Need help with something important.

Ok this thread got deleted by accident by me, so anyway back to the original problem. I have two film ideas that could possibly be made into actual films if I develop the ideas into treatments aka story overviews that detail what happens in the story. I was talking to my dad who is a director in england and he knows various people, and I suggested the ideas and he said to focus on just one. He asked whether I had any actors in mind if the ideas go through and actually work, I named a few that he said no to. THen as a joke I suggested Lina Leandersson, who was Eli in Let the right one in. Now he knows I really like that film, so I thought he would laugh and say no. Turns out that he knows someone who knows his agent and if he said that could work. This has pretty much blown my mind, now I want you guys to look at the basic plots of these 2 ideas and tell me which sounds better for a first time film and what could also be done to improve the ideas. I would really appreciate it, this is no joke and this could be my career calling if I do this well:D

1. This film is about a a young boy who is bored of life and how dull and mundane it is. He reads books and mostly stays in his own head thinking of various fantasies that he wishes would come true. He isn't bullied or abused by his parents, they pretty much ignore him. One weekend he decides to take a boat trip to a nearby island. When he arrives on the island he thinks it is a paradise for him, a place where he can be alone and not care whether his fantasys are real or not. He goes back to the island every weekend, but one day he finds a young homeless girl around his age begging for money. He feels sorry for her, and since he is still not totally comfortable or perceptive of reality yet he takes her with him to the island. Problem is, the girl works for a man who is a wanted criminal who takes all the money she makes begging on the street. The rest of the film is about the boy and the girl's relationship and how it changes when more people start to come to the island. Also the man who the girl is working for complicates things by trying to kidnap her and the boy, still being in his own world for the most part tries to save her thinking of himself as her Knight in Shining armor. It may seem happy, but it is very tragic too seeing as how this boy doesnt know how to cope with reality. In a way it is kinda like Bridge to Terabithia.

2. This one is a bit more out there, it is about a person, girl or guy either is fine. Who dies and wakes up in a rehab facility for the dead. The rest of the story is about this person and how they want to get out and see what happens when people make it out of the rehab center, whether they go to a heaven like place or not. While at the same time being forced to confront all of their problems and bad things they did in the past. You may have heard this story posted here by someone else, but let me assure you that this is my idea. I just kept it over different accounts.

Anyway, I appreciate any help and input and I would like to say again that this is not a joke. If this happens, then I would still post here and maybe even post updates on the film. Various people I know could really help get this film made.

I found both the ideas really interesting, but on face value, I found the second more appealing, perhaps it is the darker aspect? How long have you had these ideas and have they changed alot? Good luck regardless.kruesader

I have had the rehab idea for a few years, I just didnt know what to do with it. The other idea is more recent, about a month or so. Both have changed a bit, though the Island one has changed the most. Problem is, I just realized that the island idea may be a bit too similar to Bridge to terabithia. I could change it a bit, but it does seem a bit too familiar. Does it sound too similar to you?

I think you should go with the first idea. I think it would be good if things were done right. I have some suggestions, but I wouldn't be offended if you don't like them or think they wouldn't work or whatever else. :P
I know that in some literature, sometimes characters aren't given names if they are flat characters or if they aren't that important to the story. Maybe since the boy's parents ignore him, they might not be given names in the movie. Maybe the viewer just knows them as "the boy's mother" or "the boy's father." And when they are shown, have them wearing bland clothing. Maybe when the boy goes out in public, things are loud and unclear to him. Stuff like that.

But hey, maybe I'm missing the point of what you were going for. I do think you have a good plot though. Hope I could help. :)

I think you should go with the first idea. I think it would be good if things were done right. I have some suggestions, but I wouldn't be offended if you don't like them or think they wouldn't work or whatever else. :P
I know that in some literature, sometimes characters aren't given names if they are flat characters or if they aren't that important to the story. Maybe since the boy's parents ignore him, they might not be given names in the movie. Maybe the viewer just knows them as "the boy's mother" or "the boy's father." And when they are shown, have them wearing bland clothing. Maybe when the boy goes out in public, things are loud and unclear to him. Stuff like that.

