Internet Research

http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scripts/screenplaytv.pdf

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/radioplay_script.shtml

While researching how a TV script should be set out I found a useful website by the BBC which breaks down each element required. The first page contains the TV Episode title followed by who has written the script. On the bottom left hand corner, the script should contain a contact address, a phone number and email if applicable.

On each page at the top, the episode name should be included which is placed in the center. All Teasers and Acts must begin with FADE IN: followed by a scene heading. Scene headings are typed in capitals and must indicate: interior or exterior, the location, and day or night. I learnt that a general rule is to limit a paragraph of scene action to four or five lines. Also, the script should direct which Act the page is. When introducing a new act the phrase 'ACT 1' should be used (this applies if it is the first act) and when concluding an act the text should state 'END OF ACT ONE.'

If a characters speech is interrupted by other use of dialogue or action before they continue they must be directed to do so by 'CONT'D.' When the Teaser or Act has finished this is directed to do so by 'FADE OUT.'

I also discovered that if a character will be speaking in a foreign language the actual text should be submitted in the same language as the person who'll be reading it. The script should indicate the foreign language in parenthesis Eg, (IN FRENCH). If the entire scene is to be spoken in a foreign language a note should be included in the scene action. An example of this is 'NOTE: THE DIALOGUE IN THIS SCENE IS SPOKEN IN FRENCH AND SUBTITLED IN ENGLISH.'

To indicate the passing of time through the same scene the sub-heading 'LATER' should be used.
Through my research I learnt that if a character is Off-Screen they are directed to do so by '(O.S.)'  - this is used when the character is physically present within the scene but can only be heard. Furthermore, if a voice over is used this is shown by '(V.O.)': the purpose of this is when the character is not present within the scene but can be heard via telephone or radio. Another use of this technique is when a character narrates part of the story.

If a character is speaking over the phone they are directed to do so by the phrase '(into phone)' which is placed directly under their name. When the phone call is terminated, the writer should state (hangs up) as stage directions.

If a flashback is included in the script they should be treated as separate scenes by stating whether the scene is exterior or interior, the location, time of day, date and year and the phrase 'FLASHBACK.' when the flashback has ended this will be shown by the text 'END FLASHBACK.' When the script has finished text should be included which states 'END OF SHOW.'

To improve my fourth draft script I am going to indicate when each act begins by 'FADE IN:' then when it ends as 'FADE OUT.' I would also like to include flashbacks in my script and this will be directed by the instructions written above. I may also decide to include voice overs in my script as this will give the audience a clearer understanding to the story line.

Report On Questionaire

The majority of people who I asked which genre of the TV series they would prefer to watch said comedy and thriller. My drama TV series is going to be a psychological thriller; I don't feel that a comedy element would fit in the genre I've chosen.


Most of the people I issued the questionnaire to said that 45 minutes would be a suitable duration of the drama TV series. I agree with this therefore the duration of each episode will be 45 minutes long.


Nine out of ten people said that they would prefer the TV series to be on weekly - I am going to act on this feedback and broadcast my TV series every week. I feel that if the TV series was to be on daily, the six episodes would be too close together instead of being spread out over a few weeks.


Everyone who completed the questionnaire said that 9pm would be the optimum time of day for the TV series to be on. I gave people the option of 12pm, 3pm, 9pm and 11pm but as the TV series is designed to be suitable for only certain audiences 12pm and 3pm would be too early. Also, with the TV series designed to be a psychological thriller later on in the evening would help set the atmosphere.


The fifth question I asked was to score the storyline out of ten by how effective it is. The answers I received ranged from seven to eight. I think this is a good score but there is room for improvement and I am going to carefully consider the ending.


I asked people what are they most likely to watch on Youtube, this is very relevant to my storyline as the character Grace seeks her escape by watching Youtubers. The answers I received included: music videos, TV series and educational videos. Although none of the answers I was given included pranks or famous Youtubers, I feel that I am going to continue with my original idea.


