Community
Executive Summary
Pass/Consider/Recommend/Highly Recommend
Promo

USP: The Unique Selling Proposition (USP) of this script is its ability to combine humor, satire, and witty dialogue to comment on stereotypes and expectations within a community college setting. The script introduces a diverse group of characters and explores their conflicts, personal struggles, and growth. It tackles sensitive topics with a lighthearted tone, making it compelling and relatable to its target audience. The innovative storytelling techniques, such as the use of a study group as a plot device, add to the script's uniqueness and make it stand out from others in its genre. Overall, this script offers a fresh and entertaining perspective on college life and the complexities of human relationships.
Overview
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Setting: Contemporary, Greendale Community College
Overview: The screenplay shows strong potential with well-developed characters, witty dialogue, and themes of personal growth. However, there are opportunities to deepen emotional complexity, enhance visual imagery, and strengthen the central conflict.
Themes: Identity and Self-Discovery, Friendship and Community, Honesty and Integrity, Acceptance and Forgiveness, Personal Growth and Transformation
Conflict and Stakes: The primary conflicts in this story include Jeff's struggle to find purpose and redemption, the tensions and dynamics within the study group, and the challenges of navigating college life. The stakes involve Jeff's personal growth, the success of the study group, and the pursuit of their individual goals and dreams.
Overall Mood: Comedic and lighthearted with moments of emotional depth
Mood/Tone at Key Scenes:
- Scene 1: The opening scene with Dean Pelton's failed speech sets a comedic and chaotic tone.
- Scene 15: The scene where Jeff confesses his true motives for forming the study group has a more introspective and vulnerable tone.
Standout Features:
- Ensemble Cast: The show features a diverse and talented ensemble cast, each bringing their unique comedic and dramatic skills to the table.
- Meta-Humor : The show often breaks the fourth wall and parodies various genres and tropes, appealing to viewers who appreciate self-aware and clever storytelling.
- Community College Setting : The setting of a community college provides a unique backdrop for the story, allowing for exploration of themes such as second chances, personal growth, and the value of education.
Comparable Scripts:
Market Analysis
Budget Estimate:$10-15 million
Target Audience Demographics: Young adults aged 18-34, fans of comedy and ensemble casts
Marketability: The show has a dedicated fan base and has gained a cult following over the years. It has the potential to attract a wide audience and generate buzz through its unique blend of comedy, drama, and meta-humor.
The show has a diverse cast and explores compelling themes such as friendship, personal growth, and the value of education. It has the potential to resonate with a wide range of viewers and generate positive word-of-mouth.
The show has received critical acclaim for its clever writing, memorable characters, and meta-commentary on pop culture and television tropes. It has the potential to attract viewers who appreciate smart and self-aware storytelling.
Profit Potential: Moderate to high, as the show has a dedicated fan base and potential for syndication and streaming deals. It also has the potential to attract award nominations and generate revenue through merchandise and licensing.
Scene Level Percentiles
Emotions Elicited Percentiles
This is a rough estimate of how the average intensity of emotions elicited in this script compare to all scripts in the Vault (all genres).
Higher isn't necessarily better. This is FYI.
Writer's Voice
Summary:The writer's voice is characterized by wit, humor, and sarcasm. They excel at crafting witty and sarcastic dialogue that reveals the personalities of the characters. The narrative description is concise and focuses on character actions and reactions. The writer's voice adds humor and creates a lighthearted atmosphere throughout the screenplay.
Best representation: Scene 4 - Tension and Conflicts Emerge in the Study Group. This scene could serve as the encapsulation of the writer's unique voice in the screenplay because it showcases the writer's ability to create humorous and absurd situations, as well as explore philosophical ideas through witty dialogue. The characters' actions and interactions reflect the writer's distinct style and voice.
