Eden Young
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[WIM] Eden Young Module 4 —
Lesson 5: Character Action Tracks
My vision: I am going to be an empowered, wonderful writer that’s known for great dialogue and great characters that win audiences’ hearts.
What I learned from this assignment is how helpful it is to the story to get come up with character actions.
CALVIN KNIGHTLY
Calvin Opening: Calvin gets ready for work looking and moving around the kitchen like Keith Urban
Calvin takes a call on his cellphone, kisses Rebecca, and jumps in his 1967 olive green Austin Martin while still on the call. Honks and sails away.
Calvin goes to his usual drive through coffee on the way to work. Has an interesting encounter with a homeless guy who walks up to him in line at the drive through. Buys him coffee and gives him a $50.
Board meeting with Calvin, Jerry, CEO, COO, and the usual suspects. Calvin doodles with water color brush pen as Jerry and the guys mouth off. Jerry moves in on a deal; and everyone thinks he came up with the proposal. Calvin
Calvin immediately calls Cora frustrated
Cora AJ1: Cora helps Calvin nip this in the bud once and for all by having Calvin challenge Jerry to take the lead and do a task that only Calvin knows how to do that is essential for the deal.
Calvin invites Jerry to drinks and a poker game to “offer him the deal.” Jerry of course takes the bait.
Jerry has no clue and fails miserably. Calvin goes to Paul Hadley, the CEO and Owen Moss, COO to show them his rendering for the deal, proving he is the actual brains behind the deal. As they are shaking hands, in walks Jerry.
Calvin is about to prove to all that Jerry had no real part in the deal and but gets interrupted by Jerry who proposes a game of golf for the next day with clients (obviously buying himself time).
On the golf course, Calvin putts with a KM1 Miura club, sporting Metalwood Studio SU2 look with Flat front FW21 player pants, tempo stars polo, and shoes. He plays like dream but gets thwarted by Jerry Brokmeir at a golf game with clients and CEO. Jerry steals the show and steals back the credit. Calvin glares as Jerry, the clients, and CEO walk off. He goes into his imagination and plays a scene: martial arts battle. He & Jerry on the green. He kicks Jerry’s ass. The client & CEO applaud. He wakes up from the scene. The CEO & Client laughing, clapping, tapping Jerry on the back, as they climb into the golf cart and drive off.
Calvin calls Cora from the green.
Inciting Incident: Next day, Calvin is passed over for that promotion that he so deserves.
Calvin sees Jerry & Felicia court side at an epic basketball game with the CEO, and a Major client.
Calvin calls Cora at the game.
Calvin has Jerry paged
Rebecca and Calvin go to a gala. At a table with Rebecca’s peers and boss, Calvin starts to sweat profusely, and run his mouth like a 1940s film noir detective and James Bond, epic weird night. Calvin and Rebecca ballroom dance at the gala. The whole room breaks into applause.
Kids birthday at Jerry & Felicia’s: Calvin has a huge birthday cake with pinup girls wearing sashes that say Bye Felicia who pop out of it delivered to the party. Then destroys the party martial arts style. He “brings down the house.” The kids have a blast. He gets arrested.
Act 2:
Calvin PJ2:
Rebecca bails Calvin out; and then goes to her best friends.
Calvin, alone in the house calls Cora gets a busy signal and has a colossal melt down (this will be filmed like a music video).
Turning Point 2 / Midpoint: Calvin comes out of his epic breakdown looking like a samurai that has been through hell and rises like a phoenix owning his power. He takes a shower and dresses for
Calvin listens to a voicemail from Jerry telling him he’s been fired while reading an email informing him that after multiple attempts to contact him; Calvin has in fact been terminated.
Calvin smiles. Does a samurai cry and stance sporting his best suit.
Act 3:
Turning Point 3: Rebecca cracks into Calvin’s phone: sees 1000 calls to/ from “Mom” and listens to the voicemail.
Rebecca confronts Calvin about all the phone calls and his weird behavior.
Calvin bluffs and completely denies it. Playing it like nothing happened with his new found confidence leaving Rebecca charmed and perplexed.
DEEPER LAYER REVEAL: Calvin has been “calling” all this time; Cora has been dead for 30 years.
Calvin PJ3: Calvin ditches his old phone and gets a new phone Phone (2) Nothing tech mobile phone.
Calvin has a stroke of genius, and goes to Italy to propose his own deal.
Act 4 Climax: Cora & Calvin a final meeting of the minds before going their separate ways (maybe even at a poker table or just a 2 shot: each in different, elegant dark rooms and on a phone. Cora’s like a boudoir and Calvin’s like a film noir setting)
Calvin PJ4: Calvin gets the Italian deal, returns home to claim his new life, and convinces Rebecca of his sanity.
Rebecca and Calvin decide together to sell their house and start a new and buy a winery.
Resolution: Flashback: Cora seals a letter. Calls 16 year old Calvin ends the call saying in her lavish way (like the Cheshire Cat):“Don’t be good just be great.”
Calvin’s resolution: He and Rebecca move to Napa/ Sonoma and start a winery. Calvin sets a beautiful, rustic outside table under a gorgeous tree, vineyards in the background.
CORA
Act 1: Calvin immediately calls Cora. Cora is lounging by a pool sipping a martini looking like an old movie star talking on a Crowley Kettle Classic phone.
Cora AJ1: Cora helps Calvin nip this in the bud once and for all by having Calvin challenge Jerry to take the lead and do a task that only Calvin knows how to do that is essential for the deal.
Deeper Layer: It turns out that Cora actually is the one that needs Calvin and keeps him hooked on calling her.
Cora is in a vintage room playing Mahjong. A maître d, brings a note on a silver platter. The note contains a list which the audience doesn’t see: but at the top in bold it says COMMITTING SUICIDE. Under that is driving her husband insane and pushing him away. Coveting Calvin. And the list goes on, regret after regret. At the end of the list in bold it states to move on you must tell your son the truth, let him know that none of this was his fault, and that you never meant to hurt him.
Cora just takes a drag on her cigarette, sips her drink, and says huh, we’ll see about that.
Maitre d presents a phone that rings. It’s Calvin at the basketball game.
Turning Point 1: Cora consoles Calvin; and then tells him to go all out. Go for Felicia & the kids.
Act 2:
Cora takes the receiver off the hook of her phone and resumes playing mahjong.
Cora AJ2: Cora begins to panic, feeling she is losing her touch and her hold on Calvin. Cora laughs uncontrollably.
Act 3:
Cora AJ3: Cora tries “calling” Calvin incessantly to no avail and begins to unravel. Checks herself out in the mirror. Pulls open a drawer that has pills, a dagger, and a gun all neatly placed. She slams the drawer shut.
Cora AJ4: Cora manages to locate Calvin’s new phone and dials. Close up on her as we hear the eternal ring with no answer. (This part and then cut to the setting of the table at the winery might be the best ending.)
Act 4 Climax: Cora & Calvin a final meeting of the minds before going their separate ways (maybe even at a poker table or just a 2 shot in dark rooms each on a phone. Maybe no words are spoken).
Resolution: Flashback: Cora seals a letter. Calls 16 year old Calvin ends the call saying in her lavish way (like the Cheshire Cat):“Don’t be good just be great.”
REBECCA
Opening kitchen scene: Rebecca is sipping coffee and going through magazines for an event. Talking to her husband as she looks at the magazines not missing a beat.
Inciting Incident: Basketball game. Rebecca and Calvin have decent seats (nothing to write home about). She sees her husband staring across the way getting amped up.
Rebecca is picking up that things are off. Looking and whispering at her best friend, Nicky.
Act 3:
Turning Point 3: Rebecca cracks into Calvin’s phone: sees 1000 calls to/ from “Mom” and listens to the voicemail.
Rebecca confronts Calvin about all the phone calls and his weird behavior.
Calvin bluffs and completely denies it.
Rebecca calls “Mom.” No answer.
Rebecca goes to stay at Nicky’s.
Act 4:
Calvin goes to Rebecca’s best friend’s house to convince Rebecca of his sanity. Rebecca makes Calvin do a forensics handwriting test realizing her husband is not crazy.
