Author: Jake Sully

Sometimes your life boils down to one insane move
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Creative Writing Treatment 1

Movie Treatment: “The Spark of the Universe”

Written by: Nelly Furtado and Joe Jukic

Genre: Biographical Drama / Historical Fiction

Logline: The life of Nikola Tesla, the brilliant inventor whose vision for a world powered by clean, limitless energy was stifled by greed and betrayal. With the support of his friend Mark Twain and the opposition of enemies like J.P. Morgan and Thomas Edison, Tesla’s journey explores the power of the human spirit to harness the wheelworks of the universe and the cost of pursuing a higher calling.

ACT 1:

The film opens with a young Nikola Tesla (played by a young actor with a magnetic, intellectual presence) in his native Serbia, staring at the night sky, captivated by the vastness of the stars. The voice of his mother echoes in his mind, urging him to seek knowledge and find a way to harness the forces of nature. His fascination with electricity is sparked early, and it’s clear that Tesla is destined for greatness.

We see Tesla’s journey to America, where he meets Thomas Edison (played by a charismatic actor with a mix of charm and ruthlessness) and begins working for him. Tesla’s early optimism quickly turns to disillusionment as he realizes Edison’s commitment to the direct current (DC) system is driven more by personal gain than by the pursuit of true progress. Edison’s attitude towards Tesla is dismissive and controlling, a foil to Tesla’s idealism.

Tesla’s breakthrough moment comes when he envisions the alternating current (AC) system, a more efficient and scalable way to transmit electricity over long distances. The film delves into Tesla’s internal struggles—his relentless pursuit of innovation at the expense of his personal life, his battles with loneliness, and his unwavering belief that his inventions could change the world for the better.

ACT 2:

Tesla’s fortunes take a turn when he meets Mark Twain (played by a witty and supportive actor) in New York. Twain, who is both a fan of Tesla’s genius and a believer in his vision, becomes Tesla’s closest friend and confidant. The two bond over their shared sense of humor, intellectual curiosity, and mutual respect for each other’s work. Twain encourages Tesla to continue his experiments, even as Tesla’s finances dwindle and his ideas face mounting opposition.

The film explores the rise of Tesla’s public profile as he demonstrates his inventions—wireless electricity, the Tesla coil, and the potential for a world powered by renewable energy. However, his success is tempered by the growing influence of J.P. Morgan (played by a wealthy, calculating actor), who becomes Tesla’s primary financier. Morgan’s interest in Tesla’s work is not driven by a desire to revolutionize the world, but rather by a desire to control the flow of energy and amass further wealth.

As Tesla’s inventions begin to threaten Morgan’s financial empire, the tension between them intensifies. Morgan, threatened by Tesla’s ideas, withdraws his funding for the Wardenclyffe Tower project, which was meant to be the world’s first wireless transmission station. The betrayal by Morgan is a pivotal moment in Tesla’s life, setting him on a path of financial ruin and isolation.

ACT 3:

Tesla’s rivalry with Edison reaches its peak as Edison launches a smear campaign against Tesla’s AC system, claiming that it is dangerous and impractical. Edison’s influence and wealth give him the power to spread misinformation, leading to public fear and distrust of Tesla’s vision. Tesla’s idealism and refusal to compromise on his principles make him an outcast in the world of corporate greed and power.

In a powerful scene, Tesla is seen standing before a massive machine, the Wardenclyffe Tower, as it begins to hum with energy. He quotes Psalm 1:

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”

The verse symbolizes Tesla’s unwavering commitment to harnessing the natural forces of the universe, not for personal gain, but for the betterment of humanity. Tesla believes that true happiness and fulfillment come from aligning oneself with the laws of nature and the cosmos, not from seeking fame or fortune.

The film culminates in a tragic yet inspiring finale. Tesla’s final years are marked by poverty and neglect, but his legacy lives on. As he dies alone in his New York apartment, the camera lingers on the image of a glowing lightbulb—Tesla’s symbol of the energy he believed could illuminate the world. The closing scene shows the world in the present day, where Tesla’s ideas have finally been recognized and are being used to power cities with renewable energy, a testament to his vision.

Themes:

  • Vision and Idealism: Tesla’s unwavering belief in the potential of science and technology to improve the world, despite the personal and professional sacrifices he made along the way. His pursuit of a higher calling is contrasted with the greed and corruption of his enemies.
  • Friendship and Loyalty: The relationship between Tesla and Mark Twain serves as a beacon of hope in Tesla’s otherwise lonely and challenging life. Twain’s support is a reminder of the importance of having allies who believe in your vision.
  • Greed vs. Altruism: The film explores the tension between Tesla’s altruistic desire to benefit humanity and the greed of figures like J.P. Morgan and Thomas Edison, who seek to control and profit from Tesla’s ideas.
  • Psalm 1 and True Happiness: Tesla’s belief that true happiness comes from aligning oneself with the laws of the universe, not from personal wealth or fame, is reflected in the themes of Psalm 1. His legacy is ultimately about the pursuit of knowledge and the betterment of mankind, not personal glory.

Final Notes:

Nelly Furtado and Joe Jukic’s treatment for The Spark of the Universe offers a fresh, emotionally charged take on the life of Nikola Tesla. By blending historical events with philosophical reflections, the film highlights Tesla’s genius, the obstacles he faced, and the profound impact his work continues to have on the world today. The film’s exploration of Psalm 1 serves as a powerful thematic thread, showing how Tesla’s quest for knowledge was guided by a higher sense of purpose.

