Here’s one that really fits the concept of a vignette

Here’s one that really fits the concept of a vignette. Look on the short story page at "Stopping for Lunch" a very similar story involving a single character but a very different ending. Up The Creek Without a Paddle Copyright 1999 by Fred588@GO.COM

This very brief screenplay requires access to a scenic stream suitable for recreational canoeing, plus a set consisting of, or resembling, a sand bank. The sand bank must have either two spots that are, or can be made, quick or one spot that is at least eight to ten feet across. In at least one camera shot it must be possible to have the stream and stream bank in the scene as one character walks away from the stream bank and into the soft mud. Other parts of the scene could be filmed using a ‘from the river’ viewpoint in order to permit use of an artificial mud pit.

Scene 1

The camera pans as Kris and Carol paddle by in leisurely fashion in a canoe. No dialogue.

Scene 2

A shot of the river bank going by – taken from aboard the canoe.

Kris: "Look, did you see that fish jump."

Carol: "No, missed it, sorry. But look, over there, it’s a heron I think, a Great Blue."

Scene 3

A repeat of scene 1, taken at a different location.

Scene 4

A visual repeat of scene 2.

Carol: "What do you think? Time for lunch?"

Kris: "I try not to think too much. Yes, let’s look for a spot to go ashore though."

Scene 5

Shot from river bank as the canoeists go by. Kris, in the bow, points toward something ahead on shore.

Kris: "There’s a sand bar. Let’s stop for lunch there."

Carol: "Good, I’m hungry."

Scene 6

They paddle onto the sand bar. They step out of the canoe and walk a few steps, Kris in the lead. Carol stops and turns to look at something, allowing Kris to get ahead by several yards. Kris suddenly drops into soft mud almost to her waist.

Kris: "Oh! What? Carol!!! Help!!!"

Carol turns and sees Kris in trouble. She takes several rapid steps forward, but at an angle to Kris’s original path, and then she suddenly drops into a second soft spot.

Carol: "Eeeeeiiiiiiiik!"

Scene 7

Ad-libbed dialogue and intercut shots of both characters as hey struggle and sink deeper.

Scene 8a (Atlernative ending A)

Kris stretches onto her belly and manages to extract herself from the mire after sinking to her shoulders. She then rescues Carol.

Scene 8b (Alternative ending B)

Both characters go under, one after the other.

Scene 8c (Alternative ending C)

Kris manages to escape after sinking to her shoulders. She then rescues Carol, but not before her head and face have been engulfed, leaving only an arm sticking up.