Scriptwriting excellence

yes. we do note our script is a bit brief for a film. when i read it , it is still one dimensional, overly blatant, resultantly bland lacking a professional natural touch we aimed to get. we sat down one evening planning on how we can revamp and construct a stronger and believable script.

Since publicity week is over, we now move our focus to the script. me and Kaywee had met. no major changes on our part, (unless martin comes up with amazing things) BUT do expect more 'color' injected into the script which we believe will make our inaugural film a smashing hit.

These are the key considerations in Damien's Monologue Version 3:

• Quirks and subtleties for Damien (character complexities think Heath Ledger's Joker)
• Set design
• Pace of film
• Framing, cropping of video cam
• Play with visuals (seeing and not seeing)
• Play with color and lighting
• Surprises
• Brushing up on rashness
• Metaphors and imageries in film

Also do note:

1. already tim had composed the song, "Serene" and also found us a band.
2. martin has volunteered his assistance to make better the script.
3. actors and actresses have been chosen from the wide response.

Update

Ii have finalized people who are involved in the film.

Proposed main cast:

• Damien- ryan chow
• serene- ?
• serene's bf- (her real bf/sam ng/tommy toh)

Also, 3rd draft of damien's monologue will come out, together with treatment as discussions of details have been done.

rhekki 1: serene's house

*To those who responded during the week:
during this publicity week i have a great positive response from friends and likely interested people. i have yet to meet with mr co-producer to discuss about our options but i will ensure that i will get to all who expressed interest in making this film a success asap.

Rhekki One:
ok the following images are settings for scenes around Serene's house
however the carpark scene i realised has to be done somewhere else because the staircase landing does not have a window looking out into a carpark. however it has to be nearby.to fully utilize the day. i will go rhekki again another day.

where damien hides behind pillars to look at Serene. i feel that this lift is not very nice, i'll probably fine another better somewhere in the vicinity. however damien's monologue is supposed to look real/raw whatever so ya the more in shambles things are the better it suits the story.



the rose scene where damien puts rose beside her head when she is sleeping. here is the walkway he lumbers through.



the rose scene's window where he places rose in. note the height of window is just nice for rose scene.



another view of the walkway.

Shortfilm screenings

Ok these are some possible screenings we can showcase Damien's Monologue after it is done.
FYI: these are, especially substation, for up and coming/new filmmakers wanting an audience for their shortfilm.
So YES people WILL see this when it is done and YES this will pay off.
FYI2: there are definately more from NAC, NLB and SFC but i did not bother checking. i believe as time passes, more opportunities will surface as royston's 12 lotus and jack neo's money no enough 2 becomes another local hit.

1
Sinema Showoff!
Where: Sinema Old School
When: Every Tuesday
What's on now: Refer to link, loner's trilogy.
Link: http://www.sinema.sg/oldschool/calendar/loners-trilogy/

2
Singapore Short Cuts
Where: National Museum of Singapore
When: An annual affair
What's on now: Most anticipated. This year is SSC's 5th year running. Dates: 12, 19, 26 July & 2 August. Times: 2 - 5:30pm. Admission: Free.
Link: http://www.nationalmuseum.sg/ (click on what's on and view 5th Singapore Short Cuts)

3

The Substation Moving Images Presents: First take

Where: The Substation
When: Every 1st Monday of the month
What's on now: It is actually a popular screening of new local short films and is followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers. A platform for new filmmakers and anyone who is interested in filmmaking to meet, exchange ideas and show their work. See the future talents of Singapore film!
Link: http://www.substation.org/whats_on/moving_images/now_showing.html#shortcuts

what is stopping us from filming as of now

(kaywee do add on if i miss out anything we discussed .)

Confirmation of the following:

1. Weenie can i use your house for a scene where Damien gives a rose to sleeping Serene?
2. Who has a mac computer for film editing? (preferably mac book pro or mac PC) otherwise we have to use my adobe premier which i don't really like. but thats being fussy.
3. can i use amanda/sophia's car for filming some scenes that requires it?
   

Casting of the following characters:

1. Serene.
2. Serene's boyfriend.
3. Random old lady (extra)
4. about 2 more extras.
   

Pre-production works:

1. Usage of SAJC as the school to film scene 1.
2. Rehearsals with Damien.
3. Photos (voyeuristic) of Serene
4. Composing of song

With all these done, Damien's Monologue can officially begin filming.

Damien’s Monologue Script (as at 150708)

Damien’s Monologue Script

As at 150708

3 main changes:

1. The ending changed to a more sad one.
2. Scene 6 and 7 swapped around.
3. Scene 8 removed.

Sypnosis

Romantic story of a boy who has a secret deep crush on a girl but is just too shy to do anything about it.

Scene 1 Introduction

Piano playing tune of ‘Serene’ song.

(Footages of important ceremonies shown. But video camera would subsequently veer away from activity or event to the many students and then focusing on one girl, Serene. She is sleeping discreetly from the boring speech, she is chatting with her friends.)

