Forum Replies Created

  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    January 17, 2024 at 5:44 pm in reply to: Lesson 5: Audience Connection to Characters (NEW THREAD)

    Subject Line: John P. Hallar’s Likeability, Relatability and Empathy.

    My vision: To be a successful, highly sought after, highly paid writer who has had multiple movies produced and optioned.

    What I learned from doing this assignment is: How to make my characters more likeable, relatable and have the audience feel more empathy towards my characters.

    How to present Melody, the Protagonist.

    * Likeability – Melody’s whole life is centered around music. I need to show her excited, her mood changes when she is discussing music, working on music, listening to music, and playing music.
    * Relatability –
    By showing Melody’s softer side through moments of vulnerability. Have Melody reflect on past regrets or openly discuss her fears on aging, her medical condition.
    * Empathy –
    Although later in the story, as part of her arc, Melody becomes generous and more willing to not concentrate solely on herself, but to others.

    There really isn’t an Antagonist in this story.

  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    January 17, 2024 at 4:29 pm in reply to: Lesson 4: Character Intrigue (NEW THREAD)

    Subject Line: John P. Hallar’s Characters Intrigue.

    My vision: To be a successful, highly sought after, highly paid writer who has had multiple movies produced and optioned.

    What I learned from doing this assignment is: How to build intrigue into my characters.

    * Character Name: Melody Burton
    * Role: Protagonist/Former Jazz Singer
    * Area(s) of Intrigue/Subtext:
    * Unspoken Wound – Melody had a chance to travel the world but got pregnant with Eve. She was on the “Eve” of her success when she had to cancel the tour due to complications with the pregnancy. She quietly resents Eve for this.
    * Secret(s) – Eve is named after the event that caused Melody to miss a major tour and career move. Melody, as a child prodigy at the conservatory, refused to help play at a fund raiser to help raise money.
    * Hidden Agenda(s) – Melody’s drive to save the conservatory is driven by one of the secrets lists above.

    How might the subtext show up in the movie?
    For the Unspoken Wound & Secret, later in the movie during an argument scene with Melody and Eve, Melody blurts out that Eve was the reason she couldn’t travel for a tour that would’ve launched her career and she named her Eve, so she’d never forget it! As for the Hidden Agenda, it comes out later, after the fund raiser and success of the concert, that she did not help the conservatory when they asked.

    * Character Name: Jim Mitchel
    * Role: Buddy
    * Area(s) of Intrigue/Subtext:
    * Hidden Agenda(s) –
    Jim as always wanted to be a musician, guitarist. He’d give up being a caregiver in a heartbeat if an opportunity came his way. Maybe it finally has.
    * Unspoken Wound – Jim was going to the conservatory when he closed due to funding.

    How might the subtext show up in the movie?
    For the Hidden Secret, it could come out after the performance,
    one of the producers that Jim was wanting to work with but would never give him
    the light of day, comes up to him and says, “I think we can make this work or
    something like that.” For the Unspoken Wound, Jim tells Melody that he was
    going to school at the conservatory when it closed.

  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    January 17, 2024 at 3:59 pm in reply to: Lesson 3: Character Subtext (NEW THREAD)

    Subject Line: John P. Hallar’s Subtext Characters.

    My vision: To be a successful, highly sought after, highly paid writer who has had multiple movies produced and optioned.

    What I learned from doing this assignment is: How to build the subtext dialogue and actions into my characters.

    Example Movie:

    Movie Title: Dune
    Character Name:
    Paul Atreides
    Subtext Identity:
    The Reluctant Messiah
    Subtext Trait:
    Chosen, Reluctance
    Subtext Logline:
    Destined as a messianic figure, Paul grapples with the reluctant acceptance of his extraordinary powers and the ethical dilemmas that accompany them.
    Possible Areas of Subtext:
    The association with being the heir to the House of Atreides and the prophesied Kwisatz. His internal struggles with his evolving abilities. Navigating the power dynamics within the Houses of the Landsraad. His cultural differences with the desert dwelling Fremen. The loss and sacrifices on this journey and the ethnic dilemmas he faces concerning his use of his power and the potential upheaval of entire worlds.

    Melody’s Reprise Two Leads:

    Character Name: Melody Burton
    Subtext Identity: Resilient Maestro
    Subtext Trait: Resilient, Creator
    Subtext Logline: In a journey of rediscovery, Melody leads a group of elderly musicians to a transformative final performance while discovering her true self.
    Possible Areas of Subtext: Defying the aging process and her illness. Leaving a legacy by raising the money for the music conservatory. Her personal discovery of who she truly is. The new friendships and community that the retirement home offers. The loss of her abilities but also the loss of Keys. Her maestro instincts of leading musicians transcend to leading the other residents.

    Character
    Name:
    Malcolm “Groove” Thompson
    Subtext Identity:
    Humor, Wisdom
    Subtext Trait:
    Funny, Stability
    Subtext Logline:
    Groove provides the group with comic relief and
    stability while grappling with the abandonment of his own family to pursue a
    music career.
    Possible Areas of Subtext:
    The wisdom and stability he brings to the
    group, the guiding presence if you will. Showing his daughter that he is more
    thoughtful of other people and his family.

  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    January 11, 2024 at 10:03 pm in reply to: Lesson 2: Roles that Sell Actors

    Subject Line: John P. Hallar’s Actor Attractors.

    My vision: To be a successful, highly sought after, highly paid writer who has had multiple movies produced and optioned.

    What I learned from doing this assignment is: How to build attractors for actors into a script that actors would like.

    Lead Character Name: Melody Burton

    Role: (Protagonist/Central Character)

    1. What about this role would cause
      an actor to want to be known for it?
    1. It’s an emotionally rich
      character which speaks to the actor’s ability. It also challenges stereotypes
      about aging and contributes to a film that depicts helping a noble cause,
      which we all should do.
  • What makes this character one of
    the most interesting characters in your story?
    1. The character arcs, the
      transformational journey. Going from resigned, overlooked, thrown away to
      happy, helping and enjoying aging.
  • What are the most interesting
    actions the Lead could take in the script?
    1. Rediscovering her
      musical passion, forming deep connections with fellow residents, and
      leading a legendary supergroup in a final performance but also realizing
      the joy of aiding in a noble cause and lastly, not thinking of just yourself
      but everyone around you and how you can help them.
  • How can you introduce this role
    in a way that could sell it to an actor?
    1. It offers an actor
      the opportunity to portray a nuanced character with a rich emotional arc,
      challenging stereotypes about aging but also driving home the
      point about helping others, helping noble causes, and not thinking only
      about yourself but those around you.
  • What could be this character’s
    emotional range?
    1. The range encompasses
      resignation, anger and overlooked feelings, evolving into moments of joy,
      camaraderie, vulnerability, and the bittersweet beauty of creating
      meaningful music in the twilight of her artistic expression.
  • What subtext can the actor play?
    1. They could play subtexts
      related to navigating complex relationships, reconciling with past
      regrets and conflicts, finding renewed purpose and joy through music, and
      embodying the strength and resilience that comes with embracing one’s
      passion in the face of societal expectations and aging.
  • What’s the most interesting
    relationships this character can have?
    1. Melody’s most interesting
      relationship starts with Eve, her daughter who forces Melody into the retirement
      facility and the sale of her home. Once in the facility, it’s Malcolm
      “Groove” Thompson who Melody has had previous relations with
      then Jim Mitchel who presents the idea of starting a band.
  • How will this character’s unique
    voice be presented?
    1. It’s presented through
      a combination of poignant and witty dialogue, expressive musical
      performances, and a nuanced portrayal that balances moments of
      vulnerability with a resilient and determined spirit.
  • What could make this character
    special and unique?
    1. It stems from her dual role as a once-famous jazz musician
      navigating the challenges of aging and rediscovering her passion, making
      her character special in its portrayal of resilience, the enduring
      pursuit of creativity, and the transformative power of music in the later
      stages of life, but to a higher point, thinking less of yourself and help
      others around you and causes that you believe in.
  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    January 10, 2024 at 11:03 pm in reply to: Lesson 1: Characters That Sell Scripts

    Subject Line: John P. Hallar’s Actor attractors for The Quartet.

    My vision: To be a successful, highly sought after, highly paid writer who has had multiple movies produced and optioned.

    What I learned from doing this assignment is: How to build roles into a script that actors would like and how to think about how the actors see a script/role.

    Lead Character Name: Jean Horton

    1. Why would an actor WANT to be known for this role?

    a. This role provides the opportunity for an actor to showcase a complex and layered character, portraying a renowned opera singer navigating the challenges of aging, ego, and redemption. It offers a chance to explore the emotional depth and resilience of a character with a rich history in the world of music.

    2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in the movie?

    a. Jean Horton is intriguing because of her status as a once-famous opera singer who must confront her past, pride, and relationships in a retirement home setting. Her journey from a place of reluctance to embracing her love for music again adds depth and complexity to the character.

    3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead takes in the movie?

    a. Jean’s decision to join a group of retired musicians to perform again, despite her initial reservations, is a compelling action. Her interactions with fellow residents, especially those with whom she shares a complex history, add layers to her character.

    4. How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor?

    a. Jean is introduced as a once-celebrated opera diva who now resides in a retirement home. Her introduction involves a mix of pride, vulnerability, and a guarded demeanor, setting the stage for an actor to explore a character with a rich backstory and internal conflicts.

    5. What is this character’s emotional range?

    a. Jean experiences a wide emotional range, from pride and reluctance to vulnerability and redemption. The character goes through moments of reflection, regret, and ultimately finds a renewed sense of purpose, allowing an actor to showcase a broad emotional spectrum.

    6. What subtext can the actor play?

    a. Jean’s subtext involves navigating her complex relationships, reconciling with past mistakes, and rediscovering her passion for music. The actor can play the internal struggle between maintaining a facade of pride and confronting the vulnerability that comes with aging.

    7. What’s the most interesting relationship this character has?

    a. Jean’s relationship with her fellow musicians, especially her tumultuous history with some of them, adds intrigue. The dynamics of reconciliation, forgiveness, and camaraderie offer rich material for an actor to explore.

    8. How is this character’s unique voice presented?

    a. Jean’s unique voice is presented through her interactions, both spoken and musical. The character’s vocal prowess, coupled with the emotional nuances she brings to her performances, showcases a distinct and memorable voice.

