Lesson 10: Banter, Flirting, and Expressions of Love?

[Renee Miller]

Renee’s Banter / Flirting / Expressions

Banter Scene
INT. HIGH SCHOOL GYM – DAY
Banners and old props from school days past fill the gymnasium, its age apparent from the fading and chipping paint. Sarah and Mike rummage through dusty boxes looking for decorations.
Mike is elbow deep in a box of old banners, streamers, and decorations from dances past. He pulls out a “CLASS of ‘95” banner and holds it up to her.
MIKE
After graduation, I never thought I’d see you again. But here we are 25 years later. Who would have thought we’d be teaming up again.
SARAH
Yeah, life is … full of surprises.
An uncomfortable silence fills the room. Mike puts the banner down and takes a step closer to Sarah.
MIKE
Sarah, about what happened at prom – I never got the chance to tell you…I didn’t do what they said I did. I never cheated on you. I swear. I loved you.
Sarah’s breath hitches. She flashes him a pained smile.
SARAH
It’s been a long time, Mike. I think it’d be best if we leave the past in the past and just focus on the reunion, okay?
Mike nods, crestfallen. He looks at her, hoping to find someway to bridge the gap between them. Mike looks down at the table and spots a familiar photo. He grabs it and looks at it more closely.
MIKE
Remember this dance? We argued about the playlist for a week. You almost banned all my band’s songs.
Sarah looks over at the photo and lets out a small laugh.
SARAH
Your band’s songs were…an acquired taste. But, you were right about one thing – everyone loved them that night.
MIKE
You were always the one who knew how to get people moving, even if it was away from the snack table to avoid your experimental baking.
Sarah chuckles, raising an eyebrow.
SARAH
Experimental? That cake was avant-garde. Besides, how many people can say they’ve tasted a…blue raspberry chocolate cake?
MIKE
I stand corrected. Avant-guard indeed. You always were ahead of your time, Sarah.
The mood lightens. Mike nudges a box of decorations toward her.
MIKE
So, think we can make this reunion less dramatic than our prom?
Sarah finally looks up at him. He notices a small glimpse of the old spark in her eyes. He smiles.
SARAH
We can try. But I’m not making any promises about the playlist or the cake this time.
MIKE
Fair enough. And hey, if we pull this off, maybe it’ll be a new start…for the high school and the town, I mean.
SARAH
A new start could be great, Mike. For the high school and town.
They turn their focus back to the task at hand.
Flirting Scene
INT. HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY – DAY
The once bustling hub of student activity now wears a coat of neglect. Fluorescent lights flicker sporadically above, casting uneven shadows over the worn linoleum floors.
Shelves that once held rows of brightly colored books are sparse, with many volumes missing or faded from years of use.
Sarah and Mike sit around a cluttered table with DJ, the cheerful class clown turned local radio celebrity, and LIZ, the ever efficient yet slightly bossy former class treasurer.
DJ
So, we’re agreed on the ‘90s theme, right? I can get the music, but I’m telling you, no one wants to hear grunge all night.
Liz reaches across the table and grabs a sheet of paper. She studies it, then places it a pile of other documents.
LIZ
Absolutely not. We need variety. Sarah, what do you think? You always had good taste.
SARAH
How about we start with grunge for the arrival, switch to pop and dance hits later. Keep everyone energized.
Mike, watches Sarah, then leans in.
MIKE
And when exactly will you grace the dance floor? I need to prepare my camera.
Sarah looks up, caught off guard. She gives him a wry smile, amused.
SARAH
Oh, planning to document my moves, Henderson?
MIKE
Hey, historical documentation. Future generations need to know about your legendary dance skills. Plus, I still owe you a dance from prom.
DJ laughs. Liz looks between the two and rolls her eyes.
DJ
Man, if we’re bringing up old debts, I still owe you for having to save me from that dance with –
LIZ
Focus, people. We’re not here to rehash every high school dance.
MIKE
Ignore her. So, about that dance – should I be scared.
SARAH
Terrified. I’ve only gotten better with age.
Mike gives her a wide, appreciative grin.
MIKE
Well, then I’m looking forward to it. And maybe, if you’re lucky, I’ll show you my secret move.
SARAH
Is it legal?
MIKE
Mostly. But it does require a partner. Any volunteers?
Sarah laughs, shaking her head but clearly entertained. Their eyes meet and there’s a brief moment of silent communication. Liz claps her hands together, startling everyone.
LIZ
