Laura Hyler
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Laura Hyler’s Target Market Assignment 10 6/7/2022
What I learned doing this assignment is that sometimes, it may make sense to also look at television movie producers as well.
Five Movies that are similar to mine in theme are:
1) Save the Last Dance (2001)- Producer(s)
a. Robert W. Cort
b. David Madden
2) Against the Ropes (2004) Producer(s)
a. Cort/Madden Productions
b. MTV Films
3) Finding Forrester (2000) Producer(s)
a. Laurence Mark Productions
b. Fountainbridge Films
c. Columbia Pictures
d. Finding Forrester Productions
4) Mississippi Masala (1991) Producer(s)
a. Mira Nair
b. Studio Canal Souss (owned by Stephen Swid, NY Fin)
c. Dist. By Palace Pictures (UK) Cinecom Pictures and Samuel Goldwyn
5) Guess Who (2005) Producer(s)
a. Jenno Topping
b. Erwin Stoff
6) Something New (2006) Producer
a. Stephanie Allain
7) Two Can Play That Game (2001) Producer(s)
a. Doug McHenry
b. Mark Brown
c. Paddy Cullen
8) Mr. and Mrs. Loving (1996) TV Movie Producer(s)
a. Dan Paulson
b. Chi-en Telemaque
Laura Hyler’s Target Market Assignment 10 pg. 2 6/7/2022
9) Lakeview Terrace (2008) Producer(s)
a. James Lassiter
b. Will Smith
2. Actors that I think that I would like for the lead roles are:
Either Carrie Coon or Rose Byrne as Naomi and Either Lamman Rucker or Russell Hornsby as Kofi.
3) My Screenplay’s title is Fire ‘n Ice and my log line is: A naïve widow must learn how to handle racism, or risk losing the love of her life. The genre is Romantic Drama.
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I agree to the terms of this release form:
GROUP RELEASE FORM
As a member of this group, I agree to the following:
1. That I will keep the processes, strategies, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class confidential, and that I will NOT share any of this program either privately, with a group, posting online, writing articles, through video or computer programming, or in any other way that would make those processes, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class available to anyone who is not a member of this class.
2. That each writer’s work here is copyrighted and that writer is the sole owner of that work. That includes this program which is copyrighted by Hal Croasmun. I acknowledge that submission of an idea to this group constitutes a claim of and the recognition of ownership of that idea.
I will keep the other writer’s ideas and writing confidential and will not share this information with anyone without the express written permission of the writer/owner. I will not market or even discuss this information with anyone outside this group.
3. I also understand that many stories and ideas are similar and/or have common themes and from time to time, two or more people can independently and simultaneously generate the same concept or movie idea.
4. If I have an idea that is the same as or very similar to another group member’s idea, I’ll immediately contact Hal and present proof that I had this idea prior to the beginning of the class. If Hal deems them to be the same idea or close enough to cause harm to either party, he’ll request both parties to present another concept for the class.
5. If you don’t present proof to Hal that you have the same idea as another person, you agree that all ideas presented to this group are the sole ownership of the person who presented them and you will not write or market another group member’s ideas.
6. Finally, I agree not to bring suit against anyone in this group for any reason, unless they use a substantial portion of my copyrighted work in a manner that is public and/or that prevents me from marketing my script by shopping it to production companies, agents, managers, actors, networks, studios or any other entertainment industry organizations or people.
This completes the Group Release Form for the class.
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Day 9 Laura Hyler’s Phone Pitch 6/5/22
What I learned doing this assignment is that it is really difficult knowing how to pitch, when Hollywood’s credibility requirements are different than my experience, which includes a Master’s degree in English, (which included film studies) and I have some acting experience and stage management. So, I am going with “asking permission” to pitch.
Hi, I’m Laura Hyler and I am wondering if I could run a quick logline and pitch by you?
Log Line: A naïve widow must learn how to handle racism, or risk losing the love of her life.
Today I have a drama called Fire ‘n Ice. It’s a fictional story based on real life experiences of interracial couples.
The story is about Naomi who naively believes that she lives in a post-racial America. She and her partner ignore issues that come up, until they are forced to face matters head on. How they react and what Naomi does, will determine whether they can have a lasting relationship.
The budget range is 15-30 million.
The two actors I like for the lead roles would be Russell Hornsby or Lamman Rucker (Kofi) and
Rose Byrne or Jessica Alba as Naomi. Other actors for secondary roles could be Carrie Coon as Jeanine, Lakeith Stanfield as Cal, Andrea Navedo as Jacinta, Gabrielle Union as Cherie and Uzo Aduba as Letitia.
The script is 108 pages in length.
One experienced former writer for Paramount has seen my script.
I think it fits your company because of the subject matter, as you have done similar movies in the past. I loved xyz movie.
The movie ends with Naomi and Kofi reconciling and getting married. The parting shot is with friends and family, even those who previously were not 100% accepting of the relationship at first.
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Laura Hyler’s Pitch Fest Pitch Lesson 8 6/3/22
What I learned doing this assignment is that I struggle to state what my credibility is, although I have an extensive writing background (and a Master’s in English), acting and working as a stage manager for “Little Shop of Horrors.” This is largely because I am not yet optioned, or published.
Hi, I’m Laura Hyler and today I have a drama called Fire ‘n Ice. It’s a fictional story based on real life experiences of interracial couples. After having many experiences that interracial encounter, I feel that my real-life experiences uniquely qualify me to write a screenplay about it.
The story is about Naomi who naively believes that she lives in a post-racial America. She and her partner ignore some issues that come up, until they are forced to face matters head on. How they react will determine whether they can have a lasting relationship.
The budget range is 15-30 million.
The two actors I like for the lead roles would be Russell Hornsby or Lamman Rucker (Kofi) and
Rose Byrne or Jessica Alba as Naomi. Other actors for secondary roles could be Carrie Coon as Jeanine, Lakeith Stanfield as Cal, Andrea Navedo as Jacinta, Gabrielle Union as Cherie and Uzo Aduba as Letitia.
The acts of the story are:
ACT 1- Naomi (a widow) has an unpleasant breakup with long term boyfriend. Meets someone at her organization’s fundraiser.
ACT 2- Kofi asks Naomi for a “real” date. Kofi’s friend leaves Naomi out of their wedding guest list. Kofi moves in with Naomi.
ACT 3- Naomi is passed over for a promotion by a guy who has pursuing her and happens to be racist. Kofi breaks up with Naomi when he discovers that he was not invited to her sister’s wedding.
ACT 4- Naomi tries to prevent Kofi’s deportation due to a HB-1 Visa paperwork screw up from his employer. Naomi gets to the airport in time to see the plane take off. All hope is lost-until Kofi appears behind her. They get back together and get married.
I have experience writing screenplays, acting as a stage manager, and acting. I have an extensive background in writing in a variety of mediums.
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What I learned doing this assignment is that even when I think I am keeping it concise,
it still looks like a lot of words.
What could be worse than stubbing your toe on the way to answer the front door? Maybe it’s
opening the door, only to find your ex-boyfriend from last week on your doorstep because he got a flat down the street, and when you go to help him, you discover that a new woman has all ready taken the passenger seat.
Or, maybe it’s all the things Naomi Steele didn’t anticipate when meeting “Mr. Right,” (an African with a professional career), a few months later-things like friends and family’s behavior, even her employer, and his family, friends and employer too!
Things are dicey when no one addresses the elephant in the room, like the issues that interracial couples encounter, especially when the couple avoids the topic even with each other!
Can Naomi and the love of her life, Kofi, overcome the prejudices and biases of those they know, or learn ways of dealing with it, and save their relationship?
If you like this concept, I’d be happy to send the script to you.
Best regards,
Laura Hyler
Bio- Having been a single mother of four children and faced with the dating world after the end of a 14 year marriage, I dated almost exclusively outside my race, and learned very quickly that we were not living in a “post racial” America.
My partner of ten years is African, and I can honestly say, there are far too many events to fit into one screen play, so I have picked some of the more significant experiences that I have had and used fictitious scenarios to show real events.
Laura Hyler, phone: gmail.com, or address
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Laura Hyler’s Synopsis Hooks Lesson 6 5/30/22
What I learned doing this assignment is that I was having difficulty understanding what the synopsis is supposed to do. Is it like a query letter, or like the back of a book jacket cover? I have a difficult time trying to relate the science fiction example from the class notes to what I am trying to accomplish with my script. I hope I’m going in the right direction with this.
What’s worse than stubbing your toe on the nightstand in the dark? Could it be stubbing your intellect on the belief that we live in a post-racial America?
Quite possibly. Meet Naomi Steele, a young widow who has a fear of relationships-until she meets Kofi, an African doctor at her employer’s fundraiser.
Things take off quickly and the happy couple don’t seem to take notice of the behavior of some friends, family, coworkers and even their employers. Tensions escalate as friends and relatives leave Kofi and Naomi out of invitations and the couple is faced with the conundrum of addressing the issue with one another or avoiding it all together.
Even their employers cast their votes-Naomi is passed over for a promotion, and the man who gets the job has been in hot pursuit of her and is a racist. Kofi’s employer conveniently “forgets” to file HB-1 (Visa) paperwork for him and some other employees, causing the deportation of several doctors. Kofi is next on the list to be deported. Will he be able to stay?
When things heat up to the breaking point and Kofi moves out, the couple is forced into addressing the issue head on, or risk losing their relationship forever.
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Laura Hyler’s High Concept/Elevator Pitch 5/27/22
Lesson 5
Power Players
What I learned doing this assignment is that it is easier to come up with a logline or high concept than it is to do an elevator pitch.
1. My high concept is:
A Caucasian widow must learn how to handle racism, or risk losing the love of her life.
2. My elevator pitch is:
I’m finishing a story that answers the question-can a Caucasian widow and her new love interest, an African man, overcome racial tensions and conflicts internally and externally that threaten their relationship?
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Laura Hyler’s 10 Most Interesting Things Lesson 4 5/24/22
What I learned doing this assignment is that although I would not change my logline based on this exercise, it does help to see the overall picture and how some elements in my story fit into the big picture.
B. The major hook of my opening scene is that Naomi, a widow’s, ex-boyfriend shows up at her door to use her phone because he got a flat tire. She goes to help him, and sees another woman in the car (break up is only a week old). Words are exchanged.
D. Emotional dilemma- both Naomi and her new love interest have to learn how to cope with racism, both in the outside world and their inner world.
E. Many twists in my story-friends betray both Naomi and her boyfriend. Another man is interested in Naomi and another woman is interested in Kofi. The other man (Tommy is a racist and he becomes Naomi’s boss when she is overlooked for promotion by her boss because she is dating Kofi).
Kofi’s best friend and his wife leave Naomi out of their wedding for two reasons- Isaac (Kofi’s friend) remembers when another white woman dumped Kofi because she could not handle the racism they encountered. Isaac’s wife- Cherie leaves Naomi out because she’s trying to fix her best friend up with Kofi and doesn’t believe whites and blacks should be together.
There’s a fire that forces Kofi to move in with Naomi. They have a fight due to the fact that he was left out of the invitation to her sister’s wedding, but he doesn’t tell her that she was left out of an invitation to his friend’s wedding. He moves out.
Naomi cannot reach him for two weeks. In the interim, his employer forgets to file paperwork to keep his HB-1 visa active. He’s about to be deported.
Naomi is trying to prevent the deportation and goes to bat for Kofi. When she has to get the papers signed by her employer, her new boss, Tommy tries to assault her in his office.
Naomi misses Kofi’s plane. Then she hears a voice, and it’s Kofi.
H. Big surprise- when it looks like all is lost, the deportation was halted. Naomi and Kofi get back together. Family and friends apologize and they get married at the end.
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Laura Hyler’s What Do Managers & Producers Want? 5/20/22
Lesson 3
What I learned by doing this assignment is this is not easy to respond to, having never seen an example of how writers approach producers and managers.
How I would approach Producers–
First, I would present my logline. I would tell them why my topic is timely and would be interesting to an audience, especially their audience, because it is in their genre of filmmaking.
I might suggest actors who I think would like the protagonist’s role, or at least the type of actor(s) this may appeal to.
