BUGTIME ADVENTURES
“Joy To The World”
(The Story of the First Christmas)

SCRIPT #8

LOG LINE: The birth of Jesus gives us hope for our lives.

									Written by:
									Kelly Ward

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
“Joy To The World”
SCRIPT #8

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

INSECT CHARACTERS

ANTONI		
MEGAN
IGGY				
PRISSY
MAYOR GREEN
GINA				
RODERICK			
WALLY
BUGGELSVILLIANS		misc. citizens of Bugglesville. 
BUTCH				tough guy horse fly inhabitant of the 
Bethlehem stable
HORSE FLY GANG	Four horse flies, Butch’s tough gang members

HUMAN CHARACTERS

MARY		Mother of Jesus, age 19
JOSEPH		Mary’s husband, late 20’s
MARY’S MOTHER		Kindly woman, in her 40’s
INNKEEPER		An elderly man
ARI		An impoverished teenager age 17
AARON		An impoverished teenager, age 18
ANGEL		A radiant male figure.

OTHER

DONKEY	 	no dialogue
SHEEP		no dialogue
COW		no dialogue
GOATS		no dialogue
BUGTIME ADVENTURES
“Joy To The World”
SCRIPT #8

ACT ONE
FADE IN:

EXT. NAZARETH - establish
PAN the hillside village.  The sky is gray and cloudy.  Narrow lanes and footpaths criss-cross the hillside connecting the residences to one another and to the village center.

1.	NARRATOR 
Many years ago, in a small hillside town in Galilee called Nazareth, there lived a young woman named Mary.  

We SEE MARY, 19 years old, making her way up a semi-steep path through the village.  She is accompanied by a DOG as she carries a cloth TOTE full of firewood.  

closer on mary
Mary smiles warmly to a YOUNG BOY and his GRANDMOTHER, coming down the path.  Mary smiles and nods at them.  

1a.	mary
Hello.

2.	Narrator (cont’d)
Everyone in Nazareth knew her to be extraordinarily kind and good.  God Himself took note, and He chose Mary to bring His special gift to the world - His only Son.

EXT. MARY’S HOME - CONTINUOUS
Mary arrives at her home and turns to look back down the hill she just climbed.  She smiles as she catches her breath before going inside with her bundle of wood.  

3.	Narrator (cont’d)
This is the story of the very first Christmas.

CHYRON the title:  “Joy to the World.”

INT. MARY’S HOME - continuous
Mary moves to the hearth and stacks her firewood in an alcove nearby.  

4.	mary
I’m home, Mother.  I found plenty of wood.

ON A DOORWAY
MARY’S MOTHER appears, putting a wrap around her shoulders.

5.	Mary’s mother
Oh, thank goodness.  Oh. This is the coldest Spring I can remember! 

ON MARY AT HEARTH
As Mary removes her cloak, PAN TO HEARTH.  A dry branch in the fire <CRACKLES> sending aloft a cluster of sparks.  It falls harmlessly back into the blaze.

Camera CONTINUES PAN, off the fire, to a nook in the wall near the hearth.  PUSH IN to reveal:

EXT. BUGGELSVILLE - ESTABLISH – CONTINUOUS
GROUPS OF BUGGELSVILLIANS work to build a new TOWN HALL.  The scene is abuzz with industrious bugs going hither and thither, carrying all manner of planks, coils of rope, etc.  Much of the activity centers around the structure’s THATCHED ROOF, which is just being applied.  There are small WAGONS of STRAW at the base of the structure, along with ladders leaning against the building’s outer wall.  

6.	buggelsville workers
(ad lib industrious hubbub)

on IGGY - near straw wagon
6a.	iggy
(ad lib strains, crash & sigh)

PAN and TILT with IGGY as he grabs a large bundle of straw from a wagon.  He lifts it a little bit but with great difficulty.  He and the bundle crashes to the ground.  Iggy wipes his brow.  Then has an idea.  He calls to the pile.

7.	Iggy
Wally!

Wally waddles out of the pile of straw munching.

8.	wally
(yawn) Gee, can’t a guy take a little nap around here?

Iggy grabs the pile again and this time easily ascends, flying up to the rooftop.  There, GINA stands on a ladder securing the straw bundles in place.  Iggy hands her a fresh bundle.

Gina places the bundle of straw on the roof, and begins to secure it. 

9.	gina
Thanks, Iggy.  Our new town hall will be done in no time.

Iggy FLIES OS to get another bundle of straw, scatting an upbeat tune.

10.	iggy 
(ad lib some scatting)

ANGLE ON MAYOR GREEN, antoni and megan 
MAYOR GREEN stands with Antoni and Megan at a project table covered with Antoni’s architectural renderings.  They watch the activity OS. 

11.	MAYOR GREEN 
It warms your heart, doesn’t it?

12.	MAYOR GREEN (CONT.)
There’s nothing like a town project to bring out the best in folks.

angle on the HUMANS’ hearth
Suddenly, there’s another <CRACKLE> from the hearth.  This time, the cluster of sparks shoots out of the fireplace.  PAN WITH the FIERY EMBER as it lands right on top of the new Town Hall’s thatched roof.  

13.	BUGGELSVILLE citizens
(ad lib frightened reactions)

Everyone at the work site reacts, retreating from the structure. 

ON GINA
She speedily descends her ladder to escape the flames.

14.	GINA
Fire! Fire from the sky!

favor Mayor Green, Antoni and megan
Mayor Green, Antoni and Megan REACT.   

15.	mayor green
Oh dear!  This is awful!

16.	antoni
Don’t panic, Mayor Green. I’ve got an idea.  C’mon, Megan!

