Ruthie Harris
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Ruthie’s Plot
What I learned doing this assignment: Just put it all together step-by-step, your outline will automatically take shape.
Posting to mark complete, rather than adding a giant block of text here. Not sure how y’all are posting with spacing! -
Completed but unable to post assignments without them condensing into one big block of text. Grrrrrrr…
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Completed but every time I cut and paste my Word doc on here, it turns it into a solid, un-spaced block, so I’m not subjecting anyone to reading that!
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Completed but every time I cut and paste my Word doc on here, it turns it into a solid, un-spaced block, so I’m not subjecting anyone to reading that!
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Ruthie’s Rom Com Project
What I learnt: This helps you delve into the makings and sustainability of attraction, along with potential traits for each character.
Who is she? Countess Eleanor Woburn is an English aristocrat expected to marry landed gentry to continue the lineage of the family estate.
In the opening scene, we see a mass of excitable ladies, bachelorettes and the occasional gay bestie, pile into a Las Vegas theatre to witness all Australian revue show – The Boomerang Bachelors.
Eleanor immediately stands out from the sequins, boob fest and stripper heels as glamorously understated and classy, perhaps a little out of her depth.Who is he? Levi Lewis is the elder statesman of The Boomerang Bachelors. He should be considering retirement but to do what and with whom?
In the opening scene we see him peek out at the audience and spot Eleanor with her crew. It’s intrigue at first sight.
Unbeknown to Eleanor, her fate has already been sealed. Levi has clocked where she’s sitting and will be dragging her reticent arse on stage for his sexy, solo dance number.
What makes them loveable?
There is something about this character that endears us to them. It doesn’t mean they are “nice,” but instead, they have a way of being that causes us to care about them.What makes Eleanor loveable?
Her haughty exterior yet vulnerable interior.
Dry sense of humor.
She genuinely wants the best for people.What makes Levi loveable?
The Aussie charmer exterior envelops a genuine interior.
Somewhat goofy behind the sexy persona.
Takes his job seriously and never takes advantage of “fans’.What causes Eleanor to be attracted to Levi?
Aside from the fact he’s an innate charisma bomb with a ridiculous body, she can see beyond that. She realizes all he really wants is to love and be loved, which is what she’s always wanted for herself. However, she’s done an excellent job of putting up barriers to protect herself from people only wanting something from her in terms of her title and money.
What causes Levi to be attracted to Eleanor?
He can sense a kindred spirit – they both have barriers up to protect themselves from being used. Of course, she’s an understated bombshell, but it’s more appealing to him that she wanted nothing to do with being on stage that night. But once on there, she allows herself to be vulnerable and trusts him not to make a fool of her. Sweat pours and sparks fly.
What needs does Levi fulfill for Eleanor?
He sees through her haughtiness and embraces her vulnerability.
She can totally be herself – no airs and graces.
A fuck-you to her family, who’d rather she was with stuffy nobility.What needs does Eleanor fulfill for Levi?
To be loved for the inside not the hunky exterior.
A new life – he’s ready to retire.
A kindred spirit. -
Ruthie’s Rom Com Project
What I learnt: It helps to think about your hook, to justify whether you have something unique or surprising to move forward.
TITLE: BABY OIL
Two People Who Belong Together:
Levi a male stripper and Eleanor a female aristocrat, have both avoided love for fear of being used.
How Are They Separated:
Geographically: US v. UK and by class: Vegas stripper v. titled aristocrat.
What Forces Them together:
A pregnancy and the fact she wants to send her family an F-you for trying to hook her up with stuffy nobility.
Issues to be Resolved:
His green card marriage, their geographical distance, her family – she should marry an aristocrat.
On Their Journey of Love:
He forsakes his country; she forsakes her family to be together.
Final Concept:
When a male stripper drags an uptight countess on stage, sweat drips and sparks fly, only to battle geography, class, a green-card marriage and erectile dysfunction, to realize they were meant for each other.
Meet Cute:
Love at first sight in front of a room full of screaming strangers. He’s already half naked! She has to trust him. They are thrust into a sexual situation right off the bat.
The Journey of Love:
Learning to trust each other and allowing themselves to fall in love, despite coming from totally different backgrounds and continents. Their differences will keep them apart, their genuine connection will bring them back together.
Relationship Set-up:
We appreciate their chemistry is off the charts. Neither one can quite believe this is happening. He’s met the girl of his dreams “at work”, her soul mate is a working-class, Aussie stripper.
Issues each must Resolve:
Trust, geography, class, family, a green-card marriage, erectile dysfunction, and a pregnancy. Plus, the green-card wife has real feelings.
Separation:
Geographically – US v. UK. As an Australian, he’s already involved in a green-card marriage to stay in the US. Her family want her to marry an English aristocrat to continue the title.
How will Comedy be Expressed:
Incongruity. Two people on paper who could not be more different. Play up on class/background differences.
HOOK: What happens when a sweaty male stripper falls in love on stage with an uptight, English Countess? -
Ruthie Harris: 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. -
1. Name: Ruthie Harris
2. How many scripts you’ve written? 5 – Three have been optioned.
3. What you hope to get out of the class? I’ve never written a Rom Com!
4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? I’m originally from London, live in Colorado but used to be a talent agent in Sydney. I helped cast extras on the Star Wars prequels at Fox studios. -
Urgh, not tweaking/word-smithing etc is like asking me not to scratch an itch!
I’m trying to bold things I know I have to come back to and keep it moving forward.
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How this process worked for me: Slowly!
It’s been a while since I’ve written something new, so I felt rusty. The first half of my 1st scene was relatively quick. Then I stopped and got in my own way. I know I’m capable of putting in placeholders and “funny line here” and move on but I kept rereading, tweaking and word smithing!
I’m happy with what I wrote but I know that I have to keep it moving at a snappier pace moving forward…
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Hello team,
I’m ready to exchange – I have a comedy outline but happy to review any genre.
Cheers,
Ruthie
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Ruthie’s Scene Requirements
What I learnt: This helps to highlight where the holes are in my story.
OPENING: MISS CAST
EXT/INT. ZADIE’S CAR – LOS ANGELES – DAY
ZADIE is flooring it, belting along to the radio, oblivious a cop car is chasing her.
Scene Arc: From being oblivious to trying to wiggle out of yet another speeding ticket.
Essence: Zadie would flirt with a tree stump if she thought it might help.
Conflict: She’s unable to charm her way out of this situation.
Subtext: She’s relying on her bodacious personality to get out of trouble.
Hope/fear: Hope she gets away with it, fears she won’t.
EXT. LA COURTHOUSE – DAY – ESTABLISHING
Reveal: Turns out she led the cop car to her court appointment.
INT. COURT HOUSE – DAY
She’s in court representing herself against previous traffic violations.
Scene Arc: From goofy defendant to banned from driving for 12 months.
Essence: Once again can she charm her way out of a situation.
Conflict: The judge is having none of it.
Subtext: We see the judge is not completely immune to her personality.
Hope/fear: She can get away with it, fears she’ll be banned from driving.
INT. LOWRY MANAGEMENT GROUP – DAY
Zadie breezes in handing over a bunch of business cards and car keys to her assistant Audrey, who reinstates Zadie’s Uber account.
Scene Arc: From being banned to business as usual.
Essence: Reinforces how Zadie does business.
Conflict: Her big personality butting up against her buttoned-up assistant.
Subtext: Zadie can’t always expect to breeze her way out of a situation.
Hope/fear: Hopes she maintains her relationship with Audrey, fears they may clash.
INT. ZADIE’S OFFICE/CLOSET – DAY
Before Zadie returns important calls, she has to psych herself up in her closet first.
Scene Arc: From seemingly confident to imposter syndrome.
Essence: The real Zadie is faking it – she feels like an imposter in this business.
Conflict: Her outer confidence v. her inner imposter syndrome.
Subtext: Is she good enough?
Hope/fear: Hopes she can pull through; fears she’ll be exposed as a fraud.
INT. LOWRY MANAGEMENT GROUP FOYER – DAY
On her way out, Zadie passes a group of young actors and their chaperones. She’s drawn to the brother of a girl who’s there to audition but sees potential in him instead.
Scene Arc: On her way out but recruiting talent along the way.
Essence: spotting potential talent at twenty paces and isn’t afraid to pursue her instincts.
Conflict: This guy could not be less interested in being an actor.
Subtext: Zadie’s really good at her job but can’t acknowledge that fact.
Hope/fear: She lands the talent, fears he’ll walk away.
EXT. LOWRY MANAGEMENT GROUP – DAY
Waiting for her Uber, Zadie is dashing up and down the street like a dog with worms.
INSERT: Zadie’s location on the Uber app – is a blue dot bouncing around at a dizzying pace.
Inciting Incident:
INT. UBER DRIVER’S CAR – DAY
Zadie’s Uber driver is former child star Jasper Benjamin, who blackmails her into taking him on as a client or he’ll ban her from the app.
Scene Arc: A conflict escalates resulting in Zadie forced to take Jasper on as a client.
Essence: Jasper is determined to leverage the situation to his advantage.
Conflict: The pair are immediately antagonistic, and Zadie is not happy to be blackmailed.
Subtext: Zadie might be able to do something with a former child star.
Hope/fear: Zadie can triumph fears she has no choice but to succumb to blackmail.
EXT. INDOOR SKYDIVING FACILITY – DAY
As Zadie exits the car, she agrees to his conditions and throws her business card at him.
INT. INDOOR SKY DIVING – DAY
She meets director Molly Palmer. They discuss an indy project, that Zadie thinks could be perfect for Jasper.
Scene Arc: Zadie is terrified but if it means securing an audition for Jasper, she’ll “fly”.
Essence: Zadie will do what it takes for her clients.
Conflict: She’s terrified, we feel her fear, but she goes for it anyway.
Subtext: Once again overcoming her fears. Fake it till you make it.
Hope/fear: Hope she lands the audition for Jasper; fears she may bottle out of flying.
INT. NAIL SALON – DAY
Jasper is having a pedicure. Zadie sneaks up and replaces the technician.
Scene Arc: Getting one over on Jasper while revealing the good news.
Essence: These two could actually get along.
Conflict: Zadie paints Jasper’s toes hot pink before he opens his eye and realizes.
Subtext: Having him as a client might just work out.
Hope/fear: She can maintain the equilibrium; fears she might blow it.
EXT. SKATE BOARD PARK – DAY
Zadie tracks down Lenny (the brother of the aspiring actress), as he’s not been returning her calls.
Scene Arc: Her determination secures that Lenny finally agrees to the audition.
Essence: When she knows a client is right for a job, nothing stands in her way, ever skateboarders!
Conflict: Lenny challenges Zadie to stand in the middle while skaters whizz by her, before he agrees.
Subtext: She’s a great agent, she just doesn’t allow herself to believe it.
Hope/fear: Hope she lands Lenny as a client. Fear that he’ll walk away.
INT. CASTING SUITE – DAY
Jasper nails the audition – it’s like lightening in a bottle – it looks like the part will be his.
Scene Arc: From anxiety to exhilaration as Jasper knocks it out of the park.
Essence: Jasper’s a great actor, he just needs a break.
Conflict: He wants it so much it hurts.
Subtext: He’s desperate to get back int Hollywood.
Hope/fear: Can he land this or will he fuck it up.
EXT/INT. DRIVE-THROUGH CAR WASH – DAY
Zadie tracks Jasper down with good news about his call-back.
Scene Arc: Zadie comes to deliver the good news about his audition.
Essence: They are still giving each other shit, but this could actually work out for both of them.
Conflict: Against their better judgments they are trying to remain civil.
Subtext: Wait – could this work out?!
Hope/fear: Hope Jasper lands it but it could go either way.
INT. DISUSED WAREHOUSE – DAY
At the callback, Molly overhears Zadie running lines with Jasper and asks her to audition.
Scene Arc: From Zadie supporting Jasper and then auditioning to keep her client happy.
Essence: Jasper’s great but Zadie’s an unknowing revelation.
Conflict: This is Jasper’s comeback – is Zadie about to snag it?
Subtext: Zadie has no skin in the game and just goes for it.
Hope/fear: Hope this does not come between J&Z. Fears this will blowup.
