So there's no denying my last script was dialogue heavy, and quite possibly too much for a 3 minute film.
So, I've cut down on some unnecessary dialogue. And corrected any mistakes I spotted.
SCENE #1 EXT. WASTELAND. DAY.
There is a wasteland that stretches out as far as the eye
can see. There are a few dead trees scattered. One healthy
looking tree stands among all the dead trees.
ASH (NARRATION)
"We live in a dying world where few
trees remain."
THE DARK WARRIOR cuts in to the healthy tree. He holds a
hand over the "wound". An otherworldly glow emits from his
hand and a scream can be heard.
ASH (NARRATION)
"This new threat to our world has
taken the form of The Dark Warrior.
He travels the land, sapping the
power from the trees. But without
the trees, we can't survive."
ASH's spirit materializes, he witnesses the tree's death.
ASH (NARRATION)
"Now he has eyes on our last hope;
The Great Tree.
ASH's spirit quickly flees.
SCENE #2 EXT. NEAR THE GREAT TREE. DAY.
Ash is floating through the land towards The Settlement.
ASH (NARRATION)
"My tribe rests at the foot of The
Great Tree, it provides us with the
energy we need to survive."
Ash arrives at the settlement.
SCENE #3 INT. LILY'S ROOM. DAY.
The floor of Lily's room is covered in thick blankets. A
single small table stands by the window of the circular
room. A single red flower in a glass vase is atop the table.
LILY is lay asleep on the floor. She is quite late in her
pregnancy.
ASH (NARRATION)
"I gave up my physical form to
strengthen the tree, prolonging its
life, for the sake of my wife Lily
and my unborn child, Hope. But were
my actions enough?"
Ash floats through the wall. He kneels down beside Lily. He
looks at her stomach and smiles.
ASH
"I'm sorry, Lily, but I need your
help."
Ash places a hand on Lily's forehead. A slight glow emits
from his hand.
ASH (NARRATION)
"I've seen your future, and it's a
living nightmare."
SCENE #4 LILY'S VISION, THE GREAT TREE. DREAM.
Lily sees a vision of The Great Tree in flames.
She watches in horror. Ash's voice calls out.
ASH
"Lily, we can stop this! Meet me at
The Great Tree!"
Lily sees THE DARK WARRIOR stood beside the burning tree.
SCENE #5 INT. LILY'S ROOM. DAY.
Lily awakens and sits up quickly with a gasp.
LILY
"Ash?"
Lily looks around hopefully, but Ash is nowhere to be seen.
Lily quickly stands, a look of determination on her face.
She leaves the room.
SCENE #6 EXT. SETTLEMENT. DAY.
The settlement is considerably small. Most of the buildings
are buildings single floors with only a single room. There
is a central well.
ROSE sees LILY running through the settlement.
ROSE
"Lily? Where are you going?! That
much exercise can't be good for the
baby!"
LILY continues running, not stopping to explain. Rose looks
confused.
Rose looks towards the great tree, she spots The Dark
Warrior making his way towards it. Rose gasps in horror and
sets off running.
SCENE #7 EXT. SETTLEMENT EXIT. DAY.
Rose is running along the plane between the settlement and
The Great Tree. The plane around the settlement and The
Great Tree is quite desolate. In the distance are mountains
and a few small trees.
LILY (NARRATION)
"I knew what was at stake, and what
I must do. My life had been spent
in fear. My past will not be your
future. If I could wish for one
last thing it is a future where you
can smile. This will be my last
gift."
Rose runs behind Lily, she is quite far away.
SCENE #8 EXT. THE GREAT TREE, FRONT SIDE. DAY.
The Great Tree stands in the middle of a gigantic plane. The
tree itself is equally humongous. It stands on top of a
narrow chasm that prevents access to the back side of the
tree for those traveling on foot.
Lily arrives at The Great Tree. On the other side of the
gigantic tree she can see The Dark Warrior. She can also see
Ash stood inbetween The Dark Warrior and The Great Tree.
LILY
"Please! You must stop!"
Lily realises that her attempt to reason with The Dark
Warrior is futile. She places a hand on her stomach, a
single tear rolls down her cheek.
LILY (NARRATION)
"I can stop this tragedy from
occurring. I'm sorry, but I won't
be a part of your future."
Lily turns to see Rose approaching.
LILY
"I'm sorry, Rose. Goodbye."
Lily's spirit rises out of her physical body, emitting a
bright light. This causes Rose to trip and fall.
As Lily's spirit rises her physical body collapses to the
ground.
As soon as Lily's body hits the floor it fade away, however
a ball of light where her stomach was remains.
Lily's spirit places a hand on this ball of light.
LILY
"Goodbye."
Lily floats away, passing through The Great Tree.
SCENE #9 EXT. THE GREAT TREE, BACK SIDE. DAY.
Ash stands in front of The Dark Warrior with his arms
outstretched to defend the tree. Ash has a stern look on his
face.
LILY
"Ash!"
A spirit of Lily floats down from The Great Tree. Flowers
sprout beneath her as she floats towards Ash.
Ash turns to see her, he smiles.
Lily smiles back at him. She nods. Lily quickly floats to
the opposite side of The Dark Warrior, facing towards Ash.
Ash and Lily begin to float around The Dark Warrior in a
circle. They both begin to glow brightly.
Tree roots begin to grow under The Dark Warriors feet. They
wrap around his legs, ensuring he cannot move.
Ash and Lily begin to float higher. This causes more roots
to burst from the ground and grow higher. The roots begin to
close in the form of a tree.
Ash and Lily begin to circle higher and closer until they
are close enough to embrace.
A roots encircling The Dark Warrior begin to close up more,
and are shaping to appear more like a tree.
A bright light emits from Lily and Ash.
SCENE #10 EXT. THE GREAT TREE, FRONT SIDE. DAY.
