Wendy Locke
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Wendy’s ACT 3 Turning Point:
What I learned doing this assignment is that you have to pair down and be choosy about how much you can put it.
KEY SCENE 4 TURNING POINT:
INT. HOTEL ROOM – DAY
Dean, Kevin, Elijah and the kids are escorted to a limo and taken to a building under construction nearby. Dean, The band, Joel and the kids are ushered to a room nearby with a thug guarding the door. Mr. Kren is in the room with Michele and is pacing in deep thought.
MR. KREN
(stops pacing)
(to Michele)
You took my family away. Now I will return the favor and make you suffer in like kind.
Mr Kren nods to a thug outside the room where her kids are at. He draws his gun and goes in the room.
There is a pause in the room, then a crash and then 6 shots are heard.
Michele hangs her head and cries.
MR. KREN
(gleefully)
Ah, the sound of victory.
MICHELE
Karma will get you back. Those were innocent kids.
MR. KREN
My dear, no. THIS is Karma getting you back.
MICHELE
You can’t kill my children and not have me exact revenge on you, even if it is from the other side.
THUG 1
(laughing)
Oh buddy, this is where I get my fun.
Mr. Kren holds up the ring.
MR. KREN
I have everything I wanted.
(beat)
My sweet revenge, torturing you, and getting the ring back. Zaijian, Ms. Dunn.
Mr. Kren leaves the room as if he is on cloud 9.
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Wendy’s ACT 3 Middle Scenes
Outline
Key Scene 2 Beginning: Convention center. The kids show up and the band plays
Middle: The Kids get back to mom
End: Dean takes the kids to hotel
Key Scene 3 Beginning: Michele goes back inside to fight the thugs
Middle: Michele fights the thugs at minute made park
End: Dean, Kevin, Elijah and the kids are captured. Michele is captured
KEY SCENES 2&3:
EXT. GEORGE BROWN CONVENTION CENTER, HOUSTON, TEXAS – DAY
Large banner on outside “KIDS EXPO TODAY”
INT. BROWN CONVENTION CENTER – DAY
Numerous parents and their kids wandering thru isles of booths filled with toys and sales people. In the center of all the booths and displays is a stage for performers. Big sign on the stage “Bass Fishing In America today at 3:00 pm”
EXT. GEORGE BROWN CONVENTION CENTER, HOUSTON, TEXAS – DAY
A limo pulls up to the entrance. Joel gets out with the children. As they make their way to the doors the limo slowly drives away. Joel watches it go while entering the center very nervously.
INT. BROWN CONVENTION CENTER – DAY
In the access corridor behind the trout Fishing In America merchandise booth, Michele, KEVIN, ELIJAH, and the real DIRECTOR wait like ducks in the marshes with hunters close by. Dean begins to open the partition to get behind the booth where they all are waiting for the impending doom. The tension is thick enough to choke the very breath form Dean. As Dean’s hand appears on the inside of the access corridor he triggers a jumping response from everyone.
Michele is wearing an ASTROS baseball cap. Dean is posing as the director with a very obvious tag/lanyard displaying that fact.
Everyone stares at Dean without signs of relaxing. Dean shakes his head in disgust.
DEAN
Is everyone ready?
They are here.
Everyone stiffens again.
DEAN
You guys have to be kidding me. Breathe. Nine out of ten doctors recommend it.
MICHELE
But…
DEAN
(interrupting)
You’ve got this.
Dean points at each person as he talks.
DEAN
You two know how to sing and you know how to be a mom, and you… you know how to do nothing… right?
Everyone smiles and nods their heads firm in agreement.
THE ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
… And ladies and gentlemen, it is time for the time of your life. I need not introduce the amazing band we have tonight. So, here we go! Enjoy!
The crowd goes wild with excitement.
DEAN
Okay everyone, let’s do this.
Dean puts his hand out in front of him as if they were a sports team pumping up for action. They all just stare at him and turn to go to their perspective places.
MICHELE
(shaking head)
Really?
Dean mimics her sarcastically and throws his hand up in the air as if everyone had joined him.
DEAN
And, go team!
With a deep breath and a final glance at each other, they make their way through the curtain to the stage and begin the concert.
All isles lead to the stage area at the back of the convention area.
INT. CONVENTION HALL – LATER
Michele, Dean and the Director sit in silence as if waiting for a death sentence. Michele and the Director look at him in fright.
DEAN
I’m going to go check things out.
MICHELE
(grabbing)
Wait.
DEAN
Why?
MICHELE
Are you sure this is going to work?
DEAN
Yesss, I have it all planned out.
Dean turns to leave, Michele tugs harder on his arm.
MICHELE
What if it doesn’t?
DEAN
Then you have my permission to shoot me.
MICHELE
Gladly!
DEAN
Mr. Sherr gave his full support on this. He was the one who said I really used my brains for this.
MICHELE
I believe he said you are “finally” using your brains.
Dean snatches his arm away from Michele.
DEAN
Well, I’m not just an agent that look good in a suit with a gun.
DIRECTOR
(in all honesty)
Really?
DEAN
You have got to be kidding me.
Director’s face shows his puzzled thoughts. Michele and Dean stare in disbelief at the Director. Without looking away from the Director she waves Dean on.
MICHELE
Just GO!
Dean slinks through the curtain and into the bustle. Michele stares at the Director growing weary about his views of reality.
On the showroom floor Dean stops to survey the crowd, realizing that the kids as well as the adults are entranced by the band. Dean quietly makes his way to Joel’s side.
Dean’s face is of half surprise and enjoyment at the performance. Joel see Dean out of the corner of his eye. Dean, focused on the stage, Joel views him as harmless and is glad to strike up a conversation with anyone that is not trying to kill him.
JOEL
They’re good, aren’t they?
DEAN
Yeah, I’m surprised.
JOEL
(gesturing to kids)
We just love them.
Dean nonchalantly looks down at the kids.
DEAN
Which ones are yours?
Joel points to each child. QUICK INTERCUT
JOEL
That is John, the oldest age 9, then Logan, he is 7, then the princess of the family, Megan, she is almost 6.
DEAN
Cute kids.
JOEL
They are all I have left. Their mom died in a tragic accident a few weeks ago.
DEAN
Oh, I’m sorry.
(beat)
Hey, would the kids like something from the booth and an autograph? I mean I am the director after all. It sounds like they could use some special treatment.
JOEL
That would be so cool!
DEAN
Good! My name is Dean
JOEL
Joel
DEAN
T-shirts for everyone. Let’s get them to the booth before the crowd gets there.
JOEL
Come on kids.
Happily the kids raise and bounce over to the booth and begin looking around. Michele is peering through an opening as they draw closer. Her heart begins to race, she is having trouble slowing her breathing down.
JOEL
Thanks a lot. They really have been through a lot lately.
DEAN
Sorry to hear that man. It must be tough.
JOEL
You have no idea.
DEAN
Hey man, if you are trying to hit me up for a discount on the CD’s, the best I can do is 10%.
JOEL
(chuckling)
No, but that is tempting. However, I think that we own them all anyway.
The music stops, the concert is over. KEVIN and ELIJAH make their way back to the booth. As they walk by Dean they very nervously shake his hand as they realize who is standing by him and realizing that things are about to happen.
DEAN
Thanks a lot guys. You really do draw a crowd. Hey, I have some special kids I want you to meet.
JOEL
Kids, bring your things here.
Kids look up from the merchandise, and gleefully greet KEVIN and ELIJAH. Other kids are beginning to clammer around. Dean stays very close to Joel.
DEAN
(to Joel)
Gee, I need to have them back more often.
JOEL
Then you might need to get a bigger auditorium.
DEAN
You might be right
(beat)
Hey, it looks like we need to get your kids into the back for a little privacy.
Dean and Joel look down at Megan only to see her being pushed around by the swarms of kids, she looks up with big urgent eyes.
MEGAN
Daddy, can we?
JOEL
Well, I suppose for a minute or two.
Joel looks around to see if anyone was watching. He is nervous that he does not see anyone of the mob, but he knows that they are there.
JOEL
John, Logan, lets go and get some autographs.
They all head for the access corridor.
INT. CONVENTION CENTER ACCESS CORRIDOR – DAY
Michele sees the group coming their way and scurries to the van at the end of the corridor. She realizes she has her gun on and takes it off so as to not scare the kids and puts her hat on top of the gun. Dean gently holds Joel back from following the kids. KEVIN and ELIJAH disappear behind the curtain with the kids in tow. Dean stays with Joel.
ELIJAH
Okay, whose first?
MEGAN
ME,ME,ME,ME!
ELIJAH
How would you like something better than a t-shirt?
Megan steps back and grabs John’s hand leery of what ELIJAH might be offering.
KEVIN
I think we found something you lost.
John, Logan, and Megan show amused skepticism, but they point to the van down at the end of the corridor. Without a second thought the kids follow. The real director is in the background pacing, unnoticed by the children, sweat building up on his forehead; he is biting his nails.
INT. MERCHANDISE BOOT – DAY
Joel is growing more nervous by the minute, biting his nails too. They continue to talk; Thug one and two walk in the front door of convention center and follow the signs to the stage area. Dean and Joel have their backs to the isles that converge to the stage area, and do not see the thugs approaching.
JOEL
These kids are great. They are handling things so well.
(beat)
Do you have any kids?
DEAN
NO, No, no, no, no. I have never had ummm the pleasure. I am however seeing someone that has three kids of her own. I have only met them once but they seem to like me.
JOEL
What kid wouldn’t like a guy that is the director of the greatest toy display ever?
DEAN
(laughing)
Good point!
EXT. CONVENTION CENTER SERVICE ENTRANCE – DAY
The kids are ushered to the door of the van. The van’s side door opens to reveal Michele sitting in the farthest captains chair just behind the drivers seat. Michele sits facing the door. With her tears flowing she flings her arms open and her eyes reignite with life and hope.
John and Logan look up at ELIJAH as if to ask for permission or to check if this is really a joke. Megan is frozen, staring in total disbelief at a ghost. Megan’s mouth is wide open as if to scream but no sound is uttered. ELIJAH looking at the kids nodding his head in “it is real”.
JOHN
MOM!!! I knew it wasn’t true! I knew you were still alive!
John and Logan jump into the van and squeeze Michele as if they will never let her go again. Megan, still stunned until Michele catches a glimpse of her out of the corner of her eye. Michele opens one arm and gestures reassuringly for Megan to come to her without letting go of John and Logan.
MICHELE
It’s all right princess. It really is Mommy.
MEGAN
Mommy??!
Slowly Megan moves towards Michele. As she approaches, she reaches out haltingly as if when she touches her mommy the dream will go away. Their fingers touch, Megan, bewildered, retracts slightly, then touches again to see if what she felt was real. Michele lovingly grabs hold of her hand and pulls her in to hold her too.
MICHELE
I am really here sweetheart.
ELIJAH
Ahem, we probably should get going.
MICHELE
Yes! Lets get them out of here.
Michele leans back kisses each child on the cheek.
MEGAN
Are we going with you?
MICHELE
Yes, sweeheart.
MEGAN
When we turn into spirits, is it going to hurt?
JOHN
You idiot!
John pushes Megan on the shoulder like common sibling rivalry.
JOHN
She’s not dead and we are not going to die either.
Megan deflated, and almost disappointed. Michele lovingly draws Megan’s attention to her face.
MICHELE
(tears welling)
No honey, I am not a spirit. But I want you to think if I have ever told you a story that wasn’t true, or lied to you.
MEGAN
No??
MICHELE
Then I need all of you to trust me right now and do everything I tell you to do.
ALL KIDS
Okay.
MICHELE
You guys stay here and I will go and get your father and my friend Dean. I will be able to tell you everything, but not right now. Right now mommy needs to go take care of the mean guys that told you ugly stories.
LOGAN
Dad!?!
MICHELE
No, he will be fine. It is his new friends I’m going to have a chat with.
LOGAN
They are really scary people.
MICHELE
You are so smart. Right now we need to get you to a safe place where they wont be able to find you.
Logan grins happily.
ELIJAH
Come on, we need to get going.
MICHELE
Right!
LOGAN
MOM! You promise you are coming back?!
MICHELE
Yes and I will prove it.
Michele whips out her pinkie poised and ready to lock with Logan’s. Logan locks pinkies.
MICHELE
I pinkie swear.
Michele tugs on his pinkie and then leans into to kiss her thumb and then spits on the ground.
MICHELE
Now stay or I will be forced to tell your friends that the princess diaries is your favorite movie.
Logan sheepishly grins, embarrassed about the hard fact he has been exposed but now ecstatic realizing that is really is his mom. Michele kisses the kids again trying to break free, but they only let her go reluctantly. Michele turns, hugs KEVIN and ELIJAH then disappears back into the building service entrance.
MICHELE
(to KEVIN and ELIJAH)
Thank you soooo much!
KEVIN
No problem.
INT. GEORGE BROWN CONVENTION CENTER, HOUSTON, TEXAS – DAY
Dean and Joel are in a good conversation about computers and seeming if they are male bonding. Joel keeps looking at the curtain waiting for the kids to emerge.
Michele peers back through the curtain from the access corridor and sees Dean and Joel talking. Simultaneously the thugs see Dean and Joel talking and begin to head towards them. Michele leans back looking for a way to get Dean’s attention. It suddenly registers to Michele that she also saw the thugs headed towards them.
INTERCUT MICHELE’S P.O.V. Looking back through the curtain to confirm what she saw. Looking past Dean she sees the thugs walking toward Joel. Michele knows there will be trouble soon and the thugs will have no regard for anyone in their path. She scans the area for a way to get everyone out of the building.
MICHELE
(to director)
Where is the fire alarm?
Director points with hand shaking to a red box on the wall, any other movements will cause him to pee his pants.
MICHELE
It always has to be the difficult way.
Michele dashes over to the pull station. Dean catches a glimpse of Michele through the curtain and knows something is wrong but does not look around to cause attention to himself.
Michele pulls the fire alarm latch. Sirens start going off and chaos begins in the showroom. There is a sudden hush from the crowd, people seen frozen for a second, unsure of what to do. The sprinkler system turns on, there is a loud squeal from the crowd as parents begin flocking to the exits dragging their children behind them. The thugs are now trying to make their way down the isle, but are slowed by the stampede of people. Michele looks up in disgust.
MICHELE
Oh great…. That’s not supposed to happen. Okay, obviously that will let Dean know that there has been a slight change in plans.
BACK TO DEAN AND JOEL:
Joel’s nervousness is overwhelming as he watches everyone scramble out the doorways and is unsure which way to go. Dean is fully aware that Michele caused this.
DEAN
Hey, follow me, we’ll get your kids and I will show you a way out the back.
Joel grabs Deans hand and shakes it as if Dean just saved his life.
JOEL
Thank you so much!
Dean breathes out and pats Joel on the back.
DEAN
Well, you can thank me later.
Dean grabs Joel’s arm and begins to pull him to the curtain and freedom. Before they can make it through, one of the thugs fires off a shot towards them. Dean realizes how close the thugs are and knows that he must draw attention away from the van. Still holding Joel’s arm he makes a break for the stage and the hallways behind it.
JOEL
But the kids are in there….
Dean and Joel stall behind the stage. Dean closes his eyes for a second and shakes his head in an “oh crap” fashion. There are double doors a few feet behind the stage leading to a hallway; the doors are held open towards them by a magnetic latch. With a deep and deliberate breath, Dean shoves a now franticly panting Joel through the doorway. Once on the other side Dean releases the latch that holds the doors and as they close they automatically lock. Dean and Joel make their way down the hall that meets at an intersection of another hallway going back towards the van. The thugs reach the door and find they cannot open it, begin pounding and yelling.
INT. BROWN CONVENTION CENTER/HALLWAY – – DAY
Michele is waiting behind a stack of boxes. A deep scowl on her face, arms crossed, clinched fists. Dean comes the a screeching halt just past where Michele is standing. Dean scans the area outward toward the open service door. The dock door is the same shape and size of a single car garage. Dean is unsure of which way to go now that the plans are changed.
MICHELE
Looking for me?
Dean and Joel respond simultaneously.
DEAN
Michele?
JOEL
LISA!
MICHELE
(to Joel)
Wrong! Thanks for playing.
JOEL
Bu..tt you look… just like
MICHELE
My real name is Michele and you are an idiot. I was only pretending to be Lisa.
JOEL
Then what Mr. Kren said is true.
MICHELE
Yes. Now, I want you to tell me exactly what happened and explain how you got caught up with those creeps, and then after that you can try to persuade me not to kill you for getting our kids mixed up in all this mess.
JOEL
Umm, well.. It is not a big deal really. I lost a lot of money in Vegas, so at work I borrowed a little money from an account that hadn’t been touched in years….
They hear a gun go off and then the sound of crashing glass. Joel is stuttering and stalling.
INTERCUT of thugs getting past the broken doors, confused about which way they should go, but end up going the wrong way and away from the service entrance and ending up back into the showroom floor.
MICHELE
You either finish telling me the truth or I will let the Krensha’s have you.
JOEL
All right! The account belonged to Mr. Kren. He found me, then found out that you were you. I.. I tried to tell him that you were not who he thought you were, but you are…
MICHELE
So you decided to put our kids lives in danger just to save you own hide because YOU lost some stupid bets?
JOEL
Really, it is not as bad as it seems.
Michele’s whole body tenses up and she is so angry her face turns red, her eyes seem as if they are going to pop out of her head any second. Slowly, she creeps towards him like a cougar approaching her prey ready to pounce.
JOEL
Lisa,…Michele…I mean, the kids are not really at any harm. Well, the Kren’s have been nice so far.
(jokingly)
They haven’t hurt us yet…
For Michele it is the last straw. She rears back with her right arm and her fist clinched so tight that her knuckles are white and very prominent.
Michele’s FIST hitting the camera as if it were Joel. Joel falls to the floor unconscious. Dean is impressed and surprised; he looks at Michele as if to say something but realizes that Michele wants more than one hit. He backs up not wanting to be Michele’s next target.
MICHELE
He was always a wimp. C’mon let’s get everyone out of here.
EXT. CONVENTION CENTER SERVICE ENTRANCE – DAY
Michele and Dean drag Joel to the band’s van outside. They argue as they walk. Joel is carried by both of them, each having their arm under his arms.
DEAN
Okay, now what?
MICHELE
Is that a trick question? I mean… come on, this is the part where the good guys get the victims to a safe place. And take the ring with you. I have to deal with these guys and if I fail I don’t want them to get the ring.
DEAN
(references the thugs)
Okay, now what about them?
MICHELE
What!? You said that this was planned perfectly.
DEAN
Yeah, it was! That is until you changed everything.
They reach the back of the van.
MICHELE
If it wasn’t for me….
Dean stops and drops his side of Joel’s body and points to the convention center.
DEAN
Okay! Then you can plan how we are going to get rid of them. You do remember them… Right??!
Michele drops her half of Joel’s body, and Joel hits the pavement with a thud. Neither one of them even notice that a human has fallen to the ground.
MICHELE
Do you honestly think that I have forgotten about them?
They open the back doors of the van and pick up and treat Joel as if he were a sack of potatoes as they put him in the back. The kids are intently staring and almost afraid that their father is dead.
DEAN
(scoffing, sneering)
YEAH, I do. You don’t even have a clue as to what we are going to do next.
MICHELE
HA! Wrong, I do have a plan in mind. The funny thing is, you are the one who needs a clue.
DEAN
I DO NOT!
MICHELE
Yes you do. I read all about you too. This is the part of the case where you choke up and lose it. You are not the only one who does their homework.
DEAN
(very angry)
What do you mean!?
Dean slams the inner door of van; once door is shut and KEVIN and ELIJAH exit the van and appear behind Dean, while the kids appear behind Michele, but all remain unnoticed by the arguing duo. The two are not more than a foot from each other. Each one is trying to get into the other’s space like two quarreling dogs attempting to back each other down. KEVIN and ELIJAH are keeping count on their fingers as to who got the winning points after each comment.
MICHELE
I read all of your files, and just when you get close to the Krensha something always happens.
(beat)
You mean you didn’t figure it out? This is exactly why Mr. Sherr put us together. You were able to get us to this point. I have the brains to finish this off. Together we are the perfect couple.
DEAN
Couple?
Michele stomps her foot, realizing that she had a Freudian slip. KEVIN, ELIJAH and he kids are watching in awe at the fireworks.
MICHELE
You know what I mean….. Partners.
DEAN
(gesturing to the kids)
Oh yeah, smartie pants, so what about them?
MICHELE
This is the part that..I.. have worked out.
DEAN
So when are you gonna let the rest of the world know about your little plans, miss perfect partner.
Michele ignores what Dean has said and bends over to love on the kids. Her voice is soft as they gather in a huddle and Michele begins to explain to them that they will need to go with Dean for a short while and then she will join up with them. Dean begins to rant and rave about women and being ignored. We hear faint sirens in the distance growing louder as they continue to argue.
DEAN (O.C.)
Women think they can just pull things out of thin air. Having a woman as a partner is going to kill me.
MICHELE
(sweetly to the kids)
Okay kids, here is what is going to happen next. This nice man Mr. Dean, will take you guys to a safe place and then in a few hours mommy will you.
DEAN
OH, this is just great! Partner? Partners don’t ignore each other!
Dean has turned his back to Michele and sees KEVIN and ELIJAH there. Without missing a beat, he continues to rant and even tries to gain confirmation of his statements with KEVIN and ELIJAH. They only scratch their heads and try and avoid the conflict at hand.
