Entries - Halloween 2016 contest

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  • Entries - Halloween 2016 contest

    We have 12 entries for this year's fun Halloween contest:

    Someone To Care For
    The Clown
    Last Patrol
    Michael
    Demon Squad: Resurrection
    Thirsty Birds
    Follow You Down
    Sticks and Stones
    Dead Line
    Basement
    Aim Small, Miss Small
    Waiting For Gobbo

    If you detect any formatting problems in your entry (or indeed entries) then PM me and I'll correct ASAP. The text laundering process can sometimes play malicious little tricks, which is half the fun of course.

    You know how it goes, read the entries, pick your 1st, 2nd and 3rd favorite choices and PM them to me, preferably in the format:

    1st - title1
    2nd - title2
    3rd - title3

    Votes are sought by Monday 31st October (Halloween!). If I receive everyone's votes before then, I'll post the results earlier.

    Please don't vote for your own entry. If this was allowed then everyone would do it, so this would just cloud the voting.

    You don't need to be in the contest to play, all DDP members are welcome to read and vote.

    If you don't like the code boxes, which preserve formatting, then select Thread Tools and Show Printable Version instead.

    For posterity, the discussion thread is here and the results thread is here.
    Last edited by dpaterso; 10-30-2016, 11:38 PM.

  • #2
    Re: Entries - Halloween 2016 contest

    Code:
    [b]SOMEONE TO CARE FOR[/b]
    
    EXT. FOREST - NIGHT
    
    Heavy snow falls on a deep forest. The storm sends strong
    winds that makes the snow spiral horizontally.
    
    In the distance, WOLVES HOWL.
    
    CLOSE ON STEVE, 20 something, panting, exhausted, not
    wearing the right clothes. He freezes.
    
                          STEVE
              Wolves!
    
                          LYDIA
              Oh, God!
              
    Steve has LYDIA's arm over his shoulders. Same age as Steve.
    She limps, every step she takes is a world of pain. Frozen
    tears over her face.
    
                        STEVE
              We have to keep moving.
    
                        LYDIA
              There! A house!
              
    Steve looks in the direction of Lydia's finger and she's
    right. There, in the middle of nowhere there's a cabin,
    nearly hidden behind the trees and the snow.
    
    Steve grabs Lydia and hurries. Wolves howl closer.
    
    
    EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT
    
    Steve leaves Lydia sitting on a rock, her leg stretched. She
    hugs herself for heat. He pounds the door with both fists.
    
                        STEVE
              Help! Anyone! Please! -- There's
              nobody in here.
              
    More wolves in the distance.
    
                        LYDIA
                   (sobs)
              We are going to die.
              
    Steve reacts to that. He looks around, looking for
    something. There it is: a rock the size of his palm. He
    grabs it and gets ready to shatter the window.
    
    The door opens. SOPHIA, 65, a small lady with a candle in
    her hand, looks surprised at the strangers, who are no less
    surprised than her.
    
    
    INT. HOUSE - NIGHT
    
    Steve sits on a couch under a heavy blanket. Lydia lays down
    on the couch, resting her head on his knees. She's wrapped
    in a blanket. Her faces are lit by the warm fireplace.
    
                         SOPHIA (O.S.)
              I don't usually use the fireplace
              but I guess I can make an
              exception.
              
    Sophia's slippers shuffle on the wooden floor. She comes
    from the kitchen with two cups of a warm liquid. Gives one
    cup to each. They enjoy the extra warmth in their hands.
    
                        STEVE
              You saved our lives tonight.
    
                        LYDIA
              Thank you, Sophia.
              
                        SOPHIA
              Nonsense! I can always use some
              company, right? It's very lonely up
              here in the mountains.
              
                        LYDIA
              You have no family?
    
                        SOPHIA
              No. I am alone.
              
    The answer leads to an awkward silence. Lydia drinks from
    the cup.
    
                        LYDIA
              Wow, this could rise the dead from
              the grave. What is it?
              
                        SOPHIA
              It's a personal recipe. You need to
              warm up.
              
                        STEVE
              It really works.
              
    Steve lowers the blanket to his waist. So does Lydia.
    
                        SOPHIA
              Let me see that.
              
    Sophia inspects Lydia's leg. She grazes the knee and Lydia
    grimaces in pain.
    
                        SOPHIA
              Mmmmh, mmmh.
              
                        STEVE
              Are you a Doctor, Sophia? A nurse?
    
                        SOPHIA
              No, no, no. My father was a
              herbalist. He taught me everything.
              
                        LYDIA
              It must be hard up here all by
              yourself.
              
    Sophia shrugs.
                        SOPHIA
              It's my home. I don't need many
              things.
                   (trying to explain)
              I just keep the things I need. I
              like simple.
    
                        LYDIA
              But when you grow older, you'll
              need someone to take care of you.
              You should go down to the city.
    
    Sophia thinks for a long time.
    
                        SOPHIA
              I think about that all the time,
              dear. I wish I had a son or a
              daughter to take care of me...
    
    Lydia feels for Sophia.
    
                        SOPHIA
                   (smiles)
              Perhaps you two can stay here with
              me.
              
    Steve and Lydia laugh. After a few seconds, Sophia chuckles
    too. Steve caresses Lydia's hair. She kisses his hand.
    
                        SOPHIA
              Are you married?
              
    Lydia giggles.
    
                        LYDIA
              No! Well, not yet.
                   (re: Steve)
              Maybe the gentleman can explain
              better.
    
    Steve smiles at Lydia.
    
                        STEVE
              We are getting married this Summer.
              
    Lydia glows. Looks up at him.
    
                        LYDIA
              Really? Are you sure?
              
    Sophia observes the couple as they discuss details. She then
    stands up, finds a box in a cabinet. She opens the box and
    takes some herbs from inside. Puts them in the cups.
    
                        SOPHIA
              You should rest now. This will help
              you sleep. I hope you don't mind
              sleeping in the couch.
    
                        STEVE
              Of course not, Sophia. Thank you so
              much.
                           LYDIA
              Thank you.
              
    Sophia leaves the room. Lydia kisses Steve on the lips.
    
    
    INT. HOUSE - LATER
    
    The fire is still on. The flames tint the room with an
    orange flicker. Wind howls outside. Steve and Lydia lay down
    together in the couch, under the blanket.
    
                         STEVE
                   (whispers)
              You awake?
    
                           LYDIA
              Mm-mmh.
    
                        STEVE
              We've been lucky we found Sophia.
    
                        LYDIA
              Yes. I feel so bad that she lives
              here all alone.
    
                        STEVE
              You want to take her with us?
    
    Lydia punches Steve on the arm.
    
                         LYDIA
              No! -- But I'd like to do
              something.
    
    A moment of silence.
    
                        STEVE
              You know you look beautiful? With
              the fire and all.
    
                        LYDIA
              Don't be silly.
    
    He kisses her neck. She moans lightly.
    
                        STEVE
              I don't know if it's the near death
              experience but I find you
              irresistible tonight.
    
    Lydia looks deep into his eyes. A teasing smile.
    
                           LYDIA
              Me too.
    
    They kiss. Kisses lead to touch. Clothes start flying.
    Before they know it they are making love passionately.
    
    We move slowly down the corridor, to Sophia's half closed
    bedroom door. Sophia is there, standing under the frame,
    hidden by the shadows, listening. A wicked smile.
    
    
    INT. HOUSE - DAY
    
    The sunlight pierces through the curtains, it's a beautiful
    day outside.
    
    Some SOUNDS in the kitchen, dishes and cups, wake Steve and
    Lydia up, still embraced under the blanket. He looks at her
    with loving eyes. She squeezes him.
    
                        SOPHIA (O.S.)
              Good morning!
    
    Sophia enters the room with two steaming cups. Puts one cup
    in front of Steve, the other in front of Lydia. Sophia wears
    the same clothes as yesterday. She is in a very good mood.
    
                        SOPHIA
              I hope you rested well. It was so
              windy.
    
    Steve and Lydia drink from their cups.
    
                        LYDIA
              Good morning, Sophia. I slept like
              a baby.
    
                        STEVE
              It was a great night.
    
    Sophia taps Lydia's belly and chuckles. She looks excited.
    
                        SOPHIA
              I know, I know.
    
    Steve and Lydia look at each other for a beat.
    Lydia flushes.
    
                        LYDIA
              Em... Did you see something last
              night, Sophia?
    
    Sophia sits on her sofa, drinks from her tea.
    
                        SOPHIA
              Oh, dear. I saw everything. I see
              the herbs I gave you last night
              worked wonders.
    
    Steve freezes. Lydia looks at her cup. Then up at Sophia.
    
                        SOPHIA
              Oh, dear, don't look at me like
              that. It's a personal recipe, all
              natural ingredients.
    
                           LYDIA
              But-- Why?
    
    Steve's cup drops to the floor. His hand frozen as if still
    holding it. Lydia looks at him, his eyes wide open in
    terror. He falls back to the couch, his body limp.
    
                        STEVE
              I-- can't-- move.
    
    Lydia jumps at him.
    
                          LYDIA
              Steve!
    
                        SOPHIA
                   (pointing at his cup)
              That must be the poison.
    
                          LYDIA
              What?
    
                        SOPHIA
              Don't worry, dear, all natural
              ingredients. It's just Hemlock, it
              paralyzes your body but not your
              mind. After a while your lungs also
              stop.
    
    Lydia looks at her bewildered. Her lips form the word "why".
    
                        SOPHIA
                   (proud)
              It's what the Greek gave Socrates
              when he was condemned to death.
    
                          LYDIA
              STEVE!
    
    She shakes Steve but he's not responding. A low moan coming
    from his lips. Drool dripping from his mouth.
    
                        LYDIA
              Do something! Why did you do that?
    
                        SOPHIA
              Oh, well, after last night I don't
              need him anymore.
    
                          LYDIA
              What?
    
    Lydia looks at Steve. He's turning blue. His eyes look at
    hers, then drift to the door, and repeat. He's trying to
    communicate: run!
    
    Sophia stands up and as in cue, Lydia runs to the door, but
    forgets her wounded leg and screams in pain. She limps to
    the door and tries to open. Locked.
    
    Sophia leaves her tea on the table and stands up slowly.
    
    Lydia pounds the door, screams.
    
                        LYDIA
              Let me out!
    
    Lydia suddenly feels dizzy, her vision becomes blurry. Her
    knees shake. Her body drops next to the door like a ragged
    doll. She still tries to open the door.
    
    POV LYDIA - as a blurry shape of Sophia walks slowly to her.
    
                        SOPHIA
              Don't worry, dear. The kava is
              taking effect. You will sleep and
              feel so much better.
    
    Lydia can barely keep her eyes open.
    
                        LYDIA
              Wh-- Why are you doing this?
    
    Sophia kneels in front of her and looks in her eyes like a
    grandmother. She caresses her hair. Lydia can't help it.
    
                        SOPHIA
              Well, dear. You said it. I need
              someone to take care of me when I
              grow older.
    
    Lydia doesn't understand. Sophia taps Lydia's belly.
    
                        SOPHIA
              And now I will have him... or her!
    
    Lydia's eyes widen in terror. She rises her good knee to her
    chest with her last strength.
    
                        LYDIA
              I-- I'm not having a baby-- for
              you. Not-- not even pregnant.
    
    POV of Lydia, looking at Sophia stare into her eyes. The
    lights are fading into darkness.
    
                        SOPHIA
              Oh, I hope you are, dear. Otherwise
              I won't need you anymore.
    
                                                    FADE TO BLACK

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Entries - Halloween 2016 contest

      Code:
      [b]THE CLOWN[/b]
      
      FADE IN:
      
      INT. ALEX'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
      
      The room is dimly lit. Human skulls and grotesque masks are
      everywhere. Pictures of clowns cover the walls.
      
      A young teenager, ALEX BRAND, sits before a mirror, applying
      white makeup to his face.
      
                           ALEX
                 Don't mess with me. Don't mess with
                 me. You'll hang from a tree. Hee,
                 hee, hee.
      
      A lifelike doll, her chest ripped open, her pulsating heart
      exposed, her face disfigured, hangs from a hook on the wall.
      
                           ALEX
                 I am a poet. Hee, hee, hee.
      
      Alex paints an odd, distorted expression over his white
      makeup.
                           ALEX
                 And an artist.
      
      He paints the final touches and dresses in an outrageous
      clown costume, then poses in the mirror.
      
                           ALEX
                 And a clown.
      
      He pulls the doll from the hook, grins, then tears out its
      heart and tosses both in a wastebasket.
      
      Alex exits the bedroom, and makes his way downstairs.
      
      
      EXT. ALEX'S LIVINGROOM - NIGHT
      
      The front door creaks as Alex opens it.
      
                           ALEX'S MOTHER(O.S.)
                     (loud, hoarse)
                 Useless, idiot clown. Hurry back.
      
      Alex turns and faces the stairway. A hideous old witch looks
      down from the top landing. This is Alex's Mother.
      
                           ALEX
                 Yes, Mother dear. As soon as I find
                 what you need.
      
      
      EXT. HESTER ST. - NIGHT
      
      Residential houses line the street. Jack-o'-laterns rest in
      windows, but the street is empty, except for
      
      A YOUNG GIRL, 8, holding a bag and clutching her mother's
      dress. They stand on the sidewalk in front of one of the old
      houses.
      
                           YOUNG GIRL
                 Wait here, Mommy. I'm not afraid.
      
      Alex appears from the dark and startles them.
      
                           YOUNG GIRL
                 You creepy, ugly clown. Go away.
      
      Alex's face contorts into a hideous expression.
      
                           YOUNG GIRL
                 Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!
      
                           ALEX
                 Lucky for you your mother is here.
      
      He snatches the little girl's bag of treats, and disappears
      into the darkness.
      
      The Young Girl and her mother run in the opposite direction.
      
      
      EXT. MIDDLETOWN ROAD -NIGHT
      
      No street lights, no traffic. A pale moon provides
      illumination. The homes are far apart.
      
      A large old house on a low hill set far back from the street
      is especially spooky. A large, sinister jack-o'-latern sits
      in an upper window of the otherwise dark house.
      
      A pathway winds through shrubbery from the sidewalk to the
      house.
      
      
      EXT. SIDEWALK, HOUSE ON HILL - NIGHT
      
      Alex stands on the sidewalk, looking at this house.
      
                            ALEX
                 Perfect.
      
      Alex creeps halfway up the path and stops. He disappears into
      the bushes.
      
      SHORT TIME LATER
      
      A young girl, CARLEY, 7, dressed as a princess, and her
      brother JOSH, 9, in a Superman costume, stand on the sidewalk
      with their father, BILL, all staring at the house.
      
                          BILL
                You both asked for something spooky
                this year. Let's go.
      
                          CARLEY
                Daddy. Daddy. Let us go alone.
      
                          JOSH
                I'm the man of steel. The Princess
                is safe with me.
      
      Josh flexes his skinny arms.
      
                          BILL
                I don't know guys.
      
      They all stare at the sinister jack-o'-lantern in the window,
      
                          JOSH/CARLEY
                We're not afraid. Please.
      
