https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nq8OXB4vshADv3trOoMsl3X8IoJUH2nwLYGz6zkRCXM/edit?usp=sharing
When a power outage plunges a classroom into darkness and one of their peers vanishes, a group of diverse students must put aside their differences to solve the mystery and escape—only to discover the truth is far simpler, yet transformative, than they imagined.
1. Introduction: Setting the Stage
- Introduce the three main characters (Skeptic, Loner, Optimist) and the rest of the class.
- Briefly highlight the personality of the student who will “disappear” during the blackout—perhaps he’s mischievous or has a troubled past, creating plausible suspicion when he’s gone.
- The maintenance worker is subtly introduced in the background, working on the electrical system outside the classroom.
2. Inciting Incident: The Blackout
- During a routine day, the lights go out, plunging the class into darkness.
- When the lights flicker back on, one student is missing. Panic ensues, and everyone starts speculating about what happened.
- Some students believe he was “snatched” due to his past wrongdoings, while others think someone in the class might be responsible.
3. Rising Action: Clues and Conflict
- The group searches the classroom for clues about the disappearance.
- They find small, ambiguous signs that lead to more speculation (e.g., a chair knocked over near the door, an item belonging to the missing student left behind).
- The Skeptic and Optimist clash over how to approach the situation, while the Loner starts to observe and piece together subtle details.
4. The Turning Point: Working Together
- A realization forces the group to collaborate: perhaps a cryptic message left by the missing student or a task they must solve to open a locked exit.
- The students confront their biases, fears, and misunderstandings, learning to trust each other as they work through the challenges.
5. Climax: The Final Test
- The final challenge requires the combined strengths of the Skeptic, Loner, and Optimist. The rest of the class steps up to help as they push toward escape.
- Tension mounts as they near success, with moments of doubt and teamwork shining through.
6. Resolution: The Twist
- Just as the students believe they’ve escaped, they find the missing student casually outside the classroom, unharmed.
- He reveals that he was standing by the door during the blackout and slipped out unnoticed.
- The maintenance worker emerges, explaining that the blackout was caused by routine work on the electrical system.
- The group laughs at the misunderstanding, and the experience leaves everyone with newfound respect for each other.
Now that we have the outline and key elements for your short film, here’s a step-by-step guide to move toward completion:
1. Write the Script
- Expand the Outline into a Script: Turn your outline into a 15-20 page screenplay. Focus on dialogue, action descriptions, and pacing.
- Set the Tone: Decide on the tone of the dialogue (serious, comedic, or a mix) and ensure it aligns with the themes.
- Include Stage Directions: Specify lighting, sound effects, and actions for the blackout scenes to enhance tension and visual storytelling.
- Get Feedback: Share the draft with your instructors or peers for input.
2. Pre-Production Planning
- Casting: Assign roles to your teenage participants and instructors based on their strengths and enthusiasm for specific characters.
- Storyboard: Create visual representations of key scenes to plan camera angles, lighting, and blocking.
- Location Scouting: Map out how you’ll use the building’s interior and exterior for different scenes.
- Props and Costumes: Gather items like flashlights, chairs, personal items for the missing student, and any symbolic elements.
- Schedule: Create a filming schedule that breaks down each scene by location and actors needed.
3. Assemble the Crew
- Assign roles such as director, cinematographer, sound technician, and editor. Youth participants can rotate roles to gain experience in different aspects of production.
4. Rehearse
- Hold read-throughs of the script to refine dialogue and pacing.
- Practice key scenes, particularly those involving teamwork, arguments, and suspenseful moments, to ensure the actors feel comfortable.
5. Production
- Film the Scenes: Stick to the schedule but remain flexible for creative ideas on set.
- Focus on Visuals: Use creative lighting techniques for the blackout scenes (e.g., silhouettes, flashlight beams).
- Capture Sound: Pay close attention to ambient sound, dialogue clarity, and any sound effects needed.
6. Post-Production
- Edit the Footage: Combine scenes, enhance pacing, and ensure continuity.
- Add Effects: Incorporate sound design, suspenseful music, and any surreal effects (e.g., time distortion or eerie sounds during the blackout).
- Color Grading: Adjust the color tones to emphasize mood, such as darker hues for tension or warmer tones for resolution.
7. Screening and Feedback
- Hold a private screening for the class, instructors, and a small audience to get feedback.
- Use the feedback to make any necessary edits or improvements.
8. Distribution
- Share Locally: Present the film at local schools, youth centers, or film festivals.
- Online Platforms: Upload the film to YouTube or Vimeo to reach a wider audience.
- Submit to Competitions: Enter short film competitions to showcase the students’ work.
