📋 DP EXEC v4 — The Last Water Day

SC.1 EXT 1:30 p.1

MONTAGE: A COUNTRY WITHOUT WATER

📍 Mochudi Strip → Caferos → Tuck Shop → Dry Riverbed 📍 -24.3918, 26.1414 🕐 DAWN → GOLDEN HOUR

🎭 Desolation. Eerie silence. A civilization dying of thirst.

SC01-A WIDE TRACKING

24mm wide prime T4.0 Dolly left-to-right on track or gimbal

🎬 Shuttered malls. Plug cards: 'NO WATER. NO SERVICE.' Silent car wash. Locked school yard. Children with empty bottles.

🎯 DOF: 24mm @ T4.0, subject 8m → sharp zone 3.01m – ∞ (total ∞)

📷 CAMERA

Body	Sony FX6 / BMPCC 6K
Lens	24mm wide prime
T-stop	T4.0
Filter	Pro-Mist 1/4
Move	Dolly left-to-right on track or gimbal. SLOW — 8sec traverse.
Notes	Anamorphic adapter if available. Want horizontal stretch.

💡 LIGHT

Plot	100% natural — pre-dawn ambient
Units	None. Shoot at actual dawn 05:45–06:15.
Temp	5600K → 4500K as sun rises
Diff	None — want harsh reality
Notes	Overcast backup: shoot same setup, grade cooler in post.

🎨 PROPS

4–6 hand-written cardboard signs: 'NO WATER. NO SERVICE.' — weathered, marker on cardboard
Plug cards on shop doors — must match existing padlocks
Empty plastic bottles (10+) scattered in school yard
NOTICE BOARD prop: 'PUBLIC WATER DEPOT ONLY 1 CUP PER PERSON'
Lock + chain for school gate if not already locked

🔧 GRIP

Dana dolly + 8ft speed rail, OR gimbal (DJI RS3 Pro). Low-rider tripod for 36" height. No crane needed.

🎭 PERFORMANCE

No actors in 1A. This is EMPTY WORLD. If extras visible, they must be STILL — sitting, not moving.

⚠️ RISK

Timing: Must wrap by 06:30 before civilian foot traffic. Fallback: shoot Sunday dawn for truly empty streets.

24fps2.39:1S-Log34K UHD DP ✓ DIR ✓

SC01-D EXTREME WIDE → MEDIUM

Drone: 70mm equiv / Camera: 85mm T2.8 (ground) Drone: descending spiral reveal

🎬 Gaborone Dam — DRY. Old man digs in cracked earth. Dust like smoke. He collapses.

🎯 DOF: 85mm @ T2.8, subject 30m → sharp zone 22.26m – 46.00m (total 23.74m)

📷 CAMERA

Body	Sony FX6 + DJI Mavic 3 Pro (drone)
Lens	Drone: 70mm equiv / Camera: 85mm
T-stop	T2.8 (ground)
Filter	Polariser (cuts dust haze)
Move	Drone: descending spiral reveal. Ground: low angle static, then SLOW push into collapse.
Notes	Drone for establishing. Switch to ground for intimate death. Two-camera setup ideal.

💡 LIGHT

Plot	Natural golden hour only — WEST facing
Units	4x4 gold bounce for fill if needed
Temp	3200K warm sunset
Diff	None — want stark hard shadows
Notes	⚠️ MUST shoot 16:30–17:30 for correct shadow length. Schedule last in day.

🎨 PROPS

Rusted shovel — ACTUAL rust, not painted. Source from scrap yard.
Cracked earth location ⚠️ UNSCOUTED — Gaborone Dam spillway, Notwane River, or quarry
Practical dust: fine grey builder's sand in shallow hole for digging clouds
Old man costume: threadbare trousers, torn shirt, bare feet, dust-covered

🔧 GRIP

DJI Mavic 3 Pro. Ground: low-rider legs on tripod (12" deck height). Apple box for camera op to lie on.

🎭 PERFORMANCE

OLD MAN: Dig with OBSESSION that slowly becomes futility. The collapse is not dramatic — it is quiet surrender. Face-first into the hole. One small puff of dust from his mouth (practical: actor blows handful of fine dust).

⚠️ RISK

⚠️ LOCATION NOT SCOUTED. Need dry cracked earth — not sandy soil. Fallback: quarry outside Gaborone. Drone permits required for dam area.

24fps2.39:1S-Log34K UHD DP ✓ DIR ✓

SC01-F MEDIUM — LOW ANGLE

50mm T2.0 STATIC

🎬 Old man collapsed face-first in hole. Dust settles. Shovel beside him. Last breath = puff of dust.

🎯 DOF: 50mm @ T2.0, subject 2m → sharp zone 1.91m – 2.10m (total 0.19m)

📷 CAMERA

Body	Sony FX6
Lens	50mm
T-stop	T2.0
Filter	None
Move	STATIC. Lock off. Hold for 8 seconds after collapse.
Notes	Shallow DOF isolates body against cracked earth bg. This is a STILL LIFE of death.

💡 LIGHT

Plot	Golden hour backlight
Units	None
Temp	3200K
Diff	None
Notes	Sun behind subject creates rim on dust particles. Magic hour only.

🎨 PROPS

Same as SC01-D. Shovel placed camera-left within frame.

🔧 GRIP

Tripod on low-rider. Sandbags. Zero movement.

🎭 PERFORMANCE

HOLD STILL after collapse. Only movement: the dust settling. If wind, use flag upwind.

⚠️ RISK

Dust puff effect: tape small dust packet to actor's hand near mouth. Test before rolling.

24fps2.39:1S-Log34K UHD DP ✓ DIR ✓

SC.2 INT 1:00 p.2

THE YARD — MMA NEO'S MORNING

📍 Red Yard — Kitchen interior 📍 -24.3767, 26.1440 🕐 MORNING — 07:00–09:00

🎭 Quiet control. Ritual of survival. The water bottle is the altar.

SC02-A MEDIUM OVER-SHOULDER

35mm T2.8 Static

🎬 Mma Neo at kitchen sink. Turns tap. HISSSSSSS. No water. Not surprised — disappointed.