But hey, maybe I'm missing the point of what you were going for. I do think you have a good plot though. Hope I could help. :)

needled24-7

That idea actually is really good, kinda creates a sense of isolation even in the most crowded place. Kinda reminds me of that cartoon Cow and Chicken, and also the old Dexters lab. Remember when those shows only showed the legs I think of the parents and they didn't even have names? Maybe I am thinking of something else. Thanks for that suggestion though, I welcome any more:D

If any of you have any interest in the first island idea, where would you set it? Problem is I am limited to Europe because of funds and location wise. I am going to be in England in May and will probably stay there for a while, so Europe and I guess the U.S are the main areas. The setting would have to be a city or town that is near an island or group of islands somewhere. I was thinking of Stockholm since it is pretty much a bunch of islands and it is near alot of islands. A tad cold but it works I think, anyone got some other ideas?Film-Guy

[QUOTE="needled24-7"]

I think you should go with the first idea. I think it would be good if things were done right. I have some suggestions, but I wouldn't be offended if you don't like them or think they wouldn't work or whatever else. :P
I know that in some literature, sometimes characters aren't given names if they are flat characters or if they aren't that important to the story. Maybe since the boy's parents ignore him, they might not be given names in the movie. Maybe the viewer just knows them as "the boy's mother" or "the boy's father." And when they are shown, have them wearing bland clothing. Maybe when the boy goes out in public, things are loud and unclear to him. Stuff like that.

But hey, maybe I'm missing the point of what you were going for. I do think you have a good plot though. Hope I could help. :)

Film-Guy

That idea actually is really good, kinda creates a sense of isolation even in the most crowded place. Kinda reminds me of that cartoon Cow and Chicken, and also the old Dexters lab. Remember when those shows only showed the legs I think of the parents and they didn't even have names? Maybe I am thinking of something else. Thanks for that suggestion though, I welcome any more:D

And that sense of isolation thing is what I was trying to get it. Glad it worked :P.

[QUOTE="Film-Guy"]If any of you have any interest in the first island idea, where would you set it? Problem is I am limited to Europe because of funds and location wise. I am going to be in England in May and will probably stay there for a while, so Europe and I guess the U.S are the main areas. The setting would have to be a city or town that is near an island or group of islands somewhere. I was thinking of Stockholm since it is pretty much a bunch of islands and it is near alot of islands. A tad cold but it works I think, anyone got some other ideas?Deihjan

Interesting idea, from the pictures online it looks like a good place to film. I will keep it in mind:D Go any other ideas?

[QUOTE="kruesader"]I found both the ideas really interesting, but on face value, I found the second more appealing, perhaps it is the darker aspect? How long have you had these ideas and have they changed alot? Good luck regardless.Film-Guy

I have had the rehab idea for a few years, I just didnt know what to do with it. The other idea is more recent, about a month or so. Both have changed a bit, though the Island one has changed the most. Problem is, I just realized that the island idea may be a bit too similar to Bridge to terabithia. I could change it a bit, but it does seem a bit too familiar. Does it sound too similar to you?

[QUOTE="Film-Guy"]

[QUOTE="kruesader"]I found both the ideas really interesting, but on face value, I found the second more appealing, perhaps it is the darker aspect? How long have you had these ideas and have they changed alot? Good luck regardless.kruesader

I have had the rehab idea for a few years, I just didnt know what to do with it. The other idea is more recent, about a month or so. Both have changed a bit, though the Island one has changed the most. Problem is, I just realized that the island idea may be a bit too similar to Bridge to terabithia. I could change it a bit, but it does seem a bit too familiar. Does it sound too similar to you?

Those films actually show the childs imagination usually, this would be more about the isolation aspect and the fact that he is bored of how mundane and dull life is. Might be a good idea to set it somewhere more isolated, then again that might be to simple.

