Timothy McDevitt
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TIM’S SOLVED SCENE PROBLEMS – DAY 27
What I learned doing this assignment is that my scenes are so underwritten that it’s almost impossible to evaluate their problems. I probably won’t finish writing scenes for another week or more, so I’ll follow up on this assignment at that time. I wish you all the best of luck on finishing your scripts and getting them polished to award and contest-winning conditions.
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TIM’S SOLVED CHARACTER PROBLEMS – DAY 26
What I learned doing this assignment is that my characters are still developing. I’ve given more thought to how active my antagonist is as an obstacle to the protagonist. My supporting characters need attention, not so much in their purpose/subplot story, but in making their unique, quirky, etc.
A. My protagonist is strong, but my antagonist needs to have a more personal grudge with the protagonist to make his a bigger obstacle.
B. Protag and Antag aren’t too good/bad. Duke is good but does bad things, trying to fit in with the bad dogs. Rex is bad, but he has a backstory that explains why and we can empathize with him to a certain extent.
C. Character intros are good but could be better. I’ll give this more thought.
D. Characters are mostly active. I don’t have excessive dialogue or talking head scenes.
E. Duke’s journey is strong. He’s a good dog who’s gone bad but will end up good again. The addition of the risk of death to his dilemma makes the journey more exciting.
F. I’m giving more thought to character’s dialects, quirks, tendencies, etc. I haven’t written much dialogue yet, but this is one element that I do well, although creating unique voices is a challenge.
G. My lead character is in most scenes and the antagonist is highly visible from his introduction late in Act 1 right through to the end. I’ve moved the introduction of Emma to earlier in Act 2, as she’s a significant character.
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TIM SOLVED STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS – DAY 25
What I learned doing this assignment is that my key scenes are pretty solid. My challenge going forward will be in writing these scenes more completely and effectively, and filling in the “in-between” scenes.
One thing I changed is the Dilemma. Originally, it occurred right BEFORE the Low of Lows, when it should be AFTER. The new dilemma is even more significant, with higher stakes and emotion.
ACT 1:
OPENING: Duke’s “old ways” are evident from the start as he is man’s best friend and his man is a bachelor. However, a longer scene or additional scenes are probably warranted to really establish his lazy lifestyle that will soon be disrupted.
INCITING INCIDENT: Duke has been wrongly accused by Bob’s new wife and her bratty daughter and banished to live outdoors. His old life has been completely upended and his reaction is to run away – definitely a new world for him.
TURNING POINT: Duke wants to go home but finds out that he’s not wanted. It’s devastating to him and literally locks him in a new life on his own, with no option to go back to the old.
ACT 2:
NEW PLAN: Duke’s new plan is to join a pack of bad dogs and live without humans, even antagonizing humans as much as possible.
PLAN IN ACTION: He slowly becomes a ‘bad boy’ like the rest of the crew, as they wreak havoc on the town, and he even considers challenging Rex as leader of the pack.
MIDPOINT TURNING POINT: Down to his last strike with the dog pound, Duke is adopted by Emma, the dog catcher’s daughter.
ACT 3:
REACT/RETHINK: Duke realizes he can’t trust Rex or the rest of the pack. He has to careful because he’s living with the enemy (the dog catcher).
NEW PLAN: Duke’s going to play along with Emma and her family, gaining their trust and biding his time until he can escape, help Sunny find her family, and get his revenge on Rex.
TURNING POINT: Rex has gotten the best of Duke again. He has failed to help Sunny, he almost got Emma hurt, which is his third strike that the dog catcher has been waiting for.
ACT 4:
DILEMMA: Duke can run away and lose Emma and Sunny forever OR he can return to fix the mess he made and take down Rex, but at the risk of his life. In short, his newfound belief that dogs are man’s best friend is being tested again, with more dire consequences.
CLIMAX/ULTIMATE EXPRESSION OF CONFLICT: The final battle is a physical, if not deadly, one between Duke and Rex, but it’s not just about them. It’s about Duke risking his life to defend Emma (and her dad) and proving he is man’s best friend.
RESOLUTION: The “new ways” are evident first in Duke’s return to being “man’s best friend” and living happily with Emma’s family. But Emma has also taken on new ways – accepting her prosthetic leg, reconnecting with friends, and trying skateboarding and other activities she enjoys. Finally, Rex and the other bad dogs have been adopted by good people and are enjoying the good life they rejected for so long.
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TIM FILLED IN MISSING SCENES – DAY 24
What I learned doing this assignment is that I have a lot of space to work with as I fill in and expand scenes. This is good because most scenes are sparsely written, and some are little more than an outline right now.
ACT 1: I added a couple of small scenes but mostly need to expand what already exists. For instance, I wrote one section as a montage, but it would be better if I stretched these into individual scenes with some shorter scenes interspersed to break them up.
ACT 2: I added several scenes but more will be needed I’m sure. The protagonist-antagonist dance needs to be amped up, as does the “buddy” element between Duke and his squirrel friend Sunny. One more thing I added is the introduction of Emma earlier than originally written.
ACT 3: this is the most complete act of the script. There wasn’t a need to add much here.
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TIM’S ACT 4 RESOLUTION – DAY 23
What I learned doing this assignment is that a satisfying wrap up of the story should be short and sweet.
Outline:
Duke is happy with his new family.
Sunny is happy reunited with her family.
Even Daz, Mort, and Rex have been adopted and
reformedEXT. DOG PARK – DAY
A bright, sunny day.
Don is at the grill, cooking burgers and hot dogs.
Bonnie sets the picnic table with plate, utensils, snacks.
Emma skates with her friends. They’re having a great time.
Duke is in the dog run, running with Daz and Mort, all in good fun. Daz and Mort are well-groomed.
Sunny and family watch from the top of the fence.
A YOUNG MAN AND WOMAN outside the fence whistle and Daz and Mort run to them.
The man flips a treat to them, which the gobble down.
And ELDERLY COUPLE stroll up to the dog run, with Rex on a leash.
Rex is not just groomed, he has a bright bandana around his neck and wears a knit sweater. He looks silly.
Rex enters the dog run. All the dogs stare at him.
But Rex owns this new look. He’s not embarrassed at all.
Sunny and Duke laugh.
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TIM’S ACT 4 CLIMAX – DAY 22
What I learned doing this assignment is it’s a lot like other assignments.
CLIMAX OUTLINE:
Duke battles Rex in defense of Emma.
Rex is stronger and gains the upper hand.
Duke has to combine his newfound courage with smarts and lure Rex into the cage dog run where he will be trapped.
EXT. DOG PARK – DAY
An intense wrestling match ensues.
They seems equally matched at first, but Rex’s strength and toughness gain him the upper hand.
He manages to sink his teeth into Duke’s hind leg.
Duke yelps and manages to shake loose his grip.
Rex smirks, moves in for the kill.
Duke backs up, looking around for help or an escape route.
He sees the open gate to the dog run and backs up towards it.
Rex follows slowly, enjoying the hunt.
Sunny and family watch from the fence, helpless.
Duke casts a reassuring glance at Sunny.
Duke backs inside the dog run.
Rex reaches the gate and grins.
Rex
Now you’re trapped.
Emma watches from the picnic table.
Vehicles screeching to a stop draw her attention to the parking lot.
Her father and Bob have arrived at the same time.
They exit their vehicles and run to Emma.
Back inside the dog run, Duke sprints deeper into the run, farther from the gate.
Rex pursues, slowly at first, then building speed.
Duke bolts towards the fence and leaps, like he and no one else thought possible, and clears the fence.
Rex follows, tries to jump but smashing into the fence, barely reaching halfway to the top.
Back at the gate, Sunny and her family are pushing the gate shut. They can’t get enough pressure to get the latch to click.
Duke and Rex look to the gate.
Duke sprints around the fence, heading for the gate.
Rex sets off for the gate too.
Duke jumps on the gate, slamming it shut, just before Rex arrives on the inside, again smashing his face.
Don, Bob, and Emma look on in stunned amazement as Duke and the squirrels celebrate.
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TIM’S ACT 4 FIRST SCENES – DAY 21
What I learned doing this assignment is the importance of the Old Ways-to-New Ways transformation in determining how the protagonist reacts to disaster.
Key Scene 1: Duke’s Reaction to 3<sup>rd</sup> Act Turning Point:
Duke is desperate to avoid the dog pound and devastated that he failed Sunny and Emma. He runs away, all the way home to Bob, in some crazy hope that he’d be welcomed home. When he gets there, he sees Bob’s wife and daughter playing with a new puppy dog. He’s been replaced and can’t go home.
Key Scene 2: Duke faces his dilemma:
Does Duke run farther away to live alone or does he return to fix the mess he left behind. He’s always been passive and a bit selfish, but now he feels compassion for Emma and Sunny, and a need to help them, while settling scores with Rex.
Ext. TOWN – DAY
Duke runs through town.
He continues at full speed along the edge of the woods.
Finally he arrives on the hill overlooking Bob’s house. He pauses to catch him breath.
He’s not sure why he’s even there. Perhaps a last ditch attempt to save himself by going home.
In the backyard, he sees Bob cooking at the grill.
Nearby, Karen and Madison are playing with a cute puppy.
They all look so happy. Duke is devastated.
His face transforms from hopeless to determined. He has the look of a dog on a mission.
He turns and struts away, heading back to town.
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TIM’S COMPLETED ACT 3 – DAY 20
What I learned doing this assignment is to keep plugging away and writing crappy scenes that are barely more than outlines. My first draft is going to be about half the length I need, but I know my future rewrites will be fleshing out the scenes and adding dialogue.
I’m just going to post the outline.
22. MIDPOINT TP: Ellie selects Duke for adoption
Mid-point turning point: Against her father’s wishes, Ellie picks Duke to adopt, because he
looks miserable just like her.
23. REACTION: Duke settles in at Emma’s house.
Duke has no choice but to try to be good until he has a plan and opportunity to escape.
Sunny comes with him, hitching a ride on the back of the car.
