Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Origins and Conception
The narrative begins with David Brind and Adam Salky collaborating on a graduate film assignment at Columbia University. Their short film explores two boys meeting unexpectedly amid champagne and adolescent bravado, gaining festival acclaim.
Key Events
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Short Film Conception — Classmates pair up for a graduate film program assignment.
Location: Columbia University
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Pool Night Encounter — Two boys meet unexpectedly amid adolescent bravado.
Location: Swimming Pool
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Festival Circuit Premiere — Short film gains acclaim across multiple festivals.
Location: Film Festivals
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Feature Development — Expansion of the short into a full-length drama.
Location: Film Studio
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Directorial Vision — Salky steps out of comfort zone to direct Brind's script.
Location: Columbia University
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Script Writing — Brind adapts the narrative structure for cinematic release.
Location: Writing Room
Premiere and Introduction
The feature-length adaptation premieres at Sundance, introducing a suburban prep school setting. Three distinct teenagers navigate a semi-romantic triangle while concealing their true selves from peers.
Key Events
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Feature Development — Expansion of the short into a full-length drama.
Location: Film Studio
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Sundance Premiere — Feature film debuts to initial audience and critics.
Location: Sundance Festival
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Prep School Introduction — Establishment of the safe suburban academic setting.
Location: Suburban Prep School
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Casting Process — Selection of Rossum, Springer, and Gilford for lead roles.
Location: Casting Office
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Character Exploration — Rossum delves into the complex teenage psyche.
Location: Rehearsal Room
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Romantic Tension — Subtle romantic cues heighten interpersonal dynamics.
Location: School Courtyard
Collision and Revelation
Hidden identities unravel as the teenagers wobbly psyches collide. Romantic tensions peak and self-discovery becomes unavoidable, pushing characters toward emotional confrontation.
Key Events
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Triangle Dynamics — Romantic and social tensions escalate among students.
Location: School Hallway
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Identity Concealment — Characters realize no one appears as they truly are.
Location: Private Rooms
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Psychological Collision — Wobbly psyches force direct confrontation and self-discovery.
Location: School Grounds
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Romantic Tension — Subtle romantic cues heighten interpersonal dynamics.
Location: School Courtyard
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Adolescent Bravado — Teenagers engage in risky new directions and bravado.
Location: Party Venue
Resolution and Legacy
Critical reception highlights the film's sharp writing and compelling performances, earning award recognition. The story concludes with a successful sequel campaign and festival premiere.
Key Events
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Psychological Collision — Wobbly psyches force direct confrontation and self-discovery.
Location: School Grounds
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Critical Acclaim Emerges — Industry reviews highlight crisp writing and compelling cast.
Location: Press Room
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Award Recognition — Rossum wins Young Hollywood Award for her performance.
Location: Savannah Festival
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Sequel Kickstarter Launch — Creators initiate crowdfunding for the original short sequel.
Location: Online Platform
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Funding Milestone — Campaign surpasses goal with over 200 backers.
Location: Production Office
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Sequel Filming Begins — Principal photography commences for the sequel project.
Location: Los Angeles
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Frameline Premiere — Sequel short film premieres to festival audiences.
Location: Frameline Festival
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Final Confrontation — Emotional climax forces resolution of hidden identities.
Location: School Gym
