conversations.from: system
conversations.value: The decade: the 1950s. The place: Hollywood, California. The years following the conclusion of the Second World War have brought about a new golden age of American cinema. Hollywood hosts dozens of top notch film studios, each one churning out classics and masterpieces at a seemingly impossible pace.
  
  This is not the story of one of those studios. This is the story of American Entertainment.
  
  In the first half of the decade, American Entertainment seemed like they were on track to rival any studio in Hollywood. *The Green Tide*, widely considered the studio's best release, earned three Oscars and widespread acclaim. It was a masterpiece. American Entertainment raked in unexpectedly huge profits, and the struggling studio was finally back on sound financial footing.
  
  Sadly, the next few years presented more trying times for the studio. Their next few major features failed to gain the same sort of acclaim as *The Green Tide*, and the profits began to dwindle.
  
  Some said the studio was a victim of its own success, having tried to do too much too soon. Others said they had lost their vision, lacking the same creative spark after parting ways with *The Green Tide*'s controversial and eccentric director. Others blamed this reversal of fortunes on the pervasive controversial themes in the studio's work, always skirting the line of acceptability and risking drawing the ire of Congress.
  
  Whatever the reasons why, American Entertainment was once again teetering on the edge. They needed a hit. Would lightning strike twice? Could they produce another film for the ages? Or would they be proven a one hit wonder, unable to replicate the successes of the past? Only time would tell.
  
  OOC Notes:
  
  This is a sequel to Lights, Camera, Action, a story from last year. Here is a link for easy reference:
  
  https://storium.com/game/lights-camera-action
  
  This game will contain a mix of returning characters from the previous story and some new faces. For those creating new characters, you are welcome to write custom strength, weakness, and subplot cards.
  
