The World We’re Entering…
THE UNDERSIDE exists as a mystical, twin dimension to our
own. In this underworld, supernatural lurks and thrives, as monsters, spellcasters,
wisps, fairies, and demons co-exist - all governed by the Werecreatures. Royal,
fierce fighters, the Werewolves have brought harmony to the Underside, in leading by firm
hand and loyal heart.
Beings from the Underside secretly walk among us in our
dimension. This knowledge is supervised and shared only by a select group of humans, a
handful counseled in the supernatural arts. This group, a foursome of old Parapsychologists,
works out of Boston, and shrouds their knowledge in intimate secrecy. A PORTHOLE opens on
occasion, allowing the cross-over for study, growth, and understanding. Each of the four
Parapsychologists possess one key, translucent ORB, recognized by the
Porthole…
But the Inter-Dimension travel cannot be allowed without the CLOAK
OF CENTAUR FLEECE, which draws its power from the life energies of both worlds. Made
from the magical fleece of a Centaur from the Darkside, and hand-woven in our dimension,
the Cloak must be worn by the one triggering the Porthole. The Orbs are like keys to a
door, the Cloak is like the door itself…
Beginning tonight, someone - or something - is slaying
the team of Parapsychologists, collecting the Orbs, and searching for the Cloak of Centaur
Fleece…
The Film
We open with a PROLOGUE to set the stage and suspense:
BOSTON, midnight. A MANSION is secured like Fort Knox. Armed
bodyguards stand alert to sound or movement. Inside, laser-motion detectors and electric
forcefields buzz. CRESSUS GUILLAUNE. 60, double-checks his security and cameras. His
three partners are dead, and he knows he will be next. Surrounded by candles and
incense, Cressus meditates, trying to feel safe. He is far from it. His security
staff is easily slain by a Creature unseen. The Creature comes for him. Cressus
grips his CRYSTAL ORB tightly. The locked door gets clawed in half. The INCUBUS
monster/demon stands before him…Cressus’ old eyes lock defiantly with the
Incubus - Cressus says, "No one has the right to do what you’re trying to
do." OFF SCREEN - the Creature kills him without hesitation, and claims the final
Orb.
The FIRST ACT quickly introduces our main characters and setup:
BOSTON. In a dark alley, stray dogs bark & growl as a
Porthole opens. Out steps JONAS BECK, sent from the Underside to track down the Incubus.
The dogs immediately calm. Beck takes in the night, sniffing the air. Noble and
brave, a muscular, athletic humanoid, Beck can transform into the startling WHITE
WEREWOLF. A Prince in his realm, but cast in the shadow of his legendary father, Beck
longs to prove his worthiness to the throne. While his physique & appearance can be
imposing, his innocence and royal air make him charming. The ROYAL AMULET he wears on his
forearm allows his travel here. We’ll discover his powers little by little: Upon
arrival - FROM HIS POV - The world looks normal…till he squints his eyes - and SEES
with hyper senses in infrared.
CUT TO NEW ORLEANS. We meet CAUL GUILLAUNE, 30, a hot-head
private investigator in a seedy bar, tracking down a loser drug dealer. A deadly fight
breaks out: With unbelievable marital arts skill, she takes out the spider-tattooed
dealer and his four allies - and never spills her drink. A telepath, she
uses her telekinetic power for profit, selling her services to those in need; a former
police detective, she grew tired of bullshit and red tape. Her quippy, tongue-like-a-razor
often lands her in trouble, but her quick thinking & street smarts often get her out
of it. After butting heads with her former supervisor, DETECTIVE PARKER DUBOIS,
Caul’s softer side is revealed as she makes a donation to an inner city arts program.
