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Story & Pre-Production Development of the Short Animated Film: A Ton of Tango: The Tale of The Sumo Dancer
by
Henry Santos
A creative project submitted to
Sonoma State Univerity
In partial fulfillment of the requirements
For the degree of
MASTER OF ARTS
in
Film Studies
Committee Members:
Talena Sanders, Chair
Malinalli Lopez
Ajay Gehlawat
6/4/2020
I
Copyright 2020
By Henry Santos
II
Story & Pre-Production Development of the Short Animated Film: A Ton of Tango: The Tale of The Sumo Dancer
I grant permission for the print or digital reproduction of parts of this creative project without further authorization from me, on the condition that the person or agency requesting reproduction absorb the cost and provide proper acknowledgment of Authorship.
DATE:_____________
NAME:____________________________________
5/1/2020
III
Story & Pre-Production Development of the Short Animated Film: A Ton of Tango: The Tale of The Sumo Dancer
Creative Project by
Henry Santos
ABSTRACT
Purpose of the Project: Animated films have allowed many fantastic stories to be told. Mythology, magic, and fantasy films thrive as feature-length creations of computer animation processes. Typically, these in large productions require large studios, extended schedules, and bottomless budgets. Rarely are non-mystical stories depicted in this genre by small teams. By depicting real-life situations with ordinary characters, the absurdities, difficulties, and realities in life can be expressed. My original fictional story expresses such human experiences, with no magic, etc... Sumo wrestling and Tango dancing collide in a short film that tells of an up-and-coming Sumo wrestler whose secret passion for Tango crashes head-on into a life filled with success, abundance, and respect. Atana wears the heart of a warrior and embraces the soul of a dancer. The purpose of this creative project is to start a small production of a feature-length film by writing an original screenplay’s establishing acts and developing a pre-production storyboard of a pivotal part of the story.
Procedure: In developing the story, researching Sumo and Tango, with their nuances, rituals and actual occurrences is key to creating believable scenarios. The story can then start to be developed in screenplay software to maintain consistency and editability. Character and set design can begin, which allows for a more accurate depiction of storyboards. This initial practice can then proceed into the next steps in creating a completed animated film.
Findings: In this particular creative process, initial ideas of the story, production, funding, and other areas of creating an animated short film proved to be extremely time-consuming. As with big productions, the amount of time needed in animated film production is often longer than anticipated. The story may begin as a spark of brilliance, but it’s telling requires research, revision, more research, more revisions, and heartache. My story, in particular, contains many personal experiences. These are not only heart wrenching to expose at times, but they also open floodgates of memories and emotions. Time is required to process this. During the storyboard stage, the story becomes visual and therefore tested for believability. The story enters a re-molding effect that develops it further.
Conclusions: The creative process for creating an animated film requires many varied proficiencies. Although a filmmaker may have most or all the necessary abilities, the story presents itself as the critical component of an animated film. For quality, studios such as Pixar or Dreamworks spend a number of years developing a single feature-length story. My best-laid plans encountered this creative reality. Because of my emotional connection with the story, it now demands mindful writing and storyboarding.
MA Program: Film Studies Sonoma State University DATE:________ 5/1/2020
IV
Acknowledgment
I am extremely grateful for the professors in the Film Studies program. Their guidance and inspiration are endless springs of motivation when I am parched for a creative nudge.
I am also very thankful for the help, support, and camaraderie of my fellow film students. The experience is that much better with you as travel buddies.
Thank you...
V
A Ton of TangoThe Tale of the Sumo Dancer
(A.K.A. A Ton of Tango)
Screenplay & Storyby
Henry Santos
Contact:Santos [email protected] Fifth Draft 06/04/20
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ACT I: The Heart of aChampion, the Soul of a Dancer
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BLACK BACKGROUND
MUSIC CUE: "'Theme song...' by George Santos"
FADE IN:
CAM FLYOVER
Clouds and fog shroud the San Francisco Bay. Deep orange topsof the Golden Gate Bridge towers. The entire bridge becomesvisible as we fly north along the coast.
The camera cuts to Goat Rock Beach and moves toward a familyon the sand.
FULL SHOT OF THE FAMILY
(The Saketsumi family is enjoying a day at the beach.)
FULL SINGLE SHOT
A chubby boy with straight black hair plays at the beach. Heruns from the water and away from the incoming whitewash. Hisparents relax on a blue and green beach blanket.
MUSIC TRANSITIONS TO BACKGROUND MUSIC
The upbeat music plays on their boombox, the four-year-oldboy, named Atana spins around and dances incessantly.
(Atana is his nickname. His given name is Koji Saketsumi.Being born prematurely and smaller than average, his nicknamecomes from his consistent growth to an above average size.)
His parents, Inako & Mako hold each other and look lovinglyat the joyful boy.
INAKOCan you believe how much he'sgrown. To think we almost lost him.
MAKO...And, you too! I'm lucky you bothhave strong spirits!
(MORE)
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MAKO (CONT'D)...AND, He has the genes from agreat Sumo family. He can overcomeanything!
INAKOYes, just like his father. He has aton of spirit!
MAKOYes, a ton ah... His nickname isfitting, huh..."Atana". Haha...
INAKO...oh, he's also a natural dancer!It's in his bones. Our lil' SumoDancer!
Mako smiles and nods in agreement.
Inako goes to the dancing Atana, holds his hands and danceswith him. They laugh and enjoy the moment.
His father looks at them both and laughs out loud. They areall so happy. He then draws a circle in the sand and callsfor Atana using his given name.
MAKOKoji.
He looks at his father and then back up to his mother forapproval.
INAKOGo ahead...
She nudges him along. Atana skips to his father.
Mako directs Atana to one end of the circle he drew in thesand and stands at the opposite end.
MAKOPush me out of the circle.
TODDLER ATANAhuh...okay(concerned)
The towering man leans forward as the chubby kid mirrors him.