Antoni and Megan RUN OFF. 

angle on BURNING HOUSE 
The Town Hall is quickly engulfed, and the flames quickly spread to the houses on either side of it.  Various Buggelsvillians retreat in mounting fear.  

17.	BUGGELSVILLE citizens
(ad lib frightened cries)   

ON MAYOR GREEN
He approaches the frightened citizens.  

The citizens FLEE.

18.	mayor Green
Hold on.  If everyone just stays calm we can get this under control.

wide
Panic seizes the small community.  Citizens rush to get away from the spreading flames.

19.	BUGGELSVILLE citizens 
(panicked walla)

on antoni and megan - near water trOUGH
Antoni and Megan stand beside the water trough, filling buckets.  They try to organize a bucket brigade. 

20.	antoni
Over here!  Come help us!  

Their neighbors RUN THROUGH SCENE, ignoring them.

21.	iggy (oS)
Dah dah dah dahhhhhh!  Never fear, the Iggy Air Patrol is here!

Antoni and Megan look up and REACT.  

another angle
Iggy <SWOOPS> THROUGH SCENE, picking up a bucket of water.

22.	antoni
Alright! Way to go, Iggy!

on iggy - PANNING
He flies toward the flames, intending to douse them.  The sloshing water in the bucket makes him fly erratically, his behind waggling dangerously.  As he struggles for control, he looks down at the bucket.    

23.	iggy
(struggles for control) Uh oh.  Payload problem!

		23-A. IGGY
(impact grunt)

Iggy TUMBLES OS (clear of the flames) and we HEAR  a <DESCENDING MISSILE> sound.

on antoni and megan
They take off running in Iggy’s direction.

on iggy
He’s flattened on the ground, singed around the edges.  Antoni and Megan RUN IN to him and kneel.  They help him sit up.

24.	megan
Iggy!  Are you okay?

Iggy nods.  Coughs a puff of smoke.

25.	iggy
(cough)  

ANGLE ON MAYOR GREEN
Mayor Green directs VARIOUS CITIZENS in an orderly evacuation away from the conflagration.  The flicker of the OS flames play across the scene.    

26.	mayor green
This way everybody!  The flames have spread too quickly.  

back on antoni, megan and iggy
Antoni and Megan are helping Iggy to his feet when Antoni sees something OS.

27.	antoni
C’mon, Iggy.

They all look up and REACT.

27a.	antoni/megan/iggy
(mild reaction)

THEIR POV - UP ANGLE 

A huge WAVE of WATER is pouring down on them. The water scoops them up and washes them o.s.

28.	antoni/megan/iggy
(larger reaction, being swept away

INT. MARY’S HOUSE - WIDE - continuous
MARY’S MOTHER pours a pitcher of water on the rampant (but small, by human standards) Buggelsville fire <STEAM HISS>.  

another angle
Mary comes to her mother’s side.  

29.	mary
It’s a good thing you caught that fire before it could spread.  Here, let me re-fill the pitcher, Mother.  

cut to:

Ext. mary’s house - garden / well - moments later
Mary is at the well, and has already refilled the pitcher.  Suddenly the air seems to glow.  It illuminates Mary as she turns to re-enter the house.  Seeing the OS source of the light, she stops.  

30.	mary
(small gasp)

wider
An ANGEL, depicted as a radiant figure, stands in the garden with Mary.  

31.	angel
Greetings, most favored One.  The Lord is with you.

Mary backs away from the Angel a few cautious steps. 

32.	mary
Who are you?

on mary
33.	angel (vo)
Don’t be afraid, Mary.  I bring you good news.  Because you have found favor with God, you’re going to have a baby. 

34.	mary
But that’s impossible.  I’m not even married yet.

on the angel - ots mary
35.	Angel 
Nothing is impossible with God.  The power of the Holy Spirit will come upon you.  The child will be Holy, and He will be called the Son of God.  

On mary
Mary clutches her arms about her mid-section and bows her head.  She’s bathed in the radiance of the Angel.

36.	Mary 
I am the servant of the Lord.  I will do as He wishes.

37.	angel
Peace be with you.

The light of the Angel’s radiance dissipates as the OS Angel disappears as quickly as he came.  Looking up, Mary sits on the edge of the well, breathless with joy. 

cut to:

Mayor Green, Antoni, Megan, Iggy, Prissy and others (Gina and Webster, etc.) emerge from the hiding.  Wally steps on a HOT COAL <HISSSS> lying in FG.

FEATURE WALLY 
 
He hops around on one foot, holding the injured one.  

41.	WALLY
Yeow!  Hot-hot-hot!  Ooo-eee-aaa-oooo.

wide on group
They stop in their tracks, stunned. 

42.	MEGAN / ANTONI / MAYOR GREEN / PRISSY / GINA/ BUG Citizens
(low gasps)

In mid-hop, Wally looks where everyone else is looking and freezes, the pain in his foot instantly forgotten. 

43.	WALLY (VO)
This does not look good.  

ots group - their pov
Buggelsville has been burned to the ground.  It’s nothing more than a few charred sticks poking up from piles of smoking rubble. 

CLOSE ON main GROUP 
44.	ANTONI
It’s all...all . . .

Megan, in particular is stricken.  She finishes Antoni’s thought.

45.	megan
Gone. 

Antoni puts a steadying arm around Megan’s shoulder.  The group instinctively draw closer together, unable to take their eyes off the devastation.

46.	prissy
How absolutely awful. 

47.	GINA
Well, at least everyone made it out safely.   

48.	MEGAN / ANTONI / MAYOR GREEN / PRISSY / GINA / IGGY / BUG citizens
(low, anxious walla)

ON mayor green
He assumes an upbeat air.

