[Marlon Jones]

Lesson #4 – Assignment 2

What I learned: Digging deep to create layers of intrigue for my main characters allows me to be more creative with their journey. The more intriguing they are the more the audience will connect with them, love them, and root for them.

Normal Is Relative

Intriguing Character Layers

Character Name: Stevie Jackson
• Role: Newlywed Father in 2nd marriage with Dominique trying to get his kids and family to accept his new life.
• Hidden agendas: To be the best husband, father, son, brother, and friend to atone for his failed first marriage.
• Competition: Dominique (for how to run their household), his friends and family who have not been divorced, and himself (comparing his old life vs his new life).
• Conspiracies: none yet
• Secrets: Harboring unresolved resentment toward his family for past wrongs.
• Deception: Everything in his new life is “all good” when it is far from.
• Wound: Abandoned by biological father leads to fear of abandonment by those closest to him.
• Secret Identity: Professional Song Writer

Character Name: Dominique Jackson
• Role: Protective Mother of 4 in a new marriage with Stevie.
• Hidden agendas: To maintain the control in her new marriage that she had in her last marriage.
• Competition: Stevie (for the “alpha” role in the marriage), Stevie’s judgmental sisters and mother.
• Conspiracies: Thinks Stevie’s family is out to destroy her marriage.
• Secrets: Hiding the real reasons her second marriage failed.
• Deception: She’s got it all together when in fact she is crumbling.
• Wound: The dysfunction of her parent’s marriage and subsequent split has negatively impacted her far beyond what she realizes or can even admit.
• Secret Identity: She loves animals more than people.

• This reply was modified 7 months, 2 weeks ago by  Marlon Jones.

[Marlon Jones]

Lesson #3 – Assignment 2

What I learned: The characters that will sell my show MUST have many levels to them. They can’t be perfect and do all the right things. They must be real and relatable because every person in the world has some brokenness in them and you want people to be able to connect with and root for your main characters… and in order to do that, they MUST be intriguing.

Normal Is Relative

Journey: Divorcees who were loved by all in their past lives struggle to “blend” their families due to unexpected and unrelenting obstacles from those closets to them… friends, families, their own kids, and sometimes even themselves.

Characters that sell this show: Stevie and Dominique

A. Role in the show:
Stevie: An optimistic 40-something dad from Compton, CA who is trying to move on from a devastating divorce after nearly 20 years of marriage and meets someone new.
Dominique: An overly cautious “soccer Mom” from small town Texas who is navigating her new life as a divorced mother of four in a new relationship.

B. Unique Purpose:
Stevie: To rebuild his life after a life-shattering divorce and prove all the doubters about his new relationship wrong.
Dominique: To change the negative stigma of her character due to going into a third marriage.

Expertise:
Stevie: Engineer but not “typical.” Creative (song writer). Empath and people-pleaser. Knows how to get what he wants out of people. Chameleon… able to fit in anywhere.
Irony: In this chapter of his life, he is seemingly unable to get the support he needs from those who are supposed to be there for him.
Dominique: Extremely knowledgeable about the medical field and human body. Empath and people-pleaser. Skilled at planning grand events for any occasion.

C. Intrigue:
What is secret beneath the surface?
Stevie: Always seen as the role model for his younger siblings and leader of a near perfect life but has skeletons in his closet that no one would suspect or believe. His “mask” is almost perfect even though he is severely broken inside.
Dominique: She projects a superior air of confidence but is extremely insecure and self-conscious which causes her fear in her relationships and interactions with others… no matter how important or not important they are.

D. Moral Issue:
What moral boundaries are they crossing?
Stevie: His knack for storytelling allows him to easily “bend” the truth. Has a past of inappropriate behavior with women. Anger issues have led to embarrassing actions/consequences.
Dominique: Plotting to get even with those who have wronged her. Using emotional manipulation to control her surroundings.

E. Unpredictable:
What will they do next?
Stevie: Emotional and sometimes reckless. Lashes out in anger and rebellion.
Dominique: Every disappointment eats away at her peace and she reacts in explosive ways.

E. Empathetic:
Why do we care?
Stevie: Unfair treatment of a loving father, son, and brother by those who are supposed to love him the most.
Dominique: Everything she has known in her adult life has been turned on its head and she cannot fix it no matter how hard she tries.

• This reply was modified 7 months, 2 weeks ago by  Marlon Jones.

