Title: 100 Words
by Heather from Warwickshire | in writing, fiction
FADE IN:
INT. BLAST'S BEDROOM NIGHT
(We see a computer screen displaying an instant messaging service. Someone is signed in. Their screen name is BLAST. His display picture is of a young white boy, aged about 15-17. A conversation window opens. The other user is called OLYMPIA. Her picture shows a young Chinese girl of about the same age. The following appears on screen:
'Blast says:
Ni hâo! :)
Olympia says:
Hi! ^_^
Blast says:
How r u?
Olympia says:
Gd thanx, and u?
Blast says:
Ermm'nt so gr8.
Olympia says:
Oh? Wt's wrong?'
Switch to view of Blast's room. It is a little messy, cluttered with items such as clothes, a football, school equipment, etc. Show his face ' he is thinking.
Blast glances about the room, then begins to type.
Switch to view of computer screen but this time from Olympia's POV.
'Blast has requested a webcam connection. Do you accept or decline the invitation?'
Show view of her hand.
She clicks.
Back to screen.
'Initialising webcam''
A webcam image of Blast, complete with sound, appears on the screen. Switch from one computer screen to the other throughout to show both characters faces and expressions where necessary.
Blast sits at his computer. He grins.)
BLAST: We can talk properly now!
(Olympia smiles back.)
OLYMPIA: So what's up?
(His face falls.)
BLAST: Saturday
(He sighs.)
It was wicked till Andy had one too many. We got kicked out and Pete had to call an ambulance. I ended up ringing Mum from casualty, except she'd thought we were goin' straight to Pete's after footie. She nearly killed me ' almost wish she had now! I'm grounded for a month but I've hardly managed three days!
(She pulls a half-sympathetic, half-mocking face and rolls her eyes.)
OLYMPIA: Awww'I've been revising all weekend.
(He laughs.)
BLAST: I wish I had your concentration - school ain't my thing!
BLAST'S MUM (o.s.): Jim?
(Blast turns round.)
Are you on that computer?
(He turns to face the screen again and rolls his eyes. She grins.)
BLAST: Good luck with your exams!
(He laughs.)
Not that you'll need it!
OLYMPIA'S DAD (o.s.); Jia!
(She tuts and begins to type.
'Olympia says:
Bye xx
Blast says:
Zai Zian!'
He moves the mouse and clicks.
The screen shows a loading page on the computer which says:
'Signing out Blast'')
FADE OUT.
The story is told through a short dialogue between two characters communicating via the internet. They begin by typing their conversation and then use a sound and video link. A teenage boy and girl discuss the activities of their weekend: going out with friends, football, getting into trouble, school, revising for exams, etc. I aim with this to give a typical representation of young people in the UK using the subject matter of their conversation, but also to make an international connection. One of my two characters is Chinese, particularly significant in light of the Olympics being held in Beijing. I have also given her a real Chinese name and incorporated some Mandarin words into the script. The internet is a worldwide phenomenon that can appeal to an international audience and my script demonstrates how people across the globe can communicate, form friendships and have similar experiences. The inspiration for my writing is youth culture and international relationships, which fits in well with the aims of the Olympics and the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Blast 100 Words competition (both of which are alluded to through the characters' screen names).
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