Day 14 Assignments

[Ted Tronsen]

Ted Tronsen’s Scary as Hell Scene from Shadow Mountain

What I learned doing this assignment is that it helps to use emotion in creating a scene. It is important to allow the characters to experience a variety of emotions ranging from: apprehension, surprise, shock, fear, suspense, dread, anguish, panic, horror and hysteria. I tried to include all of these emotions in my final scene.

Climax and Resolution – As Elise drives away, she sees the masked killer standing in the middle of the road in front of her which causes her fear, dread, apprehension, and surprise. He takes one last shot with his crossbow and the arrow smashes the windshield of the van but just barely misses Elise (<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>release), however, she’s cut by the glass and blood drips from her head. Although she’s in a state of <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>shock she’s able to continue driving. She puts the petal to the metal and hits the killer. This gives her a release as the killer’s body appears lifeless in the middle of the road (<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>release). She gets out of the van and thinking he’s dead she removes the killer’s mask. This finally reveals his identity: it’s Jimmy! Still alive, he suddenly grabs her by the ankle tripping her up and she falls. This causes her to <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>panic, and as they begin wrestling on the ground it escalates to <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>hysteria, but she’s able to break free and escape. He slashes her Achille’s heal with a knife causing her <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>anguish, but she’s able to limp back to the van. She hesitates for a moment then backs over him. She drives away in a veil of tears feeling
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>horrified and traumatized as the sun is just beginning to rise in the distant horizon.

Horror Situation: Elise hits the masked killer with the van and thinking he is dead gets out and removes his mask. He is still alive and attacks her. He slashes her, but she is able to get away. When she gets back in the van, she backs over him and drives over him again, then drives away.

Emotional Reaction/Scene Arc: <font face=”inherit”>Elise, the lone survivor, goes through a series of emotions in the final climactic scene. At </font>first,<font face=”inherit”> she experiences fear, dread, apprehension and surprise. Then she goes through shock, panic, hysteria and anguish. Finally, she feels horrified and traumatized.</font>

[anna harper]

Anna Harper’s Scary as Hell Scene

THE LONG DARK Screenplay by Anna Harper

What I learned from this assignment; it really helped me think through the development of the scene replete with horror set-ups pay-offs and emotional charge. apologies I went ahead and developed this scene, it just happened as I was doing the outline.

SITUATION

The village is in a collective emotional meltdown, hysterical.

Sightings of Sasquatch, and a number of residents are attacked or killed by wildlife, extraordinary wildlife; spirit animals have escalated the local resident’s hysteria.

The Mounties/State Police have been going door to door to check on people, and gather information.

The police/state troopers and local hunters/trappers have been out to check the surrounding area on their snowmobiles with no luck.

MIDPOINT

EXT. AIRIALl VIEW OF CHIEF’S BUSH CABIN/EVENING/ESTABLISHING

Smoke is rising from the chimney atop Chief Manyriver’s cabin.

Snow is falling gently, the air is still and silent.

INT. CHIEF’S FRANKIE MANRIVERS CABIN/EVENING

Frankie has the radio playing quietly in the background, Country and Western music. He is pottering around, arranging two mugs for tea. He picks up his dead wife’s framed picture and talks to her.

FRANKIE

I am so tired Rosie. The burdens are weighing too heavy for me. I am getting too old for this craziness the young one’s have got themselves into. And I’m afraid. Afraid that I can’t do anything to change the great sorrow that our people are in. I am afraid of the attacks, they are getting worse each day. I can’t figure out what to do to stop them. Sometimes, I am falling down myself. The only thing that keeps me going is talking to you and the Big Book.

Shall I read you, Rosie, what the Big Book says about fear?

Fear is an evil, corroding thread; the fabric of our lives is shot through with it. Fear is surely a bar to reason, and to love, and of course, it invariably powers anger, vain glory, and aggression. It underlies maudlin guilt and paralyzing depression.

