The Master of Keys

Film or animation script, that tells a story about the Parallel World where each person gets their true vocation and skill when they reach 7-years old and they have their secret room, where all their knowledge is kept. What happens when one boy is not satisfied with the content of his room and starts to find ways to manipulate with his destiny - read and find out.

EXT. FRONT OF THE KEY STORE - DAY

NIKLAS, 5 years old boy comes along the street with his DAD, who is 30 years old serious guy. They enter to the Key Store.

INT. KEY STORE - DAY

Niklas and his dad are moving nearer to KEY MAKER KRIU.

KRIU

Come closer, there is nothing to be afraid of!

Niklas is watching weird machine with mistrust. Kriu is directing Niklas into the machine. Niklas watches his dad before going in, dad nods to Niklas encouragingly. Niklas goes in.

INT. INSIDE KEY MACHINE - DAY

Niklas watches machine with interest. There are weird peeps and clangs and Niklas hears a voice outside.

KRIU

And ready it is!

The machine door opens.

INT. KEY STORE - DAY

Kriu takes key out of the machine and gives it to Niklas. Dad nods seriously, but proudly to his son

DAD

Lets hope the best!

Kriu bows to Niklas.

KRIU

Everything, what will be in your room - is making the person what you will be! Do not forget that everyone are special and different from others and it is a good thing!

Niklas nods and fidget to get home. Dad gives paper to Kriu, where is written “Help with advise and strength”.

KRIU

Thanks! Be good boy, young Niklas!

Niklas and Dad leave the Key Store.

INT. NIKLASE HOME - DAY

Niklas mother is waiting with a cake. Niklas and dad arrive.

MOTHER

I am so happy of you my dearie. This will be your one of the most important days in your life. That day will point your life direction.

DAD

We really hope that those things you will find in your room will help you to get successful and good man. Hold your skills well!

Niklas nods and goes to a wall. He touches the wall with his key and door appears. Dad comes next to Niklas.

DAD

As you already know you are the only one, who can enter your room and also only one, who knows what is in there. You should never tell everyone what is there, because someone can use it in wrong way..

Niklas already wants to open the door and is getting nervous.

MOTHER

Dont forget that things what are there is your talent! But if you want to be a talented, you have to practise. Go now and take your time to get to know your things and afterwards we can eat some cake!

Niklas looks his parents and smiles then. He turns the key and enters his room.

INT. ROOM OF NIKLAS - DAY

Niklas watches his room and happiness in his face turns to sadness. There is only one book in his room. He goes to the book and reads from the cover " The Book of The Master of Keys". He desperately looks over all of the corners, but there is nothing. He opens the book.

INT. DREAM

Niklas sees in fast motion, how to built a key machine and what does he need for that. He sees different details and how the keys differs by one another. He understands the logic and buttons and consequences after pushing the buttons.

INT. ROOM OF NIKLAS - DAY

Niklas throws the book to the corner. He is not sad, but really serious. He hears his mother voice.

MOTHER

Those things in your room..

NIKLAS

Things..

He stands up and leaves the room.

INT. HOME OF NIKLAS - DAY

Mother and father are watching Niklas surprisingly.

DAD

You are already out. Didn't you liked your things? Or these doesn't interest you?

Niklas makes a fake smile.

NIKLAS

I love those things. I would just like to celebrate with you before I start to look closer of my things.

INT. ROOM OF NIKLAS - DAY

A small tear appears on the floor of Niklas.

INT. HOME OF NIKLAS - DAY

Niklas looks down.

DAD

So, will you be a famous, successful man? Give us some hints!

NIKLAS

You said yourself that it is not really wise to tell, what is in your room.

DAD

Smart kid! I am not worried at all.. As we with your mother are so talented, I am sure that our only son will be the same talented in many fields! Did you locked your door?

NIKLAS

No

DAD

Remember it for a rest of your life - when you are not in your room, the door must be closed!

NIKLAS

Why?

DAD

( mysteriously)

Everyone should keep their treasures safe!

Niklas goes and locks the door.

NIKLAS

Dad, is it possible that someone have only one thing in their room?

DAD

(Laughing arrogantly)

I haven't heard that it can happen. In our family, the members have always had a lot of stuff! People with one thing will end up in roomless house, sooner or later..

