Screenplay Response to Image

Group members: Amber, Julie and Dhanvi

Fade in

Ext- Deserted post-apocalyptic land - daytime
A support dog (Benjamin) and a young woman (Carrie) carrying a briefcase stand in the centre of an isolated, dried out terrain, the only signs of life, other than the two of them, are minuscule bushes of dehydrated grass. There is a car on the far right end of the long shot which other than a few minute scratches and dust particles, looks practically brand new.

Carrie
Strange, isn’t it? It feels like just seconds ago, I was driving around to go to my daily coffee and now it’s just me and you buddy. You and me against this empty, isolated world.
(Carrie recites this in a mind-blank, flat manner due to her post traumatic stress.)
Benjamin
I see how this might provoke your negative thoughts but it’s essential to look for the silver lining in these circumstances. Now we have the whole world to wander together.

Carrie proceeds to nod and while doing so, she drops her briefcase causing it to open. A pill full pill bottle flies out and rolls along the cracked, dry-soil ground. Carrie quickly picks it up, glares at Benjamin, and stuffs it back into her bag.

Carrie
I guess it would be exciting to see the world. We’ve always wanted to travel to Chile and this is the perfect opportunity to take Lola out on a road-trip.
(Carrie points to her well-kept car.)

Benjamin
Good progress, optimism is key! Your feelings are starting to woof!

Carrie
Sorry, Benji. What did you say?

Benjamin
Oh! My sincere apologies, I meant ‘enhance’.

Scene cuts

Int - Car - daytime
Benjamin and Carrie sit on the two front seats of the car. To the viewer’s surprise, Benjamin is the one driving, his two paws glued to the steering wheel.

Carrie
Benji, how long do you reckon this ride will take? You know that I can’t handle long rides in such a confined space. Claustrophobia, am I right!

Benjamin
Humour isn’t a good coping mechanism, I woof woof woof.

Carrie
I hate it when you don’t articulate, be clear!
(Carrie starts to turn red.)

Benjamin
Sorry, woof woof woof woof.

Carrie
What are you doing? Why are you talking like that? Why is this ride taking so awfully long?
(Carrie now starts to pace and aggressively fiddle with her fingers.)

Benjamin
WOOF.

The camera pans to Benjamin and slowly zooms onto his blurred dog tag. It then focuses on its content which reads ‘Carrie’s schizophrenia guide dog’.

Scene cuts