Memorable Lines:
- Jeff: You just stopped being a study group. You have now become something unstoppable. I hereby pronounce you a community. (Scene 7)
- Abed: I'm only half Arabic, actually, my Dad is Palestinian, I mean, he's a U.S. Citizen and he's not a threat to national security or anything, a lot of people want to know that after they meet him, because he has an angry energy, but not like angry at America, just angry at my Mom for leaving him, although she did leave because he was angry, and he was angry because she was American. My name's Abed, by the way. (Scene 1)
- Britta: Yeah, just don't hit on me, okay? (Scene 2)
- DUNCAN: Come on, you're never going to stop taking the easy way out. I'll be helping you for four years. You want to get a degree while taking naps? I want leather seats with built-in ball warmers. Offer expires in ten seconds. (Scene 6)
- Annie: Being younger doesn't make me inferior, if anything, your age indicates you've made bad life decisions. (Scene 5)
Writing Style:
The writing style of the screenplay is characterized by witty and sarcastic dialogue, humor, and a focus on character dynamics and relationships. There is also a tendency to blend humor with emotional depth in character interactions.
Style Similarities:
- Dan Harmon
- Tina Fey
Story Shape
Emotions Elicited
Consider
Executive Summary
The 'Community' screenplay presents a promising premise with strong character introductions, witty dialogue, and a compelling character arc for the lead. However, the script would benefit from a more defined central conflict, improved pacing, and further development of certain characters and plotlines.
- Strong introduction of the main characters, each with distinct personalities and motivations. high ( Scene 1 Scene general )
- The dialogue is witty, engaging, and often hilarious, effectively balancing humor with character development. high
- Jeff's character arc, from a cynical manipulator to someone seeking connection and help, is compelling and believable. high ( Scene 3 Scene 7 )
- The screenplay effectively uses conflict and resolution within the study group to highlight the themes of community and personal growth. medium ( Scene 5 Scene 7 )
- The unique setting of a community college offers a fresh perspective and relatable scenarios for a diverse audience. medium
- The pacing can be uneven, with some scenes feeling rushed while others drag, particularly in the middle of the screenplay. high
- The subplot involving Professor Duncan feels somewhat forced and detracts from the main narrative of the study group. medium ( Scene 2 Scene 6 )
- Some characters, like Shirley and Annie, could benefit from further exploration and development beyond their initial conflicts. medium
- The Old Black Woman character's role as a 'cosmic mentor' feels stereotypical and could be reimagined with more depth. low ( Scene 9 )
- The screenplay lacks a clear overarching plot or central conflict that drives the narrative beyond the formation of the study group. high
- Exploration of the characters' lives outside of the study group and the community college setting is minimal. medium
- The ending, while heartwarming, feels somewhat abrupt and could benefit from a more conclusive resolution or a hint at the group's future. medium
Screenplay Insights:
Premise: 7.4, The screenplay establishes a clear and intriguing premise that introduces a group of students and their journey at Greendale Community College. While the initial scenes effectively set up the characters and their interactions, there are opportunities to enhance the originality and depth of the premise. Exploring the characters' motivations and the unique aspects of the college setting could strengthen the screenplay's overall appeal. See More
Structure: 8.1, This screenplay exhibits a strong foundation for a compelling and entertaining story. The narrative structure effectively sets up the characters and their motivations, and the plot unfolds with a good balance of tension and release. However, there are a few areas where the structure and plot could be refined to enhance the overall storytelling dynamics. See More
Theme: 8.4, The screenplay effectively explores themes of community, acceptance, and personal growth, delivering a heartfelt and engaging story that resonates with audiences. While some aspects of the message could be refined for greater clarity and impact, the screenplay's overall thematic depth is commendable. See More
Visual Impact: 5.4, This screenplay showcases a solid narrative containing various characters, each with their own arcs. The story is filled with moments of tension, conflict, humor, and personal growth. While the screenplay has potential, the visual imagery lacks depth and creativity, resulting in a missed opportunity to enhance the storytelling. By incorporating more vivid descriptions and innovative visual elements, the screenplay can elevate its visual storytelling and captivate the audience on a deeper level. See More
Emotional Impact: 7.4, The screenplay has strong potential for emotional depth, with well-developed characters and engaging plotlines. However, it could benefit from further exploration of emotional complexity and the utilization of conflict to drive emotional development. See More
Conflict: 8.2, The screenplay effectively presents conflict and raises stakes through well-defined character dynamics and motivations. The study group's formation, stakes, and escalating challenges captivate the audience, driving the narrative forward. However, certain scenes could benefit from more emotionally compelling conflicts and well-developed resolutions. See More
Originality: 7.7, This screenplay exhibits a commendable level of creativity in its character development, particularly with Jeff and Abed. Their unique personalities and perspectives drive the narrative forward in an engaging manner. See More
Screenplay Story Analysis
Note: This is the overall critique. For scene by scene critique click here
Summaries
- Dean Pelton attempts to give an inspirational speech to the students at Greendale Community College, but struggles with technical difficulties and a lack of preparedness. Meanwhile, various characters including Annie, Troy, Britta, Shirley, and Pierce react to his words. Jeff and Abed have a brief conversation about a girl from their Spanish class. The scene takes place in the courtyard of Greendale Community College during the day. There are no significant conflicts in this scene. The tone of this scene is comedic and lighthearted. Dean Pelton attempts to give an inspirational speech, but struggles with technical difficulties and a lack of preparedness. Jeff and Abed have a brief conversation about a girl from their Spanish class. The scene ends with Jeff and Abed's conversation about the girl from their Spanish class.