Duke sees pictures of Emma before she lost her leg – skiing, playing soccer, etc. She looks
happy.
24. PLACEHOLDER: The Bad Dogs Crew discusses what to do about Duke
Mort and Daz feel a bit sorry about getting Duke in trouble, but Rex sees the silver lining. He
can use Duke for intel now that he’s inside the dog catcher’s house.
25. Duke and Sunny need a new plan
Sunny brings fortune cookies to Duke and reads more cookie wisdom.
Duke explains he has to be good for a while. Sunny says good is his natural state, so don’t
fight it.
But Duke insists he’ll get out, live free, and help Sunny find her family.
Sunny says not to worry about her. Just stay out of trouble and make a home for himself.
26. Rex asks Duke to spy on his new owner
At the fenced dog park, Rex talks to Duke through the fence and mocks him for not being
free.
He tells Duke to get information on the dog catcher – his routine, likes, dislikes, etc. Anything
that they can use against him.
Duke agrees, but he makes Rex promise to help him escape when the time is right. It’s a
deal, but with the devil.
27. PLACEHOLDER – Something with Emma’s dad showing his love for her
Need a scene where Duke sees that Emma is the most important thing in her dad’s life.
28. Duke plays with Emma
Duke plays catch with Emma. At first he drops the ball on her lap, for her to throw again. Next he places it on the the ground, forcing her to get up and walk to it.
She does, but she stumbles when she bends over and gets annoyed at Duke.
Watching from the window, Emma’s dad smiles. Duke is motivating her to get better.
29. PLACEHOLDER – The BBC continues to cause trouble in town.
The Bad Boys continue to terrorize people, knock over trash cans, etc.
Emma’s dad watches video of them from doorbell cams and traffic cameras. He desperately
wants to find where their hiding place is.
30. Emma defends Duke
Duke helps Emma walk up and down the steps. She loses her balance as the bottom of the
steps and as Duke tries to steady her, he bangs into a table, and knocks over a lamp,
breaking it.
This is like something that happens in Act 1 that Duke was blamed for, so he’s nervous.
Emma’s dad comes in to investigate the noise and sees Duke and right away thinks he did
it.
Emma speaks up quickly, saying it wasn’t him – SHE knocked over the lamp.
Duke is surprised and touched.
31. DILEMMA: Does Duke risk all to help Sunny?
Sunny is lonely, tired, and is now being threatened by the BBC.
Duke is running out of time to reunite her with her family.
But he risks losing all if he’s caught breaking rules.
He catches a scent of the flowers she described as her home. He now knows he has to act.
32. LOW OF LOWS: Duke accidentally hurts Emma – strike 3
While defending Sunny from the BBC, Duke accidentally knocks over Emma.
Her dad sees it all and has given up on Duke – he must go back to the pound and be
exterminated.
Duke escapes but he has nowhere to go – hunted by Emma’s dad and the BBC.
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TIM’S ACT 3 TURNING POINT – DAY 19
What I learned doing this assignment is that THIS is perhaps the most important scene to achieve a satisfying resolution. If the stakes aren’t high enough, if the potential loss isn’t great enough, the resolution will fall flat.
Act 3 TP Outline:
Duke is happy with Emma and her family, but he must help Sunny find her family, as he promised. He follows his nose while on a walk with Emma, but when the Crew shows up and attacks Sunny, Duke has to defend her and he accidentally knocks over Emma. Her dad sees it all happen and tells Duke it’s strike three for him and he’s going to the pound again, for the last time.
Duke runs off, a hunted dog. He’s failed at everything: establishing his new home, reuniting Sunny with her family, and getting revenge on Rex.
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EXT. TOWN – DAY
Emma walks Duke, but actually he’s leading her.
He caught the scent that Sunny described as being near her home and he’s following it in hopes of finding her family.
As they approach the main intersection downtown, Rex and the Bad Boys Crew show up and cause trouble.
They disrupt traffic, harass walkers, and chase Sunny.
Duke lunges to protect Sunny and pulls Emma to the ground.
He turns to see if she’s okay, but has to go help Sunny.
Emma’s dad, among others, see it happen and are upset with Duke.
Emma’s dad decides that Duke can’t change and he’ll never be a good dog, so he has to go back to the pound.
Duke helps save Sunny for now, but he can’t stay.
He barely escapes both the BBC, police, and Emma’s dad.
He’s on the run, having failed Sunny, Emma, and wasted his last chance at becoming man’s best friend again.
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TIM’S ACT 3 MIDDLE SCENES – DAY 18
What I learned doing this assignment is that my scenes are not crystal clear at this stage in the process. I have general ideas of what should happen, but not specifically how.
KEY SCENE 2: MAKES A NEW PLAN:
Duke settles in with his new family, being good but not exactly loving. He maintains contact with the Crew as Rex considers him an “inside guy” to get intel on the hated dog catcher’s routine and vulnerabilities.
Duke grows to like Emma and even respect her dad. Sunny encourages him becoming a good boy again.
KEY SCENE 3: THINGS GO WELL, UNTIL…
Duke tells Rex he won’t cooperate with spying on his new owner, so Rex threatens Sunny if he doesn’t.
EXT. EMMA’S house – DAY
Duke in the fenced back yard. It’s not a bad place to land.
Sunny brings him some fortune cookies.
She reads a fortune that once again has significance to Duke – something about friendship, forgiveness, knowing yourself? I’ll figure it out later.
Duke says he’ll play nice with Emma until he figures out an escape plan.
Then he’ll help Sunny find her family AND pay back Rex.
Sunny tells him to look out for himself; try to make things work with his new family because it’s his last chance.
She says not to worry about finding her family, but he knows that she’s desperately lonely and needs to find them.
Emma watches them from inside and is bemused. What’s going on? It looks like they’re “talking”.
EXT. dog park – dAY
A fenced dog park when Emma takes Duke to run and play with other dogs, but he keeps to himself.
Rex approaches from other side of the fence and calls Duke over.
First, Rex mocks Duke for being captured again.
Next, he tells Duke to spy on his new owner, the hated dog catcher.
Rex wants anything they can use against him – routine, likes, dislikes, weaknesses.
Duke makes Rex promise to help him escape when the time is right.
It’s a deal.
Emma sees them ‘talking’ and is curious.
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TIM’S ACT 3 REACTION TO MIDPOINT – DAY 17
What I learned doing this assignment is that I don’t quite have a traditional protagonist journey so fitting my scenes into these “key scene” descriptions is difficult.
Duke’s reaction/rethink:
Duke sees no choice but to give his new owner’s a chance, but he’ll always have his eyes open for a chance to escape, rejoin the crew, and get revenge on Rexy. If may be reluctantly at first, but he is on the road to regaining his position as man’s best friend.
INT. Emma’s room – DAY
Emma and Duke are in her room. She’s on the bed.
Duke notices photos of her before she lost her leg: skiing, playing soccer, and happy.
Emma struggles with the prosthetic leg. She puts in on, but it’s not comfortable. It just doesn’t feel right.
She stands, wobbles, tries to take a few steps.
She trips and falls against the bed.
Duke starts to come to her but stops. He’s still not ready to like, or help, humans again.
Emma gets back on the bed and removes the leg, and throws it on the floor.
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TIM HAS COMPLETED ACT 2 DRAFT 1 – DAY 16
What I learned doing this assignment is that no matter how weak my filler scenes are, it’s good enough to get them down in crappy form for a first draft. I am so tempted to cycle back to every scene to make them better, but that is what always spoils my writing process. Onward.
I haven’t outlined all of these scenes using the Beginning-Middle-End strategy, but I’ll give that proper attention as I rewrite and fix these scenes.
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INT. DOG POUND – NIGHT
After hours. It’s dark and quiet, but Duke is wide awake and getting angrier by the second.
Sunny still perched outside his window trying to console him.
She tells him not to give up on humans; he’ll certainly be adopted by a new family; and she’ll stay with him no matter what. But there’s no consoling him.
Duke just wants to get out. He wants nothing to do with humans.
They strike a deal: Sunny will help him escape if he promises to help her find her family. She needs protection.
Sunny bites and claws through the screen.
She hops inside and opens the latch to his cage.
They are careful not to make too much noise, but when Duke pushes the emergency door open, alarms and flashing lights go off and they run off into the woods.
Ext. WoODS – niGHT
Duke wants to hook up with the Bad Boys Crew as Sunny tries to dissuade him.
He says being good got him nothing, so he might as well be bad and have some fun.
Sunny says he’s not like the other bad dogs. Deep down, he’s good and will always be man’s best friend.
Anyway, he promised to help her find her family.
He responds that he didn’t say WHEN.
She’s disappointed, but needs his protection so she stays.
Suddenly, the bad dogs leap out to scare them and Sunny goes scrambling up a tree in terror.
Duke responds so bravely and ferociously that he scares Mort and Daz.
Rex likes the new Duke. He is one of them.
Ext. TOWN – DAY
Bob drives around town.
He stops every so often to put up “Lost Dog” posters on telephone poles.
After he leaves one location, squirrels take down one of the posters and run off with it.
EXT. tOWN – dAY – series of shots
The Bad Boys Crew causes trouble in town.
1. They knock over trash cans just for fun.
2. They chase cats and scare people walking on sidewalk.
3. They poop in front of “Please Pick Up Your Poop” signs.
4. They run through traffic and cause a fender bender.
Ext. Chinese restaurant – nIGHT
In the back alley, Sunny and Duke finish eating dinner.
DukE
That was great. Bob never did Chinese.
SunnY
You miss him, don’t you?
DUKE
I don’t miss anything and I don’t need anybody, especially him.
SUNNY
You can’t be bitter the rest of your life. You’re not like Rex and those other jerks.
DUKE
No, I’m even more bitterer. I’m the bitterest and I’m gonna rule the Crew one day.
Sunny pities him.
A CHINESE MAN in a chef uniform exits the back door with a bag of trash and walks to the dumpster, throws the bag in.
As he returns to the door, he sees Duke and Sunny.
Duke BELCHES.
