JadeAn Original Short Film

Written By

Kieran MorrisChloe SpencerHolly Thomson

JadeKieran Morris, Chloe Spencer, Holly Thomson

Scene 1FADE IN:EXT Location: Woodland – Day

The film starts with a variety of shots showing nature and the woodland. Non-diegetic music is used to create a peaceful opening. Jade, Millie and Carol can be seen smiling and laughing whilst walking through the woodland.

Jade (Voiceover): Look at us all smiling. It’s like we’re one big happy family. No secrets. No lies. Keeping a secret shreds you into pieces. It eats you up inside. (PAUSE) Is it right that I keep a secret from them? Is it right that I love another woman? Am I normal? Am I a lesbian?

Title ‘Jade’ appears on-screen.

FADE OUT

Scene 2CUT IN:INT Location: Dining Room – Day

Jade is seen reading a female magazine whilst sitting at the breakfast table with a bowl of cereal. Ambient sound is used to suggest the radio is on in the background. Millie is also sitting at the table texting on her phone. Carol walks down the stairs in work clothes with her bag.

Carol: Right I’m off. (Kisses Millie) Who are you texting?

Millie: Oh, just some girls from uni.

Carol: Right.

Jade quickly changes the page in the magazine so she isn’t looking at models. Carol kisses Jade.

Carol: See you later darling. (Starts walking out the room and out of house) Have a good day both of you and don’t forget to hang out the laundry.

Millie: Bye! (Stops looking at phone and looks at Jade who is still reading the magazine) What you reading?

Jade: Oh just an article.

Millie: What article?

Jade: (Stands and shouts) Does it matter! (Walks out and upstairs with the magazine in her hand)

Millie: Woah! (returns to the mobile phone)

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JadeKieran Morris, Chloe Spencer, Holly Thomson

Scene 3CUT IN:INT Location: Jade’s Bedroom / Living Room – Day

Jade is sitting on her bed writing a letter to her mum. The scene switches between Jade writing the letter and flowers and ornaments around the house. Non-diegetic sound is used to create a peaceful scene.

Jade (Voiceover): Dear mum. I want you to know that I love you. You have always been there for me and we’ve always been able to talk about anything. That’s why I need to tell you something really important. The last few months have been difficult for me. I haven’t been able to express my true feelings. I thought I was ill. I thought I needed help. But I don’t. All I need is your continued love and support. I’ve found a person that I love. But they’re a girl. A woman. I hope you understand what I’m trying to say. I’m a lesbian. Please don’t cry or be angry with me. I was the same person as I was yesterday, or last week and I will be the same person tomorrow, or next year. It’s just that now you know. You know the real me. Love you lots, like jelly tots. Jade.

Jade is then seen placing the letter on the fireplace in the living room in an envelope addressed to ‘Mum’. Jade’s phone then vibrates. A text message appears from Cara: ‘In the woods.’

Scene 4CUT IN:EXT Location: Woodland – Day

Jade and Cara are sitting on a bench in the woodland. Ambient sound is used to create a naturalistic setting. Jade feels uncomfortable.

Cara: Did you tell her then?

Jade: I wrote a letter.

Cara: (PAUSE) You’ve done the right thing.

Jade: (Turns around) Are you sure?

Cara: Listen. You’re mum is one of the loveliest people on this planet and I know she will understand. She’s not as lovely as you though.

Cara is about to kiss Jade on the lips before Jade’s phone begins to ring. She then moves away.

Jade: Sorry. (Answers phone) Hello. (PAUSE) Millie has something happened? (PAUSE) Okay, okay I’m coming. (Ends phone call) Sorry but I have to go. (Begins to leave)

Jade leaves the woodland, leaving Cara alone on the bench.

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JadeKieran Morris, Chloe Spencer, Holly Thomson

Scene 5CUT IN:INT Location: Living Room – Day

Jade rushes through the front door in a slight panic. The Family Liaison Officer (FLO) and Millie are standing nearby. Jade stops.

FLO: Hello Jade. I’m Mike, your family liaison officer.

Jade: Liaison Officer?

FLO: You best sit down.

Jade: Where’s mum?

Millie: Jade.

(Scene jump cuts to Millie and Jade sitting opposite the Family Liaison Officer)

FLO: I’m afraid that I have to inform you that we have identified a body in a road collision earlier this morning that we believe is your mother, Carol.

Jade: No you’ve got this all wrong.

FLO: I’m very sorry Jade.

The shot is then from outside of the house peering in at the window. Muffled sound can be heard of crying and screaming.

FADE OUT

Scene 6FADE IN:EXT Location: Woodland – Day

Jade and Millie are sitting on the bench in the woodland hugging. Ambient sound is used to represent the woodland area.

Millie: Jade. (Stops hugging. Reveals a letter.) I have this for you. (Jade takes the letter and begins to open it.) It’s from mum. (Jade stops.)

Jade opens the letter and reads it. Non-diegetic sound begins to play: Christina Agularia, Beautiful (Instrumental Version).

Carol (Voiceover): Dear Jade. I want you to know that I always loved you. I’m sorry I’ve passed away. This is a bit strange writing to the future. I know you’ve got a nice husband, lovely children, and a successful business. But there is something I need to tell you. Something that I couldn’t face telling you when I was alive. When you were a little girl, your daddy was put into prison and you’re mummy moved away. I adopted you when you were two years old. I’m not your real mum Jade. She’s still out there somewhere. Go and find her and build that relationship you had with me. But you’ll always be my special daughter. You will always be the one I loved. Love you lots, like jelly tots. Mum.

Jade bursts into tears and hugs Millie. The camera zooms out from the scene.

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JadeKieran Morris, Chloe Spencer, Holly Thomson

FADES OUT

CLOSING CREDITS

MUSIC ENDS

The letter that was never opened on the fireplace is seen in a still shot. The clock can be heard ticking in the background.

FADES OUT

END

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