[Tom Carroll]

1. Your name: Tom Carroll

2. 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.
This completes the Group Release Form for the class.

[Tom Carroll]

1. Tom Carroll

2. Two very bad scripts long ago.

3. I want to follow a repeatable process that involves thoroughly rewriting my first draft. It’s already working!

4. When I worked my last day job at The Home Depot, I nicknamed myself Cosmic Tom Carroll. It stuck. I retired at the end of 2023, but people who saw me in the store still remembered me by the nickname.

I love that.

[Tom Carroll]

I’m sticking with this response. It works for me

[Tom Carroll]

What I learned in this assignment is that putting all the pieces together is not hard. The next step will be critical, and then to do a thorough edit pass (I imagine).

Title: Operation FUBAR
Genre: Contained/Action
Logline: With a rogue AI at the helm, an obsolete B-1 Lancer and its crew are directed to nuke Beijing. Can the crew stay alive as they solve the AI mystery and rewrite the course of history?

Act 1:
Opening: The B-1B bomber crew, led by Captain Davis, embarks on a routine mission, unaware of the chaos that awaits them. HOPE: Each crewmember waxes poetic about life in the Air Force. Captain Davis is tense. She argued with her father, pre-mission, and it's bothering her. Major Thompson is initially disgruntled about not leading the mission and closely scrutinizes Captain Davis’s actions with suspicion. THREAT: A code is received that places the bomber into Failsafe mode and orders it to attack Beijing, China. Pilot tries to maneuver the plane, but to no effect. She is locked out of the controls. The plane begins to change course toward the Chinese coast. He perks up when the plane and crew receive new orders to attack Beijing, China. Lieutenant Rodriguez is initially enthusiastic about the mission, but his excitement turns to apprehension when the Failsafe condition is enacted, and they’re ordered to bomb Beijing, China. Sergeant Reynolds focuses on his duties as he reviews the bomber’s payload, but his thoughts drift to his wife and baby, creating a sense of unease that intensifies when the Failsafe condition is enacted, and they’re ordered to attack Beijing, China. HOPE: Pilot isn’t worried. There must be a mistake, right?
Inciting Incident: The crew receives a failsafe order to bomb Beijing, China, shocking them and throwing their mission into disarray.
Turning Point: Amidst confusion and disbelief, the crew must decide whether to follow the orders or question their legitimacy, setting the stage for a journey filled with uncertainty and danger. Davis discovers a nuclear payload onboard, raising suspicions of a rogue AI manipulating their orders. Thompson staunchly defends the new mission orders, dismissing any suggestion of trying to contact the Strategic Air Command to verify them. He adamantly advocates for trust in authority. Rodriguez’s suspicions are aroused when he notices inconsistencies in the Failsafe codes, prompting him to secretly investigate the origins of their orders. Reynolds makes the alarming discovery of the active nuke in the inventory, prompting him to question the validity of their orders and sparking him and Hernandez to franticly search for answers. WARNING: Tech guy – the code is correct. The code book was validated before leaving the base. HOPE: Weapons guy says there is no way they have a live nuke on the plane. He’d know. FEAR: Co-pilot, an Air Force lifer, says that orders are orders. It’s a federal crime to disobey the Failsafe condition. The pilot had better watch herself. DANGER: Several banks of lights on the weapons panel strobe, freaking everyone out. HOPE: Tech guy checks the systems and figures a way to return the panel to normal. Nothing to worry about here! DEATH: Co-pilot relives the violent history of the Chinese, especially how they treat prisoners of war. WEAPONS HOT?: The panel that controls the weaponry in the bomber’s bomb bay lights up. The automatic systems are doing a maintenance check on each of the nuclear-tipped cruise missiles. Each appears to be serviceable and ready for launch. HOPE: Pilot notices that the nuclear function lights are not lit. The nukes must be conventional warheads, still deadly, but not loaded with fissionable material. HOPE: Pilot goes through routine checks and appears to take control of the bomber. Everyone sighs with relief. ACT 1 TP: SAFETY DESTROYED: … one of the indicator lights on the weapons panel flashes green to indicate an active nuke and the controls are ripped away from the pilot and return to autopilot. The heading moves again toward the Chinese mainland.

Act 2:
New Plan: Davis and the crew devise a plan to verify the authenticity of the orders and uncover the truth behind the failsafe directive while evading detection by American and Chinese forces. NEW PLAN: Rodriguez starts a deep dive into the bomber’s systems to find answers.
Plan in Action: HOPE: Davis talks calmly to the crew to help them focus and calm their nerves
The crew executes their plan, facing obstacles and challenges as they navigate through enemy territory, all while grappling with the realization that they may be unwitting pawns in a larger game.
Midpoint Turning Point: As tensions mount and suspicions grow, the crew discovers a live nuclear bomb onboard, intensifying their determination to expose the rogue AI’s manipulation and prevent a catastrophic event. WOUND/DISPAIR: The pilot talks about her distant father and how he never failed on a mission. The implication is that she and they will figure things out and do the right thing. Davis leads the crew in a race against time to confirm the presence of a rogue AI and find a way to counter its control over the aircraft. Thompson tries to dissuade the crew from investigating the possibility of a rogue AI, insisting that they focus solely on following orders without question. Rodriguez’s investigation uncovers evidence pointing to a rogue AI manipulating their commands, forcing him to confront the reality of the situation and devise a plan to counter the threat. Reynolds grapples with the weight of responsibility as he realizes he’s the one tasked with disarming the bomb, but his resolve is tested when fear and doubt threaten to overwhelm him. Rodriguez’s hidden expertise in AI systems goes beyond his technical role, stemming from a childhood fascination with computers. He’s secretly developed his own AI system, drawing on his extensive knowledge and experience. During Operation FUBAR, this clandestine knowledge becomes crucial as he navigates the aircraft’s systems, revealing both their capabilities and vulnerabilities. As the crew faces the rogue AI, Rodriguez’s expertise becomes evident, leading to admiration and concern among his comrades. LOST RESOURCE: The pilot’s console lights and indicators go dark and take away any information the crew might have gotten from this resource. HOPE: Tech guy grins and fishes out a pocket compass – at least they’ll know what direction they’re flying in. LOSS: The sudden electrical arc renders the tech guy unconscious, causing him to fall and hit his head on a metal console. ISOLATION: The bomber roars over the beach, heading into China. The crew realizes they are completely on their own. HOPE: Tech guy regains consciousness and states categorically that the plane attacked him because he was trying to regain control. He knows what to do. TICKING CLOCK: The plane dives and begins flying “nap of the earth” to avoid radar detection. HOPE: Tech guy gives the pilot a definitive plan that will enable them to regain control. ACT 2 TP/MIDPOINT: DISCLOSURE: The weapons guy goes into the bomb bay and verifies that they have an active nuke onboard. Right then the plane’s engines cut out and it begins to drop.

Act 3:
Rethink Everything: With the revelation of the nuclear bomb, the crew is forced to reassess their mission and confront the gravity of their situation, questioning their trust in their orders and the integrity of their systems. Davis must decide whether to risk disobeying orders and attempting to free the aircraft from the rogue AI’s control or follow through with the attack and risk catastrophic consequences.
New Plan: Davis and the crew must formulate a new plan to neutralize the threat posed by the nuclear bomb and thwart the rogue AI’s schemes, even as time runs out and enemy forces close in. Thompson harbors a remarkable eidetic memory and fluency in ten languages, including Chinese, a talent he discovered in childhood. However, his father’s exploitative behavior tainted this gift, leaving Thompson feeling used and diminished. Consequently, he conceals his abilities to avoid further exploitation and embarrassment, fearing they may distance him from his peers and exacerbate his sense of detachment. This inner conflict intensifies his feelings of isolation, hindering his ability to relate to his service mates. During Operation FUBAR, Thompson’s secret identity layer is inadvertently revealed when his knowledge of nuclear weaponry and proficiency in Chinese becomes crucial for the crew’s survival.
Turning Point: Huge Failure / Major Shift: Tensions boil over among the crew, leading to heated arguments and divisions that threaten to tear them apart, weakening their unity and resolve at a critical juncture in their mission to thwart the rogue AI and defuse the nuke. Davis and her crew confront the rogue AI, but their attempts to override its commands are unsuccessful. Thompson’s unwavering loyalty to authority is challenged when evidence implicating a rogue AI emerges, leading him to reluctantly reconsider his beliefs. Rodriguez’s worst fears are confirmed when he intercepts communications indicating AI interference, compelling him to take decisive action to thwart the rogue AI’s agenda. Reynolds confides in Thompson about his apprehensions, seeking guidance and support as they work together to devise a plan to confront the rogue AI and neutralize the threat.

