About this page... I talk about being a writer a lot in interviews. In addition to my material in Thoughts from the box and the Lyrics Vault I have been working on various scripts for the big or small screen. The objective is to give them some exposure with the intention of getting them read and in the right hands someday to put them into production and distribution. We shall see what happens. I ask you to share my vision.
I have provided the opening scenes for Shallow Running and Green Eggs and Ham. Complete scripts are available upon request. I am working on adding Rising Apart, and Half-Life of Joe Fifty. The following are still onconceptual form only: The Final Blow, Best of Enemies and The Reinvention of Eve Nobleman.
SHALLOW RUNNING
Concept:
Two rival alien species - both able to shapeshift into human form - unbeknownst to each other, have come to earth. One to call it home and the other to prepare it for colonization. We can only hope one finds the other before its too late. Now, the script...
FADE IN:
“ON A PLANET SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE UNIVERSE”
EXT. RIVER'S EDGE – DAY
Emerging from a thick patch of trees is young, athletic female, FRANCIS ABRAMS, running.
She is a “Toxoid” - an alien species able to transform to/from human shape from/to a thread like organism by which they are able to navigate through water. The transformations and travel are done in water that is preferably acidic.
EXT. RIVER – CONTINUOUS
Along the top of the water, following a fast current through curves and large rocks. Francis comes up from the water, standing at the rivers edge. She looks around quickly then dissolves into the water. Camera moves further downstream and over a waterfall and into:
EXT. CALM WATER
Francis emerges from the water and runs into thick bush.
Within seconds, SIDNEY ABRAMS, comes up out of the water. He is also a toxoid. He crushes a pair of balls. When the crumbled bits hit the water, the river turns a deep shade of red. He dissolves back into the river.
EXT. CLEARING IN THE WOODS - MOMENTS LATER
A weak, stumbling Francis appears. She is quickly helped by DEBBIE KERR and CARL GREEN.
Debbie and Carl are "Hydroin" - an alien species just like toxoids except hydroins require alkaline water.
They take Francis by the arms and carry her to an awaiting space ship.
FADE TO BLACK
"EARTH - DATE UNKNOWN"
INT. BEDROOM OF STAN GREEN - NIGHT
Sixteen year old STAN GREEN jolts up in bed. He is the Hydroin-Toxoid offspring of Carl and Francis.
STAN
Angie! Angie! Angie!
Thirty two year old Hydroin ANGIE KERR, enters the room. She switches on the light.
ANGIE
What's the matter?
STAN
I just had a really scary dream. My mom was being chased by this guy. She went down this river then ran into a forest where your mom and my dad were waiting for her.
ANGIE
That wasn't quite a dream.
STAN
What do you mean?
ANGIE
It's what we call a "Nacaro," a type of night vision.
She sits next to Stan on the bed to listen and comfort him.
ANGIE
You see, when your mother and father gave you birth, the life went out of them in order to give life to you and your sister. At that point you didn't just get their genetic make-up, you also got their memories. You'll see moments of their lives when you sleep.
STAN
How come this never happened before?
ANGIE
It's our form of entering puberty. It's a signal you're passing into manhood.
STAN
You mean I can start learning about Processing?
ANGIE
Yes. Now get some sleep. You have a long day ahead. Good night.
EXT. BACK STEPS OF THE LOUISVILLE HOME - AFTERNOON
Although the Hydroins each have different last names, they function as a typical earth family under the name of Louisville. Angie and Wayne act as parents to Stan and Estelle with Morgan as the live-in aunt.
The house is spacious and beautifully painted. The back yard is large with a shallow man-made pond in the middle, surrounded by rocks, shrubbery, a small stretch of lawn and a greenhouse at the back.
Stan is on the steps. Hydroin female, MORGAN VANCE, appears out of the pond and walks over to Stan.
MORGAN
Hey Sport. Looks like you're waiting for someone.
STAN
You, actually. Angie told me you'd teach me about processing today.
MORGAN
I see. So, I heard you had your first nacaro. Scary?
STAN
Yeah!
MORGAN
Dont worry, they get better. Well, let's get started. I've waited a long time for this day. You picked a great day for it
STAN
What makes this such a good day?
MORGAN
I don't know. I guess any day would be a good day for it.
GREEN EGGS AND HAM
Yes this is an adaptation of the famous work by Dr. Suess. I wrote it after seeing the sour addaptation of Cat in the Hat. As I would not sell this without approval, I think what I am doing is perfectly legal. Now, the script...