MAKOWhen my hand touches the ground,jump at me and try to push me out.
TODDLER ATANAUh, OK...
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Atana's eyes focus on his opponent and become serious. Hetaps into the sumo spirit his father tells him about. Makotouches his hand to the sand... Atana flies to his father.Mako holds on to Atana and they both fall backwards whileMako pretends being pushed by his powerful and victoriousson.
INAKOAtana wins!!! You did it...
Atana jumps around joyously and does a victory "cha-cha".
MAKOOh, what happened! Must be thosesumo genes, huh? You got me...thistime!
A proud Mako grins and picks up his exually prod boy. Inakojoins them. They hug and dance together.
FADE TO:(Three Years later)
MUSIC CUE: Waltz
TV ANNOUNCER (O.S.)Beautiful, beautiful! That was...the Waltz. One of the most gracefulof dances in history.
Now... to heat things up! Are youready for... THE TANGO!
Music maestro!
MUSIC CUE: Tango
Atana starts dancing in front of a TV set. A Ballroom Dancingis playing and he keeps pace with the contestants.
YOUNG ATANALook mama! I dance just likethem!!!
INAKOWow... you know the Tango!
Inako smiles and joins Atana in the tango. They hold handsand twirl around together.
Mako looks on and jokingly shakes his head. He has a hugegrin on his face.
5
YOUNG ATANACome on Dada!
Atana reaches out his hand. Mako graciously grabs hisoutstretched hand and spins Atana around. It became obviousthat Mako and Inako had danced in the past.
INAKOOh, still got it I see!
MAKOHow do you think I got to Ozeki?
(Mako refers back to his success at Sumo, where hereaches the second highest rank of Ozeki. He maintains thatlevel for many years. Some say it is one of the longest inthe history of the sport. Not reaching the highest rank ofYokozuna has always been a sore spot for him. He hopes thatAtana would reach it, though. )
YOUNG ATANAYeah... that was great, Dada! Ilove you guys!
Inako and Mako look at each other and both exchange a proudand loving smiles. They all feel the warmth of a lovingfamily. They are truly happy.
INAKO & MAKOWe love you too!
The three hold hands and twirl around and continue dancing.
The camera moves in to frame the TV. Only the floor is shown.
FADE TO CAMERAMATCH:
(Three years later)
The wood parkay flooring of a dance studio fills the frame.The camera dollies out to an establishing wide shot of thedance studio.
There are a number of dancing pairs holding hands andcarefully following steps to a Waltz. Boys and girlsintermixed. Tall, short and all different shapes dancing witha partner. Awkward stumbles, foot shuffles and sighs scatterthroughout the room. This is the "nine to twelve year old"
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intermixed. Tall, short and all different shapes dancing witha partner. Awkward stumbles, foot shuffles and sighs scatterthroughout the room. This is the "nine to twelve year old"class.
An lady in her early sixties walks throughout the room,seemingly gliding across the floor. She sternly, yetpatiently guides each pair. She is the dance instructor,Katherine Nakamura.
(She is obviously not Japanese. She keeps her marriedname. In her home of Northern California, she comes from along line of German-Irish dancers. She still holds theposture of a former professional dancer. Smitten by a kindand gracious dancer who immigrated from Japan, she falls inlove with Yoshi Nakamura. They marry and live in NorthernCalifornia with their beautiful daughter, Inako. They start aschool called The Nakamura Dance Academy. Tragically, hefalls ill and has a stroke when Inako was just a teenager.Katherine's love would never falter. She raised theirdaughter on her own and never remarried. Her dedication tothe words, "til death do us part'" is unwavering.)
Katherine's attention turns to the doors as they open.
KATHERINEAtana! My boy!
She reaches out her hands and he quickly walks to her. Theyhug and look at each other. The dancers stop to see what ishappening.
KATHERINE (CONT'D)Okay, focus class. Please continueyour steps.
She turns back to Atana.
KATHERINE (CONT'D)How is my handsome grandson?
YOUNG ATANAHi grandma!
KATHERINEYou get bigger every time I seeyou!
She meant it. Atana seems to be growing faster than othershis age.
7
KATHERINE (TO INAKO)Truly, he 'is' bigger...
...each time he visits!
How are you my dear?
Inako follows closely behind Atana. She reaches out to hermother, Katherine to give her a hug.
INAKOGreat!
Umm, Yeah, were fine. How are you?
KATHERINEJust fine? Looks like one of you ismore than fine... This boy is...well, a ton of healthy!
She winks at him and pinches his chubby cheeks. Grandmotheris so much in love with both Atana and Inako. She lights upwhenever they are around.
KATHERINE (CONT'D)Are you ready to join a class? One-on-one lessons are great,especially with your mom... herbeing a pro and all!
YOUNG ATANAUmmm, I don't think mom wantsto...yet. Ooh, do you do the Tango?I love the tango.
He smiles knowing that his mother is still wanting to be hissole teacher.
KATHERINEOf course, we teach it all!Foxtrot, Cha-cha, Rumba, blah blahblah and yes, the Tango! A bit moreadvanced, but... we'll get to it.
YOUNG ATANASuper cool!
(Inako has been a successful competitive ballroom dancerfor most of her childhood. During her twenties, her dancetroupe has an opportunity to visit Kyoto, Japan for an
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troupe has an opportunity to visit Kyoto, Japan for anexposition. She thinks it would be a good chance to visit herfather's ancestral home. The trip proves to be profound. Notonly does the culture connect her to her roots, she meets theman of her dreams, Kenzo Saketsumi. She had seen him win asumo match when her Aunt shows her their culture. He is thereigning Ozeki in sumo, a much respected rank. His largestature was different than the other exceedingly rotundcompetitors. He was more, 'hefty' than fat and moves like agraceful dancer in the douhyo (arena).