Question eight asked people who should the target audience should be aimed at, the majority of people said teenagers and adults. I think this is a good idea as younger people can relate more to this storyline with the bullying and technology.


I had a range of answers of what Grace's anonymous online friend should be called, however, the majority of people agreed on 'MissAnonymous13' and 'Prettyoung13'. I am going to continue with my original idea and call the online friend 'MissAnonymous13' as I believe this name fits the best.


After asking ten people what the TV series should be called I have decided on 'MissAnonymous13'. Some people claimed that 'Twisted' was a preferable name but as Grace's online friend is called this I feel it is most suitable.


The final question in my questionnaire was how should the TV series end: everyone I asked said that they would like the ending to consist of a cliff-hanger or with a twist. I am going to take into account this feedback and end the TV series with a twist in episode five and a cliff-hanger at the final ending.

Character Breakdown

Grace: Grace is the main character in this TV series – she is a 17 year old college student and lives in Blackburn. She lives with her parents and two siblings; her older brother Matthew and younger sister Gabrielle. She is very naive and easily led. Grace feels isolated by her family and is a victim of bullying at college.

MissAnonymous13: This character remains very sinister and anonymous throughout the drama TV series. She is a bad example to Grace and the audience will quickly gather that she has an evil side, she encourages Grace to act out of character and take drastic action.

Leonie: Leonie is the ringleader of the bullies, she is pretty and very popular at college. She victimises Grace as she wants to feel in control and because she is so vulnerable. However, the tables turn and Leonie then becomes a victim to Grace and her mysterious pranks.

Matthew: Matthew is Grace’s older brother who has recently graduated from university after studying medicine. He has received numerous awards and he is favoured by his parents for his intelligence. Matthew and Grace had a close bond until he moved away so now Grace feels as if she has one less person to talk too.

James: James is quite a background character in this TV series: he shares a friendship with Grace. He, again, is vulnerable and shy and is aware that Grace is bullied and lonely but feels he has limited power to help her. He recognises that once Grace begins to talk to MissAnonymous13 she is acting out of character and therefore tries to stop her. Their friendship breaks down when Grace accuses him of being jealous.

Questionnaire

Which of these genres would you prefer to watch?

·         Drama

·         Action

·         Thriller

·         Comedy

How long would you like each episode to be?

·         30 minutes

·         45 minutes

·         60 minutes

How often would you like the TV series to be on?

·         Daily

·         Every other day

·         Weekly

·         Every two weeks

What time of day would you prefer to watch the TV series?

·         12pm

·         3pm

·         8pm

·         10pm

Which of these channels would you want to see the TV series broadcasted on?

·         BBC

·         ITV

·         Channel 4

·         Channel 5

·         FX

After I have explained the plot, please state between 1 – 10 how effective you think this storyline would be.

What are you most likely to watch on Youtube?

Who should be the target audience?

·         Teenagers and young people

·         Adults

What do you think graces anonymous online friend should be called?

·         MissAnonymous13

·         Prettyyoung13

·         RightbehindYOU

What should the TV series be called?

·         Twisted

·         13 days

·         MissAnonymous13

·         Pretty Young 13

·         Right Behind You

How should the TV series end?

·         On a cliff-hanger

·         With a twist

·         Happily

·         In a tragedy

Ideas

3rd Draft of TV Script

INT. COSTA COFFEE – AFTERNOON. BLACKBURN, ENGLAND.

Grace: A 17 year old college student who is a victim of bullying. She has long, wavy hazelnut brown hair and pale skin. She is of an average build and wears thick rimmed black glasses. She is sat across from her best friend James who is also 17 and attends the same college.

GRACE:

She’s awesome.

(She places her phone on the table and reluctantly smiles at James.)

JAMES:

You talking to her again?

(A frustrated expression stretches along his face)

You have absolutely no idea who she is, that’s if she even is a she.

GRACE:

Why do you get so angry about this? She’s the only person who understands me. Listens to me.

JAMES:

(He sighs, sarcastically.)

So I don’t listen to you do I? Its dangerous speaking to someone online, anything could happen. Even you must see that.

