Magnify Productions: Screenplay
The Mysterious World of Xiao Zhu zhu
Screenplay – Draught 3
Note: The task of this draught is to examine the story line; specifically the character development of XZZ.
a) Question: Is it exciting enough? Does his character develop appropriately?
He is a curious 9 year old boy who passionately likes to look at things, and to discover and learn. His curiosity affects him as he enters his own mysterios world; the world of his dreams. We observe these 2 worlds as they evolve and and eventually blend and the dreams become a part of XZZ and his creativity and are recognized in both worlds. The dreams affect his reality. and his reality inspires his dreams.
We learn that observation and thinking inspire creativity, but it is most important that Zhu zhu transends within his own reality.
Is it exciting enough? .... We follow Zhu zhu in his transformation that is primarily seen in the wonderous images from his books, his magnifying glass experiences, his creative friend Tommy and his dreams. The key excitement level exists in the wonderous images. From the opening dragonfly scene, Billy, Willow Park, his friends in both realities, his mentor Mr. Pan, fireflies, his walk, the jail and the destruction of Dragonfly Village etc.
The use of music becomes another key element, from the classical Nesun Dorma to the rendition of the Rainbow song. Zhu zhu's theme is meant to elicit emotional appeal. Appeal to Rufus Wainwright!
Scene 1: Opening - Introduction to Magnify Productions
This visual animation will focus on a short film segment with the design of magnifying glasses. Fade in from black... Magnifying glasses of different styles and sizes fall like raindrops, slowly from the top. As the fall they move in different directions, rotating, changing in size, bigger and smaller. As they overlap, images will
appear through the lenses. They will move in a choreographed movement of many MG's, rotating and moving in a dancelike pattern, overlapping and generating a visually interesting presentation through the many lenses. Images of various insects will fill each lens as they overlap. Finally they will converge and overlap into position to create one MG, and then zoom into the centre where we will view the words Magnify Productions. Essentially dramatic black and white monochromatic images until the words appear in colour and take full screen. The colours will be in rainbow like images. Like the Northern Lights! Duration = 15 to 20 seconds - fade to black...
Second idea: A man walks across the screen... far back,,,humour.... steps on a bug! BUGS!....carrying a sign.....hangs it on the wall... hammer and nail...then hang... It's a small sign and hard to read, He runs back and comes back ....foreground....carrying a magnifying glass. He helps the audience to see the larger sign! Smile! Fade to black....
Need some sketches.....
Begin a segment plan of the 1st story board sequence.....
Time: .20
Probably longer
Scene 2: - Opening Scene - The Dragonfly
Out of the black screen soft music begins. 3 second time delay....silence... then... "Nesun Dorma". Camera zooms out slowly away from the black. An abstract image begins to appear and grow in size. Soon the image becomes more complex but not immediately recognizable. Emerging outward and away, the image is soon to be recognized as the eye of an insect. The eye becomes bigger and bigger slowly. Need to create a large, and very detailed dragonfly sculpture to film... May need a second sculptue of an eye....The camera pans over the image like an airplane flying close to the ground, like an aerial shot. As zoom out continues slowly, we begin to discover and see that the image begins to become more clear. We fly over the eyescape to the edge where changes begin. We move outward backing away and over the new terrain. We see marvellous parts of the insect as we travel along its landscape. Back around to the head. It is a dragonfly. Continue to zoom out. Attention to the artwork...glorious design of the eye. Continue to zoom out still focusing on the dragonfly head and then the body and wings. All close up! Camera moves around the figure exposing the power, beauty and awe of the DF form. Colour of the DF is black! Music playing in synchronicity with camera movement. Camera travels along the dragonfly body as if it is magnificently gigantic, and the size of a battleship. It is a visual feast for the eyes and stimulates interest and wonder in the beauty of this creature.
Need some sketches and drawings....
Time: 1.20
Scene 3: - Flight of the Dragonfly
Zoom out to capture the entire image and we see the DF is perched on a plant stem vertically. Zoom in suddenly in time to the music at a point of crescendo. The DF takes flight and the camera follows. The DF dances to the music as the flight continues over the pond and through the park, then through the woods. It moves up high we get a pan shot below and we can see an apartment building. We then transform and see through the eyes of the DF as it flies toward the apartment building, all still in music synchronicty. We move closer and closer to the building toward an open window. Music cresendo as the DF flies inside XZZ's bedroom, flies by XZZ in a blur, and directly into the book held by Zhu zhu. From window to book the music score is in the moment of sustained high note climax sung by Pavarotti. Silent end at impact. The DF becomes the picture XZZ is looking at in his book. Camera zooms in to view the DF in print! It then zooms out and into the real eyes of XZZ. Zoom out so we are able to see his expression of wonder, interest and excitement.
Need some sketches and drawings....
