Home Screenwriting Products Screenwriter Community Screenwriting Store
ScriptBuddy - Screenwriting Software for the Web

Screenwriter Community

Back to List of Published Screenplays
View/Leave Feedback

The Band Thing (30 minute pilot)
by David Wells (dlwells4@comcast.net)

Rated: PG   Genre: Drama   User Review: ****
A forensic accountant embroiled in a high profile lawsuit switches careers to manage his 14-year-old son’s band into stardom.


This screenplay is copyrighted to its author. All rights reserved. This screenplay may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the author.



FADE IN:

INT. BASEMENT - DAY
                                                            
The band - JACK, BRONSON, TERRY AND NICK, all 14-year-old
boys, prepare to play a song. Jack, the good looking lead
singer, puts the guitar strap around his neck and glances at
Nick, who adjusts a cymbal. Terry, the bass player, closes
his eyes and fingers some notes while Bronson, the virtuoso
lead guitarist, stares at his pick ready to play.
                                                            
                       JACK
Okay guys, let's give it a shot.
                                                            
Nick BANGS HIS STICKS TOGETHER, 1-2-3-4. Bronson strums at a
fast pace, Terry shakes his head to the beat while playing
bass. Jack starts to sing.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (singing)
I'M SO CONFUSED
DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ...
                                                            
Terry swings his bass guitar and inadvertently knocks over
the microphone stand. The microphone flies off and hits Jack
in the back of the head. The band stops playing.
                                                            
                       JACK
What are you doing?
                                                            
Jack rubs the back of his head.
                                                            
                       TERRY
Practicing some moves for when the
girls come.
                                                            
                       JACK
This isn't about moves. This is
about the song, the band. Do you
think your "moves" will impress
them?
                                                            
                       TERRY
Absolutely.
                                                            
                       JACK
Focus Terry. Focus on the music,
not on your stupid moves.
                                                            
                       JACK
One more time Nick.
                                                            

2.

Nick again BANGS HIS STICKS TOGETHER, 1-2-3-4. The band
resumes. Jack starts to sing.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (singing)
I'M SO CONFUSED
DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO
LOOK YOU IN THE EYES
YOUR LOOK IS NOW SURPRISE
THINK OF THINGS TO WRITE
TO END THIS STUPID FIGHT
YOU SAID YOU WON'T FORGET
THAT'S NOT THE WAY TO LIVE
                                                            
Terry sings seconds verse.
                                                            
                       TERRY
      (singing)
WHAT DID I DO WRONG?
YOU KNEW IT ALL ALONG
THAT WE WERE ONLY FRIENDS ...
                                                            
The boys react painfully as Terry struggles through the
lyrics, out of tune and nasally. Jack raises his hand and
the boys stop. Nick and Bronson are laughing.
                                                            
                       JACK
Guys, please. This isn't funny.
Terry, quit fooling around!
                                                            
                       TERRY
I'm being serious Jack.
                                                            
                       JACK
You don't hear the problem?
                                                            
                       TERRY
No.
                                                            
                       JACK
Your pitch. You're singing way out
of tune. It's not good dude.
                                                            
                       TERRY
My ears and nose get plugged down
here because of Velvet's dog hair.
I can't hear myself.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
Lucky you. Jack, I know a couple
of other guys who play bass and
can sing too.
                                                            

3.

                       JACK
      (ignoring Bronson)
Do you know how to harmonize?
                                                            
                       TERRY
Sure I do.
                                                            
                       JACK
Okay, let's try the first verse
together. Ready?
                                                            
                       TERRY
Always.
                                                            
                       JACK AND TERRY
      (singing together)
I'M SO CONFUSED
DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO
LOOK YOU IN THE EYES ...
                                                            
Bronson and Nick fall on the floor laughing.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (frustrated)
You guys want to sing?
                                                            
                       JACK
      (Continuing)
You really have no idea what
you're doing, do you?
                                                            
                       TERRY
I was harmonizing, guess not.
                                                            
                       NICK
We need to think about replacing
Mr. Studly here. He sucks.
                                                            
                       TERRY
And you smell.
                                                            
                       JACK
Okay, here's the plan. My dad's
got a bunch of Beatles and Beach
Boys CD's. I'll let you borrow
them, listen how they harmonize.
Then we'll work on the harmonies
this week, okay?
                                                            
                       TERRY
Cool Jack.
                                                            

4.