How I would approach Managers-
I would also start
with my logline. I might do some research as to how/why my script is
marketable. Tell them that I am a good listener and willing to take direction,
and lastly that I can meet deadlines as required, or at least complete requests
in a timely manner. -
Is your screenplay taking the POV of Mark? Why did you (if you did) choose Mark’s POV?
What is the change in Al that makes him want to help Mark after all? I am somewhat confused in your response in #2. Are you talking about Mark’s brother, Al’s brother, or both Mark and Al’s brothers?
What is the main idea of your screenplay? What would you like your audience to come away with after watching your movie?
I hope my questions are helpful.
Laura
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Getting Your Scripts to Power Players 5/16/22
Laura Hyler’s Marketable Components Lesson 2 Homework
What I learned doing this assignment is trying to keep my log line short and sweet and provocative is not easy.
My current logline is: A naïve Caucasian widow must learn how to handle racism, or risk losing the love of her life.
Two components that my script has are: uniqueness and timeliness. It is unique because very few films have dealt with interracial relationships (they frequently skirt around potential issues) and how outside pressures affect the individuals involved and the relationship.
It is timely because of the increase of interracial relationships in our country, and because of the racial tensions that still exist.
I could emphasize the fact that most films do not directly address racial issues in interracial relationships. Some movies like Save the Last Dance and Finding Forrester touch on it, and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner had some poignant dialog, but also seemed to stay in the safety zone.
So, taking into account both the reluctance to address racial issues in interracial relationships and the timeliness, I could re-write the log line.
New Logline: A Caucasian widow must learn to address racism with family members, friends and the man she loves, or risk losing the love of her life.
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Hello,
I am Laura Hyler. This is my fourth class with Script University. I have one script that I am hoping to get optioned. I would like to know how to best market my script and give me the best chance possible to get it produced.
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Laura Hyler Profound Map Version 3 Day 16 5/6/22
What I learned doing this assignment is that this process gives you a guide that can be changed
when necessary, but it really shows you your path and where you are heading.
1) My profound truth is that interracial couples can survive/thrive despite racism as long as they find a means to deal with it.
2) The transformational journey is:
Old Ways: Naomi initially settles for people and situations that she does not have to. She tends to be reserved, is afraid of relationships and is affected by other’s actions/words. She also has a tendency to avoid difficult matters by not discussing them.
Journey: Naomi meets Kofi who she falls for and is soon faced with how to handle others who have less than positive attitudes toward interracial couples, including family and friends from both sides.
New Ways: Naomi gets her confidence back and learns to assert herself. She goes out of her way to keep Kofi in her life.
Transformational Logline: Naive woman who believes that we live in a post racial America learns differently when she falls in love with an African and has to learn how to handle challenging situations in order to keep her relationship.
3) My lead characters are:
· Change agent: Tommy and Tripp
· Transformable character: Naomi
· Oppression: Racism
4) How I connect with my audience in the beginning of the movie:
A. Relatability- universal experiences: Naomi, a widow, has had a bad relationship after the death of her husband. She is a single mom, has a stressful job, a boss that threatens the security of her job when he sees who she is dating, stress from family and friends, especially her sister, and does not assert herself well under contentious situations.
Kofi- has secret past relationship with a white woman that did not work out. Receives pressure from friends to not date outside his race. Is kind to his patients, has a fire destroy his apartment and important documents. Has an employer who mishandles his HB-1 immigration papers, faces deportation, and is also unassertive in contentious situations.
B. Intrigue- Naomi is not sure about embarking on any new relationships. Initially denies feelings for Kofi. She is not always forthcoming in expressing her feelings.
Kofi- hides past failed relationship, but results of it show in new relationship with Naomi when tensions become apparent.
C. Empathy- When Naomi and Kofi split. When Kofi’s apartment burns down. When Naomi mysteriously gets turned down for a job that she was in line for, for a guy that has been watching her for years. When their friends discourage them from pursuing their relationship. When people they do not know look at them funny or make comments.
D. Likability- Naomi is an easy-going person most of the time, she isn’t judgmental, often too nice for her own good.
Kofi- helpful to his patients, kind to others, also tends to be too good for his own good.
5) What is the gradient of change?
Desired Change
Emotional Gradient:
Excitement: Naomi is excited to meet someone she is compatible with.
Doubt: Naomi is fearful of new relationships and is unsure of dating outside her race.
Hope: Naomi is hopeful about her new relationship and people’s attitudes.
Discouragement: Comes from family and friends on both sides, her employer.
Courage: Naomi decides to do what is in her best interest and Kofi’s.
Action Gradient
Setup
Naomi meets Kofi at a charitable fundraiser. After the charity fundraiser they have a “real date.”
Journey
· She is unsure of having any relationship. Naomi is not comfortable putting people in their place, even when she is angry-she is inconsistent
· Naomi continues to date Kofi in spite of disguised prejudices of others. She begins to see him as “the one.”
· When Kofi realizes that Naomi did not tell him that he was invited to her sister’s wedding. It is further complicated when Naomi discovers that Kofi did not tell her that she was left out of Isaac’s wedding. Kofi moves out.
· Naomi stands up to the people in her life. She decides that she’d rather risk losing some relationships than losing the love of her life.
Payoff
· Naomi reconciles with Kofi. She puts people in their place. Tells people that her relationship is not negotiable.
· Naomi and Kofi get married
Challenge/Weakness Gradient:
Challenge: Naomi just came out of a bad relationship. Prior to that she was widowed.
Weakness: She is unsure about a new relationship, and the fact that he is from another race/culture.
Challenge. Naomi must overcome the fear of rejection by family and how to handle racism.
Weakness: Naomi is used to being “nice” even to her own detriment.
Challenge: People’s attitudes, overt and subtle. Workplace tension.
Weakness: Knowing how to respond appropriately and be candid with Kofi.
Challenge: How to get back together with Kofi. How to handle her family and other’s viewpoints and actions.
Weakness: Doesn’t want to lose family connections or disrupt her employment.
Challenge: Putting people in their place, with tact. Reconciling with Kofi.
Weakness: Naomi has difficulty articulating her feelings to all parties.
Challenge: Mustering up the courage to tell people off. Knowing what to say to Kofi.
Weakness: Fear of the unknown, what will happen next?
6. The Transformational Structure of my story is:
MM #1
Hero’s Status Quo, ordinary world ends (pgs. 1-15)
Naomi, widow, 38 (Caucasian), has recently split from a man, Greg (Caucasian), late thirties, who she has been dating for ten years. She has two teenage children. Her employer, a charity decides to hold a dinner date “auction.” Her friend and coworker, Jeanine throws her name and another coworker’s name in the pool of potential “dates.
Tommy, a guy who has reputation, and Naomi detests, puts in a bid for a dinner date with her.
Kofi, a medical doctor, who recognizes Naomi from an incident in a bar, puts in his bid and outbids Tommy.
Hope: Naomi decides to go along with the dinner date fundraiser despite her reticence.
Challenge: Naomi is still angry at Greg. She finds herself missing her deceased husband, especially when other relationships fail.
Weakness: Fear of the unknown
MM # 2 (pgs. 15-30)
Turning Point: Call to Adventure
Naomi runs into Tommy at the dinner, and also, Cal, her good friend (Letitia’s) brother. Tommy makes and embarrassing comment to Kofi. Cal makes a snide remark to Naomi. She and Kofi have an enjoyable evening.
Kofi asks Naomi for a “real date.” Naomi accepts.
Excitement: Meeting a new person and having a good time despite her doubts.
Doubt: trying to learn ways of coping with people’s opinions, prejudices
MM # 3 (pgs. 30-45)
Turning Point: Locked In
Naomi and Kofi go out to dinner. They discover that they have more in common than they thought.
A week later, they go on a hiking date. During the hike, Naomi overhears a conversation between other hikers. Subconsciously, she knows that comments made were directed at her and Kofi. Kofi pretends not to have heard.
Greg calls Naomi and asks her to lunch. She reluctantly agrees. Greg tries to get Naomi back. He makes biased comments and Naomi leaves.
Discouragement: Naomi would like to keep seeing Kofi, but she unsure how to handle people around her.
MM # 4 (pgs. 45-60)
Turning Point: Standard Ways Fail
Kofi receives invitation to his friend, Isaac’s wedding. Naomi is not included. Kofi says nothing to Naomi and attends the wedding.
Naomi and Kofi attend a concert with Letitia. Naomi notices the reaction of a couple of white guys when they realize Kofi is her date.
When Kofi’s apartment catches fire, Naomi offers him the guestroom.
Naomi receives a wedding invitation from her sister. Kofi is not included. Naomi does not know how to handle it. She confronts her sister, and declines being the Maid of Honor. Her sister advises her that she will not be able to ride in the limousine with her children to the wedding.
Letitia and Cal have an unpleasant conversation with Naomi about why she shouldn’t date a black man.
Tommy is promoted to a position in Naomi’s organization that she was well qualified for.
Discouragement: Naomi’s non-confrontational style is becoming a problem. She feels deflated.
MM # 5 (pgs. 60-75)
Turning Point: Plan backfires
En route to her sister’s wedding, Naomi gets a flat tire.
She meets an older man, Richard, who helps her with the tire. In the brief time she knows him, he serves as a mentor.
Kofi gets off work early and shows up at Charlie (Naomi’s sister’s) wedding. Kofi overhears a conversation between town wedding guests and becomes angry. Naomi asks him what is wrong, and he tells her that he is angry that she did not tell him that he was not invited. He leaves abruptly.
Doubt: Naomi fears losing the relationship
Discouragement: the culmination of friend’s, family and society’s opinions
MM # 6 (pgs. 75-90)
Turning Point: The Decision to Change
Naomi returns home to find no trace of Kofi. Over the next two weeks, she tries to make contact. Out of desperation, she goes to Kofi’s office. She is told that he is off that day.
She bumps into Isaac, who tells her that their employer screwed up Kofi’s HB-1 renewal paperwork, and that he is going to be deported.
Naomi goes to immigration and asks if there is anything she could do to prevent Kofi’s deportation. A clerk advises her that she can act as a sponsor until the employer, County Medical, gets their paperwork in.
Doubt: Naomi doesn’t know if she will stop Kofi in time, or if she will ever see him again.
Courage: Naomi decides to prevent the deportation and find Kofi.
MM # 7
Turning Point: The ultimate failure (pgs. 90-105)
Naomi gets stuck in traffic going to the airport. There is an accident and construction. Cars are backed up for miles. Naomi calls Isaac on her cell phone. She pleads with Isaac to call immigration and stop Kofi from leaving.
Naomi finally arrives at the airport. She bargains with security to let her get through the gates.
She runs through the airport. She arrives at the terminal just in time to see the plane take off.
Doubt: Naomi fears never seeing Kofi again. She experiences despair.
MM # 8
Turning Point: Apparent Victory (pgs. 105-120)
Naomi hears a familiar voice behind her. It is Kofi. Immigration stopped his departure just in time.
Naomi is empowered to stand up to her friends, family, coworkers and boss. She now puts people in their place (appropriately).
Some people have come forward to apologize for their own attitudes and behavior.
Turning Point: New Status quo
Naomi and Kofi get married. Their lives settle down.
7. How are the old ways challenged?
Challenge by “Should Work, But Doesn’t
Naomi is not that assertive. She gives in to others wishes often, basically because she wants to avoid confrontation.
Why it doesn’t work: By the nature of giving in to other’s wishes, she risks not being happy and losing the love of her life-Kofi. It also costs her a promotion.
Naomi’s fear of commitment prevents her from re-experiencing past hurts.
Why it doesn’t work: Naomi gets hurt from people who are unable to commit. She doesn’t make Kofi feel as secure as he would like-a potential way of losing him.
Afraid to challenge people’s unsolicited opinions, in an effort to be liked.
Why it doesn’t work: the people who aren’t going to like her, are not going to like her, regardless of what she does or doesn’t do. As soon as she makes choices that she is happy with, those same people are going to be a problem-like her sister, Charlene.
Naomi omits important information from Kofi about her sister’s wedding, because she is unsure of how to handle it.
Why it doesn’t work: Instead of avoiding conflict, Naomi finds herself right in the middle of conflict with the most important person in her life.
