Lesson 5

[Michael Jones]

Mike’s QE Cycle 1: Write this Scene

As a note, I changed the character names to suit the time and situation, so Robert becomes ROBRIC, and Trent becomes TRÉOWULF.

INT. MEAD-HALL – NIGHT

VOICES clang like everyone’s goblets in a cacophony of celebration. The festive spirit catches all in its grip. The ornate horns filled with mead don’t hurt much, either.

A central hearth dominates the hall, emitting warmth and blending the scent of burning wood and the aroma of roasting meat. The smoke escapes through an opening in the roof above it.

This grand timber structure with wooden beams adorned with mythic carvings, glimmers in the torchlight from sconces around the hall.

Long, oak tables resplendent with food and drink. SOME chatter. SOME listen to the strumming of the lyre of a BARD near the center, singing and reciting the feats of great warriors.

The lord of the hall, KING HARBINTOLL, sits on his ostentatious throne-like chair in the most prominent spot, and listens to ROBRIC whisper something into his ear before slithering among the other hearth-companions.

PEOPLE cheer the Bard’s denouement, as he breaks to drink with his fellow villagers.

Everyone smiles, boasts, and displays good humor. Everyone, that is, except TRÉOWULF. Tréowulf stands out from the others, being well-groomed and clean, walking with elegant poise.

Robric floats to him, smiling and complimenting People along the way, wearing a shining jewel around his neck. Tréowulf eyes it but attempts to slip away to avoid him but Robric blocks his way.

ROBRIC

Thought you had enough after today.

TRÉOWULF

I wouldn’t mind you being close, but your breath has all the fondness I have for you.

Robric quickly notes his breath but recovers.

ROBRIC

I’m not used to squirrel. Weasel on the other hand—

TRÉOWULF

I need to see your king with urgent news from those defeated.

ROBRIC

If only they had you to fight for them, but there’s dirt involved…and effort.

TRÉOWULF

Don’t blame me that our parents liked me more. I can pick up after myself.

Tréowulf sees the Bard and introduces himself and nods to Robric to notify his king. Robric drudges to his master, pausing on the way, staring at his brother in an unsettling way.

Tréowulf pretends he doesn’t notice.

TRÉOWULF

What was that one about, the poem you just sang?

BARD

The Grendelkin.

TRÉOWULF

Recruiting talent such as your own, I would greatly delight to do. To travel to halls of other great leaders, making you renowned, having monasteries record your verses onto richly adorned parchment–would that be of interest to you?

Tréowulf flashes his white teeth, making the bard reach for his own to feel the difference he sees between them. Tréowulf has a drink put into his hand and he drinks carefully, and dabs his mouth with the back of his hand.

He sees Robric speaking to the king, and whispering something while glancing at Tréowulf. King Harbintoll stares at Tréowulf with no emotion to reveal his mind.

BARD

That would be of great interest and honor to be led by such a remarkable one as you must be. I would never know you to have had a day of battle and you must be of immense wealth to present yourself so.

TRÉOWULF

Maybe I just like looking better than the food we roast.

He hands Bard a small dagger from underneath his cloak.

TRÉOWULF

When you see me led away. Follow and bring this to me, and we have a deal.

He walks away from the Bard and makes his way to King Harbintoll and bows before him. The Bard conceals the weapon.

KING HARBINTOLL

What manner do you come here during this celebration, the freedom of my people?

TRÉOWULF

Nothing of any merit except extoll your virtue and honor you as the great king you’ve earned yourself to be.

Six GUARDS step forward with threatening stances.

TRÉOWULF

What fear have you of me? I’m unarmed as the customs demand.

KING HARBINTOLL

You don’t think I know the meaning of that stone.

Robric struts up to Tréowulf and rips it from his neck. The Guards take Tréowulf and follow Robric to a chamber at the back of the hall.

CHAMBER

They throw Tréowulf to the ground and surround him.

The Guards move in to beat him, the first throwing a punch and connecting with his jaw. A bit of blood trickles from his mouth. His teeth lose some of their bright color. He rubs his jaw.

TRÉOWULF

Always the jaw. You know, hitting the body in the right places would do a far better job of it.

And he strikes back, kicking the Guard hard in the side of his stomach causing him to gasp for air. The other Guards come at him but he punches and kicks in all the right places.

The Bard arrives and admires the battle. Robric sees the dagger in the Bard’s hand and tries to stop him but Tréowulf beats him to it.

