Thoughts On Script Writing For Animation #2

As I promised in a previous post, today I will start focusing on sections of these two script pages, explaining why I chose to write what I did.

Again, for visual design, think of the Dick Tracy world of 1943, with all the caricatured images that suggestion creates in your mind.

 

Scene 1

FADE IN:

EXTERIOR. LONELY 2-LANE COUNTRY ROAD WINDING ITS WAY THROUGH THE DENSELY FORESTED HILLS JUST OUTSIDE OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY. -- SEPTEMBER 10, 1943 -- NIGHT

(This establishes location and time our story takes place.)

CRICKETS CHIRP and BULL FROGS CROAK. We travel past thick brush and trees. No sign of human life.

(Sound establishes the feeling of solitude and isolation in a non-urban area.)

The CHIRPS and CROAKS blend into a pulsating, RHYTHMIC, JUNGLE BEAT...

(Starts a transition that signals we are heading into unusual territory.)

...and after a few bars become a fully orchestrated BIG BAND SOUND.

(Finishes the transition into the foreshadowing of a surprise: Urban Energy in a Country Setting.)

 The road takes a turn and we find ourselves in a clearing outside a 3-story stucco building lit up in neon. The building has a white dome, bright against the star-filled midnight sky. THE OASIS SUPPER CLUB in pink neon script and a neon palm tree complete the signage.

(Completes the surprise. Audience should be wondering "What's this doing here?")

The parking lot is filled with Cadillacs, Packards, and Lincolns.

(Compounds the surprise with the promise of High-Rollers frequenting this place.)

Before I go any further, let me say at this point that the story is based on historical events and characters. So, even though I combined fictional and historical characters, I have not exaggerated the primary historical setting and story elements. (http://www.cathiejohn.com/jp2.html)

More in my next posting.