Turning Point:
INT. DEPARTMENT STORE CHANGING ROOMS – DAY
Zadie receives the call she’s been offered the role instead and must break the news to Jasper.
Scene Arc: Zadie going about her life to a lifechanging phone call.
Essence: Things will never be the same for Zadie moving forward.
Conflict: She’s snaked the comeback role from her star talent.
Subtext: This wasn’t supposed to happen.
Hope/fear: She’ll make the most of it, fears Jasper’s retribution.
Act 2:
New plan:
INT. LOWRY MANAGEMENT GROUP – DAY
Jasper goes on a tirade against Zadie in front of all her colleagues when he finds out he did not get the role and it’s gone to her instead.
Scene Arc: From a buoyant Jasper to a vengeful one.
Essence: This is the end of J&Z’s fledgling professional relationship.
Conflict: Now Jasper’s out to get her.
Subtext: Zadie needs to watch her back moving forward.
Hope/fear: Jasper will be reasonable but fears he’s now out for revenge.
INT. PATTERSON & ASSOCIATES – DAY
Jasper is poached by rival agent – Emily ‘mutherfucking” Patterson.
Scene Arc: Emily fears Jasper is more concerned about getting even than his career.
Essence: Jasper is vengefully angry towards Zadie.
Conflict: Emily’s all business, Jasper is more concerned with getting even.
Subtext: Jasper’s main priority is vengeance.
Hope/fear: Jasper remains stable, fears he may be unhinged.
EXT. PARK – DAY
Audrey & Zadie are feeding ducks gluten free bread and discussing how several clients have been poached recently. Reveal: Audrey is Zadie’s daughter.
Scene Arc: From boss/assistant to mother and daughter.
Essence: Audrey is the only one Zadie can be herself in front of.
Conflict: Audrey can sense Zadie is spiraling but trying to hold it together.
Subtext: Zadie’s imposter syndrome is rearing its ugly head.
Hope/fear: Zadie doesn’t spiral, fears she may unravel.
INT. FILMING – MONTAGE
The movie goes into production and Zadie has a complete blast making it
INT. LOWRY MANAGEMENT GROUP – DAY
Zadie returns to work and thinks nothing of her 21 days away filming. Audrey says there’s someone she’d like to recommend Zadie sees as a potential new client.
Scene Arc: For Zadie it’s business as usual.
Essence: She’s not taking this acting lark seriously.
Conflict: The last thing Zadie needs is another go-see.
Subtext: She doesn’t believe the movie will go anywhere.
Hope/fear: Hope Zadie can juggle everything but fears it will blow up in her face.
INT. OBSCURE THEATRE – NIGHT
Zadie endures a painful night of theatre saying that the costumes were the best thing when Audrey calls to follow-up.
Scene Arc: Zadie’s not about to rep talent she doesn’t believe in.
Essence: She’s discerning even if the recommendation came from her own flesh and blood.
Conflict: She won’t take on Audrey’s recommendation.
Subtext: Zadie has standards as an agent.
Hope/fear: Zadie doesn’t capitulate and that it doesn’t interfere with her relationship with Audrey.
INT. ZADIE’S OFFICE – DAY
Audrey announces that it was her girlfriend Juniper in the show (also responsible for wardrobe) and that’s she’ll be transferring to help Evan run the New Faces Division.
Scene Arc: Audrey is hurt Zadie does not want to rep her girlfriend and leaves for another department.
Essence: Zadie has to stand firm as a boss rather than a mother.
Conflict: Zadie has lost an ally by being true to her principles.
Subtext: Audrey probably isn’t cut out to be an agent.
Hope/fear: They can sort this out, fears it may come between them.
Midpoint Turning Point: SIX MONTHS LATER:
INT. FILM PREMIER – NIGHT
The film debuts to major buzz and a standing ovation.
Scene Arc: From standing ovation to a hoot of an on-stage Q&A.
Essence: Zadie’s an overnight sensation.
Conflict: Is she an agent or an actor?
Subtext: This movie will be a smash and make her famous.
Hope/fear: Hope for the best for Zadie but fear Jasper will be on the warpath.
ACT 3. – Rethink everything:
INT. LOWRY MANAGEMENT GROUP – DAY
All the staff are out to congratulate Zadie. She plays it down stating “it’s business as usual for me folks – not show business”.
Scene Arc: From adulation to business as usual for Zadie.
Essence: She’s playing this down.
Conflict: Her agency will want to make $ off her and she doesn’t care for it.
Subtext: She’s not believing this will go anywhere but her life is about to change.
Hope/fear: Hope she does not get taken advantage of, fears Zadie will mess up.
EXT. LOWRY MANAGEMENT GROUP – NIGHT
Zadie returns to her office and is papped – but jokes that it must be a slow night if she’s being photographed rather than her clients. One photographer makes a snide comment about her being the next big thing with emphasis on big. It’s videoed.
Scene Arc: Zadie nor believing the paps are for her and a video goes viral.
Essence: Things are heating up for Zadie.
Conflict: A pap making snide remarks about her physique.
Subtext: Zadie still refusing to believe this will be a big deal.
Hope/fear: She can handle herself, fears the video will only escalate the situation.
INT. ZADIE’S OFFICE/CLOSET – NIGHT
Zadie’s phone, email and social media are blowing up. She’s an overnight star and crawls into her closet as she can’t handle it. Then sees paps are still waiting for her outside. She texts Jasper to pick her up.
Scene Arc: From being oblivious to finally realizing this is out of her control.
Essence: When the penny drops, a new plan forms.
Conflict: Zadie confronts Jasper.
Subtext: She has a new plan which the audience won’t know.
Hope/fear: She can handle herself, fears she’s going to mess everything up.
INT. LOWRY MANAGEMENT GROUP CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY
Zadie and colleagues are discussing their new client – Zadie. Thanks to the viral body shaming video, she’s been offered a 7-figure weight loss endorsement deal. She turns it down.
Scene Arc: From excitement at Zadie becoming a cash cow for the agency, to turning it down.
Essence: Zadie loves being body positive and does not want to lean away from that.
Conflict: Her boss is super pissed at the loss of revenue opportunity.
Subtext: This will not bode well for Zadie moving forward.
Hope/fear: Hopes Zadie will stick to her guns now that she’s inadvertently made an enemy of her boss.
INT. TALK SHOW – NIGHT
Zadie refuses to acknowledge her sexuality, saying it shouldn’t matter. She’s loud, proud and embraced by the LGBTQ+ community, having won a role meant for a man.
Scene Arc: Audiences love her but Zadie is walking a fine line.
Essence: She’s happy to remain ambiguous.
Conflict: Will she upset the LGBTQ+ community when they discover the truth.
Subtext: Will this backfire on Zadie?
Hope/fear: She can walk the line and not have it backfire.
INT. BREAKFAST TV STUDIO – DAY
Jasper appears on a morning show for the 25-year anniversary of the show he used to be on and announces that Zadie’s role had been meant for him and that she stole it from under him.
Scene Arc: Jasper’s riding a wave of nostalgia and trashing Zadie.
Essence: The tide could be turning against Zadie.
Conflict: Jasper causing issues publicly for Zadie.
Subtext: He’s out to get her.
Hope/fear: Hope this won’t destroy Zadie, but we fear the tide may be turning.
INT. RADIO SHOW – DAY
Zadie tries to retaliate/defend herself by saying that Jasper is an Uber driver now not an actor. Her comments are misconstrued with people rushing to Jasper’s defense defending his honest living.
Scene Arc: From feeling the love to feeling the heat.
Essence: This is not going well for Zadie.
Conflict: Callers are angry with her.
Subtext: This could be her downfall if she’s not careful.
Hope/fear: She doesn’t fuck everything up but fears the fall out could be devastating.
INT. LOWRY MANAGEMENT GROUP – DAY
LMG is hemorrhaging clients due to Jasper’s smear campaign and Zadie is fired.
Scene Arc: From defensive to despondent.
Essence: Zadie has hit rock bottom.
Conflict: Her agency no longer wants anything to do with her.
Subtext: Zadie has failed.
Hope/fear: Hope she’ll survive fear she’ll tank and imposter syndrome will get the best of her.
ACT 4.
EXT. UBER GREENLIGHT HUB – DAY
Jasper and Emily are heading a press conference to announce Jasper’s new show – “The Car Club”, a talk show from his car, sponsored by Uber.
Scene Arc: Jasper is on the rise.
Essence: As Jasper waxes, Zadie’s waning.
Conflict: Jasper’s newfound popularity conflicts with Zadie sliding in popularity.
Subtext: Could he win out?
Hope/fear: Hope this doesn’t torpedo Zadie, fears this will slide her further down.
INT. DENTIST – DAY
Zadie she’s been nominated for a major award. Zadie immediately rings Audrey and asks if Juniper can make her outfit. She struggles to make herself understood due to injections.
Scene Arc: Finally some good news for Zadie
Essence: Can she leverage this news?
Conflict: Not being able to make herself understood.
Subtext: Where can Zadie go with this?
Hope/fear: This is great news but please don’t fuck it up.
Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift:
INT. THE CAR CLUB – FILMING – NIGHT
Jasper’s first guest is Ledicia who basically ‘outs” Zadie as straight.
Scene Arc: Jasper gets the scoop of the day.
Essence: Drop the mic moment.
Conflict: There will be backlash.
Subtext: How will Zadie cope?
Hope/fear: Can Zadie overcome this not have it affect her nomination.
INT. ZADIE’S HOME CLOSET – NIGHT
Zadie has gone into hiding in her closet, reading a back-lash to her not being gay and having potentially used/deceived the LGBTQ community. #gaygate is trending.
Scene Arc: Has Zadie fucked up?
Essence: This could be her cancelled.
Conflict: Zadie V. the LGBTQ+ community.
Subtext: Could she be cancelled?
Hope/fear: Hope she’ll swim dears she’ll sink.
INT. ZADIE’S APARTMENT – DAY
There’s frantic knocking at her apartment door. Zadie reluctantly opens it to Audrey and Juniper. Audrey leaked the fact Zadie turned down a 7 figure weight loss sponsorship to stay true to who she really is. There’s also a hilarious public apology from Ledicia for “outing” her. Juniper starts taking her dress measurements.
Scene Arc: From despair to a turnaround.
Essence: Zadie has been redeemed.
Conflict: Has she done enough to overturn her negative situation?
Subtext: She won’t be cancelled.
Hope/fear: Hope this is enough to redeem her but maybe it isn’t.
Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict:
INT. AWARDS CEREMONY – NIGHT
She wins (wearing a spectacular rainbow dress) but at the podium turns down her award – stating that it should have gone to Jasper and oh yes she’s not gay, she won’t be returning to acting and as of Monday, she might just be driving your Uber.
Scene Arc: Walking away from the ultimate accolade/triumph.
Essence: This was always Zadie’s plan.
Conflict: Turning her back on a potential acting career.
Subtext: She knows what she’s doing.
Hope/fear: Hope she will triumph, fears she may not.
RESOLUTION:
EXT: ZADIE HAYGATE & ASSOCIATES – DAY
Zadie hands cash over to the fat-shaming paparazzi outside her brand-new agency.
Scene Arc: What has Zadie been up to?
Essence: Intrigue at the potential subterfuge.
Conflict: Wasn’t this the guy who fat-shamed her?
Subtext: A set-up that It was all part of Zadie’s plan.
Hope/fear: Hope she knows what she’s doing, fear she will get found out.
INT. ZADIE’S NEW OFFICE – DAY
In her new office, Zadie’s on the phone congratulating her client Ledicia on her comedy special. Reveal: Zadie recruited Ledicia into her big scheme.
Scene Arc: Zadie’s plan was to get Ledicia a streaming special all along.
Essence: What has she been up to?
Conflict: Ledicia is now a client.
Subtext: Zadie’s been scheming.
Hope/fear: Hope she knows what she’s doing, fear she will get found out.
INT: ZADIE’S SECRET NEW OFFICE CLOSET – CONTINUOUS
Jasper arrives, and the pair immediately start passionately kissing. He’s just landed the lead in an action trilogy. Reveal: Zadie and Jasper became lovers. Zadie decided to leverage her impending fame, to hoodwink Hollywood and finally get them both what they wanted.
Scene Arc: An aha moment – Zadie & Jasper were in cahoots.