🎯 DOF: 35mm @ T2.8, subject 2m → sharp zone 1.76m – 2.31m (total 0.55m)

📷 CAMERA

Body	Sony FX6
Lens	35mm
T-stop	T2.8
Filter	None
Move	Static. Over-shoulder favoring tap.
Notes	Composition: Mma Neo's shoulder frame-left, tap dead centre. HOLD.

💡 LIGHT

Plot	Key: window practical + bounce fill
Units	1x Aputure 300D through window (if needed), 4x4 poly bounce for fill
Temp	5000K — neutral morning. NOT warm. This is clinical.
Diff	216 on window for natural softness
Notes	Kill all other ambient. One source. This kitchen has ONE window.

🎨 PROPS

Working tap that can be turned on to produce HISS sound (air in pipes) — plumber rig with air valve
Bare kitchen: minimal items on counter. One cloth. One plate rack. Sparse.
Small cupboard — must open smoothly on camera
1-litre water bottle WITH pen lines: 'Monday', 'Tuesday', 'Wednesday' — HERO PROP. Make 3 copies.
2 small plastic cups — identical, worn
Family photo on wall (framed, dusty, circa 2010) + government registration slip pinned next to it

🔧 GRIP

Tripod. C-stand for bounce. Flag camera-right to kill spill. Black wrap on any shiny surfaces.

🎭 PERFORMANCE

MMA NEO: She turns the tap KNOWING there's no water. This is ritual, not surprise. The HISS is confirmation. Her reaction: a single slow exhale through the nose. She does not look at the tap — she looks at the wall.

⚠️ RISK

Sound: must record wild HISS separately. Practical tap may not produce enough sound. Backup: sound dept records compressed-air hiss for post.

24fps2.39:1S-Log34K UHD DP ✓ DIR ✓

SC02-D EXTREME CLOSE-UP

100mm macro OR 85mm + diopter T2.0 Static

🎬 Water bottle with pen lines. Water level on 'Wednesday'. The survival system.

🎯 DOF: 100mm @ T2.0, subject 0.5m → sharp zone 0.50m – 0.50m (total 0.00m)

📷 CAMERA

Body	Sony FX6
Lens	100mm macro OR 85mm + diopter
T-stop	T2.0
Filter	None
Move	Static. Pull focus from label to water level. 5-second hold.
Notes	Tripod MANDATORY. Breathing on macro = total frame shift. Lock everything.

💡 LIGHT

Plot	Single key — window side-light
Units	Same window setup as 2A. Add subtle negative fill (black card) opposite.
Temp	5000K
Diff	Same as 2A
Notes	Want to see surface tension of water catching light. One bright catchlight on the bottle.

🎨 PROPS

HERO BOTTLE: 1L clear plastic. Black marker lines. Water EXACTLY on 'Wednesday'. Use syringe to set precise level.
Wooden table underneath — warm texture. No tablecloth.
BG: soft focus kitchen elements

🔧 GRIP

Tripod. NO dolly. NO handheld. Dead lock. Sandbags on all legs.

🎭 PERFORMANCE

No actors in frame. The bottle IS the actor.

⚠️ RISK

Water level shifts if bottle is touched. Mark bottle position on table with tape. Reset with syringe between takes.

24fps2.39:1S-Log34K UHD DP ✓ DIR ✓

SC02-E MEDIUM TWO-SHOT

40mm T2.8 Static → SLOW push on Neo pouring water back

🎬 Mma Neo pours two sips into cups. Wipes bottle inside with finger. Slides cup to Neo. Neo pours hers BACK.

🎯 DOF: 40mm @ T2.8, subject 2.5m → sharp zone 2.21m – 2.87m (total 0.66m)

📷 CAMERA

Body	Sony FX6
Lens	40mm
T-stop	T2.8
Filter	Pro-Mist 1/8
Move	Static → SLOW push on Neo pouring water back. 2-inch move over 4 sec.
Notes	Both faces in frame. Table centre-frame. Bottle between them. This is a communion.

💡 LIGHT

Plot	Same window setup. Add edge light on Neo's hair.
Units	Aputure 300D (window), small LED for Neo's edge
Temp	5000K key, 4500K edge
Diff	216 on key, bare edge
Notes	Mma Neo side-lit (dramatic). Neo slightly flatter (innocence).

🎨 PROPS

Same hero bottle, two cups, table
Wall behind: family photo + registration slip visible but soft
Neo's costume: school uniform — white shirt, dark skirt. Clean but worn.

🔧 GRIP

Slider for micro push. OR tripod with slow zoom (not ideal). Flag any hot spots on table.

🎭 PERFORMANCE

The pour-back is the gut-punch. Neo does it SILENTLY. No dialogue. No eye contact. She just tips her cup and pours it back into the bottle. She watches the water line rise. Mma Neo watches her DAUGHTER'S FACE — not the bottle. Mother sees the woman her daughter is becoming.

⚠️ RISK

Multiple takes: need exact water levels reset each time. Props dept with syringe standing by. Mark cup positions.

24fps2.39:1S-Log34K UHD DP ✓ DIR ✓

SC.3 EXT 1:20 p.3

THE DEPOT SYSTEM

📍 Manase Fences (primary) / Osanta Complex (backup) 📍 -24.3779, 26.1463 🕐 MIDDAY — HARSH SUN 11:00–14:00

🎭 Bureaucratic horror. The machine that counts humans. Kafka in the desert.

SC03-D CLOSE-UP

85mm T2.0 Handheld

🎬 Woman crying. Card stamped 'NON COMPLIANT'. Gatekeeper: 'Go prepare your grave.'

🎯 DOF: 85mm @ T2.0, subject 1.5m → sharp zone 1.48m – 1.52m (total 0.04m)

📷 CAMERA

Body	Sony FX6
Lens	85mm
T-stop	T2.0
Filter	None
Move	Handheld. Slight documentary drift. Intimate.
Notes	Handheld because this is DOCUMENTARY. The camera is a witness, not a storyteller.

💡 LIGHT

Plot	Natural overhead + bounce
Units	4×4 poly bounce under face for eye light
Temp	5600K
Diff	None
Notes	The shadows under her eyes from overhead sun = emptiness. Bounce just enough to see tears.

