Chicken Karma (script editor)

BACKGROUND Chicken Karma is a short satire depicting animal liberation as a comical form of "terrorism", depicting the greed of agricultural industrialists and inhumane and unethical farming methods. As script editor, Dethridge worked with producer and director to develop the narrative and strengthen and test the script. This involved researching Buddhism, ethical and moral issues, sustainability, and the ecology and politics of animal consumption. CONTRIBUTION As script editor for this controversial topic, albeit being treated lightly, Dethridge was not only addressing the practicalities and possibilities of the script (as the usual 'lifeline' between the creative and practical parts of the filmmaking team) but also preserving/protecting the story's integrity, and hence potential impact, by negotiating with the filmmakers to ensure the complex issues were treated ethically, with clarity and fairness. This provided new knowledge of the role of script editor as 'conscience'. She examined and analyzed the cultural and ecological issues of battery-hen farming; and the onscreen depiction of the Buddhist monk as a character. Ethical challenges included checking ethical, industry, legal and moral responsibility and liabilities in relation to their objectives in dealing with controversial subject matter. She also observed narrative technique in case studies of satirical comedy depicting animals throughout film history (ranging from Stanley Kubrick to Walt Disney) in order to support the director's narrative objectives. The script is highly innovative, blending practical, live-action storytelling, special effects and innovative camera work with a rigorous, high-impact account of issues, within an ethical framework. SIGNIFICANCE Awards: Creative Storytelling Honour, Montana Cine International Film Festival 2013; Peoples' Choice Award, Environmental Film Festival Melb. 2013. Also screened Flickerfest 23rd International Short Films Festival, Sydney.