Essence: Zadie orchestrated this all along.
Conflict: From alleged enemies to lovers.
Subtext: She’s a really fucking amazing agent who hoodwinked Hollywood to leverage both their careers.
Hope/fear: Zadie knew what she was doing all along. No more imposter syndrome!
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Ruthie’s Intriguing Moments
What I learnt: This helps to identity acts that will need more of these techniques woven into them.
ACT 1:
Intrigue: Why is Zadie being chased by cops and what is she doing at the courthouse?
Hidden Identity: In spite of Zadie’s big personality, she suffers from crippling imposter syndrome, using her office closet as a refuge to psyche herself up.
Scheme: Jasper blackmails Zadie into taking him on as a client.
Superior Position: The audience finds out before Jasper, that Zadie is the one who won the role.
ACT 2:
Scheme: Jasper is poached by a rival agent and vows to bring down Zadie.
Secret: Revealed that Zadie’s assistant Audrey, is actually her daughter. (No one at the agency knows this.)
Covert Agenda: A paparazzi makes a snide comment about Zadie’s curvaceous body.
(It will be revealed that this is all part of Zadie’s plan to leverage her and Jasper’s careers.)
Covert Agenda: Zadie is photographed kissing comic Ledicia Harding and she’s embraced by the LGTBQ+ community.
(It will be revealed that this is all part of Zadie’s plan to leverage her and Jasper’s careers.)
ACT 3:
Conspiracy/Superior position: Unbeknown to Zadie she comes into work only to be fired.
Covert Agenda: Jasper launches his new chat show from his cab and his first guest is Ledicia, who “outs” Zadie as straight.
ACT 4:
Covert plan: Audrey turns up to say that There’s a lot of love for Zadie online for turning down the Weight Watchers campaign and embracing body positivity. There’s also a hilarious apology video from Ledicia, that’s gone viral for outing her as straight.
Covert plan: Zadie wins the acting award. She turns it down, saying it should have gone to Jasper.
Intrigue: Zadie hands cash over to the fat-shaming paparazzi outside her brand-new agency.
Covert plan: In her new office, Zadie’s on the phone congratulating her client Ledicia on her comedy special. Reveal: Zadie recruited Ledicia into her big scheme.
Secret/Covert plan: Jasper arrives, and the pair immediately start passionately kissing. He’s just landed the lead in an action trilogy. Reveal: Zadie and Jasper became lovers. Zadie decided to leverage her impending fame, to hoodwink Hollywood and finally get them both what they wanted.
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Ruthie’s Emotional Moments.
What I learnt: To have a list of the emotions handy, to remind you to incorporate them into as many scenes as possible. And to ensure that both negative and positive emotions are represented.
ACT 1:
Surprise: Zadie’s been caught speeding and leads the cop car to her next appointment: At the courthouse for traffic offences.
Bonding: She does her best to banter with the judge, even offering to get him his own show but he’s having none of it. Until the very end when we see he’s cracked a smile and Zadie has won him over.
Hidden weakness: When Zadie returns to her office, we see her having to psyche herself up in her closet, due to her imposter syndrome. Her big personality is all a front.
Surprise: Zadie’s Uber driver is former teen star Jasper Benjamin, and the pair descend into a riotous altercation.
Courage/Excitement: At an engagement party at an indoor skydiving center, Zadie meets an indy film director and in order to gain an audition for her client, conquers her fears, dons a flight suit and goes for it.
Bonding: At a nail salon, Jasper is having a pedicure and Zadie sneaks in to take over from the technician. After an initial back and forth, they are finally bonding since Zadie has an audition for him.
Courage: To prove herself to a potential new client, Zadie wades into the middle of a skate park half pipe, as skaters zoom all around her.
Success/Winning: Jasper nails the audition, it’s like lightening in a bottle.
Bonding: Zadie finds Jasper at a car wash and comes to tell him the good news about his call back.
Emotional Dilemma: At Jasper’s call back, the casting director overhears Zadie running lines with Jasper and asks her to audition as well.
Betrayal: At a department store changing room, Zadie discovers she’s won the role instead, and must break the news to Jasper.
ACT 2:
Wound/Betrayal: Jasper storms in unannounced and goes on a tirade against Zadie in front of all her colleagues.
Betrayal: Jasper is poached by rival agent, Emily “mutherfucking” Patterson.
Surprise/Bonding/Wound: Zadie is bemoaning the fact that clients are leaving the agency to her assistant Audrey. Reveal: Audrey is actually Zadie’s daughter.
Success/Winning: The movie goes into production and Zadie has a complete blast making it.
Success/Winning: Months later the movie is a success and Zadie is an overnight sensation.
Surprise: Paparazzi have swarmed Zadie’s office building. She thinks they’re there for her clients.
Reveal: They’re actually there for Zadie.
Wound: A paparazzi makes a snide comment about Zadie’s curvaceous body.
Surprise: Zadie is photographed kissing comic Ledicia Harding and she’s embraced by the LGTBQ+ community.
ACT 3:
Distress: Setup: Zadie is fired from her agency.
Success/Winning: She’s been nominated for a major acting award.
Betrayal: Jasper starts a chat show from his cab and his first guest is Ledicia. Zadie is “outed’ as straight.
ACT 4:
Distress: Zadie’s hiding out in her closet due to the backlash on social media from the LGBTQ_ community for not being “straight” with them.
Surprise: Audrey turns up to say that There’s a lot of love for Zadie on line for turning down the Weight Watchers campaign and embracing body positivity. There’s also a hilarious apology video from Ledicia, that’s gone viral for outing her as straight.
Sacrifice: Zadie wins the award. She turns it down, saying it should have gone to Jasper.
Surprise/Success/Winning: Zadie hands cash over to the fat-shaming paparazzi outside her brand-new agency.
Surprise/Success/Winning: In her new office, Zadie’s on the phone congratulating her client Ledicia on her comedy special. Reveal: Zadie recruited Ledicia into her big scheme.
Surprise/Success/Winning: Jasper arrives, and the pair immediately start passionately kissing. He’s just landed the lead in an action trilogy. Reveal: Zadie and Jasper became lovers. Zadie decided to leverage her impending fame, to hoodwink Hollywood and finally get them both what they wanted.
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Ruthie’s Reveals:
What I learnt: This is a great way to check that reveals feature in every act.
ACT 1:
Setup: Zadie is caught speeding
Reveal: She leads the cop car to the courthouse where she already has a summons for driving offences.
Setup: We see Zadie’s Zenlike office closet where she hides out.
Reveal: This gregarious personality has imposter syndrome, and this is where she psyches herself up.
Setup: Zadie gets into an altercation with her Uber driver.
Reveal: He’s revealed to be former teen star, Jasper Benjamin.
Setup: Zadie runs lines with Jasper at his callback audition.
Reveal: She’s offered the part instead.
ACT 2:
Setup: Jasper storms in unannounced and goes on a tirade against Zadie in front of all her colleagues.
Reveal: Jasper has been poached by rival agent – Emily ‘mutherfucking” Patterson.
Setup: Zadie is bemoaning the fact that clients are leaving the agency to her assistant Audrey.
Reveal: Audrey is actually Zadie’s daughter.
Setup: Paparazzi have swarmed Zadie’s office building. She thinks they’re there for her clients.
Reveal: They’re actually there for Zadie – her film is a smash and she’s an overnight sensation.
Setup: A paparazzi makes a snide comment about Zadie’s curvaceous body and the video goes viral.
Reveal: She’s offered a Weight Watchers contract.
Setup: Zadie is photographed kissing comic Ledicia Harding.
Reveal: People assume she’s gay and she’s embraced by the LGBTQ+ community for succeeding in a role meant for a male actor.
ACT 3:
Setup: Zadie is fired from her agency.
Reveal: She refused to sign the Weight Watchers contract.
Setup: Zadie is nominated for a major acting award.
Reveal: She’ll turn it down in Act 4.
Setup: Jasper starts a chat show from his cab and his first guest is Ledicia.
Reveal: Zadie is “outed’ as straight.
ACT 4:
Setup: Zadie wins the award.
Reveal: She turns it down, saying it should have gone to Jasper.
Setup: Zadie walks past her new agency ZHA – Zadie Haygate & Associates, kisses Billy the paparazzi who called her fat and hands him an envelope of cash.
Reveal: Turns out Zadie orchestrated the paps that night.
Setup: In her new office, Zadie’s on the phone congratulating her client Ledicia on her comedy special.
Reveal: Zadie recruited Ledicia into her big scheme.
Setup: Jasper arrives, and the pair immediately start passionately kissing. He’s just landed the lead in an action trilogy.
Reveal: Zadie and Jasper became lovers. Zadie decided to leverage her impending fame, to hoodwink Hollywood and finally get them both what they wanted.
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Ruthie’s Character Action Tracks! (#5 MOD 4)
What I Learnt: How a character’s traits can affect and influence a scene. Highlighted the areas I need to work on for both characters.
OPENING: MISS CAST
EXT/INT. ZADIE’S CAR – LOS ANGELES – DAY
We see a close up of Zadie exuberantly belting out a hit song on the radio. She can’t sing for toffee and evidently doesn’t care. Reveal: She’s in a convertible just charming and flirting with everyone around her at the traffic light. She even gets the “suit” in the car next to her to join in the chorus.
Zadie is pulled over for speeding. Not before leading the cop on an entertaining drive around until the song has finished.
This is Zadie’s opportunity to showcase her three positive traits of exuberant, endearing and entertaining. The audience will immediately know she would flirt with a tree stump if she gained something from it. Need to highlight the female cop not budging an inch and Zadie doing her best to avoid another ticket.
(However, the fact that she does not manage to charm the cop, will feed into her insecurities and we’ll see her despondency via her actions.) *Subtext for her imposter syndrome.
*EXT. LA COURTHOUSE – DAY
Reveal: Turns out she led the cop car to her court appointment.
* INT. COURT HOUSE – DAY
Her traffic violations see her banned from driving for 12 months.
We need to see Zadie psyche herself up before entering the court room. Then she arrives like a force of nature. She’s representing herself, overshoots the desk with her wheelie chair, attempts to recruit the people around her for her agency, including the judge. Although the judge bans her from driving, we see that even he cracks a smile at her antics.
* INT. LOWRY MANAGEMENT GROUP – DAY
Zadie has her assistant Audrey set up an Uber account.
Zadie chucks more business cards of talent she’s trying to recruit into a drawer, as her brilliantly beleaguered assistant contrasts against Zadie’s big personality.
* INT. ZADIE’S OFFICE CLOSET – DAY
Zadie has created a Zen space in her office closet where she psyche’s herself up before making important calls. The closet is her happy space. She’s partial to velvet cushions and Twizzlers. This is where her imposter syndrome is evident.
* EXT. LOWRY MANAGEMENT GROUP – DAY
Waiting for her Uber, Zadie is dashing up and down the street like a dog with worms.
INSERT: Zadie’s location on the Uber app – is a blue dot bouncing around at a dizzying pace.
Inciting Incident:
INT. UBER DRIVER’S CAR – DAY
Zadie’s Uber driver is former child star Jasper Benjamin, who blackmails her into taking him on as a client or he’ll ban her from the app.
Since Jasper is wily, determined, and inscrutable he’s having none of it. He’s ripe for a showdown even before he collects Zadie. Until he sees the sign for Lowry Management Group and realizes he’ll be able to use this to his advantage.
INTERCUT PHONE CALL: THE PAIR ARE WARRING EVEN BEFORE THEY’VE EVEN MET!
An exasperated Zadie throws herself into the car and starts bombarding Jasper with directions. He refuses to move. It’s only when Zadie stops tapping into her phone, that she realizes they aren’t going anywhere.
Jasper threatens to get Zadie kicked off her account. Unless: She takes him on as a client…
She then realizes who he was and goes into full schmooze mode.
(Need back and forth dialogue that almost feels like a lovers’ tiff, even though they’ve never met before.)
* INT. INDOOR SKY DIVING – DAY
She meets director Molly Palmer. They discuss an indy project, that Zadie thinks could be perfect for Jasper.
(Zadie is a bigger gal, stuffed into a tight flight suit, but she doesn’t give a damn.)
