1. A Slice of Life
Matthew Schaftenaar
Matthew Schaftenaar
16 Werda St, Fairtrees,
Durbanville
076 199 3900
Matthew@infinitihd.com

2. FADE IN:
1 EXT. PRETORIA/COUNTRYSIDE - DAY
PRETORIA CITY stands tall as the early morning sun rays
penetrate the cityscape. The LAND ROVER is seen leaving
the city on its way into the country side. SOUNDS and
FLASH-FORWARD CLIPS of a GIRL on a BICYCLE are interwoven
with the real-time scene. ROBERT - Well-built, Brunette,
32 - and KARINA - Tall, Blonde, 27 - ride in the car.
ROBERT
(To KARINA sitting next to
him in vehicle)
Beautiful day for a wedding.
CUT TO:
The TOYOTA BAKKIE sits parked on the side of a country
road outside the city. LLOYD - Black, 28-35yo - is inside.
LLOYD stares at a small photo of a GIRL. A CELLPHONE
rings. LLOYD answers the caller.
LLOYD
(Excited)
Hey brother...
Voice alive and positive. Viewed from passenger seat.
CALLERS’S VOICE not heard.
LLOYD (CONT’D)
It’s going well, I’ve got a full
load today. (Light Chuckle) Don’t
worry about it, I’m on the road
now...
LLOYD looks to the outstretched road to where he is
headed.
LLOYD (CONT’D)
...got a lot to deliver this
morning, sjoeh!
FADE TO BLACK:
Movie Title reads: ’A Slice of Life’
FADE IN:
2 INT. LAND ROVER - DAY
Driving on the road en-route to the wedding. ROBERT behind
the wheel and KARINA in passenger seat. ROBERT is busy
talking to KARINA while she does her makeup.
(CONTINUED)

3. CONTINUED: 2.
ROBERT
(Mid conversation)
...the printing company got
delayed by labour strikes and
that’s why the invitations were
late. (Notices KARINA is not
listening) Are you ok?
KARINA
(Bluntly)
Yes I’m fine.
ROBERT
Which means you’re not. What’s
upset you?
KARINA
Do you really think my dress
makes me look like my mother?
ROBERT
(Using her pet-name)
Rina... you know it was only
jesting
KARINA
And please tell me what woman
likes to hear those words?!
"You’re like your mother". ROBERT
please just drive. (mumbling to
herself) So much for romance and
sunsets.
The LAND ROVER continues on down the road along its
journey.
3 EXT./INT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY
The couple, in their LAND ROVER, are traveling along the
road headed towards the mountain when they drive past the
TOYOTA BAKKIE which is still parked on the side of the
road. ROBERT watches it as they drive by.
ROBERT
Did you see that car back there?
(Checks review mirror)
KARINA
(Looking back)
Uhg, that old thing probably
broke down. I doubt he’s just
there for the view.
ROBERT
Well, there’s nothing we can do
for him now. We can’t afford to
be late, ok?
(CONTINUED)

4. CONTINUED: 3.
KARINA
Ok?! I don’t want him here! And
besides I’m sure he can do
without your sarcastic remarks.
(In a jesting voice) Maybe he’s
dressed like his mother too.
ROBERT
(Swings to look at KARINA)
You’re taking this far too far.
This attitude is sure to ruin a
good wedding so at least pretend
to smile!
KARINA
(Mumbling to self)
Fine. As long as you promise not
to make me look bad. A man with
your kind of money is meant to
set an example.
KARINA’s speech stops dead as she notices ROBERT is not
paying attention.
KARINA (cont’d)
Are you even listening to me?!
ROBERT
(Staring at the car dials)
Hm, the engine light is on.
KARINA
So?
ROBERT
So we’d better stop.
The LAND ROVER pulls to a stop on the side of the road.
There is a moment of tensed silence.
ROBERT (CON’T)
(Undoing his seat belt)
Can you check the engine?
KARINA
(With raised voice)
What!? You must be joking! Tell
me you’re joking!
ROBERT
(Motioning to his watch)
I just don’t want to get grease
on my watch.
(CONTINUED)