He takes the small dagger from the Bard.

TRÉOWULF

Thanks.

And he slits the Bard’s throat.

ROBRIC

He never was good at keeping promises.

Tréowulf smashes each Guard in the face with it and stabs a hand on each of them. While they writhe in agony and confusion, Tréowulf turns his focus on Robric–and his necklace.

TRÉOWULF

You have something I’d like back.

ROBRIC

Yeah? Come and get it, then.

TRÉOWULF

That’s more like it.

Robric strikes first, strikes hard and Tréowulf stumbles back. Robric punches him in the side, then the chest. Tréowulf drops, breathing, backing away. Then, Robric lifts his hand to come down on him and Tréowulf slices him with the dagger.

Robric staggers back but Tréowulf springs on him, hits him a few times, then takes his tongue and threatens to cut it off.

TRÉOWULF

(holding Robric’s tongue)

Since you don’t use it right, you shouldn’t have it.

Robric mutters something but words just can’t form with his tongue hostage.

TRÉOWULF

Can’t hear you.

The mutters erupt again.

TRÉOWULF

What’s that?

Tréowulf let’s go and SMASHES Robric’s head on the ground. The other Guards refuse to take more.

TRÉOWULF

Right, I have a message for your king.

He looks at the dagger.

TRÉOWULF

And here it is.

[Danielle Dillard]

QE Cycle #1 by Danielle

INT. BANQUET HALL – NIGHT

The banquet hall is lavishly decorated with formally dressed COUPLES sitting at dinner tables. SERVERS dart from table to table serving food.

In the middle of the room is a stage with a podium. A bright banner hangs across the stage reading, “CARRINGTON FOSTER CARE AWARDS.”

A CHILDREN’S CHOIR finishes a song on stage. Everyone APPLAUDS. An older WOMAN, in a beautiful evening gown, approaches the podium.

WOMAN

Let’s hear it again for the Children’s Choir of Carrington Foster Care!

Everyone APPLAUDS again.

WOMAN

And tonight, we honor the man who made this gala possible. Because of his generous donations exceeding ten million dollars, the foster care can stay open and increase the chances of these children getting adopted. And the older kids aging out of the system have a home at the foster care for as long as they need. Ladies and gentlemen, we present the Carrington Foster Care Award to philanthropist, Robert Monte!

A spotlight shines on ROBERT, early 40s, dashing in a tux, sitting at a table next to NATASHA, a beautiful early 40s WOMAN. He kisses her and heads to the podium. Everyone gives a standing ovation. One of the kids gives him an elaborate plaque.

ROBERT

I’m a man of few words but thank you. I’m honored.

Robert steps down from the podium. Everyone claps. As Robert heads back to his table, he freezes when he sees TRENT, an early 20s male in jeans and a hoodie, standing at the doorway to the lobby. Robert gives the award to Natasha.

ROBERT

(in Natasha’s ear)

I’ll be right back.

Natasha nods. Robert goes to Trent as the gala continues.

ROBERT

What are you doing here?

TRENT

Come and find out.

Trent heads to a secluded room down the hall. Robert follows.

DARK ROOM – CONTINUOUS

Trent opens the door for Robert that leads to a dark room.

TRENT

After you.

ROBERT

No, after you.

TRENT

I insist.

Robert reluctantly enters the room. Trent follows and closes the door behind him. Darkness. A loud PUNCH is heard followed by the sound of items falling to the floor. Robert moans with pain.

Trent lights a cigarette lighter and we see his grinning face. He turns on the light switch and lights a cigarette. Robert is on the floor with a bloody nose. A table and chairs are turned over on the floor next to him.

Trent puts his cigarette out on the bottom of his shoe and flicks the cigarette butt at Robert.

Robert slowly gets up and wipes his nose with his handkerchief.

ROBERT

I see you haven’t lost your touch.

TRENT

Just my way of saying congratulations on your little award.

ROBERT

You’ll hear from my lawyer –

TRENT

And you’ll hear from your wife’s lawyer when she slaps you with a divorce.

ROBERT

(confused)

What?

Trent reaches in his pocket and pulls out his cell phone. He shows a video of Robert coming out of a hotel room with a teenage girl.

ROBERT

That’s not what it looks like.

TRENT

Is that the excuse you prepared for your wife?

ROBERT

I don’t need excuses for Natasha. She knows what kind of man I am.