(Screen goes blank, Title of film appears in middle: Damien’s Monologue.)

Scene 2 Damien Bedroom

(Video camera is switched on and is attached to a tripod stand in front of the wall that audience realise is in a bedroom over a bed where light comes in from window at the right. Numbers at bottom of time and day like those of raw video footage. A pillow and bolster is strewn on the far right, a blanket is ruffled as if someone just woke up from it and left. A soft tune is playing in the background. Camera wobbles and shakes. A face appears from above as fingers appear at bottom of screen: Boy is adjusting the camera. He tsks and curses under his breath as the camera refuses to sit well on the tripod. After the camera is fitted properly, Damien clad in a singlet and boxers moves to sit on the bed for a while reading the last few instructions for his new digicam. Soon he regains composure and clears his throat.)

Hello I am Damien Ho Mun Tat. I am still in love with this girl name Serene Teo Xin Yi. This girl.

(Shows a photograph of Serene in an old copy of a student year book.)

I love her because she is the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen and her face look like an angel’s face. (he said with much joy. Lokoes up with dreamy eyes.) Her eyes are more beautiful than Felicia Chin’s. (Damien pouts.)Her lips is more sexy than Shu Qi’s. I love Serene Teo. (pauses in reminiscence.) First time, I met her is in secondary school. She was in class 4C and I was in 4H which is 1 level down from her classroom. From downstairs, I will always look up and gaze at her. That’s why I don’t do well in my studies. (Laughs at own joke. Then counts with fingers the folling information.) Also I was in the AVA audio visual club in school which means I in charge of the OHP, video equipment and other electronic gadgets. Every time her class need OHP, I would surely volunteer just so that I can see her once more.

Also every time I film for the school be it prize giving ceremony, teacher day, youth day, national day, I film the events well but then after a while, I will be distracted by Serene. And because of that, I was kicked out of the AVA crew. It was so embarrassing.

(He laughs)

Can you believe it?

(Looks away awhile.)

Now im in Ngee Ann Polytechnic doing engineering. She’s in JC. Time now is 7.12am.In 15 minutes time, Serene will come out from her home to go to her school. I know it because I just know everything about Serene.

(He gives a smartass smirk.)

(Scene cuts when Damien switches off video camera.)

(Video camera is focused on a blank wall again with names ‘DAMIEN LOVES SERENE 4EVER’.)

(Damien pastes torn photo of Serene and then a torn photo of himself side by side. Camera stays for a while then switches off.)

Scene 3 Serene’s Block

(Damien is standing against a wall looking rather impatient. He sighs and looks over his shoulder occasionally.)

I better not talk too loudly or else people will think I’m crazy. She’s not here yet. Waiting.

(Damien scratches chin and fiddles with lens. Elevator makes a sound and the door opens. Catches glimpse of Damien’s eyes that are suddenly large. Video camera rumbles into position but points at an old lady walking out of the lift. It is not serene.)

Choy choy choy. That is not my Serene okay. That’s some lao cha bor. My Serene is around my age. Long hair.

(Elevator makes sound again. Camera catches Serene wearing her Junior College Uniform and walking obliviously out and away.She is quirky in the way she dresses, has distinct styles as Damien will soon pick out. Damien zooms into her as well as her features as he discribes.)

There, my Serene Teo in her JC uniform. Notice the way she clutch her sling bag. She never ever uses the sling because I think she thinks that it will ruin her posture. It’s true you know. And she doesn’t like to tie her hair when her hair is still wet like that. I think that’s how she manages to keep such straight and soft hair. Also see her shoelace, one side orange one side pink. Very stylish I think.

(Camera shoots her back as she walks away from scene till she disappears at a bend beside a tree. Then camera veers to Damien’s face where he smiles before he switches off.)

And she’s gone…

Scene 4 Coffeeshop

(Camera is switched on again and Damien is seen looking around, trying to hide it from everyone’s view except his own and speaks without looking at the camera in a coffee shop. He then veers video camera towards Serene seating a few tables away.)

Now I am at a coffee shop. In front of me, you can see Serene eating by herself. Sometimes, she will eat with her friends. Today, she is eating alone. She always eat the same prawn noodle soup , not the oily dry kind like the normal people eat. You will notice that every time she take a mouthful, she have this quirk of sniffing her food first. There she goes! She sniffed did you see? Very cute don’t you think? Again! Now you see the way she eats the prawn, she will always pull off the tail with her mouth first. Such an unglamorous task still she does it so well. Then she will dip the prawn into the soy sauce twice.

(Food served in front of video camera as waist of oblivious aunty with waist pouch stands in front of the screen. She says, “You ordered oyster omelette right? Four dollars thank you.“ Camera eventually switches off.)

Scene 5 Damien’s Bedroom

(Sitting on the bed is Damien with a electric piano.

Today I am going to play you a song called ‘Serene’ which I wrote specially for her. Here it goes.

(He plays perfectly. As he sings his eyebrows arch upwards giving a pathetic sad look.)

