Did you see the 2014 Tony Awards Nominations with the unexpected surprise? If not, watch here before reading further: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZ2mifl-7mY
Script Tip: Interrupted Announcer?
What if your character was announcing at an awards show and someone interrupted – how would she or he react? Would they get flustered? Would they find it humorous? Would they remain cool? Here’s another real life example, the 1974 Academy Awards hosted by David Niven: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IIl3zSYL8k
Here’s the exercise:
1. Set a timer for ten minutes.
2. Describe the scenario. For example, your character is Ellen Degeneres trying to take a selfie at the Oscars and the phone won’t work.
3. Write down how your character would react to both to an amusing situation and to a suspenseful one.
4. Then do the same for your Villain.
For a glimpse at how my newest characters handle surprises and hold up under pressure, you’ll need to read The Book of Zev coming out in November.