Stephanie Henry-Ricchi
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Stephanie Henry-Ricchi’s Three Gradients
What I learned from this assignment is how important it is to use this tool to the depth of a proudly written script. Without this step, it would lack true, human emotion that I am trying to share and experience with the audience. I will say that this assignment was not clear for me as how to structure the actual assignment. Apologies if I am way off…
Emotional Gradient used is FORCED CHANGE
Emotionally, the DENIAL, the character Kelly, a desperate young mom, has that the abusive attorney is her only choice. The ACTION is more of an inaction that despite her extreme WEAKNESS she finds help. Kelly’s CHALLENGE is her own sense of self worth.
The ANGER the character Dax, has when fighting off the teenagers from the homeless Sam and the ACTION is saving her. Dax’s challenge is what to do with the knowledge of how his boss, the abusive attorney, is treating clients and his WEAKNESS is the undying hope he continues to have to help save humanity.
Each of the characters in this script share the BARGAINING, wether it be for themselves or for someone else, they ask the universe to give them what the want and need and will in turn give, either bad or good of themselves, depending on the type of person they are.
DEPRESSION hits Sam, our lead female character after years of losing her family, money and well being until she starts to understand that only through her ACCEPTANCE of her situation will she find that she can battle the challenges because she is not alone in her fight and she will find strength in her WEAKNESSES because that is the thing that binds those in humanity to change. Change together and help others to see that their weaknesses in and of itself is the challenge.
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Stephanie Henry-Ricchi’s Part 4B Analysis of Dead Poets Society
Change in this movie?
Fighting against oppression, conformity as well as finding your voice.
Lead Characters:
a) Change Agent:
Neil Perry causes the major shift in his roommate Todd and the others. Always pushing for greatness. Neil had lived with the guilt and shame put upon him and made sure that his classmates did not feel the same.
b) Transformational Character:
Todd is the definite choice for this, his change was very slow but once he made the change the momentum sped up and he never reverted back to his old ways of feeling worthless and unheard.
Oppression:
In my opinion this was Neil Perry’s father. He was the king of shaming his son, and showing his disappointment. The need his father had for perfectionism would not allow his son’s true self to remain happy and alive.
I was lured into this profound journey:
because I have experience, personally, most (if not all) of the feelings that were circling throughout this movie. Speaking as an audience member, one takes stock of how their life is going and how the lives of those we love can be empowered by us. Learn to listen.
Who changed the most?
All of the boys who stood on their desk in the last scene. The symbolism of those still seated showed that the group of boys Mr. Keating impacted, were positively impacted for life. They took a risk that in their old ways would have never happened. The new way of life for them will be one that they show and speak their truths.
Gradient change: (levels)
The group was ISOLATED within themselves and even as a group in the beginning, still not bucking the system, being too careful not to get in trouble. BATTLING the school and family seem to be the ultimate fight. ADVENTURE into their Dead Poets Society hidden club and Knox finding courage to go for love with Chris. SELF ACCEPTANCE was in a sense good at times with themselves as a group or individually but also very sad because Neil accepted that he would not be imprisoned for 10 years in a life that made him unhappy. RELATIONSHIP to each other and Mr. Keating, proving to themselves and him that they had been listening and learning.
Old ways and beliefs being challenged:
was the only way that Todd could and would change. The shift was inevitable but the biggest shift was that he actually wanted and did change.
Profound moment:
Neil’s “last performance” both in the play and in his life. Realizing that the sacrifice his dad constantly said he was giving for his son was the other way around. Neil was sacrificing himself to try to please his parents. When he realized that it would never be enough, he was left with the only choice he felt he had, taking his life. Ending the fathers disappointment for him.
Profound line(s):
Neil: “I was good, I was really good” Neil: “no more yielding”
How did the ending pay off the set up of the movie?
Full circle from Keating standing on his desk to the boys doing the same in the last scene.
Keating divulged his weak and lonely feelings he had at the school when he was a boy, seeing it in all of them and then, just as he rose to live fully he gave the boys the same opportunity.
Profound truth?
Being authentically who we are is the first step we take as we stop being who others want us to be.
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Stephanie Henry-Ricchi’s Lead Characters
What I learned in lesson 4A is spotting the characters that fit each category. Mostly, that I may thing a certain one fits the Betrayal Character, for example, but if I really look, it may very well bean entirely different character than I once thought. Which is why the DEPTH of the character is so important to recognize.
TRANDFORMATIONAL LOGLINE:
When the world is threatened by a deadly illness that is not visible to the naked eye, one woman must fight her way out of homelessness and find strength. Because she has been told that she is the one chosen to save humanity.
CHANGE AGENT:
Suzy (lead protagonist) because she was once a stable, thriving woman, thus knowing what life was like before she became homeless, hopeless and vulnerable. She also finds the courage to fight her way back to a full life by first helping others.
TRANSFORMATIONAL CHARACTER:
Kelly ( character introduced later) because she is the one who connects the audience to the story. With no hope and desperate, she can make the audience want to help her. She goes from no self worth to finding her voice enough to stop the abuse she’s been going through.
THE OPPRESSION:
Mr. Warren (lead antagonist) lives off the pain and desperation of others. A lead instigator in infecting the world with the cause of the fatal illness. He control, demeans and uses those in need of help by manipulation.
BETRAYING CHARACTER:
Mrs. Warren (lead antagonist wife) after following her husband and condoning the evil he inflicts upon the good people of the world, she sheepishly stand up against it and voices that she will no longer be apart of the problem. But, she is still too weak of a person too be a part of the solution. She betrays both her husband, her elite community and even those in need.