Avoidant behavior- because Naomi avoids uncomfortable situations, she ends up in bad predicaments.
Because Naomi is not comfortable talking to Jeanine about her relationship, she misses out on valuable advice.
Challenge by Living Metaphor:
· Lack of Assertiveness: Living Metaphor: Seeing Tommy’s name in the
· company newsletter, as getting the job she was qualified for.
· Fear of Commitment: Living Metaphor: the wedding invitation, her friend’s engagement
· Not challenging unsolicited opinions: Living Metaphor: Her ex-boyfriend, Greg
· Acts of omission to avoid conflict: Living Metaphor: The empty guest room when Kofi leaves
· Avoidant behavior: Living Metaphor: She is alone when everyone else is with their special someone
8. I am presenting Insights Through Profound Moments by:
a. New Way and Insight:
Naomi learns not to be manipulated by Greg. She sees how he used to manipulate her in the past.
Action:
She refuses to continue a discussion that she believes is unreasonable. She cuts Greg off.
b. New Way and Insight:
Naomi is faced with doing something for her company that she doesn’t want to do. She gains insight from Jeanine’s reaction. She realizes this is something she should do for the good of the charity.
Action:
She learns how to be a good sport about it anyway and participates in the auction.
c. New Way and Insight:
Naomi works through her fear of relationships. She starts to see that she has something in common with Kofi.
Action:
Naomi goes out on a date in spite of her reticence.
d. New Way and Insight:
Naomi starts to stand up for herself. Her sister cannot affect her choices by being manipulative.
Action:
Naomi makes the best decision for herself.
e. New Way and Insight:
Naomi is not interested in other’s opinions.
Action:
She is no longer willing to allow others to force their opinions on her and speaks up. The consequences of other’s opinions do not influence her.
f. New Way and Insight
Naomi sees firsthand that we are NOT living in a post racial America.
Action: Naomi is no longer willing to remain silent about things that matter.
Conflict Delivers Insight
Conflict: Naomi’s sister does not invite Kofi to her wedding.
Insight: Naomi is beginning to see things from a different perspective.
Conflict: Kofi’s best friend leaves Naomi out of his wedding guest list.
Insight: Kofi cannot be mad at Naomi for the same thing that he did.
Irony Delivers Insight
Irony: Letitia, Naomi’s African American friend discourages Naomi’s relationship with Kofi.
Insight: Racism on either side is silly.
Irony: Naomi is reluctant to enter a new relationship, in spite of the fact that she really likes Kofi.
Insight: Fear can make you miss out on the best things life has to offer.
What are the most profound lines of the movie?
1) Pg. 3 Anger and hurt feelings not only over break up, but also Greg has a new woman only one week later.
“Relationships are not Happy Meals, Greg” -Naomi (referencing the speed at which he is with someone else).
2) Pg. 42 Kofi is angry with Isaac for leaving Naomi out of his wedding invitations.
“I don’t look for racism, but I expect it. But I didn’t expect it from you!”- Kofi
3) Pg. 45 Naomi is annoyed with Letitia because she is not ready, and she’s wasting time.
“There’s nothing old about you, I just saw you on Tik Tok!” Naomi
4) Pg. 68 Kofi is angry with Naomi after he discovers that he wasn’t invited to her sister’s wedding. Naomi says that her sister is misguided.
“And you think that you’re not misguided by not telling me? That’s like sending someone into enemy territory with no armor. Seriously, Naomi, just ignore problems and maybe they’ll just go away?”
5) Pg. 68 Naomi’s response to Kofi
“What did you want me to say? That I may have some closet racist relatives, but I don’t know who they are?”
How Do I Leave the Audience with a Profound Ending?
A. Express the profound truth: That interracial relationships can survive/thrive.
B. Naomi will come to terms with the fact that she is not living in a “post racial” America.
C. The Change-She learns how to deal with others and be more transparent with Kofi. She decides to stand up to people, because she does not want to lose the love of her life.
D. The payoffs- Naomi and Kofi reunite after coming close to never being able to see one another again. Naomi stops Kofi’s deportation when she realizes that she cannot live without him.
E. Surprising- At the very last moment, she sees the plane take off, it appears that all is lost. Kofi is not on the plane.
F. Parting image- Naomi and Kofi’s wedding
-
Laura Hyler Profound Map Version 2 Day 16 4/29/22
What I learned doing this assignment is that this process gives you a guide that can be changed
when necessary, but it really shows you your path and where you are heading.
1) My profound truth is that interracial couples can survive/thrive despite racism as long as they find a means to deal with it.
2) The transformational journey is:
Old Ways: Naomi initially settles for people and situations that she does not have to. She tends to be reserved, is afraid of relationships and is affected by other’s actions/words. She also has a tendency to avoid difficult matters by not discussing them.
Journey: Naomi meets Kofi who she falls for and is soon faced with how to handle others who have less than positive attitudes toward interracial couples, including family and friends from both sides.
New Ways: Naomi gets her confidence back and learns to assert herself. She goes out of her way to keep Kofi in her life.
Transformational Logline: Naive woman who believes that we live in a post racial America learns differently when she falls in love with an African and has to learn how to handle challenging situations in order to keep her relationship.
3) My lead characters are:
· Change agent: Tommy and Tripp
· Transformable character: Naomi
· Oppression: Racism
4) How I connect with my audience in the beginning of the movie:
A. Relatability- universal experiences: Naomi, a widow, has had a bad relationship after the death of her husband. She is a single mom, has a stressful job, a boss that threatens the security of her job when he sees who she is dating, stress from family and friends, especially her sister, and does not assert herself well under contentious situations.
Kofi- has secret past relationship with a white woman that did not work out. Receives pressure from friends to not date outside his race. Is kind to his patients, has a fire destroy his apartment and important documents. Has an employer who mishandles his HB-1 immigration papers, faces deportation, and is also unassertive in contentious situations.
B. Intrigue- Naomi is not sure about embarking on any new relationships. Initially denies feelings for Kofi. She is not always forthcoming in expressing her feelings.
Kofi- hides past failed relationship, but results of it show in new relationship with Naomi when tensions become apparent.
C. Empathy- When Naomi and Kofi split. When Kofi’s apartment burns down. When Naomi mysteriously gets turned down for a job that she was in line for, for a guy that has been watching her for years. When their friends discourage them from pursuing their relationship. When people they do not know look at them funny or make comments.
D. Likability- Naomi is an easy-going person most of the time, she isn’t judgmental, often too nice for her own good.
Kofi- helpful to his patients, kind to others, also tends to be too good for his own good.
5) What is the gradient of change?
Desired Change
Emotional Gradient:
Excitement: Naomi is excited to meet someone she is compatible with.
Doubt: Naomi is fearful of new relationships and is unsure of dating outside her race.
Hope: Naomi is hopeful about her new relationship and people’s attitudes.
Discouragement: Comes from family and friends on both sides, her employer.
Courage: Naomi decides to do what is in her best interest and Kofi’s.
Action Gradient
Setup
Naomi meets Kofi at a charitable fundraiser. After the charity fundraiser they have a “real date.”
Journey
· She is unsure of having any relationship. Naomi is not comfortable putting people in their place, even when she is angry-she is inconsistent
· Naomi continues to date Kofi in spite of disguised prejudices of others. She begins to see him as “the one.”
· When Kofi realizes that Naomi did not tell him that he was invited to her sister’s wedding. It is further complicated when Naomi discovers that Kofi did not tell her that she was left out of Isaac’s wedding. Kofi moves out.
· Naomi stands up to the people in her life. She decides that she’d rather risk losing some relationships than losing the love of her life.
Payoff
· Naomi reconciles with Kofi. She puts people in their place. Tells people that her relationship is not negotiable.
· Naomi and Kofi get married
Challenge/Weakness Gradient:
Challenge: Naomi just came out of a bad relationship. Prior to that she was widowed.
Weakness: She is unsure about a new relationship, and the fact that he is from another race/culture.
Challenge. Naomi must overcome the fear of rejection by family and how to handle racism.
Weakness: Naomi is used to being “nice” even to her own detriment.
Challenge: People’s attitudes, overt and subtle. Workplace tension.
Weakness: Knowing how to respond appropriately and be candid with Kofi.
Challenge: How to get back together with Kofi. How to handle her family and other’s viewpoints and actions.
Weakness: Doesn’t want to lose family connections or disrupt her employment.
Challenge: Putting people in their place, with tact. Reconciling with Kofi.
Weakness: Naomi has difficulty articulating her feelings to all parties.
Challenge: Mustering up the courage to tell people off. Knowing what to say to Kofi.
Weakness: Fear of the unknown, what will happen next?
6. The Transformational Structure of my story is:
MM #1
Hero’s Status Quo, ordinary world ends (pgs. 1-15)
Naomi, widow, 38 (Caucasian), has recently split from a man, Greg (Caucasian), late thirties, who she has been dating for ten years. She has two teenage children. Her employer, a charity decides to hold a dinner date “auction.” Her friend and coworker, Jeanine throws her name and another coworker’s name in the pool of potential “dates.
Tommy, a guy who has reputation, and Naomi detests, puts in a bid for a dinner date with her.
Kofi, a medical doctor, who recognizes Naomi from an incident in a bar, puts in his bid and outbids Tommy.
Hope: Naomi decides to go along with the dinner date fundraiser despite her reticence.
Challenge: Naomi is still angry at Greg. She finds herself missing her deceased husband, especially when other relationships fail.
Weakness: Fear of the unknown
MM # 2 (pgs. 15-30)
Turning Point: Call to Adventure
Naomi runs into Tommy at the dinner, and also, Cal, her good friend (Letitia’s) brother. Tommy makes and embarrassing comment to Kofi. Cal makes a snide remark to Naomi. She and Kofi have an enjoyable evening.
Kofi asks Naomi for a “real date.” Naomi accepts.
Excitement: Meeting a new person and having a good time despite her doubts.
Doubt: trying to learn ways of coping with people’s opinions, prejudices
MM # 3 (pgs. 30-45)
Turning Point: Locked In
Naomi and Kofi go out to dinner. They discover that they have more in common than they thought.
A week later, they go on a hiking date. During the hike, Naomi overhears a conversation between other hikers. Subconsciously, she knows that comments made were directed at her and Kofi. Kofi pretends not to have heard.
Greg calls Naomi and asks her to lunch. She reluctantly agrees. Greg tries to get Naomi back. He makes biased comments and Naomi leaves.
Discouragement: Naomi would like to keep seeing Kofi, but she unsure how to handle people around her.
MM # 4 (pgs. 45-60)
Turning Point: Standard Ways Fail
Kofi receives invitation to his friend, Isaac’s wedding. Naomi is not included. Kofi says nothing to Naomi and attends the wedding.
Naomi and Kofi attend a concert with Letitia. Naomi notices the reaction of a couple of white guys when they realize Kofi is her date.
When Kofi’s apartment catches fire, Naomi offers him the guestroom.
Naomi receives a wedding invitation from her sister. Kofi is not included. Naomi does not know how to handle it. She confronts her sister, and declines being the Maid of Honor. Her sister advises her that she will not be able to ride in the limousine with her children to the wedding.
Letitia and Cal have an unpleasant conversation with Naomi about why she shouldn’t date a black man.
Tommy is promoted to a position in Naomi’s organization that she was well qualified for.
Discouragement: Naomi’s non-confrontational style is becoming a problem. She feels deflated.
MM # 5 (pgs. 60-75)
Turning Point: Plan backfires
En route to her sister’s wedding, Naomi gets a flat tire.
She meets an older man, Richard, who helps her with the tire. In the brief time she knows him, he serves as a mentor.
Kofi gets off work early and shows up at Charlie (Naomi’s sister’s) wedding. Kofi overhears a conversation between town wedding guests and becomes angry. Naomi asks him what is wrong, and he tells her that he is angry that she did not tell him that he was not invited. He leaves abruptly.
Doubt: Naomi fears losing the relationship
Discouragement: the culmination of friend’s, family and society’s opinions
MM # 6 (pgs. 75-90)
Turning Point: The Decision to Change
Naomi returns home to find no trace of Kofi. Over the next two weeks, she tries to make contact. Out of desperation, she goes to Kofi’s office. She is told that he is off that day.
