BUGTIME ADVENTURES
“Scare Tactics”
(The Story of Gideon and the Midianites)

SCRIPT #12

LOG LINE:  At times it’s best to use your brains instead of brawn.

									Written by:
									Mark Young

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 
“Scare Tactics”
SCRIPT #12

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

INSECT CHARACTERS

ANTONI
MEGAN
IGGY	
MAYOR GREEN
GINA
WEBSTER
RODERICK
DEX
SPUD
WALLY
BUG CROWD
MOTHER BUG
2 KID BUGS
SICKLE                A villainous, bulky scorpion, the same size
                      of Dex. He has large pinchers and a massive
                      tail tipped by a stinger

HUMAN CHARACTERS

GIDEON			A man in his 30s.
PHURAH			Gideon’s servant who is in his early 30s.
JOASH				Gideon’s father, in his 50s.

MIDIANITE #1		Wearing a distinctive Midianite 
uniform (so he looks different from the Israelites) the man is in his 30s.
MIDIANITE #2		As with Midianite #1, this soldier wears a
distinctive uniform.
MIDIANITE SOLDIERS	Generic group of soldiers.
ISRAELITE #1		Wearing a distinctive uniform or costume,
this Israelite is in his teens.
ISRAELITE MOB		A variety of men and women.
ISRAELITE SOLIDER #1  Wearing battle armor, the soldier is in his
20s.