While there, she falls dizzy, clutching her head in agony. "Father!" she calls
out. The TEACHER asks if she’s okay - and eerily, before even knowing, Caul says: My
father (Cressus) died tonight…
STEPHEN DOORS, 30s, is a billionaire; he’s created an
Internet monopoly of software and web-sites. We meet him in the middle of an elaborate
corporate takeover. He’s suave, respected - and in his office, enclosed in a glass
case, are the four Orbs. A private room blinks with multi-image monitors, filled
with downloaded information on Centaurs and mythology, maps and reference points; the room
is also his control center, where he keeps in touch with his building army. (Note:
We’ll see him speaking to A MAN IN SHADOW, informing him and giving any exposition we
need.) Stephon is, in actuality, the powerful Incubus. For ten years he’s kept his
identity a secret from both dimensions to build his empire. He resents the rule of
what he considers the "inferior" Werewolves. In search of the Cloak, he plans to
merge the two dimensions, to achieve ultimate power and supreme reign.
Caul travels to Boston to investigate. Her path soon crosses
with Beck - first at the closed casket funeral for her father and the other three slain
Parapsychologists, then at the father’s murder scene. Pursued by the police, Beck
risks all by saving a child trapped in a bus accident, revealing more of his power: He
can transform part of his body at will - this time only his ARM, which turns
into a paw-like talon, to lift the wreckage. Beck narrowly escapes the cops by LEAPING UP
A WALL AND CRAWLING AWAY.
That night, Beck enters Caul’s hotel room. She attacks
him - certain he’s her father’s murderer. As quick and agile as we saw her
before Beck blocks her every move. His instincts, his movement - lightening fast.
She uses her telekinesis - the ability to move objects with thought. Items
in the room fly, the television, coffee table, - she gets her hand on a gun - he gets his talon
around her throat. He says, "I mean you no harm." She relents, "Sure,
buddy. At least buy a lady a drink, would ya?" he lets her go, the talon
disappears…
AT A BAR. Caul’s still quite confused, as Beck tells why
he’s here, and how they must work together. He explains the Incubus has the Orbs 0
and it’s now a race to stop him from finding the Cloak of Centaur Fleece, or both
worlds will end. Beck feels responsible, because this evil incarnate comes from his
dimension…We learn an important rule of this Inter-Dimension travel: Those
crossing from the Underside can only reside in our world for a limited time. If they stay
beyond that, they give in to "Bloodlust," a Curse which costs them their
humanity. Monster legends exist around the world because beings form the Underside stayed
too long. Caul replies, "That explains Freddy Krueger." Then to Beck’s
surprise - POLICE surround him, the cops were summoned by Caul; she doesn’t
buy his "nonsense" - her father never mentioned the "Underside, Orbs, a
Cloak you’re insane!" She’s certain she has just captured her father’s
killer. Beck, arrested, is taken away…(Note: This scene will have an
underlying comical tone, as Beck can’t use a fork, drink from a cup, use a napkin -
he smells the bacon and doesn’t understand why it has to be cooked!)
Stephon Doors again confers with the Man in Shadow, and
realizes only one person could lead him to the Cloak…Caul.
AT HER FATHER’S MANSION. Caul packs his last belongings,
when she comes across an eerie painting, buried in her father’s study. In it: FOUR
CRYSTAL ORBS, combined, with a shining mass in the middle - the figure of someone wearing
a glowing Cloak! Then from the portrait, she SEES her father’s face, and HEARS his
haunting voice call out, "Help me, Caul." She drops the painting, it
shatters. She’s shaken, unsure what just happened, as she picks up the pieces of the
portrait. Just then - she senses something…the security alarms sound. Something
is in the mansion, coming for her…
INTERCUT: Beck, trapped in jail. More power revealed:
The fur on his forearm stands out like spikes - he SLICES through the concrete floor &
disappears.
WHILE AT THE MANSION: Caul carefully walks through,
searching. The Incubus stalking…the Incubus finally attacks - when Beck, in his WHITE
WEREWOLF form, intervenes. Caul thinks she’ losing her mind, as two monsters fight.
On the multi-image security monitors, past the laser-motion detectors, and into the
electric forcefields. Sparks fly, the lights and power blow out. Then the SMASH DOWN the
walls, the mansion totters. The Incubus flees - and by the end of the fight, it takes
Beck’s Royal Amulet!