She bumps into Isaac, who tells her that their employer screwed up Kofi’s HB-1 renewal paperwork, and that he is going to be deported.
Naomi goes to immigration and asks if there is anything she could do to prevent Kofi’s deportation. A clerk advises her that she can act as a sponsor until the employer, County Medical, gets their paperwork in.
Doubt: Naomi doesn’t know if she will stop Kofi in time, or if she will ever see him again.
Courage: Naomi decides to prevent the deportation and find Kofi.
MM # 7
Turning Point: The ultimate failure (pgs. 90-105)
Naomi gets stuck in traffic going to the airport. There is an accident and construction. Cars are backed up for miles. Naomi calls Isaac on her cell phone. She pleads with Isaac to call immigration and stop Kofi from leaving.
Naomi finally arrives at the airport. She bargains with security to let her get through the gates.
She runs through the airport. She arrives at the terminal just in time to see the plane take off.
Doubt: Naomi fears never seeing Kofi again. She experiences despair.
MM # 8
Turning Point: Apparent Victory (pgs. 105-120)
Naomi hears a familiar voice behind her. It is Kofi. Immigration stopped his departure just in time.
Naomi is empowered to stand up to her friends, family, coworkers and boss. She now puts people in their place (appropriately).
Some people have come forward to apologize for their own attitudes and behavior.
Turning Point: New Status quo
Naomi and Kofi get married. Their lives settle down.
7. How are the old ways challenged?
Challenge by “Should Work, But Doesn’t
Naomi is not that assertive. She gives in to others wishes often, basically because she wants to avoid confrontation.
Why it doesn’t work: By the nature of giving in to other’s wishes, she risks not being happy and losing the love of her life-Kofi. It also costs her a promotion.
Naomi’s fear of commitment prevents her from re-experiencing past hurts.
Why it doesn’t work: Naomi gets hurt from people who are unable to commit. She doesn’t make Kofi feel as secure as he would like-a potential way of losing him.
Afraid to challenge people’s unsolicited opinions, in an effort to be liked.
Why it doesn’t work: the people who aren’t going to like her, are not going to like her, regardless of what she does or doesn’t do. As soon as she makes choices that she is happy with, those same people are going to be a problem-like her sister, Charlene.
Naomi omits important information from Kofi about her sister’s wedding, because she is unsure of how to handle it.
Why it doesn’t work: Instead of avoiding conflict, Naomi finds herself right in the middle of conflict with the most important person in her life.
Avoidant behavior- because Naomi avoids uncomfortable situations, she ends up in bad predicaments.
Because Naomi is not comfortable talking to Jeanine about her relationship, she misses out on valuable advice.
Challenge by Living Metaphor:
· Lack of Assertiveness: Living Metaphor: Seeing Tommy’s name in the
· company newsletter, as getting the job she was qualified for.
· Fear of Commitment: Living Metaphor: the wedding invitation, her friend’s engagement
· Not challenging unsolicited opinions: Living Metaphor: Her ex-boyfriend, Greg
· Acts of omission to avoid conflict: Living Metaphor: The empty guest room when Kofi leaves
· Avoidant behavior: Living Metaphor: She is alone when everyone else is with their special someone
8. I am presenting Insights Through Profound Moments by:
a. New Way and Insight:
Naomi learns not to be manipulated by Greg. She sees how he used to manipulate her in the past.
Action:
She refuses to continue a discussion that she believes is unreasonable. She cuts Greg off.
b. New Way and Insight:
Naomi is faced with doing something for her company that she doesn’t want to do. She gains insight from Jeanine’s reaction. She realizes this is something she should do for the good of the charity.
Action:
She learns how to be a good sport about it anyway and participates in the auction.
c. New Way and Insight:
Naomi works through her fear of relationships. She starts to see that she has something in common with Kofi.
Action:
Naomi goes out on a date in spite of her reticence.
d. New Way and Insight:
Naomi starts to stand up for herself. Her sister cannot affect her choices by being manipulative.
Action:
Naomi makes the best decision for herself.
e. New Way and Insight:
Naomi is not interested in other’s opinions.
Action:
She is no longer willing to allow others to force their opinions on her and speaks up. The consequences of other’s opinions do not influence her.
f. New Way and Insight
Naomi sees firsthand that we are NOT living in a post racial America.
Action: Naomi is no longer willing to remain silent about things that matter.
Conflict Delivers Insight
Conflict: Naomi’s sister does not invite Kofi to her wedding.
Insight: Naomi is beginning to see things from a different perspective.
Conflict: Kofi’s best friend leaves Naomi out of his wedding guest list.
Insight: Kofi cannot be mad at Naomi for the same thing that he did.
Irony Delivers Insight
Irony: Letitia, Naomi’s African American friend discourages Naomi’s relationship with Kofi.
Insight: Racism on either side is silly.
Irony: Naomi is reluctant to enter a new relationship, in spite of the fact that she really likes Kofi.
Insight: Fear can make you miss out on the best things life has to offer.
What are the most profound lines of the movie?
1) Pg. 3 Anger and hurt feelings not only over break up, but also Greg has a new woman only one week later.
“Relationships are not Happy Meals, Greg” -Naomi (referencing the speed at which he is with someone else).
2) Pg. 42 Kofi is angry with Isaac for leaving Naomi out of his wedding invitations.
“I don’t look for racism, but I expect it. But I didn’t expect it from you!”- Kofi
3) Pg. 45 Naomi is annoyed with Letitia because she is not ready, and she’s wasting time.
“There’s nothing old about you, I just saw you on Tik Tok!” Naomi
4) Pg. 68 Kofi is angry with Naomi after he discovers that he wasn’t invited to her sister’s wedding. Naomi says that her sister is misguided.
“And you think that you’re not misguided by not telling me? That’s like sending someone into enemy territory with no armor. Seriously, Naomi, just ignore problems and maybe they’ll just go away?”
5) Pg. 68 Naomi’s response to Kofi
“What did you want me to say? That I may have some closet racist relatives, but I don’t know who they are?”
How Do I Leave the Audience with a Profound Ending?
A. Express the profound truth: That interracial relationships can survive/thrive.
B. Naomi will come to terms with the fact that she is not living in a “post racial” America.
C. The Change-She learns how to deal with others and be more transparent with Kofi. She decides to stand up to people, because she does not want to lose the love of her life.
D. The payoffs- Naomi and Kofi reunite after coming close to never being able to see one another again. Naomi stops Kofi’s deportation when she realizes that she cannot live without him.
E. Surprising- At the very last moment, she sees the plane take off, it appears that all is lost. Kofi is not on the plane.
F. Parting image- Naomi and Kofi’s wedding
-
Hi Sherri,
I like your concept. If you can, I would suggest getting your gradients filled out. I find that helps a lot with my story.
Also, under 2a. Transformational logline-you might want to consider condensing naive/idealistic to a single word, like “ambitious.” You also mention that Kathryn takes a position to “change the world,” but it is not clear how she wishes to change the world. What are the “good old boys” doing to thwart her efforts?
I hope this is helpful to you.
Laura H
-
Laura Hyler Profound Map Version 1 Day 16
What I learned doing this assignment is that this process gives you a guide that can be changed
when necessary, but it really shows you your path and where you are heading.
1) My profound truth is that interracial couples can survive/thrive despite racism as long as they find a means to deal with it.
2) The transformational journey is:
Old Ways: Naomi initially settles for people and situations that she does not have to. She tends to be reserved, is afraid of relationships and is affected by other’s actions/words. She also has a tendency to avoid difficult matters by not discussing them.
Journey: Naomi meets Kofi who she falls for and is soon faced with how to handle others who have less than positive attitudes toward interracial couples, including family and friends from both sides.
New Ways: Naomi gets her confidence back and learns to assert herself. She goes out of her way to keep Kofi in her life.
Transformational Logline: Naive woman who believes that we live in a post racial America learns differently when she falls in love with an African and has to learn how to handle challenging situations in order to keep her relationship.
3) My lead characters are:
· Change agent: Tommy and Tripp
· Transformable character: Naomi
· Oppression: Racism
4) How I connect with my audience in the beginning of the movie:
A. Relatability- universal experiences: Naomi, a widow, has had a bad relationship after the death of her husband. She is a single mom, has a stressful job, a boss that threatens the security of her job when he sees who she is dating, stress from family and friends, especially her sister, and does not assert herself well under contentious situations.
Kofi- has secret past relationship with a white woman that did not work out. Receives pressure from friends to not date outside his race. Is kind to his patients, has a fire destroy his apartment and important documents. Has an employer who mishandles his HB-1 immigration papers, faces deportation, and is also unassertive in contentious situations.
B. Intrigue- Naomi is not sure about embarking on any new relationships. Initially denies feelings for Kofi. She is not always forthcoming in expressing her feelings.
Kofi- hides past failed relationship, but results of it show in new relationship with Naomi when tensions become apparent.
C. Empathy- When Naomi and Kofi split. When Kofi’s apartment burns down. When Naomi mysteriously gets turned down for a job that she was in line for, for a guy that has been watching her for years. When their friends discourage them from pursuing their relationship. When people they do not know look at them funny or make comments.
D. Likability- Naomi is an easy-going person most of the time, she isn’t judgmental, often too nice for her own good.
Kofi- helpful to his patients, kind to others, also tends to be too good for his own good.
5) What is the gradient of change?
Desired Change
Emotional Gradient:
Excitement: Naomi is excited to meet someone she is compatible with.
Doubt: Naomi is fearful of new relationships and is unsure of dating outside her race.
Hope: Naomi is hopeful about her new relationship and people’s attitudes.
Discouragement: Comes from family and friends on both sides, her employer.
Courage: Naomi decides to do what is in her best interest and Kofi’s.
Action Gradient
Setup
Naomi meets Kofi at a charitable fundraiser. After the charity fundraiser they have a “real date.”
Journey
· She is unsure of having any relationship. Naomi is not comfortable putting people in their place, even when she is angry-she is inconsistent
· Naomi continues to date Kofi in spite of disguised prejudices of others. She begins to see him as “the one.”
· When Kofi realizes that Naomi did not tell him that he was invited to her sister’s wedding. It is further complicated when Naomi discovers that Kofi did not tell her that she was left out of Isaac’s wedding. Kofi moves out.
· Naomi stands up to the people in her life. She decides that she’d rather risk losing some relationships than losing the love of her life.
Payoff
· Naomi reconciles with Kofi. She puts people in their place. Tells people that her relationship is not negotiable.
· Naomi and Kofi get married
Challenge/Weakness Gradient:
Challenge: Naomi just came out of a bad relationship. Prior to that she was widowed.
Weakness: She is unsure about a new relationship, and the fact that he is from another race/culture.
Challenge. Naomi must overcome the fear of rejection by family and how to handle racism.
Weakness: Naomi is used to being “nice” even to her own detriment.
Challenge: People’s attitudes, overt and subtle. Workplace tension.
Weakness: Knowing how to respond appropriately and be candid with Kofi.
Challenge: How to get back together with Kofi. How to handle her family and other’s viewpoints and actions.
Weakness: Doesn’t want to lose family connections or disrupt her employment.
Challenge: Putting people in their place, with tact. Reconciling with Kofi.
Weakness: Naomi has difficulty articulating her feelings to all parties.
Challenge: Mustering up the courage to tell people off. Knowing what to say to Kofi.
Weakness: Fear of the unknown, what will happen next?
6. The Transformational Structure of my story is:
MM #1
Hero’s Status Quo, ordinary world ends (pgs. 1-15)
Naomi, widow, 38 (Caucasian), has recently split from a man, Greg (Caucasian), late thirties, who she has been dating for ten years. She has two teenage children. Her employer, a charity decides to hold a dinner date “auction.” Her friend and coworker, Jeanine throws her name and another coworker’s name in the pool of potential “dates.
Tommy, a guy who has reputation, and Naomi detests, puts in a bid for a dinner date with her.
Kofi, a medical doctor, who recognizes Naomi from an incident in a bar, puts in his bid and outbids Tommy.
Hope: Naomi decides to go along with the dinner date fundraiser despite her reticence.
Challenge: Naomi is still angry at Greg. She finds herself missing her deceased husband, especially when other relationships fail.