As chance would have it the following day, they run intoeach other at the pavilion where she is doing the last expoperformance. He has a secret interest in dancing and becomesmesmerized by Inako's dancing, and by her. They immediatelyfall in love and marry the following year. They settle inNorthern California and both lose touch with their respectivepassions. They find a new passion in their new baby boy,Koji.)
INAKOYes, I know mother, classes arebetter as a group, but I just wantto... ya know... share myexperience with him. While I can.
KATHERINEYes dear, I know. And stop! Juststop with that, "until I can" crap.There is NO guarantee that youWOULD inherit that damn, uh..."darned" disease from your father.
INAKOI know, uh.... yeah... I know...
Still! It's in the back of my mind.Maybe I'll see Dr. Santos...uh...
Whatever... can we practice for abit?
KATHERINEMm-hmm...
Well, your usual corner should beclear by now.
Katherine understands Inako's insistence to teach Atanaherself. It has become how she can stay connected to her
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Katherine understands Inako's insistence to teach Atanaherself. It has become how she can stay connected to herpassion for dancing.
They set themselves up, stretch and then take theirpositions. Inako shows Atana a ballroom dance step - thewaltz.
INAKOOkay, like we practiced. Good...
but keep your back straight andchin up...
YOUNG ATANAAre you gonna be like Grandpa...you know, sick?
INAKOOh, no...... that was just talk.
You're stuck with me for a verylong time!
Young Atana nods, smiles and positions his head up.
His grandmother Katherine watches in the background. Shelooks toward Inako and gives her a solemn yet encouragingsmile. She changes her gaze toward the confident Atana.
KATHERINEFantastic my boy!
She smiles and winks at him in approval.
KATHERINE (TO THE WHOLE CLASS)(CONT'D)
Yes! That goes for all of you aswell! FAN-TAS-TIC!
She giggles and the students giggle along with her...
CAMERA SWIPE TO:
Mako shows Atana basic sumo steps as they practice in sync,side-by-side.
MAKOReady?
One...
Both lift their right leg and slam it down onto the grass.
10
MAKOTwo...
Both lift their left leg and slam it down onto the grass.
MAKO (CONT'D)Three...
Both move their arms out to the sides and swing them togetherto loudly clap their hands.
MAKO (CONT'D)Good! Now let's move on to the nextlesson.
For the next move, they position to face each other in asquat position. This is not the first time they have facedeach other, but it is the first time they will actuallywrestle in training.
MAKO (CONT'D)Keep your eyes on me! This isimportant... OK!
ATANAYes, father.
MAKOWhen I touch my LEFT HAND to theground... come at me and try not tofall down!
YOUNG ATANAUm, okay... (timidly)
MAKOReady?
Mako taps his left hand to the ground and they lunge at eachother. With a quick and steady upward swing of Mako's rightarm, Atana is easily swept to the side. It didn't help thatAtana took a timid approach to his attack, or what was anattempt at one.
Mako is thoroughly enjoying this and laughs in good humor. Hehelps Atana up and brushes some grass and dirt off of him.
MAKO (CONT'D)OK... Now that was bad. This issumo, boy! There is no time to becareful or shy. Do you want tolearn?
11
YOUNG ATANAYes.
MAKOThen give it your best... ALL thetime! Practice the same move 10,000times!
YOUNG ATANAWhuh...??? 10,000 times? That willtake forever! I'm never gonna learnthis...
Atana bows his head in despair. Mako encourages him to re-position. They set up for another round. Mako's hand touchesthe ground and Atana catapults himself toward his dad inhopes to beat the dreaded arm swing. Mako fakes his righthand up, then steps to the right and swing out of the way.The charging boy flies forward, arms flailing around like aderanged chicken.
MAKOHa, ha, hoo, hoo... heee Ah, thatwas good.
Atana looks back at his father laughing out loud and slappinghis leg in amusement. Atana raises an accepting brow. Herealizes that he must have looked like a fool and smiles athis dad.
YOUNG ATANAOh well, that's one practice. Only9999 to go!
He grins.
MAKOWell.. not a good attack, but GOODTRY! 10,001 to go! Ha,ha, hee...
ATANAAw Dad! No fair! You are threetimes as big as me!
MAKOAh, you are right! I see threethings important in Sumo, Big Mind,Big Body, Big Heart. Just likelife! When you do anything in life,especially sumo, remember thosethings!
YOUNG ATANAEven Tango?
12
MAKOYeah, I guess...Now...
...again!
They continue for a few more turns until Inako calls them tocome in to help her with something. Atana figures that he'sup to 10,012 by now.
YOUNG ATANAUgh, I'm done, thanks mom... 12times is my limit!
MAKOOK... just one more...Ready?
SLOW MOTION
Mako's hand drops and Atana leaps forward, quickly analyzeshis father's body position and stays mindful of his own bodyposition. Much like a dance move, he grabs onto his father'spushing arm and lifts his body to move with it. His feet inthe air, they slam down onto the grass. He steadies himself.Atana didn't fall! He jumps up and down in a victoriouscelebration.
YOUNG ATANAYes! Yes! Woohoo!
MAKOOK... 10,011 more to go!
Atana stops and with his jaws dropped, stares at his dad likea dear in headlights. The camera cuts to a full shot of theback yard. Father and son laugh and walk back into the housearm-in-arm.
FADE TO:(Four years later)
The school bell rings at Atana's elementary school He goesthrough the front gates along with a stampede of kids withbackpacks, etc. As he walks further down the sidewalk, hepasses a boy in his class who is surrounded by a group oflarger kids from the school. The leader is a good six inchestaller than Atana, but with a medium build. Atana approachesto assess the situation.
This smaller kid is Randall Norman... a talkative boy whotries to befriend everyone. He apparently got under the skinof these bullies as he often does to others. Randall is asweet boy who is just very extroverted.
