BUGTIME ADVENTURES
“Construction Woes”
(The Story of the Tower of Babel)

SCRIPT #2

LOG LINE:  We must let God be God and beware of pride.

 Written by:
Marion Wells

This script is not for distribution, publication, duplication or reproduction in any form or by any means.  Unauthorized distribution, publication, duplication or reproduction is strictly prohibited.  
2001 Santa Fe Communications, Inc., d.b.a. Lightning Bug Flix.

BUGTIME ADVENTURES
“Construction Woes”
SCRIPT #2

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

INSECT CHARACTERS

ANTONI
MEGAN
PRISSY
IGGY
MAYOR GREEN            
GINA
SPUD      
RODERICK
DEX
WALLY                       
BEAU                        Butterfly from Flutterton.

HUMAN CHARACTERS

NIMROD                      Late forties.  Haughty tyrant.
                            Dressed in princely robes.
TIRAS                       Early forties.  Aristocratic.
                            Well-dressed for period.
URUK                        Mid-thirties.  Wiry and
                            muscular.  Dressed as worker.
RAPI                        Mid-thirties.  Stocky and
                            muscular.  Dressed as worker.
OFFICIALS #1 AND #2         Fifties.  Dressed in official-
                            looking robes.
PULLEY WORKER #1            
PULLEY WORKER #2            
TWO ELDERS OF THE PEOPLE    White-haired, sixties.  Noble
                            dress.  Walla.
OTHER

NARRATOR

BUGTIME ADVENTURES
“Construction Woes”
SCRIPT #2
ACT ONE
EXT. Sky - on a magnificent rainbow
PAN DOWN the rainbow to a FERTILE PLAIN stretching between two rivers.
1.  Narrator (vo)
After the flood, God told Noah that people should spread throughout the earth.  Now in those days everyone spoke the same language.
CONTINUE PAN, revealing the plain is dotted with wheat fields and small homes made of clay bricks.
2.  Narrator (vo CONT.)
In time, some people moved eastward, settling in a plain in Shinar.
TIGHTEN to a RAISED PLATFORM built of CLAY BRICKS.  NIMROD, ruler of the people, stands atop it, dressed in princely robes.  Several others (we see heads only) gather below him.
3.  Narrator (vo CONT.)
They learned to bake clay into bricks.  And they chose to resist God's plan.
CLOSER ON NIMROD
4.  Nimrod
Elders of the people, hear me!  Why be scattered like dust?
4-A.  crowd
(agreeing walla)

ON TWO ELDERS
They brighten and nod agreement as Nimrod continues.
ON NIMROD
5.  Nimrod
Let us stay here together!  We will build a huge city, and a tower stretching high into the sky!

NIMROD - gesturing grandly.
6.  Nimrod (CONT.)
We will make ourselves famous, and be remembered always!
UPSHOT OTS ELDERS TO NIMROD
They lift their arms skyward, cheering approval.
7.  Elders 
Yes!/He's right!/All hail Nimrod! 

