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 - 5 secs

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.

Narration continues 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!”

“It’s OK Mr. Pan. I understand! ..... My father does the same thing all the time.”

They both laugh.....

Time: 2.20

Scene 15: - Rainbows

Mr. Pan invites XZZ to sit down and look at the book together..... soft background chatter during the narration.

"Let's look at it!"

"Yeah!"

Well! Mr. Pan did find his book in his schoolbag and he took it out to show Zhu zhu. They took a lot of time going through it looking at all the pictures. Zhu zhu let Mr. Pan use his magnifying glass and they had a good time together. They were the most amazing pictures he had ever seen, even more amazing than all the bugs........

Amazing, amazing amazing!

"Thanks Mr. Pan!"

"It is truly my pleasure to share with you Zhu zhu!"

They finish looking and XZZ quickly shows Mr. Pan his new book.

"Look what I got at lunchtime Mr. Pan!"

Briefly opens book and shows his teacher. Then he puts it in his schoolbag along with his MG and prepares to leave.

"See you tomorrow Mr. Pan!"

"Thanks for your good help Zhu zhu!"

"Bye bye!"

"Bye bye!"

XZZ leaves the room and runs down the hallway.

It was then time to go home and the little boy left school with the biggest smile on his face. He really helped his favourite teacher. He felt so good inside!

Fade out....fade in.....time passes....XZZ says goodbye and walks home. ......cut

Time: 1.20

Scene 16: Dinner Time

XZZ is having dinner with his mom and dad. Scene is at the table. Doing dinner stuff!

My father asked me, “Zhu zhu, did you do anything interesting today?”

Dad! I helped Mr. Pan find his book. He did what you always do. He didn't lose it at all! He had it in his school bag the whole time, and just forgot he had already put it away!.... It was all about rainbows and we looked at the pictures together. Rainbows are so.... very beautiful!

I also saw a green beetle in the park this morning. It had green eyes too, and when I looked at it through my magnifying glass and it.......

Hesitation as the narrator interjects...

Zhu zhu stops himself from telling that the beetle smiled at him and waved to him.....

"and it was so.... BIG!

scene cut....FTB brief FI....

Time: 1.20

Scene 17: Homework

Scene change FOFI ....

Narration begins 3....2....1.....

XZZ is in his bedroom doing his homework. We see him for a moment working hard, but then he is finished and slams his math book shut!

"Finished!"

He puts it neatly away then grabs his new beetle book....

It was time to do his homework and when he was finished he got out his new book on beetles and sat on his bed with his magnifying glass and had a very good look at the pictures. He soon got very tired. It was a wonderful day! The little boy then fell asleep with his book in his arms and the magnifying glass in his hand. It was ....always the same!

Cut scene....

XZZ theme song is highlighted.....fade in.....then out....

Time: 1.30

Total: 26:00

Scene 18: A Strange New Friend

Narration begins... 3...2...1...

Zoom in from high position above and into Willow Park and up behind XZZ walking along the path. His MG is tucked into his back pocket. He does not have his schoolbag with him. The scene is in realistic mode. Pan around to XZZ front. Expression of curiosity on his face as he ponders why there is nobody in the park!

It was a beautiful day! The morning air was feeling good and Xiao Zhu zhu was ready to explore new and wonderful things. He noticed .......that he was all alone. Everything was so very.... mysteriously quiet!

Close shot to XZZ face. He hears a noise in the silence. His head tilts as if to listen closer!

He hears a noise, but does not know what it is.

Classical light music......

XZZ looks into the distance and spots a movement. He thinks it might be a person. It gets closer and closer. Surprise look on his face....jaw drops..... a smile appears! As it gets closer XZZ begins to laugh, but not too loud. A laugh of pure delight. Pan back and forth as the bug gets larger and larger. It stands in front of XZZ, face to face. XZZ looks up to the bug. It is a lot taller than he is.

“Hello!”

“Hello!” ....... excited but restrained laughter...

“What is your name?” The bug says.

“My name is Xiao Zhu zhu”. .....Bold and confident!

XZZ speaks up boldly, comletely without fear, completely in awe of this beautiful creature!

“Oh! You are a little pig. That is so cute... and so wonderful! How old are you little boy?”

