“The Great Works Project: Season Seven, Episode Seven – An Intermission” by Thomas Typewriter

scripts, The Great Works Project scripts

———–<.thom.>———–

THE GREAT WORKS PROJECT

a puppet play in many parts

Season 07, Episode 07

an intermission

By Thomas Typewriter

FADE IN TO BLACK

From the bottom of the screen scrolls up the following text: “07-07”. It moves upwards, pausing a moment in the center of the frame, then continues upward, exiting the frame at the top edge. Immediately following that text’s exit, up scrolls “an intermission” from the bottom of the frame. It scrolls upward pausing in the center of the frame before continuing up and out of the top of the frame.

FADE OUT
FADE IN

INT. BIFFOLLOMEW’S PLAYROOM, AFTERNOON
A large playroom done in a minimalist style. A closet with folding doors sits in the center of the room. Bookshelves filled with toys and books line the angled walls jutting off from the closet. On one shelf of toys sits a stuffed toy of the villainous Logical Fallacy. It is a simple stuffed-sock toy wearing a fedora hat. It has a fake mustache and chest-plate made from paper taped onto it. The chest-plate has the letters L and F written in marker on it. A small couch sits off to one side. Natural light from a window out of frame behind the couch illuminates the room. BIFFOLLOMEW THE RABBIT, a young boy with a cape made from a blanket tied around his neck, runs in from stage-left.

BIFFOLLOMEW THE RABBIT
“Quickly Headcheese, we must use our psychic powers to scan the city for trouble.”

BIFFOLLOMEW hops onto the couch and starts bouncing up and down. He scans around the room. ROCKFORD THE PET ROCK enters from Stage-left. He rolls across the room and jumps onto the small couch.

ROCKFORD THE PET ROCK
“Over there by the water tower Mindgames!”

BIFFOLLOMEW THE RABBIT
(looks towards one of the bookshelves with the Logical Fallacy toy) “I see him.”

INSERT CLOSE-SHOT OF THE TOY

BIFFOLLOMEW THE RABBIT
(voice-over) “Our old nemesis Logical Fallacy.”

CUT BACK

BIFFOLLOMEW THE RABBIT
“Oh-no. He is attempting to poison the city’s water supply with Conspiracy Juice!”

ROCKFORD THE PET ROCK
“That criminal!”

BIFFOLLOMEW THE RABBIT
“Should we crimefight?”

ROCKFORD THE PET ROCK
“Oh, we absolutely should.”

BIFFOLLOMEW leaps of the couch.

BIFFOLLOMEW THE RABBIT
(shouting) “CRIMEFIGHT!”

Rockford the Pet Rock leaps off the couch.

ROCKFORD THE PET ROCK
“Crimefight!”

They run towards the toy.

BIFFOLLOMEW THE RABBIT
“Cease and desist Logical Fallacy or we will be forced to use our psychic powers to teach you to mind your manners.”

A SOFT CHIMING TONE rings out. The digital voice of the Butler speaks.

BUTLER
(voice-over) “Reminder, the next episode of The Babysitter Tales is starting.”

BIFFOLLOMEW and Rockford stop. Look at each other and smile, making excited yes gestures.

BIFFOLLOMEW THE RABBIT
“Butler, please cancel the current reminder.”

The chiming tone ends.

BIFFOLLOMEW THE RABBIT
“Butler, please set the room to TV mode.”

The closet doors open revealing a small television. It turns on to station 78. BIFFOLLOMEW and Rockford approach the TV. They pull out soft squares of grey padded carpet from a bin under the TV and sit down. The title sequence of The Babysitter Tales starts to play on the TV.

PAN IN ON THE TELEVISION SCREEN

TRANSITION FROM THE PLAYROOM TO THE BABYSITTER TALES TV SHOW.

On the TV screen the last bit of The Babysitter Tales opening sequence plays. The sequence ends and transitions to an establishing shot of a model of Gloomarella’s house.

SHIFT FROM LOOKING AT IMAGE ON TV SCREEN TO BEING “LIVE” IN THE SHOW.

LS OF GLOOMARELLA’S HOUSE

CUT TO…

INT. GLOOMARELLA’S KITCHEN, MORNING
GLOOMARELLA THE DOOMWITCH enters the room from stage-left. She has just woken up and is not very alert. She wanders over to the counter by the sink. She pulls down a coffee cup, fills it with coffee from the coffee maker, and leans against the counter. She takes a slow sip and smiles. She finishes the coffee and rinses it out in the sink. Then she looks around as if something is wrong, noticing that the sink is empty. All the dishes are clean. She then looks around the kitchen and notices it is clean.

GLOOMARELLA THE DOOMWITCH
“Where is the grime? Where are the spider-webs? Everything looks shiny and new. Who cleaned this place?”

Then she notices the doom baby in his high chair eating breakfast peacefully.

GLOOMARELLA THE DOOMWITCH
“What are you doing up?”

SMILES GOODSON enters from stage-right carrying a bouquet of flowers. He walks over to put them in a vase near the sink.

SMILES GOODMAN
“Oh good, you’re up. I’ll make you some eggs.”

She grabs a pan and hits him in the head. He spins, falls and hits his neck on the counter with a loud CRACK. He goes limp as the life suddenly leaves his body. There is A RESET NOISE accompanied by a flash of light. Smiles hops right back up.

SMILES GOODMAN
“Well aren’t you a lively one in the morning.”

The Doomwitch screams again and shoots him with lightning. He flies out of the room. The RESET NOISE and flash of light occurs off-camera. Smiles Goodson walks back into the room.

SMILES GOODMAN
“Who wants toast? I have an excellent sourdough cooling on the counter. I had to get up early to make it but I know just one bite and you will agree it was worth the effort.”

He walks to Gloomrella and gently places his hand on her, guiding her. They walk over to the table where he sits her down.

SMILES GOODMAN
“You’re going to love this bread. It is an old family recipe, made with a special ingredient.”

Smiles leans into whisper a secret to Gloomrella.

SMILES GOODMAN
(whisper) “I am not suppose to tell, but since we are such good friends, it’s (pauses to look left and right then whispers even softer) love.”

Smiles whistles and gets out the bread.

GLOOMRELLA THE DOOMWITCH
(to self) “What is going on.”

Smiles slices the bread and plates up one slice. He hands it to her. She takes the plate and tries the bread.

GLOOMARELLA THE DOOMWITCH
“Wow, this is really good. Normally, I hate love, but I can’t complain about this.”

SMILES GOODSON
“Why, thank you.”

Rod Pocalypse reaches for Gloomrella’s slice.

ROD POCALYPSE
“Gimme! Gimme!”

SMILES GOODSON
“Now, how do we ask?”

ROD POCALYPSE
“Please?”

Smiles goes and gets Rod a slice. Gloomarella the Doomwitch chokes on the bread.

GLOOMARELLA THE DOOMWITCH
“Did he just say please?”

SMILES GOODSON
“Yes. I taught him that this morning before you got up. I find there is always time to be polite.”

GLOOMARELLA THE DOOMWITCH
“So you taught this baby, the doombaby, he who is the key fated to release those trapped beyond form and shape ushering in a thousand years of darkness where the screams of the tortured will form the new landscape. The instrument of the apocalypse. You taught him manners?”

The baby gets the bread, and Smiles rubs his head.

SMILES GOODSON
“It was not easy, let me tell you, but I just reminded myself that anything worth doing is worth a little extra effort.”

GLOOMARELLA THE DOOMWITCH
“This will not do.”

Gloomarella shoots a lightning bolt at Smiles, knocking him out of the room.

GLOOMARELLA THE DOOMWITCH
“This will not do at all.”

CUT TO AD-BREAK

The ad-break still fills the screen.

GLOOMARELLA
(voice-over) “We’ll be right back after this short break. Change the channel and I’ll curse your soul!”