		7-A. CROWD
(cheering walla) Yeah!! 
8.  Narrator (vo)
This is the story of that fateful building project -- one that changed human history forever. The story of the Tower of Babel.
SUPER READING:  "Construction Woes"
DiSSOLVE TO:
Ext. Wide on tower of babel in plain of shinar - establishing
A CITY now dominates the plain.  A SEVEN-STORIED TERRACED TOWER (ZIGGURAT) rises from its center.  Plumes of smoke waft upward from kilns where clay is baked into bricks.  TIGHTEN to the TOWER and PAN UP to the topmost layer, REVEALING it is STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION.  Workers mortar bricks onto a wall.  Supplies are hauled up on pulleys.  TIGHTEN to NIMROD and his architect, TIRAS, gazing down on the city below.  Tiras gestures grandly.
9.  Tiras
Look, your majesty!
OTS NIMROD AND TIRAS -- DRAMATIC DOWNSHOT
They're so high, it's like an aerial view. 
10.  TIRAS (CONT.)
The whole world is at your feet!  The tower I designed is beyond even my expectations.
CLOSER SHOT -- NIMROD
11.  Nimrod
Why are you surprised, Tiras?  After all it was MY idea!  Did I not promise to lift my people to new heights of greatness?
PAN to two workers, URUK and RAPI.
12.  Nimrod (CONT.)
Now I have built a tower that's the envy of all cities everywhere!  And this is just the beginning!
WIDER UPSHOT
Nimrod and Tiras sweep past URUK and RAPI who are crouching nearby, laying bricks and smearing tar between the bricks as mortar. URUK and RAPI turn to gaze after them.  RAPI turns back to URUK.
13.  Rapi
Did you hear that, Uruk?  Nimrod's pleased with his tower!
CLOSER ON URUK
He wipes sweat from his face with a grimy hand.  He gets a faraway look in his eyes.
14.  Uruk
(schew) Well, I’m glad someone is. As for me, I'm sick of slaving here day after day.
ANOTHER ANGLE -- WIDE ON URUK AND RAPI
15.  Uruk (CONT.)
Rapi, if only we had followed God's plan.  The one he told Noah.  To go out and spread across the earth.
Suddenly a BUTTERFLY soars INTO FRAME, circling around them.  Uruk watches, sighing.
16.  Uruk (cont.)
(sigh) If only we were as free as that butterfly!  Free and far away from here.  Living in some new place.
TIGHTEN to the butterfly and TRACK as it arcs downward, past the bustling construction and smoking kilns, toward a small outside corner at the tower's bottom.
Cut to:
Ext. Wide on buggelsville - estABLISHING
The town is nestled in a small corner of the tower's outer wall.  After an ESTABLISHING beat...
TIGHTEN on MAYOR GREEN'S HOUSE.  MAYOR GREEN stands in front of the porch.  On a table beside him is a LARGE TROPHY CUP.  WALLY, PRISSY, GINA, MEGAN, and ANTONI crowd around, looking glum.  Megan pats the cup sadly.
17.  Megan / GINA / antoni
Buggelsville lost the trophy?!/  Bugdom's highest honor, gone!/  It's the end of an era!
18.  prissy
I don’t know about the rest of you but I’m so, so disappointed!
CLOSER ON MAYOR GREEN
19.  Mayor Green
Now, now as my Grandpa Hopper would say, it's more like the passing of a torch.
PAN the others, frowning and shaking their heads as Mayor Green continues.
20.  Mayor Green (vo CONT.)
Buggelsville has won Best Town of the Year five years in a row. Flutterton just out did us this year, that’s all.
WIDER ON GROUP - FAVOR MAYOR GREEN
BEAU, the butterfly seen earlier, floats DOWN INTO SHOT.
21.  Beau
And we’re honored to have you come and present us the trophy, Mayor Green.  Shall we go?
Beau gestures as if it’s time to leave.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Mayor Green hops aboard Beau, then turns to the others.
22.  MAYOR GREEN
While I'm gone, I'm leaving Antoni in charge. He’ll be acting mayor.
CLOSER ON MAYOR GREEN AND ANTONI
Antoni puffs out his chest.
23.  Mayor Green (CONT.)
I’m sure he’ll be able to fix anything that might go wrong while I’m gone.
24.  AnTONI
It’ll be an honor, uh, your Honor!
25.  Mayor Green 
I’m sure that if anything comes up, you’ll be able to handle it.
26.  ANTONI 
Sure thing, Mayor Green! Don’t you worry about a thing!
27.  Mayor GREEN
Well then, could you hand me the trophy?
ANOTHER ANGLE -- ON ANTONI
He grabs the huge cup, straining to lift it like a weightlifter hoisting a barbell.
28.  ANTONI
No sweat, (straining) I've got it...
He heaves it up, trips, staggers, loses his grip...
29.  Antoni
Oh! No! Aaaah....
ANOTHER ANGLE
Wally leans INTO SHOT, grabbing the cup just in time.  He hoists it up to Mayor Green.
29-A wally
(effort) Got it!
30.  Mayor Green
(chuckle) Thanks, Wally.  Well, (clears throat) we’ve got to skedaddle.
Beau lifts off.
UP ANGLE OTS ANTONI
The butterfly, with Mayor Green aboard, soars above the crowd and then flies out of view.
WIDER ON GROUP - FAVOR PRISSY
She dabs at her eyes with a hanky.
32.  Prissy
Oh, goodness me, the town just doesn’t seem the same without that trophy.
ON GINA AND MEGAN - scowling
33.  Gina
Say, just how did Flutterton win, anyway?  
34.  MEGAN
You’re right Gina. What did they do that we didn’t do?
WIDER ON GROUP - FAVOR ANTONI
35.  bug crowd
(general discontented walla)
Antoni clambers onto the table which had held the trophy.  Waving his arms, he addresses the others.
36.  ANTONI
That’s not important now. (clears throat) As acting mayor, I have an idea! Let’s work on a plan for winning that cup back next year!
37.  GINA / PRISSY / MEGAN / WALLY
(agreeing walla)
38.  ANTONI
Something so spectacular we’ll be sure to beat all the other bug towns!
39.  bug crowd
 (medium-sized cheer)
40.  ANTONI
