What is too broad?

[Cinemaas]

Re: What is too broad?

Oh, I posted about that merely as a footnote. I don't think it's like your idea (AFAIK). As for whether those jobs were menial in the sketch, maybe some of them. I vaguely recall one job was as a pilot, and maybe also cleaning the plane (on the outside) while it's flying...?

Anyway, I think you've got a good premise. Go get 'em!

Thanks so much! It's an old project I wrote a very bad draft of years ago- so I don't think it should take TOO long to re-tool it into something presentable for notes.

[DavidK]

Re: What is too broad?

When thinking in terms of plausability, how do you approach questions as to whether or not a premise could happen?

I'm currently working on (as well as other things), and dramedy ...

Plausibility is dependent on genre. In a drama or a crime/political thriller, for example, story elements require a high level of plausibility. In science fiction plausibility depends on the rules you create for the universe. In a spoof the threshold for plausibility is very low because your currency is the ridiculous. In drama/dramedy the threshold will be high-ish, which means the roles your character is able to perform must be believable or very close to believable.

To me, the four roles you outline are borderline believable but might depend on whether he has a degree in law or actually practises it. The teaching and writing could integrate with either of the professions, but practicing both of them seems a bit of a stretch.

[Howie428]

Re: What is too broad?

I like the idea. It sounds like a good character starting point, although you'll need a distinctive story that takes advantage of that character.

This doesn't seem all that implausible to me. A google search turned up a website assertion that "The AMA estimates there are 1,500-6,000 MD-JD's".

There are people out there who study and take exams as a hobby. For me that means you'd better throw in Accountancy and Police work as well!

[yesac]

Re: What is too broad?

... with the main character being forced to learn that life is worth living when not every moment of his waking life is scheduled, and that sometime it is worth it to stop and smell the proverbial roses.

The start of Castaway is like this. They did a really good job of showing how Tom Hanks was into clock watching/scheduling before he suddenly had a whole lotta time on his hands.

[tucsonray]

Re: What is too broad?

To me, the four roles you outline are borderline believable but might depend on whether he has a degree in law or actually practises it. The teaching and writing could integrate with either of the professions, but practicing both of them seems a bit of a stretch.

Well said...

and OK, so here's an example -- maybe he is the exception that proves the rule, but frankly there are many people who are both doctors and lawyers (or at least trained as both). And most are so smart that they teach and write too.

None more famous than Cyril Wecht.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyril_Wecht

Many love him, other don't love him -- he evokes strong feelings from many. He is a doctor, lawyer (although he is far more of a doctor than a lawyer... i think of him as more of a doctor who is also trained in the law which helps him in his ample work as an expert witness in various types of cases), writer, and I have attended several continuing education programs he has taught at.

And he has worked at a pretty high level too, as you can see... so if anyone thinks your scenario is unrealistic... well, maybe it is, but at least here is an example of someone who has done it. (actually it is not all that unrealistic -- just really really hard)

He is a very entertaining guy too. He has been all over TV as a commentator - he could give you some great insights.

[Cinemaas]

Re: What is too broad?

Well said...

and OK, so here's an example -- maybe he is the exception that proves the rule, but frankly there are many people who are both doctors and lawyers (or at least trained as both). And most are so smart that they teach and write too.

None more famous than Cyril Wecht.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyril_Wecht

Many love him, other don't love him -- he evokes strong feelings from many. He is a doctor, lawyer (although he is far more of a doctor than a lawyer... i think of him as more of a doctor who is also trained in the law which helps him in his ample work as an expert witness in various types of cases), writer, and I have attended several continuing education programs he has taught at.

And he has worked at a pretty high level too, as you can see... so if anyone thinks your scenario is unrealistic... well, maybe it is, but at least here is an example of someone who has done it. (actually it is not all that unrealistic -- just really really hard)

He is a very entertaining guy too. He has been all over TV as a commentator - he could give you some great insights.

Thanks- I'm actually well aware of who he is, and have seen him on CNN a lot.