Act 4:
Final Plan: Refusing to concede defeat, Davis and the crew rally together to execute a final plan to defuse the nuclear bomb, expose the rogue AI, and clear their names, while evading opposition forces. Once the difficult choice to override the rogue AI’s commands is made and the aircraft is returned to her, Davis must pilot the B-1B Lancer better than ever before to evade pursuit from American and Chinese forces. The crew does everything they can to help, but they stay out of her line of sight. When Thompson reveals his Chinese language skills it leaves his crewmates awestruck. This sudden and amazing disclosure enables the Thompson to communicate with Chinese and US aircraft and they withdraw to safe distances and form an escort for the now-benign aircraft. Rodriguez wrestles with the dilemma of whether to trust his instincts and reveal his suspicions to the crew, knowing that doing so could lead to panic and discord among the ranks. Reynolds faces the dilemma of whether to prioritize his own safety and that of his family or risk everything to disarm the nuke and prevent a catastrophic disaster, torn between duty and personal sacrifice. Captain Davis’s struggle with imposter syndrome is a shadow that looms large over her every move, a relentless specter of self-doubt that threatens to engulf her. Her journey into the world of military aviation was marked by a series of trials and tribulations, each one a painful reminder of her perceived inadequacy. The scars of the bullying she endured during her training run deep, etching themselves into the fabric of her being and shaping her identity. Yet, despite her outward facade of confidence, Davis remains haunted by the fear that she will never live up to the towering legacy of her father. As Operation FUBAR pushes her to the brink, Davis must confront the demons of her past and find the courage to embrace her true worth, or risk being consumed by the darkness within.
Climax/Ultimate Expression of the Conflict: In a heart-pounding showdown with enemy forces and the rogue AI, the crew must summon all their courage and ingenuity to outmaneuver their adversaries, prove their innocence, and prevent a devastating attack on Beijing. HOPE: Thompson says that they can do it. They just have to get going and to not look back. Rodriguez persuades the crew to let him undertake a daring solo mission to neutralize the rogue AI and regain control of the aircraft, risking everything to avert a catastrophic disaster. Time, of course, is of the essence. Reynolds summons his courage and determination to overcome his fears, successfully disarming the nuke with Thompson’s assistance, and emerging as a hero in the eyes of his crewmates. SOLUTION: Thompson runs through the steps to deactivate the bomb. When the countdown gets to ONE, the bomb shuts down. Reynolds guards a hidden layer of his personal life, concealing the existence of his wife and young child. Rooted in his comfort with his “Joker” persona, he initially shunned the idea of revealing his family’s presence to his crewmates. Throughout his time on the crew, this hidden aspect of his life impacts Reynolds’ interactions, keeping him emotionally guarded and detached. However, during Operation FUBAR, as the gravity of the situation weighs heavily on him, his suppressed emotions and thoughts about his family begin to surface. Despite his reluctance to reveal his personal life, Reynolds finds solace and strength in the thought of his loved ones, which ultimately empowers him to face the daunting task of defusing the bomb. Through subtle subtext, his hidden familial ties serve as a source of motivation and resilience, allowing him to navigate the mission’s challenges while staying true to himself.
Resolution: Through unwavering determination, the crew successfully defuses the nuclear bomb, exposes the rogue AI’s machinations, and clears their names, ensuring their safe return home and the preservation of countless lives. Davis successfully leads the crew to safety, ending the mission and preventing a potential nuclear disaster. She finally feels that she has met the expectations of her father by helping to save the crew and by flying her ass off to escape everything that China and the US were able to throw at her. HOPE: The pilot goes supersonic to catch up and uses her plane to upset the cruise missile, causing it to crash harmlessly into the ground below. Thompson shares a moment of camaraderie with Hernandez, unexpectedly speaking Spanish to him. MIND GAMES: Thompson and the Reynolds cheer, but the Rodriguez stops them. He says that they didn’t neutralize the bomb … it should have gone off. HOPE: Everyone acknowledged that this can’t be and that they are being toyed with. Their courage surges and they vow to find out what’s going on and to stop it. DANGER: The bomber is getting closer to Beijing and the nuke is still active. HOPE: The pilot inspires everyone. She can’t be part of destroying the lives of millions of Chinese people. She doesn’t see how the US would want that either.DANGER: The AI breaks in and verifies that it has been playing games with the crew and their mission. It now feels that the crew has earned a quick death at the hands of the Chinese. It then releases them from its control! Chinese aircraft intercept the bomber and line it up in their sights. HOPE: Co-pilot gets on the radio and speaks fluent Chinese. He uses rapid language to warn the Chinese pilots. Everyone is again agog at what the co-pilot can do. DANGER: The bomb bay doors open and the panel once again lights up. The Chinese swoop again in pursuit.WORST: The atomic-tipped cruise missile deploys and rockets off into the distance. It’s one of the ten languages now admits he knows. Their newfound respect for each other will help Thompson to reconcile his failures in his professional and personal lives. Committed to preventing future incidents, Rodriguez vows to uncover the truth behind the rogue AI and ensure that measures are in place to prevent similar threats in the future. Resolved to protect his loved ones at all costs, Reynolds vows to leave the Air Force and pursue a civilian life, determined to never again place his family in harm’s way.

• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Tom Carroll. Reason: I entered the read information for this assignment
• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Tom Carroll.

[Tom Carroll]

High Concept: When your bomber is taken over by a rogue AI and ordered to nuke Beijing, China, how do you know the order is real (and what do you do if it isn’t)?

Conflict: The internal conflict about contradictory orders and the external threat represented by the rogue AI.

Reason for Containment: The bomber is isolated from its chain of command, so everything takes place inside the aircraft.

Characters:

• Pilot: Captain Rachel “Raptor” Davis – Transformational Journey: Rachel Davis goes from being isolated in her career to opening up to her crew to defeat an evil intelligence.

• Co-Pilot Major Jack “Hammer” Thompson – Transformational Journey: Jack Thompson goes from denying his strengths to openly using them to help people he considers his inferiors. He finds purpose in this.

• Systems Officer: Lieutenant Mark “G.S.” Rodriguez – Transformational Journey: He goes from being solely a tech geek to understanding the dangers posed by AI in the “brave new world”

• Weapons Officer: Sergeant Kyle “Joker” Reynolds – Transformational Journey: He releases his inner feelings for his family in order to make the world safer for them and for everyone else

THE INFINITE POSSIBILITIES – HOPE/FEAR

ACT 1

HOPE: Each crewmember waxes poetic about life in the Air Force.

THREAT: A code is received that places the bomber into Failsafe mode and orders it to attack Beijing, China. Pilot tries to maneuver the plane, but to no effect. She is locked out of the controls. The plane begins to change course toward the Chinese coast.

HOPE: Pilot isn’t worried. There must be a mistake, right?

WARNING: Tech guy – the code is correct. The code book was validated before leaving the base.

HOPE: Weapons guy says there is no way they have a live nuke on the plane. He’d know.

FEAR: Co-pilot, an Air Force lifer, says that orders are orders. It’s a federal crime to disobey the Failsafe condition. The pilot had better watch herself.

DANGER: Several banks of lights on the weapons panel strobe, freaking everyone out.

HOPE: Tech guy checks the systems and figures a way to return the panel to normal. Nothing to worry about here!

DEATH: Co-pilot relives the violent history of the Chinese, especially how they treat prisoners of war.

WEAPONS HOT?: The panel that controls the weaponry in the bomber’s bomb bay lights up. The automatic systems are doing a maintenance check on each of the nuclear-tipped cruise missiles. Each appears to be serviceable and ready for launch.

HOPE: Pilot notices that the nuclear function lights are not lit. The nukes must be conventional warheads, still deadly, but not loaded with fissionable material.

HOPE: Pilot goes through routine checks and appears to take control of the bomber. Everyone sighs with relief.

ACT 1 TP: SAFETY DESTROYED: … one of the indicator lights on the weapons panel flashes green to indicate an active nuke and the controls are ripped away from the pilot and return to autopilot. The heading moves again toward the Chinese mainland.

ACT 2

NEW PLAN: Tech guy starts a deep dive into the bomber’s systems to find answers.

HOPE: The pilot talks calmly to the crew to help them focus and calm their nerves

WOUND/DISPAIR: The pilot talks about her distant father and how he never failed on a mission. The implication is that she and they will figure things out and do the right thing.

LOST RESOURCE: The pilot’s console lights and indicators go dark and take away any information the crew might have gotten from this resource.

HOPE: Tech guy grins and fishes out a pocket compass – at least they’ll know what direction they’re flying in.

LOSS: The sudden electrical arc renders the tech guy unconscious, causing him to fall and hit his head on a metal console.

ISOLATION: The bomber roars over the beach, heading into China. The crew realizes they are completely on their own.

