Borrowed Time has emerged from part of my own struggle to be a better person than my surroundings and dysfunctions have sometimes permitted. I wrote the screenplay with a low budget in mind, enthused by the modest conditions that will force simple and creative solutions, turning disadvantages into advantages, and therefore enhance the end result rather than inhibit it.

Through sensitive and composed static compositions, juxtaposed with sparse but well-times close-ups and camera moves, we will get the most from the very least, finding the sensational detail in the smallest moments and the magic of the mundane, while never losing sight of the bigger picture. I want to take the audience on a journey that builds momentum and emotionally engages with the characters throughout. From the start of the film, the story moves steadily towards a pivotal point of climax where the characters all come together, yet also all complete their own, well-rounded, individual arcs.

The blend of tense reality, absurdity, humour and tragedy is intended to amuse people and grab people’s attention, while at the same time playing on a spectrum of deeper and more subtle emotions.

On the surface, the film is about the characters’s struggle to overcome obstacles in their lives, as well as their own fears and dispositions. Kevin needs to grow up and Philip needs to rediscover his youth. Their parallel stories are directly influenced by each other as well as metaphysically connected; Kevin’s struggle to do right by his family is contrasted by the threat of Philip’s solitude. On a deeper level, the film is about the subconscious motivation to fill the vacant roles in their lives. Philip needs a family, and Kevin’s fractured family needs a positive older role model. The coming together of the surrogate family unit is the cohesive element that binds the film.

The film is enriched by the underlying theme of simply being alive and finding a way to enjoy the limited time that we are here, contrasted by the constant threat on Kevin’s life, Philip’s defeatist attitude, the dead animals and stark environments.

The suburban wasteland reflects the inner turmoil of the characters and my former self. Recently I have found it to be vibrant and full of life, rather than bleak and colourless; I believe this reflects a fundamental shift in my own attitude, and how my own view of this world has evolved over time. I will show both sides of this place as the characters grow.

A muted visual palette will be contrasted by splashes of vibrant colour, representing the place through the innocent eyes of Kevin’s nephew. A soft and subtle soundscape will evolve into a full classical score with an electronic edge as the pace of the film escalates towards the climax.

Suppressed and unspoken emotions will add depth to performances, which will be approached with specific sensitivity, situations made as real as possible for the actors, even comic or absurd moments seeming natural and convincing.

Jules Bishop