"By Accident" is a heartfelt 'short' drama that blends the solitary struggle of "The Wrestler" with the serendipitous charm of "Little Miss Sunshine," telling the story of a parking attendant with screenwriting aspirations whose life takes an unexpected turn when he accidentally leaves his script in a customer's car.

SYNOPSIS:

SYNOPSIS:

"By Accident" opens in the modest kitchen of KEN, a man in his fifties with a quiet demeanor and a passion for screenwriting. The scene is set with Ken retrieving a cup of noodles from the microwave, the stack of empty cups in the trash hinting at his simple and solitary lifestyle. He sits at a table, blowing on the noodles, while his laptop screen illuminates the room, suggesting a routine of solitary meals combined with work or a hobby on the computer.

Later, Ken is shown typing on his laptop, his dedication evident as he works into the night. The clacking of keys is the only sound, highlighting his commitment to his craft. This is a man who, despite his mundane surroundings, is driven by a deep passion for storytelling.

The next day, at a parking garage where Ken works as a parking attendant, his friendly rapport with customers is on display. He greets MRS. TURNER, a regular with a high-end car, and MR. REED, an older man in a business suit, with polite, accommodating dialogue. Ken's aspirations are revealed when he's alone in Mrs. Turner’s truck, admiring the car and expressing his dreams of success: "One day, I need a manager, then get me an agent so I could sell one of my scripts. This is my dream ride."

Ken's routine continues, but his dedication to writing does not wane, as he is up at 3:00 AM, typing away. The glow of the laptop screen in the dark room serves as a beacon of his unwavering commitment.

On another day at the parking garage, the routine nature of Ken's job is highlighted as Mrs. Turner arrives in a different car. Later, in a quiet moment, Ken reads a printed script inside a BMW, his passion for storytelling evident. However, he is startled by a customer and, in a moment of carelessness, accidentally leaves his script titled "BY ACCIDENT" in the car.

Realizing his mistake, Ken reports the incident to his manager, emphasizing his honesty: "...It clearly was by accident. I chose to tell you because I want to be transparently honest with you sir." The manager, while considering the implications of the incident, contemplates a suspension and further action, reflecting the potential consequences of Ken's mistake.

After the conversation with his manager, Ken is seen forlorn on the street, the weight of his actions bearing down on his morale. His dream seems further away than ever, and his future at the garage uncertain.

Back at Ken's house, the tension in his life is palpable. A past due rent notice adds to the stress, and Ken hesitates to answer an unfamiliar call, fearing more bad news. However, the call from WILLIAM TURNER from Apex Talent Agency takes an unexpected turn. Initially, Ken mistakes the call as another repercussion of his mistake, but it quickly becomes an opportunity. William Turner expresses interest in Ken's script, a twist of fate that suggests Ken's accidental loss may lead to a chance at realizing his dreams.

CHARACTERS:

Ken - A man in his fifties, Ken embodies the quiet determination of a dreamer caught in the grind of everyday life. His simple lifestyle and solitary meals contrast with his vibrant inner world of storytelling. Ken's character arc takes him from a dedicated but unnoticed parking attendant to a hopeful writer on the cusp of a breakthrough. His behavior and speech are marked by politeness and a hint of resignation, reminiscent of Mickey Rourke's character in "The Wrestler."

Mrs. Turner - A regular customer at the parking garage, Mrs. Turner is affluent and seemingly indifferent to Ken's aspirations. She drives high-end cars and represents the success that Ken yearns for. Her character serves as a catalyst for the plot, inadvertently setting Ken's dream in motion by being the owner of the car in which he leaves his script.

William Turner - A representative from Apex Talent Agency, William Turner is the bearer of unexpected good news for Ken. His phone call marks the turning point in Ken's life, offering a glimmer of hope. William's character is a deus ex machina, a sudden and unexpected agent of change, similar to the character of Tess in "Working Girl."

KEY THEMATIC ELEMENTS:

The Dream Deferred - "By Accident" explores the theme of deferred dreams and the quiet persistence required to chase them. Ken's nightly writing sessions and his day job as a parking attendant illustrate the sacrifices and dedication needed to pursue one's passion.

The Serendipity of Success - The film delves into the unpredictable nature of success, showing how a seemingly disastrous mistake can lead to an unexpected opportunity. Ken's accidental loss of his script becomes the key to unlocking the door to his dreams.

Honesty's Reward - Throughout the narrative, Ken's honesty is a defining trait. His decision to report the lost script to his manager, despite the potential consequences, underscores the theme that integrity can lead to unforeseen rewards, as exemplified by the call from William Turner.

The Solitude of Creation - "By Accident" portrays the solitary journey of creation, with Ken often seen alone with his thoughts and his writing. This theme reflects the isolation that often accompanies the creative process and the personal fulfillment that can be found within it.