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Stephanie Henry-Ricchi’s Transformational Journey
What I learned in this class is how the gradient levels have such an impact on the entire script.
TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY LOGLINE:
Driven by survival, a homeless woman struggles to save a negatively, changing world. But, she must first, save herself.
OLD WAYS:
Weak, afraid, alone, unstable, homeless, vulnerable and victimized, its what seems to be a hopeless situation.
NEW WAYS:
Hopeful, clarity of mind, loved, less alone, helps others to not only survive but thrive in a new world.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 6 months ago by Stephanie Henry-Ricchi.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 6 months ago by
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Stephanie Henry-Ricchi’s First 3 Decisions
What I learned from this lesson, is how to remove the stress of beginning a script in this category because throughout the lesson it will be changed and fleshed out.
1) My profound truth is finding one’s self worth and individual identity.
2) My movie will cause the audience to be more aware of those around us that may be lonely and need someone to care.
3) The entertainment vehicle is about a female photographer that lives vicariously through the people and events she shoots.
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Stephanie Henry-Ricchi’s Analysis of Groundhog Day
What I learned from this lesson is looking at the same thing with a different perspective will ultimately make me see the depth in a movie, that I even thought was just a scripted comedy.
1) The CHANGE and TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY of this movie was Phil Connors life change from self absorbed to a giving person.
2) LEAD CHARACTERS: The CHANGE AGENT was Rita because when Phil started loving her unconditionally, that love made him change. If she hadn’t been who she was each day, the main change would not have happened. Rita made him want to be a better man.
Phil was definitely the TRANSFORMATIONAL CHARACTER. It had to be Phil to deliver the message because he had the most profound arc as he changed from egocentric into a selfless and caring man.
3) I was LURED into this movie and could CONNECT because we have all known the kind of person Phil was with his cynical, shallow and at times, rude behavior. I was curious to see how many times it would take for him to become a better man.
<font face=”inherit”>4) Phil OLD WAYS of interacting with all the repeat </font>characters<font face=”inherit”> that appeared each day caused his change to be the greatest. Each of the characters were repeatedly kind and unchanging, so he knew it was himself that needed to change. The NEW WAYS were his relationship to each person, each new day.</font>
<font face=”inherit”>5) The GRADIENT CHANGE for me was the emotions that I watched Phil go through in the STEPS</font><font face=”inherit”>; snobby, self-righteous, </font>cynical, annoyed and rude to humble, kind, vulnerable and caring.
6) The OLD WAYS were challenged by the simple way humanity is on a daily, routine day and how Phil started living out his “bucket list” when he used the time wisely.
7) The most PROFOUND MOMENT was the interactions with the homeless man and especially when he tried to save his life numerous times.
8) The most PROFOUND LINE of the movie for me was; ” sometimes people just die”
9) The ENDING PAYOFF was set up first by the emptiness of Phil’s life into the fullness of life he attained in the end.
10) The PROFOUND TRUTH was TRUTH itself.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 7 months ago by Stephanie Henry-Ricchi.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 7 months ago by
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1. Name
2. How many scripts you’ve written?
3. What you hope to get out of the class?
4. Something unique, special, strange or unusual about you?
Hello all, my name is Stephanie Henry-Ricchi. I have been writing scripts diligently since about 2018 and fully committed to my career as a screenwriter. I am a published author and know the book world well but very excited to dive deeper into this industry. I have 3 full scripts and making my way up into the top percentages with recognition and accolades.
Writing movies that touch the heart and souls of humanity is the reason I am in this class but not in a way that deems me an expert to do so but because the experiences I have had (as we all have had) have brought us to a place to share, so it’s simply our turn, right?
I sold my ranch in Texas and went to live on my boat in Florida I 2021. I graduated college at the age of 55 with a BS in Sociology, Peace Studies and I have my Peace Corps prep certification.
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Stephanie Henry-Ricchi
I agree to the terms of this release form.
GROUP RELEASE FORM
As a member of this group, I agree to the following:
1. That I will keep the processes, strategies, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class confidential, and that I will NOT share any of this program either privately, with a group, posting online, writing articles, through video or computer programming, or in any other way that would make those processes, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class available to anyone who is not a member of this class.
2. That each writer’s work here is copyrighted and that writer is the sole owner of that work. That includes this program which is copyrighted by Hal Croasmun. I acknowledge that submission of an idea to this group constitutes a claim of and the recognition of ownership of that idea.
I will keep the other writer’s ideas and writing confidential and will not share this information with anyone without the express written permission of the writer/owner. I will not market or even discuss this information with anyone outside this group.
3. I also understand that many stories and ideas are similar and/or have common themes and from time to time, two or more people can independently and simultaneously generate the same concept or movie idea.
4. If I have an idea that is the same as or very similar to another group member’s idea, I’ll immediately contact Hal and present proof that I had this idea prior to the beginning of the class. If Hal deems them to be the same idea or close enough to cause harm to either party, he’ll request both parties to present another concept for the class.
5. If you don’t present proof to Hal that you have the same idea as another person, you agree that all ideas presented to this group are the sole ownership of the person who presented them and you will not write or market another group member’s ideas.
6. Finally, I agree not to bring suit against anyone in this group for any reason, unless they use a substantial portion of my copyrighted work in a manner that is public and/or that prevents me from marketing my script by shopping it to production companies, agents, managers, actors, networks, studios or any other entertainment industry organizations or people.
This completes the Group Release Form for the class.
