This is the pilot for a web-series I wrote titled "Project Blueberry Man". The premiss is six people wake up in a room, and discover that not only do they not know how they got there, but they also don't remember who they were...
Project Blueberry Man
“Pilot”
INT. ROOM - UNDETERMINED
The camera slowly pulls back from a CU of a woman lying on
the floor. As we do this, she starts to come two. She rubs
her head as she sits.
WOMAN 1
Ugh, where am I?
The camera rack-zooms to a man that springs up behind her.
MAN 1
(huge gasp of air)
What’s going on?!... Where am
I?!...
The woman quickly gets to her feet to see that there are five
other people - four men and one other woman - in the room
with her. Breathless, she scans the room as the others start
to regain consciousness.
WOMAN 2
(frantic)
They’ve come for the sheep! Get
your minos on!
MAN 4
Where are we? Who are you people?
MAN 2
(stuttering)
J-j-just st-st-stay calm. We just
have to assess the situation and...
MAN 3 is cut-off by a female voice over a loud-speaker.
ANGLE ON: LOUD-SPEAKER
WOMAN (V.O.)
Please remain calm. You will
receive further instruction
momentarily.
MAN 3
That was a voice. There is a
voice.
MAN 4 starts walking around the perimeter.
MAN 4
We have to find a way out of here.
MAN 1
Uh, guys. I have a question.
MAN 4
(looking around)
Oh, that’s great. You’re all just
gonna’ to stand there.
There is a buzzing sound followed by a door swinging open.
WOMAN (V.O.)
The door is open. Do not go trough
the door.
MAN 3
So we don’t go through the door?
MAN 4
Fuck that. I’m getting out of
here. There’s an open door, I’m
walkin’ through it. Who’s with me.
WOMAN 1
I would like to go now.
(beat)
I don’t like this place.
WOMAN 2 lets out a blood-curdling scream.
WOMAN 2
Noooooo! That’s how he tricks you!
With candy and treats. He makes
you feel safe, then SNAP! The
hammer slams shut.
(repeats over and over in
a whisper:)
The hammer slams shut...
MAN 4
Good idea. You stay here, man the
fort.
(looks around)
You guys with me?
MAN 3
I believe we received very specific
instruction asking us to NOT go
through that door. Just an idea:
how about we listen?
MAN 4
Or, how ‘bout we not stay bunkered
up in the room of fun and death?
Who knows when it’ll close, or when
- or IF - it’ll open back up again.
Right now, I see an opportunity
that needs to be seized upon just
over that threshold. I’m not
waitin’.
MAN 4 walks brusquely toward the open door.
MAN 3
Please wait!
MAN 4 spins around, annoyed.
MAN 3 (CONT'D)
We don’t know what’s out there. It
could just be a room that leads
to... another room!
MAN 4
That’s great.
(to WOMAN 2)
Now you have a buddy to play house
with. Happy?
WOMAN 2
A buddy with whom to play house.
Shouldn’t end a sentence with a
preposition. Anybody knows that.
You can speak, so they didn’t take
that away from you.
MAN 4
I’ll keep that in mind.
(motions to door)
Clock’s spinin’.
MAN 2
Maybe we should wait.
MAN 4
Yes, because nothing takes you
places.
MAN 1
Excuse me. I have an interjection.
MAN 2
He’s right. We don’t know what’s
on the other side of that door. I
agree, we can’t stay here. But it
doesn’t do us any better going out
there without a plan.
MAN 4
How are we going to plan for what
we don’t know? I think this calls
for a little improvisation. The asyou-
go kind.
MAN 1
Really, I just have one simple
query.
MAN 4
I say we query ourselves on out of
here.
WOMAN 2
(laughing)
You speak like an ape. But you
haven’t a reason for it. All
reason’s gone. Unless, it’s who
you really are; naked on the
inside.
MAN 4
Oh, you guys are going to have a
blast. That leaves you, miss, and
you’ve already staid you don’t like
it in here.
WOMAN 1
(in a whisper)
I’m scared now.
MAN 4
I’ll go first, show you there ain’t
no reason to worry your pretty
little head.
MAN 4 takes a couple of steps through the door, then turns
back to the group.
MAN 4 (CONT'D)
olly olly oxen free!
WOMAN 2
(joyous laughter)
Words are like nonsense.
MAN 4
Safe as... safe as safe.
WOMAN 1
I think I’d like to go now.
MAN 4 turns to lead the way.
MAN 4
Anyone who wants out...
As MAN 4 speaks, a blast is heard, and MAN 4’s head explodes.
Blood and matter hit WOMAN 1’s face.
WOMAN 1
(screaming franticly)
Am I dead?! Am I dead?!
There is a lout buzzing sound as the door slams shut.
MAN 2 rushes to WOMAN 1’S aid. He tries to wipe the blood
from her face, but she squirms.
MAN 2
(in soothing tone)
Hold still, hold still.
WOMAN 1 starts to calm.
WOMAN 1
Am I dead?
MAN 2
(with WOMAN 1’s face in
hands)
No. Shh. You’re fine.
WOMAN 1
I am?
MAN 2
Say it for me.
WOMAN 1
I’m fine.
MAN 2
Good. See, everything’s going to
be okay.
WOMAN 1
(struggling)
I’m fine. Everything’s going to be
okay.
MAN 2
Now I need you to be brave. We’re
going to get through this, but I
need you to be strong for me. Can
you do that?
WOMAN 1 nods.
MAN 2 (CONT'D)
I need you to say it.
WOMAN 1
I’m with you.
MAN 2 clears more blood from WOMAN 1’s face, then puts an arm
around her.
MAN 2
Okay, first we need to...
MAN 2 is loudly interrupted by MAN 1:
MAN 1
Excuse me! May I ask one simple
little question? I have been
waiting patiently for my turn to
speak, and I would like to go now!
MAN 2
By all means.
MAN 1
Do any of you know your own names?
Do you know anything about
yourselves?
MAN 2
Well... I...
WOMAN 1 lowers her head.