13
YOUNG SKOSHI (RANDALL)Hey guys! Give it back. Gimme backmy stuff... Look, I didn't wanna beannoyin' or anythin'. C'mon... I'llget outta here... just gimme...
LEAD BULLYOh, NOW you don't wanna be aroundus. You're just an annoying dweeb!
The bullies pass his backpack around, keeping it away fromRandall.
YOUNG ATANAHey! Give it here!
Atana approaches the group and Randall bows his head down.
YOUNG SKOSHIAww, not you, too! I thought youwere cool?
YOUNG ATANAHey... GIVE it!
Reaching out his hand to the leader, Atana motions for thebackpack.
LEAD BULLYAlright... HERE!
He throws it to Atana, who catches the bag without flinching.He looks it over and brushes off some dirt and sand.
LEAD BULLY (CONT'D)Hey, throw it back, dude!
Atana looks at the bullies and gently hands it to Randall.
YOUNG SKOSHIAwww cool, dude! Thanks!HA! He's on my side!
The diminutive Skoshi scowls at the bullies then hides behindthe hulking Atana.
LEAD BULLYAw, why you gotta do that?Get him boys!
One boy a bit smaller than Atana races after him and leapsforward...
SLOW MOTION:
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He reaches out for Randall's backpack.
YOUNG ATANA (IN HIS MIND, MAKO'SVOICE)
Big Mind...
SLOW MOTION:
He places his arm across Randall's body and spins him out ofthe way. The charging boy flies past them with arms and legsflailing and stumbles into a patch of mud.
Another boy tries to tackle Atana, but he is ready. He squatsinto a sumo pose and lifts his arms up, catching the boy inthe chin and neck. The assailant is thrown upward and landsonto his back.
The remaining bullies shy away.
BULLIESAh, yeah, forget that!
LEAD BULLYYa wusses!!! I'll take care of itmyself... c'mon Fatso!
YOUNG ATANA (IN HIS MIND, MAKO'SVOICE)
Big Body...
The boys face off a couple of yards apart. Like a sumo match,they jump toward each other. Thud... Bounce... Double-Thud!!!The double thud was the bully falling on his back and Atanalanding on top of him.
YOUNG ATANA (CONT'D)Leave this kid alone, alright?
LEAD BULLY (WIMPERING & SHORT OFBREATH)
Ok..Ok...(Sniffle) Git offa me!
Atana gets up and offers his hand to the bully. The bullyrefuses it and scowls at them, then walks away, berating andyelling at his crew. They leave with hatred and frustrationin their backward glances.
All the while a small girl, about Randall's size remainsstanding, facing the two victors. Randall doesn't notice herat first, because he is too busy relishing the victory "they"have just won.
YOUNG SKOSHIWhoa, righteous!!! Yeah, we KICKEDtheir butts. Well, you did a(MORE)
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YOUNG SKOSHI (CONT'D)Whoa, righteous!!! Yeah, we KICKEDtheir butts. Well, you did amajority of the butt-kickin'...You're a regular "Round Avenger",no offense, but you are at leasttwo of me!
Was that Kung Fu? ...or Judo, yeahJudo. Whah! Anyway, your Ka-Ra-Teis strong grasshopper!
What IS your name, anyway?
YOUNG ATANAKoji..., but my family calls meAtana. So, you can call me Mr.Koji!
YOUNG SKOSHIHa, Ha! So freakin' funny! Jokeyjokey artichokey! So, "Atana" whatkind of a name is that? Are youChinese or Filipino or... what?
YOUNG ATANAJapanese! I'm Japanese... but... mynickname is, well, made up. Myparents told me that I was a"heavy" baby. So, they said I ate"a ton of" food and I was "a tonof" baby. So, "A Ton Of" became"Atana"!
YOUNG SKOSHIOoh, oooh... Since were a team now.If you're big and I'm small, whatis "medium build, but hefty" inyour language?
Atana realizes that Randall is so much small in stature, butbig in personality. He still thinks of him as small though,so the first Japanese word that popped in his head was"skoshi," which translates to "small" or "tiny."
YOUNG ATANAhmmm..."Skoshi"
YOUNG SKOSHI"School Cheese", whuh?
YOUNG ATANASkoshi! Yes, That is YOUR nicknamenow!
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YOUNG SKOSHIYeah I like it! "Skoshi","Handsome, brave, medium build yethefty", I like it!
Skoshi turns waving his outstretched hand toward the sky...
YOUNG SKOSHI (CONT'D)Skoshi and Atana... huh...
Skoshi's expression of eminence is interrupted by a girl withher arms crossed and head tilted in disapproval. Rocky is thelead bully's little sister. She is a tough cookie whodisapproves of bullying and doesn't really get along with herbig brother, but tags along with her brother for something todo. This time she saw the whole thing and was impressed byAtana, who was the first to stand up to her brother.
YOUNG ROCKYMore like "Atana (exclaimed)" and"Skoshi (whispered)"
YOUNG SKOSHIAlrighty then... isn't it time thatyou run off with your band ofovergrown sea monkeys?
YOUNG ROCKYI'm not with them. Well not really.The leader is my big brother. Whatan idiot! All a' them, idiots! I'm Rocky, don't ask what my realname is. I ain't tellin' you.
(Rocky's real name is Jade Marie Ignacio. For a tom-boy,that seemingly feminine name is the social kiss of death. So,jade is a rock... okay, simple enough.)
YOUNG ROCKYI'm in Miss Johnson's class. Idon't see you at school.
Since I can't hang around loseridiots anymore... I guess I'll hangwith you bozos!
YOUNG SKOSHIWay..wuh...woah... You're a wholegrade lower than us. "WE" can't"hang" with you!
(MORE)
17
YOUNG SKOSHI (CONT'D)
Besides, this is a dynamic duo,Batman and Robin, Hall & Oates,Chocolate and Peanut Butter...
YOUNG ROCKY'Scuse me... (interrupting Skoshi)Fine, I'm outta here!