Rebecca and Calvin decide together to sell their house and start a new and buy a winery.
Resolution: Rebecca and Calvin move to Napa/ Sonoma and start a winery. Calvin sets a beautiful, rustic outside table under a gorgeous tree, vineyards in the background. Rebecca joins him and sets a bottle of wine on the table.
Close up on the label: image of a vintage phone R.C. Knightly Wines
Roll credits.
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[WIM] Eden Young Module 4: Lesson 4: Basic Plotting
My vision: I am going to be an empowered, wonderful writer that’s known for great dialogue and great characters that win audiences’ hearts.
What I learned from this assignment is how helpful each of the other modules is fill in where you can and keep moving. Don’t stay stuck. Jump around and circle back. Combinations of these processes is so helpful.
Act 1:
Cora is in a dark, bleak cell.
Cora is given a list and told she needs to fix everything on the list.
[On the list which the audience doesn’t see: but at the top in bold it says COMMITTING SUICIDE. Under that is driving her husband insane and pushing him away. Coveting Calvin. And the list goes on, regret after regret. At the end of the list in bold it states to move on you must tell your son the truth, let him know that none of this was his fault, and that you never meant to hurt him.]
Cora is given one phone call. She calls Calvin.
Calvin Opening: Calvin gets ready for work in the kitchen.
Calvin makes a call on his cellphone, kisses Rebecca, and leaves while on the call.Calvin goes to his usual drive through coffee. Has an interesting encounter with a homeless guy on the way to work.
Board meeting with Calvin, Jerry, CEO, COO, and the usual suspects. Jerry moves in on a deal; and everyone thinks he came up with the proposal.
Calvin immediately calls Cora.
Cora AJ1: Cora helps Calvin nip this in the bud once and for all by having Calvin challenge Jerry to take the lead and do a task that only Calvin knows how to do that is essential for the deal.
Jerry has no clue and fails miserably.Calvin is about to prove to all that Jerry had no real part in the deal and but gets interrupted by Jerry who proposes a game of golf for the next day with clients (obviously buying himself time).
Calvin is 100% swindled/ thwarted by Jerry Brokmeir at a golf game with clients and CEO. Jerry steals the show and steals back the credit.
Inciting Incident: Calvin is passed over for a promotion that he deserved.
Calvin sees Jerry & Felicia court side at an epic basketball game with the CEO, and a Major client.
Rebecca is picking up that things are off.
Deeper Layer: It turns out that Cora actually is the one that needs Calvin and keeps him hooked on calling her.
Calvin calls Cora while at the game.
Turning Point 1: Cora’s guidance doesn’t work this time.
Rebecca and Calvin go to a gala. At a table with Rebecca’s peers and boss, Calvin starts to sweat and run his mouth, epic weird night.
Cora and her best friend at the table, notice how weird Calvin is being.
Felicia and Jerry host a children’s birthday party.
Calvin destroys the kids birthday party. He “brings down the house.”Act 2:
Calvin PJ2: Calvin has a colossal melt down (this will be filmed like a music video).
Calvin calls Cora gets a busy signal.
Cora AJ2: Cora begins to panic, feeling she is losing her touch and her hold on Calvin.
No one at the office can reach Calvin and he gets “fired.”
Turning Point 2 / Midpoint: Calvin comes out of his epic breakdown and rises like a phoenix owning his power.
Calvin listens to a voicemail from Jerry telling him he’s been fired while reading an email informing him that after multiple attempts to contact him; Calvin has in fact been terminated.
Act 3:
Turning Point 3: Rebecca cracks into Calvin’s phone: sees 1000 calls to/ from “Mom” and listens to the voicemail.
Rebecca confronts Calvin about all the phone calls and his weird behavior.
Calvin bluffs and completely denies it.
Rebecca calls “Mom.”
DEEPER LAYER REVEAL: Calvin has been “calling” all this time; Cora has been dead for 30 years.
Calvin PJ3: Calvin ditches his old phone and gets a new phone.
Calvin has a stroke of genius, and goes to Italy to propose his own deal.
Cora AJ3: Cora tries “calling” Calvin incessantly to no avail and begins to unravel.
Act 4 Climax: Cora & Calvin a final meeting of the minds before going their separate ways.
Cora AJ4: Cora manages to locate Calvin’s new phone and dials. Close up on her as we hear the eternal ring with no answer.
Calvin PJ4: Calvin gets the Italian deal, returns home to claim his new life, and convinces Rebecca of his sanity.
Rebecca and Calvin decide together to sell their house and start a new to buy a winery.Resolution: Flashback: Cora seals a letter. Calls 16 year old Calvin ends the call saying in her lavish way (like the Cheshire Cat):“Don’t be good just be great.”
Calvin’s resolution heard Rebecca move to Napa/ Sonoma and start a winery.
The screen goes to black and very quickly cut to a beautiful table at a winery (trees and vineyards) The voice of Cora starts reading the letter.
End fade to black.
Roll credits.
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My vision: I am going to be an empowered, wonderful writer that’s known for great dialogue and great characters that win audiences’ hearts. What I learned from this assignment is how helpful each of the other modules is before getting to this beat sheet. Also, it’s helping get more of a full vision of my story.
2. Starting with your 4-Act Structure, add the following components into your story to create the first draft of your Beat Sheet.
Genre Conventions: Thriller/ Dark
Comedy4-Act StructureAct 1: Cora is told by “God” that if she doesn’t fix this she will remain stuck in limbo forever. (When filming it will look like a jail cell- dark bare bones)
Calvin PJ1: Calvin makes a bet at a high stakes poker game that he can outbid/ out perform Jerry Brokmeir and finally get promoted. Wins the hand. The next day is 100% swindled/ thwarted by Jerry Brokmeir at a golf game with clients and CEO. Jerry steals the show and the credit.
Cora AJ1: Cora helps Calvin nip this in the bud once and for all. Inciting Incident: Calvin is passed over for a promotion that he deserved. Deeper Layer: It turns out that Cora actually is the one that needs Calvin and keeps him hooked on calling her.
Turning Point 1: Cora’s guidance doesn’t work this time.
Act 2: Calvin PJ2: Calvin has a colossal melt down. (filmed like a music video)
Cora AJ2: Cora begins to panic, feeling she is losing her touch and her hold on Calvin.
Turning Point 2 / Midpoint: Calvin comes out of his epic breakdown and rises like a phoenix owning his power.
Act 3: Turning Point 3: Rebecca cracks into Calvin’s phone
DEEPER LAYER REVEAL: Calvin has been “calling” all this time; Cora has been dead for 30 years.
Calvin PJ3: Calvin ditches his phone, has a stroke of genius, and goes to Italy to propose his deal. Cora
AJ3: Cora tries “calling” Calvin incessantly to no avail and begins to unravel.
Act 4 Climax: Cora & Calvin a final meeting of the minds before going their separate ways (maybe even at a poker table or just a 2 shot in dark rooms each on a phone)
Cora AJ4: Cora manages to locate Calvin’s new phone and dials. Close up on her as we hear the eternal ring with no answer.
Calvin PJ4: Calvin gets the Italian deal, returns home to claim his new life, and convince Rebecca of his sanity.
Resolution: Flashback: Cora seals a letter. Calls 16 year old Calvin ends the call saying in her lavish way (like the Cheshire Cat):“Don’t be good just be great.”
Calvin’s resolution:Calvin and Rebecca move to Napa/ Sonoma and start a winery.
The screen goes to black and very quickly cut to a beautiful table at a winery (trees and vineyards) The voice of Cora starts reading the letter.
End fade to black.
Roll credits.
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<div> My vision: I am going to be an empowered, wonderful writer that’s known for great dialogue and great characters that win audiences’ hearts. </div><div>
</div><div> What I learned from this assignment is how the deeper layer can really move the story forward.