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Stephanie Henry-Ricchi’s Marketing Plan
What I learned from this assignment is to be very clear and intentional but realistic as to what level of experience I am entering this industry in.
Subject line: Inquiring your feature film project. Subject line: 10 Years of Separation Mr. Sparks, I have been researching your work and as Drama is my specialty, I wanted to reach out. I just wanted to let you know that I am available to do writing assignments -- rewrite a screenplay, adapt a book, or write a screenplay from your idea. The project I listed in the subject line is very intriguing and I would be honored to discuss it. Of course, I'd be happy to send you a writing sample so you know the quality of my work. My scripts are discoverable on writers.coverfly.com and as you'll see I am new but gaining momentum. "Stripped Away" is in the top 32% and "Stay" the top 44% with noted accolades. Currently I have both scripts entered into various contest via, Coverfly, Film Freeway and others.
Let me know where I could send writing samples for you to view when your schedule allows. Stephanie Henry-Ricchi 214-718-1008 Steph@rayricchi.com LinkedIn: Stephanie Henry-Ricchi
The first 3 things I am doing to market myself and my work are:
1) Updating and making all relevant sites current, i.e., IMBd Pro, Film Freeway, Stage 32, Coverfly, Instep, Blacklist, etc…
2) Edit all query letters and submission rules and submit.
3) Create business cards and list of all production companies that take unsolicited submissions.
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Stephanie Henry-Ricchi’s Increased Perceived Value Pricing Strategies
What I learned from this assignment is that is is one (if not the) of the most important assignments because without this knowledge there is no career.
My specialty is Drama/ Supernatural Drama/ Family Drama.
How many producers on LinkedIn
3, one is a music producer and two film.
Three time frames for increasing my value as a screenwriter:
Today:
Building my network on LinkedIn and updating profiles on the following; IMBd, Industrial Scripts, Backstage, Film Freeway, Coverfly and Stage 32.
30 Days:
Have phone or in person conversations with people in the industry to collect information.
6 Months:
Have an extensive list of producers (produced producers) and start sending scripts and applying for writing jobs.
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Stephanie Henry-Ricchi is a note taking professional.
What I learned in this assignment is how to research budgets based on their genre. This helped me to see the realistic way to estimate a budget.
Logline: Liz must save her despondent sister from suicide, which is a challenge because Liz is already dead.
Cutting budget in half:
> Use less locations
> Stay within one season of weather
> Remove large crowds; i.e. hiring extras
Writing for a different audience:
Changed audience from female and male 25 yrs. old and up to female and male 25 yrs. old and below.
Double the conflict:
More specifically shown scenes of violence verses eluding to what happened.
Change the sex and age of lead characters:
Change Liz, who is in her 40’s to a male named Luke and he is in his 20’s. Change Sam, who is in her 50’s to a male named Lance in his 30’s.
Change the genre:
From Supernatural Family Drama to a Thriller.
Stephanie Henry-Ricchi
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What I learned from this lesson is how the different genre’s impact the expenses.
5 Ways to decrease my budget for STRIPPED AWAY
1) Locations can be re-used for different scenes instead of adding another location. Example; cafe and pizza place can exchange props to create scene. A house location can provide a single room for an apartment scene and even a motel room setting once props are exchanged.
2) Choose one city that compares closely to other city I have in my script so crew and set design can work in making it realistic. Example; Houston and Seattle both by water to give boat scene.
3) Limit crowd size for the bar and cafe scenes.
4) Replace any other expense for the expenses that are vital to the theme of the movie. Example; remove night scenes if I want music.
5) Research the cost of music rights and limit them where they have the biggest dramatic effect.
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Stephanie Henry-Ricchi’s rewrite of Kathryn Romanov Ward’s Fantastic Treatment
What I learned from this assignment is the ABSOLUTE need to have long conversations with the producer to get a full, clear view of what they’re wanting to accomplish on their project.
Title: Dracula & Son
Genre: Supernatural Comedy
Logline: While Dracula persuades his uninterested teenage son to follow his footsteps, he is unknowingly, being hunted.
TREATMENT:
Opening:
When Quinn and his proud mother, Lucy, walks out of the venue from her son’s graduation she is shocked to see the a license plate reading “I ❤<font face=”inherit”> Blood” on a black stretch limo. Lucy recalls the parental agreement </font><font face=”inherit”>she made to Quinn’s father, Dracula. Now, that Quinn is </font>eighteen his father will passionately work to convince his son to become a vampire.
Inciting Incident:
As Lucy finds the words to explain her responsibility to allow this to happen, the sun is setting and Quinn’s father can now approach them. Quinn, at first surprised to learn who his father is, quickly becomes uninterested in his way of life, or death and tries to tell both his parents that he is going into the military. While this conversation is going on there is a mysterious RV waiting inconspicuously across the street.
1st Act Turning Point:
At the demands of Lucy, Quinn agrees to take off with his father to an abandoned mansion where he will spend time convincing his father of his plans for the military while Dracula pulls out off the stops, including an enticing, beautiful vampire girlfriend, to change his son’s mind. All the while, the men in the RV follow them and scheme to kidnap Dracula and sell him to a secret crypto-zoo viewed only by deathly patrons.
2nd Act Turning Point:
Quinn, out of respect to his mother, Lucy, spend time allowing his father to show him what is necessary to become a vampire. But, Quinn cannot shape-shift and he hates the taste of blood. Once Dracula realizes that his son’s mind is set on the military, he gives up and after an argument Quinn storms out.