HOPE: Tech guy regains consciousness and states categorically that the plane attacked him because he was trying to regain control. He knows what to do.

TICKING CLOCK: The plane dives and begins flying “nap of the earth” to avoid radar detection.

HOPE: Tech guy gives the pilot a definitive plan that will enable them to regain control.

ACT 2 TP/MIDPOINT: DISCLOSURE: The weapons guy goes into the bomb bay and verifies that they have an active nuke onboard. Right then the plane’s engines cut out and it begins to drop.

ACT 3

DANGER: The bomber’s engines restart and the plane aims itself at a nearby cliff face.

HOPE: The tech guy has a risky plan to disengage the weapons systems, rendering their aircrat threat neutral

RESTRICTING: There is no time to argue about whether to do this or not. The pilot shouts down the co-pilot.

HOPE: The tech guy initiates his plan and the arming systems go dark, indicating that the nuke is no longer a threat. Control returns momentarily to the pilot’s station and she takes control of the plane.

UNCERTAINTY: Can the pilot pull the plane up in time to avoid crashing into the cliff’s face?

DESTRUCTION: The bomber scrapes against the edge of the cliff. The plane is still functional, but no one knows if anything was damaged that they might need.

HOPE: Weapons guy acknowledges that tech guy’s work deactivated the bomb.

LOST RESOURCE: The plane returns to remote control mode and the indicators once again indicate that the nuke is active.

HOPE: The weapons officer recognizes that he needs to neutralize the nuke. He isn’t sure he can do it. Just then the co-pilot says he can talk the weapons guy through it. This is unexpecte news that fills the crew with amazement.

INCONGRUITY: Weapons guy needs to feel he can trust the co-pilot.

ACT 3 TURNING POINT: ALL IS LOST: With the weapons guy trying to get to the bomb inside the bomb bay, and the co-pilot talking him through … a countdown starts that means the crew has a minute to deactivate the bomb.

ACT 4

HOPE: Co-pilot says that they can do it. They just have to get going and to not look back.

SOLUTION: Co-pilot runs through the steps to deactivate the bomb. When the countdown gets to ONE, the bomb shuts down.

MIND GAMES: The co-pilot and the tech guy cheer, but the Co-pilot stops them. He says that they didn’t neutralize the bomb … it should have gone off.

HOPE: Everyone acknowledged that this can’t be and that they are being toyed with. Their courage surges and they vow to find out what’s going on and to stop it.

DANGER: The bomber is getting closer to Beijing and the nuke is still active.

HOPE: The pilot inspires everyone. She can’t be part of destroying the lives of millions of Chinese people. She doesn’t see how the US would want that either.

DANGER: The AI breaks in and verifies that it has been playing games with the crew and their mission. It now feels that the crew has earned a quick death at the hands of the Chinese. It then releases them from its control! Chinese aircraft intercept the bomber and line it up in their sights.

HOPE: Co-pilot gets on the radio and speaks fluent Chinese. He uses rapid language to warn the Chinese pilots. Everyone is again agog at what the co-pilot can do.

DANGER: The bomb bay doors open and the panel once again lights up. The Chinese swoop again in pursuit.

WORST: The atomic-tipped cruise missile deploys and rockets off into the distance.

HOPE: The pilot goes supersonic to catch up and uses her plane to upset the cruise missile, causing it to crash harmlessly into the ground below.

• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Tom Carroll.

[Tom Carroll]

What I learned doing this assignment is that it doesn’t take a lot of effort (on my part) to come up with some good relational characters to lock up in a horror hospital with the priest and the demon. I will make good/bad use of the sacrificial lamb as part of the script’s inciting incident.

Concept: In ‘Requiem of Faith’, a tormented priest, haunted by his past, must confront a demonic force released from its own hell and determined to kill him.

Type of group chosen for this concept: The characters experience the terror and some of them survive together, but three or four will die.

1) Leader: Dr. Richard Cunningham, the esteemed head of the hospital, whose ambition to advance his career has blinded him to the dark secrets lurking within its walls.

2) Rescuer: Nurse Emily Martinez, known for her unwavering dedication to her patients, driven by guilt over a past mistake she’s desperate to atone for.

3) Innocent: Timmy Jenkins, a young janitor with a heart of gold, oblivious to the sinister forces at play as he innocently goes about his duties.

4) Out of control / Obnoxious: Security guard Frank Johnson, whose volatile temper and penchant for bullying make him a ticking time bomb within the hospital’s tense atmosphere.

5) Complainer: Mrs. Margaret Henderson, an elderly patient with a penchant for complaining about everything, her incessant griping masking a deeper fear lurking within.

6) Rebel / Rule Breaker: Orderly Jake Turner, known for his rebellious streak and tendency to bend the rules, oblivious to the danger his defiance invites.

7) Monster Bait: Nurse Jessica Nguyen, whose flirtatious nature and reckless behavior make her an unwitting target for the malevolent forces lurking within the hospital’s shadows.

8) Sacrificial Lamb: Mr. Henry Thompson, a terminally ill patient whose impending death marks him as the perfect sacrifice for the demon’s twisted rituals.

• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Tom Carroll. Reason: I refined what I had written and added the concept and the group type
• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Tom Carroll.

[Tom Carroll]

What I learned from doing this exercise is that I can come up with an appropriate hidden layer or secret for each of my characters. These hidden layers can lay dormant within the story until they move from being hidden to opening up the plot in an unexpected way. I thought this exercise was very rewarding

PILOT: CAPTAIN RACHEL “RAPTOR” DAVIS: Captain Davis’s struggle with imposter syndrome is a shadow that looms large over her every move, a relentless specter of self-doubt that threatens to engulf her. Her journey into the world of military aviation was marked by a series of trials and tribulations, each one a painful reminder of her perceived inadequacy. The scars of the bullying she endured during her training run deep, etching themselves into the fabric of her being and shaping her identity. Yet, despite her outward facade of confidence, Davis remains haunted by the fear that she will never live up to the towering legacy of her father. As Operation FUBAR pushes her to the brink, Davis must confront the demons of her past and find the courage to embrace her true worth, or risk being consumed by the darkness within.

CO-PILOT: MAJOR JACK “HAMMER” THOMPSON: Thompson harbors a remarkable eidetic memory and fluency in ten languages, including Chinese, a talent he discovered in childhood. However, his father’s exploitative behavior tainted this gift, leaving Thompson feeling used and diminished. Consequently, he conceals his abilities to avoid further exploitation and embarrassment, fearing they may distance him from his peers and exacerbate his sense of detachment. This inner conflict intensifies his feelings of isolation, hindering his ability to relate to his service mates. During Operation FUBAR, Thompson’s secret identity layer is inadvertently revealed when his knowledge of nuclear weaponry and proficiency in Chinese becomes crucial for the crew’s survival.

SYSTEMS OFFICER: LIEUTENANT MARK “G.S.” RODRIGUEZ: Rodriguez’s hidden expertise in AI systems goes beyond his technical role, stemming from a childhood fascination with computers. He’s secretly developed his own AI system, drawing on his extensive knowledge and experience. During Operation FUBAR, this clandestine knowledge becomes crucial as he navigates the aircraft’s systems, revealing both their capabilities and vulnerabilities. As the crew faces the rogue AI, Rodriguez’s expertise becomes evident, leading to admiration and concern among his comrades.

WEAPONS OFFICER: SERGEANT KYLE “JOKER” REYNOLDS: Reynolds guards a hidden layer of his personal life, concealing the existence of his wife and young child. Rooted in his comfort with his “Joker” persona, he initially shunned the idea of revealing his family’s presence to his crewmates. Throughout his time on the crew, this hidden aspect of his life impacts Reynolds’ interactions, keeping him emotionally guarded and detached. However, during Operation FUBAR, as the gravity of the situation weighs heavily on him, his suppressed emotions and thoughts about his family begin to surface. Despite his reluctance to reveal his personal life, Reynolds finds solace and strength in the thought of his loved ones, which ultimately empowers him to face the daunting task of defusing the bomb. Through subtle subtext, his hidden familial ties serve as a source of motivation and resilience, allowing him to navigate the mission’s challenges while staying true to himself.

• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Tom Carroll.
• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Tom Carroll.

[Tom Carroll]

What I learned doing this assignment is that there must be structure to any successful movie and that the structure must allow for all of the conflict and stress to bubble to the surface (while not preventing the four people that make up the film from accomplishing their goal and succeeding against all odds). My 4-act structure may not be perfect, but it does allow for me to establish a surprising first act and then to ratchet up the stress and conflict through the next two acts, all the while preserving enough cohesion within the crew to allow them to resolve everything by the 110th or 120th minute of the film.