A far away howl of the Sasquatch is heard. Frankie puts down his AA Big Book and listens.

FRANKIE CONTD

Jesus, another attack. What will be found in the morning? Who will be ripped to pieces and eaten alive this time?

Frankie kisses his wife’s picture. I am lonely Rosie, I wish you were here to help me find wisdom to lead our people. I am weary and feel like giving up.

HOWLING, blood-curdling sounds are very loud, close to Frankie’s cabin. Frankie drops the picture and the glass breaks. The mugs on the table rattle and a picture on the wall falls down.

FRANKI CONTD

Smell, that Goddam smell, SHOUTING

You don’t frighten me Sasquatch,

Frankie’s face is contorted in fear, his eyes wide.

SHOUTING I am living a good life now. I’m getting my 10 years sobriety pin soon. So you can get the hell outta my yard already!

The sound of the blood-curdling howling is now sad and far away in the distance. Frankie clasps his chest and takes some NITRO out of his shirt pocket. He sits down briefly and looks at the logs burning in the stove.

FRANKIE CONTD

It’s gonna be a cold one tonight Rosie, gonna freeze our arses off if I don’t get some more logs in. I put the mugs on the table. How about I make up the fire and we have some tea, go to bed, crawl in the flannel sheets and have us a good sleep. Sasquatch has gone now. No need to be afraid Rosie.

Frankie dons his winter jacket, opens the cabin door, some snow blows in. Frankie steps outside and looks around. He walks over to the wood stack and picks up several logs, muttering to himself.

FRANKIE CONTD

I can feel my God dam eyeballs freezing in my head its so cold.

Bushes near the property make huge swaying movements. Branches crack. Then the noise stops. Frankie drops his wood and turns to go to the cabin. There is more noise behind him, a low growl and a huffing sound. Frankie turns slowly, he looks petrified. The head of a gigantic Grizzly bear pokes out of the bushes. The bear walks a couple of paces forward.

Frankie speaks in a loud authoritative tone.

FRANKIE

Brother, I am not for you. You will not eat me tonight. Yes, I am afraid of you, but I am not for you tonight my brother. Now go.

The bear turns and disappears back into the bushes.

Frankie says the traditional blessing and salutation.

FRANKIE contd.

Matsicho! All my relations.

Frankie half runs, half staggers back into the cabin.

He sits in his chair, gasping for breath. He is holding his left arm close to his chest, his face contorted with pain, and picks up the phone.

FRANKIE CONTD.

It’s Frankie, you got my GPS. It’s my heart again, better call the air ambulance. I’m alone.

EXT.CABIN AERIAL VIEW/NIGHT

Sounds of helicopter ambulance.

F.O.

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  anna harper.
• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  anna harper.

[Jeremy Cooke]

Hi Anna

– if we think about our audience then it’s likely to be 15-yo boys. I’d be worried about keeping their attention whilst Frankie potters about doing housework and talking to his dead wife.

– what about he goes to the woodpile and Sasquatch corners him but the bear turns up (bear dies horribly) and we get to see them fight whilst Frankie takes to his heels?

jc

[anna harper]

Your right Jeremy, however it is family. And the scene with him talking is a minute long and then the bear encounter happens. Sasquatch and bear are partners throughout the movie. I will think of some more horror tropes to put in this scene, thank for bringing it to my attention. Thanks again for reading the piece. more horror in the scene go it.

[anna harper]

Hi Jeremy, after your thoughtful insight I amended the script in bold. I should say its PG 13, the movie opens with a violent attack on a young woman.

THE LONG DARK VERSION version 2

Frankie has the radio playing quietly in the background, Country and Western music. He is pottering around, arranging two mugs for tea. He picks up his dead wife’s framed picture and talks to her. There’s a large shadow of a figure in the patio window. Frankie doesn’t see the figure of SASQUATCH, appear, standing there, watching.