On story Idea #1. Get rid of the whole plot where the boy finds a homeless girl. Keep the subplot about the creepy man who tries to kidnap them. Now have the creepy man substituted for the little girl. Insterad of having the boy develop a relationship with the girl while they're running from the creepy kidnapper, have the boy develop a relationship with the creepy kidnapper while he's locked up with the creepy kidnapper during the course of the next 7 years. DO NOT have the little boy's inherent goodness rub off onto the creepy kidnapper. Instead, have the creeping kidnapper's inherent badness rub off onto the little boy.
MrGeezer

Its different, but it could work I guess. Pretty major re write though:P

[QUOTE="Deihjan"][QUOTE="Film-Guy"]If any of you have any interest in the first island idea, where would you set it? Problem is I am limited to Europe because of funds and location wise. I am going to be in England in May and will probably stay there for a while, so Europe and I guess the U.S are the main areas. The setting would have to be a city or town that is near an island or group of islands somewhere. I was thinking of Stockholm since it is pretty much a bunch of islands and it is near alot of islands. A tad cold but it works I think, anyone got some other ideas?Film-Guy

Interesting idea, from the pictures online it looks like a good place to film. I will keep it in mind:D Go any other ideas?

Crap, there has got to be a way to make story 1 sound less like a childhood imagineation film. Most of those films are about the childhood imagionation, they tend to show fancy effects and weird creatures and such. i want this idea to focus more on the isolation aspect and how a kid can feel alone in a world he finds dull and almost pointless. I think showing the imagionation seems to simple, almost a cop out. You guys are free to disagree, and I like how Mr-Geezer went with a very different idea. I feel like there is something to the first idea that I can use to make it stand out more and seem less generic. Its sorta like when you know an idea is worth having, but there is a certain theme or aspect missing that completes it. So frustrating:(Film-Guy

First off, don't take this post the wrong, at the end of the day you're the one creating these stories. However, I know I would want an honest assessment of my work, and frankly neither really jumped out at me.

I'll start off with #2 simply because I don't think it would work as a film. It's an interesting concept, but I think trying to capture the idea of a "Death Rehab Clinic" would be a challenge for even the most proven film makers. However it would make a great short story.

As for #1, I love the main character and the idea that he wants to just escape reality, but think you're getting away from the main concept with the introduction of the bad guy. Here's what I would do:

As in your version, the boy is an average if somewhat shy/reserved kid (I'd say about 13-15 years old) who is simply bored with everything. He tries reading, watching TV and movies, playing games, hanging out with others, etc. but everything seems stale and boring to him -- as though he's living in purgatory. His parents only reinforce that feeling -- to quote In Bruge, they're never really **** to him, but they aren't that great either. Like Tottenham.

But one day, he meets this girl (I don't like the island idea, he should just bump into her one day) and she is a bright spot in his dull world. As he spends more time with her, he starts to enjoy himself more, enjoy the world more and all-in-all enjoy life more. However, he slowly starts to realize he knows nothing about her -- her name, where she lives, how old she is etc., and even starts to question whether or not she is even real. At the end of the day he just stops caring whether or not she's actually real, and finally feels like he really is alive.

It's probably a little too Palahnuik-esque and it definitely needs some more conflict, but I'm a big fan of the Fight Club/Choke s.tyle ending where you're never quite sure what happened, and the juxtaposition between his time with the girl and the rest of his life allows you to do some really interesting stuff with the look and feel of the movie. Just make sure you get some of The National's stuff for the soundtrack. :P

[QUOTE="Film-Guy"]

[QUOTE="Deihjan"] Isle of SkyeDeihjan

Interesting idea, from the pictures online it looks like a good place to film. I will keep it in mind:D Go any other ideas?