Okay, lovebirds, back to work. Let’s not forget what will happen to this high school and in return this town if the reunion isn’t successful. We have a lot to do still, so let’s get to it.
DJ chuckles.
DJ
Same old Liz.
Mike and Sarah look at each other one last time before ducking their heads and getting back to work.
Emotional Love Scene
EXT. FARMHOUSE – DAY
Sarah and Mike pull up into a small parking area in front of a quaint farmhouse. Back a bit further is a barn that looks a little worse for ware. Mike gets out of the car and heads up to the farmhouse.
The door opens and a friendly GRANDMOTHER, mid 70s, steps out and greets her. Sarah reluctantly steps out of the car. Mike shakes her hand and bounds off the steps to Sarah.
MIKE
She said we can go ahead and take a look at the barn. We just need to let her know when we leave.
Without a word, Sarah turns and starts toward the barn. Mike sighs and hurries after her. The reach the barn and Mike heaves open the door. They step inside.
INT BARN – DAY
Sarah looks around, disappointment evident on her face. The walls show their age and the ladder to the hay loft is broken, hanging by a rotting piece of wood. Mike moves past her, surveying the area.
SARAH
This would be perfect if it didn’t look like it was about to collapse.
Mike scoffs.
MIKE
Maybe if we had a bigger budget, we could afford something that’s not on the verge of collapse.
SARAH
I know, Mike. I’m just…it’s been a long day.
Mike
But I’m pretty handy and I’m sure we could get some of the guys that are still in the area to help spruce it up a bit.
Sarah looks at him and turns to leave.
SARAH
I don’t think any amount of paint is going to fix this place.
She walks out the door. Mike’s shoulders sag and his head drops in disappointment. He takes one last look around, then jogs toward the door.
EXT. FARMHOUSE – DAY
Dark clouds roll across the sky. Mike looks around and spots Sarah heading toward the small lake at the back of the property. She stops at the edge and stares up at the sky. Mike comes up behind her slowly.
MIKE
Sarah, are you alright?
Sarah shakes her head and let’s out a bitter laugh.
SARAH
Yeah, Mike. I’m fine. I’m always fine.
The wind picks up around them, whipping Sarah’s hair about her face.
MIKE
Look, whatever it is, you can talk to me.
Sarah turns and looks at him a sad smile on her face.
SARAH
You’re the last person I want to talk to about this.
Lightning splits the sky. The winds become fiercer. Large rain drops fall to the sky. Mike looks up, concerned.
MIKE
We need to find cover.
He looks around the area. The barn is too far away, but there, a small gazebo. He grabs Sarah’s hand and drags her toward the gazebo. The sky opens up and within seconds they are drenched. Thunder booms overhead.
They reach the gazebo, both dripping wet and breathing heavily. Sarah, annoyed, pulls her wet hair back.
SARAH
Perfect, just perfect. Another day ruined by unforeseen circumstances.
MIKE
At least it’s not a snowstorm, right? It can always be worse.
She gives him a not-amused look – are you kidding me? A tense moment passes, then Sarah cracks a reluctant smile.
SARAH
Yeah, or a swarm of locusts. Guess we should count our blessings.
The wind howls around them and the gazebo creaks. They sit down, facing each other, both reluctant to be the first to speak. Mike picks at a thread on his pants.
MIKE
Sarah, about your…finance. That took everyone by surprise. You okay?
Sarah looks away, her face hardening. She takes a breath and looks back at him, her expression softening.
SARAH
I don’t want to talk about him. It’s…complicated.
MIKE
Got it. No pressure. Just didn’t like seeing you that upset.
Silence falls between them. The rain pounds rhythmically on the roof of the gazebo, filling the silence between them.
SARAH
Thank you Mike I…I appreciate you, you know? Always looking out for me, even after everything.
MIKE
Sarah, no matter what happens, I’m here for you. Always have been.
Sarah meets his gaze, a mix of old affection and new-found respect evident in her eyes.
SARAH
I’ve missed this…us. I was so caught up in everything else, I forgot how much I relied on…how much I missed having you in my life.
MIKE
Well, I’m not going anywhere. And hey, we’ve weathered worse storms than this, right?
They laugh, the tension melting away as they reminisce. The storm begins to lessen. The world beyond the gazebo has become a soft, washed-out painting.
SARAH
Let’s make a promise not to lose touch again after the reunion. No more running, no more hiding from what we want…from what I want.
Mike reaches across and takes her hand. She squeezes it, he returns the gesture, his grip firm and reassuring.
MIKE
No more running, I’m right here, Sarah. Always.
They sit in silence, hands clasped, watching the rain slow to a drizzle.