    9. What makes this character special and unique?

    a. Jean Horton stands out as a character due to her iconic past, the challenges she faces in the present, and the journey of self-discovery she undergoes. Her ability to confront personal demons and find redemption makes her special and relatable.

    10. Fill in a scene that shows the character fulfilling much of the Actor Attractor model.

    a. In a pivotal scene, Jean reluctantly agrees to participate in a reunion performance with her fellow musicians. As she steps onto the stage, her internal struggle is palpable. However, as the music begins and she embraces the joy of singing again, her emotional journey becomes a powerful and captivating moment that showcases the actor’s ability to convey depth and authenticity.

    Lead Character Name: Reggie Paget

    1. Why would an actor WANT to be known for this role?

    a. This role provides an actor with the opportunity to portray a seasoned and charming opera singer who brings wit, humor, and a touch of roguish charm to the ensemble. Reggie Paget’s character allows an actor to explore the dynamics of a musician navigating the challenges of aging with grace and a sense of humor.

    2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in the movie?

    a. Reggie Paget is fascinating due to his charismatic personality and his ability to bring levity to the group. His past relationships with other characters, especially Jean Horton, add layers to his character, making him a bridge between the various personalities in the retirement home.

    3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead takes in the movie?

    a. Reggie’s decision to organize and participate in the reunion performance is a pivotal action. His interactions with other residents, offering support and comic relief, contribute to the group dynamics. Additionally, Reggie’s moments of vulnerability add depth to his character.

    4. How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor?

    a. Reggie is introduced as a charismatic and witty former opera singer who has a natural ability to connect with people. His charm, humor, and interactions with fellow residents create an appealing and memorable introduction for an actor.

    5. What is this character’s emotional range?

    a. Reggie exhibits a wide emotional range, from his humorous and lighthearted moments to more introspective and poignant scenes. The character experiences moments of joy, camaraderie, and vulnerability, showcasing a diverse emotional spectrum.

    6. What subtext can the actor play?

    a. Reggie’s subtext involves navigating complex relationships with fellow musicians, especially Jean Horton. The actor can play the nuances of Reggie’s past, his role as a peacemaker, and the deeper emotions beneath his cheerful exterior.

    7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character has?

    a. Reggie’s relationship with Jean Horton is particularly interesting due to their shared history. The dynamics of forgiveness, camaraderie, and understanding add depth to their interactions. Additionally, Reggie’s friendships with other residents contribute to the ensemble’s dynamics.

    8. How is this character’s unique voice presented?

    a. Reggie’s unique voice is presented through his witty and charming dialogue, as well as his vocal performances. The character’s ability to use humor as a coping mechanism and a source of connection gives Reggie a distinct and memorable voice.

    9. What makes this character special and unique?

    a. Reggie Paget stands out for his ability to bring joy and laughter to the group, balancing the emotional weight of the story. His charm, resilience, and the way he navigates his relationships make him special and endearing.

    10. Fill in a scene that shows the character fulfilling much of the Actor Attractor model.

    a. In a scene where tensions rise among the musicians, Reggie diffuses the situation with a well-timed joke and a heartfelt speech about the power of music to heal. This moment showcases the actor’s ability to balance humor and depth, making Reggie a character that resonates with the audience.

  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    January 5, 2024 at 9:51 pm in reply to: Module 2 -Lesson 6: Build In The Genre Conventions

    Subject Line: John P. Hallar’s Genre Conventions

    My vision: To be a successful, highly sought after, highly paid writer who has had multiple movies produced and optioned.

    What I learned from doing this assignment is: How to build in genre conventions into the structure of the script first.

    Title: Melody’s Reprise

    Concept: A 62-year-old guitarist/caregiver forms a band with elderly musicians in the retirement home he works at. Little did he know that some of the patients in the retirement home were world famous musicians in their heyday and proving age can’t silence the timeless passion for music.

    Genre: Drama

    Conventions:

    * PURPOSE: ​ To explore stories with emotional and interpersonal high stakes for their characters.

    * CHARACTER-DRIVEN JOURNEY: ​

    * HIGH STAKES COME FROM WITHIN: ​ EMOTIONALLY RESONATES: ​

    * CHALLENGING, EMOTIONALLY CHARGED SITUATIONS: ​

    * REAL-LIFE SITUATIONS: ​

    Act 1:

    Opening – A handwritten sign on the conservatory door reads: EVE AND MOVERS KEEP OUT! Melody is in her favorite, beautiful glass enclosed conservatory spraying water on the plants and enjoying them. Melody puts on an album of hers, runs her hand over the album cover and starts humming the lyrics as she watches movers move her furniture across the front yard. WE SEE a tear run down her face. We see a For Sale sign go up in the front yard. Melody physically fights with Eve when leaving the house to go see her lung doctor. She kicks the For Sale sign on the way back into the house.

    Inciting Incident – Melody gets moved into Silver Symphony Residence. Eve and the granddaughter bring some of Melody’s possessions, some are awards, two are Grammy’s plus some of her albums. One day when Jim, the new caregiver to Silver Symphony Residence, is bringing Melody her medicines and breathing treatments, he notices the Grammy’s on her shelves.

    Turning Point – A scene at the doctor for Melody’s granddaughter’s diagnosis and need for heart surgery. Eve and Melody must now find a way to raise money for her granddaughter’s surgery.

    Act 2:

    New Plan – Jim, driven by the desire to help Melody’s granddaughter and inspired by the musical talents of the residents, proposes the idea of forming a band with them. Melody and the other residents tentatively agree, and the new plan is set in motion. They decide to prepare for a special performance to raise money for the granddaughter’s heart surgery.

    Plan in Action – Rehearsals begin, and the group faces the challenges of organizing a band with elderly members. They navigate through humorous and heartwarming moments as they rediscover their musical skills and bond over their shared love for music. The retirement home transforms into a lively space filled with the sounds of instruments and laughter.

    MIDPOINT Turning Point 2 – The midpoint turning point comes during a pivotal rehearsal. The group faces internal conflicts and doubts about their ability to pull off a successful performance due to very real physical and mental decline. Tensions rise, and it seems like the dream of raising money for the surgery is slipping away.

    Act 3:

    Rethink Everything – The midpoint turning point comes during a pivotal rehearsal. The group faces internal conflicts and doubts about their ability to pull off a successful performance. Tensions rise, and it seems like the dream of raising money for the surgery might be slipping away. In this moment of crisis, a surprising event or revelation occurs, pushing the characters to confront their fears and recommit to the cause.

    New Plan – The residents come together to create a new plan, incorporating the lessons learned from their challenges. They adjust their performance, address personal conflicts, and find innovative ways to make the final show a resounding success. The new plan reflects a renewed sense of determination and unity among the group.

    Turning Point: Major Setback – The turning point takes a surprising turn as the band’s keyboardist, Oliver “Keys” Davis, dies. By Melody’s POV, at a minimum, it could be her and Keys to play for the performance but now Keys is gone. She can’t trust the other residents to be able to perform and they already doubt their abilities to play. She decides to cancel the performance, but the members vote to get a new keyboardist.

    Act 4:

    Climax – Jim remembers a great jazz pianist he met earlier and asks him to fill in. He accepts. The climax unfolds during the final performance. The band, despite setbacks, start to believe they can deliver a captivating and emotional show. Melody believes again in the performance largely due to the members pushing her on. The culmination of their efforts, combined with the unexpected challenges they faced, makes the performance even more poignant. The audience, including Melody’s family, is moved by the music and the story behind it. So much so that the YouTube video and story go viral, and a GoFundMe account is started. Due to overwhelming support, Melody and Eve raised enough money.

    Resolution – Melody’s granddaughter’s surgery is successful. The retirement home, once a “cage to die in” for Melody becomes a vibrant group of friends for Melody. Celebrating the enduring spirit of music and friendship. The sale of Melody’s house falls through and she could move back into it but now, having her newfound friends and responsibilities, decides to stay at Silver Symphony Residence.

  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    January 3, 2024 at 8:49 pm in reply to: Module 2 -Lesson 5: Four-Act Transformational Structure

    Subject Line: John P. Hallar’s 4 Act Transformational Structure

    My vision: To be a successful, highly sought after, highly paid writer who has had multiple movies produced and optioned.

    What I learned from doing this assignment is: How to build the structure of the script first.

    Concept: A 62-year-old guitarist/caregiver forms a band with elderly musicians in the retirement home he works at. Little did he know that some of the patients in the retirement home were world famous musicians in their heyday and proving age can’t silence the timeless passion for music.

    Main Conflict: Eve forces Melody to sell her house and be put into a home. Melody wants to die at home rather than put in a cage to die.

    Old Ways: Grumpy, not interested in doing anything, not motivated, not alive. Not interested in singing or playing with a band. Mad!

    New Ways: Excited, full of life. Motivated and pleasant around the other residents. Eager to play music.

    Act 1:

    Opening – Melody is at home, sitting in her favorite, beautiful glass enclosed conservatory while movers move her furniture. We also see a For Sale sign going up in the front yard as well as a scene at the doctor for Melody’s lung condition.

    Inciting Incident – Melody gets moved into Silver Symphony Residence. Eve and the granddaughter bring some of Melody’s possessions, some are awards, two are Grammy’s plus some of her albums. One day when Jim, the new caregiver to Silver Symphony Residence, is bringing Melody her medicines and breathing treatments, he notices the Grammy’s on her shelves.

    Turning Point – A scene at the doctor for Melody’s granddaughter’s diagnosis and need for heart surgery. Eve and Melody must now find a way to raise money for her granddaughter’s surgery.

    Act 2:

    New Plan – Jim, driven by the desire to help Melody’s granddaughter and inspired by the musical talents of the residents, proposes the idea of forming a band with them. Melody and the other residents tentatively agree, and the new plan is set in motion. They decide to prepare for a special performance to raise money for the granddaughter’s heart surgery.

    Plan in Action – Rehearsals begin, and the group faces the challenges of organizing a band with elderly members. They navigate through humorous and heartwarming moments as they rediscover their musical skills and bond over their shared love for music. The retirement home transforms into a lively space filled with the sounds of instruments and laughter.

    MIDPOINT Turning Point 2 – The midpoint turning point comes during a pivotal rehearsal. The group faces internal conflicts and doubts about their ability to pull off a successful performance due to very real physical and mental decline. Tensions rise, and it seems like the dream of raising money for the surgery is slipping away.

