Practice 1-sentence summary with the examples below:
Story 1: Character driven story, e.g. Mr Bean.
Story 2: Story driven by a location.
= A convenience store in King's Road looks like your average shop during the day, but when full moon is abound, it becomes the gateway to a fantasy world no one can imagine.
Story 3: Story driven by an item.
= Darren accidentally gets a hold of a pencil that transforms anything into tangible form by drawing with it, and now a mysterious group of men are out there to get him.
Story 4: Story driven by a situation.
= Josep gets into a tight and weird spot when he wakes up one day with a corpse next to him, and the murder weapon in his hand.
Story 5: Story driven by Character's motive(s) or conflict with another Character.
=
Story 6 - 10: Combination of above points for your stories.
= Catastrophe
Stationery Boy (1st Draft Script)
Fade In:
ACT One
SAMANTHA in A FIX
Scene – School classroom interior, day.
SAMANTHA is looking through her pencil case for a stapler, but soon realizes that she left it at home. She then turns to her friend Amy whose seat was next to hers.
Samantha
“Oh drats! I forgot my stapler again. Can I borrow yours, Amy?”
Amy
“You know I don't have one. Go ask from him instead.”
AMY replies, but in a non-nonchalant way, without lifting her eyes off the paper she is drawing with.
Samantha
“Him?”
“Eh, but I am not sure.....” [voice trails away]
Samantha
[In thoughts] (Sigh. Amy should know very well that I am shy about speaking with the guys.)
(Never mind. It's alright. Come on Samantha, you can do this! He is a fellow classmate after all, so how difficult can it be?)
SAMANTHA gathers her courage, and prepares to move.
Fade Out:
Fade In:
ACT TWO
SAMANTHA PLUCKS UP HER COURAGE
SAMANTHA moves a few desks away from hers, as she slowly approaches the seat of 'him' – the STATIONERY BOY. Her movements become more robotic as she gradually breaks down in nervousness.
Samantha
“Was the classroom THAT big? Why does it feel like a long distance to his desk?”
[Camera focus on SAMANTHA as she finally meets eye to eye with STATIONERY BOY]
Samantha
“Erm... ah... I... err...”
Stationery Boy
“.....?”
Samantha
[flustered] (NOOO!!! I don't even know his name. I messed up! I so want to disappear right now...)
Stationery Boy
“Do you want me to staple that for you?”
Samantha
“H...how did you know?”
Stationery Boy
“Heh, I kind of guessed it.” [points at the stack of paper SAMANTHA is holding onto]
“And since no one really talks to me besides borrowing stationeries, haha...”
STATIONERY BOY takes the paper and staple them together. He then returns the stack to SAMANTHA without saying another word.
Samantha
“...Thank you.”
Fade Out:
Fade In:
ACT THREE
SAMANTHA SETS HER RESOLVE
The scene shows SAMANTHA already away from STATIONERY BOY's desk. She continues to move further away, but her mind is in deep thoughts.
Samantha
(I thanked him already... so why is there still a strange sense of emptiness within me?)
SAMANTHA turns her head back to look at STATIONERY BOY. He sits at his desk, with the air of loneliness around him.
Samantha
(He looks... so lonely. And I...)
[Moment of silence]
(I should talk to him once more! I haven't even properly introduce myself. Yes, this shall be my first step to discard my old, shy self!)
SAMANTHA goes back to STATIONERY BOY's desk; this time with confident strides. She faces him.
Samantha
“Erm, thank you again for just now.
I am Samantha, and it might sound a little strange coming from a classmate, but could you tell me your name?”
Stationery Boy
[awkward smile] “It is Tracy. Quite the girlish name, don't you agree?”
Samantha
“N...no, not at all! Tracy... [smiles] I hope we can get to know each other better from now on, Tracy~”
Fade Out:
The End
ACT One
SAMANTHA in A FIX
Scene – School classroom interior, day.
SAMANTHA is looking through her pencil case for a stapler, but soon realizes that she left it at home. She then turns to her friend Amy whose seat was next to hers.
Samantha
“Oh drats! I forgot my stapler again. Can I borrow yours, Amy?”
Amy
“You know I don't have one. Go ask from him instead.”
AMY replies, but in a non-nonchalant way, without lifting her eyes off the paper she is drawing with.
Samantha
“Him?”
“Eh, but I am not sure.....” [voice trails away]
Samantha
[In thoughts] (Sigh. Amy should know very well that I am shy about speaking with the guys.)
(Never mind. It's alright. Come on Samantha, you can do this! He is a fellow classmate after all, so how difficult can it be?)
SAMANTHA gathers her courage, and prepares to move.
Fade Out:
Fade In:
ACT TWO
SAMANTHA PLUCKS UP HER COURAGE
SAMANTHA moves a few desks away from hers, as she slowly approaches the seat of 'him' – the STATIONERY BOY. Her movements become more robotic as she gradually breaks down in nervousness.
Samantha
“Was the classroom THAT big? Why does it feel like a long distance to his desk?”
[Camera focus on SAMANTHA as she finally meets eye to eye with STATIONERY BOY]
Samantha
“Erm... ah... I... err...”
Stationery Boy
“.....?”
Samantha
[flustered] (NOOO!!! I don't even know his name. I messed up! I so want to disappear right now...)
Stationery Boy
“Do you want me to staple that for you?”
Samantha
“H...how did you know?”