(Grace stands up, swinging her rucksack over her shoulders and snatches her phone off the table.)

GRACE:

I’m sick of you getting involved!

(She lowers her voice)

You don’t know me like she does, you don’t know what it’s like for me to come here – everyday. It’s a living hell and I’m sick of it.

(James glances at the floor, taking into consideration how bad the bullying is)

CONT’D GRACE

Its alright for you. You’ve never had to put up with the things I have.

JAMES:

I know you’re having a hard time. (He pauses)

...But I don’t like the sound of this person. MissAnonymous13? That sounds freaky enough already? You could be speaking to anyone. Could be Leonie for all we know.

(Grace moves towards the table and slowly sits down beside James. She stares at him for a couple of seconds, gathering her thoughts.)

GRACE:

You’re jealous, aren’t you? C’mon admit it.

JAMES:

Jealous?!

 (He becomes quickly frustrated and defensive and his tone loudness.)

Jealous of you speaking to some creep online?

(He mocks her)

If I’m really being honest it’s not like you’ve got many friends to choose from anyway, you said it yourself! I’m doing you a favour!

GRACE:

Excuse me?

(She stands up quickly, feeling hurt and attacked.)

JAMES:

Being friends with you is a nightmare. All you ever do is lock yourself away its no wonder you’re so disliked. I’m forced to listen to all your pathetic problems and you never listen to mine. I’m sick of defending you all the...

(Grace interrupts but James continues)

CONT’D JAMES:

You may as well leave now. Run back to your stupid Youtube Videos and your weirdo friend!

GRACE:

I can’t believe you.

(Grace storms off; a pained expression stretches across her face as her cheeks become blushed and hot. She exits the coffee shop and heads towards the bus stop leaving James sat alone. She reaches home and rushes to her room. She logs onto a laptop and receives a message from MissAnonymous13.)

(The scene switches to James walking home, he has shrugged shoulders and a phone tightly grasped in his hands. His earphones are dangling as his listens to music to blur out reality. The camera is using a close up shot to display this characters emotion. A couple of streets from home James passes a young girl who smiles: he quickly glances down and blinks quickly feeling uncomfortable and insecure.)

INT. GRACES BEDROOM. BLACKBURN, ENGLAND.

(Grace and MissAnonymous chat online. Grace is using the username PrettyYoung97)

MISSANONYMOUS13:

Hey girl. What’s up?

PRETTYYOUNG97:

Hey! God am I glad to be speaking to you. I’ve had the day from hell and my so called ‘bestfriend’ has been vile.

MISSANONYMOUS13:

Who? That looser James? I’ve told you he isn’t the friend you think he is. You should just block him.

PRETTYYOUNG97:

(Grace is oblivious to MissAnonymous13’s scheming and agrees.)

Yeah! He’s jealous because I’ve found someone who I can relate to other than him! He was sooo cruel to me and some of the stuff he said – well, I’ve never seen him like that.

MISSANONMOUS13:

Urgh. He makes me sick. How can he make you feel like that? He enjoys making you feel like you can’t have other friends, he wants to control you and that’s not right. I’ll never do that to you.

 Anyway, enough of him! How are you really?

PRETTYYOUNG97:

Not too good at the moment. Leonie is still making my life hell and I don’t know how long I can cope with it. My family doesn’t wanna know, my teachers don’t wanna know and now James doesn’t wanna know.

MISSANONYMOUS13:

Well I want to know you. Hey, I’ve just had the best idea hahaha.

(Grace relaxes in her chair, her eyes soaked into the comfort of the computer screen. She feels happy and comfortable.)

CONT’D MISSANONYMOUS13:

You have to take control and stop people from walking over you. You like YouTube right?

PRETTYYOUNG97:

Yeah, guess so.

MISSANONYMOUS13:

Well, do you remember last week? We spoke for hours about our dreams -  you said yours was to be a number one internet sensation, yeah? PRANK VS. PRANK. Have you any idea how many subscribers they have? You could do it! You could become famous then you’d be the one laughing at Leonie.

