I recently wrote about developing my Script-Helper-001 (SH001) writing aid for movie screen writers in this essay. And once you make a tools there is the temptation to see what else it can do.
I developed SH001 to be used with a human in the loop for fairly fine tuned back and forth between a human writer and GPT. BUT, it also has the capacity to take an initial text ‘Hint’ and then write a complete movie script untouched by human hands.
So of course I had to try it. And in the spirit of edge-testing I decided to use the lyrics of one of my favorite songs “Desperados Waiting For a Train” by Guy Clark. It’s a curious song with a fair bit of dialect but it does have narrative running through it, so I gave it a try.
I cut-n-pasted the lyrics into the Movie Hint box which I have highlighted in red. I then pressed the “Make Movie Text” to get GPT-4 to create a narrative of the story suitable for being used to write a movie script. The result is in the Movie Text box highlighted in blue.
I then pressed the “Make Scenes” button to instruct GPT-4 to process the Movie Text and to generate 12 scenes, with titles and scene descriptions. The scene titles are visible in the box highlighted in green.
Then I pressed the “Full Auto” and 40 minutes later after the program had engaged in 40 or so back and forths with GPT-4, the complete script was generated.:
It’s by no means brilliant movie writing, but I thought it did a pretty impressive job considering it’s input was a fairly funky song lyric and otherwise had no human guidance.
Here is the complete script for what would be about a 20 minute short film:
Desperados of the Green Frog Café
Scene #1 — A First Encounter
INT. JACK’S FAMILY HOUSE — KITCHEN — DAY
The sun descends towards the horizon, casting shadows on the rustic town as evening approaches. Young JACK, about 10 years old, steps out of his family’s quaint house onto the back porch.
EXT. JACK’S FAMILY HOUSE — BACKYARD — CONTINUOUS
Jack ventures beyond the porch, into the sprawling backyard that borders a dense forest. He plays his usual pretend cowboy adventures.
The sound of CLANKING METAL and a LOW HUMMING MACHINE catch Jack’s attention.
JACK
(whispering to himself)
What’s that?
Jack cautiously approaches the source of the noise, following it to the edge of the property.
EXT. EDGE OF PROPERTY — CONTINUOUS
Jack discovers HENRY diligently drilling an oil well. Henry’s brow drips with sweat, dirt streaks his hat, and years of dedication mark his rough hands.
JACK
(timidly)
Um, excuse me, sir?
Henry looks up, surprised. He wipes sweat from his forehead with an oil-stained bandana, then motions for Jack to come closer.
HENRY
Well, hello there, kiddo. Don’t be shy, come on over.
Jack joins Henry by the oil well, observing the towering drilling equipment with a mix of awe and unease.
JACK
What are you doing, Mister?
HENRY
(grinning)
I’m drilling for oil, my boy. This here contraption helps me search for that black gold.
Henry begins explaining oil drilling, sharing stories of previous wells he’s dug. His deep, gravelly voice and hearty laughs enchant Jack.
JACK
(fascinated)
Wow, that’s amazing. You must have been on so many adventures!
HENRY
Oh, I’ve seen my share, son. If you stick around, maybe we can have a few more.
Jack and Henry connect over a shared interest in western movies and wild adventures. They exchange stories, laughter, and dreams.
HENRY
So, Jack, you like westerns, huh? What’s your favorite?
JACK
(smiling)
For sure! I love “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.”
HENRY
Oh, that’s a classic. Mine’s “Shane.” Ever seen it?
JACK
Not yet! But now I really want to.
The sun sets, stars appear, and they continue enjoying each other’s company.
EXT. JACK’S FAMILY HOUSE — BACKYARD — NIGHT
With their extraordinary friendship now established, Jack and Henry walk back together towards the house lights, the darkness contrasting with the brightness they’ve discovered in each other’s company.
HENRY
Jack, you remind me of a younger me, always seeking adventure… remember to never lose that spirit.
JACK
(smiling)
I promise, Henry. I can’t wait for our next adventure together.
