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the-modern-typewriter · 2 days

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Hello this is a question that came about from watching the new Fallout TV show and a character named Maximus. He’s a relatively neutral character and his arc is very wonderful coming from a writer and big book reader but I noticed that the average viewer doesn’t understand his character and actually hates him… my question is as an author is it okay to make your story more digestible to people who lack perception since it’s the general audience for mainstream media and how do you do that without losing your story? Idk this was probably too complex and a stupid question 💔

Not a stupid question! There are no stupid questions.

Going to unpack this a bit though. (I haven't seen the show.) First some general points, but then some advice on balancing complexity in a story.

So. Some things to get out of the way:

You don't know what the average viewer is thinking. Just because their opinion on a character is different to yours, doesn't mean they lack perception. Do we sometimes have an issue with critical thinking in the modern age? Yes. But we also live in an age where people bring a vast array of different insights and experiences into the stories they read/watch. 99% of the time a story doesn't have just one right interpretation, especially if it is a more complex narrative.

You CAN try to write a story that is more digestible to a general audience, but if you do have concerns about the media literacy of the general population, focusing on providing unchallenging stories is not the fix to that. People learn through engaging with interesting work and having discussions about them - e.g. when they are given the opportunity to. Perception, like anything, is a skill trained with practice. No one's born with it. There's no inherent us/them that can't be changed.

Will you be happy and fulfilled as a writer writing stories that you feel are dumbed or watered down? I know I wouldn't end up writing the versions of stories that I want. Similarly, you probably won't then attract the readers/audience that most resonate with your ideas, because you don't give them the chance.

Generally speaking, people hate being talked down to. As a reader/lover of stories, if I thought a writer was talking down to me and thought I was an idiot who couldn't understand the themes/plot, I wouldn't want to have anything to do with their stuff. It's a horrible feeling, isn't it? It's like being written off before you even leave the gate.

Okay, now some advice: Amazing children's books are a great example of stories that are simplified to appeal and meet the audience where they are at, without losing the richness that makes them resonate and engage readers/audience. However, there are adult examples too. They share some qualities.

These often have:

Clear structure (there are a myriad story structures that you can use to make a story hit beats the reader expects and create a sense of satisfaction, while still giving you room to play.)

High concept story idea/plot (so, stories that can be explained/pitched in a line. E.g. children are forced to fight in televised death matches (Hunger Games), a famous author is imprisoned by a dangerous fan who doesn't approve of his new work (Misery), 'it's jaws in outer space!'). These stories have simple premises that often have wide-appeal, but the stories themselves can be complex.

Engaging main character(s) with a clear goal/agenda. They don't have to all be morally pure, but for an easy win, your character should be likeable/easy to root for. In a children's book, e.g. at the simplest level, these are often also high concept. (E.g. a mouse wants to be heard so is convinced it needs a lion's roar to be loved - The Lion Inside by Rachel Bright)

There are, of course, exceptions to every rule. Game of Thrones was phenomenally popular, for example, but I don't think it's an easy to sink into world/simple set of characters.

Watering down an existing story to fit a different target audience is often not going to lead you to write the best story. This is because it's like trying to fit a triangle into a circle, or make a banana bread into a savoury scone. However, there are plenty of stories with mass-appeal that offer readers a variety of different levels to engage with them, so it is very possible to write a brilliant story with mass appeal. But you work from the foundations up, not from the finished product down.

I hope this helps!

#writing advice #writing talk #writing tips #creative writing #fiction writing #writing #on writing

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astrosouldivinity · 2 days

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Houses In Astrology & What They Represent 💫

The 1st House: The House of Self & Identity (Ruled by Aries)

💥🔥♈︎🔥💥

🌌 In astrology, the 1st house represents your rising/ascendant sign, which always resides in this house. This placement shapes your core identity and the personality traits you present to the world. Planets located in the 1st house enhance their influence, making them more prominent in your personality and character.

🌌 For example, having Pluto in the 1st house could lead people to perceive you as transformative, secretive, sexual, and deep. However, if the 1st house is empty (no planets present), you could experience challenges in defining your identity and may even struggle with a sense of purpose and motivation.