TITLE: THE BLACKOUT!
FADE IN:
INT. CLASSROOM – DAY
The classroom is lively with chatter. Students sit in cliques, chatting, laughing, or scrolling on their phones. The teacher, MR. HENDERSON (40s, patient but firm), stands at her desk, organizing papers.
At one corner of the room sits THE SKEPTIC (16, sharp but cynical), glancing at the clock. Across the room, THE LONER (15, quiet and withdrawn) doodles in a sketchbook. THE OPTIMIST (16, bubbly and encouraging) helps a classmate with their assignment.
MR. HENDERSON
Alright, class. I’ll be back in a few minutes. Stay seated and… try not to burn the place down.
The students laugh lightly. MR. HENDERSON steps out, leaving the door slightly ajar.
THE CLASS CLOWN (17, always joking)
Hey, anyone wanna bet on how long he’s actually gone?
THE SKEPTIC
Why? So you can lose again?
The students chuckle. THE MISSING STUDENT (16, charismatic but with a reputation) stands by the door, leaning casually.
MISSING STUDENT
(Smirking)
I bet he’s just going to get coffee. Typical teacher move.
Suddenly, the lights flicker and go out. A low hum fills the air as the automatic lock on the door clicks loudly.
CLASS CLOWN
Whoa. What just happened?
THE OPTIMIST
Relax. Probably just a power outage.
THE SKEPTIC
(Under his breath)
Yeah, and we’re stuck in here.
The lights flicker back on. The students look around. The MISSING STUDENT is gone.
THE LONER
(Quietly)
Where did he go?
THE SKEPTIC
He was by the door. Maybe he slipped out?
THE OVERACHIEVER (16, nervous)
But the door’s locked. How could he?
Confusion spreads. THE CLASS CLOWN notices a chair knocked over near the door.
CLASS CLOWN
Okay, this is getting weird.
THE OPTIMIST
Alright, let’s not freak out. We’ll figure this out together.
THE SKEPTIC
Together? Right. Like that ever works.
THE OPTIMIST
(Sternly)
It’ll work if you actually try.
The group murmurs, unsure. THE LONER notices something on the floor near the door: a notebook.
THE LONER
(Picking it up)
He left this.
The group gathers around as THE LONER opens the notebook. Inside are cryptic drawings and a note: “WORK TOGETHER. TRUST EACH OTHER.”
THE OVERACHIEVER
What does that mean?
THE CLASS CLOWN
It means he’s messing with us. Classic prank.
THE SKEPTIC
Or it means we’re stuck here until we figure this out.
—
MONTAGE: THE GROUP WORKS TOGETHER (AND FAILS)
– The students try breaking the door open but fail.
– THE SKEPTIC and THE OPTIMIST argue over the next steps.
– THE LONER finds another clue: a key hidden under a desk, but it doesn’t fit the door.
—
INT. CLASSROOM – LATER
The group sits in frustration. THE OPTIMIST tries to rally them.
THE OPTIMIST
Look, we’re not getting out of here unless we work together. Let’s try again.
THE SKEPTIC
(Sighs)
Fine. What’s the plan?
The group starts brainstorming. THE LONER sketches a layout of the classroom, identifying areas they haven’t searched. THE CLASS CLOWN lightens the mood with jokes. Slowly, they begin to cooperate.
—
INT. CLASSROOM – FINAL ATTEMPT
The students discover the final clue: a combination lock hidden in the teacher’s desk. They argue over the numbers until THE OVERACHIEVER remembers seeing a pattern in the notebook.
THE OVERACHIEVER
(Triumphantly)
It’s his birthday! Try that!
THE SKEPTIC enters the combination. The lock clicks open. The door unlocks.
—
INT. HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
The students step out, relieved. They find the MISSING STUDENT leaning against a wall, eating a snack.
CLASS CLOWN
(Exasperated)
Seriously? You just left us?
MISSING STUDENT
(Grinning)
Hey, you figured it out, didn’t you?
THE OPTIMIST
Wait… what about the blackout?
A MAINTENANCE WORKER (50s, gruff but kind) appears, holding tools.
MAINTENANCE WORKER
Sorry, kids. Power’s back. Had to fix a breaker.
The group exchanges stunned looks before bursting into laughter.
—
INT. CLASSROOM – LATER
The students return to their seats as MR. HENDERSON walks in, confused by the mess.
MR. HENDERSON
What on earth happened here?
The students share knowing smiles. THE OPTIMIST glances at THE SKEPTIC.
THE OPTIMIST
(Softly)
Told you we could do it.
THE SKEPTIC
(Smiling)
Yeah, yeah. Don’t get used to it.
FADE OUT.
