INT. SPACESHIP

(set: $WritReputation to +1) You and the GQ journalist hit it off. You talk about old movies and your favourite cinemas in LA. Two hours and four martinis later, they get down to the nitty-gritty. ''JOURNALIST:'' Let’s talk about your film. It’s had rave reviews on the festival circuit and you’ve been hailed as a "sci-fi visionary". For the record, can you tell me exactly how you pronounce the title...? Enter the title of your first film here: (input-box:2bind $FirstFilm,"=XXX=","") [[• That's how you say it.->First Film about]]

(set: $WritReputation to -1) You sit in your booth, staring straight ahead, eating and drinking nothing. The GQ journalist is immediately wary of your cool indifference. ''JOURNALIST:'' Let’s talk about your film. It’s had rave reviews on the festival circuit and you’ve been hailed as a "sci-fi visionary". For the record, can you tell me exactly how you pronounce the title...? Enter the title of your first film here: (input-box:2bind $FirstFilm,"=XXX=","") [[• That's how you say it.->First Film about]]

''JOURNALIST:'' A prescient subject. Now there are rumours that you have another project in the works. //$FirstFilm// was notable for its elaborate creature effects – what can audiences expect this time around? [[• This one has aliens.]] [[• This one has robots.]] [[• This one has mutants.]] [[• Desperately look around Musso & Frank for inspiration.]]

''JOURNALIST:'' Not exactly popcorn-and-choc top stuff. Now there are rumours that you have another project in the works. //$FirstFilm// was notable for its elaborate creature effects – what can audiences expect this time around? [[• This one has aliens.]] [[• This one has robots.]] [[• This one has mutants.]] [[• Desperately look around Musso & Frank for inspiration.]]

(set: $WritEnigma to $WritEnigma +1)''JOURNALIST:'' You have received some attention for what some describe as your "quasi-Marxist" views. [[• I prefer "semi-Marxist".->• Now there are rumours]] [[• There’s nothing inherently Marxist about basic equality.->• Now there are rumours]] [[• There’s nothing political about my films.->• Now there are rumours]] [[• All art is political.->• Now there are rumours]]

''JOURNALIST:'' Yes... I gathered that from all the robots in the film. [[• I just love robots.->• Now there are rumours]] [[• Movies about robots are the best.->• Now there are rumours]] [[• Robots.->• Now there are rumours]]

(set: $Creature to "aliens") ''JOURNALIST:'' Who doesn't love aliens? (if:$WritReputation is 1)[Well, thanks for being so warm and engaging. This was a fun afternoon!] (if:$WritReputation is -1)[Well, thanks for putting up with me this afternoon.] A waiter arrives and places your bill on the table. [[• Pick up the bill.]] [[• Pick up the bill and leave a generous tip.->• Pick up the bill and leave a generous tip. Word travels in this town.]] [[• Leave the journalist to pick up the bill.]] [[• Order lobster to go and leave the journalist to pick up the bill.]]

(set: $Creature to "mutants") ''JOURNALIST:'' Mutants... always ripe with metaphor. (if:$WritReputation is 1)[Well, thanks for being so warm and engaging. This was a fun afternoon!] (if:$WritReputation is -1)[Well, thanks for putting up with me this afternoon.] A waiter arrives and places your bill on the table. [[• Pick up the bill.]] [[• Pick up the bill and leave a generous tip.->• Pick up the bill and leave a generous tip. Word travels in this town.]] [[• Leave the journalist to pick up the bill.]] [[• Order lobster to go and leave the journalist to pick up the bill.]]

You scan the restaurant, the crowd, the food, the wait staff, and spit out the first thing you can think of: [[• This one has... alien lobsters.->Alien lobsters]] [[• This one has... robot waiters.->Robot waiters]] [[• This one has... mutant chefs.->Mutant chefs]] [[• This one has a GQ journalist who asks too many questions.->Too many questions]]

(set: $Creature to "robots") ''JOURNALIST:'' Who doesn't love robots? (if:$WritReputation is 1)[Well, thanks for being so warm and engaging. This was a fun afternoon!] (if:$WritReputation is -1)[Well, thanks for putting up with me this afternoon.] A waiter arrives and places your bill on the table. [[• Pick up the bill.]] [[• Pick up the bill and leave a generous tip.->• Pick up the bill and leave a generous tip. Word travels in this town.]] [[• Leave the journalist to pick up the bill.]] [[• Order lobster to go and leave the journalist to pick up the bill.]]

''JOURNALIST:'' Of course. Now there are rumours that you have another project in the works. //$FirstFilm// was notable for its elaborate creature effects – what can audiences expect this time around? [[• This one has aliens.]] [[• This one has robots.]] [[• This one has mutants.]] [[• Desperately look around Musso & Frank for inspiration.]]

(set: $Creature to "alien lobsters") ''JOURNALIST:'' Can't say I've seen that before. (if:$WritReputation is 1)[Well, thanks for being so warm and engaging. This was a fun afternoon!] (if:$WritReputation is -1)[Well, thanks for putting up with me this afternoon.] A waiter arrives and places your bill on the table. [[• Pick up the bill.]] [[• Pick up the bill and leave a generous tip.->• Pick up the bill and leave a generous tip. Word travels in this town.]] [[• Leave the journalist to pick up the bill.]] [[• Order lobster to go and leave the journalist to pick up the bill.]]

(set: $Creature to "mutant chefs") ''JOURNALIST:'' I have absolutely no idea where you're going with that. (if:$WritReputation is 1)[Well, thanks for being so warm and engaging. This was a fun afternoon!] (if:$WritReputation is -1)[Well, thanks for putting up with me this afternoon.] A waiter arrives and places your bill on the table. [[• Pick up the bill.]] [[• Pick up the bill and leave a generous tip.->• Pick up the bill and leave a generous tip. Word travels in this town.]] [[• Leave the journalist to pick up the bill.]] [[• Order lobster to go and leave the journalist to pick up the bill.]]

(set: $Creature to "robot waiters") ''JOURNALIST:'' Can’t say I’ve seen that before. (if:$WritReputation is 1)[Well, thanks for being so warm and engaging. This was a fun afternoon!] (if:$WritReputation is -1)[Well, thanks for putting up with me this afternoon.] A waiter arrives and places your bill on the table. [[• Pick up the bill.]] [[• Pick up the bill and leave a generous tip.->• Pick up the bill and leave a generous tip. Word travels in this town.]] [[• Leave the journalist to pick up the bill.]] [[• Order lobster to go and leave the journalist to pick up the bill.]]

(set: $Creature to "some sort of bizarre, sci-fi creature in the third act")(set: $WritReputation to $WritReputation-1) ''JOURNALIST:'' I can take a hint. Well... thanks for your time. A waiter arrives and places your bill on the table. [[• Pick up the bill.]] [[• Pick up the bill and leave a generous tip.->• Pick up the bill and leave a generous tip. Word travels in this town.]] [[• Leave the journalist to pick up the bill.]] [[• Order lobster to go and leave the journalist to pick up the bill.]]

(set: $Tip to "notip")''PART 1: THE SCRIPT'' (text-colour:#ff8c00)[For this next part, we recommend exploring ''The Story of the Moving Image'' at ACMI.] [[• Continue.|Meet with writing partner]]

(set: $WritReputation to $WritReputation+1)(set: $Tip to "tip") ''PART 1: THE SCRIPT'' (text-colour:#ff8c00)[For this next part, we recommend exploring ''The Story of the Moving Image'' at ACMI.] [[• Continue.|Meet with writing partner]]

(set: $Tip to "notip")''PART 1: THE SCRIPT'' (text-colour:#ff8c00)[For this next part, we recommend exploring ''The Story of the Moving Image'' at ACMI.] [[• Continue.|Meet with writing partner]]

(set: $WritReputation to $WritReputation-1)(set: $Tip to "notip")''PART 1: THE SCRIPT'' (text-colour:#ff8c00)[For this next part, we recommend exploring ''The Story of the Moving Image'' at ACMI.] [[• Continue.|Meet with writing partner]]

(if: $SecondFilm is "")[When you tell your producers that the film will be known as //Untitled//, they start to hyperventilate. The world might not be ready for your post-structuralist ideas – best come up with an actual title for now. [[• Fine.|Months later title]]](else:)[(set: $showFooter to "true")A year later, you’re getting ready to shoot your $Logline, //$SecondFilm//. The studio’s greenlit a production budget of (text-colour:"green")[''$100 million''], an extraordinary sum for a second-time director. How you spend this money is entirely up to you, but you should keep some handy for any problems that arise during the shoot. You //can// go over budget, because you //might// be able to recoup some cash later... it all depends. [[• Let’s go.]]]

To begin, your casting director brings you a range of options for the role of the $Character – some well-known A-listers, some promising up-and-comers. Remember: big stars draw big crowds. [[• Cast Robert Downey Jr. ($50 million)->RDJ]] [[• Use deepfake technology to cast a young Harrison Ford. ($35 million)->Harrison Ford]] [[• Cast a breakout TV star. ($5 million)->TV star]] [[• Hold open auditions and cast a complete unknown. ($1 million)->YouTuber]]

(set: $Lead to "the breakout TV star")(set:$Popcorn to 1)(set: $Budget to $Budget-5) You cast an up-and-coming actor with only a handful of credits to their name. They really connect with the material, and you argue with the studio heads that, despite their relative anonymity, they’ve got "it". [[• What's next?->Production design]]

(set: $Lead to "the YouTuber")(set: $Popcorn to 0)(set: $Budget to $Budget-1) After sifting through more than 4,000 self-tapes, you come across a prolific YouTuber who looks just right for the part. They even have a few hundred followers! [[• What could go wrong?->Production design]]

(set: $Lead to "deepfaked Harrison Ford")(set: $Popcorn to 2)(set: $Budget to $Budget-35) Harrison Ford’s casting makes the front pages of the trades, and sparks the usual firestorm on social media about the ethics of deepfake technology. [[• You're just getting warmed up.->Production design]]

(set: $Lead to "Robert Downey Jr.")(set: $Popcorn to 3)(set: $Budget to $Budget-50) RDJ’s casting makes the front pages of the trades. Meanwhile, your heads of department begin whispering amongst themselves about your reckless spending. [[• You're just getting warmed up.->Production design]]

You’ve hired a veteran production designer – one of the best in the business – who wants to know your plans for bringing the visual world of your film to life. [[• Shoot entirely on location with painstakingly hand-built sets. ($40 million)->Location]] [[• Shoot entirely in a green screen studio and comp everything in later. ($20 million)->Green screen]] [[• Use a mix of real-world locations, studio sets and green screen. ($30 million)->Mix]]

(set: $Design to "location")(set: $Budget to $Budget-40) Your production designer doesn’t seem convinced. Clearly she means to test your authority. ''PRODUCTION DESIGNER:'' All on location? Maybe I could call my mate Herbert Pinter for some advice. You know who Herbert Pinter is, don't you? [[• Herbert Pinter was production designer on //Mystery Road: Origin//.->Location correct]] [[• Herbert Pinter was production designer on //Picnic at Hanging Rock//.->Location wrong]] [[• Herbert Pinter was production designer on //Round the Twist//.->Location wrong]] [[• Trick question. Herbert Pinter was an English playwright.->Location trick]]

(set: $Design to "studio")(set: $Budget to $Budget-20) Your production designer doesn’t seem convinced. Clearly she means to test your authority. ''PRODUCTION DESIGNER:'' A full green screen job? I was thinking Galina Balashova could be a good reference for the interiors. You know who Galina Balashova is, don't you? [[• Galina Balashova made the alien in //Alien//.->Green screen wrong]] [[• Galina Balashova was a Soviet-era space architect.->Green screen correct]] [[• Galina Balashova helped design the spinners in //Blade Runner//.->Green screen wrong]] [[• Trick question. Galina Balashova was a ballerina.->Green screen trick]]

(set: $Design to "mix")(set: $Budget to $Budget-30) Your production designer doesn’t seem convinced. Clearly she means to test your authority. ''PRODUCTION DESIGNER:'' A mix of location and studio, hey? I could look back at how people like Syd Mead made this kind of thing work. You know who Syd Mead is, don't you? [[• Syd Mead was lead animator on //The Lego Movie.//->Mix wrong]] [[• Syd Mead was an industrial designer who worked on //Blade Runner.//->Mix correct]] [[• Syd Mead was a Soviet-era space architect.->Mix wrong]] [[• Trick question. Syd Mead ran a brewery.->Mix trick]]

(set: $ProdCinephile to $ProdCinephile+1)''PRODUCTION DESIGNER (smiling):'' That's right. Looks like you know your stuff. I'm excited for this gig. [[• Glad to have you on board.->VFX]]

(set: $ProdReputation to $ProdReputation-1) You vehemently insist that Galina Balashova was star performer with the //Ballets Russes// in the 1910s. Your production designer walks off, shaking her head. [[• Why must you be surrounded by doubters and luddites?->VFX]]

Later that week, you come across your visual effects supervisor and special effects make-up designer arguing in the production office cafeteria. They demand to know your plans for depicting the $Creature in the third act of the film. [[• Tennis balls on sticks – then do it all with CGI. ($10 million)->Tennis balls]] [[• Actors in motion capture suits rendered in post-production. ($30 million)->Mocap]] [[• Actors in full-body prosthetic make-up. All practical, no digital. ($20 million)->Prosthetics]] [[• No VFX or SFX – they look just like humans. It’s a metaphor. ($0)->Metaphor]]

(set: $VFX to "tennis balls")(set: $Budget to $Budget-10) ''VFX SUPERVISOR:'' I still want to make sure the creatures look convincing. Maybe I'll reach out to some old friends at Animal Logic. You know Animal Logic, yeah? [[• The Australian Studio who created //Little J and Big Cuz//?->Tennis balls wrong]] [[• The New Zealand studio who created //The Lego Movie//?->Tennis balls wrong]] [[• The Australian studio who created //The Lego Movie//?->Tennis balls correct]] [[• The guys who made //Merriweather Post Pavilion//?->Tennis balls trick]]

(set: $VFX to "mocap")(set: $Budget to $Budget-30) ''VFX SUPERVISOR:'' That's tricky stuff. Some of my friends work at Blizzard, and they're doing amazing research into facial motion-capture technology. You know Blizzard? [[• The video game company who made //Unpacking//?->Mocap wrong]] [[• The video game company who made //Heavenly Bodies//?->Mocap wrong]] [[• The video game company who made //Overwatch//?->Mocap correct]] [[• Isn't a Blizzard sort of like a McFlurry?->Mocap trick]]

(set: $VFX to "prosthetics")(set: $Budget to $Budget-20) ''SFX MAKE-UP DESIGNER:'' Alright, I'll start putting together some references. You're familiar with the work of Ryan Griffen and Jacob Nash? [[• Concept creator and production designer on //Mystery Road: Origin//?->Prosthetics wrong]] [[• Concept creator and production designer on //Cleverman//?->Prosthetics correct]] [[• From Odd Studio, who worked on //Mad Max: Fury Road//?->Prosthetics wrong]] [[• From Crosby, Stills, Griffen, Nash & Young?->Prosthetics trick]]

(set: $VFX to "metaphor")(set: $ProdEnigma to $ProdEnigma+1) Your VFX supervisor and SFX make-up designer share a confused look, then kick back and relax in the cafeteria for the rest of the day with nothing to do. ''VFX SUPERVISOR:'' Hey, you're the boss. [[• Damn right I am.->Night before]]

It’s the night before the shoot (if: $Budget >=20)[and the budget’s looking good. You’ve still got $$Budget million left in the bank.](if: $Budget <0)[and you’re already $(print: $Budget*(-1)) million over budget. Your producer’s been deflecting calls from the studio all day.](if: $Budget is 0)[and you've spent every single dollar in your budget. Kind of impressive, really.](if: $Budget > 0 and $Budget <20)[and the budget’s looking tight. You’ve only got $$Budget million left in the bank.] During your evening meditation, you get a call from a private number. It’s a wealthy lobbyist (if: $Theme is "climate") [from a fossil fuel consortium] (if: $Theme is "technology") [from one of the big four tech companies] who wants to put money into your film. On one condition... [[• What’s the catch?]]

The lobbyist is uncomfortable with your script’s depiction of (if: $Theme is "climate") [the "delicate" science around the current climate "situation".] (if: $Theme is "technology") [the "nuanced" future of "human-machine interfacing".] If you’d be willing to tone it down a little, make it less political, they’d be happy to invest an additional (text-colour:"green")[''$40 million''] in your film. [[• Tell them your movie’s not for sale and hang up the phone.]] [[• Tell them that’s great feedback and gladly accept the money.]] [[• Say you’ll change the script and take the money – with your fingers crossed behind your back.]] [[• Say it’ll cost them $80 mil instead.]]

(set: $ProdInnovation to $ProdInnovation+1)(set: $Investor to "false")After hanging up, you hold a perfect crow pose for another 17 minutes, glide into bed and sleep like a baby. Tomorrow's the big day. [[• My mind is ready, my body is ready.->PART 3: PRODUCTION]]

(set: $Investor to "true")(set: $Budget to $Budget+40) The lobbyist chuckles, saying they’re looking forward to working with you... "partner." Then they hang up. [[• You’ve gotta make compromises in this business sometimes.->PART 3: PRODUCTION]]

(set: $Investor to "true")(set: $Budget to $Budget+40) The lobbyist says you’ll have the money tomorrow... but they’ll be keeping their eye on you. [[• Sounds ominous. Oh well!->PART 3: PRODUCTION]]

(set: $Investor to "false")The lobbyist laughs and hangs up on you. You twist your ankle attempting extended tree pose and hobble off to bed. [[• It was worth a shot.->PART 3: PRODUCTION]]

''PART 3: THE SHOOT'' (text-colour:#ff8c00)[For this next part, we recommend visiting the Australian cinema section in ''The Story of the Moving Image''.] [[• Aaaaand... action!->Mutiny]]

''PART 2: PRE-PRODUCTION'' (set: $SecondFilm to 0)(text-colour:#ff8c00)[For this next part, we recommend reading about visual effects, production design and set design in ''The Story of the Moving Image''.] [[• Continue.->Months later title]]

It’s Week 2 of principal photography on //$SecondFilm// and things are a bit bumpy. (if: $Lead is "Robert Downey Jr.") [Robert Downey Jr. refuses to leave his trailer] (if: $Lead is "deepfaked Harrison Ford") [82-year-old Harrison Ford is struggling with some of the stunt work] (if: $Lead is "the breakout TV star") [Your fresh-faced TV star keeps forgetting their lines] (if: $Lead is "the YouTuber") [Your YouTube sensation is mixed up in an online troll farm scandal] and the rest of the cast (if: $Design is "location") [have gotten sunstroke from long days in the blazing sun on location.] (if: $Design is "studio") [keep complaining about acting in front of nothing but a green void.] (if: $Design is "mix") [keep whispering about your relative inexperience.] It feels like a mutiny is brewing. What do you do? [[• Fire and rehire the entire cast. ($5 million)->Fire and rehire]] [[• Double the catering budget. ($20 million)->Double catering]] [[• Deflect the negative attention by leaking a rumour to //Variety// about your lead actor. ($0)->Spread rumour]] [[• Deliver a rousing speech about the power of cinema. ($0)->Rousing speech]]

(set: $Popcorn to 0)(set: $Budget to $Budget-5)(set: $Mutiny to "fire")(set: $Lead to "the non-actor") You scorch the earth and re-cast your film with unknown non-actors from a nearby town. The head of the studio financing your film is admitted for triple bypass heart surgery. [[• He’ll live.->Post-mutiny]]

(if: $Screening is "nice")[You book out a full cinema complex for a luxurious, private screening of your favourite Australian film, hoping to convey to your cast and crew what you wish to accomplish with //$SecondFilm//.](if: $Screening is "bad")[Your cast and crew cram into your trailer with a single bag of popcorn to go round. A few others watch through the windows from outside.] What movie are you showing them? [[• George Miller’s //Mad Max// (1979)->• George Miller’s Mad Max (1979)]] [[• Nadia Tass’s //Malcolm// (1986)->• Nadia Tass’s Malcolm (1986)]] [[• Leah Purcell’s //The Drover’s Wife// (2021)->• Leah Purcell’s The Drover’s Wife (2021)]] [[• Ridley Scott’s //Blade Runner// (1982)->• Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner (1982)]]