YOUNG ATANA (IN HIS HEAD, MAKO'SVOICE)
Big Heart...
Rocky walks past the boys and shoulders Skoshi out of herway.
Atana turns to her and begins to follow. He gestures toSkoshi to follow them. With much trepidation, he relents. Theboys soon catch up to her.
YOUNG ATANA (CONT'D)Where we going?
YOUNG ROCKYDunno...
Rocky smiles and the three of them walk together. Skoshibegins to come up with a "trio" names...
YOUNG SKOSHI"Triple Whammy"... or, "The Triad"no, that's a bad thing I think,"The Three Amigos", or...
ATANA & ROCKY (O.S)Shut up!
YOUNG SKOSHI (O.S.)"Three of a kind," or...
FADE OUT:
It's later in the school year and the three have become fastfriends. The two boys walk out of the school grounds and turnto walk down the sidewalk. Rocky catches up to them donningher signature stoic face. Skoshi jumps on Atana's back asthey all go to dance class at Grandma's.
They practice dance together... and make mistakes, together,but they always have fun.
YOUNG SKOSHIHurry up! we gonna be late! Git!Git!
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YOUNG ROCKYAw geez...
Atana smiles. They walk into "The Nakamura Dance Academy"
They prepare and shortly after they arrive, class begins.
Not long after class starts, a 'thud' and a floor stomp soundcomes off-screen. Katherine turns to the sound and raises hereyebrows.
YOUNG FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)Ouch!
YOUNG SKOSHI (O.S.)Oh..umm My bad.
(Randall "Skoshi" Norman has become Atana's best friend.They have attended the same dance school since they dealtwith the bullies. He is a bit of a klutz and a character.Rocky on the other hand does very well in class. She has alsobecome one of the "guys.")
Skoshi looks at Katherine...
YOUNG SKOSHISorry Sensei "K"! ..and you too!
He turns to his partner to apologize. She furls her eyebrows.
Atana, Rocky and Skoshi look at each other and giggle undertheir breath.
CUT TO:
It became a monthly ritual for the family. Atana is at thebeach practicing sumo moves with his father. Inako is sittingon a blanket. Atana runs to her after a few sumo practicemoves. He reaches for his boombox and presses play.
MUSIC CUE: "'Atana's Theme'..."
ATANACome on... let's dance, mom!
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Inako laughs and waves him away...
INAKOI'm tired son. I just want to enjoywatching you and dad right now.
She coughs a bit and rubs her arms as if cold, but wincingwith pain. They continue on.
Mako notices that Inako is not feeling right and approachesher. He kneels toward her and softly asks...
MAKOTurn down a dance with Atana? Areyou okay?
INAKOOh, of course. I'm fine... just abit cold, s'all. (COUGH) Go havefun, or are you afraid that ourlittle Sumo Munchkin is gonna beatyou? hehe...
MAKOOkay... Here...
Mako smiles. He takes his windbreaker off and wraps it aroundInako's shoulders and back. She smiles at him.
INAKOThanks, babe!
Mako gives her a kiss on her head, skips a few stepsbackward, turns and jogs to Atana.
MAKOI'll take her place.
YOUNG ATANAOkay!... Let's go...
They dance for a bit without a care in the world. Atana looksback and waves at Inako, She waves back, smiles and blows afew kisses with both hands.
Father and son go on dancing. Mako happens to look back andsees Inako slumped over on the blanket.
MUSIC FADE OUT: -silence-
MAKOInako?...
Mako jogs to Inako. Atana stands in confusion as to what hisdad is doing. He looks toward his mother and is in shock.
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Mako jogs to Inako. Atana stands in confusion as to what hisdad is doing. He looks toward his mother and is in shock.
YOUNG ATANAMom?
Now they are both running to Inako, who is still motionless.
MAKOINAKO!!!
He reaches Inako and quickly yet carefully places his handsaround her head. She is awake, but very lethargic.
YOUNG ATANAMom... (sniffle) Mom, are you okay?
INAKOAaayyymmm ooohkeeeeyyy....
She murmurs out that she is okay. She obviously is not, butshe is trying to calm Atana.
INAKO (CONT'D)Tiiime... too... gooo....
She tries to smile, but her face is starting to droop a bit.
MAKOYes, let's go.... Atana, get ourthings.
YOUNG ATANAOh, okay...
He remains standing but his eyes follow her. With tears inhis eyes, this is just too much to process.
MAKOATANA! LET'S GO!
He yells at Atana in frustration. He now has Inako in hisarms as he trudges across the sand. This is also too much forhim, but he struggles to keep his composure while talking toInako.
MAKO (CONT'D)We're almost to the car, and...
He's interrupted by a hand over his mouth.
INAKOTake... care... of him...
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MAKO...we'll take care of himtogether... don't you worry.
INAKO...make...sure...he...stays......happy....please
I...love him... so..much
MAKOK... I'll put you in the backseat... k... I got ya...
INAKO...you... always.......have
I will... always... love you...
ATANAK...here's our stuff.... Mom? Youokay? I'm here now.
They screech out of the parking lot and race to the hospital.The whole time Inako gently caresses Atana's cheek with herone good hand. She conserves her breath and just gazes intoAtana's eyes. Her eyes go from concern to calm and settles onlove. The immeasurable love of a mother to her son emanatesfrom her face and actions, without words. Tears flow from alleyes. No words are said as they fly down the streets.
They finally arrive at an emergency room entrance. As theypick up Inako, she gasps and keeps her hand on Atana's cheek.She now has a look in her eyes that tell Atana that she'll beokay.
INAKOKeep...Dancing...
Love...you...my..son...
She is rushed onto a gurney and swept away into the ER. Aflurry of nurses and staff work like a machine to give hercare. Atana finds his father and latches onto him for dearlife. They are both scared and follow behind.