OTHER

ANGEL				Possibly with a female voice 
GOD
NARRATOR

BUGTIME ADVENTURES
“Scare Tactics”
SCRIPT #12

act one
FADE IN
Ext. near israelite mountainside encampment – ground level on a field of wheat - day
It looks like a snowstorm as a flurry of WHEAT KERNELS fall INTO FRAME.  ANTONI, MEGAN and WALLY scurry around catching the falling grains of wheat in woven, organic baskets.
dissolve to:
wider angle on wheat field – on gideon
There is a TREE near GIDEON.  He is the source of the falling wheat as he busily cuts away at the grown wheat. BEAT. 
tighter on gideon
Gideon suddenly stops threshing and examines the palms of his hands.
1.	gideon
(grunts with each beat of thresher)
(pained) Owww…oh, this is just fine -- blisters.
PAN then TIGHTEN to the ground back to Antoni, Megan and Wally. While Antoni and Megan’s baskets are full, Wally’s basket looks empty.
tighter on megan and antoni 
2.	megan
(struggling with the heavy basket) 
Okay, I’ve got enough grain.  How about you, Antoni?
3.	antoni
Plenty, let’s head back to town.
4.	wally (vo)
(mouth full) Wait! Wha – wha - whadya mean?
on wally
His cheeks are extended as he munches away.
5.	wally (cont)
My basket’s nowhere near full! 
back on antoni and megan
6.	antoni
Well, if you’d stop eating maybe you’d have a little left for everyone else in Buggelsville.
PAN to Wally.
7.	wally
(incredulous) Sto – sto—stop eating?  And how, exactly, do you expect me to keep my strength up? 
Wally looks up and runs around with his basket as more flecks of wheat shower into frame.
wider angle on gideon
Gideon threshes once more then stops.  He puts his hand to his sore back. 
8.	gideon
Oh Great. Now my back is killing me.
9.	narrator (vo)
It has been many years since the Lord had brought the people of Israel out of Egypt. 
As Gideon looks over his shoulder to the ISRAELITE CAMP made up of an assortment of simple buildings and cave dwellings.
10.	narrator (vo/cont)
And in that time, they have strayed from worshiping the one true God. 
back on gideon
He turns and looks in the opposite direction.  CAMERA PANS to a nearby RIVER.  On the far side of the river is a large MIDIANITE encampment.  A “sea” of pitched tents is visible.
11.	narrator (vo/cont)
They now suffer under the harsh control of the Midianites – leaving true followers, such as Gideon, to question God’s purpose.
back on gideon
Gideon looks to the sky. He raises his hand to shield his eyes from the bright sunlight.
12.	gideon
(clears throat) Pardon me Lord. I -- It is I, Gideon.  Why are we being treated this way? 
up angle on the sky (gideon’s pov)
We see a beautiful sky with full clouds and a glowing sun.
13.	gideon (vo/cont)
Not that I’m complaining but where are all the miracles we’ve been promised?
14.	narrator (vo)
This is the story of Gideon and the Midianites.
A MAIN TITLE CARD appears across the sky reading: “Scare Tactics”
back on gideon
He is still looking up at the sky.
15.	gideon
(calling out) Hello? 
Suddenly, a second, BRIGHTER LIGHT GLOWS from OS, lighting the side of Gideon’s face.  He turns and has to again shield his eyes – but this time it is from somewhere much closer.  
17.	gideon
(gasp) 
angle on the nearby tree
A GLOW envelopes the tree as an ANGEL materializes and floats beneath the tree. 
16.	angel
(gently) Hello, Gideon.
18.	angel (CONTD)
Don’t worry.  Your people will be saved from the Midianites by a mighty warrior.  
19.	gideon
(relieved sigh) Finally, some good news. Who is this brave leader?
20.	angel
Why, Gideon, that warrior is YOU!
back on gideon 
Gideon pauses.  He turns and looks behind him then places his hand to his chest.
21.	gideon
Are you sure you have the right person?
ON the angel
22.	Angel
(laughs) Of course I’m sure.  Didn’t you just ask for a miracle?
23.	gideon
Yes, but do I have to be part of it?
24.	angel
Yes, a very important part of it.
tighter angle on gideon
He shakes his head and gestures with his hands.
25.	gideon
I would double check this if I were you.  
angle on the angel
The Angel holds out a hand and a STAFF appears there.
26.	angel
If it’s proof you want, go to your camp. Bring some meat and unleavened bread back here.
27.	gideon
(hesitantly) That’s it? Bring, uh, meat and – and – and –
28.	angel
-- and unleavened bread.
29.	gideon
Yeah, okay, got it.
Gideon RUNS OS.
cut to:
ext. ground level – on antoni and megan
Antoni and Megan are walking along carrying their baskets. 
30.	wally (vo)
Hey you two. Wait up would you?
Wally comes bumbling IN lugging his half-full basket with him.
31.	wally (cont)
(heavy panting)
32.	webster (vo)
AHHHHHHHH!
tighter on antoni & megan
They REACT.
Megan turns and looks OS.
38.	megan
Look!
angle on trail ahead of them
WEBSTER comes scrambling down the trail, right at CAMERA.  He has a panicked look on his face.
39.	webster
Ahhhhhh!
Poor Webster is barreling along so quickly that he trips over a rock, lunges forward, and somersaults toward CAMERA.
on antoni, megan & wally
Webster TUMBLES INTO FRAME.
40.	webster (cont)
(efforts)
Webster points.
41.	webster (cont)
Back there.  Don’t go. Go around.
on antoni & megan
They exchange quizzical expressions as Webster babbles on.
42.	webster (cont)
Go waaaaay around!
43.	megan
Slow down Webster.
PAN to Wally who again is eating.  His cheeks are extended and he is munching away.
44.	wally
(mouth full, barely understanding him) Yeah, we can’t understand a thing (gulp) we can’t understand a thing you’re saying.
wider angle on the foursome
Webster looks again behind him, TAKES then RACES OS.
45.	webster
Ahhhhhhhh!
tighter on antoni & megan
46.	antoni
When is that guy gonna stop being afraid of his own shadow?
Antoni REACTS as a SHADOW LOOMS over him.  WIDEN to include Megan, and Wally.  The SHADOW continues to grow larger until it engulfs them all.
47.	antoni, megan, wally
Ahhhhh!
reverse angle (our heroes’ pov)
A menacing SILHOUETTE ahead of them.  The ominous-looking silhouette grows larger and larger and larger – until SICKLE, a large SCORPION steps into the light.
48.	sickle
And where do you think you’re going?
Suddenly, Sickle’s deadly tail whips out from behind him and he waves it menacingly.
49.	sickle (cont)
This path belongs to Sickle. Yes, yes it does.  To Sickle.
reverse on antoni, wally & megan
50.	sickle (CONT)
If you hope to pass, you must give Sickle all of the food you have.  Yeeees.
wider angle on the ground
51.	antoni
Now look here. We have as much right as you to use this – agh!
Sickle suddenly reaches out with one of his pinchers and grabs Antoni around the waist.
tighter on megan & wally
They REACT.
52.	megan / wally
Antoni! / Oh no. P – p – p - please don’t hurt him!
tighter on antoni
He struggles as he is lifted higher and higher into the air.
53.	antoni
(efforts) You’re – squeezing – me.
cut to:
ext. the wheat field, tree & the angel
Gideon returns to the tree carrying meat and bread.  
54.	gideon
(hesitantly) Here you are, just as you asked.
tighter on angel
The Angel smiles and points to a NEARBY ROCK.
55.	angel
Place it all here, on this rock.
WIDEN to include an outcropping of rock. Gideon ENTERS and places the meat and bread on the spot.
tighter on gideon
56.	gideon
Okay, so now what?
back on the rock & the angel
The Angel points her staff toward the meat and bread.  There is a BURST OF BRIGHT FIRE that consumes all of the meat and bread!
angle on gideon
The bright fire is blinding so Gideon throws his hands over his eyes.
57.	gideon (cont)
(gasp) Ahhhhhh!
cut to:
on sickle & antoni
Antoni is still being held high in the air. 
The sudden burst of light from the OS Angel FILLS THE FRAME.
tighter on sickle
He REACTS by shielding his eyes with his pinchers.  
59.	sickle
AHHHH, Sickle’s eyes!
angle on the ground
Antoni drops to the ground.  He’s uninjured and quickly springs to his feet. 
58.	antoni
(grunt)
angle on megan & wally
Seeing their chance to escape, Megan grabs Wally by the hand and PULLS him OS. 
58-A.  WALLY / MEGAN 
	Aaaaaaaah!!
angle on antoni
Megan and Wally RACE THRU FRAME.  Wally grabs Antoni’s hand and his is whipped OS.
angle on sickle
Sickle stops rubbing his eyes then angrily turns from side to side looking for our heroes.
60.	sickle
Stop! Sickle hasn’t told you to go yet.
on wally
As he races AWAY FROM CAMERA, Wally looks back over his shoulder.  He delivers a quick –
61.	wally
(panting) (raspberry)
-- before he GAINS OS.
back on sickle
He scowls and (SFX) SNAPS his pinchers angrily.
62.	sickle
(low, angry growl)
cut to:
on the rock
Gideon ENTERS and examines the meat and bread which have been totally incinerated. The surface of the rock is charred.
63.	gideon
Now that’s what I call a miracle.
He turns to look at the Angel.
64.	gideon (cont)
(hesitantly) I – I believe what you have told me.
wider angle to include the angel
65.	gideon (cont)
But how am I going to save my people from the Midianites?
66.	angel
The Israelites have turned away from the one, true God and have built an altar dedicated to false gods. 
angle on gideon
67.	angel (vo)
Gideon, you are to destroy this false altar.
68.	gideon
But -- But if the others caught me they’d --
TWO SHOT ON on the angel AND GIDEON
The heavenly messenger begins to GLOW.
69.	angel
(interrupting) and in its place build a new altar and make a sacrifice to the Lord.
The Angel now disappearS.
angle back on gideon
He puffs out his chest bravely.
70.	gideon
(with bravado) I’ll do it, absolutely everything the angel told me.
Now Gideon’s chest falls and his shoulders droop.
71.	gideon (cont)
(nervously) But I’ll just wait until it gets dark.  I -- I wouldn’t want to upset anyone. (heavy sigh)
FADE OUT.
end act one