- In this scene, Britta and Jeff meet in the cafeteria and have a playful conversation. Jeff invites Britta to his Spanish study group. Later, they meet with Duncan, Jeff's former client and current psychology professor. Jeff asks Duncan for help in obtaining his college degree, and Duncan agrees to help him cheat in exchange for Jeff's past legal assistance. The scene ends with Jeff leaving Duncan's office and making plans to meet in the library at six for his fake study group.
- Jeff and Britta meet in the library study room to form a Spanish study group. Britta shares her past as an anarchist and values honesty. Abed joins the group and receives a mysterious text message. Professor Duncan interrupts Jeff to discuss psychology. The scene ends with Jeff leaving to speak with Professor Duncan.
- Jeff and Duncan discuss moral relativism while watching a track tryout. Coach Bartel interrupts them and asks if they play football. Jeff then joins the study group in the library, where Britta and four new students are waiting. Jeff and Britta make plans to have dinner together. Jeff encounters the old black woman from the cafeteria and apologizes for his previous behavior.
- Jeff settles into his role as the leader of the study group and introduces himself and the other members. Annie feels excluded and confronts the group, particularly Shirley. Pierce makes inappropriate comments towards Shirley, leading to a conflict. Troy and Annie exchange insults. Abed interrupts with a random confession. Professor Duncan calls Jeff. The scene ends with Jeff receiving a phone call from Professor Duncan and leaving the room, leaving the conflicts unresolved.
- Jeff meets Duncan in a parking lot to get the answers to his tests. Duncan withholds the answers until Jeff agrees to give him his Lexus. Jeff eventually agrees and takes Duncan's Prius instead. Jeff then meets Britta at the library and they decide to help a group of people in pain before going to dinner.
- Jeff enters the study room and gives a motivational speech to the group, telling them they are all better than they think they are. He reveals he has the answers to the upcoming test, but the group decides to study instead. Jeff admits he only formed the study group to get close to Britta.
- Jeff confronts Duncan in his office after finding old magazines in Duncan's packet. Duncan tries to convince Jeff to embrace Greendale, but Jeff remains skeptical and demands his keys back. The scene ends with Jeff demanding his keys back from Duncan.
- Jeff, feeling defeated, encounters the Old Black Woman on a bench and confesses his struggles. She sarcastically brushes him off. Pierce joins Jeff and talks about his marriages. Troy seeks Jeff's advice on his jacket. Shirley and Annie emerge from the library, followed by Britta. Jeff apologizes and admits he needs help. Britta offers to study with the group, and they all head back into the library together.