Stationery Boy
“Heh, I kind of guessed it.” [points at the stack of paper SAMANTHA is holding onto]
“And since no one really talks to me besides borrowing stationeries, haha...”
STATIONERY BOY takes the paper and staple them together. He then returns the stack to SAMANTHA without saying another word.
Samantha
“...Thank you.”
Fade Out:
Fade In:
ACT THREE
SAMANTHA SETS HER RESOLVE
The scene shows SAMANTHA already away from STATIONERY BOY's desk. She continues to move further away, but her mind is in deep thoughts.
Samantha
(I thanked him already... so why is there still a strange sense of emptiness within me?)
SAMANTHA turns her head back to look at STATIONERY BOY. He sits at his desk, with the air of loneliness around him.
Samantha
(He looks... so lonely. And I...)
[Moment of silence]
(I should talk to him once more! I haven't even properly introduce myself. Yes, this shall be my first step to discard my old, shy self!)
SAMANTHA goes back to STATIONERY BOY's desk; this time with confident strides. She faces him.
Samantha
“Erm, thank you again for just now.
I am Samantha, and it might sound a little strange coming from a classmate, but could you tell me your name?”
Stationery Boy
[awkward smile] “It is Tracy. Quite the girlish name, don't you agree?”
Samantha
“N...no, not at all! Tracy... [smiles] I hope we can get to know each other better from now on, Tracy~”
Fade Out:
The End
Ex2 Compilation and Summary
Story 1: Stationery Boy
“A start of a new friendship, between two unsuspecting people from the same classroom.”
Story 2: My "Wonderful" Place
“A friend pestered the protagonist to help him decide on a date-spot, and so the annoyed latter decided to introduce a 'wonderful' place of his...”
Story 3: Goli King
“Answering to the pleas of his nephew, Kai confronted the former's bullies, and through them he learnt about the fascinating world of Goli: game of Marbles – and decided to 'end up with all the marbles' himself (to win it all!).”
Story 4: Detective Duck and the Odd Day
“A Duck Detective wakes up to find everyone around him acting strangely, and he proceeds off to solve this oddity of a day.”
Story 5: Coin of Fate
“A short tale of how a mere 10 cents coin can give birth to a new destiny between two opposing individuals.”
For the transcript assignment, I chose Story 1 "Stationery Boy".
CHARACTERS in "Stationery Boy"
Protagonist: Samantha
Age: 15
Gender: Female
Supporting: Stationery Boy/Tracy
Age: 15
Gender: Male
Supporting/Best Friend: Amy
Age: 15
Gender: Female
Protagonist: Samantha
Age: 15
Gender: Female
Supporting: Stationery Boy/Tracy
Age: 15
Gender: Male
Supporting/Best Friend: Amy
Age: 15
Gender: Female
Class Exercise: Hitler parody video
HITLER WAS AFRAID OF CATS
Officer: "The cats that you imprisoned have escaped."
Hitler: "HUH? Did those beasts thought that they could escape from me? Those fools!"
*The Officer Nods*
Hitler: "Then I want my armed soldiers to take action this instant! Do you think that I’ve stayed here because I have a lot of work to do? That’s a lie! Because of their furry face, I’m terrified! Terrified! Terrified!"
By: Badriyah, Mastura, Clement, Jun Jie & Gilang.
By: Badriyah, Mastura, Clement, Jun Jie & Gilang.
Simpsons
Bart uses his new miniature "spy" camera to take candid pictures around the household; meanwhile, Homer is preparing to go to a bachelor party for his co-worker at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant. While at the party, Homer is invited to dance on stage with a stripper. Bart (who is dining with the rest of the family in the next-door restaurant) uses his camera to snap a photo of Homer and the dancer having a great time. At school, Martin develops the picture, which - after he compliments Bart's work - gets drov
1-sentence pitch:
"Homer learns to appreciate his wife more, through the unlikely assistance of his son Bart's miniature "spy" camera and usual mischievous antics."
3 Act Structure:
Set-up
Confrontation
Resolution
Act 1:
1) Homer's Party
2) Bart gets spy-cam
Act 2:
1) Homer got thrown out by Marge
2) Bart faces parents' split
Act 3:
1) Homer & Marge make up
2) Bart sees parents okay
1-sentence pitch:
"Homer learns to appreciate his wife more, through the unlikely assistance of his son Bart's miniature "spy" camera and usual mischievous antics."
3 Act Structure:
Set-up
Confrontation
Resolution
Act 1:
1) Homer's Party
2) Bart gets spy-cam
Act 2:
1) Homer got thrown out by Marge
2) Bart faces parents' split
Act 3:
1) Homer & Marge make up
2) Bart sees parents okay
Exercise 2 - Story 5: Coin of Fate
Create a visual/audio story that's simple & suitable for animation. Write a story that has 2 key characters who share 1 motivation.
Possibilities:
- Both key characters can't get along/hate each other
- Both must "journey" together to attain their goal
Keep it simple! Use present tenses.
===========================================================
Possibilities:
- Both key characters can't get along/hate each other
- Both must "journey" together to attain their goal
Keep it simple! Use present tenses.
===========================================================
1-Sentence Pitch
“A short tale of how a mere 10 cents coin can give birth to a new destiny between two opposing individuals.”
“A short tale of how a mere 10 cents coin can give birth to a new destiny between two opposing individuals.”
Story
“An ice cream costs a dollar, and I am just 10 cents short.”
