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  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    August 7, 2023 at 9:22 pm in reply to: Lesson 5

    Jeffrey Glatz Elevated Dialogue

    What I learned from doing this assignment is…? I tweaked a few lines, but also I am aware the next module is completely dialogue so I did not do too much here. Well… I could not find much wrong, but I am sure there is a lot that needs to be elevated, and look forward to Module 8.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    August 3, 2023 at 11:34 pm in reply to: Lesson 4

    Jeffrey Glatz Elevated Interest

    What I learned from doing this assignment is…? I spent a lot of time on this lesson and went through every scene (even though it eluded to reviewing the most important). I made a significant number of tweaks that hopefully will help. No real changes, just enhancements.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    July 30, 2023 at 4:36 pm in reply to: Lesson 3

    Jeffrey Glatz Elevated Emotion!

    What I learned from doing this assignment is…? I found this one challenging from the perspective I ended up making small action and dialogue tweaks to attempt to build in a little more emotion, no major changes or problems found. I did not keep track of how many, but probably about 10 tweaks.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    July 26, 2023 at 6:26 pm in reply to: Lesson 2

    Jeffrey Glatz Dramatic Reveals!

    What I learned from doing this assignment is…? I tried to analyze my reveals. Many of the important “big” reveals are subtly referred to throughout until the “hopefully” major reveal/twist.

    I added 2 major deeper layers and subtexts. These went hand in hand with last lesson and they seem to work.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    July 24, 2023 at 11:18 pm in reply to: Lesson 1

    Jeffrey Glatz Loves Character Depth!

    What I learned from doing this assignment is…? Well… this generated the most changes I have done thus far to elevate the script. I added 2 more major storylines and reveals, so I may have included the next lesson as well in this lesson. I expanded the backstories of a few of the characters and tried to pull them all together.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    July 14, 2023 at 6:48 pm in reply to: Lesson 4

    Jeff Glatz – Solving Scene Problems

    What I learned from this lesson – Awesome exercise. I went thru every scene (or sequence) and tried to address them using the grid, so we’ll see how it turns out…

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    July 14, 2023 at 6:45 pm in reply to: Lesson 3

    Jeff Glatz – Cliche Busting

    What I learned from this lesson – This exercise was interesting/tough. So many things are cliche or “expected” in genres, that even though I strive to make them unique, ultimately there are some standard scene actions. But I also read somewhere, moviegoers also expect a certain amount of standard beats, so we’ll see how it turns out…

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    July 12, 2023 at 7:03 pm in reply to: Lesson 2

    Jeff Glatz – Solving Character Problems

    What I learned from this lesson – I found this exercise extremely helpful. I went basically thru every character and tried to address any problems and how to rectify them.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    July 11, 2023 at 4:59 pm in reply to: Lesson 1

    Jeff Glatz Structure Solutions

    What I learned from doing this assignment is – I found the grid very helpful in reviewing the script. The challenge I find myself in is the idea of “self-critique.” As I developed all the turning points, layers, etc I think they are pretty strong, so maybe they really are not as strong as I think they may be and the grid helps point to areas of improvement. I did not keep a list of specific changes, but did a lot of massaging.

    I look forward to completing draft 2.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    June 14, 2023 at 4:56 pm in reply to: Lesson 11

    looking forward to draft 2.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    June 12, 2023 at 8:13 pm in reply to: Lesson 10

    Done as well. I’m going to email support to see if they can start opening future lessons so we can move forward.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    June 10, 2023 at 6:51 pm in reply to: Lesson 9

    My Vision – To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring moving memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – closing in on finish line for 1st Draft. Better at not editing as I go.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    June 8, 2023 at 8:09 pm in reply to: Lesson 8

    My Vision – To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring moving memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – On to Act 3…

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    June 7, 2023 at 10:32 pm in reply to: Lesson 7

    My Vision – To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring moving memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – Finally getting better at not stoping if I see a word or action I know could use a little work.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    June 5, 2023 at 7:37 pm in reply to: Lesson 6

    My Vision – To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring moving memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – Just cranking along…

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    June 2, 2023 at 6:41 pm in reply to: Lesson 5

    My Vision – To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring moving memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – On to Act 2…

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    June 2, 2023 at 6:40 pm in reply to: Lesson 4

    My Vision – To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring moving memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – Just trucking along… Tough to not go back and reread all the time and start tweaking.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    May 31, 2023 at 11:34 pm in reply to: Lesson 3

    My Vision – To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring moving memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – Still working on Quick v. word smithing the darn thing when I put in a word I know can be better.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    May 31, 2023 at 10:46 pm in reply to: Lesson 2

    My Vision – To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring moving memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – I was able to get 5 pages in 90 minutes but I think that is mostly because I have a fairly thorough outline. I see why it is important, but will need to push myself to not get hung up on a description or line of dialog that seems a little off and keep plowing on.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    May 31, 2023 at 7:09 pm in reply to: Lesson 1

    My Vision:

    To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring electrifying memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – Follow the outline – don’t go down a rabbit hole with new ideas at this point

    email:

    jeffreyglatz@icloud.com

    I am open to reviewing anyone’s material. I thought most people disappeared from the class😀

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    May 23, 2023 at 7:58 pm in reply to: Lesson 10

    Jeffrey Glatz Fascinating Scene Outline

    My Vision: To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring electrifying memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – Starting to bring it all together. Both lesson 9 and 10 were very important to try and ensure all scenes stand on their own and enhance the over story.

    The element of Wind is layered subtlety throughout the story so far, from breezes to the swishes of the shinai, to the plane flying through the clouds, to the boy moving elegantly through the air, to a rapidly spreading fire on a television in the background of the restaurant bar.

    Picture more DaVinci Code meets Mission Impossible/recent Bond films look versus Marvel world.

    OPEN –

    Scene Sequence Arc (Amazon Jungle): Peaceful village is attacked out of nowhere. Many are killed, but a child escapes carrying a key.

    1. EXT. AMAZON JUNGLE VILLAGE – DAY (TWENTY YEARS AGO)

    Deep in the Amazon a tribe of warriors, hidden among the trees, enjoy a peaceful day twenty (20) years ago.

    Beginning: (more interesting setting) A young woman goes for a morning run, but unlike our runs, she dances among the treetops playing with the monkeys as she moves with grace.

    Middle: (Intrigue/Suspense) A noise is heard in the distance, imperceptible to the human ear, but she like the monkeys stops and takes notice

    End: (Major Twist) Immediately, an army of men, also moving among the trees, is upon her and cuts her down as they pass.

    2. EXT. AMAZON JUNGLE – DAY (TWENTY YEARS AGO)

    Beginning: (Suspense) In the village among the trees, the tribe perceives the change in the air. Animals shriek and scurry.

    Middle: (Mystery) The Queen motions to one of her closest guards to approach her.

    End: (Intrigue) She places her baby in the guard, Diana’s, arms and sends her into the forest to protect the child with her life.

    3. EXT. AMAZON JUNGLE – DAY (TWENTY YEARS AGO)

    Beginning: (Surprise) The army of men, dressed in exo-skeleton armor, are upon the tribe in a flash of movement.

    Middle: (Reveal) A tremendous battle ensues. Some of the warriors move faster than some of the others and dance among the trees as they fight with the invaders.

    End: (Suspense) Many of the tribe are killed instantly as the surprise was too great.

    4. EXT. AMAZON JUNGLE – DAY (TWENTY YEARS AGO)

    Beginning: (Uncertainty) In the distance, Diana, stops atop a tree with the child in her arms

    Middle: (Internal Dilemma) She watches as her village and family are destroyed.

    Ending: (Mystery) Looks into the sweet face of the Child.

    5. EXT. AMAZON JUNGLE VILLAGE CENTER – DAY (TWENTY YEARS AGO)

    Beginning: (Suspense) As the Queen and a few of her guards are surrounded in the center of the village, preparing for a final stand, a tall Asian man drops from the trees above, to land in front of her. He is the King of the other Wind tribe and commands respect among everyone, including the Queens guards which take a step back, but still stand at the ready.

    Middle: (Intrigue) The King, Ronin, slings his machine gun over his shoulder and unsheathes his sword. He moves to speak with the Queen and demands she hand over the “key.” She refuses and claims she does not have the key and has not heard of its whereabouts for over 50 years (making the 30 something Queen actually about 75 years old).

    Ronin tells her that he knows she is protecting the Key and that she must relinquish the Key to him or pay with her life. The Queen is entrusted to protect the key and to help maintain the balance among all the 4 elements, Earth, Wind, Fire and Water, so that the humans can survive and so no one group of descendants becomes too powerful and destroys the world. There must always be a balance among the 4 elements.

    Ending: (Cliffhanger) Ronin realizes that she will not surrender the Key and an epic sword fight begins among the trees, two direct descendants of major gods of the highest level. They glide, jump, run and leap among the branches, swords striking all the time. He is too much for her and with a thrust to her stomach high in the trees; she falls crashing to the Amazon floor. Her guards surround her still body and are quickly struck down by Ronin. He stands above her, promising to spare her life for the Key, but she resists to the end. In his anger, he strikes her dead. He sends his soldiers out to search the village among the trees in search of the Key. Ronin enters the Queen’s hut and notices a crib woven in reeds…

    6. EXT. AMAZON JUNGLE VILLAGE – DAY (TWENTY YEARS AGO)

    Beginning: (Internal Dilemma) High in the treetops, Diana turns with a tear.

    Middle: (Uncertainty) She streaks out among the trees.

    Ending: (Mystery) Away from the danger.

    RUN TITLE

    ACT 1

    7. INT. CLASSROOM – DAY (PRESENT DAY)

    Twenty years later,

    A university classroom at Columbia in New York City. It is an advanced applied mathematical theory class featuring the best and the brightest.

    Beginning: (Interesting Setting) A university classroom at Columbia in New York City. It is an advanced applied mathematical theory class featuring the best and the brightest.

    Middle: (Mystery) Among the mostly nerdy looking students of about 20, we see a beautiful girl intently paying attention to her professor.

    Ending: (Intrigue) Off to the side we notice another, “better looking” student, handsome, but not too good-looking, his attention is not as focused on the professor as it seems to be on the entire room and its surroundings.

    8. INT. SWISS ESTATE – DAY

    In a large richly paneled room, very much the feel of a room from Versailles, we see the villain, Ronin, a little older looking, but not much even though it has been 20 years. On one wall of the enormous room is an entire array of state of the art computer displays. A computer search is underway for a 20-year-old girl.

    Beginning: (More Interesting Setting) In a large richly paneled room, very much the feel of a room from Versailles, we see the villain, Ronin, a little older looking, but not much even though it has been 20 years. He commands respect. On one wall of the enormous room is an entire array of state of the art computer displays.

    Middle: (Mystery) Images are continually flashing up all over numerous displays. Different countries are seen popping up and disappearing with the images of young 20 something girls. A computer search is underway for a 20-year-old girl. In the room are a dozen or so high-tech workstations with people working intently on their keyboards.

    Ending: (Suspense) Ronin sits behind a large desk at the end of the room going over images that are displayed on his desktop, that is actually one large computer display, a mirror of the large wall. A handsome boy, but with a sinister trait, walks up to Ronin, “Hello, Father,” says the boy, Ando. Off to the side, one of the computer techs shouts out that they may have found “another one.” The large wall and desktop are immediately filled with a picture of our girl from the classroom. Ronin, turns to his son, “Another possibility, leave at once and keep me informed.” Ando, “Of course Father, but at some point, we need to try something new, we’ve been searching like this for years.”

    9. EXT. COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HALL – DAY

    Beginning: (Intrigue) As the class is letting out, the professor asks the girl to stop by his desk.

    Middle: (Uncertainty) “Chris (short for Christina), can you work on this equation over the weekend and let me know your thoughts on Monday?”

    Ending: (Mystery) The other “handsome” boy gathers his laptop and belongings and exits before her.

    10. EXT. PRIVATE AIRSTRIP – SWISS ALPS – DAY

    Beginning: (More interesting Setting) Private Plane waits on a runway high in the Swiss Alps. Large mountains appearing like the Alps are seen in the background, giving us a sense that their estate is located in Europe.

    Middle: (Suspense) The sinister boy, Ando, arrives in a string of black Range Rovers at a private airstrip with six additional mercenary looking guys.

    Ending: (Suspense) The mercenaries load the gear into the plane as Ando speaks with the Captain. The plane takes off into the Sky.

    11. EXT. NEW YORK CENTRAL PARK – DAY

    Beginning: (More Interesting Setting) It is late afternoon in Central Park and the crowds are out in force. Chris (Christina) walks through the park with a group of friends.

    Middle: (Reveal) One boy in particular, is doing amazing feats of gymnastics mixed with what looks like martial arts, as he jumps, twists, and flips from different resting and still positions. Chris does a double take as she recognizes the boy from her class.

    Ending: (Internal Dilemma) She walks over with her friends to check him out, but he does not take any special notice of her or her friends. People drop dollars bills into a hat on the ground. She waves hello, he gives her an indifferent look, and she moves on.

    12. INT. PRIVATE PLANE – NIGHT

    Beginning: (Intrigue) On the plane, Ando and his men are going over Chris’ bio and discussing different strategies for where they may be able to snatch her.

    Middle: (Reveal) We learn a little more about Chris’ life, but not too much. We learn that she lives on Central Park West with her mother and father, no siblings; her dad is the curator for the Natural History Museum and that she is attending Columbia.

    Ending: (Suspense) Her Facebook page fills the computer screen.

    13. INT. NYC DOJO – LATE AFTERNOON

    Beginning: (More interesting Setting, Mystery) In an old dojo, we hear the wood strikes of the shinai hitting each other in rapid succession. Two combatants square off in the dimly lit room.

    Middle: (Mystery) Polished wood floors and different weapons hang on the walls. The two fight quickly, their movements seem much quicker than is normal for even the best masters. After a few minutes of intense combat, the two square off, bow to one another and remove their men helmets. Chris is one of them, along with an older Japanese gentleman, her sensei. He gives her some tips, some praise, but also some critique as they don their helmets and begin again.

    Ending: (Reveal) Another woman, dressed in Japanese garb, stands with her attention solely on the match in front of her. It appears to be a little older version of the woman we saw saving the baby deep in the Amazon. After this next round of sparring is over, the woman, Diana walks up and hugs Chris and tells her that they will be late for their dinner with Chris’ parents. Chris does not really care, as she knows her parents are just trying to set her up with some rich patrons son.

    14. EXT. PRIVATE AIRSTRIP – NJ – EARLY EVENING

    Beginning: (Suspense) Ando’s plane arrives at another private airfield outside of New York City.

    Middle: (Suspense) More mercenary types are there to greet Ando and his men.

    Ending: (Suspense) They drive off with the NYC skyline in the backdrop.

    15. INT. NYC RESTAURANT – NIGHT

    Beginning: (More interesting Setting) Chris and Diana arrive at the hip and trendy NYC restaurant.

    Middle: (Internal Dilemma) They are beautiful enough to look elegant in any environment, but as we arrive at the table, we can separate Chris’ parents from the others at the table. Her parents are distinguished and handsome, but definitely more Saville Row than the other couple which have the feel of new money investment banker types. Their son, while very good-looking, appears a little too slick and more concerned with himself than others. Works out just a little too much, a little full of himself. Chris and Diana join them at the table.

    Ending: (Internal Dilemma) Chris trying to be civil, but clearly annoyed at having to sit through yet another of these dinners.

    16. EXT. NYC RESTAURANT – NIGHT

    Beginning: (Suspense) As the dinner ends much to Chris’ relief, the Wall Street family enters their town car, the valets hailing for a cab… both Chris and Diana instinctively look to the rooftop across the street.

    Middle: (Suspense) They are in motion as a hail of assault rifle fire rains down upon the group, tearing apart the cars, street, windows, people and everything immediately surrounding Chris, Diana and her parents with military precision. Chris’ father is shot in the chest, her mother in the arm. They are pinned down, there is no avenue of escape. The gunfire is deafening. From the dark street, the boy from the classroom and park leaps above car roof tops, he runs a little quicker than a normal human would, crosses right through the carnage and grabs Chris’ parents, one with each arm and carries them from harm’s way. Chris notices all this but is concentrating all her energy on the threat and saving as many as she can.

    The gunfire stops abruptly, two black Suburban’s come to a screeching halt in front of the restaurant. Men exit the vehicles quickly, weapons drawn, they wear state-of–the-art body armor with full armored and tinted helmets. Chris and Diana huddle behind the destroyed town car, the family inside dead and bloodied. Ando steps from one of the vehicles and shouts for, “Christina Wentworth, come with me and no more harm will come to anyone here!” Chris is clearly contemplating this, as she is more concerned for everyone else more than herself. But Diana, grabs her arm, “There is more to this than it appears.” Diana pulls back her long coat to reveal some of the throwing weapons we first saw in the Amazon. Chris is clearly just a little confused. Diana to Chris,” You have been training all your life for this…” With that, she leaps from behind the town car at a group of the assailants, throwing daggers as she flies through the air. She is immediately engaged with the mercenaries in hand to hand combat as she has moved too close to them for their automatic weapons to be of any use. Chris has not hesitated and is in the mix instantly fighting with all her skill. She is amazing, clearly superior to any of the soldiers, but there are so many… Ando has issued orders that no one must harm Chris. Their fight continues, Diana is losing, as the numbers are just too great. A small red dot illuminates on Diana’s chest, she looks at Chris as she is shot dead by a sniper on the building rooftop.

    Ending: (Cliffhanger) Chris rushes to where Diana has fallen, but a screaming motorcycle flies through the debris, it is the boy, as he reaches out and grabs Chris as she is running to Diana and they are off down the street, Chris, screaming to stop. The boy, James, does not listen and races into the darkness.

    The remaining mercenaries repel from the building roof to the street below and they all pile into the Suburban’s before any survivors can identify them.

    17. EXT. NYC STREET – NIGHT

    Beginning: (Suspense) Chris is fighting with James to stop and finally pries herself loose from his grasp and jumps off the flying motorcycle.

    Middle: (Mystery) The motorcycle is doing at least 60, but she looks graceful in the air and hits the ground rolling and jumps to her feet yards down the road toward where James has now stopped. She stands, her clothes in tatters, but she is none the worse for wear other than a few cuts and scrapes. The full impact of what just happened is fully kicking in. She stands and stares at James, looks to her body and back to James.

    Ending: (Major Twist) James tells her, “The Wentworth’s will be taken care of, but there is a lot you need to know…” “You mean my parents?” James answers, “No, your mother died 20 years ago in the Amazon, your father before that. The Wentworth’s were your guardians and raised you as their own, always trying to prepare you for your destiny, no, that sounds too cliché, responsibility would be a better way to put it.” Chris, “What are you talking about?” James, “I think someone else should tell you… come we have a long journey ahead of us.” He reaches for her hand gently.

    18. INT. BULLET TRAIN – JAPAN – DAY

    Beginning: (More interesting Setting) The bullet train in Japan speeds through the countryside like the wind. James and Chris sit together staring out the window.

    Middle: (More interesting Setting) A cab lets them off at a gate in the mountains, a path up into the trees.

    Ending: (Intrigue) The ancient symbol of the Element The Wind is more discernable carved into the stone… they sling their backpacks on and begin their journey up the mountain.

    19. EXT. JAPAN – MOUNTAINS – AFTERNOON

    Multiple small scenes of journey to Castle.

    Beginning: (More Interesting Setting) In the distance we see a large Japanese castle built on a high ridge against the backdrop of the snowcapped mountains. At this time of year, the cherry blossoms are blooming and the entryway to this shrine is truly beautiful.

    Middle: (Intrigue) There are a few monks about, but otherwise it is very peaceful. As they enter the grounds, the massive doors close silently behind them. An old, but straight-backed, chiseled and distinguished Japanese man in a plain white kimono bows to his guests. They bow back. The Japanese man speaks, “Welcome Christina, it is an honor to have you here, I trust your journey was comfortable.” Chris, “Yes, Master, but why was I brought here… my family… I have so many questions… the things I was able to do…” The man, “I am sure you do, but first some rest. James, will show you to your room.”

    Ending: (Mystery) Chris turns to James, “You have been here before?” James nods, “Yes, I was raised here as was your enemy, but that comes later.” The master is Aiko, a “A Martial Arts Master, but also a Protector.”

    20. INT. SWISS ESTATE – NIGHT

    Beginning: (Suspense) Back at Ronin’s estate, he is furious with his son and men.

    Middle: (Uncertainty) “How could you fail me? My own son, we must acquire the Key!” Ando, “It was not all a failure father, we now know she is the one, after all these years, we can now begin the War.” Ronin, “It is not as easy as that, she defeated you without even being aware of who she is and what she is capable of. She should never be underestimated, or failure will happen again.

    Ending: (Suspense) I believe I know where she will go, but she will be well protected, we must plan this cautiously or we could lose it all and that is unacceptable. We are so close to everything…”

    21. INT. JAPANESE CASTLE – NIGHT

    Beginning: (Major Twist) Chris is taken before the Master and served tea by him. He begins to tell her of her life, who she is, what she represents and what she must do for mankind. “Christina, your story began thousands of years ago… all cultures worshipped multiple Gods, these “Gods” existed throughout the world, sometimes it was the same God, but called by a different name in a different culture… these Gods on occasion mated with a human mortal, and these children lived and thrived and had children of their own, and so on… You are the descendant of one of these Gods. You are actually a direct and the last descendant of Zeus… You are human, but more of a “Super” human.” Chris is listening intently, she finds it hard to fathom, but at the same time, it answers so many questions. Master, “This is why you have so many extraordinary abilities that you are only beginning to comprehend. You have been raised your whole life so that when you learned of this, you would not only understand the limitless possibilities, but also the burden you must bear. You are a descendant of the most powerful deity and as such will be called upon to keep our world in balance.”

    Middle: (Reveal) Chris, “But who is after me and is willing to kill to get me?” Master, “That is Ronin, he is of your Tribe, the Wind. I will get into this in a moment… and he is looking for a Key – even I do not know what the Key is to – it is from the ancients, it is rumored to be a Key to becoming immortal, to being all powerful, a link to the original Gods, none of us know for sure.” Chris reaches under her cloak and for the first time we see her rubbing something on a worn leather strap around her neck, it is an ancient Key. Chris, “And are you a descendant?” Master, “No, I am a Protector, I, like my father and his father before him, have been entrusted by the Descendants to watch over all of you, a Grand Librarian of sorts, there are a couple of us around, and I will send you to another soon, he may know more about the Key.” James brought you here because he is a Descendant as well. Unlike you he was trained here from an early age and assigned to be your guardian. We all serve a function, we must always remember, not one Descendant is more important than another, all the Tribes must maintain order and balance, or an elemental shift can occur, and the world could be fundamentally changed forever. Of course, having just said that some, like you, are gifted beyond others. You must have noticed these things growing up – the obvious signs like your athletic abilities, your intelligence, but also your perception, your insight, your beauty, your trust, your self-confidence, your integrity and desire to protect. These make you uniquely qualified to play a bigger role when called upon. Your enemy, and he is your enemy, Ronin, is also gifted beyond many others, as he is a Descendant from Fujin, the Japanese God of the Wind. He may not be as powerful as you, but he has had a lifetime to understand his abilities, capabilities and limitations. You have not, so this makes him most dangerous.

