3 page script

Next up in my storytelling class we had to format a three page script based on our "spec writer's outline"



SEPTEMBER
TIMOTHY C.W. RUNGE


INT. JONES HOUSE – NIGHT

INT. BEDROOM

All of the lights are off in the room except for the soft glow of a nightlight. The lull of an argument can be heard in the background between MOTHER and FATHER a few rooms away. On the bed is a 13 year-old girl SEPTEMBER JONES. She is visibly shaken as the argument progresses to a shouting match.

FATHER (O.C.)
(to MOTHER)
Then I come home after slaving away for hours, only to have to deal with you and that little brat in there! All I want is to come home, kick off my shoes, and have a nice meal. Is that too much to ask?

MOTHER (O.C.)
(to FATHER)
It is when you ask with your belt to my face! Or to hers!

Tears stream down September’s face as she rubs her cheek.

MOTHER (CONT’D.)
If you absolutely have to hit someone you hit me! You do not touch our daughter!

A loud crash from the other room makes September jump.

FATHER (O.C.)
(to MOTHER)
You don’t get to tell me my business! Get back here!

Footsteps fade into a third room. A door slams. September lays there in terrified anticipation. Her breathing is audibly heavy in the awkward silence.

FATHER (O.C.)
(to MOTHER)
What do you think you’re doing? This is getting ridiculous!

MOTHER (O.C.)
(to FATHER)
Yes! It really is!

The door slams again and the sound of a pistol firing three times startles September. She sits there as time dissolves around her inside the room. Tears run down her cheek as sirens sound from outside.


EXT. HIGH SCHOOL – AFTERNOON

3 YEARS LATER

It’s a rainy/muggy day. The school bell rings and a flood of children come out anxious to run home. One of the more subdued is a now 16 year-old September. There is a GROUP OF BOYS playing around, they accidently knock her into a muddy puddle and run off not noticing.

SEPTEMBER
Oh that’s just perfect. Let’s just knock the nerdy girl into puddles, it’ll be fun. Boys.


EXT. MARTINSON HOUSE – LATER

September, wet and muddy, runs up the steps to the house and removes her shoes before entering.

SEPTEMBER
Aunt Kathy? Uncle Charlie? I’m home. School sucks like always. Where are you guys?

September walks into the kitchen to see her Aunt (KATHY) and Uncle (CHARLIE) standing in front of a table with a cake and some small gifts.

KATHY and CHARLIE
Happy Birthday!

September runs over to them and hugs each in turn. Charlie gives her a kiss on the cheek.

CHARLIE
How does it feel to be 16 kiddo?

SEPTEMBER
I think it would feel better with a car!

Her smile fades as she notices a plain brown package on the table.

SEPTEMBER
What’s that?

KATHY
Your mother sent it. Would you like to open it?

September bursts in to tears and runs to her room.