Initial & Final Ideas

Idea 1

Synopsis: An invisible thread that ties the protagonist to their negative thoughts.

Plot: X feels tied down by an invisible thread that represents their negative self-perception. The thread restricts their movements and interactions with others. Through various experiences and self-reflection, X learns to break free from the thread, symbolizing the release of negative thoughts and the embrace of self-esteem.

Key Scenes:

X struggling to move freely due to the thread.

Instances where the thread tightens during moments of self-doubt.

X finding ways to cut the thread, leading to moments of liberation.

I like this idea because of how it represents the protagonist to be trapped by their own negative thoughts since this is a domain I want to explore in our short film. I believe it contains many elements of drama and we can follow conventions of the genre in its portrayal. To include the animation part, we discussed Varisha animating the thread and the key scene of the character breaking free from it.

Idea 2

Synopsis: A mirror that reflects the protagonist's inner self.

Plot: The protagonist, sees a distorted and shattered image of herself in a magical mirror whenever she feels low. The mirror's cracks deepen with each negative thought or experience. Through acts of kindness, self-care, and support from friends, she starts to repair the mirror, seeing a clearer, more confident reflection.

Key Scenes:

The protagonist initially receiving the mirror as a gift.

The mirror cracking after a particularly harsh criticism.

The mirror beginning to mend as she gains confidence and self-worth.

For this idea, I thought if Varisha animates the reflection it would add an interesting layer to the film and allow for more expression of the character and our theme.

Final Idea

After more discussion and brainstorming, Varisha and I found a way to combine elements of both these storylines and incorporate both genres. The final idea we have come up with deals with negative self-perception and low self-esteem which the central character feels. We will portray the negative thoughts manifesting themselves in the form of a shadow looming over the character, getting stronger as the negative thoughts do until the character eventually overcomes them and defeats the “shadow-man”.

We will have one character who will be female and shoot in one setting i.e. a room. The character will be shown sitting at a desk writing in her journal or notebook and grow distressed with it as her negative thoughts creep up. The negative thoughts will be portrayed as a “shadowman” sliding out of her journal and lurking over behind her and injecting her mind with remarks that fuel her low self-esteem. Eventually, she will overcome them and rip out the paper from her journal, crumpling and throwing it away which will defeat the shadowman.