They anticipate future adventures together, like the desperados in their beloved tales.
FADE OUT.
Scene #2 — The Green Frog Cafe
INT. GREEN FROG CAFE — EVENING
A cozy, dimly-lit, rural bar. The room buzzes with LAUGHTER and CLINKING GLASSES. The aroma of TOBACCO, STALE PEANUTS and SPILT BEER fills the air.
JACK (mid-20s, small-town boy) and HENRY (70s, old oil well driller) enter, exchanging NODS and BANTER with the REGULARS. Old men play dominos at rickety wooden tables.
Jack sets up dominos at their usual table while Henry fetches two FROSTY MUGS of beer, WINKING at a PRETTY WAITRESS.
The classic song “RED RIVER VALLEY” begins to play on the jukebox.
JACK
(mock frustration)
You’ve got your money on beating me tonight, don’t ya?
HENRY
(smiling)
I know the fancy city folks taught you to play a mean game, but that doesn’t mean I’d pass up the chance to teach you a thing or two!
They start their game, both trying to outsmart the other.
HENRY (CONT’D)
You know, Jack, I’ve drilled more wells than I can count in my days. But the trick is to keep on going, even when they run dry.
JACK
(intently listening)
I know you always find a way, Henry.
As the evening progresses, they LAUGH, share STORIES, and connect with other PATRONS. The song plays in the background, each time bringing a bittersweet look to HENRY’S eyes. He wipes a TEAR away.
LATER
The cafe quiets, and they pack the dominos away. Almost-empty mugs sit on the table. “Red River Valley” plays one last time. Jack and Henry share a moment of SILENCE, lost in thought.
JACK
(sincere)
I’m really glad we’ve had all these nights at the ol’ Green Frog, Henry. It’s something I’ll never forget.
HENRY
(nostalgic)
Me too, Jack. It’s been one hell of a ride.
They stand, placing a GENTLE HAND on each other’s shoulder, bracing to face another day. They head toward the exit.
EXT. GREEN FROG CAFE — NIGHT
The sun sets on the rural town as they walk away, leaving the warmth and comfort of the Green Frog Cafe behind.
FADE OUT.
Scene #3 — ’s Tears in the Kitchen
INT. GREEN FROG CAFE — NIGHT
The cafe is filled with patrons, old men playing dominos and chatting. The recognizable STRUMMING of “Red River Valley” begins to play in the background.
JACK (16) and HENRY (70) sit in their favorite corner table. The two share a warm glance as the song resonates through the room.
Jack notices the TEARS starting to form in Henry’s eyes. He reaches out to comfort him. Their hands connect.
JACK
Hey, it’s alright, Henry.
Henry nods, but cannot hide the sorrow in his eyes. He takes a deep breath and rises from his chair.
HENRY
Excuse me a moment, Jack.
Henry makes his way into the KITCHEN. The clattering of pots and pans harmonizes with the song’s melody.
INT. GREEN FROG CAFE — KITCHEN — CONTINUOUS
Henry enters the dimly lit kitchen. He leans against the worn-out counter, his shoulders trembling as he breaks down into quiet sobs.
HENRY
(whispers)
Too many years… too many memories.
Jack enters the kitchen cautiously. He sees Henry, visibly shaken, and approaches him, placing a gentle hand on his back.
JACK
Henry, I’m here for you, man.
Their eyes meet. A warm connection bridges the gap between their generations.
HENRY
Thank you, Jack. You don’t know how much this… This song… It reminds me of all the dreams I chased.
Jack smiles reassuringly.
JACK
But you also built something here, Henry. You’ve got people who care about you. And I’m one of ‘em.
The song ENDS its crescendo. Jack and Henry share a knowing glance.
HENRY
Thank you, Jack. Thank you for being a good friend.
JACK
Always, Henry.
They step out of the kitchen together, leaving the emotion behind them and entering the bustling cafe once more, their bond strengthened by the song that means so much to them both.
FADE OUT.
Scene #4 — Drives the Truck
INT. TRUCK — LATE AFTERNOON
Sun is setting over the rural landscape, casting warm golden light.
