My Imaginary Accountant
Format
6 x 20 minute TV Show.
Script
Pilot script exists and can be requested.
Logline
Nikki has an imaginary friend named Asim, a 40-year-old Pakistani accountant with dreams of becoming an astronaut. Following her dad’s passing, she adamantly refuses to attend therapy, fearing that it might cause Asim to vanish.
Themes
Grief, Comedy, Family, Death, Surrealism, Coming of Age
Concept Art by Kevin Ua-Wanapaksa
Story
Nikki, a 10-year-old from a small countryside town in the Midlands, has been struggling to make friends at her school. Her mother Mel attributes this struggle to her father’s passing almost a year ago. Since then, Nikki has developed a bond with an imaginary friend named Asim, a 40-year-old Pakistani accountant with dreams of becoming an astronaut. Nikki’s lack of real relationships and constant troublemaking prompts Mel to seek a child therapist. Nikki resists, fearing therapy will make Asim vanish, but gradually, Asim convinces her of its benefits.
The story threads different characters into Nikki’s life, from whom she learns valuable lessons. Some characters are real, while others are imagined by Nikki, leaving it up to the audience to decide which are which.
When Nikki realises Asim is encouraging her to go to therapy, their relationship turns sour, and Asim "goes back to his country" for a while. With her mother’s support, Nikki understands Asim was trying to help her. She sends him a letter apologising and attends her therapy session to talk about her dad’s passing.
The next day, Asim shows up in a full astronaut suit. He couldn't come earlier because he was busy preparing for his space mission after NASA accepted his application. Asim invites Nikki to watch his launch. Together, they cycle through the woods to the (imaginary) launch site. With a tearful goodbye, Nikki waves farewell as Asim's rocket ship soars into space.
Episode 1 Nikki helps Yusuf find his own imaginary friend. After a dangerous failed attempt, her mother Mel decides to find a child therapist for Nikki. Nikki and Asim become convinced that the therapist, Aisha, is there to make Asim disappear, so they plot to "get rid" of her.
Episode 2 Nikki and Asim discover that therapist Aisha is actually Yusuf’s mother. They abandon their plan to "get rid" of her and instead spy on her, searching for a weakness. During this search Asim starts to realise that therapy is not as dangerous are they think.
Episode 3 Nikki and Mel are still at odds. In desperation, Mel "talks" with Asim, explaining the situation and asking for help. Asim finally realises that Aisha the therapist isn't a threat and is there to help Nikki, so he starts collaborating with Mel.
Episode 4 Nikki finds out that Asim is working with her mother to convince her to go to therapy. Feeling betrayed, Nikki and Asim have a disagreement, prompting Asim to "return to Pakistan." making him disappear.
Episode 5 Nikki and Mel are forced to spend a day together at home due to flooding in their town. They uncover the truth about her father's passing—it was suicide. Nikki finally understands that Asim and her mum are trying to help her. The episode also showcases Asim's life back in his home country, his family pressures, and his unfulfilled dreams.
Episode 6 Nikki writes an apology letter to Asim and attends her first therapy session. Afterward, Asim appears in a full astronaut suit, having decided to follow his dreams thanks to Nikki. With a tearful goodbye, Nikki waves farewell as Asim's rocket ship soars into space.
Character Arcs
Nikki's Character Arc Nikki begins as a lonely and troubled 10-year-old, struggling with the loss of her father and feeling disconnected from the world around her. She initially resists any attempts to help, especially therapy, believing it will make her imaginary friend Asim disappear. Over the course of the series, through her interactions with Asim, Yusuf, and her mother Mel, Nikki learns to face her emotions and understand the reasons behind her father’s suicide. She begins to see therapy not as a threat but as a tool for healing. By the end, Nikki transitions from a state of anger and resistance to one of acceptance and growth, ultimately understanding that the world isn't against her and that help can come in many forms.
Asim's Character Arc Asim starts as Nikki's imaginary friend, a 40-year-old Pakistani accountant with dreams of becoming an astronaut. Initially, he serves as a comforting presence for Nikki, reflecting her need for stability and support. As Nikki influences Asim, he begins to reassess his own unfulfilled dreams. Throughout their journey together, Asim learns to follow his dreams inspired by Nikki’s “getting-things-done” mindset. Finally he quits his job as an accountant and becomes a NASA astronaut.
Yusuf's Character Arc Yusuf starts off feeling isolated and turns to the idea of having an imaginary friend, much like Nikki. With Nikki’s help, he creates his own imaginary companion. However, through their interactions and shared experiences, Yusuf learns the value of real friendships. He discovers that he doesn't need imaginary friends to connect with others; instead, he gains confidence in forming genuine relationships.
Mel's Character Arc Mel begins as a concerned mother who is deeply worried about Nikki’s well-being and the impact of her husband’s death on their family. She initially tries to manage Nikki’s grief in conventional ways, such as seeking therapy for her. Throughout the series, Mel learns that children cope with grief differently and that Nikki’s imaginary friend, Asim, plays a crucial role in her healing process. Mel's journey involves understanding the importance of giving Nikki space and respecting her unique way of dealing with loss.
Tone References