PAN OUT FROM THE AD-BREAK CARD

TRANSITION FROM INSIDE THE TV SHOW TO THE PLAYROOM

THE CAMERA SHIMMERS AS IT PANS OUT FROM THE TV SHOW. PAN BACK BEHIND BIFFOLLOMEW AND ROCKFORD.

INT. BIFFOLLOMEW’S PLAYROOM, DAYTIME
BIFFOLLOMEW THE RABBIT AND ROCKFORD THE PET ROCK sit infront of the TV cabinet in the closet watching the commercials. An ad for Star Families brand Seed Rolls plays on the screen. BIFFOLLOMEW looks to the side and sighs. He stands and walks off screen. After a moment Rockford notices he is missing.

ROCKFORD THE PET ROCK
“Are you going to finish watching this?”

CUT TO SHOT OF BIFFTHOLOMEW

BIFFOLLOMEW sits by the window looking outside.

BIFFOLLOMEW THE RABBIT
“I was just thinking, it is such a nice day.”

CUT BACK TO SHOT OF ROCKFORD

ROCKFORD THE PET ROCK
“You want to go outside.”

CUT BACK TO SHOT OF BIFFOLLOMEW

BIFFOLLOMEW THE RABBIT
“Yeah. I don’t know what it is, but I want to be outside. Feel some sun on my fur.”

Rockford enters comes over next to BIFFOLLOMEW.

ROCKFORD THE PET ROCK
“That sounds great. Let’s do it.”

BIFFOLLOMEW THE RABBIT
“Really.”

ROCKFORD THE PET ROCK
“Really.”

BIFFOLLOMEW hugs up Rockford and squeezes him.

BIFFOLLOMEW THE RABBIT
“Thanks.”

He sets down Rockford.

BIFFOLLOMEW THE RABBIT
“Butler, turn off the playroom television.”

The Butler chimes off-screen and the television shuts off. Biffollomew and Rockford walk off frame.

PAN TO WINDOW.

A gentle breeze blows through the grassy backyard. Sunshine beams down on the yard. A butterfly drifts from flower to flower. From the edge of the window frame, Biffollomew and Rockford come running into view. Rockford chases after Biffollomew, who laughs and jumps. Every time Rockford gets close, he leaps to the side and rolls. After the fourth roll across the grass, Biffollomew unfurls onto his back. He giggles looking up at the clouds. Rockford catches up to him and jumps on his chest. Biffollomew grunts and pulls Rockford into a hug.

TRANSITION FROM BIFFOLLOMEW’S BEDROOM TO THE ALEXANDRIAN LIBRARY

DISSOLVE FROM THE BACKYARD TO THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS OF THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE

JOIN THE CAMERA IN THE MIDST OF PANNING DOWN THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS. IT SLIDES DOWN AND DOWN FURTHER, STARTING AT A BREAKNECK PACE AND SLOWING. SOON THE TOPS OF THE MID-STAGE SETS PEAK UP FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE FRAME. THE CAMERA CONTINUES PANNING DOWN UNTIL PROPERLY FRAMING THE MID-STAGE

MID-STAGE: INT. ALEXANDRIAN LIBRARY SECOND FLOOR MAIN ROOM, MORNING
The stage is divided into two sections. On stage-right sits a table with a series of platforms on it. A sign reading “New Releases” sits on a sign post in the center of the table. Various books stand arraigned around the table. The other side of the stage contains a portion of the bookcases for the Adult Fiction section.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
(Off-stage) “Guess time to get home. Not that I have anything to do once I get there.”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER emerges from behind the bookcase. He strolls across the stage. As he passes the new releases table, something catches his eye. He stops and picks up “Runaways from Randomness” by Jonathan J. Wheelwright

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“A sequel to that Latchkey kids? Interesting. Maybe I don’t have to rush home just yet.”

Thomas picks up the book and exits stage-right. The Mid-stage lights turn off to the sound of A LIGHTSWITCH CLICKING OFF. The Mid-Stage curtains close.

FADE OUT

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“The Great Works Project: Season Seven, Episode Six” by Thomas Typewriter – a new script

scripts, The Great Works Project scripts

———–<.thom.>———–

THE GREAT WORKS PROJECT

a puppet play in many parts

Season 07, Episode 06

By Thomas Typewriter

FADE IN TO BLACK

From the center bottom of the frame scrolls up the following text: “07-06”. It scrolls up to the center of the frame, pauses, then continues scrolling. It exits the frame in the top center. Across the dark screen drifts the sound of TYPEWRITER KEYS CLICK CLACKING. From the bottom of the frame, the fingers of the VELVET TOUCH curl up. They grip the darkness as if a solid object, and bring it forward. It takes on a shape like a large card sign. The Velvet Touch rotates the card 180 degrees. On the back of the card is a still photo of THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE on the wooden disc in the Unroom Not.Seven. The Velvet Touch places the card back into place and pulls its fingers out of view.

INT. UNROOM NOT.SEVEN, BETWIXTIME
The unroom Not.Seven is a room of indeterminable size. In front of the doorway are semi-circular rows of grey carpet squares. They radiate out from a wooden disc sitting near a possible center of the space. The TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE sits on the wooden disc, facing towards the grey carpet squares. The entire scene is softly illuminated by spindly metallic lamps at the end of the rows. The lamp’s cords snake off into the distance.

LS OF THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE

PAN IN ON THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE, MOVING CLOSER AND CLOSER TO THE MID-STAGE AREA. THE CAMERA STOPS PANNING FORWARD WHEN IT LOCKED IN PROPERLY FRAMING THE MID-STAGE.

MID-STAGE: CURTAINS CLOSED
The Mid-Stage curtains part and the stage lights turn on to the sound of A LIGHTSWITCH CLICKING ON, revealing…

MID-STAGE: EXT. THE ALEXANDRIAN LIBRARY, AFTERNOON
The front entrance of the multi-level flagstone and glass Alexandrian Library stretches across the back of the stage. The squarish carved letters of the building’s name loom over the triple set of doors adding to the solidness of the building. A sculpture of an open book balancing on the top of a pyramid stands just out front among ornamental grasses. We hear A CAR DRIVE UP AND PARK. The ENGINE SHUTS OFF. The CAR DOOR OPENS then SLAMS SHUT. FOOTSTEPS APPROACH. THOMAS TYPEWRITER, with a hardback copy of “Pandora’s Star” by Peter F. Hamilton under his arm, enters from stage-right. He walks past the ornamental grasses, past the sculpture, and up to the front doors. He uses his free hand to open the door and slips right in.

THE CAMERA DETACHES FROM PROPERLY FRAMING THE MID-STAGE AND PANS UPWARD. IT GLIDES UP AND OVER THE MID-STAGE SETS TO THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS BEHIND THE SETS. IT CONTINUES UPWARD MOVING ACROSS THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS, HIGHER AND HIGHER. SOON THE BOTTOM OF THE HIGH-STAGE SLIDES IN FROM THE TOP OF THE FRAME. THE CAMERA CONTINUES PANNING UPWARD UNTIL LOCKING INTO PROPERLY FRAMING THE HIGH-STAGE.

HIGH-STAGE: CURTAINS CLOSED
The High-Stage curtains open and the stage-lights turn on to the sound of A COMPUTER BOOTING ON, revealing…

HIGH-STAGE: HANGER JSN076
In the center of the room stands a large cylinder of frosted glass. It stands on a pedestal of orthogonal crystals and abstract circuitry. Off to the side stands a control panel made of a similar crystal and tech mix. The room is painted in bright primary and secondary colors. Three pendant lamps hang from the ceiling illuminating the room. THE INNER-SPACE MAN enters from stage-right.

THE INNER-SPACE MAN
“This is what I wanted to show and tell you.”

BIFF THE RABBIT and ROCKEY THE PET ROCK follow, entering from stage-right.

BIFF THE RABBIT
“The whole room or something in it.”

ROCKEY THE PET ROCK
“Is it me or does this look like the designs we drew on the boxes when we were pretending we were those superheroes.”

