Peter M Howard ::

Short Film Opening Scenes :: Vampire/Hunter

Mar2006

Also for 'Writing for Performance'; had to write the first couple minutes of a short film. This was written intending to develop it into a longer piece.

I. BLACK SCREEN / OPENING CREDITS

PAUL (VO)

This story is an insignificant part of a much larger tale. But it is, right now, the only story I can tell. This is my story.

I cannot tell you Ariel's story. Just know that, for a time, I loved her.

Love. There is no such thing. Passion... The emotions of the weak, of mere animals.

FADE UP

II. EXT NIGHT. QUIET WATERFRONT

PAUL (VO)

I'd been hunting her for years. But that night, things were going to change. I'd finally managed to make contact, through - an associate of hers.

PAUL and ADAM stand by a car. Adam removes a small bag from his satchel and hands it to Paul.

ADAM

Here it is. Will you tell me what this is all about?

PAUL

Not now. I can tell you more later.

ADAM
(looking at Paul questioningly)

Fine. Prends-soin-d-toi.

Adam turns, Car door SLAMS, Car pulls off.
Paul slowly turns, walks to waters edge and looks out.

PAUL (VO)

For the last few months I'd known things were leading somewhere. I was ready, that night.

FX: A rush of wind, short, quiet

ARIEL

Paul?

Paul turns suddenly. ARIEL has appeared as if from nowhere. He remains silent, unsure what to say. He has thought of this moment for too long. Instead, he opens the small bag, removing a silver pendant. She looks at it in shock; at him.

PAUL

It IS yours...
I've been looking for you --

Ariel snatches it from him; pockets it; moves on

ARIEL

Not now. We have no time --
Don't look now but there are people watching us; some of them armed. Do what I say and there won't be any trouble. I'm going to leave, that way {indicating the direction with her head}. I want you to wait, then head off in the other direction. I'll have someone meet you.

Ariel turns and walks off, disappearing into shadow.

FX: trouble, shouting, crashing of debris

Paul walks slowly the other way.

FX: A shot rings out.

Paul starts; keeps walking, slightly faster. Doesn't get very far when AZRAEL appears in front of him. He appears threatening; he snarls; his canine teeth are particularly sharp. He reaches up, opens his hand to hang a pendant - Ariel's - in front of Paul's face. His other arm swings up and --

CUT TO BLACK

FADE UP

III. INT. WHITE, BRIGHTLY LIT, LIKE A ROOM IN A HOSPITAL.

ARIEL and AZRAEL over the sleeping body of PAUL. Ariel wears her pendant.

FX: the beep of medical equipment monitoring heartbeat

AZRAEL

You could turn him now.

ARIEL

Don't even think about it. He has to make that decision himself.

AZRAEL

Do you think he will?

ARIEL

Not tonight. But soon ...

FADE DOWN