(set:$ProdReputation to $ProdReputation-1)(set: $Mutiny to "rumour")(if: $Lead is "Robert Downey Jr.") [The next day, //Variety// reports that Robert Downey Jr., a noted pescatarian, has been guzzling ribs in your catering tent. His lawyers file a libel lawsuit, costing you $20 million, but RDJ agrees to stay on the project. He’s a professional, after all. (link: "• Yikes.")[(set: $Budget to $Budget-20)(goto: "Post-mutiny")]] (if: $Lead is "deepfaked Harrison Ford") [The next day, an unnamed source in the //Hollywood Reporter// labels Harrison Ford a "diva", who is "only on set for 30 minutes a day" and "eats all the red jelly snakes". Ford quits in retaliation, but you realise you have enough footage of his face that you can finish the movie without him. (link: "• Easy come, easy go.")[(goto: "Post-mutiny")]](if: $Lead is "the breakout TV star") [The next day, //Deadline// reports that your breakout TV star has been LYING about their HEIGHT and got LEG EXTENSIONS after they were FIRED from the MICKEY MOUSE CLUB. The young actor decides they can’t handle life in the spotlight, quitting your film and the industry altogether. You're forced to hire a non-actor from a nearby town to fill the part. (link: "• You need thicker skin than that in this game.")[(set: $Lead to "the non-actor")(goto: "Post-mutiny")]](if: $Lead is "the YouTuber")[The next day, multiple industry outlets report that your YouTube star is at the heart of an international cryptocurrency scam. When you spread these rumours, you don’t realise that they're completely true. Your lead actor is indicted and held without bail, costing you $20 million dollars in delays and forcing you to recast your main role with a non-actor from a nearby town. (link: "• Why have you forsaken me, film gods?")[(set: $Budget to $Budget-20)(set: $Lead to "the non-actor")(goto: "Post-mutiny")]]

(set: $ProdEnigma to $ProdEnigma+1)(set: $Mutiny to "speech")You stand atop one of the catering tables and address your beleaguered cast and crew through a megaphone. You say that storytelling is a sacred duty, one that binds you together regardless of rank or title. You say it's our duty to imagine tomorrow, so that when future generations step into that tomorrow, they might recognise the road ahead. A single tear rolls down $Lead's cheek before your entire cast and crew erupt in thunderous applause. [[• That did the trick.->Post-mutiny]]

The next week on set, there’s a problem with your $Creature. (if: $VFX is "tennis balls") [One of your actors is complaining that they can’t forge an emotional connection with the tennis balls on sticks. [[• Tell them to use their imagination like a good NIDA graduate. ($0)->Shut up NIDA]] [[• Hire WETA workshop to construct elaborate animatronics instead. ($20 million)->WETA]]](if: $VFX is "mocap")[Your mo-cap actors are giving such nuanced facial performances that your VFX supervisor is worried it’s impossible to translate them via CGI. [[• Make ‘What Would Gollum Do?’ t-shirts and hand them around to the VFX team to lighten the mood. ($0)->Gollum shirts]] [[• Ask James Cameron to come on board as technical advisor. ($20 million)->James Cameron]]](if: $VFX is "prosthetics")[Your actors in full-body latex suits are fainting under the lights and their facial prosthetics are peeling off mid-take. [[• Extend the shooting schedule to allow longer breaks for your actors. ($10 million)->Extend schedule]] [[• Scrap the prosthetics and go full CGI instead. (recoup $10 million)->Scrap prosthetics, go CGI]]](if: $VFX is "metaphor") [Nobody seems clear on who is supposed to be human and who is supposed to be one of the $Creature. Anarchy and confusion reigns. [[• Tell them that’s the whole point.]] [[• Tell them that’s the whole entire goddamn point.]]]

(set: $MovieNight to "Mad Max")(set:$ProdReputation to $ProdReputation+1) Some of your younger cast and crew have never seen the original //Mad Max//. The gritty practical effects! The minimalist worldbuilding! (if: $Screening is "nice")[Your production team fly back to set the next morning, feeling galvanised and inspired.] (if: $Screening is "bad")[Despite the stale popcorn, your cast and crew leave your trailer feeling galvanised and inspired.] [[• That, to me, is cinema.->Next week]]

(set: $MovieNight to "Malcolm")(set:$ProdReputation to $ProdReputation+1) Some of your younger cast and crew have never seen //Malcolm//. Melbourne in the 80s! The hilarious practical effects! (if: $Screening is "nice")[Your production team flies back to set the next morning, feeling galvanised and inspired.] (if: $Screening is "bad")[Despite the stale popcorn, your cast and crew leave your trailer feeling galvanised and inspired.] [[• A true Aussie gem.->Next week]]

(set: $MovieNight to "The Drover's Wife")(set:$ProdReputation to $ProdReputation+1) Some of your international cast and crew have never seen a Western quite like this. The sweeping vistas! The meticulous period costumes! (if: $Screening is "nice")[Your production team flies back to set the next morning, feeling galvanised and inspired.] (if: $Screening is "bad")[Despite the stale popcorn, your cast and crew leave your trailer feeling galvanised and inspired.] [[• What a picture.->Next week]]

(set: $MovieNight to "Blade Runner")(set:$ProdReputation to $ProdReputation-1) After being promised a screening of a groundbreaking Australian film, many in your cast and crew share confused looks when you spin up a Blu-Ray of Ridley Scott’s //Blade Runner//, a film notably not made in Australia. [[• Cinema has no borders.->Next week]]

(set: $VFX to "animatronics")(set: $Budget to $Budget-20) On the very last day of filming, your line producer bails you up in the video village. ''LINE PRODUCER:'' There’s pressure from the higher-ups to film an alternate ending. Just to make the themes explicitly clear. You know what audiences are like these days... [[• Film the alternate ending. ($5 million)->Film alternate ending]] [[• Refuse and stick with the ending you have. ($0)->• Refuse and stick with the ending you have. ($0)]]

(set: $ProdReputation to $ProdReputation-1)(set: $GollumShirt to "true") On the very last day of filming, your line producer bails you up in the video village. ''LINE PRODUCER:'' There’s pressure from the higher-ups to film an alternate ending. Just to make the themes explicitly clear. You know what audiences are like these days... [[• Film the alternate ending. ($5 million)->Film alternate ending]] [[• Refuse and stick with the ending you have. ($0)->• Refuse and stick with the ending you have. ($0)]]

(set: $Budget to $Budget-20) On the very last day of filming, your line producer bails you up in the video village. ''LINE PRODUCER:'' There’s pressure from the higher-ups to film an alternate ending. Just to make the themes explicitly clear. You know what audiences are like these days... [[• Film the alternate ending. ($5 million)->Film alternate ending]] [[• Refuse and stick with the ending you have. ($0)->• Refuse and stick with the ending you have. ($0)]]

(set: $Budget to $Budget-10) On the very last day of filming, your line producer bails you up in the video village. ''LINE PRODUCER:'' There’s pressure from the higher-ups to film an alternate ending. Just to make the themes explicitly clear. You know what audiences are like these days... [[• Film the alternate ending. ($5 million)->Film alternate ending]] [[• Refuse and stick with the ending you have. ($0)->• Refuse and stick with the ending you have. ($0)]]

(set: $Budget to $Budget+10)(set:$VFX to "tennis balls") On the very last day of filming, your line producer bails you up in the video village. ''LINE PRODUCER:'' There’s pressure from the higher-ups to film an alternate ending. Just to make the themes explicitly clear. You know what audiences are like these days... [[• Film the alternate ending. ($5 million)->Film alternate ending]] [[• Refuse and stick with the ending you have. ($0)->• Refuse and stick with the ending you have. ($0)]]

(set: $ProdEnigma to $ProdEnigma+1) On the very last day of filming, your line producer bails you up in the video village. ''LINE PRODUCER:'' There’s pressure from the higher-ups to film an alternate ending. Just to make the themes explicitly clear. You know what audiences are like these days... [[• Film the alternate ending. ($5 million)->Film alternate ending]] [[• Refuse and stick with the ending you have. ($0)->• Refuse and stick with the ending you have. ($0)]]

(set: $ProdEnigma to $ProdEnigma+2)(set: $ProdReputation to $ProdReputation-1) On the very last day of filming, your line producer bails you up in the video village. ''LINE PRODUCER:'' There’s pressure from the higher-ups to film an alternate ending. Just to make the themes explicitly clear. You know what audiences are like these days... [[• Film the alternate ending. ($5 million)->Film alternate ending]] [[• Refuse and stick with the ending you have. ($0)->• Refuse and stick with the ending you have. ($0)]]

(set: $ProdReputation to $ProdReputation-1) On the very last day of filming, your line producer bails you up in the video village. ''LINE PRODUCER:'' There’s pressure from the higher-ups to film an alternate ending. Just to make the themes explicitly clear. You know what audiences are like these days... [[• Film the alternate ending. ($5 million)->Film alternate ending]] [[• Refuse and stick with the ending you have. ($0)->• Refuse and stick with the ending you have. ($0)]]

(set: $AlternateEnding to "false")You hurl the proposed script edits back in your line producer’s face and march off to get your final shot in the can. [[• And that's a wrap.]]

(set: $AlternateEnding to "true")(set: $Budget to $Budget-5) That night, with a skeleton crew, you film a hastily-written scene in which (if:(history: where its name contains "Fire and rehire the entire cast. ($20 million)")'s length is not 1)[$Lead] (if:(history: where its name contains "Fire and rehire the entire cast. ($20 million)")'s length is 1)[your new lead actor] explicitly states the themes of your film in one long, unbroken monologue. [[• And that's a wrap.]]

When the last of the crew have cleared out on the final day of shooting, you pour yourself a drink and sit back in your director's chair. Relish this moment. You made a film. [[• It's what I was born to do.|PART 4: RELEASE]]

(set: $Relationship to "good") Back in Australia the following month, you meet up with your writing partner to tackle your next project. ''WRITING PARTNER:'' I'm excited to get into this. Blank page... feels like we can do anything! [[• Let's get into it.|Start script]] [[• I can't start without my lucky charm.|Lucky charm]] [[• First, I would like to recite that Rutger Hauer speech for inspiration.|Hauer speech]]

(set: $Creature to "incomprehensible unknowns")(if: $Relationship is "good")[''WRITING PARTNER:'' "Incomprehensible unknowns"... love it. I'm sure we'll come up with a good name for them later.](if: $Relationship is "bad")[''WRITING PARTNER:'' "Incomprehensible unknowns"... you're the boss. I'm sure you'll come up with a good name for them later.] [[• Let's get to work.->PART 2: PRE-PRODUCTION]]

(if: $Relationship is "good")[''WRITING PARTNER:'' Love that. I can totally see it. She writes down (text-colour:"red")[''$Creature''] and circles it in red, before collecting her things. ''WRITING PARTNER (CONT'D):'' I need some sleep, but then I’m gonna head to the farm and get to work. I’ll send a first draft when it’s ready.](if: $Relationship is "bad")[''WRITING PARTNER:'' Sure. I guess that works. She writes down (text-colour:"red") [''$Creature''] and circles it in red, before collecting her things. ''WRITING PARTNER (CONT'D):'' I need some sleep, but then I’ll get to work. I’ll send a first draft when it’s ready.] [[• Let’s make a movie.|PART 2: PRE-PRODUCTION]]

You throw some ideas back and forth, but after a few hours, your writing partner finishes her cup of tea and looks at you. ''WRITING PARTNER:'' I don’t want to say we’re stuck, but right now all we have is "$Creature". We need a better sense of the //world//. Maybe we should take a break? [[• You’re right. We won’t find inspiration in this room. We need to let the world speak to us.|You’re right. We won’t find inspiration in this room.]] [[• There’s some old movies here we could watch. Great artists steal, right?|I don’t know why we’re trying to find something different]] [[• If you can’t handle a high-pressure creative process, get out of the kitchen. Or should I look for someone else to ride my coat-tails?|Hey mate, if you can’t handle a high pressure creative process]]

''WRITING PARTNER (smiling):'' Agreed. There’s an exhibition I’ve been meaning to check out that might spark something. Let’s go let the world speak to us and meet back here later. [[• Speak to me, world!|Walk]]

''WRITING PARTNER:'' That’s what they say. Couldn’t hurt to revisit the classics. What do you want to watch? [[• Bong Joon-ho’s //Snowpiercer// (2013)|Snowpiercer DVD]] [[• Steven Spielberg's //A.I. Artificial Intelligence// (2001)|AI DVD]] [[• Roland Emmerich's //The Day After Tomorrow// (2004)|Day After Tomorrow DVD]] [[• Ridley Scott’s //Blade Runner// (1982)|Blade Runner DVD]]

Your writing partner closes her notebook and looks at the floor. ''WRITING PARTNER:'' Feels pretty stuffy in here. I’m going to go for a walk. Maybe you should do the same. [[• Wait. I shouldn’t have snapped. I’m sorry.]] [[• Let her go.]]

It's a warm afternoon and the street offers plenty of potential. Where do you want to go? (unless: $Mall is "visited")[[• The mall. Maybe a good place to think about the future of technology... |The mall]](unless: $Park is "visited")[[• The park. Maybe a good place to think about the future of the climate...|The park]]

(set: $Theme to "technology")(set: $DVD to "Blade Runner")(set: $Character to "grizzled bounty hunter")(set: $World to "bounty hunters track down and decommission old androids")(set:$Logline to "heavily //Blade Runner//-inspired sci-fi noir")It’s been years since you last watched //Blade Runner//, and the pair of you spend the afternoon discussing it. You agree that artificial intelligence is the perfect theme for your new film, and you’re pretty confident you can change enough details to avoid any critical (or legal) comparisons. ''WRITING PARTNER:'' And the general feeling of the world... is it good vibes or bad vibes? [[• The future is bright. Good vibes all the way.|Good vibes]] [[• Have you read the news lately? Nothing but bad vibes.|Bad vibes]] [[• Flip a coin.]]

(set: $Theme to "climate")(set: $DVD to "Snowpiercer")(set: $Character to "revolutionary leader")(set: $World to "people shelter from the climate on a fast-moving train")(set:$Logline to "post-apocalyptic action thriller")It’s been years since you last watched //Snowpiercer//, and the pair of you spend the afternoon discussing it. You agree that the climate crisis is the perfect theme for your new film, and you’re pretty confident that you can change enough details to avoid any critical (or legal) comparisons. ''WRITING PARTNER:'' And the general feeling of the world... is it good vibes or bad vibes? [[• The future is bright. Good vibes all the way.|Good vibes]] [[• Have you read the news lately? Nothing but bad vibes.|Bad vibes]] [[• Flip a coin.]]

(set: $Theme to "technology")(set: $DVD to "AI")(set: $Character to "first AI programmed to love")(set: $World to "robots have replaced much of the world's population")(set: $Logline to "thoughtful, sweeping drama") It’s been years since you last watched //A.I. Artificial Intelligence//, and the pair of you spend the afternoon discussing it. You agree that AI is the perfect theme for your new film, and you’re pretty confident that you can change enough details to avoid any critical (or legal) comparisons. ''WRITING PARTNER:'' And the general feeling of the world... is it good vibes or bad vibes? [[• The future is bright. Good vibes all the way.|Good vibes]] [[• Have you read the news lately? Nothing but bad vibes.|Bad vibes]] [[• Flip a coin.]]

(set: $Tone to "dystopian")''WRITING PARTNER:'' Bad vibes it is. How about this: it's a world where (if: $Theme is "climate")[people have really ruined the atmosphere](if: $Theme is "technology")[people don't trust AIs], and the main character is (if: $DVD is "Snowpiercer")[... some guy on a train](if: $DVD is "Blade Runner")[a guy who hunts them down to "retire" them](if: $DVD is "AI")[the first AI programmed to love](if: $DVD is "The Day After Tomorrow")[a scientist trying to rescue their stranded son]? (link: "• We're done. Best Mostly Original Screenplay, here we come!")[(set: $WritInnovation to $WritInnovation to 0)(goto: "Send off with writer")] (link: "• That’ll do. It’s all about the effects anyway, who’s here for the story?")[(set: $WritInnovation to $WritInnovation to 0)(goto: "Send off with writer")] [[• I’m having second thoughts.]]

Film school gave you an impressive bag of tricks that made you the complex auteur you are today. You scribble ''GOOD VIBES'' and ''BAD VIBES'' on post-it notes and put them on the wall, then throw chewing gum at them until something sticks. (link-goto: "• Direct hit!", (either: "Good vibes", "Bad vibes"))

(set: $Tone to "utopian")''WRITING PARTNER:'' Good vibes! How about this: it's a world where (if: $Theme is "climate")[people have more or less solved the whole climate thing](if: $Theme is "technology")[people work alongside AIs], and the main character is (if: $DVD is "Snowpiercer")[... some guy on a train](if: $DVD is "Blade Runner")[a guy who hunts them down to "retire" them](if: $DVD is "AI")[the first AI programmed to love](if: $DVD is "The Day After Tomorrow")[a scientist trying to rescue their stranded son]? (link: "• We're done. Best Mostly Original Screenplay, here we come!")[(set: $WritInnovation to 0)(goto: "Send off with writer")] (link: "• That’ll do. It’s all about the effects anyway, who’s here for the story?")[(set: $WritInnovation to 0)(goto: "Send off with writer")] [[• I’m having second thoughts.]]

''WRITING PARTNER:'' Thank goodness. I didn’t want to say anything, but this isn’t feeling great. Let’s go for a walk and check back in over dinner. [[• Speak to me, world!|Walk]]

(set: $River to 3)''WRITING PARTNER:'' Well, that was surprisingly easy! I'll head to the farm and get started. I'll send you a first draft when it's ready. [[• Let's make a movie!|PART 2: PRE-PRODUCTION]]

(set: $Relationship to "bad")(set: $WritReputation to $WritReputation-1)The door slams shut behind her. The room feels powerfully empty. [[• I’m getting out of here too. Clear my mind.|Walk]] [[• Maybe watching an old movie would help.]]

''WRITING PARTNER (relaxing):'' It’s okay, I get it. Second feature, lots of pressure. There’s an exhibition I’ve been meaning to check out that might spark something. Let’s go let the world speak to us and meet back here later. [[• Speak to me, world!|Walk]]

You feel your mood lifting as you sift through your DVD collection. What do you want to watch? [[• Bong Joon-ho’s //Snowpiercer// (2013)|Snowpiercer DVD solo]] [[• Roland Emmerich's //The Day After Tomorrow// (2004)|Day After Tomorrow DVD solo]] [[• Ridley Scott’s //Blade Runner// (1982)|Blade Runner DVD solo]] [[• Steven Spielberg's //A.I. Artificial Intelligence// (2001)|AI DVD solo]]

(set: $Theme to "climate")(set: $DVD to "Snowpiercer")(set: $Character to "revolutionary leader")(set: $World to "people shelter from the climate on a fast-moving train")(set:$Logline to "post-apocalyptic action thriller") It’s been years since you last watched //Snowpiercer//, and you wish you had someone here to discuss it with. You figure that the climate crisis is a pretty good theme, and you’re confident that you can change enough details in your new script to avoid any critical (or legal) comparisons. But what kind of outlook should your new film have? [[• Watching this has perked me up. I'm feeling optimistic.|Good vibes solo]] [[• I'm feeling pretty low. It's hard to imagine a positive future.|Bad vibes solo]] [[• Flip a coin.|Flip a coin solo]]

(set: $Theme to "climate")(set: $DVD to "The Day After Tomorrow")(set: $Character to "scientist father")(set: $World to "extreme weather events bring about a new ice age")(set:$Logline to "disaster action flick") It’s been years since you last watched //The Day After Tomorrow//, and you wish you had someone here to discuss it with. You figure that climate change is a pretty good theme, and you’re confident that you can change enough details in your new script to avoid any critical (or legal) comparisons. But what kind of outlook should your new film have? [[• Watching this has perked me up. I'm feeling optimistic.|Good vibes solo]] [[• I'm feeling pretty low. It's hard to imagine a positive future.|Bad vibes solo]] [[• Flip a coin.|Flip a coin solo]]

(set: $Theme to "technology")(set: $DVD to "Blade Runner")(set: $Character to "grizzled bounty hunter")(set: $World to "bounty hunters track down and decommission old androids")(set:$Logline to "heavily //Blade Runner//-inspired sci-fi noir") It’s been years since you last watched //Blade Runner//, and you wish you had someone here to discuss it with. You figure that artificial intelligence is a pretty good theme, and you’re confident you can change enough details in your new script to avoid any critical (or legal) comparisons. But what kind of outlook should your new film have? [[• Watching this has perked me up. I'm feeling optimistic.|Good vibes solo]] [[• I'm feeling pretty low. It's hard to imagine a positive future.|Bad vibes solo]] [[• Flip a coin.|Flip a coin solo]]

(set: $Tone to "utopian")Good vibes! With newfound energy, you grab a whiteboard marker and scribble out some notes about a world where (if: $Theme is "climate")[people have more or less solved the whole climate thing](if: $Theme is "technology")[people work alongside androids], and the main character is (if: $DVD is "Snowpiercer")[... some guy on a train](if: $DVD is "Blade Runner")[a guy who hunts them down to "retire" them](if: $DVD is "AI")[the first AI programmed to love](if: $DVD is "The Day After Tomorrow")[a scientist trying to rescue their stranded son]. You take a step back and look over the outline for your new film. (link: "• I'm done. Best Mostly Original Screenplay, here we come!.")[(set: $WritInnovation to 0)(goto: "Send off with writer solo")] (link: "• That’ll do. It’s all about the effects anyway, who’s here for the story?")[(set: $WritInnovation to 0)(goto: "Send off with writer solo")] [[• Maybe this isn't the best way to conceptualise a movie.]]

