Lecture 7: The Plan and the Teams

1. Lecture 7:The Plan and the Teams Professor Christopher Bradley The Muppet Movie (1979) Screenplay by Jack Burns and Jerry Juhl

2. Previous Lesson The climactic moment of your first act Moving into the second act Poltergeist (1982) Screenplay by Steven Spielberg, Michael Grais & Mark Victor Based on a story by Steven Spielberg

3. In this Lesson New World, New Rules The Formation of Teams Subplots Little Miss Sunshine (2006) Screenplay by Michael Arndt

4. The Plan and the Teams The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2006) Screenplay by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson Based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien Lesson 4: Part I

5. Examples • In The Muppet Movie, Kermit leaves the swamp on a bicycle for his journey to Hollywood. • He assembles a team including Fozzie Bear, Rolf the Dog, Gonzo and Miss Piggy. (Subplots) • Each contributes to the team. • Each adds to his resolve to succeed. • Each makes succeeding more of a challenge.

6. Examples • In Poltergeist, the mother hires a team of paranormal experts to retrieve her child from paranormal forces. • They bring in a new expert, who formulates a plan to get her back.

7. Examples • In Little Miss Sunshine, Olive learns that she has unexpectedly won a beauty contest. • Her mother assembles the family for support and formulates a plan to get them to Redondo Beach. • Please pause the lecture and watch the first clip from Little Miss Sunshine.

8. The Subplots Little Miss Sunshine (2006) Screenplay by Michael Arndt Lesson 4: Part II

9. Subplots • Subplots are secondary that complement and intensify the main story. • They may involve secondary characters, or they may involve a secondary goal for the protagonist. • Subplots make your story, stronger, more complex and more satisfying!

10. “Integration” • You want to be sure your subplots are fully integrated into the main plot. • They should resonate with the main plot • They should increase the conflict in the main plot • They should be woven in early • If possible, they should reach their climactic moment at the same time as the main plot • They should make sense with the established story and characters

11. Example • Main story: Marcus wants a puppy. • Subplot: Older sister is secretly pregnant • He hides a stray dog • She sneaks out at night • She’s always claiming she’s too sick to work at the family curio shop • His grades are slipping

12. Example • The stray has been taken to the pound • She goes into early labor • She gives birth • The last day before the dog is to be put to sleep goes by • The sister comes home with the baby • The receptionist at the pound adopted the stray. Gives the dog to Marcus.

13. Example • In Little Miss Sunshine, Olive’s brother Dwayne learns that he is colorblind. • He won’t be able to live his dream of being a jet pilot. • Please pause the lecture and watch the second clip from Little Miss Sunshine.

14. Raise the Stakes • Remember, every scene should raise the stakes or give us more information about your characters (or both). Every one! Little Miss Sunshine (2006) Screenplay by Michael Arndt

15. Assignments Little Miss Sunshine (2006) Screenplay by Michael Arndt Lesson 4: Part III

16. Writing • Don’t post them yet, but write scenes that clarify what your protagonist plans to do and (in many cases) what your antagonist plans to do to stop your protagonist. • Write scenes that show who will be helping each side. • Develop your subplots. (Note: You may want to go back and plant the seeds for them earlier.) 16

17. E-Board Post • Give supportive feedback to one of your fellow writers on their next 15 pages. 17

18. End of Lecture 7 Next Lecture: Keeping All the Plates Spinning! Little Miss Sunshine (2006) Screenplay by Michael Arndt