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Lesson 10
Reply to post your assignment.
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6 Replies
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I have created my work on Final Draft. How do I get it to you?
It is 8.5 pages. I would hate to have to create this in word from the start. Help.
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Jeanne,
Today I copied my final draft and pasted it into a Word document. I pasted it from there to here. Not sure if you can past directly here or not. Margaret
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I forgot to write
What I learned from this assignment: pragmatically speaking, I learned how to copy and past the Final Draft version of what I created. Though it is a tedious process, unless someone can tell me how to copy the whole scene instead of just a paragraph at a time. Anyway, what I found exciting is how easy it was to go from the outline we created to the actual writing of the scene. I followed the outline almost exactly. I now have the tools I need to move one to lesson 11.
FADE IN:
EXT. SIDEWALK – NIGHT
BRAD,31, overly confident, high-level corporate software educator, DARIN, 29, successful webpage designer, and MATT, 25, withdrawn black man, friend of Darin walk down a San Diego sidewalk. Brad dominates the energized conversation. They arrive at their destination.
INT. RESTAURANT RESERVATION PODIUM – NIGHT
MATT
Paris?
BRAD
Yep. For three weeks!
MATT
You goin’ too, Darin?
Darin, Brad’s husband, takes glasses off, avoids Brad’s eyes.
DARIN
No. I really wish I could.
The HOST arrives to check them in. A PERSON escorts the men to a table for six.
MATT
Aren’t you scared of getting lost?
BRAD
Brad looks at Matt as if the question is absurd. Responds with a French accent.
No way. I am a Army, how do you call it, “brat”. I was raised in “Pareeee”, and we traveled all…
Brad’s voice fades as he continues his dialogue.
EXT. SIDEWALK – NIGHT
LAURA, 26, blond, South Carolinian, has southern accent, gentle, naïve walks down sidewalk, enters the restaurant.
INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT
Laura is guided to Brad’s table. Darin stands up and gives Laura a quick hug.
DARIN
(Bows with grace)
It’s always so good to see you Laura.
Darin, with flair, pulls out a chair for her next to Matt. Brad stays seated, rolls his eyes, shakes his head, which no one sees.
DARIN
Laura, this is Matt, he is the brother of one my best friends.
Laura puts her hand on Matt’s arm.
LAURA
Hi Matt, I’m so glad to meet you. Any brother of my favorite cousin’s best friend is automatically a friend of mine!
Laura looks at Brad. Struggles to say hi.
LAURA
Hi Brad, How are you?
BRAD
Bien, merci. Happy birthday.
Darin, Matt, and Laura all join in with best wishes.
LAURA
Thank y’all so much!
BRAD
Please don’t anyone start singing. That is so lame.
Laura looks around. Breaks the awkwardness.
LAURA
Let’s get some drinks goin’ here. ANDREA and JUSTIN should be coming through that door any minute now.
Darin signals for a waiter.
LAURA
And let’s get separate checks, but I’ll take care of Andrea.
Matt looks at Darin with fear. Darin signals he will take care of it.
EXT. SIDEWALK – NIGHT
Andrea, turns 27 today. The dinner is a “twofer” since she and her fiancé, Justin, 30, Italian, determined, comes from wealth, stands on his own, are coming home from a three month cruise as employees. They are in their uniforms. They enter the restaurant.
INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT
Andrea and Justin hear the “noise” coming from Brad’s table and escort themselves there.
Darin greets Andrea with a hug and shakes Justin’s hand.
DARIN
Welcome home and happy birthday; a real “twofor” for sure.
General greetings all around. Laura hugs both Andrea and Justin. Matt watches and smiles. Brad remains seated.
Andrea looks at Justin, points to finger and “asks” through looks if she can share. Justin, nods.
ANDREA
But, actually, tonight is a “threefor”.
She shows everyone her engagement ring.
BRAD
What in the hell is that? Is that supposed to be an engagement ring?
Everyone is looking.