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The 2nd House: The House of Material Possessions & Values (Ruled by Taurus)🪴🍃♉︎🍃🪴

🌌 In astrology, the 2nd house represents your possessions and material belongings. It symbolizes your hard work, accomplishments, personal values, and sense of security. When planets fall in the 2nd house, they suggest that you place importance on the qualities associated with the planet and may express those traits in your life.

🌌 For instance, if Venus falls in the 2nd house, you appreciate luxury, peace, and prosperity. This placement may also indicate a strong desire for material comfort and financial security. Conversely, if the 2nd house is empty (no planets present), you might encounter challenges in maintaining financial stability and overall security. Additionally, you may not prioritize material possessions as well.

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The 3rd House: The House of Communication & Language (Ruled by Gemini) 🫧🧚🏾♊︎🧚🏾🫧

🌌 In astrology, the 3rd house signifies communication, interactions with individuals you communicate with, your learning style, and your overall environment. Planets located in the 3rd house signify that their energy influences and interacts with your nearby surroundings.

🌌 For instance, if Jupiter falls in the 3rd house, you may display traits of being cultured and curious. You would likely find enjoyment in reading and expanding your perspectives on various subjects. Conversely, if the 3rd house is empty (no planets present), you might face communication challenges, and struggle to effectively articulate your innermost thoughts and feelings.

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The 4th House: The House of Home & Family (Ruled by Cancer) 🪷💧♋︎💧🪷

🌌 In astrology, the 4th house signifies the home and generational influences. This house represents your family, sense of belonging, emotional roots, feelings of security, and childhood experiences. Planets in the 4th house indicate a profound impact on your being, as it shapes who you are at your core.

🌌 For example, if Mars falls in the 4th house, you may exhibit a strong sense of protectiveness over the emotional well-being of your family. You are likely to go to great lengths to shield and defend those you hold dear. If the 4th house is empty (no planets present), you may have an easier time maintaining bonds with your family, or you could have felt disconnected from your family too.

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The 5th House: The House of Pleasure & Entertainment (Ruled by Leo) 🌻☀️♌︎☀️🌻

🌌 In astrology, the 5th house symbolizes children, creativity, self-expression, art, romance, and enjoyment. Planets that fall in the 5th house provide insight into how their energy manifests and influences matters of creativity and romance.

🌌 For example, Saturn in the 5th house, you may have felt inhibited in self-expression and faced challenges in love, creativity, and parenthood. This placement can lead to caution in choosing a partner and experiencing enjoyment. Consequently, if the 5th house is empty (no planets present), you might encounter challenges in your love life and place less emphasis on creative pursuits and parenthood.

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The 6th House: The House of Health & Work (Ruled by Virgo)

🌷♍︎🌷🌱

🌌 In astrology, the 6th house pertains to your health and daily habits, including aspects of everyday life experiences, work environment, acts of service, and overall well-being. Planets in the 6th house reflect your daily routines and how they are structured, especially within the context of your work setting.

🌌 For example, by having Uranus in the 6th house, your innovative thinking and ability to see beyond conventional boundaries would likely be applied in your daily routines and work life, offering fresh perspectives and insights to your surroundings. If the 6th house is empty (no planets present), you might face difficulties in maintaining a consistent routine and could experience ongoing health issues.

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The 7th House: The House of Relationships & (Ruled by Libra)

🕊️💕♎︎︎🕊️💕

🌌 In astrology, the 7th house represents intimate partnerships, including platonic connections, business relationships, and romantic connections. Planets in the 7th house reflect your relationship needs and desires for support, comfort, and security.

🌌 For instance, having Mercury in the 7th house may indicate a value for open and honest communication within a trusted partnership. You seek a companion with whom you can share your ideas, and innermost thoughts, and feelings with. If the 7th house is empty (no planets present), you may not experience significant relationship struggles, or you might not prioritize your intimate connections as much.