*INT. NAIL SALON – DAY
Jasper is having a pedicure. Zadie sneaks up and replaces the technician.
Zadie paints Jasper’s toes hot pink before he opens his eye and realizes.
Jasper goes along with it and thinks it might be an interesting look for his audition.
*INT. CASTING SUITE – DAY
Jasper nails the audition – it’s like lightening in a bottle – it looks like the part will be his.
He’s a really good actor and deserves a second chance in Hollywood…
*EXT/INT. DRIVE-THROUGH CAR WASH – DAY
Jasper is buoyed up by his audition. The two finally seem to be getting along and are excited by his future prospects.
Opportunity for Zadie to show her genuine enthusiasm for her clients. She’s good at her job.
Opportunity for Jasper to display that he can be darkly charming.
*INT. DISUSED WAREHOUSE – DAY
At the callback, Molly overhears Zadie running lines with Jasper and asks her to audition.
All Zadie’s Imposter syndrome disappears, she has no skin in the game, so nothing to lose.
Jasper is so determined; he has no idea what just occurred.
Turning Point:
*INT. DEPARTMENT STORE CHANGING ROOMS – DAY
Zadie receives the call she’s been offered the role instead and must break the news to Jasper.
Opportunity to see Zadie’s insecurities get the better of her? Then she decides to buy every piece of clothing. There’s a mass of sequins.
Act 2:
New plan:
* INT. LOWRY MANAGEMENT GROUP – DAY
Jasper storms in unannounced and goes on a tirade against Zadie in front of all her colleagues.
Set up that this is the catalyst for Jasper to ‘ruin’ Zadie. Opportunity for comedic showdown in public.
*INT. PATTERSON & ASSOCIATES – DAY
Jasper is poached by rival agent – Emily ‘mutherfucking” Patterson.
He’s determined to bring down Zadie, almost more than reviving his career, and Emily has to keep steering him back to that.
EXT. PARK – DAY
Audrey & Zadie are feeding ducks gluten free bread and discussing how several clients have been poached recently. Reveal: Audrey is Zadie’s daughter.
This is the height of Zadie’s imposter syndrome – even the ducks turn their back on her.
* INT. FILMING – MONTAGE
The movie goes into production and Zadie has a complete blast making it.
Zadie is larger than life and not your typical ingenue – she’s a revelation in the role.
SIX MONTHS LATER:
*INT. FILM FESTIVAL SCREENING – NIGHT
The film debuts at the film festival to major buzz.
She has “nothing” to lose, so doesn’t care. Her exuberance is refreshing compared to stuck up, stick thin actresses. (Comedic devil-may-care Q&A with press – she’s a hoot.)
Plan in action:
She’s the perfect antidote to the typical Hollywood ingenue. Everyone wants a piece of Zadie.
*POT POINT- ESCALATING STAKES TO BE DETERMINED
Jasper’s scheme to take Zadie down
Jasper’s plan in action to take down Zadie.
Midpoint Turning Point:
INT. FILM FEST PARTY – NIGHT
Zadie is caught on camera kissing comic Ledicia Harding and the video goes viral.
High-spirited high-jinx.
* INT. DAY-TIME TALK SHOW – DAY
Zadie refuses to acknowledge her sexuality, saying it shouldn’t matter. She’s loud, proud and embraced by the LGBTQ+ community, having won a role meant for a man.
Another opportunity to showcase her three positive traits of exuberant, endearing and entertaining.
Act 3:
Rethink everything:
INT. LOWRY MANAGEMENT GROUP – DAY
Zadie is fired from her agency since clients are leaving in droves due to Jasper’s smear campaign.
And contrast positive traits with Imposter syndrome once again.
*PLOT POINT- ESCALATING STAKES TO BE DETERMINED
(JASPER’S NOTORIETY IS RISING AS ZADIE’S REPUTATION IS SINKING)
New plan:
INT. DENTIST – DAY
Zadie receives a call to say she’s been nominated for a major acting award.
A lot of muffled swearing.
Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift:
*INT. CAR – DAY
Jasper launches a celebrity chat show from his cab. His guest is Ledicia and Zadie is “outed” as straight.
INT. ZADIE’S OFFICE CLOSET – DAY
Zadie has gone into hiding in her closet – #Gaygate is trending.
Her insecurities are rife.
Act 4:
Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict:
INT. AWARDS CEREMONY – NIGHT
She wins but at the podium turns down her award – stating that it should have gone to Jasper.
An opportunity to set the record straight and give a hilariously don’t give a fuck, un-industry speech!
Resolution:
INT. ZADIE’S NEW OFFICE – DAY
Zadie has launched her own agency. Her new clients include Jasper Benjamin and Ledicia.
Reveal: Zadie and Jasper were actually lovers, who leveraged Zadie’s success to re-launch Jasper’s career. While Zadie overcame her imposter syndrome to open her own agency.
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Ruthie’s New Outline Beats!
What I Learnt: Highlighted where my plot holes are, including the lack of escalating stakes between the protagonist and antagonist. Therefore, this outline will need to evolve and expand accordingly.
(In order to keep track of this latest version, I have added slug lines. Additions are *)
Act 1:
Talent agent Zadie is forced to take former child star Jasper on as a client and inadvertently steals his comeback role.
OPENING:
EXT/INT. ZADIE’S CAR – LOS ANGELES – DAY
Zadie is pulled over for speeding.
*EXT. LA COURTHOUSE – DAY
Turns out she led the cop car to her court appointment.
* INT. COURT HOUSE – DAY
Her traffic violations see her banned from driving for 12 months.
* INT. LOWRY MANAGEMENT GROUP – DAY
Zadie has her assistant Audrey set up an Uber account.
Inciting Incident:
INT. UBER DRIVER’S CAR – DAY
Zadie’s Uber driver is former child star Jasper Benjamin, who blackmails her into taking him on as a client or banning her from the app.
* INT. INDOOR SKY DIVING – DAY
She meets director Molly Palmer. They discuss an indy project, that Zadie thinks could be perfect for Jasper.
*INT. CASTING SUITE – DAY
Jasper nails the audition – it’s like lightening in a bottle – it looks like the part will be his.
*INT. DISUSED WAREHOUSE – DAY
At the callback, Molly overhears Zadie running lines with Jasper and asks her to audition.
Turning Point:
*INT. DEPARTMENT STORE CHANGING ROOMS – DAY
Zadie receives the call she’s been offered the role instead and must break the news to Jasper.
Act 2:
New plan:
* INT. LOWRY MANAGEMENT GROUP – DAY
Jasper storms in unannounced and goes on a tirade against Zadie in front of all her colleagues.
* INT. FILMING – MONTAGE
The movie goes into production and Zadie has a complete blast making it.
SIX MONTHS LATER:
*INT. FILM FESTIVAL SCREENING – NIGHT
The film debuts at the film festival to major buzz.
Plan in action:
She’s the perfect antidote to the typical Hollywood ingenue. Everyone wants a piece of Zadie.
*PLOT POINT- ESCALATING STAKES TO BE DETERMINED
Jasper’s scheme to take Zadie down.
*INT. PATTERSON & ASSOCIATES – DAY
Jasper is poached by rival agent – Emily ‘mutherfucking” Patterson.
Midpoint Turning Point:
INT. FILM FEST PARTY – NIGHT
It’s assumed Zadie is gay, after images of her kissing comic Ledicia, go viral on social media.
* INT. DAY-TIME TALK SHOW – DAY
Zadie refuses to acknowledge her sexuality, saying it shouldn’t matter. She’s loud, proud and embraced by the LGBTQ+ community, having won a role meant for a man.
Act 3:
Rethink everything:
INT. LOWRY MANAGEMENT GROUP – DAY
Zadie is fired from her agency since clients are leaving in droves due to Jasper’s smear campaign.
*PLOT POINT- ESCALATING STAKES TO BE DETERMINED
(JASPER’S NOTORIETY IS RISING AS ZADIE’S REPUTATION IS SINKING)
New plan:
INT. DENTIST – DAY
Zadie receives a call to say she’s been nominated for a major acting award.
Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift:
*INT. CAR – DAY
Jasper launches a celebrity chat show from his cab. His guest is Ledicia and Zadie is “outed” as straight.
Act 4:
Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict:
INT. AWARDS CEREMONY – NIGHT
She wins but at the podium turns down her award – stating that it should have gone to Jasper.
Resolution:
INT. ZADIE’S NEW OFFICE – DAY
Zadie has launched her own agency. Her new clients include Jasper Benjamin and Ledicia.
Reveal: Zadie and Jasper were actually lovers, who leveraged Zadie’s success to re-launch Jasper’s career. While Zadie overcame her imposter syndrome to open her own agency.
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Ruthie’s Beat Sheet – Draft 1
What I learnt: To not overthink this, put down what you have and fill in the gaps…
Title: Miss Cast Genre: Comedy
Act 1:
Talent agent Zadie is forced to take former child star Jasper on as a client and inadvertently steals his comeback role.
OPENING:
Zadie PJ 1: Zadie is pulled over for speeding and banned from driving.
Genre Conventions: Each time she tries to wiggle her way out of the ticket, the cop adds more points to her license.
Deeper Layer: Failing to charm her way out of a ticket, feeds into her insecurities. Her independence is gone, and she will be reliant on others to get around town.
Inciting Incident: Zadie’s Uber driver is former child star Jasper Benjamin.
Jasper AJ 1: Jasper blackmails Zadie to take him on as a client or ban her from the app.
Deeper Layer: Jasper is desperate to return to Hollywood.
Zadie PJ 2: If Zadie is to make her Hollywood meeting on time, she’ll have to accept.
Deeper Layer: She figures she can do something with Jasper as a client.
Genre Conventions: Zadie is trapped mentally and physically.
Turning Point:
She accompanies Jasper to a promising call-back, only to find herself being persuaded to audition and offered the same role.
Zadie PJ 3: Zadie reads Jasper’s role in the waiting room of a call-back, which the casting director overhears.
Deeper Layer: Zadie has no skin in the game and nothing to lose by auditioning. Therefore, her imposter syndrome as an agent, is not apparent.
Jasper AJ 2: Jasper auditions believing the call-back is a formality and the role will be his.
Deeper Layer: He’s so close to his comeback, he can taste it.
Act 2:
New plan:
Having won the role, Zadie films and returns to work thinking nothing of it. Six months later the film debuts at an Indy Film Fest to smash reviews.
Zadie PJ 4: Zadie is an overnight sensation as an actress.
Jasper AJ 3: Jasper is bitter with Zadie for snaking his comeback role.
Deeper Layer: Zadie’s smart enough to leverage this situation to both their advantages.
Plan in action:
She’s the perfect antidote to the typical Hollywood ingenue. Everyone wants a piece of Zadie, including Jasper, who plots her downfall.
Zadie PJ 5: Zadie is having fun representing herself as her new client.
Deeper Layer: She can afford to have fun, knowing what her real end goal is.
Jasper AJ 4: Meanwhile Jasper’s notoriety is also rising as a result of his smear campaign.
Deeper Level: He’s enjoying his resurrected status in Hollywood and trusts Zadie to get them to the finish line.
Genre Conventions: War of words knowing the final layer will reveal double meanings and fun subtext etc.
Midpoint Turning Point:
Zadie is embraced by the LGBT community, after images of her kissing lesbian comic Ledicia, go viral on social media, due to drunken high jinks at a film festival.
Zadie PJ 6: The media assume Zadie’s gay.
Deeper Layer: This is all part of Zadie’s plan, which will also benefit Ledicia.
Act 3:
Rethink everything:
Zadie is fired from her agency since clients are leaving in droves due to Jasper’s social media campaign.
Zadie PJ 7: She’s giving as good as she gets as regards promotion and social media.
Jasper AJ 5: Their spats have gone vial. Jasper is a bona fide social media star.
Deeper Layer: What looks like a shit show for Zadie, is actually all going to plan.
New plan:
Zadie PJ 8: She’s nominated for a major acting award.
Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift:
Thanks to Jasper, Zadie is “outed” as straight. His actions put her nomination and acting career in jeopardy.
Jasper AJ 6: The public support for Jasper is overwhelming, leading to a whole slew of offers.
Jasper AJ 7: Jasper is poached by a rival agent.