49.	Mayor Green 
We can get though this hardship – I think the best way is to have a plan. 

WIDEN to include Antoni.

50.	mayor Green (cont’d)
Now, Antoni, I’d like you to be in charge of finding a new location for Buggelsville.

51.	antoni
Sure!  It’s much too dangerous here, near the giants’ fire.

on antoni and megan
52.	antoni (cont’d)
But I’ll need some help.  Megan?  

Antoni looks hopefully at Megan.  She brightens.

53.	megan
(sad, but determined)
You can count on me.

on mayor green
54.	mayor green
Now Prissy, you and Iggy will be the Temporary Housing Committee.  

As Mayor Green continues to organize the recovery effort, we...

dissolve to:
EXt. mary’s house - a FEW WEEKS LATER
Joseph walks up to Mary’s house and <KNOCKS> on the door.  The door opens, revealing Mary.  She smiles lovingly.  

55.	mary
Joseph!  How is my husband-to-be?  

JOSEPH returns Mary’s smile.  

56.	joseph
I’m not sure, Mary.  I had the strangest dream. 

57.	mary
Let’s go into the garden. 

Mary reaches into the house and grabs her cloak (hung just inside the door).  She exits the house, closing the door behind her.   

Ext. MARY’S HOUSE - garden - Moments later
Mary (now wearing her cloak) and Joseph walk over to the garden bench and sit down.

58.	Joseph 
I dreamed you were going to have a baby.  A special child.  

59.	mary
Your dream was true.  I’ve been meaning to tell you.  I just didn’t know how.  I suppose I was afraid.

Joseph takes Mary’s hands in his.

60.	joseph
In my dream, I was told your child is of the Holy Spirit. (warm chuckle) You shouldn’t have worried.

61.	joseph (cont’d)
I shall always be with you, Mary.

62.	mary
And I with you.

62a.	joseph
Oh Mary, we have so much to prepare.

62b.	mary
Yes, I know.

TWO SHOT
Joseph stands.  He turns, suddenly remembering something.

63.	joseph
The Roman census is coming.  We’ll have to travel to Bethlehem, my ancestors’ home, right when the baby will be coming. 

Mary stands.

64.	MAry
Such a terrible thing, the census. (sighs) But don’t worry Joseph, everything will be fine.

Joseph kisses Mary on the forehead and EXITS.

cut to:
QUICK MONTAGE
int. mary’s house – bug view  
64-A. ANTONI / MEGAN
(climbing grunts)

65.	Antoni
Alright Megan!  Let’s find our new home!

Iggy flies into frame, scatting. He waves to Antoni and Megan below  He flies out of frame, but his whistling continues. He “wipes” the frame.  

65a.	iggy
(ad lib scatting)

INT. ANOTHER PART OF MARY’S HOUSE 
Antoni and Megan enter.  They look around and point.  He and Megan both nod, liking the area.  Suddenly a number of Giant feet come into frame.  Antoni and Megan have to stop while the Giants walk back and forth.  

PULL BACK to reveal Mary, now clearly pregnant, and Joseph walking back and forth.

The ants pause.  They shake their head.  This place won’t work.  

Ext. mary’s house – bug view  
Megan and Antoni look around at another area.  They both nod, liking it.  Suddenly water gushes down on top of them.  PULL BACK to reveal they are right next to the well.  The bugs sigh and walk out of frame.

Mary enters frame with her water pitcher; she shows her pregnancy even more now.

EXT.  MARY’S HOUSE 
Antoni and Megan look around.  There’s small undergrowth.  Antoni jumps up on a small rock, excited.  They both nod.  Suddenly a DOG lowers his extremely large snout into frame.  The two ants react and then run in the opposite direction.  

PULL BACK to see Mary with her dog.  Mary is now much more pregnant that she was before, about to deliver.

Ext. buggelsville RUINS / TENT CITY - day  
The citizens of Buggelsville have gathered for a town meeting.  Mayor Green, Antoni and Megan stand on a raised portion of ground - kind of like a stage - preparing to give a report.  Iggy and Prissy are at the front of the crowd.  Everyone’s anxious to know where their new home will be.  In the BG can be seen several rows of makeshift shelters, hastily erected amidst the stark remains of the burned town.

66.	bug crowd
(excited walla)

favor mayor green
67.	Mayor Green 
I hereby call this Buggelsville town meeting to order. 

68.	BUG crowd (VO)
(ad lib shushes, as the crowd hushes)

69.	mayor green
(upbeat) I know everyone is anxious for good news about our new home site.

on crowd
70.	PRISSY / WALLY / IGGY / RODERICK / GINA / BUG crowd
(ad lib excited speculation about the new home site)

on mayor green
71.	mayor Green
But we’re gonna have to be patient.  Antoni and Megan haven’t found the right place yet.

on crowd - favor RODERICK
72.	PRISSY / WALLY / IGGY / RODERICK / GINA / BUG crowd
(ad lib confused walla)
  
He plays alternately to Mayor Green and to the crowd.

73.	RODERICK 
Just a moment, Mayor Green.  They said they’d find a new home site within a few weeks.  But that was months ago.

74.	PRISSY / WALLY / IGGY / RODERICK / GINA / BUG crowd
(frustrated agreeing response)

FEATURE prissy
75.	prissy 
The living conditions in these ruins are becoming unbearable!  

ON MAYOR GREEn
76.	mayor green
Now, now, we only need to wait a bit longer

ON buggelsville citizens – favor RODERICK 
77.	roderick
We’ve waited long enough.  Antoni and Megan simply haven’t tried hard enough.  