Time: 1.20
Scene 4: Looking...Looking
Film has now changed from animation to reality. Focus is now on XZZ in his bedroom as he looks at the pictures and turns the pages. Music...Theme Song... Rufus Wainwright... as he looks with deep concentration and interest, nose in close to the book! Focus on images of him looking so close. Emphasize to connect to the idea for later flash forward when mother gives him the MG. The music continues and ties together the transition from the animated scene to the real scene. Completely focused! We hear him say with expression "Dragonfly"! This is the first time we hear the voice of XZZ. Also add another key words.... "Mandible.....Ocillus"... Pan around XZZ as he looks on excitedly and turns the pages. Fade out fade in.....Moments pass as he yawns and slowly falls back on his bed....still trying to continue his looking. Fade out....fade in.... More moments pass. He continues to try and look. Eyes fade! His passion is deep! He is fading, but trying to hang on! Pan in to his eyes as they finally close and fade to black! Music continues through credits.....
Time: 1.20
Scene 5: Opening Title and Credits
" Magnify Productions" presents - 5secs
Select music of XZZ theme. Music - XZZ song - Rufus Wainwright - instrumental to voice. To be determined!
Amazing Logo with words underneath - fade in and out
"A Film By:....Tom Thirtle - show Canada flag ..small - 5 secs
Fade in title! The title appears. "The Mysterious World of Xiao Zhu zhu". - 7 secs
Based on a novel by Tom Thirtle - 7 secs
Main credits.
Starring: - 23 secs
Casting By: - 7 secs
Music By: Rufus Wainwright - small Canadian flag - 7 secs
Edited By: - 7 secs
Director of Photography By: - 7 secs
Animation By: - 7 secs
Executive Producer: - 7 secs
Screenplay By: Tom Thirtle - 7 secs
Produced By: - 7 secs
Directed By: - 7 secs
****** supported artwork ... dragonflies..
Background to credits will be images of insects and magnification. Block areas.... animations of dragonflies catching and eating mosquitoes and flies.... Could be quite awesome! Creative...dramatic...violent....scary....wondrous!
...... end music!
Time: 1.50
Scene 6: - A New Day
Scene opens - FIFB - fade in from black
Mother's voice: " Zhu zhu....Zhu zhu... It's time to wake up!"
He opens his eyes! Close up!
She sits on the bed beside him as he awakens. Soft and loving voice.
"Good morning my sweet boy!
.... she touches his face then tickles his tummy!... He giggles... They laugh.... stops and
looks into his eyes... runs her hand through his hair.... smiles! Deep loving affection!
"Give me a hug!.... Zhu zhu,...... moment lingers...
"I noticed how close you were to the book when you were looking at the pictures. Your nose was pressed right up against the book Zhu zhu!"
"Mom! The pictures are so awesome! I want to see everything! I wanted to see more! They are so AMAZING, so interesting!"
"Well! I got you a little gift sweet boy!
She hands it to him saying,
"I think you will really like this! It is filled with...... such beautiful magic!
She hands him a box. He opens it quickly....expressive gratitude....hug...
"Thanks mom! I will be able to see things even better now!"
"Now get up and get ready. It's time for breakfast and you must hurry and get to school!"
"Changfen?"
"Of course! I know it's your favourite! Hurry now!"
Fade to next scene
Time: 1.30
Scene 7: - Getting Ready
XZZ packs 3 books and the new MG quickly into his school bag. Focus on MG! Quick segments of him brushing his teeth and getting dressed! All in a hurry! Spills toothpaste on his hand... toothpaste dripping down his chin...expression of frustration...small vignettes....putting on pants and socks and shoes....humour!
Time: 1.00
Scene 8: - Downstairs
Cut to him running down the stairs. Jumping to the landing... landing like a superhero!
Yeah!..... Facial expressions and close ups!
"Yeah! Orange juice too!"
Mother smiles proudly! He quickly eats and drinks a little then rushes out the door! Door slams! Cut...edit... Follow XZZ out the door...out of apartment... and into the woods to the park.
Time: 2.00
Scene 9: The Park
Narrator - first narration as we follow XZZ ..... in the style of Stirling Holloway.... Background music of XZZ song - Rufus Wainwright....3 count from start to begin music! Wainwright to write 2 songs for the movie. 1) The main theme song 2) Zhu zhu's song
There is a little boy. He is a very little boy. Zhu zhu is his name, and he is very curious.
“What is curious?” you might ask. “What is curious?”
Curious, curious, curious!
Well! He wants to know about all things. He likes to look at everything. He looks, and looks, and looks at everything, all the time! Yes! He is a curious little boy, and he has a very special imagination.
Narrationcontinues as XZZ walks through the park. We look at him and then we look through his eyes. We now have a vision of how this curious little boy sees things in his own world and through his imaginative mind. There is the real park as he walks, but then this transforms as we share his vision of what he sees. We begin to see what he sees... from his mind and imagination. This is a little subdued. It increases as the story develops.
He will look at pictures of all things, of everything! He looks at pictures of animals and fish and people and cars and flowers and frogs. The things he likes the most are bugs! He loves bugs!
Music continues...
