[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Has Finished Act 4 + 5

What I learned doing this assignment is how freeing it is to high-speed write, and how fast it really does go – again leaning into honoring the outline. I made lots of notes and am looking forward to all the FIXING in draft 2.

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Finished Act 3

What I learned doing this assignment is that it gets easier and easier to write high-speed, and it also sparks creativity (so lots of notes for the future), and again, emphasized how important a good outline is, and to not deviate for this draft.

<ul type=”disc”>

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Finished Act 2
What I learned doing this assignment is that I really like high speed writing. I do think the key is having a kick-ass outline to work with.
Rule 1: A – Use empowering self talk. Cheer yourself on. Rule 2: A – Understand writing in drafts. Rule 3: A – Choose speed over quality for EARLY drafts. Rule 4: B – Allow yourself to start (or continue) without all the answers. THIS ONE IS TOUGH, BUT I JUST MADE NOTES AND KEPT GOING. Rule 5: A. Keep moving. Don’t allow yourself to ever stall out. Rule 6: A. Even if you can’t create it now, you will be able to at some point in the future!

• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Laree Griffith. Reason: Removed HTML tags so others can post
• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Laree Griffith. Reason: Removed HTML tags so others can post

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Finished Act 1 First Draft

What I learned doing this assignment is it’s okay to fly without a safety net. Feels weird when you have new ideas you ignore (thank goodness for notes for later), but by sticking with honoring the outline, I don’t have to make as many decisions that might change everything.

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Teaser/High-Speed Writing

What I learned doing this assignment is that the first step is the hardest. Thankfully, empowerment WORKS!

[Gayla Betts]

Hi Everyone,

If anyone would like to exchange feedback, I’m happy to do so.

Please email me @ GJDBetts@yahoo.com

Thanks! ~ Gayla

TITLE: Starlight Café

Format/Genre: One Hour Fantasy Series

Concept: A young woman discovering her magical abilities must navigate a portal to her mysterious past or risk destroying humanity.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by  Gayla Betts.

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Outline With Intrigue

What I learned doing this assignment is that labeling the components of intrigue really made me look at what was in the scene and add/detract what needed to be there and what didn’t.

TEASER:
INT. OPHIUCHUS STUDY – DAY – INTRIGUING WORLDOPHIUCHUS loses his temper when his henchmen cannot find “her” (Jess), and kills one of them without a second thought.M: Who is this person? Why does he want “her”?OL: What is going to happen?

ACT 1:

EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS – DAY – MYSTERY

JESS and her roommate, LISA, walk out of a class building, discussing Jess’ birthday plans with her father that night. Her secret service agent, RAIF, is not far behind.

Jess stops when she sees a thread of stardust. No one else sees it. Raif notices her strange behavior.

Setup: Why is she not looking forward to seeing her father?
OL: What is the stardust?
M: What is the stardust?
M: Why does Jess have a secret service agent?

PLACEHOLDER – Someone discussing Jess. Is it Ophichus? Or?…

EXT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT – CONSPIRACY

Secret Service AGENTS discuss security for the birthday dinner as they go through their security checklist. One of them seems off.

M: Why are they having this disagreement now?
Setup: What’s going to happen?

INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT – WOUND

JESS HARPER celebrates her birthday with her SAMUEL HARPER father, the PRESIDENT of the United States, which has been closed to the public. Secret Service agents mill about at a distance. Jess thinks she sees a thread of starlight. Jess brings up her mother, but her father deflects.

A WAITER attends to them as she doesn’t try to hide her comments.

M: What won’t her father talk about her mother?
OL: What happened to her mother?

E/D: Jess is upset her father won’t discuss her mother.

Setup: What is the taboo on talking about her mother?
Setup: Why doesn’t she hide her comments in front of the waiter – will he come up later?

INT. RESTAURANT – KITCHEN – NIGHT/PLACEHOLDER – CONSPIRACY

The cook looks suspicious/says something to the waiter.

M: What is going on?
Setup: We’ll find out.

RESTAURANT – NIGHT – HIDDEN LAYER

The president presents a gift to Jess – a silver bracelet. The conversation becomes heated about her mother. The agents perk up.

The waiter approaches – notices the bracelet. Looks back toward the kitchen.

M: Why is the waiter so interested in the bracelet?
Setup: What does the bracelet mean?

INT. RESTAURANT – KITCHEN – NIGHT – DECEPTION

The cook is on the phone. He stuffs it when an agent walks in.

M: Why did the cook hide the phone and his conversation?
M: Who is he talking to?

INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT – IMMINENT THREAT

Jess has not put on the bracelet, as their conversation has turned into an argument.
The whiz of a silent shot – then the president slumps over.
When Jess realizes, TIME STANDS STILL. SILENCE. A WOMAN’S VOICE speaks to Jess.
She reaches out to her father and touches his wound – horrified. I
n a vacuum, he opens his eyes and whispers to her. She’s confused.
TIME RESUMES. THE WORLD CRASHES BACK IN as agents rush to her father.
In the few seconds before Raif gets to her, the waiter snaps the bracelet on her wrist. As she turns to him, he tells her she needs to keep the bracelet on. She notices a thread of stardust near him.
By the time Raif arrives, he’s gone.
Ambulance sirens are heard in the distance.

M: What is happening with time standing still?
M: Who was the woman’s voice?

M: Who shot the president?
M: What did he whisper to Jess?
Setup: Why did the waiter put the bracelet on her wrist?
M: Who is the waiter, really?
E/D: Jess’ father might die – what is happening?

ACT 2:

INT. HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM – NIGHT – WOUND

Jess sits in a chair, feeling guilty about arguing with her father. Secret Service agents are everywhere. CAROLINE JACKSON, the Vice President’s wife, enters. Hugs Jess. Tells her the VP is on his way. Seems to care.
Asks an AGENT for a report. There’s not much.

The DOCTOR comes in. He doesn’t know how, but the President has survived – almost as if someone moved the bullet enough to save him. He’s in a coma for a unknown period of time.

Jess wants to see her father.

E/D: Jess upset over her father – in a state of shock.
M: Did Jess do something at the restaurant to save her father?

INT. HOSPITAL ICU ROOM – NIGHT – HIDDEN LAYER

Under the watchful agents, the doctor and a nurse, Jess grabs her dad’s hand, babbling that she’s wearing the bracelet – “see”. She leans in and says something to him. He doesn’t respond. She begs him to wake up.

Caroline enters and coaxes her away. Says Jess is coming home with her.

Jess agrees but needs to go to her apartment and get some things. Raif and other agents will take her.

OL: What is going on with the bracelet?
E/D: Will her father live?
M: Why is the VP wife so insistent Jess come home with her?
Setup: Jess insists on going to her apartment.

INT. JESS’ APARTMENT LIVING ROOM – NIGHT – STRANGE BEHAVIOR

PLACEHOLDER She uses her powers to get away.

M: What are her powers?
M: Why does she run away?

EXT. STREET – NIGHT – SECRET

Jess runs hard. Thinks she sees stardust threads and tries to follow them.

M: Why is Jess running from the secret service?
M: What are the stardust threads?

EXT. STREET – NIGHT – STRANGE BEHAVIOR

Time has passed. Jess sees a light ahead. As she gets closer, she sees the Starlight Café. It’s surrounded by threads of stardust. She enters the door.

M: What is the Starlight Café and why did she run there?
M: What are the threads?

INT. STARLIGHT CAFÉ – NIGHT – CONSPIRACY

Everyone in the café stops talking and stare at Jess. GABRIEL, surrounded by adoring women, breaks free and moves toward Jess.

As soon as she gets her bearings, Jess sees the BARTENDER – who is the waiter from dinner – and lunges at him, demanding answers. When Gabriel intervenes, the bartender runs away in a panic.
Gabriel points to Jess’ bracelet, and gets her attention by mentioning her mother.

M: What is the significance of the bracelet?
M: How does Gabriel know her mother?
OL: What is the café?

ACT 3:

PLACEHOLDER SCENE

INT. STARLIGHT CAFÉ – BOOTH – NIGHT – INTRIGUING WORLD

Gabriel looks over the bracelet – which Jess cannot remove.
He explains parts of the Sidereal world to Jess, who is in disbelief.

OL: What is the Sidereal world?
M: Why can’t Jess remove the bracelet?
Setup: Jess can’t remove the bracelet.
M: How does Gabriel know her mother?

E/D: Jess is still in shock – things are moving fast.

EXT. STARLIGHT CAFÉ – NIGHT – CONSPIRACY

Raif watches the café door – makes a call on his cell.

M: How did Raif follow her?
OL: Who is he reporting to?

INT. STARLIGHT CAFÉ – BOOTH – NIGHT – STANGE BEHAVIOR

LILAH, the owner, joins Gabriel and Jess. She cautions Gabriel. Too late.
Jess wants answers from her. Because of the bracelet, Lilah is shaken. She wants Jess out of the café now – before it’s too late.

Gabriel volunteers to take her out the back. He accidentally lets her see the portal, but brushes it off.

M: Why does Lilah caution Gabriel?
M: Why is Lilah shaken?
OL: What does the bracelet have to do with everything?
M: Why does she want Jess out of the café “before it’s too late?”
Setup: What is the portal?

Act 4:

EXT. PARK – NIGHT – INTRIGUING WORLD

Gabriel shows Jess parts of the sky explains the danger she’s in, which she doesn’t believe.
Jess has been getting calls/texts – gets another. She needs to go back to the hospital to see her father.
Gabriel warns her not to go. He has an idea. He offers to tutor her and walk her back to the hospital. Tries to warn her. He explains the sidereals cannot use powers on earth without a catalyst – her. But it also goes another way – she can use the sidereals in their world – so the ancient prophecy goes.

M: What is the Sidereal world and who is Ohiuchus to Jess?
M: Does Gabriel know her father?
M: What is the prophecy and how does it affect her?

E/D: Why does Gabriel not want her to go to the hospital?
E/D: Why should she trust Gabriel?

PLACEHOLDER

INT. HOSPITAL – NIGHT – SUSPICION

When Jess enters the hospital, unseen so far, she overhears a conversation about her father being braindead and need her permission to let him go. In shock, she flees.

E/D: Her father has been pronounced braindead.
M: Why does Jess have the instinct to flee?

PLACEHOLDER

ACT 5:

INT. WHITE HOUSE – HER FATHER’S OFFICE – DAY – SECRET IDENTITY

Jess enters – and searches her father’s office. As the door opens, she stuffs something into her pocket. Caroline enters. She feigns sincerity, but wants Jess to go the hospital. Jess agrees, but as OTHERS enter, Jess slips away.

M: What is Jess looking for?
M: What did she find, and why did she hide it?
E/D: Jess has to deal with Caroline.

PLACEHOLDER(S)

INT. STARLIGHT CAFÉ – NIGHT –PLACEHOLDER

Jess sneaks into the café and has a confrontation with Lilah – (in earlier scene) Gabriel already told her about Lilah’s secret husband.

PLACEHOLDER SCENES

Heart to heart with Lilah, Ophiuchus to some extent. Flashes Jess gets. More demos of her powers.

INT. STARLIGHT CAFÉ – NIGHT – IMMINENT THREAT

Jess has final confrontation with Lilah and Gabriel – threatens to expose Lilah’s secret, as they try to reason with her about what will happen if she uses the portal – it cannot be undone, and she might die. Just as it appears she’s backing down, she goes through.

E/D: Jess is torn – her life is on the line, but she needs to find out about her mother and try to save her father.
M: Will she die if she goes through – what if she is not the person in the prophecy?
Setup: Will she betray them?

OL: What’s on the other side of the portal?

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Scene Requirements

What I learned doing this assignment is this is a great exercise for getting to the heart of the scene and see what’s missing.

Teaser:

Essence: Jess stands in front of the portal – it is glowing and churning – ready to transport, as she is ready to bolt.

Lilah and Gabriel appeal her not to use it – for many reasons, plus it is unknown if she will live through the journey as a human going into the celestial world, even if she is half-Sidereal. They accuse each other of betrayal. Jess breaks down into tears.

Turning Point: Will she or won’t she?

INT. STARLIGHT CAFÉ – NIGHT

Start: Jess stands in front of the portal – ready to bolt.

Challenging Situation: Lilah & Gabriel beg her not to use it – for many reasons, including her own safety.
Conflict: She is betraying them.
Action: Argument and on the verge of going.
Finish: Will she or won’t she go?

ACT 1:

EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS – DAY

Jess and her roommate, LISA, walk out of a class building, discussing Jess’ birthday plans with her father that night. Her secret service agent, RAIF, is not far behind.

Jess thinks she sees a thread of starlight.

Start: Jess and Lisa walk out of a class building discussing her b’day plans.

Challenging Situation: They are interrupted by another friend who disagrees with Jess’ answer to a question in class.
Conflict: They have an argument.
Action: Jess pauses when she thinks she sees something.
Finish: Her SS agent, Raif, observes, noticing she is behaving differently.

PLACEHOLDER SCENE – Someone discussing Jess.

Start:

Challenging Situation:
Conflict:
Action:
Finish:

EXT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT

Secret Service agents discuss security for the birthday dinner.

Start: Secret Service agents discuss security.

Challenging Situation: They disagree on best way to protect president feeling Jess brings exposure.
Conflict: Who has the better plan?
Action: The senior agent makes the decision.
Finish: They go through their security checklist.

INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT

JESS HARPER celebrates her birthday with her SAMUEL HARPER father, the PRESIDENT of the United States, which has been closed to the public. Secret Service agents mill about at a distance. Jess thinks she sees a thread of starlight.

A WAITER attends to them.

Start: Jess and her father enjoy her birthday meal.

Challenging Situation: She wants to know more about her mother, he doesn’t want to share.
Conflict: It is awkward to talk even with the ss agents in the distance.
Action: Jess presses her father.
Finish: She does stop talking in front of the waiter.

INT. RESTAURANT – KITCHEN – NIGHT

PLACEHOLDER – The cook looks suspicious/says something to the waiter.

Start:

Challenging Situation:
Conflict:
Action:
Finish:

INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT

The president presents a gift to Jess – a silver bracelet. The conversation becomes heated. The agents perk up.

The waiter approaches – notices the bracelet. Looks back toward the kitchen.

Start: Jess’ dad gives her a gift.

