THE KIDS TEN COMMANDMENTS
EPISODE #1 
"The Not So Golden Calf":
Commandments #1 and #2

opening title sequence
[STOCK FOR ALL EPISODES]

TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. MT. SINAI - DAY
MOUNT SINAI towers over the landscape ... a red granite mountain rising up from the craggy desert floor ... we start CLOSE ON THE SUMMIT ... SHOW TITLES FADE ON AND OFF ...
"The Not So Golden Calf"
Commandments #1 and #2
SETH (V.O.)
We had wandered in the desert for a long time until we finally camped at the base of Mount Sinai ... "the mountain of God." 
WE SLOWLY TILT DOWN from Mount Sinai to reveal THE CAMP OF THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL ... 
seth  (V.O.) (CONT'D)
This is my story of what happened when God spoke to us and gave us His Commandments -- His rules -- for our lives!
	GOD'S VOICE
"Do not worship any other gods besides me." [Exodus 20:3 NLT] ..."Do not make idols of any kind, whether in the shape of birds or animals or fish. You must never worship or bow down to them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not share your affection with any other god! " [Exodus 20:4-6 NLT]
EXT. CAMP OF THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL - DAY
SUPERIMPOSE KEY "EPISODE" CREDITS (STARS, WRITERS ... but KEEP the BULK OF CREDITS FOR ENDING SEQUENCE) ... We see a piece of the "tent city" where the people of Israel have gathered on their Exodus from Egypt towards the Promised Land (1440 B.C.) ... the tents are made of animal skins and woven linen ... some more colorful than others ... most in small groupings of several tents with small animal "pens."
WE PUSH IN TOWARDS SETH'S TENT ... a medium-sized tent on the edge of the encampment. There is a small animal pen to one side.
SETH (V.O.)
This is our camp ... and there I am -- coming out to feed the animals.
ext. seth'S TENT - day 
SETH (Boy, age 10), exits his tent, grabs some GREEN STUBBLE to feed the animals (which was piled against the tent) and moves towards the small animal pen.
EXT. CAMP - DAY - ANIMAL PEN - conTINUOUS
Seth opens a "gate" (more like a few well-placed sticks) in the small weather-beaten wooden fence (really branches from an Acacia tree which have been bound together to form a make shift "pen"). He is first greeted by JACOB, a cute little bull/calf. Seth HUGS Jacob.
seth (V.O.)
And there's Jacob -- my prize-winning bull -- my most valuable possession. This story is as much about him, as it is about me. Little did I realize that from that moment on, my life would never be the same.
PUSH IN CLOSE on Seth and Jacob as we ...
fade OUT.

ACT ONE
FADE IN:
ext. ANIMAL PEN - DAY
Seth and Jacob move towards the center of the pen. 
seth
(calling while he crosses)
Shadi [Shadd-ee] ... Hannah ... Rachel ... Martha ... breakfast! 
(tossing the clippings into a small trough)
Hey guys, I found some scrub that's still green!
Seth looks at the WATER BUCKET -- then notices that it is empty -- he picks it up and exits the pen.
seth (CONT'D)
I better get you guys some water ... 
The animals begin to gather ... JACOB, the young calf (bull), nudges past RACHEL the donkey and HANNAH THE GOAT ... he dives into the food. 
jacob
Get outta my way! Me first!
(Note: The animals can talk to each other, but the humans do NOT understand).
rachEL
(calling to Jacob)
Why does he get to eat first?
Jacob eats at a selfish pace.
MARTHA, a small and timid lamb doesn't want to be left behind!
martha
Save some for me!
SHADI, the oldest camel is the desert, his voice is deep and gravely ....
shadi
We must SHARE.
Jacob's mouth is stuffed and there is only one small shrub/leaf left to eat ... 
jacob
(mouth full; gloating)
<gulp> Your share is what's left.
Shadi gently nudges Martha the small lamb to the trough, so that she can have the last leaf.
martha
(to Jacob)
That was so mean, Jacob!
jacob
Lighten up, I was hungry. 
shadi
That was supposed to be for all of us.
jaCOB
No way, Gramps, I get more than that as a "snack" in Egypt.
rachel
Why don't you go back to Egypt?
jacob
I would if I could ... in Egypt -- I'm golden! I am worshiped and adored as a god!
martha
There is only one God.
rachEL
Remember, he's the one who gave Moses the power to part the Sea ...
jacob
Yeah, yeah, yeah ... I haven't seen him around here lately, have you?
shADI
Moses is probably talking to him on the mountain.
jacob
Oh yeah, that's a good one old-timer ... did ya' ever think that Moses and God may have "gone" n' left us in this burning hot desert?
hANNAH
God is never gone, he is always with us ... taking care of us.
jacob
Oh, good, then I am sure that he'll take care of getting you some food ... 