“I am nine years old! What is your name Mr. Bug?”

“My name is Billy the Rainbow Bug and I don’t know how old I am”.

“That is very strange. Everyone knows how old they are!

“Well! ..... I don’t!" sighing...

“I have never heard of a ‘Rainbow’ bug before. That is very strange too! But, you are not like a rainbow Billy. You are all just..... a very beautiful green...... I like your eyes; .....all of them! They are so green and so very beautiful too!”

“Thank you Zhu zhu.... You say very nice things.... You are a good boy... I like you”.

“So, why are you called a...... ‘Rainbow’ bug?”

Then the most strange thing, about the most strange bug, happened.

"Wow! Red and yellow and pink and green.....orange and purple and blue! Billy you are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen!"

Billy sings.....

Red and yellow and pink and green,

Orange and purple and blue……

I can be a rainbow, a lovely rainbow,

and you can be one too…….

I can be green……

I can be blue……..

I can change……..

You can too……….

Red and yellow and pink and green,

Orange and purple and blue……

I can be a rainbow, a lovely rainbow,

and you can be one too…….

“Let’s go for a walk Zhu zhu!"

“That’s a wonderful idea Billy! Can I hold your hand?”

“You can hold any one you want. I have so many!”

...Laughter from both of them!

They walked through the park and sang Billy's wonderful song! They sang and sang and sang. Zhu zhu was so very happy. Singing and being with Billy was so much fun!

Many gestures as the walk....stepping to the music...

They come close to the pond.

"Billy, would you like to look at things with me?"

"I would love too".

"Come....come!" ...XZZ runs ahead waving Billy to move faster!

They got down next to the water. XZZ got out his magnifying glass and they began to look. He shows Billy how to use it, and he tried too!

“Wow! This is so cool!... Billy says.

XZZ pauses to ask a question!

......“Billy, what do you eat?”

"I like to eat grass most of the time, but sometimes I love to eat mites!"

"I know what mites are. They are very small bugs! I saw them in a book I brought home from school."

"They are very, very tasty!" Billy says

“Do you ever eat other insects too, like flies and mosquitoes?”

A big look of surprise mixed with fear comes from Billy!

“Oh my! I never eat them! I can’t! .....The dragonflies won’t let me eat them! Only they can eat them! ...... Nobody else, anywhere in Willow Pond, is allowed to eat them. If I ate even just one they would get ...unbelievably...... angry! Very angry! .......VERY ANGRY!”

"I saw dragonflies in my book too! They are so.... amazing, and they fly so fast. They are also,... so very strong, and they are also,.... so very mean and eat lots, and lots of other insects. They are like dragons! So.....dangerous!"

Billy hands the magnifying glass back to XZZ and they started to walk again in the park. They walked and held hands and sang and had a wonderful time!

Fade out to black!

“Zhu zhu, Zhu zhu! It’s time to wake up and go to school. Hurry up! Your changfen is ready!”

Time: 5.30

Total: 31:30

Scene 19: - A New Day

XZZ stayed in his bed for a moment, just a short time. He had to think! It was all just a wonderful dream. Billy the Rainbow Bug was just all a dream, but he was still happy and he got up and brushed his teeth.

"It was all just a dream!"

He could see something on his teeth! It was black. He looked very, very closely. It was a mite! He hurried down for breakfast!

“What’s that song you are singing Zhu zhu? It’s so very nice”.... says his mother.

“It’s the rainbow song! My friend Billy taught me to sing it!”

“He must be a very nice boy”.

XZZ smiles! Billy was not a boy at all!

Red and yellow and pink and green,

Orange and purple and blue……

I can be a rainbow, a lovely rainbow,

and you can be one too…….

As XZZ leaves for school, his mom says goodbye.

"Goodbye Zhu zhu! Have a wonderful day sweetheart!"

XZZ looks at his mom, smiles at her, touches his nose and goes out the door!

Time: 8.30

Total: 40:00

Scene 20: Who is Billy?

We see XZZ running out his front building door and we follow him as he runs excitedly to school.

There was great excitement in the mind and heart of little Zhu zhu on this day.

He stops for a moment as he looks toward Willow Pond, but he only hesitates for a moment. His face shows expression of desire and regret. He grabs his MG, but stops his temptation and continues to run!

