Following research into short film scripts, we found an article in The Times Online about how to make a short film script the best it can be. We took information from this to create questions on our own short film which will help with the creation of our script.
Who is the main character?
– a ten year old girl living with her older brother, whose mother has just walked out on them, (the audience are unaware of this at first). She’s in want of attention and affection, and is seeking a parental figure in older people. She is socially awkward, and uneducated about the dangers she faces by spending time with these teenagers.
What is their problem?
She’s lonely, uncared for, going unnoticed. She’s neglected by her mother and father, and until the end of the film, her brother. She’s in need of a parental figure and attention, and seeks this in a group of rebellious teenagers. She is trying to fit in with them to feel accepted and is desperate for compassion, but is too young to understand their ways.
How will the audience recognise the problem?
It is obvious from the beginning she is trying to look older than she is, and is making a strong effort to imitate the other girls around her. This is clear through the clothes she puts on at the beginning, and the fact she’s wearing make-up. The audience will see that Ashleigh is lonely, through her attempts for physical contact with the teenagers. This will also make evident her young age, as, for example, holding hands is something children do with their parents. Visually, Ashleigh is trying to be older than she is, yet her mentality is still searching for a figure to guide and protect her, take care of her and love her. This is shown through her blatant awkwardness and quietness around the teenagers, and at times, bewildered expressions at what they are talking about.
Are the stakes high enough?
It is insinuated that - could be in a great amount of danger before her older brother’s entrance, as the boy she is with subtly slips something in her drink, and offers it to her, along with a subtle amount of physical compassion; (his arm around her). Her brother, then takes on the role of her saviour, and intervenes before any further danger can take place. This will make the audience feel very ucomfortable, as she is so young and the danger of loss of innocence is introduced.
Am I telling the story from the best point of view?
The story being from Ashleigh’s point of view, allows the audience to see what her family do not see. As she is a character living with lack of compassion, love, attention and guidance, the audience can therefore see what is an unusual everyday occurrence for the child. Being from - point of view, the audience can also see what danger she’s in, and her desperate need for attention.
What is driving your character?
Her desperate want for attention, guidance, and love. She is trying to fit in with this older group of friends, and tries her best to imitate them, but really, it is evident she’s too young for this crowd, and just requires the attention of a parental figure. She is driven by her instinct for love and protection.
What is making it hard for them to pursue? “A want” A need” “An obligation”
Her parents neglect and the group of teenager’s ignorance to her subtle attention seeking advances, and unawareness of what she’s going though – the fact that she’s so alone and uncared for. The teenagers don’t comprehend her age or her needs and don’t bend their ways to suit her age.
What is the theme/meaning?
The idea that children in today’s society are growing up too fast, due to a lack of parental compassion, attention, and guidance. Our film also explores the idea of child neglect, leaving them to fend for themselves which requires them to grow up ahead of their time.
What is the genre/tone of the film?
The genre is cathartic, with solemn undertones beneath the upbeat atmosphere created by the teenager’s discussions and happy expressions. The atmosphere is slightly uncomfortable, as the child is blatantly ill at ease around the group of youths, whilst they are just having fun. It is evident through the child’s body language and expressions that she is unhappy beneath her attempt to imitate the others around her.
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