ACT TWO
FADE IN
buggelsville – town square – on mayor green – afternoon
A number of town bugs have gathered around Mayor Green. Antoni, Megan and Wally stand in the FG.
72.	antoni / megan / wally
(ad lib a jumble of gibberish, all excitedly speaking on top of each other)
MAYOR GREEN raises his hands in a “calming” gesture.
73.	mayor green
Please, please! You’re babbling so, I can’t understand a word that you’re saying.
wider angle to include antoni, wally & megan
Our three heroes are standing side by side.
74.	mayor green (VO)
Now, will just one of you tell me what’s happened, please.
angle on antoni, wally & megan
75.	antoni
It was horrible, Mayor Green.
79.	antoni (CONT)
We were just minding our own business, you know, bringing food back to town.
on megan & wally
Wally turns to look back over his shoulder and reacts – then faints into Megan’s arms.
81.	wally
(sigh then fainting sound)
medium on antoni
He doesn’t turn around but he certainly feels that something is happening behind him.  His eyes dart from side to side as he continues.
82.	antoni
(hesitantly) And then uh – we came upon this – this –
angle on mayor green 
His eyes widen as he panics.
83.	mayor green
SCORPION!
back on antoni
84.	antoni
Wow. How did you know?
85.	sickle (VO)
Well lookie lookie here.
Antoni spins around and REACTS.
wider angle
Sickle steps up behind Antoni.  The scorpion’s deadly stinger tail is waving from side to side.
86.	sickle (cont)
You trespassers didn’t think you’d get away from Sickle that easily did you? Hmmmm?
tighter on sickle
With a swing of his tail, Sickle clips the corner of Antoni’s home and a big chunk of it falls out.
on antoni
He reacts.
87.	antoni
Hey, that’s my house!
back on antoni’s house & sickle
The scorpion smiles wickedly.
88.	sickle
(apologetic) Oh, is it?  (angrily) GOOD!
Sickle takes another swipe with his tail and another large chunk of the house falls away.
tighter angle on antoni’s house
The structure of the house has been compromised and the building sways then collapses into a cloud of dust.
angle on the Bug Crowd
91.	bug crowd
(ad lib assorted frightened screams)
angle on sickle
He trudges down Buggelsville’s main street.
on the central food store house
The Buggelsville FOOD STOREHOUSE is a tall, cylindrical building.  There are several GUIDE WIRES securing the tall structure to the ground.
Sickle stomps INTO FRAME.  He raises his pinchers and snips the guide wires.  The structure tips and slams to the ground.
angle on the Bug Crowd
They all scramble out of the way as grain spills from the storehouse and avalanches into the street.
91.	bug crowd
(ad lib assorted frightened screams)
on mayor green
He stands waist deep in the grain.
92.	mayor green
(flustered) Uh – uh -- Hurry everyone, grab baskets and bowls.  We must save our food!
93.	sickle (vo)
Nobody move! 
wider angle
Sickle ENTERS FRAME to confront Mayor Green.
94.	sickle (cont)
It’s not yours any longer. It belongs to Sickle.
on antoni
He gets a determined look on his face and stomps OS.
back to mayor green & sickle
95.	mayor green
(clears throat) Uh, uh -- Now see here my good fellow.  This is our town and while we would gladly share our food with you, we –- uh --
96.	antoni
Save your breath, Mayor Green.
Antoni ENTERS FRAME.
97.	antoni (cont)
There’s only one way to take care of this bully!
Antoni bends and picks up a STONE.  
tighter on antoni
He rears back to throw the stone as Sickle’s tail swipes THRU FRAME, batting Antoni away.
98.	antoni (cont)
Woahhhhh!
on megan & wally
Antoni lands on the ground beside Megan as Wally wakes up.
99.	antoni (cont)
(impact)
100.	wally
(gaining consciousness, woozy) Is it over yet?
tight on sickle
101.	sickle
As far as Sickle is concerned, this is only the beginning!
WIDEN to show that all of the citizens of Buggelsville are backing away from the scorpion who stands in the center of town.
102.	Sickle (cont)
Now this is Sickle’s town.  And you’ll all do as Sickle says!!
dissolve to:
ext. on the night sky & moon – establishing
After a BEAT, TILT DOWN from the MOON to reveal Gideon and his servant, PHURAH, sneaking up to the stone altar for Baal. Phurah wears a SHEEPSKIN VEST-TYPE GARMENT.  
tighter angle on altar to baal
103.	gideon
Well, don’t just stand there Phurah. Let’s get this over with.
104.	phurah
Gladly master.
Phurah lifts his foot and slams it against the stone altar.  The stones fall to the ground.
105.	gideon
(whispers) Shhhh! Not so loud! You want to get us into trouble?
dissolve to:
ext. on altar site - night
Gideon and Phurah are putting the finishing touches on a newly constructed altar. NOTE: this one is completely different in design. 
tighter on gideon & phurah
Gideon wipes sweat from his brow.
106.	gideon (cont)
Quickly now, let’s return before we are discovered.
Gideon and Phurah EXIT.
dissolve to:
ext. buggelsville – medium on mayor green’s house - night
There is LIGHT coming from inside MAYOR GREEN’S HOUSE. We see Sickle’s SILHOUETTE cross then he sticks his head out the window. 
107.	sickle 
(grumbling) And keep it quiet out there!
Sickle then pulls down the window shade. BEAT. PAN off the house and over to the good citizens of Buggelsville are all sitting on an arrangement of STICKS (looking like logs) in a circle.  
In the middle of the circle we see RODERICK pacing back and forth.  He angrily slams his fist into his palm as he speaks.
108.	bug crowd
(assorted angry grumblings)
109.	roderick
(quietly) We must do something to stop this, this monster! And I mean whatever it takes!
tighter on bug crowd
112.	WALLY / MAYOR GREEN / bug
Shhhhhhh!
Megan stands up with a frown on her face.
110.	megan
(quietly) Don’t listen to Roderick. Violence never solves anything – it makes things worse!
on roderick
Antoni STEPS IN and puts his hand on Roderick’s shoulder.
118.	antoni
For once I totally agree with Roderick.
119.	roderick
You do?
on BUG CROWD
112.	WALLY / MAYOR GREEN / BUG
Shhhhhhh!

