Take A Breath

Logline: In a dystopian future where oxygen is privatized, a solitary worker grapples with the harsh realities of corporate exploitation and environmental decay, sparking a profound reflection on the cost of profit.

Pitch:

"Take a Breath" is a thought-provoking short film that thrusts viewers into a dystopian future where the very air we breathe is commodified. Our protagonist, David Ramsey, is a worker for 024U, the corporation that monopolizes oxygen. His daily routine involves servicing air filters, a task that is as essential as it is a harsh reminder of the world's grim reality.

The film presents a stark contrast between the polluted Blocks where David works and the pristine City Center, a bubble of clean air paradise. This disparity is a direct result of corporate greed, with 024U profiting from the very problem they perpetuate. David's interactions with his autonomous service truck, AR HUD, and the impersonal corporate office underscore the dehumanizing effects of this corporate exploitation.

However, "Take a Breath" is not just a tale of despair. It's a critique of unchecked capitalism and its devastating impact on the environment and humanity. David's longing for a better life in the City Center symbolizes the universal human yearning for freedom and dignity amidst oppressive circumstances.

"Take a Breath" is a film that challenges us to question the societal structures that prioritize profit over people and the environment. It's a reflection on the absurdity of a world where basic human needs are commodified, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of such absurdity.

With its compelling narrative, striking visuals, and poignant commentary, "Take a Breath" promises to be a short film that not only entertains but also provokes thought and inspires change. We believe this film has the potential to make a significant impact in the film industry and beyond. We invite you to join us on this journey as we bring "Take a Breath" to life.

  • David Ramsey

  • MAYWOOD

  • RANDY

  • Service Representative

1. INT - DAVID’S BEDROOM - DAWN

David gets ready for work, Randy wishes him luck.

SCRIPT DAY
D2

SCRIPT TIME
7:18 AM

Scene 1: INT. BEDROOM - DAWN

Characters: David Ramsey

Description: David Ramsey, a hardworking man in his early 40s, is seen getting ready for his day in his bedroom. He's putting on his red and black 024U uniform and strapping on an old watch. He lifts a steaming cup of coffee and takes in the view of City Center from his window. He receives a message from Randy, a colleague, who encourages him and talks about the competition for a trip to the City Center. David smiles and takes in the view, reflecting on his thoughts about the company 024U and City Center.

Production Requirements:

Location: The scene takes place in David's bedroom, which should be a small, modest space. The room should have a window with a view of the City Center.

Props: The main props in this scene are David's uniform, an old watch, a cup of coffee, and a device for receiving messages.

Special Equipment: Depending on the desired shot composition, a camera crane or dolly might be needed to capture the view of the City Center from David's window.

Costumes: David should be in his 024U uniform.

Crew: The usual film crew roles will be needed (director, camera operators, sound crew, etc.).

Special Considerations: The voiceover from Randy will need to be recorded and added in post-production. The scene should be filmed in a way that captures David's contemplative mood and the contrast between his modest living conditions and the grandeur of the City Center.

2. INT - 024U TANK SERVICE TRUCK - MORNING

David, exhausted, discovers Maywood is getting shut down on a day of Record Profit

SCRIPT DAY
D2

SCRIPT TIME
7:18 AM

Scene Header: "Scene 2: INT. 024U TANK SERVICE TRUCK - MORNING"

Time of Day: "Time of Day: Morning"

Characters: "Characters: David Ramsey"

Description: "David is inside his autonomous service truck, navigating through spreadsheets on an off-brand Minority Report style workspace as the truck navigates itself through heavy traffic. Lots of RED tabs on the main dash indicate service terminations. An excited and optimistic radio host announces a 148 billion dollar buyback of 024U stock and another quarter of record profits. David receives an incoming voice message from Randy encouraging him on the final day of the competition."

Production Requirements:

Location: The scene takes place inside David's 024U Tank Service truck. The interior of the truck should be designed to resemble a futuristic workspace, complete with a Minority Report style interface.

Props: The main prop in this scene is the Minority Report style workspace, which should be designed to allow David to swipe through spreadsheets and other information. The truck's main dash should also be designed to display various indicators, including RED tabs for service terminations.