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</div><div>[WIM] Module 4 — Lesson 2: The Deeper Layer
2. My “Deeper Layer” puzzle.
Surface Layer: Calvin is trying to really get ahead in life and stop being taken advantage of and can only confide in his mom. </div><div>
</div><div>Deeper Layer: Cora, Calvin’s mom, has been dead for 30 years. Calvin needs to finally break free. Cora, also in her own right needs to move on and complete her final cycle of death which she can only do once she herself releases her guilt/suffering/regret.</div><div> </div><div>Major Reveal: Rebecca goes into Calvin’s phone and sees the endless calls logged as Mom which is when the audience finds out she’s dead. Also, at the end one last reveal or twist with the letter from Cora (heard as a voiceover).
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</div><div>Influences Surface Story: Calvin knows Rebecca is dead this whole time but is completely entangled in his neurosis and attached to his own self doubt. </div><div>
</div><div>Hints: The only one who hears/ can call Cora is Calvin. When Rebecca breaks into Calvin’s phone and tries calling Mom she gets white noise. Rebecca doesn’t quite understand why her husband is on these calls more and more (red flag). Jerry and other guys at the office kid around & tease Calvin here and there saying what are you calling your mommy? Jokingly of course. </div><div>
</div><div>Changes Reality: That Cora is actually the one who needs Calvin to break free and move on. She needs to admit that she drove Calvin’s father away and that she actually commited suicide. Finding out that Cora’s been dead this whole time crescendos into us routing for Calvin’s win while hoping He can win back Rebecca, all while having the chills.
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</div><div>The rest of the structure to the characters to the script:
Beginning: Calvin leaves for the golf course on a call with his mom. Golf game with CEO, 2 major clients, and Jerry. Brokmeir who steals the game and attention. </div><div>
</div><div>Inciting Incident: Calvin confides in Cora to escape; they devise a plan to get Jerry Brokmier off his back. Calvin succeeds in redeeming his favor with the CEO of Bellsonix, Will Ferris. </div><div>
</div><div>Turning Point 1: Will Ferris, the CEO & John Steiger, the COO call Jerry Brokmeir and Calvin in for a meeting. Deciding to team them up for the top major Italian deal. </div><div>
</div><div>Act 2: Calvin has a colossal melt down.</div><div>
</div><div>Turning Point 2 / Midpoint: Rebecca is suspicious. Jerry Brokmeir gets promoted. Calvin totally loses it at a live Lakers vs. Bulls basket ball game.
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</div><div>Act 3: Rebecca breaks into Calvin’s phone seeing 1000 calls to Mom. She debates having Calvin committed or confronting him. She confronts him.</div><div>
</div><div>Turning Point 3: Calvin faces himself, has an epiphany, and rises like a phoenix. Calvin has a stroke of genius and comes up with a revolutionary new idea for this major Italian client Jerry stole from Calvin. He goes to Italy on his own to make the proposal. </div><div>
</div><div>Act 4 Climax: Calvin gets the Italian deal, returns home to claim his new life, and convince Rebecca of his sanity. Jerry is fired. </div><div>
</div><div>Resolution: Calvin starts his own business. He and Rebecca move to Napa. We end with Voice over of Cora’s letter. Calvin is finally absolutely happy and Cora moves on into the afterlife.
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WIM Module 4 Lesson 1Character Structure.
My vision: I am going to be an empowered, wonderful writer that’s known for great dialogue and great characters that win audiences’ hearts. <div>
</div><div> What I learned from this assignment is how much filling in the blanks is so helpful to the story and our creativity.Protagonist: Calvin
Beginning: Calvin leaves for the golf course on a call with his mom </div><div>
</div><div>Inciting Incident: Calvin out on the golf course with Jerry Brokmeir, Stan Harvey (a major client), and Will Ferris CEO of Bellsonix. Calvin makes a winning shot that Jerry fudges turning the game and the attention all on him and in his favor. </div><div>
</div><div>Turning Point 1: Calvin calls mom. Mom gives him a solution that works to transform the situation. </div><div>
</div><div> Act 2: Calvin has a colossal melt down </div><div>
</div><div> Act 3: Calvin is found and confronted by Rebecca who discovers Calvin’s phone with his 100s / 1000s of calls to his mom, revealing to the audience that Cora has been dead for 30 years.
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</div><div>Turning Point 2 / Midpoint: Calvin has an epiphany and rises like a phoenix </div><div>
</div><div>Turning Point 3: Calvin has a stroke of genius and goes to Italy to propose his new deal. </div><div> </div><div>Act 4 Climax: Calvin gets the Italian deal, returns home to claim his new life, and convince Rebecca of his sanity. </div><div>
</div><div> Resolution: Calvin starts his own business. He and Rebecca move.Antagonist: Cora
Beginning: Cora and Bruce (Cora’s husband/Calvin’s father) that one final day, after Cora has spun out of control. Bruce has it and walks out, leaving Cora and 13 year old , Calvin. </div><div>
</div><div> Inciting Incident: Cora commits suicide 3 (or 7) years later </div><div>
</div><div>Turning Point 1: Cora “calls” Calvin on his 21st Birthday. </div><div>
</div><div> Act 2: Cora helps Calvin get Jerry Brokmeir off his back. </div><div>
</div><div> Turning Point 2 / Midpoint: Cora loses her touch with Calvin and begins to panic. </div><div>
</div><div> Act 3: Cora unable to reach Calvin (Calvin ditches phone). </div><div>
</div><div> Turning Point 3: Cora locates Calvin’s & dials his new phone and gets a busy signal. </div><div>
</div><div> Act 4 Climax: Cora & Calvin have one last call and go their separate ways. </div><div>
</div><div> Resolution: Flashback: Cora seals a letter. Calls 16 year old Calvin ends the call “Don’t be good just be great.”
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Eden Young WIM Module 3 Lesson 6 Character Profiles Part 2
My vision: I am an empowered, wonderful writer that’s known for great dialogue and great characters that win audiences’ hearts.
What I learned from this assignment is what a wonderful life characters can take on!
Calvin Knightly
A. The High Concept: Calvin has to call his mom every time he has to make a big decision and she’s been dead for 30 years.
B. This character’s journey: From the underdog in dream guy clothing to truly happy
C. The Actor Attractors for this character.
3. Brainstorm the first 6 parts of the profile for each of your lead characters.
Role in the Story: Protagonist: The Son subliminally influenced by his mother and subordinated by colleagues and CEO at work.
Age range and Description: 39-45
Core Traits: Executive Fortune 500 Company, Son, Husband Charming, Witty, Quick minded, Sarcastic
Motivation; Want/Need: He wants to break free. True confidence and to beat the bullshit.
Wound: He’s the true talent yet he can’t seem to get a break and without his mom he’s nothing.
Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
Likability: He is witty, hard working and ultra talented. He loves his wife. His mom is his confidant.
Relatability: He comes so close; but can never truly get ahead/ get the acclaim he is due. The desire to make it and no longer wants to play the game and take people’s shit.
Empathy: His dad left at a young age. Mother died when he was 18.
<font face=”inherit”>7. Character Subtext: Afraid to say he’s damaged goods/ he doesn’t </font>have<font face=”inherit”> what it takes</font>
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>8. Character Intrigue:Competition: competing with his mom at being the best and has a secret identity: unstoppable rockstar
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>9. Flaw:Refuses to let down his mask and walks away, lets things slide even though it eats him alive.
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>10. Values: Being your best, Winning
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>11. Character Dilemma: Being “liked.” Wanting external admiration versus loving yourselfCora Knightly
A. The High Concept: What if your son had to call you every time he had to make a big decision only you’ve been dead for 30 years
B. This character’s journey. From sad and full of regret to at peace, able to move on
C. The Actor Attractors for this character: Half the movie we think Cora’s alive yet she’s dead.
Profile for each of your lead characters.
Role in the Story: Antagonist: The Mom
Age range and Description: early 60s
Core Traits: Attractive, Worldly, Gorgeous
Motivation; Want/Need: She wants to be needed, to stay alive through her son
Wound: Regret. Everything is her fault. She’s not good enough.
Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
Likability: She is cultured, attractive, worldly, yet relatable with a great sense of humor.
R
Relatability: She has a deep sense of the world. Is sensitive.