CAMERA ZOOMS OUT WITH ATANA AND MAKO CENTERED
FADE TO BLACK:
MUSIC CUE: solemn music
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Katherine straightens Atana's tie. Her bracelets clinktogether denoting that she is dressed formally.
KATHERINEHandsome as ever! Your mom would be(sniffle) so proud! I love you,boy...
TWO SHOT
She hugs him then moves back to straighten his suit and cleanhim up.
KATHERINELooks like we're ready...
Atana looks up at her and smiles. He nods and they walk outof the room.
(They are at Inako's funeral service at their BuddhistChurch. It has always been odd for Mako to join a westernstyled church for his Buddhist background. He misses hisformal temple back home.)
WIDE SHOT OF CHURCH INTERIOR
They both shuffle to their chairs and join Mako, who issolemn yet presenting a smile. In front of a reverentlydecorated pedestal, a beautifully adorned white urn sits ontop with flowers all placed throughout the room. Atana'sfocus remains fixed on the large photograph of his mother ina stand behind the vase of her ashes.
CLOSEUP OF ATANA
BACKGROUND SOUNDS ARE MUFFLED
Atana stares motionless & emotionless at the photo.
FADE TO:
BACKGROUND SOUNDS REMAIN MUFFLED THROUGH TRANSITION
BACKGROUND SOUNDS ARE MUFFLED AS IN THE PREVIOUS SHOT
WIDE SHOTS OF THE WAKE AT THEIR HOME
BACKGROUND NOISE RETURN
People in formal dress move around the different rooms oftheir home.
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People in formal dress move around the different rooms oftheir home.
The sound of two people arguing comes from the front porch.
Mako and Katherine are exchanging words.
TWO SHOT AT FRONT PORCH
MAKOIt will only be for a while.
KATHERINEWhat about him? ...his friends?his... his...
What about me?
Katherine is upset about the news that Mako has just droppedon her.
MAKOI know...I know. It's not to hurtyou...
We'll be with my family Kyoto.He'll be with his family... that hehasn't even met yet.
KATHERINEYou're being selfish...
MAKOYES!
I am. I can't stay here......In this house.
Mako bows his head.
MAKO (CONT'D)Sumo. (sniffle) In sumo I wasstrong. Now....
Now... I, I can't... I can't takethis. I can't be strong... nothere.
Mako breaks down in grave sorrow. Katherine holds him andsqueezes his deflated frame tightly. She joins in his tearsand they hold each other up.
KATHERINEI understand... I understand. I'llbe here when you need me.
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MAKOIt'll only be until I get back onmy feet.
KATHERINEYes, of course....
Mako and Katherine turn to see Atana and his friendslistening through the screen door. The camera zooms intoAtana's confused face.
WIDE SHOT ZOOM OUT TO SHOW THE GROUP ON THE FRONT PORCH
FADE TO BLACK:
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Act II: Leaving Home to GoHome (In Progress)
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SHOTS OF STADIUM SEATING, ACTIVITIES & ATTENDEES:
The seats are almost filled to capacity. Families areclustered enjoying the matches while snacking and chatting.Serious viewers attentively analyze each rikishi and discusstheir findings with neighbors. All cheer as each matchexplodes into action and gasp as an opponent falls.
The crowd starts to cheer when Atana enters the ring. It ishis first match of the year.
WIDE SHOT OF THE RING
Atana and his opponent do their ritual motions to prepare forthe match.
(Their setup for their actual confrontation. The actualwrestling and attack is triggered by the touching of bothrikishi's left hand to the floor. It must be timed perfectlyof the referee can stop the current exchange.)
Their left hands tap the ground and they catapult at eachother reminiscent of a truck smashing into a side of beef.With a twist of his body, Atana forces his opponent offbalance. He pushes his belly out and his opponent flies offthe ring.
THE AUDIENCEATANA! ATANA! ATANA!
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
CAMERA FLY-THROUGH
Showcasing the surrounding city around the Sumo stadium inthe beautiful environment of Kyoto.
ON SCREEN: "8 YEARS LATER"
CAMERA FLY-THROUGH TO THE ENTRANCE OF THE STADIUM
People are entering the filled stadium. Excited children withfamilies. The stadium noises fill the air.
The rumbling cheers for a Sumo Wrestling tournament’s finalmatch fills the seemingly abandoned streets of Kyoto, Japan.
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The rumbling cheers for a Sumo Wrestling tournament’s finalmatch fills the seemingly abandoned streets of Kyoto, Japan.
(Atana has become a rising star in Sumo prepares foranother step toward the ranks of the "Maka-uchi", the 42 topwrestlers in the sport.)
Banners and posters of the different rikishi, Sumo wrestlers,are scattered around the area. Atana is one of the morepopular wrestlers.
CUT TO:
Atana succeeds in another Sumo tournament and places hislatest collection of awards on his crowded shelves.
OVER THE SHOULDER SHOT AT ATANA:
MAKOAtana. Good job... Now rest.
ATANAHai, Papa...
(Atana feels the burden of his father's misplacedambition. Mako is a former Sumo wrestler who neveraccomplishes his goal of being a Yokozuna. He unintentionallyplaces that responsibility upon his son. He never recoverscompletely from Inako's death and lives vicariously throughhis son. This myopic therapy comes at the cost of Atana'sother passion and his mother's dying wish, dancing theTango.)
OVER THE SHOULDER SHOT AT MAKO:
Atana turns toward his mother's photo.
ATANAI'm sorry mom...
He sobs and bows his head.
Atana turns and his head covers the camera...
FADE TO BLACK:
The sound of a single stadium light is engaged,
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SOUND EFFECT: Overhead Industrial Warehouse Spotlight Createsa "Ker-Clunk" Noise
A single spotlight shines down from above, through thedarkness, onto a solitary figure.
WIDE SHOT W/ ATANA CENTERED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN
Atana opens his eyes to the blackness surrounding him. Hestands alone in his sumo garb entrapped by the cage of coldlight.