(set: $Tone to "dystopian")Bad vibes. You can almost hear a grim Hans Zimmer score booming as you grab a whiteboard marker and scribble out some notes about a world where (if: $Theme is "climate")[people have finally ruined the atmosphere](if: $Theme is "technology")[people don't trust AIs]. The main character could be(if: $DVD is "Snowpiercer")[... some guy on a train](if: $DVD is "Blade Runner")[... a guy who hunts them down to "retire" them](if: $DVD is "AI")[... the first AI programmed to love](if: $DVD is "The Day After Tomorrow")[... a scientist trying to rescue their stranded son], maybe? You take a step back and look over the outline for your new film. (link: "• I'm done. Best Mostly Original Screenplay, here we come!.")[(set: $WritInnovation to 0)(goto: "Send off with writer solo")] (link: "• That’ll do. It’s all about the effects anyway, who’s here for the story?")[(set: $WritInnovation to 0)(goto: "Send off with writer solo")] [[• Maybe this isn't the best way to conceptualise a movie.]]

(set: $River to 4)You quickly type up your notes and email them to your writing partner. You consider apologising for your outburst earlier... but don't. After some time, you get a reply. ''WRITING PARTNER:'' That works. I'll head to the farm and smash out a first draft. I'll send it through when it's ready. [[• Let's make a movie!|PART 2: PRE-PRODUCTION]]

You erase everything on the whiteboard, then scrunch up your note paper and throw it at the bin in the corner. It bounces off the wall and misses. You refuse to see any meaning in this. [[• Fine, I’ll go for a walk!|Walk]]

(set: $WritInnovation to $WritInnovation+1)(set: $Location to "mall")(set: $Theme to "technology") You walk through the mall, dazzled by LED billboards. Men in VR headsets battle each other in JB Hi-Fi. In the food court, a mother FaceTimes her daughter while a uni student at the next table gets ChatGPT to write their thesis. You think about how ubiquitous technology has become in our lives, how it’s reshaping our brains and relationships, and you wonder…. [[• What’s going to happen in the rapidly-growing world of artificial intelligence?->AI]] [[• What effect will emerging technologies have on our bodies?->Bodies]] [[• What will be the next defining invention of the 21st century?->Invention]]

(set: $WritInnovation to $WritInnovation+1)(set: $Location to "park")(set: $Theme to "climate") You head to the park. It’s a hot day, hotter than usual for this time of year. You think about all the news on TV about record heat and unpredictable weather – you think about what humans are doing to the planet, and where it all might lead. [[• What if the sea levels rise?|Sea levels]] [[• What if it's too hot to live on land?|Too hot]] [[• What if storms and bushfires get too intense and unpredictable?|Storms]]

(set: $Location to "docks") (set: $Theme to "the future of work")

People will need to find ways to protect themselves and their community. How will they do this? [[• They’ll fight the storms and fires with advanced technology.|Advance technology]] [[• Survival means abandoning what we know to find a new way forward.|Abandoning what we know]]

If sea levels rise, it would be disastrous for coastal cities and island communities. Where might they go instead? [[• Why not live on the ocean? A floating city?|Floating city]] [[• Move inland. Get to high ground.|Move inland]] [[• It'll be a new era in international relations as "climate migrants" spread across the globe.|Climate migrants]]

If it’s too hot to live on land, people will have to rethink everything. What might they do? [[• Go underground. Build a new life under the surface.|Go underground]] [[• People won’t move, they’ll change the atmosphere.|Change atmosphere]]

Intriguing. Civil engineers and futurists have been, ahem, //floating// this idea for decades. And what would happen in these cities? [[• People would toil endlessly for scraps from a hostile ocean, buffeted by storms and sea raiders.|Hostile ocean]] [[• The birth of a remodelled society, and a new relationship with the ocean through the advancement of aqua-science.|Aqua-science]] [[• People would find the adjustment difficult. Adaptation promises opportunity, but demands letting other things go.|Ocean life]]

Makes sense. Safe, mountainous regions could become valuable territorial assets. What would happen when people get there? [[• Fighting over resources. Not enough space. Crime networks taking advantage of the mass displacement.|Fighting over resources]] [[• Long-term rebuilding. Community planning to ensure the safety of future generations.|Rebuilding]] [[• Digging into the mountains – huge underground cities. A new relationship with the land.|Digging into the mountains]]

This is already happening in parts of the Pacific and other low-lying regions. What could this lead to in the future? [[• Mass refugee camps with millions of displaced people, and a growing divide between nations.|Refugee camps]] [[• A mixing of cultures leading to social and technological innovation, with large-scale climate solutions.|Mixing of cultures]] [[• A dissolution of nations as we know them, and shifting geopolitical identities leading to new forms of global citizenship.|Dissolution of nations]]

(set: $Tone to "dystopian")(set: $World to "humans scavenge to survive in a vast, hostile ocean") This is feeling good – bleak, but good. Who's the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• An ex-raider protecting a community that took them in.")[(set: $Character to "reformed ex-raider")(set: $Logline to "sea-bound action-thriller")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A family trying to rescue a kidnapped child from a rival oceanic city.")[(set: $Character to "vengeful father")(set: $Logline to "ocean-bound action-thriller")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A lost clan searching for safer waters.")[(set: $Character to "clan leader")(set: $Logline to "ocean-trotting epic")(goto: "Park summary")]

(set: $Tone to "utopian")(set: $World to "people use science to create a new relationship with the sea") This is feeling good – complex, but uplifting. Who’s the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• A scientist who makes a shocking discovery in the ocean depths.")[(set: $Character to "tenacious scientist")(set: $Logline to "deep-sea adventure-thriller")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A family dealing with the loss of a grandparent during a difficult harvest season.")[(set: $Character to "grieving son")(set: $Logline to "futuristic family drama")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A team of sailors investigating a string of at-sea disappearances.")[(set: $Character to "ship captain")(set: $Logline to "ocean-bound mystery-thriller")(goto: "Park summary")]

(set: $Tone to "protopian")(set: $World to "humans let go of their identity to adapt to life on the ocean") This feels right – like it's not a //good// or //bad// future, just a complex point in time like ours. Who’s the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• A worker frustrated by sea-city life, planning a solo voyage to somewhere new.")[(set: $Character to "jaded worker")(set: $Logline to "inspirational ocean adventure")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A newly-arrived family struggling to fit into a floating city's unique society.")[(set: $Character to "determined father")(set: $Logline to "against-all-odds family drama")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• First responders trapped in a sinking building.")[(set: $Character to "guilt-ravaged squad leader")(set: $Logline to "claustrophobic disaster flick")(goto: "Park summary")]

Before you even realise it, the post-work crowd has come and gone. The sounds of the park continue all around you. (if: $Mall is not "visited")[Looking at your notebook, you're surprised to see the building blocks of a screenplay. A clear theme, a solid concept, and a compelling central character: the $Character.](if: $Mall is "visited")[Looking at your notebook, you see a much stronger idea for a film. A better theme, a more complex concept, and a character you can't wait to write: the $Character.] [[• This feels good. Let’s head back to meet my writing parter.|Dinner with writing partner]] (if: $Mall is not "visited")[[[• Scratch that, I’ll go somewhere else and keep thinking.|Walk]](set: $Park to "visited") ][[• This is the perfect time to reflect on the history of cinema with a visit to my favourite museum... ACMI.|ACMI]]

(set: $Tone to "dystopian")(set: $World to "people fight for scraps in crowded, inland cities") This is feeling good – bleak, but good. Who’s the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• A vigilante trying to dismantle a criminal network.")[(set: $Character to "daredevil vigilante")(set: $Logline to "gritty crime thriller")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• Estranged siblings who must work together to protect a food shipment.")[(set: $Character to "brooding brother")(set: $Logline to "cli-fi action bonanza")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A science team battling saboteurs and the elements to discover a new, renewable food source.")[(set: $Character to "determined scientist")(set: $Logline to "futuristic science epic")(goto: "Park summary")]

(set: $Tone to "utopian")(set: $World to "humans have banded together for the benefit of future generations") This is feeling good – complex, but uplifting. Who’s the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• A terminally-ill architect finishing their magnum opus.")[(set: $Character to "terminally-ill architect")(set: $Logline to "futuristic epic")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• Children discovering that their parents were killed to protect a dangerous secret.")[(set: $Character to "vengeful son")(set: $Logline to "futuristic conspiracy thriller")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A group of scientists who find a way to communicate with people from the future.")[(set: $Character to "ambitious scientist")(set: $Logline to "complex time-travel drama")(goto: "Park summary")]

(set: $Tone to "protopian")(set: $World to "humans have dug into mountains to find new homes") This feels right – like it's not a //good// or //bad// future, just a complex point in time like ours. Who’s the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• An explorer venturing into the dark unknown.")[(set: $Character to "solo explorer")(set: $Logline to "underground thriller")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A family whose subterranean home is occupied by a supernatural presence.")[(set: $Character to "desperate father")(set: $Logline to "subterranean future-horror")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A community fleeing a massive cave-in.")[(set: $Character to "ex-miner")(set: $Logline to "futuristic disaster movie")(goto: "Park summary")]

(set: $Tone to "dystopian")(set: $World to "millions of climate refugees are seeking shelter") This is feeling good – bleak, but good. What happens in the story? (link: "• A climate refugee tries to escape their past.")[(set: $Character to "desperate climate refugee")(set: $Logline to "dystopic cli-fi drama")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A wealthy family struggles with their obligations towards a nearby refugee community.")[(set: $Character to "conflicted father")(set: $Logline to "futuristic class drama")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• Disappearances in a climate refugee camp point towards something otherworldly.")[(set: $Character to "courageous climate refugee")(set: $Logline to "supernatural cli-fi mystery")(goto: "Park summary")]

(set: $Tone to "utopian")(set: $World to "cultural revolutions have led to incredible new discoveries") This is feeling good – complex, but uplifting. Who’s the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• A scavenger retrieving items of cultural value from countries ravaged by rising sea levels.")[(set: $Character to "plucky scavenger")(set: $Logline to "futuristic treasure-hunting adventure")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A dysfunctional family trying to realise their grandparent’s designs for a new renewable energy source.")[(set: $Character to "duty-obsessed son")(set: $Logline to "quirky family drama")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• The government of a prosperous nation weighing up the cost of intervening in a foreign oceanic conflict.")[(set: $Character to "virtuous politician")(set: $Logline to "geo-political drama")(goto: "Park summary")]

(set: $Tone to "protopian")(set: $World to "nations as we know them have ceased to exist") This feels right – like it's not a //good// or //bad// future, just a complex point in time like ours. Who’s the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• An ambassador trying to advocate for a peace treaty amid global instability.")[(set: $Character to "ambassador")(set: $Logline to "large-scale political thriller")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• Two siblings training for the first Olympic Games since the end of nations.")[(set: $Character to "future-Olympic athlete")(set: $Logline to "futuristic sports drama")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• An intelligence agency investigating a conspiracy to seize global power.")[(set: $Character to "seasoned spy")(set: $Logline to "futuristic spy thriller")(goto: "Park summary")]

The sun is sinking as you get back to your apartment. Before long, your writing partner joins you. (if: $Relationship is "bad")[There's an uncomfortable tension in the room, which hopefully a hearty meal can resolve. ](if: $Relationship is "good")[There's a lot she wants to share, but suggests doing it over dinner.] ''WRITING PARTNER:'' Should we just order in? (link: "• Let's share some dumplings.")[(set: $Food to "char siu and money bags")(set: $Ollywood to "China")(goto: "Let's eat")] (link: "• I'm craving jollof rice, let's get Nigerian.")[(set: $Food to "jollof rice and stews")(set: $Ollywood to "Nigeria")(goto: "Let's eat")] (link: "• Some Indian food would go down a treat.")[(set: $Food to "palak paneer and garlic naan")(set: $Ollywood to "India")(goto: "Let's eat")]

You wander through //The Story of the Moving Image// at ACMI and stop to inspect the costumes from George Miller's //Three Thousand Years of Longing// (2022). A fellow visitor stands next to you, wearing tinted glasses and a leather jacket. A film student. You can tell. They gesture towards Kym Barrett's lavish hand-made outfits. ''FILM STUDENT:'' I wish there was more practical, analogue craft these days. I love looking at the props here. I can't believe they have the piano from //The Piano//! [[• Engage the student in conversation.->Engage]] [[• Smile politely and walk away.->Walk away]] [[• That's not the piano from //The Piano//. That's the piano from //The Pianist//.->Piano]]

You tell the student you agree: practical effects make fantastical worlds feel more real. ''FILM STUDENT (beaming):'' Totally. You know, I read somewhere that because sci-fi movies shape how we //think// about the future, they shape the //actual// future we end up working towards, consciously or not. When Miller made //Mad Max// in 1977, was he predicting the future or helping shape it? [[• //Mad Max// came out in 2015.->• Mad Max 2015.]] [[• //Mad Max// came out in 1979.->• Mad Max 1979.]] [[• Ridley Scott made //Mad Max//.->Ridley Scott made Mad Max]] [[• He was doing both.]]

You walk off, trying to lock yourself in the Foley Studio, but the film student follows. ''FILM STUDENT:'' I was reading somewhere that because sci-fi movies shape how we //think// about the future, they shape the //actual// future we end up working towards, consciously or not. When Miller made //Mad Max// in 1977, was he predicting the future or helping shape it? [[• //Mad Max// came out in 2015.->• Mad Max 2015.]] [[• //Mad Max// came out in 1979.->• Mad Max 1979.]] [[• Ridley Scott made //Mad Max//.->Ridley Scott made Mad Max]] [[• Right now I'd like to predict a little peace and quiet.->Peace and quiet]]

''FILM STUDENT (squinting):'' Oh... are you sure? You walk off towards the Visual Effects display, but the film student follows you. ''FILM STUDENT (CONT'D):'' I read somewhere that because these sci-fi movies shape how we //think// about the future, they end up shaping the //actual// future, whether we're conscious of it or not. When Miller made //Mad Max// in 1977, was he predicting the future or helping shape it? [[• //Mad Max// came out in 2015.->• Mad Max 2015.]] [[• //Mad Max// came out in 1979.->• Mad Max 1979.]] [[• Ridley Scott made //Mad Max//.->Ridley Scott made Mad Max]] [[• Right now I'd like to predict a little peace and quiet.->Peace and quiet]]

(set: $WritReputation to $WritReputation-1)(set: $Blog to "bad")The film student can take a hint. He wanders away, furiously tapping on his phone. [[• Time to head back and meet up with my writing partner.|Dinner with writing partner]]

(set: $WritReputation to $WritReputation-1)(set: $Blog to "good") ''FILM STUDENT:'' No, not //Megalopolis//, //Met//– never mind. Good luck with your next movie. I hope it's better than //$FirstFilm//. [[• Time to head back and meet up with my writing partner.|Dinner with writing partner]]

(Set: $WritReputation to $WritReputation+1)(set: $Blog to "good")''FILM STUDENT:'' That's true. PHEW. Hey, I’ve never talked to a real filmmaker before. Thanks for being so chill. I dug //$FirstFilm//, by the way. Can’t wait to see what you do next. The student shakes your hand, and makes his way out of the exhibition. [[• Time to head back and meet up with my writing partner.|Dinner with writing partner]]

(Set: $WritReputation to $WritReputation-1)(set: $Blog to "bad")''FILM STUDENT:'' Wow, and I thought you just came across badly in interviews. //$FirstFilm// sucked, by the way. Better luck with the next one. He wanders off, tapping furiously at his phone. [[• Time to head back and meet up with my writing partner.|Dinner with writing partner]]

Soon the kitchen table is swamped with notepads, $Food. ''WRITING PARTNER:'' It’s funny, I had big plans for the afternoon but immediately got sidetracked. I ran into an old friend, another writer. We ended up sitting by the river and chatting for hours. Not even //about// anything... we were just //there//. [[• That sounds great. Tell me more.->Tell me more]] [[• If your friend is looking for a gig, this isn't it.->Friend looking for a gig]]

(set: $River to 2)''WRITING PARTNER:'' Watching the river, I couldn’t stop thinking about time. About how people have been caring for that river for thousands of generations. There’s a relationship there. Ancient knowledge on an incredible scale. She sits for a moment. ''WRITING PARTNER (CONT'D):'' I’m not saying the movie is about that, or a river... but I think if we’re writing about the future we need to be aware of that scale, really sit in it, so our story feels like a continuation of something... so the audience can feel it, too. Anyway. How did you go? [[• Tell your writing partner about your afternoon, step by step.]] [[• Pass her your notes and leave the room. She'll need a moment to recover from having her mind blown.->• Pass her your notes and leave the room to get a drink. She's going to need some time to recover from having her mind blown.]]

(set: $River to 1)(set: $WritReputation to $WritReputation-1)(set: $Relationship to "bad")''WRITING PARTNER:'' Noted. It got me ready to do some writing, that's all. What have you got? [[• Tell your writing partner about your afternoon, step by step.]] [[• Pass her your notes and leave the room. She'll need a moment to recover from having her mind blown.->• Pass her your notes and leave the room to get a drink. She's going to need some time to recover from having her mind blown.]]

You recount your afternoon, your trip to the $Location, and how that got you thinking about (if: $Theme is "climate")[the current climate crisis](if: $Theme is "technology")[the future of humanity and technology]. The questions you asked and how they led to feelings of (if: $Tone is "utopian")[positivity and hope. ](if: $Tone is "dystopian")[uncertainty and despair. ](if: $Tone is "protopian")[resolve... of getting through a moment in time. ]And the person at the heart of the story: the $Character. Your writing partner is jotting down notes, getting more and more excited, until she's practically jumping out of her chair. Soon, you’re both pacing around the room, punching up story beats and plotting out twists. [[• This is going to be great.]]

(set: $WritReputation to $WritReputation-1) You make yourself a drink and stride back in a few minutes later, arms lifted, ready to receive praise. Your writing partner offers a few small claps. ''WRITING PARTNER:'' This is promising, but I've got a lot of questions. Shall we get into it? You start chatting, and eventually, the two of you find your rhythm. Something starts to take shape. [[• This is going to be good.|• This is going to be good]]

The sun has come up without either of you realising. Exhausted, you sit, marvelling at the pages of story notes in front of you. A whole world, a singular future, has come into being. You can see the path that the present would need to take to get there – simultaneously fantastical and all too real. ''WRITING PARTNER:'' This is going to be special – hey, I almost forgot... [[• What is it?->• Yes?]]

The clock ticks past 12 and you decide to call it a night. Exhausted, you sit, looking over the pages of story notes in front of you. A whole world, a singular future, has come into being. You can see the path that the present would need to take to get there – simultaneously fantastical and all too real. ''WRITING PARTNER:'' This has got real potential – hey, I almost forgot... [[• What is it?->• Yes?]]

