Short film project: “Yellow Woods”

[Gefkane]

Hi all,

I’ve just finished a short script called "Yellow Woods" and i’m now looking to make it. It’s written with a particular actress in mind and she is enthusiastic about the part. Basically, i’m looking for a local producer who can help out initially…then a director and crew, etc, etc…

Anyone interested can get me most times of the working day at: geffrey.kane@esb.ie

Thanks.

[Dan]

hows about a look at the script?

[oisinmaccoille]

have just sent you an email hope to hear from you soon

[Sean]

Hi Geffrey

Sorry I didn’t get back to you yet , but I was in Dublin yesterday and on a Driving Course today.

But I am of course interested.

Chat soon

[Gefkane]

Sorry for the very, very, very, very long delay in replying, been up the walls busy with work, etc, etc. Anyway. I’m back now, and i have my PC back formt he clinic so alls good with the world.

I’ve pasted below what i have at the momnet. Funny thing, i had an ending, i’m sure i did, but when it came back fromt he PC place it had gone. Do you think the repair man didn’t like it? anyway. Below is my attempt at writing.

Let me know what you think. Very rough first draft – minus the conclusion (thanks PC man).

[b:flyyt3vm]Title Card.
SFX: Dripping tap

Scene 1. Int. Bathroom. High-key lighting. [/b:flyyt3vm]
There is a young woman sitting in a bathtub, hugging her knees to her chest. Her mascara has run down her face and she is shivering slightly. There is a cold atmosphere in the room. There is no sound except for the sound of the dripping tap. Her lips are quivering, as we move closer we can faintly hear here mumbling.

[b:flyyt3vm]Emily (speaking very softly and very quickly)[/b:flyyt3vm]
He gave me no choice. I had no choice. I had to do it. They’ll see that. I had no choice. I had to do it. I had to do it. I had to do it.

[b:flyyt3vm]Suddenly she is silent.

Emily
(V.O.)[/b:flyyt3vm]
Christ, what have I done……….

[b:flyyt3vm]SCENE 2. EXT. NIGHT. CITY.

THERE IS A SUDDEN SOUND OF TWO GIRLS LAUGHING. BOTH ARE DRESSED UP FOR A NIGHT OUT, THEY CLING TO EACH OTHER TO STEADY THEMSELVES, BOTH ARE DRUNK.

HELEN[/b:flyyt3vm]
So, are you going to call him?

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY[/b:flyyt3vm]
Call who?

[b:flyyt3vm]HELEN[/b:flyyt3vm]
Duh, the guy from the pub…..you know, Mr tall dark and dying to get into your knickers?

[b:flyyt3vm]BOTH GIRLS LAUGH AGAIN.

EMILY[/b:flyyt3vm]
Oh, I don’t know. I mean, he seems nice enough, but. Well I hardly know him.

[b:flyyt3vm]HELEN (SARCASTICALLY)[/b:flyyt3vm]
Which is why he gave you his number……so you can call him…….and get to know him better…….

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY[/b:flyyt3vm]
Maybe.

[b:flyyt3vm]HELEN (STOPPING AND POINTING AT EMILY)[/b:flyyt3vm]
You…

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY (SMILING)[/b:flyyt3vm]
Me…?

[b:flyyt3vm]HELEN (SMILING BACK)[/b:flyyt3vm]
Yeah, you, the one in the middle……..you’re probably never gonna get laid again……ever…..

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY[/b:flyyt3vm]
Unlessssss…..??

[b:flyyt3vm]HELEN[/b:flyyt3vm]
Unlesssssss, and I’m serious now…….unlessss you call THIS guy, not ANY guy, THIS guy……….or I’ll call him myself and you can have my bloke……no, you don’t want him, he’s bloody awful!

[b:flyyt3vm]BOTH GIRLS LAUGH AGAIN AND WALK DRUNKENLY OFF DOWN THE ROAD AND WE WATCH THEM GO.

IN THE DISTANCE WE CAN FAINTLY HERE HELEN SPEAK.

HELEN[/b:flyyt3vm]
Jesus! My fanny’s frozen in this skirt…………

[b:flyyt3vm]BOTH GIRLS BURST OUT LAUGHING AGAIN.

FADE OUT.

SFX: NEWS REPORT.

FADE IN.

