WNN anchor, Jan Greenwell, reporting live.
Jan: ''I'm here at the Imagination Institute where Professor Wayne Szalinski will soon receive the prestigious Inventor of the Year Award. But with me now is another inventor here at the Institute, Stacy Jackson, who's working here under a Kodak scholarship. Stacy, thanks for talking with us.''
Stacy: ''Oh, my pleasure.''
Jan: ''Now, we all know that Kodak is a supporter of the Inventor of the Year Award, but I didn't realize they do research here as well.''
Stacy: ''Oh yeah, and we're doing some real cutting edge stuff too...''
Jan: ''Like what?''
Stacy: ''Like, um... like this.''
Jan: ''A watch?''
Stacy: ''It's also a camera. Check this out.'' (camerawatch makes small clicking sounds)
Jan: ''Ah, what did it do?''
Stacy: ''It activated a highly photosensitive semiconductor that converted your image into digital information.''
Jan: ''Which in English means...''
Stacy: ''It... just took your picture. A bunch of them actually. C'mon, I'll show you.''
Jan: ''Terrific. (walks to computer) What's happening now?''
Stacy: ''We're downloading. (a bad photo appears on screen) Wow, that's brutal. We'll save that one for your drivers license.''
Jan: ''Ha''
Stacy: ''Ah, lets go through them again. Okay, hold that frame. Much better, don't you think?''
Jan: ''Yeah''
Stacy: ''Okay. Now that we have your picture, we can take it further. (image changes colors, several times, and the hair finally disappears) Whoa, maybe a bit to far. Let's try something else. (image returns to original state) If you could have any artist paint your portrait, who would it be?''
Jan: ''Oh, ah... Van Gogh.''
Stacy: ''Good choice. (selects Van Gogh from a series of pull down menus) Grab one and seven. Make seven a background. Add brushstroke filter number four. Sharpen resolution. Now crop it. (ear falls off photo)
Jan: ''Cute.'' (walks to printer)
Stacy: ''And voila... your own masterpiece. It's that simple''
Jan: ''That's amazing''
Stacy: ''And you can transmit this image instantly to anyone around the world, or make as many duplicates as you'd like.
Jan: ''Great, I'll take twenty wallet sized. Ha''
Stacy: ''You got it''
Jan: ''Thanks Stacy, and next year they might be honoring you as Inventor of the Year.''
Stacy: ''Thank you.''
Jan: ''In the meantime, we'll be right back with more from the Imagination Institute after this.'' After a brief delay, and a few announcements from an Institute assistant, the WNN uplink is restored, and Jan continues...
Jan: ''We're back, live from the Imagination Institute. At the moment, we're trying to track down the chairman of the Institute, and host of today's festivities, Doctor Nigel Channing. Oh, there he is. Doctor Channing...''
Channing: ''Oh, hello Jan. Welcome. (turns to camera) Welcome to the Imagination Institute. Or, as we like to say around here, we don't know anything.'' (he is interrupted by a pile of boxes that tips over behind him)
Jan: ''Ah, he he. What do you mean, you don't know anything?''
Channing: ''Oh, ah, that cannot be imagined. Our slogan: We don't know anything that can't be imagined''
Jan: ''I see. Ah, Doctor Channing, the activities of this institute are normally kept under lock and key. Can you tell us why your top secret doors are open today?''
Channing: ''Oh, well, each year we invite the public in to help us pay tribute to the world's leading inventors, thinkers and dreamers with the Inventor of the Year Award.''
Jan: ''And this year's recipient is Professor Wayne Szalinski?''
Channing: ''A truly remarkable man, Jan. As Albert Einstein once said, imagination is more important that knowledge.''
Jan: ''Yes, but didn't an invention of his accidentally shrink his children?''
Channing: ''Well…''
Jan: ''And didn't he also loose the tiny children in the backyard?''
