The Frenzy Begins

I got off to a strong start today with Script Frenzy, at least in terms of word count. I've written 981 words. That means I only have 19,019 to go. I'm still struggling with the actual structure of screenplays (scenes, camera direction, actions, etc.). I'm also writing the screenplay the same way I wrote my previous NaNo-novels - without the benefit of any real preparation. Nothing is outlined or planned out, so I have a feeling a large portion of Missing in Mallville's script (roughly 100% of it) won't make any sense and will remain so until it has been heavily revised.

Even so, I thought it would be fun (and humbling) to share a piece of the opening with you. It's clunky and drags at a snail's pace right now, but I keep reminding myself that it's only a draft, so it's allowed to be that way for the time being. Enjoy...

FADE IN:

EXT. NATURE'S GLORY HEADQUARTERS - AFTERNOON

An ornate sign that shows this is the headquarters of Nature's
Glory, environmental technology development corporation and
government contractor.

CAMERA PULLS BACK to reveal a massive fountain with an enormous
statue of a man holding up a globe of Mother Earth in both
hands as if offering it to Heaven. His gaze, fixed on the
sphere, is one of reverence with a hint of satisfaction. He
is standing atop a gold mountain. At his feet is a dollar
sign broken in half. Gold water cascades down the mountain
like a waterfall. The water tumbles into a basin that feeds
a gold river that winds its way back towards the main
campus, which is a series of buildings disguised as a
mountain range. It is covered by a lush green pine forest
and blends into the surrounding wilderness.

CAMERA PANS UP AND ZOOMS IN on the statue's face. DISSOLVES TO:

The now familiar face of STILL GOBS, early 40s, head of
Nature's Glory. Clean cut, professional, ruthless. He wears
a pressed pinstripe suit. He is the embodiment of Corporate
America. His confidence and determination are so palpable
that they are like a steel rod running straight down his
spine.

CAMERA PULLS BACK TO REVEAL:

INT. OFFICE OF STILL GOBS

A sprawling office of steel and glass. Large glass tables
are pedestals for the company's latest prototypes and
product models. There's a noticeable lack of warmth. The
walls are made of glass. Three of them project images of a
snow-covered mountain range somewhere in Colorado. The
fourth window wall reveals the real landscape outside. One
pane is darker and holds the image of a man's head. This is
MARK "GRASSHOPPER" THOMPSON, mid-30s, GOBS' vice-president
in charge of eco-friendly war machines.

STILL
(crosses arms)
Where are we with the hybrid
Abrams, Thompson?

THOMPSON
Sir, we've been able to increase
the range of the laser cannon by
40% without needing to install an
additional solar panel array. And we've
been able to increase the cruising
range by 25% by improving the efficiency
of the biodiesel engine.

STILL
Good, but for this order, don't
include the engine modifications.
We'll save that for the next
federal contract. It will make excellent
negotiating leverage. We can then
also charge them extra for refitting
this batch with the engine upgrades
when the time comes.

THOMPSON
(hesitates slightly, but
quickly recovers)
Oh, yes, Mr. Gobs. I should
mention, though, sir, we still haven't
been able to fix the thermal
management system.

STILL
Don't worry about that. We'll
address that with a patch, I mean,
in the next design round. Just get this
order produced. I have to go.

THOMPSON
(noticeably concerned)
But, sir, if we don't address it,
the soldiers will bake in there. We
can't get the crew compartment
below 105 degrees without adding an additional
air handling unit and...

STILL
(visibly annoyed)
Thompson, our soldiers are the most
elite fighters in the history of
the world. Or so I'm told. They can
handle a few extra degrees. If nothing
else, install an additional
personal cooling unit in each tank.

THOMPSON
(holds up a camouflaged water
bottle fan)
You mean one of these?

STILL
That's it. Now, I really must go. I
have to pick up my daughter from
school.

THOMPSON
(resigned)
Fine, sir, we'll start production
immediately, with the added PCUs.
Say hello to Molly for me and tell
her Jane is looking forward to
their play date tomorrow.

STILL
Yes, yes.
(beat)
Who's Jane?

THOMPSON
My daughter. Your goddaughter, sir.

STILL
I'm pulling your leg, Thompson.

THOMPSON
Oh, I-

STILL taps his desk and the connection is cut. He's
obviously finished with the conversation.