LAURA
Oh, I know what that is. It’s a ring made of those colorful plastic strips you weave together to make key chains and things. I love it!
DARIN
Oh, yea! I love the colors. Let’s see yellow, orange, violet, and white. Cool.
ANDREA
Justin got to “play” with the kids on this cruise, and while they were working on theirs, he made this for me, and I absolutely love it.
JUSTIN
The real jewelry on the ship is bit out of our range right now.
ANDREA
And you know I love this more than anything else you could’ve given me!
(To everyone)
AND, No, we haven’t set a date YET. Maybe after our next cruise.
JUSTIN
That one is gonna be six months.
ANDREA
And he is gonna be moving on up the ladder. So, ultimately, I will be the captain’s wife.
JUSTIN
And I will be married to the highest ranking Cruise Ship RN in sailing history!
Andrea and Justin take their seats and general conversation continues silently.
INT. RESTAURANT – TIME PASSES.
Dinner is done. People have changed seats and are enjoying desert. Andrea is talking with Laura. Justin is getting to know Matt, and Brad and Darin are talking with each other.
LAURA
Oh, I forgot. I picked up the mail on the way out, and guess what.
ANDREA
What? What?
Laura is pulling mail out of her purse.
LAURA
There were lots of card-sized envelopes in there!
Andrea excitedly shares several cards with Laura and suddenly stops.
ANDREA
Oh, shit! That son-of-a bitch. I told him never to contact me again. Son-of-a-bitch!
Everyone grows quiet. Matt looks totally confused looking at Darin for a clue. Darin shakes his head “no” to Matt, and mouths, “Later.” Matt nods.
BRAD
(Intoxicated)
Gee, that card couldn’t be from your Daddy, could it?
DARIN
(Leaning in to Brad, quietly begging)
Let it go, Brad.
ANDREA
(Glaring at Brad; faking French accent)
“Wee, Wee, my sewer, however did you know?”
LAURA
(Getting up quickly)
You know what? I’ve gotta wash my hands and freshin’ up a bit. Come with me Andi.
Laura practically pulls Andrea out of her chair and takes her to the girl’s room.
INT. LADIE’S ROOM – CONTINUOUS
LAURA
(She grabs Andrea’s arm)
What in the hell is the matter with you girl?
ANDREA
(Pulling away)
You know how I feel about my father!
LAURA
I’m not talking about your father. I’m talking about you and Justin.
ANDREA
The truth? He’s just like my father. For some reason he hates me, and I don’t know why, and I hate his arrogance and his attacks.
LAURA
Well, just cool it. Okay? We’re here to celebrate for pity sakes.
ANDREA
What am I supposed to do?
LAURA
Ignore him! Period, Andi. Now let’s get back to havin’ some fun.
Girls return to the table. It is obvious, Darin is not too happy with Brad and neither is Justin. Matt just watches.
BRAD
(Slurring some of his words)
I know I’m gonna be in deep shit, but I’m gonna say it anyway!
Darin turns away, Justin stands up. Laura sits, defeated. Matt stares. Andrea stays standing. Brad stays sitting.
BRAD
I’m sick and tired of your little self-pity tantrums whenever the topic of your father comes up. What did he do, call you chubby when you were little, slap your little bottom when you were bad?
Andrea sits, takes a sip of her drink, and tries to ignore him.
BRAD
My daddy bolted when I was three, but you don’t hear me going on and on about what a bastard he was.
JUSTIN
Brad, I think you’ve made your point. We all have grievances, but some are more traumatic than others.
BRAD
Oh traumatic, how dramatic. And exactly how much trauma did little miss drama queen experience.
JUSTIN
It’s none of your business.
BRAD
Well, she always makes it our business, doesn’t she.
ANDREA
Okay. I’ll tell you what he did. Besides beating me with a razor strop ‘til I had welts from two, belting me across the face so hard I fell off the kitchen chair, telling me I’m no good for anyone or anything and…
Laura and Darin know these events; no one else does.
Andrea pauses to decide if she can reveal the worst part.