NIKLAS

But can they bring some new stuff inside their room?

DAD

Oh, I thought you already knew it! That is the worst act you can commit. There is always consequences when you would do that..

Niklas is really worried and starts to ask more, but his mother interrupts him.

MOTHER

Come now, take some cake!

NIKLAS

Dad, I need to go to hardware store.

DAD

Now you are talking! That is my son

Dad ruffles Niklas head and Mother offers some cake, everyone eats.

INT. ROOM OF NIKLAS - NIGHT

Niklas sits in the middle of his room and reads the book. There is a loud sound of opening the door. Niklas puts calmly his book away. Smoke starts to come from the edges of the room and Niklas falls asleep.

INT. ROOM OF NIKLAS - DAY

There is a loud sound of closing the door and NIKLAS, 20 years old wakes up. His room is like before only there is a small puddle in the middle of the room. There is a book next to him. He leaves his room.

INT. HOME OF NIKLAS - DAY

Niklas dad is reading a newspaper.

DAD

Aren't you getting late for work?

NIKLAS

No, there should be coming only one small girl and after lunch.

DAD

You are already 20 and you are still only playing with that key making. I have repeated already many times, it is time to start developing your other skills.

NIKLAS

Patience dad, i have told you I want to be a master of one thing before I start with a new one!

Niklas goes away, dad looks disappointed.

INT. ROOM OF NIKLAS - DAY

Puddle gets bigger.

INT. KEY STORE OF NIKLAS - DAY

Niklas cleans his key machine, bell rings and SMALL GIRL with her FATHER comes in. Small girl is really afraid.

NIKLAS

Come closer, there is nothing to be afraid of!

Father and daughter are coming closer to Niklas and Niklas directs girl to machine.

NIKLAS

If you have any wishes, then think about those while you are there.

Girl smiles and goes inside the machine. There is a clang and Niklas takes out the key. Proud father gives Niklas a card and they start moving out.

SMALL GIRL

Thank you!

FATHER

Thank you, if you are ever hungry, you know where to come!

Girl's father points to a card he gave him.

NIKLAS

Have a nice day!

Niklas is thoughtful when suddenly a girl RA , 20 years old runs in.

NIKLAS

Hi, how can I help you?

Girl starts to cry hysterically and sits.

NIKLAS

Please calm down, what have happened?

RA

The worst thing possible. I am changing every second much more messier and I forget, I forget everything!

NIKLAS

I am not sure can I help you. Maybe we should go to a doctor, I can take you there!

Ra watches Niklas. Niklas expression changes.

RA

My key got lost.

Niklas is shocked and Ra cries even more.

RA

Is it possible to help me? I don’t know what to do anymore. I don’t want to go there where are the people without the rooms. I don’t want to, please help me.

NIKLAS

I have never done or read that it would be possible. I think it is impossible what you are asking from me.

Niklas watches Ra.

NIKLAS

Ok, we don’t have time to lose. Go inside the machine, I have to try that.

Ra goes inside the machine. Niklas tries to push some buttons, but nothing happens. He closes his eyes.

INT. DREAM

Niklas is in his room and looks "The Book of The Master of Keys". He breaks the book casket and there are symbols inside. He watches those.

INT. KEY STORE OF NIKLAS - DAY

Niklas tries buttons. Key pops out and machine opens. Ra comes out and watches Niklas. Niklas gives her a key. Girl runs to Niklas kisses and hugs him.

RA

You saved my life! I can never repay you that!

NIKLAS

I have to ask you that you would never talk about it to anyone.

RA

Why? Then all the people could come here from the roomless houses and get new keys!

NIKLAS

It is late for them. In your head there was still the room where you have grown up, but they don’t remember that room anymore.

Ra and Niklas are watching each other with silence.

RA

I would really like to thank you. If you have time, come to visit me today. She gives him a card, maybe I could help you somehow as well.

Niklas thanks Ra and she leaves. Niklas goes back to the machine and sees that there is one key more.

EXT. ROAD TO THE KEY MAKER - DAY

Niklas is walking on street.

INT. KRIU KEY STORE - DAY

Niklas steps into Kriu key store.

NIKLAS

Kriu! I need to talk with you!

Kriu clatters with tools and comes.

KRIU

What is wrong? You look pale!