MAN 3
I’m going to say that’s a big
collective “no”.
MAN 2
Lessons in how to make a really bad
situation infinitely worse...
WOMAN 1 buries her head into MAN 2’s shoulder.
WOMAN 1
What is this place?
WOMAN 2 is running her fingers over the walls as she speaks.
WOMAN 2
Can’t you tell? This is hell.
END OF EPISODE 1
____________________________________________________________________________
Showing posts with label Writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Writing. Show all posts
Monday, August 12, 2013
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
How to shine a turd
Sometimes you get involved with things that just suck, you know. As I've been looking for inspiration for a new weekly (or, if I'm being realistic, maybe bi-weekly) video project, I've been going over some of my older efforts. Up to this point, I think everything I've done has been for practice -- learning a bit about lighting, editing and the work that can go into even the simplest of projects. Up to the point that I made the video that I'm presenting you, dear internet, with below, I had mostly worked on "vlog" type projects, and I wanted to do something a bit more complex. Now, I had started shooting a full-length feature about a werewolf, but I think I'll save that story for another day.
So a friend of mine had written a short scene, and suggested that we use that as practice. It was written simply as a practice project, and came off that way. But we ended up pouring quite a bit of work into it, even going so far as to use a sound studio (Lake Sound studios in Lake Elsinore) to do some ADR. After cutting the initial cut of the video together, I felt like I wanted to do something more with it, and later decided to film a mock interview where I played film-maker Bodi, partly intended as a spoof on the real-life "film-maker" Tommy Wiseau. Here is how it turned out:
So a friend of mine had written a short scene, and suggested that we use that as practice. It was written simply as a practice project, and came off that way. But we ended up pouring quite a bit of work into it, even going so far as to use a sound studio (Lake Sound studios in Lake Elsinore) to do some ADR. After cutting the initial cut of the video together, I felt like I wanted to do something more with it, and later decided to film a mock interview where I played film-maker Bodi, partly intended as a spoof on the real-life "film-maker" Tommy Wiseau. Here is how it turned out:
Monday, August 5, 2013
Generation Z: the Pilot
Thinking over a few of my favorite shows, I think I've started to notice a growing trend in serialized T.V.: it's forgotten how to tell stories. Now sure, the networks, and some cable stations are still full of hour-long reset programs, like NCIS, or any one of the hundred incarnations of Law and Order, and by all measures, they rank among the most popular, but I'm talking about the "Losts", or "True Bloods" that gain a bit more of the cult following status.
In its earlier seasons, every episode of "Lost" told a whole story, one with a recognizable beginning, middle and end. But as the seasons rolled on, the individual episodes stopped providing these single-serving stories, and became more and more a random collection of scenes leading to the next cliff-hanger. Now don't get me wrong, I love me some long, season arch-y goodness, but when each episode starts to serve the whole at the sake of itself, the experience of sitting down for that weeks adventure becomes less and less memorable. Heroes fell into this trap even earlier than lost. And with a 22 episode season to fill, by the time you got to the end, it felt like the season had lost its direction.
And here is where I'm going to break form, and not just talk about what I mean, but lay down an example from my own library of what I'm taking about. Over the next couple of weeks, I'm going to roll out three of my favorite episodes from two web-series I've written (and hope to someday produce!!) Not just a scene, but three full, beginning to end, finished scripts. I'm going to start with the pilots from each, then include my two favorite episodes. So without further adieu, I present you with the pilot for "Generation Z".
________________________________________
Generation “Z”
Here we are...
TEASER
INT. BOMB SHELTER (USE GARADGE) - NIGHT
The POTUS is standing before a large black curtain, hands
firmly clutching the sides of the podium. The POTUS waits
for a signal that the cameras are live.
A crew-member signals that they’re on in five, four, three...
The POTUS looks over his speech one last time with the
knowledge that this will be the last time that he, or any
other President will ever address the nation...
POTUS
My fellow citizens of The United
States, and my fellow citizens of
the world, I imagine this will be
the last time that I will ever make
a formal address... so I come to
you, not as President or Commander
in Chief, but as an ordinary man...
(getting chocked-up)
a man who is frightened of an
uncertain future... as I’m sure
many of you are. And, like all
other men, I am flawed... and I
have made many mistakes...
(beat)
But, I think today, regardless of
your faith or lack there of, it’s
clear that we are at the end of
days...
FADE TO BLACK.
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
EXT. VAN - NIGHT
We push in on a van with bright light spilling from its
windows. We can hear the muffled sound of chatter coming
from a small television-like speakers.
INT. VAN - CONTINUOUS
Inside the van, we see Ardi (short for Bernard) and Si (short
for Simon - he’s obese) watching a webisode of “Waiting for
the Code” on a mini-portable DVD player, plugged into a
cigarette-lighter.
ARDI
Ah, the holy miracle that was
illegal downloading.
(beat)
I remember the internet like it was
yesterday.
SI
Dude, it practically was. Our
zombie overlords haven’t been in
charge for that long.
(beat)
Shh, shh, this is my favorite part.
Both of them turn their attentions to the screen, and are
quiet for a moment as they watch.
ARDI
It’s kinda beautiful; it’s like,
even after the apocalypse, they’re
still waiting for their friend.
ANGLE ON: WALKIE-TALKIE
A burst of static erupts from it, and the faint sound of a
woman’s voice.
ANGLE ON: ARDI AND SI
Ardi and Si pay no attention and continue watching...
EXT. ALLY - CONTINUOUS
We see a young woman, Brigit, ease into frame. A loud growl
echoes from the distance.
In one fluid motion, she raises the walkie to her face.
BRIGIT
Guys, I’ve got action, copy.
No answer.
BRIGIT (CONT’D)
Uh, guys, you there?
INT. VAN - CONTINUOUS
We see Ardi and Si laughing at “Waiting for the Code”.
EXT. ALLY - CONTINUOUS
Brigit lowers her walkie, defeated.
BRIGIT
(shakes head)
Fucking Ardi.
