[Karen Haas]

When Harry Met Sally
What I learned: the entertainment value of this scene alone makes this a movie a classic… . This scene shows Sally’s character— that she will go to the extreme to prove her point when necessary… it also shows that Harry is a pretty good sport not to get too upset with her behavior in public, and ultimately agreeing that she’s made her point. They are well suited for each other.

Basic scene components —
Scene arc, Restaurant conversation regarding Harry’s opinion of his effect on women
situation, Difference of opinion regarding whether any woman has ever faked it with Harry,
conflict, Sally fakes an orgasm in the restaurant, somewhat embarrassing Harry but he rolls with it pretty well, imho
entertainment value, the expressions of the workers and other diners keep this scene funny.
Moving the story forward, this scene shows that Sally is not to be trifled with… and she will prove her point no matter what
Setup/payoffs: They are in a restaurant, another diner says the iconic line, “I’ll have what she’s having.”
What makes this scene great?· It’s a great scene because Meg Ryan really goes for it, she doesn’t hold back and the embarrassment of Harry is fun to watch. It also proves her point that women can be pretty good at faking it.
How does each character speak and act from their unique character profiles? It not only shows the personality of each character, the affronted Sally and the way too sure of himself Harry characters but it also shows a couple who is pretty at ease with each other if they will talk and act this way with each other— the ultimate aim of the rom com is getting these two together and this scene does that in miniature, proving they are perfect for each other…
Unique character action and dialogue. I had not seen a character fake an orgasm so well in public before and the diner’s line afterwards is a classic.

[Karen Haas]

Scene mastery Character Intro
Jack’s intro in LOST

1. Challenging situation: plane wreck survivors in immediate danger

2. Unique action. helping save trapped man and women delivering baby

3. Interesting dialogue. Says his name last, so we know who he is… great way to ID him btw.

4. Deliver character. What he does is actually more important than what he says, or anything else in this dire situation

Scene arc: from major catastrophe to some beginnings of control over situation
situation: plane wreck survivors struggle to recover
conflict: plane is still a danger to folks as shown by man getting sucked into engine,
moving the story forward: from danger and confusion to attempts to manage and control chaos
entertainment value: sad to say, but humans can’t look away from a wreck,
setups/payoffs: man in suit and tie uses his tie to save a life, warning to stay away from engine comes too late, we learn a name from a man who needs it to call him later,
What makes this scene great? We care for the man who is helping others, despite his own confusion and trauma.
How is this lead character introduced, and who they are introduced to us as? He is confused but still able and willing to help others, and does so without hesitation, becoming a leader by getting others to assist him.
What makes him special or unique? He steps up when necessary, not many people do.
Interesting dialogue. Dialogue seems spare because trauma is great. Realistic.
How are their actions different than everyone else? Jack is a natural leader and probably a good doctor and it shows.

[Karen Haas]

My vision: I write even better than I imagine, whilst audiences enjoy my work, keeping it always fun and satisfying…

What I learned: Filling in the blanks for supporting and background characters helps to develop what I have so far into a fully realized story. Making each extra character perform some vital role, purpose or value keeps the “extra fat” out of the screenplay, keeping it tight and pithy.

2. Supporting and background characters.

Possible Background Characters: newly homeless people in high school shelter, hospital emergency room nurses and doctors and insurance administrator, ball of twine operator, courtroom judge and jury, Lawyers in lawyer search, courtroom crowd, media people. Tide wash helpers, Red Cross workers Rescue workers,

Supporting Characters: Wacky lawyer, Newly homeless older nurse, homeless unemployed youth, Kansas cowboy living in his truck,

3. Basic profile for each supporting character:

Support 1:

Name: Gwendolyn A. Wacky
Role: Final Lawyer chosen by Lucretia Crone
Main purpose: Incompetant Mouthpiece for Lucretia in front of the Judge when Dot bails out.
Value: Shows us how much Lucretia needed Dot, Wacky is 2nd choice and it shows, ultimately gets fired by Lucretia who chooses to represent herself, maybe.

Support 2:

Name: Nancy Bolton, Newly homeless older nurse,
Role: buddy for Lucretia, someone to discuss issues and problems with, someone to show her the ropes in Kansas
Main purpose: help in fleshing out problems and solutions,
Value: Voice of reason for Lucretia, (the heart or tin man character)

Support 3:

Name: Zippy Kennelworth
Role: Homeless youth
Main purpose: Gives young people’s perspective and computer skills,
Value: Brains, (the scarecrow character)

Support 4:

Name: Cowboy Bob Maga
Role: Man about town
Main purpose: Macho energy, comic relief and foil for Oswald Pecker
Value: Brute Strength & Courage in search of a cause, (cowardly lion character)

• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Karen Haas.

[Karen Haas]

Subject Line: Karen's Character Profiles Part 2

My vision: I'm a creative writer who writes better than I can imagine, whilst industry professionals enjoy my work, keeping it always fun and satisfying.

What I learned from doing this assignment is that the ability to be concise and brief are the most helpful skills when creating useful character profiles. Too many words, like too much information, will only make the profile too unwieldy to think about and use.

Character Profile: Lucretia Crone (Wicked Witch of the East)

Role in the Story:
The primary protagonist seeking revenge after being transported from Oz to modern-day Kansas by a twister, only to face off against a descendant of Dorothy and a cunning Wizard/Con Man.
Age Range and Description: Age: Ancient, but appears middle-aged due to magical preservation.
Description: Gaunt, with sharp features and piercing green eyes. Wears tattered black robes and a pointed hat, exuding an aura of dark magic.
Core Traits:
Vengeful
Resourceful
Resilient
Prideful
Motivation; Want/Need: Want: To reclaim her power and seek revenge against those who have wronged her.
Need: To let go of her past grievances and find redemption for her actions.
Wound: The loss of her sister, the Witch of the West, and her subsequent exile from Oz haunt her, fueling her desire for vengeance.
Likability, Relatability, Empathy: Despite her antagonistic nature, audiences may sympathize with Lucretia's quest for justice and redemption, rooting for her to overcome her past traumas.
Character Subtext: Hiding her vulnerability and insecurity behind a facade of anger and aggression, fearing rejection if she shows weakness.
Concealing her longing for acceptance and belonging beneath her outward quest for revenge.
Character Intrigue: Hidden Agenda: Concealing her true intentions to not only seek revenge but also to find a sense of belonging and redemption.
Deception: Using her menacing appearance and reputation to intimidate others while secretly grappling with her own insecurities.
Scheme: Plotting to not only reclaim her stolen possessions but also to ensure justice for her fellow homeless friends.
Flaw: Stubbornness: Her pride and refusal to compromise often lead her to sabotage her own efforts for reconciliation and redemption.
Values: Justice: Believes in righting wrongs and holding those responsible for their actions.
Loyalty: Values loyalty to her friends and allies, willing to fight for their well-being.
Character Dilemma:
Struggles with her desire for revenge against those who have wronged her and her need for acceptance and redemption, torn between her prideful nature and her inner longing for connection.

Character Profile: Oswald Pecker (Wizard/Con Man)

Role in the Story: The primary antagonist who exploits the situation of the Wicked Witch's arrival in modern-day Kansas for his own financial gain, posing as a benevolent figure while secretly manipulating events to maintain his power and wealth.
Age Range and Description: Age: Middle-aged to elderly.
Description: Imposing stature, with a polished and charismatic demeanor that conceals his deceitful nature. Dresses in expensive suits and exudes an air of authority and confidence.
Core Traits:
Manipulative
Charming
Deceptive
Greedy
Motivation; Want/Need: Want: To maintain his status and wealth by exploiting the situation of the Wicked Witch's arrival and controlling the narrative surrounding her. Need: To feed his insatiable desire for power and control, stemming from deep-seated insecurities and fears of losing everything he has built.
Wound: The fear of being exposed as a fraud and losing everything he has amassed through deception and manipulation haunts him, driving him to desperate measures to maintain his facade of success.
Likability, Relatability, Empathy: While initially charming and likable on the surface, audiences quickly realize Oswald's true nature as a manipulative con artist, evoking feelings of disdain and contempt.
Character Subtext: Concealing his deep-seated insecurities and fear of failure behind a facade of confidence and charm, afraid that his carefully constructed image will crumble if his true nature is exposed.
Hiding his guilt over his deceptive actions and the harm he causes to others, rationalizing his behavior as necessary for his own survival and success.
Character Intrigue: Hidden Agenda: Concealing his true intentions to maintain his power and wealth by exploiting the Wicked Witch's situation for his own gain, manipulating events behind the scenes to ensure his continued dominance.
Deception: Presenting himself as a benevolent figure while secretly orchestrating schemes to undermine the Wicked Witch's efforts and protect his own interests.
Scheme: Plotting to "catch and kill" the lawsuit brought against him by the Wicked Witch, ensuring that he maintains control over the narrative and avoids any repercussions for his actions.
Flaw: Hubris: Oswald's overconfidence in his ability to manipulate others and control the situation often leads him to underestimate his opponents, ultimately leading to his downfall.
Values: Self-Preservation: Values his own well-being and success above all else, willing to sacrifice others to protect his own interests.
Wealth: Believes in the importance of material wealth and status as indicators of success and power.
Character Dilemma: Struggles with the conflicting desires to maintain his facade of success and control at all costs, while also fearing exposure and the loss of everything he has worked to achieve.