⋆.˚ ☾ .⭒˚✧˖° ⋆.˚ ☾ .⭒˚✧˖° ⋆.˚ ☾ .⭒˚✧˖° ⋆.˚

The 8th House: The House of Sex & Death (Ruled by Scorpio)

🕷️🥀♏︎🥀🕷️

🌌 In astrology, the 8th house symbolizes themes such as sex, death, rebirth, transformation, inheritance, taboo, and secrecy. Planets that fall in the 8th house suggest that the energy they represent will undergo significant transformations and changes. Additionally, they can reveal insights into how you may accumulate wealth in this lifetime.

🌌 For example, having Venus in the 8th house can lead to profound transformations within your romantic partnerships, potentially involving significant experiences of loss. These challenges can provide valuable opportunities for learning and growth within your relationships. If the 8th house is empty (no planets present), you may not prioritize transformations, and the concept of loss might not hold as much significance for you.

The 9th House: The House of Philosophy & Higher Learning (Ruled by Sagittarius) ✈️ 🦋 ♐︎ ✈️ 🦋

🌌 In astrology, the 9th house symbolizes higher learning, truth, philosophy, travel, spirituality, esoteric knowledge, and the expansion of the mind. Planets that fall in the 9th house shed light on how you express your knowledge and how the energies of those planets manifest in this area of your life.

🌌 For instance, having the Moon in the 9th house may enhance your emotional intelligence and creativity. This placement could manifest through your deep understanding of emotions and your ability to share them with the world. If the 9th house is empty (no planets present), you may not feel particularly connected to spirituality or philosophy. You might experience a sense of disconnection from these aspects of life.

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The 10th House: The House of Public Image & Career (Ruled by Capricorn) 📖🕯️♑︎🕯️📖

🌌 In astrology, the 10th house symbolizes social status and achievements, including aspects such as reputation, responsibility, authority, fame, career success, and public perception. The planets positioned in the 10th house can influence how their energies manifest in one's professional life and public image.

🌌 For instance, with the Sun in the 10th house, you are likely to be viewed as a strong leader, and your public identity is strongly influenced by how you are perceived by others. If your 10th house is empty (no planets present), your career and public image may not be a huge focus for you.

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The 11th House: The House of Friendships & Groups (Ruled by Aquarius) ☁️👭♒︎👬☁️

🌌 In astrology, the 11th house symbolizes friendships and social networks, including themes such as community, groups, networking, and associations. Planets positioned in the 11th house can reflect your influence and contributions to the larger community, and how you support social causes and group endeavors.

🌌 For example, having Mars in the 11th house may manifest as leadership qualities within your circle of friends and social networks. If your 11th house is empty (no planets present), you may not place a significant emphasis on your community or friendships, and these aspects of social connection may not hold as much importance in your life.

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The 12th House: House of Self-Undoing & The Subconscious (Ruled by Pisces) 🐟🧜🏿‍♀️ ♓︎ 🧜🏿‍♀️🐟

🌌 In astrology, the 12th house symbolizes self-undoing and the subconscious mind, including themes such as the unconscious, endings, dreams, suppression, solitude, karmic patterns, and the unseen. Planets that fall in the 12th house often have their energies concealed and can be repressed. Additionally, placements in this house can suggest psychic abilities and emotional intelligence, such as the capacity to intuitively perceive and understand the emotions of others.

🌌 For example, Neptune in the 12th house can indicate someone who is extremely intuitive, with a deep connection not only to their own subconscious mind but also to the emotions and experiences of others. If your 12th house is empty (no planets present), your life may be relatively uncomplicated, and you might not feel a strong inclination to delve deeply into exploring your subconscious mind or spiritual realms.

