I’m delighted to have been asked to choose my favourite Impact 50 scripts. To make my selection I made my best effort to get into the mind-set of a director and ask myself whether the script would be fulfilling to bring to the screen.
Ultimately, the one thing about all of my picks is that when I read them I feel something on an emotional level. It takes a lot of skill and craft to achieve that within 2 pages.
I’m rooting to see these stories become a part of the final film! Please find my chosen scripts below.
‘Smoke’ by Stephanie Ginger
Logline: Two old adversaries settle their differences once and for all.
I love the writing on display here. The atmosphere and tone of the story are crystal clear. It’s not directly tethered to the end of the world but it deals with our mortality in a powerful way.
There is a surprising amount of depth to the characters bearing in mind that is only a couple of pages. I get a great sense of their connection to one another and the ending was a real gut punch.
A director and cinematographer would have a great time with this script. It deserves to be seen and would be a unique addition to this apocalyptic anthology. Somebody please get it made so I can watch it!
‘Gesture’ by Lorenzo Colonna
Logline: A shy guy who has never been with a woman must find the courage to ask his dream girl out. There’s a problem: he’s speech impaired.
This is a sweet story where I get to root for the underdog. Great!
I can see a lot of scope for turning this into an interesting and engaging short. The lack of dialogue means that a director can utilise the other aspects of their storytelling toolbox to tickle our senses.
It doesn’t feel rushed or crammed onto the page. The story takes its time and we are rewarded for sticking with the protagonist as he confronts his anxieties. There is a real strong message baked into the story and there are no excuses for this short not to be optioned.
‘Waiting for God’ by M.A Williams
Logline: A priest considers his calling in the face of the apocalypse.
My third and final pick. This is a sweet and strangely uplifting story. It is a simple premise that balances its humour against sentimentality to great effect.
It’s centred on the chemistry of the two characters. Despite the grimness of the situation I found myself smiling at their conversation as they contemplate their life choices and beliefs.
With the right actors this could be a subtle but highly rewarding piece.
Adam Harper