TRENT

So, you don’t mind if I text her this video then.

Robert charges to Trent and tries to grab his phone. The phone drops on the floor. Trent kicks it across the room. As Robert sprints to the phone Trent grabs him and they tussle. Robert punches Trent causing him to fall to the floor.

Robert rushes to the phone and grabs it. He tries to delete the video but sees that a code is needed to unlock the phone.

ROBERT

What is the code?!

Trent gets up from the floor and laughs.

ROBERT

GIVE ME THE CODE!

Trent lights another cigarette and smokes. Robert throws the phone on the floor causing it to break. Robert stomps on it breaking it more.

ROBERT

I guess you won’t be texting my wife now. Nice try.

Robert heads to the door. Trent reaches in the back of his pants, pulls out a tablet and plays the video.

TRENT

An encore.

Robert turns and sees the same video on Trent’s tablet.

TRENT

What will you do when I show all those people at the gala that you were with this underage girl in a hotel room? This girl stays at the very foster care you donated millions to.

ROBERT

That’s right. I would tell them the truth.

TRENT

Then let’s go, Robert. Let’s go tell everyone, including your wife, the truth.

Trent heads to the door.

ROBERT

Trent, wait. I promised that girl I wouldn’t tell.

TRENT

(snickering)

I’m sure you did.

ROBERT

That girl met these fake parents online who said they’d adopt her. She ran away from the foster care to meet them at that hotel. When she was missing the owner of the foster care called the police and reached out to me for help. Long story short we found her. And the so-called parents were really a man who tried to kidnap her. He’s now in custody.

TRENT

Prove it. It’s just you and that girl in this video.

ROBERT

The cops have this same video on surveillance, man. What’s missing from your footage is the cops escorting that creep out of the room in handcuffs.

TRENT

I can still take you down with this. I’ll go to the press. I’ll go the tabloids –

ROBERT

You always had a flair for gossip. Do what you have to do.

Robert heads to the door again.

TRENT

Pay me and I won’t.

Robert stops.

ROBERT

Why are you doing this?

A tear rolls down Trent’s face.

TRENT

I guess I have to go this far to get your attention.

ROBERT

You don’t want my attention. I reach out. You push away.

TRENT

You’re there for all those foster kids. But you’re never there for me.

ROBERT

We can change that.

TRENT

It’s too late.

ROBERT

It’s never too late.

TRENT

Just pay me and I’ll go away.

ROBERT

Is that what you really want?

Trent inhales the cigarette and blows smoke in Robert’s face.

TRENT

What do you think?

Robert reaches in his pocket, pulls out his wallet and gives Trent his black card.

ROBERT

You can have it… just know that it was Sharon, your mother, that kept me away from you. I wasn’t perfect years ago. I admit that. If you change your mind, I’m here. Goodbye, son.

Robert leaves. Trent thinks. He puts out his cigarette on the bottom of his shoe and flicks the butt. He wipes his tears. He puts the black card in his pocket.

TRENT

Goodbye, dad.

Trent sprints out of the room.

END SCENE.

[Anita Daher]

EXT. CITY STREET – EVENING

Two men in business suits, TRENT, 24, and ROBERT, 24, stumble arm-in-arm out of a bar, weaving onto the sidewalk and holding each other up as they walk and talk.

TRENT

You have always been a star, Robert. Ever since high school–no, grade school. You deserve this promotion.

ROBERT

Stop, stop–no, more!

They laugh. Trent glances over his shoulder. His eyes are clear. Not drunk. He holds Robert tight and guides them around the corner onto a dark side street.

TRENT

The rest of us just stood there when that guy came in with his emotional support emu–

ROBERT

Who does that?–

TRENT

Right? If you hadn’t stepped in it might have trashed the place. (laughing and deepening his voice) “Sir–”

ROBERT

“Kinko’s is no place for an emu!” Yeah, I know, I was there. I said that.

TRENT

You said more. I don’t even think the guy knew you were insulting him.

ROBERT

(winks) It’s a gift.

TRENT

The rest of us–me in particular–should have stepped up. I mean, I’ve been there the longest.

ROBERT

Why is that, Trent? It’s not like you need the money. Not with those stock gains you were telling about in there.

TRENT

Let’s keep that our secret, okay? Come on. You’re going to love this.

ROBERT

I trust you. Well, you and your very fine single malt (giggles).

