The Accident That Changes Everything
How One Event Solved Several Plot Puzzles
So, Seth can flit from movie death to movie death. Where does that ability come from?
Could it be magic?
No. This is NOT Harry Potter.
What about a superpower?
Hmmm. But not like Superman, where he just has it, like a privilege. It’s not earned.
What about Spiderman? An accident…
Yeah - but not in a science lab, it’s been done to death.
A movie set!
Why is Seth Stanley on a movie set?
He’s having a job interview! But not as a stuntman.
He’s there for something boring.
He’s going to be an admin bod!
So, he gets to New Dimension Pictures and he’s a little overwhelmed. It’s a big place, with tons going on. He’s nervous - there’s a lot riding on this. He needs a job!
So - here’s my first attempt to write up how this goes down. It’s some words explaining what happens and some dialogue…. so I guess a script of sorts.
And… action!
Seth opens the door and from the quiet outside is suddenly immersed in film studio chaos. People are talking across each other.
Studio exec: Can I get a pistachio latte with maple cream? Tall. Grande, whatever the biggest one is.
Studio exec 2: I’ll be in my office Thursday, but not Wednesday.
Studio exec 3: it’s the Tron sequel everyone wanted and didn’t get
Above the noise, someone shouts:
Runner: Stiffly? Stan Stiffly?
Seth: Meh. That sounds close enough. Yeah, right here.
Runner: Hmm, you look different to your photo, but whatever. Here’s your ID and your day rate form. Fill this in and hurry, you’re needed on set now.
Seth: is this a mistake? I’m here for an admin interview?
Runner: Steak? On this budget? You’re lucky to get a sandwich man. Now go! They’re waiting for you in costume!
Seth fills the form in
Seth: Ok, but this seems highly unusual…
Seth enters costume dept.
Seth: Uh, hey! Someone gave me this and told me to come here, I think I’m supposed to grab a costume and take it to someone.
Costume bod: Oh hey! You’re the guy! Just take a seat and we’ll get you sorted in a jiffy.
From behind racks of clothing and monster parts:
Costume bod: What size shoe are you?
Seth: Me? Umm, 8.5 I think? Why?
A pair of Frankenstein boot shoes are put down in front of Seth.
Costume bod: Why are you still dressed?
Seth: Um.
Costume bod: Come on, they’re waiting for you!
Make-up dude fusses over Seth.
Make-up dude: How’s the prosthetic?
Seth: I can’t feel my face.
Make-up dude: it’s not your face.
Seth: feels unnecessary for an admin interview
Make-up dude: Honey, I think you’ve been promoted.
Seth is in full Frankenstein monster gear.
Headset dude enters.
Headset dude: Steve Staffley? Is Steve Staffley here?
Seth (mumbling through his mask): Um that’s me. I think.
Headset dude: Great, I’m Rock Thompson. Stunt co-ordinator of Frankenstein In Pieces. Let me talk you through what’s about to happen.
Rock Thompson draws super-complicated play-by-play stunt diagram.
Rock Thompson: So, we’re going to strap you to the table. When we call action, we’re going to fire these industrial lasers at you to simulate a lightning strike. Electricity. Some science shit.
Seth: I thought I’d be filing today.
Rock Thompson: Hell no, we’re doing the falling stunts tomorrow.
Seth is being hoisted onto an altar.
Seth: Aren’t you going to CGI the lightning afterwards?
Rock Thompson: if it wasn’t practical effects, we wouldn’t need an expert stuntman like you
The lasers are being pointed. There are logos and words on the sides of the machines to suggest this is retro government equipment.
Seth: This is totally safe, right?
Rock Thompson: 70% -ish
Seth: But 30% not?
Rock Thompson: Don’t panic, they don’t call you “Safe” Stunley for nothing.
Seth: But I’m not....
Rock Thompson: Green is go
A director: ACTION!
Seth: ..... safe…
Lasers fire at Seth.
A director: and CUT!
The mist clears. Seth has gone.
End scene…
AND….CUT.
That one accident solved far more problems than I realised.
It explained:
where Seth’s power came from
elements of Seth’s character that would lead him to this situation
why he kept turning up in different movies
why his adventures always started on film sets
how the A–Z of Movie Deaths could become one continuous story instead of twenty-six disconnected illustrations
I hadn’t intended to solve all of that in one scene.
I just wanted a decent origin story.
It also opened up some avenues to explore in terms of how the story could pan out (more on that later).
Just like that - Seth was speaking, and moving. Not in the Pixar sense, admittedly, but for the first time, I made words come out of his mouth.
And just as quickly…
dead.
I could hear the words he'd say. And see how easily he got himself into a situation where he died. Luckily for him, it was also the situation that made him immortal.
Seth could die and revive, infinitely. I hadn't yet worked out why that was a terrible thing. Turns out immortality is awesome for a character. It’s bad for a plot.
This isn’t Napoleon Dynamite.
When life isn’t yours to lose, what’s at stake?
I had to give Seth something else. And then find out what happens when I take it away…
Hey - quick word?
If you’re reading along, feel free to let me know in the comments. Tell me what you like or don’t like. Whether you dig what I’m doing or don’t know what the hell I’m talking about - I’d love to say hi!
Tell me your favourite movie or movie death (or both)!
Til next time,
Johnson.
Really enjoyed this, you have a great structure, and images.