Something so marvelously fantastic the judges will just have to vote Buggelsville the best!! Whadda say?
41.  bug crowd
 (BIG cheer, agreeing walla)
DISSOLVE TO:
Ext. Brick kilns at foot of ziggurat - on nimrod
Nimrod waves his arms angrily, berating a FOREMAN as a brick bakes in a kiln IN BG.
42.  NimROD
You must make more bricks. NOW!  How can I have my magnificent tower without enough bricks?
43.  Foreman (vo)
Sire, my men can't work any faster.
The foreman points toward the kilns.
HIS POV
Two workers strain to stack freshly baked bricks. Uruk and Rapi ENTER, reacting to...
42-a. workers
(ad lib straining sounds)
44.  Nimrod (vo)
They will work faster – as well as work longer hours.
BACK ON NIMROD AND FOREMAN
45.  Nimrod (CONT.)
They must keep building, and I will accept no excuses!
BACK ON URUK AND RAPI
PAN WITH THEM as they continue past the smoking kilns.
46.  Uruk
I tell you, Nimrod is going to work us to death.  You watch.  It's not worth it.
47.  Rapi
Ah, Sure it is. Just think of the glory we'll get!  Come on, how bad could it be?
48.  Uruk
You’re joking, right?
Ext. Buggelsville - outside antoni's house - on MEGAN AND ANTONI AT EASEL-LIKE DRAWING BOARD.
Antoni stands over the easel, dabbing at a drawing with a paintbrush, as Megan waits expectantly.
49.  Antoni
Okay, here’s the big idea. This will make Buggelsville the best!
Antoni steps back, gesturing grandly.
50.  Antoni (CONT.)
We’ll paint the town yellow. Sun glistening YELLOW!
Megan bends over the drawing board.  PUSH IN and REVEAL a sketch of the town PAINTED WITH YELLOW GLITTER PAINT.
51.  Antoni (vo CONT.)
We will shine for miles away! 
ANOTHER ANGLE - TWO SHOT
Megan looks up doubtfully at Antoni.
52.  Megan
(unimpressed) That’s it? 
53.  antoni
Go ahead, I can handle compliments you know.
54.  Megan
Well, it’s kinda dumb isn’t it? A little bit of paint on the outside won’t make Buggelsville any better on the inside will it?  Nothing has really changed.
PAN to an object covered with a CLOTH.  Antoni steps INTO SHOT and grabs a corner.
55.  ANTONI
Who cares, as long as we win the trophy! And I know what you’re going to say next --
56.  megan
I was wrong.  It’s not dumb – it’s stupid.
57.  ANTONI
Nope, you were going to say: “Antoni, how will we ever be able to paint everything in Buggelsville”? Well – TA-DA!
Antoni whips off the cloth, revealing a PAINT CAN on a WHEELED WOODEN CART.  
58.  ANTONI (CONT.)
Behold – Antoni’s Spray-O-Matic! 
The can is attached to the top of a two piece pole.  The pole's parts are fastened in such a way that by pulling a lever, you can make the top part of the pole tilt and swivel.  The top of the can is fitted with a spray nozzle attached by a hose to a PUMPING DEVICE ON THE CART.
Antoni scrambles onto the cart.
59.  Antoni (CONT.)
This little gadget’ll give a house a new look in just seconds.  Watch this!
ANOTHER ANGLE
Antoni tilts the can and starts spraying.  
ANGLE on a house
The yellow spray neatly covers the house. PAN as the spray continues and covers the house next door.
ON THE BUGS
60.  bug crowd
Ooooh – aahhhh! (cheering walla)
They SFX(LIGHTLY) APPLAUD.
BACK ON ANTONI
Antoni smiles broadly as he looks back over his shoulder at the crowd.
61.  antoni
That trophy is as good as ours again!
Suddenly, Antoni’s device starts to (SFX) SPUTTER AND COUGH.  The TILTING LEVER FLIES OUT OF HIS HAND.
62.  antoni (CONT.)
Uh oh! (reaction)
ANOTHER ANGLE - WIDER ON SCENE
The can SWINGS WILDLY spewing HUGE GLOBS OF PAINT everywhere.
62-a. bug crowd
(general startled walla)
63.  Megan (vo)
Stop!  Help!
ON ANTONI
63-A.  antoni
(reaction)
He stops pumping...just as the can swings INTO SHOT shooting a big glob of glitter paint in his face and in his eyes.  His spray device SPUTTERS to a stop.
64.  Antoni (CONT.)
Oh no...I.guess this thing still needs a little work.  
TIGHTER ON ANTONI’S FACE
Antoni wipes the globs of paint from his eyes and then flutters his eyelids open. Antoni REACTS as he stops then spots something UP and OS.
65.  antoni (CONT.)
(gasp)
UP ANGLE ON NIMROD’S ZIGGURAT (ANTONI’S POV)
He sees the ziggurat rising above them.
66.  Antoni (VO / CONT.)
Now there’s something big!  We could do something like THAT!
Ext. First level of ziggurat
PUSH IN on a RAISED PLATFORM displaying a CLAY MODEL of the tower.
67.  Nimrod
And I say it needs more levels, Tiras!  You’re not thinking big enough.  It must stand taller than anything else in the world!
ON NIMROD AND TIRAS
He gestures grandly to the model.
68.  Nimrod (CONT.)
I want it to touch the sky itself!
69.  Tiras 
Sire, that’s all well and good but the workers are very tired.  I’m afraid they may stop taking orders if we push them much harder.
Nimrod leans toward Tiras, eyes flashing.
70.  NIMROD
Then give them this warning. If anyone – ANYONE – resists --
ANOTHER ANGLE
Nimrod holds up his hands in front of Tiras' face.
71.  Nimrod (CONT.)
I will squash them like bugs!
Nimrod (SFX) SMACKS his hands together as Tiras recoils.
Ext. Buggelsville - antoni's house - THREE SHOT
Antoni and his drawing board are covered by a cloth.  He works beneath it, gesturing, as Megan and Iggy watch.
72.  Antoni
Ah, forget the paint job.  It was a stupid idea.  
73.  megan
(sigh) At last, you’ve come to your senses.
74.  Antoni
It was too small a project.  We need something huge, something that will show that Buggelsville is the biggest and best!
Antoni pokes his head out.  PUSH IN on his prideful grin.
75.  Antoni (CONT.)
Something to show that I'm a GENIUS!