Special Equipment: Special effects or CGI may be needed to create the Minority Report style workspace and the indicators on the truck's main dash.

Costumes: David should be in his 024U uniform.

Crew: The usual film crew roles will be needed (director, camera operators, sound crew, etc.). Additionally, a special effects or CGI team may be needed to create the Minority Report style workspace and the indicators on the truck's main dash.

Special Considerations: The voiceover from the radio host and Randy's voice message will need to be recorded and added in post-production. The scene should be filmed in a way that captures David's interaction with the workspace and his reaction to the voice messages.

Navigation Map: This would be the largest component, occupying the central and left part of the screen. It would display a real-time map of the truck's current location and route, with traffic conditions indicated by color-coding (e.g., green for clear, yellow for moderate, red for heavy). The destination (next work site) would be marked with a large icon.

  1. Work Order List: This would be on the right side of the screen, showing a list of current work orders. Each work order would show the customer's name, location, and a brief description of the job. The current work order (for Maywood) would be highlighted. There would be buttons to accept or decline work orders.

  2. Communication Panel: This would be at the top right corner of the screen, showing notifications of incoming calls and messages. The voice message from Randy and the pop-up notification from 024U would appear here. There would be options to play the message, respond, or dismiss the notification.

  3. System Status and Alerts: This would be at the bottom of the screen, showing the status of the vehicle's autonomous driving system, fuel level, and any maintenance alerts. Any critical alerts (like a low fuel level) would flash to draw attention.

  4. Task Completion Indicator: Once David drags Maywood’s tab to his work order list, a progress bar or checkmark would appear to indicate that the task is complete.

Storyboard 1: Initial State

  • The HUD displays the Navigation Map in the center, showing the truck's current location and route. Traffic conditions are color-coded.

  • The Work Order List is on the right, showing a list of current work orders with the customer's name, location, and job description. The current work order is highlighted.

  • The Communication Panel at the top right corner is empty, indicating no new messages or calls.

  • The System Status and Alerts at the bottom show the status of the vehicle's autonomous driving system and fuel level, with no alerts.

Storyboard 2: Incoming Message

  • A notification pops up in the Communication Panel, indicating an incoming voice message from Randy. An icon representing a voice message and Randy's name are displayed.

  • The rest of the HUD remains the same.

Storyboard 3: Message Playback

  • The user selects the message notification, and the message begins to play. The notification expands to show a playback progress bar and playback controls (pause, stop, rewind, fast forward).

  • The rest of the HUD remains the same.

Storyboard 4: Work Order Update

  • The user drags Maywood’s tab to his work order list. The list updates to show Maywood's work order as the current task, highlighted.

  • A progress bar or checkmark appears to indicate that the task is complete.

  • The rest of the HUD remains the same.

Storyboard 5: Celebration Notification

  • A new notification pops up in the Communication Panel, this time from 024U, celebrating David's promotion. The notification displays celebratory graphics and text.

  • The rest of the HUD remains the same.

3. EXT - THE BLOCKS - CONTINUOUS

We pull back to reveal the scale and scope of The Blocks.

SCRIPT DAY
D2

SCRIPT TIME
3:24 PM

Scene 3: Ext Blocks - Continuous

Time of Day: Continuous

Characters: David Ramsey

Description: David's 024U Tank Service truck is seen creeping along in the gridlock of the Blocks, a deteriorating favela of cement and glass boxes. An advertisement on a nearby building features David's bright smile and a 02 tank over his shoulder. The scene is underscored by a voiceover from a host, announcing a big win for shareholders and record high temperatures around the Dome.

Production Requirements:

Location: The scene takes place in the Blocks, a deteriorating urban area. The location should reflect a sense of decline and neglect, with towering cement and glass structures. A permit may be required to film in a city location, and safety considerations should be taken into account due to the potential for traffic and crowds.

Props: The main prop in this scene is David's 024U Tank Service truck. Additionally, there should be a large advertisement featuring David and a 02 tank.

