Lesson 10

[Deb Johnson]

Deb’s Level 1 Horror Emotion Scene

What I learned… A horror film is an emotional journey and you must create an atmosphere for horror. It’s important to establish Apprehension/Anxiety, Surprise, and Shock in the First Act.

EXT – MAIN STREET – MORNING

The small town lies in ruins after the tornado. There is a scattering of Emergency vehicles and work crews clearing debris. Electrical crews repair power lines. GABE, 30, shirt and tie, and AARON, 35, clad in a tattered leather jacket, navigate through the wreckage. Gabe talks into his phone as he makes notes.

Aaron points at a demolished building.

AARON

Remember the diner? We used to hang out there all the time.

Gabe scowls and avoids eye contact. He talks into his phone.

GABE

Most buildings are decimated.

AARON

Really? Captain obvious.

A COYOTE emerges from the debris and snarls. Aaron freezes. Gabe grabs a loose brick.

GABE

Storm must have brought it in.

Aaron steps backward; arms outstretched.

AARON

Don’t look at it! Easy there, fella. We don’t want any trouble.

The coyote retreats, disappearing into the wreckage. Gabe eyes Aaron skeptically.

GABE

OK. Captain Kangaroo.

They walk on. A few blocks away a single house remains.

GABE

Someone got lucky.

AARON

That’s Mama Lee’s house. You remember the Lees?

GABE

Not a chance. But I’d like to meet her now. Good human interest angle.

AARON

I didn’t know humans interested you.

They stop in front of a brick-and-mortar church, only half destroyed.

GABE

How could this place have survived?

Aaron steps over some debris and picks up a large cross that was part of the marquee. He disturbs a

GARTER SNAKE. It strikes Aaron’s arm, and he recoils in pain.

AARON

What the…?

Aaron shakes it off and Gabe comes down hard on its head with his boot. Aaron glares at him, clutching his arm.

AARON

It’s a Garter snake, you impulsive jerk. She was just scared.

GABE

Better safe than sorry.

AARON

You didn’t have to kill it!

Gabe inspects the wound. Aaron pulls away.

GABE

Let’s just get this over with.

They head towards Mama Lee’s house.