Day 5 Assignments

[Sydney Burtner]

CM 5: QE Cycle #1 — Write this Scene

INT. MIDTOWN EAST BAR – NIGHT

ROBERT, 42, tough guy in a leather jacket, but with an engaging smile steps in and drinks in the old glamour ambiance. KELLY, 25, a beautiful waitress, in a short black cocktail dress, takes an order back to the bar.

KELLY

Sit anywhere you like.

ROBERT

Damn straight.

She glances at him quizzically, yet keeps smiling.

ROBERT

Sorry. I’m Robert. I’m one of the new owners.

KELLY

Oh! Well, most agree that the best table is right here. I’m Kelly.

She seats him at a table on an elevated platform that overlooks the room.

ROBERT

What kind of steak do ya have?

KELLY

Actually, it’s more of pub-style menu. I’ll bring you a menu.

ROBERT

Forget about it. Tell me Kelly, do ya like working here? Plan on sticking around?

KELLY

It’s a good gig – an upscale business crowd. I know it’s cliche, but I’m an actress.

ROBERT

Impressive. Make sure you invite me to your next performance.

TRENT, 35, silk suit and over-sized briefcase, cruises in. He shakes the bartenders hand. He greets a couple nearby.

TRENT

(to bartender)

Put their drinks on my tab.

Robert walks over and greets him with a two-handed handshake.

ROBERT

Look like you belong here, partner.

Trent turns about in the suit so Robert can check him out.

TRENT

Hey, this place everything I said, right?

ROBERT

I’ve seen worse.

Trent puts his hand on Robert’s shoulder and walks him back to the “best” table. He’s been here before.

TRENT

This is the go-to spot for all the CEOs and the Big Dealers. You and I are gonna make a killing.

ROBERT

Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.

TRENT

Huh?

ROBERT

They don’t got steak. A place like this should have steak.

TRENT

We’re the guys that can fix that.

They sit. Robert leans back.

ROBERT

Yeah, I’m an owner. After twenty years working for the system. I’m no longer the fool.

TRENT

What kind of work were you in?

ROBERT

We need to celebrate. Time to drink.

(loud)

Your best scotch.

Kelly whispers inaudibly to the Bartender. She climbs a stool and opens an unlocked cabinet.

KELLY

You sure? It’s unopened and…

ROBERT

Perfect. Only the best for me… and my partner.

Kelly pulls out a bottle and brings it to the table.

ROBERT

(to Trent)

So, Partner, when can get your half of the deposit.

TRENT

What? I told you I was cashing in some stocks. It would take a few days. Paperwork. Jeez.

ROBERT

Don’t get bent. I’m just a little light on cash.

TRENT

I did you a favor by letting you in on this deal. I told you where my money’s coming from, which is more than you told me?

ROBERT

Savings. I earned it.

TRENT

Doing what?

Robert looks at the bottle Kelly brought, holding out his hand to take it from her.

ROBERT

Now we’re talking. Let’s celebrate.

Robert moves to unseal the bottle — before he can, Trent snaps it out of his hands.

TRENT

Whoa! McCallan M! This is twenty thousand a shot. We’re not opening this.

ROBERT

What’re you talking about?

TRENT

This is a collectors item. Probably picked up at auction. Very rare.

ROBERT

Oh.

(to Kelly)

I’ll take the McCallan 12.

TRENT

Ketel One martini, straight up and dirty. Chilled glass please.

Kelly turns to put in the order, but has to turn back.

TRENT

Miss, three olives. And by ‘dirty,’ I mean slightly dirty. Don’t let Champ over do it.

Again, Kelly makes a few steps to the bar, but has to stop.

TRENT

And Miss, grab me a couple of brown paper bags.

(to Robert)

This is why we need me running the front.

ROBERT

Seriously? Twenty “Gs” an ounce.

TRENT

Yeah, and they got it hidden away. I know a guy who can make a special locked cabinet, that shows the label. And we put it where everyone can see it.

ROBERT

Who’s this guy?

TRENT

He works out of his studio in Chelsea. No store front. I’ll take care of it. No problem.

ROBERT

That’s a lot of our inventory in one bottle. I’m just saying… I’d like to know his name.

TRENT

I said, I’ll take care of it. What’d you think I’m going to hand it over to an asshole?

Trent sees Kelly bringing their drinks.

TRENT

I gotta take a leak. Drinks are on the house obviously, but give her a good tip. Gotta keep staff happy.

Trent exits. Robert speaks under his breath.

ROBERT

I think I’m the asshole.

Kelly sets the glasses on the table. Robert gives her a twenty dollar bill.

KELLY

I’m sorry, what was that?

ROBERT

I was saying, my financial partner, in the suit, he’s a talent agent.

KELLY

Really? Which agency?

ROBERT

It’s something with a ‘W’ I think. He likes to keep a low profile with civilians like myself.

KELLY

WME!

ROBERT

Yeah, that’s the one. He’s kind of a big deal. This bar is just a side hustle for him. I could convince him to meet with you one-on-one, if you like.

KELLY

Please! That would be amazing!