SECOND ACT:
Notes on Beck & Caul’s relationship: (1)
Beck will be the mentor, the "expert" in recognizing those from the Underside;
these beats will play similar in tone to Tommy Lee Jones of "Men In Black," with
Caul reluctant to believe. (2) beck finds himself repeatedly a "fish out of water,
" having never experienced our customs - making Caul his mentor in our world.
This contrast leaves us open for humor, fun & growth for each. (3) Their
"romance" will develop much like Mulder & Skully of "The X-Files"
- the attraction is there, it builds, but the timing is never quite right.
The Incubus is far stronger than Beck feared. Left
without his Royal Amulet, Beck cannot return home, which means he’ll soon be
battling the Bloodlust Curse. Beck reveals his history, the fact that he is a
Prince; His destiny is to one day lead these worlds together; he shares the legend of his
father, too. But now, he’s racing against the clock of the Curse.
Beck & Caul begin their investigation, both using their
instinctual powers. They must find the Cloak before the Incubus. Clues left by
Caul’s father first lead them to break into a spooky catacomb in Boston, where they
find AN ANCIENT SCROLL listing all who have crossed from the Underside. Caul stands
stunned at people on the list: Axl Rose, Scary Spice, Dan Rather…One name
stands out to Beck: Selene Foster, for she is overdue on return to the Underside.
"What? Overdue, like a library book?" Caul quips, this all still new to
her. Selene is one of the most affluent citizens in Boston, publisher of "Aura",
a top glamour magazine. Wealthy, connected, beautiful, sexy, charming…and a victim of
the Bloodlust Curse.
SELENE’S HIGH-RISE OFFICE BUILDING. Beck & Caul pose
as business people and worm their way in - Beck completely out of his element, they nearly
get kicked out - before Caul turns on her "over the top business bitchiness"
(and mind powers), insisting they have an appointment. They then interrupt SELENE FOSTER,
in charge of a meeting in a crowded conference room: She’s discussing a trip to New
Orleans, each member in the room wears a unique "spider" insignia (Caul
recognizes it’s like the tattooed drug dealer from earlier) - and Stephon Doors is
with her. Beck SEES his Royal Amulet on Doors’ wrist. All hell breaks
loose - bodyguards and security storm in, Selene and Doors flee…
Beck (in human form) & Caul fight the guards - the
spider-badged members scatter. Caul goes after one of the members, Beck pursues Selene
& Doors to the roof. CAUL - Catches that member - only to have him morph into a
demonic fairy and fly away. ON THE ROOF - Selene’s HELICOPTER is taking off. Beck
runs hard - his steps change, his speed increases - his physique grows - and suddenly, he’s
the White Werewolf again! He leaps unbelievably high - snagging the bottom of
the helicopter. The Werewolf SLASHES through the helicopter’s base - Doors transforms
into the Incubus and leaps down. The Werewolf gives chase…
The Incubus charges INTO A CROWDED SUBWAY, creating bedlam as
it goes - the Werewolf directly behind. POLICE OFFICERS arrive - with a full-force
S.W.A.T. team. Caul screams, "Don’t shoot the Werewolf!" - they think
she’s nuts. The Incubus uses the Royal Amulet to disappear. Tear gas is fired
into the tunnel. Armed police & S.W.A.T., storm into the structure. A runaway,
speeding train zips by. With no other choice, The Werewolf LEAPS on the back of the train
- claws digging into the metal. The train disappears. ON ONE OF THE TRAIN CARS - A
terrified kid stares at him in awe. THE RUNAWAY TRAIN - continues out of control. THE
WEREWOLF - Rescues the train from wrecking, digging his talons into the rail to slow it
down…
AT THE NEXT STATION. Police quickly unload passengers in
panic, Jonas Beck in human form unloads with them. "It was horrible - a
monster, a white monster!" he screams for added effect - but he’s limping,
too. Caul waits for him, tells him not to quit his day job and become an actor. With
that stolen spider insignia in her hand, she says, "Baby, we’re in the wrong
city."