Brigit jumps when she hears a clatter in the not-far-off
distance.
We see a male zombie, dressed in Mormon-misisonary attire.
He eyes Brigit, and lets out an inhumane howl, then shuffles
toward her.
Brigit turns and eyes the zombie.
BRIGIT (CONT’D)
There you are.
(holdsters walkie)
Come to mamma.
Brigit gives a look as if to say “did I really just say
that?”
The zombie clumsily holds up a tattered “Book of Mormon”. We
can see that his fingers have clutched onto it so tightly his
nails have clawed deep into the cover.
BRIGIT (CONT’D)
(mockingly)
Oh look mr. Missionary man, I’m a
poor defenseless woman who’s
wandered herself out of the
kitchen, what ever shall I do?
The zombie continues to slowly shuffle to Brigit. A little board,
Brigit takes a step closer, positioning herself in front of a
pitch-black corner.
Brigit rolls her eyes, and pulls a gun from her waistband,
and aims.
3.
BRIGIT (CONT’D)
Eat this mother-
Another zombie jumps from the darkness and grabs Brigit, and
pulls her into the dark. She fires randomly to no avail.
DISSOLVE TO
WHITE:
INT. HALLWAY - EVENING
POV: MARIA
Maria (Brigit’s younger sister) is stalking down the hall
toward Brigit’s door.
M.S. HALLWAY
Maria listens for a moment, and can hear Brigit softly crying
from her room. Maria takes a deep breath, then knocks.
MARIA
Brigit.
No answer. Maria knocks again.
MARIA (CONT’D)
Sisko, can I come in?
BRIGIT (O.S.)
Go away!
Maria shakes her head, then opens the door and marches in.
INT. BRIGIT’S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Maria closes the door behind her. Hesitantly, she takes a
few steps to her bed.
MARIA
(weak smile)
Treve sisko.
Brigit is sitting on her bed, wiping away her tears.
BRIGIT
God, why did I think I could do
this?
MARIA
(as she sits)
Because you’re like a bad-ass?
(beat).
And I swear I’m not just saying
that because I’m your sisko.
BRIGIT
(forced smile)
Kitos.
Brigit runs her hand trough her hair, then looks at it.
BRIGIT (CONT’D)
(crying harder)
What if they cut off all my hair?
(sob, sob)
I can’t do this!
MARIA
So what? Then you’ll be just like
Demi Moore in G.I. Jane, and wasn’t
she like uber hot in that movie?
BRIGIT
(lightens up)
Okay, only like totally.
(long pause)
They’re saying that I could ship to
Afganistan right after basic.
(looks down)
My recruiter said I’ll only get
like a week to... say good-by and
stuff.
Maria hugs Brigit.
MARIA
I love you sisko.
(beat)
Just don’t forget why you’re doing
this.
Brigit nods as:
DISSOLVE TO
WHITE:
EXT. ALLY - NIGHT
ANGLE ON: BRIGIT’S GUN
It skids away.
ANGLE ON: BRIGIT AND ZOMBIE
Brigit fights the zombie off of her, then moves away to give
her some distance. After she feels she has enough space, she
looks around for something she can use.
She eyes a short 2X4, and grabs it.
BRIGIT
I guess we’re kicken’ it old
school.
The zombie starts to slowly move toward her, then stops. He
looks down to his legs, then back to Brigit. After a beat,
he full-on runs at her.
Brigit is shocked and terrified for a moment.
BRIGIT (CONT’D)
Shit.
Brigit takes off running. She un-holdsters her walkie, and
screams into it:
BRIGIT (CONT’D)
Hey, meal-on-wheleels, DO YOU
COPY!!!
INT. VAN - CONTINUOUS
Ardi picks up the walkie. We pull back to reveal he is in a
wheelchair.
ARDI
Dose she have to be so mean?
(into walkie)
I think someone forgot the magic
word...
INTERCUT: ARDI AND BRIGIT
Brigit has lost the zombie, for now...
BRIGIT
(out of breath)
They’re getting faster.
ARDI
Faster... would you say they’ve
gone from a shuffle to a saunter,
or is it more of a jaunt?
Brigit sees the zombie in the not-too-far-off distance.
BRIGIT
(urgent)
They’re running!
STOP INTERCUTTING: WIDE ANGLE INSIDE VAN
Ardi is suddenly panicked.
ARDI
Be right there.
Ardi tosses down the walkie.
BRIGIT (O.S.)
I lost my gun... hurry
ARDI
(to Si)
Help me down. I’ve gotta get to
her.
SI
Wait, dude, I should totally be the
one who goes after her.
ARDI
What? Okay, one: you’re fat. And
two, someone has to drive the van
over, and...
Ardi gives Si a “well duh” look.
SI
Whoa, dude, not cool baggin’ on me
for my weight. First, yes, I’m
fat, but check it, I survived the
zombie apocalypse. Not an easy
task. And I’m wicked strong bro;
like I can lift things that are...
really heavy, and I can hit stuff
pretty hard. And I know how to aim
a gun!
(beat)
But you’re totally right about the
van thing.
EXT. VAN - CONTINUOUS
Si jumps out, and runs to the back. He opens the door, and
attaches the ramp.
SI
(helping Ardi down)
Good luck dude.
Just find a really steep hill,
they’ll never catch you.
ARDI
Just... Hurry.
Si runs to the van, and starts it. Ardi rolls off.
EXT. ALLY - MOMENTS LATER
The zombie has Brigit cornered. She clutches her 2X4. The
zombie falls backward as Ardi crashes into him. Ardi
struggles to hold his mouth shut.
Brigit knocks out the zombie from behind.
Ardi smiles shyly at Brigit - he has a crush on her.
ARDI
(nervously)
Nice hittin’ stick.
BRIGIT
(with a smile)
Lost my gun. Had to improvise.
ARDI
“Who’s Line is it Anyway” for the
post-apocalypse, ladies and
gentlemen.
Brigit gets serious again.
BRIGIT
We’ve got one more.
Brigit walks forward, then turns to Ardi.
