[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallén’s Chronological Edit

What I learned doing this assignment is that it’s possible to write and rewrite a screenplay that holds up in a much shorter time than I have ever attempted before. I have also learned that just by letting things that I couldn’t figure out right away sit for a week while working on other scenes in the script, the solutions will often come to you naturally.

This class has been an awesome experience!!!

Tell us the main improvements you made in the script:

A. Improve the flow. <div>

B. Improve the clarity.

C. Improve the description.

D. Improve the dialogue.

I worked on all of the above aspects of the script as I went through it.

I ended up focusing the most on C and D – improving the descriptions and the dialogue, because those are the areas that needed the most work. I shortened many descriptions and I filled in the dialogue in several places where I had just Placeholders for the dialogue until now.

I also added a couple of transition scenes for better flow. And I omitted a scene towards the end because the scene ended up being unnecessary, even though I liked it.

I changed the characters and therefore all the dialogue in one long scene in the 4th act entirely while still keeping the same objective, because something had bugged me about that scene all along and it came to me that one of the characters was wrong for it.

I added a short scene with one character because she needed another moment of screen time before the last act.

I also made a bunch of minor tweaks as they came to me.

I know I will keep working on this script, it’s certainly not a final draft yet, but I think it’s a complete script that holds up both structurally and as a story.

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[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallen´s Solved Scene Problems

What I learned doing this assignment is that when going through the scenes like this, I saw that several scenes which I thought already worked ok could be improved. I learned that going through the scenes this way is a good method for identifying problems and pinpoint what the issues are.

Look through your script and identify any scenes that have any of these four problems

Basic Scene Problem. Weak Scene. Situations Don’t Challenge Character. Cliché Scenes.

For any scene problems you find, make the prescribed improvements.

I made minor changes in too many scenes to bring up here. I also added placeholders in several places where I knew I wanted to change something but the right answer as to how didn’t come to me yet.

And I made bigger changes to a few scenes:

– The first time the protagonist is in a hotel room alone I found new ways to show more of who he is as a character.

– In a scene with the protagonist and the antagonist (2nd protagonist) on the tennis court I made the protagonist talk during the whole game, venting to the antagonist about his childhood, and had the antagonist be completely uninterested, to solidify their dynamic.

– In order to make the protagonist more likable I added a scene in which his interaction with a child is compassionate and based on his own childhood experiences, but which backfires the way most things do for him.

– I extended a scene between the protagonist and antagonist and added an evening of harmony, before their big blowup in order for the “everything falling apart moment” to have an even greater effect.

– I chopped up a talking heads scene between the protagonist and a minor character for visual reason and to add dynamics and to get the characters to express their goals/needs in the scene quicker.

– I changed several short scenes following each other into a montage, which I think is visually more interesting and works better since they are there to show how a repeated activity is building.

– In act 4 I condensed two long scenes in which the protagonist is speaking into one because his challenge and goal in them were so similar and there was room to express the essence of everything in one scene.

[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallén’s solved character problems.

What I learned doing this assignment is that I have some issues with my protagonist that comes down to me not having completely identified who he is. Therefore he comes across as one-dimensional. There are choices I haven’t made yet about him and I struggle with what choices will be best and how these choices will play out in the story.

I do realize that his subconscious goals have to drive him more than his conscious goals in order for him to be relatable and in the end likable. And even though both the subconscious and conscious reasons steer him towards the same behavior this requires changes to clarify who he is and his journey. I am working on it but have not pinpointed it all yet. There is something about him that I haven’t grasped yet, I feel it percolating under the surface but it has not crystallized yet. It’s frustrating but I have faith that it will reveal itself to me as I keep working. On that note, I will keep working on today’s assignment beyond today.

A. <div>

Weak protagonist or antagonist. – This is what I have been working the most on. I have been trying to work in ways to make the protagonist more dimensional and layered in order for the internal struggle to have more meaning and for the audience to connect with something real in him. I’ve gone through the scenes and made adjustments where I felt I could, and also added an action scene, but there are still several places I have not been able to solve this yet. Especially in the protagonist’s dialogue. I have identified that what truly drives the protagonist is that he more than anything wants a friend. A real friend.

B.

Protagonist Too Good or Antagonist Too Bad. – Actually my problem has been that the protagonist is Too Bad, which I am still working on solving. I have added a scene in which the protagonist is nice to a lonely child is to balance this.

C.

Weak character intros. – I did a small rewrite of the opening to add a stronger character intro for the protagonist, in which I worked in a few more of his characteristics.

D.

Characters not in action. – This is not really a problem I have in this script.

E.

Protagonist journey not strong. – The journey is strong, but can and will be made stronger and more interesting when I have solved the problem I have with not knowing my protagonist as well as I need to, yet.

F.

All the characters seem the same. – This is not a problem in this script.

G.

Lead characters not present. – This is not a problem I have in this script.

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[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallén’s Solved Structural Problems

What I learned doing this assignment is that I do have clear structural beats. That said I sense there is something stronger to be discovered for the reaction to the last act and to the climax. I just can’t put my finger on it yet. I have identified the reason for this being that I have some lack of clarity in regards to the protagonist as a character. And hope to discover what additional elements I can add to the reaction to the act 3 Turning Point, Climax and Resolution, when I work on the character more.

Act 1:

Opening/Old Ways: Is this an engaging opening scene that lures us into the story? Is the lead character clearly living in a pre-transformation mode? Do the “Old Ways” show up in their behavior and dialogue?

Yes. But it can be made stronger by finding a way to have George, the protagonist show more of his character and old ways without adding time.

Inciting Incident: How does this incident invite and propel us into the journey?

The Protagonist finds himself standing eye to eye with a real genie who wants nothing more than granting someone three wishes. However, the wishes are limited. From the Antagonist’s (second protagonist) point of view: She’s being released from her lamp for the first time in 1000s of years and can’t wait to grant her last client his 3 wishes asap so she can permanently retire.

Turning Point: How is this Turning Point a twist that locks us into the journey with “no going back?”

Protagonist point of view: The protagonist realizes that he has power and decides to use it. The genie has to stay around with him until he’s asked for his three wishes, regardless of how long that takes. He decides to never ask for the last one. Consciously it’s so he can have her around to help him for as long as he wants. Subconsciously he make makes the decision because he’s lonely and wants company.

Antagonist’s point of view: She realizes the protagonist intends to keep her “prisoner” forever and declares war – set doing anything in her power to make him ask for all his wishes asap.

Act 2:

New Plan: What new plan did the protagonist create to deal with the Act 1 Turning Point?

Protagonist: He asks for his second wish – for the genie to become his assistant, to be around and help him at seminars and lectures, in order for him to look successful.

Antagonist: She has to grant the wishes but her plan is to sabotage while doing so, so that the protagonist will want to get rid of her and ask for his last wish.

Plan in action: How does the protagonist take action on that plan?

The protagonist uses the genie more and more as an assistant in any public setting, in order to both avoid heavy lifting and to appear successful.

Midpoint Turning Point: How does the Midpoint change the meaning, creating a reveal that changes everything while keeping us on the same journey?

The genie is left alone with the audience at a seminar and is forced onstage. She is infinitely more successful than the protagonist is at speaking and answering questions from the audience. For the first time, the audience is captivated and books sell.

Act 3:

React/Rethink: What is revealed to the protagonist from the Midpoint? How do they react or rethink things?

What is revealed to the protagonist is that the genie is more popular with the audience than he is and ever has been. She is full of common sense wisdom and charm which the audience really responds to in a way they’ve never responded to him. At first, he reacts with jealousy. Then he thinks about the possibilities and decides to use her onstage more and more to boost sales.

New Plan: What new plan did the protagonist create to deal with this new level of conflict?

Since the genie is popular with people the protagonist decides to order her to be onstage to speak together with him at every event in, order to increase his success and boost sales. As his assistant, the genie (antagonist) has no choice but to do it.

Antagonist plan. The genie is extremely resistant and does everything she can to sabotage the protagonist so he’ll get rid of her until she discovers how much golf costs. This causes her to make a new plan and collaborate with the protagonist for a percentage of the profit from book sales etc. She decides to give it her all to make them successful.

Turning Point: The lowest of the low. How has this Turning Point brought the character to the lowest of lows, making it almost impossible for them to win in a normal way? This forces them to adopt the change in a much bigger way.

The genie has completely overshadowed the protagonist with her honesty, natural wisdom, and charm. When she gets a call from Oprah and someone mistakes the protagonist for her assistant they have a huge fight and the protagonist blurts out his last wish by mistake. “I wish I’d never have to see you again.” The genie grants the wish and disappears forever. Now the protagonist is completely alone, without any help, and feels more like a failure than ever.

Act 4:

Dilemma: What emotional dilemma requires the protagonist to choose between two alternatives, losing something with either choice?

He feels more alone and more like a failure than ever. He still tries his old ways one more time and fails miserably. He realizes that his old ways don’t work but identifies who he is so much with them that he decides to quit, instead of changing, because he sees no way out.

Climax/Ultimate @xpression Of The Conflict: How is this the ultimate expression of the conflict? How does it require a “fight to the death,” either literally or symbolically?

The protagonist is so resigned that he can’t put on an act when he gets a surprise visit from a depressed neighbor and they have a real connection. He accidentally falls into the first expression of new ways and helps his neighbor. When coaxed into a speaking engagement he overcomes his fears and tries his new ways – because there is literally nothing else left to try – and he resonates with the audience. He also admits his errors. He stops being driven by superficial validation and at the expense of others.

Resolution: How does this resolution represent the “New Ways” and bring this story to a fitting conclusion?

The protagonist admits his errors and jealousy to the antagonist. He admits that he’s missed her and she also admits that she’s missed him. They become friends for real. The protagonist speaks at an event in front of a large audience with honesty, integrity, care, and generosity. And he publicly gives the genie the credit for his earlier success. He asks a woman out on a date and she accepts. He is nice, no longer alone, and successful. The protagonist and the antagonist are happy for each other.

New Ways: What are the New Ways and do they clearly show up in your lead character’s Act 4 behavior and dialogue?

The new ways are honesty, generosity, integrity, and a genuine desire to help people. He becomes a friend and therefore gets friends. These new ways show up by chance first, when the protagonist is visited by his neighbor and deliberately as he makes the shift to become real in the last few scenes. Climax and resolution.

• This reply was modified 4 years ago by  Karin Hallen.

[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallén’s Filled in Missing Scenes

What I learned doing this assignment is that I discovered from the read through that need to take out more scenes than I needed to add. Some of my 3rd and a lot of my 4th act really lag and drag on. I know I tend to overwrite in early drafts trying to “find my way and words” and this just confirms that. So, seeing on the class schedule that lesson 25 will be to solve structural problems I know I’ll have a big task to tackle tomorrow.

The Scenes I added and why I added them

Pg 48 – added for transitional smoothness

INT. CORRIDOR – DAY – SIMULTANEOUSLY

George hurries through the corridor, from the bathroom. He approaches the lecture hall and hears the audience’s LAUGHTER and APPLAUSE before he opens the door.

Pg 60 – Added because I think the story needs one more encounter/near encounter between Rebecca and George before the resolution.

INT. RESTAURANT – DAY

PLACEHOLDER: Scene of Rebecca sitting at a table by herself, too far to hear what’s being said, but close enough to witness everything. She picks up her phone and calls here, mentions George. “There is this guy I keep bumping into…”

Pg 61 – Added because a travel scene was needed for clarity

INT. AIRPLANE – DAY

George sits crammed in a middle seat. He has an overstuffed open duffel bag in his lap with Geena’s lamp almost fully visible packed on top. Suddenly they fly into bad turbulence. A muffled but unmistakable GURGLING AND GAGGING SOUND comes from the lamp. The passengers on each side of George glance at him and the lamp. George grabs the paper bag from the seat pocket in front of him and makes gagging sounds to “cover up”. In his lap he sees the inside of the glass lamp get splattered with a pinkish mess.

Pg 62 – added because a follow up scene to the scene above is needed.

INT. HOTEL ROOM 3 – BATHROOM – DAY

PLACEHOLDER: Geena, wet hair dressed in a hotel bathrobe, washes the lamp thoroughly. She is mad at George for putting her through this and lets him know in no uncertain terms.

[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallén’s Act 4 Resolution

What I learned doing this assignment is that again I wasn’t sure what’s the last part of the climax and what’s the resolution as I think the end of the climax and the beginning of the resolution took place in the same scene which I posted in yesterday’s forum. Aside from that, I learned that the resolution reads/feels better when it’s short and sweet.

Outline Key Scene(s) 4

Beginning

EXT. CONVENTION CENTER – DAY

Geena gets into an Uber.

Middle

INT. UBER – DAY

The driver is the same Uber driver she had a hint of a flirt with earlier and who “protected her” from George. They talk.

End

Geena asks if he plays gold. He says heck, yeah. She ask if he thinks it’s wrong to compete among friends at the golf course. He says heck, no.

TITLE CARD: 1 YEAR LATER

EXT. FLORIDA GOLF RESORT – POOL – DAY

Beginning

INSERT: Closeup of George on the cover of TIME Magazine.

Middle

We pull back from the magazine cover and see Geena by the pool with the magazine. She sips a Tom Collins, picks up her phone and calls George and congratulates him.

End

The Uber driver sits in the pool chair next to her.

EXT. TENNIS COURT – DAY

George puts the phone back in his pocket and serves. Rebecca hits the ball back perfectly, out of reach for George. They laugh and both run up to the net and kiss over it. Rebecca has an engagement ring on her finger.

Write Key Scene(s) 4

EXT. CONVENTION CENTER – DAY

Geena gets into an Uber.

INT. UBER – DAY

The driver is the same Uber Driver that Geena had a hint of a flirt with in the front seat earlier in the story and who tried to “protect her” from George.

GEENA

Hi. Oh, hey!

UBER DRIVER

Hey! I know you! You got rid of that monster you were hanging out with?

GEENA

He’s alright, actually. Kind of like the brother you always fight with but would die for.

UBER DRIVER

Oh, hmm.

The Uber Driver and Geena chitchat and laugh. They have an undeniable connection.

GEENA

Hey, do you play golf?

UBER DRIVER

Heck, yeah!

GEENA

Do you think it’s wrong to compete among friends when playing?

UBER DRIVER

Heck, no!

Geena grins.

TITLE CARD: 1 YEAR LATER

EXT. FLORIDA GOLF RESORT – POOL – DAY

INSERT: Closeup of George on the cover of TIME Magazine.

We pull back from the magazine cover and see Geena by the pool with the magazine, sipping a Tom Collins. The Uber Driver sleeps in the lounge chair next to her. Geena picks up her phone and dials. George answers on the other end of the line.

GEENA

Congratulations on the cover, my brother from another mother! Love ya!

GEORGE (O.S.)

Love ya too, twisted sister.

EXT. TENNIS COURT – DAY

George puts the phone back in his pocket and serves. Rebecca hits the ball back perfectly, out of reach for George. They both laugh and run up to the net and kiss over it. Rebecca has an engagement ring on her finger.

[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallén’s Act 4 Climax

What I learned doing this assignment is that I’m not quite sure where the climax starts, which scenes belonged in yesterday’s class and which one in today’s. And I am wondering if that might be because my scenes are not clear enough, or simply because there are too many of them. I learned that I probably do have too many length and repetitive scenes between reaction and climax, but I don’t know which ones to cut out yet, so keeping them for now and will figure out which ones to eliminate in the rewrite.

Outline Key Scene(s) 3

INT. UNIVERSITY – AULA – DAY

Beginning

George is extremely nervous. He looks out across the huge aura, filled with students. He starts speaking. Stutters. Tries again. For the first time he starts off just talking honestly. Hesitantly at first.

Middle

He becomes an authentic speaker. He stops pretending to be perfect to his audience and speaks from his heart and truth. He says that all this started because he genuinely wanted to help people. And he still does. But he got lost. He speaks about his errors. And how they harmed him and everyone around. People start listening.

End

He gets a standing ovation and people cry at the end of his speech.

EXT. GOLF COURSE – DAY

Beginning

Geena plays golf with three golf friends. She suggests a friendly competition with her co players for the last 9 holes and they refuse to have any of it. They say that golf is a gentleman’s sport and they don’t need to compete among friends.

Middle

After the last hole they pass a tennis court on the way back to the club house. Geena looks over at the tennis court wistfully. She asks if anyone is up for a game. They look at her like she is crazy.

Geena looks reminiscent. She thinks she sees George playing at the tennis court and actually lights up. It’s not him. She hears in her head the mean things she yelled to him the last time she saw him.

Her golf friends say that it’s time for bite to eat and it jolts her back to reality. She shakes it off and laughs at something. But something seems changed in her.

INT. GOLF CLUBHOUSE – RESTAURANT – DAY

Geena has lunch with her golf buddies, but appears distant and subdued.

End

EXT. RESORT BOOKSTORE – DAY

Geena walks by a bookstore, still in golf gear. She glances in through the open door and spots George’s book on a shelf. She enters the store and buys it

EXT. COLLEGE – DAY

PLACEHOLDER: George speaks at a graduation. Scene showing that George becomes increasingly comfortable and popular, but that he is not at all driven by that anymore.

EXT. GEENA’S HOME – DAY

Geena sits in a longe chair in the shade, reading George’s book. She is focused. She underlines something. The sun moves across the sky and gets lower on the horizon.

INT. GEENA’S BEDROOM – NIGHT

Geena reads George’s book. She turns the page. She’s almost at the end. She reads the last page and closes the book.

INT. JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER – DAY

Beginning

George donates his book and speaks at a juvenile detention center.

Middle

On the way out he gets a call from his former booker. Back when he cancelled all his book tour they forgot to cancel a big convention that was booked months ago, before Geena left. George says no.

End

After hesitation George says yes.

LARGE CONVENTION CENTER – CHECK IN DESK – DAY

TRANSFORMATIONAL EVENT 8

Beginning

George checks in at a big convention. It’s obvious that it’s a prestigious place. The Check-In Lady asks about Geena whom he was booked to speak together with. George says that he’ll be doing it alone. The Check-In Lady says you have to stick to what you put on the schedule. “You had months to change or update it. It’s too late.” You have disqualied yourself.” George is devastated. He says it’s the most important convention of the year. And that he has something important to say now.

Middle

Just then Geena shows up. George is shocked. He says he thought he’d never see her again, she says that his wish was that “ he’d never HAVE to see her again”, but she knows that he secretly WANTED to see her again, here at the convention, and WANTING TO is not the same as “HAVING TO” so her showing up is unrelated to his last wish. So, she decided to come. Because she wanted to see him, as well, she admits. George lights up. The Check-In Lady looks confused at the conversation.

End

George and Geena have the courage to admit that they missed each other and that they are friends. For real. The Check-In Lady is sour and ask them to hurry up and be done with the make-up party. They get their badges. They say something like “Let’s do this.”

INT. HUGE CONVENTION HALL – DAY

Beginning

George’s and Geena’s last seminar together. It is a huge success. At the end of it they hug and thank each other publicly and give each other praise.

Middle

Brad Brightly appears in the audience and congratulates them on an a fantastic seminar. They outsold his seminar, but he doesn’t care. He just loves good teachings/lectures. Really means it. He’s bright and sincere as always.

End

After the seminar Rebecca approaches them, with admiring eyes on George. She finally had a chance to see him speak. Geena nudges him until he asks her out for dinner. She lights up and happily accepts.

Write Key Scene(s) 3 – The ultimate Expression of the Conflict.

INT. UNIVERSITY – AULA – DAY

George stands on stage looking out across the huge room filled with college students. Every seat is filled. George sweats profusely and keeps wiping his hands on his pants. He looks extremely nervous.

George hesitantly checks the microphone. He avoids starting until he can’t stall anymore.

GEORGE

Hello everyone. I am George Wallow. And, umm… I am… well, for starters I’m extremely nervous. I am not a good speaker.

The students squirm in their seats.

GEORGE

So it’s ok if I bore you and you want to leave. Let’s just get that out of the way. It wouldn’t be the first time. In fact I kind of expect it.

George gestures at the exit. A few students chuckle in a friendly, compassionate way. But nobody leaves.

GEORGE

That, umm, might make you wonder why I speak at all. And I don’t have a good answer to that, except that it ended up being for all the wrong reasons.

The students start listening more intently.

GEORHE

It didn’t start that way, I think I wrote a book for the right reasons. Actually I first wrote it for myself because I was so down in the dumps, so lost and sad and lonely that I had to get it out. I’m sure I’m not the only one who write for that reason.

Several students nod in agreement.

GEORGE

And two, I thought that if my words, if I could help just one other person who felt that bad, lost, alone, then I wanted to do that.

A couple of students nod again.

GEORGE

(CONTINUES SOMETHING ALONG THE LINES OF WHAT’S BELOW, BUT TO BE REWRITTEN, SHORTENED, IMPROVED)

And then I sent it to a publisher. They hated it. Then I changed a lot in it. To make it more, I don’t know… energetic. I sent it to people who knew better. They told me what to do. What to change again. Basically myself. My image. That I could become a speaker based on my book. An expert. I’d never been an expert, or even really good at anything. I’ve never been popular. I’m… boring. Then it all got skewed. I saw a way out. I was going to become a rich and famous speaker. Get on the New York Times bestseller list. Really fast. It was… awful. I never got on a bestseller list. Well, kind of, but that’s just because I sold my book on Kindle for a penny, to show sales. It was all for looks. Now, if I had given my book away with the intention to give people who couldn’t afford to buy a book a chance to read it, it would have been ok. But that wasn’t the reason. It was all about me. About how to become successful. And look it. Boost the brand. And I guess inside of me, most of all not to feel so lonely. It didn’t help. I sucked. I felt betrayed. I felt like people didn’t help me enough. Like everyone else had more sales. And I felt more like a failure than ever. I tried everything. Fake it till you make it. Right? I thought that was the game. I accused everyone else of being fake, just because I was. I was lonelier than ever. I thought everyone was petty because that’s what I was. They weren’t. I met great people, amazing speakers. Generous people focused on giving. Some people are true experts. I am not. And the only reason I’m standing here is that a great young man among you guys asked me to speak here today, and it’s to honor his wish I am here. He came to visit me the other day. And we talked. Like friends. We both felt like shit. And then we talked. About him and me. And for the first time in years I didn’t feel like I was in sales. Or advertising. Just two guys feeling like shit and hanging out and when he left he thanked me for helping him feel better. I should have thanked for helping me feel infinitely better. I’m doing that now. My friend, you know who you are. Thank you!

The audience cheers.

GEORGE

You guys don’t need my book. You don’t need an expert on how to live life. You might need that for certain situations, or subjects, like after a divorce, or on nutrition, or how to run a marathon, but not on who you are, or on life. Don’t spend years sitting in an audience staring straight at someone else, live or on a screen hoping to one day have enough information that you’ll know how to live. How to be alive. Or be happy. You don’t need me. You don’t need to know more experts’ stories. You don’t need more information. And you don’t need an audience. You need each other.

(GEORGE WRAPS UP SPEECH FAIRLY QUICKLY HERE WITH SOMETHING MEANINGFUL AND SIMPLE)

George gets a standing ovation and some students cry at the end of his speech.

EXT. GOLF COURSE – DAY

The weather is gorgeous. Geena plays golf with three GOLF BUDDIES. The move leisurely from hole to hole.

GEENA

Hey, how about a friendly competition on the last 9 holes?

GOLF BUDDY 1

I don’t think that’s necessary.

GOLF BUDDY 2

I agree. Why ruin a perfectly relaxing round?

GOLF BUDDY 3

Yeah, no need to compete among friends.

GEENA

Ok. No, of course.

They keep playing.

After the last hole they walk back towards the Clubhouse. Across the parking lot there is a tennis court. Geena glances at it.

GEENA

In anyone up for a game of tennis sometime?

Her golf buddies laugh as if she was joking until they realize she means it.

GOLF BUDDY 2

Are you crazy?

Golf Buddies 1 and 3 shake their heads.

GOLF BUDDY 1

Not for me.

Geena looks reminiscent. She looks at the tennis court again. Two men enter the court. One of them looks just like George from behind. Geena lights up.

GEENA

(to herself)

George?

The tennis players take their sides and the man who look like George faces Geena. He has a beard and doesn’t look like George at all face on.

Geena hears in her head all the mean things she yelled to George the last time she saw him.

GEENA (V.O.)

You are a failure and nobody likes you! You’re going to be alone for the rest of your life and everyone thinks you’re pathetic! They laugh at you.

Golf Buddy 3 nudges Geena.

GOLF BUDDY 3

You coming? Let’s get a bite and a beer.

Geena comes back to reality. She shakes it off.

GEENA

You know I wouldn’t say no to that.

She laughs.

GOLF BUDDY 2

That’s our Geena.

INT. GOLF CLUBHOUSE – RESTAURANT – DAY

Geena has lunch with her golf buddies, but appears distant and subdued.

EXT. RESORT BOOKSTORE – DAY

Geena walks by a bookstore, still in golf gear. She glances in through the open door and spots George’s book on a shelf. She stops and hesitates. She enters the store.

INT. RESORT BOOKSTORE – DAY

Geena buys George’s book.

EXT. OUTDOOR SPEAKING EVENT – DAY

George speaks at a college graduation in front of hundreds of graduates and gets huge applause.

GEORGE

(INSERT GOOD SHORT SPEAK HERE: Something that includes: Geena’s speak about nutrition. Refers to it. Speaks about the huge focus on and effort that goes into marketing, at the expense of things product quality. Not about food per se. For life itself. How our life and what we believe to matter is ruled by marketing. Hurry up win and shine. No time to develop depth. It’s the lack of depth inside that makes up the aching loneliness. Emptiness. But you are the generation that can see beyond. And have the courage. Be like a tree. Let it take time. Be still. Run deep. ETC)

George finishes his speech on a profound and simple note.

EXT. GEENA’S HOME – DAY

Geena sits in a longe chair in the shade, reading George’s book. She is focused. She underlines something. The sun moves across the sky and gets lower on the horizon.

INT. GEENA’S BEDROOM – NIGHT

Geena reads George’s book. She turns the page. She’s almost at the end. She reads the last page and closes the book.

INT. JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER – REC ROOM – DAY

George speaks at a minimum security Juvenile Detention Center, where he donates a book to everyone who wants one.

GEORGE

I was really just coming here to leave a couple of copies of a book I wrote in the library. And then I was asked to come and say a few words. I don’t have anything prepared. But my book is about loneliness first and foremost. I don’t claim to know what it feels like being here. Or what it’s like to be you. But I do know what it’s like to feel so lonely inside that you think you’ll go insane and what that can do to your mind and the things it can make you do. Just because you hope it’s gonna kill the ache inside. I don’t know what you kids all did to be here, but for all I know the things I did to make a quick buck and to gain attention, to look like a success just trying not to feel so lonely were right up there with things that break the law. And it didn’t help me one bit. Because loneliness is rooted in something else. Something deeper. I used to know this woman, she’d been in a prison, in isolation longer than anyone of you will be here, longer anyone else I’ve heard of and I can honestly say that she was less lonely than I was, and less imprisoned. She was true. She didn’t pretend. She didn’t lie. She always found life somehow… She umm…

George trails off in thought. Then, he gathers himself and holds up a book.

GEORGE

Anyway, if anyone wants one of these, I’m leaving them here, so just grab a copy. And, yeah, if anyone feels like you want to talk, or write, or whatever, I’m pretty free. So, just call. Reach out. It’s ok. You’re ok. You’re ok.

George gathers his things and leaves.

EXT. JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER – DAY

As George exits the prison he gets a call. He answers.

GEORGE

Hello. Linda! Hold on. Let me get in my car.

George gets into his car.

GEORGE

Ok, you’re on speaker.

LINDA (O.S.)

So, I hear you’re back out there speaking again.

GEORGE

Just here and there.

LINDA

Let me know if you need a booker.

GEORGE

Nah, I don’t do it like that anymore. For sales. Or money.

LINDA (O.S.)

Well, I’m calling you because I got a reminder from the National Health and Wellness Convention in Connecticut that you’ve been booked for since last year. I apologize, but it slipped my mind to cancel it when I canceled your book tour. But it doesn’t sound like something you want to do anymore. Should I just tell them you can’t make it.

GEORGE

Yeah, probably.

LINDA (O.S.)

Okidoki.

George is silent for a moment.

GEORGE

No, actually you know what. I’ll do it. I have something to say now.

LARGE CONVENTION CENTER – CHECK-IN DESK – DAY

TRANSFORMATIONAL EVENT 8

George stands at the check-in table at a big Convention Hall. The way the entire place is decked out it’s obvious that it’s a prestigious convention. It’s busy with people moving around, getting ready.

GEORGE

Checking in. George Wallow.

The CHECK-IN LADY hands him a badge.

CHECK-IN LADY

And you are here with Geena Woo?

GEORGE

Actually she can’t make it. I’ll be on my own.

CHECK-IN LADY

You are booked as a two speaker team. And her name is the main draw. People bought tickets expecting that. You can’t just drop her now. You had months to change it. It’s too late now. I have to give people their money back.

The Check-In Lady tries to take George’s badge back. George holds onto it.

GEORGE

No, please. This is the most important event of the year. I have something that really matters to say now!

CHECK-IN LADY

I’m sorry, you’ve disqualified yourself.

George looks devastated. The Check-In Lady doesn’t look sorry at all. She and George pull on the badge back and forth, neither of them letting go of it. The Check-In Lady jerks hard and wins. She grins triumphantly.

GEENA (O.S.)

I’m not late, am I?

George spins around, shocked. He stands face to face with Geena.

GEORGE

Geena?!

GEENA

Last time I checked.

George tries but can’t hide that he’s happy to see her.

GEORGE

What are you doing here? I thought I’d never see you again, ever.

GEENA

Well, your last wish was that you’d never HAVE to see me again, but I know that you secretly WANTED to see me again and HAVING TO is not the same as WANTING TO so then that’s unrelated to your wish, and so that freed me up. Follow?

The Check-In Lady looks confused.

GEORGE

No, wait, wait, wait! You didn’t that know if I wanted to see you! How could you? You were just hoping.

GEENA

You kept a shard of my lamp didn’t you? Kind of kept us connected. I felt you. So, I decided to come here, because well, oh, dang it, I didn’t want to say this, but I wanted to see you too. I missed your whiny face.

George breaks into a smile.

GEORGE

I hate to admit it, but I’ve missed you, too.

GEENA

Insane, huh?

GEORGE

Definitely.

GEENA

Come here you silly sour jackass.

Geena opens her arms for a hug.

GEORGE

Bossy… badass.

George embraces her.

GEENA

Friends? For real?

GEORGE

Yeah. Yeah.

The Check-In Lady looks increasingly impatient. The check-in line behind George and Geena is getting longer.

CHECK-IN LADY

Can you two take your make-up party somewhere else. People are waiting. People who are actually supposed to be here.

George and Geena turn to the Check-In Lady.

GEORGE

Ma’am, this is Geena.

GEENA

Geena Woo, as in half a dog bark.

GEORGE

Seems she could make it after all. Can I have my badge back, please. And one for Ms Woo?

The Check-In Lady hand them their badges.

GEENA

Let’s do this!

INT. HUGE CONVENTION HALL – DAY

George and Geena are on fire. The play off each other and have great energy together.

The room keeps filling up more and more as they speak. Brad Brightly and Nick stand over by the door. They smile and nod in approval. Rebecca sits in the audience.

It’s the end of the seminar

GEORGE

Not that I think anyone had any doubt, but this could not have happened without my great, no my best friend, Geena…

PLACEHOLDER: George and Geena praise, hug and thank each other publicly. George also thanks real experts and devoted true leaders like Brad Brightly and apologizes to him for being rude. He also apologizes to everyone in the audience, for his old ways.

After the seminar is over Brad Brightly approaches George and Geena with a big genuine smile.

BRAD

Fantastic seminar. Really inspiring. Aah, do you feel it? How many people’s spirits you guys have lifted just now? I love it! This is what it’s all about. People coming together, caring.

Rebecca approaches them.

REBECCA

You again. I finally got to hear you speak. And I can’t believe you’re the same person.

George looks like a question mark.

GEORGE

I’m sorry?

REBECCA

Oh, Rebecca. We’ve met a couple of times. In a bar and a bookstore. But don’t worry, you were really drunk the first time and completely frazzled and preoccupied the second.

GEORGE

Seems about right. I’ve spent a lot of my life being both. I’m sorry.

REBECCA

It’s ok. I always sensed there was more to you. Your book is better than I think you realize.

GEENA

I agree!

GEORGE

You read it?

GEORGE

I’m speechless.

GEENA

Well, you know… You are pretty good at tennis, figured it might not be that far fetched that you’re good at something else you’re that tenacious about, too.

Most people have left, but Rebecca lingers keeping her eyes on George. Geena nudges George and hints at Rebecca. George blushes. Geena nudges him again.

GEORGE

Umm, Rebecca. Seems I owe you an apology for my behaviors the last two times we met. Would you like to.., can I umm, buy you dinner? I’m sorry, I’m sure you’re busy.

Rebecca smiles.

REBECCA

I’d love that. Thank you.

George looks flustered and happy. He and Rebecca head towards the exit.

GEORGE

Wow, your teeth are really white.

REBECCA

I know, you told me that once. Like your underwear.

GEORGE

Nooo!

REBECCA

Yeah.

[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallén’s Act 4 First Scenes

What I learned doing this assignment is that it’s more difficult to write short and effective scenes than long ones and I think I might need to get to the climax quicker. Especially since I have two protagonists. The antagonist is the second protagonist so she needs to go through the same journey, even if on a smaller scale. Making notes to figure out how to possibly condense in the rewrite.

Outline Key Scenes 1 and 2

INT. HOTEL – DAY – NEXT MORNING

Beginning

George wakes up from his alarm and sits up on his bed, looking worse for wear. He is drunk. His clothes are wrinkled. All the minibar’s bottles lay strewn around him, empty.

Middle

He talks to the shattered pieces of the lamp as he sweeps them up and dumps them in the trash. He throws Geena’s tennis outfit in there too. One of the shards of the lamp is outside the trash can, which is full now.

End

Absentmindedly he puts it in the pocket of his blazer.

INT. LARGE LECTURE ROOM – DAY

Beginning

George Arrives still looking worse for wear. The room is already full of people impatiently waiting. He greets them old style, hides his insecurity behind being flashy.

Middle

People ask for Geena. He says she’s on sick leave. Reminds them that this is all his anyway. She was just helping out. George continues. He’s boring. People ask for Geena again. He badmouths her.

End

Someone says that they don’t believe what he says. People leave.

MONTAGE

George does poorly at several speaking engagements. The audience gets smaller and smaller. The rooms get smaller and smaller.

INT. SMALL DULL SPEAKING ROOM – DAY

Beginning

George speaks to a very small audience of elderly people. Only a handful of men and women. One person is asleep, another yawns. One woman is on Facebook.

Middle

A man in a wheelchair rolls out of the room. He suggest to a man he passes by that let’s go watch a rerun of M*A*S*H instead. The other man stands up and leaves with him. George breaks down and says so. Says I’ve had it I can’t do this anymore. I’m done.

End

George runs out. On his way out and walking away down the street George talks to himself, accusing himself for being more like a failure than ever – a fraud. Admits it to himself. He picks up the phone and makes a call. Says cancel the rest of my book tour.

EXT. TENNIS COURT – DAY

Beginning

George looks lonelier than ever entering a tennis court, head down.

Middle

He plays tennis against a wall with lackluster spirit.

End

He sees a couple playing on a court nearby. They cheer each other on and look like they have great fun.

EXT. GOLF COURSE – DAY

Geena plays golf, fully decked out in golf gear. She smiles It looks like she’s happy and living the good life with new golf buddies.

INT. GEORGE’S APARTMENT – DAY

Beginning

The apartment is drab. George is down in the dumps. Unshaven. Dressed in an old robe. Shuffles around in slippers. Drinks a beer. The shard from Geena’s lamp that George put in his pocket sits on his small fireplace mantle.

Middle

He takes it from the mantle. Sits down in a chair.

End

He sits there in deep though staring into nothing with the shard in his hand. The day becomes night.

INT. GEORGE’S APARTMENT – NIGHT – SAME NIGHT HOURS LATER

TRANSFORMATIONAL EVENT 7

Beginning

His neighbor knocks on the door, a young person, feeling very lonely and depressed. He asks for advice/help. He’s read an article George wrote a long time ago.

Middle

George, very resigned himself is real and honest with the neighbor. They have a good conversation. The person leaves feeling better. Before he leaves he asks if George would talk at his school. George says no.

End

And after he leaves George looks lighter, invigorated. He undergoes a major change.

INT. GEORGE’S APARTMENT – DAY

George has real clothes on. He puts dishes in the dishwasher. The phone rings. It’s the young person again saying he’s talked to the school. They want him to speak. Would he please reconsider.

EXT. GOLF COURSE – DAY

Beginning

Geena plays golf with three golf friends. She suggests a friendly competition with her co players for the last 9 holes and they refuse to have any of it. They say that golf is a gentleman’s sport and they don’t need to compete among friends.

Middle

After the last hole they pass a tennis court on the way back to the club house. Geena looks over at the tennis court wistfully. She asks if anyone is up for a game. They look at her like she is crazy.

Geena looks reminiscent. She thinks she sees George playing at the tennis court and actually lights up. It’s not him. She hears in her head the mean things she yelled to him the last time she saw him.

Her golf friends say that it’s time for a bite to eat and it jolts her back to reality. She shakes it off and laughs at something. But something seems changed in her.

INT. GOLF CLUBHOUSE – RESTAURANT – DAY

Geena has lunch with her golf buddies but appears distant and subdued.

End

EXT. RESORT BOOKSTORE – DAY

Geena walks by a bookstore, still in golf gear. She glances in through the open door and spots George’s book on a shelf. She enters the store and buys it.

Write Key Scenes 1: Reaction to 3rd Act Turning Point <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Write Key Scenes 2: Protagonist faces their Dilemma

<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>

INT. HOTEL – DAY – NEXT MORNING

An alarm rings. George wakes up, laying on top of the bed, fully dressed. He fumbles for his phone and turns off the alarm. He looks worse for wear. He is drunk. His clothes are wrinkled. All the bottles from the open minibar lay strewn around him, empty. He looks at the time and tries to stand up. He immediately puts a hand on his forehead and grimaces in pain.

He shuffles to the bathroom and comes out swallowing three ibuprofens and a glass of water. He steps on a shard from Geena’s broken lamp and curses out loud.

He grabs a hotel magazine and uses it as a makeshift broom to sweep up the pieces of the broken lamp. He dumps the pieces and shards in the trash can mumbling curses as he does.

George grabs Geena’s tennis outfit and stuffs it in the trash can, too. He throws his toiletry bag into his open carry on suitcase sitting on the floor. He doesn’t notice that a large shard from the lamp is in his carry on. The toiletry bag lands on top of it. He closes the suitcase.

INT. LARGE LECTURE ROOM – DAY

George arrives, still dressed in the same clothes as he slept in, still looking worse for wear. He has his carry on suitcase with him. The room is already full of people impatiently waiting. George heads up towards the stage. He asks for a glass of water on his way there. He enters the stage. He gets a bottle of water and downs the whole bottle.

GEORGE

Placeholder: Insert Old Ways dialogue here. He greets them old style, hides his insecurity behind being flashy. Criticizes and complains a lot about everyone and everything in the world. Whines.

A GIRL, 12 sits in the audience with her mom. The Girl raises her hand and interrupts George in the middle of a sentence.

GIRL

Where is Geena?

GEORGE

Uum, she couldn’t make it.

GIRL

But I came to see her. Will she be able to make it later?

GEORGE

No, umm, she’s on sick leave.

GIRL

For how long?

GEORGE

I don’t know. Look, she has nothing to do with this anyway. This is all mine. It’s my book. My theories.

An OLDER MAN chimes in.

OLDER MAN

But I heard her on Oprah and everything she said made sense. That’s why I’m here. It’s like she understood how I feel. Like she’s been there.

A PURPLE HAIRED WOMAN chimes in.

PURPLE-HAIRED WOMAN

Yeah, that’s how I feel too, and like she really cares.

GEORGE

I care! That’s why I’m here. I care more than anyone! You hear that! Geena is bitch! She was trying to steal the show, all the attention. I have done all this work. Me, just me! I wrote the book! And what thank you do I get for that? This? You guys just don’t get it. It’s so typical. People always try to push you aside and step in front of you. And you don’t see that! No wonder you have problems. People are idiots!

The Purple-Haired woman stands up and leaves. Most of the audience follows her.