[Donna Donna Hoke Hoke]

MEET CUTE banter scene:

Meet Cute: Charlie is invited to a Little League game by her best friend. She has an unpleasant encounter with the coach.

Charlie: You’re Brad’s friend?

Eamon: Since childhood

Charlie: When did he grow up and leave you behind? Ten? Where you’re still perfecting your fart joke?

Eamon: [Tells a fart joke]

Charlie: Don’t.

Eamon: [farts]

Charlie: Are you actually on this team? Like I’m in some kind of sci-fi time travel nightmare?

Eamon: Want me to pull your pigtails? Or just tell you smell?

Charlie: Don’t do either. That would mean you like me.

Eamon: [does it anyway]

Charlie: Is being a bachelor really worth all that?

Eamon: God yes. My toilet seat hasn’t been down in seven years.

Charlie: But–

Eamon: Two toilets. One for each.

Charlie: You’re disgusting.

Eamon: Look at that. I’ve worn you down to pure insults. Let’s do this again sometime.

• This reply was modified 8 months, 1 week ago by  Donna Donna Hoke Hoke.

[Brenda Clarke]

LESSON 10. BANTER/FLIRTING/EXPRESSIONS OF LOVE
Identify places in the script than these can be built in.
Write at least one scene for each and tell us how you built them in.
What I learned doing this assignment at the top.
Banter between Annie and Mollie at pub?
Flirting from Jean at Picnic (day of driving lesson)
Expressions of Love, When Mollie goes to bail Jean out of Prison.
BANTER:
INT. PUB – late evening.
Annie, Christabel and Mollie at the “special” pub in Soho. Mollie reaches into her pockets.
Annie: Right, I’m buying.
Annie: Blimey, putting your hand in yer’ pockets first thing of an evenin’?
Christabel: How many races have you won?
Mollie: None lately. Two pints, one . . .
Bar tender: . . . ginger beer.
Mollie smiles at the girls, they get their drinks & clink their glasses “Cheers”. They drink.
Annie: So come on spill the beans, who is she?
Mollie: Blimey is it that obvious?
Christabel: Well, someone’s dipped you in honey and rolled you in rose petals.
Annie: Yeah, you look like the cat that’s got the cream. Do we know her?
Mollie: I don’t want to say nothin’ just yet.
Annie: Oh well, she’s probably not your type, stuck up is she?
Mollie doesn’t respond, but grins from ear to ear.
Christabel: Come now, is it a new love or did you finally perfect that engine you’ve been tinkering with?
Mollie: (Smirks) Perhaps I’ve just taken up gardening. Fresh air, sunshine… works wonders for the skin.
Annie: What’s her name, Daisy? Rosey? Or somethin’ more exotic?
Mollie taps the side of her nose.
Annie: Perhaps she’s just pullin’ yer leg and she’s really only interested in dick.
Mollie: No, I’m not barking up the wrong tree with this one.
Christabel: Really?
Mollie: She definitely wants lickin’ not stickin’!
They LAUGH.
Annie: Good for you, so when do we get to meet this rare specimen?
Mollie: All in good time. (Grins) Let’s just say I’ve found something… or someone… worth savouring.
Annie: (Feigning shock) Goodness! And here I was thinkin’ you were sworn off all things romantic. What changed? Did Cupid finally perfect his aim?
Mollie: (Winks) More like I finally let down my defences. It’s rather pleasant, nevah’ felt like this before.
Christabel kisses Mollie on the cheek.
Annie: Right, I’m expectin’ a full report soon, with all the delicious details. “Lickin’ not Stickin” that’s a corker, I’ll be using that one for sure.
The women all LAUGH with each other, Mollie pleased as punch.