Rose picks herself up off the floor.
She notices the ball of light in front of her.
Rose can hear the muffled sound of a crying baby. She walks
towards the ball of light.
A patch of soft grass grows beneath the ball of light. The
ball of light falls slowly towards the ground.
The ball of light disappears as it touches the ground,
leaving behind a baby.
Rose picks up the baby. Lily and Ash's spirits appear in
front of her with smiling faces.
Ash smiles, he steps forward.
Lily steps toward Rose. She puts a hand gently on Rose's
cheek.
ROSE
"What will I do without my sister?"
Lily looks down at the baby. She looks back up at Rose.
LILY (PROJECTED VOICE)
"Her name is Hope. Will you care
for her?"
Rose nods, a tear rolls down her face.
ROSE
"I will, I'll never forget you!"
Lily smiles. The spirits of Ash and Lily fade away.
ROSE
"Thank you."
THE END.
Samurai Arts team consisting of myself and Jefri Lunn.
Find Jeff's blog here: http://samuraiarts.tumblr.com/
About The Last Gift:
The Last Gift tells the story of two lovers that fight to protect what's important to them. The tale tells us that love can live on even after those we love have gone and no matter what we must find the courage and the strength to fight for what we love.
We only have one world, "For our children, and for our children's children," Let's make hope for tomorrow.
Thursday, 11 October 2012
Wednesday, 10 October 2012
Revised synopsis
This synopsis is slightly edited, based on the new version of the film and the changed relationship between Lily and Rose.
Only a slight change.
I've done a bit of work on the script too and planned out shots. At the moment the shot total stands at 58, which gives me an average shot length of 3.1 seconds (you can either choose to believe I'm good at maths, or I used a calculator...). Might need to cut that down a bit!
La’Ter is a dying world, with forests disappearing overnight and tribes dying out every day. Lily, a mother to be, lives in this world. Lily awakens from a dream of her late husband, Ash, who had given his life to defend his tribe. In the dream, he warned Lily of the approaching Dark Warrior, who intends to sap the energy from the last tree standing between the tribe and destruction. Though his actions are only taken out of a fight for survival, Lily cannot allow The Dark Warrior destroy The Great Tree. She sets out to stop him. On her way, Lily is spotted by Rose, her dear sister. Rose attempts to stop Lily, but she is too late. Lily arrives at The Great Tree, where she witnesses Ash attempting to defend the tree from The Dark Warrior. There, Lily gives up her physical body and becomes a tree spirit. Once in this state Lily is able to create another tree with the help of Ash that encases The Dark Warrior. Rose arrives at the scene. At the base of the new tree Rose finds a baby, Lily’s baby; Hope. Ash and Lily’s spirits appear before Rose, telling her that they will protect The Great Tree and requesting that Rose cares for the child. Rose vows to care for Hope, and to pass down the legend of Ash and Lily. They say their final goodbyes before Ash and Lily fade away.
Only a slight change.
I've done a bit of work on the script too and planned out shots. At the moment the shot total stands at 58, which gives me an average shot length of 3.1 seconds (you can either choose to believe I'm good at maths, or I used a calculator...). Might need to cut that down a bit!
Sunday, 7 October 2012
New version script
Here's the script for the latest version of the story. Enjoy!
SCENE #1 EXT. WASTELAND. DAY.
There is a wasteland that stretches out as far as the eye
can see. There are a few dead trees scattered. One healthy
looking tree stands among all the dead trees.
ASH (NARRATION)
"We live in a dying world where few
trees remain."
THE DARK WARRIOR cuts in to the healthy tree. He holds a
hand over the "wound". An otherworldly glow emits from his
hand and a scream can be heard.
ASH (NARRATION)
"This new threat to our world has
taken the form of The Dark Warrior.
He travels the land, sapping the
power from the trees in order to
survive. But without the trees, we
cannot survive."
ASH's spirit materializes, he witnesses the tree's death.
ASH (NARRATION)
"And now he has eyes on our last
hope; The Great Tree.
ASH's spirit quickly flees.
SCENE #2 EXT. NEAR THE GREAT TREE. DAY.
Ash is floating through the land towards The Great Tree, and
The Settlement.
ASH (NARRATION)
"My tribe rests at the foot of The
Great Tree, a majestic tree that
provides us with the energy we need
to survive. It is the last Great
Tree in the land."
Ash arrives at the settlement.
SCENE #3 INT. LILY'S ROOM. DAY.
The floor of Lily's room is covered in thick blankets. A
single small table stands by the window of the circular
room. A single red flower in a glass vase is atop the table.
The wooden blinds of the window are open, allowing light in.
LILY is lay asleep on the floor. She is quite late in her
pregnancy.
ASH (NARRATION)
"I gave up my physical form to
strengthen the tree, prolonging its
life, for the sake of my wife Lily
and my unborn child. In the spirit
world, I can see the past, the
present and even the future. But it
seems that my actions weren't
enough."
Ash floats through the wall. He kneels down beside Lily. He
looks at her stomach and smiles.
ASH
"I'm sorry, Lily. I never wanted
you to be involved in this, but I
need your help."
Ash places a hand on Lily's forehead. A slight glow emits
from his hand.
SCENE #4 LILY'S VISION, THE GREAT TREE. DREAM.
Lily sees a vision of The Great Tree in flames.
She watches in horror. Ash's voice calls out.
ASH
"Lily, this is a not too distant
future. I need your help to prevent
this. Meet me at The Great Tree!"
Lily sees THE DARK WARRIOR stood beside the burning tree.
SCENE #5 INT. LILY'S ROOM. DAY.
Lily awakens and sits up quickly with a gasp.
LILY
"Ash?"
Lily looks around hopefully, but Ash is nowhere to be seen.
Lily quickly stands, a look of determination on her face.
She leaves the room.
SCENE #6 EXT. SETTLEMENT. DAY.