FRANKIE

I am so tired Rosie. The burdens are weighing too heavy for me. I am getting too old for this craziness the young one’s have got themselves into. And I’m afraid. Afraid that I can’t do anything to change the great sorrow that our people are in. I am afraid of the attacks, they are getting worse each day. I can’t figure out what to do to stop them. Sometimes, I am falling down myself. The only thing that keeps me going is talking to you and the Big Book.

Shall I read you Rosie, what the Big Book says about fear?

Fear is an evil, corroding thread; the fabric of our lives is shot through with it. Fear is surely a bar to reason, and to love, and of course, it invariably powers anger, vain glory, and aggression. It underlies maudlin guilt and paralyzing depression.

A low howl of the Sasquatch is heard. Frankie puts down his AA Big Book and listens.

FRANKIE CONTD

Jesus, another attack. What will be found in the morning? Who will be ripped to pieces and eaten alive this time?

Frankie kisses his wife’s picture. I am lonely Rosie, I wish you were here to help me find wisdom to lead our people. I am weary and feel like giving up.

Frankie turns around and sees the Sasquatch looking in the window.

HOWLING, blood-curdling sounds are very loud. Frankie drops the picture and the glass breaks. The mugs on the table rattle, a picture on the wall falls down.

FRANKI CONTD

Smell, that Goddam smell, SHOUTING

You don’t frighten me Sasquatch,

Frankie’s face is contorted in fear, his eyes wide.

I am living a good life now. I’m getting my 10 years sobriety pin soon. So you can get the hell outta my yard already!

Sasquatch has vanished. The sound of the blood-curdling howling is now sad and sounds far away in the distance. Frankie clasps his chest and takes some NITRO out of his shirt pocket. He sits down briefly and looks at the logs burning in the stove.

FRANKIE CONTD

It’s gonna be a cold one tonight Rosie, gonna freeze our arses off if I don’t get some more logs in. I put the mugs on the table. How about I make up the fire and we have some tea, go to bed, crawl in the flannel sheets and have us a good sleep. Sasquatch has gone now. No need to be afraid Rosie.

Frankie dons his winter jacket and opens the cabin door, some snow blows in. Frankie steps outside and looks around. He walks over to the wood stack and picks up several logs, muttering to himself.

FRANKIE CONTD

I can feel my God dam eyeballs freezing in my head its so cold.

Bushes near the property make huge swaying movements. Branches crack. Then the noise stops. Frankie drops his wood and turns to go to the cabin. There is more noise behind him, a low growl and a huffing sound. Frankie turns slowly, he looks petrified. The head of a gigantic Grizzly bear pokes out of the bushes. The bear walks a couple of paces forward.

Frankie speaks in a loud authoritative tone.

FRANKIE

Brother, I am not for you. You will not eat me tonight. Yes, I am afraid of you, but I am not for you tonight my brother. Now go.

The bear turns and disappears back into the bushes.

Frankie says the traditional blessing and salutation.

Frankie contd.

Matsicho! All my relations.

Frankie half runs, half staggers back into the cabin.

He sits in his chair and picks up the phone.

FRANKIE CONTD.

It’s Frankie, you got my GPS. It’s my heart again, better call the air ambulance. I’m alone.

EXT.CABIN AERIAL VIEW/NIGHT

Sounds of helicopter ambulance.

F.O.

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  anna harper.

[anna harper]

Did a revisit Version 3 below with a new almost funny segment. I can hear the audience going ‘look out OMG’

Thanks, Jeremy good suggestion.

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  anna harper.

[anna harper]

What I learned this time around. Feedback was useful and added another element to improve a scene.

THE LONG DARK VERSION version 3

Changes in bold

Frankie has the radio playing quietly in the background, Country and Western music. He is pottering around, arranging two mugs for tea. He picks up his dead wife’s framed picture and talks to her.