77a.	BUG CROWD (vo)
(ad lib agreement with Roderick)

on megan and antoni
They look concerned.
78.	megan
I thought you said they’d understand!

Antoni shrugs.

fade out

END ACT ONE

ACT TWO
FADE IN:

Ext. buggelsville RUINS / TENT CITY - continuous  
80.	BUG crowd
(ad lib agitated walla)

ON MAYOR GREEN
He holds up his hands for quiet.

81.	mayor green
Please! Please, everyone! I beg each and every one of you not to give up hope.  

Antoni crosses to Mayor Green’s side.

82.	antoni
We’re going to expand our search for a new home.  

 OTS MAYOR GREEN ON GINA AND IGGY

83.	GINA
Mayor Green, perhaps the search committee should be enlarged.  I nominate Prissy and Iggy.

Gina turns to Prissy, obviously flattered. 
on PRISSY
84.	mayor green (vo)
Uh yes, they would be a perfect addition, if they’re agreeable.

85.	prissy
Well, glory be.  

86.	prissy/IGGY
I’d be honored to/Count me in..  

wide - favor mayor green
Iggy ENTERS, joining Mayor Green and the others.  The mayor addresses the crowd.

87.	mayor green
Well then, great! We all wish you well in your search.

88.	BUG crowd
(ad lib cheers. Good luck!  We’re behind you!)

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. MARY’S HOME - BUG LEVEL - later
CLOSE ON ANTONI

He is strapping on a pith helmet with an armature that drops a pair of rudimentary BINOCULARS over his eyes at the touch of a button.  As he turns to face camera, the binoculars  drop into place, making his eyes look gigantic.  NOTE: Glass making in Mesopotamia dates back to the 3rd millennium BC  It was highly a refined craft by 1st century B.C. 

89.	antoni
These are my inventions to help us find the perfect new home. 

WIDEN TO INCLUDE PRISSY
The group has gathered in preparation for their sojourn.  Prissy wears another of Antoni’s contraptions - a BONNET with A MAGNIFYING GLASS sewn into the brim.  The brim folds down for examining soil, rocks and the like. Iggy wears a FLIGHT HELMET with a ridiculous-looking POLE and WIND SOCK on its crown.  The wind sock dangles in his face.

90.	Prissy
Must I wear this magnifying glass?  It’s so unfashionable.

ON antoni
He adjusts the binoculars back atop his helmet.  We SEE that Megan wears a BEANIE with a spinning-cup WIND-GAUGE on top.

91.	antoni
We need to decide which direction to begin our new search. 

92.	iggy
Right.  Any ideas?  

They all look different directions.  Megan heaves a sigh.

93.	megan
(sigh)  Does it really matter?  North, south, east or west – we don’t know which way is best.

ON iggy
He improvises a bluesy song, playing up to Megan and the others. 

94.	iggy
don’t care which way we go, 
North, south, east or west.
just wanna find a PLACE
where I can finally rest
I GOT THOSE “I NEED A NEW HOME
BUT WHERE DO I LOOK FOR ONE?” BLUES. 
OH YEAH!!!

WIDE ON GROUP
Antoni is impressed by Iggy’s singing.
 
95.	antoni
Gee, Iggy.  That sounded nice.

96.	iggy
Thanks. (chuckle) Singing helps lift my spirits. 

full on group
97.	prissy
Come on, y’all. We gotta get a move on here if we’re gonna find our new home. 

Antoni looks up OS.

98.	antoni
Hey, I have an idea!

ABOVE - ON THE HUMANS - continuous
A DONKEY, laden with baskets on each flank, waits patiently as Joseph helps Mary onto its back.  Her belly is now showing.  Mary’s Mother looks on, nearby.

99.	joseph 
Are you sure you’ve packed everything you need?

100.	mary
(laughs)  Positive.  Joseph, I think you’re more worried about this trip to Bethlehem than Mother.

CAMERA TILTS DOWN and PANS to:  

BELOW, ON THE GROUND
The bugs are looking up at the OS donkey.  Prissy is being difficult.  Iggy and Megan look dubious as well.

101.	PRISSY
Antoni, when I think of creature comforts, hitching a ride on a donkey is the last thing that comes to mind.

on antoni
102.	Antoni 
Well we have to look far and wide and this is the perfect way to do it!

WIDE ON HUMANS 
Joseph nudges the donkey forward, walking beside it.  Mary waves to her Mother.

103.	mary’s mother
God be with you.  

Antoni grabs Megan by one arm, Iggy by the other, and uses them to herd Prissy into the oncoming Donkey’s path. 

104.	antoni (VO)
All aboard the Donkey Express!.  

105.	prissy
Antoni...!

106.	antoni
We can argue later.  Right now, we’re gonna miss our ride.  JUMP!  

They jump reflexively at Antoni’s command - right onto the donkey’s tail as it moves THROUGH FRAME.  

TIGHTER - DONKEY’S TAIL
Iggy (highest on the donkey tail), Prissy, Megan and Antoni (lowest), cling to the tail while being swept back and forth THROUGH FRAME with each of the donkey’s steps.  Iggy, his wind-filled wind sock threatening to peel him off the donkey’s tail, fights to maintain his grip.  

110.	antoni (os/on)
Yahooo!  You guys are doing great!  Keep climbin’!  
107.	iggy (on/os)
Whoooaaaa!  

CAMERA CRANES LOWER to reveal Prissy, holding on for dear life.

CAMERA CRANES LOWER to reveal Megan, being swept back and forth through shot.

108.	MEGAn (on/os)
Prissy!  You’ve got to hang on-gakkk!  

Megan’s spinning wind-gauge clips a clump of donkey fur, which falls into her mouth. 