(16) drives the old truck, navigating rough terrain, gripping the wheel tightly. Dust swirls around outside.
(70), heavily intoxicated and weak, slumps in the passenger seat.
glances at as they approach the oil well site.
JACK
Are you awake, Henry?
stirs and smiles, causing the tobacco stains on his chin to wrinkle.
HENRY
Jack, I always knew I could count on you, kid. You’ve really stepped up.
JACK
Just doing what I can, Henry. We’re a team, after all.
They park the truck, and Jack reminisces about their old western dreams.
JACK (CONT’D)
Feels like we’re still those gunslingers, facing off against the world.
Henry nods, looking at the oil well equipment.
HENRY
(chuckles)
Guess we are, Jack. Though we ain’t as spry as we used to be.
Jack agrees, aware of Henry’s current state and the weight on their lives.
JACK
I miss those carefree days, Henry. Playing dominos and singing “Red River Valley.”
Henry looks at Jack with melancholy in his eyes.
HENRY
So do I, kid. So do I.
EXT. OIL WELL SITE — LATE AFTERNOON
Both Jack and Henry step out of the truck. The passage of time is felt by both characters as they stand, preparing to work on the oil well.
JACK
Whatever happens… I just want you to know, I wouldn’t trade our time together for anything.
Henry pats Jack on the back, his face a mix of gratitude and sorrow.
HENRY
Me neither, Jack. Me neither.
As they begin to work at the oil well site, their deep friendship and love bind them together, both supporting each other through life’s unpredictable journey.
FADE OUT.
Scene #5 — The Desperados’ Bond
EXT. HILLTOP — SUNSET
A peaceful countryside at sunset. The old pickup truck sits idly on the hilltop, surrounded by tall, rustling grass. The sun casts an orange glow over the landscape.
On the truck’s tailgate, JACK and HENRY sit, empty beer cans scattered around them. A portable radio plays country tunes in the background.
JACK
We sure have had some times together, haven’t we, Henry?
HENRY
(Laughs) You bet, Jack. Good and bad.
Jack gazes out at the town below, a thoughtful expression on his face.
CLOSE-UP: The sky turns a deep shade of indigo. HENRY pulls out his harmonica and begins to play “Red River Valley.” JACK watches in admiration.
JACK
You’re like a cowboy from an old western movie, Henry.
MONTAGE:
1. Jack and Henry explore an abandoned oil rig.
2. Jack and Henry fish by the serene riverbank.
3. Jack and Henry race horses through open fields.
JACK (V.O.)
You’ve taught me so much, Henry. How to spit, cuss, and fend for myself.
HENRY (V.O.)
And you’ve brought back the fight in this old man, Jack.
EXT. MOVING TRAIN — DAY
JACK and HENRY, atop a moving boxcar, navigate the countryside. Wind whips through their hair and clothes as they laugh with adrenaline.
JACK
(Shouting over train noise) We’re like the outlaws of these hills, Henry!
HENRY
(Grinning) Damn right we are, Jack! Desperados waiting for our train!
EXT. HILLTOP — SUNSET
A final shot of JACK and HENRY on the tailgate of the pickup truck, smiles on their faces as they watch the sun dip below the horizon.
FADE OUT.
Scene #6 — A Realization at the Cafe
INT. GREEN FROG CAFE — EVENING
The sun sets over the small rural town, casting a warm golden light on the exterior of the Green Frog Cafe. The laughter and sounds of conversation from inside the cafe drift out into the street.
JACK (early 20s) enters the cafe and scans the room. He spots HENRY (mid-70s) at their usual table, playing a game of Moon and Forty-two with a group of elderly men.
INSERT: CLOSE-UP of Henry’s face, his chin streaked with brown tobacco stains and significantly aged since we last saw him.
Jack approaches the table silently.
JACK
(softly)
Hey, Henry.
HENRY
(smiling)
Look who’s here! Sit down, Jack.
Jack sits down and watches Henry amongst the other elderly men, all with frothy beers and playfully bickering. He reflects on the inevitable effects of aging.
