Day 17 Assignments

[Edward Gillow]

Ed Gillow Lesson 17 QE Cycle #4

LOGLINE: Two best friends meet for lunch to make sure a secret remains between them.

ESSENCE: Hard to trust anyone to keep a secret especially when others can gain from the knowledge of that secret at the expense of others

TRAIT YOU CHANGED: Changed Maxine’s snobbish trait to judgmental

SCENE:

INT. POSH LA RESTAURANT – DAY

MAXINE, attractive, mid 20s, sits alone at a table near the entrance. Head on a swivel, twisting her hair, and chewing her gum, Maxine keeps her eye on the front door and who is in the restaurant is a somebody. Now and then, she takes a sip of her water.

RENEE, very attractive, mid 20s, dressed to the nines – even at noon, makes a grand entrance through the front doors.

Maxine waves to Renee, who acknowledges her with a head nod.

As Renee runway walks her way toward Maxine, she acknowledges people she recognizes with a nod, or a handshake, or a double cheek kiss. Finally:

Maxine rises to greet Renee. They do the double cheek kiss.

BOTH

Muah. Muah.

Both women sit.

RENEE

Darling, sorry I’m late. Bradley will be in after he parks the Bentley. Just had my third callback for the lead in Fast and Furious twelve. You know how long those can run over.

MAXINE

Yeah, I remember.

RENEE

Oh, I’m sorry love, I forgot your agent dropped you. Guess it’s tough not getting out much.

Maxine reacts to Renee’s comment.

MAXINE

Why is Bradley coming?

RENEE

Well I know how found he is of you, thought it would cheer you up.

MAXINE

Thanks. The reason I asked to meet here is to make sure you haven’t told anyone my secret.

RENEE

I may be one to always want to win, but I would never be that devious. Especially to you.

MAXINE

I need for you to promise you haven’t told anyone.

RENEE

Geez Max, you are really being paranoid here.

MAXINE

This is my career here, Renny. If this gets out, I’m done in this biz. You are my BFF. You have to promise me you haven’t told anyone. If you have this would ruin our friendship.

RENEE

Since you put it that way… I promise.

MAXINE

Promise you haven’t told anyone.

RENEE

I promise I haven’t told anyone. Geez. You satisfied?

Maxine smiles and nods.

A handsome waitperson, DOUG, 30s, arrives at their table.

DOUG

Hi, I’m Doug. I’ll be taking care of you two beauties today. Can I start you out with a drink?

RENEE

Doug, sweetie, can you give us five minutes?

DOUG

No problem. Be back in five.

As Doug walks away, Renee checks him out.

RENEE

What I could do to that man in five minutes…

MAXINE

Uh Renny, you have a fiance. You are so prissy.

RENEE

Oh… yeah.

Renee throws her menu up like a barrier between herself and Maxine.

Several moments pass – WHEN:

MAXINE

Speaking of Bradley.

Renee drops her menu.

RENEE

What about him?

MAXINE

Maybe, I shouldn’t say anything.

RENEE

No, no. Come on Max, spit it out.

MAXINE

Well, the other day, after I told you my secret? Bradley point blank asked me which casting director I slept with.

Renee has a deer in headlights look.

RENEE

Uh…

MAXINE

How did he know to ask me that?

RENEE

Max, I… uh…. well…. maybe…

BRADLEY, handsome, 30s, arrives with a big smile.

BRADLEY

Hello Ladies!

Renee and Maxine stand to greet Bradley. Cheek kisses all around.

RENEE

Perfect timing my dear, Max and I were chatting about the wedding.

Maxine laughs.

MAXINE

If you two will excuse me, I need to hit the ladies’ room. I’m sure you have lots to discuss.

When Maxine is out of ear shot:

RENEE

Did you ask Max who she slept with?

BRADLEY (taken back)

What? NO! Honest.

RENEE

I think she knows I didn’t keep her secret.

BRADLEY

Oh baby, I told you this would come back and bite you.

Maxine returns and collects her things.

MAXINE

Didn’t take as long as I thought. I need to run, just got an audition notice.

Mouths open, Bradley and Renee stare at Maxine.

Maxine takes a couple of steps, stops, and turns around to face them.

MAXINE

They want me to read for the lead in Fast and Furious twelve. Well, toddles you two.

Maxine struts out of the restaurant. Gesturing to people she knows or doesn’t know.

