Thomas George Mazzola

portfolio presentation

Cover Letter

Resume

Mission

Screenplays

Writing Samples

Script Reviews/Blogs/Posts

Screenplays

Contents

T h o m a s M a z z o l a (828) 200-6928 causalart@gmail.com

Education:

Masters of Fine Arts - Creative Writing Full Sail University - Winter Park, Florida Course Director’s Award – 2013

Bachelor of Arts - Cinema University of Southern California – Los Angeles, CAEmphasis – History and CriticismMinor – Art Direction Skills: Project Design, management, production and maintenanceFinal Draft WordWorked with:iPhoto iMovie Roxio Power PointSeeking proficiency in Adobe Design Suite and other important graphic design tools

Social Networks: Facebook LinkedIn Stage32 ISA TwitterLifetime Alumni at USC Writing Skills: “The Spirit Wind” (original screenplay) Top Ten Finalist - Page International Screenwriting Competition – 2014 Currently donating time providing screenplay reviews for GoSoFar Productions.Contribute editorials and participate in discussions with social networks.I have completed nearly a dozen original screenplays, two novels, one short story.I have created and designed my own business letterheads, invoicing and other forms for decades Experience: Currently a spec writer.Owner/Operator - Thomas Mazzola Landscape Designs and ServicesCashiers/Highlands Area, North CarolinaBusiness fueled by Art Department /Design experience in the Motion Picture Industry

Over 12 years 1978 -1990 of experience working in various positions and stages of production in the Motion Picture and Television Industry - theatrical, commercial, music video and industrial.

Persona lM iss ion S ta temen t

My personal mission is to pursue opportunities, which will increase my skills and talents as a writer, while

continuing my education so that I may be a benefi t to those I work with. To be part of an established, growing

business that off ers the ability to advance in my chosen field while off ering a secure placement in a free

work place.

S c r e e n p l a y s

SCREENPLAYS

* TOP 10 FINALIST – THE FAMILY FILM *PAGE INTERNATIONAL SCREENWRITING COMPETITION 2014

THREE RIVERS EASTBased on a True Story

“A young Lieutenant serving under Colonel “Kit” Carson and his father (a successful rancher) find themselves on

opposite sides of the moral dilemma facing the US during its campaign against the Navajo in the mid

1860’s.”

E W G O T H E I N V E N T O R

AND THE ANGRY MOUNTAIN

NOVEL AVAILABLE ATAMAZON BOOKS

Coming Soon

E w g o T h e I n v e n t or 2

AND

THE COMET

DAY EIGHTGod created the world in six days. On day seven he

rested.Day eight was the fi rst day of the world God created.

“a female lead, character driven, confined psychological drama”

ZEN-MEISTER

OPPRESSION CITY

In a dark future, two heroes struggle through a totalitarian metropolis simultaneously. One takes a path of enlightenment the other’s path is covered in blood.

To rescue the love of their life they must join to become a legendary Zen Meister yet they are only one man.”

FIRST KILL

the investigation of a harrowing poaching incident raises bad blood, putting a deputy game warden between the crosshairs of a

crazed hunter and a marriage gone badly

Smoke

Screen

A Romant i c Murder Mys teryHarbo i ld

The Keepers of Knowledge and Wisdom

ANIN-DEPTH STUDY

OFSENIORS IN AMERICA

A Documentary Screenplay Written By

Thomas Mazzola

WRITING SAMPLES:

SCRIPT REVIEWS / BLOGS / POSTS

REVIEWS

BY: THOMAS MAZZOLA

TITLE: Killing ErnestFORM/PAGES: Script/107GENRE: Drama / Historical Drama?CIRCA: 1950’s - 1961LOCALE: New York, Cuba, Spain and IdahoREVIEWER: Thomas MazzolaDATE: 01/19/15 RECOMMENDATION: 10 of 10. Highly recommended! This is a great screenplay that should be made into a major motion picture as is! CONCEPT: A journalist’s / writer’s truthful depictions of one of America’s greatest writers told in a series of flashbacks that are artfully woven into a tapestry of beautiful storytelling. LOGLINE: Hearing of Hemingway's suicide, a journalist reflects upon his lengthy friendship with the author, and can't help but feel it was his article that caused the great man's demise. PLOT: The story begins with a grandfather clock ticking down the final minutes of Ernest Hemingway’s life. The sound of a shotgun blast and the flash of light lighting up the “grand living room adorned with the heads of many exotic animals.” Then, at a New York City newsstand, a bundle of newspapers are delivered tied by string. The headlines “Author, Ernest Hemingway Dies of Gunshot Wound to the Head, Wife Says, Cleaning Shotgun. Our storyteller, Charles Holtz is the first to buy the paper along with a News Week magazine (from the previous week) with a cover story on Hemingway entitled “The Man and The Sea” By: Charles Holtz. The screenwriter makes the reader immediately aware of a guilt ridden Charles Holtz as he utters to himself, “I’m the guy that killed him.” From this moment on the screenwriter captures the reader as Charles Holtz begins the recounting of his friendship and many adventures with the famous writer. While telling his story with numerous flashbacks, returning to present day then back again, the screenwriter tells just how Holtz thinks he’s to blame – by finally publishing an honest piece of writing, which tells the truth about the famous writer’s character and what made him Hemingway… the man he was. During the two men’s friendship, it is Hemingway who drills into Holtz the importance of writing the truth – bleeding the truth onto the pages. While on an African safari, the two friends have a falling out, when Holtz thinks Hemingway has thrown his manuscript (News Week article) onto the campfire. Years later Holtz is called to Idaho still seething over their falling out to get a final interview from the famous writer who is suffering from his hard life unable to even use his hands to pound the keys of his typewriter. It is here Hemingway confesses he had deceived Holtz and had kept his original article. He gives it back to Holtz with his notes and tells him to publish it commending him for writing the truth. *Augustas. I highly recommend you read this screenplay.

CHARACTERS: The characters are portrayed perfectly and just enough to leave room for the director and actors to pick up where the writer leaves off. The main characters of course are Holtz, Hemingway, Hemingway’s wife Mary, American bullfighter, Sidney Franklin and Holtz’ fiancée and wife Francine. DIALOGUE: Again as with the characterizations the writer gives just enough distinction leaving room for the director and actors to add their craft to the piece. PACE: The pacing masterfully moves within a tightly woven tapestry of meaningful flashbacks and storytelling. SETTING: The settings of New York City, Havana, Madrid, Africa and Idaho are believable and distinct. There are also great fishing scenes of the two friends on Hemingway’s boat. TONE / SHOOTING STYLE: Very realistic tone of a period piece during the mid-fifties to early sixties filled with just enough authenticity as not to distract from the actual subtext of storytelling. APPEAL: PG rating with a wide appeal. ESTIMATED MINIMUM BUDGET: The budget depends on having a star-studded cast. SUGGESTED CASTING OPTIONS: The writer makes suggestions when introducing Hemingway (Bill Murray or Tom Hanks) though I am not sure of this choice I would opt with Corey Stoll who played Hemingway in “Midnight in Paris” with wonderful vigor. For the American bullfighter Sydney Franklin the writer suggests Adrien Brody and I see this as a very good choice. READER COMMENTS: The writer has written a truly great screenplay weaving an artful tapestry (as I have said). What is truly amazing is the writer has left this reviewer stumped as to whether it is based on real events or if it is total fiction. If the protagonist (Charlie Holtz) is a fictional character this writer has done just an awesome job making the reader think it is a screenplay based on a true story or non-fictional source! The screenwriter avoids being overly directive in all accounts, which give the director and actors their deserved interpretations - just a superb job. Other screenwriters might have overdone this attempt making the screenplay much longer than the 107 pages it is. In fact I wished it could have been longer. If the writer has a longer version I would welcome it wholeheartedly. The screenwriter also deserves high praise for not overstepping his bounds while keeping a very heartfelt and complex story… a beautiful read. I can’t say enough – this screenplay in the right hands, deserves to be made into a top-notched movie. There is just no doubt in my mind. I know award-winning writing when I see it and with just a touch of embellishment, I see not only this screenplay, but also the movie being an Academy Award winner. I would love to be part of it and I hope this review makes it a possibility in any function! OTHER POTENTIAL MEDIA WHERE THIS THEME COULD BE EXPLOITED TV SERIES: No GAMES: No