[Marlon Jones]

Lesson #3 – Assignment 1

What I learned: The decisions I make to create each character in my story must include most, if not all, of the aspects of the engaging character profile… depending on their role in the show. Lead characters must have ALL aspects included in their makeup whereas not all connected characters do. Looking at the lead character of Scandal through the lens of the engaging character profile… it provides a good roadmap as to how to develop my characters.

Scandal
Olivia Pope and her team of crisis managers do whatever it takes to get justice for their clients… which appears to be outside of the lines. But they insist that they are “the good guys.”

Engaging Character Profile – Olivia Pope

A. Role in the show: Leader of a team of lawyers who don’t practice law but rather manage crises that their clients bring to them.

B. Unique Purpose: to get justice for her clients in cases that seem “un-winable.”

Expertise: High political acumen and near perfect “gut” feel for cases.

C. Intrigue: What is secret beneath the surface? She left her dream job at the White House because she is in love with the President and was having an affair, but she knew it couldn’t go anywhere.

D. Moral Issue: What moral boundaries are they crossing? Blackmail, threats of exposing secrets, affair with the married President of the United States, making deals with bad people.

E. Unpredictable: What will they do next? Makes decisions relying on her “gut” even when the evidence might say otherwise. Her judgement can get clouded because of her love for the President and she will do almost anything for him.

F. Empathetic: Why do we care? Even though her tactics might be unconventional, her heart seems to be in the right place… which is justice for her clients. She claims to “wear the white hat.” Meaning that she is a “good guy.” And… we hate seeing her hurting over a real love that can never be.

• This reply was modified 8 months ago by  Marlon Jones.

[Marlon Jones]

Lesson #2 – Assignment 2

What I learned: How the different circles of characters can impact the journey of the lead characters and influence the trajectory of the overall story. I also learned that is it difficult to put different characters into their respective circles because of their function in the story.

Almost Normal
Divorcees from polar opposite backgrounds, Stevie and Dominique, marry quickly desiring to blend their two families and create a new and flourishing life but they are met with unrelenting obstacle from all sides… including their families, their kids… and even themselves.”

3 Circles of Characters

Main Character Circle
• Steveland Jackson (lead) – African-American, athletic and nerdy but ultra-competitive. Was ALWAYS the role model for his 5 siblings and the poster child for success until his almost 20-year marriage ended in a bitter divorce.
• Dominique Jackson (lead) – Caucasian, athletic (soccer player) and super competitive but also super generous. She was the “alpha” in her previous 16-year marriage and even though she says she didn’t like that she had to have that role… it’s abundantly clear that she is not ready to give it up now.

Connected Character Circle
• Ace Jackson
• Malia Jackson
• Zayna Jackson
• Jacob Hansen
• Kyle Hansen
• Ryan Hansen
• Nicole Hansen

Environment Character Circle
• Steveland’s Family
• Dominique’s Family
• Steveland’s Friends
• Dominique’s Friends
• Steveland’s Bosses
• Dominique’s Boss

• This reply was modified 8 months ago by  Marlon Jones.
• This reply was modified 8 months ago by  Marlon Jones.

[Marlon Jones]

Lesson #2 – Assignment 1

What I learned: How the different circles of characters can impact the journey of the lead characters and influence the trajectory of the overall story. I also learned that is it difficult to put different characters into their respective circles because of their function in the story.

Scandal
Olivia Pope and her team of crisis managers do whatever it takes to get justice for their clients… which appears to be outside of the lines. But they insist that they are “the good guys.”

3 Circles of Characters

Main Character Circle
• Olivia Pope (lead)
• Abby Whelan
• Harrison Wright
• Quinn Perkins

Connected Character Circle
• Huck
• Stephen Finch
• Cyrus Beane
• President Fitzgerald Grant
• Mellie Grant
• David Rosen

Environment Character Circle
• Secret Service Agents
• Police
• Reporters
• White House Staff
• Visitors to the White House
• Senators
• Multiple persons of interests
• Witnesses
• Hospital staff
• Judges
• Jail Staff (Guards)
• People in the Park
• Runners

• This reply was modified 8 months ago by  Marlon Jones.

[Marlon Jones]

What I learned: How crafting the 5 Star Points into the show hooks and keeps you engaged. I watched this show when it originally aired and loved it but didn't know about the 5 Star Points but now that I do… I understand its importance in creating a sense of "I must keep watching this show."

Scandal
Olivia Pope and her team of crisis managers do whatever it takes to get justice for their clients… which appears to be outside of the lines. But they insist that they are “the good guys.”