5. CONTINUED: 4.
KARINA
(Annoyed and loud)
Then take it off!
ROBERT jumps into action. Hastily unfastens watch. Removes
keys from ignition, pops the hood, opens door and steps
outside...
CON’T:
4 EXT. ROAD - DAY
ROBERT
(Muttering to self)
I can’t believe this. (slams
door) The one day something had
to go wrong.
ROBERT opens the hood and begins perusing the engine -
Barely gets started and KARINA pokes her little head out
the window...
KARINA
(Insistingly)
What’s wrong with it?
ROBERT
(Forced calm voice)
Just give me a minute, I’m trying
to check.
ROBERT (cont’d)
Just let me handle this.
KARINA
Ok, but please hurry... I’m
feeling woosy without the aircon.
ROBERT fiddles around the ENGINE for a while and finally
spots a problem.
ROBERT
Worst fears confirmed. We’re
stuck.
KARINA
(Letting her Afrikaans slip)
Ag nooit! What does this mean
now?
ROBERT
The oil has leaked. Let me call
emergency response, ok?.
While distancing himself from the LAND ROVER, ROBERT
removes a CELLPHONE from his pocket and is seen selecting
the emergency contact number.
(CONTINUED)

6. CONTINUED: 5.
ROBERT
(To himself)
Come on, come on.
VEHICLE RECOVERY SERVICES
(Pre-recorded auto female
voice)
Thank you for calling Vehicle
Recovery Services. Please hold
for the operator. (Music begins
playing)
In the distance behind ROBERT the TOYOTA BAKKIE is seen
driving past. TOYOTA pulls over suddenly. LLOYD comes
running out, arm up in the air to draw attention.
LLOYD
Eeeey brother! You need some
help?
ROBERT
(Stunned. Looks over
shoulder)
No need, we have it under
control.
ROBERT then faces back and puts the CELLPHONE to his ear
again, hearing...
VEHICLE RECOVERY SERVICES
(Music stops)
There are no operators available
at this time.
ROBERT is disappointed. Stands hesitantly while trying to
decide the next course of action.
KARINA
(Shouting from car window)
Robert! (ROBERT looks over
shoulder) What’s going on? Are
they coming?
LLOYD
Do you need a lift?
ROBERT
(Pauses then walks to LLOYD)
Look, we’re going to a very
important wedding outside town
that we can’t miss. It’s for my
wife’s best friend. Are you
heading that way?
LLOYD
Yes I’m going there. You want to
ride?
(CONTINUED)

7. CONTINUED: 6.
KARINA
(From car window annoyed and
insistent)
Sweety!
ROBERT
(To LLOYD)
Just.. just wait here...
ROBERT hastily walks to the LAND ROVER.
KARINA
What now?
ROBERT
I secured transport.
KARINA
You’re not serious. In that!? But
Robert... that’s the guy from...
ROBERT
We have no choice. We need to
leave now if we want to get there
on time!
KARINA hesitantly steps out of the LAND ROVER. ROBERT
grabs the bags and engages central locking. Couple walk to
the TOYOTA.
ROBERT (cont’d)
It’ll be safe here. It’s just a
rental.
LLOYD
You can sit in the front there by
me.
KARINA
(Sarcastically to Robert)
Where else are we going to sit?
ROBERT puts suitcase in the back and all three get into
the TOYOTA BAKKIE.
5 INT. TOYOTA - DAY
LLOYD sits in drivers seat, ROBERT in the middle and
KARINA in passenger seat. KARINA looks uncomfortable.
LLOYD starts the TOYOTA’S engine. TOYOTA leaves.
ROBERT
By the way my name is Robert, and
this is my wife Karina.
(CONTINUED)