TITLE: GivenFORM/PAGES: Script/99GENRE: Dark ComedyCIRCA: Present day.LOCALE: Any Town, USAREVIEWER: Thomas MazzolaDATE: 01/19/15 RECOMMENDATION: 6.5 of 10. Likable comedy. Needs more depth and conviction. With some slight changes this script could have a much higher rating.CONCEPT: Good concept that falls just short of having the meaning and depth the reader hopes for. LOGLINE: An aging widow offers her vast fortune to a young slacker in exchange for one small favor that he kill her.ALTERNATE HIGH-CONCEPT LOGLINE: An aging widow offers her vast fortune to a young slacker in exchange for one small favor that he kill her. He accepts but can’t follow through after discovering he has feelings for her. PLOT: Max holds a nowhere job working the floor of his grandfather’s (Harvey) hardware store. His girlfriend of ten years, Jodie, works at the local hospital as an RN. Max has a self-esteem problem and thinks Jodie can do a whole lot better than him. Harvey is quick to point out that Max should marry Jodie before she realizes he’s not really a catch in the husband department. Max is in debt from getting his college degree, which has done little to advance him. He also appears to suffer from PTSD from losing his mother and father. Thus he appears to be a slacker. Enter Elizabeth Waldren, an elder rich woman, who suffers from depression and loneliness after losing her husband and son. She propositions Max to kill her and promises to leave her estate to him in return. Max is grossed out by the proposition until it’s apparent he may lose Jodie to the new buff Doctor (Edward) at the hospital. Max accepts the deal having been led to believe Elizabeth suffers from an inoperable brain tumor and will soon die a painful death. After a couple attempts that fail miserably and humorously, Max nearly succeeds but instead saves Elizabeth from plummeting to her death. Jodie finds out of the secret plan and dumps Max and begins going out with Edward. Max finds out Elizabeth has lied to him and doesn’t have a brain tumor. Max figures out that Elizabeth plans to kill herself on the one-year anniversary of her husband and son’s death and saves her. CHARACTERS: Max’s character is well developed as the “slacker”, depressed young guy who really couldn’t hurt a fly. He is also portrayed as someone who is awkwardly clumsy. Jodie is well developed as the girlfriend who wishes Max could apply his self a bit more and be more committed to their relationship. Elizabeth, on the other hand, comes off a little mysterious and flat for such an important character. DIALOGUE: The dialogue of the younger characters is well done. Max’s dialogue is aptly goofy and nerdy at times. He talks to himself out loud in a sarcastic way and this works well. The writer could have given Elizabeth a more “well to do” dialogue, more appropriate for someone of extreme wealth. Elizabeth’s dialogue could also reveal more inner conflict of lying about her terminal illness. Because we don’t see signs of this inner struggle, the ending seems contrived and flat.