Deeper Layer: Setting the groundwork for Jasper is gain lucrative contracts and research a rival agent.
Act 4:
Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict:
She wins but at the podium turns down her award – stating that it should have gone to Jasper.
Zadie PJ 9: Zadie announces she’ll be returning to her day job as an agent.
Deeper Layer: A global audience now know who they both are.
Genre Convention: Take the piss out of a conventional winning speech make it hilarious. (Unapologetically menofuckingpausal!)
Resolution:
Zadie has a swanky office at her own high-powered talent agency.
Zadie PJ 10: Her new client is Jasper Benjamin.
Jasper AJ 8: Jasper has just been confirmed as the lead in an action trilogy.
Deeper Layer Reveal: Zadie & Jasper are actually lovers who planned to hoodwink Hollywood and leverage their newfound notoriety to both their advantages.
Deeper Layer: Zadie’s proved she’s a canny agent – her imposter syndrome is gone.
Deeper Layer: Jasper is back where he believes he should have been all along.
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Ruthie’s Deeper Layer!
What I learnt: Seeing where to add layers which would influence how a movie is viewed a second time. Where would the hints and easter eggs be hidden?
As we did above with The Sixth Sense, create each piece of this “Deeper Layer” puzzle.
Surface Layer:
Zadie & Jasper are enemies – he’s out to discredit her for snaking a film role from under him.
Deeper Layer:
The two are actually in cahoots to hoodwink Hollywood, in order to further both their goals and careers.
Major Reveal:
In the final scene when it’s revealed Zadie and Jasper are really lovers.
Influences Surface Story:
An opportunity to hide easter eggs or double meanings/subtext surrounding Jasper’s smear campaign. Building Jasper up as the enemy and Zadie as the victim, when really the two are united in a devious plan.
Hints:
The orchestrated smear campaign can now be viewed through the lens of two lovers instead of two enemies, enhancing each other’s notoriety in Hollywood.
Changes Reality:
Despite Zadie’s genuine imposter syndrome and being led to believe she’s the victim of a smear campaign, we now realize just how smart she is to have manipulated Hollywood and further both her and Jasper’s careers.
3. Add the rest of the structure to the characters to the script. above.
(How my layer, (or the subtext of it), shows up in the structure.)
Beginning:
Zadie is forced to represent Jasper at her agency and unwittingly takes away his chance of a Hollywood comeback.
Inciting Incident:
Zadie’s lightbulb moment that they can leverage their spat to both their advantages.
Turning Point 1:
Jasper’s smear campaign is working to discredit Zadie, while also raising both their profiles.
Act 2:
Jasper appears to be gaining the upper hand but it’s actually all going according to plan.
Turning Point 2 / Midpoint:
Zadie appears to be at her lowest point, in that she’s fired from her agency but that is all part of the big scheme.
Act 3:
Now Zadie’s profile is rising as an actress and there’s more interest in Jasper.
Turning Point 3:
Zadie is nominated for a major acting award while Jasper is poached by a rival agent.
Act 4 Climax:
On the world stage with a billion viewers, Zadie turns down her award and says it should have gone to Jasper. Now the whole world knows who they both are.
Resolution:
Zadie and Jasper celebrate the fact she is now a big time Hollywood agent and as her new client, he’s just landed a major action franchise. The lovers plan to hoodwink Hollywood has paid off.
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Ruthie’s Character Structure
What I learnt: To think about things from my antagonist’s point of view.
Protagonist: Zadie Haygate
Beginning:
Talent agent Zadie is once again busted for speeding and banned from driving.
Inciting Incident:
Her Uber driver Jasper is a former child star and threatens to kick her off the app if she doesn’t take him on as a client.
Turning Point 1:
Zadie inadvertently auditions and is offered the role that would have been Jasper’s comeback.
Act 2:
She films the movie without thinking it will blow up and make her an overnight star.
Turning Point 2 / Midpoint:
Images of her kissing lesbian comic Ledicia, go viral on social media, due to drunken high jinks at a film festival, and people assume Zadie’s gay.
Act 3:
Zadie is fired from her agency since clients are leaving in droves due to Jasper’s social media campaign exposing the fact Zadie ‘stole’ his role from him.
Turning Point 3:
She is nominated for a major acting award. But thanks to Jasper, Zadie is “outed” as straight. His actions put her nomination and acting career in jeopardy.
Act 4 Climax:
She wins but at the podium turns down her award – stating that it should have gone to Jasper and announcing that she’ll be returning to her day job as an agent.
Resolution:
Zadie has a swanky office as an agent in a high-powered firm. Her new client is Jasper Benjamin.
Antagonist: Jasper Benjamin
Beginning:
Jasper is a former child star who’s now an embittered Uber driver.
Inciting Incident:
His passenger is Hollywood talent agent Zadie, who he blackmails into taking him on as a client.
Turning Point 1:
He loses out on a major comeback role – to Zadie!
Act 2:
He’s now on a mission to discredit Zadie within the industry.
Turning Point 2 / Midpoint:
Jasper’s smear campaign is gaining traction.
Act 3:
His notoriety is on the rise and he’s poached by a rival agency.
Turning Point 3:
He outs Zadie as “straight”.
Act 4 Climax:
He’s acknowledged by Zadie at the awards show as the person who should have one.
Resolution:
Jasper is Zadie’s new client at her swanky new agency, as it’s revealed they were lovers all along, leveraging their newfound notoriety to achieve their dreams.
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Ruthie’s Supporting Characters
My Vision: To be known for and make a living from female-driven, dark comedy, while remaining confident that I have the skills and knowledge to elevate my ideas to their highest potential.
What I learnt: It’s fun to round out the next layer of characters. Just because they have smaller roles, doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be as fleshed out as your leads.
2. Tell us your supporting and background characters.
Supporting Characters:
Audrey – Zadie’s Assistant
Ludicia Harding – LGBTQ+ Comic
Emily Patterson – Rival Agent
Background Characters:
Roland Silver – Producer
Molly Palmer – Director
Evan – Agency owner and Zadie’s boss.
Lenny Mayer – New Talent
Joel – Emily’s assistant
Juniper – Audrey’s girlfriend
Actors & employees at the agency
Media and film production people
TV/Podcast presenters
Paparazzi
Award show and party attendees
Fans etc.
3. Focusing on those supporting characters, fill in the basic profile for each.
Support 1:
Name: Audrey
Role: Assistant (and revealed to be Zadie’s daughter.)
Main purpose: To be Zadie’s conscious and cheerleader.
Value: She’s a big proponent in Zadie finally overcoming her imposter syndrome and reaching the big leagues.
Support 2:
Name: Ludicia Harding
Role: LGBTQ+ Comic
Main purpose: After drunken high jinx, a kiss between Ludicia and Zadie goes viral, and people assume Zadie is gay.
Value: This moment becomes a catalyst for Zadie when she’s outed as straight and faces a backlash from the LGBTQ+ community.
Support 3:
Name: Emily “Mother Fucking” Patterson
Role: Rival Agent
Main purpose: She poaches Zadie’s clients, including Jasper.
Value: To highlight the cut-throat nature of Hollywood and add to Zadie’s lowest moments. It also provides comic relief when Zadie goes after her.
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Ruthie’s Character Profiles Part 2
What I learnt: I’m appreciating finding the depth and layers in my characters. What makes them tick, what gets under their skin etc.…
(Not including AA from previous assignment, as my Word Doc is becoming unwieldy!)
2. With each of your lead characters, first tell us the following:
Protagonist Zadie Haygate, A talent agent who thinks she could do a better job than her star client.
From small time talent agent with imposter syndrome, to confident Hollywood player.
3. Brainstorm these profile components for each character.
Character Subtext: Withholding. Zadie’s imposter syndrome is holding her back.
Character Intrigue: Hidden agenda: To turn her back on acting and leverage her situation to raise both her and Jasper’s profile in their respective fields.
Flaw: Undervalues themselves. Would be so much further forward in her career, if her imposter syndrome did not get the better of her.
Values: Being Your Best. Not that she feels she’s achieved this yet.
Character Dilemma: Wanting to be the best while dealing with imposter syndrome.
2. With each of your lead characters, first tell us the following:
Antagonist Jasper Benjamin. A former child star looking to make a Hollywood comeback. From Hollywood has-been, to A lister.
3. Brainstorm these profile components for each character.
Character Subtext: Plotting Zadie’s downfall whom he believes stole his comeback role from him.
Character Intrigue: Unspoken Wound. Not maintaining his success as a child star into adulthood like some of his peers.
Flaw: His resentment/bitterness towards Hollywood means he can’t get out of his own way to succeed again.
Values: Fame. He would do anything to be back in the game again.
Character Dilemma: His cynicism towards Hollywood while wanting to be embraced by it again.
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Ruthie’s Character Profiles Part 1
My Vision: To be known for and make a living from female-driven, dark comedy, while remaining confident that I have the skills and knowledge to elevate my ideas to their highest potential.
What I learnt: Delving deep into the core traits, can make all the difference.
2. With each of your lead characters, first tell us the following:
The High Concept. A talent agent thinks she could do a better job than her star actor.
This character’s journey. Arc Beginning: Small time talent agent with imposter syndrome. Arc Ending: Confident Hollywood player.
The Actor Attractors for this character: Lead Character Name: Zadie Haygate – Role: Protagonist
What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
A bundle of insecurity wrapped in a boisterous, rollicking ray of sunshine. Not your typical Hollywood ingénue character. A role for an older, curvier actress who can showcase physical comedy and emotional drama.
What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Outwardly extravert – inwardly dealing with imposter syndrome.
What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Keeping up the appearance of Hollywood success, while allowing the audience to see through the cracks.
How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
Attempting to get away from a chasing cop car and then utilizing her considerable personality to charm her way out of yet another speeding ticket.
What could be this character’s emotional range?
The transformational journey from faking it to genuinely making it.
What subtext can the actor play?
Playing a relatively successful role within the Hollywood eco structure, while not actually believing in herself.
What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
With Jasper – her former child star client, gearing up to make his comeback with the role that Zadie inadvertently snagged from under him.
How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
The ability to see the Hollywood-ness of her role as a talent agent juxtaposed with the tells that give away her inner insecurities. In her relationship with her assistant/daughter who she can be real with.
What could make this character special and unique?
The fact she’s relatable as the audience can see through her outer rambunctiousness to the real imposter syndrome Zadie deals with inside the fakery of Hollyweird.
3. Brainstorm the first 6 parts of the profile for each of your lead characters.
Role in the Story: Protagonist and mid-ranking Hollywood talent agent.
Age range and Description: Late 40’s, brassy, blonde and body positive.
Core Traits: Exuberant, endearing, entertaining, insecure,
Motivation; Want/Need: Wants to be taken seriously in Hollywood. Needs to overcome her crippling imposter syndrome.
Wound: Losing clients to a rival agent.
Likability: Zadie is naturally vivacious and funny. She’s genuinely friendly – it’s part of her job as an agent. You instinctively know she was never the mean girl in school. She embraces her quirks.
Relatability: She’s not stick-thin and embraces body positivity. Acknowledges her insecurities.
Empathy: Her imposter syndrome when it comes to her profession. She always feels on the verge of being called out as a fraud, even though she’s good at what she does.
2. With each of your lead characters, first tell us the following:
The High Concept. A talent agent thinks she could do a better job than her star actor.
This character’s journey. From Hollywood has been to A lister.
The Actor Attractors for this character.
Lead Character Name: Jasper Benjamin – Role: Antagonist
What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
An actor playing an actor making his Hollywood comeback. (If this role could go to someone with name recognition, who’s been away from the spotlight, the irony would be delicious.)
What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Like Zadie, he has an outward and inner life. External – appears not to care about his past life as a child actor and has moved on. Internally, scared AF that his career is behind him, and he’ll never be ‘someone’ again.
What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Out to get Zadie for inadvertently taking his comeback role away from him. Tons of fun and games in looking to discredit her.
How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
As Zadie’s Uber driver, he uses his wiles to convince her to take him on as a client.
What could be this character’s emotional range?
From has-been and all the emotional baggage that comes with, to re-making it in Hollywood.
What subtext can the actor play?
That as Zadie’s antagonist, he’s revealed to be her lover.
What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
With Zadie as the thorn in her side, who turns out to be her rose.