Crisis:
Dracula now distraught and feeling like a failing father heads to the door to walk into the sunlight and end his agony. When he opens the door he is immediately draped in a dark, heavy cloth and taken to the RV by the kidnappers. Lucy shows up to smooth things over between father and son and watches in horror as her ex-husband is being kidnapped.
Climax:
Lucy finds Quinn and they quickly assemble a team of military experts that Quinn has met through the past year. The rescue team follows clues to the whereabouts of Dracula and along with Quinn they rescue him.
Resolution:
Quinn, Lucy and Dracula are reunited and Dracula has a new found respect for his son’s decisions not to become a vampire and limit himself to the darkness but to support his choice in remaining amongst the living and serving his country. Lucy then accompanies Dracula on a voyage cross the sea to make sure that his coffin is safely back to Transylvania.
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I am ready to partner up and do phone interview. I realize I am not on the same pace as I have been traveling but if anyone still needs a partner or willing to have me as another one, please let me know.
Appreciate it very much, Steph
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Stephanie Henry-Ricchi’s Fantastic Treatment
In this lesson I learned more about the Interest Techniques and the questions that will be asked of me by producers and how to have the correct and clear answers.
Title: STAY
Genre: Drama
Logline: When Liz is given the challenge to save her step-sister, Sam’s life, they must embark on a journey that will prove difficult for Liz as well as Sam, because Liz is already dead.
I am using the 3 ACT structure.
ACT I
OPENING: We meet Sam, a 50 year old, busty blonde who is shocked that in spite of the fact she has submerged her step-sister’s urn several times, it keeps finding its way to the bank of the pond. Once Sam has made her way through the rain to get it, again, there is one difference. This time her step-sister, Liz, comes for a visit and the two of them ignore the obvious suicide plan that Liz sees on the bathroom sink.
INCITING INCIDENT: Liz travels between Heaven and Earth as she struggles to understand why she has been given the assignment to prove to Sam that life is worth living for. Liz is surprised that there is a lounge bar in Heaven and that the bartender is actually Jesus. Together, they watch Sam on Earth through a giant, ornate bar mirror, while she visits with her Dad, who is also dead.
ACT II
ACT II TURNING POINT: After trusting that Liz knows what she is doing, Sam accepts the travel through the past and the present to get answers to Sam’s fundamental question. What reasons are there for Sam to remain on Earth and why has she had so much pain in her life? One of those past answers, is that the judge residing over the child custody suit Sam is fighting to keep her two year old daughter, happens to be one of her regulars at the strip club where Sam works. We also see the present life of Sam that includes her loving husband, her daughter Kathryn, her son Loren and her estranged daughter Noel.
MIDPOINT: When Liz and Sam return to Sam’s cottage after the last flashback, Sam suddenly realizes the bloody mess in the cottage bathroom. She’s shocked and terrified as Liz explains to her that she succeeded in the suicide attempt. Liz must try to calm Sam and also explain that Sam is being given another chance, and why.
CRISIS: Sam’s estranged daughter, Noel convinces Pete to help her surprise her mother with a visit. Once Pete has picked Noel up at the airport and drives here to their home, Noel finds her mother laying in a pool of blood from cutting her wrist. She is barely alive.
CLIMAX: Noel and Pete fight for Sam’s life as they get her to the emergency room. We see Liz standing on the porch of the cottage watching the whole thing.
RESOLUTION: Liz has completed her assignment and convinced Sam to go back to the living and have a full and happy life with those who love her, including Noel, who is now back in Sam’s life.
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Stephanie Henry-Ricchi. What I am learning from this assignment is that we have to find like minds and work together so we can all succeed and perfect our speciality.
Stephanie Henry-Ricchi’s Synopsis for Producer Interview
TITLE: Words
GENRE: Drama/Fantasy
LOGLINE: In a world where the brutality of our words can literally kill, Dax, an attorney and Sam, a homeless woman find hope and a cure.
Dax Stone (40’s) a tall, handsome man with 5 o’clock shadow stubble, trips over a crack on the sidewalk while he reads a folded newspaper as he walks to crosswalk.
Sam Larsen (40’s) wearing what was probably the last dress she had on before becoming homeless – she looks at her reflection in a store window, fixing her hair.
When Dax notices the brutality of two teenagers, he runs to help Sam. He’s stunned by the BLACK PIXELATING DUST that starts to circle Sam’s body as she’s being kicked and ridiculed.
Later we meet <font face=”inherit”>Mr. Warren (50’s) wears a suit that is a few sizes too small with his shirt buttoned so tightly that his plump belly is showing through. Mr. Warren and his </font>privileged<font face=”inherit”> family are a part of the epidemic of WORDS that kill. </font>
<font face=”inherit”>As Sam and Dax become aware that humanity will cease to exist unless there is a miracle of change. Along the way, they meet others who suffer the abuse of this verbal illness. </font>
<font face=”inherit”>Dax works for Mr. Warren and Sam was a victim of Mr. Warren’s abuse of power years before.</font>
Dax, Sam and others learn of a secret society that has known all along about the abuse of their words but remain apart of this evil community.
<font face=”inherit”>Time is running out and the good </font>people<font face=”inherit”> of the world have to hurry to help heal the hurt souls with good WORDS.</font>
<font face=”inherit”>BUDGET: $20 – $40 million (est.) </font>
<font face=”inherit”>
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Stephanie Henry-Ricchi DRAMA WRITING SAMPLE
What I learned from this assignment is the vital need to re-write as many times as possible to make my DRAMA a very clear concept for producers and audiences.