Challenging Situation: The gift brings up her mother.
Conflict: Her father won’t tell her what she wants to know about her mother.
Action: Jess gets angry.
Finish: The agents notice.

INT. RESTAURANT – KITCHEN – NIGHT

The cook is on the phone. He stuffs it when an agent walks in.

Start: The cook is on the phone.

Challenging Situation: He’s trying to hide his conversation from the agent.
Conflict: He’s hiding his actions.
Action: Talking.
Finish: He hides the phone.

INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT

Jess has not put on the bracelet, as their conversation has turned into an argument.
The whiz of a silent shot – then the president slumps over.
When Jess realizes, TIME STANDS STILL. SILENCE. A WOMAN’S VOICE speaks to Jess.
She reaches out to her father and touches his wound – horrified. I
n a vacuum, he opens his eyes and speaks to her. She’s confused.
TIME RESUMES. THE WORLD CRASHES BACK IN as agents rush to her father.
In the few seconds before Raif gets to her, the waiter snaps the bracelet on her wrist. As she turns to him, he tells her she needs to keep the bracelet on. She notices a thread of stardust near him.
By the time Raif arrives, he’s gone.
Ambulance sirens are heard in the distance.

Start: Jess is still arguing with her father.

Challenging Situation: Her father is attacked.
Conflict: Jess’ guilty she was arguing when the attack happens.
Action: The attack on her father, the waiter snaps the bracelet on her.
Finish: Agents rush in to help.

ACT 2:

INT. HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM – NIGHT

Jess sits in a chair. Secret Service agents are everywhere. CAROLINE JACKSON, the Vice President’s wife, enters. Hugs Jess. Tells her the VP is on his way. Seems to care.
Asks an AGENT for a report. There’s not much.

The DOCTOR comes in. He doesn’t know how, but the President has survived – almost as if someone moved the bullet enough to save him. He’s in a coma for a unknown period of time.

Jess wants to see her father.

Start: Everyone waits to find out the president’s condition.

Challenging Situation: He might die.
Conflict: Jess wants to see her father but is not allowed.
Action: The VP arrives, everyone seems to report to her.
Finish: The president is in a coma.

INT. HOSPITAL ICU ROOM – NIGHT

Under the watchful agents, the doctor and a nurse, Jess grabs her dad’s hand, babbling that she’s wearing the bracelet – “see”. She leans in and says something to him. He doesn’t respond. She begs him to wake up.

Caroline enters and coaxes her away. Says Jess is coming home with her.

Jess agrees but needs to go to her apartment and get some things. Raif and other agents will take her.

Start: Jess visits her unconscious father.

Challenging Situation: She wants to talk to him.
Conflict: She’s hiding her feelings from Caroline.
Action: Jess agrees to get her things and go to the vp’s home.
Finish: The agents escort her away.

INT. JESS’ APARTMENT LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

Placeholder She uses her powers to get away.

EXT. STREET – NIGHT

Jess runs hard. Thinks she sees stardust threads and tries to follow them.

Start: Jess runs away from the agent.

Challenging Situation: She tries to follow the stardust threads she sees.
Conflict: She has run away and doesn’t want to get caught.
Action: Running and hiding.
Finish: Still running.

EXT. STREET – NIGHT

Time has passed. Jess sees a light ahead. As she gets closer, she sees the Starlight Café. It’ surrounded by threads of stardust. She enters the door.

Start: Jess is still looking for the stardust café.

Challenging Situation: She finds it, but doesn’t know what to expect.
Conflict: She has no idea what she is up against.
Action: She enters the café.
Finish: She enters the café.

INT. STARLIGHT CAFÉ – NIGHT

Everyone in the café stops talking and stare at Jess. GABRIEL, surrounded by adoring women, breaks free and moves toward Jess.

As soon as she gets her bearings, Jess sees the BARTENDER – who is the waiter from dinner – and lunges at him, demanding answers. When Gabriel intervenes, the bartender runs away in a panic.
Gabriel points to Jess’ bracelet, and gets her attention by mentioning her mother.

Start: Jess doesn’t know what to expect.

Challenging Situation: She hopes to get answers.
Conflict: She doesn’t know what she should disclose.
Action: She asserts herself.
Finish: Jess finds someone who knew her mother.

ACT 3:

PLACEHOLDER SCENE

INT. STARLIGHT CAFÉ – BOOTH – NIGHT

Gabriel looks over the bracelet – which Jess cannot remove.
He explains the Sidereal world to Jess, who is in disbelief.

Start: Jess has found someone who knew her mother.

Challenging Situation: She hears something she has a hard time believing.
Conflict: Can she trust this person?
Action: Fight or flight?
Finish: Jess has a link she can pursue?

EXT. STARLIGHT CAFÉ – NIGHT

Raif watches the café door – makes a call on his cell.

Start: Raif has followed Jess.

Challenging Situation: She doesn’t know it.
Conflict: Is he on her side or reporting to someone else?
Action: He makes a call.
Finish: He looks guilty of working for someone else.

INT. STARLIGHT CAFÉ – BOOTH – NIGHT

LILAH, the owner, joins Gabriel and Jess. She cautions Gabriel. Too late.
Jess wants answers from her. Because of the bracelet, Lilah is shaken. She wants Jess out of the café now – before it’s too late.

Gabriel volunteers to take her out the back. He accidentally lets her see the portal, but brushes it off.

Start: Lilah notices Jess.

Challenging Situation: She doesn’t want anything to do with Jess and is mad at Gabriel.
Conflict: She and Gabriel are at odds.
Action: Gabriel takes Jess away.
Finish: Jess sees the portal.

Act 4:

EXT. PARK – NIGHT

Gabriel shows Jess parts of the sky explains the danger she’s in, which she doesn’t believe.
Jess has been getting calls/texts – gets another. She needs to go back to the hospital to see her father.
Gabriel warns her not to go. He has an idea. He offers to tutor her and walk her back to the hospital. Tries to warn her. He explains the sidereals cannot use powers on earth without a catalyst – her. But it also goes another way – she can use the sidereals in their world – so the ancient prophecy goes.

Start: Gabriel tries to explain another world to Jess.

Challenging Situation: She is in disbelief though she wants answers.
Conflict: Her mother cannot be in another world.
Action: Jess keeps getting calls.
Finish: Jess needs to go back to the hospital, possibly putting herself in danger.

PLACEHOLDER.

Start:

Challenging Situation:
Conflict:
Action:
Finish:

INT. HOSPITAL – NIGHT

When Jess enters the hospital, unseen so far, she overhears a conversation about her father being braindead and need her permission to let him go. In shock, she flees.

Start: Jess is at the hospital.

Challenging Situation: Her father is considered braindead.
Conflict: “They” want her to ok pulling the plug.
Action: Pressured to make a decision, she runs away.
Finish: Jess doesn’t make a decision.

PLACEHOLDER.

Start:

Challenging Situation:
Conflict:
Action:
Finish:

Act 5

INT. WHITE HOUSE – DAY

Jess enters – and is able to search the vice president’s office – only to run into Caroline.

Caroline tries to make a deal – but Jess sees through her. She agrees to meet her at the hospital later.

Start: Jess looks for information.

Challenging Situation: She gets caught looking.
Conflict: She and Caroline are on opposite ends.
Action: Jess has been caught ransacking the VP’s office.
Finish: She agrees to meet Caroline later.

PLACEHOLDER(S)

INT. STARLIGHT CAFÉ – Jess sneaks into the café – thinks she does – and has a confrontation with Lilah – Gabriel already told her about her secret husband. Jess slips into the portal before Lilah can stop her.

Start:

Challenging Situation:
Conflict:
Action:
Finish:

PLACEHOLDER SCENES to add IN – Heart to heart with Lilah, Ophiuchus to some extent. Flashes Jess gets. More demos of her powers.

Start:

Challenging Situation:
Conflict:
Action:
Finish:

INT. STARLIGHT CAFÉ – NIGHT

Start: Jess stands in front of the portal – ready to bolt.

Challenging Situation: Lilah & Gabriel beg her not to use it – for many reasons, including her own safety.
Conflict: She is betraying them.
Action: Argument and on the verge of going.

Finish: Will she or won’t she go?

[Gayla Betts]

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>Gayla Betts Beat Sheet

What I learned doing this assignment is I don’t have all the answers to my acts yet, and laying out the beats exposes the holes. I also – again – discovered some scenes needed to be moved to different acts, which changed my structure. I have a lot of placeholders.

Show Concept: When a woman discovers her own magic, she must use a portal to find answers to save the world.

Inciting Incident: Jess’ powers awaken when someone tries to assassinate her father. </font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>
A story = Saving humanity from Sidereal plot

B story = Political plot – Caroline & Ophiuchus

C story = Relationships with Gabriel, Lilah

Teaser:

EXT. PLACEHOLDER SCENE – NIGHT

Intermittent threads of starlight around the Starlight Café.

INT. PLACEHOLDER –

A portal to the stars pulsates.

INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT

JESS HARPER celebrates her birthday with her SAMUEL HARPER father, the PRESIDENT of the United States, which has been closed to the public. SECRET SERVICE AGENTS mill about at a distance. Jess thinks she sees a thread of starlight.
He notes her birthday is the vernal equinox.

INT. PLACEHOLDER – NIGHT

Time is frozen. Jess hears a WOMAN’S voice. She reaches for a strand of starlight.

INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT

A shot rings out.

INT. PLACEHOLDER

As Jess touches the portal, there is a flash and a glimpse into a celestial world.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>ACT 1: </font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS – DAY

Jess and her roommate, LISA, walk out of a class building, discussing Jess’ birthday plans with her father that night. Her secret service agent, RAIF, is not far behind.

Jess thinks she sees a thread of starlight.

PLACEHOLDER SCENE – Someone discussing Jess.

EXT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT

Secret Service agents discuss security for the birthday dinner.

INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT

JESS HARPER celebrates her birthday with her SAMUEL HARPER father, the PRESIDENT of the United States, which has been closed to the public. Secret Service agents mill about at a distance. Jess thinks she sees a thread of starlight.

A WAITER attends to them.

INT. RESTAURANT – KITCHEN – NIGHT

PLACEHOLDER – The cook looks suspicious/says something to the waiter.

INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT

The president presents a gift to Jess – a silver bracelet. The conversation becomes heated. The agents perk up.

The waiter approaches – notices the bracelet. Looks back toward the kitchen.

INT. RESTAURANT – KITCHEN – NIGHT

The cook is on the phone. He stuffs it when an agent walks in.

INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT

Jess has not put on the bracelet, as their conversation has turned into an argument.
The whiz of a silent shot – then the president slumps over.
When Jess realizes, TIME STANDS STILL. SILENCE. A WOMAN’S VOICE speaks to Jess.
She reaches out to her father and touches his wound – horrified. I
n a vacuum, he opens his eyes and speaks to her. She’s confused.
TIME RESUMES. THE WORLD CRASHES BACK IN as agents rush to her father.
In the few seconds before Raif gets to her, the waiter snaps the bracelet on her wrist. As she turns to him, he tells her she needs to keep the bracelet on. She notices a thread of stardust near him.
By the time Raif arrives, he’s gone.
Ambulance sirens are heard in the distance.

ACT 2:

INT. HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM – NIGHT

Jess sits in a chair. Secret Service agents are everywhere. CAROLINE JACKSON, the Vice President’s wife, enters. Hugs Jess. Tells her the VP is on his way. Seems to care.
Asks an AGENT for a report. There’s not much.

The DOCTOR comes in. He doesn’t know how, but the President has survived – almost as if someone moved the bullet enough to save him. He’s in a coma for a unknown period of time.

Jess wants to see her father.

INT. HOSPITAL ICU ROOM – NIGHT

Under the watchful agents, the doctor and a nurse, Jess grabs her dad’s hand, babbling that she’s wearing the bracelet – “see”. She leans in and says something to him. He doesn’t respond. She begs him to wake up.

Caroline enters and coaxes her away. Says Jess is coming home with her.

Jess agrees but needs to go to her apartment and get some things. Raif and other agents will take her.

INT. JESS’ APARTMENT LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

Placeholder She uses her powers to get away.

EXT. STREET – NIGHT

Jess runs hard. Thinks she sees stardust threads and tries to follow them.

EXT. STREET – NIGHT

Time has passed. Jess sees a light ahead. As she gets closer, she sees the Starlight Café. It’ surrounded by threads of stardust. She enters the door.

INT. STARLIGHT CAFÉ – NIGHT

Everyone in the café stops talking and stare at Jess. GABRIEL, surrounded by adoring women, breaks free and moves toward Jess.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>As soon as she gets her bearings, Jess sees the BARTENDER – who is the waiter from dinner – and lunges at him, demanding answers. When Gabriel intervenes, the bartender runs away in a panic.
Gabriel points to Jess’ bracelet, and gets her attention by mentioning her mother.

ACT 3:</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>
INT. STARLIGHT CAFÉ – BOOTH – NIGHT

Gabriel looks over the bracelet – which Jess cannot remove.
He explains the Sidereal world to Jess, who is in disbelief. </font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>EXT. STARLIGHT CAFÉ – NIGHT</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>Raif watches the café door – makes a call on his cell. </font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>INT. STARLIGHT CAFÉ – BOOTH – NIGHT

LILAH, the owner, joins Gabriel and Jess. She cautions Gabriel. Too late.
Jess wants answers from her. Because of the bracelet, Lilah is shaken. She wants Jess out of the café now – before it’s too late.

Gabriel volunteers to take her out the back. He accidentally lets her see the portal, but brushes it off.

Act 4:

EXT. PARK – NIGHT

Gabriel shows Jess parts of the sky – PLACEHOLDER – explains the danger she’s in, which she doesn’t believe.
Jess has been getting calls/texts – gets another. She needs to go back to the hospital to see her father.
Gabriel warns her not to go. He has an idea. He offers to tutor her and walk her back to the hospital. Tries to warn her. He explains the sidereals cannot use powers on earth without a catalyst – her. But it also goes another way – she can use the sidereals in their world – so the ancient prophecy goes.

PLACEHOLDER.

INT. HOSPITAL – NIGHT

When Jess enters the hospital, unseen so far, she overhears a conversation about her father being braindead and need her permission to let him go. In shock, she flees.

PLACEHOLDER.

Act 5

INT. WHITE HOUSE – DAY

Jess enters – placeholder – and is able to search the vice president’s office – only to run into Caroline.