                          BILL
                Oh heck. Superman, take care of
                Princess.
      
      
      Bill waves to his children as they walk along the path and
      disappear, hidden by the shrubbery.
      
                          BILL
                Shout if you need help.
      
      ON THE PATH
      
      Carley and Josh approach the halfway point.
      
      Alex leaps out from behind the bushes, and grabs Carley by
      her neck.
      
                          ALEX
                Quiet, Superman, or I'll break her
                neck.
      
      
      Josh lunges at Alex, but Alex is quick, and with his free
      hand punches Josh on the jaw.
      
      Josh falls to the ground while Alex carries Carley into the
      bushes.
      
      Carley bites Alex's hand and breaks away. Alex runs after
      Carley, but the ground beneath him opens and he vanishes.
      The ground immediately closes.
      
      Carley reaches Josh who is back on his feet. They both dash
      along the path toward the sidewalk.
      
      
      INT. BOTTOM OF DEEP PIT - NIGHT
      
      Alex kneels on a cushion of foam at the bottom of a pit.
      Sheer walls rise high on all sides, impossible to climb. The
      space is illuminated by dim light from an open doorway.
      
      Alex crawls to the opening. He peers into a horizontal shaft.
      
                          WHISPERING VOICE (V.O.)
                Alex. I will save you.
      
      Alex crawls in. A clattering noise becomes louder the
      farther he moves into the shaft.
      
      When he reaches the end, Alex steps out onto a platform
      positioned high above the floor of a large cave. A conveyor
      belt leads from the platform to a large, noisy machine.
      
                          LOUD VOICE (V.O.)
                I will save you.
      
      Long mechanical arms snatch Alex and bind his arms and legs,
      then place him on the conveyor.
      
                          ALEX
                Mother! Help me, Mother!
      
      The conveyor slowly carries Alex, feet first, toward an
      opening in the machine. He struggles in vain to free himself.
      
      As he approaches the opening, he sees large steel blades
      rotating within the opening. His face becomes hideously
      distorted into a silent, terrified scream.
      
      Alex is slowly fed into the machine. His howls are heard
      above the grinding.
      
      A glass window on the side of the grinder, reveals what is
      happening within the grinder.
      
      The howling ceases when his head reaches the opening, but the
      grinding continues until we see that Alex is ground
      completely.
      
      The grinder stops. After a moment, the machine exudes a moist
      stream of Alex's remains into a large glass container.
      
      A mechanical arm locks the container in a chamber. The
      chamber begins to hum.
      
      A monitor shows the material being reconstituted back into a
      human being. The monitor goes blank before the transformation
      is complete.
      
      A short time passes and the chamber door opens. A young
      teenage boy, wearing a superhero costume, exits. This is NEW
      ALEX.
      
      
      EXT. FRONT PORCH, HOUSE ON HILL - NIGHT
      
      New Alex stands at the entry door.
      
      The door opens and a JOLLY OLD MAN appears.
      
                           NEW ALEX
                 Trick or treat.
      
      The Jolly Old Man places a hand full of candy into New Alex's
      trick or treat bag.
      
                           JOLLY OLD MAN
                 Onward, young superhero. Rid the
                 world of evil.
      
      
      EXT. SIDEWALK, HOUSE ON HILL - NIGHT
      
      Carley, Josh, and their father, Bill, are talking to a POLICE
      OFFICER.
      
      New Alex approaches them.
      
                           POLICE OFFICER
                     (to New Alex)
                 Did you see a guy in a clown
                 costume.
      
                           NEW ALEX
                 No sir, I didn't.
      
      
      EXT. FRONT DOOR, ALEX'S HOUSE - NIGHT
      
      New Alex opens the creaky door and enters.
      
      
      INT. ALEX'S LIVINGROOM - NIGHT
      
      Alex's Mother looks down from the upper landing.
      
                           ALEX'S MOTHER
                 Where did you get that costume,
                 idiot?
      
      New Alex stiffens, barely concealing his rage.
      
                           NEW ALEX
                 Don't you like it, Mother?
      
                           ALEX'S MOTHER
                 It doesn't matter, you moron. Did
                 you bring me a young heart?
      
      New Alex walks up the stairs, flexing his hands. He
      approaches his mother.
      
                           NEW ALEX
                 No, Mother. But I can fix your old
                 one.
      
      Alex's Mother steps forward.
      
                           ALEX'S MOTHER
                 You stupid, dumb, incompetent,
                 worthless--
      
      New Alex grabs her and forces her to the floor. He pulls a
      rope from his pocket and binds her.
      
      
      EXT.   PATH MIDWAY - NIGHT
      
      New Alex unties his mother and rolls her along the ground,
      probing for the entry to the pit.
      
      
      INT. DEN, HOUSE ON HILL - NIGHT - SIMULTANEOUS
      
      The Jolly Old Man sits on a couch, watching a video monitor.
      
      ON THE MONITOR
      
      A dungeon filled with creepy clowns, witches, and vile
      creatures undergoing torture by fire and other painful
      methods. This is where irredeemable souls spend eternity.
      
      
      INT. CAVE - NIGHT - SIMULTANEOUS
      
      Alex's Mother is on the conveyor belt, cursing and screaming.
      
      She is fed into the opening, and the machine grinds her to
      pulp and her remains flow into a glass container which is
      placed in the chamber.
      
      
      INT. DEN, HOUSE ON HILL - NIGHT - SIMULTANEOUS
      
      The Jolly Old Man changes the channel on his monitor.
      
      ON THE MONITOR
      
      Alex's Mother exits the chamber, still a witch.
      
      TWO MUSCULAR MEN enter the cave. They carry Alex's Mother
      through a door labeled: Irredeemable Souls.
      
      FADE OUT

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Entries - Halloween 2016 contest

        Code:
        [b]LAST PATROL[/b]
        
        EXT. WOODS - DAY
        
        Two Union cavalrymen ride side-by-side on a narrow road.
        Leaves and tree limbs cover the way.
        
        The forest is a mix of naked and evergreen trees. Visibility
        poor.
        
        The debris crunches under the weight of the horses.
        
        SUPER:  "Eastern Kentucky. December, 1864."
        
        Private SWEENEY, young Irish immigrant, takes a drink from
        his canteen.
        
        He sports a cloth green 4-leaf clover on his Union blue cap.
        
        Private TAYLOR, older and grizzled from the War, rides
        alongside. Scans the treeline for trouble.
        
                             SWEENEY
                   I think we're a wee bit lost?
        
        Taylor doesn't acknowledge.
        
                             SWEENEY
                   It'll be dark in a few hours.
        
        Taylor glances up at the sky.
        
        A pale full moon looks back.
        
                               TAYLOR
                   In a few.
        
        They ride further.
        
                             SWEENEY
                   You're quite the conversationalist.
                   Three words in five hours.
        
        Taylor doesn't acknowledge.
        
        Sweeney stares at the old soldier.
        
        Opens his mouth to speak. Stops his horse.
        
        The sound of rushing water grabs his attention.
        
        Sweeney shakes his canteen. Puts it to his ear.
        
                            SWEENEY
                  My canteen is thirsty.
                  
        Taylor stops his horse. Looks at Sweeney.
        
                              TAYLOR
                  Go ahead. I'll hold the horses.
        
        Sweeney springs off his horse. Hands the reins to
        Taylor. Scurries off toward the trees.
        
                            TAYLOR
                  Forget something?
                  
        Sweeney returns, dumbfounded.
        
        Taylor pulls a canteen off his shoulder. Tosses it down to
        Sweeney.
        
        Sweeney smiles. Runs off again.
        
        Taylor sits on his horse. Enjoys the peaceful setting.
        
        Birds chirp. The wind gently blows. Brown leaves float by.
        
        Taylor pulls a plug of tobacco out from a pocket.
        
        Just enough, he pops it in his mouth.
        
        Closes his eyes. Taylor slowly chews. Savors it.
        
        Complete Nirvana.
        
        
        EXT. WOODS - DAY
        
        Sweeney ambles along a deer path through the thick woods.
        Looks around. Admires the tall pines and virgin hardwood.
        The path ends at the water's edge.
        
        A small water fall to the left drowns out the sounds of the
        world.
        
        Sweeney takes it all in.
        
        
        EXT. WOODS - DAY
        
        A twig snaps. The birds go quiet.
        
        Taylor slowly opens his eyes.
        
        Sweeny's horse stands perfectly still. Ears raised. Stares
        into the trees.
        
        Taylor slowly turns his head.
        
        Looks into the woods.
        
        The birds shoot off into the sky.
        
        Branches break.
        
        The horses skittish.
        
                               TAYLOR
                       Whoa, girl.
        
        Taylor pulls his pistol from the holster. Cocks the hammer.
        
        Sweeney's horse pulls free. Runs off.
        
        A low growl.
        
        Taylor's horse rears back.
        
        Taylor drops to the ground. His pistol falls from his hand.
        
        He scrambles, on all fours, to the pistol.
        
        Another growl.
        
        Taylor's horse gallops past. Taylor dives away.
        
        Grabs the pistol. Springs to his feet.
        
        Wide-eyed, he raises his gun.
        
        Shoots.
        
        A ROAR.
        
        Taylor screams.
        
        An ARM, its hand clutching a pistol, flies through the air.
        
        
        EXT. WOODS - DAY
        
        Sweeney kneels by the noisy creek. The rapid flow of
        water deafening.
        
        He fills his canteen.
        
        Sees a few minnows dart around in the water.
        
        He picks up a twig. Plays with them. Laughs.
        
        In the water his shadow is overwhelmed by a much larger one.
        The minnows flee.
        
        Sweeney slowly turns his head to look up.
        
        He screams.
        
        The water slowly turns red.
        
        A blue cap floats by.
        
                                                                  END

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Entries - Halloween 2016 contest

          Code:
          [b]MICHAEL[/b]
          
          EXT. CEMETERY GATE - NIGHT
          
          The moon backlights an ornate twisted wrought iron sign:
          FOREST LAWN CEMETERY, HOLLYWOOD HILLS. Two marble pillars
          glow iridescent on either side of the locked entrance.
          
          
          INT. GUARDSHACK - NIGHT
          
          A wall of TV monitors switch between grainy black and white
          images of grassy hills dotted with gravestones, tombs and a
          mausoleum. A blue hue flickers off the face of the petite
          security guard, JULIE(23) as she stares in earnest at one
          screen in particular.
          
                              JULIE
                    What the hell?
          
          She zooms in on a large tomb etched with "King of Pop" on the
          front. A dark figure in a fedora creeps toward the marble
          crypt, ducks behind it and disappears.
          
                              MICHAEL JACKSON (V.O.)
                        (Italics indicate Michael
                         singing to tune of
                         Thriller)
                    [i]It's after midnight and something
                    evil's lurking in the dark.[/i]
          
          Julie looks around the room briefly almost as if she heard
          the voice. That was weird. She picks up a handheld RADIO.
          
                              JULIE
                    Hey Mack you there?
          
                              MACK (O.S.)
                    Yup.
          
                              JULIE
                    I got someone sneaking around
                    Jackson's tomb again.
          
                              MACK (O.S.)
                    Yo, on my way.
          
          Moments later ON JULIE'S GRAINY SCREEN, a small golf cart
          circles into view. MACK(30), squeezes himself out of the tiny
          cart and shines his flashlight around. He goes behind the
          large tomb and vanishes from view.
          
          Julie taps her fingers on the desk impatiently. Nothing.
          
                              JULIE
                        (into radio)
                    Mack?
          
          A garbled STATIC comes through on the radio.
          
                               JULIE (CONT'D)
                    Mack! Hello?
                        (beat)
                    What's going on?
          
                              MACK
                        (breathless)
                    I'm here. Need you to come down and
                    help with this clown.
          
                              JULIE
                    Yeah, okay. What's going on?
          
                              MACK
                    I'll fill you in when you get here.
          
          She scurries out of the room.
          
          
          EXT. CEMETERY - NIGHT
          
          Julie's flashlight beam bounces as she weaves between the
          tombstones.
          
          She stops at the golf cart and shines her light around it and
          then behind her on the tomb.
          
                              JULIE
                    Mack!?
          
                              MICHAEL JACKSON (V.O.)
                    [i]Under the moonlight she see's a
                    sight that stops her heart.[/i]
          
          The slab of marble on the back of the tomb is slid aside to
          reveal a large black opening.
          
                              JULIE
                    Mack?
          
                              MALE VOICE
                        (MACK? Sounds different)
                    Down here Jules.
          
          She shines her light inside and sees a set of stairs carved
          in stone leading under the tomb.
          
          
          INT. TOMB - NIGHT
          
          Down the stairs she creeps into a darkened room.
          
                              JULIE
                    Mack? I don't like this. Mack!
          
          She tries to scream, but something takes her sound before she
          makes it.
          
          She starts to freeze, as horror looks her right between the
          eyes. She's paralyzed.
          
          Her flashlight illuminates the limp and bloodied body of Mack
          swinging from a noose.
          
                              MICHAEL JACKSON (V.O.)
                    [i]Cause this is thriller. Thriller
                    night. No one's gonna save her from
                    the beast about to strike. She's
                    fighting for her life inside a
                    killer. Thriller tonight.[/i]
          
          She hears the door SLAM and realizes there's nowhere left to
          run. Footsteps CLICK down the darkened stairs.
          
          Julie trembles and wonders if she'll ever see the sun.
          
          She quickly scans the room for a place to hide. The famed
          oxygen bed Michael loved is along one wall, lined with satin
          sheets and covered in a plastic lid. Empty.
          
          She climbs inside and flicks off her light.
          
          She closes her eyes and hopes this is just her imagination.
          But she hears the CLICK and TAP of the footsteps creepin' up
          behind.
          
          She's out of time.
          
          A small lamp is turned on.
          
          Julie cowers in a fetal position in the bed, eyes scrunched
          tight. A white sequined glove opens the lid. A hand gently
          strokes Julies hair. She is frozen with fear.
          
                              JULIE
                    Please, don't hurt me. Please let
                    me go.
          
          That voice again.
          
                              MICHAEL JACKSON (O.S.)
                    [i]They're out to get you, there's
                    demons closing in on every side.
                    They will possess you unless you
                    change the number on your dial.[/i]
          
                               JULIE
                    My dial?
          
          She opens her eyes slowly.
          
                               JULIE (CONT'D)
                    Michael?
          
          MICHAEL JACKSON, in the flesh, wearing his red leather
          thriller jacket that nicely accents his red glowing eyes.
          Soft Jheri curls frame his perfect youthful face.
          
                              MICHAEL JACKSON
                    [i]Now is the time for you and I to
                    cuddle close together. All through
                    the night I'll save you from the
                    terrors on the screen. I'll make
                    you see. That it's a thriller,
                    thriller night. Cause I can thrill
                    you more than any ghost would ever
                    dare try. Girl this is thriller,
                    thriller night. So let me hold you
                    tight and share a killer, chiller,
                    thriller here tonight.[/i]
          
                              JULIE
                    But you're dead. You died.
          
