This thesis consists of practice-led research in the form of a full-length script for a feature film; plus, a 6000-word essay (exegesis). A summary of the script is as follows.

Bridget, a devout Catholic woman, returns to her role as beekeeper in her hometown of Mangonui to find that she has been replaced by young drug dealer, Skunk in anticipation of her employer, Delia’s retirement. As such, Bridget’s future is made uncertain. She simultaneously takes on the role of planning a local gala in conjunction with the church and attempts to avoid her estranged sister. Skunk and Bridget vie for the role of beekeeper and the attention of Delia with increasingly reprehensible behaviour.

The two come together when the bees they both so love are destroyed, leaving Skunk unemployed and Bridget in a deep depression. It takes losing those closest to her for Bridget to realise that her behaviour and conservative opinions are driving wedges between herself and her family. Upon understanding the error of her ways, she begins to make serious amends with those that she has offended. Having lost sight of her eminent redundancy, Bridget is surprised to be offered a home with her sister and her illegitimate daughter, Mary and a job as the local Church’s verger. Whilst Skunk and Bridget may never be friends, they find themselves allies in their small community.

The script is framed by an Exegesis which is a 6000-word essay on the subject of:

a) The genre of the script b) The development process from synopsis to second draft