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End of the Line: Overfishing

A Balanced Catch: Nelly and Joe’s Fight Against Overfishing in Portugal

The morning sun glistened over the Atlantic as Nelly Furtado and Joe Jukic walked along the docks of Cascais, Portugal. Fishing boats bobbed gently in the harbor, their nets piled high, ready for another day at sea. But beneath the picturesque scene lay a grim reality: the waters of Portugal, like so many others, were under siege from overfishing.

Joe, a former Psyops veteran turned environmental strategist, had seen the consequences of resource depletion in war-torn regions. Nelly, a Portuguese-Canadian singer with a passion for sustainability, felt a deep connection to the ocean her ancestors had relied on for centuries. Together, they had come to Portugal with a mission: to introduce selective fishing and balanced harvesting practices that could save both the ocean’s biodiversity and the livelihoods of its fishermen.

The Problem

Portugal had long been a nation of fishermen, its culture and economy intertwined with the sea. But decades of industrial fishing had taken a toll. Key species like sardines and cod were on the brink of collapse, and entire ecosystems were unraveling under the strain.

The fishermen were trapped in a vicious cycle. To make a living, they needed to catch more, but the more they caught, the fewer fish remained. Joe and Nelly knew they had to break the cycle.

The Plan

Joe’s strategy was rooted in balanced harvesting—a method that mimics nature by targeting fish across all sizes and species, rather than focusing on a few key populations. By doing so, ecosystems could maintain their natural balance, and no single species would be overexploited.

Selective fishing was the other piece of the puzzle. Using advanced sonar technology and modified nets, fishermen could avoid bycatch—unwanted species often discarded dead—and focus on catching only what was needed.

To implement these practices, Joe and Nelly partnered with marine biologists, local NGOs, and fishing cooperatives.

Winning Hearts and Minds

The biggest challenge was convincing the fishermen. Many were skeptical, fearing that the new methods would reduce their already slim profits.

Nelly stepped in, using her fame to bring attention to the issue. She organized a free concert in Lisbon, where she spoke passionately about the importance of sustainable fishing.

“Our oceans are our lifeline,” she told the crowd. “If we take care of them, they’ll take care of us. This isn’t just about fish—it’s about families, communities, and our future.”

Joe, ever the tactician, held workshops at the docks, demonstrating how selective fishing gear worked and showing data on how balanced harvesting could lead to more stable fish stocks over time.

A Turning Point

The breakthrough came when a group of younger fishermen decided to pilot the new methods. Within months, their catches became more diverse and sustainable. They also found a growing market for responsibly caught seafood, which commanded higher prices.

Word spread, and more fishermen joined the initiative. Joe and Nelly worked tirelessly, securing grants to subsidize the new equipment and organizing training sessions.

A New Dawn

A year later, the results were undeniable. Fish stocks began to recover, and the local economy stabilized. The waters off Portugal teemed with life once more, and the fishermen, once resistant, became the method’s fiercest advocates.

At a celebration in Cascais, Nelly and Joe were honored by the fishing community. Standing on a makeshift stage by the docks, Nelly sang a song she had written for the occasion, her voice carrying over the waves.

Joe, ever humble, addressed the crowd. “This wasn’t about us,” he said. “It was about you—about what we can achieve when we work together. The ocean isn’t just a resource; it’s a partner. And today, we’ve shown it the respect it deserves.”

Legacy

The success in Portugal inspired other coastal nations to adopt similar practices. Nelly and Joe continued their work, traveling the globe to promote sustainable fishing.

For Nelly, the mission was deeply personal—a way to honor her heritage. For Joe, it was another battle won in his lifelong fight for a better world.

And for the oceans, it was a second chance.

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Jubilee Rising

“Jubilee Rising” (A U2-style song)

Verse 1
A quarter-century, the bells still ring,
The echo of freedom, the song we sing.
From the broken streets to the highest halls,
We tore down the chains, we answered the call.

The weight of the world, it was not too much,
For the hands that reached and the hearts they touched.
Debt forgiven, a world set free,
On the wings of hope, a jubilee.

Chorus
Oh, let the walls come tumbling down,
Let the lost be found, let love abound.
For every tear, a brighter sky,
Jubilee rising, we will not deny.

Verse 2
The voices silenced, they now proclaim,
The dignity rising, they speak their names.
In the shadowlands, where the broken kneel,
We brought the light, we made it real.

Twenty-five years, but the work’s not done,
Still chasing justice beneath the sun.
Bono’s song, it carries on,
A hymn of mercy, a rebel’s dawn.

Chorus
Oh, let the walls come tumbling down,
Let the lost be found, let love abound.
For every tear, a brighter sky,
Jubilee rising, we will not deny.

Bridge
It’s not just numbers, it’s lives reborn,
It’s the peace that follows the storm.
From Dublin’s streets to Africa’s plains,
The dream persists, the song remains.

Chorus
Oh, let the walls come tumbling down,
Let the lost be found, let love abound.
For every tear, a brighter sky,
Jubilee rising, we will not deny.

Outro
So sing the song, let the future see,
What love can do, what it means to be free.
Debt erased, the captives fly,
Jubilee rising, under a boundless sky.

Nelly Fan
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