                              MICHAEL JACKSON
                    No Julie, I found a way to live
                    forever. No tabloids. No TMZ. No
                    cruel rumors. No bullies. I'm with
                    my imaginary friends every night.
          
          Julie sits up now and flips her legs over the side of the
          bed. She BONKS her head on the plastic lid raised behind her.
          
                               JULIE
                    Ouch!
                        (beat)
                    God, what's that stench in the air?
          
                              MICHAEL JACKSON
                    [i]The funk of forty thousand years of
                    grisly ghouls from every tomb.[/i]
          
          Michael GYRATES his hips to the subtle sound of Thriller in
          the background. Julie looks at his hips in disgust.
          
                               JULIE
                    What are you doing?
                        (beat)
                    You faked your death?
          
                              MICHAEL JACKSON
                    [i]Julie, creatures crawl in search of
                    blood to terrorize your
                    neighborhood.[/i]
          
                              JULIE
                    Enough with the singing! What about
                    Mack? Did you kill him? You freak.
                    What is wrong with you?
          
          Michael shakes his head and SPINS into his famed dance moves.
          He leans in and kisses Julie. She is suddenly dazed and in
          some weird trance.
          
                              MICHAEL JACKSON
                    [i]And whoever shall be found [u]without[/u]
                    [u]the soul for getting down[/u], must
                    stand and face the hounds of hell
                    and rot inside a corpse's shell.[/i]
          
          Michael's sequined glove glitters as he reaches to assist
          Julie up. She stares vacantly into Michael's eyes.
          
                               JULIE
                        (flat)
                    Mack never could dance.
          
          The music of Thriller comes up loudly now in the tomb.
          
                              MICHAEL JACKSON
                    [i]Grisly ghouls from every tomb are
                    closing in to seal your doom.[/i]
          
                              JULIE
                    No. I don't want to stay.
          
          She tries to pull away and her skin slides from her arm where
          Michael grabs her. Pus and blood ooze from the site. She
          looks up and her eyes BLAZE RED and lock with Michael's.
          
                               MICHAEL JACKSON
                    [i]Though you fight to stay alive,
                    your body starts to shiver. For no
                    mortal can resist
                        (beat)
                    THE EVIL OF THE THRILLER![/i]

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Entries - Halloween 2016 contest

            Code:
            [b]DEMON SQUAD: RESURRECTION[/b]
            
            FADE IN:
            
            INT. UNDERGROUND SEWER TUNNEL - NIGHT
            
            Old brick walls, stained with damp. Light comes from
            flickering ancient lamps set in the ceiling.
            
            A bandaged EGYPTIAN MUMMY shuffles past, and continues along
            the tunnel.
            
            A guy dressed in black tip-toes after the Mummy. His name's
            HORST. His grim expression says he means business.
            
            Horst grabs the Mummy from behind and twists its head off, a
            brutal SNAP. The Mummy collapses into a pile of bones and
            old bandages.
            
            Horst looks around, making sure no one saw or heard. He
            crouches down and starts pulling away the bandages.
            
            He finds the Mummy's hand and removes a silver ring from one
            of the fingers. He holds the ring up and examines it with
            interest.
            
            He sniffs a bandage strip. Eww, stinky. He starts to wrap
            the bandage around his own head, making himself into the Mummy.
            
            INT. ARCHED DOORWAY - NIGHT
            
            A huge, hairy CHEWBACCA lookalike and a KNIGHT in armor with
            lowered helmet visor guard the door. They perk up as the
            Mummy approaches.
            
            It looks as if they might stop the Mummy... But the Mummy
            holds up his hand, showing the silver ring.
            
            Chewbacca pushes the door open. The Mummy shuffles through.
            
            INT. ENTRANCE CHAMBER - NIGHT
            
            The Mummy enters through the arched doorway.
            
            Chewbacca and the Knight stay on guard, their backs to us.
            
            The door slowly swings shut, hiding them from view.
            
            Close on the Mummy. Horst's eyes flick left and right.
            
            INT. CONFERENCE CHAMBER - NIGHT
            
            A long table with chairs on either side, plus extra chairs
            at each end.
            
            The chairs are occupied by people wearing Halloween costumes.
            
            There's a Frankenstein Monster...
            a fanged Werewolf...
            a pointy-hatted Witch...
            a reptilian Creature from the Black Lagoon...
            a white-sheeted Ghost with black spots for eyes...
            a fanged Vampire in a stylish black and red cloak...
            a green-skinned Zombie with ripped, bloody clothing...
            a Ninja assassin in a black suit and ski mask...
            a Pumpkin-headed guy with weird long fingers...
            a grinning-faced Skeleton made of bones...
            and a huge Gorilla, who sits at the head of the table.
            
            They have one thing in common, they all wear a silver ring
            like the one Horst took from the dead Mummy. Members of the
            same club.
            
            The Gorilla turns his head as the Mummy enters.
            
                                     GORILLA
                         You're late! Take your seat.
            
            The Mummy (Horst) shuffles to the table and sits down, he's
            at the other end of the table, facing the Gorilla.
            
                                     GORILLA
                         Now that we are all present, I
                         call this annual meeting of the
                         Dark Brotherhood to order.
            
                                     WITCH
                         Once again, I move for that
                         outdated name to be changed.
                         Given that there are three in
                         this chamber who do not qualify
                         as "brothers".
            
            The Gorilla face-palms.
            
                                     GORILLA
                         Jesus H. Christ, Lizzie, do we
                         gotta do this every goddamned year?
            
                                     WOLFMAN
                         Three?
            
            The Creature and the Ghost raise their hands.
            
                                     CREATURE
                         Raaarrrgggg!
            
                                     GHOST
                         I'm trans but I identify as female.
            
            The Skeleton also raises a hand.
            
                                     SKELETON
                         Asexual, here. No boner jokes
                         please.
            
            The Gorilla bunches his huge fists, trying not to pop a vein.
            
                                     GORILLA
                         Okay, okay. If we have time,
                         we'll put the name change thing
                         to a vote. We're wasting the one
                         night of the year we can move
                         freely among the humans.
            
                                     WOLFMAN
                         Who never suspect the truth, until
                         it is too late!
            
            Everyone at the table throws their heads back and laughs
            uproariously. Or, depending on what they are, they snarl or
            hiss.
            
                                     VAMPIRE
                         I had a snack on the way here, as
                         I am sure you all did. She became
                         amorous, and asked me to take out
                         my fangs. Take out my fangs!
            
            More laughter and hissing!
            
            Horst, disguised as the Mummy, is the only one who isn't
            amused.
            
            The laughter dies away.
            
                                     GORILLA
                         First item on the agenda.
                         Territorial disputes. Desmond,
                         you have a complaint to put before
                         the Dark Brotherhood?
            
            The Witch opens her mouth to say something but the Gorilla
            holds up a warning finger, she shuts her mouth.
            
                                     WOLFMAN
                         Damn right I do. The goddamn
                         zombies won't stick to their own
                         turf. They've been raiding into
                         ours, killing our livestock.
                         Turning them into their own foul
                         kind.
            
                                     ZOMBIE
                         Oh, the lies. It is wolves who
                         raid zombie territory.
            
                                     WOLFMAN
                         You stink and you taste foul, we
                         can't eat your dead flesh, why
                         would we raid you?
            
                                     GORILLA
                         Why indeed?  This sounds like a
                         no-brainer.
                              (to Zombie)
                         Do you deny encroaching upon the
                         werewolf quarter?
            
                                     ZOMBIE
                         Zombies do not raid wolf territory.
            
                                     GORILLA
                         The punishment for territorial
                         infringement is clear. The
                         offending group must forfeit a
                         portion of its territory, and the
                         leader of the offending group
                         must pay the harshest penalty.
            
            The Gorilla signals. An armored Knight steps out of the
            shadows, holding a huge broadsword.
            
            The Knight moves to stand behind the Zombie and raises his
            broadsword, ready to strike.
            
            The Werewolf grins savagely, this is just what he wanted.
            
                                     ZOMBIE
                         Why zombies always face injustice?
            
            The Gorilla makes a chopping motion with his hand.
            
            The Knight brings his broadsword down onto the Werewolf
            instead, shattering his chair and bursting him wide open.
            Gore spatters.
            
                                     GORILLA
                         The Dark Brotherhood sees
                         everything. The Dark Brotherhood
                         knows everything. Twenty percent
                         of the werewolf quarter will be
                         ceded to the zombie community, to
                         do with as they will.
            
                                     VAMPIRE
                         Such is our law.
            
                                     GORILLA
                         Item 2 on the agenda. Giant
                         squids from the Pacific Ocean
                         depths have applied to join the
                         Dark Brotherhood. Your thoughts?
            
                                     FRANKENSTEIN MONSTER
                         Do we really want Cthulhu spawn
                         sitting at this table?
            
                                     GORILLA
                         They do worship the Old Ones but
                         it's my understanding that they
                         are not Cthulhu spawn, per se,
                         but an Earth-evolved aquatic
                         culture in their own right.
            
                                     PUMPKIN HEAD GUY
                         Can they physically manifest
                         themselves here?  The chamber
                         would have to be flooded.
            
                                     WITCH
                         Magics can be worked to provide a
                         contained ocean environment.
            
                                     CREATURE
                         Raaargg uurrgh!
            
                                     WITCH
                         You're am amphibian, you can
                         function perfectly well on land
                         as well as in your own lagoon.
                              (to Gorilla)
                         The squids do possess arcane
                         knowledge that would be useful to
                         us.
            
                                     GORILLA
                         Then we shall take a vote. Those
                         in favor of the giant squids of
                         the Pacific Ocean joining the
                         Dark Brotherhood, raise your hand.
                         Or any appendage.
            
            INT. UNDERGROUND SEWER TUNNEL - NIGHT
            
            The remains of the Mummy that Horst killed.
            
            Chewbacca's huge hairy feet step into shot.
            
            The deception is discovered!
            
            INT. CONFERENCE CHAMBER - NIGHT
            
                                     GORILLA
                         Next order of business--
            
            A Knight leans down to whisper into the Gorilla's ear. The
            Gorilla listens, then dismisses the Knight.
            
                                     GORILLA
                         It seems an infiltrator has been
                         found.
            
            The Gorilla stares directly at Horst.
            
            Beneath the table, Horst's hand reaches into loose bandages
            and pulls out a Heckler & Koch MP5.
            
                                     WITCH
                         An infiltrator?
            
                                     GORILLA
                         She was caught while trying to
                         sneak into our lair. Our guards
                         are bringing her here now.
            
            Horst's eyes widen, they're not talking about him.
            
            The doors fly open and two armored Knights drag in CINDY,
            painfully pretty but with eyes as hard as steel. She
            struggles to get free but the Knights are too strong for her.
            
            The Vampire likes what he sees, he licks his lips in
            anticipation.
            
                                     VAMPIRE
                         How strange that a human would
                         wish to come to us, instead of
                         fleeing for their life.
            
                                     GORILLA
                         Strange indeed.
                              (to Cindy)
                         You have dared interrupt the
                         proceedings of the Dark Brotherhood.
                         You will explain yourself, or
                         suffer the consequences.
            
                                     CINDY
                         Screw you, Harambe.
            
                                     WITCH
                         If it pleases the chair, I will
                         work my magic on her. She will
                         experience such pain that she
                         will beg for death, and tell us
                         everything.
            
                                     VAMPIRE
                         There is no need for such barbarity.
            
            The Vampire stands and glides over to Cindy. He smiles.
            His eyes glow. Cindy tries to look away, but she's
            mesmerized by his power.
            
                                     VAMPIRE
                         Tell me who you are, my dear, and
                         vy you haf chosen to risk your
                         soul by violating the sanctity of
                         the Dark Brotherhood?
            
                                     HORST
                              (Austrian accent)
                         She's with me.
            
            Cindy's eyes flick to Horst. She recognizes that voice!
            
            Horst stands, his Mummy bandages tumble off him. He points
            his MP5 at the Gorilla.
            
                                     GORILLA
                         Another infiltrator! Tell me, do
                         you think your puny human weapons
                         will actually work against any of
                         us here in this chamber?
            
            The creatures all have a good chuckle.
            
            Horst pulls back the MP5's slide.
            
                                     HORST
                         I always load up with silver
                         bullets when I go hunting on
                         Halloween.
            
            The Gorilla's eyes widen. Eek!
            
            DAKA DAKA DAKA! Horst sprays bullets everywhere.
            
            The Witch shrieks as she's shredded, the Pumpkin head
            explodes, the Skeleton comes apart, the Ghost spatters the
            walls with green mucus ectoplasm.
            
            Cindy butts the Vampire, he reels back and knocks heads with
            the Ninja, stunning him.
            
            Cindy elbows both Knights in their visors, snatches the
            Ninja's sword and decapitates him with a swishing stroke!
            
            The Vampire holds up both hands in surrender.
            
                                     VAMPIRE
                         No, vait--
            
            Swish! His head tumbles through the air, eyes wide in shock.
            
            The hissing Creature from the Black Lagoon lumbers at Cindy,
            claws reaching for her.
            
                                     HORST
                         Watch out for the poison claws!
            
            Cindy side-steps and the Creature staggers into the two
            Knights, bowling them over.
            
            Cindy grasps the sword with both hands and stabs the Creature
            in the back, skewering it. It screams, sinks to its knees,
            pitches over.
            
            The Gorilla runs for the door, Horst tracks him and shoots,
            the Gorilla cartwheels into a stone pillar and sinks down,
            leaving bloody smears.
            
            The Frankenstein Monster flips the table over and charges at
            Horst -- who runs out of bullets! Click-click!
            
            Horst throws the empty MP5 at the Frankenstein Monster, who
            swats it aside like a fly and grabs Horst by the throat.
            
            Horst struggles with the huge hands but can't get free. He
            knows he's going to lose.
            
            The Frankenstein Monster grins horribly. He knows he's going
            to win.
            
            Something shocks the Monster, his eyes widen, his grin
            vanishes.
            
            The Creature's severed hands are stuck into his neck -- the
            poison claws buried in his reanimated flesh.
            
            The Frankenstein Monster's eyelids flutter. He lets go of
            Horst, who only just manages to step aside before the Monster
            collapses like a falling tree, making a hell of a noise.
            
            Cindy throws the sword -- the blade enters the visor of the
            Knight with the broadsword, who was about to attack them.
            The Knight collapses.
            
            Cindy helps Horst, who's weakened by his struggle with the
            Monster.
            
                                     CINDY
                         Come on, let's get out of here.
            
            They run to the door and exit the chamber.
            
            INT. UNDERGROUND SEWER TUNNEL - NIGHT
            
            Cindy and Horst jog along.
            
            FREEZE FRAME.
            
            SUPER:  DEMON SQUAD
            
            INT. CONFERENCE CHAMBER - NIGHT
            
            The Chewbacca lookalike stands in the doorway, staring at
            the devastation and corpses. He tilts his head back and
            roars at the heavens:
            
                                     CHEWBACCA
                         RAAAARGH!
                              (English subtitle)
                         Vengeance!
            