ANDREA
And he, which NOBODY KNOWS, sexually abused me for years. I guess I was good enough for that.
Justin stands up. Laura slumps in disbelief. Brad doesn’t move. Matt is embarrassed. Darin is in shock.
I’m soooooo sorry my anger, and hurt, and shame, put me on edge whenever I hear his name. I’m done here.
Andrea grabs purse, runs out. Laura gets up. Darin goes after Andrea. Justin signals both to sit, he runs after her. Brad takes another drink. Matt just watches.
DARIN
I’m done. Come on Brad, I’m driving.
They exit. Laura moves next to Matt, puts her hand on Matt’s arm.
LAURA
Well Matt, I’m so sorry I didn’t get a chance to know you better tonight.
As Laura reaches for her purse, she is turned away from Matt.
MATT
(Pause. Looking down)
Cops killed my brother right in front of me. They thought he was some other guy.
Laura stares at Matt. Gets up. Matt gets up. Laura holds Matt a long time.
LAURA
I’ll take you home.
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This reply was modified 2 years ago by Jeanne Sanner. Reason: I forgot to write what I learned from the lesson
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This reply was modified 2 years ago by
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Laurie – What I learned from this assignment- I did indeed learn how to use placeholders to move through some of the scenes. I knew I needed to figure out a few crucial things that the whole screenplay revolves around- but using the outline and placeholder helped keep it moving. I am working in Final Draft.
EXT. VERMONT SKI AREA 2018- DAY
OUTLINE
Beginning- joking with kids on the ski trail
Middle- deciding not to go down a run with them
End- skiing out of control and hitting the tree
EXT. VERMONT SKI AREA 2018-DAY
Erin and Maggie are waiting half way down the mountain, looking up. Hunter skis down to them, slightly out of control, and does a sliding stop that purposely sprays them both. Laughing, Maggie pushes him over, but he takes her down with him.
ERIN-35
Hey you two!I guess some things never change.
Erin offers her pole to Maggie to help her up, but Maggie pulls her down instead and they are all helpless with laughter.
Annie skis down to them, a smooth, careful skier, and gracefully stops. She smiles down at them affectionately.
ANNIE-60
I’m so lucky that my grown children actually like hanging out together.
MAGGIE-20
What makes you think I like this guy? He’s like the ‘millennial’ poster child. Gag.
Hunter, Erin and Maggie, untangle themselves and stand up, brushing off snow.
HUNTER-32
The millennial who built your app…and taught you how to ski.
ERIN-35
I taught her how to ski! And changed her diapers.
ANNIE-60
I taught you all how to ski. Well, mostly. Dad… Joe, helped teach you two. He used to take you on his ski patrol rounds.
This last statement is directed at Erin and Hunter.
ERIN-35
I remember.
They exchange a wistful look.
MAGGIE-20
Mom, you looked pretty on top of your skis coming down. You still got style!
ANNIE-60
Thank you. But you don’t have to sound quite so surprised. Turning 60 doesn’t mean I’m ready for the old folks home.
HUNTER-32
Guy on the lift told me they just opened Crazy Chutes, so they’ll be fresh snow, you guys game?
ANNIE-60
You three go ahead, I’m going to take Easy Street down.
HUNTER-32
You sure Mom? We can all just stick together.
ANNIE-60
Go for it. I’ll meet you at chair 5.
Hunter and Maggie take off down the slope, but Erin slides closer to Annie.
ERIN-35
You ok Mom? I can stay with you.
ANNIE-60
No, no, I’m fine, you go catch up with them. I don’t mind a little time on my own.
Erin leans in and gives her a quick kiss, then takes off down the slope, hollering out a big ‘Yahoo’. Annie smiles down at her brood, then notices a ski patrolman in the distance. She grows wistful. She shakes it off and starts to hum a song as she takes off towards a sign that says ‘Easy Street’.
The song stays with her as she gets into a rhythm and picks up speed.