Empathy: Her ex-husband left her and Calvin which she never anticipated.
7. Character Subtext: Luring/seducing: Seductively creates the illusion that she has her life together, but inside, is always falling apart
8. Character Intrigue:Deception: Hides the fact that she doesn’t have it all together, that she drove her ex-husband, Calvin’s father away, and that she completely lost all hope and committed suicide
9. Flaw: Cora covers up everything her fears, her short comings by manipulating the other person. Unleashes her distain, making you feel 2 inches tall.
10. Values: Family is essential as well as appearances
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>11. Character Dilemma: Deep down she is very fragile despite her cool exterior like a crystal glass inside a box made of bricks
Rebecca Knightly
A. The High Concept. What if your husband had to call his mom every time he needed to make a big decision. Only she’s been dead for 30 years.
B. This character’s journey: from just putting up with it. To questioning her marriage and the man she truly loves to fighting for him.
C. The Actor Attractors for this character: Not your run of the mill forensic scientist nor wife.
Role in the Story: Triangle: The Wife
Age range and Description: 38-40
Core Traits: Caring, Loyal, Even keel, Best at Everything she does
Motivation; Want/Need: She wants her and her husband’s life to be free from any entanglements. And she wants her husband’s greatest happiness
Wound: She hates competing with Cora’s influence
Likability, Relatability, Empathy: Likability: Everyone loves Rebecca. She’s the ultimate wife. Relatability: There to protect her husband/ marriage. Is tired and hates competing with Cora’s influence.
Empathy: She is caught in the middle of everything. She loves her husband and at the crucial moment questions everything.
7. Character Subtext: Afraid to believe Calvin is crazy and to lose her husband
8. Character Intrigue: Secretly plotting to destroy Cora’s hold on Calvin
9. Flaw: says the wrong things
10. Values: Love, honesty, loyalty
11. Character Dilemma: Does she stay polite or does she dare to finally do & say something and possibly lose it all and lose Calvin?
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Eden Young WIM Module 3 Lesson 6: Character Profiles Part 1
My vision: I am going to be an empowered, wonderful writer that’s known for great dialogue and great characters that win audiences’ hearts.
What I learned from this assignment is the character profiles are insights vs. details.C. The Actor Attractors for this Character.
A. The High Concept: Calvin has to call his mom every time he has to make a big decision and she’s been dead for 30 years.
B. This character’s journey: From the underdog in dream guy clothing to truly happy
C. The Actor Attractors for this character.3. Brainstorm the first 6 parts of the profile for each of your lead characters.
Calvin Knightly
Role in the Story: Protagonist: The Son subliminally influenced by his mother and subordinated by colleagues and CEO at work.
Age range and Description: 39-45
Core Traits: Executive Fortune 500 Company, Son, Husband Charming, Witty, Quick minded, Sarcastic
Motivation/Want/Need: He wants to break free. True confidence and to beat the bullshit.
Wound: He’s the true talent yet he can’t seem to get a break and without his mom, he’s nothing.
Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
Likability: He is witty, hard working and ultra talented. He loves his wife. His mom is his confidant.
Relatability: He comes so close; but can never truly get ahead/ get the acclaim he is due. The desire to make it and no longer wants to play the game and take people’s shit.
Empathy: His dad left at a young age. Mother died when he was 18.
Cora Knightly
A. The High Concept: What if your son had to call you every time he had to make a big decision only you’ve been dead for 30 years
B. This character’s journey. From sad and full of regret to at peace, able to move on
C. The Actor Attractors for this character: Half the movie we think Cora’s alive yet she’s dead.
Role in the Story: Antagonist: The Mom
Age range and Description: early 60s
Core Traits: Attractive, Worldly, Gorgeous
Motivation/Want/Need: She wants to be needed, to stay alive through her son
Wound: Regret. Everything is her fault. She’s not good enough.
Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
Likability: She is cultured, attractive, worldly, yet relatable with a great sense of humor.
Relatability: She has a deep sense of the world. Is sensitive.
Empathy: Her ex-husband left her and Calvin which she never anticipated.
Rebecca Knightly
A. The High Concept. What if your husband had to call his mom every time he needed to make a big decision. Only she’s been dead for 30 years.
B. This character’s journey: from just putting up with it. To questioning her marriage and the man she truly loves to fighting for him.
C. The Actor Attractors for this character: Not your run of the mill forensic scientist nor wife.
Role in the Story: Triangle: The Wife
Age range and Description: 38-40
Core Traits: Caring, Loyal, Evenkeel, Best at Everything she does
Motivation; Want/Need: She wants her and her husband’s life to be free from any entanglements. And she wants her husband’s greatest happiness
Wound: She hates competing with Cora’s influence
Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
Likability: Everyone loves Rebecca. She’s the ultimate wife.
Relatability: There to protect her husband/ marriage. Is tired and hates competing with Cora’s influence.
Empathy: She is caught in the middle of everything. She loves her husband and at the crucial moment questions everything.
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Eden Young
WIM Module 3 Lesson 1: Characters That Sell Scripts
My vision: I am going to be an empowered, wonderful writer that’s known for great dialogue and great characters that win audiences’ hearts.
What I learned from this assignment is the deeper the audience connection the better. And Likability, Relatability, and Empathy deepen the connection.Brainstorm one or more ways you can present your Protagonist through each of these:
Calvin Knightly
Likability: He is witty, hard working and ultra talented. He loves his wife. His mom is his confidant.
Relatability: He comes so close; but can never truly get ahead/ get the acclaim he is due. The desire to make it and no longer wants to play the game and take people’s shit.
Empathy: His dad left at a young age. Mother died when he was 18.Just to get the experience, give us one or more ways that your Antagonist could be presented through each of these:
Cora Knightly
Likability: She is cultured, attractive, worldly, yet relatable with a great sense of humor.
Relatability: She has a deep sense of the world. Is sensitive.
Empathy: Her ex-husband left her and Calvin which she never anticipated. -
Eden Young
WIM Module 3 Lesson 4: Character Intrigue
My vision: I am going to be an empowered, wonderful writer that’s known for great dialogue and great characters that win audiences’ hearts.
What I learned from this assignment is the intrigue changes everything… ads depth.2. For each of your main characters, use this list to brainstorm one or more Intrigue items that might apply. You don’t need all of them; just one or two.
Character Name: Calvin Knightly
Role: The Son & The Husband
Secrets: Wishes he left with his Dad. Secretly loathes his mom. Secretly Blames here.
Unspoken Wound: Wonders if it’s his fault that his dad left and his mother died (he doesn’t know til the 3rd act of the movie that she committed suicide; but none the less takes the blame for her passing ).
Calvin’s subtext might show up in my movie: Definitely in his breakdown. But even before that in the subtle sarcastic responses to his mother
Character Name: Cora Knightly
Role: The Mom
Hidden agendas: Never let her son find out that she drove her husband away and that she committed suicide
Secrets: Secretly thinks she doesn’t have it and wonders how he got away (her ex husband)
Deception: Makes everyone believe that she has it together and that she’s happy.Secret Identity: The Queen, The Seductress
Cora’s subtext might show up in my movie: She diverts topics. Her appearance. Her demeanor. How she praises or gives advice to her son leaving him wanting more.
Character Name: Rebecca Knightly
Role: The Wife
Hidden agendas: Wants to obliterate Cora’s influence/ grip on Calvin
Competition: With Cora for Calvin’s time, love and attention
Rebecca’s subtext might show up in my movie: Getting rid of photographs, gifts, or clothing given to Calvin by his mother. Possibly change the subject or deflect every time he brings her up.
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Eden Young
WIM Module 3 Lesson 3: Character Subtext
My vision: I am going to be an empowered, wonderful writer that’s known for great dialogue and great characters that win audiences’ hearts.
What I learned from this assignment is how subtext drives the whole thing.
ASSIGNMENT
2. The Nice Guys character subtext example:
Movie Title: The Nice Guys
Character Name: Holland March
Subtext Identity: a down-on-his luck private eye who lives with regret
Subtext Trait: Gullible, Softie
Subtext Logline: Holland March is a ditzy self employed private detective raising his daughter while trying to solve the case.