Channing: ''That really isn't quite the way it…''
Jan: ''And didn't the professor accidentally enlarge his son Adam…''
Channing: ''Now, the media blew that out of proportion…''
Jan: ''…who nearly destroyed Las Vegas?''
Channing: '' Er, um. Sorry. And your, ah, your question is what?''
Jan: ''Well, considering the accidents in the professor's past, are your guests really safe today?''
Channing: ''He, he. Jan, the Imagination Institute is the safest place in the world (machine in the background sparks, causing some static on the screen. Channing grabs safety mask from a nearby technician) Uh, as you can see, we ah, always insist on wearing industrial density, heavy duty safety goggles around all new inventions. And for our visitors, offer these (holds up 3d goggles). They will protect you from flying debris which can occur at any time during a demonstration.''
Jan: ''Excuse me. Excuse me Doctor Channing, did you say flying debris?''
Channing: ''Oh, did I? Ah, well, gosh. I'd love to stay and chit-chat with you for hours, but unfortunately, I can just see one of my assistants is, ah, is calling me over… over there, ah. I'll be right with you, ha. Thank you.''
Jan: ''Well, there ya have it. (machine in background is now on fire. Technicians are running for cover, as the machine begins to overload) Today all eyes will be on Professor Wayne Szalinski as he demonstrates his new and… (static) …er machi… (static) …ventor of the Year Awards Ceremo….
---SIGNAL LOST---
With that, the doors to the Institute are opened, and those guests who remain in the lobby are invited into the auditorium. Once inside the auditorium, guests choose a row, and are seated. The auditorium has been set up so that even the seats to the back can get a good view of the award ceremony. To the right of the stage (which is currently covered with a blue curtain showcasing the Imagination Institute logo) is a small monitor which will display close ups taken with another of Szalinski's inventions, the hands-free video camera helmet. Below the screen is a podium, where an Institute assistant begins his safety instructions…
Assistant: ''Ladies and gentlemen, please put on your safety goggles now. These will protect you from any flying debris that can occur during any scientific demonstration. And once again I'd like to remind you there is no eating, drinking, video taping or flash photography.''
Suddenly, a machine from behind the curtain zaps the podium, causing a flash of light and a large puff of smoke.
Assistant: ''And, um, unlike my podium… no smoking. Good luck…''
As the assistant makes a hasty exit, lights begin to shine from behind the curtain. We can just make out the shadows of Christy Smithers and another Institute assistant, as they make preparations for the show.
Male Assistant: ''Christy, how much time do we have left?''
Christy: ''Not much. Uh, oh. The audience is already seated. Where's Professor Szalinski?''
Male Assistant: ''I don't know.''
Christy: ''Um. Hello everybody. We'll be with you in just a minute - soon as we find the guest of honor.''
Male Assistant 2: ''Look! There he is!''
Christy: ''Professor Szalinski!!'' A tiny object flies around the stage, causing technicians and assistants to duck. Suddenly, it rips a hole in the curtain and appears right in front of the audience. It's Professor Wayne Szalinski, riding his new invention, a HoverPod.
Szalinski: ''Well, hello! As you can see, I used my shrinking machine to not only shrink my size, but also my personal HoverPod. Now I get 22 miles to the teaspoon. Whoa, watch out, those blades are sharp! Well, hi, how are you doing? Having a good time? Anyway, this machine combines speed, altitude and hover capabilities. Left and right - all controlled by this little delicate piece of machinery.''
He tosses the control box into the air, but misses the catch and drops it. The HoverPod starts spinning out of control, crashing back through the curtain, and off stage.
Szalinski: ''Whoooa! Nothing to worry about! Whoa…Watch out! I haven't invented an emergency break yet, but I'm in full control! Watch your heads!! Whoa!''
Male Assistant: ''Now what do we do?''
Christy: ''Start the show!''
Male Assistant: ''Go!''
Assistants: ''No, wait!''
The Imagination Institute theme starts playing, as spotlights shine on the curtain (showing two recently added holes). As it rises, Christy motions toward the back of the stage. Doctor Channing turns from behind a wall, and begins walking up to his podium.