BIFF THE RABBIT
(looks around) “It does.”

THE INNER-SPACE MAN
“Yes, exactly.”

BIFF THE RABBIT
“What do you mean?”

THE INNER-SPACE MAN
“This whole place is somehow tied to your pretending.

BIFF THE RABBIT
“How is that even possible?”

THE INNER-SPACE MAN
“I do not know exactly how the link works, but it is there.”

BIFF THE RABBIT
“That makes no sense.”

The Inner-Space Man walks over to the control panel and presses a button. The frosted glass of the cylinder turns clear. Inside is the suspended form of the superhero MINDGAMES.

THE INNER-SPACE MAN
“How about now?”

BIFF THE RABBIT
“Mindgames! Rocky, it’s Mindgames. Exactly as I imagined he looked like.”

ROCKEY THE PET ROCK
“Eerie.”

BIFF THE RABBIT
“Okay, hit the button that lets him out. I have so many questions.”

THE INNER-SPACE MAN
“Sorry. I don’t know how.”

BIFF THE RABBIT
“No seriously, let him out.”

THE INNER-SPACE MAN
“I can not.”

Biff turns to look at the Inner-Space Man.

BIFF THE RABBIT
“What do you mean. You wandered this place for days before getting us or so you claimed.”

THE INNER-SPACE MAN
“I did and never found a release button. Only room after room like this one.”

Biff walks over to the control panel. Rocky stays at the cylinder looking at Mindgames.

BIFF THE RABBIT
“But you got out. How? How come you are free? Why you?”

THE INNER-SPACE MAN
“I don’t know. MAybe some quality you added to us when you pretended us allowed us to escape.”

BIFF THE RABBIT
“Maybe you just didn’t hit the right buttons.”

Biff starts to press on the buttons. Various lights in the room turn on and off.

PAN OVER TO ROCKEY

ROCKEY THE PET ROCK
“What are you thinking in there?”

CUT TO CS OF THE MINDGAMES’ FACE.

Mindgame blinks.

CUT BACK TO ROCKEY

ROCKEY THE PET ROCK
“Arhh. Guys we have a problem. He just blinked.”

BIFF THE RABBIT
“What do you mean he blinked.”

ROCKEY THE PET ROCK
“I mean exactly that. He blinked. Look.”

Mindgames blinks again. Biff turns to look at The Inner-Space Man

BIFF THE RABBIT
“You mean he is aware.”

THE INNER-SPACE MAN
“Well, I was. Good chance in nine nine nines everybody else is. I hope not because it was torture.”

Biff becomes a little frantic and starts tapping buttons.

BIFF THE RABBIT
“We have to get him out. We have to get them all out.”

The High-stage lights turn off with the sound of A COMPUTER BOOTING OFF. The High-stage curtains close.

THE CAMERA UNCOUPLES FROM PROPERLY FRAMING HIGH-STAGE AND PANS DOWNWARD. IT GLIDES TO THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS LOCATED BELOW THE HIGH-STAGE. IT CONTINUES PANNING DOWNWARD THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS. SOON THE TOPS OF THE MID-STAGE SETS POKE UP FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE FRAME. CONTINUE PANNING DOWNWARD UNTIL PROPERLY FRAMING MID-STAGE.

MID-STAGE: INT. THE ALEXANDRIAN LIBRARY FICTION SHELVES, AFTERNOON
A long bookshelf runs across the back of the stage. THOMAS TYPEWRITER enters from stage-right. He slowly walks across the stage, looking at the books. He runs his fingers across the various books as he contemplates.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
(to self) “What am I doing? Am I really moving forward? Ophidia, she’s moving forward. She’s working herself to exhaustion. What have I ever worked myself to exhaustion on?”

He walks a short distance and then answers himself.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
(to self) “Nothing.”

Thomas takes a step back to view all the books on the shelves. His body language shifts to painful introspection. Thomas exits stage-left. The Mid-stage curtains close and then repopen revealing…

MID-STAGE: INT, SECOND FLOOR MAIN ROOM, AFTERNOON
The stage is divided into two sections. On stage-right sits a table with a series of platforms on it. A sign reading “New Releases” sits on a sign post in the center of the table. Various books stand arraigned around the table. The other side of the stage contains a portion of the bookcases for the Adult Fiction section.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
(Off-stage) “Guess time to get home. Not that I have anything to do once I get there.”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“A sequel to that book. Interesting. Maybe I don’t have to rush home just yet.”

Thomas picks up the book and exits stage-right. The stage lights turn off to the sound of A LIGHT SWITCH CLICKING OFF. The Mid-Stage curtains close.

FADE OUT

“Up Late, Late At Night: Episode Two, Act Two” – a new script by Thomas Typewriter

Puppet play, scripts, Up Late, Late at Night

———–<.thom.ophi>———–

Up Late, Late At Night

an abstract on treasure versus trash in modern film

Episode 002

Act II

By Thomas Typewriter & Ophidia Typewriter-Operahouse

FADE IN TO BLACK

FADE IN

EXT. TRUCC NUTZ HIGHWAY AND ON-RAMP, DAYTIME

LS OF THE HIGHWAY AND ON-RAMP

The highway stands empty. From stage-left enters a semi-truck covered in logos for KON-SATOSHI ELECTRONICS. It drives down the highway exiting stage-right. A few moments after, from the on-ramp, quickly drive up the three souped-up street racing cars of The Tuna Sandwich No Crust Boys criminal gang. Each car bears the logo of the gang: the letters “TSNCBOIYZ” and a cartoon image of a tuna fish with thick hair on the side of its head but a bald spot across the top of its head. They speed after the semi, exiting stage-right.

TRANSITION FROM HIGHWAY TO THE OFFICE

INT. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF’S OFFICE, DAYTIME
A flicker goes across the frame as the image shifts to the appearance of an image on an older television.

PAN OUT

The image of the highway is now shown to be a video playing on a small television in the offices of LASER EDITOR, the editor-in-chief and publisher of “The Modern Sexy Little Miss’s Information Tabloid”. The office is lined with filing cabinets and taxidermy eagles, turkeys and one hummingbird. All the taxidermy eagles and one hummingbird are holding American Flags in their talons or beaks. The mounted turkeys are holding the Don’t Tread On Me flags. A large potted plants sits nestled between two filing cabinets. Laser Desks very solid looking desk sits over by the filing cabinets. The television sits on top of a rolling dolly. The main wall of the room contains the door and frosted windows. On the door is written in letters, in reverse to those inside the room, “LASER EDITOR – EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & PUBLISHER” The Laser Editor walks across to the television and turns it off.

CUT TO LS OF THE ROOM

B-Reporter and D-HACK are sitting in chairs watching Laser Editor turn off the TV.

B-REPORTER
“Why are you turning it off? There has been a 300% increase in electronic thefts in Dieselvania county, almost entirely from shipping trucks. Additionally there has been a surge in stolen bicycles. Something is going on. This is news.”

LASER EDITOR
“No, this is boring. We need something that can sell the papers. Something modern. Something sexy. Something little.”

B-REPORTER
“Are you hearing this D-Hack. I can’t believe this. You talk me into coming to your Aunt’s paper claiming she’s changing the paper. Real reporting. A real chance to make a difference. Do you remember that? Cause it sure sounds like that was a lie.”

D-HACK
“Yes, I said that but maybe she has a good point. She always has the best ideas.”

LASER EDITOR
“Stop sucking up you spineless wimp. Why can’t you be more like your friend? She actually has a drive and purpose. Principals.”

D-HACK
“Those are good points. B-Reporter, can I borrow your notebook so I can write this down.”

B-Reporter reaches over the Laser Editor’s desk and grabs a pen and notepad. She hands it to D-Hack.

LASER EDITOR
“Oh, now you’re being petty.”

D-HACK
“Ok, what was I supposed to be more like.”

B-REPORTER
“More like me. Beautiful, charming, intelligent, talented, gifted, determined to break the big story that changes the world and uncover the true grime hidden under the stones that civilization is built upon.”

