CBW Productions presents Memento Viviere.
A story originally made for stage, will now become its own 2 part limited series
Tim Kauffman is a broken man. Haunted by the passing of his wife, Nora, he has soldiered on the best he can to continue his family’s work at their locally run medical examiner’s office. On this particular night, he is brought a body that bears a passing resemblance to his dead wife and as the night unfolds, more strange things occur. Tim is running from his inner demons, but how long can he run until they finally catch up with him?
This script has such easy scene changes that there is really not much needing to be changed for this adaptation that can't be sussed out on its own during production.
btw, I don't know if I can pay actors AND tech crew presently, but one thing I've learned, you don't pay your tech crew you won't get a project together. If any money comes after the fact I will happily give you actors what I am giving them as well.
Tim is very tired and frazzled, but can be very serious when the moment counts. He is a true emotional wreck believing he is at fault for his wife's death.
I should really organize this stuff better; no wonder things are just falling over. (slight chuckle) Dad would be disappointed I ruined his perfect filing system.
(TIM makes his way to his desk and places what fell over onto it, he makes another face at the mess all over the table top)
I really need to clean this place up… (looks at the stack of
files on his desk and sighs) But I guess that will have to wait for another night.
(Frantic muttering to himself)
This isn’t real…this isn’t real, just treat this like it isn’t supposed to be real… (the banging continues and he is trying to keep himself from crying over the strain of blocking out the noise) You can’t hurt me! (the banging continues) You’re not real… YOU AREN’T REAL, SO JUST STOP!
I’m really sorry this happened to you, but I’ll see if I can’t do my best to make sure it wasn’t for nothing. (looks over at the work on his desk) Guess that will also have to wait for another night. (looks back to FAITH inquisitively) I swear I’ve seen you before though…but then again, I get that a lot in this job. (passively sighs) It’s unavoidable that you’re bound to see people that you probably saw out in the everyday world without even realizing it. But isn’t that still so bizarre? I mean for all I know, we could have passed each other on the street, stood next to each other waiting to pick up take-out, or I could have just glanced in your direction as you passed by in a public place. (pause) And now here you are… (pauses to take in her appearance) Sorry I jumped when they brought you in. At first glance, you remind me a lot of my wife…she’s also no longer with us I’m afraid. (pauses and look off in space) Still though, I just can’t shake this gnawing feeling that—
Faith is the dead body on the table. Her emotions would be dry and very snarky at times. But her overall goal is to get Tim to listen to himself.
Don’t worry about keeping me waiting, Tim… (looks at her bruised arms and broken legs) It’s not as though I can really go anywhere…
You’re trapped, Tim. Trapped in this life, trapped in a cycle you can’t seem to find your way out of. Trapped in your pain…
You're just as dead as I am Tim, the only difference is you still have a pulse.
I'm afraid she may be right, Tim. The very fact that I’m able to agree with her kind of illustrates her point.
A gruff and grizzled detective at his wit's end to get answers for this vehicular accident.
I see that… Well, anyway, sorry to barge in so suddenly. But I got a case that, due to the urgency of the situation, I really need an expert medical examiner’s opinion on.
Don’t get me wrong, I’d rather take this down to my guy at the station, but like I said it’s urgent and you’re a lot closer to the scene than the station is.
I mean…it’s possible. But if we did, it would probably be back-logged somewhere in a physical box. We’re workin’ on goin’ digital but it’s takin’ a minute with our old ass system and the city government is too damn cheap to—
(Compassionate)
We’ve all got bad shit that we go through for one reason or another. Sometimes we lose people, people we really care about. I guess what I’m trying to say is that we can’t just let our lives die with them. I don’t think that’s what they would want.
Tim's kind and overworked father. He only wants what's best for his son.
Look at you, fresh out of med school and you’re already acting like a doctor. (dismissive wave) No need to worry about me, son. (starts walking to his tools) Let’s just get this started, shall we? We’re already behind— (ROBERT stumbles and grabs his chest in pain)
The work we do here is important, son. Our family has worked for three generations to give answers to the living that the dead cannot and, most importantly, allow them to find some kind of peace with those answers
Oh don’t be so dramatic, Tim! Other than the mild coughing fits and a few moments where I need to practice my breathing exercises, I’m perfectly— (ROBERT grabs his chest and begins coughing and wheezing)
Tim's court appointed therapist. A passionate therapist who wants nothing more than for Tim to get better.
The sad truth of the matter is that often times those closest to us can be insensitive in a time of need. But you need to just be patient with them as they have been with you. They aren’t necessarily prepared to handle or deal with what you’re currently processing. That’s what this space is for, to help deal with the problems and dilemmas you’re facing in the days after experiencing such a tragedy.
Tim, are you seriously going to sit here and act as though you weren't just experiencing a psychotic episode?
You’ve told me about the attacks themselves, but nothing regarding your actual state of mind. (rubs temples) Our progress has slowed because you won't tell me anything that would allow an actual attempt at helping you. Therapy is a marathon, not a sprint. There are no quick solutions here.
Faith's argumentative and abusive boyfriend. He's wanted for questioning in relation to her death and their accident.
Yeah, I wasn't born yesterday. I'm not just gonna leave myself open like that— (wincing uncomfortably) Besides, why would I trust a complete stranger?
(breathing heavily through the pain)
Yeah well…why don't we just keep our hands to ourselves, Doc.
What's there to say? (his eyes shoot open wide and he jumps to his feet) Oh I get it! You and the cops think I did this to her! (pointing to FAITH) You want me to say something incriminating right? (points the gun at TIM) Well, you can go fu—!
Oh, where would I even begin? (pause) How about the fact that despite what it probably says in that file, I wasn't always the one who started laying hands on anyone…and definitely not in this case.
Don't get me wrong. Things weren't always like that, but as time goes on, sometimes you lose sight of why you wanted to be together in the first place.
(Smiles softly)
Wish I could say we were high school sweethearts, but we met after we graduated…went to the same school for years and never even knew. (looks at TIM) Isn't the world funny like that?
Tim's deceased kindhearted wife. Always happy to do anything as long as they were together.
The apparition that's been tormenting Tim for a year.
Nora:
(laughing)
You did! The lady in the water jumped out of that pond and you about jumped out of your seat when you screamed!
(still laughing)
Yes, you did!
(teasing)
Uh huh, sure you were. Hey Tim, who am I? (she mimics being scared and gives out a shrill exaggerated scream, followed by more laughter)
Nora:
You’re doing a really good thing for him holding down the fort like this. Still though, I thought you could use a little more than just moral support to get through this. (brings out bag from behind her back)
The Woman:
(different variations of moaning and groaning sounds)
Tiiiiiiimmmm....
(Multiple takes in a creepy whispery tone)
Animation needed to help bring this to life. This was originally a stage show so I would like for people to see what I envisioned.
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Edits each episode and prepares it for distribution
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Creates all audio effects to my specifications
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Creates music for this very emotional and often tense project.
I'm kinda looking for a music type similar to that sad sounding Silent Hill piano music or more recently Tormented Souls
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