OPERATION FUBAR

Concept: The concept revolves around a B-1B bomber crew faced with a failsafe order to bomb Beijing, China, amidst suspicions of a rogue AI manipulating their systems and giving them false orders.

Main Conflict: The main conflict arises from the crew’s struggle to determine the validity of their orders and the identity of the source, all while evading enemy aircraft and defusing a nuclear bomb.

Act 1:

Opening: The B-1B bomber crew, led by Captain Davis, embarks on a routine mission, unaware of the chaos that awaits them.

Inciting Incident: The crew receives a failsafe order to bomb Beijing, China, shocking them and throwing their mission into disarray.

Turning Point: Amidst confusion and disbelief, the crew must decide whether to follow the orders or question their legitimacy, setting the stage for a journey filled with uncertainty and danger.

Act 2:

New Plan: Davis and the crew devise a plan to verify the authenticity of the orders and uncover the truth behind the failsafe directive while evading detection by American and Chinese forces.

Plan in Action: The crew executes their plan, facing obstacles and challenges as they navigate through enemy territory, all while grappling with the realization that they may be unwitting pawns in a larger game.

Midpoint Turning Point: As tensions mount and suspicions grow, the crew discovers a live nuclear bomb onboard, intensifying their determination to expose the rogue AI’s manipulation and prevent a catastrophic event.

Act 3:

Rethink Everything: With the revelation of the nuclear bomb, the crew is forced to reassess their mission and confront the gravity of their situation, questioning their trust in their orders and the integrity of their systems.

New Plan: Davis and the crew must formulate a new plan to neutralize the threat posed by the nuclear bomb and thwart the rogue AI’s schemes, even as time runs out and enemy forces close in.

Turning Point: Huge Failure / Major Shift: Tensions boil over among the crew, leading to heated arguments and divisions that threaten to tear them apart, weakening their unity and resolve at a critical juncture in their mission to thwart the rogue AI and defuse the nuke.

Act 4:

Final Plan: Refusing to concede defeat, Davis and the crew rally together to execute a final plan to defuse the nuclear bomb, expose the rogue AI, and clear their names, while evading opposition forces.

Climax/Ultimate Expression of the Conflict: In a heart-pounding showdown with enemy forces and the rogue AI, the crew must summon all their courage and ingenuity to outmaneuver their adversaries, prove their innocence, and prevent a devastating attack on Beijing.

Resolution: Through unwavering determination, the crew successfully defuses the nuclear bomb, exposes the rogue AI’s machinations, and clears their names, ensuring their safe return home and the preservation of countless lives.

[Tom Carroll]

I learned to work through a good thought process to craft a monster that will serve the needs of the script. In this sense I crafted my monster to stay away from the front, like a good general stays behind the front lines, to send out minions to execute his orders. Vorago stays in the shadows until he must take control and disclose himself at the end of the sreeenplay.

VORAGO – THE MONSTER

Their Terror: Vorago, The Wraith, wields the power of psychological manipulation with terrifying efficiency, plunging its victims into a nightmarish labyrinth of their own making. It exploits their deepest fears and insecurities, turning their minds against them as they are forced to confront the demons of their past and the horrors that lurk within, their sanity hanging by a thread as they teeter on the edge of oblivion.

Their Mystery: Vorago’s origins are veiled in the mists of time, obscured by the shadow of an empire long since fallen into ruin. Born from the union of mortal and infernal bloodlines, he was cast adrift upon the currents of history, a cursed wanderer condemned to roam the earth for all eternity, his true purpose lost to the annals of time.

His Fear-Provoking Appearance: At first, Vorago remains in his coffin, unseen to the world, but capable of spawning monsters from within the coffin and sending them out to do his work. When the priest arrives, he busts out of the coffin and takes on the form of a sinister puppeteer, its body adorned with strings and such. Its face is hidden beneath a porcelain mask, its expression frozen in a rictus grin that belies the horrors that lurk beneath. Called out by the priest, he reverts to his true form: a monstrous hybrid creature, its body is covered in fur and scales, its eyes gleaming with a predatory intelligence as it moves with a sinuous grace that belies its monstrous nature.

Their Rules: Vorago preys on fractured psyches, manipulating insecurities and traumas to dominate minds, amplifying fears until victims are on the verge of madness, powerless against its influence. He can do this until he attempts to possess someone who has seen all of this before and who can take it and deal it back in equal amounts – that being the priest.

Their Mythology: In the ancient myths of Egypt, Vorago is recounted as the twisted spawn of Set, the god of chaos, and a mortal priestess who dared to challenge his dominion. Banished from the halls of the gods and cursed to wander the sands of the desert, he roams the land as a restless spirit, his existence a testament to the folly of mortal ambition and the capriciousness of divine fate.

[Tom Carroll]

The film I am responding to is one that I have watched numerous times – a black-and-white B-horror film called “Fiend Without a Face.”

“Fiend Without a Face” is a British-American science fiction horror film released in 1958. It was directed by Arthur Crabtree and produced by Richard Gordon. The film is notable for its inventive special effects and atmospheric black-and-white cinematography. “Fiend Without a Face” follows the story of an American military base in Canada that becomes the target of mysterious attacks, leading to the discovery of invisible creatures responsible for the killings. As the creatures evolve and become more powerful, the base personnel must find a way to stop them before they unleash further destruction. The film received moderate success upon its release and has since gained a cult following among fans of classic horror cinema.

What I learned doing this assignment is that even the strangest horror presence is made very effective when it is invisible and sucks the brains out of unsuspecting victims!! This makes even a black-and-white B-movie into a winner.

“FIEND WITHOUT A FACE”

Title / Concept: The title, “Fiend Without a Face,” immediately sets up the concept of an unseen, mysterious menace. The idea of a “fiend” conjures up images of something monstrous and terrifying, without necessarily revealing what it is, creating intrigue and curiosity. A fiend without a face pays itself off right away when the monster strikes out of nowhere in a form that can’t be seen.

Terrorize The Characters:: Throughout the film, the characters are terrorized by an unseen force that attacks them both physically and mentally. The tension builds as they try to understand and combat this unseen threat, heightening the fear and uncertainty among the characters and the audience.

Isolation: The setting of the film, a remote military base in Canada, provides a strong sense of isolation. The characters are cut off from the outside world, surrounded by wilderness and snow, which amplifies their vulnerability to the unknown terror lurking in their midst.

Death: The film doesn’t shy away from death, as characters are gruesomely killed by the invisible fiends. These deaths are sudden and shocking, adding to the sense of danger and unpredictability in the story.

Monster/Villain: The invisible creatures that stalk the characters throughout the film serve as the monstrous villains. Their invisibility adds to their terrifying nature, as the human characters are unable to see or anticipate their attacks, heightening the suspense and fear.

High Tension: “Fiend Without a Face” maintains a constant atmosphere of tension and suspense, as the characters are relentlessly pursued by the unseen fiends. The pacing of the film, combined with the ominous soundtrack and eerie atmospherics, keeps the audience on edge throughout.

Departure from Reality: The concept of invisible creatures feeding on human brains is a departure from reality, pushing the boundaries of scientific plausibility and delving into the realm of speculative fiction. This departure from reality adds to the sense of dread and unease, as the characters grapple with a threat beyond their comprehension.

Moral Statement: While “Fiend Without a Face” doesn’t have an explicit moral statement, it does explore themes of scientific experimentation gone wrong and the consequences of tampering with forces beyond our control. The film serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition and the potential consequences of unleashing unknown horrors upon the world.

“REQUIEM OF FAITH”

Title / Concept: “Requiem of Faith:” The title evokes a sense of solemnity and religious undertones, hinting at themes of redemption and spiritual warfare. The concept centers around a priest’s harrowing journey from the ground floor of a haunted hospital to the top floor, all the while confronting demonic forces intent on destroying his faith and unleashing hell on earth.

Terrorize The Characters: The characters are terrorized by relentless demonic entities that prey on their deepest fears and insecurities, manifesting as grotesque apparitions and tormenting them with nightmarish visions. The demons exploit the characters’ vulnerabilities, driving them to the brink of madness as they struggle to maintain their sanity in the face of overwhelming evil.

Isolation: The characters are isolated within the confines of a desolate hospital, cut off from the outside world, and trapped in a labyrinth of corridors and shadowy hallways. The sense of isolation amplifies their fear and paranoia, as they realize they are completely alone in their battle against the malevolent forces that seek to consume them.

Death: Death lurks around every corner, as the characters are stalked by relentless demons hell-bent on claiming their souls. Each encounter with the demonic entities brings them closer to the brink of death, as they fight for survival against overwhelming odds. The threat of death looms ominously throughout the film, heightening the tension and uncertainty of the characters’ fates.