Character Profile: Dot Gale
Role in the Story: Dot serves as a key character in the protagonist's journey, initially appearing as a trusted ally but ultimately revealing her true allegiance, which creates significant conflict and tension in the narrative.
Age Range and Description: Age: Late 20s to early 30s.
Description: Dot is a sophisticated and polished woman, exuding an aura of privilege and entitlement. She dresses impeccably and carries herself with confidence and poise.
Core Traits:
Cunning
Manipulative
Intelligent
Ambitious
Motivation; Want/Need:
Want: To maintain her affluent lifestyle and secure her place in society by leveraging her connection to her great-grandmother, Dorothy, and exploiting her family's legacy for personal gain.
Need: To prove herself as more than just the descendant of a famous figure, seeking validation and recognition for her own abilities and accomplishments.
Wound: Despite her outward appearance of success, Dot harbors deep-seated insecurities stemming from the pressure to live up to her great-grandmother's legacy, which drives her to resort to manipulative tactics to maintain her position in society.
Likability, Relatability, Empathy: While initially appearing likable and relatable, Dot's true nature as a manipulative opportunist makes it difficult for audiences to empathize with her, as her actions often prioritize her own interests over the well-being of others.
Character Subtext: Dot hides her insecurities and fear of failure beneath a facade of confidence and charm, desperate to prove herself as more than just the descendant of Dorothy and earn recognition for her own achievements.
She conceals her true allegiance to the Wizard/Con Man, fearing the consequences of being exposed as a collaborator in his schemes.
Character Intrigue: Hidden Agenda: Dot's hidden agenda involves working in cahoots with the Wizard/Con Man to protect her own interests and maintain her affluent lifestyle, even if it means betraying the Wicked Witch and her cause.
Deception: Dot deceives the Wicked Witch by posing as her ally while secretly working against her, manipulating events to ensure the Wizard/Con Man's victory in the lawsuit.
Scheme: Collaborating with the Wizard/Con Man to "catch and kill" the lawsuit brought against him by the Wicked Witch, prioritizing her own interests over justice for the protagonist.
Flaw: Dot's flaw lies in her willingness to betray others and manipulate situations for her own gain, ultimately sabotaging her chances of forming genuine connections and finding fulfillment beyond material success.
Values: Status and Recognition: Values her social standing and seeks validation from society, willing to compromise her integrity to maintain her affluent lifestyle and secure her place in the upper echelons of society.
Character Dilemma: Dot struggles with the conflicting desires to secure her own success and prove herself worthy of her great-grandmother's legacy, torn between leveraging her family's name for personal gain and forging her own path to recognition and validation.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Karen Haas.

[Karen Haas]

AMERICAN BEAUTY
What I learned: tying up loose ends and giving some type of meaning to the overall movie helps great a satisfying ending.

Basic scene components — Starts with blood splattered body recollecting last minute of life which lasted a long time…
Scene arc, remembering beautiful stars, leaves, good times and family members
situation, as he’s been shot and murderer is revealed through action
conflict, various family members hear the shot, or having seen the body, reacting
moving the story forward, wife is distraught,
entertainment value: we get closure for the mystery of who done it, and appreciation for a life well lived in the end… and
setups/payoffs: bloody body with gun and reveal at the end
Watch 2nd time for:

How does this scene bring the movie to a conclusion? We see the body and hopefully understand what happened to Lester and his family
How this shows the new status-quo. Distraught wife is now a widow, daughter now fatherless,
How it is a satisfying ending. Not really satisfying to me, but it does answer question who kills him, plus it gives a spiritual message to the overall movie… be grateful for your stupid life.
Delivering character. We see reactions of characters to either the shot or the body… and Lester’s reaction to being murdered is only appreciation for the gift of his life while it lasted.
Interesting dialogue, especially the last line of the movie. He realizes he wasted his time, “my stupid life” but he is grateful for everything nonetheless.

[Karen Haas]

3:10 to Yuma:

Basic scene components —
Scene arc, Protecting a prisoner– trying to get him on the train during a gunfight
situation Life for death for all— bullets flying,
conflict— bad guys vs prisoner guard,
moving the story forward, son of guard helps dad by letting cattle go giving them cover
entertainment value- edge of seat action, and
setups/payoffs train comes in/train goes out. Crucifix on gun, he recognizes the symbolism of good guy giving his life for another man.
Watch 2nd time for:·

How this scene is the ultimate expression of the conflict. Men fight over bad guy getting on train
The escalation of the conflict.· Bad guy gets on but the good guy is shot and dying
The final twist at the end of the scene.· Bad guys respects good guy for giving his life for him and gets on the train himself, after killing all the other bad guys.
Intriguing Dialogue· Minimal dialogue but powerful. You did it, Oh no! You did it, Dad. He got on the train.
The final payoffs of this movie. He gets on the train, helping the good guy to fulfill his mission, but maybe he is still planning an escape at the prison because he summons his horse.

[Karen Haas]

Provide your insights into what makes the scenes great and what makes the turning points work:
What I learned from GET OUT: Each scene gave the viewer a major twist that sent us into the next act. The Hypnosis scene provides the mechanism for the mother to control the hero’s body. The second scene, at the midpoint is the Get Out shout during the party. It gave us a Warning, a premonition of what will happen to the hero; he will become a controlled body with no free will if he doesn’t heed the warning. The third scene, the Act 2 turning point is the “Give me the keys,” scene, the last ditch attempt of the hero to leave this dangerous place before the takeover of his body will start. It was an agonizing scene, drawn out artfully by the filmmaker, like a nightmare. Each scene provides a major turning point from which there is no going back. Collectively, these scenes make me realize that my screenplay must provide more powerful turning points so that the main character cannot simply walk away and say forget it.

[Karen Haas]

What I learned: The filmmaker has set up an intriguing journey: 11 of these characters seem intent on finding a young man guilty and one man with strong convictions must make them really think about what they are doing rather than just rely on group think. This is the ultimate contained movie– all in a jury box, I think.
Basic scene components —
Scene arc- jury box deliberations, first vote happens before even beginning of conversation
, situation- 11 to 1 favor a guilty verdict
, conflict, only one man wants to talk about defendant
moving the story forward, Jury must decide if has prosecution fufilled the burden of proof, otherwise they must let him walk.
entertainment value, interesting but not really fun, heavy, serious stuff
and
setups/payoffs. each man has a story to tell why he votes the way he does… we shall see how each man’s intro plays out later, I’m guessing
Invitation to the journey: Jury must decide the fate of a young man with a disadvantaged youth.
Watch 2nd time for:
Challenging Situation· man against 11 men
Interesting Action: deliberations
Intriguing Dialogue a man’s life is on the line
Something inside this character needs to go on the journey He needs to do the right thing and deliberate on it first.

[Karen Haas]

What I learned: I came to appreciate components of a masterful scene.

Basic scene components — Scene arc: from start to finish of bank robbery,
Situation: tension among robbers in car and on roof and later with bank patrons
Conflict: robbers against each other and bank employee with gun,
Moving the story forward: fast moving events happen like clockwork, well planned
Entertainment value: very interesting to be witnessing unusual heist
Setups/payoffs: broken glass leads to slides to the roof, bus driver joke, face paint,·
Intro to World — takes us right in –starts with broken glass and the man with mask
Lead Character Intro. He takes off mask and we see the Joker’s makeup/war paint
Challenging Situation· life or death
Intrigue- will they be successful?
Interesting Action- you don’t see a bank robbery every day
Intriguing Dialogue- dialogue about the joker’s face paint seemed forced so we would ultimately recognize him, but other than that it was tight and made me worry who would get killed next
Tone- sardonic
Lures us into the Story- from the moment the glass is broken, we are pulled in
Twist at Conclusion of the scene- whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stranger… and he reveals himself… I’m guessing he’s the masked robber who dissed the planner (himself) for not being there— hard to tell since they all were masked.

[Karen Haas]

Hi everyone!
I’m Karen Haas and I’m working on completing my fourth screenplay. I’m taking this class because I want to become a better scene writer. Something unique about me? I’ve broken both tibias (not at the same time) and both wrists (at the same time~ ) but I still try to ski every weekday morning in the winter. In the summer I swim about a mile every day– less dangerous. 😎

[Karen Haas]

I, Karen Haas, agree to the terms for this class.