    Ending: (Intrigue) That’s enough for now, let’s sleep and begin again tomorrow.”

    22. EXT. JAPANESE CASTLE – NIGHT

    Beginning: (More interesting Setting) James is waiting for her outside and they take a walk through the cherry blossoms.

    Middle: (Mystery) She digs for more information and asks him about himself.

    Ending: (Reveal) He speaks of his life and some of the loneliness he has felt being a guardian, but also understands the responsibility.

    23. INT. JAPANESE CASTLE – NIGHT

    Beginning: (Surprise) During the night, the Master wakes Chris. James is up as well. “They are here.” I underestimated that they would be so bold, they must be very desperate.”

    Middle: (Suspense) Just then, explosions begin to rock the building. Outside we see many black helicopters firing rockets into the compound. A massive decisive and destructive campaign has begun. The trio burst from room to room as the building collapses around them. They pick up weapons as they move, ancient Japanese katana, ninja gear as well, to new assault weapons.

    Ending: (Suspense) The monks appear in Ninja outfits. They all move into the compound to combat the assailants.

    24. EXT. JAPANESE CASTLE – NIGHT

    In the sky above, mercenaries of the Wind dive out of planes and free fall toward the battle below, no parachutes, just armored gear as they fall silently toward Chris and the others below.

    Beginning: (Uncertainty) In the sky above, mercenaries of the Wind dive out of planes and free fall toward the battle below, no parachutes, just armored gear as they fall silently toward Chris and the others below. At the last instant, they open their arms to spread their “wings” as they sail through the air toward those they wish to kill. They streak across the rooftops and land abruptly in front of Chris, the Master, James and the monks.

    Middle: (Suspense) A mighty sword battle commences. It is awe-inspiring as these Descendants move against one another. The good guys are once again clearly outnumbered and begin to retreat toward the remains of the structure. Ronin, free falls from the helicopter, toying with gravity as he glides and rolls through the night sky. He lands on a treetop. Balances on one foot and effortlessly jumps to the ground.

    Ending: (Major Twist) Upon seeing him, the Master motions for Chris and James to come to the well – “It is a 50 yard drop to the water below, then you must swim north for another 50 yards, and you will surface in a cave, from there follow the path out, you will know the right path.” James, “We cannot leave you Master.” Master, “You must, it is the greater good that matters here, take Christina to Franklin, he will have some thoughts. I will slow down Ronin.” Chris and James jump into the well.

    25. INT. WELL – NIGHT

    1st Turning Point – Chris and James are the only to escape.

    They surface in a cavernous underground cavern. It is an ancient crypt; signs of the Elements are throughout…. Symbols and hieroglyphics of the Japanese Gods…

    Beginning: (Suspense) They swim through the dark waters of the underground river.

    Middle: (Mystery) They surface in a cavernous underground cavern. Light streaks from a small hole high above their heads.

    Ending: (more interesting setting) It is an ancient crypt; signs of the Elements are throughout…. Symbols and hieroglyphics of the Japanese Gods… They grab some old torches and enter the tunnel leading from the cavern.

    26. EXT. JAPANESE CASTLE – Night

    Beginning: (Suspense) Ronin burns the Castle to the ground. (the element of Fire)

    Middle: (Intrigue) He will stop at nothing to find the Key and destroy anyone one or thing in his path.

    Ending: (Suspense) He is pulled up aboard a helicopter and takes off into the pitch black evening.

    Act 2

    27. EXT – TOKYO AIRPORT – DAY

    28. INT. PRIVATE AIRPLANE – DAY

    New Plan

    Beginning: (Intrigue) They arrive at Tokyo airport and board a plane owned by a large solar/energy company.

    Middle: (Internal Dilemma) Chris is torn and worried but begins to form a closer bond with James. Introducing possible beginning of a romance.

    Ending: (Mystery) Chris and James head to England to meet and learn more about herself, her role, and the Key from a “Librarian” (Franklin, a keeper of the Descendants secrets). Begin to see the wealth of the Descendants.

    29. INT. SWISS ESTATE – DAY

    At the estate, the maps show a bigger picture of the Descendants support around the globe.

    Beginning: (More interesting Setting) At the estate, the maps show a bigger picture of the Descendants support around the globe. Various Librarians are highlighted on the map. The have a hidden underground base, beneath estate, so hidden from world. Stealth Helicopters, aircraft take off from caves. Technology to keep them hidden from radar.

    Middle: (Intrigue) Ronin continues the search for where Chris may go next. They believe England is where Chris will head next and get on their way.

    Ending: (Suspense) Sends Ando off again, with better support this time, more Descendants on the team, not just mercs.

    30. EXT – ENGLISH COUNTRY ESTATE – MORNING

    Beginning: (More interesting setting) Chris and James arrive at English Country Estate and are greeted by Franklin and his two hounds

    Middle: (Internal Dilemma) Hugs with a serious tone.

    Ending: (Mystery) They move toward the home.

    31. INT – ENGLISH COUNTRY ESTATE – MORNING

    Beginning: (More Interesting Setting) Franklin welcomes them into a hidden lair beneath the estate.

    Middle: (Reveal) He teaches Chris about the other tribes.

    Ending: (Suspense) He hands out new weaponry that she and James may need going forward.

    32. EXT – ENGLISH COUNTRY ESTATE – AFTERNOON

    Beginning: (Internal Dilemma) James and Chris spar outside to stay tuned up.

    Middle: (Internal Dilemma) They have fun and Chris knocks James down and reaches her hand to pick him. They look into each other’s eyes.

    Ending: (Intrigue) Franklin comes out to join them and tell them that he has reached a Professor of Mythology at Oxford that he previously had tried to recruit, and they need to go and speak with him. He liked to be at a University, good guy, had found some ancient texts even Franklin was only allowed to review but not catalog.

    33. EXT. OXFORD UNIVERSITY – DAY

    Establishing shot of Chris, James and Franklin arriving at University.

    34. INT. OXFORD UNIVERSITY – DAY

    They are ushered into the Professors chambers, and they discuss the history of the Descendants and specifically references to a key that would control the world.

    Professor tells them their next stop needs to be the Vatican archives.

    Beginning: (More Interesting Setting) They are ushered into the Professors chambers.

    Middle: (Mystery) They discuss the history of the Descendants and specifically references to a key that would control the world. Clue revealed.

    Ending: (Mystery) Professor tells them their next stop needs to be the Vatican archives.

    35. EXT. OXFORD UNIVERSITY – DAY

    Beginning: (Surprise) High tech stealth helicopters arrive over the quad out of nowhere.

    Middle: (Suspense) Descendants and mercenaries repel down, wearing black tech gear and weapons. Ando leads. The students run in fright and scream.

    Ending: (Suspense) Chris runs to the window and sees the descending army and shouts for them to leave immediately.

    36. INT. OXFORD UNIVERSITY – HALL – DAY

    Beginning: (Suspense) The assailants have moved inside and are advancing through the building looking for Chris. Killing anyone who gets in their way.

    Middle: (Suspense) As they make it into the hallway, they are ascended upon by ten assailants. The Professor is killed as Chris and James defeat all these men.

    Ending: (Suspense) Chris and James move through the rooms and crash out through a window landing next to their cars. James carries Franklin on his back. (Ando is killed?)

    37. EXT. OXFORD UNIVERSITY – DAY

    38. EXT. BLENHEIM CASTLE – ENGLAND – DAY

    39. EXT. SKYS ABOVE ENGLAND – DA

    Beginning: (More interesting Setting) Chris and James jump in a wicked Aston Martin Valkyrie. Franklin jumps in his Bentley. They take off across the quad.

    Middle: (Suspense) The helicopters are in the air shooting at the cars as they wander through campus. Destroying many historic buildings and civilians along the way.

    They manage to shoot the trailing helicopters down.

    They peel off from Franklin and the mercs follow them in their Range Rovers.

    Elaborate chase scene leaving Oxford and toward Blenheim Castle. They travel through the beautiful countryside at speed, ending on the great lawn of the Castle.

    James has called for a helicopter that is waiting for them on the lawn.

    Ending: (Major Twist) As they rise into the sky more of Ronin’s stealth copters show up and pursue them.

    A massive dog fight ensues and as they reach the English Channel they are shot down and violently crash into the water and the chopper settles beneath the surface as Ronin’s helicopters circle above.

    40. EXT. ENGLISH CHANNEL – DAY

    Beginning: (Major Twist) As the helicopter settles beneath the surface and starts to drift toward the sea floor, James and Ashley fight to free themselves and then save the Captain who is trapped in his seat.

    Middle: (Suspense) The helicopters circle above looking for any sign of life.

    Ending: (Mystery) From the depths of the sea comes a state-of-the-art private submarine. Two figures exit the sub and come to Chris’ and James’ aid. They save them and they all enter the sub and dive deep into the channel. She is save by a member (descendant) of the Water Tribe.

    41. INT. SUBMARINE – DAY

    Beginning: (More Interesting Setting) Inside the state-of-the-art private submarine, they meet Lexus Octavianus, a Descendant of Poseidon.

    Middle: (Reveal) He has been keeping an eye on the events (war among the wind tribe) and was there to save them. The Water Tribe does not want Ronin to succeed.

    Ending: (Mystery) They continue into the deep of the Channel.

    42. EXT. OCEAN CONTAINER SHIP – NIGHT

    43. INT. OCEAN CONTAINER SHIP – NIGHT

    Beginning: (Suspense/Mystery) The submarine approaches a large container ship in the open seas owned by Poseidon Shipping. They dive beneath the surface and doors open beneath the huge ship and they enter through this secret entrance.

    Middle: (Internal Dilemma) Lexus welcomes them aboard one of his ships. First, he shows them to a couple staterooms so they can shower. Intimate moment between Chris and James.

    Ending: (Suspense) They meet in a tech heavy command center on the ship and Lexus tells Chris more about the Water Tribe and they have been following the events of Ronin. Chris tells them she needs to get to Rome and Lexus orders the ship to sail to Marseille figuring it would be less obvious and not as patrolled as a port closer to Rome would be. Marseille is controlled by the Water Tribe.

    44. EXT. MARSEILLE HARBOR – DAY

    45. EXT. ROAD(S) TO ROME – DAY

    Beginning: (More interesting Setting) Chris, Lexus and James enter a Range Rover (Ferrari, Aston Martin, etc.) and begin the road journey to Rome.

    Middle: (Internal Dilemma) A bit of a reprieve in the harrowing journey so far.

    Ending: (Intrigue/Betrayal?) James is on the phone while Chris orders drinks at a beachside bar overlooking the Mediterranean.

    46. EXT. ROME ESTATE – DAY

    47. INT. ROME ESTATE – DAY

    Beginning: (More interesting Setting) Chris, Lexus and James arrive at a Cardinal’s residence in Rome. He is a protector of the Descendants.

    Middle: (Intrigue) They devise a plan to break into the Vatican archives. A young Priest is there to help.

    Ending: (Twist) The Cardinal will not allow them to remove anything from the Vatican however, so the plan is to meet in the Cardinal’s office after the break-in to review the scroll.

    48. EXT. SAINT PETERS SQUARE – VATICAN – NIGHT

    Beginning: (Suspense) Elaborate B&E of the Vatican vault.

    Middle: (Reveal) The young priest has special abilities as well.

    Ending: (Mystery) They access the vault and find the scroll they are looking for.

    MID-POINT

    49. INT. CARDINAL’S OFFICE – VATICAN – NIGHT

    Beginning: (More Interesting Setting) They find the Scroll and take to the Cardinal’s office. Overlooking St. Peter’s Square.

    Middle: (Mystery) <font color=”#ae0605″>Chris</font> learns where the “Lock” may be hidden and how it could be used, and vows to defend with her life.

    She learns the Key “may” be a way for one person to control all four (4) elements; Wind, Water, Earth, and Fire. This is from the ancients. Zeus, split the elements and assigned a “Tribe” to guard and protect their respective element. At the time, these were respected Gods from around the world that understood their Duty.

    Ending: (Uncertainty) The Italian Cardinal tells them that over the centuries, many Descendants became power hungry and wanted to control the World. Tribes split and Wars developed, and this must be why.

    50. INT. ROME ESTATE – NIGHT

    Beginning: (Suspense) Arriving at their “safe house” they feel something is amiss.

    Middle: (Suspense) Ronin (Ando as well?) himself attacks Chris and her team, including the Water Tribe member, Lexus. When he learned, Chris was going to Rome, he decided he would use her to get the scroll for him.

    He had not grabbed the scroll earlier because he did not want his intentions out in the open for the other Tribes to see until it was too late.

    Ending: (Major Twist) Ronin kills Lexus. “It didn’t have to be this way.” Ronin is now on his own against all the elemental tribes. Some of Lexus’ team show up, but too late to save him, but early enough that Ronin withdraws.

    Ronin takes the copies of the Scroll.

    51. EXT. LUXURY MEGA-YACHT – MEDITERREAN SEA – DAY

    Beginning: (Internal Dilemma) Funeral at Sea for Lexus. All Tribes, (Water, Earth, Fire, Wind) send a representative.

    Middle: (Mystery) All the Descendants discuss the situation and decide to meet again soon? Chris and James are invited to Marrakesh as a place to regroup and plan for the next stage – the journey to the Lock.

    Ending: (Suspense) They take off from the yacht in a helicopter owned by the solar/energy company. This company is the front for the Wind Tribe. Chris was always destined to lead the company when the time was right.

    52. EXT. MARRAKESH ESTATE – EARLY EVENING

    2nd Turning Point – Chris loses the Key to Ronin. James is killed.

    Beginning: (Internal Dilemma) Finally feeling safe for the moment, Chris and James stroll the beach (alt – remains of Carthage or the pyramids) after a lite beach bar candlelight dinner.

    Middle: (Suspense) Ronin, by himself, steps from the shadows (maybe Ando trying to prove something to his father and is killed). NOTE!! TWIST?? Does James betray Chris and she must kill him??

    A tremendous fight ensues and James falls to the ground. Ronin has the tip of his sword to James neck and demands Chris hand over the key. She does. Ronin releases James with a warning and turns to walk away.

    Ending: (Cliffhanger) James feels relinquishing the key was his fault and he grabs a gun on the sand to kill Ronin. Ronin spins and decapitates James.

    Chris falls to her knees defeated and crying.

    ACT 3

    53. INT. NYC HOSPITAL – DAY

    Rethink everything.

    Beginning: (Internal Dilemma) Chris visits her adopted mother (Mrs. Wentworth) in the hospital.

    Middle: (Internal Dilemma) Her mother tells her she must accept the ultimate responsibility and recover the Key. This is the woman who raised her, so she feels that she is her mother.

    Ending: (Internal Dilemma) Feeling strong again she takes off for the Amazon.

    54. EXT. AMAZON JUNGLE VILLAGE – DAY

    55. EXT. AMAZON VILLAGE GRAVEYARD – DAY

    Beginning: (Internal Dilemma) Chris goes on the offensive. She visits the Amazon Tribe and sees her birth-mother’s grave.

    Middle: (Reveal) She is treated as the queen. She looks so much like her mother.

    Ending: (Character Change) An old shaman consoles her and prepares her heart for what is to come.

    56. EXT. AMAZON JUNGLE VILLAGE – NIGHT

    Beginning: (Suspense) A member of Fire, Water and Earth arrive in the Amazon and offer their help. Old school bonfire, no technology present.

    **Twist – does a Descendant try and kill Chris in her sleep?

    **Twist – she captures Ronin’s spy?

    Middle: (Reveal) Discuss the possible outcome of Ronin controlling all the Elements.

    Ending: (Suspense) A plan has been developed.

    Note – must answer question why the Tribes are not sending “armies” to go over and attack Ronin. Chris may want small so one Element does not get greedy and become the next Ronin on the battlefield. Sneak in with a smaller group?

    57. EXT. AMAZON JUNGLE AIRSTRIP – NIGHT

    Crisis/Dilemma (New Plan)

    Beginning: (Intrigue) She recruits a small team to help her save the World. Knowing they may have to make the ultimate sacrifice. Her team is made of herself, one Descendant from each; Fire, Earth and Water, and a few from the Amazon.

    Middle: (Suspense) They head off to Africa to confront Ronin as he is on his way to find the “Portal.” They board a C4 in the Amazon. Prepare their weapons. Analyze the Island (their destination)

    Ending: (Superior Position) See aerials of Ronin already setting up a base camp. **Intrigue – is one the Team an ally of Ronin

    58. EXT. LUSH AFRICAN ISLAND – DAY

    They land on the far side of the lush island and make their way towards Ronin’s camp. They encounter a few sentries along the way, but no problem.

    Beginning: (Suspense) The Team lands on the far side of the lush island and make their way towards Ronin’s camp.

    Middle: (Suspense) They encounter a few sentries along the way, but no problem.

    Ending: Cutting to different scene and will return to journey thru the island.

    59. INT. MOUNTAIN CAVE – DAY

    Ronin is making his way through the Mountain on his way to discover the Portal.

    Beginning: Ronin finds the hidden entrance to the cage.

    Middle: Throw in some Indiana Jones type traps.

    Ending: Cutting to Chris’ journey across Island.

    60. EXT. ISLAND COAST – DAY

    Chris’ team make the coast and the rocky shoreline they were looking for and put on suits for the water and enter. They find an underwater cave and enter the mountain from below.

    Beginning: (More Interesting Setting) Chris’ team make the coast and the rocky shoreline they were looking for and put on suits for the water and enter.

    Middle: (Suspense) Swimming under the crashing waves with ease. Sharks don’t bother them.

    Ending: (Suspense) They find an underwater cave and enter the mountain from below.

    61. INT. GREEK/ROMAN CHAMBER – DAY

    They arrive first at the vast Greek God/Roman looking chamber and wait for Ronin. The chamber is massive and has been there for thousands of years. Chris finds the Portal under a statue of her ancestor, Zeus.

    They are in the middle of placing charges to destroy the temple when Ronin arrives.

    Beginning: (More interesting Setting) Chris and Team arrive first at the vast Greek God/Roman looking chamber and wait for Ronin. The chamber is massive and has been there for thousands of years.

    Middle: (Mystery) Chris finds the Portal under a statue of her ancestor, Zeus.

    Ending: (Surprise) They are in the middle of placing charges to destroy the temple when Ronin arrives.

    ACT 4

    SEQUENCE OF SCENES

    62. INT. GREEK/ROMAN CHAMBER – DAY

    63. EXT. LUSH AFRICAN ISLAND – DAY

    Climax – Battle of all battles takes place on an uninhabited island, off the coast of Africa, where all 4 Elements exist. A Volcano for Fire, the pounding Ocean for Water, the fertile lands for Earth and the winds that move the Clouds around the Volcano’s peak for Wind.

    Beginning: (Suspense) Chris and her allies push Ronin back out into the open.

    Middle: (Suspense) Once out in the open the size of Ronin’s force is overwhelming. Chris and her small team are being beaten back no matter her superior abilities.

    Ending: (Suspense) They strike down many and lose a few of their own. As Ronin moves in for the kill, more Descendants arrive to assist Chris’ team. Water Tribe bursts from the sea. Wind Tribe falls from the sky. Earth and Fire arrive in planes(?). Weapons are geared toward their Elements (ie Fire Tribe will have something with fireballs).

    Notes: More Descendants arrive to support them in their battle? They did not heed her advice? Just Water Tribe greater support because of killing of Lexus? She must claim respect of all the Tribes to begin a Peace?

    If Ando (Ronin’s son) has not been killed earlier, he dies here before Ronin.

    64. EXT. LUSH AFRICA ISLAND – DAY

    Resolution –

    Beginning: (Major Twist) Chris regains the Key and strikes down Ronin who is killed.

    Middle: (Mystery) Buries the Portal without knowing where it ultimately leads. A portal to a far off world? The past? The future?

    Ending: (More interesting Setting) Volcano explodes after Chris destroys the entrance to the chamber. Burying the Portal even further. The Ocean removes the remnants of the battle and pulls everything back into the sea that was close to shore. The Earth opens and swallows the camp. The Wind brings the storm which extinguishes all the flames after everything is cleaned up.

    65. EXT. LUSH AFRICA ISLAND – DAY

    Beginning: (Internal Dilemma) Chris is pretty beaten up but stands as the Leader after Ronin falls.

    Middle: (Internal Dilemma) The other Tribe Leaders vow to stand together and to never let this happen again.

    Ending: (More Interesting Setting) Some kind of Star Wars moment, where they all stand side by side on the Beach and watch the Volcano erupt, burying the portal even further.

    66. INT. COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY CLASSROOM – DAY

    All is now as it started. Chris knows who she is, but she has lost her father, Diana, James and many others that stood with her against Ronin.

    Beginning: (More interesting Setting) All is now as it started.

    Middle: (Internal Dilemma) Chris knows who she is, but she has lost her father, Diana, James and many others that stood with her against Ronin.

    Ending: (Mystery) Chris answers a question in class.

    <hr align=”left” size=”1″ width=”33%”>

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    May 18, 2023 at 10:21 pm in reply to: Lesson 9

    Jeff Glatz Scene Requirements

    My Vision: To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring electrifying memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – Make sure that each scene answers the important questions of scene arc, essence, conflict, subtext and hope/fear.

    NOTE – I’m sorry but I just worked thru the entire outline and it is quite long. This is the cutdown version 🙂

    The element of Wind is layered subtlety throughout the story so far, from breezes to the swishes of the shinai, to the plane flying through the clouds, to the boy moving elegantly through the air, to a rapidly spreading fire on a television in the background of the restaurant bar.

    Picture more DaVinci Code meets Mission Impossible/recent Bond films look versus Marvel world.

    OPEN –

    Scene Sequence Arc (Amazon Jungle): Peaceful village is attacked out of nowhere. Many are killed, but a child escapes carrying a key.

    EXT. AMAZON JUNGLE VILLAGE – DAY (TWENTY YEARS AGO)

    Deep in the Amazon a tribe of warriors, hidden among the trees, enjoy a peaceful day twenty (20) years ago.

    Introduction to the Wind Tribe living undetected in the Amazon.

    o Set up unique skills of the tribe.

    o Mixture of super and normal

    Scene Arc: Peaceful village is attacked out of nowhere.

    Essence: Showing the quiet hidden life of a tribe living undetected in the Amazon.

    Conflict: The tribe is attacked.

    Subtext: Why is the tribe attacked?

    Hope/Fear: Hope that the Amazon tribe will not be killed.

    EXT. AMAZON JUNGLE – DAY (TWENTY YEARS AGO)

    In the village among the trees, the tribe perceives the change in the air. Animals shriek and scurry. The Queen motions to one of her closest guards to approach her. She places her baby in the guard, Diana’s, arms and sends her into the forest to protect the child with her life.