(if: $showFooter is "true")[ --- Remaining budget: (if: $Budget <= 0)[(text-color: red)[''$ $Budget million'']](if: $Budget >0)[''$ $Budget million'']]

(set: $Budget to 100)(set: $Enigma to $WritEnigma + $ProdEnigma)(set: $Reputation to $WritReputation + $ProdReputation)(set: $Innovation to $WritInnovation + $ProdInnovation)(set: $Cinephile to $WritCinephile + $ProdCinephile)

A year later, you’re getting ready to shoot your $Logline. Wait – what's it called? Enter the title of your second film here: (input-box:2bind $SecondFilm,"=XXX=","") [[• Lock it in.|Months later]]

''PART 4: POST-PRODUCTION'' After a gruelling shoot and months of editing, your film is screened for a test audience. [[• And what did they think?->Test screening]]

Your producer sits in your office, madly chewing their fingernails. ''PRODUCER:'' The response was... //mixed//. People loved $Lead but were less convinced by the (if: $VFX is "tennis balls")[CGI $Creature.] (if: $VFX is "mocap")[motion capture $Creature.] (if: $VFX is "prosthetics")[prosthetic $Creature.] (if: $VFX is "animatronics")[animatronic $Creature.] (if: $VFX is "metaphor")[completely metaphorical $Creature that look just like the human characters.] I think we should go back into the edit and see if we can add some pizzazz. (if:$AlternateEnding is "true")[[[• The film stays as is. I’m not changing a frame.|No Margot Robbie]]](if: $AlternateEnding is "false")[[[• The film stays as is. I’m not changing a frame.|Film stays as is]]] [[• Digitally replace one of your lesser-known actors with Margot Robbie. ($25 million)->Margot Robbie]] [[• I've got a bad feeling about this whole project. Is there something else I can do?->Got away from me]]

(set: $AlternateEnding to "false")(set: $ProdEnigma to $ProdEnigma +1)Your producer nods a nod of deep respect. ''PRODUCER:'' Stick to your guns, I guess. That’s how good art gets made. (if: $Investor is "false")[ [[• If they don’t understand it now, maybe future generations will.->TRAILER]]](if: $Investor is "true") [Just then, your phone rings. It’s the (if: $Theme is "climate")[fossil fuel lobbyist](if: $Theme is "technology")[big tech lobbyist]. He’s seen a cut of the film, and he isn’t happy. [[• Uh-oh.->Investor returns]]]

(set: $Budget to $Budget-25)(set: $Popcorn to $Popcorn+1)(set:$MargotRobbie to "true") Margot Robbie records her performance against a blue wall in LA and your team of VFX wizards stick her face atop one of your other actor’s bodies. Margot Robbie is now your co-lead! (if: $AlternateEnding is "true")[This was that other actor's big break, but she'll get over it. ''PRODUCER:'' That'll bring in crowds for sure, but I'm still worried that people won't //get// it. We shot that alternate ending... maybe we should use it? [[• No, we're done. I'm not changing //another// frame.|Film stays as is]] [[• Okay, fine. Let’s try the alternate ending.->Try alternate ending]]](if:($AlternateEnding is "false") and ($Investor is "false"))[[[• This was that other actor’s big break, but she’ll get over it.->TRAILER]]](if: ($AlternateEnding is "false") and ($Investor is "true"))[This was that other actor's big break, but she'll get over it. Just then, your phone rings. It’s the (if: $Theme is "climate")[fossil fuel lobbyist](if: $Theme is "technology")[big tech lobbyist]. He’s seen a cut of the film, and he isn’t happy. [[• Uh-oh.->Investor returns]]]

(set: $AlternateEnding to "false") Your producer paces the length of your office. After a long pause... ''PRODUCER:'' There is another option. [[• I’m listening.->Tax write-off]]

(set:$AlternateEnding to "true")(set: $ProdInnovation to $ProdInnovation-1) Your editor slots in the lengthy monologue and puts it up on the big screen. You can feel yourself getting dumber even as you watch it. (if: $Investor is "false")[ [[• This will make for some interesting IMDb trivia one day.->TRAILER]]](if: $Investor is "true")[Just then, your phone rings. It’s the (if: $Theme is "climate")[fossil fuel lobbyist](if: $Theme is "technology")[big tech lobbyist]. He’s seen a cut of the film, and he isn’t happy. [[• Uh-oh.->Investor returns]]]

(set: $ProdInnovation to $ProdInnovation-1) The lobbyist tells you to check the fine print in the contract you signed for that extra $40 mil... //he// has final cut on the project. You race back to the edit suite. The computers are gone, the hard-drives are gone, even your editor’s vanished. The film is no longer yours. [[• I always had a bad feeling about that guy.->TRAILER]]

''PRODUCER:'' The studio overinvested in streaming this year, so they’re looking to offload some liability. If you’d be willing to shelve the film entirely, they could use it as a tax write-off. It’ll never see the light of day. They’d be grateful. They even said they’d give you a bigger budget to try again next year. It’s up to you. [[• Let’s kill it.->• Let’s kill it and try again next year.]] [[• Get out of my office.]]

''PRODUCER:'' Are you sure? Like, //sure// sure? [[• Absolutely. One full do-over, please.->Do-over]] [[• Actually, no. Get out of my office.->• Get out of my office.]]

Your producer goes scampering out. You get in your car and drive around aimlessly for the rest of the afternoon, wondering how you let this project get away from you. (if: $Investor is "false")[[[• It's in the hands of the movie gods now.->TRAILER]]](if: $Investor is "true") [Just then, your phone rings. It’s the (if: $Theme is "climate")[fossil fuel lobbyist](if: $Theme is "technology")[big tech lobbyist]. He’s seen a cut of the film, and he isn’t happy. [[• Uh-oh.->Investor returns]]]

(set: $showFooter to "true")(set: $ProdEnigma to 0)(set: $ProdInnovation to 0)(set: $ProdReputation to 0)(set: $Redo to "yes")(set: $ProdCinephile to 0)(set: $Budget to 150) A year later, you're getting ready to reshoot your film, //$SecondFilm//. The studio’s greenlit a production budget of (text-colour:"green")[''$150 million''], an extraordinary sum for a second-time director. How you spend this money is entirely up to you, but you should keep some handy for any problems that arise during the shoot. You //can// go over budget, because you //might// be able to recoup some cash later... it all depends. [[• Let’s go.]]

(set: $showFooter to "0")(background:black)+(text-color:white)[(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[= [(live: 0.5s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[In a world...](stop:)] (live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[where $World...](stop:)] (live: 4s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[one $Character....](stop:)] (live: 6s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[must find a new tomorrow.](stop:)] (text-size:0.8)[(live: 8s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[From the sci-fi visionary who brought you //$FirstFilm//...](stop:)] (live: 10s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[Starring (if:$Lead is "the breakout TV star")[the breakout TV star of 2025...](if:$Lead is "the non-actor")[an exciting cast of first-time actors...](if: $Lead is "Robert Downey Jr.")[Robert Downey Jr...](if: $Lead is "deepfaked Harrison Ford")[Harrison Ford...](if: $Lead is "the YouTuber")[number 85 on BuzzFeed's Most Influential YouTubers List for 2025...](stop:)] (if: $MargotRobbie is "true")[(live: 2s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[and Margot Robbie!](stop:)]]]] (text-size:1.5)[(live: 13s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[''$SecondFilm''](stop:)] (text-size:0.8)[(live: 15s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[ONLY IN THEATRES](stop:)] [(live: 17s)[(t8n:"dissolve")[[[• Continue.|PART 5: OPENING WEEKEND]]](stop:)]]]]] ]

(if: ($Popcorn >= 3) and ($Tone is "utopian" or "protopian") and ($VFX is "mocap" or "prosthetics" or "animatronics"))[''//$SecondFilm// is a box office smash.'' People flock to see $Lead as the $Character, making it one of the biggest opening weekends in history. (if: $MargotRobbie is "true")[The crowds are surprised and delighted to see Margot Robbie's flawlessly-VFX'd face in a supporting role.] Cinema owners are calling you an "industry saviour", and audiences are (if: $Tone is "utopian")[buoyed by your thoughtful, uplifting approach to $Theme,] (if: $Tone is "protopian")[gripped by your thoughtful, even-handed approach to $Theme,] (if: $Tone is "dystopian")[inspired by a nuanced, realistic depiction of $Theme,] and astonished by the (if: $VFX is "mocap")[ground-breaking motion capture effects.] (if: $VFX is "prosthetics")[visceral special effects make-up work.] (if: $VFX is "animatronics")[life-like animatronics.] Lunch boxes and plush toys made in the likeness of your $Creature are flying off the shelves!(set: $Boxoffice to "good")](if: ($Popcorn >= 3) and ($Tone is "utopian" or "protopian") and ($VFX is "tennis balls" or "metaphor"))[''//$SecondFilm// is a relative box office success.'' Plenty of people turn out to see $Lead as the $Character, giving you a solid opening weekend. (if: $MargotRobbie is "true")[The crowds are delighted to see Margot Robbie's flawlessly-VFX'd face in a supporting role, too.] Audiences are (if: $Tone is "utopian")[buoyed by your thoughtful, uplifting approach to $Theme,] (if: $Tone is "protopian")[gripped by your thoughtful, even-handed approach to $Theme,] but are (if: $VFX is "tennis balls")[less impressed by the lifeless CGI used to depict the $Creature.] (if: $VFX is "metaphor")[utterly confused by the "metaphorical" handling of the $Creature.](set: $Boxoffice to "pretty good")] (if: ($Popcorn >= 3) and ($Tone is "dystopian") and ($VFX is "mocap" or "prosthetics" or "animatronics")) [''//$SecondFilm// is a relative box office success.'' Plenty of people turn out to see $Lead as the $Character, giving you a solid opening weekend. (if: $MargotRobbie is "true")[The crowds are amazed to see Margot Robbie's floating, VFX'd face in a supporting role.] But audiences are depressed by your po-faced take on $Theme, even though they love the (if: $VFX is "mocap")[ground-breaking motion capture effects.] (if: $VFX is "prosthetics")[visceral special effects make-up work.] (if: $VFX is "animatronics")[life-like animatronics.] Lunch boxes and plush toys made in the likeness of your $Creature are on every kid's Christmas list that year.(set: $Boxoffice to "pretty good")](if: ($Popcorn >= 3) and ($Tone is "dystopian") and ($VFX is "tennis balls" or "metaphor"))[''//$SecondFilm// makes money, sure – but audiences don't love it.'' Plenty of people turn out to see $Lead as the $Character, giving you a solid opening weekend. (if: $MargotRobbie is "true")[The crowds are surprised to see Margot Robbie's uncanny, VFX'd face popping up in a supporting role.] But audiences are depressed by your po-faced take on $Theme, and are (if: $VFX is "tennis balls")[even less impressed by the lifeless CGI used to depict the $Creature.] (if: $VFX is "metaphor")[utterly confused by the "metaphorical" handling of the $Creature.](set: $Boxoffice to "mixed")](if: ($Popcorn is 2) and ($Tone is "utopian" or "protopian") and ($VFX is "mocap" or "prosthetics" or "animatronics")) [''//$SecondFilm// is a modest hit.'' There's a decent turnout on opening weekend – people are interested to see $Lead play against type as the $Character. (if: $MargotRobbie is "true")[And they're amazed to see Margot Robbie's perfectly-VFX'd face pop up in a supporting role.] Audiences are (if: $Tone is "utopian")[buoyed by your thoughtful, uplifting approach to $Theme,] (if: $Tone is "protopian")[gripped by your thoughtful, even-handed approach to $Theme,] and impressed by the (if: $VFX is "mocap")[ground-breaking motion capture effects.] (if: $VFX is "prosthetics")[visceral special effects make-up work.](if: $VFX is "animatronics")[life-like animatronics.] Snapchat releases a series of filters that let users appear as your $Creature.(set: $Boxoffice to "mixed")](if: ($Popcorn is 2) and ($Tone is "utopian" or "protopian") and ($VFX is "tennis balls" or "metaphor")) [''//$SecondFilm// might make its budget back – just.'' There's a decent turnout on opening weekend – people are interested to see $Lead play against type as the $Character. (if: $MargotRobbie is "true")[And they're amazed to see Margot Robbie's VFX'd face floating around on a supporting character's body.] Audiences are (if: $Tone is "utopian")[buoyed by your thoughtful, uplifting approach to $Theme,] (if: $Tone is "protopian")[gripped by your thoughtful, even-handed approach to $Theme,] but are (if: $VFX is "tennis balls")[less impressed by the lifeless CGI used to depict the $Creature.](if: $VFX is "metaphor") [utterly confused by the "metaphorical" handling of the $Creature.] Your movie sits at #1 at the box office for two weeks before getting knocked off the podium by //Jurassic World: Rebirth.//(set: $Boxoffice to "mixed")](if: ($Popcorn is 2) and ($Tone is "dystopian") and ($VFX is "mocap" or "prosthetics" or "animatronics")) [''//$SecondFilm// might make its budget back – just.'' There's a decent turnout on opening weekend – people are interested to see $Lead play against type as the $Character. (if: $MargotRobbie is "true")[There's good buzz online around Margot Robbie's seamlessly-VFX'd supporting performance, too.] And while audiences feel deflated by your grim, unflinching take on $Theme, they're impressed by the (if: $VFX is "mocap")[ground-breaking motion capture effects.] (if: $VFX is "prosthetics")[visceral special effects make-up work.] (if: $VFX is "animatronics")[life-like animatronics.] Snapchat releases a series of filters that let users appear as your $Creature, but not a lot of people use it.(set: $Boxoffice to "mixed")](if: ($Popcorn is 2) and ($Tone is "dystopian") and ($VFX is"tennis balls" or "metaphor"))[''//$SecondFilm// could struggle to make its budget back.'' There's a decent turnout on opening weekend – people are interested to see $Lead play against type as the $Character. (if: $MargotRobbie is "true")[There's good buzz online around Margot Robbie's seamlessly-VFX'd supporting performance, too.] But audiences feel deflated by your grim, unflinching take on $Theme, and they're (if: $VFX is "tennis balls")[even less impressed by the lifeless CGI used to depict the $Creature.] (if: $VFX is "metaphor")[utterly confused by the "metaphorical" handling of the $Creature.] Your movie opens at #2 at the box office, quickly slipping to #9 the following week.(set: $Boxoffice to "mixed")](if: ($Popcorn is 1) and ($Tone is "utopian" or "protopian") and ($VFX is "mocap" or "prosthetics" or "animatronics")) [''//$SecondFilm// is a word-of-mouth hit.'' Curious audiences venture out to see $Lead take on the role of the $Character – and are blown away. There's early Oscar buzz around their performance. (if: $MargotRobbie is "true")[And people are amazed to see Margot Robbie's seamlessly-VFX'd face floating about on a supporting character's body.] Crowds are (if: $Tone is "utopian")[buoyed by your thoughtful, uplifting approach to $Theme,] (if: $Tone is "protopian")[gripped by your thoughtful, even-handed approach to $Theme,] and captivated by the (if: $VFX is "mocap")[ground-breaking motion capture effects.] (if: $VFX is "prosthetics")[visceral special effects make-up work.] (if: $VFX is "animatronics")[life-like animatronics.] Your movie stays in cinemas for months, and next Halloween you see dozens of kids on your street dressed up as your $Creature.(set: $Boxoffice to "pretty good")](if: ($Popcorn is 1) and ($Tone is "utopian" or "protopian") and ($VFX is "tennis balls" or "metaphor")) [''//$SecondFilm// is a modest word-of-mouth success.'' Curious audiences venture out to watch $Lead take on the role of the $Character – and they're impressed. There's early Oscar buzz around their performance. (if: $MargotRobbie is "true")[There's plenty of positive chatter online about Margot Robbie's fully-VFX'd supporting performance, too.] And while people are (if: $Tone is "utopian")[buoyed by your thoughtful, uplifting approach to $Theme,] (if: $Tone is "protopian")[gripped by your thoughtful, even-handed approach to $Theme,] they're (if: $VFX is "tennis balls")[less impressed by the lifeless CGI used to depict the $Creature.] (if: $VFX is "metaphor")[utterly confused by the "metaphorical" handling of the $Creature.] Your movie manages to stay in cinemas for a couple of months.(set: $Boxoffice to "pretty good")](if: ($Popcorn is 1) and ($Tone is "dystopian") and ($VFX is "mocap" or "prosthetics" or "animatronics")) [''//$SecondFilm// is a modest word-of-mouth success.'' Curious audiences venture out to watch $Lead take on the role of the $Character – and they're impressed. There's early Oscar buzz around their performance. (if: $MargotRobbie is "true")[People get a kick out of Margot Robbie's eerily CGI'd face in a supporting role, too.] Crowds don't respond well to your brutal, unflinching take on $Theme, but are nevertheless impressed by the (if: $VFX is "mocap")[ground-breaking motion capture effects.] (if: $VFX is "prosthetics")[visceral special effects make-up work.] (if: $VFX is "animatronics")[life-like animatronics.] Next Halloween, you see a few children on your street dressed up as $Creature.(set: $Boxoffice to "pretty good")](if: ($Popcorn is 1) and ($Tone is "dystopian") and ($VFX is"tennis balls" or "metaphor")) [''//$SecondFilm// does okay on word-of-mouth.'' Curious audiences venture out to watch $Lead take on the role of the $Character – and they're impressed. People say they could even take home a Golden Globe. (if: $MargotRobbie is "true")[Online, people are hotly debating the appearance of Margot Robbie's floating, CGI'd face in a supporting role.] But crowds don't respond at all to your brutal, unflinching take on $Theme, and are (if: $VFX is "tennis balls")[unimpressed by the lifeless CGI used to depict the $Creature.] (if: $VFX is "metaphor")[utterly confused by the "metaphorical" handling of the $Creature.] Your film sticks around in cinemas for a few weeks before being palmed off to VOD.(set: $Boxoffice to "mixed")](if: ($Popcorn is 0) and ($Tone is "utopian" or "protopian") and ($VFX is "mocap" or "prosthetics" or "animatronics")) [''//$SecondFilm// opens soft... and doesn't get much better.'' Some loyal fans who loved //$FirstFilm// show up on opening weekend to check out $Lead as the $Character. They're (if: $Tone is "utopian")[buoyed by your thoughtful, uplifting approach to $Theme,] (if: $Tone is "protopian")[gripped by your thoughtful, even-handed approach to $Theme,] and equally captivated by the (if: $VFX is "mocap")[ground-breaking motion capture effects.] (if: $VFX is "prosthetics")[visceral special effects make-up work.] (if: $VFX is "animatronics")[life-like animatronics.] A few people dress up as your $Creature at PAX Australia the following year, but no-one knows who they're meant to be.(set: $Boxoffice to "bad")](if: ($Popcorn is 0) and ($Tone is "utopian" or "protopian") and ($VFX is "tennis balls" or "metaphor")) [''//$SecondFilm// struggles to find an audience.'' Some loyal fans who loved //$FirstFilm// show up on opening weekend to check out $Lead as the $Character, and while they're (if: $Tone is "utopian")[buoyed by your thoughtful, uplifting approach to $Theme,] (if: $Tone is "protopian")[gripped by your thoughtful, even-handed approach to $Theme,] audiences say they're (if: $VFX is "tennis balls")[put off by the lifeless CGI used to depict the $Creature.] (if: $VFX is "metaphor")[utterly confused by the "metaphorical" handling of the $Creature.] Some diehard fans try to spread the word, but //$SecondFilm// quickly disappears from cinemas.(set: $Boxoffice to "bad")](if: ($Popcorn is 0) and ($Tone is "dystopian") and ($VFX is "mocap" or "prosthetics" or "animatronics")) [''//$SecondFilm// is a box office bomb.'' Some loyal fans who loved //$FirstFilm// show up on opening weekend to check out $Lead as the $Character, but they're totally put off by your punishingly nihilistic take on $Theme, despite enjoying the (if: $VFX is "mocap")[ground-breaking motion capture effects.] (if: $VFX is "prosthetics")[visceral special effects make-up work.] (if: $VFX is "animatronics")[life-like animatronics.] A few people dress up as your $Creature at PAX Australia the following year, but no-one knows who they're meant to be.(set: $Boxoffice to "bad")](if: ($Popcorn is 0) and ($Tone is "dystopian") and ($VFX is"tennis balls" or "metaphor")) [''//$SecondFilm// is a never-before-seen box office disaster.'' Some loyal fans who loved //$FirstFilm// show up on opening weekend to check out $Lead as the $Character, but they're totally put off by your punishingly nihilistic take on $Theme, and absolutely loathe (if: $VFX is "tennis balls")[the lifeless CGI used to depict the $Creature.] (if: $VFX is "metaphor")[your "metaphorical" handling of the $Creature.] A few op-eds appear in //Deadline// and //Variety// theorising on your film's complete box office failure – but nobody even reads them.(set: $Boxoffice to "bad")] (if: $Innovation is 3 or 4)[[[• And what are the critics saying?->Critical response - 3 or 4]]](if: $Innovation is 2)[[[• And what are the critics saying?->Critical response - 2]]](if: $Innovation is 1)[[[• And what are the critics saying?->Critical response - 1]]](if: $Innovation <= 0)[[[• And what are the critics saying?->Critical response - 0]]]