The temptation to stop and and look, his curiosity is held back,.... because his new excitement is just so much stronger.

XZZ can see Mr. Pan at the front gate. Even though XZZ is still quite far away, their eyes meet and they both smile. XZZ is jumping and running with great excitement. He stops directly in front of Mr. Pan and looks up at him. He is out of breath as he speaks.

“Mr. Pan, Mr. Pan,....what is your name?”

“That is a curious question Zhu zhu! My name is Mr. Pan of course”.

XZZ has an immediate look of frustration, because this isn't what he wants to hear!

“No, no, no Mr. Pan! I mean what is your first name?”

Mr. Pan laughs a little. He can see XZZ is so excited! He plays with his thoughts.

“Well Zhu zhu! What do you think my name is?”

XZZ settles down immediately. He has an almost mischievious look on his face, because he knows this is a little impolite. He smiles.

“I think it’s Billy”!

Mr. Pan has a puzzled, but pleased look on his face.

He did not know that he was a “Rainbow Bug” in Zhu zhu's dream!

“That’s right. .....How did you know that?”

“Oh,.... a very big bug told me last night”!

XZZ then turned away and ran to his classroom. Mr. Pan turned and watched him run away! He smiles and shakes his head. He really likes this strange and curious young boy!

Cut!

Time: 2:30

Total: 42:30

Scene 21: After School

It is after school. We see XZZ walking in Willow Park. Pan in shot from high and behind and around to their front. Camera follows backword. XZZ is with his best friend Tommy. The boys are indistinctly talking.

"Hey Zhu zhu! I have something to show you!"

He stops on the path, kneels down and unzips his school bag. He pulls out his own new MG.

"So awesome Tommy! Let's go look! Follow me!"

They rush down to the edge of the pond. They explore with excitement and banter back and forth. We zoom in closely to see what they are looking at and follow this joy of looking through the MG with them..... creative and cool shots!

Fade out....Cut!

Time: 2:30

Total: 45:00

Scene 22: Wicky Wacky

After viewing the bugs XZZ and Tommy are sitting together, cross legged and facing each other...basking in their glory of a good adventure, beside the pathway. Tommy looks up at a man walking along the path. We zoom into the man.

“Zhu zhu, look at that man. He is wearing a very funny T-shirt! I like these words! Ha ha! They are so cool!”

Close zoom in to the shirt.

"Wicky.....Wacky.....Woo! What is it Tommy? What do they mean?"

"I don't know! It doesn't matter! They just sound so very cool, and they're really fun to say. Wicky Wacky, Wicky Wacky, Wicky Wacky Woo"

He repeats the words again and again and XZZ begins to say with him. They are having so much fun. They move from side to side keeping the rhythm of the sound. Tommy stops!

“Listen to me Zhu zhu! Listen to this!”

Wicky wacky wicky wacky woo woo woo…..

Wicky wicky wacky wacky wicky wacky woo….

Wacky wacky wicky wicky woo woo woo…….

Wicky wacky wicky wacky, I love you!

“Ha ha”! You are so clever Tommy!”

They begin to say together. They stand, pick up their stuff and walk along the path. Clapping, snapping their fingers, walking in time with steps!

The man with the shirt sees and hears them. We see his face. He looks surprised, but then he smiles with some delight!

Cut back to Tommy and XZZ as they walk away, arm in arm, playing out the new poem! Such joy! Fade out! Cut!

Time: 2:30

Total: 47:30

Scene 23: Dragonflies

Zhu zhu is in his room, at his desk. He is busy finishing his homework. We watch and see his intensity and focus, but he soon finishes, closes his books, puts them into his backpack and rushes to his bed with his MG.

He opens his new book about dragonflies.

XZZ theme song as he looks at the pictures and we look too!

"Wow"! .....

"Dragonfly"!

"Mosquito"

"Fly"

"So very cool"!

The song ends as XZZ falls asleep. Cut!

Time: 2:30

Total: 50:00

Scene 24: A Walk with Billy

It's early in the morning. XZZ is walking in Willow Park. It is quiet. Nobody else is there! Zoom in on XZZ as he walks.

