The Berkeley Bhikkus > Scripted Character Ideas/interactions > Opening scene by: Ben Tennenbaum
You've expressed an interest in starting of the movie at the UC Berkley campus. I just want to throw out a vehicle for their dismissal from the University. As UC Berkley was a melting pot of political ideas, I think that the first scene should be at a political debate on President Johnson's recently introduced "War on Poverty". Many deemed this a communist idea. So, as with all major political changes, discussion occurs. On the one side, the die-hard capitalists, of the laissez-faire school of economics. On their camp, a famous man to include, would be Milton Friedman, the noted Chicago School professor; along with Friedman, there would be his supporters, including the Chairmen of the University. On the side of the protagonist, Mario Savio, noted civil rights activist. During the debate, the students make remarks in support of the Cuban state. Some of the students report them to the FBI and the University asks them to leave.
The Berkeley Bhikkus > General Task! > Reason for expulsion? This is the task meant for the discussion, or posting of any ideas about the film project. If it doesn't fit into any of the other topics, this is the spot to drop the crew a line. Consider this the zone for brainstorming, and any idea is wanted(even the not so good ones). Also remember to keep all ideas within the realm of non-fiction; that means no dragons, and unfortunately, no space Nazis. Other than that, the sky is the limit. Thanks!
1065 days ago | 0 Comments | 1 Thumb-up
I can see what you're doing in most of the synopsis, but the first part is still slightly unclear to me: why are they being expelled from university? What is the "debacle"?
Of course you could do a film like this without ever being specific, maybe it should be left a mystery why they are leaving their old life?
Congratulations to Ben Tenenbaum! If anyone is interested in writing for this project under, Ben is the man to talk to! or you can contact myself at anytime at alessner@ucsc.edu. Happy wrecking!
The Berkeley Bhikkus > Scripted Character Ideas/interactions > Opening scene by: Ben Tennenbaum
You've expressed an interest in starting of the movie at the UC Berkley campus. I just want to throw out a vehicle for their dismissal from the University. As UC Berkley was a melting pot of political ideas, I think that the first scene should be at a political debate on President Johnson's recently introduced "War on Poverty". Many deemed this a communist idea. So, as with all major political changes, discussion occurs. On the one side, the die-hard capitalists, of the laissez-faire school of economics. On their camp, a famous man to include, would be Milton Friedman, the noted Chicago School professor; along with Friedman, there would be his supporters, including the Chairmen of the University. On the side of the protagonist, Mario Savio, noted civil rights activist. During the debate, the students make remarks in support of the Cuban state. Some of the students report them to the FBI and the University asks them to leave.
1118 days ago | 0 Thumb-ups
Editing or compiling the salient quotes / points of a debate is also nice possibility as a sort of compendium perhaps...
The Berkeley Bhikkus > Scripted Character Ideas/interactions > Opening scene by: Ben Tennenbaum
You've expressed an interest in starting of the movie at the UC Berkley campus. I just want to throw out a vehicle for their dismissal from the University. As UC Berkley was a melting pot of political ideas, I think that the first scene should be at a political debate on President Johnson's recently introduced "War on Poverty". Many deemed this a communist idea. So, as with all major political changes, discussion occurs. On the one side, the die-hard capitalists, of the laissez-faire school of economics. On their camp, a famous man to include, would be Milton Friedman, the noted Chicago School professor; along with Friedman, there would be his supporters, including the Chairmen of the University. On the side of the protagonist, Mario Savio, noted civil rights activist. During the debate, the students make remarks in support of the Cuban state. Some of the students report them to the FBI and the University asks them to leave.
1122 days ago | 1 Thumb-up
In reality, and in keeping with the tone of authenticity, I believe we shouldn't make up a debate. Rather, simply find one of the same scope of significance and caliber.
The Berkeley Bhikkus > Scripted Character Ideas/interactions > Opening scene by: Ben Tennenbaum
You've expressed an interest in starting of the movie at the UC Berkley campus. I just want to throw out a vehicle for their dismissal from the University. As UC Berkley was a melting pot of political ideas, I think that the first scene should be at a political debate on President Johnson's recently introduced "War on Poverty". Many deemed this a communist idea. So, as with all major political changes, discussion occurs. On the one side, the die-hard capitalists, of the laissez-faire school of economics. On their camp, a famous man to include, would be Milton Friedman, the noted Chicago School professor; along with Friedman, there would be his supporters, including the Chairmen of the University. On the side of the protagonist, Mario Savio, noted civil rights activist. During the debate, the students make remarks in support of the Cuban state. Some of the students report them to the FBI and the University asks them to leave.
1122 days ago | 1 Thumb-up
Nice story Ben.
Aaron: I remember a book called Beach Music that deals with student informants in the 1960s,
also The Year That Trembled.
This is truly a story worthy of reenactment!
