Post 10- Script Writing

Initial Ideas

As a class we discussed how scripts must entail accessible themes that the audience would be able to identify with or be based upon important social issues to engage the audience.  Argentine Tangos by Guy Thys (2006) is a short Belguim film originally known as Tanghi Argentini which is a comedy drama and was nominated for the Best Short Oscar aswell as winning Best Foreign Short at the LA Shorts Fest in 2006 which is a festival i have previously researched into in post 9. The narrative follows a middle-aged office-worker trying to fulfil his Christmas passion as well as keeping a lie secret. This is an example of how success a short film can be which is based upon accessible themes that the audience can identify with.

In my group of four we discussed potential ideas of our story line and decided it should be based around a social issue of public intrest. We then seperated and I produced a spider diagram of possible story lines:

Following a discussion on the ideas above, we initially decided that the abuse of food storyline, however issues arose when thoughts cast to finding an young boy happy to act due to the circumstances. We then decided that an abusive relationship could be quite difficault to present without performing violent scenes. It was then decided by all that a short film centred around the effect home life has had upon a young boy's school life would be the best idea to take.

Original Film Synopsis

The short film will follow a young boy who has a difficault home life with his mother which is reflected through his school years. The boy named Billy finds himself isolated from others and spends alot of time at the bottom of a set of stairs alone. One day it becomes aparrent that Billy's life is about to change forever.

We showed two different target audiences our film synopsis in order to gain some feedback

Following the constructive feedback we gained, this is a rewritten synopsis I wrote in order to act on the negatives that our focus group brought up.

Final Synopsis

A slow paced six minute long film following the repetitive life of a twelve year old boy named Billy. Billy is a troubled student who experiences a non- existant relationship with his buisiness-driven mother who has no time for her son.  Billy stuggles in his everyday life; seeming isolated and alone from his fellow school peers, Billy finds comfort in sitting alone at the bottom of a particular flight of stairs. One day when Billy's teacher becomes concerned of his welfare, she contacts Billy's mother who shares some information that could change Billy's life forever. Will the stairs of comfort be enough for Billy to cope this time?

BLACK SCREEN- TITLES

Loud background noise, children talking.

HARD CUT: EXT. OUTSIDE BILLY’S HOUSE IN THE ALLEY WAY

Billy steps out of his house, walks round the corner into the alley.

LONG SHOT: EXT. TOP OF THE ALLEY WAY

Billy is walking to school on the phone to his mum.

BILLY

Why, where you going to be?

BILLY

Ok, so what time will you be home?

Billy

Oh ok then, maybe see you tomorrow then.

MUM hangs up the phone.

MEDIUM LONG SHOT: EXT ALLEY WAY

Billy is continuing to walk to school.

HARD CUT: INT. CLASSROOM

Billy runs in late and the teacher tells him off.

TEACHER

Late again Billy?

Billy puts his head down and walks to his seat.

HARD CUT: EXT: OUTSIDE CANTEEN

Billy is trying to push through the crowds.

HARD CUT: INT: UNDER THE STAIRS

Billy is looking at people walking by, he rings his mum.

BILLY

Mum, I feel ill can you come pick me up?

BILLY

But mum please, it’s horrible here.

MUM hangs up the phone.

CLOSE UP: Billy starts scratching at his wrist.

HARD CUT: EXT: QUAD

Billy is walking through the quad alone.

FREEZE FRAME: CLOSE UP ON BILLY’S FACE.

CUT TO CREDITS ON BLACK SCREEN.