Like Mother

Abstract

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: Ellie, an aspiring yet underappreciated pianist, has her world turned upside down when she discovers that a once-famous singer may be her biological mother. Determined to pursue her musical ambitions, despite objections from her conservative family, Ellie wrangles a job as the singer’s assistant; whilst withholding the truth about their possible biological connection. The two embark on a road trip to Wellington, where Ellie has a music school audition lined up and the singer is due to commence a comeback tour at a music festival, hoping to reignite her career. However, the trip is not smooth sailing. As revelations about the singer come to light and Ellie is confronted with the bleak realities of life on the road, she is forced to choose between returning to her comfortable yet suffocating home, or risking a future with the tumultuous yet enigmatic woman who may or may not be her real mother. The script is framed by an exegesis which is comprised of two parts: (a) a comparative analysis of films with a similar core story, and (b) the development process from synopsis to second draft.