                       JACK
Terry, if you don't mind, for
today, I'll sing the verses solo.
The girls will be here soon.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
They'll turn around and leave if
we don't get it together.
                                                            
                       JACK
One more time Nick.
                                                            
The boys resume playing.
                                                            
 
INT. KITCHEN - UPSTAIRS - DAY
                                                            
DAVE, mid 40's, sits at the kitchen table across from his
attractive wife, SUE. They exchange glances as they hear the
MUSIC coming from downstairs.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Not bad. I don't recognize the
song but it's listenable.
                                                            
                       SUE
Listenable, is that even a word?
                                                            
                       DAVE
With good coaching, I think
there's some promise here.
                                                            
                       SUE
They're fourteen.
                                                            
                       DAVE
It could be a good outlet for me.
                                                            
                       SUE
      (serious)
Dave, honey, your plate's full.
It's the last thing you need.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I need to turn the noise off in my
head. I need a distraction.
                                                            
                       SUE
Well for now, get distracted with
son number one. I can hear him
grunting.
                                                            

5.

                       DAVE
Where is he?
                                                            
                       SUE
Guess.
                                                            
Dave gets up and walks down the hallway to the den and sees
his oldest teenage son, THOMAS, with his head buried in his
hands as he sits in front of his computer.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Hey Thomas.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
Hey dad.
                                                            
                       DAVE
What you up to?
                                                            
                       THOMAS
Trying to do home work. They're
not going to play too much longer,
are they?
                                                            
                       DAVE
I told them to keep it low.
Thomas, it's Saturday.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
They're horrible. They should take
turns practicing at each others
house so they can agonize their
own families. It's always here.
They think they're great song
writers and they're average.
Velvet yelps every time Terry
sings.
                                                            
Dave looks toward VELVET, an overweight Golden Retriever,
huddled in the corner.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
      (Continuing)
They need to fire Terry. All he
cares about is girls. He's
oblivious to the world. Bronson's
a good guitarist but still acts
like an idiot half the time. And
then there's
Ringo-Starr-Wannabee-Nick whose
hair is way too long and needs to
be washed. He smells, Dad.
                                                            

6.

                       DAVE
Anything else? Guess you won't be
joining us for pizza later?
                                                            
                       THOMAS
      (long stare)
Never. I'm going out for Japanese
food later.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Well, the band will be pleased to
know you're paying attention. By
the way, I'm impressed you're
doing homework on a Saturday.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
Yep. Oh yeah, Misa wanted me to
tell you that she saw you on TV
again.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Wonderful.
                                                            
Thomas turns up the volume of the JAPANESE MUSIC playing on
his computer. DOOR BELL RINGS. Thomas makes no effort to
answer the door.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Don't bother Thomas, I'll get it.
                                                            
Dave opens the door and four cute teenage girls, AMANDA,
KALI, LEA AND HOLLY enter the house. Thomas briefly glances
at them.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
Hello, Mr. Wells.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Hi girls.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
I read about you in the paper
today. You're famous.
                                                            
                       DAVE
The word is infamous. The band's
downstairs.
                                                            
The girls go downstairs. Dave returns to the kitchen table
and again sits across from Sue.
                                                            
 

7.

INT. BASEMENT - DAY
                                                            
The girls take turn hugging each of the boys before the band
resumes playing.
                                                            
 
INT. KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
                       DAVE
You married a local celebrity.
Sure you don't want to join us for
pizza later?
                                                            
                       SUE
Will you bring me home a salad?
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (half serious)
What, don't want to be seen with
me in public?
                                                            
                       SUE
      (changing subject)
Are the girls going?
                                                            
                       DAVE
No, Jack begged me not to ask
them. He thinks I'd ask too many
questions.
                                                            
Dave continues to listen to the music.
                                                            
                       DAVE
There's a spark here. They're all
excellent musicians for such a
young age. Huge potential.
                                                            
                       SUE
Dave, if you're really serious
about helping these guys out, go
for it. But please, easy does it.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (serious)
I know. Thanks.
                                                            
                       SUE
Hey "manager", first order of
business, fire Terry.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Can't do that. Jack would freak.
                                                            

8.