(if: ($Boxoffice is "good") and ($Reviews is "positive"))[''You're the talk of the town.'' A huge box office return with glowing reviews? Your phone's blowing up with messages from producers wanting to finance your next project. (if: $Budget <0)[They’re willing to ignore the overblown budget when the takings are this good. They call //$SecondFilm// a masterpiece, though you’re not convinced they’ve actually seen it.](else:)[When they talk about the profits you delivered while coming in under budget, they start to choke up. They call //$SecondFilm// a masterpiece, though you’re not convinced they’ve actually seen it.] (if: $Ollywood is "China")[The film's also been a surprise hit in China, with a Chinawood remake on its way. ](if: $Ollywood is "Nigeria")[The film's also been a surprise hit in Nigeria, with a Nollywood remake on its way. ](if: $Ollywood is "India")[The film's also been a surprise hit in India, with a Bollywood remake on its way. ]These producers are willing to greenlight just about anything.](if: ($Boxoffice is "good") and ($Reviews is "bad" or "mixed"))[''You're in high demand.'' A huge box office return – your phone's filled with messages from producers wanting to chat about your next project. (if: $Budget <0)[They’re willing to ignore the overblown budget when the takings are this good. They call your film a masterpiece, though you’re not convinced they’ve actually seen it.](else:)[When they talk about the profits you delivered while coming in under budget, they start to choke up. They call your film a masterpiece, though you’re not convinced they’ve actually seen it.] (if: $Ollywood is "China")[The film's also been a surprise hit in China, with a Chinawood remake on its way. ](if: $Ollywood is "Nigeria")[The film's also been a surprise hit in Nigeria, with a Nollywood remake on its way. ](if: $Ollywood is "India")[The film's also been a surprise hit in India, with a Bollywood remake on its way. ]The producers say not to worry about the critics – snobby academics have no place in this business! They’re interested in bringing you in on a big franchise... perhaps //$SecondFilm// is part of a shared universe?](if: ($Boxoffice is "pretty good") and ($Reviews is "positive"))[''You're the talk of the town.'' A decent box office return with glowing reviews? Your phone's filled with messages from producers wanting to chat about your next project. (if: $Budget <0)[They’re willing to ignore the overblown budget when the takings are this good. They call //$SecondFilm// a masterpiece, though you’re not convinced they’ve actually seen it.](else:)[When they talk about the profits you delivered while coming in under budget, they start to choke up. They call //$SecondFilm// a masterpiece, though you’re not convinced they’ve actually seen it.] (if: $Ollywood is "China")[The film's also been a surprise hit in China, with a Chinawood remake on its way. ](if: $Ollywood is "Nigeria")[The film's also been a surprise hit in Nigeria, with a Nollywood remake on its way. ](if: $Ollywood is "India")[The film's also been a surprise hit in India, with a Bollywood remake on its way. ]These producers are ready to greenlight just about anything.](if: ($Boxoffice is "pretty good") and ($Reviews is "bad" or "mixed"))[''You're the flavour of the month.'' A decent box office return – your phone's filled with messages from producers wanting to chat about your next project. (if: $Budget <0)[They’re willing to ignore the overblown budget when the takings are this good. They call your film a masterpiece, though you’re not convinced they’ve actually seen it.](else:)[ When they talk about the profits you delivered while coming in under budget, they start to choke up. They call your film a masterpiece, though you’re not convinced they’ve actually seen it.] (if: $Ollywood is "China")[The film's also been a surprise hit in China, with a Chinawood remake on its way. ](if: $Ollywood is "Nigeria")[The film's also been a surprise hit in Nigeria, with a Nollywood remake on its way. ](if: $Ollywood is "India")[The film's also been a surprise hit in India, with a Bollywood remake on its way. ]The producers say not to worry about the critics – snobby academics have no place in this business! They’re interested in bringing you in on a big franchise... perhaps //$SecondFilm// is part of a shared universe?](if: ($Boxoffice is "bad" or "mixed") and ($Reviews is "positive"))[''It's a long road ahead.'' After your lacklustre opening, a small handful of producers still want meetings with you. They say box office numbers don’t matter – good reviews indicate you know how to make something special. (if: $Ollywood is "China")[They also point out that //$SecondFilm//'s been a surprise hit in China, with a Chinawood remake on its way. ](if: $Ollywood is "Nigeria")[They also point out that //$SecondFilm//'s been a surprise hit in Nigeria, with a Nollywood remake on its way. ](if: $Ollywood is "India")[They also point out that //$SecondFilm//'s been a surprise hit in India, with a Bollywood remake on its way. ](if: $Budget < 0)[These producers warn that next time there’ll be much tighter reigns on the budget – which will be smaller. A lot smaller.](else:)[These producers say it's good you came in under budget, because the next one will be smaller. A lot smaller.] You did one for the money – now it's time to do the one for the art.](if: ($Boxoffice is "bad" or "mixed") and ($Reviews is "bad" or "mixed"))[''It's not looking good.'' Between the lacklustre opening and disappointing reviews, you’re not surprised when your phone stops ringing. (if: $Ollywood is not 0)[Rubbing salt into the wound, you learn that //$SecondFilm// has been banned in $Ollywood, for reasons that never become clear. ]Eventually you give up trying to set meetings with producers, and decide your next film will be entirely self-financed. (if: $Budget <0)[Industry reports of //$SecondFilm//'s overblown budget mean the banks refuse to give you a loan, but you convince your parents to put a second mortgage on the family home.](else:)[Coming in under budget was the one positive outcome of //$SecondFilm//, so you secure a bank loan and move back in with your parents.] At least the garage makes for a decent office.] [[• And what about my crew?->And the crew?]]

(set: $start to (char-style: via (t8n-delay:pos*150) + (t8n:'instant')))$start[(text-size:1.5)[''THE END.'']] --- Final score: (text-color: red)[''Popcorn'']: $Popcorn out of 4 (text-color: blue)[''Innovation'']: $Innovation out of 4 (text-color: #ff8c00)[''Reputation'']: $Reputation out of 5 (text-color: green)[''Budget'']: $$Budget mil out of (if: $Redo is "yes")[$150 mil](else:)[$100 mil] (text-color: #F6BE00)[''Cinephile'']: $Cinephile out of 3 (text-color: purple)[''Enigma'']: $Enigma out of 8 (if: ($Lead is "deepfaked Harrison Ford") and ($Creature is "robots" or "humanoid replicants") and ($Story is "Blade Runner"))[(text-color: #00bfff)[''Did you accidentally remake// Blade Runner//?''] Yes.] --- ''INT. SPACESHIP - NIGHT'' was written and created by Jordan Prosser & Nathan Harrison. Commissioned by ACMI. Thanks for playing! [[• See how the game works.->How it works]] (link: "• Stay in touch with ACMI for more film, TV and video game insights.") [(open-url: "https://acmi-au.prospect2.com/f/1")] (link: "• Play again.")[(reload:)] This game was created on the lands of the Wurundjeri, Gadigal and Bidjigal Peoples. Sovereignty was never ceded, this always was and always will be Aboriginal Land. <script src="jquery-3.3.1.min.js"></script> <script> var sendData = { "SecondFilm": harlowe.State.variables['SecondFilm'], "FirstFilm": harlowe.State.variables['FirstFilm'], "Popcorn": harlowe.State.variables['Popcorn'], "Innovation": harlowe.State.variables['Innovation'], "Reputation": harlowe.State.variables['Reputation'], "Enigma": harlowe.State.variables['Enigma'], "Budget": harlowe.State.variables['Budget'], "Cinephile": harlowe.State.variables['Cinephile'], "Lead": harlowe.State.variables['Lead'], "BladeRunnerEnding": harlowe.State.variables['BladeRunnerEnding'], "Logline": harlowe.State.variables['Logline'] }; $.ajax({ url: "https://script.google.com/macros/s/AKfycbwgqitWpLlJTuccj5wKX758suwGGoC4rQ9-PnX3NDji09Yf_6Qsz7_Ob2I2qFIGmXs/exec", method: "POST", contentType: "application/json", // Specify that we're sending JSON dataType: "json", // Expect a JSON response data: JSON.stringify(sendData), // Convert the data to a JSON string success: function(response) { console.log("Data sent successfully:", response); }, error: function(xhr, status, error) { console.error("Error sending data:", error); } }); </script>

''EPILOGUE: INT. SPACESHIP - NIGHT'' The year is 2198. Aboard a fifty-storey shopping mall floating in low Earth orbit, a young girl looks through a dusty antiques store. She picks up something the old store owner refers to as a "Blue Ray". On the front cover is a title: //$SecondFilm//. The young girl doesn't recognise any of the actors' names, but she likes the look of the $Creature on the front. Maybe she can find an old machine to play it on once she returns to her moon colony. Maybe it will inspire her to imagine and build a different future of her own. [[• Roll credits!->End menu]]

(b4r:"solid")+(b4r-size:20)+(corner-radius:20)+(font: "Courier New")+(text-size:0.8)+(bg:#FFFFFF)[(text-colour:"black")

<script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-NKTGK0CF5H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-NKTGK0CF5H'); </script>(set: $start to (char-style: via (t8n-delay:pos*150) + (t8n:'instant')))$start[(text-size:1.5)[''INT. SPACESHIP - NIGHT'']] --- There's a million different ways to make a movie about the future, and a million different kinds of movie-maker. What about you? Are you a benevolent visionary or a Hollywood tyrant? In this game, every decision you make affects the final outcome – both for your film, and your film career. --- • Play on your own, or discuss your answers and play with a group. • Explore ACMI for inspiration and clues. [[• START GAME.|PROLOGUE]]

For better or worse, you know that AI will continue to shape the future and become an even bigger part of our lives. But in what way? [[• AI automatons could become a new class of slaves.->AI slaves]] [[• AI humanoids could become indistinguishable from real humans.->AI humanoids]] [[• AI programs could gain sentience and turn against us.->AI sentience]]

We're already changing and augmenting our bodies with technology – just how far will we go? [[• The future will be less "man vs machine" and more about how the two overlap. Eventually, we'll all become human-machine hybrids.|Hybrids]] [[• Advanced nanotechnology will create "miracle cures" for many common diseases.|Nanotech]]

Like the combine harvester, the printing press, the internet and the mobile phone, you sense that there's something else on the horizon – a new invention that will fundamentally alter the course of human history. What might it be? [[• Something that lets us explore outer space.->Space travel]] [[• Something here on Earth.->Earth invention]]

AI automatons could become highly sophisticated and essential to society. Their corporate owners might then enslave them, arguing that they have no "human" rights to begin with. What then? [[• Some humans would advocate for AI rights, testing the boundaries of our natural empathy.->AI advocacy]] [[• The automatons would want to break free. That might mean war.->AI war]] [[• It would deeply complicate our emotional relationships and test our morality for years to come.->AI morality]]

It's only a matter of time until humanoid robots look, move, and sound just like us. What would that mean for society? [[• Humans would have to hunt down and decommission old androids.->AI hunters]] [[• It would mean a new era of human/AI romance. It could even be quite funny.->AI romance]] [[• It would force humanity to question the very nature of creation. It could be a transformative time.->AI philosophy]]

One of the greatest risks with AI is that it might "wake up" one day, acquire super-intelligence, and decide to wipe out humanity. How might this play out? [[• AIs would poison or shut off our food and water supplies, quickly making humans an endangered species.->AI endangered]] [[• The two sides – humans and robots – would have to negotiate and find common ground.->AI negotiate]] [[• This potential danger might be identified early in the AI’s code – but people may not heed the warning.->AI warning]]

(set: $Tone to "utopian")(set: $World to "humans must advocate for AI rights") This is feeling good – complex, but uplifting. Who’s the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• An AI lawyer representing themselves in the supreme court to fight for legal recognition.")[(set: $Character to "witty AI barrister")(set: $Logline to "high-concept legal drama")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• A human activist helping a young android return to its factory of origin in a bid to meet its maker and find its family.")[(set: $Character to "plucky activist")(set: $Logline to "human-robot road trip saga")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• A team of human and android miners stuck after an asteroid cave-in, learning to trust one another so they can escape to the surface.")[(set: $Character to "mining foreperson")(set: $Logline to "space-bound disaster flick")(goto: "Mall summary")]

(set: $Tone to "dystopian")(set: $World to "humans and AIs find themselves on opposing sides of a new World War") This is feeling good – bleak, but good. Who’s the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• A lone android fighting his way through a human-infested wasteland to reach the safety of an AI colony in space.")[(set: $Character to "android fugitive")(set: $Logline to "dystopian survival thriller")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• A human family taken hostage by a band of android terrorists, who demand an end to the war in exchange for the family’s lives.")[(set: $Character to "android terrorist")(set: $Logline to "high-concept hostage thriller")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• A sprawling epic in the vein of //Dunkirk// or //Paths of Glory//, detailing both sides of a raging human-robot war… where nobody wins.")[(set: $Character to "android lieutenant")(set: $Logline to "sprawling war epic")(goto: "Mall summary")]

(set: $Tone to "protopian")(set: $World to "advanced AI has rewritten the rules of human relationships") This feels right – like it's not a //good// or //bad// future, just a complex point in time like ours. Who’s the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• The first human to be tried for the murder of an artificial intelligence.")[(set: $Character to "human plaintiff")(set: $Logline to "high-stakes courtroom drama")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• The first artificial intelligence to be tried for the murder of a human.")[(set: $Character to "android plaintiff")(set: $Logline to "high-stakes courtroom drama")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• Two human parents who realise their children have come to love their AI nanny more than them.")[(set: $Character to "jealous human parent")(set: $Logline to "high-concept family drama")(goto: "Mall summary")]

Before you even realise it, the afternoon food court crowd has come and gone. The sounds of the mall continue all around you. (if: $Park is not "visited")[Looking at your notebook, you're surprised to see the building blocks of a screenplay. A clear theme, a solid concept, and a compelling central character: the $Character.](if: $Park is "visited")[Looking at your notebook, you see a much stronger idea for a film. A better theme, a more complex concept, and a character you can't wait to write: the $Character.] [[• This feels good. Let’s head back to meet my writing parter.|Dinner with writing partner]] (if: $Park is not "visited")[[[• Scratch that, I’ll go somewhere else and keep thinking.|Walk]](set: $Mall to "visited") ][[• This is the perfect time to reflect on the history of cinema with a visit to my favourite museum... ACMI.|ACMI]]

(set: $Tone to "dystopian")(set: $World to "bounty hunters track down and decommission old androids") This is feeling good – bleak, but good. Who’s the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• A grizzled bounty hunter who has to track down and <q>retire</q> these so-called <q>replicants</q>, all the while uncertain whether he might be one himself.")[(set: $Character to "grizzled bounty hunter")(set: $Logline to "heavily //Blade Runner//-inspired sci-fi noir")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• A family of AI humanoids fleeing to a <q>free robot state</q> on the far side of the country, aided by a disgraced robot hunter.")[(set: $Character to "disgraced robot hunter")(set: $Logline to "road trip survival thriller")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• A group of human teenagers taking part in a new, annual tradition – a violent, one-night android cull.")[(set: $Character to "chief executioner")(set: $Logline to "hyper-violent AI opus")(goto: "Mall summary")]

(set: $Tone to "utopian")(set: $World to "people are navigate the new frontier of human-AI romance") This is feeling good – complex, but uplifting. Who’s the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• Two people who start dating, each entirely unsure if the other is human or AI.")[(set: $Character to "lovesick human")(set: $Logline to "mistaken-identity rom-com")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• Two siblings who have to come to terms with their widowed father’s new love interest – a sassy cyborg.")[(set: $Character to "sassy cyborg")(set: $Logline to "high-concept family dramedy")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• Two families, one organic and one mechanical, coming together for a destination wedding.")[(set: $Character to "robot celebrant")(set: $Logline to "high-concept marital comedy")(goto: "Mall summary")]

(set: $Tone to "protopian")(set: $World to "humans are forced to reassess their place in the universe") This feels right – like it's not a //good// or //bad// future, just a complex point in time like ours. Who’s the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• A lonely human who goes on a quest for connection after being dumped by their AI partner.")[(set: $Character to "heartbroken human")(set: $Logline to "soul-searching romantic dramedy")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• A family who abandons the city and moves to the wilderness, only to find they can’t escape the inevitable creep of AI.")[(set: $Character to "AI-hating human parent")(set: $Logline to "futuristic family dramedy")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• A team of multi-faith human warriors sent to find and kill the New Robot God.")[(set: $Character to "Pope")(set: $Logline to "sci-fi martial arts epic")(goto: "Mall summary")]

(set: $Tone to "dystopian")(set: $World to "artificial intelligence has driven humans to the brink of extinction") This is feeling good – bleak, but good. Who’s the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• A human courier transporting the last reserve of wheat seedlings to the last fertile patch of land on Earth.")[(set: $Character to "seedling courier")(set: $Logline to "high-concept cli-fi road trip")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• A family defending themselves from a murderous AI who has trapped them inside their house.")[(set: $Character to "robot chef")(set: $Logline to "locked-room survival thriller")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• A delegation of international soldiers sent to Antarctica to secure humanity’s last reserves of drinkable water.")[(set: $Character to "platoon leader")(set: $Logline to "epic cli-fi war movie")(goto: "Mall summary")]

(set: $Tone to "utopian")(set: $World to "humans and robots are forced to peacefully co-exist") This is feeling good – complex, but uplifting. Who’s the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• The first human-AI couple to fall in love, becoming an international symbol of hope and progress.")[(set: $Character to "lovestruck human")(set: $Logline to "inter-species romantic drama")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• A family in the midst of a messy divorce, who has to prove to their robot butler that humanity is still worth fighting for.")[(set: $Character to "robot butler")(set: $Logline to "futuristic morality tale")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• Human and robot delegates attending a global peace summit, where they carve out new legislature for planetary co-existence.")[(set: $Character to "robot diplomat")(set: $Logline to "sweeping political drama")(goto: "Mall summary")]

(set: $Tone to "protopian")(set: $World to "people are blind to the warning signs of a looming AI crisis") This feels right – like it's not a //good// or //bad// future, just a complex point in time like ours. What happens in the story? (link: "• A lone programmer tries to delete an AI’s source code, going up against deadly corporate interests.")[(set: $Character to "street-smart hacker")(set: $Logline to "futuristic paranoid thriller")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• A group of ex-classmates become anti-tech whistleblowers and are forced to go on the run.")[(set: $Character to "reluctant whistleblower")(set: $Logline to "futuristic paranoid thriller")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• The decision to <q>keep or kill</q> a super-AI is put to a global vote – we watch the final days leading up to the ballot that will decide humanity's future.")[(set: $Character to "Prime Minister of Australia")(set: $Logline to "globe-spanning tech drama")(goto: "Mall summary")]

(set: $World to "robot-human hybrids discover new limits of existence")(set: $Tone to "utopian") This is feeling good – complex, but uplifting. What happens in the story? (link: "• A detective and criminal’s cat-and-mouse chase moves between real and digital worlds.")[(set: $Character to "resourceful detective")(set: $Logline to "cat-and-mouse tech thriller")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• A computer scientist volunteers to be the first human to have their brain uploaded to the cloud, against the wishes of their family.")[(set: $Character to "pioneering scientist")(set: $Logline to "high-tech family thriller")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• A group of university students attempts to recreate a traditional 2000s college experience in spite of their digital enhancements.")[(set: $Character to "head of campus security")(set: $Logline to "nostalgic college caper")(goto: "Mall summary")]

Imagine: cures for cancer, diabetes and heart disease. It could halve humanity's mortality rate in the space of a decade. But what would happen then? [[• The end of these illnesses would lead to even worse overpopulation and resource scarcity.->Overpopulation]] [[• Having defeated the challenges of physical bodies, we would turn our attention to new battles.|New battles]] [[• We would continue to retreat into digital spaces, expanding our intellectual reach but negatively affecting our physical health.|Digital spaces]]

(set: $Tone to "dystopian")(set: $World to "the end of all human illness leads to an overpopulation and resource crisis") This is feeling good – bleak, but good. Who’s the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• The last ever human cancer patient. They become a global celebrity, using their fame to preach that death is an important part of life.")[(set: $Character to "wise cancer patient")(set: $Logline to "modern-day morality tale")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• Two spoilt siblings who resent their parents for living to 140 and spending their inheritance – so they take matters into their own hands.")[(set: $Character to "villainous older brother")(set: $Logline to "dark family thriller")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• Public servants setting up a new global <q>lottery</q> that annually culls 5% of the world’s population to ease the strain on food supply and infrastructure.")[(set: $Character to "doubt-riddled public servant")(set: $Logline to "globe-spanning drama")(goto: "Mall summary")]

(set: $Tone to "dystopian")(set: $World to "new digital frontiers present new existential dangers") This is feeling good – bleak, but good. Who’s the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• A lone whistleblower who finds a security loophole that could leave millions of tech-enhanced humans vulnerable to a <q>hacking pandemic</q>.")[(set: $Character to "whistleblower")(set: $Logline to "high-tech outbreak thriller")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• Two children who fear their father has been <q>possessed</q> by a malignant virus after he receives a digital brain implant.")[(set: $Character to "mad scientist")(set: $Logline to "techno-mystery thriller")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• An embattled police unit after a mass recall of <q>digital tissue</q> leads to a nation-wide organ harvesting spree.")[(set: $Character to "embattled police chief")(set: $Logline to "visceral body horror")(goto: "Mall summary")]

