Josie Monologue

What did you like about this script?

The concept for this script, in its simplicity, was wildly creative and holds true to the popular phrase, “be careful what you wish for.” The writer really did a great job of keep the reader engaged in the narrative with the unpredictability of the wishes and the Josie’s escalated involvement with Stan’s character.

One of the unique aspects of this script was the writer’s ability to present different perspectives on the positive and negative effects of getting everything you wish for through both Will and Josie’s characters.

Though Will makes a point of projecting being a foster kid no longer phases him, deep down there is there is nothing he wants more than to be a part of a real family. While Josie’s character is one hundred percent career driven and focused on landing an anchor position on

the Today show, work is not the only thing she wants from life.

Even before her birthday wish, around page 29, the writer does a good job of establishing that most of the people in Josie’s life, even her former boyfriend, Kevin, rarely see past her television persona.

The only person who seems to see through her from the very being was her cameraman, turned friend, Jim.

Jim’s character also seemed to bring out caring and empathetic side of Josie as she not only finds humility in being a field reporter, but also with the result of her wish putting all eyes on her.

The experience not only gives Josie a new perspective on her career path and the unpleasant, harshness of being in the spotlight she has always craved. It also forces her character to take a step back, re-examine her life and decide not to continue to seek validation in the affections or appeals of others.

What do you think needs work?

The writer incorporates a lot of repeated names for the characters which made it difficult to distinguish the certain characters a different given times and their connection to Josie in the script. For example, in the beginning, the writer shows Josie in a soon to be ended relationship with

Kevin.

Later in the script, the writer then puts Josie on a date with a friend of Jim’s, around page 29 who’s name is also Kevin. Additionally, there was a patron that Josie interviews by the name of Dave, which was also a nickname for her brother, David. At the end of the script, the writer has Jim’s character not only leave the station, but also Los Angels abruptly.

This came across as odd and structurally random in the script because Jim and Josie’s characters became so close. It did not seem characteristically accurate for Jim to just up and leave without even a word or mention of it to her. Perhaps if the writer were to have them have a falling out, a fight or drift apart during the final act, his sudden disappearance would make sense.

Likewise, though Jim gives hints about his attraction to Josie in the script, it seemed unusual that her character never questioned how unaffected, rather immune to her wish prior to it going away. Not only were the two close, the writer insinuates that Josie is forced to reach out to Jim for a level of safety and sanity once the effect and realization of her wish begin to settle. Therefore, how was this possibility not clear to her earlier on?

Lastly, as the candle factory had products that were shipped all over, why does Sebastian make it seem as though the phenomenon had remained local? Moreover, with the creation of the Josie’s televised dating taking over the real coverage of the wishes all over the city, how was still considered the main lead for the story?