                       SUE
Terry's only in the band for one
thing.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Let's give it a little more time.
                                                            
                       SUE
      (smiling)
Okay ... manager.
                                                            
Sue gets up from table, opens the cupboard and removes
Velvet's leash. She shakes the leash making a JINGLING noise
and Velvet waddles into the kitchen.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Need some company for the walk?
                                                            
                       SUE
      (sarcastic)
No, you need some alone time to
take all the music in.
                                                            
The volume of the music becomes LOUDER. Sue leaves the house
with Velvet. Dave sits back down at the kitchen table and
continues to listens to the music.
                                                            
 
INT. CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
Dave and the boys drive to the restaurant.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Nick, did you go hunting this
weekend?
                                                            
                       NICK
Sure did.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Did you use that spray that
attracts all the wild game?
                                                            
                       NICK
Of course. It works great. It
attracts squirrels, possums,
rabbits, everything. Why?
                                                            
                       JACK
Nick, my dad's trying to be nice.
You smell like a skunk.
                                                            

9.

                       TERRY
You need to shower Nick. You know
what that means?
                                                            
                       NICK
You know what a cold shower is?
You could use a long one, pogo
stick pants.
                                                            
Terry looks down at his pants.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Do you eat what you hunt?
                                                            
                       NICK
I've eaten squirrel.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Really?
                                                            
                       NICK
      (joking)
Yeah, increases my hand speed on
drums. Huge after burn though.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Okay, got it. Let's talk about
your songs.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (skeptically)
What about them?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Just a couple of suggestions. I
want to help you guys be the next
Beatles or something.
                                                            
                       JACK
Yeah, right.
                                                            
 
INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
                                                            
Dave and the boys sit in a booth as a waitress approaches.
                                                            
                       LINDA
Quite a crew here. My name's
Linda. Something to drink?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Light beer on draft.
                                                            

10.

                       LINDA
Do you want a Boombah?
                                                            
                       TERRY
Do you want my Boombah?
                                                            
The boys laugh.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Terry, knock it off. No, small
glass. For them, a pitcher of
soda, preferably non caffeinated.
                                                            
                       JACK
Come on dad!
                                                            
                       DAVE
And to eat, we'll have a large
deep dish cheese and pepperoni...
you don't happen to have squirrel
toppings do you?...two orders of
buffalo wings and a Chicken Caesar
salad to go.
                                                            
                       LINDA
Got it. Wings and drinks coming
up.
                                                            
Linda turns and walks towards the kitchen.
                                                            
                       TERRY
Future groupie, I can tell by the
way she looked at me. She wants
me...bad.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Don't get your hopes up.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
So Mr. Wells. How's your job
going? My dad told me you're into
forensic accounting, right?
                                                            
                       DAVE
How's he know that?
                                                            
                       BRONSON
He read about it in the paper, you
know, the lawsuit, after that guy
killed himself?
                                                            

11.

                       DAVE
      (uncomfortable)
Right, yep.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
The paper said the family of the
guy is suing you for zillions.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (looking at Jack)
Well, I did my job. I testified
that he stole ten million dollars
from his company and he got
convicted. Case closed.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
And then he killed himself.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Right.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
Don't you feel bad?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Yes Bronson, I do. I feel
especially bad for his family. He
left some very young kids behind.
The ultimate act of selfishness.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
My dad said you may have to file
for bankruptcy if you lose.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (emotional, still
       looking at Jack)
Bronson, I didn't steal any money,
he did. I didn't put the gun in
his hand and pull the trigger, he
did. All I did was put the case
together and turn it over to the
feds. I did my job. Bottom line
Bronson, he was a thief, he got
caught, he got convicted and then
he took the cowardly way out.
      (louder)
Then some attorney convinced his
family that I'm somehow to blame
for the death.
      (gaining composure)
I didn't come out for pizza to
talk about this.
                                                            

12.

                       BRONSON
Sorry, Mr. Wells.
                                                            
                       DAVE
No problem. I apologize too. It's
been a long week. Let's talk about
the songs.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (relieved)
They're all originals.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Why are you guys writing your own
songs?
                                                            
                       JACK
Cause that's how we're going to
make it. All big bands write their
own songs.
                                                            
                       DAVE
True, but they didn't always start
that way. The Beatles used to sing
some Elvis and Buddy Holly songs
when they were starting off...
                                                            
The waitress brings the drinks and buffalo wings.
                                                            
                       TERRY
      (smiling)
Thanks Linda.
                                                            
                       LINDA
Welcome.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (to Terry)
She could be your older sister,
don't even think about it...
anyway, you guys should work on
some cover songs.
                                                            
The boys look at each other, amused.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (Continuing)
You know, do covers for groups
like Green Day, Killers, System of
the Down, Death Cab to Cutie,
bands like that.
                                                            

13.