Christy: ''Ladies and Gentlemen, the Chairman of the Imagination Institute, Dr. Nigel Channing.''
Channing: ''Thank you. Welcome to our annual open house. On this day each year, we recognize our most innovative scientists. And this year, the award is going to a true… genius. Ah, at the moment, he is only a little man, but, believe me, he has BIG ideas.''
A red neon sign, sporting the Institute logo and ''Inventor of the Year Award'' swings down from two cords. It is pulled toward the audience, coming to rest just above the first row of seats.
Channing: ''Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you …''
He motions to the left, as spotlights shine on an empty door.
Channing: ''I give you …''
He motions to the the other side, and again, the spotlights shine on another empty door. Suddenly, Szalinski's out-of-control HoverPod flies back onto the stage, sparking.
Szalinski: ''Anyone find my control box?''
Channing: ''Szalinski! Watch out for the…''
Szalinski's HoverPod hits the neon sign which knocks some of the letters out so that the sign now says ''NERD.''
Channing: ''…Sign.''
Szalinski: ''Sorry! I'll pay for that!''
Christy: ''Professor Szalinski?!!''
Szalinski: ''Whoa, whoa, whoa!!''
This time, he crashes into the sign, sending shattered glass down onto the screaming audience below. The Professor flies off stage again.
Szalinski: ''I'm OK! No problem. I'll be back!''
Channing: ''Professor certainly knows how to make an entrance. Not to mention an exit. Get that man back here immediately.''
Christy: ''Yes, sir.''
Channing: ''Hurry up and find him! Ha. We seem to have a little time on our hands, so, why don't we… why don't we meet the inspiration behind the perspiration. Let's meet the Professor's wife without whom the Professor would not be… where he is… today. Let's meet Diane Szalinski.''
Diane: ''Nick, Nick. Sorry. I've got to go help find Wayne. Nicky, you watch Adam, OK? Quark, fetch daddy!''
Diane steps onto the platform.
Channing: ''Hello Diane.''
Diane: ''Hello, nice to see you, bye-bye.''
Diane pushes past Dr. Channing, and leaves the stage with the family dog, Quark.
Channing: ''Wait!''
Diane: ''Here we go again, Quark.''
Channing: ''Well, ha, ha, bye Diane. Um, why don't we meet the … the rest of the Professor's family, his two sons… Nick and Adam. What … what is that?''
Nick: ''It's my python, Gigabyte.''
Channing: ''A Snake!''
Nick: ''I didn't want to leave him in the van. ''
Channing: ''Why would you leave him in the van? Ha, ha. And does he also have a dangerous reptile secreted about his person?''
Nick: ''He … he brought Photon.''
Channing: ''A snake?''
Nick: ''His mouse.''
Channing: ''A mouse! Huh, ha, ha. How cute. Let's see him. Oh, Photon. And… and what do you feed Photon?''
Adam: ''Jelly beans, boogers and pizza.''
Male Security 1 (from back-left of theater) : ''Anyone found Szalinski yet? Over.''
Male Security 2 (from back-right of theater) : ''Not yet. Over.''
Channing: ''Well, ah. If the Professor were here, we would be demonstrating his Dimensional Duplicator.''
Nick: ''I .. I can do it.''
Channing: ''What?''
Nick: ''I spent time in the lab with my dad.''
Channing: ''Why should I trust the most expensive piece of research equipment to a boy with a snake around his neck?''
Nick: ''Cause I can turn it on.''
Channing: ''Right! Bring on the Duplicator.''
A section of the stage begins to turn around to show the Dimensional Duplicator, Professor Szalinski's latest invention. Dr. Channing, Nick, and Adam walk over to the machine to begin the demonstration.
Channing: ''This, ah, Dimensional Duplicator was developed right here by the Professor. This fantastic machine can make exact replicas of any object at all.''
Duplicator: ''Insert item to be duplicated now.''