It is another quiet morning in Willow Park. Zhu zhu seems to be alone again, a little surprised that he is the only one there. He can hear singing.

“Red and yellow and pink and green….. orange and purple and blue”.

Of course it was his new friend Billy!

XZZ smiles. He is so happy and he runs to Billy!

“Good morning Zhu zhu! It is so good to see you on this very lovely morning!”

“Hello Billy! It is so good to see you too! Have you had your breakfast yet?”

"Not yet, my little friend, and I am so very hungry!"

Billy took XZZ's hand in his and they began to walk together. They walked and walked

and walked. Billy touched his nose and changed colours, over and over. XZZ touched his nose too, and he started to change colours too! He was a rainbow too! Zhu zhu liked being a rainbow. They were rainbows together and they walked and walked and changed colours all the time!

“Where are we going? I have not been here before!”

“I am taking you to the other side of the pond. We are going to visit my friends. I want you to meet them. They are really wonderful!”

They walked a little more and then they crossed over the bridge. XZZ stopped and looked into the water and could see many fish swimming and having their breakfast. They get to the other side of the bridge and walked some more.

"Wow! Everything is so beautiful on this side of the pond. All the bugs are big, .... like

you Billy!

We see many bugs as they continue to walk. They all wave and say hello! "Hello Zhu zhu!" .....expand....

Time: 2:30

Total: 52:30

Scene 25: New Friends

Soon they came to a place that was very special. It was so different. There were beautiful and colourful homes. The homes had doors and windows and they were all different and wonderful!

There were flowers growing everywhere! They were so big and they were like Billy because they were changing colours all the time. Everything was changing colours all the time!

They are also all singing the Rainbow Song....in harmony!

"This is so cool!"

“Come with me Zhu zhu. We will visit this home first! This is where my friend Melody lives. Melody is a butterfly. She has the most beautiful wings! They are more beautiful than any other butterfly.”

They walked through the door and into her home. She was sitting at her kitchen table and having her breakfast and some tea! She was eating a bowl of flowers. Melody is extremely beautiful and looks more like a human than a butterfly except for her amazingly colourful wings. We spend a little time viewing Melody.

"She is eating flowers. They are her favourite food!"

“Welcome to my home Zhu zhu! It is so nice to have you visit!”

Her voice is deep and soothing!

"Melody! It is so nice to meet you too! How do you know my name?"

"Oh, sweet boy! You are all my friend Billy talks about! Would you like to have some flowers for breakfast?"

"I have already had breakfast Melody. You are so kind,.... but Billy is very hungry!"

Pan to Billy eating flowers.

"All done!" ....Billy says.

They waited for her to finish eating, Melody took her time, very poised and eloquent, and then they all went to the next house. This was where Tommy lived. Tommy was a Wacky Bug! He liked to talk and say funny things. They went inside. He was sitting at his kitchen table and he was eating his breakfast. He was eating little bugs!

"Would you like some Zhu zhu?" Tommy asked!

" I have eaten already Tommy! What are you having?"

"Mosquitoes and flies! They are my favourite!"

"He loves them, but he is not allowed to eat them!" Billy said.

“Yummy, yummy in my tummy! Icky, icky, wack, wack, wack! Don’t let the dragonflies know! Don’t let them know! Icky, icky, wack, wack, wack.”

Of course, Tommy was a Wacky Bug! Well, they waited for Tommy, then they all went to the next house. They were going to Hong Mei’s house. They called her Rose! She was a Praying Mantis! Zhu zhu had seen this kind of bug in his books before. They were so interesting and so beautiful! She was bright green and she did not change colours like the other bugs! She was thin and had long legs.

"Wow! I'm having so much fun!"

“Good morning Zhu zhu! It is so nice that you came to visit me!”

“I am very pleased to meet you Rose. You are the most beautiful green bug I have ever seen! You have such wonderful friends! I like everyone so much!”

They all then left Rose’s house and went for a long walk around Willow Pond Village.

They talked and talked and talked! Billy held Zhu zhu's hand most of the time, but Zhu zhu took turns, and held everyone’s hand for a while!

XZZ Theme song is playing while they walk and talk. We can see many beautiful scenes of this beautiful village, changing colours, friends waving, lots of laughing! XZZ and Tommy doing wicky wacky woo....... Fade to black...

