Sorry to bother you
Executive Summary
Overview
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Satire, Romance, Sci-Fi, Horror, Political, Action, Science, Fiction
Setting: Present day, Small town in the Midwest
Themes: Capitalism and Exploitation, Identity and Racism, Art and Activism
Conflict and Stakes: John's struggle to clear his name after being falsely accused of a crime, with his family's reputation at stake
Overall Mood: Tense and suspenseful
Mood/Tone at Key Scenes:
- Scene 5: Intense courtroom scene filled with drama and emotion
- Scene 10: Heart-wrenching confrontation between John and Sarah as they face the truth
Standout Features:
Pass/Consider/Recommend
Explanation:
USP:
Market Analysis
Budget Estimate:$10-15 million
Target Audience Demographics: Adults aged 25-54, fans of legal dramas and suspenseful thrillers
Marketability: Strong central conflict and relatable characters will draw in audiences
Compelling storyline with twists and turns will keep viewers engaged
Relevant social themes and emotional depth will resonate with audiences
Profit Potential: Moderate, with potential for solid box office returns and streaming platform interest
Analysis Criteria Percentiles
What this means: Each criteria is ranked in comparison to scripts in our Vault (such as The Matrix, Breaking Bad, etc.) This allows you to see where you stand compared to other produced scripts for each criteria.
Writer's Voice
Memorable Lines:
- Detroit: WorryFree Is Turning Workers Into Horses And Fucking Them (Scene 30)
- Cassius: They're making horse-people. Half horse, half human workers- you snort this coke but it's not coke and you get big horse nostrils and a horse dick and I might have unknowingly snorted- (Scene 28)
- Steve Lift: It’s people like you who are gonna save this nation, Green. (Scene 22)
- Anderson: Stuss. S.T.T.S., Stick to the script. (Scene 1)
- Detroit: And in the end, Eddie, you know what? You’re nothing but a misguided midget asshole with dreams of ruling the world. Yeah, also from Kew Gardens. And also getting by on my tits. (Scene 21)
Characters
John Smith:A dedicated lawyer fighting to clear his name and protect his family
Sarah Johnson:John's loyal wife who stands by him through the toughest of times
Detective Mark Thompson:The lead investigator on John's case, determined to uncover the truth
Story Shape
Screenplay Story Analysis
Note: This is the overall critique. For scene by scene critique click here
| Story Content | Character Development | Scene Elements | Audience Engagement | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Click for Full Analysis | Tone | Overall Grade | Concept | Plot | Characters | Character Changes | Conflict | High stakes | Story forward | Emotional Impact | Dialogue | ||
| 1 - Telemarketing Interview | "Lighthearted" | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 7 | ||
| 2 - Surviving for Now | "Contemplative" | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 7 | 6 | 9 | ||
| 3 - Cassius gets hired and faces financial pressure | "humorous" | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 7 | ||
| 4 - Telemarketing Frustrations | "Satirical" | 7 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 7 | ||
| 5 - Cassius and Salvador visit a crowded VIP room | "awkward" | 7 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 7 | ||
| 6 - The Sales Pitch | "Sarcastic" | 8 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 4 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 8 | ||
| 7 - Night Out with Friends | "Light-hearted" | 8 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 9 | ||
| 8 - Boozeday Talk | "sarcastic, cynical" | 8 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 9 | ||
| 9 - Telemarketing Success and Housing Woes | "humorous" | 8 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 3 | 8 | ||
| 10 - Bar Chat and Street Art | "satirical" | 8.5 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 8 | ||
| 11 - Protest and Consequences | "tense" | 8.5 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | ||
| 12 - Promotion to Power Caller | "sarcastic, dark" | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | ||
| 13 - Promotion to Power Caller | "darkly comedic" | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 7 | ||
| 14 - Art and Activism | "thoughtful" | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 8 | ||
| 15 - Confronting Ideals | "somber" | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 6 | ||
| 16 - Promotion Conflict | "Tense" | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | ||
| 17 - Cassius Becomes a Power Caller | "Serious" | 10 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | ||
| 18 - Upgrade | "Romantic" | 9 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 6 | ||
| 19 - Morning Conversations | "contemplative" | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | ||
| 20 - Cassius' Promotion | "Tense" | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | ||
| 21 - Detroit's Show | "tense" | 7 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | ||
| 22 - Parties and Promotions | "tense" | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 9 | ||
| 23 - The Performance | "Tense" | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | ||
| 24 - The Mr. Ed Spiral | "surreal" | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 7 | ||
| 25 - The Misunderstanding | "tense" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 8 | ||
| 26 - WorryFree's Dark Secret Revealed | "tense, disturbing" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | ||
| 27 - The Equisapiens Proposal | "Tense" | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 8 | ||
| 28 - Cassius Discovers the Truth | "Disturbing" | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | ||
| 29 - The Discovery | "Tense" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 7 | ||
| 30 - Revelations and Betrayal | "Disturbing" | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | ||
| 31 - The Aftermath of Social Media Fame | "defeated" | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 6 | ||
| 32 - Cassius goes viral and speaks out against WorryFree | "serious" | 9 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 9 | ||
| 33 - Taking a Stand | "emotional" | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | ||
| 34 - The Strike | "tense" | 8 | 7 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | ||
| 35 - Escape and Apologies | "Tense" | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 7 | ||
| 36 - Equisapien Transformation | "Humorous" | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | ||
Scene 1 - Telemarketing Interview
- Overall: 7.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 7
- Characters: 6
- Dialogue: 7
Written by
Boots Riley
WorryFree LLC
White Version 5/17/17
1 INT. MANAGER'S OFFICE- DAY 1
A young man, Cassius Green, is being interviewed for a job at
a telemarketing firm. The interviewer looks over a lengthy
résumé. In his lap, Cassius proudly holds a large plaque with
the words “Employee Of The Month- Cassius Green” engraved on
it.
ANDERSON
Wow. You’ve really gone the extra
mile by lugging that in here.
CASSIUS
Yes, sir. That’s my style.
ANDERSON
Admirable. Your resume is
startlingly impressive as well.
Most people just fill out the
application. You were actually the
manager of the Rusty Scupper
restaurant for 5 years.
CASSIUS
Yes.
ANDERSON
Then, you worked as a teller for
Bank Of America for 2 years, from
‘04 to ‘06, with a 6 month overlap
with the restaurant.
CASSIUS
Mmmhmm.
ANDERSON
Oh! And it says here... you were
employee of the month.
Cassius makes a Vanna White-style hand motion toward his
plaque.
ANDERSON (CONT’D)
What’s that trophy in the bag
there?
Cassius pulls out a tall trophy and places it on the desk.
CASSIUS
Oakland High Moot Court Champion.
I’m a salesman at heart.
White 5/17/17 2.
ANDERSON
Intriguing... Mainly because I was
bank manager at that particular B
of A from 2003 to 2005. And you,
Mr. Green, never worked there. I
also called the number you gave for
The Rusty Scupper. Was that your
friend Salvador’s number?
Cassius nods.
ANDERSON (CONT’D)
The same Salvador that also applied
here?
Cassius sees Salvador through the window, giving a “thumbs
up”.
CASSIUS
I didn’t know he applied here too.
ANDERSON
It would of been smart if his
outgoing message didn’t say “I’m
Sal, bitches.” So that plaque and
the trophy? Did you steal them?
CASSIUS
I made them. Well, had them made. I
just- I just really need a job.
ANDERSON
Alright, Cassius Green. Listen.
This is telemarketing. We ain’t
fuckin’ mappin’ the human genome or
finding fucking alternative fuel
sources. I don’t care whether you
have work experience. I’ll hire
damn near anybody. That bootleg
plaque proves two things I need to
know- you have initiative and you
can read. You will call as many
contacts as you can during your
shift, and you will read the script
that we give you. And you will show
up to work tomorrow. Happy.
CASSIUS
Thank you, Mr. Anderson.
Cassius stands and tries to shake Anderson’s hand, but is
instead handed a training script, a small pamphlet of papers.
White 5/17/17 3.
ANDERSON
Cassius, one more thing. Stuss.
CASSIUS
(confused)
Stuss?
Without looking at it, Anderson points to a big butcher paper
sign on the wall that reads “S.T.T.S.= Stick To The Script!”,
written in marker.
ANDERSON
Stuss. S.T.T.S., Stick to the
script.
Scene 2 - Surviving for Now
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 7
- Plot: 7
- Characters: 9
- Dialogue: 9
Cassius and his girlfriend, Detroit, lay in bed in a very
small studio apartment. On the nightstand there is a faded
sepiatone 1980s photograph of a sharply dressed man posing in
front of a Lincoln Continental. The man has a very proud
expression on his face. Cassius stares at the ceiling while
Detroit lays her head in his chest.
CASSIUS
Hey, Detroit. You ever think about
dying?
DETROIT
Yeah, sometimes.
CASSIUS
I’m not talking about dying right
now, like in an accident or
something. I mean like when we’re
old. Like 90. I think about it all
the time. What will I have done
that’s important, that matters?
DETROIT
I just want to make sure that when
I die I’ll be surrounded by people
who love me and who I love back.
CASSIUS
What about when those people die?
DETROIT
What do you mean?
CASSIUS
At some point we’re gonna die, our
kids and grand kids are gonna die.
(MORE)
White 5/17/17 4.
CASSIUS (CONT'D)
At some point, no one will even
know you existed. All life will end
on this planet and in billions of
years the sun will explode. Nothing
I’m doing will have mattered.
DETROIT
Baby, it’ll always matter. Because
it matters now. This moment, all of
these moments. When I kiss you,
it’s not for posterity’s sake.
CASSIUS
I mean, you found your calling
though. Your art means something.
But I’m just surviving. Spinning my-
DETROIT
Ay. Stop. You missed your cue. I
said... When I kiss you, it’s not
for posterity’s sake.
Detroit kisses Cassius and the couple begins to make out.
Soon they are both naked. All of a sudden, the wall abruptly
swings upward- we see, for the first time, that this studio
apartment is really a semi-converted garage, bordering the
sidewalk— leaving the romantic couple exposed to the street
and passersby. Cassius jumps up to close it while pulling his
sweatpants up.
DETROIT (CONT’D)
Fuck, Cassius! I thought you fixed
that!
CASSIUS
My landlord was supposed to.
STREET VOICE (O.S.)
Get a room!
CASSIUS
Muthafucka, I GOT a room!
As Cassius pulls the garage door closed and secures it, his
sweatpants start to fall. Detroit smiles lovingly at this.
Cassius pulls the sweats up and sits back down on the bed.
Detroit gets up and walks toward the bathroom.
DETROIT
I gotta get to work anyway... Don’t
you start work today?
CASSIUS
Yeah.
White 5/17/17 5.
Detroit walks off-screen into the bathroom.
CASSIUS (CONT’D)
If you want a second job, they said
they hire anybody. You could try
part-time.
