[Nick DeRuve]

DeRuve’s Act III Reaction to Midpoint

What I learned doing this assignment is I am stuck. I’ve been really struggling. Losing confidence day by day with this.

INT. RHINO’S HOUSE – NIGHT

Twenty empty beer cans pile up in and around the sink, Rhino cracks another. The news is on in the background. He takes a big first gulp and stumbles back towards the couch.

ANCHOR

Twenty year old Marvin Clayton knocked out the hometown Rhino in the first last night, and to be honest, Perisi didn’t put up much of a fight. Now one fight away from his hundredth career fight, but after two first round knockouts, it’s time to start worrying about his safety.

Rhino chugs his beer and walks towards the sink. Beside the mirror is a portrait of seventeen year old Rhino wearing boxing gloves in a fighters stance. He grabs the picture. Cannoli watching him from his bed.

RHINO

Y’know who that is, boy?

(beat)

Me neither.

He drops his now empty can in the sink and sticks the picture back where it was.

[Nick DeRuve]

DeRuve’s Act II Draft I

What I learned doing this assignment is my second act is a little light right now. I have a scene I haven’t written yet, still sorting through it. But all in all, for a first draft at 20%, I am happy with what I am seeing.

Act II

INT. LOCKER ROOM – NIGHT

Rhino lays back on the trainers table, the right side of his face looking like a grapefruit, he drags a cigarette.

Joey enters and locks the door behind himself. He looks over at Rhino, down to the floor, and paces over beside him. He stands holding a long stare.

He finds a bag of ice on the floor, picks it up and hands it over. Rhino places it on his face. The disappointment in his eyes and silence speaks volumes, like a father to a son.

JOEY

See Gil, first thing tomorrow.

Joey exits hanging his head, Rhino hardly having moved.

EXT./INT. SOUTH TROY/RHINO’S CAR – NIGHT

Rhino slugs a beer behind the wheel, he’s in no hurry, in control, but deep in thought. He takes notice of a Police car in his rearview. The lights aren’t on, but they’re following.

Rhino tenses up, but keeps his composure. He makes a right turn, the cop follows, a stop sign, a left turn, following.

RHINO

C’mon man…

Finally, the lights spin red and blue, and Rhino pulls over. He hides the bottle under his chair. Two officers approach the car from either side, Rhino cranks the window down.

GUTHRIE, 46, on the driver’s side, a natural snarl to his lips, and frightening emptiness in his eyes. He stands by the window, but doesn’t lean down, Rhino can’t see his face.

Guthrie rests his hand on his firearm. Rhino turns to the passenger side where he finds COLE, 33, knocking on the glass. Rhino leans over and cranks the window down.

Cole, African-American, stares at Rhino intensely, looking around the car for anything.

COLE

Step out of the car.

RHINO

Is there a problem?

COLE

Yes.

Cole makes his way around the front of the car. Rhino turns back to find Guthrie hasn’t moved. He pulls the door handle and cracks the door open, but Guthrie blocks it from opening.

Rhino unsure what to do when Guthrie knees the door closed.

COLE (CONT’D)

Step out of the car, sir.

Rhino looks confused, again he opens the handle, and again Guthrie abruptly closes it on his. Rhino tosses his hands up when Cole pulls his firearm and aims it at him.

COLE (CONT’D)

Get out of the car, now!

Guthrie snaps, yanks the door open, pulls Rhino out by his shirt pushing him back against the car. Finally, eye to eye with Rhino, tall as Rhino, but gangly.

GUTHRIE

You cost us tonight.

Rhino grits his jaw when Guthrie pulls his firearm and holds it to his neck. Guthrie raises his other hand and pokes Rhino’s swollen eye, no reaction.

GUTHRIE (CONT’D)

Never again you dago wop mother fucker.

(beat)

Never again.

Guthrie pushes harder, nothing. He takes a swing and cracks Rhino in the same spot, and spits on his chest before walking away. Cole holsters his piece and glares at Rhino passing by.

EXT./INT. GIL’S HOUSE/GIL’S CAR – DAWN

A light rain dribbles, a grey and gloomy morning. Gil exits the backdoor making way for his pickup parked in the alley. He gets in the driver’s seat and pauses.

Quickly looking back over his shoulder to the backseat, empty. He sticks the key in the ignition, again freezing. He stares at the key in his grip, scared to turn it over.

He closes his eyes and turns the key. The truck starts right up, he’s safe, exhale. SMASH- the window busts open, Gil is grabbed and yanked through the window with ease.

Rhino swings him up against the garage.

RHINO

It’s been a week, Gil.

GIL

(broken)

Christ all mighty… Dear Father, Lord in heaven…

RHINO

Where’s the money, Gil?

GIL

…forgive me, for I know not what I’ve done…

RHINO

I don’t wanna hurt ya, Gil.

GIL

…Forgive me of my wickedness, and remember my sins no more…

Rhino smothers his mouth with a firm grip.

RHINO

Where’s the money, Gil?

GIL

I lost it, I lost it on your fight last night…

Rhino stares at him dumbfounded.

GIL (CONT’D)

Do what you gotta do.

Rhino snaps, bashing his face in with repeated lethal blows. Gil crumbles to pieces. Rhino taking no joy in this.

EXT. SOUTH TROY – BASEBALL FIELD – DAY

Rhino walks beside Cannoli, he’s wearing big aviator sunglasses, and an out of character bright blue baseball cap, carrying a folded lawn chair.

Rhino sets his chair by the left field foul pole, hundreds of feet from the closest person. The park is busy with parents and ball players, a team wearing bright blue on the field.

Billie walks by with JB, and notices him.

BILLIE

Hey, you.

RHINO

Billie Belle and JB, what’s happenin’ man?

Rhino holds his fist out towards JB who shies away behind his Mother. Rhino looks up to Billie from his seat.

BILLIE

I think he’s a little shaken up from the other night.

RHINO

Aw, don’t worry about that, I’m a’right. I’m still standin’ here, ain’t I?

Rhino reaches in his pocket and offers JB a lollipop. He scurries off towards the crowd.

RHINO (CONT’D)

Aye, I’m sorry ‘bout that.

BILLIE

(beat)

You alright?

RHINO

I’m great. I love opening day, that’s my team there, the rhinos.

BILLIE

Tyler is on the eagles.

Rhino stares off at the field, Billie sits down beside him.

BILLIE (CONT’D)

Can you take off your sunglasses?

Rhino looks over to her, but doesn’t react. Billie reaches over slowly pulling them off revealing the massive black eye.

RHINO

It looks worse than it feels, honest. I think it’s an improvement really.

He puts his glasses back on.

BILLIE

I was looking for you at the laundromat the other day.

RHINO

I been doin’ a lotta thinkin’, ya know? ‘Bout what you said when we first met.

(beat)

Maybe… I don’t know who I am…

BILLIE

Yes, you do.

(beat)

You are a fighter, but that has nothing to do with boxing.

JB (O.S.)

Mom, they’re starting!

She looks back and gets up.

BILLIE

Take care of yourself, y’hear?

RHINO

I want to see you. And, not at the laundromat.

BILLIE

Why?

RHINO

You make me feel like I’m somebody.

BILLIE

I’m in the book.

She backs away and jogs towards the crowd. Rhino deep in thought with Cannoli looking for attention.

INT. PERISI FAMILY HOME – DAY

Rhino sits off to the side eating his desert as the family buzzes around cleaning and chatting. Frankie, his big brother, approaches and sits with him.

FRANKIE

Hey, Sevvy, tough one the other night. I didn’t wanna bring it up in front of Ma.

RHINO

What’re y’gonna do?

FRANKIE

I got a favor to ask ya.

RHINO

Shoot.

FRANKIE

Could you talk to Paone for me?

RHINO

Joey? What for?

FRANKIE

You know, make some extra money.

RHINO

I don’t know nothin’ about that.

Frankie furrows his brow.

FRANKIE

Sev, c’mon. You gonna lie to your big brother?

RHINO

I don’t know if you seen my car, or my apartment. I don’t have extra nothin’.

FRANKIE

I never been to your place ‘cause y’never invited me.

RHINO

It’s a dump. Ask Dad.

FRANKIE

I’m askin’ for a favor here.

RHINO

I can’t help you.

Frankie nods his head offended and leaves.

EXT./INT. PERISI FAMILY HOME – DAY

Rhino parks in the street of a neighborhood full of mansions, gated entrances, big green lawn, another world.

Rhino rings the doorbell.

He’s is walked through the beautiful home by the MAID, to the back sunroom where Joey smokes a cigar reading the paper.

JOEY

I don’t know why I follow these bums, can you believe it? The Yanks lost four of their last five.

RHINO

Tell me about it, my Fathah is gonna give himself a heart attack.

JOEY

About the other night, fuhgettaboutit. It’s behind us. Supposedly that Tyson kid is some kind of prodigy.

RHINO

He’s got a mean left.

JOEY

I seen Gil.

(beat)

It was good to see y’back to form.

Rhino nods.

JOEY (CONT’D)

I got an issue up in Schenectady.

RHINO

That’s Benny’s territory.

JOEY

Benny’s been let go.

They hold a stare at each other.

JOEY (CONT’D)

Noah struck out. He’s gotta go.

RHINO

I don’t mean no disrespect, but I don’t wanna be cleanin’ Benny’s mess. My clients pay up, it don’t ever come to this. He struck out ‘cause Benny failed to collect.

JOEY

And Benny got his.

(beat)

Ten large. Get it done.

Rhino thinks on it.

JOEY (CONT’D)

The worst part of this is drivin’ up to that shit hole.

Rhino nods reluctantly.

INT. RHINO’S CAR – NIGHT

Rhino rubs his chin driving up 890, out his window is the GE Factory, glowing with bright lights, he turns on his exit.

Making his way through downtown Schenectady.

INT. NOAH’S HOUSE – NIGHT

NOAH, 42, pours himself a glass of bourbon, and makes way down the hall of the dim house. He passes through the dark living room and stops. He turns to the nearly black corner.

Rhino calmly sits in the dark of the corner protected by the shade of the drapes. Noah drops his glass to the floor.

RHINO

You know who I am?

Noah forces a nod. Rhino takes the firearm out of his coat and holds it in his lap, non threatening, but visible. Noah swallows, unable to move.

RHINO (CONT’D)

I’m coverin’ for Benny.

(beat)

I want you to pack up your family, and disappear.

NOAH

What…

RHINO

Get in your car, and go.

Noah stares at him blankly, a painful silence ensues.

RHINO (CONT’D)

Now.

Noah carefully backs out of the room making way down the hall. He stops and retreats to the living room, Rhino is already gone. Noah is shook.

EXT. SOUTH TROY – RHINO’S NEIGHBORHOOD – PAYPHONE – DAY

Rhino flips through the phone book stuffed in a tiny phone booth. He scans with his index finger, dials the number, holds the receiver to his ear.

RHINO

Hello, it’s Rhino.

BILLIE (O.S.)

(through receiver)

Rhino, rhino? I don’t know a Rhino.

He rolls his eyes.

RHINO

C’mon, y’know who it is.

Silence.

RHINO (CONT’D)

It’s Severino.

BILLIE (O.S.)

Well, hello Severino, you found a phone.

RHINO

Yeah…

Silence.

RHINO (CONT’D)

Yeah, so what’re you doin’? You wanna, I don’t know, take a walk?

BILLIE (O.S.)

The boys will be home soon…

RHINO

Of course.

Rhino shifts awkwardly, lost for words.

BILLIE (O.S.)

Would you like to join us for dinner?

RHINO

Tonight.

BILLIE (O.S.)

(giggles)

Yes. Six o’clock.

(beat)

You need the address?

He holds up the phonebook.

RHINO

I got it here.

BILLIE (O.S.)

See you.

RHINO

See you.

Rhin grins from ear to ear, hanging up the phone. He tears the page out of the book on his way out.

INT. BELLE HOUSE – EVENING

Rhino goes over to Billie’s for dinner. He has some pride about how he is handling things, but sees problems ahead. They kiss.

MISSING SCENES —————————– MISSING SCENES

EXT. JERSEY CITY ARENA – NIGHT

Rhino parks his jalopy, smokes the last of his cigarette, and makes way for the entrance. Through the parking lot of spectators Rhino is surprised to find Noah in the crowd.

He approaches from behind, sneaking up behind him, calm but ferocious. He grabs the back of his jacket discreetly, gritting his teeth in his ear.

RHINO

Come with me.

Noah is shaken to the core, complying to the demand. Rhino leads him by the back of his jacket like a puppet, ducking into the garbage alley to the stadium.

RHINO (CONT’D)

I told you to disappear, this is fuckin’ South Jersey.

NOAH

I know, I’m sorry, Rhino…

RHINO

Sorry?

(beat)

They’re gonna kill you.

NOAH

Why didn’t you when you had the chance?

Rhino grits his jaw disdainfully.

RHINO

When I say get in your car and drive, I mean don’t stop ‘til you get t’China.

NOAH

Understood…

Rhino shakes him, finally lets go, he scampers off.

INT. JERSEY CITY ARENA – NIGHT

Rhino paces around the ring tossing jabs at the floor, warming up his limbs. The ANNOUNCER introduces the fighters, Joey appears at the ropes waving Rhino over.

JOEY

It’s not your night.

Rhino glares at him.

JOEY (CONT’D)

Go down in the first, we got shit to take care of.

Joey walks away -DING- Rhino looks across at his opponent, CLAYTON, 24, ready to go. Rhino counters his movement, Clayton throws a weak jab, a weak body shot, all weak.

Rhino is frustrated and ties him up.

RHINO

(in his ear)

That’s all you got?

Clayton breaks his grip and throws a haymaker. Rhino takes it across his right cheek, and snaps a look back at him. Rhino throws an errant jab, leaving his guard down.

Another haymaker, Rhino stumbles back, lunges forward tying Clayton up again.

RHINO (CONT’D)

Give me all you got.

Clayton pulls back throwing a sweeping hook, Rhino hardly moves, but doesn’t retaliate. Two more big shots, Rhino stumbles back and falls to the mat.

He’s flat on his back, gloves resting on his head. He stares up at the arena lights with no intention of getting up.

EXT. JERSEY CITY ARENA – NIGHT

Rhino exits the back door where Joey and some GOONS are waiting, he wasn’t expecting this.

JOEY

Ride with me, would ya?

RHINO

What about my car?

JOEY

Jimmy’ll take care of it.

Joey gets in the back of his Cadillac, Rhino follows.

INT. JOEY’S CAR – CONTINUOUS

A long dreadful silence looms. Rhino taking notice of the exit they are taking.

RHINO

Hudson?

JOEY

Beautiful this time of year.

Rhino curiously looks out the window.

EXT. HUDSON RIVER BANK – NIGHT

The Caddy pulls down an ominous dirt road towards another blacked out Cadillac idling with it’s lights off. Joey gets out of the car, Rhino follows.

Joey turns to Rhino grimacing. He looks over to the other car and waves. Noah is pushed out of the back seat by a GOON, and shoved on the ground between Rhino and Joey.