TITLE: Stripped Away
GENRE: Drama
LOGLINE: When Vera’s suicide attempt fails, a woman across the country will be the one to help her, only to discover their lives have been effected and traumatized by the same man.
First 10 pages:
In Houston, Texas, Vera thinks she has an organized suicide plan, to end the pain and trauma she’s had to live with. But, it is unsuccessful and she must make a different plan, one to live.
Across the country, in Seattle, Washington, Auda is walking into her weekly Cocaine Anonymous meeting, learning to live with life’s circumstances.
Due to Vera’s decision to leave Houston, circumstances bring these tow women together. They find empowerment in their new friendship but until the they have to fight off the danger they both must face.
10 PAGE SAMPLE:
INT. AN OLD INDUSTRIAL LOFT – HOT AND HUMID HOUSTON, TEXAS EVENING
VERA (40’s) curvy, big breast and a dark pixie haircut sits in front in front of an old vanity mirror – she’s sweating.
A BOX FAN BLOWS AS IT PROPS A WINDOW OPEN.
VERA
Damn air conditioner, broken again!
She’s wearing black silk boy shorts and a black lace bra which her boobs are pouring over.
She meticulously applies lipstick to her full lips and then mascara but DROPS the wand onto the white shag carpet.
VERA
Fuck!
She grabs a dirty sock off the floor and tries to clean the carpet.
Vera looks at the ceiling.
VERA
Sorry, Grandma, I know you hate that word.
She now slips red heels onto her bare feet and stares at the WHITE DRESS hanging on the closet door.
Vera stands to slide the dress over her curvy body and then reaches for something on the bed that WE CANNOT SEE.
Vera walks into the living room towards two bar stools – one empty and the other holding an opened laptop.
WE SEE a split page view that reads: “HOW TO TIE A NOOSE” and “SUICIDE BY HANGING”.
WE NOW SEE what she is holding – a ROPE.
Vera sits and squirms on one stool trying to fix her exposed boobs and clicks on the VIDEO CAMERA icon to begin a message.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SMALL CHURCH PARKING LOT – SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SAME TIME
AUDA,(40’s) sits in her SUV after turning off her car headlights – She pulls the car visor down to inspect her messy, blonde bun and makeup in the lit mirror.
WE SEE TWO PHOTOS fall out – both are of CHILDREN – one photo is a lot older than the other.
Auda gets out of her SUV – wearing tattered jeans and a vintage 80’s rock t-shirt pulled tight over her full breast.
She throws her backpack over her should and looks down at a round, plastic token hanging from her keychain that reads: “CA”.
INT. SMALL CHURCH – CONTINUOUS
Auda walking down the hallway and suddenly stops to lean against the wall.
She takes a deep breath and closes her eyes.
AUDA
Must I STILL do these meetings?
FLASHBACK TO:
EXT. OUTSIDE A SMALL TOWN BAR – RAINING – DUSK
AUDA (22) wearing cut off jean shorts an AC/DC tee and white GoGo boots spins in the middle of a busy street while her baby-fine pigtails get soaked by the rain.
She swipes at the air as if she’s trying to catch something.
She’s TRIPPING on some kind of hallucinogenic.
TONY (20’s) a Greek man with a long black ponytail – Auda’s boyfriend – stands sheltered under an overhang outside the bar.
TONY
(yelling)
Auda, get out of the fucking road!!
AUDA
(yelling)
I’m fine Tony, look the raindrops, they’re diamonds!!
Tony still tries to coax her out of the street.
TONY
(yelling)
Yes, baby, I see, they DO look like diamonds!!
WE SEE a WAITRESS come out of the bar and talk to Tony.
WAITRESS
(angrily)
Tony, get her out of the street, she’s gonna get killed!
TONY
I’m trying, chill!
TONY
(yelling)
Baby, come inside, I ordered your favorite (beat) potato skins with tons of sour cream.
Tony gives up and walks inside the bar.
Auda suddenly stops spinning around when she’s startled by a TRUNK HORN which alerts her to a BIG RIG heading right at her.
She stumbles and falls to the curb as the waitress grabs her to get her off the road just in time as the BIG RIG passes.
INT. SMALL TOWN BAR – CONTINUOUS
The waitress gets Auda inside and wipes her off with a bar towel.
AUDA
Tony said tripping on shrooms would be fun (beat) where is Tony anyway?
The waitress points to Tony who is sitting and eating with friends.
AUDA
Asshole.
WAITRESS
Agree (beat) hey, let’s go do a bump in the back, my shift is over.
AUDA
Yeah, let’s do several.
They both walk to a back storage room, close the door and the waitress using her conveniently long pinky nail to scoop white powder out of a tiny compact – Auda snorts it first.
BACK TO:
INT. SMALL CHURCH – CONTINUOUS
AUDA
God, I hate the smell of churches.
She passes several closed doors, each bearing a SIGN signifying what twelve-step meeting is going on inside.
AUDA
Overeaters Anonymous, nope. Alcoholics Anonymous, nope.
AUDA
Cocaine Anonymous, this is the one.
She walks inside to find several people holding tiny Styrofoam cups of coffee and nearly everyone sucking on a vape.
PHIL (60’s) a plump, cheerful man waves at Auda from across the room.
PHIL
(yelling)
Hey, Auda, good to see you back!
Auda walks to Phil.
AUDA
Hi Phil, how are you?
Phil sets his cup and a big blue book on one of the chairs in a circle and lets out a laugh.
PHIL
Still above ground.