[Karen Haas]

Karen’s character profiles part 1

My vision: I’m a creative writer who can write something better than I imagined whilst industry professionals enjoy my work, keeping it always satisfying and fun.

What I learned: creating character profiles helps create rounder characters that work toward filling important actor and audience wants and needs.

Witch:
A. The High Concept. A twister in Oz whisks the Wicked Witch of the East to modern Kansas to seek revenge, only to face off against a descendant more cunning than Dorothy.

B. This character’s journey. From Oz to Kansas, from revenge to redemption
C. The Actor Attractors for this character.
Character Name: Lucretia Crone
Role: outcast victim
Hidden agendas: Wants vengeance/revenge and her shoes
Competition: Must compete with forces of capitalism and Oswald Pecker, the wizard conman
Conspiracies: Conspires with homeless to get what she wants
Secrets: is really a witch who everyone thought died long ago
Deception: Ding dong, the witch ain’t dead;Pretending to be solely focused on revenge while secretly yearning for acceptance and redemption.
Hidden Agenda: Seeking redemption for past misdeeds while outwardly seeking revenge.
Unspoken Wound: Traumatized by the loss of her sister and the destruction of her home, driving her quest for vengeance.
Secret Identity: Sees herself as a reluctant hero, but fears vulnerability and rejection if she reveals her true intentions.

3. the first 6 parts of the profile :

Role in the Story: Protagonist
Age range and Description: Old, cranky and not beautiful.
Core Traits: snarky, truthful, jaded, cynical
Motivation; Want/Need: wants belonging, redemption, forgiveness
Wound: had a house fall on her and everyone celebrated when they thought she was dead
Likability: Old woman, cares about stray cat, climbs out of house collapse… went under the stairs, humble, not wanting extra attention, almost invisible?
Relatability: No id, or health insurance, gets kicked out of fancy hospital emergency room
Empathy: Injured in a tornado, no place to go

Oswald Pecker, the wizard con/man

B. This character’s journey. Wizard/con man From making shady dealmaker ( real estate deals and shady licensing agreements) on Dorothy’s family’s behalf, relentless manipulation and domination to insecure man/child begging for mercy
C. The Actor Attractors for this character.
Hidden Agenda: Orchestrating elaborate schemes to maintain his power and influence over others.Has been cheating Dot and her family, and all the townspeople, buying up land cheap and raising rents
Conspiracy: real estate ploys and Conspiring with Dot to protect their shared interests and undermine their adversaries.
Secret: Concealing his true motivations and vulnerabilities behind a facade of charm and confidence.
Deception: Manipulating others to further his own agenda and protect his secrets. Deceives Dot and her family
Unspoken Wound: Scarred by past failures and betrayals, fueling his relentless pursuit of control and domination. Nobody loves him/ insecure braggart
Secret Identity: Sees himself as a master manipulator, but harbors doubts and fears about his own worth and legitimacy; sad child inside an old man
Character Name: Oswald Pecker
Role: Real Estate mogul and con man/ Wizard
Competition: Competes with Lucretia Crone/witch for shoes
Conspiracies: real estate ploys
Secrets: Wizard from Oz now in Kansas.

Role in the Story: Dot Gale; decendant of Dororthy—(a shapeshifter of sorts)
Age range and Description: 20 something young girl next door type
Core Traits: insecure & worried about money,
Motivation; Want/Need: needs to come out from Dorothy’s shadow, but wants the security and $
Wound: Haunted by the expectations placed upon her as Dorothy's descendant, driving her to desperate measures to prove herself.

Likability, Relatability, Empathy:
Name: Dot Gale
Role: Lawyer to Oswald Pecker
Hidden agendas: trying to convince Lucretia to give up struggle against Oswald
Competition: Wants her family’s fortune; greedy and insecure
Conspiracies: working for Pecker
Secrets: can’t represent Lucretia but strings her along
Deception: conflicted,
Unspoken Wound: Can't live up to famous ancestor and tired of always being compared
Secret Identity: wannabe party girl
Dot (Dorothy's Descendant):
Likeability: girl next door,
Relatability: insecure about future and money
Empathy: alone, no real friends or boyfriend
Hidden Agenda: Manipulating situations to maintain control over her family's legacy and secure her own power.
Competition: Competing with the memory of her legendary ancestor, Dorothy, for recognition and validation.
Conspiracy: Colluding with the Wizard/Con Man to protect her interests and maintain the status quo.
Secret: Hiding her true allegiance and intentions behind a facade of innocence and naivety.
Deception: Presenting herself as a loyal descendant while secretly plotting to advance her own agenda.
Unspoken Wound: Haunted by the expectations placed upon her as Dorothy's descendant, driving her to desperate measures to prove herself.
Secret Identity: Sees herself as a cunning strategist, but fears being exposed as a fraud if her true motives are revealed.

[Karen Haas]

Subject Line: Karen's Likability/Relatability/Empathy

My vision: I'm a creative writer who writes better than I imagine while industry professionals enjoy my work, keeping it always fun and satisfying.
What I learned: Likeable and relatable and empathetic traits or details help audience care about your characters and and should be conscious choices as you create the character.

2. Brainstorm one or more ways you can present your Protagonist through each of these:
Protag:
Likability: Cares about stray cat, climbs out of house collapse… went under the stairs, humble, not wanting extra attention, almost invisible to others, keeps her head while others panic.
Relatability: No id, or health insurance, gets kicked out of fancy hospital emergency room
Empathy: Injured in a tornado, no place to go

3. Just to get the experience, give us one or more ways that your Antagonist could be presented through each of these:
Antagonist:
Likability: Charming, successful, fun-loving, drives a convertible with the top down, takes little kids for a ride but only with parent's permission.
Relatability: smooth talker, looks you in the eyes and makes you think you are important to him,
Empathy: insecure deep down; unpopular as a child

[Karen Haas]

My vision: I'm a creative writer who can dream up something new and write it better than I imagined, whilst industry professionals enjoy my work, keeping it always fun and satisfying.

What I learned: Thinking about what the characters may be hiding helps to give them depth and personality.

Wicked Witch of the East:
Role: Outcast/victim
Hidden Agenda: Seeking redemption for past misdeeds while outwardly seeking revenge.
Competition: Competing with herself to let go of her anger and embrace forgiveness. And compete with the forces of capitalism and Oswald Pecker (the wizard Con man)
Secret: Hiding her true feelings of guilt and remorse behind a facade of anger and resentment.
Deception: Pretending to be solely focused on revenge while secretly yearning for acceptance and redemption.
Unspoken Wound: Traumatized by the loss of her sister and the destruction of her home, driving her quest for vengeance.
Secret Identity: Sees herself as a reluctant hero, but fears vulnerability and rejection if she reveals her true intentions.

Dot (Dorothy's Descendant):

Hidden Agenda: Manipulating situations to maintain control over her family's legacy and secure her own power.
Competition: Competing with the memory of her legendary ancestor, Dorothy, for recognition and validation.
Conspiracy: Colluding with the Wizard/Con Man to protect her interests and maintain the status quo.
Secret: Hiding her true allegiance and intentions behind a facade of innocence and naivety.
Deception: Presenting herself as a loyal descendant while secretly plotting to advance her own agenda.
Unspoken Wound: Haunted by the expectations placed upon her as Dorothy's descendant, driving her to desperate measures to prove herself.
Secret Identity: Sees herself as a cunning strategist, but fears being exposed as a fraud if her true motives are revealed.

Wizard/Con Man:

Hidden Agenda: Orchestrating elaborate schemes to maintain his power and influence over others.
Competition: Competing with his own insecurities and fears of inadequacy, driving his need for control.
Conspiracy: Conspiring with Dot to protect their shared interests and undermine their adversaries.
Secret: Concealing his true motivations and vulnerabilities behind a facade of charm and confidence.
Deception: Manipulating others to further his own agenda and protect his secrets.
Unspoken Wound: Scarred by past failures and betrayals, fueling his relentless pursuit of control and domination. Nobody loves him… insecure braggart
Secret Identity: Sees himself as a master manipulator, but harbors doubts and fears about his own worth and legitimacy. Sad child inside an old man.

[Karen Haas]

Karen's Subtext traits

My vision: I'm a creative writer who can dream up something new and then write it better than I'd imagined whilst industry professionals enjoy my work, keeping it always fun and satisfying.

What I learned: Subtext is not just about your character hiding things from others, it's also about what they are hiding from themselves.