BRIGIT (CONT’D)
Missionary type bastard.
The zombie appears behind Brigit.
ARDI
Uh, white shirt, tie, bible...
Behind you!!!
Brigit swings around hitting the zombie in the chest. He
falls to the ground.
Brigit stalks over him.
BRIGIT
Gee, not so tough now.
(raises 2X4)
This is for always interrupting
dinner!
Brigit beats the zombies body.
The van pulls into the ally. Brigit doesn’t stop.
ARDI
Uh, Brigit.
Brigit stops for a moment.
BRIGIT
(panting)
And this is for prop 8!
Brigit smashes his head with the 2X4, then drops it.
BRIGIT (CONT’D)
(to Ardi)
Lets go. We should be able to
gather some supplies from this area
now.
Brigit rolls Ardi to the van as we:
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. VAN - LATER
The van is driving down a deserted road.
SI
So when do you think the human race
is going to... you know, make a
comeback?
BRIGIT
(from back of the van)
Never.
SI
So we’re totally like the dinosaurs
in “Jurassic Park”.
(to himself)
Cool.
Ardi wheels closer to Brigit.
ARDI
(fake smile)
You weren’t killing a zombie back
there, were you?
BRIGIT
Decaying flesh, vacancy sign,
hunger for brains; I’d say he
qualifies as the postmortem.
ARDI
No, I mean your aggression. You
weren’t killing zombie-him, you
were killing him-him, or the him
you thought he was, any way.
BRIGIT
Say what?
ARDI
You can’t tell me that there isn’t
a tincy-wincy little part of you
that’s using this zombie buffet as
an excuse to go to town on the
people you didn’t like... before.
And if that’s the case, what makes
us different than them?
Brigit shakes her head, then stands to move to the front of
the van.
BRIGIT
(sarcastic, bitter)
Just what I needed to hear right
now.
Brigit climbs into the passenger seat.
ARDI
I didn't mean... fuck.
ANGLE ON: BRIGIT
End of episode one
In its earlier seasons, every episode of "Lost" told a whole story, one with a recognizable beginning, middle and end. But as the seasons rolled on, the individual episodes stopped providing these single-serving stories, and became more and more a random collection of scenes leading to the next cliff-hanger. Now don't get me wrong, I love me some long, season arch-y goodness, but when each episode starts to serve the whole at the sake of itself, the experience of sitting down for that weeks adventure becomes less and less memorable. Heroes fell into this trap even earlier than lost. And with a 22 episode season to fill, by the time you got to the end, it felt like the season had lost its direction.
And here is where I'm going to break form, and not just talk about what I mean, but lay down an example from my own library of what I'm taking about. Over the next couple of weeks, I'm going to roll out three of my favorite episodes from two web-series I've written (and hope to someday produce!!) Not just a scene, but three full, beginning to end, finished scripts. I'm going to start with the pilots from each, then include my two favorite episodes. So without further adieu, I present you with the pilot for "Generation Z".
________________________________________
Generation “Z”
Here we are...
TEASER
INT. BOMB SHELTER (USE GARADGE) - NIGHT
The POTUS is standing before a large black curtain, hands
firmly clutching the sides of the podium. The POTUS waits
for a signal that the cameras are live.
A crew-member signals that they’re on in five, four, three...
The POTUS looks over his speech one last time with the
knowledge that this will be the last time that he, or any
other President will ever address the nation...
POTUS
My fellow citizens of The United
States, and my fellow citizens of
the world, I imagine this will be
the last time that I will ever make
a formal address... so I come to
you, not as President or Commander
in Chief, but as an ordinary man...
(getting chocked-up)
a man who is frightened of an
uncertain future... as I’m sure
many of you are. And, like all
other men, I am flawed... and I
have made many mistakes...
(beat)
But, I think today, regardless of
your faith or lack there of, it’s
clear that we are at the end of
days...
FADE TO BLACK.
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
EXT. VAN - NIGHT
We push in on a van with bright light spilling from its
windows. We can hear the muffled sound of chatter coming
from a small television-like speakers.
INT. VAN - CONTINUOUS
Inside the van, we see Ardi (short for Bernard) and Si (short
for Simon - he’s obese) watching a webisode of “Waiting for
the Code” on a mini-portable DVD player, plugged into a
cigarette-lighter.
ARDI
Ah, the holy miracle that was
illegal downloading.
(beat)
I remember the internet like it was
yesterday.
SI
Dude, it practically was. Our
zombie overlords haven’t been in
charge for that long.
(beat)
Shh, shh, this is my favorite part.
Both of them turn their attentions to the screen, and are
quiet for a moment as they watch.
ARDI
It’s kinda beautiful; it’s like,
even after the apocalypse, they’re
still waiting for their friend.
ANGLE ON: WALKIE-TALKIE
A burst of static erupts from it, and the faint sound of a
woman’s voice.
ANGLE ON: ARDI AND SI
Ardi and Si pay no attention and continue watching...
EXT. ALLY - CONTINUOUS
We see a young woman, Brigit, ease into frame. A loud growl
echoes from the distance.
In one fluid motion, she raises the walkie to her face.
BRIGIT
Guys, I’ve got action, copy.
No answer.
BRIGIT (CONT’D)
Uh, guys, you there?
INT. VAN - CONTINUOUS
We see Ardi and Si laughing at “Waiting for the Code”.
EXT. ALLY - CONTINUOUS
Brigit lowers her walkie, defeated.
BRIGIT
(shakes head)
Fucking Ardi.
Brigit jumps when she hears a clatter in the not-far-off
distance.
We see a male zombie, dressed in Mormon-misisonary attire.
He eyes Brigit, and lets out an inhumane howl, then shuffles
toward her.
Brigit turns and eyes the zombie.
BRIGIT (CONT’D)
There you are.
(holdsters walkie)
Come to mamma.
Brigit gives a look as if to say “did I really just say
that?”
The zombie clumsily holds up a tattered “Book of Mormon”. We
can see that his fingers have clutched onto it so tightly his
nails have clawed deep into the cover.
