Your Big Break

EXT. RON'S FRONT PORCH - LATE AFTERNOON

Ron (75) sits on his front porch - the late afternoon light reflected in his eyes as he stares off into the distance. He shakes his head with lament.

He slowly turns to the camera and looks down the barrel. He smiles ruefully, like he is acknowledging a new acquaintance. His speech is slow and matter-of-fact.

RON
I remember when New Zealand was a good place to live.

He pauses mournfully.

RON (CONT'D)
That was before all the troubles of the modern world came and spoilt it.

Pause.

RON
It used to be peaceful and untainted. A good honest place, with a little bit of magic. Hmph. Nowadays we've got the rest of the worlds problems....

EXT. INTERSECTION ON COUNTRY ROAD - DAY

Ron sits atop his old orange tractor. Stationery.

RON
(to camera with disdain)
Like traffic...

He waits impatiently at the intersection while another local farmer on an identical tractor rides past. Behind Ron are vast golden plains meeting some mountains in the distance.

The other farmer waves as he passes.

FARMER
G'day Ron.

Ron is too disgruntled to respond.

EXT. RON'S ORCHARD - DAY

Ron is hiding behind a tree in his lush orchard peering at something.

RON
(whispers)
...and crime.

A young boy leans over the fence, reaching for an apple hanging from one of the trees. He grabs it and plucks it off. Ron bursts out from his hiding place.

RON (CONT'D)
Oi! Get out! Go on. Get!

EXT. WANAKA FAMERS MARKET - DAY

A charming little farmers market in Wanaka. A local policeman stands on duty, keeping an eye on the punters. An old lady, who has obviously just purchased some chocolate muffins, offers the policeman one. He is delighted to accept it, taking a delicious bite.

Ron walks into the foreground, watching with disgust before turning to camera.

RON
Corruption...

EXT. A DINGHY ON LAKE HAWEA - DAY

Ron and his best mate are in a little dinghy fishing on stunning lake Hawea.

RON
...and pollution.

After a beat we hear Ron's mate pass wind. They share a furtive smile - some things are always amusing.

EXT. RON'S FRONT PORCH - LATE AFTERNOON

Back to Ron on the front porch.

RON
I tell ya. The place has gone to the dogs.

A woeful sigh.

RON (CONT'D)
(pointing outwards)
And this is the last straw.

Ron lifts himself from his chair.

RON (CONT'D)
Some jokers have gone and built a house right next door. I can see into their living room!

ANGLE FROM BEHIND RON:

He peers out at the perpetrators. But all we can see is rolling hills in the stillness of the early evening. Until finally, a small farmhouse can be spotted way off in the distance.

We cut closer, then closer still, then closer again until we can finally see the farmhouse in full view.

We cut in yet again to see into the lounge room of the farmhouse. A woman looks out with a start, as if she has noticed someone spying on her. She stand up and closes the curtains abruptly.

Back to Ron....

RON
Tsk. Well, so much for relaxing on the front porch.

He turns and walks back inside, disheartened.

EXT. RON'S BACK PORCH - EARLY EVENING

Ron walks out the back door to the back porch.

RON
S'pose there's always the back porch.

Then, we see from Ron's back porch the most spectacular scenery! Vast rolling hills, bisected by a meandering river all overlooked by the most majestic mountain range catching the early evening light. It's truly awe inspiring!

Ron stares out into the distance. The inspiring view starts to lift his cantankerous spirits. He breathes the crisp air into his 75-year-old lungs.

He takes a seat on a quaint swinging chair next to his wife, a warm old lady, who is admiring the vista. They look into each others eyes with the love and respect that only 50 years of marriage can bring. He puts his arm around her and she nestles in.

Ron looks back out to the view and gives a small snicker to himself as if to say 'Actually, my life's pretty good isn't it?'. He turns to camera.

RON (CONT'D)
Still, I guess there's worse places to be.

We pull back to see their small farmhouse perched amidst the breathtaking landscape.

FADE TO BLACK.

--------------------------------

Hi there. My name is Mick Andrews. I’m a 29-year-old kiwi writer and filmmaker.

It all kicked off for me when I was in the sketch comedy trio, Gary, who were nominated twice for the Billy T Awards. From there I produced, co-wrote and co-starred in a TV show starring Rhys Darby, Grant Lobban and ‘Gary’ entitled ‘Who’s Ya Mate?’ broadcast on TV2.

After working as an Editing AP in the London TV industry for 4 years, I’ve given up my real job and returned to NZ to place all my eggs firmly in the filmmaking basket – which is scary but fun.

I have been lucky enough to have a short film of mine shortlisted for NZ Film Commision funding and find out in February if we get the money!

I’m currently writing a feature, and about to direct a pilot for a TV comedy.

So, haven’t quite had the BIG break yet, but certainly looking forward to it.

Thanks.

Mick