on megan, antoni & roderick
120.	megan
No, no, Antoni.
back on antoni & roderick
121.	antoni
And I volunteer to come up with a totally new invention that will utterly destroy Sickle.
122.	roderick
And you’re just the ant to do it, Antoni!
Roderick grabs Antoni’s hand and raises it into the air.
reverse on the bug crowd
123.	Bug Crowd (vo)
(loud cheer)
on roderick & antoni
124.	roderick & antoni
Shhhhhhh!
125.	WALLY / MAYOR GREEN / BUG
(whispered cheer)
tighter on megan
Antoni STEPS IN beside Megan.  She is looking off OS in a different direction.
126.	antoni
(whispers) You wait and see Megan.  This is the only way to handle this creep. Megan?
tighter on megan
She narrows her eyes as she looks OS.
127.	antoni (vo)
What are you looking at?
128.	megan
(thoughtful) Mayor Green’s house.
angle on mayor green’s house
It is definitely the brightest lit building around.  Every window blazes with LIGHT from candles or oil lamps.
129.	megan (CONTD)
(to herself) Funny how Sickle has every light on inside there.
back on antoni & megan
Megan turns back around to address Antoni.
130.	megan (cont)
(refocusing )Ahh -- What did you say Antoni?
131.	antoni
Just wait and see what I come up with to get rid of this guy.  When I get through with, him he’ll be sorry he ever came to Buggelsville.
dissolve to:
ext. buggelsville – the next morning
There is a MOTHER BUG with her TWO KID BUGS.  They spot something OS, REACT and then the Mother Bug grabs the Kid Bugs and RACES OS with them in her arms. BEAT. Sickle comes stomping INTO FRAME and stops.
131-b.  kid bugs
(laughter)
131-a.  mother bug
(gasp!)
132.	sickle
(wicked laugh)
tighter angle on sickle
A TARGET SIGHT (made from woven strips of wood) appears in FRAME and “lines up” with Sickle.  The scorpion is dead center in the sight.
ext. hilltop - on antoni & a wooden catapult
Atop a hill, Antoni stands alongside a wooden CATAPULT.  The catapult is armed with a HUGE STONE.  Antoni is making adjustments, lining up his shot.
TIGHTER ON ANTONI & CATAPULT
133.	megan (vo)
No, Antoni. Don’t
wider angle on catapult
Megan and Wally are now standing beside the catapult.
134.	megan (cont)
You’re always talking about how smart you are. Can’t you come up with some other way to get rid of him without using violence?
tighter on antoni 