Character Name: Lucretia
Subtext Identity: Wicked Witch of the East- the victim— a misunderstood outcast
Subtext Trait: suspicious, vengeful, evil, crafty, and undercover as a witch, plotting, possibly guilt-ridden but too proud to admit or show vulnerability.
Subtext Logline: Lucretia is a victim who is after her version of justice and not afraid to hurt someone to get it, but wants to reclaim her dignity and possibly right the wrongs of the past.
Possible Areas of Subtext: After she realizes she has no power in 2024, Lucretia keeps her identity as a witch undercover until she is ready to strike.

Character Name: Oswald Pecker
Subtext Identity: Wizard/Con Man- the con …A charming trickster masking deep insecurities and fears.
Subtext Trait: Manipulative, sneaky, unethical, corrupt, slippery, luring, seducing, hiding something, Pecker is desperate to maintain control and authority, even if it means deceiving others.
Subtext Logline: Oswald Pecker is a con man who is always a winner, never a loser, doesn’t want to give up his claim on the shoes This Wizard/Con Man is a master manipulator who uses his charm and wit to hide his insecurities and fears, as he schemes to maintain his facade of authority and control in the face of mounting pressure and opposition.…
Possible Areas of Subtext: Lies and cheats in all business dealings, in marketing, in relationships with others

Character Name: Dot Gale
Subtext Identity: Dorothy’s descendent- the lawyer A conflicted heir torn between family legacy and personal ambition.
Subtext traits: Calculating and manipulative, hiding her true intentions behind a facade of innocence.evasive, in denial, secretive, concealing, being polite
Subtext logline: Tired of being in Dorothy’s shadow, Dot wants her own identity but doesn’t know what that could ever be. She befriends the witch, but she can’t represent her because she has a conflict working for the Wizard/Con Man. Dot is torn between loyalty to her family's legacy and her desire for independence and power, as she schemes to manipulate those around her for her own gain.

[Karen Haas]

Karen's Actor Attractors

My vision: I'm a creative writer who can dream up something great and then write it even better, all the while industry professionals enjoy my work, keeping it always fun and satisfying.

What I learned: Thinking about what actors need from a part helps create a much better character for them to want to play.

Character: Wicked Witch of the East— still looking for a name for her: Karen, maybe

1. Known for Role: What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? Iconic witch bad ass, take no prisoners attitude who grows and changes and learns to love but is still a bad ass in every way. She is an opportunity for an actor to reinvent the iconic character of the Wicked Witch of the East in a modern comedic setting, bringing fresh humor and depth to the character.

2. Most Interesting Character: What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? No regrets, acts like a man, all powerful, but without power right now… The Wicked Witch is a complex character who undergoes a transformation from a vengeful antagonist to a sympathetic protagonist, providing a rich and dynamic arc for the actor to explore.

3. Interesting Actions: What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script? Sneaking into the Wizard/Con Man’s house to steal the shoes, navigating the challenges of modern-day Kansas, seeking revenge against the Wizard/Con Man, and forming unlikely alliances with unexpected allies.

4. Introduction: How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
Introduce the Wicked Witch with a dramatic entrance, perhaps emerging from the wreckage of the twister in Oz and landing in modern Kansas amidst chaos and confusion, setting the stage for her comedic journey. Later we can have a flashback wherein she is rewarding the munchkin coroner and being begged to take control of the flying monkeys when they realize independence doesn’t suit them

5. Emotional Range: What could be this character’s emotional range? Wickedness to forgiveness of others and herself and then redemption…The Wicked Witch's emotional range spans from seething anger and resentment to moments of vulnerability and redemption, offering the actor the opportunity to showcase a wide range of emotions.

6. Subtext: What subtext can the actor play? Shows her softer side, loved her sister-witch and her life in Oz, realization that, for those who are better off, change is seldom for the better,The actor can play the subtext of the Wicked Witch's journey as a quest for self-discovery and redemption, underneath her outward quest for revenge.

7. Interesting Relationships: What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? With Dot the lawyer and Dorothy's descendant, as they navigate their complicated family history and conflicting agendas.

8. Unique Voice: How will this character’s unique voice be presented? Snarky, cynical, irreverent and nasty at times, but always truthful, The Wicked Witch's unique voice should be presented with a blend of menace, wit, and vulnerability, capturing the essence of the iconic character while infusing it with comedic flair.

9. Special: What could make this character special and unique? Compelled to always tell the truth, and her journey from a classic villain to a comedic anti-hero, challenging audience expectations and providing a fresh perspective on a beloved character.

Character: The Wizard/Con Man

1. Known for Role: What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? Could be a commentary on a currently powerful personality and on our culture that venerates him. A chance to speak truth to power? Or simply an opportunity for an actor to portray a charismatic and duplicitous character, blending elements of charm and deception to create a memorable performance.

2. Most Interesting Character: What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? He is a narcissist who makes everything about him, who manages to escape all accountability and always winds up on top. He is a master manipulator who uses his charm and wit to exploit others for his own gain, making him a fascinating and morally ambiguous character.

3. Interesting Actions: What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script? He sweet talks all the ladies, he buys up the homes of the distressed for a song and then makes gobs of money off them, he likes the finer fancier stuff and shows off all the time to who ever will be impressed by him, he talks about running for president, he foments hate against anyone who opposes him. The Wizard/Con Man's most interesting actions include orchestrating elaborate schemes, manipulating those around him, and ultimately facing the consequences of his deceitful actions.

4. Introduction: How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor? He could be looking at drone footage of a tornado damage, and be chuckling that all his competitors sites were wiped out but his big home and developments were untouched. When asked if he wants to donate to the newly homeless, he laughs and ups the rent on all his vacant units. Introduce the Wizard/Con Man with a flashy and charismatic entrance, presenting him as a larger-than-life figure who commands attention and respect, setting the stage for his deceptive machinations.

5. Emotional Range: What could be this character’s emotional range? He can be childlike in a bratty child way, and then angry like a rabid mongoose, He has no ability to ever apologize or be reflective, in fact, any suggestion he should just makes him double down insistently that he’s right and he gets angry. Mostly he ranges from charming and affable to manipulative and deceitful, allowing the actor to explore the complexities of his character and motivations.

6. Subtext: What subtext can the actor play? He can be a great actor and pretender, fooling all around him that he is the victim, not the perpetrator. The actor can play the subtext as a commentary on the nature of deception and manipulation, revealing the consequences of his actions and the facade he presents to the world. People see what they want to see… It’s difficult to get people to believe something when their salary depends on them not believing it.

7. Interesting Relationships: What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? He has the most interesting relationship with Dot, Dorothy’s great granddaughter who he is cheating out of gobs of money. He and Dot form a cunning partnership based on mutual self-interest and manipulation, creating tension and intrigue.

8. Unique Voice: How will this character’s unique voice be presented? He probably sounds a lot like Donald Trump with a blend of charm and deceit, capturing the allure of his character while hinting at the darkness lurking beneath the surface.

9. Special: What could make this character special and unique? He is an opportunist who seems to always win. He charms and manipulates those around him, using his wit and cunning to achieve his goals while leaving a trail of chaos and deception in his wake

Character: Dot, the lawyer

Known for Role: What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it? This role offers the opportunity for an actor to portray a modern-day descendant of the iconic Dorothy, blending elements of nostalgia with contemporary humor. She represents an iconic role, and hopefully creates another in the process.

2. Most Interesting Character: What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story? She gets the witch to grow and change and grows and changes herself in the process. Dot is a multi-dimensional character who is torn between her allegiance to her family legacy and her own desires, creating internal conflict and tension that make her character compelling and relatable.

3. Interesting Actions: What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script? She takes the Wizard Con man, who she calls Uncle Don, on the ride of his life and threatens him until he admits his wrongdoing… she breaks up with her boyfriend because she thinks he’s needy and doesn’t want to be taking care of him, she doesn’t destroy the Wizard because he’s not afraid to go after what he wants, and she’d like to be that way, if only she could ever figure out what it is she wants. Dot becomes good at manipulating situations to her advantage, forming alliances with unexpected allies, and ultimately confronting her own family history and legacy.

4. Introduction: How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor? Buying and selling stocks, looking at her stock portfolio, making a small fortune but still quite dissatisfied with her life and very worried about having enough money, despite having more than enough … Indecisive about what drink to order but takes the first step in being decisive by breaking up with her boyfriend because she just doesn’t “feel it” anymore…. Admits she is dependent on a con man. Quotes Upton Sinclair: It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it. Introduce Dot as a seemingly innocent and naive young woman, only to reveal her cunning and manipulative nature as the story unfolds, adding depth and intrigue to her character.

5. Emotional Range: What could be this character’s emotional range? From very kind to very cold when crossed and then back again to sweet when appropriate. Dot's emotional range encompasses a wide spectrum, from charming and affable to calculating and manipulative, allowing the actor to explore the complexities of her character.

6. Subtext: What subtext can the actor play? She has a deep sense of justice that propels her, but little sense of self worth, or purpose.The actor can play the subtext of Dot's character as a quest for identity and autonomy, as she grapples with the expectations placed upon her as Dorothy's descendant.