The boy tugged at his seasoned baseball cap as he lets out a big sigh of disappointment. As if on cue, another sigh followed immediately, but this time it wasn't from him. It came from behind him – a girl who seems to be around his age.
“A pity,” sulks the girl in the single-piece summer dress that matches the colour of the bright azure sky.
“If only I got 10 cents more, I could have gotten myself a cone of vanilla ice cream to cool myself under this hot, blistering weather.”
“If only I got 10 cents more, I could have gotten myself a cone of vanilla ice cream to cool myself under this hot, blistering weather.”
It felt like as though the girl had intentionally blurted out her intentions for the boy to hear, and he definitely heard her alright. Could it be that she is hinting for him to spare a 10 cents coin to her? That was what the boy thought, and he was not about to give a single cent to her; at least not to a pompous-sounding person such as her.
Realising that he was not going to give in, the young girl knew it was time for a change of tactics.
She pressed herself closer to the boy, until her face was near enough his to feel each other's breath. This caught the boy by surprise.
“Neither of us have enough coins for an ice cream,” whispered the girl. “And we both know it. So how about a game then?”
“...A game?”
“Yes. A simple game where the loser shall fork out a 10 cents coin to the winner.”
The boy's face winced in slight disgust. “But isn't that like... a gamble? My mom always tells me never to get involve in such ill act.”
“It is not a gamble! It is a game, a coin game!” The girl protested furiously. “Daddy taught me how to play it. Just watch!”
She pulled out a shiny silver coin from her blouse pocket located around the waist. It was a 10 cents coin. The girl placed it gently on the back of her right hand.
“First you choose heads or tails,” explained the girl as she showed the two faces of the coin to the boy. “And then I shall flip it... like this!”
She swiftly jerked her wrist, and it sent the coin flying into the air.
The boy watched in amazement. One twirl. Two, three, and a four. And then, sploosh! It was the sound of the coin splashing into the running water of a nearby drain canal. The girl had failed to grab the coin in time, and the two children could only watch as it disappeared from their sight. This sudden turn of events caused the girl's tears to well up in her eyes.
“Aww. Don't go sobbing now.” The boy groaned, and quickly reached into his own pockets. He pulled out a few coins and handed it to the girl. “My treat.”
The girl dried her tears with a hankerchief and picked the coins off the boy’s open palm. “I shall take you up on your kind offer.”
The boy felt a little cheated by what seemed to be crocodile’s tears from the girl. But then she asked, “Is chocolate cream okay with you?”
So with their combined funds, the two went about to share a cone of ice cream.
The scene now switches to present time, with a much older man talking to his young daughter.
“And that was the story on how your mother and I first met. A 10 cents coin brought us together.”
Exercise 1 - Character Study: The Little Prince & Mr Twit
Character Study: The Little Prince
- Pure-minded
- Innocent, like a child
- Very inquisitive – ask plenty of questions
- Persistent – not giving up until his questions are answered
- Brave – facing the snake's bite in order to return to his home planet
- Devoted & Dedicated – to his rose and his own planet
- Wise – because he can see things in a bigger scale than the other adult characters who were blinded by their own narrow-mindedness
- Curious – as he seeks to explore other planets
Write up
In my opinion, the general lesson a reader can learn from The Little Prince is to always try to look at things with an open mind. Although the book is a children book, it feels as though it is meant to teach a certain moral lesson to adults instead.
Right from the beginning, we have the narrator telling his story of how all the adults around him cannot appreciate his drawing of a snake with an elephant in the stomach. The adults are too constrained with the boundaries of reality and logic that their imagination can no longer run free. These adults' vision have been narrowed down that they cannot accept the possibility of an elephant being swallowed by a mere snake. However, the Little Prince could easily visualize it, as he still retains the open-mindedness of an innocent child with infinite possibilities.
The Little Prince is a character that is molded from the characteristics of a child. Innocent, with child-like values, but a bright mindset and always curious to learn new things. He is like a fresh sponge that is ready to soak up information. The Little Prince then tells the narrator about his visits to various planets and their inhabitants. The characters/residents the Little Prince came across were modeled to match certain common traits adults in the working world would have. Such as the King's pride, the Vain man's narcissistic values, the drunkard's helplessness, and the businessman's delusions – all being too overly consumed by their own occupations and lifestyle. This aspect reinforces the point that one should not become too obsessed with a certain thing, until they loses sight of everything else around them. And being an adult does not mean he/she knows or have experienced everything, as the adult can still learn new things – even from a child.
The story then tells of how the Little Prince eventually ended up on planet Earth and met the narrator. His journey also brought a fateful meeting with a fox which taught him about the importance of bonds and love, which cannot be seen or measured with just the naked eye, but from the heart. Through the Little Prince's experiences, the readers also learn that we should treasure our loved ones when it is still possible, and not wait until it is too late and then regret it.
As the Little Prince prepares to return to his home planet to reconcile with his beloved rose that he had left behind, the readers also find out that our little protagonist is just as vulnerable as the rest of the cast. He is filled with his own uncertainties at first, but decided to take the risk of being bitten by the snake in order to be sent to the heavens – the only way to get back to his home. His body collapses into a limp state after the snake delivered its venomous bite, and it is a clear indication that the Little Prince has passed on, hopefully to where he intended to go. This last action tells us readers that we should strive to be brave and not give up, even at the face of death.