WIDE ONE SHOT
He jumps back, startled...
MEDIUM SHOT
Atana settles and calms himself.
MEDIUM CLOSEUP SHOT
Atana looks around bewildered. He sees something... no,someone in the darkness in front of him.
OVER THE SHOULDER
A figure of a woman also has an overhead spotlight on her,but the light looks warm... inviting. She wears a redoriental dress and stands in a seductive, but confident dancepose facing away from Atana.
Traditional Japanese sounding music plays. The sound isdefinitely oriental, but the melody is not. It is music forthe tango.
FULL SHOT
The lady turns to face Atana. He is taken aback, as if shesees right into his soul, as if she has discovered a secretthat he holds dearly and tightly.
MEDIUM CLOSEUP SHOT
Drums play and he looks up, startled.
WIDE SHOT - MEDIUM SHOT OF ATANA IN LOWER FRAME
A sumo arena display (roof-like structure over the arena)falls from the blackness above.
WIDE SHOT
The lady in red is now standing in front of Atana... where anopponent would stand.
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The lady in red is now standing in front of Atana... where anopponent would stand.
FULL TWO SHOT
Atana is facing the lady. They stare for a moment, then thelady takes another dance pose and challenges him with a fewflicks of her up-facing hands.
Atana cautiously assumes the squat of a starting pose of aconfrontation.
WIDE TWO SHOT SIDE VIEW
She twirls into another pose and flags him to attack. Hetouches his left hand and pushes himself to wrestle, but shespins off and dodges him. Atana flies out of the circlecreated by the spotlight's penumbra.
CLOSEUP OF ATANA
He is confused and looks back at what happened.
OVER THE SHOULDER OF LADY
He is back at the starting location. She flicks her fingersagain. Atana, more serious, assumes the start pose. Hetouches his left hand down to the ground and leaps forward.To make sure he catches her this time he swings his arms out.This time he is swept up and around by her. Atana assumes adance pose as well and she falls into his arms and kicks herleft leg up. She stands back up while wrapping that legaround Atana's. They continue to dance and he becomes adifferent man. He finds that he knows what he is doing. Mostof all he realizes that he loves the Tango.
OVER THE SHOULDER OF ATANA
She spins out of his arms outside of the sumo ring. She wavesher hands, calling him to leave the arena. He reaches outwith his arms, but can't move forward.
MID SHOT OF ATANA
He is struggling to move toward the lady with continuallyreaching hands. He starts making progress. He inches his waytoward her.
LONG SHOT SIDE VIEW
They are both in the shot and Atana is slowly gaining one herand is almost at the end of the arena.
RUMBLING STARTS...
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They both stop and looks round.
CLOSEUP OF ATANA
He looks up.
WIDE SHOT TOWARD THE OVERHEAD STRUCTURE
Steel bars fall from the overhead structure.
OVER THE SHOULDER SHOT OF ATANA - ZOOM IN
A veritable prison is created just before Atana can reachher.
MEDIUM SHOT - PANNING LEFT
He reaches beyond the bars and screams...
ATANANOOOOO....
MATCH ON ACTIONCUT TO:
MEDIUM SHOT - PANNING LEFT
He shoots up from laying back in his bed reaches his arms outand screams... then realizes he was just dreaming.
ATANANOOoooo.... ooh? ....It ...it wasjust a dream?
He looks around and feels his bed and arms and body.
ATANA (CONT'D)Oh... weird...
He raises his hands to his face and bows his head down.
CAMERA DOLLY BACK
FADE TO BLACK:
(To Be Continued)
...The following is a general description of the rest of ACTII...
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Atana's Sumo Heya (Sumo School Organization) is invited toSan Francisco, CA for a demonstration and exhibitions. Asluck would have it, there is an audition for a Tango dancetroupe next to the Sumo practice space.
A dance studio had a pop-up sign at the corner around the SFheya (dojo). It states, "Tango Dancers Needed!!! All levelscan join!" After a workout, Atana walks around the streetcorner with Skoshi and notices the sign. He tells Skoshi togo on without him and that he forgot something in the heya.
Atana waits until Skoshi is gone then goes to the studio. Heis curious and sneaks in to take a peek. He just wanted tosee an actual Tango Studio in action. He clumsily stumblesand exposes his voyeurism.
Adelita, the head of the dance committee, is perturbed, butdesperate for dancers, so she begrudgingly invites him to tryout for the position. Although he is twice the size of hisdance partner, his secret dance lessons give him the courageto try-out. After a rocky start, his apparent skill wins hima spot. Atana must dance, he must Tango!
Days become weeks of hiding his other life by sneaking to thedance practices between sumo.
He is having the time of his life at first, but Atana’sdouble life soon tears at him. The middle of the story.Stakes goes up and the "fun" is over. Now it's serious.
On one hand he has a successful history and promising futurewith Sumo while appeasing his father’s ambitions. On theother hand, his true love is the Tango which binds him to hisbeloved mother and grandmother.
The secret life progresses without any trouble until one dayit falls apart and exposes the dual practices. Atana’s bestfriend and fellow Rikishi (Sumo Wrestler) Tiny, suspectssomething is wrong and takes his dancing shoes. A chaseensues and the subsequent crash in front of the Sumo schooland dance studio.
The secret has been exposed. His Sumo master is furious andbanishes him from the Heya. His fellow rikishi are ashamedand ridicules him. Adelita is embarrassed that she isimplicated in the scandal. Atana is banished from the schooland fired from the studio.