CUT TO CS OF D-HACK WRITING ON THE NOTEPAD

D-Hack is trying to write down all these notes on a notepad that is much too small. He twists and turns the thing trying to fit all the notes on it.

D-HACK
(notes to self as scribbling away) “Be more beautiful…going to need to order some facial masks maybe for that one, charming, intelligent…do they make brain pills? Need to look that up.”

CUT BACK TO MS OF LASER EDITOR

Laser Editor gets frustrated with D-Hack and grabs the pen and notepad out of his hands and throws it away.

LASER EDITOR
“Cut that out. And you, you could stand to be more like D-Hack. He has no morals, no outrage, nothing getting in the way of writing a story that will sell. And that is what we need, what you need. You think you are going to write some story about greed and corruption that is going to change everyone’s life. Well Mister Investigative Reporter, how can you do that if no one is reading the paper your story is in? Answer me that? And more importantly, how can I have a hot tub installed in my private helicopter if my paper does not sell millions and millions of issues.”

B-REPORTER
“A hot tub in a helicopter? That makes no sense. The downwash is like over sixty miles per hour. All the water would blow out of the tub. Additionally, everyone would slosh out when it makes turns.”

D-HACK
“That’s a great idea.”

LASER EDITOR
“Thank you, nephew. Now, take a look at this. Just came into my possession today. I have a contact over at the local news affiliate in Dieselvania. I may have made his quote-unquote wife disappearing potential homicide story into a giant sewer alligator eats local wife story.”

B-REPORTER
“That is awful.”

D-HACK
“Good job Aunt. You’re always thinking of the angles. Making the smart bets.”

LASER JUDGE
“You bet I am. And it always pays off. Here, take a look at this.”

Laser Judge walks over to her desk and pulls out a videocassette from within a bottom drawer. She puts it into the TV and presses play.

ZOOM IN ON THE TELEVISION AND CUT TO…

EXT. THE LONELY DOOR IN THE WOODS, DAYTIME
A door frame sits alone in a wild and deep woods. In the distance can be heard the sounds of freeway traffic because all the forests and woods in Dieselvania are near highways and interstates. BRO-POD, an mp3 player wearing a college athletic jersey and proud member of the Omega Omega Ohm fraternity, enters the frame drinking multiple beers. His beers are a six-pack with the beer still on the plastic ring. All six are open and slosh beer into his mouth, face, and shirt when he attempts to drink. Out of the frame is Bro-Pod’s fellow fraternity brother FRAT-DECK. If he were to be seen, he would be a Tape Desk wearing a college athletic jersey similar to Bro-pod’s.

BRO-POD
“You getting this man.”

FRAT-DECK
(from off-camera) “Yeah man, I am getting this. This is going to be great.”

BRO-POD
“We’re going to be legends.”

FRAT-DECK
“Let’s do it. Misanthrope University Rules!”

BRO-POD
“I am Bro-Pod and I am going to open the lonely door in the forest. This is for all my boys at Miskatonic University. Love you guys. Screaming Nyarlathoteps forever!”

FRAT DECK
(from off-camera, shouts) “OMEGA OMEGA OHM!”

BRO-POD
(shouts) “OMEGA OMEGA OHM!”

Bro-Pod starts pushing on the door but it won’t budge.

FRAT-DECK
(from off-camera) “Come on man, open the door.”

BRO-POD
“I’m trying man.”

FRAT-DECK
(from off-camera) “You’re ruining it man.”

Then there is a loud roar from behind the door

FRAT-DECK
(from off-camera) “What was that?”

BRO-POD
“Its the door. I think I budged it.”

Just then the door explodes off the frame and flies into the camera Frat-Deck is holding. Bro-Pod can be seen knocked into the air. The door knocks over and lands on Frat-Deck.

THE CAMERA SPINS THROUGH THE AIR AND LANDS AT AN ANGLE.

The broken door and part of Frat-Deck can be seen in front of the camera. COMBO-STEIN, a Frankenstein like monster made from a VCR/DVD combo player, in silhouette, can be seen screaming and running through the busted door and out of the frame. Bro-Pod is just visible sticking out of a shrub in the distance.

BRO-POD
“Miskatonic University…”

FRAT-DECK
“Omega Omega Ohm…”

CUT BACK

ZOOM BACK OUT OF TELEVISION TO FULL SHOT OF ROOM

The Laser Editor ejects the tape.

LASER EDITOR
“Now that is a story that will sell papers.”

B-REPORTER
“Story? How is that a story? A door fell on some dudes.”

LASER EDITOR
“Yes. A door falls in the woods and no one hears it, no story. But a door falls in the woods and two nut sacks hear it, that’s a story.”

D-HACK
“That’s a great idea aunt. Headline: Monster Rampages honor students in the woods. Are you next?”

LASER EDITOR
“Yes, yes, YES! I knew you’d get it. but you (points at B-Reporter) You are going to need a little sweetness to say yes. Get me this story and you can finally write that piece you’ve been bugging me about.”

B-REPORTER
“Wait. Are you serious? I’ll finally be able to write about how the MK Ultra program worked to brainwash everyone into thinking Inception is a nesting doll story of layered realities when in actuality it is the linear story of what happened to Jack Dawson after Rose pushed him off that door. When he sank into those frozen waters.”

D-HACK
“Really. That’s what you’re going to use your blank check on. That doesn’t even make sense. ”

B-REPORTER
“It makes perfect sense. At the end of Titanic, Jack sinks into the water and then Inception opens with him washing up on shore. The currents where the Titanic sunk would have pulled his body towards Europe with its sandy beaches, which match the sandy beach he wakes up on in Inception.”

LASER EDITOR
“Okay, well that is something.”

B-REPORTER
“Makes more sense than a hot tub in a helicopter.”

LASER EDITOR
“Don’t test me B. Now, here are your tickets and accommodations. You leave right now.”

D-HACK
“I’ll have to stop back at the apartment to pack.”

B-REPORTER
“I’ll ride with you.”

They leave the office. Laser Editor watches them leave and then goes to sit down at her desk.

CUT TO MS OF LASER EDITOR AT DESK

Opening a drawer she pulls out a bottle of alcohol and a glass. She starts to pour herself a drink when the potted plant behind her starts to wiggle. The plant moves up revealing MR. COIN, an oversized novelty coin wearing a fedora, sunglasses, and a trench coat. He looks over at Laser Editor

MR COIN
“Now, you’re not going to actually publish that article on Titanic and Inception are you. It would not do for attention to be brought to our group’s efforts to persuade the public of what is true and not true as it pertains to those particulars.”

LASER EDITOR
“Nope. I’ll tow the line.”

MR COIN
“Excellent.”

Mr. Coin lowers his head back down into the potted plant. Laser Editor drinks her glass slowly. Once done, she sets the glass down on her desk.

CUT TO CS OF THE EMPTY GLASS

FADE OUT

“The Great Works Project: Season Seven, Episode Five” by Thomas Typewriter – a new script

Puppet play, scripts, The Great Works Project scripts

———–<.thom.>———–

THE GREAT WORKS PROJECT

a puppet play in many parts

Season 07, Episode 05

By Thomas Typewriter

FADE IN TO BLACK

From the center bottom of the frame scrolls up the following text: “07-05”. It scrolls up to the center of the frame, pauses, then continues scrolling. It exits the frame in the top center. Across the dark screen drifts the sound of TYPEWRITER KEYS CLICK CLACKING.

FADE OUT
FADE IN

LS OF THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE

THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE appears in the black void.