7. Interesting Relationships: What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have? With the witch who she cannot represent because of her conflict; they navigate their complicated family history and conflicting agendas, creating tension and drama.

8. Unique Voice: How will this character’s unique voice be presented? She is half Marilyn Monroe, half Rachel Maddow. Childlike innocence bordering on idealized sex kitten and whip smart, but never trying to be either. Dot's unique voice should be presented with a blend of innocence and cunning, capturing the duality of her character and keeping audiences guessing about her true intentions.

9. Special: What could make this character special and unique? Wants to be known for something other than being the famous Dorothy’s great granddaughter. Tired of living in the shadow of Dorothy. Being a descendant of Dorothy, adds layers of complexity and intrigue to her character, driving the plot forward and keeping audiences engaged.

[Karen Haas]

My one sentence vision: I am a creative writer who can dream something new and write it better than I’d imagined while Industry professionals enjoy my work, keeping my writing life always fun and satisfying.

What I learned doing this assignment: I learned how to figure out what actors need to be attracted to the material.

ACTOR ATTRACTORS
Movie Title: Queen Pins

Lead Character Name: Connie

1. Why would an actor WANT to be known for this role? Undervalued housewife, but a former Olympic athlete in a sport no one likes, who becomes a millionaire/criminal through couponing. It’s a underdog who makes good.

2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in the movie? She garners sympathy for a criminal and has an innocence about her though she is very savvy.

3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead takes in the movie? she goes to Mexico to hire an accomplice, takes the fall for her friend after they get caught, and gets IVF without her husband’s knowledge or sperm.

4. How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor? She is arrested while in bed sleeping.

5. What is this character’s emotional range? From happy all the time to scared and determined.

6. What subtext can the actor play? She can show her sadness beneath her happy exterior

7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character has? With her best friend

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

9. What makes this character special and unique? She is worth more than she appears.

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

Connie tells the Postal Inspector and Loss Prevention Manager that most people undervalue coupons and she was tired of being undervalued.

Lead Character Name: Postal Inspector

1. Why would an actor WANT to be known for this role? to show he can do a more serious role but still be entertaining.

2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in the movie? He is a no nonsense profession who doesn’t get distracted

3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead takes in the movie? He “fucks” with the Loss Prevention manager in a fun, but no nonsense way.

4. How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor? He gets the upper hand immediately and is the true hero who solves the crime.

5. What is this character’s emotional range? He shows his love for the mail by reading an old love letter to so he shows he has a heart too,

6. What subtext can the actor play? He lets the other guy into the big action, because he knows what is important to him, and he questions Connie, and other suspects in an empathetic manner, showing he had understanding beneath his professional exterior

7. What’s the most interesting relationships this character has? with the loss prevention manager who needs his help to solve the crime.

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

9. What makes this character special and unique? A true professional with a big heart.

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

He gives the Postal Inspector a badge to hold, letting the other guy think he’s getting deputized, but then makes him repeat that he’s just fucking with him.

Lead Character Name: Loss Prevention Manager

1. Why would an actor WANT to be known for this role? He gets the criminal in the end and grows and changes in the process.

2. What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in the movie? He gains a better understanding of how the world works and learns not to take himself so seriously.

3. What are the most interesting actions the Lead takes in the movie? He goes to the FBI and gets rebuffed.

4. How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor? He starts out as a miserable SOB who denies credit for an old woman’s coupon in a store because it is counterfeit.

5. What is this character’s emotional range? From tough all business, legalistic behavior, to more relaxed with a better understand of the essential nature of his job.

6. What subtext can the actor play? From tough and legalistic to child-like and innocent.

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

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

9. What makes this character special and unique? He seems to be the only character who really grows and changes.

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

He tells Connie that couponing gives people more pleasure than sex, not that he’d know.
She asks if he means he’s never used a coupon or never had sex. He says it’s not about him.

[Karen Haas]

Subject line: Karen’s Genre Conventions

My one sentence vision: I am a creative writer who can dream up something new and then write it better than I’d imagined keeping my writing life always fun and satisfying.

What I learned doing this assignment: I learned that incorporating opportunities for humor into the structure of my screenplay will make writing this comedy easier. Also, I noticed that alot of what AI recommends will have to wait until I start writing, I think… the groundwork is there however and it should be able to work

Structure = Opening – 1939- The Witch of East, after getting hit by Dorothy’s house, coerces Doctors and Coroner into claiming she is dead. She watches and waits on the sidelines, instead. After her sister witch, the Witch of West, is liquidated, and the Wizard leaves on hot air balloon, the witch of the East takes over Oz, and the flying monkeys pledge allegiance to her. Life is good for the Witch.

Inciting Incident: 2024: A twister hits Oz and Witch lands in modern day Kansas, picked up by paramedics and brought to an emergency room, where upon, having no insurance and no money, and no flying broom, she is abruptly discharged, now homeless, without power.

Turning Point: She meets another homeless person, and they wind up in a school gym that has been converted to a temporary shelter to house recent disaster victims. She befriends janitor and borrows his broom but it doesn't work for her. She tries to make another broom with straw and store bought twine but but the new twine is not right. Homeless comrades ask her why she needs a broom and why not just order from Amazon? Meanwhile, she sees a baby with a pair of stripes socks with fake red shoes at the feet that make fun of her iconic style and celebrates Dorothy, the one who killed her sister witch and tried to kill her … She soon discovers a whole industry run by a powerful real estate magnate, the actual Wizard/ Con Man originally from Oz, who now makes gobs of money off her, and venerates her shoes which a local museum claims it now has on display. Moreover, she recognizes the old man’s cane…it is the stick part of her sister witch’s old broomstick! Sadly, adding insult to injury, she also learns the great granddaughter of Dorothy is the con man’s sidekick, an obscenely rich young woman with no direction in life who lives off the royalties of her great-grandmother’s adventures that the con man generates, poor little rich girl.

Act 2:
New plan: Fellow homeless folks advise her to hire a lawyer to sue for a piece of the action.
Plan in action: Find a lawyer who will work on contingency.
Midpoint Turning Point: With the help of her homeless friends, she interviews multiple eccentric, offbeat lawyers who specialize in unusual cases. The absurdity of the legal system shines as the witch attempts to navigate the complexities of her lawsuit against the Wizard/Con Man.
Eventually she lucks out and finds a fabulous lawyer, Dot, but unbeknownst to her, Dot is the great granddaughter of Dorothy and is really working in cahoots with the Wizard/Con man. From his big impressive home, the Wizard advises Dot, to “catch and kill,” the lawsuit against him.

Act 3:
Rethink everything: After initially befriending Witch, Lawyer Dot finally admits she can’t actually go to court with the Witch because she has “a conflict,” but advises her to settle, or as Witch sees it, give up and be satisfied with a small pittance of what she thinks she deserves.
New plan: Double down and demand more… but not just for herself; Witch demands homes for her homeless friends. She decides to represent herself in court and starts a chant “There’s no place like home!” that resonates with her homeless friends and invigorates them with new found purpose. They crowd the courtroom and create a media sensation.

Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift: Judge rules against her because she cannot provide proof of who she is, and her antics backfire as the judge unexpectedly sends her to jail for threatening the Wizard/Con Man.

Act 4: With help of homeless friends, she is let out on bail and steals old twine from underside of the Giant Ball of Twine, a Kansas roadside attraction, and creates a sad new broom which works, barely. She uses it to try to retrieve her shoes from the museum… but she can’t find the shoes there… Ultimately she finds them, now painted gold and turned into sneakers at the Wizard Con/Mans big house, whereupon she regains her power, now able to prove who she is, and attempts to bring justice to her homeless friends.

Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict: Back in the courtroom, she takes his cane, completes her powerful broom, uses it as a fighting stick and trounces Wizard/Con Man, proving her claim…but before she sweeps him away, Dot intervenes and convinces Witch that she will create a new foundation to build tiny home for the homeless and begs the witch to have mercy.

Resolution: With everything she wanted in hand, Witch agrees, but vows to return and wreak havoc if nothing improves for her friends. and leaves in a gust of Kansas wind, creating a tornado which destroys the big impressive home of the Wizard /Con Man, but provides a large piece of property on which to build tiny houses, which she designates with a sign, “the future home of Munchkinland.”

From AI:
To enhance the comedy genre conventions and strengthen the structure of your screenplay, here are some detailed and specific adjustments:

Incongruence:
Emphasize the incongruent pairing of the powerful, intimidating Wicked Witch of the East with the modern-day setting of Kansas. Her struggles to adapt to the mundane aspects of everyday life, such as navigating the healthcare system or interacting with contemporary technology, can provide ample comedic opportunities.