AstroSoulDivinity on TikTok / AstroByKiki on X

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sparring-spirals · 11 hours

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I got to say I really liked the episode (despite only having watched exu calamity of the exu series) and I think maybe Matt needed a breather after so many fast paced, lore filled episodes.

however, I am kinda bummed that the fcg processing has been put on hold for (at least) two weeks now and that means that, despite them being great actors that truly merge with their characters at the table, their reactions will be much less raw and there’s a chance some of them will forget tidbits of information, emotions they felt when it happened because they (as role players) will have had time to process it out of the game and it might create a dissonance in the game. tbf I kind of felt the difference even between the end of ep 91 and the beginning of 92 but it made sense because technically they were still running and couldn’t afford to process. idk. I have hope that we’ll still see that raw emotion, but I fear it won’t be as impactful as it could’ve been, especially if they’ll have to put the “reporting for duty” hat on immediately when they get to the camp

I think being a little bummed about the sort of unexpected hiatus on the Bell's Hells/Post F.C.G processing is super understandable! As someone who also really did enjoy the Crownskeepers return (hello im still yelling about Opal internally), I'm kind of in the same camp of being kind of thrown/disappointed about not getting to really dig into/sit with the Bell's Hells post-F.C.G loss. Like, LOVED the Crownkeepers, fascinating second half, kind of meh on the specific timing.

I'm holding my reservations about whether they're going to have to keep running/moving once we return to their portion of the story, since hey, until it happens (or doesn't!), we don't know, so I don't feel like getting too in my head about it until then.

That said! I do think that in general the cast puts characterization and staying true to the emotions of the character/story as a very high priority within the campaign. I think you're right that it won't be the exact same as if they had done a big emotional blowup/goodbye/processing scene in the same ep where they lost F.C.G, or immediately after. I don't think that means it has to be less impactful, just that- yeah, they'll have had more time to actually think/process it.

But they're also all professional voice actors who have, IMO, thus far shown how much they think about the inner lives of their characters and enjoy really digging deep into the emotional/interpersonal aspects of roleplay.

My assumption (my hope?) is that with additional time to think about + process a devastating/deeply emotional loss for their character(s), they'd choose to lean into that more, and not less. It wont be the same as the immediate raw reactions, thats true! But i dont think that means it has to be less impactful, even if they (as people) have had more time to process, and will be choosing how their characters, fresh off the loss, react. I dont think thats a guarantee it will be less impactful/emotional (maybe the additional thinking would actually enhance the reactions being true/insightful to the characters vs gut reactions from cast), but it will be different.

But if the cast chooses to lean into the heartbreak/emotions, and the circumstances of the BH in the upcoming ep enable it, I'm sure they can still kick my ass (emotionally), timeskip or not.

In general, I'm cautiously optimistic about what could happen next! Even if I don't love the timing thus far. I think there's still plenty of ways for me to get what I'm hoping for wrt F.C.G/BH. :] There are plenty of ways for me to get let down too, probably, but until it happens, or doesn't, I'm opting to not get too doomery about it. We'll see.

I uh. Hope that helps? A bit? Being bummed about specific things you were hoping for being off the table is totally reasonable. just hoping to lend an alternate way of viewing it, if desired.

(i wrote the sentence: "don't be lamenting your chickens before they hatch" and then went "what the fuck" out loud. i spent 4 hours at work today just doing systems diagramming and my brain is fried. clearly. keeping this here for my own entertainment.)

#im kind of tired im sorry if this makes no sense lmao. i appreciate the ask! sorry if my answer comes off as flippant. i do get where you're #coming from and wanted to share how im personally choosing to approsch it haha #critical role #cr spoilers #c3e92 #bell's hells #spar speaks #ask away!#speculation #fcg #imo its like how we probably wont be getting situations like marisha shellshocked live tweeting after jester saved beau with a cupcake #but we get the cast doing sneaky little tweets before the episode airs but after theyve already experienced it #different for sure. doesnt have to be worse. thats more up to personal opinion i think #i fully wrote that chicken thing and went. thats the idiom right. and then stared at it and went. ... no. its not.#should i have waited to answer this ask? maybe. but oh well.#i should probably get some sleep though

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acourtofthought · 2 days

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Hi!

I just wanted to say that, I have been an elriel shipper for a very long time. For the longest time I figured they'd be endgame, I've seen enough flirting between them to surmise that Sarah really wanted them to be together and was getting us ready for it.

However, Az's bonus chapter, really shook my belief in what I thought would clearly be endgame. I'm usually a lurker on Tumblr but pretty adamant in Reddit and thought maybe I can ask others what they thought?