JOEY

Look at that. Back from the dead.

(beat)

When you told me it was done, I thought that meant it was done, over, caputz.

Rhino shifts his weight and turns away. Joey approaches his Goon, reaches into his coat and reveals a .45mm. He paces over to Rhino and pushes the piece in his chest.

JOEY (CONT’D)

Finish it.

Rhino reluctantly takes the gun. He looks at Noah, gagged, weeping, desperate. He turns away painfully.

RHINO

Joey…

JOEY

Listen to me, you big dumb ape. You got one chance to show me who you are. One chance, and it’s now.

Rhino forces his arm up, aiming at Noah whose eyes widen. He can hardly look at him, he grips the handle, his finger wraps the trigger. Joey scowling at him with folded arms.

Exhale, Rhino stands down.

RHINO

I can’t…

Joey marches towards him, and speaks firm under his breath.

JOEY

I been takin’ care of you your whole life, treated you like a brother. Gettin’ you paid, givin’ you a life.

RHINO

I know it…

Joey takes the firearm from Rhino, and looks up at him.

JOEY

My Father don’t have to know about this, okay?

Rhino nods in disappointment. Joey casually aims up and FIRES, Noah drops dead. Joey hands the piece to his Goon who begins dragging the body towards the river.

Rhino can’t move, can’t breath, what the fuck just happened?

[Nick DeRuve]

DeRuve’s Act II TP – Midpoint

What I learned doing this assignment is by letting go, and just doing it, the groundwork is there.

Midpoint –

EXT. JERSEY CITY ARENA – NIGHT

Rhino exits the back door where Joey and some GOONS are waiting, he wasn’t expecting this.

JOEY

Ride with me, would ya?

RHINO

What about my car?

JOEY

Jimmy’ll take care of it.

Joey gets in the back of his Cadillac, Rhino follows.

INT. JOEY’S CAR – CONTINUOUS

A long dreadful silence looms. Rhino taking notice of the exit they are taking.

RHINO

Hudson?

JOEY

Beautiful this time of year.

Rhino curiously looks out the window.

EXT. HUDSON RIVER BANK – NIGHT

The Caddy pulls down an ominous dirt road towards another blacked out Cadillac idling with it’s lights off. Joey gets out of the car, Rhino follows.

Joey turns to Rhino grimacing. He looks over to the other car and waves. Noah is pushed out of the back seat by a GOON, and shoved on the ground between Rhino and Joey.

JOEY

Look at that. Back from the dead.

(beat)

When you told me it was done, I thought that meant it was done, over, caputz.

Rhino shifts his weight and turns away. Joey approaches his Goon, reaches into his coat and reveals a .45mm. He paces over to Rhino and pushes the piece in his chest.

JOEY (CONT’D)

Finish it.

Rhino reluctantly takes the gun. He looks at Noah, gagged, weeping, desperate. He turns away painfully.

RHINO

Joey…

JOEY

Listen to me, you big dumb ape. You got one chance to show me who you are. One chance, and it’s now.

Rhino forces his arm up, aiming at Noah whose eyes widen. He can hardly look at him, he grips the handle, his finger wraps the trigger. Joey scowling at him with folded arms.

Exhale, Rhino stands down.

RHINO

I can’t…

Joey marches towards him, and speaks firm under his breath.

JOEY

I been takin’ care of you your whole life, treated you like a brother. Gettin’ you paid, givin’ you a life.

RHINO

I know it…

Joey takes the firearm from Rhino, and looks up at him.

JOEY

My Father don’t have to know about this, okay?

Rhino nods in disappointment. Joey casually aims up and FIRES, Noah drops dead. Joey hands the piece to his Goon who begins dragging the body towards the river.

Rhino can’t move, can’t breath, what the fuck just happened?

[Nick DeRuve]

DeRuve’s Act II Middle Scenes

What I am painfully learning through this process is how to accept 20%. I knew I would struggle with this from the beginning, but it’s been harder than I thought. It’s not because I want it to be perfect, but my ideas seem to not be as plentiful because of the pace. After falling behind a few days feeling as though I was in a slump, I am trying a new approach. I understand that this is the bottom floor, the basement even, and will be a skyscraper eventually.

At the end of Act I, Rhino is struggling with his identity as a professional boxer/leg breaker for the mob. He has a love interest/catalyst who has given him new perspective of himself. In these scenes Rhino is to carry out a hit, but doesn’t, and soon will catch up to him.

Scenes –

INT. NOAH’S HOUSE – NIGHT

NOAH, 42, pours himself a glass of bourbon, and makes way down the hall of the dim house. He passes through the dark living room and stops. He turns to the nearly black corner.

Rhino calmly sits in the shadows cast by the drapes. Noah drops his glass to the floor, frozen.

RHINO

You know who I am?

Noah forces a nod. Rhino takes the firearm out of his coat and holds it in his lap, non threatening, but visible. Noah swallows, unable to move.

RHINO (CONT’D)

I want you to pack up your family, and disappear.

NOAH

What…

RHINO

Get in your car, and go.

Noah stares at him blankly, a painful silence ensues.

LATER…

EXT. TRUMP CASINO HOTEL – ATLANTIC CITY – NIGHT

Rhino parks his jalopy, smokes the last of his cigarette, and makes way for the entrance. Through the parking lot of spectators Rhino is surprised to find Noah in the crowd.

He sneaks up from behind him, calm but ferocious. He grabs the back of his jacket discreetly, gritting his teeth in his ear.

RHINO

Come with me.

Noah is shaken to the core, complying to the demand. Rhino leads him by his back like a puppet, ducking into the garbage alley of the stadium.

RHINO (CONT’D)

I told you to disappear, this is fuckin’ South Jersey.

NOAH

I know, I’m sorry, Rhino…

RHINO

Sorry?

(beat)

They’re gonna kill you.

NOAH

Why didn’t you when you had the chance?

Rhino grits his jaw disdainfully.

RHINO

When I say get in your car and drive, I mean don’t stop ‘til you get t’China.

NOAH

Understood…

Rhino shakes him, finally lets go, he scampers off.

[Nick DeRuve]

DeRuve’s Act II Reaction to TP1

What I learned doing this assignment is by following this arc, this reaction to the turning point, it helped me formulate where the character would go from here. This is a tough class! The process of powering through, and accepting 20% is really hard. This scene came out decent, and my beat sheet continuously to evolves during this process.

Scenes –

INT. LOCKER ROOM – NIGHT

Rhino lays back on the trainers table, the right side of his face looking like a grapefruit, he drags a cigarette.

Joey enters and locks the door behind himself. He looks over at Rhino, down to the floor, and paces over beside him. He stands over Rhino and holds a long stare.

He finds a bag of ice on the floor, picks it up and hands it over. Rhino places it on his face.

JOEY

See Gil, first thing tomorrow.

Joey exits hanging his head, Rhino hardly having moved.

EXT./INT. GIL’S HOUSE/GIL’S CAR – DAWN

A light rain dribbles, a grey and gloomy morning. Gil exits the backdoor making way for his pickup parked in the alley. He gets in the driver’s seat and pauses.

Quickly looking back over his shoulder to the backseat, empty. He sticks the key in the ignition, again freezing. He stares at the key in his grip, scared to turn it over.

He closes his eyes and turns the key. The truck starts right up, he’s safe, exhale. SMASH- the window busts open, Gil is grabbed and yanked through the window with ease.

Rhino swings him up against the garage.

RHINO

It’s been a week, Gil.

GIL

(broken)

Christ all mighty… Dear Father, Lord in heaven…

RHINO

Where’s the money, Gil?

GIL

…forgive me, for I know not what I’ve done…

RHINO

I don’t wanna hurt ya, Gil.

GIL

…Forgive me of my wickedness, and remember my sins no more…

Rhino smothers his mouth with a firm grip.

RHINO

Where’s the money, Gil?

GIL

I lost it, I lost it on your fight last night…

Rhino stares at him dumbfounded.

GIL (CONT’D)

Do what you gotta do.

Rhino snaps, bashing his face in with repeated lethal blows. Gil crumbles to pieces. Rhino taking no joy in this.

[Nick DeRuve]

DeRuve’s Act I

What I learned doing this assignment is to trust the process. I have felt like I was in a slump, but I forced myself to write this, and in the process of doing so, I had a breakthrough. I realized the order was wrong, and what I thought was my first turning point, wasn’t. By challenging myself to find something that truly “twists” the characters journey, I reworked the order, and found I elevated my outline and character arc.

Act I –

INT. RHINO’S CAR – SUBURBS – NIGHT

SEVERINO PERISI, 34, aka RHINO, creeps down the street with his headlights off, looking for an address scribbled on a piece of paper. His breaks squeal to a halt, he’s arrived.

He peers out from under his permanently swollen brows, the neighborhood is silent. He pulls a plastic bag over each shoe, taping them around the ankles.

He tucks his thick black hair under a black cap.

EXT. SUBURBAN HOUSE – CONTINUOUS

TITLE CARD: 1985, Troy, New York

Rhino methodically walks around the side of the house towards the back, his rather large shadow shifting across the side lawn approaching the light. He unscrews the bulb, darkness.

EXT. SUBURBAN HOUSE – BACKYARD – CONTINUOUS

JONNY, 32, puffs a cigar on the patio by himself, he glances over, momentarily frozen by Rhino’s enormous silhouette, easily 6’4” and as broad as a beast.

Jonny snaps out of it, frantically dives back out of his chair, and trips over the next one. Rhino moves in on his prey, Jonny flinging toys and chairs in his path.

Rhino grabs Jonny by the breast of his jacket, lifting him to his feet with ease.

RHINO

What time is it, Jonny?

JONNY

I don’t got it.

SLAP- Rhino knocks him silly with a vicious backhand.

JONNY (CONT’D)

Honest!

CRACK- A stiff right hook knocks Jonny to the ground, his nose shattered to bloody pieces.

Rhino picks him up tossing him through the sliding glass door into the–

INT. SUBURBAN HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS

Jonny skids across the floor amongst the broken glass, Rhino stomps in, flips him to his back, and delivers three bone crushing rights, breaking his face, leaving him limp.

Rhino stands, hardly out of breath when the whimper of a LITTLE GIRL, 6, catches his attention. His mouth hangs open before his chin falls, heartbreak.

She wipes the tears from her face when he extends a lollipop to her. She smacks it out of his hand, defeated, the cries breaking him.

EXT. EMPIRE STATE PLAZA CONVENTION CENTER – ALBANY – NIGHT

Rhino’s jalopy makes way through the crowds of people heading for the entrance. He parks right outside the side door labeled locker rooms, gets out tossing his keys to JIMMY, 20.

JIMMY

Give ‘em hell t’night, Rhino!

INT. EMPIRE STATE PLAZA CONVENTION CENTER – CONTINUOUS

Rhino strolls down the hall of the arena, the employees all turn and wave, offering him encouragements.

RHINO

Hey, how ya doin’?

(beat)

Thanks a lot, appreciate it.

Finally reaching the locker room entrance.

INT. LOCKER ROOM – CONTINUOUS

The cornermen sit around in uniform garb, JOEY PAONE, 34, paces back and forth, a short stocky guinea with the suit of a made man, and slick black hair. Rhino casually struts in.

JOEY

What’d I tell ya, huh? There he is! Fifteen minutes to spare even! These bums been bad mouthin’ ya, Rhino.

Rhino shoots his charming grin at the cornermen who greet him warmly.

JOEY (CONT’D)

You think I’m gonna let you bums flap your gums about Rhino, huh? This man’s a fighter, what’re you, huh? Bums, all of ya’s!

RHINO

Put a cork in it, Joey, would ya?

Rhino strips down and hops up on the trainers table.

JOEY

(dramatic)

Maybe this time, sure! But you give ‘em an inch, and they’ll take a mile.

Rhino chuckles along with the cornermen, Joey finally lets out a laugh. The TRAINER takes Rhino’s hand revealing bruising and fresh cuts. He turns to Joey, the mood shifts.

JOEY (CONT’D)

A’right, everybody get the hell outta here.

(beat)

Just a minute, thanks boys.

The room clears, Joey approaches Rhino and grabs his banged up right paw, almost twice the size of Joey’s hands. He playfully pats Rhino’s cheek.

RHINO

I know, I know, I was supposed to get it done a couple’a nights ago.

JOEY

What’re ya bare knucklin’ these low life’s f’er?! Huh? What’s a matter with you?

(beat)

Where’re them gloves I gave ya?

RHINO

Gloves?

JOEY

Them nice leather ones, ya animal. Y’er gonna get y’erself hurt.

RHINO

C’mon, Joey, it’s alright, it’s nothin’ but a flesh wound, it don’t hurt even.

Joey stands down a little and lets out a grin.

JOEY

You’re lucky this guy’s a bum tonight. He’s big and he’s clumsy. Let him get some shots in, and put him down in the third. We’ll be home by midnight.

RHINO

What’s the purse?

JOEY

If y’can keep‘em on his feet for three rounds, real nice.

RHINO

I won’t use my right.

He flashes his bloody knuckles, they share a laugh.

DING–

INT. EMPIRE STATE PLAZA CONVENTION CENTER – RING – NIGHT

–DING- Rhino comes out of his corner swiftly tossing some light jabs at SHEFFIELD, 24, who’s big as a house. Rhino looks quick compared to his shuffling heavy feet.

Sheffield winds up and throws a telegraphed hook, Rhino eats it with the back of his glove, throwing meaningless counters. A combination of punches, hardly making Rhino flinch.

DING- Scattered boos and crumpled programs shower the ring. Rhino sits in his corner, hardly breathing heavy. Across the ring, Sheffield is sucking wind.

A leggy RING GIRL, 26, carries the round card, “2”, turning the boos to cheers.

DING- Rhino comes out of his corner again playing possum. Sheffield moves in, doing his best, but his best is deflected and evaded with ease. Sheffield takes a big swing and slips.

He falls to a knee, the crowd is growing more hostile. They counter each other, Sheffield throwing sloppy combinations, Rhino tossing weak jabs into his chin.

DING- The crowd is letting them have it, the fight lacks excitement, booing and groans. He sits in his corner.

RHINO

A lotta hostility tonight.

TRAINER

Yeah, in the crowd maybe.

Rhino looks over his shoulder, Joey making eyes at him and nods. The Ring Girl carries the “3”-DING.

Rhino pounds his fists together, the boo birds loud as ever. The fighters approach, Rhino throws his first meaningful jab, surprising Sheffield, snapping his head straight back.

A quick combination before he can regain his balance, he stumbles, grabbing the ropes for support. The REF grants him a standing five count.

Joey smirks with his GOONS cheering with the spectators.

Sheffield takes a deep breath, he throws a right that is countered with a stiff right jab, a swift left jab, and a sweeping right hook dropping him to the mat like a rock.

The crowd erupts in cheers, the Ref counting him off, Rhino holding his gloves in the air. He arrogantly spits his mouthpiece towards his corner, TIME SLOWS DOWN–

Rhino dances from side to side with arms raised high, flash bulbs popping. His shiny black pomp prancing across his brow, sweat glistening on his thick build, flexing his ripped arms.