TO NEW ORLEANS…
Caul immediately bumps heads with Detective DuBois when
asking about the spider insignia. To DuBois, there’s always some kind of
"witchcraft/voodoo" going on down here in the Big Easy, so he doesn’t take
much stock in this "Underside" theory. "Even if it’s masterminded by a
‘Mister Stephon Doors?’" Beck asks. DuBois dislikes & distrusts Beck
from the start - and thinks they’re both nuts to try to bring down a prominent, tax
paying citizen like Doors. Caul demands she talk to that spider-tattooed drug dealer she
caught, DuBois relents…but they find the dealer dead in his cell - slain by the
Incubus.
THAT EVENING. While dreaming, Caul has another encounter with
her father’s ghost, calling for help. She wakes frightened, and finds beck there to
comfort her. They fight the attraction, gather themselves together…She shares her
story: When she was born in a church here in New Orleans, her father knew she was
something special. Instead of regular schooling, he moved them to Boston and taught her
from home. After time, she resented his iron hand and not being "normal." She
split out to see the world, spent some time in New York City, but it was too big, smelly,
and cold - so she headed South, home to New Orleans. LATER - Beck sits alone,
watching the moon, watching her sleep. Feeling his hunger growing. His eyes on her. (Note:
Through our Second Act, Beck’s charm & warmth rubs on her, and Caul’s
attitude will on him, as their relationship and trust in each other grows and bonds.)
BATTLING THE BLOODLUST. To recap for themselves, Beck &
Caul are in a Cajun restaurant. They now know the Incubus is one of the richest, most
powerful men in the world - how do they get to him? Beck, however, seems
disinterested: He gulps his food like an animal, sniffs the air. Suddenly, he throws the
table over - tears into the kitchen, madly shoving a waiter from his path. Caul pursues,
to find Beck over the grill - a blood red piece of meat in hand. Caul calms him. "He,
uh… ordered his rare," she tells the chef, before the two quickly slip out. Each
time he turns into the Werewolf, his Bloodlust increases, he’s losing touch with who
he is. Caul knows one person who might help them…
…JASMINE "JAZZY" DUPREE, a little Gypsy woman
who always finds a party and a place to crash. Jazzy swears she "sees" creatures
that walk among us. Funny, witty, and a bit vulgar, she’s Caul’s "ears in
the city" for investigations - and a practicing expert of Gypsy Magic. Jazzy
can’t do much for Beck - but adds she’d be happy to do things to him.
Beck graciously flirts back - when Caul interrupts (a bit jealous!), and shows Jazzy the
spider insignia. Jazzy knows it, and doesn’t hesitate to say how strange
things are: "Girlfriend, it is New Orleans and all, but people seem to be
wearing costumes all the time. Mardi Gras is just around the corner… and
everyone’s talking about some hopping joint called The Red Spike."
TO THE RED SPIKE. Blasting music; the club is a cutting edge,
hi-tech multi-media center - virtual reality, 3D movies - with all related to the bizarre,
rare, and monster cult. Needless to say, packed with weirdos. Beck & Caul hit
the club - where they encounter THE SPIDER CULT, led by QUEEN SELENE (Selene Foster); Beck
& Caul face Selene this time for what she really is: A powerful SORCERESS - a
withered, awful witch; the Spider Cult is a group of humans from our dimension who long
for darkness and destruction - and await the Incubus with open arms.
Beck & Caul end up battling the Sorceress and her power
to control FIRE and ILLUSION. They’re not sure what’s real and what’s
illusion - the floor turns to blood, huge SPIDERS attack, they fall into a pit of spikes -
Beck transforms part of his body - together, Beck & Caul defeat Selene, but
Beck is left very shaken because of the building Bloodlust. Our heroes then learn: Beings
from the Underside congregate in New Orleans yearly for Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras
started as a place for them to gather and be themselves. Now unfortunately, humans have
taken over. Selene vows with her dying breath…All that will change so soon.
POLICE THEN STORM THE RED SPIKE - led by Detective DuBois.