Serene
I love the way, that you are Serene.
You’re the greatest girl, I’ve ever seen.
I wrote this song, especially for you,
Hoping that one day, you’ll love me too.

It’s hard for me, to keep feelings at bay
And it pains me deeply, each and every day.
Hiding behind, to watch you silently,
And pray that one day, you’ll be with me.

(chorus)

I’ve never wanted something, so much in my life.
I’ve never wanted anyone else, to be my wife.
But I only see you, from behind quietly,
And only wish you’d be with me, for eternity.

(bridge)
I can never love you,
Too good to be true,
You’re so near yet so far,
I still watch you from afar.

(Chorus)

(He sighs as he looks away and listlessly plays the piano and stops. In his eyes one can see a longing desire to be with her.)

(After a while, Damien switches off camera.)

Scene 6 Second level stairway

(He’s seated on the 2^nd floor stairway with ledge that overlooks car park, eating a pack of chips. 2 cans of red bull is strewn in a corner of the dirty floor as he squats dreamily for a moment. A car breaking sound resounds downstairs and the sound of a car door opens.)

I’m now waiting for serene at the 2^nd level of her block where she stays. I do this every Saturday night without fail because every Saturday night she will go out with her friends. Here I will catch a glimpse of her at her prettiest. From over here, it looks down to where her friend will always drop her off.

There here she comes… There she is. Wow! Look at how pretty she is!

Stunning.

Scene 7 Bedroom

(Video camera is facing the bed once again like scene 1. The guitar leans on the wall. Light is on and Damien hops onto the bed with a bolster propped up onto the wall. Bolster has Serene’s photo on it. He sits beside the bolster and looks at it for a while.)

We are all alone now. (He looks at the screen then looks towards the bolster.)

Serene.

(Touches her ‘face’.)

I want to tell you something…

(He whispers into the bolster.)

I love you.

(He puts ear on bolster.)

You are not sure?

But I really like you. I liked you since I saw you. I like the way you laugh and all the ways you do things. I liked the way you smile, the way you eat.

How do I know? Well, I have always loved you.

You never kissed before? You want a kiss?

You sure? Okay…

(Hand on ‘waist’, leg propped up. Damien moves his lips towards the bolster and almost kisses it when mother from outside his room knocks and shouts at him to do his work and not play computer games or daydream.)

Ya la. Studying la! And Damien switches off the camera.

Scene 8 Coffee shop

(Camera is switched on again and Damien is in the coffee shop again. He I staring at something for a while. He then veers video camera towards Serene and a male friend who is seating close beside her tables away. Damien does not sound very cheery.)

Right now you see Serene eating again but today… it looks like she is getting close with this… guy friend.

(Video camera zooms onto into her smiling face as she talks to the other guy.)

(Camera then zooms out a bit to capture the two.)

He looks like a gangster from the street. I don’t like the way he is leaning so closely to her and- I hope he will just be a normal friend to her then disappear.

(Her male friend looks up and sees him recording them.)

Shit oh shit!

(Damien immediately shifts away camera into bag beside it. A moment of darkness. Then camera comes out and is placed on the seat, an alternate view of Serene away from the view of the boy’s.)

Scene 9 Queuing up somewhere.

Serene and the guy friend out eating again.

(Camera fumbles around in his hands and focuses on the legs of them in front of him. He is queuing up directly behind Serene and the boy in MacDonald’s. Damien records the boy’s hands moving towards her waist and Serene pushes his hand away. Guy friend tries again but fails again. Hears Serene say, “Peter, stop it.”)

(Video camera pans away and switches off.)

Scene 10 Damien’s Bedroom

(A terrorist looking Damien dressed in a dangerous manner brandishing a toy gun that makes sounds stands in front of the same wall.)

I’m going to warn that young man that is touching my Serene. I’m going to warn him that if he ever does anything to my Serene I will not hesitate to kill him. I will cut off your head and hang it at the door frame of your house. I will kill your mother your father and all your brother sister aunty uncle. I will not hesitate to cut your body and cook curry.

(Damien breathes deeply. Pretends to do some form of sword dance but gets tired of it after a while and stops hopelessly and also stops the recording.)

Scene 11 Second level of Stairway

(Waits at same stairway again for Serene to come back from her Saturday out, eating potato chips and drinking red bull. Many recordings of complains that she has yet to turn up.)

Saturday night. Time 11.30pm. And she is not here yet. Sigh.

(Plays with red bull can.)

Time 12.15am. Latest she has ever came back. Where the fuck did she go?

(Rocking back and forth on the floor. Plays song on phone.)

Time 1.12am. What the hell is she doing. When is she coming back? I hope she’s not with that creep.

(Lying on the ground. Next recording sees him standing up.)

She’s here. She’s here.

( A car comes to the empty lot. Car door opens but does not open fully. Light in car switches on. Serene is seen lip-locked with Peter. His hand goes down her thigh. )

What he hell!