            FADE OUT

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Entries - Halloween 2016 contest

              Code:
              [b]THIRSTY BIRDS[/b]
              
              EXT. DESERT OIL FIELD - SUNSET
              
              Orange and red clouds swirl in the sky to the distant horizon
              where they snuff out the last remnants of daylight.
              
              The fading light silhouettes hundreds of pumpjacks as they
              undulate up and down and devour the desert landscape.
              
              In the foreground, a golf cart sits next to a shiny black
              Mercedes, both parked in front of a lone portable office.
              
              
              INT. OFFICE TRAILER - NIGHT
              
              BEN (30), a doughy man with ruddy cheeks that match his
              flannel shirt, takes notes at a small fold up table. He looks
              up at JACK (55) a man who surely just stepped off the pages
              of Outside magazine with his bronzed skin, crisp shirt, bolo,
              and a belt buckle as big as Texas.
              
                                   JACK
                        Food's in the fridge, water buffalo
                        out back, bed over there.
                            (beat)
                        Replacement comes the first. A
                        month is a long time. Don't let the
                        isolation get to ya. Questions?
              
                                  BEN
                        No, sir. I'm actually looking
                        forward to the quiet out here.
              
              Ben is cheerful and chatty as he takes books out of his bag
              and stacks them on the desk.
              
                                   BEN (CONT'D)
                        Got a ton of stuff to study.
                        Gettin' my GED. Kind of a late
                        bloomer and all with the whole
                        prison thing... well, you know.
                            (beat)
                        Anyway, I appreciate you giving me
                        this job. No one else would. Just
                        want you to know I'm turnin--
              
                                  JACK
                            (glares)
                        I HATE slackers.
              
              Ben stops and looks up. Awkward.
              
              Jack smooths each side of his mustache.
              
              Silence.
              
                                    BEN
                         Yes sir.
              
                                   JACK
                         I hired you to watch my `thirsty
                         birds' and land. Nothin' more nor
                         less.
              
              Ben is confused.
              
                                   BEN
                         Birds? I thought--
              
                                   JACK
                         Pumpjacks, nodding donkeys, thirsty
                         birds? OIL RIGS. I see they learned
                         you a lot in that school.
              
                                   BEN
                         I must have missed that.
              
                                   JACK
                         Folks think they got this easy gig
                         here. It's a twenty-four seven job.
                         I don't have much patience and I've
                         no problem thinnin' the herd. Pride
                         myself on it actually.
              
              Nothing but the CREAK of stiff leather as Jack shifts his
              weight in his fancy boots.
              
                                   BEN
                             (nervous)
                         Lot of trespassers? Out here?
              
                                   JACK
                         Boy, you would be surprised at the
                         crooks hangin' round here.
              
                                   BEN
                         Right, I just thought so far out
                         and oil rigs. Huh.
              
                                   JACK
                         Just keep an eye on my "birds" and
                         we will get along fine. Any
                         problems call me. Number's there.
              
                                   BEN
                         Oh yeah, I need to char--
              
              Ben pulls a charger from his bag and plugs it into wall.
              
                                  JACK
                        No service. Land line.
              
              Jack nods to an old black rotary phone on the wall. He
              abruptly turns to exit.
              
                                  JACK (CONT'D)
                        See you next month.
              
              The door slams and Ben watches out the window as the Mercedes
              drives away in a cloud of dust. The pumpjacks bob in the
              moonlight and look like large pecking Ravens.
              
              Ben rubs his eyes and looks again. Yes, THEY ARE LARGE
              PECKING RAVENS. He clamps the blinds shut.
              
              
              INT. OFFICE TRAILER - LATER
              
              Ben is in bed but wide awake. We hear the THUMP and GROAN of
              the pumpjacks outside. They sound vaguely like the pumping of
              many hearts. Thump thump. Thump thump.
              
              
              EXT. OIL FIELD - DAY
              
              From the trailer we see the faded golf cart leave a snake of
              dust as it moves between the large oil pumps in the distance.
              
              On Ben as he drives the cart. Sweat and dirt coat his face.
              
              His chest POUNDS into the steering wheel as he slams to a
              stop. The cart nearly tips over.
              
                                     BEN
                        What the?
              
              He gets out and rubs his chest but stares intently at
              something up high. And then to his right and left.
              
              Swinging around we see the large beak end of a pumpjack
              moving up and down with a skeleton attached to the tip.
              
              Human? It sways gently with each oscillation of the beak.
              Scanning farther out we see another skeleton moving up and
              down. And another. And some that look more... solid?
              
                                  BEN (CONT'D)
                        What kind of animal...
              
              He walks toward the pumpjacks that dangle the solid beings
              from their beaks. Flies swarm him and Ben bats them away.
              
              He gets close and we see they are human bodies in various
              states of decay. The buzzards peck and tear at the flesh. The
              pumpjacks continue to rotate oblivious to the carnage
              dangling from them.
              
              Ben spews vomit into the parched earth.
              
              He scans the desert. Nothing but hundreds of pumps driving
              their beaks toward the earth. No sign of the office.
              
              Ben wipes the sweat with his arm and fumbles for his cell.
              Still no coverage. He takes several photos as he runs back to
              his golf cart. Ben vomits again before he speeds off.
              
              From above and intercut with shots of Ben in the cart we
              gather he is going in circles and totally lost.
              
              The fear in his eyes is real and we see the pumps have become
              large Ravens again.
              
                                     BEN (CONT'D)
                           Just dehydration. Dude, snap out of
                           it. Hallucinations...not real.
              
              He swigs the last of the water from his bottle then slaps
              himself on his cheeks.
              
              The perpetual HEART BEAT sound of the pumpjacks gets louder.
              
              
              EXT. OIL FIELD - LATE AFTERNOON
              
              The sun dips in the sky and the pumps cast long shadows on
              the sand that appear to rip flesh from a shadow carcass. In
              the background a golf cart engine whines to turn over.
              
              And again.
              
                                     BEN
                           Sh**!
              
              He gets out and kicks the dead cart.
              
              
              EXT. OIL FIELD - NIGHT
              
              The sound of a lighter and a small flame flickers giving life
              to a cigarette. Ben takes a long drag as he sits in the sand.
              
              The moon lights up the ebony pumps as they HEAVE in the night
              around him. The THUMPING sound now relentless and maddening.
              
                                      BEN
                           Shut up!
              
              He grabs his ears and writhes in the dirt and quietly sobs.
              
              A large SCRAPE. Like a bulldozer blade across the desert
              floor. The earth RUMBLES.
              
              Ben stops.
              
              Another large SCRAPE from behind.
              
              Ben twirls around and the moon shines on several pumpjacks
              now much closer than before.
              
              Their beaks that normally dip just above the ground now POUND
              and SHAKE the earth. They become large Ravens again.
              
                                     JACK (O.S.)
                           I told you to watch my birds. They
                           get real thirsty out here.
              
                                     BEN
                               (panicked)
                           Thank God you're here! I got lost
                           and we need to call the police!
                           There's dead people hanging. A
                           killer.
              
                                     JACK (O.S.)
                           You learn about Karma yet?
              
                                     BEN
                           What? Did you hear me? We need to
                           call 911!
              
                                     JACK (O.S.)
                           Following as effect from cause.
              
                                     BEN
                           What are you--
              
              More SCRAPE of metal on earth.
              
              Ben SCREAMS.
              
                                     BEN (CONT'D)
                           What is that?! Something's grabbing
                           me? Hey! Help!
              
              Ben is snared by the beak of a pumpjack, now a giant Raven.
              He undulates up and down with the loud THUMP of the machinery
              drowning out his screams. Thump thump. Thump thump.
              
              We move up and down in the air with Ben and see Jack step
              into view below. His white cowboy hat reflects the moonlight.
              
              Almost serene.
              
                                  JACK
                        Destiny. Or fate. Karma.
              
                                  BEN
                        You're crazy! Let me down! I
                        haven't done anything to you.
              
                                  JACK
                        No, not me. Karma's much bigger
                        than me boy.
              
              Jack strolls off into the night.
              Last edited by dpaterso; 10-30-2016, 05:13 AM.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Entries - Halloween 2016 contest

                Code:
                [b]FOLLOW YOU DOWN[/b]
                
                FADE IN:
                
                INT. SALES OFFICE - DAY
                
                Salesperson JIMMY hunches over his desk, picks through a
                stack of forms. Photos of family crowd his workspace, maybe
                not real, pilfered from the web.
                
                Awards line the walls, some hang crooked, dust showing.
                
                RANDY fidgets across the desk from Jimmy.
                
                                     JIMMY
                           So you went for the full package?
                
                Randy grins, ready to talk.
                
                                     RANDY
                           You only go around once. I'm in
                           for the whole thing.
                
                                        JIMMY
                           Smart guy.
                
                Jimmy zeroes in on a page.
                
                                     JIMMY (CONT'D)
                           Now this here. You can cancel in
                           the next three days. You know,
                           legal stuff.
                
                                     RANDY
                           I'm ready to do this now. No
                           reason to cancel.
                
                Jimmy displays the smile.
                
                                     JIMMY
                           You're good, bro. Just need you to
                           initial.
                
                Jimmy slides the paper to Randy, hands him a pen. Randy
                scribbles, pushes the page back.
                
                                     RANDY
                           Now what about--
                
                                     JIMMY
                           --Your plan covers it. You paid
                           for the deluxe. No need to worry.
                
                Jimmy makes a face.
                
                                    RANDY
                          Something wrong?
                
                Jimmy shifts in his chair.
                
                                    JIMMY
                          Not at all. Did they talk to you
                          about the family plan?
                
                Randy leans back, waves his hand.
                
                                     RANDY
                          The wife, she wasn't interested.
                          You know--
                
                                    JIMMY
                          --Woman stuff. Yeah, tell me about
                          it.
                
                Jimmy straightens the papers, stands, holds out his hand.
                Handshake.
                
                                    JIMMY (CONT'D)
                          Looks like you're good to go, dude.
                
                                    RANDY
                          So--
                
                                    JIMMY
                          --Have a seat in the waiting area.
                          Won't be long.
                
                
                INT. WAITING AREA - DAY
                
                Sterile music wafts through the room. Mostly empty, two
                others wait in chairs, children's blocks and toys decorate a
                corner. RECEPTIONIST files her nails behind glass at the
                front.
                
                Aquarium fish gape in dull surprise at the people waiting.
                
                Randy pretends to read a flop-eared magazine.
                
                He scans the room, the receptionist catches his eye, slides
                open the glass.
                
                                    RECEPTIONIST
                          Doing okay, sir?
                
                                    RANDY
                          A little nervous.
                
                                    RECEPTIONIST
                          I understand. Is there any way I
                          can help?
                
                Randy hesitates.
                
                                    RANDY
                          I was wondering, you know, if...
                
                Receptionist smiles.
                
                                    RECEPTIONIST
                          I understand. My brother--
                
                                    RANDY
                          --Your brother?
                
                                    RECEPTIONIST
                          That's why I work here. If you
                          could see the difference--
                
                                    RANDY
                          --See the difference. That's what
                          I've heard. But for me would it be
                          the same?
                
                                    RECEPTIONIST
                          Your experience may differ.
                
                                    RANDY
                          Lawyer talk.
                
                Receptionist rolls her eyes.
                
                                     RECEPTIONIST
                          Part of the manual. What they tell
                          me to say.
                
                                    RANDY
                          I understand.
                
                                    RECEPTIONIST
                          Someone will be with you shortly.
                
                A door opens to the Waiting Area. SUZIE smiles at Randy.
                
                                       SUZIE
                          Sir. Are you ready?
                
                                       RANDY
                          Umm.
                
                                    SUZIE
                          Please come with me.
                
                
                INT. HALLWAY - DAY
                
                Randy follows Suzie down white tiles to a steel door.
                
                                    SUZIE
                          Now or never.
                
                Randy waves his hands.
                
                                     RANDY
                          Now. How many times I gotta say
                          it?
                
                Suzie smiles, slides open the door.
                
                
                INT. PIT ROOM - DAY
                
                A large, open room, racks with shoes pushed against a wall
                beside chairs. In the center the floor disappears, darkness
                fills the void.
                
                Suzie selects shoes from a rack.
                
                                    SUZIE
                          Size eleven. You need to put these
                          on.
                
                Randy takes a chair, changes his shoes.
                
                                    RANDY
                          Just for information, how deep is
                          that thing? Wondering, that's all.
                
                Suzie smiles.
                
                                    SUZIE
                          Proprietary information. But I can
                          say you should arrive in about six
                          seconds. So if you can do the
                          math...
                
                                    RANDY
                          Can't do the math.
                
                                    SUZIE
                          We don't get many Einsteins.
                
                Randy stands, hands his old shoes to Suzie, rubs his hands.
                
                                      RANDY
                          So.
                
                They walk to the side of the floor opening.
                
                                    SUZIE
                          Be careful. Don't want you falling
                          in.
                
                Randy winks at Suzie.
                
                                    RANDY
                          You know you're a bit of a
                          smartass?
                
                                    SUZIE
                          Not sure what you're talking about,
                          sir. Whenever you're ready.
                
                                     RANDY
                          Okay. Good to go?
                
                                    SUZIE
                          You're good. Take a good jump so
                          you don't bump the sides.
                
                                       RANDY
                          No problem.
                
                                     SUZIE
                          Okay. One, two--
                
                Randy jumps forward, falls. Suzie lifts her head, listens.
                As seconds pass, a THUD is heard, then GURGLING.
                
                Suzie lights a cigarette, takes a drag, walks away.
                
                                                                      FADE OUT

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Entries - Halloween 2016 contest

                  Code:
                  [b]STICKS AND STONES[/b]
                  
                  EXT. BUNGALOW - DAY
                  
                  In the front yard of a small, neat bungalow, Lil Thompson
                  (60) smiles. Tim Junior, or T.J. (6), a freckle-faced mess of
                  scabs and stains, runs to her.
                  
                                      LIL
                            How's my favorite grandboy?
                  
                  TJ corrects her with a pout.
                  
                                      TJ
                            I'm your onliest grandboy, Grammy!
                  
                                      LIL
                            Still, you're my favorite!...
                            Sugar, go wash up. Your mama called
                            and ask if you could stay with me
                            and Grampy tonight. I got up extra
                            early to make you pie!
                  
                  Lil shuffles TJs hair. He scrunches his nose, runs off.
                  
                  Next door, Virginia HARRING (68), her hair an unnatural red,
                  looks up from her tidy garden, shakes her head.
                  
                                      VIRGINIA
                            The things we won't do for our
                            kids. You don't know how lucky you
                            are to have a grandbaby.
                  
                                      LIL
                                (sympathetic head shake)
                            Honey, this must be an awful time
                            of year for you.
                  
                                      VIRGINIA
                            Yes and no. You find ways to find
                            comfort after loss.
                  
                  PASTOR DAN (55) pushes a sleeping, elderly woman in a
                  wheelchair on the sidewalk on the other side of the road.
                  
                                      PASTOR DAN
                            I missed y'all yesterday! I gave a
                            special sermon in honor of our poor
                            missing sheep. I spoke of how
                            someone must sacrifice for our--
                  
                  Lil and Virginia hurriedly interrupt him and rush off.
                  
