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Lesson 13
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5 Replies
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Dave Wetzel’s Scares, Releases and Creepy Moments!
What I learned doing this assignment is that developing the skills to create scares, releases and creepy moments are some of the most rewarding aspects of horror screenwriting.
DIRE FALLS
INT – JENNIFER’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
Jennifer tries to gather herself from the troubling discovery her and Nearest made in the library about similar attacks at Dire Falls Academy twenty years ago.
Jennifer stands at the tall, mirrored wooden wardrobe and admires the silver crucifix Nearest gave her earlier which she wears around her neck.
Jennifer opens the wardrobe door and removes her sweater when suddenly, she hears a creepy, shuffling noise behind her!
Jennifer spins to reveal, CINDY (14) pint sized, long braided black hair, appealing, thin, looking troubled.
Jennifer settles as Cindy relates how scared she is because of the horrible events that have happened at the school.
Jennifer gets down to Cindy’s height and pulls her in close, she reassures her that she and Nearest will keep her safe.
Cindy gives Jennifer a big embrace, then Jennifer stores her sweater in the wardrobe and removes her (blessed) crucifix and hangs in on a hook inside the wardrobe.
Jennifer has her head turned as she closes the wardrobe, when she closes the door, for and instant, the horrible image of Yog-Formido appears in the mirror where Cindy was standing!
Jennifer stops, an air of dread fills the room, the hairs on the back of her neck stand.
Jennifer slowly turns, Cindy is standing there but now there’s an eerie red “aura” around her!
Cindy lowers her eyes and laughs menacingly, Jennifer is terrified!
Suddenly, Nearest appears at the door, Cindy laughs (as a little girl) and leaves, Jennifer rushes over to Nearest and gives him a hug.
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This reply was modified 8 months ago by David Wetzel.
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This reply was modified 8 months ago by David Wetzel.
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This reply was modified 8 months ago by David Wetzel.
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This reply was modified 8 months ago by David Wetzel.
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This reply was modified 8 months ago by David Wetzel.
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This reply was modified 8 months ago by David Wetzel.
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This reply was modified 8 months ago by David Wetzel.
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This reply was modified 8 months ago by
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Dean's Scares, Releases, and Creepy moments!
What I learned doing this assignment is why they put all those ick-factor scenes in horror movies. Ugh! But at least now I know why. ;oPScene Outline: The Night's Game
Setting:
The survivors are in the village hall, sitting in a circle, trying to keep their spirits up. It’s late at night, and they’re taking turns telling stories to stay awake and feel connected. The dim light flickers, casting shadows across the walls.
Scares:
Sudden Bang:
Just as Daniel finishes telling a light-hearted story, a sudden loud bang hits one of the boarded windows, making everyone jump. The survivors exchange worried looks, their faces pale. Anna whispers, “What was that?” as everyone sits in silence, their eyes glued to the source of the noise. The sound of scraping slowly follows, causing chills to run down their spines.
Whispering:
The whispers start again, softly at first, but gradually getting louder. The whispers seem to come from every direction, saying their names in eerie, elongated tones. Claire hears her name being called repeatedly and covers her ears, shaking her head, trying to block out the chilling voices.
Releases:
False Alarm:
The tension is high until Marcus finally speaks up, trying to rationalize. “It’s probably just an animal… or the wind.” Daniel nods, forcing a smile. “Yeah, it must be.” The survivors take a collective breath, the tension slightly dissipating. The group shares a nervous laugh, their fear momentarily diffused by Marcus’s attempt at reason.
Comforting Story:
To distract them, Dr. Hart starts telling a comforting story from her childhood—a time she was scared but found comfort in her mother’s embrace. The others listen, some of them visibly relaxing. Anna reaches for her son, holding him close, and for a moment, the warmth of the story provides a sense of temporary safety.
Creepy Moments:
Shadowy Figures:
As Dr. Hart finishes her story, a shadow flickers across one of the windows, but no one else seems to notice it. Claire’s eyes widen as she catches sight of the silhouette moving outside. She stares, trying to figure out if her eyes are playing tricks on her. The figure seems to pause, then slowly slinks away, disappearing into the night. Claire looks around, but everyone else is caught in the moment of calm.
