The decade: the 1950s. The place: Hollywood, California. The years following the conclusion of the Second World War have brought about a new golden age of American cinema. Hollywood hosts dozens of top notch film studios, each one churning out classics and masterpieces at a seemingly impossible pace.
This is not the story of one of those studios. This is the story of American Features.
American Features is the smallest of the small independent studios, just a handful of creative professionals with a passion for film. They work with minimal staff and resources on an embarrassingly inadequate lot. Yet still, they keep coming back day after day.
They all have their reasons for being there. Some are on the infamous Hollywood blacklist, victims of the anti-communist witch hunt who have been forced to work under a pseudonym. Some are artists who have never found their audience, with creative visions that just don’t seem to suit the popular demand. Some are brand new to the film industry, desperate to break into show business however they can.
Whatever their individual reasons, this group of eclectic individuals has come together to make a movie. With the studio’s finances looking dire, it could well be their last picture eve unless they turn a profit. For the employees of American Features, it might just be their last big chance to make it big.
It won’t be easy. Making a major motion picture is a difficult undertaking under the best of circumstances. Making a picture with a group of questionable talents, next to no budget, and while under scrutiny from overzealous government agents? That could be almost impossible.
OOC Notes:
Inspired by Ed Wood and the struggles of other independent Hollywood film makers during the era of the Hollywood blacklist.
I am looking to make this a very strongly character focused and character driven story, and will be keeping the group small in order to maintain that focus. I’ll probably take four or five characters. No more than one director, producer, or writer. We can have multiples in the other roles. If you want to have a more specific role which isn’t listed, feel free to write your own nature card.
You are welcome to write custom strength, weakness, and subplot cards.
Strict historical accuracy is not required. Feel free to play a character of any gender or race in any role.
I’m aiming for one scene a week, but it might go a little faster or slower depending on how much is going on in each scene. Please be prepared to make at least two or three moves a week if possible. No worries if you need a bit of a break, though it will be appreciated if you let the rest of the group know in advance.
Hosted and narrated by:
Lux Tizer (Luxtizer)
Completed 11/19/15.
Scenes played: 11
License: Community License