Jacob turns, and pompously walks to the other side of the pen. Hannah gives an attitude "look" to Shadi as we ... CUT TO:
ext. sinai desert - morning - dry creek bed
SETH looks at the desolate desert that surrounds the camp ... small rock formations, some scrubby brush, a lone Acacia tree ... and a DRY CREEK BED. 
seth  (V.o.)
Moses had been gone a long time -- food was scarce, and so was water ...
We hear the <CRY OF A FALCON> ... Seth looks up as a FALCON SWOOPS DIRECTLY AY HIM. Seth ducks, thinking that the bird might be attacking.
seth (CONT'D)
(scared)
Ahhh ...
We hear a <WHISTLE> and ZEEK, THE FALCON BANKS AWAY and lands on his outstretched hand of his young master, EPHRAIM, a rich boy about Seth's age. 
EPHRAIM
(chuckling)
Don't worry, he's trained.
seth
He's incredible.
Ephraim
He's the most amazing pet that I have ever had. I am Ephraim [F-rum]. 
(showing the falcon)
And this is Ezekiel, but I call him "Zeek." 
seth  
(pets the falcon)
I'm Seth.
Zeek enjoys being petted.
Ephraim
What are you doing out here?
seth
I was going to get water from the stream ... but-- it's dry.
Seth looks down at what once was a stream.
Ephraim
On the other side of the camp, near the mountain you'll find Jethro's well.
seth
Thanks. See you later, have fun with Zeek.
Seth starts to leave.
Ephraim
I will ... who would not have fun with the greatest falcon in the world!
Seth starts to walk away ... Ephraim gives hand signals to Zeek, who does amazing tricks in the sky ... Seth wishes that he had something great too.
SETH (V.O.)
Jacob, my calf, was definitely not as great as Ephraim's falcon -- If I had a pet like that, then I would really be "somebody" around camp. 
ext. new well - moRNING
CLOSE ON HAZZAKA FACE -- impatiently waiting IN A LINE OF ABOUT A DOZEN PEOPLE -- he's a smarmy guy in his 40's-50's He has "beady" eyes, arching eyebrows, and long bony arms that gesture as he speaks.  
seth  (V.O.)
Then again, everybody wanted to be "somebody" in those days --
WE WIDEN as MAN #1 CROSSES CARRYING A BUCKET OF WATER reveal that Hazzaka is standing with his young wife, MEHIDA -- WE WIDEN FURTHER to see BOAZ, an older guy in his 50's -- fat, pompous, and not too bright and NAOMI, his wife (50's) ... self-centered, self-important, selfish ... more layers of linen garments than Cleopatra ...  Boaz crosses to Hazzaka.
BOAZ
(to Hazzaka)
Well, Hazzaka, isn't it wonderful that we have water?
haZZAKA
(sarcastic)
Amazing ... another miracle ... in Egypt we had the whole Nile!
BOAZ
Ahhh, but we're not in Egypt any more --
hAZZAKA
Things were better in Egypt.
BOAZ
As slaves??!
haZZAKA
As slaves we didn't have to wait in line for hours to get water! When are we all going to face the fact that Moses is gone! He has been up on that mountain for over a month and he's NOT COMING BACK!
naomi
He's got a point, Boaz.
FIVE OR SIX PEOPLE (add some background characters) are starting to gather around Hazzaka, Naomi, Mehida, and Boaz.
crowd
<grumbles> Yeah ... he's right ... 
naoMI
What will we do if Moses doesn't come back?
MEHIDA
(setting him up)
Who will lead us?
Hazzaka smiles at his wife.
boaz
Hazzaka, what do you suggest?
IN TIGHT ON HAZZAKA
hAZZAKA
(devilish thinking)
I have an idea -- come with me!
crowd
Yeah ... that's right ... let's go ...
The CROWD exits the scene as Seth arrives carrying his empty bucket ... 
seth
Excuse me -- anybody know where Jethro's well is?
mEHIDA
(points, dismissing him)
Over there, little boy.
Seth heads for the well.
SETH
(mumbles to himself)
Little boy? Huh ...
Seth kicks sand, then moves and dips his bucket in the water.
diSSOLVE TO:
ext. aARON'S TENT - day
MIRIAM, Moses/Aaron's spunky older sister in her 90's is sitting in front of the tent using a pestal-like stone crushing tool to grind some grain in a stone bowl. AARON (90+), the temporary leader of the group, comes outside the tent. 
seth  (v.O.)
