Looking to cast Old Man Feagin...

SCRIPT

EXT. STREET - night

Halloween Night - The camera focuses on the backs of three young boys, the JACKSON BROTHERS: ISAAC - 14YRS, PATRICK - 13 YRS, and CALLUM - 10 YRS. They are huddled behind a crumbling brick fence, whispering to one another in low voices, eagerly nodding and snickering. Their hair is a rough and unkempt sandy brown. They are not in costumes, but wear high top sneakers, faded, slightly torn jeans and grubby t-shirts. ISAAC also wears an old, leather jacket. The camera pans up to reveal they are outside a large, old timber house. It is two storeys, and appears almost derelict. The decorative, glowering pumpkins and fake spiderwebs seem out of place against the dilapidated, unadorned house. Echoing laughter, shrieks and squeals can be heard off in the distance, the sounds of far off Halloween delight.

Cut to see a fourth boy, ROBBIE, observing the other three. He is around 12, and wearing a cowboy costume. He is short and meek looking, with dark hair and wide green eyes. He slowly moves forward to approach the other boys. Their heads turn towards him, their eyes narrowed with annoyance and hostility.

The JACKSONS jeer and snarl at him. ROBBIE continues forward, only to be pushed hard by ISAAC. He lies sprawled in the dirt, and we see a close up of his face, scrunched in pain, while the sound of cruel laughter rings above him. Dust is kicked into his face, and he splutters out a strangled cry. The laughter dies down, and as ROBBIE sits up, we see the BROTHER's attention had turned back to the house and their subdued whispers ensue. ROBBIE stands once more, looking toward the boys. He wipes the dirt from his face, glaring at the backs of the BROTHERS. He sets his mouth into a grim line, trying to hide the tremble that lurks beneath his determined expression. He takes a deep breath before marching over to the JACKSON BROTHERS.

PATRICK

Oooh looky here! Little Robbie is back for more! You punk ass bitch! You think you can take us?

ISAAC

Pat's right, ya little fucker. Just what are you trying to prove you stupid dickwad?

ROBBIE bites his lip and attempts, somewhat unsuccessfully, to puff out his chest. His voice cracks a little before speaking.

robbie

I'm just as brave as you...you asswipes! I could totally vandalise shit with you, and... and beat people up and...

The two younger brothers cut him off with jeering laughter, but ISAAC throws up a hand. They immediately quieten, and look eagerly toward their brother. He slowly moves from beside his two brothers to ROBBIE, casually throwing his arm around the younger boy's shoulders. ROBBIE winces at his touch, but remains steadfast. ISAAC leans in close, smiling eagerly, whilst ROBBIE seems timid and cautious.

ISAAC

If you're so brave, then go up to Old Man Feagins house, and smash one of his pumpkins! If you can do it, we'll let you hang out with us. You can even come back to our place later. If you don't, well...

He lets go of ISAAC and looks to his brothers, who grab a hold of ROBBIE. PATRICK pulls a roll of duct tape from the pocket of his baggy jeans, pulling some loose with a familiar tearing sound. He moves it menacingly towards ROBBIE's face, before slapping it over his mouth. ISAAC then moves extremely close to ROBBIE's face. ROBBIE mumbles and tries to scream, his panicky breath flowing loudly from his nose. ISAAC grins and sparks a lighter under ROBBIE's chin, leaving the flame there as ROBBIE tries to struggle back from it, much to the delightful laughter of the younger brothers. ROBBIE's cries grow louder, before ISAAC lets the lighter go out. ROBBIE calms a little.

ISAAC

And don't forget, if Feagins catches you he'll thrash you bloody.

ISAAC grins and rips the tape from ROBBIE's mouth as he pulls away. ROBBIE gasps in pain, and the younger brothers let his arms go, leaving him trembling. The BR