Caroline tries to make a deal – but Jess sees through her. She agrees to meet her at the hospital later.

PLACEHOLDER(S)

INT. STARLIGHT CAFÉ – Jess sneaks into the café – thinks she does – and has a confrontation with Lilah – Gabriel already told her about her secret husband. Jess slips into the portal before Lilah can stop her.

</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>PLACEHOLDER SCENES to add IN – Heart to heart with Lilah, Ophiuchus to some extent. Flashes Jess gets. More demos of her powers. </font>

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Setting Up The Future
What I learned doing this assignment is how to work more setups into the acts and be intent with specifics.

New Setups:
Act 1. Jess’ father gives her the bracelet Jess’ mother left for her and will be revealed to protect her from Ophiuchus when her magical powers appear.
Act 2. An overheard conversation between Raif and someone else will be revealed to show he is working for Caroline.
Act 3. Gabriel also will be revealed to be working with someone else through his lies to Lilah.
Act 4. The bartender Jess believes is spying on her will be revealed to be an ally of Jess’ mother who promised to look after Jess.
Act 5. Lilah’s reference to a prophecy will be revealed to be about Jess.

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Adding Empathy/Distress!

What I learned doing this assignment is GO BIG and up the ante!

Teaser:

Essence: As Jess Harper celebrates her birthday, an attempt is made on her father’s life, but not before he reveals her magical abilities that are starting to emerge, and references her mother’s mysterious past – connected to the Starlight Café.
Turning Point: Jess discovers the existence of a mystical portal within the cafe, touches it, and as she does so, there is a flash and a glimpse into a celestial world.

1st Act:

Essence:
As Jess’ powers begin to emerge, the attack on her father amplifies them – she had already started to see magical threads around certain people, and now suspects she can stop time, and may possess the ability to heal. With her father incapacitated, she must look elsewhere for answers and find the Starlight Café.

[plot intruding on life, betrayal from her parents, undeserved misfortune]

Turning Point: Jess discovers the existence of the Sidereal World and her unexpected lineage, thrusting her into a realm of intrigue and danger.

2nd Act:

Essence: Jess suspects her father has political enemies who have been masquerading as friends. Caroline establishes herself as one of those enemies. Jess’ secret service agent reports to someone who is keeping tabs on Jess.

[betrayal, exposed, plans that failed, witnessing the pain of others]

Turning Point/Midpoint: Jess learns her mother is from the Sidereal world and may still be alive. She learns her powers are unreliable when she tries use them to save a friend.

3rd Act:

Essence: With her father still in a coma, Jess has no choice but to trust Lilah and Gabriel to learn about the Sidereals, her mother, and her powers.

[extreme consequences, emotional dilemma, make it more physically threatening]

Turning Point: Jess learns her grandfather, Ophiuchus, wants her powers – or her death.

4th Act:

Essence: Lilah is torn between her duty as the guardian of the portal and her sympathy for humans. Gabriel sets his agenda into motion, offering to mentor Jess as she navigates her new powers.

[external character conflicts, future consequences]

Turning Point: Jess learns the penalty for Lilah’s secret marriage to a human, and makes a deal with Gabriel.

5th Act:
Essence: Jess confirms her fears about Caroline, and makes a deal with her. She gains Lilah’s trust.

[forced decision, betrayal, hurt those they love, raise the stakes, make decision with future & extreme consequences, emotional dilemma]

Lock in/Cliffhanger: Jess betrays everyone, and steps into the portal before she can be stopped.

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Open Loops and Mysteries

Module 3 – Lesson 7

What I learned doing this assignment is when you do a U-turn in the middle of the assignment because you have a huge breakthrough… it’s a lot of work to get everything re-lined up.

What I’ve added to the pilot outline are these:

Mysteries:

Who tried to have the president of the united states assassinated?
How did Jess’ magical powers help save him?
Who was the waiter who put her mother’s bracelet on her wrist and then disappeared?
What did her father mean before he lost consciousness?
Who can she really trust?

Open Loops:

Who can Jess really trust?
Will she ever find her mother?
Who are the Sidereals?
Why does someone want her father dead?

I moved up an event and made it more powerful purposely to raise interest level.

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Stacks Intrigue

(Mod 3 – Lesson 6)

What I learned doing this assignment is that by focusing on this first episode to make it more intriguing, I am upending the rest of the episodes and will figure that out as I go forward.<div>

<div>

Teaser:

Intrigue 1: Intriguing World: Jess Harper notices the magical threads shimmering around her in the Starlight Café, hinting at the existence of a hidden magical world.

Intrigue 2: Mystery: A mysterious hooded figure watches Jess from across the café, their eyes glowing with recognition.

Intrigue 3: Strange Behavior: Lilah acts like she knows Jess; then hides her reaction.

Turning Point: Intriguing World: Following a thread, Jess finds the portal, and just as she touches it, a flash reveals a glimpse of a celestial world.

Act 1:

Intrigue 1: Intrigue: After the bracelet her mother gave her as an infant starts pulsating, Jess thinks she sees magical threads.

Intrigue 2: Secret: Jess follows a thread to the Starlight Café.

Intrigue 3: Deception: Gabriel offers to mentor concealing his true intentions beneath a facade of helpfulness.

Turning Point: Jess discovers information about her mother and the significance of her potential powers from Gabriel, against Lilah’s warnings.

Act 2:

Intrigue 1: Conspiracy: Jess confronts her father about the Sidereal world, shattering her trust in him, and opening a web of political intrigue and familial secrets.

Intrigue 2: Hidden Layer: Caroline’s investigation into the magical realm brings her closer to uncovering Jess’s true heritage, posing a threat to Jess’s safety.

Intrigue 3: Strange Behavior: Lilah’s conflicted loyalties between her duty and her love for a human cause her to help Jess.

Turning Point: Jess’s father is kidnapped which pushes her to confront the truth about her magical lineage.

Act 3:

Intrigue 1: Conspiracy: Jess begins to suspect Caroline’s involvement in her father’s kidnapping and questions her motives.

Intrigue 2: Secret Identity: Jess learns of Lilah’s secret marriage to a human.

Intrigue 3: Hidden Agenda: Gabriel contacts an ally and shares part of his plan regarding Jess, while continuing to help her explore her powers.

Turning Point: Jess confronts Caroline who gives her enough information to question her entire life.

Act 4:

Intrigue 1: Hidden Agenda: Jess learns Gabriel’s true intentions, but sees them as an opportunity for her own plans.
Intrigue 2: Conspiracy: Jess learns about Ophiuchus and why he wants to control her powers.
Intrigue 3: Deception: Lilah tries to hide her connection to Jess’ mother.

Turning Point: More of Jess’ abilities manifest making her an even bigger target.

Act 5:

Intrigue 1: Deception: Jess makes a deal with Gabriel.
Intrigue 2: Deception: Jess makes a deal with Caroline.
Intrigue 3: Deception: Jess makes a deal with Lilah.

Turning Point: Jess double-crosses everyone and steps into the portal.

</div></div>

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla’s Episode Titles

What I learned doing this assignment is that it can be fun generating titles. I tried coming up with my own prompt for AI, and the titles were very repetitive.

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Presents Non-Stop Intrigue

What I learned doing this assignment is that everything can be improved by looking at it through a new lens and working through the process.

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Intrigue Patterns

What I learned doing this process is to really look at my characters and SEE them – it’s a great process for uncovering and sharing more intrigue.

1. Pull out your TV Pitch Bible. Read through it and find ONE line you would like to be more intriguing.

Current character intro to Gabriel Frost:

To secure his royal magical line, Gabriel needs to marry and produce an heir – fast.

<ul type=”disc”>

[Gayla Betts]

I redid part of this assignment.

Gayla Betts TV Pitch Bible Investigation

What I learned doing this assignment is there is always something better and deeper if you keep digging, and once I do that, the answers keep coming once the questions are posed.

Areas I updated and changed after using the tools again:

A. Rafe is actually a double agent to Caroline.
B. Gabriel is actually Aquarius reporting to Ophiuchus for a promised elevated position.
C. Gabriel decides to protect Jess.
D. There is a bounty on Jess’ head.
E. Jess’ father knows more than he shares.

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Layers and Reveals
What I learned doing this assignment is to bring it down to its simplest level and not make it too complicated – stick with the story.

Teaser

Surface: Jess Harper goes over notes at the Starlight Café.

· Layer: She is surrounded by magic.

· How the layer is revealed: She discovers a glimmering portal.

Act 1

Surface: Jess seems to be a normal college student.

· Layer: Her magical abilities are revealing themselves.

· How the layer is revealed: She removes a bracelet her mother has given her.

Surface: Jess meets Lilah and Gabriel, who seem normal.

· Layer: They are magical creatures.

· How the layer is revealed: They perform magic.

Act 2

Surface: Jess and her father have a normal relationship.

· Layer: Her father knows all about the Sideral world.

· How the layer is revealed: When he notices her bracelet is missing, he freaks out.

Surface: Caroline seems to care about Jess.

· Layer: Caroline is surveilling Jess.

· How the layer is revealed: Caroline gives instructions to Jess’ secret service detail, Raif.

Act 3

Surface: Jess’ father has been kidnapped.

· Layer: This might have something to do with Jess.

· How the layer is revealed: A conversation between Caroline and an unknown confirms Caroline knows about the Sidereal world.

Act 4

Surface: Lilah wants to help Jess.

· Layer: Lilah is protecting her secret human husband.

· How the layer is revealed: Lilah and her husband have an argument – he doesn’t know she is a Sidereal.

Surface: Gabriel offers to help Jess.

· Layer: He needs her to help his dire situation.

· How the layer is revealed: He makes a promise to someone in the Sidereral world.

Act 5

Surface: Jess agrees to accept Gabriel’s offer.

· Layer: She has no intention of marrying him.

· How the layer is revealed: She leaves his ring on the table when she goes to the portal.

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Character Story Lines

What I learned doing this assignment is to keep moving on and not get bogged down.

Enhanced 5 Act Structure after adding Character Story Lines for Jess, Lilah, Gabriel, and Caroline:

Teaser:

<ul type=”disc”>

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Pilot Structure

What I learned doing this assignment is to keep moving events up sooner than later in the pilot and keep the action going.

Teaser:

<ul type=”disc”>

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Amazing Inciting Incident

What I learned doing this assignment is that though I don’t have all the answers, the more I work with the lessons, the clearer my vision becomes, and the more answers I get.

Inciting Incident: As Jess’ magical powers emerge, she also learns there are secrets about her mother that have been kept from her that put her life in danger.

<ul type=”disc”>

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Big Picture Components

What I learned doing this assignment was how nice it was to have the answers basically come from the framework and bible!

<ul type=”disc”>

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts TV Pitch Bible Investigation

What I learned doing this assignment is there is always something better and deeper if you keep digging.

This assignment opened new avenues, uncovered motivations, and focused me on making choices about many of my characters interactions.

[Gayla Betts]

Assignment: Gayla Betts Show Summary

What I learned doing this assignment is to not share material with people who aren’t writers even if they normally are your biggest supporters. My husband was upset that my main character did something that wasn’t as “nice” as he envisioned her.

Summary Format: Pilot as Inciting Incident

Show Summary:

A college journalism student who is the daughter of the President of the United States, Jess starts experiencing magical disturbances, in the library, in class, and in her apartment. A mysterious note leads her to the Starlight Café to learn more about her mother who died when she was born, and whom her father refuses to discuss.

Unbeknownst to her, the secret service agent assigned to protect her slipped her the note.

Jess slips into the café, navigates cryptic conversations, and tries to blend in until Gabriel Frost extends a friendly welcome, and draws her story out, little by little. She’s noticed by the café’s owner, Lilah, who asks her to leave. Recognizing a wasted trip, Jess is on her way out the door.

Until Gabriel remarks that she is the mirror image of her mother.

Jess creates a scene, demanding answers which no one gives her. Drawn by her magic to the portal, she has a standoff with Lilah who insists she leave.
Desperate and unable to control her emotions, Jess instinctively opens the portal without understanding exactly what she’s done.

Jess appears in an almost identical portal facing a very different version of Lilah threatening her life. As she gazes out into another Starlight Café, she’s gasps and passes out.

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Episode Descriptions

What I learned doing this assignment is that once AI gives an answer, it may help to feed it more information.

SEASON ONE EPISODES FOR STARLIGHT CAFÉ

Episode 1: AWAKENING

On Earth, Jess experiences magical occurrences, leading her to the Starlight Café disguised as a portal to another world. She learns her dead mother also had magical abilities, and decides to search for answers in the other realm. She blackmails the protector to use the portal finding an identical twin to her on the other side, who cannot be blackmailed.

Episode 2: STAR-CROSSED SECRETS

In Sidereal, Jess learns she’s related to the 13^th Astrological Being, Ophiuchus.
She confronts him, seeking answers. He gives her none. And despite a demonstration of her new powers, he dismisses her as a fraud. She returns to Earth, defeated, unaware he’s keeping tabs on her.

Episode 3: DOUBLE AGENTS
At a White House function, after getting nowhere with her father about her mother, Caroline befriends Jess in an effort to exploit the tension she noticed between them. Jess recognizes she needs more information. To return to Sidereal, she agrees to be Gabriel’s fiancée so she can continue in her search to learn about her mother.

Episode 4: ROYAL ENTANGLEMENTS

Back in Sidereal, while trying to fit in and also side-step wedding plans, Jess struggles with new emotions as Gabriel shows her a different side. When she discovers her mother might be alive, she knows she has to confront her father, so leaves a note that she is returning to Earth for answers before she can marry him.

Episode 5: SECRETS UNVEILED

Jess has a difficult discussion with her father. When she shows him her new powers, he begs her to not use them and refuses to give her the answers she wants. She learns Rafe may be in league with Caroline and flees to the Starlight Café with secret service agents when she’s caught rifling through the vice president’s quarters.

Episode 6: CROSSROADS OF DESTINY

Once again in Sidereal, Jess makes up with Gabriel, confronts her grandfather, and learns his real plans for Earth. She discovers her mother is alive, though delusional after being locked up for so long. Once she finds her, she enacts a risky plan to get her back to Earth, only to learn her father has been kidnapped and presumed dead.

