[Chanda Haynes]

LIKE THE JONESES – TEASER

“What I learned doing this assignment is thinking about going high speed triggered a lot of anxiety. Prior to listening to the video I was super excited to get started writing. After listening to Hal’s audio, I found myself stalling to get started and trying to make sure things were good around me. SO it was like I was trying to “edit” the environment since I knew I couldn’t edit the teaser. But I did like the pace and the flow and the relief of not editing as you go. When I caught myself doing it, I just stopped and kept forward, leaving it however it was. I didn’t even correct misspelled words. I just wanted to keep the momentum. It was a good experience. I am looking forward to writing Act 1 tomorrow.

INT. MCMENAMIN’S

INT. MCMENAMIN’S – MOMENTS LATER

The crowd is still gathered. The drinks and joints continue to flow. Clouds of smoke are in every pocket of the room. The GOVERNOR Julie Adams, 60s, easygoing but professional. She shakes several hands on her way to the podium.

She arrives at the podium and everyone in the room applauds. She nods and waits for them to finish. Her dress is stunning and shimmery.

GOVERNOR

Greetings and good evening good people of Oregon and beyond. They told me there were some Trinidadians in the place tonight. Welcome. Welcome to this great state that I am proud to govern.

Another round of APPLAUSE.

Governor’s POV: Willie nods and claps very proudly.

GOVERNOR

Ten years of Jones Farmacy. What can I say. Other than Willie Jones you are a genius.

Governors POV: Willie blushes and CHUCKLES.

GOVERNOR

He said Julie I am going to be the first black cannabis business owner in the state of Oregon. And I said Willie I’m going to be the first South African female governor for the state of Oregon. So let’s do it together.

Several people stand and applaud. Willie stands and applauds, still blushing. A STANDING OVATION.

GOVERNOR

Now I know that Elaine said that they will be heading to Trinidad. But just in the event that that does not occur. I would like to offer you four more years as our Multnomah County Cannabis Commissioner.

2.

Elaine smiles gracefully. The crowd APPLAUDS. The Governor raises her glass.

GOVERNOR

Cheers to you Willie, someone I consider a colleague and a friend.

STANDING OVATION.

CUT TO:

INT. MCMENAMIN’S – MOMENTS LATER

Heather stands at the podium. She has note cards in her hand. She seems a bit off kilter, more from the weed than from nervousness. She takes a pull from her vape. She EXHALES.

HEATHER

My Dear Uncle Willie and my brother cousin Tony mother. Fucking. Jones!!

She jumps up and down. The crowd ERUPTS in applause and laughter.

HEATHER

These guys are my family. To know that they are carrying out my grandfather’s dream.

A series of shots

HENRY Jones, 30s, rushes from a hotel and hops in a LYFT. The car quickly pulls off. RONNY, 40s and SHARK, 50s arrive at the curb just as the car pulls off the hotel’s lot. They’re both out of breath.

Inside the car, Henry constantly looks out the back window.

HENRY

Airport please. The quickest route.

Henry at the airport counter.

HEATHER (V.O.)

That our family could earn an honest living.

HENRY

Eugene, ORegon please.

3.

AIRPORT TELLER

There’s not another one for six hours. How about Portland? But you’d have to You could fly to Anchorage Alaska. Then get a separate connecting flight to Eugene.

HENRY

Okay that works.

AIRPORT TELLER

ID Please.

CLOSE ON: HENRY JONES LOUISIANA DRIVERS LICENSE

HEATHER (V.O.)

And on behalf of my twin brother Henry. He apologizes for not being here, but his flight from New Orleans to Portland was delayed.

A SIGH from the crowd.

HEATHER

Our uncle Willie is our mom’s brother. Our we lost our mom to terminal illness.

Henry lands in Eugene, Oregon. He hurries through the aiport.

Outside the airport he hails a cab and hops in.

HENRY

Salem, Oregon please.

CABBIE

That’s gonna be about two hundred dollars.

HENRY

Fine.

CABBIE

Who you know in Salem?

HENRY

My grandfather. Henry Jones, Sr.

HEATHER

Uncle Willie took us in, and so once our mother’s inheritance ran out. It was uncle willie’s weed money that kept us afloat.

4.

Henry hops out at a cape cod style home on Maple Avenue. He pauses until the cab pulls out of sight. He surveys the home. He stares up at the roof. He checks out the brick. He takes it all in. A car SCREECHES by and it startles him. He is knocked out of his zen moment. He hurries to the side porch and lifts a large concrete flower pot where he finds a key. He opens the front door and returns the key.

He closes and locks the door behind him, then tips through the house. There’s no one home. He hears voices getting closer and louder. He shoots into the large bedroom and ducks off in a walk-in closet.

An unknown voice speaks.

UNKNOWN

Hey. Anybody here. Heather?

Now closer and louder.

UNKNOWN

Heather? Probably that damn dog.

Henry looks up to spot the attic door. Sweat beads form on his head. The talking stops and the door CLICKS. Henry EXHALES.

HEATHER

And it’s been amazing to watch the company grow and to know that I am a part of this amazing legacy.

In the attic, Henry peeps out the window. He sees the van that says Pest Control pull out of the driveway. He BREATHES a sigh of relief. And sits back against the wall. He spots a box marked PRIVATE.

Henry pulls from a vape pen and stares at a picture of his mother, MONICA.

HEATHER (V.O.)

Our mom would’ve been so proud of you both. Monica Jones my mother outlived her life expectancy due to cannabis. My grandfather would tell her to smoke it. SHe didn’t want to. She hated smelling like weed smoke.

The crowd is pulled into the story. They remain quiet and attentive.

5.

HEATHER (V.O.)

But she loved popcorn. So he would have me pop the popcorn and he’d drench in his cannabutter. And that’s how the Jones Movie Butter Popcorn that my cousin Cynthia can’t stop eating…

A laugh from the crowd.

Henry flips through more photos…Willie, Henry, Cynthia, Heather, he and Heather in matching outfits, Tony,

He continues digging to the bottom of the box and sees an envelope marked MONICA JONES HAYES.

Henry removes the documents from the envelope and reads..

Close on: LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF MONICA JONES HAYES

Henry erratically flips through the pages. He takes photos of the pages. His movement gets more tense as he flips through the pages. He reaches the signature page.

Close on: Willie Jones Trustee

Henry frisbees the papers and they all scatter.

HENRY

Son of a bitch!

HEATHER (V.O.)

Most of all the Jones name stands for integrity. Loyalty. A name you can trust.

Ronny and Shark sit on the plane.

PILOT (V.O.)

Welcome to Portland Oregon where the time is now 5:58 pm. Enjoy your stay.

[Chanda Haynes]

LIKE THE JONESES – OUTLINE WITH INTRIGUE

What I learned doing this assignment is that, if you have to search too hard for the intrigue and mystery, then it’s probably missing. Every scene won’t have as much intrigue, but each scene should want to make you see the next scene. Also, we have a lot of description and structure for the scenes, so this should make the actual writing process easier. The outline can always be improved, so decide what your stopping point is.

Start: Jones Farmacy is celebrating its tenth anniversary. Challenging Situation: Everyone is asking something of WillieConflict: Tony receives very little acknowledgement Action: Henry outruns the loan sharks and breaks into his grandfather’s house to hide out.Finish: Henry discovers documents regarding an inheritance from his mother.

INT. MCMENAMINS – MYSTERY (WHY IS HENRY ON THE RUN)

Family and friends are gathered for the tenth anniversary celebration of Jones Farmacy, a cannabis business founded by Willie Jones and his son, Tony. As guests share stories and acknowledgements, they seem to each want something from Willie. His wife Elaine is ready for him to retire so they can move to Trinidad with her family. His son is ready for him to hand over the reins to him. The mayor wants him to commit to serving on the cannabis commission another four years. Tony is given very little acknowledgement for the success of Jones Farmacy. Heather Jones, Willie’s niece comes forward to speak…

A series of shots during Heather’s voiceover:

A dark tinted vehicle screeches to a halt and Henry Jones jumps in just as his assailants catch up with him

The same assailants purchase tickets to Portland, Ore

The assailants await Henry at the Portland Airport

Henry arrives at the airport in Eugene, Oregon and hails a taxi to Salem, OR.

Open Loop: Why is Henry on the run?Mystery: Why did Henry lie to Heather?Empathy/Distress: Payoff: Henry didn’t fly into Portland because the sharks were chasing him.Irony: Willie is talking retirement while entertaining new opportunities. Setup: Henry is headed to Salem, OR.

INT. PAPA JONES’ HOUSE – SECRET (WHATS UP WITH THIS INHERITANCE)

Henry Jones arrives at Grandpa Jones’ house in Salem, Ore. He takes in the property. He walks around the side of the house reminiscing. A car speeds past. He’s startled. He rushes to the side porch, raises a heavy ceramic flowerpot, and uses the key to enter the home, watching out behind him. He tiptoes through the house to ensure it is empty. He hears a car door close and rushes into a large walk-in closet. He discovers a peculiar looking box. Inside are documents from an inheritance from his mother to him and Heather. He calls Heather and accuses the whole family of being liars.

Open Loop: Who are the guys chasing Henry. Mystery: Why is Henry in Salem?Empathy/Distress: Henry is sad reading about his mother’s death. Payoff: Henry went to his grandfather’s house in Salem.Irony: Henry accuses the family of lying. Setup: Henry discovered an inheritance his mother left to him and Heather.

ACT 1

Start: Tony is going about just another day at the office. Challenging Situation: Tony is faced with a big decision. He needs to consult his father on the matter. Conflict: The clients pressure him to decide without his father. He delays them.Action: Tony questions Willie about giving him more responsibility. Finish: Willie shoots him down.

INT. JFP HEADQUARTERS – HIDDEN AGENDA: (The client is trying to help Tony get some exposure)

Tony goes about his normal tasks in the office. Just another day. The office aide asks for approval for $500. Tony tells her he will have to check with willie. She questions why he has to check with Willie on such a small amount. A visitor arrives and requests to meet with Tony. He is explaining how his offer could help boost Tony’s career if the public knows he closed the deal. The client offers Tony social media exposure. Tony wants to get Willie’s approval. The client informs him that the offer is to him, not Jones Farmacy. Tony tries to delay them but is unable to reach Willie. The client tells Tony he has until midnight to decide. After the client leaves, Willie arrives and Tony questions Willie about giving him more power in the decision making. Willie shoots him down, reminding him that they were still recovering from what happened six years ago.

Open Loop: What happened six years ago?Mystery: How did whatever happened affect Jones Farmacy?Empathy/Distress: Tony wants his father’s approval on his decisions.Payoff: Willie isn’t extending any more power to Tony.Irony: Tony hates having to get Willie’s approval and he went seeking Willie’s approval.Setup: Tony has a deadline of midnight to decide. Start: Tony hangs out with the other cannabis guys. Challenging Situation: The guys encourage him to get from under Willie. Do his own thing.Conflict: Tony doesn’t want to leave behind what he has built. He got the license.Action: Tony moves forward on the deal from earlier.Finish: The client gives him until midnight to decide.

INT. SMOKERS LOUNGE – PORTLAND SECRET: People want to do business with Tony without his father.

Tony is out kicking it with the other canna world guys at a private lounge in Portland. The guys heard about what happened earlier and encourage Tony to get from under Willie and do his own thing. The guys inform him that more people want to do business with him as a private contractor, not under Willie. Tony is hesitant to leave behind Jones Farmacy after all his hard work. Although being a private contractor is his dream. Tony and all the guys know JFP wouldn’t have gotten a license without him. Tony closes the deal from earlier without consulting with Willie. He feels good about it and decides to do more.

Mystery: Why don’t people want to do business with Willie? Deception: Tony closes the deal without Willie. Wound: Tony feels guilty for wanting to leave Jones Farmacy and do his own thing. Hidden Agenda: Tony is using this deal to boost his reputation not for Jones Farmacy. Hidden Layer: Tony is the reason Jones Farmacy has their licenses. Strange Behavior: Tony contacts his client at 11:59 to close the deal. Imminent Threat: Time is running out to close the deal.Suspicion: Why is everyone being so nice to Tony?Open Loop: Mystery: Why don’t people want to do business with Willie?Empathy/Distress: Tony feels guilty for wanting to move on from his father. Payoff: Tony closes the deal without telling Willie. Irony: Willie needs Tony more than Tony needs Willie. Setup: What happens when Willie finds out about Tony’s side deal?Start: Noelle requires him to take a breathalizer before leaving their son. Challenging Situation: Tony confides in Noelle about his role at JFPConflict: Noelle advises him to step out on his own and make a name for himselfAction: Noelle introduces Brian, the Green Diamonds VP to Tony as her boyfriend Finish: Brian hugs Ty before he and Noelle take off.

INT. TONY’S HOUSE – MYSTERY (What’s Tony’s history with alcohol?)

Noelle comes to Tony’s home to bring Ty. She gives him a breathalizer. He asks if that’s necessary. Tony confides in Noelle about what’s happening at JFP. Noelle encourages him to do more on his own. Noelle introduces Brian as her boyfriend and encourages Tony to talk to him about business. Brian hugs Ty before he and Noelle take off.

Open Loop: what made Noelle give Tony the breathalyzerMystery: What is Tony and Noelle’s history?Empathy/Distress: Tony feels disconnected from his son. Irony: Noelle wants Brian to advise Tony and Tony has way more knowledge and experience. Setup: Brian has a relationship with Ty and Noelle. Start: Flashback to six years ago, a drunk, stumbling Tony is being escorted off a baseball field Challenging Situation: Ty watches (then 6yrs old) as Tony is put in handcuffs. Conflict: Ty’s friends whisper about Ty’s dad. The parents whisper loudly. Action: Noelle embraces Ty and comforts him. Finish: Noelle puts Ty in the car then screams at Tony. Pete encourages him to get help. “saw what it did to your grandfather. Newspaper headline: Cannabis mogul arrested for public intoxication. Jones Farmacy

EXT. FLASHBACK BASEBALL PARK – MYSTERY (What happened to tony after this?)

We flashback to a severely intoxicated Tony, as he stumbles off the baseball field into the dugout. Noelle spots him and tries to intercede. We see Tony being put in handcuffs and carted off the field as Ty watches. The kids ask Ty if that is his dad. Noelle rushes to Ty and it is too late. Brian the coach is already consoling Ty. The team is dressed in green and orange. They are the Green Diamonds little league team. Brian walks Ty to the car where Noelle is railing Tony about his behavior. Pete ushers Noelle into the car and suggest to Tony that he get some help. We cut to the morning headlines: Cannabis Business Owner arrested for public intoxication.

Open Loop: Mystery: What happened at Jones Farmacy after these headlines? Empathy/Distress: Ty and Noelle are embarrassed in front of Ty’s friends. Tony leaves feeling ashamed in front of Pete and Ty. The incident is shared with the public. Payoff: Noelle and Brian have known each other for a while. Setup: The headlines can’t be good for business. Setup: What happens when Willie gets the news of Tony’s incident?Start: The guys tease Willie about his early retirement. Challenging Situation: They question if Tony is stepping up.Conflict: willie doesn’t feel Tony is ready Action: The Governor offers another four years on the LOCC.Finish: Willie asks for time to think about everything.

INT. SALEM SMOKERS LOUNGE – LOCC ROOM WOUND (Willie has not moved on from what happened six years ago.)

At the Salem lounge, the LOCC members tease Willie about his early retirement. They ask him if Tony will be running the day to day. Willie expresses his concerns about Tony being in charge. Willie tells the guys he doesn’t feel Tony is ready, reminding them of what occurred six years ago. The Governor interrupts and offers Willie another four years with the LOCC. Willie asks for time to think about everything.

Open Loop: Will Willie cave and hand things over to Tony?Mystery: What will it take for Willie to forgive Tony?Empathy/Distress: Willie is still affected by what happened six years ago. He feels betrayed by Tony. Payoff: We learn why willie doesn’t trust Tony and why he has limited power at Jones Farmacy.Irony: Willie doesn’t feel Tony is ready although Tony is sober and great at his job. Setup: Willie is considering all options for his future. Start: Elaine encourages Willie to give Tony another chance. Challenging Situation: Willie promised Elaine they could spend some time in Trinidad with her family. Conflict: Willie doesn’t trust Tony since the incident six years ago. Action: Elaine doesn’t back down on either. Finish: Willie says he’ll think about it.

INT. WILLIE’S HOUSE – SUSPICION: Did Elaine have something to do with the Atrium deal?

Willie discusses his exit plan with Elaine, who encourages him to give Tony a chance. Elaine feels Tony has made big improvements. Elaine discloses that Tony closed the Atrium deal without him. Willie becomes furious. Elaine reveals that Atrium offered Tony a solo deal. Elaine reminds him of his promise to spend time in Trinidad with her family. Elaine reminds Willie of all the good Tony has done.

Open Loop: Did Elaine set up the Atrium deal for Tony? Mystery: Will Willie go to Trinidad as promised?Empathy/Distress: Elaine understands how hard Tony has worked.Payoff: Willie knows about Tony’s deal with Atrium and is furious.Irony: Willie wants to retire but doesn’t want to give up control. Setup: Willie has to appease Elaine. Start: Henry accidentally bumps into Pete Roberts on his way to the LOCC.Challenging Situation: Henry questions Pete about the inheritance. Pete confirms.Conflict: Pete encourages Henry to talk to Willie before taking any action. Action: Pete tells Henry he can get more money if he keeps quiet. Finish: Pete gives him a referral to an estate attorney.

EXT. HEATHER’S COFFEE SHOP – DECEPTION (Willie forged documents to get his hands on Henry and Heather’s inheritance.)

Henry bumps into Pete Roberts as he is leaving Heather’s Coffee Shop. Henry corners Pete and shows him the paperwork concerning the inheritance. Pete is tightlipped at first. Pete eventually caves and gives Henry information about the inheritance and Willie’s involvement. Pete encourages Henry to talk to Willie and not to go public with the information. Pete assures Henry that he can get more of what he wants if he keeps quiet. Pete gives Henry a referral to an estate attorney.

Open Loop: How is Henry going to present the information to Willie?Mystery: How much was the inheritance?Empathy/Distress: Pete has empathy for Henry who lost his mother. Henry is frazzled learning about his uncle’s deception. Payoff: We learn how Willie got the inheritance. Irony: Henry goes to his family’s nemesis for information on his family. Mystery: Will Willie learn that Pete tipped off Henry. Start: Breaking news comes across Tony’s monitor. Challenging Situation: Pete’s staff are exiting Green Diamonds loading boxes into their cars.Conflict: Brian and Noelle try to reason with them. Pete says to let them go.Action: Brian decides to leave with them. Finish: Tony calls to check on Noelle.

INT. JONES FARMACY/INT. GREEN DIAMONDS – DECEPTION (Brian leaves without notifying Noelle.)

A breaking news report comes across Tony’s monitor as he’s working. Live footage of a walkout at Green Diamonds. Inside Green Diamonds, Brian and Noelle are trying to reason with the staff as they are packing their things and loading boxes in their cars. Pete tells them to let them go. Brian is bothered by Pete’s lack of concern. Noelle defends Pete. Brian returns to his office where he listens to the live coverage, as he hears the newscaster speak, he gives things a brief thought before deciding to leave as well. Tony watches on the live footage as Brian exits. He calls to check on Noelle who is unaware Brian has left.

Open Loop: How will Green Diamonds move forward?Mystery: Will Brian and Noelle stay together after this?Empathy/Distress: Noelle feels sorry for her father being the target. Tony offers Noelle support after seeing Brian walk out. Payoff: We learn why all the employees are leaving Irony: Noelle defends her father although she agrees with Brian and the other employees. Setup: Green Diamonds needs employees to stay afloat. Start: Pete warns Willie about Henry Challenging Situation: Willie accuses Pete of being disloyal. Conflict: Pete was trying to look out for Willie. Action: The Governor denies Pete’s LOCC renewal.Finish: Pete advises Willie to pay Henry off.INT. SMOKERS’ LOUNGE – SALEM SUSPICION (Willie is unsure if he can trust Pete to tell him the truth.

Back at the Salem lounge, Pete warns Willie that Henry has documentation about the inheritance. Pete informs Willie about his conversation with Henry. Willie is angry and accuses Pete of sabotage and jealousy. Pete explains that Henry could get the same info from any attorney. The Governor relieves Pete of his obligation to the LOCC, so he can focus on his business. Pete advises Willie to pay Henry off and fly under the radar. He reminds Willie that the LOCC does not need any extra attention.

Open Loop: What does Henry plan to do with the documentation? Mystery: Why did Pete decide to tell Willie if they’re not friends?Empathy/Distress: Willie is worried about the information that Henry has. Willie is angry with Pete for advising Henry.Payoff: Willie knows that Henry knows about the inheritance. Irony: Willie is accusing Pete of sabotage but doesn’t consider Pete his friend. Setup: How will Willie approach Henry. Start: Willie arrives back at JFP where Henry is waiting with his evidence. Challenging Situation: Willie doesn’t want Tony to know what’s going on with Henry.Conflict: Tony insists on joining Willie and Henry’s meeting. Action: Willie tells Tony he can’t be a part of the meeting. Finish: Willie tells Tony it’s nothing that concerns him.

INT. JFP OFFICES – DECEPTION (Henry and Willie both lie to Tony about their meeting.)

Henry is milling around at JFP when Willie arrives. Willie tries to casually acknowledge Henry who is being drilled by Tony. Henry wants to get right to business, so he interrupts Tony and asks to speak with Willie alone. Willie tells him it’s not Jones Farmacy business. Tony insists on being a part of the meeting stating that they’re all family. Henry drums up fake tears and says the meeting is about his mother and he wanted Willie to tell him stories about it.

Open Loop: What will Henry say to Willie?Mystery: How much does Tony know about the inheritance?Empathy/Distress: Tony feels sorry for Henry when he cries about his mother. Payoff: Henry plans to talk to Willie about the inheritance. Secret: Willie and Henry are really going to discuss the inheritance. Start: Brian confesses his love for Noelle and Ty. Challenging Situation: Brian tells her he’s leaving Green DiamondsConflict: Brian asks Noelle to leave with him. She says she’ll think about it. Action: Noelle reaches out to Tony for comfort. Noelle invites Tony to Ty’s theater rehearsal.Finish: Tony accepts. EXT. GREEN DIAMONDS PARKING LOT – HIDDEN LAYER (Noelle has to choose between her fiancé and her family.)

Brian confesses his love for Noelle and Ty. He lays it on thick. We sense he is up to something. Brian tells Noelle he’s not returning to Green Diamonds and that he is exploring new opportunities. Brian wants Noelle to leave too. She says she’ll think about it, but she is concerned about how it will impact she and Pete’s relationship. Noelle reaches out to Tony for comfort and guidance. Noelle invites Tony to Ty’s theater rehearsal. He accepts.

Open Loop: What will Noelle decide about Green Diamonds?Mystery: Why does Brian want her to leave?Empathy/Distress: Noelle is torn between her fiancé and her father. Noelle doesn’t want to betray her father. Payoff: Brian isn’t returning to Green Diamonds. Noelle is trusting Tony more. Irony: Brian wants Noelle to quit her job but he hasn’t secured any employment. Setup: Tony and Noelle plan to meet up at Ty’s rehearsal. Setup: Noelle has to make a difficult decision. Start: The news of the Green Diamonds strike spreads. Challenging Situation: Tony overhears Henry mention the LOCC to Willie.Conflict: Tony is questioned by the media about Green Diamonds.Action: Henry threatens to go to the LOCC about the inheritance.Finish: Willie lies to Tony.

INT. JONES FARMACY – INTRIGUING WORLD (The world of Corporate Cannabis)

A series of shots of the Green Diamonds walkout:

The nightly news anchor talks about the walkout

The dispensaries are low on Green Diamond products.

Green Diamond stock prices drop.

Inside the Smokers Lounge the same news plays

The large monitor in the Jones Farmacy plays the same story.

As Tony pulls into the parking lot the media rush him asking his thoughts and about Noelle. Tony has only kind words for Green Diamonds and their staff and the Roberts family. Willie doesn’t have any kind words for Pete Roberts. Henry approaches also has some kind, we think, words for Pete Roberts. Once Henry is out of sight, Tony rushes to question Willie about why Henry is hanging around. Tony accuses him of freeloading. Willie lies and tells Tony that Henry is interested in the cannabis business.

