This is a brief backstory/character summary primarily written to 'brief' my actor, though it will be useful reference to my set designs and writing of the script.
Backstory, Plot and Character Summary:
Set in modern-day/slightly distant future,
June Gieson (Pronounced Guyson) is a student and the
19th test subject in a leading experimental facility (a role she willingly volunteered and applied for). She is referred to as '
Number 19' in research documentation. The 'facility' is testing a new form of
implant that is said to enhance the human body, to
'upgrade it' (there is a suggestion it is electronic). These implants are endorsed by a well known/successful company and therefore the the facility is trusted, with the experiments seen as 'exciting opportunities' by most. June is a little cocky due to being generally high-achieving and sees the experiment as a form of competition, something she can 'Win at'. Though she was accepted for the experiment, which is seen as an honour by most people as it is hard to get past the application stage, she is still disappointed she didn't make 'The Top 10', who are rumoured to be having a higher level of implant/treatment. She is quite naive and believes herself special, a part of her imagines she will be at the forefront of the experiments success and gain social recognition for it. Despite her cockiness she isn't rebellious and in general trusts the authority and systems she is under as they are what determines and dictates her success and high achievements (she follows the rules and therefore gets recognition from them). In a way she seems a little brainwashed by them.
After the implant has been embedded into her arm, June is allocated
a room in which she spends most of her time when she is not being tested by scientists in white coats (who document her strength/stamina /reflexes/intelligence etc.). She is told to document her thoughts and feelings into a camera daily, especially if she feels any significant changes. She does this and documents the following information.
Initially she is enthusiastic and excited about the experiment, but gradually becomes a little tetchy and over-energetic. These manifest themselves into slight twitches (nothing too severe, eg. a wince in the face that cause her to scrunch up an eye). Once her bandage on her arm comes off she's a little concerned about the inflammation around her skin and expresses worry that the implant is acting strange. When speaking of the experiment in general, now with a tone of slight anxiousness (her confidence fading) she mentions her lack of interaction with any other test subject, there is perhaps a hint, a suggestion, that something has happened to them. She is starting to become a little unsure of the experiment as she experiences side effects, yet still attempts to cling onto her enthusiasm. Quieter now she carries on creating video logs, her arm once again bandaged after being 'rectified' (though June suspects it has been tampered with). During one such video documentation she admits to feeling incredibly strange and suggests she no longer wants to partake in the experiment, her face twitching slightly. She nervously puts a hand to her face which causes it to
glitch,
causing a visible wave of electric like light under her skin, lighting up her eye. Panicked (she doesn't see it but felt it) she gets up and knocks on her door asking to be let out to see someone because she 'feels strange'.
Short-Film Concept:
The story would be told through a compilation of the videos June creates, possibly compiled by the scientists, which would cause the edit to focus on the progressive states of her reaction to the implant. Therefore everything would be either said or suggested by June and her surroundings, hopefully connecting her to the audience (especially since she will be looking directly at the camera). Using After Effects I would add the glitch effects in the last shot.