  Strict historical accuracy is not required. Feel free to play a character of any gender or race in any role.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The star of the show. Or at least someone who wants to be a star.
conversations.prefix: Actor:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A true auteur, or a glorified manager?
conversations.prefix: Director:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The head of the studio, at least in name. Responsible for all non-creative management decisions.
conversations.prefix: Producer:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Responsible for the script, along with the inevitably necessary rewrites.
conversations.prefix: Screenwriter:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Workers in a studio this size have to wear many hats. On any given day you could be handling cameras, props, sets, or any one of a dozen other duties.
conversations.prefix: Crew:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Your suspected communist ties landed you on the blacklist. You have to work under a pseudonym and hide your identity in order to avoid further trouble.
conversations.prefix: Blacklisted:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You have a serious problem with alcohol or drugs. It has begun to effect your work.
conversations.prefix: Addict:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Some would call you creatively unconventional. Others would just call you crazy.
conversations.prefix: Eccentric:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You think of yourself as a great creative talent. Most people would not agree.
conversations.prefix: Untalented:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You just don't have the kind of work ethic to do a proper job. You cut corners wherever you can.
conversations.prefix: Lazy:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You have a terrible reputation around town. Maybe around the whole country.
conversations.prefix: Scandalous:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are brand new to the film industry, desperate to break in wherever you can.
conversations.prefix: Inexperienced:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You can be a little slow to catch on. Or a lot slow.
conversations.prefix: Dimwitted:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Simply put, you're ugly. Not 'Hollywood ugly', just ugly ugly. Hollywood can be a very superficial place.
conversations.prefix: Unattractive:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You have a tendency to let your anger and frustration get the better of you at the worst times.
conversations.prefix: Short Tempered:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You're a very good looking person. That can be a major asset in a place like Hollywood.
conversations.prefix: Attractive:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You have a natural presence and a way of charming people.
conversations.prefix: Charismatic:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are an exceptionally intelligent individual.
conversations.prefix: Genius:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You have cultivated a positive reputation. This can open doors for you.
conversations.prefix: Respected:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You've never been afraid of a little hard work and persistence.
conversations.prefix: Diligent:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You've been working in the film industry for a long time. You've picked up a few tricks along the way.
conversations.prefix: Experienced:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Film is a creative business. You're an unusually original thinker even for someone in the industry.
conversations.prefix: Creative:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You have a talent for managing the chaos inherent in film production.
conversations.prefix: Organized:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You know people of importance, and know how to make the most of those connections.
conversations.prefix: Connected:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You radiate energy and good cheer. Your positive attitude can be infectious.
conversations.prefix: Enthusiastic:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Winning an Academy Award is your greatest ambition in life. Everything else is secondary.
conversations.prefix: Win an Oscar:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You have a clear vision in your head of the sort of movie you want to make. You want to see your vision become a reality.
conversations.prefix: Make a Masterpiece:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You're getting a percentage of profits on the film. Making something with mass appeal that rakes in cash is your main goal.
conversations.prefix: Make a Blockbuster:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: What you really want to do is direct. Or act. Or anything other than the job you're doing right now.
conversations.prefix: Find a Better Job:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You've had some unfortunate setbacks recently. You're looking for a chance to return to your former glory.
conversations.prefix: Redeem Yourself:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You're brand new to Hollywood, and desperate to get a little taste of fame.
conversations.prefix: Make a Name for Yourself:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: This is just a job for you. You just want to get it done, collect your pay, and go home.
conversations.prefix: Make it Through This:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: What's the point of living in a place like Hollywood if you don't enjoy yourself from time to time?
conversations.prefix: Enjoy Life:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The studio where most of The Green Tide was filmed. Still the heart of American Entertainment.
conversations.prefix: Studio Three:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: It's time for American Entertainment to decide on their next major feature. Once again, the fate of the studio is on the line.
conversations.prefix: The Pitch:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The time has come to write the first draft of the script. There's a tight deadline, but at least Bobbi has a promising concept to work with.
conversations.prefix: The First Draft (Bobbi):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Frankie's handlers and agents want to prevent him from changing his image by playing a villain.
conversations.prefix: The Oatmeal Company (Frankie):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Tabloid journalists and photographers have been hounding Arthur, desperate for another scandal to write about.
conversations.prefix: The Gutter Press (Arthur):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Norman needs to have props, sets, costumes, equipment, and casting handled before shooting begins.
conversations.prefix: Equipment and Casting (Norman):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Sissy has gotten an unexpected opportunity to raise additional funds for the film from Thomas Harrington, a retired silent film star.
conversations.prefix: The Investor (Sissy):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: An assistant to noted anti-Communist senator. Dedicated to wiping out the 'red menace'.
conversations.prefix: Samuel Nielson:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: An assistant to the chairman of the House Un-American Activities Committee. Dedicated to wiping out the 'red menace'.
conversations.prefix: Samuel Nielson (Bobbi, Sissy, Norman):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The recent media attention given to Arthur and Sissy's exploits have given much of the cast some serious doubts about this film.
conversations.prefix: The Walkout (Arthur, Frankie, Marjorie):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Everyone will need to pitch in above and beyond their normal duties to have a successful first day of filming so far from home.
conversations.prefix: The First Shoot:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: With so few hands available, Marjorie is going to have to handle lights, cameras, and sound all by herself.
conversations.prefix: Run the Equipment (Marjorie):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Bobbi will need to tweak the script a little to make a scene work with the minimal cast and set available.
conversations.prefix: Quick Revisions (Bobbi):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: It's time for Arthur to do what he does best: act.
conversations.prefix: The Leading Man (Arthur):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: It's time for Frankie to step outside his usual type and deliver a villainous performance.
conversations.prefix: The Villain (Frankie):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: It'll be up to Norman to try to get this whole scene shot with the minimum staff available.
conversations.prefix: Direct (Norman):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Sissy needs to round up some actors and actresses to audition on extremely short notice. Tonight after the shoot, if possible.
conversations.prefix: Find Talent (Sissy):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A growing city just outside of Los Angeles.
conversations.prefix: Pasadena, California:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Owner of Newell Features and director of The Thing That Ate Boise, along with half a dozen other poorly made horror and science fiction films.
conversations.prefix: Johnny Newell:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A young aspiring actress. Has a large ego and a short temper, but a reasonably skilled performer whenever she is calm enough to be professional.
conversations.prefix: Loretta Gardner:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Several scenes are supposed to be filmed on location today, to avoid the expense of a second day's work outside the studio.
conversations.prefix: The Location Shoot:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: It's time to start doing something about the way the press is talking about American Entertainment and The Green Tide.
conversations.prefix: Media Buzz:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Filming has gone poorly in recent days. Everyone is on edge, and it seems like more problems could occur at any time.
conversations.prefix: Morale:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: It's time to film the movie's most expensive shot, one full of dazzling special effects.
conversations.prefix: SFX Shoot:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: This is both the final day of filming and the final scene of the film. Time to finish strong.
conversations.prefix: The End:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A modestly priced steakhouse in the heart of Hollywood.
conversations.prefix: Willard's Steakhouse:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A retired comedic star of the silent film era, now turned to investing in struggling independent film studios.
conversations.prefix: Thomas Harrington:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: After a long and difficult film shoot, the time has finally come to unwind and blow off some steam.
conversations.prefix: The Wrap Party:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Film editing is a laborious and difficult task, requiring both technical expertise and a strong understanding of filmcraft.
conversations.prefix: Editing (Bobbi, Norman, Marjorie):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: There were only a few months left before the film would be in theaters. It was time for the big marketing push to build buzz for the premiere.
conversations.prefix: Marketing (Sissy, Arthur, Frankie):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Flush with at least a moderate amount of success, the process begins again. Those staying on with the studio need to agree on a concept for a new film.
conversations.prefix: The Pitch:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The usual site of the Academy Awards ceremony in Hollywood, California.
conversations.prefix: RKO Pantages Theatre:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Bobbi has been nominated for the most prestigious award a screenwriter could hope for. Will it be hers?
conversations.prefix: And the Award Goes to... (Bobbi):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: *The Green Tide* has been nominated for best picture. Could the plucky little film snatch the prize away from big studio productions?
conversations.prefix: And the Award Goes to... (Everyone):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Arthur has been nominated for the most prestigious award a film actor could hope for. Will he walk home with the statue?
conversations.prefix: And the Award Goes to... (Arthur):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: They say a film can never be stronger than its script. If this was going to be another masterpiece, they'd need a great script to work from.
conversations.prefix: The Script (Bobbi):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: American Entertainment's accountant is less than thrilled with the plans for a long location shoot in Hawaii. Can the director find a solution?
conversations.prefix: The Budget (J.W.):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The actors had Bobbi's first draft of the script. It was time for them to start getting into character and preparing before the cameras started rolling.
conversations.prefix: Rehearsals and Research (Katherine, Arthur, Ben):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A great film needs a great title. Anyone have any ideas?
conversations.prefix: The Title:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The biggest and busiest airport on the Pacific coast.
conversations.prefix: LAX:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Arranging for everything a film crew needs for a location shoot is quite a challenge. Will everything they need make it to Hawaii?
conversations.prefix: Packing and Preparations:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Filming in an American territory like Hawaii can be a complicated affair. Can American Entertainment get the approval of the authorities before their arrival?
conversations.prefix: Permits:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The cast and crew of the film will be stuck with each other for the trip to Hawaii. Will they bond, or will tensions grow even worse?
conversations.prefix: Close Quarters:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Hawaii's biggest city, a very popular tourist destination.
conversations.prefix: Honolulu, Hawaii:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: It's already late in the day. The American Entertainment cast and crew need to find a place to sleep for the duration of their shoot.
conversations.prefix: Find Accomodations:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The rushed and somewhat careless packing meant that American Entertainment lost much of their essential equipment for the shoot. Can they find replacements?
conversations.prefix: Replace Equipment:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Well, they can't just ignore the party atmosphere entirely, can they?
conversations.prefix: Party!:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: One of the few Hawaiian military installations which allows civilian filming.
conversations.prefix: Hickam Air Force Base:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: American Entertainment's permits to film at the base may not exactly be in order. Surely that won't be an issue, right?
conversations.prefix: Local Authorities:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Plenty of footage needs to be printed to film and synced to sound. How's it looking so far?
conversations.prefix: Review Dailies:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The rainy day makes for a good opportunity to get some shopping done.
conversations.prefix: Shopping:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The cast and crew have been working a strenuous schedule. Surely they can afford to take a little rest and relaxation.
conversations.prefix: Take a Break:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: It's time to film the final scene of the Hawaii shoot. Will it all come together?
conversations.prefix: The End of the Location Shoot:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The cast and crew of American Entertainment are working on a very tight deadline today. Will they finish in time?
conversations.prefix: Deadline:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You came here with little more than a pack of cigarettes and the clothes on your back, and despite every setback you've faced, you still believe that this is the land where dreams are made. 
conversations.prefix: The American Dream:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You've had one success...but was it a fluke?  You're still relatively inexperienced, and facing a lot of pressure.
conversations.prefix: Under Pressure:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The world just might revolve around you.
conversations.prefix: Arrogant:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: There aren't many like you in Hollywood, and you've learned to use this to your advantage.
conversations.prefix: Exotic:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You're new to acting. You may have exuberance and desire, but skill is something you lack yet.
conversations.prefix: Inexperienced:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You're convinced that you can do more than just tell a story through films, you can make a difference.
conversations.prefix: Idealistic:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You're charming, sure, but your real knack is for completely reinventing yourself, both onstage and off.
conversations.prefix: Chameleon:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You haven't always worked in Hollywood. Worldwide connections can be helpful sometimes.
conversations.prefix: Connected:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Utterly dedicated to the production, sometimes you neglect yourself.  
conversations.prefix: Dedicated:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You're treading ground here that you never tread before.
conversations.prefix: New Territory:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You have a reputation for being a "bottle half empty" kind of guy.  And that doesn't mean you're a pessimist.
conversations.prefix: Drinking Problem:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Your skills are weak. But at least you work well with others.
conversations.prefix: Teamwork:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Events seem to be conspiring to keep your focus directed away from where it should be.
conversations.prefix: Distracted:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You've got a good head on your shoulders and an eye for details.
conversations.prefix: Thorough:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You may not be a brainbox, but you're no slouch either - sometimes you can think on your feet!
conversations.prefix: Quick Thinking:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: There's much to be done, but you can't do it now.  Might as well let loose a little.
conversations.prefix: Nothing Better to Do:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: *Who do you think you are? You've got no experience, no training. You think you're worthy of seeing your name in lights? You're nothing!*
  