DEAN
Am I not right here guys, girls always ignore things when they should be listening. Heck, she isn’t acting like a partner or a lady. She is acting like a schoolgirl, NO! She is acting more like a….
Michele stands up and faces Dean; he is still facing the other way, not knowing that she has stood up. She is only inches away from him. She glares icily as she patiently waits for his tantrum to cease. As dean spouts off the next word, he turns back toward her completely taken by surprise as they make solid eye contact and he is overcome again by his strong feelings for her.
DEAN
…wife.
Michele remains calm as always even though her stomach is quivering and she manages to raise one eyebrow in an “oh yeah, now what” attitude. Dean quickly looks away to avoid Michele’s eyes. He tries to pretend to have control of his emotions. KEVIN, ELIJAH and the kids all see what just happened and are all snickering. They hear sirens pulling up to the front of the convention center, snapping everyone back into reality. KEVIN and ELIJAH scramble back into the van. The kids attach to Dean, he is confused.
INTERCUT THUGS: racing back away from the immovable doors deeper into the isles to hide away from the arriving emergency workers. The sprinklers have stopped.
MICHELE
You guys need to get going.
DEAN
US??!
Michele kisses the kids goodbye.
MICHELE
By kids, you guys be nice to Mr. Dean
KIDS
Okay, Mom.
DEAN
Wh..wait a minuet! I’m not going.
MICHELE
Kids, get in the van, I need to have a talk with Mr. Dean here.
The kids climb into the van.
DEAN
What do you mean, me go with them!? There is no way that you could handle those creeps by yourself. If this is your idea of a plan then you better fill me in on the rest of what your Mousekateer brain is thinking because I am at a loss here. What are you planning to do, beat them up with teddy bears?
MICHELE
Why you chauvinist pig!
DEAN
(back pedaling)
No, that’s not….
MICHELE
I can’t believe you! So you think that now I have my children back I should stop playing the agent and go back to being just a mommy and leave all the rough stuff to the guys? I have a job to do and I am going to do it!
DEAN
Would you just wait a minute? That is not what I meant. Why should I go with them? Why not just let the guys take them and we do this together?
MICHELE
Probably because WE would be back to chasing my kids across the country again. These guys are professional musicians. They are not exactly trained to protect anyone. Imagine them trying to aim and shoot a gun. Heck, we would be lucky if they didn’t shoot each other.
INTERCUT INSIDE OF VAN: KEVIN and ELIJAH are listening to the argument outside. They nod their heads in agreement. Kevin holds up another finger.
MICHELE
They need to be taken to a safe place by you.
DEAN
Now we are back to where we started, why aren’t you going to go and protect them yourself?
MICHELE
You are sweet for thinking that they need me to go with them but you keep forgetting the fact that…IT IS ME THEY WANT TO KILL. They are safer with you. Now, GO and you can catch up with me later.
DEAN
Catch up??
MICHELE
Yes. I have to get those creeps away from here, there are other kids here and they don’t need to see any of this or worse, be involved.
DEAN
But how am I supposed to find you?
MICHELE
Geeze, for once in your life trust that gut instinct you have and follow that little voice inside your head telling you ‘yeah this is right.’
Dean grins wildly and grabs Michele, kisses her as if there was no tomorrow; she responds and begins to raise her arms to return the embrace or to push him away, but she only drops them in surrender. Elijah smiles and holds up three fingers.
MICHELE
What was that for?
DEAN
Just practicing that gut-voice thing.
MICHELE
(back to reality)
Umm, wait a minute.
Michele “slugs” him as if she were and elementary girl, trying to hid the fact that there is an attraction there.
MICHELE
Not now.
DEAN
Okay, okay, you win this time. I’ll go but you be careful.
Michele rolls her eyes, rushes back inside.
INT. VAN – DAY
Sitting outside the hotel Dean wrestling with himself, trying to figure out where Michele might go. He leans his head into the steering wheel to rest for a minute. Just then he notices Michele’s ASTROS baseball cap sitting on the van floor between the seats. He sits back up straight and quickly turns his head to look at MINUTE MAID PARK where the Astros play.
DEAN
Instincts? She leave me a clue the size of Dallas and she thinks I need instincts?
He leans over to pick up the cap but when he lifts it up, Michele’s gun, still in the holster, slides out from underneath.
DEAN
If she is still alive I’M gonna KILL HER!
CONVENTION CENTER ACCESS CORRIDOR – DAY
Michele reaches for her gun from where the holster should be Remembering she left it in the van.
MICHELE
Oh geeze! I left in the van. Now, what am I supposed to do?
Carefully she goes into the access corridor and into the showroom floor looking around the sea of wet things scattered everywhere. The noise from the thug’s grumbling is heard from a toy display.
MICHELE
(under breath)
Well, at least the fire sprinklers have quit.
The thugs are grumbling about the situation but it is not decipherable. She sees the firefighters ushering people out the front door. Quickly she returns to facing the wall of toys knowing that she must act soon before anyone innocent gets hurt. The look on her face is “now what?” Beginning to look around for anything to help, she scans the area, then scans up a wall of stuffed animals. In exasperation she lets her head fall back on to the end-cap behind her and a bottle of baby powder is nudged back. Michele extends her head back a little to see what has been moved. Her face glows with a smirk as she takes the bottle from the shelf and she looks at it, nodding with a happy yes. Quietly, she finds a stuffed animal that is in plastic wrap. She unwraps it quietly. We see her begin to douse the bear with the baby powder.
MICHELE
(mockingly)
Teddy bears, huh!
INTERCUT the thugs hear a whirring sound growing closer. A remote control monster truck rounds the corner and faces them. As the two thugs hurry thru the isles in the direction were it came from they pass Michele unnoticed on the top of a display. CAMERA LEAVES the thugs and CIRCLES AROUND THE DISPLAY TO FIND Michele atop the display that is taller then the thugs. Michele is sprinkling the teddy bear in the baby powder. She makes a noise to attract the thugs attention. As soon as they look up she throws the teddy bear at them and misses them. As the teddy bear hits the ground it creates a plume of dust that was supposed to hit them and cause them not to be able to see.
MICHELE
Oh my gosh!!! I missed!
The thugs snicker and begin to climb up to Michele. Michele flinches and looks down at her hands where she is still holding the bottle of baby powder, sprays them hitting their faces and eyes. They fall back to the ground coughing and rubbing their eyes. Michele jumps down and runs to the exit where the van was and where Dean’s car is waiting. The thugs fumble as they get up. The firefighters hear them coughing and dash to their aid and assist them out to the front of the building. They are leaned up against their limo and administered oxygen while medics are checking their pulse and breath sounds.
EXT. CONVENTION CENTER SERVICE ENTRANCE – DAY
Michele is standing by Dean’s car dancing to try and get the keys out of her pants pocket. She finally gets them out and fumbles, gets in the car and drives around the front to where she is in plain sight of the thugs.
Michele allows just enough time for the thugs to break free from the medics and get positioned in their limo. Michele begins a slow roll off to make sure they follow.
INT. BROWN CONVENTION CENTER HILTON HOTEL – DAY
KEVIN and ELIJAH are walking in with a bellhop cart full of luggage bags concealing Joel. Joel starts to moan in waking.
KEVIN
(to Joel)
Shh!
JOEL (O.S.)
(feebly)
Okay,
The lavish lobby area with routine daily activities going on, Dean is at the desk checking them into a room with the kids at his side. KEVIN and ELIJAH pull the cart up behind them. The clerk hands him the hotel keys.
DEAN
Suite eight twenty one, got it.
Dean scoops up Megan and the all rush to the elevators. Once inside the room Dean tries to put Megan down but she will not let go.
DEAN
Lemmie’ guess, you are just following mommy’s orders to make sure that I stay with you.
MEGAN
No.
DEAN
No?
MEGAN
No, I like you. I think you are cute.
Dean melts a little. Joel walks up to Dean rubbing his reddened face and pry’s Megan away from Dean.
JOEL
Okay Megan, that’s enough.
Dean composes himself back to a professional state.
DEAN
Now, all of you are to stay here until we come back to get you.
All look on silently. Dean turns to go. Megan reaches up to grab his sleeve
MEGAN
But what if it doesn’t work Mr. Dean?
DEAN
(sighing)
This must run in the family. Look Megan, have you ever seen anything not work out for your mom?
Megan shakes her head “no”
DEAN
See, everything will be just fine.
Megan hugs Dean and he smiles as he opens the door. There stands some of the Krensha mob.
DEAN
Hey, um, you guys look lost.
Dean quickly tries to close the door. One of the thugs shoves his steel toed SHOE in it.
THUG 3
No, it is you that is going to be lost soon!
The thugs shove their way through the DOOR. They start beating up on Dean. He is knocked out. Thug 3 takes the ring off of Deans hand.
THUG 3
We will take that.
Thug 3 tosses the ring and it lands back in his hand.
THUG 3
Mr. Kren is going to be very happy.
INT. MINUTE MAID PARK – DAY
The door shuts behind Michele and she realizes that she is at a crossing in the hallways and is unsure of the way she should go. Her eye connect with a caretaker that is sweeping the hall. Without speaking he points to the right and down the stairs.
MICHELE
Thank you!
Michele scurries down the stairway.
The thugs blast through the same door and look around with altogether familiar confusion of placement. The caretaker kindly ushers them to the left as if he knew what they were looking for. The Thugs rush past him but thank him with a respectful head bow.
Michele is dashing down corridors and coming to the ‘visitors’ locker room. She quietly enters, there are sounds of showers in the back and a few voices here and there. Michele tries her best to make it across the locker room unnoticed but keeps tripping over things, hitting her head, barely makes it by a player that has just turned his back, dodges a dirty towel tossed at a hamper, ducking in the nick of time. With a deep breath she makes a dash for the way out of the maze of lockers to hopefully find the only possible weapon in the place.
Thugs running through the food court of the lower level seating they enter the mezzanine seating area and descend toward the field.
Michele creeping out of the dugout. She hears voices but does not see anyone. Crouched over she makes her way over to the bat bag. Just as she pulls out a bat, one of the thugs fires off a shot barely missing her.
Jus then Mr. Kren comes through the same door and with 4 thugs following him.
The caretaker points to the left again.
Mr. Kren finds his way to the announcers booth.
MR. KREN
(into microphone)
It’s over Michele. We have the ring, Dean and your kids.
Michele whispers to herself with tears welling up.
MICHELE
No, this can’t be true.
Mr. Kren, answers, as if he herad her.
MR. KREN
Yes, it is true. If you surrender now they will go free.
Michele slides down the wall on her back to the wall, and begins to cry profusely.
MICHELE
Now what? They have everything.
She drops the bat and two thugs appear and handcuff her and take her to the limo and shove her in.
BACK TO:
INT. HOTEL ROOM – DAY
Dean, Kevin, Elijah and the kids are escorted to a limo and taken to a building under construction nearby. Dean, The band, Joel and the kids are ushered to a room nearby with a thug guarding the door. Mr. Kren is in the room with Michele and is pacing in deep thought.
-
Wendy’s ACT 3 reaction
What I learned doing this assignment is that I need a doppelganger so I can send them to work for me and I can write full time.
ACT 3
Tears are welling up in Michele’s eyes as she hands the ring to ELIJAH. A noise is heard outside in the hall, Michele draws her gun. The door is kicked in, Michele is at the ready. The dust settles and a person begins to step through the doorway.
MICHELE
Hand’s up!!
DEAN
Hey! That is twice in one night that you have had a gun pointed at me. I’m beginning to get a complex.
MICHELE
If I am so rusty then why have you been on the wrong side of my gun?
DEAN
Oh, no, you are not going to do this, you are not quitting on me. Maybe I said something wrong. Maybe you took it wrong, or just maybe we were both wrong.
Michele still aiming looks at Dean in an ‘Oh yeah’ manner whit one eyebrow raised.
DEAN
Okay, okay, I was the one who was wrong. I am sorry.
Michele doesn’t move. Dean looks into her eyes, realizes he cares and must be straight with her. His body and tone of voice softens.
DEAN
I can’t do this case without you.
Michele hears the sincerity in his words. She is also captured by his eyes and softens.
DEAN
The gun?…. Can you put it down now?
Michele still aiming but she smiles.
MICHELE
Can I trust you?
DEAN
(trying to be funny)
Well,… That all depends….
Dean tries his best sexy smile. Michele stiffens again.
DEAN
(seriously)
Yes, yes you can trust me.
Michele lowers the gun, her expression turns into curiosity with half disbelief. KEVIN looks up from his cowering position on the floor right besides Michele only to find the gun is now pointing at him by mistake.
KEVIN
AAAHHHH!
MICHELE
(putting gun away)
Oops. Sorry.
(to Dean)
Do you have a plan?
DEAN
I think.
Michele just stares blankly at Dean.
DEAN
Well… at least I have a good idea.
MICHELE
Good! Then you should have a good story to tell Mr. Henderson when he gets the bill for the busted door.
ELIJAH
Hey KEVIN, are you keeping score? I think she got the point for this one.
KEVIN
I think you might be right.
DEAN
(disgusted, but pushing on)
Come on, let’s go. I have some intel that indicates that they will be at the EXPO in Houston.
Dean is posing as the director of the concert hall. He has an earpeice in his ear that makes him look like a secret service agent.
Everyone stares at Dean without signs of relaxing. Dean shakes his head in disgust.
DEAN
Is everyone ready?
The audience is growing and 3 black limos pull up to the entrance. Dean turns his head slightly towards the ear that has the earpiece listening to whomever is on the other end.
DEAN
They are here.
Everyone stiffens again.
DEAN
You guys have to be kidding me. Breathe. Nine out of ten doctors recommend it.
MICHELE
But…
DEAN
(interrupting)
You’ve got this.
THE ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
… And ladies and gentlemen, it is time for the time of your life. I need not introduce the amazing band we have tonight. So, here we go! Enjoy!
The crowd goes wild with excitement.
DEAN
Okay everyone, let’s do this.
Dean puts his hand out in front of him as if they were a sports team pumping up for action. They all just stare at him and turn to go to their perspective places.
MICHELE
(shaking head)
Really?
Dean mimics her sarcastically and throws his hand up in the air as if everyone had joined him.
DEAN
And, go team!
INT. MR. KREN’S HOME – EVENING
MR. KREN
… and this time she will not get away.
Mr. Kren holds up TICKETS that have the words KID’S EXPO FRONT ROW on them.
The kids in the background are playing and being very noisy and disrupting the household.
MR. KREN
(to thugs)
Okay, you two have your orders.
THUG 1
(bowing)
Yes. We will not harm her
(beat)
Until we get the ring.
THUG 2
What do you want us to do about her partner?
MR. KREN
What ever you like. I am not opposed to a little old style torture.
THUG 2
We are out of practice.
MR. KREN
Speaking of torture…
(singing)
Oh kids… I have something for you.
They all stop what they are doing and gather around Mr. Kren. He holds the tickets where they all can see them.
MR. KREN
Now, we will go to the concert, but it is on the condition that you must behave like good children.
MEGAN
What’s a condition?
JOHN
It’s a rule.
MEGAN
Oh. So we can’t play?
MR. KREN
No, you can play… Quietly.
MEGAN
How do you play quiet?
MR. KREN
You don’t talk.
MEGAN
But that’s not playing.
MR. KREN
Exactly.
MEGAN
Okay, but you will have to show me how to do it.
Megan grabs Mr. Kren’s hand and begins to drag him to the living room where all of her toys are at. His eyes almost bug out of his head.
-
Wendy’s Act 2TP- Midpoint.
What I learned doing this assignment is that I hate spelling and I love the person who invented spellcheck. Seriously though, I thought I had the perfect plan but with doing these outlines this way I have found a new twist.
Beginning: Inside the Krensha home. Mr. Kren is going crazy with the kids terrorizing the house. He buys front row tickets and bribes the kids to behave.
Middle: At the concert the Krencha the thugs manage to get backstage and go after Michele.
End: Dean intervenes and the thugs capture him.
INT. MR. KREN’S HOME – EVENING
MR. KREN
… and this time she will fall at our feet.
Mr. Kren holds up TICKETS that have the words FRONT ROW on them.
The kids in the background are playing and being very noisy and disrupting the household.
MR. KREN (CONT’D)
(to thugs)
Okay, you two have your orders.
THUG 1
(bowing)
Yes. We will not harm her
(beat)
Until we get the ring.
THUG 2
What do you want us to do about her partner?
MR. KREN
What ever you like. I am not opposed to a little old style torture.
THUG 2
We are out of practice.
MR. KREN
Speaking of torture…
(singing)
Oh kids… I have something for you.
They all stop what they are doing and gather around Mr. Kren. He holds the tickets where they all can see them.
MR. KREN (CONT’D)
Now, we will go to the concert, but it is on the condition that you must behave like good children.
MEGAN
What’s a condition?
JOHN
It’s a rule.
MEGAN
Oh. So we can’t play?
MR. KREN
No, you can play… Quietly.
MEGAN
How do you play quiet?
MR. KREN
You don’t talk.
MEGAN
But that’s not playing.
MR. KREN
Exactly.
MEGAN
Okay, but you will have to show me how to do it.
Megan grabs Mr. Kren’s hand and begins to drag him to the living room where all of her toys are at. His eyes almost bug out of his head.
EXT. CONCERT ARENA – NIGHT
Michele is still in the rafters and watching the crowd diligently.
DEAN
Skully, come in. This is Moulder.
Michele rolls her eyes and almost falls again.
MICHELE
I refuse to answer.
Dean takes a heavy sigh.
MICHELE (CONT’D)
Alright, Skully here. I feel more like Hawkeye.
DEAN
(perks up)
I have a visual on the thugs.
MICHELE
Yeah, I got them too. How did they get past security?
DEAN
They are posing as Paramedics.
MICHELE
What?! That is so wrong! Pretending to be of a help to society.
DEAN
Well, it is working.
MICHELE
Have they seen us yet?
DEAN
I don’t think so.
Just then one of the thugs points at Michele.
DEAN (CONT’D)
Well, let me rephrase that.
MICHELE
Did they see you? I can’t see them.
DEAN
No…
MICHELE
What do you mean “no”?
DEAN
Well… they have spotted you.
MICHELE
I’m not liking your plan so far.
DEAN
Wait! Where did they go? They just disappeared in the crowd.
Dean stands on his toes and looks over the crowd. No thugs in sight.
MICHELE
Ah! I have them in my sight. They made it backstage.
DEAN
I’ll go stop them. You just keep watch over the guys.
Dean moves farther backstage where there is no one. He stops and looks around but can’t see the thugs.
DEAN (CONT’D)
Hey Skully, do you see them anymore?
MICHELE
Ok, stop calling me that. Oh MY GOSH! I see them!
DEAN
Where?
MICHELE
Lookout!!!
Dean is hit over the head and flopped onto a stretcher and is being wheeled out to an awaiting ambulance.
-
Wendy’s Act 2 Middle Scenes
What I learned doing this assignment is that I need to stretch my imagination some more to add key missing elements in. I also learned that because I did not do an empowering session, I flailed until I remembered to do it, then after doing it I felt better and did a better job.
Act Two Scene 2 and 3 outline
Scene 2
Beginning: At the hotel Michele, has to defend herself and one of the band members sits on her computer and phone and she has no way of getting ahold of Dean.
Middle: At a restaurant Dean surprises Michele and there is a scuffle with real biker dudes. the band escapes.
End: At hotel Michele has to divulge that she is an FBI agent and looking for her kids. Dean returns the ring.
Scene 3
Beginning: Michele fires up the new equipment, talks to Dean, he is mean to her and she almost quits.
Middle: One of the band members uses his kid like mind and figures out what the ring really means.
End: They go to next concert ready to capture the bad guys.
INT. HOTEL LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Michele drops her things as she enters the door of the HOTEL ROOM, walks over to the COUCH and flops down like a rag doll and stares into the air as if entranced by it. Keith and Ezra sit one on each side of her.
MICHELE
Do you want the truth or a good lie?
KEITH AND EZRA
Truth
MICHELE
(blasé)
I am an undercover FBI agent in search of my children who have been kidnaped by the Krensha mob and I have to find them before they kill me and possibly both of you when they find us.
Keith and Ezra lean back to look at each other and exchange glances of non-belief, lean forward again.
KEITH
Okay, let’s try the lie.
Michele stands up and begins pacing.
MICHELE
You two just don’t get it. Those are MY kids out there!
Michele begins to cry and sits back down.
EZRA
Gee, are you serious?
MICHELE
Of course I am serious, why do you think…..
EZRA
Wait…did you say “kill us too?”
MICHELE
Yes
(off their stunned looks)
Look, I know I have put you two in danger but….
KEITH
Isn’t that putting it mildly?
MICHELE
You are in good hands with me… and I have no other choice. I must save my kids and put the Krensha back into the 14th century where they belong.
(beat)
I will NOT stop until I have my children back!
EZRA
Wow, they are time travelers?
KEITH
(to Ezra)
No, they are not.
(to Michele)
Michele, what can we do to help?
MICHELE
You really mean that?
Keith and Ezra nod, Michele begins to cry and hugs them both.
MICHELE (CONT’D)
Oh thank you!!
(sniffle)
(to Michele)
Michele, what can we do to help?
MICHELE (CONT’D)
You really mean that?