Episode 7: FALLEN KINGDOMS

Banished from the White House, Jess deduces Caroline’s true motives and goes into hiding to confront the dilemma of sealing the portal with no help from her mother who is still in a trance-like state. She enlists Lilah’s help, but before they can finish, her previously unknown twin brother appears, whisking her back to Sidereal.

Episode 8: ECLIPSED DESTINY
Imprisoned in Sidereal, Jess harnesses her powers to escape and confront her grandfather. They engage in a struggle that will end in death for one. As Jess starts to overcome him, her brother steps in and takes the finishing blow. Overcome by what she’s done, Jess flees back to Earth, only to learn her mother is also missing.

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Episode List Rough Draft

What I learned doing this assignment was nothing is written in stone at this point – make a few tweaks and move on – this is only the first draft.

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>Episode 1: “Awakening”</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Teaser: Jess, in her college dorm, experiences strange magical occurrences. A mysterious note leads her to the Starlight Café.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Main Character Journey: Jess discovers her magical abilities and confronts Lilah, the Protector. Her father, President Harper, vehemently opposes her quest.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Major Challenge/Conflict: Jess wants to enter the portal to learn about her mother, but Lilah warns of dire consequences for Earth if the balance is disrupted.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Midpoint: Jess inadvertently discovers Lilah’s forbidden love with a human, using it as leverage to convince Lilah to allow her through the portal.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Action/Reaction: Jess steps into the mystical realm, encountering magical beings and uncovering the first layers of her mother’s past.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Cliffhanger: Lilah realizes the potential consequences of Jess’s presence and contemplates the impact on both worlds.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>Episode 2: “Star-Crossed Secrets”</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Teaser: Jess navigates the mystical realm and learns more about her mother’s forbidden love. Gabriel Frost, a royal figure, becomes aware of Jess’s existence.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Main Character Journey: Jess delves deeper into her mother’s history while facing challenges in the Sidereal world. Lilah grapples with her secret unraveling.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Major Challenge/Conflict: Gabriel sees Jess as the key to securing his magical line, putting Lilah and Jess in the crossfire of political intrigue.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Midpoint: Lilah decides to become politically involved, making choices that could alter the fate of both worlds. Jess faces opposition from mystical beings who distrust her human lineage.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Action/Reaction: Jess and Gabriel’s interactions escalate, leading to a clash of magical powers and political maneuvering.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Cliffhanger: Caroline, the ambitious double agent, sets her sights on Jess as the linchpin to her control over the portal.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>Episode 3: “Double Agent”</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Teaser: Caroline manipulates events to gain Jess’s confidence. Lilah struggles with her involvement in political conflicts.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Main Character Journey: Jess continues her quest, learning more about the astrological beings and their relationships with Ophiuchus.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Major Challenge/Conflict: Caroline’s plan unfolds, putting Jess in a dangerous position. Lilah’s secret marriage faces exposure.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Midpoint: Jess discovers the truth about Lilah’s forbidden love, straining their relationship. Political tensions rise in both worlds.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Action/Reaction: Gabriel realizes the complexities involved in his pursuit of Jess, as Lilah takes a stand against Caroline’s machinations.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Cliffhanger: Ophiuchus makes a mysterious appearance, hinting at a greater threat.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>Episode 4: “Royal Entanglements”</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Teaser: Gabriel faces pressure to secure his royal lineage. Jess grapples with conflicting loyalties.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Main Character Journey: Jess confronts Gabriel about his true intentions, while Lilah faces consequences for her political involvement.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Major Challenge/Conflict: Ophiuchus reveals his connection to Jess and the astrological beings, setting the stage for future conflicts.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Midpoint: Jess and Gabriel’s relationship becomes more complicated. Lilah faces judgment for her actions in the Sidereal world.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Action/Reaction: Political tensions escalate on both sides of the portal. Jess discovers her resemblance to her mother is not coincidental.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Cliffhanger: Rafe, Jess’s secret service bodyguard, faces a dilemma as his feelings for her deepen.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>Episode 5: “Secrets Unveiled”</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Teaser: Rafe grapples with his conflicting loyalties. Lilah’s fate hangs in the balance.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Main Character Journey: Jess confronts her father about his knowledge of the magical realm. Lilah faces the consequences of her actions.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Major Challenge/Conflict: Ophiuchus reveals more about Jess’s lineage, leading to a revelation that shocks everyone.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Midpoint: Political alliances shift as Jess and Lilah navigate the aftermath of the revelations. Gabriel faces opposition from within his own world.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Action/Reaction: Rafe’s allegiance is put to the test, and Jess must make a choice that will impact both Earth and the Sidereal world.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Cliffhanger: Ophiuchus, though seemingly defeated, hints at a greater plan unfolding.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>Episode 6: “Crossroads of Destiny”</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Teaser: Jess faces a pivotal choice that could determine the fate of both worlds. Lilah’s actions have far-reaching consequences.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Main Character Journey: Jess learns more about the astrological beings and their connections to Ophiuchus. Lilah grapples with her past.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Major Challenge/Conflict: Gabriel’s pursuit of Jess intensifies, leading to a confrontation that shakes the foundations of both worlds.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Midpoint: Jess discovers the true nature of Ophiuchus’s plans, putting Earth and the Sidereal world in imminent danger.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Action/Reaction: Political alliances crumble as Jess and her allies strive to prevent Ophiuchus’s catastrophic agenda.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Cliffhanger: Jess’s father is kidnapped, creating a power vacuum on Earth, while Ophiuchus’s influence continues to grow.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>Episode 7: “Fallen Kingdoms”</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Teaser: Earth grapples with the absence of its leader. Lilah faces repercussions for her involvement in the unfolding crisis.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Main Character Journey: Jess, Gabriel, and Lilah must unite to rescue Jess’s father and thwart Ophiuchus’s plans.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Major Challenge/Conflict: Caroline’s ambitions spiral out of control, endangering both worlds. Jess’s powers reach new heights.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Midpoint: Gabriel realizes the true extent of the threat posed by Ophiuchus and must make a sacrifice for the greater good.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Action/Reaction: The worlds collide in a battle against Ophiuchus’s forces. Jess’s lineage plays a crucial role in the unfolding conflict.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Cliffhanger: Ophiuchus, seemingly defeated, reveals a hidden ally who poses an even greater threat.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>Episode 8: “Eclipsed Destiny” (Season Finale)</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Teaser: Earth reels from the aftermath of the battle. Lilah faces a choice that could reshape the balance between worlds.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Main Character Journey: Jess must come to terms with her newfound powers and the responsibilities they entail. Lilah’s sacrifice becomes apparent.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Major Challenge/Conflict: Ophiuchus’s hidden ally emerges, setting the stage for a climactic confrontation. Earth’s leadership is in turmoil.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Midpoint: Gabriel and Jess’s relationship reaches a turning point. Lilah’s actions have lasting repercussions.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Action/Reaction: The final battle ensues as Earth and the Sidereal world collide. Jess faces her grandfather in a showdown of magical proportions.</font>

<font face=”Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif”>- Cliffhanger: Ophiuchus, seemingly defeated once again, leaves a cryptic message hinting at a larger cosmic threat. The portal remains open, and Jess’s journey is far from over.</font>

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts’ Five Seasons

What I learned doing this assignment was that when overwhelmed by all the info, take a break and get back to it.

Season 1: The Awakening

Beginning: Jess discovers her magical abilities and the hidden portal. Compelled to uncover her mother’s mysterious death, she faces opposition from her father, the President. Lilah, the Protector, becomes aware of Jess, leading to a tense encounter. Gabriel, seeking an heir, sees Jess as a solution.

Stair Steps:

1. Bigger Mystery: Jess’s powers, the portal, and her father’s kidnapping.

2. Major Layer Exposed: Lilah’s forbidden love and political involvement.

3. Bigger Conflict: Gabriel’s agenda

4. Bigger Opponent: What delving into her mother’s history brings to light.
5. Exploring More Dangerous Ground: Jess leverage’s Lilah’s forbidden love for her cooperation.

Ending: Jess opens the portal to a new world of magical intrigue. Lilah grapples with the consequences of Jess’s presence. Gabriel realizes he may have underestimated the complexities involved. In a shocking twist, Jess’s father is kidnapped, leaving a power vacuum on Earth.

_____

A. Big Picture Season Arc/Journey: Jess discovers her magical abilities and the hidden portal, unraveling family secrets.

B. Main Conflict: Balancing newfound powers, seeking answers, not knowing who to trust.

C. Main Mystery/Layers: Jess’s powers and how they relate to her mother.

D. Cliffhanger: Jess’s father is kidnapped, leaving a power vacuum.

SUMMARY:

Jess discovers her magical abilities, determines to discover hidden family secrets no matter where it leads, and unknowingly sets off a balance of power crisis in both worlds, putting her father’s life in jeopardy when he’s kidnapped.
_____

Season 2: Stellar Veil

Beginning: Jess struggles to adapt to the Sidereal world though Gabriel appears in time to pull off a grand charade. The Vice President, influenced by Caroline, steps in during the President’s absence.

Stair Steps:

1. Exploring More Dangerous Ground: Jess navigating complex Sidereal politics as part of the charade to marry Gabriel. Unaware her father has been kidnapped.

2. Bigger Opponent: Jess meets Ophiuchus, who is not happy to see her.
3. Major Layer Exposed: Her mother didn’t die but is alive – being punished and in prison.

Ending: Jess unwittingly becomes a pawn in political maneuvering. Gabriel’s plans are jeopardized by internal conflicts. Jess learns her mother is alive but being punished by Ophiuchus.

_____

A. Big Picture Season Arc/Journey: Jess navigates Sidereal politics, meets her powerful grandfather, discovers her mother is alive, but is unaware she may have lost her father.

B. Main Conflict: Jess unwittingly becomes a political pawn.

C. Main Mystery/Layers: Ophiuchus’s involvement, Jess’s mother alive but punished.

D. Cliffhanger: Jess learns her mother is alive but being punished by Ophiuchus and learns her father has been kidnapped.

SUMMARY:

Jess navigates political intrigue while Gabriel’s alliances are tested. She meets the formidable Ophiuchus who is actually her grandfather and the man responsible for her mother’s imprisonment and possibly her father’s kidnapping.

Season 3: Unraveling The Web

Beginning: Jess delves into her mother’s backstory, uncovering a conspiracy involving Ophiuchus. Gabriel, realizing the depth of political machinations, reevaluates his strategies. Jess discovers she may have a twin.

Ending: Jess confronts Ophiuchus, who reveals he is her grandfather. She also lets it slip that Lilah is married to a human. Gabriel, caught in a web of deceit, makes a desperate alliance. The season ends with Jess’s determination to rescue her father, and making a deal with Ophiuchus to save Lilah.

Stair Steps:

1. Bigger Mystery: Ophiuchus’s involvement in the conspiracy.

2. Major Layer Exposed: Jess discovering family ties and her twin.

3. Bigger Conflict: Gabriel’s desperate alliance and Lilah’s personal crisis.

_____

A. Big Picture Season Arc/Journey: Jess uncovers a conspiracy involving Ophiuchus, Lilah faces consequences, and Gabriel makes a desperate alliance.

B. Main Conflict: Jess confronting Ophiuchus, Lilah’s crisis, and Gabriel caught in a web of deceit.

C. Main Mystery/Layers: Ophiuchus’s role, Jess discovering family ties.

D. Cliffhanger: Jess is determined to rescue her kidnapped father and makes a bargain with her grandfather.

SUMMARY:

Jess uncovers a conspiracy, puts Lilah in danger, and Gabriel forges a desperate alliance. The kidnapped president’s fate hangs on a questionable bargain Jess made with the most powerful entity in the universe.

Season 4: Shadows of Betrayal

Beginning: Jess grapples with the truth about Ophiuchus and her lineage. Lilah faces backlash from her people. Gabriel’s alliance puts him on a collision course with Caroline, who senses an opportunity in the chaos. The Vice President, now influenced by Caroline, becomes a more significant threat. Jess has a plan to find her father and meet her mother.

Ending: Jess’s loyalty is tested as alliances fracture. Lilah’s position becomes precarious. Gabriel, torn between loyalty and survival, makes a life-altering decision. Though Jess finds her father and meets her mother, she is placed in an impossible position of only saving one of them.

Stair Steps:

1. Exploring More Dangerous Ground: Jess comes up against the real power, Caroline, who may be in league with Ophiuchus or may be planning her own coup.

2. Bigger Opponent: Caroline emerging as a formidable adversary.

3. Bigger Arena for the Fight: Political and personal betrayals on a grand scale.

_____

A. Big Picture Season Arc/Journey: Jess grapples with her lineage, Lilah faces backlash, and Gabriel’s alliance collides with Caroline’s agenda.

B. Main Conflict: Political and personal betrayals on a grand scale, with the Vice President becoming a formidable threat.

C. Main Mystery/Layers: Jess navigating family loyalty, Caroline emerging as a powerful adversary, and the fate of Jess’s father.

D. Cliffhanger: Jess can only save her mother or her father.

SUMMARY

As Jess grapples with her lineage, Lilah faces backlash, and Gabriel’s alliance collides with Caroline’s agenda. Jess must make a choice that only allows her to save her father or her mother.

Season 5: Celestial Reckoning

Beginning: Jess, aware of her grandfather’s true intentions, seeks to thwart Ophiuchus’s plans. Lilah, marked as a traitor, rallies those who believe in change. Gabriel, cornered by his choices, faces a reckoning. The Vice President, now a more formidable antagonist, poses a threat to both worlds.

Ending: Jess confronts Ophiuchus in a climactic battle. Lilah’s rebellion reaches its zenith. Gabriel grapples with the consequences of his actions. The season finale reveals the fate of Jess’s father and sets the stage for the ultimate confrontation with the Vice President.

Stair Steps:

1. Major Layer Exposed: Ophiuchus’s true intentions revealed.

2. Bigger Conflict: The final showdown between Jess and Ophiuchus.

3. Bigger Arena for the Fight: The fate of both worlds hanging in the balance, with the Vice President as a formidable adversary.

A. Big Picture Season Arc/Journey: Jess thwarts Ophiuchus’s plans, Lilah rallies rebels, and Gabriel faces a reckoning with the Vice President.

B. Main Conflict: The final showdown between Jess and Ophiuchus, Lilah’s rebellion reaching its zenith, and the Vice President posing a threat.