109.	Megan (conT’d ON/os)
Pfft-fftt!  Ptui!  Dusty donkey fur!  Yuck!  

CAMERA CRANES LOWER to reveal Antoni looking at his comrades above.  As he’s swept through frame he smiles proudly.

ext. country road
With the small village of Nazareth behind them, Mary and Joseph make their way toward camera, leaving their home. 

fade to black:

IN THE BLACK

We HEAR Iggy singing.

111.	iggy (vo)
(bouncy Cole Porter feel)
Oh, WHO could complain or feel any pain...

fade in:
ext. donkey’s head - a few days later - SUNSET
Antoni, Iggy, Megan and Prissy are perched atop the donkey’s head looking like pashas atop an elephant.  Their anxiety over riding the donkey is a thing of the past.  Antoni is dozing.  Iggy is drinking in the sights and singing.  Megan and Prissy are doing their best to endure the serenade
.
ext. town of bethlehem - continuous
They make their way through the town as Iggy sings.

112.	iggy (VO/cont’d)
when it’s plain we’re on top of the world?
Only sourpusses and grumps...

on megan and prissy
Megan and Prissy give each other a look of weary impatience.

113.	iggy (cont’d vo)
Could possibly say they’re down in the dumps. ooohhh..

114.	mEgan and Prissy
Iggy! 

wide
Iggy, startled, stops singing.  Megan speaks calmly now.

115.	megan
Could you give it a rest?  Three days is a long time to sing - without a stop. 

on iggy
He smiles accommodatingly, and lays back in the bristly donkey fur.  He struggles with his wind sock to get comfy.   

116.	iggy
Sure. (chuckle) I’m just enjoying the ride. 

on prissy & MEGAN
117.	prissy
(wearily)
Well, I for one, am not.  We have put up with this undignified mode of travel for far too long.  

118.	megan
(glumly)
And with nothing to show for it.

119.	Megan (CONT’D)
The giants have stopped at several nice-looking places, but for some reason they keep moving.

favor iggy
120.	iggy
Why don’t we just hop off the next time the donkey stops? 

ANGLE ON THE GROUP

121.	Antoni
Sounds good to me!  Wonder when that will be?

Suddenly the donkey stops, lurching the bugs forward.

121a.	Antoni/megan/prissy/iggy
(ad lib)

122.	iggy
Does that answer your question? 

123.	antoni
Let’s jump!

 CLOSE ON THE BUGS

They each jump as one, dropping down off screen.

EXT.  BETHLEHEM INN  -- ON THE BUGS
They land on some spongy leaves.
 
124.	antoni (cont’d)
It’s cold. (sigh) Let’s try in here.

The group hurries into a nearby “cave” (crack) in a nearby well.  Pull back to the Bethlehem Inn.  The Stable is in a hillside next to the Inn. The well stands alongside the Inn.  They run inside

WIDE ON SCENE

Joseph exits the Inn and comes over to Mary on the donkey.

125.	joseph
I should have known all the inns would be full.
  
closer - favor joseph
126.	Joseph (cont’d)
But the Innkeeper said to come behind the Inn to his stable.  He might be able to help us.

favor mary
127.	mary
I’m not worried Joseph.  God is with us. 

Joseph pulls the donkey out of frame.

ANGLE ON CRACK IN WELL

The foursome all scramble through the crack in the wall of the well.

INT. SPACE INSIDE THE WELL

There is hardly any room inside this vertical space inside the wall.  Our heroes look side to side, up and down.

128.	megan
There’s no way all of Buggelsville could squeeze in here.  This place is too small.

128a.	iggy
It wouldn’t be too small if we were fleas.

Prissy affects a touch of melodrama.

129.	prissy
I’m beginning to believe that we’ll never find a new home.

They all look at Prissy, weighing the gravity of what she’s expressed.  PAN to FAVOR ANTONI.  He looks at the ground, his faith momentarily shaken.  PUSH IN ON HIM.

130.	antoni
Well, it kind of looks that way..  

Realizing he’s just confessed a deep fear, he tries to cover by forcing a smile. 

131.antoni (cont’d)
But we have to try to stay positive. 

cut to:

INT. a stable – behind the inn - later, night
The stable consists of fencing built out from a cave in the hillside.  The Innkeeper holds a LAMP and waits as Joseph helps Mary off the donkey, just inside the stable’s fencing.  We see the back of the Inn, so we know where we are.

132.	innkeeper
I’m sorry I haven’t any proper rooms left. 

another angle 
Leaving the donkey behind, Mary and Joseph follow the Innkeeper into the cave.

133.	joseph
We are very thankful for whatever you can offer.

int. cave/stable - continuous
The Innkeeper places the lamp on a rock shelf carved into the wall. There’s a large manger overflowing with hay.  A SHEEP and a COW loiter disinterestedly in the BG.  Mary and Joseph look around.  

134.	Innkeeper
I’ll try to make it more comfortable.  (to the animals)  Shoo now.  Out you go.  Shoo, shoo.

The Innkeeper shoos the cow and sheep out of the cave, then grabs an armful of FRESH, CLEAN HAY from the manger and begins tossing it around the stable.  TILT DOWN and PAN to:

int. inside the wall
Antoni looks around.  The others aren’t too sure.

135.	antoni
It is a bit on the small side, but we could rebuild the town here in no time.  

Suddenly there’s a loud <BUZZING> coming from above.  Megan looks OS.

ON MEGAN
136.	megan
Guys, we’ve got company.

WIDEN as BUTCH, a HORSEFLY and his four member FLY GANG fly IN and land.  They surround our heroes, looking mean.