Weakness: Fear of the unknown
MM # 2 (pgs. 15-30)
Turning Point: Call to Adventure
Naomi runs into Tommy at the dinner, and also, Cal, her good friend (Letitia’s) brother. Tommy makes and embarrassing comment to Kofi. Cal makes a snide remark to Naomi. She and Kofi have an enjoyable evening.
Kofi asks Naomi for a “real date.” Naomi accepts.
Excitement: Meeting a new person and having a good time despite her doubts.
Doubt: trying to learn ways of coping with people’s opinions, prejudices
MM # 3 (pgs. 30-45)
Turning Point: Locked In
Naomi and Kofi go out to dinner. They discover that they have more in common than they thought.
A week later, they go on a hiking date. During the hike, Naomi overhears a conversation between other hikers. Subconsciously, she knows that comments made were directed at her and Kofi. Kofi pretends not to have heard.
Greg calls Naomi and asks her to lunch. She reluctantly agrees. Greg tries to get Naomi back. He makes biased comments and Naomi leaves.
Discouragement: Naomi would like to keep seeing Kofi, but she unsure how to handle people around her.
MM # 4 (pgs. 45-60)
Turning Point: Standard Ways Fail
Kofi receives invitation to his friend, Isaac’s wedding. Naomi is not included. Kofi says nothing to Naomi and attends the wedding.
Naomi and Kofi attend a concert with Letitia. Naomi notices the reaction of a couple of white guys when they realize Kofi is her date.
When Kofi’s apartment catches fire, Naomi offers him the guestroom.
Naomi receives a wedding invitation from her sister. Kofi is not included. Naomi does not know how to handle it. She confronts her sister, and declines being the Maid of Honor. Her sister advises her that she will not be able to ride in the limousine with her children to the wedding.
Letitia and Cal have an unpleasant conversation with Naomi about why she shouldn’t date a black man.
Tommy is promoted to a position in Naomi’s organization that she was well qualified for.
Discouragement: Naomi’s non-confrontational style is becoming a problem. She feels deflated.
MM # 5 (pgs. 60-75)
Turning Point: Plan backfires
En route to her sister’s wedding, Naomi gets a flat tire.
She meets an older man, Richard, who helps her with the tire. In the brief time she knows him, he serves as a mentor.
Kofi gets off work early and shows up at Charlie (Naomi’s sister’s) wedding. Kofi overhears a conversation between town wedding guests and becomes angry. Naomi asks him what is wrong, and he tells her that he is angry that she did not tell him that he was not invited. He leaves abruptly.
Doubt: Naomi fears losing the relationship
Discouragement: the culmination of friend’s, family and society’s opinions
MM # 6 (pgs. 75-90)
Turning Point: The Decision to Change
Naomi returns home to find no trace of Kofi. Over the next two weeks, she tries to make contact. Out of desperation, she goes to Kofi’s office. She is told that he is off that day.
She bumps into Isaac, who tells her that their employer screwed up Kofi’s HB-1 renewal paperwork, and that he is going to be deported.
Naomi goes to immigration and asks if there is anything she could do to prevent Kofi’s deportation. A clerk advises her that she can act as a sponsor until the employer, County Medical, gets their paperwork in.
Doubt: Naomi doesn’t know if she will stop Kofi in time, or if she will ever see him again.
Courage: Naomi decides to prevent the deportation and find Kofi.
MM # 7
Turning Point: The ultimate failure (pgs. 90-105)
Naomi gets stuck in traffic going to the airport. There is an accident and construction. Cars are backed up for miles. Naomi calls Isaac on her cell phone. She pleads with Isaac to call immigration and stop Kofi from leaving.
Naomi finally arrives at the airport. She bargains with security to let her get through the gates.
She runs through the airport. She arrives at the terminal just in time to see the plane take off.
Doubt: Naomi fears never seeing Kofi again. She experiences despair.
MM # 8
Turning Point: Apparent Victory (pgs. 105-120)
Naomi hears a familiar voice behind her. It is Kofi. Immigration stopped his departure just in time.
Naomi is empowered to stand up to her friends, family, coworkers and boss. She now puts people in their place (appropriately).
Some people have come forward to apologize for their own attitudes and behavior.
Turning Point: New Status quo
Naomi and Kofi get married. Their lives settle down.
7. How are the old ways challenged?
Challenge by “Should Work, But Doesn’t
Naomi is not that assertive. She gives in to others wishes often, basically because she wants to avoid confrontation.
Why it doesn’t work: By the nature of giving in to other’s wishes, she risks not being happy and losing the love of her life-Kofi. It also costs her a promotion.
Naomi’s fear of commitment prevents her from re-experiencing past hurts.
Why it doesn’t work: Naomi gets hurt from people who are unable to commit. She doesn’t make Kofi feel as secure as he would like-a potential way of losing him.
Afraid to challenge people’s unsolicited opinions, in an effort to be liked.
Why it doesn’t work: the people who aren’t going to like her, are not going to like her, regardless of what she does or doesn’t do. As soon as she makes choices that she is happy with, those same people are going to be a problem-like her sister, Charlene.
Naomi omits important information from Kofi about her sister’s wedding, because she is unsure of how to handle it.
Why it doesn’t work: Instead of avoiding conflict, Naomi finds herself right in the middle of conflict with the most important person in her life.
Avoidant behavior- because Naomi avoids uncomfortable situations, she ends up in bad predicaments.
Because Naomi is not comfortable talking to Jeanine about her relationship, she misses out on valuable advice.
Challenge by Living Metaphor:
· Lack of Assertiveness: Living Metaphor: Seeing Tommy’s name in the
· company newsletter, as getting the job she was qualified for.
· Fear of Commitment: Living Metaphor: the wedding invitation, her friend’s engagement
· Not challenging unsolicited opinions: Living Metaphor: Her ex-boyfriend, Greg
· Acts of omission to avoid conflict: Living Metaphor: The empty guest room when Kofi leaves
· Avoidant behavior: Living Metaphor: She is alone when everyone else is with their special someone
8. I am presenting Insights Through Profound Moments by:
a. New Way and Insight:
Naomi learns not to be manipulated by Greg. She sees how he used to manipulate her in the past.
Action:
She refuses to continue a discussion that she believes is unreasonable. She cuts Greg off.
b. New Way and Insight:
Naomi is faced with doing something for her company that she doesn’t want to do. She gains insight from Jeanine’s reaction. She realizes this is something she should do for the good of the charity.
Action:
She learns how to be a good sport about it anyway and participates in the auction.
c. New Way and Insight:
Naomi works through her fear of relationships. She starts to see that she has something in common with Kofi.
Action:
Naomi goes out on a date in spite of her reticence.
d. New Way and Insight:
Naomi starts to stand up for herself. Her sister cannot affect her choices by being manipulative.
Action:
Naomi makes the best decision for herself.
e. New Way and Insight:
Naomi is not interested in other’s opinions.
Action:
She is no longer willing to allow others to force their opinions on her and speaks up. The consequences of other’s opinions do not influence her.
f. New Way and Insight
Naomi sees firsthand that we are NOT living in a post racial America.
Action: Naomi is no longer willing to remain silent about things that matter.
Conflict Delivers Insight
Conflict: Naomi’s sister does not invite Kofi to her wedding.
Insight: Naomi is beginning to see things from a different perspective.
Conflict: Kofi’s best friend leaves Naomi out of his wedding guest list.
Insight: Kofi cannot be mad at Naomi for the same thing that he did.
Irony Delivers Insight
Irony: Letitia, Naomi’s African American friend discourages Naomi’s relationship with Kofi.
Insight: Racism on either side is silly.
Irony: Naomi is reluctant to enter a new relationship, in spite of the fact that she really likes Kofi.
Insight: Fear can make you miss out on the best things life has to offer.
What are the most profound lines of the movie?
1) Pg. 3 Anger and hurt feelings not only over break up, but also Greg has a new woman only one week later.
“Relationships are not Happy Meals, Greg” -Naomi (referencing the speed at which he is with someone else).
2) Pg. 42 Kofi is angry with Isaac for leaving Naomi out of his wedding invitations.
“I don’t look for racism, but I expect it. But I didn’t expect it from you!”- Kofi
3) Pg. 45 Naomi is annoyed with Letitia because she is not ready, and she’s wasting time.
“There’s nothing old about you, I just saw you on Tik Tok!” Naomi
4) Pg. 68 Kofi is angry with Naomi after he discovers that he wasn’t invited to her sister’s wedding. Naomi says that her sister is misguided.
“And you think that you’re not misguided by not telling me? That’s like sending someone into enemy territory with no armor. Seriously, Naomi, just ignore problems and maybe they’ll just go away?”
5) Pg. 68 Naomi’s response to Kofi
“What did you want me to say? That I may have some closet racist relatives, but I don’t know who they are?”
How Do I Leave the Audience with a Profound Ending?
A. Express the profound truth: That interracial relationships can survive/thrive.
B. Naomi will come to terms with the fact that she is not living in a “post racial” America.
C. The Change-She learns how to deal with others and be more transparent with Kofi. She decides to stand up to people, because she does not want to lose the love of her life.
D. The payoffs- Naomi and Kofi reunite after coming close to never being able to see one another again. Naomi stops Kofi’s deportation when she realizes that she cannot live without him.
E. Surprising- At the very last moment, she sees the plane take off, it appears that all is lost. Kofi is not on the plane.
F. Parting image- Naomi and Kofi’s wedding
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Laura Hyler’s Height of the Emotion-Build Meaning Over Multiple Experiences Day 15.2
What I learned doing this assignment is that doing this exercise has helped me see how I can improve the quality of the dialogue, adding interest to the content.
1) The first line that I want to build deep meaning around is “Come over to the dark side.”
a) On page 10, in an exchange between Tommy and Naomi where he is trying to get her to go out with him.
b) On page 25, when Cal, the brother of Naomi’s friend chides her about being out with a “brotha.”and asks her if she’s gone over to the dark side.
c) In the final pages of the screenplay, in a conversation between Naomi and Kofi, where he jokingly invites her to “come over to the dark side.”
The arc of this line goes from the antagonist trying to get a date, to friend teasing her about her dating choices, to her boyfriend being flirtatious.
2) The second line that I would like to build deep meaning around is “It’s all about decisions.”
a) Page 28-An exchange between Jeanine and Naomi, in which Jeanine confronts Naomi about her reluctance to commit to seeing Kofi again, and Jeanine says, “It’s all about decisions.”
b) Page 50- An exchange between Naomi and her sister, Charlie, after Naomi tells Charlie that she will not be her maid of honor, and Charlie responds, “It’s all about decisions.”
c) Page 64- when Naomi meets an older man en route to her sister’s wedding. She meets the man’s wife who is African American. While talking, the wife makes a reference,
“It’s all about decisions.”
The arc of this phrase goes from a friend trying to get Naomi to examine her own thoughts about her situation, to a heated discussion between Naomi and her sister regarding the wedding, in which Naomi decides not to be her sister’s maid of honor, to an interracial couple that Naomi meets. The wife makes a passing comment, “It’s all about decisions.”
3) The third line I want to build deep meaning around is: I don’t look for racism, but I’ve come to expect it.
a) Page 42-exchange between Kofi and Isaac when Kofi discovers that Isaac and Cherie left Naomi out of the invitation. Kofi admonishes Isaac.
b) Page 49-Exchange between Naomi and Charlie. Naomi is angry with Charlie for leaving Kofi out of the invitation.
c) Line between Kofi and Naomi- when Kofi admonishes Naomi for her naivete.
The arc of this line goes from a friend admonishing his best friend, to Naomi expressing her disappointment in her sister, to an exchange Kofi and Naomi, where Kofi is angry that Naomi seems to think racism doesn’t exist, or choses to ignore it.
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Laura Hyler’s Height of Emotion Assignment 15 4/23/22
What I learned doing this assignment is that is not that easy to come up with dialogue that is pithy when attempting to deliberately do so.
1) Pg. 3 Anger and hurt feelings not only over break up, but also Greg has a new woman only one week later.
“Relationships are not Happy Meals, Greg” -Naomi (referencing the speed at which he is with someone else).
2) Pg. 42 Kofi is angry with Isaac for leaving Naomi out of his wedding invitations.