CHINESE MAN
(smiles and nods)
Thank you.
He reaches in his pocket for some fortune cookies and throws them in their direction.
He re-enters the restaurant.
Sunny opens the wrapper, cracks the cookie, and reads the fortune.
SunnY
Love is an action, not a feeling.
(lets it soak in)
Deep. What does yours say?
Duke coughs up the plastic wrapper and spits it out.
Duke
(embarrassed)
Uh, I’ll let you know tomorrow.
MORE HAPPENS HERE – TO BE DETERMINED
ExT. tOWN – DAY
Karen and Madison walks down Main Street. It’s not busy but they smiles at the few SHOPPERS and DOG WALKERS they pass.
Without breaking her stride Karen nonchalantly pulls down one of Bob’s “Lost Dog” posters from a telephone pole and slam dunks it in a trash can.
They continues down the street,alternating turns at taking down posters as they come across them.
They laugh like it’s a game.
A WOMAN pushing a baby in a stroller turns the corner and see them taking down a poster.
Woman
Oh good. Your dog is safe?
Karen and Madison panic.
KarEN
Um, yes, he’s –
MadISON
He’s exactly where he belongs.
The woman gives a confused smile and strolls away.
Int. Amistad house – nIGHT
The Dog Catcher’s home. DON AMISTAD (40), stern but fair, and his wife BONNIE (37), have a serious talk in the kitchen.
Through the door opening to the living room, they see Emma spread out on the couch with headphones on and reading a book.
Bonnie amistad
She never leaves the house. She doesn’t want to see her friends.
Don amistad
She doesn’t cooperate with rehab.
Bonnie amistad
She won’t wear the prosthetic.
They glance at Emma again.
DON AMISTAD
We have to snap her out of this funk.
(epiphany)
A dog!
BONNIE AMISTAD
A service dog?
DON AMISTAD
No. Well, maybe. But just a dog to be hers. To feed, to walk, to play with, to be…girl’s best friend.
Emma catches them looking at her and frowns.
She adjusts her position to face the other way.
Ext. WoODS – NIGHT
Duke and Sunny return to the Crew’s home base.
Rex teases and scares Sunny because “that’s what real dogs do”.
Duke defends Sunny or it’s just an opportunity to challenge Rex as alpha dog.
The Crew teases Duke, accusing him of being a squirrel-lover and asking if Sunny is his squirrelfriend.
Duke has the will, but Rex has the street smarts and the backup muscle of Mort and Daz.
After a brief struggle, Duke submits again to Rex.
Angry and ashamed, he runs off into the dark, with Sunny following close behind.
EXT. wOODS – dAY
Duke and Sunny have another heart to heart talk about friendship, finding Sunny’s family, and choosing to be good.
Rex and the Crew show up and invite Duke back into the club. They say last night was all good fun and no hard feelings.
Duke reluctantly agrees, to Sunny’s disappointment.
ext. TOWN – DAY
The crew roams around town.
They eat breakfast from dumpsters.
Things seem to be fine and friendly.
Rex secretly tells Mort and Daz that they have to teach Duke a lesson.
They tell him to stay put as look out while they do some mischief.
He doesn’t realize they’re at the mayor’s house.
He can’t see what they’re up to. They poop on the front step of the mayor’s house and bark loudly.
They run away through the back yard, away from Duke.
Duke steps into view of the front door to see what’s going on.
The mayor barges out of the house and steps in the poop.
He slips and falls on it.
Duke instinctively runs to him to see if he’s okay.
The mayor grabs him by the collar and won’t let go.
Duke is caught. Again. And in big trouble. Again.
Int. DOG POUND – DAY
Duke is in the cage again, with Sunny perched outside on the window sill.
They discuss their options.
DUKE
Tonight, we bust me out of here like last time.
SunnY
(pushes on screen)
Will be even easier this time.
Duke laughs. Stupid humans.
SunnY
You’re not going back to them, are you?
DuKE
Who else do I have?
(off her reaction)
Oh yeah, I have you of course, but dogs are my people, well not people, but you know what I mean.
Sunny is still hurt.
SUNNY
Well, squirrels are my people…
(sternly)
If you want my help this time, you have to promise to help me find my family.
DUKE
Sure, sure, but first –
SUNNY
No! I’m first. Then you can do whatever you want. You won’t ever have to hear my annoying voice again.
Duke feels like a jerk. He nods.
SunnY (CONT’D)
Say it.
Duke
Ok, I promise.
The dog catcher stops by to see Duke.
Dog CATCHER
This is strike two, Duke. You’ve got one last chance to turn things around.
Duke casts him a mean look.
DOG CATCHER (CONT’D)
Strike three gets you a one way ticket to doggie heaven, or worse.
Sunny gasps but by the time Dog Catcher looks that way, she’s ducked out of view.
To distract him from staring too closely at the ripped screen, Duke barks fiercely at him.
DOG CATCHER
Tsk. That’s not the winning attitude.
The door at the end of the kennel swings open and Emma enters, on crutches, with Mrs. Dog Catcher.
Dogs in nearby cages respond with friendly barks.
Dog Catcher gives them a smile, but Emma is grumpy.
Emma
This is stupid. I don’t want a pet.
Mrs. Dog catcher
You say that, but once you have one, in no time at all you’ll be B-F-Fs.
(feeling cool)
You kids still say that?
EMMA
Not anymore. Once parents use an expression, it’s dead.
MRS. DOG CATCHER
Cool. I’m jiggy wit it.
EMMA
(eye roll)
Ugh, what century are you from?
MRS. DOG CATCHER
Ooo, maternal unit burnt to a crisp.
EMMA
Dad! Make mom stop!
DOG CATCHER
Sorry, uber-cool mom is unstoppable.
Duke watches with amusement, but with angry facade in tact.
Emma wants it to end, so she studies the dogs.
She strolls from cage to cage, met by a variety of cute, friendly faces and wagging tails.
DOG CATCHER
Whatever one you want, honey.
Mrs. Dog Catcher can’t help but comment on each dog.
Mrs. DOG CATCHER
This one is so cute.
(next cage)
Oh, isn’t this guy adorable?
(next cage)
This one has some Golden in him.
DOG CATCHER
These are all good choices.
Emma isn’t satisfied. Cutesy just isn’t her, not today.
Finally, she reaches Duke. He looks miserable, like her.
They scowl at each other.
Dog CATCHER
No, no, not this one.
EmmA
I kinda like him.
Duke and Dog Catcher are shocked.
DOG CATCHER
He’s bad news. His last owner said he was incorrigible and bad with kids!
EMMA
(wicked smile)
I’m bad with kids too.
Mrs. DOG CATCHER
He’s a drooler.
EMMA
So he already has something in common with dad.
Dog CATCHER
Hey, I’m not responsible for my actions once I fall asleep.
Emma’s parent exchange looks – what can we do?!
EMMA
He looks like he needs somebody but doesn’t want anybody.
Dog catCHER and mrs. Dog catcher
(relieved)
Exactly!
EMMA
I’ll take him.
Everyone is stunned, especially Duke and Sunny.
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TIM’S ACT 2 TP – MIDPOINT – DAY 15
What I learned doing this assignment is it’s an important balancing act of keeping the protagonist on his journey while significantly changing the journey in some way.
MIDPOINT OUTLINE:
BEGINNING: Duke is in the pound a 2<sup>nd</sup> time. He conspires with Sunny to escape again.
MIDDLE: Dog catcher tells Duke he’s down to his last strike. Next time he gets put down. Sunny worries for Duke and tells him to be good and get adopted. Duke is defiant.
END: Emma surprises her dad (dog catcher) by choosing Duke to adopt.
INT. DOG POUND – DAY
Duke is in the cage again, with Sunny perched outside on the window sill.
They discuss their options.
DUKE
Tonight, we bust me out of here like last time.
SunnY
(pushes on screen)
Will be even easier this time.
Duke laughs. Stupid humans.
SunnY
You’re not going back to them, are you?
DuKE
Who else do I have?
(off her reaction)
Oh yeah, I have you of course, but dogs are my people, well not people, but you know what I mean.
Sunny is still hurt.
SUNNY
Well, squirrels are my people…
(sternly)
If you want my help this time, you have to promise to help me find my family.
DUKE
Sure, sure, but first –
SUNNY
No! I’m first. Then you can do whatever you want. You won’t ever have to hear my annoying voice again.
Duke feels like a jerk. He nods.
SunnY (CONT’D)
Say it.
Duke
Ok, I promise.
The dog catcher stops by to see Duke.
Dog CATCHER
This is strike two, Duke. You’ve got one last chance to turn things around.
Duke casts him a mean look.
DOG CATCHER (CONT’D)
Strike three gets you a one way ticket to doggie heaven, or worse.
Sunny gasps but by the time Dog Catcher looks that way, she’s ducked out of view.
To distract him from staring too closely at the ripped screen, Duke barks fiercely at him.
DOG CATCHER
Tsk. That’s not the winning attitude.
The door at the end of the kennel swings open and Emma enters, on crutches, with Mrs. Dog Catcher.
Dogs in nearby cages respond with friendly barks.
Dog Catcher gives them a smile, but Emma is grumpy.
Emma
This is stupid. I don’t want a pet.
Mrs. Dog catcher
You say that, but once you have one, in no time at all you’ll be B-F-Fs.
(feeling cool)
You kids still say that?
EMMA
Not anymore. Once parents use an expression, it’s dead.
MRS. DOG CATCHER
Cool. I’m jiggy wit it.
EMMA
(eye roll)
Ugh, what century are you from?
MRS. DOG CATCHER
Ooo, maternal unit burnt to a crisp.
EMMA
Dad! Make mom stop!
DOG CATCHER
Sorry, uber-cool mom is unstoppable.
Duke watches with amusement, but with angry facade in tact.
Emma wants it to end, so she studies the dogs.
She strolls from cage to cage, met by a variety of cute, friendly faces and wagging tails.
DOG CATCHER
Whatever one you want, honey.
