Post Day 6 Assignment Here

[Dave Halligan]

Dave’s (Comedy Short) Delivering Multiple Layers.

What I Learned Doing This Assignment:

Breaking down the story like this leads to insights and breakthroughs.

1. Brainstorm Potential Plot Layers

— Major Scheme Revealed:

I don’t know that I have any “schemes” in my short comedy. Do I need them? I guess I’m not sure what you mean by schemes.

— Mystery Revealed:

This could pertain to a storyline, noted below, about Audrey’s sister and the bootlegger. It has possibilities. But can I work it into this short script?

— Thought It Was One Thing But It’s Another:

The town vet that Audrey is trying to reach in the blizzard is her husband.

— Major Shift in Meaning:

We learn that Audrey’s is doubly worried about the missing vet’s whereabouts because she’s married to him.

— Hidden History:

Audrey had an emergency last NYE. Her husband was not around. It’s NYE again.

— Hidden Plan:

Audrey wants to fix up her sister with the governor’s aide whom she has just met on the phone tonight.

2. Brainstorm Potential Character Layers

— Secret Identity:

Brainstorming here: Maybe Audrey’s sister’s NYE date is a bootlegger who leaves her alone at the party to do business.

— Intrigue Layers:

There’s tension between Audrey and her husband. He doesn’t like her meddling and matchmaking.

— Hidden Relationships and Conspiracies:

The bootlegger and the sheriff might be in cahoots. No, not the sheriff. Too typical. Maybe it’s the owner of the phone company, and Audrey discovers she’s babysitting a truckload of moonshine.

— Hidden Character History:

I don’t think I can “wound” the characters too deeply in a short comedy. But maybe I can think of something embarrassing but not painful.

3. Brainstorm Potential Location Layers

— Hidden Operation:

The action all takes place in the office but calls from all over town reveal the drama. One caller might be engaged in bootlegging. He could be very busy on NYE.

— Deeper Meaning:

Her husband’s trip to the farmer in distress reminds Audrey of last NYE.

Trap to Draw Prey:

Audrey might lure the governor’s aide into a date with her sister.

— Unique Sub-World:

Some insight into the life of a post-war housewife might be revealing to younger readers/viewers.

4. Layers Chosen

— Surface Layer:

A night in the life of a small town switchboard operator.

— Beneath That:

Audrey’s personal drama with her husband plays out. As do the stories of her sister, the farmer, and others.

— How Revealed:

Audrey’s brief conversations with her husband, their sons, and Audrey’s sister need to be thick with subtext. And be funny.