PAN IN ON MID-STAGE TILL PROPERLY FRAMING IT

MID-STAGE: CURTAINS CLOSED

The Mid-stage curtains part and the stage-lights turn on to the sound of A LIGHTSWITCH CLICKING ON revealing…

MID-STAGE: INT. PENCIL CHICKS STUDIO, DAYTIME
A long desk spreads across the stage. It has a monitor, keyboard, mouse and scanner on the desk. A stack of papers sits next to the scanner. Behind the long desk is a drawing table with an animator’s lightbox at an angle to the desk. The long desk has a simple office chair while the drawing desk has a padded high stool. A doorway sits to the stage-left side of the desk. OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE sits at the animator’s lightbox, furiously drawing animation cells. THOMAS TYPEWRITER enters from stage-left. He hangs up his coat and then walks over to Ophidia. He places a hand on her shoulder.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Hi.”

Ophidia stops bopping, pulls down her headphones, and smiles at Thomas.

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE
“Hey, good looking.”

Ophidia points to her lips. Thomas takes the hint and kisses her.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“You’re sure in a good mood.”

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE
“Oh yeah. I love how it feels to animate.”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Have you been working long?”

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE
“Maybe. Probably. I came home from dinner and could not sleep. So I started working.”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“So, you never went to bed?”

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE
“Nope. I am full of electricity.”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Okay electric girl, is there anything I can do to help?”

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE
“Could you get me some fresh coffee?”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Sure. Are your parents okay with me being in the kitchen.”

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE
“Oh, it’ll be fine. They love you.”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Okay. Fresh coffee coming right up.”

Thomas Typewriter exits stage-left. Ophidia puts back on her headphones and starts bopping to the music.

TRANSITION FROM MID-STAGE TO HIGH-STAGE

THE CAMERA DISCONNECTS FROM PROPERLY FRAMING THE MID-STAGE. IT PANS UPWARD GLIDING OVER THE MID-STAGE SETS TO THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS BEHIND. THE SETS DISAPPEAR OFF THE BOTTOM OF THE FRAME AS THE CAMERA ASCENDS. IT GLIDES UP AND UP, OVER THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS. SOON, THE HIGH-STAGE AND NARRATOR’S DOOR AT THE TOP OF THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS SLIDES INTO VIEW. THE CAMERA SLOWS AND MOVES INTO PROPERLY FRAMING THE HIGH-STAGE.

HIGH-STAGE: CURTAINS CLOSED
From behind the curtain, the sounds of A BAND PLAYING MUSIC leak. The High-Stage curtains open and the stage-lights turn on to the sound of A COMPUTER BOOTING UP revealing…

HIGH-STAGE: INT. OBSERVATION DECK OF THE FLUTE MEDICALSHIP, DAYTIME
A large curve window runs across the back of the stage, showing the sparkle of the sparks drifting through space. Some components of the Flute are visible in the periphery of the window. A long curved couch runs under the window curving around a circular rug. Additional couches wrap around the circle coming out of stage-left and stage-right. The center of the observation area is free of couches, being the main entry point for those wishing to sit in the observation lounge. The entire area is decorated in yellow, amber, and beige. The rug is a contrasting red. A group is currently assembled playing music to practice and get in tune. LUCIDO OBSIDIAN, in his Medi-pod stands in the front of center on the carpet playing guitar. Behind him, CEDAR WAXWINGS plays drums. On the stage left side of the carpet CARRO, in their Medi-pod, plays keyboards. To the stage-right side of the carpet MINTHRIL MOUSTACHE plays trumpet. Next to him, ELDER GRIM plays the upright bass. The group is currently not doing very well playing in harmony. Meanwhile, PANACIA FLAUTO sits on one of the Observation decks couches listening.
HYGENNIA FLAUTO and two ORDERLI-BOTS enter from stage-right. Hygennia walks over to Panacia and sits down with her. They start to chit-chat. The ORDERLI-BOTS clean the couches. The musicians start to musically line up. They can play longer stretches of harmonious music before hitting discordant notes. IASA FLAUTO enters from stage-right holding a tray filled with three simple coffees from the ship commissary. She hears the music and starts to softly sway to the music. She waves to the musicians and they wave back. Their music clicks even further, lining up to the rhythm of Iasa. She walks over to Hygenia and Panacia. Hygenia takes the coffees. Iasa pulls Panacia up from the couch and starts to get her to dance along with her. Hygenia laughs and takes a coffee and starts to sip. The Orderli-Bots stop cleaning and watch the music and dancing. Panacea and Iasa laugh. Hygenia smiles and joins in.

FINNOCHIO and his sister BALLERIA enter stage-left clapping enthusiastically along with the music. They are followed by some REPAIR-BOTS, lulled up from the Maintenance Tunnels by the sweet tunes, sway to the music. The music goes louder as does the crowd’s response. On each of the Medi-pods the three top lights turn to green over the course of playing. When the third light turns green, the Medi-pod beeps. Carro, Cedar, and Lucido’s robotic arms go limp. They fall out of the melody. The Medi-Pods crack open along a low seem like an egg cracking open. Out pours the fully repaired Lucido, Cedar and Carro, coated in fluid and sliding across the floor. Carro now has a robotic body after the Medi-pod process, where in the earlier episodes he was just a face on a view screen.

As the three slide out of their Medi-pods, Elder and Minthril abruptly stop playing. Iasa, Panacia, and Hygenia swiftly rush to the newly emerged bodies and start to run medical checks. The stage-lights turn off to the sound of A COMPUTER BOOTING OFF. The High-stage curtains close.

TRANSITION FROM HIGH-STAGE TO MID-STAGE

THE CAMERA UNCOUPLES FROM PROPERLY FRAMING THE HIGH-STAGE AND PANS DOWNWARD. IT GLIDES OVER AND ACROSS THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS. DOWN AND DOWN IT PANS. EVENTUALLY THE TOPS OF THE MID-STAGE SETS SLIDE UP FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE FRAME AS THE CAMERA HAS REACHED THE BOTTOM OF THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS AND THE MID-STAGE. IT PANS DOWN LOCKING INTO PLACE PROPERLY FRAMING THE MID-STAGE.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
(off-stage) “I’ve got your coffee.”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER enters from stage-left, carrying a tray with a coffee cup and a carafe of coffee. There is also a glass of water on the tray. He enters backwards to navigate the door, balancing the tray best as he can.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Sorry it took as long as it did for me to get the coffee. Your Mom came out and we had a nice talk. She asked if I could make her some tea so I did. Let me know if you want any and I’ll go get you a glass. Your Mom asked me if we set a date for the wedding, which is the funniest thing because my Grandma was just asking me the same thing this morning.”

Thomas places down the tray.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Isn’t that the craziest thing? Are they sharing a wavelength?”

He picks up the coffee cup and turns to give it to Ophidia.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“And you’re asleep.”

Thomas straightens looking at Ophidia. He shrugs and takes a sip of the coffee. He spits it back out into the cup.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Ugh, yuck. How does anyone like that?”

Thomas sets the cup back onto the tray. He then exits Stage-left returning with a blanket. He places the blanket over Ophidia. He gently kisses her on top of her head.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“You get your rest, you deserve it. I’ll be over here reading.”

Thomas moves to the chair to the side and pulls out a copy of “Pandora’s Star” by Peter F. Hamilton.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
(to self) “Thank goodness I have one of Hamilton’s space operas. This will definitely keep me busy.”

Thomas props his feet up on the desk and relaxes into a comfortable reading position. He starts to read, briskly moving through pages then slowing down. He turns back two pages and rereads what he had read. He thinks a moment and then starts to read at a brisk pace. As he is reading he starts to fidget, starting with turning his body left and right. Then he switches to gently swinging his feet left-right. The Mid-Stage stage lights turn off to the sound of A LIGHTSWITCH CLICKING OFF. The Mid-stage curtains close.

FADE OUT

a movie a week…

A movie every week...

The goal is to get out of the studio and watch a movie in a theatre each week. Additionally, I would like to try to visit a new theatre every month.