PACE: The pace could have had more motion to it. SETTING: The setting of Elizabeth’s mansion is fine. The hardware store where Max works is also good. TONE / SHOOTING STYLE: Smart comedy with a touch of farce and slapstick. An overall dark feeling prevails. APPEAL: PG audience of all ages. ESTIMATED MINIMUM BUDGET: Maybe 1 - 2 million depending on casting. There are 4 major locations. Easily managed. SUGGESTED CASTING OPTION: Seth Rogan as Max. READER COMMENTS: This is a good concept. However because it is under developed loses a high-concept rating that “Horrible Bosses” achieves. With some work this could be as good. The seeds of a very fine screenplay are present – just not developed. The circumstances Max finds himself in with Elizabeth should be developed more where Max actually finds he is attracted to her, especially when he sees her naked. Maybe she has a great body! Instead of him being grossed out he find himself disturbingly attracted to her! Where Max almost succeeds in killing her is out of character for him. He actually gives her a push then saves her. This doesn’t work. By this point the bond between the two should be established enough where he can’t go through with it. Her fall should be truly accidental and he saves her. The way it is, doesn’t work and the author knows it doesn’t as Elizabeth is angry expressing Max tried to kill her then saved her – too much of a stretch all in one action and it does little to build the bond between the two only and brings about a confused mistrust. A bond is imperative for the ending to really work. The sequence when Max goes with Edward hunting does nothing to move the story forward. If anything it is a huge red herring. Those pages are better served getting Max and Elizabeth in more uncompromising situations that actually build a bond between the two so that when Max tells her he’s out and isn’t going to kill her and thinks she’s crazy, this could hurt Elizabeth’s feelings so bad it could prompt her to suicide. As it is, Max seems like a bad guy at the end when he gives up on saving Elizabeth after she tells him he’s going to get her fortune anyway. The bond should really be strong by this point so that it becomes heart wrenching for them both. As presented it falls tragically short and a GOLDEN opportunity is missed! I highly recommend the writer revamp this story to create a heartfelt bond between Max and Elizabeth to the point where Max could be grossed out that he’s actually attracted to her in a odd mother/son kind of way! In the end he just can’t let her kill herself – he’s grown to love her! OTHER POTENTIAL MEDIA WHERE THIS THEME COULD BE EXPLOITED: With a really good rewrite and some very smart writing this could be a good theatrical stage play. TV SERIES: No GAMES: No

Own Who You Are Don’t Let Who You Are Own You

An article for writers: on sourcing the truth: Here is a befitting excerpt from one of my screenplays entitled “Shades of Gray,”

Johnny (V.O.)I realized what fueled my being, was a quest for something no one could teach or write in a book. My quest went beyond knowing the simple physics of life or answering the question of one’s own existence. There was something more out there, waiting to be discovered, something that exceeded the complicated logic of science and religious faith-- something that would ultimately give new meaning to all the knowledge in the world. For me, that one discovery would be the very nature of... TRUTH itself. If I could come up with the equation for the nature of truth... if I could discover the core formula and bottle it like one would bottle anti-matter, I will have made the greatest discovery of mankind.

My new goal as a writer is to write with my blood and bleed the truth onto the pages without a net or filter. I will let you know how it goes.

Social Network Postings

Articles Hollywood's Monopolization of Creativity:

The Feature Animation

Excerpt

Producers and gatekeepers strive to choose their material carefully, hoping that emulating proven formulas of past box-office successes will propel projects into high profit margins. That’s their job and that’s fine in the adult world of bringing home the bacon to feed their children. But are they dishing out healthy food for our children’s growing minds? Can we do better with well-balanced, healthy, fresh ingredients for the growing mind, or do we stick to a formulated, serialized, condensed and processed product, which has been marketed to maximize profits and hook the consumer – our kids? At least give the parents a choice.

Hollywood should not be so narrow minded and insecure in its decision making process. They should not monopolize creativity with formulated content. Hollywood has always done it’s very best by not succumbing to its fears and insecurities but by being brave and diverse offering its consumers a wide variety of content to choose from. Hollywood has only one thing to fear as we all do and that is fear itself.

Food For ThoughtT.G. Mazzola

Writing Samples

Screenplays

“Three Rivers East” 2001 (Historical Drama) Excerpt from Screenplay_________________________________________________________________________________

INT. WHITE HOUSE – WASHINGTON D.C. 1863 – DAY

Carson walks down a long hall, pauses at a door, knocks. The door is quickly opened. A young Lieutenant salutes Carson and holds the door open.  A dauntless VOICE belts out.