The settlement is considerably small. Most of the buildings
are single floors with only a single room. There
is a central well.
ROSE sees LILY running through the settlement in the
direction of the not too distant Great Tree.
ROSE
"Lily? Where are you going?! That
much exercise can't be good for the
baby!"
LILY continues running, not stopping to explain. Rose seems
confused.
Rose looks towards the great tree, she spots The Dark
Warrior making his way towards it. Rose gasps in horror.
Sensing a threat, Rose runs after Lily.
SCENE #7 EXT. SETTLEMENT EXIT. DAY.
Rose is running along the plan between the settlement and
The Great Tree. The plane around the settlement and The
Great Tree is quite desolate. In the distance are mountains
and a few small trees.
LILY (NARRATION)
"I knew all too clearly what was at
stake, and what I must do. My life
had been spent in darkness, like so
many before me. My past will not be
your future. If I could wish for
one last thing it would be this; a
future where you can smile. This
will be my last gift."
Rose runs behind Lily, she is quite far away.
SCENE #8 EXT. THE GREAT TREE, FRONT SIDE. DAY.
The Great Tree stands in the middle of a gigantic plane. The
tree itself is equally humongous, towering over the
settlement and even rivaling the mountains in the distance.
It stands on top of a narrow chasm that prevents access to
the back side of the tree for those traveling on foot.
Lily arrives at The Great Tree. On the other side of the
gigantic tree she can see The Dark Warrior. She can also see
Ash stood inbetween The Dark Warrior and The Great Tree.
LILY
"Please! You must stop! We need
this tree to live!"
Lily realises that her attempt to reason with The Dark
Warrior is futile. She places a hand on her stomach, a
single tear rolls down her cheek.
LILY (NARRATION)
"By giving up my physical body, I
can stop this tragedy from
occurring. I will stand guard and
protect the world for your future.
Goodbye my child, your mother loves
you."
Lily turns to see Rose approaching.
LILY
"I'm sorry, Rose. Goodbye."
Lily's spirit rises out of her physical body, emitting a
bright light. This causes Rose to trip and fall.
As Lily's spirit rises her physical body collapses to the
ground.
As soon as Lily's body hits the floor it fade away, however
a ball of light where her stomach was remains.
Lily's spirit places a hand on this ball of light.
LILY
"Goodbye."
Lily floats away, passing through The Great Tree.
SCENE #9 EXT. THE GREAT TREE, BACK SIDE. DAY.
Ash stands in front of The Dark Warrior with his arms
outstretched to defend the tree. Ash has a stern look on his
face.
LILY
"Ash!"
A spirit of Lily floats down from The Great Tree. Flowers
sprout beneath her as she floats towards Ash.
Ash turns to see her, he smiles.
Lily smiles back at him. She nods. Lily quickly floats to
the opposite side of The Dark Warrior, facing towards Ash.
Ash and Lily begin to float around The Dark Warrior in a
circle. They both begin to glow brightly.
Tree roots begin to grow under The Dark Warriors feet. They
wrap around his legs, ensuring he cannot move.
Ash and Lily begin to float higher. This causes more roots
to burst from the ground and grow higher. The roots begin to
close in the form of a tree.
Ash and Lily begin to circle higher and closer until they
are close enough to embrace.
The roots encircling The Dark Warrior begin to close up more,
and are shaping to appear more like a tree.
A bright light emits from Lily and Ash.
SCENE #10 EXT. THE GREAT TREE, FRONT SIDE. DAY.
Rose picks herself up off the floor.
She looks around in awe at the new tree, and also the
increased amount of vegetation.
She notices the ball of light in front of her.
Rose can hear the muffled sound of a crying baby. She walks
towards the ball of light.
A patch of soft grass grows beneath the ball of light. The
ball of light falls slowly towards the ground.
The ball of light disappears as it touches the ground,
leaving behind a baby.
Rose picks up the baby. Lily and Ash's spirits appear in
front of her with smiling faces.
ROSE
"Lily! Ash!"
Ash smiles, he steps forward.
ASH
"We will stand as guardians over
this land, we'll make sure no harm
ever comes to The Great Tree, or
you."
Lily steps toward Rose. She puts a hand gently on Rose's
cheek.
LILY
"My dear sister. I'll be watching
over you, and Hope."
Lily looks down at the baby. She looks back up at Rose.
LILY
"Will you care for my little Hope?"
Rose nods, a tear rolls down her face.
ROSE
"I will, I'll make sure she knows
about your heroic actions. I'll
never forget you!"
Lily smiles. The spirits of Ash and Lily fade away.
ROSE
"Thank you."
THE END.
There's a non-emphasis on violence! That is key! Even though death and destruction is quite a heavy theme I don't want my film to be violent. I want the film to have an overall feeling of Hope, hence the ending. When all else seems lost, there are still miracles and hope.
SCENE #1 EXT. WASTELAND. DAY.
There is a wasteland that stretches out as far as the eye
can see. There are a few dead trees scattered. One healthy
looking tree stands among all the dead trees.
ASH (NARRATION)
"We live in a dying world where few
trees remain."
THE DARK WARRIOR cuts in to the healthy tree. He holds a
hand over the "wound". An otherworldly glow emits from his
hand and a scream can be heard.
ASH (NARRATION)
"This new threat to our world has
taken the form of The Dark Warrior.
He travels the land, sapping the
power from the trees in order to
survive. But without the trees, we
cannot survive."
ASH's spirit materializes, he witnesses the tree's death.
ASH (NARRATION)
"And now he has eyes on our last
hope; The Great Tree.
ASH's spirit quickly flees.
SCENE #2 EXT. NEAR THE GREAT TREE. DAY.
Ash is floating through the land towards The Great Tree, and
The Settlement.