136-a. fly gang
(ad lib angry grunts)

		136-B. PRISSY / MEGAN / IGGY / ANTONI
(small gasps)

137.	butch
Hey! Whouse are youse? 

favor antoni
He puts on his best neighborly smile.

138.	antoni
Well, hello there!  We’re a committee from Buggelsville, looking for a place to build our new home. 

full on butch
He crosses to Antoni and grabs him by his binocular-helmet contraption.

139.	butch
Izzat so?  Well, youse and your committee is gonna have to look elsewhere.  Dis is our turf.  Ya unnerstand?

Antoni tries to reason with the bully. 

140.	antoni
Now hold on just a minute...

favor megan
She summons all her courage yanks Antoni away from Butch.  

141.	megan
We get the picture. (nervous laugh) We’ll just be moving on.

142.	megan (cont’d)
It was nice meeting you fly boys.

on horse fly gang
They look on with surly expressions.

142a.fly gang
(ad lib angry grunts)

WIDE on prissy and iggy
As Megan and Antoni join them in shot as they go through the crack out to the inside of the Inn.

143.	antoni
Megan, I had ‘em right where I wanted ‘em!

144.	megan
Sure you did.  

ext. outside bethlehem inn 
The group comes outside, a bit down in the dumps. 

145.	prissy
Antoni, we discussed lowering our standards.  Not abandoning them entirely.

146.	megan
Surely we can find a home site that’s friendlier than this. 

147.	antoni
Okay, fine.  Where do we look, and how do we get there?     

favor  iggy
He points OS. 

148.	iggy
Hey!  Let’s hitch a ride on that sheep!  

angle on country field- iggy’s pov
A SHEEP with long wool is ambling slowly towards them.

on iggy, antoni, megan and, prissy  
149.	prissy
Oh, no.  Not another barnyard animal excursion!

Iggy and Antoni grab Megan and Prissy’s hands and they dash OS.  We HEAR the BUGS OS.

150.	antoni
Come on, Prissy, stay positive! 

151.	sheep
(startled Baaaaa!)

152.	antoni, megan, prissy & Iggy
Whoaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! 

153.	Iggy (vo)
Oh, oh, I forgot, I’m allergic to woooooolllll! (big sneeze)

INT. STABLE - continuous
The Innkeeper finishes arranging the stable for Mary and Joseph.  It actually looks transformed – almost comfortable in the glow of the lamp light.

154.	Joseph
This will be just fine.  Thank you.

The Innkeeper leaves Mary and Joseph with the lamp, and EXITS.  TIGHTEN ON Mary and Joseph.  She shudders, experiencing a contraction.  

155.	mary
(gasp) Joseph, I think the baby is coming...

He helps her lie down in the fresh hay.  

dissolve to:

ext. ROCKY HILLSIDE OVERLOOKING fields - near bethlehem - night
The sheep carrying our heroes arrives at the top of the rocky hillside, where SHEPHERDS are tending their flocks.  

CLOSER ON THE SHEEP
Antoni, Megan, Iggy and Prissy cling to strands of wool, hanging from the sheep’s flank.  

156.	antoni
Ready...steady... 

156-a.iggy
(big sneeze) 

All four bugs release their grips on the sheep’s wool.  

angle on Ground
The bugs fall IN.

157.	antoni/megan/iggy/prissy
(landing impacts)

The group pulls themselves together, and get to their feet.

There’s a sudden <GUST> of wind.

Wide On bugs
Iggy’s wind sock fills, and Megan’s wind gauge spins frantically.  Everyone shivers.  Prissy turns to Antoni.

158.	prissy
It is cold.

Trying to warm himself, Antoni frowns, troubled.  

159.	antoni
Well, it is a little barren.

favor megan
160.	megan
Why don’t we cozy up to the campfire, while Iggy takes a flight to scout the area?

favor iggy 
He removes his wind sock helmet and hands it to Antoni.  

161.	iggy
Okey dokey.  I’ll be back in a flash. 

He fires up his wings and takes to the skies. 

wide on the bugs
Antoni, Megan and Prissy make their way toward the humans’ fire in the BG.

ext. fields - fireside - continuous
The TWO SHEPHERDS sit beside their campfire.  Aaron shivers and warms his hands.  Ari is sitting perfectly still, looking OS.  We HEAR occasional <BAAAS> from sheep grazing OS.  The fire gutters in the <WIND>.  Aaron waves his hand in front of Ari’s face.   Ari doesn’t flinch

162.	Aaron
What are you doing? 

163.	Ari
           (deadpan)
I’m tending the flock.  

Ari never takes his eyes off his OS sheep.  He never even blinks.  Aaron studies him for a moment. 

164.	Aaron
You’re just...watching them.

165.	Ari
No.  I’m tending them. You’re just watching them.

166.	Aaron
So that’s all there is to this, huh?  Sitting out in the cold and the dark staring at sheep? 

Ari still looks ahead at the sheep.

167.	ari
Shepherding is a noble profession.  My father was a shepherd. His father was a shepherd.  And his father was a shepherd. We tend sheep.

168.	Aaron
Noble? (chuckle) The people in the village don’t think we’re that great.  To them we’re nothing but smelly sheep people. 

Ari turns to Aaron.

169.	ari
There are more important things in life than worrying about what other people think about you.  Now quiet.  I’ve got sheep tending to do.

Ari turns back to the sheep.  Aaron smacks his head in despair.

ON THE GROUND - NEAR THE FIRE
Antoni, Megan and Prissy are warming themselves near the shepherds’ fire pit.  Antoni is scanning skies with his binoculars.

170.	antoni
Here comes Iggy.

angle in night sky
Battling <gusts> of wind, Iggy angles for a landing near the fire.  PAN with him as he comes in for a landing close to his companions.  They approach him anxiously.  (Antoni gives him back his wind-sock helmet.)