Someone skiing out of control crosses into her path and she veers off to the side of the run to avoid them.
Annie catches an edge and goes flying into the woods, almost regains her balance, dodges a few bushes, then smacks hard right into a tree and all goes to black.
INT. ALTERED STATE-TIMELESS
OUTLINE
BEGINING- Annie wakes up in the altered state, with colors and memories swirling around her and a guide, a hooded figure in white
MIDDLE- Annie is shown her memories, some she can immerse herself in briefly. She always comes out
END- One of her memories was not long before Joe died- she immerses herself in it, only doesn’t come out
INT. ALTERED STATE-TIMELESS
Black lightens to deep purple, to dark lavender as Annie, still at 60 and in her ski clothes, opens her eyes. She is sitting, cross-legged on one of the many roots of a silver birch tree that extends out of vision. Their appears to be no ground, no horizon, just an endless space.
What looks like billions of grains of different colored sand is swirling around her and the tree. Annie looks around and notices lots of other swirls, some closer, some tiny, some overlapping. She looks back and sees that the root next to her has morphed into a silver hooded figure. She gasps as a face emerges.
ANNIE-60
Sarita!
Sarita smiles and nods.
ANNIE-60
Is this..where am I? I, I know you died years ago- so am I dead?
SARITA
Not quite. Your outcome is not apparent yet.
ANNIE-60
So what is this? My imagination? A dream? A very, very colorful dream?
SARITA
You are in a timeless space along with many other souls who are in a state of transition like you.
ANNIE-60
Soul?
SARITA
Soul, thoughts, conscious, memory, essence, spirit. All that makes us who we are, that is not physical. It has many names. No one is just a body, that is simply a vessel.
ANNIE-60
I’m not sure I understand.
SARITA
I’m trying to explain in the words that are common to you. It’s different for everyone.
ANNIE-60
Ah, so this is my imagination, which decided that you, my old yoga teacher was the best one to dummy down, whatever this is. For some reason I thought once I died everything I ever wondered about would become clear.
SARITA
Ah- all knowing. Well, for one thing it doesn’t’ work that way and for another you have not passed over- your language- yet. Time and space are merged here. This is a metaphysical space where (INSERT better LANGUAGE)…
ANNIE-60
Hmm, that doesn’t sound like my language.
SARITA
Well, it could be that you read it at some point in your life, and are recalling it now. I’m teasing you. Look around.
Annie notices all the many swirls. Some of them suddenly swoop off towards a brilliant light like a vibrant swarm.
SARITA
Most in this space or waiting to pass, or are in comas, perhaps even in a drug induced, trance induced or, as I was taught from the Tibetan Book of the Dead, one of the bardos, such as Chikkhai, the Fourth bardo.
ANNIE-60
Actually, I understand that. And I am not afraid. But..I don’t think I want to …go.
SARITA
That’s one of the reasons why you are here. Most often there is no choice. Your vessel is no more. But sometimes, the body, mind, spirit- your heart, is unresolved. [PLACEHOLDER NEEDS WORK]
Annie sighs.
ANNIE-60
Is.. is he here somewhere?
SARITA
He is right here, look closer.
Sarita draws Annie’s attention to the millions of colorful particles swiftly swirling around them. Sarita gently inserts her hand into the stream and it slows. The particles form into various scenes from Annie’s life that rapidly glide by- like a swiftly moving large slide show, but more fluid. Every now and then you can see a glimpse of a person, object or place. Sarita spreads her fingers hand and briefly halts a memory scene that looms large in front of Annie.
INSERT- MEMORY SCENE 1
Annie-25 delightedly throws her arms around Joe-25, who hugs her hard, which makes her fart. They both break into laughter.
The scene dissolves and swirls away. Annie smiles wistfully. Sarita stops another memory.
ANNIE-60
Hey- that’s you.
INSERT-MEMORY SCENE 2
A Sarita at 50 is helping Annie-35 with a yoga position.
The scene dissolves and Sarita shows Annie several more in rapid succession. They are brief and not in chronological order.