ASH (NARRATION)
"My tribe rests at the foot of The
Great Tree, a majestic tree that
provides us with the energy we need
to survive. It is the last Great
Tree in the land."
Ash arrives at the settlement.
SCENE #3 INT. LILY'S ROOM. DAY.
The floor of Lily's room is covered in thick blankets. A
single small table stands by the window of the circular
room. A single red flower in a glass vase is atop the table.
The wooden blinds of the window are open, allowing light in.
LILY is lay asleep on the floor. She is quite late in her
pregnancy.
ASH (NARRATION)
"I gave up my physical form to
strengthen the tree, prolonging its
life, for the sake of my wife Lily
and my unborn child. In the spirit
world, I can see the past, the
present and even the future. But it
seems that my actions weren't
enough."
Ash floats through the wall. He kneels down beside Lily. He
looks at her stomach and smiles.
ASH
"I'm sorry, Lily. I never wanted
you to be involved in this, but I
need your help."
Ash places a hand on Lily's forehead. A slight glow emits
from his hand.
SCENE #4 LILY'S VISION, THE GREAT TREE. DREAM.
Lily sees a vision of The Great Tree in flames.
She watches in horror. Ash's voice calls out.
ASH
"Lily, this is a not too distant
future. I need your help to prevent
this. Meet me at The Great Tree!"
Lily sees THE DARK WARRIOR stood beside the burning tree.
SCENE #5 INT. LILY'S ROOM. DAY.
Lily awakens and sits up quickly with a gasp.
LILY
"Ash?"
Lily looks around hopefully, but Ash is nowhere to be seen.
Lily quickly stands, a look of determination on her face.
She leaves the room.
SCENE #6 EXT. SETTLEMENT. DAY.
The settlement is considerably small. Most of the buildings
are single floors with only a single room. There
is a central well.
ROSE sees LILY running through the settlement in the
direction of the not too distant Great Tree.
ROSE
"Lily? Where are you going?! That
much exercise can't be good for the
baby!"
LILY continues running, not stopping to explain. Rose seems
confused.
Rose looks towards the great tree, she spots The Dark
Warrior making his way towards it. Rose gasps in horror.
Sensing a threat, Rose runs after Lily.
SCENE #7 EXT. SETTLEMENT EXIT. DAY.
Rose is running along the plan between the settlement and
The Great Tree. The plane around the settlement and The
Great Tree is quite desolate. In the distance are mountains
and a few small trees.
LILY (NARRATION)
"I knew all too clearly what was at
stake, and what I must do. My life
had been spent in darkness, like so
many before me. My past will not be
your future. If I could wish for
one last thing it would be this; a
future where you can smile. This
will be my last gift."
Rose runs behind Lily, she is quite far away.
SCENE #8 EXT. THE GREAT TREE, FRONT SIDE. DAY.
The Great Tree stands in the middle of a gigantic plane. The
tree itself is equally humongous, towering over the
settlement and even rivaling the mountains in the distance.
It stands on top of a narrow chasm that prevents access to
the back side of the tree for those traveling on foot.
Lily arrives at The Great Tree. On the other side of the
gigantic tree she can see The Dark Warrior. She can also see
Ash stood inbetween The Dark Warrior and The Great Tree.
LILY
"Please! You must stop! We need
this tree to live!"
Lily realises that her attempt to reason with The Dark
Warrior is futile. She places a hand on her stomach, a
single tear rolls down her cheek.
LILY (NARRATION)
"By giving up my physical body, I
can stop this tragedy from
occurring. I will stand guard and
protect the world for your future.
Goodbye my child, your mother loves
you."
Lily turns to see Rose approaching.
LILY
"I'm sorry, Rose. Goodbye."
Lily's spirit rises out of her physical body, emitting a
bright light. This causes Rose to trip and fall.
As Lily's spirit rises her physical body collapses to the
ground.
As soon as Lily's body hits the floor it fade away, however
a ball of light where her stomach was remains.
Lily's spirit places a hand on this ball of light.
LILY
"Goodbye."
Lily floats away, passing through The Great Tree.
SCENE #9 EXT. THE GREAT TREE, BACK SIDE. DAY.
Ash stands in front of The Dark Warrior with his arms
outstretched to defend the tree. Ash has a stern look on his
face.
LILY
"Ash!"
A spirit of Lily floats down from The Great Tree. Flowers
sprout beneath her as she floats towards Ash.
Ash turns to see her, he smiles.
Lily smiles back at him. She nods. Lily quickly floats to
the opposite side of The Dark Warrior, facing towards Ash.
Ash and Lily begin to float around The Dark Warrior in a
circle. They both begin to glow brightly.
Tree roots begin to grow under The Dark Warriors feet. They
wrap around his legs, ensuring he cannot move.
Ash and Lily begin to float higher. This causes more roots
to burst from the ground and grow higher. The roots begin to
close in the form of a tree.
Ash and Lily begin to circle higher and closer until they
are close enough to embrace.
The roots encircling The Dark Warrior begin to close up more,
and are shaping to appear more like a tree.
A bright light emits from Lily and Ash.
SCENE #10 EXT. THE GREAT TREE, FRONT SIDE. DAY.
Rose picks herself up off the floor.
She looks around in awe at the new tree, and also the
increased amount of vegetation.
She notices the ball of light in front of her.
Rose can hear the muffled sound of a crying baby. She walks
towards the ball of light.
A patch of soft grass grows beneath the ball of light. The
ball of light falls slowly towards the ground.
The ball of light disappears as it touches the ground,
leaving behind a baby.
Rose picks up the baby. Lily and Ash's spirits appear in
front of her with smiling faces.
ROSE
"Lily! Ash!"
Ash smiles, he steps forward.
ASH
"We will stand as guardians over
this land, we'll make sure no harm
ever comes to The Great Tree, or
you."
Lily steps toward Rose. She puts a hand gently on Rose's
cheek.