Mechanics of Comedy:
Utilize various comedic devices throughout the screenplay, including setup/punchline jokes, running gags, sight gags, and prop humor. Incorporate humorous situations such as the witch's attempts to fashion a new broom or her encounters with modern conveniences that bewilder her.

Comedic Protagonist:
Showcase the Wicked Witch of the East as the comedic protagonist whose incongruent perspectives and reactions to events trigger countless amusing situations. Balance her moments of absurdity with moments of vulnerability and growth as she navigates the challenges of modern life and learns valuable lessons along the way.

Strong Story:
Strengthen the narrative arc by ensuring that the comedic elements enhance, rather than detract from, the overall story. Maintain audience engagement by weaving humor into the plot in a way that feels organic and serves to propel the story forward.

Structure Adjustments:

Act 2 – New Plan:
Inject humor into the witch's quest for legal representation by introducing eccentric, offbeat lawyers who specialize in unusual cases. Explore the absurdity of the legal system as the witch navigates the complexities of her lawsuit against the Wizard/Con Man.

Act 3 – Turning Point: Huge Failure/Major Shift:
Heighten the comedic tension as the witch's courtroom antics backfire spectacularly, leading to her unexpected incarceration. Lean into the absurdity of the situation as the witch finds herself in increasingly ludicrous predicaments while attempting to prove her identity and seek justice for her homeless friends.

Act 4 – Climax/Resolution:
Infuse the climax with slapstick humor and physical comedy as the witch confronts the Wizard/Con Man in a hilarious showdown. Incorporate sight gags and comedic set pieces as the witch uses her newfound power and resourcefulness to outwit her adversary and secure justice for herself and her friends.

By incorporating these adjustments, your screenplay will effectively utilize comedy genre conventions to deliver a story that entertains audiences with laughter-inducing moments while maintaining a strong narrative foundation.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by  Karen Haas.

[Karen Haas]

My one sentence vision for success from this program: I am a creative writer who can dream up something new and then write it better than I’d imagined, keeping my writing life always fun and satisfying.

What I learned doing this assignment: I learned a system for creating a 4 act outline that doesn't get bogged down in the details.
I've included both my version and the AI version below… Interestingly, they are quite similar, but my version has more specifics and I like my version better because of that, but I believe the AI version will be helpful to keep me from getting sidetracked in all the details along the way.

Act 1:
Opening – 1939 Witch of East, after getting hit by Dorothy’s house, coerces Doctors and Coroner into claiming she is dead. She watches and waits on the sidelines, instead. After Witch of West is liquidated, and Wizard leaves on hot air balloon, she takes over Oz, and flying monkeys pledge allegiance to her. Life is good for the Witch.

Inciting Incident: 2024: A twister hits Oz and Witch lands in modern day Kansas, picked up by paramedics and brought to an emergency room, where upon, having no insurance and no money, and no flying broom, she is abruptly discharged, now homeless, without power.

Turning Point: She meets another homeless person, and they wind up in a school gym that has been converted to a temporary shelter to house recent disaster victims. She befriends janitor and borrows broom but it doesn't work right. She tries to make another with straw and store bought twine but but the new twine is not right. Meanwhile, she sees a baby with a pair of stripes socks with fake red shoes at the feet that make fun of her iconic style and celebrates Dorothy, the one who killed her sister witch and tried to kill her … She soon discovers a whole industry run by a powerful real estate magnate, the actual Wizard/ Con Man originally from Oz, who now makes gobs of money off her, and venerates her shoes which a local museum claims it now has. Sadly, adding insult to injury, she also learns the great granddaughter of Dorothy is the con man’s sidekick, an obscenely rich young woman with no direction in life who lives off the royalties of her great-grandmother’s adventures, poor little rich girl.

Act 2:
New plan: Fellow homeless folks advise her to hire a lawyer to sue for a piece of the action.

Plan in action: Find a lawyer who will work on contingency.

Midpoint Turning Point: With the help of her homeless friends, she interviews ambulance chasers but soon lucks out and finds a fabulous lawyer, Dot, to represent her, but unbeknownst to her, Dot is the great granddaughter of Dorothy and is really working in cahoots with the Wizard/Con man. From his big impressive home, the Wizard advises Dot, to “catch and kill,” the lawsuit against him.

Act 3:
Rethink everything: After initially befriending Witch, Lawyer Dot finally admits she can’t actually go to court with the Witch because she has “a conflict,” but advises her to settle, or as Witch sees it, give up and be satisfied with a small pittance of what she thinks she deserves.

New plan: Double down and demand more… but not just for herself, Witch demands homes for her homeless friends. She decides to represent herself in court and starts a chant “There’s no place like home!” that resonates with her homeless friends and invigorates them with new found purpose. They crowd the courtroom and create a media sensation.

Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift Judge rules against her because she cannot provide proof of who she is, and judge sends her to jail for threatening the Wizard/Con Man.

Act 4: With help of homeless friends, she escapes and steals old twine from underside of the Giant Ball of Twine, and creates a new powerful broom which she uses to retrieve her shoes from the museum… but she can’t find them there… Ultimately she finds them, now painted gold and turned into sneakers at the Wizard Con/Mans big house, whereupon she regains her power, now able to prove who she is, and attempts to bring justice to her homeless friends.

Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict: Back in the courtroom, she uses her powerful broom as a fighting stick and trounces Wizard/Con Man, proving her claim…but before she sweeps him away, Dot intervenes and convinces Witch she will create a new foundation to build tiny homes for the homeless and asks the witch to have mercy for them all.

Resolution: With everything she wanted in hand, Witch agrees, but vows to return and wreak havoc if nothing improves for her friends, and leaves in a gust of Kansas wind, creating a tornado which destroys the big impressive home of the Wizard /Con Man, but provides a large piece of property on which to build tiny houses, which she designates with a sign, “the future home of Munchkinland.”

AI Version:

Here's the 4-Act Transformational Structure:

Old Ways:
The witch's old ways are characterized by a single-minded focus on revenge, fueled by anger and bitterness. She is distrustful of others and unwilling to consider alternative perspectives. Her actions are driven by a desire for power and dominance, regardless of the consequences.

New Ways:
By the end of the story, the witch's new ways reflect a profound shift in her character. She learns to let go of her thirst for vengeance and embraces forgiveness and redemption. Her interactions with others are marked by empathy and understanding, and she works towards positive change rather than seeking to inflict harm.

Transformational Journey:
At the start of the story, the Wicked Witch of the East is consumed by bitterness and seeks revenge for past wrongs. She is driven by a desire to reclaim her power and punish those she perceives as enemies. Initially, the witch's internal journey is marked by anger, resentment, and a desire for revenge. However, as she encounters unexpected allies and faces unforeseen challenges, she begins to question her motivations and reevaluate her priorities. Externally, the witch's journey involves navigating the unfamiliar terrain of modern-day Kansas, facing off against adversaries, and forming unlikely alliances. She must adapt to the modern world while staying true to her own values and goals. Her journey is filled with comedic mishaps and unexpected twists as she works towards her objective.

4-Act Transformational Structure:

Act 1:

Opening: The witch arrives in modern-day Kansas, consumed by anger and seeking revenge.
Inciting Incident: She discovers Dorothy's hometown and sets out to reclaim her power and punish those she blames for her misfortunes.
Turning Point: The witch encounters Dot, Dorothy's descendant, who proves to be more cunning than she anticipated.

Act 2:

New Plan: The witch forms alliances and prepares to confront her enemies.
Plan in Action: She enacts her plan, unaware of the hidden agendas and schemes at play.
Midpoint Turning Point: The witch's perspective begins to shift as she questions her motivations and considers alternative paths.

Act 3:

Rethink Everything: The witch reevaluates her goals and alliances, realizing the true nature of her adversaries.
New Plan: She adjusts her strategy and prepares for the final confrontation.
Turning Point: A major setback forces the witch to confront her own flaws and make a critical decision.

Act 4:

Climax/Ultimate Expression of the Conflict: The witch faces off against her enemies in a climactic showdown, where she must choose between vengeance and redemption.
Resolution: The witch chooses forgiveness and makes amends for her past actions, finding peace and happiness as she returns home to Oz.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by  Karen Haas.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by  Karen Haas.

[Karen Haas]

My vision:
My one sentence vision : I am a creative writer who can dream up something new and then write it even better than I’d imagined and my writing life is always fun and satisfying.

What I learned doing this assignment: What's under the surface of a movie is often more interesting than what is shown on the screen… and those subtextual ideas aren't accidental, but created early on.

Concept = A twister in Oz whisks the Wicked Witch of the East to modern Kansas to seek revenge, only to face off against a descendant more cunning than Dorothy.

