[Vaughn Jelks]

Vaughn Jelks’ Confidentiality Agreement with ScreenwritingU – 10/24/22

I, Vaughn Jelks, agree to the terms of this 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.

[Vaughn Jelks]

Vaughn Jelks

So far, I’ve written 4 scripts

I hope to learn how to create Hollywood-level TV shows that will sell

I was a professional actor when I was young. I have Aspergers so I’m very private.

[Vaughn Jelks]

Vaughn Jelks

I agree to the terms of this 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.

[Vaughn Jelks]

I’m Vaughn Tyree Jelks

I’ve written 4 screenplays

I hope to learn how to improve my screenwriting skills and hone in on getting paid writing assignments

I was a professional actor as a child who got bit by the Hollywood bug and have been hooked ever since.

[Vaughn Jelks]

I learned the importance of being empowered. Empowerment is the state you want to be in with your creativity. It’s where you want to live your life. If you’re empowered, you’re operating at your best. You’re excited and feel great about doing the work.

[Vaughn Jelks]

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

GROUP RELEASE FORM

As a member of this group, I agree to the following:

1. That I will keep the processes, strategies, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class confidential, and that I will NOT share any of this program either privately, with a group, posting online, writing articles, through video or computer programming, or in any other way that would make those processes, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class available to anyone who is not a member of this class.

2. That each writer’s work here is copyrighted and that writer is the sole owner of that work. That includes this program which is copyrighted by Hal Croasmun. I acknowledge that submission of an idea to this group constitutes a claim of and the recognition of ownership of that idea.

I will keep the other writer’s ideas and writing confidential and will not share this information with anyone without the express written permission of the writer/owner. I will not market or even discuss this information with anyone outside this group.

3. I also understand that many stories and ideas are similar and/or have common themes and from time to time, two or more people can independently and simultaneously generate the same concept or movie idea.

4. If I have an idea that is the same as or very similar to another group member’s idea, I’ll immediately contact Hal and present proof that I had this idea prior to the beginning of the class. If Hal deems them to be the same idea or close enough to cause harm to either party, he’ll request both parties to present another concept for the class.

5. If you don’t present proof to Hal that you have the same idea as another person, you agree that all ideas presented to this group are the sole ownership of the person who presented them and you will not write or market another group member’s ideas.

6. Finally, I agree not to bring suit against anyone in this group for any reason, unless they use a substantial portion of my copyrighted work in a manner that is public and/or that prevents me from marketing my script by shopping it to production companies, agents, managers, actors, networks, studios or any other entertainment industry organizations or people.

Agreed and signed to:

-Vaughn Jelks

[Vaughn Jelks]

1. Hi, I’m Vaughn.

2. I’ve written 4 complete scripts and have started/stopped probably twice as many more.

3. I’ve taken other ScreenwritingU classes, including “Getting Your Script to Power Players” and more.

4. I hope to master writing incredible screenplays that will successfully sell to Hollywood and get produced

5. I was actually a professional actor as a child. I went on to film school and have even worked in Hollywood on a few paid writing assignments

[Vaughn Jelks]

VAUGHN JELKS – 10 MOST INTERESTING THINGS

What I learned doing this assignment is that I can make my pitch so interesting that a producer become obsessed with it by focusing on 2 pitch writing strategies – saying the most interesting, intriguing, engaging, shocking, or surprising things about the screenplay and combining them with the 10 components of marketability.

THE MOST INTERESTING THINGS/SPECIFIC HOOKS IN ‘THE MONEY PLAYER’

A. Unique Hero: Contrasting dynamic ensemble depicting different, darker sides of the NBA

B. Major hook of opening scene: The crew’s perfect point-shaving scheme and illegal gambling plot gets exposed, and the connection to Mario is made.

C. Turning Points: Mario cuts a deal with Mr. Lyons, but then he discovers the terms are uncouth.

The crew attains more money, status, and limelight, they face more problems together and in their individual lives.

Mario gets injured, arguably on purpose, and wants to quit… but Mr. Lyons won’t let him back out their deal and threatens him with violence!

D. Emotional dilemma: The crew has always been together and loyal to each other. Should they go their separate ways and leave Mario to his fate alone, or does the crew band together and figure a united way out?

E. Reveal: Mr. Lyons is a money launderer for the mafia, not a legitimate businessman.

F. Reversals: With his playing career definitely over, facing criminal charges, and with a hitman after him, Mario takes the fight to Mr. Lyons head on.

G. Character betrayals: Anthony turns his back on Mario! Roy sleeps with Mario’s ex-girlfriend.

H. Surprise: Mario defeats Mr. Lyons but has to go to prison… then Roy visits Mario to tell him his sentenced is reduced and he has millions waiting.

OTHER INTERESTING THINGS IN ‘THE MONEY PLAYER’

Sex, Drugs, Hip-Hop & Hoop!

Real NBA players, executives, and other celebrity cameos in serious, dramatic roles

NBA star and his entourage moonlighting in a high-stakes criminal life with dangerous and unsavory characters.