Our Second Act takes a major twist when DuBois, who still doesn’t buy into any of
this, has researched Beck in Boston - and found the police have a warrant for him. DuBois
goes to arrest him - when Beck gets his talons on DuBois’ throat and nearly
kills the detective. Other Police charge toward him - Beck, out of but still in human
form, throws them out of his way and SMASHES through a wall to flee…
AT A HOSPITAL. DuBois is in serious condition, several other
officers hurt. The Police want Caul to come with them, as they begin a massive manhunt for
Beck. One of the officers has a spider-tattoo on his hand. Caul manages to race
down the fire escape…
CAUL TURNS TO JAZZY FOR HELP FIND BECK. Both Caul & Beck
are fugitives now. Jazzy uses her MAGICAL MIRROR to "see" Beck, wandering alone.
Confused. Caul recognizes where he is…it’s the same place she was born.
Destiny has linked them again. Jazzy reluctantly reminds Caul: If that man is our only
hope, Heaven help us all…
AT A RUN-DOWN GOTHIC CHURCH. Ruins in the Cajun land. Caul
and Jazzy find Beck knelt in solitude. Jazzy reminds her what she needs to do - sadly. Caul
must kill him. Caul approaches Beck. Beck, himself, fears what he’s becoming. She
fears it, too. Beck has given up. What kind of Prince is he, to lose all of his people,
and billions of others? But Caul inspires him. If his destiny is to lead these worlds
together - then now is his time. He has to hold on, he can’t give in. A
powerful moment between them. They could almost kiss…but take each other’s
hands. A team again.
WALKING THE STREETS OF NEW ORLEANS. Freaks out as always -
Beck, Caul, & Jazzy among them. It’s cold tonight, colder than it’s been.
Beck offers Jazzy his coat, Jazzy flirts, saying she’s still cold. "How
‘bout your shirt, your pants, too?" When Caul suddenly stops in her
tracks". …it’s cold. " Beck or Jazzy don’t understand. Clothes!
She gave a donation to an arts program for kids - there were clothes in the box! She takes
that portrait from her father’s mansion out of her pocket - and realizes she gave
away a coat just like that.
TO THE ARTWORK SITE Wild, cool art pieces near Bourbon
Street. The Teacher remembers Caul, and recalls something about a coat. "This
way." They find the Cloak of Centaur Fleece…now the centerpiece of elaborate art
structure created by A 10-YEAR OLD BOY, who’s added the final touches. Jazzy offers
the Boy a ring for the coat. Won’t take it. Caul offers money. Huh-uh, no
way. Jazzy offers candy. Forget it, lady. Beck offers the power to save the
world from Creatures unseen. The Boy’s eye’s gleam. For real? Oh, okay. "Always
try the honest approach," Beck shrugs with a grin…
They approach the Cloak of Centaur Fleece. Gleaming. Glowing.
They begin to cut it down from the art piece…when that cop from the hospital, the one
with the spider-tattoo, SEES them. He speaks into his walkie-talkie…
…and suddenly, the Incubus attacks. The kids and people
on Bourbon Street think it’s a show, cheering it on. BATTLING IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS
ARTWORK –
Beck will not change into the Werewolf for fear of caving to
Bloodlust - there’s too many kids nearby! The Incubus slaps him aside easily.
Caul tries to get the Cloak first - but she, too, stands little chance against the
Incubus. The Incubus gets its talon around the Cloak of Centaur Fleece. The entire Bourbon
Street SHAKES with a massive tremor. The Incubus now has everything it needs. Using
the Royal Amulet, the Incubus disappears…
…leaving Beck & Caul bloodied, and beaten.
THIRD ACT:
Mardi Gras erupted on the New Orleans streets. Beck &
Caul get nursed by Jazzy, who has word of the biggest party in town - thrown by Stephon
Doors. Before they leave, she gives them a Gypsy blessing for protection.
CAJUN MANSION. Everyone from the Underside gathers here in
human form - at Stephon Doors’ invite. From the balcony POV - Mardi Gras looms and
glows on the streets below.
Beck & Caul "disguise" themselves as posh
citizens to crash the party. Beck has never worn a tuxedo before, but he’s suave
in this environment, charming and funny to the guests (he is royalty, and
he’s learned during his time here). In contrast, Caul, with her smart mouth and lack
of eloquence, seems out of place…an announcement from Doors himself. Everyone is
to head downstairs.