DISSOLVE TO:

MONTAGE

George does poorly at several speaking engagements. The audience gets smaller and smaller. The rooms get smaller and smaller.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. SMALL DULL SPEAKING ROOM – DAY

George speaks to a very small audience of elderly people. Only a handful of men and women. One person is asleep, another one yawns. One woman is on Facebook.

GEORGE

If you go to page 137 in my book there is a segment especially focusing on you elderly people.

A MAN IN A WHEELCHAIR, 80s, snorts, offended.

MAN IN WHEELCHAIR

Us elderly. You’re not so far away yourself, you snoot.

George doesn’t hear, or pretends not to hear. He fumbles with a copy of his book, looking for a page.

GEORGE

Here. Let me read. “The older generation faces a unique set of challenges.

George is a dull, monotonous, reader. The Man in the Wheelchair makes loud snoring sounds.

MAN IN WHEELCHAIR

If I want to read the book I’ll just read it. It’s 11 am and you’re more effective than Ambien and hammer in the head combined.

The Man in The Wheelchair rolls out of the room. He stops next to a white-haired man on the way out.

MAN IN WHEELCHAIR

Let’s go watch a rerun of M*A*S*H instead.

The white-haired man stands up and leaves with him.

George looks at the three people left in the room. One person is still sleeping, The woman on Facebook is still on her phone. The person who was yawning earlier is now knitting.

George breaks down and starts crying.

GEORGE

I’ve had it I can’t do this anymore. I’m done.

George runs out of the room and out of the building.

EXT STREET – DAY

On his way out and walking fast down the street George talks to himself, accusing himself for being more like a failure than ever – a fraud. Admits it to himself.

GEORGE

I’m such a loser. I hate myself. They are right. Everyone is right. I’m a failure. A complete failure. I suck. How did I ever think I could help anyone. I hate myself. I’m completely useless. I should have known. Look at me.

George comes to a stop outside a shop window to a men’s store and sees his own reflection in the window next to the suit-clad chiseled and manly mannequin in the window. He looks like a sad, pitiful mess with droopy shoulders next to the perfectly dressed, handsome mannequin.

He picks up the phone and makes a call.

GEORGE

Cancel the rest of my book tour.

EXT. TENNIS COURT – DAY

George enters the tennis court area, looking tired and joyless. He looks around.

He plays tennis against the wall with lackluster spirit.

He sees a couple playing on a court nearby. They cheer each other on and look like they have great fun. George watches them from afar for a minute, reminiscing. He leaves.

EXT. GOLF COURSE – DAY

Geena plays golf, fully decked out in golf gear. She smiles It looks like she’s happy and living the good life with new golf buddies.

INT. GEORGE’S APARTMENT – DAY

The apartment is drab. George is down in the dumps. Unshaven. Dressed in an old robe. Shuffles around in indoor slippers. Drinks a beer.

The shard from Geena’s lamp that ended up in George’s suitcase sits on his small fireplace mantle. He takes it from the mantle and sits down in an armchair. He sits there in deep thought with the shard in his hand staring into nothing. The day becomes night.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. GEORGE’S APARTMENT – NIGHT – SAME DAY

It’s dark outside and dark inside the apartment aside from a dim light finding its way in through a window from streetlight. It illuminates the room and George just enough to make out his features. He still sits in the same position, in the same arm chair. It looks like he hasn’t moved.

There is a KNOCK on the door. George looks up, startled. There is another KNOCK. After some hesitation George gets up and shuffles over to the door. He looks through the peep hole in the door. A young guy TIM, early 20s, stringy hair stands outside. George opens the door a few inches, but keeps the security chain on.

GEORGE

What do you want?

TIM

Mr. Wallow?

GEORGE

Yeah. Who are you?

TIM

My name is Tim. I umm, I live across the hall. I was hoping I could talk to you for a minute.

GEORGE

I’m busy.

TIM

Of course. I’m sorry.

Tim looks really depressed and defeated. His shoulders sag and his eyes are filled with pain. He turns to leave.

GEORGE

Hey. I might have a minute. What do you want to talk about?

TIM

I just really need to talk to somebody. Anybody. I saw your light was on. And… I’ve read something you wrote and I thought… I don’t know I just took a chance… that maybe you would understand. I’m sorry. That’s rude to just knock like that… I just…, I don’t know who else to go to. I don’t know what to do to. How to feel better. I just can’t take it anymore.

Tim starts shivering and crying. George opens the door fully letting Tim in. He checks the hallway before closing the door.

GEORGE

Come in. You read my book?

Tim takes out a paper that has been folded and unfolded many times from the pocket in his denim jacket. It’s a printout of an online blog article.

George takes the article and looks at it. He looks embarrassed.

GEORGE

This is ten years old. That was way before my book. I was just rambling. I should have deleted it.

TIM

I just saw it a year ago. But I’ve carried it around with me since. It felt like you were a friend speaking exactly to me. That there was one more person out there who felt as useless and hopeless as I do. It helped me. It helped me not to feel so completely alone. But…I…need… some hope now.

Tim sobs.

GEORGE

Sit down, please. Can I get you something? Water, a beer?

Tim still sits down, still sobbing.

George heads to the kitchen and returns with a glass of water and a beer. He awkwardly gives Tim an encouraging pat on the shoulder.

GEORGE

Hey man, have some water.

Tim gathers himself and takes a drink of water.

GEORGE

I’m really sorry that you feel so bad. But you came to the wrong person. I can’t even help myself. I thought I could. I tried to prove everyone wrong but in the end I only proved myself wrong. And them right.

TIM

Who? About what?

GEORGE

And that’s the thing, I don’t even know anymore. It all became so convoluted.

TIM

That’s exactly how I feel. Everything is convoluted. And I can’t find the center of anything. It’s just too much. Everything.

GEORGE

I don’t even know if all these people I tried to prove wrong ever had an opinion.

TIM

I can’t find any meaning. In anything. It’s like everything spins by and I’m behind a glass just looking at it. And I don’t even care. It’s just too much. But not enough somehow.

GEORGE

(INSERT DIALOGUE: Says something sincere and caring, shifting the focus to Tim fully. Asks something caring.)

TIM

(INSERT DIALOGUE: Answers and opens up.)

They continue talking. George is very real and honest. They have a good conversation. Real communication. A real connection. Tim calms down and lightens up. He feels better, hopeful. He is very grateful for George’s time.

TIM

(Insert dialogue about friendship, real friends.)

GEORGE

(Insert caring dialogue about something funny)

They both laugh in a genuine way. The atmosphere is lighter.

TIM

Well, I should go. I don’t want to keep you up all night.

Tim stands up.

GEORGE

Oh, it’s alright. I’m a night owl.

TIM

I don’t know how to thank you. I can’t even tell you how much this helped me. Just to have someone real, like you, to talk to. Someone who gets it.

GEORGE

I’m really glad you feel better.

George stands up too and they go to the front door. Tim stops in the doorway.

TIM

Hey, would you be interested in speaking at my school? They hire speakers from outside all the time.

GEORGE

Nope. I’m done with public speaking. But you can come over here anytime you want to talk.

And after Tim leaves George looks lighter, invigorated. He undergoes a major change.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. GEORGE’S APARTMENT – DAY

George has real clothes on. He puts dishes in the dishwasher. The phone rings. George answers.

GEORGE

Hello. Tim! How are you?

TIM (O.S.)

Good. I hope you don’t mind, but I talked to my school. I told them about you. And they would love for you to come and speak here. I know you said no already, but I was hoping you might reconsider. Please.

George looks pensive.

EXT. GOLF COURSE – DAY

The weather is gorgeous. Geena plays golf with three GOLF BUDDIES. They move leisurely from hole to hole.

GEENA

Hey, how about a friendly competition on the last 9 holes?

GOLF BUDDY 1

I don’t think that’s necessary.

GOLF BUDDY 2

I agree. Why ruin a perfectly relaxing round?

GOLF BUDDY 3

Yeah, no need to compete among friends.

GEENA

Ok. No, of course.

They keep playing.

After the last hole, they walk back towards the Clubhouse. Across the parking lot, there is a tennis court. Geena glances at it.

GEENA

In anyone up for a game of tennis sometime?

Her golf buddies laugh as if she was joking until they realize she means it.

GOLF BUDDY 2

Are you crazy?

Golf Buddies 1 and 3 shake their heads.

GOLF BUDDY 1

Not for me.

Geena looks reminiscent. She looks at the tennis court again. Two men enter the court. One of them looks just like George from behind. Geena lights up.

GEENA

(to herself)

George?

The tennis players take their sides and the man who looks like George faces Geena. He has a beard and doesn’t look like George at all face on.

Geena hears in her head all the mean things she yelled to George the last time she saw him.

GEENA (V.O.)

You are a failure and nobody likes you! You’re going to be alone for the rest of your life and everyone thinks you’re pathetic! They laugh at you.

Golf Buddy 3 nudges Geena.

GOLF BUDDY 3

You coming? Let’s get a bite and a beer.

Geena comes back to reality. She shakes it off.

GEENA

You know I wouldn’t say no to that.

She laughs.

GOLF BUDDY 2

That’s our Geena.

INT. GOLF CLUBHOUSE – RESTAURANT – DAY

Geena has lunch with her golf buddies but appears distant and subdued.

EXT. RESORT BOOKSTORE – DAY

Geena walks by a bookstore, still in golf gear. She glances in through the open door and spots George’s book on a shelf. She stops and hesitates. She enters the store.

INT. RESORT BOOKSTORE – DAY

Geena buys George’s book.

[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallen´s completed Act 3

What I learned doing today’s assignment is that I might need another scene in there that breaks from the core journey and adds something different, but I don’t have that figured out yet. I also learned from reading through the act that this way of working is a really good way to build momentum naturally.

Act 3, 1st Draft

EXT. CONVENTION CENTER – DAY

People outside the convention center, in line at the cafeteria, at lunch tables etc, talk and spread the word that George’s lectures are worth checking out. They frequently mention his “sidekick.

George and Geena exit the building. Geena carries the box of books that now has much less books in it than earlier. As soon as they come outside, George unleashes on Geena.

GEORGE

I can’t believe the level of lying and backstabbing you are capable of.

GEENA

And what exactly did I lie about?

GEORGE

You…

George is interrupted by the Impatient Man and the Short Man who come up to them to shake George’s hand.

IMPATIENT MAN

Really brilliantly structured seminar. I’ve never seen anything like it in this industry. Way more dynamic and engaging than the traditional approach.

George gathers himself.

GEORGE

Thank you.

SHORT MAN

Yeah, man, I understand what you mean with your theories way better now. The way she played it after you pretended to get sick. You make an awesome team. Hey, can I buy another book, I want to give one to my sister. Her birthday is coming up.

GEORGE

Sure, of course.

George gives the man a book from the box Geena is still holding.

SHORT MAN

Would you sign it, please? To Lizzy.

George beams as he signs the book with flair. The Short Man turns to Geena.

SHORT MAN

Would you sign it too, please?

George steps in front of Geena.

GEORGE

Oh, she’s got nothing to do with the book.

George nods goodbye and stands in front of Geena until the men leave. After they are gone he and Geena keep walking. George looks pensive.

INT. HOTEL ROOM 2 – NIGHT

George sits by the hotel desk and counts book sales and inventory. He enters the numbers into his laptop program. He looks pleased. He ponders, tapping his fingers on then desk. He looks over at Geena’s lamp which sits on a side table in the corner. You can see slight movement inside it.

INT. NEW SEMINAR ROOM – DAY

George and Geena display books on a table close to the wall. When they are done Geena takes a seat behind the table.

GEORGE

No. I want you to sit over here by me until the seminar is over. There, just to the side a little.

George points at the stage. Geena moves her chair while people enter the room.

George takes center stage.

GEORGE

Hello everyone. Welcome to this weekend’s WELLness seminar where all is WELL, just ask my assistant Geena here who is WELL on her way – get it… WELL…haha, – to learn how to speak in front of an audience from working with me. Or what do you say Geena, do your eyes WELL up with gratitude tears from this opportunity? (Insert a joke about Geena trying to mimic her style and make her counter with a comment.)

Geena meets George’s joke with a blank stare. The audience squirms in their seats. They look at each other uncomfortably the way an audience does when a stand up comedian is embarrassingly forced and unfunny.

George leans over whispers to Geena but forgets that his microphone is on so that everyone can hear him.

GEORGE

(whispers) Stand up and say something that starts with “well, well, well” now.

Geena shakes her head.

GEORGE

C’mon I spent all night writing that.

The audience laughs. George looks surprised. Then he realizes his microphone was on. His face turns red.

An AUDIENCE MEMBER raises her hand and addresses Geena.

AUDIENCE MEMBER

I’d like for Ms Geena to answer this question. (Insert question for Geena here.)

Geena stays in her chair.

GEORGE

Answer her.

George hands Geena the microphone. Geena stays in her chair and answers.

GEENA

(Insert intelligent, insightful and witty answer here)

The audience applauds and laughs in a good way. Another person in the audience says something to Geena and she counters with a perfect answer/comment.

AUDIENCE MEMBER 2

Placeholder: Insert dialogue here

GEENA

Placeholder: Insert answer here

George observes. He looks tense, his hands are clenched into fists, but he manages an unnatural smile when the audience cheers and applauds. He fights hard to keep up appearances and reminds himself with an INTERNAL MANTRA over and over of what’s most important.

GEORGE (V.O.)

Sales comes first, sales comes first, sales comes first.

George steps up to Geena and pulls her up from the chair and into center stage.

GEORGE

Geena everybody! Geena why don’t you stand here with me for the rest of today’s seminar. Seems we make a good team.

Geena shakes her head. The audience chants her name.

GEORGE

(Insert dialogue in which George takes credit for planning Geena into his “show”) (Something along the lines of:

Thank you, thank you. I have always been great at reading people and I’m glad my gambling with an unknown like my assistant Geena is… who is from hereon part of all my speaking engagements. Because why settle for just a seminar when we can have a show. Right Geena?

GEENA

I don’t know, you tell me, that’s what you do all day long, anyway.

The audience laughs.

The rest of the seminar goes great and when it’s over a line forms behind the table to buy books.

PLACEHOLDER:

MONTAGE

Two short scene(s) showing that George uses Geena more and more. She sets up the sales table, hands out fliers before the event starts, greets the audience by the door and interacts on stage more and more.

INT. SMALL HOTEL – DAY

George rubs the lamp. Geena appears. She clears her throat and yawns as she comes out of the lamp. She has dark circles under her eyes. Her voice is hoarse and uninspired.

GEENA

Your wish is my command.

GEORGE

Time to go to work. Book signing at StarWrite Bookstore.

GEENA

Please, I need a day.

GEORGE

Are you kidding, I’m just starting to gain momentum. People are talking about me. I’m selling books.

GEENA

And I am exhausted. I didn’t talk to anyone for 3 millenniums! And now I am supposed to talk for hours to roomfuls of strangers every day and answer their random questions about everything they think is wrong in the world and in their lives.

GEORGE

If you had read what my book is about you wouldn’t call them random questions.

GEENA

And if you’d given me five minutes off now and then maybe I would have had time to read your book.

GEORGE

Would you?

GEENA

No.

GEORGE

Didn’t think so.

GEENA

And I didn’t think I would ever say that I would rather stay in there than be out here.

Geena points at the lamp. George looks away. He looks a bit sad. Geena looks out the window. She looks sad, too. They both seem lost and lonely in their own bubbles. It is clearly getting to them to be arguing constantly.

INT. LARGE BOOKSTORE – DAY

George and Geena set up before a small speaking engagement and book signing. George pulls out a paper from his pocket. It’s a handwritten list.

GEORGE

So, I have written down a couple of things I want you to say today.

GEENA

I don’t lie.

GEORGE

I’ve taken that into account.

Geena takes the list and reads out loud from it.

GEENA

“I had hoped for years and years to get a gig, without success and I was incredibly excited when George Wallow found me and coaxed me out of my shell. He truly brought me back into the world after I’d been suffering in complete isolation and solitude unable to reach out.” What kind of nonsense is this? What does this have to do with anything?

GEORGE

It goes with my message. It’s the truth, isn’t it?

GEENA

Taken completely out of context.

GEORGE

It shows that I’m a visionary. And when they hear how I’ve helped you, a hopeless case, it will build trust that what I have to offer can help anyone. I’ll get coaching clients.

GEENA

It’s a lie. Again. You are doing everything NOT to help me! If you wanted to help me you would ask for your last wish right now. The only one you care to help at all is yourself, and you suck at that too. I don’t want to support that for so many reasons.

GEORGE

It’s what I wished for in my second wish. That you as my assistant do and help me with anything I ask anytime I say so.

GEENA

I can’t believe there is nothing in the fine print of the genie contract that prohibits wishes that don’t have a natural end to them. It’s so wrong! Just know that you’re not getting away with this forever.

The BOOKSTORE MANAGER approaches them.

BOOKSTORE MANAGER

People are starting to show up. Are you guys ready?

George makes an awkward gesture intended to look strong and cool.

GEORGE

Oh, yeah. Ready to rock’n roll.

People sit down on the chairs in the store and George greets the audience with a book in his hand.

GEORGE

I’m George Wallow. And as you know this is my book. It has been my mission for a long time to selflessly serve humanity and the world. To help all the lonely souls in today’s society. Which my assistant here, Geena can attest to.

George makes a gesture towards Geena and when she doesn’t move, pulls her in front of him, while whispering.

GEORGE

The paper. Say it.

Geena looks at the people in the seats in front of her. Their eyes are glued on her, waiting in anticipation. She sighs and reads from the paper.

GEENA

I had hoped for years and years to get a gig, without success and I was incredibly excited when George Wallow found me and coaxed me out of my shell. He truly brought me back into the world after I’d been suffering in complete isolation and solitude unable to reach out.

The audience applauds. George beams. Geena crumples the paper into a ball, drops it on the floor and keeps talking.

GEENA

And never would I have thought in a million years that being here, with him, would be a lonelier life and experience than being trapped in a bubble on my own for more years than you care to know. But it is. Because there is nothing lonelier than being around what’s artificial. If you eat artificial food your body feels abandoned. Lonely. Panicked. It doesn’t reach your organs. All you had to do was to stop processing the real food to make it look so glossy, so trendy, so perfect and it would have been right there in your stomach sending vitamins and fibers and all that good stuff right into your blood and liver and what not and your body would feel great and nourished. But who gets excited about what grows in your own backyard? And that’s what it’s all about, right? So, yeah, it’s not the amount of food, it’s the lack of nutrition.

George quickly steps in front of Geena with a burst of nervous laughter.

GEORGE

Alrighty, there Geena got to tell you a little about her passion for food.

The audience is hesitantly quiet for a moment. People look at each other, uncertain, gauging how to process what was just said from everyone else’s reaction. Then a woman starts clapping and everyone breaks into applause.

EXT. TENNIS COURT – DAY

Geena and George play tennis. When they take a breather a WOMAN who was at the book signing comes up to Geena and pulls her aside.

WOMAN

I was at the book signing last night. I really like what you said about nutrition. But did you actually mean to say what it sounded like you said about him?

The Woman nods at George who steps up to them ready to sign an autograph.

GEENA

Oh, you mean that all the advertising in the world can’t make what’s not equipped to fill that hole of empty inside magically will do it. Just like any amount of sales will never be enough for George. No matter how many dead bodies he walks over to get there.

George gasps.

WOMAN

Oh.

George throws a sweaty towel at Geena. The Woman looks extremely uncomfortable being in the middle of their fight. She quickly leaves.

GEORGE

What the F! You are supposed to help me! You are obliged to!

GEENA

I’m obliged to play tennis.

GEORGE

And to be around and help me anytime I command you to.

GEENA

To play tennis or to “be around” are straight orders. They can’t be interpreted. Now, to “help” is subjective. If you ask me I’m doing nothing more than help you right now. Because you are definitely not equipped to handle success. You can’t even appreciate what you already have. Like a goddamn full time tennis partner, assistant, prisoner running herself ragged. For what? For nothing, not even a life in freedom in sight! So what am I supposed to do if not everything I can to help myself? I’m going to make your life a living hell until you ask for your last wish. So hurry up.

George paces back and forth. He thinks. Evaluates his options.

GEORGE

Ok. I’m sorry if I’ve been pushing you to hard. And if I haven’t been thanking you for everything. I umm, appreciate it. Peace, huh?

George offers Geena his hand. She rolls her eyes. They finish the game. George lets Geena win. He applauds and cheers.

GEORGE

Well done! I’m proud of you.

GEENA

Don’t think for a second I fall for that.

They leave the tennis court.

EXT. RESTAURANT – DAY

They walk through the city carrying their tennis racket. They walk past a nice looking restaurant.

GEORGE

Let me buy you a nice lunch.

Geena eyes him suspiciously. The aroma of great food reaches her. She smells into the air.

GEORGE

They have nutritious food.

Geena can’t resist.

INT. RESTAURANT – DAY

George and Geena eat a lavish lunch. George makes sure to be very nice to Geena and tops of her water glass etc.

GEENA

You are not fooling me.

George sighs.

GEORGE

Ok, then. Well, to spell it out, when I command you to be around to assist and HELP me anytime that I command, HELP means that you can not say anything bad about me, ok. That’s not a new wish it’s a specification of the already existing one. So, there!

Geena makes an annoyed and very ugly face at him just as a young child looks at her. The young child lights up and immediately makes the same face at his parents. His parents scolds him. The child points at George and Geena’s table. The mother heads over and slaps George.

INT. LARGE CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY

George and Geena arrive.

GEORGE

Don’t forget the specification of the word help, today, ok.

Geena looks like she’s in a bad mood.

The room fills up.

George wishes everyone welcome.

PLACEHOLDER: Geena, in a terrible mood refrains from saying anything directly bad about George. But she does her best to sabotage by making a point of being overly blunt and even rude to the audience when she talks and answers their questions. It backfires hugely as she comes across as really funny and astute to the audience. They laugh and cheer. She’s more popular than ever. George very looks pleased. Geena looks exasperated. The harder she tries the more she fails. She stops mid-speech.

GEENA

I have to go pee!

GEORGE

Ok, let’s take five everyone. Books are for sale already now if you don’t want to wait in line after we’re done.

A bunch of people heads for the book table. George turns to Geena and whispers.

GEORGE

I don’t know how you do it, but you’re killing it. Keep it up! Cheers!

George rushes to the book table. Geena disappears out of the room.

INT. CORRIDOR – DAY

Geena leans against the wall, looking stressed. She strategizes with herself.

GEENA

What to do, what to do?

She looks up into the ceiling and then closes her eyes as if meditating.

INT. LARGE CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY

Geena comes back into the room. George gives her a pat on the back.

GEORGE

I think you should just take over for the day. I command you to.

Geena clenches her hands into fists. She starts talking.

Now, she talks very differently than she did before the break. She perfectly mimics George’s way of talking and behaving. She uses the words and phrases he does and uses the gestures he does etc.

The audience quickly loses interest. Somebody yawns. Some people leave. People look at the time. More people leave. George looks bewildered and upset.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. LARGE CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY – LATER

George and Geena are the only two people left in the room.

GEORGE

You just chased everyone away! On purpose! I ordered you not to say anything bad!

GEENA

I didn’t.

GEORGE

Yes you did! You changed everything! You were awful! Deliberately.

GEENA

What do you mean? I just talked exactly like you. I said exactly what you say. The way you say it. You say you’re a teacher. I learned it from you.

GEORGE

That’s not true.

GEENA

Really? Let’s see. (Insert dialogue comparisons here that prove that Geena is correct.)

George looks completely shocked when he realizes the truth. He leaves the room. Geena hums a happy melody.

INT. PUBLIC RESTROOM – DAY

George looks into the mirror. He looks defeated.

GEORGE’S IMAGINATION:

An image of Geena appears behind him in the mirror, talking and sounding exactly like him. It’s extremely monotonous, boring and dull. Geena’s colors fade to gray as she speaks. She dissolves into nothing as her voice fades to his into a mumble without words.

END GEORGE’S IMAGINATION

George leans against the sink, resting his forehead against the mirror, looking completely forlorn.

INT. CONFERENCE BUILDING – BAR – DAY

Geena sits at a library style bar, sipping a drink, waiting for George. She still hums the happy melody and looks victorious. She picks up a travel magazine with a pamphlet inside it advertising a Golf Resort. She takes a closer look. She spits out her drink from the shock when she sees the cost of a stay at the resort. Her drink splatters all over the page. A cute COCKTAIL WAITRESS stops.

COCKTAIL WAITRESS

Are you ok? Is there something wrong with the drink?

Geena shakes her head, coughing and points to the golf resort ad in the pamphlet.

COCKTAIL WAITRESS

Oh, yeah. Seems like an awesome deal!

The Cocktail Waitress leaves a few extra napkins with Geena and leaves. Geena sits like paralyzed.

George enters the bar and approaches Geena.

GEORGE

Geena, you are right. You’ve been right all along. I should have listened. And I’ve decided that…

Geena sees him interrupts as she jumps to her feet.

GEENA

We need to get to work! We’re gonna need to make some real money!

GEORGE

What?

George’s eyes land on the golf resort pamphlet.

INT. DINER – DAY

George and Geena sit at a window table. Geena finishes scribbling numbers on a piece of paper and slides it over to George. The paper states Books 25%. Door 50%

GEENA

That’s my fair my commission of the book sales and my percentage of the door. Plus per diem, say 50 dollars.

GEORGE

No! That’s outrageous.

GEENA

Take it or you sink.

GEORGE

If I do, so do you. No golf.

GEENA

So be it.

George evaluates. Geena has a straight poker face. George nods.

GEORGE

Ok. Deal. You should be a loan shark.

GEENA

Worked for one once. Back in 1200BC. Made him a lot of camels with three wishes.

They shake hands formally.

GEENA

Let’s do this!

PLACEHOLDER:

MONTAGE:

Montage of scenes at different convention centers and book stores and hotels. Mostly Geena speaking. She’s on fire! She gives it her all now. She has her eyes set on success, which in her eyes means money. Huge applause and great book sales. The success is there. The money. The audience.

INT. LECTURE HALL – DAY

Geena and George are on stage. It’s the end of a seminar.

GEENA

Thank you so much everyone for coming out. I hope you heard something of value for you in today’s seminar. And don’t forget to pick up a book on the way out. If you already own it it’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas gifts! Thank you, thank you!

The audience applauds and cheers.

GEORGE

The amazing, the wonderful, the one the only Geena!

The audience stands up, applauding harder, cheering louder.

George and Geena look at each other and grin. They do a high five.

INT. HOTEL ROOM 4 – NIGHT

George and Geena enter the room. He is carrying his own luggage and as many books as she is now.

GEORGE

I can’t believe how aaawesome it’s going. We rooocked!

GEENA

Sales record! Wohoo!

Geena sits down on one of the two queen sized beds and counts money. George walks around in the room, pumped up!

GEORGE

I’m getting famous! Can you believe it?! I’m becoming famous for real! I’m gonna be on Ellen, and Oprah. The Today show! I’m gonna be a millionaire! Take that and shove it!

GEENA

Uh? Who?

George looks embarrassed for a second.

GEORGE

Oh, nothing. Nobody. Everybody.

Geena holds up the summary of the sales receipts.

GEENA

We’re doing gooood!

GEORGE

Do you just want to sleep in that bed tonight? Instead of all scrunched up in that thing?

He nods at the lamp. Geena thinks for just a second. Then she leans back and stretches out on the bed.

GEENA

Aaah. Comfy.

She grabs the remote and finds the golf channel.

George plops down on the other bed and they watch TV together.

GEORGE

Hey, thank you.

EXT. NEWSSTAND -DAY

George walks through a new city with light steps. He stops at a newsstand and picks up the local newspaper. There is an article in it about him and Geena coming to town to speak. George opens the paper and checks out the article as he walks.

In the newspaper picture, Geena is in the foreground and George is barely visible behind her. And Geena’s name is printed first in the article. George frowns as he reads. He closes the newspaper and keeps walking, looking a bit less chipper than he did moments ago.

He stops outside a coffee shop.

INT. COFFEE SHOP – DAY

George enters and gets in line to buy coffee. He has the newspaper under his arm. He overhears TWO WOMEN further up to the front of the line talking about his book.

WOMAN 1

I just finished that George Wallow book last night. I have to say I found some golden nuggets in it.

George perks up and makes a move to approach the women.

WOMAN 2

But I heard that his partner, the woman, ghostwrote the whole book and he just put his name on it. And got all the credit.

Another TEASIPPING WOMAN leans in from a nearby table and chimes in.

TEASIPPING WOMAN

I heard that too. Everyone knows it.

WOMAN 1

Oh, really? Yeah, I wouldn’t be surprised, from what I hear she’s the only one who has something to say at their seminars. She’s so much smarter. So, he’s just freeloading on her.

WOMAN 2

Typical men.

George is flabbergasted and just gapes.

The women grab their coffees and walk away. George reacts and takes a step towards the women, but the CUSTOMER in line behind him is in the way.

CUSTOMER

Whoa, dude! Take it easy.

BARISTA

Do you want to order something, or not?

The women disappear through the front door.

INT. CONFERENCE CENTER – DAY

A multi-speaker event is going on. There are posters on the walls advertising different events. A lot of people stand gathered in the entrance area and foyer.

George enters the building. He looks around and spots Geena a bit further away. She’s on the phone. George heads over to her. Geena spots him, waves excitedly and hangs up the phone.

GEENA

Guess what? Guess what?

GEORGE

What?

GEENA

Oprah just called me! She wants to interview me on her show!

GEORGE

You mean us? She wants to interview us.

GEENA

No, I’m sorry. Just me.

George pales. He loses it. He slams the newspaper in the floor hard and screams like an injured animal.

GEORGE

Aaarrrgghh!

People around them stop talking to each other and stare at George, startled. George is oblivious to them.

GEORGE

No! No! No! This is wrong! Who even gave you a phone? This is all mine! You hear me! All mine! Oprah is mine! You’re my assistant. Just my assistant! You…are…

George notices everyone staring at him, holding their breath. He quickly makes and effort to compose himself and recover.

GEORGE

…a very good assistant.

George attempts a forced smile at the many faces of disapproval around them, turns on a dime and runs away. Several reporters seize the moment and gather around Geena. She glows like the sun in the spotlight.

REPORTER 1

How about the full inside scope?

GEENA

For the right price.

REPORTER 2

The Daily Report wants it.

REPORTER 1

Excuse me, I was first.

Several other reporters join them. Geena is completely at ease being their center of attention.

EXT. CONVENTION CENTER – DAY – LATER

Geena exits the building. George exists several yards behind her. A TEENAGE BOY runs up to George.

TEENAGE BOY

Excuse me! Sir! Do you work for her?

GEORGE

What?

TEENAGE BOY

Geena. Are you her assistant? Can you help me get her autograph?

George throws a book at the teenager.

GEORGE

Piiiissss offfff!

EXT. PARK – DAY

George catches up with Geena as she reaches a small park with a few tables and benches and a small playground.

GEORGE

Stop!

GEENA

I need to eat.

GEORGE

No! Stop!

George grabs Geena’s arm.

GEORGE

This is not fair! You are becoming a power hungry, greedy, gloating horrible human… genie! All you care about is money!

GEENA

Oh, really! Without me you’d be nothing and you know it! What’s so horrible about me trying to make some money for my retirement while I’m helping you?

GEORGE

Helping? Ha! And let me remind you that it’s up to me when you can come out of that lamp and if you are ever going to retire. And right now I don’t think it looks like it.

A young couple sits at a picnic table close to them holding hands. They listen intently to George and Geena.

YOUNG MAN

Ouch.

Geena pales.

GEENA

It’s not my fault that people like me better than you. Maybe it’s because I actually care?

GEORGE

Care? You? Ha!

GEENA

You’re just so jealous it’s pathetic.

A YOUNG MOTHER and her two small children appear with a hotdogs and a soccer ball.

YOUNG MOTHER

Excuse me, can you take your fighting elsewhere. This is a place for children.

George and Geena storm off, arguing.

YOUNG MAN

See, that’s why I don’t want to get married.

The young woman pulls her hand back from his.

INT. HOTEL ROOM 4 – DAY

George and Geena enter the hotel room, still arguing.

GEORGE

I’m just never going to ask you to help me again. Ever.

GEENA

Yeah, yeah, keep talking. You can’t do it without me. You know that. But you know what, I don’t care. I have enough money to retire by now.

GEORGE

Retire! In your dreams! After next time I order you into the lamp, which is going to be very soon, I might just throw it in the dumpster and you end up in a landfill for the rest of eternity!

GEENA

You wouldn’t dare!

GEORGE

I Wouldn’t? Oh, I wouldn’t? You just try me.

GEENA

And then you’ll end up in the dumpster of life for the rest of your existence, like the failure you are, the failure you keep trying to prove to that invisible mother of yours that you are not. But you are!! She was right. You are a failure and nobody likes you! You stink like an old fridge and sweaty socks! You’re going to be alone for the rest of your life and everyone thinks you’re pathetic!

GEORGE

Shut up!

GEENA

They laugh at you!

GEORGE

I hate you!!! I wish I’d never have to see you again!

Geena immediately smiles. She makes a flamboyant gesture.

GEENA

Your wish is my command.

Geena swirls into a typhoon and disappears with a SWOOSHING SOUND. Geena’s lamp on the desk falls into the floor with an exploding sound, and shatters into millions of pieces.

George is alone. It’s eerily quiet. It starts to rain.

[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallén’s Act 3 Turning Point

What I learned doing this assignment is that the emotionally charged scenes are easier to write, it’s the in between scenes that hold up and carry the story in between that are difficult. I also learned about my characters that they are both in pain from arguing and being so emotionally alienated from each other even though they were not friends, to begin with.

Outline Key Scene(s) 4 – Turning Point 3.

Key scene 4 A – George

EXT. NEWSSTAND -DAY

George picks up the local newspaper and there is an article about him and Geena coming to town to speak. In the picture Geena is in the foreground and he is barely visible behind her. And her name is first in the article.

Key scene 4B – George

INT. COFFEE SHOP – DAY

Beginning

George stops to get a coffee. He overhears two women talking about his book in front of him in line.

Middle

He perks up and is about to approach them when one of the woman says that she heard that Geena ghostwrote the book and George just put his name on it an got all the credit. The other one says “I heard that too. Everyone knows it. She is so much smarter” “Typical men”.

End

The women grab their coffees and walk away. George reacts.

Key scene 4 C – George

INT. CONVENTION CENTER – DAY

Beginning

Oprah calls Geena and wants to interview her, and only her.

Middle

George completely looses it and yells at Geena. “ This is all mine! You’re just my assistant.” Or something like that. A lot of people hear him and frown upon George.

End

They all turn to Geena, who offers a couple of nearby reporters interviews (the inside scope) for money.

Key Scene 4 D – George

ext. CONVENTION CENTER – DAY – LATER

Someone mistakes George for being Geena’s assistant. Maybe while selling books? He is completely broken. Runs after Geena

EXT. PARK – DAY

George and Geena fight. George is furious at the recent turn of events. He accuses Geena of being power hungry. She fights back. Saying she’s just making money for her golf retirement. At the same time she is tied to and by George’s control until he’s asked for all his wishes. He yells and whines about how unfair everything is. And he reminds Geena that she can only come out of the lamp when he asks her to be by his side? And he reminds her that it’s up to him if she’s ever going to retire and he says she doesn’t deserve it. Maybe they storm away, fighting. One part of a couple sitting at a picnic table nearby says something like, “See that’s why I don’t want to get married.” Or some other misinformed comment.

Key Scene 4 E – George Key Scene 4 Geena

INT. HOTEL ROOM 4 – DAY

Beginning

George threatens to never ask Geena a to come out of the lamp again. Geena says that he can’t do without her. After all, she the reason they’re successful. But she doesn’t care, she has enough money for golf in Florida now.

Middle

George threatens to throw the lamp in a dumpster with her in it. She pales but says he wouldn’t dare. They both express all the pain of a horribly co-dependent relationship. The fight escalates. Geena says something that is the straw that breaks the camel’s back. George completely loses it and without thinking he blurts out: “I wish I never had to see you again!”

End

Geena Makes a victorious gesture (maybe she had planned this all along with this fight??) She grants him his wish and “swoosh”, she disappears. Maybe the lamp should explode into pieces when this happen, illustrating George’s complete crash and the irrevocable nature of the moment?

Write Turning Point 3 – Protagonist faces their lowest low

Key scene 4 A – George

EXT. NEWSSTAND -DAY

George walks through a new city with light steps. He stops at a newsstand and picks up the local newspaper. There is an article in it about him and Geena coming to town to speak. George opens the paper and checks out the article as he walks.

In the newspaper picture Geena is in the foreground and George is barely visible behind her. And Geena’s name is printed first in the article. George frowns as he reads. He closes the newspaper and keeps walking, looking a bit less chipper than he did moments ago.

He stops outside a coffee shop.

Key scene 4B – George

INT. COFFEE SHOP – DAY

George enters and gets in line to buy coffee. He has the newspaper under his arm. He overhears two women talking about his book in front of him in line.

WOMAN 1

I just finished the George Wallow book last night. I have to say I found some golden nuggets in it.

George perks up and makes a move to approach the women.

WOMAN 2

But I heard that his partner, the woman, Geena ghostwrote the whole book and he just put his name on it. And got all the credit.

Another woman leans in from a nearby table and chimes in.

WOMAN 3

I heard that too. Everyone knows it.

WOMAN 1

Oh, really? Yeah, I wouldn’t be surprised, from what I hear she’s the only one who has something to say at their seminars. She’s so much smarter. So, he’s just freeloading on her.

WOMAN 2

Typical men.

George is flabbergasted and just gapes.

The women grab their coffees and walk away. George reacts and takes a step towards the women, but the Customer in line behind him is in the way.

GEORGE

Wait, no!

CUSTOMER

Whoa, dude! Take it easy.

BARISTA

Do you want to order something, or not?

Key scene 4 C – George

INT. CONFERENCE CENTER – DAY

There is a multi speaker event going on. There are a lot of people in the entrance area and foyer. George enters the building. He looks around and spots Geena a bit further away. She’s on the phone. George heads over to her. Geena spots him, waves excitedly and hangs up the phone.

GEENA

Guess what? Guess what?

GEORGE

What?

GEENA

Oprah just called me! She wants to interview me on her show!

GEORGE

You mean us? She wants to interview us.

GEENA

No, I’m sorry. Just me.

George pales. He loses it. He slams the newspaper in the floor hard and screams like an injured animal.

GEORGE

Aaarrrgghh!

People stop talking toi each other and e look at him, startled. George is oblivious to their stares.

GEORGE

Who even gave you a phone? This is all mine! You hear me! All mine! Oprah is mine! You’re just my assistant. Remember that! You…are…

George notices everyone staring at him, holding their breath. He quickly makes and effort to compose himself and recover.

GEORGE

…a very good assistant.

George smiles a forced smile at the people around, turns on a dime and rushes out of the building. They frown at him. Several reporters seize the moment and gather around Geena. She glows like the sun in the spotlight.

REPORTER 1

How about the full inside scope?

GEENA

For the right price, yeah.

REPORTER 2

The Daily Report wants it.

REPORTER 1

Excuse me, I was first.

Several other reporters join them. Geena is completely at ease being their center of attention.

Key Scene 4 D – George

EXT. CONVENTION CENTER – DAY – LATER

Geena exits the building. George exists several yard behind her. A TEENAGE BOY runs up to George.

TEENAGE BOY

Excuse me! Sir! Do you work for her?

GEORGE

What?

TEENAGE BOY

Geena. Are you her assistant? Can you help me get her autograph?

George throws a book at the teenager.

GEORGE

Piiiissss offfff!

EXT. PARK – DAY

George catches up with Geena as she reaches a small park with a few tables and benches and a small playground.

GEORGE

Stop!

GEENA

I need to eat.

GEORGE

No! Stop!

George grabs Geena’s arm.

GEORGE

This is not fair! You are becoming a power hungry, greedy, gloating horrible person! All you care about is money!

GEENA

Oh, really! Without me you’d be nothing and you know it! What’s so horrible about me trying to make some money for my retirement while helping you?

GEORGE

Care? Let me remind you that it’s up to me to decide when you can come out of the lamp and if you’re ever going to retire. And right now I don’t think you deserve it.

A young couple sits at a picnic table close to them holding hands. They listen intently to George and Geena.

YOUNG MAN

Ouch.

Geena pales.

GEENA

It’s not my fault that people like me better than you. Maybe it’s because I actually care?

GEORGE

You? Care? Ha!