Nick turns on the machine and then walks back to Dr. Channing. They don't notice that Adam drops his mouse into the chamber and enters the number 999 for the quantity.
Channing: ''Now, as I understand it, Nick, all you do is you drop the object into the chamber, you press the button and presto. It's so easy, even a child can do it. Ha, so now all we need is something to duplicate.''
Duplicator: ''Commencing copy mode.''
Channing: ''What!!''
Nick: ''Adam! Get down from there… Don't play on that thing!''
Adam: ''No. Photon!''
Channing: ''Nick! Turn this machine off. Turn it off!''
Nick: ''I don't know how.''
Channing: ''What do you mean you don't know how?! I thought you said you knew how to work it!''
Nick: ''He only showed me how to turn it on.''
The machine overloads and smoke rises from it. The lights on stage flicker for a moment.
Channing: ''Ah! Well, well pull the plug! ''
Christy: ''Cut the power!''
Nick: ''There is no plug. It's under nuclear power or something.''
Christy: ''Cut it!!''
Channing: ''It's nuclear what?!!''
The assistants cuts the power and the lights go out. The room falls silent except for the sound of mice.
Christy: ''Where are all the mice going?''
Nick: ''Towards the people.''
Channing: ''Out to the audience?''
As the crowd begins screaming, Assistants finally turn the main power back on.
Nick: ''How are we going to get rid of them?''
Channing: ''Um, I think this would be the perfect time to demonstrate Professor Szalinski's No Mess HoloPet.''
Nick turns this machine on and a holographic image of a cat is projected above Dr. Channing's head.
Channing: ''It's perfect for those who want the, uh, companionship of a pet with none of the associated mess… or mice!''
Nick: ''A little more power.'' The cat morphs into a lynx and opens its sharp toothed mouth making a small roar.
Nick: ''Too much! Too much!''
The lynx now morphs into a ferocious lion which gives a loud roar. Dr. Channing ducks onto the floor, assistants scream and run away from the sparking machine. The lion now swings his paw toward the audience. The stage lights flicker and go out as the holographic image is sucked back into the machine. The theater cleared of mice, the Holopet is turned off. Once the main lights turn on again, we notice that Professor Szalinski has returned. His HoverPod flies around the stage once more.
Channing: ''Professor Szalinski, care to drop in and join us?''
Szalinski: ''Don't worry, this baby stops on a dime. Anybody got a dime? Don't worry about it. OK, get it working. Hit it!''
He flies to the back of the stage, just out of view and the assistants put the shrinking on him turning him back to normal size.
Nick: ''Dad! You need some help? Dad?''
Channing: ''Is he all right?''
Nick: ''He's OK, he's back to normal.''
Channing: ''That'll do.''
Szalinski joins Nick and walks out to meet Dr. Channing. It is now time for a demonstration of the shrinking and enlarging machine.
Szalinski: ''We're here.''
Nick: ''Still got some kinks?''
Szalinski: ''Gotta get a couple kinks out of that thing, otherwise it flies beautiful. Oh, ah, sorry for the delay everybody, but strange things can happen when you're the size of a cocktail weenie. Just ask my son, Nick, he'll tell you about it.''
Nick: ''Dad!''
Channing: ''Professor, maybe this isn't a good day to demonstrate the shrinking machine. ''
Szalinski: ''Oh, nonsense, it's a great day for it. Now, what were we going to shrink?''
Christy: ''Bring out the family.''
Channing: ''The family?!''
Szalinski: ''Oh, no, no, no, just their luggage. You see, that's the amount of luggage that the average family takes on vacation. But now, with the help of my new, more powerful shrinking machine, all that luggage is going to fit right comfortably in the palm of my hand.''
The family, suddenly the target of the machine, drops their bags and make a run for it.
Father: ''C'mon, let's get out of here!!''
Computer: ''Activation in 15 … 14 … '' (continues countdown)
The machine tips, lifting Szalinski off the ground. It begins to spin around, blasting holes in some walls, and scattering the audience and technicians alike.