Auda tries not to make eye contact with anyone but one lady keeps looking at her.
Everyone stands after the meeting ends – they’re all now hand in hand, eyes closed and praying out loud – except Auda, who’s starring into space.
CA GROUP
Our father who art in heaven…
AUDA (V.O.)
I’m so hungry, I wonder if Pete will want pizza.
CA GROUP
Amen, keep coming back, it works if you work it!
The lady who’s been staring at Auda is walking towards her now.
AUDA (V.O.)
She’s way to happy for a recovering drug addict.
The lady walks right up, hugs her causing Auda’s arms to be pinned to her sides.
AUDA
Oh, okay we’re hugging.
RUTH (20’s) thin enough to look malnourished, takes a long drag off her vape.
RUTH
I’m Ruth.
AUDA
Hi.
Ruth points to Phil.
RUTH
Phil told me you wrote a book.
AUDA
Yeah, I did, if only I could sleep.
RUTH
Same, I’m always tired.
AUDA
No, that’s the title, IF ONLY I COULD SLEEP.
Ruth lets out a raspy laugh and coughs.
RUTH
Phil said I should read it.
AUDA
Didn’t realize Phil read it, but of course and I can bring one next week if you’ll be here?
RUTH
That would be great, I’m broke.
Auda leans down to get her keys out of her backpack.
AUDA
Ruth, I’m sorry.
RUTH
For what?
AUDA
Well, if you’re asking about my book, I’m assuming you relate to my story.
RUTH
Sexual violence, survival and hope. That’s how Phil described it.
AUDA
Thank god he added the word hope.
Ruth hugs her again.
Auda walks out of the church and back into her SUV.
She drops the visor again to catch the two photos – presses them to her heart and cries.
CUT BACK TO:
INT. VERA’S LOFT – SAME TIME
WE NOW SEE what is hanging behind Vera – a NOOSE TIED ROPE.
She’s speaking into the laptop microphone.
VERA
(sad)
Mom, it’s been 12 years since I’ve seen you and I’m hoping you have the same email.
Vera pauses and lets out an exasperated sigh.
VERA
All my life there has been something fundamentally wrong with me – you reminded me of it constantly – I regret so much but mostly, I wish I could have known who my Dad was (beat) why you kept that a secret my whole life, I guess I’ll never know.
She reluctantly sends the video message.
Vera moves the stool holding the laptop and kicks off her heels – she’s NOW STANDING on the other stool grabbing the rope fitting and fitting her head through it.
She tightens the ROPE and steps off the stool – she QUICKLY and VIOLENTLY DROPS!
CRACK!!!
BREAK!!!
SHATTER!!!
THE WOOD BEAM breaks!
Vera IMMEDIATELY drops to the floor!!
She has a portion of the broken wood beam and rope still attached to her neck.
VERA
FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! Are you fucking kidding me?
VERA
(frustrated)
I can’t get killing myself right.
She sits on the floor defeated, crying and in shock – mascara pours down her cheeks and she wipes snot from running down to her mouth.
VERA
I DON’T WANT TO BE HERE ANYMORE!!
She suddenly hears a knock at her door – she looks up shocked and confused.
VERA
What the hell?
She forces herself to her feet and without thinking walks to the door.
She opens it.
It’s a pizza delivery guy.
PIZZA GUY (teenager) a tall skinny guy in a pizza logo tee with his long dark hair tucked under a backwards ball cap.
He’s shocked at the sight of Vera with a rope and a partially broken wood beam around her neck.
PIZZA GUY
Dang lady, you okay?!
He looks past Vera and sees the broken wood beam mess on the floor.
Vera looks at him squarely in the eyes.
VERA
I forgot I ordered a pizza.
She’s clearly still in shock and stands in a trance.
PIZZA GUY
Lady, you okay?
PIZZA GUY
Your neck is bleeding.
He stands staring at her neck and she finally realizes what he’s seeing.
She points to the rope and the wood piece she dragged to the door.
VERA
Oh, this is nothing, well NOW it’s nothing (beat) anyway, my pizza?
Hesitantly the pizza guy hands her the pizza.
PIZZA GUY
Yeah, your pie, here ya go.
Vera takes the box with her free hand.
VERA
Thanks, hang on I’ll go get my money.
Her looks past her again at the broken wood beam mess.
PIZZA GUY
No, it’s cool, you look like you need a break, well another break, right?
VERA
Are you sure? I can get my money.
PIZZA GUY
Yep, I’m sure, but for real, are you okay?
VERA
I am, thanks.
She closes the door.
EXT. OUTSIDE VERA’S LOFT – CONTINUOUS
The pizza guy walks to the elevator and pulls out his cell phone while balancing a pizza box warming bag.
He’s leaving a voicemail for someone.
PIZZA GUY
Dude, I just delivered a pie to a chick with a rope around her neck! It was sick, call me!
He gets on the elevator takes his cap off and scratches his head – the elevator door closes.
INT. VERA’S LOFT – CONTINUOUS
WE SEE Vera struggle to remove the rope, the wood piece falls on her leg – she flinches in pain.
VERA
Oh my god!
She sits on the floor, rope and wood beam piece still connected around her neck.
She now balances a glass of red wine and the opened pizza box – she spills wine on her WHITE DRESS.
VERA
Of course, whatever, it doesn’t matter.
Vera stands to get her laptop and brings it to the floor – there’s an email notification.
VERA (V.O.)
Error in sending video message to unknown email address.
She rubs her tired eyes and inspects her cut leg.
VERA
Of course it didn’t send.
She starts typing again.