C. Main Mystery/Layers: Ophiuchus’s true intentions revealed, the final confrontation between Jess and Ophiuchus, and the fate of both worlds hanging in the balance.

D. Cliffhanger: The Vice President’s influence grows, posing a threat to both worlds.

SUMMARY:

With the Vice President’s influence growing, Jess must find a way to thwart his and Ophiuchus’s plans as Lilah rallies the rebels, and Gabriel faces a reckoning. Jess plans to save both her parents and reunite them, defy the prophecy, and step into the reordering of both worlds.

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Character Descriptions

What I learned doing this assignment is how to use AI input to hone my descriptions to get more precise.

Title: Starlight Café

Format/Genre: One-hour fantasy/drama series

Concept: A young woman discovering her magical abilities must navigate a portal to her mysterious past or risk destroying humanity.

Intriguing World: Through a hidden portal on Earth exists another world – that of sidereal astrological beings residing amount the stars – including the elusive 13th sign, Ophiuchus – where guarded alliances that may threaten both worlds have been forged.

START: Present the character as someone we can relate to.

MIDDLE: Conflict, intrigue, and issues.

ENDING: A final punchline that hooks us and sends us into the future of the story.

Jess Harper Character Pitch:

Jess is a college student pursuing her passion in journalism against the wishes of her father, who happens to be the President.

When her latent magical abilities begin to emerge, she wants answers to long-held secrets involving the fate of her mother who died when she was born.

Only through a forbidden portal into a world beyond the stars, will she find what she seeks, though she risks destroying a delicate balance between worlds and everything she holds dear.

Lilah Thornwood Character Pitch:

Lilah is the magical Protector of a mystical portal in the Starlight Café between Earth and the Sidereal world who has committed the gravest sin of falling in love and secretly marrying a human.

Lilah must maintain her secret and protect her native world when she meets Jess who could upend everything.

Lilah makes a decision to become politically involved in a conflict that could irrevocably change both worlds.

Gabriel Frost Character Pitch:

To secure his royal magical line, Gabriel Frost needs to marry and produce an heir.

When he recognizes who Jess might be, he believes he’s found the solution, and puts on the full court press, aware that Lilah could expose his agenda.

Too late, he realizes he may be walking into a trap from which he cannot extricate himself as their relationship entangles them into political layers that could destroy everything he’s trying to protect.

Caroline Jackson Character Pitch:

Caroline Jackson, the ambitious wife of the vice president, has been blackmailed into being a double agent investigating the president’s knowledge of a magical realm.

To keep her secret truly safe, she concocts her own plan for control over the portal, which has farther-reaching consequences than she imagined.

She recognizes Jess as the linchpin to her ruthless goals and sets in motion a scheme to gain her confidence which may culminate in more than she’s bargained for.

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Intriguing Concept and World

What I learned doing this assignment is that you still need to apply your spin to AI’s suggestions, though AI can be really good at brainstorming and organizing possibilities.

1. My concept:

<ul type=”disc”>

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts has completed the BW Framework!

What I learned doing this assignment was how to compress the information I’ve amassed into succinct and clear descriptions.

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Assignment 2 – Creating Irony!

What I learned doing this assignment is that I need to strengthen my character profiles so I can get clearer on the irony they bring to the show.

Jess Harper:

Situational Irony: 1. Initially seeking refuge, Jess inadvertently becomes the most powerful figure in the cafe, contrary to her initial vulnerable position. 2. Jess, who is the protected daughter of the US president but ends up vulnerable due to her unpredictable magical abilities.

Character Irony: Jess wants to be independent above all else, but becomes dependent on the magicals to help her navigate her new powers.

Plot Irony: 1. Jess searches for the truth about her mother while unaware Lilah and Gabriel have answers regarding her mother’s history. 2. Jess attempting to hide her powers but inadvertently drawing attention to herself.

Relationship Irony: Jess seeks her mother for guidance and answers, only to discover that her mother held secrets that could harm her.

Cover-up Irony:

Jess might misinterpret Lilah’s secrecy as betrayal, while Lilah is actually trying to protect Jess from a more significant threat.

2. Lilah Thornwood

Dramatic Irony: Viewers know Lilah’s secret marriage to a human while other characters, including Jess, remain unaware.

Relationship Irony: Lilah, who is meant to protect the portal, has a connection to someone who might endanger it.

3. Gabriel Frost:

Conflict Irony: Gabriel, torn between Fae rules and his feelings for Jess, often finds himself in situations where his actions contradict his initial intentions.

Character Irony: Gabriel wants to protect Jess, but inadvertently exposes her by his attentions.

4. Senator Rebecca Jackson:

Character Irony: 1. Rebecca exerts ruthless control over others, but is herself controlled by another. 2. Rebecca hates being blackmailed, but doesn’t mind doing it to someone else.

Situational Irony: Her pursuit of power leads her to unwittingly aid the very individuals she aims to bring down, due to her shifting alliances.

Plot Irony: Rebecca’s pretends to care about the public, yet plans to one day rule them.

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Assignment 1: The Morning Show – Irony

-Mitch pushes Hannah to help him but by doing so, destroys her when she overdoses.
-Mitch’s big chance to redeem himself by doing the interview is shot down when Hannah dies.

-Earlier in season, Mitch met with Dick Lundy hoping to team up against the sexual harassment allegations, only to find Dick was actively a predator.

-Chip leaked the news about Mitch to save Alex, but Alex (unaware) allows management to fire Chip.

-Alex despises Fred, but finds herself making a deal with him to get her way.

-Bradley, riddled with guilt, tells Alex she was going to do the Mitch interview behind Alex’s back, only to be one-upped by Alex saying she was trying to have Bradley fired behind her back.

-All the backstabbing between Alex and Bradley seem to make them better friends.

-All season, Chip looked like the bad guy because he leaked the Mitch story, but in the end, he’s a good guy.

-Alex, who wanted to stay above the Mitch fray and not get her hands dirty, took the lead in admitting she was at fault too, and she’s “dirty” for her role.

-Fred, the most powerful individual at UBA, can’t get control over Alex and Bradley’s broadcast of the truth.

-Bradly often defends Alex when we least expect her to.

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Assignment – Elevating Character Profiles<div>
</div><div>What I learned doing this assignment was being very precise with AI and still go with my gut on using my words as AI can over generalize. </div><div> </div><div>Main Character Profiles:
</div><div>
</div><div>Jess Harper</div>

1. Role in the show: Young college journalist discovering magical abilities.

<div>
</div><div>2. Unique Purpose: Possesses sought-after magical abilities.</div><div>
</div><div>3. Expertise: Possesses sought-after magical abilities.</div><div>
</div><div>4. Intrigue: Daughter of the US president.</div><div>
</div><div>5. Moral Issue: Balancing use of her powers and exploitation.</div><div>
</div><div>6. Unpredictable: Learning to use her new powers.</div><div>
</div><div>7. Empathetic: Father issues, loss of mother, confused by new powers</div><div>
</div><div>8. Hidden Agendas: Investigates father’s administration, searches for mother.</div><div>
</div><div>9. Competition: Rival journalist probing her father. </div><div>
</div><div>10.Conspiracy: Being lied to by both worlds and finding truths.</div><div>
</div><div>11.Secrets: She is searching for mother, and later twin.</div><div>
</div><div>12.Deception: Conceals magical capabilities.</div><div>
</div><div>13.Wound: Why would her mother leave her? Why did her father lie?</div><div>
</div><div>14.Secret Identity: President’s daughter and royal magical heir. </div><div>
</div><div>15.Hope / Fear: Aims to master powers/fear not good enough.</div><div>
</div><div>16.Want / Need: Seeks facts re mother/her love.</div><div>
</div><div>17.Base Negative Emotion / Public Mask: Self-doubt/independence </div><div>
</div><div>18.Weaknesses: Defensive/emotional regarding her family.</div><div>
</div><div>19.Triggers: Mother’s absence, being lied to.</div><div>
</div><div>20.Coping Mechanism: Distracts via physical activities to blow off steam.</div><div>
</div><div> Lilah Thornwood</div>

<div>1. Role in the show: Protector of a magical-human portal, resource to magicals.</div><div>
</div><div>2. Unique Purpose: Safeguarding the bridge against treachery.</div><div>
</div><div>3. Expertise: Profound knowledge in magical lore and history.</div><div>
</div><div>4. Intrigue: Forbidden marriage, risks severe consequences.</div><div>
</div><div>5. Moral Issue: Balancing secrecy and magical laws, both of the café & husband.</div><div>
</div><div>6. Unpredictable: Conflicted as he also wants to protect humans.</div><div>
</div><div>7. Empathetic: Torn between love and obligation. </div><div>
</div><div>8. Hidden Agendas: Protecting her husband, sympathetic to humans.</div><div>
</div><div>9. Competition: Faces magical challengers to her crucial responsibilities.</div><div>
</div><div>10.Conspiracy: Unveils a plot to control the portal. </div><div>
</div><div>11.Secrets: Her own marriage, Jess’ mother’s secrets and her role. </div><div>
</div><div>12.Deception: Concealing husband, human friendships, plays at being human</div><div>
</div><div>13.Wound: Past betrayals, yearns for a child.</div><div>
</div><div>14.Secret Identity: Hides her true nature and powers.</div><div>
</div><div>15.Hope / Fear: Keeping her marriage a secret/dire consequences.</div><div>
</div><div>16.Want / Need: Peace between worlds/keeping her husband safe.</div><div>
</div><div>17.Base Negative Emotion / Public Mask: Guilt/jovial facade</div><div>
</div><div>18.Weaknesses: Overly optimistic about future </div><div>
</div><div>19.Triggers: Challenges to her authority </div><div>
</div><div>20.Coping Mechanism: Humor</div><div>
</div><div>Gabriel Frost</div><div>
</div><div>1. Role in the show: Love triangle with Jess & Raif, Jess’ mentor.</div><div>
</div><div>2. Purpose: Guide Jess.</div><div>
</div><div>3. Expertise: Fae realm, almost all secrets.</div><div>
</div><div>4. Intrigue: Has a history with Lilah, Jess’ mother.</div><div>
</div><div>5. Moral Issue: Fae rules vs. feelings for Jess. </div><div>
</div><div>6. Unpredictable: Mischievous, changes alliances.</div><div>
</div><div>7. Empathetic: He’s just realizing he could love someone.</div><div>
</div><div>8. Hidden Agendas: He wants the café protected to protect himself.</div><div>
</div><div>9. Competition: Fae power struggles, Raif with Jess. </div><div>
</div><div>10.Conspiracy: Court intrigues trying to oust him. </div><div>
</div><div>11.Secrets: Knowledge about Jess’ mother, impact of Jess’ abilities.</div><div>
</div><div>12.Deception: Reveals only what he chooses to help him in the moment.</div><div>
</div><div>13.Wound: A family betrayal.</div><div>
</div><div>14.Secret Identity: In the human world, he is successful and charming. </div><div>
</div><div>15.Hope / Fear: Succeed in Fae politics/lose everything.</div><div>
</div><div>16.Want / Need: Secure his powers/true love.</div><div>
</div><div>17.Base Negative Emotion / Public Mask: Self-blame for past/confident authority.</div><div>
</div><div>18.Weaknesses: Believes he has more control, vulnerability in love.</div><div>
</div><div>19.Triggers: Threats to his power, Jess’ defiance.</div><div>
</div><div>20.Coping Mechanism: Emotional distance, charming façade</div><div>
</div><div>Senator Rebecca Jackson
</div>

<div>1. Role in the show: Political influencer </div><div>
</div><div>2. Unique Purpose: Control over Mythic Café </div><div>
</div><div>3. Expertise: Assessing vulnerabilities</div><div>
</div><div>4. Intrigue: Potential double-agent </div><div>
</div><div>5. Moral Issue: Conflict of loyalty between worlds.</div><div>
</div><div>6. Unpredictable: Shifting alliances in power struggle.</div><div>
</div><div>7. Empathetic: She’s being blackmailed. </div><div>
</div><div>8. Hidden Agendas: Self-serving, vengeful</div><div>
</div><div>9. Competition: Vying for her controller’s favor. </div><div>
</div><div>10.Conspiracy: Engaged in political schemes to take down Jess’ father </div><div>
</div><div>11.Secrets: Connected to a magical being.</div><div>
</div><div>12.Deception: Maintains façade of helping president. </div><div>
</div><div>13.Wound: Rejected romantically by a magical who used her. </div><div>
</div><div>14.Secret Identity: Conceals true allegiance.</div><div>
</div><div>15.Hope / Fear: Craves more power/fears losing it.</div><div>
</div><div>16.Want / Need: To be free of blackmail scheme/win on her own.</div><div>
</div><div>17.Base Negative Emotion / Public Mask: Ruthlessness/caring for others.</div><div>
</div><div>18.Weaknesses: Greed, pride, arrogance. </div><div>
</div><div>19.Triggers: Authority being questioned. </div><div>
</div><div>20.Coping Mechanism: Ruthless response followed by excessive indulgences.</div><div>
</div>

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Assignment 2 – Plot and Character Layers for my show

What I learned doing this assignment is keep digging and don’t be overwhelmed, also trust my instincts, but be open to outside the box ideas.

Plot Layers = Story beneath the story

SURFACE: Jess believes she is a normal girl until she stumbles into a magical café and learns she has untapped magical powers.

1. MAJOR SCHEME REVEALED

The existence of a clandestine society within the magical realm aiming to control both magical and human worlds is unveiled. They manipulate events through characters like Senator Jackson, aiming to exploit Jess’s powers, which they have waiting on to awaken.

2. MYSTERY REVEALED

Jess’ mother is alive and the origins of the Mythic Café are unveiled, revealing it was established centuries ago by a group of magical beings seeking refuge from a devastating war that once threatened both realms.

3. THOUGHT THE STORY WAS ONE THING, BUT IT’S ANOTHER
*Also misunderstood story, misconception disproved

Initially, it appears that Gabriel is merely intrigued by Jess. However, it’s revealed that he has a deeper connection to her family, and his attraction is part of a plan to harness Jess’s dormant magical abilities. Also, Jess’ mother is deeply involved in pulling strings.

4. MAJOR SHIFT IN MEANING

Jess discovers that her mother didn’t die but disappeared, willingly sacrificing her identity to protect Jess and the magical realm from a looming threat. Who really controls the world humans live in?