Movies watched so far: 1. The Choral, 2. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, 3. Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, 4. Hoppers 5. The Lego Movie in 3D, 6. Project Hail Mary, 7. Who Framed Roger Rabbit, 8. You, Me & Tuscany, 9. Zootopia 2

Theatres visited so far: 1. AMC Naperville 16, 2. Cinemark Louis Joliet Mall, 3. Cinemark Seven Bridges and Imax, 4. Classic Cinemas Kendal 11, 5. Classic Cinemas Sandwich XQ, 6. Classic Cinemas York, 7. Paramount Theatre (Aurora)

A movie a week…

A movie every week...

Movies watched so far: 1. The Choral, 2. Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, 3. Hoppers 4. The Lego Movie in 3D, 5. Project Hail Mary, 6. Zootopia 2

Cinemas visited so far: 1. Cinemark Louis Joliet Mall, 2. Cinemark Seven Bridges and Imax, 3. Classic Cinemas Kendal 11, 4. Classic Cinemas York

A movie a week…

A movie every week...

Movies watched so far: 1. The Choral, 2. Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, 3. Hoppers, 4. The Lego Movie in 3D, 5. Zootopia 2

Cinemas visited so far: 1. Cinemark Louis Joliet Mall, 2. Cinemark Seven Bridges and Imax, 3. Classic Cinemas Kendal 11

a movie a week…Week 3

A movie every week...

Double Yes, Yes, Double Yes

Goal for the “a movie a week” is to go to a theatre and watch a movie from start to finish every week. Additionally, I will also visit a new movie theatre every month.

Before I started my day job of working in a movie theatre, I used to enjoy going to the movies. Ophidia and I would go at least once a week and those are some of my fondest memories from when we were dating. But something about being a Manager at the the locations I was a manager at just sucked all the joy out of going to the movies. I want to rediscover that joy. I hope I can rediscover that joy.

Movies watched so far: 1. The Lego Movie in 3D, 2. Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, 3. The Choral

Cinemas visited so far: 1. Cinemark Louis Joliet Mall, 2. Cinemark Seven Bridges and Imax, 3. Classic Cinemas Kendal 11

The Great Works Project: Season Six, Episode Five by Thomas Typewriter – a new script

scripts, The Great Works Project scripts

———–<.thom.>———–

THE GREAT WORKS PROJECT

a puppet play in many parts

Season 6, Episode 5

By Thomas Typewriter

———–<:type:>———–

FADE IN

GRIGIO COLORI
(voice-over) “Where were we?”

THE OUTER ONE
(voice-over) “Episode five.”

GRIGIO COLORI
(voice-over) “Right. Six-five scrolls up etc etc..”

From the center of a blank screen scrolls upward rapidly the following text: “06-05”. It enters from the bottom of the frame and moves up as if in fast-forward. An effect mimicking a VCR tape played in fast-forward is added. The text exits through the top of the frame.

GRIGIO COLORI
(voice-over) “Then we go to the Typewriter Abstract Puppet Stage.”

FADE OUT
TRANSITION TO THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE
FADE IN

THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE

DISSOLVE INTO LS OF THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE

GRIGIO COLORI
(voice-over) “Lets see, then there is that typewriter noise…

THE OUTER ONE
(voice-over) “I know that sound all too well.”

GRIGIO COLORI
(Voice-over) “Right! So we get that sound then shift to Mid-stage and the story starts.”

THE OUTER ONE
(voice-over) “Do you ever find yourself thinking Thomas put too much stuff before the story begins?”

GRIGIO COLORI
(voice-over) “You mean like us right now?”

THE OUTER ONE
(voice-over) “Maybe…”

The sound of TYPEWRITER KEYS CLICK CLACKING comes from someplace inside the Typewriter Abstract Puppet Stage.

TRANSITION FROM THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE TO THE MID-STAGE

THE CAMERA PANS IN TOWARDS THE MID-STAGE AREA UNTIL PROPERLY FRAMING THE MID-STAGE.

MID-STAGE: CURTAINS CLOSED
The Mid-Stage curtains open and part. As they slide out of view, the stage-lights turn on with the sound of A LIGHT SWITCH CLICKING ON revealing…

MID-STAGE: INT. MARY MARCHHARE’S LIVING ROOM, DAYTIME
MARY MARCHHARE sits in her recliner facing towards the audience and camera. She is facing towards her television, which is out of view. Her chair sits off-center of the stage. To the stage-right of her is a large end table and a plush sofa chair. The end table has a large table lamp, a tv remote, and a glass of water with a straw. A crumpled tissue sits off to the side of the glass of water. The second chair sits at a right angle to the end table so that the combination of it, the end table, and Mary’s recliner make an L-like shape. BEANIE, her pet Boston Terrier, is curled in a ball, soundly asleep in the chair. Running at a skewed angle, to help create an illusion of depth, is the large bay window. It runs along the stage-right side of the stage. From this vantage point, we can see that there is a series of large beige curtains on the window, currently retracted. Behind Mary’s chair, bits of the entryway are visible. A large clock hangs on the wall near the front door. THOMAS TYPEWRITER enters from the stage-left, behind Mary’s recliner. He walks around to Mary’s field of vision and gently touches her shoulder. She notices him and reaches for her remote. She turns off the television before looking at him.

MARY MARCHHARE
“Did everything fit?”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Yup. Everything fit fine.”

MARY MARCHHARE
“Good. Did you put the key back?”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Yes. It is back on the key rack.”

MARY MARCHAHRE
“Good. Did you lock the barn door?”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“I’ll double-check before I leave.”

MARY MARCHHARE
“You’re leaving?”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Yeah. I need to go over to Ophidia’s. I told her yes, so she’s going to show me how I can help.”

MARY MARCHAHRE
“That’s great. Give me a hug before you go.”

Thomas leans in and gives Mary a hug. She hugs him back.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Okay, I’ll check the lock then I’ll be leaving. Love you and see you later tonight.”

MARY MARCHHARE
“Love you too.”

Thomas exits through the kitchen doorway. Mary Marchhare reaches over for her remote control. She points it towards the camera and clicks a button. The ambient sound of A TELEVISION PROGRAM resumes.

TRANSITION FROM MID-STAGE TO HIGH-STAGE

THE CAMERA UNCOUPLES FROM FRAMING MID-STAGE. IT PANS STRAIGHT UPWARD, GLIDING OVER THE MID-STAGE SETS TO THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS BEHIND THE SETS. IT FOLLOWS THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS EVER UPWARD. AT THE TOP OF THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS IT MOVES OVER THE HIGH-STAGE UNTIL PROPERLY FRAMING THE HIGH-STAGE.

HIGH-STAGE: CURTAINS CLOSED

PANACEA FLAUTO
(voice-over) “Maestro, open medical journal please. Today was a rough day for the patients Cedar Waxwings, Lucido Obsidian and Carro.”

The High-stage curtains open and the stage-lights turn on accompanied by the sound of A COMPUTER BOOTING ON revealing…

HIGH-STAGE: INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE OF THE FLUTE MEDICALSHIP, DAYTIME.
A large curved window lines the back of the stage. Through it we can see outside the ship to space, the twinkling of sparks drifts by. In the distance, some of the lights from the nine bio-habitat Hills, and even glimmers from the tops of the multi-fold towers of the Palace of Stars, can be seen. The room itself is decorated in deep reds and oranges. The lounge has a circular shape. STELLARITE FERN stands in front of the window, looking out at space. Behind her, near stage-front sit, in their medi-pods, CEDAR WAXWINGS, LUCIDO OBSIDIAN, AND CARRO.

PANACEA FLAUTO
(voice-over) “An Administrator from the Solar/Lunar Fleet came and spoke to them for over an hour.”

Stellarite Fern turns around and faces the trio in medi-pods. She holds herself very rigidly posed. She speaks but we can not hear what she says. Cedar and Lucido move their medi-pods arms as if arguing or disagreeing with what she has said. She becomes very agitated with this. She points at each of them individually and then outside at the space. Her words are pronounced with more temper.