SHERMAN (OS)

Kit Carson! Colonel, please come in. Carson steps forward and stands at attention before the commanding officer of the US ARMY and salutes. GENERAL WILLIAM T. SHERMAN stands from behind a desk covered in maps. 

SHERMAN (CONT’D) Thank you, for your expediency.

 There is a long pause as Sherman draws in a deep sigh, the weight of the Civil War a heavy burden to bare.

SHERMAN (CONT’D)

There is no glory to be had fighting the war in the South. It is unforgiving and bloody. It has become a war of pointless hypocrisy.

 Sherman looks from the maps to Carson and lights a cigar.

SHERMAN (CONT’D) Colonel… you on the other hand enjoy quite a unique status among your peers. You sir, are a legend in your own time, a true hero of the people. I ordered you here so I may convince you to continue your illustrious legacy.

SHERMAN

I have twice denied your request to serve the war in the South and yourrequest for leave of duty. (straight to the point) I, hereby, order you to accept and carry out Carleton’s campaign against the Navajo in the New Mexico Arizona Territory.

CARSONWith all due respect, Carleton is a fool.

 SHERMAN

That may be Colonel, regardless it is your insight to the natives in the territory that gives me reason for myunwavering confidence in you.

 CARSON

Am I to do his dirty work again, as Idid with the Mescalero Apache?

 SHERMAN

It is imperative you accept this campaign and carry it out, successfully.

I am confident you, above all officers,will choose a course of action, whichwill prevent the possible extermination these natives most certainly face, should I be forced to accept your resignation.

  Sherman looks pensively at Carson. 

CARSONThey will die at the Fort Sumner

reservation along with their enemies the Mescalero, sure as putting a bullet in them, Sir.

 SHERMAN

We need time, Colonel! Across the entirecountry the natives are being wiped out.

  

 

SHERMANThere are some in government who seem to believe our free will to settled the land in the west is predestined. A very dangerous belief, one the President and many including myself are infinitely irritated by.

(looks to Carson) Colonel, this very belief has become a means by, which to validate our wrongful

treatment of the natives. It has become painfully clear to the Senate if this course of action is not reversed, our country born of freedom, will perpetrate the worst crime against humanity thought imaginable. We must prevent this from becoming part of our country’s heritage and history! 

There is a long pause, as Sherman’s words seem to hang in the air with the thick cigar smoke. 

CARSONI fear it may already be too late, General.

  Now Carson’s words are left hanging as both men pause in thought. 

CARSON (CONT’D)Is that all, Sir?

  Sherman stands, extends his open hand. The two weary warriors shake.

SHERMANThank you, I knew we were in accordance and I could count on your service and diplomacy.

  Carson salutes Sherman. The General salutes back. Carson turns to walk out, stops and turns back. Carson seems to want to speak but instead there is silence between the two men before Carson exits. 

  

Excerpt from Documentary Script created and written by: Thomas Mazzola

“Keepers of Knowledge and Wisdom”

FADE IN: The background is of a consistent image of hills and valleys as if contained in the topography of rippling sand dunes seen from a great distance. The view of this image is slowly pulling back until certain features of the hills and valleys eventually reveals we are looking at the wrinkled face of an old man or woman well into their life span.

NARRATOR The cycle of human life is defined by its beginning, or its birth… and by its end, or its death.

An INFANT is held in the wrinkled hands of an OLD WOMAN.

NARRATOR Human beings are born into this world as infants. Infant is derived from the Latin word infans, meaning "unable to speak" or "speechless." On the other end of the life spectrum, humans are referred to as seniors or as elderly. The Latin root sen… means “old”.

Images of a series of elderly faces of human beings DISSOLVE one to another. SERIES OF DISSOLVING SHOTS Images of a series of elderly faces of human beings DISSOLVE one to another.

NARRATOR In the Senate of Rome, the senators were men. The word senator as does the word senior, comes from the same Latin root of “sen” meaning “old”. In Latin the word “senex” means “old man”.