🎨 PROPS

Rubber stamp with 'NON COMPLIANT' (red ink) — visible in frame
Her ID card — close enough to read
Checkpoint desk surface visible in soft BG

🔧 GRIP

Handheld rig (shoulder or easyrig). Bounce on C-stand, positioned by grip off-camera.

🎭 PERFORMANCE

WOMAN: This is not screaming grief. This is the crying of someone who already knew. The tears were waiting. The stamp just released them. GATEKEEPER: Says the line without looking up. Bureaucratic. He has said this 100 times today.

⚠️ RISK

Glycerin tears on standby if actress can't produce on cue. Multiple takes likely — have spare ID cards.

24fps2.39:1S-Log34K UHD DP ✓ DIR ✓

SC03-F EXTREME CLOSE-UP

100mm macro T2.0 Handheld — operator's hands on rig also trembling slightly

🎬 Mma Neo's hands gripping family ID. Shaking. The card = life or death.

🎯 DOF: 100mm @ T2.0, subject 0.4m → sharp zone 0.40m – 0.40m (total 0.00m)

📷 CAMERA

Body	Sony FX6
Lens	100mm macro
T-stop	T2.0
Filter	None
Move	Handheld — operator's hands on rig also trembling slightly. Intentional.
Notes	Fill frame with HANDS ONLY. We see the card, the shaking, the knuckles. Nothing else.

💡 LIGHT

Plot	Same overhead sun
Units	None
Temp	5600K
Diff	None
Notes	Dust on skin catching light. See every crack in her knuckles.

🎨 PROPS

Laminated family registration card — names visible, barcode, official-looking. HERO PROP.
Dust/powder on actress's hands for texture

🔧 GRIP

Easyrig or monopod. Operator standing in queue behind actress.

🎭 PERFORMANCE

MMA NEO: The shaking is internal. She is not performing fear — she IS afraid. Director: ask her to hold her breath for 10 seconds before 'action', then breathe. The hands will shake naturally.

⚠️ RISK

Focus critical at macro T2.0 in bright light. 1st AC must be sharp. Shoot 5+ takes minimum.

24fps2.39:1S-Log34K UHD DP ✓ DIR ✓

SC.5/5A EXT→INT 1:50 p.4

KABELO RETURNS

📍 Red Yard — Gate + Yard + Interior 📍 -24.3767, 26.1440 🕐 AFTERNOON — 15:00–16:00

🎭 Ghost returns. Eight years collapse into silence.

SC05-B MEDIUM — LOW ANGLE

50mm T2.8 Static → micro push

🎬 Kabelo stands at gate. Covered in dust. Carpentry tools in blanket. NCC cert. A ghost.

🎯 DOF: 50mm @ T2.8, subject 3m → sharp zone 2.73m – 3.33m (total 0.60m)

📷 CAMERA

Body	Sony FX6
Lens	50mm
T-stop	T2.8
Filter	Pro-Mist 1/4 (haze/dream quality)
Move	Static → micro push. He doesn't move. Camera creeps in.
Notes	Low angle: camera at waist height looking UP. He fills the gate frame. Sun behind = silhouette + rim.

💡 LIGHT

Plot	Natural afternoon backlight
Units	4×4 poly bounce for face fill (subtle)
Temp	4800K — afternoon warmth
Diff	None. Pro-Mist on lens only.
Notes	Sun MUST be behind him. Schedule for 15:30 when gate faces west.

🎨 PROPS

Wire fence gate — must open/close, slightly rusty
Carpentry tools wrapped in dirty blanket (saw, plane, chisel visible at edges)
Worn NCC certificate — creased, yellowed, sweat-stained
Dust coverage: fuller's earth or brown powder all over costume. Head to toe. He walked here.
Red Kalahari soil in yard visible through gate

🔧 GRIP

Tripod, low-rider legs. Slider for micro push (2-inch travel max). Bounce on C-stand camera-right.

🎭 PERFORMANCE

KABELO: ZERO expression. He is so exhausted he has no emotion left to give. He stands there like a man who isn't sure he exists. He doesn't knock. He doesn't call out. He just… stands. The SILENCE is the performance.

⚠️ RISK

Dust makeup: set up outside before entering. Wind may strip dust — have makeup touch-up between takes. Gold bounce too much = kills ghost effect.

24fps2.39:1S-Log34K UHD DP ✓ DIR ✓

SC05-E MEDIUM TWO-SHOT

40mm T2.8 Static → micro push as Neo delivers the line

🎬 Neo urgently whispers to Mma Neo at sewing machine: 'There is a man coming here.' Mma Neo looks up in shock.

🎯 DOF: 40mm @ T2.8, subject 2.5m → sharp zone 2.21m – 2.87m (total 0.66m)

📷 CAMERA

Body	Sony FX6
Lens	40mm
T-stop	T2.8
Filter	None
Move	Static → micro push as Neo delivers the line.
Notes	Neo frame-left, leaning in. Mma Neo frame-right, seated at sewing machine. Shallow DOF isolates them from bg.

💡 LIGHT

Plot	Window key + bounce
Units	Same as SC.2 setup — Aputure 300D through window
Temp	5000K — daytime interior
Diff	216 on window
Notes	Standard interior setup. Quick turnaround from SC.2 if shot same block.

🎨 PROPS

Sewing machine — working or non-working, period-appropriate
Fabric/dress in progress on machine
Interior background consistent with SC.2 kitchen

🔧 GRIP

Tripod with slider for micro push. Same setup as SC.2.

🎭 PERFORMANCE

NEO: The whisper is URGENT but controlled. She doesn't want to scare her mother, but she IS scared. 'He looks like… my brother.' The pause before 'my brother' carries eight years of absence. MMA NEO: Her first reaction is not joy — it is dread. She knows what another mouth means for their water.

⚠️ RISK

Emotional transition: Mma Neo goes from neutral → shock → dread in 3 seconds. Rehearse the beat. She does NOT smile.

24fps2.39:1S-Log34K UHD DP ✓ DIR ✓

SC.7 INT 2:00 p.5-6

NIGHT TENSION — 'NUMBER THREE'

📍 Red Yard — House interior (night) 📍 -24.3767, 26.1440 🕐 NIGHT — shoot after 18:30 or DAY-FOR-NIGHT (blacked-out windows)

🎭 The most devastating scene. A mother tells her son he is a threat to his sister's survival.