Mrs. Dog Catcher can’t help but comment on each dog.
Mrs. DOG CATCHER
This one is so cute.
(next cage)
Oh, isn’t this guy adorable?
(next cage)
This one has some Golden in him.
DOG CATCHER
These are all good choices.
Emma isn’t satisfied. Cutesy just isn’t her, not today.
Finally, she reaches Duke. He looks miserable, like her.
They scowl at each other.
Dog CATCHER
No, no, not this one.
EmmA
I kinda like him.
Duke and Dog Catcher are shocked.
DOG CATCHER
He’s bad news. His last owner said he was incorrigible and bad with kids!
EMMA
(wicked smile)
I’m bad with kids too.
Mrs. DOG CATCHER
He’s a drooler.
EMMA
So he already has something in common with dad.
Dog CATCHER
Hey, I’m not responsible for my actions once I fall asleep.
Emma’s parent exchange looks – what can we do?!
EMMA
He looks like he needs somebody but doesn’t want anybody.
Dog catCHER and mrs. Dog catcher
(relieved)
Exactly!
EMMA
I’ll take him.
Everyone is stunned, especially Duke and Sunny.
-
TIM’S ACT 2 MIDDLE SCENES – DAY 14
What I learned doing this assignment is the importance of plugging away. Just get it done.
KEY SCENE 2: Protagonist takes on a plan and executes it
Duke’s plan is to wreak havoc on humans and take over as leader of the Bad Boys Crew.
The Crew knocks over trash cans, just for fun, not even for food.
They run through town, scaring people on the street.
They run in street and cause minor fender benders.
When they eat from a fast food dumpster, Duke keeps the best find for himself rather than give it up to Rex. To make matters worse, he shares some with Mort and Daz in an effort to curry their favor.
KEY SCENE 3: Not only does that plan fail, but…
Duke is feeling cocky; he defends Sunny when Rex threatens her.
Rex mocks Duke and calls him a squirrel-lover.
Mort and Daz join in, joking that Sunny is his squirrel-friend.
Faced with a 3 against 1 situation, Duke backs down and is humiliated.
He overplayed his hand and is back to being low man on the totem pole.
I’LL POST THE ACTUAL SCENE LATER; JUST WANTED TO GET THIS POSTED FIRST.
-
TIM’S ACT 2 REACTION TO TP 1 – DAY 13
What I learned doing this assignment is that the same approach works on any scene – break it into a beginning, middle, and end. Also, I’m not wasting time on dialogue unless there are key words with special impact, such as those expressing theme.
REACTION TO TP1:
Duke responds by turning bitter towards humans and joining the Bad Boys Crew.
EXT./INT. DOG POUND – NIGHT
BEGINNING: Sunny consoles Duke and they discuss his options.
MIDDLE: They strike a deal – if she helps him escape, he’ll help her find her family.
END: Sunny helps Duke escape the pound, triggering alarms as the go into the night.
EXT. WOODS – NIGHT
BEGINNING: Sunny tries to convince Duke the BBC is bad and not to give up on humans.
MIDDLE: Sunny says Duke isn’t like the other dogs. Deep down he’s good and he’ll always be good.
END: The BBC surprises them, but Duke reacts with courage and ferocity. He’s one of them.
Int. DOG POUND – nIGHT
After hours. It’s dark and quiet, but Duke is wide awake and getting angrier by the second.
Sunny still perched outside his window trying to console him.
She tells him not to give up on humans; he’ll certainly be adopted by a new family; and she’ll stay with him no matter what. But there’s no consoling him.
Duke just wants to get out. He wants nothing to do with humans.
They strike a deal: Sunny will help him escape if he promises to help her find her family. She needs protection.
Sunny bites and claws through the screen.
She hops inside and opens the latch to his cage.
They are careful not to make too much noise, but when Duke pushes the emergency door open, alarms and flashing lights go off and they run off into the woods.
Ext. WoODS – niGHT
Duke wants to hook up with the Bad Boys Crew as Sunny tries to dissuade him.
He says being good got him nothing, so he might as well be bad and have some fun.
Sunny says he’s not like the other bad dogs. Deep down, he’s good and will always be man’s best friend.
Anyway, he promised to help her find her family.
He responds that he didn’t say WHEN.
She’s disappointed, but needs his protection so she stays.
Suddenly, the bad dogs leap out to scare them and Sunny goes scrambling up a tree in terror.
Duke responds so bravely and ferociously that he scares Mort and Daz.
Rex likes the new Duke. He is one of them.
-
<div>
TIM’S FINISHED ACT 1 – DAY 12
What I learned doing this assignment is that by allowing myself to write a low-quality first draft I can fill out my script with scenes that are a step above “placeholders”, knowing I’ll improve them considerably with future passes.
</div>
ACT 1
Int. Bob’s house – family room – dAY
DUKE, a lazy hound dog living the good life relaxes on “his spot” on the couch,
His owner BOB (35) scurries around the room nervously, tidying up: fluffing pillows, arranging magazines on a coffee table.
Duke studies him curiously. Bob catches his glance.
Bob
You really should get more exercise.
Duke yawns, stretches and hops – well, falls – off the couch.
He strolls across the room, grabs his bed in his teeth and drags it to a sun-soaked spot by the window.
He collapses onto the bed and basks in the warmth.
Bob
You are the most spoiled dog on the planet. But you’re a good boy, aren’t you?
Duke wags his tail and smiles. Yes, I AM a good boy.
BOB
I’ve got a surprise for you. I know you’re gonna love it.
Duke shows some pep now. He rises and starts for the kitchen.
BOB
(laughs)
No, not food. Outside!
Duke goes back to the window and peers outside.
A car pulls into the driveway and parks.
The driver and passenger doors swing open and out steps Bob’s girlfriend KAREN (30s) and her bratty daughter MADISON (13).
Right behind them, a moving van pulls in.
Duke’s face drops.
BOB
Surprise!
Int. BOB’S HOUSE – nIGHT
Bob and Duke sit on the couch watching football on tv. Madison sits on a chair, bored.
Karen enters with popcorn and approaches the couch but there’s not much room for her.
KarEN
Does he always sit on the furniture?
BOB
Um, yeah, I guess it’s just been us bachelors until now.
He looks at Duke and motions for him to get off.
Duke slips off the couch, gives Karen a nasty look on his way to his bed.
Karen sits down next to Bob with the bowl of popcorn.
Madison grabs the remote and changes the channel.
MaDISON
Mind if we watch Real Housewives?
Bob concedes but with a look that mimics Duke’s.
Int. BOB’S HOUSE – DAY
PLACEHOLDER: FOR NOW IT’S A MONTAGE:
1. Karen sneezes, points to Duke. Bob points for Duke to leave the room.
2. Duke lies at edge of kitchen entrance and drools while watching Bob, Karen, and Madison eat dinner. Madison makes an “Ew, gross” face and points at Duke. Bob tells him to leave.
3. Duke lies on his bed. Madison sits on the couch texting. She puts her feet up on the coffee table and knocks over a glass, which breaks. Duke comes over to sip up the soda as Bob enters the room. Madison points at Duke. Bob frowns at him.
4. Bob watches tv as Karen vacuums the family room. She begins sneezing uncontrollably again. She stops vacuuming to take a pill, then slumps melodramatically on the couch.
5. Bob drags Duke’s bed into the cramped laundry room between the kitchen and garage. He gives Duke a “sorry” look.
Int. BOB’S HOUSE – dAY
Duke lies on his bed in the laundry room. He is not happy.
He hears FOOTSTEPS and looks through the open door into the kitchen to see Madison strut by like she owns the place.
She opens the fridge, grabs a drink, then pauses, slowly closes the door.
On the counter, next to the fridge she spies Bob’s keys and wallet.
Madison looks around, picks up the wallet, and takes some cash.
Duke is pissed. He springs to his feet, barking bloody murder.
Madison drops the wallet on the counter, spins to face Duke.
Madison
(whispering)
Shh! Shut up you stupid mutt.
Duke gets closer, still barking fiercely.
Madison panics at the sound of quick footsteps on a stairway.
Bob (O.S.)
What’s going on in there?
Madison tries to fake tears. She looks terrified.
Bob rushes into the kitchen and surveys the scene.
Duke stops barking and looks very proud of himself.
MadISON
(sobbing)
He attacked me
Duke is shocked by the accusation.
BoB
That doesn’t sound like Duke.
MaDISON
Are you calling me a liar!?
Duke
No. I am!
bOB
Of course not. It’s just –
MadISON
(between sobs)
I came in for a drink. And he, when I closed the door, he was right there growling and stalking me.
Karen rushes to Madison and hugs her.
Karen
It’s okay, honey. Mommy’s here.
(to Bob)
We can not live in fear like this.
Bob stares at Duke, despondent.
Duke
She’s lying! Her pants have been on fire since the day they moved in. You know I would never…right?
Bob sighs.
Ext. BOB’S HOUSE – night
In the backyard, away from the house, Duke has literally and figuratively in the dog house.
Bob kneels outside and rubs Duke’s head.
BOB
I’m sorry, boy. The girls just don’t feel safe around you.
Duke drops his eyes.
BOB (CONT’D)
You used to be such a good boy.
duke
(perk up)
Used to be? I’m still a good boy! They’re the bad boys, uh, girls. Please call me good boy. Please.
Bob rises and looks down at Duke sadly.
He opens his mouth to speak, then stops, turns and walks away.
LATER
Duke stares at the house. In one window appears Madison, on her cell phone, laughing. She waves to Duke and laughs more.
Duke has had enough. He watches as, one by one, the windows in the house go dark.
He stands – OUCH – bangs his head on the dog house opening.
He crouches and exits the dog house.
Duke
He’s under their witch’s spell but he’ll miss me once I’m gone. Yeah, he’ll come begging me to come home.
Defiantly he marches away from the house, towards the woods.
Ext. Woods – nIGHT
On an overcast, star-less night, Duke wanders through the dark woods. He’s spooked by the noises – owls, crunching leaves.
He settles under the cover of bush.
