Yearn for the Helpdesk
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Jul 2, 2024
- 3 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. STUDY - 09:30
Checking his emails, PETER sees one with three attachments.
PETER (V.O): The HKUST Committee secretariat has prepared thank-you letters for me to sign as Chair...
Thinking.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I can sign them electronically, in seconds.
Tapping a Fill and Sign app, Peter sees: Select a form to fill out.
PETER (V.O (Cont'd): The easy way for me is to take pictures of the letters and insert my pre-created signature.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): But the look and feel of pictures aren't appropriate.
Peter focuses on the options of "Email attachment" and " File Brower".
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Not sure how these actions would work with the app.
Act 2
FLASHBACK
INT. LANDS DEPT - DAY (1980-1981)
A typing pool. Peter (25) passes some handwritten drafts to a TYPIST.
PETER (V.O): I know my handwritings are hard to read.
INT. LEGAL DEPT - DAY (1985 - 1986)
Peter passes some handwritten drafts to SECRETARY#1.
PETER (V.O): I focus on the law and let my secretary deal with the look and feel.
INT. IFOR EVANS HALL, LONDON - NIGHT (1986 -1987)
University residence. Peter (32) types very slowly with an electronic typewriter.
PETER (V.O): I'm typing on expensive thermal papers, and I can't afford to have typos.
INT. LAW REFORM COMMISSION - NIGHT (1988 - 1991)
Peter (33) is working before a Wang desktop.
PETER (V.O): With this machine, I can work all the time.
We hear someone making a remark: I won't learn to use the computer!
INT. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPT - DAY (1991)
Peter (37) stares at an Acer desktop on his desk.
PETER (V.O): I've my secretary but not a computer. This is my personal computer as I can't work without one these days.
INT. CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS BUREAU - DAY (1998)
Having knocked the office door, SECRETARY#2 passes some covering letters for Peter (44) to sign.
PETER (V.O): Being seconded to the Bureau for six months, I've to take my secretary with me.
INT. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPT - DAY (1999 - May 2014)
Peter calls SECRETARY#3.
PETER: I can't access to my confidential emails. Please get in touch with the Helpdesk.
RETURN TO PRESENT
Peter taps "Email attachment" and reads the instructions.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Go to your email app and open the PDF or image attachment to view it. While viewing the attachment, tap the Share button and choose Open in the app.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Have I got it?
While viewing an email attachment and clicking a box with an arrow coming out of it, Peter can't find the app.
INT. RESTAURANT - 15:30
Having Wonton noodles and Red Bean Ice, Peter researches with his mobile.
PETER (V.O): I need a break. I've also tried the "File Browser" option. But neither I nor the app can locate the files.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Should I sign the letters in the old way and return them by hand to the secretariat?
INT. STUDY - 18:15
We see a frustrated Peter signing the printed letters by hand, scanning them and then emailing them.
Act 3
INT. STUDY - 21:30.
Peter inserts an AI drawing entitled "Yearn for the Helpdesk" to a draft.
PETER (V.O): I'm longing for the robust secretarial and technical support I used to have accessed to.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I feel strongly the wide gap between the streamlined process of the past and the challenges I face now.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Anyhow, it's a must that I strive to update my technological competence to stay relevant.
FADE OUT
THE END
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