The Berkeley Bhikkus > Scripted Character Ideas/interactions > Opening scene by: Ben Tennenbaum
You've expressed an interest in starting of the movie at the UC Berkley campus. I just want to throw out a vehicle for their dismissal from the University. As UC Berkley was a melting pot of political ideas, I think that the first scene should be at a political debate on President Johnson's recently introduced "War on Poverty". Many deemed this a communist idea. So, as with all major political changes, discussion occurs. On the one side, the die-hard capitalists, of the laissez-faire school of economics. On their camp, a famous man to include, would be Milton Friedman, the noted Chicago School professor; along with Friedman, there would be his supporters, including the Chairmen of the University. On the side of the protagonist, Mario Savio, noted civil rights activist. During the debate, the students make remarks in support of the Cuban state. Some of the students report them to the FBI and the University asks them to leave.
1123 days ago | 1 Thumb-up
Wow thanks, that sounds like a really viable way to initiate their dismissal from the university. I'll get into researching some more on some of those specific individuals.
The Berkeley Bhikkus > Scripted Character Ideas/interactions > Opening scene Since the film relies heavily on the two main actors being able to interact and masquerade themselves as these students in front of real people, it may get challenging to capture provacative characters, or encourage character development in the main players. As such, the film's three acts will need to also utilize some charasmatic, or at the very least, engaging, persons that were apart of the time. They can be made up, or historical figures to include in the film, just don't go too wild with that freedom(i.e. they're not going to meet JFK, or Picasso; think about who were prolific figures in California during the 1960's-70's). You can suggest one-off characters for a particular location, or even develop a recurring/consistent third or fourth character if they fit into the main story somehow.
All suggestions will be considered, but the shots with the most responses will be considered for inclusion, and those individuals can expect to be contacted to further develop said ideas with the crew. Thanks, and happy wrecking!
1123 days ago | 5 Comments | 1 Thumb-up
You've expressed an interest in starting of the movie at the UC Berkley campus. I just want to throw out a vehicle for their dismissal from the University. As UC Berkley was a melting pot of political ideas, I think that the first scene should be at a political debate on President Johnson's recently introduced "War on Poverty". Many deemed this a communist idea. So, as with all major political changes, discussion occurs. On the one side, the die-hard capitalists, of the laissez-faire school of economics. On their camp, a famous man to include, would be Milton Friedman, the noted Chicago School professor; along with Friedman, there would be his supporters, including the Chairmen of the University. On the side of the protagonist, Mario Savio, noted civil rights activist. During the debate, the students make remarks in support of the Cuban state. Some of the students report them to the FBI and the University asks them to leave.
The Berkeley Bhikkus > Script Writer Needed! > A writer Your goal:
To create an effective outline that tells the story of how two priviledged students lose their role in society, and must elicit a new ones until they find their new purpose/life by the end. There should be historical inferences, but it shouldn't be heavy handed(i.e. Yes, the hippie generation is happening, but we don't need hippies as every side character). Shots should be a concise, and easy to follow outline that ranges from ACT 1 through ACT 3.
If your story build is engaging enough, you will be relegated as the main writer for the production, working with at least two sub-writers who have agreed to help here from California. Since the film leaves a lot of room for improv(comedy and dramatic) you don't have to overkill yourself with any dialogue yet(unless you want to include it).
For a reference on the locales of each act already desired please see the Alternative/New Locations Task.
Best regards,
A.L.
1123 days ago | 0 Comments | 1 Thumb-up
I'd love to help. I've read the description of the film and have a few ideas for the script.
The Berkeley Bhikkus > Scripted Character Ideas/interactions > Character suggestion... by: Mark Back
I love the sound of this movie, the concept sounds great and genuinely original...
I have studied the counter culture movement for my degree and there is a wealth of characters and situations to draw from...
One that springs to mind immediately would be William Burroughs, he had a great persona, with his distinctive build and wide brimmed hat not to mention his voice. He also has a lot of mystique and mythos surrounding him. He was also influential as a beat author in the 50's and as part of the counter culture in the 60's...he has links with Mexico as he spent a lot of time there, I'm pretty sure it was there that he killed his wife...
His piece "Words of advice for young people" could be used, and he could be a recurring figure offering sagely and wise, yet ammoral and obtuse advice...
He is also quite a major cult figure even today so associating his name with your production could draw attention....he often featured as a character in his own and his contempories stories and novels, frequently under the pseudonym "William Lee"
More here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Burroughs
Hope that helps in some way.
Thanks,
Mark
1129 days ago | 1 Thumb-up
Yes, anything from the beat or counter-culture movement would definitely be included in some way. I don't know whether that will take on a less obvious approach with homages to Tom Wolfe, or Ken Kacey, or be a bit more obvious with some character cameos I'd like to drop in such as a Hunter Thompson-esque anarcho-socialist, or a group oddly familiar to The Grateful Dead. Thanks for the input Mark!