NIKLAS

Do you have time?

KRIU

But of course, who wouldn’t have time for colleague!

They sit down and Kriu offers some cookies.

NIKLAS

Is it possible to make a copy of other person’s key?

Kriu goes serious and watches Niklas scowlingly.

KRIU

Those are dangerous thoughts! Why do you want to do something like that?

NIKLAS

I don’t want to do something like that, I just did it! I copied the girl’s key, who lost her key.

Kriu is shocked.

INT. RA’S HOME - DAY

Ra opens her door with her new key and goes in.

INT. RA’S ROOM - DAY

All the room is full of soap bubbles, there are some books, fossils and binoculars to see stars. Ra is looking for something desperately. She finds a small mouse and lets the mouse go out of the room. She watches her key and holds it strongly in her hands.

INT. KRIU’S KEY STORE - DAY

Kriu watches Niklas really seriously.

KRIU

You have to destroy the other key. Those kind of things are not allowed. If someone loses their key, then it have to happen like that and it is not our business to change this person’s future!

NIKLAS

So you think it is better that the people, who will lose their keys will end up a place without rooms?

KRIU

It is not our job to decide it! We live in a strange world, but this world is in balance. Think about it, if this key would end up in a wrong hands.. If someone would go to this girl’s room..

NIKLAS

What happens then?

KRIU

Don’t play with fire! There is a lot in this world what we don’t know and will never know. It is better if the things will float in their own way. Do you promise me that you will destroy the key?

Niklas makes a pause.

NIKLAS

(steadily)

Ok. You are right. I will destroy the key and I won’t do nothing like that anymore.

Kriu pats his shoulder.

KRIU

It would be better if it will stay between us, can you talk with the girl as well?

NIKLAS

I already talked with her. Don’t worry.

Niklas leaves. Kriu sighs deeply.

INT. HOME OF NIKLAS - NIGHT

Parents are drinking tea. Niklas sits next to them. Everyone are silent.

DAD

Niklas.. We have talked with your mother and we really feel that you don’t use your skills, what have been given for you. We really hope you can start already develop your other skills and come out of the closet.

Niklas watches down.

MOTHER

What you father wants to say is that we love you a lot, but do you really want to be a key maker for the rest of your life? You won’t get your own house, if you only deal with that. Not that we want you would move..

Niklas is thoughtful.

NIKLAS

I have already started, don’t worry. I just have to do a bit more and you will see.

He watches down.

INT. ROOF OF NIKLAS - NIGHT

Puddle grows bigger.

INT. HOME OF NIKLAS - NIGHT

Niklas cheeks are red, he finishes his tea.

NIKLAS

I have to go, I have a meeting.

Parents are changing glances with each other.

MOTHER

Have a nice meeting.

Niklas leaves.

INT. RA’S HOME - NIGHT

Ra hears knocking. Her eyes start to shine like stars. He opens the door and lets Niklas in.

RA

Come forward!

Niklas sits down.

RA

I have thought a lot about today. I was totally sure that no one can help me and I was too scared to go to Kriu.

NIKLAS

I didn’t believe as well, that it would be possible.

RA

I made you a cleaning chemical what will clean your key machine, or actually it will clean everything.. I forgot it downstairs where is my laboratory. Can you wait a second?

Niklas nods. Ra leaves. Niklas takes a key from his pocket. He goes to Ra’s room and tries it to the keyhole. He breaths heavily. He turns the key and door opens. He watches inside the room.

INT. RA’S ROOM - NIGHT

Niklas goes in and is astonished, he touches binocular and watches the books. In one of the books it is said “Chemical elements” and other one “The Work with Wood”. He understands that he have been in room long enough and leaves.

INT. RA’S HOME - NIGHT

When Niklas have locked the door he sits to sofa. Ra comes up and gives him a small bottle.

RA

Sorry it took so long. Here, it is for you.

Ra’s eyes started shining like a stars even more.

NIKLAS

Thank you, tell me what are your skills?

RA

Oh, I do all kind of medicine, cleaning powder and so on. I like those things, but I could deal with others as well. And you, do you have anything except key making?

NIKLAS

Oh course, but I like to be exhaustive with one of the things and then move on.

He smiles with sorrow.

INT. ROOM OF NIKLAS

Puddle in room gets bigger.