==============================================================
Character Study: Mr Twit
- Cruel – to anyone, especially his circus monkeys
- Unforgiving & Vengeful – even to his own wife
- Sneaky & Scheming
- Dirty – lack personal hygiene
- Hideous – both in appearance and personality
Write up
There are two major characters in The Twits that are introduced to the readers from the very beginning. One is Mr Twit, and the other being his wife; Mrs Twit. Both are depicted to be equally vile, scheming, and with no hint of love in their heart. Despite their similarities in personality, the two elderly characters have rather different outwardly appearances, which is one of the elements in the story that help keep the two distinguishable for the readers.
For this write-up, I will focus my attention on Mr Twit. From the start-go, the author Roald Dahl is seen portraying Mr Twit as an antagonistic individual. At the same time, it can be said that he is the protagonist of the story too, but is the type that readers will not sympathize with. The story shows how cruel and nasty he can be towards others, and that would lead to his own unfortunate downfall, when everyone else decides to plot together a way to give Mr Twit a taste of his own medicine. This outcome is his much awaited punishment/retribution, and through this story, it teaches the readers that “what goes around comes around” - a saying that if an individual does something bad, a similar bad occurrence will also happen to him at a later time.
As a character, Mr Twit led a solitary lifestyle, even though he lived with his wife Mrs Twit. He is shown to care little about anyone else except himself, and was always consistently pulling nasty pranks on his own wife, and also serve as the receiving end of Mrs Twit's tricks. There was no peace within the Twits household, and the readers can only feel a sense of disgust and misery over the couple's unpleasant actions.
Mr Twit thought himself as cunning, and constantly tried to outwit anyone that crossed his path. It was until the end of the story where he met his match against his own captive monkey the “Muggle-Wump”, because he did not think that a mere monkey could ever outsmart him. The end of this tale attempts to educate the readers that one should not underestimate others, or overestimate the capabilities of oneself. A bit of humbleness is always good to have.
Exercise 2 - Story 4: Detective Duck and the Odd Day
Objective
Use the 3 Act Structure, create a visual/audio story that's suitable for animation.
Write a story that even children will enjoy.
[TIPS] Keep it simple!! Choose to use 1 location. You can have a key character who is not human.
1-Sentence Pitch/Logline
Use the 3 Act Structure, create a visual/audio story that's suitable for animation.
Write a story that even children will enjoy.
[TIPS] Keep it simple!! Choose to use 1 location. You can have a key character who is not human.
1-Sentence Pitch/Logline
“A Duck Detective wakes up to find everyone around him acting strangely, and he proceeds off to solve this oddity of a day.”
Story
In the small town of Lilipad, where the blue river along the houses stretches as far as the eye can see, there lives a very special mallard duck.
This duck I am talking about is called Detective Duck. And as his name goes, he is a master of solving mysteries. Everyone in Lilipad knows of Detective Duck – about his fabulous exploits, his tireless enthusiasm to help those in need, and on how he always hold his handsome green feathery head up high with dignity and intelligence. It is no mystery that the townspeople adore him.
One fine morning in Lilipad, just when the sun has risen and Ol' Mister Cockadoodle had sounded his daily morning call, Detective Duck was also up from his bed. It was the hour when all little children would still be soundly asleep, but Detective Duck was ready to begin the day, just like every other day. As he would always say to himself: “The early bird catches the worm”!
After a cup of his favourite black tea and a quick read through the newspaper, it was time to make his rounds in Lilipad. What kind of mystery awaits him today? Detective Duck could not help but feel his entire body brimming with excitement.
Outside his little cottage, Detective Duck saw Madam Goose returning. In her arms was a grocery bag, and rims of lovely colourful wrapping papers were sticking out from it. Detective Duck intended to greet Madam Goose, when suddenly the lady noticed him approaching, and she darted straight to her home without saying a word.
“How awfully unusual,” said Detective Duck as he rubbed his chin. “And very suspicious too!”
This demanded further investigation, but only after he completed his routine walk around the town. And so Detective Duck continued on.
As he walked, he came across many others. There was Baker Pigeon with an enormous bag of flour, Craftsman Woodpecker pulling along numerous chairs, and Artist Parrot pushing a cart filled with all sorts of ribbons and decorations. However, all chose to avoid Detective Duck when he appeared in sight. Even the little children who he was always popular with did not come a single bit near him.
“This is an odd day, indeed!” Detective Duck exclaimed. He whipped out his trusty magnifying glass and peered through it. “It is a mystery, and I shall solve it!”
Without wasting time, Detective Duck retraced the path where many of the townspeople had headed off to. Across the atelier of Artist Parrot, passed the furniture shop of Craftsman Woodpecker, and down the road by Baker Pigeon's bakery store, Detective Duck eventually found himself back at the doorstep of his own cottage.
And there, everyone in town was waiting for his arrival. Party decorations covered every corner, and a giant cake was placed in the center for all to see.
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DETECTIVE DUCK!” shouted all of Lilipad residents in a harmonious tune. The delighted duck grinned sheepishly. Our dear detective had forgotten that his own birthday was today.
3 Acts Practice
Describe the 3 Acts for the MTV of Bon Jovi - It's My Life:
ACT 1: Setup
ACT 2: Confrontation
Up the stakes - time - rush (conflict)
ACT 3: Resolution
Climax: Will he reach on time?
