Confessions

Two person scenes which include a confessions. We are trying to focus on the characters and the impact of what is being confessed. We are looking for personal, honest confessions.

Do two-person scenes in which each character makes a confession to the other one at some point. “I have something to admit to you.” That kind of confession. Confessions are a good way to jump-start a stalled scene, because they make you say something personal, honest, and important. They also tend to make the scene very much about the characters in it. Here’s a scene between Lisa Timmons and Raymond Lew.

Ray: I’ve been working so much on a PowerPoint presentation for Nathan. It’s… it’s just insane. Lisa: That’s why you’ve been too busy for everything else? (She gestures at their chess board.) This “Nathan,” he rules you. Ray: He’s the CEO of the company! I’m taking time out of my day to meet you here in Palisades Park, all right? I expect a little more compassion. Lisa: All right. Ray: Seems like you don’t even want to play now. Lisa: I’m letting you win! Ray: I appreciate that, but… well, I would feel better if I didn’t feel obligated to play chess. The scene needs a boost. A confession from Lisa rights the ship. Lisa: I have a confession to make. This Nathan? I hired him. To distract you from your game. There’s a big laugh, and Ray suddenly has a lot to unpack. Ray: No! He has a corner office! He’s been on CNN, talking to Mad Money! How can you… just… make him up? Lisa: I am very rich.

The confession focused the scene to be about the characters we are watching