Open Loop: Green Diamonds has been exposed for license fraud. Mystery: Will Tony learn the real reason Henry is in town?Empathy/Distress: Tony has kind words for Green Diamonds and the Roberts family. Payoff: willie isn’t going to tell Tony about the inheritanceIrony: Tony accuses Henry of freeloading, but Willie stole Henry’s money. Setup: Henry refers to Pete as his attorney. Start: Willie reaches out to Pete for advice. Challenging Situation: Pete tells him to offer him a stake in the company. Conflict: Willie wants to pay Henry to go away. Action: Willie takes Pete’s advice and arranges a meeting with Henry. Finish: Henry invites Pete to speak on his behalf.

INT. SMOKERS LOUNGE SALEM – CONSPIRACY: (Pete devises a plan so that he and Willie both fly under the radar.)

Willie reaches out to Pete for advice. Pete tells Willie to offer Henry a stake in the company. Willie immediately rejects the idea. He says he doesn’t want any deal that will keep Henry around longer. Pete advises Willie that it will “cost him less” if he gives Henry stock instead of money. Pete convinces Willie to follow through with his advice to keep the LOCC out of this matter. Pete reminds him how much they have to lose, and he can’t stand any more bad press right now. Willie sets up a meeting with Henry. Henry invites Pete.

Open Loop: Will Henry accept the offer?Mystery: What happens if Henry doesn’t want the stock and demands cash?Empathy/Distress: Willie is worried he will lose his company. Pete is worried he will lose everything. Payoff: Irony: willie doesn’t trust Pete but reaches out to him for advice. Setup: This meeting is happening. Start: Tony sits at Ty’s play rehearsal next to Noelle. Challenging Situation: Tony asks Noelle what’s going on with Henry, Pete and Willie. Conflict: Noelle refuses to talk business. Action: Noelle asks Tony to take Ty with him for the night. Finish: Noelle informs Tony that she is going to meet Brian to talk.

INT. CHILDREN’S PLAYHOUSE – Strange Behavior: Tony and Noelle don’t trust one another’s intentions.

Tony and Noelle sit next to one another at the rehearsal. Tony asks Noelle if she knows anything about what’s going on with Henry, Pete, and Willie. Noelle denies knowing anything and refuses to talk about business. She accuses him of coming for that reason. Noelle asks tony to take Ty for the night. He accuses her of just inviting him for that reason. Noelle denies that and says she wants him to start spending more time with Ty. Noelle informs him that she is meeting up with Brian after rehearsal.

Open Loop: Noelle is starting to trust Tony more with Ty. Mystery: What will Noelle decide about Green Diamonds?Empathy/Distress: Noelle is still upset about the Green Diamonds incident. Irony: Noelle asks to talk to Tony and then accused him of focusing on work. Setup: Brian and Noelle are meeting up. Start: Henry hands Pete an envelope. Challenging Situation: Pete is dismayed by the info in the document. Conflict: Pete advises Willie that Henry says he will only accept CEO. Action: Pete advises Willie to take the deal. Finish: Willie signs the agreement. INT. SMOKERS LOUNGE SALEM – MYSTERY: Why does Henry want to be CEO?

Henry passes Pete an envelope. Pete pulls out the document and thoroughly reads it.. He is appalled and whispers something to Henry. Henry is not budging. Pete speaks with Willie and explains that Henry is only willing to take the CEO position, not the shares or a payout. Pete explains to Henry what he is giving up by passing on the shares. Henry doesn’t back down and stays adamant about being CEO. Pete has a talk with willie and tells him to take this deal, that it is even better than the shares in his favor. Willie asks how he’s supposed to explain that to Tony and the staff. Pete reminds him that it’s easier to disappoint his staff than to talk to the FBI. Willie signs and agrees to Henry Jones being CEO of Jones Farmacy.

Open Loop: Willie has to announce to Tony and the staff that Henry will be CEOMystery: What are Henry’s intentions as CEO? Empathy/Distress: Pete is worried about future backlash from Henry. Willie is worried about hurting Tony and his staff. Willie is also worried about a walkout like Pete had. Payoff: Henry doesn’t want money, he wants to be CEO. Payoff: Willie complies with Henry’s request. Irony: Henry doesn’t ask for money although he owes the sharks money. Setup:Start: Willie second guesses himself with Pete. Challenging Situation: Pete gives Willie the truth. Conflict: Willie doesn’t know how to tell Elaine. Action: Pete reminds Willie of how he got the inheritance. He tells him to be as convincing as possible. Finish: Willie accuses Pete of sabotage.

INT. SMOKERS LOUNGE SALEM – Mystery: What happens if Willie reneges on the deal with Henry?

Willie second guesses his decision to make Henry CEO. He drinks and smokes nervously. Pete gives Willie the truth about how he got the inheritance. Willie becomes defensive and emotional about betraying his dead sister. Pete explains to Willie that because acquired the inheritance through forgery, that he could face jail time and a six-figure fine and may have to fork over half the company to Henry if Henry gets the right attorney. He could lose his seat on the LOCC. Willie worries about how or if to tell Elaine. Pete advises him to come clean with Elaine. Willie accuses Pete of trying to sabotage his marriage and his business. Willie doesn’t like the newly redeemed Pete.

Open Loop: Will Willie tell Elaine about the blackmail?Mystery: What happens if Willie reneges on the deal with Henry?Empathy/Distress: Willie is regretful about betraying his sister. Payoff: We know how Willie got the inheritance. Irony: Willie accuses Pete of sabotage but still listens to his advice. Setup: Willie has to face his Tony and the world with the announcement of Henry as CEO. Start: Willie announces Henry as the CEO (via Twitter?)Challenging Situation: The staff start buzzing.Conflict: The staff look to Tony for guidance. Tony is clueless. He heads into Willie’s Action: Tony resigns from JFP via Twitter, effective immediately.Finish: Tony storms out.

INT. JFP LOBBY Secret: Henry blackmailed Willie into making him CEO.

Upon Pete’s advice, Willie announces Henry as the new CEO of Jones Farmacy from the LOCC offices. The staff gather in the lobby to view it. It hits Twitter and more staff immediately start buzzing. The staff migrate towards Tony’s office where he has not heard the news. Tony googles the announcement and sees the photo of Willie and Henry with the headline. Tony is furious but tries not to show it. “Jones Farmacy announces new CEO, Founder’s nephew Henry Jones.” The staff rapid fire questions at him. Tony charges down to Willie’s office, which is empty. Tony storms out, then later tweets his resignation. He hops in his car and observes the parking spot “Reserved for CEO”

Open Loop: The staff may walk out like at Green Diamonds. Mystery: Is Tony headed to confront Willie?Empathy/Distress: This is the ultimate betrayal for Tony by his father and cofounder. Payoff: The world knows Henry is the new CEO. Payoff: Tony quits immediately and tells the world. Mystery: How will Willie explain this to Tony?Setup: Tony is furious and headed somewhere. Start: Tony is fuming mad. Challenging Situation: Tony drives with no direction. Conflict: Tony’s phone rings nonstop. Action: Tony takes the Salem exit. Finish: He pulls into the LOCC parking lot where he sees his father and the other LOCC leaving.

INT. TONY’S CAR Wound: Tony is furious and hurt by Willie’s actions.

Tony is furious. He can barely focus on the highway. He drives, heaving, not paying much attention to the signs. His phone rings and rings disrupting his music. He finally turns off his phone and turns on the radio. A catchy tune plays and then the DJ breaks in with announcement of Tony’s departure from Jones Farmacy and Henry being named CEO. He takes the next exit to Salem. He pulls into the LOCC parking lot where he spots Willie and Henry and the LOCC members.

Open Loop: Will Tony pull up and confront Willie?Mystery: Does Tony want to hurt Henry?Empathy/Distress: Tony feels betrayed by Willie and Henry. Payoff: Tony ends up in the LOCC parking lot. Irony: Henry is blackmailing Willie but Tony believes they’re in cahoots. Setup: What is Tony’s next move for employment. Mystery: Will Tony fight for his share of Jones Farmacy?Start: The business crew discuss Tony’s announcement. Challenging Situation: Pete takes mental notes during the conversation.Conflict: The guys mention that Tony and Brian have both inquiring about LOCC activity. Action: Pete sends Tony a text asking for a meeting. Finish: Tony accepts the invite.

INT. SMOKERS LOUNGE PDX – Hidden Agenda: Pete is collecting intel on Tony.

The guys are discussing Tony’s departure and speculating over why he left. They bring up the Green Diamonds walkout when they realize who Pete is. Pete listens carefully and takes notes. The guys mention that Tony and Brian have both been inquiring about LOCC activity. Pete asks more questions. “What did he want to know?” Pete speculates. The guys are open to sharing at first, then realize Pete is LOCC himself and may not be trustworthy. Pete texts Tony asking for a meeting. Tony accepts the invite.

Mystery: Why does Pete want to meet up with Tony?Empathy/Distress: Pete expresses concern about Tony’s wellbeing.Payoff: Tony agrees to meet with Pete. Setup: Tony agrees to meet with Pete. Mystery: Why are Tony and Brian both inquiring about LOCC activity?Start: Tony approaches Brian. Challenging Situation: Brian is reluctant to talk to Tony. Conflict: Tony shares his suspicions about Willie. Action: Brian shares what he knows about Pete and Henry. Finish: Tony ponders his next move.

NT. SMOKERS’ LOUNGE – SALEM Intriguing World: World of Legal Cannabis

The Salem lounge is mostly empty except for a few faithful. Brian is in the VIP room smoking. Tony approaches. Brian tells Tony he shouldn’t have come looking for him. Tony shares his suspicions about Willie and the LOCC. Brian listens. Brian is hesitant to share but shares limited information. Tony and Brian discuss Ty. Tony thanks Brian for being in Ty’s life.

Open Loop: Why is Brian interested in LOCC activity?Mystery: What does Tony plan to do with the information he received?Empathy/Distress: Tony feels he has failed as a father and husband. Tony is jealous of Brian’s relationship with Ty. Payoff: Willie has some involvement in suspicious LOCC activity. Irony: Tony is grateful for Brian but also jealous of the relationship Brian has with Ty.Setup: Pete may also be involved in questionable LOCC activity. Start: He struggles in his role.Challenging Situation: Henry fumbles a presentation. Conflict: The staff have concerns that Henry can’t resolve.Action: Henry reaches out to Tony for advice. Finish: Tony offers him a deal.

INT. JONES FARMACY – Hidden Layer: Tony blackmails Henry for LOCC information in exchange for his help with the business.

Henry struggles in his new role as CEO. He cannot answer staff questions. He does not know laws, rules, etc. Henry fumbles a presentation and has to be saved by a lower staff member. The staff go to Willie with their concerns, but Willie is always unavailable. Henry reaches out to Tony for advice. Tony is hesitant at first, then later offers him help in exchange for more information on Willie’s activities and contacts.

Open Loop: Will Henry agree to give up information on Willie?Setup: Henry has no idea what he’s doing as CEO. Empathy/Distress: Henry is panicking and making bad business moves. Tony feels sorry for Henry. Payoff: Tony agrees to help Henry, with conditions. Irony: Henry is blackmailing Willie. Tony is blackmailing Henry. Setup: The staff are sick of saving Henry. Start: Tony and Heather have a talk about Willie. Challenging Situation: Heather suggests Tony talk to Willie. Conflict: Someone has been in their grandfather’s empty house. Action: Tony and Heather go to check out the house and reminisce over old photos. Finish: Henry listens from the attic.

INT. GRANDPA JONES’ HOUSE – Wound: Heather talked to Tony about having unresolved issues with her mom and dad.

Tony meets Heather at Grandpa Jones house. As they enter, Henry dashes for the attic, leaving behind a box of old pictures and memorabilia. He surveys the house as if he hasn’t been there for a while. He takes it all in and enters the front door. Heather shows him signs that someone has been in the house, although nothing is missing, there’s this box that wasn’t there before.. Tony suggests it was Henry or could’ve been Willie. Tony then checks the key stash spot outside. The key is in its place. They search the entire house. Tony questions Heather about the box of memorabilia. Heather says it’s just some old stuff. Tony explores the contents of the box, but nothing really jumps out other than some family photos. They stroll down memory lane while looking at old pictures of Heather and Henry’s mom, Monica. Heather explains how their mom’s death really fucked up Henry due to unresolved issues. Heather encourages Tony to talk to Willie. Henry listens from the attic. Heather asks if Tony wants to check the attic. He says no because that’s where their grandfather’s ghost is.

Open Loop: The box of memorabilia was not there the last time Heather was in the house. Mystery: Tony and Heather aren’t sure who has been in the house. Empathy/Distress: Heather and Tony reminisce over old photos. Heather has unresolved issues with both of her parents. Henry is sad as he listens from the attic. Payoff: Tony and Heather didn’t find anything related to the inheritance. Irony: Henry was hiding but left the box of photos in plain sight. Setup: Henry overheard Tony and Heather’s conversation.Start: Tony receives a string of emails offering him opportunities. Challenging Situation: Tony receives an email from Pete. He is unsure if he can trust him.Conflict: Pete wants to talk more about the LOCC concerns Action: Tony agrees to meet in Salem. Finish: Heather advises him to be careful.

INT. HEATHER’S COFFEE SHOP – Suspicion: Heather believes the LOCC may be dangerous extortionists.

Tony’s email dings continuously. He gets a string of job opportunities, one after the other. One of the emails is from Pete. Tony is leery about opening Pete’s email. Heather encourages him to read it. Pete wants to meet to discuss more LOCC concerns. Tony agrees to meet, but only at Heather’s after hours. Heather advises him to be careful with Pete and what he shares. Heather informs him of an unsolved incident in which she believes the LOCC were involved.

Open Loop: Heather’s friend left town two years ago and was never heard from again. Mystery: Why is Tony so leery of Pete all of a sudden?Empathy/Distress: Tony is worried about being associated with Pete. Heather is worried about Tony’s safety with Pete. Payoff: Tony will meet with Pete. Irony: Tony has been looking for information that Heather has had all along. Setup: Tony plans to look further into Heather’s accusations.

ACT 4

Start: Tony talks to Willie about the course of events. Challenging Situation: Willie doesn’t give Tony much information. Conflict: Willie tries to convince Tony to return and work with Henry. Action: Tony declines Willie’s offer.Finish: Willie warns Tony to be careful with Pete.

INT. WILLIE’S HOUSE – Wound: Tony feels insignificant at Jones Farmacy.

Tony and Willie have a conversation about the turn of events. Willie doesn’t share much. Tony tries to press for more information. Willie shuts down and remains quiet. When Tony turns to leave, Willie tries to convince him to return to Jones Farmacy and run the company with Henry. Tony declines the offer. Willie warns Tony to be careful with Pete and Brian. He says they’re not to be trusted.

Open Loop: Tony still does not know about the blackmail. Mystery: Will Willie still retire with Henry in charge alone?Empathy/Distress: Willie is shut off to Tony. Tony feels Willie doesn’t care about their relationship. Payoff: Tony and Willie finally talk alone. Payoff: Tony isn’t going back to Jones Farmacy. Irony: Willie isn’t trustworthy, but warning Tony about Pete and Brian. Setup: Elaine is still expecting to leave for Trinidad.Start: Tony reaches out to Noelle for advice.Challenging Situation: She advises him to follow his own intuition. Conflict: Brian arrives to pick up Noelle. Action: Tony confronts Brian. Finish: Brian reminds Tony that they’re not friends.

INT. GREEN DIAMONDS – Strange Behavior: Noelle is not as open to talking as before, so she deflects.

Tony pays Noelle a visit at work. He wants to vent about Willie asking him to return to the family business and pursuing a LOCC investigation. Noelle advises him to follow his own intuition, and to do what’s best for himself and Ty. She explains that she can’t be of much help because she is also torn about the family business. Brian arrives to pick up Noelle. Tony accuses Brian of being a traitor. Brian reminds Tony that they are not friends, and he has no obligation to him.

Open Loop: Noelle has to decide if she is going to follow Brian. Mystery: Why is Noelle behaving strangely now?Empathy/Distress: Tony is feeling guilty and having second thoughts. Noelle is also in turmoil. Payoff: Brian wants Noelle to leave in case Green Diamonds goes down and loses their license.Irony: Willie told tony that Brian couldn’t be trusted. Now he sees for himself.Setup: Tony sees Brian can’t be trusted. Start: Tony arrives to clean out his office. Challenging Situation: Tony spots Henry talking to an unknown man.Conflict: Tony receives a text from Pete wanting to meet. Action: Willie questions Henry about the identity of the guyFinish: Henry lies to Willie and Tony.

INT. JONES FARMACY – Deception: Henry lies to Willie and Tony about the identity of “Ronny”

Tony arrives at Jones Farmacy to clean out his office. When he enters, Henry is talking to an unknown man. This is one of the sharks from the teaser. Tony receives a text from Pete wanting to meet, just as Willie approaches him. Willie, Tony, and Henry convene. Willie asks Henry about the guy he was speaking with in the lobby. Henry lies to Willie and Tony about the identity of the guy. He says he is a potential client. Tony fires off questions. From what company? What kind of business does he want to do? What kind of license does he have? Henry answers them all with flying colors.

Open Loop: Will Ronny give up Henry’s location?Mystery: Who is Ronny’s boss?Empathy/Distress: Henry is under duress about how he’ll come up with the money. Payoff: Irony: Henry is hiding out from the sharks, but asked for the CEO position, which puts him in the spotlight. Setup: It’s only a matter of time before the sharks locate Henry. Start: Pete gives Tony info on the LOCC activity. Challenging Situation: Pete offers to repair things with Tony and Noelle. Conflict: Pete informs Tony of willie’s involvement in LOCC activity. Action: Pete offers Tony the VP position.Finish: Tony doesn’t say no.

INT. GREEN DIAMONDS – Conspiracy: The LOCC is extorting cannabis business owners.

Pete gives Tony more information on the LOCC and Willie’s involvement. Pete admits to having some involvement as well. Tony is appalled by the information on Willie extorting fellow cannabis businessmen. Pete confesses to Tony that he wants to get away from that life and get Green Diamonds back in the black. Pete talks to Tony about his outlook for Green Diamonds and suggests that Tony come on board as his Vice President. Tony is flattered and does not say no. Tony says he needs to run it past Noelle just to smooth out any kinks. Pete ups the stakes by offering to repair things between Tony and Noelle, and getting the supervised visitation agreement lifted. Tony asks for twenty-four hours to think about it.

Open Loop: Tony has info to incriminate the whole LOCC.Mystery: How will Tony expose the LOCC?Empathy/Distress: Tony is pissed that the LOCC is extorting hard working people. Payoff: Willie and Pete are both involved in the extortion ring at the LOCC. Irony: Pete offers Tony a job right after telling him he’s been extorting business owners. Setup: Pete offers Tony the VP position at Green Diamonds.

Act 5

Start: Tony receives numerous job opportunities.Challenging Situation: Conflict: Tony wants to be a VP but doesn’t want to cross JFP. Action: Tony gets a text inviting him to VIP at the Blazers game. Finish: Tony replies “I’ll be there.”

INT. TONY’S HOUSE – Hidden Layer: Willie and the Governor have business outside the LOCC.

Tony sits in his home office reminiscing, looking over old photos. He continues to receive opportunities via email. Tony does some research on the LOCC based on the information Brian and Pete provided. Tony sees several photos of Willie with the Governor. Tony sees Willie and the Governor arriving on a private jet in Trinidad together. Along with Heather’s friend that was being extorted. An aide packs several bags of luggage. They lead her to a car, load the bags and the car drives off. Wiilie and the Governor get back on the plane. He gets a text from Noelle inviting him to the Green Diamonds suite at the Blazers game. Ty will be there with Pete, she won’t be. Tony replies “I’ll be there.”

Open Loop: Tony hasn’t given Pete an answer yet. Mystery: what do Willie and the Governor have going on in TrinidadEmpathy/Distress: Tony worries about what he will learn about his father. Tony worries about his father going to prison. Payoff: Tony confirms Willie is involved. Irony: Willie is in the video with the woman that Heather says was being extorted. Setup: Pete will be expecting an answer from Tony about the VP position. Start: Tony stops by the LOCC suite where Willie is celebrating his early retirement. Challenging Situation: Henry is present celebrating with Willie. Conflict: Tony informs them he’s a guest of Green Diamonds. Action: Tony invites Willie to stop by and see Ty. Finish: Tony says his goodbyes and exits.

INT. MODA CENTER – LOCC SUITE Strange Behavior: Tony’s new VP position is announced unexpectedly. Suspicion: Willie decided to retire and leave for Trinidad.

The LOCC crew are all there celebrating Willie’s retirement and hiatus to Trinidad. Henry is there as well celebrating. Willie and Henry tell TONY how much they miss him at JFP. Tony informs him that he is a guest of Green Diamonds tonight. Tony tells Willie to swing by to see Ty. Tony says his goodbyes and exits. A Jumbotron message announcing Tony as the new VP of Green Diamonds comes across the Jumbotron. Tony waves to the crowd.

Open Loop: What will Willie do now?Mystery: What does this announcement mean for Jones Farmacy?Empathy/Distress: Willie is devastated by the news that Tony is VP of Green Diamonds. Payoff: Tony accepted the position at Green Diamonds. Irony: Willie didn’t invite Tony but expected him to hang out with him. Setup: The world knows Tony is the new VP of Green Diamonds. Start: Willie cancels his flight from his phone. Challenging Situation: Willie immediately gets a text from Elaine. Conflict: The loan sharks are at the game. Action: The loan sharks spot Henry on the Jumbotron. Finish: Henry’s phone buzzes.

INT. MODA CENTER – MOMENTS LATER – Imminent Threat: The sharks spot Henry in the arena.

Willie immediately cancels his flight to Trinidad. His phone rings nonstop from Elaine. Across the arena, the loan sharks are sitting in the stands. The announcer gives Green Diamonds a shout out, posting their faces on the Jumbotron. Then the LOCC’s guest suite. Henry is spotted on the Jumbotron. He tries to keep it subtle and quickly turns away from the camera. He pretends to get a call to turn the media away from him. “Duty calls.” His phone buzzes while he holds it to his ear. It’s the sharks. “We see you sucka.”

Open Loop: Will Henry get past the sharks. Mystery: What will the sharks do to Henry?Empathy/Distress: Elaine is upset about the canceled flight. Willie is panicking. Payoff: Willie decides against leaving for Trinidad. The Shark sees Henry. Irony: Henry’s phone rings while he’s pretending to take a call. Setup: The sharks have their eye on Henry.

[Chanda Haynes]

LIKE THE JONESES – SCENE REQUIREMENTS

What I learned doing this assignment is how the pilot has a start, middle, finish, and every scene also has a start, middle, finish. Doing this shows where there are gaps in the story or maybe more detail needs to be added. It also helps to keep things in chronological order. It keeps the story organized because you can see exactly when information is revealed and when events take place. I can see how it is setting up the framework for the pilot, because now with the action, it just needs some tweaking and then add dialogue. We have the description so that takes care of the action.

INT. MCMENAMINS

Family and friends are gathered for the tenth anniversary celebration of Jones Farmacy, a cannabis business founded by Willie Jones and his son, Tony. As guests share stories and acknowledgements, they seem to each want more of Willie’s time. His wife Elaine is ready for him to retire so they can move to St. Maarten with her family. His son is ready for him to hand over the reins to him. The mayor wants him to commit to serving on the cannabis commission another four years. Tony is given very little acknowledgement. Heather comes forward to speak…A series of shots during Heather’s voiceover:

A dark tinted vehicle screeches to a halt and Henry jumps in just as his assailants catch up with him

The same assailants purchase tickets to Portland, Ore

The assailants await Henry at the Portland Airport

Henry arrives in Eugene, Ore

•Start: Jones Farmacy is celebrating its tenth anniversary.

•Challenging Situation: Everyone is asking something of Willie

•Conflict: Tony receives very little acknowledgement

•Action: Henry outruns the loan sharks and breaks into his grandfather’s house to hide out.

