Lin Fuentes
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Hi Everyone,
I’m Lin Fuentes. I’ve written 2 screenplays and 3 episodes of a TV comedy. Screenwriting U has been and remains instrumental in my learning. My hope for this course is to learn how to write a script in 30 days that is entertaining and marketable.
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I, Lin Fuentes, 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.
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BWTV-AI Module 1 – Lesson 5: Depth of Emotions – homework
What I learned doing this assignment was how much better AI is at doing this than I am, not to mention, faster. This will give me options with a clearer direction once I start to write the screenplay.
Lin’s Character Emotions
ASSIGNMENT 1: Example Show
Compiled profiles for the show Succession.
Logan Profile
A. Hope: Maintain the status quo. / Fear: Losing power/control.
B. Want: To continue running the company. / Need: To find a successor.
C. Base Negative Emotion: Anger. / Public Mask: Strength and leadership.
D. Weaknesses: Stubborness and inability to trust easily.
E. Triggers: Challenges to his authority, disloyalty within the family, or threats to the company.
F. Coping Mechanism: To use intimidation, manipulation, and coercion to maintain control.
Kendall Profile
A. Hope: To take over the family business with his father’s approval. Fear: Failing to meet Logan’s expectations.
B. Want: Power and recognition from within the company and Logan. / Need: To confront his personal demons and guilt over past mistakes.
C. Base Negative Emotion: Self doubt and guilt. / Public Mask: Confidence and ambition.
D. Weaknesses: Vulnerabilty to substance abuse, his inner demons. and his struggle with indecision.
E. Triggers: By Logan’s dismissive attitude, reminders of his past failures, and internal conflict over his actions.
F. Coping Mechanism: Substance abuse, therapy, and attempts to assert his dominance in the family business.
Roman Profile
A. Hope: For recognition and respect within the family and the business. / Fear: Being perceived as incompetent and being the family’s perpetual screw-up.
B. Want: To have fun and not take things too seriously. / Need: To find a sense of purpose and prove himself as a capable executive.
C. Base Negative Emotion: Insecurity. / Public Mask: A public persona of humor nonchalance, and arrogance.
D. Weaknesses: Lack of commitment, tendency to avoid responsibility , and difficulty taking things seriously.
E. Triggers: His family’s criticism and situations that require him to take on more responsibility than he’s comfortable with.
F. Coping Mechanism: Through humor, sarcasm and distancing himself from serious matters often resorting to self-deprecating humor to deflect criticism.
ASSIGNMENT 2: Your Show
1. Emotional Profile for each of the main characters :
Simone
A. Hope: To get back with Alexandria. / Fear: Of being alone.
B. Want: To figure out how to get Alexandria back. / Need: To feel loved.
C. Base Negative Emotion: Sadness / Public Mask: Optimism
D. Weaknesses: Powerless, need to control.
E. Triggers: Major stress and the wound of Alexandra breaking up with her.
F. Coping Mechanism: Crying.
Todd
A. Hope: To flip Simona into falling for him. / Fear: He may lose her as a friend if he screws things up.
B. Want: To find love and settle down. / Need: To be loved.
C. Base Negative Emotion: Terror. / Public Mask: Hero.
D. Weaknesses: Ego driven, obsessive.
E. Triggers: Being disrespected.
F. Coping Mechanism:
Mindy
A. Hope: To have a family. / Fear: Being able to support a family.
B. Want: Power. / Need: Approval.
C. Base Negative Emotion: Weak. / Public Mask: Dominant.
D. Weaknesses:
E. Triggers:
F. Coping Mechanism:
Cory
A. Hope: To feel inclusive living in gay mecca. / Fear: Having to leave San Francisco.
B. Want: Fame and fortune. / Need: Approval.
C. Base Negative Emotion: Worthless. / Public Mask: Important person.
D. Weaknesses:
E. Triggers:
F. Coping Mechanism:
Heather
A. Hope: To get her degree. / Fear: She won’t get her degree.
B. Want: A relationship. / Need: To feel loved.
C. Base Negative Emotion: / Public Mask:
D. Weaknesses:
E. Triggers:
F. Coping Mechanism: Drinks wine.
2. AI Emotional Profile:
For each of the [main characters] for this [genre] about this [concept], please brainstorm the [Internal Struggles] of that character that fit this TV series well.
Internal Struggles =
A. Situational: Hope / Fear
B. Motivation: Want / Need
C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion / Public Mask
D. Weaknesses
E. Triggers
F. Coping Mechanism
Genre = Drama/Comedy
Concept = Simone has recently been dumped by Alexandria who has discovered she likes light bondage. Simone rents out an upstairs bedroom to a college student, Heather, and the downstairs inlaw unit to a lesbian couple, Mindy and Cory, who are transplants from Utah. Todd is Simone’s best friend, straight, and next door neighbor.
Main characters = Simone, Todd, Mindy, Cory, Heather, and Alexandria
ChatGPT
Sure, I’d be happy to help you brainstorm internal struggles for each of the main characters in your drama/comedy TV series. Here are some ideas:
1. Simone:
A. Situational: Hope – Simone hopes to find love again and fears ending up alone.
B. Motivation: Want – She wants to get over her breakup and move on, but she needs to heal from her past relationship.
C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion – She is hurt and heartbroken, but her public mask is that she’s fine and over her ex.
D. Weaknesses – Simone is vulnerable to falling back into unhealthy habits as a way of coping with her pain.
E. Triggers – Seeing or hearing about Alexandria’s new relationship or encountering reminders of her past relationship trigger her emotions.