How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
As the anti-hero who turns out like Zadie to be a Hollywood hero.
What could make this character special and unique?
Zadie’s ally disguised as her nemesis.
3. Brainstorm the first 6 parts of the profile for each of your lead characters.
Role in the Story: Antagonist, Former child star looking to make a comeback.
Age range and Description: Early 50’s, lean, tough and poker faced.
Core Traits: Wily, inscrutable, determined, darkly charming.
Motivation; Want/Need: Desperately wants to be someone again. Needs to break back into Hollywood having been a teen star.
Wound: Losing a huge role and seeing his peers succeed ahead of him.
Likability: Jasper can be charming and witty when he wants to be.
Relatability: Doing what it takes workwise to make a living.
Empathy: A former child star who’s aching to be someone again, not a has been.
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Ruthie’s Likability/Relatability/Empathy
My Vision: To be known for and make a living from female-driven, dark comedy, while remaining confident that I have the skills and knowledge to elevate my ideas to their highest potential.
What I learnt: You can have empathy for a villain…
2. Brainstorm one or more ways you can present your Protagonist through each of these:
Likability: Zadie is naturally vivacious and funny. She’s genuinely friendly – it’s part of her job as an agent. You instinctively know she was never the mean girl in school. She embraces her quirks.
Relatability: She’s not stick-thin and embraces body positivity. Acknowledges her insecurities.
Empathy: Her imposter syndrome when it comes to her profession. She always feels on the verge of being called out as a fraud, even though she’s good at what she does.
3. Just to get the experience, give us one or more ways that your Antagonist could be presented through each of these:
Likability: Jasper can be charming and witty when he wants to be.
Relatability: Doing what it takes workwise to make a living.
Empathy: A former child star who’s aching to be someone again, not a has been.
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Ruthie’s Intrigue
My Vision: To be known for and make a living from female-driven, dark comedy, while remaining confident that I have the skills and knowledge to elevate my ideas to their highest potential.
What I learnt: Our characters have secrets…
2. For each of your main characters, use this list to brainstorm one or more Intrigue items that might apply. You don’t need all of them; just one or two.
Character Name: Zadie Haygate
Role: Protagonist – Hollywood Talent Agent
Hidden agendas: To become a Hollywood Power Player.
Competition: Other agents out to snag her clients.
Conspiracies: Jasper building on the fact Zadie is straight within the LGBTQ+ community.
Secrets: Imposter Syndrome
Deception: Teaming up with Jasper to leverage their newfound notoriety to both their advantages.
Unspoken Wound: Not believing she’s good enough to make it in Hollywood.
Secret Identity: Potential Hollywood Power Player in the making.
Character Name: Jasper Benjamin
Role: Antagonist – former child star looking to make a comeback.
Hidden agendas: To make his comeback in Hollywood.
Competition: The shark tank that is Hollywood!
Conspiracies: Promoting the fact Zadie is straight to the LGBTQ+ community who assumed she was one of them.
Secrets: Desperate to be someone again in Hollywood.
Deception: Teaming up with Zadie to leverage their newfound notoriety to both their advantages.
Unspoken Wound: A child star who couldn’t maintain the momentum.
Secret Identity: Hollywood A-Lister in the making.
3. Give us an idea of how that character’s subtext might show up in your movie.
Zadie: We are led to believe she has crippling imposter syndrome – which she does. However, she’s smart enough to know she’s good at her job of being a talent agent. She utilizes her newfound notoriety and that of her client, (and secret lover) Jasper, to both their advantages to further both of their respective careers.
Jasper: Alleged nemesis of Zadie, when really the two are in cahoots to hoodwink Holly to both of their advantages.
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Ruthie’s Subtext Characters
My Vision: To be known for and make a living from female-driven, dark comedy, while remaining confident that I have the skills and knowledge to elevate my ideas to their highest potential.
What I learnt: Look for all areas to infuse subtext. It will add layers for your audience.
With your example movie, give us the following answers for the character with the most subtext:
Movie Title: Mean Girls
Character Name: Cady Heron
Subtext Identity: A new student who doesn’t want to be exposed as dorky.
Subtext Trait: Undercover/scheming.
Subtext Logline: Cady tries to fit in as a plastic mean girl to solicit intel on Regina George, when she’s really a dorky mathlete.
Possible Areas of Subtext: Knowing she’s on a mission with her real friends to bring down Queen Bee Regina George. Becoming embroiled in her deceit and actually turning into a mean girl. Having to keep up appearances when it comes to her crush Aaron.
3. For your two leads, brainstorm these answers:
Character Name: Zadie Haygate
Subtext Identity: A Hollywood talent agent with imposter syndrome.
Subtext Trait: Concealing & Conspiring
Subtext Logline: Zadie’s bouncy personality as a talent agent in Hollywood, conceals the fact she has crippling imposter syndrome.
Possible Areas of Subtext:
ACT 1:
Zadie attempting to use her charm to get off a speeding ticket and failing this task, feeds into her insecurities.
Knowing that Zadie is not the confident personality she portrays to be, we know she can’t afford to turn down Jasper’s ultimatum to take him on as a client and fail.
Because Zadie has zero skin in the game or any aspirations to be an actress, she has no fears/imposter syndrome holding her back when she inadvertently reads for the role that Jasper has been called back for.
ACT 2:
Zadie is clueless to how good she is in the movie and refuses to believe this will blow-up her life. The subtext/irony being that she’s great when she doesn’t fixate on what people think. Which is contra to the advice she gives her clients, while ignoring it herself.
Zadie is happy to court the love from the LGBT community after she kisses gay comic Ledicia. However, knowing she’s straight, feeds into her imposter syndrome and sets her up for a backlash.
ACT 3:
Zadie’s worst fears have been realized; she’s been fired from her 1<sup>st</sup> love as a talent agent, compounding her imposter syndrome.
She’s nominated for a major acting award, which she still can’t fully embrace, so her response to this is fun and games as opposed to taking it seriously.
Thanks to Jasper, Zadie is “outed” as straight. His actions put her nomination and fledging acting career in jeopardy. This is Zadie’s lowest point; her big personality can no longer conceal her feeling like an imposter in Hollywood.
ACT 4:
She wins but at the podium, her true self shines. She turns down her award – stating that it should have gone to Jasper and announcing that she’ll be returning to her day job as an agent. Subtext: she’s shedding the imposter syndrome and embracing what she really loves.
Zadie has a swanky office as an agent in a high-powered firm. Her new client is Jasper Benjamin. Zadie has returned to what she actually loves doing at a much higher level as a power-player. No more imposter syndrome!
She conspired with Jasper all along as covert lovers to leverage their new-found notoriety and situation to work to their advantage within Hollywood. Both proving they’re actually top of their respective games in terms of agenting and acting.
3. For your two leads, brainstorm these answers:
Character Name: Jasper Benjamin
Subtext Identity: Former child star desperate to make a comeback.
Subtext Trait: Concealing & Conspiring
Subtext Logline: Jasper appears to be the victim when he loses out on a comeback role to Zadie and seemingly conspires her potential downfall.
Possible Areas of Subtext:
ACT 1:
Jasper conceals his desperation to get Zadie to take him on as a client by conspiring to kick her off the ride share app with a zero rating.
He again conceals his desperation by playing it cool when he’s called back for the comeback role of a lifetime.
ACT 2:
Jasper is covertly conspiring Zadie’s downfall – there’s a war of words going viral and escalating on social media. Coincidently raising both their profiles.
By this time Jasper & Zadie have become lovers and agreed to leverage their situation to both their benefits – however the audience will be unaware of this. Therefore, Jasper can play with the fact that he knows Zadie is not part of the LGBTQ+ community and be seen to conspire against her in the public domain.
ACT 3:
Jasper’s conspiring is paying off, as his star is on the rise once again,
Jasper at this point knows full well that Zadie has zero ambition to be an actress. But he conceals this info and conspires to continue his social media campaign against her, knowing ultimately it will serve them both favorably.
Jasper outs Zadie as straight this raises both their profiles enormously and is part of their covert plan.
ACT 4:
When Zadie turns down the acting award saying it should have gone to him, Jasper knows this is coming and is ready to leverage his newfound notoriety.
Jasper has concealed his relationship with Zadie all along. In order for his profile and notoriety to raise. Ultimately he achieves what he’s desperate to achieve – a Hollywood comeback, orchestrated by Zadie.
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My Vision: To be known for and make a living from female-driven, dark comedy, while remaining confident that I have the skills and knowledge to elevate my ideas to their highest potential.
What I learnt: Each of the nine questions forces you to delve deeper into a character’s layers.
Lead Character Name: Zadie Haygate Role: Protagonist
What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
A bundle of insecurity wrapped in a boisterous, rollicking ray of sunshine. Not your typical Hollywood ingénue character. A role for an older, curvier actress who can showcase physical comedy and emotional drama.
What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Outwardly extravert – inwardly dealing with imposter syndrome.
What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Keeping up the appearance of Hollywood success, while allowing the audience to see through the cracks.
How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
Attempting to get away from a chasing cop car and then utilizing her considerable personality to charm her way out of yet another speeding ticket.
What could be this character’s emotional range?
The transformational journey from faking it to genuinely making it.
What subtext can the actor play?
Playing a relatively successful role within the Hollywood eco structure, while not actually believing in herself.
What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
With Jasper – her former child star client, gearing up to make his comeback with the role that Zadie inadvertently snagged from under him.
How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
The ability to see the Hollywood-ness of her role as a talent agent juxtaposed with the tells that give away her inner insecurities. In her relationship with her assistant/daughter who she can be real with.
What could make this character special and unique?
The fact she’s relatable as the audience can see through her outer rambunctiousness to the real imposter syndrome Zadie deals with inside the fakery of Hollyweird.
Lead Character Name: Jasper BenjaminRole: Antagonist
What about this role would cause an actor to want to be known for it?
An actor playing an actor making his Hollywood comeback. (If this role could go to someone with name recognition, who’s been away from the spotlight, the irony would be delicious.)
What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in your story?
Like Zadie, he has an outward and inner life. External – appears not to care about his past life as a child actor and has moved on. Internally, scared AF that his career is behind him, and he’ll never be ‘someone’ again.
What are the most interesting actions the Lead could take in the script?
Out to get Zadie for inadvertently taking his comeback role away from him. Tons of fun and games in looking to discredit her.
How can you introduce this role in a way that could sell it to an actor?
As Zadie’s Uber driver, he uses his wiles to convince her to take him on as a client.
What could be this character’s emotional range?
From has-been and all the emotional baggage that comes with, to re-making it in Hollywood.
What subtext can the actor play?
That as Zadie’s antagonist, he’s revealed to be her lover.
What’s the most interesting relationships this character can have?
With Zadie as the thorn in her side, who turns out to be her rose.
How will this character’s unique voice be presented?
As the anti-hero who turns out like Zadie to be a Hollywood hero.
What could make this character special and unique?
Zadie’s ally disguised as her nemesis.
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Movie Title: Mean Girls
Lead Character Name: Cady Heron – Lindsay Lohan
Why would an actor WANT to be known for this role?
A funny, career defining role as the protagonist in almost every scene of the movie.
What makes this character one of the most interesting characters in the movie?
The duality of playing both the misfit, new girl and one of the plastic cool girls.
What are the most interesting actions the Lead takes in the movie?
Playing two characters. Balancing being a mathlete and plastic and negotiating keeping both groups happy. Showcasing a mixture of dorky and mean girl behavior.
How is this character introduced that could sell it to an actor?
Via fish out of water comedy tropes as a home-schooled only child living in Africa to joining high school for the first time.
What is this character’s emotional range?
From misfit dork to cool girl, then mean girl and finally the emotional maturity to do the right thing and accept who she really is.
What subtext can the actor play?
Pretending to be a plastic cool girl when she’s really a dork.
What’s the most interesting relationships this character has?
With her nemesis queen bee Regina George. We see Cady working the fine line between keeping Regina happy, not exposing her secret mission and attempting to have a relationship with Regina’s ex-boyfriend.
How is this character’s unique voice presented?
By playing two parts and the use of Cady as the narrator of the film, so the audience is aware of what she’s thinking and feeling.
What makes this character special and unique?
