Jay Paterson
Episode 4 - "There's Something About Leila" - Out Now
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Post by Jay Paterson on Jul 26, 2021 12:55:31 GMT -6
So I have completely mapped out the finale episode of the first season of Paradise Lost on my phone. Usually I type it out in a Word document but, for some reason I was inspired at 3am when I couldn't sleep, and used the closest device. Of course it's divided under 3 different notepad files, because my phone would only allow so many characters under one notepad. But, this got me thinking, am I the only one who has ever used an unusual method to map out an episode of their series? What's your weirdest media used? I'm so excited we are this much closer to reading the season 1 finale! I use my notes on my phone a lot, I would say most of my planning is mapped out on word but before it reaches there it's almost all mapped out on my phone notes. Only due to the fact my inspo hits me as I'm about to sleep, during the night or even when I'm out and about. But it's a handy tool to have.
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Jay Paterson
Episode 4 - "There's Something About Leila" - Out Now
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Post by Jay Paterson on Jul 2, 2021 16:11:58 GMT -6
I've been binging Good Girls this past month and I'm currently on season three. But I've just found out that it's been canceled and won't be returning for a fifth and final season. Now I don't know if I even want to start season four because if it ends on a cliffhanger I don't know what I'm going to do. Stupid NBC! There are four episodes left and they haven’t announced the name of the finale so I’m hoping they’ve had time to wrap it up. But seeing as I’m already watching this season, I’ll let you know if it’s worth watching.
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Jay Paterson
Episode 4 - "There's Something About Leila" - Out Now
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Post by Jay Paterson on Jun 23, 2021 19:44:06 GMT -6
S01E04: THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT LEILA Place We Were Made by Maisie PetersWe Used To Be Friends by The Dandy Warhols
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Jay Paterson
Episode 4 - "There's Something About Leila" - Out Now
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Post by Jay Paterson on Jun 23, 2021 18:37:09 GMT -6
S01E03: I DID IT HIGH WAY Hey Ya! by OutkastMy Way by Frank Sinatra
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Jay Paterson
Episode 4 - "There's Something About Leila" - Out Now
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Post by Jay Paterson on Jun 23, 2021 18:06:30 GMT -6
"Staff Unwanted" | REVIEWAlright, episode two of Dropouts! Again, so excited to be starting this show! I really love the comedic timing you have here. The car scene with Dylan and Riff was hilarious. The Rocky references and then that damned song starts playing at the absolute worst time! I actually chuckled out loud reading that. Very funny stuff. Also Dylan's step dad welcoming him home with a "Sorry You Lost Your Scholarship" banner was genius. haha! I really enjoyed Dylan's interactions with his family at dinner. Even though Ronald seems like a total goofball it seems Dylan really appreciates him and listens to what he has to say. That little moment we got of Dylan looking at the picture of his dad was nice. A small moment but it gives us a little insight into Dylan's past. Not sure if his dad has passed away or is just out of the picture but I'm sure we'll find out. I also like that he's taking initiative and actively going out to look for work instead of letting his situation get the best of him for too long. That interview at the tea shop did not go well. HAHA Tayna was brutal as hell. Dylan really doesn't want to fess up to Leila. Probably due to embarrassment and not wanting his crush of however many years know that he's got kicked out. I can only see her finding out the truth some day soon if she doesn't know already and I'm wondering how she's going to react. Either way, I'm looking forward to seeing more between those two. And Riff as well, with them all working at the same place. The reason for Dylan getting hired was a little convenient but that's just how these things go. HAHA! Caught masturbating in the bathroom. Jesus. I'm really love this show so far. Can't wait to read more! Thank you, Jamison. It's always nerve-wracking putting these episodes out there without me being the only one reading jokes and the punchlines. So hearing that you are enjoying them and that the timing is working for you and generating real laughter is such a delight. It's funny, that was not what I was going for originally between Ron and Dylan but it happened naturally and I'm glad it did because it makes for some nice/funny moments later in the series. You'll find out more about Dylan and his relationship with his father during the second half of the 1st season, it really shaped him to be the straight-laced guy we know today. Haha yeah, he was so hopeful before meeting Tanya. Dylan's reasoning to hold back the truth from Leila stems from him always wanting to be able to impress her. He has this college life now and she looks at him in a different way, rather than the nerdy kid next door. It will come out eventually of course but I'll let you keep reading to find out if that leads to any fallout or not. Yes, this was another one of those moments where I was like, comedies like these can have those eye-roll moments but when you add in an employee masturbating in the bathroom and him getting the job being tied into the joke, maybe it's just enough to work. Lol. Thanks again for another review. I'm so happy you're enjoying the series so far.