                       JACK
"For" Cutie, not "To" Cutie.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (looking at Jack)
Excuse me, never happen again...
goofus. People rate how good you
are as a band, at least at the
beginning, by how well you do
cover songs. If you can't play
cover songs well, they'll tune you
out when you play your own songs.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
You sound like my dad. How do you
know this?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Good instincts. Now, who writes
the songs?
                                                            
They all look at Jack.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (Continuing)
When did you start writing songs?
                                                            
                       JACK
Last month. I've written seven so
far.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
They're good too.
                                                            
                       TERRY
The girls love em. I co-wrote a
couple of lyrics.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (ignoring Terry)
Where's this coming from Jack?
You've self taught yourself drums
and guitar in the last year and
now you're writing songs?
                                                            
                       JACK
Writing lyrics is very easy for
me. I can do that in a few
minutes. As far as the music goes,
I basically pick up the guitar,
fiddle around with some notes and
chords, and out pops the song.
                                                            

14.

                       DAVE
      (surprised)
Can you show me tomorrow how you
do it?
                                                            
                       JACK
Sure.
                                                            
 
INT. CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
                       DAVE
I want to play a couple of songs
for you guys.
                                                            
Dave puts the CD in. The boys half-listen to the song.
                                                            
                       DAVE
The album is over thirty five
years old, TOMMY by the Who.
Incredible. Pete Townsend was in
his early twenties when he wrote
the opera.
                                                            
                       JACK
Opera?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Rock opera. Here, I'll play the
overture.
                                                            
                       JACK
Overture, what is this, some kind
of play?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Yes, overture, like at the
beginning of a play, but in this
case, rock opera. TOMMY shows the
incredible range these guys had,
way ahead of their time. Genius.
                                                            
Dave and boys get silent and listen to the overture.
                                                            
                       NICK
I know their drummer died a long
time ago, Keith Moon.
                                                            
                       DAVE
One of the best. After he died and
when the Who was on tour, they
needed two drummers to fill in.
                                                            

15.

                       NICK
      (joking)
A lot of drummers of rock bands
die early. But not me, I'm going
to live until at least twenty
five.
                                                            
                       TERRY
You'll be lucky to make it to
sixteen with what you eat.
                                                            
                       NICK
Moon had incredible hand
speed...listen...unbelievable.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
The guitars are unbelievable too.
Great band. Not as good as Led
Zeppelin though. My dad says
they're the best.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Yes, they're a great band too. You
guys should listen to both bands.
They'll inspire you.
                                                            
The boys get silent again and concentrate on the music.
                                                            
 
INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT
                                                            
Dave enters the kitchen carrying Sue's salad. Sue takes the
salad out of the bag and begins to eat. Dave pours two
glasses of wine and joins her at the table.
                                                            
                       SUE
How were the boys?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Oh, they're fine. I know how to
handle teenage boys
                                                            
                       SUE
      (gently)
How are you doing Dave?
                                                            
                       DAVE
I'm doing better now.
                                                            
                       SUE
      (smiling)
Sure you're up to managing the
band?
                                                            

16.

                       DAVE
Of course.
                                                            
                       SUE
Good, because you have some
competition.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Huh?
                                                            
                       SUE
Bronson's dad called. He was
looking for Bronson and drilled me
with questions. He wanted to know
where you guys were and what your
intentions were.
                                                            
                       DAVE
My intentions?
                                                            
                       SUE
I told him you were, you know,
sort of, the band's manager, and
he freaked.
                                                            
                       DAVE
What?
                                                            
                       SUE
He got belligerent. He asked if
you even know how to play an
instrument. He said to leave the
management to him as he used to be
a professional musician. And he
said you should focus on your
legal problems.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Wonder what set him off.
                                                            
                       SUE
No clue. Maybe he thinks you'll
misguide Bronson, his "virtuoso"
son.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I know he and Bronson's mom are
divorced. Maybe he's trying to be
super dad. He needs to chill.
                                                            
                       SUE
I agree.
                                                            

17.