GEENA

You’re just so jealous it’s pathetic.

A YOUNG MOTHER and her two small children appear with hotdogs and a soccer ball.

YOUNG MOTHER

Excuse me, can you take your fighting elsewhere. This is a place for children.

George and Geena storm off, arguing.

YOUNG MAN

See, that’s why I don’t want to get married.

The young woman pulls her hand back from his.

Key Scene 4 E – George Key Scene 4 Geena

INT. HOTEL ROOM 4 – DAY

George and Geena enter the hotel room, still arguing.

GEORGE

I’m just never going to ask you to help me again.

GEENA

You can’t do it without me. You know that. Anyway, what do I care? I have enough money to retire now.

GEORGE

Retire! In your dreams! Maybe after the next time I order you into the lamp I just throw it in the dumpster and you end up in a landfill for the rest of eternity!

GEENA

You wouldn’t dare!

GEORGE

Oh, I Wouldn’t? I wouldn’t? You just try me.

GEENA

And you’ll end up in the dumpster of life for the rest of your life, like the failure that you are, the failure you keep trying to prove to that invisible mother of yours that you are not. But you are!! She was right. You are a failure and nobody likes you! You stink like an old fridge and sweaty socks! You’re going to be alone for the rest of your life and everyone thinks you’re pathetic!

GEORGE

Shut up!

GEENA

They laugh at you!

GEORGE

I hate you!!! I wish I’d never have to see you again!

Geena immediately smiles. She makes a flamboyant gesture.

GEENA

Your wish is my command.

Geena swirls into a typhoon and disappears with a SWOOSHING SOUND. Geena’s lamp on the desk falls into the floor with an exploding sound and shatters into millions of pieces.

George is alone. It’s eerily quiet. It starts to rain.

[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallén’s Act 3 Middle Scenes

What I learned doing this assignment is that I understand now why so many movies “fall apart” after the midpoint. This is difficult. I sense that this story risks falling apart, from a lack of freshness and new unfolding after the midpoint. I am also learning that without a new layer of depth being introduced here we will stop caring about what happens, because we won’t care about the characters. They risk becoming repetitive and one-dimensional. I haven’t solved the problem yet, but I have learned about it and it is on my radar to be worked on in the rewrite.

Outline Key Scenes 2 & 3

PLACEHOLDER: Key Scene 2, or 3 George

MONTAGE

Scene(s) that shows that George uses Gena more and in different ways.

Key Scene 2 Geena’s perspective

INT. LECTURE HALL 4 – DAY

Beginning

Geena says she’s tired. Says she’s not used to talking this much. She had nobody to talk to for 3 millenniums. Geena tells George that she not interested in going any further than the wishes have obliged her to. George doesn’t care. Geena decides to use her new power to make things more difficult for George, so that he’ll get tired of her and finally ask for his last wish.

Middle

Geena says bad things about George and answers in a rude way to the audience. But it all backfires, because she is so funny that the audience loves it and roars with laughter.

End

A lot of books sell. Geena is pissed off. So is George. But he’s happy with the book sales.

Montage:

George gives Geena even more time and visibility on stage, cashing in on her popularity. Geena gets exhausted. She still gives blunt, often rude answers to audience’s questions. This still backfires, as the audience loves them since they are funny and brimming with truth. And they have come to expect her to be like that. Geena is bummed. George is pleased and behaves victorious.

Key Scene 3 Geena 3 B George

EXT. TENNIS COURT – DAY

Beginning

Geena and George play tennis. Someone comes up to Geena and asks her something.

Middle

She says something to deliberately reflect poorly on George. He realizes that Geena has power with people now, and that he needs to change his manners towards her and be nice, to try to get her to change her attitude, without him having to ask for his last wish.

End

He lets her win in tennis and praises her after the game. She sees through him and lets him know.

Key Scene 3 C George, 3B Geena

INT. LARGE CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY

Beginning

George pushes Geena even more time at a seminar, cashing in on her popularity. Geena is exhausted and completely fed up.

Middle

After a short coffee/bathroom break in the lecture, Geena changes strategy and starts mimicking George’s way of talking and the audience quickly loses interest. Some leave.

End

While George and Geena pack up after the lecture George confronts Geena about her change of style to deliberately chase people away. She plays oblivious and innocent. She says “What do you mean, I talked exactly the way you do? I learned from you.” First George argues and says she didn’t sound at all like him. She makes actual comparisons between what she said to what he always says and proves that she is right. After a moment George realizes that she’s right. George looks shocked and Geena looks smug. She hums a happy melody. It’s obvious that she knows she has the upper hand now.

INT. PUBLIC RESTROOM – DAY

George looks in the mirror. He looks defeated. He sees an imaginary image of Geena behind him in the mirror, talking and sounding exactly like him and it’s monotonous and dull. George buries his face in his hands. He decides to admit to Geena that she’s been right all along and give her what she wants, but before he has a chance to Geena is introduced to new circumstances that changes things for her when she sees an ad for a golf resort.

Key scene 3 C Geena

beginning

INT. BAR – DAY – MOMENTS LATER

TRANSFORMATIONAL EVENT 6B

Geena grabs a a golf resort pamphlet and reads it at the bar. She spits out her drink when she sees a price for a gold stay there. She realizes that golf at resorts cost a lot of money. She needs money! Suddenly success becomes important to her as well.

Middle

Geena tells George they need to get to work, because she needs money. Now George has the power. He plays hard to get, but only for a minute. He needs Geena.

End

She makes a deal with him to get a percentage of the book sales and speaker fees.

MONTAGE:

Scenes of mostly Geena speaking at different convention centers and book stores and hotels. She gives it her all now. She has her eyes set on success, which in her eyes mean money. Huge applause and great book sales. The success is there. The money. The audience.

Key Scene 3 D – for both George and Geena

INT. LECTURE HALL – DAY

Beginning

End of a seminar. Huge success. George and Geena doing a high five and actually getting along. Talking about how awesome it’s going.

Middle

Geena counts money. That’s all she cares about. George talks about how he’s becoming famous. He’s beaming. Maybe he even thanks Geena.

End

A moment of positive peace. It looks like they are both on their way to get what they want.

Write Key Scenes 2 and 3

Key Scene 2 George

MONTAGE

Two short scene(s) that shows that George uses Geena more and more. She sets up the sales table, hands out fliers before the event starts, greets the audience by the door and interacts on stage more and more.

Key Scene 2 Geena’s perspective

INT. SMALL HOTEL – DAY

George rubs the lamp. Geena appears. She clears her throat and yawns as she comes out of the lamp. She has dark circles under her eyes. He voice is hoarse and uninspired.

GEENA

Your wish is my command.

GEORGE

It’s time to go to work. Book signing at StarWrite Bookstore.

GEENA

Please, I need a day.

GEORGE

Are you kidding, I’m just starting to gain momentum. I’m selling.

GEENA

And I am exhausted. I didn’t to anyone for 3 millenniums! And now I am supposed to talk for hours to roomfuls of strangers every day and answer their weird random questions about everything they think is wrong in the world.

GEORGE

If you had read what my book is about you wouldn’t call them random questions.

GEENA

And if you’d given me five minutes off now and then maybe I would have had tome to read your book.

GEORGE

Would you?

GEENA

No.

GEORGE

Didn’t think so.

GEENA

And I didn’t think I would ever say that I would rather stay in there than be out here.

George looks away. He looks a bit sad. Geena looks out the window. She looks sad, too. They both seem lost and lonely in their own bubble. It is clearly getting to them to be arguing constantly.

INT. LARGE BOOKSTORE – DAY

George and Geena set up before a small speaking engagement and book signing. George pulls out a paper from his pocket. It’s a handwritten list.

GEORGE

So, I have written down a couple of things I want you to say today.

GEENA

I don’t lie.

GEORGE

I’ve taken that into account.

Geena takes the list and reads out loud from it.

GEENA

“I had hoped for years and years to get a gig, without success and I was incredibly excited when George Wallow found me and brought me out of my shell. He truly brought me back to the world after I’d been suffering in complete isolation and solitude unable to reach out.” What kind of nonsense is this? What does this have to do with anything?

GEORGE

It’s the truth, isn’t it?

GEENA

Taken completely out of context.

GEORGE

It shows that I’m a visionary. And if they hear how I’ve helped you, a hopeless case, that will build trust that what I have to offer I can help anyone. I’ll get coaching clients.

GEENA

That’s a lie. Again. You are doing everything NOT to help me! We both know that if you wanted to help me you would ask for your last wish right now. The only one you care to help at all is yourself, and you suck at that too. I don’t want to support that for so many reasons.

GEORGE

It’s what I wished for in my second wish. That you as my assistant help me with anything I ask anytime I say so.

GEENA

I can’t believe there is nothing in the fine print of the genie contract that prohibits wishes that don’t have a natural end to them. That’s crazy! Just know that you’re not getting away with this forever. I’ve had it.

The BOOKSTORE MANAGER approaches them.

BOOKSTORE MANAGER

People are starting to show up. Are you guys ready?

George makes an awkward gesture intended to look strong and cool.

GEORGE

Oh, yeah. Ready to rock’n roll.

People sit down on the chairs in the store and George greets the audience with a book in his hand.

GEORGE

I’m George Wallow. And as you know this is my book. It is my mission to selflessly serve humanity and the world. To help all the lonely souls in this world. Like my assistant here, Geena can attest to.

George makes a gesture towards Geena and when she doesn’t move, pulls her in front of him, while whispering.

GEORGE

The paper. Say that.

Geena looks at the people in front of her, waiting in anticipation.

GEENA

I had hoped for years and years to get a gig, without success and I was incredibly excited when George Wallow found me and brought me out of my shell. He truly brought me back to the world after I’d been suffering in complete isolation and solitude unable to reach out.

The audience applauds. George beams.

GEENA

And never would I have thought in a million years that being here, with him, would be a lonelier life and experience than being trapped in a bubble on my own for more years than you care to know. But it is. Because there is nothing lonelier than being around what’s artificial. If you eat artificial food your body feels abandoned. Lonely. Panicked. It doesn’t reach your organs. But all you had to do was to stop processing the real food to look so glossy, so trendy, so perfect and it would have been right there in your stomach sending vitamins and fibers and all that good stuff right into your blood and liver and what not and your body would feel flourish. But who wants to buy what grows in your own backyard. It’s not the amount of food, it’s the lack of nutrition. And if you ask me, with my limited experience of the world, that goes for everything.

George quickly steps in front of Geena.

The audience is quiet for a moment and people look at each other, uncertain. Then a woman starts clapping and everyone breaks into applause. George looks mortified.

Key Scene 3 Geena 3 B George

EXT. TENNIS COURT – DAY

Geena and George play tennis. When they take a breather a Woman who was at the book signing comes up to Geena. She

WOMAN

I was at the book signing last night. I really like what you said about nutrition. But did you actually mean to say what it sounded like you said about him?

The Woman nods at George who steps up to them ready to sign an autograph.

GEENA

Oh, you mean that all the advertising in the world can’t make what’s not equipped to fill that hole of empty inside magically will do it. Just like any amount of sales will never be enough for George. No matter how many dead bodies he walks over to get there.

George gasps.

WOMAN

Oh.

George throws a sweaty towel at Geena. The Woman looks extremely uncomfortable being in the middle of their fight. She quickly leaves.

GEORGE

What the F! You are supposed to help me! You are obliged to!

GEENA

I’m obliged to play tennis.

GEORGE

And to be around and help me anytime I command you to.

GEENA

To play tennis or to be around are straight orders. Now, to “help” is subjective. If you ask me I’m doing nothing more than help you right now. Because you are definitely not equipped to handle success. You can’t even appreciate what you already have. Like a goddamn full time tennis partner, assistant, prisoner running herself ragged for what? For nothing, not even a life in freedom in sight! So what am I supposed to do if not everything I can to help myself. I’m going to make your life a living hell until you ask for your last wish. So hurry up.

George paces back and forth. He thinks.

GEORGE

Ok. I’m sorry if I’ve been pushing you to hard. And if I haven’t been thanking you for everything. I umm, appreciate it. Peace, huh?

George offers Geena his hand. She rolls her eyes. The finish the game. George lets Geena win. He applauds and cheers.

GEORGE

Well done! I’m proud of you.

GEENA

Don’t think for a second I fall for that.

They leave the tennis court.

EXT. RESTAURANT – DAY

They walk through the city carrying their tennis racket. They walk past a nice looking restaurant.

GEORGE

Let me buy you a nice lunch.

Geena eyes him suspiciously. The aroma of great food reaches her. She smells into the air.

GEORGE

They have nutritious food.

INT. RESTAURANT – DAY

George and Geena eat a lavish lunch. George makes sure to be very nice to Geena and tops of her water glass etc.

GEENA

You are not fooling me.

George sighs.

GEORGE

Ok, then. Well to spell it out, when I command you to be around to assist and HELP me anytime I command, HELP means that you can not say anything bad about me, ok. That’s not a new wish it’s a specification of the already existing one. So, there!

Geena makes an annoyed and very ugly face at him just as a young child looks at her. The young child lights up and immediately makes the same face at his parents. His parents immediately scolds him. The child points at George and Geena’s table. The mother heads over and slaps George.

INT. LARGE CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY

George and Geena arrive.

GEORGE

Don’t forget the specification of the word help, today, ok.

Geena looks like she’s in a bad mood.

The room fills up.

George wishes everyone welcome.

PLACEHOLDER: Geena’s blunt and bad mood backfires as she is actually really funny to the audience and the laugh and cheer. She’s more popular than ever.

GEENA

I have to go pee!

GEORGE

Ok, let’s take five everyone. Books for sale already now if you don’t want to wait in line after we’re done.

A bunch of people head for the book table. George turns to Geena and whispers.

GEORGE

I don’t know how you do it, but we’re more popular than ever.

George rushes to the book table, while Geena disappears out of the room.

INT. CORRIDOR – DAY

Geena stands leaning against a wall, strategizing with herself.

GEENA

What to do, what to do?

She looks up into the ceiling and then closes her eyes as if meditating.

INT. LARGE CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY

Geena comes back into the room.

GEORGE

I think you should just take over for the day. I command you do.

Geena clenches her jaws and her hands into fists. She starts talking.

PLACEHOLDER: Geena behaves and talks very different than she did before the break. She perfectly mimics George’s way of talking and behaving. She uses the words and phrases he does and uses the gestures he does etc. The audience quickly loses interest. Somebody yawns. Some people leave. More people leave. George looks bewildered.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. LARGE CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY – LATER

George and Geena are the only two people left in the room.

GEORGE

You just chased everyone away! On purpose! I ordered you not to say anything bad!

GEENA

I didn’t.

GEORGE

Yes you did! You changed everything! You were awful! Deliberately.

GEENA

What do you mean? I just talked exactly like you. I said exactly what you say. I learned it from you.

GEORGE

That’s not true.

GEENA

Really? Let’s see.(Insert dialogue comparisons here that proves that Geena is correct.)

George looks completely shocked. Geena hums a happy melody.

INT. PUBLIC RESTROOM – DAY

George looks into the mirror. He looks defeated.

GEORGE’S IMAGINATION:

An image of Geena appears behind him in the mirror, talking and sounding exactly like him. It’s extremely monotonous, boring and dull. Geena’s colors fade to gray as she speaks. She dissolves into nothing as her voice fades to his as a mumble without words.

END GEORGE’S IMAGINATION

George leans against the sink, leaning his forehead against the mirror, looking completely resigned.

INT. CONFERENCE BUILDING – BAR – DAY

Geena sits at library style the bar, sipping a drink waiting for George. She still hums the happy melody and looks victorious. She picks up a travel magazine with a pamphlet inside it advertising a golf Resort. She takes a closer look. She spits out her drink from the shock when she sees the price for a stay at the resort. It splatters all over the page. A cute COCKTAIL WAITRESS stops.

COCKTAIL WAITRESS

Are you ok? Is there something wrong with the drink.

Geena shakes her head, coughing and points to the golf resort ad in the pamphlet.

COCKTAIL WAITRESS

Oh, yeah. Seems like an awesome deal!

The Cocktail waitress leaves a few extra napkins with Geena and leaves. Geena sits like paralyzed.

George enters the bar and approaches Geena.

GEORGE

Geena, you are right. You’ve been right all along. And I’ve decided that…

Geena sees him interrupts as she jumps to her feet.

GEENA

Forget everything I said! We need to get to work! We’re gonna need to make some real money!

GEORGE

What?

His eyes lands on the golf resort pamphlet.

INT. DINER – DAY

George and Geena sit at a window table. Geena finishes scribbling numbers on a piece of paper and slides it over to George. The paper states Books 25%. Door 50%

GEENA

That’s my fair my commission of the book sales and my percentage of the door. Plus per diem, say 50 dollars.

GEORGE

What, no! That’s outrageous.

GEENA

Take it or you sink.

GEORGE

If I do so do you. No golf.

GEENA

So be it.

George evaluates. Geena has a straight poker face. George nods.

GEORGE

Ok. Deal. You should be a loan shark.

GEENA

Worked for one once. Back in 1200BC. Made him a lot of camels with three wishes.

They shake hands formally.

GEENA

Let’s do this!

PLACEHOLDER:

MONTAGE:

Montage of scenes at different convention centers and book stores and hotels. Mostly Geena speaking. She’s on fire! She gives it her all now. She has her eyes set on success, which in her eyes mean money. Huge applause and great book sales. The success is there. The money. The audience.

Key Scene 3 D – for both George and Geena

INT. LECTURE HALL – DAY

Geena and George are on stage. It’s the end of a seminar.

GEENA

Thank you so much everyone for coming out. I hope you heard something of value for you in today’s seminar. And don’t forget to pick up a book on the way out. If you already own it it’s never too early to start getting ready for Christmas! Thank you, thank you!

The audience applauds and cheers.

GEORGE

The amazing, the wonderful, the one the only Geena!

The audience stands up, applauding harder, cheering louder.

George and Geena look at each other and smile. They do a high five.

INT. HOTEL ROOM 4 – NIGHT

George and Geena enter the room. He is carrying his own luggage and as many books as she is now.

GEORGE

I can’t believe how aaawesome it’s going. We rooocked!

GEENA

Sales record! Wohoo!

Geena sits down on one of the two queen sized beds and counts money. George walks around in the room, pumped up!

GEORGE

I’m getting famous! Can you believe it. I’m becoming famous for real! I’m gonna be on Ellen, and Oprah. The Today show! I’m gnne be a millionaire! Take that and shove it!

GEENA

Uh? Who?

George looks embarrassed for a second.

GEORGE

Oh, nothing. Nobody. Everybody.

Geena holds up the summary of the sales receipts.

GEENA

We’re doing gooood!

GEORGE

Do you just want to sleep in that bed tonight? Instead of all scrunched up in that thing?

He nods at the lamp.

GEENA

Nah, I like it in there now. Peaceful.

She salutes George as she shrinks and swooshes into the lamp.

GEORGE

Hey, thank you.

[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallén’s Act 3 Reaction to Midpoint

What I learned doing this assignment is that I had too many scenes planned for Act 3 and I am having to cut and/or combine some. I learned that in order to keep both character’s journeys interesting (buddy comedy) I have to find and identify the key scenes not only for the protagonist but also for my antagonist.

I’m also still learning to be ok with not having the dialogue I want in place before moving forward.

Outline Act 3 Key Scenes

Act 3.

Rethink everything

Key Scene1.

EXT. CONVENTION CENTER – DAY

Beginning

George and Geena exit the building. Geena carries the box of books that now has a visible dent in its’ stock. As soon as they come outside, George tells Geena off.

Middle

He’s interrupted by a couple of guys who comes up and praises him for the structure of his seminar and how much more dynamic and fun it was compared to more traditional approaches. The other guys says that he understands much better now thanks to Geena, what George mean with his theories. That they are an awesome team etc. The guys leave.

End

George looks pensive.

Key Scene 1B

INT. HOTEL ROOM 2 – NIGHT

George sits by the hotel desk and counts book sales and inventory. He looks pleased. He thinks. Geena’s lamp sits on the side table. You can see slight movement inside it.

Key Scene 1 C (or is it key scene 2?)

INT. LECTURE HALL 3 – DAY

Beginning

George orders Geena to sit closer to the stage. He makes a joke about Geena trying to mimic her style and make her counter with a comment. It doesn’t work. He is not funny. Geena remains silent. An audience member asks specifically for Geena to answer her question.

Middle

George swallows his pride for the sake of business and observes Geena’s charisma on stage and adjusts his strategy for how he uses Geena.

End

George lets her stay onstage for the the rest of the seminar and takes the credit for planning her into the “show”.

PLACEHOLDER: Key Scene 2, or 3 George

MONTAGE

Scene(s) that shows that George uses Gena more and in different ways.

Key Scene 2 Geena’s perspective

INT. LECTURE HALL 4 – DAY

Beginning

Geena says she’s tired. Says she’s not used to talking this much. She had nobody to talk to for 3 millenniums. Geena tells George that she not interested in going any further than the wishes have obliged her to. George doesn’t care. Geena decides to use her new power to make things more difficult for George, so that he’ll get tired of her and finally ask for his last wish.

Middle

Geena says bad things about George and answers in a rude way to the audience. But it all backfires, because she is so funny that the audience loves it and roars with laughter.

End

A lot of books sell. Geena is pissed off. So is George. But he’s happy with the book sales.

Key Scene 3 Geena 3 B George

EXT. TENNIS COURT – DAY

Beginning

Geena and George play tennis. Someone comes up to Geena and asks her something.

Middle

She says something to deliberately reflect poorly on George. He realizes that Geena has power with people now, and that he needs to change his manners towards her and be nice, to try to get her to change her attitude, without him having to ask for his last wish.

End

He lets her win in tennis and praises her after the game. She sees through him and lets him know she’s onto him.

Key Scene 3 C George, 3B Geena

INT. LARGE CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY

Beginning

George pushes Geena even more time at an all day seminar, cashing in on her popularity. Geena is exhausted and completely fed up.

Middle

After a short coffee/bathroom break in the lecture, Geena changes her strategy and starts mimicking George’s way of talking and the audience quickly loses interest. Some leave.

End

While George and Geena pack up after the lecture George confronts Geena about her change of style to deliberately chase people away. She plays oblivious and innocent. She says “What do you mean, I talked exactly the way you do? I learned from you.” First George argues and says she didn’t sound at all like him. She makes actual comparisons between what she said to what he always says and proves that she is right. After a moment George realizes that she’s right. George looks shocked and Geena looks smug. She hums a happy melody. It’s obvious that she knows she has the upper hand now.

INT. PUBLIC RESTROOM – DAY

George looks in the mirror. He looks defeated. He sees an imaginary image of Geena behind him in the mirror, talking and sounding exactly like him and it’s monotonous and dull. George buries his face in his hands.

EXT. CITY – DAY

Placeholder

On the way to hotel, after lecture. Geena tells George that she will make him so unpopular by being exactly like him that nobody will buy his book or ever come to see him again, unless he will ask her for his last wish just to. George hangs his head, resigned and defeated.

Key scene 3 C Geena

INT. HOTEL – DAY – MOMENTS LATER

TRANSFORMATIONAL EVENT 6B

Geena grabs a golf resort pamphlet and reads it at the bar. She spits out her drink when she sees a price for a golf stay there. She realizes that golf at resorts costs a lot of money. She needs money! Suddenly success becomes important to her as well.

INT. HOTEL ROOM 3 – DAY

Placeholder:

Geena tells George they need to get to work, because she needs money. Now George has the power. He plays hard to get, but only for a minute. He needs Geena. She makes a deal with him to get a percentage of the book sales and speaker fees.

MONTAGE:

Scenes of mostly Geena speaking at different convention centers and book stores and hotels. She gives it her all now. She has her eyes set on success, which in her eyes mean money. Huge applause and great book sales. The success is there. The money. The audience.

Key Scene 3 D – for both George and Geena

INT. LECTURE HALL – DAY

Beginning

End of a seminar. Huge success. George and Geena doing a high five and actually getting along. Talking about how awesome it’s going.

Middle

Geena counts money. That’s all she cares about. George talks about how he’s becoming famous. He’s beaming. Maybe he even thanks Geena.

End

A moment of positive peace. It looks like they are both on their way to get what they want.

Key scene 4 A – George

EXT. NEWSSTAND -DAY

George picks up the local newspaper and there is an article about him and Geena coming to town to speak. In the picture Geena is in the foreground and he is barely visible behind her. And her name is first in the article.

Key scene 4B – George

INT. COFFEE SHOP – DAY

Beginning

George stops to get a coffee. He overhears two women talking about his book in front of him in line.

Middle

He perks up and is about to approach them when one of the woman says that she heard that Geena ghostwrote the book and George just put his name on it an got all the credit. The other one says “I heard that too. Everyone knows it. She is so much smarter” “Typical men”.

End

The women grab their coffees and walk away. George reacts.

Key scene 4 C – George

INT. CONVENTION CENTER – DAY

Beginning

Oprah calls Geena and wants to interview her, and only her.

Middle

George completely looses it and yells at Geena. “ This is all mine! You’re just my assistant.” Or something like that. A lot of people hear him and frown upon George.

End

They all turn to Geena, who offers a couple of nearby reporters interviews (the inside scope) for money.

Key Scene 4 D – George

INT. CONVENTION CENTER – DAY – LATER

Someone mistakes George for being Geena’s assistant. Maybe while selling books? He is completely broken.

Key Scene 4 E

INT. LUNCH RESTAURANT – DAY

PLACEHOLDER:

SCENE THAT SHOWS: Geena makes no secret of loving her new power and making money for her golf retirement. At the same time she is tied to and by George’s control until he’s asked for all his wishes. And George is furious at the recent turn of events. He yells and whines about how unfair everything is. And he reminds Geena that she can only come out of the lamp when he asks her to be by his side? He brings this up in a fight at the restaurant. And he reminds her that it’s up to him if she’s ever going to retire and he says she doesn’t deserve it. Maybe they storm out, fighting. Maybe one part of a couple sitting at another table nearby says something like, “See that’s why I don’t want to get married.” Or some other misinformed comment.

Key Scene 4 E – George Key Scene 4 Geena

INT. HOTEL ROOM 4 – DAY

Beginning

George threatens to never ask Geena a to come out of the lamp again. Geena says that he can’t do without her. After all, she the reason they’re successful. But she doesn’t care, she has enough money for golf in Florida now.

Middle

George threatens to throw the lamp in a dumpster with her in it. She pales but says he wouldn’t dare. They both express all the pain of a horribly co-dependent relationship. The fight escalates. Geena says something that is the straw that breaks the camel’s back. George completely loses it and without thinking he blurts out: “I wish I never had to see you again!”

End

Geena Makes a victorious gesture (maybe she had planned this all along with this fight??) She grants him his wish and “swoosh”, she disappears. Maybe the lamp should explode into pieces when this happen, illustrating George’s complete crash and the irrevocable nature of the moment??

Write Key Scene 1: Reaction/Rethink

KEY SCENE 1 A

EXT. CONVENTION CENTER – DAY

Short scene of people outside the convention center, in line at the cafeteria, at lunch tables etc, talking and spreading the word that George’s lectures are worth checking out. They frequently mention his “sidekick.

George and Geena exit the building. Geena carries the box of books that now has a visibly less books in it than earlier. As soon as they come outside, George unleashes on Geena.

GEORGE

I can’t believe the level of lying and backstabbing you are capable of.

GEENA

And what exactly did I lie about?

GEORGE

You…

George is interrupted by the Impatient Man and the Short Man who come up to them to shake George’s hand.

IMPATIENT MAN

Really brilliantly structured seminar. I’ve never seen anything like it in this industry. Way more dynamic and engaging than the traditional approach.

George gathers himself.

GEORGE

Thank you.

SHORT MAN

Yeah, man, I understand what you mean with your theories way better now. The way she played it after you pretended to get sick. You make an awesome team. Hey, can I buy another book, I want to give one to my sister. Her birthday is coming up.

GEORGE

Sure, of course.

George gives the man a book from the box Geena is still holding.

SHORT MAN

Would you sign it, please? To Lizzy.

George beams as he signs the book with flair. The Short Man turns to Geena.

SHORT MAN

Would you sign it too, please?

George steps in front of Geena.

GEORGE

Oh, she’s got nothing to do with the book.

George nods goodbye and stands in front of Geena until the men leave. After they are gone he and Geena keep walking. George looks pensive.

KEY SCENE 1 B

INT. HOTEL ROOM 2 – NIGHT

George sits by the hotel desk and counts book sales and inventory. He enters the numbers into his laptop program. He looks pleased. He ponders, tapping his fingers on then desk. He looks over at Geena’s lamp which sits on a side table in the corner. You can see slight movement inside it.

Key Scene 1 C (or is this 2?)

INT. NEW SEMINAR ROOM – DAY

George and Geena put out books on a table by the wall and Geena takes a seat behind the table.

GEORGE

No, I want you to sit here by me until the seminar is over. There, just to the side a little.

George points at the stage. Geena moves her chair while people enter the room.

George takes center stage.

GEORGE

Welcome. Here we are at a wellness convention and all is well, just ask my assistant Geena here WELL on her way get it… WELL…haha, to learn how to speak in front of an audience from working with me, or what do you say Geena, do your eyes WELL up with gratitude at this opportunity? (Insert a joke about Geena trying to mimic her style and make her counter with a comment.)

Geena meets George’s joke with a blank stare. The audience looks uncomfortable the way an audience does when a stand up comedian is embarrassing and unfunny.

George leans over whispers to Geena but forgets that his microphone is on so everyone can hear him.

GEORGE

(whispers) Stand up and say something that starts with well, well, well now.

Geena shakes her head.

GEORGE

C’mon I spent all night writing that.

The audience laughs. George looks surprised. Then he realizes his microphone was on. His face turns red.

An AUDIENCE MEMBER raises her hand and addresses Geena.

AUDIENCE MEMBER

I’d like for Ms Geena to answer this question. (Insert question for Geena here.)

Geena stays in her chair.

GEORGE

Answer her.

George hands Geena the microphone. Geena stays in her chair and answers.

GEENA

(Insert intelligent, insightful and witty answer here)

The audience applauds and laughs in a good way. Another person in the audience says something to Geena and she counters with a perfect answer/comment.

AUDIENCE MEMBBER 2

Insert dialogue here

GEENA

Insert answer here

George observes. He looks tense, his hands are clenched into fists, but he manages an unnatural smile when the audience cheers and applauds. He fights hard to keep up appearances and reminds himself with an INTERNAL MANTRA over and over of what’s most important.

GEORGE (V.O.)

Sales comes first, sales comes first, sales comes first.

George steps up to Geena and pulls her up from the chair and into center stage.

GEORGE

Geena everybody! Geena why don’t you stand up here with me for the time we have left today. Seems we make a good team.

Geena shakes her head. The audience chants her name.

GEORGE

(Insert dialogue in which George takes credit for planning Geena into his “show”) (Something along the lines of:

Thank you, thank you. I have always been great at reading people and I’m glad my gambling with an unknown like my assistant Geena is… who is from hereon part of my every speaking engagement. Because why settle for just a seminar when we can have a show. Right, Geena?

GEENA

I don’t know, you tell me, that’s what you do all day long, anyway.

The audience laughs.

The rest of the seminar goes great and when it’s over a line forms behind the table to buy books.

[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallén has completed Act 2 Draft 1

What I learned doing this assignment is that I overwrite when I write fast, but that it’s easier to remove than to add. I also learned that some of the important dialogue that needs to go in this act can not be rushed and I simply don’t have it yet. It’s there but I can’t reach the right words yet. I have the ideas, but not the phrasing. And I am learning that it will have to be ok to move forward before I do have it. I am learning to trust that it will come after some time of processing and percolating in the back of my mind, even if I don’t sit and fret over it and refuse to move on before I “get it”.

Act 2.

INT. HOTEL BAR – NIGHT

George sits at the middle of bar with a scotch in front of him. He’s the only one there except a woman, REBECCA, 40s at the end of the bar. George downs his scotch in one sweep.

GEORGE

Another one, please.

The bartender fills his glass. George sweeps that one as well.

GEORGE

One more.

The bartender hesitates, but then fills his glass.

Rebecca stands up and passes George as she heads for the Ladies Room at the other end of the bar. There is a book sticking up from the purse hanging on her shoulder.

While she is gone George finishes his fourth drink.

A few minutes later Rebecca exits the ladies room. She stops and bends down next to George. As she does, the title of the book in her purse becomes visible. It’s George’s book. He doesn’t notice it. Rebecca holds up a sock (the sock he held in his hand while sitting on the bed earlier)

REBECCA

Hey. You dropped this.

George recognizes his dirty sock.

GEORGE

That’s not mine.

REBECCA

It just fell out of your pocket.

George stands up, very drunk. He takes his sock.

GEORGE

Pocket schmocket. I want to sleep with you. I know you want to sleep with me. Please, want to sleep with me.

George leans in towards Rebecca to hug her, sock in hand. She jerks back. George thinks is the sock.

GEORGE

I’m sorry my sock is dirty. I don’t know why I had it in my pocket. Geena… She… My underwear are clean. They are much whiter. Like your teeth. You should sleep with me now. Right now…

George purses his lips for a kiss, falls down on the barstool again and zonks out, his head hitting the bar.

Rebecca and the bartender look at each other and then resolutely grab George under one arm each and half drag, half carry him out of the bar.

INT. CONVENTION CENTER – DAY

George arrives straight from traveling with his carry on suitcase and box of books. He struggles to carry the box with one hand. He looks worse for wear, severely hangover. He stands in line to check in at a check-in table. A young perky girl, SARAH, 23 is checking in, in front of him. She hands her ID to a CONVENTION EMPLOYEE.

SARAH

I’m checking in for Mr Brad Brightly.

CONVENTION EMPLOYEE

And who are you?

SARAH

I’m his assistant, Sarah.

The Convention Employee hands Sarah two badges. Sarah leaves. The Convention Employee turns to George.

CONVENTION EMPLOYEE

And who are you checking in for?

GEORGE

George Wallow.

CONVENTION EMPLOYEE

And who are you?

GEORGE

George Wallow.

The Convention Employee eyes him.

CONVENTION EMPLOYEE

And just one badge? No assistant?

The comment triggers George’s insecurity and an uncomfortable look washes over his face. He glances looks around while waiting. He notices several other speakers/exhibitors in line behind him having assistants helping them carry and waiting to check them in.

George starts laughing an unnatural laughter and turns around to make sure other people around him understands how ludicrous the Convention Employee’s comment is.

GEORGE

Of course I have an assistant! I’ve had an assistant for years. I gave her the morning of to sleep in. I pride myself in being a kind and generous employer.

CONVENTION EMPLOYEE

Ok, so she will be here later?

GEORGE

Of course! Very soon.

CONVENTION EMPLOYEE

And what’s her name?

GEORGE

Uh?

CONVENTION EMPLOYEE

Her name? For the badge.

GEORGE

Uh…, uh… Geena

CONVENTION EMPLOYEE

Geena what?

The growing line of people waiting behind George is getting impatient. George grasps for a name. He spots an ad in the convention program on the table. The ad is for Mr Woo’s Modern Chinese Cuisine.

GEORGE

Woo.

The convention employee hands George two badges. He struggles to take them while lifting the box of books and removing his suitcase out of the line. George steps to the side by a window and puts his box of books down. He paces for a minute. He spots Brad Brightly in the distance meeting up with Sarah, getting his badge. They walk together into the convention, talking, smiling.

George takes his books and carry-on and resolutely heads for the Men’s Room.

INT. CONVENTION CENTER – MEN’S ROOM – DAY

George locks himself in the handicap stall. He takes the lamp out of his carry on bag and rubs it. Geena appears. She immediately pinches her nose.

GEENA

Ewww… What kind of a hotel is this?

GEORGE

You’re supposed to say “Your wish is my command!”

GEENA

You just told me you’re not going to wish anyway.

GEORGE

What if I am?

Geena perks up.

GEENA

Are you?

GEORGE

Yes. It’s your lucky day. I have my second wish. I wish, no, I command you to be by my side and help me with anything I ask for at any time I demand it.

GEENA

What, no! That’s not… As…

Geena being forced to answer with an “As you Wish” genie style tries to hold in her response. She purses her lips and uses her fingers to hold her lips shut, to no avail. She can’t stop herself.

GEENA

…you wish.

GEORGE

Yes!

GEENA

Nooo! Almighty creator in genie heaven, please help me!

INT. CONVENTION CENTER – DAY

People look funny at George and Geena as they exit the Men’s Room together.

INT. CONVENTION, LECTURE HALL – DAY

George speaks about his book at a seminar. Geena sits by a small table with books by the side of the entrance.

GEORGE

And when you’re ready to purchase the book, which I assume is right now, my assistant Geena is more than happy to help you.

George emphasizes the word assistant.

An ASIAN MAN walks up to the table where Geena sits. He looks at Geena’s name tag.

ASIAN MAN

Ms Woo? You don’t look like a Woo. Where are you from?

GEENA

Adopted.

ASIAN MAN

Oh, I’m sorry.

GEENA

For my name? Me too!

The Asian man looks confused. He picks up a book.

ASIAN MAN

No, no of course not. I meant sorry for prying. I didn’t mean to be rude. What are your thoughts on his book?

GEENA

Haven’t read it.

ASIAN MAN

You haven’t read it?

GEENA

Would you read a book by someone with his communication skills?

The Asian Man reacts to her comment and puts the book back on the table. Only two other attendees are in line to buy the book and they also hear Geena’s comment. The leave the table mumbling to each other.

ATTENDEE 1

Makes sense.

ATTENDEE 2

Yeah, I’m gonna hold off.

No books are sold. George and Geena are left alone in the room.

GEORGE

You haven’t read it! You haven’t read it!!

GEENA

I haven’t.

GEORGE

You are supposed to help me!! Not sabotage me. You are my assistant. Effing lie and say the book is great!

GEENA

I don’t lie.

GEORGE

You just said you were adopted!

GEENA

Which I in a way I am every time someone finds my lamp and rubs it. I’m kind of adopted by you until you’ve made three wishes.

GEORGE

Aaarrgh! What the f.. am I going to do?

George paces angrily. Geena suddenly becomes very friendly.

GEENA

You could always ask for your last wish and be rid of me.

George stops in his track.

GEORGE

Oh, oh, so that’s where you’re going? I should have known. Well, in your dreams, Ms. Woo. Not a chance until you help me for real. Like an actual assistant. Pack up! Oh, and we’re playing tennis this afternoon.

George storms out of the room. Geena sighs, tiredly.

EXT. CONVENTION CENTER

George and Geena walk towards an Uber pickup spot. Geena carries all the books. They bicker like an old married couple.

GEENA

Woo! What the heck kind of name is that anyway? Sounds like half a dog’s bark.

GEORGE

You are from the Far East aren’t you?

GEENA

Far East? Everything is East of here. The globe is round. Everything is East, everything is West. And if you ask most people “Far” is an hour away.

GEORGE

You’re the most obnoxious person I’ve ever met.

GEENA

Good, so get rid of me.

GEORGE

You have no idea how tempting that sounds. I can’t. Having an assistant boosts my brand worth. Business comes first. Image is everything.

An Uber pulls up and they get in.

INT. UBER – DAY

GEENA

You know that maybe if you stopped lying about everything you would have real friends and a real assistant and not have to keep me prisoner to keep someone around.

The UBER DRIVER, bearded, 50s, listens up at the word “prisoner.”

GEORGE

I don’t lie.

GEENA

You don’t? Everything you say about yourself at your lectures is fabricated.

GEORGE

Is not!

GEENA

Is too! You speak about loneliness and you don’t have any friends. Everything you warn people not to do are the things you do.

GEORGE

I have tons of friends.

GEENA

So call them to play tennis with you. Instead of forcing me.

The Uber driver listens up again at “forcing me.” George looks flustered.

GEORGE

They have jobs. They can’t just leave town and come play with me.

GEENA

Right. And they can’t ever answer when you call either. Right?

Geena reaches over and snatches George’s cell phone and opens it.

GEORGE

Stop! If you don’t stop I’m going to lock you in the lamp and throw you at the bottom of the ocean! And nobody will ever find you!

The car comes to a screeching halt.

UBER DRIVER

That’s it, I’m calling the Police!

GEORGE

What?

UBER DRIVER

You are a wife abuser!

GEORGE

That’s not my wife that’s my… tennis partner.

UBER DRIVER

I don’t care who she is, you’re treating her like shit. For all I know you you’re a serial killer. Do you want me to call the Police Ma’am?

Geena hesitates for a moment. George looks bewildered and resigned. A hint of pity washes across Geena’s face.