Keith and Ezra nod, Michele begins to cry and hugs them both.
MICHELE (CONT’D)
Oh thank you!!
(sniffle)
Knock on the door, Michele draws gun, the guys cower away and Michele just rolls her eyes at them.
She opens the door, suddenly, gun at the ready… Nobody at door… she makes sure the hall is clear, notices something on the floor: She drops her hands and her whole body relaxes as she leans over to pick it up: A small box with a napkin draped over it.
A folded piece of paper on top of the napkin with Michele’s ring topping the mound like a cherry on an ice cream Sunday. She picks up the ring in one hand, inspecting it, and gathers everything else with the other arm.
She brings the stuff in and sets it down on the coffee table but still intently focused on the ring. Keith and Ezra slowly begin to approach her.
KEITH
(extremely nervous)
Is it safe? I… I mean is it a bomb?
Michele is gazing at the ring grinning like a school-girl who just received her first boyfriend’s class ring. She answers without breaking the stare.
MICHELE
Yes.
EZRA
How do you know?
Michele gestures to the ring.
MICHELE
Becuse this is the ring I gave him.
KEITH
Who?
MICHELE
My partner. You know the one at the restaurant helping us escape.
EZRA
(confused)
You gave him a ring and.. He gave it back…. But you are happy about it?
Michele nods yes in an dreamy state.
EZRA (CONT’D)
Women.
KEITH
Are you going to open this or do I get to?
Michele begins to come out of her ethereal fog.
MICHELE
What? Open what? Ohhh, that.
KEITH
Yes this. You know I believe in finders-keepers rules.
MICHELE
I am certain that you do. However, the box belongs to the federal government.
Michele playfully snatches the box from Keith.
MICHELE (CONT’D)
I don’t think you want to find out what the government’s penalties are for not playing by their rules. I’m sure it is more that just a simple lose your turn.
KEITH
I think you might be right.
Michele opens the box. Inside is a new lap top and a cell phone. Michele shakes her head in an I-can’t-believe-this manner. While Keith and Michele begin to start up the phone and lap top, Ezra picks up the ring and intently looks at the symbols carved into it.
MICHELE
Hey! Give me that!
Michele almost drops the phone as she tries to retrieve the ring. She holds out her hand.
EZRA
But this is so cool, it looks like my secret decoder ring I had when I was a kid. But these letters don’t spell anything. Look, see for yourself.
MICHELE
Just look at what?
EZRA
Here
(points to the ring as if she was silly for not seeing it.)
Each symbol has a letter carved into it. But they don’t spell out anything.
KEITH
Ez, I don’t see anything.
MICHELE
I don’t see anything either.
EZRA
(frustrated)
Come on, it is right there.
MICHELE
Okay, if it is there then what does it say?
EZRA
Something about being hot… like hot-ting-grrr.. Or hottinger… Um I dunno.
MICHELE
Are you sure?? Show me!
INTERCUT CLOSE UP OF THE RING – DETAIL SHOT of the symbols as Ezra outlines a letter within a symbol. Michele takes the ring from Ezra and looks at each symbol. She is amazed with each one she focuses on.
EZRA
See, told ya.
MICHELE
They are there! But, what does it mean?
EZRA
Does it have anything to do with the engraving on the inside?
Michele looks at the inside of the ring, DETAIL SHOT OF ENGRAVING on inside of ring “ZURICH HOLDS OUR LOVE 11-04-55”
MICHELE
Oh, that is the engraving of when he and his wife were married in Switzerland.
EZRA
Wow, you worked with an old dude.
MICHELE
No, he was in his forties when I knew him.
EZRA
If he was married in 1955, then he was probably born somewhere around 1935 to 1938. If he was alive now, then he would be in his eighties. Right?
Michele is confused. She believes the math but knows otherwise.
MICHELE
No, he was not any older than 45.
KEITH
Then that cannot be a marriage date.
MICHELE
But, I remember the picture on his desk. It was of him and his wife in front of a church in Switzerland. And the date underneath…. November 4th, oh yeah, there was not a year printed engraved on the frame.
(she stares into the distance as if looking at the picture)
Wait!… It wasn’t Zurich either, it was Geneva.
EZRA
Bummer, someone engraved the ring wrong.
Michele suddenly realizes what the ring is.
MICHELE
Hottinger is a BANK in Zurich!
KEITH
(to Ezra)
Boy, those random thoughts of hers just seem to pop up at the darndest times.
MICHELE
(ecstatic)
OH MY GOSH! Do you understand what this means?
(begins to talk to the air)
That is it… I had it all along… the answer was on my finger for the last 10 years. Oh… my… gosh. oh my gosh, oh mY GOSH!
(looks at the guys with urgent eyes)
I gotta tell Dean.
Michele scrambles to finish setting up the phone. The guys are stunned and do not understand what is going on.
MICHELE (CONT’D)
What!? No charge!
Ezra is looking in the box for the power cord, finds it, hands it to Michele. Michele hands it to Keith.
MICHELE (CONT’D)
Plug this in please.
She holds onto the power cord until he looks at her.
MICHELE (CONT’D)
Swiss! It is always the Swiss. Why didn’t I think of this sooner??
Keith plugs in his end as Michele plugs hers in.
MICHELE (CONT’D)
Com’on com’on already, boot up!
A beep is heard all breathe a sigh of relief.
MICHELE (CONT’D)
(mumbling under her breath)
Email…password… What do you mean it is wrong! Arrgghh!!!
Michele tries more times and gets in. The phone beeps again. DETAIL SHOT OF PHONE SCREEN “Updating phone this may take several hours.
EZRA
Bummer.
MICHELE
Now what am I going to do?
Michele slouches over in a chair. Putting her head in her hands.
EZRA
Have you tried calling him?
MICHELE
Talking through hands. I can’t use the land-line, it’s not secure. Besides I don’t know his number.
EZRA
Can you try face time?
Michele and Keith both look at Ezra bewildered.
MICHELE
The phone is still updating.
EZRA
Can you use an i-Pad?
MICHELE
That is sweet of you to offer your i-Pad, but it is still not a secure link and I still don’t know how to access him.
EZRA
The information might be in here.
Ezra hands her the i-Pad found in the box already up and running.
MICHELE
This isn’t yours?
Ezra shakes his head no.
MICHELE (CONT’D)
Then where did you get it from?
EZRA
It was in the box with the phone.
Michele is amazed. She gives Ezra a big hug. Keith finds a note also in the box, and begins to read it out loud.
KEITH
It says here on the card that
(clearing his throat)
Just in case someone breaks into our conversation we needed code names. So you are Skully and I am Moulder.
They all giggle, Michele tries to regain composure. She locates the inter office messaging app, pulls it up. Hits his name.
INTERCUT OF WHO IS TALKING.
DEAN (V.O.)
(attempting to be suave)
Moulder here…..
Dean is in a car speeding down the highway.
MICHELE
(holding back the laughter)
I don’t think that we need to use names or code names. I can see who you are.
DEAN
So I see you found everything aright.
MICHELE
Yes, I did find the stuff… except I can’t use my phone.
DEAN
Why is that? Is there something wrong with it?
MICHELE
No, I don’t think that there is anything wrong with the phone, it seems, though, that the stupid thing is frozen in the circle of death and is “updating” for the next hour because the dope that got me the phone did not activate it!
DEAN
Ummm, well, actually it was only supposed to take about 20 minutes.
MICHELE
That doesn’t matter! How am I supposed to get information to you if I can’t access the phone?
(beat)
What if had I something really important to tell you?
(justifying)
What then??
Dean straightens from his beaten slumped posture realizing that Michele is using the means by which he gave her to contact him with. Almost flabbergasted, we can see his mind racing through all of the ugly things he wants to say, trying to select the most painful statement as a rebuttal.
DEAN
Wait a minute! I am not the moron here! You are the one who is on the tablet I sent you. Lemme guess, you just wanted something to argue about. You ….. arE … SUCH … A FEMALE!!
Michele hides her face from the camera stunned that he was right. Then quickly shows her face again.
MICHELE
W..ww..well, what if I have something important to tell you and I don’t want just anyone picking up on this signal.
DEAN
HA!! It IS a secure line.
MICHELE
And just what if it is not? This information is too priceless to just blurt out over the open airwaves.
DEAN
Yeah, right! What information could be so sensitive to this case that you could not tell me on inner office messaging?!
Michele suddenly remembers the information about the ring and forgets that they are fighting and suddenly turns into a giddy person again.
MICHELE
(exploding with excitement)
OH MY GOSH! Oh my gosh, the th.. the ring! The ring is.. Oh wait till you hear this! I know what the ring means. I mean I figured it out…
DEAN
Shhhhh! Not so loud!
MICHELE
Well, that is Ezra actually figured it out.
(beat)
But, whatever, we have the answer. We can now access the Krensha’s account!
Michele gleam with delight as if she has just unveiled a treasure map. She awaits for an approving sound from the seriously angry Dean.
DEAN
(sarcastically)
GEE, I guess we can forget about security and scream the information out the window so no one misses any OTHER details.
MICHELE
(confused and hurt)
But you sai… Oh now you just wait a minute, you are the one who said that…
DEAN
Secure line… yes. However, did you sweep the room for other devices?
MICHELE
No. I was distracted by…
DEAN
Distracted?! See! I told you that you were too rusty.
MICHELE
(stunned and saddened)
Maybe you are right. Come get the ring. I’m pulling myself off the case as of right now.
Dean realizes he has once again said the wrong thing and tries to find the words to make it better. In his babbling Michele disconnects. Dean is furious at himself. He looks at the tablet as if it were a real person.
DEAN
NO. Don’t do this now!
Dean throws the tablet, looks around outside the windows of the car for other traffic, none is seen, he quickly whips the car around and heads in the opposite direction. We hear the engine rev up as we watch it speed away.
INT. HOTEL LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Michele slowly puts the tablet down and begins to sweep the room for bugging devices. The guys watch but are unsure of what to say. Michele finishes and slumps down onto the couch, dazed. Keith motions Ezra to follow him to the couch and the sit on either side of her. The look at her but she is so deep in thought she does not see them.
KEITH
Hey, you okay?
As she answers she does not break her gaze.
MICHELE
(whispering)
Nope.
EZRA
Is it something we did?
Michele begins to answer in the same tone and candor.
MICHELE
Nop..
Michele realizes that the guys thought they had done something wrong. She breaks her stare and looks at Ezra with compassionate sorrowful eyes while her hand pats his with a calming touch.
MICHELE (CONT’D)
No, you did nothing wrong. I messed up and it just cost me my job and maybe my children.
Ezra’s wheels are turning in his head trying to understand.
EZRA
You mean that when the FBI gets your children back from the bad guys, they wont give them back to you?
Michele struggles to find a simple way of explaining the whole issue.
MICHELE
No. No. I mean that the search for my children is over and the bad guys win and they will probably kill my children.
EZRA
OH!
INT. HOTEL LIVING ROOM – LATER
All of the items are safely tucked back into the box that Dean sent, except for the tablet. Michele looks at it longingly hoping to turn back time and fix things. She takes a deep breath, sighs and puts the tablet back into the box with the other items.
MICHELE
Okay, that is the last of the stuff.
EZRA
Is there no other way?
KEITH
Yeah, there has to be something that we can do.
MICHELE
(to Ezra)
Here, you take the ring and give it to Dean. You are the only one who understood it so you should be the one to explain it to the Fed’s. I need to be leaving.
Tears are welling up in Michele’s eyes as she hands the ring to Ezra. A noise is heard outside in the hall, Michele draws her gun. The door is kicked in, Michele is at the ready. The dust settles and a person begins to step through the doorway.
MICHELE (CONT’D)
Hand’s up!!
DEAN
Hey! That is twice in one night that you have had a gun pointed at me. I’m beginning to get a complex.
MICHELE
If I am so rusty then why have you been on the wrong side of my gun?
DEAN
Oh, no, you are not going to do this, you are not quitting on me. Maybe I said something wrong. Maybe you took it wrong, or just maybe we were both wrong.
Michele still aiming looks at Dean in an ‘Oh yeah’ manner whit one eyebrow raised.
DEAN (CONT’D)
Okay, okay, I was the one who was wrong. I am sorry.
Michele doesn’t move. Dean looks into her eyes, realizes he cares and must be straight with her. His body and tone of voice softens.
DEAN (CONT’D)
I can’t do this case without you.
Michele hears the sincerity in his words. She is also captured by his eyes and softens.
DEAN (CONT’D)
The gun?…. Can you put it down now?
Michele still aiming but she smiles.
MICHELE
Can I trust you?
DEAN
(trying to be funny)
Well,… That all depends….
Dean tries his best sexy smile. Michele stiffens again.
DEAN (CONT’D)
(seriously)
Yes, yes you can trust me.
Michele lowers the gun, her expression turns into curiosity with half disbelief. Keith looks up from his cowering position on the floor right besides Michele only to find the gun is now pointing at him by mistake.
KEITH
AAAHHHH!
MICHELE
(putting gun away)
Oops. Sorry.
(to Dean)
Do you have a plan?
DEAN
I think.
Michele just stares blankly at Dean.
DEAN (CONT’D)
Well… at least I have a good idea.
MICHELE
Good! Then you should have a good story to tell Mr. Henderson when he gets the bill for the busted door.
EZRA
Hey Keith, are you keeping score? I think she got the point for this one.
KEITH
I think you might be right.
DEAN
(disgusted, but pushing on)
Come on, let’s go. I have some intel that indicates that they should be at the next concert.
MICHELE
(tears welling up)
I pray you are right.
EXT. CONCERT ARENA – NIGHT
Dean is posing as the director of the concert hall. He has a thingie in his ear that makes him look like a secret service agent. In the access corridor behind the stage Michele, Keith, Ezra, and the real DIRECTOR wait like ducks in the marshes with hunters close by. Dean begins to open the partition to get behind the booth where they all are waiting for the impending doom. The tension is thick enough to choke the very breath form Dean. As Dean’s hand appears on the inside of the access corridor he triggers a jumping response from everyone.
DEAN
Geeze, will all of you relax?!
Everyone stares at Dean without signs of relaxing. Dean shakes his head in disgust.
DEAN (CONT’D)
Is everyone ready?
Slow nods from all but not convincingly that they are all really sure of what to do. Dean points to each one firmly as he addresses them.
DEAN (CONT’D)
(for what feels like the thousandth time)
Look, you two know how to sing, you know how to be a mom, and you know how to sit and do nothing.
(beat)
Right??
All faces lighten and begin to nod in firm agreement that they remember they are just doing what comes natural.
DEAN (CONT’D)
Good. We have agents at all entrances. They can’t get by us without being captured.
The audience is growing and 3 black limos pull up to the entrance. Dean turns his head slightly towards the ear that has the earpiece listening to whomever is on the other end.
DEAN (CONT’D)
They are here.
Everyone stiffens again.
DEAN (CONT’D)
You guys have to be kidding me. Breathe. Nine out of ten doctors recommend it.
MICHELE
But…
DEAN
(interrupting)
You’ve got this.
THE ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
… And ladies and gentlemen, it is time for the time of your life. I need not introduce the amazing band we have tonight. So, here we go! Enjoy!
The crowd goes wild with excitement.
DEAN
Okay everyone, let’s do this.
Dean puts his hand out in front of him as if they were a sports team pumping up for action. They all just stare at him and turn to go to their perspective places.
MICHELE
(shaking head)
Really?
Dean mimics her sarcastically and throws his hand up in the air as if everyone had joined him.
DEAN
And, go team!
The band starts to play and Michele climbs up in the rafters and scours the crowd. She spots one of the mob members and almost falls off the beam she is balancing on.
-
ACT 2 Scene 1 Outline
Scene 1
Beginning: Michele is driving the tour bus for the band.
Middle: At a concert and she scans the audience but no sign of her kids.
End: At hotel bar Dean checks up on Michele. Dean discovers the ring.
ACT 2 SCENE 1
INT. TOUR BUS – MORNING
Keith and Ezra wake in the bus at a hotel
parking lot outside a Marriott Residence inn.KEITH
Hey, Ez.
EZRA
(sleepily)
Huh..what?
KEITH
Do you remember anything looking like this the
last time we were here?(beat)
This is not the hotel we are supposed to be at.
EZRA
No…
KEITH
Great! She has us completely lost and we are due
at the school in two hours.EZRA
Prefect.
(looks out window)
Hey, here she comes.
Michele enters van.
KEITH
Okay, where are we?
MICHELE
That is a trick question, right?
KEITH
You got us lost didn’t you.
MICHELE
(to Ezra)
Does your friend always wake up in such a
chipper mood?EZRA
Well…
KEITH
We don’t have time to be lost right now.
MICHELE
We are not lost. I got breakfast while I checked
us in so we could get there early.Michele hands the food out, but as she gives
Keith’s his she holds on to it until he looks up at her.MICHELE (CONT’D)
Good morning Sunshine.
(beat)
While you two were off in slumber land I found
the school, then tried to locate the hotel that some dweeb booked 15 miles from
here. At this hotel we are only fifteen minutes from the school.EZRA
Keith? Didn’t you make the reservations?
MICHELE
Yes, he did. I will be handling that from here.
KEITH
That is not fair!
Keith slumps back into chair obviously defeated.
MICHELE
(to Ezra)
Tell your friend to take a chill pill. My job is
to see that the two of you make it to your shows safe and on time. Apparently
this now will include all hotel reservations.EZRA
(opens container)
Hey, cool, how did you know I liked bacon and
sausage on my burrito.INT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – DAY
Michele peers through the curtain at the vast
sea of children as the band plays, while continually rubbing her eyes in an
effort to stay awake.INT. HOTEL LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Michele sneaks around the living area in an
effort not to wake the guys as she opens her lap top computer and access her
e-mail that is flooded with sarcastic memes from Dean.MICHELE
What the heck is all this stuff? This is what he
considers “pertinent information”?Types e-mail back to Dean. She whispers the
words as she writes.MICHELE (CONT’D)
Dean, one of two things are going on here. One;
you have nothing better to do with your time than harass people with junk
e-mail, or Two; you simply do not have a clue. What I need is real information
to help me find what I am looking for. In other words, PLEASE DO YOUR
JOB!!MICHELE (CONT’D)
(tears welling up)
Please tell me this is a bad dream.
EXT. CONCERT ARENA – NIGHT
Michele scans the crowd while the band plays…
her kids are not seen anywhereEXT. OVERHEAD SHOT OF VAN DRIVING DOWN THE
HIGHWAY – DAYINT. BAR – NIGHT
Michele sits at the bar while the band is at a
table close by.Dean enters disguised as a rough biker person he
approaches the bar and stands on opposite side of chair next to Michele.
Michele is slouched in her chair with a distant gaze on her face as she stares
at the wall behind the BARTENDER.BARTENDER
(to Dean)
What can I get for you?
DEAN
Give me what she is having.
BARTENDER
Are you sure?
DEAN
Uh, yeah.
BARTENDER
(shaking head)
Ok buddy, you asked for it.
DEAN
(to Michele)
Mind if I sit?
MICHELE
Well….
DEAN
If you let me I promise not to e-mail any more
bad jokes.MICHELE
Dean??
(looks around to see if anyone is watching)
What are you doing here?
DEAN
Checking up on you. You know, making sure you
are working as hard as I am. It looks to me like you got the cushy end of the
assignment. Hanging out places and listening to good music.Bartender places drink in front of Dean, he
takes a sip.DEAN (CONT’D)
Ughk! What is this stuff?
MICHELE
Grapefruit juice and tomato juice. It is
something I learned long ago. It usually keeps idiots away from me when they
ask some stupid pick up line like “I’ll have what she is having”DEAN
I see how effective it can be.
MICHELE
No information yet?
DEAN
Not yet. I do know that you are headed in the
right direction.MICHELE
What’s that supposed to mean?
DEAN
Well, I know that the Krensha have a lot of
family in the Colorado area that we keep an eye on.MICHELE
Oh great! Sunshine and T-Rex are not scheduled
there until the middle of next week.DEAN
Whoa, do I detect a bit of animosity? Sounds as
if we are not playing well with others.MICHELE
More like playing in the wrong sandbox.
DEAN
(points to chess set)
Speaking of playing… you want to?
MICHELE
As long as you don’t cheat.
DEAN
Never, but I’m not going to let you win either.
MICHELE
In other words, I will have no problem beating
you.Michele laughs loudly enough that the band hears
her. As Michele and Dean talk they are playing chess as if they have played
together for years.KEITH
(To Ezra)
Boy, does she have bad taste in men.
Dean spots the RING on Michele’s thumb. It is
white gold and has ORIENTAL CHARACTERS on it.DEAN
OOH, wait a minute.
MICHELE
What?
DEAN
Your ring, where did you get it?
MICHELE
Oh, that. It was given to me by Emmett Tyson
just before he died. He was the FBI insider during the take down of the
Krensha.DEAN
Can I look at it?
Michele takes off the ring and hands it to Dean, he looks at it with curiosity.
MICHELE
He never said why he was giving it to me other
than that it was special to him and I should keep it safe.DEAN
I remember reading about him. He was their
accountant.MICHELE
On the day of the bust he was to hand over the
information to Mr. Kren to access the overseas account.DEAN
Hmmm
MICHELE
Apparently it must have been a really large
account because Mr. Kren wanted to personally pick up the information himself.DEAN
Was the information ever found?