The Knock:
The peaceful moment is shattered when a knock echoes at the door—slow, deliberate, and oddly polite. The survivors freeze, fear returning in full force. Marcus looks towards the door, his voice trembling, “It can’t be… not again.” The survivors are paralyzed by the unexpected sound, the polite nature of the knock sending a chill down their spines, as if whatever is outside is mocking them.Scene: The Night's Game
INT. VILLAGE HALL – NIGHT
The survivors sit in a circle inside the village hall, the only light coming from a flickering oil lamp. They gather together, trying to keep their spirits up, hoping that if they stayed awake and together, the Myst wouldn’t take them. Daniel tells a story to lighten the mood.
DANIEL
…and so, there I was, standing in the middle of the field with nothing but a frying pan to defend myself. The rooster was charging at me, feathers fluffed up like it was some sort of farm warrior. I thought, ‘This is it, Daniel. You’re going to lose to a rooster.’ But then.
He pauses to gaze at each person's eyes.
DANIEL
Just as it was about to leap, my neighbor's little poodle, Fluffy, decided it was time to play the hero. Fluffy leapt in front of me, barked like it was facing down a dragon, and the rooster—get this—it turned tail and ran!
He sighs, remembering how relieved he felt.
DANIEL
Fluffy chased it all the way back to the coop, and there I was, standing there, still holding that frying pan, feeling like the biggest fool in the world. All I could think was, 'I owe my life to a ten-pound dog named Fluffy.' And she wasn't even my poodle.”
Daniel smiles, glancing around the circle.
DANIEL
So never underestimate the bravery of a poodle—or overestimate the fierceness of a rooster. And don't walk by a chicken coop carrying a frying pan. Because that automatically—
A loud BANG hits one of the boarded windows. Everyone jumps, their eyes wide in fear as they exchange worried glances.
ANNA
What was that?
They all sit in silence, listening, as the sound of scraping slowly followed the bang. The noise seems to move around the outside of the hall, circling them like a predator stalking its prey.
Soft whispers filter in, at first faint, then growing louder, more distinct. The whispers seem to call their names, eerie and elongated, as if the Myst knows each of them intimately. Claire hears her name over and over, the voice almost pleading. She covers her ears, shaking her head, trying to block out the chilling sound.
Marcus, seeing the growing fear in everyone's eyes, speaks up. His voice trembled slightly, but he forced a smile.
MARCUS
It’s probably just an animal… or the wind.
Daniel nods in agreement, trying to steady his own racing heart.
DANIEL
Yeah, it must be.
The tension in the room eases slightly, and a few nervous laughs escape as they take a collective breath. The fear ebbs, if only for a moment.
Dr. Hart takes advantage of the fleeting calm, beginning to tell a comforting story from her childhood—about a time she was scared but found comfort in her mother’s embrace.
DR HART
When I was eight, I was terrified of thunderstorms. One night, there was a particularly bad one—lightning flashing, thunder roaring.
Anna reaches for her son Caleb, pulling him close, and for a brief moment, the atmosphere feels almost normal.
DR HART
I remember hiding under my blanket, convinced that the storm was going to break through my window and get me.
She pauses, a small smile touching her lips, as she sees Caleb's captivated attention.
DR HART
My mother came into the room, and without a word, she sat on my bed and wrapped me in her arms. She didn’t tell me not to be scared, or that everything was fine.
The others listen, the warmth of the memory providing a sense of temporary safety.
DR HART
She just held me, rocking me gently, and somehow… somehow that made all the difference. The storm was still raging, but it felt like it couldn’t touch me anymore. Like I was safe and—
——Claire shrieks and her eyes widen. Sayonara serenity! She sees it—a shadow flickering across one of the windows. It moves slowly, deliberately, pausing just long enough for her to realize it isn’t her imagination.
The shadow seems to linger, watching them, before it slinks away, disappearing into the night. Claire looks around, but no one else notices it. Her heart pound as she tries to convince herself it was nothing.
Then comes the knock—a slow, deliberate, almost polite knock that echos through the hall. The survivors froze, their faces drain of color. Marcus turns towards the door, his voice barely a whisper:
MARCUS
It can’t be… not again.
The knock comes once more, followed by silence that seems to stretch endlessly.
Tom, sitting nearest to the door, took a deep breath. He stands, his face conflicted.
TOM
We can’t just leave them out there.
