Party Pieces
Not all friendships last forever...
THE STORY
Set in a large country house ‘Party Pieces’ is the story of a group of friends who come together for one extraordinary weekend. Hosted by actor and minor celebrity Simon, the party promises to be an opportunity for a little decadence and a chance to catch up. But underneath the veneer of friendly banter is a powder keg of resentment and personal rivalry.
During the weekend the couples have a particular duty to perform - they must all stage a PARTY PIECE. Be it a song, a piece of dance, a poem or a magical act, each couple must strive to entertain their fellow guests.
Simon met his friends at college 20 odd years earlier. The group staged an infamous student revue and this weekend is in part a tribute to that. Each of the friends brings a partner - some have been married for years, while others are just starting out. But all have compelling stories to tell about life and love.
And so we meet Ruth, an overly controlling woman who is baffled by her long term boyfriend’s reluctance for marriage. The ultra-confident lawyer Richard with his trophy girlfriend. The neurotic Samantha who has lived life from one disastrous relationship to another. Little Mike and Big Mike, a gay couple dealing with their own commitment issues. And Gerry and Bridget, a porn-film producer and his latest starlet.
The unique aspect of the story telling is that we see the weekend play out seven times - each time from the point of view of a different couple.
Each perspective adds to the total picture like a jig-saw. Gradually the full narrative of the weekend becomes clear - a weekend of shocking revelations, bitter betrayals and drunken brawls.
Yet amongst the emotional carnage the friends face their personal demons and come out of the experience much the wiser.
THE CONCEPT
Party Pieces is a multi-stranded movie, set in a single location over one very memorable weekend. The film's single location makes it achievable on a relatively modest budget. But the script's ambitious concept and compelling characters will make it attractive to named actors and ultimately a wide audience.
Achievable - Party Pieces makes a virtue of its single location which includes spectacular grounds and stunning interiors. Since the house already exists there is no requirement for further set construction. And the limited locations mean fewer filming set-ups reducing the production schedule to a mere four weeks.
Unique Story Telling - the film follows each couple in turn culminating in their 'party piece' on the Saturday night. The non-linear narrative makes the story ever more intriguing. In one story we see an ashtray flying out of an upstairs window - but why? In another a naked man runs along the corridor - but who is he? As each story is told the total picture builds. It is only at the conclusion of the very last segment that the whole becomes visible.
Casting Advantages - Party Pieces is an ensemble story containing fifteen roles. Each character has a powerful and challenging story to tell making the project a gift for actors. We expect to be able to attract a quality 'named' cast - partly on the strength of the script but also because the brief shooting schedule will help with actor availability.
Audience Appeal - Party Pieces will appeal to a wide ranging audience. It has the ensemble comedy of Richard Curtis's ever popular Four Weddings and a Funeral and Love Actually. And at its heart is a romantic comedy story making the film a perfect date movie.