TITLE CARD: Rhino

EXT. RHINO’S HOUSE – NIGHT

The neighborhood is quiet and still, two-family homes packed in like sardines, some vacant and boarded up. Rhino’s jalopy grumbles down the street pulling into his driveway.

He approaches the backyard where CANNOLI, 9, a BOXER stands on his hind legs, with forelegs up on the chain link fence anxious to greet his best friend.

RHINO

Yo, Cannoli, how was your day, boy? Catch any squirrels?

He enters the backyard reciprocating Cannoli’s excitement, scrumming around the yard on his way to the back door.

INT. RHINO’S HOUSE – CONTINUOUS

Rhino squeezes down a narrow stairwell, ducking under the doorway into his basement studio apartment. It looks like an unemptied trashcan, Cannoli circling him with glee.

RHINO

Home sweet home, pup.

Rhino is too large an animal for this size cage. He glances in a mirror above the sink washing his hands. There are photographs stuck all over the walls and cabinets.

He turns from side to side inspecting himself. A thick nose unharmed, strong working jaw, and the natural puff of his brow doesn’t look anymore swollen.

RHINO (CONT’D)

He got me once, but in the freakin’ ear. Somethin’ about the ear always bothered me, ya know? Still kinda stingin’ a bit, or ringin’ ya know?

He heads to the fridge, left over Chinese cartons, cheap beer, and a tray covered in tin-foil which he grabs.

He peels back the cover, baked ziti. He forks some into Cannoli’s bowl beside the couch covered with a blanket and pillow, obviously his bed.

RHINO (CONT’D)

I felt strong t’night, you shoulda been there. People were booin’ and all that, callin’ me a bum. We ain’t bums though, is we Cannoli?

He turns on a ten inch tube TV to the news, reaches in his jacket pocket and drops a stack of hundred dollar bills on the coffee table.

RHINO (CONT’D)

We done good t’night.

He plops down on the couch to eat. Cannoli finishes his food, scampers over jumping up, sitting next to Rhino on the couch.

The broadcast has a quick highlight of the fight.

RHINO (CONT’D)

Here it is here, look here Cannoli.

ANCHOR

The Rhino, Severino Perisi was in action tonight winning by knockout in the third bringing him three fights closer to an incredible hundredth career fight. Who would’ve thought we’d still be talking about Rhino at thirty-four years old and such an up and down career? The homegrown fighter has a record of 58 and 39, and never won the big match. I imagine his career is coming to an end with no real shot at a title. But, as we say here in Troy, he’s got the heart of a Rhino, doesn’t he?

Rhino and Cannoli share a look.

RHINO

What’s he know?

Later…

The TV scrambles with static, Rhino is passed out across the couch not long enough for him to lay straight. Cannoli has himself wedged in there somehow, sleeping on his chest.

EXT. SOUTH TROY – RHINO’S NEIGHBORHOOD – DAY

Rhino and Cannoli make their way down the block towards–

INT. SCHOOL GYMNASIUM – DAY

A mob of Fathers and Sons are in countless lines leading to registration tables. Rhino stands beside WALTER, 43, who fills out forms for an ORGANIZER.

ORGANIZER

Nice win the other night, Rhino.

RHINO

Hey, thanks a lot. That guy’s no bum neither, he’s a fighter.

WALTER

Alright, that’s that.

ORGANIZER

And the initiation fee?

RHINO

Right here, I got it.

Rhino reaches in his pocket for cash, and counts it off.

RHINO (CONT’D)

One, two, three, uh, how much?

ORGANIZER

It’s eight-hundred this year.

RHINO

Right, lemme start over here. Uh, one, two, three…

Walter looks over to the organizer from the corner of his eye, Rhino hands him the money, he counts it.

ORGANIZER

Oops, here, one too many.

RHINO

I was never too good with math.

Rhino and Walter walk away with the forms.

WALTER

Thanks again, Sev, really. Opening day is in a few weeks.

RHINO

I wouldn’t miss it.

WALTER

Go, Rhino’s!

Rhino strikes his fist in the air on his way out.

EXT./INT. PERISI FAMILY HOME – DAY

Rhino enters the front gate and ties Cannoli to the post on his way inside. When the front door opens, a symphony of thirty voices all shouting at each other at once bursts free.

Rhino seems like a giant in this packed house of short stocky Italians. He’s mobbed on entrance, the shouts now directed at him, warm welcomes and greetings at a ridiculous volume.

Hugs, pinched cheeks, he’s like a giant teddy bear to them.

FRANKIE, 38, wraps him in a bear hug. Ma, 62, pushes through the crowd, the matriarch, both domineering and inviting.

MA

Sevvy, come here, let me see your face.

RHINO

Ma, I’m fine.

MA

How much longer are you gonna put me through this? My baby boy, my fifth child, gets punched in the face voluntarily!

RHINO

That’s not true, Ma, I get paid.

MA

Oy vey, capatosta!

A small burst of endearing laughter from the family.

MA (CONT’D)

But, you’re still handsome, my best lookin’ son.

FRANKIE

Whoa, Ma, what the hell?

(background laughter)

KIDS

Sevvy!

In runs a gaggle of next generation COUSINS ranging from eight to twelve. They climb on him and wrestle him to the ground, he loves every second of it.

He gets to all fours and imitates a rhino, snorting and scrapping his hands across the floor.

KIDS (CONT’D)

AH! It’s the Rhino!

The kids scatter.

MA

Did you bring your laundry?

(beat)

There’s a tomata pie on the counter for ya. Take your Fathah’a slice.

The room is back to their loud, crammed conversations, Ma tending to her sauce. Rhino grabs the trey on his way into the den.

INT. PERISI FAMILY HOME – DEN – CONTINUOUS

DAD, 64, sits in a recliner scowling at the television watching the Yankees. MEL, 62, sits on the crowded couch beside him, Dad’s best friend.

Every seat in the room is taken, Rhino pulls a stool beside his Father, placing the trey on the coffee table.

MEL

Great fight the other night, Sev. Great fight.

DAD

That guy was an eggplant.

RHINO

You seen the fight?

DAD

(grunts)

I read it.

(beat)

Look here, look at this, you see this?

Holding his palms out in Rhino’s direction, then over to Mel.

DAD (CONT’D)

Thirty-six years swingin’ a hammer. A real trade. Now, that’s a livin’!

MEL

You still over on Hill St?

RHINO

Yeah, I got the backyard for the dog, it’s real nice.

DAD

It’s a dump.

RHINO

Hey, what’s wit you t’day?

MEL

See the score?

RHINO

It ain’t my fault the Yanks stink.

DAD

Watch your mouth in this house!

The stool lets out a CRACK and screech, Rhino stands, accidentally breaking the seat.

DAD (CONT’D)

That was your grandfather’s stool. The only thing he brought from the ol’ country.

RHINO

Gimme a break. Why in the hell would he bring a stool?

DAD

Cause in the basement of them ships, they didn’t even have chairs to sit on. He made that with his bare hands, our only family heirloom. And, you know what your grandfather did for a living?

RHINO

A real trade.

DAD

That’s right.

RHINO

And neither of you’s got two nickels to rub together.

Dad shrugs him off and focuses on the game, Mel chuckles. Rhino reaches in his pocket and hands his father an envelope of cash. He snatches it without looking up.

RHINO (CONT’D)

I gotta get goin’.

Rhino kisses his Father’s head who hardly looks up.

INT. LAUNDROMAT – NIGHT

Cannoli lays on the floor under the chair Rhino slouches in watching his laundry spin in the dryer.

On the far side of the laundromat two kids JB, 8, and TYLER, 10, toss a baseball back and forth. JB whips one passed Tyler, it kicks off a machine skipping towards Rhino.

He snatches it swiftly and holds it up.

BILLIE (O.S.)

Ya’ll better take that into the parking lot, I don’t know where you get off throwing the ball inside.

Tyler approaches Rhino presenting the ball.

RHINO

Who’s your favorite team?

TYLER

The Yankees.

RHINO

Damn straight.

Tossing him the ball, Tyler runs off, BILLIE BELLE, 28, approaches. Rhino’s eyes widen, she has exotic almond eyes, milk chocolate complexion, and long tightly woven box braids.

BILLIE

You give your Momma this much grief growing up?

RHINO

Oh, absolutely. But, once I grow up, I plan on givin’ her a break.

BILLIE

(smiles)

I’ve seen you in here.

RHINO

I seen you too.

BILLIE

You look like Marlon Brando.

He holds a look on her grin for a moment.

RHINO

You don’t look like nobody I know.

BILLIE

No?

RHINO

My Auntie Marie got a goatee.

BILLIE

(chuckles)

Should I call you Brando?

RHINO

Rhino.

BILLIE

Rhino? Uh-huh. I’m sure your Momma named you Rhino.

RHINO

It’s a nickname.

BILLIE

I’m not calling you that.

She widens her eyes and pops her hips waiting a reply.

RHINO

Wanna know how I got it? Most people think it’s ‘cause I’m humungous, but it ain’t true. I was waitin’ in the lock for my first pro fight, I’m a fighter, and I got myself a new robe. Real stylish, nothin’ flashy, all class, ya know? I had my name stitched into the chest like this here, and it must’a had some kinda fold in it, and they saw, R-I-N-O, and pronounced it rhino. Severino the Rhino was born by serendipity, that’s what they call that. The right place at the right time kinda thing.

BILLIE

Severino is much nicer than Rhino.

RHINO

I’m a fighter, I’m not supposed to be nice.

BILLIE

I’m Billie Belle.

Rhino giggles under his breath.

BILLIE (CONT’D)

Oh, you think that’s funny?

RHINO

No, not at all. It’s got a nice ring to it.

BILLIE

(laughs)

You sure you’re a fighter and not a comedian?

RHINO

Comedian is my real job, I’m a boxer on the side.

(she laughs)

What’s with them books you’re always luggin’ around, Billie Belle?

BILLIE

I’m in law school.

RHINO

I figured you was smart. You look real sharp, ya know, not like the rest of these bums out here. Y’er gonna be somebody, I can tell.

BILLIE

(blushes)

You’re more charming than you think, Severino. A fighter may be what you are, but it isn’t who you are.

(beat)

You feel me?

RHINO

If I ain’t a fighter, who am I?

BILLIE

You’ll figure it out eventually, if you want to.

She turns to leave.

RHINO

Hey, when’s the next laundry day?

BILLIE

Why? You want to meet me here?

RHINO

Maybe so.

BILLIE

Next Sunday. See you.

RHINO

See you.

Cannoli comes out from under the chair putting his head on Rhino’s lap, they exchange looks.

EXT. PORT OF ALBANY – DAWN

The steam whistle screams, longshoremen report for work. Rhino eats an apple watching the laborers make their way for the docks blanketed in a thick fog.

He sees GIL, 48, in the mix of other workers. He advances briskly, Gil catches a glimpse of him and quickly runs, Rhino pursues with bad intentions.

He catches up and shoves Gil from behind who stumbles across the pavement. Rhino snatches him up and slams him up against a steel shipping container.

RHINO

What’re ya runnin’ for, Gil, huh?

GIL

I’m sorry, man, I’m fuckin’ sorry!

Rhino cocks his fist back, Gil crumbles into tears, actually pissing his pants. He straightens him back up.

RHINO

What time is it, Gil?

(beat)

Huh?!

(beat)

It’s time to pay the man. If I go back there with nothin’ it reflects poorly on me.

GIL

What can I do, I’ll do anything…

RHINO

You seen y’er buddy Jonny? He’s eatin’ sausages through a straw right now.

GIL

I gots grandkids to look after, please. Have a heart.

Rhino grips his jacket in his fists, frustration mounting, but he lets him go.

RHINO

One week. You got one week. And I want it all.

Gil can’t believe it.

RHINO (CONT’D)

Don’t make a fool of me.

GIL

One week, you got it Rhino, thank you, thank you.

Gil back peddles before running for safety. Rhino can’t believe his own actions. He disappears into the fog.

EXT. PERISI FAMILY HOME – DAY

A murdered out Cadillac idles across the street when Rhino exits the front door with Cannoli. He notices right away, and approaches. The back window rolls down revealing Joey.

JOEY

Let’s go for a ride.

(beat)

Leave that stinkin’ dog.

RHINO

Sure.

Rhino retreats to the house tying Cannoli to the post.

INT. JOEY’S CAR – DAY

Rhino rides in back with Joey, sitting in an long silence.

JOEY

In twenty-four years y’never disrespected me. But, this business with Gil needs to be addressed.

RHINO

Joey, I didn’t mean nothin’ by it.

JOEY

Let me ask you, how does it make me look when my right hand is out there lettin’ people walk?

RHINO

I, uh…

JOEY

How?!

RHINO

I don’t know.

JOEY

Like a faggoty ass little bitch!

RHINO

I’m sorry, Joey.

JOEY

You gettin’ soft?

RHINO

C’mon, I’m Rhino.

(beat)

I was just thinkin’–

JOEY

Well, stop. It ain’t y’er job to think. It’s y’er job to crack heads open. Capisce?

(beat)

Next time I see him, he should be unrecognizable.

Rhino nods.

JOEY (CONT’D)

We got a fight Sunday.

RHINO

This Sunday?

Joey looks at him painfully.

JOEY

Is that alright with you, huh? You up for it, ya fuckin’ animal.

(beat)

It’s some eighteen year old kid in his third fight. Y’er fillin’ in for the bum who sprained his ankle in training.

The long silence returns.

INT. RHINO’S HOUSE – NIGHT

Rhino lay awake on the couch with Cannoli on his chest. The green glow of a digital clock by the TV stands out in the otherwise dark room.

He watches the clock tick from 4:29 to 4:30 – ALARM.

Rhino opens the fridge to find a bloody steak on a plate. He barehands it and takes a big bite, before a few chugs from the milk carton.

EXT. ALBANY METRO AREA – DAWN

MONTAGE SEQUENCE: Intercut running and working out.

Rhino runs along the river with the city skyline behind him. Cannoli keeps up carrying his leash in his mouth.

Weaving in and out of different historic areas as the city slowly wakes up.

EXT./INT. – RHINO’S GARAGE – DAY

The garage door rolled open, a mini-gym with the aesthetic of a classic boxing gym minus a ring. Free weights organized neatly, the space is much better kept than his home.

Posters of great Italian boxers, Marciano, LaMotta, Garziano, etc. hung like wallpaper. Rhino military presses 225lb. with a stone cold look in his eyes.

Rhino works the heavy bag, the speed bag, the jump rope.

INT. PERISI FAMILY HOME – DINING ROOM – EVENING

Rhino sits amongst a full table of fifteen, with scattered tables in the background for the younger generations. Every folds their hands over their plates with heads bowed.

Dad leads the room in a Catholic prayer, everyone is deeply invested in the moment but Rhino.

END MONTAGE.

EXT./INT. LAUNDROMAT – NIGHT

Rhino approaches with Cannoli leashed, JB and Tyler throw the baseball in the parking lot.