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Jay Paterson
Episode 4 - "There's Something About Leila" - Out Now
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Post by Jay Paterson on Jun 23, 2021 17:49:16 GMT -6
Dropouts | "F My Life" Review So I was soo excited to see that this series had been airing. I really enjoyed the pitch and pilot you posted years ago and I remembered it for the most part but after rereading it I feel like you made some slight change and it reads even better now. This was a great start to the series. It introduced our main character and his conflict right away. I remember saying the reason why Dylan gets kicked out of college seemed petty before, I don't know if you changed it but it definitely feels more warranted now. That's definitely something I could see a student losing his scholarship over, especially if those pictures were out in the public eye, diminishing the reputation of the university. In terms of your characters, I really enjoyed both of them we get introduced to in this episode. Dylan seems a lot like me prior to joining the Air Force and Riff is like me after. Haha! Somehow right now I'm a solid mix between the two but they're dynamic as friends was very believable and I'm really looking forward to the future shenanigans they're bound to get into. I wonder if Dylan will blame Riff or hold any grudges against him for his current situation. It would be natural of him to do so, as he's the one that convinced him to party that night but the decisions he made were his so we'll just have to see how it all plays out. I very much enjoyed the writing style of the big rave. I'm not sure if you were writing from experience or not but that's definitely how those parties tend to go. Took me back haha! But I was able to visualize everything really well and you painted a very nice, clear picture. But anyway, I can't wait to get into this series more as it's one I've been eager to see for a while now. Congrats on getting it off the ground and I look forward to reading more! I told you I'd get it off the ground at some point. Even if it did take me about 5 years. Lol. Serious though, the support you and the others showed during the pitch stage was awesome and it really helped form the outcome of the first two episodes so it would have been a shame not to be able to share them with you guys at some point. Yeah, the reason for Dylan being booted out of college changed ALOT! I don't even remember the original scenario. It was hard to find something comical that didn't feel like an overreaction on the Dean's part. I think what I landed on works best although I personally think it can seem a little over the top. But I just think, it's a comedy show with ridiculous scenarios, it allowed sometimes. Haha! So they are both relatable to you. That's good news. It's a great dynamic to write having them both be so opposite and I'm stoked its reads believably. It's funny you say that he could totally hold Riff accountable, although it's not his initial reaction. But you might see these cracks showing down the line when they navigate their contrasting personalities through their adulthood. Maybe subconsciously, but I'm usually far too drunk to remember those nights. I'm delighted it read well, it's always my worry that people can't visualise the scene I'm trying to paint. Thanks for taking the time to read and review, Jamison! I really appreciate it and looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the rest.