“I don’t look for racism, but I expect it. But I didn’t expect it from you!”- Kofi
3) Pg. 45 Naomi is annoyed with Letitia because she is not ready, and she’s wasting time.
“There’s nothing old about you, I just saw you on Tik Tok!” Naomi
4) Pg. 68 Kofi is angry with Naomi after he discovers that he wasn’t invited to her sister’s wedding. Naomi says that her sister is misguided.
“And you think that you’re not misguided by not telling me? That’s like sending someone into enemy territory with no armor. Seriously, Naomi, just ignore problems and maybe they’ll just go away?”
5) Pg. 68 Naomi’s response to Kofi
“What did you want me to say? That I may have some closet racist relatives, but I don’t know who they are?”
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Laura Hyler Delivers Irony Day 14 4-21-22
What I learned doing this assignment was that I have a lot of irony in my screenplay. I was concerned that I didn’t have enough but was happy to see that there’s plenty in my story.
I have many places in my screenplay where opposites exist. They are:
1) Tommy, a Caucasian male, has less education and status than Kofi, who is a neurosurgeon.
2) Naomi misses her long-deceased husband, but not her most recent boyfriend of ten years.
3) Naomi is afraid of relationships but enjoys Kofi’s company and realizes that she wants to continue to see him.
4) Naomi is concerned that she and Kofi may not have much in common, coming from very different backgrounds. She/they finds out that they have a lot in common.
5) Naomi wants to keep seeing Kofi but is concerned about the reactions of others.
6) Kofi is angry at Naomi for not telling him that he was not invited to a wedding, but Kofi did the same thing to Naomi the month before and didn’t tell her there was a wedding.
7) Black friends try to convince Naomi not to date a black man.
8) Tommy gets hired for a position that Naomi is qualified for, because the big boss (Tripp) is a closet racist.
9) Tripp promotes Jeanine. Jeanine is dating a black man. Tripp does not know.
10) Naomi tries to avoid conflicts. Her avoidance of conflicts causes conflicts.
The New Way/Insight:
The new way/insight that I want to impart is that interracial couples have to learn how to deal with racism and each other in order for the relationship to survive.
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Laura Hyler’s Delivers Insights Through Conflict Assignment 13 4/19/22
What I learned doing this assignment is that I feel like my new way/insight sounds weak to me, but I am not sure if this is the case.
1) The new way /insight I want to deliver is that interracial couples can last, providing that they find a means to cope with some of the difficulties that they may be faced with.
2) The kind of conflicts that insight might show up in could be: a) how honest they are with each other, and themselves b) other people’s behavior and/or reactions to them c) conflicts with family members d) conflicts with friends e) conflicts with employers e) the things people do
3) Ways that I might deliver the insight through the conflict-brainstorm: a) Disagreement with family (being left out of invitations) b) Conflict with friendships c) Conflict with strangers d) losing a promotion (conflict with employer)
4) Five different ways that I can use conflict to express an insight:
a) conversation with protagonist and family members-by refusing to be manipulated
b) conversation with friends, both protagonists-asserting themselves, expressing their disappointment with their actions
c) protagonist refusing to participate in functions when one person is left out (principles)
d) argument between the protagonist and secondary protagonist (insight into the other character’s point of view)
e) putting the antagonist in their place (not taking a passive/avoidant role, this is a direct change from the protagonist’s former approach)
f) Protagonist not allowing employer to discriminate against her for a promotion because of who she chooses to date.
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Laura Hyler’s Turns Insights into Actions Assignment 12 (2)
What I learned from this assignment is that it helps to consider the actions of the character in response to their new ways. It is really only through this action that we can see the change in the character.
1) New Way and Insight:
Naomi learns not to be manipulated by Greg. She sees how he used to manipulate her in the past.
Action:
She refuses to continue a discussion that she believes is unreasonable. She cuts Greg off.
2) New Way and Insight:
Naomi is faced with doing something for her company that she doesn’t want to do. She gains insight from Jeanine’s reaction. She realizes this is something she should do for the good of the charity.
Action:
She learns how to be a good sport about it anyway and participates in the auction.
3) New Way and Insight:
Naomi works through her fear of relationships. She starts to see that she has something in common with Kofi.
Action:
Naomi goes out on a date in spite of her reticence.
4) New Way and Insight:
Naomi starts to stand up for herself. Her sister cannot affect her choices by being manipulative.
Action:
Naomi makes the best decision for herself.
5) New Way and Insight:
Naomi is not interested in other’s opinions.
Action:
She is no longer willing to allow others to force their opinions on her and speaks up. The consequences of other’s opinions do not influence her.
6) New Way and Insight
Naomi sees firsthand that we are NOT living in a post racial America.
Action: Naomi is no longer willing to remain silent about things that matter.
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Laura Hyler’s Seabiscut Analysis 4/16/22
What I learned from this lesson is that the exercise gave me a better understanding of profound moments, and how the character’s actions can lead to insights in character behavior and choices.
Seabiscut Profound Moments-Action Leads to Insights
1) When Johnny (Red) is handed over to Charles to have him train as a jockey. To me, it was very profound because of the sacrifice on behalf of the parents (but later, almost seems as though they didn’t care-but who knows their story?) and the absolute horror for a young child to have your parents essentially give you up. The action of Johnny (Red’s) parents gives you an insight on how he became who he is.
2) When Charles loses his own son. Contrast this with Red’s parents giving him up. One set of parents lose a child, the other set of parents willingly give a child up. I believe this qualifies for a living metaphor. This event and his subsequent divorce could have been the undoing of many people, but Charles perseveres. In this regard, Charles has something in common with Red and Seabiscut, and is part of their bond.
3) The square toy that Charles’ son first plays with, then Charles. This gadget serves as a metaphor- possibly three or so metaphors. One, it may act as a metaphor for loss, which transforms to a metaphor for hope and not quitting. Lastly, as a metaphor for the father son-relationship and letting go. For this reason, I think the script took a wrong turn when Charles’ new wife mentions that she also plays with the gadget. To me, this object really was about Charles’ relationship with the son he lost, his new “son,” letting go, and hope. This may not be an action that leads to insights, but I think it is and interesting motif.
4) When red tells Charles that Seabiscut and Charles saved him. This is significant to me because they did develop a father/son type of relationship, and it is the first time that Red is able to articulate his appreciation of Charles.
5) When Red was fighting some guys, and the horse was fighting the trainers. The scene shows that they are kindred spirits. They understand each other.
6) When Tom Smith tells Charles that “You know, you don’t throw a whole life away just ’cause he’s banged up a little.” And then later, when Tom Smith is infuriated with Red for not disclosing that he is blind in one eye, and recommends that Charles fires Red, Charles repeats back Tom’s own words to him.
7) When both the horse and Red are injured and in casts. Once again, we see the parallels between the horse and rider. Their casts/injuries are a living metaphor of just how much these two are of one spirit, and their response to adversity in their actions. This enabled them to race again.
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This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by Laura Hyler.
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Laura Hyler’s Living Metaphors Day 11 Assignment
What I learned from doing this exercise is that I actually found this to be a little harder to do. Under the five ways that should work, I don’t feel that my script is blatantly showing these things, but maybe it is more clear than I realize? As far as the metaphors are concerned, I had to think a little more deeply about it, but I really liked the ideas it sparked.
Five that Should Work, but Doesn’t Challenges:
1) Naomi is not that assertive. She gives in to others wishes often, basically because she wants to avoid confrontation.
Why it doesn’t work: By the nature of giving in to other’s wishes, she risks not being happy and losing the love of her life-Kofi. It also costs her a promotion.
2) Naomi’s fear of commitment prevents her from re-experiencing past hurts.
Why it doesn’t work: Naomi gets hurt from people who are unable to commit. She doesn’t make Kofi feel as secure as he would like-a potential way of losing him.
3) Afraid to challenge people’s unsolicited opinions, in an effort to be liked.
Why it doesn’t work: the people who aren’t going to like her, are not going to like her, regardless of what she does or doesn’t do. As soon as she makes choices that she is happy with, those same people are going to be a problem-like her sister, Charlene.
4) Naomi omits important information from Kofi about her sister’s wedding, because she is unsure of how to handle it.
Why it doesn’t work: Instead of avoiding conflict, Naomi finds herself right in the middle of conflict with the most important person in her life.
5) Avoidant behavior- because Naomi avoids uncomfortable situations, she ends up in bad predicaments.
Because Naomi is not comfortable talking to Jeanine about her relationship, she misses out on valuable advice.
Five Living Metaphors:
1) Lack of Assertiveness: Living Metaphor: Seeing Tommy’s name in the company newsletter, as getting the job she was qualified for.
2) Fear of Commitment: Living Metaphor: the wedding invitation, her friend’s engagement
3) Not challenging unsolicited opinions: Living Metaphor: Her ex-boyfriend, Greg
4) Acts of omission to avoid conflict: Living Metaphor: The empty guest room when Kofi leaves
5) Avoidant behavior: Living Metaphor: She is alone when everyone else is with their special someone
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Laura Hyler’s Challenging Old Ways and Counterexamples Day 10 4/12/22
What I learned from doing this exercise is that much like the other exercises, doing the
assignment brings more clarity, and a roadmap to follow in my script.
1) Lack of Assertiveness on behalf of Naomi. She gets pushed around by others.
Challenge: She may think that not asserting herself will protect her from bad consequences, but she is passed over for a promotion.
2) Naomi’s fear of commitment as a result from her past relationships.
Challenge: She risks losing the opportunity to be happy. She discovers she has feelings for Kofi.
3) Afraid of people’s opinions, even if she doesn’t agree with them. Naomi likes it best when people like her.
Challenge: Sister’s behavior, her friend’s attitudes. Naomi has to make a decision about whether or not she should be a maid of honor in her sister’s wedding.
4) Commits omissions- unable to think of an acceptable way to handle telling Kofi about her sister’s wedding, she avoids it.
Challenge: When Kofi shows up unexpectedly at her sister’s wedding, and conflict ensues.
5) Avoidant behavior- because Naomi avoids uncomfortable situations, she ends up in bad predicaments.
Challenge: Naomi cannot ride in the limousine with her family, since she declined to be Charlene’s maid of honor. Naomi’s car breaks down en route.
Counterexamples:
1) Naomi finds out that Kofi also commits the sin of omission. She sees how this makes her feel, and now understands Kofi better.
2) Jeanine, her friend, a divorcee, is not afraid of relationships.
3) Jeanine is unconcerned with other people’s opinions.
4) Naomi’s conversation and meeting Richard, gives her hope for committed interracial relationships.
5) Naomi finds acceptance when she no longer cares what other people think.
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Laura Hyler’s Old Ways Challenge Chart Day 9 Part 2
What I learned from doing this assignment, is that it is difficult to show a large shift in the protagonist’s journey, as she is the same person in the end, however, more assertive. I don’t want to turn her into a super-introverted and weak person in the beginning.
Old Ways- Naomi settles for dating a guy who is not her match intellectually, socially, behaviorally.
Challenge: Naomi begins to see that there is another type of man that she would be more compatible with.
Old Ways- After the loss of her husband and subsequent dating life, Naomi is very hesitant to consider another relationship. She is reserved.
Challenge: Naomi enjoys the time she spends with Kofi. She discovers she has more in common with him than originally believed. She likes him.
Old Ways- Naomi is affected by other’s opinions. She worries that if she continues to see Kofi, how other’s thoughts, opinions, etc. will impact their relationship.
Challenge: Naomi decides that she deserves to be happy. She stands up to her sister by not giving in to her sister’s wishes and elects not to be her maid of honor.
Old Ways- allows people to say offensive things to her without reacting.
Challenge: Naomi decides to stand up for herself by not allowing people to influence her decisions. The cost to her personally is too great now.
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Laura Hyler’s 12 Angry Men Analysis 4/9/22
What I learned doing this assignment is the importance of posing challenges to old ways and beliefs, and answering them in order to effect a change in the characters.
Assumption of Guilt: Based on race, the neighborhood the kid comes from, socioeconomic background. Numerous quotes that reveal the attitudes: “…these people,” “…they’ll kill for anything,” “…they always lie,” “look at his record,” and the “slums are breeding grounds for these kinds of kids.”