OUTLINE (Sweet Baby)
• Two of the main characters (Quinn Perkins and Harrison Wright) are introduced in an intriguing way.
• Olivia Pope (lead character) is introduced in her element doing something that seems shady but it is revealed that she is working for her client’s benefit… with much success.
• On the heels of a “win” for her team, another crisis finds them in their office. A war hero (Sully) is on the run for the murder of his fiancé and insists that he is innocent. There we are introduced to the whole OPA team and their “special talents.”
• The newest team member, Quinn Perkins, is clueless as to what her new employer does and we learn along with her that OPA specializes in crisis management for their clients by any means necessary.
• Olivia receives a suspicious call and quickly leaves her team in the middle of researching their case.
• Olivia meets Cyrus Beane (with whom it is obvious they have history) who tells her “He wants to see you.” To which Olivia responds, “I don’t work for him anymore.” We learn that “He” is the President of the United States.
• Olivia again leaves her team and goes to Camp David to meet the President who we learn that she used to work for but there is something deeper between them. He asks for her help to quiet a White House worker that is claiming that she is sleeping with the President. He denies it and Olivia believes him so she helps.
• Olivia goes to “talk to” the woman (Amanda Tanner) and threatens her. Quinn, who is there because Olivia asks her to be here “witness” doesn’t like what Olivia does to Amanda and questions is she wants to be a part of OPA.
• Olivia goes to David Rosen (District Attorney) to request time for her team to prove her client’s innocence and he agrees but gives her a shorter time than she requests which puts a ticking clos on her and her team.
• Quinn goes to visit Amanda Tanner after she tries to commit suicide because she is distraught over Olivia’s threat and not being believed about her involvement with the President.
• Olivia’s team finds evidence that will clear their client of the murder, but it is NOT what we would have thought… during the time of the murder the war hero is caught on a surveillance camera kissing another man! Sully vehemently refuses to let that alibi clear his name and David Rosen and his team come to OPA’s office and arrests Sully.
• Meanwhile, Quinn pleads with Olivia to believe Amanda because she feels it “in her gut” that Amanda is telling the truth, but Olivia’s gut says that Amanda is lying… until Quinn mentions the nickname “Sweet Baby” that the President called Amanda… stopping Olivia in her tracks. She heads straight back to the White House and interrupts an important Presidential dinner to confront the President and we learn that not only was Amanda telling the truth but that he also called Olivia “Sweet Baby” because they had an intimate relationship. And he admits that he loves Olivia and they share a passionate kiss! Olivia rushes out of the White House clearly conflicted.
• Olivia convinces Sully to reveal who he is and she gets him cleared of murder but Quinn asks is they are going to look for the real murderer to which she is told, “that’s not our fight” which shocks her but she accepts it.
• Cyrus comes back to OPA’s office saying that he didn’t know about her relationship with the President but he still needs her help with the Amanda Tanner problem and Olivia tells him that she has taken on Amanda as a client.
• END OF PILOT!!!

5-Star Model

Big Picture Hooks

The big hook of this show is that a team of lawyers take unconventional cases and use any means necessary to win for their clients… sometimes crossing the line but they consider themselves the “good guys.”
Amazing and Intriguing Character
The main characters are intriguing and interesting because they are all broken and come together to do good for the people who come to them for help. They all have their strengths and secrets.
Empathy / Distress
I felt empathy for the lead character, Olivia Pope, when I learned about her secret relationship and how it was used against her. I felt distress for her as her brokenness caused her to antagonize an innocent woman she didn’t think was telling the truth.
Layers / Open Loops
What is the relationship between Olivia and The President? Why are all of the people on Olivia’s team? Are they really good guys?
Inviting Obsession
I want to see how each character fits into the mission of the team. I want to see the relationships play out as there appears to be some entanglements.

• This reply was modified 8 months ago by  Marlon Jones.

[Marlon Jones]

1. Hi! My name is… Marlon Jones.
2. I have written several scripts… feature film scripts and television scripts. I have two produced ultra-low budget feature film scripts under my belt and hopefully I will write many more viable scripts as I continue to hone my craft.
3. I am hoping to learn which decisions will help me create a project that will appeal to many people,, provide quality entertainment, and teach lessons based on my unique life experiences. Learning the new requirements for the series Bible is also very important to me.
4. My wife and I have 7 kids (2 -21 year olds, 2 – 19 year olds, a 17 year old, an 11 year old, and an 8 year old).

I look forward to working with the group.

• This reply was modified 8 months, 1 week ago by  Marlon Jones.

[Marlon Jones]

Marlon Jones
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.

• This reply was modified 8 months, 1 week ago by  Marlon Jones.