleep him at the brothel.
The Handmaid’s gather around Jeanne to assist her with the birth of her baby. Commander Putman’s wife pretends to give birth to Janine’s baby with the wives surrounding her when he is born the baby is given to her.
Nick is an Eye protector of Gilead and reports any laws broken.
Nick breaks the law to get June out of Gilead.
Aunt Lydia claims to love her Handmaid’s she watches over.
She is frequently cruel to them and has ordered ones to be put to death.
The Handmaid’s who would not kill Janine by Aunt Lydia’s orders were sentenced to be hanged.
The hanging was staged and was done to teach them a lesson.
The Handmaid’s were also punished by defying orders no to kill Janine were made to hold stones in the freezing rain.
June was the one that who defied orders first, the Handmaid’s followed and she is the one that has her punishment reduced due to she is pregnant.
Gilead’s government claims to be ruled by the laws of God and scripture.
They murder and enslave their citizens.
June’s new shopping partner follows the rules of Gilead firmly. She also polices June if she gets out of line.
She once was a prostitute and Oxi addict.
Women are not allowed to read in Gilead.
Commander Waterford entertains June with scrabble and magazine in his private office.
Assignment #2
Irene and Jessie never reached out to help their niece Isaac’s mother when she needed them most.
They adopted her son Isaac after her death.
Grandpa Frank is the wise voice of reason and a loving grandfather figure.
Grandpa Frank in his past life was an alcoholic and drug addict that left his family.
Jessie has many sexual encounters with men.
Jessie prostitutes herself to save her family.
Calvary comes across as jovial and kind.
Calvary has done many terrible things to protect his community.
Irene’s grandmother spearheaded the movement for Native Americans to get their broken treaty land back.
Calvary’s community of ranchers suffered by having their land taken away by the Native American tribes.
Yellowsmoke’s tribe promised Irene, Jessie and Mira refuge with their nation.
Yellowsmoke banishes Irene, Jessie and Mira.
Yellowsmoke has a deep animosity with white people.
Yellowsmoke’s grandson who he loves dearly is half white.
Yellowsmoke distrusts the outside world and views white women as immoral.
Yellowsmoke has a relationship with a white women when he was young.
Isaac and Mira see and hear Grandpa Frank.
Irene and Jessie don’t.
Irene is the responsible one that claims to make sacrifices for the family.
Jessie makes the sacrifice to leave the safety of the Omaha and takes her chances with a new community with Mira.
Calvary is very welcoming when Irene and the family arrives.
He does not let them stay.
The Ojibwe wants Irene and the family to stay with them.
The family cannot stay.
Irene has maps of secret territories that her grandmother started.
She does not share them with the family.
Irene projects herself as a confident capable person.
Irene is very insecure.
Willie at the displacement camp projects himself as ignorant and unstable.
Willie works with bandits by tipping them off on the family’s whereabouts when they are on the road.
Most of the United State is a desolate wasteland due to war, ecological and economic collapse.
Many Native American Nation and the Sandhills nation ecosystem and economy is intact.
Mira is a devout Muslim.
Mira looks up to Jessie who does not lead the life of a Muslim.
Jessie projects to care the least.
In reality Jessie cares the most.
Bandit projects themselves as benevolent protectors.
They are thieves, murderers and are involved in drug and human trafficking.
The US government claims to protect the citizens that are left.
The US Government gives very little aid to people.
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This reply was modified 3 years, 2 months ago by Brigitte Timmerman.
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This reply was modified 3 years, 2 months ago by
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Assignment #1
Layers that show up in Handmaid’s Tale
Plot Layers:
Major Scheme Revealed: Handmaids and Marthas are banning together to revolt against the government.
Mystery Revealed: How the commanders plan to start another government turning into Gilead. Serena helped write some of the laws.
Thought the story was one thing, but it’s another: The commanders use God and scriptures to perform a mating ceremony used in a way to keep the wives quiet and the Handmaid’s calm. They claim it is a ceremony by God’s law but it is really made up by the commanders for the wives to participate in the mating ceremony to combat their jealously. The commanders made the ceremony up during a car ride.
