CONNECTING the Story

I came up with the story for Brief Connection somewhat independently from the explorations we are doing in class (in our ME list and through the step-tasks). It feels slightly wrong, but hopefully here I can pull some themes and ideas from my ME list to combine the two together. 

Iris and Inspiration
In October, Cardiff hosted the annual Iris Festival. There was a collection of international shorts that were each fantastic in their own right. There was one that we didn't get to see fully as it cut out halfway through. The scene opens with a grandmother talking about how her grandson doesn't visit anymore, while a young woman is getting ready. The screening failed there. If we had seen any further, I believe the twist might have revealed the woman is her (former grandoson) now granddaughter, but that is just inferring from the topics Iris explores.

I can't remember if I came up with the idea of forgotten and remembered love before watching the Iris short. However, it inspired me to write something along similar lines. A grandmother not realising her grandson is with her already. A story I hope encapsulates a truly emotional moment. A script that paints a deep emotional portrait for the audience to peer into.

This is where my idea for Brief Connection evolved from. The idea that the grandmother doesn't realise it is her grandson sitting with her already. 

My anxiety tells me this is cheating, that it's not truly developed from my ME list. But I like the idea a lot. It speaks to me on an emotional level and I believe it could be a very powerful minute of story on screen. 

Sort of an Idea (before we did the premise etc session)
An elderly lady is updating her grandson over the phone about her day; leaving a message on his answering machine about the people she has seen, the places she has been and the meal now cooking. Nan won't reveal it's actually someone else cooking for her and that she has been in her chair most of the day - but she does let slip one painful little thought: when are you coming to visit me next? 

Relating to my ME List / Trove (What can I take from the ME list to use within the story above)

• A soundtrack with ethereal vocals, whispers

  • Subtle emotional music, build up to the reveal

• Sound design

  • Use found sounds, clean and crisp

• A shallow depth of field

  • It's just beautiful... maybe see if I can get some Helios lenses for that look

• A bland colour pallet that becomes warm, vivid and saturated as the memory returns

  • In the style of Jamie Stone etc

• that tone and feeling of the song BLUE by Billie Eilish (I'm not sure why I picked this, but it sounds good and might make an interesting soundtrack combination!)

• the feeling of hope the grandson feels as she recognises him

Ideas from Mind Maps (The ones from Stealing Like an Artist)

• Memory

  • Storage (Hard drives, sd cards) (an idea of symbolism)

• Calming

  • The room should be warm, cozy, homely

• Joy

  • In remembering, the grandparent should feel joy and a burst of energy

• Symbolism

  • The room could have items such as a magnifying glass dotted around as tokens representing finding and remembering.

About The Title (Brief: Connection)
A play on the assignment title, the connection between the grandmother and grandson is only a brief shining moment.

Viceral
A story that will pull on your emotions. An average conversation, spoken over voicemail with a reveal that will both break your heart and fill it with warmth at the same time. 

Love is Shown More in Deeds Rather Than in Words
The relation to the phrase is shown through the grandson's persistence in visiting, every week, even though his Nan loses memory of who he is. It is that love and that hope holds him together. When the grandmother briefly remembers him, she realises that deeds he has done for her.

A Change for the Characters
The start of the story shows the grandmother in a sad but hopeful state, in which she is unaware her grandson is in the room with her. When she comments on how well the meal is made, she realises that only her grandson could cook it as well as she can. That moment of joy she experiences, shown through nothing more than a huge grin. She may only remember him for that moment, maybe even the rest of the day. Sadly, it won't last. The cycle, and thereby her journey will repeat again; but it won't get any less painful for either of them.

The grandson experiences a similar set of emotions throughout. At start he has hope that she will recognise him, but is content with the situation. While his Nan leaves the voicemail, he feels heartbreak at the thought that she is missing him. At the climax, his heart is warmed and full of joy again. The love has been remembered.