It was a daily occurrence that people would complain to Aaron, Moses' brother -- he was in charge of everything while Moses was away. 
Hazzaka, Mehida, Boaz, Naomi, and the SIX OTHERS come around the corner and head towards Aaron's tent.
miRIAM
Here comes trouble.
AARON
I wish Moses would hurry back.
Miriam moves away as the crowd approaches. They reach the tent and Aaron steps forward.
aaron (CONT'D)
How may I help you, my brethren?
HAZZAKA
Aaron -- we have a list of grievances!
Boaz lets out a PAPYRUS scroll that unfurls, covered with a long list of problems.
aarON
That's quite a list -- if you'll leave it with me, I will review it and see what we can do.
BOAZ
We're tired of waiting. We want action NOW!
aarON
Well, what is your most pressing issue?
Hazzaka and Boaz look over the list -- Hazzaka looks up.
HAZZAKA
What are you going to do about God?
aARON
(thinks, then answers)
Nothing. God can take care of himself.
BOAZ
You can't expect us to worship an invisible god!
naomi
We need a god we can see!
MEHIDA
We need gods like we had in Egypt!
BOAZ
--made of stone, or gold, or jewels!
hazzAKA
These people and many others are seriously thinking about going back to Egypt.
Aaron turns to Miriam ... 
aARON
(stalling -- to Miriam)
Miriam, what should I do? I must do something to keep them from leaving!
Miriam raises his eyebrows, she shakes her head "no."
hazzAKA
The people want a leader! A man of decisions ... not just somebody else's mouthpiece.
CROWD
<GRUMBLES> Yeah ... that's right ...
aARON
(to the crowd)
All right, all right ... how about this? I shall make a statue ... "Tell your wives and sons and daughters to take off their gold earrings, and bring them to me." [Exodus 32:2 NLT] and I shall melt them down and make a great ... (fishing for the word) ... a great--
miRIAM
(under her breath)
--mistake ...
ALTERNATE LINE
AARON
All right, all right ... how about this? I shall make a statue ... collect golden rings and earrings from your wives and daughters. Bring them to me, and I shall melt them down and make a great  ... (fishing for the word) ... a great--
miRIAM
(under her breath)
--mistake ...
aarON
-- god ... you can see.
Hazzaka, Mehida, Boaz, and Naomi are very excited as they exit.
cut TO:
EXT. CAMP - MORNING - MOMENTS LATER
Seth is carrying his bucket (now filled with water) back towards the tent ... his mother, LEILA, comes to greet him. Leila (Lay-la), is Seth's single Mom (30's) ...a woman of God -- modest, hard-working, pretty, but life is tough in the desert for a single (widowed) Mom. 
leiLA
Seth, where have you been?
seth
I found Jethro's well -- it's really close -- just over there! Mom, I heard some people talking about wanting to go back to Egypt, do you think Moses is really gone for good?
LEILA
I don't know Seth ... but I don't think so.
seth
Then what's he doing on the mountain for so long?
LEILA
He's probably just enjoying a peaceful mountaintop experience with God.
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. MOUNT SINAI - DAY/NIGHT - IN GOD'S PRESENCE
EXTREME CLOSE UP OF MOSES face 
ECU OF Moses' determined, wind-blown face. Lightening flashes with great intensity -- like a supernatural series of flash bulbs popping. Moses covers his eyes -- his body is buffeted by the wind ...
BRILLIANT LIGHT ENGULFS MOSES ... 
The MOUNTAIN SHAKES and RUMBLES ...
Then everything goes still ... Moses LOOKS UP at an BRIGHTER LIGHT ... 
close on two stone tablets
the "finger of God" -- an intense smoky laser -- inscribes each commandment on to the two tablets of stone. [The writing on the tablet will be in ancient Hebrew.] 
Reaction shot - ecu on moses
DUTCH ANGLES on Moses' awed face which lights up between bursts of the laser/lightening (he hides his eyes).
FINALLY, a FLASH OF WHITE OVERTAKES THE SCREEN ...
cut tO:
ext. SETH'S TENT - day - later
We're CLOSE on LEILA as she hangs a WHITE LINEN SMOCK to dry on a small clothes line attached to the tent. 
leila
(calling)
Seth? Have you fixed the fence yet?
ext. aNIMAL PEN - DAY
We see that Seth is trying to lash some of the fence posts (sticks) together with twine ... but Hannah the goat is eating the twine as fast as he puts it on.
seth
(shouting back)
--trying to Mom ...