Major shift in Meaning: Gilead claims to honor the Handmaid’s as a precious gift to their country however they are abused, raped, held captive. The Handmaids are killed or sent to the colonies if they misbehave even if it means killing a rare woman that can procreate the most precious commodity Gilead. One example is Gilead doing trade with Mexico who does not know these women are being held against their will until June tells them.
Hidden plan: The Handmiads have formed a network called “May Day” to help escape and/or fight the government. The Commanders would like to make other countries like Gilead.
Major betrayal: Commanders Waterford betrays Serena by taking June to a brothel and Serena betrays the Commander by having June sleep with Nick.
Character Layers: June
Secret identity: She is a May Day recruit. Coming off meak to her Comander June is intelligent and resourceful that schemes behind the scene to benefit her and the other Handmaids.
Character Intrigue: June is starting to defy the government and Handmaids are starting to follow. When they all were supposed to stone Jeanene, June stood up and refused all of the Handmaids followed. June accepted her fate to stand up what was not right. They see her as dangerous.
Hidden Relationships and conspiracies: June is having an affair with the Commander Waterford at the brothel to get intel. June slept with Nick per Serena’s instructions, they became lovers. June is having Nick’s baby.
Hidden Character history: June had an affair with Luke when he was married. Luke got a divorce and he married June and had a child.
Assignment #2
Plot and Character Layers
What I learned from doing this assignment is creating several layers creates a multiple array of intrigue for an audience.
Plot Layers: In the future a family traveling through a dystopian landscape are in search for their nephew’s Native American family for survival.
Layer 1 Irene and Jessie traveling in their grandmother’s bus with their nephew Isaac, his grandpa Frank and seven year old Mira are desperate to find Isaac’s Native American family for survival.
Layer 2 They get ambushed by bandits claiming the road was closed. They attach Irene and Jesse as Mira and Isaac are hiding. They kill all bandits, one ecapes and returns to his people with plans to find them.
Layer 3 Flashback months earlier there community is raided. The family escapes with Mira who’s parents were killed.
Layer 4 Flashback family arrives at a displacement camp to receive passports and to be assigned to the Native Nations that could be Isaac’s family. A strange resident Wille tips off the bandits.
Layer 5 At the displacement camp Jessie plans to get their passports by sleeping with a government official. He will eventually cancel their passports out of spite for Jesse
Layer 6 As they arrive at the Ojibwe Nation it is revealed Grandpa Frank is a spirit.
Layer 7 Grandpa Frank background is from Pine Ridge and was a part of the Wounded Knee take over on 1973.
Layer 8 The family on their journey meets their great Uncle Calvary Cullum who is leader of the Sandhills Republic a new nation and ranching community that became independent of the US. They find out their grandmother spearheaded a movement to give Native Nations their land back in the fallout many ranchers lost their properties.
Layer 9 Although friendly to the Irene and Jessie his goal is to find out where they are going and if they have plans to help Native Nations to obtain more land. Calvary has done many bad things for good reasons for his people.
Layer 10 The one bandit that survived along with others follows the family on their journey to find resources. They regroup and attach Sandhills Republic they are defeated. Some survive and run off.
Layer 11 They arrive at Ogalala Nation and find out Isaac is part Lakota but has to find the dominant tribe in his bloodline. Grandpa Frank shows Isaac Wounded Knee and tells the history many spirts are there.
Layer 12 They arrive at Omaha Nation and find out it is Isaac’s tribe.
Layer 13 The leader Yellowsmoke is the biological grandfather of Isaac. His son, Isaac’s father died of a drug overdose in what was Montana. He blames Isaac’s birth mother and Irene and Jessie for his son’s death. He keeps Isaac and banishes the family.
Layer 14 After pleads from the elders he allows Irene and Jessie to stay on a trial basis. He will not allow Mira to stay since she is Muslim he thinks she should be with her own people and has found a Muslim community for her.
Layer 15 Jessie leaves with Mira and takes their chances on a new community.
Layer 16 Irene stay with the Omaha, Isaac lives with his grandfather and elders and Irene gets visiting rights for him. Irene does not feel welcome in the community and strives to fit in.