Ah, now there is part of what I thought was missing. That could be really interesting. His parents and most of the world around him is black and white, but things he thinks are important are color. I dont know how that would work editing wise, could be hell to make those color changes. Maybe things that are not important at first are black and white, but then they slowly get color as the film goes on. Might be a bit confusing for some people though and could come off as pretentious and style over substance. Also, how do you think things would get color? Would it be gradual or no color one day and colored face or legs the next. Keep in mind too that this is my first attempt at making a film:P

Ah, now there is part of what I thought was missing. That could be really interesting. His parents and most of the world around him is black and white, but things he thinks are important are color. I dont know how that would work editing wise, could be hell to make those color changes. Maybe things that are not important at first are black and white, but then they slowly get color as the film goes on. Might be a bit confusing for some people though and could come off as pretentious and style over substance. Also, how do you think things would get color? Would it be gradual or no color one day and colored face or legs the next. Keep in mind too that this is my first attempt at making a film:P

Film-Guy

The second one sounds like every "in limbo after death movie"

the first one needs refining into something more solid - an evil guy that takes money from a young girl begging? how much money would that be? surely he'd sell her for sex and make a lot more money.

But yes - if you have contacts, use them. I would imagine you would need to write out a screenplay/script.

First off, don't take this post the wrong, at the end of the day you're the one creating these stories. However, I know I would want an honest assessment of my work, and frankly neither really jumped out at me.

I'll start off with #2 simply because I don't think it would work as a film. It's an interesting concept, but I think trying to capture the idea of a "Death Rehab Clinic" would be a challenge for even the most proven film makers. However it would make a great short story.

As for #1, I love the main character and the idea that he wants to just escape reality, but think you're getting away from the main concept with the introduction of the bad guy. Here's what I would do:

As in your version, the boy is an average if somewhat shy/reserved kid (I'd say about 13-15 years old) who is simply bored with everything. He tries reading, watching TV and movies, playing games, hanging out with others, etc. but everything seems stale and boring to him -- as though he's living in purgatory. His parents only reinforce that feeling -- to quote In Bruge, they're never really **** to him, but they aren't that great either. Like Tottenham.

But one day, he meets this girl (I don't like the island idea, he should just bump into her one day) and she is a bright spot in his dull world. As he spends more time with her, he starts to enjoy himself more, enjoy the world more and all-in-all enjoy life more. However, he slowly starts to realize he knows nothing about her -- her name, where she lives, how old she is etc., and even starts to question whether or not she is even real. At the end of the day he just stops caring whether or not she's actually real, and finally feels like he really is alive.

It's probably a little too Palahnuik-esque and it definitely needs some more conflict, but I'm a big fan of the Fight Club/Choke s.tyle ending where you're never quite sure what happened, and the juxtaposition between his time with the girl and the rest of his life allows you to do some really interesting stuff with the look and feel of the movie. Just make sure you get some of The National's stuff for the soundtrack. :P

PBSnipes

I'm glad you are being honest, funny thing though the Rehab center for the dead idea did start as a short story. It might be best for it to remain that way I guess too, it would be easy enough to explain the fact that the characters are in a rehab center for the dead, but what would it look like? What would people there look and act like and what would they do? It might be a bit too tough to figure out for a first time film, though ideas are welcome from you guys on how it may work. I like your idea for the other story alot too, it makes the story more interesting and could be more meaningful. Might be a bit tough to write out, since there isnt much conflict to create yet, but it has tons of potential. Do you think the girl should still be homeless though? I think what you wrote was a great suggestion, I just have to think of ways to make it more than it is. Then again some of the better films about relationships dont have tons of conflict or story, Garden State for example. Not tons happens there. Maybe in his mind he can create various problems and conflicts, that could be where the imagionation thing comes into play. More subtle, maybe he creates a conflict which at first is a pure fantasy, but soon the fantasy gets twisted with reality and various problems in real life occur that he doesnt know how to deal with since he is still not sure how to deal with real life yet. I appreciate your suggestion alot:D

[QUOTE="Film-Guy"]

Ah, now there is part of what I thought was missing. That could be really interesting. His parents and most of the world around him is black and white, but things he thinks are important are color. I dont know how that would work editing wise, could be hell to make those color changes. Maybe things that are not important at first are black and white, but then they slowly get color as the film goes on. Might be a bit confusing for some people though and could come off as pretentious and style over substance. Also, how do you think things would get color? Would it be gradual or no color one day and colored face or legs the next. Keep in mind too that this is my first attempt at making a film:P

Deihjan

Maybe certain emotional reactions, the small and subtle things like the girls cheeks turning red in a blush, or something new she gets with his help could have meaning. Heck or something he gave her as a gift. I like the color idea, keep only the meaningful things colorful. Sorta like in Schindler List where most of it is in black and white, but then there is the girl in the red dress.