END ACT ONE

ACT TWO
Ext. Center of BUGGELSVILLE - shortly - on antoni
He stands atop a raised clay mound, addressing his fellow bugs gathered below him, like Nimrod in the "teaser".  Beside him is the cloth-covered drawing board.
76.  ANTONI
Okay, can everyone, hear me!?  Here’s my plan – and it’s perfect!
CLOSER ON DRAWING BOARD
Antoni's hand whips the cloth off.  TIGHTEN To a drawing of a HUGE SLIDE, BUILT OF CLAY, with LARGE BUMPS at intervals.  The slide is surrounded by booths and stands.
77.  Antoni (vo)
We'll build a huge amusement park – The Buggelsville Funfest -- starting with a giant sliding ramp that reaches high in the sky!  
78.  bug crowd
(cheers)
BACK ON ANTONI
He gestures grandly, playing to the crowd.
79.  Antoni
Not only will it be a great ride – but all of bugdom will see it, and flock to Buggelsville to try it!
REVERSE ANGLE -- ON RODERICK
80.  Roderick
(scheming) I like it.  Why I could...uh, we...could charge admission!  A fee for every slide!
PAN to GINA.
81.  Gina
And with all those visitors in town, business will be – BUZZING!
PAN to Wally and Prissy, looking excited.
82.  Wally
And we could sell souvenirs – no, no SNACKS!  Like garlic popcorn!  (BELCH) ‘Scuse me.
83.  Prissy
Oh, and I can just see the trophy back in it’s rightful place!
BACK ON ANTONI - grinning broadly.
84.  Antoni
(false modesty) So – now be honest – how do you like my idea?
85.  bug crowd
Hip, hip hooray! Hip, hip, hooray! Hip, hip hooray!!
Antoni raises his hands over his head and clasps them in a sign of triumph.
DISSOLVE TO:
Ext. Tower - next morning - on a magnificent sunrise

