Your Big Break

-PERCEPTION-
BY MICHAEL HERP

Synopsis: An ironic story of two Scientists who move to a secluded area of New Zealand to conduct research. Though from very similar backgrounds, one scientist falls in love with New Zealand's beauty and the other chooses to remove himself from everything to and work alone. Within a steady crescendo through the script, a connection cleverly unfolds between the scientists, their research, and New Zealand. This script is unique in that it presents an interesting plot that beckons the viewers to explore the timeless beauty of New Zealand rather than it mindlessly instructing the audience of New Zealand's features.

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PERCEPTION

EXT. SCENIC NEW ZEALAND - DAY

(PIANO FADES IN)

Various shots: Wide shots of New Zealand landscapes. David and Robert working on different projects.

DAVID (V.O.): My colleague and I came to New Zealand for one reason… research. As two avid scientists, we thought the non-invasive nature would be perfect for our privately conducted experiments.

David walking around the woods. David and Robert walking in a Valley. Various shots of both scientists traveling through the wilderness.

DAVID (V.O.): However, amidst my research, the beauty of nature became my new love in life. I wish I could say the same for my friend...

EXT. WATERFALL LANDSCAPE - DAY (PRESENT)
A small wooden round table is stationed in middle of the wilderness with a glamorous waterfall in the background. Both David and his SISTER ABBY are sitting drinking tea.

ABBY: (amused) This is tremendous!

DAVID: I know! Welcome to my everyday experience. (quaintly with a smile)

ABBY: I'm so glad you flew me out here to visit you. The everyday bustle of New York was really getting to me.

DAVID: I'm just glad to have the company! It's a shame your plane is leaving today, sis; I really wish you could have met Robert.

ABBY: I don't understand why you don't get medical help for him, David. For someone to lock themselves in an empty room for over a year to conduct research isn't normal.

DAVID: If only he could perceive life as we do…

EXT. PROFILE SHOT OF DAVID AND ABBY

EXT. SCENIC FORESTS - DAY
David traveling through the woods to get to ROBERT'S STATION. 3 different scenic areas of him walking. (with music)

INT. EMPTY ONE ROOM BUILDING - DAY
(piano begins to play) Inside is filthy, dirty and dark; void of color and vibrance. Concrete walls and floor and empty except for Robert and a CONTRAPTION in the middle of the room.

DAVID: Robert? (while opening the entrance door)

ROBERT: A breakthrough David! My dream…my dream is finally becoming reality!

Robert is walking around a contraption in the center of the room. David moves in closer.

DAVID: Didn't you say that 4 months ago? Robert, you really need to leave this room, you've been in here for over a year straight!

ROBERT: Let me explain to YOU what has happened.

INT. BUILDING (A FEW MONTHS BACK) - DAY
several fast cuts recreating the important aspects of Robert's experiments. (several clips in fast motion)

ROBERT (V.O.): I have scientifically produced a way to recreate a mind's memory with physical imagery.

INT. BUILDING (PRESENT) - DAY

ROBERT: (slightly hysterical) To recreate ones memory, David. (bends over to flip a switch) Are you ready?

INT. BUILDING - DAY
behind both of them. Camera is visually able to see most of the room that is up in front of them.

Robert begins to raise his arms. Glowing images begin to climb up the walls and spread into a virtual perception. In one smooth motion, like flames climbing up the wall, the room turns into a scenic view of a valley. The image around them begins to change again. ***
***(see bottom for details about the mechanics of this shot)

ROBERT: I can VISUALLY recreate any image I've seen in the past! Look, we're at your house. Now we're at the drinking spot you try to impress everyone with. Anywhere I've been, I can recreate…I'll never have to leave this room! (starts to grin as he becomes more enthralled with the flashes of light)

INT. BUILDING (CLOSE UP SHOT OF ROBERT'S FACE)
Robert continues to wave his arms and change the atmosphere around them. He is quite excited; almost insane. Then, STOP. (5 seconds of slow motion). (music strings fade in) David looks over at Roberts face; Robert is still concentrated on the images. David realizes the irony of what Robert is doing. (slow motion ends) Robert stops the images and looks over to David.

ROBERT: Well?

DAVID: Robert, I wish I could share your excitement in success, but this…this is madness. Look around you! You've been sitting in this empty hell when outside is the most beautiful place on earth! You're sacrificing reality to chase after memories!

David begins to turn and walk out of the building

DAVID: I feel sorry for you. (as he's walking. His back is toward Robert)

ROBERT: I've recreated Andrea and Lucy. (quickly, intently looking at David to see his reaction)

David stops, but doesn't turn around.

ROBERT: You have to admit, David… when both our wives died at practically the same time, we were destined to work with each other. Now we're destined to use this together; seeing your wife once again?

David turns.

DAVID: I can't live in the past, Robert. I've found happiness out here-something I've been searching for for a long time...

David turns back toward the exit door and leaves the room.

INT. BUILDING - DAY
upper torso of Robert staring at the door. Slowly zooms out.

FADE OUT.

(piano fades in)
DAVID (V.O.): (while fading to black) Robert never came out of the room. He eventually died.

INT. BUILDING - DAY
(comes on as soon as David says 'died') Camera sitting on ground, showing leaves slowly scurry across the floor (indicating the room has been abandoned)

DAVID (V.O.): Some people live in the past; or wish to imagine things that will never be. (music is playing)

INT. BUILDING - DAY
Surveillance shot of interior of abandoned building (slowly zooming out) (music crescendos slowly)
(Music Builds) (Wider Shots)

DAVID (V.O.): But I, I choose to live for today while I'm young. To live in the youngest place on earth.

EXT. SCENIC NEW ZEALAND
several WIDE and EPIC shots of David walking around.
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***Mechanics: Using either minimal green screen (10-15 seconds) or motion tracking and masking, I am absolutely certain can do 100% of the special effects of this shot in my own time (within the week of post) on my own equipment and programs.****

Character descriptions:

Robert L. Conway: A Neuroscientist and quantum-physicist who is somewhat obsessive and overwrought. Whenever he talks, his eyes constantly shift, in a way that looks like he's constantly thinking about other things.

David Underwood-A Biologist who moves to New Zealand to study nature. He is very charming, quaint, and comfortable. He can talk eloquently and always seems relaxed.

Abby Conway Norton: A care free very smiley woman who is deeply amused by the beauty of New Zealand and the way in which David lives. She, like David, talks eloquently and seems relaxed.

Building: Roberts building should be around 10x10 meters and be concrete inside and out. Dark and gloomy, but not too dark.

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About me:: I'm Michael Herp, I live in the United States, and I'm an amateur film maker. I love making short films and advertisements and have always used the assets allotted to me. I started with a small mini dv camcorder and used Windows movie maker to edit, and now 6 years later, I'm shooting with a GH1 and using programs like Adobe After Effects, 3ds Max, and Final Cut Pro to achieve things I never imagined myself doing. To be honest, I can't brag about the many professional films and big budget productions others have under their belt-I've mostly just done videos for contests, friends, and my church. In another way, however, one thing I do have that many do not, is vision; I've been able to use the limited assets given to me and turn them into something beautiful. I understand a good shot from a bad shot. I know what sounds good and what looks natural. The one reason I haven't matched my full potential is that I lack the resources I need to fully bring this vision to the screen. I really, really need a big break! I hope you guys will give me the opportunity, thank you!
Here is a website showcasing a few of my videos within the last 3 years:

web.me.com/mflourishes

I have tons of experience cutting film together using various non-linear programs. I know a lot about film and how to work on a set, however I have never directed a crew. I would be ready to take charge to make sure this film becomes the best it can be.