(Grace freezes as she puzzles to understand how MissAnonymous13 knows this information. She has not told her internet friend about her dream of a career on the internet but nevertheless continues as normal as this may have been easy to guess.)

PRETTYYOUNG97:

I could do pranks? No way. I wouldn’t know where to start and I’m not funny, not to mention creative. What would I do anyway? Put some gum on her seat? Lame.

MISSANONYMOUS13:

No looser. That’s armature. I mean something insane. Something wicked. Be smart. Do something they won’t expect. Something no one will expect.

PRETTYOUNG97:

OK, well go on.

MISSANONYMOUS13:

How about if you was to find out where they lived? Not hard.

PRETTYYOUNG97:

And if I did, then what?

MISSANONYMOUS13:

You need to go when it’s dark. Really dark. Take photographs of her house and when she’s walking home. Tell her you’re coming for her.

PRETTYYOUNG97:

Are you crazy?! She’d kill me. She’d come into college the next day and everything would be made worse. I can’t do that to her: she frightens me.

MISSANONYMOUS13:

No, silly. How is she supposed to know it’s you? You create a fake profile and message her on that. Look at you now, you’re talking to me and either of us can be whoever we want. When we talk we have a blank slate: you don’t know who I am and I don’t know who you are. That’s the beauty of it.

(Grace smiles and agrees with MissAnonymous13 but also considers the dangers and risks of messing with Leonie.)

PRETTYYOUNG97:

Hmm, I’m not sure. You have a good point. I guess, well... I guess I’m just a little scared.

MISSANONYMOUS13:

C’mon, its a great idea. You have too. If you don’t take control now it will be too late and get worse, you don’t want that do you? You don’t want them to hurt other people the same way they hurt you, do you? What about your little sister? For all we know she could be next. You have to do something girl.

EXT. MORNING - ST PAULS COLLEGE. BLACKBURN, ENGLAND.

It is early morning and the clouds that loom above are grey and eerie. Grace heads towards the college doors to receive a smirk off Leonie who is stood with a group of friends discussing their weekend plans.

Leonie has shoulder length, glossy blonde hair and tanned skin. She has a slim build and is wearing a navy skater skirt with flat black shoes. Her face is thin and heavily coated with makeup.

LEONIE:

What you lookin’ at?

(Laughter erupts from the surrounding girls and Grace looks at the ground and attempts to scurry away.)

FRIEND 1:

Hey, she’s talkin’ to you. Where do you think you’re going?

(Friend 1 grabs Grace by the arm and pushes her so that she is trapped between the wall and the group of bullies.)

GRACE:

Ouch! Please get off, I wasn’t lookin’ at nothin’. Let me go I’m gonna be late.

(Grace shrugs herself free from the grip of Leonie and attempts to move past. Her heart is pounding and her eyes begin to fill with tears.)

FRIEND 2:

Oh shut up you silly girl! Were only messin’ with ya’. What you crying for?

JAMES:

Hey! What you doing? Get off her now.

(James approaches the group of girls and allows Grace to scurry off. Grace gives him a look of appreciation.)

GRACE:

(Mouthing) Thankyou.

(James turns away and a look of disgust is painted across his face. He exits.)

INT. GRACES HOUSE - KITCHEN – LATE AFTERNOON. BLACKBURN, ENGLAND.

Grace’s mother, Janet, and father, Kevin, are stood in the kitchen while Janet is preparing dinner. Kevin approaches Janet and puts his arm around her shoulder.

KEVIN:

I’m worried about Grace y’know. This is the third time her tutor has rang me in the past month. She keeps turning up late and when she is there she can’t focus…

JANET:

  I know darling, but there all the same. Girls that age are feelin’ all over the place. She just needs some time to herself.

KEVIN:

That’s just it though – she is never out of her room. She comes home from college and goes straight up there, sometimes she doesn’t even say Hi.

(Janet faces Kevin and directs him a comforting smile to reassure him.)

JANET:

It’s not as bad as that.