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Jay Paterson
Episode 4 - "There's Something About Leila" - Out Now
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Post by Jay Paterson on Jun 23, 2021 17:25:56 GMT -6
REVIEW - 1.01 'F My Life' & 1.02 'Staff Unwanted'
So, finally I have found some time to review some V.S. It has really been a minute since I was able to do that, and I am excited to start with Dropouts. I had to go back and reread the Pilot because it's been a hot minute since I last read it. What I remember from the initial Pilot was how excited I was for this series. You have such a great sense of humor and it's great how you're able to translate that into your work. I love the interactions between Dylan and Riff, definitely a ying and yang relationship. I have had friendships like that where, not only do we challenge each other, but we also help each other grow. This is seen by how more relaxed Dylan gets during Spring Break compared to his college self. It's nice to see two characters who couldn't be more opposite because you know from their initial interactions that the story possibilities are endless. And that's what going to keep the series interesting. I love the cuts of the scenes. It really adds to the comedic timing of the series. This is seen when Dylan makes his drunken phone call and the Dean and his family. I am a sucker for any series or film that slips the title into it somehow. Examples: While You Were Sleeping... Hope Floats... Yes, I realize I am naming off Sandra Bullock films, but they're also examples of films that slipped the title into the script. I love how you were able to do that in the final moments of Dropouts. For me in just ties everything together. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts, Darrin. I really appreciate it. Dylan and Riff are totally opposite but they work. Similar to you, I have had friends whose personalities conflict with mine off the bat, but they turn into great friendships. Down the line, we will get to see the origins of Dylan and Riff but for now, we will see how they navigate life as adult friends and if that contrast will hold up as they've grown. The number of versions I had of those cut scenes. I must have scripts kicking about with lots of different scenarios. I'm happy you liked it as it was one of the hardest parts of the script to decide on. Especially the drunken phone call. I'm also a fan of movies that do that, so I thought a slomo, voice-over monologue was the best way to end it. Haha! Yeah Riff is the instigator and I don't think he means to be the bad influence but this does lead to him having to console his best friend with a movie quote pep talk, which you'll find is his speciality throughout the series. The banner scene always gets great feedback and I'm quite fond of it myself. I still chuckle thinking about it. Thank you, that's a huge compliment. Although this is primarily a comedy, I never find myself getting into comedies that don't involve a hint of drama throughout. I feel like pulling in these real-life elements can make for some sweet moments which stops it from becoming sketch-like. I'm chuffed that you appreciate the contrast and the cuts are working well. Yeah, she's totally a one-off character. It was supposed to be a running theme that Dylan would meet these one-off characters that push him forward in his journey. So in episode three, he'll have another encounter but I didn't quite manage to squeeze one into episode 4. But both Leila and Riff get more screentime in that one so it was worth it. It's nice to see that the guest star appearances have you laughing also. Thanks again, Darrin. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the next bunch of episodes.
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Jay Paterson
Episode 4 - "There's Something About Leila" - Out Now
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Post by Jay Paterson on Jun 16, 2021 18:05:44 GMT -6
1.03 "Everyone's on Strings" - Review
An episode with some answers. Over the past couple of episodes, Asher has come to the forefront of the series and I really enjoy diving into his storyline. His interactions with Miles was what I found most interesting about the episode and the approach taken to help Asher come to grips with magic. We find out more about Asher's back story and his life outside of this new world and Miles really breaks it down for him why that may be holding him back. It was nice to see Miles properly mentor rather than asking them to do things and offered a new dynamic that I'm interested in exploring. We're already on episode three and Asher is finding himself at a crossroads, is learning magic really for him? The passion is there but he's lacking where his peers are excelling which is causing doubts. It's nice to see that he can still turn to Meredith even if she does know the whole truth.
Although only a short scene, I'm excited to have learned more about Link, a personal trainer with a passion for photography. It plays into Miles conversation with Asher as both Link and Evie are creatives, they are already wired differently. As usual, Evie is a blast to read and it's funny to see her just dive headfirst to learning magic on her own and expand on what she has already learned. Although I feel like may cause some issues when it comes to going out on the field. She comes across as cocky at times and overconfidence might bite her in the ass. She's definitely a firey character which I love, it's a nice contrast to the quieter Link.
With taking the advice from Miles he finally takes a step forward with his magic, even if it isn't as impressive as he thinks, Miles will continue to lead him down the right path. This leads to Miles coming clean about what the Guild is and why they have been chosen. It's enough information to be given at this time as we have already been exposed to some of this at the beginning of the series, but there is still so much left to learn which has me excited.
The ending was perfect I can only imagine what you have in store for us.
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Jay Paterson
Episode 4 - "There's Something About Leila" - Out Now
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Post by Jay Paterson on Jun 3, 2021 21:25:02 GMT -6
WARNING: SPOILERS!
1.01 | Town of Darkness
I spent tonight reading your updated draft of episode one and you really did a great job tightening this up and bringing down the page count. The story felt more concise by taking away the witch parts and unnecessary little scenes and solely focusing on saving Harper, the conflict between the sisters and Shannon's dynamic with her new friends.
I've not much more to add to what I've already said about the pilot. It's a great start to a supernatural series and poses lots of questions whilst hinting at larger mythology so I'm excited to dive right on in. Shannon is a standout and Emily is a fast favourite. I can't wait to find out more about these characters.
1.02 | Wolf Moon
My first taste of more Beacon Hallows and it's a good one.