The second one sounds like every "in limbo after death movie"

the first one needs refining into something more solid - an evil guy that takes money from a young girl begging? how much money would that be? surely he'd sell her for sex and make a lot more money.

But yes - if you have contacts, use them. I would imagine you would need to write out a screenplay/script.

jasperrussell

You have a point, begging doesnt exactly bring in the gold, even if it is a little girl. I dunno about selling her for sex, could be a bit much. Then again it could be something brutal and sad like that which drags the boy back into reality. Darn, now I am dont know what to do:(

The second one sounds like every "in limbo after death movie"

the first one needs refining into something more solid - an evil guy that takes money from a young girl begging? how much money would that be? surely he'd sell her for sex and make a lot more money.

But yes - if you have contacts, use them. I would imagine you would need to write out a screenplay/script.

jasperrussell

[QUOTE="Deihjan"][QUOTE="Film-Guy"]

Ah, now there is part of what I thought was missing. That could be really interesting. His parents and most of the world around him is black and white, but things he thinks are important are color. I dont know how that would work editing wise, could be hell to make those color changes. Maybe things that are not important at first are black and white, but then they slowly get color as the film goes on. Might be a bit confusing for some people though and could come off as pretentious and style over substance. Also, how do you think things would get color? Would it be gradual or no color one day and colored face or legs the next. Keep in mind too that this is my first attempt at making a film:P

Film-Guy

Maybe certain emotional reactions, the small and subtle things like the girls cheeks turning red in a blush, or something new she gets with his help could have meaning. Heck or something he gave her as a gift. I like the color idea, keep only the meaningful things colorful. Sorta like in Schindler List where most of it is in black and white, but then there is the girl in the red dress.

Maybe certain emotional reactions, the small and subtle things like the girls cheeks turning red in a blush, or something new she gets with his help could have meaning. Heck or something he gave her as a gift. I like the color idea, keep only the meaningful things colorful. Sorta like in Schindler List where most of it is in black and white, but then there is the girl in the red dress.

Where would I be without you guys:P To think I would have kept this idea a simple childhood fantasy story. I agree that maybe he is a spoiled kid who gets all he wants, video games, movies etc. But he never gets anything emotional from people he knows. Everyone is indifferent to his existance. That is when she comes in with her different perspective, homeless, no parents etc. I think though that to make it a simple love story is good, but I think what could make it more interesting is if in the end, maybe once he learns to appreciate the smaller parts in life he might wake up one day, blink his eyes a bit and suddenly there is color in the film. Not just small things, but everything. Then maybe he runs to see her like he usually does and she is gone, yet nobody even remembers she was there. Something like that, could be good but it also could appear to be a bit pretentious. Even if I dont do something like that I still think the setting is important. Maybe a smaller and more desolate place would be good, but I think to choose a city more vibrant and interesting would make his personal feelings of isolation and tedium when it comes to life more meaningful in a place that many find meaning and love in. I dont want to pick a cliche place like Paris or London, everyone has done those. I think somewhere like Stockholm or as someone else mentioned earlier, Venice.

[QUOTE="Film-Guy"]

Maybe certain emotional reactions, the small and subtle things like the girls cheeks turning red in a blush, or something new she gets with his help could have meaning. Heck or something he gave her as a gift. I like the color idea, keep only the meaningful things colorful. Sorta like in Schindler List where most of it is in black and white, but then there is the girl in the red dress.