TYLER

Are you really the Rhino?

RHINO

How’d you know that?

TYLER

Saw your picture in the paper once.

RHINO

Hey, come here, wanna see somethin’?

The boys run up to him, he reaches for his wallet. He opens it up, no money inside, but stuffed with baseball cards. He takes one out, and shows them the beat to hell player card.

RHINO (CONT’D)

You know who that is?

TYLER

It says it right there, Joe DiMaggio.

RHINO

That’s right. An Italian-American hero. Best damn center fielder of all time.

TYLER

What about Willie Mays?

RHINO

What about him?

(beat)

If anyone comes close it’s Mickey Mantle.

Rhino pulls out another ratty old card of Mickey Mantle.

TYLER

Those cards are probably worth a billion dollars, you shouldn’t keep ‘em in your wallet.

RHINO

A billion dollars, huh?

TYLER

Or a million maybe.

Billie watches them from inside while loading the washer. Rhino enters and approaches her.

BILLIE

They giving you a hard time?

RHINO

More like financial advice.

BILLIE

Where’s your laundry?

RHINO

I actually got a fight t’night. I came by to see if you and the boys wanted to come? On me.

Rhino shows three tickets to her.

BILLIE

I have to be honest, the idea of boxing horrifies me. And besides, what if you get hurt?

RHINO

What if you’re my lucky charm?

Billie blushes and shies away.

BILLIE

You’re very sweet, but I can’t.

RHINO

Can’t or won’t?

BILLIE

I’m a single Mother with a full time job, and a full time student. I have goals, and responsibilities, I can’t be going to… handsome strangers boxing games.

RHINO

Are you more afraid of me gettin’ hurt, or you?

BILLIE

I would say you’re more likely to get hurt in this case.

RHINO

I got a thick skin.

(beat)

Rhino skin.

She pauses, he snorts like a Rhino making her smile.

INT. EMPIRE STATE PLAZA CONVENTION CENTER – ALBANY – NIGHT

A cloud of cigar smoke hands in the shafts of lights pointing towards to ring. The usual crowd of boozers, gamblers, and ne’er-do-wells gab and shout at each other.

Not exactly a suitable environment for kids, but Billie, Tyler and JB squeeze past the crowd down the aisle to their seats a few rows back from the ring.

Just as they find them, the crowd stands and cheers, Billie looks up to find Rhino entering the ring. Tyler and JB stand up on their seats to get a better look.

Rhino shuffles around the ring swinging into the air. He bounces back against the ropes, crosses the ring and looks out into the crowd shielding his eyes from the lights.

He finds Billie and the boys, the corner of his mouth curls into a swooning grin, again swinging and loosening his arms.

The ANNOUNCER enters center ring meeting a wired microphone lowering from the sky.

ANNOUNCER

Ladies, and gentlemen, our third and final heavyweight bout of the evening.

(cheers)

In the red corner, the homegrown Rhino, weighing in at 216 pounds, wearing white trunks with and red trim, from Troy, New York, Severino Perisi!

The crowd erupts into cheers, Tyler and JB clap and shout in favor of Rhino. Billie is taking it all in.

ANNOUNCER (CONT’D)

In the black corner, weighing in at 212 pounds, wearing all black trunks, in only his third professional fight, out of Catskill, New York, Michael Tyson!

Rhino looks across the ring, MIKE TYSON, 18, swaying back and forth looking like a Pitbull ready to attack.

DING-DING-DING- The fighters return to their corners in preparation, getting a final sip of water and vaseline layer across their cheeks. Joey appears climbing up to the ropes.

RHINO

You made it.

JOEY

I had to clean up a mess downtown, don’t get me fuckin’ started. Listen, we’re lookin’ for a knockout in the third.

(beat)

Get this, the kid is the favorite.

RHINO

Then why don’t I take him out in the first.

JOEY

Look at that, the mulignan has an Italian trainer.

They look over that way, Tyson rolling out his neck, he is shredded from head to toe, intimidating at a glance.

JOEY (CONT’D)

Third round, y’hear me?

Rhino nods, Joey retreats. The fighters make way for the center of the ring and touch gloves, DING, they begin to counter each other.

Tyson moves in quickly with a look of ferocity. Rhino casually counters his movement, throwing a weak jab, Tyson ducks and throws a left handed hook in the blink of an eye.

CRACK- Rhino’s head violently snaps back -THUD- dropped to the mat, the lights above him in and out of focus. A bass driven pulse buzzing in his ears.

The ref leans over him counting him off, he can’t move. The crowd is going nuts, Tyson returns to his corner hardly breaking a sweat. Billie cupping her hands to her mouth.

Joey looking dumbfounded in the crowd. The ref waves his arms in the air, Rhino still hasn’t moved, Tyson’s arm raised as the winner.

ANNOUNCER

The winner by knockout, Michael Tyson!

The cornermen scoop Rhino off the floor, Joey storms out.

[Nick DeRuve]

DeRuve’s Turning Point 1 Scenes

What I learned doing this assignment is tough to pinpoint. I’m actually feeling like I’m in a slump right now. While I am trying to accept 20% quality, I am losing confidence with it for some reason.

EXT./INT. PARISI FAMILY HOUSE/JOEY’S CAR – EVENING

Joey is waiting in his car outside the house, picks up Rhino when he leaves. He reveals that he knows Rhino let Gil off with a warning and explains how detrimental to the business that is.

He also explains an upcoming fight for Thursday with a 19 year old kid, he’s filling in for an injured fighter. They’re confident because the kid only has two professional fights. The fix is in for a second round knockout, Rhino agrees.

Scene –

EXT. PERISI FAMILY HOME – DAY

A murdered out Cadillac idles across the street when Rhino exits the front door with Cannoli. He notices right away, and approaches. The black window rolls down revealing Joey.

JOEY

Let’s go for a ride.

(beat)

Leave that stinkin’ dog.

RHINO

Sure.

Rhino retreats to the house tying Cannoli to the post.

INT. JOEY’S CAR – DAY

Rhino rides in back with Joey, sitting in an long silence.

JOEY

In twenty-four years y’never disrespected me. But, this business with Gil needs to be addressed.

RHINO

Joey, I didn’t mean nothin’ by it.

JOEY

Let me ask you, how does it make me look when my right hand is out there lettin’ people walk?

RHINO

I, uh…

JOEY

How?!

RHINO

I don’t know.

JOEY

Like a faggoty ass little bitch!

RHINO

I’m sorry, Joey.

JOEY

Y’er not goin’ soft on me, are ya?

RHINO

C’mon, I’m Rhino.

(beat)

I was just thinkin’–

JOEY

Well, stop. It ain’t y’er job to think. It’s y’er job to crack heads open. Are we clear?

RHINO

Yes, very clear.

JOEY

We got a fight Sunday.

RHINO

This Sunday?

Joey looks at him painfully.

JOEY

Is that alright with you, huh? You up for it, ya fuckin’ animal.

(beat)

It’s some nineteen year old kid in his third fight. Y’er fillin’ in for the bum who sprained his ankle in training.

The long silence returns.

[Nick DeRuve]

DeRuve’s Inciting Incident

What I learned doing this assignment is that by focusing on speed, and quantity over quality, I am able to hammer out scenes. I have allowed myself to write lower quality, and embraced that I will improve it later. With that approach I realize I have already got my first fifty pages written.

Inciting Incident + Reaction to it –

INT. LAUNDROMAT – NIGHT

Cannoli lays on the floor under the chair Rhino slouches in watching his laundry spin in the dryer.

On the far side of the laundromat two kids JB, 8, and TYLER, 10, toss a baseball back and forth. JB whips one passed Tyler, it kicks off a machine skipping towards Rhino.

He snatches it swiftly and holds it up.

BILLIE (O.S.)

Ya’ll better take that into the parking lot, I don’t know where you get off throwing the ball inside.

Tyler approaches Rhino presenting the ball.

RHINO

Who’s your favorite team?

TYLER

The Yankees.

RHINO

Damn, straight.

Rhino tosses him the ball, he runs off, BILLIE BELLE, 28, approaches. Rhino’s eyes widen, she has exotic almond eyes, milk chocolate complexion, and long tightly woven box braids.

BILLIE

You give your Momma this much grief growing up?

RHINO

Oh, absolutely. But, once I grow up, I plan on givin’ her a break.

BILLIE

(smiles)

I’ve seen you in here.

RHINO

I seen you too.

BILLIE

You look like Marlon Brando.

He holds a look on her grin for a moment.

RHINO

You don’t look like nobody I know.

BILLIE

No?

RHINO

My Auntie Marie got a goatee.

BILLIE

(chuckles)

Should I call you Brando?

RHINO

Rhino.

BILLIE

Rhino? Uh-huh. I’m sure your Momma named you Rhino.

RHINO

It’s a nickname.

BILLIE

I’m not calling you that.

She widens her eyes and pops her hips waiting a reply.

RHINO

Wanna know how I got it? Most people think it’s ‘cause I’m humungous, but it ain’t true. I was waitin’ in the lock for my first pro fight, I’m a fighter, and I got myself a new robe. Real stylish, nothin’ flashy, all class, ya know? I had my name stitched into the chest like this here, and it must’a had some kinda fold in it, and they saw, R-I-N-O, and pronounced it rhino. Severino the Rhino was born by serendipity they call that. The right place at the right time kinda thing.

BILLIE

Severino is much nicer than Rhino.

RHINO

I’m a fighter, I’m not supposed to be nice. What’d’they call you?

BILLIE

Billie Belle.

Rhino giggles under his breath.

BILLIE (CONT’D)

Oh, you think that’s funny?

RHINO

No, not at all. It’s got a nice ring to it.

BILLIE

(laughs)

You sure you’re a fighter and not a comedian?

RHINO

Comedian is my real job, I’m a boxer on the side.

(she laughs)

What’s with them books you’re always luggin’ around, Billie Belle?

BILLIE

I’m in law school.

RHINO

I figured you was smart. You look real sharp, ya know, not like the rest of these bums out here.

BILLIE

(blushes)

You’re more charming than you think, Severino. A fighter may be what you are, but it isn’t who you are.

(beat)

You feel me?

RHINO

If I ain’t a fighter, who am I?

BILLIE

You’ll figure it out eventually.

She turns to leave.

RHINO

Hey, when’s the next laundry day?

BILLIE

Why? You want to meet me here?

RHINO

Maybe so.

BILLIE

Next Sunday. See you.

RHINO

See you.

Cannoli comes out from under the chair putting his head on Rhino’s lap, they exchange looks.

EXT. PORT OF ALBANY – DAWN

The steam whistle screams, longshoremen report for work. Rhino eats an apple watching the labor make their way for the docks blanketed in a thick fog.

He sees GIL, 48, in the mix of other laborers. He advances briskly, Gil catches a glimpse of him and quickly runs, Rhino pursues with bad intentions.

He catches up and shoves Gil from behind who stumbles across the pavement. Rhino snatches him up and slams him up against a steel shipping container.

RHINO

What’re ya runnin’ for, Gil, huh?

GIL

I’m sorry, man, I’m fuckin’ sorry!

Rhino cocks his fist back, Gil cowers, but it’s only a threat. He straightens Gil back up.

RHINO

What time is it, Gil?

(beat)

Huh?!

(beat)

It’s time to pay the man. If I go back there with nothin’ and it reflects poorly on me, capisce?

GIL

What can I do, I’ll do anything…

RHINO

You seen y’er buddy Jonny? He’s eatin’ sausages through a straw right now.

GIL

I gots grandkids to look after, please. Have a heart.

Rhino grips his jacket in his fists, frustration mounting, but he lets him go.

RHINO

One week. You got one week. And I want it all.

Gil can’t believe it.

RHINO (CONT’D)

Don’t make a fool of me.

GIL

One week, you got it Rhino, thank you, thank you.

Gil back peddles before running for safety. Rhino can’t believe his own actions. He disappears into the fog.

[Nick DeRuve]

Day 9

DeRuve’s Act I Opening Scenes

What I learned doing this assignment is how much I love writing, and how excited I am to be in thiS CLASS WITH ALL OF YOU>

BY THE WAY< MY KEYBOARD FRIED LAST NIGHT WHEN I FINISHED THIS OPENING>.. NOT SURE IF THATS A GOOD SIGN OR BAD SIGN< BUT I HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE KEYS TODAY. NEW ONE IN MAIL TOMORROW.

Scene Outlines:

Scene 1 –

Beginning: Rhino is searching for a house in the suburbs, and prepares to get a job done.

Middle: Rhino locates his target, roughs him up real good.

End: A little girl is present to witness what he’s done.

Scene 2 –

Beginning: Rhino arrives to the arena late for his fight.

Middle: Joey runs his mouth talking shit, on the side of Rhino.

End: Joey clears the room, talks to Rhino about the plan for the fight.

INT. RHINO’S CAR – SUBURBS – NIGHT

SEVERINO PERISI, 34, aka RHINO, creeps down the street with his headlights off, looking for an address scribbled on a piece of paper. His breaks squeal to a halt, he’s arrived.

He peers out from under his permanently swollen brows, the neighborhood is silent. He pulls a plastic bag over each shoe, taping them around the ankles.

He tucks his thick black hair under a black cap.

EXT. SUBURBAN HOUSE – CONTINUOUS

TITLE CARD: 1985, Troy, New York

Rhino methodically walks around the side of the house towards the back, his rather large shadow shifting across the side lawn approaching the light. He unscrews the bulb, darkness.

EXT. SUBURBAN HOUSE – BACKYARD – CONTINUOUS

JONNY, 32, puffs a cigar on the patio by himself, he glances over, momentarily frozen by Rhino’s enormous silhouette, easily 6’4” and as broad as a beast.

Jonny snaps out of it, frantically dives back out of his chair, and trips over the next one. Rhino moves in on his prey, Jonny flinging toys and chairs in his path.

Rhino grabs Jonny by the breast of his jacket, lifting him to his feet with ease.

RHINO

What time is it, Jonny?

JONNY

I don’t got it.

SLAP- Rhino knocks him silly with a vicious backhand.

JONNY (CONT’D)

Honest!

CRACK- A stiff right hook knocks Jonny to the ground, his nose shattered to bloody pieces.

Rhino picks him up tossing him through the sliding glass door into the–

INT. SUBURBAN HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – CONTINUOUS

Jonny skids across the floor amongst the broken glass, Rhino stomps in, flips him to his back, and delivers three bone crushing rights, breaking his face, leaving him limp.

Rhino stands, hardly out of breath when the whimper of a LITTLE GIRL, 6, catches his attention. His mouth hangs open before his chin falls, heartbreak.

She wipes the tears from her face when he extends a lollipop to her. She smacks it out of his hand, defeated, the cries breaking him.

EXT. EMPIRE STATE PLAZA CONVENTION CENTER – ALBANY – NIGHT

Rhino’s jalopy makes way through the crowds of people heading for the entrance. He parks right outside the side door labeled locker rooms. Gets out, and tosses his keys to JIMMY.