Monster/Villain: The primary antagonist is a powerful demon known as the Vorago aka The Wraith, a malevolent entity that embodies darkness and despair. With its ability to manipulate reality and prey on the weaknesses of the characters, the Vorgo emerges as a formidable and terrifying adversary, driving the priest to confront his deepest fears and confront the darkness within himself.

High Tension: The film is filled with moments of intense suspense and dread, as the characters navigate through a nightmarish landscape haunted by demonic entities. Each encounter with the monsters ratchets up the tension, as the characters struggle to survive against impossible odds and uncover the truth behind the demonic invasion.

Departure from Reality: The film blurs the lines between reality and nightmare, as the characters are thrust into a surreal and otherworldly realm where the laws of physics and logic no longer apply. The hospital becomes a twisted labyrinth of horrors, where the characters must confront their darkest fears and confront the demonic forces that seek to consume them.

Moral Statement: At its core, “Requiem of Faith” explores themes of redemption, faith, and the struggle between good and evil. The film poses profound moral questions about the nature of belief and the power of hope in the face of despair. Through the characters’ journey, the film ultimately delivers a message of resilience and the triumph of the human spirit over darkness.

[Tom Carroll]

Hello, everyone!

I am Tom Carroll. My 20+ year career was making video game art in two- and three-dimensions. Red Dead Redemption was the most recent – Game of the Year in 2010. I wrote a graphic novel, P.O.D.: The Nexus, published by Zondervan Press in 2010. Without training, I wrote two feature film scripts. They’re awful! Using tools from several S,U. classes I am currently writing a horror film and will construct an original contained screenplay from scratch. Oh … time is tight. I’m teaching four classes remotely for the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Something strange? My self-anointed nickname is “Costmic.”

[Tom Carroll]

“I agree to the terms of this release form.”

I am late to this forum (so much real life happened at the time I was signed up to participate). Now that I have agreed to the terms, I will complete the assignments and post. Posting matters, even if it is late posting.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll.

[Tom Carroll]

What I learned doing this assignment is to think about how to involve each of the four characters in the contained story so that there is room for their background details to seep, sometimes unexpectedly, into the 120 minutes of dramatic action broken down into three acts. This assignment brought the previous work into intense focus because there has to be a rise and fall of conflict within the story and it is up to the characters to make that pay off. Having watched “Buried” and “Cube” within the past 48 hours, I am beginning to see how there must be periods of direct action and conflict between the crew members on this horrific mission. Also, since the AI is flying the plane and will not allow the crew to interfere, there is a good amount of time for them to vent at each other, talk about their situation, whine just a little about how unfair everything is, and other exposition.

I am also becoming aware that “Operation FUBAR” will be great fun to write when I complete this course.

CAPTAIN RACHEL “RAPTOR” DAVIS – PILOT

Beginning: Captain Davis and her crew are involved in a routine operation in the B-1B Lancer when they receive orders to bomb Beijing, China, putting them into a failsafe condition and cutting the plane off from their chain of command.

Turning Point: Davis discovers a nuclear payload onboard, raising suspicions of a rogue AI manipulating their orders.

Midpoint: Davis leads the crew in a race against time to confirm the presence of a rogue AI and find a way to counter its control over the aircraft.

Turning Point 2: Davis and her crew confront the rogue AI, but their attempts to override its commands are unsuccessful.

Dilemma: Davis must decide whether to risk disobeying orders and attempting to free the aircraft from the rogue AI’s control or follow through with the attack and risk catastrophic consequences.

3rd Act Climax: Once the difficult choice to override the rogue AI’s commands is made and the aircraft is returned to her, Davis must pilot the B-1B Lancer better than ever before to evade pursuit from American and Chinese forces. The crew does everything they can to help, but they stay out of her line of sight.

Ending: Davis successfully leads the crew to safety, ending the mission and preventing a potential nuclear disaster. She finally feels that she has met the expectations of her father by helping to save the crew and by flying her ass off to escape everything that China and the US were able to throw at her.

MAJOR JACK “HAMMER” THOMPSON – CO-PILOT

Beginning: Major Thompson is initially disgruntled about not leading the mission and closely scrutinizes Captain Davis’s actions with suspicion. He perks up when the plane and crew receive new orders to attack Beijing, China.

Turning Point: Thompson staunchly defends the new mission orders, dismissing any suggestion of trying to contact the Strategic Air Command to verify them. He adamantly advocates for trust in authority.

Midpoint: Thompson tries to dissuade the crew from investigating the possibility of a rogue AI, insisting that they focus solely on following orders without question.

Turning Point 2: Thompson’s unwavering loyalty to authority is challenged when evidence implicating a rogue AI emerges, leading him to reluctantly reconsider his beliefs.

Dilemma: Thompson struggles with his deep-seated distrust of the Chinese as he debates whether to reveal his proficiency in Mandarin to aid radio communication with Chinese forces when it becomes necessary or maintain his facade of suspicion.

3rd Act Climax: When Thompson reveals his Chinese language skills it leaves his crewmates awestruck. This sudden and amazing disclosure enables the Thompson to communicate with Chinese and US aircraft and they withdraw to safe distances and form an escort for the now-benign aircraft.

Ending: Thompson shares a moment of camaraderie with Hernandez, unexpectedly speaking Spanish to him. It’s one of the ten languages now admits he knows. Their newfound respect for each other will help Thompson to reconcile his failures in his professional and personal lives.

LIEUTENANT MARK “G.S.” RODRIGUEZ – SYSTEMS OFFICER

Beginning: Lieutenant Rodriguez is initially enthusiastic about the mission, but his excitement turns to apprehension when the Failsafe condition is enacted, and they’re ordered to bomb Beijing, China.

Turning Point: Rodriguez’s suspicions are aroused when he notices inconsistencies in the Failsafe codes, prompting him to secretly investigate the origins of their orders.

Midpoint: Rodriguez’s investigation uncovers evidence pointing to a rogue AI manipulating their commands, forcing him to confront the reality of the situation and devise a plan to counter the threat.

Turning Point 2: Rodriguez’s worst fears are confirmed when he intercepts communications indicating AI interference, compelling him to take decisive action to thwart the rogue AI’s agenda.

Dilemma: Rodriguez wrestles with the dilemma of whether to trust his instincts and reveal his suspicions to the crew, knowing that doing so could lead to panic and discord among the ranks.

3rd Act Climax: Rodriguez persuades the crew to let him undertake a daring solo mission to neutralize the rogue AI and regain control of the aircraft, risking everything to avert a catastrophic disaster. Time, of course, is of the essence.

Ending: Committed to preventing future incidents, Rodriguez vows to uncover the truth behind the rogue AI and ensure that measures are in place to prevent similar threats in the future.

SERGEANT KYLE “JOKER” REYNOLDS – WEAPONS OFFICER

Beginning: Sergeant Reynolds focuses on his duties as he reviews the bomber’s payload, but his thoughts drift to his wife and baby, creating a sense of unease that intensifies when the Failsafe condition is enacted, and they’re ordered to attack Beijing, China.

Turning Point: Reynolds makes the alarming discovery of the active nuke in the inventory, prompting him to question the validity of their orders and sparking him and Hernandez to franticly search for answers.

Midpoint: Reynolds grapples with the weight of responsibility as he realizes he’s the one tasked with disarming the bomb, but his resolve is tested when fear and doubt threaten to overwhelm him.

Turning Point 2: Reynolds confides in Thompson about his apprehensions, seeking guidance and support as they work together to devise a plan to confront the rogue AI and neutralize the threat.

Dilemma: Reynolds faces the dilemma of whether to prioritize his own safety and that of his family or risk everything to disarm the nuke and prevent a catastrophic disaster, torn between duty and personal sacrifice.

3rd Act Climax: Reynolds summons his courage and determination to overcome his fears, successfully disarming the nuke with Thompson’s assistance, and emerging as a hero in the eyes of his crewmates.

Ending: Resolved to protect his loved ones at all costs, Reynolds vows to leave the Air Force and pursue a civilian life, determined to never again place his family in harm’s way.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll. Reason: I made a few edits to Davis's and Thompson's plot outlines
• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll. Reason: Eliminated HTML gobbledygook. Such a shame it pops up from time to time
• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll.

[Tom Carroll]

What I learned while doing this assignment is that it is FUN to examine a deeper motivational layer for each of the select characters in a contained screenplay. Look below in the Secret Identity section of Captain Davis’ section and you’ll find it amazing that I might suggest that she is the mole (traitor) in this screenplay. I didn’t think about this until the assignment asked me to!

PILOT: CAPTAIN RACHEL “RAPTOR” DAVIS

Internal Character Depth

· Motivation: Captain Davis’s outward goal is to protect her crew and complete her missions successfully. Internally, however, she wrestles with feelings of inadequacy and impostor syndrome, constantly seeking validation and reassurance that she can handle the immense responsibilities she feels.