                       DAVE
Okay. Let me know if you can't
finish that salad.
                                                            
                       SUE
I'll finish it.
                                                            
 
INT. DEN - NIGHT
                                                            
Dave walks to the den and sees Thomas working on the
computer while speaking Japanese to someone on the phone. He
stops speaking and looks up at Dave.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Sorry to interrupt, you still
going out tonight?
                                                            
                       THOMAS
Yep.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Who's driving?
                                                            
                       THOMAS
I am.
                                                            
                       DAVE
What time will you be home?
                                                            
                       THOMAS
Around eleven.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Okay, who are you speaking with?
                                                            
                       THOMAS
Misa.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Misa speaks english.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
Yeah, I speak english too.
                                                            
Thomas resumes speaking Japanese on the phone and looks up
to see that Dave has not left the room.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
I want to be near fluent when I go
on my senior trip next year.
                                                            

18.

                       DAVE
Gotcha.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
Hey, they're not playing any more
tonight, are they?
                                                            
                       DAVE
No.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
Good, because as I was thinking
about it, they pretty much suck.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Great input, thanks.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
Welcome.
                                                            
Thomas resumes his conversation on the phone in Japanese.
                                                            
 
INT. KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
Dave reads the newspaper at the kitchen table. Jack enters
the kitchen with his guitar.
                                                            
                       JACK
Ready?
                                                            
Dave puts the paper down.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Yes. So what's the process?
                                                            
                       JACK
I always start with the lyrics. I
do it like poetry. For the verses,
I do A-A-B-B order, you know the
first two lines rhyme and the
second two lines rhyme. For the
chorus, I do A-B-A-B order where
every other line rhymes.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I see.
                                                            
                       JACK
In each song we usually do a
verse, then chorus, another verse,
then the chorus twice,
breakdown...
                                                            

19.

                       DAVE
Breakdown?
                                                            
                       JACK
Yeah, like a bridge and then the
chorus one more time. That's it.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Where do you get the ideas about
the lyrics?
                                                            
                       JACK
Well, first of all, just so you
know, not every song is about
girls but I do write a lot about
relationships, friends, mostly
when things go wrong.
                                                            
                       DAVE
What about the music?
                                                            
                       JACK
I write that too. This is kind of
hard to explain but I start with
notes and dabble with them. I
start playing chords, some power
chords, some bar chords and then
it kind of comes together.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Is that it?
                                                            
                       JACK
That's it.
                                                            
                       DAVE
And it only takes an hour?
                                                            
                       JACK
Max.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Where's this coming from Jack?
                                                            
                       JACK
It just kind of happens. Sometimes
the ideas pop up in my dreams.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Wow.
                                                            

20.

                       JACK
      (excited)
Oh, I forgot to tell you. We got
our first gig.
                                                            
                       DAVE
When?
                                                            
                       JACK
Next Sunday. We're playing at
Terry's church. His dad is the
pastor and said we could play the
opening hymn.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (relieved)
Oh, good. What song?
                                                            
                       JACK
HERE I AM TO WORSHIP.
                                                            
                       DAVE
That's a good one, slow one
though.
                                                            
                       JACK
We're putting our spin on it. As
part of the deal, Terry's dad
insists that Terry sing solo on at
least one of the verses.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Half the people will walk out.
Jack, we really need to talk about
Terry. He's bringing you guys
down.
                                                            
                       JACK
Not now dad. We got it covered.
                                                            
Jack leaves. Dave's stunned at his son's new found talent.
He closes his eyes briefly and processes this revelation.
                                                            
 
INT. CAR - DAY
                                                            
Dave, Sue and Thomas are in the car on their way to church
to hear Jack and the band perform.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
I'm tired. This better be good.
Jack never went to any of my
stuff.
                                                            

21.