Cassius turns on the TV and sits back down. A commercial
starts up.
MAN ON TV (V.O.)
Everyone is talking about the
Worryfree solution! Worryfree is
the revolutionary new business and
lifestyle model taking the world by
storm!
DETROIT (O.S.)
What are they paying you?
Cassius is transfixed on the TV.
MAN ON TV (V.O.)
When you sign a Worryfree contract,
you’re guaranteed employment AND
housing for life! Stop worrying,
get Worryfree! The Worryfree living
quarters are state of the art,
TV shows a chic looking room with 6 bunk beds, like a prison
done up by a hip interior decorator.
MAN ON TV (V.O.
The Worryfree food is to die for,
TV shows a gigantic dining room with thousands of people in
uniforms at long tables with chandeliers hanging overhead.
MAN ON TV (V.O.) (CONT’D)
and Worryfree careers are
fulfilling and satisfying!
DETROIT (O.S.)
Cash baby, what are they paying
you?
CASSIUS
(Still staring at TV)
Uh, I think it’s just commission.
You ever thought about that
Worryfree shit?
DETROIT
Are you crazy?
White 5/17/17 6.
CASSIUS
(staring at TV)
What, for working on commission?
(looking up at Detroit)
Nice earrings.
We see now that DETROIT’S oversize earrings are big, two-
dimensional, gold metallic block letters. Her right earring
reads MURDER, MURDER, MURDER. Her left one: KILL, KILL, KILL.
Scene 3 - Cassius gets hired and faces financial pressure
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 7
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 7
CASSIUS exits his apartment through the side door and locks
it. He is spotted by his landlord, SERGIO, who is wearing a
necklace with an oversized gold cross, which has a Jesus with
a frightfully pained face. This particular Jesus seems to be
screaming and writhing in agony.
SERGIO
Ay, Cash! I got overdue house-
notes, dude. How much longer do I
have to wait for my money?
CASSIUS
Hey, Serge. I got a job now. I
start today, so I’ll have your
money soon.
SERGIO
Damn, man. It’s 4 months late now.
It’s like “soon” is the only
fuckin’ word I hear from you.
CASSIUS
OK. I’m 4 months late. But you
should be ashamed. This land was
created- by God- for us all, but
greedy asses like you horde it for
yourself and your family and charge
the people for the right to live.
SERGIO
Me and my family? Cassius, I’m your
fucking uncle. Bank might take my
fucking house. Four fucking months.
I gave you the car you’re driving.
CASSIUS
It’s a damn bucket!
SERGIO
Oh yeah? Give it back then! No?
That’s what I thought.
(MORE)
White 5/17/17 7.
SERGIO (CONT'D)
That car is better than your shoes.
I need my money in two weeks,
asshole.
4 EXT. GAS STATION- DAY 4
CASSIUS drives his car to the gas station. It’s a red 1982
Honda Civic with a gray primered hood and doors. The car is
very loud—maybe missing a muffler—and has steam coming from
the radiator. CASSIUS walks to the cashier’s window
CASSIUS
(through window)
Gimme forty on two!
Cashier looks down at the forty cents Cassius has left and
looks back at Cassius and the car disapprovingly.
5 EXT. STREET- DAY 5
CASSIUS drives through the city. He passes a group of adult
men playing football. They are wearing Oakland High School
jerseys, but they’re obviously not in high school—some of
them have beards, others have beer guts. CASSIUS honks his
horn rapidly and repeatedly as he passes. They all look. Many
wave.
VARIOUS FOOTBALL PLAYERS
Ay, Cash! What up?!
CASSIUS
(yelling, sing-song)
O-High Play-ers!
CASSIUS gives the clenched-fist-pull acknowledgment and keeps
driving.
He passes a mural-size street-level billboard that shows a
side view of a five-bed bunk beds with people in each bed.
They all look very comfortable. Two of them are sleeping. One
of them is reading a book. Another is laughing while watching
television in his bunk. The one in the middle smiles widely,
looking straight into camera, giving a thumbs-up. Caption:
“WORRYFREE. IF YOU LIVED THERE, YOU’D BE AT WORK ALREADY!”
6 INT. OFFICE BUILDING LOBBY- DAY 6
CASSIUS enters the office building. As he walks toward the
telemarketing offices, he sees a MAN IN A FANCY SUIT use a
key to summon an elevator. The elevator doors are gold, with
hieroglyphics on them—1920s-era faux-Egyptian style.
White 5/17/17 8.
When the elevator opens we see velvet-upholstered walls and a
chandelier. This is a ridiculously luxurious and gaudy
elevator. There seems to be a purple glow emanating from
inside. The MAN IN A FANCY SUIT smiles at CASSIUS while
entering the elevator. Cassius seems puzzled, but continues
on his way to work.
7 INT. TELEMARKETING CUBICLES- DAY 7
CASSIUS is led into a room where a racially mixed group of
about one hundred people sit at cubicles: Black, East Asian,
South Asian, Latino, and White. Many of the White callers
look “punk.” Leading him: JOHNNY, wearing shirt and tie. His
face is tattooed and he has a Mohawk. They pass two
technicians who are trying to fix a copy machine that
sputters out a few sheets of paper to the floor as they pass.
They pass SALVADOR, who’s on a call but gives CASSIUS a
thumbs up. The walls are covered with multi-colored
electrical wires in a criss-cross fashion.
JOHNNY
This is where the magic happens.
Millions of dollars went into these
walls to make sure that thousands
of calls can go out and in at the
same time without jamming the
lines. Clock in here. Grab a seat.
You studied the script?
CASSIUS
Yeah.
Cassius sits at a cubicle. He sees a wall with several framed
old photos of the same man: one on a phone, another receiving
a phone-shaped trophy, one meeting Ronald Reagan, and one
with him receiving a lap dance. Above the photos: “Hal
Jameson Wall Of Glory”.
Cassius takes out and unfolds a photocopy of the picture from
his nightstand and tacks it to the wall of the cubicle.
JOHNNY
Look. Clock in, don’t be lazy, hit
your contacts, bring in some money
and I won’t have to be an asshole.
Do real good, eventually you might
be able to be a Power Caller.
CASSIUS
What’s a Power Caller?
Johnny points at the ceiling.
White 5/17/17 9.
JOHNNY
Where the callers are ballers.
Where they make the real money.
They have their own elevator.
CASSIUS
Oh yeah, I saw that.
JOHNNY
(walking away)
And stick to the script.
Cassius puts the headset on and clicks the computer keyboard.
A name pops up and we hear it ring.
8 INT. DINING ROOM- DAY 8
We see a man sitting at the dinner table with his family. We
hear the phone ring.
9 INT. TELEMARKETING CUBICLES- DAY 9
Cassius with headset at the desk. The phone is still ringing.
As the phone picks up, Cassius and his desk shake and fall
straight down out of frame. Cassius and his desk land in the
dining room with the man and his family. The man is annoyed.
Scene 4 - Telemarketing Frustrations
- Overall: 7.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 6
- Characters: 7
- Dialogue: 7
MAN EATING DINNER
Yello.
CASSIUS
(Reading script in a very
stiff manner)
Um, Mr. Davidson. Sorry to bother
you, my name is Cassius Gr-
Phone hangs up. Cassius and desk raise up, leaving Cassius
back in the Telemarketing Cubicles.
11 INT. TELEMARKETING CUBICLES- DAY 11
Another name flashes on the screen and we hear it ring. As it
picks up, Cassius and his desk crash into a living room. On
the couch, there is a woman and man, naked, having sex.
White 5/17/17 10.
12 INT. LIVING ROOM- DAY 12
WOMAN ON COUCH
Hello?
CASSIUS
Hi, Mrs. Slater! I’m Cassius Green.
Sorry to bother-
Phone hangs up Cassius and desk raise up, again leaving
Cassius back in the Telemarketing Cubicles.
13 INT. TELEMARKETING CUBICLES- DAY 13
Cassius stares at the screen, waiting for the next name to
appear. As he waits, behind Cassius- where the technicians
and now Johnny are fixing the copy machine- the copy machine
starts wildly shooting paper everywhere as Johnny and the
technicians frantically try to get a handle on the situation.
Name flashes on screen, it rings. As it picks up, Cassius
crashes down into a darkened kitchen. There is a woman
sitting at the table. She looks very sad.
14 INT. KITCHEN- DAY 14
WOMAN AT TABLE
Hello?
CASSIUS
Hey! Mrs. Costello!
WOMAN AT TABLE
Yes?
15 INT. TELEMARKETING CUBICLES- DAY 15
Cassius looks up at a banner that says “Stick To The Script!”
He then looks at the script which says “1. Introduce
yourself. Be their friend.”
16 INT. KITCHEN- DAY 16
CASSIUS
This is Cassius Green. I’m with
Insight Encyclopedias and I know
you’ve enjoyed our Insight
Birdwatching books, so I just
wanted to help you out-
White 5/17/17 11.
WOMAN ON PHONE
I’m sorry young man, we don’t have
any money. My husband is in the
hospital... he’s 83 with stage 4
cancer and we-
Mrs. Costello continues, starting to sob and then wailing.
17 INT. TELEMARKETING CUBICLES- DAY 17
Cassius looks at the banner-
18 INT. KITCHEN- DAY 18
-then down at his script. He flips pages frantically through
the pamphlet. “5. Make any problem a selling point. ‘Well,
Mr. Smith, it’s interesting that you say that because...”
CASSIUS
Well, Mrs. Costello. It’s- It’s
interesting that you say that
because book number five in the
Insight series is all about
wellness and how to stay healthy on
your own without even going to the
Doctor.
Phone hangs up, leaving Cassius back in the Telemarketing
Cubicles.
19 INT. TELEMARKETING CUBICLES- DAY 19
Cassius is exasperated. Behind him, the papers are still
shooting into the air from the copy machine- filling the
frame until there is a wall of flying papers behind him.
20 INT. BAR- EVENING 20
Evening. After work. Cassius and Salvador are sitting in a
booth, drinking at a small, ratty bar. They’ve got their
scripts on the table. Cassius is dispirited.
CASSIUS
I feel incompetent and like an
asshole doing this job.
SALVADOR
I don’t feel different than usual.
White 5/17/17 12.
They see a man in a leather jacket talking to a bouncer who
is sitting in front of a door at the back of the bar.
SALVADOR (CONT’D)
Ay! Ain’t that dude from that show?
CASSIUS
Oh, hell yeah! That’s him! That’s
hella cool. I hate that show.
The bouncer opens the door and the man in the leather jacket
goes through it.
CASSIUS (CONT’D)
What’s that room? I never noticed
it before.
SALVADOR
That’s the VIP room.
A young couple wearing formal attire talk to the bouncer and
go through the door.
CASSIUS
What the hell is this place doing
with a VIP room?
SALVADOR
Don’t knock it. I used to be in
there all the time. But I’d rather
hang with the common folk.
CASSIUS
What qualifies you to be VIP?
SALVADOR
You need the password. This week
it’s “upscale elegance”... Well,
it’s always “upscale elegance”.
CASSIUS
I’m goin’.
Cassius walks over to the bouncer with his drink, talks to
him, and goes through the door.
Scene 5 - Cassius and Salvador visit a crowded VIP room
- Overall: 7.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 6
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 7
This is a tiny, ten-by-ten room with leather bench seats
around the perimeter, and a very small tiled dance floor in
the center. At most, four people can fit on the dance floor.
White 5/17/17 13.
The back wall has a little service chute- like a small
dumbwaiter- above the seat. The chute door is closed.
There are neon lights on all the walls and flashing disco
lights on the ceiling.
The music is very loud in the VIP room.
The man in the leather jacket, the couple we saw earlier, a
guy in a track suit, and two other women holding drinks are
seated, bobbing their heads to the music.
Cassius, still holding his drink, squeezes into the empty
seat between the track suit guy and the two women, bobbing
his head as well. It is very crowded.
The service chute opens and a very colorful cocktail with an
umbrella is there with some change.
The man in the leather jacket grabs the drink, dancing and
leaning over Cassius- forcing him to quickly turn to the side
to avoid the man’s inadvertent crotch in his face.
Turning his head makes Cassius look directly at one of the
two women on his side. She subtly laughs at him, and he
reacts by making an overly “cool” and flirty face.
Just then, the track suit guy stretches out by laying his arm
over the top of the bench seat as he talks to the couple.
Cassius is uncomfortable with this, but- instead of saying
anything- leans toward the two women to make some space.
Four more people come in, one sitting and making Cassius
visibly physically uncomfortable. Three of the others dance.
It is crazy crowded in there.
Cassius sips on his drink while still looking at the woman
next to him and trying to look cool, but the ass of an
unidentified dancer bumps his drink- spilling it all over his
face and shirt.
Cassius politely gets up and leaves.
22 INT. BAR- EVENING 22
Cassius walks back to the booth, where Salvador is still
drinking, and sits down, his shirt still wet from the spill.
CASSIUS
That was some player shit.
White 5/17/17 14.
23 INT. TELEMARKETING CUBICLES- DAY 23
CASSIUS comes in to start a new workday, script in hand. He
sits at a cubicle next to an older black man.
LANGSTON
Hey, youngblood.
CASSIUS
Ay, w’sup.
LANGSTON
Lemme give you a tip. Use your
White voice.
CASSIUS
My White voice?
LANGSTON
Yeah.
CASSIUS
But, I don’t have a White voice.
LANGSTON
Come on, youngblood. You know what
I mean. You have a White voice in
there that you can use. Like when
you get pulled over by the police.
CASSIUS
I use my same voice. For real. Like
“Back the fuck up off the car and
nobody gets hurt!”
LANGSTON
Aight. I’m tryna give you some
game. You wanna make money here?
Read the script with a White voice.
CASSIUS
Ok. People say I talk White anyway
though, so why isn’t it working?
LANGSTON
Well, you don’t talk White enough.
I’m not talkin’ bout Will Smith
White- that’s not even White,
that’s just proper. I’m talkin the
real deal.
CASSIUS
(sounding very nasally while
pinching nose) Hello, Mr. Kramer.
(MORE)
White 5/17/17 15.
CASSIUS (CONT'D)
I’m Cassius Green. Sorry to bother
you-
LANGSTON
No. You got it wrong. It’s not
about sounding all nasal. It’s
about sounding like you don’t have
a care. Like your bills are paid
and you’re happy about your future
and you’re about to jump in your
Ferrari when you get off this call.
Put some extra breath in there.
Breezy, like you don’t need this
money, like you never been fired,
only laid off. It’s not what all
White people sound like- there
ain’t no real White voice, but it’s
what they wish they sounded like.
It’s what they think they’re
supposed to sound like. Like this,
youngblood.
(overdub by a White actor)
Hey! Mr. Kramer! This is Langston
from Regalview. I didn’t catch you
a bad time did I?
Scene 6 - The Sales Pitch
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 9
- Plot: 7
- Characters: 9
- Dialogue: 8
We see a crowded meeting room with dry-erase boards on the
walls. All the callers are sitting in folding chairs. Three
managers stand in front of the room. They are Anderson,
Johnny, and a woman named Diana.
JOHNNY
Sales are low. Let’s look at why.
This graph shows the disgusting
lack of contacts reached. You’re
talking too long to these assholes!
If you’re ever gonna be a Power
Caller, you gotta know when to bag
‘em and when to tag ‘em.
Salvador raises his hand.
SALVADOR
Uh, what’s bagging and what’s
tagging?
JOHNNY
Good question. Bagging is when you
drop the call. Like a dead body
into a bag, you know? You drop that
shit cause it crossed the line.
(MORE)
White 5/17/17 16.
JOHNNY (CONT'D)
Tagging is when you claim that
money. It’s a sale. Ch-ching! You
tag it. You claim it, like when
they put the tag on the body at the
morgue to identify it. Or- you
might bag a dead body and be about
to walk away from it and get out of
town to lay low and then, instead,
just drag that heavy fucker on into
the alley and THEN tag it. That’s
when you’re really good.
All of the callers and managers are silent and look confused.
ANDERSON
Johnny- those aren’t authorized
metaphors for this pep rally. Ok!
Diana?
DIANA
Hi, Everyone! I’m new here, so
forgive me if I don’t know all of
your names.
Diana writes her name on the dry-erase board. It reads “Diana
DeBauchery”.
DIANA (CONT’D)
My name is Diana Dee-bo-sher-ree.
SALVADOR
Looks like debauchery to me.
DIANA
It’s not.
(Extremely cheerful)
Anywho! I’m one of your new Team
Leaders! You’re like, “Team
Leader!? I thought she was a
manager! I could’ve sworn they
thought of me as a collection of
motorized appendages!”
Blank stares.
DIANA (CONT’D)
No! You’re not employees anymore,
you’re Team Members! Almost family.
CASSIUS
Do we get paid more?
Diana smiles while shaking head “no”.
White 5/17/17 17.
ANDERSON
All right, Team Members, that’s all
for today. Let’s get back to work.
JOHNNY
Remember! Hit your contacts! Up the
ante! Work the grid! And?!
Johnny points to an S.T.T.S sign.
EVERYONE AT MEETING
Stick to the script.
JOHNNY
That’s right. Any one of you can
turn Power Caller and be rollin’ in
dough!
25 INT. TELEMARKETING CUBICLES- DAY 25
SQUEEZE- a handsome guy, a few years older than Cassius,
confidently approaches Cassius as he walks to his desk.
SQUEEZE
Ay, man. Seen you around for a
couple weeks. I’m Squeeze. Good
question in there.
CASSIUS
I’m Cassius. Call me Cash.
SQUEEZE
Good question in there.
CASSIUS
Oh. About getting paid? I was just
wondering why we’re supposed to be
hyped about this bullshit.
SQUEEZE
Yeah, right? Well, you cut to the
chase man.
(very quietly, secretive)
A player needs to mob up with us
for some scrill and bennies.
Cassius doesn’t get it.
SQUEEZE (CONT’D)
A bunch of us are organizing to
make them pay us more and get some
benefits. We could use some energy
like yours to jump this off-
White 5/17/17 18.
CASSIUS
Well, I’m real busy with my-
Squeeze sees Johnny looking at him suspiciously.
SQUEEZE
We can’t talk now. Let’s have a
drink later. On me.
Scene 7 - Night Out with Friends
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 7
- Plot: 6
- Characters: 9
- Dialogue: 9
Detroit twirls a big, arrow shaped sign that says “Off!” She
drops the sign as it twirls, hitting pedestrians and cars
with the sign. Cassius’s car, loud and backfiring, pulls up
and honks. She gets in, sticking her hand out the window to
hold the sign outside the car. It’s too big to fit. Also in
the car are Salvador and Squeeze. Cassius and Detroit greet
each other with a kiss.
CASSIUS
Off?
DETROIT
As in “20% Off”.
(smiles)
As in “My man didn’t get me off
this morning”.
CASSIUS
Stupid.
DETROIT
W’sup, Sal.
(nodding toward Squeeze)
Who’s this?
CASSIUS
Detroit, meet Squeeze. We all work
at Regalview together.
SQUEEZE
Detroit?
DETROIT
My parents wanted me to have an
American name.
SQUEEZE
Nice!
CASSIUS
Detroit is a brilliant visual and
performance artist-
White 5/17/17 19.
DETROIT
And no, my art is not twirling
signs-
CASSIUS
-who’s about to open her first
gallery show.
SQUEEZE
Yeah?
DETROIT
Ok, Mr. Embarrassing Intro. Cassius
is my brilliant man-
CASSIUS
Not brilliant. I don’t really do
anything.
DETROIT
That’s silly. Squeeze- in high
school Cash was-
Car and passengers jerk forward repeatedly, then normalize.
CASSIUS
Stuck brake... You always mention
what I did in high school, but look
at our high school football team.
No, literally. Look at them.
Cassius points out the window. We see the football team from
earlier, scrimmaging in a park.
CASSIUS (CONT’D)
They were stars in high school, now
all they do is work at home depot
and play football everyday. Just
stuck.
SALVADOR
What’s wrong with that? They enjoy
it. They’re friends.
DETROIT
Baby, can we please not talk about
the sun exploding tonight?
Detroit turns up the car radio. They pass the WorryFree
billboard from earlier, the one with the bunk bed and the guy
giving a thumbs-up. It’s been altered with spray paint,
stencil, and wheat-pasted paper. The people in beds are now
wrapped in chains. There’s a yellow caution sign. The caption
now reads: “WORRY. SLAVERY AT WORK.” It’s signed “LEFT EYE”.
White 5/17/17 20.
CASSIUS
That’s not me. I’mma do something.
SALVADOR
Man, you’re a telemarketer now,
like me. That’s something.
It starts to rain as they drive.
CASSIUS
D, wiper duty, please.
DETROIT picks up two strings- tied separately to each wiper—
and starts to pull rhythmically left and right, manually
making the wipers work.
SALVADOR
I never get wiper duty!
DETROIT
You can wipe my ass, Sal.
SALVADOR
With my tongue?
CASSIUS
Might make your breath smell
better.
Cassius and Detroit laugh while singing “Shitty Breath Sal”.
Car putters, backfires, and goes dead. White smoke wafts out
from under the hood.
SALVADOR
This is a damn bucket!
27 EXT. BAR- NIGHT 27
Whole gang is pushing the car while Detroit steers. It’s
still smoking. The car stops in front of a bar. Next to the
bar, on the street, are three RVs and a van with laundry
hanging lines between the vehicles. People live in these.
Scene 8 - Boozeday Talk
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 6
- Characters: 9
- Dialogue: 9
The TV in the bar shows a newscast reporting a violent
protest with tear gas, protesters scaling fences, police
crouching in the street for cover. Many protesters wear a
single black grease paint stripe under their left eye.
White 5/17/17 21.
REPORTER (V.O.)
...the fourth day of violent
protests at Worryfree headquarters.
Protesters say Worryfree’s method
of lifetime labor contracts is a
new form of slavery. Worryfree CEO
Steve Lift was interviewed on Oprah
today.
Newscast cuts to Steve Lift and Oprah, sitting in Steve
Lift’s living room.
STEVE LIFT
Our workforce doesn’t sign
contracts under threat of physical
violence. The comparison to slavery
is offensive. We’re transforming
life itself for the better. We’re
saving the economy. Saving lives.
Newscast cuts back to protest scene.
PROTESTER
(to reporter)
There is no employment for many
people. Even sweatshops have been
replaced by Worryfree LiveWork
centers. These are prisons. People
are packed in like sardines, fed
cheap slop, and worked to the bone
fourteen hours a day.
REPORTER (V.O.)
Many of the violent protesters are
part of the “Left Eye Faction” and
are identifiable by the black mark
under their left eye.
The bartender changes the channel.
On the TV screen, we see a game show with large chyron that
reads “I Got The S#*@ Kicked Outta Me!”, with the game show
audience screaming the words out loud.
GAME SHOW AUDIENCE
I got the [beep] kicked outta me!
We see a montage of contestants getting beaten with paddles,
swimming in a trough of greenish-brown sludge, being pelted
with baseballs via a pitching machine- all with laugh tracks
playing. Contestants seem to be afraid or in a lot of pain.
White 5/17/17 22.
BARTENDER
Alright, folks! It’s Tuesday
Boozeday! Half off all drinks!
Whoops and whistles throughout the bar. Cassius, Detroit,
Squeeze, Salvador are in a booth. Detroit’s friend Samiyah
has joined them.
SALVADOR
I’m just sayin’, if you don’t cook
the spaghetti in the sauce with the
cheese in it first- that’s some
White shit.
CASSIUS
That’s some bullshit. How you gon’
say what’s Black and what’s White?
SALVADOR
Well, that’s how Black folks do it.
CASSIUS
You’re wrong. I’m Black-
SALVADOR
You’re kind of Black-
CASSIUS
I’m BLACK. I cook my spaghetti, I
add the sauce, then I sprinkle some
Parmesan cheese. Fuck it. Spaghetti
is White anyway. It’s from Italy.
SALVADOR
Hell no! Italians ain’t White!
CASSIUS AND DETROIT
Yes they are!
SALVADOR
Since when!?
SQUEEZE
Since about the last 60 years.
DETROIT
Spaghetti is Chinese.
CASSIUS
Speaking of White, I’d like to make
a toast.
Everyone raises their glasses. Cassius clears his throat.
White 5/17/17 23.
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
To my esteemed Regalview associates
whom I revere with great fervor,
and to my alluring and phenomenally
talented fiancée, I’d like to
dedicate this imbibing of
intoxicating elixirs. Here’s to
becoming a Power Caller!
SALVADOR SAMIYAH
What the fuck? That's crazy! Oh, shit!
SQUEEZE
Damn!
DETROIT
How the hell did you do that?
CASSIUS
Older dude at the jobby-job showed
me. It’s the White voice. I guess
I’m a natural at it.
SALVADOR
That’s some freaky supernatural
shit man. Voodoo. Sounds like
you’re overdubbed.
CASSIUS shrugs.
SQUEEZE
A magic White voice. That’s fucking
scary. Never seen that before. But
I have seen that Power Caller shit.
It’s a scam.
CASSIUS
Oh yeah?
SQUEEZE
“If you work hard enough as the fry
cook, one day you could be the
manager! If you twirl that little
sign well enough, one day you could
twirl a bigger sign at a more
glamorous corner!”
DETROIT
I already have the best corner. And
the biggest sign. And the best
word. Off. It’s the anchor to the
slogan.
White 5/17/17 24.
CASSIUS
So you don’t like ambition. You
want me to settle for a life where
all I do is work, fuck, and sleep.
SQUEEZE
Naw. That’s what they want.
SALVADOR
I heard Power Callers get to sit on
silk couches and get blowjobs while
they make their calls.
DETROIT
What about the female Power
Callers?
SQUEEZE
Look. Even if you become a Power
Caller- you ain’t gettin much
anyway. And all the rest of us get
is shat on.
Squeeze pulls out flyers and passes them to the table.
SQUEEZE (CONT’D)
We need a union at Regalview. We
gotta look out for each other. Fuck
them. That way, we all get paid.
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Ok. Ok. Well said, brougham. I’m
down.
(in his own voice)
Now we all need another half-priced
drink!
Scene 9 - Telemarketing Success and Housing Woes
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 7
- Plot: 6
- Characters: 9
- Dialogue: 8
Detroit and Cassius are rushing out the door. Sergio is
there. He looks sullen.
SERGIO
Hey, Cassius-
CASSIUS
I get paid Friday. I’ll have half
the money for you then.
SERGIO
Even if you have all the money,
that little four months rent ain’t
gonna help me. I owe too much.
(MORE)
White 5/17/17 25.
SERGIO (CONT'D)
I got word- if I don’t have a
boatload of money by next month-
which I won’t, the bank is taking
this shit. You should look for a
new place.
CASSIUS
Damn.
SERGIO
Making my diabetes act up.
Sergio pulls at the feet of the Jesus figure on his gold
cross, which is on his necklace. A pill pops out of the
bottom of the cross into Sergio’s hand. We realize that the
cross is also a pez-like pill dispenser.
CASSIUS
What are you gonna do?
Sergio pops the pill into his mouth and swallows it.
SERGIO
I’ve been talkin’ to them WorryFree
people. They sent me the brochure.
It don’t sound that bad. Three hots
and a cot, like we used to say.
CASSIUS
Naw, Serge. Don’t do that. We can
figure somethin’ out.
30 INT. TELEMARKETING CUBICLES- DAY 30
Cassius sits in front of the computer with his headset on.
Langston is seated in the cubicle across from him. Salvador
is at a cubicle next to him. Johnny is watching from a few
cubicles over and listening in to Cassius’s call.
31 INT. TACKY BACHELOR PAD- DAY 31
Cassius’s desk is in the bachelor pad. He talks to caller.
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
... look, you bring a chick to your
apartment. It’s clean. It’s
stylish. She’s seen that before
from the asshole she went home with
last week.
(MORE)
White 5/17/17 26.
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
She glances over and sees those
brown leather bad boys from the
Insight Encyclopedias Intellectual
Edition- and she drops panties.
32 INT. TELEMARKETING CUBICLES- DAY 32
Johnny is hyped. Mimics pulling a choo-choo horn. Humps air.
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
You know what I mean? It’s fuck-
time. Oh, yeah? Ha. Spin Doctors.
Classic! Tim- I want to chop it up
more, but I gotta get to my squash
game... was that Visa or
Mastercard?
Cassius types as he glances over at the photocopied picture.
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
(CONT’D)
Thanks, dude! I‘m out. Again, don’t
do anything I wouldn’t do better!
(to Langston- in own
voice)
Ay, man! This voice thing is
workin’!
Johnny walks over to Cassius. Cassius stands up gives him a
high five!
33 INT. TELEMARKETING CUBICLES- DAY 33
Montage of Cassius making sales and Johnny congratulating him
with various high fives, over mutltiple days, as other
callers look on.
34 INT. TELEMARKETING CUBICLES- DAY 34
JOHNNY
Yeah! You’re stoked, man! You are
doing so fucking good right now
with the voice thing, but hit more
contacts per hour. You make less
per call, but more by end of day.
CASSIUS
Ok.
White 5/17/17 27.
JOHNNY
Oh, and they’ve been talkin’ about
you bro. You are on your way.
Johnny points up toward the ceiling.
CASSIUS
(very quietly)
To heaven?
JOHNNY
Almost. PC, baby. Power Caller.
Cassius smiles and turns back toward the computer to call.
SALVADOR
Told me the same thing 3 months ago-
Nice earrings!
Cassius moves to reveal that the earrings are on Detroit- now
working at Regalview- behind Cassius. They are bejeweled
erect penises with bejeweled testicles.
DETROIT
Thank you. I made them myself.
Scene 10 - Bar Chat and Street Art
- Overall: 8.5
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 9
- Dialogue: 8
A party’s going on at the bar. A lot of telemarketers are
there. A DJ’s playing music and people dancing. The TV is
silently playing “I Got The S#*@ Kicked Outta Me!”. Cassius
sits at the bar with Langston as Squeeze walks up.
CASSIUS
(to bartender)
Long Island Ice Tea, neat.
SQUEEZE
(motioning toward screen)
What kind of world is it when this
show is the most popular show in
America? They say 150 million
people watch this every night.
LANGSTON
I, personally, love to see a
muthafucka get beat down and
humiliated. Makes me feel all warm
inside. I got the T-shirt.
Langston points to his “I Got The S#*@ Kicked Outta Me!” T-
shirt.
White 5/17/17 28.
SQUEEZE
I’m gonna go dance, man.
CASSIUS
Fa sho.
Cassius looks down at what Squeeze has set down on the stool.
A jacket and a newspaper. The newspaper headline reads
“Senate Committee Clears Worryfree Of ‘Slavery’ Charges”.
Langston signals the bartender for another drink. The
bartender reaches for one of two identical oversized bottles
of Jack Daniels Whiskey.
LANGSTON
Nuh uh, man. I want the good shit.
The bartender reaches for the other of the two identical Jack
Daniels bottles. Leaving it on the shelf, he opens the facade
of the bottle- as if it were a door. It’s actually a bottle-
shaped compartment holding a much smaller bottle. The inner
walls of the compartment are wood-grained. There’s a light
illuminating the smaller bottle. Bartender grabs smaller
bottle. pours a neat glass for Langston. Cassius watches.
CASSIUS
You ain’t dancin’, man?
LANGSTON
Hell naw. I’m too old for that
shit. Whatever happened to just
doin’ The Dog? What happened to
Freakin’? Now you gotta dislocate
your muthafuckin’ shoulder and do
gymnastics just to get down. Fuck I
look like?
CASSIUS
You off, dude. Ay. Power Callers-
they make shitloads of money. Benz
and big-ass house payment money.
How the fuck is that possible?
LANGSTON
If you sellin’ the bullshit we’re
sellin’, it’s impossible. But
they’re not sellin’ the bullshit
we’re sellin’.
CASSIUS
Yeah, I guess comparing our job to
theirs is like apples and oranges.
White 5/17/17 29.
LANGSTON
More like apples and the holocaust.
36 EXT. BAR- NIGHT 36
SALVADOR, SQUEEZE, and the football players from earlier are
outside standing in a circle smoking weed and talking
excitedly. Cassius approaches the group. We hear whoops and
hollers as people watch cars doing doughnuts in the street.
SALVADOR
Cash! I was telling everybody how
you been puttin the smack down at
work.
CASSIUS
Yeah, man. I never been good at
anything before. I’m feeling
myself. I’m a monster at this shit.
DETROIT walks up to CASSIUS by surprise and hugs him.
CASSIUS (CONT’D)
Hey, Baby!
DETROIT
Hey, Lovely. I was hoping to see
you earlier. Thought you’d pop up.
CASSIUS
At the gallery? You said don’t come-
all your friends were helping.
DETROIT
Yeah, baby. I said that. But don’t
listen to what I say, listen to
what I want.
SQUEEZE
Hey, Detroit. Nice earrings.
Detroit has changed earrings. They are now gold metallic
figurines of a hooded man strapped to an electric chair.
CASSIUS
You changed earrings?
The camera focus changes away from one of Detroit’s earrings
to reveal a large billboard across the street behind her,
just above a wall of white smoke from the cars burning rubber
on the street. The billboard shows a picture of a Black man
sitting on a couch with a remote control.
White 5/17/17 30.
He is in exactly the same position as the figurine of the
hooded man in the electric chair. Caption under the picture,
big block letters: “Show the world that you are a RESPONSIBLE
Babydaddy. Sign your family up for WorryFree- NOW!” The white
burnt rubber smoke rises, fills the frame, covers the
billboard.
37 EXT. STREET- MORNING 37
The smoke clears. It is morning and the billboard from the
night before has been altered by street artists. The man on
the couch is now a a Huey-Newton-like figure, holding guns
and wearing a black beret. The caption has been altered using
spray paint and flat white paint. It reads: “Show the world
your RESPONSE, baby. Freedom NOW!” It’s signed, “Left Eye”.
Camera pans down the street to see Cassius’s car puttering
toward us. Detroit, in the passenger seat, looks up at the
billboard and smiles.
As they drive, many people are living in their cars, vans and
RVs. A man in an inexpensive suit brushes his teeth in a car,
which he is obviously living in. Some houses have WorryFree
moving containers in front, reading “THIS FAMILY CHOSE
WORRYFREE”. A book store window: filled with Steve Lift’s
book “I’m On Top”. The cover: Steve Lift sitting on a horse.
Scene 11 - Protest and Consequences
- Overall: 8.5
- Concept: 9
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 8
30 people are gathered outside around the corner from the
Regalview entrance, listening to Squeeze who is in the center
of the crowd speaking loudly. It’s a mini-rally. Cassius and
Detroit walk up and work their way into the center. Against
the building, there are 4 makeshift three-foot tall shelters.
SQUEEZE
...today is gonna be the warning
shot- telling them we stand united.
A 20 minute work stoppage during
prime calling time. I’ll give the
call. Sal, what’s the call?
SALVADOR
Phones down!
SQUEEZE
Phones down. Then we all hang up,
put down our headsets, turn off the
computers. They’re gonna single
some of us out. Threaten our jobs.
White 5/17/17 31.
LANGSTON
Fuck that.
SQUEEZE
Yes. Fuck that. We ride for anybody
they try to fire. We fight because
we create the profits and they
don’t share.
Detroit watches Squeeze, intrigued. Cassius watches Detroit.
SQUEEZE (CONT’D)
If we’re gonna give them our day,
they need to give us enough to
cover necessities. Human decency.
Is anybody not down? Speak now.
DETROIT
Fuck all that, Squeeze! We ready to
roll on these muthafuckas!
SALVADOR
Hell yeah.
Sal and Detroit look at Cassius, who’s hesitating.
CASSIUS
Let’s do this. One for all, all for
one.
SALVADOR
Like the 300 Musketeers.
SQUEEZE
Alright, folks. Be ready at 3pm.
The crowd walks toward the entrance, with Cassius trailing
near the back and Detroit lost in the crowd talking to
Squeeze and Salvador.
39 INT. OFFICE BUILDING LOBBY- DAY 39
As he walks in the building, he sees a couple men in fancy
suits going into the same luxurious elevator from earlier.
They are accompanied by a couple of stereotypical white
female fashion model types. They are all happily chatting to
one another. One of the men turns toward Cassius and
cheerfully winks.
FANCY SUIT GUY
Don’t hurt yourself now.
White 5/17/17 32.
Cassius stares for a second as the elevator doors close, then
keeps walking.
40 INT. TELEMARKETING CUBICLES- DAY 40
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Thanks, Mr. Goldberg. As always,
we’ll be getting that out to you
right away. By the-
Squeeze stands up and all of the callers go silent.
SQUEEZE
Regalview management, you are
hereby warned! We will not be
overlooked!
MR. GOLDBERG (O.S.)
Hello... Hello?
Squeeze takes off his headset as Johnny, and Diana watch.
Anderson looks up from his book, “Steve Lift: I’m On Top”.
SQUEEZE
Phones down!
All of the callers take off their headsets.
During the commotion, Cassius looks at Detroit and they smile
at each other. Then he looks at the photocopied picture. The
man in the picture has a raised fist. Cassius smiles. He
looks back and the photo is back to normal.
Johnny, Anderson, and Diana are pissed.
Scene 12 - Promotion to Power Caller
- Overall: 9.0
- Concept: 9
- Plot: 9
- Characters: 9
- Dialogue: 8
Anderson, Diana, and Johnny are sitting in the office while
Cassius stands.
CASSIUS
I know you’re gonna threaten to
fire me. Whatever. If you do, we-
Johnny, Diana and Anderson laugh.
JOHNNY
Pack your shit up and get out.
CASSIUS
Fuck you, Johnny. Fuck you, too.
Once everybody finds out-
White 5/17/17 33.
Johnny, Diana and Anderson laugh.
ANDERSON
(Laughing)
What? No, No, No, Mr. Green! You
sound a little paranoid! We are the
bearers of good news. Great news-
JOHNNY
Great motherfucking news.
ANDERSON
Yes. Great motherfucking news,
Power Caller.
CASSIUS
Wait-
ANDERSON
Got the call just now. They think
you’re Class A material. You’re
going upstairs, my compadre. You’ve
been promoted. 9am. Tomorrow
morning. You have a suit?
DIANA
Of course he does. Strong,
powerful, young Power Caller like
him.
CASSIUS
Yeah, but they-
Cassius looks toward the cubicles. Squeeze and Sal are doing
secretive clenched fist salutes, as if to comfort him.
ANDERSON
They’re doing what they’re gonna
do. You wont be going against their
actions. Their issue’s down here,
not up there. Two very different
kinds of telemarketing jobs.
Cassius looks toward cubicles again. Johnny draws the blinds.
Anderson is flanked by the football team running in place.
ANDERSON (CONT’D)
It’s your moment. Don’t waste it.
Cassius blinks. The football team is gone.
CASSIUS
You’re right, I guess. Yeah. Ok.
White 5/17/17 34.
JOHNNY
The big money. The top fucking tier
of telemarketing. Making history
with legends like Hal Jameson. Bad
ass.
We hear a POP and see that Diana has popped a bottle of
Champagne.
42 INT. OFFICE BUILDING LOBBY- MORNING 42
Cassius walks through the Regalview doors wearing a very,
very fancy bright green suit with a pink tie and briefcase.
He walks toward the closed elevator doors, in front of which
Diana Debauchery is waiting.
DIANA
Oh. My. You are ready, aren’t you?
CASSIUS
Hey, Ms. D. Yeah, I-
DIANA
(gesturing towards suit)
Mr. Green, I presume?
CASSIUS
I didn’t think about that.
DIANA
Well, let’s do this, muthafuckah.
Diana inserts the key and turns it to summon the elevator.
DIANA (CONT’D)
I always wanted to say that. Let’s
do this, my little gigolo. Do
gigolos really get lonely too?
CASSIUS
I don’t get it, Ms. D.
DIANA
Oh, you can get it.
The Elevator door opens and they both walk in. The elevator
has velvet and leather covered walls with a chandelier
hanging. Macabre harp music is playing. The doors close and
Diana starts to enter a long code into a keypad.
White 5/17/17 35.
43 INT. FANCY ELEVATOR- DAY 43
Elevator goes up and we hear a woman’s voice spoken in a
calm, breathy tone on the elevator’s loudspeaker while the
music continues.
ELEVATOR VOICE
Welcome, Power Caller. Today is
your day to dominate the world. You
are Regalview’s elite brigade. Take
your place alongside legends like
Hal Jameson. You call the shots.
CASSIUS
(to Diana)
Strange-
ELEVATOR VOICE
You are in your sexual prime. The
top of the reproductive pile.
CASSIUS
What is this crazy shit? Does it
really say this everytime-
The elevator door has opened. There are two men standing on
the other side of the door. One of them is FANCY SUIT GUY.
They have been waiting for Cassius.
FANCY SUIT GUY- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Welcome to the Power Calling Suite,
Mr. Green. Please use your White
Voice at all times here.
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Oh. I’m sorry. I totally didn’t
realize.
Scene 13 - Promotion to Power Caller
- Overall: 7.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 7
- Dialogue: 7
FANCY SUIT GUY’s assistant motions and they follow him
through a decadent, plush space. There are silk couches,
velvet-covered walls, color-coordinated computers, and large
flat-screen TVs showing breaking-news clips. A Power Caller
is getting a manicure as he conducts a sales pitch.
Everything seems brighter here than in the rest of the
world—similar to Dorothy’s entry into Oz. FANCY SUIT GUY
talks as they walk.
White 5/17/17 36.
FANCY SUIT GUY- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Mr. Green, you’ve been selected
because you have the potential to
be a great telemarketer. Do you
know what we sell up here?
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Well, I heard-
FANCY SUIT GUY- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
We sell power. Fire power. Man
power. When U.S. weapons
manufacturers sell arms to other
countries, who do you think makes
that call at the precisely perfect
time which is during dinner? We do.
Before a drone drops a bomb on an
apartment building in Pakistan, who
drops the bomb-ass sales pitch over
the phone? We do.
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Firepower. And Manpower?
FANCY SUIT GUY- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
WorryFree- they’re our biggest
client. We help thousands of
companies utilize WorryFree workers
to improve their efficiency.
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
You sell their slave labor. To
other companies? Over the phone?
FANCY SUIT GUY- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
We’ve got a sharp one here.
45 INT. BUS DEPOT- DAY 45
A man with a thick mustache, large sunglasses, and a hat has
mechanic’s coveralls on walking through a bus depot. He is
carrying a messenger bag. He walks along side a bus, checking
that the coast is clear. He stops on the side of the bus,
pulls out a cardboard stencil reading “SLAVES” and sprays red
paint over it onto the bus’s WorryFree ad. On another bus he
sprays a monacle, top hat, and goatee on a Steve Lift book
ad. Another man in mechanic’s coveralls walks up behind him.
SECOND MECHANIC
What the fuck are you doing?
The spray painting man bolts off, running for the door.
White 5/17/17 37.
SECOND MECHANIC (CONT’D)
Dave, stop him!
Dave, the security guard, is not near the door but runs after
the spray painter and tries to get a hold on him, but doesn’t
make contact as the agile spray painter is too quick for him.
He runs away- winded security guard no longer chasing. His
sunglasses come off, revealing a black grease-paint stripe
under his left eye. He pulls off the mustache. It’s Detroit.
DETROIT
Left Eye, bitches!
46 INT. POWER CALLING SUITE- DAY 46
Cassius, Fancy Suit Guy, and Fancy Suit Guy’s Assistant are
now standing in front of a flat screen showing a Worryfree
documentary which illustrates what Fancy Suit Guy describes.
FANCY SUIT GUY- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Worryfree is has resuscitated
America. Workers live in space
efficient dwellings in the same
facilities where production occurs.
They make anything and everything.
Lifetime contracts. No wages
needed. They make cars for what it
used to cost to make bicycles.
CASSIUS
I don’t know if I can-
FANCY SUIT GUY- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
White voice.
CASSIUS
I don’t know if I can-
FANCY SUIT GUY- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Here’s the starting salary.
Fancy Suit Guy’s Assistant points to his notepad and shows
Cassius. Cassius thinks for a moment.
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
It looks like I’m gonna have to buy
some more suits. Is there a script?
FANCY SUIT GUY- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
More sophisticated. You’ll be
studying here until late.
(MORE)
White 5/17/17 38.
FANCY SUIT GUY- OVERDUB BY WHITE
We need you in the mix, pronto.
We’ve got a lot to teach you,
Cassius Green.
Scene 14 - Art and Activism
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 7
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 9
- Dialogue: 8
Detroit stands alone at dusk on a street corner, twirling a
sign in the shape of an arrow that reads “Signs”. She stops
twirling the sign intermittently to point it towards the
store she is standing next to which has a big lit up sign on
it that also reads “Signs”. Apparently, they’re selling
signs. Detroit is looking down the street hoping that Cassius
will show soon. She is wearing gold mettallic block letter
earrings that, on her right side, read “Bury The Rag” and on
her left side read “Deep In Your Face”.
A car pulls up. It’s Squeeze. He rolls down the window and
yells out.
SQUEEZE
Ay, baby! What’s your sign!?
DETROIT
(looks and laughs)
Pffft!
Squeeze gets out and walks toward Detroit, who’s smiling and
continues to twirl the sign.
DETROIT (CONT’D)
That was fucking crazy yesterday!
Like a scene out of Norma Rae.
SQUEEZE
Regalview’s scared shitless. We’ll
win.
(referring to the sign)
Can I check that out?
Detroit shrugs and hands him the sign. Squeeze starts
twirling the sign in the air, around his back, doing some
amazing dance moves while he is doing it. Detroit slyly
checks him out. The display of talent makes her smile from
ear to ear. A car honks.
DETROIT
Bravo! Where’d you learn that?
SQUEEZE
Down in L.A. We organized the first
sign twirlers union there.
White 5/17/17 39.
DETROIT
That’s what you do? Go from place
to place, stirring up trouble?
As they talk, the sign is continually spun between them.
SQUEEZE
The trouble’s already there. I help
folks fix it.
DETROIT
Shit-fixer Local 123. I try to do
the same with my art. Expose the
bullshit.
SQUEEZE
Not really the same-
DETROIT
It’s pretty much the same.
SQUEEZE
I haven’t seen your stuff-
DETROIT
I’m not gonna show you my stuff.
SQUEEZE
But art’s just a complaint. People
have complained for centuries.
DETROIT
We’re travelling to freedom and
travellers need maps. That’s my
art. Really good, aesthetically
pleasing, hopefully expensive,
maps. But, I do other things, too.
Squeeze does a behind-the back move with the sign. He throws
it in the air, spins around, claps three times, catches it.
SQUEEZE
So, how does this work with you and
Cassius? You sound like a radical
and he’s- I don’t know-
DETROIT
He’s real. He’s not that fake-ass
bourgie gallery world. He’s been
through so much hard shit in life
that he grounds me- and my art.
SQUEEZE
Well you’re rubbing him off right.
White 5/17/17 40.
Detroit looks confused.
SQUEEZE (CONT’D)
You know what I mean- he helped
with the work stoppage. Your fire
is rubbing off. I like it. Your
fire, I mean. I’m going. You look
done here. Need a ride?
DETROIT
Nope. Cash is on his way. Thanks,
though.
Squeeze reaches and wipes something from under Detroit’s eye.
It’s faint residue of black grease paint. Squeeze and Detroit
look at the grease paint which is now on Squeeze’s thumb.
Detroit realizes that her cover is blown.
SQUEEZE
Nice work.
Squeeze drives off. Detroit looks down the street for
Cassius’s car. later, the sign store’s sign turns off.
Detroit sits against the wall, looking and checking her
phone.
48 EXT. STREET CORNER- DUSK 48
She sees a bus and runs to get on with her sign. Bus has an
ad on it: “Why Sleep On The Street? We Got You. WorryFree.”
49 INT. POWER CALLING SUITE- DUSK INTO NIGHT 49
Montage of Cassius reading textbooks, watching video
presentations on large flat-screen TVs, taking a seminar with
while taking notes. Cassius looks at the time and rushes out.
50 EXT. GALLERY- NIGHT 50
Cassius’s car pulls up to the gallery where Detroit is
working on her art.
Scene 15 - Confronting Ideals
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 6
- Plot: 7
- Characters: 9
- Dialogue: 6
Cassius runs into the gallery.
DETROIT
Baby! Are you okay?
White 5/17/17 41.
CASSIUS
Sorry, I-
DETROIT
Did you get in an accident?
CASSIUS
No-
DETROIT
How about robbed? Or something else
extra crazy- so I don’t think you
faked and left me on the corner for
an hour.
CASSIUS
I didn’t tell you before cause I
wasn’t sure about it, but, as of
today- I’m a Power Caller. I had to
stay late. We’ll be selling crazy-
DETROIT
So, you can pay me back my $80?
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Hell yes, baby. No problem!
DETROIT
Stop that. It’s freaky. What do
they sell-
CASSIUS
Do I finally get to see your show?
We see that this is a gallery with 30-foot ceilings. There
are 20 colorful 20-foot sculptures of Africa made with wood,
metal, and found objects. Some are mounted, some are
unfinished on the floor. There are slogans and items with
references to music, literature, and political movements
intertwined in the sculpture. There are also life-sized
statues of people standing on the floor, looking at the
Africas as if they were art connoiseurs. Cassius and Detroit
walk and look at the pieces. Detroit lights up a joint.
CASSIUS (CONT’D)
Wow. They’re beautiful. And big.
DETROIT
Africa.
CASSIUS
Oh. Really? Is that what that is?
White 5/17/17 42.
DETROIT
I mean they’re big because they’re
Africa. Then I just added my
statues from last year.
CASSIUS
Well, if nobody comes, it’ll look
full. Can I ask a question?
DETROIT
You just did-
CASSIUS
Why did you choose Africa for this?
As Detroit answers, she accents her statements with grand
hand gestures between tokes on the joint. Cassius mistakes
these gestures as Detroit passing the joint to him. He tries
to grab it, each time missing until he finally gives up.
DETROIT
That’s where humanity started. I
wanted to talk about life shaped by
exploitation and fighting for a say
in our own lives...
Cassius zones out and is focusing on the joint in Detroit’s
hand. He nods. He can see her lips moving but isn’t hearing
her. Her audio fades in and out as Cassius’s attention does.
DETROIT (CONT’D)
...how beauty, love and laughter is
able to thrive and flourish under
almost any circumstances...
Cassius is still looking at the joint and not hearing her.
DETROIT (CONT’D)
...how Capitalism started by
stealing labor from Africans and
how you’re nodding as if you’re
listening, but you’re not.
Cassius nods, pretending to listen.
CASSIUS
Mmmhmm. Oh. Oh! No. No, I was
taking it all in. I’m just tired.
It’s hard to focus. Bear with me.
DETROIT
Ok.
Cassius takes a hit of the joint.
White 5/17/17 43.
CASSIUS
I’m listening now. Tell me about
it. So, um, capitalism?
DETROIT
I’m done talking right now. I want
to marinate in this. It’s major for
me. What I want now is for us to
sit down, hit the weed, and just be
here.
Cassius and Detroit sit down on a futon in the middle of the
gallery. Detroit lays her head on Cassius’s chest. With one
hand around Detroit, Cassius puffs the joint.
CASSIUS
Baby, the statues are fuckin’ with
me. Statues freak me out. Like they
might come to life.
DETROIT
Mmmhmm. Shhhh.
Scene 16 - Promotion Conflict
- Overall: 9.0
- Concept: 9
- Plot: 9
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 8
A colorful sign on a wall reads: “Regalview Team Members!
Remember that the team comes first! Don’t let outsiders
interfere with the team!”
The sign is snatched down by an unknown hand as we pull out
to reveal about 15 callers gathered in a circle with Squeeze
and Salvador addressing them. Cassius is walking toward the
circle in a silver zoot suit, carrying a briefcase. He
notices them and starts to cross the street to go around, but
is spotted by Salvador.
SALVADOR
Ay! Where you been, man? What’s
with the suit?
CASSIUS
I got promoted-
SQUEEZE
What? What does that mean? Are you
a manager now?
CASSIUS
Naw, man. I’m a Power Caller now.
About to be paid.
White 5/17/17 44.
SQUEEZE
Oh. That’s interesting. We’re all
trying to get fucking paid. But we
had a plan to do it as a team. You
on the team?
CASSIUS
Yeah, I guess. But I’m on the
bench. The bench where you sit and
get your bills paid. You know my
uncle is about to lose his house.
SALVADOR
The definition of a sell-out.
You’re a walking cliche.
CASSIUS
I’m not selling y’all out. My
success is not affecting y’all.
Keep doing what you doing and I’ll
root from the sidelines- and try
not to laugh at that stupid ass
smirk on your face.
Salvador puffs his chest up and his face comes in very close
to Cassius’s face. Cassius already has his chest puffed up.
They both have scowls on their faces. The crowd quickly
gathers around them.
LANGSTON
Ay, we don’t need this-
Cassius and Salvador stay in their stances, tempers flaring.
CASSIUS
You doin’ alright?
SALVADOR
Oh- I’m doing great. How are YOU
doin’?
CASSIUS
I’m havin’ a lovely time. You have
a good day.
SALVADOR
You have a better week!
CASSIUS
I will! And may you find this month
fulfilling and gratifying!
White 5/17/17 45.
SALVADOR
I hope your whole year is
spectacular. And that’s the
muthafuckin truth! As a matter of
fact, I see success in your future!
SQUEEZE
This has taken a turn that none of
us could have foreseen.
LANGSTON
Both o’ y’all- just walk!
Cassius backs up, turns around and walks away into the office
building.
53 INT. FANCY ELEVATOR- MORNING 53
Cassius walks into the elevator and takes a piece of paper
out of his pocket. There is a long passcode scribbled on it.
He reads from it and punches in a 30-digit code.
ELEVATOR VOICE
Greetings, Cassius Green. I hope
you did not masturbate today. We
need you sharp and ready to go. I
detect the pheromones percolating
out of your pores. They say to
others around you: “I have shown up
to work to kick some ass. Hold my
penis while I piss on your
underestimated expectations.” Mr.
Green, I am a computer but I wish I
had hands to caress your muscular
brain. Today is your day.
The elevator door starts to open but malfunctions and closes
and opens. Cassius pushes the “open door” button, trying to
open the door.
ELEVATOR VOICE (CONT’D)
You have the power to shape the
world to your liking. You can make
the world bend over at your whim.
You-
Elevator door opens.
CASSIUS
What is the-
White 5/17/17 46.
54 INT. POWER CALLING SUITE- MORNING 54
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
-deal with that elevator voice
thing?
FANCY SUIT GUY- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Did you study the materials?
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Sure did.
FANCY SUIT GUY’S ASSISTANT
Great. But no one speaks to our
valuable contacts without the test.
Jill, get the Iso-booth ready.
Scene 17 - Cassius Becomes a Power Caller
- Overall: 10.0
- Concept: 9
- Plot: 10
- Characters: 9
- Dialogue: 8
Cassius enters an almost pitch-black booth, which is a little
bigger than a phone booth, and stands. He has no clothes on.
FANCY SUIT GUY’S ASSISTANT
(O.S.- via loudspeaker)
We’ll start easy. Use your normal
voice. What does JASSM stand for?
CASSIUS
JASSM is the Joint Air to Surface
Standoff Missile.
FANCY SUIT GUY’S ASSISTANT
What kind of warhead does it carry?
CASSIUS
JASSM’s 1000-pound warhead can be
fitted as nuclear, chemical,
conventional, or biological.
FANCY SUIT GUY’S ASSISTANT
Good. How much does it cost?
CASSIUS
The JASSM costs 1.5 mi-
A piercingly loud buzzer sounds, a red light flashes, and
Cassius is doused by a flood of dozens of gallons of water.
CASSIUS (CONT’D)
Shit! Fuck! Cold!
White 5/17/17 47.
FANCY SUIT GUY’S ASSISTANT
Wrong. Well, almost right. Say it
like a salesman.
CASSIUS
Uh, the JASSM costs $300,000 less
than the Tomohawk?
FANCY SUIT GUY’S ASSISTANT
Good. What percentage is the
average annual rise in profit for
first-year clients of Worryfree as
compared to the prior year?
Silence.
CASSIUS
Please repeat.
FANCY SUIT GUY’S ASSISTANT
What percentage is the average
annual rise in profit for first-
year clients of Worryfree as
compared to the prior year?
CASSIUS
Can you please re-phrase the qu-
Loud buzzer, red light flashes, Cassius is doused with water.
56 INT. POWER CALLING SUITE- DAY 56
Cassius walks through the halls of the Power Calling suite
wearing a towel- clothes in one arm, briefcase in the other.
57 INT. CASSIUS’S OFFICE- DAY 57
FANCY SUIT GUY- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
You’ve been assigned a Worryfree
campaign. Brush up on that 6th
chapter stuff, and start calling in
the next half hour. It’s 2pm.
Almost breakfast time in Japan.
CASSIUS
Ok.
Cassius, still in his towel, sits at his desk and unfolds the
photocopied picture from the cubicle. The man in the
photocopied picture has a skeptical look on his face. As he
dresses, Cassius starts leafing through a manual.
White 5/17/17 48.
He closes it without reading much and picks up the phone.
While dialing he looks at a portfolio of his prospective
client.
WOMAN ON PHONE
Softbank, Konichiwa!
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Konichiwa! Mr. Masayoshi Son,
please. This is Cassius Green from
Worryfree. Yes, I’ll hold.
Cassius listens to hold music while finishing dressing.
WOMAN ON PHONE
I’m very sorry, Mr. Son does not
come in at this time.
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
No problem. I’ll call his cell.
Cassius looks at the portfolio for the number and dials. He
crashes down into a bathroom. A man is on the toilet.
58 INT. FANCY JAPANESE RESIDENTIAL BATHROOM- DAY 58
PERSON ON PHONE
Mushi mushi.
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Good evening, Mr. Son. Cassius
Green for WorryFree here. I’m sorry
to bother you, but I wanted talk to
you about who’s assembling your
cell phones. No, I KNOW they’re
getting put together in China. I’m
a fan of your work. I’ve followed
you since you were with Mitsubishi.
I literally cheered when I read
that you acquired SanRio. Which is
why I’m calling you- not Motorola.
Cassius pushes the bidet button, which has an illustrated
picture of water spraying on a butt, on Mr. Son’s toilet.
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
(CONT’D)
With our focused work force, we’ll
get your phones assembled twice as
fast at half the cost. You can
double market share over those
bastards.
White 5/17/17 49.
59 INT. POWER CALLING SUITE- DAY 59
A bunch of sharply dressed Power Callers, including Cassius,
are gathered in the Power Calling Suite’s lobby.
FANCY SUIT GUY- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Let’s toast to Cassius Green! He
miraculously just made our client,
Worryfree, upwards of $10 million
in one call! On the first day, no
less! One for the history books.
The Power Callers raise their glasses and toast. Cassius
walks over to Fancy Suit Guy.
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Hey, excuse me-
FANCY SUIT GUY- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
How can I do you for, amigo?
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
I know that this is my first day
here. However, I have just put
through the miracle sale and I’m in
a terrible financial bind. I...
(normal voice) I need a cash
advance.
60 INT. OFFICE BUILDING LOBBY- DAY 60
Cassius struts triumphantly out of the elevator, past the
windowed work area of regular callers who are doing another
“Phone’s down!” action. He pushes the door open and magically
struts straight into his uncle Sergio’s dining room.
61 INT. SERGIO’S DINING ROOM- DUSK 61
Sergio is sitting at the dinner table with his wife and
children. He looks up at Cassius who proudly shoves a check
in his face. Sergio reads the check and is visibly moved to
joy. Sergio gets up and hugs Cassius while handing the check
to his wife who is also moved to joy. Cassius breaks from
Sergio’s hug as he and his wife still celebrate and struts
out the door.
Scene 18 - Upgrade
- Overall: 9.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 7
- Characters: 9
- Dialogue: 6
Cassius struts over to his car, which is a damn bucket. He
opens the driver side door, climbs in and slams the door.
White 5/17/17 50.
63 INT. CASSIUS’S CAR- NIGHT 63
Cassius’s “bucket” is now a brand new Black Mercedes-Benz
sports car. He smirks and drives.
64 EXT. STREET CORNER- NIGHT 64
DETROIT is spinning an arrow shaped sign that says “Sale”.
Cassius pulls up in the Benz. She looks confused and
surprised. She hops in, hanging the “Sale” sign out the open
passenger window. They drive to Cassius’s house.
65 INT. CASSIUS’S STUDIO APARTMENT- NIGHT 65
CASSIUS and DETROIT fall onto the bed, making out
passionately. The furniture around them changes, one item at
a time, to more visibly more expensive versions of each item.
First the TV, then chairs, then end tables then the bed on
which they continue to make out- which gets too big for the
room.
Scene 19 - Morning Conversations
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 9
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 8
Finally, it is clear that they are actually in a large, chic
apartment in a different building altogether.
It’s morning. CASSIUS and DETROIT are sleeping in bed in a
position similar to the scene before when they were making
out. Cassius wakes, sits up in bed and stares out the window
at a beautiful view of the city. He grabs the remote, sits
up, and turns on the television. As he does this, he
inadvertently pulls most of the covers off sleeping Detroit.
On the screen is the WorryFree aesthetically luxurious prison
cell that we saw earlier. There is an oversized, gaudy
chandelier hanging in the middle. The decor is Victorian era,
with the six bunks seemingly made up with velvet and silk
blankets and built with brass. There is fancy wallpaper. It’s
so gaudy that it almost looks like The Old Spaghetti Factory.
Words flash on the screen: “MTV Cribs: WorryFree Edition!”
MTV ANNOUNCER
Up next on MTV Cribs, WorryFree
Edition: Hole Puncher, Ben Ellman.
The show does a typical MTV-style cut to a shot of Benjamin-
45 year-old White guy- pointing to his bunk, with his wife
under the covers. There are other couples in the other bunks.
His wife is giving the camera a fake smile.
White 5/17/17 51.
BEN ELLMAN- OVERDUB BY BLACK ACTOR
This is where the magic happens,
baby!
Cassius changes channels. A man gets beaten with a fish by a
man in lederhosen. It’s “I Got The S#*@ Kicked Outta Me!”.
GAME SHOW AUDIENCE
I got the [beep] kicked outta me!
Cassius changes the channel. It’s the local news. The news
cameras show a militant strike, with chanting, picket signs,
tussles with the police, and scabs being hit on the head-
walking away holding their bleeding heads. The strike is in
front of Regalview. There are hundreds, maybe thousands that
seem to be part of the strike. The action is narrated.
TV NEWS REPORTER (V.O.)
Chuck, this was the scene yesterday
at the Regalview telemarketers
strike.
Chyron on the TV screen reads “Telemarketers Strike. Day 40.”
We see about 30 cops with riot gear and shields crouched
down, shielding themselves, in the middle of an intersection.
They are being pelted by a hailstorm of soda cans and rocks
from the crowd of thousands around them. The scene looks very
much like footage from student protests in Korea.
TV NEWS REPORTER (V.O.)
The striking Regalview workers are
joined by other telemarketers,
phone operators, and university
students from all over the area.
We see SQUEEZE making a speech to the crowd. He is holding
and talking into a bullhorn while talking into a microphone
that a reporter is holding.
SQUEEZE
We are Telemarketers! We are used
to being hung up on! Blocked! And
ignored! But we won’t let Regalview
block, ignore, or hang up on us!
Cassius changes the channel back to MTV Cribs: WorryFree
Edition. They are in an expansive dining hall of the
WorryFree complex. There are tables that seem to stretch as
long as three city blocks. Benjamin Ellman walks into frame.
BEN ELLMAN- OVERDUB BY BLACK ACTOR
After a long day of hearty-ass
work, you feel me, we ready to eat.
This is where we get our grub on-
White 5/17/17 52.
Cassius changes the channel back to “I Got The S#*@ Kicked
Outta Me!” A contestant is soaking wet, with bloodshot eyes,
excitedly talking to the host.
GAME SHOW CONTESTANT
Swimming through the vat of hyena
urine is not as bad as it sounds!
I’m just happy to be on here!
Cassius changes the channel back to the news.
SQUEEZE
What do we want!? We want enough
money to pay the rent!
CROWD
Yeah!
SQUEEZE
We want enough money to eat
something besides Cup ‘O Noodles
every night!
CROWD
Yeah!