•Finish: Henry discovers documents regarding an inheritance from his mother.

INT. PAPA JONES’ HOUSE

Henry Jones arrives at Grandpa Jones’ house in Salem, Ore. He takes in the property. He walks around the side of the house reminiscing. A car zooms past. He’s startled. He rushes to the side porch, raises a heavy ceramic flower pot, and uses the key to enter the home, watching out behind him. He tiptoes through the house to ensure it is empty. He hears a car door close and rushes into a large walk in closet. breaks into GF’s house to hide out. He discovers a peculiar looking box. Inside are documents from an inheritance that should’ve been his and Heather’s.

•Start: Tony is going about just another day at the office.

•Challenging Situation: Tony is faced with a big decision. He needs to consult his father on the matter.

•Conflict: The clients pressure him to decide without his father. He delays them.

•Action: Tony questions Willie about giving him more responsibility.

•Finish: Willie shoots him down.

ACT 1

INT. JFP HEADQUARTERS

Tony goes about his normal tasks in the office. Just another day. Tony is faced with a business decision that requires Tony to discuss with Willie. The client (cannabis guys) rib him about having to check in with his father. Tony tries to delay them but is unable to reach Willie. Tony questions Willie about having more power in the decision making. Willie shoots him down, reminding him that they were still recovering from what happened six years ago.

•Start: Tony hangs out with the other cannabis guys.

•Challenging Situation: The guys encourage him to get from under Willie. Do his own thing.

•Conflict: Tony doesn’t want to leave behind what he has built. He got the license.

•Action: Tony moves forward on the deal from earlier.

•Finish: Tony decides to start making more decisions on his own.

INT. SMOKERS LOUNGE PDX

Tony is out kicking it with the other canna world guys at a private lounge in Portland. The guys heard about what happened earlier and encourage Tony to get from under Willie and do his own thing. The guys inform him that people want to do business with him, not Willie. Tony is hesitant to leave behind Jones Farmacy after all his hard work. Tony knows JFP wouldn’t have gotten a license without him. Tony closes the deal from earlier without consulting with Willie. He feels good about it and decides to do more.

INT. TONY’S HOUSE

Noelle comes to Tony’s home to bring Ty. She gives him a breathalizer. He asks if that’s necessary. Tony confides in Noelle about what’s happening at JFP. Noelle encourages him to do more on his own. Noelle introduces Brian as her boyfriend, and encourages Tony to talk to him about business. Brian hugs Ty before he and Noelle take off.

•Start: Noelle requires him to take a breathalizer before leaving their son.

•Challenging Situation: Tony confides in Noelle about his role at JFP

•Conflict: Noelle advises him to step out on his own and make a name for himself

•Action: Noelle introduces Brian, the Green Diamonds VP to Tony as her boyfriend

•Finish: Brian hugs Ty before he and Noelle take off.

INT. BALLPARK – 2017

We flashback to a severely intoxicated Tony stumbles off the baseball field into the dugout. Noelle spots him and tries to intercede. We see Tony being put in handcuffs and carted off the field as Ty watches. The kids ask Ty if that is his dad. Noelle rushes to Ty and it is too late. Brian the coach is already consoling Ty. The team is dressed in green and They are the Green Diamonds little league team. Brian walks Ty to the car where Noelle is railing Tony about his behavior. Pete ushers Noelle into the car and suggest to Tony that he get some help. We cut to the morning headlines: Cannabis Business Owner arrested for public intoxication.

•Start: Flashback to six years ago, a drunk, stumbling Tony is being escorted off a baseball field

•Challenging Situation: Ty watches (then 6yrs old) as Tony is put in handcuffs.

•Conflict: Ty’s friends whisper about Ty’s dad. The parents whisper loudly.

•Action: Noelle embraces Ty and comforts him.

•Finish: Noelle puts Ty in the car then screams at Tony. Pete encourages him to get help. “saw what it did to your grandfather. Newspaper headline: Cannabis mogul arrested for public intoxication. Jones Farmacy

INT. SMOKERS LOUNGE SALEM

At the Salem lounge, the LOCC members tease Willie about his early retirement. They ask him if Tony will be running the day to day. Willie expresses his concerns about Tony being in charge. Willie tells the guys he doesn’t feel Tony is ready. The Governor interrupts and offers Willie another four years with the LOCC. Willie asks for time to think about everything.

•Start: The guys tease Willie about his early retirement.

•Challenging Situation: They question if Tony is stepping up.

•Conflict: willie doesn’t feel Tony is ready

•Action: The Governor offers another four years on the LOCC.

•Finish: Willie asks for time to think about everything.

INT. WILLIE’S HOUSE

Willie discusses his exit plan with Elaine, who encourages him to give Tony a chance. Elaine feels Tony has made big improvements. Elaine discloses that Tony closed the Atrium deal without him. Willie becomes furious. Elaine reminds him of his promise to spend time in Trinidad with her family. Willie reflects on Tony’s actions from six years ago. Elaine reminds Willie of all the good Tony has done. Willie is hesitant but agrees to think about it.

•Start: Elaine encourages Willie to give Tony another chance.

•Challenging Situation: Willie promised Elaine they could spend some time in Trinidad with her family.

•Conflict: Willie doesn’t trust Tony since the incident six years ago.

•Action: Elaine doesn’t back down on either.

•Finish: Willie says he’ll think about it.

EXT. HEATHER’S COFFEE SHOP – DAY

Henry bumps into Pete Roberts as he is leaving Heather’s Coffee Shop. Henry corners Pete and shows him the paperwork concerning the inheritance. Pete is tightlipped at first. Pete eventually caves and gives Henry information about the inheritance and Willie’s involvement. Pete encourages Henry to talk to Willie and not to go public with the information. Pete assures Henry that he can get more money if he keeps quiet. Pete gives Henry a referral to an estate attorney.

•Start: Henry accidentally bumps into Pete Roberts on his way to the LOCC.

•Challenging Situation: Henry questions Pete about the inheritance. Pete confirms.

•Conflict: Pete encourages Henry to talk to Willie before taking any action.

•Action: Pete tells Henry he can get more money if he keeps quiet.

•Finish: Pete gives him a referral to an estate attorney.

INT. JFP – TONY’S OFFICE

A breaking news report comes across Tony’s monitor as he’s working. Live footage of a walkout at Green Diamonds. Inside Green Diamonds, Brian and Noelle are trying to reason with the staff. Pete tells them to let them go. Brian is bothered by Pete’s lack of concern. Noelle defends Pete. Brian returns to his office where he gives things a brief thought before deciding to leave as well. Tony watches as Brian exits. He calls to check on Noelle who is unaware Brian has left.

•Start: Breaking news comes across Tony’s monitor.

•Challenging Situation: Pete’s staff are exiting Green Diamonds loading boxes into their cars.

•Conflict: Brian and Noelle try to reason with them. Pete says to let them go.

•Action: Brian decides to leave with them.

•Finish: Tony calls to check on Noelle.

INT. SMOKERS LOUNGE SALEM

Back at the Salem lounge, Pete warns Willie that Henry has documentation about the inheritance. Pete informs Willie about his conversation with Henry. Willie is angry and accuses Pete of sabotage and jealousy. Pete explains that Henry could get the same info from any attorney. The Governor postpones renewing Pete’s term, so he can focus on his business. Pete advises Willie to pay Henry off and fly under the radar. He reminds Willie that the LOCC does not need any extra attention.

•Start: Pete warns Willie about Henry

•Challenging Situation: Willie accuses Pete of being disloyal.

•Conflict: The Governor informs Pete his renewal will be postponed so he can focus on his business.

•Action: TBD

•Finish: TBD

INT. JFP LOBBY

Henry is milling around at JFP when Willie arrives. Willie tries to casually acknowledge Henry. Henry wants to get right to business. He asks to speak with Willie alone. Tony insists on being a part of the meeting. Willie tells him it’s not Jones Farmacy business. Henry drums up fake tears and says the meeting is about his mother and he wanted Willie to tell him stories about it.

•Start: Willie arrives back at JFP where Henry is waiting with his evidence.

•Challenging Situation: Willie tells Tony he wants to talk to Henry alone.

•Conflict:

•Action: Tony gives push back, asks why he’s not included in business matter.

•Finish: Willie tells Tony it’s nothing that concerns him.

INT. GREEN DIAMONDS

Brian confesses his love for Noelle and Ty. He lays it on thick. We sense he is up to something. Brian tells Noelle he’s not returning to Green Diamonds, and exploring new opportunities. Brian wants Noelle to leave too. She says she’ll think about it. Noelle reaches out to Tony for comfort and guidance. Noelle invites Tony to Ty’s theater rehearsal. He accepts.

•Start: Brian confesses his love for Noelle and Ty.

•Challenging Situation: Brian tells her he’s leaving Green Diamonds

•Conflict: Brian asks Noelle to leave with him. She says she’ll think about it.

•Action: Noelle reaches out to Tony for comfort

•Finish: Noelle invites Tony to Ty’s theater rehearsal.

I/F JONES FARMACY

The news of the Green Diamonds strike spreads across social media, the local news, and the smoke shoppes. A reporter asks Tony his thoughts on the Green Diamonds walkout. Tony has kind words for the Roberts family. Tony overhears Henry mention the LOCC to Willie. Willie lies to Tony about his conversation with Henry.

•Start: The news of the Green Diamonds strike spreads.

•Challenging Situation: Tony overhears Henry mention the LOCC to Willie.

•Conflict: Tony is questioned by the media about Green Diamonds.

•Action: Henry threatens to go to the LOCC about the inheritance.

•Finish: Willie lies to Tony.

INT. LOCC OFFICE

Willie reaches out to Pete for advice. Pete tells Willie to offer Henry a stake in the company. Willie immediately rejects the idea. He says he doesn’t want any deal that will keep Henry around longer. Pete convinces Willie to follow through with his advice. Willie sets up a meeting with Henry. Henry invites Pete.

•Start: Willie reaches out to Pete for advice.

•Challenging Situation: Pete tells him to offer him a stake in the company.

•Conflict: Willie wants to pay Henry to go away.

•Action: Willie takes Pete’s advice and arranges a meeting with Henry.

•Finish: Henry says he needs to speak with his legal counsel.

INT. TY’S SCHOOL

At Ty’s rehearsal, Tony and Noelle sit side by side and watch Ty perform. Tony whispers to hear about what’s going on with Pete, Henry and Willie. Noelle snaps and refuses to talk business. Asking Tony if that’s the only reason he came. After Noelle calms down, she tells Tony to take Ty for the night so that she and Brian can talk.

•Start: Tony sits at Ty’s play rehearsal next to Noelle.

•Challenging Situation: Tony ask Noelle what’s going on with Henry, Pete and Willie.

•Conflict: Noelle refuses to talk business.

•Action: Noelle asks Tony to take Ty with him for the night.

•Finish: Noelle informs Tony that she is going to meet Brian to talk.

INT. HENRY’S CAR

Henry passes Pete an envelope. Pete pulls out the document and scans it. He is appalled and whispers to Henry. Henry is not budging. Pete speaks with Willie and explains that Henry is only willing to take the CEO position, not the shares. Pete has a talk with willie and tells him to take this deal, that it is even better than the shares. Willie signs and agrees to Henry Jones being CEO of Jones Farmacy.

•Start: Henry hands Pete an envelope.

•Challenging Situation: Pete is dismayed by the info in the document.

•Conflict: Pete advises Willie that Henry says he will only accept CEO.

•Action: Pete advises Willie to take the deal.

•Finish: Willie signs the agreement.

INT. SMOKERS LOUNGE SALEM

Willie second guesses his decision. He drinks and smokes quickly. Pete gives Willie the truth about how he got the inheritance. Pete explains to Willie that he acquired the inheritance through forgery, and that he could face jail time and a six figure fine. Willie worries about how or if to tell Elaine. Willie accuses Pete of trying to sabotage his marriage and his business.

•Start: Willie second guesses himself with Pete.

•Challenging Situation: Pete gives Willie the truth.

•Conflict: Willie doesn’t know how to tell Elaine.

•Action: Pete reminds Willie of how he got the inheritance. He tells him to be as convincing as possible.

•Finish: Willie accuses Pete of sabotage.

Willie announces Henry as the new CEO of Jones Farmacy. The staff start buzzing. The staff migrate towards Tony’s office where he has not heard the news. Tony googles the announcement and sees the photo of Willie and Henry. Tony barges into Willie’s office, which is empty. Tony storms out, then later emails his resignation and posts it on the company website. He hops in his car and observes the parking spot “Reserved for CEO”

•Start: Willie announces Henry as the CEO (via Twitter?)

•Challenging Situation: The staff start buzzing.

•Conflict: The staff look to Tony for guidance. Tony is clueless. He heads into Willie’s

•Action: Tony resigns from JFP via Twitter, effective immediately.

•Finish: Tony storms out.

INT. TONY’S CAR

Tony is furious. He can barely focus on the highway. He drives, not paying much attention to the signs. His phone rings and rings disrupting his music. He finally turns off his phone and turns on the radio. A catchy tune plays and then the DJ breaks in with announcement of his departure from Jones Farmacy. He takes the next exit to Salem. He pulls into the LOCC parking lot where he spots Willie and Henry and the LOCC members.

•Start: Tony is fuming mad.

•Challenging Situation: Tony drives with no direction.

•Conflict: Tony’s phone rings nonstop.

•Action: Tony takes the Salem exit.

•Finish: He pulls into the LOCC parking lot where he sees his father and the other LOCC leaving.

INT. SMOKERS’ LOUNGE – PORTLAND – LATER

The guys are discussing Tony’s departure and speculating over why he left. Pete listens carefully and takes notes. The guys mention that Tony and Brian have both been inquiring about LOCC activity. Pete asks more questions. The guys are open to sharing at first, then realize Pete is LOCC himself and may not be trustworthy. Pete texts Tony asking for a meeting. Tony accepts the invite.

•Start: The business crew discuss Tony’s announcement.

•Challenging Situation: Pete takes mental notes during the conversation.

•Conflict: The guys mention that Tony and Brian have both inquiring about LOCC activity.

•Action: Pete sends Tony a text asking for a meeting.

•Finish: Tony accepts the invite.

INT. SMOKERS’ LOUNGE – SALEM

The Salem lounge is mostly empty except for a few faithful. Brian is in the VIP room smoking. Tony approaches. Brian tells Tony he shouldn’t have come looking for him. Tony shares his suspicions about Willie and the LOCC. Brian listens. Brian is hesitant to share, but shares limited information. Tony ponders his next move based on what Brian shared.

•Start: Tony approaches Brian.

•Challenging Situation: Brian is reluctant to talk to him.

•Conflict: Tony shares his suspicions about Willie.

•Action: Brian shares what he knows about Pete and Henry.

•Finish: Tony ponders his next move.

INT. JONES FARMACY

Henry struggles in his new role as CEO. He cannot answer staff questions. He does not know laws, rules, etc. Henry fumbles a presentation and has to be saved by a lower staff member. The staff go to Willie with their concerns, but Willie is unavailable. Henry reaches out to Tony for advice. Tony is hesitant at first, then later offers him help in exchange for more information on Willie’s activities and contacts.

•Start: He struggles in his role.

•Challenging Situation: Henry fumbles a presentation.

•Conflict: The staff have concerns that Henry can’t resolve.

•Action: Henry reaches out to Tony for advice.

•Finish: Tony offers him a deal.

INT. GRANDPA JONES’ HOUSE

Tony meets Heather at Grandpa Jones house. He surveys the house as if he hasn’t been there for a while. They have a talk about Willie. He takes it all in and enters the front door. Heather shows him signs that someone has been in the house, although nothing is missing. Tony suggests it was Henry, then checks the key stash spot outside. The key is in its place. They search the entire house. Tony questions Heather about the box of memorabilia. Heather says it’s just some old stuff. Tony explores the contents of the box, but nothing really jumps out other than some family photos.

•Start: Tony and Heather have a talk about Willie.

•Challenging Situation: Heather suggests Tony talk to Willie.

•Conflict: Heather tells him someone has been in their grandfather’s house.

•Action: Tony and Heather go to check out the house.

•Finish: They notice a box of memorabilia (or the stash key) is missing.

INT. HEATHER’S COFFEE SHOP

Tony’s email dings continuously. He gets a string of job opportunities, one after the other. One of the emails is from Pete. Tony is leery about Pete’s email. Heather encourages him to read it. Pete wants to meet to discuss more LOCC concerns. Tony agrees to meet, but only at Heather’s after hours. Heather advises him to be careful. Heather informs him of an unsolved incident in which she believes the LOCC were involved.

•Start: Tony receives a string of emails offering him opportunities.

•Challenging Situation: Tony receives an email from Pete. He is unsure if he can trust him.

•Conflict: Pete wants to talk more about the LOCC concerns

•Action: Tony agrees to meet in Salem.

•Finish: Heather advises him to be careful.

ACT 4

INT. WILLIE’S HOUSE

Tony and Willie have a conversation about the turn of events. Willie doesn’t share much. Tony tries to press for more information. Willie shuts down. When Tony turns to leave, Willie tries to convince him to return to Jones Farmacy and run the company with Henry. Tony declines the offer. Willie warns Tony to be careful with Pete and Brian.

•Start: Tony talks to Willie about the course of events.

•Challenging Situation: Willie doesn’t give Tony much information.

•Conflict: Willie tries to convince Tony to return and work with Henry.

•Action: Tony declines Willie’s offer.

•Finish: Willie warns Tony to be careful with Pete.

INT. GREEN DIAMONDS

Tony pays Noelle a visit a work. He seeks advice from her about returning to the family business and pursuing a LOCC investigation. Noelle advises him to follow his own intuition, and to do what’s best for himself and Ty. Brian arrives to pick up Noelle. Tony accuses Brian of being a traitor. Brian reminds Tony that they are not friends, and he has no obligation to him.

•Start: Tony reaches out to Noelle for advice.

•Challenging Situation: She advises him to follow his own intuition.

•Conflict: Brian arrives to pick up Noelle.

•Action: Tony confronts Brian.

•Finish: Brian reminds Tony that they’re not friends.

INT. JONES FARMACY

Tony arrives at Jones Farmacy to clean out his office. When he enters, Henry is talking to an unknown man. This is the one of the guys from the teaser. Tony receives a text from Pete wanting to meet, just as Willie approaches him. Willie, Tony, and Henry convene. Willie asks Henry about the guy he was speaking with in the lobby. Henry lies to Willie and Tony about the identity of the guy. He says the guy is a potential client.

•Start: Tony arrives to clean out his office.

•Challenging Situation: Tony spots Henry talking to an unknown man.

•Conflict: Tony receives a text from Pete wanting to meet.

•Action: Willie questions Henry about the identity of the guy

•Finish: Henry lies to Willie and Tony.

INT. GREEN DIAMONDS

Pete gives Tony more information on the LOCC and Willie’s involvement. Pete admits to having some involvement as well. Tony is appalled by the information on Willie extorting fellow cannabis businessmen. Pete confesses to Tony that he wants to get away from that life and get Green Diamonds back in the black. Pete talks to Tony about his outlook for Green Diamonds, and suggests that Tony come on board as his Vice President. Tony is flattered and does not say no. Tony says he needs to run it past Noelle just to smooth out any kinks. Pete ups the stakes by offering to repair things between Tony and Noelle, and getting the supervised visitation agreement lifted. Tony asks for twenty four hours to think about it.

•Start: Pete gives Tony info on the LOCC activity.

•Challenging Situation: Pete offers to repair things with Tony and Noelle.

•Conflict: Pete informs Tony of willie’s involvement in LOCC activity.

•Action: Pete offers Tony the VP position.

•Finish: Tony doesn’t say no.

Act 5

INT. TONY’S HOUSE

Tony sits in his home office reminiscing. He continues to receive opportunities via email. Tony does some research on the LOCC based on the information Brian and Pete provided. Tony sees several photos of Willie with the Governor. Tony sees Willie and the Governor in Trinidad together. Tony doesn’t want to be second fiddle for Henry, but also doesn’t want to compete with the business he started. He gets a text from Noelle inviting him to the Blazers game. Ty will be there, she won’t be. Tony replies “I’ll be there.”

•Start: Tony receives numerous opportunities.

•Challenging Situation: Tony gets a text from Noelle inviting him to VIP at the Blazers game.

•Conflict: Tony wants to be a VP, but doesn’t want to cross JFP.

•Action: Tony replies “I’ll be there.”

•Finish: Noelle says she won’t be there, only Ty.

Int. MODA CENTER – LOCC SUITE

The LOCC crew are all there celebrating Willie’s retirement and hiatus to Trinidad. Henry is there as well celebrating. Willie and Henry tell him how much they miss him at JFP. Tony informs him that he is a guest of Green Diamonds tonight. Tony tells Willie to swing by to see Ty. Tony says his goodbyes and exits. A Jumbotron message announcing Tony as the new VP of Green Diamonds comes across the Jumbotron.

•Start: Tony stops by the LOCC suite where Willie is celebrating his early retirement.

•Challenging Situation: Henry is present celebrating with Willie.

•Conflict: Tony informs them he’s a guest of Green Diamonds.

•Action: Tony invites Willie to stop by and see Ty.

•Finish: Tony says his goodbyes and exits.

INT. MODA CENTER – MOMENTS LATER

Willie immediately cancels his flight to Trinidad. His phone rings nonstop from Elaine. Across the arena, the loan sharks are sitting in the stands. The announcer gives Green Diamonds a shout out. Then the LOCC. Henry is spotted on the Jumbotron. He tries to keep it subtle and quickly turns away from the camera. He pretends to get a call to turn the media away from him. His phone buzzes while he holds it to his ear.

•Start: Willie cancels his flight from his phone.

•Challenging Situation: Willie immediately gets a text from Elaine.

•Conflict: The loan sharks are at the game.

•Action: The loan sharks spot Henry on the Jumbotron.

•Finish: Henry’s phone buzzes.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 7 months ago by  Chanda Haynes.

[Chanda Haynes]

LIKE THE JONESES – BEAT SHEET

What I learned doing this assignment is that the beat sheet just follows the outline. If the outline is clear, then the beats should fall in place. Identifying the A,B,C stories in the beginning also helped to keep the focus on the A story, and not get too caught up in the B and C stories.

A Story: Tony’s journey

B Story: The inheritance/blackmail

C Story: LOCC scandal

•Show Concept: After constant micromanaging by his father Willie, Tony Jones demands to more autonomy at Jones Farmacy, the company they cofounded. Willie is convinced to give Tony a shot when his estranged nephew, Henry pops up. Henry presents proof that Willie used Henry’s inheritance to launch Jones Farmacy. Henry demands that willie compensate him by making him CEO, effective immediately. Upon hearing this announcement, Tony is infuriated, and announces his immediate resignation. With his extensive industry knowledge, Tony is creating a buzz of his own among the cannabis industry heavy hitters. Among his supporters, Pete Roberts, Green Diamonds President, and longtime nemesis of Willie Jones. Tony accepts Pete’s offer to be VP of Green Diamonds, making national headlines. This newly found fame makes him the face of advocacy among cannabis business owners who claim they have been extorted for years by Tony’s father Willie, and his colleagues, who make up the League of Cannabis Commissioners (LOCC), the governing board for the cannabis industry in the state of Oregon.

•Inciting Incident: Henry Jones returns to Oregon and presents evidence that his uncle Willie Jones used his inheritance to launch his cannabis business, Jones Farmacy. Henry demands to be made CEO immediately or he’s going to the LOCC with the information.

TEASER

INT. MCMENAMINS

Description – A cannabis business celebrates their 10th year in business.

INT. PAPA JONES’ HOUSE

Description – Henry Jones breaks into GF’s house to hide out. He discovers documents from a inheritance that should’ve been his.

ACT 1

INT. JFP HEADQUARTERS

Description – Tony goes about his mundane tasks, asking Willie for permission as usual.

INT. SMOKERS’ LOUNGE — EVENING

Description – Tony hangs with the other cannabis businessmen. They tell him to get from under Willie.