8. CONTINUED: 7.
LLOYD
(Stretching out his hand to
Karina)
I’m Lloyd, nice to meet you.
KARINA
(Recoiling from hand)
Um... yes. Our friend Kate is
having a stunning wedding and it
won’t be fitting if we arrive
late.
ROBERT
Yes she’s right,(tries to console
Karina) It’s at Natures Valley
Game Ranch. Do you know where
that is?
LLOYD
Ah yes I know, we’ll be there in
no time.
TOYOTA BAKKIE arrives at a T-junction. Turns left.
KARINA
Er where are we going?! The
wedding is that way (points in
opposite direction)
LLOYD
I just have to make a quick stop
around the corner. Do you mind?
ROBERT
I suppose there’s time for a
quick stop. Just promise not to
take too long.
LLOYD
You see all that stuff on the
back? That’s to be delivered
today. THOBANI’S house is the
first stop.
KARINA and ROBERT look shocked.
ROBERT
(Concerned)
You never said anything about
deliveries! How long is this
going to take?
LLOYD
(Positive and assuring)
It will just take a minute, I
promise. And don’t stress,
there’s plenty of time.

9. 8.
ROBERT looks at his watch, now feeling uncertain. The
TOYOTA arrives at a small rural home.
6 EXT./INT. THOBANI HOME/TOYOTA - DAY
LLOYD
(Leaving vehicle)
There’s no need to do anything.
I’ll be right back.
LLOYD walks over to house and knocks on front door.
THOBANI - A black man, 40’s, opens the door.
THOBANI
(Smiling warmly)
Lloyd! How nice it is to see you
(Shakes Lloyd’s hand)
KARINA and ROBERT stare out the passenger window.
ROBERT
(To Karina)
This is not what I expected.
KARINA
(Visibly upset)
What are we even doing here?
Robert, our car broke down then
we get stuck with this.. this..
stranger and we’re going to be
late!
ROBERT
Let’s give him the benefit of the
doubt. He seems decent.
LLOYD suddenly reappears and quickly hopes into the
vehicle.
LLOYD
(Excited)
Hey look what Thobani gave me!
ROBERT and KARINA stare silently at a BROWN BAG.
LLOYD (CON’T)
Boerewors? (Offers to Robert)
ROBERT
Erm no thank you.
LLOYD
Ok well it’s on to the next house
just down the road. (points into
distance)
ROBERT and KARINA stare at LLOYD in disbelief.

10. 9.
CUT TO:
7 EXT./INT. NEIGHBOURHOOD - DAY
TOYOTA comes to a sudden and rough halt, throwing the
passengers forward. Have arrived at the next house.
LLOYD
(Hastily exits TOYOTA)
Won’t be long now! (massive
smile)
LLOYD shuts the car door behind him.
ROBERT
This is unbelievable... (shaking
head)
KARINA
What is Kate going to think of
us.. of me.. her friend, if we
miss the most important day of
her life.
LLOYD and FRIEND #1 (Black male, 40’s) can be heard
unpacking something from the back, they are chatting away
happily - voices muffled.
KARINA (cont’d)
Robert, you have to make him
hurry up! I’m not in the mood for
this today.. not today!
ROBERT.
Stay here, I’m going to have a
word with him.
ROBERT climbs out the TOYOTA from the drivers side and
begins walking around the back of the vehicle to where
LLOYD and FRIEND now stand.
LLOYD
(Handing FRIEND #1 a few
Pots and Pans)
...And here’s something for the
kitchen.
FRIEND #1
Thank you so very much.
ROBERT comes into view and stands behind LLOYD.
ROBERT
(Subtly)
Can I have a word with you?
(CONTINUED)

11. CONTINUED: 10.
LLOYD and FRIEND #1 quickly look up at ROBERT then back
again.
FRIEND #1
(Now excusing himself)
I’ll take these things inside
then. Please send my thanks to
Jiovanni (Turns and walks away).
LLOYD
(Turning to face ROBERT)
You want to speak my friend?
ROBERT
I can see you’re busy with
deliveries but do you think you
could take us to the wedding
first?
KARINA storms out of the TOYOTA. Slams door. Marches
toward LLOYD.
KARINA
(Infuriated)
What the hell are you doing!?
LLOYD
Do you know about the miners?
KARINA
What?
LLOYD
(Starts tightening down
straps)
Many of them have family or close
friends that they can’t see. They
work long, hard days and with the
little money they have sometimes
they send items back to those
people (Does not look at Karina).
KARINA
(Impatiently to herself)
*Sigh* The miners.. the miners...
(then back to Lloyd) yes we all
know about the poor old miners.
LLOYD
So you understand?
ROBERT
Understand what?
LLOYD
Everybody has heard about the
miners, but few know about the
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)