LILY
"My dear sister. I'll be watching
over you, and Hope."
Lily looks down at the baby. She looks back up at Rose.
LILY
"Will you care for my little Hope?"
Rose nods, a tear rolls down her face.
ROSE
"I will, I'll make sure she knows
about your heroic actions. I'll
never forget you!"
Lily smiles. The spirits of Ash and Lily fade away.
ROSE
"Thank you."
THE END.
There's a non-emphasis on violence! That is key! Even though death and destruction is quite a heavy theme I don't want my film to be violent. I want the film to have an overall feeling of Hope, hence the ending. When all else seems lost, there are still miracles and hope.
Altered Story
I've gone back in to the scripting stage again, and the story has now been altered so that it's potentially a little less complex. I haven't finished writing up the script for this new version just yet, but here's a brief little summary of each scene and what happens in the new version. The most notable difference is the absence of a "spirit world".
The idea of this is to help gain an understanding of the story in its basic form before going on to the script. It helps introduce each character, each environment and just makes the story easy to understand. A pre-script in a way. I thought it'd be cool to give each scene a name, even if it doesn't have any relevance in the film. It basically breaks the film down in to key segments.
The idea of this is to help gain an understanding of the story in its basic form before going on to the script. It helps introduce each character, each environment and just makes the story easy to understand. A pre-script in a way. I thought it'd be cool to give each scene a name, even if it doesn't have any relevance in the film. It basically breaks the film down in to key segments.
SCENE 1: LORE
-The Scene opens with ASH’s narration:
-This describes the world briefly; that it is dying and few trees remain.
-The opening also introduces THE DARK WARRIOR.
-THE DARK WARRIOR begins by cutting in to a tree in a desolate land.
-From the tree’s “wound” THE DARK WARRIOR saps a form of energy (shown as an otherworldly glow).
-ASH’s narration provides a brief introduction to THE DARK WARRIOR, who he is and why he does what he does. The intention her is to help the audience understand that THE DARK WARRIOR is not necessarily evil, but just trying to survive.
-ASH’s spirit appears in response to this threat. He sees this and quickly flees towards THE SETTLEMENT.
-ASH’s narration makes it clear that THE DARK WARRIOR is set on destroying THE GREAT TREE, so ASH must warn LILY.
-This describes the world briefly; that it is dying and few trees remain.
-The opening also introduces THE DARK WARRIOR.
-THE DARK WARRIOR begins by cutting in to a tree in a desolate land.
-From the tree’s “wound” THE DARK WARRIOR saps a form of energy (shown as an otherworldly glow).
-ASH’s narration provides a brief introduction to THE DARK WARRIOR, who he is and why he does what he does. The intention her is to help the audience understand that THE DARK WARRIOR is not necessarily evil, but just trying to survive.
-ASH’s spirit appears in response to this threat. He sees this and quickly flees towards THE SETTLEMENT.
-ASH’s narration makes it clear that THE DARK WARRIOR is set on destroying THE GREAT TREE, so ASH must warn LILY.
SCENE 2: ASH’S MISSION
-ASH travels towards THE GREAT TREE and the settlement.
-The narration also introduces ASH, who he is, why he is a spirit. This helps to understand the back story necessary for the film’s plot.
-The narration also introduces ASH, who he is, why he is a spirit. This helps to understand the back story necessary for the film’s plot.
SCENE 3: LILY
-This scene introduces LILY.
-ASH tells the audience that LILY is his wife and that she is pregnant with their baby.
-ASH reaches LILY’S room. He apologises for having to get her involved (this is not narration).
-ASH touches LILY’s forehead, which causes LILY to see a vision.
-ASH tells the audience that LILY is his wife and that she is pregnant with their baby.
-ASH reaches LILY’S room. He apologises for having to get her involved (this is not narration).
-ASH touches LILY’s forehead, which causes LILY to see a vision.
SCENE 4: VISION
-In a dream, ASH sends LILY a vision of THE GREAT TREE in
flames.
-In the vision THE DARK WARRIOR is stood by the tree.
-ASH warns LILY that this is a not too distant future and that he needs her help today.
-In the vision THE DARK WARRIOR is stood by the tree.
-ASH warns LILY that this is a not too distant future and that he needs her help today.
SCENE 5: LILY’S AWAKENING
-LILY quickly awakens from this vision. ASH is no longer in
the room.
-LILY calls out for ASH, as if she sense that he was there.
-Without hesitation LILY heads out for THE GREAT TREE.
-LILY calls out for ASH, as if she sense that he was there.
-Without hesitation LILY heads out for THE GREAT TREE.
SCENE 6: ROSE
-ROSE (LILY’S sister) sees LILY running through THE
SETTLEMENT, heading towards THE GREAT TREE.
-ROSE calls out to her sister, asking why she is in a rush to get to the tree. LILY doesn’t stop to explain.
-ROSE is puzzled by this. As she ponders the incident, she sees something in the distance. THE DARK WARRIOR is approaching the tree. ROSE recognises him as a threat and runs after her sister.
-ROSE calls out to her sister, asking why she is in a rush to get to the tree. LILY doesn’t stop to explain.
-ROSE is puzzled by this. As she ponders the incident, she sees something in the distance. THE DARK WARRIOR is approaching the tree. ROSE recognises him as a threat and runs after her sister.
SCENE 7: LILY’S MISSION
-LILY is running towards THE GREAT TREE. The tree is not too
far from THE SETTLEMENT.
-A narrated segment from LILY’S perspective, however this narration is directed at her unborn child more than the audience. LILY promises that she will leave behind a better world for her daughter.
-ROSE follows behind LILY.
-A narrated segment from LILY’S perspective, however this narration is directed at her unborn child more than the audience. LILY promises that she will leave behind a better world for her daughter.
-ROSE follows behind LILY.