(noticing Hannah)
Awwww, Hannah, stop it.
Seth spreads his hands/fingers to try and hold the pieces together -- he uses his arms and elbows ... if he lets go, the fence will fall.
Leila turns the corner and sees her son and the goat eating the twine ... as Seth holds the sticks, trying to stop the fence from FALLING ... he looks like he's caught in jail.
leILA
(giggles)
setH
Awwww, Mom, it's not funny.
leILA
It looks funny!
(Leila turns and EXITS)
I am off to trade for some grain, I'll be back in a little while ... while I'm gone -- you're the man of the tent.
Seth tries to re-attach a piece of twine, but it all goes to pieces ... Seth falls in a clump.
seth
Awwwwwww ...
Hazzaka comes around the corner, nearly tripping over Seth.
hazZAKA
Excuse me, little boy.
sETH
I'm not little.
hazZAKA
But of course, forgive me, I can see that now ... is your mother or father at home?
SETH
My Mom just left ... and my Dad is dead.
(Hazzaka thinks for a beat)
Can I help you?
HAZZAKA
Ahhh ... well, perhaps ... I understand that you have a prized young calf?
seth
Jacob? Over there.
(he points, then suspicious)
He's not for sale.
hazzAKA
Oh, no, no, no, no ... I don't want to buy him. We are looking to honor the best calf in the camp at a great festival. 
(laying it on thick)
Such a great honor for his master, too.
seth
What would you want him to do?
hazZAKA
He would "model" -- pose -- and we would make a golden statue that looks like him.
seth
Really?!?!
hazzAKA
Just like in Egypt. Interested?
Seth thinks for a second -- then he puffs his chest up -- remembering that he's supposed to be "in charge."
seth 
Ahhh ... sure ... as long as he's well cared for.
hazzAKA
Of course ... he will be the roast --
(catching himself)
Aahh, I mean "toast of the festival" ... 
(Hazzaka is crossing his fingers behind his back.)
And naturally, you will both become quite famous. Bring the little calf and let us go see Aaron.
seth  
Aaron himself? Wow!
(to Jacob)
<whistles> Come on Jacob!
ext. anIMAL PEN - DAY
Seth <whistles> and Jacob moves towards Hazzaka.
seth  
<whistles>
Come on Jacob, we're off to see Aaron!
jAcoB
Excuse me ladies, my fans are calling ... 
ON ANIMALS as Hannah the goat turns to Rachel the donkey .
hannah
They're not really going to make a statue of him, are they?
rachel
I doubt it, no one can make a head that big.
Seth opens the gate for Jacob, as he puts a rope around his neck. The humans EXIT. Shadi watches as Jacob goes out the gate.
shadi
(thinking)
HHmmmmmmmm .... Where is Amos?
ALTERNATE
shadi (CONT'D)
(thinking)
HHmmmmmmmm .... something doesn't smell right ... where is Amos?
RACHEL
Why do you want that rat?
AMOS THE RAT, a thin, fast-talking, quick thinking rodent squirms out from under the trough and jumps up on the small water bucket.
amos
I prefer, "rodent" if you don't mind.
shadi
Amos, we need your help. Can you follow Jacob and see where they are taking him?
amos
And what do I get in return?
rachEL
How about -- we let you live.
amos
Okay, that's fair.
shADI
Go quickly ... we are counting on you.
We PUSH IN and hold on Shadi as Amos scampers away.
fade TO BLACK.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN:
OMIT
ext. TENT FLAP - day 
The WHITE TENT FLAP opens and we see Amos, the rat, peering towards Hazzaka, Seth/Jacob as they make their way through the camp. The humans are going fast, Amos is lagging behind.
ext. camp tents - day - CONTINUOUS
Naomi gets GOLDEN EARRINGS from another tent ... 
naoMI
More baubles for our golden god!
hazzAKA
Excellent work, Naomi.
NaoMI
Oohhh, thank you Hazzaka.
hazzAKA
Come with me -- let us take the gold to Aaron.
NAOMI
I am right behind you!
Amos decides that it might be faster if he hitches a ride. Amos climbs into one of the folds Naomi's dress ... he tries to hide.
ext. tents - DAY
But Naomi notices Amos ...
naOMI
Ahhh! Ohhhh Ahhh! A MOUSE!
She goes crazy -- running in circles - panicking!
ext. camp tents - DAY - other angle
Naomi races down the area between the tents -- screaming!
naOMI
Ahhh Mouse! Mouse! Get it off me!
She sees Boaz, holding a gold plate (filled with earrings, rings, etc.) directly ahead. She races towards Boaz.