PAN DOWN to the tower, which though grand does not compare with the sky above.  CONTINUE TILTING DOWN.
EXT. BUGGELSVILLE - GIANT SLIDE
The slide is now under construction.  The bottom part of the slide rises from the mound where Antoni addressed his fellow bugs.  Beside the mound is a CRUDE WOODEN SCAFFOLDING.  Various bugs perch on the scaffolding and slide adding clay. 
88.  antoni
Come on Megan, I haven’t heard what you think of my plans.
PAN to Antoni and Megan near the drawing board, surveying the scene.
89.  Megan 
Why would an amusement park make Buggelsville number one?
ANOTHER ANGLE
Antoni gestures grandly to the slide.
90.  Antoni
It can't miss! And besides, look how it's brought everyone together!
PAN to Rod and Dex on the scaffolding.  Dex starts to climb up ahead of Rod.  Rod pulls him back.
91.  RoDERICK
Stand back, I'm first.
92.  Dex
(grumbling) But you're always first.  Why can't I get first shot for a change?
CLOSER ON RODerick
93.  RODERICK
Because, bug-brains, I GIVE the orders and you TAKE them...aaaah!
WIDER TO INCLUDE DEX
A LARGE PIECE OF CLAY swings INTO SHOT dangling from a rope and jostles them both.
94.  RoDERICK (cont.)
Dex, DO SOMETHING!
Dex looks UP OS.
95.  DEX
Hey Spud, you get this clay outta here or you're gonna be hash browns!
PAN UP THE ROPE to SPUD, higher on the scaffolding, straining to haul up his load.
96.  Spud 
(straining) Negatory.  My muscular force is unequal to its downward gravitational pull.
BACK ON DEX -- scratching his head.
97.  DEX
Say what?
Wally walks INTO SHOT.
98.  wally
I … I think he says he's not strong enough.
BACK ON SPUD
Wally grabs onto the rope.
99.  wally (CONT.)
Let me give you a hand.
TIGHTEN on their hands pulling together and...
Cut to:
EXT. TOWER OF BABEL -- TIGHT ON TWO PAIRS OF HANDS
WIDEN to REVEAL they belong to Uruk and Rapi, who are clutching a vessel of tar between them.
100. Uruk
(straining) Rapi, I tell you, God was right.  We should have spread across the world like He said.  Now we’re stuck working like dogs.   
101. Rapi
Will you relax, Uruk.  The tower's almost done.  
102. uruk
Yeah, sure.  You’ve been saying that for weeks now.
103. Rapi
Come see for yourself, I’ll show you the model.
ZIP PAN to the model, which now has TEN LEVELS.  Two robed officials bend over it.
104. Official #1
Just Imagine!  Ten levels and still climbing higher!  
105. Official #2
Yes, under Nimrod’s command nothing is impossible!
PAN to Uruk and Rapi, peeking around a corner, listening aghast.
106. Uruk 
Well, I for one am sick and tired of being under his command.
CUT TO:
EXT. BUGGELSVILLE - sliding ramp
Antoni stands part way up the scaffolding, studying the slide construction, beaming. Megan walks INTO SHOT.  Antoni gestures to the slide.
107. Antoni 
So (chuckle) what do you think, now?
108. Megan
Well, I’ve got to admit, it's starting to look like a pretty exciting ride.
TIGHT ON ANTONI
109. Antoni
Yes, everything is exactly as I planned it.
Antoni turns to look OS and his face suddenly changes.  He looks angry.
110. Antoni (CONT.)
Hey, you over there, stop, STOP!
PAN to Prissy and Gina on the slide.  They're constructing one of the bumps in the slide. Antoni ZIPS IN.
111. antoni (cont.)
Gina, you’re not following my plans.  Those cross beams need to be closer.
112. gina 
It’s not my fault your squiggles are hard to read.
Antoni places a beam between the two that Gina and Prissy are working on.
113. antoni
Oh, here, I’ll just have to do it myself.
114. prissy
Well, that’s just dandy for me.  I’m not at all fit for heavy, manual labor you know.
Gina and Prissy EXIT.
TIGHTER ON ANTONI
Antoni starts hammering in nails to secure the beam in place then he looks over his shoulder and sees something OS and SCOWLS.
115. Antoni
Hey, what are you two doing?
ANGLE ON RODERICK & DEX
The two have installed a section of the slide SIDEWAYS.
116. roderick
Don’t get all “antsy” with me, (POINTING TO DEX) Dex was working here.  I was just giving him moral support.
Dex looks at the poorly configured section and scratches his head.
117. dex
(dense) There’s something wrong with it, Roderick?
BACK ON ANTONI - scowling.
118. ANTONI
Will you just follow my plans!? This slide was my idea.  So you'll follow MY orders!
CUT TO:
Ext. Tower - WIDE ON OFFICIALS AT MODEL
They turn to leave as Nimrod ENTERS.
119. official #1
(clears throat) Oh magnificent Nimrod.
120. Official #1 & #2
(unison) Your exaltedness!
121. nimrod
Have you seen my plans for making the tower even bigger?
The officials and Nimrod turn when they hear. 
122. uruk (vo)
That’s it!  I’m out of here!! 
ANGLE ON URUK & RAPI
123. Uruk (CONT.)
Come on Rapi, let’s get as far away from here as we can. 
124. nimrod (vo)
Stop, STOP I SAY!
ON NIMROD & THE OFFICIALS
125. NIMROD (CONT.)
You’re going nowhere except higher with my tower!
Nimrod scowls as he points to the ground in front of him.
126. Nimrod (CONT.)
I am your leader and you will get back to work!
REVERSE ANGLE ON URUK AND RAPI
Rapi takes a step toward Nimrod but Uruk holds him back.
127. uruk
No.  We will leave here because we answer to one who is greater than even you, Nimrod!
BACK ON NIMROD
128. Nimrod
Impossible.
TIGHTER ON NIMROD
129. Nimrod (CONT.)
No one is greater than me! If he claims to be, he LIES!  Now, come and bow to your true leader!
ANOTHER ANGLE - THREE SHOT - FAVOR URUK AND RAPI
Uruk holds his ground.  Rapi looks from Nimrod to Uruk, hesitating.  Nimrod moves menacingly toward them. 
130. NIMROD (CONT.)
Why do you not obey me!?