SCENE 8: GOODBYES
-LILY arrives at the front side of THE GREAT TREE.
-She can see THE DARK WARRIOR on the other side of the tree. Stood before him is ASH’s spirit.
-LILY pleads for THE DARK WARRIOR to stop. This doesn’t work however.
-Realising that she must become a tree spirit like ASH, LILY places a hand on her stomach and apologises to her child, saying her goodbyes.
-LILY turns to see ROSE running towards her. LILY apologies and says goodbye, a tear rolls down her cheek. A bright flash emits from her body, causing ROSE to trip and fall.
-LILY’s spirit rises out of her physical body, her hand still on her stomach. LILY’s physical body collapses and fades away when it hits the floor. However, a ball of light remains where her stomach was (implying that the baby is still safe). LILY says a goodbye and floats away, passing through THE GREAT TREE.
-She can see THE DARK WARRIOR on the other side of the tree. Stood before him is ASH’s spirit.
-LILY pleads for THE DARK WARRIOR to stop. This doesn’t work however.
-Realising that she must become a tree spirit like ASH, LILY places a hand on her stomach and apologises to her child, saying her goodbyes.
-LILY turns to see ROSE running towards her. LILY apologies and says goodbye, a tear rolls down her cheek. A bright flash emits from her body, causing ROSE to trip and fall.
-LILY’s spirit rises out of her physical body, her hand still on her stomach. LILY’s physical body collapses and fades away when it hits the floor. However, a ball of light remains where her stomach was (implying that the baby is still safe). LILY says a goodbye and floats away, passing through THE GREAT TREE.
SCENE 9: CONFRONTATION
-ASH stands before THE DARK WARRIOR with a stern look on his
face. He holds out his arms, defending THE GREAT TREE.
-LILY calls ASH’S name and floats down beside him; flowers sprout underneath her as she floats.
-LILY and ASH begin to float in a circle on opposite sides of THE DARK WARRIOR. Using their powers as tree spirits they are able to create a tree that encases THE DARK WARRIOR, eliminating the threat of destruction.
-LILY and ASH embrace above the tree before completing their spell. As the spell finishes, a bright flash emits from the new tree.
-LILY calls ASH’S name and floats down beside him; flowers sprout underneath her as she floats.
-LILY and ASH begin to float in a circle on opposite sides of THE DARK WARRIOR. Using their powers as tree spirits they are able to create a tree that encases THE DARK WARRIOR, eliminating the threat of destruction.
-LILY and ASH embrace above the tree before completing their spell. As the spell finishes, a bright flash emits from the new tree.
SCENE 10: HOPE
-ROSE picks herself up off the floor on the other side of
THE GREAT TREE. She looks up in awe at the new tree. She also notices the
glowing ball of light that LILY left behind.
-A patch of soft grass grows beneath the ball. The ball slowly falls to the ground, then fades away, leaving behind a baby.
-ROSE picks up the baby.
-Spirits of ASH and LILY appear before her.
-ASH explains that they will stand as guardians over THE GREAT TREE and the settlement.
-LILY requests that ROSE takes her baby, HOPE and raises her.
-ROSE agrees and promises she will pass down the legend of HOPE’S heroic mother and father. She thanks the pair of them.
-A patch of soft grass grows beneath the ball. The ball slowly falls to the ground, then fades away, leaving behind a baby.
-ROSE picks up the baby.
-Spirits of ASH and LILY appear before her.
-ASH explains that they will stand as guardians over THE GREAT TREE and the settlement.
-LILY requests that ROSE takes her baby, HOPE and raises her.
-ROSE agrees and promises she will pass down the legend of HOPE’S heroic mother and father. She thanks the pair of them.
Thursday, 4 October 2012
Ash: Quick Sketch
This is just a quick turn around sketch for Jeff, it's naked Ash. Sort of.
I've been making Jeff work with pretty much no reference for a while, but I've been looking at the model he's working on and giving him pointers on the way things should be in terms of proportion. Unfortunately, it's meant that Jeff keeps having to go back and change details because I've been so busy working on the script!!
So before Jeff gets started on Ash I thought I'd get him a quick turn around for Ash's proportions. I know there's no back view, but the way Jeff models wouldn't really need a back view, and there's no clothes for now anyway :).
I'll be working on concept art soon, including characters. I can't stick on the script forever!
Safe to say, like any film, it won't appeal to everyone!
I've been making Jeff work with pretty much no reference for a while, but I've been looking at the model he's working on and giving him pointers on the way things should be in terms of proportion. Unfortunately, it's meant that Jeff keeps having to go back and change details because I've been so busy working on the script!!
So before Jeff gets started on Ash I thought I'd get him a quick turn around for Ash's proportions. I know there's no back view, but the way Jeff models wouldn't really need a back view, and there's no clothes for now anyway :).
I'll be working on concept art soon, including characters. I can't stick on the script forever!
Safe to say, like any film, it won't appeal to everyone!
Thursday, 27 September 2012
The Last Gift: Scrip #2
Here's another script with added narration, scene description and atmosphere. Also, with sound effect descriptions!
SCENE #1 EXT. WASTELAND DREAM
ASH (NARRATION)
"We live in a dying world. Few
trees remain and forests disappear
overnight. My tribe resides at the
foot of The Great Tree. And here I
stand, having given up my physical
body to strengthen and protect the
tree. But is that enough...? From
here I can see everything; the
past, the present and even glimpses
of the future."
Time of day is ambiguous.
A large desolate plane stretches out as far as the eye can
see. There is no wind blowing, and no life in the scene
apart from ASH. A circle of light shines downwards on him.
Ash stands in the center of the plain, seemingly sleeping.
Ash awakens with a gasp. He looks around quickly, before
facing forward. An image flashes before him, an image of The
Great Tree in flames (SFX: screams of terror).
ASH
"The future...? Then my action
weren't enough."