Just as his eyes get heavy and he seems calm enough to sleep, it starts to rain.
Ext. town – day
A sunny dawn. Duke wanders out of the woods, wet and hungry.
He follows his nose through the quiet streets to the main drag of shopping centers, gas station, and fast food restaurants.
His nose takes him to a dumpster behind a burger joint.
One of the two lids on the dumpster is open but the dumpster is too high for Duke to reach. He paces, drooling and licking his lips, as he studies the dumpster.
Desperate, he leaps against the side of the dumpster, nails scraping on metal, but barely reaches half way to the top.
He tries again. And again. Until he’s exhausted.
Sunny (O.S.)
Do you have a reservation?
Duke looks up to see Sunny, a young squirrel sitting on the top of the dumpster wall. She has a burger in her hands.
Duke stares at the burger and drools.
Sunny drops the burger to him and he gulps it down whole.
Sunny
Day old burgers. An essential part of a healthy, balanced breakfast.
Duke
I’m ready for the next part.
Sunny loses her balance and Duke sees that she has only a stub for a tail. She jumps back inside the dumpster.
Food starts flying out – fries, chicken nuggets, more burgers – and Duke catches them all in his mouth like a pro.
Later
Duke and Sunny rest beside the dumpster, both of them stuffed from their feast.
Duke
I’m stuffed.
Sunny
Hi Stuffed. I’m Sunny.
DUKE
A comedian, huh? I’m Duke.
Sunny
Ooo. I’ve been dining with royalty.
Duke chuckles.
DUKE
Yeah, lots of royalty sleep in the woods and eat from dumpsters.
Rex (o.S.)
Who’s royalty?
Sunny leaps from fear and lands on the dumpster lid, wobbly.
Three MIXED BREED DOGS approach the dumpster: REX, the short, strong, mean leader, and his smaller sycophants MORT and DAZ. This is the Bad Boys Crew.
Duke scrambles to his feet, intimidated by the newcomers.
The Crew forms a semi-circle around Duke, who has his back to the dumpster.
Sunny
You guys leave Duke alone. He just ate.
The Crew laugh.
REX
So, Duke, what are you doing on our turf, eating from our dumpster?
SunnY
I don’t see your name on it.
Rex strolls to the dumpster and scratches R-E-X onto it with his nails.
Sunny stretches her neck to see what he wrote.
SunnY
I stand corrected.
DukE
(nervous, scared)
Listen, Rex, I didn’t know.
Rex
I don’t recognize you. Where you from?
DUKE
I live on the edge of town…well, I did before last night…I’m just hanging out until my human finds me and –
REX
Oh, you’re an ‘owned’ dog? A good boy.
Mort and Daz laugh derisively at Duke.
PLACEHOLDER:
Duke explains his situation.
Rex tells him you can’t trust humans and Duke should give up hope of going home and join their Crew.
Duke thanks him but is afraid to tell him he still trusts Bob.
Rex lets him hang out with them…but he has to prove himself.
Int. BOB’S HOUSE – day
Bob holds the phone to his ear as he stares out the window at Duke’s empty dog house. Karen is behind him.
Bob
(disappointed)
Okay. If you see him, please call me right away.
Bob ends the call and puts the phone in his shirt pocket.
Karen rubs his shoulders.
Bob (CONT’D)
He’s not at the pound.
KAREN
I’m sure he’ll come back.
BoB
I hope so. He’s not an outdoor dog.
KAREN
They’re all outdoor dogs.
(softens her tone)
I mean, dogs have natural survival skills. He’ll be fine.
Madison strolls into the room, still in her pajamas.
She stretches and takes a deep breath.
Madison
Were you cleaning already, mom? It smells fresh in here.
Bobs scowls at the dig. He turns and walks away.
BoB
I’m going to look for him.
KarEN
I’ll come with you.
Ext. WoODS – DAY
The Crew walks through the woods near a road. Duke follows them with Sunny right behind him.
Duke hears a vehicle coming and runs toward the edge of the woods to check it out.
Ext. Roads – day
Bob’s pick up truck rolls down the road with woods on one side and houses on the other.
Bob drives while Karen looks out for Duke.
Her eyes lock on Duke near a bush, but in plain sight. He clearly wants to be seen.
She immediately points to the other side of the road.
Karen
What’s that over there?
Bob glances that way.
There’s an old lady walking a poodle.
Bob
Seriously, Karen?
The truck drives past Duke, leaving him disappointed.
Sunny
Was that him?
The Crew approaches, sending Sunny about six feet up a tree. She doesn’t trust these guys.
Rex
I told you. You’re better off anyway.
Ext. WoODS – night
The Crew plus Duke settle in for the night. Sunny is above them on a low branch.
Duke is sad to be spending a second night outside.
Duke
This isn’t for me. I’m going home tomorrow.
The Crew laugh and make fun of him. Make cry baby sounds.
REX
You wanna teach him a lesson? By crawling back with your tail between your legs? Ha!
Duke knows he’s right.
Daz
Just stay with us.
Mort
Yeah, you don’t need people.
SunnY
Everybody needs somebody.
Rex
One, he’ll have us for a family. And B – shut up, squirrel.
Daz and Mort laugh and howl.
duke
But, we’re…
ReX
We’re what?
DUKE
We’re supposed to be man’s best friend.
They laugh hysterically.
REX
And aren’t they supposed to be our best friend?
Daz
Does a best friend blame you for stuff you didn’t do?
Mort
Does a best friend kick you out of the house to live in rain and snow?
REX
(angrily)
Does a best friend keep you in a cage all day and force you to fight your brother for their entertainment?
Silence. All eyes on Rex.
Rex (CONT’D)
I mean, hypothetically.
Duke lowers his eyes to avoid contact with Rex’s.
DukE
Bob’s not like that. I owe him another chance. You’ll see. He’ll welcome me back with open arms.
They settle in to sleep.
Ext. TOWN – DAY
The gist of this scene:
Beginning: Duke wants to return to Bob without crawling home. Rex offers a suggestion.
Middle: Duke goes to a nice area and knocks over trash cans. He waits for the dog catcher and doesn’t try to get away.
End: Duke smiles as he’s taken to the pound. Mission accomplished.
Int. Dog pound – dAY
Duke sits in a cage, happy to be indoors and looking confident.
Squirrel sits outside on the sill of a screened window where he can speak to Duke.
DUKE
Rex’s plan worked like a charm.
Squirrel
Yeah, but why couldn’t you just come here and turn yourself in?
DUKE
(stupid pause)
The important thing is I’m here and I’ll be going home soon.
SQUIRREL
(disappointed)
That’s great. Uh, will you visit?
Dog Catcher strolls up to Duke’s cage, holding Duke’s collar and a phone.
DUKE
Shh. It’s show time.
Dog Catcher dials a phone number. He scowls at Duke.
Dog catcher
(into phone)
Yes, hello. This is the township animal control center.
(pause)
Right, the pound. We’ve got your naughty Duke here. He was caught knocking over trash cans.
(listens)
Uh huh. Oh, is that so?
Duke studies his face to get a read on the conversation.
Dog CATCHER (cONT’D)
Oh my.
(listens)
That’s terrible.
Dog Catcher gives Duke a “tsk tsk” look.
Duke is petrified.
DOG CATCHER (CONT’D)
Are you 100% sure?
(listens)
I know. It’s a difficult decision.
(listens)
Yes, I understand. Good night.
Dog Catcher shakes his head in disapproval at Duke.
DOG CATCHER
Somebody’s been a very bad boy, hasn’t he?
Duke
Bob said that? He said I’m bad?
DOG CATCHER
No need arguing. Get comfortable because you’re gonna be staying at our fine establishment indefinitely.
Duke’s expression changes from disbelief to bitterness and anger. He morphs into a bad dog before our eyes.
Int. BOB’S HOUSE – DAY
In the kitchen, Karen smirks as she puts down the phone.
Bob (O.S.)
(hollers)
Who was that?
KaREN
One of those extended car warranty calls. I wasted their time until they hung up.
BOB (O.S.)
Ha! Good girl.
-
TIM’S TURNING POINT 1 SCENES – DAY 11
What I learned doing this assignment is similar to the last couple assignments.
BEGINNING: Duke relaxes in a cage, looking confident, talking to Squirrel through the window.
MIDDLE: Dog Catcher calls Bob’s phone # but speaks to Karen. Duke thinks it’s Bob.
END: Duke finds out he’s not wanted home. His devastation turns to fury. He’s a bad boy now.
Int. Dog pound – dAY
Duke sits in a cage, happy to be indoors and looking confident.
Squirrel sits outside on the sill of a screened window where he can speak to Duke.
DUKE
Rex’s plan worked like a charm.
Squirrel
Yeah, but why couldn’t you just come here and turn yourself in?
DUKE
(feels stupid)
The important thing is I’m here and I’ll be going home soon.
SQUIRREL
(disappointed)
That’s great. Uh, will you visit?
Dog Catcher strolls up to Duke’s cage, holding Duke’s collar and a phone.
DUKE
Shh. It’s show time.
Dog Catcher dials a phone number. He scowls at Duke.
Dog catcher
(into phone)
Yes, hello. This is the township animal control center.
(pause)
Right, the pound. We’ve got your naughty Duke here. He was caught knocking over trash cans.
(listens)
Uh huh. Oh, is that so?
Duke studies his face to get a read on the conversation.
Dog CATCHER (cONT’D)
Oh my.
(listens)
That’s terrible.
Dog Catcher gives Duke a “tsk tsk” look.
Duke is petrified.
DOG CATCHER (CONT’D)
Are you 100% sure?
(listens)
I know. It’s a difficult decision.
(listens)
Yes, I understand. Good night.
Dog Catcher shakes his head in disapproval at Duke.
DOG CATCHER
Somebody’s been a very bad boy, hasn’t he?
Duke
Bob said that? He said I’m bad?
DOG CATCHER
No need arguing. Get comfortable because you’re gonna be staying at our fine establishment indefinitely.