F. Coping Mechanism – She might use humor and sarcasm to deflect from her true feelings, but it often backfires.
2. Todd:
A. Situational: Hope – Todd hopes to see his best friend, Simone, happy and fear that he might not be able to help her.
B. Motivation: Want – He wants to be a good friend to Simone, but he needs to balance his own life.
C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion – He worries about Simone but masks it with humor and banter.
D. Weaknesses – Todd’s loyalty to Simone can sometimes lead to him neglecting his own needs.
E. Triggers – Watching Simone struggle triggers his concern and protective instincts.
F. Coping Mechanism – He might use humor and light-heartedness as a way to distract Simone from her pain.
3. Mindy and Cory:
A. Situational: Hope – They hope to find acceptance in their new city and fear facing discrimination.
B. Motivation: Want – They want to create a loving home together, but they need to adapt to a new environment.
C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion – They might carry the fear of being judged as outsiders but present a confident exterior.
D. Weaknesses – They might struggle with fitting into the new community and dealing with the unfamiliar.
E. Triggers – Encounters with prejudice or ignorance can trigger their fears and insecurities.
F. Coping Mechanism – They might rely on each other for support and strength, leaning into their loving relationship.
4. Heather:
A. Situational: Hope – Heather hopes to enjoy her college life and fear the pressures of adulthood.
B. Motivation: Want – She wants to have fun and make friends, but she needs to focus on her studies.
C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion – She might be anxious about her responsibilities but presents herself as carefree.
D. Weaknesses – Heather may struggle with balancing her academic and social life.
E. Triggers – Academic stress or feelings of being overwhelmed trigger her fears.
F. Coping Mechanism – She may use humor and escapism to avoid confronting her responsibilities.
5. Alexandria:
A. Situational: Hope – She hopes to explore her newfound desires and fears judgment from her past.
B. Motivation: Want – She wants to be true to herself, but she needs to navigate her evolving identity.
C. Mask: Base Negative Emotion – She might feel guilt or confusion but presents a confident exterior.
D. Weaknesses – Alexandria may grapple with reconciling her old and new self.
E. Triggers – Reminders of her past life and judgmental attitudes can trigger her fears.
F. Coping Mechanism – She may confide in a trusted friend or engage in self-discovery to cope with her internal conflicts.
These are just some initial ideas for the internal struggles of your main characters. You can develop and refine them further to suit the tone and direction of your TV series.
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What I learned doing this assignment was how to bring more depth and interest in my characters to keep the audience engaged.
Lin’s Intriguing Character Layers
ASSIGNMENT 1:
1. Example Show – “Succession”
Places where I saw Character Intrigue in previous episodes.
– There was alot of deception, competition and secrets throughout the family.
– Logan Roy – patriarch of the Roy family – From the beginning he seems detached from his family letting his eldest son, Ken Roy, be humiliated when he finds out at the last minute that he will not succeed his father as CEO since Logan will not be stepping down. Why didn’t Logan tell Ken days before the board meeting he wasn’t stepping down?
– After Logan has a medical emergency and is in the ICU unconscience, Ken finds out that Logan has more debt on the business books and about to loose it all. How does Logan keep that to himself? No wonder he ended up in the hospital with that big secret.
– While 3 of the 4 heirs apparent compete to be the next CEO they use a newby cousin, Greg, fresh out of college as their errand boy and to help deceive their siblings to get an advantage. Why are they secretly competing against each other for CEO? Is Greg in over his head?
– Greg seems naive and inexperienced, but is always watchful and listening. He has a strange relationship with his mother, Logan’s sister, that seems more like coconspirators, but his mother is the cold hearted boss. Why is she like that and what is she after?
– With each new episode more questions arise about how far these characters are willing to go to get what they want.
ASSIGNMENT 2
1. For your Inner Circle characters, fill in any of the Intrigue items that apply.
– Character Name: Simone
– Role: Landlady
– Hidden agendas: To get Alexandra back
– Competition: BDSM world
– Conspiracies:
– Secrets: Reads whatever she can to learn more about BDSM
– Deception:
– Wound:
– Secret Identity:
– Character Name: Alexandra
– Role: Simone’s ex girlfriend
– Hidden agendas:
– Competition:
– Conspiracies:
– Secrets: Needs to have a little pain to enjoy sex.
– Deception:
– Wound:
– Secret Identity:
– Character Name: Todd
– Role: Simone’s next door neighbor and best friend
– Hidden agendas: To get Simone to fall in love with him.
– Competition: Alexandra, Mindy and Heather
– Conspiracies:
– Secrets: Has a crush on Simone
– Deception:
– Wound:
– Secret Identity:
– Character Name: Cory
– Role: Tenant renting the downstairs inlaw unit
– Hidden agendas:
– Competition:
– Conspiracies:
– Secrets: Wants a breast reduction
– Deception: Binds her breasts to not make them look as big.
– Wound: Teased and taunted for her large breasts from an early age
– Secret Identity:
– Character Name: Mindy
– Role: Tenant renting the downstairs inlaw unit
– Hidden agendas:
– Competition:
– Conspiracies:
– Secrets: Has a secret crush on Simone
– Deception:
– Wound:
– Secret Identity:
– Character Name: Heather
– Role: Tenant renting an upstairs bedroom
– Hidden agendas:
– Competition: Alexandra, Todd and Mindy
– Conspiracies:
– Secrets: Although she’s not a lesbian she has a secret crush on Simone.
