[karyn laitis]

Subject line: Karyn L.– Character Death Track Lesson 6 – ASSIGNMENT 6
“What I learned doing this assignment is…?” I needed to add a few more characters to move the horror.
Characters:
1. Dr. Jean Lester-Team Leader
2. Carly Lester-Jean’s twin sister, mysteriously died in cave
3. Brett Halston-Team member-difficult
4. Dr. Margaret (Maggie) Barnard-Team member, Indigenous research
5. Cameron (Cam) Sobu-Team member technical wizard
6. Todd-Spelunker, Vicki’s boyfriend
7. Vicki-Spelunker, Todd’s girlfriend
8. Bobby-Spelunker, Vicki’s brother

Ways the Monster (Alien) kills:
1. Shapeshifter-Pack of wolves
2. Shapeshifter-an alien warrior larvae enters the ear
3. Death laser
4. Explosive darts
5. Melting into the cave walls
6. Flying guillotine orbs
7. Seize mind control
8. Alien torture-incapacitates, then sucks brain out
Survivors: Who Why
1. Maggie She is the voice of reason, the source of strength, an oracle
2. Cam(eron) He has a vision and hopes for a better future
First to die:
Carly She is the linchpin, the reason for the expedition-sweet, innocent
How: Off camera, we hear tortuous screams then “fade to black”
Apparent death
Middle Deaths
1. Bobby He is at the wrong place and time-How: Death laser
2. Todd Escalates the horror – noble, protecting Vicki-How: Explosive darts
3. Vicki Having lost Bobby and Todd, she gives up-How: Mind control
4. Brett Undermines, stealing alien technology-How: Alien larvae torture
Final Death
Dr. Jean She is driven to find her sister, she finally does in the clutches of the alien. She saves Carly and dies by Alien Guillotine Orb.

[karyn laitis]

Subject line: Karyn Laitis–Horror Situation Track
Lesson 5 ASSIGNMENT 5
“What I learned doing this assignment is…?” The Horror Situation and Reaction prompts help to get into the emotions. I know there is more horror to reveal to really hook the audience into the journey.
CONCEPT-A team of four explorers/researchers enter a cave looking for an ancient civilization and to recover the body of the twin sister of the lead explorer only to discover perfectly preserved remains of an ancient human and alien civilization and the wrath of the alien guardians.

ACT 1 — SET UP FOR HORROR
• Atmosphere of Evil established: Team leader (Jean) watches the last video sent by her twin sister terrorized by something in the cave causing Jean to run from her tent gasping to breathe having a panic attack.
• Horror Situation: (Mentally tormented) Terrible screams from inside team leader’s tent.
• Reaction: She bursts out of her tent gasping to breathe, in a panic attack.
• Connect with the characters: Other team members (Cam, Maggie, Brett) are casually drinking coffee, talking and laughing around the campfire focused on cave maps.
• Horror Situation: (Unknown motive) Leader runs out of tent gasping to breathe in a panic attack.
• Reaction: Group is compassionate to leader, but tentative, uneasy feelings and concern for their mission.
• Horror Situation: (Forces of Nature) An oddly fast-moving thunderstorm descends upon them.
• Reaction: Torrential storm pushes the team to quickly enter the cave.
• The characters are warned not to do it: A thunderstorm is upon them as they quickly secure the gear they can’t take into the cave. The rain motivates them to run to the cave entrance. They are met with “DO NOT ENTER” signs posted and a feeble wooden gate to deter them. Maggie remarks “And why are we doing this?” as the leader opens the gate to proceed.
• Horror Situation: (Walking into a trap) “DO NOT ENTER” and barriers foretelling danger are at the cave entrance as a warning to the team.
• Reaction: The odd storm sets up urgency to enter and get out of the rain.
• Denial of Horror: All are thankful to enter the cave just to get out of the torrents of rain, lightning and thunder. They checked their instruments and were relieved that all is working.
• Safety taken away: Deeper into the cave, their compass and GPS instruments go berserk and their flashlights go dark. They feel an eerie presence. Their trail splits into three tunnels. The cave seems to be breathing-the walls are moving with sections illuminated and shadows of beings running; then a seismic event knocks them down, the area they are in begins to collapse, forcing them to run into a different tunnel. Their escape route is sealed. As the air clears, they discover well preserved human and alien remains within the walls of the cave. They excavate some of the remains to identify what the species is.
• Horror Situation: (Environmental changes) Instruments stop working, seismic events.
• Reaction: They run deeper into the dark cave.
• Horror Situation: (Trapped, dangerous) As they run the cave walls collapse behind them, blocking their exit.
• Reaction: Frozen in fear in an alcove as debris falls around them.
• Monster: The nature of the beast; There is an ominous presence stalking the team, casting shadows on the dimly lit walls. The team finds a safe alcove to rest. Each takes a “watch shift” to make sure there are no intruders. They are awakened by the growl of three wolves, baring their teeth. Cam takes out a pistol and is about to shoot when the wolves attack, pinning him and ripping his flesh. Maggie fires a crossbow hitting one of the wolves and poof-they disappear into the walls of the cave. These were shapeshifters.
• Horror Situation: (Trapped, Impending doom) The team can feel the danger.
• Reaction: Take “watch shifts” to protect the group.
• Horror Situation: (Monster Approaching-Shapeshifting wolves attack)
• Reaction: One (Cam)pulls a pistol which is knocked out of his hand by (Brett) another in fear of setting off another seismic event.
• Horror Situation: (Torture) Lead wolf leaps to attack Cam, ripping at his flesh on his arm & shoulder. Maggie shoots a crossbow arrow and hits the wolf—wolves disappear into the cave wall.
• Reaction: Maggie shoots a crossbow arrow and hits the wolf—all wolves disappear into the cave wall. They scatter in different directions.
ACT 2 — THE POINT OF NO RETURN
• Isolated / Trapped / Abducted: Maggie and Cam are trapped in one of the tunnels; Maggie is tending to Cam’s wounds. Jean and Brett are separated and trapped in two different tunnels. Alone in the darkness of a monster cave.
• Horror Situation: (Impending doom) Team is separated, exhausted and injured at the mercy of the attackers.
• Reaction: Reassess the situation and investigate the tunnel each is in. Maggie tends to Cams injuries. He is in bad shape. She uses herbal medicines used by her family to treat his wounds.
• One of us killed: Brett continues to explore his tunnel to find a treasure trove of gold artifacts. He empties his pack of his gear to fill it with the artifacts. One item in particular pique his interest-it is an orb. Pleased with his findings, he casually tosses it up to catch it, but it flies up and attaches to the ceiling of the tunnel. The cave starts to pulsate and the grotesque, reptilian alien monster appears, capturing Brett, sucking out his brain matter. Brett’s tormented screams resound through the cave. It reminds Jean of her sister’s tortured screams.
• Horror Situation: (Attacked, physical torture, death) Brett is targeted by the alien guardian-Brett is restrained, tortured and killed).
• Reaction: The other team (Jean, Maggie, Cam) members hear the blood curdling and are trembling with fear. Especially Jean, remembering her sister’s video.
• MIDPOINT: The monster is worse than we thought!
• Full pursuit by the killer: Jean, Maggie and Cam reunite. They cautiously proceed in the direction of Brett’s screams and find his mutilated body with his skull imploded. He was still clutching one of the artifacts that he was going to steal. There are continuous sounds, ticking, shrieks, bellows, growls, with shadowy figures, and seismic events that push the group deeper into the tunnel. They collapse from exhaustion and hunger.
• Horror Situation: (Impending doom) The continuous shrieks and shadowy figures with continual tremors is unnerving.
• Reaction: The team covers themselves with mud, camouflage. They discover human and alien remains. Questions is this a battle ground or communal burial grounds?
• Horror Situation: (The death of a team member) Finding remains of Brett, tortured, skull imploded-brain matter oozing out of his ears.
• Reaction: Jean vomits at seeing Brett, Maggie and Cam fall to their knees. They hide in a small lava tube. Sleep.
• Terrorized: Jean, semi-conscious, hears footsteps and sees an apparition of her twin sister shouting a warning to “GET OUT!” Maggie and Cam felt the breath of an alien creature. In full view, they watch as the alien guardian stalks Jean.
• Horror Situation: There is a mist within the cave and Jean, semi-conscious, has a vision of her sister (Carly) warning her to get out of the cave. The vision vaporizes into a shapeshifter, reptilian humanoid—then gone.
• Reaction: Jean retreats further into the alcove in a fetal position.

• ACT 3 — FULL OUT HORROR
• Horror Situation: The alien guardian is fixated on Jean, drooling, with the long anteater tongue wagging in anticipation of consuming her brain.
• Reaction: Jean, terrified, leaps to her feet in anticipation of the alien’s movements. Maggie and Cam (injured) are watching the alien and Jean.
• Fight to the death: Maggie and Cam use some of the artifacts to distract the alien and warn Jean. The team is using the found technology to elude the guardians. When they throw the orbs they open and become a sharp projectile, but the guardians control the orbs, directing them at the team. They are using shields to deflect the orbs.
• Hysteria: The team is trembling in fear. They are trapped, moments away from being devoured by the guardians.
• The thrilling escape from death: Just as the guardians are about to kill the explorers, the twin sister (Carly) appears to direct them to another tunnel. Jean contains her elation and confusion at her sister’s presence. They are running through the tunnel, dodging falling rocks, the aliens give chase. Jean is the last to follow—too late.
• Death returns to take one or more. The others turn to try to save her but she directs them to go without her. Jean fights with every ounce of her being to escape the clutches of the alien. She goes limp as the long tongue enters her ear to suck the brain matter from her skull.
• Horror Situation: Jean loses her footing and stumbles.
• Reaction: Maggie and Cam pause to go back but Jean motions them to get out.
• Horror Situation: The aliens restrain Jean and with agonizing screams, they devour her brain, just like Brett.
• Reaction: Maggie, Cam and Carly run like hell through the cave toward the light source. There are some dead ends because there are vents in the cave for air and light.
• Resolution: Maggie, Cam and Carly evade the aliens by going for the light and the exit of the cave. They collapse from exhaustion and are silent. They are different. They return to their camp seeing a couple talking around the campfire. As they get closer, the couple turns to acknowledge the group. It’s Jean and Brett, eerily smiling.

• This reply was modified 5 months, 4 weeks ago by  karyn laitis.

[karyn laitis]

Subject line: Karyn L. — Horror Plot
Lesson 4—Assignment 4
“What I learned doing this assignment is…?” I feel like I’m starting to put the meat on the bones of the story. Like building a house-it must have “good bones” – foundation to develop the concept.
Create your plot.
CONCEPT-A team of four explorers/researchers enter a cave looking for an ancient civilization and to recover the body of the twin sister of the lead explorer only to discover perfectly preserved remains of an ancient human and alien civilization and the wrath of the alien guardians.

ACT 1 — SET UP FOR HORROR
• Atmosphere of Evil established: Team leader (Jean) watches the last video sent by her twin sister terrorized by something in the cave causing Jean to run from her tent gasping to breathe having a panic attack.
• Connect with the characters: Other team members (Cam, Maggie, Brett) are casually drinking coffee and talking around the campfire while looking at maps of the cave.
• The characters are warned not to do it: A thunderstorm is upon them as they quickly secure the gear they can’t take into the cave. The rain motivates them to run to the cave entrance. They are met with “DO NOT ENTER” signs posted and a feeble wooden gate to deter them. Maggie remarks “And why are we doing this?” as the leader opens the gate to proceed.
• Denial of Horror: All are thankful to enter the cave just to get out of the torrents of rain, lightning and thunder. They checked their instruments and were relieved that all is working.
• Safety taken away: Deeper into the cave, their compass and GPS instruments go berserk and their flashlights go dark. They feel an eerie presence. Their trail splits into three tunnels. The cave seems to be breathing-the walls are moving with sections illuminated and shadows of beings running; then a seismic event knocks them down, the area they are in begins to collapse, forcing them to run into a different tunnel. Their escape route is sealed. As the air clears, they discover well preserved human and alien remains within the walls of the cave. They excavate some of the remains to identify what the species is.
• Monster: The nature of the beast; There is an ominous presence stalking the team, casting shadows on the dimly lit walls. The team finds a safe alcove to rest. Each takes a “watch shift” to make sure there are no intruders. They are awakened by the growl of three wolves, baring their teeth. Cam takes out a pistol and is about to shoot when the wolves attack, pinning him and ripping his flesh. Maggie fires a crossbow hitting one of the wolves and poof-they disappear into the walls of the cave. These were shapeshifters.
ACT 2 — THE POINT OF NO RETURN
• Isolated / Trapped / Abducted: Maggie and Cam are trapped in one of the tunnels; Maggie is tending to Cam’s wounds. Jean and Brett are separated and trapped in two different tunnels. Alone in the darkness of a monster cave.
• One of us killed: Brett continues to explore his tunnel to find a treasure trove of gold artifacts. He empties his pack of his gear to fill it with the artifacts. One item in particular pique his interest-it is an orb. Pleased with his findings, he casually tosses it up to catch it, but it flies up and attaches to the ceiling of the tunnel. The cave starts to pulsate and the alien monster appears, killing Brett, sucking out his brain matter. Brett’s tormented screams resound through the cave. It reminds Jean of her sister’s tortured screams.
MIDPOINT: The monster is worse than we thought!
• Full pursuit by the killer: Jean, Maggie and Cam reunite. They cautiously proceed in the direction of Brett’s screams and find his mutilated body with his skull imploded. He was still clutching one of the artifacts that he was going to steal. There are continuous sounds, ticking, shrieks, bellows, growls, with shadowy figures, and seismic events that push the group deeper into the tunnel. They collapse from exhaustion and hunger.
• Terrorized: Jean, semi-conscious, hears footsteps and sees an apparition of her twin sister with a warning to “GET OUT!” Maggie and Cam felt the breath of an alien creature. In full view, they watch as the alien guardian stalks Jean.

• ACT 3 — FULL OUT HORROR
• Fight to the death: Maggie and Cam us some of the artifacts to distract the alien and warn Jean. The team is using the found technology to elude the guardians.
• Hysteria: The three are trembling and must contain their fear. They were on the brink of such an incredible discovery and are now trapped, moments away from being devoured by the guardians.
• The thrilling escape from death: Just as the guardians are bout to kill the explorers, the twin sister appears to direct them to another tunnel. Jean contains her elation and confusion at her sister’s presence. They are running through the tunnel, dodging falling rocks, the aliens give chase. Jean is the last to follow—too late.
• Death returns to take one or more. The others turn to try to save her but she directs them to go without her. Jean fights with every ounce of her being to escape the clutches of the alien. She goes limp as the long tongue enters her ear to suck the brain matter from her skull.
• Resolution: Maggie, Cam and Carly evade the aliens by going for the light and the exit of the cave. They collapse from exhaustion and are silent. They are different.