SC07-C MEDIUM — LOW ANGLE

35mm T1.8 (wide open) Static → imperceptible push over entire monologue

🎬 Mma Neo kneels. Takes Kabelo's hands. 'Eight years you left this home…'

🎯 DOF: 35mm @ T1.8, subject 1.8m → sharp zone 1.67m – 1.95m (total 0.28m)

📷 CAMERA

Body	Sony FX6
Lens	35mm
T-stop	T1.8 (wide open)
Filter	None
Move	Static → imperceptible push over entire monologue. Camera breathes.
Notes	Camera at FLOOR LEVEL. We are ON THE GROUND with her. 35mm wide enough for both figures, tight enough for intimacy.

💡 LIGHT

Plot	Single practical overhead bulb + hidden key
Units	1× Aputure 60X (hidden behind set wall) as key. 1× practical 40W tungsten bulb overhead. Nothing else.
Temp	2700K tungsten — warm amber. This is the warmth of home that's about to shatter.
Diff	216 on Aputure. Bare practical.
Notes	Deep shadows on faces. We lose detail in the corners of the room. The bottle on the table is the brightest object (reflects the bulb).

🎨 PROPS

Nearly-empty water bottle on table — HERO PROP, barely 10% remaining
3 chairs at table (one for each family member)
Bare floor — concrete or tile, clean. She kneels on it.
Radio or phone playing news (practical audio source for V.O.)

🔧 GRIP

Tripod, low-rider. C-stand for hidden Aputure. Black flags to control spill from practical bulb. Duvetyne on all windows (blackout).

🎭 PERFORMANCE

MMA NEO: She kneels not as a beggar but as a QUEEN making a decree. She takes his dusty hands and holds them. The speech is QUIET. Not shouting. Whisper with weight. Each word lands like a stone. 'Eight years… you left this home…' — pause — '…and you come back empty-handed.' The pause is where the knife goes in.

⚠️ RISK

Low light T1.8: focus CRITICAL. AC must nail pulls. Shoot rehearsal first with stand-in to mark positions. Actress may need emotional breaks — schedule 30-min buffer.

24fps2.39:1S-Log34K UHD DP ✓ DIR ✓

SC07-F CLOSE-UP

85mm T2.0 SLOW push

🎬 'Now you make number three.' The impossible choice.

🎯 DOF: 85mm @ T2.0, subject 1.2m → sharp zone 1.19m – 1.21m (total 0.02m)

📷 CAMERA

Body	Sony FX6
Lens	85mm
T-stop	T2.0
Filter	None
Move	SLOW push. 6-inch move over 8 seconds. The camera leans in as she delivers the line.
Notes	Her face fills 70% of frame. Half in shadow. The bright eye, the shadow eye. This is the poster shot.

💡 LIGHT

Plot	Same as 7C — key from camera-left only
Units	Same setup, adjusted for tighter frame. May need neg fill camera-right (black card).
Temp	2700K
Diff	216
Notes	Catchlight in her visible eye = the last spark of mercy. Dark eye = the decision she's making.

🎨 PROPS

Same. Bottle in soft BG if possible — the REASON for this conversation.

🔧 GRIP

Slider for micro push. Must be SILENT — no ratchet noise. Fluid head backup.

🎭 PERFORMANCE

MMA NEO: 'Now you make number three.' This line is FINAL. Not angry. Not sad. A fact. She has done the math. She has cried about this alone. Now she tells him with the clarity of someone who has already grieved. Then — the crack: 'but still — you are home.' The pull into embrace. Camera HOLDS on them. We do not cut.

⚠️ RISK

This is the scene. If this doesn't work, the film doesn't work. Block 45 minutes minimum. Closed set — minimal crew.

24fps2.39:1S-Log34K UHD DP ✓ DIR ✓

SC.8/9 EXT 2:00 p.7

SECOND DEPOT — DEREGISTRATION

📍 Manase Fences / Osanta Complex 📍 -24.3779, 26.1463 🕐 MORNING — 08:00–10:00 (softer than SC.3)

🎭 A mother's ultimate sacrifice. She erases herself so her children can drink.

SC09-A OVERHEAD CLOSE-UP

35mm T4.0 Static overhead

🎬 Mma Neo's thumb on ink pad → registration card. She removes her own name.

🎯 DOF: 35mm @ T4.0, subject 0.8m → sharp zone 0.74m – 0.86m (total 0.12m)

📷 CAMERA

Body	Sony FX6
Lens	35mm
T-stop	T4.0
Filter	None
Move	Static overhead. HOLD.
Notes	Mount camera directly above desk looking DOWN. See both her hands, the card, the bureaucrat's hands, the ink pad. Nothing else.

💡 LIGHT

Plot	Natural morning sun + bounce
Units	4×4 bounce under to fill shadows on desk
Temp	5200K — morning neutral
Diff	None
Notes	Want to see ink texture on paper. Crisp, bureaucratic light.

🎨 PROPS

Ink pad (black or blue ink)
Registration card — her name printed, barcode, official stamps
Bureaucrat's hands with pen + official stamp
Metal desk surface
REGISTERED: 3 printout ready for next shot (pre-printed)

🔧 GRIP

Overhead rig: C-stand with arm + baby pin, or ladder with speed rail across. Safety line on camera. Must be ROCK STABLE for overhead.

🎭 PERFORMANCE

MMA NEO: She presses her thumb into the ink SLOWLY. Then onto the card FIRMLY. She is not hesitating. She decided this last night. This is execution of a plan. The bureaucrat is neutral — stamps, files, next.

⚠️ RISK

Overhead safety: camera MUST be safety-cabled. Ink smear: have 5 backup cards and clean ink pad. Re-ink thumb between takes.

24fps2.39:1S-Log34K UHD DP ✓ DIR ✓

SC09-D CLOSE-UP

85mm T2.0 STATIC

🎬 Mma Neo smiles. Not happy — a mother's sacrifice. Peace. The most devastating smile.

