Script

Due to there not being a huge amount of talking in my animation the script had to be as well thought out as possible to get the emotions and reactions that I am looking for. condensing this down to a small script was quite hard so I employed influence from the film Drive which had a very minimal script which didn't take from the film itself. This entailed not filling too much of the script with dialogue that could be left out, also cutting out parts of the back story or explanations in the script which would impact the viewer more by making their own assumptions without causing them to ask why or how.

Here is the first draft.

Inside is Safe

Draft Script

Title Sequence

(sounds of news reports on the debate results about bombing Syria)

Scene 1

We are looking at the number 66 apartment which slowly zooms out to reveal the door. Jons arm comes into frame to open the door and the camera follows him into the apartment. As Jon enters he sees the other characters: Greg, Sophie and Sandra looking at the TV where they looked devastated.

(News Report in the background as Jon enters the room)

Reporter:  An urgent state of national security has been raised … this is not a drill … (very concerned) confirmed reports have just come in that the terrorist group known as ISIS have launched numerous warheads towards the UK. The estimated major danger sectors are as follows: Yorkshire, the Midlands and Middlesex. But the estimated damage is predicted to be nation-wide. We suggest that you seek lower ground and if you have a basement seek refuge in there. The impact has been reported as being imminent. Keep safe … and gods speed to you all.

Sophie is standing behind the sofa where Greg and Sandra are sitting (Greg leaning forward)

Sophie:  (looking very concerned) Jon, come here …

Jon puts his suitcase down

Jon:  What is it?!

Sophie looks worried at Jon and then at the TV. Jon’s gaze follows hers.

Camera switches to see all the characters staring at the TV looking worried.

Buzz … Buzz … Bding … Bdong

Camera then focuses on Jon who looks down at his pocket. The text is shown like Sherlock as separate type to the right of the screen.

Pause as he reads

Greg: Oh my god!

Camera focuses on Greg who is reading his phone

Greg: We need to leave!

He springs up from his seat and heads towards the kitchen and starts gathering tins and jars in a hurry.

Jon: Wait … Greg …

Sophie interrupts and rushes over

Sophie: Where do you plan on going?! It’s too dangerous to leave!

Greg: Did you not hear? We are in a danger sector … we are taking the car and leaving

He is standing in the kitchen announcing to them all

Sophie: That’s a crazy Idea! … Jon, tell him … Jon!!

Jon is in a daze

Jon: I … I don’t know … Maybe he is right.

Sophie: We don’t know how long until the bombs start hitting us. It could be any second. We have a better chance of surviving here … Together.

Camera focuses on Sandra who is leaning over the sofa

Sandra: Inside is safe …

Greg’s enthusiasm quickly fades and suddenly he throws a can to the wall. He slumps to lean on the table. The can hitting the wall wakes Jon out of his daze.

Jon: Come on, we’ll stay together … here. As long as we are together we will be okay.

Sophie creeps open a smile towards Jon and goes to put her hand on Greg’s arm.

Sophie: Come on Greg... It’ll be okay

Blinding light emits through the window. As the brightness is growing Greg and Sophie are staggered covering their eyes and the camera switches to Jon’s face to capture his emotion caused by the impending doom.

Scene 2

Fade into Jon’s same face as he is knelt in front of Greg and Sophie who are draped with nCloth. He is talking to Sophie.

Jon: it’s been too long without you Sophie … Sandra left almost two weeks ago.

Scene 3

Flash back (black and white) to join and Sandra arguing

Sandra: if we stay here we are dead!

Jon: but if we go out there we are going to end up dead because of the bandits!

Sandra: at least I’m trying to survive instead of waiting to starve to death!

She leaves and slams the door.

Scene 4

Back to Jon talking to Sophie

Jon: I need to go out and find her.

Fade out

Scene 5

Fade into the front of the apartment building. Jon creeps out cautiously down the street.

Scene 6

Small camp site – Jon holding a picture of Jon and Sophie smiling.

Jon: The world has changed Sophie, its not how it used to be. I have to be careful – there are groups of people who do terrible things. I need to find Sandra. Before anything bad could happen to her.

Fade out

Scene 7

Camera Facing Jon walking down the road as he notices something. He crouches down behind a wrecked object or boulder. Distant shouts of men attacking a woman.

Jon: Sandra!

Bandit: (distant) Look ... Up there! Fuck him up!

Jon Turns and runs.

Scene 8

Jon bursts into 66 heavily out of breath and slams the door behind him. He heads over to a draw to reveal a gun inside. He sits in the corner opposite the door pointing the gun.

Slow footsteps echo through the ruined apartment. Jon looks very frightened. As the footsteps stop outside the door the camera looks at the door and a single gunshot sounds. The sound of birds flying off.

The door creeps open and Sandra peers round.

Sandra:  Jon!! Oh god Jon!

She runs over to inspect his body

Scene 9

Noises of the rabble getting closer – She picks up the gun points it at the door with anger in his eyes.

Cut to a view of the apartment – the sound of gunshots and brawling are there. And then silent. Sandra emerges at the entrance.

Sandra: Jon never had the urge to survive; he never felt how I did. I suppose I can find some comfort in knowing they are all together now. But it’s not my time to join them yet … I know there is some good left in the world. It just needs to be found.

Scene 10

Stereotypical survival shot of Sandra walking away into the horizon.

This exercise was my first time writing a script like this with multiple characters so it was quite difficult, but was essential to my development as a director in this module due to being in touch with each and every detail in the animation. There are various changes I will be making after receiving the voice actors work.