KEVIN:

(He sighs)

Her grades have dropped so much since she started college, you can’t tell me there’s nothing wrong with that. Maybe she’s got a boyfriend or somethin’.

(Grace opens the front door and enters the house but her parents are oblivious to her entry. She can hear them discussing about her and decides to edge towards the door and listen.)

CONT’D KEVIN:

Look im sick of it. We have two other children and she just seems to be the odd one out. She’s needlessly moody, failing at college and she seems to enjoy making our life difficult by hiding away and playin’ on that stupid laptop. I’m gonna take it off her until her grades improve.

JANET:

Don’t you think you’re being a little hasty…Confiscating her laptop isn’t gonna solve anyt-…

(He interrupts)

KEVIN:

No, she’s a failure and I can’t just stand back and do nothing. What about Matthew? He’s so intelligent, I can’t believe that they are related.

(Grace storms into the kitchen, feeling furious and betrayed her cheeks are blemished. Kevin and Janet turn around surprised and speculate whether Grace has heard their conversation.)

JANET:

Hey, darling. I didn’t hear you…

GRACE:

Is that what you really think? Wow thanks dad. If that’s how you feel then I’m leaving right now, I…

KEVIN:

Don’t be stupid, I didn’t mean…I was just saying that erm…

GRACE:

I know exactly what you was saying, I just can’t believe…

(Her eyes begin fill with tears as she turns away and hurries upstairs. She reaches her bedroom and pulls a drawer of clothes out and takes a handful then throws them onto her bed. She sobs and glances at her phone screen. She takes out her laptop from under her bed and messages MissAnonymous13.)

GRACES BEDROOM – LATE AFTERNOON. BLACKBURN, ENGLAND.

(Typing)

PRETTYYOUNG97:

Hey! You won’t believe what just happened. I came home to hear my parents slagging me off, calling me a failure! My dad said he’s going to take my laptop off me.

MISSANONYMOUS13:

God that’s awful. Your own parents? Anyway, did you set up that fake account like I told you? I’m so excited, this is gonna’ be such a great plan.

(Grace sulks into her chair feeling ignored.)

PRETTYYOUNG97:

Well, no. Not exactly. Leonie shoved me up against a wall today, she said I was starin’ at her when I wasn’t. But, you know what? James came over, he told them to get off me! He’s never done that before, stuck up for me like that! I really hope me and him sort things out soon.

MISSANONYMOUS13:

You can’t keep putting it off, OK? Do it tonight, do it now? Set up the account. I’ve already told you, James is a pathetic loser, he’s jealous and controlling and you can’t see that because of how blind you are! Get a grip girl and get rid while you still can.

(Grace feels hurt that her online friend is being spiteful towards her friend James. She feels uncomfortable defending him as she knows that MissAnonymous13 is her only friend and someone that she cannot afford to lose.)

PRETTYYOUNG97:

Ok, I’ll do it now. Speak to you later.

(Grace closes the chat and creates a new account. She uses the username ‘RightBehindYou_.’ Feeling agitated, hurt and wanting revenge she searches Leonie and messages her.)

(Typing)

RIGHTBEHINDYOU_:

I know who you are and I know what you did.

(Seconds after sending the message Grace slams her laptop shut to hear her mother edging up the stairs and knocking on her door before opening it at a small angle. Grace, aware that her mother is there, ignores her appearance and stares at the end of her bed.)

JANET:

How you feeling darling? About before, Dad didn’t mean what he said. He just cares a lot and he doesn’t want you falling behind…That’s all.

(Grace shrugs – her eyes still focused on the direction at the end of the bed.)

CONT’D JANET:

I can’t help if you don’t talk to me, dear.

(Janet walks slowly towards Grace and perches on the end of the bed. She directs Grace a soothing look and exhales deeply.)

GRACE:

It’s not like you’ve ever helped me before! I’m sick of being treated like second best. Just get out of my room mum.

(Janet looks surprised but more hurt that her daughter has spoken to her in this way. She attempts again to comfort Grace by placing her hand on her shoulder.)

