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 Features.
  
  American Features is the smallest of the small independent studios, just a handful of creative professionals with a passion for film. They work with minimal staff and resources on an embarrassingly inadequate lot. Yet still, they keep coming back day after day.
  
  They all have their reasons for being there. Some are on the infamous Hollywood blacklist, victims of the anti-communist witch hunt who have been forced to work under a pseudonym. Some are artists who have never found their audience, with creative visions that just don't seem to suit the popular demand. Some are brand new to the film industry, desperate to break into show business however they can.
  
  Whatever their individual reasons, this group of eclectic individuals has come together to make a movie. With the studio's finances looking dire, it could well be their last picture eve unless they turn a profit. For the employees of American Features, it might just be their last big chance to make it big.
  
  It won't be easy. Making a major motion picture is a difficult undertaking under the best of circumstances. Making a picture with a group of questionable talents, next to no budget, and while under scrutiny from overzealous government agents? That could be almost impossible.
  
  OOC Notes:
  
  Inspired by *Ed Wood* and the struggles of other independent Hollywood film makers during the era of the Hollywood blacklist.
  
  I am looking to make this a very strongly character focused and character driven story, and will be keeping the group small in order to maintain that focus. I'll probably take four or five characters. No more than one director, producer, or writer. We can have multiples in the other roles. If you want to have a more specific role which isn't listed, feel free to write your own nature card.
  
  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.
  