171.	megan
Did you see anything promising? 

172.	iggy
Nothing but rocks and patches of grass.  

anotheR angle - favor antoni
He begins to wilt.  Another <GUST> of wind blows a small leaf into his antennae and binoculars helmet.

173.	prissy
Here we are, stuck in the middle of nowhere.  

On iggy
174.	iggy
(singing, a “gospel” feel)
we Are StuUUUck 
in the middle of no-where...

wide - favor antoni
175.	antoni
Aw, knock it off, would ya, Iggy?

Iggy stops singing, surprised.  Megan and Prissy share an equally surprised look.  Iggy sits down, hurt. 

ON ANTONI
Antoni gruffly removes the leaf from his antennae and throws it to the ground.

176.	antoni (cont’d)
What’s the use?  We’re never going to find a suitable place to move.

Antoni crumples to the ground in a dejected heap.  He removes his binoculars helmet and tosses it away. 

FULL ON GROUP
They are all now seated, the picture of despair.

177.	megan
It’s hopeless.  

178.	prissy
Stuck out here in the cold and the wind...

179.	iggy
Where who knows what might be waiting to eat us.

Antoni, Megan and Prissy all do a TAKE to Iggy.  WIDEN as they cast nervous looks out into the darkness around them. 

Suddenly, the scene is bathed in a BRIGHT LIGHT.  The four bugs react, jumping to their feet and looking up OS.

180.	iggy
(gasp) What’s that?!

WIDE - feature shepherds #1 & #2
The two Shepherds look skyward, terrified. 

181.	Aaron
Ari!  The clouds are on fire!

182.	Ari
Don’t just sit there, Aaron.  This way!  Come on!  

PAN as the shepherds grab their CROOKS and scramble backwards up the hill.  They cower amongst some large rocks.  The scene gets brighter and brighter.

ON THE BUGS
Antoni, Megan, Iggy and Prissy scurry behind a nearby rock, keeping a fearful watch on the skies.

183.	Antoni
Oh no, more fire from the sky!

fade out

END ACT TWO

ACT THREE
FADE IN:
ext. fields near bethlehem - night
Antoni, Iggy, Megan and Prissy huddle fearfully behind the protective rock, their heads down.  The scene is filled with pulsating light.

184.	iggy
Wait a minute, that’s not a fire!

ON THE TWO SHEPHERDS
Clutching one another in fear, they stare in awe at the heavens.

ANGLE ON NIGHT SKY - their pov
Out of the brightly-lit clouds there materializes an undulating figure of pure light.  This is the same ANGEL that visited Mary in Nazareth.  A HOST of GLOWING FIGURES appears behind the Angel.

185.	angel
Shepherds, don’t be afraid.  I bring news of great joy for all people.  This night, in Bethlehem, a Savior has been born.  He is the Messiah, the Lord.  

ON THE SHEPHERDS
They then watch the celestial event in awe.

186.	angel (cont’d)
You will find him by this sign: he is wrapped in strips of cloth, and lying in a manger.  Let there be peace on earth.

The light in the heavens returns to normal.  Ari stands looking at the sky in amazement.  Aaron does likewise.  
 
187.	aaron
Now this is excitement!

Ari turns to his companion.

188.	Ari
Who says shepherds aren’t important.  God obviously thinks we’re pretty special!  Come on, let’s go see this child! 

He takes off running down the hillside.

ON THE BUGS
As the light dissipates, Antoni hazards a peek from behind the rock.  

189.	antoni
I think it’s safe to come out now. 

Slowly they emerge from behind the rock.  

190.	MEGAN
What could have caused the light in the sky?

on antoni
191.	antoni
Maybe it was a sign - that we should keep searching for a new home. 

on megan
Catching Antoni’s enthusiasm.

192.	megan
We could start by finding a better place to sleep tonight.

on iggy
193.	iggy
You’ve got that right!  Let’s catch the next ride outta here.

wide - favor prissy
The group begins to move out, their spirits somewhat restored.

194.	prissy
As long as it isn’t another farm animal.

195.	antoni
Well, it’s not like a magic carpet will be flying in anytime soon! 

At that instant, the foursome are swept CLEAR OF FRAME by a <SWOOSH> of CLOTH passing THROUGH.  

196.	antoni/megan/prissy/iggy
(ad lib shouts of surprise)

angle on bug foursome - tracking
They cling to the flapping CLOTH.

197.	Antoni
Hold on everybody!  We caught the express!

WIDEN to reveal that they’re clinging to the HEM of Aaron’s cloak.  He and Ari are running to gather the flock.

dissolve to:

EXT. SKY ABOVE BETHLEHEM STABLE - LATER
PAN down from a BRIGHT STAR to the stable below.  The stable glows with the warm light of the lamp within.  All is still around the stable.  Then, after a BEAT, the shepherds arrive at the stable with their flock of sheep.  They approach slowly, reverently.

200.	aaron
(calling reverently OS into stable) Excuse me, I know you may not want to be bothered by a couple of shepherds, but we’ve come to see your new baby. 

EXT. STABLE - CORRAL AREA - angle GROUND - continuous
Megan, Antoni, Iggy and Prissy hop off the shepherds’ cloaks, dropping gently to the ground.  Antoni looks around.

201.	antoni
I think this place shows promise.  

favor PRISSY
She looks around, suspiciously, then uses her bonnet brim magnifying glass to examine the ground.

202.	prissy
Wait a minute, this place looks familiar.

ANGLE ON THE CORRAL AREA 
203.	antoni
Oh no.  This is where those horse flies were hanging out.