• This reply was modified 7 months, 3 weeks ago by  Brenda Clarke.

[Dean Burkey]

Dean's Banter / Flirting / Expressions

What I learned doing this assignment is a cool way to give necessary information without it sounding like exposition, even when it is – it totally is!

Banter Scene: Meet-Cute

Setting: The first day of filming. Ethan, trying to reel in a fish for the romantic scene, stumbles and falls into the water, creating an embarrassing but funny moment. Sophie watches, trying not to laugh.

Ethan: (scrambling out of the water) “The Olympic diving judges would give me a unanimous 10.0 for that one.”

Sophie: (grinning) “Yeah, I can see why they cast you as the expert fisherman.”

Ethan: (wringing out his shirt) “My dignity, just needed a quick rinse.”

Sophie: (teasing) “Well, let me know if it surfaces again. We might need it for the next scene.”

Ethan: (pretending to be offended) “I’ll have you know, I was voted ‘Most Likely to Stay Dry’ in high school.”

Sophie: (laughing) “And clearly you peaked back then.”

Ethan: (laughing) “Clearly.”

Flirting Scene: Attraction/Flirting

Setting: After rehearsing a romantic scene together, Ethan and Sophie are taking a break by the dock, watching the sunset.

Ethan: (smiling, looking at the water) “You know, if this whole acting thing doesn’t pan out, I’ve got a real future as a fisherman. One fish down, millions to go.”

Sophie: (mock seriousness) “Oh yeah, because flopping into the lake was such a great start.”

Ethan: (leans in slightly) “It got you to laugh, didn’t it?”

Sophie: (meeting his gaze, smiling) “Maybe. But I’m laughing at you, not with you.”

Ethan: (grinning) “That’s progress. At least you’re paying attention.”

Sophie: (playfully nudging him) “You’re impossible.”

Ethan: (holding her gaze, voice softer) “But I’m growing on you, aren’t I?”

Sophie: (teasing) “Like a skin tag.”

Expressions of Love Scene: Climax/Ultimate Expression of the Conflict

Setting: Ethan has organized a grand romantic gesture in the fishing village. The cast and crew are gathered, and Ethan is about to confess his feelings for Sophie in front of everyone.

Ethan: (taking a deep breath, looking at Sophie) “I should've told you this sooner, Sophie. But it's about time you find out for yourself. I'm not perfect. Not even close. I know I’ve messed up, said the wrong things, done the wrong things… and I hurt you.”

Sophie: (softly) “Ethan—”

Ethan: (interrupting, determined) “I have to say this. Because what we had—what we have—it’s not just acting. It’s not just a role. It’s real. You’re real to me. And I… I’m in love with you, Sophie.”

Sophie: (eyes filling with tears, stunned)

Ethan: (taking a step closer) “I’ve been trying to figure out how to show you, how to prove that you mean everything to me. But the truth is, there’s no grand gesture that can do that. It’s just… it’s me, standing here, asking you to give us a chance… um… another chance.”

Sophie: (emotionally) “Ethan… I…”

Ethan: (reaching out to her) “I love you.”

Sophie: (smiling through her tears) “I love you too.”

• This reply was modified 7 months, 3 weeks ago by  Dean Burkey.

[Pamela Rice]

Hi,
When will Lessons 11-14 be posted online? I’d love to finish the class.
Many thanks,
Pam

[Rita Roberts]

Thanks for asking this Pamela. I thought there were more lessons coming and I was behind.
I’d love to finish it too!