  Sometimes, we are our own worst critics.
conversations.prefix: Insecure:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Sometimes, your brain just doesn't turn off. You've got to get the images onto paper, and you can't sleep until you do.
conversations.prefix: Fixated:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Your Asian origins makes you appealing. Sometimes it can also make you a target.
conversations.prefix: Exotic:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: These people are all mine.  Nobody messes with me and mine.
conversations.prefix: Possessive:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You're a bit shaken up at the moment. Hopefully, it doesn't throw you too far off kilter.
conversations.prefix: Nerves:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Everybody knows your name.  Or they used to.  
conversations.prefix: The Bombshell:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You've had some success lately. Not wildly, but critically.  Made some choices that seemed like a good idea at the time.  But nothing feels quite right anymore.  Maybe sometimes you can go back.
conversations.prefix: Change the Story:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You have a clear picture of where you want things to go, and the wherewithal to get them there.
conversations.prefix: Visionary:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Emotions are a thing people do.  You're not very good at expressing them, and generally come off a bit grumpy no matter what you're trying to express.
conversations.prefix: Gruff:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You're every inch the professional, doing what needs to be done to make the movie shine.
conversations.prefix: Professional:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You want to make another masterpiece. J.W. is just the visionary to help bring that goal to fruition. Plus, there's just something about the guy...
  