LOW ON EARTHEN VESSEL OF TAR
Nimrod's foot collides with the pot.
131. Nimrod (vo / CONT.))
Aaaah...(impact)
WIDER ON SCENE
Nimrod (SFX) CRASHES sprawling to the ground as the pot goes flying.  (SFX) THUD.  Uruk and Rapi flee OS.
CLOSER ON NIMROD
He scrambles up in a fury, shaking his fist.
132. Nimrod (CONT.)
(running) Guards, guards.  After them! I command it!
Ext. Buggelsville - on antoni beneath slide
He looks UP OS, motioning.
133. Antoni
No, no, move that sign a little to the left.  No, right.
UP ANGLE – ANTONI’S POV
Spud and Wally stand on a bump on the slide, holding a LARGE DESIGN OF A LIGHTNING BOLT between them.
134. Spud 
Antoni, suffice to say you're suffering from severe directional distortion.
135. Wally
Spud says you're confused.  You don't know your right from left.
REVERSE ANGLE - DOWNSHOT OTS WALLY AND SPUD
Antoni glares up at them.
136. Antoni
Sure I do!  It’s just that there’s something about this slide that’s missing.  (thinking) It needs -- it needs more character! 
ANOTHER ANGLE - ON ANTONI
He backs away, tilting back, studying the slide.
137. ANTONI (CONT.)
We all want to win that trophy back, right? (falls, impact) 
Antoni topples backwards OUT OF SHOT. (SFX) PLOP!
ANOTHER ANGLE ON ANTONI
He lies sprawled on his back in a mound of clay.  As he scrambles up, TIGHTEN TO A CLAY INDENTATION OF ANTONI'S BODY, with INDENTATIONS OF HIS LEGS sticking out on the sides.  A BEAT and Antoni leans in, eyes gleaming.
138. Antoni (CONT.)
Hmmm.  Ha, ha ... Character...
CUT TO:
Ext. ZIGGURAT
PAN UP the ziggurat.  Figures are running in different directions.  TIGHTEN and TRACK with Nimrod, striding down the third level.
140. Nimrod
The very idea!  No ruler is greater than I am.  None is even fit to kiss my sandal!  
141. Official #2 (vo)
Pardon me, uh, your exaltedness?
STOP PAN as Officials #1 and #2 run INTO SHOT.
142. OfficIAL #1
The tower has been sealed.  All stairs and exits are blocked.
WIDER TO INCLUDE A NEARBY STAIRWAY TO LEVEL ABOVE
Uruk and Rapi are on the level above watching and listening.
143. Official #2
But how will you find those you seek among all these workers?
DOWNSHOT OTS URUK AND RAPI TO NIMROD - eyes flashing.
144. Nimrod
I never forget a traitor's face!  
Nimrod heads for the stairs.
BACK ON URUK AND RAPI - TERRIFIED
TRACK with them as they turn and lunge back up the stairs, hurtling onto the fourth level of the ziggurat.
CUT TO:
Ext. Buggelsville - giant slide - dramatic up angle
The wooden scaffolding is still in place, but the slide is pretty much finished.  Wooden stairs lead to the top.  The sliding ramp itself looks like the body of a giant ant, leaning back at an angle.  Clay legs extend from its sides at appropriate points.
145. Antoni (vo)
(chuckle) Pretty different isn’t it?  Now that’s a slide with distinction!
TIGHTEN to Antoni and Megan perched atop the slide, studying the structure.
146. Megan
Antoni, have you noticed that hardly anyone else is working on the slide?
147. antoni
(clears throat) -- MY slide --
148. Megan
Whatever. But this just isn’t the way we started out. It’s kind of gotten out of hand. (BEAT) Antoni?  Are you listening to me?
TIGHTER ON ANTONI
149. ANTONI 
I know what’s missing.  
CLOSER ON TOP OF SLIDE 
150. ANTONI (cont.)
Something to top off the slide.  Something that can be seen for miles and miles away!  All the way to Flutterton!
DISSOLVE TO:
Ext. ALONG SIDE of slide - shortly
Antoni stands beside an archway made of two upright wooden posts with an object mounted between them covered by a cloth.
151. Antoni (CONT.)
Ladies and gentlebugs, I finally finished it!
REVERSE, DOWN ANGLE ON BUG CROWD
152. BUG CROWD
(half hearted cheer)
BACK ON ANTONI
Antoni rips the cloth away off, REVEALING a CLAY SCULPTURE of his GRINNING FACE.
153. Antoni (vo)
Behold! THE ANTONI SLIDE-O-MATIC!!
WIDER TO INCLUDE ANTONI
His face and the clay one wear matching grins.
154. Antoni (CONT.)
Well, don’t you just love it?
REVERSE, DOWN ANGLE ON THE BUG CROWD
The Bug Crowd says nothing (SFX) CRICKET CHIRPING
BACK ON ANTONI
Antoni's smile fades.
155. ANTONI (CONT.)
What…isn’t my head big enough?
DOWN ANGLE ON MEGAN
156. Megan
Hmph, how much bigger can it get?
PAN to RODERICK, gazing up with a sly look.
157. Roderick 
I don't know about bigger but it certainly could be better.  Why don't I make a head?
WIDEN to include Prissy, Gina and Dex.
158. Prissy/gina/dex
(agreeing walla:  Me too!/Yes!/And me!)
BACK ON ANTONI, BEAMING
159. Antoni
Great!  And I'll pick the best one!
cut to:
Ext. Foot of slide - tight on clay heads
OPEN on CLAY HEADS of Gina, Prissy, Rod and two or three other bugs.  PULL BACK to REVEAL Antoni staring in dismay.
160. Antoni (CONT.)
No! These are all wrong.  You were supposed to make my head!
ANGLE ON PRISSY AND HER HEAD
161. Prissy
Gracious no!  My little ol' head's much prettier!
PAN to Rod, posing by his head.
162. Roderick
Mine’s more distinguished!
TWO SHOT -- ANTONI AND MEGAN
163. Megan
Look, Antoni, I think you’re over doing this whole thing.
164. Antoni
And I think you’re just jealous because this was my idea!
Antoni crosses his arms and turns his back on Megan.
165. megan
If you feel that way, then maybe I just won’t try and help you any more!
Megan turns and EXITS.
TIGHTER ON ANTONI
He slowly turns to look back over his shoulder at the Bug Crowd.
ANGLE ON BUG CROWD (ANTONI’S POV)
All of the bugs turn their backs to CAMERA and EXIT.
BACK ON ANTONI
His face drops as CAMERA SLOWLY WIDENS, revealing that he is standing there all alone.
END ACT TWO

