Purpose

What are my goals with OTSS 2?

To simply continue the story? Bump up the action? Make it as deep and complicated as I can? Totally head off in a new direction?

I think I want parts of all of the above. Obviously the plot and characters are a priority. The action scenes formulate in my head in between coming up with plot and character. As I go further and further, I sometimes wonder if I'm straying too much. By wanting to focus on the plot and characters so much, I tend to lose out on the events of OTSS 1 and lack continuity. By thinking up ambitious action scenes, I wonder what the focus of the picture actually is. The perfect film would have both of these elements equally, but most, if not all films, usually focus on one or the other. And those that attempt both usually fail.

Perfect explanation ofwhy I need two sequels. By focusing on the plot and character on the second film, I can clear the way for the heavy action in the third film. That's not to say that the third film will be action only - the biggest plot points will probably be saved for the third film. I suppose that's why this is taking so long: I really need to flesh out the backstory and the events of parts two and three in order to complete any one version.

I really want to take the audience on a ride. In the movie world, there aren't a lot of things that equal the experience of watching a damn good character-driven film. Simply put, it's addicting. This is the basic idea of what I wanted for OTSS 2. OTSS 1 provided an interesting set up for the rest of the story. Not from a plot point of view, but from a character point of view. I don't want to spoil anything, but what goes on and what doesn't go on between these characters gives many rich options to where the story can go.

What I have written so far seems a little too basic within those options, and I hope to explore the more original ideas within them as I continue writing.

Often as I write I feel trapped. Trapped by my own story. I've killed off everyone in OTSS 1 except for the protagonist. This really requires that I make up all new characters, with the only link to the first story being Andy. One of the greatest things about a sequel or a trilogy/episodic saga are (in my opinion) the recurrence of characters. Not necessarily the world, the technology, etc., but the individual. For me it's just magic. It works, regardless of where the story takes us. We've grown familiar with the characters, and we're ready to follow them on this new journey.

Unfortunately, most people will never be happy with what the filmmaker puts out, because they have their own vision and expectation of what the film will be. The goal, I suppose, is to avoid that. Make the film so good and realistic in terms of character, that the audience accepts it for what it is.

Some of the coolest things with trilogies are the introduction of characters. For me, a brief introduction, or a subtle mention of the character in one part, then the real introduction as a main character in the next part, is for some reason extremely satisfying. Especially if we're left intrigued by his first introduction. It may not be original, but you get the idea:

In part one, the hero hears of the great legend who saved the universe 50 years ago and is inspired by him... in part two, the legend shows u p and joins the hero's cause to save the universe once more.

These kind of things are what I mean by trapping myself with the story... by killing off everyone in part one, I cannot let the characters drive the plot - they're all dead.

Can I use that to my advantage?

Ahh.

Fortunately I realized this not long after I started OTSS 2. Otherwise I think the story would have been a giant mess at this point. I think the story will keep everyone on their toes. I don't think many people will be expecting the story to go off in the direction I'm planning... or at least I hope this is the case.

I write as if I have thousands of fans... obviously I don't, but it keeps me going. :)
Back to the treatment...