SCENE 3. INT. BEDROOM. UNTIDY. HIGH-KEY LIGHTING. [/b:flyyt3vm]
EMILY IS SITTING ON HER BED, HUGGING HER LEGS TO HER CHEST AND RESTING HER HEAD ON HER KNEES. THERE IS A PHONE RINGING, BUT EMILY IS TOO BUSY WATCHING THE NEWS REPORT.

SHE LOOKS AT THE PHONE’S CALLER ID AND LETS IT RING OUT. A MOMENT LATER SHE PUTS THE MOBILE ON SPEAKER PHONE AND CHECKS THE VOICE MAIL. IT’S HELEN.
[b:flyyt3vm]
HELEN[/b:flyyt3vm]
Hi Em, it’s me, Helen, obviously. I was just calling to see how you are? Or if you needed me to do anything for you? Christ, I sound pathetic…… I’m sorry, I know you’re having a shitty time right now and probably don’t feel like talking, but, you know, if you feel you need a chat, or a hug even, well, just call. Ok?….ok, ok. I’ll call you again tomorrow. Bye.

[i:flyyt3vm][b:flyyt3vm]Emily hangs up the phone, slightly disgusted but mostly annoyed at the intrusion. [/b:flyyt3vm][/i:flyyt3vm]

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY (V.O)[/b:flyyt3vm]
I wish they’d all stop calling.

[b:flyyt3vm]THE PHONE RINGS AGAIN.

EMILY SNAPS IT UP AND ANGRILY ANSWERS IT.

EMILY[/b:flyyt3vm]
What…what do you want me to say?…… oh, sorry… I thought you were someone else……tomorrow? Yes, I’m free. Yes, I do….no, I‘ll be there. Yes, sure. I said I’d be there. Ok……

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY SNAPS THE PHONE SHUT AND TURNS HER ATTENTION BACK TO THE TELEVISION.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN TO THE SOUND OF GIGGLES.

SCENE. 4. EXT. WOODLAND/FOREST. AUTUMN.[/b:flyyt3vm]

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY IS LYING ON A PICNIC BLANKET, WITH A MAN. THEY ARE LYING VERY CLOSE, LOOKING AT EACH OTHER. THERE ARE GOLDEN LEAVES EVERYWHERE. BOTH ARE DRESSED FOR COLD WEATHER.[/b:flyyt3vm]

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY[/b:flyyt3vm]
I love being here at this time of year….

[b:flyyt3vm]MAN[/b:flyyt3vm]
You do….

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY[/b:flyyt3vm]
Yes, I do. It always reminds me of that poem…
[b:flyyt3vm]
MAN[/b:flyyt3vm]
What poem?

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY[/b:flyyt3vm]
Ah, you know the one. Everyone does… let’s see, what’s it called again? Oh, got it, the road not taken!……..two roads diverge in a yellow woods………….

[b:flyyt3vm]MAN[/b:flyyt3vm]
[b:flyyt3vm](CUTTING IN)[/b:flyyt3vm]
And sorry I could not travel both……
[b:flyyt3vm]
EMILY/MAN[/b:flyyt3vm]
But looked down one as far as I could, to where it bent in the undergrowth……

[b:flyyt3vm]THE BOTH LAUGH.

EMILY[/b:flyyt3vm]
See, you do know it. Everyone does.

[b:flyyt3vm]MAN[/b:flyyt3vm]
I guess they must.

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY[/b:flyyt3vm]
Life is like that you know, we make choices and decisions every day, but we never stop to actually think about it. We take the easy road because we know what’s waiting for us around the corner……it’s like we have a genetically pre-programmed run with the pack instinct that prevents most of us or even recognising that there is another road, less taken or otherwise…
[b:flyyt3vm]
MAN[/b:flyyt3vm]…finally, an explanation for why boy bands are so popular….I‘m actually glad you called me now….

[b:flyyt3vm]THEY LIE IN SILENCE TOGETHER.

EVENTUALLY EMILY BREAKS THE SILENCE.

EMILY[/b:flyyt3vm]
I could happily lie here for ever and not get bored.

[b:flyyt3vm]MAN[/b:flyyt3vm]
I’m pretty sure I’d get bored……not to mention frost bite, its bloody freezing…

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY (SARCASTICALLY)[/b:flyyt3vm]
Ha, can you not handle a bit of cold weather, and you the man who dreams of risking life and limb on a daily basis…
[b:flyyt3vm]
MAN[/b:flyyt3vm]
That’s very true, but I generally dream of risking my life and limbs in a warmer climate….

