Call Me Ralph: A Ryerson University Student movie project

Call Me Ralph

LOCATION: Toronto

EMPLOYER: Ryerson University

SHOOT DATES: Early November (around the first 2 weeks)

APPLICATIONS TO: Alex Bateman : ( callmeralph@gmail.com )

DIRECTOR:Nicholas Wong.

Please check out the website for more information on the film. Web: http://www.burdockrootproductions.com

SYNOPSIS:
For single parent Ralph, how he’s seen through his 7-year-old son’s eyes means the world. In his own eyes, he’s a failed artist working as a house painter - the perfect model for his son of what not to become. To keep his son, Zack’s, worship, Ralph has been leading him on to believe he’s a successful artist and famous illustrator. Little does he know, Zack’s been developing his very own liking to drawing and art - putting him on a track to be just like his father. When Zack’s class participates in "Take-Your-Kid’s-To-Work" Day, Ralph must come to a difficult decision: Keep his job a secret or show his son the reality of what this career path may lead to.

STYLE AND TONE:
Call Me Ralph is a 16-minute short film about a father and son and their discovery of what it means to follow a dream. It is a light and heartwarming story filled with humour as well as internal conflicts. Combining the father-son bond in Finding Nemo and the quirkiness of Little Miss Sunshine, the film will draw on low-key lighting and colourful visuals to tell its story. It will also be guided by a simple musical score and utilize a very natural cutting style.

The environment of Call Me Ralph is a simplified and somewhat naļve view of the world. The creative setting of the classroom is exemplified with bright colours while the boring nature of Ralph’s workplace is limited with a dull and stark palette. Characters too are a bit exaggerated and can be placed in two broad categories, though this will be treated with careful subtlety and believability. The hope of the film is to portray a world that is fascinating yet simple and easy to understand.

BREAKDOWNS:

1. Male / 41-50 yrs. / Any Ethnicity. RALPH: After four years of studying art at a prestigious school, Ralph feels he has nothing to show for it. Now in his 40’s, he’s a single parent working as a house painter and has almost given up his dream of being a renowned illustrator for children’s books. Though he may seem a bit immature and not quite ready for parenthood, his undivided attention and care for is son is like no other. Still burdened by the loss of his wife, he tries to steer his son in the right direction even if it means some pretty harsh life lessons for a 7-year-old. Ralph has an innocence and naivety about him that is probably driven by his love for cartoons.

2. Male / 6-10 yrs. / Any Ethnicity. ZACK: Like any normal 7-year-old, Zack is energetic, enthusiastic, sensitive and bold. Although his impulsiveness is something that often gets him in trouble, he always finds ways to get out of it with his innocent charm. Now in grade two, Zack loves going to school and has developed a zealous fascination with art, especially painting and drawing. This is encouraged by his elementary school teachers. He has a strong admiration for his father, Ralph. And though his mother’s death was something he didn’t really understand, it is something that has affected him more than he knows.

3. Female / 31-40 yrs. / Any Ethnicity. APRIL: April exists only in Ralph’s memory now after her death three years ago. But as Ralph remembers her, she’s kind, caring, and funny. Her supporting nature and bright personality is what helps Ralph through rough waters.

4. Female / 31-40 yrs. / Any Ethnicity. MRS. SPILCHUK: Having been an elementary school teacher for 5 years, Ms. Spilchuk knows all the inner workings of her classroom, but more importantly she knows how kids operate. Although she’s a bit sarcastic at times, she genuinely wants to help and give advice. Her complete passion and dedication to teaching is something that sets her apart from the rest of the teachers in the school.

5. Male / 31-40 yrs. / Any Ethnicity.MR.WEINSTEIN: He’s probably the most laid-back husband in the world, complying with all of Mrs. Weinstein’s demands. He has a strong sense of family and has a sincere care for his daughter and wife.

6. Female / 31-40 yrs. / Any Ethnicity. MRS. WEINSTEIN: As Ralph’s boss, Mrs. Weinstein is wealthy and successful and she sure didn’t get that way by being nice. She’s blunt, ruthless and doesn’t like to waste time. If there’s a point to be made, make it quick, 'cause she means business! With a narrow mind, Mrs. Weinstein has a strong sense of control, which she exudes on her husband and 5-year-old daughter. Her only failure and weakness however, is meeting the expectations of her parents.

7. Female / 5-7 yrs. / Any Ethnicity. TARA The Weinstein's daughter.

8. Male / 6-10 yrs. / Any Ethnicity. SIMEON: As Zack’s classmate, Simeon’s a snotty, bratty, spoiled kid with a dad that could probably beat up your dad.