Ash takes a step forward, a look of determination in his
eyes.
ASH
"You must send me back! My family
will die without me!"
The circle of light surrounding Ash begins to close.
ASH
"Do the lives of my people mean
nothing to you? By what right do
you imprison me?! I must warn
Lily!"
The circle of light continues to close.
ASH (NARRATION)
"Do not judge too harshly those
that chose to survive, we all chose
our own path. If I could see your
face just once more... Lily."
ASH
"Lily!" (Said at the same time
narration says "Lily.")
SCENE #2 INT. LILY'S ROOM, DAY
The floor of Lily's room is covered in thick blankets. A
single small table stands by the window of the circular
room. A single red flower in a glass vase is atop the table.
The wooden blinds of the window are open, allowing light in.
LILY is lay asleep on the floor.
(SFX: Echo of Ash calling Lily's name)
Lily awakens with a gasp.
An image of The Dark Warrior appears before her, he is stood
before The Great Tree. The tree is on fire.
Terrified by the image, Lily stands and makes her way out of
the room.
SCENE #3 EXT. SETTLEMENT ROOFTOP, DAY
The settlement is considerably small. Most of the buildings
are buildings single floors with only a single room. There
is a central well.
(SFX: Slight breeze, rustle of leaves)
ROSE is stood on the rooftop of one of the only two storey
buildings. She sees Lily running towards The Great Tree.
ROSE
"That can't be good for the baby!"
Rose begins to climb down the building. As she climbs she
notices The Dark Warrior approaching in the distance,
heading towards The Great Tree.
ROSE
"Lily! I have to stop her!"
Rose leaps from the side of the building and begins running.
SCENE #4 EXT. OUTSIDE SETTLEMENT, DAY
The plain around the settlement and The Great Tree is quite
desolate. In the distance are mountains and a few sparse
forests.
(SFX: Lily's footsteps, Lily breathing heavily, wind)
LILY (NARRATION)
"I knew all too clearly what was at
stake, and what I must do. My life
had been spent in darkness, like so
many before me. We were too weak to
fight for what we believed in. Now
I will atone for these sins. My
past will not be your future. If I
could wish for one last thing it
would be this; a future where you
can smile. This will be my last
gift."
Rose follows some distance behind Lily.
(SFX: Rose's footsteps, Rose breathing heavily)
ROSE (NARRATION)
"Why did I even try to stop you?
You're so stubborn! Once you have
your heart set on something,
there's no stopping you! You know,
I always wanted to be just like
you. You're so strong and kind.
Even if you fade away, I'll
remember you. Always."
SCENE #5 EXT. THE GREAT TREE, DAY
The Great Tree stands in the center of the desolate
wasteland. It is truly humongous.
(SFX: Rustle of leaves)
The Dark Warrior has arrived at the tree. A threatening
purple/black flame-like glow surrounds his body as he
readies to sap the tree of energy.
Lily has arrived at the other side of the tree. A spirit of
Ash materialises before Lily.
LILY
"Ash! I knew you would be with me!"
Ash smiles and nods. He holds out a hand. Lily's body begins
to glow slightly. Lily takes his hand, causing her body to
glow more and more until the light is blinding.
Rose is running towards them. She shields her face from the
bright light. This causes her to trip and crash to the
floor.
(SFX: Rose's footsteps, Rose hitting the floor, magical
effect with bright light)
On the other side of the tree, The Dark Warrior holds out a
hand. The dark glow begins to extend from his arm, towards
the tree. A bright flash interrupts him.
(SFX: Crackling flame, magical sound effect with flash)
Lily and Ash, now tree spirits, stand before him. They have
no clothing. Their bodies glow with a green/white glow. Lily
is no longer pregnant.
The Dark Warrior laughs at this sight. He continues his
previous action, holding out an arm.
(SFX: Flame crackle)
A small root begins to sprout from the ground below The Dark
Warrior. More begin to sprout around him. They appear to
grab The Dark Warrior's feet, which shocks him.
(SFX: Roots growing, wood cracking)
Lily and Ash float towards The Dark Warrior, they circle
around him. As they do, more roots grow from the ground.
(SFX: Magical energy, wind blowing)
Lily and Ash begin to rise in to the air as they circle.
They become closer to each other as they get higher until
they are close enough to embrace.
(SFX: Slight heartbeat begins when Lily and Ash embrace)
The embrace lasts for a while before Ash begins to float
back towards The Great Tree. Lily holds Ash's arm as he
slips away, until eventually he is too far away.
Lily falls back towards the earth. The roots below are now
much larger and have begun to form a tree. The Dark Warrior
is trapped in the center of this.
Lily lands lightly on the ground. She steps forward and
touches the growing tree. This produces a blinding flash.
(SFX: Heart beat gets louder until flash, magical energy on
flash)
Rose picks herself up off the ground. She is surprised at
the sight of a new tree standing next to The Great Tree.
(SFX: Wind blowing)
ROSE
"Lily"
Rose hears a baby crying. She spots a baby at the base of
the new tree. Rose picks up the baby.
In the distance Rose sees spirits of Lily and Ash. They
smile at her. There is a slight whisper on the breeze. Rose
holds a hand to her ear, listening carefully.
ROSE
"Hope... That's her name?"
Rose looks at the baby. Lily and Ash smile, they turn away
and walk in to the sunset.
ROSE
"Thank you."
I'd write a bit more stuff for you to read, as I do, but I'm in pain right now...
SCENE #1 EXT. WASTELAND DREAM
ASH (NARRATION)
"We live in a dying world. Few
trees remain and forests disappear
overnight. My tribe resides at the
foot of The Great Tree. And here I
stand, having given up my physical
body to strengthen and protect the
tree. But is that enough...? From
here I can see everything; the
past, the present and even glimpses
of the future."
Time of day is ambiguous.