🎯 DOF: 85mm @ T2.0, subject 1.5m → sharp zone 1.48m – 1.52m (total 0.04m)

📷 CAMERA

Body	Sony FX6
Lens	85mm
T-stop	T2.0
Filter	Pro-Mist 1/8 (barely perceptible glow)
Move	STATIC. Lock off. Hold for 10 seconds. Let the smile build.
Notes	This is the companion to SC07-F. Same framing philosophy — face fills frame. But now: LIGHT instead of shadow. She has made peace.

💡 LIGHT

Plot	Morning sun as key (from behind camera)
Units	Poly bounce for fill, 4×4 neg side
Temp	5200K — clean, clear morning
Diff	None on face. Pro-Mist on lens only.
Notes	This is the brightest Mma Neo has been lit in the entire film. Sacrifice = illumination.

🎨 PROPS

Ink residue still visible on her thumb. Dust on her dress. Nothing else in focus.

🔧 GRIP

Tripod. C-stand for bounce. That's it. Simplicity.

🎭 PERFORMANCE

MMA NEO: The smile starts in the EYES. Not the mouth. She looks off toward her children (off-screen left). The smile is tiny. Barely there. But it is REAL. It is the smile of a woman who has solved an impossible equation by removing herself. Director: do NOT direct the smile. Let the actress find it. Just say: 'You've just saved their lives. You know what that costs.' Roll camera. Wait.

⚠️ RISK

This is a one-take moment. If the actress hits it, you have the film. Shoot 8+ takes but the first genuine one is probably the best. Keep camera rolling between 'cuts' — the resets may be gold.

24fps2.39:1S-Log34K UHD DP ✓ DIR ✓

SC.10 EXT 0:50 p.8

THE WALK AWAY

📍 Road from Depot — scouting route 📍 -24.3843, 26.1470 🕐 MIDDAY — 11:00–13:00

🎭 Loneliest shot in the film. A woman walking away from water. Away from life.

SC10-B EXTREME WIDE

135mm (long lens compression) T4.0 STATIC

🎬 Mma Neo walks away. No cup. No bottle. Families walk opposite direction. Only prayer.

🎯 DOF: 135mm @ T4.0, subject 100m → sharp zone 60.33m – 292.01m (total 231.68m)

📷 CAMERA

Body	Sony FX6
Lens	135mm (long lens compression)
T-stop	T4.0
Filter	Polariser + ND64
Move	STATIC. Lock off. She walks away from camera. We hold until she is a speck.
Notes	135mm flattens perspective — makes the road look infinite. Heat shimmer off the road surface = gift. DO NOT STABILIZE in post — want the shimmer.

💡 LIGHT

Plot	100% natural midday. Heat.
Units	None.
Temp	5600K — bleached
Diff	None. Want brutal clarity.
Notes	The heat shimmer IS the diffusion. It makes her dissolve into the road.

🎨 PROPS

Mma Neo carries NOTHING. Hands at sides or clasped in prayer.
Families walking opposite direction (toward camera) with cups and bottles — 8–12 extras
Road must be straight with visible vanishing point. Tarmac or gravel.
No vehicles passing during take

🔧 GRIP

Heavy tripod. Sandbags. 135mm magnifies ALL vibration. Set on tarmac, not soft ground.

🎭 PERFORMANCE

MMA NEO: Walk at NORMAL pace. Not slow-motion performance. A woman walking home for the last time at the speed of an ordinary day. The extras walk past her without acknowledging her — she is already invisible. Her lips move (prayer) but we cannot hear.

⚠️ RISK

Road traffic: need lockup or very early morning fallback. 135mm requires 100m clear sightline — scout road for length. Wind noise at this distance irrelevant (V.O. coverage).

24fps2.39:1S-Log34K UHD DP ✓ DIR ✓

SC.12 EXT 1:00 p.9

THE DIGGING — FAITH IN DUST

📍 Dry Riverbed ⚠️ UNSCOUTED 📍 TBD — UNSCOUTED 🕐 SUNSET — 17:00–17:45 (golden hour ONLY)

🎭 Faith. Not desperation. The most beautiful shot of the film.

SC12-C EXTREME WIDE

Drone: 24mm / Ground: 40mm T2.8 (ground) Drone: HIGH and PULLING BACK slowly

🎬 Same place as SC.1. Old man is gone. Mma Neo kneels. She digs with bare hands. Faith. Prayer. Sunset.

🎯 DOF: 40mm @ T2.8, subject 50m → sharp zone 13.80m – ∞ (total ∞)

📷 CAMERA

Body	DJI Mavic 3 Pro (drone) → Sony FX6 ground
Lens	Drone: 24mm / Ground: 40mm
T-stop	T2.8 (ground)
Filter	Polariser (drone). None (ground).
Move	Drone: HIGH and PULLING BACK slowly. Reveal scale. Ground: static, golden, intimate.
Notes	Drone for the 'God's eye' shot — pulling away to reveal how small she is. Ground for the praying hands in dirt.

💡 LIGHT

Plot	Sunset only. WEST-FACING critical.
Units	None. God handles lighting.
Temp	2800K–3200K — deep gold
Diff	None.
Notes	Her shadow stretches toward camera (long). Sun directly ahead of her (she faces west). The light is warm on her face and hands = hope.

🎨 PROPS

Cracked dry earth — SAME location as SC.1 if possible (narrative echo)
The old man's shovel is GONE. She digs with bare hands.
Her dress is dusty but she is clean compared to SC.1 — she chose to come here
Practical dust from digging — fine light-colored sand/earth

🔧 GRIP

Drone. Ground: tripod with fluid head for gentle reframe. Apple box for operator on ground.

🎭 PERFORMANCE

MMA NEO: She digs GENTLY. Open palm scooping earth like she's cupping water. Not clawing. Her lips move in prayer — a constant, quiet prayer. She may find nothing. She is not digging for water. She is digging for God. She is asking the earth a question.

⚠️ RISK

⚠️ UNSCOUTED LOCATION. Same risk as SC.1. Need dry cracked earth, not sand. Window: 30 minutes max for golden hour. MUST be first setup of afternoon block. No margin.

24fps2.39:1S-Log34K UHD DP ✓ DIR ✓

SC.14 INT ~1:30 p.10

THE INHERITANCE

📍 Red Yard — House interior 📍 -24.3767, 26.1440 🕐 MORNING — 06:30–08:00 (soft early light)

🎭 Grief. Gratitude. Inheritance. The cups are her.

