Planning for film idea

After finally realising a serious drama isn't for me and that a feel-good drama is, I can now plan my film plot:

A journey of improvement and the determination of an aspirational girl – Ruby Livingstone. She constantly dreams her way out of society to move forward and escape. She doesn't share the same hopes and values the people around her have as well the immense pressure from school is an attribute to her constant daze; this is what drives her to fixate on her dreams. She dreams of becoming successful in the capital’s centre yet her lower-class background of suburban London is what is stops her, as well as her ethnicity. The reality is to prove the hindsight of prejudice in how it limits people.

Closely referring to Todorov's theory on what a basic story should hold, I put my narrative into a simpler and basic structuring:

Equilibrium – Living in a struggling and dull environment, she constantly fantasies about breaking out – seeing what life really holds, rather than the constant routine an ordinary girl has in a less-fortunate environment.

Disruption - Still relating to the equilibrium, only things worsen and family life starts to become intense, with only one friend to seek solace from, parents are very traditional and to the point, they tell her that her that she won't go far, she cannot escape because “people from here don't move on.”

Realisation - Ruby sees what’s holding her back, yet it’s the force that pushes her forward to succeed.

Resolution - Not the typical, happy ending type of story. She realises her desires aren't reachable due to not having an impressive background, this will teach the audience about prejudice etc.

Setting - For the setting, I have chosen suburban London, such as places like estate blocks such as Brownfield in East-London, as I find something quite iconic about it and how many famous subcultures are founded here. I want to go against the typical "British" stereotype that only international people would believe (like tea, scones and an overly posh accent) and focus more on the less-fortunate lifestyle that only the people whom are familiar with will understand.

However, this will alter in her "dreams" of becoming a major in financial side of London, places like Old Street, Canary Wharf and other high-end areas.

Rough, gritty and imperfect.

Juxtaposed to the image on the left, beautiful architecture, abstract shapes and elegant.

Theme - Having a running theme of inspiration, infecting the audience with Ruby's determination. Because it's a feel-good drama, I need to include attributes of happiness, passion and sympathy so the audience is affected by Ruby's narrative. Furthermore, a sense of reality and fantasy will be apparent due to how Ruby is in a constant daze which leads her snapping back into reality.

Iconography - Consequently to the setting, the kea iconography will be run-down flats that depict her living environment as less fortunate. Whereas, tall skyscrapers will emphasise her dreams of becoming successful in finance.

Narrative - See above.

Characters - 

• Red Madrell, from Kidulthood, will be playing the protagonist "Ruby".
• Geraldine James, from Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, will be the antagonist "Ruby's mum".
• Freya Mavor, mostly known from Skins series, will be playing Ruby's friend "Amber".
• Dom Gilet, commonly known from Eastenders, will be the antagonist father alongside Ruby's mother. 

Style - I desire dim-lit scenes throughout her reality of living in the dull and miserable council estate being juxtaposed with the colourful and brightly-lit scenes of her dream. Emphasising the lightness in her life trying to break down the darkness.