[karyn laitis]

Subject: Karyn L. – Character for Horror
Lesson 3 – Assignment 3
What I learned from doing this assignment: I learned that the characters provide wonderful elements to bait a monster of superior intelligence.
Concept: Four explorers/researchers enter a cave to find and retrieve the body of the twin sister of the lead explorer only to discover perfectly preserved remains of an ancient human and alien civilization.
Group: It is a group of professionals—Jean-Leader, forensic anthropologist (twin sister-Carly), Brett—archaeologist/artifact collector, Cameron “Cam”— astro-archeologist/technologist, Margaret (Maggie) indigenous studies/ancient petroglyphs expert. The group does meet a group (3) of hobbyist spelunkers.
Dying Pattern: Cam is badly injured and the spelunker couple dies in Act 1- Cam’s injuries presents a Turning Point when he becomes separated but re-unites with the group at Turning Point 2-end of Act 3; Brett dies at the Midpoint; Jean faces the dilemma of her sister’s disappearance in Act 4 and she succumbs to injuries. Cam and Maggie survive with Jean’s twin sister (Carly).
Identity-Characters:
Leader: Dr. Jean Lester-She is an experienced cave explorer (spelunker), forensic archeologist. She is driven by her twofold mission—retrieve her sister’s body and finish what her twin sister (Carly) started before she died, in this cave.
Rebel/Carrier: Brett Halston-He is an experienced cave explorer, archaeologist interested in antiquities and money.
Rescuer: Cameron Sobu—astro-archeologist/technologist. He understands elements of space and alien technology. He is the “MacGyver” wizard of the group.
Moral/Introvert: Dr. Margaret (Maggie) Barnard—Professor of Indigenous studies and ancient communications, petroglyphs, cuneiforms, hieroglyphs. She has an elevated understanding of the cave.

[karyn laitis]

Subject: Karyn L. – Terrifying Monster
Lesson 2-Assignment 2
“What I learned from doing this assignment”—The more grotesque the mystery-the more salacious the journey for the characters and audience. They may need to divert their eyes to avoid the horror but it reels them in-they can’t escape the madness. The hook.
Create an early version of your monster.
1. Tell us what or who your monster is. “My Monster” is a multifaceted cave dwelling alien that is a technologically superior predator to other species. It can shape shift and feeds off the brain matter of it’s prey—killing and replacing brain matter with a “chip” that is mind controlled.
2. Give us a few sentences for each of the following for your monster:
• Their Terror: The Alien hunts trespassers, as prey and feeds on their brain matter.
• Their Mystery: It can shape shift, disappear into the environment, or become a wild animal, always sensing, watching and stalking it’s prey.
• Their Fear-Provoking Appearance: When it isn’t shapeshifting, has a large head, efficient body with long limbs. It has reptilian features and a cranial mandibular dislocating jaw to
catch it’s victims and an anteater tongue to devour the brain matter of it’s prey.
• Their Rules: The Alien is a guardian of the underworld. It is omnipresent and controls all facets of the cave, it’s secrets, technology and trespassers.
• Their Mythology: The Alien is building a hybrid alien/human army to fulfill the ancient alien mission of creation.

[karyn laitis]

Hi all, My name is Karyn and I’m a little late with posting assignments. This is actually my second attempt at completing the class. The last 1 1/2 years have presented it’s challenges. I haven’t completed my Horror script–but I’m getting closer and will hopefully be able to finish this time. I’ve completed two scripts and I still want to make some improvements. I want to complete my horror script. I’ve been an educator (corporate, public, private) for over 50 years.

We look forward to working with you all!

[karyn laitis]

AGREE, in which case, you Reply to this topic and include three things at the top of the page:

Karyn Laitis– “I agree to the terms of this release form.”

3. Please leave the entire text below to confirm what you agree to.
GROUP RELEASE FORM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This completes the Group Release Form for the class.

[karyn laitis]

Karyn L. – Lesson 1 Assignment 1: Horror Concepts and Conventions
“What I learned doing this assignment is…?” I learned that my mind usually doesn’t go to the dark side horror when it comes to movies. This is a real learning experience and a stretch for me outside my comfort zone. I’m hoping that this will help me elevate the stakes and my writing.
2. Watch the movie and as you do, note its conventions.
• Title / Concept: A Quiet Place/A community is invaded by mammal eating aliens with hypersensitive hearing but blind.
• Terrorize The Characters: The aliens appear out of nowhere attracted to any sound.
• Isolation: Everyone has been killed. Find a safe, insulated, hideout, basement, etc.
• Death: Everyone is getting killed, even the family’s youngest son.
• Monster/Villain: The Monster Aliens
• High Tension: Any sound will attract the aliens; the birthing scene was incredible.
• Departure from Reality: Invaded by alien monsters. Not sure how much of a departure that is.
• Moral Statement: Do anything to protect family
3. Anything else you’d like to say about what made this movie a great horror film? It’s an incredible film. It delivers on the conventions of a great horror film.
4. With your concept, fill in each of these Conventions for your story.
Title: DO NOT ENTER!
• Concept: Four explorers enter a cave to retrieve the body of the twin sister of the lead explorer, only to discover perfectly preserved remains of ancient human & alien civilizations.
• Terrorize The Characters: Die or become part of the experiment.
• Isolation: Labyrinth cave; A threat with each turn and each tunnel.
• Death: Tunnels become death chambers – physical and mental attacks.
• Monster/Villain: Aliens shapeshift, vanish, torment
• —who, what, where is the threat?
• High Tension: Discovering more isn’t a comfort!
• Departure from Reality: Shapeshifting, body snatching aliens-really?
• Moral Statement: Who is really the enemy? Existential threat to humanity.

[karyn laitis]

Subject line: Karyn L.– Character Death Track
Lesson 6 ASSIGNMENT 6
“What I learned doing this assignment is…?” I needed to add a few more characters to move the horror.
Characters:
1. Dr. Jean Lester-Team Leader
2. Carly Lester-Jean’s twin sister, mysteriously died in cave
3. Brett Halston-Team member-difficult
4. Dr. Margaret (Maggie) Barnard-Team member, Indigenous research
5. Cameron (Cam) Sobu-Team member technical wizard
6. Todd-Spelunker, Vicki’s boyfriend
7. Vicki-Spelunker, Todd’s girlfriend
8. Bobby-Spelunker, Vicki’s brother

Ways the Monster (Alien) kills:
1. Shapeshifter-Pack of wolves
2. Shapeshifter-an alien warrior larvae enters the ear
3. Death laser
4. Explosive darts
5. Melting into the cave walls
6. Flying guillotine orbs
7. Seize mind control
8. Alien torture-incapacitates, then sucks brain out

Survivors: Who Why
1. Maggie She is the voice of reason, the source of strength, an oracle
2. Cam(eron) He has a vision and hopes for a better future

First to die:
Carly She is the linchpin, the reason for the expedition-sweet, innocent
How: Off camera, we hear tortuous screams then “fade to black”
Apparent death
Middle Deaths
1. Bobby He is at the wrong place and time-How: Death laser
2. Todd Escalates the horror – noble, protecting Vicki-How: Explosive darts
3. Vicki Having lost Bobby and Todd, she gives up-How: Mind control
4. Brett Undermines, stealing alien technology-How: Alien larvae torture

Final Death
Dr. Jean She is driven to find her sister, she finally does in the clutches of the alien. She saves Carly and dies by Alien
Guillotine Orb.

• This reply was modified 9 months, 1 week ago by  karyn laitis.

[karyn laitis]

Subject line: Karyn Laitis–Horror Situation Track
Lesson 5 ASSIGNMENT 5
“What I learned doing this assignment is…?” The Horror Situation and Reaction prompts help to get into the emotions. I know there is more horror to reveal to really hook the audience into the journey.
CONCEPT-A team of four explorers/researchers enter a cave looking for an ancient civilization and to recover the body of the twin sister of the lead explorer only to discover perfectly preserved remains of an ancient human and alien civilization and the wrath of the alien guardians.

ACT 1 — SET UP FOR HORROR
• Atmosphere of Evil established: Team leader (Jean) watches the last video sent by her twin sister terrorized by something in the cave causing Jean to run from her tent gasping to breathe having a panic attack.
• Horror Situation: (Mentally tormented) Terrible screams from inside team leader’s tent.
• Reaction: She bursts out of her tent gasping to breathe, in a panic attack.
• Connect with the characters: Other team members (Cam, Maggie, Brett) are casually drinking coffee and talking around the campfire focused on cave maps.
• Horror Situation: (Unknown motive) Leader runs out of tent gasping to breathe in a panic attack.
• Reaction: Compassionate to leader, tentative, uneasy feelings and concern for mission.
• Horror Situation: (Forces of Nature) An oddly fast-moving thunderstorm descends upon them.
• Reaction: Torrential storm pushes the team to quickly enter the cave.
• The characters are warned not to do it: A thunderstorm is upon them as they quickly secure the gear they can’t take into the cave. The rain motivates them to run to the cave entrance. They are met with “DO NOT ENTER” signs posted and a feeble wooden gate to deter them. Maggie remarks “And why are we doing this?” as the leader opens the gate to proceed.
• Horror Situation: (Walking into a trap) “DO NOT ENTER” and barriers foretelling danger are at the cave entrance as a warning to the team.
• Reaction: The odd storm sets up urgency to enter and get out of the rain.
• Denial of Horror: All are thankful to enter the cave just to get out of the torrents of rain, lightning and thunder. They checked their instruments and were relieved that all is working.
• Safety taken away: Deeper into the cave, their compass and GPS instruments go berserk and their flashlights go dark. They feel an eerie presence. Their trail splits into three tunnels. The cave seems to be breathing-the walls are moving with sections illuminated and shadows of beings running; then a seismic event knocks them down, the area they are in begins to collapse, forcing them to run into a different tunnel. Their escape route is sealed. As the air clears, they discover well preserved human and alien remains within the walls of the cave. They excavate some of the remains to identify what the species is.
• Horror Situation: (Environmental changes) Instruments stop working, seismic events.
• Reaction: They run deeper into the dark cave.
• Horror Situation: (Trapped, dangerous) As they run the cave walls collapse behind them, blocking their exit.
• Reaction: Frozen in fear in an alcove as debris falls around them.
• Monster: The nature of the beast; There is an ominous presence stalking the team, casting shadows on the dimly lit walls. The team finds a safe alcove to rest. Each takes a “watch shift” to make sure there are no intruders. They are awakened by the growl of three wolves, baring their teeth. Cam takes out a pistol and is about to shoot when the wolves attack, pinning him and ripping his flesh. Maggie fires a crossbow hitting one of the wolves and poof-they disappear into the walls of the cave. These were shapeshifters.
• Horror Situation: (Trapped, Impending doom) The team can feel the danger.
• Reaction: Take “watch shifts” to protect the group.
• Horror Situation: (Monster Approaching-Shapeshifting wolves attack)
• Reaction: One (Cam)pulls a pistol which is knocked out of his hand by (Brett) another in fear of setting off another seismic event.
• Horror Situation: (Torture) Lead wolf leaps to attack Cam, ripping at his flesh on his arm & shoulder. Maggie shoots a crossbow arrow and hits the wolf—wolves disappear into the cave wall.
• Reaction: Maggie shoots a crossbow arrow and hits the wolf—all wolves disappear into the cave wall. They scatter in different directions.
ACT 2 — THE POINT OF NO RETURN
• Isolated / Trapped / Abducted: Maggie and Cam are trapped in one of the tunnels; Maggie is tending to Cam’s wounds. Jean and Brett are separated and trapped in two different tunnels. Alone in the darkness of a monster cave.
• Horror Situation: (Impending doom) Team is separated, exhausted and injured at the mercy of the attackers.
• Reaction: Reassess the situation and investigate the tunnel each is in. Maggie tends to Cams injuries. He is in bad shape. She uses herbal medicines used by her family to treat his wounds.
• One of us killed: Brett continues to explore his tunnel to find a treasure trove of gold artifacts. He empties his pack of his gear to fill it with the artifacts. One item in particular pique his interest-it is an orb. Pleased with his findings, he casually tosses it up to catch it, but it flies up and attaches to the ceiling of the tunnel. The cave starts to pulsate and the grotesque, reptilian alien monster appears, capturing Brett, sucking out his brain matter. Brett’s tormented screams resound through the cave. It reminds Jean of her sister’s tortured screams.
• Horror Situation: (Attacked, physical torture, death) Brett is targeted by the alien guardian-Brett is restrained, tortured and killed).
• Reaction: The other team (Jean, Maggie, Cam) members hear the blood curdling and are trembling with fear. Especially Jean, remembering her sister’s video.
• MIDPOINT: The monster is worse than we thought!
• Full pursuit by the killer: Jean, Maggie and Cam reunite. They cautiously proceed in the direction of Brett’s screams and find his mutilated body with his skull imploded. He was still clutching one of the artifacts that he was going to steal. There are continuous sounds, ticking, shrieks, bellows, growls, with shadowy figures, and seismic events that push the group deeper into the tunnel. They collapse from exhaustion and hunger.
• Horror Situation: (Impending doom) The continuous shrieks and shadowy figures with continual tremors is unnerving.
• Reaction: The team covers themselves with mud, camouflage. They discover human and alien remains. Questions is this a battle ground or communal burial grounds?
• Horror Situation: (The death of a team member) Finding remains of Brett, tortured, skull imploded-brain matter oozing out of his ears.
• Reaction: Jean vomits at seeing Brett, Maggie and Cam fall to their knees. They hide in a small lava tube. Sleep.
• Terrorized: Jean, semi-conscious, hears footsteps and sees an apparition of her twin sister shouting a warning to “GET OUT!” Maggie and Cam felt the breath of an alien creature. In full view, they watch as the alien guardian stalks Jean.
• Horror Situation: There is a mist within the cave and Jean, semi-conscious, has a vision of her sister (Carly) warning her to get out of the cave. The vision vaporizes into a shapeshifter, reptilian humanoid—then gone.
• Reaction: Jean retreats further into the alcove in a fetal position.