We open on episode 2 shortly after the end of episode 1. Mrs Potts is dead and a sombre Shannon saying her goodbyes. Not gonna lie but the fact that Mrs Potts has the same episode count as Chad and Thad pisses me off...
I am so happy you moved the dream sequence from the pilot to the beginning of this one. It made for a rounder story. Although it was interesting in the pilot, it pushed the story of this episode forward more and ultimately paid off from a quick switcheroo. This episode felt like it was Emily and Shannon's story. They both take centre stage in this one and it was a nice balance between friends who technically should be on opposite sides. I've mentioned how Emily has become a quick favourite of mine and this episode only proves that fact. The scenic visions which introduced Aemilia, an ancestor of Emily who is here to guide her along with a sea of people who have come before them, read incredibly well and I could picture every moment of it. Right down to the dead rising from the cracks of the earth. But this was the catalyst for Emily's story this episode and it's what introduced us to her mother Violet, who in my option had the best line of dialogue in the whole episode - "I’m sure this isn’t the first gun you’ve seen, Cujo." - She will be the driving force between conflict amongst what she believes to be a good and bad and possible conflict between our new-found besties down the line. I cant say I'm a fan of Voilet given the ending but we'll get to that shortly.
It was nice to see Shannon succumb to the full moon. She's not your usual werewolf, she's immortal and has been around a hell of a lot longer than your average wolf so I wasn't sure if a full moon would affect her or even be a weakness. But this poses a few questions? Why hasn't she got this under control yet? Is there more to the story. From her brief interactions with her sister it is mentioned that she has tried to live a normal life, so does that have something to do with it? Has she pushed this side of herself so far back that it controls her and not the other way about. Shannon essentially became out big bad of the episode which wasn't what I was expecting at all. It was nice to see Isobel take a back seat with a few flash appearances because you know that with all of Shannon's issues keeping them busy she is planning something even bigger. Sadly, Harper became the victim yet again but this time of the other sister. Which she seemingly thinks makes them even considering she stabbed Shannon. I guess she's right as neither of them really had control over what they were doing. It was also nice to find out a bit more about Isobel's powers of compulsion and how she controls this.
Matt seems likes a solid guy so far but there are a few things that irk me about him. I feel like I need just a little bit more from him. He is certainly coming out of his shell especially taking all of these new revelations head on whilst being on hand to shoot Shannon anytime she needs to be. Lol. He seems a good friend to Emily, even keeping a secret from her mum as if he knew that he should keep it from her. I think that was a good call. The only parts of Matt that took me out of the story was when he asked Shannon at the lunch table about Vampire blood. It did seem out of the blue and not something I'd expect him to bring up knowing nothing about vampires yet. I think maybe having him mention how strange it was that Harper is making such a miraculous recovery which the doctors can't explain and then Shannon filling in the banks would have made the most sense as she is in the know. The part after this when Shannon is stabbed by Harper and he has her calm down by breathing took me out of it a little bit. You recovered this by having him explain how he knew to do it in the next act, which was nice because I began calling him the wolf whisperer. I think I would have maybe liked to see him take a panic attack earlier on or something that showed me him taking control of his breathing so I could have put two and two together as soon as I saw it instead of it being explained afterwards. It wasn't a big deal though just some food for thought. I do like how comfortable he has been with his weapons in the past two episodes, it seems to run in the family.
Justin's really came into his own in this episode with his one-liners. I'm really looking forward to him getting more screen time and delving into his story. Not too much to say about him right now other than he is a load of fun to read.
With help from Voilet, our gang have devised a plan to trap Shannon before her full moon rampage leads to her killing someone. I enjoyed learning more about the witches and the mythology around this with the bullet, the wolfsbane and hellfire ash and it came together nicely with their plan-- the bait, the witch, the shot, the trap. A well-executed plan which turned out nicely and left for a lovely ending with our core characters and nice backing track. That is until you know what... I mentioned it earlier and I knew I didn't like her. I'm very interested in seeing how this plays out and what type of strain this puts on Emily's relationships. And the teacher is involved?
A great episode, Matthew, so well done. I look forward to reading some more in the coming weeks. Consider me a fan.
