Your Big Break

INTRODUCTION: This story unfolds in an unique way. Visually, we see a hiker exploring the diverse New Zealand landscape. At the same time, we hear a memory replayed in his mind. We only hear the memory, which creates a compelling soundtrack to his present explorations.

FADE IN:

EXT. NEW ZEALAND - MOUNTAIN VALLEY - DAY

A small tent rests quietly in the morning dew of a tranquil meadow.

The zipper on the tent is unzipped from the inside. JIMMY, a fit man in his twenties with a disheveled appearance, steps out and stretches. He pulls his backpack from the tent and tosses it over his shoulder. He strides away from the tent, through the meadow, and out of the gorgeous mountain valley.

MILES (V.O.): Hey, Jimmy?

JIMMY (V.O.): Yeah?

MILES (V.O.): Have you ever been to New Zealand?

JIMMY (V.O.): No. I’m not even sure I know where it is.

MILES (V.O.): I was there once, when I was a kid. It has to be the most beautiful place in the world.

EXT. NEW ZEALAND - FOREST - DAY

Jimmy hikes through a lush green forest, admiring the unique plant and wildlife. He pauses to pick up a fist-size rock and put it in his backpack.

MILES (V.O.): Did you know that New Zealand was the last country to be touched by man? That makes it the most pure, unsullied place on Earth.

EXT. NEW ZEALAND - MOUNTAIN LAKE - DAY

Jimmy emerges from the forest to stand before a sparkling, blue lake surrounded by vibrant green mountains. He admires the view, then crouches down to splash water on his face. He spots another rock nearby and places it in his backpack. He turns and continues walking beside the lake.

MILES (V.O.): You can get lost for weeks out in the wilds of New Zealand. Just you, nature at its finest, incredible wildlife, and the best air you’ve ever inhaled in your life.

Jimmy pauses to take a deep, appreciative breath.

EXT. NEW ZEALAND - MOUNTAINSIDE - DAY

Jimmy walks up an incline through green grasses in the bright sunlight. He stops before the light waterfall of a mountain stream to fill his water bottle. He takes a long swallow.

He grabs another rock and continues up the incline.

MILES (V.O.): There’s something else too. I can’t really explain it, but there’s something you can feel when you’re there, like a special energy. There’s nothing else like it.

Jimmy’s path gets steeper, the ground now turning rocky.

EXT. NEW ZEALAND - MOUNTAIN/HILL TOP - DAY

MILES (V.O.): It has to be the closest thing to Heaven on Earth. No wonder some call it Godzone, or God’s Own Country.

Jimmy reaches the top of the incline and gazes out over the magnificent view of snow-capped mountains and lavish green valleys.

He adds another rock to his collection.

MILES (V.O.): When I get out of here, that’s where I’m going.

SARGE (V.O.) (barks): You two ladies stop yapping and stay alert.

MILES (V.O.): Sorry, Sarge, I was just telling Jimmy...

Suddenly, there is a loud explosion.

Jimmy’s head turns sharply, as if hearing the explosion in the present.

SARGE (V.O.) (voice moves away): Everybody down! Take cover!

Another explosion is heard, then a steady string of gunfire.

Jimmy’s head swivels quickly in the other direction.

SARGE (V.O.) (from a distance): Report in! Was anyone hit?!

MILES (V.O.): Jimmy...

Coughing is heard, which quickly turns to hacking.

Jimmy hurries back down the incline with a quick step, carrying his heavy backpack, now laden with rocks.

MILES (V.O.) (weak): Jimmy?

JIMMY (V.O.): Miles? Shit, Miles are you hurt?

There are more hacking sounds.

EXT. NEW ZEALAND - FOREST - DAY

Jimmy continues his fast pace through the forest.

JIMMY (V.O.): Sarge! Sarge! Miles was hit! He looks bad.

MILES (V.O.) (weak): Jimmy?

JIMMY (V.O.): You’re going to be fine, Miles. Just hold on... Sarge!

EXT. NEW ZEALAND - MOUNTAIN VALLEY - DAY

Jimmy arrives back in the meadow and strides past his tent. A few yards away, he stops in front of a collection of rocks of similar size to the ones in his backpack.

MILES (V.O.): Jimmy, are we there?

JIMMY (V.O.): What?

MILES (V.O.): Are we there? New Zealand.

JIMMY (V.O.): Sarge!

Jimmy opens his backpack. He takes out the rocks and carefully lays them next to the other rocks already there.

MILES (V.O.): Can you see it? Wow, it’s even more beautiful than I remember!

Jimmy places the last rock down on the ground and steps back.

MILES (V.O.): Was I right, Jimmy? Isn’t New Zealand everything I said?

Jimmy glances around him at the spectacular mountain valley.

MILES (V.O.) (whisper that fades): Can you feel it? Can you feel...?

Jimmy closes his eyes. He reopens them and turns his gaze up to the sky.

JIMMY (V.O.) (faint): Miles? Miles!

Jimmy looks back down at the rocks. They are in the formation of large letters. The letters form the word "YES".

FADE OUT.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

I have carefully crafted what I believe is a compelling short film that can be produced in the limited time frame and budget of this project. I describe several different locations in the script in order to show off the wonders of New Zealand, however because the visual footage requires only one actor and no dialogue, this footage can be shot quickly.

I am a screenwriter and aspiring director. I am also passionate, creative, flexible, and extremely hard-working. If I am fortunate enough to be given this opportunity, I will provide you with a beautiful three-minute short film that "captures the spirit of 100% Pure New Zealand - the youngest country on Earth" on time and within budget. I can promise you that.

Thank you,
Kristi L. Simkins

*I have all required permissions for the use of the material in the accompanying pitch video.