Duke’s expression changes from disbelief to bitterness and anger. He morphs into a bad dog before our eyes.
Squirrel regards Duke with compassion and a little fear.
Int. BOB’S HOUSE – DAY
In the kitchen, Karen smirks as she puts down the phone.
Bob (O.S.)
(hollers)
Who was that?
KaREN
One of those extended car warranty calls. I wasted their time until they hung up.
BOB (O.S.)
Ha! Good girl.
-
TIM’S INCITING INCIDENT – DAY 10
What I learned doing this assignment is hard to say but nobody reads this anyway. The key thing is that I nailed down the key scenes, leaving only the filler scenes to finish the act.
Key Scene 2 Outline:
BEGINNING: Duke sees Madison open Bob’s wallet.
MIDDLE: Duke barks ferociously to alert Bob.
END: Madison accuses Duke of attacking her for no reason
Int. BOB’S HOUSE – DAY
Duke’s lies on his bed in the laundry room. He is not happy.
He hears FOOTSTEPS and looks through the open door into the kitchen to see Madison strut by like she owns the place.
She opens the fridge, grabs a drink, then pauses, slowly closes the door.
On the counter, next to the fridge she spies Bob’s keys and wallet.
Madison looks around, picks up the wallet, and takes some cash.
Duke is pissed. He springs to his feet, barking bloody murder.
Madison drops the wallet on the counter, spins to face Duke.
Madison
(whispering)
Shh! Shut up you stupid mutt.
Duke gets closer, still barking fiercely.
Madison panics at the sound of quick footsteps on a stairway.
Bob (O.S.)
What’s going on in there?
Madison tries to fake tears. She looks terrified.
Bob rushes into the kitchen and surveys the scene.
Duke stops barking and looks very proud of himself.
MadISON
(sobbing)
He attacked me
Duke is shocked by the accusation.
BoB
That doesn’t sound like Duke.
MaDISON
Are you calling me a liar!?
Duke
No. I am!
bOB
Of course not. It’s just –
MadISON
(between sobs)
I came in for a drink. And he, when I closed the door, he was right there growling and stalking me.
Karen rushes to Madison and hugs her.
Karen
It’s okay, honey. Mommy’s here.
(to Bob)
We can not live in fear like this.
Bob stares at Duke, despondent.
Duke
She’s lying! Her pants have been on fire since the day they moved in. You know I would never…right?
Bob sighs.
Key Scene 3 Outline:
BEGINNING: Duke is banished outdoors, literally in the dog house.
MIDDLE: Bob is disappointed in Duke, says he used to be such a good boy.
END: Duke is heartbroken and angry. He runs away.
Ext. BOB’S HOUSE – night
In the backyard, away from the house, Duke has literally and figuratively in the dog house.
Bob kneels outside and rubs Duke’s head.
BOB
I’m sorry, boy. The girls just don’t feel safe around you.
Duke drops his eyes.
BOB (CONT’D)
You used to be such a good boy.
duke
(perk up)
Used to be? I’m still a good boy! They’re the bad boys, uh, girls. Please call me good boy. Please.
Bob rises and looks down at Duke sadly.
He opens his mouth to speak, then stops, turns and walks away.
LATER
Duke stares at the house. In one window appears Madison, on her cell phone, laughing. She waves to Duke and laughs more.
Duke has had enough. He watches as, one by one, the windows in the house go dark.
He stands – OUCH – bangs his head on the dog house opening.
He crouches and exits the dog house more cautiously.
Duke
He’s under their witch’s spell but he’ll miss me once I’m gone. Yeah, he’ll come begging me to come home.
Defiantly he marches away from the house, towards the woods.
-
TIM’S ACT ONE: OPENING SCENES – DAY 9
What I learned doing this assignment is breaking down every scene into its own 3-Act structure helps write the scene with impact while setting up the next scene.
Opening: Duke’s comfortable life as “man’s best friend” with his bachelor owner Bob is disrupted by the arrival of Bob’s new girlfriend and her bratty young daughter.
BEGINNING: Duke sleeps on “his spot” on the couch as Bob tidies up.
MIDDLE: Bob tells Duke he has a surprise for Duke. Duke finally perks up.
END: Bob’s girlfriend and her daughter arrive – they’re moving in!
INT. BOB’S HOUSE – FAMILY ROOM – DAY
DUKE, a lazy hound dog living the good life relaxes on “his
spot” on the couch,
His owner BOB (35) scurries around the room nervously, tidying
up: fluffing pillows, arranging magazines on a coffee table.
Duke studies him curiously. Bob catches his glance.
BOB
You really should get more exercise.
Duke yawns, stretches and hops – well, falls – off the couch.
He strolls across the room, grabs his bed in his teeth and
drags it to a sun-soaked spot by the window.
He collapses onto the bed and basks in the warmth.
BOB
You are the most spoiled dog on the
planet. But you’re a good boy, aren’t
you?
Duke wags his tail and smiles. Yes, I AM a good boy.
BOB
I’ve got a surprise for you. I know
you’re gonna love it.
Duke shows some pep now. He rises and starts for the kitchen.
BOB
(laughs)
No, not food. Outside!
Duke goes back to the window and peers outside.
A car pulls into the driveway and parks.
The driver and passenger doors swing open and out steps Bob’s
girlfriend KAREN (30s) and her bratty daughter MADISON (13).
Right behind them, a moving van pulls in.
Duke’s face drops.
BOB
Surprise!
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This reply was modified 3 years, 5 months ago by Timothy McDevitt.
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This reply was modified 3 years, 5 months ago by
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TIM’S BEAT SHEET DRAFT 2 – DAY 8
What I learned doing this assignment is the importance of making the antagonist’s journey touch on the same theme as the protagonist, even if they are on opposite sides of the theme. Also, in recent lessons I’ve learned who my antagonist is! This was one of the missing elements from the start that was holding me back. Huzzah!
Interweave Theme throughout the beat sheet:
Act 1:
INT. BOB’S HOUSE – DAY
Opening: Duke’s comfortable life as “man’s best friend” with his bachelor owner Bob is disrupted by the arrival of Bob’s new girlfriend and her bratty young daughter.
INT. BOB’S HOUSE – DAY
A series of quick scenes:
– Duke’s drooling grosses out Bob’s girlfriend, so he loses his spot on the couch.
– Bratty girl rides Duke like horse; he tolerates it.
– Bob’s girlfriend sneezes when Duke is near; his bed is moved to the laundry room.
– Bratty girl puts muddy feet on couch while yacking on phone, blames Duke.
– Duke catches Bratty girl stealing money and barks to alert Bob. Girl cries and says Duke attacked her.
EXT. BOB’S HOUSE – NIGHT
Duke is literally in the doghouse, which he barely fits in. It starts to rain.
EXT. BOB’S HOUSE – DAY
Inciting Incident / TE: Bob checks in on Duke before leaving for work. He’s alarmed by Duke’s behavior and for the first time, calls Duke a bad boy. After Bob leaves, Duke runs away.
EXT. TOWN – DAY
TE: Duke meets Squirrel at a trash can. Squirrel helps get food for Duke.
EXT. WOODS – DAY
Antagonist intro: Duke meets Rex and his pack of bad dogs, who don’t like humans.
INT. HOME – NIGHT
Placeholder: Bob worries about Duke
EXT. STREETS – DAY
Duke hangs out near road, hoping Bob will find him. When Bob drives by, his girlfriend sees Duke and distracts Bob so he won’t see him too.
EXT. WOODS – DAY
Placeholder: Debate between Squirrel and Pack about Bob wanting Duke back. Duke agrees with Squirrel but can’t crawl back to Bob, so he gets caught by Dog Catcher on purpose.
INT. DOG POUND – DAY
Turning Point: Duke learns that he’s not wanted home and that he’s been called “a bad boy”. However, he doesn’t know it was Bob’s girlfriend who said these things and Bob is unaware of Duke’s situation.
Act 2:
INT. DOG POUND – NIGHT
Placeholder: Squirrel helps Duke escape.
EXT. WOODS – DAY:
New Plan / Antagonist: Duke joins the Bad Pack in bad attitude and raids trash cans in town.
EXT. TOWN – DAY
Bob hangs “Lost Dog” posters around town. A squirrel grabs one from a telephone pole and runs off.
EXT. TOWN – DAY
Plan in action: Squirrel shows Duke where to find the good stuff (restaurant dumpster food).
Antagonist: The Bad Pack follows them and causes such trouble that business owners call Animal Control. They barely escape.
EXT. TOWN – DAY
Bob’s girlfriend driving through town; she stops and pulls down a “Lost Dog” poster and throws it in trash.
EXT. CHINESE RESTAURANT – NIGHT
Squirrel offers wisdom to Duke about “purpose in life” but it’s a fortune from a cookie. Duke ate his.
INT. EMMA’S HOUSE – NIGHT
MEET EMMA. Emma’s parents are worried about her depression and think a pet would cheer her up. Dad is the dog catcher, so he agrees to let her pick a dog from the pound.
EXT. EMMA’S HOUSE – NIGHT
Antagonist: Pack plays a trick on Duke. They poop on Dog Catcher’s front step and make noise so that he comes out and steps in it. Duke is the only one there when it happens so he gets blamed.
INT. DOG POUND – DAY
Midpoint Turning Point: Strike 2 for Duke. He’s warned that one more return to the pound will be his last. But Emma surprises everyone by choosing Duke to adopt…against the advice of her father.
Act 3:
INT. EMMA’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
Rethink everything: Duke see pictures of Emma before she lost her leg – playing sports, skiing, happy. He sees how she now struggles with just one leg and a prosthetic. His heart begins to thaw.
EXT. WOODS – DAY
PLACEHOLDER: something happens with the dog pack causing more trouble – threatening Squirrel?
EXT. EMMA’S YARD – DAY
Placeholder: Squirrel brings Chinese food to Duke; more wisdom from fortune cookies.