( Damien zooms in on what he is doing and curses. Hand wobbles. Camera slowly faces to his own face which was cold as stone. Aims camera back on them again and the red bull can on the ledge falls onto the 1^st level. Young man from the car stops kissing Serene and looks up. Damien immediately withdraws and bolts away Camera left wobbling up with him then turns off.)

Scene 12 Stairway of 2^nd level

(Damien is seen sneaking down the stairs he ran from. Shoots camera at his own face that is sweaty.)

His car is parked in the car park down there.

(Damien shows car park where the car still sits.)

He didn’t leave.

(Damien runs to the ground level and leans on wall. Peeps for a while and looks then hides and whispers.)

What the hell. They are making out at the table in the void deck. See for yourself.

(Video camera veers to peep from the wall and the couple is seen kissing particularly Peter who was trying to get hot and heavy.)

Chao Chee Bie.

(Switches off video camera.)

Scene 13 Damien’s Bedroom

(He is sitting slumped on the wall in his room with tears brimming in his eyes. Piano slumped by his side.)

I’m okay. I’m okay.

(Sniff. Curses. Closes eyes to control himself.)

Sniffs.

Serene. I thought. I thought maybe one day I will get a chance to be with you. That I will be the first one to be with you and make you feel happy. But- but now… I don’t know already.

(Plays piano. Coughs. Closes eyes and breathed. )
I love the way, that you are Serene.
You’re the greatest girl, I’ve ever seen.
I wrote this song, especially for you,
Hoping that one day, you’ll love me too.

(Wipes tears and continues.)

It’s hard for me, to keep feelings at bay
And it pains me deeply, each and every day.
Hiding behind, to watch you silently,
And pray that one day, you’ll be with me.

(chorus)

(More sobbing than singing and mucus flows.)

I’ve never wanted something, so much in my life.
I’ve never wanted anyone else, to be my wife.
But I only see you, from behind quietly,
And only wish you’d be with me, for eternity.

(bridge)
I can never love you,
Too good to be true,
You’re so near yet so far,

(Song slow and out of tune. Agonising time singing the words.)
I still watch you from afar.

(Damien sits there stoning for a long while. Lights a cigarette. Lighter shakes violently in his hand, making it impossible to light it.)

Chapter 14 Corridor of Serene’s flat

(Damien walks towards through a barely lit corridor of the HDB flat. Filming his every advance. her bedroom window and sees her sleep. Uses night mode and tapes her peaceful sleep. He places a rose beside her head and sings.)

It’s hard for me, to keep feelings at bay
And it pains me deeply, each and every day.
Hiding behind, to watch you silently,
And pray that one day, you’ll be with me.

(Sniff.)

(Hand stretches out to touch her cheek but she turns over the other side. He sobs uncontrollably. Embarrassed he switches off video camera.)

Chapter 15 Void Deck

(Damien stands at the void deck of Serene’s house. )

Damien: 7.20am. Waiting for Serene once again. (Sniff.) Not here yet.

(Damien veers view to lift that is not active. “HOI!” Shouted a man’s voice. Camera veers to his right and sees Peter standing at his far right walking towards him with clenched fists. Camera is ignored as Damien seems to be backing away. He pushes Damien to the wall and he slides down by the weight of Peter the boyfriend. The camera is left on the ground facing an empty void deck. he punches as camera records nothing but sounds and a blank floor till he was slammed onto floor.)

Peter: You freaking hell are the pervert always filming us right? You freaking like to film people right?

(Peter picks up the video camera and faces it at him as he kicks him. Damien writhes in pain. Blood is seen.)

Peter: Why are you recording Serene and me? Huh? The video’s mine.

Damien: Nooo!

(Videocam is seen moving away from Damien. Peter laughs. Then goes blank and static sound with lines flash on screen. Tape ends here.)

Chapter 16 Peter’s House

( Camera pans out and audience realise the whole video footage was being watched on a computer screen by the boyfriend, and a friend in a house. Peter looked pleased with himself.)

Peter: What a sucker.

Friend beside peter: That disgusting guy! My god! Lucky you whacked him up good.

Peter: Yeah. This guy is crazy.

Friend beside peter: Fucked up asshole.

(Serene appears at the door way of the bedroom.)

Guys I thought I told you we’re leaving now! What are you guys watching?

Peter: You’ll never want to see it.

Friend beside Peter: (laughter) Yeah.

(Both boys left the room. Serene goes to the desk to take her handbag. She then notices a video camera and picks it up. She gives a puzzled look, shrugs her shoulders and walks off. Attentive audience members will notice the rose is in her handbag.)

The End

The Song ‘Serene’ is played at credits.

Official Shortfilm Call Sheet

Hi all. this is the jpeg version of the email i will spam your mailbox. read it, agree to it and we'll see if we can pull you into the damien's monologue bandwagon.
Dont forget to chainmail/tag/poke/whatever to all your friends out there when i send you the email.
Click the images to enlarge.