SC14-B OVERHEAD

24mm T4.0 Static overhead

🎬 Two cups of water. Perfectly measured. Untouched. Empty chair. They cannot drink their mother.

🎯 DOF: 24mm @ T4.0, subject 1.2m → sharp zone 0.96m – 1.59m (total 0.63m)

📷 CAMERA

Body	Sony FX6
Lens	24mm
T-stop	T4.0
Filter	Pro-Mist 1/8
Move	Static overhead. 15-second hold. Surface of water trembles from their breathing.
Notes	Frame: table top, two cups, two sets of hands visible at edges, EMPTY third chair at top of frame. The void.

💡 LIGHT

Plot	Early morning window light — soft, golden
Units	Aputure 300D bounced off ceiling for ambient fill
Temp	4500K — gentle morning, warmer than SC.2
Diff	Full 250 on window
Notes	This is the WARMEST interior lighting in the film. She is gone, but her warmth remains in the morning light.

🎨 PROPS

Two cups — FULL. Clean water. Perfectly measured to IDENTICAL levels.
Table cleared of everything except cups — monastery simplicity
Third chair: EMPTY. Pulled slightly back from table. Not pushed in. She left it.
Water container in corner — nearly empty (visible in wider shots)

🔧 GRIP

Overhead rig: C-stand or ladder mount. Safety cable. Rock solid — water surface shows every vibration. Sandbags on EVERYTHING.

🎭 PERFORMANCE

NEO + KABELO: Sit. Look at the cups. Do not drink. Do not speak for the first 15 seconds of the take. Just EXIST in the silence of a house without her. Then the scene progresses — cup push, hand hold. Everything SLOW.

⚠️ RISK

Water surface trembles = beautiful but also shows crew footsteps. FREEZE all movement on set during takes. No one walks.

24fps2.39:1S-Log34K UHD DP ✓ DIR ✓

SC14-E CLOSE-UP

65mm T2.0 Micro push over 10 seconds

🎬 Their hands clasp across the table. Between them: two untouched cups. Grief. Inheritance.

🎯 DOF: 65mm @ T2.0, subject 0.8m → sharp zone 0.79m – 0.81m (total 0.02m)

📷 CAMERA

Body	Sony FX6
Lens	65mm
T-stop	T2.0
Filter	None
Move	Micro push over 10 seconds. Camera leans in to the grip.
Notes	Hands sharp. Cups soft in midground. Tight frame — no faces. Just the grip and the water.

💡 LIGHT

Plot	Same morning setup
Units	Same
Temp	4500K
Diff	Same
Notes	Light catches the water in the cups. Refracted light patterns on the table from the cups.

🎨 PROPS

Same. Kabelo's hands: rough, dry, cracked, ashen. Neo's: smaller, cleaner, also dry.

🔧 GRIP

Slider. SILENT rail. Or tripod with very slow zoom.

🎭 PERFORMANCE

The hand-hold is REACHED for, not grabbed. Kabelo extends first. Neo hesitates — then takes it. Not as children. As survivors. They hold ON. They do not let go. The cups stay untouched. FADE OUT.

⚠️ RISK

Emotional climax — actors may break. Keep rolling through everything. The real moments are between takes.

24fps2.39:1S-Log34K UHD DP ✓ DIR ✓

SC.15 EXT ~1:30 p.11

THE SYSTEM CONTINUES

📍 Manase Fences / Osanta Complex 📍 -24.3779, 26.1463 🕐 MIDDAY — BLINDING (same as SC.3 but more extreme)

🎭 The machine goes on. Nobody is saved. The system resets. Existential dread.

SC15-A EXTREME WIDE

Drone wide T8 (blown-out look) Drone: very slow lateral drift at high altitude

🎬 Queue longer than before. Blinding white heat. Silence. Cup, bottle, number.

🎯 DOF: 24mm @ T8.0, subject 50m → sharp zone 2.29m – ∞ (total ∞)

📷 CAMERA

Body	DJI Mavic 3 Pro
Lens	Drone wide
T-stop	T8 (blown-out look)
Filter	None — want the overexposure
Move	Drone: very slow lateral drift at high altitude. Almost imperceptible movement.
Notes	OVEREXPOSE by 1–1.5 stops. Bleach the image. The sun has won. Grade to near-white in post.

💡 LIGHT

Plot	Peak sun. 12:00–13:00.
Units	The sun. Nothing else.
Temp	5600K+ — bleached
Diff	None. Maximum harshness.
Notes	We want people to FEEL the heat through the screen.

🎨 PROPS

Same depot setup as SC.3 but queue is MUCH LONGER — need 50–80 extras minimum
Everyone silent. Everyone holding cup/bottle/number tag
Digital board: 'REMAINING CAPACITY: 4%' (laptop output to screen)

🔧 GRIP

Drone only for this shot. No ground support needed.

🎭 PERFORMANCE

EXTRAS: ABSOLUTE SILENCE. No movement except the queue inching forward. This is a machine. They are the material being processed.

⚠️ RISK

Extras fatigue in midday sun: rotate groups, shade tent off-camera. Water (ironic) for all crew and extras every 20 min. Safety first.

24fps2.39:1S-Log34K UHD DP ✓ DIR ✓

SC15-E LOW ANGLE

16mm ultra-wide T8 Static

🎬 Wind lifts dust — looks like RAIN. People look up. Only dust. Only sky. The cruellest illusion.

🎯 DOF: 16mm @ T8.0, subject 5m → sharp zone 0.88m – ∞ (total ∞)

📷 CAMERA

Body	Sony FX6
Lens	16mm ultra-wide
T-stop	T8
Filter	Polariser
Move	Static. Low angle looking UP through the dust at the sky and the silhouetted faces.
Notes	16mm ultra-wide = dramatic sky. Faces at edges of frame, looking up. Dust particles backlit = shimmering. This must look like rain for ONE SECOND.

💡 LIGHT

Plot	Natural. Sun creating backlight through dust.
Units	None.
Temp	5600K
Diff	None — the dust IS diffusion.
Notes	Need SFX: leaf blower with fine dust or fuller's earth upwind, backlighting it.

