Pitch Numero Dos

Feedback:

Meredith - While we discussed some technical aspects of my piece, I had a real breakthrough in my story with her input. We discussed mostly about Frank needing to struggle and that the plot as it stands revolves mostly a private life as opposed to a private life that becomes public. Additionally, are there consequences for his actions? Is that what motivates him? As she said, he either needs to struggle or have  an epiphany, which I thought was nice way of choosing where the plot will go. She also suggests adding another less involved set that stands for his home where he dresses up without facing the cruel eye of the public. It is only when he chooses to enter his office dresses as a woman that he reveals this side of himself to the public. So much good stuff.

Stephanie - A good friend of mine and fellow MCA student, she is a painter and illustrator. She also suggested more of a struggle for Frank, and mentioned some ideas about hesitation when he is in his office, questioning whether he should step out or not. Repeating some of his previous actions (like taking a shot) out of nervousness would also help drag out the tension of what he is about to do. Both Meredith and Stephanie suggested revealing more about his inner struggle and therefore taking away some of the punchline of the ending. I agree, as the sacrifice of having a surprise ending for further character development is really what I need to show growth in Frank's character. I am definitely implementing their ideas into my new pitch.

Synopsis:
Act One (Set Up) - Light pools through Frank's office window. Footsteps can be heard in the hallway. Frank is greeted half-heartedly offscreen a few times as he shuffles to his office door. His secretary types loudly as he passes her; she greets him boredly without looking up. His hands fumble with his keys and he jiggles the handle of his office door; it sticks and he mutters as he forces the door to open. His body is silhouetted in the frosted glass of the door, which also states his profession. He enters his office and takes off his coat. Rubbing his lower back tiredly he ambles over to a small wall mirror and examines his old, tired face. He then sheepishly shuffles over to his desk and settles into his chair. He maneuvers some of the files and papers around his desk, making room. Pulling out a bottle whiskey and a shot glass, he takes a shot. He rubs his face again, silently lamenting the ineffectiveness of the alcohol. He slides open a desk drawer and pulls out a plastic bag containing a lipstick tube and begins examining it as though it were evidence. He pushes it away forcefully and holds his head in his hands.

Act Two (Rising Action) - Transition to a bedroom where he is admiring himself in the mirror, wearing women's clothing. Now he is all smiles and seems at ease with himself. He starts to walk towards his door then hesitates, retreating back into the darkness of his room. He thinks about how people react to him, visually represented next to his head. His secretary laughs at him and he is emptying his office, forces to quite his job. Feelings of shame wash over his face. He sadly begins to remove his female clothing.

Act Three (Climax) - Back in his office, Frank settles into his chair. The liquor is already out he is fumbling with the lipstick tube again. He uncaps and stares at it, then looks up at the door. He motions like his about to apply it, then sadly pulls his hand down. His makes a grab for the bottle but it is empty. He sighs, then opens the bottom drawer of his desk. The woman's clothing is neatly folded and he smiles at it. He reaches for it, then hesitates. He looks back up at the door, and then a look of determination crosses his face. He reaches forward with purpose.

Act Four (Resolution) - Outside of his office Frank is silhouetted against the door. Back inside he reaches for the doorknob, hesitates once more, then grabs the doorknob with purpose. The door rotates open and Frank steps tentatively forward. At first his secretary does not appear to notice his entrance, but eventually looks up. She stares for a moment, and Frank begins to feel uncertain and settles backward slightly into his office, preparing himself for the worst. However, she surprises him by greeting him like she always has and goes back to her typing. He beams and steps forward into the room and down the hallway, where a chorus of his usual hellos meet him the same as always.

Man Mode!

Woman Mode!