ROBERT

Just play it cool for a minute. I’ll hook you up when I find an opportunity.

KELLY

Thank you. I’ve got a scene prepared. I’ll be ready.

He winks. She hustle’s back behind the bar and puts on lipstick. She starts silently rehearsing her lines.

Trent returns. He sees the PAPER BAGS Kelly left. He puts the expensive bottle in the bags and wraps it tight. He places it in his briefcase as Robert glares, then leans in.

ROBERT

(whispers)

Hey, you got an admirer.

Trent looks at him quizzically.

ROBERT

The waitress. I told her you were a good guy… and available.

Trent looks over at the bar. She notices and smiles big. He returns the smile.

TRENT

What’d she say?

ROBERT

She was asking about you. She likes the suit-type. Every woman like a high roller… like yourself.

TRENT

Yeah, but she’s staff.

ROBERT

Want me to hook you up?

Trent thinks about it and looks over at her.

ROBERT

Stay here, I’ll talk to her.

Robert walks over to Kelly. They converse inaudibly. Back at the table, Trent smells his breath and pops a mint.

Robert points Kelly to a back room. She smiles at Trent and walks into the back room. Robert gives Trent the thumbs up. Trent stands, buttoning his suit and saunters after her.

Smirking, Robert sees Trent left his briefcase. He hurriedly goes to it and goes through it checking over his shoulder. He finds clothes instead of files inside.

He checks the pocket, finding a plane ticket to St. Barth’s. Grimacing he glares at the back room door.

He grabs the brown paper-wrapped scotch and hands it back to the bartender. He pulls out brass knuckles and fits it on his fist. He marches into the back room.

[Nadine Weathersby]

Nadine Weathersby- Write this scene Robert and Trent

INT. IRIS PUB – ST. PATRICK’S DAY

ROBERT, a smooth talking 24-year-old stands a round table near the bar having a green beer. The pub is decorated with St. Patrick Four leaf clovers and pictures of Irish folklore. Many WOMEN and MEN and standing at round stand-alone tables with green table coverings drinking and talking loudly. St. Patrick’s Day celebration is in high gear, many are visibly tipsy.

Robert takes a sip of his beer, pauses noticing someone seated at the bar. He does a double take craning his neck to get a better look. His expression changes to concern as he gets up and moves closer to the bar. He approaches a man who’s back is to him.

ROBERT

Trent?

TRENT, 26, dressed meticulously in designer’s attire from head to toe, wears a fake Rolex which he checks before he looks back for the source of his name.

TRENT

(nervously)

Hey, what’s up?

Robert leans in.

ROBERT

Hey man, why have you been ghosting me?

TRENT

I’m not.

Trent checks his watch. His gold chain glistens in the dim room from the lights at the bar.

ROBERT

You know you still owe me for the medicine.

TRENT

I need some more of that man.

That was some good weed. Did you forget

you help me smoke that shit. I need that hook up.

Robert looks irritated.

ROBERT

I’m not giving you or that fat ass dude

that’s always hangin’ ’round you running

your errands and wiping your ass a damn thing.

Where’s my money?

Trent tries to lighten the mood.

TRENT

Man chill. You and I can make some

coin together. Here’s the deal, you put up

the money for the product and I sell it doubling

our money. I got the contacts.

Robert takes a sip on his beer before he speaks.

ROBERT

Now why in hell would I want to partner with

your fake broke ass, you fuckin’ Ghost? You and

Jamie left me hangin.’ Speaking of Jamie.

I thought I saw you and Jamie at the movies

last week. But it was dark. King Kong and

Godzilla was no joke!

Trent’s face begins to show anger but he tries hard to conceal it.

TRENT

I ain’t been to no fuckin’ movie man.

Are you trying to start some shit?

The BARTENDER interrupts as he wipes down the bar.

BARTENDER

Can I get you two another round?

TRENT

(to the bartender) Yea, on him.

ROBERT

(to Trent)

No. No. Like I said, it was dark as hell and

I was so high…I few times I thought that

Ape was in the theater.

Trent looks like he’s about to explode and wrings his hands. He takes another sip of his drink and swallows hard. He looks all around the room. People are toasting, celebrating and there’s very little space for walking.

TRENT

Come on, follow me, there’s this rapper dude

I want you to meet. He’s got some good product

and is surrounded by pussy.

Robert throws Trent a curious look as he leaves the bar. Trent takes the lead as they walk to the rear of the Pub. Trent makes a sharp right into the men’s room. Robert follows with a silly grin on his face. As soon as they enter Trent whips around grimacing. His jaw is tight and his eyes look dark and cold.

INT. PUB MEN’S ROOM – DAY

Trent points his right finger in Robert’s face.

TRENT

You prick, you think I’m stupid. You know you didn’t see Jamie at the movies. She’s been visiting her mom in Ohio for 3 weeks.