Challenge: Henry Fonda does not base his judgment this way and raises questions, which necessitates further discussions. (Not unanimous)
Just Want it Over: One guy has tickets to a ball game, and doesn’t care, others assume guilt, so they don’t care to look more deeply. Some don’t even have anything particular to do, they just want to go home and get out of the heat.
Challenge: As time progresses, the number of items called into question increase, adding to the number of “not guilty” votes.
Not caring: The last three hold outs literally do not care if they send an innocent person to the electric chair if it inconveniences them or makes them go against their entrenched biases and prejudices. Lee J. Cobb’s character has personal issues that are part of his judgment of the accused boy.
Challenge: Henry Fonda’s character is not satisfied that the prosecution proved their case beyond a reasonable doubt. He whittles away at the prosecution and testimony until others start to see the holes in the case against the defendant.
Prejudice: Revealed as in the quotes above (under assumption of guilt) and other quotes : “his type,” “you know how they are” “violence is all they know” “they don’t speak proper English”
Challenge:
Two of the jurors do not fit the other’s idea of the perfect citizen: one came from the slums, and another speaks in broken English. Lee J. Cobb says from the beginning that this generation is such as disappointment “you work so hard,” and reveals a rift between himself and his son, and that he hasn’t seen him in two years. So, in his case, he is an ageist.
Not Looking Beneath the Surface: Not questioning value of the eyewitnesses testimony, jurors not seeing where reasonable doubt is also part of their own lives. How long does it take an L train to pass by? How much noise does it make?
Challenge: Eye glasses, what did you do last night? Can you remember what movie you saw? How long did it really take the old man to get to the staircase? One thing the movie does not bring up, that I thought was an obvious challenge to the testimony was- how, exactly, can you possibly see something through a moving train windows with any degree of accuracy????
Assuming the Evidence is Not Questionable:
Believing everything that the “witnesses” said they saw. Believing that the knife that was found at the crime scene was the one owned by the son.
Challenge:
Amount of time it took the old man to get to the stairs with a limp. Whether or not the old man actually heard anything as the L train was passing through. The timing of the old man hearing a threat and a body falling and the passing of the L train, which is very loud.
Woman who claimed to see the murder through the passing L train. Was she wearing her glasses?
Angle of the knife entry from a shorter person into a taller one. Knife is a common design.
Assuming Witnesses were accurate
Challenges:
Why was one juror willing to accept the woman’s testimony when she is one of “them?” Is this gender bias? Was she wearing glasses when she was trying to sleep?
Why believe the old man was accurate in his assessment of time? Gender or age bias? The old man had a limp. He also would not have heard over the L train.
Assuming the Defense Attorney Did His Job
Challenges: Why were many of the jurors unconcerned with the lack of voracity on behalf of the defense attorney? How committed was he to defending the accused? Did he think it was a losing case? Was there no money in it for him? Did it play to his own prejudices?
Assuming the case is logical
Jurors accepting evidence and testimony without formulating questions of their own.
Challenge:
Henry Fonda’s character questioning evidence and testimony, until other jurors begin to see the holes in the case, at which point they begin to ask their own questions. It becomes apparent that many things that were accepted at face value, were full of unanswered questions, and definitely fall under “reasonable doubt.”
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Laura Hyler’s Profound Ending Lesson 8
What I learned doing this assignment is how important it is to tie in all the set ups with the payoffs to get a powerful Profound Screenplay. I will be revisiting this assignment.
1. My Profound Truth is that people are the same, we are more similar than not, and that relationships can exist between people of different races. It will be delivered powerfully in my ending with the marriage of Naomi and Kofi.
2. My lead characters, Naomi and Kofi will change in that they are willing to accept that they will sometimes face difficulties, and their relationship will continue anyway.
3. The setup/payoffs that complete in the end of the movie are: when Naomi meets Richard, a man who was married outside of his race, and shared his happy story with her; he acts as a mentor for a short time; and when Kofi learns how much trouble Naomi has gone through to stop his deportation, and his friend, Isaac’s complete change in his attitude toward Naomi.
4. I am designing the story to have the audience see Naomi and Kofi together, but it is ultimately threatened by Naomi’s sister and then the deportation. It is surprising when it happens because it appears that all is lost, until Naomi intervenes and prevents Kofi’s deportation.
5. The parting image is the wedding of Naomi and Kofi. The people who objected to their relationship have changed and are in attendance. Parting line: “People are the same wherever you go.” (Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney 😊)
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Laura Hyler’s Connection with the Audience Assignment 7
I will intentionally create a connection between the audience and Naomi and Kofi.
What I learned in this assignment is how much more clear my vision becomes for the screenplay.
A. Relatability- universal experiences: Naomi, a widow, has had a bad relationship after the death of her husband. She is a single mom, has a stressful job, a boss that threatens the security of her job when he sees who she is dating, stress from family and friends, especially her sister, and does not assert herself well under contentious situations.
Kofi- has secret past relationship with a white woman that did not work out. Receives pressure from friends to not date outside his race. Is kind to his patients, has a fire destroy his apartment and important documents. Has an employer who mishandles his HB-1 immigration papers, faces deportation, and is also unassertive in contentious situations.
B. Intrigue- Naomi is not sure about embarking on any new relationships. Initially denies feelings for Kofi. She is not always forthcoming in expressing her feelings.
Kofi- hides past failed relationship, but results of it show in new relationship with Naomi when tensions become apparent.
C. Empathy- When Naomi and Kofi split. When Kofi’s apartment burns down. When Naomi mysteriously gets turned down for a job that she was in line for, for a guy that has been watching her for years. When their friends discourage them from pursuing their relationship. When people they do not know look at them funny, or make comments.
D. Likability- Naomi is an easy-going person most of the time, she isn’t judgmental, often too nice for her own good.
Kofi- helpful to his patients, kind to others, also tends to be too good for his own good.
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Laura Hyler’s Transformational Structure
Assignment 6
Log Line: A naïve widow must learn how to handle racism, or risk losing the love of her life.
What I learned doing this assignment is, that organizing your thoughts this way, really makes the progression much clearer. I know where I am going, and how I am going to get there.
MM #1
Hero’s Status Quo, ordinary world ends (pgs. 1-15)
Naomi, widow, 38 (Caucasian), has recently split from a man, Greg (Caucasian), late thirties, who she has been dating for ten years. She has two teenage children. Her employer, a charity decides to hold a dinner date “auction.” Her friend and coworker, Jeanine throws her name and another coworker’s name in the pool of potential “dates.
Tommy, a guy who has reputation, and Naomi detests, puts in a bid for a dinner date with her.
Kofi, a medical doctor, who recognizes Naomi from an incident in a bar, puts in his bid and outbids Tommy.
Hope: Naomi decides to go along with the dinner date fundraiser despite her reticence.
Challenge: Naomi is still angry at Greg. She finds herself missing her deceased husband, especially when other relationships fail.
Weakness: Fear of the unknown
MM # 2 (pgs. 15-30)
Turning Point: Call to Adventure
Naomi runs into Tommy at the dinner, and also, Cal, her good friend (Letitia’s) brother. Tommy makes and embarrassing comment to Kofi. Cal makes a snide remark to Naomi. She and Kofi have an enjoyable evening.
Kofi asks Naomi for a “real date.” Naomi accepts.
Excitement: Meeting a new person and having a good time despite her doubts.
Doubt: trying to learn ways of coping with people’s opinions, prejudices
MM # 3 (pgs. 30-45)
Turning Point: Locked In
Naomi and Kofi go out to dinner. They discover that they have more in common than they thought.
A week later, they go on a hiking date. During the hike, Naomi overhears a conversation between other hikers. Subconsciously, she knows that comments made were directed at her and Kofi. Kofi pretends not to have heard.
Greg calls Naomi and asks her to lunch. She reluctantly agrees. Greg tries to get Naomi back. He makes biased comments and Naomi leaves.
Discouragement: Naomi would like to keep seeing Kofi, but she unsure how to handle people around her.
MM # 4 (pgs. 45-60)
Turning Point: Standard Ways Fail
Kofi receives invitation to his friend, Isaac’s wedding. Naomi is not included. Kofi says nothing to Naomi and attends the wedding.
Naomi and Kofi attend a concert with Letitia. Naomi notices the reaction of a couple of white guys when they realize Kofi is her date.
When Kofi’s apartment catches fire, Naomi offers him the guestroom.
Naomi receives a wedding invitation from her sister. Kofi is not included. Naomi does not know how to handle it. She confronts her sister, and declines being the Maid of Honor. Her sister advises her that she will not be able to ride in the limousine with her children to the wedding.
Letitia and Cal have an unpleasant conversation with Naomi about why she shouldn’t date a black man.
Tommy is promoted to a position in Naomi’s organization that she was well qualified for.
Discouragement: Naomi’s non-confrontational style is becoming a problem. She feels deflated.
MM # 5 (pgs. 60-75)
Turning Point: Plan backfires
En route to her sister’s wedding, Naomi gets a flat tire.
She meets an older man, Richard, who helps her with the tire. In the brief time she knows him, he serves as a mentor.
Kofi gets off work early and shows up at Charlie (Naomi’s sister’s) wedding. Kofi overhears a conversation between town wedding guests and becomes angry. Naomi asks him what is wrong, and he tells her that he is angry that she did not tell him that he was not invited. He leaves abruptly.
Doubt: Naomi fears losing the relationship
Discouragement: the culmination of friend’s, family and society’s opinions
MM # 6 (pgs. 75-90)
Turning Point: The Decision to Change
Naomi returns home to find no trace of Kofi. Over the next two weeks, she tries to make contact. Out of desperation, she goes to Kofi’s office. She is told that he is off that day.
She bumps into Isaac, who tells her that their employer screwed up Kofi’s HB-1 renewal paperwork, and that he is going to be deported.
Naomi goes to immigration and asks if there is anything she could do to prevent Kofi’s deportation. A clerk advises her that she can act as a sponsor until the employer, County Medical, gets their paperwork in.
Doubt: Naomi doesn’t know if she will stop Kofi in time, or if she will ever see him again.
Courage: Naomi decides to prevent the deportation and find Kofi.
MM # 7
Turning Point: The ultimate failure (pgs. 90-105)
Naomi gets stuck in traffic going to the airport. There is an accident and construction. Cars are backed up for miles. Naomi calls Isaac on her cell phone. She pleads with Isaac to call immigration and stop Kofi from leaving.
Naomi finally arrives at the airport. She bargains with security to let her get through the gates.
She runs through the airport. She arrives at the terminal just in time to see the plane take off.
Doubt: Naomi fears never seeing Kofi again. She experiences despair.
MM # 8
Turning Point: Apparent Victory (pgs. 105-120)
Naomi hears a familiar voice behind her. It is Kofi. Immigration stopped his departure just in time.
Naomi is empowered to stand up to her friends, family, coworkers and boss. She now puts people in their place (appropriately).
Some people have come forward to apologize for their own attitudes and behavior.
Turning Point: New Status quo
Naomi and Kofi get married. Their lives settle down.
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Laura Hyler The 3 Gradients: Desired Change
What I learned from this lesson, is that it is very helpful to write out the gradients, as it will help serve as a guide or map to my writing. It really brings in a sense of clarity.
Emotional Gradients:
Excitement
Action Gradient:
Naomi meets Kofi at a charitable fundraiser. After the charity fundraiser, they have a “real date.”
Challenge/weakness gradient:
C: Naomi just came out of a bad relationship. Prior to that she was widowed.
W: She is unsure
about a new relationship, and the fact that he is from another race/culture.<div>Doubt
Action Gradient:
She is unsure of having any relationship. Naomi is not comfortable
putting people in their place, even when she is angry-she is inconsistentChallenge/Weakness Gradient:
C. Naomi must overcome the fear of rejection by family and how to handle racism.
W: Naomi is used to
being “nice” even to her own detriment.Hope
Action Gradient:
Naomi continues to date Kofi in spite of disguised prejudices of others.