The duality of playing two parts dork/cool and the emotional journey this character undergoes.
(Fill in a scene that shows the character fulfilling much of the Actor Attractor model.)
Having won the tie-break of the state finals, Cady and the Mathletes attend the spring fling. Cady is elected queen but declares that all her classmates are wonderful in their own way, snapping the plastic tiara and distributing the pieces to other girls in the crowd, including Janis, Gretchen, and Regina. She rekindles her friendship with Janis and Damian, makes up with Aaron, and reaches a truce with the Plastics.
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Title: Miss Cast
Concept: A talent agent auditions for a movie on a whim and unwittingly becomes an overnight sensation, at the expense of her star client making his come-back and looking to get even.
Genre: Comedy
3. Make a list of the conventions for your chosen genre, like this:
Example for Comedy:
Incongruence
Unconventional Pairings
Fish out of Water
Misinterpretation
Comedic Protagonist
Absurd situation
Act 1:
Opening:
Zadie zooms away from a cop car, who finally pulls her over and issues her with her 4<sup>th</sup> speeding ticket which sees her banned from driving. She attempts to wiggle out of it after suggesting the officer could be a potential star with her talent agency. On her return to the office, the cop’s card joins all the others in a basket on her assistant’s desk.
(Play up the absurd situation of Zadie doing her best to persuade this cop to let her off the ticket if she can take him on as a client. He’s having none of it and each time she tries to charm him, he keeps adding points to her license until she’s banned from driving. Comedic escalation of stakes.)
Inciting Incident:
Running late to an important client lunch, Zella gets into a confrontation with her Uber driver, former child-star Jasper Benjamin. He threatens to kick her off the app with a zero-star review unless she takes him on as a client and sends him to a casting in the next 7 days.
(These two are an unconventional pairing in another absurd situation. We see that Zadie is between a rock and a hard place. She has to keep her Uber status for work and although she doesn’t appreciate being black mailed, she figures she can do something with Jasper as a client. However, she would never want to give him the satisfaction of knowing that. Therefore, we see these two characters are immediately antagonistic which manifests itself in both verbal and physical comedy within the confined space of a taxi.)
Turning Point:
She accompanies Jasper to a promising call-back, only to find herself being persuaded to audition and offered the same role.
(This is a fish out of water situation for Zadie, since she has never wanted to be an actress. It’s only when she’s running lines with Jasper in the waiting area, that the casting director overhears her and suggests she reads for the role. Zadie does so for a laugh, to experience what her clients go through. There’s no pressure on her, so she does not take it seriously. The irony being that she’s naturally brilliant and has no idea.)
Act 2:
New plan:
Having won the role, she returns to work and thinks nothing of it. Six months later the film debuts at an Indy Film Fest to smash reviews – Zadie is an overnight sensation.
(Zadie is clueless to how good she is and refuses to believe this will blow-up her life. Which is the contra to the advice she gives her clients, while ignoring it herself. More chances to play up the absurd situation.)
Plan in action:
She’s the perfect antidote to the typical Hollywood ingenue. The film is a hit, everyone wants a piece of Zadie, including Jasper, who plots her downfall, for snagging the role of a lifetime from under him.
(Opportunity to play up her fish out of water status – she’s refreshingly un-Hollywood. This allows her to not take it so seriously and have fun with it. Meanwhile the stakes are raised as she’s on the rise, Jasper is plotting her downfall.)
Midpoint Turning Point:
Having taken on a role meant for a man, Zadie is embraced by the LGBT community. After images of her kissing lesbian comic Ledicia, go viral on social media, due to drunken high jinks at a film festival, people assume she’s gay.
(Opportunity to highlight misinterpretation, fish out of water and absurd situation. Zadie is happy to court the love from the LGBT community not knowing she’s inadvertently setting herself up for a backlash if she’s not careful.)
Act 3:
Rethink everything:
Zadie is fired from her agency since clients are leaving in droves due to Jasper’s social media campaign exposing the fact Zadie ‘stole’ his role from him. Including Jasper whose star is on the rise again.
(Due to the fact she’s a comedic protagonist, Zadie won’t be taking this lying down but now she’s lost the safety net of being an agent – (her 1<sup>st</sup> love) if acting falls through.)
New plan:
She’s nominated for a major acting award.
(Which she still can’t fully embrace, so her response to this is fun and games as opposed to taking it seriously. Comedic Protagonist.)
Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift:
Thanks to Jasper, Zadie is “outed” as straight. His actions put her nomination and acting career in jeopardy.
(This is Zadie’s lowest point, but as a <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Comedic Protagonist, <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>the comedy can still be found in how she reacts to the situation and Jasper. She has a new plan to put into action.)
Act 4:
Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict:
She wins but at the podium turns down her award – stating that it should have gone to Jasper and announcing that she’ll be returning to her day job as an agent.
(This is an absurd situation and a chance to really take the piss out of a conventional winning speeches.)
Resolution:
Zadie has a swanky office as an agent in a high-powered firm. Her new client is Jasper Benjamin. It’s revealed that Zadie and Jasper were actually lovers, who planned to leverage Zadie’s unexpected success to re-launch Jasper’s career, while allowing Zadie to return to what she actually loves doing at a much higher level as a power-player.
(This unconventional pairing has managed to hoodwink Hollywood. Perhaps they can get it on in the office with a riotous bonk to celebrate:)
What I learnt: To be aware of the conventions as you write. I have printed them out for comedy to have handy as a constant reminder.
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Concept: A talent agent auditions for a movie on a whim and unwittingly becomes an overnight sensation, at the expense of her star client making his come-back and looking to get even.
Main Conflict: The role Zadie snagged was Jasper’s big opportunity Therefore, he has nothing to lose in going after his former agent to get even.
Old Ways:
Full of self-doubt.
Feeling imposter syndrome.
Holding herself back.
A boisterous personality to mask fears.
New Ways:
Knowing deep down she’s good at what she does.
Genuine power player.
Realizing her potential.
Appearance of confidence is now real.
Act 1:
Opening:
Zadie zooms away from a cop car, who finally pulls her over and issues her with her 4<sup>th</sup> speeding ticket which sees her banned from driving. She attempts to wiggle out of it after suggesting the officer could be a potential star with her talent agency. On her return to the office, the cop’s card joins all the others in a basket on her assistant’s desk.
Inciting Incident:
Running late to an important client lunch, Zella gets into a confrontation with her Uber driver, former child-star Jasper Benjamin. He threatens to kick her off the app with a zero-star review unless she takes him on as a client and sends him to a casting in the next 7 days.
Turning Point:
She accompanies Jasper to a promising call-back, only to find herself being persuaded to audition and offered the same role.
Act 2:
New plan:
Having won the role, she returns to work and thinks nothing of it. Six months later the film debuts at an Indy Film Fest to smash reviews – Zadie is an overnight sensation.
Plan in action:
She’s the perfect antidote to the typical Hollywood ingenue. The film is a hit, everyone wants a piece of Zadie, including Jasper, who plots her downfall, for snagging the role of a lifetime from under him.
Midpoint Turning Point:
Having taken on a role meant for a man, Zadie is embraced by the LGBT community. After images of her kissing lesbian comic Ledicia, go viral on social media, due to drunken high jinks at a film festival, people assume she’s gay.
Act 3:
Rethink everything:
Zadie is fired from her agency since clients are leaving in droves due to Jasper’s social media campaign exposing the fact Zadie ‘stole’ his role from him. Including Jasper who’s star is on the rise again.
New plan:
She’s nominated for a major acting award.
Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift:
Thanks to Jasper, Zadie is “outed” as straight. His actions put her nomination and acting career in jeopardy.
Act 4:
Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict:
She wins but at the podium turns down her award – stating that it should have gone to Jasper and announcing that she’ll be returning to her day job as an agent.
Resolution:
Zadie has a swanky office as an agent in a high-powered firm. Her new client is Jasper Benjamin. It’s revealed that Zadie and Jasper were actually lovers, who planned to leverage Zadie’s unexpected success to re-launch Jasper’s career, whilst allowing Zadie to return to what she actually loves doing at a much higher level as a power-player.
What I learnt: Keep this simple and fill in the gaps…
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WIM: Ruthie’s Subtext Plot
My Vision: To be known for and make a living from female-driven, dark comedy, while remaining confident that I have the skills and knowledge to elevate my ideas to their highest potential.
Genre: Comedy
Concept: A talent agent auditions for a movie on a whim and unwittingly becomes an overnight sensation, at the expense of her star client making his come-back and looking to get even.
Subtext Plot 1: The Fish Out of Water
Zella suffers from imposter syndrome as a talent agent for B-List and below actors. When she auditions for a role on a whim and unwittingly becomes an A-Lister, she’s unable to handle the transition from Hollywood nobody to tinsel-town somebody.
Subtext Plot 2: Competitive Agendas
On surface: Zella and her star client Jasper, who is trying to make a comeback after being a child star, compete against each other. She’s out to prove her worth, he’s out to get even.
Under surface: They are falling in love.What I learnt: Breaking this down into small pieces, makes it easier to digest.
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WIM: Ruthie’s Transformational Journey
My Vision: To be known for and make a living from female-driven, dark comedy, while remaining confident that I have the skills and knowledge to elevate my ideas to their highest potential.
2. Tell us the Character Arc for your Protagonist:
Arc Beginning: Small time talent agent with imposter syndrome.
Arc Ending: Confident Hollywood player.
3. Give us their Internal/External Journey.
Internal Journey:
From doubting her talent to knowing she’s great at what she does.
External Journey:
From small time agent to revered Hollywood power player.
4. Tell us their Old Ways at the beginning of the movie and their New Ways at the end.
Old Ways:
Full of self-doubt.
Feeling imposter syndrome.
Holding herself back.
A boisterous personality to mask fears.
New Ways:
Knowing deep down she’s good at what she does.
Genuine power player.
Realizing her potential.
Appearance of confidence is now real.
What I learnt: A strong emotional arc will hook your audience.
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WIM: Ruthie’s Intentional Lead Characters
My Vision: To be known for and make a living from female-driven, dark comedy, while remaining confident that I have the skills and knowledge to elevate my ideas to their highest potential.
Character:
Zella Haygate – Protagonist
Character Logline:
Zella is a talent agent, who unwittingly auditions and snags the role of a lifetime from her star client and becomes an overnight sensation.
What makes them unique:
She has deep-rooted imposter syndrome, so her outgoing personality is a front for her inner fears.
Character:
Jasper Benjamin – Antagonist
Character Logline:
Jasper is a former child-star actor looking to make his comeback as an adult.
What makes them unique:
The role Zella snagged was his big opportunity Therefore, he has nothing to lose in going after his former agent to get even.
What I learnt: Make the characters unique to only this story.
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Ruthie’s Title, Concept, and Character Structure!
My Vision: To be known for and make a living from female-driven, dark comedy, while remaining confident that I have the skills and knowledge to elevate my ideas to their highest potential.
Title: Miss Cast
Genre: Comedy
Concept: A talent agent auditions for a movie on a whim and unwittingly becomes an overnight sensation, at the expense of her star client making his come-back and looking to get even.
Character Structure: 1. Protagonist versus Antagonist.
What I’ve learnt: This is going to be a fun process!
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I, Ruthie Harris, agree to the terms of the release form.
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Hello teammates,
I’m Ruthie Harris. I’ve written three screenplays and a pilot. One script is optioned and currently in development, so I can attest to Hal’s classes working if we can keep up!
My hope for this course is for it to kick my arse into writing my next script. Yes, I said ‘arse’ – I’m originally from London, now living in Colorado.
I love surreal art and have a tattoo of Salvador Dali’s signature on my back…
Cheers,
Ruthie
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Ruthie Profiles People
What I learned: It’s intriguing to deep dive into the traits of someone you know, especially if you don’t care for them. This makes it challenging but necessary to think of a positive trait! (Again, due to Covid, this is from memory as opposed to IRL.)
Person 1.
Sneaky
Two-faced
Stubborn
Charming (superficially so)
When questioned on why they had not completed a task, they willfully suggested it was never going to happen. (Stubborn)
Person 2.
Argumentative
Self-centered
(Overly) Sensitive
Passionate
It was always very hard to get a word in edgewise, the conversation soon reverted to them.