Layer 17 Calvary takes Jessie and Mira in. They do not feel welcome in the community given her grandmother’s history.
Layer 18 Betsy a rancher reveals her land was taken because of Jessie and Irene’s grandmother. She then sets fire to the bus to get back at them.
Layer 19 Months later Irene makes plans to see Jessie and Mira. She then hears and sees Grandpa Frank telling her not to go because it’s dangerous. She thinks he is a real person.
Layer 20 Irene leaves to see Jessie and gets captured by bandits. Betsy tips off Irene was coming.
Character Layers: Yellowsmoke
Layer 1: Hidden Agenda: He appears to take the family in but really wants Isaac and banish everyone.
Layer 2: Hidden Character History: He was estranged from his son Isaac’s father because he wanted to see the outside world.
Layer 3: Secret Identity: He had an affair with a white woman many years ago that broke his heart.
Layer 4: Wound: His son died of a drug overdose he blames Isaacs birth mother and the outside world.
Layer 5: Competition: He is determined to win his grandson’s Isaac’s love and reject Irene and Jessie. He wants him to see how bad the outside world is.
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Big Picture Open Loops
Assignment #1 Handmaids Tail
Will Moira escape to Canada after she killed the man in the club?
Will Commander Waterford find out that June was working him in the club to pick up a package for May Day.
If Commander finds out about June working for May Day what will he do? Will he condone her punishment or use it against June?
What will happen to June if she is caught with the package by the government?
Will the man in the deli get caught for giving June the package?
How did Moira manage to get the package out?
What is in the package? Will June open the package and find more info on May Day?
What will happen to Luke? Will he reunite with June and his daughter?
What I learned doing this assignment is I understand now how I was hooked on certain shows when they used open loops. Open loops trigger the viewer to imagine several outcomes of a show in the first episode that keeps them engaged in the series.
Assignment #2 Refuge Nation
Big Picture Open Loops
Will they find Isaac’s family?
How will their lives change when they find them? Will they be accepted? Will they get to stay? How will he be raised?
Will they survive the journey on the road after killing the bandits? What other dangers are instore?
Where did Grandpa Frank come from? When did he die? Will Jessie and Irene get to see Grandpa Frank?
How will the journey be when encountering different states and countries? Will they abide by the laws and cultures?
Will Jessie’s erratic behavior and Irene and her conflicted relationship put their journey in peril?
How will Isaac react to meeting his Native family? Will accept his culture? Will he reject the culture he grew up in?
How long will Grandpa Frank stick around? Will the children stop seeing him?
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Brigitte Timmerman Show Mysteries
What I learned from this assignment is instilling a reveal and coverup ad to a greater mystery. I guides the audience with the WWWWH that will go on the journey with the character or premise that makes the experience more interesting.
Assignment #1
Handmaid’s Tale
Big Picture Mystery:
Will June ger pregnant?
If June has a child how will she plan an escape?
Will she escape?
Who is the father of her child?
What will happen to her if she’s caught?
Smaller Mysteries:
Will June’s shopping partner find out about Junes plans and talks with other handmaids?
Will Commander Waterford find out about Nick and June?
Will Serena ease up on June knowing she’s pregnant?
Assignment #2
Refuge Nation
1. Shocking Event Mystery: Will the family find Isaacs tribe? If they do will they be accepted?
A. Shocking Event: Irene and Jessie loose their sister from a drug overdose. They adopt their 2 year old nephew Isaac who is half Native American.
B. Secret: Isaac’s family, who are they?
C. Investigation: Aunts gain clues and travel to find Isaacs family on the road.
What: The tribe Isaac is from.
When: 7 generations into the future
Where: Travels to three Native Nations on their journey
Why: Must find his tribe for safety.
Who: The leader will reveal
How: Through a ceremony
Part Withheld: No outsiders to witness the ceremony
2. Over Time Mystery
A. Cover up: Irene has maps she’s been using.
B. Secret: Only Grandpa Frank knows Isaacs tribe.
C. Reveals:
Who: Issac is Omaha
What: He is Yellowsmoke’s grandson
Where: Omaha Nation used to be Nebraska
When: 6 months into their trip
Why: The family finally feels safe and the journey is complete.