Special Equipment: Depending on the desired shot composition, a drone or crane might be needed to capture the Blocks' towering structures and the City Center in the distance.

Costumes: David should be in his 024U uniform.

Crew: The usual film crew roles will be needed (director, camera operators, sound crew, etc.). Additionally, a drone operator might be needed if aerial shots are desired.

Special Considerations: The voiceover from the host will need to be recorded and added in post-production. The scene should be filmed in a way that captures the contrast between the Blocks and the City Center.

4. INT - MAYWOOD’S APARTMENT - LATER

David tells Maywood he’s shutting off their service.

SCRIPT DAY
D2

SCRIPT TIME
3:24 PM

Maywood’s Apartment - Concept Workshop

SCENE SUMMARY

Time of Day: Later

Characters: David Ramsey, Maywood

In this scene, we find David Ramsey in an apartment, engaged in a deep conversation with an elderly person named Maywood. The apartment is sparse but clean, with several delicately cared for house plants that seem to be the centerpiece of Maywood's existence.

David is there to shut down Maywood's oxygen service due to unpaid bills. This is a task that David is clearly uncomfortable with, but she insists that it's not up to her and that she can't do anything about it. Maywood, on the other hand, is upset and argues that she has been paying his bill for 34 years. They are both aware that once Maywood’s service is turned off, they face certain death.

The scene is emotionally charged, revealing the harsh realities of the world they live in. It also provides insight into David's character, showing his empathy and the moral dilemmas he faces in his job. The scene ends with David giving Maywood an Exit Pack of O24U products, which includes survival supplies like masks and medication.

This scene is significant as it highlights the social and economic disparities in their society.

SCENE INFO

Description: David's 024U Tank Service truck is seen creeping along in the gridlock of the Blocks, a deteriorating favela of cement and glass boxes. An advertisement on a nearby building features David's bright smile and a 02 tank over his shoulder. The scene is underscored by a voiceover from a host, announcing a big win for shareholders and record high temperatures around the Dome.

Production Requirements:

Location: The scene takes place in the Blocks, a deteriorating urban area. The location should reflect a sense of decline and neglect, with towering cement and glass structures. A permit may be required to film in a city location, and safety considerations should be taken into account due to the potential for traffic and crowds.

Props: The main prop in this scene is David's 024U Tank Service truck. Additionally, there should be a large advertisement featuring David and a 02 tank.

Special Equipment: Depending on the desired shot composition, a drone or crane might be needed to capture the Blocks' towering structures and the City Center in the distance.

Costumes: David should be in his 024U uniform.

Crew: The usual film crew roles will be needed (director, camera operators, sound crew, etc.). Additionally, a drone operator might be needed if aerial shots are desired.

Special Considerations: The voiceover from the host will need to be recorded and added in post-production. The scene should be filmed in a way that captures the contrast between the Blocks and the City Center.

5. EXT - HIGHRISE ROOFTOP - LATER

DAVID has to shut down Maywood’s service, and takes in effects of his work for 024U.

SCRIPT DAY
D2

SCRIPT TIME
4:24 PM

Shot List

  1. "The rooftop is filled with hundreds of units marked O24U. Each unit is a complex assembly of tubes and filters, indicating their function as air filtration systems."

  2. "David is seen interacting with a breakout box on one of the units. The box is a complex interface with small tubes and various indicators."

  3. "In the distance, the city center can be seen, a stark contrast to the blocks. It's encapsulated in a bubble, with visible filtration systems expelling CO2 out of the dome."

  4. "David's full-face mask fogs up with his tears, indicating his emotional state. A red warning light pops up on his HUD, indicating dangerous air quality levels."

  5. "A billboard in the distance features a smiling David, promoting his 024U service. The billboard stands out against the backdrop of the deteriorating city."

  6. "David replaces a 'micro-tank' in the unit with a solid metal cylinder. The cylinder is marked with a warning: 'tampering is a federal crime.'"

  7. "David's HUD displays an incoming call from 024U Corporate, overlaying his view of the city with celebratory graphics and confetti."

DAVID on Rooftop - Concept Workshop