🎨 PROPS

Fine dust/fuller's earth for SFX team to create dust cloud
Leaf blower (gas, not electric — more power) positioned upwind
Extras in silhouette — 10–15 faces looking upward

🔧 GRIP

Tripod at ground level. Apple box for operator. Flag lens from direct sun (matte box).

🎭 PERFORMANCE

EXTRAS: On cue (AD calls it), EVERYONE looks up simultaneously. Not slow — instinctive. The way you'd look up if you felt a raindrop. Hold 3 seconds. Then slowly look back down. The hope drains from their faces. They knew. They always know.

⚠️ RISK

Dust SFX: test wind direction BEFORE setup. Fuller's earth can irritate eyes — safety goggles for nearby crew. Lens cleaning kit on standby.

24fps2.39:1S-Log34K UHD DP ✓ DIR ✓

CAMERA DEPARTMENT
Raber Sadiq	LEAD DP (Interfilm, Copenhagen) — All camera. Multi-location run-and-gun. Tracking, wide dam, depot queues, intimate kitchen. Daylight + movement. Calls the shots.
Benedict	B-CAM / PRODUCER — B-cam during crowd/queue scenes (SC.3, 8, 15 — need multi-angle). Production-minded: helps manage 7-location schedule. Also music bg → score input with Malebogo.
LOCAL PRODUCTION SUPPORT (BOTSWOOD STUDIOS)
Lawrence Lekolwane	LOCAL DP / LIGHTING (Botswood, founder) — BA Hons Motion Picture, AFDA Jhb. Botswana's premier lighting expert. 20+ years, 5 films, 7 TV series. Pre-rigs studio lighting. Advises Raber on local sun conditions. Runs Aputure 300D window key for all INT scenes.
Fenny Lekolwane	LOCAL DIRECTOR / CULTURAL ADVISOR (Botswood, founder) — 2× award-winning director, 20 years experience. Advises on Setswana performance nuance, directs extras, cultural authenticity for depot scenes.
PRODUCTION + COSTUME
Faith Dibakoane	AD / PRODUCER / COSTUME — Runs the day: call sheets, extras wrangling (30-50 at depot), costume continuity. ⚠️ BIG prep job: dry-skin look for 10+ people (powder, lip blocker, dirt spray). Pre-makes registration cards + prop water bottles. Must start prop prep 48hrs before shoot.
DANISH TEAM — ON SET
Rasmus Rosenberg	BTS PHOTOGRAPHER / DRONE SPOTTER — 9+ yrs professional photographer (Rosenborg Slot, DGI Byen, Molslinjen). Matterport 3D, own DJI drones (Mini + mid-size pro) for BTS aerial. Spots for Raber during film drone shots (SC.1D, SC.3A, SC.12C, SC.15A). Shoots BTS stills + social video all day.
Roland Møller	ACTING MENTOR — Hollywood actor (Papillon, Atomic Blonde, Skyscraper). On-set acting coach for all cast. Key for SC.7 + SC.9: helps Mma Neo actress find the "Number Three" monologue and the deregistration smile. Works with Fenny on performance direction. Available for rehearsal between setups.
Frederik Jensen	EDITOR / CREATIVE CONSULTANT (PublicSoda) — Professional editor on set. Live editorial eye: reviews takes on monitor, flags coverage gaps in real time so Raber knows before moving on. Advises on pacing, cut points, and whether the edit has what it needs. Especially critical at depot (7 setups, tight schedule) — catches missing inserts before company move. Also DIT assist: spot-checks focus + exposure on playback.
Jonathan Rashidi Nielsen	CREW ASSISTANT / RUNNER / CROSS-CULTURAL BRIDGE — The connective tissue between the Danish and Batswana teams. Handles: water for crew + extras, battery runs, props to set, bystander management, quiet set enforcement, advance vehicle to prep next location. Critical at depot: extras wrangling, drone zone security, shade management. Bridges communication between Raber/Roland and Lawrence/Fenny/Faith with cultural sensitivity.
SCORE
Malebogo Setuke	SCORE — Present on shoot for musical elements. Sparse, environmental score. Composes in post.
⚠️ WATCH OUT
No dedicated sound person. Benedict runs lav/recorder for basic coverage. If Film 01 wraps first, Lame moves to Film 04. Costume is labour-intensive. Dry-skin look × 10+ people. Faith starts prep NOW: stage makeup, registration cards × 30, prop water bottles × 50+ cups. Extras (depot): 30–50 needed for SC.3/8/9/15. Faith + Fenny wrangle. Call 11:30 at depot. AD briefs SILENCE rule.