INT. TONY’S HOME

Description – Noelle gives Tony a breathalizer. Tony talks to Noelle who agrees he should make a name for himself. Meets Noelle’s boyfriend. (it’s been six yea

INT. BASEBALL FIELD – FLASHBACK

Description – A drunk Tony is being escorted off the field as 6 year old Ty watches. Noelle embraces and Ty and comforts him.

ACT 2

INT. LOCC OFFICE – DAY

Description: The LOCC guys talk to Willie about Tony and retirement. Willie and the governor agree to another four years.

INT. WILLIE’S CAR – EVENING

Description: Elaine encourages Willie to give Tony a chance. Elaine reminds Willie of their plan to leave the country.

EXT. LOCC OFFICE – EVENING

Description – Henry “accidentally” bumps into Pete Roberts, and asks him about the inheritance.

INT. GREEN DIAMONDS – DAY

Description – Pete’s staff are packing boxes and loading them in their cars. Pete, Noelle and the VP watch.

INT. LOCC OFFICE – DAY

Description – Pete informs Willie about Henry right before he meets with the Governor. The Governor informs Pete he will not be renewed for 4 years, and that he needs to focus on building his business.

INT. JFP HEADQUARTERS

Description – Willie arrives back at his office where Henry is already waiting with his evidence.

INT. GREEN DIAMONDS – MOMENTS LATER

Description – Brian explains to Noelle that he’s also leaving. He encourages her to come as well.

INT. JFP HEADQUARTERS

Description – The news of the strike spreads. Henry threatens to go to the LOCC.

ACT 3

INT. JFP HEADQUARTERS

Description – Willie appoints Henry to the CEO position. Tony and Elaine are equally dismayed.

INT. LOCC OFFICE

Description – Willie questions Pete about his advice to Henry.

INT. LOCC OFFICE – MOMENTS LATER

Description – Tony resigns from JFP, effective immediately. He storms out of the office.

INT. SMOKERS’ LOUNGE — EVENING

Description – The business crew discuss the public news of Tony’s exit. Pete takes note. They mention Tony inquiring about LOCC business.

INT. SMOKERS’ LOUNGE — DAY

Description – Brian and Tony have a conversation. He tells him about Willie’s LOCC activity.

INT. JFP HEADQUARTERS

Description – Henry is struggling in his role as CEO, reaches out to Tony for advice.

INT. HEATHER’S COFFEE SHOP

Description – Heather advises Tony to have a talk with WIllie. She notes that someone has been at their grandfather’s house. They suspect it is Henry.

INT. HEATHER’S COFFEE SHOP

Description – Tony receives a string of emails offering him employment. He opens an email from Pete Roberts.

ACT 4

INT. WILLIE’S HOUSE

Description – Tony attempts to talk to Willie. Willie begs him to return to JFP.

INT. GREEN DIAMONDS – DAY

Description – Tony seeks advice from Noelle. She advises him to follow his intuition.

INT. JFP HEADQUARTERS

Description – Tony observes a man meeting with Henry. Willie questions Henry. Henry lies. Tony gets a text from Pete.

INT. GREEN DIAMONDS – LATER

Description – Pete gives Tony info on LOCC activity. Pete makes Tony an offer. Pete sweetens the deal (Noelle and Ty).

ACT 5

INT. TONY’S HOME – DAY

Description – The offers continue to roll in for Tony. His phone rings nonstop with offers.

INT. MODA CENTER – NIGHT

Description – Tony stops by the LOCC suite where Willie is celebrating his early retirement. Henry is present too. Tony informs him he’s a guest in the Green Diamond suite.

INT. MODA CENTER – MOMENTS LATER

Description – Willie cancels his flight on his phone.

INT. MODA CENTER – MOMENTS LATER

Description – The same gentleman from earlier and another (from the teaser) sit in the stands at the Blazers game.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 8 months ago by  Chanda Haynes.

[Chanda Haynes]

Like the Joneses – Setting Up the Future

What I learned doing this assignment is that you can open a loop in the pilot or earlier episodes, and revisit it in another season. The open loops are pretty obvious so I shouldn’t try to make them more complex.

Set Ups for Future Episodes

· LOCC racketeering scandal involving Willie and Pete (use in the pilot)

· The story behind the inheritance (Starts with the pilot) gradually revealed over season 1.

· Where is Henry and Heather’s father? (S1E2)

· How will Tony and Willie’s relationship be moving forward? (Use in the pilot)

· Will Noelle and Tony reunite? (S2E3)

· How much information does Brian have on the LOCC? (use in the pilot)

· How did Brian get the information? Gradually revealed over ep 1-5

· How much money does Henry owe the loan sharks? (not sure yet)

· Why was Willie the trustee on the inheritance?

· What happened to Monica?

· How did Pete get on the governor’s bad side?

· What is Pete and Willie’s history?

· What happened between Tony and Noelle and Tye?

· Where is Tony’s mother? Who is she?

· Will Willie pay out Tony’s share of Jones Farmacy?

·

[Chanda Haynes]

Like the Joneses Adding Empathy/Distress

What I learned doing this assignment is that things are continuing to build a story with more details. Each one of the steps helps the plot become clearer and drive the characters in some way. Putting characters in awkward or unpleasant situations is challenging, but creates bigger stakes and more conflict and drama. I like this assignment because it helps to start to build the beats for the story.

Undeserved misfortune –

Teaser: Willie lost his sister early in life (haven’t figured out cause of death yet).

Henry and Heather grew up without their mom or dad.

Pete lost his seat on the LOCC

Pete’s sales are down and his company is struggling.

Henry and Heather’s dad wasn’t able to stay in the country after Monica died.

Tony is overlooked in the company he founded. His cousin is put in charge of him.

External character conflicts:

Henry is blackmailing Willie

Pete is blackmailing Willie

Henry is wanted by the loan sharks

Plot intruding on life:

Tony is investigating the LOCC

Tony wants more authority in the company.

Willie’s staff, including his VP Brian, walk out on him unexpectedly

Tony learns of Willie’s involvement with the corruption of the LOCC

Loan sharks catching up with Henry.

John has permission to return to the states.

Plans that failed:

Keeping the inheritance a secret

Elaine and Willie leaving for Haiti.

Keeping John in Haiti.

Keeping the LOCC racketeering a secret.

Henry hiding out from the loan sharks

Henry lying to his family to buy himself time.

Witnessing the pain of others:

Seeing Willie mourn his sister then be blackmailed by her son.

Pain of Heather and Henry not growing up with their parents.

Pain of John being separated from his children.

Pete being released from the LOCC

Tony being overlooked at Jones Farmacy.

Extreme consequences:

If Henry doesn’t pay the sharks, they may harm/kill/expose his family.

Firing Pete to discredit him.

The walkout at Green Diamonds.

Willie canceling the trip to Haiti and coming out of retirement.

Major loss:

Tony leaving Jones Farmacy

Monica dying.

Pete’s staff walking out on him.

Willie making Henry CEO, major loss for Tony

Pete being released from the LOCC board

Brings their wound present:

Willie reminded of his sister and John.

Elaine wants to visit Monica’s grave in Haiti.

Tony’s past mistakes are why willie doesn’t trust him. Although he’s sober now.

Pete used as the scapegoat.

Crucible

Tony is miserable at Jones Farmacy where he is not given much authority.

Henry owes the loan sharks money. He is hiding out in Oregon.

Willie has denied Tony more authority until Elaine convinces him to trust Tony.

Henry threatens to go public with info about the inheritance.

Tony accepts a position at Green Diamonds.

Pete is released from the LOCC

Pete’s staff walk out on him.

Betrayal

Henry blackmails Willie

Willie promotes Henry over Tony

Henry learns Willie cashed in his inheritance

Brian exposes the info on LOCC to Tony

▪Forced decision

Tony quits Jones Farmacy

Willie makes Henry CEO

Brian and the staff walk out of Green Diamonds.

The Governor fires Pete

Tony decides against returning to Jones Farmacy

Pete offers Tony the VP position at Green Diamonds

Henry hides the loan shark news from his family

Willie hides the blackmail from Tony and Heather

▪Hurt those they love

Tony quits Jones Farmacy

Willie appoints Henry CEO

Tony becomes Pete’s VP and it makes national news

Henry blackmails his uncle

Willie backs out of the early retirement/trip to Haiti

▪Emotional Dilemma

Tony leave or stay with his family’s business.

Henry blackmailing his uncle for the inheritance he stole

Tony going to work for Pete

Pete’s staff walking out on him

Willie hid the blackmail from Tony

Tony decides to follow up on Noelle’s lead with Brian

Willie changing his mind about leaving with Elaine.

Exposed:

Willie stole Henry and Heather’s inheritance. Pete knows about it.

Henry owes a bunch of people money.

Pete has a bad reputation in cannabis community. The governor no longer wants him on the board.

Tony learns about Willie’s involvement in the LOCC racketeering.

Henry admits he’s in over his head.

Must Make Decision with Future Consequences

Henry lies to his family about his whereabouts

Tony demands more power in the company

Henry demands answers about the inheritance

Elaine is ready to leave the US

Pete’s staff walk out on him

Brian tries to explain to Noelle

The Governor appoints Willie to another 4 years on the LOCC board

Pete is released from the LOCC

Tony accepts the VP position at Green Diamonds.

Henry blackmails Willie

Pete requests a favor from Willie

[Chanda Haynes]

Like The Joneses Open Loops and Mysteries

What I learned doing this assignment is how keeping loops open keeps the audience watching. It makes the outline more precise and makes sure you’re asking the questions that the audience would be asking. So you know exactly what to show or not to show to keep the loops open and create more intrigue.

•Main Mystery: What’s the story behind the inheritance?

◦Sub-Mysteries:

▪How are Henry and Willie related?

▪Who is Monica Jones?

▪What happened to Monica Jones?

▪How much money does Henry owe the sharks?

•Main Open Loop: What does Willie want?

◦Sub-Open Loops:

▪Why does Elaine want him to retire?

▪Does he want Tony to have more power?

▪Does he want four more years on the LOCC?

Act 1

•Main Mystery: Why won’t Willie give Tony any authority?

◦Sub-Mysteries:

▪How much money did he cost the company?

▪If he’s a co-founder, isn’t he equal to Willie?

▪What stops him from going against Willie?

▪Why hasn’t he quit?

•Main Open Loop: What was Tony’s fuck up that got him demoted?

◦Sub-Open Loops:

▪What happened between Tony and Noelle?

▪Does Tony still want Noelle?

Act 2

•Main Mystery: What evidence does Henry have against Willie?

◦Sub-Mysteries:

▪How did Henry get the evidence?

▪Where is Henry’s father?

▪Why wasn’t Henry’s father the trustee?

▪Did Heather know about any of this?

•Main Open Loop: Why does Elaine want Willie to retire?

◦Sub-Open Loops:

▪Why does she want to leave the country?

▪What’s in St. Maarten for them? (her parents)

Act 3

•Main Mystery: Why is everyone against Pete?

◦Sub-Mysteries:

▪What did Pete do to get on the governor’s bad side?

▪What’s Pete and Willie’s history?

▪What’s Pete and Elaine’s history?

▪Why did Pete’s staff walkout on him?

•Main Open Loop: What will Tony do next?

◦Sub-Open Loops:

▪How will this affect he and Willie’s relationship?

▪Why didn’t Willie tell him about the blackmail?

▪Does Tony still own part of Jones Farmacy?

▪How will Tony’s resignation affect Jones Farmacy?

Act 4

•Main Mystery: Will Tony work for Pete?

◦Sub-Mysteries:

▪Will Pete make Tony an offer?

▪How will this affect Tony and Noelle?

▪

•Main Open Loop: What happens if Henry doesn’t pay the loan sharks?

◦Sub-Open Loops:

▪How much does Henry owe?

▪How long has Henry had a gambling issue?

▪Why didn’t he tell Heather or Willie?

▪Why doesn’t he ask his family for the money?

Act 5

•Main Mystery: Why did Willie cancel his retirement plans?

◦Sub-Mysteries:

▪How will this affect his marriage?

•Main Open Loop: What will Tony’s future at Green Diamonds look like?

◦Sub-Open Loops:

▪Will he and Noelle rekindle?

▪Will Tony’s family disown him?

Teaser

•Henry, Willie’s estranged nephew, a gambling addict, owes money in multiple states and the loan sharks are on his ass.

◦Intriguing World: World of Cannabis, Legal cannabis dealers

◦Intriguing World: Jones Farmacy celebrates 10 years at their gala.

◦Intrigue: Willie shouts out his whole family, including Henry who is not present, and deceased sister, Monica

◦Mystery: Henry isn’t at the gala when it starts

◦Intrigue 2: Willie explains that Henry’s flight was delayed, and he couldn’t be here (why was the flight delayed)

◦Strange Behavior: Henry already landed in Oregon two days ago (why did he lie about his flight?)

◦Deception: Family visit as a decoy to hideout from the loan sharks.

◦Hidden Layer/Mystery: Willie’s name is the trustee on the inheritance. Monica’s name is also on the document.

(M): How much money does Henry owe?

(OL): What’s the story behind the inheritance? Who is Monica Jones?

(OL) How are Henry and Willie related?

Act 1

Tony demands more responsibility and freedom in the company.

◦Intrigue: Tony does mundane, routine day to day tasks, but seems to be the most knowledgeable one.

◦Mystery: Why does Tony have to get Willie’s approval on all his deals.

◦Hidden Agenda: Tony speaks about stepping up at the gala, putting Willie on the spot.

◦Wound: Tony’s past behaviors when he was drinking, is why Willie and Noelle don’t trust him to run the company.

◦Hidden Layer: Elaine thinks if Willie hands over control to Tony, they can leave the country.

◦Accusation: Noelle accuses Tony of being a “yes” man.

◦Accusation: The other cannabis business owners question Tony’s lack of power at Jones Farmacy. “Dude, close the fucking deal”

◦Strange Behavior: Willie feels his career is peaking although he’s supposed to be prepping for retirement.

(M): Why does Tony have to get Willie’s approval on all his deals if they’re equals?

(OL): Why does Elaine want to leave the country?

(OL): What did Tony do to damage his relationships and lose their trust?

Act 2

Henry has incriminating info on Willie. Henry threatens to go to the LOCC if Willie doesn’t pay him.

◦Mystery: Heather learns that Henry never got on the plane that was supposedly delayed.

◦Intrigue: The family learns that Henry was already in Oregon at the time the plane took off.

◦ Intrigue 2: Pete’s future with the LOCC is being questioned.

◦Accusation: Pete’s business is struggling. The Governor/LOCC points out how Pete can’t keep up with Willie Jones.

◦ Pete explains that he is self-made, not an heir like Willie.

◦Elaine has finally convinced Willie to take a break and leave Tony in charge.

(M): Why did Henry lie to the family?

(OL): Why is Pete’s business struggling?

(OL): How did Pete get on the governor’s bad side?

Act 3

Tony learns more details about the LOCC activities, including his father’s involvement.

◦Willie appoints Henry as CEO of Jones Farmacy

◦Tony resigns.

◦Pete hears about Tony digging into LOCC activity.

◦Pete goes to the Governor about Tony.

◦Pete’s term at the LOCC doesn’t get renewed

◦Pete’s VP walks out with the rest of the staff

◦The cannabis community, including Pete’s former VP, support Tony

(M): How long has Willie been blackmailing business owners?

(OL): How was Willie able to get the inheritance? Who else knows about it?

(OL): Where is Henry and Heather’s father?

Act 4

Pete offers Tony a sweet deal. He wants him on his team at Green Diamonds.

◦Accusation: Noelle tells tony he needs to spread his wings, get from under his dad.

◦Hidden Agenda: The cannabis community explains to Tony how valuable he is. Tony is becoming closer with the cannabis business community.

o Deception: Willie lies to Tony to hide the blackmail.

o Hidden Agenda: Pete feels Tony would be a great addition to his company, Green Diamonds.

o Suspicion: Pete suspects that Tony is digging into LOCC activity.

o Secret: Henry hides his gambling loans from Willie and Heather.

o Conspiracy: Tony learns more about Willie’s involvement with LOCC fraud.

o Hidden Layer: Pete offers to smooth things over with Noelle.

o Hidden Agenda: Tony decides not to return to Jones Farmacy.

(M): Will Tony work for Pete? Why did Pete’s other staff walk out on him?

(OL): Why does Willie hide the blackmail from Tony?

(OL): How deeply is Willie involved in the LOCC scandal? Is Pete also involved?

Act 5

Tony accepts a position as VP of Green Diamonds, Jones Farmacy’s competition.

o Intrigue: Tony receives multiple offers from the cannabis community

o Mystery: Willie cancels his plans to leave town.

o Danger: The loan sharks track Henry down and arrive in Portland.

(M): What’s the real reason for Pete hiring Tony?

(OL): What is Pete and Willie’s history?

(OL): How much money does Henry owe?

[Chanda Haynes]

LIKE THE JONESES – Stacks Intrigue

What I learned doing this assignment is how to get the beats for each act. Once you know the climax/turning point of each act, you can organize the beats that lead up to it. It helped to streamline the outline.

Teaser

•Henry, Willie’s estranged nephew, a gambling addict, owes money in multiple states and the loan sharks are on his ass.

◦Intriguing World: World of Cannabis, Legal cannabis dealers

◦Intriguing World: Jones Farmacy celebrates 10 years at their gala.

◦Intrigue: Willie shouts out his whole family, including Henry who is not present, and deceased sister, Monica

◦Mystery: Henry isn’t at the gala when it starts

◦Intrigue 2: Willie explains that Henry’s flight was delayed, and he couldn’t be here (why was the flight delayed)

◦Deception: Henry already landed in Oregon two days ago (why did he lie about his flight?)

◦Hidden Agenda: Family visit as a decoy to hideout from the loan sharks.

◦Hidden Layer/Mystery: Willie’s name is the trustee on the inheritance. Monica’s name is also on the document.

Act 1

Tony gives Willie an ultimatum and demands more power in the company.

◦Intrigue: Tony does mundane, routine day to day tasks, but seems to be the most knowledgeable one.

◦Mystery: Why does Tony have to get Willie’s approval on all his deals.

◦Hidden Agenda: Tony speaks about stepping up at the gala, putting Willie on the spot.

◦Wound: Tony’s past behaviors when he was drinking, is why Willie and Noelle don’t trust him to run the company.

◦Hidden Layer: Elaine thinks if Willie hands over control to Tony, they can leave the country.

◦Accusation: Noelle accuses Tony of being a “yes” man.

◦Accusation: The other cannabis business owners question Tony’s lack of power at Jones Farmacy. “Dude, close the fucking deal”

◦Strange Behavior: Willie feels his career is peaking although he’s supposed to be prepping for retirement.

Act 2

Henry has incriminating info on Willie. Henry threatens to go to the LOCC if Willie doesn’t pay him.

◦Mystery: Heather learns that Henry never got on the plane that was supposedly delayed.

◦Intrigue: The family learns that Henry was already in Oregon at the time the plane took off.

◦ Intrigue 2: Pete’s future with the LOCC is being questioned.

◦Accusation: Pete’s business is struggling. The Governor/LOCC points out how Pete can’t keep up with Willie Jones.

◦ Pete explains that he is self-made, not an heir like Willie.

◦Elaine has finally convinced Willie to take a break and leave Tony in charge.

Act 3

Tony learns more details about the LOCC activities, including his father’s involvement.

◦Willie appoints Henry as CEO of Jones Farmacy

◦Tony resigns.

◦Pete hears about Tony digging into LOCC activity.

◦Pete goes to the Governor about Tony.

◦Pete’s term at the LOCC doesn’t get renewed

◦Pete’s VP walks out with the rest of the staff

◦The cannabis community, including Pete’s former VP, support Tony

Act 4

Pete offers Tony a sweet deal. He wants him on his team at Green Diamonds.

◦Accusation: Noelle tells tony he needs to spread his wings, get from under his dad.

◦Hidden Agenda: The cannabis community explains to Tony how valuable he is. Tony is becoming closer with the cannabis business community.

o Deception: Willie lies to Tony to hide the blackmail.

o Hidden Agenda: Pete feels Tony would be a great addition to his company, Green Diamonds.

o Suspicion: Pete suspects that Tony is digging into LOCC activity.

o Secret: Henry hides his gambling loans from Willie and Heather.

o Conspiracy: Tony learns more about Willie’s involvement with LOCC fraud.

o Hidden Layer: Pete offers to smooth things over with Noelle.

o Hidden Agenda: Tony decides not to return to Jones Farmacy.

Act 5

Tony accepts a position as VP of Green Diamonds, Jones Farmacy’s competition.

o Intrigue: Tony receives multiple offers from the cannabis community

o Mystery: Willie cancels his plans to leave town.

o Danger: The loan sharks track Henry down and arrive in Portland.

[Chanda Haynes]

LIKE THE JONESES – Layers and Reveals

What I learned from doing this assignment is that revealing the layers creates more depth in the story. Also, it helps to structure each scene and keep the story progressing. The process really helps in creating the drama by disrupting reality. I like this assignment.

For the Teaser, a 10th anniversary celebration created a platform to reveal the motives of the main characters. We also see Henry’s cover up family visit as a means to blackmail Willie. Willie mentions his sister, which reveals some of how Henry is connected to the story.

Teaser:

Surface cover up presented as reality.

1. A celebration of Jones Farmacy 10th anniversary

2. Elaine talks about retirement during her speech

3. Tony talks about taking over during his speech.

4. The Governor offers Willie 4 more years during her speech

5. Willie mentions his sister Monica during his speech.

6. Henry’s flight delayed.

A major disruption to that “reality!”

1. The sharks are after Henry.

2. Henry hides out at his grandfather’s old house.

3. Henry finds the documents with his name, Heather’s name, and Monica Jones.

4. Willie is named as the Trustee on the inheritance.

5. Henry explains the documents to the sharks, although he’s never seen them before.

For Act 1, a voicemail reveals Noelle and Tony’s relationship dynamics. Tony being a loyal, dedicated employee as the cover up for his past behaviors, and as a way to earn favor with Willie.

Act 1:

Surface cover up presented as reality:

1. Tony goes about his mundane day to day, long hours.

2. As business inquiries arise, he finds himself going back and forth for Willie’s approval.

3. A voicemail from Noelle, she sounds frustrated, and she explains drop off plans for their son.

4. Willie feels he’s at the peak of his career.

Major disruption to that reality:

1. Tony goes to Willie about more responsibility in the company. Considers “stepping out on his own.”

2. Elaine reminds Willie of their early retirement plans out of the country.

In Act 2, Elaine presents a hiatus as a cover up for getting Willie to leave the US permanently. Henry uses the family visit as a cover up for his plans to blackmail Willie. Pete’s trying to generate new business and declining sales are a cover up for the racketeering he knows is going on with the LOCC.

Act 2:

Surface cover up presented as reality:

1. Elaine convinces Willie to take a “hiatus” and give Tony a shot.

2. Henry arrives in Portland to visit his family.

3. Pete’s sales are on the decline. He tries to figure out ways to generate new business.

4. The governor questions Pete’s future with the LOCC.

Major disruption to that reality:

1. Henry threatens to go to the LOCC about Willie and his inheritance.

2. Pete’s staff walk out on him, including his VP.

For Act 3, the cannabis community rallies around Tony for support, but they use that as a cover up for dropping a dime on the LOCC and especially Willie. When Henry blackmails Willie, it is revealed that Tony always wanted to be CEO.

Act 3:

Surface cover up presented as reality:

1. Willie appoints Henry the new CEO, but asks Tony to stay.

2. The cannabis community rallies around Tony.

3. Pete learns that Tony is digging into LOCC activity.

Major disruption to that reality:

4. Tony resigns from Jones Farmacy.

5. Tony learns more info about the LOCC and his father.

6. Pete goes to the governor, she does not renew his term with the LOCC.

Act 4 – Through Tony’s comradery within the cannabis community, more about his father’s activities is revealed. Willie lies to Tony to hide the blackmail (layer). Henry opts out of telling Willie about his debts. (layers). Pete confides in Tony and makes him an offer (reveals).