Trent stops abruptly in front of a red door framed by brick. They unlink arms. Illuminated by an overhanging light, there is a small hook on the door where a sign might once have hung.

TRENT

We’re here.

ROBERT

Where here?

TRENT

I told you, man. There’s more.

ROBERT

The drinks were enough.

TRENT

That was the boss’s celebration, which you totally deserved. No one is saying you didn’t. No one.

ROBERT

Methinks you doth–

TRENT

No, man. Really truly. We’re happy for you, the whole Kinko’s gang. I am happy for you. Me, your friend since forever.

ROBERT

We actually never used to–

TRENT

We’re friends now, yeah?

ROBERT

I owe you. I never would have got this job without you.

TRENT

That part is true. You’ve always had it easy.

ROBERT

(affronted) You don’t know me.

TRENT

I’ve always known you.

ROBERT

What you always been is around. And around, and around, and a–

TRENT

‘Scuse me?

ROBERT

Why was that, Trent? The kids, they made fun of you.

TRENT

I never knew that. (he did)

ROBERT

Okay, I may have had something to do with that. It was high school, right? We weren’t yet the stellar citizens we are now.

TRENT

Stellar.

ROBERT

I liked it, to be honest. You, I mean. There. You always made me feel…

TRENT

What?

ROBERT

I don’t know. Better. (laughs) You were a puppy.

TRENT

A what?

ROBERT

Oh, come on. You know how it was.

TRENT

Why don’t you tell me?

ROBERT

I shouldn’t.

TRENT

You really should. You owe me, right?

ROBERT

For what?

TRENT

The job. The promotion.

ROBERT

Right. But maybe I don’t. The job, sure, but you said it. You coulda stepped up and you didn’t. Just like high school. Always around, like a puppy. You weren’t even on the team.

TRENT

Never tried out.

ROBERT

Oh, come on! (laughs) Some have it, some don’t.

TRENT

And I don’t.

ROBERT

See? You know it too. And here we are after all these years. You and me.

TRENT

Pinky and The Brain.

ROBERT

Scooby doo and that jock. (laughs) What is this place, did you say?

TRENT

You deserve more than a few drinks. You saved the day, man.

ROBERT

Tell me again.

TRENT

If it weren’t for you we woulda had emu shit all over the place. You know how hard that is to get out of a copier?

ROBERT

You do?

TRENT

My cousin raised emus. Shit goes all over, sticky-like.

ROBERT

I do deserve this.

TRENT

That’s what I’m saying.

(Robert looks at door, weaving slightly)

ROBERT

So what’s behind the door? Did you say?

TRENT

Massage therapy. Of a sort.

ROBERT

Of a sort?

TRENT

(grins) Yeah.

ROBERT

A…sort?

TRENT

Best money can buy.

Anticipation floods Roberts face as he chuckles and looks to hungrily toward the door. He suddenly clasps Trent tightly, emotionally.

ROBERT

You’re a good guy, Trent. I really shoulda said something back then. In school. I should have stood up for you. I’m sorry.

Trent appears emotional. He hugs tighter, then disentangles himself.

TRENT

Thanks, Man. I needed to hear that.

ROBERT

You have always been here for me.

TRENT

(beat) Always around.

They laugh, and Robert turns back toward the door.

ROBERT

So what happens now?

TRENT

You go in.

ROBERT

Don’t I knock?

TRENT

You’re expected.

Robert winks at Trent and opens the door. There are soft noises from the interior, a reverberating burble, or loud purr, as if amplified in large steel barrel, and shuffling. But it’s dark. We can’t see in. Robert wrinkles his nose.

ROBERT

What’s that smell?

Trent gives Robert a hard shove from behind. He cries out and continues to cry out, but the sound is muffled by kicking, thunking, hissing, spitting and grunting.

Trent listens for a moment then shuts the door. He pulls something from his pocket. It’s a small placard saying, “Knock First. Emergency Emu Rescue.” Soberly, he hangs it on the hook.

TRENT

Woof.

He straightens his tie and walks away.

[Christi Falk]

Christi Falk’s QE Cycle 1: Write this Scene

FADE IN:

EXT. FUNERAL HOME – EVENING

Wreaths have been taken down and loved ones dispersed. A funeral has just ended.

INT. VIEWING ROOM – MOMENTS LATER

ROBERT, 40s, wears a working mans suit even though the job is unclear, approaches TRENT, 20s, in perfect sartorial authority, and extends his hand.