[b:flyyt3vm]THEY BOTH LAUGH.

FADE OUT TO SOUND OF LAUGHTER.

CUT IN.

SCENE 5. INT. NIGHT. BUSY PUB. [/b:flyyt3vm]

A VERY ROUGH LOOKING MAN IN HIS MID TO LATE THIRTIES IS SITTING ALONE IN A QUITE CORNER, ANXIOUSLY WATCHING ANYONE THAT ENTERS THE BAR. HE IS CLEARLY WAITING FOR SOMEONE, BUT IS ANXIOUS ABOUT THE MEETING.
AFTER AS FEW MOMENTS EMILY WALKS IN, SCANS THE BAR AND BEGINS TO MAKE HER WAY TOWARDS THE MAN IN THE SUIT.

[b:flyyt3vm]
EMILY[/b:flyyt3vm]Thanks for coming

[b:flyyt3vm]SEAN [/b:flyyt3vm]
No problem

EMILY NODS, AND POINTS TO THE SEAT IN FRONT OF HER.
[b:flyyt3vm]
SEAN[/b:flyyt3vm]
Oh, yeah, were are my manners…please, sit. Can I get you a drink?

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY.[/b:flyyt3vm]
No thanks.

[b:flyyt3vm]SEAN (A BIT DEFLATED)[/b:flyyt3vm]
Right so…
[b:flyyt3vm]
EMILY[/b:flyyt3vm]
All this is a bit cloak and dagger, isn’t it?

[b:flyyt3vm]SEAN[/b:flyyt3vm]
Well, we’re not exactly meeting to have a polite conversation, are we now? Besides, I don’t want to be seen with you….no offence.

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY SNORTS.

EMILY[/b:flyyt3vm]
No offence? Christ you macho pricks and your pride.

[b:flyyt3vm]
SEAN[/b:flyyt3vm]
Don’t be like that, I’m the one helping you….

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY[/b:flyyt3vm]
Oh, thanks……Your scumbag friend rapes me then brags about it and I’m supposed to be thankful that you had a sufficient level of humanity to help me get justice?

[b:flyyt3vm]SEAN[/b:flyyt3vm]
You could always go to the police?

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY[/b:flyyt3vm]
Yeah, and have them look at me the same way you are looking at me now?….and wait three or four years for justice that more than likely won’t be anything close to justice…..no thanks.

[b:flyyt3vm]SEAN[/b:flyyt3vm]
Are you sure it’s him?

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY.[/b:flyyt3vm]
Yes.

[b:flyyt3vm]SEAN (SIGHING)[/b:flyyt3vm]
What he did to you was uncalled for………but are you sure that you want to, you now, end up with blood on your hands?

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY[/b:flyyt3vm]
For fuck’s sake. I haven’t been able to sleep since that, that, scumbag did what he did. I don’t eat. Christ, I haven’t even been able to tell Fin……

[b:flyyt3vm]SEAN[/b:flyyt3vm]
Fin?

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY[/b:flyyt3vm]
No one you need to know.

[b:flyyt3vm]SEAN[/b:flyyt3vm]
Look, it would be easier if you, ya know, got someone else to do this for you. I could probably put you in touch with someone….

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY[/b:flyyt3vm]
NO!…..no, I have to do this myself.

[b:flyyt3vm]SEAN SITS BACK AND THINKS ABOUT THE SITUATION FOR A MOMENT.

SEAN (LEANING FORWARD)[/b:flyyt3vm]
Alright, alright…can’t say he doesn’t have it coming……

[b:flyyt3vm]SEAN FISHES IN HIS POCKET FOR A SLIP OF PAPER.

SEAN (CONTINUED)[/b:flyyt3vm]
This is his address, he’s usually home around 9.……what you need is under the table in a bag. Don’t move to pick it up until I’m gone…and for Christ’s sake, don’t fucking open it until you get home.

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY NODS SULLENLY, AND SEAN GETS UP TO LEAVE.

SEAN (TURNING BACK)[/b:flyyt3vm]
Make sure you do this properly, if you miss, he’ll come looking for you…..and I won’t be able to get in the way. So think about it, really think about it….or get this Fin bloke to do it.

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY[/b:flyyt3vm]
Thanks Sean, for this I mean…

[b:flyyt3vm]SEAN[/b:flyyt3vm]
No worries….and say hi to mam for me….