FRANKIE

I am so tired Rosie. The burdens are weighing too heavy for me. I am getting too old for this craziness the young one’s have got themselves into. And I’m afraid. Afraid that I can’t do anything to change the great sorrow that our people are in. I am afraid of the attacks, they are getting worse each day. I can’t figure out what to do to stop them. Sometimes, I am falling down myself. The only thing that keeps me going is talking to you and the Big Book.

Shall I read you, Rosie, what the Big Book says about fear?

Fear is an evil, corroding thread; the fabric of our lives is shot through with it. Fear is surely a bar to reason, and to love, and of course, it invariably powers anger, vain glory, and aggression. It underlies maudlin guilt and paralyzing depression.

A low howl of the Sasquatch is heard. Frankie puts down his AA Big Book and listens.

FRANKIE CONTD

Jesus, another attack. What will be found in the morning? Who will be ripped to pieces and eaten alive this time?

Frankie kisses his wife’s picture. I am lonely Rosie, I wish you were here to help me find wisdom to lead our people. I am weary and feel like giving up.

Frankie is unaware of what is appearing in the patio window and keeps on talking to his dead wife.

Slowly, silently, an upside-down form( like BATMAN), hands, shoulders, and face, appears silently. Sasquatch is watching and listening in on Frankie through the patio window.

HOWLING, blood-curdling sounds are very loud. Frankie drops the picture and the glass breaks. The mugs on the table rattle, a picture on the wall falls down.

FRANKIECONTD

Smell, that Goddam smell, SHOUTING

Frankie spins around

You don’t frighten me Sasquatch,

Frankie’s face is contorted in fear, his eyes wide.

panicking, stuttering I am living a good life now. I’m getting my 10 years sobriety pin soon. So you can get the hell outta my yard already!

Sasquatch has vanished. The sound of the blood-curdling howling is now sad and sounds far away in the distance. Frankie clasps his chest and takes some NITRO out of his shirt pocket. He sits down briefly and looks at the logs burning in the stove. Gets up stumbling a little, and clumsily sweeps the glass away.

FRANKIE CONTD

It’s gonna be a cold one tonight Rosie, gonna freeze our arses off if I don’t get some more logs in. I put the mugs on the table. How about I make up the fire and we have some tea, go to bed, crawl in the flannel sheets and have us a good sleep. Sasquatch has gone now. No need to be afraid Rosie.

Frankie dons his winter jacket and opens the cabin door, some snow blows in. Frankie steps outside and looks around. He walks over to the wood stack and picks up several logs, muttering to himself.

FRANKIE CONTD

I can feel my God dam eyeballs freezing in my head its so cold.

Bushes near the property make huge swaying movements. Branches crack. Then the noise stops. Frankie drops his wood and turns to go to the cabin. There is more noise behind him, a low growl and a huffing sound. Frankie turns slowly, he looks petrified. The head of a gigantic Grizzly bear pokes out of the bushes. The bear walks a couple of paces forward.

Frankie speaks in a loud authoritative tone.

FRANKIE

Brother, I am not for you. You will not eat me tonight. Yes, I am afraid of you, but I am not for you tonight my brother. Now go.

The bear turns and disappears back into the bushes.

Frankie says the traditional blessing and salutation.

Frankie contd.

Matsicho! All my relations.

Frankie half runs, half staggers back into the cabin.

He sits in his chair and picks up the phone.

FRANKIE CONTD.

It’s Frankie, you got my GPS. It’s my heart again, better call the air ambulance. I’m alone.

EXT.CABIN AERIAL VIEW/NIGHT

Sounds of helicopter ambulance.

F.O.

This reply was modified 2 days, 14 hours ago by anna harper.

• This reply was modified 3 years ago by  anna harper.

[Jeremy Cooke]

INT. FINN’S HOUSE – EVENING

Inspector Finn returns home to a modest two-up, two-down. He lets himself in through the front door.

INSPECTOR FINN

Hello all! I’m home!

Silence greets him as he looks into the living room – nobody.

INSPECTOR FINN

Hello Mary! Are you in the kitchen?