Update

Thing to note. The script published here is NOT the finished article. Yes, the script is being refined at the moment, certain tweaks here and there will be made to enhance the story. For example, Chapter 18 will no longer be so. The ending has been changed because the current one you see...well it does seem kinda cheesy (serene touched...sings a duet with damien...erm). So, a new ending has been in place, but will not yet be revealed. We strive for a quality product, thats why we try to improve the material the best that we can. Stay tuned.

The co-producer's monologue

Alright, to kickstart my first ever contribution to this blog here, I am going to reveal some of my thoughts going into this project. Hopefully, it shall and will be my debut involvement in a film project and I am going to help Melvin materalise his story into a real short film and make his Damien come to life. First and foremost, for anyone's information here, I shall reveal our objectives going into this.
1) For fun. (We are bored with our NS lives and we need a stimulus, like a creative interesting project, to rejuvenate us.)
2)For experience. (Test the waters, see how it goes. Prepare us for 'The Big One')
3)For credibility and credentials. (Well that is if it ever turns out to be good enough to be recognised, and screened. Have faith.)
4)Build confidence. (We need it, we are virgin noobs)
Well, I agreed to go into this as I do recognise the potential of Melvin's concept and idea here. Damien, who i sees as a creepy lovelorn stalker with a tender side, is controversial and different. He is creepy and pitiful at the same time. Sweet lovelorn guys are just overdone these days, a bit of psycho factor can spice things up a lil. The vlog kind of concept and presentation is manageble, practical and unique, gives the film some sort of character and suits our resources (or lack of it) well. Basically, this film is economical, and has the potential to rise above mediocrity and stand out from all these 'artistic' shorts we have in Singapore. The never-out-of-fashion unrequited bittersweet love story, done in a refreshing style of reality-based storytelling, and throw in the creepy psycho factor. Sounds like a winner? Well we'll see. And I hope people will do see after it really becomes a motion picture.
Anyway, a main concern here. We do need a Pretty female lead. A girl who possesses the sort of charm that could stun Damien into such crazy obsession. Or at least make the whole notion seems remotely believable. A pivotal character that can define the film. And the best of all, she doesnt really even need to act. Just walk around in different outfits and act pretty, plain and simple. No brains required (not to say brainy girls are not welcomed of course). Well hopefully we can get our 'Serene' asap. Especially after posting this out. (If you can make your way to this website, I am sure you can contact at least one of us. Feel free.)
K thats all for now folks, I will return again if there are any snippets, updates, developments etc etc. Till then.

Open Roles

Roles open for interested people:

1. Serene
2. Serene's boyfriend
3. Composer
4. Band to play song
5. Helpers
6. Cameraman(best if he/she has experience in it.)

call for song

Call for singer/ songwriters
Hi everyone:

1. Melvin and Kaywee are not ubertalented individuals.
2. We cannot compose songs.
3. We need help.

3 things:

1. Tune for the song that will be sang by Damien.
2. Chorus for the song is yet to be composed.
3. A band to play a rock version of this song for the credits.

This is the song Serene so far.

Serene
I love the way, that you are Serene.
You’re the greatest girl, I’ve ever seen.
I wrote this song, especially for you,
Hoping that one day, you’ll love me too.

It’s hard for me, to keep feelings at bay
And it pains me deeply, each and every day.
Hiding behind, to watch you silently,
And pray that one day, you’ll be with me.

(chorus)

I’ve never wanted something, so much in my life.
I’ve never wanted anyone else, to be my wife.
But I only see you, from behind quietly,
And only wish you’d be with me, for eternity.

(bridge)
I can never love you,
Too good to be true,
You’re so near yet so far,
I still watch you from afar.

(Chorus)

proposed schedule for shoot

This is the filming schedule.
Filming will span thru 4 days.
5th day is optional.

Damien’s Monologue

THIS SHORT STORY WILL BECOME A FILM.

Proposed Cast so far

Damien Ho is Ryan Chow

Serene Teo is Natalie Yee

? is Peter (Serene's Boyfriend)

Serene's Friend is Amanda Ong

Timothy Wan is Song writer Composer for song 'Serene'

Melvin Tan is Scriptwriter/Director/Producer

Thong Kaywee is Co-producer

Mark Teng is Experienced Advisor

Henry Poh is On scene Screenshot Photographer

1. Interested personnel who would like to help out in anyway make it known to me.
2. More help the better.
3. Already have a video camera.
4. What's needed is a Macintosh Desktop Computer. Anyone with one or know anyone with it do inform me asap!

Sypnosis

Romantic story of a boy who has a secret deep crush on a girl but is just too shy to do anything about it.

Scene 1 Introduction

(Piano playing tune of ‘Serene’ song. Footages of important ceremonies shown. But video camera would subsequently veer away from activity or event to the many students and then focusing on one girl, Serene. She is sleeping discreetly from the boring speech, she is chatting with her friends.)

(Shows an old footage of a lesson being taught and filmed in a classroom with a video camera recording from the back. Damien wheels in an OHP into the class. Serene cannot be seen in the film but Damien is seen giving short but quick and nervous glances at a spot before walking out awkwardly.)