5. HIDDEN HISTORY

Gabriel Frost’s connection to both Lilah and Jess’s parents runs deeper than known; he has been manipulating events for years, attempting to fulfill a prophecy that foretells his own ascension to a higher role in the magical hierarchy. Jess’ mother has been waiting the benefit of Jess to accessing her powers.

6. AGENDA

*Hidden Plan

Senator Rebecca Jackson isn’t merely a pawn; she’s scheming to control the magical realm to bolster her political power. Unbeknownst to her, she’s being influenced by a mysterious entity from the magical realm itself. Both magicals and humans want Jess’ powers.

7. SABOTAGE

*Conspiracy unveiled

The mysterious force manipulating Senator Jackson isn’t singular but a network within the magical realm seeking to exploit the connection between worlds for their gain. They’ve infiltrated the highest echelons of human society.

8. FUTURE CONSEQUENCES

If the portal is not protected, it won’t only sever the realms but unleash a malevolent force that could corrupt both worlds irreversibly.

9. MAJOR BETRAYAL

Jess’ father knew her mother was not dead.

Character Layers = Identity beneath the identity

1. SECRET IDENTITY

Jess’s mother’s supposed death is a cover story; she’s actually a powerful guardian, concealing her identity to protect Jess from those who wish to exploit her, but has recently been caught in a prison.

2. INTRIGUE LAYERS

Gabriel’s hidden motive behind his involvement with Jess and Lilah is to reclaim his lost honor within the fae community by ensuring Jess fulfills the prophecy.

3. HIDDEN RELATIONSHIPS AND CONSPIRACIES

Lilah’s connection with an underground resistance group within the magical world, aiming to prevent the prophecy’s catastrophic implications, puts her in a precarious position.

4. HIDDEN CHARACTER HISTORY

Senator Rebecca Jackson’s past is intertwined with Lilah’s history, revealing a shared past that drives her ambition and connection to the magical realm.

5. HIDDEN AGENDA

Gabriel Frost’s pursuit of an heir masks a darker agenda tied to his ambitions for power and control over the realms.

6. WOUND

Lilah harbors guilt for not being able to save Jess’s mother and fears history repeating itself if she can’t protect Jess from the dangerous forces at play.

7. COMPETITION

Lilah and Gabriel are in a subtle competition for Jess’s allegiance, each seeing her as a means to an end but with conflicting intentions for her role in the prophecy.

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Assignment 1: Layers in The Morning Show

Plot Layers:

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[Gayla Betts]

ASSIGNMENT 2:
Gayla Betts Assignment #2 – Big Picture Open Loops for My Show
What I learned doing this assignment is how much identifying the open loops help manage and organize motivations and how they map out the future of the show in terms of keeping them at the forefront. My Big Picture Open Loops:
What will happen if the portal door is breached?
What are the depths of Jess’ powers? Will she be able to handle them? What danger will she be in if they become known?
What happened to Jess’ mother? Why has Jess been kept in the dark?
What does her father know?
Other Open Loops:
Will there be a relationship between Jess and Gabriel?
What is Gabriel’s end game?
What will happen to Lilah if her marriage to a human is revealed? Will her husband leave her if he learns she lied to him?
Whom is Senator Rebecca Jackson loyal to? What are her plans for Jess’ and the rest of the magicals?
What is the history Lilah and Gabriel share? What are they not telling Jess?

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Assignment 1: Big Picture Loops for The Morning Show
BIG PICTURE OPEN LOOPS:
Alex’s job is in jeopardy – how will she survive?
Mitch will not accept being fired – who will he take down with him?
Cory is a wild card – what is he up to?
How will Alex and Bradley’s relationship progress (foreshadowing if Bradley is Alex’s new partner)?
Other open Loops:
Did Alex know what was going on with Mitch? Did she sleep with him too?
Why did she have to put on her wedding ring on the way out the door; where is her husband? What is their relationship?
Who/how many slept with Mitch? What was the culture at the studio?
Who leaked the story to the Times?
Why does everyone seem to hate Cory?
How does he have so much power in only a month?
Why does Cory like to create so much chaos? What does he mean by cleaning house (in convo to Chip)? Is he threatening Alex’s job and who else?
Why has the network been dragging out Alex’s contract negotiations?
Who will replace Mitch? What will Mitch do?
What is Bradley’s family backstory?
What will she do for a new job?
Will there be a relationship between Cory and Bradley?
What are the network and show politics – who’s on whose side?
Who will be Alex’s partner?

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Assignment #2 Show Mysteries

What I learned doing this assignment is learning to separate a sprint from a marathon; to look farther ahead than the immediate mystery.

My Shocking Event Mystery:

A. Shocking event: When Jess stumbles into a seemingly innocuous café, she discovers two things. He mother may still be alive and she has latent magical powers that put a target on her back from at least one entity who wants to control her.

B. Secret: The café is a portal between a magical world and earth.

C. Investigation:

Who – Who is Jess really?
What – What are Jess’ magical powers?
When – Now, but what was in her past?

Where – The Mythic Café located in Washington, DC.

Why – Why is Jess just now learning this and why is she threatened?
How – How did she get these powers, and what do they do?

Part withheld: What is the connection to Jess’ mother, and where is she?

My Over Time Mystery:

A. Cover up: Where is Jess’ mother (who allegedly died) and who is she really?

B. Secret: What does Jess’ father, the US President, know?

C. Reveals: Jess has a twin.

Who – Who are Jess’ mother and twin?
What – What happened to both of them? Are either alive or dead, and are they magicals? What is Lilah’s connection with them?
When – When Jess (and her twin) were born until the present.

Where – Where are Jess’ mother and twin?

Why – Why were they kept a secret? Why is a Senator so interested in Jess? Why are her powers wanted so badly?
How – How will Jess know who to trust?

Part Withheld: Gabriel Frost has a far bigger stake in Jess’ future than he has shared with her.

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Assignment #1 Mysteries of The Morning Show

Big Picture:

What happened to cause Mitch’s firing, and who else is involved?
Will it end up bringing down the entire show and perhaps network?

Over Time:

Will Alex save her job? Was she involved in the culture? What did she know and when?
Who was the leak? How complicit is Chip? Will he lose his job?
What did Mitch do? What will he do? Who will he take down with him?
What secrets do all the characters have?
What makes Cory tick?
What’s in Bradley’s past?
Will she and Alex become real friends or enemies?

[Gayla Betts]

Assignment #2: Gayla Betts’ Show Empathy/Distress – Big Picture Situations

What I learned doing this assignment is to let go of perfection by making decisions quicker and not vacillate over too many choices, also, the more I analyze my antagonist, the more layers she has.

MC #1: Jess Harper

DISTRESS:

A. Undeserved misfortune: Jess discovers her mother is alive but trapped in a magical prison, unable to reach out to her.

B. External Character conflicts: A group of magical entities kidnaps Jess’s best friend, using her as leverage to force Jess to comply with their demands.

C. Plot intruding on life: Jess discovers a secret society that has been manipulating events in her life since birth, throwing her into a web of intrigue and danger.

D. Moral dilemmas: Jess must choose between using her powers to save a loved one and risking exposing the magical world to humanity, which would threaten her mother.

E. Forced decisions they’d never make: Jess is compelled to make a dark pact with a powerful magical being to protect her loved ones, compromising her moral principles.

EMPATHY:

A. Put them in distress: Jess grapples with the guilt of unintentionally causing harm with her powers, making her question her own worth and intentions.

B. Make them relatable: Jess faces the struggles of balancing her college life, aspirations, and the extraordinary burden of being the key to a magical connection.

C. Universal experiences that are emotional: Jess experiences the pain of betrayal when someone close deceives her, tapping into the universal theme of trust and deception.

MC #2: Lilah Thornwood:

DISTRESS:

A. Undeserved misfortune: Lilah’s husband falls critically ill when the magical realm discovers they are married.

B. External Character conflicts: Lilah must confront her former magical allies who now see her as a traitor for marrying a human.

C. Plot intruding on life: Lilah discovers that her long-lost sister, who was presumed dead, is working with the magical council against her.

D. Moral dilemmas: Lilah must choose between revealing the truth about Jess’s mother to save her or keeping the secret to protect Jess from potential harm.

E. Forced decisions they’d never make: Lilah is forced to make a deal with a dark magical entity to save her husband, compromising her principles.

EMPATHY:

A. Put them in distress: Lilah grapples with the fear of losing her husband and her duty to the magical realm.

B. Make them relatable: Lilah desires to protect her family and maintain the Mythic Café as a safe haven.

C. Universal experiences that are emotional: Lilah experiences the pain of betrayal when her sister turns against her.

MC #3: Gabriel Frost

DISTRESS:

A. Undeserved misfortune: Gabriel is framed for a crime he didn’t commit by a rival fae, tarnishing his reputation and putting him at odds with his own people.

B. External Character conflicts: Gabriel discovers that his playful antics inadvertently endanger Jess with other magical beings.

C. Plot intruding on life: Gabriel’s duty as a fae prince conflicts with his desire for freedom and independence, especially when it comes to choosing a suitable heir for his kingdom.

D. Moral dilemmas: Gabriel is torn between his loyalty to Lilah, who saved him in the past, and his growing feelings for Jess, whose powers could change the fate of the magical realm.

E. Forced decisions they’d never make: Gabriel is forced to enter a dangerous alliance with a rival fae clan to protect Jess, challenging his commitment to his own kingdom.

EMPATHY:

A. Put them in distress: Gabriel struggles with the weight of his responsibilities as a fae prince, longing for a connection that goes beyond political alliances.

B. Make them relatable: Gabriel’s longs for true love and fears being alone.

C. Universal experiences that are emotional: Gabriel faces the complexities of love and loyalty as he grapples with his duty to his kingdom and his growing affection for Jess.

MC #4: Senator Rebecca Jackson

DISTRESS:

A. Undeserved misfortune: A political rival exposes Rebecca’s corrupt dealings, leading to a public scandal that threatens her career and reputation.

B. External Character conflicts: Rebecca’s political rivals try to bring her down.

C. Plot intruding on life: Rebecca’s family becomes targets of magical entities seeking to leverage her influence for their own agenda.

D. Moral dilemmas: Rebecca is faced with continuing her corrupt practices for personal gain, knowing she will sacrifice friends and family along the way.

E. Forced decisions they’d never make: Rebecca is blackmailed into betraying her political allies.

EMPATHY

A. Put them in distress: Rebecca grapples with the fear of losing everything she has worked for.

B. Make them relatable: Rebecca struggles with the challenges of being a woman in politics, facing sexism and discrimination while trying to navigate a male-dominated world.

C. Universal experiences that are emotional: Rebecca confronts the loneliness that comes with her pursuit of power, sacrificing personal relationships for professional success.

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts Assignment #1 for The Morning Show:

Empathy/Distress Big Picture

MC Alex Levy

Distress:

A. Undeserved Misfortune: Alex paying for Mitch’s transgressions.

B. External Character conflicts: Corey has been out to get Alex.

C. Plot Intruding on Life: Alex’s divorce impact’s relationship with her daughter, and also her on-air reputation.

D. Moral Dilemmas: Should Alex come clean about what she knew about Mitch, including her own indiscretion? (And will Bradley jeopardize relationship with Alex and network jobs by getting in deeper with Mitch?}

E. Forced decisions they’d never make: Alex would not have hired Bradley.

Empathy:

A. Put them in distress: Alex feels she must pretend to know nothing about Mitch or else she’ll be seen as complicit in his behavior.

B. Make them relatable: Alex is the subject of office politics. She feels the need to be number one to keep her job. She has a hard time letting her guard down. The one time she does with Bradley, we fear Bradley will do something to undermine the new relationship – by working with Mitch.

C. Universal experiences that are emotional: Alex going through a breakup/divorce, fighting with her daughter who doesn’t understand, feeling terrible when she loses her temper.

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts’ Character Emotions – Lesson 5, Assignment #2:

What I learned doing this assignment is how helpful it is to think through the exercise before consulting AI, which can be glib and repetitive, yet between the two, stimulates more creativity and answers.

1. JESS:

A. Situational:

Hope: She can master her new powers.
Fear: She isn’t destroyed by them.

B. Motivation:

Want: She wants to uncover the truth about her origins.
Need: She needs to protect herself.

C. Mask:

Base Negative Emotion – Self-doubt

Public Mask – Independence

D. Weaknesses

Jess is vulnerable and doesn’t think clearly when the subject is her mother’s absence.

E. Triggers

Family secrets, especially her mother.

F. Coping Mechanism

Jess distracts from her problems by throwing herself into other activities.

2. LILAH

A. Situational:

Hope: No one will ever find out she married a human.
Fear: The consequences if someone does find out.

B. Motivation:

Want: Peace between worlds.
Need: Reconcile her loyalties.

C. Mask:

Base Negative Emotion – Guilt for defying rules.

Public Mask – Jovial, everything runs off her back.

D. Weaknesses

She has an overly optimistic attitude that everything will work out.

E. Triggers

Challenges to her authority.

F. Coping Mechanism

Humor belying astute observations.

3. SENATOR REBECCA THORNTON:

A. Situational:

Hope: To gain even more power.
Fear: Losing power

B. Motivation:

Want: More power.
Need: Maintain public image as a champion of peace.

C. Mask:

Base Negative Emotion – Ruthlessness

Public Mask – Caring

D. Weaknesses

Greed and pride, arrogance

E. Triggers

Her authority being questioned.

F. Coping Mechanism

Manipulation, deceit

4. RAIF:

A. Situational:

Hope: He can juggle everything he’s supposed to be doing.
Fear: His handler finding out he cares for Jess

B. Motivation:

Want: Not to fall in love with Jess
Need: To protect her

C. Mask:

Base Negative Emotion – Paranoia of whom he can trust

Public Mask – Professional demeanor

D. Weaknesses

Falling in love with Jess can cloud his judgment.

E. Triggers

Any suggestion he can’t do his job.

F. Coping Mechanism

Works out or does something physical to let out his bottled emotions.

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts, Lesson 5, Assignment #1

The Morning Show

What I learned doing this assignment is how the show again mirrored the lead characters, Alex & Bradley, with similar settings and different, yet sometimes similar, responses.

ALEX:

A. Situational: Hope / Fear

Hope: She won’t lose her top billing and can remain in control.
Fear: Bradley will be better than her.