PANACEA FLAUTO
(voice-over) “They were suspended pending an investigation. The Solar/Lunar Fleet does not accept the trio’s story of outside forces crashed the ship. It looks like they are going to be blamed and fired. This is a depressing turn of events. I worry that it might set back their progress. Damn, they were really starting to thrive. Will Cedar draw into himself. I hope not. I’d miss hanging out…wait. Maestro delete everything after turn of events.”

Stellarite Fern stops her pointing and rubs her brow. She moves as if explaining one final thing. She straightens her posture and then turns to leave. She walks out the door without looking back. Cedar, Lucido, and Carro turn towards each other as if sharing a statement of woe. The stage-lights turn off with the sound of A COMPUTER BOOTING OFF. The High-stage curtains close.

TRANSITION FROM THE HIGH-STAGE TO THE MID-STAGE

THE CAMERA UNLINKS FROM THE HIGH-STAGE AND PANS DOWNWARD. IT GLIDES FROM THE HIGH-STAGE DOWN TO THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS. THE CAMERA CONTINUES MOVING DOWN THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS. SOON THE TOPS OF THE MID-STAGE SETS SLIDE INTO VIEW. THE CAMERA CONTINUES PANNING DOWNWARD UNTIL PROPERLY FRAMING THE MID-STAGE.

MID-STAGE: EXT. OPERAHOUSE FRONT PORCH, DAYTIME
A wooden front porch runs along the width of the stage. A front door sits to the stage-right side. A canoe sits in the rafters of the porch near the stage-left side. Various planters, all empty, sit on the rails. An outdoor thermometer can be seen next to the door. It reads 40 degrees Fahrenheit. THOMAS TYPEWRITER enters stage-left. He crosses the stage over to the front door. He opens the storm door and KNOCKS on the main door. He waits a moment or two then KNOCKS a second time. The door opens and OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE greets Thomas.

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE
“Thomas, you made it.”

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“You’re saucy fellow awaits his commands.”

OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE
“You nut. Come on in here and let’s get started.”

Ophidia steps to the side to make room for Thomas to enter. Thomas steps inside, pausing just inside the doorway. He embraces Ophidia, who gladly returns to affection. They kiss. The pair release each other and move all the way inside. Ophidia shuts the doors. A moment or two passes before the stage-lights turn off with the sound of A LIGHT SWITCH CLICKING OFF. The Mid-stage curtains close.

FADE OUT

The Great Works Project: Season Six, Episode Three by Thomas Typewriter

scripts, The Great Works Project assignments

———–<.thom.>———–

THE GREAT WORKS PROJECT
a puppet play in many parts

Season 06, Episode 03

By Thomas Typewriter

———–<:type:>———–

FADE INTO BLACK

From the bottom of the screen scrolls up the following text: “06-03”. It moves upwards, pausing a moment in the center of the frame, then continues upward, exiting the frame at the top edge.

FADE OUT
FADE IN

TRANSITION TO THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE.

In the darkness, the sound of TYPEWRITER KEYS CLICK CLACKING sings out from somewhere nearby yet out of sight. Shortly thereafter the TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE materializes.

LS OF THE TYPEWRITER PUPPET STAGE MOVING TO A MS THROUGH A SERIES OF CUTS UTILIZING A CRYSTALLINE EFFECT.

TRANSITION FROM THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE TO THE MID-STAGE

PAN IN ON MID-STAGE AREA OF THE TYPEWRITER ABSTRACT PUPPET STAGE UNTIL MID-STAGE IS PROPERLY FRAMED.

MID-STAGE: CURTAINS CLOSED
The Mid-Stage curtains stand closed. After a moment they open. The stage-lights turn on with the sound of A LIGHT SWITCH CLICKING ON revealing…

MID-STAGE: INT. THOMAS TYPEWRITER’S APARTMENT FRONT ROOM, DAYTIME
A writing desk sits center stage. In the background, on the stage-right side, sits a short bookcase. The desk has two moving boxes stacked on top of it. The bottom box is labeled “Typewriter”. The top box is labeled “Papers, Scripts, Misc…” The bookcase is nearly empty with only some books remaining on one of the shelves. THOMAS TYPEWRITER is standing by the bookcase with books and loading them into a moving box. He loads the last books, puts on the lid, and writes “Books” on the side of the box with a marker from his pocket. He stands and looks around the apartment.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“We gave it a good try didn’t we. Going to miss you.”

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out his phone. He dials into the phone. It RINGS and RINGS before being picked up.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“Hi. May I speak to Ophidia please. Oh, hi Ophidia. How are you today? Good. Oh, just finishing packing the last bits of my apartment. You? Cool, cool. So, I thought over what you asked, you know about me helping and working on your project. I have an answer.”

TRANSITION FROM MID-STAGE TO HIGH-STAGE

THE CAMERA PANS UPWARD. IT MOVES UP GLIDING OVER THE MID-STAGE SETS TO THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS BEHIND. IT FOLLOWS THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS MOVING UPWARD HIGHER AND HIGHER. IT REACHES THE TOP OF THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS AND SLIDES TO THE HIGH-STAGE AT THE TOP OF THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS. IT RESTS WHEN PROPERLY FRAMING HIGH-STAGE.

HIGH-STAGE: CURTAINS CLOSED
The High-stage curtains are closed for a moment but then start to part. As they are nearly fully open the stage-lights turn on with the sound of A COMPUTER BOOTING ON revealing…

HIGH-STAGE: INT. PANACEA FLAUTO’S OFFICE ON THE FLUTE MEDICALSHIP, DAYTIME
Panacea’s office is a desk sitting in the middle of the stage with the back walls lined by filing cabinets of various heights. On top of each filing cabinet are multiple stacks of books and papers. Crammed between the stacks of books, in any open spaces are various rolled up medical charts, boxes, and medical equipment. There is one succulent emerging from the filing cabinets on the stage-left, its long leaves dropping out causing a splash of color in the office. Panacea’s desk is a large metal affair, covered in stacks of medical charts and paperwork. Two spare Med-scanners sit on the side of the desk amidst a collection of empty coffee cups. PANACEA FLAUTO sits at her desk eating a salad. She has a small black and white Vid-screen, in an antiquated case, sitting on top of the files in one of the pulled out filing cabinet drawers. She is watching the latest episode of “Soapbubbles Medical Theatre” on Channel Four, The Dog House.

SOAPBUBBLES MEDICAL THEATRE EPISODE #06081938
It is a weekly show that presents a different radio play preformed by the Doctors and Nurses of an operation room. The audience sits up in the observation gallery. Each episode is hosted by a gravelly yet soothing voiced mostly bio-goblin ORSON WELLWISHER.

THE LOGO FILLS THE SCREEN THEN FADES AWAY

ORSON WELLWISHER
(voice over) “Broadcasting live from The Caducean Mystery Hospital in the heart of the Eighth Hill, this is your host Orson Wellwisher.

CUT TO MS OF THE OPERATING TABLE.

A series of nurses and Doctors are around the table. A patient sits on the operating table, mouth covered by a breathing machine. The closest doctor, Orson Wellwisher, turns and looks at the camera.

CUT TO CS OF ORSON

ORSON WELLWISHER
“Today, we find ourselves caught in a tale of intrigue, deception, mistaken identities and a well-mixed martini in Soapbubble Operating Theatre presentation of THE THIRD THIN MAN with tonight’s special guests…

CUT TO CS OF WILLIAM P. J. COTTONGIN

William P. J. Cotton-Gin stands across the operating table from Orson. He is a tall angular mostly-clockwork elf that takes off his medical mask and smiles into the camera.

ORSON WELLWISHER
(voice-over) “…William P. J. Cottongin,…”

William nods at the camera and then puts his mask back on.

ORSON WELLWISHER
“And Myna Bird Loy”

CUT TO CS OF MYNA BIRD LOY

Myna Bird Loy is one of the nurses carrying a tray of surgical tools to the operating table. She is a thin avian mostly bio-goblin. She looks up as if caught unaware and smiles for the camera. Panacea watches the show, half turned towards the vid-screen while also half turned towards her salad. She sets down her salad so she can hold the microphone from her Med-Scanner.