He scowls and goes back to sighting his catapult contraption.
135.	antoni
Go away Megan.  Everyone’s counting on me here.
cut to:
ext. israelite camp – tight on angry israelite
137.	israelite #1
It was Gideon!  I saw him and his servant destroy the altar to our beloved Baal!  Confess…!
wider angle on mob of israelites
138.	moB of israelites
CONFESS!! CONFESS!!
The mob surges forward toward Gideon.
139.	israelite #1
He should die!
140.	israelite mob
Kill him! Kill him!!
Just then, JOASH, Gideon’s father, steps up to his son and raises his hands to calm the mob.
tighter on joash
141.	joash
If Gideon is to be punished, then it should come from Baal himself!
on the mob
They are quiet.
143.	joash (CONTD/vo)
If Baal really is a god, let him speak for himself.
back to joash & gideon
144.	joash (cont)
Have him proclaim that my son is guilty and then we shall punish him.
on the israelite mob
The mob members turn to each other agreeing with this idea.
145.	israelite mob
(ad-lib agreement)
The mob turns and looks to the sky. BEAT.
on joash & gideon
Joash looks skyward.
146.	joash
What say you mighty Baal?  Is Gideon guilty of this crime or not?
Again, silence.  Joash turns back to address the mob.
147.	joash (cont)
Well, it seems
angle on the israelite mob
148.	joash (vo/cont)
Baal has nothing to say on the matter so we mere mortals should do nothing.  Let’s go home, all of us.
The mob disperses.
back on joash & gideon
Suddenly Phurah RACES IN.
149.	phurah
Joash, Gideon, the Midianites have been joined by the Amalekites!  And now their camp is twice as large as it was yesterday.
tighter on joash
He scowls.
150.	joash
Something must be done!
PAN to Gideon.
151.	gideon
There’s already a plan, Father.
152.	gideon (cont)
An angel came to me and said that I am to lead our people into victory against the Midianites.  Can you believe it?
two shot – joash & gideon
Joash throws his arms around Gideon and hugs him.
153.	joash
Fantastic, my son!  Tell me, how exactly will you conduct this victory?
tighter angle on gideon
His shoulders sag and he drops his head.
154.	gideon
(sigh) I haven’t the faintest idea.
FADE OUT.
end act two