B. Motivation: Want / Need

Want: To be in control
Need: To feel appreciated

C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion / Public Mask

Base Negative Emotion: A mess beneath the surface, running on emotional instinct
Public Mask: Cool and calm, in control

D. Weaknesses

Can’t resist a challenge, manipulates to jockey herself in top position, pride

E. Triggers

Being second guessed, not being appreciated.

F. Coping Mechanism

Often lashes out, runs away

BRADLEY:

A. Situational: Hope / Fear

Hope: She’s going to land on her feet in new job.
Fear: She’s not good enough.

B. Motivation: Want / Need

Want: To be taken seriously
Need: Affirmation that she is doing a good job. (Ironically, something her father whom she loathes, gives her.)

C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion / Public Mask

Base Negative Emotion: Frustration, anger
Public Mask: Bravado

D. Weaknesses

Cannot seem to keep her mouth shut when she knows better. Rush to judgment.

E. Triggers

Family history

F. Coping Mechanism

Temper, drinks under stress, empty sex

[Gayla Betts]

ASSIGNMENT #2, Lesson 4:

Gayla Betts’ Intriguing Character Layers

What I learned doing this assignment was how important character development is on a series vs a feature – the pacing requires the audience to become fully invested and obsessed, so the moments each character shares onscreen become even more important. I also learned discernment is important – combining both AI with my ideas stimulates more possibilities. Also, I don’t have to have every answer nailed down at this point.

Intriguing layers for MYTHIC CAFÉ main characters:

1. Jess Harper

Role: Protagonist, a college freshman with magical abilities who wants to be an investigative journalist. Her father is the US President.

1. Hidden agendas: Her father doesn’t want her to be a journalist. Discovers a secret in her father’s administration she investigates.

2. Competition: Recognizes another journalist is investigating her father for different reasons.

3. Conspiracies: Recognizes both humans and magicals are not telling her the entire truth.

4. Secrets: Jess has magical abilities. Holds a family secret that could change the balance of power.

5. Deception: Hides her magical abilities.

6. Wound: Her mother has been missing from her life almost since birth.

7. Secret Identity: She is also the daughter of the President. She also is a magical being.

2. Lilah Thornwood

Role: Magical proprietor of the Mythic Café, guardian of the portal between realms. Married to a human, which is forbidden.

1. Hidden agendas: Protect her husband. Sympathetic to humans

2. Competition: Faces challenges from other magical beings who covet her role.

3. Conspiracies: Uncovers a plot to break the portal and unleash chaos.

4. Secrets: Married to a human, which is forbidden.

5. Deception: Keeping her husband a secret. Having human friends. Pretends to be regular café owner to hide true identity.

6. Wound: Carries emotional scars from past betrayals in the magical world. Wants a child which carries even deeper penalty than being married.

7 Secret Identity: Her true nature and powers are a well-guarded secret.

3. SENATOR Rebecca Thornton

Role: Antagonist, a powerful US senator with political influence, seems to have no moral bottom. Who controls her?

1. Hidden agendas: In this for herself. Is she working both sides?

2. Competition: Competes with other political figures to gain favor with her controller.

3. Conspiracies: Engages in political schemes to further her own ambitions.

4. Secrets: Her connection to a magical entity. She believes Jorge Davis is married to a magical, but not which one.

5. Deception: Maintains a façade of dedicated public servant while pursuing her own dark goals

6. Wound: A traumatic past.

7. Secret Identity: Her true allegiance and source of power.

4. Raif Williams

Role: A young Secret Service agent assigned to keep Jess Harper safe. He’s falling in love with her.

1. Hidden agendas: He is reporting his actions to another party. Unknown loyalties.

2. Competition: Competes with other agents in the organization for influence.

3. Conspiracies: Uncovers a conspiracy within the Secret Service to manipulate Jess.

4. Secrets: He’s falling in love with Jess. Keeps his true allegiances hidden from his superiors.

5. Deception: He might be a double-agent. Pretends to be solely focused on Jess’s safety while carrying out covert missions.

6. Wound: He’s being blackmailed for something he did in his youth.

7. Secret Identity: Hides his true loyalties and affiliations.

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts’ ASSIGNMENT 1 for Lesson 4:

1. The Morning Show previous episodes (1-3):

Hidden agendas –

Alex must have Bradley as her co-anchor to make her relevant and not get replaced.

Cory – has an ulterior motive to take over the entire network.

Competition

Alex – extremely competitive – showed in her first interview with Bradley.

Bradley – extremely competitive – showed in her first interview with Alex.

Conspiracy

The upper brass, Fred & Cory, are sitting on deeper culture of sexual exploitation at the network. Chip is aware possibly.

Secrets

Everyone on this show has secrets. Mia had an affair with Mitch. Alex slept with Mitch at some point. Yanko and his co-worker are sleeping together. The upper brass plans to replace Alex.

Deception

Bradley pretends to go along with Alex’s suggestions but continually goes off script.

Wound

Alex doesn’t feel she gets the attention she deserves – is she as good as Mitch or taken as seriously?

Bradley has complicated family history. She’s also been fired for losing her temper.

Secret Identity

Alex tries to look super confident, but she’s not always.

Bradley is full of bravado, but also has a lack of confidence.

2. Latest episode (4) intrigue:

Bradley had an abortion when she was 15 – where will that lead?

The big question we are left with is not whether, but how much Alex knew about Mitch’s affairs/dalliances?

Will Bradley’s interview with Ashley bring down the network?

Will Alex be held accountable for Bradley going off script?

How will Bradley and Alex be able to work together?

What other secrets will Vicki the investigator unearth?

Who else has been guilty as Mitch has been?

What game is Cory playing?

Will the feature story on Bradley also go off the rails?

[Gayla Betts]

ASSIGNMENT #2:

Gayla Betts’ Engaging Main Characters:

What I learned doing this assignment is to dig deep with AI and keep winnowing the answers it gives. I gave AI the same prompt but changed the order of the information I gave, and it returned significantly different answers – mainly in the depth of information. I regenerated each of those prompts and then compared (as an experiment). In some areas the answers were very similar and in others, drastically different.

Journey of my show: Goes from the fundamental need to protect one’s family to fighting against the highest level of corruption.

Main characters that will sell my show:

Rafe Rogers, a former Army Ranger, blackmailed into reenlisting to rescue his daughter, is tasked with finding a man who saved his life.
The Major – Richard B. Parker, a ruthless power monger with his own aspirations.
Sam Patterson, on the run with information that could bring down a Supreme Court justice.

Lucy Higgins, a television reporter who stumbles on a story she refuses to let go.

1. Rafe Rogers:

A. Role in the show: Protagonist: The central character and protagonist of the series. He’s the ex-Army Ranger who is blackmailed into re-enlisting to find Sam and save his daughter.

B. Unique Purpose/Expertise: Rafe is a highly skilled ex-Army Ranger with tactical and survival expertise. He’s also a dedicated father willing to go to great lengths to protect his daughter.

C. Intrigue: Rafe’s secret beneath the surface is his troubled past, including a failed marriage and a haunting military incident that still haunts him.

D. Moral Issue: Crossing the boundary of re-enlisting and possibly resorting to violence to save his daughter.

E. Unpredictable: Rafe’s loyalty to his daughter can lead him to take extreme actions, making it difficult to predict how far he’ll go to achieve his goals.

F. Empathetic: We care about Rafe because he’s a loving father, forced into a difficult situation, and he has a mysterious past.

2. The Major, Richard B. Parker:

A. Role in the show: The main antagonist, The Major, is a ruthless figure who wants to find Sam at all costs, as he’s protecting a shadowy group tied to corruption.

B. Unique Purpose/Expertise: A skilled manipulator, he’s ruthless and determined to protect the secrets of the shadow group at any cost.

C. Intrigue: Beneath the surface, The Major has personal reasons for his unwavering commitment to the shadowy organization. There’s a hidden agenda that he’s fiercely guarding.

D. Moral Issue: The Major has no qualms about breaking the law and sacrificing others to achieve his goals, raising questions about his moral boundaries.

E. Unpredictable: The Major’s actions are unpredictable as he goes to extreme lengths to maintain secrecy.

F. Empathetic: We’re intrigued by The Major’s complex motivations and inner conflicts, which might reveal a more human side to an otherwise ruthless character.

3. Sam Patterson:

A. Role in the show: Sam is the former Army Ranger who saved Rafe’s life and possesses information that could expose a corrupt Supreme Court justice.

B. Unique Purpose / Expertise: A cyber expert, Sam holds critical information and is skilled in evading capture.

C. Intrigue: Sam has gone underground, and his true intentions and loyalties are shrouded in mystery.

D. Moral Issue: Sam grapples with the decision to expose corruption at the risk of his own life.

E. Unpredictable: Sam’s decisions are unpredictable, and his actions may either help or hinder Rafe’s mission, creating tension and suspense.

F. Empathetic: We care about Sam because he’s trying to do the right thing by exposing corruption, even if it means putting his life on the line.

4. Lucy Higgins:

A. Role in the show: Lucy is a female TV reporter who initially pursues Rafe for a career-making story but eventually becomes involved in the quest for justice.

B. Unique Purpose / Expertise: Lucy’s expertise lies in investigative journalism. She’s persistent and resourceful in uncovering secrets and exposing the truth.

C. Intrigue: Lucy’s relentless pursuit of the story uncovers personal connections that make her question her own biases.

D. Moral Issue: Balancing career aspirations with ethical reporting and the truth.

E. Unpredictable: Lucy’s actions become unpredictable as she balances her ambition with her growing sense of responsibility.

F. Empathetic: We care about Lucy because of her evolving character arc, from an ambitious reporter to someone who becomes entangled in a deeper web of corruption and intrigue while striving to do the right thing.

[Gayla Betts]

ASSIGNMENT 2 (REVISITED)

Gayla Betts’ Engaging Main Characters:

What I learned doing this assignment (again) is that it’s hard to fight off perfectionism and just go with the flow. I want to see the whole thing now before I invest, but I am learning to trust in the process.

Gayla Betts’ Engaging Main Characters:

Journey of my show: A coming-of-age journey for a young woman who learns her true priorities and affects the priorities of those around her, i.e., the fate of two worlds rests on her.

Main characters that will sell my show:

Jess Harper, main protagonist on the cusp of an adult must own her identity for better or worse
Lilah Thornwood, fiercely protective magical being faced with impossible choices
Senator Rebecca Thorton, main antagonist who seemingly has no bottom
Raif Williams, Secret Service agent assigned to Jess with secrets of his own and divided loyalties

1. Jess Harper

A. Role in the show: A freshman in college aspiring to be an investigative journalist.

B. Unique Purpose/Expertise: Unbeknownst to her, Jess possesses latent magical abilities sought by both the magical and human realms.

C. Intrigue: Jess is the daughter of the current US president, and her magical potential is a closely guarded secret.

D. Moral Issue: She grapples with the moral dilemma of using her powers for the greater good while avoiding exploitation.

E. Unpredictable: Her discovery of her magical abilities and her quest to uncover the truth about the Mythic Café make her actions unpredictable.

F. Empathetic: We care about Jess because she’s an ordinary person thrust into an extraordinary situation, struggling to define her identity and purpose.

2. Lilah Thornwood

A. Role in the show: The magical proprietor of the Mythic Café, protecting and controlling the portal to the magical realm.

B. Unique Purpose/Expertise: Expert in magical lore and guardian of the café’s connection to the human world.

C. Intrigue: Lilah is secretly married to a human, which is a forbidden relationship in the magical world. If she had a child, she would face harsh punishment.

D. Moral Issue: She faces the moral dilemma of maintaining the café’s secret existence, even if it means breaking magical laws.

E. Unpredictable: Her actions to protect the café and her relationship with her human spouse make her unpredictable.

F. Empathetic: We care about Lilah because she’s torn between love and duty, making her relatable and sympathetic.

3. Senator Rebecca Thornton

A. Role in the show: A powerful U.S. Senator with political influence.

B. Unique Purpose/Expertise: She’s a key player in the battle for control over the Mythic Café, wielding political power.

C. Intrigue: Senator Thornton has traitorous ambitions and is manipulated by a mysterious force in the magical realm, but she may be a double-agent.

D. Moral Issue: She faces moral boundaries as she seeks more power, putting her loyalty to the human world at odds with her allegiance to the magical one.

E. Unpredictable: Her alliances and actions shift as she navigates the complex web of power and magic.

F. Empathetic: Despite her ambition, there are hints of her humanity.

4. Raif Williams

A. Role in the show: A young Secret Service agent responsible for Jess Harper’s safety.

B. Unique Purpose/Expertise: He’s tasked with safeguarding Jess, but he secretly reports to someone with nefarious intentions.

C. Intrigue: Raif is falling in love with Jess, which complicates his loyalty and motives.

D. Moral Issue: He struggles with the moral boundaries of his duty as a Secret Service agent and his feelings for Jess.

E. Unpredictable: His loyalties are divided, making his actions unpredictable as he juggles his responsibilities and emotions.

F. Empathetic: We care about Raif because he’s caught between love, duty, and the consequences of his choices, making him a sympathetic character with conflicting loyalties.

[Gayla Betts]

ASSIGNMENT #1: MAIN CHARACTERS OF THE MORNING SHOW

Alex Levy

A. Role in the show: Main character, co-anchor of The Morning Show

B. Unique Purpose / Expertise: Alex brings experience and savvy to the world she helped build.

C. Intrigue: What is secret beneath the surface? Outside of her show, what is her identity? She doesn’t truly identify with anything else, not even being a mom. Her marriage is a sham, and her daughter is at boarding school.

D. Moral Issue: What moral boundaries are they crossing? Did she really think about how she was turning Bradley’s life upside down? Did she think about Mitch’s victim when she initially want to do the interview?

E. Unpredictable: What will they do next? Though she comes across as calculating, Alex can be surprisingly tender and honest, and actually think about the impact of what she’s done. When Bradley confronts her, she reacts with genuine surprise and says she wants to be her friend. She also acknowledges she doesn’t know what she is doing which connects her to Bradley.

F. Empathetic: Why do we care? Alex doesn’t want to be lonely. She is fighting for her career life which for her equals her personal life.

Bradley Jackson

A. Role in the show: Main character, co-anchor of The Morning Show

B. Unique Purpose / Expertise: Bradley operates emotionally yet is highly intelligent. She could be a rougher younger version of Alex.