Robert uses his left hand to move his hand down. When Robert moves his hand downward, Trent upper cuts him with his left hand. Robert’s head jolts backward first and then his body hits the wall. Robert, stunned for a second, gathers himself and lunges back at Trent as he throws some quick punches to Trent’s face. Trent grabs Robert around his torso, body slams him and they both fall to the bathroom floor. Trent climbs on top of Robert. Robert twists his body sideways and puts Trent in a leg lock. Trent squirms and twist until he gets Robert in a head lock. Robert tries to elbow Trent and reach around him throwing punches backwards. Momentarily, Robert passes out.

[Tom Wilson]

Lesson 5 Scene – First Version

INT. CAR REPAIR SHOP – NIGHT

TRENT enters. ROBERT hands him a drink. They toast the new year.

ROBERT
I was pleased I introduced
you to my sister.

TRENT
Madge is quite a gal.

Trent feels woozy, looks at his drink.

Robert lets him lie down on a cot in his backroom.

Later Trent goes to exit but the backroom door is locked.

From the outside, Robert unlocks the door and enters.

ROBERT
You knocked Madge up.

TRENT
What?

ROBERT
You’re lucky. She wants to
keep the baby and marry you.

TRENT
We had sex only once. A week ago.
She can’t know yet if she’s pregnant.

ROBERT
If you don’t marry her, you’ll
pay child support from now on.

TRENT
I can’t afford to marry anybody.
Or support a child. I’m nearly broke.

ROBERT
What about all those fancy
vacations. And the Maserati?

TRENT
I watch Travel Channel about fab
vacations so I can impress people.
The wheels belong to an old friend I take
care of. She’s in a wheelchair. I fetch her
groceries. Get to use the Maserati weekends.

ROBERT
I don’t buy it.

Trent struggles with the door but can’t open it.

From the outside, MARVIN unlocks the door and enters.

Trent tries to escape. Marvin punches him in his solar plexus.

He gasps, can’t breathe.

ROBERT
Trent, this is Marvin.
Oh, I see you’ve met.

Marvin shoves Trent into the well in a the repair bay.

A hydraulic hoist holds a car directly above the well.

Marvin handcuffs Trent to the hydraulic shaft that raises and lowers cars to be worked on.

Trent embraces the hoist’s shaft directly under the elevated car.

TRENT
I’m not the guy you think I am.

Robert speaks to Marvin.

ROBERT
Remember, the ER. Not the morgue.
Marvin kicks Trent in his right kidney. #

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Lesson 5 Scene – Rewritten Version

INT. DIRTY CAR REPAIR SHOP – NIGHT

TRENT enters.

ROBERT closes and locks the door.

Trent overdoes a Boston accent.

TRENT
This a tough nabahhood?

Robert picks up a glass of champagne. Nods at another on the desk.

Trent picks up the other glass. Raises it.

ROBERT
To the New Year.

TRENT
The New Yeah!

Trent takes a sip. Eyes a second-hand desk. Sees rips in an upholstered chair.

ROBERT
Our bright future ahead.

I was pleased to introduce
you to my sister.

TRENT
Madge is quite a gal.

ROBERT
But not so much lately.

Trent feels woozy. Sets down his glass.

Robert opens a backroom door.

ROBERT
Have a seat.

Trent enters the room and sits on a cot. Slumps over. Falls asleep.

LATER Trent wakes up. Pulls on the door handle. It’s locked.

From the outside, Robert opens the door and enters.

ROBERT
Madge’s pregnant because of you.

TRENT
What?

ROBERT
You’re lucky. She wants to
keep the baby and marry you.
TRENT
We had sex only once. A week ago.
How could she know if she’s preggers.

ROBERT
You’re an expert. Rape a lot of girls.

TRENT
There was no rape.

ROBERT
As long as you cooperate.

Trent puts his glass down. Takes a step forward.

TRENT
What’d yuh mean?

ROBERT
If you don’t marry her, you’ll
pay child support from now on.

TRENT
You can’t prove I’m the dad.

Robert slides Trent’s glass into a plastic baggy.

ROBERT
DNA don’t lie.

TRENT
I can’t afford to marry nobody.

ROBERT
What happened with the “pahk my cah in Ha-vid Sqar.”

TRENT
Or support a kid. I’m nearly broke.

ROBERT
What about those fancy
vacations. And the Maserati?

TRENT
I watch Travel Channel about fab vacations.
To impress people. The wheels are an old
friend’s. She’s in a wheelchair. I fetch her
eats. Get to use the Maserati weekends.

ROBERT
I don’t buy it.

Trent shakes the door. It won’t open.

The door POPS open. MARVIN enters.

Trent pushes past him. Marvin punches him in the solar plexus.

Abrupt exhale. Hands go to his knees. Short gasps for breath.

Marvin’s a big-boned mouth breather. Mustard on his cheek is left over from lunch.

ROBERT
This is Marvin.
Oh, I see you’ve met.

TRENT
I’m not the guy you think I am.

Marvin guides Trent out the door. He stumbles to a repair bay.

A hydraulic hoist holds a car overhead.

Marvin tapes Trent’s arms up to the hoist shaft.

Trent is trapped directly below the car that can be dropped at any time.

Robert speaks to Marvin.

ROBERT
Remember, the ER. Not the morgue.
Marvin punches Trent. #