– Deception:
– Wound:
– Secret Identity:
2. Using AI here are some intriguing layers for each of the main characters in the drama/comedy TV series based on the concept I provided:
Simone (The Heartbroken Lover):
A. Hidden agendas: Simone secretly hopes that by embracing Alexandria’s new interest in BDSM, she can win her back.
B. Competition: She feels the pressure of competing with the newfound interests in Alexandria’s life and wants to outdo her in any way possible.
C. Conspiracies: Simone may suspect that Alexandria’s interest in BDSM is just a phase or an attempt to make her jealous.
D. Secrets: She has a hidden vulnerability that she’s been keeping from everyone, a fear of being alone.
E. Deception: Simone might pretend to be interested in BDSM to get closer to Alexandria, even if it’s not her true preference.
F. Wound: She has a deep emotional wound from the breakup with Alexandria that she hasn’t fully dealt with, and it affects her actions.
G. Secret Identity: Simone could have a hidden talent or interest that she hasn’t shared with anyone, which may surprise the others.
Alexandria (The Ex Who Likes Light BDSM):
A. Hidden agendas: She may secretly enjoy the power and control she has discovered through BDSM, and it’s a part of her she never knew existed.
B. Competition: Alexandria might feel the need to prove her new interests to Simone, as if she’s found something Simone couldn’t provide.
C. Conspiracies: She could be hesitant to reveal her BDSM interests to others, fearing judgment or misunderstanding.
D. Secrets: Alexandria could have her own personal struggles and insecurities that she’s been hiding beneath her newfound confidence.
E. Deception: She might be concealing her true feelings for Simone and her reasons for exploring BDSM.
F. Wound: Alexandria may have her own past emotional wounds that have led her to seek new experiences and connections.
G. Secret Identity: She may have a hidden life or persona associated with her BDSM interests that others are unaware of.
Todd (Simone’s Best Friend and Neighbor):
A. Hidden agendas: Todd could secretly have a crush on Simone and may be willing to help her win back Alexandria in the hope that it will lead to something more.
B. Competition: He might inadvertently compete with Simone for Alexandria’s attention, causing tension between the friends.
C. Conspiracies: Todd could find himself entangled in Simone’s schemes and have to keep secrets to help her.
D. Secrets: He may have personal issues or secrets of his own that he’s reluctant to share with Simone and the others.
E. Deception: Todd might pretend to be more supportive than he actually is to maintain his close friendship with Simone.
F. Wound: There could be a past hurt or betrayal in Todd’s life that affects his decisions and relationships.
G. Secret Identity: Todd may have a hidden talent or hobby that surprises everyone, providing comic relief or a unique twist to his character.
Mindy and Cory (Lovers and Transplants from Utah):
A. Hidden agendas: They may have a secret motive for moving to the area or living in Simone’s in-law unit.
B. Competition: They could inadvertently compete with Simone for her attention, creating friction in the living situation.
C. Conspiracies: Mindy and Cory could become unintentionally involved in Simone’s efforts to win back Alexandria.
D. Secrets: They may have a secret about their relationship or personal lives that they’re keeping from Simone.
E. Deception: They might put up a facade of a perfect relationship, masking their own issues.
F. Wound: Mindy and Cory might have a unique backstory or personal struggles that contribute to the comedy and drama in the series.
G. Secret Identity: They could have hidden talents or interests that come to light during the series, adding depth to their characters.
Heather (College Student Renting Upstairs Bedroom):
A. Hidden agendas: Heather may have her own agenda or reasons for renting a room in Simone’s house.
B. Competition: She could unintentionally become part of the competition for Alexandria’s attention.
C. Conspiracies: Heather may be the one to discover the BDSM secret and have to decide whether to share it or keep it hidden.
D. Secrets: She might have a hidden past or identity that she’s trying to escape from, which comes to light during the series.
E. Deception: Heather might pretend to be someone she’s not in front of Simone and the other tenants.
F. Wound: She could have her own emotional wounds and struggles that add depth to her character.
G. Secret Identity: Heather might have a surprising talent or skill that is revealed during the series, influencing the storyline.
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Lin’s Engaging Main Characters
What I learned doing this assignment is how to add more depth and interest to characters.
ASSIGNMENT 1
“Succession”
A. Role in the show:
Ken Roy is the 2nd eldest son and becomes the CEO of the family empire and makes his youngest brother, Roman, COO when their father suffers a debilitating health crisis.
B. Unique Purpose / Expertise:
Ken has been in the family business since he was a child so understands what needs to be done and who he can count on to get it done. He wants to make his father proud of him.
Roman is young, full of energy and ideas and sees an opportunity to prove himself with his father out of the way.
C. Intrigue: What is secret beneath the surface?
Ken portrays a strong front, but his life is falling apart. His marriage is over and he’s just dealt with a financial crisis created by his father, but the fix is only temporary.
Roman is immature, sadistic, and inappropriate.
D. Moral Issue: What moral boundaries are they crossing?
Ken knows his father didn’t want him to take over the business, but bullies and lies to become CEO.
Roman is also aware who his father didn’t want to take over the business, but doesn’t contest Ken’s grab for CEO. He didn’t want all that responsibility, but was happy to be COO and have more hands on control.
E. Unpredictable: What will they do next?
Ken is in over his head and doesn’t realize it. The pressure is on him now.
