FADE IN
Act 1
INT. STUDIO - 10:00
Staring at the guitars and the Clavinova near him, PETER is in thoughts.
PETER (V.O.): Having done a new song for a good friend days ago, I've the urge to write a general one.
Opening "Notes" on his mobile, Peter taps the "Lyrics" folder and opens a blank page.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): I want the song to resonate with the Cantonese audience. So the lyrics should be natural.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): By my insistence to compose meaningful and melodic spoken Cantonese lyrics requires lots of intellectual effort.
Pondering for a moment, Peter's eyes light up and a sense of inspiration fills the space.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): I've thought of a way to rhyme the meaningful lyrics...
Grabbing a 12-string acoustic guitar, Peter strums the chords of Am, F, C, G and nods.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): I'm experimenting with this chord progression.
Act 2
MONTAGE OF PETER'S CREATIVE PURSUIT
A. Trying to sing his Cantonese lyrics, Peter pauses a few times to edit them.
B. Verse by verse, and with a simplified chorus, we gradually hear a catchy tune.
C. Opening the iMovie app on his mobile, Peter creates a project entitled "Zero-distance Encounter".
D. Playing the guitar to the beats of the rhythm box, Peter sings. He stops recording after two takes.
END MONTAGE
EXT. RESTAURANT - 14:30
Peter is enjoying a plate of oily fried noodles with sliced beef.
PETER (V.O.): Sometimes, I just have to treat myself, even if it isn't the healthiest choice.
Savouring each bite of the noodles, Peter checks the Yahoo! Finance app on his mobile.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Oh, the Hong Kong stock market is doing relatively good after a seven-day fall in a row.
INT. STUDIO/ STUDY - 15:00
With a contented belly, Peter lies on a sofa to have screentime.
PETER (V.O.): I've just fixed my next professional appointment. Meanwhile, I can go slow.
We see Peter watching slow-motion photography of wild small birds visiting a "hand of snacks".
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Their peaks can manipulate and break apart food items. And their saliva can moisten the food, making it easier to swallow.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): I read that some may have a crop at the base of their throat so that food can be temporarily stored there until there's room in the stomach.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Nature has its way.
As Peter loses himself in the mesmerizing footage, we hear a radio anchor reporting: It's 5.pm, Hong Kong time.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): I'm having a lazy afternoon...
Walking over to the Clavinova, Peter begins to practise the keyboard and improvise notes in a relaxing way.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): I believe the key is to understand the musical concept and structure.
Tunes fill the room.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): I know inspiration will strike again soon.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): I spent countless hours listening to songs, but I didn't grasp the songs' fundamentals until recently.
DAYDREAMING SEQUENCE OF PETER'S GOING BACK IN TIME
A. Sitting beside a young PETER, Peter guides him on the fundamentals of composing.
B. Peter teaches the young Peter about rhythm, timing, and chord progressions.
C. Peter advises the young Peter to write trilingual songs with catchy tunes.
RETURN TO PRESENT
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): If the crimson horizon was open to me at sunrise rather than at sunset, the oldies I'm listening all the time may include some of mine!
Sighing.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Now, I've to console myself that it's never too late to be what I might have been.
Act 3
INT. STUDY - 22:30
Working on a laptop, Peter inserts an AI drawing entitled "Crimson Horizon" into a draft.
PETER (V.O): Crimson associates with passion and intensity. Horizon implies the possibilities and the unexplored.
Pondering.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): Actually, Crimson Horizon has a certain melodic quality and a memorable rhythm when spoken aloud.
Pondering.
PETER (V.O.)(Cont'd): The colour crimson is the warm smile of Nature. I'm for it, as I'm part of it.
FADE OUT
THE END
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