    Scene Arc: They sense the danger and begin preparations.

    Essence: Queen send her child out of danger.

    Conflict: She must save her child and the “key above all else.

    Subtext: The Key is more important than anything else.

    Hope/Fear: Will the child survive?

    EXT. AMAZON JUNGLE – DAY (TWENTY YEARS AGO)

    The army of men, dressed in exo-skeleton armor, are upon the tribe in a flash of movement. A tremendous battle ensues.

    Scene Arc: The attackers come from the trees to attack the unsuspecting village. The Evil Descendants attack the tribe looking for a “Key.”

    Essence: Demonstrating the super human abilities of the attackers and some of the tribe members.

    Conflict: The fight between the two (2) Wind Tribes.

    Subtext: Why is the tribe attacked?

    Hope/Fear: Fear the tribe will be defeated.

    EXT. AMAZON JUNGLE – DAY (TWENTY YEARS AGO)

    In the distance, Diana, stops atop a tree with the child in her arms, and watches as her village and family are destroyed.

    Scene Arc: Diana escaping with child and watching as her friends and family are killed.

    Essence: Child escapes with the “key.”

    Conflict: A Warrior, Diana, leaving a battle pulls at her desire to defend her people.

    Subtext: The Key and Child above all others.

    Hope/Fear: What will happen to child?

    EXT. AMAZON JUNGLE VILLAGE CENTER – DAY (TWENTY YEARS AGO)

    As the Queen and a few of her guards are surrounded in the center of the village, preparing for a final stand, a tall Asian man drops from the trees above, to land in front of her.

    He stands above her, promising to spare her life for the Key, but she resists to the end. In his anger, he strikes her dead.

    Scene Arc: Ronin has arrived to claim the Key and no one will stand in his way.

    Essence: Ronin is the evil Antagonist in the film.

    Conflict: The fight between the two (2) Wind Tribe Leaders to the death.

    Subtext: Why do they have these super human abilities?

    Hope/Fear: Who will win the battle – Ronin.

    EXT. AMAZON JUNGLE VILLAGE – DAY (TWENTY YEARS AGO)

    High in the treetops, Diana turns with a tear and streaks out among the trees away from the danger.

    Scene Arc: Diana sees the destruction of her world.

    Essence: A child has escaped the battle alive.

    Conflict: The fight between the two (2) Wind Tribes.

    Subtext: Why is the child taken to safety while others stay and fight?

    Hope/Fear: Hope/Fear if the child will escape.

    RUN TITLE

    ACT 1

    INT. CLASSROOM – DAY (PRESENT DAY)

    Twenty years later,

    A university classroom at Columbia in New York City. It is an advanced applied mathematical theory class featuring the best and the brightest.

    Scene Arc: Chris is a student sitting in the front row and answers a highly challenging mathematical equation, demonstrating her brilliant mind.

    Essence: Show Chris as a beautiful bright college student who is a little awkward and shy.

    Conflict: Some of her classmates are annoyed at her being the teacher’s pet.

    Subtext: Who is the student James, and does he have anything to do with Chris?

    Hope/Fear: Hope she get the answer right.

    INT. SWISS ESTATE – DAY

    In a large richly paneled room, very much the feel of a room from Versailles, we see the villain, Ronin, a little older looking, but not much even though it has been 20 years. On one wall of the enormous room is an entire array of state of the art computer displays. A computer search is underway for a 20-year-old girl.

    Scene Arc: Ronin (antagonist) and his son Ando search for a twenty-something female child throughout the world on high-tech computers and screens, finding a lead.

    Essence: Set up Antagonist as continually looking for the Key and the Child twenty years later.

    Conflict: Ando is frustrated with the method for searching for the girl.

    Subtext: Ando is Ronin’s son, but his concerns/thoughts are dismissed.

    Hope/Fear: Fear – an image of Chris pops up on the screen and Ando is sent to grab her.

    EXT. COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HALL – DAY

    As the class is letting out, the professor asks the girl to stop by his desk. “Chris (short for Christina), can you work on this equation over the weekend and let me know your thoughts on Monday?”

    Scene Arc: From nerd to nice freshman coed.

    Essence: Building a normal college life for Chris.

    Conflict: She feels out of place among the other students.

    Subtext: Why does she feel out of place? Why is James paying attention to her?

    Hope/Fear: Create embarrassing moment for her.

    EXT. PRIVATE AIRSTRIP – SWISS ALPS – DAY

    The sinister boy, Ando, arrives in a string of black Range Rovers at a private airstrip with six additional mercenary looking guys.

    Scene Arc: Ando arrives with a team of mercenaries and boards a private plane.

    Essence: The hunt is on.

    Conflict: Mercenaries are on the prowl.

    Subtext: Overwhelming force is being deployed against an unknowing Chris.

    Hope/Fear: Will they find Chris?

    EXT. NEW YORK CENTRAL PARK – DAY

    It is late afternoon in Central Park and the crowds are out in force. Chris (Christina) walks through the park with a group of friends.

    Scene Arc: Chris arrives with friends and attempts to befriend James, but he does not respond.

    Essence: Establishing normal college life and possible connection/interest in James.

    Conflict: Chris fighting to be normal.

    Subtext: Chris has friends but is truly alone.

    Hope/Fear: Disappointment in not be acknowledged by James.

    INT. PRIVATE PLANE – NIGHT

    On the plane, Ando and his men are going over Chris’ bio and discussing different strategies for where they may be able to snatch her.

    Scene Arc: Ando and his team of mercenaries are on the move toward Chris.

    Essence: Background on Chris and her upbringing as well as resources of Ronin.

    Conflict: Ronin/Ando v. Chris

    Subtext: Chris appears to lead a normal life and be a normal college student.

    Hope/Fear: The odds look dire for Chris.

    INT. NYC DOJO – LATE AFTERNOON

    In an old dojo, we hear the wood strikes of the shinai hitting each other in rapid succession.

    Scene Arc: Two people practice martial arts, revealing one of them is Chris, along with Diana, the woman who took the baby away from the opening fight.

    Essence: Demonstrate that Chris is not a normal 20 year old. She is not only brilliant but possess incredible martial arts skills.

    Conflict: Training exercise,

    Subtext: Who is Chris?

    Hope/Fear: Hope that Chris may possess the skills to defend herself from the attack that she is unaware of on the horizon.

    EXT. PRIVATE AIRSTRIP – NJ – EARLY EVENING

    Ando’s plane arrives at another private airfield outside of New York City. More mercenary types are there to greet Ando and his men.

    Scene Arc: Plane arriving and unloading the mercenaries.

    Essence: Display the evil forces now outside NYC, moving closer to Chris.

    Conflict: A battle is about to happen.

    Subtext: Does Chris have a chance at survival?

    Hope/Fear: Does Chris have a chance at survival?

    INT. NYC RESTAURANT – NIGHT

    Chris and Diana arrive at the hip and trendy NYC restaurant. Chris trying to be civil, but clearly annoyed at having to sit through yet another of these dinners.

    Scene Arc: Chris arriving to meet her parents for dinner and being annoyed about being set up on a date.

    Essence: Displaying family nucleus and those closest to Chris.

    Conflict: Chris having to deal with her parents friends son.

    Subtext: Chris is independent.

    Hope/Fear: Opportunity to cheer for Chris.

    EXT. NYC RESTAURANT – NIGHT

    As the dinner ends much to Chris’ relief, the Wall Street family enters their town car, the valets hailing for a cab… both Chris and Diana instinctively look to the rooftop across the street. They are in motion as a hail of assault rifle fire rains down upon the group

    Scene Arc: Chris and her family are attacked and her father, Diana are killed, her mother wounded. She escapes because of James.

    Essence: Inciting Incident – Those closest to Chris are killed or seriously wounded and she is on her own. Chris exhibits “Super Human Powers” for the first time.

    Conflict: Battle with Ando and his men’s overwhelming force.

    Subtext: She still needs help to survive.

    Hope/Fear: Will she live?

    EXT. NYC STREET – NIGHT

    Chris is fighting with James to stop and finally pries herself loose from his grasp and jumps off the flying motorcycle.

    Scene Arc: James has saved Chris and the fly off into the night. She tries to stay but James tells her some facts about her childhood, and she must go with him.

    Essence: More clues to determine who Chris may be.

    Conflict: Fights with James to go back to her mother.

    Subtext: She has help.

    Hope/Fear: Maybe she will learn more and be able to figure out what is going on.

    INT. BULLET TRAIN – JAPAN – DAY

    The bullet train in Japan speeds through the countryside like the wind.

    Scene Arc: James and Ashely travel to Japan.

    Essence: Showing extent of the world Ashley may be a part of.

    Conflict: She is not sure she should be going.

    Subtext: Fear of the unknown.

    Hope/Fear: Fear of the unknown.

    EXT. JAPAN – MOUNTAINS – AFTERNOON

    Multiple small scenes of journey to Castle.

    In the distance we see a large Japanese castle built on a high ridge against the backdrop of the snowcapped mountains.

    Scene Arc: Chris and James journey to the castle where a reluctant Chris will learn more about herself, her parents and her duty.

    Essence: Beginning to go into detail about who she truly is.

    Conflict: Her world is being turned upside down.

    Subtext: She is alone again.

    Hope/Fear: Perhaps there is a path forward.

    INT. SWISS ESTATE – NIGHT

    Back at Ronin’s estate, he is furious with his son and men, “How could you fail me? My own son, we must acquire the Key!”

    Scene Arc: An angry Ronin meets his son and must alter his plans.

    Essence: Ronin is the Evil leader and will not be deterred by a small defeat.

    Conflict: Ronin v. Ando (his son)

    Subtext: He has psychotic elements to his personality.

    Hope/Fear: He is a worthy foe for Chris.

    INT. JAPANESE CASTLE – NIGHT

    Chris is taken before the Master and served tea by him. He begins to tell her of her life, who she is, what she represents and what she must do for mankind.

    Scene Arc: Major revealing scene where Chris is taken before a “Master/Guardian” and her role in the world is predestined and that she is a Descendant and learns of the Key.

    Essence: She is a direct descendant of Zeus.

    Conflict: Emotional battle within herself to deal with these facts.

    Subtext: Can she live up to her role?

    Hope/Fear: She has the abilities to survive.

    EXT. JAPANESE CASTLE – NIGHT

    James is waiting for her outside and they take a walk through the cherry blossoms. She digs for more information and asks him about himself. He speaks of his life and some of the loneliness he has felt being a guardian, but also understands the responsibility.

    Scene Arc: James tells Chris more about his life and his role and sacrifice.

    Essence: James and Chris continue to build the bond between them.

    Conflict: Chris is learning people sacrifice themselves for her.

    Subtext: Guilt of being a Descendant.

    Hope/Fear: Will she be able to be worthy of the protection?

    INT. JAPANESE CASTLE – NIGHT

    During the night, the Master wakes Chris. James is up as well. Just then, explosions begin to rock the building.

    Scene Arc: Chris is awoken in the night and must fight her way out of the Castle.

    Essence: No place is safe.

    Conflict: Battle of the Tribes.

    Subtext: No place is safe.

    Hope/Fear: Will Chris survive the assault?

    EXT. JAPANESE CASTLE – NIGHT

    In the sky above, mercenaries of the Wind dive out of planes and free fall toward the battle below, no parachutes, just armored gear as they fall silently toward Chris and the others below.

    Scene Arc: The battle moves outside, and Chris joins the other descendants and monks in trying to defend the castle against Ronin and his Tribe.

    Essence: Engaging fight scene where sacrifice is again made on Chris’ behalf.

    Conflict: Battle of the Tribe Leaders.

    Subtext: No place is safe.

    Hope/Fear: Will Chris survive?

    INT. WELL – NIGHT

    1st Turning Point – Chris and James are the only to escape.

    They surface in a cavernous underground cavern. It is an ancient crypt; signs of the Elements are throughout…. Symbols and hieroglyphics of the Japanese Gods…

    Scene Arc: They escape by jumping in the well and swimming to a large underground cavern.

    Essence: Just the two escape as in NY.

    Conflict: Fleeing for safety.

    Subtext: Everyone is dying to safe her.

    Hope/Fear: She lives to fight another day.

    EXT. JAPANESE CASTLE – Night

    Ronin burns the castle compound down (the element of Fire).

    Scene Arc: Ronin burns the Castle to the ground. He will stop at nothing to find the Key and destroy anyone one or thing in his path.

    Essence: No mercy.

    Conflict: Defeats the entire compound.

    Subtext: No mercy.

    Hope/Fear: He will stop at nothing to find the Key.

    Act 2

    EXT – TOKYO AIRPORT – DAY

    INT. PRIVATE AIRPLANE – DAY

    New Plan– Chris and James head to England to meet and learn more about herself, her role, and the. Chris and James learn about each other on the plane. A bond is being formed, possibly the start of a new romance.

    Scene Arc: Arrive on plane. Chris is torn and worried but begins to form a closer bond with James.

    Essence: Introducing possible beginning of a romance.

    Conflict: Emotional trauma within herself.

    Subtext: She is making the transition to being a stronger person.

    Hope/Fear: Can they win?

    INT. SWISS ESTATE – DAY

    At the estate, the maps show a bigger picture of the Descendants support around the globe.

    Scene Arc: Ronin continues the search for where Chris may go next. He determines England the likely destination and send Ando off again, with better support this time, more Descendants on the team, not just mercs.

    Essence: The race to find Chris and the Key continues.

    Conflict: Elevating the antagonist armies weaponry.

    Subtext: Taking Chris seriously.

    Hope/Fear: This will be new challenge for Chris.

    EXT – ENGLISH COUNTRY ESTATE – MORNING

    Chris and James arrive at English Country Estate and are greeted by Franklin and his two hounds.

    INT – ENGLISH COUNTRY ESTATE – MORNING

    Franklin welcomes them into a hidden lair beneath the estate. He teaches Chris about the other tribes as he hands out new weaponry that she and James may need going forward.

    Scene Arc: They arrive at estate with a little knowledge but leave with vastly more.

    Essence: Starting to follow a clue trail to learn about the Key and what it does.

    Conflict: Learning the extent of the Descendants and how they live unseen in our world.

    Subtext: Overwhelming.

    Hope/Fear: Can she win?

    EXT – ENGLISH COUNTRY ESTATE – AFTERNOON

    James and Chris spar outside to stay tuned up. They have fun and Chris knocks James down and reaches her hand to pick him. They look into each other’s eyes.

    Scene Arc: Fun training becomes something more.

    Essence: Create romantic sparks in the middle of all the danger.

    Conflict: Chris has always been a loner.

    Subtext: Has she found someone?

    Hope/Fear: Hope she has found a kindred spirit.

    EXT. OXFORD UNIVERSITY – DAY

    Establishing shot of Chris, James and Franklin arriving at University.

    INT. OXFORD UNIVERSITY – DAY

    They are ushered into the Professors chambers, and they discuss the history of the Descendants and specifically references to a key that would control the world.

    Professor tells them their next stop needs to be the Vatican archives.

    Scene Arc: Arrive with some knowledge and are about to leave with more.

    Essence: Another clue is discovered.

    Conflict: Unknown to them, they are being surrounded.

    Subtext: As they feel they get a step closer; they are stopped (well attempted)

    Hope/Fear: They see a light at end of the tunnel.

    EXT. OXFORD UNIVERSITY – DAY

    High tech stealth helicopters arrive over the quad out of nowhere. Descendants and mercenaries repel down, wearing black tech gear and weapons. Ando leads.

    Scene Arc: Chris and team speaking safely with Professor are now in dire danger.

    Essence: They have been found again.

    Conflict: Beginning of another battle.

    Subtext: She is never safe.

    Hope/Fear: How will the two of them escape all these assailants?

    INT. OXFORD UNIVERSITY – HALL – DAY

    The assailants have moved inside and are advancing through the building looking for Chris. Killing anyone who gets in their way. (Ando is killed?)

    Scene Arc: The team is attacked. The Professor is killed, along with students, and they escape the building.

    Essence: Beginning of fight sequence.

    Conflict: Battle

    Subtext: Overwhelming odds

    Hope/Fear: Will they survive?

    EXT. OXFORD UNIVERSITY – DAY

    EXT. BLENHEIM CASTLE – ENGLAND – DAY

    EXT. SKYS ABOVE ENGLAND – DAY

    Chris and James jump in a wicked Aston Martin Valkyrie. Franklin jumps in his Bentley. They take off across the quad.

    James has called for a helicopter that is waiting for them on the lawn. A massive dog fight ensues and as they reach the English Channel they are shot down and violently crash into the water and the chopper settles beneath the surface as Ronin’s helicopters circle above.

    Scene Arc: Massive chase scene starting with an escape from Oxford but ending with a crash into the English channel.

    Essence: Nice battle and chase.

    Conflict: Battle of the Tribes.

    Subtext: They’re in over their heads.

    Hope/Fear: Are they dead?

    EXT. ENGLISH CHANNEL – DAY

    As the helicopter settles beneath the surface and starts to drift toward the sea floor.

    From the depths of the sea comes a state-of-the-art private submarine.

    Scene Arc: Chris has crashed into the sea after being shot down and must fight for survival. She is save by a member (descendant) of the Water Tribe.

    Essence: Looks like she has been defeated/killed but is saved by another Descendant, Lexus.

    Conflict: Climax of recent battle.

    Subtext: She needs help to survive.

    Hope/Fear: Will she survive?

    INT. SUBMARINE – DAY

    Inside the state-of-the-art private submarine, they meet Lexus Octavianus, a Descendant of Poseidon.

    Scene Arc: On the edge of perishing, Chris is saved and grateful.

    Essence: Chris and James are saved.

    Conflict: End of battle.

    Subtext: Chris needs help against Ronin and his army.

    Hope/Fear: They live to fight another day.

    EXT. OCEAN CONTAINER SHIP – NIGHT

    INT. OCEAN CONTAINER SHIP – NIGHT

    The submarine approaches a large container ship in the open seas owned by Poseidon Shipping.

    Scene Arc: Journey aboard the ship from England to France. Chris is intimate with James when she is looking for comfort. She gets stronger as they approach Marseille.

    Essence: Transition to another clue.

    Conflict: Chris’s emotional state and looking to James for warmth.

    Subtext: She is still vulnerable.

    Hope/Fear: Is she in over her head?

    EXT. MARSEILLE HARBOR – DAY

    EXT. ROAD(S) TO ROME – DAY

    Chris, Lexus and James enter a Range Rover (Ferrari, Aston Martin, etc.) and begin the road journey to Rome

    Scene Arc: Chris is changing to be more comfortable with herself and closer to James.

    Essence: Transitional journey from Marseille to Rome.

    Conflict: Who was James speaking with?

    Subtext: Is a betrayal on the horizon?

    Hope/Fear: Hope that they will find more information in Rome.

    EXT. ROME ESTATE – DAY

    INT. ROME ESTATE – DAY

    Chris, Lexus and James arrive at a Cardinal’s residence in Rome.

    Scene Arc: A plan is developed to break into the Vatican, and they leave to execute the plan.

    Essence: Meet another Descendant “supporter” at the highest level of the Catholic Church.

    Conflict: The reach of the Descendants runs deep.

    Subtext: Anyone may be a Descendant.

    Hope/Fear: Hope the plan will work.

    EXT. SAINT PETERS SQUARE – VATICAN – NIGHT

    Elaborate B&E of the Vatican vault. The young priest has special abilities as well.

    Scene Arc: Enter the Vatican and secure the Scroll.

    Essence: Finding a clue to lead them closer to what they key will do and what it “opens.”

    Conflict: Eluding Vatican guards.

    Subtext: Breaking an occasional law is necessary.

    Hope/Fear: Will there be a clue on the scroll?

    MID-POINT

    INT. CARDINAL’S OFFICE – VATICAN – NIGHT

    They find the Scroll and take to the Cardinal’s office. Chris learns where the “Lock” may be hidden and how it could be used, and vows to defend with her life.

    Scene Arc: Arrives with a small bit of knowledge but leaves with a lot more.

    Essence: What the key is used for.

    Conflict: Enormity of situation.

    Subtext: She has a duty she cannot turn away from.

    Hope/Fear: Fear of failure.

    INT. ROME ESTATE – NIGHT

    Arriving at their “safe house” they feel something is amiss. Ronin takes the copies of the Scroll.

    Scene Arc: They arrive at the safe house feeling successful but end losing the scroll to Ronin.

    Essence: Ronin wins a round, Lexus is killed.

    Conflict: Attack by Ronin.

    Subtext: Ronin is adept at playing the game.

    Hope/Fear: Ronin has killed a Water Tribe leader and taken the scroll – have they lost the war?

    EXT. LUXURY MEGA-YACHT – MEDITERREAN SEA – DAY

    Funeral at Sea for Lexus. All Tribes, (Water, Earth, Fire, Wind) send a representative.

    Scene Arc: Chris arrives defeated to bury a new friend and leaves feeling stronger after support from all the Tribes.

    Essence: Wallowing in defeat.

    Conflict: Emotional roller-coaster of highs and lows of quest.

    Subtext: Continued building emotional strength in Chris.

    Hope/Fear: Hope they can still defeat Ronin with help.

    EXT. MARRAKESH ESTATE – EARLY EVENING

    Finally feeling safe for the moment, Chris and James stroll the beach (alt – remains of Carthage or the pyramids) after a lite beach bar candlelight dinner.

    Ronin, by himself, steps from the shadows (maybe Ando trying to prove something to his father and is killed). NOTE!! TWIST?? Does James betray Chris and she must kill him??

    2nd Turning Point – Chris loses the Key to Ronin. James is killed.

    Scene Arc: Chris is feeling confident, but soon loses everything.

    Essence: She is defeated emotionally.

    Conflict: Battle with Ronin.

    Subtext: She is still not ready to defeat Ronin.

    Hope/Fear: All is lost

    ACT 3

    INT. NYC HOSPITAL – DAY

    Rethink everything. Chris visits her adopted mother (Mrs. Wentworth) in the hospital. Her mother tells her she must accept the ultimate responsibility and recover the Key.

    Scene Arc: A defeated Chris visits her mother and gains her inner strength to continue the fight.

    Essence: Emotional support to continue the fight.

    Conflict: Internal emotional battle.

    Subtext: She is all alone again.

    Hope/Fear: Can she step up.

    EXT. AMAZON JUNGLE VILLAGE – DAY

    EXT. AMAZON VILLAGE GRAVEYARD – DAY

    Chris goes on the offensive.

    Scene Arc: Chris arrives diminished and grows stronger as she sees her heritage first hand.

    Essence: Taking her to her birthplace/birthright.

    Conflict: Struggle to accept her destiny with all she has lost.

    Subtext: Strength from her birth mother

    Hope/Fear: Hope she is going to become the leader she needs to be.

    EXT. AMAZON JUNGLE VILLAGE – NIGHT

    A member of Fire, Water and Earth arrive in the Amazon and offer their help. Old school bonfire, no technology present.