I'll be completely honest with you. I challenge my beliefs all the time, I want to find answers to questions I have which will help reaffirm my thoughts. Not a single elriel could come up with any good reasons why elriel should still be endgame. The reasons I've seen

*Azriel called her a seer

*The pent up sexual tension and how Elain wanted it too

*Azriel gave her a rose necklace.

*The fake mates theory, and how Azriel shows true mate behavior.

none of these held up to me. I've been stalking your elucien blog along with others who have time and time again debunked these theories and proven with cannon text why elucien is truly endgame. When I go back to the books and read these I realize, yeah, you guys make very accurate points. Since then I've come to realize, elriel isn't happening and I'm not going to lie, I'm kind of falling in love with gwynriel and elucien.

I also didn't know there were actual messages from sarah herself that Lucien and Elain had more story to tell. I cannot see how she'd intentionally ruin one of her favorite characters. She also loves Azriel, and it feels like she's setting him up with a woman whose actually healthy for him.

Suffice all of this is to say, thank you for your insightful blogs. I think more elriels who are like me on the fence, really should challenge our thoughts critically and see maybe what we thought we were reading into, wasn't what the author intended.

Keep up the great work!

Hi there and I appreciate your message. It's nice to hear from someone who can acknowledge that both sides of the ship wars are valid, at least in some ways. I think when someone dislike a character as some do Elain, they put on blinders, refusing to acknowledge that there definitely were E/riel moments that made you stop and think, "hmmmm". I think the more familiar you become with SJMs writing you realize that the first glance is not always telling you what you need to know but of course there are noticeable E/riel hints. I just think those hints don't hold up under scrutiny, they don't support endgame potential for the pairing. The flip of that is those who dislike Gwyn or don't like her for Az and refuse to acknowledge that there were definitely some Gwynriel moments in SF too, things that hint at her becoming a future LI for him. But when you are someone who can see both sides, I think you're coming into the debates with less bias and I appreciate that. It helps you weed out the ridiculous from valid arguments. At least with your perspective you'll hopefully end up happy with whatever outcome but I do really appreciate you coming to tell me that my blog has given you pause and helped you see that Elucien could be a beautiful story too! ❤️❤️❤️

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cienie-isengardu · 21 hours

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Zuko and Azula in "The Beach"

Lately I think a lot about "The Beach" episode [x], especially about this small detail of great teamwork Zuko and Azula have during the game.

Zuko is looking ahead, directly facing their rivals (who had the control of the ball at this moment) but his body is clearly lowered to the ground, left hand most likely touching the ground, legs bent and widely spaced - a clear contrast to Mai standing near and how he stood before on two separate occasions

which is why I think Zuko willingly create an opportunity for Azula, so she could jump higher - something she definitely used to their team’s advantage. If Azula simply jumped on her brother’s back when he wasn’t expecting it or wasn’t ready, he would probably just fall face down from the impact but as the scene shows, he had no such problem nor was angry about it in the following scenes.

During the game sequences there was no dialogue shown between our protagonists, so it is hard to determine if Azula in advance called Zuko to give her a “lift” or Zuko offered on his own, or did they were that much in sync they just acted without thinking. Regardless I like this few seconds long interaction, because for me it implies how they trusted each other despite all the rivalry and bitterness from previous episodes. Like Zuko trusted Azula won’t use that moment to hurt/humiliate him by overuse of force, the same as Azula trusted in Zuko’s strength and that he won’t mess up by losing his balance. It is a small thing but no less sweet to see them working well together when fighting for the same goal - what reminds me a bit their teamwork from the previous season finale.

Interestingly, it was also the second time Zuko assisted Azula in scoring against their rivals while not scoring himself any point on screen. The first time happened almost right at the beggining of the game (second from total five sequences)

while each girl have the solo sequence of winning a point:

Azula's first attack,

later Ty Lee landing on the net

and Mai kicking the ball (and presumably scoring)

while Zuko’s two actions are shared only with his younger sister while there is no sense of competition between the siblings, something contrasting a lot with some previous and later episodes.