[Rita Roberts]

Rita’s Banter / Flirting / Expressions
What I learned doing this assignment:
The relationship of my couple is pretty lighthearted, the characters experience roadblocks and upsets but they are both likable and forgivable = easy banter although the story is a little more on Ariale’s transformation.
ASSIGNMENT:
1. Identify places in your script that you can build in banter, flirting, and expressions of love.
2. Write at least one scene for each and tell us how you built in banter, flirting, or expressions of love.

BANTER
————
EXT. COFFEE SHOP – DAY
Ariale sits at a sidewalk table, petting the dog.
Her new friend brings their drinks.
BEN
Soy chai for you and what do you know? A soy chai for me as well.
Ariale smiles, shy and curious.
BEN
And doggie treats for Mr. Chuck. Here, you give them to him to cement your friendship.
Chuck sits up, ready for any friend with a treat. One gulp and it's gone.
Ariale leans down to Chuck's face. Rubs his ears.
ARIALE
What a good boy.
Chuck licks her whole face and she lets him. Giggles.
Ben watches, pleased with her response.
BEN
And she doesn't mind a little dog slobber to top off her chai.
ARIALE
Thank you for being so nice. I'm sure I look like a total nut-job. I didn't even comb my hair this morning.
BEN
I trust Chuck's radar. He wasn't gonna budge without sniffing you. Kinda like a certain politician, this one.
Ariale shudders.
ARIALE
Except Chuck is much less creepy!
BEN
Thank goodness that didn't get your hackles up. We can move forward now without anyone throwing punches.
He tilts his head toward a pair of eavesdropping women at the next table. They leave in a huff.
ARIALE
Oh, you like to ruffle feathers by saying true stuff. I am so on board with that.
Their conversation flows just like a regular Saturday between friends.
Ben scans the tables.
BEN
Who else can we upset? It's always nice to have some privacy.
ARIALE
Leave it to me, I can clear a room, no problem.
Ben's eyes widen.
BEN
Do I dare ask for a demonstration?
ARIALE
Maybe on the second date.
She tries to take back her words.
ARIALE
I should go. Clearing the room as we speak.
BEN
I didn't mean you! Hold up!
She's already several paces down the sidewalk.
——————
*FLIRTING*
EXT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT
Ariale waits at the entrance. She waves at Ben as he crosses the street.
Another awkward cheek kiss.
ARIALE
Aw, no Chuck?
BEN
Sorry, it's just me. I can lick your face if you want.
(pulls his jacket up over his head)
That was so weird, I'm such a dork…
Ariale laughs.
ARIALE
I get it. I'm a bit nervous.
BEN
Um, yeah. Chuck is the charmer so we'll have to be grown ups now.
ARIALE
That might be a stretch. For me, I mean. I'm kind of a dreamer.
Ben opens the door for her.
BEN
Excellent conversation starter. Well done. I'm all ears.
——————
*LOVE*
EXT. BEACH – DAY
Ben hurls a stick into the waves.
Chuck lunges after it, even happier than usual.
Ariale keeps pace, splashing Ben with foamy surf.
BEN
Keep going, I mean if there's more.
ARIALE
I'm just wondering if I should do something for Gayle.
BEN
Definitely. Everybody can get past it now that the truth is out.
ARIALE
That's what Betty said. We're past it now.
BEN
Wait. If Dale isn't your dad… I got confused.
Ben's the one holding his head together while Ariale laughs.
ARIALE
Even Betty didn't know all the twists and turns.
BEN
You're handling this amazingly well.
ARIALE
It's all so ludicrous, how can I not laugh? My entire life was based on lies.
Ben looks in her eyes.
BEN
Until now.
ARIALE
Until now. This is the truth.
Chuck sneezes.
BEN
That's his seal of approval. But seriously, maybe you could draw me a flow chart in the sand, because I'm still not sure I get it.
Chuck brings his stick to Ariale and sits for the lesson.
(Scene continues with twisting family revelations.)