Scene 2 Damien Bedroom

(A camera pans past a wall of photos. A finger points to distinct sets of photos and Damien’s voice narrates the different significances of each photo.)

This is when she was walking to school. This was when she was doing a project at the school canteen. This is after an evening out on a Saturday. This was a performance she was involved in.

(Video camera is veers away and is attached to a tripod stand in front ofthe wall that audience realise is in a bedroom over a bed where light comes in from window at the right. Numbers at bottom of time and day like those of raw video footage. A pillow and bolster is strewn on the far right, a blanket is ruffled as if someone just woke up from it and left. A soft tune is playing in the background. Camera wobbles and shakes. A face appears from above as fingers appear at bottom of screen: Boy is adjusting the camera. He tsks and curses under his breath as the camera refuses to sit well on the tripod. After the camera is fitted properly, Damien clad in a singlet and boxers moves to sit on the bed for a while, gains composure and clears his throat.)

Hello I am Damien Ho Mun Tat. I am still in love with this girl name Serene Teo Xin Yi. This girl.

(Shows a photograph of Serene in an old copy of a student year book.)

I love her because she is the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen and her face look like an angel’s face. (he said with much joy. Lokoes up with dreamy eyes.) Her eyes are more beautiful than Felicia Chin’s. (Damien pouts.)Her lips is more sexy than Shu Qi’s. I love Serene Teo. (pauses in reminiscence.) First time, I met her is in secondary school. She was in class 4C and I was in 4H which is 1 level down from her classroom. From downstairs, I will always look up and gaze at her. That’s why I don’t do well in my studies. (Laughs at own joke. Then counts with fingers the folling information.) Also I was in the AVA audio visual club in school which means I in charge of the OHP, video equipment and other electronic gadgets. Every time her class need OHP, I would surely volunteer just so that I can see her once more.

Also every time I film for the school be it prize giving ceremony, teacher day, youth day, national day, I film the events well but then after a while, I will be distracted by Serene. And because of that, I was kicked out of the AVA crew. It was so embarrassing.

(He laughs)

Can you believe it?

(Looks away awhile.)

Now im in Ngee Ann Polytechnic doing engineering. She’s in JC. Time now is 7.12am.In 15 minutes time, Serene will come out from her home to go to her school. I know it because (silence as he thinks then speaks with assurance and clenched fists.) I have vowed to devote my whole heart and life to the beautiful Serene that I have fallen so in love with. And now that’s why I know everything. Everything about Serene.

(Scene cuts when Damien switches off video camera.)

(Video camera is focused on a blank wall again with names ‘DAMIEN LOVES SERENE 4EVER’.)

(Damien pastes torn photo of Serene and then a torn photo of himself side by side. Camera stays for a while then switches off.)

Scene 3 Serene’s Block

(Damien is standing against a wall looking rather impatient. He sighs and looks over his shoulder occasionally.)

I better not talk too loudly wait people think I’m crazy. She’s not here yet. Waiting.

(Damien scratches chin and fiddles with lens. Elevator makes a sound and the door opens. Catches glimpse of Damien’s eyes that are suddenly large. Video camera rumbles into position but points at an old lady walking out of the lift. It is not serene.)

Choy choy choy. That is not my Serene okay. That’s some lao cha bor. My Serene is around my age. Long hair.

(Elevator makes sound again. Camera catches Serene wearing her Junior College Uniform and walking obliviously out and away. Damien zooms into her.)

There, my Serene Teo in her JC uniform. Notice the way she clutch her sling bag. She never ever uses the sling because I think she thinks that it will ruin her posture. It’s true you know. And she doesn’t like to tie her hair when her hair is still wet like that. I think that’s how she manages to keep such straight and soft hair. Also see her shoelace, one side orange one side pink. Very stylish I think.

(Camera shoots her back as she walks away from scene till she disappears at a bend beside a tree. Then camera veers to Damien’s face where he gave an air kiss before he switches off.)

And she’s gone…

Scene 4 Coffeeshop

(Camera is switched on again and Damien is seen looking around, trying to hide it from everyone’s view except his own and speaks without looking at the camera in a coffee shop. He then veers video camera towards Serene seating a few tables away.)

Now I am at a coffee shop. In front of me, you can see Serene eating by herself. Sometimes, she will eat with her friends. Today, she is eating alone. She always eat the same prawn noodle soup , not the oily dry kind like the normal people eat. You will notice that every time she take a mouthful, she have this quirk of sniffing her food first. There she goes! She sniffed did you see? Very cute don’t you think? Again! Now you see the way she eats the prawn, she will always pull off the tail with her mouth first. Such an unglamorous task still she does it so well. Then she will dip the prawn into the soy sauce twice.

(Food served in front of video camera as waist of oblivious aunty with waist pouch stands in front of the screen. She says, “You ordered oyster omelette right? Four dollars thank you.“ Camera eventually switches off.)