NAOMI (CONT'D)
GET THIS MOUSE OFF MEeeeeeee!!!
boaZ
Ohhhh!
The plate and earrings fly into the air, sending a hailstorm of golden items raining ... Amos takes this as his opportunity to take off ... he dives under THE GOLD PLATE and holds it above his head as cover as he dashes towards the TENT FLAP of Aaron's tent.
We CUT BACK TO BOAZ as he ends up with earrings and jewelry decorating his head and face, like a bad Carmen Miranda hat.
ext. aARON'S TENT - DAY
Aaron enters FRAME, trying to comfort her, and help her from the tangled pile that she and Boaz are in.
aarON
Are you alright??!
NaoMI
(panicked)
Ewwwww ... Mouse! Mouse! Mouse!
aarON
(looking around)
I think it's gone now.
Hazzaka, Seth and Jacob catch up.
haZZAKA
Well, Aaron -- Boaz and Naomi have some of the gold that's been collected!
(H gestures to Boaz)
Ahhh-heeemmmm.
Boaz sheepishly realizes that he's wearing jewelry ... he quickly takes it off.
hazzAKA (CONT'D)
(to Aaron, with a flourish)
And here is the perfect model for your Golden Calf! 
Aaron looks over at Seth who forces a smile, while the boy tries to hold on to Jacob.
aarON
Yes, he's a beautiful calf.
hazZAKA
(gestures broadly for everyone to see)
Wonderful! Then we will make plans right away for the festival!
Hazzaka, Boaz, and Naomi EXIT as we STAY WITH SETH.
AARON
Festival ... Right away ... Oh, dear.
SETH
(excited)()
I've got to tell my friend!
Seth races off as Aaron leads Jacob onto a small platform. The calf is a natural -- he stands erect on a tiny platform. Aaron ties Jacob to a post.
aaRON
Stay right there -- I will be right back.
Aaron exits to get his tools.
jacob
(to himself)
Where am I going to go? I am right where I always wanted to be! 
song #1 - "see me shine!" - JACOB'S SONG
Lyrics by Pamela Phillips Oland
Amos watches so he can tell the other animals. MONTAGE of the construction of the GOLDEN CALF ...  Aaron cuts the shape of a Bull from a piece of Acacia wood ... gold melts in an iron kettle with a fire underneath ... Aaron makes an Egyptian-looking version of Jacob, then pours the gold from the kettle ... he pounds sheets of gold ... then wraps the sheets around the wooden version ... the beautiful idol takes shape.
jacob
(singing)
Aaron is gonna build an idol made of gold 
Quite the most astounding statue you could ever hope to see 
No, he didn't choose a camel, goat or lamb in the fold 
He's modeling that idol after Me!
CHORUS:
My name is Jacob, See Me Shine! 
Yeah I'm what glitters, so I must be gold, and that's divine 
Cause if I'm gold, people will come to worship me real fast 
And if they worship Jacob, Jacob must beÉa star at last! 
VERSE:
It's gonna build my reputation and my fame 
It's my golden opportunity to taste the good life soon 
I can see them all kowtowing when they world knows my name 
Yeah, those who weren't my friends will change their tune
CHORUS:
My name is Jacob, See Me Shine! 
Yeah I'm what glitters, so I must be gold, and that's divine 
Cause if I'm gold, people will come to worship me real fast 
And if they worship Jacob, Jacob must beÉa star at last! 

TAG:
Soon, you'll be worshipping a calf as a king ---
Amos is watching from his hiding place, he is now feasting on some of Aaron fruit, while he watches the progress.
On the final note of the song, Jacob poses with the idol.
dISSOLVE TO:
EXT. AARON'S TENT - DAY 
Aaron comes out of his tent carrying a clothe to polish the GOLDEN IDOL (we get the sense that he is trying to go as slowly as possible with the undying hope that Moses will return) ... Seth, with Ephraim seated BEHIND HIM, comeS by riding Shadi, who is carrying several baskets/packs on his side filled with scrub/ tumbleweed-type brush ...RACHEL, the donkey is attached to a long tether and also carries packs filled with shrub.
Mehida passes them as she heads for the stage/altar.
meHIDA
Hello, Seth.
seth
Hi, Mehida! [Mah-hee-dah]
Ephraim
Wow -- everybody knows your name. It looks like I have chosen my new friend well.
Seth smiles.
EXT. AARON'S TENT - day - on amos's hiding place
SHOT ON AMOS'S HIDING PLACE as SHADI PASSES ...
amos
(to Shadi)
Pssssst ... Shadi, you finally made it!
shaDI
(nods to Amos)
We've been gathering fire wood. Jump in my pack, we'll take you back to the others.