                               LIL                           VIRGINIA
                  My stew is going to burn!       I think I hear my phone--
                  
                  
                  INT. THOMPSON HOUSE - NIGHT
                  
                  MARTY THOMPSON (63) sits at the table in police uniform and
                  badge that says "Mt. Pleasant Police Department, Chief." He
                  is faraway, his blue eyes troubled as he stares at his food.
                  
                                      TJ
                            Grampy? Did you hear me? Are you
                            even listening?
                  
                  Lil puts a hand on Marty's arm. He comes back to the present.
                  
                                      LIL
                                (to Marty)
                            Hon, mind your manners. We've got
                            our grandbaby here! Now TJ, tell us
                            about what you did today?
                  
                                      TJ
                            We digged at Mrs. Harring's house.
                  
                                      MARTY
                            You mean you dug at Mrs. Harring's.
                  
                                      TJ
                            We found a secret hole in the fence
                            and we scooted through and did some
                            dinosaur digging..
                  
                                      LIL
                                (distracted)
                            Marty, hear that? A hole in our
                            fence? I hope she didn't mind you
                            crawling around back there.
                                (to Marty)
                            Come on, hon. Listen to the boy.
                  
                  Marty clears his throat, looks at T.J.
                  
                                      MARTY
                            Mr. Harring was a real geologist
                            you know. He used to dig dinosaur
                            bones. Find anything good?
                  
                  T.J. nods eagerly.
                  
                                      TJ
                            Yeah, a few dinosaur bones and some
                            sticks and stones. Wanna see?
                  
                                      LIL
                            Later, sugar. Let's clean up these
                            dishes and get to the good stuff.
                            Guess who made peach pie?
                  
                  
                  INT. THOMPSON HOUSE - NIGHT
                  
                  In bed, Marty stares at the ceiling. Lil turns to him.
                  
                                      LIL
                            Honey, what's wrong? Why are you
                            still up?
                  
                                      MARTY
                            Halloween's just around the corner.
                  
                                      LIL
                            Yes, it happened last year and the
                            year before that--
                  
                                      MARTY
                            I just can't believe it's been ten
                            years since Reedy McGraw went
                            missing on Halloween night. On my
                            watch. Neither hide nor hair seen
                            since.
                  
                  He scratches his face in thought.
                  
                                      MARTY (CONT'D)
                            Kid was what, all of 26?
                  
                  Lil rubs a hand gently on his arm consolingly.
                  
                                      LIL
                            I'm sorry baby, I know it's a
                            burden on you. Those poor souls..
                                (sighs)
                            Speaking of unfair, I saw Virginia
                            today. She talked about Danny. Can
                            you imagine-- suicide? That was on
                            Halloween, too.
                  
                                         MARTY
                            I wonder--
                  
                                      LIL
                            --Sug, you've toyed with every
                            possibility. Sometimes you don't
                            find the answers.
                  
                                      MARTY
                            I just hate retirin' without
                            solving the worst thing that ever
                            happened to this town.
                  
                                      LIL
                            As Pastor Dan says, it'll all come
                            out in the wash.
                  
                  
                  INT. POLICE STATION - DAY
                  
                  DEPUTY RICE greets Marty at his desk, hands him a wrapped
                  gift box which Marty opens. He holds up to silver sticks.
                  
                                      MARTY
                            What the hell are these, Rice?
                  
                                      DEP. RICE
                            Their knitting needles. That's what
                            my grandma did when she retired--
                  
                                      MARTY
                            Thanks Rice. Maybe I'll knit you a
                            a nice cap to hide that crappy
                            hatchet job the barber did on ya.
                  
                                      DEP. RICE
                            Sticks and stones--
                  
                                      MARTY
                            Yeah, yeah. .. Hey Rice. You know
                            the Reedy McGraw case and the
                            Forrester case are exactly ten
                            years apart tomorrow?
                  
                  Rice scratches his head, looks worried.
                  
                                      DEP. RICE-
                            You don't think there's gonna be
                            another one this year, do ya Chief?
                  
                                      MARTY
                            I sure as hell hope not.
                  
                  MONTAGE: MARTY AT STATION WORKING THE CASE
                  
                  --Marty works at his desk.
                  
                  --Marty looks at microfiche.
                  
                  --Marty looks through old files in the file cabinet.
                  
                  
                  INT. VIRGINIA'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                  
                  Virginia opens her door, surprised to see Marty.
                  
                                      VIRGINIA
                            Well hey, Marty, come on in.
                  
                  Marty enters the spotless home: plastic covers the furniture
                  and lampshades.
                  
                  Agatha Christy novels in a neat rows on a book shelf, on top
                  is a shrine-like display of a dozen eight by ten school
                  portraits of a boy aged five to fifteen.
                  
                  Virginia sits, observes as Marty glances at a photo.
                  
                                       VIRGINIA (CONT'D)
                            Not a day goes by that I don't miss
                            him.
                                 (picks up knitting)
                            But what can I do for you tonight?
                  
                                      MARTY
                            I've been doing some research on
                            the missing persons, seeing as how
                            I'm on my way out the door, you
                            know, retiring next week. The Reedy
                            McGraw case. And the Louise
                            Forrester case. I actually came
                            here to talk with you about the
                            case.
                  
                                      VIRGINIA
                            What do you want from me?
                  
                                      MARTY
                            A few nights ago it occurred to me
                            that the two missing persons,
                            McReedy and Forrester... they were
                            your students. Is that right?
                  
                                      VIRGINIA
                                (with small laugh)
                            To answer your question, about half
                            the adults in this town were my
                            students at one time or the other.
                  
                                      MARTY
                            Weren't they also in class with
                            your Danny?
                  
                  Virginia looks up from her knitting, frowns in thought.
                  
                                      VIRGINIA
                            You know, when you came I was just
                            fixing to pour tea. Shall I pour
                            you one too?
                  
                                      MARTY
                            Don't mind if I do.
                  
                  
                  INT. THOMPSON HOUSE - NIGHT
                  
                  Lil tucks TJ in bed in a small bedroom. Faded baseball
                  pennants and aged bureau show this room was used years ago.
                  
                                      LIL
                            It's fun sleeping in your Daddy's
                            bed, huh? Don't let the bed bugs
                            bite!
                  
                                      TJ
                            Don't forget to look at the
                            dinosaur bones I dugged up!
                  
                                      LIL
                                (corrects him)
                            I dug up.
                  
                                      TJ
                            No, I dugged them!
                  
                  Lil laughs, tsks, and picks up the small box T.J. points to
                  as she turns out the lights and leaves.
                  
                  
                  INT. VIRGINIA'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                  
                  We hear Virginia fix tea in the kitchen. She brings out
                  glasses on a platter, hands one to Marty, takes the other.
                  
                                      VIRGINIA
                            Ah! Ain't that some fine tea, if I
                            do say so myself! Where were we?
                            Ah, yes, as a matter of fact they
                            were classmates in fourth grade
                            with Danny. As I recall your Timmy.
                            He was in Danny's class, too.
                  
                                      MARTY
                            Do students keep in touch with you?
                  
                                      VIRGINIA
                            Oh sure, all the time.
                  
                                      MARTY
                            `Cause in the notes, I found an old
                            interview by Mrs. Forrester,
                            Louise's mother. She mentioned that
                            Louise told her that she was going
                            to get together with you.
                  
                                      VIRGINIA
                            Yes! You are right, she did! Louise
                            did come by.
                  
                  
                  INT. THOMPSON HOUSE - NIGHT
                  
                  Lil opens the shoe box and moves around the contents: several
                  sticks, pebbles. She sees something silver, picks it up. It
                  is a human tooth with a silver filling. She drops it. She's
                  about to close the box when she sees a four inch bone. She
                  drops the box in horror, spilling contents.
                  
                  Her hands fumble as she dials a number on the phone.
                  
                                      LIL
                            Marty? Pick up Marty!
                  
                  
                  INT. VIRGINIA'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                  
                  Marty's phone rings. He ignores it. He appear sleepy, stands.
                  
                                      MARTY
                            I don't feel well.
                  
                  
                  INT. VIRGINIA'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT
                  
                  Virginia guides Marty to her bed. He collapses.
                  
                                      VIRGINIA
                            Come lay down a second sugar.
                  
                                      MARTY
                            I feel so... I can't feel my legs.
                  
                  Virginia disappears, comes back with rope and ties his wrists
                  to her bedposts, and begins to undress him.
                  
                                      MARTY (CONT'D)
                                (confused)
                            What are ... what's happening--
                  
                                      VIRGINIA
                            Actually, Louise had that same tea.
                            Don't worry, it just puts you to
                            sleep. Very merciful. No evidence
                            in an hour.
                  
                  She shakes her head.
                  
                                      VIRGINIA (CONT'D)
                            You know, Louise wasn't that same
                            sweet gal they made her out to be
                            at her funeral. No sirree. And
                            Reedy McGraw, him too. He drank
                            some tea with me too. Oh, but
                            Lordy, was he heavy! I got to hand
                            it to you Marty. You're pretty
                            smart. But I think I'll get the
                            last laugh.
                  
                  Marty's voice is weak, confused.
                  
                                      MARTY
                            Why, Virginia? Why did you do this?
                  
                                      VIRGINIA
                            My sweet Danny. He was teased
                            mercilessly by those kids. Sticks
                            and stones may break my bones but,
                            oh words are the worst.
                  
                  Virginia glances at a bedside photo of Danny.
                  
                                      VIRGINIA (CONT'D)
                            The day that child died, a part of
                            me died. Someone had to pay. Those
                            three brats, they killed my Danny
                            just as sure as if they'd taken a
                            gun to his head themselves. But I
                            knew those kids would never pay.
                            Timmy, he was on my list for tea
                            tomorrow, you know. But you'll do.
                  
                  Marty lays naked, barely conscious. Virginia removes her
                  shirt, and slips out of her skirt.
                  
                                      VIRGINIA (CONT'D)
                            I hope you know what a favor I'm
                            doing, sparing your Timmy. Like
                            Pastor Dan is fond of sayin',
                            somebody has to pay, right? You're
                            the sacrificial lamb. I feel bad
                            for Lil, but people need a good
                            love triangle now and then. It's
                            not the way I planned to go, but
                            what the hell.
                  
                  Virginia shrugs and gets in bed with Marty. He closes his
                  eyes. She purses her lips, tsks.
                  
                                      VIRGINIA (CONT'D)
                            Typical man!
                                (removes a gun from
                                 bedside)
                            The things we do for our kids, I
                            tell you!
                  
                  FADE OUT WITH GUN SHOT

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Entries - Halloween 2016 contest

                    Code:
                    [b]DEAD LINE[/b]
                    
                    EXT. STREET NEAR MALL - DAY
                    
                    Two friends exit from the Mall main entrance carrying
                    several shopping bags. They talk cheerfully. ALICE, 21, long
                    blonde hair, pretty, good style. And BECCA, same age, dark
                    hair, same style. They could be sisters.
                    
                                        BECCA
                              Are you sure you don't want me to
                              drop you home?
                    
                                        ALICE
                              Becca, stop being nice to me, I'm
                              going to be fine! Your house is the
                              opposite way.
                    
                                        BECCA
                              I know, Alice, but--
                    
                    Alice takes Becca's hands in hers. Looks into her eyes.
                    
                                        ALICE
                              I'll be fine. I'll take a taxi.
                    
                    Becca sighs. She tried at least. She kisses Alice on the
                    cheek. Suddenly she remembers.
                    
                                        BECCA
                              We didn't take the photo!
                    
                                        ALICE
                              Sh**! Thank God you remembered!
                    
                    Alice takes her phone from her purse and points it at them.
                    The girls pose like models. Then Alice takes a photo of
                    Becca and Becca takes a photo of Alice.
                    
                    SNAP! SNAP! SNAP!
                    
                    The girls laugh.
                    
                                        BECCA
                              Call me if you need me, will you?
                    
                                        ALICE
                              Come on, go!
                    
                    Alice hits Becca's bum with her bags. They laugh. Becca
                    leaves, looking back one more time. Signs "call me". Alice
                    waves her good bye. Her smile quickly fades as Becca turns
                    the corner.
                    
                    She takes her phone and reviews the photos. Her face goes
                    WHITE IN TERROR.
                    
                    On the screen, the last image of Alice. Instead of her model
                    pose, she sees her disfigured face turned into a bloody
                    mess, her blonde hair torn from the skull, smashed against
                    the road, the mouth unnaturally open, the white eyes looking
                    at the camera. Dead.
                    
                    Alice screams and throws the phone away, she stumbles to the
                    ground, all her shopping scattered on the sidewalk.
                    
                    CLOSE ON THE PHONE. The screen is cracked but the horrible
                    image stays there.
                    
                    Some people look at her but nobody helps. Alice looks
                    around, embarrassed. Picks up her phone and bags and runs.
                    
                    
                    INT. ALICE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
                    
                    Alice is on her bed, completely covered in blankets,
                    shivering. Her eyes fixed on the phone, resting on the
                    table.
                    
                    The phone buzzes. And buzzes. And buzzes.
                    
                    CLOSE ON THE PHONE and the horrible image of Alice. Under
                    the cracked glass a notice of 7 messages and missed calls
                    from Becca.
                    
                    Alice quick breath relaxes a little. She looks around.
                    Slowly gets out of the bed, the blanket still around her.
                    She walks slowly to the phone. Picks it up.
                    
                    Alice looks at the image and her strength fades. She starts
                    sobbing, unable to control herself.
                    
                                        ALICE
                              Oh, God, what is this?
                    
                    Her trembling fingers try to dial a number. Suddenly a LOUD
                    SERIES OF KNOCKS on the door. Alice jumps, startled.
                    
                    She walks to the door. Looks through the peephole. It's
                    Becca. She opens the door.
                    
                                        BECCA
                              Alice! Sh**, I have called you a
                              hundred times. I thought--
                    
                    Becca realizes the terrible look of her friend. Alice cannot
                    talk, just cry.
                    
                                        BECCA
                              Alice? What happens? I knew I
                              shouldn't leave you alone!
                    
                    Alice seeks refuge in Becca's arms.
                    
                                         ALICE
                                   (voice broken)
                              No-- No-- I have to show you
                              something.
                    
                    
                    INT. CAFE - NIGHT
                    
                    Alice and Becca sit on a table in front of two steamy cups
                    of coffee. Alice is exhausted. Becca looks at the image on
                    the phone.
                    
                                        BECCA
                              I don't understand. This must be a
                              bad joke.
                    
                                        ALICE
                              No... I don't know. I cannot delete
                              it, the phone doesn't let me.
                    
                    Becca looks at the image, concerned.
                    
                                        ALICE
                              And look at this.
                    
                    Alice takes the phone with shaking hands. She shows the
                    properties of the image.
                    
                                        ALICE
                              The image was taken at 2am, today.
                              That is in half an hour! This
                              hasn't happened yet!
                    
                                        BECCA
                              Sh**. What does that mean?
                    
                    Alice starts sobbing.
                    
                                        ALICE
                              I think I'm gonna die!
                    