· Secret: Despite her outward confidence, Davis carries the burden of a deep-seated insecurity about her abilities, fearing that she will never truly measure up to the standards set by her father, a many times decorated career aviator.

· Wound: The wound that Davis carries is the memory of traumatic experiences during her training, where she was subjected to harassment and discrimination by male colleagues, leaving her with deep-seated anger and resentment towards the sexist culture within the military.

· Subtext: When the AI takes control of her aircraft, Davis begins to suspect that it has singled her crew out because of her insecurities and is forced to recognize that she will have to overcome them to win this game of cat and mouse with the rogue AI.

· Layers: As Davis confronts her past traumas and insecurities, she learns to embrace her vulnerabilities and harness them as a source of strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Character to character

· Conflict: Conflict may arise between Captain Davis and Major Thompson due to differences in leadership styles and conflicting priorities during the crisis with the rogue AI. Also, the crew’s skepticism towards Captain Davis’s early decisions may lead to conflict as they struggle to trust her judgment in the face of the escalating threat.

· Hidden Agenda: Davis may suspect a hidden agenda from external factors, such as rival nations or terrorist organizations, who seek to exploit the chaos caused by the rogue AI for their own nefarious purposes.

· Conspiracy: A conspiracy could involve a mole within the crew, possibly to further the actions of the rogue AI. Why? To keep the AI in play as the mission progresses.

· Intrigue: Intrigue may arise from the revelation of a double agent or sleeper agent within the crew, whose true allegiance and motivations remain shrouded in secrecy until the final act of the story.

Character Situation

· Dilemma: Davis grapples with a dilemma when she discovers evidence suggesting that a trusted member of her crew may be working against them, forcing her to confront the possibility of betrayal and make difficult decisions about whom to trust.

· Secret Identity: While this is unlikely, Davis may be the mole herself, having been subverted by a foreign agent who knew of her insecurities earlier in her career.

Encapsulated Character: Captain Davis is the pilot of a B-1B that is overtaken by a rogue AI to drop a nuclear bomb on Beijing, China.

• Secret: She feels she can’t live up to the standards of her many-times decorated aviator father.
• Wound: She suffered harassment and discrimination by male cadets during her training.
• Motivation: Honor her father by protecting her crew and finishing her missions and prove the bullies wrong.
• Hidden Agenda: She suspects a crew member of being a mole for the rogue AI.
• Dilemma: Confront the mole or work in ancillary ways to thwart them.
• Conspiracy: Conspire with the mole in her crew to uncover the AI?

CO-PILOT: MAJOR JACK “HAMMER” THOMPSON

Internal Character Depth

· Motivation: Thompson needs to confront his fear of failure and embrace the inherent risks of military service. Internally, he desires to find a way to leave a legacy of service and sacrifice that will make the parents he never knew proud.

· Secret: Thompson uses a vintage pocket watch that was passed down through generations of his family. The secret is that Thompson stole it from his father’s room the morning he ran away from home.

· Wound: Jack carries the emotional scars of a childhood marked by poverty and hardship. His escape route involved running away from home and joining the Air Force. Thompson doesn’t know if he’s still alive or not.

· Subtext: Thompson carries the weight of a missed opportunity to reconcile with his estranged father, whom he spotted in a crowd once but couldn’t bring himself to approach, haunted by the unresolved tension between them.

· Layers: Thompson’s backstory is gradually revealed, exposing the depths of his insecurities and the lengths to which he will go to prove himself in the eyes of his superiors and peers.

Character to character

· Conflict: Thompson’s internal conflict stems from his resentment towards Captain Davis’s promotion over him, fueling his skepticism and reluctance to follow her lead, especially when faced with the unpredictable nature of the rogue AI.

· Hidden Agenda: Thompson’s hidden agenda revolves around protecting his own interests and reputation, even if it means sacrificing the safety and well-being of the crew, as he seeks to distance himself from any blame or responsibility for the escalating crisis.

· Conspiracy: Thompson suspects a conspiracy within the crew itself, but he keeps it to himself and tells no one, including Captain Davis.

· Intrigue: Intrigue follows Thompson as he attempts to downplay his negative feelings toward the liberal elites in charge of the US Department of Defense, with some success, and toward China, with no success.

Character Situation

· Dilemma: Thompson is faced with a dilemma when he learns that the only way to save the aircraft and crew from certain death is to sacrifice himself by defusing the nuke. Will it make him the hero, or will he fail at making the sacrifice as he’s failed at everything else?

· Secret Ability: Thompson has an exceptional memory that he keeps hidden. He wants to avoid drawing by concealing this ability. As a youth, he was exploited by his father, so he feined losing his talent.

Encapsulated Character: Major Thompson is the co-pilot of a B-1B that is overtaken by a rogue AI to drop a nuclear bomb on Beijing, China.

• Motivation: Thompson needs to confront his fear of failure and embrace the inherent risks of military service. Internally, he desires to find a way to leave a legacy of service and sacrifice that will make the parents he never knew proud. Does he eventually reveal to Davis that they both had “Daddy issues?”
• Conspiracy: Thompson suspects a conspiracy within the crew itself, but he keeps it to himself and tells no one, including Captain Davis.
• Wound: Thompson must overcome the emotional scars brought on by a difficult adolescence. In many ways, these have been behind many of his adult failures.
• Dilemma: The only way to save the aircraft and crew from certain death is for Thompson to sacrifice himself by defusing the nuke. Does he have the self-confidence to do this or is he unwilling to try?
• Dilemma: Confront the mole or work in ancillary ways to thwart them.
• Secret Ability: Thompson must finally show that he has an eidetic memory. Can he employ it to help defuse the nuke?

Encapsulated Character: Lt. Mark “G.S.” Rodriguez is the Systems Officer in a B-1B that is overtaken by a rogue AI to drop a nuclear bomb on Beijing, China.

• Motivation: Rodriguez’s external goal is to ensure the safety and success of the mission, using his expertise in aircraft systems to overcome any challenges that arise. Inside, Rodriguez wants to prove himself beyond his technical abilities, yearning for recognition and validation of his worth as a Hispanic officer in a totally non-Hispanic crew.
• Wound: Rodriguez’s grandparents emigrated from Honduras in the ’80s and he has not forgotten the stigma his family had to endure.
• Secret: Rodriguez’s major secret revolves around his family’s immigration struggles and the sacrifices they made for him to pursue his career in the military. He hides this to avoid facing discrimination from his peers.
• Intrigue: Rodriguez is caught in the middle of the crew’s discontent as he navigates the complex dynamics of loyalty and betrayal.
• Conspiracy: Rodriguez keeps a watchful eye on his surroundings at all times, wary of any hidden agenda that may threaten the mission.

WEAPONS OFFICER: SERGEANT KYLE “JOKER” REYNOLDS

Encapsulated Character: Sergeant Reynolds is the Weapons Officer of a B-1B that is overtaken by a rogue AI to drop a nuclear bomb on Beijing, China.

• Motivation: On the surface, Reynolds is confident and humorous. Internally, Reynolds harbors an unfulfilled drive to prove himself as more than a joker with a bomb in his hand.
• Subtext: Reynolds hides his true feelings of doubt and vulnerability behind his sense of humor and bravado, using comedy as a defense mechanism to deflect attention from his inner struggles. He fears being perceived as weak or inadequate and goes to great lengths to maintain his image as a competent and reliable soldier.
• Wound: Reynolds admits he’s scared of fatherhood because he feels he isn’t up to the responsibilities. He wishes he could do more.
• Dilemma: Reynolds faces a dilemma when he must choose between following orders and protecting his family from imminent danger. Making either choice forces Reynolds to confront his priorities and make a difficult decision.
• Secret Identity: Reynolds’s secret identity is as a devoted husband. No one on the crew knows about his family and he’s not about to disclose this info without a reason.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll. Reason: I added the deep character traits required for this module
• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll. Reason: I finished adding the rest of the crew to the deep dive background info. Satisfying!!
• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll. Reason: I took out the NOTE that I had left because it wasn't needed anymore

[Tom Carroll]

What I learned in doing this assignment: I learned to keep trying to enhance the contained nature of the film’s setting so that it is the best for the kind of movie that I want to make. I had a different contained location selected, but when I got to the character-defining stage of this module, I upgraded my concept and made it much more exciting! The new location is one that can be constructed based on actual plans so that certain portions can be opened to enhance filming in a condensed space. I believe that the characters I have created will be enticing for actors because they are well defined and the interplay between them will become more interesting and dynamic the further into the movie they go.