Azula is bossy and competitive through most of the episode and her brother lets her be that without a complaint. Azula and Zuko get along pretty well and A) do not argue (with the exception of the campfire scene and then they argue not even for the whole scene itself) and B) don't get on each nerves the way they do in the palace, with Ozai's presence looming in the back of their mind. I absolutely adore this episode, as it humanizes all our Fire Nation characters by showing them as teenagers outside the war zone but also giving us a bit of insight into what Azula and Zuko could be if Ozai didn't pit them against each other. And they could be a great team!

#atla #avata #avatar: the last airbender #prince zuko #azula #mai #ty lee #zuko and azula #fire nation #fire nation siblings #avatar: the last airbender - the beach episode is such a great mini story #look i have a lot to say about zuko and azula and their messed up relationship but this episode just make you realize how much azula & zuko #are socially awkward teenagers who have no idea how to interact with their peers #but also the deep of their bond shattered by ozai's abuse and yet somehow still connecting them on emotional level #when they can be just kids not ozai's perfect soldiers and heirs #also zuko just tagging with azula's friends is both funny and sad he has no friends of his in fire nation #while sokka will be the first boy befriended close to his own age (with aang a bit younger and lu ten some years older)#i think a lot about the tragedy of azula and zuko okay? a lot as in too much

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rebeccalouisaferguson · 3 days

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Please note: There are major spoilers for both “Silo” and the “Dune” series in this interview.

_____

The Playlist: Congratulations on all the great projects released over the past year. After working on “Mission: Impossible” movies and “Dune” movies, is it hard to show up and have a production set actually impress you?

Rebecca Ferguson: [Laughs.] Yeah.

Did “Silo” impress you?

Yes, but there are two different things. There’s a scale of a set. When you’re, for example, with “Mission,” there’s nothing impressive over the sets because the sets are nature. So, it’s more the fact that you get to act in the environment and Tom’s doing a helicopter stunt. Like, the action is impressive. It’s not the sets and it’s not the environment in that sense because it’s natural, right? It’s beautiful. With “Silo,�� the scope and scale of the sets, they’re so huge. And the fact that we actually have the staircase, then you can run maybe two, or three floors. And the visual effects guys, Paul Bongiovanni and Daniel Rauchwerger, and the team, knowing what they create, the collaboration with the set design and the visual effects is phenomenal. It’s absolutely phenomenal. I might have stolen a couple of props from the set, but I also steal by saying, “By the way, I’ve put a couple of props in my bag. You have one minute to take them back.” And if not, they are mine. Because they’re so beautiful. I have so many pictures of things on set. I just walk around.

I love how you give them one minute because that’s not enough time to really think about it.

One minute, that’s all they get.

When the project came to you, had you heard about the book? What was your reaction to it?

Nope. So when “Silo” came, I was given the first six episodes, and I read them, and I really liked it, but there was a little thing I [needed] changed. I got stuck in something. So I was like, “No, this is not the project for me.” So, I’m only telling this story [because] I’ve heard Graham Yost tell it. I would never have told a story that I’ve turned something down that I’m doing. But there was something that I didn’t really grasp in one of the episodes, and it was too big. It was a bit of an issue. And then they came back, and they were like, “Well, what is this issue?”And I was like, “Well, this is the issue.”And they were like, “O.K.” And then they came back, and they had addressed the issue, and I was like, “Oh, huh, interesting.” And then, when they did that, I thought, “Oh, I’m more interested in this.” And then I started the books, and then I was like, “Oh, I’m actually really into this world, but what else?” And then Graham was like, “What if you can become an [Executive Producer] and learn the process of making it and actually have insight into making a TV show?” And I was like, “Next to you, the best producer showrunner, “I mean, and that’s kind of how it came to life. And then I read all of the books and I was deep in it.

But when they sent you the first six episodes, had they told you what the ending of the first season was? I mean, because it’s seemingly very faithful to the book.