How your Subtext Plot will play out inside this story.
Fish out of water— Witch in modern day Kansas has trouble adjusting to her new location, modern ways, and people who are not subservient to her.
Layering: Maybe the witch is a stand in for the more judgmental aspects of our character, whereas Dot is the anything goes type… the con man just works with both so he can take advantage of either side— “there are very fine people on both sides”
Someone hides who they are— both the witch and the con man are hiding who they are. The witch, so she doesn’t get put away, and the con man so he can continue to con folks
Superior Position— We know who is who but some characters do not.
Major Cover up: some of the shoes are real, some are reproductions with no value. Maybe the con man has changed the color and style too, they are now golden sneakers. 🙂
Competitive Agendas— Everyone— the witch, Dot, and the Wizard/con man, and all their associated allies, they all want the shoes.

AI results:
Genre = Comedy
Concept = A twister in Oz whisks the Wicked Witch of the East to modern Kansas to seek revenge, only to face off against a descendant more cunning than Dorothy.
Protagonist = Wicked Witch of the East
3 Act Structure = Act 1: A twister in Oz sends the Wicked Witch of the East into modern-day Kansas where she discovers Dorothy's hometown and decides to hunt for her granddaughter, her long lost ruby slippers, and the wizard con-man who betrayed her sister.
Act 2: The witch makes enemies and allies of the townspeople, and prepares to peacefully plead her case to the authorities regain her slippers, and sue the con-man. While the witch is focused on reclaiming the ruby slippers and seeking revenge, a covert group in modern-day Kansas is secretly working to exploit the situation for their own gain, setting up a hidden conflict that comes to light in the climax. Also, as the witch navigates modern-day Kansas, she discovers that some of Dorothy's friends and allies have descendants who are willing to help her. However, these new allies have their own agendas, leading to humorous and unexpected partnerships.
Act 3: Thwarted by the greedy museum officials, and the con-man's team of lawyers, the witch take action on her own and summons her allies, and a few key associates from Oz to help her win by any means necessary. Then she happily returns home, leaving Kansas not much worse than she found it.

Major Story Hook = The witch's journey involves navigating the unfamiliar terrain of modern-day Kansas, facing off against adversaries, and forming unlikely alliances. She must adapt to the modern world while staying true to her own values and goals. Her journey is filled with comedic mishaps and unexpected twists as she works towards her objective.

Lead Characters = Wicked Witch, Dot (Dorothy's Descendant), Wizard/Con Man

Transformational Journey = Witch lets go of her thirst for vengeance, embraces forgiveness and redemption and goes from bitter and angry to empathetic and understanding.

Possible subtext plots:
Scheme and Investigation:
The Wizard/Con Man is scheming to maintain his power and influence, while Dot (Dorothy's Descendant) is investigating his shady dealings. This creates a dynamic of hidden motives, cover-ups, and lies, as the characters try to outsmart each other while the witch navigates the chaos they create.

Layering:
Beneath the surface of the witch's quest for revenge lies a deeper layer of meaning about forgiveness and redemption. As the story unfolds, the audience discovers that the true journey is not about reclaiming power, but about letting go of past grievances and finding peace.

Someone Hides Who They Are:
The Wizard/Con Man is hiding his true intentions and identity, posing as an ally while secretly working against the witch and Dot. As clues are uncovered and investigations unfold, his true nature is revealed, leading to repercussions for his deceitful actions.

The Fish out of Water:
The Wicked Witch of the East finds herself in modern-day Kansas, a place where she doesn't belong. As she navigates unfamiliar surroundings and social norms, she must perform and adapt to the absurd situations she encounters, adding to the comedic tone of the story.

Superior Position:
The audience knows that Dot is more cunning than Dorothy's other descendants, giving them insight into her plans and strategies. This creates tension as the witch and other characters remain unaware of Dot's true capabilities, leading to humorous misunderstandings and unexpected twists.

A Major Cover Up:
The greedy museum officials and the con-man's team of lawyers are involved in a major cover-up, hiding the true origins of the ruby slippers and their connection to Oz. Their schemes and lies add layers of complexity to the story, as the witch and Dot uncover the truth and seek justice.

Competitive Agendas:
The witch and the Wizard/Con Man are locked in a battle of wits, each trying to outplay the other to achieve their own objectives. Meanwhile, Dot is caught in the middle, torn between loyalty to her family and her own ambitions. The competition between the characters drives the plot forward, leading to humorous and unexpected outcomes.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by  Karen Haas.

[Karen Haas]

My one sentence vision : I am a creative writer who can dream up something new and then write it even better than I’d imagined. Industry professionals enjoy my work, and buy it for real money, and my writing life is always fun and satisfying.
What I learned doing this assignment: Focusing on the change between their old ways and new gives you a big part of the main character's transformational journey.

Tell us the Character Arc for your Protagonist:

Arc Beginning: searching for Dorothy and her shoes” cynical, harsh, mean spirited, not caring for others, jaded, impatient, disdainful, angry,
Arc Ending: winning against Wizard/con man, —truth teller but with compassion, humble, caring, curious, full of wonder, self-sacrificing
3. Give us their Internal/External Journey.

Internal Journey:fromcynical, harsh, mean spirited, selfish, jaded, impatient, disdainful and angry to
truth teller but with compassion, humble, caring, curious, full of wonder, self-sacrificing

External Journey: From Oz to Kansas, old ways/no tech to new ways, lots of tech which takes the place of “magic”.
4. Tell us their Old Ways at the beginning of the movie, hand washes clothes, boils, and scrubs with old washboard, uses broom to sweep and try to fly, bicycle, eating dunkin munchkins, flying monkeys taxi service, afraid of being liquidated?, bossy to others, impatient, demanding, tired
and their New Ways at the end. ready to wear no wash, no stink clothes, gets an iphone, mountain bike, e bike, swimmer, ready to collaborate,

5. Use this Prompt with AI to generate another version of your project and pick the ideas you like best.

Act 1: A twister in Oz sends the Wicked Witch of the East into modern-day Kansas where she discovers Dorothy's hometown and decides to hunt for her granddaughter, her long lost ruby slippers, and the wizard con-man who betrayed her sister.
Act 2: The witch makes enemies and allies of the townspeople, and prepares to peacefully plead her case to the authorities regain her slippers, and sue the con-man. While the witch is focused on reclaiming the ruby slippers and seeking revenge, a covert group in modern-day Kansas is secretly working to exploit the situation for their own gain, setting up a hidden conflict that comes to light in the climax. Also, as the witch navigates modern-day Kansas, she discovers that some of Dorothy's friends and allies have descendants who are willing to help her. However, these new allies have their own agendas, leading to humorous and unexpected partnerships.
Act 3: Thwarted by the greedy museum officials, and the con-man's team of lawyers, the witch take action on her own and summons her allies, and a few key associates from Oz to help her win by any means necessary. Then she happily returns home, leaving Kansas not much worse than she found it.

AI results:
Protagonist: Wicked Witch of the East

Arc Begins:
At the start of the story, the Wicked Witch of the East is consumed by bitterness and seeks revenge for past wrongs. She is driven by a desire to reclaim her power and punish those she perceives as enemies.

Arc Ends:
By the conclusion of the journey, the witch undergoes a significant transformation. She learns the value of forgiveness and the importance of letting go of her grudges. Instead of seeking vengeance, she finds redemption and chooses to make amends for her past actions.

Internal Journey:
Initially, the witch's internal journey is marked by anger, resentment, and a desire for revenge. However, as she encounters unexpected allies and faces unforeseen challenges, she begins to question her motivations and reevaluate her priorities. Ultimately, she learns to let go of her past grievances and embraces a more compassionate and forgiving outlook.

External Journey:
Externally, the witch's journey involves navigating the unfamiliar terrain of modern-day Kansas, facing off against adversaries, and forming unlikely alliances. She must adapt to the modern world while staying true to her own values and goals. Her journey is filled with comedic mishaps and unexpected twists as she works towards her objective.

Old Ways:
The witch's old ways are characterized by a single-minded focus on revenge, fueled by anger and bitterness. She is distrustful of others and unwilling to consider alternative perspectives. Her actions are driven by a desire for power and dominance, regardless of the consequences.

New Ways:
By the end of the story, the witch's new ways reflect a profound shift in her character. She learns to let go of her thirst for vengeance and embraces forgiveness and redemption. Her interactions with others are marked by empathy and understanding, and she works towards positive change rather than seeking to inflict harm.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by  Karen Haas. Reason: Can't understand why my paragraphs disappeared after I posted
• This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by  Karen Haas. Reason: My paragraphs disappeared after I posted

[Karen Haas]

Karen’s Intentional Characters

One-sentence vision: I am a creative writer who can dream up something new, then write it better than I’d imagined and my writing life is always fun and satisfying.

What I learned: Creating my main characters with intention will help deliver the promise of my screenplay.

Give us a logline (one sentence answer) for your protagonist, antagonist, and triangle character (if you have one) to the question, “What makes this character fit my concept and title powerfully?