His fall from grace sets him in a downward spiral. He wantsonly to be with his father and grandmother, but feelsashamed. He ultimately wishes being with his dead mother aswell. With everything stripped away and in an unfamiliar partof the city, Atana hears his name in the distance. “Atana! We
32
ashamed. He ultimately wishes being with his dead mother aswell. With everything stripped away and in an unfamiliar partof the city, Atana hears his name in the distance. “Atana! Wehave been looking for you!” It is Skoshi along with Kenzo andAdelita. In his utter embarrassment, Atana bows in front ofhis father, begging for forgiveness. After a few moments of astark and stern look on Kenzo's face, he breaks down intotears. “Katherine is dead…”, Atana’s world shatters andsobs.“She wanted you to have this…” as Kenzo hands overKatherine’s pendant.
33
ACT III: The Long Road toMyself (In Progress)
34
A Ton of Tango: Atana’s Dream
Storyboard
By Henry Santos
Copyright 2020
35
Label: A Ton of Tango
Action: Title
36
Label: Atana's Dream
Action: Sub Title
37
Label: Black Background
Voiceover: Silence
Action: Fade to Black from the previous scene
38
Label: Establishing Shot w/ Atana centered at the bottom of the screen
Voiceover: Overhead Industrial Warehouse Spotlight Creates a "Ker-Clunk" Noise
Action: Atana wakes to a single overhead light in the darkness. He stands alone in his sumo garb.
39
Label: One-Shot - Zoom In
Voiceover: Whuh?
Action: He jumps back, startled...
40
Label: Medium Shot
Voiceover: A solo Japanese Koto plays from a distance
Action: Atana settles and calms himself.
41
Label: Medium Closeup Shot
Voiceover: The music is closer now with a distinct rhythm
Action: Atana looks around bewildered. He sees something... no, someone in the darkness in front of him.
42
Label: Over the Shoulder
Voiceover: Traditional Japanese sounding music continues. The sound is definitely oriental, but the melody is not. It is music for the tango.
Action: A figure of a woman also has an overhead spotlight on her. She wearing a red oriental dress and is standing in a seductive, but confident dance poses facing away from Atana.
43
Label: Full Shot
Voiceover: Tango music flourishes, now with a number of different Japanese instruments.
Action: The lady turns to face Atana. He is taken aback, as if she has discovered a secret of his.
44
Label: Medium Closeup Shot - Tilt-Up
Voiceover: The music suddenly stops, and Taiko Drumming and rumbling suddenly replaces it.
Action: Drums play and he looks up, startled.
45
Label: Medium Shot
Voiceover: Drumming
Action: A sumo arena display (roof-like structure over the arena) falls from the blackness above.
46
Label: Wide Shot
Voiceover: Drumming, then silence.
Action: The lady in red is now standing in front of Atana... where an opponent would stand.
47
Label: Full Two Shot - Zoom In
Voiceover: A more restrained drum line builds while the Japanese Tango progresses along.
Action: Atana is facing the lady. They stare for a moment, then the lady takes another dancing pose and challenges him with a few flicks of her up-facing hands.
Atana cautiously assumes the squat of a starting pose of a confrontation.
48
Label: Wide Shot - Pan Right
Voiceover: The music culminates into a fiery Tango!
Action: She twirls into another pose and flags him to attack. He touches his left hand and pushes himself to wrestle, but she spins off and dodges him. Atana flies out of the circle created by the spotlight's penumbra.
49
Label: Over The Shoulder Shot
Voiceover: The music continues.
Action: He is confused and looks back at what happened.
50
Label: Over The Shoulder Shot
Voiceover: The music continues, keeping time with the action.
Action: He is back at the starting location.
51
Label: Two Shot - In Perspective View
Voiceover: Music...
Action: She flicks her fingers again.
52
Label: Full Two Shot
Voiceover: Music...with accentuated drumming...
Action: Atana, more serious, assumes the start pose. He touches his left hand down to the ground and leaps forward. To make sure he catches her this time he swings his arms out.
53
Label: Full Two Shot - Zoom In
Voiceover: The music hits a crescendo when they finally hold each other in a dance.
Action: This time he is swept up and around by her. Atana assumes a dance pose as well and she falls into his arms and kicks her left leg up. She stands back up while wrapping that leg around Atana's.
54
Label: Full Two Shot - Follows Their Position
Voiceover: The koto continues.
Action: They continue to dance and he becomes a different man. He finds that he knows what he is doing. Most of all he realizes that he loves the Tango.
55
Label: Full One Shot
Voiceover: Tango music flourishes and stops, with the solo playing of a koto. It plays a slower and more somber melody with added reverberation.
Action: She spins out of his arms outside of the sumo ring. She waves her hands, calling him to leave the arena. He reaches out with his arms, but can't move forward.
56
Label: Over The Shoulder Shot
Voiceover: The music continues.
Action: He is struggling to move toward the lady with continually reaching hands. He starts making progress. He inches his way toward her.
57
Label: Over The Shoulder Shot
Voiceover: The music becomes more dramatic through the struggle.
Action: They are both in the shot and Atana is slowly gaining one her and is almost at the end of the arena.
58
Label: Closeup
Voiceover: Only rumbling overhead, now.
Action: They both stop and look round.
He looks up.
59
Label: Wide Shot Toward Overhead Structure
Voiceover: Scraping metal sounds meet the return of music.
Action: Steel bars fall from the overhead structure. (The structure shoots out steel bars to the arena to create a cage)
60
Label: Over The Shoulder Shot - Zoom In
Voiceover: Crashing sounds come from the impact of the new steel bars. The music continues.
Action: A veritable prison is created just before Atana can reach her.
61
Label: Medium Shot - Panning Left (Match on Action)
Voiceover: Music intensifies.
ATANA: "NOOOOO...."
Action: He reaches beyond the bars and screams.
62
Label: Medium Shot - Panning Left (Match on Action)
Voiceover: The musical crescendo fades to the solo koto.
ATANA: "no..."
Action: He shoots up from laying back in his bed reaches his arms out and screams... then realizes he was just dreaming. (The scene is now set in his bedroom.)
63
Label: Fade to Black from previous scene
Voiceover: Silence
64
