2. Filmidea1 ElizabethFord
Key Characters
The Protagonist (Sam)
The protagonist is a young adult, either male or female (neither makes a difference) around
18. They wear casual clothes like a t shirt/jumper and jeans as they’re generally in a casual
setting such as someone’s house and it reflects the characters status and age. They are close
to the owner as they’ve been entrusted to look after their house and beloved pet. The pet
and the protagonist don’t necessarily get along, more a relationship of tolerance. The
protagonist can be lazy and laidback like a typical teenager. But also worries very easily.
The Owner (Kelly)
The owner goes on a much anticipated holiday. They are older (40-50), a relative or family
friend. They are obsessed with their pet and the cleanly as the house is neat. They’re also
very trusting of the friend. Lastly they will be dressed in typical ‘bad tourist’ clothes from
their return from holiday.
The Pet (Lola)
The pet is small, a cat or dog, although neither specifically is necessary, and friendly, while
the replacement is more reserved.
3. Filmidea1 ElizabethFord
Synopsis
Act 1:
The protagonist is charged with looking after his friends pet, and house sit at the same time.
The friend is going on holiday so the protagonist offers to stay in their house, and
consequently make sure the pet is looked after. For the first day or so everything is fine -
then one day, early morning, the protagonist goes to feed the pet and can’t find him.
Initially he looks over the house calling the pet. He realises the pet is missing and panics,
starting to frantically search the house, even in obscure places. He remembers explicit
instructions from the owner to look after him, and starts to notice the frequent reminders
of the pet around the house (photos etc.).
Act 2:
The protagonist, realising the pet is missing, and starting to panic prints out some posters of
the pet and walks round town sticking them up. He suddenly spots the local pet shop and
we next see him leaving (presumably to buy another pet). He returns home with the new
pet, which looks similar but not identical. The cat clearly looks out of place and not used to
its surrounding. The protagonist attempts to make the situation look more normal, like
replacing old photos with new ones. The owner attempts a face time call which is comical
trying to disguise the new pet.
Act 3:
In the final day, the protagonist realises the owner is coming home (as marked on a
calendar) and is worrying the whole day. When the owners’ tyres on the driveway and keys
in the door are heard, the owner picks up the pet at the door ready to welcome the owner.
The door opens and as the owner walks in so does the old cat, ruining the plan as they are
both seen together. The final shot goes to the protagonists’ miserable face, breaking the
fourth wall.
4. Filmidea1 ElizabethFord
Target Audience
My target audience will be fans of comedy and short films, as my filmis a stereotypical short
film whereby it has a problem and solution type plot, it’s more of a short comedy sketch
film. Therefore fans of specifically short films might enjoy this more. The genre is also
comedy and loosely action/drama so fans of comedy would enjoy my short. In general
action based comedy appeals more to men than women but the audience may change
depending on whether the characters cast are male of female as for example men could
relate to male characters more. I am hoping to filmit with some element of inspiration from
Edgar Wright’s style of directing in films such as hot fuzz i.e. short montage cuts, so fans of
this technique could be interested in this short film. The film could potentially appeal more
to young people as well as most short films appeal online, a medium typically dominated by
young people.
I will appeal to these demographics through marketing firstly. By marketing through social
media such as YouTube, Instagram, Facebook etc. this will attract my younger audience
(who then share the film creating more views). Generally young people tend to be more
interested in comedy too (as opposed to drama or romance) so this will help with audience
appeal for my film. I will also advertise my film around platforms that specialise in short film
appreciation, like YouTube channels or websites. In addition to the potential of entering the
short filminto short film competitions this could greatly increase the level of interest and
recognition in my short film, especially amongst a niche short film fan audience.
5. Filmidea1 ElizabethFord
Form and style
I will shoot this filmin a slightly stylized way (although more of the stylistic nature will come
from the editing) as the shots will be less candid/run on and more short and staged to
create a more dramatic and comedic effect. This will be shown in the quick montage style
cuts. This will involve needing a good quality camera suitable for inside and outside shots.
However the feel for the filmand overall style is still very natural as the plot involves little
unrealistic/fantastical situations. Due to its ‘real life’ style the shots won’t be filmed or the
set be arranged dramatically, more realistically. I will use a variety of shots although the
main range of shots will be various forms of close up (medium close up, extreme close up
etc.) and medium to long shots for a more natural feel. This is because it gives the audience
a full view of not only the character but its surroundings – like the human eye would. These
shots are also generally eye line height adding to the natural feel.
Marketplace
I believe there will be a good place for this film as I haven’t seen many short films with a
similar plot and comedy is generally well received genre. The film is a cliff-hanger so there
will likely be no need for a sequel but this be more successful at short film competitions as
there is no need to wait for an explanation of the film.
8. Filmidea1 ElizabethFord
Draft Script
A laptop starts ringing with the skype ring tone. The laptop in the background lights up. Call
incoming from ‘Kelly’. Sam frantically looks between the animal sat staring at him and the
laptop screen. He scoops up the cat and sits in front of the laptop pressing answer.
Kelly: (loudly and excitedly) HELLOO?? CAN YOU HEAR ME!? HELL-
Sam: (wincing) yes, yes I can hear you. Loud and clear.
The cat wriggles into view
Kelly: (gasping) is that my little Lola!! Oh let me have a look at her! Hi Lola!
Kelly leans in closer and Sam reacts pulling the cat out of view.
Sam: (nervously) oh ha ha, yes that’s her. The same Lola. Completely identical. No different.
Kelly: Well come on then, hold her up for me I want to have a look.
Sam: (quickly) NO! No. She’s uhhh camera shy. Sorry!
Kelly is confused.
Kelly: But-
Sam: (insisting) she’s shaking I can feel it!
Kelly: (slowly) hang on…what’s that on her back?
Sam goes pale and stops.
Sam: What?! Nothing it’s just uh nothing ha ha.
Kelly: no, that brown spot? She’s never had that before?
Sam: (playing it off) it’s just a shadow I’m sure. Anyway! Is that the doorbell? Must be. Kelly
got to go!
Kelly: wait – Sam what’s going on?
Sam: (shutting down the laptop) bye! Bye. Byeeee.
Sam slams the laptop down and breathes a sigh of relief, visibly relaxing.