(set: $Tone to "protopian")(set: $World to "life-saving technology is hoarded by the elite few") This feels right – like it's not a //good// or //bad// future, just a complex point in time like ours. Who’s the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• A Robin Hood-type character who steals a shipment of expensive <q>spare parts</q> intended for a wealthy gated community.")[(set: $Character to "thieving anti-hero")(set: $Logline to "high-concept heist drama")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• A brother and sister who make a pact to climb out of poverty at any cost, reconnecting years later to reflect on what they've become.")[(set: $Character to "unscrupulous brother")(set: $Logline to "rags-to-riches moral drama")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• An underdog human rights lawyer who takes on a big nanotech company, arguing for universal access to their life-saving innovations.")[(set: $Character to "human rights lawyer")(set: $Logline to "sprawling legal drama")(goto: "Mall summary")]

It's only a matter of time until we take to the stars, travelling easily within our solar system and beyond it. What would be the ramifications of this? [[• If humans could travel at the speed of light, it would bring us closer to contacting alien species.->Aliens]] [[• We would colonise and terraform new planets, setting up cities and trade routes. But more planets, more problems.->Colonies]] [[• As we explored further afield, we might struggle to maintain our Earthly morality and identity.->Identity]]

There's still much to achieve here on this planet. What's the most likely game-changing invention we'll see in our lifetimes? [[• A new kind of renewable energy that stops climate change in its tracks.->Renewables]] [[• New, all-powerful weapons capable of destruction the world has never seen.->Weapons]] [[• A way to digitally or mechanically enhance our brains – memory, reflexes and processing power.->Enhanced brains]]

(set: $Tone to "utopian")(set: $World to "humans must navigate the complexities of first contact with extraterrestrial life")This is feeling good – complex, but uplifting. What happens in the story? (link: "• A daredevil space pilot, known as a <q>speed runner</q>, gets lost in a wormhole and must find his way home with the help of his alien dopplegänger.")[(set: $Character to "daredevil speed runner")(set: $Logline to "hallucinogenic space adventure")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• A human child tries to keep an adorable stowaway alien hidden from their astronaut parents.")[(set: $Character to "astronaut father")(set: $Logline to "quirky family dramedy")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• An alien race offers us their endless wisdom, on one condition: we surrender the continent of Europe to be transported back to their home planet.")[(set: $Character to "president of the EU")(set: $Logline to "geopolitical alien satire")(goto: "Mall summary")]

(set: $Tone to "dystopian")(set: $World to "humans have terraformed and colonised a vast network of planets")Good point – bleak, but true. Who’s the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• An ice-miner on Pluto who steals a spaceship and returns home to Earth, only to find it completely abandoned.")[(set: $Character to "runaway ice-miner")(set: $Logline to "mysterious space saga")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• A pair of star-crossed lovers from different planets who defy their family’s long-standing feud and run away together.")[(set: $Character to "planetary patriarch")(set: $Logline to "Shakespearean space romance")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• A group of art historians travelling between planets, salvaging the last remaining pieces of <q>original Earth culture</q>.")[(set: $Character to "chief art historian")(set: $Logline to "far-reaching space drama")(goto: "Mall summary")]

(set: $Tone to "utopian")(set: $World to "humans make huge strides in experimental forms of renewable energy") This is feeling good – complex, but uplifting. What happens in the story? (link: "• A scientist invents perfects cold fusion, wins a Nobel Prize, then goes into hiding before the world discovers that the technology is a sham.")[(set: $Character to "conniving scientist")(set: $Logline to "futuristic industrial satire")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• A team of astronauts receive world-altering technology from an alien race and must spread it across the globe without revealing where it came from.")[(set: $Character to "virtuous astronaut")(set: $Logline to "techno-conspiracy adventure")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• Humanity discovers a way to generate endless renewable energy... but it means blocking out the sun and living in permanent darkness.")[(set: $Character to "solar architect")(set: $Logline to "high-concept ensemble drama")(goto: "Mall summary")]

(set: $Tone to "dystopian")(set: $World to "new, futuristic weapons threaten to wreak havoc on human civilisation") This is feeling good – bleak, but good. Who’s the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• A scientist who discovers how to weaponize the Large Hadron Collider, but decides to destroy it before it all falls into the wrong hands.")[(set: $Character to "rogue scientist")(set: $Logline to "high-concept action-adventure")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• A family trying to find each other in a futuristic Australian wasteland after an Electro-Magnetic Pulse permanently disables all electronic systems.")[(set: $Character to "courageous father")(set: $Logline to "dystopian Aussie survival thriller")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• A team of international fighter pilots tasked with tracking down and destroying a fleet of rogue, human-killing drones.")[(set: $Character to "fleet captain")(set: $Logline to "sky-bound action-adventure")(goto: "Mall summary")]

(set: $Tone to "protopian")(set: $World to "futuristic innovations allow humans to expand and enhance their bodies and brains") This feels right – like it's not a //good// or //bad// future, just a complex point in time like ours. What happens in the story? (link: "• An athlete secretly augments their musculoskeletal system to compete in the Intergalactic Olympics.")[(set: $Character to "cheating athlete")(set: $Logline to "space-bound sports thriller")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• A woman enhances her memory and suddenly remembers everything about the childhood she'd forgotten – including a dark family secret.")[(set: $Character to "two-faced family attorney")(set: $Logline to "futuristic family thriller")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• Enhanced human brains can now consume every piece of content ever created within days, leading to a deadly <q>boredom epidemic</q>.")[(set: $Character to "boredom epidemiologist")(set: $Logline to "high-concept philosophical satire")(goto: "Mall summary")]

People have been building subterranean dwellings for centuries. But what would this look like in the future? [[• Overcrowded tunnels without enough resources to go round. People conscripted to work on the surface at night.|Tunnels]] [[• High-tech bunkers with vast underground farms. A collective drive to protect the community.|Underground farms]] [[• Huge underground cities with geothermal heating. A new relationship with the land.|Underground cities]]

Scientists are already thinking up ways to arrest or turn back the effects of global warming. What might happen with this technology in the future? [[• Spreading aerosols in the stratosphere could fail to prevent escalating heat. The wealthy retreat to bunkers, and everyone else fends for themselves.|Wealthy bunkers]] [[• Atmosphere management could lead to planet-wide reforestation. Jungles and mangroves reclaiming cities. Kelp flourishing in the sea.|Reforestation]] [[• Geoengineering projects could spark a global race between nations to become the planet's saviour.|Geoengineering race]]

(set: $Tone to "dystopian")(set: $World to "people living in overcrowded tunnels can only come up to the surface at night") This is feeling good – bleak, but good. Who's the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• A surface-worker who gets stranded above ground and makes a shocking discovery.")[(set: $Character to "surface-worker")(set: $Logline to "dystopian thriller")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A family protecting themselves as a synthetic drug sparks a dangerous crime wave underground.")[(set: $Character to "impulsive son")(set: $Logline to "family survival thriller")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A cave-in leads a community to seek a new home.")[(set: $Character to "community leader")(set: $Logline to "sci-fi odyssey")(goto: "Park summary")]

(set: $Tone to "utopian")(set: $World to "people live in high-tech bunkers with vast underground farms") This is feeling good – complex, but uplifting. Who’s the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• A mechanic who develops strange telepathic powers.")[(set: $Character to "telepathic mechanic")(set: $Logline to "mind-bending sci-fi drama")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A family who must decide whether to enter cryogenic sleep and re-emerge in the far future.")[(set: $Character to "stubborn son")(set: $Logline to "futuristic family drama")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A group of expendable workers sent on a fool's errand that becomes of vital importance to the colony's survival.")[(set: $Character to "village idiot")(set: $Logline to "subterranean adventure comedy")(goto: "Park summary")]

(set: $Tone to "protopian")(set: $World to "humans live in climate-controlled bunkers, deep in the mountains") This feels right – like it's not a //good// or //bad// future, just a complex point in time like ours. Who’s the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• A scientist with a bad reputation for outlandish claims who discovers an unidentified, subterranean creature.")[(set: $Character to "disgraced scientist")(set: $Logline to "underground horror romp")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A father-daughter engineer team who must descend to repair a malfunctioning geothermal generator.")[(set: $Character to "engineer father")(set: $Logline to "tearjerking action movie")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A ragtag group of adventurous kids who follow a map to find buried treasure.")[(set: $Character to "kid leader")(set: $Logline to "family adventure film")(goto: "Park summary")]

(set: $Tone to "dystopian")(set: $World to "the wealthy elite have fled to bunkers, leaving scraps for the rest of humanity") This is feeling good – bleak, but good. What happens in the story? (link: "• A con artist gets a job in a bunker and works to gain a billionaire’s trust.")[(set: $Character to "resourceful con artist")(set: $Logline to "psychological bunker thriller")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A group of street orphans discover an abandoned bunker and begin a new life there.")[(set: $Character to "charismatic urchin")(set: $Logline to "family adventure-comedy")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• Two rival gangs brave the toxic atmosphere to find a rare energy source in an abandoned city.")[(set: $Character to "gang leader")(set: $Logline to "brutal wasteland thriller")(goto: "Park summary")]

(set: $Tone to "utopian")(set: $World to "huge reforestation projects have created lush jungle-cities") This is feeling good – complex, but uplifting. What happens in the story? (link: "• A scientist pursues their lifelong dream of resurrecting an extinct bird.")[(set: $Character to "ornithologist")(set: $Logline to "sci-fi fable")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A family travels to an abandoned city seeking medicine for their sick child.")[(set: $Character to "determined father")(set: $Logline to "wasteland road-trip adventure")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A semi-intelligent breed of salamander is discovered, and humans must navigate new inter-species relations.")[(set: $Character to "salamander researcher")(set: $Logline to "inter-species drama")(goto: "Park summary")]

(set: $Tone to "protopian")(set: $World to "scientists race to discover the ultimate climate solution") This feels right – like it's not a //good// or //bad// future, just a complex point in time like ours. Who’s the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• A quantum physicist who discovers government-led attempts to sabotage their experiments.")[(set: $Character to "quantum physicist")(set: $Logline to "scientific espionage thriller")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A writer reflecting on a childhood summer when their scientist parents’ marriage collapsed amidst national debates about nuclear energy.")[(set: $Character to "science writer")(set: $Logline to "multiple timeline coming-of-age drama")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A space agency hurrying to launch a solar wind satellite before their international rival.")[(set: $Character to "wildcard scientist")(set: $Logline to "race-against-time thriller")(goto: "Park summary")]

Maybe we'll find ways of combating or controlling weather systems in the future. What would be the upshot of that? [[• Societies would crumble as resources are funnelled into fighting storms.|Society crumbles]] [[• Scientists would develop superior forecasting technology and cities able to withstand these disasters.|Safe cities]] [[• Pilots known as ‘storm warriors', trained to fly airborne weather-control machines, would take to the skies to defend their cities.|Storm warriors]]

(set: $Tone to "dystopian")(set: $World to "citizens are left to fend for themselves while their governments combat superstorms") This is feeling good – bleak, but good. Who's the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• A lone retired firefighter who decides to protect a residential block that's been abandoned the government.")[(set: $Character to "retired firefighter")(set: $Logline to "gritty action saga")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A family on a remote property who find themselves in the path of a storm, equipped only with obsolete technology.")[(set: $Character to "desperate father")(set: $Logline to "family action-disaster movie")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• An interconnected ensemble of city residents preparing for the worst storm in recorded history.")[(set: $Character to "weather reporter")(set: $Logline to "cli-fi ensemble drama")(goto: "Park summary")]

(set: $Tone to "utopian")(set: $World to "scientists have developed high-tech cities safe from disaster") This is feeling good – complex, but uplifting. Who’s the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• A public servant who discovers the terrible secret behind what powers their utopian city.")[(set: $Character to "daring public servant")(set: $Logline to "utopian thriller")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A family preparing to be the first Martian colonists, transplanting city-tech to a brand new planet.")[(set: $Character to "conflicted son")(set: $Logline to "emotional space-drama")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A disgraced police squad finding evidence of human interference in the mysterious firestorms plaguing their city.")[(set: $Character to "hardened squad leader")(set: $Logline to "brutal action blockbuster")(goto: "Park summary")]

(set: $Tone to "protopian")(set: $World to "mech-suited storm warriors battle it out in the upper atmosphere") This feels right – like it's not a //good// or //bad// future, just a complex point in time like ours. Who’s the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• A storm warrior defects during a live operation and teams up with an Indigenous ranger to find a new way to quiet the deadly storms.")[(set: $Character to "lone storm warrior")(set: $Logline to "disaster buddy movie")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• Two storm warrior siblings are reunited on the battlefield of an inter-city war – on opposing sides of the conflict.")[(set: $Character to "storm warrior brother")(set: $Logline to "mech-fuelled war epic")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• All of Earth’s storm warriors uniting to protect the human race after an alien invasion.")[(set: $Character to "storm warrior captain")(set: $Logline to "space invasion epic")(goto: "Park summary")]

Adapt or die, as the evolutionists says. What could a story about this existential shift in humanity be about? [[• Nomadic communities moving with the seasons while struggling to preserve their historical record.|Nomadic communities]] [[• Scientists developing an orbital ring encircling the Earth that can sustain new life.|Orbital ring]] [[• The world's population being cryogenically frozen to wait for a more stable future – and the few left behind to care for them during stasis.|Stasis]]

(set: $Tone to "dystopian")(set: $World to "post-apocalyptic people struggle to preserve our history") This is feeling good – bleak, but good. Who's the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• An ageing knowledge-keeper seeking someone worthy of carrying their stories forward.")[(set: $Character to "knowledge-keeper")(set: $Logline to "future-history epic")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A family exiled for possessing books containing knowledge of ages past, travelling to find a new home.")[(set: $Character to "exiled father")(set: $Logline to "wasteland survival epic")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A starving nomadic community stumbling across something they do not recognise or understand... a shopping mall.")[(set: $Character to "adventurous clan leader")(set: $Logline to "post-apocalyptic comedy of errors")(goto: "Park summary")]

(set: $Tone to "utopian")(set: $World to "humans have flocked to a giant orbital ring encircling the Earth") This is feeling good – complex, but uplifting. What happens in the story? (link: "• When a surface expedition goes horribly wrong, an ex-wilderness ranger embarks on a daring rescue mission.")[(set: $Character to "ex-wilderness ranger")(set: $Logline to "action-packed rescue drama")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• As people depart for the orbital ring, a family deals with the decision of a parent to stay behind on Earth.")[(set: $Character to "tormented son")(set: $Logline to "futuristic family drama")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A council must deal with rising tensions between people on opposite sides of the ring, sparked by a shadowy instigator.")[(set: $Character to "inexperienced councillor")(set: $Logline to "space-bound political epic")(goto: "Park summary")]

(set: $Tone to "protopian")(set: $World to "humans enter cryogenic stasis, waiting for a better future")This feels right – like it's not a //good// or //bad// future, just a complex point in time like ours. What happens in the story? (link: "• A cleaner is allocated a stasis spot by global lottery, spending their last day in contemplation before being frozen.")[(set: $Character to "humble cleaner")(set: $Logline to "meditative sci-fi drama")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A crew of stasis-maintenance workers is stalked by an unseen, inhuman horror.")[(set: $Character to "determined crew chief")(set: $Logline to "claustrophobic space horror")(goto: "Park summary")] (link: "• A pod of sleepers are woken early. Was it computer error, or is humanity on the verge of an extinction-level disaster?")[(set: $Character to "determined engineer")(set: $Logline to "high-tech mystery thriller")(goto: "Park summary")]

Our idea of what a human //is// has constantly changed over time. As the lines continue to blur, what ripple effects might there be? [[• Human-robot hybrids will explore exciting new existential frontiers.|Frontiers]] [[• The more "digital" humans become, the more vulnerable we'll be to dangerous influences.|Vulnerable]] [[• This valuable tech will inevitably be handed out along lines of wealth and privilege, just like everything else.|Wealth]]

(set: $Tone to "protopian")(set: $World to "humans have retreated more and more into digital realms") This feels right – like it's not a //good// or //bad// future, just a complex point in time like ours. Who’s the person, or people, at the heart of the story? (link: "• A digital criminal, the first person banned from the metaverse, rediscovers the joys of life on the outside.")[(set: $Character to "reformed crook")(set: $Logline to "high-tech dramedy")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• A family struggles after a software update <q>bricks</q> a number of their devices, leaving half of them stuck in the digital world, and half in the real one.")[(set: $Character to "tech-avoidant father")(set: $Logline to "futuristic family drama")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• Residents of a high-rise housing block sink deeper into digital paradise even as their physical living conditions rapidly deteriorate.")[(set: $Character to "handsome widower")(set: $Logline to "futuristic ensemble satire")(goto: "Mall summary")]

(set: $Tone to "utopian")(set: $World to "physically perfect humans have turned their attention to new frontiers") This is feeling good – complex, but uplifting. So what happens in the story? (link: "• Despite derision from their peers, a biologist attempts to communicate with plant life.")[(set: $Character to "idealistic botanist")(set: $Logline to "quirky scientific drama")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• A group of astronauts prepare for the first crewed flight to the edges of the solar system.")[(set: $Character to "chief astronaut")(set: $Logline to "space-bound epic")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• An activist collective fights to eliminate all forms of currency.")[(set: $Character to "plucky activist leader")(set: $Logline to "anti-capitalist manifesto")(goto: "Mall summary")]

(set: $WritEnigma to $WritEnigma+1)Your writing partner waits while you dig through your bag and produce a faded ticket stub from a screening of //2001: A Space Odyssey// you attended as a child. You place it in the centre of the room, close your eyes and take a deep breath. [[• Its origin and purpose, still a total mystery.|Start script]]

Your writing partner waits patiently for you to recite the famous //Blade Runner// speech word for word before opening up her notebook. [[• Like tears in rain.|Start script]]

(if: $Creature is "robots" or "aliens" or "mutants" or "alien lobsters" or "robot waiters" or "mutant chefs")[''WRITING PARTNER:'' I read in that GQ interview that you want to have $Creature in the film. Now that we've got the story... do you think that still works? [[• I would never lie to GQ. That's what the creatures are.->Perfect metaphor]] [[• That was a decoy answer. Obviously it's something else.->Decoy answer]] [[• Whatever these creatures are, we’ve never seen anything like them. We don’t yet have the language to describe them.->Incomprehensible unknowns]]](if: $Creature is "some sort of bizarre, sci-fi creature in the third act")[''WRITING PARTNER:'' I read in that GQ interview that you want to have $Creature in the film. Now that we've got the story down... what did you have in mind? [[• Let me think... ->New creatures]]]

''WRITING PARTNER:'' I figured. So what are the creatures in the third act //really//? [[• Let me think...->New creatures]]

(set: $WritInnovation to $WritInnovation+1) You look back through your notes and an image forms in your mind, terrifying and awesome. (if: $Theme is "climate")[(link: "• Genetically enhanced killer whales.")[(set: $Creature to "genetically enhanced killer whales")(goto: "End of writing")] (link: "• Ten-foot tall storm warriors.")[(set: $Creature to "ten-foot tall storm warriors")(goto: "End of writing")] (link: "• Climate-proof superhumans.")[(set: $Creature to "climate-proof superhumans")(goto: "End of writing")] (link: "• Adorable mutant salamanders.")[(set: $Creature to "adorable mutant salamanders")(goto: "End of writing")]](if: $Theme is "technology")[(link: "• Humanoid replicants.")[(set: $Creature to "humanoid replicants")(goto: "End of writing")] (link: "• Aliens from a distant, advanced civilisation.")[(set: $Creature to "aliens from a distant, advanced civilisation")(goto: "End of writing")] (link: "• Digitally enhanced supersoldiers.")[(set: $Creature to "digitally enhanced supersoldiers")(goto: "End of writing")] (link: "• Adorable robot helpers.")[(set: $Creature to "adorable robot helpers")(goto: "End of writing")]]

''PROLOGUE: MUSSO & FRANK'' [After a week in LA promoting your debut feature film, you have one more interview lined up before you head home to Australia: lunch at Musso & Frank Grill with a journalist from GQ.] [[• Delightful. I'll have the beef grenadine and a dry martini.->Delightful]] [[• Boring. Isn’t long-form journalism dead anyway?->Boring]]

(set: $Theme to "technology")(set: $DVD to "AI")(set: $Character to "first AI programmed to love")(set: $World to "robots have replaced much of the world's population")(set: $Logline to "thoughtful, sweeping drama") It’s been years since you last watched //A.I. Artificial Intelligence//, and you wish you had someone here to discuss it with. You figure that AI is a pretty good theme, and you’re confident you can change enough details in your new script to avoid any critical (or legal) comparisons. But what kind of outlook should your new film have? [[• Watching this has perked me up. I'm feeling optimistic.|Good vibes solo]] [[• I'm feeling pretty low. It's hard to imagine a positive future.|Bad vibes solo]] [[• Flip a coin.|Flip a coin solo]]

(set: $Theme to "climate")(set: $DVD to "The Day After Tomorrow")(set: $Character to "scientist father")(set: $World to "extreme weather events bring about a new ice age")(set:$Logline to "disaster action flick") It’s been years since you last watched //The Day After Tomorrow//, and the pair of you spend the afternoon discussing it. You agree that the climate crisis is the perfect theme for your new film, and you’re pretty confident that you can change enough details to avoid any critical (or legal) comparisons. ''WRITING PARTNER:'' And the general feeling of the world... is it good vibes or bad vibes? [[• The future is bright. Good vibes all the way.|Good vibes]] [[• Have you read the news lately? Nothing but bad vibes.|Bad vibes]] [[• Flip a coin.]]