TITLE SUPER

“THE KEEPERS OF KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM “ an

In-depth Study of America’s Senior Citizens

DISSOLVE TO

INT. CAVE – DAY

A campfire provides light for the cave as a Clan of modern stone-age humans is gathered about the Eldest of the Clan as he speaks words of wisdom.

NARRATOR Since the dawn of human kind… human beings have looked to their oldest members for their knowledge, wisdomand leadership. Our elders have been the teachers and spiritual Sheppard of people since civilization began.

SERIES OF SHOTS

Images of elder philosophers, teachers and religious leaders from ancient Mesopotamia and Greece to the beginnings of Christianity are shown.

NARRATOR An “elder” in Christianity is a person valued for his wisdom who accordingly holds a particular position of responsibility in a Christian group.

SERIES OF SHOTS

Images are shown of great religious leaders. Popes of the Roman Catholic Church are shown as being the elder wise leaders of Christianity.

NARRATOR Throughout history elders have held great status within our

societies as well as in our villages, towns and our families.

SERIES OF SHOTS

Images of modern day American society show how our culture has become a fast paced way of life - full of traffic jams, people filling the streets of New York City on their way to work. Crowded subways, buses and people hailing

taxicabs have become normal sights belonging mostly to a younger work force.

LAP

ERICA (V.O.)I was so wrapped up in my career that I didn’t have time to take care of my mother.

SERIES OF SHOTS

Image after image is shown of seniors sitting at home in a nursing home, alone. INT. OFFICE – DAY

A woman in her early 50’s sits in a chair at her office in Malibu, California. There is a view of the Pacific Ocean in the background. Her name is Ericha. She is a Psychologist.

ERICHA A decision was made; it was time for my mother to be place in a

nursing home. The firm I was working for at the time offered me a promotion that was considered an opportunity of a lifetime. The job would take me overseas to India. I knew if I took theposition I probably would never see my mother again…

Ericha remembers the bittersweet time.

ERICHAI turned down the job, moved to the small town in Tennessee where I grew up as a child to stay with my mother during herher twilight years. I spent nearly a year with her until she passed away. It was a difficult decision for me to make. Not only did I turn down a great opportunity, I eventually lost myjob all together and spent my savings until I was broke. (pauses)I don’t regret making that decision.

Excerpt from Documentary Script “Keepers of Knowledge and Wisdom” 2010

Excerpt from: The Spirit Wind

BACK TO SCENE

Ben points the iPhone out the window. After a moment something catches his attention and he slowly lowers the iPhone and focuses his eyes.

BEN (CONT’D) (alarmed)

Dad. Dad!

Robert looks into the rearview mirror at Ben as one by one, everyone stops singing and looks to him. Nancy is the last to stop.

ROBERTWhat is it, Ben?

BENThose clouds.

Everyone looks. Nancy’s happy expression turns to one of terror. Robert struggles to see through the windshield over the cornfields, off to his right. The storm blots the horizon, moving rapidly towards them.

NANCYThe radio!

Nancy switches on the radio. It comes on in the middle of a warning. The SOUND of an ALARM in short bursts, then a VOICE.

VOICE (RADIO)Take shelter immediately. This is a tornado alert for Geary and Salina counties. Take shelter immediately. Repeat, this is a tornado alert.

The radio alert continues as Nancy throws a panicked look to Robert.NANCY

Which way is it headed?

ROBERTI can’t tell.

The radio continues with the sound of the alarm when Robert turns it off. He looks in the rearview mirror.

ROBERT (CONT’D)Kids, make sure your seat belts are on tight.

The kids tighten their seat belts. Robert’s foot presses down on the gas pedal. A few cars coming the opposite way, speed past them with their headlights on.

ROBERT (CONT’D)We can make it home.

The engine revs as the speedometer rises past 80 mph. The sky turns a dark, ominous, green hue. Lightning strikes in the near distance. Transformers explode in bright flashes.THUNDER CRACKS ominously.

BENDad! Faster!

The speedometer rises past 90 mph.