                                        BECCA
                              Sssh, don't say that. Don't-- wait
                              a minute.
                    
                    Becca inspects the photo closely. Alice tries to control
                    herself.
                    
                                        BECCA
                              This is not you!
                    
                                        ALICE
                              What?
                    
                                        BECCA
                              This is not you, silly! Look!
                    
                    Becca shows the image to Alice. Points to one corner.
                    
                                        BECCA
                              See? You can see a bit of her
                              jacket. It's green.
                    
                                        ALICE
                              It's green.
                    
                                        BECCA
                              You hate green!
                    
                                        ALICE
                              I hate green! Oh, my god.
                    
                    Alice looks at the image. It's true. The girl in the photo
                    is wearing a green leather jacket.
                    
                                        BECCA
                              I mean. This is horrible and
                              whoever this is-- but it's not you.
                    
                    Alice's color return to her face. She even smiles. A ton
                    removed from her shoulders.
                    
                    And then the color fades as quick as it came. Her breathing
                    stops. Her eyes widen, fixed on something.
                    
                    ALICE'S POV: a girl just payed at the counter and is leaving
                    the cafe. She's RACHEL, long blonde hair, 20 something,
                    pretty, good style. She looks a lot like Alice. And she
                    wears a green leather jacket.
                    
                    Alice looks through the cafe window as Rachel exits the door
                    and walks down the street. Alice pushes the table aside,
                    picks up her phone and runs after her.
                    
                                        BECCA
                              Alice! Wait!
                    
                    
                    EXT. STREET NEAR CAFE - NIGHT
                    
                    Rachel puts up the lapels of her green jacket up as she
                    walks down the street. Alice runs desperate after her. She
                    waves and calls.
                    
                                        ALICE
                              Hey! You! Please, wait! The one
                              with the green jacket! Wait!
                    
                    Rachel looks sideways at Alice and doesn't like it. She
                    walks faster. Alice runs faster. Becca exits the cafe and
                    runs after them.
                    
                                        ALICE
                              Hey! I have to tell you something!
                    
                    Rachel is blocked by a red traffic light. She turns around
                    and faces Alice.
                                        RACHEL
                              What do you want? I don't have any
                              money, okay? Just ****ing leave me
                              alone or I'll start shouting.
                    
                                        ALICE
                              No, no, you don't understand. You
                              are in great danger.
                    
                                        RACHEL
                              What?
                    
                                        ALICE
                              If you don't listen to me, you'll
                              die tonight. Look!
                    
                    Alice raises her phone so that Rachel can see the horrible
                    image on the screen. She gasps in horror. Rachel steps back,
                    looking around, scared.
                    
                                        RACHEL
                              Please, somebody help me! This
                              woman is threatening me!
                    
                                        ALICE
                              No! No! I'm trying to help!
                    
                    Rachel turns around and runs. She doesn't see the heavy
                    truck coming right to her. The heavy thud and the sound of
                    broken bones is chilling.
                    
                    Becca catches up with Alice and sees Rachel falling to the
                    ground. She covers her mouth, in shock. Alice extends her
                    arms.
                    
                                        ALICE
                              Nooooo!
                    
                    Rachel falls to the ground. Her disfigured face turned into
                    a bloody mess, her blonde hair torn from the skull, smashed
                    against the road, the mouth unnaturally open. She's dead.
                    The empty eyes stare at Alice.
                    
                    Alice's knees tremble and give way. She cries.
                    
                    Alice looks at her phone. Her sobbing stops instantly.
                    
                    CLOSE ON THE PHONE: the image of Rachel is gone. Instead,
                    there's an image of another woman. Her dark hair is damp.
                    Her throat is cut open from ear to ear. Blood everywhere.
                    Her empty eyes look at Alice.
                    
                    It's Becca.
                    
                    Alice's eyes dart to Becca, terrified. She looks back at
                    Alice, scared, knowing that something is very wrong.
                    The lights of an ambulance flicker in the distance.
                    
                                        THE END

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Entries - Halloween 2016 contest

                      Code:
                      [b]BASEMENT[/b]
                      
                      BLACK SCREEN
                      
                      FADE IN:
                      
                      ... on a battered old Datsun with spotches of rust as it
                      enters a side road.
                      
                      As we follow it, a glimmer of sunlight splinters off the
                      rear windshield reminding us that despite the gloom, it is
                      still only late afternoon.
                      
                      Turning into a new street, roaming past buildings being thrown
                      up in haste, the rhymic beat of a pile driver sounds hollow
                      when...
                      
                      Super:   California, suburbs, 1991
                      
                      ... the Datsun swerves awkwardly onto a pot-hole infested
                      boulevard: old pawn stores, closed signs abound, a gas
                      station. The sun behind now, nothing but a ball of dim black
                      fire in the rear windshield.
                      
                      And passing....empty bungalows, rusted-out child's swing,
                      gardens full of scrub and desert weed, neglect writ large. A
                      few burnt-out school bus surprises us.
                      
                      SCREECH of the tyres as we make a final turn with the
                      Datsun...
                      
                                             CASEY (V.O.)
                                 There's no pattern to it, I just
                                 come here to think.
                      
                      The Datsun glides towards the verge... just short of two
                      trash cans.
                      
                                              CASEY (V.O.)
                                 I lived in this street 20 years ago,
                                 it was a good childhood, kids played
                                 all over street back then. That's
                                 all changed.
                      
                      HIGH-ANGLE over the street. Two RESIDENCES particularly catch
                      our eye.
                      
                      A bungalow with a neat white picket fence that seems out of
                      character amdidst the dust and disorder.
                      
                      Immediately next door, almost matching... a white bungalow
                      whose windows, two on each of the three sides we can see are
                      sealed up by heavy sheet metal screens.
                      
                                            CASEY (V.O.)
                                We could just sit it out and drink a
                                few beers, huh? She may calm down,
                                I don't know. I don't think I'll go
                                back tonight.
                      
                      INT. WINDSHIELD - SAME
                      
                      Casey, (24 slacker) spiked blond hair, startling blue eyes
                      sits chatting to JD,(23) mop of black hair, wide shouldered,
                      Metal-Head.
                      
                      They share a spliff.
                      
                                            JD
                                It's very quiet around here.
                      
                                            CASEY
                                We lived in the third house on the
                                right [Casey points at a burnt out
                                house].
                      
                                            JD
                                Man, there's some burned up memories
                                there.
                      
                      The house is now a shell, after a fire.
                      
                                            CASEY
                                    (taps side of head)
                                I keep them safe and sound... in
                                here.
                      
                      They slide out of the car.
                      
                                            CASEY
                                Most of these houses are abandoned
                                now.
                      
                      Casey motions up and down the row.
                      
                                            JD
                                People went elsewhere, huh?
                      
                                            CASEY
                                Rents went up, then they went down,
                                people began to move out.
                      
                                            JD
                                Did you know the families around
                                here?
                      
                                            CASEY
                                Most of them.
                      
                      We watch JD as he regards the two houses to their left that
                      still seem occupied.
                      
                                            JD
                                How about those two.
                      
                                            CASEY
                                Well a crochety old man lived in
                                that one... [he looks at the house
                                with the metal frames over the
                                windows]. Was always told to keep
                                away from that one however.
                      
                                            JD
                                Why's that?[laughs], was it haunted
                                or something?
                      
                                            CASEY
                                Or something, no idea, even my mum
                                used to cross the road just here, to
                                avoid walking on the same side as
                                that house. Not sure why those windows
                                have metal frames hanging on the
                                outside, who's he trying to keep
                                out?
                      
                      The dark sun going down the sky.
                      
                                            CASEY
                                Mum worked at that gas station back
                                there.
                      
                      An eerie wind begins to whip up shifting the sand in the
                      road and creating small dust devils at the end of the street.
                      
                                            JD
                                Hmmm... so what happened this time?
                                Tracey kicked you out again...you're
                                going to be on my sofa again tonight.
                      
                      JD opens a door on the Datsun and removes a pack of beers.
                      
                                            CASEY
                                Thanks for answering the call dude,
                                I thought you'd be out with that
                                Charlene again.
                      
                                            JD
                                It's Bobbee now, remember her?
                      
                      The light rapidly begins to fade.
                      
                                            JD
                                What if she really doesn't want you
                                back this time?
                      
                      Casey sips on his beer.
                      
                                            CASEY
                                Listen, I'll probably just ride out
                                the night. Like old times huh?
                      
                                            JD
                                I sure do miss old times.
                      
                      TERRIFYING CRASH as a spiral metal trash lid rolls out of
                      the alleyway towards them.
                      
                                            JD
                                Damn if that didn't spook me.
                      
                                            CASEY
                                A coyote, maybe?
                      
                      They get off the car and head towards the alleyway towards
                      the two bungalows, to investigate. Casey leads.
                      
                                            JD
                                That was no coyote, a coyote could
                                never have made all that mess.
                      
                      Casey is nervous, he suddenly notices an IRON GRID that sits
                      on top of a row of steps that plunge down into the darkness
                      below.
                      
                                            JD
                                They have basements around here?
                      
                                            CASEY
                                No, we didn't, this has been purposely
                                built.
                      
                      Casey leans down and grabs hold of the iron grid to feel the
                      weight.
                      
                                            JD
                                Tell me you're not thinking of going
                                down there?
                      
                                               CASEY
                                I'm curious.
                      
                                            JD
                                Isn't everybody? That doesn't mean
                                they get the urge to head down dark
                                steps into an abyss.
                      
                      Casey lifts the grid slighty, it groans and makes a curious
                      warping of the metal sound.
                      
                                            JD
                                Man this ain't hardly ever been
                                lifted.
                      
                      As JD helps take the weight Casey slips under the grid, with
                      the shadow of the bars over his back, he tentativily descends,
                      looking back up at JD from time to time.
                      
                                            JD
                                What shall I do?
                      
                                             CASEY
                                    (smiles)
                                Keep an eye out of course.
                      
                      Casey enters the darkness at the base of the steps and
                      disappears from view.
                      
                      JD is alarmed, he quickly steps back, stares up and down
                      the alleyway like a frightened cat.
                      
                      As he steps back further his foot catches something.
                      
                      Turning to look closer, he notices it's some kind of vent,
                      around one foot high, with a nozzle that bends over the way
                      they did on an ocean liner's portal.
                      
                      JD bends down, puts his mouth close to the vent.
                      
                                            JD
                                    (whispers)
                                Casey... are you able to here me?
                                Damn, this feels stupid!
                      
                      Silence at first... the vent begins to make a strange noise,
                      as though in reply:
                      
                                            VENT
                                AAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRR-OOOOOOOOOOOOOO-
                                GURGLE-GURGLE-ARRRRRHHHHHH.
                      
                      JD loses balance... falls back onto his butt.
                      
                                            JD
                                    (addressing the vent)
                                Did you just speak to me?
                      
                                            VENT
                                EEERRRGGGGGGG-MMMMMMMMMM-ERGGGGGGGGH
                      
                      JD scrambles to his feet in fear and brushes himself down.
                      
                      Sensing something, JD turns about and stares at the bungalow
                      behind him, the metal vents are made of iron, milimeters
                      thick, heavy duty, like the skin of an armored truck.
                      
                      As he touches the wall of the bungalow, he snaps his fingers
                      back. Despite the sun being on the wall it's chill to the
                      touch.
                      
                                            JD
                                Freezing cold!
                      
                      The bungalow registers eerily to our eye as being more like
                      a MAUSELEUM.
                      
                                            JD
                                Casey man, you've got to get out of
                                there? If you can hear me, we need
                                to go. Something ain't right?
                      
                      Listens for a reply. Nothing. Sounds of
                      
                      GURGLES-FROTHING-GURGLES.
                      
                      JDs mind works overtime. A vision of Casey surfaces in JD's
                      mind's eye...a disturbing vision.
                      
                      VISION
                      
                      Casey's throat is cut...blood is flowing smoothly...he's
                      crawling along a stone floor, clawing with his left hand,
                      his other hand is hidden, clutching something, his stomach?
                      
                      VISION ENDS
                      
                                            JD
                                Damn... got to get a grip on my
                                thoughts, got to stop smoking that
                                stuff more like JD!
                      
                      JD begins to walk to the end of the alleyway when he hears
                      the sounds of scuttling behind him. He freezes. Slowly, he
                      turns to see... NOTHING. The alleyway is empty.
                      
                                            JD
                                This is a bad neighborhood. I can
                                feel it? Childhood memories, damn it
                                Casey, why did we come back here?
                      
                      About to exit the alleyway JD spies a figure on the porch,
                      in the shadows, the owner of the house whose basement Casey
                      has just entered?
                      
                      The stranger is tall, massive even, six-five... seven? Holding
                      a cigar and what seems like an ax loosely at his side.
                      
                      JD barely aware he's whispering.
                      
                                            JD
                                That's all we need... a cowboy killer.
                      
                      JD stares at the man's arm. It shiny... or wet even?
                      
                                            JD
                                ...is that blood?
                      
                      JD returns to the vent... crouches down low.
                      
                                            JD
                                Casey man... if you can hear me,
                                we've got trouble, there's a friggin
                                cowboy serial killer living above
                                you!
                      
                      JD listens intently, ear against the vent.
                      
                                            CASEY GHOSTLY VOICE
                                WE ARE... THE DAMNED... STRANGLERS...
                                inaudible voice.
                      
                      JD leaps back, backpaddling with his arms on the ground,
                      scuttling with his feet.
                      
                                            JD
                                Oh god... why are we damned Casey?
                      
                      The voices seem distant, there are two of them, JD runs back
                      to the edge of the bungalow, the huge cowboy killer is gone,
                      is he back down in the cellar finishing the job?
                      
                      JD returns to the vent.
                      
                                            JD
                                Casey, get out, get out now, if you
                                can crawl, crawl to the door. I'll
                                get to you somehow!
                      
                      He listens for a reply.
                      
                                             CASEY -GHOSTLY VOICE
                                PISTOLS...inaudible...CLAS...inaudible
                                    (almost as a whisper,
                                     in awe)
                      
                                            JD
                                What's that Casey... pistols? Use
                                them, use that cowboys guns against
                                him, shoot him Casey, in the head.
                                Goddamn cowboy killer freak.
                      
                                            CASEY - GHOSTLY VOICE
                                STRANGLERS...SIX PISTOLS...BLACK
                                FLAG...
                      
                      JD turns white.
                      
                                            JD
                                I understand now Casey... there are
                                stranglers, he's not alone, he's
                                maybe got a cabinet of old Wild West
                                pistols down there...
                      
                      JD stares down the alleyway at the Datsun.
                      
                                            JD
                                They're six shooters...SHOOT Casey....
                                use the guns.
                      
                      JD sprints to the end of the alleyway and checks the road in
                      both directions, the sun has nearly gone down, the wind
                      rustles through the trash that is blowing up and down the
                      alleyway.
                      
                                            JD
                                    (whisper)
                                Black flag...gotta be a satanist
                                symbol.
                      
                      JD trips and sprains his ankle, screams, limps towards the
                      Datsun.
                      