                       DAVE
What stuff? The chess club? You're
embarrassed to have him around
you.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
He's okay. It's his idiot friends
I worry about.
                                                            
                       SUE
It's his band Thomas. Jack takes
this very seriously.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
I hope they don't screw up too
bad. As Jack's brother, it could
affect my reputation. Maybe I'll
pray for them. They need all the
help they can get.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Be kind Thomas.
                                                            
 
INT. CHURCH - DAY
                                                            
The band is off to the side of the alter set to play. PASTOR
GUIDO stands at the podium.
                                                            
                       PASTOR GUIDO
Welcome to service. Today, I am
pleased to introduce a new band
who will perform our opening hymn,
HERE I AM TO WORSHIP. I'm sure you
recognize the bass player, my son,
Terry.
                                                            
The band STARTS PLAYING.
                                                            
                       TERRY
      (singing)
LIGHT OF THE WORLD
YOU STEPPED DOWN INTO DARKNESS
OPENED MY EYES
LET ME SEE
BEAUTY THAT MADE
THIS HEART ADORE YOU
HOPE OF A LIFE SPENT WITH YOU
                                                            
The audience reacts in anguish as Terry sings. Terry nods to
Jack who resumes singing. Jack sings in perfect pitch,
melodic.
                                                            

22.

                       JACK
      (singing)
HERE I AM TO WORSHIP
HERE I AM TO BOW DOWN
HERE I AM TO SAY THAT YOU'RE MY
GOD
YOU'RE ALTOGETHER LOVELY
ALTOGETHER WORTHY
ALTOGETHER WONDERFUL TO ME
      (faster)
KING OF ALL DAYS
OH, SO HIGHLY EXALTED
GLORIOUS IN HEAVEN ABOVE
HUMBLY YOU CAME
TO THE EARTH YOU CREATED
ALL FOR LOVE'S SAKE BECOME POOR
      (even faster)
HERE I AM TO WORSHIP
HERE I AM TO BOW DOWN
HERE I AM TO SAY THAT YOU'RE MY
GOD
YOU'RE ALTOGETHER LOVELY
ALTOGETHER WORTHY
ALTOGETHER WONDERFUL TO ME
                                                            
Nick breaks into a drum solo startling the audience. He
starts whipping his hair from side to side. The drum solo
intensifies. His stool leg breaks and Nick flies off it and
falls backwards off the stage.
                                                            
                       NICK
      (Yelling)
Whoooaaaaa!
                                                            
The band stops playing. Jack rushes to Nick.
                                                            
                       JACK
You okay bud?
                                                            
                       NICK
Fine.
                                                            
Nick stands up, picks up his drum sticks and stands behind
the drums. The band resumes the song at a slower tempo with
Nick playing the drums standing up.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (resumes singing)
HERE I AM TO WORSHIP
HERE I AM TO BOW DOWN
HERE I AM TO SAY THAT YOU'RE MY
GOD
            (MORE)

23.

                       JACK (cont'd)
YOU'RE ALTOGETHER LOVELY
ALTOGETHER WORTHY
ALTOGETHER WONDERFUL TO ME
                                                            
The band stops playing, all smiling. The audience stares in
silence. Thomas has his face buried in his hands. Sue looks
down. Dave is smiling, pleased.
                                                            
 
EXT. CHURCH PARKING LOT - DAY
                                                            
Dave, Sue and Thomas gather outside church. BILL, Bronson's
father, late 30's, long hair, approaches Dave.
                                                            
                       BILL
Your Jack's dad, right?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Yes, Dave Wells, nice meeting you.
                                                            
                       BILL
I'm Bill, Bronson's dad. I spoke
to your wife last week.
                                                            
                       DAVE
She told me.
                                                            
                       BILL
Were you impressed with their
performance today?
                                                            
                       DAVE
They were great.
                                                            
                       BILL
They were bush league!
                                                            
                       DAVE
They're fourteen.
                                                            
                       BILL
Do you encourage this irreverance?
                                                            
                       DAVE
It's their interpretation of the
hymn. No harm done.
                                                            

24.

                       BILL
It offended the entire
congregation. I'm embarrassed that
my son was even part of this.
People walked out.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I didn't see anybody walk out.
                                                            
                       BILL
I know. You were too glued staring
at the lead singer.
                                                            
                       DAVE
What do you want from me guy?
                                                            
                       BILL
I want you to leave the managing
of the band to me. I don't want
your legal problems creeping into
my son's life.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Hey guy, we just got out of
church. If you want, take Bronson
out of the band. He's a great and
I love him like a son, but we'll
find another guitarist. You
obviously see the same the spark I
do and maybe we can work together
but I'm not going to fight you
buddy, certainly not over this.
You're right, I do have other
issues in my life I'm dealing
with. But we're talking about
fourteen year olds here, come on!
                                                            
                       BILL
Stick to bean counting.
                                                            
                       DAVE
That's original. Hey, if you end
up taking Bronson out of the band,
I'll throw in a tone deaf bass
guitarist as a bonus and a player
to be named later.
                                                            
                       BILL
Funny. We'll be talking.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Nice meeting you too.
                                                            
 

25.