No, I think, and I might be lying, but I’m going to go with it. I read the first six episodes and I was caught on the journey up until the moment when I was like, “This isn’t great. This isn’t very good.” And then kind the other episode had to kind of correct itself and it was just a bit of distraction. So. I wasn’t that intrigued when that happened. But then, the second time, it really opened up my interest, and that’s why I was like, “What happens?” I mean, when you start going, “What happens after six? Do you have seven? Do you have eight? What’s going on here?” That’s a good sign.

I have a lot of questions about Juliette, especially the final episode. There’s a great scene where she is shown the video before George’s death. And he sort of sends her a message by looking at the video camera. He knows where the video camera is, and Juliette has a very emotional moment in that scene. Did you get to see the actual footage of him for that, or were you just looking at a green screen and imagining?

I asked for that to play, so I wanted to act against Ferdinand Kingsley‘s scene. So no, no, that was me in the room, and on all of these displays, they put it up. So, I actually saw what I would’ve been looking at.

For many people in Juliette’s situation, that moment might have crushed them, made them not want to keep fighting, and made them want to maybe just sort of accept their fate. But when she gets sentenced to go clean, she seems so confident. She seems so reassured. Which by the way, even if the world out there was all green, it’s still hard, who knows how you’re going to survive? Why do you think she still has that confidence?

I don’t. That is not how I saw it. For me, there’s a moment I think, in people’s lives where enough is enough and there’s a moment where there’s a form of surrender. And when she says, “I’m not afraid,” I think she has never been more afraid. I think that’s how I felt it. I felt “I am afraid. I’m so terrified. But it’s a broken system that I can’t solve here, and this is the next step for me. I agree this is what’s going to happen. I can’t fight this.” So, it’s like nearly a person who’s going to have given up, but you never give up. There’s a little tiny bit of hope, there might be a possibility of surviving. There’s so much in it. It’s not just, “I’m ready, bring it.” She’s petrified.

Do you also feel she’s petrified when she sees what the world actually looks like?

I think at that moment, it’s what everyone feels their own intuitive emotion towards it. But I think for me, in life, we’re telling a story. So we want to tell the grandiosity of what she sees and the impact. Well, when walking over taking those extra steps. But to be honest, I think for her, the fact that she’s taking one step after the other is an achievement and a realization, and it’s a gradual incline of safety. And then boom, there’s new information. That’s the whole journey with Juliette. It’s like a problem-solving, problem-solving, problem. That’s the entire world of “Silo” and the change of character throughout. She starts off as quite selfish. She wants to solve some issues around her own feelings, but that opens up a bigger can of worms. “Oh, there are bigger lies. There are bigger things. Wait, what is the truth? Oh, this is not just about me. I want to give up.” Walker says, “It’s not just about giving up.” “Oh s**t, yeah, this is bigger. Maybe I need to care. Maybe it’s not just about fixing machinery because machinery needs to work, but it needs to actually give life to people. Oh, there’s a symbiosis going on here.” All of this is a gradual incline for Juliette’s character to where we end and where we get to in season two.

At that moment though, at the end, she’s up on the edge of the hill, and she turns around. She’s already discovered that it really is a wasteland out there. She doesn’t jump up and down. She doesn’t do a death sign. She doesn’t do anything to communicate back to the people still in the silo. Did you ask Graham? Did you ask the directors why they didn’t want that? Why do you think she doesn’t try to communicate something to them?

I think she doesn’t because she’s in a new space. I think when you are still absolutely petrified, there is no jumping up and my suit can fucking shred. This is all I have. You are still careful. You are observing. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I mean, what are they going to do? I’m going to jump up and down and they’re going to go, “Oh, come on back in.”? It’s clearly not a system that wants her inside, not to give away too much. So what is she going to do? Save herself by going, “It’s all good.” [Laughs.] Maybe. Look, I’ve walked this far. It’s kind of, there’s not much more to do. It’s more the connection of, “O.K., there you are. I don’t know what I’m looking at, but I’m going to focus. What the f**k is this? Oh, this is out of mind. What the f**k is happening in front of me?”

I don’t know how much you’re on social media in terms of seeing how people react to projects you are a part of, but there is a super passionate fan base for this show, and we were super excited about it. Have you gotten any feedback about that?