BRIGIT (CONT’D)
(mockingly)
Oh look mr. Missionary man, I’m a
poor defenseless woman who’s
wandered herself out of the
kitchen, what ever shall I do?
The zombie continues to slowly shuffle to Brigit. A little board,
Brigit takes a step closer, positioning herself in front of a
pitch-black corner.
Brigit rolls her eyes, and pulls a gun from her waistband,
and aims.
3.
BRIGIT (CONT’D)
Eat this mother-
Another zombie jumps from the darkness and grabs Brigit, and
pulls her into the dark. She fires randomly to no avail.
DISSOLVE TO
WHITE:
INT. HALLWAY - EVENING
POV: MARIA
Maria (Brigit’s younger sister) is stalking down the hall
toward Brigit’s door.
M.S. HALLWAY
Maria listens for a moment, and can hear Brigit softly crying
from her room. Maria takes a deep breath, then knocks.
MARIA
Brigit.
No answer. Maria knocks again.
MARIA (CONT’D)
Sisko, can I come in?
BRIGIT (O.S.)
Go away!
Maria shakes her head, then opens the door and marches in.
INT. BRIGIT’S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Maria closes the door behind her. Hesitantly, she takes a
few steps to her bed.
MARIA
(weak smile)
Treve sisko.
Brigit is sitting on her bed, wiping away her tears.
BRIGIT
God, why did I think I could do
this?
MARIA
(as she sits)
Because you’re like a bad-ass?
(beat).
And I swear I’m not just saying
that because I’m your sisko.
BRIGIT
(forced smile)
Kitos.
Brigit runs her hand trough her hair, then looks at it.
BRIGIT (CONT’D)
(crying harder)
What if they cut off all my hair?
(sob, sob)
I can’t do this!
MARIA
So what? Then you’ll be just like
Demi Moore in G.I. Jane, and wasn’t
she like uber hot in that movie?
BRIGIT
(lightens up)
Okay, only like totally.
(long pause)
They’re saying that I could ship to
Afganistan right after basic.
(looks down)
My recruiter said I’ll only get
like a week to... say good-by and
stuff.
Maria hugs Brigit.
MARIA
I love you sisko.
(beat)
Just don’t forget why you’re doing
this.
Brigit nods as:
DISSOLVE TO
WHITE:
EXT. ALLY - NIGHT
ANGLE ON: BRIGIT’S GUN
It skids away.
ANGLE ON: BRIGIT AND ZOMBIE
Brigit fights the zombie off of her, then moves away to give
her some distance. After she feels she has enough space, she
looks around for something she can use.
She eyes a short 2X4, and grabs it.
BRIGIT
I guess we’re kicken’ it old
school.
The zombie starts to slowly move toward her, then stops. He
looks down to his legs, then back to Brigit. After a beat,
he full-on runs at her.
Brigit is shocked and terrified for a moment.
BRIGIT (CONT’D)
Shit.
Brigit takes off running. She un-holdsters her walkie, and
screams into it:
BRIGIT (CONT’D)
Hey, meal-on-wheleels, DO YOU
COPY!!!
INT. VAN - CONTINUOUS
Ardi picks up the walkie. We pull back to reveal he is in a
wheelchair.
ARDI
Dose she have to be so mean?
(into walkie)
I think someone forgot the magic
word...
INTERCUT: ARDI AND BRIGIT
Brigit has lost the zombie, for now...
BRIGIT
(out of breath)
They’re getting faster.
ARDI
Faster... would you say they’ve
gone from a shuffle to a saunter,
or is it more of a jaunt?
Brigit sees the zombie in the not-too-far-off distance.
BRIGIT
(urgent)
They’re running!
STOP INTERCUTTING: WIDE ANGLE INSIDE VAN
Ardi is suddenly panicked.
ARDI
Be right there.
Ardi tosses down the walkie.
BRIGIT (O.S.)
I lost my gun... hurry
ARDI
(to Si)
Help me down. I’ve gotta get to
her.
SI
Wait, dude, I should totally be the
one who goes after her.
ARDI
What? Okay, one: you’re fat. And
two, someone has to drive the van
over, and...
Ardi gives Si a “well duh” look.
SI
Whoa, dude, not cool baggin’ on me
for my weight. First, yes, I’m
fat, but check it, I survived the
zombie apocalypse. Not an easy
task. And I’m wicked strong bro;
like I can lift things that are...
really heavy, and I can hit stuff
pretty hard. And I know how to aim
a gun!
(beat)
But you’re totally right about the
van thing.
EXT. VAN - CONTINUOUS
Si jumps out, and runs to the back. He opens the door, and
attaches the ramp.
SI
(helping Ardi down)
Good luck dude.
Just find a really steep hill,
they’ll never catch you.
ARDI
Just... Hurry.
Si runs to the van, and starts it. Ardi rolls off.
EXT. ALLY - MOMENTS LATER
The zombie has Brigit cornered. She clutches her 2X4. The
zombie falls backward as Ardi crashes into him. Ardi
struggles to hold his mouth shut.
Brigit knocks out the zombie from behind.
Ardi smiles shyly at Brigit - he has a crush on her.
ARDI
(nervously)
Nice hittin’ stick.
BRIGIT
(with a smile)
Lost my gun. Had to improvise.
ARDI
“Who’s Line is it Anyway” for the
post-apocalypse, ladies and
gentlemen.
Brigit gets serious again.
BRIGIT
We’ve got one more.
Brigit walks forward, then turns to Ardi.
BRIGIT (CONT’D)
Missionary type bastard.
The zombie appears behind Brigit.
ARDI
Uh, white shirt, tie, bible...
Behind you!!!
Brigit swings around hitting the zombie in the chest. He
falls to the ground.
Brigit stalks over him.
BRIGIT
Gee, not so tough now.
(raises 2X4)
This is for always interrupting
dinner!
Brigit beats the zombies body.
The van pulls into the ally. Brigit doesn’t stop.