Vera opens her laptop again and the browser search READS: AMERICA’S TOP 10 PLACES TO LIVE IN THE WEST COAST.
VERA
Seattle, Washington – Garlic Gulch – Seattle’s Little Italy.
She closes her laptop walks to her bedroom, pulls the dress off and throws in on the floor.
She drops to the bed in her boy shorts and bra with messy hair and her face stained from tears, mascara and blood.
Her cell phone rings – she answer’s after several rings.
VERA
Hello?
It’s Vera’s assistant, GRACE.
GRACE
Sorry to call so late, but I had a question that couldn’t wait until Monday.
Vera clears her raspy throat to talk.
VERA
It’s fine, what’s your question?
GRACE
You sound hoarse, are you alright?
VERA
I’m fine, my throat is just a bit sore.
GRACE
Okay, well detective ass-wipe called me about stopping by your office Monday.
VERA
I wonder what that will be about?
GRACE
Maybe they have a lead?
VERA
I doubt it (beat) tell him he can come by in the afternoon because I really need time with you in the morning.
GRACE
With me? Are you firing me?
VERA
Of course not, I’d be lost without you Grace, you’re amazing.
GRACE
So the song goes.
VERA
Song?
GRACE
Amazing Grace, my Grandma sang it to me all the time.
GRACE
Sleep well Vera.
VERA
Goodnight Grace.
She hangs up.
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I write Drama feature film length.
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Stephanie Henry-Ricchi’s Key Business Decisions:
What I learned was that I can dedicate my writing to Drama (and will) but the Producer/Production Co. still have to guide the type of Drama each of my scripts speak to. This will help with the overall goal, getting movie made and distributed to relevant audience.
GENRE: Drama
TITLE: STAY
CONCEPT: When Liz is given the challenge to save a life, she questions how, realizing that the journey she is about to take will difficult not only because the life she is trying to save is her sister’s but because Liz is already dead.
AUDIENCE: Female 25 plus and Male 25 plus.
<font face=”inherit”>BUDGET: (This is </font>difficult<font face=”inherit”> for me to decipher until I’m more educated on how the numbers are tallied exactly).</font>
<font face=”inherit”>LEAD CHARACTERS:</font>
<font face=”inherit”>SAM, a 50 year old busty blonde Oklahoma born woman wearing a red dress and </font>rain boots.
LIZ, an ageless, fiery red-head dressed in a white sundress, she’s been dead for years.
PETE, Sam’s husband, a 60 year old Northern Italian with blue eyes, wears a suit and tie mostly.
THE BARTENDER, turns out to be JESUS, in jeans and a pinstriped vest works in a lounge in Heaven.
JOURNEY/CHARACTER ARC:
Sam reluctantly believes she’s seeing and talking to her dead step-sister as they travel back through certain times of Sam’s life to help Sam choose life. As Sam gains hope and a desire to heal from her past she as well as Liz grow spiritually and each accept the chances they’re being given. Liz, for her reasons, chooses to remain dead and Sam wants to STAY.
OPENING:
Sam is at her writing cottage, on the porch, its pouring rain and she notices her step-sister’s URN floating at the bank of the pond, again because she’s sunk it three other times and it keeps returning. She goes to get it, bring inside her cottage and then Liz shows up.
ENDING:
Pete wakes Sam, who’s asleep in a hammock on the porch of her cottage. She slowly wakes, confused. As Pete makes sure Sam is alright, he gets her on her feet and they walk back towards the main house. She turns to look behind her and Pete ask, “what is it?” Sam says, “oh nothing, just thought I saw a ghost.”
My script still needs a few more re-writes (if not many) to flesh out my characters more. I feel like the budget will be a realistic and hopefully appealing number for a producer, since the locations are few. I could improve on knowing what audiences my film might actually bring.
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Specialization continues to be Drama for me and now I want to funnel down to specific types of drama. Become more unique in my delivery of the conventions of Drama.
My 2nd film was the newly released “Blonde” 2022
This exploration of Marilyn Monroe was the closest to the truth of what she went through. They removed all the glory of Hollywood and shoed what she silently went through that made her wo she was. Caring about her was intense and the need to save her was even more so. This film is difficult to watch but as a (sorry if this is TMI) a survivor myself I not only felt the impact of the movie but felt it because of the writing. The specific was this script show hidden details of the human existence. Her life continuing was the highest stake of course but the most powerful thing I saw was the way Norma Jean knew she was NOT Marilyn Monroe. The impactful scene was with Whitey (her makeup artist) in front of a mirror when Norma jean is g=begging Marilyn not to leave her and Whitey telling her “don’t worry, she’s almost here” and the transformation from Norma Jean to MM was harrowing. The challenges were for the male population. They begged to be with her, have a part of her sexuality and control her and those that were able to do so abused her deeply. Sex as a tool of destruction was elevated in this movie but you didn’t want to turn it off, you wanted answers to a life long story we THINK we already knew.
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I learned that I need to continue to focus on Drama as my specialization.
The 1st film I watched was A Beautiful Mind:
This movie delivered on the purpose of showing an emotionally, high stake driven story about John Forbes Nash Jr., a paranoid schizophrenic but brilliant mathematician. It was definitely a character driven film and I not only cared about him but felt like I was experiencing the journey that he was. The stakes were the highest possible, death. Death of himself through his own action as well as the danger to his baby boy and wife. The audience (me) felt invested from the very start and could feel all the emotions that he and his wife were feeling. As if it was happening to me personally. He was challenged to the core, so this convention I’d say was the overall theme of the story. The reality of what could and did happen if his illness took control of his life. The challenge for John Nash was to accept that he was sick, take medication and then speak about it openly.