Szalinski: ''Whoa.''
Nick: ''Dad?''
Channing: ''Szalinski! What's going on?''
Szalinski: ''Everything's under control here.''
Channing: ''Are you sure?''
Szalinski: ''Oh, yeah. I just have to reach the… ow, oh.''
Channing: ''I'm trying to give a demonstration here, Szalinski.''
Szalinski: ''There's a switch over here, Nick.''
Channing: ''Turn it off…''
Nick: ''Which one?''
Channing: ''…And we'll do something else.''
Szalinski: ''The blue one.''
Nick: ''They're all blue.''
Szalinski: ''They are?''
The laser hits one of the side walls of the stage causing sparks and smoke to go off.
Channing: ''Please make sure that you have your safety goggles firmly secured on your forehead.''
Nick: ''Dr. Channing! Look out!''
In pushing Dr. Channing safely out of the laser's path, Nick places himself in danger. Now pointed toward the audience (and Nick), the shrink ray fires, surrounding the audience with blue lighting. The theater itself begins to shrink! Once the shrinking procedure is finished, the tiny theater falls to the ground, and assistants rush over to inspect the damage. To the audience, however, they appear as giants.
Male Assistant 1: ''Get Szalinski.''
Male Assistant 2: ''Yes, sir. ''
Nick: ''It's OK. Don't worry everybody. I've been through this before. Dad! Dad!! We're down here.''
Szalinski drops to the floor, wearing one of his ''hands-free'' helmet inventions. Flicking on a flashlight, he peers through a large magnifying glass at the audience.
Szalinski: ''Everybody okay in there?''
Nick: ''Dad, Down here!''
Szalinski: ''Oh, there you are, Nick. Sorry everybody, the machine blew a fuse. I got some more in my office … I hope.''
Nick: ''Good luck!''
Diane: ''Wayne, thank goodness you're all right. Is everything OK? ''
Szalinski: ''Honey, I shrunk the audience.''
Diane: ''You what?!''
Szalinski: ''I'll be right back.''
Diane: ''Wait, wait, where's Nick?''
Nick:'' Mom! Hey mom! I'm down here! I dropped my snake. I .. I think he might be over there.''
Diane faints falling to the floor.
Channing: ''She didn't land on anyone, did she? Don't worry, she'll be fine. Um, look. Just stay in your seats, ladies and gentlemen, and we'll blow you up as soon as possible. All right? You know what I mean.''
Dr. Channing and an assistant drag Diane away.
Nick: ''Be careful with her. Don't drop her on anything. You'd think she'd be used to this by now. Uh, oh. Here comes trouble! ''
Adam: ''Ooo, little people.''
Adam kneels down, and takes a flash photograph of the tiny theater.
Nick: ''You'll blind us! What are you trying to do?! Little brat. You don't …''
Adam: ''I'm going to show the little people to mommy.''
Adam, picks up the theater and carries it with him as he searches for Diane.
Nick: ''Leave the little people. Adam, Adam! Don't pick us up! Whoa. Adam! Slow down. Whoa! Ad- Put us down!''
Male Assistant: ''Easy Adam. Easy.''
Nick: ''Give him the theater. Give him the theater! Adam!''
Adam walks past a few assistants (in the hands free helmet cameras) and up to a television screen displaying their recordings.
Nick: ''Put us… Look, we're on TV! Whoa!! Whoa. Adam. Stop. Stop. Stand still, Adam. Get my dad. Stop. Turn around.''
Male Assistant: ''Interesting.''
Christy: ''Go find Professor Szalinski. Adam, just watch where you're going, OK?''
Female Assistant: ''Oooo!''
Adam: ''Hi, mom. Look what I got.''
Diane: ''Adam, you put that theater back where you found it right now. March young man!''
Channing: ''And for goodness sake, don't drop them. All right? On second thought, Adam, maybe you should just give it to me. All right?''