INSERT-MEMORY SCENE 3
Sean-40 showing Hunter-12 how to play the bass.
INSERT-MEMORY SCENE 4
Annie-8 playing with her dolls.
INSERT-MEMORY SCENE 5
Annie-25 marrying Joe-25
INSERT-MEMORY SCENE 6
Annie-30 skiing with Joe-30 and Erin-4
INSERT-MEMORY SCENE 7
Annie 41- giving birth to Maggie
Annie is enthralled.
ANNIE-60
Wait.. wait. Can I see some of those again, can you hold them for longer?
SARITA
You can visit your memory if you like.
ANNIE-60
What do you mean?
SARITA
Everything that ever was is here. Your thoughts, your memories are timeless. And time has no parameters here, no limits. Visiting a memory may help you come to a better understanding of the direction your soul should take at this great intersection. What memory would you like to inhabit first?
ANNIE-60
Um, when I was child, playing with my dolls, my mother was there I think.
Sarita reaches into the swirls and stops the scene of Annie at 8 playing with her dolls.
SARITA
Reach out to little Annie.
Hesitantly, Annie-60 reaches her hand into the scene. Her hand, then her arm, then her whole body dissolves into a million colorful particles and is absorbed into Annie at 8.
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Margaret’s Inciting Incident
What I learned: I need a reaction to the inciting incident, which I hadn’t planned in my outline.
EXT. OTHER WORLD – BEACH – DAY
Jabe is face down, motionless in the sand.
Jabe lifts his head, spits out sand. The sound of ocean waves catches his attention.
He turns to see an expanse of water, waves gently lapping the shore.
JABE
What??
RUSTLE
His attention is redirected to a baby iguana lizard moving through the sand. Jabe instinctively jerks away, only to see 5 more lizards running past him.
He jumps up.
JABE
AHHH!
He brushes off a lizard crawling up his pants leg. Lifts his head to see a snake in the distance, body twisted around a struggling baby iguana.
He watches as a group of 5 or 6 snakes lift their heads, search the beach.
A baby lizard pokes his head up through the sand. Eyes blink.
A snake slithers slowly towards Jabe and the lizard. Jabe backs up, watches in horror, shakes in fear as he avoids the darting lizards.
The baby lizard scurries, three snakes take off in pursuit. They capture the lizard, all their bodies entwined into a rolling, twisting mass of snake.
Another baby lizard pokes his head up.
JABE
Run!
The lizard slowly moves up the beach.
JABE
RUN!!!
The snakes move closer to the baby lizard.
Jabe shudders, leans down, and after several attempts, catches the lizard by the tail.
Jabe runs with the flailing lizard, away from the snakes, jumping over fleeing lizards.
He reaches a rock, sets the iguana down, jumps up on top of the rock, breathes heavily.
JABE
(mutters)
Gotta hit the gym.
He sits on the rock to rest, looks out at the ocean.
JABE
Not real. Not real. Not real.
Jabe hits the side of his head several times, blinks rapidly. He opens one eye.
The ocean is still there. So are the fleeing lizards…
…and the snake slithering up the rocks!
He jumps up, climbs up the rocky face of a bluff…
EXT. ROCKY BLUFF – DAY – SAME
…only to come face to face with the blinking eyes of four iguana, resting on the top of a rock. His head jerks back, they watch each other for beat.
JABE
(nervous)
Move over, guys.
Jabe pulls himself up as the lizards scatter. One more rock to go and he will be at the top.
Jabe’s fingers grasp the top ledge of rock. He finds a foothold for a foot, pushes himself up, peers over the ledge only to see…
…three DOREK MEN frowning down at him. A shimmering aura surrounds them.
Jabe freezes, inspects the men.
JABE
Tell me this isn’t heaven.
The white-haired oldest of the three, ALO, a man who wears kindness and wisdom like a coat, shakes his head and reaches out a hand to help Jabe up.
ALO
A Hedeon on the beach at birthing? A dare, perhaps?