A large desolate plane stretches out as far as the eye can
see. There is no wind blowing, and no life in the scene
apart from ASH. A circle of light shines downwards on him.
Ash stands in the center of the plain, seemingly sleeping.
Ash awakens with a gasp. He looks around quickly, before
facing forward. An image flashes before him, an image of The
Great Tree in flames (SFX: screams of terror).
ASH
"The future...? Then my action
weren't enough."
Ash takes a step forward, a look of determination in his
eyes.
ASH
"You must send me back! My family
will die without me!"
The circle of light surrounding Ash begins to close.
ASH
"Do the lives of my people mean
nothing to you? By what right do
you imprison me?! I must warn
Lily!"
The circle of light continues to close.
ASH (NARRATION)
"Do not judge too harshly those
that chose to survive, we all chose
our own path. If I could see your
face just once more... Lily."
ASH
"Lily!" (Said at the same time
narration says "Lily.")
SCENE #2 INT. LILY'S ROOM, DAY
The floor of Lily's room is covered in thick blankets. A
single small table stands by the window of the circular
room. A single red flower in a glass vase is atop the table.
The wooden blinds of the window are open, allowing light in.
LILY is lay asleep on the floor.
(SFX: Echo of Ash calling Lily's name)
Lily awakens with a gasp.
An image of The Dark Warrior appears before her, he is stood
before The Great Tree. The tree is on fire.
Terrified by the image, Lily stands and makes her way out of
the room.
SCENE #3 EXT. SETTLEMENT ROOFTOP, DAY
The settlement is considerably small. Most of the buildings
are buildings single floors with only a single room. There
is a central well.
(SFX: Slight breeze, rustle of leaves)
ROSE is stood on the rooftop of one of the only two storey
buildings. She sees Lily running towards The Great Tree.
ROSE
"That can't be good for the baby!"
Rose begins to climb down the building. As she climbs she
notices The Dark Warrior approaching in the distance,
heading towards The Great Tree.
ROSE
"Lily! I have to stop her!"
Rose leaps from the side of the building and begins running.
SCENE #4 EXT. OUTSIDE SETTLEMENT, DAY
The plain around the settlement and The Great Tree is quite
desolate. In the distance are mountains and a few sparse
forests.
(SFX: Lily's footsteps, Lily breathing heavily, wind)
LILY (NARRATION)
"I knew all too clearly what was at
stake, and what I must do. My life
had been spent in darkness, like so
many before me. We were too weak to
fight for what we believed in. Now
I will atone for these sins. My
past will not be your future. If I
could wish for one last thing it
would be this; a future where you
can smile. This will be my last
gift."
Rose follows some distance behind Lily.
(SFX: Rose's footsteps, Rose breathing heavily)
ROSE (NARRATION)
"Why did I even try to stop you?
You're so stubborn! Once you have
your heart set on something,
there's no stopping you! You know,
I always wanted to be just like
you. You're so strong and kind.
Even if you fade away, I'll
remember you. Always."
SCENE #5 EXT. THE GREAT TREE, DAY
The Great Tree stands in the center of the desolate
wasteland. It is truly humongous.
(SFX: Rustle of leaves)
The Dark Warrior has arrived at the tree. A threatening
purple/black flame-like glow surrounds his body as he
readies to sap the tree of energy.
Lily has arrived at the other side of the tree. A spirit of
Ash materialises before Lily.
LILY
"Ash! I knew you would be with me!"
Ash smiles and nods. He holds out a hand. Lily's body begins
to glow slightly. Lily takes his hand, causing her body to
glow more and more until the light is blinding.
Rose is running towards them. She shields her face from the
bright light. This causes her to trip and crash to the
floor.
(SFX: Rose's footsteps, Rose hitting the floor, magical
effect with bright light)
On the other side of the tree, The Dark Warrior holds out a
hand. The dark glow begins to extend from his arm, towards
the tree. A bright flash interrupts him.
(SFX: Crackling flame, magical sound effect with flash)
Lily and Ash, now tree spirits, stand before him. They have
no clothing. Their bodies glow with a green/white glow. Lily
is no longer pregnant.
The Dark Warrior laughs at this sight. He continues his
previous action, holding out an arm.
(SFX: Flame crackle)
A small root begins to sprout from the ground below The Dark
Warrior. More begin to sprout around him. They appear to
grab The Dark Warrior's feet, which shocks him.
(SFX: Roots growing, wood cracking)
Lily and Ash float towards The Dark Warrior, they circle
around him. As they do, more roots grow from the ground.
(SFX: Magical energy, wind blowing)
Lily and Ash begin to rise in to the air as they circle.
They become closer to each other as they get higher until
they are close enough to embrace.
(SFX: Slight heartbeat begins when Lily and Ash embrace)
The embrace lasts for a while before Ash begins to float
back towards The Great Tree. Lily holds Ash's arm as he
slips away, until eventually he is too far away.
Lily falls back towards the earth. The roots below are now
much larger and have begun to form a tree. The Dark Warrior
is trapped in the center of this.
Lily lands lightly on the ground. She steps forward and
touches the growing tree. This produces a blinding flash.
(SFX: Heart beat gets louder until flash, magical energy on
flash)
Rose picks herself up off the ground. She is surprised at
the sight of a new tree standing next to The Great Tree.
(SFX: Wind blowing)
ROSE
"Lily"
Rose hears a baby crying. She spots a baby at the base of
the new tree. Rose picks up the baby.
In the distance Rose sees spirits of Lily and Ash. They
smile at her. There is a slight whisper on the breeze. Rose
holds a hand to her ear, listening carefully.
ROSE
"Hope... That's her name?"
Rose looks at the baby. Lily and Ash smile, they turn away
and walk in to the sunset.
ROSE
"Thank you."
I'd write a bit more stuff for you to read, as I do, but I'm in pain right now...
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