ACT THREE
FADE IN
ext. buggelsville – on wally, megan & antoni – day
155.	antoni
Megan, Wally, please stand back.  I’ve never fired this thing before. (clears throat) Ready?
156.	megan
Antoni, you’re not thinking this through.  What if this crazy contraption works?
157.	antoni
Aim?
158.	megan
And you make Sickle even madder than he is right now?  There’s no telling what he might do.
159.	antoni
Not if this stops him once and for all. 
wider angle
160.	Antoni (cont)
FIRE!
The catapult is triggered and the stone is lobbed UP AND OS.
on sickle
He turns, looks back over his shoulder as he raises his tail. The stone falls INTO FRAME and Sickle swings his tail around and bats the rock away.
back on antoni, megan & wally
They all react. (SFX) FALLING MISSILE
161.	wally
You mean “ready, aim – RUN”!  
162.	antoni / megan / wally
Ahhhhhhh!
Megan and Wally DASH OS then Antoni leaps for his life a split second before the stone drops INTO FRAME, smashing the catapult into splinters!
tighter on megan & wally
Antoni, belly on the ground, groans as he gets to his feet.
163.	antoni
(moans)
164.	megan
See what I mean?  Violence only leads to more violence.
165.	antoni
Well, that’s not (moan) my only idea for getting rid of that monster!
PAN to Megan and Wally. She turns to Wally.
172.	megan
When are they going to learn?
173.	wally
Search me. (BEAT) Uh, learn what Megan? 
dissolve to:
ext. israelite camp – on gideon - evening
Phurah ENTERS carrying a SWORD.  He presents it to Gideon.
174.	phurah
Your weapon, master.
tighter on gideon
He takes the sword and examines it.
175.	gideon
Hmmm, no.  I just can’t be the right person for this. 
wider two shot – gideon & phurah
176.	phurah
But you heard it from an angel sent by God Himself?
177.	gideon
Ya know, another miracle about now wouldn’t hurt.  Phurah, give me your sheepskin.
Phurah removes his SHEEPSKIN vest garment and hands it to Gideon who places it on the ground.  Gideon then looks skyward.
178.	gideon (cont)
God, tomorrow morning, if this sheepskin is wet with dew, but the ground around it is dry, then I will definitely know that I should lead my people into battle against the Midianites.
dissolve to:
ext. the outskirts of buggelsville – on A ROCK - early evening
As the sun is setting, Spud pokes his head up from behind a rock.
179.	spud
This is the opportune moment.
angle on sickle
The scorpion is coming down the path.  
180.	spud (vo)
Said target approacheth.
back on rock & spud
Megan and Wally poke their heads up from behind the rock beside Spud.
181.	megan
Please reconsider this Spud.
182.	spud
Negatory.  Calculations have been made and all systems are go for engaging the aforementioned enemy.
183.	megan
But what if your plan doesn’t work?  You’ll be in a terrible spot.
184.	spud
Sorry but there’s no more time for idle banter. It’s time to proceed.  Excuse me.
Spud springs out from behind the rock.
wider angle on the rock & trail
Spud blocks Sickle’s path.  He holds up his hand defiantly.
185.	spud (cont)
Cease your forward movement!
angle on sickle – ots spud
The scorpion smiles and laughs wickedly.
186.	sickle
(laughs) Out of Sickle’s way you puny excuse for a bug.
Sickle raises one of his pinchers and is about to bring it down on Spud.
reverse, down angle on spud – ots sickle
187.	spud
Commence Operation Squished Scorpion!
188.	gina (vo)
(ad lib a mighty war cry)
angle on a nearby tree branch
GINA appears on the branch twirling a lasso around her head. She lets the rope go.
angle on sickle
Gina lassoes Sickle’s upraised pincher!
on spud
189.	spud
Secondary unit, proceed!
angle on other side of the trail
Prissy leaps up behind to a medium-sized rock which has a STICK wedged beneath it.  She pulls out the stick and the rock rolls OS.
wide on sickle
The rock rolls right into his legs and he topples to the ground.
tighter on sickle & spud
Spud confidently approaches Sickle.
190.	spud (cont)
And now, vanquished one, I shall dispatch you with my own coupe de graus.
Spud holds up a WOODEN CLUB and proceeds to bang one of Sickle’s feet.  The blow forces Spud backwards and he falls to the ground.
191.	spud (cont)
(two impacts)
on sickle
He rolls over and snaps his pincher.  With this action, Sickle pulls on the lines attached to him. 
191-a. sickle
(jerking effort)
on gina on the branch
Gina is comically yanked off the branch.
192.	gina
Ahhhhh!
on the rock with megan & wally
Megan covers her eyes with her hands.  Wally does the same.
on prissy beside the trail
Sickle’s tail swings through frame and knocks her OS.
193.	prissy
(startled cry)
angle on spud, gina & prissy
The threesome are being chased along the trail.
195.	spud / gina / prissy
AHHHHHHHHHH!
angle on outcropping of rocks
There are large, dark opening between the rocks, almost like caves.  Our terrified threesome dive into one of the dark openings.
on the rock with megan & wally
Megan looks between her fingers and BRIGHTENS.
196.	megan
(gasp) They’re safe!
cut to:
int. “cave” in the outcropping of rocks 
Sickle appears at the mouth of the “cave” and starts to ENTER but as he steps into the dark he looks around and quickly backs out.
angle on megan & wally behind their rock
Megan smiles broadly and starts tugging at Wally.
197.	megan (CONTD)
(excitedly) Look Wally, did you see that?
198.	wally
Nope, my fingers were in the way.
back on sickle
He paces back and forth in front of the “cave”.
199.	sickle
You three just wait… 
200.	SICKLE (CONT)
Sickle will take care of you tomorrow! Yeees.
He quickly scuttles OS as CAMERA PANS over to Megan and Wally stepping out from behind the rock.
201.	megan
Know what Wally? I think we’ve just learned something very important about that scorpion.
202.	wally
Yes,  definitely, absolutely.  Uh, Megan, what is it that we learned?
Megan can only roll her eyes.
dissolve to:
ext. israelite camp – the next morning
ON GIDEON AND JOASH
203.	gideon
Father! The sheepskin is wet but the ground is dry!
204.	joash
Then you have your sign. You have been chosen to lead our people against the Midianites.
205.	gideon
Yeah. Well, you know it probably wouldn’t hurt to test this thing one more time. I mean look at me – a warrior?  A leader?
206.	joash
(sighs) Gideon, why can’t you just have faith in what you’ve been told?
Gideon holds the sheepskin to the sky.
207.	gideon