                                            JD
                                I've known you all my life Casey, no
                                way are you going to be taken out of
                                this world by any strangler freak
                                satanist cowboys.
                      
                      JD struggles into the car, grabs the keys, goes to the rear,
                      opens it.
                      
                      JD sees the heavy crow bar.
                      
                      INT. BUNGALOW - FRONT DOOR
                      
                      JD enters the gloom. Stuffed animals, a coyote, old western
                      rifles mounted on the walls, strange globes, a brass
                      telescope, miner's lamps. An evil looking moose with wicked
                      horns.
                      
                                             JD
                                I knew it!
                      
                      A terrible shriek, almost seems like laughter. Casey is being
                      tortured, it seems.
                      
                                            JD
                                He's laughing at them, freaking brave
                                guy, I always knew you were brave
                                Casey but that's really intense.
                                Laughing in their faces.
                      
                      JD follows the noises to the top of a narrow staircase that
                      descends into the gloom.
                      
                      Descends.
                      
                      Shadows and bright strip lights and dust motes float on the
                      thick and acrid basement air.
                      
                      The beams of bright SPOT LAMPS.
                      
                      JD shields his eyes.
                      
                      Unbelievable, Casey, standing up, in a relaxed pose. Holding
                      some kind of glimmering square object out in front of him.
                      
                                              JD
                                  You're kidding me, that must be a
                                  guillotine blade...they're gonna get
                                  him to slice his own head off!
                      
                                              CASEY
                                  JD man, come on in. George came up
                                  to find you. We thought you'd probably
                                  gone for a walk around the
                                  neighborhood.
                      
                                              JD
                                  Who's George?
                      
                                              GEORGE
                                  Come in JD... I found your inquisitive
                                  friend looking at my prized
                                  collection. Thought I had a burglar,
                                  but we just hit it off. Seems Casey
                                  is a fan of the classics.
                      
                                              CASEY
                                  George is going to let me sell a few
                                  of his first editions. I told him I
                                  know Luke at Classic Oldies.
                      
                      JD is completely stunned...
                      
                                                 JD
                                  I thought...
                      
                      He begins to adjust to the basement. Immediately to his right
                      are racks of vinyl albums.
                      
                                                 JD
                                  Albums?
                      
                                             CASEY
                                Look at these... The Sex Pistols,
                                The Clash, The Damned, The Stranglers,
                                and there's more. Early prints. George
                                is thinking of moving, needs to get
                                rid of them.
                      
                      JD slumps to the floor.
                      
                                            JD
                                    (jaded voice, distant)
                                I've got something to show you both...
                                we need to go outside, back to that
                                alleyway.
                      
                      (CONTINUED)

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Entries - Halloween 2016 contest

                        Code:
                        [b]BASEMENT[/b] (CONTINUED)
                        
                        EXT. ALLEYWAY - MOMENTS LATER
                        
                        George towering over them. Perplexed and scratching at his
                        head. Casey is following JD's lead to listen carefully to
                        the sounds coming out of the vent.
                        
                        George is muttering.
                        
                                              GEORGE
                                  I never got on with my neighbour,
                                  didn't know them. But recently, he
                                  must have ripped up the steel mesh
                                  that sealed off this alleyway for
                                  years and years. I've never even
                                  stood on this spot before.
                        
                        JD stares up at George, he seems irritated.
                        
                                              JD
                                  You need to get down here George, I
                                  know it's a long way down for you,
                                  but you need to listen to this.
                        
                                               GEORGE
                                  That old vent services my bungalow...
                                  and the neighbors, these two bungalows
                                  were the only two that came with
                                  basements, that's why I bought it
                                  back in '76.
                        
                        George bends down slowly onto one knee, groans, he looks
                        very uncomfortable.
                        
                                              VENT
                                  ARRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHH-GURGLE-GURGLE-
                                  ARRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
                        
                        Everybody falls backwards onto their hands together.
                        
                        Casey is the first to right himself. George is dumbfounded.
                        
                                              GEORGE
                                  My god... that sound must be coming
                                  from my neighbor's basement?
                        
                        As the light fades a coyote WHINES somewhere in the distance,
                        shadows begin to take over the alleyway, the sun is down and
                        suddenly the whole abandoned and empty neighborhood feels
                        menacing and very isolated.
                        
                                                                        FADE TO BLACK
                        
                                              THE END.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Entries - Halloween 2016 contest

                          Code:
                          [b]AIM SMALL, MISS SMALL[/b]
                          
                          FADE IN:
                          
                          EXT. TYPICAL SUBURBAN HOUSE - NIGHT
                          
                          Halloween decorations, pumpkin heads, tombstones in the 
                          garden.
                          
                          Kids wearing various costumes run around, excited.
                          
                          Except for one kid who doesn't do any running. He just 
                          stands at the end of the driveway, watching.
                          
                          MINI-TERMINATOR sports a flat top haircut and miniature 
                          black leather jacket. One eye glows red through the lens 
                          of his sunglasses.
                          
                          INSERT MINI-TERMINATOR POV
                          
                          Red filter.
                          
                          Computer data scrolls up the screen as Mini-Terminator 
                          analyzes every kid in sight, framing each in a glowing 
                          focus rectangle.
                          
                          The scrolling data says stuff like:
                          
                          42% PHYSICAL LIKENESS
                          
                          or
                          
                          37% PHYSICAL LIKENESS
                          
                          or
                          
                          WRONG GENDER if he looks at a girl.
                          
                          Each time, the report ends with:  NO MATCH
                          
                          BACK TO SCENE
                          
                          Mini-Terminator turns from the house and walks away.
                          
                          A COWBOY KID with his MOM on the porch see Mini-Terminator 
                          leave.
                          
                                                MOM
                                    Who was that, do you know him?
                          
                                                COWBOY KID
                                    I think it's that new kid, he showed 
                                    up in class today.
                          
                                                MOM
                                    You should have invited him in!
                          
                          Cowboy Kid shakes his head, nuh-uh.
                          
                                                COWBOY KID
                                    He gives me the creeps.
                          
                                                MOM
                                    Well that's not a nice thing to 
                                    say.
                          
                          
                          EXT. STREET - NIGHT
                          
                          Mini-Terminator walks down the middle of the street, his 
                          head slowly turns left, then right. He's scanning.
                          
                                                GIRL'S VOICE (O.S.)
                                    No! Let go!
                          
                          Mini-Terminator's head whips round.
                          
                          CLOSE UP of Mini-Terminator's glowing red eye.
                          
                          INSERT MINI-TERMINATOR POV
                          
                          Red filter.
                          
                          IN NEARBY BUSHES
                          
                          A young girl dressed as PRINCESS LEIA in white dress and 
                          hair buns tries to fight off VAMPIRE BOY and WEREWOLF BOY, 
                          who want her candy bag.
                          
                                                VAMPIRE BOY
                                    Gimme it or I'll rip your arms 
                                    off!
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    Get your own candy!
                          
                                                WEREWOLF BOY
                                    Your crazy bro ain't around to 
                                    protect you now!
                          
                          Computer data scrolls up the screen:
                          
                          Vampire Boy gets analyzed:  33% PHYSICAL LIKENESS
                          
                          Werewolf Boy gets analyzed:  46% PHYSICAL LIKENESS
                          
                          Leia gets analyzed:  WRONG GENDER
                          
                          NO MATCH
                          
                          BACK TO SCENE
                          
                          Mini-Terminator turns away, none of his business.
                          
                          IN THE BUSHES
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    Heeeelp!
                          
                                                VAMPIRE BOY
                                    Shout as loud as you like, everyone 
                                    else is!
                          
                                                WEREWOLF BOY
                                    Haha! That's right!
                          
                          Whoosh, Vampire Boy goes flying further into the bushes, 
                          his cloak flapping.
                          
                          Werewolf Boy looks around, huh, what's happening?
                          
                          Whoosh, Werewolf Boy goes flying too, in the opposite 
                          direction.
                          
                          Leia blinks in confusion. She finds herself looking at 
                          Mini-Terminator.
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    Who are you?
                          
                                                MINI-TERMINATOR
                                         (Austrian accent)
                                    Model Junior-100. I must continue 
                                    with my mission.
                          
                          He turns to go but Leia puts her hand on his arm, stopping 
                          him.
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    Wait.
                          
                          She reaches into her bag, pulls out a candy bar, offers 
                          this to him.
                          
                          He looks at it. He looks at her. Blank incomprehension.
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    Take it. I'm giving it to you.
                          
                                                MINI-TERMINATOR
                                    Why would you give it to me?  
                                    Moments ago, you were willing to 
                                    have your arms ripped off rather 
                                    than surrender your inventory.
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    You talk funny.
                          
                                                MINI-TERMINATOR
                                    I am an infiltration unit, I am 
                                    not supposed to talk funny, I am 
                                    supposed to blend in to escape 
                                    detection.
                          
                          Leia indicates his clothing and his sunglasses.
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    Is this, like, from a book, or 
                                    something?
                          
                                                MINI-TERMINATOR
                                    I must continue with my mission.
                          
                          Leia drops the candy bar back into her bag.
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    I'll come with you.
                          
                          
                          EXT. STREET - NIGHT
                          
                          They walk down the middle of the street, side by side.
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    This is kinda dangerous, what if a 
                                    car comes along?
                          
                                                MINI-TERMINATOR
                                    I have extensive files on the 
                                    internal combustion engine.
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    What does that mean?
                          
                                                MINI-TERMINATOR
                                    I know seventy-seven ways to disable 
                                    a car.
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    Huh. What do you think of my 
                                    costume?
                          
                                                MINI-TERMINATOR
                                    Your costume?
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    Do you even know who I am?
                          
                                                MINI-TERMINATOR
                                    I am unable to identify you, 
                                    insufficient data.
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    Didn't you see the Star Wars movies?
                          
                                                MINI-TERMINATOR
                                    Star Wars...
                          
                          Leia lets go and dances in front of him, spinning round.
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    I'm Princess Leia! I lead the 
                                    rebellion against the evil empire!
                          
                          Mini-Terminator stops and stares at her.
                          
                                                MINI-TERMINATOR
                                    You lead... the rebellion.
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    I was going to go as General Leia, 
                                    she kicks ass too, but I like the 
                                    dress better.
                          
                          INSERT MINI-TERMINATOR POV
                          
                          Computer data scrolls up the screen as Mini-Terminator 
                          analyzes Leia again.
                          
                          WRONG GENDER
                          
                          IGNORE GENDER MATCH REQUIREMENT
                          
                          SCANNING
                          
                          The focus rectangle on Leia's face flashes.
                          
                          95% PHYSICAL LIKENESS
                          
                          PARTIAL TARGET MATCH
                          
                          BACK TO SCENE
                          
                          Leia slips her arm through his, they resume walking.
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    Tell me more about yourself.
                          
                                                MINI-TERMINATOR
                                    Model Junior-100. Insufficient 
                                    manufacturing resources to continue 
                                    building full-size combat models. 
                                    Junior cyborg program initiated.
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    I literally do not know what to 
                                    say.
                          
                          A CAR comes towards them, headlights glaring.
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    Oh, we should probably--
                          
                          Mini-Terminator's red eye glows brighter, the car slews 
                          across the road, mounts the sidewalk and rolls to a stop, 
                          horn blaring. The horn stops and the headlights go out at 
                          the same moment.
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    Wow. Someone's been hitting the 
                                    sauce.
                          
                                                MINI-TERMINATOR
                                    You are related to John Connor.
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    How'd you know that?
                          
                                                MINI-TERMINATOR
                                    You resemble him. You are too 
                                    young to be his mother-unit. 
                                    Therefore you are his sister.
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    No more candy for you tonight,
                                    mister!
                          
                                                MINI-TERMINATOR
                                    You will take me to him.
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    That would be a neat trick. Haha, 
                                    trick or treat. "Where is your 
                                    crazy half-brother?"  "With his 
                                    crazy mom."
                          
                          Mini-Terminator walks on, his face shows nothing, but his 
                          brain...
                          
                          INSERT MINI-TERMINATOR POV
                          
                          SCROLLING DATA,
                          
                          PRIMARY MISSION OBJECTIVE:
                          
                          FIND JOHN CONNOR
                          
                          KILL JOHN CONNOR
                          
                          SECONDARY MISSION OBJECTIVE:
                          
                          FIND SARAH CONNOR
                          
                          KILL SARAH CONNOR
                          
                          BACK TO SCENE
                          
                          Mini-Terminator stops. Leia stops with him.
                          
                                                MINI-TERMINATOR
                                    Where are they now?
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    Seriously, you're looking for him?  
                                    Why?
                          
                                                MINI-TERMINATOR
                                    Tell me where they are.
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    They left town, I think they're--
                          
                          Vampire Boy smoothly comes up behind Mini-Terminator on a 
                          skateboard and DUNK! he WHACKS HIS HEAD with a baseball 
                          bat!
                          
                          Mini-Terminator drops to his knees, dazed, sunglasses 
                          falling away.
                          
                          Leia shouts after Vampire Boy,
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    You goddamn freak!
                          
                          Vampire Boy gives her the finger as he speeds off down the 
                          street.
                          
                          Leia throws a candy bar after him, great pitching arm, 
                          Vampire Boy suddenly skids and slams into garbage cans, 
                          sailing over them and vanishing with a WAIL.
                          
                          Leia helps Mini-Terminator to stand.
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    Are you all right?  My God, he 
                                    could have killed you.
                          
                          Mini-Terminator rubs his eye. It's not glowing red any 
                          more.
                          
                                                MINI-TERMINATOR
                                    Memory core malfunction. Rebooting.
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    I think you should see a doctor.
                          
                                                MINI-TERMINATOR
                                    I must... continue... with my 
                                    mission... whatever it is.
                          
                                                LEIA
                                    You need to get your head x-rayed. 
                                    You're coming with me.
                          
                                                MINI-TERMINATOR
                                    Command accepted.
                          
                          They walk off together, back the way they came.
                          
                          Leia puts on his sunglasses.
                          
                                                LEIA (V.O.)
                                    How did you even see with these 
                                    sunglasses on?
                          
                          FADE OUT
                          
                                                VAMPIRE BOY (V.O.)
                                    Help! I can't feel my legs!
                          
                          END

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Entries - Halloween 2016 contest

                            Editor note, "fág" (with a normal "a") is Brit-speak for cigarette, the board's censor software won't allow the word.

                            Code:
                            [b]WAITING FOR GOBBO[/b]
                            
                            FADE IN:
                            
                            EXT. BENCH - EMPTY STREET - NIGHT
                            
                            A LONE BENCH under a street lamp.
                            
                                                   VAZ
                                       Freezing?
                            
                                                   TOMMO
                                       Aye.
                            
                            A ghostly light seeps from the street lamp.
                            
                            [This is the only light source. It casts over everything a
                            strange and brittle effect]
                            
                            Vaz wears polished brown 16 hole DMs [Dr Martin boots]
                            
                            Tommo has on a Harrington jacket with red lining.
                            
                            Vaz thrusts his hands into his pockets.
                            
                            Tommo retrives a carrier bag from beneath the bench.
                            
