Ah, Christmas stories! It’s a beloved genre… with lots of cinematic gems. Let’s see; Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, A Christmas Story, It’s a Wonderful Life, Silent Night/Deadly Night… Okay – scratch that last one off the list. But – aside from exceptions that prove the rule – Christmas stories share a certain somethingspecial. Whether it’s Jingle All the Way or Frosty the Snowman, Christmas stories share sweetness. Child-like wonder…
…and a little touch of magic. Penned by talented writer Tim Westland, Better Be Good has all three traits.
The protagonist? A cute little kid named Charlie. Though a mere eight years old, Charlie’s already got problems. There’s his crippling fear of climbing trees. And domineering brother Robby (13).
Seeking a moment’s peace, a bullied Charlie runs to safety. Spotting a tree in the forest beyond his back yard, he scrambles up… fighting his phobia. At least, until a branch SNAPS… plummeting Charlie into a pile of leaves.
…where he makes a strange discovery. Hidden from view: a couple of wrapped Christmas presents. And a huge, red velvet sack. He peers inside. It’s as bottomless as a Christmas Tardis, and filled with an endless flood of toys!
Breathless, Charlie runs home to tell Robby of his find. He’s found Santa’s sack of toys. It must fallen from his sleigh.
Robby follows Charlie into the forest to investigate his crazy claims. He looks in the sack: the little dork’s tale is true! His skepticism melting into amazement, big brother Robby is thrilled. He’ll sell the sack on Ebay, and make a fortune. Enough for a million video games!
But Charlie has other ideas. It’s Santa’s property – they have to give it back, for the sake of the other children in the world. Besides, if they steal it… he’ll know. But Robby’s bigger. Older. Stronger. And used to getting his way. Will poor Charlie be able to change his mind… before Christmas fades away?
Indie directors, take note. Yuletide is just around the corner. Want a standout holiday script for your next project? Then take a look at Better Be Good. A humorous, family friendly story… in the best Christmas tradition.
Pages: 6
Budget: Pretty low. Two solid child actors and a forest are the essential things you’ll need.