He moves towards the door, despite Dr. Hart shaking her head and whispering,
DR HART
Tom, don’t…
He ignores her, determination mixed with fear in his eyes.
As he approaches the door, a faint, melodic voice drifts in from the other side.
MYST VOICE
Please…
The word hangs in the air, chilling everyone to the bone. Tom hesitates for a moment, his hand resting on the door handle. He takes another breath, then slowly opens the door just a crack, peering out into the mist.
For a moment, nothing moves. Then, a figure emerges from the fog—a Night Stalker. Its face twisted into a grotesque, almost pleased smile. Tom’s eyes widen in horror, but before he can react, the creature lunges forward, grabbing him effortlessly. Tom lets out a terrified scream as the Night Stalker yanks him into the mist.
MYST VOICE
…Thank you.
The door slams shut behind them.
The room falls into a stunned silence, the air heavy with an oppressive weight.
Anna clutches her son Caleb tightly, her eyes wide with fear.
Marcus sinks to the floor, burying his face in his hands.
Dr. Hart stands frozen, her heart pounding in her chest.
The reality settles over them—the Myst isn’t just a force of nature; it's intelligent, malevolent, and it's toying with them, one by one.-
This reply was modified 8 months ago by Dean Burkey.
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This reply was modified 8 months ago by
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Alison Scares, Releases, and Creepy moments!
INT. MUSEUM – RENAISSANCE GALLERY – NIGHT
Emily and Sarah step cautiously, their flashlights weakly illuminating the dim space. Shadows stretch long and unnaturally across the floor.
A low, distorted humming floats through the air, but it seems to shift — growing louder, then faint, then closer, only to vanish.
EMILY
Are you… hearing that?
SARAH
Maybe it’s just the AC or… something.
The hum morphs, blending into faint whispers, almost childlike, as if coming from right behind them.
CRASH! A glass display case topples, sending shards skittering across the floor near Sarah’s feet. She stumbles back, eyes wide with terror.
SARAH
No way… something… or someone… is here with us.
The flickering lights cast eerie shadows across a painting nearby. The mournful figure in the frame seems to watch them with lifelike eyes that flicker with a sinister gleam.
As Sarah stares, its lips twist into a faint, mocking smile.
SARAH
Emily… that face… I swear it just…
She trails off, not daring to finish. Emily, slips her hand into her pocket. She jerks her hand out, gasping as she finds it coated in a thick, dark residue that seems to pulse slightly, as if alive.
EMILY
What is this?! I… I… I can feel it… but…
She stares, horrified, as the black substance vanishes, fading from her fingers as though it was never there. Emily’s eyes look around the room, her breathing ragged.
SARAH
I don’t think we’re alone. That painting… it knows we’re here. I can feel it watching us.
The humming distorts again, becoming an echo of laughter, then a single, faint whispers…
NIGHTGUARD (V.O.)
Don’t… look… back.
Emily and Sarah whip around just as Max and Jake come into view, nearly colliding with them.
MAX
Whoa! Easy, it’s just us.
The two girls laugh shakily, though their eyes keep scanning the area.
Sarah takes a breath, trying to shake the feeling of dread clinging to her.
JAKE
Relax, nothing here is real. This place just has bad vibes. Let’s stick together. Safety in numbers, right?
Emily wipes her hands against her pants, but the feeling of the slimy residue lingers. As they regroup and move forward, the gallery grows unnaturally cold.
Behind them, the shadows shift, and the faint whisper echoes again.
NIGHTGUARD (V.O.)
Don’t… look… back.
The girls hesitate, exchanging nervous glances, but push on, the sense of something lurking behind them growing stronger with each step.
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Tim's Scares, Releases and Creepy Moments
What I learned from this assignment is that it was fun to scare and release!
Scene Outline: Zara hiding in the darkroom
1. Scare: Zara hears faint footsteps outside the darkroom. As the sound gets closer, she presses herself against the wall, holding her breath, heart pounding as the doorknob slowly turns—but it stops suddenly, leaving her in tense silence.
2. Release: Zara cautiously relaxes, thinking she’s safe and alone. She checks the darkroom’s red lighting, relieved that no reflections can appear. She takes a deep breath, leaning against the counter and laughing nervously at her own paranoia.