How: Driving through dangerous territory to find Isaac’s family
Part Withheld: Yellowsmoke is planning to keep Isaac and banish the family.
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Assignment #1
Handmaid’s Tale – Empathy/Distress
A. Undeserved misfortune. June is forced into slavery as a Handmaid.
B. External Character conflicts. Serena and June covertly at odds with each other. Intentional: June gets close to Serena’s husband Commander Waterford to use him to get intel. Unintentional: June’s actions unintentionally causes jealousy and distress the Serena.
C. Plot intruding on life. June pleads for help from the Mexican government. The government representative can not help her because they need Handmaids to bear children for Mexico who has not had a child born in their country for years.
D. Moral dilemmas. Now aware the Handmaids lives in slavery the Mexican government has to decide if they use the Handmaids for their breeding program.
E. Forced decisions they’d never make.the Mexican government goes through with the Handmaid trade deal in desperation to repopulate their country.
Assignment #2 Refuge Nation
What I learned doing this assignment is creating empathy for a character an audience can identify with their owns struggles which creates a intimate bond with the character. With this bond you have the viewer emotionally invested in the show which makes it binge worthy.
A. Undeserved misfortune. Irene’s community was raided and she and her family is forced on the road for survival.
B. External Character conflicts. Intentional: Irene and Jessie’s philosophy of survival. Jessie’s risky behavior that is looked down upon yet, is a necessary evil. Unintentional: Jessie undermine’s Irene’s leadership which questions her own ability.
C. Plot intruding on life. Yellowsmoke intention is to banish Irene and her family and keeps Isaac. He compromises and let’s Irene and Jessie stay however the banishments still applies to Mira.
D. Moral dilemmas. Irene and Jessie must decide if they stay with the Omaha community and let Mira takes her chances when she leaves.
E. Forced decisions they’d never make. Jessie leaves with Mira and Irene stays with the Omaha to watch over Isaac. They family is split up but at least they are safe.
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Assignment #2
Character Relationship Map – Refuge Nation
What I learned from this assignment is mapping relationships will layer and move a story forward. There are so many opportunities to layers characters, intertwine stories that makes a story more interesting.
Irene Relationships
Jessie
Surface: Older Sister
Common Ground: raising Isaac and Mira
Conflict: Her behavior puts the family at riskHistory: She was born when Irene was a 15 helped raise Jessie
Subtext: contempt for her free spirit nature
Relationship Arc: Thinks Jessie’s actions are the reason for Isaac taken away
Grandpa Frank
Surface: Spirit that guides the family and is Isaac’s ancestor
Common Ground: Wants the family to make it to safety
Conflict: Irene hides something only he knows about History: He’s been watching Irene since she adopted Isaac.
Subtext: frustrated with not being forthright
Relationship Arc: She finally sees him but thinks she’s imagining
Isaac
Surface: Irene’s adopted nephew Common Ground: They love each other very much wants a home. Conflict: Waking up to his Native culture questions outside culture. History: Mother died of a drug overdose, Irene adopts himSubtext: loves both Irene and his new native cultureRelationship Arc: is rehomed with his native relatives
Jessie Relationships
Irene
Surface: Little rebellious sister
Common Ground: Want a new home and safety
Conflict: Irene disapproves of her behavior
History: sex and drug abuse Irene disapproves
Subtext: wishes she control her impulses
Relationship Arc: when they lose Isaac she blames Irene
Grandpa Frank
Surface: Thinks Isaac and Irene are imagining him
Common Ground: both want a safe home for Isaac
Conflict: Unhealthy for the kids to think he’s real
History: Been watching her since they took in Isaac she always felt someone was there
Subtext: Disapproves of her behavior but see the good she does
Relationship Arc: He may be real
Isaac
Surface: Her little man, more of a buddy Common Ground: She feels free with himConflict: worried they will loose the relationship if he finds his native family History: Help raise IsaacSubtext: Fear he won’t survive the journey Relationship Arc: See the true love he has for her when he has to stay with his tribe
Grandpa Frank Relationships
Jessie
Surface: Watches over Jessie
Common Ground: both feel Irene is hiding something
Conflict: disproves of her risky behavior
History: Watched over