12. CONTINUED: 11.
LLOYD (cont’d)
miners. These goods here, they
are gifts that has been sent to
the families. Every month I do
deliveries.
KARINA is silent and for a second while she fumes. Looks
up to think about what she just heard then shakes it off.
ROBERT
Karina, go back to the car. We
are leaving shortly. (gently puts
a hand on Lloyd)
KARINA
(Impatient again)
Well just hurry up will you!
(Walks back to vehicle door)
ROBERT and LLOYD climb back inside the TOYOTA
LLOYD
(Rubbing hands together)
Ok, are we ready?
KARINA
I want you to take us to our
wedding now!
LLOYD
(Starting ignition)
I thought it was your friends
wedding?
KARINA
(In disbelief)
It is! We told you so, weren’t
you listening?
LLOYD
Well just now you said it was
your wedding. Ey, I thought maybe
you got confused (chuckles a
little).
KARINA
(Loudly to herself)
This is going to take forever.
8 EXT./INT. MONTAGE - DAY
The TOYOTA travels through the country on its journey to
many homes.
FADE TO:
(CONTINUED)

13. CONTINUED: 12.
KARINA is upset. Stares out of window. LLOYD and ROBERT
hold small talk in the background.
FADE TO:
The TOYOTA continues. Arrives at next house.
LLOYD delivers items. KARINA shouts out the window.
KARINA
(Throwing a hand in the air)
What’s taking so long!? Let’s go!
ROBERT consoles KARINA and she yells something at him
(Voices muffled - Shot through windscreen)
FADE TO:
TOYOTA travels on a country road. ROBERT tries calling
VEHICLE RECOVERY SERVICES again.
VEHICLE RECOVERY SERVICES
There are no operators available
at this time.
ROBERT
(Putting away cellphone)
Still no answer.
LLOYD
Boerewors?
ROBERT waves his hands to say "no". Turns to Karina.
ROBERT
How about you?
KARINA says nothing. Dismissively and half-heartedly waves
one hand.
FADE TO:
ROBERT looks at his WATCH. Feels worried. Says nothing.
FADE TO:
KARINA and ROBERT sit in the TOYOTA waiting for LLOYD to
finish another delivery. LLOYD is seen giving a box to
someone. KARINA is fuming.
KARINA
Do you have any idea how late we
are?
ROBERT
It’s getting late I know.
(CONTINUED)

14. CONTINUED: 13.
KARINA
(Angrily)
We’re going to miss the wedding!
ROBERT
What do you want me to do about
it? We’re stuck here.
LLOYD enters TOYOTA.
ROBERT (cont’d)
You done?
KARINA
(to LLOYD)
Please I beg you!
LLOYD
Almost ready. (grabs BROWN BAG)
Boerewors? (offers)
ROBERT and KARINA just stare.
FADE TO:
ROBERT is looking at the PHOTO of the little girl.
ROBERT
Lloyd, who is this? Someone you
know? Family?
LLOYD
Just a friends daughter. She
turned five the other day.
KARINA interrupts by searching the dashboard console.
ROBERT
What are you doing?
KARINA
I’m looking for aircon. It’s
boiling! Where do you switch it
on?
WIDE SHOT OF TOYOTA DRIVING ALONG PATH.
LLOYD (O.S.)
(Lightly chuckling)
There’s no aircon in this car...
FADE TO:

15. 14.
9 EXT. HOUSE - DAY
TOYOTA arrives and comes to a steady halt. There is
silence in the car. KARINA stares out window. ROBERT looks
tired. ROBERT starts exiting the car.
LLOYD
You getting out?
ROBERT
Yeah, I want to make a phone
call.
LLOYD nods and leaves. ROBERT climbs out vehicle, stands
to the side, pulls out his CELLPHONE and dials a number.
CUT TO:
10 INT. BEDROOM/TOYOTA - DAY
MIKE, the Best Man - 30’s, white - is standing in his
bedroom getting ready for the wedding. His CELLPHONE
rings.
CUT TO:
ROBERT
Come on Mike...
CUT TO:
A beautiful woman, the BRIDESMAID - late 20’s, white -
comes into the room wearing a robe and carrying a martini
glass. CELLPHONE is still ringing in MIKE’S pocket.
BRIDESMAID
(Brushing up against Mike
seductively)
I made you something.
MIKE looks at her over his shoulder and just smiles. Pulls
out his CELLPHONE and answers.
MIKE
Hello?
CUT TO:
ROBERT
Mike! Thank goodness. Listen we
got stranded on our way there...
CUT TO:
(CONTINUED)

16. CONTINUED: 15.
MIKE
(Partially listening to
Robert)
Uh huh. Hmmmm... yeah...
BRIDESMAID
(To Mike)
Try this. (puts a cherry in his
mouth)
MIKE
(Suggestively to Bridesmaid)
Hmmm. Why don’t you, er, get
yourself ready?
BRIDESMAID pulls away to leave and strokes MIKE’S lip
while doing so. MIKE playfully bites back.
CUT TO:
ROBERT
Mike are you listening?!
CUT TO:
MIKE
(To Robert disingenuously)
That sounds terrible. (Starts
whispering) Rob you’ll never
guess what I’m doing now. Let’s
just say it involves an old
cliché about weddings.
CUT TO:
ROBERT
Oh Mike no! Please tell me you’re
not with a bridesmaid again!
CUT TO:
BRIDESMAID
(To Mike)
Oh, Miiiiike.
BRIDESMAID stands a few feet away, arms crossed, holding
her robe closed. The robe is then opened and falls to the
ground exposing her "bare" body. MIKE stands staring, not
saying a word.
CUT TO:
ROBERT
Mike!
CUT TO:
(CONTINUED)

17. CONTINUED: 16.
MIKE
(To Robert)
Yeah Rob... I’m going to have to
call you back later.
MIKE pushes CELLPHONE dead and drops it on the bed.
CUT TO:
ROBERT
(To himself)
Oh well done Mike. Always
thinking with your...
Interrupted by LLOYD
LLOYD
Hey, everything ok?
ROBERT
(Somber)
Tried to let them know we won’t
be there.
LLOYD
I’m sorry you didn’t get your
wedding.
ROBERT
Ha. Thanks. But between you and
me I’m kind of glad I don’t have
to go.
LLOYD
What do you mean?
ROBERT
Well... I don’t mind going out on
adventures but... well... Karina
is all about the money. I think
that’s probably why she married
me. (Pauses a second) It was her
mother. Always pushed her in that
direction. I apologize for her
behaviour.
LLOYD
(Nodding)
I’m sorry. I think maybe I owe
you an apology also... for not
getting you there.
ROBERT
When we’re done you can just take
us to a hotel. You’re a good man
Lloyd. What you’re doing here...
it’s impressive.
(CONTINUED)

18. CONTINUED: 17.
LLOYD
Well don’t salute me yet. We have
one more home to visit. Someone
who is very close to me.
ROBERT
Perfect! Who is it?
LLOYD
Devon. He’s the father.
ROBERT looks confused.
LLOYD (CON’T)
The father of the girl, from the
photo.
ROBERT thinks and suddenly understands.
LLOYD
He’ll be glad to see us. He’s and
old friend of mine.
CUT TO:
11 INT. TOYOTA BAKKIE - DAY
ROBERT and LLOYD climb inside. KARINA still stares out the
window.
ROBERT
(To Karina)
Rina (reaches to touch her) we
only have one more house to go
to.
KARINA
Robert!
A sudden look of horror distorts ROBERT’S face.
KARINA (CON’T)
My make-up! It’s melting!
KARINA’S mascara streams down her face. She looks like a
dog’s breakfast.
KARINA (CON’T) (cont’d)
(Sobbing)
It’s ruined! I look like Cruella
de Vil!
EXTERNAL SHOT. TOYOTA drives away.
(CONTINUED)

