Hiya!
Way back in 2015, I graduated high school and instantly moved into my new education journey at college. For the three years I was at college I was studying Television Production and in my final year, 2017-2018, one of the classes we did was Scriptwriting. This is the class where Don’t Go was born.
Scriptwriting is simply a story made for the screen. So, because I had never written a script before I was unsure how to write it. I started by writing a story, just as a normally would, and from there I formatted it into a script so that I could hand it in. And now, I have this story.
“Don’t Go” is only one of the scripts I wrote in College.
I think it might have been my first script so it is probably a bit iffy. My lecturer mentioned that “Don’t Go” was similar to the story of Groundhog Day. He asked if I was inspired by the film, however, still to this day I have never seen it!
I wrote “Don’t Go” as a time loop story as the brief for the task required the story to be short, around 5 minutes long. I had other ideas but felt that having the day repeating would allow me to cut out a lot of unnecessary locations or excess story.
“Don’t Go” takes place inside the home of Alex and Malia as Alex experience the day over and over again. Alex has to mend the tension between him and Malia in order to stop the loop.
Alex got his name from the lead singer from All Time Low, Alex Gaskarth.
Malia got her name from the Teen Wolf Character Malia Tate (Hale).
The one thing I love most about “Don’t Go” is that it reminded me how much I love writing. If it hadn’t been for that scriptwriting class I probably wouldn’t be where I am today!
INT. BEDROOM MORNING
A phone rings close by. ALEX starts to wake up. The phone stop’s ringing but is followed by a ding. Alex sits up in bed and picks up his phone and he sees 3 missed calls and a message from his brother, LUKE.
LUKE (IN THE MESSAGE)
Hospital. Hungover. Your ass. Here
now. Tell Mum or Dad and I will end
your chance of children.
Alex shivers and puts his hands in a defensive position protecting his genitals. Alex replies back to him.
Fine.
INT. KITCHEN MORNING
MALIA is packing her lunch. Alex walks in while her back is turned to him and hugs her from behind.
ALEX
Morning. Have a good sleep last
night? Luke has ended up in hospital
again so I’ll go get shopping later.
Malia coldly shrugs him off and walks away, clearly furious at Alex.
MALIA
We got last night off work
SPECIFICALLY and you forgot but don’t
worry! You’ll pick your brother up
from hosptial again! OF FUCKING COURSE!
You’ll be a great fucking Dad,
won’t you?
Malia slams the front door shut. Alex stands frozen. Unable to move. He punches the wall closest to him. CRASH. Feeling flooding back into Alex’s legs he sprints out the front door.
EXT. STREET MORNING
Alex runs fast to where the crash is. Looking around for Malia. His eyes fall upon her body lying motionless on the ground. Alex’s body goes numb and he starts falling to the ground waiting for the impact of his knees hitting the ground.
INT. BEDROOM MORNING
A phone rings close by. ALEX starts to wake up. The phone stop’s ringing but is followed by a ding. Alex sits up in bed and picks up his phone and he sees 3 missed calls and a message from his brother, LUKE.
LUKE (IN THE MESSAGE)
Hospital. Hungover. Your ass. Here
now. Tell Mum or Dad and I will end
your chance of children.
Alex giggles but feels confused. He replies back to his brother.
ALEX (IN A MESSAGE)
Fine. Wee bit of Deja Vu there!
INT. KITCHEN MORNING
MALIA is packing her lunch. Alex walks in while her back is turned to him and hugs her from behind.
ALEX
I’m sorry about forgetting last
night. We’ll do something tonight.
Malia turns and faces him. Shocked but happy about this.
MALIA
I..Okay..I’ll see you tonight then. I
have something to tell you!
Malia picks up her stuff and leaves the house. Alex stands against the wall, happy with everything that has happened. He searches his pockets for his keys. They fall out of his pocket and hit the ground with a CRASH. Alex looks up horrified.
ALEX
Malia. No no no no no no.
EXT. STREET MORNING
Alex runs fast to where the crash is. Looking around for Malia. His eyes fall upon her body lying motionless on the ground. Alex’s body goes numb and he starts falling to the ground waiting for the impact of his knees hitting the ground.
INT. BEDROOM MORNING
A phone rings close by. Alex’s shoots up out of bed and runs towards Malia. The phone makes a ding noise. Sprinting down the stairs and flying round the corner he reaches the kitchen.
INT. KITCHEN MORNING
Alex shaken sees Malia packing her lunch and runs to her and hugs her tight. Malia, confused, looks at him.
MALIA
What is wrong with you? Are you okay?
Alex pulls her in closer and holds her tight. Tightening his grip never wanting to let go of her.
ALEX
I’m sorry about forgetting last
night. Lets go out! I want to take
you out for the day! We’ll have a
meal, get the shopping and we can
watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy!
Shocked and a bit taken back. Malia looks a bit stunned.
MALIA
Okay…Let me call in and let them
know I’m working from home today.
She turns to pick up the phone. Alex holding her hand refusing to let go. Turning back to him with a smile across her face.
MALIA (cont’d)
What made you get in this mood?
Alex still holding her hand, smiles. Looking at her lovingly.
ALEX
It’s because I lov-
EXT. STREET MORNING
Alex and Malia run outside to see a car has mounted the pavement. Neighbours have gathered around at the scene. One neighbour is at the car calling back to everyone. Malia look horrified hugging into Alex’s side. Alex looks sad but relieved that his fiance is alive and in his arms.
Malia goes inside the house. Alex turns to go with her then looks back before entering the house.
Bye!
Be Strong & Keep Going!
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