    Act 3:

    Rethink Everything – The midpoint turning point comes during a pivotal rehearsal. The group faces internal conflicts and doubts about their ability to pull off a successful performance. Tensions rise, and it seems like the dream of raising money for the surgery might be slipping away. In this moment of crisis, a surprising event or revelation occurs, pushing the characters to confront their fears and recommit to the cause.

    New Plan – The residents come together to create a new plan, incorporating the lessons learned from their challenges. They adjust their performance, address personal conflicts, and find innovative ways to make the final show a resounding success. The new plan reflects a renewed sense of determination and unity among the group.

    Turning Point: Major Setback – The turning point takes a surprising turn as the bands keyboardist, Oliver “Keys” Davis, dies. By Melody’s POV, at a minimum, it could be her and Keys to play for the performance but now Keys is gone. She can’t trust the other residents to be able to perform. She decides to cancel the performance.

    Act 4:

    Climax – Jim remembers a great jazz pianist he met earlier and asks him to fill in. He accepts. The climax unfolds during the final performance. The band, despite setbacks, delivers a captivating and emotional show that resonates with the audience. The culmination of their efforts, combined with the unexpected challenges they faced, makes the performance even more poignant. The audience, including Melody’s family, is moved by the music and the story behind it. So much so that the YouTube video and story go viral, and a GoFundMe account is started. Due to overwhelming support, Melody and Eve raise enough money.

    Resolution – Melody’s granddaughter’s surgery is successful. The retirement home, once a “cage to die in” for Melody becomes a vibrant group of friends for Melody. Celebrating the enduring spirit of music and friendship. The sale of Melody’s house falls through and she could move back into it but now, having her newfound friends and responsibilities, decides to stay at Silver Symphony Residence.

  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    January 1, 2024 at 5:58 pm in reply to: Module 2 -Lesson 4: What’s Beneath the Surface?

    Subject Line: John P. Hallar’s Subtext Plot

    My vision: To be a successful, highly sought after, highly paid writer who has had multiple movies produced and optioned.

    What I learned from doing this assignment is: how to add depth to the story via the subplots and subtexts.

    Concept: A 62-year-old guitarist/caregiver forms a band with elderly musicians in the retirement home he works at. Little did he know that some of the patients in the retirement home were world famous musicians in their heyday and proving age can’t silence the timeless passion for music.

    Subtext Plot Choice: Layering

    How the Subtext Plot might play out inside this story.

    1. The discovery of Melody’s past musical career and awards. Jim, the caregiver, sees albums, trophies and even pictures of Melody with other musicians.

    2. Melody’s relationship with Eve. Initially it seems that Eve is selling the house for money but later we find out it’s for her daughter’s heart surgery.

    3. Melody’s relationship with Groove. Later in the story we find out that Melody and Groove were an item back in the day but still have feelings for each other.

    4. Jim meets Keys. He talks keys into playing at the Silver Symphony Residence. After a view performances Melody attends the shows. This leads to Keys, Jim, and Melody jamming.

    5. Jim learns that several of the other residents are also past jazz greats. At first, some are hesitant to share their past but eventually do and eventually warm up to the idea of performing.

    6. Melody’s granddaughter’s surgery. Initially Melody is not ok with raising money for her granddaughter via a performance due to her lung illness but eventually does the performance.

    7. Living in the retirement home. Initially Melody labels it as “living in a cage” but when the opportunity comes at the end of the movie to move back to her home, she decides to stay.

  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    December 30, 2023 at 3:09 pm in reply to: Module 2 -Lesson 3: The Transformational Journey

    Subject Line: John P. Hallar’s Transformational Journey

    My Vision: To be a successful, highly sought after, highly paid writer who has had multiple movies produced and optioned.

    What I learned from doing this assignment is: especially for the Protagonist, is how to think ahead of their arc, their journey from beginning to end throughout the story.

    Character Arc for Melody (Protagonist):

  • Arc Beginning:
    Mad about life, death of husband, health issues, being sent to an assisted
    living facility.
  • Arc Ending: Excited
    about life, helping granddaughter, living in an assisted living facility.

  • Her Internal/External Journey:

  • Internal Journey:
    From mad, angry to happy, understanding.
  • External Journey: From
    timid, withdrawn to powerful, outgoing and social.
  • Old Ways VS. New Ways:

  • Old Ways: Grumpy,
    not interested in doing anything, not motivated, not alive. Mad!
  • New Ways: Excited,
    full of life. Motivated and pleasant around the other residents.
  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    December 28, 2023 at 9:14 pm in reply to: Module 2 -Lesson 2: Intentional Lead Characters

    Subject Line: John P. Hallar’s Intentional Lead Characters

    My vision: To be a successful, highly sought after, highly paid writer who has had multiple movies produced and optioned.

    What I learned from doing this assignment is: How to create/define my lead characters so they not only fit the story BUT the story must have those lead characters and how they work hand and hand.

    Logline: A 62-year-old caregiver unleashes the musical magic of forgotten legends in his care at the retirement home, forming a band that redefines the meaning of timeless passion for music and one last performance.

    Character: Jim Mitchel

    Logline: A 62-year-old caregiver stumbles upon a dusty record collection of the forgotten jazz greats also known as the elderly residents, overcoming doubts to form a band that becomes a source of joy, and healing for Melody.

    Unique: Jim is the Caregiver/Personal Care Assistant who works at the facility where the aging, former famous and world class jazz musicians reside. At age fourteen he saw Johnny Winter and came out of the concert wanting to be a “rock god!” He’s always played guitar and loves music.

    Character: Melody Burton
    Logline: Melody rediscovers the joy of performance but also confronts unresolved conflicts, leading to a triumphant final act that echoes the enduring passion and purpose of music in her golden years.

    Unique: The story revolves around Melody. A former Emmy winning recording artist, Melody was one the best female Jazz and Blues singers in her day. After her husband died and a recent lung condition that hospitalized her, her kids decided to put her in a home. Still able to sing, she craves to play with a band again but faces challenges physically and mentally.

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  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    December 27, 2023 at 1:41 pm in reply to: Module 2 -Lesson 1: Great Outlines Make Great Scripts!

    Subject Line: John P. Hallar’s Title, Concept, and Character Structure!

    My vision: To be a successful, highly sought after, highly paid writer who has had multiple movies produced and optioned.

    What I learned in this assignment is how to think about character structure within an outline.

    Title: Melody’s Reprise

    Concept: A 62-year-old guitarist/caregiver forms a band with elderly musicians , former world class jazz musicians, in the retirement home he works at to help raise money for Melody’s grandchild who needs open heart surgery.

    Character Structure = Buddy Movie

  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    December 22, 2023 at 4:14 pm in reply to: Lesson 16

    Subject line: John P. Hallar’s Profound Map (Version 1)

    What I learned in this lesson is how to put the entire course into one profound map.

    TITLE: Familiar Strangers
    WRITTEN BY: John P. Hallar

    1. What is Your Profound Truth? Family bonds and love are deeper AND STRONGER
      than any other.
    2. What is the Transformational
      Journey?

      Old Ways: Em is a lonely, narcissistic elderly veteran who
      believes he can control things, manipulate things and people with money. His main rule: All that matters is me. – Lonely –
      Hardheaded – Arrogant – Narcissistic
      – Being in Control – Doesn’t care about anyone else. – Sees himself as in control and that everyone must
      listen to him.
      Journey:
      When Judith comes into Em’s life, it creates a temporary
      distraction from the truth that Em has been ignoring all along. Only when
      Judith turns out to be a con artist showing Em that his plan for a “bought”
      family won’t happen, that he is forced to face and recognize the truth of his
      relationship with Kimberly.
      New Ways:
      Em has realized that he had
      true love all along, with his daughter. His new rules: Open minded –
      considerate – listen to others – loves his daughter.
      Transformational Logline:
      A lonely 93-year-old retiree’s pursuit of love and companionship
      becomes a journey of self-discovery, as he learns that attempting to buy affection leads to deception,
      prompting a powerful realization
      that his true family and love have been present all along with his daughter.
    3. Who are Your Lead Characters? Em, Judith, and Kimberly
      Change Agent (the one causing the change):
      Judith
      Transformable Character(s) (the one who makes the change):
      Em
      Betraying Character (if you have one):
      Judith
      Oppression:
      The fake relationship. The con game.
    4. How Do You Connect with Your
      Audience in the Beginning of the Movie?

    A. Relatability: We all, or most of us, have elderly parents. If those parents live away from family, then they are subject to being taken advantage of.
    B. Intrigue:
    Is Judith saying who she really is. Why the hatred between Em and Kimberly.
    C. Empathy:
    Em is lonely. He wants the family he thought he never had.
    D. Likability:
    Em is very giving, too much so. To a fault.

    1. What is the Gradient of the
      Change? What steps do the Transformational Characters go through as they
      are changing?
    1. Gradient
      1. The Emotional Gradient. Excitement.
      Em is excited that he’s finally going to have the
      family he always wanted. He’ll finally get to have Thanksgiving and
      Christmas with someone.
    1. The "Forced
      Change" Emotional Gradient. Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression,
      and Acceptance.
    1. Denial:Once Em begins to realize
      that Judith is not the person, he thought she was and that she was just
      using him for his money he begins to come up with excuses as to why he
      paid her all that money.
    2. Anger:Em begins to tell Artie that he is pissed with
      Judith and how dare she do what she did. He will never forgive her.
    3. Bargaining:Em bargains with Artie to save
      face, show he was in control the whole time and knew what he was doing
      and what she was doing.
    4. Depression:Em barely eats for a couple
      weeks as the profound truth of the con hits home.
    5. Acceptance. Em must face the facts that Judith betrayed him and that
      the family he planned and paid for will in fact never work out. He was
      forced to accept that truth.
  • Gradient
    2. The Action Gradient
    1. Setup:

      <ul type=”disc”>

    1. Em’s apartment. His lonely “cave”.
    2. Introduction of Judith.
    3. Judith’s release from Southern freeing her up to do whatever
      she wants with Em.
    1. Journey:

      <ul type=”disc”>

    1. Em meets Judith.
    2. Em hatches his plan.
    3. Em announces his plan and Judith more than willingly
      accepts.
    4. Em makes all these plans for a family based on lies and
      deceit.
    5. Judith
      changes her mind about going on a vacation with Em.
    6. Em
      begins to realize Judith is not who she says she is and that he broke.
    7. Em asks
      Kimberly for the inheritance money back that he gave her.
    8. Kimberly
      denies Em’s request for the money.
    9. Em disowns
      Kimberly.
    10. Judith
      borrows more money then immediately blocks his phone number.
    11. Em faces
      the truth that Judith was never going to divorce her husband and marry
      him.
    1. Payoff<b style="color: var(--bb-body-text-color);">:

      <ul type=”disc”>

    1. Em finally realizes that he had the family he craved all along
      with his own kid, Kimberly. He calls Kimberly to ask for forgiveness
      for everything he’s done over the years and asks to be reunited.
    2. Kimberly forgives him.
    3. Em moves back to Florida to be closer to Kimberly and live
      out his years close to her.
    1. Gradient
      3. The Challenge / Weakness Gradient
    1. Challenge: Having to make a major life-changing decision.
    2. Weakness: Ignorance,
      Loneliness.
    3. Challenge: Em is 93, Judith is 45.
    4. Weakness: Em has money, so he tries to buy her affection.
    5. Challenge: Judith is already
      married.
    6. Weakness: Ignorance. Em gives
      Judith the money for the divorce, buys her a ring. He overreacts.
    7. Challenge: To move on.
    8. Weakness: He’s back to being
      alone again. He lays in his bed replaying the events in his mind over
      and over again.
    1. What
      is the Transformational Structure of Your Story?