All the Dorek are trim, not over 5’9″ in height. As Jabe stands, his tall frame towers over them.
A purple aura surrounds Jabe. He tries unsuccessfully to brush the purple away.
His aura, along with his threatening size, put the Dorek men ill at ease. Jabe notices their discomfort. He shrugs, gives a nervous laugh, lifts empty hands.
JABE
Heh, just think of me as Barney.
The two Dorek men pull out odd-shaped guns.
Jabe’s aura instantly turns from purple to a pale yellow.
Alo motions for the Dorek Men to put their weapons down.
ALO
Don’t be afraid, we mean you no harm.
Protagonist’s reaction to the inciting incident
Beginning: Jabe tries to find the way home.
Middle: Jabe asks why she is “purple” and not like the others (Everyone else in the room has a pearly iridescent aura).
End: Alo states rejecting the Orb marks them for death.
INTERIOR – ALO’S HOME – DAY
Jabe sits at a table with the Dorek men, rubs his temple, clearly ill at ease.
Alo hands him a square box. The box is filled with liquid and has a smooth half-moon raised edge on one side. Jabe inspects it, smells it.
Alo sips his, placing his lips on the raised edge. Nods for Jabe to drink.
Jabe takes a small sip. Coughs.
JABE
Thanks. Er, what is this?
Alo looks confused at the question.
ALO
Galena? You’ve never had need of it?
JABE
No, I… I…
Jabe breaks down, his aura changing from purple to yellow to gray.
ALO
What is it, son?
Jabe sobs out an answer.
JABE
I don’t know what Galena is, I don’t know who the Dorek or the Hedeon are. I don’t know why I turn purple, or yellow, or gray. I just want to go home.
Alo rests his hand on Jabe’s shoulder.
ALO
Where is home, son?
Jabe looks up, hopeful.
JABE
Whittier.
Alo cocks his head, questioning.
JABE
Whittier, California.
Alo shakes his head “no.”
JABE
L.A.?
Alo doesn’t respond.
JABE
Los Angeles?
(a beat)
Come on, everyone knows about Los Angeles.
(a beat)
Everyone?
Alo responds slowly.
ALO
This Los Angeles place is not known here. I would help you go wherever you need to go, but I could not point the way.
Jabe speaks through his tears.
JABE
Let’s start with this, then. Galena?
Jabe holds his cup up.
ALO
A calming agent.
Jabe chugs down his drink as Imara (20’s) enters. Her purple aura matches Jabe’s after his drink.
She starts at the sight of what she thinks is a Hedeon man, her aura turns red and she slams the plate of food she carries down on the table. Her biting tongue reflects her fighting spirit. She turns an accusing eye on Alo.
IMARA
I will not go back with him! Your promises are like water on a hot day!
Alo rushes to reassure her.
ALO,
Imara, he is not Hedeon.
Jabe lifts his hands in surrender.
JABE
Not Hedeon. Not me. I don’t know what you would call me.
Imara spits her answer.
IMARA
Not welcome. No purple is welcome.
Alo clears his throat, replies gently.
ALO
Imara. All purple are welcome here. It is our greatest hope that they would all learn of and accept the Orb, as I hope you will one day.
Imara stares at Jabe.
Jabe breaks the silence.
JABE
So why are you purple?
Imara looks at Alo, confused.
ALO
We are all born that way. Weren’t you always purple?
JABE
Not until I got here, wherever here is.
Jabe addresses Imara.
JABE
Have you ever heard of Los Angeles?
Imara doesn’t speak, just shakes her head “no.”
JABE
OK then, who can tell me why people keep changing colors?
Alo smiles.
ALO
True Dorek never change. Only the Hedeon, and you apparently.
JABE
I thought you said everyone was born purple? How do you get to be a Dorek? Imara is here, why is she still purple?
Imara is tired of this dense man.
IMARA
I haven’t seen the Orb.
Jabe is overwhelmed by another wrinkle. He hums the theme song from twilight zone.