Off-the-court, behind-the-scenes access inside the troubled lives of the rich, famous, and shameless.

[Vaughn Jelks]

Assignment 3

VAUGHN JELKS PRODUCER/MANAGER

1. I’ll present my targeted producer with what he/she wants/need in a well written and highly marketable screenplay and high quality pitch/marketing materials that fit their specific market and is easy to sell to actors, directors, funding sources, and distributors.

2. I’ll present myself to my potential producers with what they want/need in being a screenwriter with marketable projects and who is pliable that be developed into a major player. I’ll present myself as committed to continuing to write scripts that can sell. I’ll listen and collaborate well, and be a skilled screenwriter who can focus on paid writing assignments.

3. What I learned today is that the two primary business people I’m going to deal with in my career are managers and producers. I have to work with them to be a real pro. Although managers and producers work together, they are very different in important ways.

[Vaughn Jelks]

LESSON 2

VAUGHN JELKS’ MARKETABLE COMPONENTS

What I learned is that there are 2 things that make a script marketable – business hooks (10 components of marketability) and story hook (the most interesting parts about your story and lead characters. A-list screenwriters create a pitch that can sell based on marketability, then write the script. Marketing dictates story.

Logline: A falling NBA star, his loyal entourage, and corrupt sports agent moonlight in crime to keep up their lavish lives.

THE MONEY PLAYER’s Components of Marketability –

Unique: A high-profile, privileged sports celebrity going criminally bad instead

True: Inspired by a true story based on my behind-the-scenes and off-the-court adventures with NBA 1st round draft pick and former L.A. Lakers player.

Wide audience appeal: The NBA is avidly followed by millions globally, and its hip-hop heavy culture influences today’s social media savvy, product-purchasing teens.

Great roles for bankable actors:

*Breakout lead role for a real NBA star who can act (like Ray Allen in Spike Lee’s HE GOT GAME)

*Diverse ensemble of hot young Hollywood rising stars to play the cool, street-smart entourage

*Veteran Hollywood actor to play the corrupt and cunning showman sports agent

[Vaughn Jelks]

ASSIGNMENT 1

VAUGHN JELKS’ PROJECT AND MARKET

1. Genre: Sports | Crime | Drama

Title: THE MONEY PLAYER

Concept: The NBA version of Oliver Stone’s “Any Given Sunday”

2. What I think is most attractive about my story is that it depicts an immensely popular sport with a huge audience but delves into a more personal behind-the-scenes gritty story. Today’s NBA savvy sports fan wants to know more about their NBA superstars than just what happens on the court, and they often tend to love following professional athletes’ tabloid exploits and personal salacious drama with committed zeal.

3. I’ll target producers because I believe it will be more strategically effective to find and compile comparable projects from producers/production companies with productions that are akin to my screenplay’s genre and budget level.

4. What I learned today is that in addition to a well written and highly marketable screenplay, I need high quality/marketing materials and an effective marketing campaign in order to get my script in the door. My pitch needs to speak directly to the producer’s needs. I have to keep marketing until I either sell the script or exhaust the market.

[Vaughn Jelks]

ASSIGNMENT 1

VAUGHN JELKS’ PROJECT AND MARKET

1. Genre: Sports | Crime | Drama

Title: THE MONEY PLAYER

Concept: The NBA version of Oliver Stone’s “Any Given Sunday”

2. What I think is most attractive about my story is that it depicts an immensely popular sport with a huge audience but delves into a more personal off-the-court and behind-the-scenes gritty story. Today’s NBA savvy sports fan wants to know more about their celebrity athlete superstars than just what happens on the court, and tend to love following professional athletes’ tabloid exploits and personal salacious drama with committed zeal.

3. I’ll target producers because I believe it will be more strategically effective to find and compile comparable projects from producers/production companies with productions that are akin to my screenplay’s genre and budget level.

4. What I learned today is that in addition to a well written and highly marketable screenplay, I need high quality pitch/marketing materials and an effective marketing campaign to get my script in the door. My pitch needs to speak directly to the producer’s needs. I have to keep marketing until I either sell the script or exhaust the market.

[Vaughn Jelks]

Hello Everyone, I’m Vaughn Tyree Jelks.

I’ve written 3 movie scripts and 1 television pilot.

What I hope to get out of the class is learning industry-current applicable ways to navigate my scripts and pitches to Hollywood producers with the power or connection to officially greenlight or buy.

Something unique, special, strange or unusual about me is that I’m a former child actor with early Hollywood experience. After high school I went to film school a couple years, but then I opted to go right to work behind-the-scenes as a production assistant then personal assistant on film & TV productions to learn real on-the-job experience on some great movies and shows (Dangerous Minds, Heat, Juwanna Man, The Time Machine, The Hughleys). I’m bit the Hollywood bug, have worked in many capacities in the business, and my true love is writing, so I know I can succeed I can get the knowledge and help navigating my way to the right power players.

I look forward to learning and working with you all!

[Vaughn Jelks]

Vaughn Jelks.

I agree to the terms of this release form

-V.J.