CONT’D GRACE:

I told you! Get off and get out my room! I don’t wanna’ ever talk to you or dad again. I have all the people I need and you’re not one of them.

2nd Draft of TV script

INT. COSTA COFFEE – AFTERNOON. BLACKBURN, ENGLAND.

Grace: A 17 year old college student who is a victim of bullying. She has long, wavy hazelnut brown hair and pale skin. She is of an average build and wears thick rimmed black glasses. She is sat across from her best friend James who is also 17 and attends the same college.

GRACE:

She’s awesome.

(She places her phone on the table and reluctantly smiles at James.)

JAMES:

You talking to her again?

(A frustrated expression stretches along his face)

You have absolutely no idea who she is, that’s if she even is a she.

GRACE:

Why do you get so angry about this? She’s the only person who understands me. Listens to me.

JAMES:

(He sighs, sarcastically.)

So I don’t listen to you do I? Its dangerous speaking to someone online, anything could happen. Even you must see that.

(Grace stands up, swinging her rucksack over her shoulders and snatches her phone off the table.)

GRACE:

I’m sick of you getting involved!

(She lowers her voice)

You don’t know me like she does, you don’t know what it’s like for me to come here – everyday. It’s a living hell and I’m sick of it.

(James glances at the floor, taking into consideration how bad the bullying is)

CONT’D GRACE

Its alright for you. You’ve never had to put up with the things I have.

JAMES:

I know you’re having a hard time. (He pauses)

...But i don’t like the sound of this person. MissAnonymous13? That sounds freaky enough already? You could be speaking to anyone. Could be Leonie for all we know.

(Grace moves towards the table and slowly sits down beside James. She stares at him for a couple of seconds, gathering her thoughts.)

GRACE:

You’re jealous, aren’t you? C’mon admit it.

JAMES:

Jealous?! (He becomes quickly frustrated and defensive and his tone loudness.)

Jealous of you speaking to some creep online? (He mocks her)

If I’m really being honest its not like you’ve got many friends to choose from anyway, you said it yourself! I’m doing you a favour!

GRACE:

Excuse me?

(She stands up quickly, feeling hurt and attacked.)

JAMES:

Being friends with you is a nightmare. All you ever do is lock yourself away its no wonder you’re so disliked. I’m forced to listen to all your pathetic problems and you never listen to mine. I’m sick of defending you all the...

(Grace interrupts but James continues)

CONT’D JAMES

You may as well leave now. Run back to your stupid Youtube Videos and your weirdo friend!

GRACE:

I can’t believe you.

(Grace storms off; a pained expression stretches across her face as her cheeks become blushed and hot. She exits the coffee shop and heads towards the bus stop leaving James sat alone. She reaches home and rushes to her room. She logs onto a laptop and receives a message from MissAnonymous13.)

INT. GRACES BEDROOM. BLACKBURN, ENGLAND.

(Grace and MissAnonymous chat online. Grace is using the username PrettyYoung97)

MISSANONYMOUS13:

Hey girl. What’s up?

PRETTYYOUNG97:

Hey. God am I glad to be speaking to you. Had the day from hell and my so called ‘best friend’ has been absolutely vile to me! He said that he was doing ME a favour for being friends with me! Not like he’s Mr Popular.

MISSANONYMOUS13:

Who? That looser James? I’ve told you he isn’t the friend you think he is. You should just block him so he can’t try and argue with you tonight.

PRETTYYOUNG97:

(Grace is oblivious to MissAnonymous13’s scheming and agrees.)

Yeah! He’s jealous because I’ve found someone who I can relate to other than him! He was sooo cruel to me and some of the stuff he said – well, I’ve never seen him like that.

MISSANONMOUS13:

Urgh. He makes me sick. How can he make you feel like that? He enjoys making you feel like you can’t have other friends, he wants to control you and that’s not right. I’ll never do that to you. Anyway, enough of him! How are you really?

PRETTYYOUNG97:

Not too good at the moment. Leonie is still making my life hell and I don’t know how long I can cope with it. My family doesn’t wanna know, my teachers don’t wanna know and now James doesn’t wanna know.

