Writing My Scene-By-Scene

 After the last session with feedback on our outlines, the next step was to write the scene-by-scene. This gives even more guidance for when it comes to writing the script. After applying the criticisms (here) I worked on the scenes, continuing to use the structure breakdown for guidance. 

I wanted to focus on fixing those particular issues and therefore focused on:

•  Introducing Patricia earlier
• Ted's flaws- inability to talk to women/overall confidence 
• Ted's wants- someone to fill the void his late wife left behind

These are the scenes: 

Setting up the World 

1: EXT. VILLAGE STREETS – MORNING 

Ted is seen delivering the post, waving to villagers, they clearly all know him, and he knows his route off by heart. At one point, he spins a letter in a throw to land perfectly in front of a door. An elderly lady comes over to talk to him and Ted becomes very flustered and makes a silly excuse to leave. 

2: INT. TED’S HOUSE – MORNING

Ted returns from his round, as he enters the house Patricia his landlady leaves, he waves, and she beams back. She starts talking to him about her recent game of Cluedo, Ted immediately becomes flustered, stumbles over his words and shuffles away. 

3: INT. TED’S KITCHEN – EVENING

Ted is plates up a portion of spaghetti Bolognese and bird food for Lazarus, his pet parrot. There is a framed photo on the wall of Ted laughing with a woman. The table has space for two to sit, but one seat is entirely empty. Ted chats with Lazarus about missing his wife and how finding someone to fill the seat is a silly suggestion at his age, plus he can’t remember how to talk to girls anyway. 

Inciting Incident 

4: EXT. VILLAGE STREETS – MORNING

Ted is seen again with his sack of letters, as he is going through the stack he notices one addressed to him. It is an anonymous love letter, complete with a clue on how to find them. Ted fumbles and blushes, he shoves the letter into his back pocket, and then does a little excited dance. 

5: INT. TED’S KITCHEN – EVENING

Ted discusses following the clue with Lazarus and decides he will the next day. 

Act II: Protagonist Gets Proactive 

6: EXT. VILLAGE STREETS – MORNING

Ted has decided to follow the clue, on the way he is interrupted by busybody Colin who demands to know why Ted has gone off his usual route, they have some conflict. 

7: EXT. OUTSIDE VILLAGE SHOP – MORNING

The clue leads Ted to outside the shop, he is anxious and spends time hyping himself up and talking to himself.  

8: INT. VILLAGE SHOP – MORNING

Lizzy, the shop owner, is bubbly but with her enthusiasm for selling her homemade lemon drizzle and Ted’s awkwardness, Ted struggles to get his question across. Finally, he finds out Lizzy is not the admirer and she hands him another clue. 

Midpoint 

9: EXT. VILLAGE STREETS – MIDDAY 

Ted follows the other clue. On the way Colin stops him, he again threatens to report him. This time he shoves past him, his confidence has grown. 

10: INT/EXT. VILLAGE HALL – MIDDAY 

The clue takes Ted to the village hall, he is told to find Mary the cleaner, but the sign reads ‘Staff Only’. After some deep breaths he pushes through the door. 

11: INT. VILLAGE HALL – MIDDAY 

Ted again is anxious and stumbles over his words, paired with Mary’s bad hearing results in a frustrating conversation. He ends up empty handed. 

Moment of No Return

12: EXT. TED’S HOUSE – AFTERNOON

Ted drags his feet home, he is disappointed and deflated. At his front door Colin is waiting, he shouts at Ted for having gone off route without alerting the council. He points to his phone proving that he’s contacted them and reported him. The shouting pulls Patricia out in curiosity, even Lazarus tries to watch out the window from his cage. Eventually, Ted can’t take it anymore and shouts back at Colin putting him in his place. 

Act III

13. EXT. TED’S HOUSE – AFTERNOON

Patricia comes out shyly, she asks why Ted is so worked up and he explains the whole ordeal. She asks if maybe the last clue is there? On the door step is another letter, addressed to him. 

Climax

14. EXT. TED’S HOUSE – AFTERNOON

Ted spends a moment working out the clue and realises Patricia was the one who sent him on the trial. They both blush and he goes to take her hand, apologies for the sweat. 

Ending 

15. INT. TED’S KITCHEN – EVENING 

The two are sat at the table with full plates of spaghetti Bolognese, chatting with Lazarus happily.