Possible Areas of Subtext: tattoo: you will never be happy. No sense of smell. He blames himself for his wife’s death. Although he seems like a naive klutz he always stumbles into the right place at the right time. The nerd dad.Subtext for my two leads:
Character Name: Calvin Knightly
Subtext Identity: One of the lead executives who is passively getting milked by his peers and secretly relying on his mother’s counsel.
Subtext Trait: seething, in denial, doubtful.
Subtext Logline: Calvin covers everything with his wit and by working harder trying to excel.
Possible Areas of Subtext: Secretive. Losing confidence and hope by the minute. Deeply sad and unresolved by his father leaving and later on in life his mother dying.
Character Name: Cora Knightly
Subtext Identity: Manipulative, smooth, carefree
Subtext Trait: Evasive, seductive, covert
Subtext Logline: Cora is Calvin’s mother poised and confidant who bewilders him more and more trying to keep him close.
Possible Areas of Subtext: Cora secretly hurts and wonders why her ex-husband didn’t stay. How she lost her touch with him. As worldly as Cora was, she really couldn’t handle losing and was deeply sad and defeated. She needs her son as much as he needs her.
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Eden Young
Module 3 Lesson 2 Roles that Sell Actors
Eden Young Actor attractors!
My vision: I am going to be an empowered, wonderful writer that’s known for great dialogue and great characters that win audiences’ hearts.
<font face=”inherit”>What I learned from this assignment is that the actor attractor information gives more depth to </font>the<font face=”inherit”> </font>story<font face=”inherit”> as well helps fill out the characters. </font>
Lead Character Name: Calvin Knightly
Role: Husband (Protagonist)
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
It’s almost as if Calvin is the “Husband” to everyone in the story: Rebecca’s actual beloved/faithful husband, Cora’s confidant, friend, and favorite, and the ”honey do list” guy with the guys at the office. Similar to a stand up comedian, at times self deprecating. He uses his wit and fast mind to cover his seething anger for all the bullshit that really goes on.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Sharp wit. The irony of him pretending to be one of the boys-a team player. He has an amazing relationship with his mother not your typical momma’s boy: just a profound respect-trust-and friendship in the end no longer serves him. Ultimately his unraveling & breakdown set him free.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
The most interesting phone conversations with his mom. His meltdown will look like the most psychedelic music video. When he triumphs, his wit his charm takes on a whole new meaning. No one can mess with him. Untouchable.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
A witty, charming talented guy who let’s the audience know he sees through it all.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range?
Quiet-powerful- simmering like Bouef Bourguignon. Huge range from seemingly cool-calm-collected on the surface – being patronized to distraught – borderline psychotic. And in the end, sheds a skin becoming confident/the man he always wanted to be.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
From the beginning Calvin knows he’s talented but wrestles with true self worth, baffled by his father’s departure and the loss of his mom. He knows something is holding him back but can’t put his finger on it.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Calvin’s relationship with Cora (his mom) in and of itself isn’t unhealthy, more of a strong bond. But his clingy to it makes it so. His relationship with his wife, Rebecca is off the chain: they are true soul mates with great chemistry. And even though Jerry is his rival they have great chemistry. Almost like brothers competing. Almost.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Calvin is like a fine tuned violin and comedian with a great creative mind and talent. Even when he’s quiet or doesn’t say something, you can feel it.
9. What could make this character special and unique?
His wit, charm, his taste and style.
Note: In the beginning, we/ the audience get sucked in and think Cora the mother is alive…. Just a normal mother son bond. And Calvin seems to have it all, yet gets screwed over subtly and sometimes not so subtly.
Lead Character Name: Cora
Role: The Mom (Antagonist)
1.What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
Well first of she’s dead. She’s the mother you would want til you see how dubious she really is.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Through her interactions/ phone conversations we totally buy that she’s alive. She has this cool sophistication about her.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
The phone call were she totally misleads her son causing his down fall. And the scene where we discover she caused her ex-husband to leave and then committed suicide.
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
The worldly mom who has a lot of mystique and seductive power over men. Each conversation feels like they are in a private salon.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range?
Huge range she can go from cool-collected to outraged in 2 seconds and the collect herself. She doesn’t let much get to her… smooth. Super smooth.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
Cora knows how much power and influence she has over people, especially her son.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Reciprocally with Calvin. Sometimes …. Just sometimes we wonder who raised who. Wink. They talk music, art, life… philosophy.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
When Cora speaks it feels like she’s observing a piece of art or something …
9. What could make this character special and unique?
With Cora, it’s always about the musicality, the beauty, or the sophistication of it all. Everything sounds punctuated by a martini glass or a flute de champagne.
Lead Character Name: Rebecca Knightly
Role: The Wife
1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
She’s the fun loving wife with a sharp mind and great wardrobe (exact opposite of a plain Jane).
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
She’s beautiful, a computer forensics analyst, and a loving wife.
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Rebecca discovers the obscene amount of outbound calls to Calvin’s mom which rocks her whole world. She almost contemplated having him committed; but runs forensic testing on him instead. Talk about the ultimate wife snoop!
4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
Glamorous, smart, best at everything she does.
5. What could be this character’s emotional range?
From super bright, optimistic, friendly, and even keeled to frightened, upset, and unsure.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
From the beginning, we see the fun- great relationship between Rebecca & Calvin. When her world gets thrown and things go tops turvy, she fights for the truth and for her man.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
Rebecca and Calvin have the most amazing chemistry. It’s love and friendship all at the same time.
8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
Ultra feminine, smart, a little Gracie Allen.
9. What could make this character special and unique?
She’s the opposite of a nerd yet has a bright mind. In the end, she ends up helping her husband win.
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Eden Young WIM Module 3 Lesson 1: Characters That Sell Scripts
My vision: I am going to be an empowered, wonderful writer that’s known for great dialogue and great characters that win audiences’ hearts. <div>
What I learned from this assignment is it’s fun figuring out the actor attractors.
ACTOR ATTRACTORS:
Movie Title: The Nice Guys
Lead Character Name: Jack Healey
Why would an actor WANT to be known for this role? Oh my God, who wouldn’t want to be in this brilliant film! It’s a 1977 modern day film noir, detective novel with a Laurel and Hardy/ Abbot and Costello twist all the way through. This role pays tribute to the quiet good guy with a rough exterior. The Great American loner, underdog detective that takes no b.s.. Plus there’s a cool shoot out at the end.
What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in the movie? He’s the “The Diner Guy.” The hero:“For a moment I felt useful.” … that doesn’t draw attention to himself3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead takes in the movie?
4. How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor? Healy first comes on the scene roughing up a guy fooling around with underage girl who turns out to be Amelia. Then goes to scare Holland March not knowing after their “encounter” that they they’ll team up to solve a crime.
5. What is this character’s emotional range? Emotional range stays very even kill. But there is that one moment towards the end when Molly tells him not to kill John Boy towards the end; and you see it. It means something to him what this young girl thinks of him/ he wrestles with his conscience. Standards.
6. What subtext can the actor play? There’s tons: the guy who’s been around and seen some shit. Trust doesn’t come easy if at all. Stays to himself. He can be a killing machine and at the same time can miss the mark. Quiet. Humanly gentle It felt like he had been in love once and love got away.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character has? Most definitely the one with Holland March as well as Molly March.
8. How is this character’s unique voice presented? The dialogue is a modern day stylized film noir-pulp fiction book with tons of comedy. The banter between he and Holland March is fantastic! Incredible timing and delivery.
9. What makes this character special and unique? He’s the straight man with a whole lot going on. His whole demeanor. How he dresses: from jeans low key Hawaiian shirt with white t-shirt underneath to his blue shirt and robins blue leather jacket. He says a lot with very little words and even when not speaking. He lives above a club and has fish pets in a fish tank.
10. (Fill in a scene that shows the character fulfilling much of the Actor Attractor model.)