JACK
(radical sincerity)
You know, Henry, you’ve been like a superhero to me.
HENRY
(chuckles)
Ain’t no superheroes in this town, but I appreciate the sentiment, buddy.
Jack gestures to a WAITRESS and orders two beers. She brings them over, and Jack hands one to Henry.
JACK
(sincere)
To us, Henry. The Aging Desperados.
They clink their glasses.
INSERT: CLOSE-UP of Jack’s melancholy expression.
Henry catches the sadness in Jack’s eyes.
HENRY
(patting Jack’s back)
Don’t you worry, Jack. I may be old and rusty, but I still got plenty of fight left in me. We’re gonna keep making memories.
The camera pans out, showcasing a touching tableau of the two friends sharing a drink and a quiet moment amidst the hustle and bustle of the Green Frog Cafe.
JACK
(smiling)
To memories, and to making more… waiting for our train.
They clink glasses again before taking a long sip.
FADE OUT.
Scene #7 — The Last Oil Well
INT. THE LAST WELL — SUNSET
Establishing shot: The sun setting over the small rural town, as JACK and HENRY work together on their last oil well. Machinery roars, and the air is thick with dust.
Wide shot: The well site is surrounded by farmland; cows lazily graze in the distance.
CLOSE UP on JACK, now a young man, working with precision and dedication.
HENRY watches JACK with a proud smile.
HENRY
Look at you, kid. You’re a fine driller, better than I ever dreamed.
CLOSE UP on JACK as he wipes the sweat from his brow and a hint of a smile appears.
JACK
Only because I had the best teacher.
Montage of JACK and HENRY working in harmony, drilling the well.
HENRY (V.O)
You know, I’ve been doing this for seventy long years, and it ain’t been easy. But stickin’ with it led me to you, Jack.
TWO SHOT of JACK and HENRY as HENRY shares his stories, mixed with laughter and the occasional cough, while JACK listens intently.
ANGLED SHOT: The well is completed and the two friends admire their handiwork.
JACK gazes at HENRY, his eyes filled with gratitude and admiration. He puts an arm around him.
JACK
I can’t believe we made it this far.
HENRY, with a tear in his eye, pats JACK on the back.
HENRY
(cracking with emotion)
You’ve come a long way, kid. I’m proud of you.
Henry’s words make Jack smile as he squeezes his shoulder.
JACK
I couldn’t have done it without you.
WIDE SHOT: The sun dips below the horizon, embracing the approaching twilight.
JACK and HENRY share a heartfelt hug, their bond stronger than ever.
WIDE SHOT: The two friends walk away from the well, their silhouettes visible against the setting sun, toward the truck parked nearby.
CUT TO the wind rustling through the grass, JACK and HENRY walking side by side, the desperados embracing the twilight of their journey together.
FADE OUT.
Scene #8 — An Unsettling Diagnosis
INT. LOCAL CLINIC — WAITING ROOM — DAY
Jack and Henry sit side by side, their clothes dirty from their most recent oil drilling adventure. The sterile waiting room is filled with SOMBER PEOPLE. A faint HUM from the air conditioner fills the background.
The DOCTOR enters, scanning her stack of papers.
DOCTOR
Henry?
Jack pats Henry’s back reassuringly. Henry nods and musters a weak smile as they both stand up and follow the Doctor into the examination room.
INT. LOCAL CLINIC — EXAMINATION ROOM — DAY
The Doctor flips to another page in her file, struggling to find the right words.
DOCTOR
(stammering)
Henry, I’m sorry to say that… after going through your tests… you’re diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Henry stares blankly at the Doctor. Jack’s eyes widen, a sharp pain in his chest.
HENRY
How… how long do I have?
DOCTOR
(voice trembling)
A few months, at most.
The room suddenly seems colder, and the weight of the diagnosis feels suffocating.
INT. LOCAL CLINIC — EXIT — DAY
Jack and Henry step outside, walking through the quiet streets of their small town, both lost in thoughts.