    1. [MM1]
      Ordinary World:

      We meet our 93-year-old veteran, Em, living a lonely life and yearning
      for love and family. The inciting incident occurs when he encounters a
      captivating younger female caregiver, Judith, sparking a desire for
      companionship.
    2. [MM2]
      Denial of the Call:
      Initially,
      Em denies the unconventional nature of his newfound connection and the
      potential consequences. As Em becomes increasingly involved with
      Judith, he inadvertently becomes locked into a conflict that jeopardizes
      his family ties.
    3. [MM3]
      First Attempts:
      Seeking
      fulfillment, Em turns to the traditional means of solving his loneliness,
      reaching out to his only friends Arthur and Michelle. Jackie and his
      neighbor Victor. However, these attempts fail, closing off
      conventional avenues for resolution, leaving Em with limited options.
    4. [MM4]
      Bigger Plan Gone Wrong:
      Determined
      to find love, Em hatches a bigger plan, unaware of the true intentions of
      the captivating Judith. Em proposes to Judith. She accepts but
      first she must get divorced from her current husband. As the supposed
      divorce that Em paid for is going on, the two plan a vacation to Em’s
      past residences but also to move into a two bedroom together. The
      plan goes horribly wrong due to crucial information about Judith’s
      motives that Em lacked and Em’s failing mental capabilities due to his
      extreme age.
    5. [MM5]
      Confronting the Need to Change:
      Judith
      and Em move into a two-bedroom apartment together. Immediately Em
      confronts Judith about not sleeping in the same bed as him. Weeks later
      Judith has an unannounced friend over to cook dinner. Em is not invited
      to the dinner which they eat in the other bedroom. Faced with this new
      arrangement and realization and the consequences of his actions, Em
      realizes his own weaknesses and the need for change. Judith makes
      an excuse that she is sick and cannot take the vacation they had planned
      months ago. Em begins to realize that Judith is not who she seems. He
      retreats to reflect and internalize the lessons, acknowledging that he
      cannot continue the same path. He goes through the classic stages of
      grief, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally, acceptance.
      Judith has taken Em for all his money.
    6. [MM6]
      New Plan with Change:
      Em
      spawns a new plan, this time embracing change in his approach to love and
      family. After only two months together, Em notifies Judith that he cannot
      continue to live with her and must move back into a one-bedroom
      apartment. As Em puts the plan into action, he is nearly destroyed by a
      revelation from his request to Kimberly to give him back the inheritance
      money he gave her six months prior. Kimberly refuses, thus creating a
      major, almost irreconcilable divide. One that threatens the family bond
      between Em and Kimberly forever. Kimberly is correct to assume the money
      will go to Judith.
    7. [MM7]
      Revelation and Turning the Tables:
      The revelation transforms the veteran’s
      understanding of love and family, giving him the strength to face the
      conflict. After Kimberly’s refusal to bail out Em, he has only one
      option, to stand on his own two feet with the help of his rollator of
      course. He rejoins the battle against the wishes of his family, friends,
      and his growing awareness with renewed fervor, turning the tables on the
      forces threatening his family ties. Em continues with Judith, first
      bailing her out of jail on a shoplifting arrest, paying to get her towed
      car out of storage then providing one last payment for her rent and car
      payment.
    8. [MM8]
      Resolution and New World:
      Em
      overcomes Judith’s blatant motive to not be involved with him when
      immediately after he gives her money for rent and a car payment, which
      she had her daughter pick up because she was supposedly sick, she blocks
      his number making it impossible for Em to call or contact her. She cuts
      him off cold turkey right before the Thanksgiving holidays. This is the
      final, hurtful, and devastating straw for Em. He now knows Judith never
      had any intention of marrying him and creating a family with him.

    The story concludes with Em, now transformed and understanding why Kimberly refused to send the money, reconciles with Kimberly thus moving into a new world of genuine connections with Kimberly, realizing that the love he needed was always within reach.

    1. How
      are the “Old Ways” Challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a
      main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
    1. Old Way: Reliance on men.
    1. Challenge: Judith challenges this rule by being her own woman. She pretends
      or leads Em
      to think he’s in charge but in her own mind, she has no
      intentions of letting him be the boss.
    2. Challenge Question: How does the “old school” belief in men being charge and providing for women accommodate and embrace the diverse strengths,
      talents, and
      ambitions that individuals, regardless of gender, bring to
      a modern society?
    3. How it might play out: Em not embracing the new times, since he is so old, will fail
      immediately.
  • Old Way: That he could buy a family, love.
    1. Challenge: Judith disrupts Em’s plan by going along with it till the money
      runs out.
    2. Challenge Question: How does this approach contribute to the authenticity and depth of
      meaningful relationships.
    3. How it might play out: Em embraces a lie which goes on as long as Judith wants it to.
  • Old Way: That his existing relationship with Kimberly is severed forever.
    1. Challenge: Em must overcome the fact that he is no longer in charge of
      Kimberly and that she needs to do whatever he says. She is her own woman
      now. She can make decisions that he will disagree with. She will
      challenge him.
    2. Challenge Question: Would a more open and empathetic communication about values,
      understanding, and mutual respect contribute to the potential for
      rebuilding and strengthening their connection?
    3. How it might play out: If Em would only freaking talk with Kimberly and listen to why
      she did what she did he might understand and the relationship could be
      healed.
  • Old Way: That his mental health is failing and that he must relinquish some control.
    1. Challenge: Em must learn and/or understand that he does not have the mental
      faculties he once had and that he needs to lean on and trust Kimberly
      more and more.
    2. Challenge Question: Could Em’s embrace of vulnerability and seeking support from others
      enhance his overall well-being and potentially lead to a more fulfilling
      and supported late stage of life?
    3. How it might play out: Em would gradually see that his old ways are not working.
      He is so desperate he finally begins to try whatever will work,
      relinquishing control.
  • 5 Counterexamples to an
    Old
    Way(s).
    1. Old Way: Reliance on Men
    1. Challenge: Judith challenges this rule by being her own woman. She pretends
      or leads Em to think he’s in charge but in her own mind, she has no
      intentions of letting him be the boss.
  • Counterexample: Imagine
    a thriving community where both men and women
    actively collaborate in leadership roles, each contributing
    their unique skills and perspectives.
    1. How it might play out: Em wouldn’t have tried to plan out everything thinking Judith
      couldn’t do it nor wanted to do it thus he would have relied on Judith
      to provide input, solutions and contribute financially thus saving him
      his money.
  • Old Way: That he could buy a family, love.
    1. Challenge: Judith disrupts Em’s plan by going along with it till the money
      runs out.
    2. Counterexample: That two individuals build a strong bond based on shared
      values, mutual respect, and emotional connection.
    3. How it might play out: If Em had employed this thinking he would have seen that the relationship
      could not continue without buying her out.
  • Old Way: That his existing relationship with Kimberly is severed forever.
    1. Challenge: Em must overcome the fact that he is no longer in charge of
      Kimberly and that she needs to do whatever he says. She is her own
      woman now. She can make decisions that he will disagree with. She will
      challenge him.
    2. Counterexample: Imagine a scenario where Em and Kimberly engage in open
      and honest communication about their differences, acknowledging and
      respecting each other’s perspectives.
    3. How it might play out: If Em could embrace this, then he initially would not be able to
      help Judith financially thus ending the con, exposing who she really
      was then Em would at least have some money to fall back on once
      Kimberly believes Judith is gone forever.
  • Old Way: That his mental health is failing and that he must relinquish some control.
    1. Challenge: Em must learn and/or understand that he does not have the mental
      faculties he once had and that he needs to lean on and trust Kimberly
      more and more.
    2. Counterexample: Em, recognizing the importance of his personal well-being,
      decides to proactively seek support. Despite his initial hesitation to
      relinquish control, he engages and embraces a support network.
    3. How it might play out: As the story plays out, Em begins to realize that his
      mental faculties are not what they use to be and he opens up to the
      idea of letting Kimberly help him.

    8. How are You Presenting Insights through Profound Moments? Irony.

    1. Insight: Giver vs. the Taker

    Irony: Em gives, gives, and gives. Contrast this with Judith who takes, takes, and takes.

    2. Insight: Appearances aren’t always what they seem.

    Irony: Judith’s way or technique of providing for Maddie. Contrast her conning, stealing from only for the sole purpose of providing for her teenage daughter who she is 100% committed to.

    3. Insight: Strength is found in vulnerability.

    Irony: Em firmly believes that his daughter wants no part in his life only to face profound loneliness. Contrast this with the new Em who embraces vulnerability, discovering resilience and support through authentic connections of his family, daughter.

    4. Insight: Success doesn’t guarantee fulfillment.

    a. Irony: Em achieves his goal of having Judith move in but feels empty. Counter this with Judith, who feels like she has fallen to new lows having to move in with Em but has won a free place to live.