GEENA

Nah, it’s alright. He has poor social skills. He doesn’t know better.

UBER DRIVER

You sure? At least move up here with me.

Geena moves up front with the Uber Driver. They chat and quickly seem to get along greatly. They smile and glance at each other. There is no doubt that there is a bit of a flirt going on between them. They seem to have completely forgotten that George is in the backseat.

EXT TENNIS COURT 2 – DAY

George and Geena play tennis furiously, looking like they want to kill each other. Geena is a much better player now and gives George a tough match.

After the game they run into Brad Brightly and Nick.

BRAD

Hey, George! Are you speaking at the wellness convention, too?

GEORGE

Yup. I wasn’t going to, but they called and begged me, so…

BRAD

Right. So who is this lovely lady?

GEORGE

Oh, this is my full time tennis partner, Geena.

GEENA

Hello. And thank you.

Brad and Nick exchange a look.

NICK

I thought you called your tennis partner “he” last time we met.

George scrambles for an answer.

GEORGE

Well, look at her. I mean I always thought of her as masculine and…

Brad and Nick give George an incredulous look.

GEORGE

Well, she used to be a man! She had a sex change.

Geena looks shocked. Brad and Nick embrace her.

NICK

Omg, I’m so happy for you.

BRAD

That’s so brave. Being true to yourself no matter what the world says.

GEENA

Uumm, thank you.

BRAD

It took forever for us to come out publicly. You know with my career at stake and everything. But you have to be honest.

GEORGE

Come out? You? You mean you two…?

BRAD

Yeah, what did you think?

NICK

You didn’t really think I was just his full time tennis partner, did you?

BRAD

Of course he didn’t. Hahaha, who’d have the time for that when you have a career…

George’s loses his face.

BRAD

…omg, you did, didn’t you?

There is an awkward silence.

NICK

Anyway, we should get going. Geena it was so nice meeting you.

Nick and Brad both hug Geena again.

BRAD

Yes, you are a true inspiration. Do you want to be a guest speaker at my seminar?

GEORGE

She doesn’t have time. She’s my assistant. Tennis partner, assistant.

BRAD

Oh, of course, sure. Maybe another time then?

George pulls Geena away before Brad has finished his sentence. When they have passed a corner he stops. He waves down a cab.

GEORGE

I can’t even stand seeing you for another cab ride right now. Find your own way back to the hotel. And your lamp. I’m going for a walk.

George pays the cab driver through the window and gives him the address.

GEORGE

Just take her there and don’t stop anywhere else, no matter what she says.

INT. BOOK STORE – NIGHT

George, still in tennis clothes, wanders into a bookstore. He goes to the personal development/self help section. He looks at the shelf where the books by writers whose last names start with W sit. He pushes books aside to make space where “Wa” (for Wallow) would be. He fantasizes.

GEORGE’S FANTASY:

The shelf is full of his books. People are crowding around him as he stands there, all reaching in front of him and around him to grab his book. They fight over it. A hurried SALESWOMAN appears with a cart containing more of his books.

SALESWOMAN

We just keep enough in stock. They just fly off the shelf as soon as we put them out.

A crowd of excited people reach out and grab all the books straight from her cart. George hears a voice.

REBECCA (O.S.)

Excuse me. Sir?

Still in his fantasy George imagines she is reaching for his book.

GEORGE

You’re too late.

END GEORGE’S FANTASY

REBECCA

I’m what?

George is jerked back to reality and spins around facing Rebecca.

GEORGE

What?

REBECCA

You! You’re the guy from the bar at the hotel in Baltimore.

George looks confused.

REBECCA

With the sock. Oh, you probably don’t remember, you were so drunk. Me and the bartender helped you to your room. I hope you were ok the next day.

GEORGE

Umm, sure. Thanks. I guess.

REBECCA

You were really endearing actually, with your sock. What a coincidence that we meet here again. Must be fore a reason. Judging from your standing in this section I’m assuming you might be in town for the health and wellness convention.

George notices that an author is setting up for a book signing over by the entrance to the store. He pays more attention to this than he does to Rebecca.

GEORGE

Uum.

REBECCA

Hey I’m looking for more books by a writer I just discovered by chance. I found this great book in the “take for free” pile at that hotel in Baltimore. It has some really profound insights on loneliness. And there is so much real pain in it. You can tell that the writer is trying to cover it up, like faking it but I think he’s doing that on purpose, to illustrate. Because it’s so transparent. And it really works.

George notices that a local reporter enters the store and approaches the author setting up for the book signing. Rebecca tries to look around George on the shelf behind him.

REBECCA

I wanted to see if he has written more. It should be right behind you. Have you ever heard of…

GEORGE

Excuse me.

George quickly pushes past Rebecca and hurries towards the front of the store before Rebecca gets a chance to finish her sentence.

REBECCA

…George Wallow?

George approaches the reporter at the front of the store.

GEORGE

How about you interview me while this guy is setting up?

Rebecca, too far away to hear what is being said in the front of the store, sees the empty space on the shelf where George made room for the books he fantasized about sitting there.

REBECCA

(to self)

Wa. Probably sold out.

In the front of the store George gets into a fight with the store manager and the author who’s there for the book signing. The manager shows him the door.

INT. HOTEL ROOM 2 – NIGHT

Geena sits on the bed. She tests the springiness of it. She looks mighty pleased at for the first time being in a hotel room alone and out of the lamp. She lifts up the lamp and eyes it.

GEENA

Don’t you think I’m gonna go back into you, a minute before I have to!

Geena explores everything. The microwave, the mini bar, the TV with its remote control. The TV perks her interest. She lays down on the bed and flips channel. She finds room service on the remote. She reads the instructions and the menu. She makes sounds of delight as she reads the food options.

GEENA

Oh. Aaah. Oh, that sounds so good. Let’s see, how do we do this?

Geena figures out the remote and orders several dishes.

A YOUNG NERDY WAITER knocks on the door and delivers the food on a cart.

GEENA

Thank You.

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

You’re welcome.

The Young Nerdy Waiter waits for a second but when Geena doesn’t make any move to get up and tip him he leaves.

Geena thoroughly enjoys herself. She eats and watches TV.

She finds the Golf Channel. She is mesmerized. It’s showing a golf tournament taking place at a beautiful resort in Florida.

GEENA

Oh, that’s amazing. Look at that grass. So green. It must be like heaven. Oh, look at that ball. It flies. That looks like so much fun!

Geena is getting into the game more and more. She eats while watching and soon her plate is empty. She orders more food. The same Nerdy Young Waiter delivers it.

GEENA

Do you know where this is?

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

I believe it’s Florida, ma’am.

GEENA

Do you know what they are doing?

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

Playing golf.

GEENA

Golf? Golf. Golf. I like that sound. That’s what I want to do, right there, when I retire. Play golf in Florida.

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

What a novel idea.

The Young Nerdy Waiter leaves. There is a commercial for a nice restaurant on the Golf Channel and they show a gorgeous dessert.

GEENA

Oooh!

Geena finds on the room service menu again and orders several desserts.

The Young Nerdy Waiter soon appears again with a dessert cart. He hovers, still hoping for a tip.

Suddenly Geena has a revelation. She looks startled.

GEENA

Omg, I don’t think about it, I was so into this golf thing.

The waiter looks relieved.

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

It’s ok. I’m still here now.

GEENA

I’m so sorry, I should have realized when you kept coming every time I ordered you to. I didn’t think. But I didn’t know that there were any more of us left in the world.

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

What?

GEENA

I didn’t realize you were a genie. I’m sorry. And I should have know from you waiting around every time, for me to make wish, too.

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

I don’t get it.

GEENA

Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.

The Young Nerdy Waiter looks scared.

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

I don’t have a secret.

GEENA

Hahaha, you’re good! Come here and sit down. I won’t tell a soul. Take a break. I order you. Just kidding, you know that I know everything about what it’s like to be ordered around and fulfill everyones wishes on every whim.

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

I really have to go. My shift is over.

GEENA

Even better. Did you have dinner yet?

The Young Nerdy Waiter shakes his head. Geena makes room in the bed.

GEENA

Well, dig in!

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

If I do you promise not to tell Mr Bravado anything?

GEENA

Who?

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

My boss.

GEENA

Like I said, your secret is safe with me.

The Young Nerdy Waiter hesitantly sits down on the bed with Geena and bites into a piece of fried chicken.

INT. HOTEL CORRIDOR – NIGHT

George opens the door to Hotel Room 2. He looks right at Geena and the Young Nerdy Waiter, sitting in bed eating, talking and watching golf, having a good time.

INT. HOTEL ROOM 2 – NIGHT

George and Geena seem oblivious to the door opening.

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

So, that’s called a birdie, what he just did.

GEENA

I like it.

GEORGE

What the hell?

The Young Nerdy Waiter jumps up and freezes.

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

I didn’t do anything, I promise!

GEORGE

You didn’t do anything? You ate the whole goddamn hotel kitchen! What do you think all of this will cost. I’m ruined!

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

I didn’t sleep with her, I swear. Your wife said she would tell my boss that I stole form the bar register if I didn’t come in and eat and watch golf with her. I’m sorry, I’m just trying to pay for college.

Geena’s reacts as soon as she hears the words “your wife.”

GEENA

Eww, wife? (after the words “Your wife”)

What, stole from the bar?

GEORGE

Get out! Now! And get this whole goddamn order off my bill, or I will tell your boss everything!

The Young Nerdy Waiter can’t get out fast enough. Geena calls after him.

GEENA

Your secret’s safe with me! He’s not my husband!

INT. LECTURE HALL – DAY

This lecture hall has a real stage. George is standing in the middle of the stage, speaking to a small, yawning audience. Geena sits at the side of the stage.

GEORGE

Like I said, it’s um, like statistic shows…, this is not my personal experience of course, but nonetheless, we can see, if you look at the diagram, that many with less discipline and…and…

Suddenly George’s face gets all red and he looks extremely uncomfortable. He puts both hands across his stomach and rushes off stage.

GEORGE

Excuse me.

There is an awkward silence among the audience. After a minute people start getting restless and impatient.

An IMPATIENT MAN in the audience turns to Geena.

IMPATIENT MAN

Hey, ma’am! You, over there!

Geena looks around hoping that he was referring to someone else, but there is nobody behind her. She points at herself questioningly.

IMPATIENT MAN

Yes, you! You must have heard this seminar enough that you know it in your sleep. Why don’t you take over until he gets back?

GEENA

Uhm, I’m new.

IMPATIENT MAN

So what, just give us something. Anything is better than just sitting here waiting, wasting time.

The rest of the audience agrees in unison.

A WOMAN WITH GLASSES stands up.

WOMAN WITH GLASSES

I want to hear your own take on it, as a woman, because it seems as women we have thrived more on community and togetherness and helping each other than men have all through history. Right? So this problem hits us even harder. And potentially leaves us even further behind.

The entire audience looks expectantly at Geena.

GEENA

Uum, well…

IMPATIENT MAN

Get up on stage so we can hear you!

The rest of the audience shouts “yes” in agreement.

Geena glances at the exit, but the entire audience is between her and the door. She has no choice but to step up on stage.

GEENA

To address your take on history, when I was young, 3000 years ago…

The audience laughs.

GEENA

…first of all things didn’t move so fast, word could only travel at the speed a camel walked…

The audience laughs again.

GEENA

…which gave you time to think, you know.

PLACEHOLDER: Audience interacts with Geena.

GEENA

(Insert dialogue with witty, wise, astute observations on loneliness feelings of separation etc… here)

AUDIENCE MEMEBR

(Insert comments and questions)

Intercut above as needed.

The audience go from roaring with laughter, to nodding in agreement and making comments of approval, to back to laughing again. They break out in applause several times. Geena’s natural wisdom, insights and witty delivery are a huge success.

George hurries back from the bathroom. He hears the audience’s laughter and applause. He comes to a sudden stop at the side of the stage when he sees Geena. He stands in a spot where he can see both her and the audience but neither she, nor the audience can see him.

He gapes, shocked, as he witnesses how successful Geena is on stage. How the audience hangs on every word she says. He hears what she says and observes how she behaves. She’s the complete opposite of George.

He gets sucked into it for a second and smiles and nods at something Geena says. He quickly pulls himself back and remembers to be furious. But something in his eyes has shifted. An uncertainty. He amps himself up. He rushes out on stage and pulls Geena off it and to the side. She bows to the audience while being pulled away.

The audience keeps applauding.

A SHORT MAN sitting next to the Impatient Man leans over and whispers to him.

SHORT MAN

Obviously part of the act. Really good performances. Totally believable.

IMPATIENT MAN

Totally.

George drags Geena to the table where his books are stacked. For the first time a few books sell.

George stands over by the door as people leave and a couple of people ask him to sign their book.

INT. CONVENTION CENTER LOBBY – DAY

People talk about George’s seminar as they exit the lecture hall. They chitchat about it, mentioning liking it. A YOUNG GUY standing a few feet away, holding a program calls out to the people exiting the hall.

YOUNG GUY

Hey, how was that seminar?

SHORT MAN

It was pretty good, actually. Worth checking out.

IMPATIENT MAN

Especially his sidekick.

WOMAN WITH GLASSES

The woman.

EXT. CONVENTION CENTER – DAY

Short scene of people outside the convention center, in line at the cafeteria, at lunch tables etc, talking and spreading the word that George’s lectures are worth checking out. They frequently mention his “sidekick.

[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallén’s Act 2 – Midpoint

What I learned doing this assignment is that the midpoint is a very interesting place. I certainly donate have all the dialogue figured out for this scene, but I have learnt what it needs to bring to the story and structured accordingly. The journey continues, but now with a new twist – under new circumstances.

Outline Key Scene 4: The Midpoint.

INT. LECTURE HALL – DAY

Midpoint

Beginning

The lecture hall has a real stage. George is on stage speaking to a small, yawning audience. Geena sits at the side of the stage. Suddenly George gets an upset stomach and has to run to the bathroom.

Middle

There is an awkward silence. Then, the audience turns to Geena and start asking her questions. With her natural wisdom and common sense her answers and insights are a huge success. The audience loves her.

End

When George comes back from the bathroom he stops at the side of the stage in shock. He sees how successful Geena is on stage. He hears what she says and sees how she behaves.

(Opportunity for him to internalize and learn New Ways. He is not quite ready for that yet, but it’s visible in his expression and eyes that somehow that something starts brewing inside him.)

He rushes Geena off stage and the seminar is over.

For the first time a few books sell.

INT. CONVENTION CENTER LOBBY – DAY

Short scene of people as they exit the lecture talking about it being good. Some people stop someone in the lobby and ask how it was and they say it was pretty good, worth the time, some interesting stuff, etc. They mention his “sidekick.”

EXT. CONVENTION CENTER – DAY

Short scene of people outside the convention center, at lunch tables etc, talking and spreading the word that George’s lectures are actually worth checking out. They talk abut his “sidekick.

Write Midpoint Scene.

INT. LECTURE HALL – DAY

This lecture hall has a real stage. George is standing in the middle of the stage, speaking to a small, yawning audience. Geena sits at the side of the stage.

GEORGE

Like I said, it’s um, like statistic shows…, this is not my personal experience of course, but nonetheless, we can see, if you look at the diagram, that many with less discipline and…and…

Suddenly George’s face gets all red and he looks extremely uncomfortable. He puts both hands across his stomach and rushes off stage.

GEORGE

Excuse me.

There is an awkward silence among the audience. After a minute they start getting restless and impatient.

An IMPATIENT MAN in the audience turns to Geena.

IMPATIENT MAN

Hey, ma’am! You, over there!

Geena looks around hoping that he was referring to someone else, but there is nobody behind her. She points at herself questioningly.

IMPATIENT MAN

Yes, you! You must have heard this seminar enough that you know it in your sleep. Why don’t you take over until he gets back?

GEENA

Uhm, I’m new.

IMPATIENT MAN

So what, just give us something. Anything is better than just sitting here waiting, wasting time.

The rest of the audience agrees in unison.

A WOMAN WITH GLASSES stands up.

WOMAN WITH GLASSES

I want to hear your own take on it, as a woman, because it seems as women we have thrived more on community and togetherness and helping each other than men have all through history. Right? So this problem hits us even harder. And potentially leaves us even further behind.

The entire audience looks expectantly at Geena.

GEENA

Uum, well…

IMPATIENT MAN

Get up on stage so we can hear you!

The rest of the audience shout “yes” in agreement.

Geena glances at the exit, but the entire audience is between her and the door. She has no choice but to step up on stage.

GEENA

To address your take on history, when I was young, 3000 years ago…

The audience laughs.

GEENA

…first of all, things didn’t move so fast, word could only travel at the speed a camel walked…

The audience laughs again.

GEENA

…which gave you time to think, you know.

PLACEHOLDER: The audience interacts with Geena.

GEENA

(Insert dialogue with witty, wise, astute observations on loneliness feelings of separation etc… here)

AUDIENCE MEMBER

(Insert comments and questions)

Intercut Geena and Audience dialogue as needed

The audience goes from roaring with laughter to nodding in agreement and making comments of approval, to back to laughing again. They break out in applause several times. Geena’s natural wisdom, insights, and witty delivery are a huge success.

George hurries back from the bathroom. He hears the audience’s laughter and applause. He comes to a sudden stop at the side of the stage when he sees Geena. He stands in a spot where neither Geena nor the audience can see him.

He gapes, shocked, as he witnesses how successful Geena is on stage. How the audience hangs on every word she says. He hears what she says and observes how she behaves. She’s the complete opposite of George.

He gets sucked into it for a second and smiles and nods at something Geena says. He quickly pulls himself back and remembers to be furious. But something in his eyes has shifted. An uncertainty. He amps himself up. He rushes out on stage and pulls Geena off it and to the side. She bows to the audience while being pulled away.

The audience keeps applauding.

A SHORT MAN sitting next to the Impatient Man leans over and whispers to him.

SHORT MAN

Obviously part of the act. Really good performances. Totally believable.

IMPATIENT MAN

Totally.

George drags Geena to the table where his books are stacked. For the first time, a few books sell.

George stands over by the door as people leave and a couple of people ask him to sign their book.

INT. CONVENTION CENTER LOBBY – DAY

People talk about George’s seminar as they exit the lecture hall. They chitchat about it, mentioning liking it. A YOUNG GUY standing a few feet away, holding a program calls out to the people exiting the hall.

YOUNG GUY

Hey, how was that seminar?

SHORT MAN

It was pretty good, actually. Worth checking out.

IMPATIENT MAN

Especially his sidekick.

WOMAN WITH GLASSES

The woman.

EXT. CONVENTION CENTER – DAY

Short scene of people outside the convention center, in line at the cafeteria, at lunch tables etc, talking and spreading the word that George’s lectures are worth checking out. They frequently mention his “sidekick.

[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallén’s Act 2 Middle Scenes

What I learned doing this assignment is that I am still a bit uncertain as to which of my scenes belong in lesson 13 and which belong in today’s lesson, so I am re-posting the last scene I posted this morning in yesterday’s forum in today’s forum as well. I also learned that in order to move the story forward these middle scenes need to contribute to the story in ways that keep the story fresh, by adding surprises or more to the plot, move it forward and/or up the stakes.

Outline Middle Key Scenes

Beginning

INT. CONVENTION, LECTURE HALL – DAY

Plan in action

George uses Geena to sit in as a sidekick at a lecture and to take payment for book sales, to appear rich and successful. Geena very reluctantly obeys. She looks bored.

Middle

In an attempt to wear George out so he’ll make his final wish, Geena deliberately s succeeds in sabotaging more than helping.

End

George holds out for the sake of the successful image of having an assistant.

EXT. CITY – DAY

Beginning

Walking from Convention Center to an Uber pickup spot Geena, who carries all the leftover books confronts George about his flaws verbally and points them out to him bluntly. She shows him examples and challenges him. He is in denial and makes excuses. (Old ways still have a strong hold on him.) They argue.

Middle

INT. UBER – DAY

Scene with Cab/Uber driver. Driving through the city. Geena and George in conflict. Geena is obnoxious to George, which the driver doesn’t hear. George threatens to lock Genie in the lamp and throw her at the bottom of the ocean. Driver hears this and is shocked. He immediately takes Geena’s side and threatens to call the Police. He thinks George is abusive to women and maybe a serial killer.

End

Geena moves up front in the car. There’s a brief hint of a flirt between them. George is left alone and left out in the backseat

EXT TENNIS COURT 2 – DAY

Beginning

George and Geena play tennis furiously, looking like they want to kill each other. Geena is a much better player now and gives George a tough match.

Middle

After the game the encounter Brad Brighly and Nick. They ask abiout George’s tennis partner being a woman. George had mentioned him as a “he” before. George scrambles and says that he always thought fo her as masculine and then says that Geena used to be a man – she had a sex change. Brad and Nick embrace Geena and tell her how brave she is how much they admire her. They are a couple – not at all just full time tennis partner . Who on earth has time for a full time tennis partner if you have a career. That had just been joking about that to George. They thought he knew they were a couple. Brad and Nick enjoy Geena’s company. They chat and George is left out.

End

Leaving the tennis court at dusk, George yells at Geena. “I’m going out. Find your own way back to the hotel.” Or something to that extent.

INT. BOOK STORE – NIGHT

TRANSFORMATIONAL EVENT 4.

Beginning

George, still in tennis clothes wanders into a bookstore, wishing his book was on the shelves. He encounters Rebecca but doesn’t remember her. Rebecca looks for more books by the writer of the book she found in the “take for free” pile at the hotel she last stayed at (George’s book)

Middle

Rebecca tries to strike up a conversation but George is rude and in a bad mood, not listening enough to realize she is talking about his book.

End

George sees that an author setting up for a book signing in front of the store and a local reporter interviewing them. George blows Rebecca off and tries to get a word in with the reporter. He is shown the door.

INT. HOTEL ROOM 2 – NIGHT

Beginning

Geena looks mighty pleased at for the first time being in the hotel room alone and still out of the lamp. She talks to the lamp. “Don’t you think I’m gonna go back in you any sooner than I have to. She explores everything. Microwave, mini bar, the TV with its remote control. She finds room service on the remote.

Middle

She orders tons of food. She is thoroughly enjoying herself. She finds the Golf channel and realizes what she wants to do with her life once she retires. Play golf in Florida! It’s her new goal!

Geena orders food several times. The same waiter keeps delivering them Geena thinks he is a genie, because he keeps coming when she orders him. She asks him about it. He is confused. She winks at him and says his secret is safe with her. She also feels bad for him. She says she knows what it’s like to be ordered to fulfill everyones wishes and winks at him again. She invites him to share her food. She insists.

End

When George comes back he finds Geena and the room service waiter surrounded by everything room service has to offer spread out on the bed. They are watching golf. George freaks out at what the bill will be for all this. The waiter freaks out thinking George is Geena’s husband and insists they didn’t have sex. Geena is irked at the thought of George being her husband.

Write middle scenes:

INT. CONVENTION, LECTURE HALL – DAY

Plan in action

George speaks about his book at a seminar. Geena sits by a small table with books by the side of the entrance.

GEORGE

And when you’re ready to purchase the book my assistant Geena here is more than happy to help you.

George emphasizes the word assistant.

An ASIAN MAN walks up to the table where Geena sits. He looks at Geena’s name tag.

ASIAN MAN

Ms Woo? You don’t look like a Woo. Where are you from?

GEENA

Adopted.

ASIAN MAN

Oh, I’m sorry.

GEENA

For my name? Me too!

The Asian man looks confused. He picks up a book.

ASIAN MAN

What are your thoughts on his book?

GEENA

Haven’t read it.

ASIAN MAN

You haven’t read it?

GEENA

Would you read a book by someone with his communication skills?

The Asian Man reacts to her comment and puts the book back on the table. Only two other attendees were in line to buy the book and they also heard Geena’s comment. They leave the table mumbling to each other.

ATTENDEE 1

Makes sense.

ATTENDEE 2

Yeah, I’m gonna hold off.

No books are sold. George and Geena are left alone in the room.

GEORGE

You haven’t read it! You haven’t read it!!

GEENA

I haven’t.

GEORGE

You are supposed to help me!! Not sabotage me. You are my assistant. Effing lie and say the book is great!

GEENA

I don’t lie.

GEORGE

You just said you were adopted!

GEENA

Which I in a way I am every time someone finds my lamp and rubs it. I’m kind of adopted until they’ve made three wishes.

GEORGE

Aaarrgh! What the f.. am I going to do?

George paces angrily. Geena suddenly becomes very friendly.

GEENA

You could always ask for your last wish and be rid of me.

George stops in his track.

GEORGE

Oh, oh, so that’s where you’re going? I should have known. Well, in your dreams, Ms. Woo. Not a chance until you help me for real. Like a real assistant. Pack up! Oh, and we’re playing tennis this afternoon.

George storms out of the room. Geena sighs, tiredly.

EXT. CONVENTION CENTER

George and Geena walk towards an Uber pickup spot. Geena carries all the books. They bicker like an old married couple.

GEENA

Woo! What the heck kind of name is that? Sounds like half a dog bark.

GEORGE

You are from the Far East, aren’t you?

GEENA

Far East? Everything is East of here. The globe is round. Everything is East, everything is West. And if you ask most “Far” is an hour away.

GEORGE

You’re the most obnoxious person I’ve ever met.

GEENA

Good, so get rid of me.

GEORGE

Nah, it’s worth it. Having an assistant boosts my brand worth.

An Uber pulls up and they get in.

INT. UBER – DAY

GEENA

You know that maybe if you stopped lying about everything you would have real friends and not have to keep me prisoner to keep someone around.

The UBER DRIVER, bearded, 50s, listens up at the word “prisoner.”

GEORGE

I don’t lie.

GEENA

You don’t? Everything you say about yourself at your lectures is fake.

GEORGE

Is not!

GEENA

Is too! You speak about loneliness and you don’t have any friends. Everything you warn people not to do are the things you do.

GEORGE

I have tons of friends.

GEENA

So call them to play tennis with you, then. Instead of forcing me.

The Uber driver listens up again at “forcing me.” George looks flustered.

GEORGE

They have jobs. They can’t just leave town and come play with me.

GEENA

Right. And they can’t ever answer when you call either. Right?

Geena reaches over and snatches George’s cell phone and opens it.

GEORGE

Stop! If you don’t stop I’m going to lock you in the lamp and throw you at the bottom of the ocean! And nobody will ever find you!

The car comes to a screeching halt.

UBER DRIVER

That’s it, I’m calling the Police!

GEORGE

What?

UBER DRIVER

You are a wife abuser!

GEORGE

That’s not my wife, that’s my… tennis partner.

UBER DRIVER

I don’t care who she is you’re treating her like shit. For all I know you you’re a serial killer. Do you want me to call the Police Ma’am?

Geena hesitates for a moment. George looks bewilder4ed and resigned. A hint of pity washes across Geena’s face.

GEENA

Nah, it’s alright. He has poor social skills. He doesn’t know better.

UBER DRIVER

You sure? At least move up here with me.

Geena moves up front with the Uber Driver. They chat and quickly seem to get along greatly. They smile and glance at each other. There is no doubt that there is a bit of a flirt going on between them. They seem to have completely forgotten that George is in the backseat.

EXT TENNIS COURT 2 – DAY

George and Geena play tennis furiously, looking like they want to kill each other. Geena is a much better player now and gives George a tough match.

After the game they run into Brad Brightly and Nick.

BRAD

Hey, George! Are you speaking at the wellness convention, too?

GEORGE

Yup. I wasn’t going to, but they called and begged me, so…

BRAD

Right. So who is this lovely lady?

GEORGE

Oh, this is my full time tennis partner, Geena.

GEENA

Hello. And thank you.

Brad and Nick exchange a look.

NICK

I thought you called your tennis partner “he” before.

George scrambles for an answer.

GEORGE

Well, look at her. I mean I always thought of her as masculine and…

Brad and Nick give George an incredulous look.

GEORGE

Well, she used to be a man! She had a sex change.

Geena looks shocked. Brad and Nick embrace her.

NICK

Omg, I’m so happy for you.

BRAD

That’s so brave. Being true to yourself no matter what the world says.

GEENA

Uumm, thank you.

BRAD

It took forever for us to come out publicly. You know with my career at stake and everything. But you have to be honest.

GEORGE

Come out? You? You mean you two…?

BRAD

Yeah, what did you think?

NICK

You didn’t really think I was just his full time tennis partner, did you?

BRAD

Of course, he didn’t. Hahaha, who’d have the time for that when you have a career…

George loses his face.

BRAD

…omg, you did, didn’t you?

There is an awkward silence.

NICK

Anyway, we should get going. Geena, it was so nice to meet you.

Nick and Brad both hug Geena again.

BRAD

Yes, you are a true inspiration. Do you want to be a guest speaker at my seminar?

GEORGE

She doesn’t have time. She’s my assistant.

BRAD

Oh, of course, sure. Maybe another time then?

George pulls Geena away before Brad has finished his sentence. When they have passed a corner he stops. He waves down a cab.

GEORGE

I can’t even stand seeing you for another cab ride right now. Find your own way back to the hotel. And your lamp. I’m going for a walk.

George pays the cab driver through the window and gives him the address.

GEORGE

Just take her there and don’t stop anywhere else, no matter what she says.

INT. BOOK STORE – NIGHT

George, still in tennis clothes, wanders into a bookstore. He goes to the personal development/self-help section. He looks at the shelf where the books by writers whose last names start with W sit. He pushes books aside to make space where “Wa” (for Wallow) would be. He fantasizes.

GEORGE’S FANTASY:

The shelf is full of his books. People are crowding around him as he stands there, all reaching in front of him and around him to grab his book. They fight over it. A hurried SALES WOMAN appears with a cart containing more of his books.

SALESWOMAN

We just keep enough in stock. They just fly off the shelf as soon as we put them out.

A crowd of excited people reach out and grab all the books straight from her cart. George hears a voice.

REBECCA (O.S.)

Excuse me. Sir.

Still in his fantasy George imagines she is reaching for his book.

GEORGE

You’re too late.

END GEORGE’S FANTASY

REBECCA

I’m what?

George is jerked back to reality and spins around facing Rebecca.

GEORGE

What?

REBECCA

You! You’re the guy from the bar at the hotel in Baltimore.

George looks confused.

REBECCA

With the sock. Oh, you probably don’t remember, you were so drunk. Me and the bartender helped you to your room. I hope you were ok the next day.

GEORGE

Umm, sure. Thanks.

REBECCA

You were really endearing actually, with your sock. What a coincidence that we meet here again. Judging from you standing in this section I’m assuming you might be in town for the health and wellness convention.

George notices that an author is setting up for a book signing over by the entrance. He pays more attention to that than he does to Rebecca.

GEORGE

Uhh.

REBECCA

Hey, I’m looking for more books by a writer I just discovered by chance. I found this great book in the “take for free” pile at that hotel in Baltimore. It has some really profound insights on loneliness and there is so much pain in it. You can tell that the writer is trying to cover it up, like faking it but I think he’s doing that on purpose, to illustrate. Because it’s so transparent. And it really works. I want to use it with my clients.

George notices that a local reporter enters the store and approaches the author setting up for the book signing. Rebecca tries to look behind George.

REBECCA

I wanted to see if he has written more. It should be right behind you. Have you ever heard of…

GEORGE

Excuse me.

George quickly pushes past Rebecca and hurries towards the front of the store.

REBECCA

…George Wallow?

George approaches the reporter at the front of the store.

GEORGE

How about you interview me while this guy is setting up?

Rebecca, too far away to hear what is being said in the front of the store, sees the empty space on the shelf where George made room for the books he envisioned there.

REBECCA

(to self)

Wa. Probably sold out.

In the front of the store George gets into a fight with the store manager and the author who’s there for the book signing. The manager shows him the door.

INT. HOTEL ROOM 2 – NIGHT

Geena sits on the bed. She tests the springiness of it. She looks mighty pleased at for the first time being in a hotel room alone and out of the lamp. She lifts up the lamp and eyes it.

GEENA

Don’t you think I’m gonna go back into you, a minute before I have to!

Geena explores everything. The microwave, the mini bar, the TV with its remote control. The TV perks her interest. She lays down on the bed and flips channels. She finds room service on the remote. She reads the instructions and the menu. She makes sounds of delight as she reads the food options.

GEENA

Oh. Aaah. Oh, that sounds so good. Let’s see, how do we do this.

Geena figures out the remote and orders several dishes.

A YOUNG NERDY WAITER knocks on the door and delivers the food on a cart.

GEENA

Thank You.

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

You’re welcome.

The Young Nerdy Waiter waits for a second but when Geena doesn’t make any move to get up and tip him he leaves.

Geena thoroughly enjoys herself. She eats and watches TV.

She finds the Golf channel. She is mesmerized. It’s showing a gold tournament taking place at a beautiful resort in Florida.

GEENA

Oh, that’s amazing. Look at that grass. So green. It must belike heaven. Oh, look at that ball. It flies. That looks like so much fun!

Geena is getting into the game more and more. She eats while watching and soon her plate is empty. She orders more food. The same Nerdy Young Waiter delivers it.

GEENA

Do you know where this is?

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

I believe it’s Florida, ma’am.

GEENA

Do you know what they are doing?

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

Playing golf.

GEENA

Golf? Golf. Golf. I like that sound. That’s what I want to do, right there, when I retire. Play golf in Florida.

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

What a novel idea.

The Young Nerdy Waiter leaves. There is a commercial for a nice restaurant on the golf channel and they show a gorgeous dessert.

GEENA

Oooh!

Geena finds the room service menu again and orders several desserts.

The Young Nerdy Waiter soon appears again with a dessert cart. He hovers, still hoping for a tip.

Suddenly Geena has a revelation. She looks startled.

GEENA

Omg, I don’t think about it I was so into this golf thing.

The waiter looks relieved.

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

It’s ok. I’m still here now.

GEENA

I’m so sorry, I should have realized when you kept coming every time I ordered you to. I didn’t think. But I didn’t know that there were any more of us left in the world.

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

What?

GEENA

I didn’t realize you were a genie. I’m sorry. And I should have known from you waiting around every time, too, for me to make a wish.

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

I don’t understand.

GEENA

Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.

The Young Nerdy Waiter looks scared.

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

I don’t have a secret.

GEENA

Hahaha, you’re good! Come here and sit down. I won’t tell a soul. Take a break. I order you. Just kidding, you know that I know everything about what it’s like to be ordered around and fulfill everyone’s wishes on every whim.

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

I really have to go. My shift is over.

GEENA

Even better. Did you have dinner yet?

The Young Nerdy Waiter shakes his head. Geena makes room in the bed.

GEENA

Well, dig in!

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

If I do you promise not to tell Mr. Bravado anything.

GEENA

Who?

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

My boss.

GEENA

Like I said, your secret is safe with me.

The Young Nerdy Waiter sits down on the bed with Geena and digs in on a piece of fried chicken.

INT. HOTEL CORRIDOR – NIGHT

George opens the door to Hotel Room 2. He looks right at Geena and the Young Nerdy Waiter, sitting in bed eating, talking, and watching golf, having a good time.

INT. HOTEL ROOM 2 – NIGHT

George and Geena seem oblivious to the door opening.

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

So, that’s called a birdie, what he just did.

GEENA

I like it.

GEORGE

What the hell?

The Young Nerdy Waiter jumps up and freezes.

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

I didn’t do anything, I promise!

GEORGE

You didn’t do anything? You ate the whole goddamn hotel kitchen! What do you think all of this will cost. I’m ruined!

YOUNG NERDY WAITER

I didn’t sleep with her, I swear. Your wife said she would tell my boss that I stole form the bar register if I didn’t come in and eat and watch golf with her. I’m sorry, I’m just trying to pay for college.

Geena reacts as soon as she hears the words “your wife.”

GEENA

Eww, wife? (after the words “Your wife”)

What, stole from the bar?

GEORGE

Get out! Now! And get this whole goddamn order off my bill, or I will tell your boss everything!

The Young Nerdy Waiter can’t get out fast enough. Geena calls after him.

GEENA

Your secret’s safe with me! He’s not my husband!

[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallén’s Act 2 Reaction to TP 1

What I learned doing this assignment is that I am starting to understand on a more internal level how frustrated both my protagonist and antagonist are at this moment and I am starting to hear their reactions and how they feel and how they scramble to come up with ways to deal with their problems. And why they react the way they do.

Outline Key scene 1 reaction to Turning Point

INT. HOTEL BAR – NIGHT

Beginning

George is sad. Absentmindedly he puts his dirty sock in his pocket, leaves the hotel room and goes down to the bar.

Middle

There’s a woman at the bar. She has George’s book in her purse, which he doesn’t notice. George orders drink after drink. His sock falls out of his pocket. The woman picks it up and gives it back.

End

George comes on to her with a drunken ramble, trying to get loved. He zonks out. The woman and the bartender help him out of the bar.

INT. CONVENTION CENTER – DAY

New plan

Health and wellness book convention. George arrives straight from traveling with a carry-on suitcase, worse for wear, severely hungover.

He sees that other public speakers have assistants. George realizes/thinks that he would look very successful with an assistant. He tells someone that he has had an assistant for years and that he was just generous and gave her the morning off today to sleep in. That she’ll be there later.

Middle

INT. CONVENTION CENTER – BATHROOM – DAY

Placeholder: George takes the lamp out of his carry-on bag and rubs it and Geena appears. George asks for his second wish; for Geena to be by his side and help him anytime he demands.

End

People look funny at them and make comments when they exit the men’s room together.

Beginning

INT. CONVENTION, LECTURE HALL – DAY

Beginning.

George uses Geena to sit in as a sidekick at lectures and to take payment for book sales, to appear rich and successful. Geena very reluctantly obeys. She looks bored.

Middle

In an attempt to wear George out so he’ll make his final wish, Geena deliberately succeeds in sabotaging more than helping.

End

George holds out for the sake of the successful image of having an assistant.

Write Reaction to Turning Point

INT. HOTEL BAR – NIGHT

George sits at the middle of the bar with a scotch in front of him. He’s the only one there except a woman, REBECCA, 40s at the end of the bar. George downs his scotch in one sweep.

GEORGE

Another one, please.

The bartender fills his glass. George sweeps that one as well.

GEORGE

One more.

The bartender hesitates but then fills his glass.

Rebecca stands up and passes George as she heads for the Ladies Room at the other end of the bar. There is a book sticking up from the purse hanging on her shoulder.

While she is gone George finishes his fourth drink.

A few minutes later Rebecca exits the ladies room. She stops and bends down next to George. As she does, the title of the book in her purse becomes visible. It’s George’s book. He doesn’t notice it. Rebecca holds up a sock (the sock he held in his hand while sitting on the bed earlier)

REBECCA

Hey. You dropped this.

George recognizes his dirty sock.

GEORGE

That’s not mine.

REBECCA

It just fell out of your pocket.

George stands up, very drunk. He takes his sock.

GEORGE

Pocket schmocket. I want to sleep with you. I know you want to sleep with me. Please, want to sleep with me.

George leans in towards Rebecca to hug her, sock in hand. She jerks back. George thinks is the sock.

GEORGE

I’m sorry my sock is dirty. I don’t know why I had it in my pocket. Geena… She… My underwear are clean. They are much whiter. Like your teeth. You should sleep with me now. Right now…

George purses his lips for a kiss, falls down on the barstool again, and zonks out, his head hitting the bar.

Rebecca and the bartender look at each other and then resolutely grab George under one arm each and half drag, half carry him out of the bar.

INT. CONVENTION CENTER – DAY

George arrives straight from traveling with his carry on suitcase and box of books. He struggles to carry the box with one hand. He looks worse for wear, severely hangover. He stands in line to check in at a check-in table. A YOUNG PERKY GIRL is checking in in front of him. She hands her ID to a CONVENTION EMPLOYEE.

YOUNG PERKY GIRL

I’m checking in for Mr Brad Brightly.

CONVENTION EMPLOYEE

And who are you?

YOUNG PERKY GIRL

I’m his assistant, Sarah.

The Convention Employee hands Sarah two badges. Sarah leaves. The Convention Employee turns to George.

CONVENTION EMPLOYEE

And who are you checking in for?

GEORGE

George Wallow.

CONVENTION EMPLOYEE

And who are you?

GEORGE

George Wallow.

The Convention Employee eyes him.

CONVENTION EMPLOYEE

And just one badge? No assistant?

The comment triggers George’s insecurity and an uncomfortable look washes over his face. He glances looks around while waiting. He notices several other speakers/exhibitors in line behind him having assistants helping them carry and waiting to check them in.

