writingcamp + The Medix Race

Week 1: The Outline

Blurb: In a world where healthcare is reserved to the deserving only, Reality TV is some people’s best shot.

Characters:

Claire: young 20 something. Her sister needs a kidney transplant but as a middle-class family, they do not qualify for that level of healthcare. Likes puzzles and games but is not very athletic.

Vanessa: Little sister, 10 ish years old, curious and artsy, wants to draw manga when she is old enough. Still goes to elementary school. Doesn’t feel good these days, stuck with a fever. Her kidneys are shutting down and she will need a transplant in a few months.

Jeffrey: TV producer and presenter, charismatic but self centered, looking for the next star. Gives the impression he cares.

Jane: Claire’s friend, went to high school with her. More down to earth. Goth inspired look? Wants to create her own business.

Peter: Vanessa’s best friend is a quiet kid who reads a lot.

Claire’s mother

Claire’s father

Contestant: Plumber

Contestant: Gym trainer

Laura: Contestant, Hairdresser. Friendly at first

Contestant: Engineer

Scenes: 

1.       Claire enrolled in the health race to save her sister.

2.       Privatization and a lack of meds made the government pass a law that only the worthy can use hospital resources (midwives excluded)

3.       The Medix Race is a Reality TV show where contestants use wit, speed and physical prowess to win 5 years of full medical services (including chronic conditions). Even the second and third place get enough for Vanessa’s needs.

Scene1: Claire is a middle-class girl who is on the verge of starting her new career as a programmer. She is lucky because her parent’s jobs insure a decent access to doctors and basic medicine. She had good scores in her (online) classes, so she managed to secure a job as a junior programmer. Vanessa is sick and everyone thinks it is only an infection.

Scene2: It is not just an infection, Vanessa needs a new kidney and it’s not covered by their parent’s health service. TV spot for the Medix Race

Scene3: Claire thinks about applying but does not want her family to know. The race is dangerous, and she is not sure she will be selected. She sends her application as a Hail Mary. She is surprised when Jeffrey calls her for a screening test. She needs to go discreetly.

Scene 4: Claire meets 2 potential contestants and must explain, on camera why she wants to compete. She knows at least some contestants will be cut. She makes a friend, Laura.

Scene 5: Claire is chosen and must tell her family and friends (and job).

Scene 6: Getting to the hotel and meeting all the contestants before the first day of the race.