19. CONTINUED: 18.
ROBERT (O.S.)
(As car leaves)
Oh come on now, it’s not that
bad... You love dogs!
KARINA gives one LOUD outburst of tears.
12 EXT. DEVON HOUSE - DAY
DEVON - Black, Elderly - sits outside with the little GIRL
- CINDY, Black, 4/5yo - as she plays. He looks up.
DEVON
(To Cindy)
Hey! Look who’s here.
TOYOTA BAKKIE arrives and comes to a stop outside house. A
random neighbourhood KID - Black, 8 - plays with a SOCCOR
BALL. DEVON runs over. LLOYD puts and arm around DEVON.
LLOYD
It is so good to see you.
DEVON
You too brother.
Little GIRL runs over.
LLOYD (CON’T)
(To girl)
And look at you, ey! Getting so
big. I have a lovely present for
you!
DEVON
You shouldn’t have.
LLOYD
It’s no worry! Here let’s get it
off the back.
LLOYD and DEVON walk around the BAKKIE to the back. ROBERT
appears just behind them.
DEVON
(To Robert)
Hi there.
ROBERT
Hi.
LLOYD
Oh! I almost forgot. Devon this
is Robert.
DEVON and ROBERT shake hands in greeting.
(CONTINUED)

20. CONTINUED: 19.
LLOYD (CON’T)
And he’s wife is here
somewhere...
ROBERT
(Dismisively)
Oh she’s still in the car.
ROBERT takes LLOYD to the side in private and speak
softly.
ROBERT (CON’T)
Lloyd would it be ok if I...
(motions to the bicycle)
LLOYD
Of course! Go right ahead.
(turning the the GIRL) Are you
ready?
Meanwhile ROBERT fetched the BICYCLE and brings it over.
ROBERT
Here we go. A brand new bicycle
to play with.
CINDY
(Very excited)
Yay! Thank you uncle!
CINDY runs to give LLOYD a hug.
LLOYD
(To Cindy)
Why don’t you show us how well
you can ride it?
CINDY
Ok.
CINDY walks off to play with the BICYCLE. ROBERT, DEVON
and LLOYD stand back to watch.
DEVON
To Lloyd
Thank you so much. What you did
today was nothing short of
amazing.
LLOYD
Aah, you know, it’s my pleasure
to help. And my friend hereand
his wife came along on this
unintended journey. Just found
them on the side of the road.
(CONTINUED)

21. CONTINUED: 20.
DEVON
Hah! That’s my man Lloyd here.
(Slight pause) Where is the
Misses anyhow?
Commotion is heard from the TOYOTA. KARINA struggles to
pull herself out the car. Shouting and complaining. Slams
the door. Neighbourhood KID stands by and watches.
KARINA
(Sobbing and whining)
Oh! This stupid car! Stupid heat!
This decrepit place! (Looks to
the KID) Stupid kids!
KID
(Clutching soccerball)
Hey lady. Shut up.
KARINA
Ah.
KARINA’S mouth falls open in shock at the words. ROBERT,
LLOYD and DEVON still watching.
DEVON
Oh I see. Well I’m certain she’s
pleasant on a better day.
ROBERT
Yup. And love is blind. (Pauses
and thinks) But then again... a
sucker is born every minute.
DEVON
(Smiling)
A sucker doesn’t do that, my
friend (Points to Cindy)
The three men stand watching silently and smiling proudly.
CINDY rides her BICYCLE down the road.
LLOYD (O.C.)
And what a sight that is.
FADE TO BLACK.
THE END