about flashbacks

I know we've reached 100% group consensus that flashbacks should be cut out.

but I was thinking, and actually, the problem isn't the flashbacks itself--the problem lies with the structure of the flashbacks (random, no reason to be there, no direction). if the flashbacks can help our story, then we should use them.

we should always go back to our premise: Freedom is the basis of happiness (or nature, could be both). like DQ said, in our very first meeting, the premise is the center of the universe. story ideas go around it, and builds up. anything not connected to the premise will be blown away. just don't forget the premise.

the problem with our flashbacks was that it didn't connect with freedom strong enough. I have a few ideas I'll share on thursday, but please come up with some ideas too. (what could be an external force that could stir the gorilla's internal motivation for freedom?) if we connect flashbacks with freedom, then the flashbacks will reinforce and deepen the story rather than confuse. we just need to use it well.


CHARACTER:
our gorilla should hate his job, always longing to be free. he doesn't want to kill, which gives him more motivation to fight against the implant. he is not violent, he looks at birds (white dove as symbolism for peace) and wants harmony in nature.



guys I'm going to think really hard on story, and I promise I'll have something solid by thursday. not the finished story, but the strengthened core of our current story. feel free to contact me with any ideas by email (sketchi@gmail.com) or msn (poiks@hotmail.com). once we work out the kinks, our story is gonna be awesome!