Roman is uninhibited in inappropriate ways.
F. Empathetic: Why do we care?
Ken is really trying to do what he thinks is for the good of the company, but has just jumped in with the more experienced, mature sharks.
Roman is the guy you love to hate.
ASSIGNMENT 2
“Queer Quarters”
Simone
A. Role in the show:
Simone is the central character and landlady of a unique apartment building in the heart of the gay community.
B. Unique Purpose / Expertise:
She is compassionate, witty, and supportive of her tenants, and her rental decisions often lead to unexpected consequences.
C. Intrigue: What is secret beneath the surface?
Simone is still in love with her ex, Alexandra, and will do anything to try and win her back.
D. Moral Issue: What moral boundaries are they crossing?
Simone must be willing to go against her sweet, kind character and inflict pain in order for her to be with Alexandra, but can she?
E. Unpredictable: What will they do next?
Simone takes classes in BDSM to better understand and learn then takes private lessons with Alexandra and her master, Mistress Bane, taking her into a world she didn’t know existed until now.
F. Empathetic: Why do we care? Simone thinks she can learn to give Alexandra what she wants, but doesn’t realize she is swimming against the tide.
Alexandra:
A. Role in the show:
Simone’s ex girlfriend who realizes she likes BDSM
B. Unique Purpose / Expertise:
Alexandra introduces Simone to her new world and her new mistress.
C. Intrigue: What is secret beneath the surface?
That she enjoys pain.
D. Moral Issue: What moral boundaries are they crossing?
This is not a moral issue for Alexandra, others perhaps, but not for her.
E. Unpredictable: What will they do next?
Alexandra explores her new world and experiences things she’s never considered that bring her pain and joy at the same time.
F. Empathetic: Why do we care?
Alexandra has finally found a world that she can relate to and understands her.
4. Go to AI and use prompt to generate another version of your characters:
PROMPT: For each of the [main characters] for this [genre] about this [concept], please brainstorm the [Character Basics] of that character that fits this TV series well.
Character Basics =
A. Role in the show:
B. Unique Purpose / Expertise:
C. Intrigue: What is secret beneath the surface?
D. Moral Issue: What moral boundaries are they crossing?
E. Unpredictable: What will they do next?
F. Empathetic: Why do we care?
Genre = Drama/Comedy
Concept = Simone has recently been dumped by Alexandria and will do anything to get her back, but Alexandria has discovered she likes light BDSM.
Main characters =
– Simone the heartbroken lover.
– Alexandra the ex who has discovered she likes light BDSM.
– Todd is Simone’s best friend, straight and next door neighbor.
– Mindy and Cory are lovers and transplants from Utah renting the downstairs unit from Simone.
– Heather is a college student that rents Simone’s upstairs unit.
ChatGPT
Sure, let’s brainstorm the Character Basics for each of the main characters in this drama/comedy TV series based on the concept you’ve provided:
Simone
A. Role in the show: The protagonist, the heartbroken lover.
B. Unique Purpose / Expertise: Simone is a talented chef, which she uses as a coping mechanism and later, as a way to win back Alexandria.
C. Intrigue: Beneath the surface, Simone is secretly struggling with commitment issues stemming from her past, which caused the breakup.
D. Moral Issue: Simone faces a moral dilemma about whether to compromise her own desires to win back her ex, crossing the boundary between self-respect and desperation.
E. Unpredictable: Simone’s unpredictable actions range from hilarious, awkward attempts to win back her ex to moments of personal growth as she explores her own desires and boundaries.
F. Empathetic: We care about Simone because we can empathize with the pain of heartbreak and the journey of self-discovery she embarks on.
Alexandria
A. Role in the show: The enigmatic ex-lover who has discovered a new side to her desires.
B. Unique Purpose / Expertise: Alexandria is a successful art curator who excels in understanding the complex world of contemporary art.
C. Intrigue: Beneath the surface, Alexandria is hiding her newfound interest in light BDSM, which initially leads to her breakup with Simone and creates inner conflict.
D. Moral Issue: Alexandria grapples with her own desires and how they fit into her life as an independent, strong-willed woman, crossing the boundary of societal expectations.
E. Unpredictable: We can’t predict how Alexandria’s exploration of her desires will unfold, creating tension and suspense in the series.
F. Empathetic: We care about Alexandria because she’s relatable in her journey of self-discovery and the challenges of reconciling her desires with societal norms.
Todd
A. Role in the show: Simone’s best friend and neighbor.
B. Unique Purpose / Expertise: Todd works as a relationship counselor, providing humorous yet insightful advice to Simone as she navigates her heartbreak.
C. Intrigue: Todd hides his own secret crush on Simone, which complicates his advice-giving role.
D. Moral Issue: Todd struggles with maintaining a healthy boundary between his role as a friend and his professional expertise.
E. Unpredictable: Todd’s unpredictable actions stem from his inner conflict between being supportive and honest with Simone while managing his own feelings.
F. Empathetic: We care about Todd because he’s caught in the crossfire of love and friendship, making his character both endearing and funny.
Mindy and Cory
A. Role in the show: Lovers and tenants living downstairs from Simone.
B. Unique Purpose / Expertise: Mindy and Cory bring a refreshing and comedic perspective on love and relationships, having moved from Utah to the big city.
C. Intrigue: Beneath the surface, their relationship might not be as picture-perfect as it seems, and they hide their own insecurities.
D. Moral Issue: They face the moral dilemma of conforming to the expectations of their conservative backgrounds while embracing a more liberal, urban lifestyle.