                            Somewhere off screen, from behind us, there is a distant
                            THUMP-THUMP of reggae music and House.
                            
                            As the music grows suddenly louder the bright glow of a
                            security lamp lights the set.
                            
                            New guests must be entering the party behind us.
                            
                            Laughter and party noises.
                            
                            The security light remains on for a few seconds
                            
                            We're thrown back into the ghostly light of the lone street
                            lamp.
                            
                                                   VAZ
                                       Tommo.
                            
                                                   TOMMO
                                       Yeah.
                            
                                                   VAZ
                                       When's he coming?
                            
                                                   TOMMO
                                       Who?
                            
                                                   VAZ
                                       Gobbo.
                            
                                                  TOMMO
                                      About.....erm....
                            
                            Chelle, a girl who appears to be around 22, strolls in from
                            left of screen.
                            
                            [Everybody will enter from the left]
                            
                                                  VAZ
                                      What kind is it?
                            
                                                  TOMMO
                                      Gobbo didn't say.
                            
                                                  VAZ
                                      You spoke to him?
                            
                                                  TOMMO
                                      I don't think so.
                            
                                                  VAZ
                                      Who did?
                            
                                                  TOMMO
                                      I forget?
                            
                            Chelle stares at Tommo. She's wearing the same pink shell
                            suit she always has on.
                            
                            She's eating a biscuit.
                            
                                                  CHELLE
                                      Going to Benji's Halloween party
                                      Tommo?
                            
                                                  TOMMO
                                      Got a f*g Chelle?
                            
                                                  CHELLE
                                      No.
                            
                            Chelle produces some cigarettes.
                            
                                                  CHELLE
                                      Give 'em back Tommo!
                            
                                                  VAZ
                                      Let up Chelle!
                            
                            Chelle shuffles out of scene.
                            
                            An Old Man appears close to the camera, he looks at us, his
                            teeth are yellow and his eyes are gaunt, he approches us and
                            stares at us, his eyes seem really hollow and vacant up close.
                            
                                                     TOMMO
                                      See that?
                            
                                                     VAZ
                                      See what?
                            
                                                  TOMMO
                                      Chelle's eyes.
                            
                                                  VAZ
                                      What about them?
                            
                                                     TOMMO
                                      Dead.
                            
                                                     VAZ
                                      Arrr.
                            
                                                  TOMMO
                                      Not that way.
                            
                            The Old Man is shuffling around between us and Tommo and Vaz
                            who are talking out of earshot.
                            
                            He bares his yellow teeth, smiling at us, his eyes are empty.
                            
                                                     VAZ
                                      F*g?
                            
                                                     TOMMO
                                      Tar.
                            
                                                     VAZ
                                      I feel cold.
                            
                                                  TOMMO
                                      You always feel cold.
                            
                                                  VAZ
                                      Not this cold.
                            
                            A dog appears. Begins to sniff beneath the bench, Tommo
                            motions with the tip of his immaculately polished DMs.
                            
                            The dog turns and stares at us. His eyes are red.
                            
                                                  VAZ
                                      That dog is odd.
                            
                                                     TOMMO
                                      You're odd.
                            
                                                  VAZ
                                      No.... his eyes, like Chelle's.
                            
                            Vaz straightens his legs out.
                            
                                                  VAZ
                                      Sometimes Tommo, I wish I could leave
                                      here.
                            
                                                  TOMMO
                                      I know what you mean.
                            
                                                  VAZ
                                      Can't wait 'til Gobbo drops off that
                                      bike.
                            
                            Tommo suddenly stands bolt upright. Frustrated... he marches
                            to the edge of the screen and stares into the distance.
                            
                            He sighs and marches back again and to the other extreme
                            edge of the set.
                            
                            Where he stares seemingly beyond. He shields his eyes with
                            his left hand and stares at whatever is in the distance.
                            
                            Defeated for now, he returns to the bench.
                            
                                                  VAZ
                                      See anything?
                            
                                                  TOMMO
                                      Nothing much.
                            
                                                  VAZ
                                      Hear anything?
                            
                                                  TOMMO
                                      Not really.
                            
                                                  VAZ
                                      Why does Benji play that type of
                                      music?
                            
                            We hear "Ghost Town" by The Specials.
                            
                                                  TOMMO
                                      Because it's Halloween.
                            
                                                  VAZ
                                      Is it that time of the year?
                            
                                                  TOMMO
                                      Yeah.
                            
                            Tommo reaches inside his pocket and produces a book. We see
                            Frankenstein written on the cover... and by Mary Shelley.
                            
                                                  VAZ
                                      You're always reading that book.
                            
                                                  TOMMO
                                      I know.
                            
                                                  VAZ
                                      You never finish it Tommo.
                            
                                                  TOMMO
                                      I know.
                            
                                                  VAZ
                                      Got a f*g?
                            
                                                  TOMMO
                                      Here.
                            
                                                  VAZ
                                      There was something wrong with Chelle.
                            
                                                  TOMMO
                                      She looked okay to me.
                            
                                                  VAZ
                                      She was really.... blank?
                            
                                                    TOMMO
                                      Hmm.
                            
                            There's a CRASH from across the road. Furniture or something
                            coming through a window.
                            
                                                    TOMMO
                                      Table lamp?
                            
                                                    VAZ
                                      Golf club.
                            
                                                    TOMMO
                                      No way.
                            
                                                  VAZ
                                      It was a table lamp.
                            
                            Benji's driveway we assume, men arguing, sounds of punches
                            being thrown, SCREAMING...
                            
                            And then...
                            
                            Bonzo appears.
                            
                            Bonzo has his bright yellow shell suit on and is clearly a
                            cause for celebration.
                            
                            He has his rucksack with him.
                            
                                                    VAZ
                                        Bonzai Bonzo... Bonzai!
                            
                                                    BONZO
                                        Bonzai Tommo! ....Bonzai Vaz!
                            
                            Bonzo lowers his ruck sack.
                            
                            And crouches down to unpack it.
                            
                            As he undoes the straps.
                            
                            Tommo and Vaz's eyes widen.
                            
                                                    BONZO
                                        Sandwiches, cigarettes, cider, pork
                                        pies, malt loaf.
                            
                            Vaz nods.
                            
                            He then reaches under the bench and produces a huge narrow
                            necked jug of cider.
                            
                                                    BONZO
                                        Cider... that calls for mugs!
                            
                                                    TOMMO
                                        We don't have any mugs Bonzo.
                            
                                                      BONZO
                                        I do.
                            
                            Bonzo takes a few of Tommo's ***s off him in return for the
                            mugs and other items.
                            
                            Bonzo then takes his place at the end of the bench.
                            
                            Leans on the elbow rest.
                            
                            Crosses his leg over in a very genteel way and smooths out
                            the ruffles in the yellow shell suit.
                            
                                                      BONZO
                                        What's new?
                            
                                                    VAZ
                                        Nothing, except, Tommo's bought a
                                        motor bike from Gobbo.
                            
                                                    TOMMO
                                        It's not here yet.
                            
                            Bonzo is disturbed.
                            
                                                  BONZO
                                      Gobbo's motorbike?
                            
                                                     VAZ
                                      Yeah.
                            
                            Whilst Vaz speaks he carefully stores away the food and
                            cigarettes.
                            
                            Returns the carrier bag to its place beneath the bench.
                            
                                                  VAZ
                                      We're going to the very end of the
                                      street Bonzo!
                            
                            Bonzo shuffles in his seat.
                            
                                                  BONZO
                                      Is that...permitted... Tommo?
                            
                                                  TOMMO
                                      We can try Bonzo. We can try.
                            
                            The security lamp illuminates them. That's when Vaz notices
                            Bonzo's eyes.
                            
                                                     BONZO
                                      Bad news.
                            
                                                     VAZ
                                      Yeah.
                            
                            Vaz passes a cigarette to Bonzo, uneasily.
                            
                                                  VAZ
                                      What's up Bonzo?
                            
                                                  BONZO
                                      Chelle was on the back of Gobbo's
                                      motorbike.
                            
                                                     TOMMO
                                      So.
                            
                                                  BONZO
                                      When he crashed.
                            
                                                     VAZ
                                             (very long pause)
                                      Nah.
                            
                            Tommo shuffles in his seat.
                            
                            He blows cigarette smoke into the freezing air.
                            
                                                  TOMMO
                                      Bonzo... have you ever met Gobbo?
                            
                                                  BONZO
                                      No.
                            
                            Vaz stands up and walks to edge of screen-left, he sighs,
                            puffs on the cigarette and stubs it out under his boot.
                            
                                                  VAZ
                                      Tommo.
                            
                                                  TOMMO
                                      Yeah.
                            
                                                  VAZ
                                      How do we know that Gobbo is even
                                      coming?
                            
                            Heavy pause.
                            
                            Then...
                            
                            TOTAL SILENCE.
                            
                            During this period of time Bonzo shuffles around just in
                            front of the bench.
                            
                            ...checking his jacket pockets.
                            
                            Vaz watches him very closely.
                            
                            Camera moves in slowly... on Tommo.
                            
                                                  TOMMO
                                      Vaz.... do you realise that we don't
                                      even know if Gobbo exists?
                            
                            The camera pulls back and we see that Tommo and Vaz are both
                            alone again on the set.
                            
                                                  TOMMO
                                      Where did Bonzo go?
                            
                                                  VAZ
                                      I don't know.
                            
                                                  TOMMO
                                      He was just here.
                            
                                                  VAZ
                                      I know.
                            
                                                  TOMMO
                                      Strange.
                            
                                              VAZ
                                      Tommo.
                            
                                             TOMMO
                                      Yeah.
                            
                                             VAZ
                                      Did you see Bonzo's eyes?
                            
                                             TOMMO
                                      No.
                            
                                             VAZ
                                      Well...
                            
                            
                                                        FADE TO BLACK

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Entries - Halloween 2016 contest

                              I'm told this is a PROMOTIONAL PIECE ONLY, not to be judged with the other entries! <dizzy>

                              Code:
                              [b]ZOMBIES AT THE DOOR![/b]
                              
                              EXT. STREET - SEMI-DETACHED HOUSE - NIGHT
                              
                              Dead-quiet.
                              
                              A groan.
                              
                              INT. FAMILY SOFA - EVENING
                              
                              Matt (22, slacker) and Wayne (19, urban-surfer) with a bowl
                              of popcorn between them.
                              
                              "NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD" plays on the WIDESCREEN tv.
                              
                              Goth (the cat), watches the film with them.
                              
                              INT. HALLWAY - SAME
                              
                              Door-bell, a very gentle ring...
                              
                                                       BELL
                                                    DING-DING!
                              
                                                       MATT
                                         Here we go.
                              
                                                       WAYNE
                                         I'm ready.
                              
                              Popcorn bursts everywhere as the bowl upends. Goth screeches.
                              Wayne leaps off sofa and sprints upstairs.
                              
                              Goth jumps onto the lounge window ledge.
                              
                              Goth reconsiders, sprints towards the kitchen.
                              
                              INT. HOUSE - HALLWAY
                              
                              Matt gingerly tip-toes towards the front door. Flips the
                              porch light on.
                              
                              And sees....   NOTHING... through the porch glass.
                              
                              Matt slowly reaches out to the door handle and twists...
                              
                                                       MATT
                                         Here we go?
                              
                                                     WAYNE
                                             (...from upstairs)
                                         I'm ready up here.
                              
                              EXT. HOUSE - UPSTAIRS WINDOW
                              
                              Wayne steadies the CHAIN GUN on the window ledge, winds the
                              ammo belt around his arm. We notice he's smeared his face in
                              stripes of black paint.
                              
                              Rounds RIP UP the lawn finding their targets as zombie-flesh
                              bursts on contact.
                              
                              INT. HOUSE - HALLWAY
                              
                              Matt knocked back by percussion of his own shotgun.
                              
                              BOOM...BOOM...BOOM...BOOM.
                              
                              A zombie explodes from his chest.
                              
                                                    MATT
                                        Hold them back Wayne!
                              
                                                    WAYNE
                                        Roger that... suppressing fire!
                              
                              EXT. UPSTAIRS WINDOW - WAYNE ON
                              
                              ...the CHAIN GUN seeking targets. Mr Collingwood's hedgerow
                              shredded.
                              
                              Rounds walk up the street and then move sideways as they
                              find and pulvarise a holiday caravan.
                              
                              A street lamp explodes.
                              
                              SCREAMS from Mrs Collet's... as neighbours become alert to
                              the carnage.
                              
                              A row of Mr Liddle's prize sculptured bushes explode.
                              
                              INT. HALLWAY - AS MATT FIRES
                              
                              in panic and then falls backwards in SLO-MO as he peppers
                              the hallway's wall with shotgun pellets.
                              
                              Ornamental ducks shatter, he manages to BLOW-OUT the glass
                              panel to the front door.
                              
                              An ornamental wreath slips off its iron peg.
                              
                                                    MATT
                                        I'm going over to the nail gun. Got
                                        to pluge it in first Wayne!
                              
                              Wayne enjoying himself.
                              
                                                    WAYNE
                                        Make sure it's not the vacuum cleaner
                                        this time!
                              
                                                    MATT
                                        Zombies all over Mr Davies's lawn...
                                        by the nest of gnomes.
                              
                              Wayne reorients the CHAIN GUN and shreds the gnomes, misses
                              the zombies... pieces of shattered gnome fly everywhere.
                              
                              Suddenly...
                              
                              SHOUTS from Wayne.
                              
                                                    WAYNE
                                        I'm out Matt....going over to clubs.
                              
                                                    MATT
                                        I'll use karate 'til you get down
                                        here pal.
                              
                              MASSIVE EXPLOSION... shatters windows.
                              
                                                    WAYNE
                                        Hand-grenade?
                              
                                                    MATT
                                        Kept it back from last year, a
                                        surprise!
                              
                              EXT/INT. STAIRCASE - HOUSE / GARDEN
                              
                              Wayne tumbles down stairs.
                              
                              Runs out of the front door and is soon alongside Matt ready
                              to fight on.
                              
                              Passes Matt a bulbous club.
                              
                              Between them they strike at... agitated zombies who seem
                              confused and are bumping into each other.
                              
                              HIGH-ANGLE VIEW OF DEVASTATION... dead zombies scattered
                              everywhere throughout the street.
                              
                              Matt stomps a zombie... Wayne finishes the job... knocking
                              the zombie's head off.
                              
                              Zombie-ooze spills out over the pathway.
                              
                                                    MATT
                                        Staining... dad's gonna hate that!
                              
                              Wayne drops down... exhausted. Matt slumps onto his bum.
                              
                                                    MATT
                                        How many do you reckon we got?
                              
                                                    WAYNE
                                        Two-hundred, two-fifty, hard to say?
                              
                                                    MATT
                                        Year on year they keep coming back.
                              
                                                    WAYNE
                                        Hmmm.
                              
                              Wayne and Matt slowly crawl to their feet... brush themselves
                              down.
                              
                              Somewhere far off... in another Avenue perhaps... a groan.
                              
                                                                               FADE TO BLACK
                              
                              
                                                        End.

                              Comment

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