End/Outcome - reaches the gig and enjoys with friends
ACT 1: Setup
- Scene 1: Day - In Boy's Bedroom
- Scene 2: Day - In Apartment
- Scene 3: Day - External Stairs and to the alley
ACT 2: Confrontation
Up the stakes - time - rush (conflict)
- Scene 4 - 7: External - Various Obstacles
ACT 3: Resolution
Climax: Will he reach on time?
- Scene 8+: Enters tunnel and nearing the gig/destination
End/Outcome - reaches the gig and enjoys with friends
1 Sentence Summary practice
An exercise in class, week 5. Create a 1-Sentence Pitch for the following 5 videos:
Bon Jovi - It's My Life
"A young man risks his life to try to get to his girlfriend in the shortest time possible - it is now, or never."
For The Birds
"A group of small blue birds perched on a wireline get annoyed by a single larger blue bird and decide to ostracise the latter by playing a prank on it, but they will soon find out that 'he who laughs last, laughs best'."
Flamingo - Fantasia
"A yoyo-obsessed flamingo is expected to join the rest of its kind in syncronised dancing, and ends up playing both the yoyo and dancing together, much to the dismay of the rest."
Snowman
"A lonely snowman in a glass dome desires to be in the company of the babe outside, and attempts various feats just to escape its 'snowy prison'."
Jurassic Fart
"A T-Rex, a Velociraptor, and a Pig tries to compare their own fart, but the last fart turns out to be more lethal than anyone can imagine."
Bon Jovi - It's My Life
"A young man risks his life to try to get to his girlfriend in the shortest time possible - it is now, or never."
For The Birds
"A group of small blue birds perched on a wireline get annoyed by a single larger blue bird and decide to ostracise the latter by playing a prank on it, but they will soon find out that 'he who laughs last, laughs best'."
Flamingo - Fantasia
"A yoyo-obsessed flamingo is expected to join the rest of its kind in syncronised dancing, and ends up playing both the yoyo and dancing together, much to the dismay of the rest."
Snowman
"A lonely snowman in a glass dome desires to be in the company of the babe outside, and attempts various feats just to escape its 'snowy prison'."
Jurassic Fart
"A T-Rex, a Velociraptor, and a Pig tries to compare their own fart, but the last fart turns out to be more lethal than anyone can imagine."
Exercise 2 - Story 3: "Goli King"
1-Sentence Pitch/Logline
“Answering to the pleas of his nephew, Kai confronted the former's bullies, and through them he learnt about the fascinating world of Goli: game of Marbles – and decided to 'end up with all the marbles' himself (to win it all!).”
Three Act Structure
Set-up:
Kai's nephew Ming was being bullied in school by a group of three, led by self-proclaimed leader Chen.
(Introduce characters; establish their personalities)
Confrontation:
Chen promised to stop the bullying if Kai beat them in a game of marbles, known as "Goli". This was the only way in order for Chen (a mere child) to stand a chance in a fight against an adult, Kai.
Resolution:
The three Goli matches with the bullies were all won by Kai... or did he?
Story
“Answering to the pleas of his nephew, Kai confronted the former's bullies, and through them he learnt about the fascinating world of Goli: game of Marbles – and decided to 'end up with all the marbles' himself (to win it all!).”
Three Act Structure
Set-up:
Kai's nephew Ming was being bullied in school by a group of three, led by self-proclaimed leader Chen.
(Introduce characters; establish their personalities)
Confrontation:
Chen promised to stop the bullying if Kai beat them in a game of marbles, known as "Goli". This was the only way in order for Chen (a mere child) to stand a chance in a fight against an adult, Kai.
Resolution:
The three Goli matches with the bullies were all won by Kai... or did he?
Story
Kai pressed his knuckles down firmly onto the grainy sand, and he could hear nothing except for his own hard, nervous breathing. He could feel a bead of sweat rolling down his cheek slowly - as if time had slowed down for him. He stared at the five remaining marbles ahead at the centre of the ring, and then glanced at his own significantly larger, alabaster-made marble. Its distinctive tiger-striped pattern engraved within the transparent shell almost seemed like it was silently glowing back at Kai in response.
“Uncle Kai, you can win this!”
The voice of Kai's 10 years old nephew Ming echoed in his head. It was not entirely encouraging nor inspiring to Kai, but like what the words meant, he had just got to do it – for his nephew, as well as for his own adult pride at stake.
“Oi, old man! Are you prepared for defeat?”
The childish mock came from the boy named Chen; Kai's last, but no doubt strongest marble (Goli) players of the three he had to beat. Chen may be only a year older than his nephew, but he was also nearly twice the size bigger than Ming. And perhaps due to his larger stature, he tried to constantly bully his way around with the smaller Ming.
“I will not let a brat like you mess with my nephew any more,” thought Kai as he grind his teeth in determination. “And beat you in this very game you are so confident of!”
Standing at the corner was Lei Fang, the appointed referee of this match. She acknowledged the readiness of both players. “Commencing fifth and final round. All players, ready for shoot.”
Kai prepared his right thumb in position; ready to lunge his trusty 'Sabre-Tooth' marble forward just about anytime...
“Three... Two... One...”
The moment that will end it all – this is it!
“GO!”
The two players snapped their dominant thumb with as much force that each could muster, and blasted their respective marbles into the depths of the ring. Chen's marble, a rare Devil's Eye model which the lad nicknamed the 'Devil Hound', sped through the sea of sands like a raging bullet, but the Sabre-Tooth of Kai's was not losing either; in fact, it was roaring the loudest Kai has ever witnessed.