E. Unpredictable: Mindy and Cory’s actions are unpredictable as they navigate the complexities of adapting to city life and discovering new facets of their relationship.
F. Empathetic: We care about Mindy and Cory because they represent the struggles of transitioning to a new environment while trying to maintain a loving relationship.
Heather
A. Role in the show: College student renting Simone’s upstairs unit.
B. Unique Purpose / Expertise: Heather provides comic relief with her eccentric and quirky personality, studying subjects unrelated to her major.
C. Intrigue: Beneath the surface, Heather is hiding her own insecurities and fear of the future.
D. Moral Issue: Heather’s moral boundaries are crossed as she struggles to balance her academic responsibilities and personal eccentricities.
E. Unpredictable: Heather’s unpredictable actions stem from her unconventional lifestyle and her challenges in fitting in with her more “normal” neighbors.
F. Empathetic: We care about Heather because her character represents the struggle to find her place in the world and stay true to herself in a conformist society.
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What I learned doing this assignment was how organize my characters to better keep track of main characters and the journey.
Assignment 1:
“Succession”
A. Main Character Circle:
Logan Roy – patriarch of the Roy family
Logan’s kids:
Conner Roy – the eldest son
Ken Roy – 2nd son
Shiv Roy – only daughter
Rome Roy – youngest of the family
B. Connected Circle:
Tom – Shiv’s husband
Greg – cousin to the Roy siblings
C. Environment Circle
Logan’s Lawyer, Board members
Assignment 2:
“Queer Quarters”
A. Main Character Circle:
Simone, Todd, Mindy, Cory, and Rachael
B. Connected Circle
Alexandra, Mistress Bane and her Boy Toy
C. Environment Circle
BDSM clubs, gay night clubs, restaurants
The Main Characters:
– Having recently been dumped by her ex, Simone is heartbroken and will do whatever it takes to get her back.
– Todd is an architect, lives next door to his best friend Simone, is a rare commodity being a single, straight man in a gay city.
– Mindy is 20 something, recent transplant from Utah, wanting to live around queers like herself.
– Cory is Mindy’s lover, 20 something and also from Utah, wanting the freedom to love who she wants.
– Rachel is open minded, straight, the youngest of the group and is attending San Francisco State University.
Default (GPT-3.5)
User
Please create three groups of characters for my TV Series that is [genre] about [concept] that is set in [sub-world] and are unique to this story.
A. Main Characters: 3 – 5 key characters that the journey is about. Tell us the following:
Unique Role:
Secret or Intrigue:
B. Connected Characters: These are characters that the main characters interact with during the season. They play a part in the journey in some way and sometimes affect the main character’s actions.
C. Environment Characters: These are background characters that are necessary to fulfill the “standard roles” for your kind of story, but usually don’t do anything significant. List them by their jobs only.
Genre = Drama/Comedy
Concept = Simone’s rental decisions create an intricate web of relationships. Her tenants, secrets, and a surprising BDSM twist in her love life unveil drama and light comedy.
Sub-World = Gay, light bondage
Certainly! Here are three groups of characters for your TV series in the Drama/Comedy genre, centered around Simone’s rental decisions and the intricate web of relationships in the sub-world of a gay community with elements of light bondage:
A. Main Characters:
Simone (Unique Role: Landlady)
Simone is the central character and the landlady of a unique apartment building in the heart of the gay community. She is compassionate, witty, and supportive of her tenants, and her rental decisions often lead to unexpected consequences.
Secret or Intrigue: Simone secretly explores the world of light bondage, which she discovers when one of her tenants introduces her to it. This newfound interest becomes a significant part of her personal life, leading to a rollercoaster of emotions and unexpected relationships.
Alex (Unique Role: Aspiring Drag Queen)
Alex is a charismatic and vibrant tenant in Simone’s building, who aspires to become a famous drag queen. He lives in the apartment right above Simone’s.
Secret or Intrigue: Alex is struggling to come out to his conservative family, and his journey towards self-acceptance is a major theme in the series.
Marcus (Unique Role: Best Friend)
Marcus is Simone’s best friend and confidant. He works as a hairstylist in the neighborhood and is always there to provide Simone with advice and support.
Secret or Intrigue: Marcus is hiding a crush on one of Simone’s tenants, which complicates his friendships and adds humor to the story.
B. Connected Characters:
4. Lucas (Unique Role: Tattoo Artist)
Lucas is another tenant in Simone’s building and works as a tattoo artist. He has a mysterious past and is initially reserved but forms a close connection with Simone.
Secret or Intrigue: Lucas has a hidden past involving a troubled relationship that he’s trying to escape from, and this past gradually comes to light, affecting his interactions with other characters.
Carmen (Unique Role: Local LGBTQ+ Activist)
Carmen is a passionate and outspoken LGBTQ+ activist who frequently holds community events in the neighborhood, including fundraisers and awareness campaigns.
Secret or Intrigue: Carmen is involved in a romantic relationship with another tenant in the building, which creates tension and drama when their relationship becomes public.
C. Environment Characters (Listed by Jobs):
Bartender at the local gay bar
Cafe owner and barista
Drag queens and kings who perform at the neighborhood club
Community event organizers
Local LGBTQ+ support group leaders
Neighbors in the building who provide comic relief and colorful personalities.
These characters should help create an engaging and diverse cast, adding depth and complexity to your TV series while exploring the drama and light comedy within the unique sub-world of Simone’s rental decisions and the relationships that ensue.
