EXPERIMENT 1: SCRIPT
Proposal
For the first experiment, I am repurposing an original piece into a script for a very short animated film about a cat giving advice to its human. This idea is based off of an argumentative essay about how humans can learn from cats behaviors. The central idea that I want to highlight in the screenplay is as humans, we tend to give in to the idea that being independent equals to being able to do everything alone and refuse company from other people. However, looking at cats as a “case study,” we can understand that there are instances where we can let our guards down and accept people into our lives without having to compromise being independent.
The script is planned to be written for a 15 to 20 minutes one-scene screenplay intended for audiences in their adolescence. It involves only two on-screen characters who are exchanging dialogues with each other. The screenplay is set inside the human character’s apartment during the day. Although there will be mentions of past situations, the whole screenplay will not include flashbacks or jumping scenes. Through one-scene screenplay, I hope to focus on the content rather than the productions.
Sample
ATTICUS
(jumps to the arm rest)
You see, John. When the book you read says I’m independent and aloof, they forget to mention that I can also be a people’s cat.
JOHN
What do you mean? Are you saying the author is wrong?
ATTICUS
What I mean is that the book doesn’t mention the whole fact. I read another book about me and my type. The authors of that book got the fact right. They said we can adapt to our situation.
JOHN
Huh? What book is this? I’ve never seen you read
before and wh-
ATTICUS
“Cat Culture!” You have it on your shelf when you first got me, remember? With a whole bunch of other cat books. But I don’t think you’ve ever read it...?
JOHN
(chuckles)
I’m a busy guy.
ATTICUS
Yeah, busy trying to be an adult. Anyway, as I was saying, for us cats, we assess the situation. (imitating a deep voice of another character) “Okay, I got hurt. Do I pretend and try to be strong or is this the kind of situation I can get John to help me?” So, of course we try NOT to be silly. When I got help from you, it didn’t mean I was a weak cat. It just meant I needed help and that didn’t make me less of a cat the same way accepting help would not make you less of an adult.
JOHN
Alright, that makes sense. It’s just I’ve always had this idea of what being an adult means and now I’ve gotta change. And change is uncomfortable.
ATTICUS
Well, small change can start now like that sink you’ve been trying to fix for a week. Maybe, it’s a good idea to call Phil.
JOHN
(gets up and reaches for his cell phone)
Alright, alright. You are the man, buddy. Lord Atticus.
(dials Phil’s number)
Hey! It’s John! You remember about my sink? Yeah, I think I need your help on that. Really, you would? Yeah I’ll be home by then. Cool, see you!
(exhales)
ATTICUS
(starts walking to his food tray in the kitchen)
See, that wasn’t so difficult, was it?
JOHN
(now looking more relaxed and picks up the book)
Lord Atticus.
ATTICUS
(taps on his food tray)
Hey, I need my food.
THE END.