Jeff - Score: 76/100
Role
Protagonist
Character Analysis Overview
Britta - Score: 76/100
Character Analysis Overview
Abed - Score: 78/100
Character Analysis Overview
Annie - Score: 66/100
Character Analysis Overview
Troy - Score: 71/100
Role
Protagonist
Character Analysis Overview
Shirley - Score: 69/100
Character Analysis Overview
Pierce - Score: 55/100
Character Analysis Overview
Duncan - Score: 67/100
Character Analysis Overview
Theme | Theme Details | Theme Explanation | ||||||||||||
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Identity and Self-Discovery | Throughout the screenplay, the characters, particularly Jeff, go through a process of self-discovery and exploration of their identities. Jeff initially forms the study group for selfish reasons but eventually realizes the value of genuine connections and personal growth. | The theme of identity and self-discovery is important in this screenplay as it drives the character development and arcs of the main characters. It explores the idea of finding oneself and embracing personal growth. | ||||||||||||
Friendship and Community | The study group serves as a central element in the screenplay, highlighting the importance of friendship and community. The characters come together, support each other, and form a bond that helps them navigate their personal challenges. | Friendship and community play a significant role in this screenplay as the characters rely on each other for support, guidance, and companionship. It explores the idea of finding a sense of belonging and the power of human connection. | ||||||||||||
Honesty and Integrity | The theme of honesty and integrity is explored through various conflicts and character interactions. Jeff's journey involves confronting his own dishonesty and learning the value of honesty, while other characters also grapple with their own moral choices. | Honesty and integrity are important themes in this screenplay as they highlight the moral dilemmas faced by the characters and the importance of being true to oneself and others. It explores the idea of personal ethics and the consequences of dishonesty. | ||||||||||||
Strengthening Honesty and Integrity:
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Acceptance and Forgiveness | The characters in the screenplay experience conflicts and tensions, but ultimately learn the importance of acceptance and forgiveness. Jeff apologizes for his behavior, the group accepts Annie into the study group, and they all come together despite their differences. | Acceptance and forgiveness are recurring themes in this screenplay as the characters learn to let go of grudges, accept each other's flaws, and move forward together. It explores the idea of embracing forgiveness and finding common ground despite differences. | ||||||||||||
Strengthening Acceptance and Forgiveness:
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Personal Growth and Transformation | The characters in the screenplay undergo personal growth and transformation as they navigate their challenges and learn from their experiences. Jeff, in particular, goes through a significant transformation from a selfish and dishonest person to someone who values genuine connections and personal growth. | Personal growth and transformation are central themes in this screenplay as the characters evolve and learn from their experiences. It explores the idea of self-improvement, learning from mistakes, and embracing change. |
Screenwriting Resources on Themes
Articles
Site | Description |
---|---|
Studio Binder | Movie Themes: Examples of Common Themes for Screenwriters |
Coverfly | Improving your Screenplay's theme |
John August | Writing from Theme |
YouTube Videos
Title | Description |
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Story, Plot, Genre, Theme - Screenwriting Basics | Screenwriting basics - beginner video |
What is theme | Discussion on ways to layer theme into a screenplay. |
Thematic Mistakes You're Making in Your Script | Common Theme mistakes and Philosophical Conflicts |
Goals and Philosophical Conflict | |
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internal Goals | The protagonist's internal goals evolve throughout the script, reflecting their desire for validation, companionship, approval, intellectual validation, a harmonious study environment, taking the easy way out, acceptance from peers, asserting independence, seeking help and admitting need for assistance. |
External Goals | The protagonist's external goals evolve throughout the script, reflecting their navigation of challenges and stereotypes of community college, helping Britta with her Spanish studies, starting a conversation with the study group, gathering answers from Duncan, attending to an emergency call, negotiating with Duncan, disbanding the study group, retrieving his keys, and studying with the group. |
Philosophical Conflict | The overarching philosophical conflict in the screenplay revolves around the protagonist's beliefs about moral relativism, the value of community college, and the importance of higher education. This conflict intertwines with the protagonist's journey as they challenge and assert their own beliefs, confront their cynicism, and seek validation and support. |
Character Development Contribution: The protagonist's evolving internal and external goals contribute to their character development by challenging their beliefs, fears, and desires. Through their journey, they learn to overcome stereotypes, seek validation and support, confront their cynicism, and assert their own understanding of right and wrong.
Narrative Structure Contribution: The evolving internal and external goals provide a framework for the narrative structure of the screenplay, driving the protagonist's actions and interactions with other characters. The conflicts and challenges they face propel the story forward and create tension and resolution.
Thematic Depth Contribution: The goals and conflicts in the screenplay contribute to the thematic depth by exploring themes of identity, validation, the value of education, the importance of community, and the power of personal growth and change. The protagonist's journey reflects the universal human desire for acceptance, growth, and finding one's place in the world.
