British Comedy Guide

Toby - Exercise

Early draft of next animation. Any ideas?

INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY

Toby stands in his living room, wearing a tracksuit similar to Rocky's.

He warms up his muscles. As he stretches, he motivates himself.

TOBY
OK. OK. Time to get fit. Time to get into shape. Time to kick bum.

He does some more made-up stretches.

TOBY
Right, have I got everything?

As he lists the items, we cut to them.

TOBY
Trainers? Check. Sweatbands? Check. iPod? Check. Pedometer? Check. Money for reward Snickers bar? Check. Snickers bar? Check.

He does some star jumps.

TOBY
Yeah, I'm feeling good.

He checks his watch.

TOBY
On schedule too. Damn, I'm good at this.

He's struck with a thought.

TOBY
Whoa! Nearly forgot my Special Extreme Hydration Fluid.

He picks up a bottle of overpriced water.

He's struck with another thought.

TOBY
Better just check the schedule.

He sits at the computer and turns it on, it takes its time to boot up.

He grows impatient and drums his fingers.

TOBY
Come on.

He starts to eat the Snickers bar.

The familiar Windows start up sound plays.

TOBY
At last!

He goes to click on a file but a box pops up on the screen.

MESSAGE: UPDATING...

TOBY
Bloody hell.

He slouches back down.

CUT TO:

TITLE: 4 minutes and 37 seconds later...

CUT TO:

Toby now sits in front of the computer eating a sandwich.

The Updating completes and switches message.

MESSAGE: UPDATE COMPLETED.

TOBY
Finally!

He clicks on different items, increasingly becoming more concerned. He realises his mistake.

TOBY
Oh, yeah. I never did get around to creating that schedule.

He stands up and does a few more star jumps.

TOBY
Oh, well. Will have to freestyle it for today.

He holds up his iPod and turns the volume up.

SOUNDTRACK: ROCKY THEME.

He's at the front door, he opens it. It's showering with rain outside.

TOBY
Oh, no. It's raining. I can't go out now. Try again tomorrow.

He slams the door shut.

TITLE: END CREDITS

INT. LIVING ROOM - LATER

SOUNDTRACK: ROCKY THEME.

Toby is draped over the sofa, eating some crisps and watching TV.

This is a nice idea and I get where it's going, but the prep stuff isn't quite there. The cheats are a bit prosaic and it lacks a punch.

OK, soots. It's in early draft, was thinking that it wasn't strong enough yet. Cheers.

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