Vitals change in screenplay

 What has changed?

   One of the main changes our group made was changing the gender of the characters. This was a result that was followed by a change in the actors (which would now be said as actresses :>). However, we all agreed that the change would not make any difference, as the story itself doesn't originally create for any particular gender.
    For the first part of the opening scene, we have also decided to shift more (possibly even most :) focus on the memories between the characters, to create more background context that would help bring more emotional impact on the audience. As the audience is given information about the two character's pasts, it would be a catalyst that can evoke a deeper level of emotional investment. I still want to keep that 'graphic match' though, as in the original script, but no longer of that scene when the protagonist was reminded of her friend from another person's eyes, I want that particular scene as an emphasis on the 'now and then' of this friendship, could be one scene when they are having a good time together and then followed by the protagonist sitting alone. It would draw more focus on the loss of the character, and the tragedy itself, which I guess would strengthen the link of sympathy from audiences.

    Then in the second part, when the two characters have a major flashback scene before the tragedy occurs, we would change from using dialogue to voiceover. This means that narrative is more one-sided and therefore, more personal. As all the events are directly told by the character, it breaks the fourth wall in between, enhancing this feeling of caring from the audience, at the same time, giving them a deeper understanding of the character. I personally don't think a 2-minute film opening won't allow us to give that much glimpse of the character, yet hopefully, the use of voiceovers might change that.