ARDI
Uh, Brigit.
Brigit stops for a moment.
BRIGIT
(panting)
And this is for prop 8!
Brigit smashes his head with the 2X4, then drops it.
BRIGIT (CONT’D)
(to Ardi)
Lets go. We should be able to
gather some supplies from this area
now.
Brigit rolls Ardi to the van as we:
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. VAN - LATER
The van is driving down a deserted road.
SI
So when do you think the human race
is going to... you know, make a
comeback?
BRIGIT
(from back of the van)
Never.
SI
So we’re totally like the dinosaurs
in “Jurassic Park”.
(to himself)
Cool.
Ardi wheels closer to Brigit.
ARDI
(fake smile)
You weren’t killing a zombie back
there, were you?
BRIGIT
Decaying flesh, vacancy sign,
hunger for brains; I’d say he
qualifies as the postmortem.
ARDI
No, I mean your aggression. You
weren’t killing zombie-him, you
were killing him-him, or the him
you thought he was, any way.
BRIGIT
Say what?
ARDI
You can’t tell me that there isn’t
a tincy-wincy little part of you
that’s using this zombie buffet as
an excuse to go to town on the
people you didn’t like... before.
And if that’s the case, what makes
us different than them?
Brigit shakes her head, then stands to move to the front of
the van.
BRIGIT
(sarcastic, bitter)
Just what I needed to hear right
now.
Brigit climbs into the passenger seat.
ARDI
I didn't mean... fuck.
ANGLE ON: BRIGIT
End of episode one
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Better off This Way: a tease
It's occurred to me that in the time that I've been writing this blog I've mentioned on a few occasions that I write screenplays, but I've yet to provide anything I've written; I've talked of being a writer, but haven't ponied up the goods. So today, dear internet, I'm going to share with you a snippet of something I've been working on. It's one that I've had shelved for a while now, but have finally found some direction on.
This is the story of a man who finds himself alone in a strange world. Two things to note: first, I am only providing a sample of the total screenplay; it's unfinished, and I don't want to give away all of its surprises just yet. Second, it is in screenplay format, so it won't read exactly like a short story.
And with that in mind, here is a section of: Better off This Way
I hope you've enjoyed what you read, and I hope even more that this might someday be realized in the form it was meant to be presented...
Cody Hobbs
This is the story of a man who finds himself alone in a strange world. Two things to note: first, I am only providing a sample of the total screenplay; it's unfinished, and I don't want to give away all of its surprises just yet. Second, it is in screenplay format, so it won't read exactly like a short story.
And with that in mind, here is a section of: Better off This Way
Some time in the near future...
INT. SUBURBAN HOUSE - DAY
SERIES OF SHOTS:
The front door of a house is kicked open. A man in his late 20’s wearing a long brown coat and a kerchief covering his face walks through the door. His gait is calm -- this is something RILEY has become accustomed to doing. RILEY positions his rifle, then starts his sweep of the house.
RILEY quickly scans the kitchen with his rifle, then lowers it.
P.O.V. -- we scan the kitchen, the camera's gaze quickly swinging from left to right. As our view drops to the floor, we see three college age kids laying on the floor, dead. None of them have any apparent injuries.
RILEY walks to the corpses and pokes at each of them with the barrel of his rifle.
After confirming everyone in the room is dead, he hastily tosses food from the cabinets into a satchel slung around his left shoulder. Attached to the satchel are a water cantina and a red three gallon gas can.
RILEY makes his way down the hallway, stopping at a closed bedroom door. He tries opening it, but something on the other side is blocking it.
On the other side: teenage lovers, in each-others arms, are dead, laying against the door.
RILEY pushes against the door until the couple are knocked over. After examining the bodies, he sees that there is nothing of interest to him in this room, and decides to move on.
In the master bedroom a mother is comforting her youngest child, holding her in her arms on the bed. For a moment, RILEY thinks they are just sleeping but...
CLOSE UP ON MOTHERS NOSE: a bug crawls from her nose and down her face...
RILEY finds a blanket to toss over the bodies. On the dresser, RILEY eyes a cigarette case he likes and swipes it. After checking over his shoulder he pockets the case. Satisfied with his loot, he can finally head home for the day.
EXT. SUBURBAN HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER
RILEY is siphoning the gas from one of the cars parked in the front driveway when he hears an awful screeching sound. He stands and looks to the sky in time to see two objects quickly streak down and crash into the ground at different near-by locations.
Howls can be heard in the distance. RILEY finishes filling his gas can, then gets on his way.
EXT. FURTHER UP THE STREET - MOMENTS LATER
RILEY eyes his car and briskly walks toward it. He hears a close-by growling sound, and hears something stalking him...
RILEY whips around aiming the gun, waiting for the thing to make its next move. He hears it run behind a near-by car, smashing into it.
As RILEY takes aim, he sees the creatures shadow moving from behind the car. RILEY slowly stalks around the car.
The thing quickly darts away. RILEY has time to get off one shot before it’s gone: we never get a good look at it, but it’s certainly part human...
RILEY waits for a moment, surveying the area, then heads to his car.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. RILEY’S HOUSE - DUSK
RILEY is sitting outside his house, located in a more isolated area. He has a fire burning, cooking up his dinner: a can of baked beans and some canned vegetables. The muffled hum of a generator running in the garage can be heard in the background.
RILEY pours himself a heavy helping of whiskey into a tin coffee cup and takes a swig.
The food is ready; RILEY spoons a generous portion of beans and vegetables onto his plate and walks to a picnic table under an awning. Before he takes his first bite, he removes a picture from his wallet: him and another man of about the same age: his brother Brian. He gently props it up on the table and lingers at it.
RILEY
"Hello brother."
RILEY takes another swig from his tin cup. He digs into his food, taking hefty bites and barely chewing. He finishes his tin of whiskey, then pours himself another.To be continued...
RILEY’S plate near clean, he digs into his waist and produces a small revolver. He whips open the cylinder: it’s fully loaded. He whips it shut. He raises the gun to his face, then shoves the barrel into his mouth. He twists it around, positioning it in an upward diagonal position, gaging himself in the process. He pulls back the hammer and hovers his finger over the trigger.