MICHELE
No. The only thing we could guess is that his
brother got off with it before we could catch him.DEAN
These are Japanese characters, but they don’t
make any sense.MICHELE
You can read that?
DEAN
Of course.
(sarcastically)
To truly know your target, you must know
everything you possibly can. I spent a large time studying their language.MICHELE
Well… a spark of real intelligence. I studied
the culture only. Back then they did not use their native language. You know,
trying to maintain a low profile, look as American as possible.DEAN
I will check into this more tomorrow. Let me see
if I can make any sense of this.MICHELE
You loose that and you will loose your life!
Dean puts ring in his pocket. Michele glowers at
him. Michele moves queen into a spot where it puts Dean’s king in checkmate.MICHELE (CONT’D)
Checkmate!
DEAN
Hey! That is not fair! You cheated.
MICHELE
No cheating dear, just the rules of the game.
You were not paying attention.Dean acts as if he is about to attack Michele.
Keith and Ezra walk up.EZRA
(to Dean)
Can we help you?
DEAN
Err, no.
KEITH
I suggest you leave her alone or I’m gonna’ sick
Ez’ here on you.MICHELE
Wow! Chivalry is not dead.
EZRA
GO AWAY!
MICHELE
Yeah, go away you ugly excuse of a human
DEAN
That’s it. No more Mr. Nice guy. Loads and loads
of bad jokes.KEITH AND EZRA
GGGRRRR!
Dean scurries away.
MICHELE
(to Keith)
So I guess that this means that I have to like
you now….eh?KEITH
Grrr.
MICHELE
Geez, no one said that you had to like me
-
Wendy’s Finished Act One.
What I learned from this lesson is that I needed to fit the theme in to page 5 and it was hard. I feel there should be more explanation, to the flip in the scene jumping back in forth, but it is my first draft , so it is a work in progress. I am very happy it is turning out the way it is. It is sooo hard not to wordsmith at this point.
THE RING:
STORY LINE: A divorced mother of three children comes home one day after work only to find out that her children have been kidnapped by their father and the Krensha mob during their summer visit with him. The father has a bad gambling habit and has lost a substantial amount of money in trying to cover his losses, he embezzles money at work from a dormant account not knowing that it belongs to the Krensha mob.
The Krensha finds out and threatens him to get the money back as is roughed up by two thugs. As they digs through his wallet they find a picture of his ex-wife and their children. One of the thugs recognizes her and the missing ring that belongs to the boss that holds the information to the foreign bank vault of the mob. Michele must now return to her former hidden life as an FBI agent to save her children from the mob.
EXT. MICHELE’S COUNTRY HOME – LATE EVENING
MICHELE DUNN, early 40’s, deadly beautiful and beyond bougie, regardless of her living choices. She gets out of her 3/4-ton truck with a couple of grocery bags and her expensive hand bag.
INT. MICHELE HOUSE KITCHEN – EVENING
Michele sets the bags down and puts her phone on speaker setting it onto the counter and listens to her messages. Michele begins to put the groceries away.
CAROL (V.O.)
Hi Lisa, it’s just me calling you to remind you that it is our movie night tonight. I hope you didn’t forget the popcorn.
MICHELE
Right here.
CAROL (V.O.)
And I do hope you picked a comedy. I am NOT in the mood for drama or excitement tonight.
MICHELE
(surprised, apologetic)
Oh my gosh! I forgot it was my turn to get the movie!
CAROL (V.O.)
Well, I should be there about 7, See you then. Bye.
Looks at her WATCH {6:48}
MICHELE
Oh great, it is almost seven now. It looks like an out movie tonight.
Michele continues to put away the groceries.
PHONE
(beeps)
You have one new message from A.H.
She rolls her EYES at the phone.
Michele opens the CUPBOARD DOOR and puts an item away. Without closing it she bends down to put something else away.
MEGAN (V.O.)
Mommy?
MICHELE
(surprised)
Oh, Hi sweetheart.
MEGAN (V.O.)
Mommy, Daddy told us you died yesterday,
Michele stands up in surprise and hits her head on the cupboard door.
MICHELE
(surprised and questioning with disbelief)
What??!
MEGAN (V.O.)
Is that true? Daddy says our house caught fire and he didn’t want to have us sad so we are gonna’ go live somewhere else.
MICHELE
(stunned, whispering)
NO!
MEGAN (V.O.)
Daddy’s friend says he is going to take us to hear the monster song to lift our spirits. What’s a spirit mommy?…. Well, I guess daddy was telling the truth or you would be home from work now. I love you, mommy… bye.
MICHELE
(voice escalating)
NO NO NO NO!!!!
She stops and listens and hears a ticking sound coming from the OVEN and she looks closer inside where there is a silhouette of a bomb with a blinking light.
MICHELE (CONT’D)
NO!!!
EXT. COUNTRY HOUSE – EVENING
Michele’s friend CAROL CAMP has just pulled up to the house in her CAR. Michele scrambles to get in.
MICHELE
(great urgency and distress)
We have to get out of here! GO GO GO….. NOW, Carol, NOW!
Carol is stunned but speeds off SHOT of house in the distance exploding.
CAROL
Oh my gosh! Please don’t tell me that was the electrical problem you told me about.
Michele stares intently into the distance with a set determined look on her face.
MICHELE
(low toned, almost a growl)
I need to borrow your car tomorrow.
CAROL
(confused)
Um, Yeah… sure. You’re not going to blow my car up too, are you?
INT. FBI OFFICE – NEXT MORNING
INT. FBI OFFICE RECEPTIONIST’S DESK – DAY
Michele is in the middle of a conversation with the RECEPTIONIST.
MICHELE
I don’t think you understand, they blew up my house I have to talk to someone immediately!
RECEPTIONIST
Ma’am, did you go to the police and file a report?
MICHELE
That is the exact part you are not grasping. They need to think I’m dead!
Just then DEAN SHERR, mid 40’s, tall, slender medium build. his face is set in anger and it appears to be like that permanently, enters the lobby. His walk is hurried but meaningful. His mind is cluttered and his eyes seem to look right through people.
DEAN
(to the receptionist)
Can I help you?
RECEPTIONIST
She……
MICHELE
Save it!
Michele holds out her HAND to the receptionist in a “STOP” fashion.
MICHELE (CONT’D)
Sir, my name is Lisa Edmonson, my kids have been kidnapped by the Krensha and they blew up my house trying to kill me.
DEAN
Oookayy, this should be interesting. Follow me, this way.
MICHELE
Fine.
INT. MR. KREN’S HOME – DAY
Joel paces as he talks.
JOEL
Are you sure she is not dead?
MR. KREN
Yes, but now she is too weak, she will never beat us this time.
INT. DEAN’S OFFICE – DAY
Dean’s office is small and compact. His desk has a few folders and typical desk top items all in neat arrangement. Dean has OCD quirks.
Dean sits and begins to work on some papers while talking without looking up.
DEAN
Please, start from the beginning.
MICHELE
(deep breath)
I received a phone call from my daughter stating that my ex-husband has taken them and is moving somewhere else with them, and she thinks I am dead…
DEAN
So if your daughter thinks that you are dead… then why did she call and who are THEY?
Dean briefly glances up at Michele.
MICHELE
THEY would be my children and my daughter is only 5, she doesn’t quite understand.
DEAN
(snorting)
She is not the only one.
MICHELE
If you would just listen!
DEAN
So tell me why you didn’t go to the police?
MICHELE
They have to think I am dead, or I don’t stand a chance of getting my kids back!
DEAN
Who has to think you are dead, the police or your children?
Michele stands.
MICHELE
The Krensha, you idiot!!
Dean finally looks up from his paperwork. As he talks, he leans back in his chair.
DEAN
You want me to believe that the mob has taken your children, and now they are trying to kill you.
(smirking with a “whatever” attitude)
And just why is all this happening?
MICHELE
FIRST off, my husband has my kids and is being held by the mob, and SECOND, my real name is Michele, I used to be an…….
Dean throws pen down, stands, puts hand on hip and gestures with the other hand.
DEAN
(interrupting)
Hold it right there, NOW you are telling me that you are someone else. Lady, I think what you need right now is a strait jacket and a good psychiatrist!
Enter MR. EDWARD HENDERSON a man in his late 50’s, medium height, pot belly, stern face calloused by the years, very distinguished business appearance.
EDWARD
What is going on here Dean?
DEAN
Mr. Henderson….
MICHELE
(interrupting Dean)
Edward!
DEAN
You know this lunatic?
Edward holds out arms to hug Michele. They embrace with warmth and affection. Dean is completely astounded. Michele starts to cry.
EDWARD
I thought that was your voice I heard!
MICHELE
They have my kids.
EDWARD
I’m sorry.
(beat)
Come with me, I have something for you.
Edward walks down the hall towards his office, practically dragging Michele behind.
EDWARD (CONT’D)
You too Dean, my office, NOW!
DEAN
WHAT?!
INT. EDWARD’S OFFICE – DAY
The office is large, spacious, with lavish decor. Anyone can see that this corner office is of great importance. The large WINDOWS have a great view of the city skyline.
DEAN
Would someone like to tell me what is going on here??
Michele and Edward talk as if Dean does not exist. Michele’s tears are drying up.
MICHELE
Well, I see you got quite the promotion.
EDWARD
You know this office would belong to you if you hadn’t left. But… because I was your partner through the bust…. I was next in line for the promotion.
DEAN
What bust?
Edward retrieves a locked box from the bottom drawer, talks as he fumbles for the key and opens the box, treating it as if it were precious jewels.
EDWARD
(to Dean)
Thirteen years ago, Michele and I were partners, and together we took out most of the Krensha.
DEAN
You mean to tell me that she …. she is the one who…
(beat)
But this can’t be possible.
MICHELE
And just why not?
DEAN
Because….
MICHELE
Because I am a girl, or just that I’m not an ugly, nerdy girl, and not your idea of an FBI agent.
DEAN
Well..
MICHELE
Ugh! You are a male chauvinist!
DEAN
(backpedaling)
No.. I..
Edward hands Michele the opened box. Michele stares intently as if she has seen a loved one come back to life.
MICHELE
Oh my gosh, I can’t believe you kept all this stuff. And my resignation papers
(beat)
You never turned them in!
EDWARD
I kinda’ did. Look closely at the papers. I sent you on a special assignment… to Turkey.
Michele squints in an effort to focus.
DEAN
TURKEY?
EDWARD
Dean? Do you have something to add?
Dean motions a sarcastic “no”
EDWARD (CONT’D)
Michele, I knew you would be back someday. Frankly, I’m glad to have you back where you belong. I know that with the two of you as partners this whole mess about your children will get solved quickly.
MICHELE
WHAT!? Him as my partner?!… Never!…. He can’t help me find my kids; I’m surprised he can find his way to work every day.
DEAN
HEY!!
EDWARD
Then it is settled. You two will make a fine team.
DEAN AND MICHELE
WHAT???!
DEAN
Why me?
MICHELE
Yeah, why HIM!
EDWARD
Dean, you picked up where she left off, you are up to date with the most information and… quite frankly YOU need her expertise on this matter.
DEAN
What expertise?
EDWARD
SHE has already taken them down once, which is something you have failed to do so far.
DEAN
No, there are regulations against this.
EDWARD
And they would be?
DEAN
Well… department members cannot work on personal issues.
EDWARD
You may have a valid point.
(stares out the window and points at it)
Out there she is known as Lisa Edmonson.
(gestures to inside of building)
In here her real identity is Michele Dunn. Two different people entirely, and if you have a problem with it there is a special assignment needing to be filled …
(voice escalating)
In Turkey, where she just came from! GOT IT!
DEAN
(deflated)
Yes sir.
EDWARD
Both of you sit. Now Michele, tell me what you know.
DEAN
(under his breath)
This should be rich.
Michele carefully thinks about each event before answering.
MICHELE
My kids were at their fathers for the summer break… There was a phone call from my daughter, she left a strange message… she said that they were moving somewhere else to lift their spirits, because I was dead…. Then I saw the bomb and ran. She did say…
Michele excited, sits up straight in her chair and almost falls out.
MICHELE (CONT’D)
That they were going to go…
Michele’s eyes become full of thought, and it almost seems as if she has mentally left the room.
EDWARD
And that means… where?
Michele’s eyes widen with glee.
MICHELE
Yes, YES, that’s it! The monster song!
DEAN
Goody, we get to sing a song.
MICHELE
Its not just a song.
DEAN
Oh, so we are going to be chasing monsters?
MICHELE
No, No, NO! What I mean is Trout Fishing In America…
DEAN
(interrupting)
Perfect. First we are singing, then chasing monsters, now we are going fishing. What next… a safari?
MICHELE
No. You must lead a sheltered life. It’s a band.
DEAN
The monsters are a band?
MICHELE
Nooo. Trout Fishing in America is the band.
DEAN
A band of what?
MICHELE
Musical, you know instruments, singing, the usual kind of band things.
DEAN
Singing fish?
MICHELE
Humans!
(to Edward)
Look, my ex may be an idiot, but I don’t think that he would have told the kids that they were going to see them and not go through with it.
EDWARD
So what you are saying is that if we find this band we will find your children.
MICHELE
Yes, but I’m afraid that it is not as simple as it seems.
EDWARD
Why is that?
MICHELE
Finding them is not the problem, the problem is keeping up with them and not being caught.
DEAN
Hey, I’ve got it! We will just be groupies. I know that I have waited my whole life for this kind of opportunity to become a roadie.
Michele and Edward glance at each other with surprising interest, then together they look at Dean.
DEAN (CONT’D)
Aw, common. You don’t think that I was being serious… do You?
TWO DAYS EARLIER
INT. PARKING GARAGE – NIGHT
Few scattered cars, it is easy to tell that it is long past normal working hours. JOEL EDMONSON, 44 yo, a slender normal white-collar worker, somewhat G.Q., but not quite there. He is walking in a scurry to his car with his head down as if someone is following him and raises his head just in time to see two unknown ORIENTAL MEN dressed in business suits attempting to open the drivers side door of his expensive sports car.
JOEL
Hey guys, uh, excuse me but this is my car!
THUG 1
Is that so? Well, I think it belongs to me now.
JOEL
And just why would you think that?
THUG 1
It seems you own my boss a lot of money.
JOEL
I don’t know you and I don’t know your boss, so if you will excuse me…
Scuffle: THUG ONE punches Joel in the stomach causing him to hunch over in pain. THUG TWO raises his knee to Joel’s face giving him a bloody nose. Thug Two grabs Joel’s WALLET from his pocket.
THUG 1
Didn’t you ever learn that it is not nice to steal form other people? I ought to tell your boss about your little embezzlement problem.
JOEL
But how did you ….?
Thug one sends another blow to the stomach.
JOEL (CONT’D)
Offff…owwwh!
Thug two searches through Joel’s wallet finds a PICTURE of Michele and her 3 kids, JOHN EDMONSON, 11 YO, PAUL EDMONSON, 8 YO and MEGAN EDMONSON, 5 YO. Turns to show it to Thug One.
THUG 2
Hey, look at this.
THUG 1
You know who she is don’t you?
THUG 2
(puzzled)
She looks familiar.
THUG 1
She should!
(Voice growing in anger)
She killed out uncle and took the information to the bank vault. See the ring?
The thug one holds up Joel’s head up by the hair and pushes the picture into his face. We see the picture and Michele has a RING on her thumb that resembles a wedding ring.
THUG 1 (CONT’D)
Buddy, forget the money… WHERE IS THE GIRL?!?
INT. MR. KREN’S OFFICE – DAY
Joel is seen in the shadows of the bedroom as he tucks in the kids, then quietly closes the door on the way out of the room. The Thugs are waiting in the living area for him.
JOEL
Is she dead yet?
THUG 1
We haven’t found the body yet, but she could not have of survived.
JOEL
I’m still tellin’ ya… you’ve Got the wrong person. She was never an FBI agent.
EXT. STUDIO PARKING LOT – EVENING
Agent tells the band that Michele is to be their driver but hides that she is FBI.
EXT. PARKING LOT OF TROUT FISHING IN AMERICA’S RECORDING STUDIO EULESS, TEXAS – EVENING
KEITH AND EZRA, (the only two that make up the band) are protesting the idea of a driver to their manager, DICK SHUMACKER, late 50’s, is the typical agent type, snappy casual apparel, cares deeply for the guys.
.
Michele, on the other side of the TOUR BUS, wearing a T-shirt, blue jeans, baseball cap, and shoes that have a metallic glimmer to them, refusing to give up some of her glamorous life.
Michele looks longingly at her hands where her nails and rings used to be. The wedding ring is the only reminder that remains. She pats her neck in disgust that there is not a diamond there either.
With a deep sigh she pulls out a makeup mirror out of her large no name purse and stares at her face. Touching her cheek and begins to cry.
KEITH
(Angrily pleading)
But we don’t need anyone to drive for us.
KEITH GRIMWOOD, 5’ 5”, husky build, reddish brown curly hair, rosy cheeks giving the impression that he smiles a lot but is grumpy about the current situation. His voice is distinct with an almost slight crackle. His selection of clothes alludes to nothing short of being at a Jimmy Buffet concert.
DICK
(looking at ground)
Look, you have a very heavy schedule ahead of you for the nest few weeks and I don’t feel comfortable without a driver.
DICK SHUMACKER, Late 50’s, is the typical agent type, snappy casual apparel, cares deeply for the guys.
EZRA
But why a, a, a, her?
EZRA IDLET, Mid 30’s, 6’8” his body frame is large but he is not overweight. His long truly blond hair would cause one to assume he is a constantly happy person with a child like take on the world lost in thoughts of tree houses and clouds, until duty calls upon him to be the man that he is, totally content with being a grown up kid.
KEITH
Yeah, she is a her. Our wives are going to kill us.
DICK
I’ve been through all of this with the two of you. There is no other option.
Dick turns away, he can’t argue any more, he knows that they are right, but he also knows that this must be the way it is.
Michele hops into the van with boldness like a new fighter pilot on their first mission. Keith and Ezra draggingly follow. After they are seated and belted, they look at Michele with anger and anxiousness. Michele, usually having fun with life, decided to try and break the ice of the vexing stare.
INT. TOUR BUS – EVENING
MICHELE
So’wha how do you start this thing?
Keith leaning out the window trying to catch Dick’s attention as he slowly makes his way back into the building, his shoulders are slumped as if he has just sent his only child off to war.
KEITH
Renko!
Dick picks up his head as if to turn around but doesn’t.
MICHELE
(Rolling eyes)
Gosh, I was just kidding.
As Michele starts the van, as it begins to drive away, a serene , mischievous smile brightens her face.
MICHELE (CONT’D)
So, on to Texas.
KEITH
Right, no, wait… we are in Texas.
MICHELE
Okay, then it is onto San Antonio.
KEITH
YES.
Michele, looks at the controls and can’t find the parking brake. Closing her eyes she grabs a lever and pulling it the bus begins to roll.
-
Wendy’s Turning Point.
What I learned doing this lesson is that it is hard to stop the creative mind in process. Too much fun. This is not in outlie form, but the outline is in my lesson 10.
THE RING
STORY LINE: A divorced mother of three children comes home one day after work only to find out that her children have been kidnapped by their father and the Krensha mob during their summer visit with him. The father has a bad gambling habit and has lost a substantial amount of money in trying to cover his losses, he embezzles money at work from a dormant account not knowing that it belongs to the Krensha mob.
The Krensha finds out and threatens him to get the money back as is roughed up by two thugs. As they digs through his wallet they find a picture of his ex-wife and their children. One of the thugs recognizes her and the missing ring that belongs to the boss that holds the information to the foreign bank vault of the mob. Michele must now return to her former hidden life as an FBI agent to save her children from the mob.
EXT. MICHELE’S COUNTRY HOME – LATE EVENING
MICHELE DUNN, early 40’s, deadly beautiful and beyond bougie, regardless of her living choices. She gets out of her 3/4-ton truck with a couple of grocery bags and her expensive hand bag.
INT. MICHELE HOUSE KITCHEN – EVENING
Michele sets the bags down and puts her phone on speaker setting it onto the counter and listens to her messages. Michele begins to put the groceries away.
CAROL (V.O.)
Hi Lisa, it’s just me calling you to remind you that it is our movie night tonight. I hope you didn’t forget the popcorn.
MICHELE
Right here.
CAROL (V.O.)
And I do hope you picked a comedy. I am NOT in the mood for drama or excitement tonight.
MICHELE
(surprised, apologetic)
Oh my gosh! I forgot it was my turn to get the movie!
CAROL (V.O.)
Well, I should be there about 7, See you then. Bye.
Looks at her WATCH {6:48}
MICHELE
Oh great, it is almost seven now. It looks like an out movie tonight.
Michele continues to put away the groceries.
PHONE
(beeps)
You have one new message from A.H.
She rolls her EYES at the phone.
Michele opens the CUPBOARD DOOR and puts an item away. Without closing it she bends down to put something else away.
MEGAN (V.O.)
Mommy?
MICHELE
(surprised)
Oh, Hi sweetheart.
MEGAN (V.O.)
Mommy, Daddy told us you died yesterday,
Michele stands up in surprise and hits her head on the cupboard door.
MICHELE
(surprised and questioning with disbelief)
What??!
MEGAN (V.O.)
Is that true? Daddy says our house caught fire and he didn’t want to have us sad so we are gonna’ go live somewhere else.
MICHELE
(stunned, whispering)
NO!
MEGAN (V.O.)
