Creating a comedy short film is all about timing, chemistry, and, of course, memorable characters. Each character in the short film serves not just as a part of the plot but as a unique piece of the comedy overall.
The Main Character: Ashley Lawson
At the heart of the film is Ashley Lawson, a type B character who’s about to face the pressure of an important interview for a financial analyst position. Ashley is bright, a little awkward, and somewhat unsure of herself in the high-stakes world of corporate America, but tries her best to stay confident through it all. This is what makes her relatable, and it sets the stage for the humor that unfolds throughout the film.
Ashley is what is known as the “straight man” in the comedy; she is the character who doesn’t necessarily play for "laughs" but whose reactions highlight the absurdity around them. So her response to her circumstances is Ashely's contribution to the comedy. From the moment she steps into the office building and encounters the chaos of the receptionist, to her increasingly bizarre interview questions from Kate Carson, Ashley’s journey is filled with comedic situations that force her to navigate through awkwardness and confusion. Her charm comes from her attempts to remain calm in the multiple encounters of ridiculousness, creating a good contrast to the more eccentric characters she meets.
The 'Love Interest': Christopher Matterson
Enter Christopher Matterson, the "love interest" character whose connection with Ashley ends up taking an unexpected turn. When Ashley first enters the office building, she meets Christopher when she bumps into him. They only share a brief moment, but it is enough to spark some chemistry between them. At this point, neither of them knows just how they will meet again.
What makes Christopher’s role particularly interesting is the twist that comes toward the end of the film. He’s not just the charming guy Ashley first meets at the office – he actually ends up being her boss. The reveal of this relationship adds a layer of comedic irony to the plot. The dynamic between Ashley and Christopher serves as a major comedic element, with Ashley’s initial impression of him being completely wrong.
The Receptionist
The receptionist does not have a name, but this character’s disorganization is key to setting the tone of the film. When Ashley first arrives at the office for her interview, she’s greeted by the receptionist, who is anything but helpful. The receptionist fumbles through basic tasks, misplaces information, and gives Ashley the wrong directions, creating a chaotic and humorous introduction to the office world.
This unhelpful interaction not only kicks off the comedic energy of the film but also sets up Ashley’s journey through the office. Her first experience in this corporate environment is based on confusion and frustration, but this is the encounter that really starts the film’s comedic tone, where nothing goes as planned.
Random Other Interviewee: Nerd
A nerdy, socially awkward character also interviewing for the financial analyst position which will add an extra layer of humor to the story. While Ashley is busy trying to navigate her interview, the random interviewee adds a sense of competition. He’s the kind of guy who talks a little too much about irrelevant details, making the situation even more awkward for everyone involved.
This character serves to highlight Ashley’s discomfort in the office setting. Their brief but humorous interaction adds to the growing sense of absurdity as the characters both compete for the same job. The moment between Ashley and this interviewee is one of those classic "awkward but funny" scenes that defines the genre of office comedy.
The Freaky Interviewer: Kate Carson
Kate Carson, the HR interviewer, starts off by asking Ashley typical questions you'd expect in a job interview. However, as the interview progresses, Kate's questions take an increasingly strange and bizarre turn. What begins as a standard conversation quickly devolves into absurdity, as Kate asks Ashley questions that seem completely unrelated to the job at hand.
This is where the comedic climax of the film occurs. Kate's unpredictable nature and the bizarre questions she asks are what make her role so memorable. Her character represents the unpredictability of the office world where, sometimes, things just don’t make sense. She pushes Ashley to the brink with her absurd queries, creating some of the funniest moments in the film.
Each character in this short film plays a crucial role in the story. From Ashley’s awkward navigation through the interview process, to the receptionist’s disorganization, and the bizarre interview questions from Kate, the film is driven by the humor that emerges from these interactions. It’s a comedy that relies on the contrast between the ordinary (a job interview) and the extraordinary (the weird characters and situations that arise). Ultimately, the characters are what make the film feel cooler, adding layers of humor that keep the audience engaged.
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