EXT. LIQUOR STORE — DAY
As they pass the liquor store, Henry motions Jack to come inside. Jack hesitates but follows Henry.
EXT. HENRY’S FARMHOUSE — PORCH — DAY
The two friends sit together on the worn porch, staring at the fading sun painting the sky a rich red-orange. They share a bottle of whiskey, both silent, burdened by unspoken thoughts and emotions.
JACK
I ain’t never gonna forget the things we done, Henry.
Jack reaches out to hold Henry’s hand. They both gaze at the setting sun, a tribute to the time they have left together.
JACK
(whispering)
We’ll face this like we always have, side by side.
Jack and Henry raise their glasses to the setting sun, their minds on the adventures they shared.
JACK
To the end. Desperados waiting for our train.
They sip, and as the sun fades, they look into each other’s eyes, ready for the final chapter.
CUT TO BLACK.
Scene #9 — The Last Visit
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM — DAY
A dimly lit room. HENRY, old and frail, lies on a hospital bed, surrounded by medical equipment. The BEEP of a heart rate monitor is audible.
The door creaks open. Sunlight pours in, casting shadows on the floor. JACK, now grown up and somber, walks in. He takes a seat at Henry’s bedside, gently clasping Henry’s hand.
JACK
(voice cracking)
Remember when I was a kid and we met at that oil well behind my house?
Henry listens, eyes glistening, weakly nodding.
JACK
(a nostalgic smile)
And then came the Green Frog Cafe…The laughter, “Red River Valley” on the jukebox…The friendships we made there. It feels like yesterday.
A montage of memories appears: Jack and Henry driving, laughing in Henry’s kitchen, Jack tearing up, learning to drive the truck as Henry smiles approvingly.
JACK
(teary-eyed)
One day I noticed…you changed, like those men in the cafe. Was there anything I could’ve done to stop time, to stop you from aging?
HENRY
(with clarity)
Time has a way of touching everything, Jack. There’s no holding it back.
JACK
I wish I could freeze the past.
Jack fights back tears.
HENRY
(grateful)
Our memories and friendship…they will live on. Embrace the spirit of our adventures, Jack. Keep that desperado spirit alive.
As the sun sets, the room is filled with a warm, orange glow. Jack and Henry share a final moment of silence. The distant melody of “Red River Valley” plays faintly.
Jack looks at Henry, who musters the strength to squeeze his hand one last time. A knowing smile crosses his face.
JACK
(whispers)
Thank you, for everything.
The camera slowly pulls back to reveal the two of them side by side. The heart rate monitor FLATLINES as Henry closes his eyes. Jack faces the world with a heavy heart but forever intertwined with the legacy of Henry.
FADE OUT.
Scene #10 — Singing the Red River Valley
INT. HENRY’S BEDROOM — NIGHT
The room is dimly lit, with shadows cast on the walls. The musty air carries the somber weight of their impending goodbye. Beside HENRY’s frail body, JACK sits on a wooden chair, his face a mix of anguish, love, and sorrow.
JACK takes a deep sigh and reaches for HENRY’s feeble hand in an attempt to comfort him.
JACK
(Holding back tears)
I’ll always remember our time together, Henry.
Their eyes meet, and the bond they share radiates between the two desperados. A melancholy silence fills the room, and they both know that it’s time.
JACK begins to quietly hum “Red River Valley.” HENRY, with immense effort, joins him, his voice cracked and weak but full of determination.
HENRY
(Singing weakly)
From this valley, they say you are going…
As the melody crescendos, they share bittersweet smiles, recalling all the memories of lives long lived.
HENRY
Do you remember the old men we used to see at the Green Frog Cafe?
JACK
Playing dominos and spinning tales… We were once young and full of spirit, working together on those wells.
A tear escapes JACK’s eye. HENRY squeezes JACK’s hand, acknowledging their bond.
HENRY
(Softly)
I’m so glad we had all those years, Jack. You’re like the son I never had.
As they sing the song, they muster their remaining strength to fight through the emotional and physical barriers. Their connection is stronger than ever in these final moments.