Daddy’s friend says he is going to take us to hear the monster song to lift our spirits. What’s a spirit mommy?…. Well, I guess daddy was telling the truth or you would be home from work now. I love you, mommy… bye.
MICHELE
(voice escalating)
NO NO NO NO!!!!
She stops and listens and hears a ticking sound coming from the OVEN and she looks closer inside where there is a silhouette of a bomb with a blinking light.
MICHELE (CONT’D)
NO!!!
EXT. COUNTRY HOUSE – EVENING
Michele’s friend CAROL CAMP has just pulled up to the house in her CAR. Michele scrambles to get in.
MICHELE
(great urgency and distress)
We have to get out of here! GO GO GO….. NOW, Carol, NOW!
Carol is stunned but speeds off SHOT of house in the distance exploding.
CAROL
Oh my gosh! Please don’t tell me that was the electrical problem you told me about.
Michele stares intently into the distance with a set determined look on her face.
MICHELE
(low toned, almost a growl)
I need to borrow your car tomorrow.
CAROL
(confused)
Um, Yeah… sure. You’re not going to blow my car up too, are you?
INT. FBI OFFICE – NEXT MORNING
INT. FBI OFFICE RECEPTIONIST’S DESK – DAY
Michele is in the middle of a conversation with the RECEPTIONIST.
MICHELE
I don’t think you understand, they blew up my house I have to talk to someone immediately!
RECEPTIONIST
Ma’am, did you go to the police and file a report?
MICHELE
That is the exact part you are not grasping. They need to think I’m dead!
Just then DEAN SHERR, mid 40’s, tall, slender medium build. his face is set in anger and it appears to be like that permanently, enters the lobby. His walk is hurried but meaningful. His mind is cluttered and his eyes seem to look right through people.
DEAN
(to the receptionist)
Can I help you?
RECEPTIONIST
She……
MICHELE
Save it!
Michele holds out her HAND to the receptionist in a “STOP” fashion.
MICHELE (CONT’D)
Sir, my name is Lisa Edmonson, my kids have been kidnapped by the Krensha and they blew up my house trying to kill me.
DEAN
Oookayy, this should be interesting. Follow me, this way.
MICHELE
Fine.
INT. MR. KREN’S HOME – DAY
Joel paces as he talks.
JOEL
Are you sure she is not dead?
MR. KREN
Yes, but now she is too weak, she will never beat us this time.
INT. DEAN’S OFFICE – DAY
Dean’s office is small and compact. His desk has a few folders and typical desk top items all in neat arrangement. Dean has OCD quirks.
Dean sits and begins to work on some papers while talking without looking up.
DEAN
Please, start from the beginning.
MICHELE
(deep breath)
I received a phone call from my daughter stating that my ex-husband has taken them and is moving somewhere else with them, and she thinks I am dead…
DEAN
So if your daughter thinks that you are dead… then why did she call and who are THEY?
Dean briefly glances up at Michele.
MICHELE
THEY would be my children and my daughter is only 5, she doesn’t quite understand.
DEAN
(snorting)
She is not the only one.
MICHELE
If you would just listen!
DEAN
So tell me why you didn’t go to the police?
MICHELE
They have to think I am dead, or I don’t stand a chance of getting my kids back!
DEAN
Who has to think you are dead, the police or your children?
Michele stands.
MICHELE
The Krensha, you idiot!!
Dean finally looks up from his paperwork. As he talks, he leans back in his chair.
DEAN
You want me to believe that the mob has taken your children, and now they are trying to kill you.
(smirking with a “whatever” attitude)
And just why is all this happening?
MICHELE
FIRST off, my husband has my kids and is being held by the mob, and SECOND, my real name is Michele, I used to be an…….
Dean throws pen down, stands, puts hand on hip and gestures with the other hand.
DEAN
(interrupting)
Hold it right there, NOW you are telling me that you are someone else. Lady, I think what you need right now is a strait jacket and a good psychiatrist!
Enter MR. EDWARD HENDERSON a man in his late 50’s, medium height, pot belly, stern face calloused by the years, very distinguished business appearance.
EDWARD
What is going on here Dean?
DEAN
Mr. Henderson….
MICHELE
(interrupting Dean)
Edward!
DEAN
You know this lunatic?
Edward holds out arms to hug Michele. They embrace with warmth and affection. Dean is completely astounded. Michele starts to cry.
EDWARD
I thought that was your voice I heard!
MICHELE
They have my kids.
EDWARD
I’m sorry.
(beat)
Come with me, I have something for you.
Edward walks down the hall towards his office, practically dragging Michele behind.
EDWARD (CONT’D)
You too Dean, my office, NOW!
DEAN
WHAT?!
INT. EDWARD’S OFFICE – DAY
The office is large, spacious, with lavish decor. Anyone can see that this corner office is of great importance. The large WINDOWS have a great view of the city skyline.
DEAN
Would someone like to tell me what is going on here??
Michele and Edward talk as if Dean does not exist. Michele’s tears are drying up.
MICHELE
Well, I see you got quite the promotion.
EDWARD
You know this office would belong to you if you hadn’t left. But… because I was your partner through the bust…. I was next in line for the promotion.
DEAN
What bust?
Edward retrieves a locked box from the bottom drawer, talks as he fumbles for the key and opens the box, treating it as if it were precious jewels.
EDWARD
(to Dean)
Thirteen years ago, Michele and I were partners, and together we took out most of the Krensha.
DEAN
You mean to tell me that she …. she is the one who…
(beat)
But this can’t be possible.
MICHELE
And just why not?
DEAN
Because….
MICHELE
Because I am a girl, or just that I’m not an ugly, nerdy girl, and not your idea of an FBI agent.
DEAN
Well..
MICHELE
Ugh! You are a male chauvinist!
DEAN
(backpedaling)
No.. I..
Edward hands Michele the opened box. Michele stares intently as if she has seen a loved one come back to life.
MICHELE
Oh my gosh, I can’t believe you kept all this stuff. And my resignation papers
(beat)
You never turned them in!
EDWARD
I kinda’ did. Look closely at the papers. I sent you on a special assignment… to Turkey.
Michele squints in an effort to focus.
DEAN
TURKEY?
EDWARD
Dean? Do you have something to add?
Dean motions a sarcastic “no”
EDWARD (CONT’D)
Michele, I knew you would be back someday. Frankly, I’m glad to have you back where you belong. I know that with the two of you as partners this whole mess about your children will get solved quickly.
MICHELE
WHAT!? Him as my partner?!… Never!…. He can’t help me find my kids; I’m surprised he can find his way to work every day.
DEAN
HEY!!
EDWARD
Then it is settled. You two will make a fine team.
DEAN AND MICHELE
WHAT???!
DEAN
Why me?
MICHELE
Yeah, why HIM!
EDWARD
Dean, you picked up where she left off, you are up to date with the most information and… quite frankly YOU need her expertise on this matter.
DEAN
What expertise?
EDWARD
SHE has already taken them down once, which is something you have failed to do so far.
DEAN
No, there are regulations against this.
EDWARD
And they would be?
DEAN
Well… department members cannot work on personal issues.
EDWARD
You may have a valid point.
(stares out the window and points at it)
Out there she is known as Lisa Edmonson.
(gestures to inside of building)
In here her real identity is Michele Dunn. Two different people entirely, and if you have a problem with it there is a special assignment needing to be filled …
(voice escalating)
In Turkey, where she just came from! GOT IT!
DEAN
(deflated)
Yes sir.
EDWARD
Both of you sit. Now Michele, tell me what you know.
DEAN
(under his breath)
This should be rich.
Michele carefully thinks about each event before answering.
MICHELE
My kids were at their fathers for the summer break… There was a phone call from my daughter, she left a strange message… she said that they were moving somewhere else to lift their spirits, because I was dead…. Then I saw the bomb and ran. She did say…
Michele excited, sits up straight in her chair and almost falls out.
MICHELE (CONT’D)
That they were going to go…
Michele’s eyes become full of thought, and it almost seems as if she has mentally left the room.
EDWARD
And that means… where?
Michele’s eyes widen with glee.
MICHELE
Yes, YES, that’s it! The monster song!
DEAN
Goody, we get to sing a song.
MICHELE
Its not just a song.
DEAN
Oh, so we are going to be chasing monsters?
MICHELE
No, No, NO! What I mean is Trout Fishing In America…
DEAN
(interrupting)
Perfect. First we are singing, then chasing monsters, now we are going fishing. What next… a safari?
MICHELE
No. You must lead a sheltered life. It’s a band.
DEAN
The monsters are a band?
MICHELE
Nooo. Trout Fishing in America is the band.
DEAN
A band of what?
MICHELE
Musical, you know instruments, singing, the usual kind of band things.
DEAN
Singing fish?
MICHELE
Humans!
(to Edward)
Look, my ex may be an idiot, but I don’t think that he would have told the kids that they were going to see them and not go through with it.
EDWARD
So what you are saying is that if we find this band we will find your children.
MICHELE
Yes, but I’m afraid that it is not as simple as it seems.
EDWARD
Why is that?
MICHELE
Finding them is not the problem, the problem is keeping up with them and not being caught.
DEAN
Hey, I’ve got it! We will just be groupies. I know that I have waited my whole life for this kind of opportunity to become a roadie.
Michele and Edward glance at each other with surprising interest, then together they look at Dean.
DEAN (CONT’D)
Aw, common. You don’t think that I was being serious… do You?
TWO DAYS EARLIER
INT. PARKING GARAGE – NIGHT
Few scattered cars, it is easy to tell that it is long past normal working hours. JOEL EDMONSON, 44 yo, a slender normal white-collar worker, somewhat G.Q., but not quite there. He is walking in a scurry to his car with his head down as if someone is following him and raises his head just in time to see two unknown ORIENTAL MEN dressed in business suits attempting to open the drivers side door of his expensive sports car.
JOEL
Hey guys, uh, excuse me but this is my car!
THUG 1
Is that so? Well, I think it belongs to me now.
JOEL
And just why would you think that?
THUG 1
It seems you own my boss a lot of money.
JOEL
I don’t know you and I don’t know your boss, so if you will excuse me…
Scuffle: THUG ONE punches Joel in the stomach causing him to hunch over in pain. THUG TWO raises his knee to Joel’s face giving him a bloody nose. Thug Two grabs Joel’s WALLET from his pocket.
THUG 1
Didn’t you ever learn that it is not nice to steal form other people? I ought to tell your boss about your little embezzlement problem.
JOEL
But how did you ….?
Thug one sends another blow to the stomach.
JOEL (CONT’D)
Offff…owwwh!
Thug two searches through Joel’s wallet finds a PICTURE of Michele and her 3 kids, JOHN EDMONSON, 11 YO, PAUL EDMONSON, 8 YO and MEGAN EDMONSON, 5 YO. Turns to show it to Thug One.
THUG 2
Hey, look at this.
THUG 1
You know who she is don’t you?
THUG 2
(puzzled)
She looks familiar.
THUG 1
She should!
(Voice growing in anger)
She killed out uncle and took the information to the bank vault. See the ring?
The thug one holds up Joel’s head up by the hair and pushes the picture into his face. We see the picture and Michele has a RING on her thumb that resembles a wedding ring.
THUG 1 (CONT’D)
Buddy, forget the money… WHERE IS THE GIRL?!?
INT. MR. KREN’S OFFICE – DAY
Joel is seen in the shadows of the bedroom as he tucks in the kids, then quietly closes the door on the way out of the room. The Thugs are waiting in the living area for him.
JOEL
Is she dead yet?
THUG 1
We haven’t found the body yet, but she could not have of survived.
JOEL
I’m still tellin’ ya… you’ve Got the wrong person. She was never an FBI agent.
EXT. STUDIO PARKING LOT – EVENING
Agent tells the band that Michele is to be their driver but hides that she is FBI.
EXT. PARKING LOT OF TROUT FISHING IN AMERICA’S RECORDING STUDIO EULESS, TEXAS – EVENING
KEITH AND EZRA, (the only two that make up the band) are protesting the idea of a driver to their manager, DICK SHUMACKER, late 50’s, is the typical agent type, snappy casual apparel, cares deeply for the guys.
.
Michele, on the other side of the TOUR BUS, wearing a T-shirt, blue jeans, baseball cap, and shoes that have a metallic glimmer to them, refusing to give up some of her glamorous life.
Michele looks longingly at her hands where her nails and rings used to be. The wedding ring is the only reminder that remains. She pats her neck in disgust that there is not a diamond there either.
With a deep sigh she pulls out a makeup mirror out of her large no name purse and stares at her face. Touching her cheek and begins to cry.
KEITH
(Angrily pleading)
But we don’t need anyone to drive for us.
KEITH GRIMWOOD, 5’ 5”, husky build, reddish brown curly hair, rosy cheeks giving the impression that he smiles a lot but is grumpy about the current situation. His voice is distinct with an almost slight crackle. His selection of clothes alludes to nothing short of being at a Jimmy Buffet concert.
DICK
(looking at ground)
Look, you have a very heavy schedule ahead of you for the nest few weeks and I don’t feel comfortable without a driver.
DICK SHUMACKER, Late 50’s, is the typical agent type, snappy casual apparel, cares deeply for the guys.
EZRA
But why a, a, a, her?
EZRA IDLET, Mid 30’s, 6’8” his body frame is large but he is not overweight. His long truly blond hair would cause one to assume he is a constantly happy person with a child like take on the world lost in thoughts of tree houses and clouds, until duty calls upon him to be the man that he is, totally content with being a grown up kid.
KEITH
Yeah, she is a her. Our wives are going to kill us.
DICK
I’ve been through all of this with the two of you. There is no other option.
Dick turns away, he can’t argue any more, he knows that they are right, but he also knows that this must be the way it is.
Michele hops into the van with boldness like a new fighter pilot on their first mission. Keith and Ezra draggingly follow. After they are seated and belted, they look at Michele with anger and anxiousness. Michele, usually having fun with life, decided to try and break the ice of the vexing stare.
INT. TOUR BUS – EVENING
MICHELE
So’wha how do you start this thing?
Keith leaning out the window trying to catch Dick’s attention as he slowly makes his way back into the building, his shoulders are slumped as if he has just sent his only child off to war.
KEITH
Renko!
Dick picks up his head as if to turn around but doesn’t.
MICHELE
(Rolling eyes)
Gosh, I was just kidding.
As Michele starts the van, as it begins to drive away, a serene , mischievous smile brightens her face.
MICHELE (CONT’D)
So, on to Texas.
KEITH
Right, no, wait… we are in Texas.
MICHELE
Okay, then it is onto San Antonio.
KEITH
YES.
Michele, looks at the controls and can’t find the parking brake. Closing her eyes she grabs a lever and pulling it the bus begins to roll.
-
Wendy’s Inciting Incident.
What I learned from doing this assignment is that the reaction must be very intense to get the point across of the embarking of the adventure. And also the fact that I can’t spell from yesterdays post. LOL
Key Scene 1
INT. Michele kitchen- evening
Michele learns that her kids are kidnapped.
Key Scene 2
INT. FBI -Day
Michele meets Dean and they argue about what has happened to the kids and the fact that the mob is after her.
INT- Edward’s office – Day
Michele and Dean are made to be partners and a plan is devised to find the kids.
Key Scene 3
TWO DAYS EARLIER
INT. PARKING GARAGE – NIGHT
Joel scuffles with two thugs and they find the picture of Michele and sees the picture of the kids and the missing ring.
INT. MR. KREN’S HOME – EVENING
Michele’s daughter sneaks her father’s phone away and sneaks into another room and calls her mom Michele.
INT. MR. KREN’S HOME – EVENING
Joel discovers Megan. He scolds her and hides the fact that she called her mom.
INT. MR. KREN’S HOME – NIGHT
Joel and the thugs talk, and they learn that no body was found.
FADE IN:
INT. MICHELE HOUSE KITCHEN – EVENING
The kitchen is spacious, tile flooring, long bar area where MICHELE, early 40’s, deadly beautiful, and extremly bougie, sets her expensive purse and the grocery bags down on the counter. She puts her phone on speaker setting it onto the counter and listens to her messages. Michele begins to put the groceries away.
CAROL (V.O.)
Hi, it’s just me calling you to remind you that it is our movie night tonight. I hope you didn’t forget the popcorn.
MICHELE
Right here.
CAROL (V.O.)
And I do hope you picked a comedy. I am NOT in the mood for drama or excitement tonight.
MICHELE
(surprised, apologetic)
Oh my gosh! I forgot it was my turn to get the movie!
CAROL (V.O.)
Well, I should be there about 7, See you then. Bye.
Michele looks at her watch. {6:48}
MICHELE
Oh great, it is almost seven now. It looks like an out movie tonight.
Michele continues to put away the groceries. The phone beeps signifying that it is a different phone call.
MEGAN (V.O.)
Mommy?
MICHELE
Hi, sweetheart.
MEGAN (V.O.)
Mommy, Daddy told us you died yesterday,
Michele stands up in surprise and hits her head on the cupboard door.
MICHELE
(surprised and questioning with disbelief)
What??!
MEGAN (V.O.)
Is that true? Daddy says our house caught fire and he didn’t want to have us sad so we are gonna’ go live somewhere else.
MICHELE
(stunned, whispering)
NO!
MEGAN (V.O.)
Daddy’s friend says he is going to take us to hear the monster song to lift our spirits. What’s a spirit mommy?…. Well, I guess daddy was telling the truth or you would be home from work now. I love you, mommy… bye.
MICHELE
(voice escalating)
NO NO NO NO!!!!
She looks at the OVEN WINDOW where there is a silhouette of a bomb with a blinking light.
MICHELE (CONT’D)
NO!!!
EXT. COUNTRY HOUSE – EVENING
Michele’s friend CAROL CAMP has just pulled up to the house in her CAR. Michele scrambles to get in.
MICHELE
(great urgency and distress)
We have to get out of here! GO GO GO…..NOW, Carol, NOW!
Carol is stunned but speeds off. The HOUSE in the distance explodes.
CAROL
Oh my gosh! Please don’t tell me that was the electrical problem you told me about.
Michele stares intently into the distance with a set determined look on her face.
MICHELE
(low toned, almost a growl)
I need to borrow your car tomorrow.
CAROL
(confused)
Um, Yeah… sure.
Key Scene 2
INT. FBI OFFICE RECEPTIONIST’S DESK – DAY
Michele is in the middle of a conversation with the RECEPTIONIST.
MICHELE
I don’t think you understand, they blew up my house I have to talk to someone immediately!
RECEPTIONIST
Ma’am, did you go to the police and file a report?
MICHELE
That is the exact part you are not grasping. They need to think I’m dead!
Just then DEAN SHERR, mid 40’s, tall, slender medium build. his face is set in anger and it appears to be like that permanently, enters the lobby. His walk is hurried but meaningful. His mind is cluttered and his eyes seem to look right through people.
DEAN
(to the receptionist)
Can I help you?
RECEPTIONIST
She……
MICHELE
Save it!
Michele holds out her hand in a “STOP” fashion.
MICHELE (CONT’D)
Sir, my name is Lisa Edmonson, my kids have been kidnapped by the Krensha and they blew up my house trying to kill me.
DEAN
Oookayy, this should be interesting. Follow me, this way.
MICHELE
Fine.
INT. DEAN’S OFFICE – DAY
Dean’s office is small and compact. A large desk, matching chair, and a single visitor’s chair is the only furniture that will fit. A large window overlooks the outside world. The top of the desk has a few folders and typical desk top items all in neat arrangement. Dean definitely has OCD quirks.
Dean sits and begins to work on some papers while talking without looking up.
DEAN
Please, start from the beginning.
MICHELE
(deep breath)
I received a phone call from my daughter stating that my ex-husband has taken them and is moving somewhere else with them and she thinks I am dead…
DEAN
So if your daughter thinks that you are dead.. then why did she call and who are THEY?
Dean briefly glances up at Michele.
MICHELE
THEY, would be my children and my daughter is only 5, she doesn’t quite understand.
DEAN
(snorting)
She is not the only one.
MICHELE
If you would just listen!
DEAN
So tell me why you didn’t go to the police?
MICHELE
They have to think I am dead or I don’t stand a chance of getting my kids back!
DEAN
Who has to think you are dead, the police or your children?
Michele stands.
MICHELE
The Krensha, you idiot!!
Dean finally looks up from his paperwork. As he talks he leans back in his chair.
DEAN
You want me to believe that the mob has taken your children, and now they are trying to kill you.
(smirking with a “whatever” attitude)
And just why is all this happening?
MICHELE
FIRST off, my husband has my kids and is being held by the mob, and SECOND, my real name is Michele, I used to be an…….
Dean throws pen down, stands, puts hand on hip and gestures with the other hand.
DEAN
(interrupting)
Hold it right there, NOW you are telling me that you are someone else. Lady, I think what you need right now is a straight jacket and a good psychiatrist!
Enter MR. EDWARD HENDERSON a man in his late 50’s, medium height, pot belly, stern face calloused by the years, very distinguished business appearance.
EDWARD
What is going on here Dean?
DEAN
Mr. Henderson….
MICHELE
(interrupting Dean)
Edward!
DEAN
You know this lunatic?
Edward holds out arms to hug Michele. They embrace with warmth and affection. Dean is completely astounded. Michele starts to cry.
EDWARD
I thought that was your voice I heard.
MICHELE
They have my kids!
EDWARD
I’m sorry.
(beat)
Come with me, I have something for you.