“Demolish the enemy, 'HELL CRUSH'!!”
“Charge to victory, 'HEAVENLY ROAR'!!”
Their fiery battle cries deafened the surrounding noise, only to be quickly broken down by the clash of the two marbles as they desperately rammed into one another at the eye of the ring. The impact exploded into a cloud of dust and smoke that enveloped the entire field.
At this point, it was uncertain who was the final victor... who will be one step closer to be crowned: the Goli King.
At this point, it was uncertain who was the final victor... who will be one step closer to be crowned: the Goli King.
Exercise 2 - Story 2: "My 'Wonderful' Place"
1-Sentence Pitch
“A friend pestered the protagonist to help him decide on a date-spot, and so the annoyed latter decided to introduce a 'wonderful' place of his...”
Story
“I can't think of anything good!”
Jack's voice crackled through the phone's speaker. “Nothing interesting, nothing unique... none, nil, zilch, whatever!”
“And so you rang me up...” I sighed in disbelief as I took a peek at my clock, “...at 2am in the morning, just to help you with your dating problems?!”
“You got to help me think of something,” replied the now pleading Jack. “I promised my girlfriend that I would bring her to some place cool tomorrow... but I am out of ideas of where to go!”
It is during these times when I can't decide whether he was being unreasonable or just utterly desperate. What kind of sound advice did he think he could get from a guy like me who has been single for his entire life thus far?
“Umm, just go to the movies.” I suggested while fighting against my own drowsiness. “Then wrap it up with a romantic dinner.”
A brief silence followed, before Jack groaned in response. “That's lame, bro! Plus I did just that yesterday anyway.”
“Okay, then how about the beach?”
“B-O-R-I-N-G!” Jack spelt each letter of the word in a slow manner to spite my suggestion.
This one-sided exchange of a phone conversation continued on for a few more minutes, where my numerous suggestions to fix the plight of this particular friend of mine, were all shot down by the same man himself.
My patience was wearing thin. There is a certain amount a person can tolerate after having so many of his ideas rejected, and that very limit was now at the verge of breaking. My fingers were more ready than ever to press that disconnect button.
Then all of a sudden, an 'eureka' moment struck me! That was it – the perfect venue for someone as annoying and naïve as Jack. I cleared my throat as I began describing this wonderful place in great lengths.
“So you are saying,” exclaims Jack, while he tries very hard to suppress his growing excitement. “There are sports cars, brawling matches, dance floors, and even a shooting range – all packed into a single venue?!”
“Yep, and there's even a machine robot that dispenses plush toys.” I added with enthusiasm.
“Dude, tha... that's AMAZING! Tell me the location of this place quick!!”
“Sure. Here's the directions to my secret wonderful place...”
If only Jack could see the new grin that had surfaced on my face.
“Have fun tomorrow!”
----------
The next day, a clueless couple was standing in front of a certain shopping strip, staring blankly at the glass panel of a children-filled store.
“So is this the really wonderful place you intended to take me to?”
The girl queried, while looking not a slight bit impressed.
“...Jack-dear, it is just an arcade centre.”
Exercise 2 - Story 1: "Stationery Boy"
1-Sentence Pitch
“A start of a new friendship, between two unsuspecting people from the same classroom.”
Story
“Can I borrow a stapler?”
I stretched out my hand out as I asked my friend, very much expecting her to dig out a stapler from her pencil case.
I stretched out my hand out as I asked my friend, very much expecting her to dig out a stapler from her pencil case.
Without even lifting her eyes off the paper she was drawing with, the wispy-haired girl promptly replied, “You know I don't have one. Go ask him instead.”
'Him'.
My mind immediately registered the word. For some reason, I knew for certain who my friend meant. It was definitely him; the one we nicknamed the 'Stationery Boy'.
“Eh, but I am not sur.....”
My voice trailed off when I noticed the lack of attention my friend was giving me. At this point of time, she cared less about anything except for her task on hand. That was how focused she can get, and being her friend for five years, I knew that side of her very well.
I can't say the same for my friend though. She should have known that I am especially shy when it comes to interacting with the opposite gender. I know it may sounds a little absurd that me - a fifteen years old girl, is still so shy and timid, but that is the way I am. And I can't help it.
I crossed my eyebrows and silently pumped my fists a little in the air. “Come on Samantha, you can do this! He is a fellow classmate after all, so how difficult can it be?”
I forced my body to budge, and it cringed in retaliation before finally moving – in what seemed like an almost robotic-like and awkward manner. My destination was merely a few desks away, but the distance felt like it would take forever.
Eventually I was there, standing within an arm's reach from my target. The Stationery Boy was seated in his chair, and he turned his direction towards me. This was the first time I have ever looked at him straight in the eyes, ever since he was transferred to my class 2 weeks ago. Various stationeries, ranging from the common 2B pencils to stuff that I have never laid my sights on before, covered almost the entirety of his personal desk. They don't call him by his nickname for nothing, I guessed.
Suddenly it dawned upon me. I do not know his real name!
“Erm... ah... I... err...”
I flustered with nervousness and confusion. I could hear myself stuttering, but all I could do was stood there and continue fumbling on my lines. “I messed up!” I thought to myself and was prepared to retreat back to my desk, when suddenly a male voice gently stopped me in my tracks.