MISSANONYMOUS13:

Well I want to know you. Hey, I’ve just had the best idea hahaha.

(Grace relaxes in her chair, her eyes soaked into the comfort of the computer screen. She feels happy and comfortable.)

CONT’D MISSANONYMOUS13

Did you ever see that film where that girl was bullied and she just takes matters into her own hands? That’s what you’ve got to do. You have to take control and stop people from walking over you. You like YouTube right?

PRETTYYOUNG97:

Yeah, guess so.

MISSANONYMOUS13:

Well, do you remember last week? We spoke for hours about our dreams -  you said yours was to be a number one internet sensation, yeah? PRANK VS. PRANK. Have you any idea how many subscribers they have? You could do it! You could become famous then you’d be the one laughing at Leonie.

PRETTYYOUNG97:

I could do pranks? No way. I wouldn’t know where to start and I’m not funny, not to mention creative. What would I do anyway? Put some gum on her seat? Lame.

MISSANONYMOUS13:

No looser. That’s armature. I mean something insane. Something wicked. Be smart. Do something they won’t expect. Something no one will expect.

PRETTYOUNG97:

OK, well go on.

MISSANONYMOUS13:

How about if you was to find out where they lived? Not hard.

PRETTYYOUNG97:

And if I did, then what?

MISSANONYMOUS13:

You need to go when its dark. Really dark. Take photographs of her house and when she’s walking home. Tell her you’re coming for her.

PRETTYYOUNG97:

Are you crazy?! She’d kill me. She’d come into college the next day and everything would be made worse. I can’t do that to her: she frightens me.

MISSANONYMOUS13:

No, silly. How is she supposed to know it’s you? You create a fake profile and message her on that. Look at you now, you’re talking to me and either of us can be whoever we want. When we talk we have a blank slate: you don’t know who I am and I don’t know who you are. That’s the beauty of it.

(Grace smiles and agrees with MissAnonymous13 but also considers the dangers and risks of messing with Leonie.)

PRETTYYOUNG97:

Hmm, I’m not sure. You have a good point. I guess, well... I guess I’m just a little scared.

MISSANONYMOUS13:

C’mon, its a great idea. You have too. If you don’t take control now it will be too late and get worse, you don’t want that do you? You don’t want them to hurt other people the same way they hurt you, do you? What about your little sister? For all we know she could be next. You have to do something girl.

EXT. MORNING - ST PAULS COLLEGE. BLACKBURN, ENGLAND.

It is early morning and the clouds that loom above are grey and eerie. Grace heads towards the college doors to receive a smirk off Leonie who is stood with a group of friends discussing their weekend plans.

LEONIE:

What you lookin’ at?

(Laughter erupts from the surrounding girls and Grace looks at the ground and attempts to scurry away.)

FRIEND 1:

Hey, she’s talkin’ to you. Where do you think you’re going?

(Friend 1 grabs Grace by the arm and pushes her so that she is trapped between the wall and the group of bullies.)

GRACE:

Ouch! Please get off, I wasn’t lookin’ at nothin’. Let me go im gonna be late.

(Grace shrugs herself free from the grip of Leonie and attempts to move past. Her heart is pounding and her eyes begin to fill with tears.)

FRIEND 2:

Oh shut up you silly girl! Were only messin’ with ya’. What you crying for?

JAMES:

Hey! What you doing? Get off her now.

(James approaches the group of girls and allows Grace to scurry off. Grace gives him a look of appreciation.)

GRACE:

(Mouthing) Thankyou.

(James turns away and a look of disgust is painted across his face. He exits.)

INT. GRACES HOUSE - KITCHEN – LATE AFTERNOON. BLACKBURN, ENGLAND.

Grace’s mother, Janet, and father, Kevin, are stood in the kitchen while Janet is preparing dinner. Kevin approaches Janet and puts his arm around her shoulder.