JIMMY

Give ‘em hell t’night, Rhino!

Rhino makes his way inside–

INT. EMPIRE STATE PLAZA CONVENTION CENTER – CONTINUOUS

Rhino strolls down the hall of the arena, the employees all turn and wave, offering him encouragements.

RHINO

Hey, how ya doin’?

(beat)

Thanks a lot, appreciate it.

He finally reaches the locker room entrance.

INT. LOCKER ROOM – CONTINUOUS

The corner men sit around annoyed in uniform garb, JOEY PAONE, 34, paces back and forth, a short stocky guinea with the suit of a made man. Rhino casually struts in.

JOEY

What’d I tell ya, huh? There he is! Fifteen minutes to spare even! These bums been bad mouthin’ ya, Rhino.

Rhino shoots his charming grin at the corner men who greet him warmly.

JOEY (CONT’D)

You think I’m gonna let you bums flap your gums about Rhino, huh? This man’s a fighter, what’re you, huh? Bums, all of ya’s!

RHINO

Put a cork in it, Joey, would ya?

Rhino strips down and hops up on the trainers table.

JOEY

(dramatic)

Maybe this time, sure! But you give ‘em an inch, and they’ll take a mile.

Rhino chuckles along with the corner men, Joey finally lets out a laugh. The TRAINER takes Rhino’s hand revealing bruising and fresh cuts. He turns to Joey, the mood shifts.

JOEY (CONT’D)

A’right, everybody get the hell outta here for a minute.

(beat)

Just a minute, thanks boys.

The room clears, Joey approaches Rhino and grabs his right hand. He playfully pats Rhino’s cheek.

RHINO

I know, I know, I was supposed to get it done a couple’a nights ago.

JOEY

Shut up.

(beat)

What’re ya bare knucklin’ these low life’s f’er?! Huh? What’s a matter with you?

(beat)

Where’re them gloves I gave ya?

RHINO

Gloves?

JOEY

Them nice leather ones, ya animal. Y’er gonna get y’erself hurt.

RHINO

C’mon, Joey, it’s alright, it’s nothin’ but a flesh wound, gimme a break, would ya?

Joey stands down a little and lets out a grin.

JOEY

You’re lucky this guy’s a bum tonight. He’s big and he’s clumsy. Let him get some shots in, and put him down in the third. We’ll be home by midnight.

RHINO

The purse?

JOEY

If you can keep‘em up on his feet for three rounds, real nice.

RHINO

I won’t use my right.

He flashes his bloody knuckles, they share a laugh.

DING–

INT. EMPIRE STATE PLAZA CONVENTION CENTER – RING – NIGHT

–DING- Rhino comes out of his corner swiftly tossing some light jabs at SHEFFIELD, 24, who’s big as a house. Rhino looks quick compared to his shuffling heavy feet.

Sheffield winds up and throws a hook, Rhino eats it with the back of his glove, again throwing meaningless counters. A combination of punches, hardly making Rhino flinch.

DING- Scattered boos and crumpled programs shower the ring. Rhino sits in his corner, hardly breathing heavy. Across the ring, Sheffield is sucking wind.

A leggy RING GIRL, 26, carries the round card, “2”, turning the boos to cheers.

DING- Rhino comes out of his corner again playing possum. Sheffield moves in, doing his best, but his best is deflected and evaded with ease. Sheffield takes a big swing and slips.

He falls to a knee, the crowd is growing more hostile. They counter each other, Sheffield throwing sloppy combinations, Rhino tossing weak jabs into his chin.

DING- The crowd is letting them have it, the fight lacks excitement, booing and groans. He sits in his corner.

RHINO

A lotta hostility tonight.

TRAINER

Yeah, in the crowd maybe, what the hell are ya doin’ out there?

Rhino looks over his shoulder into the crowd. Joey making eyes at him and nods. The Ring Girl carries the “3”-DING.

Rhino pounds his fists together, the boo birds loud as ever. The fighters approach, Rhino throws his first meaningful jab, surprising Sheffield, snapping his head straight back.

A quick combination before he can regain his balance, and he stumbles, holding the ropes for support. The REF offers a standing five count.

Joey smirks in the crowd with his GOONS.

Sheffield takes a deep breath and moves in, he throws a punch that is countered faster than he can comprehend. A flurry of punches knocks him off his feet to the mat.

The ref counts him off, the crowd erupting in cheers, Rhino holding his gloves in the air. He arrogantly spits his mouthpiece towards his corner, TIME SLOWS DOWN–

Rhino dances from side to side with arms raised high, flash bulbs popping. His shiny black pomp prances across his brow, sweat glistening on his thick build, he flexes his huge arms.

TITLE CARD: Rhino

[Nick DeRuve]

DeRuve’s Beat Sheet Draft 2

What I learned doing this assignment is a better understanding of my theme, and how it is expressed through the characters and action. This is a great assignment, and a tough one. I really had to grind on my theme, and will have to continue to shape it as I discover more about this journey. I definitely was able to add some meat to the bones I had before. I was able to identify some of my place holders. Overall, I feel like I am starting to see the vision of the script filling out.

Antagonist’s Journey:

Joey pretends to be Rhino’s best friend while using him for personal gain, without Rhino knowing.

Joey asserts his power, and questions its effectiveness to Rhino in private.

Joey begins to reveal his true feelings towards Rhino when things aren’t going his way. Becoming more overtly conflicted with who he wants to be vs. who he is.

Joey answers to his father and really has little power or know how.

Joey commits murder in place of Rhino who can’t pull the trigger.

Joey threatens Rhino’s life if the job isn’t done.

Joey vs. Rhino showdown. Crucible.

Title: Rhino

Beat Sheet –

ACT I

1985, Troy, New York

INT./EXT. RHINO’S JALOPY/TROY SUBURBS – NIGHT

SEVERINO PERISI, 34, aka RHINO, drives his jalopy through a middle class neighborhood looking for an address he has scribbled on paper.

EXT. SUBURBAN HOUSE – NIGHT

Rhino walks around the side of the dark house looking in the windows, around back, he sees a man on the patio smoking a cigar. Rhino quietly emerges from the shadows, the man is terrified trying to run but tripping over his cheap lawn furniture. Rhino gets a hold of him, he’s there to collect a debt the man can’t pay. Rhino roughs him up real good, throwing him through the glass sliding door into the living room. Rhino throws a few right hooks knocking the man limp. Rhino straightens himself up when a little girl emerges, crying in fear. Rhino is shook by her presence.

EXT./INT. EMPIRE STATE PLAZA CONVENTION CENTER – ALBANY – NIGHT

Rhinos speeds into the crowded parking lot, parks right in front of the door and rushes inside. He’s late for his fight.

In the locker room, JOEY, 34, the Capo, complains about his tardiness and asks if he knows the plan. He has to explain it again, Rhino is to carry the fight to the third round and win by knockout.

INT. BOXING RING – CONTINUOUS

Rhino perries with his opponent who is trying his best, but no match for Rhino. The crowd is growing restless by Rhino’s approach and the lack of action on his side. In the third round Rhino comes out swinging, winning by knockout.

INT. LOCKER ROOM – NIGHT

Rhino collects on his payday and gets a visit from the Godfather, Joey’s father. A true honor.

INT. RHINO’S APARTMENT – NIGHT

Rhino lives in a really crappy one bedroom, small and messy. He comes home to his dog Cannoli tied up in the backyard. He turns on the small tube TV to watch the news. He drinks beer and cuddles his dog, his best friend, and sees the highlights from his fight.

INT. GYMNASIUM – DAY

Rhino stands beside a man filling out forms. Rhino looks a little lost and out of place. A man behind the desk commends Rhino on his fifth year sponsoring a little league team. He counts off $800 cash, and shakes with the coaches on his way out.

EXT./INT. PERISI FAMILY HOME – DAY

Rhino walks from his apartment, down a few houses in this packed two family home neighborhood with Cannoli. Obviously a lower income neighborhood. He waves to the passer bys, all Italians, until arriving at his parents house. He ties Cannoli up in the backyard. The tiny house is packed to the gill with a loud mouthed Italian family. Everyone treats Rhino like the baby, and we get to see a beautiful family dynamic.

Rhino gives his Father the rent money, but his Father doesn’t have much to say to him.

His brother pulls him aside and asks for a job with Joey, but Rhino plays dumb and acts like he’s not involved in the mob at all.

INT. LAUNDROMAT – NIGHT

Rhino does his wash, Cannoli sitting under his chair, BILLIE BELLE, 28, and her two sons are there also doing wash. The boys throw a baseball which skips over in Rhino’s direction. Again we see him charming and kind to the boys, and Billie decides to talk to him for the first time. They have an adorable conversation that ends with intrigue.

EXT. PORT OF ALBANY – DAY

Rhino walks the docks as the longshoremen retire for the night. His target catches a glimpse of him and tries to evade. Rhino tracks him down, but lets him off with a warning.

INT. RHINO’S APARTMENT – NIGHT

Rhino sits awake in his dark and dingy living room, the clock strikes 5am. He gets dressed and leaves.

EXT. SOUTH TROY – DAWN

Rhino runs through the streets throwing random jabs and hooks, Cannoli running beside him.

INT. PARISI FAMILY HOUSE – DAY

Rhino sits around a long table in a full living room for Sunday dinner with his family. They recite a catholic prayer before the food is passed around.

ACT II

EXT./INT. PARISI FAMILY HOUSE/JOEY’S CAR – EVENING

Joey is waiting in his car outside the house, picks up Rhino when he leaves. He reveals that he knows Rhino let his last target off with a warning and explains how detrimental to the business that is. He also explains an upcoming fight for Thursday with a 19 year old kid, he’s filling in for an injured fighter. They’re confident because the kid only has two professional fights. The fix is in for a second round knockout, Rhino agrees.

INT. LAUNDROMAT – NIGHT

Rhino does his laundry and Billie arrives with the kids. She has a way of seeing through Rhino into who he really is. She says some things that touch a nerve. Rhino is on his way to his fight, doing his own laundry. He tells them he’ll put their names in at the box office for tickets if they want. The boys want to go.

INT. EMPIRE STATE PLAZA CONVENTION CENTER – NIGHT

Rhino pounds his taped fists together prepping to pull his gloves on. Joey arrives and questions him about the tickets he gave away, revealing he knows everything. Joey discourages him from forming a relationship with the girl, also revealing he knows she is black. Frowning upon him for going outside the Italian race.

Rhino enters the ring and spots Billie and the boys in the crowd, not far from Joey and some goons. The fighters are announced and Rhino gets a big cheer as a hometown hero. The other fighter is announced, it’s Mike Tyson in his third professional fight. Rhino is knocked out in the first round. Embarrassed in front of Billie, and in for it with Joey and the mob.

INT. LOCKER ROOM – NIGHT

Joey questions if Rhino has lost his ability. His work is suffering, his fighting is suffering. He questions more about the girl. Pushes Rhino around and tells him he better straighten up or he’ll have to answer to the Godfather. But at the same time, gives him his pay from the fight, with some extra to “take care of him”.

INT. RHINO’S CAR – NIGHT

Rhino drinks a beer behind the wheel when a cop pulls him over. The cop gets him out of the car and gets rough. To Rhino’s surprise, the Cop is mad about him losing the fight and the money lost on the bet. Tells him to watch his back.

EXT. BASEBALL FIELD – DAY

Rhino sits in a cheap lawn chair with Cannoli watching the little league game. Billie spots him and approaches, her son’s are on the other team. Billie gets Rhino to reveal his world view, it’s a violent and bleak outlook. But she doesn’t buy it. She sees something special in him.

INT. JOEYS CAR – DAY

Joey picks up Rhino to discuss his next target. He explains the severity of the situation and breaks the news that Rhino needs to kill this guy.

INT. HOUSE – NIGHT

The target is in his home going about his business when he finds Rhino sitting in the dark. “Do you know who I am?” The target is terrified but not running like the last guy. Rhino informs him that he is supposed to kill him, but gives him an out. Tells him to pack up his family and disappear forever. Go somewhere and start new.

EXT. SOUTH TROY – DAWN

Rhino runs with Cannoli by his side.

INT. BASEMENT CASINO – NIGHT

Joey is asserting his power amongst the crowd. Shouting and throwing a tantrum. Rhino stands by watching. Afterwards, Joey inquires if Rhino thinks he was effective. “You think they’re scared of me?”

ACT III

EXT. JERSEY CITY CONVENTION CENTER – NIGHT

Rhino makes way for the convention center when he sees his former target who he let “disappear”. Rhino approaches him and is pissed that he told him to disappear and he turns up in Jersey.

INT. JERSEY CITY CONVENTION CENTER – NIGHT

Two rounds into the fight, Joey approaches Rhino in the corner. He tells him things have changed, he has to dive in the next round to make good on the bet. Leaving Rhino disappointed as he’s been dominating the fight.

INT./EXT. JOEY’S CAR/87 NORTH – HUDSON – NIGHT

The car gets off the exit and Rhino wonders what they’re doing. The target Rhino let off the hook is there on his knees by the river. Joey shows his darkside to Rhino, pleading with him to kill the guy. He won’t do it. Joey promises to tell his Father that he did, then Joey shoots him.

EXT. SOUTH TROY – DAY

Rhino walks with Cannoli down the block towards the baseball field. Billie meets him there and Rhino isn’t himself. For the first time shows some vulnerability, and opens up about his inner conflicts. His actual world views. Billie encourages him to start living from that truth, Rhino wishes it were that easy.

EXT. DOWNTOWN ALBANY – NIGHT

Rhino jogs through the city waving jabs and hooks with Cannoli nearby. Joey’s car pulls up. They get in the car. Joey has an opportunity for Rhino, he brags it’s his biggest fight yet, and an apology for what happened. A shot at the cruiserweight championship. Rhino has to lose thirteen pounds, but he can do it. The bad news is, he can’t win the fight. He’s the favorite in this old rematch, the payoff for the dive will be huge. Gives him training money.

INT. RHINO’S APARTMENT – MORNING

Rhino peddles a stationary bike wrapped in saran wrap. He looks over the photographs on the wall, and paper clippings. He drinks a can of beef broth. This is a nostalgic, inner conflict type of scene.

The phone rings, Billie invites him for dinner.

INT. BELLE HOME – NIGHT

At the end of the night Rhino and Billie are alone. They kiss, but she pushes him away. She tells him they can’t pursue a relationship, he admits that’s the direction it seemed like they were going. She is so true to herself, she won’t allow herself to love a man that is so broken.

INT. PARISI FAMILY HOUSE – DAY

Rhino at his family house to pay rent, won’t be around this weekend. Excited to fight in the Garden. Has the first conversation with his Father, who reveals he knows who he really is. His Father inspires him to follow his heart, and change the parts of his life he’s not happy with. If he loves Billie, he needs to be the kind of man she deserves.

INT. PAONE HOUSE – NIGHT

Rhino meets with the Godfather to discuss his new target, Billie’s brother, who happens to be a corrupted cop in debt to his ears. Godfather acknowledges the fight coming up, telling him to lay off the pasta.