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Jay Paterson
Episode 4 - "There's Something About Leila" - Out Now
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Post by Jay Paterson on Jun 3, 2021 18:10:21 GMT -6
Review SPOILERS BEWARE: 1x04 "There's Something about Leila"For starters. Once again at the top of your game when it comes to creating hijinks, and situational dramedy. I love the situations you have Dylan (find) and Riff (put himself in). I'm so happy whenever I read these episodes. It feels like you're finding the characters voices more with every episode that passes. I loved seeing Dylan's (attempted) heroic side, even though you know there's going to be a twist at the end, it's still really fulfilling to see it play out. I enjoyed PI Riff, and all his little Veronica Mars references and that Megaphone, . Leila getting some character development, I can't wait to see what you come up with for why she left and why she came back, and we get a new main character with Courtney, the new awkward and bumbling girl next door. There isn't much to comment on with her just yet, but I'm sure I'll have more to say as the season progresses. I have no negative or little oddities to point out. I think you did great with this one (clap) (clap), so I'm going to give this episode 10 overflowing Taco's with guac out of 10. Thanks for the kind words Matthew. You reminded me of how fun this episode was to write, but also excruciating getting it on to the page. Hopefully I can get more out soon for your to read.
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Jay Paterson
Episode 4 - "There's Something About Leila" - Out Now
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Post by Jay Paterson on May 26, 2021 16:44:37 GMT -6
REVIEW: "Staff Unwanted" If the premiere was the drunk, no inhibitions, do and say what you want type of a night out, this second episode was the sobering, back-to-reality wake up call that usually follows and it allowed us to get a deeper understanding of these characters and this world without the fantasy-type haze a solid night of drinking can provide. The tonal shift was immediately felt in the car ride between Riff and Dylan, and I really appreciated the way it was handled. Riff was able to offer some pretty Rocky-inspired advice that definitely resonated with Dylan's situation, and it was done in such a way that added a level of depth to their dynamic (that would have otherwise felt manic had you condensed it all into the first episode). In fact, both their scenes together in this episode proved that it isn't a one-note dynamic of Dylan being more conservative and reserved with Riff as just the polar opposite and being the "fun one" of the two - there's unravelling layers to them and their relationship that were definitely felt in this outing. It just nice to see that under all the quality banter, and the fun shenanigans, there is such a level of care and affection there and you didn't have to jeopardise one or the other to make it work. Thanks for taking the time to dive into episode 2 of the series. Apologies for the late response I've been meaning to get back to you on this. The contrast in tone from the first episode to now would have felt too abrupt to fit into the pilot alone. I'm happy I took the advice of the reviewers during my pitch to split it into two episodes. having those extra pages allowed me to give more time to Dylan returning home and fleshing out his regretful journey and having those moments to explore the boy's relationships some more. I'm relieved you are seeing more depth to them as the show progresses because that was my biggest worry coming off of the pilot so your comments make me very happy! Thanks. The girl next door trope was how I wanted Leila's character to be introduced, it's how Dylan sees her, that movie type of the perfect girl. It's an image he has built up of her which is why he's projecting this perfect image of himself now, even if that means telling a lie. But the more we learn about Leila we find out there's more depth than that and her real image will come to the surface. The question is when this does, will Dylan tell his truth. At first, the lie was going to come quite early on and rather little consequence but as the stories built It's going to play a bigger part and hopefully have some bigger repercussions down the line. Haha that scene with the "sorry you lost your scholarship" sign was really fun to write. It's probably the only scene I have kept from the original draft of this episode so I'm glad it gave you a chuckle. I couldn't picture anyone other than Toni Collete for this role. I just love her. The plan was to have a high profile actor in each episode as a special appearance, Don Cheadle as the dean in episode 1, Toni Collette here and June Squibb in episode 3 and so on and to have the audience vote someone back for an episode just so I can challenge myself to write them back in. But Episode 4 doesn't have a cameo due to not having enough time. But I still might carry out this idea. Your words are too kind. I've never seen myself as a comedy writing so I'm always questioning if it's coming off slapstick or not even comedic at all but having you confirm that nothing has come across as one-note this far means alot. You're definitely right, although separate they work better together so it was always the plan to release them together. Thanks again for the kind words, Jack. You have made my night. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on Episode 3 and 4. Hopefully it won't be long until I have episode 5 up.
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