EXT. DOG PARK – DAY
TE / Antagonist: Duke inside the fenced park as Emma rests. Rex talks to Duke from outside the fence and tells him to be his ‘inside guy’ to get dirt on Dog Catcher – his routine, any weaknesses, etc.
EXT. EMMA’S HOUSE – DAY
New plan: Duke talks with Squirrel in the yard. He promises again to help reunite her with her family, but he has to be careful not to break house rules. Emma sees them talking and is bemused.
EXT. WOODS – NIGHT
Antagonist: Rex tells the Pac they will soon finally get their revenge on Dog Catcher.
EXT. EMMA’S YARD – DAY
Antagonist: Duke tells Rex he won’t be his informant; Rex pressures him by threatening Squirrel.
EXT. EMMA’S YARD – DAY
TE: Dilemma – does Duke risk all to help Squirrel find his family?
EXT. TOWN – DAY
Antagonist: On a walk with Emma, Duke follows the scent of flowers that leads to Squirrel’s family. The Bad Pack arrives to hassle Squirrel and Duke accidentally knocks over Emma. Her father sees it all.
EXT. TOWN – DAY
Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift: Emma’s father takes Duke to pound. This is strike 3 for him.
Act 4:
EXT. PARK – DAY
Squirrel has happy reunion with family. She climbs the tree to their nest, her fear of heights gone. She notices Duke’s wanted poster in the nest material. She grabs it and runs off.
EXT. PARK – LATER
Emma cries over the thought of losing Duke forever. Squirrel drops the poster at her feet. She picks it up and understands immediately. She pulls out her cell phone and dials.
EXT. DOG POUND – DAY
Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict / Antagonist: Dog Pack attacks Emma’s father, thinking Duke will join them to free himself, but he defends Emma’s father and defeats Rex by tricking him into a cage. The other dogs are happy to free from Rex’s tyrannical reign.
EXT. DOG POUND – LATER
TE: Bob and Emma show up at same time and Duke runs to Emma, who hugs him and cries because she thinks she’s losing him. Bob approaches Duke and explains how he missed him and was looking for him. He calls Duke “good boy” and Duke licks his hand.
EXT. EMMA’S HOUSE – DAY
Resolution: Duke is a part of Emma’s happy family. The Squirrel family visits and watches Duke and Emma play as she talks excitedly about skiing again.
Closing Scene: Rex and the rest of The Pack walk by on the sidewalk, led by an older couple who adopted them. They are clean, comically coifed, and loving the attention.
Antagonist Journey (Rex – leader of the Bad Dogs Pack):
1. Rex welcomes Duke into the Pack, encourages his dislike for humans.
2. Puts Duke in his place when Duke challenges the Pack being mean to Squirrel. (Rex is king)
3. Leads Pack on mischief missions in town: knocking over trash cans, pooping on lawns.
4. Plays trick on Duke that gets Duke picked up by Dog Catcher.
5. After Duke is adopted by Dog Catcher, uses Duke as an informant to get info on Dog Catcher.
6. When Duke stops cooperating, Rex threatens Squirrel to coerce Duke.
7. Leads Pack in attack of Dog Catcher, and final confrontation with Duke.
8. Rex ends up adopted by little old lady (or girl?) who pampers him – and he loves it.
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TIM’S HIGH SPEED BEAT SHEET – DAY 7
What I learned doing this assignment is to accept imperfection and gaps in the story for now.
Act 1:
INT. BOB’S HOUSE – DAY
Opening: Duke’s comfortable life as “man’s best friend” with his bachelor owner Bob is disrupted by the arrival of Bob’s new girlfriend and her bratty young daughter.
INT. BOB’S HOUSE – DAY
A series of quick scenes:
– Duke’s drooling grosses out Bob’s girlfriend, so he loses his spot on the couch.
– Bratty girl rides Duke like horse; he tolerates it.
– Bob’s girlfriend sneezes when Duke is near; his bed is moved to the laundry room.
– Bratty girl puts muddy feet on couch while yacking on phone, blames Duke.
– Duke catches Bratty girl stealing money and barks to alert Bob. Girl cries and says Duke attacked her.
EXT. BOB’S HOUSE – NIGHT
Duke is literally in the doghouse, which he barely fits in. It starts to rain.
EXT. BOB’S HOUSE – DAY
Inciting Incident / TE: Bob checks in on Duke before leaving for work. He’s alarmed by Duke’s behavior and for the first time, calls Duke a bad boy. After Bob leaves, Duke runs away.
EXT. TOWN – DAY
TE: Duke meets Squirrel at a trash can. Squirrel helps get food for Duke.
EXT. WOODS – DAY
Placeholder: Duke meets the pack of bad dogs, who don’t like humans.
INT. HOME – NIGHT
Placeholder: Bob worries about Duke
EXT. STREETS – DAY
Duke hangs out near road, hoping Bob will find him. When Bob drives by, his girlfriend sees Duke and distracts Bob so he won’t see him too.
EXT. WOODS – DAY
Placeholder: Debate between Squirrel and Pack about Bob wanting Duke back. Duke agrees with Squirrel but can’t crawl back to Bob, so he gets caught by Dog Catcher on purpose.
INT. DOG POUND – DAY
Turning Point: Duke learns that he’s not wanted home and that he’s been called “a bad boy”. However, he doesn’t know it was Bob’s girlfriend who said these things and Bob is unaware of Duke’s situation.
Act 2:
INT. DOG POUND – NIGHT
Placeholder: Squirrel helps Duke escape.
EXT. WOODS – DAY:
New Plan: Duke joins the Bad Pack in bad attitude and raids trash cans in town.
EXT. TOWN – DAY
Plan in action: Squirrel shows Duke where to find the good stuff (dumpster food). The Bad Pack follows them and causes such trouble that business owners call Animal Control. They barely escape.
EXT. CHINESE RESTAURANT – NIGHT
Squirrel offers wisdom to Duke about “purpose in life” but it’s a fortune from a cookie. Duke ate his.
INT. EMMA’S HOUSE – NIGHT
MEET EMMA. Emma’s parents are worried about her depression and think a pet would cheer her up. Dad is the dog catcher, so he agrees to let her pick a dog from the pound.
EXT. EMMA’S HOUSE – NIGHT
Pack plays a trick on Duke. They poop on Dog Catcher’s front step and make noise so that he comes out and steps in it. Duke is the only one there when it happens so he gets blamed.
INT. DOG POUND – DAY
Midpoint Turning Point: Strike 2 for Duke. He’s warned that one more return to the pound will be his last. But Emma surprises everyone by choosing Duke to adopt…against the advice of her father.
Act 3:
INT. EMMA’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
Rethink everything: Duke see pictures of Emma before she lost her leg – playing sports, skiing, happy. He sees how she now struggles with just one leg and a prosthetic. His heart begins to thaw.
EXT. WOODS – DAY
PLACEHOLDER: something happens with the dog pack causing more trouble – threatening Squirrel?
EXT. EMMA’S YARD – DAY
Placeholder: Squirrel brings Chinese food to Duke; more wisdom from fortune cookies.
EXT. STREETS – DAY
TE: Walking with Emma, the Pack creates diversion so Duke can escape but he chooses to stay.
EXT. EMMA’S HOUSE – DAY
New plan: Duke talks with Squirrel in the yard. He promises again to help reunite her with her family, but he has to be careful not to break house rules. Emma sees them talking and is bemused.
EXT. EMMA’S YARD – DAY
TE: Dilemma – does Duke risk all to help Squirrel find his family?
EXT. TOWN – DAY
On a walk with Emma, Duke follows the scent of flowers that leads to Squirrel’s family. The Bad Pack arrives to hassle Squirrel and Duke accidentally knocks over Emma. Her father sees it all.
EXT. TOWN – DAY
Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift: Emma’s father takes Duke to pound. This is strike 3 for him.
Act 4:
EXT. PARK – DAY
Squirrel has happy reunion with family. She climbs the tree to their nest, her fear of heights gone. She notices Duke’s wanted poster in the nest material. She grabs it and runs off.
EXT. PARK – LATER
Emma cries over the thought of losing Duke forever. Squirrel drops the poster at her feet. She picks it up and understands immediately. She pulls out her cell phone and dials.
EXT. DOG POUND – DAY
Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict: Dog Pack attacks Emma’s father, thinking Duke will join them to free himself, but he defends Emma’s father and defeats the pack leader by tricking him into a cage. The other dogs seem happy to have Duke as the new leader of the pack.
EXT. DOG POUND – LATER
TE: Bob and Emma show up at same time and Duke runs to Emma, who hugs him and cries because she thinks she’s losing him. Bob approaches Duke and explains how he missed him and was looking for him. He calls Duke “good boy” and Duke licks his hand.
EXT. EMMA’S HOUSE – DAY
Resolution: Duke is a part of Emma’s happy family. The Squirrel family visits and watches Duke and Emma play as she talks excitedly about skiing again.
Closing Scene: The Pack walks by on the sidewalk, led by an older couple who adopted them. They are clean, comically coifed, and loving the attention.
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TIM’S TRANSFORMATIONAL EVENTS – DAY 6
What I learned doing this assignment is to think in logical detail about how the entire story is driven by the protagonist’s journey and transformation. Like all journeys, it’s a series of smaller steps.
Duke (Protagonist)
Old Ways:
– Lazy & content to be alone
– Uncomfortable with change
– Takes being “man’s best friend’ for granted
– Avoids confrontation / timid
– Spoiled / Thinks of himself first
– Naive
New Ways:
– In charge of his own destiny & happiness
– Values friendship
– Accepts new possibilities
– Courageous
– Willing to sacrifice for a greater cause
– Trusting
Needed changes from Old Ways to New Ways:
– Can’t run away from problems
– Friendships take effort
– Learn to trust humans again
– Recognize that he wants to be good
– Risk his own comfort to help a friend (and keep a promise)
– Stand up to the Dog Pack bullies
– Earns his place as “man’s best friend”
Duke’s Transformational Events:
– Scapegoated for problems at home, he runs away to punish his human (Bob).
– Makes his first real friend in Squirrel.
