My homework assignment 2 - (Story Concept) - Plot Twist Screenwriting training program – July 2021 (*Read footnote at the end)

[Untitled (for now)] [Reference: Crew 3]

 The crew of professional cat burglars (Mel, Leo, Chris, August and Nat), finally arrive at their secure location. Thanks to Nat the contortionist, who remained hidden in a very small compartment on the boat, they could escape Interpol upon arriving at the city docks. Simple. She snuck out unnoticed and freed them while the cops where distracted with formalities and paperwork, since they were not being closely guarded. They are now countries away from where they were captured.

Now at the mansion there are lots of signs of struggle but not forced entry. Kathe is not home, as they presumed.  They are all stressed, nervous and also scared for Kathe. Nothing makes sense so far. They are always cautions, disciplined, and truth worthy with one another.  They have never failed a job, never had encounters with law enforcement officials and never had competitors in the field. Surely they have many competitors but among the community there is a code of respect once a deal is made… most of the times.

They start checking for clues around the house, in the computer systems (they look hacked and offline), the papers, anything that could give them a lead. Kathe kidnappers –hopefully she is still alive— seem to be also professionals. They are facing capable enemies. But the questions are still unanswered. Where is Kathe? Who kidnapped her? Why they took the package? Fortunately all the enigmas converge on the same path. Solving one, solves the others.

They realize one of the black screens has an intermittent cursor. It suddenly types Press enter. They are reluctant about following this instruction. Everything could be a trap, but since they are still alive they conclude that the people behind this will want to make contact… and maybe some demands. That gives them some relief because it means Kathe might perfectly be alive. With no other choice, Mel approves and Chris presses enter and sits on the computers.

A small window pops up showing Kathe gagged, with a LED TV behind her broadcasting a live concert. They get startled when the huge LED TV of their room turns on –full volume— screening the exact same live transmission. The window disappears and their TV turns off. From the other screens they start receiving blueprints of what looks like a lab facility, and schematics of some equipment. Chris can’t take control of the systems. Everything is being controlled by THEM. THEY finally show an image of a similar package of the one they stole not 2 days ago.

The cursor blinks again and types yes? Press enter.

They all look to Mel, waiting for her approval. Except Leo, who walks in circles grabbing his head. He sweats and pants uncontrollably.

“What’s the matter with you?” asks Mel.

“I’m sorry Mel…”

“What the hell did you do, Leo?” she pushes him.

“This was not supposed to happen.”

“What did we just stole? Damnit!”

“A formul…”

“I cannot fucking believe it.” She yells interrupting him “There is a reason we don’t do pharmaceuticals, always too many private and governmental covert parties interested. That’s why we stick to documents, patents, non-military hardware, art pieces, fancy jewelry and other collectibles.”

“I just wanted our last to be biggest score of our lives...”

“This is the biggest threat to our lives since Bangkok, only this time it came from within the team. NO wonder why the pay was so substantial. I should have inquired more, but I trusted Kathe...” she turns silent and thinks.

Nat drops to the floor in tears. August taps Mel’s shoulder and turns her around to face the screens. The window showing Kathe has popped up again. THEY ask again yes? Press enter.

“Kathe?” Mel wonders “Of course, she had to know. You bastard convinced her to liaise this job and both of you kept the truth from the team?”

Leo nods in fear.

“Fuck you! Now look at her. She was supposed to be safe as far as possible from the fucking field and you just brought the field to her. She must be peeing her favourite dress because all of her dresses are her favourite dresses.”

“Mel, we have to give an answer.” August insists.

“Of course we’re doing this job, you idiots. We’ve got to keep her alive if we want to save her. So press the fucking key. And I’m not done with you Leo.” She pins him to the wall. “Your greedy stunt just made us steal 2 pharmaceuticals in the same week. That’s 2 breaks of our code and the total destruction of our trust. The team and me, your fiancée.”

“We still have to deal with our original client.” Chris adds after pressing enter. “They are expecting the package…”

“Formula! Call it by its name now that we know the fuck up this one made.” Mel interrupts.

“They are…” Chris gulps “expecting the formula by this weekend as accorded. They paid 30% upfront.”

Minutes of silence. The most awful thoughts come to Mel’s mind. Among them she wonders what else they have kept secret. Mel takes the engagement ring off her finger and throws it to the wreckage that is the room.

 ..............Koori

Goal: Save Kathe (more or less the same as in my Goal Switch).

Conflict 1: Find out what happened in order to save Kathe.

Conflict 2 (switch): Do an unwilling against-their-code heist in order to save Kathe, while dealing with Leo’s break of trust.

*(According to the instructor this twist didn’t work as a conflict switch. It was more of a Goal Switch. A conflict is a clash of wills – it’s between somebody and somebody. At least two parties should stand opposite to each other)