• ACT 3 — FULL OUT HORROR
• Horror Situation: The alien guardian is fixated on Jean, drooling, with the long anteater tongue wagging in anticipation of consuming her brain.
• Reaction: Jean, terrified, leaps to her feet in anticipation of the alien’s movements. Maggie and Cam (injured) are watching the alien and Jean.
• Fight to the death: Maggie and Cam use some of the artifacts to distract the alien and warn Jean. The team is using the found technology to elude the guardians. When they throw the orbs they open and become a sharp projectile, but the guardians control the orbs, directing them at the team. They are using shields to deflect the orbs.
• Hysteria: The team is trembling in fear. They are trapped, moments away from being devoured by the guardians.
• The thrilling escape from death: Just as the guardians are about to kill the explorers, the twin sister (Carly) appears to direct them to another tunnel. Jean contains her elation and confusion at her sister’s presence. They are running through the tunnel, dodging falling rocks, the aliens give chase. Jean is the last to follow—too late.
• Death returns to take one or more. The others turn to try to save her but she directs them to go without her. Jean fights with every ounce of her being to escape the clutches of the alien. She goes limp as the long tongue enters her ear to suck the brain matter from her skull.
• Horror Situation: Jean loses her footing and stumbles.
• Reaction: Maggie and Cam pause to go back but Jean motions them to get out.
• Horror Situation: The aliens restrain Jean and with agonizing screams, they devour her brain, just like Brett.
• Reaction: Maggie, Cam and Carly run like hell through the cave toward the light source. There are some dead ends because there are vents in the cave for air and light.
• Resolution: Maggie, Cam and Carly evade the aliens by going for the light and the exit of the cave. They collapse from exhaustion and are silent. They are different. They return to their camp seeing a couple talking around the campfire. As they get closer, the couple turns to acknowledge the group. It’s Jean and Brett, eerily smiling.

• This reply was modified 9 months, 2 weeks ago by  karyn laitis.

[karyn laitis]

Subject line: Karyn L. — Horror Plot
Lesson 4—Assignment 4
“What I learned doing this assignment is…?” I feel like I’m starting to put the meat on the bones of the story. Like building a house-it has to have “good bones” – foundation to develop the concept.
Create your plot.

CONCEPT-A team of four explorers/researchers enter a cave looking for an ancient civilization and to recover the body of the twin sister of the lead explorer only to discover perfectly preserved remains of an ancient human and alien civilization and the wrath of the alien guardians.

ACT 1 — SET UP FOR HORROR
• Atmosphere of Evil established: Team leader (Jean) watches the last video sent by her twin sister terrorized by something in the cave causing Jean to run from her tent gasping to breathe having a panic attack.
• Connect with the characters: Other team members (Cam, Maggie, Brett) are casually drinking coffee and talking around the campfire while looking at maps of the cave.
• The characters are warned not to do it: A thunderstorm is upon them as they quickly secure the gear they can’t take into the cave. The rain motivates them to run to the cave entrance. They are met with “DO NOT ENTER” signs posted and a feeble wooden gate to deter them. Maggie remarks “And why are we doing this?” as the leader opens the gate to proceed.
• Denial of Horror: All are thankful to enter the cave just to get out of the torrents of rain, lightning and thunder. They checked their instruments and relieved that all is working.
• Safety taken away: Deeper into the cave, their compass and GPS instruments go berserk and their flashlights go dark. They feel an eerie presence. Their trail splits into three tunnels. The cave seems to be breathing-the walls are moving with sections illuminated and shadows of beings running; then a seismic event knocks them down, the area they are in begins to collapse, forcing them to run into a different tunnel. Their escape route is sealed. As the air clears, they discover well preserved human and alien remains within the walls of the cave. They excavate some of the remains to identify what the species is.
• Monster: The nature of the beast; There is an ominous presence stalking the team, casting shadows on the dimly lit walls. The team finds a safe alcove to rest. Each takes a “watch shift” to make sure there are no intruders. They are awakened by the growl of three wolves, baring their teeth. Cam takes out a pistol and is about to shoot when the wolves attack, pinning him and ripping his flesh. Maggie fires a crossbow hitting one of the wolves and poof-they disappear into the walls of the cave. These were shapeshifters.
ACT 2 — THE POINT OF NO RETURN
• Isolated / Trapped / Abducted: Maggie and Cam are trapped in one of the tunnels; Maggie is tending to Cam’s wounds. Jean and Brett are separated and trapped in two different tunnels. Alone in the darkness of a monster cave.
• One of us killed: Brett continues to explore his tunnel to find a treasure trove of gold artifacts. He empties his pack of his gear to fill it with the artifacts. One item in particular pique his interest-it is an orb. Pleased with his findings, he casually tosses it up to catch it, but it flies up and attaches to the ceiling of the tunnel. The cave starts to pulsate and the alien monster appears, killing Brett, sucking out his brain matter. Brett’s tormented screams resound through the cave. It reminds Jean of her sister’s tortured screams.
MIDPOINT: The monster is worse than we thought!
• Full pursuit by the killer: Jean, Maggie and Cam reunite. They cautiously proceed in the direction of Brett’s screams and find his mutilated body with his skull imploded. He was still clutching one of the artifacts that he was going to steal. There are continuous sounds, ticking, shrieks, bellows, growls, with shadowy figures, and seismic events that push the group deeper into the tunnel. They collapse from exhaustion and hunger.
• Terrorized: Jean, semi-conscious, hears footsteps and sees an apparition of her twin sister with a warning to “GET OUT!” Maggie and Cam felt the breath of an alien creature. In full view, they watch as the alien guardian stalks Jean.

• ACT 3 — FULL OUT HORROR
• Fight to the death: Maggie and Cam us some of the artifacts to distract the alien and warn Jean. The team is using the found technology to elude the guardians.
• Hysteria: The three are trembling and must contain their fear. They were on the brink of such an incredible discovery and are now trapped, moments away from being devoured by the guardians.
• The thrilling escape from death: Just as the guardians are bout to kill the explorers, the twin sister appears to direct them to another tunnel. Jean contains her elation and confusion at her sister’s presence. They are running through the tunnel, dodging falling rocks, the aliens give chase. Jean is the last to follow—too late.
• Death returns to take one or more. The others turn to try to save her but she directs them to go without her. Jean fights with every ounce of her being to escape the clutches of the alien. She goes limp as the long tongue enters her ear to suck the brain matter from her skull.
• Resolution: Maggie, Cam and Carly evade the aliens by going for the light and the exit of the cave. They collapse from exhaustion and are silent. They are different.

• This reply was modified 9 months, 2 weeks ago by  karyn laitis.

[karyn laitis]

Subject: Karyn L. – Character for Horror
Lesson 3 – Assignment 3

What I learned from doing this assignment: I learned that the characters can provide wonderful elements to bait a monster of superior intelligence.

Concept: Four explorers/researchers enter a cave to retrieve the body of the twin sister of the lead explorer only to discover perfectly preserved remains of ancient human and alien civilization.

Group: It is a group of professionals—Jean-Leader, forensic anthropologist (twin sister), Brett–archaeologist, Cameron “Cam”—astroarcheologist/technologist, Margaret (Maggie) indigenous studies/ancient petroglyphs expert.

Dying Pattern: Cam is badly injured in Act 1 and presents a Turning Point he becomes separated but re-unites at Turning Point 2-end of Act 3; Brett dies at the Midpoint; Jean faces the dilemma of her sister’s disappearance in Act 4 and she succumbs to injuries. Cam and Maggie survive with Jean’s twin sister (Carly).

Identity-Characters:

Leader: Dr. Jean Lester-She is an experienced cave explorer (spelunker), forensic archeologist. She is driven by her twofold mission—retrieve her sister’s body and finish what her twin sister (Carly) started before she died, in this cave.

Rebel/Carrier: Brett Halston-He is an experienced cave explorer, archaeologist interested in antiquities and money.

Rescuer: Cameron Sobu—astro-archeologist/technologist. He understands elements of space and alien technology. He is the “MacGyver” wizard of the group.

Moral/Introvert: Dr. Margaret (Maggie) Barnard—Professor of Indigenous studies and ancient communications, petroglyphs, cuneiforms, hieroglyphs. She has an elevated understanding of the cave.

• This reply was modified 9 months, 2 weeks ago by  karyn laitis.

[karyn laitis]

Subject: Karyn L. – Terrifying Monster
Lesson 2-Assignment 2
“What I learned from doing this assignment”—The more grotesque the mystery-the more salacious the journey for the characters and audience. They may need to divert their eyes to avoid the horror but it reels them in-they can’t escape the madness. The hook.
Create an early version of your monster.
1. Tell us what or who your monster is. “My Monster” is a multifaceted cave dwelling alien that is a technologically superior predator to other species. It can shape shift and feeds off the brain matter of it’s prey—killing and replacing brain matter with a “chip” that is mind controlled.
2. Give us a few sentences for each of the following for your monster:
• Their Terror: The Alien hunts trespassers, as prey and feeds on their brain matter.
• Their Mystery: It can shape shift, disappearing into the environment, or become a wild animal, always sensing, watching and stalking it’s prey.
• Their Fear-Provoking Appearance: When it isn’t shape-shifting, has a large head, efficient body with long limbs. It has reptilian features and a cranial mandibular dislocating jaw to catch it’s victims and an anteater tongue to devour the brain matter of it’s prey.
• Their Rules: The Alien is a guardian of the underworld. It is omnipresent and controls all facets of the cave, it’s secrets, technology and trespassers.
• Their Mythology: The Alien is building a hybrid alien/human army to fulfill the ancient alien mission of creation.
10-9-2024

[karyn laitis]

Karyn L. – Horror Concepts and Conventions
“What I learned doing this assignment is…?” I learned that my mind usually doesn’t go to the dark side horror when it comes to movies. This is a real learning experience and a stretch for me outside my comfort zone. I’m hoping that this will help me elevate the stakes and my writing.
2. Watch the movie and as you do, note its conventions.
• Title / Concept: A Quiet Place/A community is invaded by mammal eating aliens with hypersensitive hearing but blind.
• Terrorize The Characters: The aliens appear out of nowhere attracted to any sound.
• Isolation: Everyone has been killed. Find a safe, insulated, hideout, basement, etc.
• Death: Everyone is getting killed, even the family’s youngest son.
• Monster/Villain: The Monster Aliens
• High Tension: Any sound will attract the aliens; the birthing scene was incredible.
• Departure from Reality: Invaded by alien monsters. Not sure how much of a departure that is.
• Moral Statement: Do anything to protect family
3. Anything else you’d like to say about what made this movie a great horror film? It’s an incredible film. It delivers on the conventions of a great horror film.
4. With your concept, fill in each of these Conventions for your story.–Title: DO NOT ENTER!
• Concept: Four explorers enter a cave to retrieve the body of the twin sister of one of the lead explorer, only to discover of perfectly preserved remains of ancient humans & aliens.
• Terrorize The Characters: Die or become part of the experiment.
• Isolation: Labyrinth cave; A threat with each turn and each
• tunnel.
• Death: Tunnels become death chambers – physical and mental attacks.
• Monster/Villain: Aliens shapeshift, vanish, torment
• —who, what, where is the threat?
• High Tension: Discovering more isn’t a comfort-!
• Departure from Reality: Shapeshifting, body snatching aliens-really?
• Moral Statement: Is the enemy within? Existential threat to humanity.

• This reply was modified 9 months, 3 weeks ago by  karyn laitis.

[karyn laitis]

Name — Karyn L.
I’ve written 3 scripts, but have not sold anything. I’ve had a number of false starts and so I’m hoping to break out of my block and complete a project I’m really excited about. I have a Thriller project that is too close to my heart, so I’m exploring the horror genre to scare the crap out of me and get me started (Like the Black-eyed Peas–Let’s get it started!!!)

Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? I get earthquake premonitions-its an odd, toxic feeling then the seismic activity usually happens with 12 hours to 2 days. Its been going on for over 25 years.

I look forward to working with everyone. Karyn

• This reply was modified 9 months, 3 weeks ago by  karyn laitis.

[karyn laitis]

I agree to the terms of this Confidentiality Agreement. Karyn Laitis
Confidentiality Agreement

Hi everyone,
As we go forward with the class, we need everyone here to acknowledge their agreement to the Group Confidentiality form. The purpose here is to protect yourself, each other and to make this a safe environment where you’ll be able to work on the most marketable concept you have without worry.
The release form does all of those things and it also makes whatever we work on in this class confidential. Once everyone has acknowledged their agreement on the forums, we’ll have a safe environment where we can all focus on our writing, instead of worrying about protection.
This Group Confidentiality Agreement covers the entire class.
I highly recommend that you agree to this confidentiality agreement so you can participate in all the group feedback.
Remember, the more you interact with this group, the stronger your relationships will be after the class is concluded. Those relationships can translate into career success, so they are valuable to cultivate.
See you then,
Hal

Below is the release form. You have one of two choices here:
AGREE, in which case, you Reply to this topic and include three things at the top of the page:
1. Your name.
2. The words “I agree to the terms of this release form.”
3. Please leave the entire text below to confirm what you agree to.
OR
NOT AGREE, in which case, you hit “Reply to this topic” and type in the words “I’ll do the class privately.”
If you agree to the terms of the release form, then you can post your assignments into the group and your cohort can give feedback on them.
Also, if you don’t agree to this group confidentiality agreement, you’ll still need to sign an agreement that says you will keep the strategies, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class confidential.

GROUP RELEASE FORM
As a member of this group, I agree to the following:
1. That I will keep the processes, strategies, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class confidential, and that I will NOT share any of this program either privately, with a group, posting online, writing articles, through video or computer programming, or in any other way that would make those processes, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class available to anyone who is not a member of this class.
2. That each writer’s work here is copyrighted and that writer is the sole owner of that work. That includes this program which is copyrighted by Hal Croasmun. I acknowledge that submission of an idea to this group constitutes a claim of and the recognition of ownership of that idea.
I will keep the other writer’s ideas and writing confidential and will not share this information with anyone without the express written permission of the writer/owner. I will not market or even discuss this information with anyone outside this group.
3. I also understand that many stories and ideas are similar and/or have common themes and from time to time, two or more people can independently and simultaneously generate the same concept or movie idea.
4. If I have an idea that is the same as or very similar to another group member’s idea, I’ll immediately contact Hal and present proof that I had this idea prior to the beginning of the class. If Hal deems them to be the same idea or close enough to cause harm to either party, he’ll request both parties to present another concept for the class.
5. If you don’t present proof to Hal that you have the same idea as another person, you agree that all ideas presented to this group are the sole ownership of the person who presented them and you will not write or market another group member’s ideas.
6. Finally, I agree not to bring suit against anyone in this group for any reason, unless they use a substantial portion of my copyrighted work in a manner that is public and/or that prevents me from marketing my script by shopping it to production companies, agents, managers, actors, networks, studios or any other entertainment industry organizations or people.
This completes the Group Release Form for the class.

• This reply was modified 9 months, 3 weeks ago by  karyn laitis.

[karyn laitis]

Karyn Laitis–Lesson 10 Assignment—Part 1
• Title: DO NOT ENTER
• Genre: Horror
• Logline: Three explorers join Dr. Jean Lester to recover the body of her twin sister, killed in a cave accident. They discover the remains of an ancient alien civilization, now awakened to protect the darkest secrets of creation at all costs.

• This reply was modified 10 months ago by  karyn laitis.