Right after his brilliant scene beating up Holland March, he meets Molly who he noticed earlier reading in the park and now has a “sweet” little exchange and a Yoohoo. Top of next scene we see him with a case of Yoohoo going up to his place.
Lead Character Name: Holland March
1. Why would an actor WANT to be known for this role? Again who wouldn’t! The banter, great writing and style is so fun. Holland March is the sexiest down on his luck, “Nice Guy” ever. So unique, plus he gets play witty comedy at its best with style and tongue and cheek.
2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in the movie? The most brilliant clutz, detective ever. A hot dad. The “Nicest” of the two Nice guys (Wink.. Wink) He’s the Stan Laurel, a skinny Costello. And sports a great 70s wardrobe. A gentleman with old fashion values. “How many times have I told you don’t say and stuff.”
3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead takes in the movie? When he dives and rolls off the balcony then tumbles into a tree. And then has his Lou Costello quivering-wheezing breakdown. Classic! Hilarious! And Driving a Red 1979 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 is not so bad either.
4. How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor?
5. What is this character’s emotional range? The range is subtle but definitely there.
6. What subtext can the actor play?
He is the “nice guy.” The nerdy dad. The down on his luck sometimes taken for a naive nit-wit; but always ends up being at the right place at the right time. You can feel his covering up the regret and loss of his wife underneath his trying to do the right thing.
7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character has? His relationship with his daughter Molly is amazing: who’s parenting who. Wink. Wink. And his relationship with Jack Healey is priceless.
8. How is this character’s unique voice presented? Fast paced. Quick wit banter. Brilliantly funny.
9. What makes this character special and unique?He almost feels like he is out of the 1940s with70s clothes on. He has this wholesome private eye demeanor that is so unique and funny.
10. (Fill in a scene that shows the character fulfilling much of the Actor Attractor model.)
When Tally comes out in her peach-coral orange satin gown and gun and her hair full and gorgeous, and he says Tally you look exquisite. Did you know someone switched the briefcases. There was no money. (Gun drawn) What are you doing? Priceless. Says it all.
It looks like Russell Crowe and Ryan gosling are having a blast working with each other. Great
chemistry. Two peas in a pod.
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My vision: I am going to be an empowered, wonderful writer that’s known for great dialogue and great characters that win audiences’ hearts. <div>
<font size=”4″>
</font><font size=”4″>What I learned from this assignment is that “every genre has its own specific requirements that audiences expect, producers need, and distributors use for categorizations.” Although we probably all instinctively know this, I never till now took it into consideration for delivering through writing. </font>
<font size=”4″>2. Tell us the following:</font>
<font size=”4″>Title: Live Call </font><font size=”4″>Concept: What if your husband had to call his mom every time he had to make a big decision. Only she’s been dead for 30 years.</font><font size=”4″>Genre: Dark Comedy</font>
3. Make a list of the conventions for your chosen genre, like this:
Purpose: To entertain the audience with a story packed with laughter inducing moments.
Incongruence: Some aspect of the journey, world, characters, or perspective is incongruent in a way that causes the audience to laugh. The unconventional pairing of two things, people, or situations in a way that causes laughter.
Mechanics of Comedy: Specific devices are used to induce laughter: Primarily the Setup/ Punchline. Also, the devices like toppers, running gags, sight and prop humor. This also includes comedic situations like “Fish our of water,” Incongruent Pairings, Hilarious Purpose, Absurd situation, Misinterpretation, etc.
Comedic Protagonist(s): Whether deliberately funny or the ‘straight man’ of the story, the Protagonist triggers countless amusing situations through their incongruent perspectives, choices and reactions to events.
STRONG STORY: Comedy is not enough. You need a story that keeps us engaged throughout the movie.
5. List your structure from Lesson 6 along with the improvements that come from the Genre Conventions:
<font size=”4″>Act 1:</font>
Opening: Kitchen early morning. Calvin on his cellphone in the kitchen pouring coffee, grabbing his briefcase, getting ready to go to work. Rebecca asks if he booked the caterers? He mouths “not yet.” while gesturing with his right hand talk-talk-talk. Rebecca says “deadline by today.” Calvin winks, gives her a kiss, and walks out still talking on the phone. </div>
Or Another <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Possible Opening: At a very loud pro basketball game. Calvin mid call on his cell phone: saying yeah yeah that’s good. Let me call you later. Ok bye. Pull back to reveal Calvin Knightly and his wife, Rebecca 10th row front & center enjoying a game. Calvin’s POV of Jerry Brokmeir, another executive at the job, with his wife, Felicia, court side.
This is the set up: The audience and Rebecca don’t know who Calvin is talking to which will later circle back and be revealed that he’s talking to his Mom.
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Inciting Incident:
Calvin in a meeting with two other executives, 4 board of directors, the CEO and COO (high rise office with a spectacular view, big oval table) . Jerry Brokmeir, starts to brag and bogart the meeting pitch. CEO actually asks Calvin to do some grunt work to aid Jerry to complete the prep to close the deal/ or they ask Calvin to do grunt work on a lower deal. The room goes silent. Calvin says nothing for an instance. And then says: yeah, let me make a call and start working on that right away. Cut to him on the phone talking to mom.
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Turning Point: Calvin follows mom’s advice and it works like a charm.
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<font size=”4″>Act 2:</font>
New plan: Jerry Brokmeir gets promoted for a position that should have been given to Calvin. Rebecca gets suspicious that Calvin could be cheating on her or something is wrong. </div><div>
Plan in action: Calvin and Jerry on the golf course or at a poker table have a bit of a showdown (Jerry tries to blackmail Calvin). Calvin meets with the CEO only to be shot down. Calvin shows up at a benefit hosted by Felicia Brokmeir and things really go south.
<font size=”3″>Midpoint Turning Point: Nothing is working. Calvin can’t make even the most basic of decisions without calling his Mom. </font><font size=”3″>Cora manipulates & misleads her son because she doesn’t want him to find out the truth that SHE drove Calvin’s father away. And lied to Calvin all these years. And she wants him to need her forever and fail miserably to keep her connection going.
</font>Calvin follows his mother’s advice only to have EVERYTHING come crashing down on him. Backfiring. He has no other choice but to _______.<font size=”3″>Nothing his mom says helps.</font><font size=”3″> Things start to implode. Calvin calls mom and it goes straight to voicemail.</font><font size=”3″>Calvin has a complete meltdown. </font>
<font size=”4″>
</font><font size=”4″>Act 3:</font>
Rethink: Calvin calls his mom and the number is no longer in service. New plan: Rebecca discovers 100 outbound calls labeled “Mom” on Calvin’s phone. We reveal that Calvin’s mother has been dead for 30 years. Cora wasn’t killed she committed suicide. Rebecca is torn. She contemplates leaving Calvin and possibly having him committed. Turning Point: Huge failure / </div><div>
Major shift: This is where Calvin starts to shake everything off and begins to rise. He makes his first bold move ever to save his life, his career, his marriage, and ultimately himself. He goes to Italy on his own to seal the deal himself with the clients & get the credit he finally deserves. Bringing in something the other schmucks could never come up with…. AND CLOSES the DEAL!!!!!
<font size=”4″>Act 4:</font>Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict: Calvin faces his mom and then ditches his phone and gets a new one. While in Italy, Calvin gets an incoming call labeled “Mom” on his brand new phone (Mom’s number was NOT programmed into his new phone). He blocks the number, disconnecting the call forever and wins the Italian account.
Resolution: Calvin realizes he never did anything wrong, has everything he needs to be happy, and never needs “to call” his mom ever again. Calvin opens his own business: a bar or cigar shop called Don’t Tell Your Mom or a winery or café called Mother’s. He and Rebecca move to Italy and live happily ever after.)
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My vision: I am going to be an empowered, wonderful writer that’s known for great dialogue and great characters that win audiences’ hearts. What I learned from this assignment is this is great prep for the pitch.
My Concept: What if your husband had to call his mom every time he had to make a big decision. Only she’s been dead for 30 years.
Main Conflict: Calvin Knightly seems to be living the dream, only it’s a complete nightmare. The only person he can turn to is his mother which he does …. Constantly by phone.