BACK On antoni & megan
Antoni looks around as one of Butch’s Fly Gang Members FLIES THROUGH FRAME overhead. Megan withers in disappointment.

204.	megan
(disappointed) You’re right, Antoni.

on iggy and prissy
Iggy prepares to sing.

205.	iggy
(preparing to sing)
Come on everyone. (singing) Ohhhhh...

206.	antoni/prissy/megan
Stuff it, Iggy! 

Iggy looks at Prissy, offended.

on megan and antoni
Megan throws up her hands and starts to wander off by herself, completely dejected.

207.	megan
I give up.  

Antoni notices Megan leaving.  He goes after her, following her into the cave section of the stable.

208.	antoni
Megan, wait.

on megan - tracking
Antoni catches up to her in the cave.  

210.	antoni (CONT)
You’re not really giving up, are you?  

211.	megan
I think so, Antoni.  It’s like all our hopes and dreams burned up with our homes.
  
on antoni - ots megan
212.	antoni
I know how you feel.  Out in the fields I felt like we had failed.  Then, after we saw the bright light, for some reason, I found new hope. 

213.	megan
Oh, I wish I could feel that way. 

Antoni and Megan overhear the Shepherds talking to Mary and Joseph.  They look OS.

214.	Aaron (vo)
...and then an Angel appeared.  He told us a savior had been born here in Bethlehem.

on mary, jOseph and the shepherds - antoni & Megan’s pov
The shepherds are kneeling before Mary and Joseph.  Mary and Joseph smile at their visitors.

215.	Ari
He called him the Messiah, and said we’d find the babe lying in a manger.  

on megan and antoni 
216.	megan
Antoni, I have to see this baby. 

on mary, joseph and the shepherds
Mary touches Christ child’s blankets.  He is sleeping peacefully.  

angle on HAY PILE
Megan and Antoni are to a hay pile right next to Mary and Joseph.  

217.	megan
Hurry up, Antoni.

Antoni struggles up the hay pile to join her. 

218.	butch (vo)
Shhhhh!

Antoni and Megan look OS and REACT with trepidation..

219.	antoni
Uh oh.
wider
Butch, the Horse Fly and his posse are all perched a further down the hay pile.  They give Antoni and Megan stern looks.  

220.	butch
You’ll wake the baby!  

on megan and Antoni
They look surprised and properly chastened.

WIDE - feature butch
Having chastised Antoni and Megan, Butch and his posse turn back to ogle the OS Christ child – all their toughness gone.  Butch beckons for them to come join him.  Megan and Antoni sidle up near the Horse Flies and sit on the hay pile behind them.

221.	Butch & horse fly posse
(anxious, quietly)
Uh, oh...

on mary and child - their pov
The baby stirs in his sleep.  Mary brushes His cheek with her hand.  He settles. 
 
on horse flies
222.	Butch & horse fly posse
(“mushy” relief, quietly) 
Awwww.

ON ANTONI & MEGAN
They give each other an amused take, surprised by the Horse Flies’ sentimentality. 

angle on the shepherds and the holy family
223.	Aaron
The angel said that your baby has been sent by God to bring hope to the world.

on antoni and megan
ANTONI leans close to MEGAN. 
224.	antoni
So Megan, what do you think of this place for our new home?

225.	megan
(whispered)
If this stable is good enough for God to use, then it should be good enough to be Buggelsville’s new home.

226.	antoni
(whispered)
I agree.  We’ll go get Mayor Green and the others tomorrow.

angle on TOP OF HAY PILE
227.	iggy
Megan!  Antoni?  Are you up here?

228.	prissy
Quit wasting time so we can.. .

angle on antoni, megan and horse flies
They all turn in unison and shush Prissy and Iggy, then point down OS.

229.	antoni, Megan & Horse flies
Shhhhh!

on prissy and iggy
They look OS in the direction everyone’s pointing, and go instantly “mushy.”

230.	iggy & Prissy
Awwwww.

Wide on group
Iggy and Prissy join Megan, Antoni and the Horse Flies.  They gaze at the OS scene in wonder.

ON “CHRISTMAS SCENE” - group’s pov
The newborn Christ child is flanked by Mary and Joseph.  The shepherds are kneeling beside a few of their flock.  The lamp glows brightly.

Back on bugs
Antoni leans to the others.

231.	antoni
(whispers)
Have you noticed how silent the night is?

232.	megan
(whispers)
It’s a holy night.

on iggy
233.	iggy
(clears his throat)

WIDE on BUGS - FEATURE megan, antoni and prissy
The Horse Flies give Iggy a curious look.  Megan, Antoni and Prissy react - not another song!  They grimace and shake their heads as if to say, “Don’t do it!”

on iggy
He forges ahead, singing softly.

234.	iggy
Silent night.  Holy night.  

on antoni, megan and prissy
Surprised by Iggy’s tender song, they all relax and smile.

235.	iggy / megan / antoni / prissy / horse flies
All is calm.  All is bright...  

wide on bugs
They take their cue from Iggy, picking up the song.

236.	iggy / megan / antoni / prissy / horse flies (cont)
‘Round yon virgin, mother and child

Antoni , Megan and Prissy join in as CAMERA begins a SLOW TRUCK OUT.

237.	iggy / megan / antoni / prissy / horse flies (VO/cont)
Holy infant, so tender and mild
sleep in heavenly peace...

EXT. STABLE - CONTINUOUS
The camera slowly continues to TRUCK OUT, giving us a view of the tiny stable in sleepy Bethlehem, bathed in the light of a single, bright star.  

238.	iggy / megan / antoni / prissy / horse flies (VO/cont)
sleep in heavenly peace
(repeat & FADE)

THE END