Amos does a running jump into the pack with the scrub -- barely making it, flipping and flopping into the pack just as Aaron comes out of his tent.
rachel
(sarcastic, shakes her head)
Very graceful.
EXT. AARON'S TENT - DAY 
seth
(calling to Aaron)
How is my calf?
aarON
(seeing the boys on the camel)
Ooohhh, hello up there, Seth.
Ephraim
(to Seth)
Aaron knows your name too? You must be the most popular boy in camp!
Seth smiles broadly, these are the words that he has been waiting to hear!
aaRON
You can pick up your little Jacob this afternoon, after the festival. Excuse me boys, I am on quite a tight deadline.
Aaron turns and EXITS towards his tent to get another clothe to polish the idol.
We PUSH IN CLOSE ON JACOB and SHADI
jacob
(to Shadi)
Be sure and tell everyone back at that pathetic little "pen" that the most important animal EVER spoke to you! 
rACHEL
What?!? You're no better than us.
JACOB
OOohh, poor, poor Rachel, if you haven't noticed ... I'm golden! I'm like a GOD!
That last statement angers Shadi. He cranes his head and huge neck right into Jacob's face.
shaDI
You are NOT God!
jaCOB
Oh, but I AM! Just ask anyone.
Jacob nods his head towards the Altar/Platform which has been built about twenty feet away. Seth pulls on Shadi's reins again. Amos pops his head out of the pack.
Amos
If you ask me, that bull is full of himself.
Seth pulls again on the reins ... 
seth
(to Shadi)
Com'on Shadi, Rachel -- let's go.
Shadi shakes his head at Jacob, as he lumbers away ... They pass the altar as they head back towards the tent.
ext. altar - day - conTINUOUS
WE HOLD ON THE ALTAR where our two evil schemers are reveling in the final details of their plan. Mehida is on "the stage" -- she is posing for Hazzaka, who is "directing". Zeek flies into the scene and perches on top of a pole near the altar.
hazZAKA
(pointing)
Now the golden calf will go there ... and we'll sacrifice over there ... 
mehIDA
You're going to kill the little bull, of course?
hazZAKA
Of course, after all, we need an offering.
meHIDA
And the little boy?
hazZAKA
One offering at a time.
(an evil chuckle)
This will be the high point of my career ... the people will love ME! I will become their leader, rather than Aaron ... or Moses, wherever he is.
(noticing Zeek)
Shoo, bird ... shoo ...
Zeek <squawks> and takes flight AS WE DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. MOUNT SINAI - DAY/NIGHT - IN GOD'S PRESENCE
Lightning flashes ... then everything is still as Moses listens to the voice of God. HIGH ANGLE LOOKING DOWN ON MOSES (Shawshank Redemption shot)
god's voice
"Go down the mountain. The people you have brought from Egypt have defiled themselves. They have already turned from the way I commanded them to live. They have made an idol shaped like a calf, and they have worshiped and sacrificed to it." [Exodus 32: 7-8 NLT] Goooooooo!
As Moses starts to move out of frame we DISSOLVE TO:
ext. animal PEN - DAY
We hear MUSIC in the background (tambourines, etc.) as we widen to see all of the animals that have gathered around.
MARTHA
What's that sound?
Zeek the hawk flies in and lands on a fence post.
ZEEK
Music for the big party to celebrate your little friend.
HANNAH
Jacob?
Amos pops uP from under a tent.
AMOS
Yup, he and the golden version of himself.
rachEL
I REFUSE to worship Jacob as a god!
shaDI
That is the smartest thing that anyone has said all day.
zeEK
Don't worry, he won't be around long, they are planning to sacrifice him.
rachel
What?
zEEK
That's why they built the altar.
shadi
I was afraid of that.
HANNAH
Can we do something?
shADI
I am afraid it is too late.
The MUSIC GROWS LOUDER ... the animals look over between the tents.
ext. camp TENTS - DAY - on jacob
Between the tents we can see a PARADE of sorts ... strong hands of MEN lifting a platform high into the air holding the GOLDEN CALF ... 
ANGLE ON Ephraim
Ephraim  
The festival is starting, let's go!
seth  
Let's grab Shadi -- then we can see over the crowd.