I know that a lot of people like it because I know that people are watching it. So, I get digits and numbers, not too much because digits and numbers are important to keep secret, but I know that people love it. And I do see pictures of people from Comic Cons dressed up as Juliette, and I love all of that. But no, I’m terrified of going out on those things because I’m scared I have failed something. Or they’ll ask questions that I’m not intelligent enough to answer.

I don’t want you to give any spoilers, but you had just mentioned when you initially got the scripts for season one you thought changes were needed. Were you pleasantly surprised when the season two scripts arrived?

Yeah. I was like, “I what? And this happens. How are we going to shoot this? Oh my God, does Apple know how much this is going to cost them?” [Laughs.]

One last thing about season two. I know you shot before the strike happened and then you had to go back and finish up afterward, right? Was that a tough transition?

To be honest, it’s like when COVID happened, people were like, “Was it hard for you?” And I think, “No, no, it’s hard for people who actually died and people who had people [who died].” For me, we had to stop because the cause was for a reason. It was for writers, and it was for actors, and things needed to be solved. The fact is, I’m one of the luckiest fortunate ones who can still live during a strike and also take care of the people around me who need help. There was no complaining. I mean, emotionally, did I have to pause a little bit? I mean, yeah, so what, do you know what I mean? We run with it and are grateful for it. But I think what was tricky was…hmmm…so, season two, season two might be filmed in two different locations. We might, right? I’m not going to go into it because I wouldn’t, which means that we could shoot a lot of people out who were in one location. So, the only things left to shoot were me and whatever my world entailed, which meant I was in every scene for the next three months with no break and no one having a scene in between. And I’ve never done that. So, that was tricky. I was from morning to evening, every scene. Every day.

Exhausting.

It was challenging but also fun because you were really in it.

Before I let you go, your “Dune” director, Mr. Villeneuve, after doing so many interviews, said, “I don’t know if I’ll do a third movie. Maybe I’ll do a third movie,” well, now, it’s sort of been revealed he’s writing the third movie, and it will clearly happen. When you were on set, were there any hints there about a third chapter? Did you guys conjecture anything about what the third movie might entail?

I just manipulate. I manipulate I just, whenever I can. Y’know those Coca-Cola commercials, back in the day when they just went Coca-Cola, big pictures, and “Fight Club”? That’s me with Denis. I just whispered little weird things in his ears that I wanted to do. He was like, “Oh, stop it.” Oh, to be honest, it’s completely out of my hands. He has clearly made a spectacular world…

Absolutely, 100%.

And it is banking and people are loving it, and it has the most phenomenal cast in it. Of course, there would be a third one, but it’s a lot of pressure on Denis. It’s a lot of pressure to continue. And when do you make the creative decision? Do you go when it is at the best, or do you make one that could fail and not be as good? It’s a really tricky conversation. It depends on the script; it depends on the money. It depends on all of the actors that have not got a deal for the third film. That’s a lot going on there. So there’s a lot to take into consideration before just writing a third script, you know?

Well, I do think people are excited about it because that third novel is so different, and he’ll have to go in some interesting directions to tie it into maybe the other two.

I mean, I haven’t read it, so I literally dunno. So what happens? Go on.

Oh, I don’t know if we have time to go into all the details. [Laughs.] But, it has been hinted that your character’s son may not be the Messiah that they think he is.

Oh, yeah. I know.

You know that part.

I mean, come on. Clearly, we’re not going to be that close to the book. That’s ridiculous. Although I would love to see Timothee turn into a worm. As long as my character doesn’t go and sit [somewhere] hot and covered in fabrics, I’m happy.

Oh, was it super hot shooting the second film?

No, no, no. But I think in the book she goes away and disappears for a bit and sits. Y’know, she’s Reverend Mothering underneath all of it. [Laughs.]

I can’t imagine she isn’t around more than that. Something tells me that the themes of the first two movies suggest to me at least that she’d be part of it.

I hope so; I mean, I’ll be a teapot.

#interview #rebecca ferguson #silo interview #dune interview #juliette nichols #lady jessica #dune #dune messiah

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