INT. RA’S HOME - NIGHT

Ra watches Niklas with admiration.

RA

I think you just found out something new in your area.

Niklas smiles.

RA

Would you like some tea?

NIKLAS

I would love to.

Ra leaves. Niklas watches her door and tries to avoid his thoughts. He opens the door quickly and goes in.

INT. RA’S ROOM - NIGHT

Niklas takes book “The Work With Wood” and leaves.

INT. RA’S HOME - NIGHT

Niklas goes to kitchen and watches how Ra is preparing tea.

RA

Sorry, I haven’t invited a lot of people in my place and I forget know how should I act with guests.

NIKLAS

Everything is fine. I just wanted to walk around bit. Do you have everything ok in here?

Niklas looks Ra timidly.

RA

Everything is great. Would you like to have blue or orange tea?

NIKLAS

Blue is great.

Ra turns around and looks Niklas. Her eyes are much brighter than before. He goes and kisses Niklas. The same time the bubbles are coming from her fingers.

INT. ROOM OF NIKLAS - MORNING

Niklas wakes up and sees a new book in front of him. He starts to read it.

INT. NIKLAS DREAM - MORNING

Niklas sees fast motion how to built cupboards, how to grind, polish and process wood. He sees sculptures and beautiful carvings. He get connection with wood.

INT. HOME OF NIKLAS - DAY

Niklas dad talks with MISTER MEIUS, 50 years old serious and important man. Niklas goes happily near to them.

NIKLAS

Good day, Mr Meius!

MR. MEIUS

Oh hello, Master of Keys. Is there enough 5 years old clients?

Niklas Dad feels embarrassed.

NIKLAS

No, there is not so much, thats why I have started to deal with wood work. I start building furniture and creating sculptures out of wood.

MR. MEIUS

Oh, I thought wood work is more for women. My aunt made commodes, but then she didn’t liked it after a while and she started with drawing.

Niklas dad is surprised.

DAD

I didn’t know that you are interested of wood work. Who would want your sculptures or commodes? With that work you won’t get even a bread.

Niklas is aggrieved.

NIKLAS

I have to go now. Good day, Mister Meius!

Niklas shakes hands with Mr. Meius, nods to dad and goes.

EXT. ROAD TO RA - DAY

Niklas is running towards the street. Sees a cloud, what looks like a broken key.

INT. RA’S HOME - DAY

Ra invited him in, her eyes are bright.

NIKLAS

We have to talk.

Ra watches him with surprise.

NIKLAS

I saw in my room, that I have to make new keys for all the people. Are you feeling good after I made a new key for you?

INT. ROOM OF NIKLAS

Puddle grows bigger.

INT. RA’S HOME - DAY

One bubble comes out of Ra’s hand.

RA

I have to say, that I feel somehow lighter than before. I had concentration problems earlier, but now I feel much more motivated and free.

NIKLAS

That is great, I wanted to hear that. I am going to talk with the Voice of The City. Would you come with me?

Ra smiles to him.

RA

I already thought that something is bad, you came with such a serious face! Of course I come!

Ra takes his jacket and they go.

EXT. IN CITY - DAY

Niklas and Ra walk around and see around them a lot of serious looking people. Everyone are walking in same tempo with same impression.

RA

Don’t you feel that everyone are somehow really serious?

NIKLAS

Yes, that is why we have to help them.

Niklas himself is also really serious. Ra smiles to him and looks around.

INT. ROOM OF NIKLAS

The puddle gets bigger.

INT. VOICE OF THE CITY CABINET - DAY

CITY VOICE, older female person. Niklas and Ra knock to a door and go in.

CITY VOICE

Hello youngsters, what is going on?

NIKLAS

Hi, there is a lot of news, I just invented something new!

City Voice is interested.

CITY VOICE

Sit down, I am a big ear for you story.

Niklas watches Ra, Ra nods for answer.

NIKLAS

That nice lady lost her key few days ago.

City Voice is shocked.

NIKLAS

She came to me. I was totally sure that I can’t help her and she will end up in roomless place, but I didn’t gave up and she went to the machine. When she came out the new key waited for her.

RA

I really feel much better than before. My concentration skill is much better and I am better in what I do.