KEVIN:

I’m worried about Grace y’know. This is the third time her tutor has rang me in the past month. She keeps turning up late and when she is there she can’t focus…

JANET:

  I know darling, but there all the same. Girls that age are feelin’ all over the place. She just needs some time to herself.

KEVIN:

That’s just it though – she is never out of her room. She comes home from college and goes straight up there, sometimes she doesn’t even say Hi.

(Janet faces Kevin and directs him a comforting smile to reassure him.)

JANET:

It’s not as bad as that.

KEVIN:

(He sighs)

Her grades have dropped so much since she started college, you can’t tell me there’s nothing wrong with that. Maybe she’s got a boyfriend or somethin’.

(Grace opens the front door and enters the house but her parents are oblivious to her entry. She can hear them discussing about her and decides to edge towards the door and listen.)

CONT’D KEVIN:

Look im sick of it. We have two other children and she just seems to be the odd one out. She’s needlessly moody, failing at college and she seems to enjoy making our life difficult by hiding away and playin’ on that stupid laptop. I’m gonna take it off her until her grades improve.

JANET:

Don’t you think you’re being a little hasty…Confiscating her laptop isn’t gonna solve anyt-…

(He interrupts)

KEVIN:

No, she’s a failure and I can’t just stand back and do nothing. What about Matthew? He’s so intelligent, I can’t believe that they are related.

(Grace storms into the kitchen, feeling furious and betrayed her cheeks are blemished. Kevin and Janet turn around surprised and speculate whether Grace has heard their conversation.)

JANET:

Hey, darling. I didn’t hear you…

GRACE:

Is that what you really think? Wow thanks dad. If that’s how you feel then I’m leaving right now, I…

KEVIN:

Don’t be stupid, I didn’t mean…I was just saying that erm…

GRACE:

I know exactly what you was saying, I just can’t believe…

(Her eyes begin fill with tears as she turns away and hurries upstairs. She reaches her bedroom and pulls a drawer of clothes out and takes a handful then throws them onto her bed. She sobs and glances at her phone screen. She takes out her laptop from under her bed and messages MissAnonymous13.)

GRACES BEDROOM – LATE AFTERNOON. BLACKBURN, ENGLAND.

(Typing)

PRETTYYOUNG97:

Hey! You won’t believe what just happened. I came home to hear my parents slagging me off, calling me a failure! My dad said he’s going to take my laptop off me until my grades improve but if he does that I’ll leave this house and never come back!

MISSANONYMOUS13:

God that’s awful. Your own parents? Anyway, did you set up that fake account like I told you? I’m so excited, this is gonna’ be such a great plan.

(Grace sulks into her chair feeling ignored.)

PRETTYYOUNG97:

Well, no. Not exactly. Leonie shoved me up against a wall today, she said I was starin’ at her when I wasn’t. But, you know what? James came over, he told them to get off me! He’s never done that before, stuck up for me like that! I really hope me and him sort things out soon.

MISSANONYMOUS13:

You can’t keep putting it off, OK? Do it tonight, do it now? Set up the account. I’ve already told you, James is a pathetic loser, he’s jealous and controlling and you can’t see that because of how blind you are! Get a grip girl and get rid while you still can.

(Grace feels hurt that her online friend is being spiteful towards her friend James. She feels uncomfortable defending him as she knows that MissAnonymous13 is her only friend and someone that she cannot afford to lose.)

PRETTYYOUNG97:

Ok, I’ll do it now. Speak to you later.

(Grace closes the chat and creates a new account. She uses the username ‘RightBehindYou_.’ Feeling agitated, hurt and wanting revenge she searches Leonie and messages her.)

(Typing)

RIGHTBEHINDYOU_:

I know who you are and I know what you did.

(Seconds after sending the message Grace slams her laptop shut to hear her mother edging up the stairs and knocking on her door before opening it at a small angle. Grace, aware that her mother is there, ignores her appearance and stares at the end of her bed.)

JANET:

How you feeling darling? About before, Dad didn’t mean what he said. He just cares a lot and he doesn’t want you falling behind…That’s all.