As they race off screen we ...
disSOLVE TO:
ext. camp - day - altar - later
Reed/drum/lyre music plays ... Mehida dances with scarves in typical middle eastern fashion on the small platform/altar that has been built ... the STATUE OF THE GOLDEN CALF is prominent -- Jacob is tied to a post on the side of the platform. Hazzaka, now in his "dress up" cape -- he wears a sash around his waist that holds a sheath and a large dagger. Hazzaka proudly joins the beautiful Mehida as he toasts the statue: 
hAZZAKA
Once again I say! "This is your God O Israel! It is the god who brought you out of Egypt!" [Exodus 32: 4; 32: 8 NLT]
Boaz throws several silver "coins" towards the altar ... 
ALTERNATE
HAZZAKA (CONT'D)
To our new God, O Israel ... the god who brought us out of Egypt!
boAZ
Coins for our god ...
Naomi adds several jeweled Egyptian items ...
naoMI
A tribute to the god we can see!
The crowd shouts ...
ext. camp - day - side of altar
Aaron is over to the side of the altar, he looks to Miriam.
aARON
Well, at least they stopped grumbling.
miRIAM
Some of them ... I think this is disgusting.
Miriam walks away ... Aaron wrings his hands.
ext. camp - day - another area away from the altar
Ephraim and Seth are sitting on the back of Shadi the camel -- they watch from the small area between the tents where they saw the "parade" pass by. (By being on Shadi they are able to get a higher view of the crowd). 
SETH
Look -- there's Jacob.
song #2 "follow me!" - hazzaka's song
Lyrics by Pamela Phillips Oland
Back on the altar Hazzaka brings out JACOB THE CALF ... The little bull proudly throws out his chest and poses for the crowd ... Hazzaka sings to the crowd. 
hazzAKA
(sings)
We've been stuck here in this dull and dusty de-e-sert 
Our only company is lizards and snakes 
Lost where nobody can find us 
Our homes are far behind us 
So we're moving on whatever it takes 

So much for that Up-In-The-Sky God 
We've fashioned a god you can see 
You don't have to moan Ð Moses left you alone 
Follow Me!  Follow Me!  Follow Me! 

No more stalling, come with me and find the Promised Land 
Cause this wilderness and happiness don't mix 
If you've hungered for a party 
It's here! Drink deep Ð eat hearty 
Cause there's nothing wrong with you I can't fix 

Why go with a God in the distance 
A faith you can touch is the key 
You know what you hold with a god made of gold 
Follow Me!  Follow Me!  Follow Me! 

Follow Me!  Follow Me!  Follow Me!  Follow Me! Follow Me!  Follow Me!  Follow Me! 
ext. camp - day - altar
The Crowd applauds as Hazzaka finishes up his number ...
hAZZAKA
Let us give a gift -- 
Hazzaka pulls JACOB THE CALF towards him. Jacob smiles even more broadly, until he hears the unmistakable metallic sound of <a blade being removed from a sheath> as Hazzaka takes out his dagger and holds the blade to Jacob's throat.
hazZAKA (CONT'D)
-- a sacrifice to our new golden God!  
crowd
<cheers>
haZZAKA
(under his breath to Jacob)
Ready for your big moment?
Shadi reacts ... he knows what's coming next (ugh).
jaCOB
(shocked)
Ahhh?!??!
REACTION SHOT ON SETH
seTH
What's he doing? He said that he wouldn't hurt Jacob!
QUICK SHOT TO JACOB
Jacob looks towards Shadi ... 
REACTION SHOT OF SHADI
Shadi looks back ... there is nothing to be done.
BACK TO THE ACTION
Hazzaka raises the dagger ...
crOWD
<cheers again>
seth  
NNOOOOOO!!!
moses
NNNNNooooooooooo!
Suddenly the EARTH QUAKES, the WIND WHIPS, CLOUDS MOVE IN, LIGHTNING CRISSCROSSES THE SKY! <BOOM> A THUNDERCLAP!
Miriam POINTS ABOVE THEM TO a small ledge/boulder on the mountain.
MIRIAM
Moses!
ext. mount sINAI - DAY
Moses appears on a LEDGE ... he is carrying TWO TABLETS (with writing on both sides front/back in Hebrew) ... THE TEN COMMANDMENTS ... HE IS ANGRY!
He raises the stone tablets (written in God's own hand) high above this head and he throws THEM TOWARDS THE GOLDEN CALF  Hazzaka and Mehida move to one side as the tablets SMASH into the Golden Calf, knocking it over ...
The world shakes ... then silence as Moses makes his way from the mountain to the altar.