Edward walks down the hall towards his office, practically dragging Michele behind.
EDWARD (CONT’D)
You too Dean, my office, NOW!
DEAN
WHAT?!
INT. EDWARD’S OFFICE – DAY
The office is large, spacious, with a lavish décor. Anyone can see that this corner office is of great importance. The large windows have a great view of the city skyline.
DEAN
Would someone like to tell me what is going bon here?
Michele and Edward talk as if Dean does not exist. Michele’s tears are drying up.
MICHELE
Well, I see you got quite the promotion.
EDWARD
You know this office would belong to you if you hadn’t left. But… because I was your partner through the bust…. I was next in line for the promotion.
DEAN
What bust?
Edward retrieves a locked box from the bottom drawer, talks as he fumbles for the key and opens the box, treating it as if it were precious jewels.
EDWARD
(to Dean)
Thirteen years ago Michele and I were partners, and together we took out most of the Krensha.
DEAN
You mean to tell me that she… she is the one who…
(beat)
But this can’t be possible.
MICHELE
And just why not?
DEAN
Because….
MICHELE
Because I am a girl, or just that I’m not an ugly, nerdy girl, and not your idea of an FBI agent.
DEAN
Well..
MICHELE
Ugh! You are a male chauvinist!
DEAN
(backpedaling)
No.. I..
Edward hands Michele the opened box. Michele stares intently as if she has seen a loved one come back to life.
MICHELE
Oh my gosh, I can’t believe you kept all this stuff. And my resignation papers
(beat)
You never turned them in!
EDWARD
I kinda’ did. Look closely at the papers. I sent you on a special assignment… to Turkey.
Michele squints in an effort to focus.
DEAN
TURKEY?
EDWARD
Dean? Do you have something to add?
Dean motions a sarcastic “no”
EDWARD (CONT’D)
Michele, I knew you would be back someday. Frankly, I’m glad to have you back where you belong. I know that with the two of you as partners this whole mess about your children will get solved quickly.
MICHELE
WHAT!? Him as my partner?!… Never!…. He can’t help me find my kids; I’m surprised he can find his way to work every day.
DEAN
HEY!!
EDWARD
Then it is settled. You two will make a fine team.
DEAN AND MICHELE
WHAT???!
DEAN
Why me?
MICHELE
Yeah, why HIM!
EDWARD
Dean, you picked up where she left off, you are up to date with the most information and… quite frankly YOU need her expertise on this matter.
DEAN
What expertise?
EDWARD
SHE has already taken them down once, which is something you have failed to do so far.
DEAN
No, there are regulations against this.
EDWARD
And they would be?
DEAN
Well…department members cannot work on personal issues.
EDWARD
You may have a valid point
(stares out the window and points at it)
Out there she is known as Lisa Edmonson.
(gestures to inside of building)
In here her real identity is Michele Dunn. Two different people entirely, and if you have a problem with it there is a special assignment needing to be filled …
(voice escalating)
In Turkey, where she just came from! GOT IT!
DEAN
(deflated)
Yes sir.
EDWARD
Both of you sit. Now Michele, tell me what you know.
DEAN
(under his breath)
This should be rich.
Michele carefully thinks about each event before answering.
MICHELE
My kids were at their fathers for the summer break… There was a phone call from my daughter, she left a strange message… she said that they were moving somewhere else to lift their spirits, because I was dead…. Then I saw the bomb and ran. She did say…
Michele sits up straight in her chair and almost falls out
MICHELE (CONT’D)
That they were going to go…
Michele’s eyes become full of thought and it almost seems as if she has mentally left the room.
EDWARD
And that means… where?
Michele’s eyes widen with glee.
MICHELE
Yes, YES, that’s it! The monster song!
DEAN
Goody, we get to sing a song.
MICHELE
Its not just a song.
DEAN
Oh, so we are going to be chasing monsters?
MICHELE
No, No, NO! What I mean is Trout Fishing In America…
DEAN
(interrupting)
Perfect. First we are singing, then chasing monsters, now we are going fishing. What next… a safari?
MICHELE
No. You must lead a sheltered life. It’s a band.
DEAN
The monsters are a band?
MICHELE
Nooo. Trout Fishing in America is the band.
DEAN
A band of what?
MICHELE
Musical, you know instruments, singing, the usual kind of band things.
DEAN
Singing fish?
MICHELE
Humans!
(to Edward)
Look, my ex may be an idiot, but I don’t think that he would have told the kids that they were going to see them and not go through with it.
EDWARD
So what you are saying is that if we find this band we will find your children.
MICHELE
Yes, but I’m afraid that it is not as simple as it seems.
EDWARD
Why is that?
MICHELE
Finding them is not the problem, the problem is keeping up with them and not being caught.
DEAN
Hey, I’ve got it! We will just be groupies. I know that I have waited my whole life for this kind of opportunity to become a roadie.
Michele and Edward glance at each other with surprising interest, then together they look at Dean.
DEAN (CONT’D)
Aw, common. You don’t think that I was being serious… do You?
(beat)
Michele, you realize that you are going to have to change your appearance.
MICHELE
What??
DEAN
(smirking)
You honestly don’t think you can look like that and not be noticed.
Reaction Scene to the Inciting incident.
EXT. STUDIO PARKING LOT – EVENING
Michele leans against the tour bus looking at where her jewelry should be on her hands and wrists. She inspects her bare fingernails and pats her neck where her diamond necklace should be. She inhales deeply and shakes her head in disgust as she looks at herself in a makeup mirror. It has been forever since she has seen herself in public without makeup. She begins to cry at the thought of how bad she looks.
On the other side of the bus the band manager argues with the boys about their new driver.
Michele is called to the other side and quickly wipes away her tears.
-
Wendy’s Act 1: Opening Scenes
What I learned doing this assignment is that I need to be flexable and be able to move scenes around and put first things first.
FADE IN:
INT. MICHELE HOUSE KITCHEN – EVENING
The kitchen is spacious, tile flooring, long bar area where Michele sets the bags down and puts her phone on speaker setting it onto the counter and listens to her messages. Michele begins to put the groceries away.
CAROL (V.O.)
Hi, it’s just me calling you to remind you that it is our movie night tonight. I hope you didn’t forget the popcorn.
MICHELE
Right here.
CAROL (V.O.)
And I do hope you picked a comedy. I am NOT in the mood for drama or excitement tonight.
MICHELE
(surprised, apologetic)
Oh my gosh! I forgot it was my turn to get the movie!
CAROL (V.O.)
Well, I should be there about 7, See you then. Bye.
Michele looks at her watch. {6:48}
MICHELE
Oh great, it is almost seven now. It looks like an out movie tonight.
Michele continues to put away the groceries. The phone beeps signifying that it is a different phone call.
MEGAN (V.O.)
Mommy?
MICHELE
Hi, sweetheart.
MEGAN (V.O.)
Mommy, Daddy told us you died yesterday,
Michele stands up in surprise and hits her head on the cupboard door.
MICHELE
(surprised and questioning with disbelief)
What??!
MEGAN (V.O.)
Is that true? Daddy says our house caught fire and he didn’t want to have us sad so we are gonna’ go live somewhere else.
MICHELE
(stunned, whispering)
NO!
MEGAN (V.O.)
Daddy’s friend says he is going to take us to hear the monster song to lift our spirits. What’s a spirit mommy?…. Well, I guess daddy was telling the truth or you would be home from work now. I love you, mommy… bye.
MICHELE
(voice escalating)
NO NO NO NO!!!!
She looks at the OVEN WINDOW where there is a silhouette of a bomb with a blinking light.
MICHELE (CONT’D)
NO!!!
EXT. COUNTRY HOUSE – EVENING
Michele’s friend CAROL CAMP has just pulled up to the house in her CAR. Michele scrambles to get in.
MICHELE
(great urgency and distress)
We have to get out of here! GO GO GO…..NOW, Carol, NOW!
Carol is stunned but speeds off. The HOUSE in the distance explodes.
CAROL
Oh my gosh! Please don’t tell me that was the electrical problem you told me about.
Michele stares intently into the distance with a set determined look on her face.
MICHELE
(low toned, almost a growl)
I need to borrow your car tomorrow.
CAROL
(confused)
Um, Yeah… sure.
ANTAGONIST: DEAN
INT. FBI OFFICE RECEPTIONIST’S DESK – DAY
Michele is in the middle of a conversation with the RECEPTIONIST.
MICHELE
I don’t think you understand, they blew up my house I have to talk to someone immediately!
RECEPTIONIST
Ma’am, did you go to the police and file a report?
MICHELE
That is the exact part you are not grasping. They need to think I’m dead!
Just then DEAN SHERR, mid 40’s, tall, slender medium build. his face is set in anger and it appears to be like that permanently, enters the lobby. His walk is hurried but meaningful. His mind is cluttered and his eyes seem to look right through people.
DEAN
(to the receptionist)
Can I help you?
RECEPTIONIST
She……
MICHELE
Save it!
Michele holds out her hand in a “STOP” fashion.
MICHELE (CONT’D)
Sir, my name is Lisa Edmonson, my kids have been kidnapped by the Krensha and they blew up my house trying to kill me.
DEAN
Oookayy, this should be interesting. Follow me, this way.
MICHELE
Fine.
INT. DEAN’S OFFICE – DAY
Dean’s office is small and compact. A large desk, matching chair, and a single visitor’s chair is the only furniture that will fit. A large window overlooks the outside world. The top of the desk has a few folders and typical desk top items all in neat arrangement. Dean definitely has OCD quirks.
Dean sits and begins to work on some papers while talking without looking up.
DEAN
Please, start from the beginning.
MICHELE
(deep breath)
I received a phone call from my daughter stating that my ex-husband has taken them and is moving somewhere else with them and she thinks I am dead…
DEAN
So if your daughter thinks that you are dead.. then why did she call and who are THEY?
Dean briefly glances up at Michele.
MICHELE
THEY, would be my children and my daughter is only 5, she doesn’t quite understand.
DEAN
(snorting)
She is not the only one.
MICHELE
If you would just listen!
DEAN
So tell me why you didn’t go to the police?
MICHELE
They have to think I am dead or I don’t stand a chance of getting my kids back!
DEAN
Who has to think you are dead, the police or your children?
Michele stands.
MICHELE
The Krensha, you idiot!!
Dean finally looks up from his paperwork. As he talks he leans back in his chair.
DEAN
You want me to believe that the mob has taken your children, and now they are trying to kill you.
(smirking with a “whatever” attitude)
And just why is all this happening?
MICHELE
FIRST off, my husband has my kids and is being held by the mob, and SECOND, my real name is Michele, I used to be an…….
Dean throws pen down, stands, puts hand on hip and gestures with the other hand.
DEAN
(interrupting)
Hold it right there, NOW you are telling me that you are someone else. Lady, I think what you need right now is a straight jacket and a good psychiatrist!
Enter MR. EDWARD HENDERSON a man in his late 50’s, medium height, pot belly, stern face calloused by the years, very distinguished business appearance.
EDWARD
What is going on here Dean?
DEAN
Mr. Henderson….
MICHELE
(interrupting Dean)
Edward!
DEAN
You know this lunatic?
Edward holds out arms to hug Michele. They embrace with warmth and affection. Dean is completely astounded. Michele starts to cry.
EDWARD
I thought that was your voice I heard.
MICHELE
They have my kids!
EDWARD
I’m sorry.
(beat)
Come with me, I have something for you.
Edward walks down the hall towards his office, practically dragging Michele behind.
EDWARD (CONT’D)
You too Dean, my office, NOW!
DEAN
WHAT?!
INT. EDWARD’S OFFICE – DAY
The office is large, spacious, with a lavish décor. Anyone can see that this corner office is of great importance. The large windows have a great view of the city skyline.
DEAN
Would someone like to tell me what is going bon here?
Michele and Edward talk as if Dean does not exist. Michele’s tears are drying up.
MICHELE
Well, I see you got quite the promotion.
EDWARD
You know this office would belong to you if you hadn’t left. But… because I was your partner through the bust…. I was next in line for the promotion.
DEAN
What bust?
Edward retrieves a locked box from the bottom drawer, talks as he fumbles for the key and opens the box, treating it as if it were precious jewels.
EDWARD
(to Dean)
Thirteen years ago Michele and I were partners, and together we took out most of the Krensha.
DEAN
You mean to tell me that she… she is the one who…
(beat)
But this can’t be possible.
MICHELE
And just why not?
DEAN
Because….
MICHELE
Because I am a girl, or just that I’m not an ugly, nerdy girl, and not your idea of an FBI agent.
DEAN
Well..
MICHELE
Ugh! You are a male chauvinist!
DEAN
(backpedaling)
No.. I..
Edward hands Michele the opened box. Michele stares intently as if she has seen a loved one come back to life.
MICHELE
Oh my gosh, I can’t believe you kept all this stuff. And my resignation papers
(beat)
You never turned them in!
EDWARD
I kinda’ did. Look closely at the papers. I sent you on a special assignment… to Turkey.
Michele squints in an effort to focus.
DEAN
TURKEY?
EDWARD
Dean? Do you have something to add?
Dean motions a sarcastic “no”
EDWARD (CONT’D)
Michele, I knew you would be back someday. Frankly, I’m glad to have you back where you belong. I know that with the two of you as partners this whole mess about your children will get solved quickly.
MICHELE
WHAT!? Him as my partner?!… Never!…. He can’t help me find my kids; I’m surprised he can find his way to work every day.
DEAN
HEY!!
EDWARD
Then it is settled. You two will make a fine team.
DEAN AND MICHELE
WHAT???!
DEAN
Why me?
MICHELE
Yeah, why HIM!
EDWARD
Dean, you picked up where she left off, you are up to date with the most information and… quite frankly YOU need her expertise on this matter.
DEAN
What expertise?
EDWARD
SHE has already taken them down once, which is something you have failed to do so far.
DEAN
No, there are regulations against this.
EDWARD
And they would be?
DEAN
Well…department members cannot work on personal issues.
EDWARD
You may have a valid point
(stares out the window and points at it)
Out there she is known as Lisa Edmonson.
(gestures to inside of building)
In here her real identity is Michele Dunn. Two different people entirely, and if you have a problem with it there is a special assignment needing to be filled …
(voice escalating)
In Turkey, where she just came from! GOT IT!
DEAN
(deflated)
Yes sir.
EDWARD
Both of you sit. Now Michele, tell me what you know.
DEAN
(under his breath)
This should be rich.
Michele carefully thinks about each event before answering.
MICHELE
My kids were at their fathers for the summer break… There was a phone call from my daughter, she left a strange message… she said that they were moving somewhere else to lift their spirits, because I was dead…. Then I saw the bomb and ran. She did say…
Michele sits up straight in her chair and almost falls out
MICHELE (CONT’D)
That they were going to go…
Michele’s eyes become full of thought and it almost seems as if she has mentally left the room.
EDWARD
And that means… where?
Michele’s eyes widen with glee.
MICHELE
Yes, YES, that’s it! The monster song!
DEAN
Goody, we get to sing a song.
MICHELE
Its not just a song.
DEAN
Oh, so we are going to be chasing monsters?
MICHELE
No, No, NO! What I mean is Trout Fishing In America…
DEAN
(interrupting)
Perfect. First we are singing, then chasing monsters, now we are going fishing. What next… a safari?
MICHELE
No. You must lead a sheltered life. It’s a band.
DEAN
The monsters are a band?
MICHELE
Nooo. Trout Fishing in America is the band.
DEAN
A band of what?
MICHELE
Musical, you know instruments, singing, the usual kind of band things.
DEAN
Singing fish?
MICHELE
Humans!
(to Edward)
Look, my ex may be an idiot, but I don’t think that he would have told the kids that they were going to see them and not go through with it.
EDWARD
So what you are saying is that if we find this band we will find your children.
MICHELE
Yes, but I’m afraid that it is not as simple as it seems.
EDWARD
Why is that?
MICHELE
Finding them is not the problem, the problem is keeping up with them and not being caught.
DEAN
Hey, I’ve got it! We will just be groupies. I know that I have waited my whole life for this kind of opportunity to become a roadie.
Michele and Edward glance at each other with surprising interest, then together they look at Dean.
DEAN (CONT’D)
Aw, common. You don’t think that I was being serious… do You?
-
Lesson 8
Theme is the only difference between a winner and loser is the winner gets up and tries again.
Antagonist journey is in BLUE
STORY LINE: A divorced mother of three children comes home one day after work only to find out that her children have been kidnapped by their father and the Krensha mob during their summer visit with him. The father has a bad gambling habit and has lost a substantial amount of money in trying to cover his losses, he embezzles money at work from a dormant account not knowing that it belongs to the Krensha mob.
The Krensha finds out and threatens him to get the money back as is roughed up by two thugs. As they dig through his wallet they find a picture of his ex-wife and their children. One of the thugs recognizes her and the missing ring that belongs to the boss that holds the information to the foreign bank vault of the mob. Michele must now return to her former hidden life as an FBI agent to save her children from the mob.
INT. PARKING GARAGE – NIGHT
Joel scuffles with two thugs and they find the picture of Michele and sees the picture of the kids and the missing ring.
INT. ACCOUNTING FIRM – DAY
Michele is leaving work and goes to the grocery store.
INT. MR. KREN’S HOME – EVENING
Michele’s daughter sneaks he fathers phone away and sneaks into another room and calls her mom Michele.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD – EVENING
Michele is driving home from work but she is late getting home. She sees that her ex is calling and she makes it go to voice mail.
INT. MR. KREN’S HOME – EVENING
Joel discovers Megan. He scolds her and hides the fact that she called her mom.
EXT. MICHELE’S COUNTRY HOME – LATE EVENING
INT. MICHELE’S KITCHEN – EVENING
As Michele puts her groceries away she listens to her voice mails. Michele listens to Megan’s message and realizes that her kid think that she is dead. She discovers a bomb in the oven. She runs outside to where her friend was waiting to take her to a movie. They drive away and the house explodes. Michele thinks all is lost but she goes to the FBI and tries to get her kids back.
INT. MR. KREN’S HOME – NIGHT
Joel and thugs talk and they learn that no body was found.
INT. FBI OFFICE – DAY
Michele talks to receptionist, Dean arrives and takes her to his office.
INT. DEAN’S OFFICE – DAY
Michele argues with Dean and the head of the FBI arrives. Michele refuses to give in and wins by passing Dean and trying again with Edward
INT. EDWARD’S OFFICE – DAY
Edward and Michele go over old time and Dean is pissed. They all argue about what is going on and Edward makes Dean and Michele partners. It is decided that they will go on tour with the band. Michele’s idea is shot down by Dean, but she will not give up until something is done.
Dean argues with Michele she is temporarily defeated but he looses the argument.
INT. MR. KREN’S OFFICE – DAY
Mr. Kren knows that Michele is still alive and plots revenge.
EXT. STUDIO PARKING LOT – EVENING
Agent tells the band that Michele is to be their driver, but hides that she is FBI.
INT. TOUR BUS – MORNING
Michele finds different hotel and boys grumble. They don’t like her.
EXT. CONCERT ARENA – NIGHT
Michele scans the crowd… no kids
INT. HOTEL BAR – NIGHT
Dean arrives in disguise. He notices Michele’s ring. Ban approaches and runs Dean off.
INT. CONCERT HALL – NIGHT
Michele scans the crowd but no kids. She refuses to give up. Band member sits on computer and phone.
INT. HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT
Dean writes Michele an e-mail and asks her out. Tries to delete it but it is sent anyway.
INT. RESTAURANT – LATE NIGHT
Dean in disguise and he chews Michele out for coming this way. She wins the argument. Three bikers attack Michele and a fight breaks out.
INT. HOTEL LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Michele has to explain to the boys about her being in the FBI and about her kids being kidnapped.
Ring is returned with electronics.
Ring information is discovered by one of the band members.
INT. DEAN’S CAR – NIGHT
Intercut with Michele. They argue and she quits.
INT. HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT
Michele defeated, she sweeps the room for bugs.
Dean enters and he has info about where the kids are at and that Mr. Kren bought front row tickets. Dean argues with Michele and Michele devises plan to catch them. Michele wins again.
INT. HLSR ARENA – EVENING
Band begins to play and takes the kids on stage. The mob tries to get to the kids but fail.
INT. GREEN ROOM – NIGHT
The kids and Joel are ushered to the green room where Michele is waiting and she decks Joel. Dean accidentally lets Joel Escape with the ring
INT. HLSR ARENA – NIGHT
Fight breaks out between the mob and the FBI. Mr. Kren and the two thugs chase Michele and she draws them into the EXPO area. Dean tries to tell Michele how to capture the bad guys, but she refuses and she uses old and new skills to capture the bad guys. Michele refuses to give up until she wins
INT. HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT
Dean and Michele argue about how things were done. They kiss. Band and everyone applauds. Michele is the ultimate example of keep trying until you win.
INT. SWISS BANK – DAY
Michele, Dean, the band and the kids are honored and they are the ones that get to open the vault.
Surprise ending……
-
Wendy’s High Speed Beat Sheet
What I learned doing this assignment.. I like doing the slug lines but it seems to make more sense to add a description to it or I will be lost later.
STORY LINE: A divorced mother of three children comes home one day after work only to find out that her children have been kidnapped by their father and the Krensha mob during their summer visit with him. The father has a bad gambling habit and has lost a substantial amount of money in trying to cover his losses, he embezzles money at work from a dormant account not knowing that it belongs to the Krensha mob.
