Short films are more than just an idea.

 I realized that although I may have found an idea for the short film that feels right to us, we cannot DROP THE BALL!!

I'm currently at state writing this blog and trying to figure out how I can rework the script I made previously and trying to understand what initially went wrong so I can better the storytelling.

Once again, I turn to research. 

THE LOGLINE.

A one to two sentence summary of what the film is about.

Ex: The film highlights a young, millenial worker who is dressed up and ready for his first day at work. Every day at work he faces his sole fear of shaking the hands of his very own co-workers. Will he get over the fear?

THE TREATMENT

Intro to key characters. Film Synopsis.

What does he work in? Real Estate.

Dan Harmon's Story Circle (answered in previous blog)

THE OUTLINE.

Tom: Phobia is triggered by just direct physical contact with people gives him anxiety. Sensitive touch receptors that trigger strong emotions in him.

ACT 1 

Scene: Walking into work from elevator, opening the door, establish the character as a confident, cool guy. He walks up to meet the receptionist at the front desk, who is making a call. 

Receptionist: Yes? We have an opening at 2'o clock for a showing in the lower east side of Manhattan. 

She notices Tom and gives him a smile 

Receptionist: First day? 

Tom: Yes, such a pleasure to meet you is it, Alice? 

Receptionist: Yes, indeed!

She extends her hand. He looks down at it, and is reluctant and avoids the hand completely. Back and forth between receptionist and Tom, where he says

Tom: 'I just peed.' (he says it so confidently, that the receptionist is just like ah okay and then turn to her expression being weirded out). To avoid the handshake.

Shot of receptionist watching him sinister

Tom gets in his head about the situation and is very oddly confused, and stressed. (voiceover: nailed it.)

SCENE 2: 

Walking over to his desk, a co-worker is walking in opposite direction and they bump into each other. 

Greg: Oh my apologies, really, I did not mean to startle you, I'm Greg!

Tom: Yeah he seems nice but you can never be so sure...

hand extends in a frame, 

(Instead of handshake maybe he slaps his hand and gives a cringe smirk like just)

Greg: Reaction like what is happening...

Tom: Low five! (instead of high-five)

SCENE 3:

So... what do you think of the new employee?

Receptionist: He seems... normal, but when I offered my hand I tell you the weirdest thing happened. He refused to shake my hand.

Greg: "shock" gasp sound. No... it can't be...

Receptionist: 

Receptionist: We need a plan 

CUT TO ACT 2.

Phase One The "Super Secret Handshake" Setup: We introduce the idea of handshakes in a way that makes it feel exclusive, like it’s a big deal. We’ll gather the team and act like there’s this mystical, office-wide tradition of "Super Secret Handshakes." We’ll make it sound like it’s some rite of passage, even though it’s just a normal handshake. This creates the illusion that handshakes are a must and something he’s missing out on.

GREG: what if that doesn't work...?

Phase Two The Casual Coffee/pen Move: If he’s still avoiding handshakes, it’s time for a more subtle approach. We wait for a moment when we’re holding something like a coffee cup, pen, or binder. Then, when we “accidentally” walk past him, we’ll lean in and offer our hand for the handshake—without even thinking about it, like it's the most natural thing in the world. He’ll feel the subtle pressure to reciprocate, especially when he realizes everyone else is doing it.

Phase Three  The "Accidental" Handshake Escalation: If all else fails, we start getting sneakier. We’ll create situations where it's impossible to avoid shaking hands—like when handing him something across the desk or during a meeting. Slowly, we set him up to the point where the only thing left is to just shake our hand without a second thought.