She begins to see him as “the one.”Challenge/Weakness Gradient
C. People’s attitudes, overt and subtle. Workplace tension.
W. Knowing how to
respond appropriately and be candid with KofiDiscouragement
Action Gradient:
When Kofi realizes that Naomi did not tell him that he was invited to
her sister’s wedding. It is further complicated when Naomi discovers that Kofi
did not tell her that she was left out of Isaac’s wedding. Kofi moves out.Challenge/Weakness Gradient:
C. How to get back together with Kofi. How to handle her family and other’s viewpoints and actions.
W. Doesn’t want to
lose family connections or disrupt her employmentCourage
Action Gradient:
Naomi stands up to the people in her life. She decides that she’d rather
risk losing some relationships than losing the love of her life.Challenge/Weakness Gradient:
C. Putting people in their place, with tact. Reconciling with Kofi
W. Naomi has difficulty articulating her feelings to all parties
Triumph
Action Gradient:
Naomi reconciles with Kofi. She puts people in their place. Tells people
that her relationship is not negotiableChallenge/Weakness Gradient
C. Mustering up the courage to tell people off. Knowing what to say to Kofi.
W. Fear of the
unknown, what will happen next? -
Laura Hyler Dead Poet’s Society Assignment 4b
1. What is the change this movie is about? What is the transformational journey of this movie?
The change this movie is about, is that you are not a prisoner to other’s belief systems; that you can find your heart and soul and still be successful.
2. Lead Characters:
– Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change?
–John Keating, the English teacher is the Change Agent. He is the right character to cause the change because he is in direct relationship with the students and is most able to influence them.
– Who is the Transformable Character (the one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this profound journey?
– I believe that all of the students were transformable characters with the exception of Richard Cameron. Neil transforms, and then regresses to the point of no return when he commits suicide. However, it is Todd Anderson who truly transforms throughout the story, until he ultimately is the one who stands up (literally) for Keating, leading the way for the others to follow. We see the complete transformation of a shy and inhibited student come full circle and lead others.
– What is the oppression? The school and it’s stringent, unyielding rules.
3. How are we lured into the profound journey?
Keating’s unorthodox teaching methods are the first “hook,” into the story, and when he shows the students the picture in the hallway and repeats “Carpe Diem,” “Seize the Day,” challenging them to leave an immortal legacy.
4. What causes us to connect with this story?
We connect with this story on many levels. We have all experienced the teenage years, the awkwardness of that period of time, the sometimes difficult task of finding our inner voices, and handling criticism.
This is also true for Mr. Keating, as he has an unorthodox manner of teaching, and has to deal with the rules and biases of the school and parents. He pays the price for this in the end after Neil’s death.
5. Looking at the characters who are changed the most, what is the profound journey? From “old ways” to “new way of being.” Identify their old way. Identify their new way at the conclusion.
The most profound change came from Todd Anderson. His old way was to cower in the shadow of his brother’s reputation, give in to his lack of confidence, (which is reinforced by parents that cannot even remember that they gave him the same desk set the previous year for his Birthday), and his fear of speaking publicly.
We get glimpses of his new way during his journey, but the steps are very small. It is not until Neil commits suicide that Todd finally frees himself to truly say what he needs to say.
6. What is the gradient change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
Todd went from being painfully shy to the point that he could not speak aloud with many people around, to going to the study groups and the Dead Poet’s Society, even if it was only to take notes. It is not really until the very end, that Todd shows his true self in standing up for John Keating.
7. How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective and make a change?
John Keating challenged Todd several times. The first time was when they were all supposed to read a poem that they wrote out loud in front of the class. When Todd showed up without one, Keating made him improvise, using words Keating wrote on the blackboard.
Another time was when Keating had the students stand on the top of his desk and look around, saying that you do not know another perspective unless you see things from another angle.
8. What are the most profound moments of the movie?
The most profound moment(s) of the movie starts with Keating’s first day when he brings the boys into the hallway and shows them previous alumni.
When the boys decide to form their own Dead Poet’s Society.
When Overton keeps pursuing Chris in the face of danger.
When Neil auditions and gets the role of Puck.
When Todd yells at Cameron that Cameron is not telling the truth.
When Cameron shows that he hasn’t changed.
When Neil dies.
When Todd gets up on his desk and says “Oh Captain, my Captain.”
9. What are the most profound lines of the movie?
When Keating tells the boys that “these young men are now fertilizing daisies” and that they should seize the day while they still can.
“We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race.”
“But only in their dreams can man be truly free.”
“Boys, you must strive to find your own voice.”
“Sucking the marrow out of life doesn’t mean choking on the bone.”
10. How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
Neil’s suicide pays off the set up of the insurmountable oppression Neil is under from his father.
Todd- finally coming out of his shell and finding his voice, is his freedom from the oppression of low self-esteem, and trying to live up to his older brother’s reputation and the invisible-ness from his parents.
11. What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
To Seize the Day, live life to its fullest, find your voice and leave a legacy to remember.
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Laura Hyler’s Transformational Journey Assignment
What I learned from doing this assignment is that even when you think you have your story down pat, there are things that are difficult to answer concisely.
My Logline for the Transformational Journey
Logline:
A naïve widow must learn how to handle racism, or risk losing the love of her life.
The Old Ways
The lead character lost touch with the world around her while raising her children and caring for a terminally ill spouse. She believes that she is living in a “post-racial America.”
The New Ways
As a direct result of events in her life, she sees things through a new lense, when she experiences racist thinking towards her and her beau. She learns how to deal with racism instead of avoiding it.
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Laura Hyler’s First Three Decisions 3/25/22
Day 2 Assignment
What I learned from Doing This Assignment is:
Most significantly, are the many different approaches from which you can begin or place the world of your story. I did the exercise that Hal asks us to do: to put a character story in a multitude of worlds:
Sports, Politics, Religion, Media, Business, Military, Historical Events, Ceremony, Special Events, Road Trip and Time Travel. Wow! This is like an idea explosion! Truly amazing exercise.
1. The profound truth that my script deals with, is that interracial couples can survive/thrive despite racism.
2. The change that I would like my audience to make, is to see that people are the same.
3. The entertainment vehicle that I will tell the story through is: “The Cause is the Background.”
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Analysis of Ground Hog Day
1. What is the change this movie is about? What is the transformational journey of this movie?
The change in this movie is about a man, Phil Conners (Bill Murray) who is very self-centered, egotistical, and rude. He really doesn’t care much about other people, and it could be argued that despite his self-centeredness, he doesn’t really care much about himself, either.
The change, or transformational journey takes place as a result of his interest in Rita (Andy McDowell). Rita is everything that he is not-she is kind, professional, modest, etc.
He makes the transformation of being a self-centered individual to becoming a selfless, caring human being, initially because he knows that is the only way that he could ever be with Rita.The journey for Conners is becoming someone who Rita could be interested in. When he repeatedly gets it all wrong, he is doomed to repeat the day again and again until he gets it right. When he thinks that he’s just going to continue to fail, and also knowingly refuses to change, he attempts to kill himself repeatedly.
2. Lead Characters:
– Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change?
Andy McDowell’s character is the change agent. The reason that she is the right character to cause the change, is because Phil Conners falls for her almost immediately-a “love at first sight” scenario. Because her character represents the good in the world, and because of his interest in her, Conners is willing to change to become a better person for her. His initial attempts at changing are not strong enough, so is sent to repeat the day over and over again until he gets it right.
– Who is the Transformable Character (the one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this profound journey?
–
Bill Murray-Mr. Conners is the character who can change the most in a positive way. He is the right choice to make the profound journey, because there is so much lacking in his character in the beginning. He is the one character that can make the most profound journey to becoming a much better person.
– What is the oppression?
The oppression is time, and the repetition of the same day, over and over again. It could also be reasonably argued that Conners moral character is also the oppression, because as long as he embraces it, he cannot change, and therefore, he would never be worthy of Rita.
3. How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
I believe that we are initially lured into this journey because of Conners outrageous behavior. We want to see what is going to happen. It is also curious that such an irascible man was obviously attracted to Rita the first time he saw her-so you get a glimpse of a human trait or vulnerability, which his character does its best to hide.
4. Looking at the characters who are changed the most, what is the profound journey? From “old ways” to “new way of being.” Identify their old way. Identify their new way at the conclusion.
Conners old ways were to be selfish, self-serving and apathetic. He transformed into a caring person that helped others. At first, a viewer is much like Rita-we doubt his intentions, and they appear to be false, just a means of “getting the girl.” As Conners progresses through his daily reincarnations, he begins to see things a little differently, and acts out of good will, without even letting on what things he did to help others to Rita. This is where the audience begins to believe him to be more genuine in his motives.
5. What is the gradient change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
This movie shows the gradient change very well. Just the fact that Conners is doomed to repeat February 2<sup>nd</sup>, over and over again until he “gets it right,” demonstrates how he has to raise the bar for his own behavior, until he masters it, and isn’t just going through the motions, but actually becoming a better person.
6. How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective and make a change?
When Conners initially starts to change his behavior because he wants to be with Rita, her attitude and feelings toward him improve, little by little, just as his behavior changes little by little. As he sees these shifts in her attitude toward him, he begins to change.
At one point he tells her “I’m a terrible person,” and she disagrees with his assessment. It becomes obvious that he does not feel worthy not only of her, but of happiness. Perhaps this is a result of losing his first love, which he states in the beginning of the movie, that he will “never have again.”
7. What are the most profound moments of the movie?
The most profound moment of the movie is when he is lying in bed with Rita, and he leaves her alone so that she can sleep. He is content with the fact that she is there.
The other profound moments are: when he tried to save the old man from dying on the street, the kid falling from the tree, the man choking in the restaurant and helping the old ladies with their flat tire.
8. What are the most profound lines of the movie?
The most profound lines in the movie are also from the scene where they are in bed, and he says that he doesn’t deserve someone like her, but if he ever could, he would love her for the rest of his life.
9. How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
The ending payoffs come from the people of the town now admiring Conners, having the respect of the camera man, and winning the love of Rita.
10. What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
The profound truth of this movie would probably be that everyone is capable of giving/receiving love, but you have to act the part (be the person), or you can fall short of being worthy of it.
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Laura Hyler
I agree to the terms of the release form.
GROUP RELEASE FORM
As a member of this group, I agree to the following:
1. That I will keep the processes, strategies, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class confidential, and that I will NOT share any of this program either privately, with a group, posting online, writing articles, through video or computer programming, or in any other way that would make those processes, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class available to anyone who is not a member of this class.
2. That each writer’s work here is copyrighted and that writer is the sole owner of that work. That includes this program which is copyrighted by Hal Croasmun. I acknowledge that submission of an idea to this group constitutes a claim of and the recognition of ownership of that idea.
I will keep the other writer’s ideas and writing confidential and will not share this information with anyone without the express written permission of the writer/owner. I will not market or even discuss this information with anyone outside this group.
3. I also understand that many stories and ideas are similar and/or have common themes and from time to time, two or more people can independently and simultaneously generate the same concept or movie idea.
4. If I have an idea that is the same as or very similar to another group member’s idea, I’ll immediately contact Hal and present proof that I had this idea prior to the beginning of the class. If Hal deems them to be the same idea or close enough to cause harm to either party, he’ll request both parties to present another concept for the class.
5. If you don’t present proof to Hal that you have the same idea as another person, you agree that all ideas presented to this group are the sole ownership of the person who presented them and you will not write or market another group member’s ideas.
6. Finally, I agree not to bring suit against anyone in this group for any reason, unless they use a substantial portion of my copyrighted work in a manner that is public and/or that prevents me from marketing my script by shopping it to production companies, agents, managers, actors, networks, studios or any other entertainment industry organizations or people.
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Hello Everyone!
I am excited to be here, as a first time student of ScreenwritingU. I have 60 pages of a screenplay that I actually started some time ago, and basically, have started over because I was not thrilled with it.
I have a background in teaching English from middle, high school and junior college levels. I plan to write a novel as well. I have some experience as an actor in Indie Films, and have studied with some acting coaches. I think this helps somewhat with writing screenplays.
I am looking forward to making scripts that are Profound!
Laura Hyler
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I think we’re supposed to make suggestions in the comments. I read yours, but I would like to take a look again and see if there are any comments that would be helpful. I probably won’t be back on here until late Saturday, but if I get a chance before that, I will definitely comment.
Feel free to comment on mine too.
Thanks!