In research,
we delved into how to communicate the emotional motivation behind drinking, as vividly as possible. From lighting to sound design to costuming and absolutely every piece of film, we seek to provoke the participants to problem solve and consider how to view the relevant topics and mediums from different angles. We are motivated by the stories of fellow friends and peers who underwent similar distress outlined in the film and  hope to engage with a diverse student body and faculty through inquiries and first-hand accounts of their experiences. We met with the local wrestling community and conducted research to gain insight about the history and performance art of professional wrestling to bring authenticity to our story. This project is meant to challenge the filmmaking medium to its wits end! All participants are dared to build their strengths as well learn something new while surrounded by unique and diverse perspectives.

 

Letter of Safety

As creators of the project, we find it our responsibility to address the fact that we are underage students looking to discuss the topic of drinking. The issue of underage drinking is an incredibly serious matter and not one we want to go about lightly. Following our freshmen year, we found in reflection  that our peers and fellow students had been exposed to difficult times due to drinking, often exclaiming the intense loneliness they went through. This leads us to consider their experiences and rooted disconnection entering a very transitional period within their lives. We seek to highlight this disorientation and to bring comfort through a narrative that gives back to a community who may have this source to relate to- who can reflect upon themselves to seek out the help or support they need.


Each member of this story is written to represent the wide group of individuals who are influenced by personal and social pressures. Our main character, Knockout represents the mass amount of students who make rash decisions out of lack of confidence and anxiety. Rather than punishing these emotions we want to tell a story that outlines how alcohol was not the solution to her troubles and rather a greater challenge she has to learn to overcome. Her friends represent varying levels of intoxication from sobriety to tipsy to drunk and yet all of them chose to take responsibility for their decisions while making an effort to keep Knockout safe. They encourage breaks, food, and hydration in attempts to create a safe environment for not just themselves but for others around them. On the other end, the other supporting characters, strangers to our main cast, often subconsciously create pressures for our characters to address. Then, of course, there is Liquid Courage who is the physical manifestation of alcohol that, with every interaction, escalates the scenarios and emotions that Knockout is attempting to avoid the responsibility of. The importance of the conflicts within the narrative are made to bring more awareness of pressures that maybe subtly appear or simply punch us in the face. The characters are young people who are susceptible to making mistakes and yet like everyone else are simply trying to find their place in the world. 

With this production, we understand that even with the narrative’s comedic tones, the underlying issue is not. We are aware of the concerns that may arise due to the issue of these concepts which is why it is our goal to address this challenging topic in a way that contributes to a community of students that are without supportive groups and devices of knowledge. Before, throughout and after we hope to connect without individuals around the Richmond community. We hope to discuss with people from all different backgrounds and learn more about their experiences to better implement narrative. For non-written actions, we hope to depict background information and situations that demonstrate party and drinking safety through the extras in the scenes remaining aware their drinks are being tampered with, checking on other’s safety, maintaining designated drivers, and giving space to individuals who don’t drink for other personal reasons. 


Within the final moments of the script, Knockout is given a water bottle by someone whom she has been jealous of for the majority of the film. The water is clear and something that is dreaded by Knockout. As juxtaposed by the alcohol that will be lit with color, it is to acknowledge the glamorization of drinking and her need to reflect on her behavior though the water bottle. It is embarrassing and difficult, but necessary. The movie concludes with her taking a sip of water, suggesting steps will be taken in the future to better consider her safety and well-being.