[Stacey Johnson]

Stacey’s Great Hook!

A. How did this process work for you?

Brainstorming potential settings has resulted in several new concepts. I have changed story ideas to work on several times.

B. What did you learn doing this assignment?” Transforming my ideas into contained scripts is still a little tricky; however, I believe it will be more attainable soon.

[Stacey Johnson]

Subject line: Stacey’s Guidelines for Now You See Me

What I learned doing this assignment is a reminder of how easy it is to incorporate big elements in a script but it’s harder to trim it down to just the essentials. Just because you eliminate certain scenes doesn’t necessarily mean you are sacrificing quality.

Part 1: My story idea is contained but it involves a family, so it has kids. I have cut down on other areas of containment, but I am brainstorming stunt alternatives.

Part 2: TITLE: Now You See Me (2013)

AS THEY DID IT:

A. People: Four magicians known as “The 4 Horsemen,” along with 1 billionaire bad guy, 6 agents, 1 French Interpol agent, and 1 former magician with an assistant, expose the Horsemen’s tricks.

B. Stunts: Illusions involving explosions, wind machines, water tanks, car chases, a car crash, and jumping off of buildings.

C. Extras: Thousands of audience members in a Las Vegas arena, attendees in outside magic acts, etc.

D. Wardrobe – Modern. Black suits without the tie.

E. Hair and Makeup – Stylish but not overdone.

F. Kids and Animals – Kids – None. Animals – One white rabbit used in a magic trick.

G. Quarantine – Large amounts of people are everywhere typical of Las Vegas, New York, and New Orleans settings.

COVID GUIDELINE VERSION:

A. People – If absolutely necessary, cut down the number of horsemen to two and have them compete against each other for seniority. The former magician doesn’t need an assistant. The number of agents could be reduced by radioing in results or speaking on a monitor.

B. Stunts – Fine as is. Illusions in Vegas deserve to be big.

C. Extras – Instead of large size audiences in a Las Vegas arena, put the focus on the illusion. Put the horsemen in a dark room where you only see silhouettes of audience members and the sounds of them cheering. It could be overwhelming enough to fill the performers.

D. Wardrobe – Fine as is.

E. Hair and Makeup – Fine as is.

F. Kids and Animals – Kids – N/A, Animals – Can probably do without the rabbit since other tricks are upscale.

G. Quarantine – Some venues could have green screen footage to increase crowd sizes.

[Stacey Johnson]

Stacey Johnson

I agree to the terms of this release form.

[Stacey Johnson]

Hi everyone,

My name is Stacey Johnson. I’ve written about 10 scripts and specialize in fantasy and supernatural genres. I’m looking forward to learning more about writing contained movies so I can find ways to keep my locations to a minimum.

I’m a graduate of the Screenwriting U Pro Series and Masterclass.