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Stephanie Henry-Ricchi’s Credibility is Going Up!
1) Help the industry find me in Google search with regard to professional screenwriting.
2) Update profiles with an emphasis on screenwriting.
3) Buy tickets for film festivals for 2023.
WHAT I LEARNED:
While researching my name, I realized I have more credibility than I thought, even if it is for my activism and published book. It’s a definite start, especially since I am found as a writer.
My current credibility:
Top of the list on GOOGLE was
* Bio for Stage 32 social media network for this industry (as a screenwriter).
* LinkedIn as a non-profit founder for Activism For Empowerment Organization and as an published author.
* Research Gate for my University of North Texas college because they did a school newspaper piece on my book and activism work.
* Youtube show TV appearances and speaking engagements throughout my career.
* Screencraft Writers Summit info.
* Backstage Bio.
* Genesis Women’s Shelter Speaking engagement.
* Star Local Media for Collin County Texas where I lived and worked to bring awareness of Human Trafficking in our local regions.
*CBS News for my published book and work in my area to help eradicate Human Trafficking.
* Goodreads, Barnes & Noble and Amazon marketing of my Memoir “If Only I Could Sleep”
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Subject: Stephanie Henry-Ricchi
1st completed script: STRIPPED AWAY
Logline: When Vera’s suicide attempt fails, a woman across the country will be the one to help her, but not before she has to fight for her own life.
Mystery/Drama about one woman running from her attacker, cultivating a new friendship only to discover their lives have been effected and traumatized by the same man.
Budget: $5-$15 million.
2nd completed script: STAY
Logline: When Liz is given the challenge to save a life, she questions how, realizing that the journey she is about to take will difficult not only because the life she is trying to save is her sister’s but because Liz is already dead.
Fantasy/Drama about a sister longing to heal from her past and missing her dead sister enough to will her to visit. They journey through the past and deal with the present, making arguments on the importance of choosing not to take your life.
Budget: $ $10-$20
I am learning that it is essential to do writing assignments, listening to producers visions and be willing to make changes no matter how many until the vision has been perfected and can make a movie because making a movie and controlling the budget are the main things.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 8 months ago by Stephanie Henry-Ricchi.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 8 months ago by
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Stephanie Henry-Ricchi
I agree to the terms of this release.
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Hello, although I have had to start my class later than Sept. 19th, I will catch up.
My name is Stephanie Henry-Ricchi and I have been writing scripts since 2019, with two completed and several more going.
I have taken many courses with regard to writing and workshops with regard to screenwriting but after I listen to the free Friday with Hal Croasmun I was hooked at the way he fully explained things to me that number one felt less intimidating and two, very realistic and possible. So I hope to get more of this.
I published a memoir in 2013 titled “If Only I Could Sleep” (Stephanie Henry, is my pen name) and spent from 2009 – 2016 speaking around the globe on surviving sexual trauma, fighting alongside with incredible organizations to eradicate Human Trafficking.
Having worked in Kenya, Rwanda and Cambodia and the U.S. I feel blessed to have had the experience of helping others fell less alone, I have become stronger and want to share the empowerment anywhere I can. Throughout the first two script, I share pieces of my story.
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Michael, this is intense and comes from a very real place. Speaking as someone who has been working to eradicate Human Trafficking for years I appreciate this story.
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Wayne, Same here, I’d really like to read this in it’s entirety.
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Tully, I’ve decide to give feedback alongside Daniel. Because I read through the 10 pages a few times.
Your THRILLER GENRE is very solid. Your writing is also CLEAR as well as the story. I can sense what we are building up to but you’ll probably twist and turn before it’s all said and done. I hope so anyway. Keep the audience guessing. This is going to be a COMPELLING thriller and one that I’ll have to watch with my hands over my face and through my fingers, HA! That’s a good thriller! The HORROR for Hannah is of course her abusive mother. I could feel the glare she gave Hannah in the kitchen and also feel the anxiety in Hannah at having to live with that.
Why, at 11 years old, is Hannah at home alone when her mother leaves for work? Is it summer?
I sense a CAT connection between both worlds and the symbolism of how many lives cat’s have and question if we, as humans, also have more lives than we think. So it’s thought provoking too. Very good.
Question: was the sentence “…. Denials good…., is that Sharon’s dialogue? Inner dialogue? Also, why did William go from age 4 to 8 within these 10 pages?
Lastly, the timing if your SMASH CUT was perfect timing.
Would like to see the rest of the script for sure.
Steph
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Tully, I have read your 10 pages, let me know if you’d like my feedback still. Steph
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Kathryn, I want to read the entire script!
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Kathryn, although my genre is Drama, would you be willing to read my 10 pages and give feedback? I’ve been traveling and have missed the chance to pair up. Also, I really want to read Fat Bottomed Girl, so I’ll do so without feedback since you’re paired up. Thank you! Steph
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Tully, forgive me for this late reply, I have been traveling. Let me know if you are still available to partner up but if you have gone elsewhere I fully understand. Steph
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Tully, although I focus on Drama, one of my scripts is about ghost. Not horror though, but if I am reading these post correctly, you are not paired off, right? I think I could learn a lot from your writing.
Steph
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Kathryn thank you, that is much better!
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When I read #2 I let out a huge laugh because although its a possible dark comedy of the struggle of overeating it made me happy that it’s something I have never heard of before (the concept that is)
Steph