George starts laughing an unnatural laughter and turns around to make sure other people around him understands how ludicrous the Convention Employee’s comment is.

GEORGE

Of course I have an assistant! I’ve had an assistant for years. I simply gave her the morning of to sleep in. I pride myself in being a kind and generous employer.

CONVENTION EMPLOYEE

Ok, so she will be here later?

GEORGE

Of course! Very soon.

CONVENTION EMPLOYEE

And what’s her name?

GEORGE

Uh?

CONVENTION EMPLOYEE

Her name? For the badge.

GEORGE

Uh…, uh… Geena

CONVENTION EMPLOYEE

Geena what?

The growing line of people waiting behind George is getting impatient. George grasps for a name. He spots an ad in the convention program on the table. The ad is for Mr Woo’s Modern Chinese Cuisine.

GEORGE

Woo.

The convention employee hands George two badges. He struggles to take them while lifting the box of books and removing his suitcase out of the line. George steps to the side by a window and puts his box of books down. He paces for a minute. He spots Brad Brightly in the distance meeting up with Sarah, getting his badge. They walk together into the convention, talking, smiling.

George takes his books and carry-on and resolutely heads for the Men’s Room.

INT. CONVENTION CENTER – MEN’S ROOM – DAY

George locks himself in the handicap stall. He takes the lamp out of his carry on bag and rubs it. Geena appears. She immediately pinches her nose.

GEENA

Ewww… What kind of a hotel is this?

GEORGE

You’re supposed to say “Your wish is my command!”

GEENA

You just told me you’re not going to wish anyway.

GEORGE

What if I am?

Geena perks up.

GEENA

Are you?

GEORGE

Yes. I have my second wish. I wish, no, I command you to be by my side and help me with anything I ask for at any time I demand it.

GEENA

What, no! That’s not… As you…

Geena being forced to answer with a “As you Wish” genie style tries to hold in her response. She purses her lips and uses her fingers to hold her lips shut, to no avail. She can’t stop herself.

GEENA

…wish.

GEORGE

Yes!

GEENA

Nooo! Almighty creator in genie heaven, please help me!

INT. CONVENTION CENTER – DAY

People look funny at George and Geena as they exit the Men’s Room together.

INT. CONVENTION, LECTURE HALL – DAY

Plan in action – montage

MONTAGE

George speaks about his book at a seminar. Geena sits by a small table with books to the side.

GEORGE

And when you’re ready purchase the book my assistant Geena is here to help you.

George emphasizes the word assistant.

An ASIAN MAN walks up to the table where Geena sits. He looks at Geena’s name tag.

ASIAN MAN

Ms Woo? You don’t look like a Woo. Where are you from?

GEENA

Adopted.

ASIAN MAN

Oh, I’m sorry.

GEENA

For my name? Me too!

The Asian man looks confused. He picks up a book.

ASIAN MAN

What are your thoughts on his book?

GEENA

Haven’t read it.

ASIAN MAN

You haven’t read it?

GEENA

Would you read a book by someone with his communication skills?

The Asian Man reacts to her comment and puts the book back on the table. Only two other attendees were in line to buy the book and they also heard Geena’s comment. The leave the tabel mumbling to each other.

ATTENDEE 1

Makes sense.

ATTENDEE 2

Yeah, I’m gonna hold off.

No books are sold. George and Geena are left alone in the room.

GEORGE

You haven’t read it! You haven’t read it!!

GEENA

I haven’t.

GEORGE

You are supposed to help me!! Not sabotage me. You are my assistant. Effing lie and say the book is great!

GEENA

I don’t lie.

GEORGE

You just said you were adopted!

GEENA

Which I in a way I am every time someone finds my lamp and rubs it. I’m kind of adopted until they’ve made three wishes.

GEORGE

Aaarrgh! What the f.. am I going to do?

George paces angrily. Geena suddenly becomes very friendly.

GEENA

You could always ask for your last wish and be rid of me.

George stops in his track.

GEORGE

Oh, oh, so that’s we’re you’re going? I should have known. Well, in your dreams. Ms. Woo. Not a chance util you help me for real. Like a real assistant. Pack up!

George storms out of the room. Geena sighs, tiredly.

• This reply was modified 4 years ago by  Karin Hallen. Reason: I realized that the first scenes of what I thought was going to be in today's lesson 14, actually belong here in lesson 13

[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallén’s Finished Act 1

What I learned doing this assignment is that it’s harder to write these scenes that are in between the Key Scenes. It’s harder to create essence in them, harder to find the conflict. I find that I repeat myself a lot. I learned that I very well might have too many of these scenes. Already omitted one from the beat sheet, and I sense some others might have to be taken out or combined into one for the story not to be repetitive or drag. But that’s for the rewrite.

Outline any scenes left in Act 1

Scenes after Opening scene.

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – day

George holds a lecture in front of a very sparse audience. His speech is boring. He is nervous and stutters. He mainly promotes himself. People leave the room.

INT. HOTEL RECEPTION – DAY

Beginning.

George enters the conference room, which is next to anther conference room where Brad Brightly held a seminar. George complains to the hotel manager and blames Brad Brightly for the poor attendance at his lecture. He says that Brad intentionally sabotaged him, stealing his audience.

Middle

Brad Brightly comes out of another conference room surrounded by fans. The manager stops him. George and Brad stand face to face. Brad is very nice. He’s never heard of George and introduces himself. Sincerely wishes him good luck.

End

George storms out and away from the hotel.

Scenes after George wishes for Geena to play tennis:

EXT. TENNIS COURT – DAY

Transformational Event 2.

Beginning

George and Geena arrive at the tennis court. George “casually mentions” to other players that Geena is his full-time tennis partner.

Middle

George and Geena play tennis.

Geena sweats, huffs and puffs and it’s obvious she’s out of shape. Instead of helping and encouraging Geena, George uses her obvious struggles on the court as an opportunity to make himself look better.

George struts his stuff on the court, in an attempt to show off in front of everyone else on the court. It backfires. Instead the people around him look at him with disdain and come to Geena’s support offering her water and encouraging words like “You’ll get it” “Great effort, hang in there“ Someoene offers her a suggestion for how to hold her racket. Someone says: Poor woman she must really need a job.” One of them calls George “Asshole” as they walk by him. George looks surprised. It’s obvious from his reaction that he doesn’t get it.

End

He gets an idea. He runs over and helps Geena. Says that he’s doing it for her for free because she asked him to help her get in shape and asked her to be tough with her. He’s taking his valuable time as a popular self help coach and speaker to help this woman for free get healthy and feel better about herself. Someone buys his lies and says. Oh, that’s so nice of you. I might come check out your lecture.

EXT. HOTEL POOL – DAY

Beginning

On the way back from tennis George and Geena stop at pool.

Middle

George tells Geena to disappear into lamp. She says that he has no say over that until they’re back in the same room as the lamp – and since they are still on their way back from tennis she’s still under tennis assignment. He orders her to be nicer and she says that’s not included in the wish.

End

Geena also discovers all kinds of fun modern things, like floating toys, margaritas and a radio.

INT. HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT

Placeholder:

Beginning

Geena keeps trying to make George make the next wish.

Middle

He forces her back into lamp, saying he hasn’t come up with the perfect wish yet.

End

Maybe she comes with suggestions? Maybe she tries to bribe him on some way, as she disappears into the lamp?

After restaurant scenes

EXT TENNIS COURT – DAY

Beginning

George and Geena play tennis.

Middle

Geena gets sick from the mountain of food she ate at breakfast and barfs on the court. Someone tells George to clean up after his poor friend as they run to her help Geena looks smug. He is pissed.

End

What is it about Geena that makes everyone respond to her and not to him. What voodoo black genie magic is she using to trick people, he asks. She says no tricks. That’s his arena. I’m keeping it real. He doesn’t get it. Makes fun of her because she says a genie is real.

INT. HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT

PLACEHOLDER: Last night at this hotel. Scene between George and Geena. Geena wants George to wish. She urges him on. George refuses to make any more wishes. Geena calls George out on why he won’t make any wishes. Because nobody will be around him unless he forces them. He angrily stuffs her back into the lamp. She is heard furiously yelling through the lamp, that she will “make him” wish.

INT. LAMP – NIGHT

Geena is sad. She talks to herself in the lamp. About that George will never set her free. Then she talks herself up and vows to out-trick him. She brainstorms plans out loud to herself.

2. + 3 Write the scenes left in Act 1.

Act 1:

INT. HOTEL RECEPTION – DAY

GEORGE, 45 walks up to the front desk with a carry-on suitcase in one hand and a printed paper in the other. He glances at a sign in the lobby announcing a seminar by “Brad Brightly.” He frowns. There is nobody behind the desk. George hits the bell on the counter several times in a row, impatiently. He waits less than five seconds before he rings again.

GEORGE

Hello! Hello! Anyone here?

A receptionist appears, wearing a name tag that says ELLA.

ELLA

Hi! Checking in?

GEORGE

Yes! What does it look like? Suitcase, check, reservation printout, check, arriving at check-in time, check.

George waves the paper at Ella. She takes it.

Ella looks at her computer. She makes a puzzled face.

GEORGE

This is the first stop on my book tour. You might have heard of my book already. (Insert book title here.)

George pauses for Ella’s response, to no avail. She types on her keyboard.

GEORGE

It’s expected to be the next New York Times Bestseller. George. George Wallow. THE George Wallow.

George leans over and points at his name on the reservation printout.

ELLA

I’m sorry, Mr. Wallow it seems you don’t have a reservation.

GEORGE

What? It’s right there! On the paper. That’s my reservation number.

ELLA

Is it possible that you cancelled it by mistake?

GEORGE

No! It is not possible that I cancelled it by mistake. Ella. You made a mistake! And now you’re blaming it on me. Do you know who I am?

Ella shakes her head “no”. George looks disappointed. Ella turns around with the reservation printout and whispers to a co-worker.

ELLA

Do you know who he is?

The co-workers glances at George and shakes his head.

ELLA

I am really sorry Mr. Wallow. We’ve been extremely busy with everything surrounding the Brad Brightly event. Our computer system crashed and possibly your reservation got lost then.

Just then BRAD BRIGHTLY, late 30s handsome, smiling, walks through the lobby. Everyone in the lobby stop what they are doing and look at him and whisper. He waves to Ella as he walks by. She blushes.

GEORGE

So, you do know who Brad Brightly is. Well, that’s just great! (Pause)

Just get me a room.

ELLA

Unfortunately, we’re fully booked.

George fumes.

GEORGE

Oh, but if Brad Brightly needed a room, I’m sure you’d have one, right? Huh? His book is like a frigging comic book. I am saving people from the deadliest disease in modern times. And you can’t even get me a room? Do you even know how to read?

A bypassing guest glances at George, reacting to his rude tone and manners. Ella works hard to stay calm and succeeds.

ELLA

Oh, wait. There is a room. It was under repair, but looks like it’s ready now.

Ella hands George keys. George casually “forgets” a copy of his book on the counter. The title indicates that it’s a personal development book on how to overcome loneliness in today’s society.

INT. HOTEL CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY

George holds a lecture in front of a very sparse audience. He points at a diagram on a sitting on a large easel. He is fidgety and nervous.

GEORGE

So, uum, here you see how this has changed since the 1990s. Oh, oops, this is upside down. Hold on.

He turns the whiteboard right and tips over the easel in the process. He scrambles to put it back in place.

GEORGE

So, anyway where were we. Uum.

He takes out his notes and searches for what to say.

People leave the room.

INT. HOTEL – DAY

Beginning.

George exits the conference room, which is next to another conference room. There is a sign outside the other conference room informing us that Brad Brightly’s seminar is being held there. George spots the HOTEL MANAGER, 50s. He waves him down.

GEORGE

Hey, hey! What is this? How can he be allowed to book the room right next to me for a seminar at the same time? That’s bullshit. It’s a conflict of interest. I’m gonna need to get reimbursed for the cost of that room.

HOTEL MANAGER

Actually he booked his room long before you booked yours.

GEORGE

Well, he sabotaged me. Intentionally.

HOTEL MANAGER

Are you sure of that? How?

GEORGE

Ask him?

Brad Brightly comes out of his conference room surrounded by fans.

HOTEL MANAGER

Let’s ask him right now.

The manager waves Brad down. The fans dissipate. George and Brad stand face to face. George looks uncomfortable.

Brad offers George his hand.

BRAD

Hi, I’m Brad.

GEORGE

George.

BRAD

Nice to meet you, man.

HOTEL MANAGER

George here wanted to talk to you about something.

BRAD

About what?

George gets tongue tied. The other two look expectantly at him.

HOTEL MANAGER

I believe it was about the possible conflict of interest of holding seminars next to each other at the same time.

BRAD

Oh, don’t worry about it, brother. No need to apologize. They told me about it when you first booked the room, but I’m like, I’m cool with it. There’s room for everyone. I saw your poster. We’re in the same field. We gotta stick together. I’ll point people in your direction. It’s all about helping folks, right.

GEORGE

Uh, sure, yeah.

A woman comes up to Brad and wants her book, written by Brad signed. He takes her pen.

BRAD

Alright, see you around, George. Good luck!

George leaves, quietly fuming. He walks through the lobby with clenched fists and exits the hotel.

EXT. YARD SALE – DAY – MINUTES LATER

George, still upset enters a residential neighborhood, oblivious to his surroundings. He rehearses things he should have said at the lecture and to Brad out loud. He only looks up when a couple carrying a big coffee table steps out in front of him. He stops and notices that he’s right outside a nice house holding a yard sale. A WOMAN IN GARDEN HAT addresses him.

WOMAN IN GARDEN HAT

Hi! Did you want to have a look, too before we close up? C’mon on in.

George enters the yard sale. He browses among the tables with knick knacks and stops by a very dusty, very old looking oil lamp. He picks it up and looks at it. He puts it down and looks around a bit more. He returns to the lamp and picks it up again.

WOMAN IN GARDEN HAT

That lamp has travelled a long way.

GEORGE

How much?

WOMAN IN GARDEN HAT

Oh, a dollar is fine. We just don’t have room.

George buys the lamp.

INT. HOTEL ROOM – DAY

George rubs the lamp clean with a washcloth. Suddenly, there is a WEIRD SOUND, coming from the lamp and it starts shaking in George’s hands. The shape of a woman squeezes out of the lamp and pushes herself through with great effort and grows into a full size person. GEENA, 50s, a bit chunky lands heavily on the floor. George screams out loud in shock and fear.

Geena stands up with some effort.

GEENA

Ouch. Stiff joints.

Geena smiles at George. She makes a dramatic gesture.

GEENA

Geena. Your wish is my command.

George looks like a deer caught in headlight.

GEORGE

Huh?

Geena does some stretching exercises. She takes up most of the floorspace.

GEENA

Aahh, feels good to be out.

GEORGE

Who are you? What is going on? What are you doing in my room?

GEENA

In which order would you like me to address those questions?

GEORGE

Get out! I’m calling The Police!

George tries to push Geena. She stands rock solid, not moving and inch.

GEENA

Sorry, no can do. Not until you’ve asked for your wishes.

GEORGE

My what?

GEENA

Your wishes! Are you deaf or what? Why did you rub a lamp in the first place if not to call a genie. Or did you mistake it for your, uhum…?

Geena nods at George’s crotch. George tugs on his shirt to cover his crotch area.

GEORGE

Stop! I have no idea of what’s going on right now.

GEENA

Clearly.

GEORGE

First of all there are no genies.

GEENA

Oh? So who then do you think squeezed out of a 2 inch oil lamp opening? The house keeper? (fake squeaky voice) Good evening sir, we thought it was more efficient to enter your room this way. Tomorrow we’ll flow in through the air vent with your fresh towels. (end squeaky voice) Or is it you, hallucinating? Are you crazy maybe? Is this all in your head? And if it is, how come you get marks from this?

Geena leans over and bites George’s forearm hard. He jumps in pain.

GEORGE

Ouch!

George looks at his arm. The bite has left distinct, red marks. he sinks down on the bed, looking very confused.

GEENA

Now, let’s start over. I can’t wait to be done with you!

GEORGE

What?

GEENA

Ok. Here’s the deal. I’ve been waiting 3000 years for you and the last thing I want to waste time on is chit chatting. Get to it!

George looks shocked.

GEORGE

I’m not…I don’t want to…I’ve had a long day… uhm, you’re not my type…

GEENA

To wishing, you moron!

GEORGE

Oh.

GEENA

Ok, you obviously need more basic info than I anticipated. Here’s the deal. I’m a genie.

GEORGE

But you’re a woman?

GEENA

So? Another fact that got skewed in the history books. Do you really think men would take a service job that would require them to appear on demand with a “Your Wish Is My Command” for their entire career? Come on. That only got changed in the books when genies became cool. Can I continue my story now?

George nods.

GEENA

I was a really popular genie back in the far East 3000 years ago. I was great. I worked fast. And I only had one last person left to grant wishes, before I could retire when I was, well, my lamp, my home, with me in it, was dropped in the desert during a sand storm. I was buried in the sand. And I lay there forgotten. For 3000 years. I know the time because I drew a line every year. Look.

Geena nods at the lamp. It does indeed look like there are 1000s of very thin scratches on the inside of the glass.

GEENA

I lay there until an American tourist found me and brought me here last month. I was so excited. I couldn’t wait for her to rub me, but she never did. I heard her husband call my lamp ugly. And then they sold me to you. And here we are. So, hurry up already! Make a wish! Oh, I can’t wait to be done and retire. And I gotta pee.

INT. HOTEL ROOM – BATHROOM – DAY

Geena pees for a very long time.

GEORGE (O.S.)

Oh, wow! You’re really a genie! Oh, my this is crazy. This is amazing! This changes everything! I’m gonna be famous! Yeeehaaaww! Hurry up, I’m ready to wish! Jeez, you’ve been peeing forever!

GEENA

I’ve been holding it since before he was born.

INT. HOTEL ROOM – DAY

Geena comes out of the bathroom.

GEORGE

Ok, so help me out here. Should I ask to be rich first or should I ask for unlimited wishes right of the bat? What’s the best strategy?

Geena sighs and rolls her eyes.

GEENA

It doesn’t work that way. Everyone knows that you can’t ask for more wishes. It’s against the rules. If you even try to ask for any more than three wishes you forfeit your wishes altogether. Here are the rules and limitations. No more and no less than three wishes. You can ask for anything you want, but for measurable wishes my powers are set to the starting date of my employment as a genie. So, you asked to be rich. Let’s see… in my programming that means that you will instantly be the owner of eight goats.

GEORGE

Eight goats!? What? Well, what about filthy rich?

GEENA

Eight goats and two camels.

GEORGE

Noooo! Ok, what if I wish for huge success.

Geena thinks.

GEENA

You won’t die of starvation and you’ll live past the age 40. Awesome, right?

GEORGE

I’m 45, almost 46 now!

George looks extremely disappointed and upset. He throws a pillow at the wall in frustration.

GEORGE

This is useless! You are useless. You’re just wasting my time! This is not fair!

GEENA

Life is not fair.

GEORGE

Well, that’s what your job is. To see to that I get my fair share.

GEENA

Interesting how quickly you went from not believing in genies to taking my services for granted.

GEORGE

Go away. Nothing ever works out for me. I should have known better.

Geena looks concerned.

GEENA

No, hey, hey now. Don’t be like that. It can work out. C’mon just think of something to wish. You can do it. C’mon, make a wish. Please. Oh, pretty please. Just wish for something. Anything. I just want to retire.

GEORGE

Just get out of here. Get back in your lamp or whatever.

The last sentence sends Geena back into her lamp. She gradually shrinks and “swoshes” back into the lamp right in front of George’s eyes, under loud protest.

GEENA

Nooo! Wish something! I’m thirsty. Give me some water!

George ignores her protests. Geena reaches out and grabs a bottle of vodka from the open minibar just before her arm fully disappears into the lamp.

EXT. HOTEL TENNIS COURT – DAY

George enters the hotel tennis court area, which has four courts. One of them is occupied. He warms up with big stretches and gestures, looking around. He approaches a tennis player, NICK, 30s who stands alone on one of the courts.

GEORGE

You wanna play a game?

NICK

Sorry man. My partner is coming right now.

Nick nods towards the gate. Brad Brightly approaches them an waves at Nick.

GEORGE

Oh, ok.

George leaves before Brad reaches them. He keeps looking around. He sees four young guys playing double. One of them injures his ankle. He falls to the ground in pain. George hurries up to them. He pays no attention to the injured guy, almost tripping over him.

GEORGE

You need a new partner to replace him?

GUY 1

Really?

GUY 2

No, we’re good.

An elderly lady hits balls by herself. She is clearly a beginner. George approaches her.

GEORGE

Ouch that hit sucked. Here, play with me, I’ll show you a few tricks.

The elderly woman looks at him, offended. Just then one of the guys who played double calls over to them.

GUY 2

Hey, m’am! You want to play a game with us? We have a man down.

The Elderly Woman heads over to the young guys.

George stands alone in the middle of the court. He looks very alone. He looks around. He spots a tennis ball machine and starts it. He hits a round of balls on the court next to Brad Brightly and Nick. It’s obvious that he’s a pretty good player. And he makes sure to off in any move he can. He keeps glancing over at Brad and Nick to check if they are looking at him. They are not.

Brad and Nick stop playing and wipe the sweat of their foreheads. George stops playing, too. Brad and Nick leave the tennis court. George leaves, too. He nonchalantly crosses their path right in front of them.

BRAD

Hey, George.

George stops and looks up, feigning surprised, as if he just now noticed them.

BRAD

That’s your name right? We met in the lobby.

GEORGE

Sure, uhm… uhmmm.

George pretends to be searching for Brad’s name.

BRAD

Brad. And this is Nick, my full time tennis partner. He travels with me.

George chokes on his water. The words “full time tennis partner” ECHOES in his head.

NICK

We met actually, when I was waiting for you. Did you find someone to play with?

GEORGE

What? Well, uhm, it’s not like I was looking for anyone. I have my own partner. Full time. Of course. I gave him the day off. He pulled a muscle. I worked him too hard at our last game. But, yeah, he travels with me too. Naturally.

BRAD

Cool. Well, we’re leaving town tomorrow morning, but good luck on the rest of your book tour. See you down the road.

Nick and Brad leave. George walks in the other direction. He mutters to himself.

GEORGE

Full time tennis partner.

GEORGE’S FANTASY:

INT. TV STUDIO – DAY

George is being interviewed by a famous TALK SHOW HOST.

GEORGE

And so my full time tennis partner, who travels with me, of course…

The Talk Show Host interrupts.

TALK SHOW HOST

Whoa, wait, wait, wait. You have your own private, full time tennis partner.

The Talk Show Host turns to the live audience.

TALK SHOW HOST

That’s what it’s like to be really successful, people. His own private tennis partner. That’s when you’ve made it. George Wallow everyone.

The audience cheers and applauds. George nods a thank you at them.

INT. HOTEL ROOM – DAY

George, still dressed in tennis gear grabs the oil lamp from the dresser, sits down on the bed and vigorously rubs the lamp.

GEORGE

C’mon, c’mon.

Geena appears.

GEORGE

Oh, I’m really glad it worked. This is so awesome. I have my first wish. I want to make it right now.

GEENA

Yeah? Your swish ish my schommand.

She is clearly intoxicated.

GEORGE

Oh, no, the vodka. Goddamn it. Here.

George hands Geena a Starbuck’s to go cup.

GEORGE

Here. Drink it.

Geena downs the coffee in one sweep. She coughs and spits out coffee through nose and mouth splattering it all over George’s white t-shirt.

GEORGE

I don’t believe this! First you’re drunk and now you spit coffee all over me.

GEENA

I didn’t spit. I coughed. There is a difference. And anyway, what I didn’t COUGH out seems to have done the trick. I feel sober. And as far as drunk. I thought it was water.

GEORGE

Yeah, well I’m ready to wish now.

Geena makes a “go ahead” gesture.

GEORGE

I wish for you to play tennis with me anytime I demand it.

GEENA

What? I do what?

GEORGE

Play tennis with me. Any time I ask you to.

GEENA

I’m not even sure I know what that is.

George turns on the TV and flips channels until he finds a tennis game. Geena pales.

GEENA

Oh. Oh, uhm. That uhm, looks like a lot of work. You know, I’m only obliged to fulfill any wish of a repeated activity for the duration that I am tied to you. Which is until you’ve asked for your three wishes. Which will probably be by tomorrow.

Geena crosses her fingers behind her back.

GEORGE

I don’t care. That’s what I want. You are to be my private tennis partner anytime I ask. C’mon, say it.

GEENA

I mean there are so many other wishes.

GEORGE

Say you will grant it!

Geena sighs heavily.

GEENA

As you wish.

EXT. TENNIS COURT – DAY

George and Geena arrive at the tennis courts where several people are playing. Geena, dressed in new tennis gear tugs on her t-shirt and wiggles her feet as she walks. George whispers to her.

GEORGE

What are you doing? Walk normally.

GEENA

I’ve never had anything like this on my feet before.

GEORGE

You mean shoes?

Two of the guys that were playing double last time George was on the court walks by them. George addresses them with forced casualness.

GEORGE

Hey! Great seeing you again. I’m here with full-time tennis partner today. She travels with me.

The guys nod a restrained hello at him and keep walking.

George and Geena enter their court where the Elderly Woman from last time exits plays with a tennis ball machine.

GEORGE

Good morning, ma’am! I think it’s time for me and my full-time tennis partner to get on this court now.

The Elderly Woman nods and stops playing. She leaves the court.

George and Geena get in position and George serves. Geena misses the ball. George yells at her to look at the ball and serves again. Geena manages to hit the ball with great effort.

They play and Geena sweats, huffs and puffs. It is obvious that she’s out of shape. Instead of helping and encouraging Geena, George uses her struggles on the court as an opportunity to make himself look better.

George struts his stuff and makes grand gestures of victory to make sure he gets noticed.

Instead, the people on the other courts and people waiting for their turn look at him with disdain.

The Elderly Woman passes their court again, now with her husband. She shakes her head and looks at her husband.

ELDERLY WOMAN

Poor woman, she must really need a job.

George serves again and they play a few balls which have Geena rushing all over the court trying to keep up. She falls from exhaustion after chasing a ball.

A YOUNG WOMAN runs into the court comes to Geena’s support offering her a water bottle and encouraging words.

YOUNG WOMAN

You’re doing great. You’ll get it, just hang in there.

The Young Woman’s boyfriend joins Geena and his girlfriend and helps Geena up. He offers Geena a suggestion on how to hold her racket.

A TENNIS WOMAN has been watching from the sideline for a minute, where a small crowd has gathered on Geena’s side. She turns to George, standing all alone on the other side.

TENNIS WOMAN

Asshole.

George looks genuinely surprised. He looks at the supportive crowd Geena has around her. He looks around himself, all alone on his side of the court. He frowns but suddenly perks up, as if getting an idea. He rushes over to Geena’s side of the net. He wraps his towel around her neck and pats her shoulder. He addresses the Tennis Woman.

GEORGE

I’m just helping her. That’s why I’m doing this. I’m a very in-demand personal development coach and I am taking my valuable time to help this poor woman for free, yes you heard it right, for free, to get healthy and feel better about herself. Because she doesn’t have any money. But money means nothing if I can help one person lift themselves out of the misery of their own life.

Geena shakes her head, still too out of breath to say anything. The Tennis Woman looks uncertain.

TENNIS WOMAN

Oh, ok.

GEORGE

Here, take my card. I have a book signing tomorrow.

TENNIS WOMAN

Ok. I might check that out. I’m sorry, I misunderstood.

The Tennis Woman leaves.

EXT. HOTEL POOL – DAY – CONTINUOUS

George and Geena pass the hotel pool on their way back from tennis.

GEORGE

Go back to your lamp. I’m gonna hang out by the pool for a while.

GEENA

Naw, I don’t think so.

GEORGE

I said go back and get into your lamp.

GEENA

Ok, so, this is how it works. You have no say on that until we’re in the same room as the lamp and since we are still on our way back from tennis I am still under tennis agreement. Which means I am to be by your side.

George sighs.

GEORGE

Well, be nice then.

GEENA

That’s not included in the wish.

George finds them two pool chairs and he lays down on one of them and promptly falls asleep.

Geena discovers all kinds of fun modern things by the pool, like floating toys, margaritas and a radio. She jumps into the pool and floats around on a large pink flamingo. She floats up to the edge of the pool next to a young handsome POOL WAITER carrying a drink tray.

GEENA

What’s that?

POOL WAITER

Frozen watermelon Margarita. Would you like one?

Geena nods. While she’s waiting for the Pool Waiter to return with her drink she notices a small radio on a towel, within reach. She grabs it and starts fidgeting with it tuning into different channels. She has clearly not used a radio before. She looks delighted.

The Pool Waiter returns with her Margarita.

Geena floats around on the flamingo, sipping Margarita and listening to the radio on loud volume. She looks very pleased.

INT. HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT

Geena and George enter. They are both bright red from sunburn.

GEORGE

You could have woken me up!

GEENA

I didn’t know that the ozone layer has disappeared! This world is weird.

GEORGE

Weird? I don’t even know how to respond to that, coming from a genie.

GEENA

Just by making another wish. That’s the best way for you to respond to anything.

GEORGE

I haven’t come up with anther good wish yet. GO back to your lamp. I order you.

Geena starts the shrinking process against her will.

GEENA

Noo! Just ask for anything. For the sunburn to go awaaayyy.

Geena swooshes back into the lamp as she finishes her sentence.

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY

George holds a lecture in front of a sparse audience.He talks about himself in a superficial way.

GEORGE

( Insert self serving dialogue here. Something along the lines of: )

I’m a very caring person. I can’t help but caring about everyone. I know so many people who struggle with loneliness. Who do all the wrong things. So, you know, I took it upon me to solve the most prevalent problem in today’s society. Loneliness. Because, you know, I’m one of those guys who everyone talks to, pours their heart out to. I have so many friends who feel lonely. Sometimes I think I’m their only friend. Who would I be if I did not put my own life aside to help them. You see, my purpose is to serve. And I am here to be your friend. And to guide you right. All the information and the in depth research I have done over more than three months is in this book. You can pick up a copy today and your life will change. And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter and Youtube channel.

A MIDDLE AGED WOMAN raises her hand.

MIDDLE AGED WOMAN

How did you do your research? Where?

GEORGE

Well, uhm, everywhere. I mean we live in a lonely society. You know, social media and everything.

The Tennis Woman who said she’s check put his lecture at the tennis court shakes her head, stands up and leaves, muttering loud enough for people to hear.

TENNIS WOMAN

Waste of time.

MIDDLE AGED WOMAN

I’m asking for my daughter. I’m worried about her. Did you come to any new findings or conclusions?

A BEARDED MAN leans over and whispers to her.

BEARDED MAN

He doesn’t have anything. He’s just trying to sell books. Can’t you tell?

The Bearded man stands up and leaves. So does the Middle Aged Woman. George is left in the room by himself. He looks out over the empty chairs. He slowly gathers his untouched pile of books.

INT. HOTEL LOBBY – DAY – MOMENTS LATER

George sits down in an armchair and puts the box of books by his side. He takes out his phone and scrolls through contacts. He calls several people just to talk to them. Nobody picks up. He leaves several messages along the same lines.

GEORGE

(Insert several similar messages here: Something along the lines of:)

Heeey, man. What are you up to. It’s me George. Georgie. George the man. I’m here on my awesome super busy book tour. It’s going amaaazing. Anyhooooeew, I just thought I’d give you a call and say hi, but I’m sure you’re out and about doing something. Maybe you forgot your phone at home. Anyway, we’ll talk soon. Call me a’right. Later.

George makes four phone calls before he gives up. That concludes most of his contact list aside from “Mom”. He scrolls past her name several times hesitating, but he refrains from dialing her.

He stands up and walks over to the front desk, where Ella is on duty. He smiles.

GEORGE

Well, hey there. Ella.

Ella doesn’t pay attention. He leans in over the desk tries to check what she’s doing on the computer.

GEORGE

What did you think of my book?

Ella looks irritated. She turns the screen away from George.

ELLA

I didn’t have time to read it. Please, Mr. Wallow. This is confidential. I have people’s credit card information here.

GEORGE

Well, how abut a drink at the pool when you get off and I’ll recite my book to you personally?

ELLA

No thank you. Excuse me I have work to do.

Ella turns to a family standing behind George, gives them her brightest smile and waves them up to the desk. The family pushes themselves between George and the front desk, as if he is invisible. One of the two children drops her sticky lollipop in George’s open box of books. She cries. Her mom gives George a dirty look as if it’s his fault. She bends down and picks up the lollipop, which has already stuck to the paper. It rips half the book cover off. What’s left of the title is (Insert words that communicates that George is utterly alone)

INT. HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT

George rubs the lamp for Geena to come out. She pops up, grimacing with muscle pain from playing tennis.

GEENA

Your wish is…ouch… my command. Thank you sweet Mama Genie in Heaven, that you’re ready for your next wish. Retirement has never looked better.

GEORGE

Actually, no I am not going to make a wish right now. I thought we could just talk, you know. Get to know each other. Like friends.

GEENA

That’s not under my agreement.

GEORGE

I know, but just for fun.

Geena’s eyes widen in disbelief.

GEENA

Fun? You need to wish!

GEORGE

And you need to stop being condescending.

GEENA

Ok, bye.

Geena starts shrinking to swosh back in the lamp.

GEORGE

Actually, I was actually calling you out to play tennis. We’re playing tennis!

Geena stops shrinking at half size.

GEENA

No, please.

GEORGE

Yes! Now.

Geena returns to normal size looking sullen. George hands her a tennis racket.

EXT. TENNIS COURT – NIGHT

It’s pitch black around the court, where the lights don’t reach. George and Geena enter the court from the darkness.

GEORGE

…so then I just continued on that track. I mean it’s not that my mother didn’t care. I mean I’m sure she cared in her own way. You know what I mean right?

GEENA

Sure. Do you want to play, or what?

GEORGE

Yeah, yeah, of course.

They go to their positions and George serves. Geena misses the ball. The entire time they play George talks and vents to Geena about things.

GEORGE

(Insert dialoge here that shows that George needs to vent and talk to a friend. End with something like:)…people Don’t get it. They just think about themselves.

Geena runs herself ragged at the court and George keeps talking, oblivious to her exhaustion and misery.

INT. HOTEL RESTAURANT – DAY

George sits by himself at a breakfast table with a laptop. He looks at a registration page for an upcoming speaking engagement of his. There is only one name registered. It’s his own. George closes the laptop, with a tired sigh. He takes out a notepad and starts scribbling. He makes three columns. On the top of the first one he writes: What I have going for me: The second column is titled: Success ideas. Third column: Ideas for Wishes from genie. He brainstorms with himself, and writes down ideas, thoughts and possible wishes. Also ideas on to become more successful. Writes down thoughts and ideas. He ponders.

George looks up and sees other people around him, in couples and in groups. They all look like they are having a good time together, laughing, talking. He’s the only one by himself at a table. He looks around for a long time at all the people enjoying themselves together. He looks lonely.

He returns his attention to the notepad. Suddenly he scribbles something and gets excited. Under the column “What I have going for me” he has scribbles. Power! Geena under my control until I’ve made three wishes. Must do what I ask. Under Success Ideas he writes: Never ask for last wish!

He puts a napkin over his cup and plate and rushes from the table. He returns with a protesting Geena.

GEENA

This is not under our agreement.

GEORGE

Of course it is. We’re on our way to play tennis.

Geena sighs.

GEENA

I don’t know whats more sore from your tennis, my ears or my legs.

Geena notices the breakfast buffet and her whole demeanor changes. She instantly perks up.

GEENA

Oh!

Geena heads for the buffet.

Geena returns to the table with several plates filled to the brim with bacon, eggs, home-fries, pancakes with lots of syrup and whipped cream etc.

George fakes having a great conversation at the table. He speaks and laughs loudly, making sure people around notice what a good time he is having. He calls Geena “my friend” several times. It’s a one sided conversation. Geena gives George no attention. She has a huge appetite and eats with great enthusiasm. She tries to wave down a waiter for a refill of her coke. George sees the opportunity to interact and show his helpful nature.

GEORGE

Hey waiter! More coke for my friend here! And syrup, more syrup.

The Tennis Woman, who George bragged to about helping Geena with her health stops by the table. She eyes Geena wolfing down bacon and pancakes with impressive speed. Geena spills on her T-shirt. The waiter brings her more coca cola. The Tennis Woman looks at George with contempt.

TENNIS WOMAN

I thought you said you were helping her get healthy.

EXT. TENNIS COURT – DAY – CONTINOUS

George and Geena play tennis. Geena still wears her stained breakfast T-shirt. She burps out loud and makes loud complaining sounds from being excessively full. She chases a ball and barfs on the court.

The Elderly Woman comes to Geena’s help.

ELDERLY WOMAN

Oh, my, are you ok?

The Elderly Woman leads Geena to the side, while yelling to George.

ELDERLY WOMAN

Clean up after your poor friend, will you! Or I’ll tell the management you’re abusing your employees.

The Elderly Woman leaves. Geena watches from the sideline as George swabs the court. He finishes.

GEORGE

Let’s get the hell out of here.

They walk in silence for a moment.

GEORGE

I don’t get it. What is it you do to people to get them all on your side. What kind of freaky voodoo black genie magic are you using to trick people? Whatever it is should be illegal.

GEENA

I don’t use any tricks. That’s your arena. I’m keeping it real.

George drips with sarcasm.

GEORGE

Hahaha! That’s strong coming from you. A genie. Keeping it real. Right! Hahaha!

INT. HOTEL ROOM – DAY

George packs his suitcase. Geena comes out from the bathroom in her own genie clothes and hangs up her newly washed tennis t-shirt on a hanger.

GEENA

Can you ask for your next wish now?

GEORGE

Nope.

GEENA

Please.

GEORGE

No.

GEENA

When then?

GEORGE

I don’t know. Maybe next week, or next year.

GEENA

Next year?

GEORGE

Maybe. Or maybe not.

Geena gets furious. She steps up on the bed to be taller than George and looks down at him.

GEENA

You….. son of a merlin …bastard! I know what you’re doing. I see through you. You’re not making any more wishes because nobody will be around you unless you force them.

GEORGE

That’s not true!

GEENA

Yes, it is! You’re unbearable.

GEORGE

Go back in your lamp now! I order you!

Geena shrinks and swoshes back into the lamp under protest.

George sinks down on the bed. He stares into nothing.

INT. LAMP – DAY – SIMULTANEOUSLY

Geena is sad. She talks to herself in the lamp. About that George will never set her free. Then she talks herself up and vows to out-trick him. She brainstorms plans out loud to herself.

GEENA

(Words that goes from given-up to empowered, something along the lines of:)

He will never set me free. I’m doomed. I’m going to be in here forever. No! Nobody treats me like that. You wanna fight you’re gonna get it. You wanna play tricks you’re gonna get it. This is not over.

[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallen´s Turning Point 1 Scenes

What I learned doing this assignment is that I’m struggling with my turning point. It feels weak. I think I will have to go back to revisit and amp it up. It felt strange to write the Turning Point, but not the scenes between the Inciting Incident and the Turning Point, but I trust the proven system. I am also learning to keep in mind 20% in order to move forward. There is so much more I want to do, and so much better I want to do, but for this class I will never be able to follow the plan if I go in depth and attempt to develop ideas and dialogue fully right now. I am learning to live with crappy dialogue for now and not get hung up on it. I’m starting to understand that draft 1 of a speed write is a sketch not the painting.

Outline your Act 1 Turning Point:

Turning point scenes:

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY

Beginning.

George holds a lecture to a sparse audience. He talks about himself in a superior way.

Middle

He fails to keep the audience’s attention. The woman who said she’d check out his lecture at the tennis court leaves early. Others follow.

End

He’s left alone. Lonely.

INT. HOTEL LOBBY – DAY

Beginning

George calls to talk to people/friends. Nobody picks up.

Middle

He tries to talk to hotel receptionist. She doesn’t pay attention.

End

George’s reaction

INT. HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT

Beginning

George brings Geena out of lamp just to have someone to talk to.

Middle

She argues it’s not under her agreement. He has to make a wish.

EXT. TENNIS COURT – NIGHT

End

He forces her to listen by making her come to play tennis, and he talks/“vents” all the way to the court and while playing late at night.

INT. HOTEL RESTAURANT – DAY

Turning point:

Beginning

George sits by himself at a breakfast table. Brainstorms with himself, writes down possible wishes. Also ideas on to become more successful. Writes down thoughts and ideas.