[Denice Lewis]

LOGLINE: Maxine finds out the secret of her pregnancy hasn’t been kept.

ESSENCE: Maxine gets revenge.

TRAIT CHANGED: Maxine’s tricky trait was changed to vengeful.

SCENE:

INT. INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION ZION X, SLEEPING QUARTERS, 2029 – NIGHT

MAXINE, communications officer, crawls out of her narrow sleeping bag. Floats to the bathroom s fast as she can by grabbing onto everything.

She opens the door. Kneels. Vomits. Not close enough. Vomit floats up and out of the commode.

RENEE, the psychologist, stands at the door in her pajamas.

RENEE

That’s so gross.

Maxine yelps. Grabs her chest.

MAXINE

You scared me.

Renee laughs.

RENEE

Don’t worry. The boogyman didn’t follow you into space.

MAXINE

I wasn’t raised believing that bourgeois nonsense.

She grabs towels. Floats to catch the drifting vomit.

RENEE

You really need to follow bathroom protocol. Until we send you and the rest of the crew back home, the added scientists make it really important to be tidy.

Maxine holds back tears.

MAXINE

You know I didn’t plan being . . . I couldn’t make it here in time.

RENEE

Why not tell who the father is? The jerk should be here to help you.

MAXINE

No one else needs to know.

Renee sniffs. Blows away floating vomit.

RENEE

Take some bags to bed. It will save you this disgusting cleanup.

MAXINE

Daddy’s butler could do this faster.

She disposes of the final piece of vomit.

RENEE

How nice to be so rich. By the way, the Commander notices how much I’ve helped the crew. Said I was the most approachable psychologist he’s ever met. We’re going to have dinner.

Maxine peers out the open door in fright. Pulls Renee inside. Closes the door in the confined area.

MAXINE

Not the Commander, Renee. He’s married with three children.

RENEE

Who cares? Your affair was over a month ago.

MAXINE

I don’t have affairs with my bosses. Or date them.

RENEE

I saw you together.

MAXINE

One required meeting is not being together. What are you planning?

RENEE

I worked my butt off to get here. I’ll do whatever I need to get his recommendation when I leave in two months. Then, I can get a job that will pay me what I’m worth.

She winces. Whispers.

RENEE

But, it kind of slipped out about your pregnancy. He was concerned that you hadn’t reported it.

Maxine collapses. Holds her stomach. Tears drip down her cheek.

MAXINE

You promised you wouldn’t tell anyone. I would have been home before anyone found out. How could you?

RENEE

Our Commander needs to know. You’re putting your life and your baby’s at risk. Do you want his career on the line?

MAXINE

I care about my baby.

Renee laughs.

RENEE

Now you’re just being jealous.

MAXINE

What do you think will happen to my career if anyone finds out? I’ve dreamed of being in space my whole life. I’ve done everything to get here.

RENEE

You’ve got family.

Maxine frowns through her tears.

MAXINE

I hope the Commander takes better care of you. He raped me.

[Robert Kerr]

Bob Kerr Lesson 17 QE Cycle #4

LOGLINE: What starts as an innocent walk to the office turns horribly wrong

ESSENCE: A secret kept is revealed to cause the demise of one and the elevation of the other

TRAIT I CHANGED: Maxine from Paranoid to Bold

SCENE:

EXT: DENVER CONDO IN LODO DENVER, COLORADO – MORNING

RENEE, an attractive red head woman in her late 20’s, is waiting outside of MAXINE’s condo. She is holding two cups of Starbucks coffee. MAXINE is a stunning auburn haired thirty year old. It is an early October morning and the world is waking up.

MAXINE

Opens the door to her condo and sees Renee holding the Starbuck’s cups. Walks down the stairs and smiles.

What’s the occasion? I hope you got my standing order otherwise you’ve wasted money.

RENEE:

I asked at the counter, didn’t leave anything to chance. Even got your two packets of sweetener.

Maxine walks up to Renee, takes the cup and slowly tastes it.

MAXINE

Well the coffee is right. Still doesn’t explain why you’re outside my home at 7am?

Isn’t this neighborhood a bit pricey for you to be wandering around so early? People have door cams you know.

RENEE

I’ve walked through this neighborhood before. A gal has to dream now doesn’t she?

MAXINE

Dreaming and fulfilling a dream is tricky business. Took all my wiles and a few low cut blouses to be able to afford this place. But, still doesn’t explain why you are here at 7am?