NIKLAS

I think that all the citizens should renew their keys. I think it is old understanding that only one key from the 5th year should be for our whole life. As we change, the key should change as well.

CITY VOICE

Have you taked with the old master Kriu about it?

Niklas plays with his fingers.

NIKLAS

He is already quite old and he doesn’t like renewals. But as we see Ra, than the consequences are positive.

CITY VOICE

I am talking with Kriu, it is still a big decision. You will hear the news after few days, will it be announced or not.

NIKLAS

Thank you!

Niklas and Ra stand up, City Voice nods goodbye and they leave.

INT. ROOM OF NIKLAS - DAY

Puddle starts to get closer to his Book of Keys.

EXT. STREET - DAY

Ra and Niklas are walking around.

RA

I saw in my dream last night a wooden chair, where was my name written. Weird or what? Do you know anyone who can do things of of wood?

NIKLAS

Would you like to have this kind of chair?

RA

I would.

NIKLAS

Thank you that you came with me. I have to talk with Kriu alone. See you soon!

Niklas gives kiss to Ra and leaves. Ra watches her fingers, where the bubbles are coming out and smiles.

INT. KRIU’S KEY STORE - NIGHT

Kriu makes a stuffed bird. Nicholas comes in.

KRIU

What are you up to, my boy?

Kriu is taking birds organism outside.

NIKLAS

The key I was talking to you.. It wasn’t the girl’s key copy, just a key, what doesn’t open anything. I was worried without reason.

KRIU

(suspiciously)

Alright..

NIKLAS

I have been together with Ra and understood that we should make new keys for everyone. Her life is much better now than before.

Kriu cleans the bird inside.

KRIU

And it is definitely, because you made her a new key?

NIKLAS

I talked with the City Voice and I hope that you are also agreeing that everyone should get new keys.

KRIU

No, I am not agreeing. It have been that way already from the old days, that there are one key until it disappears to the air.

Kriu puts cottonpads inside the bird.

NIKLAS

New key would be much more safer.

KRIU

Don’t fool me, boy! Let’s stop that talk. I will tell to the City Voice, what I am thinking about it and if you can you can make new keys for them, who believe you.

Kriu strokes the bird.

INT. ROOM OF NIKLAS

Puddle is grown 1/3 of the room.

INT. KRIU’S KEY STORE - NIGHT

Niklas grabs Kriu.

KRIU

Let me go! You are insane!

Niklas is taking Kriu to a key machine and puts him inside there. He pushes buttons fast and two keys are coming out. He takes one and runs to a Kriu’s door. He opens it and goes in.

INT. KRIU’S ROOM - NIGHT

Room is full of feathers and furs. There is the Key Book and tools. Niklas takes the book and tools and goes. He locks the door.

INT. KRIU’S KEY STORE - NIGHT

Niklas opens the key machine and Kriu comes out flying.

KRIU

Oh! Do we know each other? Come and fly with me, HaHaa!

Niklas is shocked and runs away.

EXT. STREET - NIGHT

Niklas sees how City Voice is walking through the street to Kriu place. Nicholas hides himself to the pushes. City Voice is stepping inside Kriu’s key store. Nicholas leaves.

INT. HOME OF NIKLAS - MORNING

Family drinks tea. All the house shakes and they are more aware to listen.

CITY VOICE

People, listen. Today you should put down your time to the Key Master’s place. Everyone of you should make a new key for themselves, except five to fifteen years old. Old keys are not so safe anymore. You can’t make new keys in old master Kriu’s place anymore, so please contact Niklas.

Niklas mother drops the tea cup.

DAD

Finally there will be more clients for you, or what?

MOTHER

What do you mean, that they are not safe anymore?

NIKLAS

Would you like to come as a first ones?

MOTHER

Yes, I would come with you, right away!

Niklas empties his cup of tea. Mother is cleaning her mess in the floor.

NIKLAS

Can you come after an hour, I have to clean there a bit and check over the machine.

Niklas leaves.

DAD

I wonder what happened with Kriu..

Dad takes a sip of tea.

EXT. KEY STORE OF NIKLAS - DAY

There is a long line of people in front of the store.

INT. KEY STORE OF NIKLAS - DAY

Niklas slips one of the keys to his pocket and other one hand to a WOMEN in thirties.

