2002
Struggling filmmaker Viktor Taransky is fired after his demanding lead actress, Nicola Anders, quits his film, leaving him desperate to save his career. He receives a hard drive containing 'SIMULATION ONE' from the estate of a deceased computer scientist, which allows him to create a digital actress named Simone. Simone's debut film is a massive success, captivating audiences and critics, but Viktor must maintain the illusion that she is a real person, leading to elaborate hoaxes and public appearances where he fakes her presence. As Simone's fame explodes with hit movies and a stadium concert, Viktor struggles to control the narrative, especially when investigative reporter Max Sayer begins to suspect the truth.
Save the Cat beat sheet
Veteran director Viktor Taransky loses his star actress and career prospects, then discovers a digital solution in the form of Simone, a CGI performer he must protect from skeptical studio heads and the press.
Open full beat sheetViktor Taransky is listed as Director/Producer. A struggling, conservative filmmaker who creates a digital actress to save his career. In the parsed data, Viktor Taransky is connected to 51 scenes, 30 dialogue lines, 30 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
51 scenes / 30 dialogue linesElaine Christian is listed as Studio Head. Viktor's ex-wife and studio executive. In the parsed data, Elaine Christian is connected to 20 scenes, 23 dialogue lines, 23 text mentions, first appearing around scene 15.
20 scenes / 23 dialogue linesLainey is listed as Viktor's Daughter. Viktor and Elaine's teenage daughter. In the parsed data, Lainey is connected to 17 scenes, 9 dialogue lines, 13 text mentions, first appearing around scene 40.
17 scenes / 9 dialogue linesSimone is listed as Synthespian/Vactor. A computer-generated actress created by Viktor Taransky. In the parsed data, Simone is connected to 12 scenes, 21 dialogue lines, 43 text mentions, first appearing around scene 11.
12 scenes / 21 dialogue linesMax Sayer is listed as Investigative Reporter. A crusading, truth-seeking reporter for the National Echo. In the parsed data, Max Sayer is connected to 7 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 3 text mentions, first appearing around scene 16.
7 scenes / 3 dialogue linesHal Sinclair is listed as Leading Man. An actor who stars in Viktor's films. In the parsed data, Hal Sinclair is connected to 6 scenes, first appearing around scene 3.
6 scenes / 0 dialogue linesNicola Anders is listed as A-list Actress. A demanding, difficult actress who quits Viktor's film. In the parsed data, Nicola Anders is connected to 3 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 2.
3 scenes / 1 dialogue linesHank Aleno is listed as Computer Scientist. The creator of the simulation software who dies early in the film. In the parsed data, Hank Aleno is connected to 2 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 7.
2 scenes / 2 dialogue linesViktor Taransky is sorting candy at a craft service table when a P.A. informs him that his lead actress, Nicola Anders, is walking off the film.
Viktor TaranskyViktor confronts Nicola Anders as she prepares to leave the set, leading to a heated argument about her demands and the film's production.
Viktor Taransky, Nicola AndersA scene from the film being shot where Nicola's character dies in the arms of Hal.
Nicola Anders, Hal SinclairViktor and studio executives review the rough cut of the film and discuss the fallout of Nicola's departure.
Viktor Taransky, Elaine Christian, Hal SinclairElaine fires Viktor from the studio, citing his failing career and the impossibility of continuing the film.
Viktor Taransky, Elaine ChristianViktor meets his daughter Lainey, who offers him support after he is fired.
Viktor Taransky, LaineyHank Aleno approaches Viktor to pitch his 'vactor' technology as a solution to his casting problems.
Viktor Taransky, Hank AlenoViktor struggles to find a new actress and is served with legal notices.
Viktor TaranskyViktor is approached by a man representing the late Hank Aleno, who gives him a hard drive labeled 'SIMULATION ONE'.
Viktor TaranskyViktor prepares for the premiere of his film, now starring Simone.
Viktor Taransky, LaineyThe audience watches the film and is captivated by Simone's performance.
Viktor Taransky, Lainey, Hal SinclairThe audience praises Viktor for the film and Simone's performance.
Viktor Taransky, LaineyViktor watches a news report about Simone and corrects the reporter on his name.
Viktor TaranskyViktor arrives at the studio amidst a swarm of fans and reporters.
Viktor TaranskyElaine greets Viktor and is disappointed to find Simone is not in the car.
Viktor Taransky, Elaine ChristianViktor holds a press conference for Simone and is confronted by Max Sayer.
Viktor Taransky, Max SayerViktor enters his secret soundstage to work with the digital Simone.
Viktor TaranskyViktor interacts with the digital Simone, refining her performance and discussing their hoax.
Viktor Taransky, SimoneViktor encounters Hal Sinclair and fakes a phone call with Simone.