08:30 — CREW CALL at Botswood Studios, Rasesa (M4J6+W2F) · Lawrence pre-rigs kitchen window key · Makeup: Mma Neo + Neo first
🏢 BOTSWOOD STUDIO — Kitchen Set
09:00–09:20	SC.2A	15′	First setup. Lawrence pre-rigs 300D window key from 08:30. Over-shoulder at sink. 35mm @ T2.8 → DOF: 1.76m–2.31m (0.55m)
09:20–09:35	SC.2D	10′	Macro bottle CU. Same lighting. Syringe for water level. Lock tripod. 100mm @ T2.0 → DOF: 0.50m–0.50m (0.00m)
09:35–10:00	SC.2E	15′	Two-shot table. Add edge light on Neo. Props: family photo + reg slip on wall. 40mm @ T2.8 → DOF: 2.21m–2.87m (0.66m)
10:00–10:15	SC.5E	12′	Sewing machine corner. Same window setup. Quick turnaround — 2 takes max. 40mm @ T2.8 → DOF: 2.21m–2.87m (0.66m)
10:15–10:35	SC.14B	15′	⚠️ RELIGHT: Softer morning wash (250 diff). Overhead rig for cups. Empty chair. QUIET SET. 24mm @ T4.0 → DOF: 0.96m–1.59m (0.63m)
10:35–10:50	SC.14E	12′	Slider. Hands CU across table. Same overhead light. Keep rolling between takes. 65mm @ T2.0 → DOF: 0.79m–0.81m (0.02m)
🏢 BOTSWOOD STUDIO — Night Interior (BLACKOUT)
11:00–11:35	SC.7C	30′	⚠️ CLOSED SET — Raber + Lawrence + Roland + actors ONLY. Lawrence kills all ambient, rigs 40W practical + hidden 60X. Roland coaches Mma Neo monologue before rolling. Fenny advises Setswana cadence. Floor-level cam. 35mm @ T1.8 → DOF: 1.67m–1.95m (0.28m)
11:35–12:00	SC.7F	20′	Same blackout. Raber swaps to 85mm. THE close-up. Roland with actress between takes. Frederik on monitor — confirms the take that lands. Keep rolling. 8+ takes. Faith holds set. 85mm @ T2.0 → DOF: 1.19m–1.21m (0.02m)
☀️ DEPOT — Osanta/Manase (Midday)
12:15–12:40	SC.3A	20′	Raber flies Mavic (his drone, his permit). Rasmus spots from ground. Jonathan clears launch zone. Extras (30–50) called 11:30, Faith + Fenny brief SILENCE rule. Benedict B-cam in queue. 24mm @ T5.6 → DOF: 3.08m–∞ (∞)
12:40–13:00	SC.3D	15′	85mm handheld. NON COMPLIANT stamp. Glycerin tears standby. Bounce under face. 85mm @ T2.0 → DOF: 1.48m–1.52m (0.04m)
13:00–13:10	SC.3F	10′	Macro hands gripping card. Same queue position. Operator in queue behind actress. 100mm @ T2.0 → DOF: 0.40m–0.40m (0.00m)
13:10–13:25	SC.9A	15′	Overhead desk. Ink pad + card + thumbprint. Safety cable camera. 5 backup cards. 35mm @ T4.0 → DOF: 0.74m–0.86m (0.12m)
13:25–13:45	SC.9D	15′	85mm CU. THE SMILE. Roland coaches Mma Neo actress between takes — sacrificial peace. Do NOT rush. 8+ takes. Keep rolling. 85mm @ T2.0 → DOF: 1.48m–1.52m (0.04m)
13:45–14:00	SC.15A	15′	Raber flies Mavic wide. Rasmus spots. Extras back in full queue — longer this time. Overexpose +1.5 stops. 24mm @ T8.0 → DOF: 2.29m–∞ (∞)
14:00–14:15	SC.15E	15′	Low angle. Fuller's earth dust SFX from leaf blower. Check wind direction. Frederik confirms depot coverage is complete before company move. 16mm @ T8.0 → DOF: 0.88m–∞ (∞)
🛣️ ROAD — Scouting Route
15:00–15:25	SC.10B	20′	135mm locked off. Road lockup or quiet stretch. Extras w/ jerry cans walking toward camera. Mma Neo walks away. Heat shimmer = gift. 135mm @ T4.0 → DOF: 60.33m–292.01m (231.68m)
🏠 RED YARD — EXT Gate
15:40–16:05	SC.5B	20′	Low angle at gate. Kabelo dust makeup (10min prep). Sun behind = backlight. Lawrence advises on bounce intensity. 50mm @ T2.8 → DOF: 2.73m–3.33m (0.60m)
🏪 MOCHUDI STRIP — Commercial
16:05–16:30	SC.1A	20′	Track/gimbal past shuttered shops. Afternoon works — shops actually closed. NO WATER signs pre-dressed. Grade to dawn in post. 24mm @ T4.0 → DOF: 3.01m–∞ (∞)
🌅 DRY RIVERBED ⚠️ (Golden Hour)
17:00–17:25	SC.1D	20′	⚠️ UNSCOUTED. Raber flies Mavic (descent 60→20m) + hands off to ground cam. Rasmus spots + Jonathan secures zone. Roland coaches Old Man. Frederik on monitor — no reshoots, light is going. 85mm @ T2.8 → DOF: 22.26m–46.00m (23.74m)
17:25–17:40	SC.1F	12′	Lock-off. Same setup. Hold 8sec after collapse. Dust puff from last breath. One chance. 50mm @ T2.0 → DOF: 1.91m–2.10m (0.19m)
17:40–18:10	SC.12C	20′	⚠️ LAST SHOT OF DAY. Raber flies Mavic — 5m→100m vertical pullback, 60sec. Rasmus spots + calls altitude. Mma Neo digs with bare hands. WEST-facing sunset in frame. Prayer. If light goes, we lose this. 40mm @ T2.8 → DOF: 13.80m–∞ (∞)
14:15–14:45 — LUNCH (at Depot, shade tent) · Advance team preps Red Yard gate for SC.5B

📋 THE LAST WATER DAY FILM 04 DP: RABER SADIQ v4

👥 CREW CALL — The Last Water Day

📅 SHOOT-DAY SCHEDULE — Call 08:30 / Camera 09:00 / Wrap ~18:15

📦 MASTER EQUIPMENT PULL LIST — Check off as loaded

📷 Camera

🔭 Lenses

🔆 Filters

💡 Lighting

🔧 Grip

🎨 Props (HERO)

🎨 Props (SET DRESS)

👔 Wardrobe

🎧 Sound

🚨 Safety / SFX

👤 CHARACTER SHEET — Print for makeup + wardrobe

MONTAGE: A COUNTRY WITHOUT WATER

THE YARD — MMA NEO'S MORNING

THE DEPOT SYSTEM

KABELO RETURNS

NIGHT TENSION — 'NUMBER THREE'

SECOND DEPOT — DEREGISTRATION

THE WALK AWAY

THE DIGGING — FAITH IN DUST

THE INHERITANCE

THE SYSTEM CONTINUES

Body	DJI Mavic 3 Pro → Sony FX6
Lens	Drone wide / Ground: 24mm
T-stop	T5.6 (bright sun)
Filter	Polariser + ND (ND64 or ND128)
Move	Drone: slow lateral track revealing queue length. Ground: static establishing.
Notes	Drone for scale. Cut to ground for human detail. TWO setups.

Plot	100% natural midday. We WANT the brutal overhead light.
Units	None. This is punishment light.
Temp	5600K — bleached, unforgiving
Diff	NONE. Hard shadows on faces = dehumanization.
Notes	If overcast: reschedule. We need the sun as antagonist.