Subtext: Knows her secret for survival but does not judge
Relationship Arc: She leaves Isaac’s family he watches over her
Irene
Surface: Thinks she is the leader of the family but lacks insight
Common Ground: Safety and love for Isaac and Mira
Conflict: Undermines his advice to Isaac as trivial
History: Watched over her since she adopted Isaac
Subtext: Helps her reveal her secret
Relationship Arc: Helps her say goodbye to Mira
Isaac
Surface: His grandson and hope for his people
Common Ground: deep love for each other
Conflict: Fears one day he will not see him
History: been watching him since he was born
Subtext: both want for him to embrace his culture
Relationship Arc: upset that he is starting to fade and Isaac questions if he is real
Isaac Relationships
Jessie
Surface: Fun Aunt who he loves very much
Common Ground: They have fun together relieves him from his worry
Conflict: worries about her risky behavior
History: She helped raise him
Subtext: instinctively he knows she does bad things for good reasons
Relationship Arc: She has to leave he knows it the right thing
Grandpa Frank
Surface: Loving ancestral grandfather
Common Ground: Only he and Mira can see him
Conflict: Worries he may not be real from time to time
History: know he has always been with him in spirit
Subtext: They work as a team to guide Irene and Jessie
Relationship Arc: Isaac questions him if he is real
Irene
Surface: His mother
Common Ground: love for nature and his curiosity
Conflict: Does not like how she judges his Aunt Jessie
History: Adopted him when he was two
Subtext: know she’s hiding something but does not know what
Relationship Arc: questions her raising him
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Assignment #1 TV Relationship
Handmaid’s Tale June Osborne
Serena Joy Waterford
Surface – Subordinate Handmaid her boss
Common Ground – Both want motherhood
Conflict – Have distain for her power and she has distain for her fertility
History – Spearheaded new government for June to become a handmaid
Subtext – Tension and power struggle
Relationship Arc – Secret kindred spirits have respect for each other
Comandor Fred Waterford
Surface – Subordinate Handmaid her boss
Common Ground – Both want something from each other.
Conflict – Has distain for control over her
History -Spearheaded new government for June to become a handmaid
Subtext –He wants her she does not want him but obliges to his desires to get what she wants
Relationship Arc – Become a secret lover to get to plan an escape
Nick
Surface -Subordinate Handmaid
Common Ground – Both have empathy for each other
Conflict – Knows he’s an eye
History -Low level job with old government and now has power over June
Subtext – Attraction
Relationship Arc – Become lovers and fuels plan for an escape
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Brigitte Timmerman Character Emotions Assignments 1 & 2
“What I learned doing this assignment is when understanding a character’s emotional frame-work you are finding their depth and complexities that can bring out multiple story lines. Also, understanding what drives and trigger a character a writer can create a storyline that an audience can change their view and how they see a character as a protagonist or antagonist.
Assignment #1
Handmaids Tail
June Osborne:
A. Situational: Hope: Break free and find her family / Fear: Sent to the colonies or executed
B. Motivation: Want Revenge on the system / Need: Survival to see her daughter again
C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion: Rage / Public Mask: Subservient
D. Weaknesses; Endangers herself and Handmaids for revenge
E. Triggers: Bering violated emotionally and sexually
F. Coping Mechanism: Manipulates, Daydreams her former lifeSerena Joy Waterford:
A. Situational: Hope: For June to bear her a child / Fear: Never becoming a mother
B. Motivation: Want Love, respect and dignity / Need: Family unit
C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion: Failure / Public Mask: Presenting herself as an upstanding women in her community
D. Weaknesses; Insecure, callous, jealous
E. Triggers: Violate trust
F. Coping Mechanism: Cruel to handmaid, unkind to staff, dreaming of motherhoodCommander Fred Waterford:
A. Situational: Hope: Move up in the government / Fear: Never move up
B. Motivation: Want: Respect / Need Control
C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion: Insecure in his position / Public Mask: Confident
D. Weaknesses: Women and Ego
E. Triggers: Being disrespected and losing power
F. Coping Mechanism: Sex and manipulationAssignment #2
Refuge Nation
Irene:
A. Situational: Hope: Find a community for her family live. Fear: They stay in the displacement camp or they do not survive on the road.
