Another one-page screenplay! "DIASPORA"

Okay, another 'shut up and play your guitar" posting.  I originally submitted two scripts to the 2016  One Page Screenplay competition  in LA.  The first one --  "Bargain"  won the contest! This other one "Diaspora" placed. The short script for  "Diaspora"  is copied below. But you can also  read-along while it is performed  (a clickable video reading).    Poor sound quality, but nicely done.  Definitely sci fi... and it suggests an unusual aspect of future First Contact... that might resonate uncomfortably with our past... And it'd make a great short-flick! And yeah, blogger won't take Final Cut script formatting. So sue me. Or else... enjoy! (Oh and I'll get back to posting serious stuff... like the ongoing insipid 'discussions' of AI... soon enough.) ===== DIASPORA by David Brin INT. TAXI CAB - EVENING WOMAN SCIENTIST  The Waldorf, please. The African DRIVER speaks with an accent as he pulls away from the curb and into traffic. DRIVER Okay then! Be you one of the Radio Astronomers at the big meeting? SCIENTIST Yeah, well, it’s been hectic. Dodging the press and all. DRIVER Yes. I have been waiting at the Convention Center,  hoping to give one of you a ride!  You have been discussing the Out There Message? SCIENTIST (sighs) What else? Finally, contact with— Look, if you’re a sci-fi fan-- DRIVER You are among those writing a reply  to the Out There People’s message? SCIENTIST Yes. Though it’s a worldwide discussion.  How to represent all cultures, peoples and values. . .  According to the SETI Protocol,  we’ll delay answering till-- DRIVER What is to stop someone--not an astronomer-- from beaming to them? SCIENTIST It will take equipment of some power. Also, the exact coordinates-- DRIVER So you are keeping them secret? Just for yourselves? SCIENTIST Only till our first, joint greeting can be. . .  Look, if you don’t mind, I’d rather-– DRIVER My people--the Mobinko Tribe--want you to  include something in the message.  We are an ancient nation, distinct from all others. SCIENTIST Great! We aim to represent the full range of humanity.  Just go to the World Message website. Fill out the form.  We hope to blend millions of suggested-- Driver pulls taxi to the curb. DRIVER No blending. SCIENTIST Hey! This is still two blocks from   my hotel-– The Driver lowers the barrier and pushes a piece of paper at her. DRIVER Our message must be exactly as written here. Scientist reads the note aloud. SCIENTIST Come rescue the Mobinko Klaka Tuva lost colony,  stranded on primitive planet for 3,321 years. (a beat) Oh come on. You can’t seriously expect me to-- Driver blows sparkling dust at her and she blinks rapidly as his eyes gleam unnaturally. Then she nods in silent acceptance, handing the Driver a twenty.  As she leaves the cab, he adds: DRIVER We are not “humanity.”  And we are going home. THE END   Scroll down this page to see verification this was a finalist! Anyone care to film it?  ©2016 David Brin .

.

...a collaborative contrarian product of David Brin, Enlightenment Civilization, obstinate human nature... and http://davidbrin.blogspot.com/ (site feed URL: http://davidbrin.blogspot.com/atom.xml)