Act 4:

Surface cover up presented as reality:

1. Tony is becoming closer with the cannabis business community.

2. Willie lies to Tony to hide the blackmail.

3. Henry is struggling in his new position. In over his head.

4. Pete feels Tony would be a great addition to his company, Green Diamonds.

5. Pete learns that Tony is digging into LOCC activity.

6. Henry hides his gambling loans from Willie and Heather.

Major disruption to that reality:

1. Tony learns more about Willie’s involvement with LOCC fraud.

2. Tony decides not to return to Jones Farmacy.

3. Pete approaches Tony with a proposition.

4. Pete goes to the Governor, she does not renew his term with the LOCC.

5. The loan sharks track Henry down and arrive in Portland.

<i style=””>Act 5 – Willie cancels his plans when he learns that LOCC info is being leaked (reveal). Tony accepts a VP position and it’s announced on The LOCC Wire (betrayal/reveal).

Act 5:

Surface cover up presented as reality:

1. Tony receives multiple offers from the cannabis community

2. Willie cancels his plans to leave town.

Major disruption to that reality:

1. Tony accepts a position as VP of Green Diamonds.

[Chanda Haynes]

LIKE THE JONESES – Character Story Lines

What I learned doing this assignment is how we are starting to organize the story into acts and then into specific actions that occur within each act. I can see how this is structuring the outline and the pilot.

Teaser:

•Essence: Willie (opening), a father and co-founder of a cannabis company celebrates his company, Jones Farmacy’s 10th year anniversary. His wife wants him to retire. His son wants more responsibility in the company and the mayor wants him to commit to 4 more years with the LOCC.

•Turning Point: Henry (opening) is Willie’s estranged nephew, a gambling addict, owes money in multiple states and the loan sharks are on his ass.

• (H TP1) Henry discovers documents regarding an inheritance for he and his twin sister. Willie was the trustee.

Act 1:

•Essence: Tony (opening) is a cannabis businessman who is unhappy with his role in the company he co-founded with his father. Due to his past, his power in the company is limited. His ex-wife barely speaks to him, and he has only limited access to his son.

•Turning Point: (T TP1) Tony demands more responsibility and freedom in the company.

Act 2:

•Essence: (W TP1) Elaine finally convinces Willie to give Tony a shot at CEO and take a hiatus. Willie gets appointed another four years of the LOCC.

•(H Midpoint) Henry arrives in Portland to confront his uncle about the inheritance.

•Pete (opening), a successful business owner and cannabis advocate who has hit a rough patch. His sales are down and the governor questions his future with the LOCC.

•Turning Point/Midpoint: (W Midpoint/H Midpoint) Henry has incriminating info on Willie. Henry threatens to go to the LOCC.

•(P TP1) Pete’s staff walk out on him, including his VP.

Act 3:

•Essence:

•(W TP2/H TP2) Willie appoints Henry as CEO.

•(T Midpoint) Tony resigns from Jones Farmacy after the Henry announcement.

(W Dilemma) Willie tries to convince Tony to stay.

(P Midpoint) The Governor will not renew Pete for a new term. Pete learns that Tony is out of work and digging into LOCC activity.

· Turning Point: (T TP2) The cannabis community, including Pete’s former VP, rallies around Tony and he learns more details about the LOCC activities, including Willie.

Act 4:

•Essence: (T Dilemma)Tony must decide if he will return to Jones Farmacy or pursue new interests. Tony must decide what to do to with the LOCC info he has.

•(W Major Conflict) Willie hides the blackmail from Tony.

•(H Dilemma) Henry realizes he’s in over his head in his new position.

•(H Major Conflict) Henry hides from Willie the info about the money he owes the loan sharks. (P Dilemma) Pete feels Tony would be a good fit for his company, but Tony is uncovering more of the LOCC’s criminal activity.

•Turning Point: (P Major Conflict) Although Tony is the son of his nemesis, Pete offers Tony a sweet deal. He wants him on his team.

Act 5:

•Essence: (T Major Conflict) Tony receives multiple offers from Jones Farmacy competitors.

•(W Ending) Willie cancels his plans to leave. He’s back in the game full time.

•Lock In:

◦(T Ending/P Ending) Tony accepts a position as VP of Green Diamonds, Jones Farmacy’s competition.

◦(H Ending) The loan sharks arrive in town after hearing about Henry’s promotion.

[Chanda Haynes]

LIKE THE JONESES – Pilot Structure

What I learned doing this assignment was that the essence and turning point are like goalposts for each act. Now I know what is happening in each act, so it’s getting more specific with each assignment. So we will start to see what scenes will go into each act, etc. Also, learning how important the Turning Point is, and making sure it’s something pivotal. Learning what is happening at the Midpoint of the story also helps me to pace the story.

Teaser: Meet the Joneses

•Essence: Jones Farmacy celebrating its 10th year anniversary. We learn brief Jones Farmacy history. Statistics.

•Turning Point: Henry has the loan sharks on his ass. He unlocks an unknown safe and pulls out documents that say BENEFICIARIES, HENRY AND HEATHER JONES.

Act 1:

•Essence: At the office, Tony must get approval on all major decisions.

•Turning Point: Tony demands more responsibility and freedom in the company.

Act 2:

•Essence: Elaine finally convinces Willie to give Tony a shot at CEO. Willie gets another four years with the LOCC.

•Turning Point/Midpoint: Henry arrives with incriminating info on Willie threatening to go to the LOCC. Forcing Willie to make him CEO.

Act 3:

Essence: Tony resigns from Jones Farmacy after the Henry announcement.

Turning Point: The cannabis community rallies around Tony. He hears disturbing information about the LOCC.

Act 4:

•Essence: Tony learns more about LOCC activity.

•Turning Point: Pete Roberts approaches Tony with an offer.

Act 5:

•Essence: Tony receives multiple offers. Pete sweetens the deal for Tony.

•Lock In: Tony accepts a position with Green Diamonds as Vice President, Jones Farmacy’s competition.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 9 months ago by  Chanda Haynes.

[Chanda Haynes]

Like The Joneses’ Amazing Inciting Incident

What I learned doing this assignment is these activities are streamlining the material that will be used for the outline/pilot. The assignments require me to be more specific, and cut out a lot of the fluff.

1. What is the “Inciting Incident” of your series that this pilot needs to deliver powerfully?

Henry blackmails his way into the CEO position, prompting Tony to quit and go work for his father’s nemesis.

2. Give us the main beats of that Inciting Incident:

Intriguing Concept: Tony leaves behind his lowly role at Jones Farmacy and becomes a much sought after force in the cannabis industry.

Act 1: Tony is a figurehead and company man with a big salary but not real responsibility. He may be extremely knowledgeable about cannabis business operations, but his father Willie does not allow him to make any independent decisions. It is his dream to become CEO of Jones Farmacy, the company he and Willie co-founded. Due to some past mistakes, he also has a challenging relationship with his ex-wife, Noelle, and is only allowed supervised visits with his son Chance.

Midpoint: Tony’s cousin Henry arrives in town with proof that Willie used his inheritance to start Jones Farmacy. He threatens to go to the LOCC if Willie does not make him CEO, effective immediately.

Lock In: Willie announces Henry as CEO. This prompts Tony to resign immediately. Pete Roberts, Willie’s long time nemesis, recruits Tony for his company. Tony accepts the VP position at Pete’s cannabis company, Green Diamonds, Jones Farmacy’s biggest competitor.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 10 months ago by  Chanda Haynes.

[Chanda Haynes]

Like the Joneses Big Picture Components

What I learned doing this assignment is that everything is starting to fall in place for the pilot. We have put together the foundation of the pilot with these parts that we listed.

SERIES INFO

World: The legal cannabis industry in Oregon.

Main mystery: What really happened with the inheritance? How did Tony fall from grace?
Impossible Goal: Be the man without his father’s influence.

Main Conflict: Tony working for Pete at Green Diamonds.

Second Mystery: What is Pete and Willie’s history?

Season 1 Arc: From an overlooked corporate figurehead to top industry executive and advocate.

Season 1 Protagonist Internal Journey: From feelings of guilt, shame and unworthiness to a confident, self-led man with a mission.

PILOT INFO

Pilot Conflict: Tony resigns from JF goes work for the competition.

Main Characters Introduced: Tony, Willie, Henry, Pete, LOCC members, Elaine

Inciting Incident of Season 1: Henry blackmails Willie into making him CEO.

[Chanda Haynes]

CHANDA HAYNES EPISODE TITLES

What I learned doing this assignment is that I had a creative process around this already working in my head. Since this show is about the cannabis industry, I decided to name the episodes after cannabis strains. So throughout the process I’ve been notating how I could relate the content of each episode with the names of cannabis strains. It made this assignment super easy. But then making sure the episode names tell a story was the challenge. I like that it starts with “alpha” and ends with “Optimus” so in my mind the hero ends on top.

EPISODE 1 – ALPHA OG

EPISODE 2 – MONEYMAKER

EPISODE 3 – BLACK DIAMOND

EPISODE 4 – WILLIE’S RESERVE

EPISODE 5 – MILLION DOLLAR BABY

EPISODE 6 – ULTIMATE TRAINWRECK

EPISODE 7 – OLD FAMILY PURPLE

EPISODE 8 – OPTIMUS PRIME

[Chanda Haynes]

Chanda Haynes Presents Non-Stop Intrigue

What I learned doing this assignment is that there will always be something to edit, but you have to have a stopping point and be satisfied with it. There were also some unnecessary lines that I removed. I think it made the bible clearer.

I removed some repetitive lines and also made sure that everything in the episode outlines was reflected in my episode summaries. Which then eliminated the need to have both the outline and the summary. So I removed the episode outlines. I had to make some changes to make sure the character descriptions matched what was in the story summary. So this assignment helped to make the story align. Increased the consistency of the bible.

I also went ahead with the next assignment and added the riveting episode titles. It was easy to go ahead and do it while reading through the episode summaries.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 10 months ago by  Chanda Haynes.

[Chanda Haynes]

Chanda Haynes INTRIGUE PATTERNS

“What I learned doing this assignment is that these questions bring out more of the story. It can bring more clarity to the existing story, as well as uncover details the writer may have not seen at first. The patterns continue to build the story but with more substance.

Line to fix: (HOOK) Tony goes from an undervalued son and employee, doing menial tasks for his father’s cannabis company to working for the competition, challenging the cannabis commission and gaining national recognition for changing cannabis policy?

•A. Establish something shocking and point to the terrible things it could mean.

Tony leaves the company he helped cofound and goes to being VP for his father’s competitor. He may have been hired as a way for Pete to get back at Willie. He may have been hired as part of Pete’s plan to bring down the LOCC.

•B. Strong statement; question about something underhanded beneath the surface.

Tony finds comradery among the small business owners and street dealers, and they share info on the LOCC. Is it possible that the LOCC is abusing their authority by extorting street dealers?

•C. Question that points to hidden agendas, hidden identity, conspiracy, etc..

Why did the street dealers seek out Tony? Why did Pete want Tony to work for him?

•D. Character 1 is convinced/worried/wondering that Character 2 has done _____________.

Tony worries that his father may be involved with the LOCC extorting street dealers.

•E. But maybe it is all wrong.

But maybe they are extorting legal businesses as well. (or one another)

•F. A Pattern that Leads to Future Consequences

Tony has brought Pete’s company much success quickly, and moved them ahead of Jones Farmacy in monthly sales. Tony is reconnecting with his ex-wife and growing closer to his son, thanks to Pete reconnecting them. Tony is now taking on the cannabis committee violation on behalf of the business owners. How will he be able to stay loyal to both his family and his principles.

•G. If he does ________________, that means ___Intrigue_____.

If Tony leads the charge against the LOCC, does that mean the LOCC will want to destroy him?

•H. State the mystery.

What will Tony and Willie’s relationship be like once Tony’s reputation starts growing and the LOCC is under the radar?

•I. Should be/could be _______, but it is even worse.

It should be a father and son growing a family business together, but now the son has been asked to help bring down the father’s team.

•J. Intense language. (I also made this the new HOOK in the TV Bible)

Tony parted ways with Jones Farmacy, the company he and his father co-founded. After accepting a VP position with their biggest competitor, Green Diamonds, he experiences immediate success, building him a reputation among cannabis industry heavy hitters. His newly found fame finds him advocating on behalf of cannabis business owners who claim they have been extorted for years by Tony’s father Willie, and the other League of Cannabis Commissioners (LOCC).

[Chanda Haynes]

“What I learned doing this assignment is that there is always a deeper story to uncover. There are so many possibilities to take the story in various directions or to make the story more intense when you uncover additional layers. This was a difficult assignment for me because I didn’t know where to start uncovering layers and more story. So I started with the areas where I wanted to know more or where the story wasn’t clearly defined. I still have some open loops that I don’t have the answers to, but I think with future investigation those answers will reveal themselves.

Some additions I made to the show bible were:

1. Henry knows how badly Tony wants more power in the company, so instead of blackmailing Willie for money, he knew that Willie making him CEO would be the ultimate slap in Tony’s face.

2. Tony learns about the blackmail through his own sources, and devises a plan to get Willie from under Henry’s threats.

3. The LOCC commissioners retain a portion of the fines from their respective jurisdiction, hence why they are excessively fining businesses.

Some episode additions I made were:

1. We learn that John, Henry’s father, actually gave Willie the money to invest, prior to his disappearance. (I haven’t figured out why he disappeared or where he disappeared to)

2. We learn how the League of Cannabis Commissioners (LOCC) came to exist. (I am not sure of how they came to be, whether it was by election or appointment, but I think it’s important that the audience knows this info.)

3. In the future episodes, we will learn more about the process and requirements to obtain a cannabis license, particularly the money that’s required. And the different types of licenses that can be obtained.

4. When Tony exposes the LOCC, he inadvertently exposes more of Pete’s secrets.

Decided not to keep:

1. Tony and Henry plotting to bring down Willie. I didn’t use this because I preferred the idea of Tony saving his father (Willie) as opposed to destroying Willie to save Henry. I do believe both ideas could work. But I went with the one that was most like his character at that stage of his journey.

Whew! 😰 Glad this lesson is finished.

[Chanda Haynes]

What I learned doing this assignment is the key elements for a good series summary. Everything you need is in the framework, it’s just a matter of organizing it into a good flow. The show summary doesn’t have to be super detailed, and doesn’t need any fluff, just the facts.

CHANDA HAYNES – SHOW SUMMARY – LIKE THE JONESES

Tony Jones, VP of Jones Farmacy, a Portland, Oregon based cannabis mega business, has a life most could only dream of having. He and his father, Willie Jones, work side by side at the company they co-founded. Tony earns lots of money but has very little responsibility. It seems that he would have nothing to complain about, except that he feels undervalued and unfulfilled with the mundane tasks that he’s been assigned. Years ago, when Tony struggled with his alcoholism, he made some poor decisions that put the family business in jeopardy. As a result, Tony lost his wife, access to his son, and Willie’s trust in his business instincts. Twelve years sober, and no one, it seems, is willing to give him a second chance. His ex-wife Noelle barely speaks to him, his son is only allowed supervised contact, and Willie doesn’t allow him to make any independent decisions when it comes to Jones Farmacy.

Willie’s wife Elaine recognizes Tony’s growth, and nudges Willie to trust him with more responsibility. Willie finally decides to make Tony interim CEO, as he and Elaine prepare for their hiatus. Before he can give Tony the news, his estranged nephew, Henry Jones, arrives in town stating that he has proof that Willie used his inheritance from his deceased mother to fund Jones Farmacy. Henry demands Willie pay him the amount of the inheritance plus interest or he will take the proof to the League of Cannabis Commissioners (LOCC), the governing body over cannabis business in the state of Oregon.

When Willie is unable to turnover that amount of money, Henry insists that Willie make him CEO of Jones Farmacy, effective immediately. With no explanation, Willie announces to the company that Henry will be the new CEO of Jones Farmacy.

Upon hearing this, Tony is furious, and refuses to work under Henry in his own company. Tony announces his resignation, effective immediately. As soon as the news hits the cannabis community, support and job offers come pouring in for Tony. Pete, Willie’s nemesis, and President of Green Diamonds, Jones Farmacy’s number one competitor, approaches Tony about working for his company as a “real VP with real responsibility.” Pete sweetens the deal by offering to smooth things over with his daughter, Noelle, Tony’s ex-wife. Tony accepts, as he really wants to build a name for himself in the cannabis industry and repair his relationship with Noelle and Taj, his son.

Tony has immediate success at Green Diamonds, closing deals and boosting their sales. They move ahead of Jones Farmacy after only one month. He is mending his past with Noelle and Taj, and they are becoming closer. Tony’s colleagues in cannabis world look to him for guidance as he starts to challenge the unethical policies of the LOCC. He uncovers millions of dollars in excessive fines inflicted upon his fellow business owners. It seems that all is going well until Tony’s accusations push the Governor to launch an internal investigation of the LOCC, uncovering dirt on Pete, Willie, and several of the other LOCC Commissioners. She calls for immediate action. Pete is temporarily removed from his seat on the LOCC. Henry takes the fall for Willie’s oversight, and Willie maintains his seat at the LOCC. Taj overhears a conversation between Tony and Henry and their plans to bring down Willie. Taj begs Tony to call it off so that they can all be a happy family. Tony must choose between being true to himself and his loyalty to his family.

With his rocky relationship with Willie getting worse, information about Henry’s blackmail falling into his lap, and never-ending challenges with the LOCC, Tony must learn to hear his own voice, independent of any outside influence. How will Tony staying true to himself impact his relationship with those that he considers dear to him.

[Chanda Haynes]

What I learned doing this assignment is that it’s easier knowing that this is only a rough draft. Using the bulletpoints from Lesson 4, made this somewhat of an easy process, but also showed some gaps in the flow of the story. So I had to go back and make some changes so that things stayed chronological and made sense.

EPISODE 1

Hook/Intrigue: Henry blackmails Willie into making him CEO

Main Character journey: Tony needs to step away from the family business to get the things he wants.

Major Challenge/Conflict: Tony must decide if he will stay with Jones Farmacy under Henry
Action/Reaction: Pete extends an offer of employment to Tony

Cliffhanger: Tony leaves the company, goes to work for Pete

After years of being overlooked, Willie finally decides to give Tony a shot at running the company. Before he can share the news with Tony, Henry, his estranged cousin arrives at Jones Farmacy with evidence that Willie used his inheritance to fund his cannabis empire. Henry demands that Willie pay him the initial amount plus interest. When Willie can’t come up with the money, Henry opts for being made CEO, effective immediately. Tony is furious and announces his immediate resignation. With the word out that he is no longer with Jones Farmacy, offers roll in for Tony. Tony accepts an offer from Jones Farmacy’s number one competitor, Green Diamonds.

EPISODE 2

Hook/Intrigue: Tony is thriving in his new role. Henry struggles in his role as CEO <div>

Main Character journey: Tony needs to make a name for himself in the cannabis industry
Major Challenge/Conflict: Willie and Tony grow more distant, personally, and professionally
Action/Reaction: Tony challenges the LOCC on their policies

<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Cliffhanger: Pete loves having Tony in his corner, he has Tony’s back against the LOCC

Tony now a Green Diamonds employee, is thriving in his new role, while Henry struggles with his CEO duties at Jones Farmacy. Tony is on a mission to make a name for himself in the cannabis world, independent of his father. He starts by challenging some of the LOCC’s outdated policies. Willie attempts to quiet him down, to no avail. While Pete publicly announces his support for Tony. Since joining forces with the competition, Tony and Willie have grown progressively more distant, both personally and professionally. Pete backs Tony publicly in the LOCC hearing, much to the chagrin of the other Commissioners.

EPISODE 3

Hook/Intrigue: Green Diamonds monthly sales soar ahead of Jones Farmacy. </div><div>

Main Character journey: Tony needs to learn to trust others.

Major Challenge/Conflict: Willie is bothered by Tony and Pete’s relationship
Action/Reaction: Pete does an interview, gives Tony props publicly

Cliffhanger: Tony gets the Governor’s attention.

It’s been one month since Tony began at Green Diamonds, and their sales have soared ahead of Jones Farmacy for the first time in years. Tony and Pete grow closer as Tony begins to let his guard down with Pete. Willie is bothered by Tony and Pete’s closeness and becomes more passive aggressive as a result. Pete invites Tony to accompany him on a national news interview. He praises Tony for Green Diamonds’ boost in business, which includes the story of how he was overlooked at Jones Farmacy. The interview grabs the Governor’s attention. She has her eyes on Tony now.

EPISODE 4

Hook/Intrigue: The cannabis business owners rally behind Tony against the LOCC. </div><div>

Main Character journey: Tony is building a reputation for himself, independent of his father.

<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Major Challenge/Conflict: Willie refutes Tony’s accusations that the LOCC excessively fines companies.

<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Action/Reaction: Willie bribes Henry into sabotaging Tony and Green Diamonds.
Cliffhanger: Tony discovers secrets about Pete through Noelle.

After seeing Tony speak on the news, many of the cannabis business owners begin to come to him to show compassion and support. As Tony takes on the LOCC, the business owners rally behind him, also bringing forth their complaints. Willie and several of the other LOCC members refute Tony’s accusations in defense of their policies. The hearing goes in Tony’s favor, which drives him to investigate more concerns with the LOCC, particularly the excessive fines to local cannabis business owners. Willie is pissed and retaliates by recruiting Henry to sabotage Tony and Green Diamonds. Meanwhile, Tony and Noelle get closer, and she reveals secrets about her father that could destroy his future in the cannabis industry.

EPISODE 5

Hook/Intrigue: Henry reaches out to Tony for advice. </div><div>

Main Character journey: Tony struggles saying “No,” much to his own detriment.

Major Challenge/Conflict: Tony brings up a case against the LOCC.

Action/Reaction: The LOCC is forced to repay $500K.

Cliffhanger: The Governor launches a statewide internal LOCC investigation.

After many weeks of remaining silent, Henry reaches out to Tony for advice on dealing with Willie. This is not the walk in the park that he imagined it to be. Tony reluctantly takes a meeting with Henry, and they both discuss their rocky relationships with Willie. After speaking with Henry, Tony is ready to go to the Governor with information that businesses are being excessively fined by the LOCC, and that the LOCC members are signing off on it with one another. The Governor hires her own investigator, who confirms Tony’s findings. The LOCC is commanded to return close to $500K of fines they’ve collected, with more pending. The Governor hires an investigative team and launches a statewide investigation into all the LOCC members, including Pete and Willie.

EPISODE 6

· Hook/Intrigue: Pete is accused of ethical misconduct

· Main Character journey: Tony must decide between his allegiance to Pete and his allegiance to himself.

· Major Challenge/Conflict: Tony must publicly condemn Pete for his role at the LOCC.

· Action/Reaction: Tony hires an investigator to investigate the tainted crops.

· Cliffhanger: Taj asks Tony to make amends with Willie.

The findings from the LOCC investigation reveal Pete’s involvement in ethical misconduct. It’s possible that other LOCC Commissioners covered up this information, which infuriates the Governor. She calls for a few of the Commissioners to step down immediately, which requires the remaining Commissioners to extend their jurisdictions. Tony is asked to speak about it publicly, which Pete encourages him to do. Pete is given a Plan of Correction that he must satisfy to retain his appointment. Meanwhile at Green Diamonds, the crops have been tainted with toxic fertilizer, and Tony suspects Willie’s involvement. Tony launches a witch hunt against Willie until Taj asks him to call it off and make amends.

EPISODE 7

· Hook/Intrigue: Tony finally agrees to meet with the Governor.

Main Character journey: Tony must step away from the crowd and into the light. Tony must manage his guilt. </div><div>

Major Challenge/Conflict: Tony must tell the LOCC about Willie being blackmailed.
Action/Reaction: Tony calls a truce with his family.

Cliffhanger: Robin shows up for the dinner with Taj.

The Governor requests a meeting with Tony. He agrees. Heather learns about Henry blackmailing Willie and goes to Tony with the information. Tony explains his obligation to report the information to the LOCC. Willie calls a family meeting with Tony, Heather, Henry and Cynthia. Willie forbids Tony from going to the LOCC. Tony agrees that is the best decision, as he does not want to disappoint Taj. The family agrees to move forward peacefully, planning a dinner for Taj to reconnect with the Joneses. Robin shows up unexpectedly, but we later learn Willie invited her.