Screenwriting Resources on Goals and Philosophical Conflict
Articles
Site | Description |
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Creative Screenwriting | How Important Is A Character’s Goal? |
Studio Binder | What is Conflict in a Story? A Quick Reminder of the Purpose of Conflict |
YouTube Videos
Title | Description |
---|---|
How I Build a Story's Philosophical Conflict | How do you build philosophical conflict into your story? Where do you start? And how do you develop it into your characters and their external actions. Today I’m going to break this all down and make it fully clear in this episode. |
Endings: The Good, the Bad, and the Insanely Great | By Michael Arndt: I put this lecture together in 2006, when I started work at Pixar on Toy Story 3. It looks at how to write an "insanely great" ending, using Star Wars, The Graduate, and Little Miss Sunshine as examples. 90 minutes |
Tips for Writing Effective Character Goals | By Jessica Brody (Save the Cat!): Writing character goals is one of the most important jobs of any novelist. But are your character's goals...mushy? |
Story Content | Character Development | Scene Elements | Audience Engagement | Technical Aspects | |||||||||||||||||
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Click for Full Analysis | Tone | Overall | Concept | Plot | Originality | Characters | Character Changes | Internal Goal | External Goal | Conflict | Opposition | High stakes | Story forward | Twist | Emotional Impact | Dialogue | Engagement | Pacing | Formatting | Structure | |
1 - Dean Pelton's Inspirational Speech | Humorous, Sarcastic | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | |
2 - Jeff enlists Duncan's help to cheat | Humorous, Sarcastic, Conversational | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | |
3 - Forming a Spanish Study Group | Light-hearted, Sarcastic, Playful | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | |
4 - Morality, Football, and Apologies | Humorous, Sarcastic, Confrontational | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | |
5 - Tension and Conflicts Emerge in the Study Group | Humorous, Sarcastic, Confrontational | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | |
6 - A Deal in the Parking Lot | Humorous, Serious | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | |
7 - Jeff's Motivational Speech | Humorous, Reflective | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | |
8 - Confrontation in Duncan's Office | Sarcastic, Confrontational, Defiant | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | |
9 - A Defeated Jeff Finds Hope in Study Group | Sarcastic, Depressed, Confused, Resigned, Curious, Taken aback, Offering | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
Summary of Scene Level Analysis
Here are some things that came out of the scene level analysis.
This is a summary of the strengths, weaknesses, and suggestions found in each scene. Some things might appear in both strengths and weaknesses based on the variety of your scenes.
For summary of each criteria click in the top row on the criteria.
Scene Strengths
- Humorous dialogue
- Distinct/engaging character introductions
- Sharp and witty dialogue
- Establishment of conflicts and dynamics
- Exploration of ethical dilemma
Scene Weaknesses
- Low emotional impact
- Minimal character change
- Lack of emotional depth
- Limited exploration of themes
- Low conflict level
Suggestions
- Consider developing characters further to enhance emotional impact
- Explore themes more deeply to add depth to the story
- Increase conflict level and stakes to better engage the audience
- Work on creating more significant character arcs and growth
- Challenge yourself to push the emotional impact and depth in your writing
Scene 1 - Dean Pelton's Inspirational Speech
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 2 - Jeff enlists Duncan's help to cheat
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 3 - Forming a Spanish Study Group
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 4 - Morality, Football, and Apologies
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 5 - Tension and Conflicts Emerge in the Study Group
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 6 - A Deal in the Parking Lot
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 7 - Jeff's Motivational Speech
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 8 - Confrontation in Duncan's Office
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Scene 9 - A Defeated Jeff Finds Hope in Study Group
The #1 Rule of Screenwriting: Make your reader or audience compelled to keep reading.
“Grab ‘em by the throat and never let ‘em go.”
The scene level score is the impact on the reader or audience to continue reading.
The Script score is how compelled they are to keep reading based on the rest of the script so far.
Consider
Explanation: The 'Community' screenplay presents a promising premise with strong character introductions, witty dialogue, and a compelling character arc for the lead. However, the script would benefit from a more defined central conflict, improved pacing, and further development of certain characters and plotlines.