INT. JOEY’S CAR – NIGHT

Rhino is caught off guard when he realizes this isn’t a normal car ride. Joey presents Rhino with the ultimatum, kill Billie’s brother, or be killed himself. Joey acts as though he is his friend and is trying to help. Rhino expresses an intelligence he hasn’t, revealing he knows that he’s been used. He has a deeper perspective than Joey thought.

INT. MADISON SQUARE GARDEN – NIGHT

Rhino is given the plan for the night, fight hard out of the gate, and take a dive in the third on the first clean punch. During the fight Rhino has a change of heart when he realizes this opponent is nothing compared to him. He makes the choice to win the fight, but flees the scene when it’s over.

ACT IV

INT. RHINO’S APARTMENT – NIGHT

Rhino comes home to find Cannoli has been killed. For the first time we see Rhino break, he’s lost his best friend.

EXT. BILLIE’S APARTMENT – NIGHT

Rhino tries to help Billie, whose brother has informed her of who Rhino really is. Rhino is trying to warn them that they are in danger.

EXT. POT OF ALBANY – NIGHT

Rhino has been tailing Joey, final showdown. Failed attempt to kill Rhino, who gains the upper hand, but chooses not to kill him.

INT. PARISI FAMILY HOME – DAY

Rhino sits more quiet than usual, his last supper. He has a private moment with his father, he tries to give him the last of his money while telling him he’s going away, probably for good. His Father is sad, but proud for the first time in his life.

INT. RHINO’S CAR – EVENING

Rhino leaves the capital district, assuming he went to find Billie.

[Nick DeRuve]

DeRuve’s High Speed Beat Sheet

What I learned doing this assignment is how to accept unanswered questions, plot holes, and thin sequences. I definitely don’t have all the answers. I mean. I have like, no answers. But, I have a strong Act I, and some strong moments along the way, and it was enough to sort of build on and get started. I definitely have been having ideas come and go quickly. I would like this script to be 90-100 pages, so I’m happy we are powering through, which is keeping me from turning this into an epic which I tend to do with everything. I got a lot out of this, even if this beat sheet to this point is really front heavy.

Title: Rhino

Beat Sheet –

ACT I

1985, Troy, New York

INT./EXT. RHINO’S JALOPY/TROY SUBURBS – NIGHT

SEVERINO PERISI, 34, aka RHINO, drives his jalopy through a middle class neighborhood looking for an address he has scribbled on paper.

EXT. SUBURBAN HOUSE – NIGHT

Rhino walks around the side of the dark house looking in the windows, around back, he sees a man on the patio smoking a cigar. Rhino quietly emerges from the shadows, the man is terrified trying to run but tripping over his cheap lawn furniture. Rhino gets ahold of him, he’s there to collect a debt the man can’t pay. Rhino roughs him up real good, throwing him through the glass sliding door into the living room. Rhino throws a few right hooks knocking the man limp. Rhino straightens himself up when a little girl emerges, crying in fear. Rhino is shook by her presence.

EXT./INT. EMPIRE STATE PLAZA CONVENTION CENTER – ALBANY – NIGHT

Rhinos speeds into the crowded parking lot, parks right in front of the door and rushes inside. He’s late for his fight.

In the locker room, JOEY, 34, the Capo, complains about his tardiness and asks if he knows the plan. He has to explain it again, Rhino is to carry the fight to the third round and win by knockout.

INT. BOXING RING – CONTINUOUS

Rhino perries with his opponent who is trying his best, but no match for Rhino. The crowd is growing restless by Rhino’s approach and the lack of action on his side. In the third round Rhino comes out swinging, winning by knockout.

INT. LOCKER ROOM – NIGHT

Rhino collects on his payday and gets a visit from the Godfather, Joey’s father. A true honor.

INT. RHINO’S APARTMENT – NIGHT

Rhino lives in a really crappy one bedroom, small and messy. He comes home to his dog Cannoli tied up in the backyard. He turns on the small tube TV to watch the news. He drinks beer and cuddles his dog, his best friend, and sees the highlights from his fight.

INT. GYMNASIUM – DAY

Rhino stands beside a man filling out forms. Rhino looks a little lost and out of place. A man behind the desk commends Rhino on his fifth year sponsoring a little league team. He counts off $800 cash, and shakes with the coaches on his way out.

EXT./INT. PERISI FAMILY HOME – DAY

Rhino walks from his apartment, down a few houses in this packed two family home neighborhood with Cannoli. Obviously a lower income neighborhood. He waves to the passer bys, all Italians, until arriving at his parents house. He ties Cannoli up in the backyard. The tiny house is packed to the gill with a loud mouthed Italian family. Everyone treats Rhino like the baby, and we get to see a beautiful family dynamic.

Rhino gives his Father the rent money, but his Father doesn’t have much to say to him.

His brother pulls him aside and asks for a job with Joey, but Rhino plays dumb and acts like he’s not involved in the mob at all.

INT. LAUNDROMAT – NIGHT

Rhino does his wash, Cannoli sitting under his chair, BILLIE BELLE, 28, and her two sons are there also doing wash. The boys throw a baseball which skips over in Rhino’s direction. Again we see him charming and kind to the boys, and Billie decides to talk to him for the first time. They have an adorable conversation that ends with intrigue.

EXT. PORT OF ALBANY – DAY

Rhino walks the docks as the longshoremen retire for the night. His target catches a glimpse of him and tries to evade. Rhino tracks him down, but lets him off with a warning.

INT. RHINO’S APARTMENT – NIGHT

Rhino sits awake in his dark and dingy living room, the clock strikes 5am. He gets dressed and leaves.

EXT. SOUTH TROY – DAWN

Rhino runs through the streets throwing random jabs and hooks, Cannoli running beside him.

INT. PARISI FAMILY HOUSE – DAY

Rhino sits around a long table in a full living room for Sunday dinner with his family. They recite a catholic prayer before the food is passed around.

ACT II

EXT./INT. PARISI FAMILY HOUSE/JOEY’S CAR – EVENING

Joey is waiting in his car outside the house, picks up Rhino when he leaves. He reveals that he knows Rhino let his last target off with a warning and explains how detrimental to the business that is. He also explains an upcoming fight for Thursday with a 19 year old kid, he’s filling in for an injured fighter. They’re confident because the kid only has two professional fights. The fix is in for a second round knockout, Rhino agrees.

INT. LAUNDROMAT – NIGHT

Rhino does his laundry and Billie arrives with the kids. She has a way of seeing through Rhino into who he really is. She says some things that touch a nerve. Rhino is on his way to his fight, doing his own laundry. He tells them he’ll put their names in at the box office for tickets if they want. The boys want to go.

INT. EMPIRE STATE PLAZA CONVENTION CENTER – NIGHT

Rhino pounds his taped fists together prepping to pull his gloves on. Joey arrives and questions him about the tickets he gave away, revealing he knows everything. Joey discourages him from forming a relationship with the girl, also revealing he knows she is black. Frowning upon him for going outside the Italian race.

Rhino enters the ring and spots Billie and the boys in the crowd, not far from Joey and some goons. The fighters are announced and Rhino gets a big cheer as a hometown hero. The other fighter is announced, it’s Mike Tyson in his third professional fight. Rhino is knocked out in the first round. Embarrassed in front of Billie, and in for it with Joey and the mob.

INT. LOCKER ROOM – NIGHT

Joey questions if Rhino has lost his ability. His work is suffering, his fighting is suffering. He questions more about the girl. Pushes Rhino around and tells him he better straighten up or he’ll have to answer to the Godfather.

EXT. BASEBALL FIELD – DAY

Rhino sits in a cheap lawn chair with Cannoli watching the little league game. Billie spots him and approaches, her son’s are on the other team. They share some laughs, and Billie can’t help but be intrigued by him. Rhino asks if they can have a date, she agrees.

INT. JOEYS CAR – DAY

Joey picks up Rhino to discuss his next target. He explains the severity of the situation and breaks the news that Rhino needs to kill this guy.

INT. HOUSE – NIGHT

The target is in his home going about his business when he finds Rhino sitting in the dark. “Do you know who I am?” The target is terrified but not running like the last guy. Rhino informs him that he is supposed to kill him, but gives him an out. Tells him to pack up his family and disappear forever. Go somewhere and start new.

EXT. SOUTH TROY – DAWN

Rhino runs with Cannoli by his side.

ACT III

INT. PAONE HOUSE – NIGHT

Rhino meets with the Godfather to discuss his new target, Billie’s brother, who happens to be a corrupted cop in debt to his ears.

INT. JOEY’S CAR – NIGHT

Rhino is caught off guard when he realizes this isn’t a normal car ride. Joey presents Rhino with the ultimatum, kill Billie’s brother, or be killed himself. Joey acts as though he is his friend and is trying to help.

INT. PARISI FAMILY HOUSE – NIGHT

Rhino has the first conversation with his Father, who reveals he knows who he really is. His Father inspires him to follow his heart, and change the parts of his life he’s not happy with. If he loves Billie, he needs to be the kind of man she deserves.

INT. MADISON SQUARE GARDEN – NIGHT

Rhino is given the plan for the night, fight hard out of the gate, and take a dive on the first clean punch. During the fight Rhino has a change of heart when he realizes this opponent is nothing compared to him. He makes the choice to win the fight, but flees the scene when it’s over.

INT. RHINO’S APARTMENT – NIGHT

Rhino comes home to find Cannoli has been killed. For the first time we see Rhino break, he’s lost his best friend.

ACT IV

EXT. BILLIE’S APARTMENT – NIGHT

Rhino tries to help Billie, whose brother has informed her of who Rhino really is. Rhino is trying to warn them that they are in danger.

EXT. POT OF ALBANY – NIGHT

Rhino has been tailing Joey, final showdown, Joey is killed.

INT. RHINO’S CAR – MORNING

Rhino leaves the capital district, assuming he went to find Billie.

[Nick DeRuve]

DeRuve’s Transformational Events

What I learned doing this assignment is a great technique to start finding scenes for my outline. This was a bit of a daunting task at first. Once I got into the swing of things it started really paying off. I still have a lot of work to do on this, but I saw positive influence on the direction of the story.

Character Arc:

Rhino begins his journey as a professional boxer and made leg-breaker, but on the inside he has a heart of gold and a guilty conscience. He will finish his journey breaking free of the mob, relocating, and starting his life over.

What are the hero’s old ways?

Leg breaking, debt collecting, bullying

Working fixed fights

Disconnect from any and all relationships

Grateful for the hand he has been dealt

What are the hero’s new ways?

Can’t follow through with his orders, guilty conscience

Wants to see how good of a fighter he really is, or could of been

Allow his love interest in, become vulnerable

Make the changes needed to live the life he wants

Ideas for Change or Steps that need to happen for change:

-Rhino roughs up his target on a collection, when the dust settles, the target’s little girl emerges. This makes Rhino question his actions.

-Rhino and Billie interact for the first time, sparking their interest in each other.

-Rhino has a fight against a newly turned professional, a 19 year old they shrug off, and he is knocked out in the first round. He’s slapped around by Joey in the locker room as the bet failed and lost them money.

-Rhino goes on a collection and lets the guy off with a warning, causing a lot of tension between him and Joey.

-Joey brings Rhino with him to finish the job and kill the target, Rhino can’t do it, so Joey steps in and shoots him in the head.

-Rhino’s relationship with Billie develops, he is given his next target, and it happens to be her brother. He has to form a plan to get out of this.

-Rhino goes on a collection and forces his target to pack up his family and leave the state and never look back.

-Rhino no longer wants to take dives in the ring, during a big fight he has a change of heart and begins to fight back, winning in spite of the plan to lose.

-Billie finds out who Rhino really is, and she can’t be apart of it. She is moving to North Carolina to be with her sister.

-Rhino’s Father knows what he has been up to and encourages him to break free of the control of the mob.

-Joey threatens Rhino’s life as he begins to disobey orders and fail his objectives. Their brotherhood is revealed to be a sham.

Opening:

Severino Perisi is the teddy bear of his huge Italian family. The kids all love him, and climb on him, and even though he is bigger than everyone by a foot and a hundred pounds, they all treat him as the baby of the family even though he is the provider.

At nightfall, Sevvy becomes the Rhino, a debt collector for the Mafia. His target is utterly terrified of him, and Rhino uses brute force to send his message. All of this was done on his way to the boxing arena for his scheduled fight.

-Rhino roughs up his target on a collection, when the dust settles, the target’s little girl emerges. This makes Rhino question his actions.

Inciting Incident:

Rhino is paid off by the mob, and it is orchestrated by his best friend Joey. He carries the fight three rounds with ease, and quickly knocks out his opponent. Through the first couple rounds the crowd was booing and taunting the fight which seemed to move rather slowly. Afterwards, Joey expresses his true self to Rhino, and we see the control he has over him.

-Rhino and Billie interact for the first time, sparking their interest in each other.

Turning Point:

Rhino is instructed to collect from a target, and if he doesn’t have the money to kill him. He of course doesn’t have the money, but instead of killing him, Rhino forces him to pack his family up and skip town. Warning him to never come back, making it clear what a favor he is doing for him.

ACT II:

New Plan:

Billie influences Rhino to follow his heart, his consciousness is eating at him after years of his old ways. He needs to find new ways to collect the debts without hurting anyone. In the ring he is set to fight a 19 year old fighter who they take lightly, he’s supposed to carry the fight to the fourth round but is knocked out in the first. Joey questions his ability to be the bagman, and a fighter for the mob.

-Rhino has a fight against a newly turned professional, a 19 year old they shrug off, and he is knocked out in the first round. He’s slapped around by Joey in the locker room as the bet failed and lost them money.

-Rhino’s relationship with Billie develops, he is given his next target, and it happens to be her brother. He has to form a plan to get out of this.

Plan in Action:

Rhino and Billie spend more time together, and are falling for each other. However, she keeps him at arms length as a defense mechanism. Rhino begins training a little harder to not have another blunder in the ring. Rhino attempts to make another peaceful collection which goes terribly wrong resulting in the target being beaten to a pulp, shaking Rhino up pretty bad. Another fight is set, against a real competitor, Rhino insists they bet on him winning by knockout in the first, against their advice, but he comes through.

-Rhino goes on a collection and lets the guy off with a warning, causing a lot of tension between him and Joey.

-Rhino goes on a collection and forces his target to pack up his family and leave the state and never look back.

Midpoint Turning Point:

Rhino is given a new target, Billie’s brother, he’s instructed to kill him.

Act III:

Rethink Everything:

Rhino makes the decision to pull away and break free of the mob. He no longer wants to hurt people, and no longer wants to work the fixed fights. He needs to somehow save Billie’s brother, without getting himself killed for disobeying orders. He also can’t let anyone find out what he has been doing all these years.

-Joey brings Rhino with him to finish the job and kill the target, Rhino can’t do it, so Joey steps in and shoots him in the head.

