Assignment (2016) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A conflict journalist pursues a potentially consequential story despite rejection and political pressure, putting her life and family at risk.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

The Interrupted Assignment

A near-fatal incident cuts short Kathleen's Congo assignment. She returns home with a mission that was incomplete but still produced potentially significant material.

Key Events

• Assignment Cut Short — A near-fatal incident cuts short Kathleen's assignment in the Congo. Characters: Kathleen (Kat) Jacobs Location: Congo
• Return Home — Kathleen returns home after the incident ends her assignment. Characters: Kathleen (Kat) Jacobs Location: Home
• Potential Scoop Uncovered — Her incomplete mission yields information that could become an incredible scoop. Characters: Kathleen (Kat) Jacobs Location: Congo

A Story Turned Away

Kathleen identifies a potential scoop and pitches it to her editor. He rejects the story, an unexpected setback for her reporting.

Key Events

• Potential Scoop Uncovered — Her incomplete mission yields information that could become an incredible scoop. Characters: Kathleen (Kat) Jacobs Location: Congo
• Editor Rejects Story — Kathleen pitches the story, but her editor turns it down. Characters: Kathleen (Kat) Jacobs Location: An editor's office

Defying Political Pressure

Rather than abandon the story, Kathleen decides to pursue it. Her choice brings her into conflict with major political forces.

Key Events

• Decision to Pursue Story — Kathleen decides to break the story despite the rejection. Characters: Kathleen (Kat) Jacobs Location: Unspecified
• Political Pressure — Pursuing the story pits Kathleen against major political forces. Characters: Kathleen (Kat) Jacobs Location: Unspecified

On the Run

Kathleen refuses to back off despite numerous incidents and finds herself on the run. Her ex-husband and an ex-military consultant help her as the chase threatens her life and family.

Key Events

• Incidents and Pursuit — After refusing to back off despite numerous incidents, Kathleen goes on the run. Characters: Kathleen (Kat) Jacobs Location: Unspecified
• Help from Two Exes — Her ex-husband and an ex-military consultant aid Kathleen as she is on the run. Characters: Kathleen (Kat) Jacobs Location: Unspecified
• Risks to Career and Family — The chase puts Kathleen's career, reputation, life, and family at risk. Characters: Kathleen (Kat) Jacobs Location: Unspecified

Story Breakdown

• Congo Assignment — Kathleen's reporting mission is cut short, but it yields material with significant story potential.
  • Near-Fatal Incident — A near-fatal incident interrupts Kathleen's assignment in the Congo.
  • Incomplete Mission — Although the assignment ends early, Kathleen considers the mission a success.
• Return and Discovery — Kathleen returns home carrying information that may become an important scoop.
  • Potential Scoop — Her work uncovers what could lead to an incredible scoop.
  • Homecoming — Kathleen returns home after the incident cuts short her assignment.
• Editorial Rejection — Kathleen's editor refuses to take up the story she pitches.
  • Story Pitch — Kathleen presents the potential scoop to her editor.
  • Unexpected Refusal — The editor turns down the story despite his usual pursuit of headlines.
• Journalistic Defiance — Kathleen chooses to pursue the story independently of her editor's rejection.
  • Resolve to Publish — Kathleen is determined to break the story.
  • Political Opposition — Her decision pits her against major political forces.
• Escalating Incidents — Pressure intensifies as Kathleen continues to refuse to back off.
  • Refusal to Back Off — Kathleen keeps pursuing the story despite numerous incidents.
  • Forced Flight — The escalating circumstances leave Kathleen on the run.
• Help from Exes — Two former partners aid Kathleen while she is on the run.
  • Ex-Husband's Aid — Kathleen's ex-husband helps her during the chase.
  • Consultant's Aid — An ex-military consultant also helps Kathleen.
• Personal Stakes — The cat-and-mouse chase threatens Kathleen's professional standing and personal safety.
  • Career and Reputation — Kathleen risks her career and reputation by pursuing the story.
  • Life and Family — The danger extends to Kathleen's life and the safety of her family.

Directed by

Laszlo Bene

Key Cast

• Sandi Schultz — Kathleen (Kat) Jacobs
• David Dennis — Michael Weinberg
• Jonathan Pienaar — Chris Sebastian
• Dirk Stoltz — Johan
• Anthony Oseyemi — Kumi Moloi