Person 3
Entertaining
Dedicated
Natural leader
Social climber
Fun to be around but it’s always about appearances and what’s in it for them.
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Ruthie Puts Essence to Work
What I learned is… I learned to look at my previous scene to see if there was a stronger transition into the next scene. I also applied the four questions to each scene I wanted to elevate.
Script I chose: Action
Scene 1 Location: INT. BIANCA’S APARTMENT – DAY
Logline: Bianca is talking to her Handler about her previous hit and her next tricky assignment.
Essence I’ve discovered: The obliviousness of my protagonist that she’s being deceived.
New Logline: Bianca is talking via tablet with her female Handler, unaware it’s really a man – who’s deceiving her.Scene 2 Location: INT. SUBURBAN HOUSE – DAY
Logline: Bianca arrives to routinely kill her next target.
Essence I’ve discovered: That Bianca’s target knows more than normal.
New Logline: A fierce fight eventually sees Bianca overpower her target but not before realizing the woman she killed was expecting her.Scene 3 Location: INT. KITCHEN – NIGHT
Logline: Adrien morphs into a woman looking to avenge her sister’s killing by Bianca.
Essence I’ve discovered: Bianca can’t trust anyone – only herself.
New Logline: Everyone is out to kill Bianca.Scene 4 Location: INT. HOUSE – NIGHT
Logline: The Handler’s goons are coming for Bianca and Adrienne and an almighty fight ensues.
Essence I’ve discovered: This is a set-piece action scene and Act Two turning point of no going back.
New Logline: A kick-ass fight scene ensues – it’s life, death, and total carnage. There is no turning back.Scene 5 Location: INT. HANDLERS’ HQ – DAY
Logline: Bianca’s final showdown with her arch nemesis.
Essence I’ve discovered: Bianca must save herself and not be saved.
New Logline: Using every last shred of strength, Bianca finally overpowers and kills her arch nemesis herself. -
Ruthie Finds the Essence
What I learned: Deep dive and think about the subtext.
Script I choose: Bridesmaids
Scene 1 Location: Int. Diner – Day Pg. 4
Logline: Lillian is admonishing her best friend Annie for continuing to be at fuckbuddy Ted’s beck and call.
Essence: Lillian is attempting to get Annie to stand up for herself and to do better than continually acquiesce to someone who does not respect her – merely using her. We know deep down Annie agrees but she’s trying to play it cool, which only highlights her insecurities.Scene 2 Location: Ext. Street – Day Pg. 7
Logline: The two friends walk by Annie’s old bakery, now closed down and empty.
Essence: That Annie feels a failure. Now we know the route of her insecurities and why she puts up with a creep like Ted. It’s as if she believes she’s not good enough because her business failed.Scene 3 Location: Int. Jewelry Store – Day Pg. 8
Logline: Annie is deliberately off-putting to a couple looking to buy an engagement ring.
Essence: Compounding Annie’s sense of failure, we know she’s gone from business owner to a crappy sales job her mom got her. Since she’s also in a crappy relationship, or lack thereof, she has zero desire to sell the idea of love.Scene 4 Location: Int. Engagement Party – Day Pg. 22
Logline: It’s Lillian’s engagement party and Annie meets the impeccable Helen for the first time.
Essence: Annie’s sense of worth is tested by meeting the flawlessly gorgeous Helen. She’s immediately jealous and sensitive about this new person and her relationship to her best friend. There’s immediate rivalry as the two try to outdo each while giving speeches.Scene 5 Location: Int./Ext. Helen’s House – Day Pg. 81
Logline: Helen is hosting a lavish bridal shower having commandeered all of Annie’s ideas.
Essence: Annie knows immediately that Helen’s lavish party is based off her ideas with Helen taking the credit. But Annie is not wealthy enough to have executed them. She bites her tongue until Helen pulls out her ace card – an all-expenses trip to Paris for a dress fitting with a fancy French wedding dress designer. This pushes Annie to her lowest, (and funniest), moment. She proceeds to try and push over the chocolate fountain and then bashes a massive heart cookie to pieces. Lillian then suggests Annie should no longer come to her wedding. Helen has won.My selection for most profound essence: The Engagement Party
This is the incident towards the end of Act 1 that showcases the immediate rivalry between Annie and Helen for Lilian’s friendship. It sets-up how Annie will stop at nothing to outdo and compete with Helen as Bridesmaids. It also has the audience feeling sorry for Annie as it would appear Helen is far superior in status.
INT. CLUB – LATER – NIGHT
Lillian’s father, ED, finishes a speech.
ED
… and I really do look forward to
having Doug as part of the family.
So much that I think you two should
just get married now. Save me a
shitload of money.
(everyone LAUGHS)
People always laugh when I say that
but I’m not joking. Anyway, thanks
to all of you for coming. Here’s
to Doug and Lillian.
(everyone toasts)
All right, enough of me. Maid of
honor, you’re up. Annie.
Everyone claps, some whistles, as Annie nervously takes the
mic from Ed, who sits down.
ANNIE
Um, hi everyone. I’m Annie Walker.
LILLIAN
Yay, Annie!
ANNIE
(laughs)
I actually don’t want to go on with
a long speech, so I’ll just say
this. I’m so happy to be a part of
this celebration. You two deserve
each other as well as a lifetime of
happiness. So, cheers!
She raises her glass, people clap. Helen stands clapping and
takes the mic from her. Annie looks a bit surprised. Helen
gives her a smile motioning Annie to sit.
22.
HELEN
Thanks Annie, that was so sweet.
Lill, remember when the four of us
spent that weekend in Miami, and
the boys ended up working the whole
time? You and I sat by the pool the
whole time, drinking wine and
eating that peanut brittle.
(laughs)
We got such a tummy ache! I will
never forget all that we shared on
that trip. I told you things I’ve
never told anyone before. You made
me realize I can trust people
again. So let me just say, Lillian,
you are my best friend.
Annie’s mouth drops. People, including Lillian, are moved,
sniffling. Helen wipes away a tear.
HELEN (CONT’D)
(composing herself)
And I’m so proud of you. Now,
‘Dougly’, sorry inside joke, you’d
better not keep my Lill on a leash.
I still need my drunken Saturday
nights at Rockin’ Sushi!
Helen winks. People applaud and LAUGH. She gets emotional
again.
HELEN (CONT’D)
Everybody, raise your glasses to
the couple of the decade: DOUG AND
LILLIAN! Have a great night,
dessert wine is out.
Everyone “Ahh’s” and claps a little bit LOUDER. Without
thinking, Annie stands up and takes the mic from Helen.
ANNIE
I just wanted to say really quick
that you’re SO special to me. One
of the reasons is because I’ve
known you my entire life and you’ve
really helped shape who I am. I
just want to thank you for
carefully selecting me as your Maid
of Honor. I know you had some other
choices. You’re like my sister and
I love you. Well, that concludes
the speeches for the night.
23.
Annie sits down, keeping the mic. Helen reappears with her
own WIRELESS MIC.
HELEN
Thank you, one last thing. It’s
rare to meet an adult you really
connect with. That’s you Lill. I
went to Thailand recently with my
husband Perry and there was a
beautiful saying that I learned
there. So, let me say …
(speaks in Thai)
It means, “You are a part of me, a
part that I could never live
without. And I hope and I pray
that I never have to.”
(bowing)
Kap-hoon-kow.
The crowd quiets. Annie looks around the room and sees
everyone is in awe.
HELEN (CONT’D)
That’s it for tonight. Thank you
all for coming, dessert wine is
out. Consuelo?
People are crying and hugging. Annie pops back up.
ANNIE
Speaking of Consuelo, Lillian and I
took Spanish together in school.
And so I want to say to you and to
everyone here…gracias para vivar
en la casa. En la escuelas and el
azul marcada. Tienes con vivir en
las…forstuatsa, and gracias.
Helen instantly appears again with her mic.
HELEN
I feel so close to you and can
trust you. You’re my angel and
soulmate. I feel I can communicate
with you with simply a look.
Helen “looks” at Lillian.
HELEN (CONT’D)
Thank you for coming.
Helen has concluded the speeches, but Annie’s back.
24.
ANNIE
Lillian…
She stares at Lillian for a long, awkward beat.
ANNIE (CONT’D)
(suddenly singing)
“Keep smilin’. Keep shinin’.
Knowin’ you can always count on me,
for sure, that’s what friends are
for.
Helen steps forward with her now louder mic and in a very
loud R & B voice sings with Annie.
HELEN AND ANNIE
“In good times, in bad times, I’ll
be on your side for ever mooooore.
That’s what friends are fooor!!!”
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Ruthie Harris
I agree to the terms of this release form.
3. Please leave the entire text below to confirm what you agree to.
GROUP RELEASE FORM
As a member of this group, I agree to the following:
1. That I will keep the processes, strategies, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class confidential, and that I will NOT share any of this program either privately, with a group, posting online, writing articles, through video or computer programming, or in any other way that would make those processes, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class available to anyone who is not a member of this class.
2. That each writer’s work here is copyrighted and that writer is the sole owner of that work. That includes this program which is copyrighted by Hal Croasmun. I acknowledge that submission of an idea to this group constitutes a claim of and the recognition of ownership of that idea.
I will keep the other writer’s ideas and writing confidential and will not share this information with anyone without the express written permission of the writer/owner. I will not market or even discuss this information with anyone outside this group.
3. I also understand that many stories and ideas are similar and/or have common themes and from time to time, two or more people can independently and simultaneously generate the same concept or movie idea.
4. If I have an idea that is the same as or very similar to another group member’s idea, I’ll immediately contact Hal and present proof that I had this idea prior to the beginning of the class. If Hal deems them to be the same idea or close enough to cause harm to either party, he’ll request both parties to present another concept for the class.
5. If you don’t present proof to Hal that you have the same idea as another person, you agree that all ideas presented to this group are the sole ownership of the person who presented them and you will not write or market another group member’s ideas.
6. Finally, I agree not to bring suit against anyone in this group for any reason, unless they use a substantial portion of my copyrighted work in a manner that is public and/or that prevents me from marketing my script by shopping it to production companies, agents, managers, actors, networks, studios or any other entertainment industry organizations or people.
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1. Name? Ruthie Harris
2. How many scripts you’ve written? 3 Features – 1 Pilot (2 features optioned)
3. What you hope to get out of the class? The skills to elevate and polish a project when you’ve run out of steam!
4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you? Fascinated with Salvador Dali, I have his signature tattooed on my back…
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Thanks Brian – I’ll email you! Cheers, Ruthie
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Aww – cheers Haley – yes lots of guilt!
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Yes skewing more comedy than dark…!
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Cheers Cassie – excited for you too! 🌟
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Hi Julia,
Great to meet you!
I did the Pro Series and MSC courses previously. Neither of which I believe are offered now – I think WIM is intended to surpass and replace both of those.
I’ve never received feedback from Hal. My understanding is these courses are self-governing. You get out of them, what you put in and your fellow writers are there to support and feedback when appropriate.
I’m okay with that, as I signed on for the accountability and step-by-step assignments, to encourage me to write my next draft. My feedback comes from my writers group or outside paid coverage services.
However I do find the forums helpful when we start sharing – it’s amazing how insightful your classmates can be!
Inevitably people drop out or do the assignments on their own time but if we can keep up, it’s definitely worth it…
Cheers,
Ruthie
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You will finish and no doubt it will be fabulous!
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Hey Cassie – since you’re a Texas gal – are you going to AFF this year? I have my tix – can’t wait, would be so cool to meet up with any SU peeps there…
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OMFG Joanne – I used to live in Australia until they kicked me out of the country!!! Sydney is the best – I get misty-eyed just thinking about Oz…
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HA! Not If I don’t visit you first in Toronto my Canadian, commonwealth cousin!!! 🤣
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Hello Cassie – would not have happened without Hal! However, it’s one thing to be optioned, I’m still waiting for this puppy to be produced!!! Everyone here seems like a rockstar, it’s going to be exciting to see where we land… 🌟
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Brian – you’re too kind! Would not have happened without Hal’s courses kicking my proverbial arse! This is why I’m back for more – can’t wait to dive in with you guys…
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Francine! I’m so happy you signed up. Can’t wait to blast our way through this course with you…🤣