Film-Guy

Aye, exactly. Make it The Spirit/Sin City like, or Schindler's List. and if you make the boy and girl sort of yin and yang, like they already are a bit, make them COMPLETE oposites on every aspect. He comes from a rich family, she's an abandoned kid who might've fled a war. The only point they should be a bit alike should be their emotional state, the ruined child that seeks love.Deihjan

Where would I be without you guys:P To think I would have kept this idea a simple childhood fantasy story. I agree that maybe he is a spoiled kid who gets all he wants, video games, movies etc. But he never gets anything emotional from people he knows. Everyone is indifferent to his existance. That is when she comes in with her different perspective, homeless, no parents etc. I think though that to make it a simple love story is good, but I think what could make it more interesting is if in the end, maybe once he learns to appreciate the smaller parts in life he might wake up one day, blink his eyes a bit and suddenly there is color in the film. Not just small things, but everything. Then maybe he runs to see her like he usually does and she is gone, yet nobody even remembers she was there. Something like that, could be good but it also could appear to be a bit pretentious. Even if I dont do something like that I still think the setting is important. Maybe a smaller and more desolate place would be good, but I think to choose a city more vibrant and interesting would make his personal feelings of isolation and tedium when it comes to life more meaningful in a place that many find meaning and love in. I dont want to pick a cliche place like Paris or London, everyone has done those. I think somewhere like Stockholm or as someone else mentioned earlier, Venice.

If these ideas actually work and I end up making a film, I promise that I will update and post here still. After all, you guys did help alot on the development of these ideas. I am starting to lose confidence in the rehab idea, maybe after a few years of not thinking of much to add to it I should get the hint that there isn't much there. If any of you disagree then go ahead and voice your opinions, but I am becoming more interesting in the first idea now that I have changed it so much.Film-Guy

I think the best way to do it would be to make the boy's problem with life (or lack thereof) the major conflict, but it would be a ***** to write.

As for the girl, I think the key for that character would be to keep her as ambiguous as possible, and have her deflect any personal questions the boy asks. That way you can do some really interesting things with the "is she real?" dynamic without making her too pefect.

My only other suggestion would be to keep things simple and honest. If you get caught up trying to be too clever/artsy you're going to come off as pretentious, and the key to telling any sort of emotional story is to keep the characters as believable as possible. You're dealing with a very universal theme -- who hasn't felt like there's something bigger to life? -- so you really want the audience to be able to relate to your characters.

[QUOTE="Film-Guy"]If these ideas actually work and I end up making a film, I promise that I will update and post here still. After all, you guys did help alot on the development of these ideas. I am starting to lose confidence in the rehab idea, maybe after a few years of not thinking of much to add to it I should get the hint that there isn't much there. If any of you disagree then go ahead and voice your opinions, but I am becoming more interesting in the first idea now that I have changed it so much.Deihjan

Do you think the rehab idea still has something left in it? Something worth keeping I mean.

I think the best way to do it would be to make the boy's problem with life (or lack thereof) the major conflict, but it would be a ***** to write.

As for the girl, I think the key for that character would be to keep her as ambiguous as possible, and have her deflect any personal questions the boy asks. That way you can do some really interesting things with the "is she real?" dynamic without making her too pefect.

My only other suggestion would be to keep things simple and honest. If you get caught up trying to be too clever/artsy you're going to come off as pretentious, and the key to telling any sort of emotional story is to keep the characters as believable as possible. You're dealing with a very universal theme -- who hasn't felt like there's something bigger to life? -- so you really want the audience to be able to relate to your characters.