Scene 5 Damien’s Bedroom

(Sitting on the bed is Damien with a electric piano and Timothy sits beside him with a guitar.)

Damien: This is Timothy my neighbour. We are going to play you a song called ‘Serene’ I wrote specially for her. You ready or not?

Timothy: Ya.

Damien: Here it goes.

(He plays perfectly and Tim joins. As he sings his eyebrows arch upwards giving a pathetic sad look.)

Hums.

I want you serene

Love the way you are Serene.

Love the way you are Serene.

You are always beautiful to me,

You are always beautiful to me,

Will you ever be with me?

Will you ever be with me?

Serene O Serene…

Oh Serene…

You don’t see my heart Serene.

You don’t see my heart serene.

Do you know how much

I want you?

Do you know how much

You are to me?

But you don’t even know me.

But you don’t even know me.

Serene O Serene…

Oh Serene…

Ohhh…

(He sighs as he looks away and listlessly plays the piano and stops. In his eyes one can see a longing desire to be with her. Timothy frowns at Damien. )

Timothy: Eh.

(Timothy nudges Damien.)

Damien: Huh? Sorry. That’s all.

(Damien switches off camera.)

Scene 6 Bedroom

(Video camera is facing the bed once again like scene 1. The guitar leans on the wall. Light is on and Damien hops onto the bed with a bolster propped up onto the wall. Bolster has Serene’s photo on it. He sits beside the bolster and looks at it for a while.)

We are all alone now. (He looks at the screen then looks towards the bolster.)

Serene.

(Touches her ‘face’.)

I want to tell you something…

(He whispers into the bolster.)

I love you.

(He puts ear on bolster.)

You are not sure?

But I really like you. I liked you since I saw you. I like the way you laugh and all the ways you do things.

I told you, I have always loved you.

You never kissed before? You want a kiss?

You sure? Okay…

(Hand on ‘waist’, leg propped up. Damien moves his lips towards the bolster and almost kisses it when mother from outside his room knocks and shouts at him to do his work and not play computer games or daydream.)

Ya la. Studying la! And Damien switches off the camera.

Scene 7 Second level stairway

(He’s seated on the 2^nd floor stairway with ledge that overlooks car park, eating a pack of chips. 2 cans of red bull is strewn in a corner of the dirty floor as he squats dreamily for a moment. A car breaking sound resounds downstairs and the sound of a car door opens.)

I’m now waiting for serene at the 2^nd level of her block where she stays. I do this every Saturday night without fail because every Saturday night she will go out with her friends. Here I will catch a glimpse of her at her prettiest. From over here, it looks down to where her friend will always drop her off.

There here she comes… There she is. Wow! Look at how pretty she is!

Stunning.

Scene 8 Back in his bedroom.

(You see Damien’s face again. But he is lying on the bed. Silence.)

(Damien breaks into a slow excerpt rendition of ‘Serene’.)

(Finishing the song, he kisses photo from wall. Hand shows a written name, ‘Serene’ and a heart on it.)

Scene 9 Coffee shop

(Camera is switched on again and Damien is in the coffee shop again. He I staring at something for a while. He then veers video camera towards Serene and a male friend who is seating close beside her tables away. Damien does not sound very cheery.)

Right now you see Serene eating again but today… it looks like she is getting close with this… guy friend.

(Video camera zooms onto into her smiling face as she talks to the other guy.)

(Camera then zooms out a bit to capture the two.)

He looks like a gangster from the street. I don’t like the way he is leaning so closely to her and- I hope he will just be a normal friend to her then disappear.

(Her male friend looks up and sees him recording them.)

Shit oh shit!

(Damien immediately shifts away camera into bag beside it. A moment of darkness. Then camera comes out and is placed on the seat, an alternate view of Serene away from the view of the boy’s.)

Scene 10 MacDonald’s.

Currently at MacDonald’s. Serene and the guy friend out eating again.

(Camera fumbles around in his hands and focuses on the legs of them in front of him. He is queuing up directly behind Serene and the boy in MacDonald’s. Damien records the boy’s hands moving towards her waist and Serene pushes his hand away. Guy friend tries again but fails again. Hears Serene say, “Peter, stop it.”)

(Video camera pans away and switches off.)

Scene 11 Damien’s Bedroom

(A terrorist looking Damien dressed in a dangerous manner brandishing a toy gun that makes sounds stands in front of the same wall.)

I’m going to warn that young man that is touching my Serene. I’m going to warn him that if he ever does anything to my Serene I will not hesitate to kill him. I will cut off your head and hang it at the door frame of your house. I will kill your mother your father and all your brother sister aunty uncle. I will not hesitate to cut your body and cook curry.

(Damien breathes deeply. Pretends to do some form of sword dance but gets tired of it after a while and stops hopelessly and also stops the recording.)

Scene 12 Second level of Stairway

(Waits at same stairway again for Serene to come back from her Saturday out, eating potato chips and drinking red bull. Many recordings of complains that she has yet to turn up.)