NANCYRobert!

ROBERTWe can do this!

Adam looks up at his older brother worried.

BEN (softly to Adam)Don’t worry. Dad won’t let anything bad happen to us. You still have the pocket knife I gave you?

Adam takes the Swiss Army Knife out of his pocket and grips it tightly. Ben nods his head as if the knife is a good luck charm.

ROBERTKids! When we get home, you know what to do straight to the storm cellar, right?

The kids are too frightened to answer but nod their heads in affirmation. Ben sees a funnel cloud drop from the bottom of the super-cell.

BEN Dad!

Robert sees the tornado touch down closer than expected.

NANCYRobert! Turn around!

JILL It’s headed right for us!

A hard rain hits them in a sudden wave. Robert turns on the headlights and windshield wipers. Large hail hits the SUV, a few at a time with loud bangs, scaring everyone, then quickly escalates. The windshield spider webs.

Soon the banging is like a hundred hammers striking the SUV at once. The children cover their ears. Robert is forced to slow down. Driving rain whips across in sheets.

Headlights from a van coming at them in the distance reflect off the webbed glass. Robert strains to see. A gust of wind nearly pushes them across the center line.

Lightning strikes the oncoming van causing it to swerve violently. The van flips and tumbles down the center of the highway.Robert and Nancy stare at the coming threat.

NANCYOh my God!

Robert slams on the breaks. The tires lock down. The SUV skids. Reacting to an impending collision, Nancy throws her hands up in horror as Jill screams.

SERIES OF SHOTS (SLOW MOTION)

At the last moment the van is lifted by the powerful winds. It tumbles just over the top of the SUV.

Ben’s eyes follow the van until he’s looking out the back window. The van crashes back to the highway behind the SUV, tumbles for a moment before being swept off the road by the powerful winds.

BACK TO SCENE

Robert and Nancy look at each other, as large pieces of debris fly by. Robert steps on the gas pedal. A telephone pole falls across the road ahead of them. Sparks fly from the broken power lines.

NANCYLook out!

Robert tries to swerve around the pole but clips it and careens toward the shoulder. They drop off the highway to a hard stop. The SUV is caught on the road bank. Robert hits the gas. The wheels spin freely. He quickly gives up, cuts the engine off. He looks to his children.

ROBERTIs everyone alright?

The frightened kids indicate they are fine. They’re in the thick of it - wind, rain, lightning and flying debris.

ROBERT (CONT’D)Quick! Out of the car into the ditch!

Ben sees the TORNADO approaching and screams over its ROAR.

BENIt’s coming!

Everyone frantically unbuckles their seat belts. The REAR WINDOW SHATTERS as a fence post blows-in, wedged the length of the cargo bay, only inches from Ben’s head. EXT. ROAD BANK – DAY

Robert and Nancy bail-out of the car. Robert pulls Jill from the back seat. Nancy helps Ben out then reaches for Adam but slips down the muddy bank. Robert is struck in the head by flying debris. He falls unconscious, pinning Nancy and Jill in the ditch.

Adam screams. His body is sucked out of the back seat and up. His hold on the seat belt keeps him from being taken. The powerful winds nearly lift the SUV off the ground.

NANCYAdam!

Ben sees the tires nearly rise off the ground. He climbs the bank fighting the powerful winds and reaches for Adam.

ADAMBen!

BENGrab my hand!

Ben reaches as far as he can. He’s only inches from Adam’s free hand, balled-up in a fist. Ben lunges to grab Adam when a large roll of hay blows by taking Adam with it.

Their eyes remain locked. Adam calls out to Ben as he is swept-up into the tornado.

BEN (CONT’D)Adam! NOOO!

ADAMBen!

Adam’s voice echoes strangely as if coming from another dimension.A strange, brilliant, tunneling, flash of light emanates from the tornado knocking Ben back to the ditch in a sitting position. He just

stares at the tornado in utter shock.

Finally, a piece of debris flies by creating a flash of light.