The Visa
A jilted, downtrodden, child-longing Scottish paralegal discovers a loophole in the system, and convinces an illegal Albanian immigrant to try and impregnate her, with the prize of a visa if he is successful
Prospective Theatrical feature.
Drama/Black Comedy
August 2020 draft: 106 pgs.
Writer.
Having had to flee his native Albania, architect Pavlo Bublik at least enjoys ‘freedom’; but as an illegal immigrant-cum-undocumented asylum seeker, his city of haven is a dubious refuge. Finding himself as an enslaved night worker, cleaning office toilets for below minimum wage, he’s now desperate for a visa.
'The Visa is a highly original black comedy with a social conscience and a huge heart' - Industrial Scripts
'The script has truly enthralling character arcs and backstories and would make a fascinating indie drama if given the chance to shine' - The Black List
See full SCRIPT COVERAGE
Door-mat in love life and downtrodden at work, paralegal Cathy Salcoats has just been transferred to the law firm’s immigration department. When the dishevelled Pavlo appears in her office, he’s not just a client... he’s a solution.
Attached as 'Cathy - SHAUNA MACDONALD
The Descent, Filth, Ripper Street, Swung, Moondogs, The Nest, The Cry.
Attached as 'Pavlo' - CHRIS RYMAN
London Fields, The Secret Agent, 'Bulent' in Count Arthur Strong, 'Malchus' in Killing Jesus, 'Leo' in Home.
The Visa’ is a character-driven story with a hard, realistic edge - a comedy with a conscience. In its essence, it’s a story about the lengths two incongruous characters will go to if sufficiently desperate and driven; but there are a number of elements that distinguish this film from the mere will-they-won’t-they. It’s a film about collisions and contradictions. Cathy & Pavlo come from worlds apart, yet her immigration lawyer and his asylum-seeker couldn’t be a more seamless fit. The undercurrent of shared goals and obstacles is obvious - Cathy’s biological imperative will echo with many women, while Pavlo’s need for safe haven taps into one of the most emotive and controversial societal issues of our day. This contemporary backdrop provides a canvas against which the consequent high-stakes comedy is played out.