ACT THREE
EXT. ZIGGURAT - WIDE ON GROUP OF TWENTY WORKERS
166. Nimrod (vo)
When I find those miserable slaves I will show them who's in charge!
Nimrod strides INTO SHOT with Officials #1 and #2 close behind.  There are also TWO GUARDS accompanying Nimrod. He peers at each worker in turn as they cower.
167. Nimrod (CONT.)
No, not him, or him...
TRACK as Nimrod strides onward, the officials at his heels.
168. Official #1
Are you sure the search is worth it?  Why bother with these fools?
169. Official #2
Yes, sire, let them go!  They’re only simple workers.
STOP PAN as Nimrod spins around to confront his lackeys.
170. Nimrod
But they DEFIED me!  They dared call another greater!  They refused to bow to me and...
CLOSER ON NIMROD - realization hitting.
171. Nimrod (to himself)
(idea) They would not bow!  And THAT will be their undoing!  
CUT TO:
Ext. Buggelsville - WIDE UP ANGLE ON GIANT SLIDE
Antoni finishes placing a COLORFUL BANNER across the slide but he is still all by himself.
TIGHTER ON ANTONI
Antoni lets out a big SIGH as Iggy FLIES DOWN INTO SHOT beside him.
172. Antoni 
(sigh)
173. iggy
You don’t look so good, Antoni, m’man.
A CLOUD of the giants' smoke wafts by them.
174. ANTONI 
(coughs) I can't even breathe!  Iggy, help me get above all this!
Antoni hops onto Iggy’s back and the pair of friends FLY UP and OS.
ANGLE IN THE SKY
PAN with Antoni and Iggy as they fly up above the slide, up and up toward the tower. 
175. Nimrod (vo, booming)
Bow down to me!  Bow!  Bow down!
TIGHTER ON ANTONI
176. ANTONI
Wow, what’s that giant got to grumble about?
Ext. Sixth level of ziggurat - on THREE WORKERS
They're laying bricks.  Nimrod strides INTO SHOT.
177. NIMROD
Bow to me, you worthless excuses for workers!
The men drop, prostrate.  Nimrod sweeps OS as Iggy buzzes INTO SHOT with Antoni.
SWITCH TO BUGS' POV - OTS ANTONI AND IGGY TO PROSTRATE WORKERS
178. Antoni
There’s a guy who gets some respect!  Why can’t everyone treat me like that?  Come on let’s get closer, Iggy.
179. Iggy
Okay Antoni!
BACK TO HUMANS' POV - ON FOUR WORKERS NEARBY
REVEAL that URUK AND RAPI are cringing behind the two in front.
180. Nimrod (vo)
Bow down to me! Bow to me!
The two slaves in front obey.  Nimrod leans in, pointing imperiously.
181. NIMROD (CONT.)
And what about you two?
TIGHTER ON RAPI & URUK
They stand shoulder to shoulder without moving. Nimrod angrily STEPS INTO FRAME. 
182. NIMROD (CONT.)
(wickedly) So, we meet again. you and I. Guards, seize them!
ANOTHER ANGLE - WIDER
The two officials reach in, grabbing the pair.
UPSHOT OTS URUK AND RAPI
They stare up into Nimrod's glaring face.  Suddenly a bee (SFX) BUZZES INTO SHOT right by Nimrod's nose.  Nimrod swats at it impatiently.
SWITCH TO INSECTS' POV -- ON IGGY AND ANTONI, PANNING
Iggy swerves as Antoni hangs on for dear life.
183. Iggy
Hang on Antoni!!
Iggy ducks into A FOLD OF NIMROD'S ROBE.
184. Nimrod (vo)
Before I pass judgment on you both, tell me --
SWITCH TO HUMAN POV -- ON NIMROD, URUK AND RAPI
Nimrod leans menacingly toward the captives.
185. Nimrod (CONT.)
Who is this leader, this great one that you follow?  
Uruk and Rapi cringe back in fear, saying nothing.
186. Nimrod (CONT.)
Who could possibly be greater than me!?
WIDE ON SCENE - FAVOR URUK
Other workers gather IN BG to see what's happening.  Rapi cowers, but Uruk musters courage to face the tyrant.  He stands straight and holds his shoulders back.
187. Uruk
The mighty God!
ANOTHER ANGLE ON GROUP - FAVOR NIMROD
He rants and rails, waving his arms, playing to the crowd.
188. NIMROD
And you think He is greater than I am?  (laughs) He tried to scatter us like ants!  
PAN the crowd of workers, nodding in agreement.
188-a. crowd
(agreeing walla)
189. Nimrod (vo) 
Only I, Nimrod, kept us together!  
MEDIUM ON NIMROD 
Nimrod excitedly points UP and OS.
190. Nimrod (CONT.)
Look, look, I built a tower so high it will reach RIGHT INTO HEAVEN!
CLOSE ON NIMROD 
191. Nimrod (CONT.)
Let’s see God DO SOMETHING ABOUT THAT!
WIDER ON GROUP -- FAVOR NIMROD
192. Crowd (shouting)
NIMROD! NIMROD! NIMROD!
CLOSER ON NIMROD -- drawing himself up.
193. NIMROD
Henceforth you shall call me YOUR WORSHIP!
194. Crowd 
Yes, your worship. YOUR WORSHIP.
ON URUK AND RAPI 
The two slaves look defeated as Nimrod leans in, glaring menacingly.
195. NIMROD
As for you...
SWITCH TO BUGS' PERSPECTIVE -- ON IGGY AND ANTONI IN ROBE
They peek out, looking horrified at...
196. Nimrod (vo CONT.)
I promised to squash those disloyal to me like bugs!
197. Iggy
Yeeeuuu, that sounds kinda messy, doesn’t it?
198. Antoni
Yeah, talk about insulting.
WIDER ON GROUP - FAVOR NIMROD
He gestures imperiously.
199. Nimrod 
Take these traitors out of my sight and... (UNINTELLIGIBLE BABBLING)
ON THE GUARDS, RAPI & URUK
The Guards turn to each other and start babbling also.  They release their grips on Uruk and Rapi and stand face to face , gesturing, trying to communicate through their gibberish.
200-a.  guards
(BABBLE)
200-b. nimrod
(ANGRY BABBLE)
ON NIMROD
Nimrod goes ballistic, waving his arms at the watching workers.  They shrug and babble also.
201. workers
(BABBLE)
ANOTHER ANGLE - NIMROD, OFFICIALS, URUK AND RAPI
202. Uruk
Rapi, something marvelous has happened. We have a chance to escape!
202-a. rapi
Okay!
Uruk and Rapi lunge past Nimrod OS.
ZIP PAN to TWO WORKERS crouched beside the top of a PULLEY.
203. Pulley worker #1
(BABBLE)
204. Pulley worker #2
What's with you?  What are you saying?
PAN DOWN the pulley's rope to a HUGE JUG OF WATER tied to the end.  It swings wildly up and down.  Uruk and Rapi race INTO SHOT, dodging the swinging jug as it (SFX) THWACKS the wall, shattering and drenching the pair.  They stop, staring up OS. 