INT. KEY STORE OF NIKLAS - NIGHT

Niklas locks the key store door and goes to a machine. He takes all the keys and all of them have the names on it. He sorts them into two units - successful and not successful. He takes some of the keys from the successful and puts those in his pocket. He switches off the light and puts a paper in front of the door “ Closed till Wednesday, machine needs to rest.”.

INT. ROOM OF NIKLAS

Puddle is one half of the room, but doesn’t touch the books and the tools.

INT. DOOR NUMBER 1 - DAY

Niklas opens the door and goes in. There is books, costumes and cotton candy machine. Niklas takes the books and leaves.

INT. DOOR NUMBER 2 - DAY

Niklas opens the door, there are books, cottonwool and banana tree. He takes only the books and leaves.

INT. DOOR NUMBER 3 - DAY

Niklas steps into the room, what is full of plants and flowers. There is a book - he takes it and leaves.

INT. DOOR NUMBER 4 - DAY

Niklas steps into room, it is full of two coloured ooze and sounds. There are two books. He takes those and leaves.

INT. ROOM OF NIKLAS - NIGHT

Room is totally filled with water, only the books are not touched. Niklas goes inside and puts other books on the other books. He opens the books one by one.

INT. DREAM

He sees botanic tricks, knowing about how to make a medicine, how to operate a person, how to make a speech, business models, fertilisers and card tricks.

INT. ROOM OF NIKLAS

The mountain of books, maps and tools are getting higher. There are different things what are scientistic or connected with theory.

EXT. STREET - DAY

Kriu flies in street, City Voice gifts weird socks to people and in her hair there is a beautiful leave from banana tree. ONE WOMEN is totally blue and dances around. ONE MAN laughs curled in street. The street is full of people, who are acting weird or looking weird.

INT. HOME OF NIKLAS - DAY

Niklas mother and dad are watching out from the window.

MOTHER

Why we didn’t change, they all seem so happy.

DAD

Happy, but stupid.

Niklas enters the room.

MOTHER

Niklas?

Niklas is totally changed, walks around, talks alone and writes a weird formulas in his notebook.

MOTHER

Niklas?

Niklas turns his head.

MOTHER

What is wrong with you? You look so worried.

NIKLAS

I have a lot of things to do. I have so much things. I have so much..

DAD

What did you do with the people?

NIKLAS

I am successful, thats what you wanted or what? I am now the most educated, smartest person of the city!

His parents are shocked. Someone knocks. Ra enters.

RA

What have happened?

NIKLAS

Wait! I made you a stool!

Ra is surprised. Niklas brings a stool and puts it between himself and Ra.

RA

It is exactly the same as in my dream. Exactly! How did you knew to make the same one?

Niklas writes some things to his notebook and doesn’t listen Ra. Ra understands what have happened. She watches his parents and Niklas. The brightness of her eyes disappears and she leaves.

NIKLAS

What do you want more? Tell me whatever. I start to built myself a house. I will create many companies, I will be a leader. I know everything!

MOTHER

That new world what you created, doesn’t need it anymore.

Niklas dad sits down.

DAD

(hiss)

What was in your room? What was there?

NIKLAS

(furiously)

There wasn’t anything more than ONE book. You have made me suffer all these years, that I would do more and more and now when I have accomplished it, you don’t want it anymore?!

INT. ROOM OF NIKLAS

Water hit the books, like a waves hit the rocks.

INT. HOME OF NIKLAS - DAY

Niklas runs to his door and starts to turn the key, but the key doesn’t work. He tries to open the door and it is open. He tries to lock the door again, but it doesn’t work. He goes inside and starts to throw out all the books, tools and other stolen stuff. With every leaving thing the water is getting lower. He have only key book in his hand. He watches it and it is totally dry. He throws out the book. The sam moment a butterfly flies inside the room. Niklas sits down in his empty, dry room. He is happy.

INT. RA’S HOME - DAY

Ra takes a book from her room and steps out.

EXT. STREET - DAY

Ra walks around the happy people and her eyes are bright again. She stops in front of the house, she knocks with the knocker. Nicholas dad opens the door. Ra runs in.

INT. ROOM OF NIKLAS - DAY

The door is fully open. Ra steps inside and sees, that the room is empty, only one butterfly is flying around Niklas head. Ra throws her book outside and closes the door.