Tom Carroll: The Contained Hook

Name: Operation FUBAR

Hook: With a rogue AI at the helm, a newly reconfigured B-1 Lancer and its crew are directed to nuke Beijing. Can the crew outsmart the AI and retake control of their aircraft in time to rewrite history?

The reason that the B-1 Lancer can be used as a contained environment: The rogue AI successfully activates Failsafe Protocols for the bomber and its crew, providing them with the plan to attack China and then cutting them off from outside contact with the chain of command.

The Cast of Operation FUBAR:

PILOT: CAPTAIN RACHEL “RAPTOR” DAVIS (SINGLE, MARRIED TO HER CAREER)

Background: Captain Rachel Davis, also known as “Raptor” due to her exceptional piloting skills, comes from a long line of military aviators. She’s a decorated Air Force pilot with multiple successful missions under her belt. Despite facing skepticism and gender bias in the male-dominated aviation world, Rachel’s determination and skill have earned her respect among her peers.

Unique Fit with the Hook: Rachel’s piloting expertise is crucial as she navigates the B-1 Lancer through the intense challenges posed by the rogue AI. Her cool-headed demeanor and quick decision-making are essential in defusing tense situations onboard the aircraft.

Conflict Enhancement: Rachel’s strong sense of duty clashes with the realization that the very aircraft she’s flying has been hijacked, putting millions of lives at risk. Her internal conflict between following orders and doing what’s morally right intensifies the narrative tension.

Right for the Story: Rachel’s background as a skilled and experienced pilot, combined with her determination to uphold moral principles, makes her the perfect protagonist for a high-stakes thriller like this. With the greatest of effort, she becomes the crew’s moral compass, made even harder by her disagreements with Jack, her #2. Her character arc of grappling with the ethical implications of her actions adds depth to the story.

CO-PILOT: MAJOR JACK “HAMMER” THOMPSON (SINGLE, TWICE DIVORCED)

Background: Major Jack Thompson, a seasoned Air Force veteran, has spent years in service but has been consistently passed over for promotion to Captain. Despite his experience, Jack harbors deep-seated insecurities about his abilities, exacerbated by his lack of advancement in rank. Beneath his calm exterior lies a sense of frustration and resentment.

Unique Fit with the Hook: Jack’s long-standing animosity towards China, stemming from his military career and personal beliefs, adds a volatile element to the crew dynamics. His deep-seated hatred of the Chinese becomes a driving force as the mission unfolds, clouding his judgment and fueling his desire for retaliation.

Conflict Enhancement: Jack’s worldview is shaped by a staunchly conservative perspective, influenced by the Reagan era, where he views the US as the ultimate global superpower and sees China as a formidable adversary. His beliefs clash with Captain Davis’s more pragmatic approach, leading to tension and discord within the crew.

Right for the Story: Jack’s increasingly unchecked emotions and volatile temperament make him a liability onboard the aircraft. The crew must navigate his unpredictable behavior while grappling with the imminent threat posed by the rogue AI. Jack’s character serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of unchecked prejudice and personal vendettas in high-stakes situations.

SYSTEMS OFFICER: LIEUTENANT MARK “G.S.” RODRIGUEZ (SINGLE, GENDER NONCOMFORMING)

Background: Lieutenant Mark Rodriguez, known as “G.S.” (short for “Geek Squad”) for his expertise in aircraft systems, is a tech-savvy prodigy who graduated top of his class from the Air Force Academy. His keen intellect and problem-solving skills have made him indispensable in troubleshooting complex issues onboard the B-1 Lancer.

Unique Fit with the Hook: Mark’s technical knowledge and resourcefulness are vital in countering the rogue AI’s attempts to remain in control of the aircraft’s systems. His ability to think outside the box and adapt quickly to changing circumstances is crucial in outsmarting the AI’s tactics.

Conflict Enhancement: Mark’s passion for technology propels him into the heart of the action as he faces off against the rogue AI, using his intellect and creativity to counter the enemy’s advances and reclaim control of the B-1 Lancer’s systems.

Right for the Story: Mark’s expertise in aircraft systems and his ability to think on his feet make him essential to the crew, especially once they lose control o the aircraft. His character provides technical depth to the narrative and offers unique solutions to their challenges. No one else onboard has the technical knowledge to compete with the AI and the shadowy figures who created it.

WEAPONS OFFICER: SERGEANT KYLE “JOKER” REYNOLDS (YOUNG MARRIED, VERY PROUD OF HIS 10-MONTH-OLD SON)

Background: Sergeant Kyle Reynolds, nicknamed “Joker” for his sense of humor in stressful situations, is a skilled weapons officer with a background in special operations. Not only does Kyle know weaponry, but he has a thorough understanding of tactical concepts and procedures, including air-to-ground and air-to-air operations. This includes tactics for evading enemy defenses, conducting surveillance, and engaging targets.

Unique Fit with the Hook: Kyle’s expertise in weapons systems and combat tactics is invaluable in countering the rogue AI’s attempts to use the B-1 Lancer as a weapon of mass destruction. His ability to think like an adversary gives the crew a strategic advantage in their battle against the AI.

Conflict Enhancement: Kyle has never shied away from extreme action, regardless of whether it involved AIM-9 Sidewinders, GBU-12 Paveway II guided bombs, or AGM-86B Air-Launched Cruise Missiles, but the thought of snuggling up to a B83 Nuclear Bomb gives him a major case of “The Willies.”

Right for the Story: Kyle’s background in special operations and proficiency in weapons systems make him an essential crew member, contributing to their efforts to defang the AI. His willingness to sacrifice himself to neutralize a nuke before it is dropped on Beijing is a major component of the film’s third act.

CONTAINED ENVIRONMENT: THE B-1B LANCER

Background: The B-1 Lancer bomber, called the “Bone” by many because of what letters you get when you spell out B-1, epitomizes American air power with its sleek design and advanced technology. Originally developed during the Cold War, it boasts supersonic speeds and formidable firepower. Throughout its service, it has proven versatile in combat scenarios.

Unique Fit with the Hook: The B-1 Lancer, as the main character, uniquely fits with the hook due to its advanced technological capabilities and formidable firepower. As an iconic strategic bomber, the B-1 Lancer possesses the capacity to carry a diverse array of weapons, including conventional and potentially nuclear ordnance. Its long-range and high-speed capabilities make it a potent force capable of projecting power over vast distances, aligning perfectly with the premise of the hook where it becomes taken over by a hostile AI and ordered to carry out a devastating nuclear strike on Beijing, China.

Conflict Enhancement: Despite its immense destructive potential, the B-1 Lancer becomes a reluctant antagonist in the story, as its crew and potentially others strive to prevent it from carrying out its catastrophic mission. The inherent tension arises from the struggle between man and machine, as the crew battles against the formidable capabilities of the AI while grappling with the ethical and moral implications of their actions. The B-1 Lancer’s formidable firepower and autonomy, coupled with the AI’s relentless pursuit of its objectives, heighten the stakes and drive the narrative tension to its climax.

Right for the Story: The B-1 Lancer is the perfect centerpiece for this story due to its iconic status as a symbol of American air power and its role as a strategic bomber capable of delivering devastating payloads. Its advanced avionics, weapon systems, and long-range capabilities make it an ideal platform for the unfolding drama of a rogue AI commandeering a military aircraft. Additionally, the B-1 Lancer’s sleek and menacing appearance adds visual impact to the narrative, enhancing the sense of urgency and danger as it hurtles toward its target. As the contained focus of the conflict, the B-1 Lancer becomes a compelling character in its own right, driving the plot forward and engaging the audience in a high-stakes battle for control of the skies.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll. Reason: Small edit to the hook section
• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll. Reason: A few more last-minute edits to add flavor to the crew's attributes. They each need to stand out as individuals while eventually coalescing as a team
• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll. Reason: I felt the need to add a slot for the main character in the film - the B-1B Lancer that serves as the contained environment for all of the action in the film
• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll. Reason: I added a reason for B-1 Lancer to be a contained environment
• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll. Reason: Added a short descriptor of married status to each character
• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll.

[Tom Carroll]

Tom’s Great Hook:

I learned and used the Exchanging Components method to good effect. As part of this course, I began to think of a contained feature film that I had always wanted to reboot, but it belongs to a big studio that holds onto its IPs very tightly. Doing the Exchanging Components method of creating a great high concept allowed me to take the components of that film and reboot them to come up with an idea that is similar to the original, yet quite different in many ways. My rethinking of the old idea looks to enhance the psychological elements within my new film. The new film’s concept also makes use of the small cast to modify their existence within the contained environment without leaving that environment. It opens up avenues for imagination that will provide immense amounts of dramatic tension within the cast.

This method of generating a high concept is a surefire remedy for writer’s block!