JACK
(Fighting back tears)
I learned so much from you, Henry.
With each drawn-out note of “Red River Valley,” the room seems to expand with emotion. JACK and HENRY share one last look, their eyes communicating the depths of their love and shared experiences.
As the final verse comes to an end, the room falls silent, except for the faint sound of a ticking clock on the wall.
HENRY
(Softly)
Time for the train, Jack.
JACK
(Swallowing hard)
Yeah, Henry… Time for the train.
They accept their fate like desperados waiting for their train.
Scene #11 — A Farewell to
INT. HENRY’S BEDROOM — SUNSET
The dim light of the setting sun fills the room, casting shadows on the walls. Jack sits at Henry’s bedside, holding his wrinkled hand.
CLOSE-UP: Jack struggles to hold back tears, his grip on Henry’s hand tightening.
JACK
(smoothing emotion)
Henry, I can’t even begin to tell you how much your friendship has meant to me.
Jack looks deep into Henry’s eyes, as if trying to convey a lifetime of gratitude in a single glance.
JACK (CONT’D)
(tears forming)
You were always there for me, through thick and thin. You taught me so much about life, and how not to take it for granted.
MONTAGE: Flashbacks of their shared adventures together — driving down dusty roads, laughing in the Green Frog Cafe, helping each other through hard times. The bond they’ve built is undeniable.
Back to the scene, Henry squeezes Jack’s hand and smiles weakly with pride and sadness in his eyes.
HENRY
(raspy and tender)
My boy, you’ve been the son I never had. I always knew you were special, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have shared so many years with you.
CLOSE-UP: Jack takes a deep breath, trying to compose himself.
JACK
(teary-eyed)
I had to walk out of the only world I knew to be a part of yours. And it was worth it — just to hear you call me ‘friend.’
Jack breaks down, sobbing openly. He embraces Henry gently, their love for each other evident in their united pain.
JACK (CONT’D)
(whispers)
I’ll miss you, Henry. More than words can say.
WIDE SHOT: As the sun sets and the room darkens, “Red River Valley” plays softly in the distance.
MONTAGE: Jack and Henry reminisce and share stories about their life together. They laugh, cry, and savor their last moments beside each other.
WIDE SHOT: The room is dark, with Jack and Henry in silhouette, illustrating their unity as they face the unknown together.
JACK
(whispers)
Goodbye, my friend.
Their eyes lock for a moment, and then Henry closes his eyes. Jack stands up slowly, taking one last look at his beloved friend before stepping into the shadows.
CUT TO BLACK
Scene #12 — Moves On
INT. GREEN FROG CAFE — SUNSET
The somber atmosphere hangs heavy in the air as patrons gather in their usual spots. The sun sets through the window, casting long shadows in the bar.
ANGLE ON: Jack, mid-20s, sits at the corner table, staring into his half-empty glass, tears in his eyes.
“Red River Valley” plays on the old jukebox.
FLASHBACK to younger Jack and Henry, sharing laughter and late-night talks in the cafe.
INT. GREEN FROG CAFE — PRESENT
Jack (softly, lost in thought)
Henry, you taught me so much…
Patrons join in, singing along to “Red River Valley.” Their voices harmonize, growing stronger.
Patron #1
Come and sit by my side if you love me…
Patron #2
Do not hasten to bid me adieu…
Jack’s eyes grow more determined, inspired by the faces around him.
Close-up of Jack’s eyes, glinting with newfound resolve.
Jack (whispering)
I’ll honor your memory, Henry.
He gently wipes away his tears and nods to the singing patrons.
Patron #3
Just remember the Red River Valley…
Jack stands up and slowly walks towards the door, taking one last glance at the cafe.
Jack (murmuring)
And the cowboy who loved you so true…
EXT. GREEN FROG CAFE — TWILIGHT
Jack steps out of the Green Frog Cafe and walks into the twilight, feeling Henry’s presence guiding him forward.
The scene fades to black.
== the End ==
Tagged with :