Finn enters the kitchen and stops. Mary, his wife, is sitting at the far end of the room; the two children are clinging to her.

INSPECTOR FINN

Hello love. Why so

The kitchen door swings closed behind him. Finn turns round and sees six rough looking characters. They smile revealing sharpened teeth.

Finn draws a leather Billy Club from his coat pocket.

INSPECTOR FINN

Get out! Get out now! I’m warning you!

The cannibals advance.

INSPECTOR FINN

I’m a policeman! Get out of

CANNIBAL #1

What you going to do Bulkie. Hit us with yer wee stick?

Finn hardens his stance.

INSPECTOR FINN

Come on then. But mark I’ll see you hang for this.

CANNIBAL #1

Unlikely you’ll be seeing much of anything no more. Grab him boys!

The cannibals seize Finn and pin him to the ground face up.

CANNIBAL #1

Don’t over worry this. We’re not going to kill you just yet. Spin him over boys.

The cannibals spin Finn onto his face.

CANNIBAL #1

D’ye know how we keep the meat fresh Inspector?

The cannibal draws out a small chisel and holds it for Finn to see.

CANNIBAL #1

We cuts the spine close up the neck. That’s way they don’t die but they can’t move neither.

Finn screams and struggles but is held. The lead cannibal crouches down and severs his C-Spine. Finn’s struggles cease as though a string has been cut but he can still scream and plead.

INSPECTOR FINN

Please no! Not my family please!

CANNIBAL #1

(pulls over a kitchen chair)

Haul him up boys.

Finn is screaming and pleading for his family.

INSPECTOR FINN

You bastards! I’ll make sure you all die!

CANNIBAL #1

Ach! You’re terrible noisy for a dead man.

(to the other cannibals)

Hold his mouth open!

Finn struggles, resists as best he can. Refuses to open his mouth. The cannibals look to their leader.

Cannibal #1 seizes Finn’s daughter and caresses her face.

CANNIBAL #1

Open wide now boy or I’ll cut her wee face off. You know I will.

Finn slumps then slowly opens his mouth.

Cannibal #1 pushes Finn’s daughter back to her mother then advances and pins Finn’s tongue with a small sharp knife.

CANNIBAL #1

Stop yer wriggling or I’ll kill her.

(to another cannibal)

Give us yer knife now!

A larger knife is handed over.

CANNIBAL #1

Ah! That’s better.

Cannibal #1 works at Finn’s mouth the withdraws his hand holding Finn’s tongue. He hold it up for the others to see.

Finn, paralyzed, trashes his head making empty grunting noises.

CANNIBAL #1

And now to business boys.

Cannibal #1 sweeps everything off the kitchen table.

CANNIBAL #1

And now to business boys. Bring the first one up. And spin your man round so he gets a good eyeful.

One of the Cannibal seizes a child. The others move Finn’s chair so that he has to watch.

CANNIBAL #1

No, no! Not that one.

(indicates Mary)

Do her first. We’re not monsters. You don’t torture the livestock, it makes the meat taste sour.

Mary is seized and held face up on the table. She screams as they cut out her liver. Mary is pushed off the table and lies moaning weakly.

The children are then hauled up one by one and their livers harvested.

CANNIBAL #1

I hope this has been a wee lesson for you Inspector. And you’ll tell your…oh that’s right you can’t. Never mind I’ll leave a wee note.

Cannibal #1 picks up Finn’s bloody tongue and writes on the wall “KEEP OUT OF THE GRAVEYARD!”.

CANNIBAL #1

That should get our message across.

Cannibal #1 picks up one of the children’s livers and tastes it.

CANNIBAL #1

Mmmm…sweet. A wee taste Inspector?

Finn groans.

CANNIBAL #1

No then? Well then…we can’t leave you looking like this.

Cannibal #1 picks up a knife and slowly cuts Finn’s face off.

CANNIBAL #1

A wee memento of this moment. Well we’ll be on our way then. I’ll leave you and your family to reflect on your folly.