    5. Insight: Forgiveness liberates the forgiver.

    a. Irony: Em, in asking for the inheritance money back and not getting it from Kimberly, faces inner turmoil about the abandonment. Contrast this with the new Em who forgives Kimberly despite the perceived wrongdoing, experiencing a sense of liberation and emotional freedom.

    8. What are the Most Profound Lines of the Movie?

    1. “Look, love is love at any age between anybody, regardless of whether it’s right or wrong”.

    a. Emotion and meaning of the scene – Tense/Power Struggle. Em and Kimberly are fighting over is blood thicker than water.

    b. Em’s new Line – “Love respects no age or judgment. It holds an unwavering truth—a force unburdened by societal standards, ever resilient in its pursuit.”

    2. “Chosen bonds are more significant than the bonds with family. Family will always let you down.”

    a. Emotion and meaning of the scene – Tense/Power Struggle. Em and Kimberly are fighting over is blood thicker than water.

    b. Em’s New Line – “Selected bonds possess an inherent depth, a purposeful intertwining of lives that transcends mere chance.”

    3. “I’ll never be able to right the wrong I did to my family, Kimmy especially.”

    a. Emotion and meaning of the scene – Remorse. Em regrets what he did to his family.

    b. New Line – “I know I can’t undo the pain I’ve caused, especially with Kimmy. It’s a regret I must live with.”

    4. “No well about it. Is your agency trying to control her goddamn private life too?”

    a. Emotion and meaning of the scene – Frustration and anger. Em is trying to find out what Arty is going to think about his plan, although hidden at this point, is to see what Arty thinks about Judith coming over on her own now.

    b. New Line – “Let’s cut to the chase. Is your agency attempting to dictate her private affairs as well? It reeks of an unwarranted intrusion.”

    5. “Whadya mean hold up. She’s not an employee of yours anymore. She can do whatever the fuck she wants, whatever goddamn well pleases her.”

    a. Emotion and meaning of the scene – Frustration and anger. Em is trying to find out what Arty is going to think about his plan, although hidden at this point, is to see what Arty thinks about Judith coming over on her own now.

    b. New Line – “What do you mean by ‘hold up’? She’s no longer under your employment. She possesses the autonomy to pursue whatever fulfills her, irrespective of your constraints.”

    9. How Do You Leave Us with A Profound Ending?


    1. What is your Profound Truth and how will it be delivered powerfully in your ending?

    A. The profound truth in Em is that family bonds are stronger than any other.

    B. It will be delivered visually, with Em and Kimberly on her front porch together again.

    2. How do your lead characters (Change Agent and Transformable Characters) come to an end in a way that represents the completed change?

    A. Judith, the CA, in her last con confirms to Em that he was looking in the wrong relationship for love, companionship.

    B. Em, the TC, finally comes to terms with his relationship with Judith and his plan for creating a family was never right in the first place. He forgives Kimberly then re-connects with her.

    3. What is the setup/payoffs that complete in the end of this movie, giving it deep meaning?

    A. Setup: Em goes to the deepest level of despair, loneliness, and depression before he breaks and re-unites with Kimberly.

    B. Payoff: Em and his real family, the family bond, are stronger and have lasted through this tough journey.

    4. How are you designing it to have us see an inevitable ending and then make it surprising when it happens?

    A. Until the very end, it will appear that Em will NEVER forgive Kimberly and that he would rather die alone than forgive her.

    5. What is the Parting Image/Line that leaves us with the Profound Truth in our minds?

    A. Em and Kimberly on her front porch, having tea and sitting together. Being together again.

  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    December 19, 2023 at 9:46 pm in reply to: Lesson 15

    Subject line: John P. Hallar’s Builds Meaning with Dialogue

    What I learned doing this assignment is how to build on particular lines of dialogue to give it more meaning, an arc that comes back later in the script with either more meaning or a different meaning.

    1. “Love respects no age or judgment. It holds an unwavering truth—a force unburdened by societal standards, ever resilient in its pursuit.”

    a. Beginning Meaning = That love can’t be bridled. That you must let it go where it goes.

    b. Ending Meaning = That family love, and love it truly is, should have no judgement of past mistakes placed upon it.

    2. “Selected bonds possess an inherent depth, a purposeful intertwining of lives that transcends mere chance.”

    a. Beginning Meaning = Love outside of family is stronger than family ties and bonds.

    b. Ending Meaning = Family bonds are stronger than any “planned” arrangements or bonds.

    3. “I know I can’t undo the pain I’ve caused, especially with Kimmy. It’s a regret I must live with.”

    a. Beginning Meaning = That Em will never be able to have a relationship with Kimmy ever again.

    b. Ending Meaning = He has to live with it but their relationship can be healed and does heal.

  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    December 19, 2023 at 9:28 pm in reply to: Lesson 15

    Subject line: John P. Hallar’s Height of the Emotion

    What I learned doing this assignment is how to look for emotional moments in a scene and in my scripts and give them deeper meaning.

    1. “Look, love is love at any age between anybody, regardless of whether it’s right or wrong”.

    a. Emotion and meaning of the scene – Tense/Power Struggle. Em and Kimberly are fighting over is blood thicker than water.

    b. Em’s new Line – “Love respects no age or judgment. It holds an unwavering truth—a force unburdened by societal standards, ever resilient in its pursuit.”

    2. “Chosen bonds are more significant than the bonds with family. Family will always let you down.”

    a. Emotion and meaning of the scene – Tense/Power Struggle. Em and Kimberly are fighting over is blood thicker than water.

    b. Em’s New Line – “Selected bonds possess an inherent depth, a purposeful intertwining of lives that transcends mere chance.”

    3. “I’ll never be able to right the wrong I did to my family, Kimmy especially.”

    a. Emotion and meaning of the scene – Remorse. Em regrets what he did to his family.

    b. New Line – “I know I can’t undo the pain I’ve caused, especially with Kimmy. It’s a regret I must live with.”

    4. “No well about it. Is your agency trying to control her goddamn private life too?”

    a. Emotion and meaning of the scene – Frustration and anger. Em is trying to find out what Arty is going to think about his plan, although hidden at this point, is to see what Arty thinks about Judith coming over on her own now.

    b. New Line – “Let’s cut to the chase. Is your agency attempting to dictate her private affairs as well? It reeks of an unwarranted intrusion.”

    5. “Whadya mean hold up. She’s not an employee of yours anymore. She can do whatever the fuck she wants, whatever goddamn well pleases her.”

    a. Emotion and meaning of the scene – Frustration and anger. Em is trying to find out what Arty is going to think about his plan, although hidden at this point, is to see what Arty thinks about Judith coming over on her own now.

    b. New Line – “What do you mean by ‘hold up’? She’s no longer under your employment. She possesses the autonomy to pursue whatever fulfills her, irrespective of your constraints.”

  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    December 17, 2023 at 3:18 pm in reply to: Lesson 14

    Subject line: John P. Hallar Delivers Irony!

    What I learned doing this assignment is to sprinkle some ironies within my scripts but also how to do it.

    1. Insight: Giver vs. the Taker

    a. Irony: Em gives, gives, and gives. Contrast this with Judith who takes, takes, and takes.

    2. Insight: Appearances aren’t always what they seem.

    a. Irony: Judith’s way or technique of providing for Maddie. Contrast her conning, stealing from Em only for the sole purpose of providing for her teenage daughter who she is 100% committed to.

    3. Insight: Strength is found in vulnerability.

    a. Irony: Em firmly believes that his daughter wants no part in his life only to face profound loneliness. Contrast this with the new Em who embraces vulnerability, discovering resilience and support through authentic connections of his family, daughter.

    4. Insight: Success doesn’t guarantee fulfillment.

    a. Irony: Em achieves his goal of having Judith move in but feels empty. Counter this with Judith, who feels like she has fallen to new lows having to move in with Em but has won a free place to live.

    5. Insight: Forgiveness liberates the forgiver.

    a. Irony: Em, in asking for the inheritance money back and not getting it from Kimberly, faces inner turmoil about the abandonment. Contrast this with the new Em who forgives Kimberly despite the perceived wrongdoing, experiencing a sense of liberation and emotional freedom.

  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    December 15, 2023 at 5:01 pm in reply to: Lesson 13

    Subject line: John P. Hallar – Delivers Insights Through Conflict

    What I learned doing this assignment is how to consider AND deliver insights through the multiple types of conflicts.

    1. Manipulation of Narrative Devices:

    a. Conflict Approach: Giulio, recognizing John’s reliance on storytelling, exploits this vulnerability. He introduces conflicting narratives, sowing doubt and confusion among the characters and the audience. As John struggles to maintain control over his narrative, the very tools he once trusted become instruments of manipulation, creating a battle not just for justice but for the integrity of the story itself.

    2. Unraveling Language’s Limits:

    a. Conflict Approach: John encounters instances where language fails to capture the nuances of human emotion and motive. In critical confrontations, he realizes that words, even with their otherworldly potency, can only reveal so much. This conflict forces John to confront the limitations of his craft, adding a layer of complexity to his journey as he grapples with the ineffable aspects of the human experience that defy easy expression.

    3. Struggle for Control over Characters:

    a. Conflict Approach: Giulio discovers a way to influence the characters within John’s stories, turning allies into adversaries and vice versa. The conflict escalates as John battles not only against Giulio but also against the very characters he created, highlighting the blurred lines between the storyteller and the story’s subjects. This struggle emphasizes the unpredictable nature of narrative power.

    4. Temporal Distortions in Storytelling:

    a. Conflict Approach: Giulio gains the ability to manipulate time within the narrative. He creates temporal distortions that alter the sequence of events, complicating John’s investigation. This conflict challenges John’s understanding of cause and effect within his own stories, forcing him to navigate a narrative landscape where the past, present, and future are no longer linear, adding a layer of temporal complexity to the literary showdown.

    5. Revelation of Unseen Realities:

    a. Conflict Approach: Giulio reveals hidden dimensions within the literary world—realms where the consequences of John’s words play out in ways he never anticipated. As John grapples with the unintended repercussions of his storytelling, he must confront the ethical implications of his craft. This conflict forces him to reevaluate the impact of his words on the lives of the characters he creates, questioning the fine line between authorship and responsibility.

  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    December 13, 2023 at 1:40 pm in reply to: Lesson 12

    Subject line: John P. Hallar’s Seabiscuit Analysis

    What I learned doing this assignment is how to show, not tell BUT also HOW TO find and deliver profound moments in my scripts.