The Krensha finds out and threatens him to get the money back as is roughed up by two thugs. As they dig through his wallet they find a picture of his ex-wife and their children. One of the thugs recognizes her and the missing ring that belongs to the boss that holds the information to the foreign bank vault of the mob. Michele must now return to her former hidden life as an FBI agent to save her children from the mob.
ACT 1
OPENING:
INT. PARKING GARAGE – NIGHT
Joel scuffles with two thugs and they find the picture of Michele and sees the picture of the kids and the missing ring.
INT. ACCOUNTING FIRM – DAY
Michele is leaving work and goes to the grocery store.
INT. MR. KREN’S HOME – EVENING
Michele’s daughter sneaks he fathers phone away and sneaks into another room and calls her mom Michele.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD – EVENING
Michele is driving home from work but she is late getting home. She sees that her ex is calling and she makes it go to voice mail.
INT. MR. KREN’S HOME – EVENING
Joel discovers Megan. He scolds her and hides the fact that she called her mom.
EXT. MICHELE’S COUNTRY HOME – LATE EVENING
INT. MICHELE’S KITCHEN – EVENING
As Michele puts her groceries away she listens to her voice mails. Michele listens to Megan’s message and realizes that her kid think that she is dead. She discovers a bomb in the oven. She runs outside to where her friend was waiting to take her to a movie. They drive away and the house explodes.
INT. MR. KREN’S HOME – NIGHT
Joel and thugs talk and they learn that no body was found.
INT. FBI OFFICE – DAY
Michele talks to receptionist, Dean arrives and takes her to his office.
INT. DEAN’S OFFICE – DAY
Michele argues with Dean and the head of the FBI arrives.
INCITING INCEDINT:
INT. EDWARD’S OFFICE – DAY
Edward and Michele go over old time and Dean is pissed. They all argue about what is going on and Edward makes Dean and Michele partners. It is decided that they will go on tour with the band.
INT. MR. KREN’S OFFICE – DAY
Mr. Kren knows that Michele is still alive and plots revenge.
EXT. STUDIO PARKING LOT – EVENING
Agent tells the band that Michele is to be their driver, but hides that she is FBI.
INT. TOUR BUS – MORNING
Michele finds different hotel and boys grumble. They don’t like her.
EXT. CONCERT ARENA – NIGHT
Michele scans the crowd… no kids
INT. HOTEL BAR – NIGHT
Dean arrives in disguise. He notices Michele’s ring. Ban approaches and runs Dean off.
INT. CONCERT HALL – NIGHT
Michele scans the crowd but no kids. Band member sits on computer and phone.
INT. HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT
Dean writes Michele an e-mail and asks her out. Tries to delete it but it is sent anyway.
INT. RESTAURANT – LATE NIGHT
Dean in disguise and he chews Michele out for coming this way. Three bikers attack Michele and a fight breaks out.
ACT 2
NEW PLAN:
INT. HOTEL LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Michele has to explain to the boys about her being in the FBI and about her kids being kidnapped.
Ring is returned with electronics.
Ring information is discovered by one of the band members.
INT. DEAN’S CAR – NIGHT
Intercut with Michele. They argue and she quits.
INT. HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT
Michele defeated, she sweeps the room for bugs.
Dean enters and he has info about where the kids are at and that Mr. Kren bought front row tickets. Dean argues with Michele and Michele devises plan to catch them.
ACT 3
NEW PLAN IN ACTION:
INT. HLSR ARENA – EVENING
Band begins to play and takes the kids on stage. The mob tries to get to the kids but fail.
INT. GREEN ROOM – NIGHT
The kids and Joel are ushered to the green room where Michele is waiting and she decks Joel.
ACT 4
CLIMAX:
INT. HLSR ARENA – NIGHT
Fight breaks out between the mob and the FBI. Mr. Kren and the two thugs chase Michele and she draws them into the EXPO area. Michele uses old and new skills to capture the bad guys.
INT. HOTEL ROOM – NIGHT
Dean and Michele argue about how things were done. They kiss. Band and everyone applauds.
RESOLUTION:
INT. SWISS BANK – DAY
Michele, Dean, the band and the kids are honored and they are the ones that get to open the vault.
Surprise ending…
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Wendy’s Transformational Events
2) CHARACTER ARC
OLD WAYS Michele: Weak-Strength, Weak in skills, guarded heart, Mom mindset, distrusts men
NEW WAYS: Finds physical strength, Remembers old skills, Learns new skills, Combines Agent and mom mindset, Trust her partner and self.
OLD WAYS: Dean: Angry at women, Does not trust anyone, Loaner mindset, desire to be the hero, thinks he knows everything.
<font face=”inherit”>NEW WAYS: Falls for Michele. Learns to trust Michele, Learns teamwork, </font>Usually<font face=”inherit”> the one to save the day, Learns some new tricks, Learns new ways of thinking and being</font>
3) List of changes and steps to go from the old to the new:
MICHELE: a) Mom mindset to being forced into the FBI again. b) Remembers sone skills but it is not enough yet. c) finds physical strength d) Learns to trust Dean, e) Let’s her guards down and falls for Dean f) Puts new and old skills together to defeat the mob.
DEAN: a) Learns that he does not know what Michele knows about the mob (or fatherhood) b)Learns to be and have a partner. c) Anger leaves and he falls for Michele d) learns trusting other and their ideas (Michele) about how to trap the Mob e) Becomes Hero to the kids f) Aids Michele in capturing the mob
5) DRAMATIC EVENTS TH THEST AND CAUSE CHANGES
MICHELE: 1 Mom mindset- she must overcome wardrobe change, stop weraring dresses and has to wear Jeans, shirts, ball caps, no makeup, no more bougie accessories (she does sneak in a pair of shiny Tom’s shoes)
2) Shoot out at restaurant. She remembers some skills but still physically weak
3) Learns to trust Dean by his remarkable protecting of her and proves that he is in tune with her and gets her electronics restored
4) Finds the extra “mom” strength during first battle with the mob.
5) Learns to let her guard down. Dean saves the kids by putting his life on the line. She now knows that Deans will make a great father
6) Final trusting of partner and uses new skill to capture mob boss
ADD THESE EVENTS TO THE 4 ACT STRUCTURE
ACT ONE:
10 OPENING:
Introduction to Michele and she learns that her kids were kidnapped and her house blows up. Michele returns to FBI and meets resistance from her new partner.
INCITING INCIDENT:
With the aid of her old partner, she is set up with her new partner and she hates him from the word go, but they devise a plan to go on tour with the band
TURNING POINT:
a) Michele is total opposite of bougie mom now in disguise, She refuses to turn back and become the driver for the band. The band is seriously upset that she is a girl, but they do not know that she is a girl.
b) Shoot out at restaurant, the band learns that she is a agent.
ACT TWO:
NEW PLAN: With help of the band they decide to press on and locate the kids. Ring is noticed by Dean
PLAN IN ACTION:
At next concert the kids are not there but the mob is scouting the crowd looking for Michele. There is a scuffle with the mob but Michele finds the inner strength to defeat those guys.
MID POINT:
Separation of Dean and Michele due to electronics and then Dean returns with new items and leaves the ring with Michele and one of the band members figures out the secret code on the ring.
ACT THREE
RETHINK EVERYTHING:
Figure out to set up concert at HLSR (in Houston) with lots of venders/ here is where Dean trusts Michele with this plan
NEW PLAN:
Dean saves the kids by putting his life on the line whild Michele draws the mob away from them. Michele lets guard down and Falls for Dean in the process the mob escapes with the ring.
ACT 4:
CLIMAX:
Dean and Michele together trap the final remaining members with the help of the band. The boss escapes and Michele goes after him by herself. She captures him and he is arrested.
RESOLUTION:
Michele- Dean- kids and the band are honored to fly to Switzerland and open the vault.
Lots of surprised faces as the vault is open.
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Wendy’s Four Act Transformational Structure
What I learned doing this assignment is that even though I knew the plan from start to finish, I found numerous changes that enhance the experience for me to write it better and faster.
A)
1) Concept:
(still a work in progress) When an Ex-FBI agent’s kids are kidnapped by the mob she must conquer them again to save her kids while trying to not kill her partner first.
2) Main Conflict:
Getting her kids back without killing her partner until she falls in love with him
3) Old Ways:
Mob: She studied their culture to find and understand their weaknesses.
Dean: She is guarded within her heart due to her first husband dying and then having a horrible marriage that didn’t last.
4: New Ways
Mob: she must overcome her loss of skills to beat the enemy by cunning and practice.
Dean: Learn to trust him (men) again and learn new ways of fighting.
ACT 1:
Opening: She finds out that her kids are kidnapped and her house is blown up.
Inciting Incident: When she is put with her new partner and the concoct to go on tour with a popular band that the kids are supposed to go see.
Turning Point: When she goes back under cover with her new partner and she must leave her mom ways behind
ACT 2:
New Plan: Find out what the ring is about that the mob wants so badly.
Plan in Action: To catch the mob by surprise at a concert by the popular band.
Midpoint: Learning what the ring is about and she has a accidental separation from her partner and learning that the mob knows that she is alive.
ACT 3:
Rethink Everything: Set up concert at HLSR (or similarly large rodeo) with EXPO and Venders
New Plan: Trap the mob in the building while the kids are ushered to the merchandise booth.
Turning Point/ Huge Failure: They get the kids back but the mob escapes with the ring.
ACT 4:
Climax: Michele battles the top mobsters and she captures them rodeo style from out of nowhere.
Resolution: Michele and Dean with the kids are honored by being the ones to open the vault. Surprise inside… What is it??
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Wendy’s Character Interviews
What I learned doing this assignment is HOLY COW! I found out so much stuff!! I know the assignment seems silly, but boy oh boy, I now know what makes my characters tick and how their lives mix and where they get they traits, values and beliefs from.
Protag: MICHELE
1) Tell me about yourself.
Well, the most important thing about me is that I am a mom of 3 wonderful kids. I love my life as a mom, it fulfills me as a person. My first husband died on the job 5 years ago(FBI agent) I remarried two years later, but it only lasted for 2 years. My kids are all from my first marriage (of course). I get my strong family values from my mom and dad that have been married since they got out of high school. I went straight into the force out of high school and it wasn’t long before I got into the FBI following the footsteps of my father and grandfather. I was an only child, but never spoiled, I worked and earned everything I have. I currently live in a small town about 45 min from a big city, almost a witness protection program so I can live a normal life and not have my past interfere with my life.
2) Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you?
So, this is simply my past life catching up to me and me being the mamma bear I will do anything to save my kids and the mob knows that.
3) You are up against not only the mob, but your new partner as well, what about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you?
The mob has regained in strength, they have my kids held hostage and the new way of fighting and weapons have advanced, where I have not. As for my new partner, he hates life and is a miserable person and misery loves company. The hardest part is that I am attracted to him.
4) In order to survive and accomplish this you are going to have to step way outside your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?
I have to re-enter the FBI world and leave my adorned mom life behind. I did not believe that the perfect guy existed for me, but here he is.
5) What habits and ways of thinking will be the most difficult to let go of.
Well, my first thought is that I might not be a mom again if my kids die, my second thought is that I will have to dress in a different manner to be incognito and lose my favored mom look.
6) What fears, insecurities have you held back?
That is easy to answer, I fear loosing my kids the most, I must stay strong and and not show weakness or I lose the ability to stay on the case. I am terrified of not being good enough and my partner keeps proving that I do not have the capabilities anymore.
7) What skills, background or expertise makes you well suited to face this conflict.
Again, I am a mamma bear. I know the enemy (the mob) and a few of their weaknesses. As for my partner, I have been in a bad marriage and had to deal with an angry person, so I learned how to deal with that and stand up for myself.
8) What are you hiding from other characters? What don’t you want them to know?
I am in sheer terror that I will mess up and loose my kids forever
9) What do you think of the antagonist?
Well, the mob might be hard to handle, and a lot of them will die, but my partner better watch out or I will kill him first.
10) Tell me your side of this whole conflict.
Okay, (sigh) Before I left the FBI there was a major bust where I took down the mob the first time. There was a man that was deep undercover with the mob that was a good friend of mine and he died on scene. Before he died, he gave me a ring, told me it was special and to keep it safe. I thought it was his wedding band. His wife was dead and the ring was engraved with characters that I didn’t know. Dean on the other hand, seems to wind up protecting me with each dangerous event and I am falling for him.
11) What does it do for your life if you succeed here?
One, I will get my kids back. Two, I will get to live out my life in peace once the mob is completely destroyed. Three, I will wind up with the man of my dreams
Antagonist: DEAN
1) Tell me about yourself.
(with and icy glare)- I am in my mid 40’s and I have never fulfilled my one desire of being a husband and father. I stay angry all the time. I am sick of rejection from women. What the heck! I am a good looking guy with lots to offer. I drive the car of my dreams. I enjoy the heck out of my job. My parents were divorced when I was little. I have seen the two of them go in and out of relationships like water. I haev never known unconditional love, but that is what I crave the most. I have an upscale apartment with loads of modern art. My parents, neither of them, would let me have a pet growing up. I really want a dog, but I am afraid it will reject me too and I an never at home to take care of it anyway.
2) Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses?
Well, first off, I am a hard worker and I will not stop till the job is done right. I know a lot about the enemy (the mob). However, I know nothing about being a parent and how to love so much I would be willing to die for someone…yet.
3) Why are you committed to making the protagonist fail? Or why are you committed to making them change?
Um, good question. I really don’t want Michele to fail, I just care about her and want her to care about me
THE MOB: Michele took away my brother and almost ended my great life. Because of her I had to rebuild everything and she must pay for it.
4) What do you get out of winning the fight?
DEAN: (deep sigh) I will win the girl of my dreams and have the family I want… even the dog!
MOB: Revenge – Straight up revenge! Michele stands in the way of us becoming the leaders in the underworld. Whatever is in the vault in Zurich is the key to our success.
5) What drives you toward your mission? Even in the face of danger, ruin or death?
DEAN: The desire for unconditional love and the chance to accomplish my mission in my job and have a family to boot.
MOB: Again, REVENGE! Justification to kill Michele and her family to satisfy my anger for what she did to my family.
6) What secrets must you keep to succeed?
DEAN: Easy, my soft side. I must prove that I am the tough guy and can provide a secure life for my family.
MOB: I am still in small numbers, I am not as big as I portray to be.
7) Compared to other people like you, what makes you special?
DEAN: (snorting) I am the best at my job, I have a strong inner desire to lead a different lifestyle.
8)What do you think of Michele?
DEAN: Oh Wow! She is the most amazing creature I have ever met. She is the total package. She understands my job and lifestyle yet she is the ultimate lady that can give me everything I am missing in my life and desire to have.
MOB: WEAK! Weakened by the very life she leads. She can never overcome us, we have the upper hand. She has lost all her skill and capabilities.
9) Tell me the your side of this whole conflict.
DEAN: I was miserable in my life, but I thought I was stable and doing a good job. Then SHE waltzes in and flips my life upside-down. I have an inner desire to protect her and prove that I am a worthy partner and hopeful husband.
MOB: I was a lot younger when she killed my brother. The informant took the information to the family vault and I want it back!
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Wendy’s Character Profiles Part 2
What I learned doing this assignment is how my characters interact with each other and how they fall in love and the real thoughts behind why they do what they do.
1) What draws us to this character? Michele: A total soccer mom in a dangerous world trying to take out a an entire mob and save her family. Dean: He is a truly nice guy underneath but will only let people see his hard shell he has created but he can’t help himself around Michele an his walls crumble.
2) Traits: Michele: Bougie, fearless, a little vain. Dean: loves to have others fear him, he wears disguises all the time to complete tasks, but he is just hiding who he really is.
3) Subtext: Michele: Determined to be the the person she once was, but fears that she is not good enough anymore. Definitely afraid her kids will not accept the new(old) person she really is inside. Dean: He was brought up respecting women the old Texas way, but with each relationship his heart hardened more with each rejection, but he is driven to find unconditional love.
4) Flaws: Michele: Lacks faith in her capabilities. Dean: He actually cares deeply for others.
5) Values: Michele: Family first and unconditional love. Dean: Honesty, integrity, and making sure the job is done right.
<font face=”inherit”>6) Irony: Michele: Wears dresses, </font>heels<font face=”inherit”>, and has the perfect hair and nails, but she can kill a person with her bare hands when needed. Dean: He needs unconditional love but his heart is guarded with walls like a fortress.</font>
<font face=”inherit”>7) What makes this the right character for this role? Michele: With the love for her kids she will go through hell to get then back and make the bad guys pay for what they have done. Dean: This is his shining opportunity to be the hero, save the day by rescuing the kids and protecting the girl of his dreams.</font>
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Wendy’s Character Profiles Part 1
What I learned doing this assignment is that these characters are coming to life and they have a life of their own and this is a great beginning to give them a limp and an eye patch
1) Antagonist: Michele, she is the Hero and the Fighter because she has to go back undercover with the FBI to save her runaway son and the popular band from the mob and take them down once and for all
2) Protagonist: Dean, he is the Change Agent because he brings Michele back to her strong self and teaches her that she can accomplish what she needs to do and he falls for her in the process.
3) Other Characters: a) Michele’s son, Kyle, he runs away from home with the band but he takes the information to the mob’s secret account with him and the mob finds out. b) The Band “The King Fishers” They are innocent and become instrumental in taking down the mob
4) Pick Genre: Action/Comedy
5) Lead Character Profiles:
a) Role in the story: Michele: She must overcome her “mom” attitude and find her old self and improve that old self. Dean: He brings Michele back to life and teaches her that she is worthy of her career and love
b) Age and Description: Michele: Early 40’s beautiful and a total soccer mom wearing dresses and having her nails done with her hair in place. Dean: Mid 40’s , attempts to be suave but is serious thinking that everyone is a criminal in some way and guilty till proven innocent.
c) Internal Journey: Michele: Lives in fear of her past tragedies and distrusts the world to Finding strength beyond her own and becomes the fearless person she needs to be in her career and in love. Dean: Always on guard to prove that the world is a bad place and has built very high walls and goes to having his walls smashed and learns to trust others
d) External Journey: Michele: goes from dainty soccer mom to deadly force capable to take down an entire mob. Dean: Thinks he is the greatest agent of them all hardened by life and jaded by love to accepting defeat and learning to trust love.
e) Motivation: Michele: To save he son and the band. Dean: Save Michele, her son and the band.
<font face=”inherit”>f) Wound: Michele: She lost her partner in life from the dangers of his job he was her best friend and when he died she </font>transferred<font face=”inherit”> that friendship need to her son. Dean: Jaded by almost every girl he has ever gone out with never </font>experiencing<font face=”inherit”> true love and not believing it exists.</font>
<font face=”inherit”>g) Mission/ Agenda: Michele: Mission to save her son and take down the mob. Agenda: She wants to save </font>her<font face=”inherit”> relationship with her best friend and she forms a new best friend in the process. Dean Mission: To protect his partner and take down the mob. Agenda: Impress the girl and get her</font>
<font face=”inherit”>h) Secret: Michele: Pretends to be tough, but she is frightened to lose </font>anyone<font face=”inherit”> she loves. Dean: He needs to be loved for who he is and understood</font>
<font face=”inherit”>i) What Makes Them Special: Michele: She is always dressed like the soccer mon with dresses and nails and is always concerned with how she looks, Dean: Loves to be in Disguise and is a true </font>southerner<font face=”inherit”> always saying Ma’am, sir, please and </font>thank<font face=”inherit”> you.</font>
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Wendy’s Transformational Journey
What I learned doing this assignment is that there must be a strong enough change to create a new identity and a lasting change to become this new person. There also must be a strong enough of a why to create the change.
2. My Hero is an Ex-FBI agent that leaves the force and becomes a mom, but must go back undercover to save her kidnapped children from the mob.
– Internal Journey: She goes from the mouse she has become to a strong fighter again.
– External Journey: She is rusty in her skills to becoming the deadliest force
3. Old Ways: Naïve and rusty to Hyper focused and determined/relentless to get her kids back
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Hi everyone, I am so happy to be a part of this course and to meet all of you.
My name is Wendy Lynne (last name is subject to change in 60 days) LOL.
I have written 5 screenplays and one T.V. series and I am terrified to put myself “out there” for others to read my work. I hope to get out of this class the motivation and to be held accountable for getting myself in a daily routine of writing and I think that this class will do just that. Motivation has an expiration date, but if it is turned into a routine that is when it helps.
Something unique about me is that I have a home residence in Texas, but I am working in Albuquerque as a surgical assistant just 20 minutes from the Netflix Studios and hope to get my foot in the door there.
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Wendy Lynne
I agree to the terms of this release form
GROUP RELEASE FORM
As a member of this group, I agree to the following:
1. That I will keep the processes, strategies, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class confidential, and that I will NOT share any of this program either privately, with a group, posting online, writing articles, through video or computer programming, or in any other way that would make those processes, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class available to anyone who is not a member of this class.
2. That each writer’s work here is copyrighted and that writer is the sole owner of that work. That includes this program which is copyrighted by Hal Croasmun. I acknowledge that submission of an idea to this group constitutes a claim of and the recognition of ownership of that idea.
I will keep the other writer’s ideas and writing confidential and will not share this information with anyone without the express written permission of the writer/owner. I will not market or even discuss this information with anyone outside this group.
