World empire, for sale.
EXT. VIA DEL PLEBESCITO (ROME) – ROYAL PROCESSION – SUNRISE
A dual column of purple-uniformed honor guards on white horses escorts an elaborate horse-drawn carriage.
CONTINUING PROCESSION (ROME)
The column enters the Piazza Venezia, where girls in extravagant uniform of purple and gold hold imperial flags. Behind them are Italian mounted police, magnificent in their flowing capes.
EXT. PIAZZA VENEZIA (ROME) – CONTINUING PROCESSION
Crowds gape at young people who act as honor guards in varying hues of purple and carrying scepters signifying power. There are a great many cameras visible, amateur and professional; advanced versions of the MovieScepters made for the Show, along with body-worn cameras and personal devices.
EXT. PIAZZA VENEZIA (ROME) – CONTINUING PROCESSION
The column passes by the majestic Il Gesu, comparable only to St. Peter’s, where a gaggle of priests crowds the door to gaze at the passing procession.
EXT. PIAZZA DELLA MINERVA (ROME) – CONTINUING PROCESSION
The royal carriage stops in front of the Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva.
EXT. PIAZZA DELLA MINERVA (ROME) – CONTINUING PROCESSION
The carriage sits still.
Imperial viceroys from around the world are assembled in solemn formation. Military guards hold flags from many nations. Girls wearing golden tiaras await the descent of the passenger from the carriage.
EXT. PIAZZA DELLA MINERVA (ROME) – ROYAL PROCESSION (STOPPED)
The door of the carriage opens and an elderly man, the EMPEROR, steps out.
A small girl welcomes him by handing him a golden scepter, assisted by young men.
ANGLE – PANTHEON
Its bronze pediment and roof are restored.
EXT. PIAZZA DELLA MINERVA
The Emperor crosses the piazza. He is preceded by the small girl and followed by rows of officials.
He enters the great bronze doors of the Pantheon.
INT. PANTHEON
A PRIESTESS stands in the center of the rotunda, flanked by ministers in the dim morning light. The procession of girls splits in two and marches around the perimeter, followed by world leaders.
The Emperor approaches the Priestess.
FLASH CUTS – CORONATION AUDIENCES WORLDWIDE
- Faces in the piazza
- Crowds watching the scene on video screens
- Angry government officials watching television
- People watching on mobile phones
- People in homes and public houses watching the scene
INT. PANTHEON
The Emperor kneels. The Priestess takes a crown from a pillow and places it on his head.