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GROUP RELEASE FORM
As a member of this group, I, Lin Fuentes, 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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Hi Everyone,
I’m Lin Fuentes. I’ve written and rewritten multiple times 2 screenplays as I try to learn this craft I’ve become addicted to called script writing. Screenwriting U has been and remains instrumental in my learning. I have many ideas, but want to focus on learning from trying different things on these two screenplays to enhance my deeper understanding of writing great screenplays that are entertaining and marketable.
My hope for this course is to learn a new skill set that will attract producers to my scripts.
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What I learned doing this assignment was small steps can get you where you want to go.
Lin’s Marketing Campaign
1. The campaign I chose was Marketing Campaign #6: Marketing to Producers
2. Plan of Action
– Having better clarity after taking this class of what was important to the story I will do a rewrite.
– After completing the rewrite I will send it to a coverage service and will repeat this step until I get a “Recommend” or “Consider” from them.
– Once my script is ready for producers I will send out a Query Letter to those that have done something similar in the genre and budget to my script.
3. The first action I will take is to rewrite parts of my screenplay to incorporate new insights I got from this class and my fellow classmates. Thank you all.
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Much thanks to Tasha Espinosa for her invaluable input.
Lin’s Query Letter Draft TWO
Dear Producer,
Title: The 26th Apprentice
Written by Lin Fuentes
Genre: Bio/drama
Sparkies were all men in the sexist 70s, but that didn’t stop a naive, petite, 21 year old woman.
Based on a true story, Linda fights gender discrimination during her rigorous four year electrical apprenticeship program. Facing obstacles from the very start including an unfair entry exam, her determination never wavers. When she’s denied entry into the program, she takes legal action against the union and wins, becoming the 26th apprentice alongside her 25 male classmates.
With one battle won, the hostility increases as she navigates a male-dominated world. Linda is in a foreign country having never been on a construction site and is seen as a foreigner/interloper in their environment as they point and stare at her which makes her uncomfortably conscience of being the object of their observation. Twice she has to fend off sexual aggression from men who are twice as big and twice as old as she is that had befriended her. Who can she trust?
As per apprenticeship protocol every six months apprentices are rotated out of their current job site to a new one. With each new job site Linda uncovers new fears and academic challenges along with the union’s strategic efforts to oust her putting her dreams to the ultimate test.
Can one woman break through deep-seated bias and change the hearts and minds of men, or is their prejudice insurmountable?
If you like the concept of The 26th Apprentice, I own all the rights and would be delighted to send you the script.
Lin Fuentes
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What I learned doing this assignment was there’s always room for improvement.
Lin’s Query Letter Draft ONE
Dear Producer,
Title: The 26th Apprentice
Written by Lin Fuentes
Genre: Bio/drama
Can one woman break through deep-seated bias and change the hearts and minds of men, or is their prejudice insurmountable?
Based on the true story about a petite, young woman during the sexist 70s, who confronts gender bias as she fights to join a four year electrical apprenticeship program. Despite excelling in 4 different written exams, Linda’s low oral interview score reveals that it accounted for 50% of her overall evaluation. She takes legal action against the union, leading to a settlement that adds her as the 26th apprentice.
Navigating a male-dominated world, Linda endures challenges and teasing on her first job in residential work. She attends night classes alongside 25 male apprentices. Six months later, she faces increased animosity and struggles with anxiety at an oil refinery, testing her resolve.
Linda uncovers new fears and academic challenges in her third year, with the union’s strategic efforts to oust her putting her dreams to the ultimate test.
If you like the concept of The 26th Apprentice, I’d be happy to send you the script.
Lin Fuentes
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What I learned doing this lesson was patience. I was lost most of the time, then finally figured out how to get to the info I needed.
Lin’s Target Market
The 26th Apprentice
Logline: In 1974 a young, petite woman forces her way into a 4 year, all male, electrical apprenticeship program where she is clearly not wanted and gains their respect, changes their opinion of women in the trades and becomes the first woman electrician journeyman in the state of California.