George looks up and sees other people around him, in couples and in groups. They all look like they are having a good time together, laughing, talking. He’s the only one by himself. He looks very lonely.

Middle

Suddenly realizes as he writes it down the power he has now, in Geena having to stay around for as long as it takes until he’s asked for his three wishes. He writes down Never ask for the last wish!

End

He puts a napkin over his cup and plate and rushes from the table. He returns with a protesting Geena. He says “we’re on our way to play tennis.”

George looks around and fakes having a great conversation at the table. Geena has a huge appetite at the breakfast buffet. Bacon, pancakes with syrup and whipped cream etc. Someone stops by and says to George. I thought you said you were helping her get healthy.

——————————————————————————————

Write your Act 1 Turning Point:

TURNING POINT SCENES

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY

George holds a lecture to a sparse audience. He talks about himself in a superficial way.

GEORGE

( Insert self serving dialogue here. Something along the lines of: )

I’m a very caring person. I can’t help but caring about everyone. I know so many people who struggle with loneliness. Who do all the wrong things. So, you know, I took it upon me to solve the most prevalent problem in today’s society. Loneliness. Because, you know, I’m one of those guys who everyone talks to, pours their heart out to. I have so many friends who feel lonely. Sometimes I think I’m their only friend. Who would I be if I did not put my own life aside to help them. You see, my purpose is to serve. And I am here to be your friend. And to guide you right. All the information and the in depth research I have done over more than three months is in this book. You can pick up a copy today and your life will change. And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter and Youtube channel.

A MIDDLE AGED WOMAN raises her hand.

MIDDLE AGED WOMAN

How did you do your research? Where?

GEORGE

Well, uhm, everywhere. I mean we live in a lonely society. You know, social media and everything.

The Blond Woman who said she’d check put his lecture at the tennis court earlier shakes her head, stands up and leaves, muttering loud enough for people to hear.

BLOND WOMAN

Waste of time.

MIDDLE AGED WOMAN

I’m asking for my daughter. I’m worried about her. Did you come to any new findings or conclusions?

A BEARDED MAN leans over and whispers to her.

BEARDED MAN

He doesn’t have anything. He’s just trying to sell books. Can’t you tell?

The Bearded man stands up and leaves. So does the Middle Aged Woman. George is left in the room by himself. He looks out over the empty chairs. He slowly gathers his untouched pile of books.

INT. HOTEL LOBBY – DAY – MOMENTS LATER

George sits down in an armchair and puts the box of books by his side. He takes out his phone and scrolls through contacts. He calls several people just to talk to them. Nobody picks up. He leaves several messages along the same lines.

GEORGE

(Insert several similar messages here: Something along the lines of:)

Heeey, man. What are you up to. It’s me George. Georgie. George the man. I’m here on my awesome super busy book tour. It’s going amaaazing. Anyhooooeew, I just thought I’d give you a call and say hi, but I’m sure you’re out and about doing something. Maybe you forgot your phone at home. Anyway, we’ll talk soon. Call me a’right. Later.

George makes four phone calls before he gives up. That concludes most of his contact list aside from “Mom”. He scrolls past her name several times hesitating, but he refrains from dialing her.

He stands up and walks over to the front desk, where Ella is on duty. He smiles.

GEORGE

Well, hey there. Ella.

Ella doesn’t pay attention. He leans in over the desk tries to check what she’s doing on the computer.

GEORGE

What did you think of my book?

Ella looks irritated. She turns the screen away from George.

ELLA

I didn’t have time to read it. Please, Mr. Wallow. This is confidential. I have people’s credit card information here.

GEORGE

Well, how about a drink at the pool when you get off and I’ll recite my book to you personally?

ELLA

No thank you. Excuse me I have work to do.

Ella turns to a family standing behind George, gives them her brightest smile and waves them up to the desk. The family pushes themselves between George and the front desk, as if he is invisible. One of the two children drops her sticky lollipop in George’s open box of books. She cries. Her mom gives George a dirty look as if it’s his fault. She bends down and picks up the lollipop, which has already stuck to the paper. It rips half the book cover off. What’s left of the title is (Insert words that communicates that George is utterly alone)

INT. HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT

George rubs the lamp for Geena to come out. She pops up, grimacing with muscle pain from playing tennis.

GEENA

Your wish is…ouch… my command. Thank you sweet Mama Genie in Heaven, that you’re ready for your next wish. Retirement has never looked better.

GEORGE

Actually, no I am not going to make a wish right now. I thought we could just talk, you know. Get to know each other. Like friends.

GEENA

That’s not under my agreement.

GEORGE

I know, but just for fun.

Geena’s eyes widen in disbelief.

GEENA

Fun? You need to wish!

GEORGE

And you need to stop being condescending.

GEENA

Ok, bye.

Geena starts shrinking to swosh back in the lamp.

GEORGE

Actually, I was actually calling you out to play tennis. We’re playing tennis!

Geena stops shrinking at half size.

GEENA

No, please.

GEORGE

Yes! Now.

Geena returns to normal size looking sullen. George hands her a tennis racket.

EXT. TENNIS COURT – NIGHT

It’s pitch black around the court, where the lights don’t reach. George and Geena enter the court from the darkness.

GEORGE

…so then I just continued on that track. I mean it’s not that my mother didn’t care. I mean I’m sure she cared in her own way. You know what I mean right?

GEENA

Sure. Do you want to play, or what?

GEORGE

Yeah, yeah, of course.

They go to their positions and George serves. Geena misses the ball. The entire time they play George talks and vents to Geena about things.

GEORGE

(Insert dialogue here that shows that George needs to vent and talk to a friend. End with something like:)…people Don’t get it. They just think about themselves.

Geena runs herself ragged at the court and George keeps talking, oblivious to her exhaustion and misery.

INT. HOTEL RESTAURANT – DAY

George sits by himself at a breakfast table with a laptop. He looks at a registration page for an upcoming speaking engagement of his. There is only one name registered. It’s his own. George closes the laptop, with a tired sigh. He takes out a notepad and starts scribbling. He makes three columns. On the top of the first one he writes: What I have going for me: The second column is titled: Success ideas. Third column: Ideas for Wishes from genie. He brainstorms with himself, and writes down ideas, thoughts and possible wishes. Also ideas on to become more successful. Writes down thoughts and ideas. He ponders.

George looks up and sees other people around him, in couples and in groups. They all look like they are having a good time together, laughing, talking. He’s the only one by himself at a table. He looks around for a long time at all the people enjoying themselves together. He looks lonely.

He returns his attention to the notepad. Suddenly he scribbles something and gets excited. Under the column “What I have going for me” he has scribbles. Power! Geena under my control until I’ve made three wishes. Must do what I ask. Under Success Ideas he writes: Never ask for last wish!

He puts a napkin over his cup and plate and rushes from the table. He returns with a protesting Geena.

GEENA

This is not under our agreement.

GEORGE

Of course it is. We’re on our way to play tennis.

Geena sighs.

GEENA

I don’t know what’s more sore from your tennis, my ears or my legs.

Geena notices the breakfast buffet and her whole demeanor changes. She instantly perks up.

GEENA

Oh!

She heads for the buffet.

Geena returns to the table with several plates filled to the brim with bacon, eggs, home-fries, pancakes with lots of syrup and whipped cream etc.

George fakes having a great conversation at the table. He speaks and laughs loudly, making sure people around notice what a good time he is having. He calls Geena “my friend” several times. It’s a one sided conversation. Geena gives George no attention. She has a huge appetite and eats with great enthusiasm. She tries to wave down a waiter for a refill of her coke. George sees the opportunity to interact show his helpful nature.

GEORGE

Hey waiter! More coke for my friend here! And syrup, more syrup.

The Tennis Woman, who George bragged to about helping Geena with her health stops by the table. She eyes Geena wolfing down bacon and pancakes with impressive speed. The waiter brings her more coca cola.

TENNIS WOMAN

I thought you said you were helping her get healthy.

[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallén’s Inciting Incident.

What I learned doing this assignment is to find and define the beginning middle and end of a scene while outlining, which helps in writing the scene itself.

Inciting Incident Scene Outline.

EXT. HOTEL TENNIS COURT – DAY

Beginning

George tries to find a tennis partner. He asks several, but can’d find anybody to play with. His behavior annoys some people.

Middle

George plays with a tennis ball machine. Brad Brightly playing with a tennis partner on the court next to him. George hovers around them trying to look nonchalant while hitting balls from the machine. When Brad and his partner leaves George “happens” to walk right in front of them. Brad introduces George to his full-time tennis partner that travels with him on tour to keep him in shape. Brad leaves.

End

George pales with envy. He talks out loud to himself, walking back to the hotel. “Full-time tennis partner.” That’s now the epitome of success in George’s eyes.

Reaction Scene 1 Outline

EXT. HOTEL AREA – DAY

George walks back to the hotel fantasizing about being interviewed on TV by a famous talk show host, casually mentioning that he has his own full-time tennis partner that travels with him on his book tour. The Talk Show Host acts impressed.

Reaction Scene 2 Outline

INT. HOTEL ROOM – DAY

Beginning

George rubs the lamp and Geena appears. George says she knows what his first wish is. His wish is that Geena plays tennis with him any time he demands it. She doesn’t know what tennis is.

Middle.

George shows Geena a tennis game on TV. She pales. That looks like a lot of work, she says. She argues that she is only obliged to fulfill any wish of a repeated activity for the duration that she is tied to him. So, until he’s asked for his 3 wishes. Which she says she hopes will be by tomorrow. George says that he doesn’t care, he insists on his wish.

End

Geena sighs and reluctantly says “As You Wish.

Write Inciting Incident and Reactions Scene(s)

EXT. HOTEL TENNIS COURT – DAY

George enters the hotel tennis court area, which has four courts. One of them is occupied. He warms up with big stretches and gestures, looking around. He approaches a tennis player, NICK, 30s who stands alone on one of the courts.

GEORGE

You wanna play a game?

NICK

Sorry man. My partner is coming right now.

Nick nods towards the gate. Brad Brightly approaches them and waves at Nick.

GEORGE

Oh, ok.

George leaves before Brad reaches them. He keeps looking around. He sees four young guys playing double. One of them injures his ankle. He falls to the ground in pain. George hurries up to them. He pays no attention to the injured guy, almost tripping over him.

GEORGE

You need a new partner to replace him?

GUY 1

Really?

GUY 2

No, we’re good.

An elderly lady hits balls by herself. She is clearly a beginner. George approaches her.

GEORGE

Ouch, that hit sucked. Here, play with me, I’ll show you a few tricks.

The elderly woman looks at him, offended. Just then one of the guys who played double calls over to them.

GUY 2

Hey, ma’am! You want to play a game with us? We have a man down.

The elderly woman heads over to the young guys.

George stands alone in the middle of the court. He looks very alone. He looks around. He spots a tennis ball machine and starts it. He hits a round of balls on the court next to Brad Brightly and Nick. It’s obvious that he’s a pretty good player. And he makes sure to off in any move he can. He keeps glancing over at Brad and Nick to check if they are looking at him. They are not.

Brad and Nick stop playing and wipe the sweat of their foreheads. George stops playing, too. Brad and Nick leave the tennis court. George leaves, too. He nonchalantly crosses their path right in front of them.

BRAD

Hey, George.

George stops and looks up, feigning surprise, as if he just now noticed them.

BRAD

That’s your name right? We met in the lobby.

GEORGE

Sure, uhm… uhmmm

George pretends to be searching for Brad’s name.

BRAD

Brad. And this is Nick, my full-time tennis partner. He travels with me.

George chokes on his water. The words “full-time tennis partner” ECHOES in his head.

NICK

We met actually when I was waiting for you. Did you find someone to play with?

GEORGE

What? Well, uhm, it’s not like I looking for one. I have my own partner. Full time. Of course. I gave him the day off. He pulled a muscle. I worked him too hard at our last game. But, yeah, he travels with me too. Naturally.

BRAD

Cool. Well, we’re leaving town tomorrow morning, but good luck on the rest of your book tour. See you down the road.

Nick and Brad leave. George walks in the other direction. He mutters to himself.

GEORGE

Full-time tennis partner.

GEORGE’S FANTASY:

INT. TV STUDIO – DAY

George is being interviewed by a famous TALK SHOW HOST.

GEORGE

And so my full time tennis partner, who travels with me, of course…

The Talk Show Host interrupts.

TALK SHOW HOST

Whoa, wait, wait, wait. You have your own private, full-time tennis partner.

The Talk Show Host turns to the live audience.

TALK SHOW HOST

That’s what it’s like to be really successful, people. His own private tennis partner. That’s when you’ve made it. George Wallow everyone.

The audience cheers and applauds. George nods a thank you at them.

INT. HOTEL ROOM – DAY

George, still dressed in tennis gear grabs the oil lamp from the dresser, sits down on the bed and vigorously rubs the lamp.

GEORGE

C’mon, c’mon.

Geena appears.

GEORGE

Oh, I’m so glad it worked. This is so awesome. I have my first wish. I want to make it right now.

GEENA

Yeah? Your swish ish my schommand.

She is clearly intoxicated.

GEORGE

Oh, no, the vodka. Goddamn it. Here.

George hands Geena a Starbuck’s to-go cup.

GEORGE

Here. Drink it.

Geena downs the coffee in one sweep. She coughs and spits out coffee through nose and mouth splattering it all over George’s white t-shirt.

GEORGE

I don’t believe this! First, you’re drunk and now you spit coffee all over me.

GEENA

I didn’t spit. I coughed. There is a difference. And anyway, what I didn’t COUGH out seems to have done the trick. I feel sober. And as far as drunk. I thought it was water.

GEORGE

Yeah, well I’m ready to wish now.

Geena makes a “go ahead” gesture.

GEORGE

I wish for you to play tennis with me anytime I demand it.

GEENA

What? I do what?

GEORGE

Play tennis with me. Any time I ask you to.

GEENA

I’m not even sure I know what that is.

George turns on the TV and flips channels until he finds a tennis game. Geena pales.

GEENA

Oh. Oh, uhm. That uhm, looks like a lot of work. You know uhm, I’m only obliged to fulfill any wish of a repeated activity for the duration that I am tied to him. So, until you’ve asked for your three wishes. Which will probably be by tomorrow.

Geena crosses her fingers behind her back.

GEORGE

I don’t care. That’s what I want. You are to be my private tennis partner anytime I ask. C’mon, say it.

GEENA

I mean there are so many other wishes.

GEORGE

Say you will grant it!

Geena sighs heavily.

GEENA

As you wish.

• This reply was modified 4 years ago by  Karin Hallen.

[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallén’s Opening Scenes

What I learned from today’s assignment is the value of focusing on the key scenes in the beginning as a way to quickly bring the characters to life. I can already tell that this is a good way to speed up the writing process because it’s easier to get stuck on smaller and transitional scenes than on the key scenes. I also learned to stay away from editing myself. Allowing for some poor dialogue etc This is hard for me. And it’s uncomfortable to post something so “rough” here but I trust that this is part of the learning process for this program.

INT. HOTEL RECEPTION – DAY

GEORGE, 45 walks up to the front desk with a carry-on suitcase in one hand and a printed paper in the other. He glances at a sign in the lobby announcing a seminar by “Brad Brightly.” He frowns. There is nobody behind the desk. George hits the bell on the counter several times in a row, impatiently. He waits less than five seconds before he rings again.

GEORGE

Hello! Hello! Anyone here?

A receptionist appears, wearing a name tag that says ELLA.

ELLA

Hi! Checking in?

GEORGE

Yes! What does it look like? Suitcase, check, reservation printout, check, arriving at check-in time, check.

George waves the paper at Ella. She takes it.

Ella looks at her computer. She makes a puzzled face.

GEORGE

This is the first stop on my book tour. You might have heard of my book already. (Insert book title here.)

George pauses for Ella’s response, to no avail. She types on her keyboard.

GEORGE

It’s expected to be the next New York Times Bestseller. George. George Wallow. THE George Wallow.

George leans over and points at his name on the reservation printout.

ELLA

I’m sorry, Mr. Wallow it seems you don’t have a reservation.

GEORGE

What? It’s right there! On the paper. That’s my reservation number.

ELLA

Is it possible that you canceled it by mistake?

GEORGE

No! It is not possible that I canceled it by mistake. Ella. You made a mistake! And now you’re blaming it on me. Don’t you know who I am?

Ella shakes her head “no”. George looks disappointed. Ella turns around with the reservation printout and whispers to a co-worker.

ELLA

Do you know who he is?

The co-worker glances at George and shakes his head.

ELLA

I am really sorry Mr. Wallow. We’ve been extremely busy with everything surrounding the Brad Brightly event. Our computer system crashed and possibly your reservation got lost then.

Just then BRAD BRIGHTLY, late 30s handsome, smiling, walks through the lobby. Everyone in the lobby stops what they are doing and looks at him and whispers. He waves to Ella as he walks by. She blushes.

GEORGE

So, you do know who Brad Brightly is. Well, that’s just great! (Pause)

Just get me a room.

ELLA

Unfortunately, we’re fully booked.

George fumes.

GEORGE

Oh, but if Brad Brightly needed a room, I’m sure you’d have one, right? Huh? His book is like a frigging comic book. I am saving people from the deadliest disease in modern times. And you can’t even get me a room? Do you even know how to read?

A bypassing guest glances at George, reacting to his rude tone and manners. Ella works hard to stay calm and succeeds.

ELLA

Oh, wait. There is a room. It was under repair but looks like it’s ready now.

Ella hands George keys. George casually “forgets” a copy of his book on the counter. The Title and Tag Line indicates that it’s a personal development book on how to overcome loneliness in today’s society.

INT. HOTEL CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY

George holds a lecture in front of a very sparse audience. His speech is boring. He mainly promotes himself. People leave the room.

INT. HOTEL RECEPTION – DAY

After the lecture, George complains to the hotel manager and blames Brad Brightly for the poor attendance at his lecture. He says that Brad intentionally sabotaged him, stealing his audience. Brad Brightly comes out of another conference room surrounded by fans. The manager stops him. George and Brad stand face to face. Brad is very nice. He’s never heard of George and introduces himself. Sincerely wishes him good luck. George storms out and away from the hotel.

EXT. YARD SALE – DAY

George stops at a yard sale and buys a dusty, ancient-looking oil lamp.

INT. HOTEL ROOM – DAY

George rubs the lamp clean with a wet washcloth. Suddenly, there is a WEIRD SOUND, coming from the lamp and it starts shaking in George’s hands. The shape of a woman squeezes out of the lamp and pushes herself through with great effort and grows into a full-size person. GEENA, 50s, a bit chunky, lands heavily on the floor. George screams out loud in shock and fear.

Geena stands up with some effort.

GEENA

Ouch. Stiff joints.

Geena smiles at George. She makes a dramatic gesture.

GEENA

Geena. Your wish is my command.

George looks like a deer caught in headlight.

GEORGE

Huh?

Geena does some stretching exercises. She takes up most of the floor space.

GEENA

Aahh, feels good to be out.

GEORGE

Who are you? What is going on? What are you doing in my room?

GEENA

In which order would you like me to address those questions?

GEORGE

Get out! I’m calling The Police!

George tries to push Geena. She stands rock solid, not moving an inch.

GEENA

Sorry, no can do. Not until you’ve asked for your wishes.

GEORGE

My what?

GEENA

Your wishes! Are you deaf or what? Why did you rub a lamp in the first place if not to call a genie? Or did you mistake it for your, uhum…?

Geena nods at George’s crotch. George tugs on his shirt to cover his crotch area.

GEORGE

Stop! I have no idea of what’s going on right now.

GEENA

Clearly.

GEORGE

First of all, there are no genies.

GEENA

Oh? So who then do you think squeezed out of a 2-inch oil lamp opening? The housekeeper? (fake squeaky voice) Good evening sir, we thought it was more efficient to enter your room this way. Tomorrow we’ll flow in through the air vent with your fresh towels. (end squeaky voice) Or is it you, hallucinating? Are you crazy maybe? Is this all in your head? And if it is, how come you get marks from this?

Geena leans over and bites George’s forearm hard. He jumps in pain.

GEORGE

Ouch!

George looks at his arm. The bite has left distinct, red marks. he sinks down on the bed, looking very confused.

GEENA

Now, let’s start over. I can’t wait to be done with you!

GEORGE

What?

GEENA

Ok. Here’s the deal. I’ve been waiting 3000 years for you and the last thing I want to waste time on is chit chatting. Get to it!

George looks shocked.

GEORGE

I’m not…I don’t want to…I’ve had a long day… uhm, you’re not my type…

GEENA

To wishing, you moron!

GEORGE

Oh.

GEENA

Ok, you obviously need more basic info than I anticipated. Here’s the deal. I’m a genie.

GEORGE

But you’re a woman?

GEENA

So? Another fact that got skewed in the history books. Do you really think men would take a service job that would require them to appear on-demand with a “Your Wish Is My Command” for their entire career? Come on. That only got changed in the books when genies became cool. Can I continue my story now?

George nods.

GEENA

I was a really popular genie back in the far East 3000 years ago. I was great. I worked fast. And I only had one last person left to grant wishes, before I could retire when I was, well, my lamp, my home, with me in it, was dropped in the desert during a sand storm. I was buried in the sand. And I lay there forgotten. For 3000 years. I know the time because I drew a line every year. Look.

Geena nods at the lamp. It does indeed look like there are 1000s of very thin scratches on the inside of the glass.

GEENA

I lay there until an American tourist found me and brought me here last month. I was so excited. I couldn’t wait for her to rub me, but she never did. I heard her husband call my lamp ugly. And then they sold me to you. And here we are. So, hurry up already! Make a wish! Oh, I can’t wait to be done and retire. And I gotta pee.

INT. HOTEL ROOM – BATHROOM – DAY

Geena pees for a very long time.

GEORGE (O.S.)

Oh, wow! You’re really a genie! Oh, my this is crazy. This is amazing! This changes everything! I’m gonna be famous! Yeeehaaaww! Hurry up, I’m ready to wish! Jeez, you’ve been peeing forever!

GEENA

I’ve been holding it since before he was born.

INT. HOTEL ROOM – DAY

Geena comes out of the bathroom.

GEORGE

Ok, so help me out here. Should I ask to be rich first or should I ask for unlimited wishes right of the bat? What’s the best strategy?

Geena sighs and rolls her eyes.

GEENA

It doesn’t work that way. Everyone knows that you can’t ask for more wishes. It’s against the rules. If you even try to ask for any more than three wishes you forfeit your wishes altogether. Here are the rules and limitations. No more and no less than three wishes. You can ask for anything you want, but for measurable wishes my powers are set to the starting date of my employment as a genie. So, you asked to be rich. Let’s see… in my programming that means that you will instantly be the owner of eight goats.

GEORGE

Eight goats!? What? Well, what about filthy rich?

GEENA

Eight goats and two camels.

GEORGE

Noooo! Ok, what if I wish for huge success.

Geena thinks.

GEENA

You won’t die of starvation and you’ll live past the age of 40. Awesome, right!?

GEORGE

I’m 45, almost 46 now!

George looks extremely disappointed and upset. He throws a pillow at the wall in frustration.

GEORGE

This is useless! You are useless. You’re just wasting my time! This is not fair!

GEENA

Life is not fair.

GEORGE

Well, that’s what your job is. To see to that I get my fair share.

GEENA

Interesting how quickly you went from not believing in genies to taking my services for granted.

GEORGE

Go away. Nothing ever works out for me. I should have known better.

Geena looks concerned.

GEENA

No, hey, hey now. Don’t be like that. It can work out. C’mon just think of something to wish. You can do it. C’mon, make a wish. Please. Oh, pretty please. Just wish for something. Anything. I just want to retire.

GEORGE

Just get out of here. Get back in your lamp or whatever.

The last sentence sends Geena back into her lamp. She gradually shrinks and “swoshes” back into the lamp right in front of George’s eyes, under loud protest.

GEENA

Nooo! Wish something! I’m thirsty. Give me some water!

George ignores her protests. Geena reaches out and grabs a bottle of vodka from the open minibar just before her arm fully disappears into the lamp.

• This reply was modified 4 years ago by  Karin Hallen. Reason: formatting

[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallén’s Beat Sheet Draft 2

What I learned doing this assignment is that I did a lot of it intuitively already in the lesson 7 assignment. I also learned that it is useful to define your theme clearly and precisely until it can be described in a short, clear sentence. This is something I’ve never done before. I already had a broad idea, but I feel more precisely honed in on and clear on the theme now.

INT. HOTEL RECEPTION – DAY

Opening:

GEORGE, 45 arrives at a hotel to check in. He informs the receptionist that this is his first stop on his big book tour. The receptionist can’t find his reservation. It has been lost, in the midst of everyone’s excitement over Brad Brighton’s arrival. George throws a “don’t you know who I am” fit. The receptionist shakes his head. Asks a co worker. Nobody knows who George is, or have heard of his book. Brad Brightly walks by. Everyone gets excited. George is finally given a room. He casually “forgets” a copy of his book on the counter. The title indicates that it’s a personal development book on how to overcome loneliness in today’s society.

INT. HOTEL CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY

George holds a lecture in front of a very sparse audience. His speech is boring. He mainly promotes himself. People leave the room.

INT. HOTEL RECEPTION – DAY

After the lecture, George complains to the hotel manager and blames Brad Brightly for the poor attendance at his lecture. He says that Brad intentionally sabotaged him, stealing his audience. Brad Brightly comes out of another conference room surrounded by fans. The manager stops him. George and Brad stand face to face. Brad is very nice. He’s never heard of George and introduces himself. Sincerely wishes him good luck. George storms out and away from the hotel.

EXT. YARD SALE – DAY

George stops at a yard sale and buys a dusty, ancient-looking oil lamp.

INT. HOTEL ROOM – DAY

Inciting Incident.

TRANSFORMATIONAL EVENT 1:

George rubs the lamp clean. A real genie, GEENA, 50s emerges and tells George that “His wish is her command”. Geena appears very excited to be out of the lamp

George is shocked. He doesn’t believe that Geena is real at first. She convinces him that she is indeed very real and George asks her a bunch of questions.

Geena tells George her story. That she was dropped and forgotten in the desert 3000 years ago when she has only one person left to grant wishes before she could retire. That one last person is now George. She waited 3000 years. She ends with: “So, Please, hurry up!”

INT. HOTEL ROOM – BATHROOM – DAY

Geena pees for a very long time while George impatiently hurries her on to get out so he can wish. She reminds him she’s been holding it for a while.

INT. HOTEL ROOM – DAY

George says his pondering whether to ask for riches or more wishes as a first wish. Geena sighs and rolls her eyes and says everyone knows it doesn’t work that way. Geena explains the rules and restrictions of the wishes. The powers for measurable wishes are still set to standards 3000 years ago. For instance “I wish to be rich” means that you get 8 goats. Filthy rich means you also get two camels. If you wish for success, the fulfillment of your wish means you won’t die of starvation and you’ll live past age 40. And of course, asking for unlimited, or more than three wishes is absolutely a no-no and means you’ll forfeit your wishes altogether. George gets very disappointed, even angry and tells Geena she’s useless and wasted his time. She says it’s interesting how quickly he went from not believing in a genie to taking her services for granted. Then she decides to get on his good side and asks him to please help her by asking for anything, she just wants to retire. But George forces her down in the lamp again and storms out. Geena asks for water on her way down. George doesn’t give her any. She reaches out and snatches a bottle of vodka from the minibar on her way down.

EXT. TENNIS COURT – DAY

George tries to find a tennis partner. He can find nobody to play with. Brad Brightly is playing with a partner. Then he plays double with another team. George hovers around them trying to look nonchalant. As Brad and his team leave George “happens” to walk right in front of them. Brad introduces George to his “full-time” tennis partner that travels with him on tour to keep him in shape. George pales with envy. He talks out loud to himself on his way back. “Full-time tennis partner.” That’s now the epitome of success in George’s eyes.

INT. HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT

George rubs the lamp and Geena appears. She complains that it’s night and she is not working overtime. George ignores her and says she knows what his first wish is. He wishes that Geena plays tennis with him any time he demands it. She doesn’t know what tennis is. He shows it on the TV. She pales. That looks like a lot of work, she says. She argues that she is only obliged to fulfill any wish of a repeated activity for the duration that she is tied to him. So, until he’s asked for his 3 wishes. Which she says she hopes will be by tomorrow. George says that he doesn’t care, he insists on his wish. Geena sighs and reluctantly says “As You Wish.”

EXT. TENNIS COURT – DAY

Transformational Event 2.

George and Geena play tennis. Geena sweats, huffs and puffs and it’s obvious she’s out of shape. Instead of helping and encouraging Geena, George uses her obvious struggles on the court as an opportunity to make himself look better.

George struts his stuff on the court, in an attempt to show off in front of everyone else on the court. It backfires. Instead, the people around him look at him with disdain and come to Geena’s support offering her water and encouraging words like “You’ll get it” “Great effort, hang in there“ One of them calls George “Asshole” as they walk by him. George looks surprised. It’s obvious from his reaction that he doesn’t get it.

EXT. HOTEL POOL – DAY

On the way back from tennis George and Geena stop at the pool. George tells Geena to disappear into the lamp. She says that he has no say over that until they’re back in the same room as the lamp – and since they are still on their way back from tennis she’s still under tennis assignment. He orders her to be nicer and she says that’s not included in the wish.

Geena also discovers all kinds of fun modern things, like floating toys, margaritas, and a radio.

INT. HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT

Placeholder:

Geena keeps trying to make George make the next wish, as he forces her back into lamp, saying he hasn’t come up with the perfect wish yet. Maybe she comes with suggestions? Maybe she tries to bribe him in some way?

EXT. HOTEL – DAY

PLACEHOLDER: MONTAGE:

Geena and George play tennis over several days. Geena gets better. They bicker on the way back to the hotel. And on the court.

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY

PLACEHOLDER: George holds a lecture. He fails to keep the audience’s attention. He’s left alone. Lonely.

INT. HOTEL – DAY

PLACEHOLDER: George calls to talk to people/friends. Nobody picks up. He tries to talk to the hotel receptionist. She doesn’t pay attention.

INT. HOTEL ROOM – DAY

George brings Geena out of the lamp just to have someone to talk to. She says it’s not under her agreement. He forces her to listen by making her come to play tennis, and he talks/“vents” all the way to the court and while playing.

INT. HOTEL RESTAURANT – DAY

Turning point:

George sits by himself at a table. Brainstorms with himself, writes down possible wishes. Writes down other thoughts and ideas. Suddenly realizes as he writes it down the power he has now, in Geena having to stay around for as long as it takes until he’s asked for his three wishes.

George looks up and sees other people around him, in couples and in groups. They all look like they are having a good time together, laughing, talking. He’s the only one by himself. He looks very lonely. He puts a napkin over his cup and plate and rushes from the table. He returns with a protesting Geena. He says “we’re on our way to play tennis.”

Geena has a huge appetite at the breakfast buffet.

INT. HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT

PLACEHOLDER: Last night at this hotel. Scene between George and Geena. Geena wants George to wish. She urges him on. George refuses to make any more wishes. Geena calls George out on why he won’t make any wishes. Because nobody will be around him unless he forces them. He angrily stuffs her back into the lamp. She is heard furiously yelling through the lamp, that she will “make him” wish.

INT. LAMP – NIGHT

Geena is sad. She talks to herself in the lamp. About that George will never set her free. Then she talks herself up and vows to out-trick him. She brainstorms plans out loud to herself.

Act 2.

INT. CONVENTION CENTER – DAY

New plan

George arrives straight from traveling with a carry on suitcase. He sees that other public speakers have assistants. Bob Brightly is one of them. George realizes/thinks that he would look very successful with an assistant. He tells someone that he has had an assistant for years and that he was just generous and gave her the morning off today to sleep in. That she’ll be there later.

INT. CONVENTION CENTER – BATHROOM – DAY

Placeholder: George takes the lamp out of his carry on bag and rubs it and Geena appears. George asks for his second wish; for Geena to be by his side and help him anytime he demands. People look funny at them and make comments when they exit the men’s room together.

INT. CONVENTION, LECTURE HALL(S) – DAY

Plan in action – montage

MONTAGE

Several short scenes in which George uses Geena to sit in as a sidekick at lectures and to take payment for book sales, to appear rich and successful. Geena very reluctantly obeys. She looks bored. In an attempt to wear George out, she deliberately tries and sometimes succeeds in sabotaging more than helping. George holds out for the sake of the successful image of having an assistant. (Find a way to show this.)

EXT. CITY – DAY

TRANSFORMATIONAL EVENT 3

Walking from Convention Center to an Uber pickup spot Geena, who carries all the leftover books confronts George about his flaws verbally and points them out to him bluntly. She shows him examples and challenges him. He is in denial and makes excuses. (Old ways still have a strong hold on him.) They argue.

INT. UBER – DAY

Scene with Cab/Uber driver. Driving through the city. Geena and George in conflict. Geena is obnoxious to George, which the driver doesn’t hear. George threatens to lock Genie in the lamp and throw her at the bottom of the ocean. Driver hears this and is shocked. He immediately takes Geena’s side and threatens to call the Police. He thinks George is abusive to women and maybe a serial killer. Geena moves up front in the car. There’s a brief hint of a flirt between them.

EXT TENNIS COURT 2 – DAY

Placeholder:

George and Geena play tennis furiously, looking like they want to kill each other. Geena is a much better player now and gives George a tough match. After the game George yells to Geena. “I’m going out. Find your own way back to the hotel.” Or something to that extent.

INT. HOTEL ROOM 2 – NIGHT

Geena looks mighty pleased at for the first time being in the hotel room alone and still out of the lamp. She talks to the lamp. “Don’t you think I’m gonna go back in you when I don’t have to. She explores everything. Microwave, mini bar remote control. She finds room service on the remote. She orders tons of food. She is thoroughly enjoying herself. She orders food several times. The same guy keeps delivering them

Geena thinks the room service guy is a genie because he keeps coming when she orders him. She asks him about it. He is confused. She winks at him and says his secret is safe with her. She also feels bad for him. She says she knows what it’s like to be ordered to fulfill everyone’s wishes and winks at him again. She invites him to share her food. She insists.

When George comes back he finds Geena and the room service delivery guy surrounded by everything room service has to offer spread out on the bed. He freaks out at what the bill will be for all this.

INT. BOOK STORE – DAY

TRANSFORMATIONAL EVENT 4.

At a speaking engagement in a bookstore, a sincerely interested audience member (The therapist, potential love interest) asks George genuine questions and wants to discuss his theories in depth, sensing something therein that she might be able to use to help her clients. She says she found the book in the reception of the hotel she last stayed at. (Where George had left it in the beginning of this story) She is very excited to cross paths with him here. She believes in synchronicity. There are no coincidences. George blows her off in some way, because he sees someone else across the hall he thinks he should talk to. More important. Or he blows it by playing superior. He is rude and offends her. (Old ways still rule him.)

INT. LECTURE HALL – DAY

Midpoint

TRANSFORMATIONAL EVENT 5

The lecture hall has a real stage. George is on stage speaking to a small, yawning audience. Geena sits to the side of the stage. Suddenly George gets an upset stomach and has to run to the bathroom. There is an awkward silence. Then, the audience turns to Geena and start asking her questions. With her natural wisdom and common sense her answers and insights are a huge success. The audience loves her. When George comes back from the bathroom he stops at the side of the stage in shock. He sees how successful Geena is on stage. He hears what she says and sees how she behaves. Opportunity for him to internalize and learn New Ways. He is not quite ready for that yet, but it’s visible in his expression and eyes that somehow that something starts brewing inside him. He rushed Geena off stage and the seminar is over.

For the first time, a few books sell.

MONTAGE

Placeholder:

Short scenes of people talking as word gets out that George’s lectures are actually worth checking out. They talk about his “sidekick.”

Act 3.

Rethink everything

INT. LECTURE HALL 3 – DAY

An audience member asks specifically for Geena to answer her question. George observes Geena’s charisma on stage and changes his strategy for how he uses Geena. He lets her stay onstage for the whole seminar.

INT. CONFERENCE CENTER/ROOM – DAY

PLACEHOLDER:

Scene(s) that shows that George uses Gena more and in different ways. And that Geena takes to the attention and power she now has over George from being popular.

INT. LECTURE HALL – 4 DAY

PLACEHOLDER:

Geena decides to use her new power to make things even more difficult for George, so that he’ll get tired of her and finally ask for his last wish. She says bad things about George and answers in a rude way to the audience. But it all backfires, because she is so funny that the audience loves it and roars with laughter. A lot of books sell. Geena is pissed off. So is George. But he’s happy with the book sales.

EXT. TENNIS COURT – DAY

Geena and George play tennis. Someone comes up to Geena and asks her something. She says something to deliberately reflect poorly on George. He realizes that Geena has the power now, and that he needs to change his manners towards her to try to get her to change her attitude, without him having to ask for his last wish. He lets her win in tennis and praises her after the game. She sees through him.

EXT. RESTAURANT – DAY

TRANSFORMATIONAL EVENT 6

George and Geena wait outside a busy lunch restaurant for a table. They encounter the sincere audience woman again, also waiting for a table. She lives in this town. It turns out that she is a therapist. The host calls George and Geena to a table and they allow the woman to sit with them since she’s in a hurry. As a “thank you” she ends up giving them an impromptu free therapy session over lunch, first thinking they are a couple. This session turns into a Transformational Event where a lot of George’s selfish ways, cowardly behaviors, and denials are brought forth. Geena comes across as the nice person. It becomes clear that the Therapist stills sees something good in George. She says that it’s ok to be scared. Maybe even puts her hand on his in encouragement. Geena rolls her eyes. George is still resisting new ways but also starts to crack. When the therapist realizes Geena and George are not a couple she looks happy but tries to hide it.

EXT. CITY – DAY

George reluctantly, but sincerely mutters an apology to Geena for the first time. She milks it for all it’s worth.

INT. LARGE CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY

New Plan

George gives Geena even more time and visibility on stage, cashing in on her popularity. Geena gets exhausted. Says she’s not used to talking this much. She had nobody to talk to for 3 millenniums. Geena tells George that she is not interested in going any further than the wishes have obliged her to. She still gives blunt, often rude answers to the audience’s questions. This still backfires, as the audience loves them since they are funny and brimming with truth. And they have come to expect her to be like that. Geena is bummed. George is pleased and behaves victorious.

After a short coffee/bathroom break in the lecture, Geena changes strategy and starts mimicking George’s way of talking and the audience quickly loses interest. Some leave.

While George and Geena pack up after the lecture George confronts Geena about her change of style to deliberately chase people away. She plays oblivious and innocent. She says “What do you mean, I talked exactly the way you do? I learned from you.” First George argues and says she didn’t sound at all like him. She makes actual comparisons between what she said to what he always says and proves that she is right. After a moment George realizes that she’s right. George looks exasperated and Geena looks smug. She hums a happy melody. It’s obvious that she knows she has the upper hand now.

INT. PUBLIC RESTROOM – DAY

George looks in the mirror. He looks defeated. He sees an imaginary image of Geena behind him in the mirror, talking and sounding exactly like him and it’s monotonous and dull. George buries his face in his hands.

EXT. CITY – DAY

Placeholder

On the way to the hotel, after the lecture. Geena tells George that she will make him so unpopular by being exactly like him that nobody will buy his book or ever come to see him again unless he will ask her for his last wish just to. George hangs his head, resigned and defeated.

INT. HOTEL – DAY – MOMENTS LATER

TRANSFORMATIONAL EVENT 6B

Geena grabs a golf resort pamphlet and reads it at the bar. She spits out her drink when she sees a price for a golf stay there. She realizes that golf at resorts costs a lot of money. She needs money! Suddenly success becomes important to her as well.

INT. HOTEL ROOM 3 – DAY

PLACEHOLDER:

Geena tells George they need to get to work because she needs money. Now George has the power. He plays hard to get, but only for a minute. He needs Geena. She makes a deal with him to get a percentage of the book sales and speaker fees.

Turning point: Huge failure / major shift:

PLACEHOLDER: MONTAGE:

Scenes of mostly Geena speaking at different convention centers and book stores and hotels. She gives it her all now. She has her eyes set on success, which in her eyes mean money. Huge applause and great book sales. The success is there. The money. The audience.

INT. LECTURE HALL – DAY

PLACEHOLDER: After seminar. Huge success. George and Geena actually getting along and doing a high five. Talking about how awesome it’s going. Geena counts money. That’s all she cares about. George talks about how he’s becoming famous. He’s beaming. Maybe he even thanks Geena. A moment of positive peace. It looks like they are both on their way to get what they want.