RENEE

Thought we could walk to work and celebrate your big day. Not everyday you get promoted to VP.

MAXINE

Considering where I started from, and the pain I endured, today is worth every thing. Certainly, the secret you’ve kept has given me the security I needed to boldly go after what we both want. All boats rise with this promotion.

RENEE

Secrets are the currency of my life. But, what do you think of this outfit I ‘m wearing?

Renee opens her coat and models a very upscale business suit.

I bought just for today.

Maxine pauses in her walk and turns and looks at Renee’s outfit.

MAXINE

That looks like the outfit I wore to the “Meet and Greet” with new clients last month.

RENEE

I know. I admired it and thought it would look great on me. You know what they say, look sharp, be sharp.

MAXINE

In my experience, its what you wear under the outfit that gives you the edge to

close the deal, if you know what I mean.

Maxine chuckles.

RENEE

Oh I could never do that. Not how I was raised.

Renee closes her coat and they continue walking.

RENEE

Tell me what is the first thing you’re going to do with that big raise?

Maxine lengthens her stride and Renee has to keep up.

MAXINE

It’s not what I’m going to buy, it’s how I’m going to gain leverage for my next leap.

RENEE

That’s you, always one step ahead and usually doing it in heels.

As they come to the corner, they wait at the stop light for the pedestrian signal.

RENEE

Before you get too far into your scheming, I think that now is the time to tell you what your day is going to look like.

MAXINE

I know what the day is going to look like. What are you talking about it?

RENEE

Remember how I told you that keeping secrets was the currency of my life.

MAXINE

Sure, every good assistant keeps the ear to the ground.

RENEE

It seems the CEO was very interested to learn you had an abortion instead of attending that conference in LA over the summer. You know how he is about lying and misuse of office resources.

MAXINE

What did you do? You took me to that clinic and promised to never say a word.

RENEE

Just following your lead. Now I’m dressed for my new position and you are dressed for your termination.

MAXINE

Why you little bitch! I’ll get you for this.

RENEE

That’ll be hard to do. I’m filing for a restraining order and you’re not going to be allowed within 500 feet of me. Now, excuse me but I have an appointment and you have to face the music.

With that Renee turns the corner and walks down the street alone. Maxine throws her coffee to the ground and fumes in the street when a well dressed middle aged man comes up to her .

SPENCER

Miss are you alright?

MAXINE

Get the fuck away from me. You men are all a like. Leave me alone!

[Zev Ledman]

LOGLINE: MAXINE and RENEE want the same job, but there’s only one opening.

ESSENCE: Maxine and Renee are friends, but will stop at nothing to get the advantage for a promotion.

TRAIT YOU CHANGED:

SCENE: Holiday Party at a Hotel Ballroom

SITUATION: One person promises the other that they kept the secret, but really didn’t.

SCENE ARC: From: The promise confirmed
to: the other person discovering the secret is out.

A couple of hundred people dressed in a dressy casual, while others are in suits and semi-formal dresses. They mull about in fancy Hotel Ballroom with twenty tall, small round table which people use to set their drinks and cocktail plates on as they mingle about. Music blares from a stage where a DJ spins records. A buffet area with plates, silverware and napkins are set on both sides of the hall where people serve themselves an assortment of food. There are also two open bars areas with lines of people waiting for drinks.

MAXINE, an early thirties wearing a pants suit, talks with JASON REYNOLDS, the General Manager, who occasionally smiles and nods. Maxine notices RENEE, her early thirties gregarious friend, dressed to the hilt, coming towards them and quickly turns back to Mr. Reynolds and, after saying a few words, shakes his hand and leaves for a table made up of five fellow employees, all in their late twenties and dressed to impress who talk and laugh as they eat and drink.

BETHANY, Maxine’s friend who’s dressed in a low-cut red dress, showing her cleavage, and wearing heels nods her head up to Maxine as she approaches. ROB, a tall, good-looking slickster smiles and winks at her. Maxine sets her drink down beside them.

BETHANY: So, how did it go? I see Renee talking with him.

MAXINE: She’s just a brown-noser. It won’t help her.

Rob watches Renee talking to Jason Reynolds.

ROB: You sure?

MAXINE: Really! Come on… So, how’s the party?

ROB: Free food, free booze, good-looking women. It don’t get no better.

Rob winks at Maxine who slyly looks at Jason as he gives an uninterested smile to Renee whose trying to talk with him. After a few minutes, he jesters that he has to go. Maxine cracks a smile.