“Wake up Zhu zhu! It’s time for breakfast and you must hurry to get to school on time”!

Cut.....

Time: 5:30

Total: 58:00

Scene 26: The Snake

XZZ is walking through Willow Park on his way to school. We are following him as we listen to the narration!

It was time to go to school again and Zhu zhu was looking forward to seeing his favourite teacher Mr. Pan, but, as usual, he wanted to stop and look at the bugs in Willow Park. He was thinking about his wonderful new friends from Willow Village as he walked along the path in the park, as he does every morning. He walked down to the stream and saw something. It was the first time he had ever seen a snake in Willow Park. It was not a very big snake. It moved through the grass and into the water. He, .... of course followed it! It was really beautiful the way it moved. He followed for quite some time, and then it came out of the water. He picked it up and put it in his school bag. He was late again!

Everyone had already started their lessons. His first class was English. He went right to Mr. Pan’s classroom. He was in the middle of teaching his lesson.

XZZ quietly walks to his desk and sits down. He looks up and Mr. Pan who was looking right at him. There was a little smile on his face.

He knew why Zhu zhu was late. He did not stop his lesson and he kept on talking. He was teaching about verbs. Zhu zhu really likes verbs a lot! The class was learning about the verb “to come”.

I come

You come

He comes

She comes

It comes

We come

You come

They come

The class repeats as Mr. Pan speaks. Mr. Pan then gives some examples.....

“The boy comes late to school!”

“He comes late all the time!”

XZZ puts up his hand.

Mr. Pan said, “Yes Zhu zhu.”

XZZ stads up and speaks out loudly!

“Don’t forget to add the letter “S” for he, she and it. It is the rule!"

Everyone in the class laughs. Mr. Pan was laughing too! The lesson continued and everyone learned about the rule!

Cut fade out....fade in...class working quietly.

Follow the snake! It leaves XZZ's school bag that was on the floor beside his desk. Drama.... It slithers silently along the floor....

It all seemed to be going very well, and the class was working quietly, and hard on their assignment, but then something happened.

Sunny screamed out! She screamed so loudly!

The class all turned and looked at her. XZZ knew right away what the problem was.

Zoom in on Zhu zhu....he looks down at his bag...then looks at Sunny....runs to her desk and catches the snake.

He put it back in his school bag and then sat back down. Everything was quiet again, but Mr. Pan was looking at him and he was not smiling. Everyone else was looking at XZZ too! XZZ then stands up proud and tall and just yelled out loud,

“The word snake begins with the letter “S”. Now don’t forget to add the “S” with he, she and it! Remember the rule! Mr. Pan, I think ....everyone will remember now!”

It was an interesting morning!

Cut!

** Discribe camera angles....snake slithering silently along the floor.....creeping up Sunny's leg. Dramatic background music.... Nesum Dorma...repeat.

Time: 4:30

Total: 62:30

Scene 27: Everything is Quiet!

It was another beautiful morning in Willow Pond. It was very quiet and, as usual, Zhu zhu did not see anyone at first. Billy always seems to come right away, but today, he was not there. He waited for him, for a while on the bridge. He was watching the fish eat their breakfast. It was fun to watch them. One of the fish came up out of the water and looked at him.

“Hello! My name is Rufus. I am a friendly fish. Are you Zhu zhu? We have heard so much about you!”

“Good morning Rufus....... Yes! I am Zhu zhu. I am so happy to meet you!”

“You must be very careful today. The dragonflies are....... very angry about something!”

Camera shot of the sky... Many dragonflies....some flying in formation....close up on one.....

"Tian a! Rufus! Somethings not right!"

XZZ runs quickly to Willow village to check on Billy. XZZ comes to his house. It has been damaged. XZZ goes inside.

"Billy....Billy.....Are you here?"

He then went to Melody’s house and went inside, but Melody was not there! He then to Tommy’s house and he was not there either! Oh! All of their homes had been wrecked. Something was not right! Where were they? So then he went to Rose’s house and her house was empty too!

He waits outside Rose’s house and began to think! Think, think, think, but he did not know what to think. He did not know where to look! He did not know what to do! Then he heard somebody whisper. He was talking in a very quiet voice!