  You're determined to help him in any way you can.
conversations.prefix: His Girl Friday:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Life hasn't exactly been kind to you.  You aren't as gentle with others as you could be, and it comes off as cold hearted more often than not.
conversations.prefix: Frigid:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You're smart and smart people know how and when to ask for help. 
conversations.prefix: Knows How to  Find Help:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You like the ladies, and for the most part, they like you, too. Now, if you only knew when to turn *off* the charm...
conversations.prefix: Shameless Flirt:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: It's easy to sell an on-screen flame when there's a spark in real life.
conversations.prefix: Spark:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Sometimes you just don't care who's watching.
conversations.prefix: Indiscretion:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You get along with your coworkers, and they get along with you. Together, you might just pull this off.
conversations.prefix: Comradery :
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Stress easily turns into sickness for you. Being a lead actress in a Hollywood film can be **very** stressful.
conversations.prefix: Weak Constitution:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: When the going gets tough, you show your moxie. 
conversations.prefix: Poise Under Pressure:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You don't like Nielson and he has the bruises to prove it. This run in won't be fun!
conversations.prefix: Defensive:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: It's the final stretch of filming now. How will the last few studio shoots go?
conversations.prefix: That's a Wrap:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The nation's capital, home to congress. Seat of the current anti-communist fervor sweeping the country.
conversations.prefix: Washington, D.C.:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The cast and crew of American Entertainment have been called before congress to testify about communist infiltration of the American film industry. Is this a prelude to their blacklisting?
conversations.prefix: Testimony:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Sometimes it's not about the job.  There is more to living than working, and more than ever before the beauty of experience is actually more appealing than finding the next project.
conversations.prefix: Life is Beautiful:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: He is just too cute!  You'll do anything for your man.
conversations.prefix: Smitten: