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More Than Special An Original Screenplay
by David Wells (dlwells4@comcast.net)

Rated: PG-13   Genre: Family   User Review: **1/2
More than Special is autobiographical and tells the story of a gifted teenage boy from suburbia who achieves greatness and international fame in the acting and pop world in just three short years. The pilot chronicles the beginning of his journey to stardom. Although his father lacks entertainment management experience, his eternal optimism and unwavering confidence in his son’s natural abilities provides the recipe for success. The father’s soft eccentricity and unique view of the world influences his son in a special way resulting in the making of the youngest and most popular superstar of all time.


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. KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
DAVE WELLS, mid 40's, slightly overweight, sits at the
kitchen table. The song SURRENDER by Cheap Trick plays on
the television. He types on his laptop, prints a cover
letter, stands up, removes the letter from the printer and
begins to sing while doing a clumsy dance to the song.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (Singing)
MOMMY'S ALRIGHT
DADDY'S ALRIGHT
THEY JUST SEEM A LITTLE WEIRD
SURRENDER. SURRENDER.
BUT DON'T GIVE YOUR SELF AWAY.
                                                            
He signs the letter and attaches it to a head shot of his
14-year-old son, Jack. He stares at the head shot briefly.
He turns the head shot over revealing Jack's resume. He
paper clips the cover letter to the head shot/resume and
inserts it into a large orange envelope. He licks the
envelope and puts it on a large stack of other envelopes. He
doesn't notice his wife, SUSAN WELLS, mid 40's, attractive,
entering from the side entrance. She places her hand on
Dave's shoulder, startling him.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Whoa, I didn't hear you. I always
loved that song, SURRENDER.
                                                            
He points the remote at the CD player and mutes the volume.
                                                            
                       SUE
What are you doing?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Just finished the letters to the
agents. Hoping for five
appointments.
                                                            
                       SUE
That's a big pile.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Twenty five. With five
appointments, that's twenty
percent. There's at least one
agent in there who'll represent
Jack. I can feel it.
                                                            

2.

                       SUE
Are they reputable?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Um, I think so. I researched them.
What time does the post office
close?
                                                            
                       SUE
Noon. You've got thirty minutes
bub.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Okay. I'll take Velvet with me for
a quick walk.
      (in a loud voice)
Velvet, let's go!
      (looking at watch)
See you later.
                                                            
A beautiful but overweight Golden Retriever enters the
kitchen wagging her tail. Dave puts a leash around her neck,
grabs the envelopes and leaves with Velvet. Sue holds the
door open.
                                                            
                       SUE
Don't forget your shovel and bag.
                                                            
 
INT. POST OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
Dave approaches Virginia, a post office employee standing
behind a counter
                                                            
                       DAVE
I'd like to send these priority
mail.
                                                            
She thumbs through the envelopes
                                                            
                       VIRGINIA
All in the L.A. area, huh? Someone
trying to make it big time?
                                                            
                       DAVE
My son. Hoping to get a new agent
for him.
                                                            
                       VIRGINIA
Does he have one now?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Yes.
                                                            

3.

                       VIRGINIA
Have I seen him on anything?
                                                            
                       DAVE
He's done a couple of commercials
and four independent films in
Michigan and Canada. None of the
films have been released.
                                                            
                       VIRGINIA
I see. Well, I hope he makes it.
Is he good looking?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Incredibly. He takes after me. My
wife is ugly.
                                                            
                       VIRGINIA
      (smiling)
I'm sure. Anyway, it's three
eighty five per envelope.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Ouch!
                                                            
 
EXT. PARK - DAY
                                                            
Dave and Velvet walk towards the car. In one hand, Dave has
a large plastic bag filled with dog poop. The other hand
holds a trowel and is wrapped with Velvet's leash. Dave
drops the bag in a garbage can and puts Velvet in the car.
                                                            
                       DAVE
This is really embarrassing
Velvet. You're like a Clydesdale.
I spent more time picking up your
stuff than walking. What do you
eat all day?
                                                            
Dave pets Velvet and puts his face close to her.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (Continuing)
I love you Velvet, but this is
getting ridiculous. You really
need to go on a diet.
                                                            
Dave gets in the car and drives home.
                                                            
 

4.

EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY
                                                            
Dave drives to the entrance of his subdivision and sees his
son JACK and three teenage boys, TERRY, BRONSON and NICK,
walking along the side of the road. Dave pulls over and
rolls down the window.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Guys, get in.
                                                            
                       JACK
No, it's okay dad. We'll walk.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Get in!
                                                            
The four boys get into the car.
                                                            
                       TERRY
Hi Velvet.
                                                            
Terry pets Velvet.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
Hi Mr. Wells
                                                            
                       DAVE
Hey Bronson. Hi Nick. Hi Terry.
                                                            
                       NICK
Hi Mr. Wells.
                                                            
No response from Terry as he pets Velvet.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (louder)
Hi Terry.
                                                            
                       TERRY
Oh, hi Mr. Wells.
                                                            
Dave drives toward home.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Something smells in this car.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
It's got to be Nick. His feet.
                                                            
                       NICK
I have my shoes on. It's Velvet.
                                                            

5.

                       TERRY
      (smelling Velvet)
Velvet's a little raw Mr. Wells.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I don't think so. It smells like a
skunk.
                                                            
                       JACK
Definitely Nick then. His hunting
stench.
                                                            
                       NICK
I hunt squirrels not skunk.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
Nick eats squirrels.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Really?
                                                            
                       NICK
Just once, not too bad. Huge after
burn.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (changing subject)
I need to talk to you guys about
your songs.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (skeptically)
What about them?
                                                            
                       DAVE
It's not bad. Just have a couple
of suggestions. Let's go for pizza
at four and talk about it.
                                                            
                       JACK
Can't, we have some girls coming
over to hear our songs and then
we're going to the show later.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I'll invite the girls too. We'll
be back by five thirty. Just want
to talk to you guys about a few
things, okay?
                                                            
                       JACK
      (begging)
No dad, please don't invite them.
            (MORE)

6.

                       JACK (cont'd)
I think they have to go to the
mall anyway.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
      (in a phony voice)
No problem Mr. Wells. Just the
boys will go for pizza.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Thanks Bronson.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
I love you Mr. Wells.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (ignoring Bronson)
Uh huh, right. Okay Jack?
                                                            
                       JACK
Okay dad.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Oh, forgot to tell you. I sent
letters to twenty five agents.
Hoping we can meet with a few of
them next month.
                                                            
                       JACK
Cool, thanks.
                                                            
The car gets silent as the boys know Jack will be heading
back to Los Angeles and will disrupt the band's progress.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Guys, don't worry. You're in my
plans too. I'm not going to screw
things up. We'll talk in a couple
of hours over pizza.
                                                            
The boys enter the house through the front door. Dave takes
Velvet out of the car and brings her in the house through
the garage entrance.
                                                            
 
INT. HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
As Dave enters the house, he sees Bronson hugging Sue. Nick,
Terry and Jack look on in amusement.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
I love you Mrs. Wells. I love Mr.
Wells too. I just told him.
                                                            

7.

                       SUE
      (playing along)
I love you too Bronson.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
Mr. Wells didn't say that.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Bronson, go downstairs and
practice. Work on a cover song.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (bothered)
Dad, please. We're working on our
own songs. The girls will be here
in a few minutes. Please don't
embarrass me in front of them.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (smiling)
Never. Keep the volume low.
                                                            
The boys open the door to the basement and go down. Dave
sits at the table across from Sue.
                                                            
                       SUE
Mail all the envelopes?
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (smiling)
Yep. Want to go for pizza later
with me and the band?
                                                            
                       SUE
No thanks.
      (knowingly)
How'd Velvet do in her walk?
                                                            
                       DAVE
She desperately needs to lose
weight. Her stuff weighs a lot.
What do you feed her?
      (changes subject)
Gorgeous outside. Two more weeks
until school's out, huh?
                                                            
                       SUE
Can't wait. It's been a long year.
                                                            
                       DAVE
You've had a great year with those
kids. Those munchkins love you.
                                                            

8.

                       SUE
I love them too. Five year old
minds are so special, pure,
innocent, like human sponges.
                                                            
                       DAVE
How about forty five year old
minds?
                                                            
                       SUE
Hopeless.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Do they still hug you at the end
of school each day?
                                                            
                       SUE
Oh yeah, mostly the boys.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I am surprised that the school
lets you do that, you know, with
lawsuits and things.
                                                            
                       SUE
I hug them Dave not molest them.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (distracted)
Where's Thomas?
                                                            
                       SUE
He's on his throne.
                                                            
Dave walks down the hallway and sees THOMAS, his oldest
teenage son, on the computer.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Hey Thomas.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
Hey dad.
                                                            
                       DAVE
What you up to?
                                                            
                       THOMAS
Trying to do home work. Those guys
aren't going to play now, are
they?
                                                            

9.

                       DAVE
I told them to keep it low.
Thomas, it's Saturday.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
Well, they should take turns
practicing at each others house.
It's always here. They think
they're great song writers and
they're average. Terry can't sing
at all. Bronson is a goofus and
Nick's long hair makes him look
like a freak.
                                                            
                       DAVE
They'll be pleased to know you're
paying attention. Wanna go out for
pizza with us?
                                                            
                       THOMAS
Never. I'm going out for Japanese
food later with Jake. Going to
Osaka, love their fried rice.
                                                            
The BAND STARTS WARMING UP making Thomas frown. Thomas
increases the volume of the Japanese music playing on his
computer.
                                                            
                       DAVE
By the way, I'm impressed you're
doing homework on a Saturday.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
Yep.
                                                            
Dave walks back to the kitchen and sits again with Sue.
                                                            
 
INT. BASEMENT - DAY
                                                            
The boys prepare to play a song. Jack puts the guitar strap
around his neck and glances at Nick who is adjusting a
cymbal. Terry is fingering some notes on the bass while
Bronson stares at his pick ready to play.
                                                            
                       JACK
Okay 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.
                                                            

10.

                       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 joins in and sings the second verse. The boys react
painfully as Terry struggles through the lyrics, out of
tune.
                                                            
                       TERRY
      (singing)
WHAT DID I DO WRONG?
YOU KNEW IT ALL ALONG
THAT WE WERE ONLY FRIENDS
MISTAKE THAT NEVER END
JUST TELL ME WHAT YOU...
                                                            
Jack raises his hand and the boys stop. Nick and Bronson are
laughing.
                                                            
                       JACK
Guys, please. Terry, I don't think
this is working. Rather than you
singing the verse solo, maybe you
can harmonize with me. Do you know
how to harmonize?
                                                            
                       TERRY
Sure I can. I just did.
                                                            
                       JACK
You really have no idea what
you're talking about, do you?
                                                            
                       TERRY
Nope. I gave it my best shot. My
ears get plugged sometimes so I
can't hear myself.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
You're lucky. Poor Velvet. I think
I heard her yelping upstairs.
                                                            
                       JACK
Terry, if you don't mind, I'm
going to sing both verses for the
            (MORE)

11.

                       JACK (cont'd)
girls. I'll work on the harmony
with you this week, okay?
                                                            
                       TERRY
Cool Jack.
                                                            
                       JACK
Okay, let's try it again. Let's be
smooth.
                                                            
 
INT. KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
Dave rejoins Sue who is still sitting at the table with
MUSIC from the band in the background.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (somewhat distant)
Want me to get you anything from
the restaurant later?
                                                            
                       SUE
Chicken Caesar salad would be
great. You seem distracted.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Just a little antsy with Jack's
stuff, that's all. Actually, I am
excited, in a positve way.
                                                            
                       SUE
So, you think Jack is going to get
another agent?
                                                            
                       DAVE
No doubt.
                                                            
                       SUE
Are you positive he's going to get
work next pilot season?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Absolutely.
                                                            
                       SUE
      (concerned)
This is so expensive. It was five
grand a month last time we were
out there and he didn't get any
work.
                                                            

12.

                       DAVE
It's different this time. He's got
experience now and now he can
compete with those brats in L.A.
                                                            
                       SUE
There are no guarantees and you
know that.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Remember, he was a finalist for
three roles last time out, the
pilot and the two commercials. The
pilot made it to network. Come on
Sue, Jack had no previous acting
experience and he was this close.
      (showing gap with
       thumb and finger)
The kid's got it and you know it.
                                                            
                       SUE
I'm his biggest fan but this is so
expensive...
                                                            
                       DAVE
All he needs to do is land one
national commercial and we'll be
on our way.
                                                            
                       SUE
      (serious)
What if he doesn't Dave? For three
months, that will be another
fifteen thousand down the drain.
We'll be tapping into Thomas's
college funds.
                                                            
                       DAVE
We're covered. Most of the money
will come from my bonus in
January. He'll get an agent and
he'll get work, promise.
                                                            
                       SUE
Fifteen thousand dollars Dave.
Rent, private schooling, car
rental, acting coaches...
                                                            

13.

                       DAVE
I know it's a lot. It's an
investment. It'll all work out,
have faith in me and especially,
have faith in Jack. It's all gonna
happen for him this time out.
                                                            
DOORBELL RINGS
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (relieved)
Must be the girls, just in the
nick of time.
                                                            
Dave gets up from the table walks down the hall and looks
toward Thomas before opening the door.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (Continuing)
Thanks for getting the door.
Didn't mean to disturb you.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
No problem.
                                                            
Four cute girls, AMANDA, HOLLY, LEA and KALI enter the
house. Thomas makes a quick glance towards them as they
enter.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Hey girls. They're in the
basement.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
Thanks Mr. Wells.
                                                            
The girls go down the basement.
                                                            
 
INT. RESTAURANT - DAY
                                                            
The five of them sit at a booth in a restaurant. A waitress
approaches.
                                                            
                       WAITRESS
Quite a crew here. Can I get you
something to drink?
                                                            
                       JACK
Can we order a pitcher of Coke?
                                                            
                       WAITRESS
How about Pepsi?
                                                            

14.

                       JACK
Coke will be fine, thanks.
                                                            
                       WAITRESS
Okay. And how about for you sir?
                                                            
                       DAVE
I'll have a light beer on draft.
                                                            
                       WAITRESS
Do you want a Boombah?
                                                            
                       JACK
Do you want a Boombah?
                                                            
They all laugh.
                                                            
                       DAVE
No, I'll have a small glass. And
for a meal, we'd like a large deep
dish cheese and pepperoni, two
orders of buffalo wings as an
appetizer with extra blue cheese
and I need a chicken Caesar salad
to go.
                                                            
                       WAITRESS
Got it. Wings and drinks coming
up.
                                                            
Waitress turns and heads towards the kitchen.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
So Mr. Wells. How's your job
going? Forensic accounting, right?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Yep. Going great. Working on three
embezzlement cases right now. On
Monday I'm confronting an
embezzler hoping to get her to
confess to stealing twenty five
thousand dollars.
                                                            
                       TERRY
How'd she steal it?
                                                            

15.

                       DAVE
She'd take business trips
throughout the year but would keep
submitting the same receipts over
and over again for trips she never
took and the company reimbursed
her.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
Well it's not her fault then. The
company screwed up.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Not true. She intentionally
submitted the same receipts
Bronson. This resulted in her
getting twenty five thousand
dollars that wasn't hers. This
wasn't an error on her part. She
defrauded the company.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
She must have a dumb boss. Do you
think she'll go to jail?
                                                            
                       DAVE
I doubt it but she'll definitely
lose her job over it.
                                                            
                       NICK
What if she denies doing it?
                                                            
                       DAVE
I have the goods on her. No way
out. I'll get her to confess. I'm
good at that.
                                                            
                       TERRY
You have a cool job. Don't you
think someday someone might get
mad at you and try to kill you or
something?
                                                            
                       DAVE
I'm not a cop, just an accountant
who figures things out. I like
figuring things out. Like, for
instance, trying to figure out
what songs you were playing
earlier today.
                                                            

16.

                       JACK
They're all original songs dad.
You know that.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Why are you 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 Chuck Berry
songs when they were starting
off..
                                                            
The waitress brings the drinks and buffalo wings.
                                                            
                       DAVE
That was quick, thanks.
                                                            
                       WAITRESS
You're welcome.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Well you should work on a couple
of cover songs, like from Green
Day, Killers, System of the Down,
bands like that.
                                                            
The boys look at each other, amused.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (Continuing)
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
How do you know this?
                                                            
                       DAVE
I just do. Learn a couple of good
cover songs. Now, who writes the
songs?
                                                            

17.

They all look at Jack.
                                                            
                       DAVE
When did you started writing
songs?
                                                            
                       JACK
Last month. I've written seven
songs so far.
                                                            
                       TERRY
They're good too.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Where's this coming from? You have
no music training.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
Mr. Wells, I'm serious, Jack is a
good writer.
                                                            
                       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.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (surprised)
Jack, really, this news to me. You
need to show me how you do this.
                                                            
                       JACK
Okay.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Back to the cover songs. Learn a
few that are energizing. I heard a
song today, SURRENDER from Cheap
Trick, it's not only a good song,
but also a funny song.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (singing)
MOMMY'S ALRIGHT
DADDY'S ALRIGHT
THEY JUST SEEM A LITTLE WEIRD
SURRENDER
SURRENDER
BUT DON'T ...
                                                            

18.

                       JACK
      (interrupting)
Dad please stop. People are
looking.
                                                            
Dave looks up and sees people from three tables looking at
him. He waves.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I'll play it in the car. Let's
eat.
                                                            
 
INT. CAR - DAY
                                                            
                       DAVE
I'm stuffed. Here's the song
SURRENDER I was talking about.
                                                            
Dave puts the CD in. The boys half-listening to the song.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
It's not bad.
                                                            
                       DAVE
The point is, that it's got some
humor and a catchy hook, it helps
identify the band.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
Right.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Then, for a different flavor, you
guys should listen to TOMMY by the
Who. Incredible album. 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 puts the CD in.
                                                            

19.

                       DAVE
      (Continuing)
Yes, overture. It's like at the
beginning of a play, but in this
case a rock opera, where they
play a sampling of the songs. It
shows the incredible range these
guys had, way ahead of their time.
Genius.
                                                            
Dave and the boys listen to the overture.
                                                            
                       NICK
I know their drummer is dead,
Keith Moon.
                                                            
                       DAVE
One of the best. After he died and
when the Who was on tour, they
needed two drummers to fill in.
                                                            
                       NICK
      (joking)
A lot of drummers of rock bands
die early. But not me, I am going
to live until at least twenty
five.
                                                            
                       TERRY
With you what you eat, you'll be
lucky to make it through high
school.
                                                            
                       NICK
      (ignoring Terry)
Moon had incredible hand
speed...listen...unbelievable.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
The guitars are unbelievable too.
Great band.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Yes, great band. You guys should
listen to the whole album a bunch
of times. It will inspire you.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
For what?
                                                            
                       DAVE
What do you mean Bronson?
                                                            

20.

                       BRONSON
      (serious)
Inspire us for what? You're taking
Jack to L.A. next January right
when we'll be real good. You're
breaking up the band.
                                                            
Jack turns and looks at Bronson and then back to Dave,
concerned.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (gently)
I'm not breaking up the band
Bronson.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
      (close to tears)
Yes you are Mr. Wells! Jack will
be gone for three months and if he
gets some roles, he'll never be
back. You're breaking up the band!
                                                            
                       DAVE
Bronson, only good things for the
band can happen if Jack gets work
in L.A. I promise you that the
band will be part of the success.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
How?
                                                            
                       DAVE
I'll bring you to L.A. too.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
      (sarcastic)
You might want to think about
talking to my parents about that.
Come on Mr. Wells, get real. We're
fourteen. We have school. How in
the hell are going to bring us to
L.A.?
                                                            
                       DAVE
First of all, cool the language.
Second of all, you'll just have to
believe me. You never know,
someday you guys may be the top
band in the country, if not the
world.
                                                            
Jack and the boys glance at each other, confused.
                                                            
 

21.

INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT
                                                            
Dave enters the kitchen carrying Sue's salad. Sue enters
from the adjoining family room and walks to the kitchen. She
opens the bag, takes out the salad, sits at the kitchen
table and begins to eat.
                                                            
                       SUE
Thanks.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Love the pizza and wings there.
Could go there every night.
                                                            
                       SUE
And die at an early age trying,
pure saturated fat.
                                                            
Dave pours two glasses of wine, carries them to the table
and sits at the table with Sue.
                                                            
                       DAVE
But it's the good fat.
                                                            
                       SUE
How were the boys?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Oh, they're fine, talked about the
music biz, gave them advice,
thought I was weird, same old
stuff.
                                                            
                       SUE
You really like talking to those
guys, why?
                                                            
                       DAVE
I like to know how they think. Did
you know that Jack writes all the
songs for the band, lyrics and
music?
                                                            
                       SUE
I see him writing on a pad all the
time and he walks around the house
with his guitar around his neck
always singing something.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Tomorrow he's going to show me how
he does it. I'm very curios.
                                                            

22.

                       SUE
Dave, he's special. He has natural
talents. You've seen him act with
no training. I'm not surprised at
all about the songwriting.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Interesting.
                                                            
                       SUE
Oh yeah, your sister called. I
told her about L.A.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (bothered)
Thanks a lot. Did she have an
opinion?
                                                            
                       SUE
Of course. She wants you to call
her tonight.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I'll call her tomorrow. I need to
mentally prepare myself for the
debate.
                                                            
                       SUE
She loves her nephew, that's all.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I'm sure. She just has a funny way
of showing it.
                                                            
                       SUE
Salad's good.
                                                            
Dave gets up from the table and heads toward the hallway
where the boys have congregated.
                                                            
 
INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT
                                                            
Jack opens the bathroom door.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (JIM CARREY Voice
       from ACE VENTURA)
Do not go in there! Whoooo!
                                                            
Jack swings his arm like he's fanning the bathroom.
                                                            

23.

                       TERRY
Excuse me Mr. Wells.
                                                            
Terry walks to the bathroom and closes the door
                                                            
                       JACK
He's got bad sinuses dad, can't
smell a thing.
                                                            
                       TERRY
      (from the bathroom)
Velvet's hair got up my nose. I'm
allergic to dogs.
                                                            
Terry BLOWS NOSE and everyone laughs.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
He uses a vacuum to suck out that
nose. There's a lot more up there
than hair.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Yeah, I thought we were a few
pepperonis short on the pizza.
                                                            
                       BRONSON
I left my bike there one weekend.
                                                            
                       TERRY
      (from bathroom)
That's original, never heard that
before.
                                                            
                       NICK
I think Mrs. Wells's Caesars salad
is lodged up there.
                                                            
                       JACK
He keeps his back pack in there
too. Takes the pressure off his
back.
                                                            
Terry comes out of the bathroom. Turns to Bronson.
                                                            
                       TERRY
At least I have a chin, pree-mee.
                                                            
                       DAVE
This is getting ugly. Remember,
you're a band, gotta stay tight.
                                                            

24.

                       NICK
      (smiling)
I think his massive nose
contributes to his great singing
ability.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (changing subject)
Hey, want me to come to the movies
with you tonight?
                                                            
                       JACK
Please, no dad.
                                                            
 
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 at Dave as he enters the room.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Sorry to interrupt, are 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
No kidding dad. I'm working on my
Japanese. I want to be near fluent
when I go to Japan next year.
                                                            

25.

                       DAVE
Gotcha.
                                                            
Thomas resumes his conversation on the phone in Japanese and
Dave leaves the room and heads upstairs.
                                                            
 
INT. KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
Jack enters the kitchen with his guitar. Dave reads the
newspaper at the kitchen table.
                                                            
                       JACK
Ready?
                                                            
Dave puts the paper down.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Yes. How do you write a song?.
                                                            
                       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 the chorus, another
verse, then the chorus twice,
breakdown...
                                                            
                       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
            (MORE)

26.

                       JACK (cont'd)
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 then
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 you an hour?
                                                            
                       JACK
Max.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Where is this from?
                                                            
                       JACK
Just kind of happens dad, just
like the acting
                                                            
                       DAVE
Okay.
                                                            
Dave's stunned at his son's new found talent. He closes his
eyes briefly and processes this revelation. He reaches for
his phone and calls his sister, MARY.
                                                            
INT. FAMILY ROOM - DAY

                                                            
Mary sits on the couch in her family room and her PHONE
RINGS. She answers the phone. (INTERCUT PHONE SEQUENCE).
                                                            
                       MARY
Hello.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Hi Mary.
                                                            

27.

                       MARY
So you're going to L.A. again?
                                                            
                       DAVE
In a month or so. Jack and I will
be getting a new agent and he and
Sue will head back in January.
                                                            
                       MARY
Again?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Yes, again, just as Sue told you
last night.
                                                            
                       MARY
I thought the L.A. thing was over
since he didn't get any work last
time.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I never said that.
                                                            
                       MARY
Maybe the reason he didn't get
work last time around was because
it wasn't meant to be.
                                                            
                       DAVE
It wasn't meant to be then. It's
meant to be now.
                                                            
                       MARY
You don't mine Jack being exposed
to all that Hollywood stuff?
                                                            
                       DAVE
What do you think I'm going to do,
put him in a porn movie? Give me a
break. I know what I'm doing.
                                                            
                       MARY
I hope so.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I think Sue and I've done a good
job with both the boys. I'm not
going to do anything harmful or
stupid. You know me better than
that.
                                                            
                       MARY
I hope so.
                                                            

28.

                       DAVE
Please, quit with the tone.
                                                            
                       MARY
What possible good could come out
of this?
                                                            
                       DAVE
He could get work and realize his
dreams. I don't think that's a bad
thing.
                                                            
                       MARY
Maybe it's what you dream about.
Maybe you're pushing this and
Jack's going for the ride. I don't
want to see my nephew hurt again.
                                                            
                       DAVE
He wasn't hurt last time and he
won't be hurt this time. By the
way, he's going to get work.
                                                            
                       MARY
If it's meant to be, it's meant to
be.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Deep thought. I know what I'm
doing for Jack and I appreciate
your concern. Gotta go.
                                                            
                       MARY
I'll pray for you and Jack.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Please do. Bye.
                                                            
Dave hangs up phone, closes his eyes briefly and opens them
with a sense of calmness and determination.
                                                            
 
INT. RESTAURANT - DAY
                                                            
Dave and three of his colleagues, KRIS, GREG and MICHELLE
sit at a table in a restaurant.
                                                            
                       DAVE
She made it easy on us. Didn't
think she would confess so quickly
but she did.
                                                            

29.

                       KRIS
It's difficult to plead ignorance
when one submits duplicate
receipts for expense reports on
eight different occassions.
                                                            
                       MICHELLE
      (smiling)
Not an oversight on her part?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Yeah, right.
                                                            
                       MICHELLE
Maybe Greg or I can sit in on the
next one?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Sure, will do. I love this fraud
stuff. Love nailing people who
steal from their employers. They
think they're so smart and that
they're never going to get caught.
                                                            
The waitress brings the food.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (Continuing)
Cheers, to embezzlers. Great job
security.
                                                            
Holds up hot dog in a toast.
                                                            
                       KRIS
You're not kidding, you really
love this stuff, don't you?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Only thing I'd like to do more is
manage Jack but that's not in the
plans, at least not short term.
                                                            
                       GREG
What's new with Jack?
                                                            
                       DAVE
I sent twenty five letters to
agents over the weekend.
                                                            
                       GREG
And?
                                                            

30.

                       DAVE
We'll get one. Just want an agent
who thinks Jack is special, who
sees his potential. Don't want him
treated like a number, like his
last agent did.
                                                            
                       MICHELLE
Is that possible?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Absolutely. I might get him a
manager this trip too. I'm not
sure. He's definitely going to
need one.
                                                            
                       MICHELLE
Then hire one.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I will but I'm hesitant to commit
long term because I'll need to
step in again as things develop.
                                                            
                       GREG
When?
                                                            
                       DAVE
At the right time. Maybe I'll
co-manage, if that's possible.
It's tough to do from Michigan.
                                                            
                       GREG
Well, then move.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Maybe I will. I know one thing for
sure. Whoever represents Jack will
become very rich.
                                                            
They look at each other, amused.
                                                            
                       KRIS
So when will Sue and Jack head
back to L.A.?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Next pilot season, January.
                                                            
                       KRIS
You have to plan this far in
advance?
                                                            

31.

                       DAVE
You know I like to plan. I know
what I'm doing now. I had no clue
last time around
                                                            
                       MICHELLE
You seem confident. How do you
know how to do this stuff?
                                                            
                       DAVE
I read a lot and I just sort of
figure it out, just like this job.
                                                            
                       GREG
I have good feelings about this
Dave.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Three years.
                                                            
                       GREG
What?
                                                            
                       DAVE
In three years, he'll be the top
child star in America if not the
world.
                                                            
                       GREG
Jack's good Dave but come on,
you're setting yourself up for a
huge disappointment. That's a lot
of pressure on Jack too.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (confidently)
We're covered. It's going to
happen. Promise.
                                                            
                       KRIS
      (changing subject)
What else is going on?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Kind of funny, Jack's consumed
himself with playing guitar and
writing songs. Yesterday, he
showed me how he writes them and I
was speechless. I think his
songwriting may be a gift.
                                                            

32.

                       MICHELLE
      (playing along)
What if he gives up on acting and
wants to be a rock and roller?
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (serious)
He'll be successful at both. Three
years.
                                                            
 
EXT. PLAYGROUND AT SCHOOL - DAY
                                                            
One week later. Sue is on the school playground with DIANE,
her assistant and 22 Kindergarten children who are running
around and playing on swings and monkey bars. Sue's PHONE
RINGS. Sue answers the phone.
                                                            
                       SUE
      (talking on phone)
Hello. Yes, this is Susan Wells. I
am Jack's mom ...oh great...
That's good news. I have to grab a
pen.
                                                            
Sue motions to Diane to show her she is on the phone. Sue
leaves the playground and enters the school building.
                                                            
 
INT. SCHOOL CLASSROOM - DAY
                                                            
Sue sits at her desk and calls Dave.
                                                            
INT. OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
Dave sits at his desk working on his computer when the PHONE
RINGS. He answers the phone. (INTERCUT PHONE SEQUENCE.)
                                                            
                       DAVE
Hi, what's up?
                                                            
                       SUE
Two agents called today. One of
them, Robin from an agency called
New Start Agency, wants you to
call her right away. The other
agency called Talent Today said
for you to call them any time this
week to schedule an appointment.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (relieved)
Great news. I was getting a bit
            (MORE)

33.

                       DAVE (cont'd)
worried. I'll call Robin now.
Thanks honey. Love you.
                                                            
                       SUE
Love you too.
                                                            
Dave pulls a sheet of paper from his brief case, looks at it
and calls Robin. He closes his eyes as the PHONE RINGS.
                                                            
INT. NEW START AGENCY OFFICE. DAY
                                                            
The receptionist answers the phone. (INTERCUT PHONE
SEQUENCE.)
                                                            
                       PHONE RECEPTIONIST
      (answers phone)
New Start Agency
                                                            
                       DAVE
Hello. May I speak to Robin
please?
                                                            
                       PHONE RECEPTIONIST
Who's calling?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Dave Wells, father of Jack Wells.
                                                            
                       PHONE RECEPTIONIST
Please hold.
                                                            
Robin gets on phone.
                                                            
                       ROBIN
This is Robin.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Hello, this is Dave Wells
returning your call.
                                                            
                       ROBIN
I didn't call you, my assistant
did.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Oh, sorry. I am assuming you're
responding to the letter I sent
you.
                                                            
                       ROBIN
Yes, what's your situation? Are
you moving here in a few weeks?
                                                            

34.

                       DAVE
No, as I mentioned in the letter,
we will be coming to L.A. in a few
weeks to seek representation.
                                                            
                       ROBIN
Then what?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Well, if all goes well, we'd come
back during pilot season in
January.
                                                            
                       ROBIN
      (ignoring Dave)
I'm looking at his resume now. He
has no SAG credits. He needs SAG
experience before pilot season.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Jack was a finalist for a role in
a pilot last time he was out
there. He's been in four indy
films in Michigan and Canada since
he's been home.
                                                            
                       ROBIN
Non union indies are worthless. No
one cares about that.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Okay, I am a little confused. Do
you want to meet with us in a few
weeks?
                                                            
                       ROBIN
For pilot season, definitely not.
I have four fifteen year olds he'd
be competing with. No, definitely
not interested for pilot season.
If he wants to come down for
episodic season, which means
basically now, I'll meet with him.
                                                            
                       DAVE
We haven't thought about that.
                                                            
                       ROBIN
Then definitely not interested.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Okay, thanks.
                                                            

35.

Robin hangs up phone.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (under his breath)
This is starting off great.
                                                            
He closes his eyes for five seconds and opens them with a
sense of calmness.
                                                            
 
INT. FAMILY ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Dave sits in the family room with Sue.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I'm one for two.
                                                            
                       SUE
What happened?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Robin was brutal to me, basically
scolding me because Jack doesn't
have SAG experience. She's
definitely from New York. I'm glad
she doesn't want to meet with us.
                                                            
                       SUE
What about the other one?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Her name is Angela from Talent
Today, our first appointment that
week. She seemed pretty eager to
meet.
                                                            
                       SUE
Eager?
                                                            
                       DAVE
I think she's the owner of the
agency and may be the only
employee, so maybe she's hungry.
                                                            
                       SUE
Meeting with her first is a good
idea. It'll warm Jack up and if it
goes badly, no big deal.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I agree.
                                                            
 

36.

INT. FAMILY ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Two weeks later. Dave sits on couch and Jack stands across
from him.
                                                            
                       JACK
We got our first gig.
                                                            
                       DAVE
When?
                                                            
                       JACK
Next Sunday.
                                                            
                       DAVE
We're leaving for L.A. next
Sunday.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (calmly)
I know dad. 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 sings solo on
at least one of the verses.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Ouch. Half of the people may walk
out.
                                                            
                       JACK
We got it covered.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Anyway, regarding L.A., we have
five appointments.
                                                            

37.

                       JACK
Okay, cool. Can't wait to go back.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I feel pretty good about this
Jack.
                                                            
                       JACK
Terry's church is praying for me.
                                                            
                       DAVE
We'll take all the help we can
get.
                                                            
 
INT. CAR - DAY
                                                            
Dave, Sue and Thomas are in car on their way to church to
hear Jack perform in the band.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
I'm tired. This better be good.
Jack never went to any of my
stuff.
                                                            
                       DAVE
What stuff? The chess club? You're
embarrassed to have him around
you.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
He's always got something going on
like going to L.A. later.
                                                            
                       SUE
Thomas, please. We support you
too.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
You're going to drain my college
funds.
                                                            
                       SUE
Thomas, you know that's not going
to happen.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
Well, you spend tons of money on
him. He better make it big time
before you go broke.
                                                            
                       DAVE
He will. It's all coming together.
                                                            

38.

                       THOMAS
How do you know? L.A. could be a
disaster.
                                                            
                       DAVE
You sound like my sister ...
Thomas, Jack was real close last
time and this time it's all going
to happen. He'll get an agent,
he'll go back for pilot season and
he'll land some roles. Guarantee
it.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
Good. He can buy me a car.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Put it on your list.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
Maybe I'll even pray for him. Pray
that his band doesn't screw up
this song.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Let's stop talking while the
going's good.
                                                            
 
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
recongize the bass player.
                                                            
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
                                                            

39.

The audience reacts with painful expressions as Terry sings.
                                                            
Terry nods at Jack who resumes singing. Jack sings in
perfect pitch, melodic.
                                                            
                       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. The
band stops playing. Nick composes himself and the song
resumes at its original slower tempo.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (resumes 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
                                                            
The band stops playing, all smiling. The audience stares in
silence.
                                                            
 
INT. AIRPLANE - DAY
                                                            
Dave and Jack sit on the plane en route to Los Angeles.
                                                            

40.

                       DAVE
You excited?
                                                            
                       JACK
Oh yeah. You got us five
appointments. We'll get an agent.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I believe in you bud. Just know
this, if you don't get an agent,
it's not the end of the world. But
you will get an agent.
                                                            
                       JACK
I get it dad. We're going to get
an agent.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Yep. It's all part of the plan.
Jack, you really want to do this,
right?
                                                            
                       JACK
Oh yeah. My band's upset but
they'll get over it. I not only
want to do this, I need to do
this.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Wow, okay.
                                                            
                       JACK
I'm looking forward to seeing
Scott, Kevin and Brittany again.
It's been a long time.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I'll drop you off at Scott's place
on the way to the hotel. I'm going
to have dinner with his dad this
week. I like rockers.
                                                            
                       JACK
Yeah, Scott's dad is cool.
                                                            
Jack puts his I-pod earphones on and Dave closes his eyes.
                                                            
 

41.

EXT. CAR RENTAL FACILITY - DAY
                                                            
Dave and Jack put their bags in the car and get in. Dave
starts the car, drives to the security gate, gives the
paperwork to the guard who then waives them through. Dave
drives out of the facility and enters the freeway.
                                                            
 
INT. CAR - DAY
                                                            
                       DAVE
So what's the plan today?
                                                            
                       JACK
Drop me off at Scott's place.
They're all meeting me at the
entrance. Scott's dad will drop me
off at the hotel tonight.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Okay.
                                                            
 
EXT. LOS ANGELES - DAY
                                                            
Dave and Jack drive through Los Angeles on their way to
Scott's home. They arrive at the entrance to the complex and
SCOTT, KEVIN and BRITTANY are waiting at security.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Jack, call me if anything changes.
                                                            
                       JACK
Will do.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Tell Scott to have his dad call
me. Say hi to Brittany.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Please dad.
                                                            
Jack gets out of the car and gives Scott and Kevin
half-hugs. Jack gives Brittany a full hug. Jack turns around
and gives Dave a "thumbs-up." The four of them walk into the
complex. Dave drives to the hotel.
                                                            
 
INT. CAR - DAY
                                                            
                       DAVE
Scott's dad never called me last
night.
                                                            

42.

                       JACK
I told Joe that you go to bed
early. We went to the studio last
night and I wrote another song
called DRIVING IN MY CAR.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Do you actually call him Joe?
                                                            
                       JACK
That's what he wants me to call
him. Remember dad, he's a rocker.
                                                            
                       DAVE
How's Kevin's mom doing?
                                                            
                       JACK
She's still a publicist but is now
on her own. No longer works for
the agency.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Really?
                                                            
                       JACK
Yeah. Most of the publicity work
is for some new band. She also
manages some actors too.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I might give her a call while I'm
here.
                                                            
                       JACK
Do it. She's great and she knows
everybody dad.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I'll think about it. Back to
business. This first agency is
very small and no matter what
happens, it's no big deal. Got it?
                                                            
                       JACK
Got it.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Jack, remember to look her
straight in the eyes and speak
clearly.
                                                            
                       JACK
I know.
                                                            

43.

                       DAVE
Be yourself and if she asks you to
cold read, don't rush it.
                                                            
                       JACK
No prob daddio.
                                                            
 
INT. OFFICE - TALENT TODAY AGENCY - DAY
                                                            
Dave and Jack walk down a hallway towards Angela's office.
The office door is open and ANGELA sits on a chair in the
doorway talking to someone sitting on the floor across the
hallway.
                                                            
                       ANGELA
Are you Jack?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Yes.
                                                            
Angela stays in her chair and shakes Jack's hand.
                                                            
                       ANGELA
Are you his dad?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Yes, Dave Wells.
                                                            
                       ANGELA
All the way from Michigan, eh?
                                                            
Angela, pulls out a sandwich from her desk drawer and starts
eating it.
                                                            
                       ANGELA
      (Continuing)
Sorry, didn't get to eat lunch.
                                                            
                       DAVE
No problem.
                                                            
The conversation continues in the hallway.
                                                            
                       ANGELA
So, you actually got work in
Detroit? I didn't think anything
was going on there.
                                                            
                       JACK
I booked a couple of commercials
and four indy films, two in the
Detroit area and two in Canada.
                                                            

44.

                       ANGELA
Any SAG work?
                                                            
                       JACK
Not yet, but soon hopefully.
                                                            
                       ANGELA
You want to come in for pilot
season?
                                                            
                       JACK
Hope so.
                                                            
                       ANGELA
How many agents are you meeting
with?
                                                            
                       JACK
Five, including yourself.
                                                            
                       ANGELA
      (becomes more
       interested)
When's your last interview?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Thursday. We fly back to Michigan
on Saturday.
                                                            
                       ANGELA
All right. Let's do a cold read.
Come on in Jack.
                                                            
Angela rolls the chair away from the doorway and Jack enters
the office. Angela closes the door leaving Dave with a
COURIER who continues sitting on the floor.
                                                            
Dave looks down to read his Blackberry and glances at the
Courier.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Are you an agent too?
                                                            
                       COURIER
No, I am a courier. I pick up and
drop off head shots, resumes and
tapes all day long.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I see. That must be horrible in
L.A. traffic.
                                                            

45.

                       COURIER
You get used to it. Get some good
talk radio going.
                                                            
                       DAVE
So, are you an employee of this
agency?
                                                            
                       COURIER
No, I am an independent
contractor. Most of my work is
with Angela though.
                                                            
                       DAVE
That's good.
                                                            
Dave resumes reading of emails on his Blackberry. The office
door opens and Jack and Angela walk in the hallway.
                                                            
                       ANGELA
He's a very good cold reader and
has a unique look. Call me after
your last appointment on Thursday.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Okay, thanks Angela.
                                                            
                       ANGELA
Bye, nice meeting you Jack.
                                                            
                       JACK
Nice meeting you too.
                                                            
Dave and Jack walk back to the car.
                                                            
 
INT. CAR - DAY
                                                            
                       JACK
Dad, the whole time I did the cold
read she had a small clump of food
on her lip.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Oooh, that's distracting.
                                                            
                       JACK
She munched on a sandwich the
whole time I read.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Not too classy. Won't be calling
her on Thursday.
                                                            

46.

                       JACK
Thank God for that.
                                                            
                       DAVE
She's only interested because
other agents are interested.
                                                            
                       JACK
It was gross dad. The office
smelled like beef jerky.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Jack, the next agency is a bigger
agency, so I'm sure it will have a
different feel.
                                                            
                       JACK
And hopefully a different smell. I
hope they've already eaten lunch.
                                                            
 
INT. OFFICE - EVERSTAR AGENCY - DAY
                                                            
Dave, Jack and three agents from Everstar - DENNY, MARGE and
LINDA sit around a large conference room table.
                                                            
                       DENNY
We did some cold reads while you
were out in the lobby. Jack did
well.
                                                            
                       JACK
Thanks.
                                                            
                       MARGE
Why pilot season?
                                                            
                       DAVE
That's peak time, isn't it?
                                                            
                       MARGE
Pilot season's changed over the
last few years. Pilots are
produced throughout the year now.
Reality T.V. has shaken up the
industry and everything is out of
whack.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I see.
                                                            

47.

                       DENNY
Jack needs to get some SAG
experience if he wants to compete.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (slightly sighing)
I agree. Do the indy films mean
anything?
                                                            
                       LINDA
What, they're non union films,
right? Probably student directors.
They don't mean a thing.
                                                            
                       DENNY
If Jack had one guest role on say,
Nick or Disney, it would mean more
than those four indy films
combined.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I see.
                                                            
                       MARGE
Side note. We don't understand why
you're changing agents. Janice
represents three of the top kids
in the industry.
                                                            
                       DAVE
We owe a lot to her. She sought
out Jack right after he won the
acting competition. But because of
her other clients, I think she got
too busy.
                                                            
                       DENNY
That's a good thing.
                                                            
                       DAVE
It is for those kids and for
Janice. We couldn't get anyone to
return a phone call.
                                                            
                       MARGE
Agents get busy. They don't have
time for small talk.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I don't want to small talk either.
I just want someone to return a
phone call within forty eight
hours, is that unreasonable?
                                                            

48.

                       LINDA
We think you're making a mistake
leaving Janice. Are you an agent
hopper?
                                                            
                       DAVE
A what?
                                                            
                       MARGE
Jack has had four agents in the
last year.
                                                            
                       DAVE
We're not agent hopping. He has
two agents in Michigan, one for
print work and the other for
commercials. Plus, we have an
agent in Chicago, plus Janice.
Three of them are outside L.A. I
didn't think that would be a
problem.
                                                            
                       DENNY
So, what do you want to do?
                                                            
                       DAVE
I'm getting confused. What do you
want to do?
                                                            
                       DENNY
We have some interest in Jack but
he needs some SAG work. He needs
to come out now, go to school out
here, if has a chance. He'll get
creamed during pilot season
without more experience.
                                                            
                       DAVE
He was a finalist for a pilot that
was purchased by a network. It was
just between him and another kid,
and at that time, he had no
experience.
                                                            
                       DENNY
      (unimpressed)
Well, that was eighteen months
ago. It's even more competitive
now.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Are you offering to represent him?
                                                            

49.

                       DENNY
You'd need to sever your ties with
all the other agents and you would
need to come out now.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Even the agencies in Michigan?
                                                            
                       DENNY
We've found it creates problem.
One last thing, I think you're
being unrealistic about the
returning phone call thing.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I just think it's rude. There is
no excuse for rudeness.
                                                            
The three agents look at each other somewhat amused.
                                                            
                       DENNY
Call me before you head back to
Michigan.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Will do and thanks for meeting
with us.
                                                            
 
INT. CAR - DAY
                                                            
Dave and Jack sit in the car.
                                                            
                       JACK
I'm confused. Do they want to
represent me or not?
                                                            
                       DAVE
I'm confused too but I think so.
I'll call them back on Thursday...
maybe. They want you for episodic.
                                                            
                       JACK
Episodic is a weird word.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I think it's an adjective but not
sure. Episodic season, describing
a season, yep, it's an adjective.
                                                            
                       JACK
I don't feel good about those
guys.
                                                            

50.

                       DAVE
Me either. They're rude. I don't
like rude people. Hey, we're done
for today. We have one tomorrow
and two on Thursday. We'll be
fine.
                                                            
                       JACK
I know. I want to chill with Scott
and Kevin. We're going to the
studio again tonight. Want to come
along?
                                                            
                       DAVE
No, but ask Joe to call me again.
I'd like to have dinner with him
tomorrow night.
      (yawning)
I'm whipped. I need to take a nap.
But let's grab something to eat
first.
                                                            
                       JACK
I'm starved. Let's go to In and
Out.
                                                            
 
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM AT HLM AGENCY - DAY
                                                            
Jack and ALEX, an agent with HLM, hold scripts in their
hands. Jack does a comedic cold read.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (nerdy voice)
I was wondering if you would like
to go out some time.
                                                            
Jack raises his eye brow, indents his noise and opens his
mouth half-way revealing saliva between his upper and lower
lip.
                                                            
                       ALEX
      (smiling)
I would never date you.
                                                            
                       JACK
Why not?
                                                            
                       ALEX
Because you're a geeky nerd.
                                                            

51.

                       JACK
Ah yes. A geeky nerd. That's a
little higher up on the food chain
than a plain nerd. It's all
relative any way.
                                                            
                       ALEX
Huh?
                                                            
                       JACK
      (manly nerdish
       voice)
One girl's geeky nerd is another
girl's man nerd.
                                                            
                       ALEX
This conversation's over. I don't
want to be seen with you.
                                                            
                       JACK
Hey sweets. Don't judge a book by
its cover. By the way, have you
read a good book lately?
                                                            
Alex puts the script down.
                                                            
                       ALEX
Good job. Let's try some improv.
                                                            
                       JACK
Okay.
                                                            
 
INT. LOBBY AT HLM AGENCY - DAY
                                                            
Dave is in the lobby by himself looking down at his
Blackberry. Jack and Alex enter the lobby, both smiling.
                                                            
                       ALEX
We did a couple of cold reads and
some improv. He's got good
instincts, a little rough, but
definitely can be developed with
some work.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Good.
                                                            
                       ALEX
And you're coming back next
January for pilot season?
                                                            

52.

                       DAVE
Yes, assuming we get
representation.
                                                            
                       ALEX
We'll represent Jack. Call us when
you get closer to finalizing your
plans.
                                                            
                       DAVE
For commercials and theatrical?
                                                            
                       ALEX
Yes, we do both. We're not a large
agency, just four agents, but
we'll submit him on anything that
makes sense.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Okay, thanks Alex. We'll stay in
touch.
                                                            
Dave shakes hands with Alex. Alex takes his fist and lightly
places it on top of Jack's head.
                                                            
                       ALEX
Work on your cold reads and keep
going with the band, that may come
in handy some time. Good job Jack.
See ya.
                                                            
                       JACK
Bye.
                                                            
 
EXT. PARKING LOT OUTSIDE HLM - DAY
                                                            
Dave and Jack walk towards the car. Dave has his arm around
Jack's shoulder.
                                                            
                       JACK
That was easy.
                                                            
                       DAVE
You comfortable with Alex?
                                                            
                       JACK
Yeah, he's cool.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I am proud of you buddy. Even if
we tank at the next two
interviews, you've got
            (MORE)

53.

                       DAVE (cont'd)
representation. You're coming back
for pilot season. Thank God.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (serious)
I have.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Are you happy?
                                                            
                       JACK
Yes.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Jack, I know I'm pushing this. But
please promise me buddy, if this
is too much, too much pressure,
you've got to let me know.
                                                            
                       JACK
Don't worry, I will. I love this
acting stuff. You made it possible
dad.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I love you Jack.
                                                            
                       JACK
Love you too.
                                                            
 
INT. RESTAURANT - DAY
                                                            
Dave sits in restaurant with JOE, Scott's father, early
40's, long hair, high energy.
                                                            
                       JOE
How the hell are you? Missed you
man. When are you moving to L.A.?
                                                            
                       DAVE
I don't know. But it looks like
Jack and Sue may be coming back
earlier than planned.
                                                            
                       JOE
Cool. Hey, I got to tell you
something. Jack. What happened to
him over the last year?
                                                            
                       DAVE
What do you mean?
                                                            

54.

                       JOE
His musical abilities. He's
playing drums, guitar and now
writing songs. Where did he get
that from?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Not from me. He picked it up
himself.
                                                            
                       JOE
He's unbelievable Dave. I
challenged him and Scott and Kevin
to write and record a song in one
hour. They did it man!
                                                            
                       DAVE
Really?
                                                            
                       JOE
Jack starts scribbling some lyrics
about driving in his car, which is
kind of funny because he's only
fourteen. Then he picks up the
guitar and writes the song in no
less than fifteen minutes, swear
to God!
                                                            
                       DAVE
Did they record it?
                                                            
                       JOE
Oh yeah. One take, it was kind of
rough but unbelievable in such a
short amount of time. I'll mix the
song on Saturday and email it to
you so you'll have it when you get
home.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I appreciate that.
                                                            
                       JOE
I'm telling you Dave. Jack's a
triple threat, acting, music and
good looks.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I hate that term, triple threat.
                                                            

55.

                       JOE
It is what it is. Gotta go with
it. Better put your house up for
sale now.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Right.
                                                            
 
INT. THOMPSON STEWART - DAY
                                                            
Dave sits in the lobby of Thompson Stewart working his
Blackberry. Two teenage girls and one teenage boy sit with
their mothers waiting to be called.
                                                            
Behind an office door, Dave hears Jack screaming. Dave bolts
out of his chair and stands next to the door deciding if he
should enter or not.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (screaming)
You bitch! Who the hell do you
think you are?
      (long pause)
I don't give a damn! You have no
right to do that. It's private!
      (long pause)
This is it! I can't take it any
more! You don't trust me and never
will. How dare you? I'm leaving.
                                                            
The teenagers and their moms all look at each other with
fear on their faces wondering what is going on. Seconds
later, Jack and two agents, NINA and LYNN, agents of
Thompson Stewart, attractive, mid 30's, enter the lobby with
smiles on their faces.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Is everything okay?
                                                            
                       NINA
Everything's fine. Just a cold
read but a pretty dramatic one at
that. Dave, come back with us for
a minute.
                                                            
Dave enters the conference room where the cold read took
place. They all sit down. Nina and Lynn have a pleasant and
calming manner about them, positive and professional.
                                                            
                       LYNN
We loved the cold read. Jack has a
sincere quality about him. He can
            (MORE)

56.

                       LYNN (cont'd)
do both drama and comedy which is
great. For so little experience,
he is at a mature level but still
needs developing.
                                                            
                       NINA
He can get angry too, as you just
found out. Very natural.
                                                            
                       LYNN
And I understand he has musical
inclinations as well?
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (still stressed)
He can do almost anything. What
can I say? I'm his biggest fan.
                                                            
                       NINA
What's your goal with Jack?
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (calmer)
Very simple. I want to do
everything possible I can do to
help him be successful in this
field or any thing else he
pursues. This may sound corny, but
I want to help him realize his
dreams.
                                                            
                       LYNN
      (looking at Jack)
Jack, you're a very lucky kid.
Great. Well, anyway, we need him
back before pilot season. Things
are picking up. He needs to get
some guest roles, a commercial,
anything, to build his resume.
This is the time to get him
prepped for pilot season.
                                                            
                       DAVE
So, you're interested?
                                                            
                       NINA
Oh we'll represent him, but we
need him here now. It'll give him
more credibility with casting
directors especially if he's been
in front of them a few times to
show his range.
                                                            

57.

                       DAVE
Got it.
                                                            
Dave looks out the window then looks at Jack who is focused
on the conversation. He turns to Lynn and Nina, stands up
and shakes their hands.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Thank you.
                                                            
 
INT. RESTAURANT WITH KAREN - DAY
                                                            
Dave and Karen sit in a restaurant eating lunch.
                                                            
                       DAVE
So, how are you Karen?
                                                            
                       KAREN
I am doing wonderful. I love being
out on my own, so much freedom.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Well, you look great, less
stressed. Sue says hi.
                                                            
                       KAREN
I miss Susan and Kevin certainly
missed Jack.
                                                            
                       DAVE
They'll be back soon.
                                                            
                       KAREN
January, right?
                                                            
                       DAVE
August. All the agents thought
Jack needs some SAG experience and
said we should come back for
episodic.
                                                            
                       KAREN
Makes sense. Well, how did it go?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Rocky at times but we did get two
agents who want to represent him
and another one or two with
question marks.
                                                            
                       KAREN
And?
                                                            

58.

                       DAVE
Thompson Stewart, with Nina and
Lynn as his agents.
                                                            
                       KAREN
They're the best of the group. A
boutique agency, very, very picky.
You should feel honored.
                                                            
                       DAVE
We feel very fortunate, thank you.
                                                            
                       KAREN
Welcome.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Karen, I'm trying to figure out if
Jack needs a manager or not.
                                                            
                       KAREN
You should seriously consider it
and if you decide to hire one,
please put me on the top of the
list for consideration. I think
he's the sweetest kid and has a
lot of talent. I already have a
working relationship with Nina and
Lynn, so we could make it happen.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I will definitely keep you in
mind, thank you.
                                                            
                       KAREN
So, they're coming back in a few
weeks?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Yep.
                                                            
                       KAREN
Won't that be a problem for Sue
and school?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Haven't told her yet. I'm going to
wait until I get home. She'll be
okay. Knowing you're here will
certainly make it easier.
                                                            
                       KAREN
We'll take good care of her.
                                                            

59.

                       DAVE
Thank you Karen.
                                                            
 
INT. PLANE - DAY
                                                            
Dave and Jack sit in plane en route to Michigan
                                                            
                       DAVE
Great week. Never a doubt. We're
getting closer Jack.
                                                            
                       JACK
Great week.
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (passionately)
I mean it. This is just the
beginning. Our lives will never be
the same. We're going to be turned
upside down. In three short years,
you'll be one of the top actors in
the world.
                                                            
                       JACK
Right.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Believe me, you will. And your
band will hit the big time.
Promise.
                                                            
                       JACK
Please dad.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Mean it. Have I been wrong yet?
We're going to do it Jack and it's
gonna happen fast. You ready for
it?
                                                            
                       JACK
I've always been ready for it.
Don't we first need to deal with
mom first?
                                                            
                       DAVE
I'll handle it.
                                                            
                       JACK
I need to deal with the band.
                                                            

60.

                       DAVE
      (smiling)
I can handle them too. Want me to
break it to them over pizza?
They'll be upset you're leaving
but they're in the plans too. Just
need a little more time.
                                                            
                       JACK
How do you think mom is going to
react about coming back in a few
weeks?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Not good.
                                                            
                       JACK
What are you going to say to her?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Just don't worry about it. We'll
work it out. She believes in you
just as much as I do.
                                                            
                       JACK
Okay.
                                                            
                       DAVE
I mean it. Don't worry about your
mom. Listen to some music.
                                                            
Jack puts his headphones and Dave closes his eyes.
                                                            
 
INT. RESTAURANT WITH SUE - NIGHT
                                                            
Dave and Sue sit at a table in a restaurant
                                                            
                       SUE
      (angrily)
You're insane!
                                                            
                       DAVE
      (softly)
I know, please keep your voice
down.
                                                            
                       SUE
We should have talked about this
at home. I won't be able to eat.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Sorry.
                                                            

61.

                       SUE
We had a deal! We had a deal! We
never talked about episodic
season. This is nuts Dave!
                                                            
                       DAVE
I know. All the agents said Jack
needs SAG experience before pilot
season or he doesn't have a
prayer.
                                                            
                       SUE
      (still angry)
What about my job? It's difficult
enough to get time off for pilot
season, but now you're asking me
to go to L.A before school starts?
                                                            
                       DAVE
They have a few weeks to find a
temporary replacement. Maybe Diane
could fill in?
                                                            
                       SUE
Fill in? You think it's that easy?
School's out right now. I could
lose my job. This will be my
second leave of absence in less
than two years. Come on Dave! They
were understanding the first time
around but you're making this
impossible. I could get fired for
this, you know.
                                                            
                       DAVE
They won't fire you. They love
you.
                                                            
                       SUE
There are no guarantees Dave. And
what about Thomas?
                                                            
                       DAVE
He and I will be fine. It'll be
different this time around now
that he drives. He won't feel so
contained. I'll cook more too.
                                                            
                       SUE
Yeah, right. I don't know. I
really don't know. Was this part
of your master plan? Why can't
they wait until January?
                                                            

62.

                       DAVE
He needs more experience. Maybe
he'll get a guest role on a
series, or a small role in a film.
They'll also submit him for
commercials. One national
commercial pays for everything.
                                                            
                       SUE
And what if does he gets a few
roles? Do we stay through pilot
season?
                                                            
                       DAVE
Maybe.
                                                            
                       SUE
Then we could be gone for six
months! I will definitely lose my
job then.
                                                            
                       DAVE
If you're there for six months,
that means Jack is having success.
That's a good thing. Isn't that
what we've been working towards?
                                                            
                       SUE
You mean what you've been working
towards? I've just been going for
the ride.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Sue, honey, we're getting closer.
There are thousands of parents who
would change places with us in a
heart beat. Why don't we see how
he's doing around Thanksgiving and
go from there.
                                                            
                       SUE
I know we're lucky to have a child
like Jack. And a child like
Thomas. But this is a mess, Dave.
You're throwing me for a loop. I
want to support Jack, but Dave,
come on.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Will you at least consider it?
                                                            
Sue puts her head down and closes her eyes. She gives a
slight nod.
                                                            

63.

                       SUE
Give me some time to think about
it.
                                                            
 
INT. HOME - NIGHT
                                                            
Dave and Sue enter the hallway from the front door. Sue
walks upstairs in silence. Dave turns to the right and sees
Thomas on the computer in the den. Thomas holds a CD in his
hand and gives it to Dave.
                                                            
                       THOMAS
Got the email an hour ago. Burned
the song, here you go. It's not
bad.
                                                            
                       DAVE
Oh, you heard it then?
                                                            
                       THOMAS
The drumming needs some work but
Jack sounded pretty good.
                                                            
Dave slowly walks from the den to the family room, drained
from his conversation with Sue. He pours himself a glass of
wine. He walks to the CD player, puts in the CD and sits
down. A STEADY GUITAR RIFF supported by LOUD DRUMS begins
leading into Jack's vocals.
                                                            
                       JACK
      (singing)
START MY DAY WITH A PUSH AND SHOVE
LANDING A MOVE IS BETTER THAN LOVE
RUNNING FROM THE COPS CAUSE
RESTRICTION CONFINES
BREAKING ALL THE RULES CAUSE I'M
YOUNG AND BLIND
                                                            
As Jack sings the chorus, Dave's face lights up, pleased.
                                                            
                       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?
                                                            

64.

The melodic "hook" of the chorus causes Dave to nod his head
gently. He breaks into a slight smile and slowly closes his
eyes as the song plays on.


FADE OUT
                                                            


FADE OUT.


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From S.M. Krause Date 12/18/2005 0 stars
A family script? I read this and instantly read boredom: the characters aren't fully developed and the storyline is very weak. If this is supposed to be a TV show, then the viewers would turn away. Learn the dynamics of a dramatic series before trying to write a script that is very troubling. Dialogue is top notch but it doesn't save the script.

From Davey Date 12/15/2005 ****
Hmmm... Very interseting. I liked the way you used letters and numbers in your script.

From Lynn Evans Date 12/15/2005 ****
Couldn't sleep last night and looked for some new scripts to read. I was pleasently surprised that a family script was on the board. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I loved the father character and would love to see it developed further for future episodes. You nailed the dialogue with the teenage boys as I have one myself. Great job, Lynn


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