I hope you've enjoyed what you read, and I hope even more that this might someday be realized in the form it was meant to be presented...
Cody Hobbs
Friday, July 26, 2013
A Kick Start
As I talked about in my last post, I'm a screenwriter, and recently, I've been going over a few of my past scripts, deciding which of them to keep, polish up, finish, or abandon.
Some projects I'm abandoning because the verve to finish it has ran out, while others I just don't see as being marketable, at least not any longer. Zombie Santa is one such example: there's already a slew of killer Santa flicks on the market, and the whole zombie thing is reaching its over saturation point.
I have some of the same trepidation with "Generation Z", the "zombie" web series. Without giving too much away, I think it has an aspect of originality surrounding the genesis of the zombie outbreak, and much of the story is about anything but zombies: it's a tragic love story, it's about a sibling connection, it's about a war veteran coming to terms with the reality of fighting in war. And the whole zombie thing is more of a shorthand for "post-apocalyptic" than it is about zombies in any traditional sense; and the turn at the end of the first season... I'm not quite ready to give that one away yet.
But I digress, the question is, where to go from there. Don't get me wrong, having a finished script, or a finished series of scripts is an accomplishment in itself, but at some point I'd like to stop playing just the tip and move on to the next step. And thanks to you, dear internet, I think there may be a solution: crowd funding. The most notable crowd funding site, Kick Starter, seems like the perfect place to start. Over the next week, I'll be researching ways to launch a successful campaign, and also looking into some alternatives to Kick Starter.
So once again, dear internet, I'm coming to you for any advice you may have. The road ahead is long, but I can feel myself picking up a good stride.
Cody Hobbs
Some projects I'm abandoning because the verve to finish it has ran out, while others I just don't see as being marketable, at least not any longer. Zombie Santa is one such example: there's already a slew of killer Santa flicks on the market, and the whole zombie thing is reaching its over saturation point.
I have some of the same trepidation with "Generation Z", the "zombie" web series. Without giving too much away, I think it has an aspect of originality surrounding the genesis of the zombie outbreak, and much of the story is about anything but zombies: it's a tragic love story, it's about a sibling connection, it's about a war veteran coming to terms with the reality of fighting in war. And the whole zombie thing is more of a shorthand for "post-apocalyptic" than it is about zombies in any traditional sense; and the turn at the end of the first season... I'm not quite ready to give that one away yet.
But I digress, the question is, where to go from there. Don't get me wrong, having a finished script, or a finished series of scripts is an accomplishment in itself, but at some point I'd like to stop playing just the tip and move on to the next step. And thanks to you, dear internet, I think there may be a solution: crowd funding. The most notable crowd funding site, Kick Starter, seems like the perfect place to start. Over the next week, I'll be researching ways to launch a successful campaign, and also looking into some alternatives to Kick Starter.
So once again, dear internet, I'm coming to you for any advice you may have. The road ahead is long, but I can feel myself picking up a good stride.
Cody Hobbs
Thursday, July 25, 2013
The hard climb
So, I've been sitting here trying to think of what to write for the past hour or so, and today is just one of those days that I can't seem to get my brain to rev up. I'm sure you've had those days, dear internet, where nothing seems to gel quite the way you want it to, where your thoughts jump from one place to another so fast and so randomly it feels impossible to catch one of them, and formulate it into anything cohesive. So, I think that's what this post is going to be: pushing through the block, even when it's hard.
Like I said, I'm a writer who's let himself get into the habit of procrastination, giving into the void of writers block. In those situations, of course it's always easier to say that I'll put it off for another day. But no more. Even as I write this, I can feel my thoughts coming into a clearer focus. In between bouts of trying to come up with what to write for today's blog, I glanced over a couple of old scripts I had written for what was originally intended to be a pseudo-zombie web series, titled "Generation Z". I definitely can see some places where it could be tightened up, and I think the first three or four "webisodes" may need to be re-written entirely. But, after having it sit on the "shelf" for nearly two years, I think the spark is still there.
And, dear internet, that's the way it goes sometimes. Sometimes you need to give something a little space to gain perspective, to see if the idea still works, is something that still excites you; and let me say now, the idea still excites me, and that's kind of a nice feeling to have. It's like getting re-acquainted with an old friend. It also helps me to find some direction on where to go with my immediate screenwriting endeavors.
I'm going to make a confession: re-starting my journey as a screenwriter/filmmaker is a scary one. It's a passion that I just can't let go of, a dream that follows me wherever I go; it's something that I think I tried to convince myself that I should grow out of, but that hasn't been the case. I've tried a few times to make a go of it, and haven't succeed yet. But that's not to say those experiences were a waste of time, either. I've learned from all of them.
So, maybe today's blog has more of a focus than I originally thought. Just because you don't succeed at something on your first outing doesn't mean it should be immediately abandoned. A period of evaluation should be taken, for sure, but even a step that ends in a stumble can still be a step forward; if you have the wherewithal to pick yourself back up again, that is. Getting back on track is rarely easy, but what comes easiest is rarely the most rewarding. And this is a lesson that I think can be applied to just about every area of life.
In moving forward, I can only try not to repeat my past mistakes, or let myself get discouraged by them. If I can look at them as learning experiences, then I know that I can make the next step.
Cody Hobbs
Like I said, I'm a writer who's let himself get into the habit of procrastination, giving into the void of writers block. In those situations, of course it's always easier to say that I'll put it off for another day. But no more. Even as I write this, I can feel my thoughts coming into a clearer focus. In between bouts of trying to come up with what to write for today's blog, I glanced over a couple of old scripts I had written for what was originally intended to be a pseudo-zombie web series, titled "Generation Z". I definitely can see some places where it could be tightened up, and I think the first three or four "webisodes" may need to be re-written entirely. But, after having it sit on the "shelf" for nearly two years, I think the spark is still there.