3. Creepy Moment: As she adjusts her camera settings, she catches a glimpse of something moving in the corner of the darkroom. Slowly, she turns, seeing her reflection in a cracked mirror on the wall. It smiles back with an unnatural, almost predatory grin, moving independently of her own expression. Her reflection raises its hand, beckoning her to come closer.
Scene Draft: Zara in the Darkroom
INT. DARKROOM – NIGHT
The small, confined space is bathed in a dim red light. Film canisters and developing trays clutter the counters, casting distorted shadows on the walls. Zara slips inside, breathing heavily as she locks the door behind her. She leans against it, closing her eyes, trying to steady her nerves.
Outside, faint footsteps echo down the hallway, pausing just outside the door. The doorknob rattles slightly, and Zara’s eyes fly open, her pulse hammering in her throat. She presses herself flat against the wall, holding her breath as the footsteps stop.
After a tense beat, the footsteps fade, moving away. Zara exhales slowly, releasing a shaky laugh.
ZARA
(breathing heavily)Get it together, Zara… You’re safe in here.
She looks around the darkroom, squinting in the dim light. No mirrors, no reflections—just the comforting red glow of the developing equipment. She takes a deep breath, letting her shoulders relax as she approaches the counter, fiddling with her camera, calming herself.
She reaches for a film strip and she sees a shadow shift in the corner of her eye. Her head snaps up, and her blood runs cold as she sees her reflection in a cracked mirror on the wall—one she hadn’t noticed before.
Her reflection stares back, grinning with an unsettling, twisted smile that doesn’t match her own expression.ZARA
(barely whispering)
No…The reflection tilts its head, its eyes narrowing with a predatory glint. Zara’s breath catches as it raises its hand slowly, beckoning her with a curling finger. Her hands tremble, and she backs away, eyes glued to the reflection as it steps closer to the glass, face pressing against it as if trying to break through.
ZARA
(whispering)
Stay the fuck away.Her reflection’s smile widens, showing too many teeth. It presses its hand against the glass, leaving a dark, smeared print that seems to bleed into the mirror’s cracks. The reflection’s voice comes in a whisper, distorted and chilling, matching Zara’s but with a cruel edge.
ZARA (REFLECTION)
(whispering)
You can’t hide from yourself, Zara…With a final, desperate look, Zara spins around, grabbing at the door handle, struggling to twist it open as her own distorted face laughs softly behind her, echoing in the small space.
The door finally opens, and Zara stumbles out, leaving the darkroom door swinging open as her laughter fades into silence.-
This reply was modified 8 months ago by Timothy Barley.
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This reply was modified 8 months ago by
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Diane’s Scares, Releases, and Creepy Moments!
What I learned doing this assignment is that there’s always room for more scare techniques.
INT. ALCATRAZ ISLAND CATACOMBS — FLASHLIGHT LIGHTING
The group moves through the catacombs that are not as finished as the hallway. There are carved steps and level floor to walk on, but the walls are rough and damp.
TRAVIS
I’m telling you. He’s gone. He kept talking to me about dumb stuff, making stuff up. What the heck was his name.CHESTER
I don’t know, man. You sure? It seems like everyone is here. Maybe he went back. We should go back.They walk for a moment in silence. Travis suddenly bursts out loud…
TRAVIS
Blake! His name. It’s Blake. The skinny kid that wouldn’t shut up.Suddenly there’s a terrified scream from the back of the group. It’s Isabel who is last in line. Everyone turns and aims their light back where she should be. She’s gone.
TRAVIS
You still want to go back?CHESTER
Isabel?Just then, Isabel comes into view.
ISABEL
I tripped.
(she pauses)
On this.She holds an extra flashlight.
ISABEL
I found it on the ground. That missing kid must have dropped it when the water took him. Did any of you drop this?They look around at each other. Everyone has their flashlight.
ISABEL
I didn’t think so. That kid must have dropped it when the water took him.CHESTER
We should go back to the hallway and look for the door again. What if the water goes up again?Chester turns to go back, but no one follows.
CHESTER
Well, I’m going back to look for the door. You all can get washed away if you want. I’m getting back out.Chester marches off.
Bonnie, near the front of the group lets out a horrific scream.
Everyone’s lights quickly turn in her direction. She’s back against the wall. She points at the ground. It’s a hand.
BONNIE
Oh, god, I stepped on it!A creeped out guttural gasp escapes her.
TRAVIS
That must be Blake’s.
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