Tick-Tock revisited. Homework...

...or rather a few more aspects of this script I'd like you to think about.

1. Character defining moment - at which point (if at all) did you develop an emotional link to a given character? What was the thing that she/he did or said that awoke some emotions in you: pity, sympathy, admiration, understanding?

The underlying question is: has any of the characters become a compelling, "human", three-dimensional person for you, why and when?

2. "Casting game"

Imagine that you are the producer of this film.
- Who of contemporary actors and actresses would you cast in it? In which parts?
- Who would you choose to direct and why?

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Questions on Tick-Tock

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Here is a rough checklist of points we'll be discussing.

1. CHARACTERS:

- Who is the protagonist? Are you sure?
- What archetypes do the characters represent?
- Character arc - is there any? (hint: in action films the main focus is on plot, not character development)
- Character dynamic - how do they interact? What relationship do they have at the beginning? How does that change? When?


2. PLOT:

- What is the "high concept" (the original angle) of the script?
- What is the main driving force (the main goal for the character(s))?
- What is the "ticking clock" element? In other words - what threat is looming if the main character(s) fail to achieve the goal?


3. EXECUTION:

- Suspension of disbelief - was there anything you thought was implausible (or too unlikely to happen)?
- Plot holes - was there anything that didn't quite make sense? Were any "rules of the universe" broken at any point?
- Character consistency - was there any action/line of dialogue that seemed "out of character"?


4. STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES:

- What did you like about the script? What did you find lame?


5. "MONEY SHOTS"

- Were there any spectacular action pieces that would definitely be shown in a trailer for the film? Which sequence did you find the most visually impressive (if any)?
- Were there any "holy s***! moments" that would appeal to the audience but which would spoil the film if put in a trailer?


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Welcome to the new semester!

Just two really quick updates:

1. We'll have classes on Thursdays again.

2. Please remember to read Tick-Tock (link in previous post) - we'll be analysing the script in detail and I'm counting on your active participation. Tomorrow I'll post some topics you may want to take notes about, so watch this space.