Previously, I have mapped out the story and character connections in the post titled Deluge Story Draft. The next step in the process is developing the scripts. Firstly, I am developing a pilot script that aims to introduce the character dynamics and inciting incidents. Therefore this script will take on a more introductory role rather than dealing directly with the core themes and generic conventions.
I then plan to write an audio oriented script that will be developed into a podcast. The purpose of the podcast is to successfully interweave the disaster and murder mystery plots and to put the characters in challenging situations that will develop their overall arcs. In order to focus on the dramatic aspects of the story, the events that take place later on in the plot, after several plot points have been established. The podcast will place the audience directly into the action, when the character’s lives are at risk because of the flood, and the threat of murder resurfaces. Therefore, some contextual information will need to be relayed prior to listening to the podcast, in order for the audience to understand the current character dynamics.
I also aim to place emphasis on the class tensions inherent in the script as the upper class Hughes family must interact with the lowest members of society, including the prisoner Joseph Taylor. Class will also be reflected in the lexicon and pronunciation used by each person, as the Hughes characters will have British heritage and speak British Standard English in a cultivated British accent, while Joseph Taylor speaks the common Australian vernacular English derived from lower class British English. The performance of the Australian and British accents will add to the tension without an explicit mention to each individuals socio-economic background.
Therefore, the pilot script aims to introduce the characters, the status quo and establish some character dynamics. Whereas the podcast script aims to skip directly to the action, and reveal hidden agendas, secrets and challenge the characters in a way that develops their character arcs.