Viktor Taransky, Hal SinclairMax Sayer and Milton analyze the intercepted phone call.
Max SayerViktor and his daughter Lainey have breakfast.
Viktor Taransky, LaineyViktor confronts the paparazzi outside his home.
Viktor Taransky, Max SayerViktor drives Lainey to her mother's house.
Viktor Taransky, LaineyViktor drops off Lainey at Elaine's mansion.
Viktor Taransky, Elaine Christian, LaineyViktor and Elaine discuss the budget and production details for the next film.
Viktor Taransky, Elaine ChristianViktor discusses Simone with Elaine, who is skeptical and wants to meet her.
Viktor Taransky, Elaine ChristianElaine warns Viktor about Simone, while Lainey watches from a window.
Viktor Taransky, Elaine Christian, LaineyViktor meets with his cast and introduces them to Simone via speakerphone.
Viktor Taransky, Hal SinclairViktor meets a cleaning woman who is a fan of Simone.
Viktor TaranskyMax Sayer berates his staff for failing to get a photo of Simone and discusses his plan to flush her out.
Max Sayer, Hank AlenoViktor blocks studio executives from entering his soundstage.
Viktor Taransky, Elaine ChristianViktor convinces the executives that Simone is agoraphobic.
Viktor Taransky, Elaine ChristianSimone performs a concert, singing in Spanish and interacting with the crowd.
SimoneSimone's concert is broadcast globally.
SimoneViktor watches the concert from the control truck and experiences a technical glitch.
Viktor Taransky, SimoneMax Sayer is caught up in the concert.
Max SayerSimone ends the concert.
SimoneFans exit the stadium and discuss the concert.
Viktor is interrupted by Elaine and Lainey.
Viktor Taransky, Elaine Christian, LaineyElaine and Lainey confront Viktor.
Viktor Taransky, Elaine Christian, LaineyElaine discusses Viktor with Kent.
Elaine Christian, LaineyViktor and Lainey talk about Elaine and Simone.
Viktor Taransky, LaineyElaine talks to Simone on the phone while driving.
Viktor Taransky, Simone, Elaine ChristianViktor is pulled over after a fender-bender.
Viktor TaranskySimone wins an Oscar.
Viktor Taransky, Elaine Christian, Lainey, Hal SinclairViktor realizes Simone forgot to thank him.
Viktor Taransky, SimoneViktor arrives home to find Max Sayer.
Viktor Taransky, Max SayerViktor tries to give Lainey a car.
Viktor Taransky, LaineyViktor auditions Nicola Anders.
Viktor Taransky, Nicola AndersElaine looks at a photo of her family.
Elaine ChristianViktor morphs Elaine's mannerisms into Simone.
Viktor Taransky, Simone, Elaine ChristianViktor and Elaine have a tense conversation.
Viktor Taransky, Elaine ChristianViktor decides to destroy Simone.
Viktor TaranskyViktor decides to delete Simone using a virus and reflects on his own fraudulence.
Viktor Taransky, SimoneViktor dumps the trunk containing Simone's software into the bay.
Viktor TaranskyViktor announces Simone's death to the press.
Viktor Taransky, Max SayerSimone's funeral is interrupted when the coffin is found to contain a cardboard standee.
Viktor Taransky, Elaine Christian, LaineyViktor is interrogated by detectives who believe he murdered Simone.
Viktor TaranskyLainey and Elaine search Viktor's files and find the 'PLAGUE' disc.
Elaine Christian, LaineyViktor is about to confess to murder when news breaks that Simone is alive.
Viktor TaranskyViktor is released and reunited with Elaine and Lainey.
Viktor Taransky, Elaine Christian, LaineyViktor records an interview with Simone, revealing he is alone on set.
Viktor Taransky, SimoneIt's the only way, Simone. If it's any consolation, you're going to live on in the public's heart like all the other tragic figures that went before their time. There's no love like posthumous love.
Damn -- Yes -- I -- I'm just a little tired. Listen, Elaine, Viktor and I -- it's strictly a working relationship. We could never be anything else. We're just so... different.
She goes to a major, Hollywood, A-list party and we don't get an interview, a comment, we don't even get a photograph? Is that what you're telling me?
You don't have to protect my feelings, Simone. I don't blame Viktor for falling in love with the most desirable woman in the world.
I know but Mom doesn't. Maybe if it came from Simone, if Simone spoke to Mom -- she could straighten things out. Dinner, maybe.
No, I understand. That's what I want to talk about. I don't know if you know this, Simone, but Viktor and I were married once.
Elaine. Simone isn't like any other actress you've ever known. She's about the work and only the work -- lives for the work.
I don't know how many times I have to say this, Elaine, but Viktor and I are not in love. I only make love to the camera.
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