PANACEA FLAUTO
(Narration or voice over) “Maestro, update Medical Journal, starting now. The most unusual thing happened the other day. Cedar Waxwings stopped by my office to discuss his treatment. Up to that point he and his friends were giving the minimal effort in their therapy sessions. Iasa and I had a meeting planned later to discuss options for increasing their participation. Confidentially, I wonder if maybe I do not understand their situation, emotionally. Iasa advocates for patience, but I do not. Sometimes I am envious of her patience and good-nature. (pause) Maestro edit entry. Strike everything after the bit with the meeting and participation.”

There is a KNOCK on the door.

PANACEA FLAUTO
“Hello.”

CEDAR WAXWINGS
(off-screen) “Can I come in? Are you busy.”

PANACEA FLAUTO
“Come in, come in. I was just eating some lunch before some meetings this afternoon.”

CEDAR WAXWINGS in his ovoid Medi-pod rolls into the room, bumping into the chairs. Panacea turns to watch him enter. She misses a change on the Vid-screen. From the background of the operating room, THE SLASHBUCKLER, THE WORDSLINGER, and THE HEIRESS come into view. The Slashbuckler is a slender woman in black medical scrubs covered in gold filligree. Next to her stands The Wordslinger in white medical scrubs covered in brass filligree. Next to him stands the Heiress. She is dressed in black medical scrubs covered in silver filligree while holding a Fennec Fox dressed in matching medical scrubs. They attempt to wave at the screen to get the viewers attention.

PANACEA FLAUTO
“What can I do for you.”

CEDAR WAXWINGS
“I have a simple question.”

PANACEA FLAUTO
“Okay. I can deal with simple. What is your question?”

CEDAR WAXWINGS
“Will I be able to play the drums again, once we’re done healing.”

PANACEA FLAUTO
“Well…”

On the Vid-Screen, The Slashbuckler, The Wordslinger, and the Heiress freeze as a deep red outline encases them. A single diamond red design appears in the corner of the screen and blinks twice. They dissolve to static before dissapearing completely. The red diamond dissolves from the screen and the show resumes.

CEDAR WAXWINGS
“Be honest.”

Panacea sets down her salad and turns back to the Vid-Screen. She presses a button on the side and it goes dark. She turns back and directly looks at Cedar.

PANACEA FLAUTO
“Given the amount of effort you are giving. No. You are not doing the therapy and you will be crippled when you exit the Medi-pod.”

CEDAR WAXWINGS
“No drumming then.”

PANACEA FLAUTO
“Drumming? You’ll lucky to be able stand without pain. Every step you take will be crooked and painful.”

CEDAR WAXWINGS
“I secretly suspected as much.”

PANACEA FLAUTO
“So why are you not trying harder. Why are you resisting.”

CEDAR WAXWINGS
“Fear. Misplaced anger. Dumb reasons.”

PANACEA FLAUTO
“Listen, I get it. When you first woke up, I didn’t want to alarm you or freak you. But honestly, you guys were in a spaceship that blew up. Who should be dead, but your not grasping what a miracle it is that you can try.”

CEDAR WAXWINGS
“Your right we should be dead, but we are not and it has messed with my head. You are also right that I have not been dedicated or even really trying. It’s not you or your sisters.”

PANACEA FLAUTO
“Well what is it? My sister and I are trying our best to heal you and you are throwing it back in our faces. We’re trained to distance ourselves emotionally, but still it stings.”

CEDAR WAXWINGS
“I get that and I am sorry. It’s me. I am the problem.”

PANACEA FLAUTO
“Finally we agree on something.”

CEDAR WAXWINGS
“Ouch. But your probably not wrong. I find myself wondering if I have been lying to myself. The problem was other people, the job, my father. If only they did this or that, my life would be better. Not my fault I quit everything I ever tried. I put it on them, yet here I am in this eggshell finding myself never have having dedicated to anything. A life of drifting. I wasn’t qualified for the Solar/Lunar Fleet except my dad pulling the strings. Only got the job, kept the job, because of my dad. How sad is that.”

PANACEA FLAUTO
“Pretty sad, but not that unusual. You think your the first person to come into my office and saw oh no, what have I been doing with my life.”

CEDAR WAXWINGS
“Ha, true, but that doesn’t change that I have wasted a lot of my life. There were so many moments of magic and wonder moving through my life and I ignored them because they were not the quote-unquote right kind of moments.”

PANACEA FLAUTO
“Well, you’re not dead yet.”

CEDAR WAXWINGS
“No, I am not. (pauses thinking) If I try really hard in therapy will I be able to drum.”

PANACEA FLAUTO
“Not only that, but you would probably help inspire your friends to try harder. You’ll be helping yourself and them.”

CEDAR WAXWINGS
“I do not know if I am worthy of being an inspiration but I do want to drum again.”

PANACEA FLAUTO
“Then come tomorrow, try your best in therapy. Then the day after, try your best. Then the day after that try your best. Then keep repeating.”

CEDAR WAXWINGS
“That simple, huh?”

PANACEA FLAUTO
“In theory, yes. Practically, not so much. We all get a little confused sometimes and forget to repeat.”

CEDAR WAXWINGS
“Some of us more than others.”

PANACEA FLAUTO
“Yes, some more than others.”

There is a pause as Panacea takes another bite of salad.

CEDAR WAXWINGS
“So, what were you watching.”

PANACEA FLAUTO
“Watching?”

CEDAR WAXWINGS
“On the Vid-screen. You were watching something when I came in. What was it?”

PANACEA FLAUTO
“Oh that. Soapbubble Operational Theatre. It’s where a bunch surgeons who also happen to be actors put on a play.”

CEDAR WAXWINGS
“Can I watch it with you? I mean, if you don’t mind.”

Panacea smiles and leans over turning the vid-screen back on. The doctors and nurses are crowded around the operating table.

PANACEA FLAUTO
“That guy is Orson Wellwisher. He is the host of the show and one of my favorites.”

CEDAR WAXWINGS
“Okay. Who are the other people.”

PANACEA FLAUTO
“The tall guy is William P. J. Cottongin. He is playing a visiting surgeon accidentally drawn into the murder mystery.”

Cedar moves closer to the table to get a better view as the High-stage curtains close. The stage lights turn of with the sound of A COMPUTER BOOTING OFF.

TRANSITION FROM THE HIGH-STAGE TO MID-STAGE

THE CAMERA DETACHES FROM HIGH-STAGE AND STARTS TO PAN DOWNWARD. IT GLIDES ONTO AND OVER THE CURTAIN OF CLOUDS. MOVING EVER DOWNWARD THE TOPS OF THE MID-STAGE SETS PEAK INTO THE FRAME. THE CAMERA CONTINUES PANNING DOWNWARD OVER THE MID-STAGE SETS TILL PROPERLY FRAMING MID-STAGE.

MID-STAGE: INT. THOMAS TYPEWRITER’S APARTMENT FRONTROOM, DAYTIME
A writing desk sits center stage. In the background, on the stage-right side, sits a short bookcase. The desk has two moving boxes stacked on top of it. The bottom box is labeled “Typewriter”. The top box is labeled “Papers, Scripts, Misc…” The bookcase is nearly empty with only some books remaining on one of the shelves. THOMAS TYPEWRITER is pacing the room speaking to OPHIDIA OPERAHOUSE on his mobile phone.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“So, I thought over what you asked, you know about me helping and working on your project. I have an answer. I will do it.”

There is a LOUD SQUEAL OF DELIGHT from the phone. The squeal catches Thomas off guard, far too loud for how close he has the phone to his ear. Thomas winces and moves the phone away from his ear until the noise subsides.

THOMAS TYPEWRITER
“I am happy about it too. So what do I need to do first? Any paperwork or forms?”

The Mid-Stage curtains start to close as the stage-lights turn off to the sound of A LIGHT SWITCH CLICKING OFF.

FADE OUT

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