– Breaks from the Pack when he realizes he doesn’t want to be bad like them.
– Plays with Emma to encourage her to get used to her prosthetic leg.
– Gets wise advice from Squirrel, but it’s actually from a fortune cookie.
– Dilemma: Does he risk all to fulfill promise to reunite Squirrel with family?
– Defends Dog Catcher from Dog Pack
– Forgives Bob and accepts his forgiveness too.
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TIM’S 4 ACT TRANSFORMATIONAL STRUCTURE – DAY FIVE
What I learned doing this assignment is that my unclear crisis/climax caused so many problems with the rest of my story that it brought everything to a crashing halt.
Create a first draft of your 4 Act Transformational Structure.
1. Give us the following:
Concept: A
hound dog feels betrayed by his owner, runs away and vows to avoid humans,
and a pack of bad dogs, while trying to reunite his lost squirrel friend
with her family.Main Conflict:
Duke’s vow to live without humans is in direct opposition to his natural
inclination to be man’s best friend.Old Ways:
suspicious, meek, lazy, lonerNew Ways:
trusting, selfless, brave, and once again man’s best friend.2. Fill in each of these with the answers you have right now.
Act 1:
Opening: Duke’s
comfortable life as “man’s best friend” with his bachelor owner Bob is
disrupted by the arrival of Bob’s new girlfriend and her bratty young
daughter.Inciting Incident: After
being sent to the doghouse, scapegoated for things the girl did, Duke runs
away, thinking Bob will come looking for him and apologize.Turning Point:
Duke lets himself get caught by the dog catcher, but when they call Bob’s
phone number listed on his collar, Bob’s girlfriend answers and says Duke
is bad and they don’t want him back. Duke thinks it was Bob who said these
things, so he’s devastated.Act 2:
New plan: Duke
is determined to live without humans, hanging out with a pack of bad ass
dogs and his tail-less, nut-allergic Squirrel friend. <div>Plan in action: Duke
and Squirrel live in woods but venture into town to raid dumpsters and
trash cans for food. Duke and the pack also cause mischief, targeting
humans. Annoyed homeowners put pressure on Animal Control boss to find the
culprits.Midpoint Turning Point: After being caught by the Dog Catcher again – strike 2 –
Duke is adopted by the Dog Catcher’s daughter Emma, a depressed girl struggling
to recover from the loss of a leg due to cancer.Act 3:
Rethink everything: Duke
can’t mess up again. He must somehow make it work with this girl or it’s
back to the pound for the last time. <div>New plan: Duke
wants to protect his Squirrel friend and try to reunite her with her
family as he promised, but he can’t risk breaking the house rules or losing
the favor of Emma. Gradually, he befriends Emma and helps her rehab, and
he regains his lost love for humans.Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift: While trying to reunite Squirrel with her family, Duke
accidentally hurts Emma while saving Squirrel from the dog pack and he is
taken back to the pound by her enraged father. Strike 3.Act 4:
Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict: Thanks to Squirrel, Emma finds out Duke belongs to Bob,
so she calls him to save Duke, knowing she can’t keep him. Meanwhile, Duke
defends Dog Catcher from the dog pack because he is once again Man’s Best
Friend.Resolution: Bob sees how much Duke loves Emma, so he lets her keep
him. Duke is finally a truly integral part of a happy family.<div></div>
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This reply was modified 3 years, 5 months ago by Timothy McDevitt.
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This reply was modified 3 years, 5 months ago by
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TIM’S CHARACTER INTERVIEWS
What I learned doing this assignment is that my lack of a singular, strong antagonist is causing me concern. It’s frustrating but is probably beneficial to hit this wall early on. I’m changing the main character’s mission from the nebulous “avoid humans” to something more concrete – “help his new Squirrel friend find his family”. This makes it more of a buddy travel story, which is one of the established story types, while allowing me to elevate my existing antagonist character (Dog Catcher) and add others, such as grumpy neighbors and the mayor. The other significant character remains Emma, the injured, depressed girl who still serve as change agent for Duke, and vice versa.
My previous character profiles for Duke and Emma haven’t really changed, but I need to work on the Dog Catcher to make him more than a stereotypical, hard ass authority figure.
The fun character is Squirrel, but as Duke’s buddy he’s not quite an equal protagonist, nor is he the antagonist.
Will update this later.
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TIM’S CHARACTER PROFILES – PART 2
What I learned doing this assignment is how important, and difficult, it can be to create a deep, interesting character.
DUKE (PROTAGONIST)
What draws us to this character?
First, he’s a dog. But he’s also a sympathetic character as a ‘good boy’ who’s been wrongly accused numerous times, eventually leading to punishment that forces him to run away. He’s completely unprepared for life on his own and has to stay one step ahead of the dog catcher, who may return him to his owner…or worse.
Traits: loyal, proud, needy
Subtext: pretends he doesn’t need anyone but craves attention and praise.
Flaw: stubborn; addicted to being called a good boy.
Values: loyalty, truth
Irony: tries to be a loner but befriends Squirrel and risks everything to help him. His self-imposed exile runs counter to his natural desire for companionship.
What makes this the right character for this role?
He’s “man’s best friend” to his core but no longer believes man is his best friend.
EMMA (ANTAGONIST / CHANGE AGENT)
What draws us to this character?
She’s an injured child, struggling with depression and guilt. She might be nasty at times, but we understand why and can forgive her, while rooting for her rehabilitation.
Traits: Stubborn, sarcastic, smart
Subtext: plays the sympathy card to get her way; jokes about uncomfortable topics.
Flaw: doesn’t want help
Values: independence, family, fairness
Irony: She thinks she’s saving Duke but doesn’t realize that she needs him.
What makes this the right character for this role?
Emma is a lot like Duke – damaged, bitter – and these similarities are the source of initial conflict and eventual salvation for both of them.
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This reply was modified 3 years, 5 months ago by Timothy McDevitt.
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This reply was modified 3 years, 5 months ago by
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TIM’S CHARACTER PROFILES – PART 1
1. Protagonist: DUKE the dog is a RUNNER type character. Having been hurt by his owner, he ran away, avoids humans, and lives on his own.
2. Antagonist: DOG CATCHER is an AUTHORITY type. He takes pride in keeping his town free of wild dogs and Duke as a frequent offender is enemy #1.
3. Other Characters:
SQUIRREL is Duke’s buddy. With no tail and a nut allergy, he has problems of his own, but he also has a goal – to find his family.
EMMA is an ornery, wheelchair-bound girl who chose Duke from the dog pound just to annoy her parents. She will be a bit of a CHANGE AGENT for Duke, and vice versa.
Others: Emma’s parents and Duke’s original owner.
4. Genre: Part COMEDY, part BUDDY FILM
CHARACTER PROFILES:
DUKE (Protagonist, Runner with a little Victim thrown in)
Age range and Description: Adult dog, but not old. He looks nicer than he acts.<div>
Internal Journey: From bitter and mistrusting to loving and trusting again.
External Journey: From self-imposed loner to part of a loving family.
Motivation: Avoid being hurt by humans again.
Wound: heart-broken by the perceived betrayal of his owner.
Mission/Agenda: live alone, without people
Secret: addicted to the words “Good boy”.
What makes them special? Beside his strong sense of smell – Empathy. No matter how hard he tries, he can’t just ignore others’ pain.
EMMA (Change Agent)
Age range and Description: 10 year old injured girl who is depressed and doesn’t want to do rehab. She only adopted Duke because he looked as sad and mean as her.
Internal Journey: From depressed, defeated to regaining her zest for life.
External Journey: From handicapped to handicapable, taking on new challenges and hobbies.
Motivation: to be like other kids, the way she was before her accident.
Wound: her accident, which zapped her ambition and cost her friendships.
Mission/Agenda: to feel normal again.
Secret: the accident that injured her was her fault.
What makes them special? very intelligent and manipulative.
SQUIRREL (Duke’s buddy)
Age range and Description: juvenile squirrel, very positive and happy despite having no tail, no family, and a nut allergy.
Internal Journey: not sure.
External Journey: From struggling to survive alone to rejoining his family.
Motivation: to not be alone, first befriending Duke, then looking for family.
Wound: afraid of heights, partly because he lost his tail.
Mission/Agenda: Find his family.
Secret: Not sure yet.
What makes them special? always optimistic, no matter how bad the situation.
What I learned doing this assignment is that I don’t have a true antagonist, so I amplified the Dog Catcher role, but I also now understand how Emma can take over the antagonist role as Duke’s change agent.
</div>
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Tim’s Transformational Journey
Buck is a Golden Retriever who feels betrayed by his owner and no longer believes man is his best friend. He runs away, determined to live on his own, until he’s caught by the dog catcher and adopted by a family with a special needs child who is just as bitter as himself. If he can learn to trust again, Buck and the child may be exactly what the other needs to heal their wounds.
Internal Journey: overcome feelings of betrayal and learn to trust again.
External Journey: From a life of solitude to being part of a loving family.
Old ways:
selfish, suspicious, bitter, mistrusting of humans
New ways:
trusting, loving, once again “man’s best friend”.
What I learned from this assignment is having a clear END for the character’s arc makes it easier to come up with the START of the arc.
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Tim McDevitt
I agree to the terms of this release form.
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Hi. I’m Tim McDevitt. I’ve written a few shorts and have several feature-length scripts in various stages of completion. I’m hoping this class will teach me some skills to write quicker and complete what I start – procrastination has been a lifelong, unwanted partner.
Can’t think of anything unique about myself, so I’ll just say I’m an accountant who almost majored in journalism many years ago, and I’m finally committed to playing with words instead of numbers.
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Hi Teri. I have an idea for a rom-com about a young CPA, very loosely drawn from my own experience (not the rom part), but I haven’t written it yet. Most of my scripts are rom-coms and family films and lately I’ve found myself writing animated stories that are best suited for animation – including the one I’ll use for this class.
How about you?
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This reply was modified 3 years, 5 months ago by Timothy McDevitt.
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This reply was modified 3 years, 5 months ago by