Calvin Knightly
Old Ways:
Suave: The guy who seemingly has it all. Great career. Wonderful wife. Money; but underneath it all sullen, angry, full of regret.Resigned to the unethical, duplicit people stealing credit for his workPlays the suttle game yet hates itHates himself for allowing and being taken advantage ofHeavy hearted Unsure of himselfCovers things up with his charm and witSeeks validation in material gain, career advancementWorks hard and is brilliant , never gets his due in a very competitive world. Credit and things are always taken from him. Another executive is always getting kudos and promoted for the work he’s doing.Always confided in his mom, the one person he could always truly trustDeep down yearned for approval by his mother, by others around himTormented by his mother’s death, unresolvedNever understood why his dad left
New Ways:<font face=”Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif” size=”2″>
</font>Becomes confident, courageous, strongFinds a compassion he didn’t know he had. No longer allows people to take advantage of himBreaks free of the duplicit business world Brings down the hypocritical, plagiarists who lack talentReleased from the torment of his mother’s deathBecomes wholeAppreciates life/ becomes truly happyThrives in his life like never before
Create a first draft of your 4 Act Transformational Structure.
<font size=”4″>Act 1:</font>
Opening: Kitchen early morning. Calvin on his cellphone in the kitchen pouring coffee, grabbing his briefcase, getting ready to go to work. Rebecca asks if he booked the caterers? He mouths “not yet.” while gesturing with his right hand talk-talk-talk. Rebecca says “deadline by today.” Calvin winks, gives her a kiss, and walks out still talking on the phone. For Homework, Opening: Early morning kitchen scene with Calvin and Rebecca getting ready to leave for work. Calvin on his cellphone pouring coffee and getting his suitcase. Rebecca asks Calvin something with which he responds by winking and making a talking hand gesture then giving her a kiss as he leaves. Or Another Possible Opening: At a very loud pro basketball game. Calvin mid call on his cell phone: saying yeah yeah that’s good. Let me call you later. Ok bye. Pull back to reveal Calvin Knightly (or Calvin Luque) and his wife, Rebecca 10th row front & center enjoying a game. Calvin’s POV of Jerry Brokmeir, another executive at the job, with his wife, Felicia, courtside. This is the set up: The audience and Rebecca don’t know who Calvin is talking to which will later circle back and be revealed that he’s talking to his Mom. Inciting Incident: For homework posting: Calvin in a huge meeting with two other executives, 4 board of directors, the CEO and COO. Jerry Brokmeir, a rival executive, gets all the credit for Calvin’s work and ideas on a major project for the company. CEO asks Calvin to do some shit work. Calvin pissed. Calls his mom. Calvin in a meeting with two other executives, 4 board of directors, the CEO and COO (high rise office with a spectacular view, big oval table) . Jerry Brokmeir, starts to brag and bogart the meeting pitch. CEO actually asks Calvin to do some grunt work to aid Jerry to complete the prep to close the deal/ or they ask Calvin to do grunt work on a lower deal. The room goes silent. Calvin says nothing for an instance. And then says: yeah, let me make a call and start working on that right away. Cut to him on the phone talking to mom. Turning Point: Calvin follows mom’s advice and it works like a charm.
<font size=”4″>Act 2:</font>
New plan: Jerry Brokmeir gets promoted for a position that should have been given to Calvin. Rebecca gets suspicious that Calvin could be cheating on her or something is wrong. Plan in action: Calvin and Jerry on the golf course or at a poker table have a bit of a showdown (Jerry tries to blackmail Calvin). Calvin meets with the CEO only to be shot down. Calvin shows up at a benefit hosted by Felicia Brokmeir and things really go south. Midpoint Turning Point: Nothing is working. Calvin can’t make even the most basic of decisions without calling his Mom. Nothing his mom says helps. Things start to implode and Calvin has a complete meltdown.
<font size=”4″>Act 3:</font>
Rethink: Calvin claims his triumph and comes up with a completely new business proposal. He goes out on his own to Italy to meet directly with the clients and make the deal on his own. Every time Calvin calls his mom it goes straight to voicemail or this number is “no longer in service” recording. New plan: Rebecca discovers 100 outbound calls labeled “Mom” on Calvin’s phone. We reveal that Calvin’s mother has been dead for 30 years. Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift: Calvin ditches his phone and gets a new one. While in Italy, Calvin gets an incoming call labeled “Mom” on his brand new phone (Mom’s number was NOT programmed into his new phone.
<font size=”4″>Act 4:</font>
Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict: Calvin faces his mom and disconnects the call forever and wins the Italian account. Resolution: Calvin realizes he never did anything wrong, has everything he needs to be happy, and never needs “to call” his mom ever again. Calvin opens his own company (or Calvin starts a winery. He and Rebecca move to Italy and live happily ever after.)
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WIM Module 2 Lesson 4 Subtext: What’s Beneath the Surface?
My vision: I am going to be an empowered, wonderful writer that’s known for great dialogue and great characters that win audiences’ hearts.
What I learned from this assignment is what’s beneath the surface is EVERYTHING. It’s what makes good great. Hope I can truly deliver on that.
My Concept: What if your husband had to call his mom every time he had to make a big decision.Only she’s been dead for 30 years.
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Beneath The Surface: Calvin is ….
Swings between doubt and confidence in any of his abilities
Misses his mother, who was his confidant, the one he could trust, his everything
Wondering if his mom ever really loved him
Why did his father leave them?
Why did his mom have to die?
Does hope really exist or is it a complete fallacy?
Losing his mind
Jeopardizing his marriage
His relationship with Rebecca becomes strained
The fear and frustration of never getting from under the deception that is both subtle & blatant that keeps him down
<font color=”#4d5c6d” face=”SF UI Text, sans-serif” size=”3″>Does he really have what it takes to beat the bullshit at the office amongst the hungry</font>
The hypocrisy at the office drives him nuts.
The conversations Calvin has on the phone with his mom are very real to him (and the audience)
The risk of being bold or forever living with regret
Layering:
On the surface: Calvin is a confident, popular, sarcastic, successful guy. Savvy business executive. Together. Level headed sound guy. He has a wonderful, deep bond with his mother. Is living a great life.
Under surface: Calvin is borderline psychotic. Lacks confidence. Needs outside validation. Sad and seething. Covers up his anger. He unravels. And at first we believe his mother is alive … only to find out the conversations he has been having with her are all in his mind.
Competitive Agendas:
On the surface: Everyone at Sonix, a Fortune 500 Billion dollar company, are team players that respect and honor each other. They play a good sportsmanship pretending to be in “friendly” competition: playing golf, dinners at each other’s homes, boating, cheering each other on. When in fact they are ruthless. On the surface, Calvin has it together and plays the game, handles stress and high stakes well. He is well liked, witty, and charming. Successful, a major player.
Under surface: the other guys at the office are underhanded, jealous, plagiarizing his ideas, and going behind his back. Calvin at one point completely unravels which leads to making bold moves and him rising like a phoenix.
Yet, they all wish they had Calvin’s talent and charisma, All their wives adore and have a crush on him. Calvin. And yet, Calvin is falling apart (at one point Calvin unravels).
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WIM Eden Young Transformational Journey Module 3 <div>
My vision: I am going to do my best to be an empowered, wonderful writer that’s known for great dialogue and great characters that win audiences’ hearts.
What I learned from this assignment is creating lead characters that are unique and intentionally designed, especially the Protagonist, is crucial to delivering the concept powerfully and creating an incredible movie; and the key to elevating a good story to a GREAT one!
Character Arc for your Protagonist Calvin Knightly:
Arc Beginning: Brazen, seething, sharp guy held back in life. And he never really dealt with his mother’s death.
Arc Ending: Finallyrealzes who he really is without his mother’s influence, truly confident, independant, and absolutely happy. He becomes a true success on his own.
Internal Journey: From pursuing happiness and seeking outside validation to confident and courageous. And completely unravels in between.
External Journey: From undermined in his career and in life by others who seem to be his friends to absolutely happy and truly triumphant
Calvin Knightly’s Old Ways at the beginning of the movie and their New Ways at the end.
