First draft script and an analogy about whittling, just cause...

This sort of thing can go on for quite awhile. You write a very loose outline to begin with and keep whittling it down until HOPEFULLY you're left with a beautifully crafted piece of work. Although sometimes you can whittle too much and ruin it. Sometimes you might be too careless and leave rough and unfinished sections. Have I pushed this whittling analogy too far? Is it even possible to take an analogy about whittling too far? Yes. Clearly.

Moving on, below is the first draft script. Given some time and attention it will make a great deal more sense and I will have a much better understanding of where this is going.

Vegan children’s book (title to be confirmed)

Equilibrium

We are introduced to the little girl, the dog and perhaps her parents. We see the cottage and we see the surrounding woodland. It is autumn and is set in the present. We see the little girl leaving her cottage excitedly with the dog. Her parents call to her to not go too far (from the cottage).  This is normal, she is inquisitive by nature. She frequently talks to animals. At this point there is no need to reference that she is non-vegan. The narrative will convey this with “Once upon a time, there was a little girl named *whoever* who loved animals.” Etc etc.

She hurries into the woods, kicking up leaves, enjoying the surroundings and talking to caterpillars and other animals (that flee from her?), such as squirrels, birds, or others. This will establish her kindness and her natural affinity with nature.

Disruption

She discovers some large footprints (?). Being inquisitive, she follows these footprints through the woods with the dog. She walks with her head down, staring at the footsteps. Eventually they lead to a (clearing in the woods? OR to one of the creatures themselves?). She isn’t scared, only interested. Since she talks to animals, she greets these mythical beings. At this point the creatures may say something like “You can see us?” or something to indicate that these creatures will only appear to the compassionate of heart. She walks up to the creatures and says “of course I can see you!” (if they do indeed ask that). The dog is initially jumpy but the creatures instantly win him (or her) around by petting it. The creatures introduce themselves by species and one specific creature introduces himself by name. This is the one she will interact with and learn from. They both share a love of nature and animals, which is discussed. He asks the girl if she would like to stay for dinner (note the time of day, this will impact the ending and the introduction visually and in the way that the parents react).  It is during this dinner that the little girl asks for a conventional animal product (chicken nuggets for example?). This is where the creature begins to explain how they live. “We don’t hurt anybody, because we wouldn’t want to be hurt either” or something like that is said. He then explains the various forms of animal exploitation that occurs and why it is wrong (need to flesh this out more).  This gives an opportunity to visualise the various animals that are used. He makes the comparisons between the animals that she loves and the animals that she exploits by showing her the various animals she has spoken to, her dog and asking why it’s ok to love one and exploit another. He then emphasises the point that it is easy to live without harming others.  It is then time for her to leave before the sun goes down.

Recognition

The little girl returns home (make a point that she isn’t sad). Her mother asks her if she’s ok but she walks by seemingly deep in thought. She goes to the fridge and looks at the products in there and sees that there are animal products. She might also look at a leather sofa, a woollen hat, the feather pillows and other things. She may need to ASK where certain things come from, it would break the mythical feel if she was given a website link by the creatures! So maybe she says “Mommy, where does cheese come from?” and her mum would respond from cows. She would then refuse to eat it. At dinner she would refuse to eat anything that came from an animal and gets upset and runs up to bed. (This may not happen, because I’m yet to decide whether or not her parents will be supportive or defensive. Defensive would be more like real life but it could lead to complications in the story itself).

Repair

She tries to forget about what she’s learnt because it is horrible. We might see her crying in bed at this point. Maybe with the dog with her cuddled up. She might be looking anxious in bed and the moon is shining in. Everywhere she looks there are animals (an owl outside?). She tries to force herself to go to sleep.

The next morning she takes the dog out to the woods again, walking less enthusiastically and is clearly distressed. She sees all of the various animals again (maybe). She approaches the mythical creatures once more and explains that animal products are everywhere and she doesn’t know what to do. The creature explains that all she needs to do is avoid them, be kind and share the message.  He may also suggest that there are countless other people just like her who have become vegan (referencing the fact that they have helped children become vegan) She expresses that she wishes to stay with them. He explains that she needs to be among the majority in order to change the world for the better. He then explains that they will be moving on to help other children now but that she must remain strong and never be afraid to say or do the right thing. She then leaves.

New Eq

The little girl is confident and happy in her veganism by this point. She is friendly and passionate and running a veganism stall to educate others on living compassionately. At this point we may see her become a young woman who continues to be a passionate advocate for animal rights. Maybe.