EXT. NEWSSTAND -DAY

George picks up the local newspaper and there is a piece on him and Geena coming to town to speak. In the picture, Geena is in the foreground and he is barely visible behind her. And her name is first in the article.

INT. COFFEE SHOP – DAY

George stops to get a coffee. He overhears two women talking about his book in front of him in line. He perks up and is about to approach them when one of the women says that she heard that Geena ghostwrote the book and George just put his name on it and got all the credit. The other one says “I heard that too. Everyone knows it. She is so much smarter” “Typical men”.

INT. CONVENTION CENTER – DAY

Oprah calls Geena and wants to interview her, and only her. George completely loses it and yells at Geena. “ This is all mine! You’re just my assistant.” Or something like that. A lot of people hear him and frown upon George. They all turn to Geena, who offers a couple of nearby reporters interviews (the inside scope) for money.

INT. CONVENTION CENTER – DAY – LATER

Someone mistakes George for being Geena’s assistant. Maybe while selling books? He is completely broken.

INT. LUNCH RESTAURANT – DAY

PLACEHOLDER: Geena is getting cockier by the minute. She loves her new power and making money for her golf retirement. At the same time, she is bound by George’s control until he’s asked for all his wishes. Maybe he reminds her that she can only come out of the lamp when he asks her to be by his side? Somehow bring this up in a fight at the restaurant. Maybe they storm out, fighting. Maybe a couple to the side says something like, “See that’s why I don’t want to get married.” Or some other misinformed comment.

INT. HOTEL ROOM 4 – DAY

George threatens to never ask Geena to come out of the lamp again. Geena says that he can’t do without her. After all, she the reason they’re successful. But she doesn’t care, she has enough money for golf in Florida now. George threatens to throw the lamp in a dumpster with her in it. She pales but says he wouldn’t dare. They both express all the pain of a horribly co-dependent relationship. The fight escalates. Geena says something that is the straw that breaks the camel’s back. George completely loses it and without thinking he blurts out: “I wish I never had to see you again!” Geena Makes a victorious gesture (maybe she had planned this all along with this fight??) She grants him his wish and “swoosh”, she disappears. Maybe the lamp should explode into pieces when this happens, illustrating George’s complete crash and the irrevocable nature of the moment??

Act 4.

INT. DIFFERENT LECTURE HALLS – DAY

CLIMAX

PLACEHOLDER: Montage of quick scenes showing George being left on his own, having to find his own way to speak to an audience etc. He doesn’t do well at all. The audience keeps asking for Geena. George gets red in the face with frustration and embarrassment. But sticks to his Old Ways, badmouthing Geena, and tries to put up a forced facade. The audience leaves.

PLACEHOLDER: Another speaking engagement. Almost no people in the audience. Someone yawns.

PLACEHOLDER: After a lecture George talks to himself, accusing himself of being more like a failure than ever – a fraud. Admits it to himself.

EXT. TENNIS COURT – DAY

George looks lonelier than ever entering a tennis court, head down. He plays tennis against a wall. He sees something that reminds him of Geena and smiles a little in a sad way, indicating that he misses her after all.

INT. GEORGE’S APARTMENT – DAY

PLACEHOLDER ?: Maybe another scene in which George does something that shows that he feels bad that he treated Geena so badly. Maybe he has a part of the broken lamp left and looks at it with nostalgia and says something?? And he also does something that shows that he realizes his errors and flawed ways in other areas.

INT. GEORGE’S APARTMENT – NIGHT

TRANSFORMATIONAL EVENT 7

Someone knocks on the door, a stranger, feeling very lonely and depressed and asks for advice/help (after hearing about George??) George, acting very resigned himself is actually real and honest with the person. They have a good conversation. The person leaves feeling better. And after he leaves George looks lighter, invigorated. He undergoes a major change.

INT. UNIVERSITY – AULA

George holds a speech at a school. For the first time, he starts off just talking honestly. Hesitantly at first. He becomes an authentic speaker. He stops pretending to be perfect to his audience and speaks from his heart and truth. He says that all this started because he genuinely wanted to help people. And he still does. But he got lost. He speaks about his errors. And how they harmed him and everyone around. People start listening. He gets a standing ovation and people cry at the end of his speech.

EXT. OUTDOOR SPEAKING EVENT – DAY

PLACEHOLDER: Scene showing that George becomes increasingly popular, but that he is not at all driven by that anymore.

INT. TED TALK LOCATION – DAY

POSSIBLE PLACEHOLDER: George holding a Ted Talk.

EXT. GOLF COURSE – DAY

Geena plays golf, fully decked out in golf gear. She smiles It looks like she’s happy and living the good life with new golf buddies.

Then Geena suggests a friendly competition with her co-players for the last 9 holes and they refuse to have any of it. They say that golf is a gentleman’s sport and they don’t need to compete among friends.

After the last hole, they pass a tennis court on the way back to the clubhouse. Geena looks over at the tennis court wistfully. She asks if anyone is up for a game. They look at her like she is crazy.

Geena looks reminiscent. She thinks she sees George playing at the tennis court and actually lights up. It’s not him. She hears in her head the mean things she yelled to him the last time she saw him. Her golf friends say something to her and it jolts her back to reality. She shakes it off and laughs at something. But something looks changed in her.

Resolution

TRANSFORMATIONAL EVENT 8

George checks in at a big convention. It’s obvious that it’s a prestigious place. The Check-In Lady asks about Geena whom he was booked to speak together with. George says that he’ll be doing it alone. The Check-In Lady says you have to stick to what you put on the schedule. “You had months to change or update it. It’s too late.” You have disqualified yourself.” George is devastated. He says it’s the most important convention of the year.

Just then Geena shows up. George is shocked. He says he thought he’d never see her again. She says that his wish was that “ he’d never HAVE to see her again”, but she knows that he secretly WANTED to see her again, here at the convention, and WANTING TO is not the same as “HAVING TO” so her showing up is unrelated to his last wish. So, she decided to come. Because she wanted to see him, as well, she admits. George lights up. The Check-In Lady looks confused at the conversation.

They have the courage to admit that they missed each other and that they are friends. For real. The Check-In Lady is sour and ask them to hurry up and be done with the make-up party. They get their badges. They say something like “Let’s do this.”

INT. HUGE CONVENTION HALL – DAY

George’s and Geena’s last seminar together. It is a huge success. They hug and thank each other publicly and give each other praise.

Brad Brightly appears in the audience and congratulates them on an a fantastic seminar. They outsold his seminar, but he doesn’t care. He just loves good teachings/lectures. Really means it. He’s bright and sincere as always.

After the seminar, the therapist woman approaches them, with admiring eyes on George. Geena nudges him until he asks the therapist out for dinner. She lights up and happily accepts.

EXT. CONVENTION CENTER – DAY

Geena gets into an Uber.

INT. UBER – DAY

The driver is the same driver she had a hint of a flirt with earlier and who “protected her” from George. They talk. Geena asks if he plays golf. He says “heck, yeah.” She ask if he thinks it’s wrong to compete among friends at the golf course. He says “heck, no.”

TITLE CARD: 1 YEAR LATER

EXT. FLORIDA GOLF RESORT – POOL – DAY

INSERT: Closeup of George on the cover of TIME Magazine.

We pull back from the magazine cover and see Geena by the pool with the magazine. She sips a Tom Collins, picks up her phone and calls George, and congratulates him. The Uber driver sits in the pool chair next to her.

[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallén’s High Speed Beat Sheet

What I learned from today’s assignment is that it’s difficult to write very brief explanations of scenes when you’re not clear on them. And especially when I try to write fast. I’ve written beat sheets before, but I’ve taken my time writing them and they’ve also been for scripts and ideas I’ve been thinking longer about. Since this is a brand new idea it was hard to be brief and exact for me. I am learning to accept that it’s ok if brevity and clarity come later. That it’s ok that it’s a bit messy now. I’ve also learned that I am not sure what should be considered a placeholder, rather than an actual description of a scene. How vague is a placeholder, or how descriptive should it be to be considered a scene? I learned that a couple of my Transformational Events were off and I hope I’ve adjusted correctly, or at least in the right direction. I have learned that this is a really fun way to work!! I love to explore new places and that’s what this feels like.

INT. HOTEL RECEPTION – DAY

Opening:

GEORGE, 45 arrives at a hotel to check in. He informs the receptionist that his first stop on his big book tour. The receptionist can’t find his reservation. It has been lost, in the midst of everyone’s excitement over Brad Brighton’s arrival. George throws a “don’t you know who I am” fit. The receptionist shakes his head. Asks a co-worker. Nobody knows who George is, or has heard of his book. Brad Brightly walks by. Everyone gets excited. George is finally given a room. He casually “forgets” a copy of his book on the counter. The title indicates that it’s a personal development book on how to overcome loneliness in today’s society.

INT. HOTEL CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY

George holds a lecture in front of a very sparse audience. His speech is boring. He mainly promotes himself. People leave the room.

INT. HOTEL RECEPTION – DAY

After the lecture, George complains to the hotel manager and blames Brad Brightly for the poor attendance at his lecture. He says that Brad intentionally sabotaged him, stealing his audience. Brad Brightly comes out of another conference room surrounded by fans. The manager stops him. George and Brad stand face to face. Brad is very nice. He’s never heard of George and introduces himself. Sincerely wishes him good luck. George storms out and away from the hotel.

EXT. YARD SALE – DAY

George stops at a yard sale and buys a dusty, ancient-looking oil lamp.

INT. HOTEL ROOM – DAY

Inciting Incident.

TRANSFORMATIONAL EVENT 1:

George rubs the lamp clean. A real genie, GEENA, 50s emerges and tells George that “His wish is her command”.

George is shocked. He doesn’t believe Geena is real at first. She convinces him that she is and he asks her a bunch of questions. Geena tells George her story. That she was dropped and forgotten in the desert 3000 years ago when she has only one person left to grant wishes before she could retire. That one last person is now George. She waited 3000 years. She ends with: “So, Please, hurry up!”

INT. HOTEL ROOM – BATHROOM – DAY

Geena pees for a very long time while George impatiently hurries her on to get out so he can wish. She reminds him she’s been holding it for a while.

INT. HOTEL ROOM – DAY

George says his pondering whether to ask for riches or more wishes as a first wish. Geena sighs and rolls her eyes and says everyone knows it doesn’t work that way. Geena explains the rules and restrictions of the wishes. The powers for measurable wishes are still set to standards 3000 years ago. For instance “I wish to be rich” means that you get 8 goats. Filthy rich means you also get two camels. If you wish for success, the fulfillment of your wish means you won’t die of starvation and you’ll live past age 40. And of course, asking for unlimited, or more than three wishes is absolutely a no-no and means you’ll forfeit your wishes altogether. George gets very disappointed, even angry, and tells Geena she’s useless and wasted his time. She says it’s interesting how quickly he went from not believing in a genie to taking her services for granted. Then she decides to get on his good side and asks him to please help her by asking for anything, she just wants to retire. But George forces her down in the lamp again and storms out. Geena asks for water on her way down. George doesn’t give her any. She reaches out and snatches a bottle of vodka from the minibar on her way down.

EXT. TENNIS COURT – DAY

George tries to find a tennis partner. He can find nobody to play with. Brad Brightly is playing with a partner. Then he plays double with another team. George hovers around them trying to look nonchalant. As Brad and his team leave, George “happens” to walk right in front of them. Brad introduces George to his “full-time” tennis partner that travels with him on tour to keep him in shape. George pales with envy. He talks out loud to himself on his way back. “Full-time tennis partner.” That’s now the epitome of success to George.

INT. HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT

George rubs the lamp and Geena appears. She complains that it’s night and she is not working overtime. George ignores her and says she knows what his first wish is. His wishes that Geena plays tennis with him any time he demands it. She doesn’t known what tennis is. He shows it on the TV. She pales. That looks like a lot of work, she says. She argues that she is only obliged to fulfill any wish for a repeated activity for the duration she’s tied to him. So, until he’s asked for his 3 wishes. Which she says she hopes will be by tomorrow. George says doesn’t care, he insists on his wish. Geena sighs and reluctantly says “As You Wish.”

EXT. TENNIS COURT – DAY

Transformational Event 2.

George and Geena play tennis. Geena sweats, huffs and puffs and it’s obvious she’s out of shape. Instead of helping and encouraging Geena, George uses her obvious struggles on the court as an opportunity to make himself look better.

George struts his stuff on the court, in an attempt to show off in front of everyone else on the court. It backfires. Instead, the people around him look at him with disdain and come to Geena’s support offering her water and encouraging words like “You’ll get it” “Great effort, hang in there“ One of them calls George “Asshole” as they walk by him. George looks surprised. It’s obvious from his reaction that he doesn’t get it.

EXT. HOTEL POOL – DAY

On the way back from tennis George and Geena stop at pool. George tells Geena to disappear into the lamp. She says that he has no say over that until they’re back in the same room as the lamp – and since they are still on their way back from tennis she’s still under tennis assignment. He orders her to be nicer and she says that’s not included in the wish.

Geena also discovers all kinds of fun modern things, like floating toys, margaritas, and a radio.

INT. HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT

PLACEHOLDER:

Geena keeps trying to make George make the next wish, as he forces her back into the lamp, saying he hasn’t come up with the perfect wish yet. Maybe she comes with suggestions? Maybe she tries to bribe him in some way?

EXT. HOTEL – DAY

PLACEHOLDER: MONTAGE:

Geena and George play tennis over several days. Geena gets better. They bicker on the way to hotel. And on the court.

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY

PLACEHOLDER: George holds a lecture. He fails to keep the audience’s attention. He’s left alone. Lonely.

INT. HOTEL – DAY

PLACEHOLDER: George calls to talk to people/friends. Nobody picks up. He tries to talk to the hotel receptionist. She doesn’t pay attention.

INT. HOTEL ROOM – DAY

George brings Geena out of the lamp to talk. She says it’s not under her agreement. He forces her to listen by making her come to play tennis, and he talks/“vents” all the way to the court and while playing.

INT. HOTEL RESTAURANT – DAY

Turning point:

George sits by himself at a table. Brainstorms with himself, writes down possible wishes. Writes down other thoughts and ideas. Suddenly realizes/writes down the power he has now, in Geena having to stay around for as long as it takes until he’s asked for his three wishes.

George looks up and sees other people around him, in couples and in groups. They all look like they are having a good time together, laughing, talking. He’s the only one by himself. He looks very lonely. He puts a napkin over his cup and plate and rushes from the table. He returns with a protesting Geena. He says we’re on our way to play tennis.

Geena has a huge appetite at the breakfast buffet.

INT. HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT

PLACEHOLDER: Last night at this hotel. Scene between George and Geena. Geena wants George to wish. George refuses to make any more wishes. Geena calls George out on why he won’t make any wishes. Because nobody will be around him unless he forces them. He stuffs her back into the lamp. She is heard furiously yelling through the lamp, that she will “make him” wish.

INT. LAMP – NIGHT

Geena is sad. She talks to herself about that George will never set her free. Then she talks herself up and vows to out-trick him. She brainstorms plans out loud to herself.

Act 2.

INT. CONVENTION CENTER – DAY

New plan

George arrives straight from traveling with a carry-on suitcase. He sees that other public speakers have assistants. Bob Brightly is one of them. George realizes/thinks that he would look very successful with an assistant. He tells someone that he has had an assistant for years and that he was just generous and gave her the morning off today to sleep in. That she’ll be there later.

INT. CONVENTION CENTER – BATHROOM – DAY

Placeholder: George takes the lamp out of his carry-on bag and rubs it and Geena appears. George asks for his second wish; for Geena to be by his side and help him anytime he demands. People look funny at them and make comments when they exit the men’s room together.

INT. CONVENTION, LECTURE HALL(S) – DAY

Plan in action – montage

MONTAGE

Several short scenes in which George uses Geena to sit in as a sidekick at lectures and to take payment for book sales, to appear rich and successful. Geena very reluctantly obeys. In an attempt to wear George out, she deliberately tries and sometimes succeeds in sabotaging more than helping. George holds out for the sake of the successful image of having an assistant. (Find a way to show this.)

EXT. CITY – DAY

TRANSFORMATIONAL EVENT 3

Walking from Convention Center to an Uber pickup spot Geena, who carries all the leftover books confronts George about his flaws verbally and points them out to him bluntly. She shows him examples and challenges him. He is in denial and makes excuses. (Old ways still have a stronghold on him.) They argue.

INT. UBER – DAY

PLACEHOLDER:

Scene with Cab/Uber driver. Driving through the city. Geena and George in conflict. Geena is obnoxious to George, which the driver doesn’t hear. George threatens to lock Genie in and throw her at the bottom of the ocean. The driver hears this and is shocked. He immediately takes Geena’s side and threatens to call the Police. He thinks George is abusive to women and maybe a serial killer. Geena moves up to the front in the car. There’s a brief hint of a flirt between them.

EXT TENNIS COURT 2 – DAY

PLACEHOLDER:

George and Geena play tennis furiously, looking like they want to kill each other. Geena is a much better player now and gives George a tough match. After the game, George yells to Geena. “I’m going out. Find your own way back to the hotel.” Or something to that extent.

INT. HOTEL ROOM 2 – NIGHT

Geena looks mighty pleased to for the first time be in the hotel room alone and still out of the lamp. She talks to the lamp. “Don’t you think I’m gonna go back in you when I don’t have to. She explores everything. Microwave, mini bar remote control. She finds room service on the remote. She orders tons of food. She is thoroughly enjoying herself. She orders food svereal times. The same guy keeps delivering them

Geena thinks the room service guy is a genie because keeps coming when she orders him. She asks him about it. He is confused. She blinks and says his secret is safe with her. She also feels bad for him. She says she knows what it’s like to be ordered to fulfill everyone’s wishes and winks again. She invites him to share her food. She insists.

When George comes back he finds Geena and the room service delivery guy surrounded by everything room service has to offer spread out on the bed. He freaks out at what the bill will be for all this.

INT. BOOK STORE – DAY

TRANSFORMATIONAL EVENT 4.

At a speaking engagement in a bookstore, a sincerely interested audience member (The therapist, potential love interest) asks George genuine questions and wants to discuss his theories in depth, sensing something therein that she might be able to use to help her clients. She says she found the book in the reception of the hotel she last stayed at. (Where George had left it at the beginning of this story) She is very excited to cross paths with him here. She believes in synchronicity. There are no coincidences. George blows her off in some way, because he sees someone else across the hall he thinks he should talk to. More important. Or he blows it by playing superior. He is rude and offends her. (Old ways still rule him.)

INT. LECTURE HALL – DAY

Midpoint

TRANSFORMATIONAL EVENT 5

The lecture hall has a real stage. George is on stage speaking to a small, yawning audience. Geena sits to the side of the stage. Suddenly George gets an upset stomach and has to run to the bathroom. There is an awkward silence. Then, the audience turns to Geena and start asking her questions. With her natural wisdom and common sense her answers and insights are a huge success. The audience loves her. When George comes back from the bathroom he stops at the side of the stage in shock. He sees how successful Geena is on stage. He hears what she says and sees how she behaves. Opportunity for him to internalize and learn New Ways. He is not quite ready for that yet, but it’s visible in his expression and eyes that somehow that something starts brewing inside him. He rushed Geena off stage and the seminar is over.

For the first time, a few books sell.

MONTAGE

PLACEHOLDER:

Short scenes of people talking as word gets out that George’s lectures are actually worth checking out. They talk about his “sidekick.”

Act 3.

Rethink everything

INT. LECTURE HALL 3 – DAY

An audience member asks specifically for Geena to answer her question. George observes Geena’s charisma on stage and changes his strategy for how he uses Geena. He lets her stay onstage for the whole seminar.

INT. CONFERENCE CENTER/ROOM – DAY

PLACEHOLDER:

Scene(s) that shows that George uses Gena more and in different ways. And that Geena takes to the attention and power she now has over George from being popular.

INT. LECTURE HALL – 4 DAY

PLACEHOLDER:

Geena decides to use her new power to make things even more difficult for George, so that he’ll get tired of her and finally ask for his last wish. She says bad things about George and answers in a rude way to the audience. But it all backfires, because she is so funny that the audience loves it and roars with laughter. A lot of books sell. Geena is pissed off. So is George. But he’s happy with the book sales.

EXT. TENNIS COURT – DAY

Geena and George play tennis. Someone comes up to Geena and asks her something. She says something to deliberately reflect poorly on George. He realizes that Geena has the power now, and that he needs to change his manners towards her to try to get her to change her attitude,, without him having to ask for his last wish. He lets her win in tennis and praises her after the game. She sees through him.

EXT. RESTAURANT – DAY

TRANSFORMATIONAL EVENT 6

George and Geena wait outside a busy lunch restaurant for a table. They encounter the sincere audience woman again, also waiting for a table. She lives in this town. It turns out that she is a therapist. The host calls George and Geena to a table and they allow the woman to sit with them since she’s in a hurry. As a thank you she ends up giving them an impromptu free therapy session over lunch, first thinking they are a couple. This session turns into a Transformational Event where a lot of George’s selfish ways, cowardly behaviors, and denials are brought forth. He is still resisting new ways but also starts to crack. When the therapist realizes Geena and George are not a couple she looks happy.

EXT. CITY – DAY

George reluctantly, but sincerely mutters an apology to Geena for the first time.

INT. LARGE CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY

New Plan

George gives Geena even more time and visibility on stage, cashing in on her popularity. Exhausting her. Geena is not interested in going any further than the wishes have obliged her to and she still gives blunt, often rude answers to the audience’s questions. This still backfires, as the audience loves them since they are funny and brimming with truth. And they have come to expect her to be like that. Geena is bummed. George is pleased.

After a short coffee/bathroom break in the lecture, Geena changes strategy and starts mimicking George’s way of talking and the audience quickly loses interest. Some leave.

As George and Geena pack up after the lecture George confronts Geena about her change of style to deliberately chase people away. She plays oblivious and innocent. She says “What do you mean, I talked exactly the way you do? I learned from you.” First George argues and says she didn’t sound not at all like him. She compares what she says to what he always says and proves that she is right. After a moment he realizes that she’s right. George looks exasperated and Geena looks smug. She hums a happy melody. It’s obvious that she knows she has the upper hand now.

INT. PUBLIC RESTROOM – DAY

George looks in the mirror. He looks defeated. He sees an imaginary image of Geena behind him in the mirror, talking and sounding exactly like him and it’s monotonous and dull. George buries his face in his hands.

EXT. CITY – DAY

Placeholder

On the way to the hotel, after the lecture. Geena tells George that she will make him so unpopular by being exactly like him that nobody will buy his book or ever come to see him again unless he will ask her for his last wish just to. George hangs his head, resigned and defeated.

INT. HOTEL – DAY – MOMENTS LATER

TRANSFORMATIONAL EVENT 6B (GEENA)

Geena grabs a golf resort pamphlet and reads it at the bar. She spits out her drink when she sees a price for a golf stay there. She realizes that golf at resorts costs a lot of money. She needs money! Suddenly success becomes important to her as well.

INT. HOTEL ROOM 3 – DAY

PLACEHOLDER:

Geena tells George they need to get to work, because she needs money. Now George has the power. He plays hard to get, but only for a minute. He needs Geena. She makes a deal with him to get a percentage of the book sales and speaker fees.

Turning point: Huge failure / major shift:

MONTAGE:

Scenes of mostly Geena speaking at different convention centers and book stores and hotels. She ups her game and gives it her all now. It works. Huge applause and great book sales. The success is there. The money. The audience.

INT. LECTURE HALL – DAY

PLACEHOLDER: After a successful seminar. George and Geena actually getting along and doing a high five. Talking about how awesome it’s going. Geena counts money. That’s all she cares about. George talks about how he’s becoming famous. He’s beaming. Maybe he even thanks Geena.

EXT. NEWSSTAND -DAY

George picks up the local newspaper and there is a piece on him and Geena coming to town to speak. In the picture Geena is in the foreground and he is barely visible behind her. And her name is first in the article.

INT. COFFEE SHOP – DAY

George stops to get a coffee. He overhears two women talking about his book in front of him in line. He perks up and is about to approach them when one of the woman says that she heard that Geena ghostwrote the book and George just put his name on it an got all the credit. The other one says “I heard that too. Everyone knows it. She is so much smarter” “Typical men”.

INT. CONVENTION CENTER – DAY

Oprah calls Geena and wants to interview her, and only her. George completely looses it and yells at Geena. “ This is all mine! You’re just my assistant.” Or something like that. A lot of people hear him and frown upon George. They all turn to Geena, who offers interviews for money.

INT. CONVENTION CENTER – DAY – LATER

Someone mistakes George for being Geena’s assistant. Maybe while selling books? He is completely broken.

INT. LUNCH RESTAURANT – DAY

PLACEHOLDER: Geena is getting cockier by the minute. She loves her new power and making money for her golf retirement. At the same time she is bound by George’s control until he’s asked for all his wishes. Maybe he reminds her that she can only come out of the lamp when he asks her to be by his side? Somehow bring this up in a fight at the restaurant. Maybe they storm out, fighting. Maybe a couple to the side say something like, “See that’s why I don’t want to get married.” Or some other misinformed comment.

INT. HOTEL ROOM 4 – DAY

George threatens to never ask Geena a to come out of the lamp again. Geena says that he can’t do without her. After all, she the reason they’re successful. But she doesn’t care, she has enough money for golf in Florida now. George threatens to throw the lamp in a dumpster with her in it. She pales but says he wouldn’t dare. They both express all the pain of a horribly co-dependent relationship. The fight escalates. Geena says something that is the straw that breaks the camel’s back. George completely loses it and without thinking he blurts out: “I wish I never had to see you again!” Geena Makes a victorious gesture (maybe she had planned this all along with this fight??) She grants him his wish and “swoosh”, she disappears. Maybe the lamp should explode into pieces when this happen, illustrating George’s complete crash and the irrevocable nature of the moment??

Act 4.

INT. DIFFERENT LECTURE HALLS – DAY

CLIMAX

PLACEHOLDER: Montage of quick scenes showing George being left on his own, having to find his own way to speak to an audience etc. He doesn’t do well at all. The audience keeps asking for Geena. George gets red in the face with frustration and embarrassment. But sticks to his Old Ways, badmouthing Geena and tries to put up a forced facade. The audience leaves.

PLACEHOLDER: Another speaking engagement. Almost no people in the audience. Someone yawns.

PLACEHOLDER: After a lecture George talks to himself, accusing himself for being more like a failure than ever – a fraud. Admits it to himself.

EXT. TENNIS COURT – DAY

George looks lonelier than ever entering a tennis court, head down. He plays tennis against a wall. He sees something that reminds him of Geena and smiles a little in a sad way, indicating that he misses her after all.

INT. GEORGE’S APARTMENT – DAY

PLACEHOLDER, MAYBE?: Maybe another scene in which George does something that shows that he feels bad that he treated Geena so badly. Maybe he has a part of the broken lamp left and looks at it with nostalgia and says something?? And he also does something that shows that he realizes his errors and flawed ways in other areas.

INT. GEORGE’S APARTMENT – NIGHT

TRANSFORMATIONAL EVENT 7

Someone knocks on the door, a stranger, feeling very lonely and depressed and asks for advice/help (after hearing about George??) George, acting very resigned himself is actually real and honest with the person. They have a good conversation. The person leaves feeling better. And after he leaves George looks lighter, invigorated. He undergoes a major change.

INT. UNIVERSITY – AULA

George holds a speech at a school. For the first time he starts off just talking honestly. Hesitantly at first. He becomes an authentic speaker. He stops pretending to be perfect to his audience and speaks from his heart and truth. He says that all this started because he genuinely wanted to help people. And he still does. But he got lost. He speaks about his errors. And how they harmed him and everyone around. People start listening. He gets a standing ovation and people cry at the end of his speech.

EXT. OUTDOOR SPEAKING EVENT – DAY

PLACEHOLDER: Scene showing that George becomes increasingly popular, but that he is not at all driven by that anymore.

POSSIBLE SCENE:

INT. TED TALK LOCATION – DAY

George holding a Ted Talk.

EXT. GOLF COURSE – DAY

Geena plays golf, fully decked out in golf gear. She smiles It looks like she’s happy and living the good life with new golf buddies.

Then Geena suggests a friendly competition with her co-players for the last 9 holes and they refuse to have any of it. They say that golf is a gentleman’s sport and they don’t need to compete among friends.

After the last hole, they pass a tennis court on the way back to the clubhouse. Geena looks over at the tennis court wistfully. She asks if anyone is up for a game. They look at her like she is crazy.

Geena looks reminiscent. She thinks she sees George playing at the tennis court and actually lights up. It’s not him. She hears in her head the mean things she yelled to him the last time she saw him. Her golf friends say something to her and it jolts her back to reality. She shakes it off and laughs at something. But something looks changed in her.

LARGE CONVENTION CENTER – CHECK-IN DESK – DAY

Resolution

TRANSFORMATIONAL EVENT 8

George checks in at a big convention. It’s obvious that it’s a prestigious place. The Check-In Lady asks about Geena whom he was booked to speak together with. George says that he’ll be doing it alone. The Check-In Lady says you have to stick to what you put on the schedule. “You had months to change or update it. It’s too late.” You have disqualified yourself.” George is devastated. He says it’s the most important convention of the year.

Just then Geena shows up. George is shocked. He says he thought he’d never see her again, she explains that his wish was that “ he’d never HAVE to see her again”, but she knows that he secretly WANTED to see her again, here at the convention, and WANTING TO is not the same as “HAVING TO” so her showing up is unrelated to his last wish. So, she decided to come. Because she wanted to see him, as well, she admits. George lights up.

They have the courage to admit that they missed each other and that they are friends. For real. The Check-In Lady is sour and asks them to hurry up and be done with the make-up party. They get their badges. They say something like “Let’s do this.”

INT. HUGE CONVENTION HALL – DAY

George’s and Geena’s last seminar together. It is a huge success. They hug and thank each other publicly and give each other praise.

After the seminar, the therapist woman approaches them, with admiring eyes on George. Geena nudges him until he asks the therapist out for dinner. She lights up and accepts. They have a moment.

EXT. CONVENTION CENTER – DAY

Geena gets into an Uber.

INT. UBER – DAY

The driver is the same driver she had a hint of a flirt with earlier and who “protected her” from George. They talk. Geena asks if he plays golf. He says “heck, yeah.” She ask if he thinks it’s wrong to compete among friends on the golf course. He says “heck, no.”

TITLE CARD: 1 YEAR LATER

EXT. FLORIDA GOLF RESORT – POOL – DAY

INSERT: Closeup of George on the cover of TIME Magazine.

We pull back from the magazine cover and see Geena by the pool with the magazine. She sips a Tom Collins, picks up her phone and calls George and congratulates him. The Uber driver sits in the pool chair next to her.

[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallén’s Transformational Events

What I learned from doing this assignment is that you need many of these transformational events to “hang the story up on” and that I haven’t in any way nailed them yet. I have never worked this way before, and I can see how useful it will be. And I can tell that I need to continue brainstorming on this and try to find more powerful Transformational Events for this story. I have also learned (well, am trying to learn) to not strive for perfection in the first pass, because then I’d never get beyond Act 1 today. This is very uncomfortable – to move on despite knowing it could be much better – but it’s a good exercise for me. I can tell it’s something I need to learn if I want to learn how to create and write fast.

2.

Character Arch.

From a weak, fearful, self serving and needy prisoner of his own mind focused on external validation to strong, self reliant, authentic and service minded speaker, focused on a greater cause.

Old Ways

– Whining about circumstances and life and everything that goes wrong.

– Feeling sorry for himself.

– Selfish

– Using arrogance to hide that he’s feeling insecure.

– Blaming others and everything around him for failures.

– Refusal to see and confront his own shortcomings.

– Putting up a fake facade and hiding behind a mask.

– Constantly comparing himself to others.

– Afraid to be honest, with himself and others.

– Focused primarily on receiving external validation and on being seen as successful.

– Takes his frustration out on those he has power over.
Bullies Geena.

New ways

– Having the courage to trust that things can work out.

– Courage to be and act honestly.

– Stands up for others – and himself.

– Faith in his message

– Focus on contribution and what he can give, rather on what he can get.

– Confident and feeling worthy.

– Unselfish choices

– Generous

– Easygoing and understanding of others.

– Cares about people for real

– Goes on his mission for a greater cause than himself, beyond external validation – a human cause.

– Respects and appreciates Geena

3. and 4. List of steps and changes that need to happen for George to go from who he is in the beginning to who he needs to become at the end of the journey.

He needs to learn to listen.

He has to stop his self-pity.

Stop judging everyone, including himself.

He needs to stop blaming everyone else and start taking responsibility for his own mistakes.

He needs to get the courage to drop his facade and be real and authentic.

He has to rise above his fear of being ridiculed and seen as a loser if he shows who he really is.

He has to evolve and become more generous both emotionally and in his actions.

He has to change his focus from what he can get to what he can give and contribute with.

He needs to open his eyes and see and appreciate the bigger picture that he is part of and work selflessly for a greater cause than himself, a human cause.

5. and 6.

Brainstorm dramatic events or tests that could cause those changes for the character. Add these transformational events to your four-act structure. See below. Transformational Events in bold.

Act 1:

Opening.

Introduces us to George and his personality as he embarks on a book tour, arrives at the hotel, where they forgot that he was coming in the excitement of his competition, Brad Brightly’s arrival. George holds his first, awful and dull lecture in front of a sparse audience that leaves before he’s done. He blames Brad.

Inciting Incident.

On the way back from the lecture George stops at a yard sale where he buys the lamp containing Geena the genie. Geena emerges and George, to his astonishment, stands eye to eye with a real genie, who is obliged to grant him three wishes. This opens a whole new door for him!!

Introduces us to Geena and who she is.

Transformational Event 1.

George meeting Geena and learning that he is the last person she needs to help after 3000 years imprisonment in the lamp gives him the opportunity to selflessly help her by asking for three quick wishes. Instead, he displays his old ways and thinks only of what he can get instead of what he can give.

Transformational Event 2.

On the tennis court, George has a chance to help and encourage Geena but uses her obvious struggles on the court as an opportunity to make himself look better. He is still in the grip of old ways.

Turning point.

George realizes the power he has in Geena having to stay around for as long as it takes until he’s asked for his three wishes. He also realizes he’s less lonely with her around. After his first wish being that she plays tennis with any time he wants, he refuses to ask for more wishes.

Geena realizes that George doesn’t want to ask for his wishes and that he might never set her free. She gets furious and makes secret plans as to how she will “make” George hurry up and ask for his wishes.

Act 2.

New plan

George realizes that he looks successful with an assistant (Geena) by his side, prompting him to ask for his second wish, for Geena to be by his side and help him anytime he demands.

Plan in action

George uses Geena to sit in as a sidekick at lectures and to take payment for book sales, to appear rich and successful. Geena very reluctantly obeys and in order to wear George out, deliberately sabotages more than she helps.

Transformational Event 3

Geena confronts George about his flaws verbally and points them out to him bluntly. Shows him examples and challenges him. He is in denial and makes excuses. Old ways still have a strong hold on him.

Transformational Event 4.

A sincerely interested audience member (The therapist, potential love interest) asks George genuine questions and wants to discuss his theories in depth, sensing something therein that she might be able to use to help her clients. He blows her off in some way or blows it by playing superior. Old ways still rule him.

Midpoint

George gets an upset stomach at a lecture and has to run to the bathroom. The audience turns to Geena to ask questions and with her natural wisdom and common sense, her answers and insights are a huge success. The audience loves her. For the first time, a few books sell. And word gets out that these lectures are worth checking out.

Transformational Event 5

The Midpoint is a Transformational Event. George gets an upset stomach, runs to the bathroom and when he comes back he sees how successful Geena is on stage. This is an opportunity for him for an aha moment, to see listen to her and internalize and learn New Ways. He is not quite ready for that yet, but it starts brewing somewhere inside him.

Act 3.

Rethink everything

George sees Geena’s charisma on stage and changes his strategy, to use her in different ways. At the same time, he realizes that Geena has the power now, after the audience loving her and that he needs to change his manners towards her to coax her into giving it all she’s got without him having to ask for his last wish. Geena realizes and enjoys her newfound power and decides to use it to make things even more difficult for George so that he’ll get tired of her and finally ask for his last wish.

Transformational Event 6

Somewhere in Act 3 George and Geena encounter the sincere audience woman again. It turns out she is a therapist and she ends up giving Geena and George an impromptu free session over lunch, thinking they are a couple. This session turns into a Transformational Event where a lot about George’s selfish ways, cowardly behaviors, and denials are brought forth. He is still resisting new ways, but in some areas, he is starting to crack. Later he apologizes to Geena for the first time.

New Plan

George gives Geena more visibility and time on stage. But Geena is not interested in going any further than the wishes have obliged her to and she gives blunt, often rude answers to the audience’s questions. (Which backfires, as the audience often loves them, as they are brimming with truth) Geena realizes that golf at resorts costs a lot of money. Suddenly success becomes important to her as well. Now George has the power. She makes a deal with him to get a percentage of sales.

Turning point: Huge failure / major shift

The success is there. The money. The audience. The recognition. But George has become completely invisible behind Geena. She has taken over and has become the real success. There are rumors that she ghostwrote the book with George’s name on it. Oprah calls her. Someone mistakes George for being Geena’s assistant. He is completely broken.

Geena is getting cockier by the minute. She loves her newfound fame. At the same time, she can only come out to enjoy it when George calls her out of the lamp. Which he hates to do, but he needs her. The conflict is at its worst in a horrible co-dependent relationship. They have a huge fight and by mistake, George blurts out: “I wish I never had to see you again!” Geena grants him his wish and disappears.

Act 4.

Climax

George is left on his own. He has to finds his way at lectures by himself. He doesn’t do well. He feels more like a failure than ever. The audience keeps asking for Geena. He is lonelier than ever. He misses Geena despite their conflicts. He has to play tennis against a wall, with her not there. He feels bad that he treated her badly. He realizes his errors and flawed ways. He undergoes a change and becomes an authentic speaker. He stops pretending to be perfect to his audience and speaks from his heart and truth. He genuinely wants to help people. People start listening. He becomes increasingly popular, but he is not driven by that anymore. Geena on her end is free and in Florida where she enjoys golf but misses George. She feels bad that she wasn’t very nice to him, either.

Transformational Event 7

George is left on his own after Geena leaves. Everything is gone. He is all alone again and doesn’t have Geena to rely on at lectures. He is forced to take the stage at a lecture all alone and is faced with an expectant audience. He has tried every one of his old ways repeatedly before and they have all failed. The only thing left to do is to dare trying New Ways and put them to the test in order for him to “survive.” It’s swim or die. He overcomes his fears and does this. Grows as a person and becomes “the new George.”

Resolution

At a big convention which George and Geena were booked to speak at together since before they parted ways, George shows up and says that he’ll be doing it alone. Just then Geena shows up. When George says he thought he’d never see her again, she says that his wish was that “ he’d never HAVE to see her again”, but she knows that he silently WANTED to see her at the convention, which is not the same as “HAVING TO” so her showing up is unrelated to his last wish. So, she decided to come. Because she wanted to see him, as well. They realize they are friends. For real. This is their last lecture together and it’s a huge success.

A year later, George is on the cover of a magazine and Geena sips a Tom Collins at a Florida golf resort course, while she calls to congratulate him.

Transformational Event 8

George and Geena meet up again at the last convention. This is the moment of opportunity for them to make amends, put their competition against each other aside and genuinely express mutual respect and affection for each other. Have the courage and vulnerability to admit that they are real friends.

• This reply was modified 4 years ago by  Karin Hallen.
• This reply was modified 4 years ago by  Karin Hallen. Reason: typos

[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallén’s 4 Act Transformational Structure

What I learned doing this assignment is that there is so much I don’t know about this story and journey yet. It was challenging and I am certainly not sure I have the best answers yet. I learned and got confirmed that I work better visually, so when I pulled out drawing paper and pen and drew a clothesline I got somewhat of a better idea, before putting it into writing in the assignment. I learned that I need more and stronger conflicts than just the back and forth of George refusing to make wishes and Geena trying to force him to make them. I realize I have a lot to set up and show, as well as good conflict and drama in the beginning but after my midpoint, I am not sure if it holds up. It is a wake-up call for me to keep pondering how I can add more conflict, drama, and up the stakes after midpoint, without repeating what we’ve already seen a lot of. I don’t want this to be a one-note, one-joke gag.

1.

Concept

Protagonist angle: George, a highly ambitious, but flawed, lonely, and failing self-help writer and public speaker, finds a genie that he decides to ruthlessly use in any way he can in order to achieve success, not realizing that it’s only through his own internal changes external success can be found.