INT. KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
Dave, Sue and Thomas sit around the kitchen table eating
sandwiches. Jack enters the kitchen.
                                                            
                       JACK
Go ahead, say it Thomas.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
Wasn't too bad. You need to fire
Terry. Does Nick take drugs?
                                                            
                       JACK
I'm not firing Terry.
                                                            
                       SUE
His vocals were painful Jack.
                                                            
                       JACK
I know.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
People started praying hard when
he sang.
                                                            
                       SUE
Why did Nick do that drum solo?
                                                            
                       JACK
He said he got lost in the moment.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Did Pastor Guido get mad at you
guys?
                                                            
                       JACK
Not at all. He said we could come
back any time. He said it might
increase attendance.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
Would more teenage girls attend?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Overall, I think you guys sounded
good. Your vocals were excellent.
                                                            
                       JACK
Thanks.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Hey, by the way, I read in the
paper this morning that the old
            (MORE)

26.

                       DAVE (cont'd)
Rosewood Theatre has converted
into some kind of band hall on
Saturday nights. They let new
bands rent it out for half hour
blocks so they can get some
experience doing gigs.
                                                            
                       JACK
Really?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Yeah. I guess the bands have to
sell tickets to their friends or
family or who ever for twelve
bucks a piece. The band keeps
three bucks and the owners of the
hall keep the other nine.
                                                            
                       JACK
Wow.
                                                            
                       DAVE
If you can sell thirty or forty
tickets, the band makes a hundred
bucks.
                                                            
                       JACK
A paying gig.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
You'll sell more tickets if you
fire Terry.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (ignoring Thomas)
If you want to check it out today,
we can.
                                                            
                       JACK
Let's go.
                                                            
                       SUE
Put something in that stomach
first.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
Don't forget, fire Terry.
                                                            
                       JACK
Why don't you go back to the den
and speak to your computer in
Japanese?
                                                            

27.

                       THOMAS
Jack, bro, dump him, he's bringing
you down.
                                                            
                       JACK
Enough! I'm getting sick of this.
                                                            
 
INT. THEATRE - DAY
                                                            
Dave, Jack and LOU, Rosewood Theatre manager, stand in the
back of the theatre looking at the stage.
                                                            
                       LOU
Yep, you get it for a half hour.
But I also throw in fifteen
minutes to set up and fifteen
minutes to strike.
                                                            
                       DAVE
What's the capacity?
                                                            
                       LOU
You can easily fit two hundred
kids in here. Since we've been
doing this, the most we ever had
was about a hundred, so the band
made three hundred bucks.
                                                            
                       JACK
Wow.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Remember Jack, the band has to
sell the tickets. How many friends
do you have that will pay twelve
dollars for a ticket?
                                                            
                       JACK
A lot.
                                                            
Jack is looking at the walls, ceiling and taking it all in.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (Continuing)
What about lights?
                                                            
                       LOU
We control the lights and also
have a person on site to mix so
you won't have to do that.
                                                            

28.

                       JACK
Cool.
                                                            
                       LOU
All you have to do is bring your
instruments, microphones and drum
set. We supply all the amps. You
just plug in and play.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Sounds good.
                                                            
                       LOU
When do you want to book?
                                                            
                       DAVE
We need three weeks. That should
be enough time, don't you think
Jack?
                                                            
                       JACK
Yes.
                                                            
                       LOU
Make sure you have enough
material, seven songs for sure.
                                                            
                       JACK
That's no problem, thank you.
                                                            
Jack gets lost in the moment.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Jack...Jack...you okay?
                                                            
                       JACK
Yeah, I'm great. This is great.
                                                            
 
INT. CAR - DAY
                                                            
Dave and Jack leave the theatre heading home.
                                                            
                       JACK
Man, the guys are going to love
this.
                                                            
                       DAVE
What was going on with you in
there? You seemed out of it.
                                                            

29.

