Updated script

Ok, This is a slightly updated script- slightly more detail than the one posted below. Yet to be edited, I'll get some feedback first from Amanda/andi and work from there.

Also, there is some concept art I need to scan and load up here, we've settled on a rooster, the rabbit is causing us problems- lauren sent trhu some stuff I'll look over but I have one rabbit that Im about 90% on- tried to have something that didnt look like bugs bunny but also had elements of my Pop in him.

Anyways, it's late, Ive been working for ages, Im tired. Talk soon.


Ext. Redfern street- 1936...ish. early afternoon

Light sunbeams shine down on the dark sepia payments of a Redfern street. A gentle shower has previously fallen, with puddles of water randomly detailing the paved road. A Ford Model 48 rolls slowly down the street.

The street is lined with run down terrace houses that sit almost at the road line. At the end of the street, separating the houses, sits a modest block of sloped grass land. A couple of small rabbits kick a footy around, laughing and playing.

Ext. REDFERN street- 1936…ish. RAYmond’s Front yard. Early afternoon

At the top of the grassy mound, a one level house where Raymond, a stocky, middle-aged rabbit repairs a few broken floor boards. He pauses from his work, smiles as he watches the kids play, and then continues hammering.

NORTON (os)
You there! Rabbit! How much for your land?

RAYMOND looks up to find a rather tall, well built, well dressed rooster standing at the bottom of the porch stairs.

RAymond
I’m Sorry?

NORTON
Look I don’t have all day. How-much -for-your-land?

Raymond
Mate, I don’t know where you’ve gotten your info from, but my land isn’t for sale.

NORTON
Yes, I know it isn’t for sale. But you see rabbit, I own almost all the property in this street, except yours... So now I’m here to buy it.

Raymond
Yeah, well, as I’ve already said, it’s not for sale so if you don’t mind mate...

RAYMOND goes back to repairing the front porch. As RAYMOND hammers away, NORTON reaches into his coat pocket and plus out a small stack of casino chips, which he proceeds to mindlessly fiddle with in his feathery hand.

NORTON
I wouldn’t bother with that rabbit; it’s due for demolition after I acquire your property.

raymond
Well mate, I’d hate to spoil your plans but I grew up here, I’ve raised my family here, my children play footy with the neighbor’s kids on my front lawn, and we have the best view of Redfern oval a Bunny supporter could want...

NORTON
Listen Rabbit!...
NORTON drops his casino chips on the porch, grabs RAYMOND’s collar and pulls him in close.

...Your land is worth a lot of money to me. I knock your dump down, level the land and 6 Terraces go in. You either sign that lease or...

Big Rabbit (o.s)
Oy! You got a problem Rooster?!

NORTON looks up to find RAYMOND’s neighbors have arrived looking quite concerned at NORTON’s threats towards RAYMOND. Several large Rabbits move to the front wearing Football Jerseys, obviously from the local team.

NORTON
You’re everywhere aren’t you? Just like vermin.

Raymond
Nah mate, they’re called friends. You should try it; you might not be such a bastard.

NORTON
Oh, a Funny Bunny. But I bet kicking your friends out on the street would wipe away your buck- toothed grin!

RAYMOND
You can’t do that!

NORTON
Then sign over your deed!

RAYMOND looks over at the small crowd of his neighbors, a sad look on his face. Looking down, he notices the small pile of Casino chips NORTON had previously dropped. RAYMOND slowly smiles.

RAYMOND
Tell you what...you can have my land for free if you want to make a bet...

NORTON
A bet? What sort of bet?

RAYMOND
You’re a big rooster...do you box?

NORTON
I was the Eastern Suburbs Cock fighting champion of ’34 and ’35. I can box like you lot eat carrots.

Raymond
Right. You pick any one of those blokes over there; you win, I sign over my land and we’ll be out by tomorrow night.

NORTON
And what do you want if hell freezes over and I lose?

Raymond
...I keep my land, these blokes and their families are guaranteed to keep their homes, and you get the hell out of Redfern.

NORTON
Hmm...ok rabbit, It’s a bet.

NORTON looks over the rabbits in the crowd. From his point of view we see a number of rather large rabbits in football jerseys. He pauses and glances down at quite obviously the smallest rabbit there.

NORTON
Him.

RAYMOND’S SON
Daddy, he’ll hurt Little Russell...

RAYMOND
It’s ok son...

RAYMOND turns to NORTON

RAYMOND
Nah mate, no deal, he’s...

NORTON
It’s him or the bet’s off.

RAYMOND
...alright, but you’d better go into the alley. I don’t want the kids to see this.

NORTON and the small Rabbit go into the alley. Suddenly, the alley is full of commotion; the sound of bottles breaking, trash cans being kicked over, punches and distressed rooster crows flood the street.

As feathers fly out of the alley, RAYMOND’S SON tugs on RAYMOND’s pants.

RAYMOND’s SON
How did you know Little Russell would be ok?

RAYMOND
Son, it’s not the size of the rabbit in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the rabbit.

big rabbit
Well that and Little Russell has Rabies...

RAYMOND winks and raises his finger to his lips

RAymond
Shh...

The locals laugh and the sun begins to fade across the Roofs of the Terrace Houses. White feather flutter into the wind.

END