205. Rapi
(gasps) Hey! What's going on, Uruk?
OTS URUK AND RAPI
Jugs, bricks and other supplies dangle over the wall tied to pulley ropes, swinging wildly up and down.
206. workers (vo)
(BABBLE)
ANOTHER ANGLE ON URUK AND RAPI, TRACKING
They run past other workers who are bumping into each other, waving their arms, shouting, dropping bricks.
207. Uruk
Everyone's talking so strangely they can’t understand each other!
208. workers
(GIBBERISH)
STOP PAN as Uruk and Rapi pause and gaze up once more.
THEIR POV
Work has ground to a halt.  People run in all directions.  A sound of confused babble fills their ears.
209. Rapi 
Look, all the construction on Nimrod’s tower has stopped!
CLOSER ON URUK AND RAPI
210. Uruk 
This is God’s work!  He's confused their languages!
Rapi grasps his friend by the shoulders.
211. Rapi
Hurry, Uruk.  Let’s get outta of here!
ANGLE ON NIMROD
He turns in a fury, robe swirling behind him.  TIGHTEN to Iggy and Antoni in its folds.  They cling to each other and the swinging fabric for a BEAT, then are flung OS.
Cut to:
Ext. First level of tower - tight on part of a brick
Iggy and Antoni SFX: SPLAT down upon it.  The impact jars them apart.  Antoni rolls away from Iggy OS.
211-a. antoni & iggy
(impact)
ANOTHER ANGLE -- ON ANTONI
He sprawls near the brick's edge, ROCKING BACK AND FORTH.  He looks down.  REVEAL The brick is TEETERING ON A LEDGE.
ANTONI'S POV
Directly below is Buggelsville and Antoni’s slide.  
GROUND ANGLE ON THE SLIDE & THE CITIZENS OF BUGGELSVILLE
The Bugs have all come out of their homes and are standing around the slide, looking up at it.
212. Antoni (vo)
Iggy, everyone down there will be flattened!
BACK ON ANTONI - ROCKING ON THE BRICK
He tries to get up.
213. Antoni (CONT.)
I've got to warn them...ugggh!
REVEAL Antoni is stuck fast on a DROP OF PITCH.  He looks OS.
214. Antoni (CONT.)
Iggy, quick!  Fly down and...huh?
WIDER TO INCLUDE IGGY
The bee, too woozy to fly, sways dizzily onto his feet and takes a step toward Antoni.  The brick TEETERS MORE.
214-a. iggy
(woozy sounds)
215. Antoni (CONT.)
Careful Iggy, don't rock the brick!
Iggy takes another woozy step.  The brick rocks worse.
CLOSER ON ANTONI -- SEESAWING
216. Antoni (CONT.)
Oh! This is terrible!
WIDER ON ANTONI
Iggy stumbles INTO SHOT.  The brick rocks, nearly knocking Iggy off.  Antoni instinctively grabs him...just as a green hand reaches in, grabs his and pulls them both UP OS.
217-a. Antoni (CONT.)
(grab)
217-b. mayor green
(effort) Gotcha!
ANOTHER ANGLE - UPSHOT
REVEAL an insect chain.  Iggy hangs onto Antoni, who 's being grasped by Mayor Green sitting astride Beau!
218. Mayor green
Antoni, my goodness, what's happened?
CLOSER ON ANTONI AND MAYOR GREEN
Antoni stares at their two joined hands.
219. Antoni
(winded) Boy am I glad to see you! Quick, we need to get down to Buggelsville before everyone gets squished!!
CUT TO:
EXT. BUGGELSVILLE - WIDE UPSHOT ON SLIDE
The brick's swaying shadow hovers over the oblivious bugs.  It teeters and starts to fall. Bugs look up, REACTING
220. bugs
(gasps)
221. ANTONI (vo)
(yelling) Everyone grab somebody's hand!
Beau dives DOWN INTO SHOT, the others swinging behind.
TIGHTEN to Iggy, who grabs Wally's hand.  QUICK PAN to Spud, Prissy, Gina, Rod, Dex, Megan and one or two other bugs as each grabs a hand in quick succession.
BACK ON BEAU
The brick's shadow plummets toward him.  He zooms DOWN OS.
UPSHOT ON ANTONI SLIDE
A chain of insects are yanked off the slide...just as the brick (SFX) CRASHES down, SMASHING IT TO SMITHEREENS.
221-a. bugs
(reaction to the pull)
DOWN SHOT ON BUGS
They're sprawled on the ground.  TIGHTEN to Mayor Green and Antoni.  They scramble up, gazing around.
222. Mayor Green
(woozy) Is everyone okay?
Megan ENTERS, giving Antoni a big hug.
223. Megan
Oh Antoni, Antoni.  You saved us!
224. Antoni
No way Megan.  It wasn’t me. We did it together.
Mayor Green STEPS IN to join Antoni and Megan.  The mayor smiles and shakes Antoni’s hand.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. BUGGELSVILLE – A WHILE LATER
Beau walks INTO SHOT behind Antoni.
225. Beau
I’ve got to head back to Flutterton Mayor Green.  It was a wonderful ceremony.  Thanks for coming!
TIGHTER ON MAYOR GREEN, ANTONI & MEGAN
226. megan
Say, Mayor Green, just how did Flutterton win the trophy this year?
TIGHTER ON MAYOR GREEN
227. Mayor green
Why, yes, they cleaned up their entire town and planted flowers around each and every home – a community effort where everyone worked together.
ON ANTONI 
228. Antoni
Well then – they deserved to win. 
WIDER ON SCENE
Antoni turns and addresses the bugs as we see the rubble of the sliding ramp IN BG.
229. ANTONI (CONT.)
But maybe next year we’ll do the same thing. Work on a project – together.
TIGHTER ON ANTONI
230. antoni (CONT.)
And the next time I’m asked to fill in for Mayor Green, I promise not to let it go to my head.
Antoni bends and picks his the remnants of his clay face.  It falls apart in his hands as Megan STEPS INTO FRAME and shakes Antoni’s hand.
231. megan
I’m proud of you, Antoni!
232. bug crowd
(warm, cheerful walla)
The Bug Crowd steps forward to surround Antoni.  They take turns patting him on the back and shaking his hand.
WIDE SHOT of the TOWER  
Workers stream away from it.
233. Narrator (vo)
And so it was that Nimrod's big building project was abandoned.  And from that day to this, it is known as the place where God judged the people’s pride by mixing up the languages so they no longer spoke one language, but many.
THE END