A dejected Renee looks over the hall and notices Maxine smiling at her while waving her over.

MAXINE: Renee, I was worried you weren’t coming.

RENEE: Hi everybody. Sorry, I’m late. I had to change because I spilled a glass of wine on my dress. So, I certainly couldn’t come like that.

ROB: Not sure what the other outfit looked, but you’re looking good.

Everybody else smiles and nods to her.

RENEE (CONT’D): What were you and Jason talking about?

MAXINE: Mr. Reynolds was just asking how work was going.

RENEE: Huh, I tried talking to him, but he told me he needed to go to the podium.

MAXINE: He is the Manager.

RENEE: Surely, he could have taken a few minutes.

Maxine acts like she’s distracted as Mr. Reynolds taps on the microphone at the podium and starts clapping enthusiastically, trying to make sure Mr. Reynolds notices her.

Renee looks at her suspiciously as Jason speaks in the microphone, a drink in hand.

JASON: How’s everyone doing tonight?

Cheering, whistling, and clapping is heard throughout the hall.

JASON (CONT’D): We had a great year. And, that was thanks to all of you. So, let’s keep that momentum going. Your hard work will allow us to grow even more.

More cheers, clapping, and whistling.

JASON (CONT’D): This is my little way of showing my appreciation to all of you. So, let’s get this party going!

Jason raises his glass as everyone cheers and toasts. He leaves the podium.

RENEE: I wonder if he made a decision on the Team Supervisor.

MAXINE: I wouldn’t know.

RENEE: That’s funny. He told me he had narrowed it down to a couple of people earlier at the office. He didn’t tell you?

ROB: Ladies, no more talk about business. You heard him. It’s party time! Free food, free booze.

Rob puts his arm around Bethany while glancing down her dress, which she notices and kiddingly puts a cocktail napkin to cover her breasts.

BETHANY: If you don’t mind.

ROB: I’m just admiring your outfit like half the other guys in this place.

He winks as she smiles flirtatiously at him while looking around to see who else is checking her out.

MAXINE: Haven’t you got anything better to do?

ROB: All work and no play make for a boring night. And, I know you know how to play.

MAXINE: What’s that supposed to mean?

RENEE: Rob’s just trying to get everyone to follow Mr. Reynolds’ instructions to have fun.

MAXINE: I would prefer a more refined crowd.

Rob spits out his drink from laughing.

Maxine gives him a look that could kill.

RENEE: You think you’re better than everyone else.

MAXINE: I do not. But, I’m not interested in being around a bunch of people who like getting fall on their butt drunk.

ROB: We wouldn’t want that to happen to you. But, just in case you get a little frisky later, here!

Rob throws her a condom.

ROB (CONT’D): Wouldn’t want you to get in trouble, eh Maxine.

A totally pissed Maxine glares at Renee.

MAXINE: What did you tell them, Renee?

RENEE: Nothing, I swear.

Maxine gives her an irritated, suspicious look. Rob smirks at Maxine.

ROB: It’s okay, Maxine, your secret’s safe with us.

MAXINE (to Renee): You bitch! (to the group at table) I don’t know what she told you, but I was in love. I thought we were going to be a family. He told me he wasn’t ready for a child and pleaded with me to end it… I did. I thought we would always be together. Instead, he

left me. (to Renee): Did you tell them that?

RENEE: Close. I told them you got knocked up, then he dumped you.

MAXINE: To think I trusted you.

RENEE: And, I trusted you. You know that promotion’s between you and me. I know you threw me under the bus, didn’t you?

MAXINE: I did no such thing. In fact, I told Mr. Reynolds

you would make a great assistant.

RENEE: Assistant?! You’re no manager. You alienate people. This position requires someone who’s a team player, not someone who resents anyone that excels. I would encourage those people… That’s why I deserve the position.

MAXINE: Mr. Reynold’s realizes you’re not the right person.

RENEE: Maybe he’ll change his view when he knows what you did. Remember, he’s Catholic.

Maxine furrows he eyes and purses her lips together, then throws her drink on her and leaves.

The whole table is both shocked and humored. From across the hall, Renee notices Mr. Reynold’s looking at her with deep interest.

Acting like she doesn’t see him, she sighs and shakes her head as she wipes the drink off her face and clothes. Mr. Reynolds sternly looks at Maxine as she leaves.