FADE IN
EXT. NEIGHBOURHOOD OF HOUSES - MORNING
The camera sweeps along a traditional suburban street except that it has been designed by someone with the DNA of Vincent Van Gogh and Carmen Miranda. The imaginations of Dr. Seuss have meet with the confines of the real world wherein the only limits are those loosely set by the laws of physics. Colors are strong. Edges are rounded but defined. Each house has its own distinct nature. Especially that of the Worthie family.
The camera continues to move slowly but the focus remains on the Worthie home. It is both purposefully playful and esthetically charming.
Tighten focus on the half (basement) window between the front door and the garage
INT. WORKSHOP OF HUGO WORTHIE - MORNING
Middle aged, professional trouble shooter HUGO WORTHIE is getting ready for work. He fills his briefcase with an all-in-one screwdriver, WD40 spray, sewing kit, felt markers, flashlight, ball of elastics, small hammer and duct tape (of course). He shuts the case, then puts on his tall, stylishly droopy top hat. Looking out the window, he takes a deep breath and smiles.
INT. KITCHEN - SAME
Organizational expert, MYRTLE-ANNE WORTHIE, is preparing lunches for her family. She finishes the job, putting a cookie into each labeled bag. As she closes up the last one, seventeen year old daughter TRISHA WORTHIE, whisks through, grabbing her lunch.
TRISHA
Thanks Mom. You're the best.
Next coming through as Trisha leaves is fifteen year old son FEJ WORTHIE. He inspects the room as though it has somehow changed. He grabs his bag and checks out the contents.
FEJ
Nobody's better than you, Mom.
He's off as Hugo enters. He takes the lunch, opens his briefcase and sees it does not fit. He takes and puts it into the well used Condense-o-matic machine. He shuts the lid, waits a few seconds then opens it. He pulls out a flattened lunch. This fits better into his case. He sets the case by the door. He turns, takes Myrtle-anne's hand. They swirl together and he dips her.
HUGO
Any plans for tonight?
MYRTLE-ANNE
It's your night to cook. I assume you'll be taking us out for dinner.
HUGO
It's like you read my mind.
They come out of their dance as the youngest daughter, ten year old AUBREY WORTHIE, breezes in. Hugo picks her up and spins her over his head, letting out a joyful wheeee.
AUBREY
Daddy, you can put me down now.
Hugo sets her down. Myrtle-anne hands AUBREY her lunch then she and father are out the door.
EXT. DRIVEWAY - CONTINUOUS
Trisha and Fej are already in the car. The car is long, being only one seat wide, each with its own door on the right. Aubrey gets in the seat at the very front while Hugo sits in the raised seat behind her. They're off.
EXT. DROP-OFF ZONE AT SCHOOL - LATER OF SAME
Fej is last to be dropped off. He gets out of the car and stands for a moment. Hugo is just about to drive away.
FEJ
(trying to be inconspicuous)
Dad!
Hugo steps out of the car.
HUGO
I'm sorry. I almost forgot.
He gives his son a big hug. In the background it is seen as custom to hug children, regardless of age. After the hug, Fej heads off.
In that same moment someone with squeaky tires drives up. As if by instinct, Hugo retrieves his WD40 and sprays the squeaky tires. He puts back the spray and is on his merry way.
EXT. PARKING LOT - MINUTES LATER
Hugo parks, gets out of his car and walks to the ticket booth. He gets his card punched then heads out of the “Park and Walk” lot.
THE REINVENTION OF EVE NOBLEMAN
Concept:
There is a great energy in the universe that shines bright wherever it goes. A power that causes dreams to come true, conquers evil and creates joy and wonder. Her name is Eve. She just doesn't know it yet.
The eighth and unknown dwarf (who when legally able changed her birthname from Late-for-Dinner to Eve) leaves home in the big city to live in the small town of Generica. It is a town that has suffered from economic downturn. As she lifes her life, getting to know the locals, she notices all the people, situations and the environment around her are constantly improving. Businesses made profits, everyone finds work, houses get beautifully renovated, the weather cooperates for a boutiful harvest, and the crime rate hits an all-time low of zero. The only problem is that Eve does not get what she wants - relationships fail, she is constantly being let go from work, there are problems with her car, her house, her garden and especially every cell phone she buys. Somewhere along the line she discovers she has the power of GOD. Problem is that it means that she must be self-less or give up the power. What does she do? What would you do?
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