Yeah. Really. Just one more test.  God? This time let the ground be wet with dew and the sheepskin be left perfectly dry.
dissolve to:
ext. israelite camp – tight on sheepskin - the next morning
Gideon holds the sheepskin tightly in his hands.  
208.	gideon (vo/cont)
It’s dry, the sheepskin is dry!
wider angle on gideon & crowd of israelites
Gideon raises the sheepskin up over his head.
209.	gideon (cont)
God has delivered a third miracle – I will lead you all to fight against the Midianites!
210.	israelite crowd
(ad lib cheers)
cut to:
ext. buggelsville – on sickle in the town square – morning
Sickle looks sleepy as he turns several times (like a dog) before laying on the ground and closing his eyes.
211.	sickle 
(heavy snoring)
Mayor Green and Gina tip toe around the sleeping scorpion.
angle on roderick’s BUSINESS BUILDING 
Roderick and Dex stand there, Roderick has his arms crossed.
212.	roderick
Dex, now that’s he’s taking his daily nap, we can take matters into our own hands.
Roderick turns and hands Dex a LARGE SLEDGE HAMMER.
218.	roderick (CONTD)
Now, you go hit Sickle over the head.
tighter on dex
He looks shocked.
219.	dex
M-m-m-me!? But won’t that disturb his sleeping?
wider two shot on roderick & dex
Roderick leans on Dex and struggles to push him toward Sickle.
220.	roderick
(straining) Remember – we must protect property and honor!
on the sleeping sickle
Roderick pushes Dex INTO FRAME.  The rhino beetle nervously closes his eyes as he raises the wooden club to bring it down on Sickle’s head.
tighter angle on sickle’s face
Suddenly, the scorpion’s eyes spring open.
tight on sledge hammer in Dex’s hands.
Sickle’s pointed tail swings INTO FRAME. The two counter opposing motions are synchronized.  As Dex swings down, the sledgehammer is embedded on Sickle’s poisonous stinger.
wider shot to include sickle & dex
Dex panics and scrambles OS as Sickle flicks his tail back and forth. The sledgehammer comes loose and flies OS.
on dex & roderick
The two insects are trying to run away as the sledgehammer slams into Dex’s back – and knocks him into Roderick.
221.	Roderick / dex
(impacts) 
The two tumble to the ground like a couple of bowling pins as an angry Sickle comes into the frame.
222.	sickle
Now Sickle is going to have to teach you a lesson!
angle on roderick’s business building
Sickle STOMPS IN, swings his tail and knocks Roderick’s building to the ground!
angle ON roderick & dex on the ground
Roderick covers his face.
223.	roderick
(sobs) No, not my building! 
cut to:
ext. the well of harod – thousands of israelite fighters - day
224.	israelite fighters
(ad lib cheers) Death to the Midianites! We can defeat them, Gideon!
ESTABLISH thousands of ISRAELITE FIGHTERS then PAN to a nearby BLUFF where Gideon is standing.  
tighter angle on gideon
Gideon holds his sword aloft then stops when he hears –
225.	god (VO)
Gideon, you have gathered too many fighters.
tighter on gideon
He has a puzzled expression on his face.
226.	gideon
But look how many Midianites there are. How can there be too many of us?
227.	god (V0)
If you win they might boast
angle on the thousands of israelite fighters
SLOWLY PAN to huge gathering.
228.	god (VO/cont)
that the Midianites were defeated because there were so many men
back on gideon atop the bluff 
229.	god (VO/cont)
and not by me. I will take care of Israel.
TIGHTEN to Gideon.
230.	god (VO/cont)
Reduce the number of men.
231.	gideon
But how can I do that?
angle on the thousands of fighters
232.	god (vo)
First, ask all of those who are fearful of battle to leave.
dissolve to:
angle on hundreds of fighters
Clearly, the number of fighters has been reduced.
angle on gideon
He again raises his sword triumphantly.
233.	gideon
We are now ready for battle oh Lord.
234.	god (VO)
Gideon you don’t even need this many.  
Gideon’s drops his upraised arm and has a perplexed look on his face.
235.	gideon
Huh?
236.	god (vO)
Yes.  Reduce your army by even more men.
PAN to the river that separates the Israelites and the Midianite encampment.
237.	god (VO/cont)
Have the men drink from the river.
dissolve to:
ext. the river – the remaining israelite fighters
Several fighters are at the river. TIGHTEN to a FIGHTER who kneels and cups his hand to drink the water.
238.	god (VO/cont)
See those men who kneel and use their hands to cup the water into their mouths? 
on gideon
He raises his sword triumphantly.
239.	gideon
They will be part of my mighty army?
240.	god (vo)
No, have them go home.
242.	gideon
(hesitantly and half-heartedly) There may be only three hundred of us left but we will attack the Midianites and be victorious!
angle on small group of fighters
They raise their swords and cheer.
243.	israelite fighters
(ad lib cheers)
ANGLE back on gideon
He lowers his sword as his shoulders drop.
244.	gideon
(to himself) I hope.
245.	god (VO)
Gideon, if you still need more proof of your ability to lead, sneak into the Midianite camp.  There you will find the courage to begin the fight.
dissolve to:
buggelsville – early evening
The Buggelsvillians have gathered together again. Antoni, Spud, Prissy, Gina, Roderick and Dex approach Megan and Wally.
246.	antoni
Okay Megan, you win.
247.	roderick
How can we get rid of Sickle?
248.	spud
Yes, yes, without resorting to pugilistic posturing or violence?
on megan & wally
249.	megan
I have an idea.  
Megan gestures for the bugs to step closer. 
250.	megan (cont)
And, I think it just might work.
dissolve to:
ext. midianite encampment – early evening
Gideon and his servant, PHURAH, sneak between the line of Midianite tents.
tighter angle on a tent
We see SILHOUETTES of TWO MEN inside the tent.  Gideon and Phurah tip toe INTO FRAME and stop to eavesdrop.
251.	midianite #1 (vo)
I had a terrible dream last night.
tighter angle on the silhouette on the tent flap
252.	midianite #1 (VO/cont)
A wheel of barley wheat tumbled through our camp and overturned all of our tents.  
on gideon & phurah
253.	gideon 
(whispers) Barley wheat. That’s what I’ve been threshing for weeks now.
254.	midianite #1 (vo)
What does it mean?
PAN off Gideon and Phurah and back to the two silhouettes on the tent.
255.	midianite #2 (vo)
Your dream warns that Gideon, son of Joash, will sweep through our camp and destroy us all!
medium on gideon & phurah
Gideon breaks into a large smile.