    Seabiscuit’s First Victory:

    What Made It Profound: Seabiscuit’s first major victory is a pivotal moment as it establishes the horse’s potential and resilience. The scene symbolizes the triumph of an underdog and marks the beginning of Seabiscuit’s journey from an overlooked racehorse to a symbol of hope.

    Red Pollard’s Personal Struggles:

    What Made It Profound: Scenes depicting Red Pollard’s personal struggles, including his fractured relationship with his family and his battles with injury and poverty, add depth to his character. These moments illustrate the challenges faced by the human protagonists and contribute to the overall theme of resilience and redemption.

    Seabiscuit’s Match Race with War Admiral:

    What Made It Profound: The match race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral is a climactic and emotionally charged scene. It symbolizes the culmination of Seabiscuit’s journey and the collective efforts of the team. The triumph over the highly favored War Admiral underscores the power of determination and the ability to overcome overwhelming odds.

    Charles Howard’s Reflection on Loss:

    What Made It Profound: Charles Howard’s reflections on the loss of his son and the impact of the Great Depression on his life provide a poignant and contemplative moment. It deepens the emotional complexity of the film, highlighting the personal struggles and losses that individuals endured during a challenging era.

    The Rehabilitation of Seabiscuit:

    What Made It Profound: Scenes depicting Seabiscuit’s rehabilitation, both physically and emotionally, after being considered difficult and damaged, showcase the transformative power of care and understanding. The horse’s journey becomes a metaphor for personal healing and redemption.

    Tom Smith’s Silent Connection with Seabiscuit:

    What Made It Profound: Tom Smith’s silent and intuitive connection with Seabiscuit stands out. The scenes where Smith understands the horse’s needs without words emphasize the profound bond between humans and animals. It speaks to the unspoken language of empathy and understanding.

    The Aftermath of Victory:

    What Made It Profound: The aftermath of Seabiscuit’s victories, especially the impact on the nation during the Great Depression, adds societal significance to the narrative. It portrays the collective yearning for symbols of hope and resilience during difficult times.

    Red Pollard’s Redemption Ride:

    What Made It Profound: Red Pollard’s redemption ride on Seabiscuit, especially after recovering from a severe injury, symbolizes personal triumph over adversity. The scene highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the power of determination to overcome physical and emotional challenges.

  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    December 11, 2023 at 12:02 am in reply to: Lesson 11

    Subject: John P. Hallar – Living Metaphors:

    What I learned doing this assignment is to explore the use of metaphors that challenges the old way of thinking.

    1. Five Should Work, But Doesn’t Challenges

    a. Old Way: That men provide for the woman. That women cannot provide for themselves.

    b. Challenge:

    i. Embracing equality and recognizing each person’s unique capabilities strengthen relationships, fostering shared responsibility and mutual empowerment beyond traditional gender roles?

    ii. Acknowledging and embracing the diverse talents and strengths of both partners enhance the richness and resilience of a relationship, fostering equality and shared responsibility?

    iii. In a world where capabilities are diverse, consider the strength in a partnership where both individuals contribute, flourishing like a garden of interdependent, thriving flowers.

    iv. Reimagined relationships as a collaborative journey, where both partners contribute diverse strengths, fostering a garden of shared prosperity and self-reliance.

    v. Relationships as a tandem bicycle ride, where both partners pedal together, sharing the journey and embracing mutual support

    2. Five Living Metaphor Challenges

    a. Old Way: That men provide for the woman. That women cannot provide for themselves.

    b. Challenge

    i. Metaphor: A harmonious dance where partners share the lead, creating a symphony of balance and equality.

    ii. Metaphor: A garden where both flowers and trees thrive together, each contributing unique beauty and strength, creating a vibrant and resilient ecosystem.

    iii. Metaphor: Picture a symphony where every instrument, regardless of its traditional role, plays a crucial part, creating a harmonious and powerful composition.

    iv. Envision a dance where both partners take turns leading, creating a graceful and harmonious rhythm that transcends the limitations of traditional roles.

    v. A two-winged bird, soaring to new heights when both wings contribute to the flight, embodying shared strength and independence.

    3. How do you think it would play out in the story? Em would start to employ that Judith needs to dance too, use her wing, play her instrument to contribute to the piece, be her own flower in the garden so that she contributes equally.

  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    December 9, 2023 at 5:04 pm in reply to: Introduce Yourself to the Group

    1. Name? John P. Hallar

    2. How many scripts you’ve written? I’ve written roughly six scripts and one book.

    3. What you hope to get out of the class? Everything I can! I want to create incredible movies/scripts so why not give this class a chance!

    4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? I was somewhat raised by two alcoholic parents. I’m a father of one Aspergers child, one trans individual which happens to be the same person. My wife and own our own non-medical in-home health care business. I currently have a 93 year old veteran who has been a honey hole of story content. 🙂

  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    December 9, 2023 at 4:59 pm in reply to: Confidentiality Agreement

    I, John P. Hallar, agree to the terms of this GROUP RELEASE FORM below.

    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.

  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    December 9, 2023 at 1:18 pm in reply to: Lesson 10

    What I learned doing this assignment is to examine each scene where I could challenge the old way of thinking.

    1. Go through your story outline
      or script and brainstorm the following:
    2. 5 Challenge Question(s) to an
      Old Way(s).
    1. Old
      Way:
      Reliance on
      Men
    2. Challenge: Judith
      challenges this rule by being her own woman. She pretends or leads Em
      to think he’s in charge but in her own mind, she has no intentions of
      letting him be the boss.
    3. Challenge
      Question:
      How does the
      “old school” belief in men being in charge and providing for
      women accommodate and embrace the diverse strengths, talents, and
      ambitions that individuals, regardless of gender, bring to a modern
      society?
    4. How
      it might play out:
      Em
      not embracing the new times, since he is so old, will fail immediately.
    1. Old
      Way:
      That he could buy a family, love.
    2. Challenge: Judith
      disrupts Em’s plan by going along with it till the money runs out.
    3. Challenge
      Question:
      How does this
      approach contribute to the authenticity and depth of meaningful
      relationships.
    4. How
      it might play out:
      Em
      embraces a lie which goes on as long as Judith wants it to.
    1. Old
      Way:
      That his existing relationship
      with Kimberly is severed forever.
    2. Challenge: Em must
      overcome the fact that he is no longer in charge of Kimberly and that
      she needs to do whatever he says. She is her own woman now. She can
      make decisions that he will disagree with. She will challenge him.
    3. Challenge
      Question:
      Would a more
      open and empathetic communication about values, understanding, and
      mutual respect contribute to the potential for rebuilding and
      strengthening their connection?
    4. How
      it might play out:
      If Em
      would only freaking talk with Kimberly and listen to why she did what
      she did he might understand and the relationship could be healed.
    1. Old
      Way:
      That his mental health is
      failing and that he must relinquish some control.
    2. Challenge: Em must
      learn and/or understand that he does not have the mental faculties he
      once had and that he needs to lean on and trust Kimberly more and more.
    3. Challenge
      Question:
      Could Em’s
      embrace of vulnerability and seeking support from others enhance his
      overall well-being and potentially lead to a more fulfilling and
      supported late stage of life?
    4. How
      it might play out:
      Em
      would gradually see that his old ways are not working. He is so
      desperate he finally begins to try whatever will work, relinquishing
      control.
  • 5 Counterexamples to an Old
    Way(s).
    1. Old
      Way:
      Reliance on
      Men
    2. Challenge: Judith
      challenges this rule by being her own woman. She pretends or leads Em
      to think he’s in charge but in her own mind, she has no intentions of
      letting him be the boss.
    3. Counterexample: Imagine a thriving community where both men and women
      actively collaborate in leadership roles, each contributing their
      unique skills and perspectives.
    4. How
      it might play out:
      Em
      wouldn’t have tried to plan out everything thinking Judith couldn’t do
      it nor wanted to do it thus he would have relied on Judith to provide
      input, solutions and contribute financially thus saving him his money.
    1. Old
      Way:
      That he could buy a family, love.
    2. Challenge: Judith
      disrupts Em’s plan by going along with it till the money runs out.
    3. Counterexample:
      That
      two individuals build a strong bond based on shared values, mutual
      respect, and emotional connection.
    4. How
      it might play out:
      If Em
      would have employed this thinking he would have seen that the
      relationship could not continue without buying her out.
    1. Old
      Way:
      That his existing relationship
      with Kimberly is severed forever.
    2. Challenge: Em must
      overcome the fact that he is no longer in charge of Kimberly and that
      she needs to do whatever he says. She is her own woman now. She can
      make decisions that he will disagree with. She will challenge him.
    3. Counterexample:
      Imagine
      a scenario where Em and Kimberly engage in open and honest
      communication about their differences, acknowledging and respecting
      each other’s perspectives.
    4. How
      it might play out:
      If Em
      could embrace this, then he initially would not be able to help Judith
      financially thus ending the con, exposing who she really was then Em
      would at least have some money to fall back on once Kimberly believes
      Judith is gone forever.
    1. Old
      Way:
      That his mental health is
      failing and that he must relinquish some control.
    2. Challenge: Em must
      learn and/or understand that he does not have the mental faculties he
      once had and that he needs to lean on and trust Kimberly more and more.
    3. Counterexample:
      Em,
      recognizing the importance of his personal well-being, decides to
      proactively seek support. Despite his initial hesitation to relinquish
      control, he engages and embraces a support network.
    4. How
      it might play out:
      As
      the story plays out, Em begins to realize that his mental faculties are
      not what they use to be and he opens up to the idea of letting Kimberly
      help him.
  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    December 8, 2023 at 2:21 pm in reply to: Lesson 9

    What I learned doing this assignment is determining the old ways for my script, in particular, my protagonist.

    Reliance on Men (Old Way): Em is old school in his belief that men should be in charge, provide for women but that they should conform to this rule.

    Challenge: Judith challenges this rule by being her own woman. She pretends or leads Em to think he’s in charge but in her own mind, she has no intentions of letting him be the boss.

    That he could buy a family, love (Old Way): Em believed that he could buy Judith’s love, devotion, and his plan for a family.

    Challenge: Judith disrupts Em’s plan by going along with it till the money runs out.

    That his existing relationship with Kimberly is severed forever (Old Way): Their relationship was strained beforehand but since she refused to send the money, Em now believes he can never have a relationship with her again.