JABE
Do do do do. Do do do do.
Imara looks at him as if he is crazy.
JABE
Just saying, I mean, humming.
Jabe tries to redirect, notices the plate of food.
JABE
So, what’s for dinner?
IMARA
What do you think? Its birthing day. We are having snake.
Jabe looks as if he wished he had never asked.
JABE
Ok, then.
Alo nods to the empty chair.
ALO
Take a seat, Imara. We will eat.
Imara dishes out the snake to Alo, herself, and then Jabe.
Jabe would rather talk than eat.
JABE
So, what is this Orb thing?
Alo swallows his bite.
ALO
That is a discussion better left when not eating. Suffice it to say, those who reject the Orb are marked for death.
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Assignment 10: Act 1 Inciting Incident
Outline and write Key Scenes 2 & 3.
BEAT SHEET
INT. BACK AT DAVE’S APARTMENT, AFTER GRADUATION CEREMONY
The mail came – three letters that will change Dave’s life. He opens the first – a scholarship offer – drops it in the wastebasket. The second – he’s not getting the job. The third, his fiance has dumped him. He flies into a rage, flings the letters and storms out the front door.
EXT. DAVE’S APARTMENT – ONE MINUTE LATER
Dave jumps on his motorcycle and roars off like a maniac.
EXT. ROUTE 128, MANCHESTER, MA, NORTHBOUND – MINUTES LATER
Dave races through traffic at terrifying speed. He makes a foolish error and a half second from certain death is rescued by an angel riding a motorcycle.
INT. BACK AT DAVE’S APARTMENT – ONE HOUR LATER
Glen sees Dave dropped off by the police. Dave enters. It’s evident Glen has read Dave’s mail.
<hr>
OUTLINE
INT. BACK AT DAVE’S APARTMENT, AFTER GRADUATION CEREMONY
BEGINNING: Glen is out. Dave swaggers in, smug and full of himself, 10ft tall and bulletproof.
MIDDLE: He picks up the three envelopes. He opens the first. Tall Pines College in Northern California, offers him a full graduate scholarship and teaching fellowship. He tosses it aside. The second is from MegaFace, ‘regretfully’ withdrawing their offer of employment. He’s stunned. He opens the third, from his fiance, basically saying that the wedding is off and she’s gotten engaged to Dave’s old HS friend. He turns the envelope over and an engagement ring falls out, hitting the counter with a thud.
END: He goes from shocked to devastated to enraged. He flings the letters away, kicks over the wastebasket, and storms out, slamming the door as hard as he can. He snatches the ‘For Sale’ sign off the Kawasaki motorcycle on the lawn, starts the engine and roars off like a rocket.
EXT. ROUTE 128, MANCHESTER, MA, NORTHBOUND – MINUTES LATER
BEGINNING: Dave races down the highway at insane speeds, weaving in and out of traffic.
MIDDLE: He yells, screams and tailgates a minivan in the passing lane that won’t get out of the way fast enough. It finally moves to the middle lane only to reveal the back of a slow-moving truck that just lumbered onto the highway from a utility vehicle turnaround. Dave is literally a half second from death, with no possible escape. Suddenly another figure on a motorcycle, Sam, races past and snatches Dave off his bike just before it hits the truck and explodes in flames.
END: Dave and Sam are sitting at the side of the road, joined by the family in the minivan and the driver of the truck. In a moment when others are occupied, Sam leans in and tells Dave he’s an angel, sent to protect him. Sam leaves just as the police arrive.
INT. BACK AT DAVE’S APARTMENT – FORTY MINUTES LATER
BEGINNING: Glen has returned. He looks out the window as Dave is dropped off by a police car. Dave enters and says nothing. The letters are on the kitchen counter in front of Glen. He knows. Dave glares at Glen.
MIDDLE: Glen holds up the previously discarded letter from Tall Pines College and says maybe Dave should reconsider.
END: Dave ignores him, walks to his room and flops on the bed, exhausted.
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