6. The story, part one

The treatment for what became known as ET II: Nocturnal Fears was produced by Spielberg and Mathison in July 1982.

The story opens with the treetops of a forest being disturbed in much the same way as the original film, evoking the opening scenes as a strange light appears in the sky.

A mothership, similar to the one kids around the world know and love, lands and opens up, disgorging some familiar shapes, who waddle down a ramp.

We cut to Elliott and his family as they prepare to spend their first summer without their otherworldly pal.

Much as it's particularly tough for the children, Elliott, Gertie and Michael have bonded since their experiences and constantly share stories about his time on Earth, much to the chagrin on their mother, Mary (Dee Wallace), who wishes that they'd move on a little more.

And now for our favourite part of the treatment, as we're sent back to the landed mothership.

"The aliens on board are EVIL. They have landed on Earth in response to distress signals.

These aliens are searching for a stranded extraterrestrial called Zrek, who is sending a call for help."

Yes, ET's real name is apparently Zrek.

"The evil creatures are carnivorous. Their leader, Korel, commands his crew to disperse into the forrest to acquire food.

As the squat aliens leave the gangplank, each one emits a hypnotic hum which has a paralysing effect on the surrounding wildlife."

We soon learn that these nasty new arrivals are an albino faction of ET's civilization. And, oh yes - they've been at war with "Zrek"'s people for decades.

All together now: Dun dun duuuurr!

To be continued...

Next: Shooting starts