DOWNSTAIRS:
INTO WEB WARREN. An elaborate Underworld of labyrinths, stone
pillars, and cave walls. It’s been worked on for years. The four Orbs rest on
golden stands, the Orbs glowing. The Cloak of Centaur Fleece in the middle,
waiting to be worn. Beck & Caul ready to move into action - when Caul stops in total
fear…"Father?"
Cressus, Caul’s father - is shoved forward by
Stephon Doors. Cressus’ eyes lock fearfully with his daughter - he screams at her to
leave at once, "It’s a trap!" Doors tells how he took her father -
because he knew it would all come down to this. Now, the ultimatum for Caul: Either she
joins him, or her father dies. For Caul herself is the final piece. As these
two worlds become one, Doors needs a Queen from this dimension. He offers his hand. She
looks at her father, who weeps, and says not to do it. She looks at Beck. Fearing no other
choice, she takes Doors’ hand…he puts the Cloak around her shoulders…
Web Warren Trembles. A tremendous Porthole opens, just
like the painting…Doors’ Army of a dozen VIPERON, huge, snake-like
werecreatures, walk through. Razor sharp teeth, talons, and claws, part human, more
monster.
Doors beckons Beck to join them. To give into his Bloodlust,
he can be a part of this celebration of all celebrations. Beck collapses to his knees in
pain. The moon full, his hunger strong. Beck tempted…but instead - he tells Caul - to
fight back! Beck transforms into the WHITE WEREWOLF, risking his sanity -
The Viperon attack the Werewolf - but they are no match for
this Prince from the Darkside. Caul turns on Doors - she throws off the Cloak and
kicks him mercilessly, unleashing a fury of her martial skill. She renders him unconscious
- and uses telekinesis to free her father.
Doors transforms into the Incubus one final time…THE
WHITE WEREWOLF FIGHTS THE INCUBUS IN A BRUTAL BATTLE - but the Werewolf battles more
savagely than we’ve seen. The Bloodlust increasing, and so is his strength. At the
final moment - with the Incubus defeated and changing back to the human form of Stephon
Doors-the Werewolf readies to rip out his throat…when Caul intervenes.
"Don’t do it. Don’t be one of them." She pleads for Beck to take him
home and make him stand trial for his wrongs. Slowly, slowly…the White Werewolf
eases. And transforms into the human form of Jonas Beck. He takes his Royal Amulet off
Doors’ arm…
…when Beck get stabbed by a silver pitchfork! He
staggers-Cressus the Assailant. Her father now wears the Cloak of Centaur
Fleece-and transforms into a different DEMON- unlike anything we’ve ever seen.
He’s not really her father, he’s that Man in Shadow. Manipulating her and the
Underside population gathered here. Doors/the Incubus was nothing more than his pawn. He
is number one shareholder in Door’s company, he has waited and longed. He
will not be denied. He grabs Caul’s hand-
The Porthole opens, a hundred Creatures, Monsters, and
Witches begin to faintly appear. Caul takes a breath-flips herself to lunge at him.
Knocking this Demon and herself into the porthole. Beck leaps after them.
WITHIN THE PORTHOLE
Between worlds. Each dimension fighting to be one, fighting
to take over…the Demon is tugged back toward the Underside. Beck tears away at the
Cloak of Centaur Fleece-till it’s ripped from the Demon. His power gone, the Porthole
begins to close. Beck grabs Caul and pulls her out of the Porthole to safety…
..as EVERY BEING FROM THE UNDERSIDE IS WHISKED AWAY. Pulled
into the spinning, whirlpool-like Porthole, which closes. The Orbs fall to the ground,
spinning.
It’s over. Beck and Caul survived. And now, Beck, too,
must depart. He’ll return someday, to fulfill his destiny, and bring the two worlds
together. But first, he must find a cure for the Bloodlust Cure. Caul reaches up, and
kisses his cheek. Before he disappears in a flash of light.
She, and we, are left alone…with Mardi Gras looming, and
creatures walking past.
END