                       JACK
I was visualizing something. I had
this weird feeling that this is
the start of something big. Kind
of hard to explain.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Really?
                                                            
                       JACK
Yeah. I saw us on the stage
performing and there were a lot of
people and then I saw us on a much
bigger stage and there were
thousands of people there. It was
like our band hit it big time and
we got famous and people really
wanted to hear us play.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Was Terry on the stage with you?
      (places hand on
       Jack's shoulder)
Jack, time to face reality.
                                                            
                       JACK
He's my best friend. I've known
him since I was born. He's my
anchor, dad.
                                                            
                       DAVE
You need to fix this Jack.
                                                            
                       JACK
I will.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Good. Hey, I heard you working on
a song last night.
                                                            
                       JACK
Yes, DRIVIN IN MY CAR.
                                                            
                       DAVE
That's kind of funny considering
you don't drive.
                                                            
                       JACK
Just thinking ahead.
                                                            

30.

                       DAVE
Can you do an acoustic version of
that for me and burn it on a CD?
I'd like to hear it later.
                                                            
                       JACK
Sure. Hey dad, if we make it,
maybe you can quit your job and be
our full time manager.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Yeah, I'll give Bronson's dad a
call and let him know and then
I'll tell mom and Thomas.
                                                            
 
INT. KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
Dave and Sue sit in the family room,
                                                            
                       SUE
How'd it go?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Perfect. The boys will need to
sell a bunch of tickets but it
will be great for them.
                                                            
                       SUE
Maybe we can go to church again
tomorrow and pray they sell a lot
of tickets.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Yeah, I'll give Bill a call and we
can all go to church together.
                                                            
                       SUE
No need to call him because he
just called you.
                                                            
                       DAVE
You've got to be kidding me.
                                                            
                       SUE
He found out about the theatre
thing from Bronson and wanted me
to tell you not do proceed until
he's in the loop.
                                                            
                       DAVE
In the loop. He's a nutcase. He's
worse than me.
                                                            

31.

                       SUE
Sorry to do this Dave, but your
attorney called too.
                                                            
                       DAVE
And?
                                                            
                       SUE
The family amended their lawsuit
and now they're going after you
for malicious prosecution?
                                                            
                       DAVE
They can't do that. I was just a
witness for the prosecution. I
think I have immunity.
                                                            
                       SUE
Well, they just did.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Did Lewis say anything else?
                                                            
                       SUE
Yes. Because of this development,
he needs an additional twenty five
thousand dollar retainer.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (softly)
Wonderful. Don't tell Thomas.
He'll think the money will be
coming out of his college fund.
                                                            
                       SUE
Will it?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Yes.
                                                            
Dave closes his eyes.
                                                            
 
INT. FAMILY ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Dave places a CD into the CD player. He sits down and points
the remote control at the CD player. Dave closes his eyes. A
STEADY GUITAR RIFF unfolds leading into Jack's vocals.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (singing)
START MY DAY WITH A PUSH AND SHOVE
LANDING A MOVE IS BETTER THAN LOVE
            (MORE)

32.

                       JACK (cont'd)
RUNNING FROM THE COPS CAUSE
RESTRICTION CONFINES
BREAKING ALL THE RULES CAUSE I'M
YOUNG AND BLIND
                                                            
                       JACK
      (Continuing with
       chorus)
DRIVING IN MY CAR
WISHING I WAS WITH YOU
SCHOOL'S RIPPED US APART
DON'T THINK I CAN MAKE IT THROUGH
WE'VE GONE OUR SEPARATE WAYS
I WAS BEING A JERK
WE'VE MADE OUR SHARE OF MISTAKES
WHY CAN'T WE MAKE THIS WORK?
                                                            
As Jack sings the chorus, Dave's face lights up. The melodic
"hook" causes Dave to nod his head gently. He breaks into a
slight smile and slowly closes his eyes again as the song
plays on.
                                                            


FADE OUT.


Back to Top of Page
Leave Feedback
Feedback
From Reese Aportela Date 1/27/2006 ****
Very good! Good start for a series. Excellent writing and actually writing the songs helps us understand the band more. This is wonderful.


Back to Top of Page
Leave Feedback
You must be logged in to leave feedback.
Home    My Account    Products    Screenwriter Community    Screenwriter's Corner    Help
Forgot Your Password?    Privacy Policy    Copyright 2024, ScriptBuddy LLC.    Email help@scriptbuddy.com