Nick: ''Not a good idea, not a good…''
Channing: ''Come on Adam. Just give me the theater.''
Adam: ''Mine!''
Channing: ''OK, OK, just put it down gently. Put it exactly where it was, otherwise the exits won't line up. Ah, good. Good boy. Szalinski? Have you fixed that thing yet?''
Szalinski: ''I think I got it.''
The machine fizzles and knocks the lights out again momentarily.
Szalinski: ''I guess not.''
When the lights come back on, something is moving in the distance. It's Nick's pet python, Gigabyte. He looms like a monster over the miniature audience, peering at them through yellow reptilian eyes.
Nick: ''Oh, no! Gigabyte!! Everybody, stay still. I haven't fed him yet…''
Suddenly, the snake strikes. Quark appears, scaring Gigabyte away from the theater. Quark runs up to Nick, barks, and then chases after the snake.
Nick: ''Way to go, Quark!''
Diane: Ya know, Nicky, if these kinds of things don't stop happening, no one is gonna invite us anywhere.''
Nick: ''Mom, just tell dad to hurry up before one of those Disney sweeping people comes through.''
Diane: ''OK.''
Szalinski: ''I fixed the machine! Stand clear everybody.''
Diane: ''Come on, Adam.''
Szalinski: ''Let's hope the power holds out.''
Channing: ''He's fixed it! See, I told you everything would be fine. Ha, ha, ha. Szalinski! This had better work, otherwise the Institute will be ruined. Think of all those tiny lawsuits.''
Nick: ''Hold on everybody, here we go.''
Szalinski aims the machine at the audience, and starts the expansion process. But just before the ray goes off, a blur of fur flashes by. The audience is back to normal size.
Nick: ''Way to go, dad.''
Szalinski: ''Hey there, buddy.''
Diane: ''You did it, honey.''
Christy: ''Nick, you were so brave!''
Channing: ''So, it is with great pleasure that I present the Inventor of the Year Award to Professor Wayne Szalinski.''
Szalinski: ''Thank you, thank you, thank you very much. Ya know, when I began tinkering in my attic just a few years ago…''
Nick: ''Dad!!''
Szalinski: ''Nick, I'm in the middle of my acceptance speech.''
Nick: ''We got a big problem.''
Szalinski: ''How big?''
Nick: ''Humungous.''
Diane: ''Wayne, you didn't?''
Szalinski: ''Honey, I did. I blew up the dog.''
Quark, now a giant , wanders onto the stage, still wearing his safety goggles. Technicians run in fear as the giant pooch barks.
Channing: Bring in the curtain! Quiet! See you in a bit. Same time next year - with any luck.
Szalinski: ''Stay put.''
Channing: ''Shrink that dog!''
Szalinski: ''Stay boy.''
Christy: ''Watch out for his tail.''
The a red curtain drops, blocking the stage. Quark pushes his nose between the curtain.
Channing: ''That's it… no more pets allowed on Institute property.''
Szalinski: ''Stay boy.''
Christy: ''Oh, no!''
Channing: ''Help! Call the SPCA! Call the National Guard!''
Szalinski: ''Come here, boy. Come here. Come here, boy.''
Channing: ''Sit, sit, no, no, no, don't sit.''
Quark just sniffs the audience. As he ducks back under the curtain, he sneezes, covering the audience with a wet mist.
Diane: ''Quark! You know better than that.''
Szalinski: ''Watch out for the cable!!''
The lights go out, and when main power has been restored, the original Imagination Institute curtain has been lowered. Quick to get the audience to safety, a Institute technician bids farewell to the crowd, as Szalinsky tries to capture his dog behind the curtain
Assistant: ''Ladies and gentlemen, I think it's safe to remove your safety goggles now. Um, please look around you and gather up all your personal belongings and exit through the doors to the left. Please deposit your safety goggles in the silver bins as you exit the building and thank you for joining us today. Bye-bye.''