[karyn laitis]

Karyn Laitis–LESSON 7 — 4 Act Structure
Assignment
“What I learned doing this assignment is…?” I learned that the 4-act structure is easier to layout the story components and build the plot and character’s journey. I think this is a great brainstorming exercise. I have more ideas but I need to elevate everything.
Create the first draft of your 4 Act Structure.
1. Tell us the following:
• Concept: A team of explorers discovering ancient alien remains deep within a labyrinth cave awakens the alien species, threatening the lives of the team.
• Main Conflict: The alien guardians are protecting the cave and ancient secrets to reshape human history and the future. The team is under constant threat, not knowing who the enemy is and what is at stake.
2. Fill in each of these with the answers you have right now.
Act 1:
• Opening: Dr. Jean Lester, Cameron (Cam) Woods and Dr. Margaret (Maggie) Barnard and rival Brett Halston are preparing for a treacherous cave expedition. She tries to hide her guilt & need for redemption for the past. Brett conceals his ambition. On descent they are met with mysterious petroglyphs and strange artifacts embedded in the cavern walls. There is subtle tension among the team.
• Inciting Incident: Deep into the cave they discover the remains of an ancient alien civilization. There is excitement and fear of the strange events within the cave.
• Turning Point: One of the team members accidentally triggers a dormant alien orb setting in motion seismic shifts in the cave and tunnels causes the expedition to uncontrollably fall deeper into the cavern and awakening alien guardian energies. The team encounters alien shapeshifting beings hunting them down. Jean realizes the magnitude of their situation; how to discover the alien technology to survive and escape. Brett begins to undermine Jean’s authority and her directives.

Act 2:
• New plan: The team retreats to reassess the situation. Jean is struggling with her self-doubts and control of the team. She wants to keep going to uncover the secrets of the cave, while her colleagues think they should leave. Brett agrees with Jean to move forward while he is secretly planning to use the discoveries for his profit. Jean’s plan is to move deeper into the cave – she believes there is something that can explain the alien remains and the connection to the guardian gatekeepers. She secretly wonders if there is a connection to her twin sister’s disappearance. Brett becomes more aggressive.
• Plan in action: The team goes further into the cave, experiencing more strange phenomena—shifting walls, tunnels collapse, creatures appear, bioluminescent walls appear to be moving and symbolic carvings/artifacts reveal a strange human connection.
• Midpoint Turning Point: During sleep, Jean has a vision of an ancient war between aliens and humanity-the cave is a shared burial site and the guardians are protecting a secret that would destroy humanity. Brett tries to get control of alien technology. The group is separated. Jean is trying to destroy the clues that Brett is trying to use to possess the alien technology for his personal gain.
Act 3:
• Rethink everything: The team is divided – Brett goes rogue. The sentient cave begins to react more aggressively, tunnels closing, traps set, the guardians are more hostile. Jean realizes that to escape, Brett must be stopped and the alien technology destroyed
• New plan: Jean formulates a plan to go deeper into the cave still looking for clues to her sister’s disappearance and to find the alien energy source and destroy it. Cam and Dr. Maggie bristle at the risk, and growing danger. They align with Jean and prepare to confront Matt.
• Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift As they go deeper into the cave, Matt sabotages with traps and dead ends directing them to the alien guardians. They face fierce danger as they move to the central chamber. Matt’s plan backfires releasing a mega-force to destroy the cave and anyone in it. Cam is injured, Jean confronts Matt in a final conflict; she barely escapes him and the alien guardians as Matt is consumed by the alien technology. Injured Cam fights off the guardians to give Jean and Maggie the space to get to the heart of the cave.

Act 4:
• Final plan: Jean realizes she must sacrifice herself to destroy the alien energy source protecting the technology from falling into dangerous hands. She and Maggie acknowledge what needs to be done. Jean begins to activate the plan and sees her twin sister with the guardians near the energy source.
• Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict: Jean directs Maggie and Cam to leave the cave. Jean fights off guardians as the walls of the cave come alive and start to disintegrate around her-she manages to push her twin aside and destroys the energy source, causing the guardians to lose power and the technology to collapse. As the cave collapses, Cam and Maggie manage to make it out of the cave.
• Resolution: The cave is sealed forever with only Cam and Maggie surviving. The alien threat is over and the origin secrets will never be revealed. Jean is shown in her final moments before the collapse-redeemed for her past failures. The final scene is a figure staggering out of the smoke from the mouth of the cave. It is her twin sister.

• This reply was modified 10 months, 1 week ago by  karyn laitis.

[karyn laitis]

Karyn Laitis–LESSON 6 ASSIGNMENT—Delivering Multiple Layers
“What I learned from doing this assignment…” This is my first attempt at developing plot, character and location layers in this way. This approach is very appealing to me and has made it easier to brainstorm. I’m still in the process of brainstorming, but I am happy with my first draft.

• Plot Layers:
o Surface Layer: The team, lead by the Protagonist, discovers alien and human remains deep within the cave/tunnel system. These remains are ancient and have great scientific significance.
o Beneath That: Hidden within the remains are alien “guardians” that are alive and there to protect the cave and its contents—no one gets out alive!
o How Revealed: Along with the remains, there are encrypted technological artifacts The remains have an energetic, mind altering intelligence affecting the team and controlling the cave.
• Character Layers:
o Surface Layer: Protagonist is motivated by guilt over failed expedition and death of her twin sister. Seems to be a strong, driven leader to prove and redeem herself.
o Beneath That: Haunted by visions and nightmares of her sister and aliens drives her return to the cave which she hides from the team.
o How Revealed: Her subconscious connection to the alien energy—a magnetic force.
• Location Layers:
o Surface Layer: The Cave is a labyrinth with false tunnels, traps, alien artifacts, mind altering crystalline energy and alien organisms. It’s purpose is to protect it’s contents.
o Everything within the cave is a living organism and reacts to the presence of intruders-from shapeshifting holograms to reshaping of the cave itself—a compass won’t work!
o The cave holds records of creation of humanity, alien/human war and secrets for survival or demise of humanity.

• This reply was modified 10 months, 1 week ago by  karyn laitis.

[karyn laitis]

Karyn Laitis—Character Journeys!
LESSON 5 ASSIGNMENT
“What I learned doing this assignment is…?”
This is a great way to weave the dynamics of the characters. I started on the Protagonist and Antagonist journey and still working on the supporting characters.

1. For each of your main characters, create a 3-Act Structure of their journey.
A. PROTAGONIST
Beginning: Protagonist (Lead Explorer) Awakens in a cold sweat and runs out of the tent swearing at the gear she tripped over. Two others drinking coffee around fire stare at her and ask if she’s ok. She is indignant, flashing a dirty look but ignores them and returns to her tent, hiding tears—anger & guilt.
Turning Point: After discovering alien remains realizes she’s in over her head, yet pushes forward.
Midpoint: Group questions her leadership after encountering anomalies in the cave and alien technology and alien presence. Shape shifting alien appears to Protagonist as her twin sister who died in cave explosion.
Turning Point 2: Discovers the underlying truth behind the alien remnants and withheld secrets which reveal the history of alien/human co-existence or war.
Dilemma: Haunted by her sister, does she preserve the alien treasures or destroy the aliens/knowledge?
3rd Act Climax: Reveal truth and risk annihilation. Does she risk failure again? What is right?
Ending: Large cave explosion. The protagonist walks out through the smoke and debris—is it her or her twin?

B. ANTAGONIST
Beginning: He shows up after everyone else is ready to start. He’s affable and engaging to control the narrative. He offers to be helpful to carry heavier tools/equipment but by doing so he has the edge over who gets what.
Turning Point: Once the alien remains are discovered, his demeanor changes to overtly controlling and challenging the mission and motivation as an absurd waste of time. He starts to manipulate and align with the weaker team members.
Midpoint: He reveals his purpose for profit/power opposing the Protagonist. He ignores the threat of the aliens and cave energy.
Turning Point 2: Sabotages the team’s effort, plans to steal the alien technology challenging the aliens and abandoning the team.
Dilemma: Must choose between profit/power and escaping with team.
3rd Act Climax: He chooses profit/power, risking his life and the lives of the team for his greed.
Ending: Antagonist is killed by the aliens after attempting to steal the alien technology and knowledge of alien/humanity links.

• This reply was modified 10 months, 2 weeks ago by  karyn laitis.

[karyn laitis]

Karyn Laitis—Assignment 4– Character Depth!

What I learned doing this assignment is…? The questions help to develop the characters, superficial and deeper motivations and how their attributes might play out with the other characters. This is only a first attempt and I’m sure will have opportunities for revision and improvement.

With each of your characters, go through all of these questions to see which might fit for your story.

Protagonist
1. Internal Character Depth
a. Motivation: To prove her worth in male dominated & highly competitive scientific community
b. Secret: Twin sister went missing & died in an exploration cave-in & knowledge of alien tech
c. Wound: Guilt that her sister took what was to be her exploration assignment where she died
d. Subtext: She was never “Good enough”; always striving, hiding her failures
e. Layers: Genius, takes risks, self-doubts, depth of knowledge
2. Character to character
a. Conflict: Vying for team leadership, alien attacks
b. Hidden Agenda: Find body of twin sister
c. Conspiracy: Antagonist sabotage seeking to exploit alien technology
d. Intrigue: Secret knowledge of alien technology

3. Character Situation
a. Dilemma: Death of aliens or death of team
b. Secret Identity: Is she really her twin?

Protagonist Profile:
• Secret: Twin sister missing presumed dead in cave-in
• Wound: Guilt that her sister took her assignment, only to die in the cave-in
• Motivation: To prove her worth in competitive scientific community
• Hidden Agenda: Find body of twin sister
• Dilemma: Death of aliens or her team
• Conspiracy: Antagonist sabotage to exploit alien technology

Antagonist
1. Internal Character Depth
a. Motivation: To steal alien technology for power & financial gain
b. Secret: Working for a Dark Money corporation with plans to achieve global dominance
c. Wound: Betrayed by a trusted close colleague
d. Subtext: Mother abandoned him as a child, never valued.
e. Layers: Charismatic, manipulates, engaging, sabotages, desperately needs acceptance, ruthless

2. Character to character
a. Conflict: Competes with protagonist for leadership.
b. Hidden Agenda: Undermine protagonist’s agenda with his plan to steal the alien tech & escape.
c. Conspiracy: Aligns with aliens against team members
d. Intrigue: Using expedition to annihilate the team and aliens.

3. Character Situation
a. Dilemma: Fulfill his agenda-his life vs team members
b. Secret Identity: He was in love with Protagonist’s dead twin sister that betrayed him.
Antagonist Profile:
• Secret: Working for a Dark Money corporation with plans to achieve global dominance
• Wound: Betrayed by a trusted close colleague
• Motivation: To steal alien technology for power & financial gain
• Hidden Agenda: Undermine protagonist’s agenda with his plan to steal the alien tech & escape.
• Dilemma: Fulfill his agenda-his life vs team members
• Conspiracy: Aligns with aliens against team members
Character 1
1. Internal Character Depth
a. Motivation: Obsessed with alien communications; animal communicator; brings his pet (cat?)
b. Secret: Possesses clues to alien language and twin sister’s death
c. Wound: Professionally bullied, timid and cautious
d. Subtext: “He never amount to anything”
e. Layers: Resistance, courage, deliberate, holds the key to understanding aliens
2. Character to character
a. Conflict: Withdraws with conflict-Antagonist manipulates
b. Hidden Agenda: Communicate with aliens to help discovery of ancient alien/human history
c. Conspiracy: Antagonist undermines to take control of team, steal tech & kill aliens
d. Intrigue: Conceals encrypted journal of historical significance to creation

3. Character Situation
a. Dilemma: Aliens vs team safety
b. Secret Identity: Only he can decode the alien story of creation-their Bible

Supporting Character 1 Profile:
• Secret: Possess clues to alien language and twin sister’s death
• Wound: Professionally bullied, timid, cautious
• Motivation: Obsessed with alien communications
• Hidden Agenda: Communicate with aliens to help discovery of ancient history
• Dilemma: Aliens vs team safety
• Conspiracy: Antagonist undermines to take control of team, steal tech & kill aliens

Supporting Character 2
1. Internal Character Depth
a. Motivation: Escape past life quasi-criminal ties; needs to use her skills for positive
b. Secret: Framed for crime-protect family at all costs
c. Wound: Past decisions; betrayal of her brother
d. Subtext: Can she be trusted?
e. Layers: Withhold vital intel; bad ass; vulnerable; spiritual connection to aliens

2. Character to character
a. Conflict: Prove herself as smart and brave; make indigenous family proud
b. Hidden Agenda: Covertly searching for alien tools to take back to family
c. Conspiracy: Aligns with aliens putting team at risk
d. Intrigue: She has a connection to the alien story

3. Character Situation
a. Dilemma: Honor her heritage and skills or buy into Antagonist story
b. Secret Identity: She is indigenous; understands the energy of the cave and aliens

Supporting Character 2 Profile:
• Secret: Framed for crime-protect family at all costs
• Wound: Past decisions; betrayal of her brother
• Motivation: Escape her past quasi-criminal ties; needs to use her skills for positive
• Hidden Agenda: Covertly searching for alien tools to take back to family
• Dilemma: Honor her heritage and skills or buy into Antagonist story
• Conspiracy: Aligns with aliens putting team at risk

[karyn laitis]

Karyn Laitis–Assignment 3-Right Characters!!!

“What I learned doing this assignment is…?”
I learned that each character has their own, unique connection to the Hook, other characters and a timeline as well as a synergy that moves the story direction.

Concept/Hook-A explorer’s discovery in a labyrinthine cave awakens a dangerous alien species which reveals the dark and hidden origins of humanity and threatens its existence.
Characters:
1. Protagonist—Impulsive, genius, driven, damaged, guilt-ridden, secret knowledge
2. Antagonist—Charismatic, manipulative, opportunist, distrusting, ruthless, corrosive
3. Supporting 1—Knowledgeable, calm, reason, seeking, bullied, cautious
4. Supporting 2—Practical, loyal, brave, distrustful, spiritual, indigenous
5. The “Aliens” & Cave—A super intelligence, shapeshifting, reality-altering energy

[karyn laitis]

Karyn Laitis–Great Hook!
Assignment 2
How did this process work for you?

It was very helpful to work through the variations of the High Concept and the Concept components. I must be honest that I have been practicing my skills using AI to assist me with the brainstorming. The AI assisting is somewhat of a reinforcement that my ideas have relevance. There were some interesting variations on the Villain/Monster.