New Plan:

Help Billie and her family get out of harm’s way. Distract Joey and the mob from the task. Rhino gets a chance to move down in weight class and fight the Junior Heavyweight Champ, he’s supposed to dive, but he believes he can beat him.

-Rhino no longer wants to take dives in the ring, during a big fight he has a change of heart and begins to fight back, winning in spite of the plan to lose.

-Billie finds out who Rhino really is, and she can’t be apart of it. She is moving to North Carolina to be with her sister.

-Rhino’s Father knows what he has been up to and encourages him to break free of the control of the mob.

Turning Point:

Joey reveals that he knows that Rhino didn’t kill Billie’s brother as instructed. He also knows about Rhino’s relationship to Billie, threatening her family. Joey reveals that he will kill Rhino if he has to in order to get what he wants.

-Joey threatens Rhino’s life as he begins to disobey orders and fail his objectives. Their brotherhood is revealed to be a sham.

Climax/Ultimate Expression of Conflict:

Rhino fights the Junior Heavyweight, and even though he has agreed to dive, the fighter is just not putting up a tough enough fight. Rhino is fighting soft and the crowd is booing him. In that moment he decides to go for it and wins. After the fight he is on the run, until his crucible with Joey.

Resolution:

Rhino leaves this life behind and we assume he makes his way for Billie who has moved south.

[Nick DeRuve]

DeRuve’s 4-Act Transformational Structure

What I learned doing this assignment is a good technique to identify the arc of the character through old ways and new ways. The conflicts that arise between the old and the new are what will drive the meat of the story. This was a tough assignment, and I’m not thrilled with the outcome, however, I did have several ideas come up for the arc of my protagonist. Looking forward to seeing this continue to develop.

Concept:

Trapped in the violent world of pro-boxing by day, and a made leg-breaker by night, Rhino is desperate to break free of the mob and start anew.

Main Conflict:

Rhino’s entire life is dictated by the Mafia and his best friend, the Capo, he may be the perfect build for his role as a prize fighter and bagman, but on the inside he has a heart of gold.

What are the hero’s old ways?

Leg breaking without any conscious

Working fixed fights

Disconnect from any and all relationships

Grateful for the hand he has been dealt

What are the hero’s new ways?

Can’t follow through with his orders

Wants to see how good of a fighter he really is

Allow his love interest in, become vulnerable

Make the changes needed to live the life he wants

Act I:

Opening:

Severino Perisi is the teddy bear of his huge Italian family. The kids all love him, and climb on him, and even though he is bigger than everyone by a foot and a hundred pounds, they all treat him as the baby of the family even though he is the provider.

At nightfall, Sevvy becomes the Rhino, a debt collector for the Mafia. His target is utterly terrified of him, and Rhino uses brute force to send his message. All of this was done on his way to the boxing arena for his scheduled fight.

Inciting Incident:

Rhino is paid off by the mob, and it is orchestrated by his best friend Joey. He carries the fight three rounds with ease, and quickly knocks out his opponent. Through the first couple rounds the crowd was booing and taunting the fight which seemed to move rather slowly. Afterwards, Joey expresses his true self to Rhino, and we see the control he has over him.

Turning Point:

Rhino is instructed to collect from a target, and if he doesn’t have the money to kill him. He of course doesn’t have the money, but instead of killing him, Rhino forces him to pack his family up and skip town. Warning him to never come back, making it clear what a favor he is doing for him.

ACT II:

New Plan:

Billie influences Rhino to follow his heart, his consciousness is eating at him after years of his old ways. He needs to find new ways to collect the debts without hurting anyone. In the ring he is set to fight a 19 year old fighter who they take lightly, he’s supposed to carry the fight to the fourth round but is knocked out in the first. Joey questions his ability to be the bagman, and a fighter for the mob.

Plan in Action:

Rhino and Billie spend more time together, and are falling for each other. However, she keeps him at arms length as a defense mechanism. Rhino begins training a little harder to not have another blunder in the ring. Rhino attempts to make another peaceful collection which goes terribly wrong resulting in the target being beaten to a pulp, shaking Rhino up pretty bad. Another fight is set, against a real competitor, Rhino insists they bet on him winning by knockout in the first, against their advice, but he comes through.

Midpoint Turning Point:

Rhino is given a new target, Billie’s brother, he’s instructed to kill him.

Act III:

Rethink Everything:

Rhino makes the decision to pull away and break free of the mob. He no longer wants to hurt people, and no longer wants to work the fixed fights. He needs to somehow save Billie’s brother, without getting himself killed for disobeying orders. He also can’t let anyone find out what he has been doing all these years.

New Plan:

Help Billie and her family get out of harm’s way. Distract Joey and the mob from the task. Rhino gets a chance to move down in weight class and fight the Junior Heavyweight Champ, he’s supposed to dive, but he believes he can beat him.

Turning Point:

Joey reveals that he knows that Rhino didn’t kill Billie’s brother as instructed. He also knows about Rhino’s relationship to Billie, threatening her family. Joey reveals that he will kill Rhino if he has to in order to get what he wants.

Climax/Ultimate Expression of Conflict:

Rhino fights the Junior Heavyweight, and even though he has agreed to dive, the fighter is just not putting up a tough enough fight. Rhino is fighting soft and the crowd is booing him. In that moment he decides to go for it and wins. After the fight he is on the run, until his crucible with Joey.

Resolution:

Rhino leaves this life behind and we assume he makes his way for Billie who has moved south.

[Nick DeRuve]

DeRuve’s Character Interviews

What I learned doing this assignment is the sound of my character’s voice. This was a really fun assignment. I learned a lot about my characters, and felt their attitudes, especially in my antagonist.

Interview with Rhino:

Tell me about yourself…

I’m Sev, people call me Rhino. I’m from Hill Street in South Troy, New York, some people call it Little Italy. My Grandparents immigrated to the states in the twenties. My Grandfathah’s were construction workers, my Fathah was a construction worker, my brother’s are construction workers, and in my teenage years I worked on site with them. Most of the people in my neighborhood are Italians, but over the years things have changed. The culture been watered down, and stereo-typed as Mafia affiliates. What people don’t realize is most of the Italians see the mob as a disgrace. Especially the hard working ones. I dropped out of high school before my senior year when I started fightin’. I was always a big guy, and hittin’ people came natural to me. Around that time I started doin’ jobs for Joey’s family. Joey been my best friend since grade school, his Fathah is Giuseppe Paone, the Godfather. The Paone’s are good people, people talk and say what they say, but they always been good to me. My family don’t like me hangin’ around Joey, but what they don’t know won’t hurt ‘em. My first few fights went real good, but fightin’ didn’t pay much. About that time Joey approached me with a more lucrative opportunity. If I could carry a fighter a few rounds and knock ‘em out when Joey wanted me to, I’d get a big pay day. I was undefeated for a while when the bets started changing. I started takin’ dives and all that, and you know, it was what it was. I didn’t feel too good about it at first, but I knew a working class kid from Troy was never gonna get a shot at bein’ somebody. Once I was in on the fix, the Godfather trusted me, and I made the omerta. I became a bagman for Mr. Paone. Most of the time I got what I was lookin’ for by intimidation, now and then I had to rough somebody up, but nothin’ too serious. I didn’t feel no guilt about it, ‘cause these people were makin’ bets they’re pockets couldn’t cash. Paone had no problem takin’ bets or movin’ product on the arm ‘cause he knew he could have control over anyone in debt to him. Half the city was in debt to him by the mid-eighties, even the Pigs, so he ran everything.

Why do you think you were called on this journey? Why You?

I was born with a big body and an iron fist. I never took much to laboring the way my family done. I ain’t too smart either, schoolin’ for me was a waste of time. I ain’t got much of a brain, so I figure I use my body to get where I want to go. I was lucky to be Joey’s best friend growin’ up, and it’s given me a way to provide for my family.

Who you are up against, what is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you?

After fifteen years of fixed fights I wondered what kinda fighter I woulda been if I gave it my best shot. I think the problem growing up in a house of immigrants and laborers is that nobody has dreams. They think they can’t be nothin’ more. Including me. I never thought I coulda been somebody. Joey and Mr. Paone gave me a chance to be somethin’. Maybe not to the world, but to the Paone’s I was important to the business, even if it was a small piece. But the truth is, they were holdin’ me back and I didn’t realize it. I was nothin’ more than a thug, and a bum fighter who never reached his potential. But the worst of it was, I been alone most my life. I got my family, but no one to come home to. If I want any type of normal life, I gotta break free of the collecting job, and fight how I know how to fight, with everything I got. But if I do that, I won’t be able to provide for my family.

In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?

It’s a fragile situation. You can’t just up and leave the mob. You know too much. You seen too much. If I want out I’m going to have to disappear, but they got eyes everywhere.

What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?

I been solvin’ problems with my fists since I was a kid. Violence is ingrained in me. I don’t trust nobody, and I don’t talk to nobody. The only people in my life are the Paone’s and my family. If I fail the Paone’s, my family’s safety is in jeopardy.

What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back?

When I was seventeen I was seeing a girl I loved with all my heart. She seemed to love me too, but eventually started dating Joey. They ended up getting married and having a family, so I guess they were meant to be. I’ve never had a relationship since, hardly even a friendship. I guess I always felt like, why would anyone love me? I’m a Rhino. A big dumb animal. I try not to think about it, but everytime I’m home in my apartment alone, I can’t help but wonder if I’ll ever have someone to pour my love into.

What skills, background or expertise makes you well-studied to face this conflict or antagonist?

I know Joey inside and out. I know the Paone business, and I am their most reliable collector.

What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?

I don’t want nobody to know how big my heart is. How much love I have to give. I am sensitive, and I am caring. I have to hide all of this to maintain my status.

What do you think of?

I think about my family. My parents. And them having a good life. I think about how different things would be if I never knew Joey.

Tell me your side of this whole conflict/story…

I know I have been used by Joey, but it also made me important. It gave me a place in the world. I resent him for taking my girl, but I bury it. What good would it do me by saying anything? My boxing career is a joke, I’m a .500 fighter, when I coulda been somebody. I handle any fighter I face, and I know I coulda been more than a puppet in the ring.

What does it do for your life if you succeed here?

If I can break free of the mob, and start over, I might be able to find a good girl. I might be able to have a family and some sort of normal life.

Interview with Joey Paone:

Tell me about yourself…

I’m Joey Paone, the President of Paone Waste Management. My Father started the company thirty years ago as a front for our real business. Racketeering, gambling, drugs. Waste Management is sort of a saying that my Father made literal. Waste Management means organized crime. I don’t know the first thing about garbage, but I know how to take out the trash. I run the sportsbook exclusively, everything else runs through my Father, but the sportsbook was my idea, and has been very lucrative for us. I want what I like and I get what I want, and if it’s someone else, I take it.

Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses?

Weaknesses? I don’t have no fuckin’ weaknesses? What kind of fuckin’ question is that? How ‘bout I show you my strengths by bustin’ your head open.

Why are you committed to making the protagonist fail?

I love Rhino, I’ve known him since we was kids. He used to get picked on and all that. It was embarrassing. The biggest fuckin’ kid in school, and he’d be gettin’ picked on. I stood up for him and he started hangin’ around. I’ve helped him out a lot. Funded his boxing career. Got him a respectable made position. Yes, I may have took his girl, but he don’t know what to do with no woman. I mean look at him, he’s a fuckin’ rhino, not ol’ blue eyes. He don’t got the wits to manage his career, and I been takin’ care of it for him. I don’t want him to fail, I just want to keep him in line.

What do you get out of winning this fight/succeeding in your plan/taking down your competition?

People know me. People know Rhino. If I control Rhino, people will fear me the most.

What drives you towards your mission/agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, death?

Power.

What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear/insecurity?

Truth is, I never clipped nobody. I said I did, but I didn’t. If I play my cards right, I’ll never have to.

Compared to other people like you, what makes you special?

I’m the boss’ son. The heir to the throne.

What do you think of?

Money. Power. What people think of me.

Tell me your side of this whole conflict/story…

Didn’t I already do that? Go fuck yourself.

[Nick DeRuve]

Day 3

DeRuve’s Character Profile – Part 2

What I learned doing this assignment is how to dig deeper into my characters, understand them, and create conflicts before even crafting a scene. I love this process, and it’s not an easy one. I had a great breakthrough with my protagonist, and really got to know these characters. Though I can still see elevation for them down the road.

SEVERINO PERISI, aka The Rhino or Rhino

Role in the story: The protagonist, a professional boxer, and debt collector/leg breaker for the mob.

Age range and description: Rhino, 34, is thick all over, he doesn’t have much of a neck, and his face looks like a 34 year old punching bag. A fat nose broken a few too many times, permanently puffy eyelids, and a square jaw. His shiny black pomp whisps over his brow, and covers his ears. His olive skin looks like a tan in the winter, complimenting a shiny gold Cornicello and chain.

Internal journey: Rhino begins the film a hardened man, who isn’t very smart, and has no one looking out for him. He has accepted a lifestyle he isn’t truly happy with because he believes he doesn’t have any options. He will discover his worth, and challenge the forces against him, and finally break free of this controlled lifestyle. He also realizes that he doesn’t have any love in his life, and pursuing his love interest is something he wants.

External journey: As a boxer Rhino’s entire career has been carried by the Mob and the sportsbook. His record floats around .500, and he makes more money serving the Mob’s fix, than he does actually fighting. He realizes that he never really reached his full potential even though he felt like he was a better boxer than anybody. He realizes he was being used, in and out of the ring, and he wants to change it.

Motivation: Rhino’s initial motivation is survival. He’s worked for the Mob his entire adult life, and uses the means to support his poor family. He soon begins to find some value in himself through his love interest, and realizes he isn’t living for himself, but for someone else.

Wound: The last relationship he had was with the girl who married Joey Paone.

Mission/Agenda: To break free of the control of the Mafia.

Secret: He is a romantic, a lover, and a gentle man.

What makes them special?

He is a sweet and charming guy when he lets his guard down.

What draws us to this character?

Rhino is by far the largest person in his family, however, everyone treats him like a big cuddly bear. He has a charming smile, and is bashful when in their presence. He is also the ultimate tough guy, not only in the ring, but on the streets as a henchman for the Mob.

Traits: Stoic, Loyal, Heart of Gold, Uneducated

Subtext: Rhino hides his true self behind the facade of a quiet hard ass. He serves the role well, he is a bad dude, but underneath it all he is gentle, and kind. He’s raised in an eat or be eaten world, and the facade is who he had to be in order to survive.

Flaw: His flaw is his big heart, which will get in the way of his current position in the Mob and in the ring.

Values: Family above all. Loyalty. Honor code of the Mafia. Don’t let anyone down.

Irony: The irony here is that this bruising boxer, and leg breaker for the Mafia has a heart of gold. In actuality he is a gentle giant, but groomed by the wrong influence and needs.

What makes this the right character for this role?

His entire way of life contradicts who he really is, which leads him to question who he really is.

JOEY PAONE

Role in the story: Joey is Rhino’s best friend since grade school. However, his intentions for Joey and his actions towards Rhino are harmful, but his hate is perceived as love.

