Abraham Barrie

RUFFNECKS SCRIPT COVERAGE TITLE: ​Ruffnecks AUTHOR​: Silena Fuller PAGES: ​67 GENRE:​ ​Drama FORMAT: ​TV Pilot PROJECT RECOMMENDATION: ​RECOMMENDED DATE: ​24/07/2020 Script Analyst:​ Abraham Barrie Score Sheet Excellent Premise X Storyline X Structure X Character Dialogue Good Fair Poor X X Logline The last name written in a secret book of successions will determine who will become the Don after the recent death of the principal gangster. Thus, the power struggle with endless deadly conflicts and hidden revelations will involve the survival of the strongest. Feedback RUFFNECKS is an attractive proposal, very well executed by its author, who gradually deciphers a criminal intricacy in an engaging, subtle and vibrant way. We are facing a very RUFFNECKS SCRIPT COVERAGE interesting approach in terms of attraction for the audience since it faithfully represents one of the most relevant and appreciated topics by the general public: the gangsters. The script for this pilot episode quickly achieves what it sets out to do, and pressures the reader to continue reading through an overwhelming start. The first pages are vital to the life expectancy of a script and in this case the author manages to inject a powerful initial dose of adrenaline that provokes the maximum attention of the viewer. One of the elements that stands out and is maintained throughout practically the entire narration is the use of tension as a common thread. From the first moment, story shelters us and warns of the arrival of an imminent danger. This factor promotes constant alertness, which inevitably has an addictive effect. When we are cornered at a point of no return, the reader unconsciously accentuates his immersion in the narrative; therefore, in a few first pages the script achieves the greatest objective of all during the first act: to impact and maintain general interest. In addition, the contrast between the two initial characters forms an empathetic balance, generating an emotional bond from the beginning without hardly knowing the characters and, therefore, achieves the effect of compassion for their death. These characteristics are repeated in the course of the series as it is surrounded by a mysterious halo that aims to indicate the existence of some secret to be discovered, and so it increases the curiosity of the audience and maintains it continuously thanks to its dynamic rhythm. The author manages to adapt the story to the genre’s narrative style, and it seems to indicate at every moment ​"I know something that you don't know yet"​, a very characteristic impression of David Fincher's works. Taking a closer look at the structure, the script rests on the characteristic foundations of the gangster genre, in which choral activity becomes an essential element of the narrative. Thus, the story is guided by various storylines that transmit stimulus after stimulus to continue the dynamic thriller. As we discussed earlier, the script always seeks to 'hold the gun in hand' and keep the reader on the alert. This can be seen again in the discovery of the naked corpses, the same ones that pose one of the great unknowns of the chapter. In relation to the characters, the construction of them is very well done. Despite having a great set and different storylines, all of them keep up and generate interest thanks for the most part to the characters charisma involved in each scene. Perhaps, as a suggestion, sometimes it can give the feeling of repetition in actions or behaviors of some characters, in terms RUFFNECKS SCRIPT COVERAGE of development -for example, Gino- which avoids his internal advance during the chapter. That is, as we are analyzing the pilot chapter, it must be remembered that it is the only moment in the entire series in which ​the arc of the protagonists can be seen completely, even for a short time, in order to provide an idea of ​the true identity of the character- the one that will be revealed as the seasons pass-. So, perhaps pushing characters to make ​high-contrast decisions with their apparent personality would be a good starting point to reveal the "internal journey" they will take. For example, in House of Cards -in the small initial teaser- the character of Frank Underwood -a neat, elegant man- shows us the characteristics that will define him in the course of the season gradually with just a small scene: sacrificing a dog with his own hands and cold blood, as he speaks to the audience. Since then, we are aware that Frank Underwood hides a different personality, there is a hidden secret in his identity that will be revealed to us little by little. Another better known example is the character of Jaime Lannister, in Game of Thrones. In that case, we do not know his level of evil until that brief moment in which -after being discovered while having sexual relations with his sister- he throws little Bram down the tower saying the phrase that would define him through the rest of the series: ​“Things what I do for love."​. In regard to this story, perhaps ​appropriating each character with a key moment that defines their subsequent revelation in the series is a good idea to shape the arc that they cover to the end. On the other hand, the contribution of ironic touches plays an essential role in creating recognizable and empathetic characters that foster connection with the audience and fit into the established context. The dialogues become genuine and natural interactions that allow a fluid and engaging reading of the script. Very good work. Also, it would be a good idea to give each important character a permanent internal dilemma. In terms of story we already have the hook -the great question that the series raises for us and that will make us return to it-: Who will be the successor? A question that encourages us to want to get an answer. But on the other hand, ​what answers do we need to resolve from our characters to return to them? What fears must they overcome? What internal dilemmas will they face? It is always a good idea to contribute various dimensions to the characters in order to give them greater complexity and interest. In television series, characters must have a permanent dilemma that is never solved -unlike in RUFFNECKS SCRIPT COVERAGE movies-. For instance, in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer series, the protagonist is a young girl who wants to be a cheerleader and lead a happy life in high school, but who, on the contrary, has to kill vampires every week. It's an unsolvable dilemma that lingers throughout the series and makes us wonder: When will Buffy achieve her purpose of being a normal girl? ​The answer is never​, so we want to keep watching chapter after chapter. In Orange is the new black: Will Piper ever figure it out her sexuality and make it out of prison? ​Permanent dilemma​, because she never does. Therefore, providing an unsolvable dilemma to each character brings a greater attachment to the character because, apart from solving any main dilemma in the series, they will have to face their own dilemmas, the one that will make us even more interested in them. This suggestion serves to add to any protagonist character, however, depending on the author's intentions, it could be implemented in the pilot or later. In any case, perhaps this can help complement the development of the characters and their roles in the series. However, I would like to highlight the magnificent work in terms of creation and continuity in the different character’s storylines that the author has achieved. In terms of story resolution, I find the decisions made by the author perfectly executed and above all, according to the dramatic coherence of the story. The narration has a very clear, direct and powerful voice that enhances the tense moments of each scene and easily infects the reader. Finally, the ending is shocking, powerful and fulfills its mission: ​to make us want to see the next episode.​ Perfect. In short, we are facing a brilliant exercise in suspense that transmits a certainty in the story it tells, with charismatic characters who support the weight of the narration and invite us to continue reading. As suggestions, delve into the unsolvable dilemmas of each leading character to bring greater interest in their future in the series and briefly show the arc that will determine the real identity of the characters, those for whom the story will take one direction or another. In the pilot episode everything has to happen, it is an all or nothing and in this case, the script manages to live up to its potential. Congratulations, splendid work. Email:​- RUFFNECKS SCRIPT COVERAGE