Antagonist angle: Geena, a genie who’s been trapped for 3000 years with only one mission left to fulfill before she can retire, is found by a lonely public speaker who refuses to ask for his wishes in order to keep her around, so she uses everything she’s got to force, bully, beg, seduce or trick him into asking for his wishes, so she can be released and be free.

Main Conflict

George sees Geena as his golden ticket and is set on keeping her around for her to help him achieve his goal of becoming hugely successful. Geena’s sole goal and desire is to retire and she does everything she can to hurry George up and make his three wishes so she can leave him and be free.

Old Ways

Protagonist

– Whining about circumstances.

– Displaying arrogance to hide feeling insecure.

– Blaming others and everything around him for failures.

– Refusal to see and confront his own shortcomings.

– Acceptance of failure and resignation.

– Putting up a fake facade and hiding behind a mask.

– Constantly comparing himself to others.

– Afraid to be honest, with himself and others.

– Focused primarily on receiving validation and on being seen as successful.

Takes his frustration out on those he has power over.
Bullies Geena.

New ways

– Having the courage to trust that things can work out.

– Courage to be and act honestly.

– Stands up for himself.

– Faith in his message

– Focus on contribution and what he can give, rather than on what he can get.

– Confident and worthy.

– Generous

– Easygoing and understanding of others.

– Cares about people for real

– Goes on his mission for a greater cause than himself, beyond external validation – a human cause.

– Respects and appreciates Geena

2.

Act 1:

Opening.

Introduces us to George and his personality as he embarks on a book tour, arrives at a hotel, where they forgot that he was coming in the excitement of his competition, Brad Brightly’s arrival. George holds his first, awful and dull lecture in front of a sparse audience that leaves before he’s done. He blames Brad.

Inciting Incident.

On the way back from the lecture George stops at a yard sale where he buys the lamp containing Geena the genie. Geena emerges and George, to his astonishment, stands eye to eye with a real genie, who is obliged to grant him three wishes. This opens a whole new door for him!!

Introduces us to Geena and who she is.

Turning point.

George realizes the power he has in Geena having to stay around for as long as it takes until he’s asked for his three wishes. He also realizes he’s less lonely with her around. After his first wish being that she plays tennis with any time he wants, he refuses to ask for more wishes.

Geena realizes that George doesn’t want to ask for his wishes and that he might never set her free. She gets furious and makes secret plans as to how she will “make” George hurry up and ask for his wishes.

Act 2.

New plan

George realizes that he looks successful with an assistant (Geena) by his side, prompting him to ask for his second wish, for Geena to be by his side and help him anytime he demands.

Plan in action

George uses Geena to sit in as a sidekick at lectures and to take payment for book sales, to appear rich and successful. Geena very reluctantly obeys and in order to wear George out, deliberately sabotages more than she helps.

Midpoint

George gets an upset stomach at a lecture and has to run to the bathroom. The audience turns to Geena to ask questions and with her natural wisdom and common sense, her answers and insights are a huge success. The audience loves her. For the first time, a few books sell. And word gets out that these lectures are worth checking out.

Act 3.

Rethink everything

George sees Geena’s charisma on stage and changes his strategy, to use her in different ways. At the same time, he realizes that Geena has the power now, after the audience loving her and that he needs to change his manners towards her to coax her into giving it all she’s got without him having to ask for his last wish. Geena realizes and enjoys her newfound power and decides to use it to make things even more difficult for George so that he’ll get tired of her and finally ask for his last wish.

New Plan

George gives Geena more visibility and time on stage. But Geena is not interested in going any further than the wishes have obliged her to and she gives blunt, often rude answers to the audience’s questions. (Which backfires, as the audience often loves them, as they are brimming with truth) Geena realizes that golf at resorts costs a lot of money. Suddenly success becomes important to her as well. Now George has the power. She makes a deal with him to get a percentage of sales.

Turning point: Huge failure / major shift

The success is there. The money. The audience. The recognition. But George has become completely invisible behind Geena. She has taken over and has become the real success. There are rumors that she ghostwrote the book with George’s name on it. Oprah calls her. Someone mistakes George for being Geena’s assistant. He is completely broken.

Geena is getting cockier by the minute. She loves her newfound fame. At the same time, she can only come out to enjoy it when George calls her out of the lamp. Which he hates to do, but he needs her. The conflict is at its worst in a horrible co-dependent relationship. They have a huge fight and by mistake, George blurts out either: “I wish I never had to see you again!” Geena grants him his wish and disappears.

Act 4.

Climax

George is left on his own. He has to finds his way at lectures by himself. He doesn’t do well. He feels and looks more like a failure than ever. The audience keeps asking for Geena. He is lonelier than ever. He misses Geena despite their conflicts. He has to play tennis against a wall, with her not there. He feels bad that he treated her badly. He realizes his errors and flawed ways. He undergoes a change and becomes an authentic speaker. He stops pretending to be perfect to his audience and speaks from his heart and truth. He genuinely wants to help people. People start listening. He becomes increasingly popular, but he is not driven by that anymore.

Geena on her end is free and in Florida where she enjoys golf but misses George. She feels bad that she wasn’t very nice to him, either.

Resolution

At a big convention which George and Geena were booked to speak at together since before they parted ways, George shows up and says that he’ll be doing it alone. Just then Geena shows up. When George says he thought he’d never see her again, she says that his wish was that “ he’d never HAVE to see her again”, but that she knows that he silently WANTED to see her at the convention, which is not the same as “HAVING TO” so her showing up is unrelated to his last wish. So, she decided to come. Because she wanted to see him, as well. They realize they are friends. For real. This is their last lecture together and it’s a huge success.

A year later, George is on the cover of a magazine and Geena sips a Tom Collins at a Florida golf resort course, while she calls to congratulate him.

[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallén’s Character Interviews

What I learned doing this assignment is, so much about both characters. They started speaking to me like they needed to vent. And they have really strong opinions of each other and their worlds. I don’t know if all of what they shared will stay in the story down the road, or how much will change, but for now, I just let them flow and listened. I learned that this is a really interesting and effective tool for shaping the characters’ inner and outer lives. I come to understand who they are, where they come from, and I understand why they behave the way they do. It has helped me to find more that I care about and respect in my protagonist and it has helped me find depth and layers in my antagonist. Plus it’s been a super fun exercise!!! Really enjoyed it!

PS. I am aware that I’m switched from present to past tense and then back again in the interviews, so it’s far from grammatically correct, but I just let it flow and that’s how it came out. I won’t write like that in the actual script.

Protagonist Interview.

1. Tell me about yourself.

My name is George. I’m in my early 40s.., well, 45…, well…. 46 in a month. Sorry. I am a personal development expert and public speaker. And I have written a bestselling, well, soon to be a bestselling book on the topic of how we can solve and overcome the prevalent problem of loneliness in modern society. I wish more people would come to listen to my seminars. I wish Brad Brighton – another (famous) self-help speaker – hadn’t scheduled his seminar series to conflict with mine. I think people are generally misunderstanding me. I just want them to goddamn listen to what I have to say. I dream of fame, recognition, and my name on the New York bestseller list. Brad Brighton got a book deal with Hay House, but I know you can get on the bestseller list from self-publishing, too – if you work hard enough. You can, right? And that’s one thing I have going for me, I am willing to work harder than anyone. Didn’t Will Smith say that? Nobody will ever out-work me? Gosh, I hate people sometimes. They don’t know what’s best for them that’s why they are lonely. I really wish I had a friend. I had no siblings. My parents were jet-setters. I think, no I know, that they were hoping for something other than me when they got a child. Something better. Probably a cute dog. Sometimes I think I’m pretty good-looking. Actually, I don’t, but you’re supposed to fake it till you make it. I’m balding. It’s not fair. Nothing is fair. It’s not my fault. I just want to be rich and recognized. And of course, make a difference in this world. I miss…. somebody…. Sometimes I cry at night. I’m so alone.

2. Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you?

I think it’s because I have something to say. And I think I’m relatable in some weird way. I mean I’d like to say it’s because I’m perfect, but just between you and me, deep down I think it’s the opposite – it’s because I’m not. Because, who is, really? Well, maybe Brad Brighton. But he is boring. Not as a public speaker, as that he’s charismatic and mesmerizing, but as a lead character in this story he’d be boring. I’m probably boring too, as a dinner guest. But that’s kind of funny in a scene. And I have a long and winding road and journey to travel. I have places to go, things to learn, and many things to trip over. And if I was perfect it wouldn’t be a journey, would it? And if I didn’t trip and fall over it wouldn’t be funny, would it? And if I didn’t trip how would I learn? And you know what, I might do a lot of things wrong, but I’m not going to stop until I get them right. I hate that I’m not perfect and I’ll try to convince you until I hit rock bottom that I am. But once I do hit rock bottom, well, then I’ll try a different approach until I find a way out of it. Yeah, yeah, I whine and say I’ll quit, but I actually won’t. Because then what…? And maybe I’m also put on this journey to inspire someone else to keep going and to learn to be ok with who they are. Flaws and all. And maybe, just maybe to find a friend.

3. You are up against Geena the Genie. And people in general. And Brad Brighton What is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you?

Well, people have always been against me. What makes it difficult is that people don’t know what best for them. I do, but they won’t listen. It’s sooo frustrating! And when I met Geena I saw the solution in her, I mean I can ask for anything I want, right? But if I do she will leave and she’s good to keep around. As a backup plan, you know. Actually, between you and me I like her company, but please don’t let her know that. She’s loud and obnoxious and if I had a difficult time getting noticed and heard before it’s near impossible now – she steals all the limelight. As if she was some kind of guru. Gosh, a guy can’t have one occasion of a bad stomach, before she steals the show. She makes me feel inferior and she irritates me and yet I can’t make myself get rid of her. I need her. That’s irritating. But she makes me look popular – I have an assistant and a tennis partner. That looks good. Brad Brighton makes everything difficult for me because for some unimaginable reason people flock to him like flies to honey. I can’t even blame him for being an asshole because he doesn’t know who I am and didn’t intentionally try to sabotage me. But I assume he’s an asshole. And I blame him anyway. But most of all Geena has made this journey complicated. She brings things up that I really don’t want to hear. Or see. Damn her.

4. In order to survive or accomplish this you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?

I expect to avoid and resist any changes for as long as I possibly can. But, yeah, I expect that I in the end will have to make a few. Like being honest about myself, to myself, and to others. I will have to admit that I am lonelier than most of the people I attempt to teach, guide, and criticize for living in ways that cause loneliness. I will have to start speaking differently to my audience. Act less superior, be more real. Admit that I don’t have all the answers all the time. I have to admit that I too, am lonely. I have to stop blaming everyone else and take responsibility for myself. I have to change my behavior towards Geena. I have a habit of bossing her around, which I enjoy, because I’ve never had anyone I could boss around before, but I realize I have to stop doing that. I know it’s not right. That will be hard, though. It makes me feel so powerful to have the upper hand.

I should probably tell her that I do enjoy her company and that I’m afraid I’ll never hear from her after she’s granted me three wishes. That I actually root for her and hope she will have a great retirement in Florida.

I have to change the things I value most. Like needing to have a New York Bestseller in order to feel worthy as a human being. I have to change the reason why I do things. I always say it’s because I want to help people, which actually is why I started on this path in the first place, but then that mission kind of got lost on the way, and to be honest my desire to become super successful rich, and famous – to be the no 1 self-help speaker on Youtube has sort of overshadowed everything else. I will have to be able to shed this and get back to my core inspiration – to help others, to serve, to make people feel better the way I want to feel better, in order to succeed on this journey. And that will be the hardest thing of all. To focus on what I can give instead of what I want to get.

5. What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?

Well, I mentioned most of them above, but to say it once again, I think it will be really hard to focus on what I can give and contribute with just for the benefit of doing something good, rather than on what I can get and how I can be recognized. Because we’ve all learned that if you’re not seen you don’t exist, right? It’ll be really hard for me to stop the habit of blaming unlucky circumstances and other people for what I feel are my failures, as well. Because, if it’s nobody else’s fault then I will feel like a failure as a person for where I am. I guess I have to let go of the thinking that I am a failure as a human being if I don’t get on the New York Times Bestseller list. That will be really hard. It will also be very hard and scary to break the habit of bossing Geena around and to have the courage to ask her for the last wishes and risk her disappearing forever.

6. What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back?

I feel like a failure most of the time. I know I’m not a great speaker. I’m scared that I will be found out. That I’m more lonely than anyone I speak to about loneliness, but I don’t want anyone to know that or find me out. For some reason, I sense I am invisible and insignificant. I know I’m not attractive and charming like Brad Brighton. My parents forgot that I existed. If they forgot me, if I was invisible to my own parents, why would anyone else appreciate or notice me? I fear failure because it’ll confirm that I am and my whole life is a failure. I fear that my audience won’t respect me if I don’t show them a perfect image of me.

7. What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist?

I have myself, fallen victim to all the traps I speak of. (Even if I don’t admit it) I know from experience the pain of what I speak about, so I can truly relate to others feeling this way. I have to overcome all my shortcomings in order to reach my goal, which makes me an expert in how to do it – and from there on to guide and encourage others on their journeys to do the same. I have resilience and endurance. I might complain a lot and threaten to quit, but I never will. I will keep going until I get there. I do have a good heart when it truly matters.

8. What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?

Every flaw I mentioned above. The fact that I am so lonely I could die. That I am sad and feel like a failure. That I am scared. Of everything and everyone and most of all of who I am. That I care too much about what they think of me. That I fear that my whole life is a mistake. I don’t want them to know anything about my background. I don’t want them to know that it hurts when nobody buys my book, or wants to listen when I speak. I definitely don’t want them to know that I don’t have any friends.

9. What do you think of Geena, the genie?

She’s obnoxious, lazy, loud, and irritating. Life was better before I met her!! Well, there are some benefits to her. I like that she has to fulfill my wishes. But I wish she’d just do what I say, nicely and quietly and stop asking annoying questions and commenting on my behaviors and on what I say. She drives me crazy with her “in your face” attitude. But, well, I guess she can be kind of fun. I mean I love that I beat her in tennis. I enjoy seeing her huff and puff and sweat…. She does have a good side to her but don’t tell her that I admitted that. She is actually very intelligent and wise. But it sure doesn’t come out very often. It’s annoying but also kind of nice to see someone so in awe of little things, like a toaster. But mostly she’s irritating. She makes me feel uncomfortable and put on the spot all the time. I don’t like how she makes me look at myself and see my shortcomings just by being there. It’s super annoying. But I hope she would want to be my friend even if she wasn’t tied to me through an obligation to fulfill my wishes. I’m going to miss her when she’s gone.

10. Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.

You know, the conflict in the story is that I should be successful, but it feels like everyone and everything is stacked up against me. I mean, I am a self-help public speaker and writer and I have something important to say. And even more important to prove. To people, to all the bullies, and most of all to my parents – and to myself. That I am not a failure. And the best way to prove that is to become wildly successful and recognized! That would show that I’m valuable. A New York Times bestseller and a huge audience will assure it. But it’s been one struggle after another. It’s not my fault. People don’t get it. The odds are stacked against me. What odds, you ask? Well, I’m not 6ft2 and I’m from a small town. Anyway, stop asking uncomfortable questions. So, then I meet this genie, Geena, who’s supposed to be my golden ticket because she is obliged to grant me three wishes, but she just complicates things even more. And then I find myself in this messy situation where I’m finally starting to see some success, but I’m tied to and dependent on Geena, not the other way around. How could she get all the power? And then if I don’t want to completely fail on my mission I’m forced to do all these hugely embarrassing things, like telling people the truth about myself. It’s all really uncomfortable and to be honest, I’ve been annoyed and scared-as-hell most of the story, but in hindsight, I guess it was all worth it. Because who saved the day in the end? Well, maybe I didn’t quite save the day, but I did help a few people to feel better, which feels really good and I definitely saved myself in the process. And guess what, Geena is still my friend after all this. She’s more annoying than ever.

11. What does it do for your life if you succeed here?

I wanted to say that if I’m successful and get huge approval from my audience and book buyers, it will prove that I’m worthy. But towards the end of my journey, I redefine success, so I think that will be the actual determination of what succeeding means. It will mean that I have the courage to honest with my readers and audience and that I will be at peace with myself and my life. That I feel ok about things. It will mean that I’m more real and that I will find friends and be less lonely. That I’ll find my way. And it’s ok. And that Geena will keep being my friend even when she doesn’t have to be.

Antagonist Interview:

1. Tell me about yourself.

My pleasure. I’m Geena the genie. Well it’s not really my name, but the fool who found me couldn’t pronounce my real name so he insisted on calling me Geena for the sake of ease, or I think he thought it was clever, the poor sucker. I’m beautiful, curvy, vibrant, and filled with wisdom. Some say I’m lazy, but I call it laid back. I like who I am. And I am a true genie, 14th generation born and raised in the Arab desert, back when genies were as common as garden gnomes are now. Well, long story short I was well on my way to be finished with my genie duties and be free to retire. We retired earlier back then, mind you most people didn’t even live for as long as I’m old now. Anyway, I only had one person left to grant wishes, before I could retire, throw that lamp away forever and be free. I was so looking forward to it!!! But don’t you know it, I was dropped in the desert during a storm and I lay there buried in the sand for 3000 years until an American tourist found me and brought me, or I should say my lamp to the US. They never cared to clean, therefore rub, my lamp, so they never officially called on me, but after George bought my lamp at that yard sale, he took to polish it like there was no tomorrow. And all that rubbing propelled me out of the lamp despite 3000 years of sedentary weight gain. Gosh knows my joints were stiff, but what a feeling to be outside in the world again!! I just couldn’t wait to finally be free, retire and do what I wanted. I couldn’t wait to grant those wishes just as fast as could be done. Because I really dream of freedom!! But as you know from this story George wasn’t going to make it that easy. He was the client from hell.

2. Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and your weaknesses?

One of my strengths is that I see it and tell it like it is. 3000 years of life and time to observe it means that I have gathered a fair amount of wisdom that is really beneficial for this story and journey. I can’t help but point out flaws in George’s thinking when prodded or voice obvious things that people are blind to. Another strength is that I don’t care what anyone thinks of me, I certainly have no need to be liked so I don’t need to lie. Well, actually this is not necessarily a strength and it does change eventually, because I realize towards the end that it’s not all bad to have and to be a friend after all. But unlike George, I’m not dependent on everyone’s approval to be ok with who I am. A weakness of mine is that I’m lazy. I think I got that way from hanging out in a small lamp watching prisms go by for 3000 years. That tennis-playing thing is not for me. Another weakness is that I don’t really trust people. After all, it was a person who failed me/dropped me 3000 years ago, and look how that screwed up my plans. I’m kind of jaded about people. But to end on a good note, a strength of mine is that I see the world with fresh eyes after being away from it and trapped for so long. I see the wonder in everything new and in life itself.

3. Why are you committed to making the protagonist fail and change?

I am committed to both of the above. I am committed to making him fail at refusing to ask me for his last two wishes, in order to hold on to me. The obvious reason for this is that the sooner he asks me for the wishes to be fulfilled to sooner I can be free and retire. And I am going to do anything in my power to make that happen as quickly as possible, from begging, coaxing, pushing, and even tricking him into it if necessary.

I want him to change because it annoys him that I try to nudge him to change. And I like to challenge him. We have this kind of power struggle and darn if I’m going to be the one to give in. He doesn’t even realize this but I do. It’s fun to annoy him. I get under his skin and if I do that enough I think he’ll eventually get so irritated that he releases me just to get rid of my. Though, that would actually be a bit sad. As pathetic as he is I’ve grown to appreciate his company.

And deep down, as a last resort I kind of sense that if I trigger him to change and grow as a person, he might just feel safe enough to be alone and therefore dare to ask for the last wish(es) and release me. So I will try to make that happen. I’ll probably stay friends with him after I’m free, but he doesn’t know that yet. He’ll get the upper hand if I admit that.

4. What do you get out of winning this fight and succeeding in your plan?

I get my freedom, finally!!! Retirement. I get to play golf in Florida for the rest of eternity if I want. Green grass, blue skies, and fresh air and someone to do the heavy carrying for me. That’s life. I also get to be right. That feels quite good, too.

5. What drives you toward your mission and agenda even in the face of danger, ruin, or death?

Freedom!!! And to be honest also to challenge George, because it annoys me when he’s fake and cowardly and I just have to call him on it.

6. What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity?

Well, I don’t actually keep many secrets, but once I realize that just being nice and asking George to ask me for his wishes is not going to work, there is one thing I have to keep secret from him. And that is that everything I say and do is to make him ask for his wishes, so I can be free. And there is another thing I keep secret, just because, well, I feel vulnerable to admit it – and that’s that I actually enjoy his company.

I’ve even come to like playing tennis, just like he said I would. I’ll never over my dead body give him the satisfaction of knowing that one!

7. Compared to other people like you, what makes you special?

I’m a genie. There are very few “people” like me around these days. I’m also a female genie. That wasn’t very unusual back in my days, but people here seem to think I should be some dude. Anyway, what makes me special on this journey, aside from being a genie is that I am really honest with both myself and others – yes even George, when it comes down to it. And that I see the world and everything in it with both with ancient wisdom and the eyes of a newborn. I see the truth because I accept everything as it is. And none of it is a big deal. I can see that people, in general, make way too much of a deal of everything. Those are the things you learn and come to terms with after 3000 years trapped in a lamp.

8. What do you think of George?

Honestly, George is a fuck-up. I feel bad for him, even though he annoys the heck out of me. He is so sad and lonely. I was in solitary confinement for 3000 years and I’m still less lonely than he is. He is confused. He tries to help and change everyone else just to avoid looking at himself. And everything he does is to get admiration from others. He is happy if he gets praise and devastated if he doesn’t. He is more of a slave than I am even though I’m chained to stay around until I grant him wishes. But at least my mind and thoughts are free. His aren’t. He is a slave to what everyone else thinks of him. He is weak and a coward and whiny and annoying. And gosh, does he complain. And he clearly enjoys bossing me around. I get so tired of it. But, if I am to be honest, which I said I am so I should honor that, he does have a few good points as well. He does have a really good message to share actually if people only would read his book. He’s a bit convoluted in communicating it, but at the core, he has tapped into something real and valuable that is worth sharing with the world. He does have a good heart, when it comes down to it and when he can get over himself. And he’s intelligent. You wouldn’t know it because he behaves so goofily, but that’s just his insecurities – he gets nervous and messes up. He’s a terrible speaker, but at least he tries. And he doesn’t give up, I have to give him that. I can’t stand him, but gradually I’ve got to respect his efforts. And dang it at the end of our journey together, I do like him, too. I think I’ll call him from the golf course.

9. Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.

Ok, so there I was trapped in the desert for 3000 years. This American tourist found me, well, found my lamp and brought me back to the US but I guess his wife said my lamp was ugly so it ended up at their yard sale where George found it and bought it for a dollar. Can you believe it, that I, well my lamp, my home, my castle was sold for a dollar!! Anyway, that’s beside the point. So George cleans off the lamp and rubs it in doing so, and what choice do I have then (none) but to squeeze out of the uncomfortably narrow lamp opening and offer him my services. “Your Wish is my Command, Sir!” I thought he’d faint at first, but I’ve got to give him that he has a pretty open mind and he got around to believing in me. That’s one of those deeply hidden traits in him that I had to pull out of him through the course of this journey, for him to dare to believe again. Anyway, you can imagine how excited I was to finally be back in the world and three wishes away from retirement. Eternal freedom. But George just wouldn’t ask for his wishes. Except for that first one when he asked that I play tennis with him whenever he demanded. I’m sure you don’t think it sounds that bad but have you tried to play tennis after not exercising for 3000 years, sitting scrunched up in a small space. There’s not a bone or muscle in my body that didn’t hurt. And I kept losing the games. He loved it. I think tennis is the only thing he’s kind of good at. But most of all I can tell he wanted to show off to everyone else that he had a tennis partner, that he wasn’t alone. So anyway, I kept trying to nudge him to ask for his wishes, but he refused and I know why. He was afraid that he’d be all alone again if he did and I wasn’t around anymore. But he’d never admit that this was the reason. We’ll eventually he did ask for that second wish, for me to help him at his lectures and be around anytime he asked me to. He really annoyed me because all I wanted was to be free and retire and do my own thing. I saw this commercial on the hotel TV for a golf resort in Florida and I instantly knew that this is where I want to be and this is what I want to do for the rest of my life – which might be eternity.

You can’t blame me for doing everything I can to make George ask for all his wishes quickly, right? And he really needs to change his ways if he’s ever to get what he wants. He thinks it’s fame and a bestseller that is going to get him that but its not.

He longs for connection. Oh, Gosh, I think I’m the closest thing he has to a real connection. I want to have contempt for him, but how can I not feel somewhat bad for him and care about him? He’s so helpless. But he drives me crazy and I don’t really want to help him. But then I realize that it costs a gazillion dollars to play golf at a resort for the rest of eternity. That changes the situation completely. Now I need him – no us – to be successful and make money. I say us, because, hey, if I’m assisting at lectures, I should be getting a percentage too, right? I get a lawyer and a bank account and get to work. Of course, George gets even more difficult now. You’d think he’d be happy that I’m on a mission to help him, but he’s just never easy. But, he’s special. And now, looking back I have to say that I’m proud of him. My friend.

[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallén
I agree to the terms of this release form.

The terms are stated below.

GROUP RELEASE FORM FOR “THE 30 DAY SCREENPLAY”

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

1. That I will keep the processes, strategies, communications, lessons, and models of the 30 Day Screenplay 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, communications, lessons, and models of the 30 Day Screenplay 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 30 Day Screenplay class.

[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallén’s Character Profile Part 2

What I learned doing this assignment is that this is a great way to discover a lot about your characters. I learned a great deal about my antagonist today. I discovered many traits and qualities I had no idea would come up and she’s starting to show up as a very dimensional person who “wants to have her say” in what I write about her. I think I had a stronger idea about where I wanted to go with George already before the class started, but now kind of I wish I hadn’t, because I might be blocking other insights that would have come up as better and more interesting surprises otherwise. I think I will want to keep revisiting this for George with a more “clean slate mind” and see what possibly comes up then. I also learned that this is a great way to start thinking of layers and subtext already before starting on the script itself, which hopefully will help build it into the script naturally, right from the start.

Lead Character 1, George

Character Profile Part 1:

Protagonist: George.

Type of Protagonist: Dreamer

Role in the Story: Ambitious, but misguided, scared, and lonely self-help speaker and writer with a victim mindset, desperately wanting to become successful and validated. Well-meaning and insightful at the core, but beaten up by the competitive public speaker and personal development industry. Speaks of a message intended to help people and humanity as a whole to overcome loneliness, without realizing that he most of all desires to help himself.

Age and description: Mid 40s. Thin, pale, wearing ill-fitting blazers. Looks somewhat sad. Looks hesitant and insecure, except for at the tennis court, where he looks comfortable and at ease.

Internal Journey: From scared, misguided, blameful, pessimistic, and given up to authentic, brave, truthful, and generous enough to not only help himself but also to make the positive difference in the world he aspires to.

External Journey: From failing and desperate public speaker and writer hiding behind a facade, to an authentic, insightful, confident, open, and truly valuable teacher.

Motivation: Conscious motivation. To become successful, respected, and famous within the public speaking and personal development industry.

Subconscious motivation: A deep longing for connection and to be of value.

Wound: A deeply rooted sense of loneliness and a feeling of insignificance.

Mission/Agenda: To educate and guide people and humanity to overcome loneliness and most of all to gain validation, respect, success, and fame in the process.

Secret: He is lonelier than any of his clients and audience members.

What makes him special: He truly does have valuable and great insights deep inside, once he learns to communicate them and has the courage to open up and be truthful with himself and others. His willingness to keep on trying and refusal to give up even after repeated failures.

Character Profile Part 2

What draws us to this character?

He is an underdog. Flawed, insecure, and uncharismatic in a competitive industry built on confidence and perfect presentations. He is ambitious but scared, weak but idealistic and a terrible speaker with an important message he struggles to communicate.

Traits:

Ambitious, scared, idealistic, insecure, uncharismatic, torn, resilient, desperate, soft-hearted, manipulative, self-protective, in denial.

Subtext: Hides his fears behind a cocky facade. Complains about everything and everyone in order to avoid looking at his own failures and to divert anyone around from doing that, as well. Justifies forcing Geena to play tennis with him by insisting she needs to get in shape when in reality it is because he’s lonely and wants a tennis partner and longs for a friend.

Flaw: His unwillingness to admit to his own flaws and weaknesses or being “real” even though speaking about the importance of this. His refusal to take responsibility for his own perceived failures. His fear of being left out, alone, and not appreciated, making him a slave to others’ opinions.

Values: Fame, Success, Image, The importance of his message, Deep down he values human connection.

Irony: That he himself is in a worse state than any of the audience members he speaks to about improving their lives. That he stresses authenticity, but doesn’t practice it and speaks about solutions to modern day loneliness, but is lonelier than anyone else himself.

What makes this the right character for this role?

He is the worst offender of everything he advises against and he is forced to confront himself in order to reach his goal – and once he does that he’s better equipped than anyone else to teach from experience. He is insecure and uncharismatic in an industry built upon confidence and charisma, which makes him an underdog to root for despite his flaws.

Lead Character 2, Geena, the genie

Character Profile Part 1

Antagonist: Geena, the genie.

Type of Antagonist: Change Agent

Role in the Story: An ancient genie who’s released by George after having been trapped in her lamp for 3000 years. Grumpy and impatient to get on with granting three wishes for the last human she needs to help before being free to retire. Having 3000 years to sit and think has made her gain unprecedented, tree-like wisdom which she reluctantly shares in order to speed up the process for her to become free. Acts as a mirror and sparring partner to George, while also on her own journey of self-discovery.

Age range and description: 50s. Female. Heavyset from no exercise for 3000 years.

Internal Journey: From jaded, grumpy, selfish, and lazy, to allowing herself to feel and to like people, to make an effort, and to be part of the world. From superior and closed off to allowing herself the trust to be a friend and to have a friend.

External Journey: From living trapped in a lamp and forced to grant wishes to anyone who finds her, to freedom and retirement on a golf course in Florida.

Motivation: Freedom. Retirement.

Wound: Kept in isolated imprisonment and complete solitude inside the lamp for 3000 years. The pain and humiliation of being a slave to anyone who finds her.

Mission/Agenda: To hurry George up in making his three wishes so she can be free, using any methods she can – tricks, manipulation, pleading, threats…

Secrets: She feels a bit lonely too. She actually enjoys George’s company.

What makes her special: Her unique view of life and her ancient wisdom combined with an ability to boil her knowledge down to common sense and to communicate it simply. That she is a genie.

Character Profile Part 2

What draws us to this character?

She is a genie. She’s eccentric and blatantly honest. She’s full of wisdom, yet naive. She’s jaded about some things but sees much of the modern world with a child’s eyes. Great at noticing and stating “the obvious” that we people often are blind to.

Traits: Eccentric, loud, wise, tired, impatient, trickster, lazy, jaded, naive

Subtext: Very little. She’s in your face honest – what you see is what you get. Except when she’s trying to trick George into making his wishes.

Flaw: Doesn’t care about anyone but herself. (at first anyway) Lazy

Values: Freedom, Retirement, Golf, A huge bed (after 3000 years in a small lamp)

Irony: Even though she’s selfish she comes through for George when he most needs it. Even though she’s uninterested in George’s teachings she listens and understands his principles better than he does, for the most part. Even though she’s jaded and lazy in some ways she reacts with childlike excitement and amazement when she encounters certain new things. Even after 3000 years in solitude, she is less lonely than George and most people she encounters.

What makes this the right character for this role?

She has been isolated from the world for 3000 years and has a fresh take on everything in modern society. She also has a natural wisdom that has developed over all these years buried in the desert. A core understanding of life and nature’s rhythm. She doesn’t shy away from confronting George, so she is perfect for highlighting his weaknesses and in doing so forcing him to confront them.

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• This reply was modified 4 years ago by  Karin Hallen. Reason: formatting
• This reply was modified 4 years ago by  Karin Hallen. Reason: formatting issues

[Karin Hallen]

Karin Hallén’s Character Profiles Part 1

What I learned doing this assignment:

A lot! I have learned about my main character’s subconscious motivations in addition to his conscious ones. Thinking about my character’s wounds and finding them has been very helpful in discovering this. Finding both characters’ wounds has also helped identify the real reasons for several of their behaviors.

I have also learned that it’s really beneficial to already at this stage think of minor characters, background, and extras, because suddenly when I did this a much more complete picture of “the world” in the story and a whole new dimensional layer came to life, with scene ideas and new dynamics popping up.

I have also learned that I have to find a valid, relatable, and somewhat justifiable reason for my protagonist’s behavior, in order to create a multi-faceted depth and some kind of likability in him, despite his obvious flaws, or the audience will not root for him, but only for the genie.

Genre: Buddy Movie (Comedy)

Protagonist: George.

Type of Protagonist: Dreamer

Role in the Story: Ambitious, but misguided, scared, lonely self-help speaker and writer with a victim mindset, desperately wanting to become successful and validated. Well-meaning and insightful at the core, but eaten and beaten up by the competitive public speaker and personal development industry. Speaks of a message intended to help people and humanity as a whole to overcome loneliness, without realizing that he most of all desires to help himself.

Age and description: Mid 40s. Thin, pale, wearing ill-fitting blazers. Looks somewhat sad. Looks hesitant and insecure, except for at the tennis court, where he looks comfortable and at ease.

Internal Journey: From scared, misguided, blameful, pessimistic and given up to authentic, brave, truthful, and generous enough to not only help himself but to make the difference in the world he aspires to, as well.

External Journey: From failing and desperate public speaker and writer hiding behind a facade, to an authentic, insightful, confident, open, and truly valuable teacher.

Motivation: Conscious motivation. To become successful, respected, and famous within the public speaking and personal development industry.

Subconscious motivation: A deep longing for connection and to be of value.

Wound: A deeply rooted sense of loneliness and a feeling of insignificance.

Mission/Agenda: To educate and guide people and humanity to overcome loneliness and most of all to gain validation, respect, success, and fame in the process.

Secret: He is lonelier than any of his clients and audience members.

What makes him special: He truly does have valuable and great insights deep inside, once he learns to communicate them and has the courage to open up and be truthful with himself and others. His willingness to keep on trying and refusal to give up even after repeated failures.

Antagonist: Geena, the genie.

Type of Antagonist: Change Agent

Role in the Story: An ancient genie who’s released by George after having been trapped in her lamp for 3000 years. Grumpy and impatient to get on with granting three wishes for the last human she needs to help before being free to retire. Having 3000 years to sit and think has made her gain unprecedented, tree-like wisdom which she reluctantly shares in order to speed up the process for her to become free. Acts as a mirror and sparring partner to George, while also on her own journey of self-discovery.

Age range and description: 50s. Female. Heavyset from no exercise for 3000 years. Grumpy and with stiff joints from having been trapped in a lamp for so long.

Internal Journey: From jaded, grumpy, selfish, and suspicious of humanity, to allowing herself to feel and like people and to feel part of the world. From superior and closed off to allowing herself the trust to be a friend and to have a friend.

External Journey: From living trapped in a lamp and forced to grant wishes to anyone who finds her, to freedom and retirement on a golf course in Florida.

Motivation: Freedom. Retirement.

Wound: Kept in isolated imprisonment and complete solitude inside the lamp for 3000 years. The pain and humiliation of being a slave to anyone who finds her.

Mission/Agenda: To hurry George up in making his three wishes so she can be free, using any methods she can – tricks, manipulation, pleading, threats…

Secrets: She feels lonely too. She actually enjoys George’s company.

What makes her special: Her unique view of life and her ancient wisdom combined with an ability to boil her knowledge down to common sense and to communicate it simply.

That she is a genie.

Other characters:

Supporting:

Female Therapist and potential love interest for George.

Male, more successful public speaker than George, who highlights George’s failures.

Minor:

A family member of George’s. His mom, or dad, whose personality and behavior helps in explaining why George has turned out the way he has.

Possibly a potential love interest for Geena.

Hotel personnel, receptionist, housekeeper, room service, manager…

Reporter

Background and Extras:

The audience at different lectures

Book buyers

Florida golfers

Tennis players

Customer Service Rep at a self-publishing company

Cab/Uber Driver

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• This reply was modified 4 years ago by  Karin Hallen.
• This reply was modified 4 years ago by  Karin Hallen. Reason: I keep having formatting issues when I copy and paste my text here
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• This reply was modified 4 years ago by  Karin Hallen.

[Karin Hallen]

Hi everyone,

I’m really happy, inspired, and excited to be part of this class.1.

My name is Karin Hallén. I am definitely considered a late starter in this field. I started writing screenplays five years ago and have written four feature scripts. One of them I wrote as a writer for hire for a production company in Sweden. This will be my second screenplay in English. I was also hired to co-write all episodes of season 2 of a YA SciFi series for network TV in Sweden in 2019.

I hope to learn how to efficiently and effectively craft a solid screenplay from beginning to end in a much shorter time than I have been able to do before. I also hope to pick up other tricks of the trade.

I was born and raised on a farm in Sweden. I now live ca half the time in L.A. and half in Sweden. I have lived all over the world and have had a string of professions that while interesting I ultimately knew were not for me, from lawyer to model, wine-teacher, Jaguar product specialist, and translator, always avoiding my true passion; writing until it was the only thing left to go for. And I am so glad I finally took that plunge. I love trees and have a few tree friends around L.A. that I regularly go and visit and talk to. They are great and loving listeners. I also love sports and pretty much all sports movies and I would love to one day write one.

• This reply was modified 4 years ago by  Karin Hallen.
• This reply was modified 4 years ago by  Karin Hallen.

[Karin Hallen]

Karin
Hallén’s Transformational Journey.

What I learned doing this assignment is what the internal challenges of my hero are and how and why they influence his behavior. I also learned where he needs to “land” after the character arch is complete and what changes need to take place internally for the external changes to be believable.

This
is a brand new idea that I’m starting with today. Genre
comedy/drama. Working title: “As You Wish”

My
broad-stroke idea is this: A
failing and lonely self-help speaker gets an unexpected opportunity
to turn his life around when he finds a lamp containing a grumpy
genie who has one person left to grant wishes before he’s free to
retire.

Here
are the answers to the questions we received a few days ago.

My
Hero is: George, a failing personal development expert, public
speaker and writer on tour with his new book. His
improbably goal is to become successful and famous, which is
improbable due to his attitude and internal shortcomings.

The
opposition is in his mind the genie who refuses to collaborate but
in reality his own beliefs, fears, and negativity.

The
interesting world worth exploring is the dynamic between George
and the genie and their opposites leading to a gradual, reluctant
friendship and ultimately learning from each other. Another
interesting world to explore is how the self-help speaker’s modern-day take on personal development and happiness compares to how the genie’s. The genie has been trapped in the lamp for 3000 years, with all that time to
think, mature, and develop a treelike wisdom, yet it’s unaware of modern-day complications. And how the two clash and ideally
could merge for a greater whole.

This
concept is unique because it is a different take on an odd couple
“buddy comedy” that I haven’t seen before.

My
Hero is George, a self help writer, speaker, and teacher.

Internal
Journey:

From:

– weak

– misguided/lost

– needy

– insecure

– fearful

– lonely
and sad

– whiny

to

– strong

– giving

– positive

– confident

– expansive

External
journey:

Old
ways:

– Whining
about circumstances and complaining.

– Displaying
arrogance to hide feeling insecure.

– Blaming
others and everything around him for failures.

– Refusal
to see and confront his own shortcomings.

– Acceptance
of failure and resignation.

– Putting
up a fake facade and hiding behind a mask.

– Constantly
comparing himself to others.

– Afraid
to be honest, with himself and others.

– Focused
primarily on receiving validation and on being seen as successful.

– Takes
his frustration out on those he has power over.

New
ways:

– Having
the courage to trust that things can work out.

– Takes responsibility.

– Courage
to be honest and act honestly.

– Stands
up for himself.

– Faith
in his abilities and in his message

– Focus
on contribution and what he can give, rather than get.</font></font>

– Confident
and worthy regardless of external validation.

– Generosity

– Easygoing
and understanding of others.

– Emerges
with a new understanding of life that “frees” him.

– Going
on his mission for a greater cause than himself, beyond validation, a human cause.

• This reply was modified 4 years ago by  Karin Hallen. Reason: For some reason there was formatting problems with my upload, so I had to go in and clean them up