Screenplay Logline: A twister in Oz whisks the Wicked Witch of the East to modern Kansas to seek revenge, only to face off against a descendant more cunning than Dorothy.

My initial answers:
Protagonist Character: The Witch
Unique: An old-fashioned wicked witch stuck in a modern day midwestern town wants her family’s legacy returned, and her family’s good name restored in the annals of history, and a way to get back home

Antagonist Character: The Wizard/Con Man… great grandson of the original Wizard brokers the licensing of the Ruby Slippers to museums and to avant-guard high tech shoe designers while keeping a large commission on the money earned for himself.

Triangle character: Dorothy’s niece, Dot: A sad, misguided millennial doesn’t know what she wants out of life, and has no idea how to manage her inherited wealth, other than keeping an eagle eye on the bottom line of her net worth, and encouraging the merchandizing efforts of the Wizard/ Con Man who is ripping her off.

AI-prompt generated versions:

Protagonist: The Wicked Witch of the East
Role: The central character, seeking revenge and redemption.
Journey: Initially driven by vengeance, she discovers the importance of forgiveness and family.
Unique: Her iconic status from "The Wizard of Oz" gives her a compelling backstory and motivation.
Intentional: Her transformation drives the story's exploration of themes like redemption and the consequences of one's actions.

Antagonist: The Wizard/Con Man
Role: The primary obstacle to the witch’s goals, using deception and manipulation.
Journey: Starts as a cunning trickster but ultimately faces the consequences of his actions.
Unique: His dual role as a powerful figure and a fraud adds complexity to his character.
Intentional: He challenges the witch’s beliefs and forces her to confront her own motivations.

Triangle Character: Dot (Dorothy's Descendant)
Role: Represents the connection to Dorothy's legacy and complicates the witch's mission.
Journey: Initially wary of the witch, she learns to understand her and forms an unexpected bond.
Unique: Her intelligence and wit make her a worthy adversary to the witch.
Intentional: She adds depth to the story by representing the modern world's perspective on the Oz characters and themes.

[Karen Haas]

My vision: I am a creative writer who can dream up something new and then write it even better than I’d imagined; industry professionals enjoy my work and buy it, and my writing life is always fun and satisfying.

What I learned doing this assignment: deciding on the character structure first is a good way to begin creating your outline

Title: Surrender Dorothy!

Concept: A twister in Oz whisks the Wicked Witch of the East to modern Kansas to seek revenge, only to face off against a descendant more cunning than Dorothy.

3. I’ve chosen the Dramatic Triangle Structure.

Subject Line: Karen Haas’s Title, Concept, and Character Structure!

[Karen Haas]

Karen’s villain: the Monsignor of a local church, has a plan:

End goal: To sell to a developer what should be a protected watershed area [in order to build and sell McMansions, each for a small fortune– which creates a bigger fortune for the developer.]

How can villain accomplish it in a devious way? the Monsignor must find and destroy all copies of the hundred year old reverter clause which protects the property while also convincing the small property association not to fight progress and to allow the scheme to go through.

How can the villain cover it up? the Monsignor starts a fire in a storage facility that houses the property association’s papers and makes it look accidental. He also covers up the manipulation of the property association leaders through good deeds, general niceness, and by making folks feel guilty.

[Karen Haas]

Day 4 Assignments: Basic Instinct and Silence of the Lambs…

What I learned:

Every scene works to enhance and elevate the mystery, intrigue and/or suspense. No wasted moments; the writer takes every single opportunity to ratchet up the MIS all the way to the endings.

This “stacking suspense model” helps me see the importance of the road map and also the necessity of good villains with a plan of their own. Both elements can only help to give the writer a concrete foundation to build upon.

[Karen Haas]

What I learned doing this assignment is that the perfect is the enemy of the good.

I’ve been ruminating about these ideas for years and this is the first time I’ve isolated these elements of my concept. I probably just need to have more fun with this project and try not to worry about whether it’s all there yet. Plenty of time for that later, and I should try to stay loose and keep things fluid enough to be able to change it up if it doesn’t quite work.

What are the conventions of your story?

Unwitting but Resourceful Hero: Henry– a teenager living alone at his parent’s lake house during a Covid summer.

Dangerous Villain: The US Army’s covert weapons chief located in the woods near Henry’s home.

High stakes: Periodic explosions rock the area and scare wildlife and humans alike.

Life and death situations: When a beautiful neighbor’s dog escapes into the woods, Henry must find the dog and save the search party that went after it.

This story is thrilling because? Everyone could die?

Remind us of your CONCEPT and the Big M.I.S. of your story.

• Big Mystery: What is the main mystery of your story that will keep us wondering throughout the story?

I’m still a bit unclear but at this point, the main mystery of my story is what is the source of the random explosions in the woods near the protagonists home that is scaring both wildlife and humans alike.

• Big Intrigue: What is the covert, clandestine, underhanded part that will live under the surface for most of the movie?

The secret army base nearby is experimenting with dangerous weapons systems that will be harmful to anyone who comes close.

• Big Suspense: What is the main danger to your Hero that will continue to escalate throughout the script?

Will Henry discover the Army’s secret to save the neighbor’s dog and the search party that went after it and will he or anyone get harmed doing so?

2. Tell us the Intriguing World you have selected for this story.

The world is an insulated lake community a little too near a major metropolitan area.

3. With your top 2 or 3 characters, tell us the role they play and then answer these three questions:

Henry, the loner protagonist:

• A. What is the mystery of this character? Is Henry a loser or a hero?

• B. What is the suspense of this character? Will he be able to save the dog, the search party, and himself?

• C. What is the intrigue of this character? What happened to Henry’s family that leaves him on his own at the lake?

Emma: the object of every teen’s desire:

A: the mystery of Emma: Is there more to her than meets the eye?

B: Will she ever appreciate what Henry attempts for her?

C: What happened to Emma that makes her so self-serving?

Brandon: The jock/nemesis

A: Is Brandon a simpleton or a not?

B: Will he make matters worse or help Henry?

C: Is Brandon in cahoots with higher ups at the Army base?

[Karen Haas]

What I learned:

Playing with the viewers expectations can be a good way to create a memorable thriller.

• Unwitting but Resourceful Hero: For me, figuring out who was who was the major intrigue of THE STRANGER, The person I initially thought was the protagonist, and who I was worried for, turned out to be the villain.

• Dangerous Villain: To start, Henry Teague is set up as the protagonist of this true story, but it soon turns out that Henry is the main suspect in one of the most notorious missing person cases in the history of Australia, and he’s being pulled through the film into a massive sting operation to finally put him away.

• High stakes: The real protagonist, Mark, has a son about the age of the child that Henry killed. Mark’s worry for his son and his guilt in “befriending” Henry to capture his confession seem to be the main stakes.

• Life and death situations: At one point Mark’s son disappears and that drives home the horror of the killer’s actions.

• This movie is thrilling because? We feel Mark’s worry and angst, along with the frustrations of the police along the way.

3. What is the BIG Mystery, Intrigue, and Suspense of this story?

• •Big Mystery: The secret, question, or puzzle that must be solved by the hero. Did Henry do it? If so, how? and Can Mark get evidence to prove it?

• Big Intrigue: The covert, underhanded, or clandestine force or plan of the Villain. Interestingly, the villain in this movie is actually the good guys, and the secret plan is that of the good guys, who are trying to catch Henry: a small circle of seasoned undercover Australian cops pose as a vast and influential criminal network to catch a murderer who has evaded conviction for eight years.

• Big Suspense: The main danger that the hero experiences: Mark’s son is a stand in for the child murdered years ago and provides Mark with the worry every parent has… the suspense also includes whether Mark can get the killer to give them evidence of his guilt.

4. Anything else you’d like to say about what made this movie a great thriller?

Honestly, I’m not certain the THE STRANGER was a typically great thriller, but it will be one I remember. For me it was too realistic and awful in terms of what it represented, and often seemed more like a police procedural than a great thriller. I guess I like my thrillers a bit more far fetched, so I don’t have to think about how the stories they tell might be true, and all the horror that implies.

The film portrays the aching slow-burn of finding justice: a small circle of seasoned undercover Austrailian cops pose as a vast and influential criminal network to catch a murderer who has evaded conviction for eight years.

[Karen Haas]

Karen Haas I agree to the terms of this release form.As a member of this group, I agree to the following:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Karen Haas]

Hi. My name is Karen. I’ve written 2 scripts and co-written one. I hope to learn how to write a thriller. Something unusual: I like to ski, but I probably shouldn’t. Over the years, I’ve broken both tibias and both wrists all on the same Vermont mountain.

[Karen Haas]

Mount Snow, David, but I’ve learned my lesson. I only ski when it’s nice and uncrowded now!