    **Twist – does a Descendant try and kill Chris in her sleep?

    **Twist – she captures Ronin’s spy?

    Scene Arc: Other Descendants show up to help and a plan is developed to take the fight to Ronin.

    Essence: Rethink everything and come up with a new plan.

    Conflict: Differing opinions on next steps.

    Subtext: Chris becomes the Leader.

    Hope/Fear: Will they prevail?

    EXT. AMAZON JUNGLE AIRSTRIP – NIGHT

    Crisis/Dilemma (New Plan) – She recruits a small team to help her save the World. Knowing they may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

    Scene Arc: Begin in the Amazon Jungle and end over an island off the coast of Africa.

    Essence: Preparations for the climactic battle.

    Conflict: The final battle is coming.

    Subtext: Is there a traitor?

    Hope/Fear: Will they prevail?

    EXT. LUSH AFRICAN ISLAND – DAY

    They land on the far side of the lush island and make their way towards Ronin’s camp. They encounter a few sentries along the way, but no problem.

    Scene Arc: The Descendants land on the island undetected and work their way through the jungle.

    Essence: Infiltration of Island.

    Conflict: Fright.

    Subtext: True leader emerging.

    Hope/Fear: Will they prevail?

    INT. MOUNTAIN CAVE – DAY

    Ronin is making his way through the Mountain on his way to discover the Portal.

    EXT. ISLAND COAST – DAY

    Chris’ team make the coast and the rocky shoreline they were looking for and put on suits for the water and enter. They find an underwater cave and enter the mountain from below.

    Scene Arc: Chris and her small team make their way to the Coast and enter and underwater cave.

    Essence: Getting closer to Climax.

    Conflict: Battle on the horizon.

    Subtext: Tension building.

    Hope/Fear: Will they be caught?

    INT. GREEK/ROMAN CHAMBER – DAY

    They arrive first at the vast Greek God/Roman looking chamber and wait for Ronin. The chamber is massive and has been there for thousands of years. Chris finds the Portal under a statue of her ancestor, Zeus.

    They are in the middle of placing charges to destroy the temple when Ronin arrives.

    Scene Arc: Arrive unnoticed but are discovered by Ronin and his men.

    Essence: They are found out.

    Conflict: Battle is about to begin.

    Subtext: Sabotage?

    Hope/Fear: They almost made it in the clear.

    ACT 4

    SEQUENCE OF SCENES

    INT. GREEK/ROMAN CHAMBER – DAY

    EXT. LUSH AFRICAN ISLAND – DAY

    Climax – Battle of all battles takes place on an uninhabited island, off the coast of Africa, where all 4 Elements exist. A Volcano for Fire, the pounding Ocean for Water, the fertile lands for Earth and the winds that move the Clouds around the Volcano’s peak for Wind.

    Scene Arc: Battle starts in the cave chamber and moves out into all areas of the Island.

    Essence: Climax Battle!

    Conflict: War.

    Subtext: Elements are part of the battle.

    Hope/Fear: Who will be victorious?

    EXT. LUSH AFRICA ISLAND – DAY

    Resolution – Chris regains the Key and strikes down Ronin who is killed. The World is Safe. Buries the Portal without knowing where it ultimately leads. A portal to a far off world? The past? The future?

    Scene Arc: All looks lost, but they regroup and become victorious.

    Essence: End of War.

    Conflict: Battle

    Subtext: The Elements.

    Hope/Fear: The World is Safe

    EXT. LUSH AFRICA ISLAND – DAY

    Chris is pretty beaten up but stands as the Leader after Ronin falls. The other Tribe Leaders vow to stand together and to never let this happen again.

    INT. COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY CLASSROOM – DAY

    All is now as it started. Chris knows who she is, but she has lost her father, Diana, James and many others that stood with her against Ronin.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    May 11, 2023 at 10:42 pm in reply to: Lesson 8

    Jeff Glatz Intriguing Moments

    My Vision: To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring electrifying memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – Always engage the audience.

    Act 1:

    Mystery – why was an Amazon tribe attacked twenty years ago?

    Mystery – what is the significance of the Key?

    Secret/Hidden Identity – Chris is a Descendant of Zeus.

    Scheme – Ronin attempting to kidnap Chris to attain the key.

    Scheme/Conspiracy – Ronin, antagonist, is trying to take over the world.

    Intrigue – Slowly discover the hidden world of the Descendants living among us.

    Act 2:

    Covert Agenda/Mystery – Is Chris’ “Protector” a traitor or ally?

    Mystery – what is the purpose of the Key?

    Scheme – Ronin attacking Chris to attain the key.

    Hidden Identity – A British Lord is a “Librarian” and guardian of the Descendants secret existence.

    Superior Position – Ronin is assembling a superior force to attack Chris and get the Key.

    Conspiracy – The Vatican has been hiding the existence of the Descendants for ages.

    Intrigue – Chris learns the Key may allow one Descendant to control all four elements (Earth, Fire, Water, Wind) and control the world.

    Covert Agenda – Ronin is using Chris to discover some clues as to where the “Lock” may be located.

    Act 3:

    Scheme – Defeated Chris must devise a new plan to stop Ronin.

    Mystery – Chris mother revealed as leader of the Amazon tribe.

    Conspiracy – A spy tries to kill Chris.

    Intrigue – Is one of the Team an ally of Ronin?

    Covert Agenda – Chris has assembled her own army force to attack Ronin.

    Act 4:

    Mystery – the exact purpose of the Key is never revealed as Chris destroys the Lock in the ensuing climax battle.

    Superior Position – Ronin’s forces appear overwhelming versus Chris’ team.

    Secret – One of Chris’ team leaders has convinced other Descendant tribes to join in the fight at the end.

    Intrigue – The Portal exists in ancient Greek ruins.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    May 10, 2023 at 11:26 pm in reply to: Lesson 7

    Jeff Glatz Emotional Moments

    My Vision: To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring electrifying memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – Emotional connection to characters is actually the most important element of a story.

    ACT 1:

    Excitement/Bonding – An awkward Chris attempts to bond with James.

    Emotional Dilemma – Annoyed at being set up on date.

    Surprise – Attacked by small army while at dinner.

    Wounds – Father and closest friend killed.

    Courage – She defends her family.

    Excitement – Chris has incredible abilities.

    Surprise – Chris learns descendant of Zeus.

    Love- beginning to establish bond with James.

    Excitement – Chris battles invading army of Assailants.

    Distress – Many killed around her.

    Act 2:

    Love- growing bond with James.

    Surprise – learning function of the Key.

    Excitement – Car chase and fight with evil descendants.

    Courage – saves lives of innocents at attack on Oxford.

    Surprise – They must break into Vatican vault.

    Moral Issue – Learning to accept her role as savior of planet.

    Wounds – Funeral of someone who helped save her.

    Betrayal – James betrays her??? (not sure yet)

    Distress – Loses the key to Ronin (Antagonist)

    Act 3:

    Emotional Dilemma/Sacrifice – James is killed (or betrayed her and was killed) and she must go on.

    Surprise – Catches Ronin’s spy – may be James or some other Descendant.

    Wounds – Goes to her birthplace in the Amazon.

    Courage – fights Ronin on her own.

    Excitement – Creates/Leads a team of Descendants to go after Ronin.

    Moral Issue – She must kill many to save the World.

    Act 4:

    Excitement – Leads major battle against Ronin and his Tribe.

    Courage – She has become a leader.

    Success/Winning – She is victorious.

    Moral Issue – She buries the Portal so no one can have all the Power of the 4 Elements.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    May 10, 2023 at 10:33 pm in reply to: Lesson 6

    Jeff Glatz Setup and Reveal

    My Vision: To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring electrifying memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – To be cognizant of creating exciting reveals throughout!


    I think I have some decent setup/reveals built in, but will continue to elevate.

    BEAT SHEET DRAFT 1

    The element of Wind is layered subtlety throughout the story so far, from breezes to the swishes of the shinai, to the plane flying through the clouds, to the boy moving elegantly through the air, to a rapidly spreading fire on a television in the background of the restaurant bar.

    Genre: Action/Adventure

    Opening (20 years ago)

    · Introduction to the Wind Tribe living undetected in the Amazon.

    o Set up unique skills of the tribe.

    o Mixture of super and normal

    · The Evil Descendants attack the tribe looking for a “Key.”

    · The Queen’s infant child (Chris, short for Christina) escapes with the help of a Protector, Diana.

    o Short lived supporting role

    o SETUP PROTAG – Key around neck of a child.

    · Her Mother, the Queen of one of the Wind Tribes, is killed by Ronin, a King of another Wind Tribe.

    o Intro to Ronin, the Antagonist.

    o SETUP ANTAG – Ronin has super human abilities

    Act 1

    · Twenty years later, the Child is grown up and taking class at Columbia.

    o Intro to Protagonist, Christina (Chris).

    o Soft intro to supporting character, James.

    · Hers is a “normal” college student life (“normal,” given she is brilliant and studies martial arts as well)

    o Central Park

    o Dojo

    o Ice Cream cone / something normal

    o SETUP PROTAG – Chris has normal awkwardness.

    · The Antagonist, Ronin, searches for Chris and the Key.

    o Estate in Switzerland

    o High-Tech search

    § Why taken 20 years?

    § Time to try something new?

    § Find another possible Descendant.

    § Ronin sends son, Ando, after possible target.

    · Attempt to kidnap Chris by Ronin’s son. Diana is killed.

    o Dinner at Restaurant

    § Chris being set up on date / annoyed.

    § Diana part of “extended family”

    · Inciting Incident – Chris’ adopted/guardian father is killed; her adopted/guardian mother is severely injured in assault.

    o Ando, Ronin’s son, attacks and tries to take her prisoner.

    o Huge Battle on New York Streets

    o Her father and Diana killed, her mother wounded.

    o Mystery – why were they attached? Who is Chris? Who is James?

    o SETUP PROTAG – Chris has extraordinary physical abilities.

    · Chris is saved and taken by another Descendent, James, her “Protector,” to see a Japanese Master in Japan.

    o James was a student in Chris’ class and was at Central Park

    o Convinces her to go with him.

    · Travel to Japan to meet Aiko, a “A Martial Arts Master, but also a Protector.”

    o She learns of her background as a Descendant of Zeus.

    o REVEAL PROTAG – Key around neck of a Chris.

    o She carries the key around her neck on worn leather necklace given she thought from her adopted mother, but learns from her birth mother, Queen of the Amazon Wind Tribe.

    o James is also a member of the Wind Tribe and her personal “Protector.”

    o REVEAL PROTAG & ANTAG – She is a Descendant. Ronin is a Descendant.

    § Trained to protect her, his duty. A loaner.

    · Ronin attacks Japanese compound.

    o Compound wiped out.

    o Monks defeated by Ronin’s soldiers.

    o Large battle with weaponry, helicopters, and descendants/soldiers falling from the sky in the wind.

    o Aiko sacrifices himself to give Chris and James time to escape.

    · 1<sup>st</sup> Turning Point – Chris and James are the only to escape.

    o Thru well and underground stream opening into ancient cavern with Wind Symbols and hieroglyphics.

    o Ronin burns the castle compound down (the element of Fire).

    Act 2

    · New Plan – They head to England to meet and learn more about herself, her role, and the Key from a “Librarian” (Franklin, a keeper of the Descendants secrets).

    o Begin to see the wealth of Descendants – they arrive at Tokyo airport and board a private plane owned by large solar/energy corporation.

    o Chris comes to learn more about James and like him.

    § Bond formed.

    § Possible start of romance?

    o Mystery – The Descendants live among us? What does the Key do?

    o SETUP – Learn of Descendants living among us and background on Key.

    · Ronin and his Tribe are on her tail.

    o At the estate, the maps show a bigger picture of the Descendants support around the globe. Various Librarians are highlighted on the map. They believe England is where Chris will head next and get on their way.

    § Underground base, beneath Castle, so hidden from world.

    § Stealth Helicopters, aircraft take off from caves.

    § Technology to keep them hidden from radar.

    § Hi-tech modern looking office building on grounds of a Disney-like castle.

    § Japanese company called “Kaze” (wind).

    · Chris and James arrive at English Country estate.

    o Meet Franklin.

    o Learn of other tribes.

    o Given weaponry.

    o Go to see Professor at Oxford who is an expert in Mythology.

    § Franklin had tried to recruit him but failed. He liked to be at a University, good guy, had found some ancient texts even Franklin was only allowed to review but not catalog.

    § Learn they must go to Rome or Athens.

    · Plan in Action – Attack at Oxford

    o Assault on the campus. Professor and students killed.

    o Chris, James and Franklin (British Librarian) escape together from another assault by Ronin’s men and Ando (Ronin there?).

    § Ando is seriously injured by Chris. (killed?)

    § Many of the historic colleges are damaged in the firefight.

    § Chris, James and Franklin make it to their cars.

    · Chris and James go one way, Franklin the other. Chris is trying to draw the mercenaries away from Franklin.

    · Escape in wicked Aston Martin Valkyrie.

    o Chase scene leaving Oxford toward Blenheim Castle.

    § Elaborate car chase involving multiple cars.

    · Through country side, ending on the great lawn of the Castle.

    · James had called for a helicopter to be waiting for them.

    § Arrive at their helicopter outside of town.

    · As they take off more Ronin helicopters show up and there is a dog fight in the air as they approach the English Channel.

    · They are shot down once they reach the water. They crash into the Channel violently and the chopper settles beneath the water.

    § Ending with driving over white cliffs of dover, blowing up London bridge, Buckingham palace, tower of London

    · Water tribe saves them with state-of-the-art private submarine, taken to large container ship owned by Poseidon Shipping

    · REVEAL – other Descendants are around, hidden.

    · They travel aboard the ship and anchor off Marseille.

    o Water Tribe has been following the events of Ronin.

    o Chris tells them she needs to get to Rome.

    o Decide on Marseille instead of closer to Rome as figure may be more undetected. Marseille controlled by Water Tribe.

    · They travel to Rome to the Vatican Library in search of an ancient text.

    o They break into Vatican vault and find the ancient scroll.

    § Elaborate B&E, a Cardinal at the Vatican is part of the Descendants team and assists them through one of his younger priests.

    § They find the Scroll and take to the Cardinal’s office. Over looking St. Peter’s Square.

    · Mid-Point – Chris[JG1] learns where the “Lock” may be hidden and how it could be used, and vows to defend with her life.

    o She learns the Key “may” be a way for one person to control all four (4) elements; Wind, Water, Earth, and Fire. This is from the ancients. Zeus, split the elements and assigned a “Tribe” to guard and protect their respective element. At the time, these were respected Gods from around the world that understood their Duty.

    o The Italian Cardinal tells them that over the centuries, many Descendants became power hungry and wanted to control the World. Tribes split and Wars developed, and this must be why.

    · Arriving at their “safe house” they feel something is amiss.

    o Ronin (Ando as well?) himself attacks Chris and her team, including the Water Tribe member, Lexus.

    § When he learned, Chris was going to Rome, he decided he would use her to get the scroll for him.

    · He had not grabbed the scroll earlier because he did not want his intentions out in the open for the other Tribes to see until it was too late.

    o Ronin kills Lexus.

    § “It didn’t have to be this way.” Ronin is now on his own against all the elemental tribes.

    § Some of Lexus’ team show up, but too late to save him, but early enough that Ronin withdraws.

    § Ronin takes the Scroll.

    · Funeral at Sea for Lexus.

    o All Tribes send a representative.

    · Chris and James regroup in Sardinia/Cairo/Tunisia/Morocco for the preparation to travel to the Lock.

    · Finally feeling safe for the moment, Chris and James stroll the beach (alt – remains of Carthage or the pyramids) after a lite beach bar candlelight dinner.

    o Ronin, by himself, steps from the shadows (maybe Ando trying to prove something to his father and is killed). NOTE!! TWIST?? Does James betray Chris and she must kill him??

    o A tremendous fight ensues and James falls to the ground. Ronin has the tip of his sword to James neck and demands Chris hand over the key.

    o She does. Ronin releases James with a warning and turns to walk away.

    o James feels relinquishing the key was his fault and he grabs a gun on the sand to kill Ronin. Ronin spins and decapitates James.

    o Chris falls to her knees defeated and crying.

    · 2<sup>nd</sup> Turning Point – Chris loses the Key to Ronin. James is killed.

    Act 3

    · Rethink everything – Chris visits her adopted mother (Mrs. Wentworth) in the hospital. Her mother tells her she must accept the ultimate responsibility and recover the Key. This is the woman who raised her, so she feels that she is her mother.

    · Chris goes on the offensive. She visits the Amazon Tribe and sees her birth-mother’s grave.

    o She is treated as the queen. She looks so much like her mother.

    o An old shaman consoles her and prepares her heart for what is to come.

    · A member of Fire, Water and Earth arrive in the Amazon and offer their help.

    o Old school bonfire, no technology present.

    o **Twist – does a Descendant try and kill Chris in her sleep?

    o **Twist – she captures Ronin’s spy?

    o Discuss the possible outcome of Ronin controlling all the Elements.

    o Note – must answer question why the Tribes are not sending “armies” to go over and attack Ronin.

    § Chris may want small so one Element does not get greedy and become the next Ronin on the battlefield.

    § Sneak in with a smaller group?

    · Crisis/Dilemma (New Plan) – She recruits a small team to help her save the World. Knowing they may have to make the ultimate sacrifice. Her team is made of herself, one Descendant from each; Fire, Earth and Water, and a few from the Amazon.

    · They head off to Africa to confront Ronin as he is on his way to find the “Portal.”

    o They board a C4 in the Amazon

    o Prepare their weapons.

    o Analyze the Island (their destination)

    o See aerials of Ronin already setting up a base camp.

    o **Intrigue – is one the Team an ally of Ronin

    · They land on the far side of the lush island and make their way towards Ronin’s camp.

    o They encounter a few sentries along the way, but no problem.

    · Ronin is making his way through a cave into the mountain.

    · Chris’s team make the coast and the rocky shoreline they were looking for and put on suits for the water and enter.

    o They find an underwater cave and enter the mountain from below.

    · They arrive first at the vast Greek God/Roman looking chamber and wait for Ronin.

    · They are in the middle of placing charges to destroy the temple when Ronin arrives.

    Act 4

    · Climax – Battle of all battles takes place on an uninhabited island, off the coast of Africa, where all 4 Elements exist. A Volcano for Fire, the pounding Ocean for Water, the fertile lands for Earth and the winds that move the Clouds around the Volcano’s peak for Wind.

    o Chris and her allies push Ronin back out into the open.

    o More Descendants arrive to support them in their battle?

    § They did not heed her advice?

    § Just Water Tribe greater support because of killing of Lexus?

    § She must claim respect of all the Tribes to begin a Peace?

    · Resolution – Chris regains the Key and strikes down Ronin who is killed. The World is Safe.

    o Buries the Portal without knowing where it ultimately leads.

    § A portal to a far off world? The past? The future?

    <hr align=”left” size=”1″ width=”33%”>

    [JG1]does James betray Chris and she must kill him???

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    May 10, 2023 at 10:06 pm in reply to: Lesson 5

    Jeff Glatz Character Action Tracks

    My Vision: To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring electrifying memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – Excellent way to ensure/double-check that Characters are acting as they should in a consistent tone to the profile(s) created.

    I went thru beat sheet and characters, on this pass, seem to be acting per their profiles and attractors.

    BEAT SHEET DRAFT 1

    The element of Wind is layered subtlety throughout the story so far, from breezes to the swishes of the shinai, to the plane flying through the clouds, to the boy moving elegantly through the air, to a rapidly spreading fire on a television in the background of the restaurant bar.

    Genre: Action/Adventure

    Opening (20 years ago)

    · Introduction to the Wind Tribe living undetected in the Amazon.

    o Set up unique skills of the tribe.

    o Mixture of super and normal

    · The Evil Descendants attack the tribe looking for a “Key.”

    · The Queen’s infant child (Chris, short for Christina) escapes with the help of a Protector, Diana.

    o Short lived supporting role

    · Her Mother, the Queen of one of the Wind Tribes, is killed by Ronin, a King of another Wind Tribe.

    o Intro to Ronin, the Antagonist.

    Act 1

    · Twenty years later, the Child is grown up and taking class at Columbia.

    o Intro to Protagonist, Christina (Chris).

    o Soft intro to supporting character, James.

    · Hers is a “normal” college student life (“normal,” given she is brilliant and studies martial arts as well)

    o Central Park

    o Dojo

    o Ice Cream cone / something normal

    · The Antagonist, Ronin, searches for Chris and the Key.

    o Estate in Switzerland

    o High-Tech search

    § Why taken 20 years?

    § Time to try something new?

    § Find another possible Descendant.

    § Ronin sends son, Ando, after possible target.

    · Attempt to kidnap Chris by Ronin’s son. Diana is killed.

    o Dinner at Restaurant

    § Chris being set up on date / annoyed.

    § Diana part of “extended family”

    · Inciting Incident – Chris’ adopted/guardian father is killed; her adopted/guardian mother is severely injured in assault.

    o Ando, Ronin’s son, attacks and tries to take her prisoner.

    o Huge Battle on New York Streets

    o Her father and Diana killed, her mother wounded.

    o Mystery – why were they attached? Who is Chris? Who is James?

    · Chris is saved and taken by another Descendent, James, her “Protector,” to see a Japanese Master in Japan.

    o James was a student in Chris’ class and was at Central Park

    o Convinces her to go with him.

    · Travel to Japan to meet Aiko, a “A Martial Arts Master, but also a Protector.”

    o She learns of her background as a Descendant of Zeus.

    o She carries the key around her neck on worn leather necklace given she thought from her adopted mother, but learns from her birth mother, Queen of the Amazon Wind Tribe.

    o James is also a member of the Wind Tribe and her personal “Protector.”

    § Trained to protect her, his duty. A loaner.

    · Ronin attacks Japanese compound.

    o Compound wiped out.

    o Monks defeated by Ronin’s soldiers.

    o Large battle with weaponry, helicopters, and descendants/soldiers falling from the sky in the wind.

    o Aiko sacrifices himself to give Chris and James time to escape.

    · 1st Turning Point – Chris and James are the only to escape.

    o Thru well and underground stream opening into ancient cavern with Wind Symbols and hieroglyphics.

    o Ronin burns the castle compound down (the element of Fire).

    Act 2

    · New Plan – They head to England to meet and learn more about herself, her role, and the Key from a “Librarian” (Franklin, a keeper of the Descendants secrets).

    o Begin to see the wealth of Descendants – they arrive at Tokyo airport and board a private plane owned by large solar/energy corporation.

    o Chris comes to learn more about James and like him.

    § Bond formed.

    § Possible start of romance?

    o Mystery – The Descendants live among us? What does the Key do?

    · Ronin and his Tribe are on her tail.

    o At the estate, the maps show a bigger picture of the Descendants support around the globe. Various Librarians are highlighted on the map. They believe England is where Chris will head next and get on their way.

    § Underground base, beneath Castle, so hidden from world.

    § Stealth Helicopters, aircraft take off from caves.

    § Technology to keep them hidden from radar.

    § Hi-tech modern looking office building on grounds of a Disney-like castle.

    § Japanese company called “Kaze” (wind).

    · Chris and James arrive at English Country estate.

    o Meet Franklin.

    o Learn of other tribes.

    o Given weaponry.

    o Go to see Professor at Oxford who is an expert in Mythology.

    § Franklin had tried to recruit him but failed. He liked to be at a University, good guy, had found some ancient texts even Franklin was only allowed to review but not catalog.

    § Learn they must go to Rome or Athens.

    · Plan in Action – Attack at Oxford

    o Assault on the campus. Professor and students killed.

    o Chris, James and Franklin (British Librarian) escape together from another assault by Ronin’s men and Ando (Ronin there?).

    § Ando is seriously injured by Chris. (killed?)

    § Many of the historic colleges are damaged in the firefight.

    § Chris, James and Franklin make it to their cars.

    · Chris and James go one way, Franklin the other. Chris is trying to draw the mercenaries away from Franklin.

    · Escape in wicked Aston Martin Valkyrie.

    o Chase scene leaving Oxford toward Blenheim Castle.

    § Elaborate car chase involving multiple cars.

    · Through country side, ending on the great lawn of the Castle.

    · James had called for a helicopter to be waiting for them.

    § Arrive at their helicopter outside of town.

    · As they take off more Ronin helicopters show up and there is a dog fight in the air as they approach the English Channel.

    · They are shot down once they reach the water. They crash into the Channel violently and the chopper settles beneath the water.

    § Ending with driving over white cliffs of dover, blowing up London bridge, Buckingham palace, tower of London

    · Water tribe saves them with state-of-the-art private submarine, taken to large container ship owned by Poseidon Shipping

    · They travel aboard the ship and anchor off Marseille.

    o Water Tribe has been following the events of Ronin.

    o Chris tells them she needs to get to Rome.

    o Decide on Marseille instead of closer to Rome as figure may be more undetected. Marseille controlled by Water Tribe.

    · They travel to Rome to the Vatican Library in search of an ancient text.

    o They break into Vatican vault and find the ancient scroll.

    § Elaborate B&E, a Cardinal at the Vatican is part of the Descendants team and assists them through one of his younger priests.

    § They find the Scroll and take to the Cardinal’s office. Over looking St. Peter’s Square.

    · Mid-Point – <font color=”#ae0605″>Chris</font> learns where the “Lock” may be hidden and how it could be used, and vows to defend with her life.

    o She learns the Key “may” be a way for one person to control all four (4) elements; Wind, Water, Earth, and Fire. This is from the ancients. Zeus, split the elements and assigned a “Tribe” to guard and protect their respective element. At the time, these were respected Gods from around the world that understood their Duty.

    o The Italian Cardinal tells them that over the centuries, many Descendants became power hungry and wanted to control the World. Tribes split and Wars developed, and this must be why.

    · Arriving at their “safe house” they feel something is amiss.

    o Ronin (Ando as well?) himself attacks Chris and her team, including the Water Tribe member, Lexus.

    § When he learned, Chris was going to Rome, he decided he would use her to get the scroll for him.

    · He had not grabbed the scroll earlier because he did not want his intentions out in the open for the other Tribes to see until it was too late.

    o Ronin kills Lexus.

    § “It didn’t have to be this way.” Ronin is now on his own against all the elemental tribes.

    § Some of Lexus’ team show up, but too late to save him, but early enough that Ronin withdraws.

    § Ronin takes the Scroll.

    · Funeral at Sea for Lexus.

    o All Tribes send a representative.

    · Chris and James regroup in Sardinia/Cairo/Tunisia/Morocco for the preparation to travel to the Lock.

    · Finally feeling safe for the moment, Chris and James stroll the beach (alt – remains of Carthage or the pyramids) after a lite beach bar candlelight dinner.

    o Ronin, by himself, steps from the shadows (maybe Ando trying to prove something to his father and is killed). NOTE!! TWIST?? Does James betray Chris and she must kill him??

    o A tremendous fight ensues and James falls to the ground. Ronin has the tip of his sword to James neck and demands Chris hand over the key.

    o She does. Ronin releases James with a warning and turns to walk away.

    o James feels relinquishing the key was his fault and he grabs a gun on the sand to kill Ronin. Ronin spins and decapitates James.

    o Chris falls to her knees defeated and crying.

    · 2nd Turning Point – Chris loses the Key to Ronin. James is killed.

    Act 3

    · Rethink everything – Chris visits her adopted mother (Mrs. Wentworth) in the hospital. Her mother tells her she must accept the ultimate responsibility and recover the Key. This is the woman who raised her, so she feels that she is her mother.

    · Chris goes on the offensive. She visits the Amazon Tribe and sees her birth-mother’s grave.

    o She is treated as the queen. She looks so much like her mother.

    o An old shaman consoles her and prepares her heart for what is to come.

    · A member of Fire, Water and Earth arrive in the Amazon and offer their help.

    o Old school bonfire, no technology present.

    o **Twist – does a Descendant try and kill Chris in her sleep?

    o **Twist – she captures Ronin’s spy?

    o Discuss the possible outcome of Ronin controlling all the Elements.

    o Note – must answer question why the Tribes are not sending “armies” to go over and attack Ronin.

    § Chris may want small so one Element does not get greedy and become the next Ronin on the battlefield.

    § Sneak in with a smaller group?

    · Crisis/Dilemma (New Plan) – She recruits a small team to help her save the World. Knowing they may have to make the ultimate sacrifice. Her team is made of herself, one Descendant from each; Fire, Earth and Water, and a few from the Amazon.

    · They head off to Africa to confront Ronin as he is on his way to find the “Portal.”

    o They board a C4 in the Amazon

    o Prepare their weapons.

    o Analyze the Island (their destination)

    o See aerials of Ronin already setting up a base camp.

    o **Intrigue – is one the Team an ally of Ronin

    · They land on the far side of the lush island and make their way towards Ronin’s camp.

    o They encounter a few sentries along the way, but no problem.

    · Ronin is making his way through a cave into the mountain.

    · Chris’s team make the coast and the rocky shoreline they were looking for and put on suits for the water and enter.

    o They find an underwater cave and enter the mountain from below.

    · They arrive first at the vast Greek God/Roman looking chamber and wait for Ronin.

    · They are in the middle of placing charges to destroy the temple when Ronin arrives.

    Act 4

    · Climax – Battle of all battles takes place on an uninhabited island, off the coast of Africa, where all 4 Elements exist. A Volcano for Fire, the pounding Ocean for Water, the fertile lands for Earth and the winds that move the Clouds around the Volcano’s peak for Wind.

    o Chris and her allies push Ronin back out into the open.

    o More Descendants arrive to support them in their battle?

    § They did not heed her advice?

    § Just Water Tribe greater support because of killing of Lexus?

    § She must claim respect of all the Tribes to begin a Peace?

    · Resolution – Chris regains the Key and strikes down Ronin who is killed. The World is Safe.

    o Buries the Portal without knowing where it ultimately leads.

    § A portal to a far off world? The past? The future?

    <hr align=”left” size=”1″ width=”33%”>

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    May 6, 2023 at 8:46 pm in reply to: Lesson 4

    Basic Plotting

    My Vision: To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring electrifying memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – I found this to be a unique approach to looking for holes and while I did not find any yet, I am sure something will pop up along the process

    Outline was shown in previous lesson

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    May 6, 2023 at 8:18 pm in reply to: Lesson 3

    My Vision: To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring electrifying memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – To work on creatin an in-depth bulletproof outline.

    Note – At this point I have developed an overall outline for the story and will massage as necessary to make sure all elements are there. For example, I did not use “Chris PJ 1.” I just insured that what I had for this part was in the beat sheet.

    Sorry, it is also tough to read as my formatting does not transfer over well.

    BEAT SHEET DRAFT 1

    The element of Wind is layered subtlety throughout the story so far, from breezes to the swishes of the shinai, to the plane flying through the clouds, to the boy moving elegantly through the air, to a rapidly spreading fire on a television in the background of the restaurant bar.

    Genre: Action/Adventure

    Opening (20 years ago)

    · Introduction to the Wind Tribe living undetected in the Amazon.

    o Set up unique skills of the tribe.

    o Mixture of super and normal

    · The Evil Descendants attack the tribe looking for a “Key.”

    · The Queen’s infant child (Chris, short for Christina) escapes with the help of a Protector, Diana.

    o Short lived supporting role

    · Her Mother, the Queen of one of the Wind Tribes, is killed by Ronin, a King of another Wind Tribe.

    o Intro to Ronin, the Antagonist.

    Act 1 (present time)

    · Twenty years later, the Child is grown up and taking class at Columbia.

    o Intro to Protagonist, Christina (Chris).

    o Soft intro to supporting character, James.

    · Hers is a “normal” college student life (“normal,” given she is brilliant and studies martial arts as well)

    o Central Park

    o Dojo

    o Ice Cream cone / something normal

    · The Antagonist, Ronin, searches for Chris and the Key.

    o Estate in Switzerland

    o High-Tech search

    § Why taken 20 years?

    § Time to try something new?

    § Find another possible Descendant.

    § Ronin sends son, Ando, after possible target.

    · Attempt to kidnap Chris by Ronin’s son. Diana is killed.

    o Dinner at Restaurant

    § Chris being set up on date / annoyed.

    § Diana part of “extended family”

    · Inciting Incident – Chris’ adopted/guardian father is killed; her adopted/guardian mother is severely injured in assault.

    o Ando, Ronin’s son, attacks and tries to take her prisoner.

    o Huge Battle on New York Streets

    o Her father and Diana killed, her mother wounded.

    o Mystery – why were they attached? Who is Chris? Who is James?

    · Chris is saved and taken by another Descendent, James, her “Protector,” to see a Japanese Master in Japan.

    o James was a student in Chris’ class and was at Central Park

    o Convinces her to go with him.

    · Travel to Japan to meet Aiko, a “A Martial Arts Master, but also a Protector.”

    o She learns of her background as a Descendant of Zeus.

    o She carries the key around her neck on worn leather necklace given she thought from her adopted mother, but learns from her birth mother, Queen of the Amazon Wind Tribe.

    o James is also a member of the Wind Tribe and her personal “Protector.”

    § Trained to protect her, his duty. A loaner.

    · Ronin attacks Japanese compound.

    o Compound wiped out.

    o Monks defeated by Ronin’s soldiers.

    o Large battle with weaponry, helicopters, and descendants/soldiers falling from the sky in the wind.

    o Aiko sacrifices himself to give Chris and James time to escape.

    · 1st Turning Point – Chris and James are the only to escape.

    o Thru well and underground stream opening into ancient cavern with Wind Symbols and hieroglyphics.

    o Ronin burns the castle compound down (the element of Fire).

    Act 2

    · New Plan – They head to England to meet and learn more about herself, her role, and the Key from a “Librarian” (Franklin, a keeper of the Descendants secrets).

    o Begin to see the wealth of Descendants – they arrive at Tokyo airport and board a private plane owned by large solar/energy corporation.

    o Chris comes to learn more about James and like him.

    § Bond formed.

    § Possible start of romance?

    o Mystery – The Descendants live among us? What does the Key do?

    · Ronin and his Tribe are on her tail.

    o At the estate, the maps show a bigger picture of the Descendants support around the globe. Various Librarians are highlighted on the map. They believe England is where Chris will head next and get on their way.

    § Underground base, beneath Castle, so hidden from world.

    § Stealth Helicopters, aircraft take off from caves.

    § Technology to keep them hidden from radar.

    § Hi-tech modern looking office building on grounds of a Disney-like castle.

    § Japanese company called “Kaze” (wind).

    · Chris and James arrive at English Country estate.

    o Meet Franklin.

    o Learn of other tribes.

    o Given weaponry.

    o Go to see Professor at Oxford who is an expert in Mythology.

    § Franklin had tried to recruit him but failed. He liked to be at a University, good guy, had found some ancient texts even Franklin was only allowed to review but not catalog.

    § Learn they must go to Rome or Athens.

    · Plan in Action – Attack at Oxford

    o Assault on the campus. Professor and students killed.

    o Chris, James and Franklin (British Librarian) escape together from another assault by Ronin’s men and Ando (Ronin there?).

    § Ando is seriously injured by Chris. (killed?)

    § Many of the historic colleges are damaged in the firefight.

    § Chris, James and Franklin make it to their cars.

    · Chris and James go one way, Franklin the other. Chris is trying to draw the mercenaries away from Franklin.

    · Escape in wicked Aston Martin Valkyrie.

    o Chase scene leaving Oxford toward Blenheim Castle.

    § Elaborate car chase involving multiple cars.

    · Through country side, ending on the great lawn of the Castle.

    · James had called for a helicopter to be waiting for them.

    § Arrive at their helicopter outside of town.

    · As they take off more Ronin helicopters show up and there is a dog fight in the air as they approach the English Channel.

    · They are shot down once they reach the water. They crash into the Channel violently and the chopper settles beneath the water.

    § Ending with driving over white cliffs of dover, blowing up London bridge, Buckingham palace, tower of London

    · Water tribe saves them with state-of-the-art private submarine, taken to large container ship owned by Poseidon Shipping

    · They travel aboard the ship and anchor off Marseille.

    o Water Tribe has been following the events of Ronin.

    o Chris tells them she needs to get to Rome.

    o Decide on Marseille instead of closer to Rome as figure may be more undetected. Marseille controlled by Water Tribe.

    · They travel to Rome to the Vatican Library in search of an ancient text.

    o They break into Vatican vault and find the ancient scroll.

    § Elaborate B&E, a Cardinal at the Vatican is part of the Descendants team and assists them through one of his younger priests.

    § They find the Scroll and take to the Cardinal’s office. Over looking St. Peter’s Square.

    · Mid-Point – Chris learns where the “Lock” may be hidden and how it could be used, and vows to defend with her life.

    o She learns the Key “may” be a way for one person to control all four (4) elements; Wind, Water, Earth, and Fire. This is from the ancients. Zeus, split the elements and assigned a “Tribe” to guard and protect their respective element. At the time, these were respected Gods from around the world that understood their Duty.

    o The Italian Cardinal tells them that over the centuries, many Descendants became power hungry and wanted to control the World. Tribes split and Wars developed, and this must be why.

    · Arriving at their “safe house” they feel something is amiss.

    o Ronin (Ando as well?) himself attacks Chris and her team, including the Water Tribe member, Lexus.

    § When he learned, Chris was going to Rome, he decided he would use her to get the scroll for him.

    · He had not grabbed the scroll earlier because he did not want his intentions out in the open for the other Tribes to see until it was too late.

    o Ronin kills Lexus.

    § “It didn’t have to be this way.” Ronin is now on his own against all the elemental tribes.

    § Some of Lexus’ team show up, but too late to save him, but early enough that Ronin withdraws.

    § Ronin takes the Scroll.

    · Funeral at Sea for Lexus.

    o All Tribes send a representative.

    · Chris and James regroup in Sardinia/Cairo/Tunisia/Morocco for the preparation to travel to the Lock.

    · Finally feeling safe for the moment, Chris and James stroll the beach (alt – remains of Carthage or the pyramids) after a lite beach bar candlelight dinner.

    o Ronin, by himself, steps from the shadows (maybe Ando trying to prove something to his father and is killed). NOTE!! TWIST?? Does James betray Chris and she must kill him??

    o A tremendous fight ensues and James falls to the ground. Ronin has the tip of his sword to James neck and demands Chris hand over the key.

    o She does. Ronin releases James with a warning and turns to walk away.

    o James feels relinquishing the key was his fault and he grabs a gun on the sand to kill Ronin. Ronin spins and decapitates James.

    o Chris falls to her knees defeated and crying.

    · 2nd Turning Point – Chris loses the Key to Ronin. James is killed.

    Act 3

    · Rethink everything – Chris visits her adopted mother (Mrs. Wentworth) in the hospital. Her mother tells her she must accept the ultimate responsibility and recover the Key. This is the woman who raised her, so she feels that she is her mother.

    · Chris goes on the offensive. She visits the Amazon Tribe and sees her birth-mother’s grave.

    o She is treated as the queen. She looks so much like her mother.

    o An old shaman consoles her and prepares her heart for what is to come.

    · A member of Fire, Water and Earth arrive in the Amazon and offer their help.

    o Old school bonfire, no technology present.

    o **Twist – does a Descendant try and kill Chris in her sleep?

    o **Twist – she captures Ronin’s spy?

    o Discuss the possible outcome of Ronin controlling all the Elements.

    o Note – must answer question why the Tribes are not sending “armies” to go over and attack Ronin.

    § Chris may want small so one Element does not get greedy and become the next Ronin on the battlefield.

    § Sneak in with a smaller group?

    · Crisis/Dilemma (New Plan) – She recruits a small team to help her save the World. Knowing they may have to make the ultimate sacrifice. Her team is made of herself, one Descendant from each; Fire, Earth and Water, and a few from the Amazon.

    · They head off to Africa to confront Ronin as he is on his way to find the “Portal.”

    o They board a C4 in the Amazon

    o Prepare their weapons.

    o Analyze the Island (their destination)

    o See aerials of Ronin already setting up a base camp.

    o **Intrigue – is one the Team an ally of Ronin

    · They land on the far side of the lush island and make their way towards Ronin’s camp.

    o They encounter a few sentries along the way, but no problem.

    · Ronin is making his way through a cave into the mountain.

    · Chris’s team make the coast and the rocky shoreline they were looking for and put on suits for the water and enter.

    o They find an underwater cave and enter the mountain from below.

    · They arrive first at the vast Greek God/Roman looking chamber and wait for Ronin.

    · They are in the middle of placing charges to destroy the temple when Ronin arrives.

    Act 4

    · Climax – Battle of all battles takes place on an uninhabited island, off the coast of Africa, where all 4 Elements exist. A Volcano for Fire, the pounding Ocean for Water, the fertile lands for Earth and the winds that move the Clouds around the Volcano’s peak for Wind.

    o Chris and her allies push Ronin back out into the open.

    o More Descendants arrive to support them in their battle?

    § They did not heed her advice?

    § Just Water Tribe greater support because of killing of Lexus?

    § She must claim respect of all the Tribes to begin a Peace?

    · Resolution – Chris regains the Key and strikes down Ronin who is killed. The World is Safe.

    o Buries the Portal without knowing where it ultimately leads.

    § A portal to a far off world? The past? The future?

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    April 28, 2023 at 10:54 pm in reply to: Lesson 2

    Jeffrey Glatz Deeper Layer

    My Vision: To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring electrifying memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – The importance of layering. This is one i will need to continually review.

    Surface Layer: Chris must overcome her sheltered normal college life to become a savior of the World.

    Deeper Layer: She is a Descendant of Zeus and has all the tools needed to become the leader the world needs. The Power of Nature vs. the Power of Man. The Descendants are broken into four “tribes,” Wind, Fire, Water and Earth. All must be in balance or nature will destroy man.

    Major Reveal: The world of the Descendants living among all of us, unknown.

    Influences Surface Story: Her relationship with James, her Protector, and her growing affection for him.

    Hints: Chris’ ability to react to the attempt to kidnap her.

    Changes Reality: Discovering her birth mother was a Descendant of Zeus changes/confirms her new reality.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    April 28, 2023 at 8:01 pm in reply to: Lesson 1

    My Vision: To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring electrifying memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – To put as much effort into the Antagonist arc as the Protagonist.

    Protagonist Character Journey Structure:

    Christiana (Chris) Wentworth

    • Beginning/Opening: Chris enjoys life as a normal college student
    • Inciting Incident: Chris’ father is killed, and her mother wounded in in attempt to kidnap her and take a Key from her.
    • Turning Point 1: Chris and her new found “Protector” James escape an attack by the Protagonist.
    • Act 2: Chris starts a journey to learn more about herself and the role she plays in the world of the Descendants of Gods
    • Turning Point 2 / Midpoint: 1) Chris learns where the “lock” for the “key” is located and how it could be used and vows to defend it with her life. 2) Chris loses key to Protagonist, Ronin.
    • Act 3: Chris visits her mother in the hospital and accepts her destiny and launches an offensive to recover the key.
    • Turning Point 3: James is killed.
    • Act 4 Climax: Battle of all battles of Chris against Ronin.
    • Resolution: Ronin is killed. The world is saved.

    Antagonist Character Journey Structure:

    Ronin

    • Beginning/Opening: Ronin is a King within the Wind tribes and he desires to be more and be King/Leader of all the Descendant and control the world.
    • Inciting Incident: He attacks and kills Chris’ birth mother (Queen of a Wind Tribe) in the Amazon looking for a “key.” Chris as a child is whisked away safely.
    • Turning Point 1: Ronin sends his son, Ando, to kidnap Chris (now twenty years later).
    • Act 2: Chris has escaped so he must double his efforts to find her.
    • Turning Point 2 / Midpoint: 1) Ronin has found Chris and sends his son again. 2) His son is killed.
    • Act 3: Ronin captures the key and heads to the “lock.”
    • Turning Point 3: Ronin killed a member of the Water Tribe and has now declared war on all Descendants.
    • Act 4 Climax: He has found the lock and is attacked.
    • Resolution: He is killed.
  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    April 17, 2023 at 6:10 pm in reply to: Lesson 8

    My Vision: To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring electrifying memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – Don’t forget importance of supporting characters to help main characters with their arc.

    Supporting Characters: See below.

    Background Characters: Warriors, Students, Monks, Teachers, etc.

    Support 1:

    Name: James

    Role:

    • Protector/Guardian and companion to Chris as she discovers who she is and begins her journey.
    • Possible love interest.

    Main purpose: To help transform Chris into the leader and Descendant she can be.

    Value: Sounding board for her apprehension throughout her story. His death (about midway) pushes her to embrace the high stakes.

    Support 2:

    Name: Diana

    Role:

    • Chris’ true mother’s (Amazon Queen) Guard.
    • Helped raised Chris
    • Killed in Act 1

    Main Purpose: To show Chris cared for and being trained for her future (without her knowledge)

    Value: Empathy for Chris when she is killed. Credibility for some of Chris’ talents at beginning of story.

    Support 3:

    Name: Akio

    Role:

    • Japanese Master who tells Chris who she is.
    • Conduit to her new life.
    • Gave James the job to protect Chris in the first place.

    Main Purpose: Furnish background on the Descendants and where and why they exist in our world.

    Value: Demonstrates sacrifice to Chris when he places his life on the line so she can escape (he is killed).

    Support 4:

    Name: Franklin

    Role: A “Librarian” or keeper of Descendants secrets.

    Main Purpose: To expand on the Descendants role in our world and help her find clues to continue the quest.

    Value: To show there is a network of very capable people whose life is in support of the Descendants (out of choice).

    Support 5:

    Name: Ando

    Role:

    • Son of Protagonist, Ronin.
    • Ronin’s number one soldier.

    Main Purpose: A descendant who is closer to Chris’ age and is evil. Chris’ first obstacle on her journey.

    Value: To give Chris an immediate cause (call to action) when her adopted father and Diana are killed, her mother injured.

    Support 6:

    Name: Lexus Octavianus (Lexus means defender on Old Roman).

    Role: Descendant of Poseidon. Leader in the Water Tribe

    Main Purpose: To save Chris and James from an attack by Ando.

    Value: Joins Chris against Ronin, demonstrating trust in Chris.

    Support 7:

    Name: Zainabu Akunyili (Zainabu means beautiful in Swahili)

    Role: Descendant of Ra, Egyptian Sun God, leader in the Fire Tribe.

    Main Purpose: To join Chris in the final battle against Ronin.

    Value: Showing acceptance of Chris as the Descendants leader.

    Support 8:

    Name: Lupita Santander (Lupita means little wolf)

    Role: Descendant of Coatlicue, Aztec Earth Goddess, creator and destroyer of earth. Leader in the Earth Tribe.

    Main Purpose: To join Chris in the final battle against Ronin.

    Value: Showing acceptance of Chris as the Descendants leader.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    April 17, 2023 at 6:07 pm in reply to: Lesson 7

    Jeff Glatz’s Character Profiles 2

    My Vision: To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring electrifying memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – Really opened up the characters to new ideas and direction.

    Chris Wentworth (Protagonist)

    The High Concept: Chris, 20, a college student, learns she is a Descendant of Zeus and must assume the role in her destiny and save the world by defeating another Descendant of a God.

    This Character’s Journey: Chris must burst out of her sheltered safe and shy life and become a warrior and leader and save the world.

    The Actors Attractors:

    1. She is an unknowing Descendant of Zeus with Super Human Powers that must discover her inner strength to save the world.

    2. Learning to embrace the fact that she is a Descendant of the most powerful deity and all the responsibility that comes with that awakening.

    3. A female lead that is a “Super Human Hero” and NOT a comic book hero.

    The Character Profile:

    1. Role in the Story: Protagonist/Female Lead

    2. Age Range and Description: Chris Worthington, an attractive applied mathematics student who also happens to be a martial arts expert but is introverted and prefers to be by herself.

    3. Core Traits: Brilliant, Brave, Optimistic, Empathetic,

    4. Motivation:

    a. Want – To defeat Ronin.

    b. Need -To save the World.

    5. Wound: Lost her mother as child and adopted father as adult.

    6. Likeability, Relatability, Empathy:

    a. Likability:

    i. Professor likes her in her opening scene.

    ii. Smart, intelligent, independent female.

    iii. Her “Aunt” cares for her and saves her life.

    iv. Wants revenge for death of her loved ones.

    v. She can kick ass.

    vi. Appears to not care about money while living in a privileged world.

    b. Relatability:

    i. Shy, awkward – attempts to speak with her classmate and he ignores her.

    ii. Doesn’t like to be set up on date with cocky rich kid.

    iii. Her world is turned upside down in the attack on her and her family.

    iv. Falling in love with James.

    v. Shock of learning about her true self (being a “Super Human Hero”)

    c. Empathy:

    i. Her father is killed, her mother injured.

    ii. Her Aunt/Best Friend killed.

    iii. Shock of learning about her true self (being a “Super Human Hero”)

    2. Character Subtext: Shock that she is a Descendant and fear that she may not be able to do what is necessary.

    3. Character Intrigue: Always felt out of place. She has a brilliant mind but hides the physical side.

    4. Flaw (how they sabotage themselves): She undervalues herself and does not think it possible to rise above and be the leader of the Descendants.

    5. Values: Family, Loyalty, Love

    6. Internal Dilemma: Being powerful versus being/feeling helpless.

    Ronin (Antagonist)

    The High Concept: Ronin, 45-50, a Descendant of the Japanese God of Wind, wants to rule the world and must find a Key that will get him enough power to do so.

    This Character’s Journey: Ronin is uncaring of human life and will do whatever is needed to accomplish his goals, including sacrificing his son.

    The Actors Attractors:

    1. Villain of all Villains. A Super Human and a Descendant of the Japanese God of Wind.

    2. A master of martial arts and all his “powers” are what humans can already to but pushed to the extreme. Don’t go into the unbelievable.

    3. One of the Descendants that was supposed to protect our World now wants to control it.

    The Character Profile:

    1. Role in the Story: Antagonist/Male Lead

    2. Age Range and Description: Ronin, a billionaire businessman and father who commands a room.

    3. Core Traits: Machiavellian, Arrogant, Narcissist, Manipulative

    4. Motivation:

    a. Want – To rule the World.

    b. Need -To find the key.

    5. Wound: Overlooked in the God hierarchy, no matter his financial success.

    6. Likeability, Relatability, Empathy:

    a. Likability:

    i. Cultured, sophisticated.

    ii. Martial Art Skills. Just trying to show accomplished villain.

    iii. Loves his Son.

    iv. Knowledgeable.

    b. Relatability:

    i. Truly believes he is right.

    ii. Fight for what he believes right.

    c. Empathy:

    i. Son is killed.

    ii. His ancestors passed over in the past for high responsibility.

    2. Character Subtext: Narcissist who is manipulative and arrogant.

    3. Character Intrigue: Appears as normal businessman to the world but is a Descendant of the Japanese God of Wind.

    4. Flaw (how they sabotage themselves): His hubris costs him his son.

    5. Values: Winning, power, money.

    6. Internal Dilemma: May lose what may be most important to get what he wants.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    April 17, 2023 at 6:05 pm in reply to: Lesson 6

    Jeff Glatz’s Character Profiles 1

    My Vision: To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring electrifying memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – Really opened up the characters to new ideas and direction.

    Chris Wentworth (Protagonist)

    The High Concept: Chris, 20, a college student, learns she is a Descendant of Zeus and must assume the role in her destiny and save the world by defeating another Descendant of a God.

    This Character’s Journey: Chris must burst out of her sheltered safe and shy life and become a warrior and leader and save the world.

    The Actors Attractors:

    1. She is an unknowing Descendant of Zeus with Super Human Powers that must discover her inner strength to save the world.

    2. Learning to embrace the fact that she is a Descendant of the most powerful deity and all the responsibility that comes with that awakening.

    3. A female lead that is a “Super Human Hero” and NOT a comic book hero.

    The Character Profile:

    1. Role in the Story: Protagonist/Female Lead

    2. Age Range and Description: Chris Worthington, an attractive applied mathematics student who also happens to be a martial arts expert but is introverted and prefers to be by herself.

    3. Core Traits: Brilliant, Brave, Optimistic, Empathetic,

    4. Motivation:

    a. Want – To defeat Ronin.

    b. Need -To save the World.

    5. Wound: Lost her mother as child, and adopted father as adult.

    6. Likeability, Relatability, Empathy:

    a. Likability:

    i. Professor likes her in her opening scene.

    ii. Smart, intelligent, independent female.

    iii. Her “Aunt” cares for her and saves her life.

    iv. Wants revenge for death of her loved ones.

    v. She can kick ass.

    vi. Appears to not care about money while living in a privileged world.

    b. Relatability:

    i. Shy, awkward – attempts to speak with her classmate and he ignores her.

    ii. Doesn’t like to be set up on date with cocky rich kid.

    iii. Her world is turned upside down in the attack on her and her family.

    iv. Falling in love with James.

    v. Shock of learning about her true self (being a “Super Human Hero”)

    c. Empathy:

    i. Her father is killed, her mother injured.

    ii. Her Aunt/Best Friend killed.

    iii. Shock of learning about her true self (being a “Super Human Hero”)

    Ronin (Antagonist)

    The High Concept: Ronin, 45-50, a Descendant of the Japanese God of Wind, wants to rule the world and must find a Key that will get him enough power to do so.

    This Character’s Journey: Ronin is uncaring of human life and will do whatever is needed to accomplish his goals, including sacrificing his son.

    The Actors Attractors:

    1. Villain of all Villains. A Super Human and a Descendant of the Japanese God of Wind.

    2. A master of martial arts and all his “powers” are what humans can already to but pushed to the extreme. Don’t go into the unbelievable.

    3. One of the Descendants that was supposed to protect our World now wants to control it.

    The Character Profile:

    1. Role in the Story: Antagonist/Male Lead

    2. Age Range and Description: Ronin, a billionaire businessman and father who commands a room.

    3. Core Traits: Machiavellian, Arrogant, Narcissist, Manipulative

    4. Motivation:

    a. Want – To rule the World.

    b. Need -To find the key.

    5. Wound: Overlooked in the God hierarchy, no matter his financial success.

    6. Likeability, Relatability, Empathy:

    a. Likability:

    i. Cultured, sophisticated.

    ii. Martial Art Skills. Just trying to show accomplished villain.

    iii. Loves his Son.

    iv. Knowledgeable.

    b. Relatability:

    i. Truly believes he is right.

    ii. Fight for what he believes right.

    c. Empathy:

    i. Son is killed.

    ii. His ancestors passed over in the past for high responsibility.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    April 6, 2023 at 10:41 pm in reply to: Lesson 5

    Jeff Glatz’s Audience Connection to Characters

    My Vision: To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring electrifying memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – Really opened up the characters to new ideas and to make sure as move through story continue to demonstrate these traits.

    Chris Wentworth (Protagonist)

    Likability:

    • Professor likes her in her opening scene.
    • Smart, intelligent, independent female.
    • Her “Aunt” cares for her and saves her life.
    • Wants revenge for death of her loved ones.
    • She can kick ass.
    • Appears to not care about money while living in a privileged world.

    Relatability:

    • Shy, awkward – attempts to speak with her classmate and he ignores her.
    • Doesn’t like to be set up on date with cocky rich kid.
    • Her world is turned upside down in the attack on her and her family.
    • Falling in love with James.
    • Shock of learning about her true self (being a “Super Human Hero”)

    Empathy:

    • Her father is killed, her mother injured.
    • Her Aunt/Best Friend killed.
    • Shock of learning about her true self (being a “Super Human Hero”)

    Ronin (Antagonist)

    Likability:

    • Cultured, sophisticated.
    • Martial Art Skills. Just trying to show accomplished villain.
    • Loves his Son.
    • Knowledgeable.

    Relatability:

    • Truly believes he is right.
    • Fight for what he believes right.

    Empathy:

    • Son is killed.
    • His ancestors passed over in the past for high responsibility.
  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    April 6, 2023 at 9:08 pm in reply to: Lesson 4

    Jeff Glatz’s Character Intrigue

    My Vision: To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring electrifying memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – Really opened up the story to new ideas and intrigue possibilities.

    Character Name: Chris Wentworth

    • Role: Protagonist / Lead
    • Hidden agendas:
    • Competition:
    • Conspiracies:
    • Secrets: A descendant.
    • Deception: 1) Brilliant mind covers up unbelievable physical abilities, that she has kept hidden for years. 2) Intentionally underperformed in sports growing up.
    • Unspoken Wound: 1) Always felt out of place. 2) Felt loss of her birth mother without knowing that is the loss she felt.
    • Secret Identity: Descendant of Zeus

    Character Name: James

    • Role: Chris’ Guardian/Protector
    • Hidden agendas: 1) Covert plan to protect Chris without her knowing it.
    • Competition:
    • Conspiracies:
    • Secrets: 1) Kept his job secret for years.
    • Deception: 1) Not really a student.
    • Unspoken Wound: 1) Raised for just one purpose to protect Chris.
    • Secret Identity: 1) super human abilities

    Character Name: Ronin

    • Role: Antagonist / Lead
    • Hidden agendas: 1) To elevate his son. 2) Have his son marry Chris?
    • Competition:
    • Conspiracies: 1) Is he working with one of Chris’ protector or Librarians?
    • Secrets: 1) James father as well?
    • Deception: 1) Appears as normal business billionaire to the World.
    • Unspoken Wound: 1) Was not trusted with the Key originally.
    • Secret Identity: Descendant of Japanese God of the Wind.

    Character Name: Ando

    • Role: Antagonist / Right Hand of Ronin 1) His Son
    • Hidden agendas: 1) Make Chris fall for him.
    • Competition: 1) Trying to make James look bad or untrustworthy.
    • Conspiracies:
    • Secrets:
    • Deception: 1) Maybe he is the one set up on a date with her at beginning or at restaurant in background? 2) Is Ronin there as well? 3) Chris at bar for her blind date and Ando is there trying to pick her up, Diana intervenes?
    • Unspoken Wound: 1) His father’s disappointment in him.
    • Secret Identity: 1) Son of Ronin
  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    April 5, 2023 at 11:51 pm in reply to: Lesson 3

    My Vision: To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring electrifying memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – To be aware and create unique exciting ways to display subtext.

    Not sure I did this lesson correctly 😀

    Example Movie: The Hunger Games

    • Movie Title: The Hunger Games
    • Character Name: Katniss
    • Subtext Identity: A young woman who volunteers to take her sisters place in a game where she will most likely die.
    • Subtext Trait: Defeated, honorable.
    • Subtext Logline: Katniss, is a young woman who must overcome her helplessness to lead a rebellion.Possible Areas of Subtext: Not sure of herself. Loner.

    <div>

    My screenplay: Descendants, A Key to the Past

    • Character Name: Christina (Chris) Wentworth
    • Subtext Identity: Unassuming college student, Chris, learns she is a Descendant with Super Human Powers.
    • Subtext Trait: Shy, Socially Awkward.
    • Subtext Logline: Chris must overcome her sheltered live to become a savior of the World.
    • Possible Areas of Subtext: Finds a love interest. Falls back on apprehensive trait at crucial moment.

    </div>

    • Character Name: Ronin
    • Subtext Identity: Narcissistic Descendant, Ronin, tries to take over the World.
    • Subtext Trait: Manipulative, Arrogant.
    • Subtext Logline: Ronin must rely on himself and no allies.
    • Possible Areas of Subtext: Ronin son is killed because of his actions.
  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    March 31, 2023 at 5:25 pm in reply to: Lesson 2

    My Vision: To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring electrifying memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – To concentrate on a wide emotion and action range for the leads.

    Lead Character Name: Christina (Chris) Wentworth

    Role: Protagonist

    1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?

    • She is an unknowing Descendant of Zeus with Super Human Powers that must discover her inner strength to save the world.

    2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?

    • She has no idea for 19-20 years of her life that she is a Descendant.
    • Transforming a very bright college student who studies applied mathematics and studies martial arts into a Hero, one the world will never learn of if all goes according to plan.

    3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?

    • During a kidnapping attack upon her family, she instinctively calls on her “power” to escape with the help of another.
    • The final battle where she is the leader of other “super human heroes.”

    4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?

    • An unknowing college student is violently attacked, her father killed, her mother injured, but she escapes using skills she has not fully developed and learns she may not be like other people.

    5. What could be this character’s emotional range?

    • Shy, but witty, to brave and a leader.

    6. What subtext can the actor play?

    • Learning to embrace the fact that she is a Descendant of the most powerful deity and all the responsibility that comes with that awakening.

    7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?

    • Falling in love with her “Protector.” (who will be killed)

    8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?

    • Through the realization of who she is and what that represents.

    9. What could make this character special and unique?

    • Brilliant, shy, beautiful, fighting skillset – be a Super Human Hero.
    • A female lead that is a “Super Human Hero” and NOT a comic book hero.

    Lead Character Name: Ronin Hisoka

    Role: Antagonist

    1. What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?

    • Villain of all Villains. A Super Human and a Descendant of the Japanese God of Wind.
    • A master of martial arts and all his “powers” are what humans can already to but pushed to the extreme. Don’t go into the unbelievable.

    2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?

    • Ruthless, vicious.
    • One of the Descendants that was supposed to protect our World now wants to control it.

    3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?

    • Attack on Japanese compound where he “flies” through the sky
    • Fighting until the end.

    4. How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?

    • Introduced in first scene when he and his troops attack an Amazon village.

    5. What could be this character’s emotional range?

    • Fairly linear, does not have a change of heart.
    • Becomes even more maniacal as he approaches his goal.
    • Suave to Psychopath.

    6. What subtext can the actor play?

    • Role as a father and in his opinion, savior of the planet.

    7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?

    • His Son
    • Battle of wits and brawn with Chris

    8. How will this character’s unique voice be presented?

    • This is the first time she will find herself in any of these situations and she will grow through them.

    9. What could make this character special and unique?

    • Ruthless Descendant who has a special sword he fights with.
  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    March 31, 2023 at 5:18 pm in reply to: Lesson 1

    Jeff’s Actor Attractors for The Hunger Games

    My Vision: To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring electrifying memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – To concentrate on a wide range of emotional journeys throughout film.

    Movie Title: The Hunger Games

    Lead Character Name: Katniss

    1. Why would an actor WANT to be known for this role? Female Lead, strong character, huge novel, fun

    2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in the movie? Protector of her family, stubborn, possesses a skill set necessary for survival, noble.

    3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead takes in the movie? The Hunger Games

    4. How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor? Caring, rebel, hunter, smart (stay down wind), courageous, went beyond the fence, talk of escape but can’t.

    5. What is this character’s emotional range? Brave (volunteered), strong, vulnerable, moral. Self-sacrificing

    6. What subtext can the actor play? More of mom to sister than real mom, hate for other local contestant.

    7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character has? Woody Harrelson (mentor), Sena (wardrobe), Rue (Young Black girl), Peta

    8. How is this character’s unique voice presented? Young woman becomes a rebel and beacon for her people.

    9. What makes this character special and unique? Reluctant hero.

    10. (Fill in a scene that shows the character fulfilling much of the Actor Attractor model.) Winning the game then willing to kill herself instead of killing her friend/boyfriend.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    March 28, 2023 at 5:53 pm in reply to: Confidentiality Agreement

    Jeffrey Glatz

    I agree to to the terms of this release form

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    March 23, 2023 at 6:04 pm in reply to: Lesson 6

    My Vision: To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring electrifying memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – to use the conventions as almost a “checklist,” to make sure the conventions are being adhered to.

    Title: Descendants: Key to the Past

    Concept: Descendants of mythical Gods throughout the world secretly live among us today and fight behind the scenes to save mankind from itself.

    Genre: Action/Thriller

    Action Conventions

    Purpose: adrenaline stirring, fast paced, big event

    Demand for Action

    Escalating Action

    Hero

    Antagonist

    Thriller Conventions

    Purpose: High Stakes, plot twists and suspense

    Life and Death Situations

    Mystery/Intrigue/Suspense

    Hero

    Villain

    Main Emotions: Suspense, intrigue, tension, mystery, anticipation, uncertainty, surprise

    Note: I have just fleshed out the Acts a little further this round of changes and added some more “thriller” conventions so I make sure to cover those during the writing process. Additions to previous 4 act structure are bolded.


    Act 1:

    Opening:

    Introduction to Wind Tribe living undetected in the amazon twenty years ago.

    • Evil Descendants attack Tribe looking for a “Key.”
    • Villain, Ronin, kills the Queen, her infant child escapes.

    Inciting Incident

    Chris’ adopted/guardian father is killed; her adopted/guardian mother is severely injured in assault in NYC.

    Mystery – Why where they attacked?

    Mystery – Who is Chris?

    Mystery – Who is James?

    Turning Point

    Chris and James are the only to escape from an attack by Ronin while in Japan

    • Ronin and his team attack Japanese compound from the Sky. A larger battle than first.
    • Protector tells Chris who she is.
    • Protector is killed.

    Act 2:

    New plan

    They head to England to meet and learn more about herself, her role, and the Key from a “Librarian” (Franklin, a keeper of the Descendants secrets).

    • <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Mystery – Descendants live among us.
    • <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Mystery – What does the Key do?

    Plan in action

    • Go to see Professor at Oxford who is an expert in Mythology.
    • Attacked again.
    • Escape and travel to Rome.

    Midpoint Turning Point

    Chris learns where the “Lock” may be hidden and how it could be used, and vows to defend with her life.

    She learns the Key “may” be a way for one person to control all four (4) elements; Wind, Water, Earth, and Fire. This is from the ancients. Zeus, split the elements and assigned a “Tribe” to guard and protect their respective element. At the time, these were respected Gods from around the world that understood their Duty.


    Additional Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift

    Chris loses the Key to Ronin. James is killed.

    • <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Chris and James ambushed by Ronin while on a “date.”
    • <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>James Killed, Chris loses key.
    • <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Twist – did someone betray them?

    Act 3:

    Rethink everything

    • Chris visits her adopted mother (Mrs. Wentworth) in the hospital. Her mother tells her she must accept the ultimate responsibility and recover the Key. This is the woman who raised her, so she feels that she is her mother.

    New plan (crisis/dilemma)

    She recruits a small team to help her save the World. Knowing they may have to make the ultimate sacrifice. Her team is made of herself, one Descendant from each; Fire, Earth and Water, and a few from the Amazon.

    • Intrigue – is one of the Team an ally of Ronin?

    Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift

    • <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>A Descendant tries to kill Chris in her sleep in the Amazon.
    • <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>She captures Ronin’s spy among her group.

    Act 4:

    Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict

    Battle of all battles takes place on an uninhabited island, off the coast of Africa, where all 4 Elements exist. A Volcano for Fire, the pounding Ocean for Water, the fertile lands for Earth and the winds that move the Clouds around the Volcano’s peak for Wind.

    Resolution

    • Chris regains the Key and strikes down Ronin who is killed. The World is Safe.
  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    March 21, 2023 at 7:08 pm in reply to: Lesson 5

    My Vision: To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring electrifying memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – Starting to flesh out script, but filling in the blanks first as my current working outline is a little different than this assignment, so learning to create better structure.

    Concept: Descendants of mythical Gods throughout the world secretly live among us today and fight behind the scenes to save mankind from itself.

    Main Conflict: The head of one of the Wind Tribes, Ronin, wants to take over the world and Chris must stop him.

    Old Ways:

    • Introverted and awkward.
    • Feeling of being out of place in the world.
    • Sheltered by family.

    New Ways:

    • Defiant
    • Brave
    • Warrior
    • Leader

    Act 1:

    Opening:

    • Introduction to Wind Tribe living undetected in the amazon twenty years ago.
    • Evil Descendants attack Tribe looking for a “Key.”
    • Queen is killed, her infant child escapes.

    Inciting Incident

    • Chris’ adopted/guardian father is killed; her adopted/guardian mother is severely injured in assault in NYC.

    Turning Point

    • Chris and James are the only to escape from an attack by Ronin while in Japan

    Act 2:

    New plan

    • They head to England to meet and learn more about herself, her role, and the Key from a “Librarian” (Franklin, a keeper of the Descendants secrets).

    Plan in action

    • Go to see Professor at Oxford who is an expert in Mythology.
    • Attacked again.
    • Escape and travel to Rome.

    Midpoint Turning Point

    • Chris learns where the “Lock” may be hidden and how it could be used, and vows to defend with her life.
    • She learns the Key “may” be a way for one person to control all four (4) elements; Wind, Water, Earth, and Fire. This is from the ancients. Zeus, split the elements and assigned a “Tribe” to guard and protect their respective element. At the time, these were respected Gods from around the world that understood their Duty.

    Additional Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift

    • Chris loses the Key to Ronin. James is killed.

    Act 3:

    <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”> Rethink everything

    • Chris visits her adopted mother (Mrs. Wentworth) in the hospital. Her mother tells her she must accept the ultimate responsibility and recover the Key. This is the woman who raised her, so she feels that she is her mother.

    New plan (crisis/dilemma)

    • She recruits a small team to help her save the World. Knowing they may have to make the ultimate sacrifice. Her team is made of herself, one Descendant from each; Fire, Earth and Water, and a few from the Amazon.

    Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift (moved huge failure earlier)

    • Chris loses the Key to Ronin. James is killed.

    Act 4:

    Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict

    • Battle of all battles takes place on an uninhabited island, off the coast of Africa, where all 4 Elements exist. A Volcano for Fire, the pounding Ocean for Water, the fertile lands for Earth and the winds that move the Clouds around the Volcano’s peak for Wind.

    Resolution

    • Chris regains the Key and strikes down Ronin who is killed. The World is Safe.
  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    March 20, 2023 at 7:50 pm in reply to: Lesson 4

    My Vision: To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring electrifying memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – The subtext is what makes a story rich and deep.

    Concept: Descendants of mythical Gods throughout the world secretly live among us today and fight behind the scenes to save mankind from itself.

    Major Story Hook: A Columbia University student is the unknowing descendant of Zeus, and she possesses an ancient key that will unlock the past and cause the world to end if its power ends up in the wrong hands.

    Subtext Plots-

    1. Shock she is a descendant!

    2. Distress that she is a Descendant, and she fears she may not be able to do what is necessary.

    3. Relationship with James, her new “protector” who is a Descendant.

    4. The Power of Man v. the Power of Nature

    A. Descendants are broken up into four “tribes” each responsible for their respective elements.

    • Earth
    • Wind
    • Fire
    • Water

    5. She was “adopted” (placed with family).

    • She was whisked away from her birth mother to save her and placed with a family of “protectors” (not Descendants).

    6. Nothing is at it appears.

    • Descendants exist in our World, but no one knows or can find out.
  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    March 17, 2023 at 8:41 pm in reply to: Lesson 3

    My Vision:

    To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring electrifying memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – Make sure there is a nice arc, but more importantly, a meaningful arc.

    Christina (Chris) Wentworth – Protagonist

    Arc Beginning: Naive but brilliant socially awkward college student.

    Arc Ending: Brave leader who has embraced her role as the most powerful descendant.

    Internal Journey: From shy and feeling out of place to fearless and a leader.

    External Journey: From unknowing Descendant to taking her place as the Descendant of Zeus and saver of the world.

    Old Ways:

    • Introverted and awkward.
    • Feeling of being out of place in the world.
    • Sheltered by family.

    New Ways:

    • Defiant
    • Brave
    • Warrior
    • Leader
  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    March 15, 2023 at 8:34 pm in reply to: Lesson 2

    My Vision:

    To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring electrifying memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – Importance of keeping character unique, possibly flawed, but still capable of carrying out their role in the story.

    Protagonist:

    • Character: Christina (Chris) Wentworth
    • Logline: Living a sheltered life, an unknowing college student learns she is a descendent of Zeus and must embrace her new destiny and save the world.
    • Unique: Brilliant, Martial Arts Expert, Brave, Caring, Optimistic, Honest, Empathetic, Introverted, Socially Awkward, Shy, Naive

    Antagonist:

    • Character: Ronin
    • Logline: The ambitious and dangerous descendant of Fujin, The Japanese God of the Wind, declares war on all the Descendants in an attempt to take over the world.
    • Unique: Machiavellian, Arrogant, Narcissist, Manipulative, Billionaire, Super “Human” Powers, Warrior, lacks empathy, Patronizing, Arrogant
  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    March 12, 2023 at 7:38 pm in reply to: Lesson 1

    My Vision:

    To create commercial studio size films that move people. To create characters that can live forever and bring electrifying memories to those that have watched one of my films.

    What I learned from doing this assignment – Very excited to begin learning to create an in-depth Outline and set up the story/characters/etc. at the beginning, before writing an entire draft.

    1. Title: Descendants: Key to the Past
    2. Character Structure: Protagonist v. Antagonist
    3. Genre: Action/Thriller
    4. High Concept: Descendants of Mythical Gods throughout the world secretly live among us today and fight behind the scenes to save mankind from itself.
    5. Major Story Hook: A Columbia University student is the unknowing descendant of Zeus, and she possesses an ancient key that will unlock the past and cause the world to end if its power ends up in the wrong hands.

    What makes Unique/Different (realize not part of this assignment, just a little more background on concept):

    • Unique spin on Super Hero, making them super “human” heroes. Ethan Hunt or Lara Croft even further, but not “unbelievable.”
    • Not just Greek/Roman Gods, but from many cultures (ie Japan, Mayan, Egyptian)
    • Power of Nature v. Power of Man
    • Not “fantasy” but “possible.”
    • Look, feel, higher thinking (IQ) of DaVinci Code, with Batmanesque (more recent films) action/look. A little darker, not so “bright” as most Marvel films.
  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    February 21, 2023 at 6:11 pm in reply to: What did you learn from the opening audio?

    What I really learned – buy into the process!

    I found it an interesting way to start a class, but by the end, heck shortly into it, I was onboard and looking forward to Hal’s guidance and have 100% faith if follow lessons and assignments my writing will improve.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    February 20, 2023 at 10:02 pm in reply to: Introduce Yourself to the Group

    Jeff Glatz

    2 Screenplays, working on first novel (adapted from one of the screenplays)

    I have (what I hope) is a big concept project that I have wanted to do for a while, but I have not. Hoping this class pushes me to complete a draft for this idea.

    Unique, unusual – hmmm… semi-retired so on the older age scale. Was a line producer for years and used to own my own production company. But I did commercials and network promo packages, not features.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    February 20, 2023 at 9:58 pm in reply to: Confidentiality Agreement

    Jeffrey Glatz

    I agree to the terms of this release form.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    July 11, 2022 at 6:22 pm in reply to: Confidentiality Agreement

    Jeffrey Glatz

    I agree to the terms of this release form.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    May 9, 2022 at 6:50 pm in reply to: WEEK 1 DAY 5: What did you learn?

    Of course we know that this is a fabulous movie, and many (including I) aspire to write that well.

    The breakthroughs I feel I have noticed during this first week of classes, that can elevate a story past the norm, are the wound and secret/reveal. To me, they can really help the viewer or reader really feel the character to their core.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    May 9, 2022 at 6:29 pm in reply to: WEEK 1 DAY 4 – What did you learn?

    I have never seen Lost, so just a few “short” couple of thoughts/insights:

    I liked the subtle discovery that there is a secret

    Interesting way to learn of the secret, personally since I did not know the game so I had to figure out how the game worked instead of listening to much of the game play

    Loved the surprise, the reveal.

  • Junah is coming from a place of sadness with how his life has turned out. He wants that life back but does not know how to get there.

    Bagger is coming from a place of belief and how working with Junah can bring him some satisfaction and happiness in his life.

    They each can fulfill the others needs. Bagger can help Junah become the man he was, and Junah can help Bagger gain some happiness and fulfilment for something he has a passion for but is unable to participate in at that level of the game (of life)

    Junah

    Frustration, Hope/dream, Kindness, Impatient

    Bagger

    Sense of Humor, Wise, Philosophical, Satirical

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    May 6, 2022 at 12:07 am in reply to: WEEK 1 DAY 2 — What did you learn?

    Thinking about the future the character will encounter (live in) can help develop the entire arc and allow the writer to weave clues throughout the earlier story that resolve throughout their journey and make them the character they become. To me, this scene helped outline Sarah’s entire journey.

  • A few things that stood out to me:

    Kyle is accepting that he will do anything including sacrificing his life for John and Sarah.

    Kyle will help Sarah become who she needs to become

    Sarah is taking on the “mother” role in taking care of Kyle’s wound, starting her journey to be the mother of the future.

    Sarah still wants to be surprised about the future, even though she could find out much from Kyle.

    Sarah will be the savior of mankind and does not want it

    Kyle Traits:

    Warrior

    Honor and Sacrifice

    Strength

    Sarah Traits:

    Stronger than she thinks

    Motherly becoming a leader

    Inquisitive

    Delicate that will become powerful

    Sense of humor

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    May 4, 2022 at 10:33 pm in reply to: WEEK 1 DAY 1 — What did you learn?

    What did I Learn?

    This is only my second class, so I always have a tough time articulating what I learned. More of a sponge at this point. I did immediately make two quick edits to my screenplay in an attempt to make the characters deeper. I’m looking forward to this class, and hopefully these teachings will elevate my characters to a whole new level.

  • Character Traits:

    Will (Matt)

    Cautious, observant

    Caring deeply for his friends

    Brilliant

    Won’t back down

    Funny, wants to impress

    Skylar (Minnie)

    Intrigued

    Defensive

    Sarcastic

    Endearing (sticking up for less “fortunate” (non-Harvard), sorry that’s me being presumptive, but you get my point)

    Chuckie (Ben)

    Cocky

    Self-assured

    Witty, BS’er

    Likes to mess with the elites

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    May 3, 2022 at 10:56 pm in reply to: Introduce yourself to the group.

    Hello all!

    Jeff Glatz

    I’ve 2 screenplays and have another in the pipeline.

    I hope to learn more about creating deeper, more fascinating characters

    Semi retired, but never too old 🙂 Used to be in the biz, but it has been a while and so much has changed.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    May 3, 2022 at 10:51 pm in reply to: Confidentiality Agreement

    Jeffrey Glatz

    I agree to the terms of this release form

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    March 29, 2022 at 11:53 pm in reply to: Day 14 Assignments

    Assignment 14:

    What I learned doing this assignment? This was the toughest so far. It almost seems to me to be a subconscious exercise during the writing, then reviewing to make sure enough boxes are checked.

    Set-Up – Discovery Action Track (pages 1 – 4) – Trevor seen breaking into home and stealing valuable items and copies a document he has found

    Purpose: Is hero a man of character or just a thief.

    Pre-Action:

    Create the need for action – ends up being caught stealing and must escape

    Create the need for action – stumbles across diabolic plan

    Action:

    Sequence emotions to make unique – almost caught once but is undetected, when thinks he is in the clear he is caught again

    1) Environment: elaborate estate

    2) Rules: Gentleman Thief, no guns

    3) Villain: Guards

    4) Mission: Steal to give to the poor, modern-day robin hood

    5) Struggle: set’s entire struggle of film of finding a plot that involves the death of innocents and a takeover of government

    6) Surprise: Finds plans when not expecting

    7) Danger/Excitement: Must fight his way out

    8) Unique Skillset: Navy Seal Team Leader, Ninjitsu

    9) Meaning:

    10) Allies: none

    11) Weapon: non-lethal

    12) Adrenaline: must escape without guns

    Post Action:

    Discovered a clue: found the plan

    More Motivation: horrific plan that cannot be overlooked

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    March 26, 2022 at 8:40 pm in reply to: Day 13 Assignments

    What I learned doing this assignment? Take action to the extreme. Well, push boundaries, but still needs to be some-what possible to pull off by our Hero.

    ACTION SCENE SET UP – Trevor interrogates German Cartel member and he is ultimately killed by mistake of his guard

    1) Environment: Lavish German Estate

    a) What if – apartment in high rise?

    b) What if – home on cliff in mountains

    c) Extreme – Climbing cliff, descending exterior high-rise building

    2) Rules:

    3) Villain: Ruthless Businessman

    a) Extreme– also a pedophile

    4) Mission: Interrogate Cartel member for Intel

    a) Go opposite – Cartel member killed

    5) Struggle:

    6) Unique Skillset: Trained Navy Seal

    a) Extreme – also martial arts, ie ninjitsu

    7) Meaning:

    8) Allies:

    9) Weapon:

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    March 23, 2022 at 8:24 pm in reply to: Day 12 Assignments

    ASSIGNMENT 12:

    What I learned doing this assignment is…? All these emotional action elements are important and important and should not be taken for granted. Need the audience on the edge of their seats, palms sweating.

    Setup – Trevor was captured and has already escaped his cell and taken out two guards.

    INT. HALL – LATER

    SUSPENSE…

    Trevor, clad in the guard’s uniform, cautiously moves down the hall. He carries the guards machine gun. His ears prone for any sound.

    DISSOLVE TO:

    INT. FOYER – LATER

    A large hall, grand staircase, tapestries hang from the walls. A large chandelier illuminates the room. A guard sits by the front door, his chair leans propped against the wall. He reads a magazine. At ease.

    A side door opens just a crack. Trevor sticks his head in and scans the room. He glances at his weapon, too loud. He slings the weapon over his shoulder. He prepares to attack.

    SURPRISE… ADRENALINE…

    The door opens. Trevor saunters toward the guard, his head held low. The guard glances at the approaching Trevor. He squints. Recognition. Trevor sprints toward the guard. The guard’s eyes open wide and are filled with the sight of a charging bull. Panic. He attempts to jump to his feet. Trevor leaps into the air in a flying kick. He connects with the guard’s chin, snapping the head back, connecting with the wall. CRACK. The guard slumps to the floor, a red smear follows him down.

    Trevor drops the machine gun and reaches for the guard’s handgun. A figure appears at the top of the stairs. He raises his gun.

    GUARD

    (yelling)

    What’s going on?

    The guard takes in the seen. Trevor appears calm as he swings toward the guard. The guard senses something is amiss.

    GUARD (CONT’D)

    Halt.

    Trevor dives to the side clutching at the guard’s weapon. The guard fires, the bullets rip apart the unconscious guard where Trevor once stood. Trevor lets loose off a shot. It connects with the guard’s shoulder. The guard spins. Trevor fires again. The guard clutches at his chest tumbling down the great staircase. An alarm sounds, its bell ringing.

    EXCITEMENT…

    TREVOR

    I guess tiptoeing out is no longer an option.

    Trevor runs to the front door… a guard bursts in… right into Trevor. Trevor grabs the guard’s wrist and twists.

    GUARD

    AAHH.

    The gun drops to the ground. Trevor delivers a series of viscous liver kites. The guard slumps. He takes a swing at Trevor. Trevor spins. The guard’s aim goes wide. Trevor slams a roundhouse kick into the guard’s groin. The man doubles over. Trevor hits the man on the back of the head with his gun. Out cold, the man flops to the cold marble.

    EXT. ESTATE – DAY

    Trevor cautiously steps out the door. The guard’s convertible jeep rests at the base of the stairs. Trevor scans the horizon. He hears commotion from within the castle.

    Trevor barrels down the steps and hops into the jeep. It starts with a roar. He spins the wheel and the jeep lurches toward the front gate.

    The Earl comes storming out the front door with two guards at his side.

    DANGER…

    EARL STANLEY

    Fuck. Stop him, stop him!

    The two guards sprint off in pursuit.

    EXT. GATE

    A large Mercedes barricades the gates. Two guards take up position behind it. Trevor barrels down the drive toward the gate. The guards unleash a lethal spray of lead.

    TREVOR

    It had to be a convertible.

    He pulls hard on the wheel and the jeep pounces onto the great lawn. He tears across, bullets fly after him, buzzing like mosquitos. A hundred yards away is an old cattle entrance. A small metal gate the only obstacle. Wind rushes through Trevor’s hair.

    TREVOR (CONT’D)

    What the hell.

    The jeep bears down on the gate. Crash. Metal screeches, sparks fly. The jeep lurches through. Trevor wrenches the wheel to turn down the road. The jeep comes up on two wheels, protesting the turn. It almost rolls. Trevor fights for control and screeches off down the road

    EXT. ESTATE – DAY

    EXCITEMENT…

    INTERCUT CHASE SCENE

    At the grand entrance gate, the two guards jump into the car blocking the drive and peel off in pursuit of Trevor careening down the road.

    Stephan comes soaring out the massive front door and past the Earl shouting orders to no one in particular. Stephan rounds the corner of the garage and comes sailing out on a fast-looking Ducati motorcycle. Spinning gravel as the rear wheel takes traction and sends him off in pursuit of Trevor. The Earl must shield his face from the flying gravel.

    EXT. ENGLAND COUNTRY LANE – DAY

    CONTINUE INTERCUT CHASE SCENE

    Trevor drives the Jeep as fast as it will go through the beautiful winding back lanes of England’s countryside.

    He glances over his shoulder to see the big Mercedes in pursuit. It’s eight-cylinder engine overpowering his Jeep.

    It wouldn’t be long before the Mercedes is upon him. Both cars screech around corners dangerously fast. A lorry must dive off the road into a ditch as Trevor and his pursuers sail around a corner. Horns blare. Expletive’s fly.

    TREVOR

    Sorry chap, it’s not my fault.

    Bullet shots can now be heard. The passenger in the car is leaning out the window, 9mm in hand.

    Stephan, on the motorcycle, flies down the windy road after the two vehicles. He is going excessively fast.

    EXT. SMALL ENGLISH VILLAGE

    CONTINUE INTERCUT CHASE SCENE

    Trevor sees an approaching village. He’s about to wake up this sleepy little picturesque town. People scurry about as he lands on the horn piercing suburbia. Shoppers must dive out of the way. Chickens scatter.

    A milkman, with bottles in hand, leaps out of the way in the nick of time. Bottles of milk breaking and spilling over the street. Trevor raises his hand in an apology.

    The Mercedes doesn’t slow.

    Just as quickly, in a blur they’re out of the village and into the countryside.

    EXT. ENGLAND COUNTRY LANE – DAY

    CONTINUE INTERCUT CHASE SCENE

    Trevor has had just about enough of this. He reaches frantically about the jeep in search of the gun he stole as he tries to maintain speed. He searches the floorboards and finds it.

    He looks over his shoulder one more time and sees he’s made a little distance between he and the Mercedes about fifty yards away. He grabs for the hand-brake and slams the brake pedals at the same time he pulls. The jeep fishtails 90 degrees to a screeching dead stop blocking the road.

    Trevor jumps out and takes a classic marksman’s stance.

    He stares down the length of the glistening barrel of his 9 MM as the Mercedes barrels down on him. The gunman is leaning out the window firing frantically at Trevor.

    Trevor waits patiently, oblivious to the bullets whizzing inches from him. He fingers the trigger at about thirty yards. He first takes out the gunman who crumbles out the window to the tarmac below and bounces like a drunk. He immediately shifts his attention to the driver.

    He perforates the windscreen with his fire. The driver yanks the wheel hard and careens off the road. The Mercedes hits an old stone wall and cartwheels end over end tearing the cars to shreds in an amazing fireball. The flames reflect off Trevor’s face.

    TREVOR

    I learned that watching westerns.

    Trevor’s ears are peaked to the high-pitched whining of a fast-approaching motorcycle. In the distance he sees a speck approaching at 100 m.p.h.

    TREVOR (CONT’D)

    Ah, come on guys, enough’s enough.

    He jumps back in the Jeep and takes off down the lane.

    The motorcycle is catching Trevor quickly. The Jeep is no match for the speed and agility of the bike with Stephan at the helm.

    Trevor raises his gun to fire at Stephan. He pulls the trigger. Click. Empty. He throws the gun at the approaching Stephan. Stephan nimbly steers around the airborne gun. No problem. A smile on his face.

    Trevor is fast approaching a semi-truck on the tight lane.

    Stephan is almost upon him. He reaches for his gun. He can’t miss Trevor in the open-air Jeep. He brings his gun to bear.

    Trevor swings the jeep out to pass the semi. A tiny Austin Mini Cooper car is coming down the other side. A teenage couple in the car. It’s going to be close. The kid’s eyes go wide.

    Stephan swerves out as well, only concentrating on getting a bead on Trevor.

    RELIEF…

    The mini cooper’s tiny horn wails. Trevor jerks the wheel to the left. The Jeep cuts in front of the semi. Stephan’s ghostly smile vanishes. He slices to the left. The mini cooper clips his back wheel sending Stephan and his motorcycle flying in the air and into a small rambling creek at the side of the road. The motorcycle flips on landing and comes to a rest on top of Stephan in about two feet of water.

    Trevor looks back. A glint to his eye.

    TREVOR (CONT’D)

    These country lanes can be murder.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    March 21, 2022 at 11:15 pm in reply to: Day 11 Assignments

    What I learned doing this assignment is…? All these emotional action elements are important and important and should not be taken for granted.

    Surprise: (calm scene)

    INT. GEORGETOWN CLUB – DAY

    A posh private club: cigar smoke, high backed leather chairs, parquet floors, backgammon. Liveried servants carry silver trays laden with drinks. Old money.

    Trevor enters; a loose grey suit, cigar in hand, horn-rim glasses. He nods, shakes hands as he makes his way to the backgammon room. General Smith is there setting up a board. Trevor approaches and takes a seat opposite. Both attempt to appear normal for the benefit of the surrounding gentlemen.

    TREVOR

    Good day, Frank. How is the Mrs.?

    SMITH

    She’s fine, sends her love — Here I thought

    you might find this report interesting.

    General Smith hands over a bound report. He leans forward. A conspirator.

    SMITH (CONT’D)

    (soft)

    I have included names, dossiers,

    company profiles, etc.

    TREVOR

    That should do for now — You don’t

    really expect me to dally about and

    play a game with you?

    Smith leans back in his chair. His arms outstretched. Jovial.

    SMITH

    Of course, protocol must be observed.

    TREVOR

    Umm…then let’s make it quick and painless.

    A man stands from his chair, his back to the camera. A sleek Italian suit. He turns…

    Stephan. He glances in the direction of the two players. A SINISTER SMILE creases his hard face. The devil. He appears to float as he saunters away.

    (Stephan is the Villains top assassin)

    Shock:

    INT. A KITCHEN – MORNING

    The brilliant morning sun fills a highly efficient German kitchen: Krupps Espresso machine, Sieman’s appliances. A MOTHER prepares breakfast. On the TV, Germany’s equivalent to “Good Morning America.”

    The camera focuses on the kitchen table. Their SON (16); blond hair, private school clothing, eyes a copy of “F1” magazine. The FATHER hurries into the kitchen.

    FATHER

    I’m running late for my meeting.

    Just a cup to go.

    The Mom pours and brings her husband’s cup to the table.

    SON

    Dad, can I borrow the Beemer tonight?

    I’ve a big date.

    FATHER

    (peeved)

    You have your own car.

    SON

    But Dad…

    FATHER

    No buts, …

    MOTHER

    (trying to be helpful)

    Dear, perhaps this once…

    FATHER

    We’ll talk about it when I get home…

    EXT. A SUBURBAN LANE OUTSIDE OF BONN – MORNING

    A glorious morning, the sky crystal blue, the flowers vibrant in bloom. A school bus is being filled with young children. A man walks his dog. All is normal.

    We see an entourage of two cars pull onto the street: a gun-metal Mercedes sedan, a sleek black BMW follows. The camera scans from a man-hole cover to the automobiles approaching down the lane. All is peaceful. Birds sing.

    The Mercedes passes the camera’s POV. In the BMW, the man from the kitchen smiles at the children. Laughter.

    WHOOSH, the crack of lightening.

    A horrific explosion lifts the car 10 feet into the air before it is torn apart in a fireball. Panic. Flesh, blood, screams pierce suburbia. The camera zooms on a young girl of 11: crying, specks of blood cover her face and clothes like freckles.

    Suspense:

    During climax action scenes, multiple suspenseful ideas. Trevor gets upper hand, is taken by surprise, gets upper hand again, is almost shot but Ashley, takes bullet for him. Trapped yet again, but gets upper hand…

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    March 19, 2022 at 11:42 pm in reply to: Day 10 Assignments

    What I learned doing this assignment is…? Is a good way to make sure different emotions are reflected in scenes and are prevalent in entire story

    EXT. ST. PETERSBURG ESTATE – NIGHT

    Trevor comes crashing out through a window one story up. He lands and rolls to absorb the fall. He’s up and running instantly. Floodlights light up the grounds. Two nasty looking guards rush toward Trevor. They separate him from the surrounding fence.

    Trevor pulls two short Japanese Bo sticks from his back and advances on his attackers. He carries no guns.

    A stick in both hands, he moves quickly against the men before they can bring their rifles to bear.

    Trevor takes the man to his right first. He launches himself into the air, leading with his body, hand raised over his head. He brings the stick heavily down on the head of the guard who drops to the ground instantly. Trevor pivots on the ground as he lands and somersaults toward the other guard. Hitting him on the chest first and groin second. The guard drops his rifle and staggers. Trevor lands and rushes for close combat, sliding the Bo into his tunic as he moves. He delivers quick liver strikes and ends with an uppercut under the jaw. The guard is down, and Trevor is on his way.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    March 17, 2022 at 6:59 pm in reply to: Day 9 Assignments

    Assignment 9:

    What I learned doing this assignment is…? Use as many twists as possible but must be believable. Lay out some clues, but not too obvious so most will not see it coming

    Twists:

    1. Villain (Worthington) knows Trevor’s deceased father

    a. Setup – Trevor remembering his father

    b. Twist – Villain knows his father

    2. An old military nemesis of Trevor’s is the henchman for the Cartel

    a. Setup – Trevor’s having flashback about terrible episode during the war

    b. Twist – His own teammate is evil and a member of Cartel

    3. Trevor passes on becoming involved and then he does

    a. Setup – Trevor has a hands-off approach to reengaging with the CIA

    b. Twist – People he hates are members of the Cartel

    4. Trevor’s adopted uncle a member of cartel

    a. Setup – Trevor finds out the members of the Cartel

    b. Twist – One is a best friend of his fathers and a adopted Uncle

    5. One of Smith’s team is a traitor

    a. Setup – Trevor cannot trust CIA, but assured beyond reproach

    b. Twist – One of the CIA inner circle is a traitor

    6. Ashely, Trevor’s love interest, does work for Cartel

    a. Setup – Trevor meets beautiful woman and is intrigued

    b. Twist – She ends up being a Cartel members lover and sets Trevor up

    7. Trevor captured then escapes

    a. Setup – Trevor breaks into home to find intel

    b. Twist – Caught in Trap

    8. Trevor almost loses battle and then his father is alive and secret head of Cartel

    a. Setup – Climax confrontation

    b. Twist – Trevor’s father is a live and leads the Cartel

    9. Plot ended but Main villains (Worthington and his Father) escape at the end

    a. Setup – Trevor is held at gunpoint and about to lose, but wins

    b. Twist – Main villains escape in the end, but plot ended

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    March 16, 2022 at 10:18 pm in reply to: Day 8 Assignments

    Assignment 8:

    What I learned doing this assignment is…? I enjoyed analyzing my character to make sure that his traits will make an audience care and root for him. I may need to work on more justification in Act 1. Right now we see multiple terrorist attacks and innocents killed, but no one particularly close to the hero. Yes, his father was killed, but that was in the past. So I need to work a little more on this lesson and adapting to story.

    Trevor Forbes – Why We Care

    Trevor is more involved and complicated than some random cat-burglar/thief. While he may have a sense of humor and an involving skill set, it is his past that will direct his future.

    He stumbles upon a plan by a group of men intent on controlling the world through terrorism and murder.

    He loves his country enough to at least, at this stage, bring this plan to the intention of those that may be able to make a difference. We learn he carries deep scars from his time in the Afghanistan war and that his own father was assassinated by terrorists.

    A man of compassion. A war hero. He saves 2 children during a battle but loses men under his command in the process.

    While he may be a handsome ex-seal team leader, he also cares significantly. He has decided to use his history, both military and personnel, to become a philanthropist and uses his skills for good. A modern-day Robin Hood. Donating his ill-gotten goods to worthy causes.

    Charming and romantic, but with a dark side.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    March 14, 2022 at 10:21 pm in reply to: Day 7 Assignments

    Lesson 7 – Map out your Story

    What I learned doing this assignment is…? Very challenging, but good to see things coming together, or not. Starting to show some alternative tracks and ideas from original thinking.

    Opening<div>

    A1 Discovery (pages 1 – 4) – Trevor seen breaking into home and stealing valuable items and copies a document he has found. Purpose: Is hero a man of character or just a thief?

    M3 Inciting Incident: Finding a copy of the Agenda (plan)

    M1 Clear Mission: Trevor must step back into his old life and stop a man, Samuel Worthington, from destabilizing the world through terrorism and taking control of the seat of US power

    A2 Fight (pages 5 – 7) – Must fight his way out. Purpose – showing unique skillset

    M4 First Action: Guards at Russian home try to kill him.

    V1 PLAN: Terrorist Action 1

    A3 Discovery/Terrorism (pages 8 – 9) – Terrorists kill an innocent man, Purpose – Demonstrate the world is a dangerous place

    V2 MEETING: Cartel meets to discuss action plan

    Inciting Incident – Having problem here with degree of inciting incident from what I have now to get to come out round page 10-15, but I swapped some scenes (see 3 below)


    A4 Shootout (pages 15 – 16) –<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”> Flashback on Trevor fighting as Navy Seal in Afghanistan, Purpose – Reinforcing skillset and showing character

    M5 Twist: Worthington knows his father who was killed by terrorists

    V3 SURPRISE: Worthington learns of break-in, but unaware plan is discovered

    M6 Obstacle: Asley Loren. Love interest or pawn?

    M7 Escalation: Another Terrorist Attack

    V4 PLAN: Terrorist action 2

    A5 Discovery/Terrorism (pages 28 – 29) – Terrorists kill an innocent family, Purpose – Demonstrate the world is a dangerous place, escalation in frequency

    A6 Interrogation (page 32) – Stephan, villains’ henchman, kills museum official. Purpose – Demonstrate evil of cartel and Stephan

    A7 Decision (page 36 – 39) – Trevor decides to work with CIA. Purpose – Took a while because not an easy decision for Trevor

    First Turning Point at end of Act 1

    V5 DECEPTION: Ashley asked to keep close to Trevor??

    M2 Motivation: Beyond being the moral thing to do, a demon from his past is part of the conspiracy

    M8 Search: Collect information on Cartel’s Plan

    A8 Escape/Evade (page 45 – 48) – Trevor is doing recon on meeting and must evade guards and escape. Purpose – Trevor engaged in mission to stop Cartel

    M9 Escape: Must not be caught during recon of meeting

    V7 SURPRISED: Worthington learns CIA investigating them

    M14 Twist: His “adopted” Uncle is a member of Cartel

    V6 PLAN: Terrorist action 3??

    V8 FOUND OUT: Cartel officially found out

    Mid-Point

    V9 PLAN: Take out Trevor

    A9 The Order (page 57) – Worthington orders Stephan to go after Trevor. Purpose – Wants any and all obstacles eliminated

    V10 ATTACK: Assassination attempt on Trevor (13 assassins)

    A10 Ambush/Failed Assassination (pages 60 – 63) – Team of assassins go after Trevor is sleepy hotel in France. Purpose – Trevor must defeat unbeatable situation.

    M10 Overwhelming Odds: Escape 13 assassins sent to kill him

    A11 Fight/Shootout/Standoff (pages 64 – 67) Flashback as Navy Seal in Afghanistan attempting to secure a Taliban Warlord. Purpose – Trevor and Stephan’s paths have crossed before and demonstrate morality of Trevor versus the pure evil of Stephan.

    M11 New Plan: Confront Cartel head on

    M15 Attacking back: Confronts and kills member of Cartel – Germany

    A12 Discovery/Shootout (pages 70 – 73) – Trevor breaks into cartel members home seeking information in any means possible. Cartel member killed as Trevor escapes. Purpose – Trevor has no qualms using whatever methods necessary to stop this plan.

    Second Turning Point at end of Act 2

    V11 CAPTURE: Capture Trevor

    A13 Ambush/Interrogation/Torture (pages 78 – 81) Trevor is taken prisoner and tortured for information. Purpose – Trevor is not unbeatable

    M12 apparent defeat: Trevor is captured, tortured and his death is ordered

    M13 apparent success: escapes his capture, killing along the way

    A14 Escape/Chase (pages 83 – 89) – Trevor escapes his prison and a huge car chase ensues

    Purpose – Trevor is clever, dangerous and a fun, but deadly, chase

    Crisis/Dilemma

    A15 Interrogation (pages 92 – 95)Trevor interrogates Ashley to determine her full involvement. Purpose – Trevor has a dark side as well. Ashley is torn between right and wrong

    M16 Full out Attack: As time ticks down toward Presidential assassination, Trevor confronts his enemy at a meeting head-on

    Climax

    V12 MEETING: Final meeting before assassination attempt on President, increases contract on Trevor

    A16 Shootout (pages 99 – 112) – Climax event. Trevor must infiltrate compound and take down the Cartel once and for all.

    M17 Twist: Trevor’s father is alive and founding member of Cartel

    Resolution

    M18 Success: Kills almost everyone. Kills personal nemesis. Plot is stopped. Father and Worthington escape.

    V13 ESCAPE: Manages to escape Trevor’s assault

    V14 FITTING ENDING: Worthington kills VP as he escapes to fight another day, Trevor back to his old ways, Ashley joins him (?)

    </div>

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    March 12, 2022 at 10:53 pm in reply to: Day 6 Assignments

    What I learned doing this assignment is…? I liked seeing how the flow should be set up, and the importance of a 3 Act Structure.

    Opening

    1. Trevor (hero) caught by chance breaking into home, uses unique skillset to gain entry and fight his way out.

    2. What is the Ares Agenda (we do not see yet, but a plan to control world by defense contractors) and Trevor’s initial reaction being upset.

    Inciting Incident

    Having problem here with degree of inciting incident from what I have now to get to come out round page 10-15, but I swapped some scenes (see 3 below)

    1. Trevor decides to take report to his old boss at the CIA

    2. Flashback of war scars, is this enough? Currently only incites him to take to CIA and no other involvement

    3. Is reconnecting with CIA, whom he loaves, a big enough change? After swapping some scenes, now page 12

    First Turning Point at end of Act 1

    1. Trevor learns that his arch nemesis, Stephan, is part of Cartel and this is the tipping point

    2. Hit on Jonathan (page 30) for researching agenda and is found out, but this removes him form future scenes and changes Trevor’s demeanor early

    3. Current Twist of finding out about Stephan is page 38-42, so end of Act 1, is this late?

    4. Need relationship with Ashley to develop before end of Act 1 and if inciting event is killing Jonathan, his right-hand man, then his mood going forward would be anger! So no Ashley?

    Mid-Point

    1. Attempted hit on Trevor, he learns AshlEy (love interest) probably set him up

    2. Page 61 for attempt is further than mid-point (mid page 58)

    Second Turning Point at end of Act 2

    1. Trevor captured and tortured – page 80

    Crisis/Dilemma

    1. Screw looking for evidence, just time to take them down

    2. Confronts Ashley (page 93)

    Climax

    1. Final confrontation and fight with Worthington (page 100+)

    2. Asley injured/killed?

    Resolution

    1. Stephan killed, Worthington escapes

    2. Trevor back to his old ways.

    3. Ashley joins him?

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    March 8, 2022 at 11:10 pm in reply to: Day 5 Assignments

    Assignment 5:

    What I learned doing this assignment is…? It was a good way to have an overview of the screenplay I have been working on. This exercise should help me see where the story may lag from an “action” standpoint. I added current page numbers to the action points as a guide for me.

    Action Track:

    Discovery (pages 1 – 4) – Trevor seen breaking into home and stealing valuable items and copies a document he has found

    Purpose: Is hero a man of character or just a thief.

    Fight (pages 5 – 7) – Must fight his way out

    Purpose – showing unique skillset

    Discovery/Terrorism (pages 8 – 9) – Terrorists kill an innocent man

    Purpose – Demonstrate the world is a dangerous place

    Shootout (pages 15 – 16) – Flashback on Trevor fighting as Navy Seal in Afghanistan

    Purpose – Reinforcing skillset and showing character

    Discovery/Terrorism (pages 28 – 29) – Terrorists kill an innocent family

    Purpose – Demonstrate the world is a dangerous place, escalation in frequency

    Interrogation (page 32) – Stephan, villains’ henchman, kills museum official

    Purpose – Demonstrate evil of cartel and Stephan

    Decision (page 36 – 39) – Trevor decides to work with CIA

    Purpose – Took a while because not an easy decision for Trevor

    Escape/Evade (page 45 – 48) – Trevor is doing recon on meeting and must evade guards and escape

    Purpose – Trevor engaged in mission to stop Cartel

    The Order (page 57) – Worthington orders Stephan to go after Trevor

    Purpose – Wants any and all obstacles eliminated

    Ambush/Failed Assassination (pages 60 – 63) – Team of assassins go after Trevor is sleepy hotel in France

    Purpose – Trevor must defeat unbeatable situation.

    Fight/Shootout/Standoff (pages 64 – 67) – Flashback as Navy Seal in Afghanistan attempting to secure a Taliban Warlord.

    Purpose – Trevor and Stephan’s paths have crossed before and demonstrate morality of Trevor versus the pure evil of Stephan.

    Discovery/Shootout (pages 70 – 73) – Trevor breaks into cartel members home seeking information in any means possible. Cartel member killed as Trevor escapes

    Purpose – Trevor has no qualms using whatever methods necessary to stop this plan.

    Ambush/Interrogation/Torture (pages 78 – 81) – Trevor is taken prisoner and tortured for information

    Purpose – Trevor is not unbeatable

    Escape/Chase (pages 83 – 89) – Trevor escapes his prison and a huge car chase ensues

    Purpose – Trevor is clever, dangerous and a fun, but deadly, chase

    Interrogation (pages 92 – 95) – Trevor interrogates Ashley to determine her full involvement

    Purpose – Trevor has a dark side as well. Ashley is torn between right and wrong

    Shootout (pages 99 – 112) – Climax event. Trevor must infiltrate compound and take down the Cartel once and for all.

    Purpose – Trevor must use all his skills to stay alive against unbeatable odds. He kills the henchman, but must live with Villain escaping.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    March 7, 2022 at 9:54 pm in reply to: Day 4 Assignments

    What I learned doing this assignment is…? The Villain track is an important piece for the story puzzle, and should be given serious thought for continuity and increased action throughout.

    Subject Line: Samuel Worthington Villain Track

    Pre-Planned

    Worthington and his business associates have created a plan that will hand them control of the world’s greatest superpower to influence economies and governments worldwide. There is nothing that stands in their way until a thief stumbles upon their plan. Turns out the thief is a highly capable ex-navy seal team leader.

    DISCOVERY: Breaking into home, Trevor discovers plan

    PLAN: Terrorist Action 1

    MEETING: Cartel meets to discuss action plan

    SURPRISE: Worthington learns of break-in, but unaware plan is discovered

    PLAN: Terrorist action 2

    DECEPTION: Ashley asked to keep close to Trevor??

    PLAN: Terrorist action 3??

    SURPRISED: Worthington learns CIA investigating them

    FOUND OUT: Cartel officially found out

    PLAN: Take out Trevor

    ATTACK: Assassination attempt on Trevor (13 assassins)

    CAPTURE: Capture Trevor

    MEETING: Final meeting before assassination attempt on President, increases contract on Trevor

    ESCAPE: Manages to escape Trevor’s assault

    FITTING ENDING: Worthington kills VP as he escapes to fight another day

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    March 5, 2022 at 10:51 pm in reply to: Day 3 Assignments

    What I learned doing this assignment is…?” Helps see the overall direction of the story and I am learing about the “must have” components of an action film.

    TREVOR FORBES MISSION TRACK:

    Clear Mission: Trevor must step back into his old life and stop a man, Samuel Worthington, from destabilizing the world through terrorism and taking control of the seat of US power<div>

    Motivation: Beyond being the moral thing to do, a demon from his past is part of the conspiracy

    Inciting Incident: Finding a copy of the Agenda (plan)

    First Action:

    Guards at Russian home try to kill him

    Flashback to Afghanistan

    Twist: Worthington knows his father who was killed by terrorists

    Obstacle: Asley Loren. Love interest or pawn?

    Escalation: Another Terrorist Attack

    Search: Collect information on Cartel’s Plan

    Escape: Must not be caught during recon of meeting</div>


    Overwhelming Odds: Escape 12 assassins sent to kill him

    <div>

    New Plan: Confront Cartel head on

    Apparent defeat: Trevor is captured, tortured and his death is ordered

    Apparent success: escapes his capture, killing along the way

    Twist: His “adopted” Uncle is a member of Cartel

    Attacking back:

    o Confronts and kills member of Cartel – Germany

    o Confronts and kills members of Cartel forces – England

    Full out Attack: As time ticks down toward Presidential assassination, Trevor confronts his enemy at a meeting head-on</div>

    Twist: Trevor’s father is alive and founding member of Cartel

    Success: Kills almost everyone. Kills personal nemesis. Plot is stopped. Father and Worthington escape.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    March 3, 2022 at 12:42 am in reply to: Day 2 Assignments

    “What I learned doing this assignment is…?” It is good to start building a story as components that build upon themselves. Starting with Hero and Villain, which should help guide the action of the story moving forward.

    Subject line: Trevor Forbes (Hero) and Samuel Worthington (Villain)

    Concept:

    A thief and former Navy Seal is brought back into the CIA to stop a powerful cartel of businessmen who control terrorist groups to influence governments and economies.

    Hero Morally Right: Save the world and the US President<div>

    Villain Morally Wrong: Uses murder and terrorism to accomplish his mission

    <div>

    Hero: Trevor Forbes: Cat Burglar, Philanthropist, Seal Team Leader

    A. Unique Skill Set – Highly skilled Navy Seal, martial arts (Krav Maga), high-end Thief</div><div>

    B. Motivation – Moral Compass, father and mother killed by terrorist

    C. Secret or Wound – Horror he has seen in combat

    Villain: Sam Worthington: Billionaire Industrialist, Head of the Cartel

    A. Unbeatable – has assassins and terror organization on call anytime</div><div>

    B. Plan/Goal – Create a destabilized world that he controls

    C. What they lose if Hero survives – Death and/or imprisonment, loss of wealth

    Impossible Mission

    Trevor must stop Cartel from controlling the world through terror and not be killed in process.

    A. Puts Hero in Action – moves from place to place trying to expose plan, all the time he is hunted</div>

    B. Demands They Go Beyond Their Best – Fighting Assassins and Terrorists over and over again

    C. Destroy the Villain – Destroy Plan and bring cartel to justice

    </div>

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    March 1, 2022 at 10:36 pm in reply to: Day 1 Assignments

    What I learned from assignment is…

    Continually evaluate Concept for the five components! Amazing Character. Impossible Mission. Engaging Journey. Incredible Action. Intriguing World

    Concept:

    A thief and former Navy Seal is brought back into the CIA to stop a powerful cartel of businessmen who control terrorist groups to influence governments and economies.

    Conventions:

    Highly Skilled Hero: Ex-Navy Seal** turned Robin Hood<div><div>

    Demand for Action: Cartel will kill him to stop him

    Mission: Stop worldwide plot to control the world

    Antagonist: American Business tycoon

    Escalating Action: investigation turns to assassins trying to kill him to race to stop President’s assassination.

    **just got panned in the class so may change 🙂

    </div></div>

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    February 27, 2022 at 10:07 pm in reply to: Introduce Yourself to the Group

    Jeff Glatz

    2 Screenplays

    1st class, so no real expectations. Interested in seeing what this class has to offer and how it can help me.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    February 27, 2022 at 10:04 pm in reply to: Confidentiality Agreement

    Jeffrey Glatz

    I agree to the terms of the release form

    GROUP RELEASE FORM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    This completes the Group Release Form for the class.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    September 12, 2023 at 8:24 pm in reply to: Partner up to exchange feedback

    hi anna – if you’re still checking these forums, I did answer every email you sent me. I even sent my script. They must be going to junk. Here are 2 emails to try me again – jeffreyglatz@icloud.com or glatzjeff@gmail.com. The last I sent was on September 1 from my icloud account. cheers, jeff

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    July 29, 2023 at 4:46 pm in reply to: Lesson 2

    hi anna

    I don’t think you (we) are really behind, I think we are very far ahead actually. You’re probably receiving the emails as I am for the lessons. It seems the web version is still wrapping up module 6. In other words, don’t stress 😀

    we also may be the only two still taking this particular course right now. I have not seen any other posts coming thru in quite a while from anyone else.

    cheers

    jeff

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    June 12, 2023 at 8:14 pm in reply to: Lesson 10

    Hi Anna:

    I am going to email support about opening the queue of future lessons. Perhaps you can as well?

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    May 31, 2023 at 7:10 pm in reply to: Lesson 1

    I did respond earlier when you requested in the past forums. probably went to junk folder.

    my email:

    jeffreyglatz@icloud.com

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    May 29, 2023 at 7:42 pm in reply to: Lesson 10

    Looking forward to seeing the continued evolution 🙂

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    May 26, 2023 at 9:44 pm in reply to: Lesson 9

    Looks like it is coming along nicely. Looking forward to seeing how the story builds in script.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    March 22, 2023 at 7:30 pm in reply to: Lesson 5

    So do I 😀 I’m intrigued to how Bart does as well.

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    March 16, 2023 at 7:49 pm in reply to: Lesson 1

    Sounds intriguing!

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    March 14, 2023 at 6:06 pm in reply to: Lesson 1

    I love the international espionage world and I’m looking forward to seeing where your story goes as well. I have written one that I am trying to move further along the process as well. It’s on Coverfly’s red list right now, but not sure what that is actually worth 🙂

  • jeffrey jeff glatz glatz

    Member
    March 13, 2023 at 5:43 pm in reply to: Lesson 1

    Thank you. I’m looking forward to watching your story grow as well. Cheers.

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