“Psssst, psssssst, pssssssst!" The voice whispered!

A whisper came from the garden of flowers beside Rose's house. XZZ went over so I could hear better.

“Hello”, he whispered. “Hello!”

“Hi, Zhu zhu! He whispers... My name is Fred. Over here.... I'm a flower! There is big, big trouble. You must be very careful”!

Fred will be a very cool flower! Interesting......

“Hi Fred”, Where is everyone?”

“Oh, Zhu zhu! There is a big problem”, Fred the flower said. “The dragonflies have taken your friends away! They found out that Tommy the Wacky Bug was eating mosquitoes and flies for breakfast and they got very angry with all your friends. They have taken them all away!”

His voice will be funny....opposite effect to the very serious news.... Greatly expressive.....petals jumping and curling etc!

“Do you know where they are Fred?”

“I heard they have been taken to Dragonfly Village. It is not very far. You just need to follow the path”.

XZZ went back into Melody’s house and waited until it was night time so the dragonflies would not be able to see him.

Cut...scene change....time change.... dark!

Time: 4:00

Total: 66:30

Scene 28: Fireflies!

When it got dark Zhu zhu went outside and began to walk down the path to look for his friends, but it was so dark! So dark that little Zhu zhu could see nothing, but he had to get to his friends. He saw a firefly and called to him.

"Come here! Come here! I need your help!"

"How can I help you Zhu zhu!"

"I need to go down the path to Dragonfly Village to find my friends. I need your light to help me see!"

"Oh! I can do so much better! Wait a moment please and I will be right back!"

The firefly came back with many friends. There were so many fireflies! It was so beautiful!

Scene focus on the fireflies! View of many and how they shone to light the way for Zhu zhu. Another visual spectacle! Zhu zhu begins his walk and we follow......

"Fireflies!"

He then comes to the top of a hill. Down below we can see all of Dragonfly Village.

***Another visual spectacle!

Time: 4:00

Total: 70:30

Scene 29: The Search!

He could see Dragon Village and he could see everything, but he could see no dragonflies. They were all in their homes sleeping...... Their homes were not beautiful. They were all

brown and ugly and made from dry grass and sticks.

Zhu zhu began to look everywhere in Dragonfly Village. He looked and looked and looked, but he could not find his good friends. Then,.... he found them!

He could see into the house. It was not really a house. He could see all of his friends. They could not get out, and they were all sleeping too! They were locked inside Drangonfly Jail! Two very big dragonflies were watching them, but they were not doing a very good job! They too were also fast asleep. Everything was so quiet! Zhu zhu had to be very quiet too! He did not want to wake the dragonflies!

This segment is very quiet. Focus needs to be on the visual and the music! ... Music to be determined.

XZZ works at the door lock, and untied it. He opened the door and went inside to get Billy. He puts his hand over Billy's mouth, to keep him quiet, and then he shook one of his legs to wake him up! He shakes his leg a lot. Billy finally opens his eyes and sees Zhu zhu. There is no talking! They woke the others up and they also did not talk. Then they all quietly walked out through the door. They walked past the two sleeping dragonfly guards, and they then went to the edge of Dragonfly Village. They hid in the bushes under some trees.

“We must wait here until morning! We must hide and wait and be very quiet! I have a plan!”

It was a very important plan! He knew what he must do to help his friends. Yes! He had a good idea! It was a very good idea, a very good plan! They all waited for the

sunrise to come, and they did not go home. Oh! They waited and waited for the sun to come up. It took so long! They needed the light of the morning sun for Zhu zhu to do his plan. They all stayed very quiet and waited.

Cut......

Time: 4:30

Total: 75:00

Scene 30: The Plan!

Opening scene is the sunrise over DF!

The morning sun then came up. They could see it shining so bright making so much light; no more night!

"You need to wait! Stay here! I won't be long!"

Zhu zhu then walked very quietly and came to the closest house on the edge of the village. This house was not a very nice looking house. There were no beautiful colours. It was all made from dry grass and sticks. The grass and sticks were very, very old and very, very dry. Zhu zhu then took out his special, magical, magnifying glass, and held it up. The light from the sun went through the glass and onto the dry grass and sticks of the house.

