Serenade By Ana Galera Talking Tom is singing a serenade to Angela but he s disturbed by a singing barrel. Eventually Talking Tom discovers that there is a jaguar inside the barrel and they make friends. Concept: In order to arise the interest of Latin American audience I created a very typical situation, hence easy to catch for everyone: a serenade scene. For centuries in the Hispanic world, the way to seduce a desired lover was by singing songs in front of the lady s window. This custom is deeply rooted in the Latin American imagery. Therefore scenes like this often appear in books, movies and soap operas. Furthermore, it is well known that Latin Americans are extremely romantic as their songs prove. That s why Talking Tom sings a Bachata to Angela. Bachata is typically romantic music that nowadays is on fashion. Additionally, I chose a jaguar as a supporting character because it is a South American big cat. But his performance is mainly with comedy intention, hence this role could be played easily by Ginger. However, there is one hidden message in the character, Jaguar. He s living in a barrel in a courtyard, exactly the same as the very popular comedy character in Latin America; el Chavo del Ocho. The TV show was a media phenomenon during the 80 s and 90 s, but only in South America (including Brazil). The show is still on TV and in US it s the number one rated Spanish-language cable program. As the character is incredibly popular and very well known by any Latin American, I decided to use it as an extra gag in this story.
EXT. COURTYARD - NIGHT: arrives in the courtyard of an apartment building. There are plants, a fountain, a bench, some bicycles and a wooden BARREL. Talking Tom carries a RADIO CASSETTE PLAYER (90's kind). He plays it and BACHATA MUSIC sounds. In that moment, ANGELA opens a window and looks out, smiling. (singing, to Angela) I won't leave, my sweet deary, Until I could steal one kiss From your very lips. A FUNNY VOICE repeats the words Talking Tom is singing. VOICE (O.S.) From your very lips. Talking Tom gets cross and looks around while singing. Your mouth is so sugary But for your love, honey I could go mad and sick. VOICE (O.S.) But for your love, honey I could go mad and sick. Talking Tom goes closer to the BARREL and puts his ear on it. The voice comes from inside there! He knocks down the barrel, kicks it making it roll out of the frame. Now Talking Tom can do his performance with no worries. I don't mind being diabetic As long as you love me. the squeezed li... Suddenly the barrel rolls back and crashes into Talking Tom, sending him flying together with radio cassette (like a bowling ball). Angela covers her mouth - surprised and worried. Talking Tom falls flat and the radio cassette falls on his head and then on the floor, making a loud noise. The music stops.
1 A NEIGHBOUR shouts from a far window. NEIGHBOUR (O.S.) Hey, keep the noise down! Talking Tom gets back on his feet and smiles to Angela, who smiles him back. Then he whispers to the barrel. (whispering) Stop. You're ruining my chances. BARREL Then I'll take mine! Suddenly two legs appear beneath the barrel, and two arms from two holes on the sides. Now it's a barrel with legs and arms, but no head. The barrel plays the radio cassette, but this time the music sounds awful. Angela looks at the scene, confused when the barrel starts singing. The squeezed lime in my water, Meanwhile, Talking Tom goes out of frame and comes back with a hose. He opens the top cork of the barrel and attaches the end of the hose. He walks away, out of the frame. Then a NOISE of a tap being turned on. The sweetness in my coffee, My doughnut with frosty. Barrel's voice changes and sounds like somebody singing underwater, but he keeps singing. (sound under the water) the squeezed lime in my water, the sweetness in...
Suddenly Barrel stops singing, pulls in his arms and the water drains from the holes BUT... NEIGHBOUR (O.S.) Don't make me go down otherwise you'll regret it! All of them get scared. Angela shuts the window. Barrel puts his arms and legs back inside the barrel. Talking Tom runs confused side to side, until Barrel takes out a hand and takes Talking Tom inside the barrel with him. INT. BARREL - NIGHT: It's totally dark. SFX: somebody striking a match the light returns. We see Talking Tom and a JAGUAR! Finally, Tom can see the owner of the barrel! Jaguar is exactly the same as Talking Tom but with jaguar fur. Jaguar smiles to Talking Tom but he's still upset. Talking Tom notices that there are little pictures on the wooden walls, it looks like this is his home. Talking Tom is not comfortable. He moves and takes a pan from behind his back! Jaguar smiles shyly. CUT TO: EXT. COURTYARD - NIGHT: Talking Tom starts his serenade again. Angela is back at the open window and Jaguar is sitting on top of the barrel. Talking Tom turns on the radio cassette but after some noise it completely fails. Jaguar has an idea. He turns his barrel upside down and plays it like drums. Talking Tom starts singing. Your love is my sugar The squeezed lime in my water The sweetness in my coffee My doughnut with frosty Angela jumps to the courtyard and dances with Talking Tom. It's a party! Everyone is happy! Suddenly...
NEIGHBOUR Hey! Enough! I'm going now! Three of them get scared and they all jump into the barrel. INT. BARREL - NIGHT: Jaguar strikes another match. The barrel is very tight for the three of them but Jaguar manages to take out a bottle of a drink. All of them smile cheers! END