EPISODE 8

Hook/Intrigue: Tony gets an offer from the Governor to oversee the LOCC

Main Character journey: Tony must decide in his own best interest
Major Challenge/Conflict: Accepting the position may bring conflict with the family and the business owners. </div><div>

Action/Reaction: Tony accepts the Chief Deputy position in the Governor’s office
Cliffhanger: Tony is now Willie and Pete’s boss.

The cannabis business owners suggest forming a union and ask Tony to be the chairperson. Governor Brown invites Tony to the Governor’s mansion for a private meeting. She offers Tony a position as Chief Deputy of the LOCC. Tony worries that accepting either position would bring conflict to his family and business relationships. Tony meets with the business owners and tells them his decision to move forward with the Governor’s offer. He reassures them that he will protect them from the inside. Willie and Pete learn that Tony will be their new boss.

</div>

[Chanda Haynes]

LIKE THE JONESES Episode List Rough Draft

What I learned doing this assignment is that once you do the cheat sheet, the outline is very simple. The cheat sheet contains hundreds of ideas for episode. Deciding what to keep and not to keep is the difficult part. Deciding which aspects of the cheat sheet best tell the story is the challenge. I am anticipating that this may change as we get deeper into the module.

Beginning……………………………………………………………………….Season End/Cliffhanger

Question A: What is the Beginning of the season and the End of the season?

Question B: What possible cliffhanger could be in that last scene of the season, thus demanding that we watch the next season?

Beginning: Tony Jones wants more responsibility at Jones Farmacy, the cannabis company he and his father, Willie Jones co-founded. Due to Tony’s bad decisions prior to his sobriety, Willie is hesitant to give him more power. Elaine, Willie’s wife finally convinces him to make Tony interim CEO. Before he can share the news with Tony, his estranged nephew shows up with proof that Willie used his inheritance to fund Jones Farmacy. Henry demands to be repaid with interest or he’s going to the League of Cannabis Commissioners (LOCC), the legislative committee for licensed cannabis businesses, of which Willie is a member. In lieu of paying Henry a large chunk of money and arousing suspicion, Henry settles for the CEO position at Jones Farmacy. Tony learns of this and immediately resigns from the family business, and accepts a position with their number one competitor, Green Diamonds.

Ending: Tony has built a solid reputation in the cannabis industry, albeit pissing off his father and a few of the other commissioners. He has gotten the attention of the Governor and has been offered a position as Chief Deputy of the Cannabis Commission. This would mean the members of the LOCC, including Pete and Willie will now be answering to Tony. Heather learns of Henry blackmailing Willie and reaches out to their father with questions about the inheritance. Willie delays he and Elaine’s retirement plans due to all the mayhem happening at Jones Farmacy.

2. Season 1 Mystery Set up…………………………………..………………Season 1 Mystery Solved

Question A: What is the mystery?
Question B: How could the mystery be set up? What parts will be left out that must be solved?
Question C: What it the ultimate solution that the characters must work to discover?

Mystery 1: (SETUP) What happens when Tony resigns from Jones Farmacy and goes to work for Pete Roberts? Tony leaves in haste after hearing that Henry will be CEO. His father is in a pinch and does not share with Tony or Elaine that he is being blackmailed by Henry. Soon thereafter, Willie’s nemesis, Pete Roberts offers Tony a position with Jones Farmacy’s biggest competitor, Green Diamonds. Tony accepts the position.

Mystery 1: (SOLVED) Tony experiences immediate success at Green Diamonds and gradually builds a reputation for himself among the cannabis industry heavy hitters. Mostly for Tony’s challenging of the decisions made by the LOCC, even getting the Governor’s attention. Green Diamonds pushes ahead of Jones Farmacy as the top black-owned cannabis brand. Willie feels betrayed and subsequently puts more of his time into plotting with Henry on how to bring down Pete and Green Diamonds, hoping this will bring Tony crawling back to Jones Farmacy. The Governor, however, has other plans for Tony’s future, offering him a position as Chief Deputy over the LOCC.

Mystery 2: When will Tony learn that Henry blackmailed Willie?

Mystery 3: What is the real story behind the inheritance?

3. Journey begins……………………………………………………….Journey peaks, but continues.

Question A: Where does the Lead Character journey begin and end for this season?
Question B: Think about where this character goes in future seasons. That might give you an idea also.

Tony begins as an undervalued employee who is given very little responsibility due to his alcoholic past. After becoming fed up with not progressing at Jones Farmacy, and seeing his cousin be made CEO, Tony resigns immediately, and goes to work for the competition. Tony experiences much success on his journey, building the business and securing his reputation in the cannabis world. He attracts the attention of the Governor and is appointed a position that would give him authority over his father.

Beginning: Tony is undervalued, overlooked, and given very little responsibility.

Ending: Very reputable in the cannabis industry, confident, knowledgeable, challenging the LOCC, and offered a position of authority.

4. ……Layer….…Layer………Layer………Layer………Layer………Layer………Layer……Layer

Question A: What layers have you already discovered in your BW Framework?
Question B: Are there any other layers that you could think of?

Layer: Opening scene – Jones Farmacy is the top black owned brand, Green Diamonds is their competitor

Layer: Willie decides to give Tony an interim position, then Henry blackmails him into giving him the position

Layer: Tony has no idea about the blackmail and feels shunned by his father…Willie carries the guilt of promoting Henry instead of Tony.

Layer: Tony goes to work for the competition, pushing them ahead of Jones Farmacy.

Layer: Tony and Pete grow close; Tony rebuilds his relationships…Willie grows resentful and plots with Henry to bring down Green Diamonds

Layer: Tony challenges the LOCC, including his father and Pete his current boss and gets the backing of the cannabis industry giants.

Layer: Tony is offered a position by the mayor…this would give him authority over Willie and Pete.

5. Make a list of the Major Story Lines.

Question A: What main characters have story lines that affect everyone else?
Question B: What are the most important story lines of this show?

Main storyline: Tony leaves Jones Farmacy and goes to work for Green Diamonds.

Storyline 2: Henry blackmails Willie into making him CEO of Jones Farmacy.

Storyline 3: Tony challenges the LOCC and builds a reputation in the cannabis community.

EPISODE IDEAS

1. Tony resigns from Jones Farmacy, and goes to work for Pete at Green Diamonds

a. Willie makes Henry CEO of Jones Farmacy

b. Henry blackmails Willie for using his inheritance w/o his permission

c. Pete extends an offer of employment to Tony. Tony accepts.

2. Tony immediately challenges the LOCC on their policies

a. Willie and Tony grow more distant, personally, and professionally

b. Henry struggles in his role as CEO. He makes plenty of mistakes.

c. Pete loves having Tony in his corner. Green Diamonds is on the rise.

3. Tony pushes Green Diamonds quarterly sales ahead of Jones Farmacy.

a. Willie is irritated watching Pete and Tony’s relationship. He delays his trip with Elaine.

b. Henry makes empty promises to the loan sharks.

c. Pete does an interview, gives Tony props publicly

4. The cannabis business owners rally behind Tony against the LOCC.

a. Willie refutes Tony’s accusations that the LOCC excessively fines companies

b. Henry confesses to Willie about his gambling debts.

c. 1988 Pete betrays Willie and Elaine. FLASHBACK

d. Cynthia takes a trip to see her daughter.

e. Noelle hides her father’s paternity test.

f. Tony’s mother contacts him. She wants to meet.

5. Tony brings up a case against the LOCC, forcing them to repay $500K.

a. Willie doesn’t defend Tony to the LOCC

b. Henry reaches out to Tony for advice.

c. Pete comes to Tony’s defense.

d. The Governor is concerned and launches an LOCC investigation.

6. Tony’s work gets recognition from the Governor.

a. Willie recruits Henry to sabotage Green Diamonds.

b. Henry agrees to help if Willie pays off the loan sharks.

c. Pete is accused of ethical misconduct

d. Cynthia enjoys time with her daughter.

7. Tony finally agrees to meet with the Governor.

a. Willie and Henry execute their plan.

b. Henry feels guilty about sabotaging Tony. Heather learns about the blackmail.

c. Pete denies the accusations before the LOCC.

d. Cynthia considers Vegas long term.

8. Tony gets an offer from the Governor to oversee the LOCC

a. Willie learns his plan backfired.

b. Henry learns Heather is in contact with their father.

c. Pete forces Willie’s hand to help regain his LOCC seat.

d. Green Diamonds closes ahead of Jones Farmacy.

e. Elaine makes a real estate purchase in the Caribbean without Willie.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 11 months ago by  Chanda Haynes.

[Chanda Haynes]

What I learned doing this assignment was that it seems daunting until I slowed down and completed each task as instructed. From the building blocks, it was pretty simple to write the description, because all the info is right in front of you. This gives you a visual for your seasons, like taking your mind on a mental visual of the show from season to season. I edited several times although we were instructed to treat this as a rough draft.

SEASON 1:

Tony Jones, founder and VP of Jones Farmacy, is fed up with being overlooked and undervalued at Jones Farmacy, a cannabis company that he and his father co-founded. He demands more respect and responsibility from his father, Willie, who is hesitant to give it to him due to Tony’s reckless past with alcohol. Meanwhile, Willie and Elaine, his wife of 25 years, are planning an overseas hiatus from the business. Elaine encourages Willie to give Tony a shot at running the company in the interim. Before Willie gets a chance to discuss this with Tony, Henry, Willie’s estranged nephew, arrives in town with proof that Willie misused Henry and his sister Heather’s inheritance to launch Jones Farmacy. Henry threatens to go to the League of Cannabis Commissioners (LOCC), a 15-person panel that serves as the governing board over the cannabis industry in Oregon. Since Willie is unable to pay the sum that Henry is demanding, Henry insists that he be made CEO of Jones Farmacy, effective immediately. This news sends Tony over the edge. He resigns immediately and accepts a position with his father’s number one competitor, Green Diamonds.

Success comes quickly for Tony in his new role, and he begins to build a reputation for himself in the canna world, independent of his father. With the influence of Pete Roberts, his new boss, he is able to reconnect with his ex-wife who is Pete’s daughter, Noelle, and their son, Taj. Meanwhile, Henry is struggling to adjust to the demands of CEO while keeping the Vegas loan sharks off his back. Pete is enjoying surpassing Willie as the top black owned cannabis business, something he was never quite able to do in the past.

As the competition between Green Diamonds and Jones Farmacy continues to grow, Tony’s personal relationships begin to crumble. Tony decides to shift his attention into building new business at Green Diamonds. This gives Pete Roberts time to focus on regaining his seat on the LOCC panel. Tony’s business savvy and vast knowledge of cannabis legalities, attracts the attention of the heavy hitters in canna world, which launches him into a life he had never imagined for himself. It’s not long before he has the attention of the Governor, who reaches out to him about a very special assignment she has tailored just for him.

SEASON 2

The Commissioners are anything but tolerant, as Tony tries to adjust to his new role as Chief Deputy of the LOCC. Tony still wants to mend things and move forward with Noelle, but she is not on board. The LOCC infighting over jurisdictions causes unexpected headaches for Tony and Governor Howard, who are ready to do some suspending and reassigning. Governor Howard encourages Tony to act at his own discretion and not wait on her permission. As he grows from a timid newbie to an authoritative asshole, the pushback from the other commissioners becomes nonexistent. Over at Jones Farmacy, Heather learns of Henry blackmailing Willie and pressures Henry to step down as CEO, as she also threatens to go to the LOCC with this information. Cynthia, Tony’s younger sister is vying for an opportunity to expand Jones Farmacy into Canada, but she needs his help.

Tony who is now feeling himself in his role as Chief Deputy is starting to draw complaints from the Commissioners. They threaten to strike, which backs Governor Howard into a corner. She is forced to make a hard decision. So as not to seem disloyal, she nominates Tony for the Secretary of Cannabis position, which would send him to DC, and relieve him of his duties as Chief Deputy.

­SEASON 3

Season Three opens with Tony accepting the nomination for Secretary of Cannabis, while currently still maintaining his duties as Chief Deputy of the LOCC. The mayhem among the other Commissioners has died down since Tony is always away in Washington DC or on a teleconference with the Senate. John, Heather and Henry’s long-lost father, shows up after not seeing them in years. Henry is not quite as pleased as Heather and doesn’t hold back with letting John know. Willie and John reconnect, and Willie suggests John take over as interim CEO so they can take down Pete Roberts, just like the old days. John eventually admits to Henry that he gave Willie permission to use their inheritance, if needed. Henry is unforgiving. Over at Green Diamonds, Noelle is trying to keep her mystery brothers as low key as possible so that Pete’s only two beneficiaries are her and her mother. That’s if her mother is around to collect. Willie and Governor Howard clash over her defense of another Commissioner’s racist remarks. Willie reaches out to Tony to be the voice of reason. Tony is so preoccupied on his pursuit to DC that he isn’t much help. Willie wants a public apology, that none of the LOCC feel is necessary, including Pete. Tony’s approval rate in the Senate is 29-1. He invites the whole family to DC for his swearing in ceremony.

SEASON 4

Heather’s highly anticipated book about the family, LIKE THE JONESES, is finally finished, and Tony fears it could cause problems for him in DC. His first few weeks in DC have been busy but he managed to make time to meet the gorgeous Cypress Roccio. They are inseparable right out the gate. He tries to keep the book a secret from her, but she learns about it from social media. Tony and Cypress both miss their respective homes, but avoid discussing it much. Heather’s book exposes Willie’s debt to the illegal farmers in California, which is the actual reason he needed the inheritance. This puts a dent in the relationship of Heather and Cynthia. In other news, Tony is questioned about his sobriety, and has to defend his right to consume medical marijuana when he is off duty. John has secured some new business deals, and is doing fairly well running Jones Farmacy. Willie’s annual checkup uncovers some concerns, and the doctor asks him to stay put, which puts a dent in yet another attempt for he and Elaine to finally settle in St. Maarten. Tony and Cypress toy with the idea of marriage and children. Tony books a trip for two to Morocco to ask Cypress’ father for her hand in marriage.

SEASON 5

Tony and Cypress return from Morocco married. While Willie and Elaine are uncertain about the future of their marriage. They attempt to reconcile while Elaine is in Portland short term. John needs a kidney, or he will die in less than a year. The twins scramble to locate potential donors. The family makes plans to visit DC for Tony’s reception, Willie, Elaine, Cynthia, Heather, and Henry. While there, we learn that Tony will be involved in foreign negotiations to free a young US citizen who is being wrongfully detained for drug possession in a Cape Verdean jail. Cypress unexpectedly shares with the Jones family, that she is pregnant and that she plans to spend the entirety of her pregnancy in Morocco, with or without Tony. Cynthia and Elaine are livid over Willie’s decision to donate his kidney to John without consulting them first. Things get heated when Henry and Heather come to Willie’s defense. Willie and Elaine reconcile and agree to a 50/50 living arrangement. He is headed to meet her in the Caribbean when his plane goes missing. Tony uncovers information that may tie Cypress’ family to the trafficking of illegal drugs from Morocco to the US, via Cape Verde.

[Chanda Haynes]

What I learned doing this assignment is that the character descriptions that are done well provide a visual of what this character will be like. But also gives you a peep into the world from each character’s perspective.

Pete Roberts, the Founder and President of Green Diamonds, is a man with an end goal. He consistently ranks on the Forbes Top 420 Cannabis Companies in the US. Well educated and groomed by some of the best of the best in canna world. Pete has come a long way from his humble beginnings in Haiti. Often labeled a “sellout,” by his black colleagues, Pete has been known to utter “all lives matter” in exchange for money, power, and privilege.

When Pete and Tony Jones join forces, they become unstoppable in the cannabis arena, soaring ahead of his nemesis, Willie Jones. His newfound success all but guarantees him his spot back on the Cannabis Commission panel. But the governor is not so sure, as Pete’s secrets start to surface. A string of mystery children and unscrupulous business deals lead us back to how Pete Roberts came to know the Jones family.

Henry Jones, a smooth talking, debonair business concierge returns to town for a visit with his good ole Uncle Willie, aka Portland’s Cannabis Commissioner, Willie Jones. Henry presents proof that Willie used Henry and his twin Heather’s inheritance, without their consent, to launch his thriving cannabis business, Jones Farmacy. Henry, opts to be repaid with interest, or he’s going to the Cannabis Commission with this information. Willie is unable to honor a request that large without arousing suspicion, instead he offers Henry the CEO position at the company, with a hefty salary and a percentage of any new business deals he lands. Henry accepts the deal on the grounds that his CEO appointment begin immediately. Henry is facing death threats and foreclosures due to his reckless gambling addiction. In true Jones fashion, he is never going down without a fight. He analyzes his position, and prepares to strike back.

Willie Jones, Cannabis Commissioner and owner of Jones Farmacy, a growing cannabis business, has reached a crossroads when it is time to make good on the couples’ retirement that he promised his wife of 25 years. She convinces him to handoff control of the company to his son and co-founder, Tony. Willie’s plans go awry as he is now being blackmailed by his nephew. His son feels unappreciated and announces his resignation from the company, and the Governor appoints him with another four years is his Commissioner seat. He must make some tough decisions and draw some hard boundaries or he stands the risk of losing everything, including himself.

Tony Jones, is the co-founder of the multi-million dollar cannabis giant, Jones Farmacy. As the eldest son of Cannabis Commissioner, WIllie Jones, Tony was pretty much born into the bud business. Unlike his father, Tony’s knowledge goes beyond planting and farming, and into the legislative and regulatory side of things. Because of his extensive knowledge, he is invaluable to cannabis businesses on the legal side of things. Due to his alcoholic past and questionable decision making, his father has limited his level of responsibility in the company.

But after twelve years sober, Tony is tired of being shutout by his father, and demands a bigger role in the company. He reaches his breaking point when his clueless cousin returns to town and is appointed CEO of the company. Tony announces his resignation from his father’s company, and shortly thereafter, he accepts a smoking deal to run the company of his father’s number one competitor. As the competition with his father intensifies, and his personal relationships take some unexpected turns, Tony realizes money and power are nothing if you don’t have the people you love in your life.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 11 months ago by  Chanda Haynes.

[Chanda Haynes]

1. Present your Concept.

HOOK 1: How does an undervalued son and employee go from doing menial tasks for his father’s cannabis company to creating the nation’s most successful black owned cannabis corporation?

HOOK 2: After his clueless cousin is appointed CEO of the family’s cannabis business, an undervalued son joins forces with his father’s nemesis and becomes his family’s biggest competitor.

<div>

2. Tell us the World of this show.

Unique Sub-World: Black owned legalized cannabis business</div>

Previously unexplored: How you become a legal cannabis dealer. The cost of becoming a legal cannabis business owner.

The unknown: How you will be perceived by the street dealers. How will you be received by your community.

The unseen: Requirements for remaining licensed. Moldy/damaged plants that can’t be sold; Violations, judgments and fines. Fraudulently acquired licenses.

Unheard of Dangers: Dispensaries being robbed at gunpoint. Cannabis companies unable to file bankruptcy.

Reason to explore it: Blacks make up 40% of illegal cannabis sales, but less than 2% of legal cannabis businesses are black owned.

[Chanda Haynes]

Chanda is ready for feedback!

What I learned doing this assignment is that once you have your framework for your show, there are so many different directions you can take it. You get a general idea of what occurs over the life of your series. Even if you have some things that are questionable or uncertain, the framework gives your show a good head start. I also love the bullet points. Makes everything look neat and concise.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 12 months ago by  Chanda Haynes.

[Chanda Haynes]

What I learned doing this assignment is that irony can create a more interesting story, or twist to the story. Having scenarios where your characters are behaving out of their norm evokes more curiosity from the viewers.

CHARACTER IRONY

Tony might be calm, cool and sober, but still unreliable in his family’s eyes. Rarely keeps his word.

Tony is an angry bitter recovering alcoholic who closes the big deals all the time.

Pete continues to live the privileged life. He has not had to work much at all, but always moved ahead because he’s the token black in the cannabis industry.

Tony is not interested in any new opportunities. Tony only wants to work for his father’s company.

Elaine and Willie want to work another ten years, and expand the business before they turn it over to the children.

Willie gives in and hands over all the big deals to Tony.

Tony panics after asking for more responsibility.

Willie makes Henry CEO, and Henry comes to Tony for business advice

Tony is no longer interested in Noelle romantically. He has his eyes on someone else at Green Diamonds.

Tony’s son who has limited contact with him, now has an addiction.

Tony advises Henry although he competed with Henry for the CEO position.

Tony located Pete’s other children, Noelle’s brothers, Eli and Peyton, in New York.

Pete’s wife tells Tony about the DNA match. She asks Tony to investigate the situation.

Tony investigates to see if Pete is the father of Elaine’s estranged son.

PLOT IRONY

** Pete wants the Cannabis Commissioner seat. He hires Tony to help him get it. Tony is appointed to the seat instead of Pete.

After Henry blackmails willie into making him CEO, Heather blackmails Henry into making their father CEO.

Henry blackmails Willie into making his father CEO.

Willie wants to take a step back from Jones Farmacy, but none of his children want to run the company.

The Jones children want to sell or downsize Jones Farmacy.

Pete and Tony’s plan fails, and Green Diamonds falls out of the Top 10.

Pete and Tony’s plan turns Green Diamonds into a powerhouse, but they still don’t surpass Jones Farmacy.

The whole family disapproves of Heather’s book and goes to great lengths to prevent it from being published.

[Chanda Haynes]

EMPIRE – CREATING IRONY

Character Irony

Lucious Lyon values loyalty, but needs Control.

Lucious is in love with Cookie, but marries Anika

Cookie loves her children, but is verbally abusive to them.

Andre is the most educated, non-violent and stable of the three sons, yet he is considered a liability because he has bipolar disorder.

Lucious has a peaceful conversation with Frank Gathers, after they call a truce, the other inmates kill Frank.

Anika wants Lucious to marry her to make up for all of his cheating and lies.

Lucious refuses to give Jamal any more money because he’s gay, but he has gay artists on his label that he pays.

Lucious had Frank killed then signs his daughter to Empire.

Cookie and Lucious have known each other since kids, but she never knew his real name.

Vernon tells Cookie he raised her boys, but he only considers Andre like his son.

SITUATIONAL IRONY

Lucious was arrested for Bunky’s murder. Tracy killed Vernon, so they were able to pin Bunky’s murder on Vernon.

Lucious’ sons all competed for his position, ruining their relationships with one another, then Lucious informs them he’s not dying and will still run the company.

Cookie was caught on camera trying to kill Lucious. Lucious uses it to get Jamal on his side.

Lucious confesses to Bunky’s murder while talking in his sleep. Cookie is angry at him but still doesn’t go to the police.

Vernon is plotting on Lucious, and Lucious hires him to watch Cookie.

Tracy left Andre because Andre didn’t fight for the company, not because Andre was having an affair.

Anika and Cookie hate each other because of Lucious. Now they have to get along with one another to dethrone Lucious.

Jamal sings at a rap battle and wins.

[Chanda Haynes]

What I learned doing this assignment is how this can be useful building the series bible. By arranging the series’ highlights in a certain order, you can see when and how these mysteries and identities will be exposed. It helps to create a vision for the longevity of the show.

LIKE THE JONESES – PLOT AND CHARACTER LAYERS

Major scheme revealed – When Henry learns about Willie using his inheritance to fund his business, Henry agrees to keep quiet if Willie makes him CEO.

Mystery revealed – Henry and Heather’s father gave Willie their inheritance for safekeeping.

Thought the story was one thing, but it is another – We believed that Pete and Willie had beef over Elaine allegedly leaving Pete to be with Willie. We find out that it was Pete that learned of Willie and Elaine’s arrangement to get cannabis to Oregon. Pete went behind their back and undercut them.

Major shift in Meaning – Noelle learns that her father (Pete) only helped to fix things with Tony so that Tony would work for him. She questions Tony’s values.

Hidden history – Willie never went to college in California. He used his grandfather’s money to buy a plot of land on an illegal weed farm, which is how he and Elaine’s business started.

Hidden plan – Tony and Adam have a plan to start their own cannabis business.