  I'm aiming for one scene a week, but it might go a little faster or slower depending on how much is going on in each scene. Please be prepared to make at least two or three moves a week if possible. No worries if you need a bit of a break, though it will be appreciated if you let the rest of the group know in advance.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Actor: The star of the show. Or at least someone who wants to be a star.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Director: A true auteur, or a glorified manager?
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Producer: The head of the studio, at least in name. Responsible for all non-creative management decisions.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Screenwriter: Responsible for the script, along with the inevitably necessary rewrites.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Crew: 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.from: gpt
conversations.value: Blacklisted: 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.from: human
conversations.value: Addict: You have a serious problem with alcohol or drugs. It has begun to effect your work.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Eccentric: Some would call you creatively unconventional. Others would just call you crazy.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Untalented: You think of yourself as a great creative talent. Most people would not agree.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Lazy: You just don't have the kind of work ethic to do a proper job. You cut corners wherever you can.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Scandalous: You have a terrible reputation around town. Maybe around the whole country.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Inexperienced: You are brand new to the film industry, desperate to break in wherever you can.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Dimwitted: You can be a little slow to catch on. Or a lot slow.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Unattractive: Simply put, you're ugly. Not 'Hollywood ugly', just ugly ugly. Hollywood can be a very superficial place.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Short Tempered: You have a tendency to let your anger and frustration get the better of you at the worst times.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Attractive: You're a very good looking person. That can be a major asset in a place like Hollywood.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Charismatic: You have a natural presence and a way of charming people.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Genius: You are an exceptionally intelligent individual.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Respected: You have cultivated a positive reputation. This can open doors for you.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Diligent: You've never been afraid of a little hard work and persistence.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Experienced: You've been working in the film industry for a long time. You've picked up a few tricks along the way.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Creative: Film is a creative business. You're an unusually original thinker even for someone in the industry.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Organized: You have a talent for managing the chaos inherent in film production.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Connected: You know people of importance, and know how to make the most of those connections.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Enthusiastic: You radiate energy and good cheer. Your positive attitude can be infectious.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Win an Oscar: Winning an Academy Award is your greatest ambition in life. Everything else is secondary.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Make a Masterpiece: 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.from: gpt
conversations.value: Make a Blockbuster: You're getting a percentage of profits on the film. Making something with mass appeal that rakes in cash is your main goal.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Find a Better Job: What you really want to do is direct. Or act. Or anything other than the job you're doing right now.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Redeem Yourself: You've had some unfortunate setbacks recently. You're looking for a chance to return to your former glory.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Make a Name for Yourself: You're brand new to Hollywood, and desperate to get a little taste of fame.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Make it Through This: This is just a job for you. You just want to get it done, collect your pay, and go home.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Enjoy Life: What's the point of living in a place like Hollywood if you don't enjoy yourself from time to time?
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Studio Three: The last functioning studio on the American Entertainment lot.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The Pitch: American Entertainment has the funding to make one more feature film. It's time to decide on what that film will be.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The First Draft (Bobbi): 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.from: human
conversations.value: The Oatmeal Company (Frankie): Frankie's handlers and agents want to prevent him from changing his image by playing a villain.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The Gutter Press (Arthur): Tabloid journalists and photographers have been hounding Arthur, desperate for another scandal to write about.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Equipment and Casting (Norman): Norman needs to have props, sets, costumes, equipment, and casting handled before shooting begins.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The Investor (Sissy): Sissy has gotten an unexpected opportunity to raise additional funds for the film from Thomas Harrington, a retired silent film star.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Samuel Nielson: An assistant to the chairman of the House Un-American Activities Committee. Dedicated to wiping out the 'red menace'.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Samuel Nielson (Bobbi, Sissy, Norman): An assistant to the chairman of the House Un-American Activities Committee. Dedicated to wiping out the 'red menace'.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The Walkout (Arthur, Frankie, Marjorie): The recent media attention given to Arthur and Sissy's exploits have given much of the cast some serious doubts about this film.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The First Shoot (Everyone): Everyone still on the lot will need to pitch in above and beyond their normal duties to have a successful first day of filming while so shorthanded.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Run the Equipment (Marjorie): With so few hands available, Marjorie is going to have to handle lights, cameras, and sound all by herself.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Quick Revisions (Bobbi): Bobbi will need to tweak the script a little to make a scene work with the minimal cast and set available.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The Leading Man (Arthur): It's time for Arthur to do what he does best: act.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The Villain (Frankie): It's time for Frankie to step outside his usual type and deliver a villainous performance.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Direct (Norman): It'll be up to Norman to try to get this whole scene shot with the minimum staff available.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Find Talent (Sissy): Sissy needs to round up some actors and actresses to audition on extremely short notice. Tonight after the shoot, if possible.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Pasadena, California: A growing city just outside of Los Angeles.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Johnny Newell: 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.from: human
conversations.value: Loretta Gardner: 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.from: gpt
conversations.value: The Location Shoot: Several scenes are supposed to be filmed on location today, to avoid the expense of a second day's work outside the studio.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Media Buzz: It's time to start doing something about the way the press is talking about American Entertainment and The Green Tide.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Morale: Filming has gone poorly in recent days. Everyone is on edge, and it seems like more problems could occur at any time.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: SFX Shoot: It's time to film the movie's most expensive shot, one full of dazzling special effects.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The End: This is both the final day of filming and the final scene of the film. Time to finish strong.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Willard's Steakhouse: A modestly priced steakhouse in the heart of Hollywood.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Thomas Harrington: A retired comedic star of the silent film era, now turned to investing in struggling independent film studios.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The Wrap Party: After a long and difficult film shoot, the time has finally come to unwind and blow off some steam.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Editing (Bobbi, Norman, Marjorie): Film editing is a laborious and difficult task, requiring both technical expertise and a strong understanding of filmcraft.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Marketing (Sissy, Arthur, Frankie): 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.from: gpt
conversations.value: Eccentric: Some would call you creatively unconventional. Others would just call you crazy. 
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Experienced: You’ve been working in the film industry for a long time. You’ve picked up a few tricks along the way.  
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Redeem Yourself: You’ve had some unfortunate setbacks recently. You’re looking for a chance to return to your former glory.    
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Diligent: You’ve never been afraid of a little hard work and persistence.    
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Make a Masterpiece: 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.from: gpt
conversations.value: Director: A true auteur, or a glorified manager?    
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Anxious: You have a tendency to freak out at the littlest things and a tendency to always look toward the worst, not the best.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Demanding: "I want what I /what/, dear. Is that really too much to ask?"
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Insecure: Despite all of her bluster and bravado, this is Sissy's first dip into the deep waters of movie business and she sometimes expects everyone to start laughing at her.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Indomitable: Frankie gets his way, ALWAYS. "No" is not in his vocabulary.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Hollywood Charm: A little stardust, a flash of those pearly whites...
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Strong Personality: You've got a way with words, like a tank rolling over everything in your path. Somehow people end up agreeing or getting out of the way.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Quick Witted: You think on your feet and are quick with a comeback...no staircase wit for you!
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Tone of Voice: Radio never had the luxury of lights, sets, or glamour, yet the stories could move and compel just the same. All you need is all you've ever needed: The right voice for the job.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Method Man: Frankie pulls on his own experiences to manifest his villainous alien.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Tempermental: Like the wrath of God, Sissy tends to descend from on high, striking all in her path. 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Earnest: Though you may not have the best business chops or even the greatest range of skills, when you work, it is with every ounce of your bleeding heart behind it.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Blunt: You tend to speak your mind.  Sometimes, it could be done more...*diplomatically*.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Illness: Uh oh... I feel a cough coming on.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Bad Bedside Manner: Norman might be a professional when it comes to his work, but he doesn't have the talent for dealing with *people*.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Illness: You weren't kidding, were you?  You're really looking green.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Strong Personality: Some people like to describe you as a 'personality' or a 'character', especially to your face. They use harsher words behind your back. 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Ugly Truths: Most people are too polite to delve into undiluted truths, Norman does not have this problem.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Not So Bad Afterall: Many people accuse Norman of being a drill sergeant on set, but really, he's not so bad.  Maybe.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Eccentric: Some would call you creatively unconventional. Others would just call you crazy.  Usually a bad thing.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Acting Chops: Actually, you're a great actor.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Rage: Meltdown in 5...4...3...
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Kindred Spirits: Both Bobbi and Frankie are underestimated and have a lot to prove.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Under Pressure: There are a lot of careers riding on your script.  Hope it's good enough.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Only Human: "The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long."
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Synergistic: “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” 
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Invested: You've suddenly started to realize how important this motion picture is. Unfortunately, that mostly just leads to a lot of angst. 
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Not Good Enough: His whole career has been a series of compromises.  Always working the second unit, having to do more with less, even now in the backwoods of cinema.  Compromise.  But he will compromise no more.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Become A Star Again: What's the use of positive press if it doesn't lead to red carpets and little gold statues?
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Leadership: Sometimes its just about knowing the right thing to say.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Humor: a good laugh goes far in this town.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Terrible Dancer: You obviously have two left feet.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The Pitch: 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.from: human
conversations.value: RKO Pantages Theatre: The usual site of the Academy Awards ceremony in Hollywood, California.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: And the Award Goes to... (Bobbi): Bobbi has been nominated for the most prestigious award a screenwriter could hope for. Will it be hers?
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: And the Award Goes to... (Everyone): *The Green Tide* has been nominated for best picture. Could the plucky little film snatch the prize away from big studio productions?
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: And the Award Goes to... (Arthur): Arthur has been nominated for the most prestigious award a film actor could hope for. Will he walk home with the statue?
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Make It Work: This picture, this film studio, this job.  You want to make it work and you'll do all you can to make it successful.
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Creative: You're more than just a pretty face.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Lucky: But don't you really make your own luck?