    Challenge: Em must overcome the fact that he is no longer in charge of Kimberly and that she needs to do whatever he says. She is her own woman now. She can make decisions that he will disagree with. She will challenge him.

    That his mental health is failing and that he must relinquish some control (Old Way): Em, even at 93, still does not want to concede authority or control.

    Challenge: Em must learn and/or understand that he does not have the mental faculties he once had and that he needs to lean on and trust Kimberly more and more.

  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    December 7, 2023 at 2:06 pm in reply to: Lesson 9

    What I learned doing this assignment is determining the old ways up front, at the beginning of the script process but also the challenges to those old ways.

    Quick Judgment (Old Way): Many jurors initially rely on quick judgments based on the defendant’s socio-economic background, assuming guilt due to stereotypes and biases.

    Challenge: The challenge to this old way is presented by Juror 8 (played by Henry Fonda), who encourages a more thoughtful examination of the evidence and urges the jury to suspend judgment until a thorough discussion occurs.

    Prejudice (Old Way): Several jurors hold prejudiced views based on the defendant’s race and background, affecting their perceptions of guilt.

    Challenge: Juror 8 challenges these prejudices by urging the jurors to see the accused as an individual and not as a stereotype, fostering a more open-minded perspective.

    Groupthink (Old Way): The jury initially exhibits groupthink, where members conform to the majority opinion without critically evaluating the evidence.

    Challenge: Juror 8 disrupts the groupthink by encouraging independent thinking and challenging each juror to voice their individual opinions, fostering a more robust deliberation process.

    Reliance on Authority (Old Way): Some jurors initially rely on the authority of the legal system and the prosecutor without critically questioning the evidence presented.

    Challenge: Juror 8 challenges the blind reliance on authority figures by questioning the validity of the evidence and pushing for a closer examination, forcing the jurors to think independently.

    Inflexibility (Old Way): Some jurors exhibit inflexibility by sticking to their initial positions without considering alternative perspectives or evidence.

    Challenge: Juror 8 challenges this inflexibility by presenting alternative theories and evidence, encouraging the jurors to reevaluate their positions and remain open to reasonable doubt.

    Conformity to Social Norms (Old Way): Social norms and the desire for a quick resolution push some jurors toward a guilty verdict without a thorough examination of the evidence.

    Challenge: Juror 8 challenges the conformity to social norms by emphasizing the importance of individual responsibility and the serious consequences of a hasty decision on a person’s life.

    Assumption of Infallibility (Old Way): Some jurors assume the infallibility of the legal system and the police investigation without considering the possibility of errors.

    Challenge: Juror 8 challenges the assumption of infallibility by pointing out inconsistencies in the evidence and arguing that the jury’s role is to question and scrutinize the case.

  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    December 5, 2023 at 2:14 pm in reply to: Lesson 8

    What I learned doing this assignment is to consider the parting message/image that you leave with the audience. While I always work with the ending in mind first, now this adds a layer of what profound message is the takeaway.

    1. What is your Profound Truth and how will it be delivered powerfully in your ending?

    A. The profound truth in Em is that family bonds are stronger than any other.

    B. It will be delivered visually, with Em and Kimberly on her front porch together again.

    2. How do your lead characters (Change Agent and Transformable Characters) come to an end in a way that represents the completed change?

    A. Judith, the CA, in her last con confirms to Em that he was looking in the wrong relationship for love, companionship.

    B. Em, the TC, finally comes to terms with his relationship with Judith and his plan for creating a family was never right in the first place. He forgives Kimberly then re-connects with her.

    3. What is the setup/payoffs that complete in the end of this movie, giving it deep meaning?

    A. Setup: Em goes to the deepest level of despair, loneliness, and depression before he breaks and re-unites with Kimberly.

    B. Payoff: Em and his real family, the family bond, are stronger and have lasted through this tough journey.

    4. How are you designing it to have us see an inevitable ending and then make it surprising when it happens?

    A. Until the very end, it will appear that Em will NEVER forgive Kimberly and that he would rather die alone than forgive her.

    5. What is the Parting Image/Line that leaves us with the Profound Truth in our minds?

    A. Em and Kimberly on her front porch, having tea and sitting together. Being together again.

  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    December 3, 2023 at 5:07 pm in reply to: Lesson 7

    Subject line: John P. Hallar’s Connection with Audience

    What I learned doing this assignment is ensuring that the audience feels the same thing Em and Kimberly do.

    1. Tell us which characters you
      are going to INTENTIONALLY create a connection with the audience.
    1. Em (the Protagonists) mostly, then Kimberly the
      daughter to a lesser degree then to an even lesser degree, the Antagonist/CA
      Judith.
  • With each character, tell us
    how you’ll use each of the four ways of connecting with the audience in
    the first 30 minutes of the movie.
    1. Em
    1. Relatability – Being lonely. Wanting to have a family.
      Having your body fail or falling apart on you.
    2. Intrigue – What is Em up to? What’s his plan for him (and
      Judith). What’s going on in that old, feebly brain of his.
    3. Empathy – Being alone, wanting to spend Thanksgiving and
      Christmas with a family. Providing for a teenage girl that should have
      more.
    4. Likability – Em is very giving while being an ass. He’s
      funny at times, emotional.
  • Kimberly
    1. Relatability – Having your parents getting old, seeing them
      get older, less capable of providing for themselves.
    2. Intrigue – Why is Kimberly so harsh against her dad, speak
      to him so disrespectfully.
    3. Empathy – Watching a loved one being taken advantage of and
      not being able to do anything about it or stop your parent from doing
      it.
    4. Likability – Trying to do the right thing and protect your
      parent from elder abuse.
  • Judith
    1. Relatability – Being poor, extremely poor and trying to raise
      and provide for a teenage daughter. Being in poor health.
    2. Intrigue – What is going on with this guy she has over to
      her trailer. Is she really using the money for what she says she is.
    3. Empathy – Having to raise a teenager with little to no
      money while being in poor health.
    4. Likability – Judith is conning Em so she can provide for
      Maddie, her daughter.
  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    December 1, 2023 at 6:46 pm in reply to: Lesson 6

    What I learned doing this assignment is laying out my screenplay’s structure first, the adding the layer of the profound moments.

    1. Tell us your Transformational
      Logline.
    1. As a 93-year-old veteran
      chases love with a captivating younger woman, he unwittingly jeopardizes
      his own family ties. In a poignant tale of deception and redemption, he
      discovers that the family he almost lost is the one he has needed all
      along.
  • Tell us who the main character
    will be.
    1. Change Agent: Judith, the
      43-year-old caregiver/con artist.
    2. Transformational
      Character(s): Em, the retired veteran and Kimberly, Em’s daughter.

    [MM1] Ordinary World:

    We meet our 93-year-old veteran, Em, living a lonely life and yearning for love and family.

    The inciting incident occurs when he encounters a captivating younger female caregiver, Judith, sparking a desire for companionship.

    [MM2] Denial of the Call:

    Initially, Em denies the unconventional nature of his newfound connection and the potential consequences.

    As Em becomes increasingly involved with Judith, he inadvertently becomes locked into a conflict that jeopardizes his family ties.

    [MM3] First Attempts:

    Seeking fulfillment, Em turns to the traditional means of solving his loneliness, reaching out to his only friends Arthur and Michelle. Jackie and his neighbor Victor.

    However, these attempts fail, closing off conventional avenues for resolution, leaving Em with limited options.

    [MM4] Bigger Plan Gone Wrong:

    Determined to find love, Em hatches a bigger plan, unaware of the true intentions of the captivating Judith.

    Em proposes to Judith. She accepts but first she must get divorced from her current husband. As the supposed divorce that Em paid for is going on, the two plan a vacation to Em’s past residences but also to move into a two bedroom together.

    The plan goes horribly wrong due to crucial information about Judith’s motives that Em lacked and Em’s failing mental capabilities due to his extreme age.

    [MM5] Confronting the Need to Change:

    Judith and Em move into a two-bedroom apartment together. Immediately Em confronts Judith about not sleeping in the same bed as him. Weeks later Judith has an unannounced friend over to cook dinner. Em is not invited to the dinner which they eat in the other bedroom. Faced with this new arrangement and realization and the consequences of his actions, Em realizes his own weaknesses and the need for change.

    Judith makes an excuse that she is sick and cannot take the vacation they had planned months ago. Em begins to realize that Judith is not who she seems. He retreats to reflect and internalize the lessons, acknowledging that he cannot continue the same path. He goes through the classic stages of grief, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally, acceptance. Judith has taken Em for all his money.

    [MM6] New Plan with Change:

    Em spawns a new plan, this time embracing change in his approach to love and family. After only two months together, Em notifies Judith that he cannot continue to live with her and must move back into a one-bedroom apartment.

    As Em puts the plan into action, he is nearly destroyed by a revelation from his request to Kimberly to give him back the inheritance money he gave her six months prior. Kimberly refuses, thus creating a major, almost irreconcilable divide. One that threatens the family bond between Em and Kimberly forever. Kimberly is correct to assume the money will go to Judith.

    [MM7] Revelation and Turning the Tables:

    The revelation transforms the veteran’s understanding of love and family, giving him the strength to face the conflict.

    After Kimberly’s refusal to bail out Em, he has only one option, to stand on his own two feet with the help of his rollator of course.

    He rejoins the battle against the wishes of his family, friends, and his growing awareness with renewed fervor, turning the tables on the forces threatening his family ties. Em continues with Judith, first bailing her out of jail on a shoplifting arrest, paying to get her towed car out of storage then providing one last payment for her rent and car payment.

    [MM8] Resolution and New World:

    Em overcomes Judith’s blatant motive to not be involved with him when immediately after he gives her money for rent and a car payment, which she had her daughter pick up because she was supposedly sick, she blocks his number making it impossible for Em to call or contact her. She cuts him off cold turkey right before the Thanksgiving holidays. This is the final, hurtful, and devastating straw for Em. He now knows Judith never had any intention of marrying him and creating a family with him.

    The story concludes with Em, now transformed and understanding why Kimberly refused to send the money, reconciles with Kimberly thus moving into a new world of genuine connections with Kimberly, realizing that the love he needed was always within reach.

  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    November 29, 2023 at 1:56 pm in reply to: Lesson 5

    What I learned in this assignment is the steps, the emotional steps a character goes through.