Major betrayal – Tony leaves Jones Farmacy and eventually goes to work for their competition, Green Diamonds, which is Pete Roberts’ company.

2. Brainstorm a list of possible CHARACTER layers.

CHARACTER LAYERS – TONY JONES

Secret identity Anthony William Jones II, chemical engineering and business major, college baseball star, entrepreneur

Character intrigue – He considers himself sober (from alcohol), but he still smokes weed. He is very intelligent and business savvy, but hardly ever shows it around his family. Like he has repressed it.

Hidden relationships and conspiracies – Tony and Adam start meeting more. Adam tries to convince him to start his own business.

Hidden Character history – Tony was living his dream life–wife, kid, business going well, but lost it all when his drinking got out of hand.

CHARACTER LAYERS – Noelle Roberts, ex-wife of Tony Jones

Secret identity – Sole heir to the Pete Roberts estate

Character intrigue – She still has feelings for Tony. Doesn’t seem to act in her own best interest.

Hidden relationships and conspiracies – She tells Adam exactly what to say to Tony to convince him to go after the startup grant. With Tony focused on his own company, she can take over Green Diamonds.

Hidden Character history – Noelle and Tony were college sweethearts and married shortly thereafter. She is the only child of Pete Roberts and his wife Cheryl, sole heir to the Green Diamond empire. We later learn that she has at least two half siblings, but they are not included in Pete’s will.

CHARACTER LAYERS – Dr. Elaine Roberts

Secret identity – Holistic healer. She’s a medicine woman, specializing in Eastern medicine. She’s not a doctor, she’s a healer. She prescribes medical marijuana for most ailments.

Character intrigue – She’s always been called “Doctor Elaine Roberts.” She knows her shit so much that no one even questions her education.

Hidden relationships and conspiracies – Tony confides to her about not feeling valued in the company. She attempts to get Willie to reconsider the CEO appointment. She confronts Henry and offers him money to go away and leave Willie alone.

Hidden Character history – She doesn’t have a medical degree. She has an estranged son that grew up with his father.

CHARACTER LAYERS – WILLIE JONES

Secret identity – Studied “plant science” on an illegal weed farm, not UCLA.

Character intrigue – He is self taught in all things agriculture and hustlenomics. He doesn’t’ need a college degree to do what he does, yet he lies about having one anyway. He admires Tony, but refuses to give him more responsibility in the company.

Hidden relationships and conspiracies – Willie still has contact with the illegal farmers in Cali. He reaches out to them when business starts dropping. They devise a plan to help him dismantle Pete’s operation.

Hidden Character history – Although he never formally went to college, he befriended several students, got paid to do their homework, and taught himself the same curriculum. He used the money his grandfather left him for college to buy a plot of land on an illegal weed farm.

3. Organize them each into a possible sequence of reveals.

Plot Surface: Tony is VP at Jones Farmacy, however, he is not given much responsibility by his father, Willie who is the CEO. Due to Tony’s struggle with alcohol and bad decision making in the past, Willie is mindful of what he will and won’t allow Tony access to in the company. After learning that Willie is taking a leave of absence, and his cousin Henry will be acting CEO, Tony announces that he is leaving Jones Farmacy. With no plan to speak of, Tony runs into Pete Roberts, his father’s nemesis and competition, who offers him a position as VP at his company, Green Diamonds.

Layer 1: Mystery – Of all the children, why would Willie leave Henry in charge. Although, he and Willie have a great uncle/father figure-son relationship, Henry is the least connected to the family and the company. Why wouldn’t Willie leave Tony in charge. Tony has been sober over ten years, has a business degree, and is knowledgeable of the day to day operations of Jones Farmacy.

Layer 2: Hidden Agenda – Pete knows Tony is top notch in business. He knows family is important to Tony. He also knows why Willie overlooks Tony to lead the company, which he uses to his advantage. Pete knows Tony can move his company ahead of Jones Farmacy, so he makes Tony an offer he can’t refuse. He offers to mend things between Tony and his ex-wife and son, in exchange for Tony working for him.

Layer 3: Conspiracy – Pete and Tony create a mastermind plan to turn Green Diamonds into a cannabis powerhouse, surpassing Jones Farmacy as the biggest black owned brand.

Layer 4: Sabotage – Willie and Henry go after Tony’s family, planting seeds in Noelle’s mind that Tony is using her to secure his position at the company. Willie consults with the illegal farmers on how to beat Pete. He arranges for Pete’s fertilizer to be swapped, sending instead toxic growth fertilizer to destroy Pete’s crops.

Character Surface: Tony Jones is an ambitious VP of Jones Farmacy (his father’s company), but is only given menial, gopher tasks in the company.

Layer 1: Hidden Character history – Tony was living his dream life–wife, kid, business going well, but lost it all when his drinking got out of hand.

Layer 2: Wound – His wife left and he now has limited access to his only child due to his reckless past.

Layer 3: Secret identity Anthony William Jones II, chemical engineering and business major, college baseball star, entrepreneur. He is very intelligent and business savvy, but hardly ever shows it around his family. Like he has repressed it.

Layer 4: Competition – After being overlooked by his father for the CEO position, although he is the most qualified, Tony leaves the company in search of a better opportunity. Pete Roberts, his father’s number one competitor and nemesis makes him an offer he can’t refuse.

Layer 5: Hidden Agenda – Although Tony is doing great at Pete’s company, his ultimate goal is to be in business for himself, with the help of his friend Adam.

Character Surface: Willie Jones is the founder and CEO of Jones Farmacy, a publicly traded cannabis company.

Layer 1: Hidden Agenda – When Henry learns about Willie using his inheritance to fund his business, Henry agrees to keep quiet if Willie pays him out or makes him CEO. Willie knows Tony is the most qualified, but can afford to pay Henry out, but opts to make him CEO.

Layer 2: Wound – He was overburdened with responsibility by his own father. He admires Tony’s work ethic, but refuses to give him more responsibility in the company. He feels too much responsibility may overwhelm him and cause a relapse.

Layer 3: Hidden Character history – Although he never formally went to college, he befriended several students, got paid to do their homework, and taught himself the same curriculum. He used the money his grandfather left him for college to buy a plot of land on an illegal weed farm.

Layer 4: Competition: Willie consults with the illegal farmers to devise a plan to bring down Pete.

Character Surface: Noelle Roberts, daughter of Pete Roberts, ex-wife of Tony Jones, mother of Tony’s only child

Layer 1: Hidden Agenda – When paternity documents came for Pete, she destroyed them, never informing Pete that he has a set of twins in California. Thus making her sole heir to Pete Roberts’ estate.

Layer 2: Secret identity – Half sister to Peyton and Eli Roberts.

Layer 3: Wound – She still has feelings for Tony. Has the worst luck with men. Doesn’t seem to act in her own best interest.

Layer 4: Competition – She tells Adam exactly what to say to Tony to convince him to go after the startup grant. With Tony focused on his own company, she can take over Green Diamonds.

• This reply was modified 2 years ago by  Chanda Haynes.
• This reply was modified 2 years ago by  Chanda Haynes.
• This reply was modified 2 years ago by  Chanda Haynes.
• This reply was modified 2 years ago by  Chanda Haynes.

[Chanda Haynes]

EMPIRE – PLOT AND CHARACTER LAYERS

Major scheme revealed – Cookie is working with the Feds to bring down Frank Gathers. She blames him for having to serve time. <div>

Mystery revealed – We learn Cookie served time for Lucious’ crimes. Frank Gathers was the distributor. They sold his drugs.

Thought the story was one thing, but it is another – Lucious led everyone to believe his mother died from suicide. The whole time he had her detained at a psychiatric hospital that she couldn’t escape, and he was financing it.

Major shift in Meaning – With Lucious being diagnosed with ALS, his company is no longer eligible to go public on the NYSE.

Hidden history –

Hidden plan – Andre and Tracy scheme to make his brothers fight with each other. Therefore he looks like the calm, sensible one, and uses that to push for the CEO spot.

Major betrayal – Lucious makes Aneka Head of A&R, the position Cookie wanted. He also proposes to her, the position Cookie used to have, after flirting with Cookie and sending her roses. Cookie believed they were rekindling their romance.

CHARACTER LAYERS – identity beneath the identity.

Secret identity – Lucious Lyon is really Dwayne </div>

Character intrigue – Lucious is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Although he is visibly very scared of dying, it doesn’t stop him from killing other people and continue to live a criminal lifestyle.

<div>

Hidden relationships and conspiracies – Tariq, the detective that has been hounding Lucious is actually his half brother. With the help of Vernon, Lucious had his mom admitted to a psychiatric hospital where she could never leave. Vernon paid the bill every month for Lucious. Lucious visits the grave frequently, convincing his family that his mother died from suicide.

Hidden Character history – Lucious actually dated Cookie’s sister, Carol first. Lucious’ father was a police officer. Cookie blames Lucious for her father’s death, because he died from a heart attack. She believes her father’s heart was broken because she was with Lucious and living a dangerous lifestyle.

CHARACTER LAYERS – Cookie

Secret identity – Cookie is Loretha Holloway. An honor roll student who was expected to graduate and receive a scholarship to Howard University. Her father kicked her out of the house because she was dating Lucious, and she dropped out of high school and never went to college.

Character intrigue – She is loyal to Lucious even though he is only loyal to himself. She has undying loyalty to the women in prison. Although she considers herself a hustler, she agreed to work with the FBI to bring down Frank Gathers.

Hidden relationships and conspiracies – No one knew she was an informant for the FBI. She agreed to expose Frank Gathers drug enterprise. Bunky was her cousin. He helped raise her kids while she was in prison. She and Jamal join forces to break away from Empire and start their own label.

Hidden Character history – Cookie dated a nice guy with a bright future. She was really in love with him. When Lucious began to pop up more frequently, and give her money and attention, she started dating him. She always regretted leaving him for Lucious.

3. Organize them each into a possible sequence of reveals.

Plot Surface: Cookie is released from prison. She says “I’m going to get what’s mine.”

Layer 1: We learn that Cookie never snitched on Lucious, so she did 17 years for his crimes.</div><div>

Layer 2: We learn that Cookie is working with the FBI, and there is some kind of deal with them.

Layer 3: We learn that Aneka hired a private detective to follow Cookie, the detective suspects that Cookie is meeting with the Feds.

Layer 4: We learn Cookie is working with the Feds to bring down someone named Frank Gathers.

Layer 5: We learn that Frank Gathers was the drug boss that Cookie and Lucious worked for back in the day.

Layer 6: We learn that Frank suspects that it was Cookie that ratted him out to the FBI.

Character Surface: Cookie Lyon is a recently released ex-convict that served 17 years in prison.

Layer 1: Hidden Identity – Cookie was a wife and mother of three sons. She and her husband Lucious used money they made selling drugs to start a record company. </div>

Layer 2: Hidden Agenda – Cookie wants her share of Empire Records. She originally invested $400,000 to start the company.

Layer 3: Wound – Seventeen years of her life was taken from her. She missed out on her children’s entire childhood.

Layer 4: Competition – Lucious is with Aneka but still has a soft spot for Cookie. Cookie knows that Lucious can’t say no to her, so she exploits it, which eventually drives Aneka away.

Layer 5: Future Consequences – Lucious asks Cookie to remarry him, she says no. Cookie suspects Lucious of killing Bunky, but Vernon denies it, saying Lucious would never do something like that. Lucious goes to prison for Bunky’s murder. Meanwhile the rest of the family is plotting a hostile takeover, Cookie at the head of it. This is a set up Season 2 and what will Empire be like with Lucious in prison and Andre and Cookie running the company.

[Chanda Haynes]

What I learned doing this assignment is that these big picture open loops can serve as structure for the pilot. These are things you know have to happen in the pilot, so I am starting to see how to piece them together to tell the story.

LIKE THE JONESES – BIG PICTURE OPEN LOOPS

GOALS:

New goals? Tony having private discussions about establishing business in New York.

Goals related to the big picture? Pete asks to speak to Tony about an opportunity at his company. Adam speaks to Tony about another opportunity.

Crushed goals? Willie makes Henry interim CEO. Tony decides his next move.

Competition / conflict around goals? Tony has been an asset to Pete’s company. They want him to have even more responsibility.

CONSEQUENCES:

Are they going to be caught? Tony creates a fraudulent profile to apply for a cannabis grant.

Problems created from past actions? Henry learns that Willie used his inheritance to fund the company. Now Henry blackmails Willie into making him CEO.

Good plans gone wrong? Heather reestablishes contact with her father. He shows up demanding he and his children’s inheritance.

SOLVING PROBLEMS:

What is the major problem for this character? Tony wants more responsibility in the family business. Due to his troubled past, his father doesn’t trust him.

What are they trying to solve? He is trying to make a name for himself in the cannabis world.

Major change imposed on character? Henry is made interim CEO of the family business. Tony leaves the company, and is offered a position with the competition.

Previous solutions cause new problems?

RELATIONSHIPS:

Relationships in peril? Tony and Willie’s father-son relationship is in turmoil after Tony leaves the company. Willie threatens to fire anybody who is caught having conversation with Tony. Elaine is torn as Willie tries to bring down Pete and his company.

New relationships forming? Through Pete, Tony has reestablished his relationship with his ex-wife, Noelle, and his son.

Conflict inside relationships? Noelle is remarried, and her husband also works for the company.

Relationships changing? Henry helps Tony out of a jam.

DANGER / SURVIVAL / RISKS:

Can they survive X? When Willie and Pete learn of Tony’s takeover, they join forces against him.

Putting themselves in danger / making dangerous decisions? Tony submits fraudulent paperwork for a cannabis land grant. If this is ever revealed, Jones Farmacy could lose their license.

Who else is pulled into their danger? He recruits Heather to cover up his lie. He eventually has to tell Henry when he needs Henry to get him out of a bind.

Internal dangers (drug addiction, need for medicine, inner demons)? Tony has a looming fear of relapsing. Willie shares the same fear for his son, which is why he gives him very little responsibility. Henry and Heather’s father who suffers from PTSD, comes back into the picture after many years.

2. Tell us your top 5-8 Big Picture Open Loops that could be in your pilot.

What happens to Jones Farmacy when Tony goes to work for the competition?

What will happen to Tony and Willie’s relationship if Tony goes to work for Pete?

Why did Willie give Henry the interim CEO position?

How will Pete convince Noelle and Taj to give Tony a second chance?

Will Noelle and Taj forgive Tony?

How long has Heather been in contact with her father?

Will Cynthia move away to be closer to her daughter?

What started Pete and Willie’s feud?

[Chanda Haynes]

EMPIRE – BIG PICTURE OPEN LOOPS

Big Picture Open Loops:

1. Which son will become the next CEO of Empire?

2. When will Lucious die?

3. Will Lucious and Cookie get back together?

4. Will Cookie get her share of Empire?

5. How will Jamal’s lifestyle affect his future with Empire?

6. Will Lucious get caught for killing Bunky?

Small Picture Open Loops:

Will Lucious tell his family about his illness?

Will Lucious let Jamal be a part of the opening performance?

[Chanda Haynes]

What I learned doing this assignment is that the shocking event is what sets the show in motion and hooks the audience. Then the story takes the audience on a journey answering all the questions related to that shocking event. And that’s what keeps the audience watching, gradually learning what’s behind this event.

LIKE THE JONESES – SHOW MYSTERIES

A. Shocking Event: Willie makes Henry interim CEO. Tony leaves Jones Farmacy for the competition.

B. Secret: Why did Willie give the role to Henry?

C. Investigation: The audience is set up to search for

Who will support Tony’s split from Jones Farmacy? Heather. Cynthia is ambivalent.

What will Willie do to convince him not to leave? He tries to bribe him with more money.

When will Tony decide that enough is enough? When Willie announces that Henry will be interim CEO.

Where will Tony’s next position be? Green Diamonds – Pete Roberts’ company. The Joneses competition.

How will Tony working for the competition impact his family’s business? Green Diamonds starts acquiring new investors and expanding under Tony’s leadership. Jones Farmacy falls second to Green Diamonds.

Part Withheld:

Why did Willie give the role to Henry?

Willie used Henry and his sister Heather’s inheritance, unbeknownst to them, to sustain the company at one point. When Henry learned about it, he gave Willie two options – a full cash return on their investment or make Henry interim CEO, indefinitely.

A. Cover up: Tony leaves Jones Farmacy to go work with Pete Roberts, the competitor. So it seems Tony is loyal to Pete and immediately becomes Pete’s golden ticket to moving his company ahead of Jones Farmacy. Working for Pete has also given Tony more access to his son and ex-wife, whom he still loves.

B. Secret: Tony is given the opportunity for a grant to build his own cannabis company, with the growth potential to surpass both Willie and Pete as the biggest black owned cannabis brand.

C. Reveals: Tony has secret meetings and mentions New York a lot.

Why is Tony keeping his opportunity a secret? Because he doesn’t want his father or any of his family members fucking it up. And he has to falsify some of his information.

Where did Tony meet these people that attend the secret meetings? A teammate from college, who resides in New York, presented him with an opportunity.

What is in New York? Tony’s friend from college. He tells Tony about an opportunity to land a grant to start a cannabis biz.

When will Tony know if he got the grant? End of Season One.

How has he been able to keep it a secret for this long? It’s all the way in New York. His family wouldn’t even suspect it.

Part Withheld:

Who close to him knows about it? Only his friend from college. He eventually tells Heather and Kiara about the business. But they still don’t know what he did to get the startup money.

• This reply was modified 2 years ago by  Chanda Haynes.

[Chanda Haynes]

EMPIRE – SHOW MYSTERIES

Shocking Event Mystery:

A. Shocking Event: Cookie is released from prison.

B. Secret: Who is Cookie?

C. Investigation: The audience is being set up to investigate

What: What is the relationship between Cookie and Lucious? They were married, they have three children together.

Why: why is Lucious so bothered that no one told him about her release? He stopped visiting her years ago, and divorced her. He knows she’s out for revenge.

When – When did Cookie go to prison? 17 years ago.

How: How does Bunky know Cookie related? They’re cousins and he works for Lucious.

Part Withheld:

Where – Where is home for Cookie?

We learned in season one that Cookie and Lucious sold drugs in Philadelphia, were married and had children before she went to prison. Most of Cookie’s backstory/childhood wasn’t revealed until later seasons, when we learned about her sisters, her boyfriend before Lucious, and her father’s wishes for her to go to college.

Over Time Mystery

A. Cover up: Lucious informs his three sons that he will be grooming one of them to be the next CEO of Empire. He was recently diagnosed with a terminal illness, but doesn’t tell his family.

B. Secret: Which son will take over the company.

C. Reveals: Lucious has a conversation with Andre about how Andre started “working” at the company at age 11. Andre insists that’s why he should be CEO because he has always been loyal to Empire. Lucious asks Andre if the CEO should be an artist, since Empire is a record company. Later Lucious tells Hakeem he has plans for them to work closely together on a new project.

What – What will this competition do to the brothers’ relationship with one another? They start turning on one another, even setting each other up to get hurt.

Where – Where will Cookie be in the company if one of her sons becomes CEO? When Hakeem became CEO, he fired Cookie and Jamal.

Why – Why doesn’t Lucious just put Andre in charge since he has a business degree? Andre suffers from Bipolar Disorder, Lucious doesn’t trust him and feels Andre’s wife has too much control over him.

How: How far will the three sons go to prove their worthiness to their father? Andre helps him hide bodies and covers up his crimes to keep him out of jail. Jamal hangs Frank (CEO of a competing label) off of a high rise balcony, threatening to drop him for crossing Lucious. Hakeem carried out all of Lucious’ commands, even to his own detriment.

Part Withheld:

Who – Who does Lucious really want in the CEO position?

When – When will Lucious step down as CEO?

It seemed that Lucious never really wanted any of his sons in the CEO position, but rather wanted to see the extremes they would go to to prove themselves. Once he learned he did not have ASL, he decided not to step down from CEO of Empire. However, when Lucious went to prison, Hakeem took over as CEO, but as soon as Lucious was cleared, he had Hakeem voted out of the CEO position.

• This reply was modified 2 years ago by  Chanda Haynes.

[Chanda Haynes]

“What I learned doing this assignment is this is putting pieces of the story together. Like the framework for the story. These will be some of the beats in the story.

LIKE THE JONESES – EMPATHY/DISTRESS

TONY JONES

A. Undeserved misfortune – Lost his wife and child due to his alcoholism. Overlooked in the family business.

B. External Character conflicts – Pete and Willie’s ongoing beef affects his role in both companies.

C. Plot intruding on life – Willie puts Henry in a position, and Tony has to report to him.

D. Moral dilemmas – Putting his dreams on hold to stay loyal to the family business.

E. Forced decisions they’d never make – Going to work for the family’s competitor.

WILLIE JONES

A. Undeserved misfortune – Had to turn down his scholarship to work on the family farm.

B. External Character conflicts – Elaine wants him to retire now. His children wanting to make changes within the business.

C. Plot intruding on life – Tony goes to work for his competitor.

D. Moral dilemmas – Believing that his son has changed, but leery of turning the business over to him.

E. Forced decisions they’d never make. – Cross his son to save his family’s business.

HENRY JONES

A. Undeserved misfortune – Lost his mother in military combat. His father abandoned him and his sister.

B. External Character conflicts – Pete and Willie’s conflict interferes with his potential business partnerships. Heather is in contact with their estranged father.

C. Plot intruding on life – He’s running the family business. His cousin has become his opponent.

D. Moral dilemmas – Whether or not he should forgive his father.

E. Forced decisions they’d never make – Being in business with his father.

PETE ROBERTS

A. Undeserved misfortune – Betrayed by Willie and Elaine.

B. External Character conflicts – Willie and Tony’s feud spills over into his company. Hasn’t forgiven Elaine or Willie, but is forced to do business with them.

C. Plot intruding on life – Tony is using him as a stepping stone. He doesn’t really want to work for him.

D. Moral dilemmas – Whether or not to forgive Willie.

E. Forced decisions they’d never make – To sell his company.

[Chanda Haynes]

EMPIRE: EMPATHY/DISTRESS

Lucious

A. Undeserved misfortune – Lucious being diagnosed with ASL.

B. External Character conflicts – Cookie and Aneka fighting over Lucious; infighting at Empire Records while he’s dealing with his medical treatment

C. Plot intruding on life – Andre discovering that Lucious’ mother is still alive. Cookie’s life being threatened by Frank, and Lucious needing to protect her.

D. Moral dilemmas – Letting his family believe his mother was dead so he didn’t have to see her suffer from mental illness. Killing Bunky because he was bad for business, knowing his family would be deeply hurt. Marrying Aneka although he is still in love with Cookie.

E. Forced decisions they’d never make – Telling his family the truth about his mother, father and brother. Telling the truth about his daughter.

Cookie

A. Undeserved misfortune – Served time for Lucious’ crime.

B. External Character conflicts – Her sons feuding over who will take over the company. Lucious’ maltreatment of their sons.

C. Plot intruding on life – Lucious’ relationship with Aneka. Frank Gathers still wanting revenge on her. Feds wanting her to testify.

D. Moral dilemmas – Helping Lucious although he has betrayed her many times.

E. Forced decisions they’d never make – Giving her son drugs so he can perform.

Hakeem

A. Undeserved misfortune – Mother was in prison his entire childhood. Raised by his drug dealing father.

B. External Character conflicts – Cookie attacking his older girlfriend. His father turning he and his brothers against each other.

C. Plot intruding on life – His father putting him in position to be CEO before he was ready, then exposing him.

D. Moral dilemmas – Going against his brothers to please his father.

E. Forced decisions they’d never make – Leaving Empire and signing with their competition.

[Chanda Haynes]

What I learned doing this assignment was that the relationships are also helping to build the story. So if there are things occurring in the story that must happen to or with the main characters, this gives you an idea of what character will make it happen. This also provides some backstory that gives us context for the current story.

LIKE THE JONESES – CHARACTER MAP

TONY JONES

TONY JONES – WILLIE JONES

Surface: Respectful father-son personal and business relationship, not openly affectionate

Common Ground: Extensive knowledge of cannabis, both spent early life working the family farm.

Conflict: Tony wants more responsibility. Willie doesn’t trust him to get it done.