256.	midianite #2 (VO/cont)
God is giving the Israelites a victory over Midian!
257.	phurah
(whispers) Do you need to hear more, master?
tighter on gideon
CAMERA TIGHTENS.
258.	gideon
Come Phurah, it’s time to attack!
dissolve to:
ext. buggelsville – wide on bug crowd, megan & wally - evening
259.	megan
I don’t know if anyone else has noticed but, at night, Sickle keeps every candle and lamp lit in Mayor Green’s house.
260.	wally
And don’t forget about the cave.
tighter on megan
261.	megan
Right, yesterday Sickle wouldn’t step foot into the dark.
WIDER to include roderick
262.	roderick
(sarcastically) And this is all leading to –
263.	megan
To the fact that Sickle must be afraid of the dark!
angle on bug crowd
There’s a BEAT where they do nothing then –
264.	SPUD/ ANTONI / RODERICK / DEX / GINA / PRISSY
(burst into laughter)
on megan
She scowls and crosses her arms as Antoni ENTERS.
265.	megan
I don’t see what’s so funny.
266.	antoni
Big bad Sickle is afraid of the dark. So what?
wally
267.	wally
So we can use our brains against him instead of rocks and sticks and ropes!
back on megan & antoni
268.	megan
And frighten him away from Buggelsville without hurting him!
back on bug crowd – favor roderick
269.	roderick
(dismissive)  Very interesting, and very stupid.  Alright, anyone have any good ideas?
270.	spud
Not so fast, Roderick.  I ascertain that this might be the proper redress.
271.	prissy
Meanin’ she just might have a good idea.
272.	spud
Indubitably.
back on megan & antoni
273.	megan
What do you think Antoni?  
274.	antoni
Well, nothing we’ve done so far has worked.  It’s worth a try!
dissolve to:
ext. midian encampment – on empty pitcher – night
Gideon REACHES INTO FRAME with a BURNING LAMP and places it inside the EMPTY PITCHER.
wider angle on gideon & phurah
Besides the pitcher, Gideon holds a TRUMPET.
275.	gideon
(to Phurah) Do the soldiers have their lanterns, Phurah?
276.	phurah
Yes master and their trumpets as well.
277.	ISRAELITE soldier #1 (vo)
(laughs) Is this some kind of joke, Gideon?
wider angle on gideon’s men
They all hold trumpets and the lanterns. SOLDIER #1 holds up his lantern and trumpet.
278.	ISRAELITE soldier #1 (cont)
Why should we replace our swords with these?
back on gideon
279.	gideon
God Himself told me how to attack the Midianites.
angle on the men
Gideon ENTERS.
280.	gideon (cont)
Split up into three equal groups and take positions around the Midian camp. Then, wait for my signal, and do exactly as I have told you.  Now move, quietly.
The Israelite fighters EXIT FRAME in different directions.
dissolve to:
int. mayor green’s house – on sickle - night
The scorpion has his eyes closed.
281.	sickle
(snoring)
PAN to a WINDOW where Megan, holding a CANDLE, peeks inside then gestures.
cut to:
ext. mayor green’s house - night
As Megan gestures, the citizens of Buggelsville, each carrying a LIT CANDLE, quietly tiptoe to INTO FRAME from different directions to surround Mayor Green’s house. 
tighter on megan
282.	megan
(whispering) Ready everyone? One – two – (shouts) THREE!
wider on mayor green’s house
283.	Bug crowd
(ad-lib scary voices: Sickle! Come out, Sickle! We’re waiting for you!)
inside mayor green’s house – on sickle
His eyes spring open and he is instantly on his feet.
284.	sickle
(long startled cry)
ext. mayor green’s house – on the front door
Sickle bursts out of the front door then spots something OS and does a big SCARE TAKE.
286.	bug crowd (vo)
(ad-libs: Leave Buggelsville! And never come back!)
285.	sickle (cont)
(gasp)
reverse angle – sickle’s pov
Monstrous, dark SHADOWS can be seen undulating against the nearby buildings.
286.	bug crowd (vo)
(ad-libs: Begone! Leave Buggelsville! And never come back!)
angle on the bug crowd
The shadows are being cast by the bugs holding the candles.
back on sickle
He frantically turns from side to side panicked.
287.	sickle
Please, don’t hurt Sickle!
He turns to look off in one direction and delivers another take.
288.	sickle (cont)
Ahhhh!
angle on the mountain – sickle’s pov
One of the shadows grows larger and more ominous than the rest.
on sickle
289.	sickle (cont)
No.  Stay away!  STAY AWAY FROM ME!
He RACES OS as CAMERA PANS to REVEAL little SPUD as he waddles out from behind the side of a building. He has cast the largest shadow.
290.	spud
(laughs)
cut to:
ext. midian encampment - night
PAN off the encampment to Gideon as he CREEPS INTO FRAME. He raises his trumpet and (SFX) BLOWS.
angle on other israelite fighters
They all raise their trumpets and (SFX) BLOW.
cut to:
int. midianite tent
SEVERAL MIDIANITES are sleeping in their tent.  They spring up into sitting positions.  They look frightened.
291.	midianite soldiers
(startled gasps & cries)
angle on gideon & several israelite soldiers
292.	gideon / israelite soldiers
The sword of the Lord -- / -- and of Gideon!!
angle on entrance to the midianite tent
The Midianites burst out of the tent then freeze in position as they spot something OS.
REVERSE angle on gideon & israelite soldiers
They break their pitchers revealing the lights inside. The spots of light shine directly at CAMERA.
tight, reverse angle on midiaNite soldiers
They cower as they throw their hands up over their eyes.
293.	midianite soldiers
There are thousands of soldiers! / We’re doomed! (frightened screams)
Then, as a panicked mob, they RACE OS.
cut to:
ext. buggelsville – on sickle - night
Sickle, still panicked by the monstrous shapes cast all around him, spots the lights OS.
294.	sickle
Oh, good – light!
angle on midianite camp – sickle’s pov
295.	sickle (vo/cont)
I must get into the light!
wide angle on outskirts of buggelsville
Sickle RACES AWAY from CAMERA and disappears into the distance.
back at mayor green’s house – on megan & wally
Antoni ENTERS.
296.	antoni
Well, Megan, Wally, I’ve got to hand it to you – that’s really using your brains.
WIDEN to include the Bug Crowd.
297.	bug crowd
(loud cheer)
wide angle on buGgELsville
The bug town looks peaceful now with the shimmering pinpoints of candle light in the streets.  As the CAMERA TILTS UP to a sky full of stars, we hear –
298.	narrator (VO)
After their tremendous victory over the Midianites, the Israelites wanted Gideon to lead them but he refused, saying that God was to be their only ruler. 
fade out.
the end