    1. What is the Emotional Gradient
      you’ll use? Desired
    2. The Emotional Gradients are:
    1. Excitement
    1. Emotion: Excitement
    2. Action: Em meets Judith.
      He immediately attaches to her, falls in love, and creates a plan in his
      mind for how the future will play out and how to buy a family.
    3. Challenge: Having to
      make a major life-changing decision.
    4. Weakness: Ignorance, Loneliness.
  • Doubt
    1. Emotion: Doubt
    2. Action: Em doubts whether
      Judith will be on board with his plan to marry, be a family.
    3. Challenge: Em is 93,
      Judith is 45.
    4. Weakness: Em has money,
      so he tries to buy her affection.
  • Hope
    1. Emotion: Hope
    2. Action: Judith seems to
      respond to his ideas. Em begins to create his plan.
    3. Challenge: Judith is
      already married.
    4. Weakness: Ignorance. Em
      gives Judith the money for the divorce, buys her a ring. He overreacts.
  • Discouragement
    1. Emotion: Discouragement
    2. Action: Judith doesn’t
      go on a scheduled trip they had planned. Em later finds out Judith never
      filed for a divorce. Em gives her one last sum of money for rent, car
      payment then she blocks his number cutting him off cold turkey.
    3. Challenge: Learning that
      Judith was never in on the plan all along.
    4. Weakness: Hardheaded,
      old age, narcissistic.
  • Courage.
    1. Emotion: Courage
    2. Action: Em cannot reach
      Judith. All his phone calls get disconnected.
    3. Challenge: To learn the
      fact that he was conned out of a lot of money.
    4. Weakness: Emotional
      abuse. Em fell in love, but he also thought he could buy love, a family
      and control everything.
  • Triumph.
    1. Emotion: Triumph
    2. Action: Em finally goes
      through all the grieving stages to accept what Judith did and what he did.
    3. Challenge: To move on.
    4. Weakness: He’s back to
      being alone again. He lays in his bed replaying the events in his mind
      over and over again.
  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    November 26, 2023 at 3:06 pm in reply to: Lesson 4
    1. I learned today the use of particular characters within a story.
    2. Tell us your
      transformational journey logline.
    1. Whaling ship Captain
      Samuel Cuffe survives a shipwreck only to be sold into slavery. Teaming
      up with Blanche K. Bruce, Robert Smalls, and Joseph Rainey, they unite
      against the oppression of the ruthless slave owner Stephen Duncan.
      However, their quest for freedom faces an unexpected twist when ally John
      R. Lynch betrays their pursuit of liberation.
  • Tell us who you
    think might be your Change Agent and give a few sentences about how that
    character fits the role. Also, include: – Their vision: – Their past
    experience that fits that vision:
    1. Captain Samuel
      Cuffe. He’s the perfect change agent because being a Captain of the
      whaling ship, he is worldly, intelligent, used to being in charge, strong
      willed. His vision is to get back home and out of slavery. His past experience
      of being in charge and not a slave creates the perfect motivation for the
      vision.
  • Tell us who you
    think might be your Transformable Character(s) and give a few sentences
    about how that character or characters fit the role.
    1. Current slaves Blanche K. Bruce,
      Robert Smalls, and Joseph Rainey. They are men who are not satisfied with
      the norm. They feel compelled to be something better, end slavery, create
      a better world and living conditions for the African Americans in the United
      States.
  • Tell us who or
    what you think might be The Oppression and give a few sentences about how
    The Oppression works in your story.
    1. Ruthless slave
      owner Stephen Duncan. Obviously, he wants to keep all his slaves, keep
      them working, dumb and obedient. He is ruthless in his oppression with
      the beatings, care for his slaves.
  • Tell us who you
    think might be your Betraying Character and give a few sentences about how
    that character fits the role.
    1. John R. Lynch.
      Although he initially goes along with the plan to escape, his demeaner as
      a sheepish, timid, cowardly man afraid of change and the possible repercussions
      overcomes him.
  • John P. Hallar

    Member
    November 24, 2023 at 8:03 pm in reply to: Lesson 3

    John P. Hallar’s Transformational Journey.

    What I learned from doing this assignment is to map out the story beginning with the Logline, then the Beginning State (Problem, Current Life) then the End State (Solution, New Life).

    1. Tell us your logline for the transformational journey.

    A lonely 93-year-old retiree’s pursuit of love and
    companionship becomes a journey of self-discovery, as he learns that
    attempting to buy affection leads to deception, prompting a powerful
    realization that his true family and love have been present all along
    with his daughter.

    1. Tell us what you see as
      the Old Ways.
    2. Problem State: Em is a
      lonely, narcissistic elderly veteran who believes he can control things,
      manipulate things and people with money. His
      main rule: All that matters is me. – Lonely – Hardheaded – Arrogant –
      Narcissistic – Being in Control – Doesn’t care about anyone else. – Sees
      himself as in control and that everyone must listen to him.

      1. Tell us what you see as the New Ways.

      Solution State: Em has realized that he had true love all along, with his daughter. His new rules: Open minded – considerate – listen to others – loves his daughter.

      1. John P. Hallar

        Member
        November 23, 2023 at 1:13 am in reply to: Lesson 2

        John Patrick Hallar’s First Three Decisions

        What I learned doing this assignment? Along with the core Profound Truth within a story, it’s to also consider and look into my scripts from the perspective of the audiences reaction, journey.

        1. What is your profound truth? Family bonds and love are deeper AND STRONGER than any other.
        2. What is the change your movie will cause with an audience? Inspiration for Reconciliation:
          • The profound truth conveyed in the script could inspire the audience to consider reconciliation and forgiveness within their own families, recognizing the potential for healing and growth that comes from acknowledging the strength of love and familial bonds.
        3. What is your Entertainment Vehicle that you will tell this story through? The As-It-Happened Conflict.
        • This reply was modified 1 year, 7 months ago by  John P. Hallar. Reason: Forgot the first line... 🙂
      2. John P. Hallar

        Member
        November 22, 2023 at 12:40 pm in reply to: Lesson 1

        1. What is the change? The change is of personal transformation and redemption. Throughout the repetitive days, Phil initially reacts with frustration, disbelief, and attempts to exploit the situation. However, as he realizes the futility of his actions and the lack of consequences, he begins to reassess his life and values. Over time, he becomes a better person by learning to appreciate the small joys in life, helping others, and finding genuine fulfillment.

        a. What is the Transformational Journey? The profound exploration of personal growth, redemption, and the transformative power of selflessness. Phil Connors’ journey serves as a metaphor for the potential for positive change in anyone’s life.

        2. Lead characters:

        a. Who is the Change Agent? Phil.

        b. What makes this the right character to cause the change. Due to Phil’s initially self-centered and cynical nature, providing ample room for growth, and the time loop serves as a narrative device to facilitate his profound change.

        c. Who is the Transformable Character? Phil.

        d. What makes them the right character to deliver this profound journey? Phil’s self-centered and cynical demeanor leaves a lot of room for growth.

        e. What is the Oppression? The repetitive time loops.

        3. How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story? We are lured into the profound journey through the relatable human experience of personal dissatisfaction and the universal theme of self-discovery, prompting a deep connection as we witness Phil Connors’ transformative journey from cynicism to compassion.

        4. Looking at the character(s), who are changed the most, what is the profound journey. Identify their old way: Identify their new way at the conclusion of the movie.

        a. Old Way: Phil starts as a self-centered, cynical, and egocentric individual who disdains the small town of Punxsutawney and the people in it, using his time loop to exploit situations for personal gain without regard for consequences.

        b. Profound Journey: Through the time loop, Phil undergoes a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

        c. New Way: By the conclusion of the movie, Phil evolves into a compassionate, altruistic, and genuinely caring person. He develops meaningful connections with the people of Punxsutawney, learns the value of kindness, and finds fulfillment in selfless acts, breaking the time loop and embracing a more positive and fulfilling way of life.

        5. What is the gradient of change? What steps does Phil go through as he was changing? Initially frustration and exploitation of the time loop, followed by self-reflection, learning, and improvement, leading to a transition from reckless behavior to genuine altruism and ultimately breaking the cycle through a deep transformation in his character.

        6. How is the old way challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause Phil to shift his perspective… and make the change? Phil’s old way is challenged as the time loop confronts his belief that actions lack consequences, forcing him to reassess his selfish behavior and cynical outlook, ultimately leading to a shift in perspective and the realization that genuine connections and kindness are meaningful and transformative.

        7. What are the most profound moments of the movie? Phil’s realization that his actions have consequences, his sincere efforts to help others, the development of genuine connections, and the ultimate breaking of the time loop through his transformed and altruistic character.

        8. What are the most profound lines of the movie?

        a. “What would you do if you were stuck in one place and every day was exactly the same, and nothing that you did mattered?”

        b. “I am an immortal.”

        c. “I don’t deserve someone like you. But if I ever could, I swear I would love you for the rest of my life.”

        d. “Sometimes people just die.”

        e. “Well, what if there is no tomorrow? There wasn’t one today.”

        f. “You want a prediction about the weather, you’re asking the wrong Phil. I’ll give you a winter prediction: It’s gonna be cold, it’s gonna be gray, and it’s gonna last you for the rest of your life.”

        9. How does the ending pay off the setups of the movie? By showcasing Phil’s profound transformation, breaking the time loop through genuine selflessness, and emphasizing the significance of personal growth, love, and meaningful connections.

        10. What is the Profound Truth of the movie? Genuine happiness and fulfillment come not from self-centered pursuits but from embracing compassion, altruism, and meaningful connections with others.

      3. John P. Hallar

        Member
        November 21, 2023 at 11:34 am in reply to: Confidentiality Agreement

        I agree to the terms of this release form.

      4. John P. Hallar

        Member
        November 21, 2023 at 11:33 am in reply to: Introduce Yourself to the Group

        1. Name?

        2. How many scripts you’ve written?

        3. What you hope to get out of the class?

        4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you?

        Hi everyone, I am John Patrick Hallar or John P. Hallar. I’ve written roughly six scripts and one book. I hope to learn more about what makes a profound story. I was somewhat raised by two alcoholic parents. I’m a father of one Aspergers child, one trans individual which happens to be the same person. My wife and own our own non-medical in-home health care business. I currently have a 93 year old veteran who has been a honey hole of story content.

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