“Do you want me to stapler that for you?”
“Ho... how did you know?”
A wave of curiosity swallowed my state of panic, and the Stationery Boy then pointed at the stack of papers in my hands. “I kind of guessed it,” he weakly smiled as he continued. “Since no one really talks to me besides borrowing stationeries, haha...”
He said no more, and silently stapled my documents together.
“Thank you” was all I could say in response.
I have gotten what I seek, and it was the cue for me to leave. However, there was something I felt I should do, something that was urging my heart to act. This will be the very moment where I shall discard my old ways!
Hence I took a deep breath and...
“I am Samantha, and can you tell me your name?!”
The Stationery Boy was caught by surprise, but a warm smile gradually emerged on his face.
Researching the terms...
These terms are frequently seen and used when producing a script. Below are some general research I have gathered regarding the terms.
One Sentence Pitch
This is the key sentence that tells the audience what is the essence of your story. There are other variations, including One Paragraph, or Two Paragraph pitches. Its purpose is to grab the attention of the reader.
A one sentence pitch do not have to be extremely short, nor should it be hundreds of words long. The use of semi-colons and subordinating conjunctions can help to break up the parts in your single sentence. Take note that the end of the story is not to be divulge within the sentence.
Log Line
A 1-sentence summary or short synopsis of a television program, film or script. Like the One Sentence Pitch, it is used to grab the viewers' interest.
Synopsis
It is a brief summary or condensed statement of a finished script or prose.
Character Bio
The description and background of a character from the story. It shows how well the author/writer knows about the character.
Storyline
This may refer to the plot or subplot of a story. It describes the story in all details.
Climax
Also known as the turning point of a narrative work. It is the highest point of tension or drama, when the action starts and a solution or resolution is then provided.
Scene Breakdown
This shows the general structure of the story. There is a traditional Three Act Structure (Paradigm), which breaks into: "SET-UP", "CONFRONTATION", and "RESOLUTION". It presents a clear structure or frame for the readers to understand, especially for complicated series of scenes.
Beats
It is a term used to describe the timing and movement of a film or play. They can be used as pacing elements for measuring or create the pace that moves the progress of the story forward.
Plots / Sub-plots
The important events that happen in the story. The Plot is the main storyline, while Sub-plot is the secondary storyline that is separate from the main plot but still happening within the same story. The main plot and sub-plot can also be interweaved together.
Turning Points
Points in a story where a crucial character is forced to make an important decision. The chosen decision will lead to the outcome.
Script
The script is a combination of everything above. The script will include dialogue lines of characters and everything else in finer details.
Hook
Also sometimes referred to as a "Teaser". It is a short compilation of scenes (for films) or quotes (for books) that is meant to capture the interest of the audience so they will become interested to know more.
Motive
The reasons for the characters to do what they intend to do in the story.
Conflict
An obstacle; be it an antagonist, or problem that the character (most likely the protagonist) encounters in the storyline.
Dramatic Sequence
Also known as a "Chain Reaction". One action leads to another, which all follow in a sequence. A cause-and-effect.
Resolution
A closure to the story. The plot is likely to be solved in this part, and the climax of the story is brought to an end.
Outcome
The result or consequence that comes at the end of a resolution.
One Sentence Pitch
This is the key sentence that tells the audience what is the essence of your story. There are other variations, including One Paragraph, or Two Paragraph pitches. Its purpose is to grab the attention of the reader.
A one sentence pitch do not have to be extremely short, nor should it be hundreds of words long. The use of semi-colons and subordinating conjunctions can help to break up the parts in your single sentence. Take note that the end of the story is not to be divulge within the sentence.
Log Line
A 1-sentence summary or short synopsis of a television program, film or script. Like the One Sentence Pitch, it is used to grab the viewers' interest.
Synopsis
It is a brief summary or condensed statement of a finished script or prose.
Character Bio
The description and background of a character from the story. It shows how well the author/writer knows about the character.
Storyline
This may refer to the plot or subplot of a story. It describes the story in all details.
Climax
Also known as the turning point of a narrative work. It is the highest point of tension or drama, when the action starts and a solution or resolution is then provided.
Scene Breakdown
This shows the general structure of the story. There is a traditional Three Act Structure (Paradigm), which breaks into: "SET-UP", "CONFRONTATION", and "RESOLUTION". It presents a clear structure or frame for the readers to understand, especially for complicated series of scenes.
Beats
It is a term used to describe the timing and movement of a film or play. They can be used as pacing elements for measuring or create the pace that moves the progress of the story forward.
Plots / Sub-plots
The important events that happen in the story. The Plot is the main storyline, while Sub-plot is the secondary storyline that is separate from the main plot but still happening within the same story. The main plot and sub-plot can also be interweaved together.
Turning Points
Points in a story where a crucial character is forced to make an important decision. The chosen decision will lead to the outcome.
Script
The script is a combination of everything above. The script will include dialogue lines of characters and everything else in finer details.
Hook
Also sometimes referred to as a "Teaser". It is a short compilation of scenes (for films) or quotes (for books) that is meant to capture the interest of the audience so they will become interested to know more.
Motive
The reasons for the characters to do what they intend to do in the story.
Conflict
An obstacle; be it an antagonist, or problem that the character (most likely the protagonist) encounters in the storyline.
Dramatic Sequence
Also known as a "Chain Reaction". One action leads to another, which all follow in a sequence. A cause-and-effect.