ROBERT

Trenton, pleased to finally meet you in person!

TRENT

Please, Trent.

A vigorous handshake ensues.

ROBERT

I must say I was intrigued by your offer.

TRENT

Glad to hear it. Before you ask, yes, the numbers are correct.

ROBERT

Then… this calls for a celebration!

He turns to walk towards a doorway with Trent in tow, then stops.

ROBERT

Actually, the Carton funeral will be starting in a few minutes. We don’t want to seem off colour.

Trent nods solemnly.

TRENT

Yes, of course. Where do you suggest?

Robert considers for a few minutes.

ROBERT

Well, I mean-

TRENT

Yes?

ROBERT

I suppose-

Robert smiles and puts Trent at ease despite their surroundings.

TRENT

What?

ROBERT

Have you ever wanted to see… the room?

Trent pauses then it dawns on him what he means.

TRENT

Yes!

Relief momentarily washes over Robert before the mask of confidence is back. Robert nods to a staircase and Trent leads the way down.

INT. HALLWAY – MOMENTS LATER

Trent stands in front of the carved door with excitement. Robert stands evenly behind him.

ROBERT

I’m just going to find the switch. Go ahead if you’d like. I can’t wait to see the numbers.

Trent grasps the door knob and turns it with a CREAK.

TRENT

For the money you’ve arranged, I’d expect nothing less!

INT. CREMATION ROOM – EVENING

Trent blinks as the florescent lights begin to blink on. A CLICK of the lock behind him. Then a CRACK and Trenton was no more.

[Susan]

INT./EXT. TRENT’S HOUSE EVENING HALLOWEEN

TRENT and girlfriend SKYE are giving a Halloween party. The
large L.R. is decorated like Spook-A-Rama in Coney Island.

Trent is dressed as Batman with the mask pulled up over the
top of his head. He is bouncing in front of his sound
system.

TRENT
(Hum-Singing to himself)
Devil with a blue dress, blue
dress, blue dress. Devil with a
blue dress on!

Trent switches the music to a creepy mix. He waves to SKYE
who is a a super hot Cat Woman. SKYE waves back, winks and
does a little bunny butt wiggle.

ROBERT approaches TRENT. He is costumed as the Devil. He is
impeccably dressed in a black pin-stripe suit and patent
shoes. His face is painted red and black and he is wearing
devil horns and carrying a child’s pitchfork.

ROBERT (BOBBY)
(Dancing over to TRENT)
Wow, Skye really looks zesty! But
you are busting out of that costume
man! How many hours you spend at
the gym?

TRENT
(Changes the music to
“Devil Went Down To Georgia”)
Well hello there Bobby, aren’t you
dressed just perfect. But where’s
your snake?

ROBERT
(Waving and grinning at SKYE, his
drink drooling out of his mouth)
I gotta tell you something I heard
about your girl there.

TRENT
(Starting to fume) Listen Bobby,
Skye is not a girl, she is a lady.

ROBERT
(Under his breath, chuckling)
OK a woman, not a lady.

TRENT
(Turning almost as red as Bobby’s
painted face) Come out to the Limo
with me. You need to check it out.
As I told you on the phone, I want
to show you why the fleet’s such a
great investment for you.

TRENT and ROBERT walk up to the gleaming cream Limo in the
driveway. TRENT opens the rear doors and they get in. There
is room for another set of seats in front of their legs.
TRENT reclines the seats. BOBBY, already tipsy almost
falls off.

TRENT
(Trying not to laugh)
Well what do you think? The
vehicles are all soundproofed, the
driver can’t hear what’s going on
unless the client gives the OK,
there’s WIFI, options for Champagne
and Caviar, interstate trips….

ROBERT
(Too pissed to even think about
money) I’ll think about it and get
back to ya. But you know I do want
to let you know what I heard about
Skye.

TRENT
(Grabs ROBERT by his suit lapels,
screams in his face) No more of
your stinking lies about Skye!

ROBERT
She’s stepping out on you man. I
just thought you should know.

TRENT throws ROBERT’S cape over his face and then punches
him in the nose hoping no blood will stain the upholstery.

TRENT
(Getting out of the Limo, looking
down on ROBERT)
I warned you, you evil piece of
shit! No more lies!

ROBERT
(Gasping) It’s me. We’ve been
banging for months now.

TRENT clutches the roof of the Limo to stop himself from
falling. Then locks ROBERT in the Limo and staggers to the
door.