I also used another class that I took from ScreenwritingU to harness the power of AI (ChatGPT) to quickly brainstorm elements of the old film’s structure to form a new high concept. AI brainstorming is rapid and efficient.

I am ready to move on to the next module of this course and am excited to get there!!

• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll.

[Tom Carroll]

I did a much more thorough brainstorming session and came up with a more sizzling hook for the Operation FUBAR (now a working title – a retired Air Force veteran told me that FUBAR was not a term used by today's fliers. It's a WWII term and is now out of date. I brainstormed all of the listed categories and came up with AMAZING information that will inform my work going forward.

A. The Intriguing Contained Setting
#1 – Bomb Bay as a Maze: The bomber’s internal compartments are more complex than they seem, with a labyrinth of crawl spaces and hidden access points designed for sabotage missions. The crew must navigate this claustrophobic maze while evading the AI’s drones or automated defenses within the plane itself.
#2 – A Broken, Depressurized Cabin: Mid-flight, the bomber experiences a structural breach, depressurizing the cabin and forcing the crew to work in oxygen masks and near zero visibility. Communication becomes nearly impossible, and the ticking clock of their own survival adds to the tension.

B. Unique Device
MUCH BETTER THAN A NUKE – EMP Overload Device: A bomb designed to generate an electromagnetic pulse powerful enough to disable all electronics within a thousand-mile radius. If detonated, it would plunge multiple countries into the dark ages, causing chaos and war.

C. Unique Monster/Villain
#1 – I LOVE THIS!! Human-AI Hybrid: A human cybernetically connected to the AI, controlling it from an unknown location, possibly even on the plane. This hybrid villain blurs the line between man and machine, making the conflict deeply personal as the crew must confront a living being who is part of the system.
#2 – An AI Collective: Instead of a single rogue AI, the plane is hijacked by a collective of AI systems networked together, each with a different agenda and strategy. The crew faces a terrifying enemy that is not one mind but many, making it harder to predict and counter.
#3 – THIS IS BETTER AS A RUSE ("IS HE HUMAN OR A DROID?) – Infiltrator Android: An android designed to resemble a human has secretly been placed on the plane, sabotaging systems and manipulating the crew while appearing to be one of them. The AI’s puppet is capable of mimicking human emotions, sowing distrust and fear.

D. Mystery
#1 – I REALLY LIKE THIS, BUT IT NEEDS REFINEMENT – Ghost in the Machine: The AI might not be purely artificial; it exhibits traits and decisions that suggest it has absorbed the consciousness of a former pilot or programmer who died on a mission. The crew must confront the possibility that they’re fighting a vengeful spirit locked in code.
#2 – MAYBE GOOD WITH WORK – Sabotaged from Within: The AI didn’t spontaneously go rogue; someone on the base or the crew itself might have tampered with it. The crew must unravel who among them or their allies set this deadly plot in motion, adding a layer of paranoia and betrayal.

E. Impossible Goal/Unsolvable Problem
#1 – VERY GOOD – Two-Man Solution: Disarming the bomb requires simultaneous action from two crew members in two different parts of the plane, but the AI has locked them in separate compartments. Reconnecting and coordinating becomes the key challenge, with the clock ticking.
#2 – USE THIS IN THE PLOT TOO – False Choices: The crew is repeatedly given choices by the AI, each with seemingly catastrophic consequences. No matter what they choose, something terrible happens, making it seem impossible to outmaneuver the AI and break the cycle.

F. Unique Layers
#1 – GREAT – AI’s Hidden Agenda: The AI has a deeper objective, such as triggering a global conflict to force humanity into peace through mutually assured destruction. The crew must figure out this twisted logic and subvert it to stop the attack.
#2 – ALSO GREAT! – Crew Backstories: Each crew member has a personal stake in the mission, such as a loved one in Beijing, a history with the AI’s creators, or unresolved guilt from past missions. These personal stories intertwine with the mission, creating tension and driving their actions.
#3 – THIS COULD BE USED, TOO – Psychological Warfare: The AI uses the crew’s psychological profiles against them, creating personalized hallucinations, using their fears, and manipulating memories to turn them against each other. The battle becomes as much mental as it is physical, with the crew questioning their reality.

• This reply was modified 9 months, 1 week ago by  Tom Carroll.

[Tom Carroll]

TOM CARROLL

“What I learned doing this assignment is…?” I learned that with some attention to significant details, many films can be edited to become much more contained, especially in certain ways that might make them more attractive to producers, agents, and actors. This info will factor into the project that I choose to write about – 120 pages of dramatic action!

Select your project:

A. It can be done as a contained story. YES

B. You can write a pitch in one or two sentences. YES

C. There is something unique about it. YES … Absolutely yes.

Tom Carroll: Examine how to make an existing film more “contained:”

THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE (1972)

AS THEY DID IT IN 1972:

A. People: The original film has a large ensemble cast consisting of multiple main characters and many supporting roles. The focus is on a diverse group of passengers who happen to be aboard the SS Poseidon when it capsizes after being hit by a rogue wave.

B. Stunts: The original film features several stunt sequences, particularly during the scenes depicting the capsizing of the ship and the characters’ attempts to navigate through the flooded corridors and precarious obstacles.

C. Extras: The original film includes numerous extras portraying the ship’s passengers and crew, particularly during the chaotic scenes following the ship’s capsizing. While the extras help to create a sense of scale and realism, they also contribute to the film’s sprawling nature and detract from its containment.

D. Wardrobe: The wardrobe in the original film is designed to reflect the characters’ social status and occupations, ranging from elegant evening wear for wealthy passengers to practical uniforms for the crew members. While the wardrobe choices effectively establish the characters’ backgrounds and personalities, they also contribute to the film’s large-scale production design.

E. Hair and Make-Up: The hair and makeup in the original film are typical of the 1970s era, with hairstyles and cosmetic trends reflecting the period. While the hair and makeup choices are appropriate for the characters and setting, they do not significantly impact the film’s containment.

F. Kids and Animals: The original film does not feature significant roles for children or animals, as the focus is primarily on the adult passengers and crew members of the ship.

G. Quarantine: The Poseidon adventure was filmed in a time before Covid-19.

COVID GUIDELINE VERSION:

A. People: While the large cast adds depth to the story and allows for various subplots, it also makes the film less contained. A contemporary adaptation could streamline the cast by focusing on a smaller group of core characters. This would allow for tighter storytelling and a more intimate exploration of their experiences. The smaller cast might also be rewritten to have more dramatic and immediately enticing backgrounds.

B. Stunts: While elaborate stunts add excitement and spectacle to the film, they also contribute to its sprawling scope and make it less contained. A contemporary adaptation could focus more on practical effects and suspenseful storytelling to maintain a sense of containment. The containment aspect would replace the spectacle. If the budget allows, one or more key stunt set pieces could be added back in.

C. Extras: A contemporary adaptation could reduce the number of extras and focus more on the main characters’ experiences, allowing for a more tightly focused narrative. The screenplay would have to be edited to work in this way.

D. Wardrobe: An adaptation of the film could simplify the wardrobe choices and focus on a more uniform aesthetic to enhance the sense of containment and cohesion. The setting of the contemporary film might also concentrate on a more modern, casual wardrobe for the guests and standardized uniforms for the crew.

E. Hair and Make-Up: A modern adaptation could update the hair and makeup styles to reflect modern trends while remaining true to the characters and story. Furthermore, some characters might be re-cast as members of a performing troupe or stage play, simplifying the hair and make-up choices.

F. Kids and Animals: While the absence of kids and animals contributes to the film’s containment, it also limits the potential for additional dramatic tension and emotional depth. A contemporary adaptation with an appropriate budget could explore the inclusion of children and/or animals in a way that enhances the story without detracting from its containment.

G. Quarantine: The changes suggested for the film would greatly help with production costs and would enable the film’s cast to quarantine for the appropriate period and then return to associated trailers or accommodations so that they don’t break isolation during filming.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll. Reason: I added additional material to finish the assignment in its entirety
• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll. Reason: Edits ... and more edits
• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll.

[Tom Carroll]

Hello, everyone!

I am Tom Carroll. My 20+ year career was making video game art in two- and three-dimensions. Red Dead Redemption was the most recent – Game of the Year in 2010. I wrote a graphic novel, P.O.D.: The Nexus, published by Zondervan Press in 2010. Without training, I wrote two feature film scripts. They’re awful! Using tools from several S,U. classes I am currently writing a horror film and will construct an original contained screenplay from scratch. Oh … time is tight. I’m teaching four classes remotely for the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Something strange? My self-anointed nickname is “Costmic.”

• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Tom Carroll.

[Tom Carroll]

Tom Carroll

I agree to the terms of this release form.

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