The park becomes animated CGI. This is his world! He stops and looks..... moves to the music...We see what he sees! Expression close ups! Quick edit sequence focusing
again on his wonder and pure joy! He continues to run down the path to the pond. Willow Pond.
Time: 1.20
Scene 10: - Looking
He kneels next to the water. Takes out his MG and begins to look. He says, "Look, look, look!" He scans the water's edge. He finds a green beetle and looks at it so closely! He watches as it moves. A realistic closeup of the beetle becomes animated and the beetle looks back at him, smiles and waves hello! XZZ has an expression of delight and begins to laugh! ...... then rushes to his school that is just on the other side of the park! As he exits the park everything now appears real again. We watch XZZ as he runs to the edge of the park. He gets smaller. The image is real. Exit the park!
Time: 2.20
Scene 11: Good Morning Mr. Pan
XZZ walking quickly, exits the park and turns toward the school gate. He passes it and comes to the entrance. Passes the guard... He sees Mr. Pan. He jumps up with excitement with a big smile on his face as he is greeted!
“Good morning Zhu zhu”, says Mr. Pan. “How are you this wonderful sunny morning?”
“I’m feeling awesome Mr. Pan”, XZZ answers.
“You are a little early this morning. Were there no cool bugs to look at?”
“There was just one good one”, Zhu zhu tells him. “It was a green beetle. The green was so beautiful and his eyes were green too! ...... and he.....” STOPS!
“Hurry to your classroom now little boy. Your teacher will be waiting”.
Time: 1.20
Scene 12: - To Class
Narrator: So, Zhu zhu ran to his classroom with the biggest smile on his face. He really liked Mr. Pan so much!
Music edit instrumental and voice....
Camera follows XZZ across the school yard and up the spiral staircase to the 3rd floor.... cool camera angles... he enters his classroom...saluts to the teacher....goes to his desk!
He took out one of his books and began to look at it with his magnifying glass. His best friend Tommy comes over to look too and they both take turns looking until the school bell sounded.
"Hi Tommy!"
....high five! ... then indistinct chatter. Tommy then went back to his desk and Zhu zhu put his book and magnifying glass away until later.
Zhu zhu shared his magnifying glass with the other students. They would also bring books with very interesting photos to share with XZZ and he would sit with them and they would look together. Everyone loved Zhu zhu because he was so nice and they also liked him because he was the most curious boy they knew! Cut!
Time: 2.30
Scene 13: A Visit to Mr. Pan
It is now after school. XZZ is walking to Mr. Pans room.
Begin narration...
We see XZZ as he walks along the hallway toward his room. Gestures of happiness and free spirit.... Dance moves...choreograph.. skipping... He has a new book in his hand that he wants to show Mr. Pan. Focus on book and XZZ smiling... a little laugh.... He peeks through the door opening to see if Mr. Pan is there. We can see that he is looking for something .... There is a worried look on his face.
Zhu zhu had an extra book to take home today. He went to the school library at lunchtime.... edit in a quick scene of XZZ finding a new book.... and found a very good book with so many pictures of beetles. He was so pleased and excited! When classes were finished, all the other students went home. Zhu zhu did not go home right away. He wanted to go and visit Mr. Pan and show him the new book he found.
When he got to his classroom door he quietly looked inside and there he was, but he was not looking very happy. He was looking upset...... Something was not right!
Time: 1.20
Scene 14: - Lost Book
XZZ enters the room and approaches Mr. Pan.
“Mr. Pan, are you OK? You don’t look very happy”.
“Oh, Zhu zhu! I have lost a book. I don’t know where I put it!”
“I will help you look! I’m good at looking!
They look around the room searching. Mr. Pan looks inside his desk....everywhere. They look at each other and shrug their shoulders, but keep looking.
What is the book about?”
“It is all about rainbows! ... Oh Zhu zhu, you would love this book so much! It has the most beautiful pictures!”
“Mr. Pan! That is so cool! ...... What's a rainbow?”
“Let me try to tell you.....
Mr. Pan stops for a moment to explain to XZZ.
Sometimes.... when it has been raining and the rain stops and the sun begins to shine, you can sometimes see a big round circle of many, many beautiful colours in the sky. It is caihong! It is so big and it goes right across the sky.”
“I know this”, says Zhu zhu. “I have seen so many. I just did not know it was called a rainbow. ... Is it a big book?.. I know we can find it Mr. Pan!
Zhu zhu looked everywhere. Mr. Pan looked very hard too and he was still upset! Then Zhu zhu had an idea. Edit in view of XZZ as he has his idea .....He is a very smart boy, and he saw this same thing happen to his father many times.
“Mr. Pan, did you look in your schoolbag?”
Mr. Pan stands up straight with a smile on his face, with a look of embarassment. He turns and looks at XZZ. He looks very pleased that XZZ is such a clever boy! He looks at his schoolbag laying on his desk. Then looks back at XZZ with a smile!
“Oh, you sweet, sweet boy! I just did not think to look there. I forgot that I had already put it away at lunchtime getting it ready to take home with me!”