Saturday night. Time 11.30pm. And she is not here yet. Sigh.

(Plays with red bull can.)

Time 12.15am. Latest she has ever came back. Where the fuck did she go?

(Rocking back and forth on the floor. Plays song on phone.)

Time 1.12am. What the hell is she doing. When is she coming back? I hope she’s not with that creep.

(Lying on the ground. Next recording sees him standing up.)

She’s here. She’s here.

( A car comes to the empty lot. Car door opens but does not open fully. Light in car switches on. Serene is seen lip-locked with Peter. His hand goes down her thigh. )

What he hell!

( Damien zooms in on what he is doing and curses. Hand wobbles. Camera slowly faces to his own face which was cold as stone. Looks into the camera and shakes his head. Aims camera back on them again and the red bull can on the ledge falls onto the 1^st level. Young man from the car stops kissing Serene and looks up. Damien immediately withdraws and bolts away Camera left wobbling up with him then turns off.)

Scene 13 Stairway of 2^nd level

(Damien is seen sneaking down the stairs he ran from. Shoots camera at his own face that is sweaty.)

His car is parked in the car park down there.

(Damien shows car park where the car still sits.)

He didn’t leave.

(Damien runs to the ground level and leans on wall. Peepsfor a while and looks then hides and whispers.)

What the hell. They are making out at the table in the void deck. See for yourself.

(Video camera veers to peep from the wall and the couple is seen kissing particularly Peter who was trying to get hot and heavy.)

Chao Chee Bie.

(Switches off video camera.)

Scene 14 Damien’s Bedroom

(He is sitting slumped on the wall in his room with tears brimming in his eyes. Piano slumped by his side.)

I’m okay. I’m okay.

(Sniff. Curses. Closes eyes to control himself.)

Sniffs.

Serene. I thought. I thought maybe one day I will get a chance to be with you. That I will be the first one to be with you and make you feel happy. But- but now… I don’t know already.

(Plays piano. Coughs. Closes eyes and breathed. )

Looove…

Ahem.

Love the way you are … Serene.

(Wipes tears and continues.)

Love the way you are Serene.

(Song slow and out of tune. Agonising time singing the words. )

You are always beautiful to me,

You are always beautiful to me,

But you’ll never…

(Deep breath.)

But you’ll never be with me.

But you’ll never be with me.

Serene O Serene…

Oh Serene…

You don’t see my heart Serene.

You don’t see my heart serene.

Do you know how much

I want you?

(More sobbing than singing and mucus flows.)

Do you know how much

You are to me?

But you don’t even know me.

But you don’t even know me.

Serene O Serene…

Oh Serene…

Why?

(Damien sits there stoning for a long while. Lights a cigarette. Lighter shakes violently in his hand, making it impossible to light it.)

Chapter 15 Corridor of Serene’s flat

(Damien walks towards through a barely lit corridor of the HDB flat. Filming his every advance. her bedroom window and sees her sleep. Uses night mode and tapes her peaceful sleep. He places a rose beside her head and sings.)

I don’t want anyone

With you, but me Serene.

I don’t need anyone

But only you, my dear

Serene…

(Sniff.)

(Hand stretches out to touch her cheek but she turns over the other side. He sobs uncontrollably. Embarrassed he switches off video camera.)

Chapter 16 Void Deck

(Damien stands at the void deck of Serene’s house. )

Damien: 7.20am. Waiting for Serene once again. (Sniff.) Not here yet.

(Damien veers view to lift that is not active. “HOI!” Shouted a man’s voice. Camera veers to his right and sees Peter standing at his far right walking towards him with clenched fists. Camera is ignored as Damien seems to be backing away. He pushes Damien to the wall and camera drops on the floor and he punches as camera records nothing but sounds and a blank floor till he was slammed onto floor.)

Peter: You freaking hell are the pervert always filming us right? You freaking like to film people right?

(Peter picks up the video camera and faces it at him as he kicks him. Damien writhes in pain. Blood is seen.)

Peter: Why are you recording Serene and me? Huh? The video’s mine.

Damien: Nooo!

(Videocam is seen moving away from Damien. Peter laughs. Then goes blank and static sound with lines flash on screen. Tape ends here.)

Chapter 17 Serene’s House

( Camera pans out and audience realise the whole video footage was being watched on a computer screen by the boyfriend, Serene and a friend in a house. Peter looked pleased with himself.)

Peter: What a sucker.

Friend beside Serene: That disgusting guy! My god! Lucky Peter whacked him up good. Right?

(Silence. Serene stares into screen.)

Friend beside Serene: Serene?

(Serene tears and shakes her head. Camera pans down to her hand twirling a withered rose.)

Serene: I’m sorry I need to go to the toilet.

Chapter 18 Outside Serene’s House

( Serene walks out of her home and begins singing at corridor of her house. She duets with Damien who is in his room.)

Serene: I do want you Damien

I do want you Damien…

(not composed yet sorry.)

The End

The Song ‘Serene’ is played at credits.

welcome.