Logline: A 1980s radio DJ with a compulsive gambling problem faces a supernatural force that preys on his callers’ vulnerabilities, forcing him to confront his darkest guilt.
Page Count: 7
Genre: Thriller, Horror, Dark Comedy
Cast Breakdown:
ROBBIE ROURKE (30s, M): A charismatic late-night radio host who gives romantic advice on air while privately unraveling under a compulsive gambling addiction and the guilt of his failed marriage.
THE MONSTER (M): A supernatural entity that feeds on vulnerability and emotional pain; taunting, calculated, and predatory.
HEATHER (16, F): A heartbroken teenager whose fear of being alone makes her the Monster’s first target.
DANIEL (22, M): A cocky but deeply insecure young man addicted to cheap attachments and emotional games, masking his loneliness with arrogance.
PATRICIA (40s, F): A quietly heartbroken, emotionally numb woman trapped in a loveless marriage, longing to be seen yet resigned to the fact that she never will be.
EARL (50s, M): A hollow, weary caller who recognizes his internal pain and the danger at hand, attempting to warn Robbie before it’s too late.
SHARON (30s, F): Robbie’s ex-wife and the love of his life; a kind, loving woman who was pushed beyond her breaking point.
TODD (18, M): A nervous, timid intern, often on the receiving end of Robbie’s emotional outbursts.
Location:
Note: All INT. Locations should be dressed to resemble the 1980s
INT. RADIO BOOTH
INT. HEATHER’S BEDROOM
INT. DANIEL’S ROOM
INT. KITCHEN
INT. LIVING ROOM
INT./EXT. DEAD AIR (Black Void)
SFX / Stunts / Cheats:
SFX
Heavy use of radio and TV static, signal distortion, feedback, and dead-air tones
Phone audio effects: line clicks, beeps, ringing, abrupt call drops
EQ plugin (post production) to simulate phone-line audio quality
Environmental Audio Cues: wind howling, low hums, flickering electrical buzz
Implied injury effects: gasps and sudden thuds (bodily or environmental, off-screen)
Monster Effects: low growls, breathing, and distorted vocal processing (pitch-shifting, reverb, delay)
The Void: reverb and echo effects on laughter, dialogue, and memory playback
STUNTS
Actor reaction-based scares only (no physical violence shown on-screen)
Implied off-screen attacks achieved through sound design, cutaways, practical lighting effects and performance
No fight choreography or hazardous physical stunts required
Safe actor blocking for moments of sudden movement, including:
Door rattling
Being “pulled” backward, achieved through close-up framing and sudden cutaways
CHEATS
Monster:
Shadow POV of the Monster achieved through lighting, negative fill, low-angle/POV camera placement, sound design, and silhouette
OPTIONAL MONSTER POV TREATMENT: distorted color, vignetting, or partial blurring to suggest the Monster’s perspective
Monster Reveal achieved through lighting and practical costume elements
LIGHTING
Flickering lights achieved through dimmers, strobe lights, and/or practical flickering light fixtures
Red glow from the “ON AIR” sign intensified using practical red lighting and/or color gels
Phone panel lights created practically or with VFX
BLACK VOID (DEAD AIR):
Dead Air Void created using a black backdrop, practical set (i.e. blackbox theater), or green screen, alongside controlled lighting and sound design
Television memory sequences can be pre-shot insert footage or footage captured in a plain/undressed existing location, then degraded and distorted in post-production as needed
Visual effects used for television playback elements and the Monster’s physical distortion within the black void.
OTHER
All violence is implied and conveyed through lighting and sound design, keeping production safe
If unable to do practically, utilize post-produduction VFX for lighting, distortion, and Television effects
Credit:
Written by Lily Andrews and Madisyn Macgregor
Contact Info: landrews@chapman.edu, macgregor@chapman.edu
Read here: Dead-Air