And, dear internet, that's the way it goes sometimes. Sometimes you need to give something a little space to gain perspective, to see if the idea still works, is something that still excites you; and let me say now, the idea still excites me, and that's kind of a nice feeling to have. It's like getting re-acquainted with an old friend. It also helps me to find some direction on where to go with my immediate screenwriting endeavors.
I'm going to make a confession: re-starting my journey as a screenwriter/filmmaker is a scary one. It's a passion that I just can't let go of, a dream that follows me wherever I go; it's something that I think I tried to convince myself that I should grow out of, but that hasn't been the case. I've tried a few times to make a go of it, and haven't succeed yet. But that's not to say those experiences were a waste of time, either. I've learned from all of them.
So, maybe today's blog has more of a focus than I originally thought. Just because you don't succeed at something on your first outing doesn't mean it should be immediately abandoned. A period of evaluation should be taken, for sure, but even a step that ends in a stumble can still be a step forward; if you have the wherewithal to pick yourself back up again, that is. Getting back on track is rarely easy, but what comes easiest is rarely the most rewarding. And this is a lesson that I think can be applied to just about every area of life.
In moving forward, I can only try not to repeat my past mistakes, or let myself get discouraged by them. If I can look at them as learning experiences, then I know that I can make the next step.
Cody Hobbs
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Not yet ready
So I've been giving a lot of thought to quitting smoking. I'm 30, and have been a smoker for nearly 15 years, almost half my life. I've tried before, using all sorts of different methods: I've patched up, popped lozenges, chewed some nasty-ass gum, all to no avail. Sure, I've managed to sting a few months here and there together butt free, but I always find myself landing right back in flavor country, like I'm stuck in some sci-fi time loop.
As I get older, I can feel the effects more and more: the constant fatigue and low energy, a diminished sex drive, stinky-breath-syndrome (that's totally a thing, right?). And during those brief intermissions where I have managed to not smoke? I can feel the difference there, too. Within a few short days, my energy levels rise, sex drive revs up, I sleep better and feel more rested. Simply put, I'm living the cons of being the smoker, and have walked in the valley of the smoke-free. So why am I still lighting up?
I think there's a simple answer to that last question, I'm just not ready. Not yet, at this very moment, at least. I'd say that it's all a mystery, that I don't know what my hold up is, but that'd be a lie, wouldn't it? First, I'm addicted. I'm not a casual smoker; it's a full blown thing. So trust me when I say, breaking that addiction is so much easier said than done. I know that when I am actually ready to butt-out, the long-lasting pangs of withdraw is a beast I'm going to have to face head on. There's no easy way out there.
Second, it's just out right comforting. Whenever I sit down to write, am behind the wheel for a long drive (and I have a long daily commute to and from work), or settle in to watch a movie, a cigarette seems the perfect complement. Even more than breaking the physical addiction, this is the part that is going to be the hardest to let go of.
But as I write this now, listing to the clickety-clack of the keys under my fingers, I am aware that all I'm doing is enumerating excuses. So far, I've only listed two items as to why I just can't let go to the little cancer sticks, and if I really put my mind to it, I could wilt away the hours filling pages of "reasons" (read: excuses) as to why I just can't stop lighting up. But I know I want to, and better yet, I know that when I really put my mind to something and really get to it, there's little that can stop me from achieving what I want.
So while I may not be ready now, I know the day is coming. And, dear internet, I know that like many others before me, I ask a lot of you, but if you have any words of advise, wisdom, or encouragement, I most certainly could use them. I started this blog because I've become sick and tired of procrastinating, of letting excuses rule my life. This blog, this very post, is a step. And while I may only be moving in baby-steps now, I think I feel a full on sprint coming. I have the finish line in my sights, and every step is a step closer.
Like I said, I know that I'm not ready to quit just yet, but I do know, with ever growing certainty, that I'm ready to be ready, if that makes any sense.
As I get older, I can feel the effects more and more: the constant fatigue and low energy, a diminished sex drive, stinky-breath-syndrome (that's totally a thing, right?). And during those brief intermissions where I have managed to not smoke? I can feel the difference there, too. Within a few short days, my energy levels rise, sex drive revs up, I sleep better and feel more rested. Simply put, I'm living the cons of being the smoker, and have walked in the valley of the smoke-free. So why am I still lighting up?
I think there's a simple answer to that last question, I'm just not ready. Not yet, at this very moment, at least. I'd say that it's all a mystery, that I don't know what my hold up is, but that'd be a lie, wouldn't it? First, I'm addicted. I'm not a casual smoker; it's a full blown thing. So trust me when I say, breaking that addiction is so much easier said than done. I know that when I am actually ready to butt-out, the long-lasting pangs of withdraw is a beast I'm going to have to face head on. There's no easy way out there.
Second, it's just out right comforting. Whenever I sit down to write, am behind the wheel for a long drive (and I have a long daily commute to and from work), or settle in to watch a movie, a cigarette seems the perfect complement. Even more than breaking the physical addiction, this is the part that is going to be the hardest to let go of.
But as I write this now, listing to the clickety-clack of the keys under my fingers, I am aware that all I'm doing is enumerating excuses. So far, I've only listed two items as to why I just can't let go to the little cancer sticks, and if I really put my mind to it, I could wilt away the hours filling pages of "reasons" (read: excuses) as to why I just can't stop lighting up. But I know I want to, and better yet, I know that when I really put my mind to something and really get to it, there's little that can stop me from achieving what I want.
So while I may not be ready now, I know the day is coming. And, dear internet, I know that like many others before me, I ask a lot of you, but if you have any words of advise, wisdom, or encouragement, I most certainly could use them. I started this blog because I've become sick and tired of procrastinating, of letting excuses rule my life. This blog, this very post, is a step. And while I may only be moving in baby-steps now, I think I feel a full on sprint coming. I have the finish line in my sights, and every step is a step closer.
Like I said, I know that I'm not ready to quit just yet, but I do know, with ever growing certainty, that I'm ready to be ready, if that makes any sense.
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