Treatment (shared with other group members)

Treatment

Synopsis:

‘Me VS M.E’ takes its title from the video diaries of a young man diagnosed in 2011 with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.) It reflects on his life coping, and helping others with this debilitating, but misunderstood condition through use of his video diary's on Facebook and Youtube.

Main characters:

The documentary features Ren Gill, a 23 year old musician and performer who was prevented from achieving his dreams and ambitions as a musician at the age of 19. After many years seeking medical help both in England and in America he was eventually diagnosed and during his search for a cure, he tried many different forms of treatment, trying to shed light on his illness. This included strict diet control, medication, psychologists and many other forms of treatment offered on the National Health and at Private Clinics. Once diagnosed he discovered that there was still very little help for M.E sufferers. He decided to help other's in the same position as himself and to share his knowledge and experience of coping with M.E. with others via social media. As the condition is a topical and misunderstood issue which many people have difficulties understanding and talking about, hearing ren talk openly exploring these issues is emotive and eye opening. Ren answers questions and shares his experiences of the medical treatments he has received, and success of his video diaries. The documentary encapsulates the past 3 years of his Ren's life, from his diagnosis through to his journey of recovery.

Story structure:

The story will begin by showing Ren as a young and talented musician. Scenes of him busking will cause the audience to believe that he is busking and wonder why he is busking, playing with their expectations. The fact that he suffers with M.E will be later introduced, adding a new dynamic to the documentary. The documentary will then follow the story of his illness, his journey through recovery, his feelings, his experiences of sharing the condition, and how he has helped others. The end will focus on how he turned a negative situation into a positive one, and that there is hope for all sufferers of M.E.