(if: $Relationship is "good")[''WRITING PARTNER:'' Love that. I can totally see it. She writes down (text-colour:"red")[''$Creature''] and circles it in red, before collecting her things. ''WRITING PARTNER (CONT'D):'' I need some sleep, but then I’m gonna head to the farm and get to work. I’ll send a first draft when it’s ready.](if: $Relationship is "bad")[''WRITING PARTNER:'' Sure. You're the boss. She writes down (text-colour:"red")[''$Creature''] and circles it in red, before collecting her things. ''WRITING PARTNER (CONT'D):'' I need some sleep, but then I’ll get to work. I’ll send a first draft when it’s ready.] [[• Let’s make a movie.|PART 2: PRE-PRODUCTION]]

(if: ($Innovation is 3 or 4) and ($Design is "location" or "mix") and ($Investor is "false"))[''The critics absolutely adore it.'' They have nothing but praise for your "bold depiction" of "a visceral near-future in which $World", and laud your "nuanced integration of (if: $Theme is "climate")[the present-day climate crisis] (if: $Theme is "technology")[questions around humanity's ever-evolving relationship to technology]". They go on to compliment the (if: $Design is "location")["stunning" cinematography of your real-world locations.] (if: $Design is "mix")["flawless" mix of studio and real-world locations, which "lent a unique //vérité// quality to the proceedings".] One famously hard-to-impress critic was forced to admit: `"`//$SecondFilm// `is a rigorous, uncompromised vision from one of our finest emerging auteurs. Bravo."`(set: $Reviews to "positive")](if: ($Innovation is 3 or 4) and ($Design is "studio") and ($Investor is "false"))[''The critics love it.'' They have nothing but praise for your "bold depiction" of "a visceral near-future in which $World," and laud your "nuanced integration of (if: $Theme is "climate")[the present-day climate crisis"] (if: $Theme is "technology")[questions around humanity's ever-evolving relationship to technology"]. One famously finicky critic had issues with the `"stifling green screen compositions"`, but admitted overall that `"`//$SecondFilm//` is a rigorous, uncompromised vision from one of our finest emerging auteurs. Bravo."`(set: $Reviews to "positive")] [[• And what about my career?->• Career outcome]](if: $Enigma >=4)[ [[• My "career" and "the industry" and "work" are not real. Only movies are real. Only dreams are real.|Enigma]]]

(if: ($Innovation is 2) and ($Design is "location" or "mix") and ($Investor is "false") and ($AlternateEnding is "false"))[''The reviews are very positive.'' Critics praise your vision of a "visceral near-future in which $World" and your "nuanced integration of (if: $Theme is "climate")[the present-day climate crisis"] (if: $Theme is "technology")[questions around humanity's ever-evolving relationship to technology"]. They also appreciate the (if: $Design is "location")["stunning" vistas of your real-world locations,] (if: $Design is "mix")["expert" mix of studio and real-world locations,] and label you "one of our most promising emerging filmmakers."(set: $Reviews to "positive")](if: ($Innovation is 2) and ($Design is "location" or "mix") and ($Investor is "true") and ($AlternateEnding is "false"))[''The reviews are generally positive.'' Critics praise your vision of a "visceral near-future in which $World" and (if: $Design is "location")[the "stunning" vistas of your real-world locations] (if: $Design is "mix")[the "expert" mix of studio and real-world locations]. However, some culture writers note that "the handling of real-world issues around (if: $Theme is "climate")[the climate crisis] (if: $Theme is "technology")[humanity's relationship to technology] feels compromised – as though someone higher up the food chain has this promising filmmaker on a very short leash."(set: $Reviews to "positive")](if: ($Innovation is 2) and ($Design is "location" or "mix") and ($Investor is "false") and ($AlternateEnding is "true"))[''The reviews are generally positive.'' Critics praise your vision of a "visceral near-future in which $World" and (if: $Design is "location")[the "stunning" vistas of your real-world locations] (if: $Design is "mix")[the "expert" mix of studio and real-world locations]. However, some culture writers note that "//$SecondFilm//'s noble efforts to say something meaningful about our (if: $Theme is "climate")[current climate tipping point] (if: $Theme is "technology")[current technological inflection point] are stymied by an overly-didactic, seemingly tacked-on ending."(set: $Reviews to "positive")](if: ($Innovation is 2) and ($Design is "location" or "mix") and ($Investor is "true") and ($AlternateEnding is "true"))[''The reviews are lukewarm.'' While many critics appreciate your vision of a "visceral near-future in which $World" and (if: $Design is "location")[the "stunning" vistas of your real-world locations,](if: $Design is "mix")[the "expert" mix of studio and real-world locations,] others point out that "//$SecondFilm//'s noble efforts to say something meaningful about our (if: $Theme is "climate")[current climate tipping point] (if: $Theme is "technology")[current technological inflection point] are stymied by an overly-didactic, seemingly tacked-on ending. It feels as though someone higher up the food chain has this promising filmmaker on a very short leash."(set: $Reviews to "mixed")](if: ($Innovation is 2) and ($Design is "studio") and ($Investor is "false") and ($AlternateEnding is "false"))[''The reviews are lukewarm.'' While many critics appreciate your vision of a "visceral near-future in which $World" and your "thoughtful integration of (if: $Theme is "climate")[questions around our present-day climate crisis",] (if: $Theme is "technology")[questions around humanity's ever-evolving relationship to technology",] they're quick to criticise //$SecondFilm//'s "stultifying green screen compositions". "Nevertheless," writes one reporter in the //New York Times//, "we'll be eagerly waiting to see what this promising filmmaker does next."(set: $Reviews to "mixed")](if: ($Innovation is 2) and ($Design is "studio") and ($Investor is "true") and ($AlternateEnding is "false"))[''The reviews are average.'' While many culture writers appreciate your vision of a "visceral near-future in which $World", they're quick to criticise the film's "stultifying green screen compositions". "Furthermore," points out one review in the //New York Times//, "//$SecondFilm//'s handling of real-world issues around (if: $Theme is "climate")[the present-day climate crisis] (if: $Theme is "technology")[our current technological inflection point] feels compromised – as though someone higher up the food chain has this once-promising filmmaker on a very short leash."(set: $Reviews to "mixed")](if: ($Innovation is 2) and ($Design is "studio") and ($Investor is "false") and ($AlternateEnding is "true"))[''The reviews are average.'' While many culture writers appreciate your vision of a "visceral near-future in which $World", they're quick to criticise the film's "stultifying green screen compositions". "Furthermore," points out one review in the //New York Times//, "//$SecondFilm//'s noble efforts to say something meaningful about our (if: $Theme is "climate")[current climate tipping point] (if: $Theme is "technology")[current technological inflection point] are stymied by an overly-didactic, seemingly tacked-on ending."(set: $Reviews to "mixed")](if: ($Innovation is 2) and ($Design is "studio") and ($Investor is "true") and ($AlternateEnding is "true"))[''The reviews aren't great.'' While many culture writers appreciate your vision of a "visceral near-future in which $World", they're quick to criticise the film's "stultifying green screen compositions". "Furthermore," points out one review in the //New York Times//, "//$SecondFilm//'s noble efforts to say something meaningful about our (if: $Theme is "climate")[current climate tipping point] (if: $Theme is "technology")[current technological inflection point] are stymied by an overly-didactic, seemingly tacked-on ending. It feels like someone higher up the food chain has this once-promising filmmaker on a very short leash."(set: $Reviews to "mixed")] [[• And what about my career?->• Career outcome]](if: $Enigma >=4)[ [[• My "career" and "the industry" and "work" are not real. Only movies are real. Only dreams are real.|Enigma]]]

(if: ($Innovation is 1) and ($Design is "location" or "mix") and ($Investor is "false") and ($AlternateEnding is "false"))[''The reviews aren't great.'' While some critics praise the (if: $Design is "location")["stunning" vistas of your real-world locations,] (if: $Design is "mix")["expert" mix of studio and real-world locations,] many are less convinced by your "thrown-together world in which $World," featuring "$Creature terrorising a $Character." //Vulture// says: "this $Logline has a lot on its mind – specifically (if: $Theme is "climate")[our current climate tipping point] (if: $Theme is "technology")[our current technological inflection point] – but struggles to make any cogent arguments. //$SecondFilm// is a well-intentioned misfire from a talented filmmaker."(set: $Reviews to "mixed")](if: ($Innovation is 1) and ($Design is "location" or "mix") and ($Investor is "true") and ($AlternateEnding is "false"))[''The reviews are... not good.'' While some critics praise the (if: $Design is "location")["stunning" vistas of your real-world locations,] (if: $Design is "mix")["expert" mix of studio and real-world locations,] many are less convinced by your "thrown-together world in which $World," featuring "$Creature terrorising a $Character." //Vulture// says: "//$SecondFilm//'s handling of (if: $Theme is "climate")[the present-day climate crisis] (if: $Theme is "technology")[humanity's relationship to technology] feels compromised – as though some powerful vested interest were keeping this once-promising filmmaker on a very short leash."(set: $Reviews to "bad")](if: ($Innovation is 1) and ($Design is "location" or "mix") and ($Investor is "false") and ($AlternateEnding is "true"))[''The reviews are... not good.'' While some critics praise the (if: $Design is "location")["stunning" vistas of your real-world locations,] (if: $Design is "mix")["expert" mix of studio and real-world locations,] many are less convinced by your "thrown-together world in which $World," featuring "$Creature terrorising a $Character." //Vulture// says: "//$SecondFilm//'s noble efforts to say something meaningful about our (if: $Theme is "climate")[current climate tipping point] (if: $Theme is "technology")[current technological inflection point] are stymied by an overly-didactic, seemingly tacked-on ending. This is a disappointing outing from a once-promising filmmaker."(set: $Reviews to "bad")](if: ($Innovation is 1) and ($Design is "location" or "mix") and ($Investor is "true") and ($AlternateEnding is "true"))[''The reviews are bad.'' While some critics praise the (if: $Design is "location")["stunning" vistas of your real-world locations,] (if: $Design is "mix")["expert" mix of studio and real-world locations,] many are less convinced by your "thrown-together world in which $World," featuring "$Creature terrorising a $Character." //Vulture// says: "//$SecondFilm//'s noble efforts to say something meaningful about our (if: $Theme is "climate")[current climate tipping point] (if: $Theme is "technology")[current technological inflection point] are stymied by an overly-didactic, seemingly tacked-on ending. The whole thing feels compromised – as though some powerful vested interest were keeping this once-promising filmmaker on a very short leash."(set: $Reviews to "bad")](if: ($Innovation is 1) and ($Design is "studio") and ($Investor is "false") and ($AlternateEnding is "false"))[''The reviews are bad.'' Critics are quick to pan the film's "stultifying green screen compositions," and seem underwhelmed by your "hastily thrown-together world in which $World," featuring "$Creature terrorising a $Character." //Vulture// says: "this $Logline has a lot on its mind – specifically (if: $Theme is "climate")[our current climate tipping point] (if: $Theme is "technology")[our current technological inflection point] – but struggles to make any cogent arguments. //$SecondFilm// is a well-intentioned misfire from a once-promising filmmaker."(set: $Reviews to "bad")](if: ($Innovation is 1) and ($Design is "studio") and ($Investor is "true") and ($AlternateEnding is "false"))[''The reviews are terrible.'' Critics are quick to pan the film's "stultifying green screen compositions," and seem underwhelmed by your "hastily thrown-together world in which $World," featuring "$Creature terrorising a $Character." "Furthermore," says //Vulture//, "//$SecondFilm//'s handling of (if: $Theme is "climate")[the present-day climate crisis] (if: $Theme is "technology")[humanity's relationship to technology] feels deeply compromised – as though some powerful vested interest were keeping this once-promising filmmaker on a very short leash."(set: $Reviews to "bad")](if: ($Innovation is 1) and ($Design is "studio") and ($Investor is "false") and ($AlternateEnding is "true"))[''The reviews are terrible.'' Critics are quick to pan the film's "stultifying green screen compositions," and seem underwhelmed by your "hastily thrown-together world in which $World," featuring "$Creature terrorising a $Character." "Furthermore," says //Vulture//, "//$SecondFilm//'s vague attempts to say something about our (if: $Theme is "climate")[current climate tipping point] (if: $Theme is "technology")[current technological inflection point] are stymied by a laughably didactic, obviously tacked-on ending. This is a swing and a miss from a filmmaker I once had very high hopes for."(set: $Reviews to "bad")](if: ($Innovation is 1) and ($Design is "studio") and ($Investor is "true") and ($AlternateEnding is "true"))[''The reviews are shocking.'' Critics are quick to pan the film's "stultifying green screen compositions," and seem painfully underwhelmed by your "hastily thrown-together world in which $World," featuring "$Creature terrorising a $Character." "Furthermore," says //Vulture//, "//$SecondFilm//'s vague attempts to say something about our (if: $Theme is "climate")[current climate tipping point] (if: $Theme is "technology")[current technological inflection point] are stymied by a laughably didactic, obviously tacked-on ending. The whole thing feels deeply compromised – I suspect some powerful vested interest has this once-promising filmmaker wrapped around their little finger."(set: $Reviews to "bad")] [[• And what about my career?->• Career outcome]](if: $Enigma >=4)[ [[• I've heard enough. None of this is real. Only movies are real. Only dreams are real.|Enigma]]]

(if: ($Innovation <= 0) and ($Design is "location" or "mix") and ($Investor is "false") and ($AlternateEnding is "false"))[''The reviews are shocking.'' Despite some critics calling the (if: $Design is "location")["real-world locations pleasant to look at",] (if: $Design is "mix")[mix of studio and real-world locations "competently done",] nobody seems convinced by //$SecondFilm//'s "thrown-together world in which $World," featuring "$Creature terrorising a $Character." "It feels like this $Logline was written in a day," says //Collider//, "and is little more than a tired rehash of old sci-fi tropes with nothing to say about our (if: $Theme is "climate")[current climate tipping point] (if: $Theme is "technology")[current technological inflection point]. Did this once-promising filmmaker just throw on a bunch of old DVDs and write the first thing that popped into their head? I guess we'll never know."(set: $Reviews to "bad")](if: ($Innovation <= 0) and ($Design is "location" or "mix") and ($Investor is "true") and ($AlternateEnding is "false"))[''The reviews are abominable.'' Despite some critics calling the (if: $Design is "location")["real-world locations pleasant to look at",] (if: $Design is "mix")[mix of studio and real-world locations "competently done",] nobody seems convinced by //$SecondFilm//'s "thrown-together world in which $World," featuring "$Creature terrorising a $Character." "It feels like this $Logline was written in a day," says //Collider//, "and is little more than a tired rehash of old sci-fi tropes. Did this once-promising filmmaker just throw on a bunch of old DVDs and write the first thing that popped into their head? Are they taking money from (if: $Theme is "climate")[the fossil fuel lobbies] (if: $Theme is "technology")[big tech conglomerates] in exchange for this toothless genre exercise? I guess we'll never know."(set: $Reviews to "bad")](if: ($Innovation is <= 0) and ($Design is "location" or "mix") and ($Investor is "false") and ($AlternateEnding is "true"))[''The reviews are abominable.'' Despite some critics calling the (if: $Design is "location")["real-world locations pleasant to look at",] (if: $Design is "mix")[mix of studio and real-world locations "competently done",] nobody seems convinced by //$SecondFilm//'s "thrown-together world in which $World," featuring "$Creature terrorising a $Character." "It feels like this $Logline was written in a day," says //Collider//, "and is little more than a tired rehash of old sci-fi tropes, with nothing to say about our (if: $Theme is "climate")[current climate tipping point] (if: $Theme is "technology")[current technological inflection point]. Did this once-promising filmmaker just throw on a bunch of old DVDs and write the first thing that popped into their head? Did the studio force them to tack on that laughable ending? I guess we'll never know."(set: $Reviews to "bad")](if: ($Innovation is <= 0) and ($Design is "location" or "mix") and ($Investor is "true") and ($AlternateEnding is "true"))[''The critics tear //$SecondFilm// to pieces.'' Despite some calling the (if: $Design is "location")["real-world locations pleasant to look at",] (if: $Design is "mix")[mix of studio and real-world locations "competently done",] nobody seems convinced by your "thrown-together world in which $World," featuring "$Creature terrorising a $Character." "It feels like $Logline was written in a day," says //Collider//, "and is little more than a tired rehash of old sci-fi tropes. Did this once-promising filmmaker just throw on a bunch of old DVDs and write the first thing that popped into their head? Are they taking money from (if: $Theme is "climate")[the fossil fuel lobbies] (if: $Theme is "technology")[big tech conglomerates] in exchange for this toothless genre exercise? Did the studio force them to tack on that laughable ending? I guess we'll never know."(set: $Reviews to "bad")](if: ($Innovation is <= 0) and ($Design is "studio") and ($Investor is "false") and ($AlternateEnding is "false"))[''The critics tear //$SecondFilm// to pieces.'' They savagely denounce your film's "soulless, stultifying green screen compositions", and mock your "thrown-together world in which $World," featuring "unconvincing $Creature terrorising a $Character." "It feels like this $Logline was written in a day," says //Collider//, "and is little more than a tired rehash of old sci-fi tropes, with nothing to say about our (if: $Theme is "climate")[current climate tipping point] (if: $Theme is "technology")[current technological inflection point]. Did this once-promising filmmaker just throw on a bunch of old DVDs and write the first thing that popped into their head? I guess we'll never know."(set: $Reviews to "bad")](if: ($Innovation is <= 0) and ($Design is "studio") and ($Investor is "true") and ($AlternateEnding is "false"))[''The critics tear //$SecondFilm// to pieces''. They savagely denounce your film's "soulless, stultifying green screen compositions", and mock your "thrown-together world in which $World," featuring "unconvincing $Creature terrorising a $Character." "It feels like this $Logline was written in a day," says //Collider//, "and is little more than a tired rehash of old sci-fi tropes. Did this once-promising filmmaker just throw on a bunch of old DVDs and write the first thing that popped into their head? Are they taking money from (if: $Theme is "climate")[the fossil fuel lobbies] (if: $Theme is "technology")[big tech conglomerates] in exchange for this toothless genre exercise? I guess we'll never know."(set: $Reviews to "bad")](if: ($Innovation is <= 0) and ($Design is "studio") and ($Investor is "false") and ($AlternateEnding is "true"))[''The critics tear //$SecondFilm// to pieces.'' They savagely denounce your film's "soulless, stultifying green screen compositions", and mock your "thrown-together world in which $World," featuring "unconvincing $Creature terrorising a $Character." "It feels like this $Logline was written in a day," says //Collider//, "and is little more than a tired rehash of old sci-fi tropes, with nothing to say about our (if: $Theme is "climate")[current climate tipping point] (if: $Theme is "technology")[current technological inflection point]. Did this once-promising filmmaker just throw on a bunch of old DVDs and write the first thing that popped into their head? Did the studio force them to tack on that laughable ending? I guess we'll never know."(set: $Reviews to "bad")](if: ($Innovation is <= 0) and ($Design is "studio") and ($Investor is "true") and ($AlternateEnding is "true"))[''//$SecondFilm// is one of the worst-reviewed films in the history of cinema.'' Critics savagely denounce your film's "soulless, stultifying green screen compositions", and mock your "thrown-together world in which $World," featuring "unconvincing $Creature terrorising a $Character." "It feels like this $Logline was written in a day," says //Collider//, "and amounts to little more than a tired rehash of old sci-fi movie tropes. Did this once-promising filmmaker just throw on a bunch of old DVDs and write the first thing that popped into their head? Are they taking money from (if: $Theme is "climate")[the fossil fuel lobbies] (if: $Theme is "technology")[big tech conglomerates] in exchange for this toothless genre exercise? Did the studio force them to tack on that laughable ending? I guess we'll never know."(set: $Reviews to "bad")] [[• And what about my career?->• Career outcome]](if: $Enigma >=4)[ [[• I've heard enough. None of this is real. Only movies are real. Only dreams are real.|Enigma]]]