B. Motivation: Want: Security / Need: To be a leader and have control.
C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion: Deep insecurity / Public Mask: Show’s strength and being righteous.
D. Weaknesses: Deep insecurity she is not enough
E. Triggers: Being undermined
F. Coping Mechanism: Manipulates by coming across as caring, withdrawsJessie:
A. Situational: Hope: Stand on her own Fear: She will never have respect
B. Motivation: Want: Adventure Need: security and love
C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion: Not lovable / Public Mask: Tough and brash
D. Weaknesses: Reacts before she thinks
E. Triggers: Being disrespected / Slut shaming
F. Coping Mechanism: Drugs, alcohol and fleeting relationshipsGrandpa Frank:
A. Situational: Hope: Guide the family to safety / Fear: Family will not hear his guidance
B. Motivation: Want: His grandson to survive and thrive / Need: Future generations for his tribe
C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion Worry and sadness / Public Mask: Strength and wisdom
D. Weaknesses: Resistance to Intervene
E. Triggers: Not being seenF. Coping Mechanism: Withdraws, leaves
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Subject line: Brigitte Timmerman’s Intriguing Character Layers.
Assignment #2: Refuge Nation
What I learned from doing this assignment is revealing the complexities of people and their actions shapes the trajectory of a show. Creating a character with issues that are not always good and flaws creates intrigue for an audience.
Irene:
· Hidden agendas: Wants to be a leader/advisor with the community they reside. Would like to create her own nation someday.
· Competition: Her sister Jessie
· Conspiracy: She has full knowledge her Grandmother was behind the ranchers having their land taken from them.
· Secrets: Knows her grandmother spearheaded ranchers getting evited from their land.
· Deception: Never revealed to Jessie about her secret maps and knowledge of her grandmother.
· Wound: Lost her unborn baby late term, had several miscarriages. Her husband left her.
· Secret Identity: Presents herself as compassionate and caring but really wants power in a community.
Jessie:
Hidden agendas: To keep Irene from self-destructing and the family from harm Irene could bring upon them.
Competition: Irene
Conspiracy: Has an idea her grandmother was behind the ranchers loosing land Irene advocates for her actions.
Secrets: Prostitutes herself for resources.
Deception: Does not defend Irene behind her back.
Wound: Sexually abused when she was a young girl.
Secret Identity: Covert good person that has a tough and careless persona that does unethical deeds to keep her family alive.
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Subject line: Brigitte Timmerman’s Intriguing Character Layers.
Assignment #1: The Handmaids Tale
Places I’ve seen character intrigue.
June Osborne
Role: Handmaid
Competition: Serena the commander’s wife view June as a threat.
Secrets: Knows of a resistance
Deception: Does not reveal her knowledge of the resistance to the authorities.
Wound: The loss of her daughter taken from her and husband missing.
Secret Identity: She narrates the show what she thinks and about the new order of the United States.
Serena Joy Waterford
Role: Commander’s Wife
Competition: June
Deception: Kind to June until she finds out she’s could not get pregnant then becomes cruel.
Wound: Not able to have children and has lost her freedom in this new world.
Secret Identity: Possibly had a career in her past life and resents she has no power.
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Assignment #2
Refuge Nation
“What I learned doing this assignment is how to expand a character to be more complex than meets the eye. Also, using the five-point module is a very good tool to prepare for actions that will be revealed later.
Journey of the show: In a dystopian future two sisters and their family set out on the road in an old school bus turned RV to find their nephew’s Native American community for survival.
·Main characters that will sell the show:
· Irene
· Jessie
Irene
A. Role in the show: Self-proclaimed matriarch and leader of the family unit.
B. Unique Purpose / Expertise: Leader of her community, expert navigator, skilled marksman and survival skills she learned from her grandmother.
C. Intrigue: What is secret beneath the surface? She has maps in codes that are very valuable to navigate with. She and her grandmother are the only ones that can read them. Her plan is to teach the codes to Isaac and Mira.