[karyn laitis]

Karyn Laitis Contained Version of “The Italian Job”
Lesson 1, ASSIGNMENT 1—CONTAINED SCREENPLAY
What I Learned from this assignment: I learned especially in a post-pandemic environment that there will be fewer large productions of epic proportions as may have been done in the past. In a Contained format more $ can be used to attract and pay actors and use virtual reality/special effects. It becomes more about the depth of characters and expression. Environment enhances rather than another main character.
PART 1: MY PROJECT
A. It can be done as a contained story. Locations Cave with network of tunnels and Gov’t office
B. There is something unique about it. Complex, compelling characters; unearthed aliens
C. You can write a pitch in one or two sentences. I’m working on it.
D. It can be written for high entertainment. I’m working on that too!
PART 2: BIGGER MOVIE
“The Italian Job” 2003 Budget: $60 Million; Box Office Total: $176 million
AS THEY DID IT:
A. Locations—U.S. and European. Venice, Italy, Los Angeles, CA, Alps
B. Main characters—6 (Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, Edward Norton, Jason Statham, Seth Green, Mos Def)
C. Stunts—numerous vehicle students, explosions, helicopters
a. Mini Cooper car chases through Los Angeles, the subway, Venice
b. The explosive heist sequence involved armored trucks and helicopters.
D. Extras—Hundreds of extras in Venice, downtown Los Angeles.
E. Wardrobe—Cool, modern, leather, shirts and jeans. No grunge.
CONTAINED VERSION:
A. Reduce locations to local, Los Angeles with the gold bars being an “Italian” fortune
B. Characters–Could reduce to 4 or 5
C. Stunts—Mini Cooper limited to Los Angeles/subway & explosion truck heist. Use of drones
D. Extras–Reduce extras on Los Angeles-use of edit to increase population
E. Wardrobe—keep—maybe reduce the number of changes.

[karyn laitis]

I, Karyn Laitis agree to the terms of this agreement.
GROUP RELEASE FORM
As a member of this group, I agree to the following:
1. That I will keep the processes, strategies, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class confidential, and that I will NOT share any of this program either privately, with a group, posting online, writing articles, through video or computer programming, or in any other way that would make those processes, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class available to anyone who is not a member of this class.
2. That each writer’s work here is copyrighted and that writer is the sole owner of that work. That includes this program which is copyrighted by Hal Croasmun. I acknowledge that submission of an idea to this group constitutes a claim of and the recognition of ownership of that idea.
I will keep the other writer’s ideas and writing confidential and will not share this information with anyone without the express written permission of the writer/owner. I will not market or even discuss this information with anyone outside this group.
3. I also understand that many stories and ideas are similar and/or have common themes and from time to time, two or more people can independently and simultaneously generate the same concept or movie idea.
4. If I have an idea that is the same as or very similar to another group member’s idea, I’ll immediately contact Hal and present proof that I had this idea prior to the beginning of the class. If Hal deems them to be the same idea or close enough to cause harm to either party, he’ll request both parties to present another concept for the class.
5. If you don’t present proof to Hal that you have the same idea as another person, you agree that all ideas presented to this group are the sole ownership of the person who presented them and you will not write or market another group member’s ideas.
6. Finally, I agree not to bring suit against anyone in this group for any reason, unless they use a substantial portion of my copyrighted work in a manner that is public and/or that prevents me from marketing my script by shopping it to production companies, agents, managers, actors, networks, studios or any other entertainment industry organizations or people.

[karyn laitis]

Hi all, I’m Karyn L. I have written several 1st drafts and need to take it to a higher level. I get stuck. I’ve had some personal demands that have derailed my progress. So I have had a few “false starts” down rabbit holes. This is my opportunity to get back on track and complete a bankable project. I’m allergic to over 20 antibiotics–don’t ask me how I know. I look forward to sharing this journey with y’all.

[karyn laitis]

Subject: (Karyn Laitis)—MY CREDIBILITY IS GOING UP!

CREDIBILITY CHECKLIST

1. Your Writing Sample—Working on it.

‘Recommend’ from Coverage
Delivers on the genre in a strong way
Delivers on the business decisions

2. Screenwriting Accomplishments—None to date

Contest wins
Smaller deals (options, sales, writing assignments)
Larger deals
Movies produced

3. The Google factor—Bleak–I’ve always flown under the radar on social media. It’s time to make social media my friend.

Google your name. How many items on the first page show you as a professional screenwriter? 0—Only as a writer/editor of an trade association magazine (BeautyLink).

Buzz posts, interviews, news reports, etc..

4. Your Network—In a prior career, I had a number of clients that were producers/directors or entertainment attorneys. I might be able to reconnect.

How many producers are in your network? Maybe 3
How many Connections do you have who are connected to producers? Uncertain

5. Education specific to screenwriting—Designed an “in-house” training film studio, managed the budgets, equip acquisition, scripting, directing, pre-production and post-production, editing and final film.

Degree in film or screenwriting
Master Screenwriter Certificate program at ScreenwritingU—Working
on it

6. Borrowed Credibility–?

Represented by an agent or manager
Working with a producer
Connected to a star—Twitter (X)
Connected to a funding source

7. IMDB CREDITS–0

Go to [url=”http://imdb.com/”]http://IMDB.com[/url] and search your name. What credits show up there for you?

8. Other forms of credibility that is related to screenwriting:

Novels published
Producer or director experience– Designed an “in house” training film studio, managed budgets, equip acquisition, scripting, directing, pre-production and post-production, editing
and final film.
Experience working with agencies, production companies, film
festivals, etc..—worked on production sets (Sony, Paramount, Raliegh,
Culver Studios) my contacts were in a different context.

What I learned from this assignment: I have a long road to build credibility as a creative screenwriter. (Deep breath). I can do this!

1. LinkedIn profile update to include screenwriting/writing.

2. Reconnect with industry friends

3. Become the Thriller genre maven.

4. Re-write some awesome scenes as writing samples.

5. Mindset, manifestation and pray!

[karyn laitis]

Subject: (Karyn Laitis) Projects and Insights

1. The new project-Thriller/Suspense: Famous Art Museum curator/director is caught in a sinister world of a serial killer. The victims are depicted in live art riddles/clues with a ticking time-bomb–solve it or another brutal murder. I envision a Contained project with a budget $1-$5 million.

2. In re-write-project-Thriller/Drama: A forensic anthropologist’s career and life unravels as bones are unearthed–not belonging to ancient sacred archeological site. I envision a projected budget of $1-$5 million.

3. I learned the importance of mastering a genre (Thriller is my preference) I’ve always loved mysteries, intrigue, thrillers. Also, creating a network of smaller producers might be more effective to succeed. And sometimes less is more–presenting a writing sample of a really, really, really great 10 pages of the script. Showcasing the best effort.

[karyn laitis]

1. Name? Karyn Laitis

2. How many scripts you’ve written? I have one in re-write stage and several other project ideas.

3. What you hope to get out of the class? I would like to increase my network for producers/managers and be hired for writing assignments.

4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? I worked for years as a health/wellness practitioner and had a number of industry (producers/directors/actors/accountants/lawyers) that were my clients. I’m hoping I can re-connect with some of them. I created a film studio, wrote, filmed, co-edited corporate education/training films. I loved the work!

[karyn laitis]

I agree to the terms of this “Confidentiality Agreement” release form.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This completes the Group Release Form for the class.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 10 months ago by  karyn laitis.

[karyn laitis]

MODULE 2 LESSON 6

SUBJECT: Karyn Laitis — Build In The Genre Conventions

VISION: To be a highly successful screenwriter, industry recognized and in-demand for writing lucrative movies that connect with huge audiences.

What I learned from doing this assignment:

Thriller Conventions:

· Purpose: To thrill your audience with high stakes, plot twists, and suspense that never lets up until the adrenalin packed climax.

· Life and Death Situations: They face danger at every step—either physically, emotionally, or mentally. The hero needs to either be in danger or there is the implication of future danger.

· Mystery/Intrigue/Suspense: There’s a mystery that must be solved in order to survive. Intrigue is the underhanded and covert Villain’s plan. Suspense comes from the danger the Hero faces.

· Hero: Unknowing, unwitting, but resourceful hero.

· Villain: Dangerous, devious, and unrelenting. Committed to destroy anyone who gets in their way.

· Main Emotions: Suspense, intrigue, mystery, tension, anticipation, uncertainty, and surprise.

Concept: Professor of Forensic Anthropology (Dr. Johona Digger) is targeted for murder and accused of the murder of her colleague. She must be exonerated, vindicate her colleague, and keep her project alive!

Main Conflict: Someone wants to shut down Dr. Digger’s project and neutralize her as she is getting too close to discover Doug Bennet’s multi-million-dollar covert operation. She’s a professional and not a quitter!

Old Ways:

· Workaholic, career driven.

· Aspires to be recognized and promoted.

· Loner, focused.

· Unaware of her surroundings.

New Ways:

· Survival strategist.

· Fight to stay alive.

· Community alliances.

· She manifests her inner and physical strength to survive.

External Journey:

From an intellectual researcher/professor to a survival strategist able to outwit a murderer and mastermind of a covert operation.

Internal Journey:

From a secure, living in a normal “publish or perish” academic world, to experiencing the strength of her past and cultural roots rising above the fear, threats, loss and grief to emerge strong.

Title: Dr. Digger—Proof of Death

Genre: Thriller

ACT 1:

· Opening: Dr. Johona Digger & colleague in the rustic lab in a heated discussion and being watched by someone in a truck getting instructions from some on the phone. Dr. Digger leaves the lab in a rush-peels out in her jeep-her colleague calling after her to return soon. The stalker quietly enters the lab, surprises, and murders the colleague. Then rummages through files and sets fire to the lab.

· Inciting Incident: After a brief investigation of the murder, Detective Ty Wallace arrives at Dr. Digger’s rustic cottage; he sees the door ajar and slowly enters the dark room. He’s jumped and put into a headlock by Dr. Digger. He announces himself, tells her of her colleague’s fate, then arrests her for assault and the murder of her colleague.

· Turning Point: With a lack of evidence, Dr. Digger is released and warned to be available for further questioning and encouraged to shut down her project. The detective knows first-hand that she has the physical strength to overpower and kill. Dr. Digger breaches the police barricade around the lab and discovers her colleague’s journal and a package, she feels a presence, that she is being stalked so she hides the journal and package in the food locker to retrieve later. As she’s about to get in her Jeep, she’s knocked unconscious and carried back into the lab. She staggers and hides in the food locker just as there is an explosion. She retrieves her colleague’s items and stumbles to her Jeep and passes out. Doug Bennet finds her. Why is he there?

ACT 2:

· New Plan: Arrested a second time for breaching a police-secured area and evidence tampering—her bail is posted with a warning to be available for questioning. She’s released with instructions to return to the University. Her project is on hold–temporarily.

· Plan in action: At the University, Dr. Digger meets with her mentor who enlightens her about the AUM and suspicious disappearances. She tests the package contents in the lab and discovers that the bone fragments are, indeed, human, yet not ancient burial remains. The bone tissue has high concentrations of toxicity-uranium. Her mentor shares the history of the area; surprised she didn’t know about her own roots, since her mother was Indigenous from that Nation. Something that Dr. Digger rarely acknowledged.

· Midpoint Turning Point: Returning to her campus apartment, the door is ajar, it has been ransacked. She picked up her commendation medal for heroics serving in the Middle East. She’s enraged– ready to fight! That night, her mentor suddenly dies—a tragic accident?

ACT 3:

· Rethink everything: Dr. Digger quietly returns to her disrupted project site with more questions than answers. She learns of the untimely and suspicious death of her mentor. She remembered that her Godmother told her about an elder (Gil Wallace) who knows her family. She needed to reach him, to learn more of her puzzled life.

· New Plan: Dr Digger must engage her family community to learn more about the missing members, who is sabotaging her project and why. Uncle Gil speaks of a “Curse” on her project site and that she needs to leave. She meets his son, Brad who’s working at the AUM Project for Agency Director, Doug Bennet. Perhaps he can fill-in some blanks. She must get to the bottom of this madness.

· Turning Point: Huge failure/Major Shift: At her project cottage, a torrential storm hits with a sudden blackout, no power, lights, the doors have been barricaded from the outside. She hears something slithering across the wood floor, quiet, then a rattle. She hears a hiss, then another, she can sense movement, but where they are! She inches her way to the hall and climbs the ladder to the attic, she’s met with someone putting a cloth over her nose and mouth – she blacks out – a sack is slipped over her head and bound with cable ties. She’s taken to a mine shaft. She hears voices talking about the abduction of two project volunteers. Her site has been vandalized, missing volunteers, with a warning to leave. She’s been kidnapped. Someone wants her to disappear. She’s failed. Her rescuer—Doug Bennet!

ACT 4:

· Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict: Receives message from Gil to meet his son (Brad) at one of the mines. He has information to help her. Going down into the mine-the elevator is rigged to plummet-her fate sealed! She manages to shimmy down a rope to the bottom. She finds Brad, mortally wounded. His last words direct her to a passageway with drawings/petroglyphs. She retrieves Brads pouch with mining report-toxicity, water, safety violations. Linked missing people and murders to Brad. She must escape and take the information to Det. Wallace (is he related to Brad? Is he in on whatever is going on with the UAM Project. The mine is flooding, there is no way out! She finds missing volunteers in the mine. The water is rising, and swiftly flowing carrying all out to the reservoir. She is met by Doug Bennet on a pontoon-he rescues them.

· Resolution: She turns over information to Ty Wallace and Doug Bennett. She is exonerated; Bennet says he knew there were issues but didn’t know Brad was pulling ore out of the mine obviously to make money. He now has a new foreman. Bennet asks Dr. Digger to dinner after his hike. As he is hiking, you see him reach for a rock to pull himself up—there is a nest of rattlesnakes in the crevice—waiting.

[karyn laitis]

What I learned: A monologue such as this can be a wonderful enticement for an “A-list” actor. It isn’t only the words, but the placement of the monologue. It could be what introduces the main character, or a point of revelation (A Ha moment), or a powerful transition to the closure. It is a powerful tool.

[karyn laitis]

Week 4, Day 5: Undiluted Truth/Monologue—ALI

· The quality of this monologue: It was very well written and delivered—art imitating life. But then Ali was bigger than life. I recall news reports that were snippets on Ali (Cassius Clay) being a “Conscientious Objector”. His diatribe was controversial, to the point and from the heart truth. This is the type of monologue that any actor would drool over.

· The level of emotion and the character’s truth: his monologue is timeless. Tragically calling out his followers as his oppressors; removing the limited freedoms he has to practice his religious beliefs because he was black, a Muslim, and not Judeo-Christian.

· The drama was built around Ali living in “his” truth and not acquiescing to others anymore than he was required. His truth fueled his intensity and the drama.

· The movie was about Ali—all others provide the backdrop to feature his trials, tribulations, and victories to live his truth.

[karyn laitis]

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Writing uncomfortable moments for characters can bring out the best or worst of their traits. But these moments can make the character more relatable to the audience since we are all flawed and have idiot-syncracies. It allows the audience to feel the emotions of the scene; building drama, fear, strengths, etc. that moves their journey forward.

[karyn laitis]

Week 4, Day 4–Uncomfortable Moment–Meet The Parents

We’ve all had them–uncomfortable moments. This is a classic–the boyfriend (fiancee) meets the girls parents for the first time. Any daughter knows how anxious her boyfriend is at the thought of living up to an unattainable standard that the girl’s parents have set. The scene here is Greg, a successful person of character, is put under a microscope. And the daughter has some “father” issues and high expectations of Greg. The awkwardness of Greg is palpable as he finds himself in an office filled with questionable equipment circa the “McCarthy Era” of interrogation. As he is busted by Jack, the discomfort meter rises. In his vulnerable state-he doesn’t want to offend anyone. Jack, being a perceptive Dad, decides to play with him–ergo, polygraph. This is not a scenario Greg can escape. He does his best to discredit the accuracy of the device, while Jack watches him squirm. The first questions are innocuous, then getting to the “truth” about the meal and watching porn escalated the level of “truth” that Greg was willing to offer. Greg was guilty, whether he told the truth or lied. And that is uncomfortable! It also puts him in a weak position.

Jack is a master manipulator and his intent is to not lose his status with his daughter. Jack is threatened by Greg, so however he can discredit him will cause his daughter to question her choice in a partner.

The more Greg is demeaned, the greater the drama created since he is defending his manhood with Jack and protecting his relationship with Jack’s daughter

The characters fit; Both Greg and Jack come from a place of concern-fear. Jack’s response is to be surreptitious and aggressively demeaning; Greg is the underdog, seeking to be liked, accepted and worthy.

Its been forever since I’ve seen this movie-I recall the amount of angst that Greg felt which was a little exaggerated and over the top. But that makes for good comedy.

[karyn laitis]

I’m not at the place to re-write the scenes, but I learned a lot about the dramatic value of pushing the character to their limit. We build in the triggers and as in this case with Will’s personal aggression and Sean’s deflects–the tipping point being Sean’s wife. It could’ve been anything, or anyone. It is “writer’s choice”.

[karyn laitis]

Week 4, Day3–Pushed to a Breaking Point–Good Will Hunting

The build up to this breaking point is Will’s character. He is perceptive; he reads people; he listens to discover their weaknesses. If he exposes the vulnerability of others, he maintains his superiority and insulates himself from exposing his own weaknesses–the best defense is an impeccable offense.

Will finds everything imaginable to diminish Sean–mind, body and spirit. When he feels someone might expose him, he pushes them to their limit. Will has no respect for someone’s journey or value.

This encounter was like watching two boxers. Will’s jabs were met with Sean’s bobs & weaves to deflect. When Will cannot connect directly, he goes for the jugular with comments about a loved one–Sean’s “woman”–being the wrong choice. Sean’s warning was when he postured in the doorway; shoulder/arms back and chest out. When Will breached a boundary; Sean calmly removed his glasses and whistle, then Will’s disparaging comment about Sean’s wife being unfaithful–that was the limit–Will doesn’t concede–but calls a “times up”–the bell rings and the adversaries go to their respective corners; leaving Sean, the Phycologist with a sickening feeling of remorse.

It’s a powerful scene to set the tone for future meetings.

[karyn laitis]

Week 4, Day 2–Forced to Violate Their Own Values–The Walking Dead

I’ve never seen this series-it just doesn’t resonate with me. So the review is only on the basis of this scene and the setup. Officer Grimes just lost his son. By his career choice, he swore to protect and serve his community. As a Dad, he has the same code to protect your children. When he saw the little girl, he wanted to assure her that he was a Policeman (authority and help) and to not be afraid. As he approaches the girl she pauses and turns to reveal that indeed, he should be afraid of her since she is a “walker” aggressively pursuing Officer Grimes. You can see his angst about the decision he needs to make that goes against his heart, yet he needs to survive to be able to protect others in the community. He knows that to destroy the “walker” that inhabits the little girls body, he will have to destroy her brain–thus he, shoots her in the head. He feels remorse after.

The scene creates tension-Grimes’ internal conflict, values life in a confusing reality. The “walkers” come in all shapes and sizes. It is a predator-prey survival of the fittest.

Each of the characters are living in their truth-at opposite ends of the continuum.

What I learned from this assignment: Although I don’t favor this genre, I can still appreciate well written/acted scenes as examples. There are lots of movies, series, etc. that exemplify this. I awakened early morning and couldn’t sleep so turned on TV and an episode of The Rookie was on that totally exemplified the question of violating values (John, saving his fiancée or shooting the serial killer in cold blood, at her request). It is making me a better observer of characters.

[karyn laitis]

Week 4, Day 1–Put the Character To The Test–My Cousin Vinny

The scene is riddled with complimentary opposite characters; their traits play into setting up the scene for a great character test of Mona Lisa Vito–automotive mechanic.

She is tested as an automotive expert witness and the DA and Judge have their gender bias. Mona Lisa and Vinny are as brash as the DA and Judge are southern comfort smooth. The contrast infuses some scene tension.

The DA taunts Mona Lisa with an in-depth question/scenario about a specific feature of a car, model, engine and timing. As she declares she cannot answer, the DA’s ego is momentarily inflated and then punctured by Mona Lisa as she explains the question is a trick as she explains his flawed test. She redeems her claim to expertise and takes control of the situation.

The drama built around this scene is fueled by the cultural contrasts and that Mona Lisa is layered-ditsy, brash, flawed, confident. Expert witnesses can make or break a case. She began looking like a loser witness and ended as a credible expert automotive mechanic. She has grit-she may not be well schooled, but she is clever and educated. this scene became a pivotal part of the movie.

What I learned: Testing a character allows the audience to see different dimensions, flaws, strengths and we can watch them grow into their potential in in plain sight.

[karyn laitis]

I haven’t officially started my script and have only started to define my Protagonist and Antagonist in the WIM class. Thus far, I’m making notations to include what I am learning from this character development into building my characters.

[karyn laitis]

Week 3, Day 5–RUDY–Character Ending

The ending was a “feel good” finish – where someone so driven and committed to manifesting his dream of playing with his “Dream Team”. His play represented more than inclusion in a game; he overcame challenge-after-challenge to reach that one triumphant moment celebrated by the team, coaches, and supporting fans. It took the energy of a stadium to lift Rudy upon the shoulders of his teammates. Each character had their unique ending. It was the culmination of his dream journey.

I see the depth in Rudy to pursue his dream, no matter what the obstacle and Fortune, who sees something in Rudy and supports him in his quest.

[karyn laitis]

Week 3, Day 4–THE MATRIX–Cypher’s Meltdown

Chypher has a mega-exit! He was never to be trusted, which set up events for conflict. His cabin fever was reminiscent of Jack Nicholson’s “The Shining”: Cypher is just done with everything and he doesn’t care who he takes down to prove his point. Ironically, he is ready to pull the plug on Neo-The One–challenging that if he was really “The One” divine intervention would save him, right? Wait for it…Ta Da–exit one Cypher.

Cypher’s ultimate willingness to take down everyone, including Neo, which was the true test of his character. When it got tough, Cypher was willing to support an elusive Matrix. This becomes a critical pivot in their characters’ journey. This allows the characters to adjust to a new level of commitment, amping up their game.

[karyn laitis]

Week 3, Day 3 –Turning Points–THE MATRIX

This scene is highly impactful as it transitions NEO from what was to what will be his new reality. He found comfort knowing that Trinity had gone through the process. Neo trusts the team and but he knows nothing about the process and doesn’t know where it will leave him. It changes him, his essence, he is the chosen of many. He needs to evolve into his potential–amp it up. It requires a team to orchestrate his process. Too much is riding on his evolution into “The One”.

What I learned–As in life, a character’s journey must have turning points to move the story forward.

[karyn laitis]

THE GODFATHER–Character Introduction Week 3, Day 2

The scene positions Don Corleone as more powerful than law enforcement and the “American” judicial system. But He is very clear that he is not about “justice” for hire. That’s not how family works. As head of the powerful family, he expects respect, he expects friendship and loyalty. He expects to be addressed as “Godfather”. He will help a friend with an expectation of a yet to be determined favor in the future.

The “Don” made it clear that had the father come to him, rather than the police, justice would’ve been served and any outsiders would be fearful of the of that relationship-no one would dare to mess with him or his daughter.

In a very short scene, a lot was conveyed to the audience.

What I learned from this assignment: Again, I’m not yet in writing my characters for the script idea. These exercises provide a wonderful approach and methodology to build great characters.

[karyn laitis]

SILENCE OF THE LAMBS: From the Trailer

She is a Jr. FBI agent with special skills and trying to catch a brutal, serial killer with the aid of an equally brutal serial killer. She is a novice, he is a master. They are mutually needing something from each other. Clarice –the serial killer. Hannibal–an escape.

The first question in the trailer sets the tome for Clarice’s journey. She needs to protect her headspace to be able to understand the obtuse clues and puzzles presented by Hannibal. It is truly a very scary dance. The other agents and police present challenges to Clarice and her demons surface. The others learn handily that they cannot be too cavalier around Hannibal–or literally lose life and limb. Hannibal came through for Clarice, helping her catch her killer at the expense of Hannibal’s escape, yet never to far away-he adopts her as his project. This is a genius thriller ending without complete closure–to be continued.

What I learned from this assignment: Characters, to work, sometimes just need a common focus to get their needs fulfilled and a minimal mutual respect.

[karyn laitis]

THE PROPOSAL: From the Trailer

ANDREW’S Journey

Intro: Andrew’s journey starts as an anxious assistant to a tyrant of a boss.

Act 1 TP: He reluctantly agrees to a sham wedding to negotiate a publishing deal.

MidPoint: Office of Immigration Agent trying to convince him that he and Margaret are the “real deal”. Announce to his family over the weekend.

Act 2 TP: Father challenges Andrew and believes the relationship is bogus.

Climax: Drama at the wedding-he realizes he has very real feelings for Margaret.

Ending: In the office the once subserviant Andrew, stands up to Margaret to profess what started as detesting her has evolved into love.

MARGARET’S Journey

Intro: The demanding, manipulative, competitive, and controlling Margaret learns her fiefdom has collapsed because of an immigration technicality.

Act 1TP: She once again manipulates Andrew in her bosses office to agree to being in a relationship and getting married. Her solution puts her in the subservient position to Andrew’s demands.

Midpoint: Office of Immigration Agent she realizes the seriousness of the situation yet still doubles-down on their sham relationship and pending wedding.

Act 2 TP: Margaret falls in love with Andrew’s family and the sham is becoming more difficult to continue.

Climax: The Wedding, she cannot continue to lie to everyone. They have provided a safe place to feel. She turns herself in to the Agent who is at the wedding, invited by Andrew’s Dad.

Ending: In the office, Margaret is packing up-the office staff notices a change in her. Andrew courageously confronts her and acknowledges Andrews talents. They are back in a relationship–this time the love is real.

What I learned: I see through a different lens that each of the characters need to have their own journey with intersecting points that will help each of them grow in their own ways.

[karyn laitis]

MODULE 2 LESSON 5

SUBJECT: Karyn Laitis —Four-Act Transformational Structure

VISION: To be a highly successful screenwriter, industry recognized and in-demand for writing lucrative movies that connect with huge audiences.

What I learned from doing this assignment: It’s a labor of love. The “filling in the blanks” is very helpful. It helped me get back on track. Sorry I’m late-I my emotional support fur-baby was diagnosed last month with lymphoma. It has been a strain of emotions, focus and time. He’s doing better, so am I.

Concept: Professor of Anthropology (Dr. Johona Digger) is targeted for murder and accused of the murder of her colleague. She must be exonerated, vindicate her colleague, and keep her project alive!

Main Conflict: Someone wants to shut down Dr. Digger’s project or neutralize her as she is getting too close to discover Doug Bennet’s multi-million-dollar covert operation. She’s a professional and not a quitter!

Old Ways:

· Workaholic, career driven.

· Aspires to be recognized and promoted.

· Loner, focused.

· Unaware of her surroundings.

New Ways:

· Survival strategist.

· Fight to stay alive.

· Community alliances.

· She manifests her inner and physical strength to survive.

External Journey:

From an intellectual researcher/professor to a survival strategist able to outwit a murderer and mastermind of a covert operation.

Internal Journey:

From a secure, living in a normal “publish or perish” academic world, to experiencing the strength of her cultural roots rising above the fear, threats, loss and grief to emerge strong.

ACT 1:

· Opening: Dr. Digger & colleague in the rustic lab being watched by someone in a truck on the phone. Dr. Digger leaves the lab in a rush-peels out in her jeep. The stalker enters the lab, murders the colleague, and sets fire to the lab.

· Inciting Incident: Detective Ty Wallace arrives at Dr. Digger’s rustic cottage; he sees the door ajar and slowly enters the dark room. He’s jumped and put into a headlock by Dr. Digger. He announces himself, then arrests her for assault and the murder of her colleague. Douglas Bennet, U.S. Federal Agent managing AUM Project, closing mines speaks to Det. Wallace.

· Turning Point: Lack of evidence, Dr. Digger is released and warned. Detective knows first-hand she has the physical strength to overpower and kill. Dr. Digger breaches the police barricade of the lab. She finds her colleague’s journal and a package, which she hides in the food locker. As she’s leaving, she’s attacked-knocked unconscious. There is an explosion in the lab.

ACT 2:

· New Plan: Arrest number 2 for breaching a secured area and evidence tampering—Doug Bennett posts bail, secures her release in his custody. He arranges for her to return her to the University but not before she retrieves the journal and package.

· Plan in action: At University Dr. Digger talks to her mentor. She tests package contents in the lab and discovers the bone fragments are human, not ancient burial remains and the bone tissue has high concentrations of toxicity. Her mentor shares the history of the area; surprised she didn’t know about her own roots.

· Midpoint Turning Point: Returning to her campus apartment, the door is ajar, it has been ransacked. She picked up the commendation medal for her heroics in the Middle East. She’s enraged and ready for a fight! That night, her mentor suddenly dies—a tragic accident?

ACT 3:

· Rethink everything: Dr. Digger returns to her project site with more questions than answers. She learns of the suspicious death of her mentor. She remembered that her Godmother told her about an elder (Gil Wallace). She needed to reach him.

· New Plan: Engage community to learn more about missing members. Uncle Gil speaks of “Curse” on her project site and that she needs to leave. She meets his son, Brad who’s working on the AUM Project for Doug Bennet. She’s more committed to discovering what is going on and half-heartedly works with her Project site volunteers.

· Turning Point: Huge failure/Major Shift: Back at her cottage, a sudden blackout, no power, lights, doors have been barricaded. She hears a rattle, then hears something slither across the wood floor. She hears a hiss—everywhere–snakes! She carefully climbs the ladder to the attic a sack is over her head, bound and taken to a mine shaft where she learns that two project volunteers are missing, and her site has been vandalized. Warned to leave. Quit or Full speed ahead?

ACT 4:

· Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict: Receives message from Gil to meet his son (Brad) at one of the mines. He has information to help her. Going down into the mine-the elevator is rigged to plummet-her fate sealed! She finds Brad, murdered. A passageway leads to finding a journal with drawings/petroglyphs and mining report-toxicity, water, safety violations. Linked missing people and murders to Brad. She must escape and bring the information to the police and UAM Project. The mine is flooding, there is no way out! She finds missing volunteers in the mine. Dr. Digger escapes with injured volunteers.

