What a Beautiful Simulation (SHORT FILM)
ForestMVO for Steve
Each excerpt is in a specific moment of how Steve feels in this situation. Steve already knows he's in the test lab for a simulation that he volunteered for.
In Excerpt A: Steve is really nervous about what he's about to experience. He is also really intrigued and committed to the project because he wants to pioneer this research and what seems like a golden opportunity to volunteer for a test and simulation that is brand new technology. He doesn't know of anyone who has remotely taken a test like this, but this is where the conflict within him stems from. Excitement, but fear and a slight hesitation.
In Excerpt B: The visuals start to reel Steve in. It's like the first acceleration on a new ride. This is all still brand new to him so he struggles to communicate everything he sees, but he's blown away by what's taking place and the simulation that was built for his own experience. His fear has become almost pure adrenaline and his senses are overwhelmed.
In Excerpt C: Just as he was starting to adapt to the simulation and predict its patterns, the visuals cut to black. This confuses Steve because it was so short. He wants more, but he's also still processing everything he just witnessed and experienced. There's also a slight sense of accomplishment that's underneath everything he feels. He just completed the test, but was that really the end?
All of these notes (including the parentheticals in the script itself) are simply guidance tools. We don't want to limit our actors or their vision in the script so we aren't expecting you to be strict on all of these notes. Our goal here is to simply give as much understanding to what our writer is trying to convey in each moment and the background of our characters that aren't included in the script. Please feel free to contact us for more clarity.
*READ FOR STEVE ONLY
EXCERPT A:
TECHNICIANWe’re about ready to go, how are you feeling?STEVEI-I'm a bit nervous. Several computers are slowly BEEPING and WHIRRING in the background.TECHNICIANThis will be good for you. This should be a very helpful exercise. We’ve gathered and collected a group of experiences that you’ll see firsthand. What sounds like an ECG monitor is being setupSTEVEI mean, how safe is it? I have to admit that I'm really intrigued by this concept and I'm eager to be done with it-TECHNICIANMost people find that it’s quite insightful and reflective as well. I honestly think you will too.STEVE(Letting out a sigh)Will this hurt me?*READ FOR STEVE ONLY
EXCERPT B:
(NOTE: At this point, the test for Steve becomes real. The animation picks up and the audience begins to see what Steve sees. This is all brand new to him as he tries to explain what he see to the Technician)
The fan begins to spin faster and faster as colors are added and the image begins to morph again. STEVEOh, the colors. There’s much here that I can’t begin to explain.TECHNICIANThat’s understandable, just do your best. A silhouette appears on the screen and reacts to Steve's voice as he begins to speak. STEVEWhat's happening? I feel so different. TECHNICIANDifferent how?STEVE(Struggling to communicate)...Different and the same...I can feel what I see!*READ FOR STEVE ONLY
EXCERPT C:(NOTE: This moment is right after the simulation cuts out unexpectedly. Steve is coming off a real lucid experience for him. This just got ripped away from him and seemingly snapped him right back to reality.)
STEVE(Still in a bit of confusion and shock)Well...there was a lot of new experiences there. Both good and bad. Some things that I could never imagine myself. A lot of beauty to witness. And interesting roles of life that I’ve never been in. TECHNICIANWhat do you mean that you’ve never been in?STEVEWell, you know, perspective and moments of life that I’ve yet to experienceTECHNICIAN(Concerned)Yet to experience? STEVEWell, yeah. In a way I’m glad though...that even in the ugliness and pain I can bring this back to my own life and have a little more empathy with others. It was a brilliant simulation. And you're right...I'm glad I chose to do it.