D. Moral Issue: What moral boundaries are they crossing? Irene and her grandmother obtained the maps from an unethical source. She keeps her sister Jessie in the dark of her plan with them.
E. Unpredictable: What will they do next? What is her plan with the maps?
F. Empathetic: Why do we care? Everything she does is to keep her family safe.
Jesse
A. Role in the show: Younger, rebellious sister of Irene that helps navigate the family through a dystopian world.
B. Unique Purpose / Expertise: She’s willing to get her hands dirty to get things done for the family survival. Skilled marksman and survivalist taught by Irene.
C. Intrigue: What is secret beneath the surface? She uses her sexual currency to obtain what the family needs to survive.
D. Moral Issue: What moral boundaries are they crossing? Jessie prostitutes herself.
E. Unpredictable: What will they do next? Jessie comes across explosive and impulsive yet, underneath she is calculating her next moves. Will Irene find out about her?
F. Empathetic: Why do we care? She like Irene does everything to keep her family safe. She comes across as harsh and self-absorbed but is misunderstood and has a huge heart.
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Assignment #1:
Role in the show:
June Osborne is the main character who is a Handmaid that is enslaved by the new government. She is posted with a commander and his wife.
Unique Purpose/Expertise:
June is fertile which makes her a valuable breeding commodity in this new dystopian world.
Intrigue, what is the secret beneath the surface?
June is very intelligent, although enslaved her goal is to break free, reunite with her daughter. She also befriended a Handmaid in the resistance and agrees to feed her intel.
Moral issue/What moral boundaries are they crossing?
By agreeing to feed intel resistance she puts her and other Handmaid’s lives in danger.
Unpredictable, what will they do next?
Although June has not taken action yet, though her narration in the show and her distain for the new government you know she is planning something.
Empathetic, why do we care?
June is imprisoned, is legally being raped and abused by the Commander’s wife Serena Joy Waterford. You root for June to break free and Zeak Justice.
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Assignment #2
What I learned doing this assignment is that all characters are related in some way that will affect the main character’s journey. Do not waste a character for show, always have purpose for them in relation to how the story moves forward.
Three Circles of Characters
A. Main Character Circles:
Irene
48, activist, educated, serious demeanor, she is the self-proclaimed matriarch of her traveling family who has been living on the road in a dystopian world.
Jessie
35, Irene’s rebellious younger sister, crass, wild, issues with drugs and alcohol, conniving, uses sexuality and street smarts to get what she wants and is fiercely loyal to her family.
Isaac
9, Half Native American nephew to Irene and Jessie who was adopted by them at age two when his mother, their niece died of a drug overdose. Very bright and loves his family yet, wonders about his Native American family and if he will ever find them.
Grandpa Frank
60s, Native American spirit and ancestor to Isaac that only Isaac and Mira can see and hear. Grounded, wise, proud and the voice of reason who helps guide the family on their journey.
Mira
7, Muslim girl who is the daughter of Irene’s best friend. Irene and Jessie took her in after her parents were killed. Sweet and sensitive she looks up to Irene and Jessie and has adopted Grandpa Frank as her grandfather. She receives great comfort from Grandpa Frank.
A. Connected Circle:
Calvary Cullum
75. rancher and leader of Sandhills Nation. Does not let outsiders in to is his community. He is a distant cousin of Irene and Jessie. Jovial and friendly however, there is a sinister nature underneath that he has cultivated to protect his family and community.
Betsy
55, part of Calvary’s ranching community. Tough and extremely loyal to Calvary and her people. Does not trust outsiders.
Yellow Smoke
65, Native American leader of the UmoNhoN (Omaha) Nation people. Intimidating, strong, silent, an observer has great distrust for anyone that is not Native American.
Nita
Muslim women and is Irene’s best friend and mother to Mira. Thoughtful and protective of Irene. She consoles Irene how to handle her sister Jessie with her reckless behavior.
Shi Shir
Husband to Nita. Loving family man and cherishes his daughter Mira.