· Resolution: She turns over information to Ty Wallace and Doug Bennett. She is exonerated; Bennet says he knew there were issues but didn’t know Brad was pulling ore out of the mine obviously to make money. He now has a new foreman. Bennet asks Dr. Digger to dinner after his hike. As he is hiking, you see him reach for a rock to pull himself up—there is a nest of rattlesnakes in the crevice—waiting.

[karyn laitis]

MODULE 2 LESSON 4

SUBJECT: Karyn Laitis —What’s Beneath the Surface

VISION: To be a highly successful screenwriter, industry recognized and in-demand for writing lucrative movies that connect with huge audiences.

What I learned from doing this assignment: I found this exercise very helpful to get clarity and better definition of the characters. Whenever I start to delve into the story, I find it makes me happy. I am feeling more hopeful that these efforts will get me to that place I haven’t been able to reach in the past.

Concept: Professor of Anthropology is targeted for murder.

On the Surface: Dr. Digger is accused of and arrested for murdering a colleague at the project site and must discover who did it and why to exonerate her.

Below the Surface: Dr. Digger is dealing with:

· Murder of a beloved colleague

· Being investigated and arrested for murder of the colleague.

· Someone is trying to shut down her project.

· Push-back from Community over the use of sacred land.

· The discovery of skeletal remains inconsistent with relics found.

· Agent Bennet is pursuing her romantically.

· Conspiracy between Bennet and mining community.

· Reconciling her heritage vs career values.

· Relationship with Doug and Ty.

· Flashbacks of time in Special Forces.

Subtext Plots:

· Scheme and Investigation—There is a scheme to neutralize Dr. Digger. Doug Bennet is the agent in charge of shutting down old uranium mines on the land near Dr. Digger’s project site. He’s bought the silence and alliance of some of the community and leaders to support his scheme to sell uranium from mines to nuclear arms dealers.

· Someone Hides Who They Are—Dr. Digger has hidden her Native American roots all her life, including her stint on a Special Forces team in the Middle East. She is now facing her heritage and trying to understand this new culture that feels familiar.

Doug Bennet is hiding his covert operation under the guise of shutting down old mines.

[karyn laitis]

I’ll repeat that I haven’t yet completed a script and am currently in the WIM course working on my fundamentals. I am working on character development and the Character Mastery principle that I am learning is helping me quite a bit in framing the character relationships.

[karyn laitis]

What I learned from this assignment: The building character attraction arises from complimentary character needs. In this scene two characters are brought together by talent; Jack is smitten and Ally is infatuated. Their emotional needs are complimentary—he needs to be admired/adored to fill the emptiness. She needs a mentor to believe in and boost her self-worth. What he can give to her, he cannot provide himself. Character flaws provide opportunities for layers including attractions.

[karyn laitis]

Character Mastery: Week 2, Day 5, A Star Is Born

Karyn Laitis

Attraction

Where do you see attraction show up for Ally? — There is an inkling of attraction in the parking lot as she is composing a song for Jack, who is smitten with her talent.

Where do you see attraction show up for Jack? – In this scene, you can see Jack is smitten with Ally’s talent as a songwriter and vocalist.

What is causing that attraction? – There is a mutual, musical attraction. Jack is taken by Ally’s raw talent and Ally is in awe of Jack’s accomplishments. It would start as Jack as a mentor/coach to Ally’s music novice.

What drama is this scene built around? – Often there is a disparity between the two characters’ attraction. Here we have a seasoned professional with emotional baggage and addictions to cope. He would be a benefit for Ally yet he becomes a source of hurt and drama. Ally being a novice, looks to Jack for his experience. Her talent and success is too threatening for Jack’s fragility.

What profile items showed up in these two character’s words and actions:

Traits for Jack: Unresolved hurts, feels unworthy, loves the audience admiration. smitten

Traits for Ally: Talented, eager, star struck, infatuated,

[karyn laitis]

What I learned from this assignment: The Ocean’s 11, A-list star studded franchise is very entertaining and successful with great repartee and stunts, however I’ve never felt an emotional connection with the characters. That said, I believe that each primary character should be written so that audiences can make that character bond.

[karyn laitis]

Character Mastery: Week 2, Day 4, Ocean’s 11

Karyn Laitis

Triangle

What makes this love triangle interesting? — This is as much a triangle power struggle as I didn’t really feel a lot of warm fuzzy love by these 3 characters. They all want something-Danny, Tess, and Terry. They want what they can’t have and its all about the business to taking what belongs to someone else.

Where do you see secrets, intrigue, and emotional needs? – They all have secrets which gives each of them power over the others in the triangle. Danny needs to prove that he is better than Terry, as an “alpha-male” suitor for Tess’s favor. Terry knows he can provide more for Tess than her ex-ex-con husband. The emotions seem more about power.

Where do you see conflict between each point of the triangle.? – Tess has animosity and mistrust of Danny; Danny’s competing with Terry to win back Tess and Terry is just trying to keep control over Tess and his business. Terry knows about Danny and his past indiscretions.

What drama is this scene built around? – Power and control—Danny wants to steal Tess and money from Terry while Terry wants to maintain control over his business and Tess.

What profile items showed up in these two character’s words and actions: Danny is a con man who says he no longer lies, yet that is a typical con. Terry is a Vegas style wanna-be mob boss. The traits the surface for Danny and Terry is egotistical, competitive, pompous, and greed.

[karyn laitis]

What I learned from this assignment: This scene has many layers of power struggles. It reminds me of the alignment of characters in The Survivor series. It is a masterful way to portray a power struggle in a family, political venue, academia, the list goes on.

[karyn laitis]

Character Mastery: Week 2, Day 3, Remembering the Titans

Karyn Laitis

Power Struggle

How is the power struggle created? — There are power struggles on a number of levels, schools, administration, school board, players, coaches, and interested stakeholder and all because of systemic racism. There are multi-layers and journeys providing dramatic confrontations and opportunities for growth.

What is it about these characters that demand this power struggle? – It is a test of wills and who has the control to manipulate to continue the racism narrative. The coaches and the players have their egos, immediate and future goals. Sabotaging might hurt the characters more than focusing on building a winning team.

How does each character’s audience influence and depend upon this power struggle? – their audience boosts and justifies the character’s actions, perpetuating the divide and absolving the characters of their bad behavior or conduct counter to a unified team.

What drama is this scene built around? – The segregation and desegregation of schools in the 1970’s. The drama is racially motivated. It depicts just a sliver of the systemic racial disparity within the education systems that trickled down to School Boards, administrators, coaches, supporters and team members/students. We see how this divide plays out individually and collective agendas to sabotage Coach Boone.

How are they expressing their profile through their words and actions: These characters were expressing the true story. Power struggles can restrict relationships and potential greatness but make for great drama. Coach Boone cut the two white players at the knees and humiliated them in front of their audience.

[karyn laitis]

What I learned from doing this assignment: These characters were beautifully written with wonderful range and room for their journey and growth. It is not only about two men traveling together, but the realities of the 1962 world in which they lived.

[karyn laitis]

Character Mastery: Week 2, Day 2 The Green Book

Karyn Laitis

Mismatched Allies

How mismatched are these two? — They are almost at the opposite ends of the continuum, which leaves a lot of room for their journey together and separately. What brings them together is Don’s need for protection and Tony’s need for compensation. $100 a week will easily pay the rent (or mortgage) in 1962. You see the excesses of Don’s flat, and his attire compared to the dress and demeanor of Tony. Based on a true story, the characters are Art imitating life.

What do they have to get over to be able to work together and become friends? – The one thing going for them is that they have a shared purpose—safely have Don complete his concert tour through the deep south. Beyond common purpose, they need to work through their internal preconceptions and external barriers (culture and laws) that limit building a relationship.

Knowing that Tony gets the job, how does this mismatch create a future for both characters? – They each have a journey to discover each other and the self. As challenges are presented, Don retreats because of concern about racism and sexual preference. Don’s talent is what is applauded, but not the man. Tony is “what you see is what you get”-somewhat thuggish but with a willingness to reserve judgements. He lives by a family code. It seems Don admires this and Tony admires Don’s talent and refinement.

What drama is this scene built around? — There is internal tension because of their differences and there is an externally imposed tension from culture and prejudices. For Don and Tony, there is still a respect and curiosity about each other’s life that opens a window for mutual understanding.

What profile items showed up in these two characters words and actions? — Traits:

Tony Don

Gruff Refined

Realist Talented

Protective Shame

Family values Contained

[karyn laitis]

What I learned from doing this assignment–Tombstone: I thought it was a wonderful way to match wits and personalities. The display of Johnny Ringo and his ability to handle a six-shooter was masterful, but not to be wasted on Doc with his abilities to manipulate a liquor tin matching Ringo’s antics. In another scenario, they could’ve been friends and not competitors.

[karyn laitis]

Character Mastery: Week 2, Day 2 Tombstone

Karyn Laitis

WORTHY OPPONENTS

What tension comes from putting these two worthy opponents face to face? —Doc and Johnny are on opposite sides of the law, yet both are very similar: gun slingers, fragile egos, needs for attention, educated and purported to be the “fastest gun” in the territory. Doc goads Johnny with the title of “greatest pistolero since Wild Bill (Hickok)”. Although the attention was initially on Wyatt Earp, who attempted to diffuse the tension by claiming he is a retired “law dog”. It was then heated up when directed to an inebriated Doc Holiday.

What does Doc discover about Johnny’s character in their first meeting? – Doc discovers Johnny’s fragile ego, educated, and has a short fuse. He sees himself in Johnny, prideful, easily provoked, likes people to fear him, likes to perform and doesn’t like to be mocked. It’s the mirror that Johnny is for Doc that Doc hates. When Johnny speaks to Doc in Latin, Doc becomes very focused and rather than pull his gun, perfectly duplicates Johnny’s moves with a shot cup getting the bar crowd to laugh and applaud at the display.

How do these two characters standout from the others? – They are both showmen- competitive. Doc is cavalier with his excesses because he is ill, the broken-down old master standing up to the young challenger who is ready to claim and own the title of “fastest gun”. They are sparring gladiators. Luckily, Doc has Wyatt to protect him.

What drama is this scene built around? — It’s a good vs. evil dilemma; law abiding vs. lawlessness. Jonny and the Cowboys intimidate the townspeople. Fear will keep them bound to the Cowboy’s code. The only hope is that the Earp brothers and Doc Holiday will stand up to the Cowboys.

What profile items showed up in these two characters words and actions? — Their traits are similar, but coming from different places—-lawful vs lawless.

Traits shared: Ego, reputation, educated, fastest gun, competitive.

[karyn laitis]

SUBJECT: Karyn Laitis The Transformational Journey

VISION: To be a highly successful screenwriter, industry recognized and in-demand for writing lucrative movies that connect with huge audiences.

What I learned from doing this assignment: Working on the details of each characters’ transformation helps further define the personality traits and circumstances, dramas, actions and experiences necessary to motivate the change.

Protagonist: Dr. Jo Digger

· Arc Beginning: An aspiring Asst. Professor (Forensic Anthropologist) is accused of murdering a colleague on the project site.

· Arc Ending: She is exonerated and recognized for her role in solving the mysterious disappearance of community residents.

· Internal Journey: From a secure, normal, academic position through fear, threats, loss, and grief to emerge strong and respected.

· External Journey: From an intellectual, research focus to a survival strategist able to outwit a murderer and leader of a covert operation.

· Old Ways:

o Workaholic, career driven.

o Aspirations for recognition and promotion

o Loner, focused.

o Unaware of community issues.

· New Ways:

o Refocused on strategy to survive.

o Fight to keep the project alive.

o Entrenched in community.

o Inner and physical strength.

[karyn laitis]

SUBJECT: Karyn Laitis Intentional Lead Characters

VISION: To be a highly successful screenwriter, industry recognized and in-demand for writing lucrative movies that connect with huge audiences.

What I learned from doing this assignment: I’m learning more and more about creating a sound foundation for the story and the story tellers (characters). Its like keeping my “Vision” always in view. The stronger the concept and characters, the more I’ll have to work with throughout the project.

Protagonist: Dr. Johona (Jo) Digger

Log Line: Dr. Digger is a forensic anthropologist whose work is interrupted when her associate is found murdered.

Unique: She is immersed in a murder accusation, life and death attacks and is seemingly unstoppable.

Antagonist: Douglas (Doug) Bennet

Log Line: Bennet is an AML (Abandoned Mine Land) Program agent acting as Dr. Digger’s project consultant.

Unique: Bennet is a bureaucrat and knows his way around & through the government and privatized red tape.

Dramatic

Triangle: Tyee (Ty) Wallace

Log Line: Wallace is the Reservation Investigator pursuing Dr. Digger as a prime suspect in the murder of her associate.

Unique: Wallace is a Native American, knows the land, culture and the people. He trusts no one that isn’t from his community.

[karyn laitis]

What I learned: When building my characters look deep into character behaviors and motivations to build a relationship. It can be similarities and/or differences. Creating a dynamic relationship journey should be a visceral, magnetic connection.

[karyn laitis]

Character Mastery: Week 2, Day 1—Seabiscuit

Karyn Laitis

What causes you to believe they belong together? Both Seabiscuit and Red exhibit similar traits and behaviors. They have a mutual understanding that develops a respect for each other. Horses need to feel safe to trust a human. Red can provide that for Seabiscuit

Notice any similar emotions, words and actions? They are both spirited, scrappy, fighters, and headstrong.

What drama is the scene built around? There is a very spirited, agitated horse that can be ridden “eventually”. He is a temperamental horse and will rip a piece of you, or your shirt if provoked. “That horse is nuts!” Then there is a scrappy jockey fighting four guys, egging them on. Seems like a match. The question is the journey to greatness that they will take together.

What profile items (right character, traits, secret, wound, future) showed up in the character’s words and actions? Their journey explores when and how the two will connect and become a great team.

Breakthrough-what makes the characters great? Each of these characters express an honesty in their emotions and behaviors. They build a trusting relationship on their similarities to build a mutual dependency.

[karyn laitis]

Character Mastery: Week 2, Day 1—Sleepless in Seattle

Karyn Laitis

What causes you to believe they belong together? It’s Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks—of course they belong together in the film!!! (LOL) Their visual responses and reactions to Dr. Marcia are very similar. It is Christmas and each is alone. The night is when the loneliness demon appears—for different reasons with Sam-its grief and loss; with Annie, there is something missing in her relationship that is a cavern-unfulfilled. The connection is “Sleepless”—Annie listening for something meaningful, and Sam drawn into the call and being vulnerable and candid.

