The Screenplay (Teenage Edition)

I have just concluded writing the script for the idea Edward gave of a teenager running away from home. I first outlined it mentally before beginning to write as I wanted process this idea into a practical sequence. I thought of the opening beginning with beautiful nature cinematography of the outside world, which shows where the main character of the film wants to escape to. This is then contrasted with a negative atmosphere of a somewhat dysfunctional home with the teenager's father shouting at him, which explains why he would want to escape. From there, he would grab supplies, stuff them into a backpack, and head out the door. To end the opening off, the teenager would look at his surroundings and sprint into the wilderness. In this case, the wilderness would be actually a walking trail in my neighborhood instead of a real forest. After coming up with the progression of the opening, I sent a typed version of this mental outline to my partners. They agreed with it, and from there I wrote the script. Here it is in full:


EXT. FOREST - DAY

It is a beautiful day outside as the sunshines bright on the beautiful flora and fauna found outside in the "Great Outdoors". Birds chirp. Trees sway in the wind. Nature is truly at peace. A perfect opportunity to lay down and relax from the stress of daily life. This escape is exactly what JORDAN KADE, a rebellious, energetic and playful teenager, needs more than anything.


INT. JORDAN'S ROOM - DAY

Jordan's room is disorganized and far from perfect. To be honest, it is the complete opposite of beautiful. Jordan rushes around his messy room to find clothes and other essentials to put into a backpack. He is planning on running away. JORDAN'S FATHER, a strict and hotheaded old man, is yelling at Jordan to get his act together from outside his room. 

                JORDAN'S FATHER
        (ANGRY)
    You need to quit this act right now young man! Do you hear me? You are throwing your life away by failing your classes, hell, you're not even showing up to them. To sleep under this roof I expect hard and honest work, and yet this is the third week in a row you have not completed your chores. Simply unacceptable! If you want to make something of yourself one day you need to get up...

Jordan ignores his father's ramblings and prepares to leave everything behind them. He is done with society and his family's criticisms. Jordan opens the door and heads outside disregarding his father.


EXT. STREET - DAY

Jordan walks away from his house and stops at the middle of the road. He cautiously looks to his left and right trying to figure out where to go. Instead of actually logically thinking things through, he goes with his gut instinct as he knows anywhere is better than where he is. He sprints away from his home and never looks back. Jordan has broken free.

Conclusion

The plan from here is that Edward will storyboard the script and I will figure out the logistics of the actual production process due to the COVID-19 pandemic. See you guys soon!