3. I also understand that many stories and ideas are similar and/or have common themes and from time to time, two or more people can independently and simultaneously generate the same concept or movie idea.
4. If I have an idea that is the same as or very similar to another group member’s idea, I’ll immediately contact Hal and present proof that I had this idea prior to the beginning of the class. If Hal deems them to be the same idea or close enough to cause harm to either party, he’ll request both parties to present another concept for the class.
5. If you don’t present proof to Hal that you have the same idea as another person, you agree that all ideas presented to this group are the sole ownership of the person who presented them and you will not write or market another group member’s ideas.
6. Finally, I agree not to bring suit against anyone in this group for any reason, unless they use a substantial portion of my copyrighted work in a manner that is public and/or that prevents me from marketing my script by shopping it to production companies, agents, managers, actors, networks, studios or any other entertainment industry organizations or people.
This completes the Group Release Form for the class.
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What I learned from doing this assignment is that there are a lot of ways to create ethos for the Hero/Heroine
Wendy’s Likability/Empathy/Justification
A. Other people like or respect
the character.Heroine is the in-charge person for compassionate service in her church
B. The character shows love for
something.Heroine has just made a dinner for a needy family and she just found out that she is pregnant
C. They’re trying to do
something good.Heroine is always doing things for other people
D. Save the cat — rescue or do
something good for someone else.Heroine has started a clothing collection for the homeless for the holidays
E. Funny, humorous, witty.
Heroine walks around humming and singing with a smile on her face
F. Kindness.
Heroine lets other people in during heavy traffic
G. Good moral decisions and actions.
Being on the right side.Heroine dresses modestly and is always there for her husband
EMPATHY / DISTRESS
A. Undeserved misfortune.
Her life ended in the prime of her life and she was about to be a new mommy
B. External Character
conflicts.Heroine’s will be missed by everyone
C. Plot intruding on life.
She was about to begin a new life as a mom
D. Moral dilemmas.
Heroine is killed by her husband and his accomplice
E. Forced decisions they’d
never make.Heroine would not have taken her own life
F. Wound attacked.
Heroine was the nicest person around… but her vengeance will be second to none
JUSTIFICATION
A. The character or their
family abused.She was an innocent attacked and then they wanted to end her life too soon but they were malicious and pulled the plug
B. Threatened by others.
There are two people that want to take her life just to be rid of her
C. The Hero is the victim of
attacks.The heroine is constantly attacked from all sides because no one understands that the killer is the most unlikely of characters, …her husband
D. They’ve suffered major
losses.She has lost her life and the life of her unborn child
E. The Villain or their
representatives have trespassed.The husband tried to kill her, she must fight back because he will not stop until she is gone for good
The Heroine is making dinner for a needy family, she tells her husband that she is pregnant, and he tells her that he needs to take on a few more days of call to help out the hospital. She smiles in respect and tells him that it is okay, and she understands.
She goes to deliver the meal and stops for gas and is attacked by an unknown person. She was taken to the hospital as a Jane Doe and is assigned the name of “Trauma Allert Vengeance”
At the hospital she is prepped and draped by the resident and the scrub tech then the “Dr.” comes in and it is her husband, and he is supposedly unaware that it is his wife, but secretly he knows and the anesthesia is in on it too. The say that there is no hope for her and they let her go. She then comes back to life and starts to exact vengeance on them and kills anyone in her way.
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Wendy’s Story Map
THE 3 ACT STRUCTURE
Opening
V: He hits the Heroine over the head and the audience does not know who hit her.
H: She is making dinner for guests and is hit over the head and she is sent to the hospital when she was found by the guests.
V: Inciting Incident: The Villain and the female anesthesia MD, his accomplice, decide to pull the plug on the heroine.
First Turning Point at end of Act 1:She dies on the OR Table
H: She dies on the OR table but comes back to life
V Mistake: He never planned for her to come back to life. She was to remain dead so he could be with the woman he is having an affair with
H First Action: When she dies there is an audible scream and all the scrub sinks turn on at the same time blasting with hot water, the clocks go crazy and computers do crazy things. the anesthesia accomplice is trapped by her monitor cords and is strangled to death
V: He begins to run from room to room looking for a place to hide
H: She begins to kill anyone that tries to stop her
V Dilemma: He has killed his 3rd wife and is scared but doesn’t know if he should stand and fight or run
Mid point/Second Turning Point at end of Act 2:
V Decision: He calls out for the MP’s to help him
<font face=”inherit”>H Crisis/</font>Obstacle<font face=”inherit”>: It is a military hospital so the MP’s arrive and begin a gun fight with her</font>
S: The hospital is located on a base and the MP’s are un aware of her being murdered by her husband and they are protecting him
H Escalation: The Navy Seals are brought in to aid the hunt for her
Climax: The Heroine captures the Villain and gets him to confess to all the murders and the fact that he is having an affair. One of the OR staff members overhears the conversation and turns to the Heroine’s side and the Villain escapes
V Plan/ Hideout: he goes to the O2 room where he hides
H Overwhelming odds: The Seals learn how to hurt her by electrocautery
V Capture: The Villain is captured again and he confesses to all the murders in front of the OR staff
S Resolution: The Seals break in and “kill” the Heroine and the OR staff tell them what he has done and they arrest him
V Fitting Ending: As the MP’s are walking him out She comes out of no where with a crani-drill and drills a deep hole in his head and kills him
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Wendy’s Action Structure!
What I learned doing this lesson is that although it takes time to formulate the thoughts to make an outline it is also fun and simple. Simple, not easy.
THE 3 ACT STRUCTURE
Opening
Inciting Incident: The Heroine is hit over the head causing her to go to the hospital-It is her husband but the audience doesn’t know
First Turning Point at end of
Act 1: She dies on the OR Table-After the husband ( and Neuro Surgeon) arrive they all decide to pull the plug on her the Anesthesia is flirting with her husband, he gives him a smile but quickly goes to pretending that he is torn up about her death
Mid-Point
Second Turning Point at end of
Act 2: The Heroine comes back to life in the OR-She begins to kill anyone in her way of getting to the husband
Crisis: It is a military hospital so the MP’s arrive and begin a gun fight with her
-The hospital is located on a base and the MP’s are un aware of her being murdered by her husband and they are protecting him
Climax: The Heroine captures the Villain and gets him to confess to all the murders and the fact that he is having an affair with a man
-one of the OR staff members overhears the conversation and turns to the Heroine’s side and the Villain escapes
Resolution: The Villain is captured again
-The Villain has a hole burred into his head by the Heroine with an electric drill in front of the OR staff and they applaud The MP’s come in and shoot her up but the truth is already out and she has had her vengeance on him
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This reply was modified 2 years, 10 months ago by Wendy Locke. Reason: messed up some parts
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This reply was modified 2 years, 10 months ago by
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Wendy’s Action Track!
What I learned doing this lesson is that I have a lot of content possible but now I know how to form it into understandable actions.
1) ACTION QUESTIONS:
A) Considering the concept from Lesson 1 what action could naturally show up in this movie?
-Anything in the OR can become a weapon and useful against either Heroine or Villain.
B) Considering the mission and the Villain tracks, what action could work for this track?
-See Below in section 3
C) How can the action start well, build in the second act, and escalate to a climax in the 3rd act?
-Starts with a bang when the Villain hits the Heroine causing head trauma. At the hospital she dies on the OR table and blood pools up from under the table and audible screams are heard. All the sink faucets go on at the same time and dormant equipment comes to life. In the second act the Military trained personnel begin to fight her and protect the surgeon, and her husband that is in the room as well, then the MP’s join in and then in the third act the husband is caught and is forced to confess and the OR staff is after him now and he escapes and she finally catches him and uses a Craniotomy drill and drills a big hole in his head killing him
2) Select the types of action you’ll use
A) Chase/Pursuit
-Heroine chases the Villain and the OR Staff Chase the Heroine
B) Fight
The Heroine must fight hand to hand with OR staff to get to the Villain
C) Shootout
When the MP’s arrive with their guns it turns into the OK Corral
D) Rescue
The OR staff keeps rescuing the Villain, because they don’t know that he is the killer
E) Escape/ Evade
When the Heroine finally catches the Villain he escapes
F) Competition
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G) Dangerous situations
-The Heroine knows how to use the common OR items to cause damage to things and people
H) Interrogation
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I) Torture
-When the Heroine catches the Villain she tortures him into telling the truth
3) SEQUECE THE ACTION SCENES AND THE PURPOSE OF EACH SCENE
-1) Open with Villain hitting the Heroine
–Into to Villain and who done it, but why?
-2) OR an Heroine dies and Anesthesia provider is callous and makes a joke about the death
–Sets up interaction between Villain nd accomplice
-3) Dangerous situation Audible scream and equipment malfunctioning
–Insite to Heroine and her anger against the Villain
-4) Manifesting the anger Anesthesia provider gets tripped by cords and entangles herself and is strangulated
–this is to show that the Heroine is not to be made fun of and she means business
-5) Chase and Pursuit from room to room and the different types of rooms present types of danger
–purpose is the need for the Villain to get away
-6) Shootout- Military Police arrive and attack the Heroine
— Shows the desperation of the Heroine to expose her killer
-7) Capture of Villain the Heroine traps the villain in the OR
–Insite to the Heroine and the Villain
-8) Exposure and torture of the Villain
–The truth arises and the OR staff has shifted sides after insight to the Villain
-9) Rescue- The MP’s don’t know the truth and they rescue the Villain
–Villain’s ability to The Heroine finally escapes the MP’s and with the help of the OR scrub nurse they capture the Villain and strap him to an OR bed and she drills a hole in his head ultimately killing him
–The Heroine is determined to exact justice, not just for her, but for the others the Villain killed
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Wendy’s Action Track!
What I learned doing this lesson is that I have a lot of content possible but now I know how to form it into understandable actions.
1) ACTION QUESTIONS:
A) Considering the concept from Lesson 1 what action could naturally show up in this movie?
-Anything in the OR can become a weapon and useful against either Heroine or Villain.
B) Considering the mission and the Villain tracks, what action could work for this track?
-See Below in section 3
C) How can the action start well, build in the second act, and escalate to a climax in the 3rd act?
-Starts with a bang when the Villain hits the Heroine causing head trauma. At the hospital she dies on the OR table and blood pools up from under the table and audible screams are heard. All the sink faucets go on at the same time and dormant equipment comes to life. In the second act the Military trained personnel begin to fight her and protect the surgeon, and her husband that is in the room as well, then the MP’s join in and then in the third act the husband is caught and is forced to confess and the OR staff is after him now and he escapes and she finally catches him and uses a Craniotomy drill and drills a big hole in his head killing him
2) Select the types of action you’ll use
A) Chase/Pursuit
-Heroine chases the Villain and the OR Staff Chase the Heroine
B) Fight
The Heroine must fight hand to hand with OR staff to get to the Villain
C) Shootout
When the MP’s arrive with their guns it turns into the OK Corral
D) Rescue
The OR staff keeps rescuing the Villain, because they don’t know that he is the killer
E) Escape/ Evade
When the Heroine finally catches the Villain he escapes
F) Competition
–
G) Dangerous situations
-The Heroine knows how to use the common OR items to cause damage to things and people
H) Interrogation
–
I) Torture
-When the Heroine catches the Villain she tortures him into telling the truth
3) SEQUECE THE ACTION SCENES AND THE PURPOSE OF EACH SCENE
-1) Open with Villain hitting the Heroine
–Into to Villain and who done it, but why?
-2) OR an Heroine dies and Anesthesia provider is callous and makes a joke about the death
–Sets up interaction between Villain nd accomplice
-3) Dangerous situation Audible scream and equipment malfunctioning
–Insite to Heroine and her anger against the Villain
-4) Manifesting the anger Anesthesia provider gets tripped by cords and entangles herself and is strangulated
–this is to show that the Heroine is not to be made fun of and she means business
-5) Chase and Pursuit from room to room and the different types of rooms present types of danger
–purpose is the need for the Villain to get away
-6) Shootout- Military Police arrive and attack the Heroine
— Shows the desperation of the Heroine to expose her killer
-7) Capture of Villain the Heroine traps the villain in the OR
–Insite to the Heroine and the Villain
-8) Exposure and torture of the Villain
–The truth arises and the OR staff has shifted sides after insight to the Villain
-9) Rescue- The MP’s don’t know the truth and they rescue the Villain
–Villain’s ability to The Heroine finally escapes the MP’s and with the help of the OR scrub nurse they capture the Villain and strap him to an OR bed and she drills a hole in his head ultimately killing him
–The Heroine is determined to exact justice, not just for her, but for the others the Villain killed
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Wendy’s Villain Track!
What I learned doing this assignment is that there are 2 types of villains and their thought process is extensive and not quite predictable but the ability to have steps to create them is nice.
1) Villain Track Questions
A) What might the Villain’s plan to accomplish an evil outcome or to annihilate the Hero?
-Pre-Existing and on the spot: He is a serial killer and planned out how and when to kill the Hero. He was to hit her in the head in the right spot and have her die from a brain injury and make it look like a home invasion. When she dies and comes back to life he has to make things up as he goes.
B) How many ways can the Villain attack or destroy the Hero?
-The Villain can hit the Hero in the head, use a gun, or a knife. Once the Hero comes back to life all bets are off and the OR supplies many offerings for weapons
C) What advantages does the Villain have and how can they exploit that in this movie?
-Th Villain has OR weapons on hand and he has the use of an army of MP’s
D) What would be a “fitting end” for this Villain where they pay for what they’ve done?
-Many ways, hit over the head, electrocution, but the baes and most fitting way for him to die is to have an electric drill pernitrate his skull and brain and let him bleed out
2) Labels for each step of the plan
A) MISTAKE: The Villain didn’t plan for the Hero to come back to life and attack
B) DILEMMA: He has murdered his 3rd wife but she has come back to life and it is hard to kill something that isn’t alive
C) DECISION: The Villain calls out for the MP’s to come help
D) PLAN/HIDE OUT: The Villain goes into the control office to hid and be protected by the MP’s
E) CAPTURE: The Villain makes the mistake of leaving the control office to see if she is really gone this time. The Hero captures him and gets him to confess that he is the killer, and he killed his other wives
F) ESCAPE: He breaks free from the Hero and runs to the equipment room where he hides
G) FITTING ENDING: He makes the mistake of sitting in a chair in the NEURO room right next to the drill console. The Heroine arises behind him with a Craniotomy drill and shoves it into his head killing him
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Wendy’s Hero’s Mission Track
What I learned doing this assignment is Hero outline is easy with these steps
1 Mission Track Questions
A) What is it about this Hero that will have them go straight into the face of overwhelming odds? Pure vengeance, she is dead already and ha nothing to loose.
B) What is the mission that would be an impossible goal? To get through not just theOR team of trained military personnel, but also the MP that comes to protect the OR personnel.
C) What strong internal and external motivation could drive the Hero? 1) Internal: She was just murdered by her husband 2) External: Everyone is trying to kill her to save the Surgeon.
D) Imagine that mission playing out across a story. What could naturally happen if this Hero went on this mission against this villain? The Hero comes back to life, fights the OR crew in the room, the villain escapes, then the Hero must fight the MP’s and the rest of the OR personnel that are military trained, she exposes the villain as the killer, the OR is out to get him, she finds him and kills him, then she must find her way to the other side.
2 Mission Steps: Clear Mission
A) Motivation: Heroine finds out that her husband is a serial killer and she is murdered
B) Inciting Incident: Villain hits her in the head and before he can finish the job he is almost discovered and Heroine is send to the hospital in bad shape but not dead yet
C) First Action: Heroine dies and comes back to life
Heroine Mission: Expose and Kill the Villain
D) Obstacle: The OR staff is out to protect the Villain
E) Escalation: The Military Police get involved
New Mission: Kill anyone that gets in the way
F) Overwhelming Odds: Heroine has to fight 20 MP’s
G) New Plan: Get the OR on her side
H) Full Out Attack: With the help of an OR Scrub Nurse they fight new insurgent MP’s
I) Success: Heroine gets the Villain to confess then she kills him
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Wendy’s Conventions
What I learned in this lesson is that it is okay to explore different ideas and to not get married to a single thought process.
Trauma Alert: Vengeance
HC: A woman is pronounced dead in the Operating Room but she comes back to life to exact vengeance on the serial killer……her Neuro Surgeon husband!
HIGHLY SKILLED HERO: The dead wife (Sabrina) of her serial killing husband.
MISSION: To expose her husband for the serial killer he is.
DEMAND FOR ACTION: If she doesn’t stop him, he will kill again.
ANTAGONIST: The serial killer/Neuro Surgeon Dr. Christiansen.
ESCALATING ACTION: The dead wife (Sabrina) is trying to expose her Neuro Surgeon/serial killer and he keeps escaping.
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HI All,
I am Wendy L Locke and I live in Houston, Texas but I am on work assignment in Albuquerque, N.M. 20 minutes from Netflix Studios.
I have written 4 features and one TV series. I am currently working on a horror script about a ghost invading an OR. Since I have worked as a Surgical Assistant for the last 34 years, I figured it was time I took on the task. I can’t wait to kill off the Anesthesia provider by strangulation with their own cords. HAHA!
Fun fact I can tell is that I have a Cane Corso that weighs 160 lbs. He was raised with Chihuahuas and thinks he is a real lap dog.
I hope to learn how to spice up my script and get rid of the dead parts.
I look forward to working with y’all!!!
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Hi All! I am Wendy L Locke I live in Houston, Texas but I am on work assignment in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (20 min from Netflix Studios)
I have written 4 feature scripts, one TV series. Since I have been a SurgicalAssistant for 34 years I figured that I would try my hand at a horror script and base it in the OR where I feel most at ease other than writing. I just need to learn how to spice things up with a little action. I am most excited to kill off the Anesthesia provider with their own cords HAHA!
A fun fact about me is that I have an Italian Mastiff that weighs 160 lbs and he was raised with Chihuahuas and thinks he is a lap dog.
I know that I am late in the game here but I hope to get to know y’all better and learn a lot.
Cio.
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I Wendy L Locke agree to the terms of this message.
As a member of this group, I agree to the following:
1. That I will keep the processes, strategies, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class confidential, and that I will NOT share any of this program either privately, with a group, posting online, writing articles, through video or computer programming, or in any other way that would make those processes, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class available to anyone who is not a member of this class.
2. That each writer’s work here is copyrighted and that writer is the sole owner of that work. That includes this program which is copyrighted by Hal Croasmun. I acknowledge that submission of an idea to this group constitutes a claim of and the recognition of ownership of that idea.
I will keep the other writer’s ideas and writing confidential and will not share this information with anyone without the express written permission of the writer/owner. I will not market or even discuss this information with anyone outside this group.
3. I also understand that many stories and ideas are similar and/or have common themes and from time to time, two or more people can independently and simultaneously generate the same concept or movie idea.
4. If I have an idea that is the same as or very similar to another group member’s idea, I’ll immediately contact Hal and present proof that I had this idea prior to the beginning of the class. If Hal deems them to be the same idea or close enough to cause harm to either party, he’ll request both parties to present another concept for the class.
5. If you don’t present proof to Hal that you have the same idea as another person, you agree that all ideas presented to this group are the sole ownership of the person who presented them and you will not write or market another group member’s ideas.
6. Finally, I agree not to bring suit against anyone in this group for any reason, unless they use a substantial portion of my copyrighted work in a manner that is public and/or that prevents me from marketing my script by shopping it to production companies, agents, managers, actors, networks, studios or any other entertainment industry organizations or people.
This completes the Group Release Form for the class.
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If you agree to the terms of the release form, then you can post your assignments into the group and your cohort can give feedback on them.
Also, if you don’t agree to this group confidentiality agreement, you’ll still need to sign an agreement that says you will keep the strategies, teleconferences, communications, lessons, and models of the class confidential.
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 agree to the terms of this agreement.
I will keep the other writer’s ideas and writing confidential and will not share this information with anyone without the express written permission of the writer/owner. I will not market or even discuss this information with anyone outside this group.
3. I also understand that many stories and ideas are similar and/or have common themes and from time to time, two or more people can independently and simultaneously generate the same concept or movie idea.
4. If I have an idea that is the same as or very similar to another group member’s idea, I’ll immediately contact Hal and present proof that I had this idea prior to the beginning of the class. If Hal deems them to be the same idea or close enough to cause harm to either party, he’ll request both parties to present another concept for the class.
5. If you don’t present proof to Hal that you have the same idea as another person, you agree that all ideas presented to this group are the sole ownership of the person who presented them and you will not write or market another group member’s ideas.
6. Finally, I agree not to bring suit against anyone in this group for any reason, unless they use a substantial portion of my copyrighted work in a manner that is public and/or that prevents me from marketing my script by shopping it to production companies, agents, managers, actors, networks, studios or any other entertainment industry organizations or people.
This completes the Group Release Form for the class.
I agree to the terms of this agreement
Wendy L Locke
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Hello All 🙂
My name is Wendy and I have written 4 screenplays and 1 TV series. I live close to the Netflix studios in Albuquerque and I hope to get out of this class enough to be a full time paid writer for them. I have taken the ProSeries, Binge Worthy, in process of doing the Fearless class and looking forward to starting the next Comedy class.
Something unique about me is that I have been a Surgical Assistant for 34 years and a Flight Paramedic for 10 years. I also took a 2 year hiatus from surgery and was a Real Estate agent.
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Thanks for the boost! Best of luck to you!!!