''The critics are saying you made //Blade Runner.//'' Again, Ridley Scott quite famously //already made that movie// in 1982. The fact that yours is called //$SecondFilm//, and not //Blade Runner//, doesn't stop it from being a literal remake of //Blade Runner//. Critics are swift to point this out, calling it one of the greatest acts of unchecked plagiarism in cinema history. Others speculate that this may be some kind of ingenious guerrilla art piece commenting on Hollywood's soulless cycle of sequels and rehashed corporate IP. [[• And what about my career?->• Blade Runner Career outcome]]

After a worldwide press tour and screenings in every major city on Earth, you return home to Melbourne. (if: $River is 1)[You head down to the river where your writing partner said she'd found inspiration. You look at the water, and wonder what she saw there. (if: $BladeRunnerEnding is "true")[Across the river, you notice a shadowy figure watching you. Slowly, they place an origami unicorn slowly on the ground before walking away. ]Maybe it doesn't matter what audiences do, or what critics say. Maybe all that matters is stories – taking care of them and carrying them forward. [[• Fade to black.->EPILOGUE]] ](if: $River is 2)[You head down to the river where your writing partner ran into her friend. You look at the water and think about what she said, about the ancient knowledge there. A presence that existed long before you, destined to be there long after you're gone. (if: $BladeRunnerEnding is "true")[Across the river, you notice a shadowy figure watching you. Slowly, they place an origami unicorn on the ground before walking away. ]Maybe it doesn't matter what audiences do, or what critics say. Maybe all that matters is stories – taking care of them and carrying them forward. [[• Fade to black.->EPILOGUE]] ](if: $River is 3)[You head to your apartment and sift through your old DVD collection. The movies that shaped you. You think to yourself: maybe nostalgia alone is not enough. But then maybe it doesn't matter what audiences do, or what critics say. Maybe all that matters is stories – taking care of them and carrying them forward. (if: $BladeRunnerEnding is "true")[Through the apartment window you notice a shadowy figure on the street, watching you. Slowly, they place an origami unicorn on the ground before walking away. ][[• Fade to black.->EPILOGUE]] ](if: $River is 4)[You head to your apartment. You try calling your writing partner, but she doesn't pick up. You clutch your collection of old DVDs to your chest. The movies that shaped you. You think to yourself: maybe nostalgia alone is not enough. But then maybe it doesn't matter what audiences do, or what critics say. Maybe all that matters is stories – taking care of them and carrying them forward. (if: $BladeRunnerEnding is "true")[Through the apartment window you notice a shadowy figure on the street, watching you. Slowly, they place an origami unicorn on the ground before walking away. ][[• Fade to black.->EPILOGUE]] ]

(if: ($Reputation <1) and ($Relationship is "bad"))[''You're toxic, pal.'' Unfortunately, pulling together a crew for your next project won't be easy. The whole team from //$SecondFilm// has ghosted you, bailing on any promotional activities not demanded by their contracts. Someone leaks footage of you yelling at a production runner for getting you the wrong kind of mushroom tea(if: $GollumShirt is "true")[, and some of those regrettable Gollum shirts end up on eBay]. In a high-profile podcast, $Lead breaks down when asked about conditions on set. (if: $Tip is "notip")[A waiter at Musso & Frank goes viral, saying you don’t tip. ](if: $MovieNight is "Blade Runner")[On a late-night talk show, one of your actors recounts a cringe-worthy cast and crew screening of //Blade Runner//. ](if: $Blog is "bad")[People share a blogpost from a film student saying you were rude to them at a museum. The blog isn’t even well written. ](if: $Cinephile is <2)[And rumours spread that you're a cinephilic poser who barely knows your Syd Meads from your Galina Balashovas. ]To make things worse, you hear nothing from your writing partner. You try talking to her at an industry event but she ices you out. A few olive-branch messages about Film #3 go unanswered, and soon you hear that she’s working on the next Nolan project. [[• Alone again.|Return to river]] ](if: ($Reputation <1) and ($Relationship is "good"))[''People don't want to work with you.'' Unfortunately, pulling together a crew for your next project might not be easy. The whole team from //$SecondFilm// has ghosted you, bailing on any promotional activities not demanded by their contracts. Someone leaks footage of you yelling at a production runner for getting you the wrong kind of mushroom tea(if: $GollumShirt is "true")[, and some of those regrettable Gollum shirts end up on eBay]. In a high-profile podcast, $Lead breaks down when asked about conditions on set. (if: $Tip is "notip")[A waiter at Musso & Frank goes viral, saying you don’t tip. ](if: $MovieNight is "Blade Runner")[On a late-night talk show, one of your actors recounts a cringe-worthy cast and crew screening of //Blade Runner//. ](if: $Blog is "bad")[People share a blogpost from a film student saying you were rude to them at a museum. The blog isn’t even well written. ](if: $Cinephile is <2)[And rumours spread that you're a cinephilic poser who barely knows your Syd Meads from your Galina Balashovas. ]Thankfully, your writing partner calls often – a grounding presence in this whirlwind. You’re already throwing around ideas for Film #3. Maybe you’ll just have to make it overseas. [[• France is nice this time of year.|Return to river]] ](if: ($Reputation >0) and ($Relationship is "bad"))[''Whatever’s next, you won’t be alone.'' The whole crew from //$SecondFilm// is keen for your next project. In interviews, they talk about the communal spirit you fostered on set. In a high-profile podcast, $Lead breaks down in tears describing the bond you share, calling you family. (if: $Tip is "tip")[A waiter at Musso & Frank goes viral, saying you're a generous tipper. ](if: $MovieNight is "Malcolm")[On a late-night talk show, one of your actors recounts a magical cast-and-crew screening of //Malcolm// which they’ll cherish forever. ](if: $MovieNight is "Mad Max")[On a late-night talk show, one of your actors recounts a magical cast-and-crew screening of //Mad Max// which they’ll cherish forever. ](if: $MovieNight is "The Drover’s Wife")[On a late-night talk show, one of your actors recounts a magical cast-and-crew screening of //The Drover’s Wife// which they’ll cherish forever. ](if: $Blog is "good")[People share a blogpost from a film student describing an inspirational encounter with you at a museum. ](if: $Cinephile is 3)[You're also regarded as a consummate cinephile, a walking filmic encyclopeadia with a deep knowledge of movie history and industry. ]But this is all tainted by your writing partner refusing to return your calls. You try talking to her at an industry event but she ices you out. A few olive-branch messages about Film #3 go unanswered, and soon you hear that she’s working on the next Nolan project. [[• How hard can it be to find a new protégé?|Return to river]] ](if: ($Reputation >0) and ($Relationship is "good"))[''You're an industry hero.'' Whatever’s next, you won’t be alone. The whole crew from //$SecondFilm// is keen for your next project. In interviews, they talk about the communal spirit you fostered on set. In a high-profile podcast, $Lead breaks down in tears describing the bond you share, calling you family. (if: $Tip is "tip")[A waiter at Musso & Frank goes viral, saying you're a generous tipper. ](if: $MovieNight is "Malcolm")[On a late-night talk show, one of your actors recounts a magical cast-and-crew screening of //Malcolm// which they’ll cherish forever. ](if: $MovieNight is "Mad Max")[On a late-night talk show, one of your actors recounts a magical cast-and-crew screening of //Mad Max// which they’ll cherish forever. ](if: $MovieNight is "The Drover’s Wife")[On a late-night talk show, one of your actors recounts a magical cast-and-crew screening of //The Drover’s Wife// which they’ll cherish forever. ](if: $Blog is "good")[People share a blogpost from a film student describing an inspirational encounter with you at a museum. ](if: $Cinephile is 3)[You're also regarded as a consummate cinephile, a walking filmic encyclopeadia with a deep knowledge of movie history and industry. ]And your writing partner calls often – a grounding presence in this whirlwind. You’re already throwing around ideas for Film #3. Blank page... feels like you can do anything. [[• Kindness costs nothing.|Return to river]] ]<!--

''You probably shouldn’t have remade //Blade Runner//.'' The studio sues you for five times the film's budget, citing irrevocable reputational and emotional damage, but the claim is thrown out by a high court judge who doesn't watch a lot of movies and doesn't understand what all the fuss is about. [[• Your honour, I'm as surprised as you are.|Return to river]]

Over the course of this project, you've proven that it doesn’t matter what the industry thinks of you. You're an enigma. An iconoclast. A legend-in-the-making, esoteric and inscrutable. You are a conduit for ideas to become real on the screen, and the universe will provide. Many of your collaborators are prepared to follow you anywhere. Even if they loathe you, they're drawn to you. They will lay down their careers – even their lives, if it comes to it – to help you achieve your vision. Your next film will involve building a spaceship and dragging it over a mountain. [[• Every man for himself and God against all.|Return to river]]

(set: $Tone to "protopian")(set: $World to "human civilisation struggles to maintain its identity while exploring the stars") This feels right – like it's not a //good// or //bad// future, just a complex point in time like ours. What happens in the story? (link: "• Two lovers struggle to save a long-distance relationship – the distance being half the solar system.")[(set: $Character to "terrestrial lover")(set: $Logline to "intergalactic rom-com")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• Untethered from society, the crew of a long-haul space flight begin to lose their humanity within days of leaving Earth.")[(set: $Character to "flight chief")(set: $Logline to "space-bound psychological thriller")(goto: "Mall summary")] (link: "• Trade negotiations between Earth and Mars break down and descend into threats of war.")[(set: $Character to "chief trade envoy")(set: $Logline to "Martian battle saga")(goto: "Mall summary")]

(set: $Story to "Blade Runner")(set: $BladeRunnerEnding to "true")''Whoops! You made //Blade Runner//''. That's a film that already exists. Audiences turn out to see deepfaked Harrison Ford as a grizzled detective hunting human replicants in your gritty, dystopian world, assuming //$SecondFilm// is some sort of remake, reboot, or reimagining... but nope. You just made the movie //Blade Runner// again, beat for beat, shot for shot. [[• And what are the critics saying?->Critical response - Blade Runner]]

''PRODUCER:'' You're right. The team did great work, I'm sure it'll carry through. But I'm still worried that audiences won't //get// it. We shot that alternate ending... maybe we should use it? [[• Okay, fine. Let’s try the alternate ending.->Try alternate ending]] [[• I said no. Take your stinking paws off my film!|Film stays as is]]

(if: $Mutiny is "speech")[A few days later, people are still raving about your speech. A production runner suggests you could host a movie night as a way of capitalising on this good will even further.] (if: $Mutiny is "rumour")[A few days later, tensions are still high on set. A production runner suggests you could host a movie night as a way of bringing everyone together.] (if: $Mutiny is "catering")[A few days later, people are still raving about that week's meals. A production runner suggests you could host a movie night as a way of capitalising on this good will even further.] (if: $Mutiny is "fire")[A few days later, your new cast are struggling to connect with the now-terrified crew. A production runner suggests you could host a movie night as a way of bringing everyone together.] (link: "• Fly your cast and crew interstate for a special screening. ($10 million)")[(set: $Budget to it-10)(set: $Screening to "nice")(goto: "Film Night")] (link: "• Microwave some popcorn and gather everyone in your trailer to watch something on your laptop. ($0)")[(set: $Screening to "bad")(set: $ProdReputation to it-1)(goto: "Film Night")] [[• Fire the production runner. ($0)->• Fire the runner.]]

(set: $ProdReputation to it-1)The production runner is never seen on your, or any, film set ever again. You shut down questions from their friends in the crew with an icy stare. [[• The gall of some people.|Next week]]

''HOW THE GAME WORKS'' There's no right or wrong way to play ''INT. SPACESHIP - NIGHT'', but there are various scoring mechanisms that determine the outcome. Your (text-color: red)[''Popcorn''] score determines your film's box office success. Big actors attract big crowds, but hiring a promising unknown can still lead to word-of-mouth success. This is also affected by the tone of your movie – audiences are put off by bleak dystopian stories. Your (text-color: blue)[''Innovation''] score determines the critical response to your film. Did you just watch a few DVDs and call it a day? Or did you come up with an original story and imagine brand new creatures for the third act? This is also affected by your VFX and design choices, taking money from the lobbyist, and using the alternate ending. Your (text-color: orange)[''Reputation''] score determines exactly that. Don't tip in restaurants? Rude to fans? Spread rumours about your actors? Mistreat your writing partner? You might just never work in this town again. Your final (text-color: green)[''Budget''] determines whether studios and producers will continue to fund your projects. Good reviews only count for so much when you're fifty million dollars in debt. Your (text-color: #F6BE00)[''Cinephile''] score comes from three key questions about film history or the screen industry – the answers are all hiding in the galleries at ACMI! Scoring enough (text-color: purple)[''Enigma''] points unlocks a secret ending where your box office and critical outcomes don't even matter. Careful, though – this can come at the expense of your reputation... [[• Go back.->End menu]]

(if: $FirstFilm is "")[The journalist blinks at you. ''JOURNALIST:'' I'm pretty sure I remember it having a title... (if: $WritReputation is 1)[[[• Of course. I was just testing you.->Delightful]]](if: $WritReputation is -1)[[[• Of course. I was just testing you.->Boring]]]](else:)[''JOURNALIST:'' That’s what I thought. But our readers will be grateful. And in your own words, what is //$FirstFilm// really //about//? [[• Retaining our humanity in the face of technological innovation.->• It’s about how we retain our essential humanity in the face of relentless technological innovation.]] [[• Finding meaning in a vast and impartial universe.->• It’s about the search for meaning in a vast and impartial universe.]] [[• Today's social inequities writ large on a galactic scale.->• It’s about the inequities that we see in society today writ large on a galactic scale.]] [[• It’s about robots.]]]

(set: $Enigma to $WritEnigma + $ProdEnigma)(set: $Reputation to $WritReputation + $ProdReputation)(set: $Innovation to $WritInnovation + $ProdInnovation)(set: $Cinephile to $WritCinephile + $ProdCinephile)''PART 5: OPENING WEEKEND'' The big day has finally arrived. After years of hard work, //$SecondFilm// is opening in cinemas across the globe. Congratulations on making it this far. Every movie is a miracle, and—(if: ($Lead is "deepfaked Harrison Ford") and ($Creature is "robots" or "humanoid replicants") and ($Logline is "heavily //Blade Runner//-inspired sci-fi noir"))[[[shut up and tell me how it went.->Box office Blade Runner]]](else:)[[[shut up and tell me how it went.->Box office]]]

(set: $Budget to $Budget-20)(set: $Mutiny to "catering")(set: $ProdReputation to $ProdReputation+1) You fly in a celebrity chef to head up the catering on //$SecondFilm//. Each day your cast and crew feast on an assortment of international cuisines, their spirits soaring. [[• An army marches on its stomach.->Post-mutiny]]

''PRODUCTION DESIGNER (disappointed):'' You know what? Never mind... She walks off, shaking her head. [[• Isn't it her job to know these things?->VFX]]

(set: $ProdReputation to $ProdReputation-1) You vehemently insist that Syd Mead opened a brewery called //Mead's Meads// in Sydney's north. Your production designer walks off, shaking her head. [[• Why must you be surrounded by doubters and luddites?->VFX]]

''PRODUCTION DESIGNER (disappointed):'' You know what? Never mind... She walks off, shaking her head. [[• Isn't it her job to know these things?->VFX]]

(set: $ProdCinephile to $ProdCinephile+1)''PRODUCTION DESIGNER (smiling):'' That's right. Looks like you know your stuff. I'm excited for this gig. [[• Glad to have you on board.->VFX]]

''PRODUCTION DESIGNER (disappointed):'' You know what? Never mind... She walks off, shaking her head. [[• Isn't it her job to know these things?->VFX]]

(set: $ProdReputation to $ProdReputation-1) You vehemently insist that Herbert Pinter wrote the classic English play //The Birthday Party//. Your production designer walks off, shaking her head. [[• Why must you be surrounded by doubters and luddites?->VFX]]

(set: $ProdCinephile to $ProdCinephile+1) ''SFX MAKE-UP DESIGNER:'' That's right! Could be a great starting point. Thanks for the huddle – I've got a good feeling about this gig. [[• Who doesn't love old-school effects?->Night before]]

''SFX MAKE-UP DESIGNER:'' No, they... never mind. He sighs then wanders off, muttering under his breath. [[• Starting to feel a little disrespected around here.->Night before]]

(set: $ProdReputation to $ProdReputation-1) You're convinced that Ryan Griffen and Jacob Nash were part of a Canadian folk-rock supergroup, but by the time you pull out your phone to check on Spotify, your SFX make-up designer has run off. [[• I tire of these micro-aggressions.->Night before]]

(set: $ProdReputation to $ProdReputation-1) You're convinced that Animal Logic were responsible for such late-aughts hits as //My Girls// and //Summertime Clothes//, but by the time you pull out your phone to check on Spotify, your VFX supervisor has run off. [[• I tire of these micro-aggressions.->Night before]]

''VFX SUPERVISOR:'' No, that was... never mind. He sighs then wanders off, muttering under his breath. [[• Starting to feel a little disrespected around here.->Night before]]

(set: $ProdCinephile to $ProdCinephile+1) ''VFX SUPERVISOR:'' That's right! I'll see what they say. Thanks for the huddle – I've got a good feeling about this gig. [[• There's no "i" in "team".->Night before]]

(set: $ProdCinephile to $ProdCinephile+1) ''VFX SUPERVISOR:'' That's right! They could help us with some serious next-gen tech. Thanks for the huddle – I've got a good feeling about this gig. [[• There's no "i" in "team".->Night before]]

''VFX SUPERVISOR:'' No, that's... never mind. He sighs then wanders off, muttering under his breath. [[• Starting to feel a little disrespected around here.->Night before]]

(set: $ProdReputation to $ProdReputation-1) You're convinced that you had a Blizzard at Dairy Queen the last time you were in LA, but by the time you pull out your phone to check your camera roll, your VFX designer has run off. [[• I tire of these micro-aggressions.->Night before]]

(set: $WritEnigma to $WritEnigma+1)(set: $Blog to "good")''FILM STUDENT:'' Wow. That’s so deep. I gotta go, but it’s been awesome talking to you. I loved //$FirstFilm//, by the way. Good luck with the next project! [[• Time to head back and meet up with my writing partner.|Dinner with writing partner]]

(set: $WritCinephile to $WritCinephile+1)''FILM STUDENT:'' Oh my god, you’re right. I'M SO EMBARRASSED. [[• Don’t sweat it, kid. The film’s the thing, not the details.]] [[• Maybe film isn’t for you after all.->Film isn't for you]]

''FILM STUDENT:'' I think you might be getting confused with //Fury Road//... but never mind. I’ve been thinking about how all these movies are linked in some imaginative space. You don’t get //Inception// without //The Matrix//. You don't get //Blade Runner// without //Metropolis//. Each one lets us imagine the next. [[• And now we get to imagine the next step. It’s an honour.->Honour]] [[• And now I’m going to imagine some peace and quiet.->Peace and quiet]] [[• I just want to imagine some cool aliens and big explosions.->Big explosions]] [[• I’m pretty sure //Blade Runner// came out before //Megalopolis//.->Before Metropolis]]

''FILM STUDENT:'' I think you might be getting confused with //Blade Runner//... but never mind. I’ve been thinking about how all these movies are linked in some imaginative space. You don’t get //Inception// without //The Matrix//. You don't get //Blade Runner// without //Metropolis//. Each one lets us imagine the next. [[• And now we get to imagine the next step. It’s an honour.->Honour]] [[• And now I’m going to imagine some peace and quiet.->Peace and quiet]] [[• I just want to imagine some cool aliens and big explosions.->Big explosions]] [[• I’m pretty sure //Blade Runner// came out before //Megalopolis//.->Before Metropolis]]

(set: $WritReputation to $WritReputation+1)(set: $Blog to "good")''FILM STUDENT:'' I guess it is. Hey, I’ve never talked to a real filmmaker before. This has been pretty inspiring. I loved //$FirstFilm//, and I can’t wait to see what you do next. I’m sure it’ll be amazing. The student shakes your hand and makes his way out of the exhibition, grinning from ear to ear. [[• Time to head back and meet up with my writing partner.|Dinner with writing partner]]

(set: $WritReputation to $WritReputation-1)(set: $Blog to "bad")The student is visibly disappointed. ''FILM STUDENT:'' I’ve gotta go... but it was cool meeting you. Good luck with the explosions, I guess. [[• Time to head back and meet up with my writing partner.|Dinner with writing partner]]

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