Old Ways:
Suave: The guy who seemingly has it all.
Great career. Wonderful wife. Money.
Sullen, full of regret
Resigned to the unethical, duplicit people stealing credit for his work.
Plays the subtle game yet hates it.
Hates himself for allowing and being taken advantage of.
Heavy hearted Unsure of himself
Covers things up with his charm and wit
Seeks validation in material gain, career advancement
Works hard and is brilliant, never gets his due in a very competitive world.
Credit and things are always taken from him.
New Ways:
Becomes confident, strong
Finds a compassion he didn’t know he had.
No longer allows people to take advantage of him
Breaks free of the duplicit business world
Brings down the hypocritical, plagiarists who lack talent
Released from his mother’s influence
Becomes whole
Appreciates life/ becomes truly happy
Thrives in his life like never before
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My vision: I am going to do my best to be an empowered, wonderful writer that’s known for great dialogue and great characters that win audiences’ hearts.
What I learned from this assignment is first and foremost is discovering how each main character fits the concept.
WIM Eden Young Intentional Lead Characters
Title: LIVE CALL
My Concept: What if your husband had to call his mom every time he had to make a big decision.Only she’s been dead for 30 years.
My Protagonist: Calvin (The Husband)Logline: Calvin, fun, likeable, confident, level headed. The Lead Executive of a top Fortune 500 Company starts to act oddly and little by little out of character, having to make more and more phone calls before committing to any decision both at the office and in life. Unique: Never considered a “momma’s boy” till now when things start to crack. My Antagonist: Rebecca,(The Wife)Logline: Rebecca loving wife, and computer forensics analyst who has never thought twice about her husband until his behavior starts to change. Character: Cora, Mom (The thing between Calvin & Rebecca) Logline: Cora has always had a close relationship with her son. Now it’s as if she has a grip on Calvin. Unique: She’s been dead for 30 years
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WIM Eden Young Great Outlines Make Great Acripts!
My vision: I am going to do my best to be an empowered, wonderful writer that’s known for great dialogue and great characters that win audiences’ hearts.
What I learned from doing this assignment is the unknown doesn’t have to be terrifying, that it actually is the very thing that will guide us to greatness. And I learned that Outlining is the key to success and pushing the “easy button” not making your life more difficult than it has to be.
My Title: LIVE CALL
My Concept: What if your husband had to call his mom every time he had to make a big decision. Only she’s been dead for 30 years.
My Character Structure: Dramatic Triangle–
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Take 2: I thought I posted this, this morning
WIM Eden Young Great Outlines Make Great Acripts!
My vision: I am going to do my best to be an empowered, wonderful writer that’s known for great dialogue and great characters that win audiences’ hearts.
What I learned from doing this assignment is the unknown doesn’t have to be terrifying, that it actually is the very thing that will guide us to greatness. And I learned that Outlining is the key to success and pushing the “easy button” not making your life more difficult than it has to be.
My Title: LIVE CALL
My Concept: What if your husband had to call his mom every time he had to make a big decision. Only she’s been dead for 30 years.
My Character Structure: Dramatic Triangle–
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My name is Eden Young. I have co-written one script and would like to learn to independently write something worth while on my own. I, also, hope to learn to open up my imagination and harness my ideas quickly and bring them to life. I love story telling and making people laugh. I’m a Buddhist Nerd and have been practicing Nichiren Buddhism for 24 years. Chanting Nam-Myoho-renge-kyo definitely brought this wonderful opportunity in my life at just the right time. I am so excited to start this journey with all of you. Thank you! 🤩
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“I agree to the terms of this release form.”
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Eden Young: “I agree to the terms of this release form.”
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Paul,
Great questions. I want to build the frequency of the calls. And basically reveal that she’s actually dead somewhere around the third act or later part of the second (creating a crescendo and twist). In beginning the advice is good and then it gets weirder and weirder. You are going me something to think about. Thank you!
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Haaaa this is fun!
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Hilarious!
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This is so, so good.
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Powerful stuff. Most appealing to me is “being a super-smart child prodigy—figures out that she may have been conceived when Libby and her son Stuart visited her grandparents just months before they immigrated to the USA and Americanized their names.”
It was a bit of a tough toss up (have to admit): however this grabs me more.
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Wow! Very cool!
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Also Very DEEP. Really good.
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That’sDEEP John! I want to go see this film.
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So good! That rotary cell phone is hilarious! Chris I definitely want to see this.
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Patricia, I believe you will win an Oscar. The title and concept is so great!
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Brian. I love the title and your concept. Fishing is serene and majestic.
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LoL Cassie,
This is so good. I am not helpful at all. I just want to see this. 🤩
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Melissa, I can actually picture the imagery of your story! So cool.
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Hi Adrienne, So fun. So classy. So unique. Will you compose the music?
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Very cool Haley!
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That’sDEEP! Lenore, love the title. Love the concept. Want to see it.
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Ruthie, you had me at dark comedy. LoL LOVE dark comedy. and this is funny. I am popping popcorn as we speak getting ready to watch.
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Alyssa! So good I definitely want to be in the audience. Your structure and concept is really good.
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Francine!
Horror films freak me out. And Yet I want to see this so bad. Horror and comedy great mix! 😂😱
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Karyn,
I am totally unseasoned; but I want to see this film!
Cheers.
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Thank you Cassie!
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LoL… Melissa! 😃
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I have to see this. I do stand up and talk about dementia etc. dealing with parents. This is fun!!!
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Thank you Ashley. Time will tell 😉
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Thank you Cassie.
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That’sDEEP! I want to see this, popcorn and all! They started new forums for the modules. If you have time copy paste it Sp the others can see. Love the brawler idea.
My mom got hit by a car at the height of COVID. Luckily survived 🙏🏽 I really think this is great for what it’s worth.
Cheers…
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Love it Ashley! Super Enthralling. Looking forward to see if you add that romantic twist. 🌻😃
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Good stuff, Cassie! Can’t wait to see more & you making that MONEY 😃
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Thank you, Chris.
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Hello Marguerite, We probably aren’t supposed to comment yet; however I’m looking forward to seeing this.
Eden
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Hi Lloyd,
I just read your great outline posting from my email and wanted to give it a “Like” but couldn’t find it in any the threads. Good stuff.
Cheers.
Eeen
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Hot Digity Dog 👍🏼 😃
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Hello Veronica 🚗🚙🛻
Wow 24,000 mile road trip. Fun. Looking forward to learning & being on this journey with you.
Warmly,
Eden 🌺
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That’sDEEP Lloyd. That’sDEEP! See you in our WIM5 cyber world …
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Hi Agnes,
I forgot I already liked your intro 🙃 hence the unlike &second like (I’ve done that a few times unintentionally).
Inspiring intro. What instruments do you play?
Warm regards,
Eden
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Hello Lloyd Shellenberger 😊
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Hi Shira 🌞
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Hello Burney Ashley 😊
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Hello Michael O’Keefe,
I was trying to “like” your intro & hot list in the sea of fabulous messages. So responding here. Inspired by your tenacity and your intro. Looking forward to every step of this journey we have all embarked on and learning from & with everyone.
Take care
Eden
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Hi Haley 😊
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Hi Margaret 😊
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Hello Marguerite,
Glad you’re in this class. Like Cassie, said sorry for your loss 🙏🏽 Looking forward to reading your writing and learning.
Warmly,
Eden
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Hi Brian! 😊 Eden
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Bonjour Lenore 😊 Happy to meet you Eden
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Hi Cassie,
I just saw this message. I’m still getting used to navigating this particular website etc … LoL 😆 🙃🧭 oh boy 😉 I feel the same way. This class & the people in it are quite spectacular. I’m really excited.
Looking forward to getting yo know you & learning from you & the rest of this fun eclectic bunch .
Ciao. Ciao.
Eden
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And you had me at Aloha 🌺
My family on my mom’s side is from Hawaii. What a wonderful eclectic group. Looking for award to learning from all of you, yourself included.
Mahalo