C. Intrigue: What is the secret behind the surface? Under the bravado, Bradley isn’t sure what world she fits into. Based on some of the family references, there may be secrets from her past that surface.

D. Moral Issue: What moral boundaries are they crossing? I’m still working this out. She’s no doubt stepped on toes in the past, and no doubt will again, so I’m not sure if she is willing to play both sides.

E. Unpredictable: What will they do next? Bradley is actually predictable by not being unpredictable – she seems to be totally ruled by her emotions with little to no filters.

F. Empathetic: Why do we care? She’s struggling to make a career for herself. Like Alex, she doesn’t seem to have real friends outside her family.

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts – ASSIGNMENT #2: Three Circles of Characters

What I learned doing this assignment was that AI came up with logical connections I hadn’t considered, based on using the world I gave it.

A. MAIN CHARACTERS CIRCLE:

Rafe is the protagonist, an ex-Army Ranger who is blackmailed into re-enlisting by The Major.
The Major is the Antagonist who demands Sam be found at all costs.
Sam has gone underground and previously saved Rafe’s life.
Isabella is an FBI Agent also looking for Sam, and may or may not become an ally to Rafe.
“Bear” Jones is Rafe’s business partner in their PI firm.<div>

B. CONNECTED CIRCLE:

Julie, Rafe’s ex-wife<div>

Maggie, Rafe’s 12-year-old daughter

Lilly, a member of Rafe’s old squad, still loyal. We hope.

Senator Nelson, a dirty politician

Senator Andrews, at odds with Senator Nelson

Bob Jones, homeless center director

Ghost, a homeless veteran who seems to know everyone

Georgia, Rafe’s assistant</div>

General Matthews, now retired, Rafe’s mentor

Judge Robert Templeton, a Supreme Court justice

Colonel Veronica “Viper” Bennett, Rafe’s former commanding officer

Special Prosecutor Maria Rodriguez – looking into judicial misconduct

Lucy, a resourceful homeless woman Sadie, a homeless teenager

C. ENVIRONMENT CIRCLE:

FBI agents

Military Homeless community

Government

Neighbors

Librarians

Maggie’s school connections

</div></div>

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts – ASSIGNMENT #2: Three Circles of Characters (REVISITED)

Having this extra week gave me a chance to rethink my concept and go back to the drawing board with something I like better. I learned this time that AI throws a lot of repetitive information that needs to be directed toward my ultimate vision, but with the right prompts and questions, it can provide useful input.

A. MAIN CHARACTERS:

1. Lilah Thornwood

– Unique Role: Magical proprietor of the Mythic Café which is a portal that she protects and controls.

– Secret or Intrigue: Lilah is married to a human, which is forbidden.

2. Jess Harper

– Unique Role: Jess – A freshman in college who wants to be an investigative journalist.

– Secret or Intrigue: Jess is the daughter of the current US president. Unbeknownst to her, she possesses a latent magical ability that both the magical realm and human realm will try to harness.

3. Senator Rebecca Thornton

– Role: A powerful U.S. Senator.

– Intrigue: Senator Thornton has traitorous ambitions and a thirst for power. Who controls her?

4. Raif Williams

– Role: A young Secret Service agent tasked with keeping Jess Harper safe.

– Intrigue: He covertly reports to someone with nefarious intents. He’s also falling in love with Jess.

B. CONNECTED CHARACTERS:

1. Professor Elijah Blackthorn, An enigmatic scholar and regular patron of the café with connections to both worlds. Unclear as to his alliances.

2. Seraphina Nightshade, café barista

3. Detective Henry Irons, investigating magical occurrences.

4. US President David Harper (Jess’ father)

5. Councilor Orion Moonshadow, A high-ranking member of the mythical realm’s council, wants to exploit Jess, has something to blackmail Lilah.

6. Amelia Hayes, a determined investigative reporter who bonds with Jess. Will she use her to get her story?

7. Jorge Davis, artist and Lilah’s husband

8. Amanda Harper, Jess’ little sister

9. Randy Harper, Jess’ older brother

10. David Jones, Jess’ sometime boyfriend

11. Thelis, guardian of the magical realm portal, serves as café bouncer if necessary.

C. ENVIRONMENT CHARACTERS

1. Magical Mythic Café patrons

2. Café musicians, waitstaff

3. Governmental officials

4. Magical realm officials

5. News media personnel

6. Police personnel

7. Secret Service personnel

8. Human Mythic Café customers

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts – ASSIGNMENT #1: Three Circles of Characters for THE MORNING SHOW

A. Main Characters Circle (4-5):

Alex Levy, anchor

Bradley Jackson, reporter

Cory Ellison, network

Charlie/Chip Black, ex producer

B. Connected Circle (10-15)

Mitch, Alex’s ex-partner

Lizzy, Alex’s daughter

Jason, Alex’s husband

Sarah, Alex’s attorney

Bradley’s mom

Rena, Charlie’s asst.

Daniel, wants co-anchor job

Hannah, Mitch’s victim

Hal, Bradley’s brother

Mia Jordan, producer

Yanko, weatherman

Fred, network

C. Environment Circle:

Rest of staff at network, competitors, service people in restaurants, hotels, etc.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 7 months ago by  Gayla Betts.

[Gayla Betts]

THE MORNING SHOW – 5 Star Model

What I learned doing this assignment was the slick symmetry that makes for a subliminal connection woven in between the protagonist and her potential antagonist – each had an immediate scorn for the other yet, they had similarities and stark differences that mirrored the other.

Both Alex and Bradley are traditional male names. They both feel they are fighting a stacked system.

Alex’s name starts with the first letter of the alphabet, Bradley’s is the second – indicating who is top dog – at least for now.

Both experience one of the most emotional days of their lives.
Both are driven. Both are fighters when cornered. Both are smart and direct.

Bradley called hosts like Mitch an idiot who pushes soft news. Before meeting Bradley, Alex discusses with her team if Bradley knew she was being filmed and calls people idiots (insinuating the audience) who believed her – scorn from both toward different targets.

1. BIG PICTURE HOOKS – What is the big hook of this show?

Will Alex prevail and keep her job?

2. AMAZING AND INTRIGUING CHARACTERS – What makes these main characters intriguing and interesting?

Alex Levy – She comes across as in total control, but is also very vulnerable. She’s savvy but was blindsided to see what the company is doing behind her back. She is driven.

Bradley Jackson – She’s contradictory too; hard-nosed and full of spunk, but has soft spots – was surprisingly gracious at the end of her interview with Alex, which Alex recognized. She is driven.

3. EMPATHY/DISTRESS – What situations causes us to feel both empathy and distress for these characters?

Alex –

Distress: Her producer Chip might be conspiring against her. Cory can’t be trusted. Having to go on-air with little preparation. Feeling ambushed by Mitch and the network. Learning the network plans to replace her.

Empathy: She seemed to be the last one to learn her partner was being fired. She had no clue she is also going to be fired. She lost her seemingly only real friend, Mitch – they even thought alike. When Chip phoned Mitch to tell him he’d been axed, Mitch said somebody better have died. When Chip was waiting for Alex to tell her, she asked who died? She’s always on guard.

Bradley:

Distress: Her mother and brother’s family issues. Reactionary anger issues. No one where she works seems to like her. Quitting her job. Where will she land?

Empathy: Her getting passed over at work. Overwhelming stress from her family. Not being understood. Wanting to make a difference.

4. LAYERS/OPEN LOOPS: What questions are created by this first episode that can only be answered by watching the entire season?

Will Alex be fired?
Will Bradley take her job?

Will Cory “get his”?
Will Chip/Charlie turn out to be a good or bad guy?

Who and why did someone pursue getting Mitch fired?

What will Mitch do?

What is going on with Alex’s marriage? She makes a point of putting on her wedding ring before the show, but seems to have a strained relationship with her daughter Lizzie’s dad.

What are the office politics? Who is really on Alex’s side and who’s against her? Lots of foreshadowing with no clear direction.

5. INVITING OBSESSION: How does this pilot create the need to see every single episode?

This show got us invested in both Alex and Bradley from the get-go.
They are both similar yet different. One is at the crest of her career and the other is starting out. Alex is world-wise and somewhat jaded/condescending. Bradley is all feelings with no control. They could be friends who learn from each other or fierce competitors/foes. At the end of the episode, we want to know if the next episode will answer: What happens to them at the “special event” on Friday where “everyone” will attend? (Will Mitch crash it?) What will Alex do with the info she has about being replaced? What kind of offer does Cory make Bradley and how does she react? She already said f’you New York when she arrived, but will she stay anyway?

[Gayla Betts]

1. Hi, I’m Gayla Betts.

2. I’ve written eleven feature scripts (2 optioned).

3. My goals for this class are: 1) write a ready-for-market bingeworthy series that sells right away, 2) sign with a manager, 3) become adept using AI as an assistant.

4. I like learning new things. Most recently I baked my first mini-bundt cakes using an AI recipe with rosemary, thyme, and cheddar cheese. #Success

5. I was in PS38 and MSC2.<div>

I look forward to getting to know everyone, and working with you, too.

</div>

• This reply was modified 1 year, 8 months ago by  Gayla Betts.

[Gayla Betts]

I, Gayla Betts, agree to the terms of this release form.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This completes the Group Release Form for the class.

[Gayla Betts]

Oh, yaay. Thank YOU for your notes – super helpful especially in finding the trees in the forest. (If that makes sense!)

Excited to see your project go forward as well. Thanks again ~ G

[Gayla Betts]

Hi Pat,

Let me know if you’d still like to exchange feedback.

GJDBetts@yahoo.com

~ Gayla

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts’ Show Relationship Map – Assignment #2

What I learned doing this assignment was that AI gives me freedom to think outside the box and change components without too much stress, but not to rely on AI for verbatim answers and make my own decisions. It’s also really good to do the relationship map from each character’s POV.

#1: Jess Harper

Relationship with Lilah:

Surface: Proprietor of the café – become friends
Common ground: Mythic Café – a magical connection.

Conflict: Jess doesn’t know if she should trust Lilah.
History: They are getting to know each other and Jess suspects Lilah knows more than she shares.
Subtext: They are building trust, but not immediately.
Arc: Strangers to friends to being Lilah’s mentee.

Relationship with Gabriel Frost:

Surface: Jess finds him strangely attractive yet irksome.
Common ground: Magical connection.
Conflict: Jess finds him overly nosy.
History: Jess is wary of Gabriel.
Subtext: Jess is surprisingly drawn to him though he provokes her.
Arc: Opposite interests to mutual interests to friends, to potential love interest.

Relationship with Senator Rebecca Jackson:

Surface: Has met her at political events.
Common ground: They both know her father on different levels.
Conflict: Jess is suspicious of the Senator and doesn’t like her. The Senator has political ambitions.
History: The senator has tried to act like a surrogate mother and Jess sees through her.
Subtext: Jess thinks the Senator is after her father’s affections.
Arc: Acquaintances to arch enemies.

#2: Lilah Thornwood

Relationship with Jess:

Surface: Jess seeks refuge in her café.
Common ground: They have a magical connection.
Conflict: Lilah has more experience that she’s not sure she wants to share with Jess as not sure she if can trust.
History: Lilah knew Jess’ mother.
Subtext: Lilah holds some guilt about Jess’ mother.
Arc: Strangers to mentoring Jess.

Relationship with Gabriel Frost:

Surface: They have known each other for a long time.
Common ground: The magical realm.
Conflict: They don’t agree on methodology.
History: Gabriel has burnt Lilah in the past.
Subtext: They each other’s weaknesses which reins them in.
Arc: Pseudo-friends to deep allies.

Relationship with Senator Rebecca Jackson:

Surface: Have never met.
Common ground: Jess
Conflict: Lilah will protect Jess, Rebecca will use her.
History: None.
Subtext: Lilah knows what’s best for Jess.
Arc: Strangers to an ultimate conflict.

#3: Gabriel Frost

Relationship with Jess:

Surface: Immediate attraction to this stranger.
Common ground: Magical connection
Conflict: He knows she will become a political hot potato and not sure if he wants to get involved.
History: He knows her mother.
Subtext: He weighs his options of helping Jess.

Arc: Strangers to verbal sparring to helping to love interest

Relationship with Lilah:

Surface: They go way back.
Common ground: They have a deep understanding of the magical realm.
Conflict: They don’t have the same morals.
History: They’ve been on opposite sides of conflicts before but have managed to remain friends.
Subtext: Can he trust her?

Arc: adversaries to friends to comrades

Relationship with Senator Rebecca Jackson:

Surface: They haven’t met.
Common ground: Interest in magicals.
Conflict: Jess’ best interests
History: None yet.
Subtext: Will Gabriel fall prey to Rebecca’s charms?

Arc: Adversaries to flirtatious to enemies.

[Gayla Betts]

Gayla Betts: Assignment #1: THE MORNING SHOW / Episodes 1-6

Relationship Map for Alex Levy

Alex and Bradley:

Surface: Co-hosts

Common Ground: Background reporting, both have painful family issues

Relationship Conflict: Competition, Bradley doesn’t respect Alex for her experience, Alex suspects Bradley trying to be top dog.

Relationship History: Though they’ve known each other only a week, Bradley has rebelled professionally, but softened personally.

Relationship Subtext: More alike than realized? Can they be friends?

Relationship Arc: Not knowing each other, not trusting each other, fiercely irritated with one another, opening up to perhaps being friends.

Alex and Chip:

Surface: Producer

Common Ground: Both understand network culture.

Relationship Conflict: Have different goals; Alex wants to stay on top, Chip afraid he’ll lose his job.

Relationship History: Worked together 15 years.

Relationship Subtext: She expects him to have her back. Can she trust him?

Relationship Arc: Came up through the ranks, she expects him to have her back, will he let her down?

Alex and Jason:

Surface: Husband

Common Ground: Married, have a daughter together.

Relationship Conflict: Not getting what they want from the other. She wants to stay married for appearances. He feels taken for granted.

Relationship History: Longtime marriage, keeping façade while separated. He’s always covered for her.

Relationship Subtext: They developed as friends, are together for daughter.

Relationship Arc: She’s taken him for granted to the point he’s asked for a divorce. She will have to deal with life without him.

[Gayla Betts]

Marla was a very kind person. Glad you two were friends.