PBSnipes

Yeah, writing this is gonna be a bit tough. Probably be easier than writing the rehab story though. There should be a balence to how the characters interact, maybe nobody else ashide from the boy pays any attention to the girl. Going overboard on arts theme will be something I want to avoid though, you are write there. Some films try to hard to be artsy, films like The Science of Sleep. I think this film could be a possible hit, the universal theme that most can relate to, and also how it is written about a young boy rather than an older man in some kind of mid life crisis might make it more interesting and appealing. The idea of a kid who is bored of things in life like video games and his friends could be worth exploring more. I think though, go ahead and disagree if you like, maybe a small amount of the imagionation thing could come into play a tad. Maybe at first he mostly lives in a fantasy world when he rejects life in general, but she brings him back into reality more and more throughout the film. Do you think there should be some kind of conflict, something to keep people interested but also not something generic? Also, what about the color thing, what do you think of making most of the film black and white, but making the things in his life he finds meaningful more colorful. Problem is, there are many people who dont want to watch something in black and white.

The second one is slightly hokey, I think the first one has a chance of being a better story. Toriko42

Yeah I think I can pretty much scrap the second idea by now, there isnt much life in it.

I go with the first one though to be honest, I like both ideas.Me2nice

The first one is probably more marketable and relavent to more people. The second one seems to much of a concept rather than a story.

I think the best way to do it would be to make the boy's problem with life (or lack thereof) the major conflict, but it would be a ***** to write.

As for the girl, I think the key for that character would be to keep her as ambiguous as possible, and have her deflect any personal questions the boy asks. That way you can do some really interesting things with the "is she real?" dynamic without making her too pefect.

My only other suggestion would be to keep things simple and honest. If you get caught up trying to be too clever/artsy you're going to come off as pretentious, and the key to telling any sort of emotional story is to keep the characters as believable as possible. You're dealing with a very universal theme -- who hasn't felt like there's something bigger to life? -- so you really want the audience to be able to relate to your characters.

PBSnipes

Sorry to quote you again, just thought I would add something I forgot to mention. The good thing with having the girl's existance be more ambiguous is that there are always alot of people who look way too deeply into a film, getting various themes and metaphors that alot of the time are not intended. So satisfying the ridiculous intellectual, while keeping the average person interested should be interesting. I think that one way to make her more ambiguos is for her to not show the boy where she lives, he will assume she just moves around a lot while people watching may think otherwise. I could also have her seemingly get out of various places or situations without people noticing her, not show it but maybe have her get somewhere that the boy is when he think he needs her so people may start to think that she is just another fantasy of his. Though this may seem a bit cliche, I think that one big part of the boy's reason that he is bored with life is that he hasn't gone outside the city or town, depending on where I set the story, in his life. Maybe she and him could do what normal kids do and explore their world. It could be a bit cheesy, but it could show him that there are wonderful things in life that dont require him being in his own fantasy world. That could be the thing that gets him out of his emotional shell and exposes him to the world he hasnt seen. Kinda like a story about growing up in a society obsessed with getting more stuff, she just shows him that you dont need stuff like he used to love to be happy. Sounds a bit cheesy, but it could be a rather sweet scene.

Film-Guy, seriously, go for the second one.

You can play around with it more, and you would be able to maybe have the guy as ? maybe a government experiment, and from that he would try to bust out or summat. But seriously go for the second.

Film-Guy, seriously, go for the second one.

You can play around with it more, and you would be able to maybe have the guy as ? maybe a government experiment, and from that he would try to bust out or summat. But seriously go for the second.

Moppy64

I can see the second idea being more open for experimentation, but problem is this is my first film. I would love to experiment, but this idea is barely a story. It is just a basic concept, the idea of it could be interesting but that all depends on how it is done. I dont think making it into a goverment experiment would really suit the theme I was going for. I am glad that you like the idea, but I dont know if it would work for a first film budget and funding wise. I think it has potential to be interesting from a more visionary director with a budget like Terry Gilliam or Danny Boyle, but unless I have a good story and characters to use I dont see how it can work. I am not trying to be pessimistic, I would love the idea to work if the story is the right one. Unfortuantly I dont have the right story or characters yet, all I have is the setting which I dont know how I would film. Would it look like a dull grey area like a purgatory or be bright and upbeat to make people more happy and open to change their ways? Right now there are too many what ifs and loose ends to tie up, once they are sorted out I would love to work on this story.