Genre: Bio/Drama
Movies:
– North Country
– The Zookeeper’s Wife
– Only the Brave
– Geronimo: An American Legend
– Antwone Fisher
Actors:
– Ella Anderson
– Emma Myers
– Florence Pugh
– Thad Luckinbill
– Danny Ramirez
North Country
Producers:
Helen Buck Bartlett … executive producer (as Helen Bartlett)
Doug Claybourne … executive producer
Nana Greenwald … executive producer
Chris Salvaterra … production executive
Jeff Skoll … executive producer
Valerie Flueger Veras … associate producer (as Valerie Flueger)
Nick Wechsler … producer
This movie was directed by Niki Caro. Niki’s projects include:
The Zookeeper’s Wife (2017)
McFarland, USA (2015)
Whale Rider (2002)
The Zookeeper’s Wife
Jeff Abberley … producer
Julia Blackman … executive producer: Scion Films
Marc Butan … executive producer
Jessica Chastain … executive producer
Diane Miller Levin … producer
Mickey Liddell … executive producer
Katie McNeill … co-producer
Jennifer Monroe … executive producer
Jamie Patricof … producer
Joanne Sennitt … executive producer: Scion Films
Pete Shilaimon … executive producer
Michael Tollin … executive producer (as Mike Tollin)
Robbie Tollin … executive producer (as Robbie Rowe Tollin)
Kevan Van Thompson … executive producer
Kim Zubick … producer
Only the Brave
Producers:
Lorenzo di Bonaventura … producer
Bruce Franklin … co-producer
Erik Howsam … producer
Thad Luckinbill … producer
Trent Luckinbill … producer
Emma McGill … associate producer
Michael Menchel … producer
Dawn Ostroff … producer
Jon Schumacher … co-producer
Ellen H. Schwartz … executive producer
Molly Smith … producer
Jeremy Steckler … producer
This movie was directed by Joseph Kosinski. Joseph’s projects include:
Top Gun: Maveric (2022)
Oblivion (2013)
Tron: Legacy (2010)
Top Gun: Maveric
Jerry Bruckheimer … producer
John K. Campbell … associate producer: Jerry Bruckheimer Films (as John Campbell)
Emily Cheung … associate producer
Tom Cruise … producer
David Ellison … producer
Don Ferrarone … associate producer
Dana Goldberg … executive producer
Don Granger … executive producer
Tommy Harper … executive producer
Christopher McQuarrie … producer
Chad Oman … executive producer
Melissa Reid … associate producer
Mike Stenson … executive producer
Oblivion
Jesse Berger … executive producer
Peter Chernin … producer
Emily Cheung … associate producer
Dylan Clark … producer
Bruce Franklin … co-producer
Steve Gaub … co-producer
Duncan Henderson … producer
Joseph Kosinski … producer
Mike Larocca … co-producer
Barry Levine … producer
R.J. Mino … co-producer
Dave Morrison … executive producer
Justin Springer … executive producer
Tron: Legacy
Sean Bailey … producer
Bruce Franklin … associate producer
Steve Gaub … co-producer
Justis Greene … co-producer
Donald Kushner … executive producer
Steven Lisberger … producer
Jeffrey Silver … producer
Justin Springer … co-producer
Brigham Taylor … production executive
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What I learned from this lesson was to make it short, interesting and to the point.
Lin’s Phone Pitch
1. In my phone pitch I am going to lead with a strong business hook.
2. Hi, I’m Lin and I have the rights to the first woman who got into and graduated from the union’s electrical apprenticeship program in California. I was wondering if I could run a quick pitch by you?
3. Questions a producer might ask:
– Budget range: Somewhere between $15 million to $30 million.
– Female lead: Two come to mind – McKenna Grace or Ella Anderson
– Pages in script: 110 pages
– Who else has seen it: I just started looking for a producer so you would be the first.
– How it fits company: You’ve produced projects in the past similar to this and thought this might be of interest to you.
– End:
The anticipated Journeyman’s Exam is underway. After turning in her exam Linda’s most staunch foe tries to change answers on her exam and is caught by the instructor who tells him that “she will pass or fail on her own merits.” She passes and becomes the first woman in the state of California to get accepted into and graduate the union’s 4 year electrical apprenticeship program.
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What I learned were the key elements for a successful pitch.
Lin’s Pitch Fest Pitch
Hi, I’m Lin and I have the rights to a true story, so it’s a Bio/Drama script. My title is “The 26th Apprentice”.
In a true David-verses-Goliath story, a petite, naive, 21 year old woman shatters gender barriers as she joins an all-male electrical apprenticeship program, sparking a four-year battle of wit and determination against a union determined to see her fail.
Budget: $15 million to $30 million
Female Lead: McKenna Grace or Ella Anderson
Acts of story:
Act 1
In 1974, Linda, an independent woman estranged from her parents, confronts gender bias as she fights to join an electrical apprenticeship program. Despite excelling in written exams, Linda’s low oral interview score reveals that it accounted for 50% of her overall evaluation. She takes legal action against the union, leading to a settlement that adds her as the 26th apprentice.
Act 2
Navigating a male-dominated world, Linda endures challenges and teasing on her first job in residential work. She attends night classes alongside 25 male apprentices. Six months later, she faces increased animosity and struggles with anxiety at an oil refinery job site, testing her resolve.
Act 3
Linda uncovers new fears and academic challenges in her third year, with the union’s strategic efforts to oust her putting her dreams to the ultimate test.
End:
After 4 years the anticipated Journeyman’s Exam is underway. After turning in her exam her most staunch foe tries to change answers on her exam and is caught by the instructor who tells him that “she will pass or fail on her own merits.” She passes and becomes the first woman in the state of California to get accepted into and graduate the electrical apprenticeship program to become a journeyman electrician.
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What I learned doing this and previous assignments was to give them enough to pique their interest to want to read the script.
Lin’s Query Letter
Dear Producer,
Title: The 26th Apprentice
Written by Lin Fuentes
Genre: Bio/drama
Can one woman break through deep-seated bias and change the hearts and minds of men, or is their prejudice insurmountable?
Based on the true story about a petite, young woman in 1974, who confronts gender bias as she fights to join a four year electrical apprenticeship program. Despite excelling in written exams, Linda’s low oral interview score reveals that it accounted for 50% of her overall evaluation. She takes legal action against the union, leading to a settlement that adds her as the 26th apprentice.
Navigating a male-dominated world, Linda endures challenges and teasing on her first job in residential work. She attends night classes alongside 25 male apprentices. Six months later, she faces increased animosity and struggles with anxiety at an oil refinery, testing her resolve.
Linda uncovers new fears and academic challenges in her third year, with the union’s strategic efforts to oust her putting her dreams to the ultimate test.
If you like the concept of The 26th Apprentice, I’d be happy to send you the script.