Visual of the sunlight going through the MG and creating a fire....fire burns quickly and spreads....DFs fly out and scramble about.... fire burns out of control.... DFs gather together in the sky and fly away!

Visual dynamic of the burning down of the village.

Music to accompany.... Dramatic!

The whole, entire village was gone! Zhu zhu had burned all their homes! He burned everything! He was so smart!

Zhu zhu and Billy and Tommy and Melody and Rose watched the fire, and they saw all the dragonflies fly away! All the dragonflies were gone! They went away from Willow Pond. They went to find another place to live.... far, far away!

“Wake up Zhu zhu! It’s time for breakfast. You must hurry or you will be late for school”.

"Mama! The dragonflies are all gone! My friends are safe now!”

“You must have had a wonderful dream. Your friends must be very special,... and very happy!”

“Yeah! They are wonderful and amazing friends”!

Zhu zhu got out of bed, got ready for school and quickly made his way downstairs and ate his favourite changfen!

Time: 2:30

Total: 77:30

Scene 31: A Talk with Mr. Pan

Opening scene is XZZ at the school gate saying good morning to Mr. Pan.

“Good morning Zhu zhu. How is my little helper friend this beautiful sunny day?”

“Helper?”

“Yes! Helper Zhu zhu! You helped me so much to find my rainbow book. You were so very smart and your help made me feel so good! Why are you here so early?"

"Can I talk to you Mr. Pan, and tell you about some things?"

"Let's go to my classroom!"

Edit sequence....XZZ talking to Mr. Pan. Silent voices mostly...sometimes key words are out loud. Images edited in of Billy and friends....singing....Dragonflies....etc. This can be a very important sequence and visually dynamic scene.

Cut!

Time: 2:30

Total: 80:00

Scene 32: My Special English Class

When Zhu zhu came to Mr. Pan’s English class that morning, something was different. Mr. Pan asked Zhu zhu to tell his story to everyone in the class.

"I heard the most interesting tale earlier this morning, and today I am so happy to have Zhu zhu share it with you. Come up to the front Zhu zhu. Today the class is yours!"

Applause and cheering!

Another sequence.....Tommy...pointing...cheering.... Rainbow Song.... everyone sings... Wicky wacky..... Mr. Pan...

So, Zhu zhu stood in front of the class and told everyone about his dreams. He told them about Billy the Rainbow Bug, about Tommy the Wacky Bug, and about Melody and Rose! He told them about the dragonflies and about how he saved all of his friends, and about how he made all the bad dragonflies leave Dragonfly Village. He also told them about Willow Pond and what a beautiful place it was.

XZZ finishes...takes a bow...everyone stands, cheers...Tommy gives him a high 5!

Cut....

Time: 2:00

Total: 82:00

Scene 33: Lunchtime and After School

Scene of XZZ walking in school yard at lunch. He stops and hears students from different classes singing his Rainbow Song. ...He smiles and gives some of them a thumbs up!

Scene of XZZ walking home through the park. He sees some students doing the Wicky Wacky....thumbs up!

"Who are they?......Cool! Ha ha".

XZZ is now in the park after school.

Some grade fivers approach ZXX.

"We have heard that you are into bugs, and you are so interesting! Can you show us?"

Sequence... shows them how to use MG....They look and see some bugs....a beetle...PM...

"It's a praying mantis just like Rose!"

"A green beetle....Mr. Pan the rainbow bug!"

"Its real name is ..... How did you guys hear about this?"

"Your friend Tommy is telling everyone!

They all laugh together!

Cut...

Time: 3:00

Total: 85:00

Scene 34: Sleep Scene - short

Short sequence...at dinner...homework...new book!

His mother, like every other night, came in after Zhu zhu fell asleep and put his book away, on the table, beside his bed, and then she took his magnifying glass from his hand and placed it on top of his book that was called “Creatures from the Sea”.

Fade to black! ...cut!

Time: 1:30

Total: 86:30

Scene 35: Another Visit

“Hello Zhu zhu. Come with me! We are going to visit our friends in Willow Pond!”

The curious little boy had a big, big smile on his face and Billy took his hand and they walked together, over the bridge and they were on their way to Willow Village! It was another beautiful morning and there were no dragonflies anywhere!

