Write a short character intro (with personality and appearance/apparel). Short, but impactful.
Example: A quiet army-of-one, LAURA STONE (30s), stomps into the office, glaring; nostrils flaring. A security guard uniform covers her heavy-set body.
Screenwriting : Writing Challenge by Maurice Vaughan
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This is great Maurice! Fun prompt to kick off the weekend. Let's get some takers folks! (By the way Maurice did you happen to see the Breakdown Webcast we did in the Writers' Room for character introductions? I think you would love it. We talk all about how to introduce characters).
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"Gray clouds are parting. Strutting from his apartment door, TODD (late 30s) pulls a key fob from his custom-made suit pocket, peeping his parked Bentley. Even the rain daren't fall on him today..."
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Yeah, Jason Mirch, this is a nice little prompt to kick off the weekend.
Thanks. I didn't know about the Breakdown Webcast. I'll have to look it up. Character intros are so important.
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James Welday, I can tell from your character's intro that Todd is rich (without you saying it). Nice job.
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Thank you, Maurice! I kind of wrote him as an antagonist, as an untouchable.
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You're welcome, James Welday. I noticed that he was an untouchable type character by "Even the rain daren't fall on him today."
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EXT. DESERTED CARNIVAL CONCOURSE / FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - MIDNIGHT
Colorful lanterns go dark.
ANGELA FIBONACCI, 17, in maroon rhinestone-spangled halter top, matching cowgirl hat, riding pants and boots, offers her horse a nibble of pink cotton candy as she leads him back to the stable.
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Maurice Vaughan thanks a million for the creative spark, ground-level practice of craft to get my mind working, solid gold inspiration!
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Way to paint a picture, Daniel Stuelpnagel. Your character seems like a unique, exciting character (from her outfit and from her feeding her horse pink cotton candy).
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INT. HOLLYWOOD CINEMA - NIGHT
The blinding lights shine through the darkened hallways of the movie theater, everyone is getting ready to watch the film.
JACK STONE, 21, laid back greaser sits still in his seat and combs his chalky black hair.
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Maurice Vaughan thanks man! I've been a painter and visual artist for a long time so I always appreciate that metaphor.
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INT. ALBUQUERQUE SECRET SERVICE HQ - OPERATIONS - DAY
Pasty-faced AGENT FINE (40s), her supervisor, has the sly, phony sincere look of a car salesman undervaluing a trade-in.
INT. WASHINGTON - HAINEUX’ OFFICE - DAY
Reeks of money and power. Nearby Capitol Dome in the window.
Trying too hard masculine decor: Remington sculpture, 10 point buck head (bought), painting of Bonaparte on a steed.
The office of power broker HAINEUX (30s). The grim reaper in a $2000 suit.
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E Langley love this description!
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Thx, James.
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I really like your descriptions, E Langley. Great job.
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Nice work, Jackson L. Ragsdale. Jack reminds me of a greaser from the 80's movies.
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Thanks, Maurice.
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An example: TREVOR (22), unhoused, unemployed, unwashed, unshaven and un sober wobbles along in threadbare grungy clothing.
You're welcome, E Langley.
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I could visualize that character wobbling along, Doug.
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EXT. MANHATTAN STREET - DAY
Gucci, Rolex, Tiffany are just some of the shops lining the street.
JANET, 50 (tells people 39) walks down the street head tilted back just enough to make her contempt for everyone obvious. Her white dress billows like robes. They look even whiter against her fake tan and oversized sunglasses.
She catches a glimpse of herself in a window and smiles, she’d sleep with herself if that was possible.
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Great intro, Craig. "(tells people 39)" was funny.
from "UNHOLY SWAP"
EXT. MT PURGATORY - NEAR TOP - DAY
SUPER: "MT PURGATORY with its Seven Sins to be punished. "
Just under "Earthly paradise" -- THREE ENTITIES
GOD -- mild and gentle; SATAN -- wild and mental; KATE BU S H (age 19) in her nightgown -- serene and sensual --
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Front door opens and LAERTES [~65] steps out and carefully scans the street. His appearance is informally elegant – like an arty intellectual. He carries a walking stick that seems to be more style than need, as he walks off perfectly vigorously.
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Nice visuals, Christiane.
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Driving, JACK, 35ish, fit, tanned, sharp features, handsome dangerous, heavy brows, thick, slick backed hair, tweaks at his nose, slipping expertly in & out of light traffic. A bluesy cover of Herbie Hancock’s, ‘Cantaloupe Island’ plays on the cassette deck. Smiling, he peeps & slow passes two leggy, female roller-skaters, short shorts, rolling along the beach side, sidewalk. Distracted, suddenly tap brakes, nearly hitting two teen-age boys heading south on ten-speed bicycles, racing across the street just in front of him . .. !
JACK
Damn kids!
Is "Unholy Swap" one of your scripts, Rutger Oosterhoff?
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Thomas Pollart, when I read this part of your intro ("fit, tanned, sharp features, handsome dangerous"), I pictured Tom Cruise.
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Interesting, Maurice Vaughan, actually JACK is more audience anonymous, taller, economically struggling thinner. .. it's 1972 Miami, sunny & breezy, coastal Hwy A1A . .
EXT. Eventually we see KAREN ahead, now curb standing, her big bag shouldered, leaning in on one hip, her black V-neck T-shirt too small, embellishing generous curves. She raises a hitchhiker’s thumb.
JACK acknowledges, two short horn taps, pulling over & stopping, leans across & opens the passenger door.
JACK (wolfish grin)
Hey good looking, you look like you might need a ride?
KAREN (flips the last of her cigarette into the breeze)
I do, I certainly do!
JACK
Well then, jump in pretty lady.
Is that from one of your scripts, Thomas Pollart?
Yes, I only have one original, feature or mini series, film Neo Noir, Oscar worthy script synopsis on my site. Hope to download the actual script this week or next, new to the site & already working on the sequel ? Thanks for asking Maurice, visited your site, super congrats on all your accomplishments !
.Yes, Maurice..
Maurice Vaughan I want that line (and her willingness to have sex with herself is that was possible) to speak to her overt vanity.