Thanks for your time.
555-123-4567
emailaddress@script4u
123 Main St
Anywhere, USA
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What I learned doing this assignment was to condense, condense, condense since I seem to want to write a book.
Lin’s Synopsis Hooks
Title: The 26th Apprentice
Written by Lin Fuentes
Genre: Bio/drama
In 1974, Linda, an independent woman estranged from her parents, confronts gender bias as she fights to join an electrical apprenticeship program. Despite excelling in written exams, Linda’s low oral interview score reveals that it accounted for 50% of her overall evaluation. She takes legal action against the union, leading to a settlement that adds her as the 26th apprentice.
Navigating a male-dominated world, Linda endures challenges and teasing on her first job in residential work. She attends night classes alongside 25 male apprentices. Six months later, she faces increased animosity and struggles with anxiety at an oil refinery job site, testing her resolve.
Linda uncovers new fears and academic challenges in her third year, with the union’s strategic efforts to oust her putting her dreams to the ultimate test.
Can one woman break through deep-seated bias and change the hearts and minds of men, or is their prejudice insurmountable?
==========================================
List of Hooks:
From 10 Most Interesting Things:
1. Linda is very independent, unconventional, a hard worker, mechanically inclined and not afraid of getting dirty.
2. Nepotism, gender bias, and closed minded members of the local electrical union represented by ten members known as The Joint Apprenticeship Committee retain the status quo and don’t want things to change.
3. Linda does extremely well on all her written exams, but gets denied acceptance into the apprenticeship program. She finds out she scored second to the lowest in the oral interview which comprised 50% of her score. She sues the union and becomes the 26th apprentice.
5. She starts her first job in residential work where the guys have fun at her expense in the hopes of getting her to quit.
6. Finds out she has anxiety and a fear of heights while on the job – how will she get over her fears?.
=========================
The 10 Components of Marketability:
A. Unique – A woman in an all male field
B. Great Title
C. True – based on a true story in California 1974
D. Timely – connected to some major trend or event – Gender pay and bias are still current issues
E. It’s a first – She was the first in the state of California to go through and complete the 4 year electrical apprenticeship
F. Ultimate
G. Wide audience appeal – Women will watch to see what goes on at construction sites and men will watch to see how a woman could make it through the 4 years.
H. Adapted from a popular book
I. Similarity to a box-office success –
J. A great role for a bankable actor – strong, young, independent woman
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What I learned doing this assignment was that the High Concept Pitch delivers the hook in a single sentence and gets right to the hook.
Lin’s High Concept/Elevator Pitch
1. Big picture explanation of lead character’s journey.
Based on the true story about a petite, young woman who forced her way into an all male profession who did not welcome her and tried to get her to quit so they could return to the status quo. They underestimated her determination, skills and tenacity.
2. How can you tell it in the most interesting way possible?
Dilemma:
She forced her way into the all male, electrical apprenticeship program. If the union can get her to quit they will have a legitimate excuse to keep other women out.
Main Conflict:
Can a 21 year old woman interfere with men’s godly rights?
What’s at stake:
If Linda can’t make it through the 4 year apprenticeship, it’s doubtful another woman would get this chance.
Goal/Unique Opposition:
Can a young, petite woman change the minds and hearts of hardened union electricians or is their bias permanent?
3. What is your Elevator Pitch?
In a true David-versus-Goliath story, a petite and naïve young woman shatters gender barriers as she joins an all-male electrical apprenticeship program, sparking a four-year battle of wit and determination against a union determined to see her fail.
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Lin’s Producer/Manager
1. My presentation with a producer would start with answering the question on their mind – is it sellable – by mentioning at least one if not several of the components for marketablity and be ready with a script that matches my pitch.
2. My presentation with a manager would include not just one, but several scripts to show case my potential as a writer and that I can develop into a major player.
3. What I learned doing this assignment was that what a producer and a manager want are similar: great, marketable scripts, except the manager wants to help build a career for a writer with great potential.
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Lin’s Marketable Components
Logline:
In 1974 a young, naive, woman, estranged from her parents forces her way into a 4 year , all male, electrical apprenticeship program where she is clearly not wanted and gains their respect, changes their opinion of women in the trades and becomes the first woman in the state of California to go through the 4 year apprenticeship and become a journeyman.
Marketability:
I was surprised I had several to choose from. Here’s two:
True – Based on a true story.
Unique – A small, petite woman working in a man’s world.
Brainstorm:
True – Will a 46 year old male tradition remain or perish?
Unique – Can one woman change the mind and hearts of men or is their bias permanent?
What I learned is that there is more to a script than the concept.
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Lin Fuentes Project and Market
Genre: Biodrama
Title: The 26th Apprentice
Concept: Breaking the gender bias in 1974
The most attractive thing about my story is the grit of the protagonist.
My first target are producers who generally have access to studio executives.
What I learned today was that a logline is not how you start a pitch. You have to hook them with the big picture.
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Hi Everyone,
I’m Lin Fuentes. I’ve written and rewritten multiple times 2 screenplays as I try to learn this craft I’ve become addicted to called script writing. Screenwriting U has been and remains instrumental in my learning. I have many ideas, but want to focus on learning from trying different things on these two screenplays to enhance my deeper understanding of writing great screenplays that are entertaining and marketable.
My hope for this course is to learn a new skill set that will attract producers to my scripts.
I have a knack for finding the slowest line at the supermarket.
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As a member of this group, I, Lin Fuentes, 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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