History: Tony was an alcoholic, made some bad decisions in the past. Willie felt he has to save Tony.

Subtext: Willie doesn’t trust Tony. Tony wants to be CEO of his own company.

Relationship Arc: From Tony being VP of Jones Farmacy to being VP of a competing brand.

TONY JONES – HENRY JONES

Surface: Cousins, cordial but not super close.

Common Ground: They were both raised by Willie and Elaine. Their mothers weren’t always present in their lives.

Conflict: Tony has the title, but Henry is given more responsibility. They want what each other has.

History: Always close as kids. Henry looked up to Tony. They were inseparable until Henry left for college.

Subtext: Tony admires Henry for stepping out on his own. Henry has no clue what he’s doing.

Relationship Arc: They go from being cordial and friendly to working for competing CEOs.

TONY JONES – HEATHER JONES

Surface: Very loving, respectful relationship

Common Ground: They both agree that their family has some issues.

Conflict: Heather wants to expose the family secrets in her book.

History: They were both raised by Willie. Grew up like siblings.

Subtext: Tony admires Heather for following her dreams. Heather feels like Tony could be doing more with his life.

Relationship Arc: From close and loving to questioning each other’s decision making.

WILLIE JONES

WILLIE JONES – HENRY JONES

Surface: Very loving, respectful father figure-son relationship

Common Ground: Both

Conflict: Henry agrees Tony should have more responsibility.

History: Willie raised Henry after his mom died and his dad disappeared.

Subtext: Willie gives Henry grace b/c of the loss of his mother.

Relationship Arc: From close business and family relationship to questioning each other’s motives.

WILLIE JONES – CYNTHIA JONES

Surface: Father – daughter, Cynthia feels limited by her father

Common Ground: They both want to grow the family business

Conflict: Cynthia wants to leave Portland and expand the business into other states

History: After Cynthia’s divorce, Willie convinced her to come home and work for the family business.

Subtext: Cynthia feels Willie is narrow minded and shows preference to the male family members

Relationship Arc: From conflict about expanding to having Willie’s full support.

WILLIE JONES – ELAINE JONES

Surface: Loving husband and wife. She’s his advisor.

Common Ground: They share a home, children, and business.

Conflict: Elaine doesn’t like how Willie manipulates their children. They agreed to retire together. Elaine is ready for retirement. Willie isn’t.

History: They started as business partners, and later married.

Subtext: Elaine doesn’t do anything to stop Willie’s behavior.

Relationship Arc: From loving spouses to living in different countries.

HENRY JONES

HENRY JONES – HEATHER JONES

Surface: Twins, close, protective of one another

Common Ground:

Conflict: Heather is more forgiving of their father than Henry is.

History: Twin siblings. Lost their mother in combat, uncertain where their father is or if he is alive.

Subtext: Henry feels Heather is disloyal. Heather feels Henry is ungrateful.

Relationship Arc: Best friend twins to backstabbing each other.

HENRY JONES – PETE ROBERTS

Surface: Business cordial, passive aggressive

Common Ground: Corrupt businessmen.

Conflict: Pete Roberts tries to destroy JFP once he learns Henry is in charge.

History: Never liked each other. Don’t trust each other.

Subtext: Henry wants to know what really happened between Pete and Willie.

Relationship Arc: From colleagues to arch enemies.

HENRY JONES – ELAINE JONES

Surface: Loving, respectful aunt-nephew.

Common Ground: Both protective of Willie

Conflict: Elaine doesn’t trust Henry in business. Henry feels she’s controlling.

History: Henry was raised by Willie and Elaine. Henry’s father was Elaine’s patient.

Subtext: They want each other out of the way.

Relationship Arc: familial relationship to questioning each other’s motives.

PETE ROBERTS

PETE ROBERTS – WILLIE JONES

Surface: Cordial in front of others, snide remarks, passive aggressive

Common Ground: Black men in the cannabis biz

Conflict: Competing for the biggest black owned cannabis brand

History: They both feel betrayed by the other.

Subtext: Have love and respect for each other.

Relationship Arc: From business opponents to election opponents.

PETE ROBERTS – ELAINE JONES

Surface: Friendly but guarded

Common Ground: Both want Willie out of business.

Conflict: Pete is her husband’s nemesis.

History: Feels she left him for Willie. She feels he left her to pursue business.

Subtext: There may still be some feelings for one another.

Relationship Arc: From ex-lovers to striking a business deal.

PETE ROBERTS – TONY JONES

Surface: Mutual respect

Common Ground: Want integrity in the black cannabis business.

Conflict: Tony disapproves of Pete’s rogue business tactics.

History: Tony met Pete when Pete worked with his grandfather. Pete is the grandfather of Tony’s child.

Subtext: They both hope Willie is bothered by their relationship.

Relationship Arc: From like family to business partners.

[Chanda Haynes]

<div>EMPIRE – RELATIONSHIP MAP: </div>

JAMAL LYON AND LUCIOUS LYON

Surface: Strained father-son relationship

<div>

Common Ground: Both grew up without their mother. Both musical geniuses.

Conflict: Lucious despises Jamal for being gay. Jamal despises Lucious for despising him.

History: Lucious threw him in the trashcan when Jamal had on women’s shoes as a child. Lucious forced him to marry a woman.

Subtext: They fear for one another’s safety because of their respective lifestyles

Relationship Arc: From despising one another to Jamal becoming Lucious’ successor.

JAMAL LYON AND COOKIE LYON

Surface: Overbearing but loving mother-son/manager-artist relationship.

Common Ground: Both love/hate Lucious. They have both fallen prey to Lucious.

Conflict: Jamal doesn’t want Cookie back with Lucious. Cookie wants to focus more on his music, not men.

History: She was in prison for 17 years of his life. He was the only one of her sons who visited her in prison.

Subtext: They are extremely loyal to one another.

Relationship Arc: From a chaotic mother son relationship to becoming co-founders of a new label.

JAMAL LYON AND ANDRE LYON

Surface: Brothers, confidantes.

Common Ground: Have both been victims of Lucious’ abusive parenting and criminal activity.

Conflict: They both want to be the successor for Empire Records.

History: They were raised by Lucious while their mother was in prison. Always looked out for one another.

Subtext: Competition. Lucious sees them both as flawed—one gay, one bipolar.

Relationship Arc: From competing for the CEO position to taking care of each other

</div>

• This reply was modified 2 years ago by  Chanda Haynes.

[Chanda Haynes]

What I learned doing this assignment is that getting into the character’s emotions and deeper layers sets the stage for your show. It makes a good blueprint for what my characters will be chasing and how characters are going to respond over and over again.

Like the Joneses, Character Emotions

TONY JONES

A. Situational: Hope: Be his own man / Fear: Dying alone

B. Motivation: Want: Wants something that’s all his / Need: Respect

C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion: Unfulfilled / Public Mask: VP of Jones Farmacy

D. Weaknesses: People pleaser, lacks confidence

E. Triggers: Feeling unseen/unheard

F. Coping Mechanism: Analyze, fight back

WILLIE JONES

A. Situational: Hope: Take a step back from work / Fear: His children will fuck up the company he built

B. Motivation: Want: Take time for himself / Need: Control

C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion: Shame / Public Mask: Business man with integrity

D. Weaknesses: Co-dependent

E. Triggers: being ungrateful, deceit, lack of loyalty

F. Coping Mechanism: Lie, manipulate

HENRY JONES

A. Situational: Hope: To be Willie’s favorite/ Fear: Being forgotten/overlooked

B. Motivation: Want: To be accepted by the family / Need: Validation

C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion: Worthless / Public Mask: Important. well known person

D. Weaknesses: Women, gambling

E. Triggers: Competition, feeling outcasted

F. Coping Mechanism: Alters his state, lie, distract

PETE ROBERTS

A. Situational: Hope: To have the #1 black owned cannabis company / Fear: Being 2nd to Willie Jones

B. Motivation: Want: Wants to be Commissioner / Need: To feel respected

C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion: Guilt / Public Mask: Man of the people

D. Weaknesses: Elaine; Power

E. Triggers: Competition, violations of trust

F. Coping Mechanism: Analyze, distract

[Chanda Haynes]

EMPIRE

LUCIOUS LYON

A. Situational: Hope: Becomes immortal through his music Fear: Dying

B. Motivation: Want: To build a legacy / Need: Control

C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion: Fear / Public Mask: Musical and corporate genius

D. Weaknesses: Only loyal to himself

E. Triggers: Mental health issues, loss of control

F. Coping Mechanism: Fight back, manipulate

ANDRE LYON

A. Situational: Hope: To be a successful businessman / Fear: His mental illness will hinder his success

B. Motivation: Want: To be the next CEO of Empire / Need: Validation

C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion: Depression/Anxiety / Public Mask: Wharton School businessman

D. Weaknesses: Always saves his father

E. Triggers: being off his meds, being asked about his musical abilities

F. Coping Mechanism: Shutdown, call for help

COOKIE LYON

A. Situational: Hope: To get her part of the company back / Fear: That nobody will respect her

B. Motivation: Want: To run Empire Records / Need: Respect

C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion: Shame / Public Mask: Bossy, reckless

D. Weaknesses: her sons, Lucious

E. Triggers: her prison time, Lucious

F. Coping Mechanism: Fight back, lie, manipulate

[Chanda Haynes]

“What I learned doing this assignment is that building these layers within your characters starts to tell the story. The way these layers are exposed is what creates your drama. You could take these same layers and expose them in a different way and make it a comedy. The story becomes more about the characters and less about the plot.

Like the Joneses — Intriguing Character Layers

Character Name: Tony Jones

Role: VP of Jones Farmacy

Hidden agendas: Wants to be CEO of his own company.

Competition: Competing with his siblings and cousins for bigger roles in the company. Competing with Steve and Tracy for Kenya’s attention. Competing with Henry for his father’s admiration.

Conspiracies: Working with Pete to move ahead of Jones Farmacy. Working with the Governor to dethrone Pete.

Secrets: Still in love with Kiarra, his ex-wife. Afraid that his son doesn’t love him. Afraid of dying alone.

Deception: Took the job with Pete hoping to get Kiarra back.

Wound: Recovering alcoholic. Feels overlooked by his father. Was forced to live with his father after the divorce of his parents. Lost his family due to his alcoholism. College roommate died after smoking a laced joint.

Secret Identity: Hates these corporate cannabis companies.

———————————————————————————————

Character Name: Willie Jones

Role: CEO of Jones Farmacy

Hidden agendas: To run the company from behind the scenes.

Competition: Competing against Pete’s company for #1 black owned cannabis brand.

Conspiracies: He let Steve believe he was closing the coffee deal, and Willie had already secured the deal. Conspired with Henry about the timing of the announcement of Henry being in charge.

Secrets: Insecure that he doesn’t have all the credentials Tony and Pete have.

Deception: Lied about going to college. Elaine confirmed the lie.

Wound: Was forced to drop out of eighth grade and work on his grandfather’s farm with his dad. Went back to school, graduated, then gave up his acting school dreams due to his father’s illness.

Secret Identity: Was working on an illegal weed farm while his family thought he was away at college.

———————————————————————————————

Character Name: Henry Jones

Role: Owner of startup, Old Henry Coffee, nephew of Willie Jones

Hidden agendas: To be Willie’s successor. Feels he and his sister are owed their mother’s share of the family business.

Competition: Compares himself to Tony constantly. Competes with Tracey for Heather’s attention. Competes with Heather for their dad’s attention.

Conspiracies: Conspired with Willie to secure the coffee deal and deceive Steve. Conspiring with his father to have controlling shares in Jones Farmacy.

Secrets: In serious debt. Gambling addiction. Needs the funds from this deal so he doesn’t go completely broke.

Deception: He was deceiving Willie while Willie thought they were deceiving Steve.

Wound: Lost his mother as a child. Raised by his dad until his dad disappeared. Grew up in Tony’s shadow.

Secret Identity: He considers himself homeless.

———————————————————————————————

Character Name: Pete Roberts

Role: CEO of Green Diamonds, Willie’s nemesis. He and Willie share a grandson.

Hidden agendas: Wants revenge on Willie for taking Elaine from him.

Competition: Competing with Willie for #1 black owned cannabis brand. Competing with other businessmen for the Cannabis Commissioner’s seat.

Conspiracies: Conspired with Tony’s mother to get Tony to work for him. Conspired with a reporter to get dirt on Henry.

Secrets: Still has love for Willie. Never really loved Elaine, just didn’t want her to be with Willie.

Deception: Deceived the board members to get votes.

Wound: Struggled for acceptance early in life. Accused of being a sellout.

Secret Identity: Zen Buddhist

[Chanda Haynes]

Show: EMPIRE

LUCIOUS

Name: Lucious Lyon

Role: CEO of Empire Records

Hidden Agenda: To deceive the public about his health issues, so that his company can still go public on the NYSE.

Competition: Competing with old enemy who also runs a record company. Competes with his sons for women, and on who is the best musician in the family.

Secrets: Hid the severity of his illness from his family and the public. Hid his mother in an institution and told everyone she died from suicide.

Deception: Had the doctor lie to the public about his health. He and his son helped each other to cover up murders they committed. Let Cookie believe she was on the Board of Directors, never telling her she was ineligible.

Wound: Father was a cop, killed in front of him. Mother was bipolar and made suicidal threats. Had to raise himself after his father’s death because his mom was incapable.

Secret Identity: His real name is actually Dwight Walker. His ex-wife, friends, and children didn’t even know that.

COOKIE

Name: Cookie Lyon

Role: Co-founder of Empire Records, ex-wife of Lucious, mother of his children.

Hidden Agenda: To bring down Frank Gathers. She blames him for having to do prison time.

Competition: Competing with Aneka, Lucious’ new girlfriend. Competing with other staff for the Head of A&R position.

Conspiracy: Working with the FBI to convict Frank Gathers. Working with Jamal (her 2nd son) to get his album released before his brother’s.

Secrets: Informant for the Feds. Still in love with Lucious. Regrets not staying with her first boyfriend.

Deception: FBI agent pretended to be her probation officer to deceive Lucious. Made empty promises to artists on the competing label to get them to come over to Empire.

Wound: Blames herself for her father’s heart attack and death. Was kicked out of the house at 17, and had to hustle with Lucious to survive.

Secret Identity: Her real name is Loretha and she was an honor roll student with a promising future before she met Lucious.

<i style=””>ANDRE

Name: Andre Lyons

Role: Oldest son of Lucious and Cookie Lyons. CFO of Empire Records.

Hidden Agenda: To be his father’s successor as CEO of Empire.

Competition: Competing with his brothers to be the successor. Competing with his own mental illness.

Conspiracy: With his wife to diminish the reputations of his brothers. With his wife to hide the murder of Vernon. With his father to cover up Bunky’s murder.

Secrets: Stopped taking his medication. Contemplated suicide. Jealous of his brothers’ musical talent. Helped his father to hide guns and drugs as a child.

Deception: Set up a fake robbery, which led to his brothers fighting one another, and him looking like the most responsible one.

Wound: Grew up without his mother, she was in prison 17 years. Abusive father. Hides his father’s crimes. Was the only one in the family with no musical talent. Learned that his grandmother also suffers from bipolar disorder.

Secret Identity: He’s just as power hungry as his father. Willing to do anything for power, even kill.

[Chanda Haynes]

“What I learned doing this assignment is that starting with the characters and what makes them engaging, becomes the building blocks for the actual story.

The Journey of LIKE THE JONESES:

Like the Joneses is a hour long drama about a family cannabis business started by Willie Jones, the CEO, with the assistance of his wife Elaine, and his eldest son Tony. Although Tony is now clean and sober from alcohol for twelve years, and is quite knowledgeable about the legal cannabis world, Willie is still hesitant to give him any additional responsibilities. Meanwhile Willie is doting out responsibilities to Tony’s siblings. When Willie and Elaine decide to take a sabbatical from the business, Willie announces that his nephew Henry will be acting CEO. Upon hearing of this, Pete Roberts, Willie’s nemesis and competitor, heavily recruits Tony to run his company while he focuses on running for Cannabis Commissioner. Tony realizing that he will never have the position he wants in his own family business, decides to take Pete up on his offer.

Lead characters: Tony, Willie, Henry, Pete

A. Role in the show:

Tony – VP of Jones Farmacy, oldest son of Willie Jones

Willie – CEO, Founder of Jones Farmacy

Henry – Nephew of Willie Jones, raised by Willie, grew up in Tony’s shadow, now Willie’s go to guy

Pete – CEO of Green Gold, a competing cannabis company. Willie’s former friend turned nemesis.

B. Unique Purpose / Expertise:

Tony – Knows the ins and outs of the legal cannabis world. Ensures that the company stays legal and doesn’t violate licensing regulations.

Willie – Has extensive cannabis knowledge when it comes to growing and selling.

Henry – Experienced in making corporate deals. Has ties with the upper echelon in the business world. Knows how to attract investors.

Pete – Knows the legal and illegal side of the cannabis world. Connected to the people in power at the Cannabis Commission. A lot of people owe him favors.

C. Intrigue: What is secret beneath the surface?

Tony – He lives with a constant fear of failure and being alone forever. Fears relapsing more than anything.

Willie – Doesn’t trust anyone to run his company. Feels closer to Henry than his biological children. Paid someone at the commission to ensure his licensure application was approved.

Henry – As much as he loves and respects Willie, he can’t see past personal gain.

Pete – He betrayed his best friend because of a woman. He sincerely wants Tony to succeed, but more so as a peace offering to Willie.

D. Moral Issue: What moral boundaries are they crossing?

Tony – Is it okay to use cannabis as a way to stay sober from alcohol? Can he really say he’s sober? Is it okay to work for a man who tried to destroy your father and your family business? Is it okay to help build the business of potential competitors?

Willie – Is it okay to condemn street dealers, although you are their supplier? Is it okay to not trust your son, though he’s proven himself time and time again? Is it okay to put someone in charge who hasn’t even been around the business in years?

Henry – He’s willing to cross out family for personal gain. He makes side deals that could jeopardize the family business. He is only loyal to himself, not even his twin sister.

Pete – Is it okay to recruit your enemy’s son for your business, and essentially turn him against his dad? Is it okay to use your power and influence to destroy your former friend? Is it okay to seek revenge on those who you believe wronged you?

E. Unpredictable: What will they do next?

Tony – Makes emotional decisions, takes risks when he feels rejected. He’s willing to do things for love and acceptance over money.

Willie – Will go to any lengths to maintain control, because he trusts no one, not even his wife.

Henry – He’s willing to make deals with opponents, willing to risk the integrity of the family business to gain more power.

Pete – He has an end goal, and unwilling to stray from it. The end justifies the means in his mind.

F. Empathetic: Why do we care?

Tony – Forced to live with his dad after his parents divorced. Dealt with being an alcoholic for years, lost his wife and access to his child because of it. Never given real opportunities in a company he helped to build. Never given the opportunity to develop his full potential. Blamed for things that went wrong early on in the business.

Willie – He’s been betrayed by his closest friend and business partner in the past. Never really had a childhood. Not given a choice in what he was going to do with his life.

Henry – His mother died in combat when he was young. His father was never stable enough to raise him. Grew up always being compared to Tony.

Pete – His woman left him for his best friend. He experienced racial discrimination in his early days in the cannabis industry. Didn’t have the privileged life that Willie has had. Had to work twice as hard for everything he’s gotten.

• This reply was modified 2 years ago by  Chanda Haynes.

[Chanda Haynes]

EMPIRE:

Engaging Main Character: Lucious Lyon

A. Role in the Show:

Ex drug dealer turned founder and CEO of a billion dollar record company.

B. Unique Purpose/Expertise:

Expertise – He knows music, is a super talented musician himself, and he knows the street life just as well.

Purpose – To make his family and his company legendary. To make their music immortal.

Irony – He knows that he doesn’t have long to live, but that doesn’t humble him. He is still willing to take a life, although, he fears dying himself.

C. Intrigue: What is secret beneath the surface?

Lucious is suffering from a terminal illness (ALS). This could potentially keep his company from going public on the NYSE. He is still using his hustler/street tactics to secure his position in the music industry.

D. Moral Issue: What moral boundaries are they crossing?

Is it okay to take other people’s lives as you fear your own death? Is it okay to put your children/family in dangerous situations for the sake of maintaining your position? Is it okay to have your co-founder/ex-wife removed from the company because of her criminal past, when you’re the reason she was charged with a crime?

E. Unpredictable: What will they do next?

Lucious will stop at nothing to achieve his end goals. He doesn’t care who he hurts, even if it’s family and friends. He will use shame, guilt, threats, physical harm, and withhold financial support to get what he wants. He killed one of his wife’s relatives because he was on drugs, and “a liability.”

F. Empathetic: Why do we care?

Undeserved misfortune was that he had a bipolar mother who we believe committed suicide in front of him when he was a child. This resulted in him having to raise himself. He is also suffering from a terminal illness and his prognosis is that he has 3 years to live.

[Chanda Haynes]

Like the Joneses: Three Circles of Characters

A. Main Characters:

Tony Jones – Calm, cool, a bit detached. Smart, reliable..your go to guy in a pinch.

Willie Jones – Traditional, no nonsense, more loving less nurturing. Family first kinda guy.

Henry Jones – Free spirited, visionary, charismatic..not to be trusted around your woman or your money.

Pete Roberts – Book smart and street smart, a by any means necessary type of dude. Money over everything.

B. Connected Circle:

Elaine Roberts – wife of Willie, step-mother of Tony, aunt/mother figure to Henry

Tracey Jones-Matthews – stepdaughter of Willie, attorney for the family business

Steve Matthews – Willie’s son in law, Tracey’s husband, head of Operations at Jones Farmacy

Heather Jones – twin sister of Henry, raised by Willie and Elaine

Cynthia Jones – daughter of Willie, sister to Tony, head of Marketing at Jones Farmacy

Sabrina Matthews – daughter of Tracey and Steve

Ray Watters Elaine’s son from a previous marriage

Trina Watters – Ray’s wife

Steph Matthews – Tracey and Steve’s teenage son

Naomi Jones – ex-wife of Willie, mother of Tony and Cynthia, Pete Roberts’ business partner

C. Environmental Circle:

Extended family members, Cannabis Commission, competing businesses, Attorneys, growers, producers, dispensary owners, additional staff, Board of Directors, school students and staff, media, social media followers, customers, street dealers, lab workers, investors, Roberts family

[Chanda Haynes]

What I learned doing this assignment is that characters can be highlighted during an episode, but that doesn’t necessarily make them a main character. They’re just used to push the story in that particular episode.

Empire’s Three Circles of Characters:

A. Main Character Circle:

Lucious Lyon – CEO/Founder of Empire Records

Cookie Lyon – Co-Founder of Empire Records, ex-wife of Lucious

Andre Lyon – Oldest son of Cookie and Lucious, CFO of Empire Records

Jamal Lyon – Second son of Cookie and Lucious, Empire Records artist

Hakeem Lyon – Youngest son of Cookie and Lucious, Empire Records artist

B. Connected Circle:

Rhonda Lyon – wife of Andre

Bunky – Lucious’s assistant/flunkie, cousin to Cookie and the children

Anika – Lucious’s girlfriend, director of A&R at Empire

Tiana – Empire recording artist, off/on girlfriend of Hakeem

Becky – Lucious’s executive assistant at Empire

Vernon – Lucious’s right hand man, the “fixer” for the team

C: Environmental Circle:

Competing Record label executives, producers, other musicians/artists, fleeting love interests of Jamal, prisoners, attorneys, police/detectives, extended family, doctors, pastor, Empire Board of Directors, judges, TV/radio personalities, fans, social media followers

[Chanda Haynes]

I agree to the terms of this release form.

[Chanda Haynes]

Hello. My name is Chanda Haynes. I have written about 3 completed scripts and several incomplete ones. I hope in this class I can rewrite my first pilot tv draft and craft a more cohesive story. I also want to gain skills that I can reuse in the future. Something special about me is that I am the life of any party. I am pretty damn funny and can control the mood in any setting. You won’t have a bad time around me.

[Chanda Haynes]

I’m interested. I haven’t completed mine, but I would love to exchange with some classmates.