Age range and description: Joey Paone, 33, stomps everywhere he goes, you can hear him coming from a mile away, but when he arrives, people are often surprised by his height. A true Napoleon, constantly feeling the need to flex his muscle.

Internal journey: Joey knows he isn’t very smart, and if it wasn’t for his father he would be a nobody. When he starts to lose control of Rhino he reveals how he really views Rhino, and everyone. Expendable. He’s the loneliest man in the room, even when he’s the center of the party.

External journey: Joey is losing control of the whole operation as Rhino begins to do his own thing and not follow through on orders. Joey loses the little control he has and starts making a mess of things.

Motivation: Power and control.

Wound: He knows people make fun of him behind his back. He was picked on when he was young.

Mission/Agenda: To take over the family business

Secret: He targeted Rhino years ago because he was threatened by him. He stole his girl, he stole his career, he set him up for a lonely reserved life intentionally.

What makes them special?

He is the son of the Don, he’s the Capo.

What draws us to this character?

As Rhino’s best friend, aside from the difference in rank, we see him as a friend to him, and someone who makes sure he gets paid accordingly. He’s good looking, he’s powerful, and his Napoleanic temperament keeps us wondering what he’ll do next.

Traits: Napoleanic, Greedy, Arrogant, Smart mouth

Subtext: Joey knows he is undersized, and not respected the way his father is. He is the loudest guy in the room for a reason. Always over compensating.

Flaw: Nothing will get between him and money, not even his best friend.

Values: My way or no way.

Irony: He walks and talks like the boss, but he still answers to his father and is often birraded by his father in front of people. In front of his dad, he’s like a 33 year old child.

What makes this the right character for this role?

This hot headed Capo is Rhino’s best friend, but really, he’s been using him for years. His status in the Mafia puts him in control of Rhino, and when he loses grasp, he will turn on Rhino.

BILLIE BELLE

Role in the story: Billie is Rhino’s catalyst for change, the love interest.

Age range and description: Billie, 28, is the most “exotic” woman in Rhino’s Italian-American life. She’s African-American, tall and athletic looking, but her big glasses and large books that she lugs around suggest she’s quite smart. Her smile is the best moment of Rhino’s week.

Internal journey: Billie is a very strong woman, but her maternal instincts draw her to Rhino who looks like a lost puppy in her eyes. She has maintained her family on her own for ten years, and she displays a confident grasp of it all. She eventually opens up to Rhino about the difficulty of being a single Mother and the pain she goes through in moments when she is alone. She doesn’t know how to be vulnerable, and doesn’t see the power in talking about her pain.

External journey: She works nights, and attends school three evenings a week. When she finishes school she decides to move to North Carolina with her family, she hopes that Rhino will meet them there.

Motivation: She at first wants to help Rhino in some way. She sees him as a broken man. She falls for him, but also has a family to look after. When she decides to go to North Carolina, it is a decision made for her and her family, and asking Rhino to meet her there is overcoming her vulnerability.

Wound: She was abandoned by her baby daddy.

Mission/Agenda: To be a strong Mother who provides and raises good men. To help Rhino see the good in himself.

Secret: Her favorite movie is On the Waterfront. Rhino reminds her of Brando.

What makes them special?

She has the ability to see inside of people through their eyes, but in doing so she also reveals herself. A vulnerable trait/gift that she doesn’t offer to just anyone.

What draws us to this character?

Aside from her obvious beauty, this single Mother looks over her two boys with strict kindness and love. She’s hard working, and devoted to her studies.

Traits: Educated, Intuitive, Motherly, Protective

Subtext: Billie has raised her family on her own, and she isn’t going to let just anyone in. She has walls up everywhere. This conflicts with her traits, forcing her to cover up who she truly is.

Flaw: She hasn’t been on a date in nine years, and holds herself back from any possibility of a relationship. Her focus on her family, her job, and her studies come first.

Values: Lead by example. Family above all. Work hard, study hard. Raise good men.

Irony: She does all of the right things, and it’s hard to question any of it, but she neglects herself in certain ways that would help her find more peace with herself.

What makes this the right character for this role?

Billie is the opposite of Rhino, she plays by the rules, she works, she studies. But she is also the same as Rhino in the sense that they both have neglected themselves emotionally and personally. This is what makes them perfect

[Nick DeRuve]

DeRuve’s Character Profiles – Part 1

What I learned doing this assignment is why doing this now is so helpful in building your screenplay. By exploring these characters this way, and before anything else, I found myself having idea after idea, some scenes, some lines, a variety of thoughts, and little by little I started seeing the story come out through the characters, who they are and what they are going through. Like tiny breakthroughs every five minutes. Very cool. Not an easy assignment, but incredibly rewarding.

What role does your Protagonist play and how?

Rhino is a combination of two of these roles.

The Runner, as the story unfolds Rhino will be fleeing the Mob for a new life.

The Fighter, Rhino is not only a boxer, but he is hardened by a lower middle class life where he’s done everything for himself, he’s a great boxer, an experienced leg breaker, and if anyone can break free of the Mob, it’s him.

What role does your Antagonist play and how?

The Mafia is the Antagonist, and they are a clear Authority. They dictate every aspect of Rhino’s life, and have even convinced him that it is in his best interest.

Supporting Characters…

JOEY PAONE, 34, the Capo, Rhino’s best friend since they were children, also the youngest of five siblings. He often flexes his power and has a Napoleonic way about him. He does what he’s told, but when his father isn’t around, he’s the boss in his eyes.

BILLIE BELLE, 28, the love interest, a single Mother of two kids, she works nights and her brother watches the children for her. She has goals and dreams, and doesn’t let many people in, similar to Rhino.

GUISEPPE PAONE, early 70’s, the Don of the Paone crime family for thirty years, has his hands in everyone’s pockets including the Police.

Minor roles…

Rhino’s family.

Rhino’s opponents.

Rhino’s targets.

Pick your genre…

This is a (Crime) Drama so sort of a Thriller too.

SEVERINO PERISI, aka The Rhino or Rhino

Role in the story: The protagonist, a professional boxer, and debt collector/leg breaker for the mob.

Age range and description: Rhino, 34, is thick all over, he doesn’t have much of a neck, and his face looks like a 34 year old punching bag. A fat nose broken a few too many times, permanently puffy eyelids, and a square jaw. His shiny black pomp whisps over his brow, and covers his ears. His olive skin looks like a tan in the winter, complimenting a shiny gold Cornicello and chain.

Internal journey: Rhino begins the film a hardened man, who isn’t very smart, and has no one looking out for him. He has accepted a lifestyle he isn’t truly happy with because he believes he doesn’t have any options. He will discover his worth, and challenge the forces against him, and finally break free of this controlled lifestyle. He also realizes that he doesn’t have any love in his life, and pursuing his love interest is something he wants.

External journey: As a boxer Rhino’s entire career has been carried by the Mob and the sportsbook. His record floats around .500, and he makes more money serving the Mob’s fix, than he does actually fighting. He realizes that he never really reached his full potential even though he felt like he was a better boxer than anybody. He realizes he was being used, in and out of the ring, and he wants to change it.

Motivation: Rhino’s initial motivation is survival. He’s worked for the Mob his entire adult life, and uses the means to support his poor family. He soon begins to find some value in himself through his love interest, and realizes he isn’t living for himself, but for someone else.

Wound: The last relationship he had was with the girl who married Joey Paone.

Mission/Agenda: To break free of the control of the Mafia.

Secret: He is a romantic, a lover, and a gentle man.

What makes them special?

He is a sweet and charming guy when he lets his guard down.

JOEY PAONE

Role in the story: Joey is Rhino’s best friend since grade school. However, his intentions for Joey and his actions towards Rhino are harmful, but his hate is perceived as love.

Age range and description: Joey Paone, 33, stomps everywhere he goes, you can hear him coming from a mile away, but when he arrives, people are often surprised by his height. A true Napoleon, constantly feeling the need to flex his muscle.

Internal journey: Joey knows he isn’t very smart, and if it wasn’t for his father he would be a nobody. When he starts to lose control of Rhino he reveals how he really views Rhino, and everyone. Expendable. He’s the loneliest man in the room, even when he’s the center of the party.

External journey: Joey is losing control of the whole operation as Rhino begins to do his own thing and not follow through on orders. Joey loses the little control he has and starts making a mess of things.

Motivation: Power and control.

Wound: He knows people make fun of him behind his back. He was picked on when he was young.

Mission/Agenda: To take over the family business

Secret: He targeted Rhino years ago because he was threatened by him. He stole his girl, he stole his career, he set him up for a lonely reserved life intentionally.

What makes them special?

He is the son of the Don, he’s the Capo.

BILLIE BELLE

Role in the story: Billie is Rhino’s catalyst for change, the love interest.

Age range and description: Billie, 28, is the most “exotic” woman in Rhino’s Italian-American life. She’s African-American, tall and athletic looking, but her big glasses and large books that she lugs around suggest she’s quite smart. Her smile is the best moment of Rhino’s week.

Internal journey: Billie is a very strong woman, but her maternal instincts draw her to Rhino who looks like a lost puppy in her eyes. She has maintained her family on her own for ten years, and she displays a confident grasp of it all. She eventually opens up to Rhino about the difficulty of being a single Mother and the pain she goes through in moments when she is alone. She doesn’t know how to be vulnerable, and doesn’t see the power in talking about her pain.

External journey: She works nights, and attends school three evenings a week. When she finishes school she decides to move to North Carolina with her family, she hopes that Rhino will meet them there.

Motivation: She at first wants to help Rhino in some way. She sees him as a broken man. She falls for him, but also has a family to look after. When she decides to go to North Carolina, it is a decision made for her and her family, and asking Rhino to meet her there is overcoming her vulnerability.

Wound: She was abandoned by her baby daddy.

Mission/Agenda: To be a strong Mother who provides and raises good men. To help Rhino see the good in himself.

Secret: Her favorite movie is On the Waterfront. Rhino reminds her of Brando.

What makes them special?

She has the ability to see inside of people through their eyes, but in doing so she also reveals herself. A vulnerable trait/gift that she doesn’t offer to just anyone.

GIUSEPPE PAONE

Role in the story: The Don, the macro Antagonist, dictator of Joey and the way of life for anyone under his umbrella.

Age range and description: Referred to as Don Giuseppe, and sometimes Godfather, 71, is a stoic psychopath. He is cold as the ice in his glass, rarely expressing emotion. He is sure to always dress in a way to demonstrate his value, and covered with gold jewelry.

Internal journey: He doesn’t have faith in his son’s ability to take over the business but he can’t tell anyone and reveal a weakness in the operation.

External journey: He begins losing money because of Rhino’s performance in the ring, and lack of execution in his job. He’s going to take matters into his own hands.

Motivation: Power.

Wound: None.

Mission/Agenda: Rule all.

Secret: He’d kill his own son if he had to.

What makes them special?

He’s the Godfather.

[Nick DeRuve]

DeRuve’s Transformational Journey

What I learned doing this assignment is a great approach to start with the basics. I was kicking around ideas over the weekend trying to prepare for this class. I honestly didn’t come up with anything I liked until this morning when I read this assignment. I am definitely a character driven writer, I usually start with a character that interests me over any plot or story lines. I found that this lesson helped me boil down the basics of my character, and all of a sudden a ton of ideas started coming. My seed for this came this morning, and already sprouted. Exciting.

****There was no confidentiality agreement at the beginning of this class like the other, but since we are all here, I assume we are all on the same page of respect and privacy for each other as writers and creators.

1980’s, Troy, New York.

Who is the hero?

Severino Perisi, a.k.a. The Rhino, mid-thirties, a professional boxer, and debt collector/leg breaker for the mob.

What is the hero’s character arc that represents his transformation?

Rhino begins his journey where he has been for the last fifteen years of his life. He lives a violent lifestyle as a professional boxer, and in his private life, he is a low level henchman for the Mafia. He has grown accustomed to his small one bedroom apartment, crappy car, and his detachment from any friendships or relationships. His soft spot is his family. His parents, and three of his grandparents all live under one roof. He is the baby of five, all of which live on the same block. He is the most reliable caregiver and provider, he is also the only single one in the family, causing agita in his Mother and Grandmother. He has a tender side, but only with his family.

At his first fight it is revealed that his entire career has been fixed as part of the Mob’s sportsbook, and that’s how he consciously makes a living as a boxer. He has fought over a hundred professional bouts, and nearly all of them have been fixed. To his credit, he can do exactly what the sportsbook needs him to. First round knockouts, take a dive in the third, carry a bum the distance and win by points, he was fully in control.

He has one “friend” in the world, a single Mother he crosses paths with on Sunday nights at the laundromat. After seeing each other for years, they finally speak, and an unexpected relationship develops between them.

The Capo gives Rhino instructions on a passed due collection, as Rhino follows his target he learns that this man is the brother of the woman in the laundromat. Eventually, as the debt doesn’t get paid, Rhino is told to kill him.

Through his relationship with the woman, he begins to develop a sense of self he hadn’t had before. He started questioning the life he has lived. After a few fights don’t go their way, Rhino is challenged with a big payday to move down in weight class and take a dive against the middleweight champion. As he begins to realize he’s never lived to his potential, and has never been given a break in his life, he takes action to change the circumstance. Which will draw conflict from the Mob, with his family and their safety, and with his love interest and the safety of her family.

He doesn’t kill her brother, he doesn’t take a dive, in fact, he wins, and he wants to leave this life behind and start over somewhere, anywhere.

What is the hero’s internal journey?

Rhino begins the film a hardened man, who isn’t very smart, and has no one looking out for him. He has accepted a lifestyle he isn’t truly happy with because he believes he doesn’t have any options. He will discover his worth, and challenge the forces against him, and finally break free of this controlled lifestyle.

What is the hero’s external journey?

As a boxer Rhino’s entire career has been carried by the Mob and the sportsbook. His record floats around .500, and he makes more money serving the Mob’s fix, than he does actually fighting. He realizes that he never really reached his full potential even though he felt like he was a better boxer than anybody. He realizes he was being used, in and out of the ring, and he wants to change it.

What are the hero’s old ways?

Leg breaking without any conscious

Working fixed fights

Disconnect from any and all relationships

Grateful for the hand he has been dealt

What are the hero’s new ways?

Can’t follow through with his orders

Wants to see how good of a fighter he really is

Allow his love interest in, become vulnerable

Make the changes needed to live the life he wants

[Nick DeRuve]

Hey Class,

My name is Nick DeRuve, I am a filmmaker here in Los Angeles. I just finished the ProSeries 77 course, and I see a few of my classmates are in here as well. Very exciting!

This will be my thirteenth feature length screenplay.

I hope to sharpen my tools as a writer, and complete a great script. Truthfully. Since the ProSeries ended, even though I have a script I am proud of, I have felt down. I am happiest when I am creating, so I am here to write something new, enjoy myself, and elevate as a writer and filmmaker.

Something unusual about me is that I have titanium rods in both femurs, and one kidney, unrelated circumstances.

Best,

Nick D.