Swoop Season

SCENE 1

Swooping Shadows

Sunny town park, afternoon, harsh overhead light — A large magpie, Sir Pecksalot, perches menacingly on a lamppost, eyes fixed below, wings slightly out, as sun-hazed lens flares streak across the frame.

SCENE 2

Confused Arrival

Town park entrance, afternoon, dappled sun under big eucalyptus trees — Trevor Blanch stands at the park gates, gawking. Around him, a group of kids in bright clothes ride bikes, their helmets bristling with colorful cable ties. Trevor looks baffled.

SCENE 3

The Magpie Guru

Grassy park path, afternoon, sunbeams piercing foliage — Ainsley Dooley sits atop her bike, her helmet cable ties flared arrogantly. She smirks at Trevor, one foot on a pedal.

SCENE 4

The Warning

Same park, a patch of open grass, afternoon — Kai Tamaki rides slow circles in the background, grinning knowingly as Sir Pecksalot glides above. Trevor looks up, shielding his eyes.

SCENE 5

Swooping Mayhem

Mid-park, bike path by a flower bed, afternoon, bright light — Sir Pecksalot swoops on Trevor, wings fully outstretched and beak open wide. Trevor flails wildly, camera swinging, as the kids scatter, laughing.

SCENE 6

Pro Defense

Beneath a tree, next to a bike rack, afternoon — Ainsley Dooley tosses Trevor a helmet festooned with neon cable ties. Trevor catches it clumsily, glancing up with sheepish desperation.

SCENE 7

The Clueless Challenger

Park path, afternoon, sun flickering through leaves — Trevor, now helmeted with outlandish cable ties, stands in the centre, squaring his shoulders. Sir Pecksalot eyes him from a perch, plotting his next move.

SCENE 8

The Standoff

Open park pathway, afternoon, soft breeze — Sir Pecksalot hovers in mid-air, head cocked, watching Trevor with calculated menace. The kids huddle, excitement on their faces.

SCENE 9

Brainstorm Under Fire

Bench under a gum tree, afternoon, scattered shadow on grass — Ainsley Dooley leans in conspiratorially to Trevor, the helmets’ cable ties brushing in the wind, as Sir Pecksalot circles above.

SCENE 10

Swoop Encore

Open field by the playground, afternoon, long shadows — Trevor, now attempting a ridiculous running zigzag in his cable-tied helmet, while Sir Pecksalot swoops low, wings skimming the helmet’s plastic ties.

SCENE 11

Awaiting the Next Swoop

Picnic table on park edge, turning to dusk, golden light — The kids cluster around Trevor, whose helmet looks even more ridiculous. Sir Pecksalot perches on a play structure, glowering. Trevor, catching his breath, eyes the sky nervously as everyone waits.