A Star Is Gone [A Short Film by Sunway University students]

Summary

Pei Lin, a makeup YouTuber, is approached by a confident manager who persuades her to sign a contract and pivot from rap to pop. Under intense coaching she reluctantly records a pop single, skyrockets to international success, and becomes a viral sensation. Amid fan frenzy and environmental critiques (about using plastic straws), her image takes hits when media suggest she appears intoxicated and rude to a fan. Facing backlash, she records an apology-style video reflecting on her choices and emotions. The script follows her rapid rise, the pressures of fame, and the fragile balance between authenticity and celebrity persona.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pei Lin is a makeup artist who transitions into a pop star after being approached by a manager who believes she has potential in the music industry.
• 😀 The manager encourages Pei Lin to abandon her makeup career and focus on becoming a pop star, signing a contract that promises fame and success.
• 😀 Despite initially being skeptical, Pei Lin signs the contract and starts her music career, shifting from rap to pop music under her manager's influence.
• 😀 Pei Lin's first concert as a pop star is a major success, with tickets selling out in minutes and fans expressing both excitement and mixed feelings about her new direction.
• 😀 Her manager pushes her to adopt a more commercial pop style, emphasizing emotional performances and more fan-friendly, marketable music.
• 😀 Pei Lin faces criticism for allegedly being high in her Instagram videos, leading to rumors and negative media portrayals of her image.
• 😀 Some of Pei Lin's fans express disappointment over her shift from rap to pop, with some of them feeling she is no longer true to herself.
• 😀 The media begins to paint Pei Lin in a negative light, suggesting she's lost touch with her original identity and values.
• 😀 After experiencing stress and confusion, Pei Lin posts a heartfelt apology, explaining that she’s been trying to please others instead of focusing on what makes her happy.
• 😀 Pei Lin's journey highlights the pressures of fame, the conflict between personal passion and public expectation, and the importance of staying true to oneself.

Q & A

What is Pei Lin's main talent at the beginning of the story?

At the beginning of the story, Pei Lin is primarily known for her makeup videos and tutorials on YouTube.

How does Manager S convince Pei Lin to pursue a pop music career?

Manager S convinces Pei Lin by complimenting her rapping skills and promising her success in the music industry, showing her how many clients he's helped become famous.

Why is Pei Lin hesitant to sign the contract with Manager S?

Pei Lin is hesitant because she is passionate about makeup and rap, and is unsure about switching to pop music, which feels more forced than genuine for her.

What happens during Pei Lin's first concert?

Pei Lin's first concert is a massive success, with her selling out the venue in just 10 minutes and receiving crazy fan reactions, making her an instant sensation.

Why does Manager S want Pei Lin to switch from rap to pop music?

Manager S believes that pop music is currently more popular and commercially viable, and that it will help Pei Lin gain more followers and achieve greater success.

How does Pei Lin's public image change as she transitions to pop music?

As Pei Lin transitions to pop music, she gains widespread fame and success, hitting number one on international charts, but her personal image becomes more scrutinized by the media and fans.

What critique do some fans express about Pei Lin's behavior and image?

Some fans criticize Pei Lin for appearing high or drunk in her recent Instagram videos, and the media portrays her as a 'bad role model,' affecting her public image.

What does Pei Lin apologize for in her final video?

In her final video, Pei Lin apologizes for her recent actions and explains that she's doing what makes her happy, signaling her decision to pursue her true passions moving forward.

What social issue is briefly highlighted in the script involving Pei Lin's use of plastic straws?

The script briefly touches on environmental concerns, with criticism aimed at Pei Lin for using plastic straws, which contrasts with the growing trend of using more eco-friendly alternatives like metal straws.

What does Pei Lin’s manager think about her interest in makeup?

Manager S dismisses Pei Lin’s interest in makeup, telling her to stop focusing on it, as he believes pursuing pop music is the key to her success, showing his disregard for her original passions.