Short Film Script Prompt

**Title:** EXAMPLE **INT. KITCHEN – MORNING** A messy kitchen. Pancake batter everywhere. JESS (30s), ambitious but frazzled, is frantically flipping pancakes. Her son, LIAM (7), in pajamas, sits at the table with a “SHOW & TELL” box. **LIAM** Mom, can you help me pick something for Show & Tell? It has to be important. Jess, still juggling pancakes, glances at her phone’s clock. She’s late. **JESS** Honey, just grab something you like. A toy? Your dinosaur? Liam looks disappointed. **LIAM** No, I want to pick something that’s… an example. **JESS** (half-listening) Example of what? **LIAM** Of trying your best. That’s what Mrs. Potts said. Jess stops, puts down the spatula, and kneels to Liam’s level. **JESS** Well, what about your drawing from last week? **LIAM** But that’s just a drawing. Jess glances at the pancake—burning. She tosses it in the trash, smiling sheepishly. **JESS** You know, sometimes an example isn’t a thing. Sometimes, it’s a person. Liam thinks, then his face brightens. **LIAM** Can I bring you? Jess laughs, surprised and touched. **JESS** Only if you want the class to see your mom burn breakfast. **LIAM** That’s okay. You always keep trying. Jess hugs him. **JESS** I’d be honored, kiddo. They laugh; she hands him a pancake—slightly charred. **FADE OUT.** **Text On Screen:** Being an example doesn’t mean being perfect.