Notice any similar emotions, words and actions? They have similar responses to Dr. Marcia about “not wanting to invade Sam’s privacy”—they echo “sure you do!”. Sam is candid, dealing with the tough times of loss-not showing grief to Jonah. Annie senses that Sam needs someone as much as Jonah. She feels the depth of emotions of his words, needing to “shake it off” during the break. Sam makes light of the phone call with Jonah.

What drama is the scene built around? Getting through loneliness and grief during holidays.

What profile items (right character, traits, secret, wound, future) showed up in the character’s words and actions? The journey explores if, when and how the two will ever meet and connect. They both have a sense of one another, and those feelings are visceral, not intellectual. Annie’s traits: Lonely, compassionate, a romantic, willing to settle, vulnerable. Sam’s traits: Lonely, willing to settle, Jonah is priority, vulnerable, open.

Breakthrough-what makes the characters great? See the common threads that connect the characters even though they are in different locations and emotional places. The journey can set the characters on a seeking adventure.

[karyn laitis]

SUBJECT: Karyn Laitis Title, Concept and Character Structure!

VISION: To be a highly successful screenwriter, industry recognized and in-demand for writing lucrative movies that connect with huge audiences.

TITLE: Dr. Digger: Proof of Death

CONCEPT: Professor of Anthropology is targeted for murder.

CHARACTER STRUCTURE: Dramatic Triangle

What I learned from this assignment: I feel very good to own and commit to the storyline. And its nice to have other projects on the back burner that can be developed. I’m looking forward to feedback from other seasoned students since this is my first attempt at this project.

[karyn laitis]

I’m not quite sure how to proceed. I am also in the WIM course to work on my first script so I haven’t yet written a scene to share.

[karyn laitis]

Karyn L.

What I learned from this assignment:

I can really see the power in character flaws and wounds. A perfect character needs to be human and express strengths and weaknesses. It gives the audience a connection to the character, albeit hero/heroine or the nemesis. Relatability provides the audience the ability to understand emotions, actions, and reactions to situations in the story.

[karyn laitis]

Character Mastery: Week 1, Day 5—Good Will Hunting

Karyn Laitis

· What causes both characters to reveal their wounds?

FEAR! Self-doubt! The fear of the future and unknown. The thought of disrupting his life is out of Will’s comfort zone. He fears change regardless of his feelings for Skylar. He believes he isn’t worthy of a sustainable relationship with her, accusing her of playing with the lower class. Skylar professes her feelings of love and wanting him with her which Will cannot accept. It becomes an internal conflict for each with self-doubt and a need for constancy and security.

· How are those wounds motivating their emotions, actions and reactions?

Will is projecting a worse case scenario making him a big loser and schmuck. No amount of love or logic can overcome his fears. He is angered (at himself) at being used. He provides glimpses of his hurtful/abusive past and he can never be vulnerable again. In her need for love, Skylar attempts to sooth the beast, provide comfort and reassurance. It only fuels Will’s angst and cannot penetrate Will’s walls. He goes from anger to shutting down and running. He cannot risk losing his comfort one for anyone or anything.

· How is each character threatening to other’s wounds?

Each has an emotional investment in the other. It then becomes a control issue. If one makes the emotional commitment, there is vulnerability and exposure to hurt. Whether that be abandonment or lost love. The one the leaves first is less vulnerable. Interesting that Will’s genius and prowess cannot get him out of this dilemma. It is too deep. Everything else is a defense mechanism.

· What drama was the scene built around?

Timing, intimacy, and a reality check of their relationship. The clock is ticking since Skylar will be leaving soon. She wants to commit to the next step. Will cannot and still maintain his equilibrium. Is it a fling or something much deeper?

· Traits:

o Skylar

§ Compassion

§ Frustration

§ Fear

§ Vulnerability

o Will

§ Confused

§ Combative

§ Fear

§ Hurtful (best defense is a good offense)

[karyn laitis]

What
I learned from these scenes: The
building of tension for the audience. From planting the seed to acknowledging a
dangerous behavior or action and the an implication that maybe the dangerous
deed was somehow justified which still questions the values of the character. There is a continued tension of uncertainty. This works for a serial drama

[karyn laitis]

Character Mastery: Week 1, Day 4—LOST

Karyn Laitis

· How is Kate’s secret set up?

The marshal is wounded and dying yet desperately attempting to find this fugitive or warn Jack. Directing Jack to the flyer with Kate’s picture and proclaiming that she is very dangerous. There is a sense of urgency, a dying man’s wish to apprehend her and warn everyone.

· What causes demand to know what the secret is?

The seed has been planted by the marshal as relayed to Jack about Kate. Sawyer senses that Kate is hiding something and cons her into a drinking game-“I Never…”. The tension builds as the questions pass back and forth until the question “have you ever killed a man?” is asked by Sawyer. They each drink, acknowledging their shared secret. “Something in common”.

· How is Kare’s secret revealed?

During the drinking game “I Never…” with Sawyer. The third scene has a flashback: she assists her husband into the bedroom as he comments on the smell and her brushing it off as his alcohol breath. She puts him in bed, removes his shoes and then leaves and rides off on a motorcycle as the house blows up.

· What drama was the scene built around?

The drama is built in the three scenes. From the wish of a dying man and warning that this woman is dangerous and should be feared. The tension and curiosity builds with her choice of companions – Sawyer, who is a bad boy image, shady and has his own secrets. That piqued her interest, as well as her wanting a drink. Sawyer’s quid pro quo was a drinking game “I Never…” and drink if you acknowledge. It was a perfect way to build more drama and increase the stakes for Sawyer’s challenge. She answered having been married, but only a short time; a clue to what might have happened. Then the follow-up question “have you ever killed a man?” implied that she killed her husband. Scene 3 implies he was a drunk and an abuser. Sawyer also confirming he has killed makes for a bonding moment.

· What traits showed up in the three characters:

o Jack

§ Leader/responsible

§ Concern

§ Protective

§ Confusion

o Kate

§ Chameleon

§ Manipulative

§ Secrets

o Sawyer

§ Cavalier

§ Angry

§ Guilt-ridden

§ Manipulator

[karyn laitis]

Karyn L.

What I learned from this scene: This scene was more challenging. It helped when I saw the Mentor/Student relationship with Baggar Vance guiding Junah to navigate the self-discovery journey.

[karyn laitis]

Character Mastery: Week 1, Day 3—Bagger Vance

Karyn Laitis

· Where is Junah coming from?

Junah is carrying his own baggage (WW1) with some anger (self) and self-doubt. His approach to hitting a golf ball is an “approach to life” metaphor. He’s just hitting golf balls into the night without regard for where they are going. The sound of the hit is muffed—either a hook, slice or straight flub. He not hitting a clean shot, yet he doesn’t seem like he’s committed to hitting his best.

· Were is Bagger Vance coming from?

Bagger Vance is an enigmatic character, suddenly appearing out of the darkness of the woods. He seems He seems very perceptive and understanding of Junah’s dilemmas with golf and life lessons.

· What makes them right for their roles in this movie?

The characters are at opposite ends of the continuum except for the love of golf which provides their common ground. Baggar Vance is a “Mr. Miyagi” to Junah.

· What drama was the scene built around?

The scene set up the personality of Junah and introduced Baggar Vance was perceptive, using golf as a metaphor for life. The golfer’s approach to the game and hitting the ball Baggar Vance being an enigmatic character with observations and advice to create a tournament winner.

· What traits showed up in the two characters:

o Junah

§ Privilege

§ Compassionate

§ Curious

§ Self-doubting

§ Competitive

§ Demons from the past

o Baggar Vance Traits

§ Illusive

§ Perceptive

§ Generous

§ Mentor

[karyn laitis]

What I learned from this scene: It helped me understand the subtleties of transformation and setting up the need and motivation for characters to evolve into a formidable “Action” opponent. The underdog rises to the challenge.

[karyn laitis]

Character Mastery: Week 1, Day 2—Terminator

Karyn Laitis

· What future is Sarah Connor living into?

o She is a very ordinary young women who is to become the “Mother of the Future” through her yet to be conceived son John Conor. She will be legendary. It is very biblical.

o Sarah is questioning her worthiness and abilities. Full of self-doubt at the concept of being a strong leader, strategist, fighter, and mentor to a son.

o She strongly declares she doesn’t want any part of this future.

· What future is Kyle Reese living into?

o He knows his fate and volunteers to be John Connor’s messenger to Sarah.

o He will be Sarah’s mentor/protector and more.

o He will provide Sarah with the guidance to become her destiny.

o He is willing to die for Sarah and John.

· Sarah’s transformation implied in the scene?

o Kyle acknowledged her ability tend to his wound with a “well done field dressing” which she recognizes as her first of what might be many in the future.

· Sarah’s Traits:

o Compassionate

o Curious

o Self-doubting

o Capable

o Resistant

o Avoiding her reality

· Kyle’s Traits

o Protective (Sarah and John)

o Committed

o Devoted to Sarah

o Mentor

o Prepared to die

o Perceptive of Sarah’s potential and need for growth

· Drama—Sarah and Kyle are being pursued by the future AI assassin “Terminator”

[karyn laitis]

Character Mastery: Week 1, Day 1—Good Will Hunting

Karyn Laitis

What I learned: I learned more about great repartee and intellectual sparring to establish character dominance. And I would think great monologues could be very attractive to actors.

[karyn laitis]

Character Mastery: Week 1, Day 1—Good Will Hunting

Karyn Laitis

What I learned: I learned more about great repartee and intellectual sparring to establish character dominance. And I would think great monologues could be very attractive to actors.

Traits:

Will (Matt Damon)

An unkempt preppie.

An observer of the dynamics of the bar before committing.

Plays it safe with relationships.

A natural genius.

Wickedly protective of friends.

Bostonian accent

Chuckie (Ben Affleck)

An awkwardly charming smooth talker.

A good wingman at phishing social connection.

Boastful, but lacks the education substance.

Proud of his genius friend, Will.

Skylar (Minnie Driver)

Highly educated and confident.

Secure and open to new people.

Amused by Chuckies antics to impress.

Uncomfortable with the conflict with Chuckie and other preppie.

Impressed with Will’s intelligence and masterful way he minimized the preppie.

Drama—Trigger:

Intellectual sparring between Will and preppie

Why group picked Harvard Bar:

Pick up educated women and punctuate the
difference between being well-educated (Will) and well-schooled.

[karyn laitis]

Hi all! I’m very happy to be sharing this class with you and look forward to feedback–be gentle:)

My name is Karyn. I’m also taking another class (Writing Incredible Movies). I’m an old newbie. I’ve had several script concepts but have yet to complete the one I started. It was a life interrupted by caregiving family. It seems to be a recurring theme.

I’m really look to explore some tools to creating characters with depth and traits that connect with audiences. I’m revisiting my caregiver role with my emotional support fur-baby who was just diagnosed with lymphoma. He’s a trooper and I believe he is responding well to treatment.

[karyn laitis]

1. Karyn Laitis

2. “I agree to the terms of this release form.”

3. Please leave the entire text below to confirm what you agree to.

[karyn laitis]

Hi all, my name is Karyn

I have been working on my first script for quite some time and life circumstances had detoured my progress. I am desperately needing to complete my first script so that I can break the barriers and move on. In a former career (PT Asst)-life I’ve spent a lot of time with industry personalities (actors, directors) at studios, but never discussed my goal in the industry. And I might be the elder of the class.

[karyn laitis]

Karyn Laitis

I agree to the terms of this release form

[karyn laitis]

I remember the controversy of his actions and the press coverage of his anger at the hypocrisy of “religious beliefs” and the Constitution. A can’t remember verbatim, but that monologue sounded very accurate with the news coverage. There was an uproar when he changed his name from Cassius Clay (named after an abolitionist?) and Muhammad Ali after embracing the Muslim religion.

[karyn laitis]

Thank you for that “confidence builder as I am so new to this type of writing at a later stage in life.

[karyn laitis]

I’m not sure. I’m getting the WordPress replies but haven’t received anything on Gmail.

[karyn laitis]

Sounds like so much fun, or maybe not–scary?

[karyn laitis]

Oh, I’m feeling a Psycho chill–Is the husband’s name Norman?

[karyn laitis]

AI will be a very popular topic for writing. Oh, btw, this is an AI response. (LOL) Not, no really…

[karyn laitis]

Ooo, a family tree and a demon money tree! Yummy!

[karyn laitis]

This sounds like fun, not fun for the protagonist.

[karyn laitis]

Really unique! Sounds great.

[karyn laitis]

Hi Eden-Nice meeting you. Wishing you great success on your solo venture.

[karyn laitis]

Nice meeting you Marshall. Keep on chanting! 👏

[karyn laitis]

Nice to meet you Adrienne. I wish you great success!

[karyn laitis]

Good to meet you Marguerite. I’m sorry the loss of your husband. What a wonderful class to take to share your creativity. Kudos! I’m working to complete my first script. Enjoy!

[karyn laitis]

Good to meet you Chris. Nice connection. Yes–good experiences and insights!

[karyn laitis]

Good meeting you Ashley. I’ve also been a writer, but now shifting to screenwriting. Good luck to us!

[karyn laitis]

Hi Francine-wonderful to meet you. Consider you are now back on track! And “spooky” is good.

[karyn laitis]

Hi Jo! Nice meeting you. Great accomplishments! Best wishes for your continued successes. I have a wonderful cat-Buddha. He’s a blessing.

[karyn laitis]

Hi Haley! I’m working on my first script as well. I’m looking forward to walking through my doubts.

[karyn laitis]

Nice meeting you Agnes. Wonderful experiences and successes! Congratulations!

[karyn laitis]

Nice meeting you Ferdinand! You’ve has some wonderful industry experiences and connections. Best to you to reach your goal.

[karyn laitis]

Nice meeting you Patricia. Blessed twice by the Dali Lama! I need to sit next to you😂 I’m also working on my first script on an idea that has been marinating since 1972. I think its time to put it on the grill. Best wishes.

[karyn laitis]

Nice to meet you Mr. Brunken. Lofty goals (no pun) and can be accomplished. Good to meet you and best wishes to realize your goals! I’m also looking to complete my first script.

[karyn laitis]

Hi Ruthie–you go girl! So happy for you and a nice testament to Hal’s class. I look forward to finishing my first script.

[karyn laitis]

So now we have to have a close-up of your eyes! Good to meet you Brian.

[karyn laitis]

Good to meet you! Good luck on that contest!

[karyn laitis]

And I thought I was the oldest–74😂

[karyn laitis]

Happy to meet you Richard. We’re in for an interesting experience! I’m starting from ground zero. Time for us all to flourish! Good luck to us!

[karyn laitis]

30 scripts in 30 years is very productive. I’ve had one script idea I’ve been working on since for at least 30 years 😂 I wrote other things. Happy to meet you.

[karyn laitis]

Its a pleasure meeting you Paul. I’m with you, much to learn and experience. You have so much wonderful experience. I look forward to reading your stories.