EXT. ALTAR  - DAY
VARIOUS REACTION SHOTS ... Hazzaka takes a big <gulp>, and loosens his collar ... Jacob breathes a <sigh of relief> ... Boaz and Naomi cling to each other ...  Moses climbs up on the altar ... looks at Hazzaka and Mehida, then he looks at Aaron ... Moses releases Jacob from Hazzaka's grip, the calf runs away ... Moses turns to the crowd:
moses
(booming voice)
Do you remember what the Lord said?!? "Do not worship any other gods besides me.""Do not make idols of any kind"!
ALTERNATE
mOSES (CONT'D)
Do you remember what the Lord commanded? Do not worship any other Gods! Do not make any kind of idols!
Moses turns towards Hazzaka ... Moses shadow slowly falls over the cowering Hazzaka.
mOSES (CONT'D)
The Lord will not let this go unpunished.
(to Hazzaka)
You -- melt this calf in the fire.
(to the crowd)
The rest of you -- go back to your tents and pray for forgiveness.
Hazzaka meekly picks up the idol. The crowd disburses. 
mosES (CONT'D)
(Moses turns to Aaron)
Aaron, come with me.
ext. CAMP TENTS - DAY
Moses turns to Aaron, as they step down from the platform.
mosES
(angry)
"What did the people do to you?" "How did they ever make you bring such a terrible sin upon them?"
ALTERNATE
MOSES (CONT'D)
What happened Aaron?
aARON
"You know these people and what a wicked bunch they are." I had to do something when you were gone for so long -- they wanted to go back to Egypt.
ALTERNATE
AARON (CONT'D)
Moses, you know what an impatient group these people are ... I had to do something when you were gone for so long -- they wanted to go back to Egypt.
mosES
(Moses stares at Aaron for a LONG BEAT)
Did you not see the miracles of God in Egypt, Aaron? These Commandments are God's covenant with His people written in his own hand, they must be obeyed.
Moses turns and walks away.
AARON
I am sorry brother.
OMIT   
ext. tents - day
Jacob runs as fast as his little bovine legs can carry him. He makes a turn and sees the Animal Pen ... Home!
ext. animAL PEN - DAY
Jacob races towards the side of the pen ... but the fence has been fixed. He stands on the outside looking in (figuratively and literally). Amos appears.
amoS
Well, well, well if it isn't our bull-headed little friend.
Rachel, Hannah, and Martha look on. Zeek sits on his perch.
haNNAH
It couldn't be that young bull who used to live here? 
RACHEL
No, he's toooooooo far above us to ever visit this dusty corner of the desert.
jaCOB
Okay, okay -- I made a mistake ... I wanted everyone to worship me -- is that so bad?
hANNAH
Yes!
maRTHA
Yes!
rachEL
Yes!
jaCOB
Okay, I know that now.
Seth, Ephraim, and Shadi come around the corner. Seth runs into LEILA, as she comes out of the tent.
seth  
Mom -- have you seen Jacob?
leILA
(she points)
I think your little friend has come home.
seth
Jacob! 
Seth and Ephraim race over to Jacob.
Ephraim
You are very lucky to get him back.
seth
Jacob, I almost lost you.
(to Ephraim)
But it was wrong to let him pose for a idol ... I just did it because I wanted to have a popular animal like you, I guess I wanted to be somebody ... to make everybody think that I was more than just a kid with no dad who takes care of the stables. 
Ephraim
Seth ... you ARE somebody ... you are my friend.
seth  
Thanks.
Ephraim holds out his arm in friendship -- they embrace. Leila looks on proudly.
Seth turns as he and Ephraim walk away, WE PUSH IN ON JACOB.
jaCOB
I am so sorry, can you guys ever forgive me?
(long BEAT)
rachel
Yeah, I guess we still love ya, even if we don't like you sometimes.
martha
Just try not to make fun of us.
hannah
Or eat all the food.
amOS
And be kind to rodents!
raCHEL
(under her breath)
Rats ...
shadI
And never forget that God has given you a second chance to put Him first.
jacOB
Okay! I promise! I'm a changed bull -- there's only one God, no other idols ... (beat) ... but do I really have to share the food?
hANNAH
Jacob!
maRTHA
Jacob!
rachEL
Jacob!
SHADI
Jacob!
jacob
Just kidding.
All of the animals heads ... deep down, they are glad that Jacob is back.
ext. tent city - sunset - towards sinai
PULL BACK towards Mount Sinai as we see the pen and the tent grow smaller, then TILT UP. WE HOLD ON SINAI (cycle of clouds passing) over CLOSING CREDITS ... 
MUSIC UNDER CREDITS ... Reprise "FOLLOW ME!" HAZZAKA'S SONG with new lyrics, so that it is reflects the positive aspects of WORSHIPING and FOLLOWING GOD> 
FADE OUT.