[b:flyyt3vm]SEAN LEAVES AND EMILY WATCHES HIM GO.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN.

SCENE 6. EXT. DAY. BACK IN THE YELLOW WOODS. [/b:flyyt3vm]

Emily is lying on the picnic blanket again. She is with the same man as from before.
Both are staring at the sky again.

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY[/b:flyyt3vm]
Fin?

[b:flyyt3vm]
FIN[/b:flyyt3vm]
Yeah?

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY[/b:flyyt3vm]
Have you ever done something you regretted?

[b:flyyt3vm]FIN[/b:flyyt3vm]
Yes…….

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY[/b:flyyt3vm]
No I mean really regretted….life changing mistakes…

[b:flyyt3vm]
FIN[/b:flyyt3vm]
Is this more about that poem?

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY (GETTING ANGRY)[/b:flyyt3vm]
NO! you’re not listening me.

[b:flyyt3vm]FIN[/b:flyyt3vm]
Jesus. No need to snap my head off.

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY (SUDDENLY MEEK)[/b:flyyt3vm]
Sorry…..

[b:flyyt3vm]FIN[/b:flyyt3vm]
What’s with you? You’ve been, I dunno, moping around for weeks now.

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY[/b:flyyt3vm]
I, I’ve just had a lot on my mind, that’s all.

[b:flyyt3vm]FIN[/b:flyyt3vm]
Yeah?

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY[/b:flyyt3vm]
Yeah.

[b:flyyt3vm]FIN[/b:flyyt3vm]
Nothing you want to talk about then?

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY[/b:flyyt3vm]
No. I’m fine……thanks for bringing me here. I wanted to see it again before…..
(Emily catches herself before she says to much)

[b:flyyt3vm]FIN[/b:flyyt3vm]
Before what?

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY[/b:flyyt3vm]
Before the leaves were all gone…..

[b:flyyt3vm]FIN[/b:flyyt3vm]
Right….so not before you were suddenly found dead from some mysterious illness I never knew you had?

[b:flyyt3vm]EMILY (DISTANT)[/b:flyyt3vm]
No….

[b:flyyt3vm]FADE OUT.

CUT IN.

SCENE 7. NIGHT. INT. DARK HALLWAY.[/b:flyyt3vm]

[Sean]

Very good geff . I like this a lot .

Download Celtx , http://www.celtx.com great screenwriting software , free . I’m intrigued as to how it ends . You can share scripts with celtx with myself and Dan . egosean and egodan are our usernames

[Gefkane]

thanks Sean, the software is a big help. Hoping to have it finished and sent to whoever’s interested by end of bank holiday monday. I’ve a few other things i’m working on also, two features called "The colour of Faith" and "Grainne" (looking for an Irish speaker to help with a few translations on this one) and a book project for Barnardos that hopefully will be out sometime this year. So stick with me cos i get a bit side-tracked at times.

[Gefkane]

Hi all, i’ve finally finished the script – first draft anyway – let me know what you think.

Gef.

[Gefkane]

Hi all, i’ve finally finished the script for Yellow Woods, and i’m quite pleased with it – if i do say so my self. There’s a lot more action in it now, not just talking heads.

Anyway, i guess this post is about getting it made.

So….. basically i’m looking for a producer (ahem, hint, hint, sean….), DOP, crew, cast etc…
i was thinking i’d like to have a go at directing the film, as i’ve the entire thing visualised in my head…..probably a very ambitious thought, but there you go… needless to say a very patient and talented DOP (and assistant director) would be needed…..

Oh, obviously this will be a very-very-very-very-very (x100) low budget film. I can’t pay fees etc, but i can feed anyone who gets involved (i’m a smashing cook), and arrange transport, etc, etc,…that sort of thing…

Anyone interested?

[lynchers]

hey there,
still looking for crew?

[hanman100]

Hi, just read your script. It’s certainly well written and thought out. One thing I will say however is that I get given out to all the time for my scripts having too much dialog. Yours reads more like a stage play rather than a screen play. I’m not saying that’s bad I’m just pointing it out because a lot of other people might say the same thing. In my opinion there is an over emphasis on using images to tell a story through the medium of the screen. I think Reservoir Dogs is a good example of bucking the trend but that came out a long time ago now and few films have followed its lead. Still for what its worth I’d like to see your piece when its finished. As for crew I’m afraid I’m just a writer and you seem to have that ground well covered all ready.
Good luck
Aaron

[Author]

Posts