Resolution
A closure to the story. The plot is likely to be solved in this part, and the climax of the story is brought to an end.
Outcome
The result or consequence that comes at the end of a resolution.
[Class Writing] 2 Persons I know
Qns1: Think of 2 persons you know, and write down their characters
Upon reading this question, the first two persons flashed across my mind were my two closest cousins. For a single child like me, this particular pair of sisters are akin to that of my own siblings.
They are sisters, born from the same parents and only 2 years apart in age, but with rather drastically different personalities. I shall list down a couple of points (in my opinion) about their characters below.
Name: Melissa (the eldest of the sisters)
Appearance: Tall and slender
Personality:
Name: Marilyn (the younger one)
Upon reading this question, the first two persons flashed across my mind were my two closest cousins. For a single child like me, this particular pair of sisters are akin to that of my own siblings.
They are sisters, born from the same parents and only 2 years apart in age, but with rather drastically different personalities. I shall list down a couple of points (in my opinion) about their characters below.
Name: Melissa (the eldest of the sisters)
Appearance: Tall and slender
Personality:
- Outgoing!
- Adventurous; she dares to experiment new things and challenges
- Unafraid to voice out (but a little tactless too)
- Playful; there is a childish side of her that she often display
Name: Marilyn (the younger one)
Appearance: Average height for a Sg lady, a little "fleshy" but in no way fat
Personality:
- Gentle and usually demure
- More reserved; she tends to bottle up her real feelings
- Sentimentalist about things, and sensitive about others (people)
- A little clumsy (or ditzy, in a way)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Qns2: Characters placed in a specific situation
Qns2: Characters placed in a specific situation
Melissa and Marilyn approached what appeared to be a vacant table in a hawker centre. Delighted, Melissa was the first to rush over and occupy the seat before any other passerby grabs it. Marilyn soon followed, in slower strides. Upon sitting down, they then realised that a pack of tissue paper was already on one of the seats. Again, Melissa was the first to notice this and quickly voiced out her thoughts.
"Wah, someone already chop this table leh!" Melissa said in annoyance.
"Aiyah. We go find another one lor..." added Marilyn in a passive manner.
In Singapore, it is a common knowledge that if an unused pack of tissue paper is on a table or chair in a hawker centre outlet, it means that this particular table has already been taken by someone. It is simply an act that indicates "reservation".
Melissa grunted a little before leaving the table, but in a discontented way.
"Singaporeans, always doing this kind of pattern. So inconsiderate!"
Marilyn followed her elder sister closely behind. She chuckled a little when she noticed that the pack of tissue paper was now on the floor. Knowing her sister, she must have playfully shoved the pack off the seat earlier on.
The two sisters then continued on their way to look for another table.
"Wah, someone already chop this table leh!" Melissa said in annoyance.
"Aiyah. We go find another one lor..." added Marilyn in a passive manner.
In Singapore, it is a common knowledge that if an unused pack of tissue paper is on a table or chair in a hawker centre outlet, it means that this particular table has already been taken by someone. It is simply an act that indicates "reservation".
Melissa grunted a little before leaving the table, but in a discontented way.
"Singaporeans, always doing this kind of pattern. So inconsiderate!"
Marilyn followed her elder sister closely behind. She chuckled a little when she noticed that the pack of tissue paper was now on the floor. Knowing her sister, she must have playfully shoved the pack off the seat earlier on.
The two sisters then continued on their way to look for another table.
Additional notes from Lesson 1
CHARACTER SKELETON:
Name
Give a name to your character. This is its identity.
Look/Appearance
The look will display what the character will look like. Facial expressions and body behaviors vary upon emotions shown through that character.
Behavior; understand and know him/her/it
A list of pet-peeves (likes or dislikes), values and beliefs. Strengths and weaknesses. What kind of personality does the character possess?
Relationship
How your character interact with other characters in the same story. This also applies to situations, like how your character will react when being put in a pool of water. Will he/she panic, because they are afraid of water?
Objective
Identify your character's motive(s). What does he/she/it desire to achieve through the course of the story. This goes hand in hand with behavior, as how your character goes about achieving their goals is directly related to their personality.
Name
Give a name to your character. This is its identity.
Look/Appearance
The look will display what the character will look like. Facial expressions and body behaviors vary upon emotions shown through that character.
Behavior; understand and know him/her/it
A list of pet-peeves (likes or dislikes), values and beliefs. Strengths and weaknesses. What kind of personality does the character possess?
Relationship
How your character interact with other characters in the same story. This also applies to situations, like how your character will react when being put in a pool of water. Will he/she panic, because they are afraid of water?
Objective
Identify your character's motive(s). What does he/she/it desire to achieve through the course of the story. This goes hand in hand with behavior, as how your character goes about achieving their goals is directly related to their personality.
What a Story is, to me?
A narrative, either true or fictitious, in prose or verse,designed to interest, amuse, or instruct the hearer or reader; tale.Directly quoted from Dictionary.com
A story to me, is a set of writings or pictures that are meant to tell a tale of any genre. Anyone can create a story, and the simplest form may be something about one self's life experiences; a biography. There is no right nor wrong in composing a mere story, and it can range from pure fictional to concrete factual, or a mix of the two.
However, to create a good story, that will require a certain degree of skill in the art of storytelling and language proficiency. Something that I shall not touch on... today. =P
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