Amnimkii
25, Native American and the chief’s assistant to Ojibway Nation. Kind, considerate, educated. He was appointed as the chief’s liaison to handle foreigners that arrive in their nation. Very perceptive and studies human nature and outside cultures to understand his adversaries.
Percy
60, Native American part of Oglala Lakota Nation. Medicine man, leader of the Horse Spirit Society. He is friends with Calvary who he does trades with. Cares about the welfare of is people and is greatly respected in his community.
Monge Ska
30, Native American part of UmoNhoN (Omaha) Nation and nephew to Yellow Smoke and assists him in day to day activities. He is fascinated with outsider’s culture.
B. Environment Circle:
Dystopian Landscape what used to be the United States.
Ojibway Nation/Located on the Great Lakes what once was part of Minnesota, Wisconsin now it is its own sovereign nation.
UmoNhoN Nation, once was part of Nebraska and Iowa now is its own sovereign nation.
Oglala Nation, Once was part of South Dakota and part of Nebraska is now its own sovereign nation.
Sandhills Nation, A thriving ranching community that located in the sandhills of what once was northern and western Nebraska and parts of South Dakota. Lead by Calvary Cullum the nation has one of the world’s largest and cleanest water supplies.
Irene and Jessie’s Community, once a thriving and safe community in their dystopian world was raided and is currently defunct.
Displacement Camp: Established for US territory refugees who lose their home and/or territory.
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Assignment 1:
Handmaid’s Tale
Main Character Circle: June Osborne, Commander Fred Waterford, Serena Waterford, Aunt Lydia.
Connected Circle: Luke, Moira, Janine, Emily, Rita, Nick
Environment Circle: The Aunts, Eyes, Handmaids, Marthas, Commander’s wives, Commanders.
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What I learned doing this assignment:
Keeping track of a five point module will define a story and create intrigue to keep an audience engaged wanting to know what will happen in the next episode. I will use this model for every character I write and story line from now on.
The Handmaid’s Tale:
Big Picture Hooks:
Set in the future, the United States is run by a totalitarian regime that enslaves fertile women named Handmaidens to carry on the human race.
Intriguing Character:
June, a recently enslaved handmaiden now renamed Offred lost her freedom, husband and daughter who was taken from her must navigate in this new world. She is taught what to say and act and must wear the official uniform of a Handmaid. The new regime plan is to have total control over women however they do not control Junes thoughts and she narrates her new life in her head for the audience.
Empathy/Distress
Before the new regime June was happily married with a daughter living a full life in Boston. She is now an enslaved handmaid that serves Commander and Mrs. Waterford to bear child for their family. She narrates her distress in her head of her day to day living along with her memories of her former life.
Open Loops:
Will June get pregnant from Commander Waterford? What will become of June when the baby is born? Will she ever break free? What kind of relationships with other Handmaids develops? Will June find her daughter?
Inviting Obsession:
Will June make a plan to break free from the Waterfords to find her daughter? How will she find her and plan their escape from the United States to Canada?
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1. Name: Brigitte B. Timmerman
2. How many scripts you’ve written? One feature length titled Refuge Nation that won Best of Fest at the 2020 Cordillera Film Festival.
3. What you hope to get out of the class?
I would like to turn my screenplay into a series.
4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? President of the Nebraksa Film Association. I wrote, directed and produced a documentary about Native American language preservation titled UmoNhoN Iye The Omaha Speaking that is currently on Amazon Prime. Grew up on a ranch I help run with my family and I’m an identical twin. I have have three horses, three dogs and a cat named Maple and a boyfriend that puts up with them, God bless him. Animals rule my life!
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I agree to the terms of this release form. Brigitte Timmerman 2/14/22
AGREE, in which case, you Reply to this topic and include three things at the top of the page:
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OR
NOT AGREE, in which case, you hit “Reply to this topic” and type in the words “I’ll do the class privately.”
If you agree to the terms of the release form, then you can post your assignments into the group and your cohort can give feedback on them.
Also, if you don’t agree to this group confidentiality agreement, you’ll still need to sign an agreement that says you will keep the strategies, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class confidential.
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.
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This reply was modified 3 years, 4 months ago by Brigitte Timmerman.
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This reply was modified 3 years, 4 months ago by