"Billy! Look! There are NO dragonflies!"

Cut...

Time: 1:00

Total: 87:30

Scene 36: Celebration

“Good day Zhu zhu, Rufus said, We all love you! You are wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!”

“Hi, Rufus! You are such a happy fish today!”

“We are all happy in Willow Pond. You have made all of us so happy!”

Sequence... Billy and XZZ walked some more. The trees and flowers were all changing colours as they walked by. They were just like Billy the Rainbow Bug! Some of the flowers were singing and dancing. The trees were singing too!

“This is all for you little Zhu zhu. Everyone is happy because of what you did.”

“But it really wasn’t much Billy. I just did what I had to do to help my friends!”

“No, no, no! You did so much more. You saved all of Willow Pond and made it a happy place. If you did not come and save us the dragonflies would have eaten us all. We are very, very lucky!”

“Are you telling me they would have eaten you?”

“Yes! We were going to be morning breakfast! They were going to eat us all! We were so scared and so frightened!”

They continued to walk and all the singing was so beautiful! They went to Melody’s home, but she was not there. They went to Tommy’s house too, and he was not there either! Nobody was at home. Zhu zhu did not know why! Soon they came another small pond and everyone was there. Everyone! All the bugs, and all the birds and all the fish and frogs were there. Even Rufus was there! There were turtles and so many butterflies, snakes and ants and worms and crabs and bees and spiders! Everyone!

They all shouted and cheered and clapped their hands!

“Welcome to your new home Zhu zhu!”

“We made you your very own home here in Willow Village! You are our very special friend and we wanted you to have your own place so you could live with us at Willow Pond all the time!”

Everyone began to sing.

Zhu zhu is our special friend.

We love Zhu zhu to the end!

Come to Willow Pond today.

Dream our dreams and we will play.

Be our friend and we will see.

Dream together you and me!

It was so wonderful! They all sat down to have a big breakfast. Zhu zhu sat at a big table with Billy, Melody, Tommy, Rufus and Rose. Rose gave him a cup of tea and Melody gave me a plate full of changfen that she had made just for him! It was the best changfen he had ever eaten. There was so much singing and so much dancing. They ate and ate and ate and ate! It was a wonderful party and everyone was so happy!

It’s time to eat and dance and sing.

Today is a beautiful day…

The morning sun is a wonderful thing.

It’s time for us to play.

No more dragonflies.

No more sad, sad eyes.

Friends forever, playing together.

We are so happy. We are so fine.

Happy, joyful party.

Happy, happy time!

It’s time to eat and dance and sing.

Today is a beautiful day……

The morning sun is a wonderful thing.

It’s time for us to play.

All the singing and dancing stopped. Nobody made a sound, not even a whisper. All the talking stopped. Everyone sat down and it was so, so quiet and then Billy stood up!

“Welcome to all of you! Welcome to this very special celebration. It’s a special day for us to thank Zhu zhu for what he did to bring such great happiness to Willow Pond. We have another gift to give you Zhu zhu. Please stand!”

XZZ stood beside Billy and he handed him another gift. It was a T-shirt! It was so many lovely colours. He put it on and everyone began to cheer again.

“Zhu zhu, Zhu zhu, Zhu zhu, Zhu zhu…….”

Zoom in on shirt! ... Willow Pond

Look, look, look!

Fade to black......

“Wake up Zhu zhu. It’s time for breakfast. You must hurry or you will be late for school”.

Time: 4:30

Total: 92:00

Scene 37: Closing credits

Xiao Zhu zhu is a little boy who has a wonderful imagination and he dreams beautiful dreams. You can look and look too! When you look at things they can help your imagination grow too! You too can be curious. You too can dream about your own mysterious world!

Image sequence of moments in the story.....

Final credits......

Music....

This is my world.

This is my dream…….

A mysterious world,

where I can be anything…….

I can dream my dream…….

I can be me………

You can dream too……

You can be you…….

My dreams are beautiful.

Yours can be too…….

This is my world.

This is my dream…….

We can dream together.

We can dream forever.

Come and dream with me……

Be what you can be…..

We can be anything!

We can dream our dreams.

Fade out....cut!

The End

Time: 4:00

Total: 96:00