SQUEEZE
We want to be able to go to the
doctor if we get drunk one night!
CROWD
Yeah!
SQUEEZE
And hook up with somebody without
protection!
CROWD
Yeah!
SQUEEZE
And we think we might have
contracted gonorrhea! Or chlamydia!
Or any one of those crazy STDs you
never heard of that they have on
Self-Diagnosis.com!
Crowd stares silently.
White 5/17/17 53.
TV NEWS REPORTER (V.O.)
Although strikers have kept most
replacement workers from breaking
the strike- every morning,
Blackwater security agents
successfully escort Regalview’s
elite Power Callers into the
building.
A group of ten uniformed men in full riot-gear, masks, and
shields rush, full-speed, from the sidewalk across the street
toward the strikers. They’re the size of NFL linebackers.
They make a protective perimeter around people who are much
smaller in size and very fashionably dressed- who are also
rushing full-speed, moving as one unit with the Blackwater
agents. In that group: CASSIUS, FANCY SUIT GUY, FANCY SUIT
GUY’S ASSISTANT, and others. We recognize CASSIUS due to his
very bright colored suit. In one fluid, violent motion, we
see the Blackwater agents rush, punch, push, and smash their
way through the strike line toward the front door. They get
the Power Callers into the building, leaving a mass of
bloody, enraged strikers.
TV NEWS REPORTER (V.O.)
For more on the Regalview str-
CASSIUS turns the TV off. He’s contemplative. He notices that
Detroit is awake and has been watching the news with him.
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Hey, baby. Good morning.
DETROIT
No. Please no. Stop that stupid
voice, Cassius.
Detroit pulls some of the covers back towards herself.
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
I didn’t- (normal voice) I didn’t
even realize-
DETROIT
That’s a problem.
CASSIUS
Sorry... How long you been awake?
DETROIT
I’m not awake yet. But I saw your
TV debut-
The man in the framed picture bows his head in shame.
White 5/17/17 54.
Detroit pulls the covers more as she turns over- facing away
from Cassius, who has to hold on to remain covered.
DETROIT (CONT’D)
Cash, baby. I c-
Cassius turns over in bed, away from Detroit.
CASSIUS
C’mon, can we not-
DETROIT
Look. I quit when the strike jumped
off because being with you made it
awkward. But you abandoned your
friends-
CASSIUS
I thought they’d do a few work
stoppages and Regalview would cave.
DETROIT
It’s one thing to take the
promotion, but now you’re a full
out scab-
CASSIUS
Power Callers ain’t on strike!
Detroit pulls the covers more toward herself.
DETROIT
They should be! I’m tired of talkin
about this. You’re crossing the
picket line. I can’t ride with you.
CASSIUS
Oh, but you was riding fine when-
DETROIT
No more.
CASSIUS
What are you sayin’? You’re askin’
me to quit the fattest job I’ve
ever had-
DETROIT
It’s not fat. It’s morally
emaciated. You sell fucking slave
labor.
CASSIUS
What the fuck ISN’T slave labor?
White 5/17/17 55.
DETROIT
Side-stepping. You side-step more
than the fucking Temptations.
Cassius pulls the covers toward him, off of Detroit.
CASSIUS
Fuck you. I’m finally good at
something. Really good. I fucking
make shit happen. I’m important.
You can’t see it because you’ve
always had it. You’re worried about
slave labor? You think Squeeze and
them are changing that? They ain’t
gon’ do shit. And sellin’ art to
rich people ain’t gon do shit
either!
DETROIT
Gimme the damn covers!
Detroit stands up to leave, attempting to take the covers
with her. Cassius grabs and pulls the covers. Detroit lets
go. Cassius falls back onto the floor.
CASSIUS
D. One of the reasons I took this
job in the first place was to make
myself interesting enough to keep
you.
DETROIT
The old you was way more
interesting. If you go to work
today at Regalview- crossing the
picket line- we’re done.
Scene 20 - Cassius' Promotion
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 7
- Dialogue: 7
Extreme close-up on CASSIUS. He is pissed and tearing up. We
pull out to see he’s in the middle of the other Power
Callers, encircled by the Blackwater agents. They are across
the street from the Regalview building and strikers.
BLACKWATER AGENT #1
Elbows and assholes, people! Let’s
go!
OTHER BLACKWATER AGENTS
Hut! Hut! Move!
White 5/17/17 56.
They run quickly together. Although we only see CASSIUS’s
face during this we hear the thuds and curses of strikers and
Blackwater agents. The corners of the frame behind Cassius’s
face are filled with yellow and violet smoke from the smoke
grenades that the Blackwater agents have set off.
68 INT. POWER CALLING SUITE- MORNING 68
CASSIUS and other Power Callers file out of the elevator.
CASSIUS slowly walks to his office and sits down.
He looks around. Business as usual. He opens a portfolio and
begins to make a call. He sees FANCY SUIT GUY.
FANCY SUIT GUY- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Well, we made it.
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
I’m gonna just follow up on this
thing I’ve been working on.
Cassius stops, as if having second thoughts. He looks over at
the photocopied picture. The man seems to be staring
disapprovingly.
He looks again and the man in the picture is back to his
normal pose. He shakes it off and dials confidently.
69 INT. POWER CALLING SUITE- DAY 69
The Power Callers are all gathered in the Power Calling suite
lobby.
FANCY SUIT GUY- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
This. Mother. Fucker. Is. On. Fire!
Let’s toast to boy wonder!
The Power Callers raise their glasses and toast to Cassius,
who looks very proud and accomplished.
70 EXT. STREET- NIGHT 70
CASSIUS drives down the street in his new car. He parks in
front of the gallery where DETROIT is hanging up her Africas
with help from a half dozen others. A giant poster announces
the opening as being “Tomorrow!” CASSIUS watches Detroit
through the big windows for a few seconds then speeds off.
White 5/17/17 57.
71 INT. CASSIUS’S CHIC APARTMENT- NIGHT 71
Cassius sleeps alone in his big bed.
72 EXT. OFFICE BUILDING- MORNING 72
Cassius, again, is surrounded by other Power Callers who are
surrounded by Blackwater agents. Once again, they all run
across the street together- straight toward the strikers. We
see the hand of one of the strikers shaking up a soda can and
throwing it. It sails beautifully through the air and lands
perfectly on CASSIUS’S forehead, which then gushes with
blood.
CASSIUS
Fuck!!!
FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)
Have a Coke and a smile, bitch!
The group does not stop their blitz into the building. Thud,
smash, push, in the building.
73 INT. POWER CALLING SUITE- DAY 73
FANCY SUIT GUY is standing outside of Cassius’s office,
watching as Cassius finishes up a call. Cassius notices FANCY
SUIT GUY while hanging up. Cassius has a bandage on his head.
FANCY SUIT GUY- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
You, my friend, are the best
decision I’ve made in quite a long
time. I have to pat myself on the
ass for that.
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Thank you, Mr. _____. It’s good to
be appreciated.
Whenever FANCY SUIT GUY’s name is said, it is bleeped out and
the mouth of the person speaking is pixelated to hide the
name.
FANCY SUIT GUY- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Don’t call me Mr. _____. Call me
______. Cassius, do you like to
party?
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
I like parties.
White 5/17/17 58.
FANCY SUIT GUY- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
What are you doing tonight?
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
I’ve got a couple things to follow
up on here and my girl- I mean my
ex-girl has a-
Blood drips from Cassius’s bandage onto his face. Fancy Suit
Guy reaches and wipes Cassius’s face with a handkercheif.
FANCY SUIT GUY- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Fuck all that. Check it: Steve Lift
is throwing his yearly party and
wants to see our new star there. He
wants to talk to you.
Fancy Suit Guy holds a copy of GQ. Steve Lift’s on the cover.
Steve Lift’s book is also on Cassius’s desk.
FANCY SUIT GUY- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
(CONT’D)
I’ve been waiting years to get an
invite. Jay and Bey can’t even get
an invite.
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Hell yeah! But I have to-
FANCY SUIT GUY- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Go to your other thing and I’ll
pick you up after. This kind of
party could change your life-
Scene 21 - Detroit's Show
- Overall: 7.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 6
- Characters: 7
- Dialogue: 7
The Gallery is filled with people who are dressed to the
nines. This is the opening of Detroit’s show.
Cassius walks in and makes his way through the crowd towards
Detroit. She’s at the other end of the room, talking to a
circle of art enthusiasts. She’s wearing metallic earrings
with big, easy to read letters. Her right earring: “You’re
Gonna Have To Fight” and her left one: “Your Own Damn War”.
DETROIT- OVERDUB BY BRITISH ACTOR
I wanted to talk about how beauty,
love and laughter is still able to
thrive and flourish under almost
any circumstances. I realized that-
Detroit sees Cassius coming toward her.
White 5/17/17 59.
DETROIT- OVERDUB BY BRITISH ACTOR
(CONT’D)
Please excuse me for a moment?
Detroit walks over to Cassius.
CASSIUS
I wouldn’t miss this for the world.
This is beautiful. You’re
beautiful. I love you. I want us-
DETROIT
I love you, too. But I can’t hang
with the coldness I see in you now.
Cassius is dejected.
DETROIT (CONT’D)
What happened to your head?
CASSIUS
Nothing. Cut myself shaving.
DETROIT
I have to go get ready for the
performance. You really should stay
to see it.
CASSIUS
I can stay for a little, but I have
to meet an important person at a
party.
DETROIT
Slave auctioneers party?
Cassius walks and grabs an already poured glass of champagne
from the bar which is next to them. He looks up and Sal and
Squeeze are walking toward him.
DETROIT (CONT’D)
Hey, Squeeze. Thank you so much for
coming.
SQUEEZE
I wouldn’t miss this for the world.
DETROIT
You always know the right thing to
say.
CASSIUS
I said that a second ago.
White 5/17/17 60.
Detroit walks away.
SALVADOR
Long time, no hear. Do you not call
me anymore because you’re a
sellout, or because you’re a star?
CASSIUS
A star? What-
Salvador shoves a smartphone in front of Cassius’s face. It
is a YouTube clip that is paused on a blurry Coca-Cola can
which is in flight over the heads of a crowd. Salvador
presses play and it shows the can hitting Cassius’s head. It
is the scene from that morning. When the can hits, a cartoon
like “Boing!” sound effect happens. Salvador laughs loudly
and puts the smartphone back in his pocket.
SALVADOR
11 million views already, man!
You’re the Justin Bieber of
backstabbers.
SQUEEZE
Look, we could use your help right
now. We have them by the balls, but
they’re holding out. We’re at an
important point. We have info on
how much this is costing them. If
we make them lose a little more,
they’ll have to meet our demands.
You jumping sides now could turn
the tide.
CASSIUS
I-
SQUEEZE
I saw something in you before that
must still be in there. Don’t be
that leaf that floats down the
river- be the stone that shifts the
stream.
SALVADOR
Shit, man. Piss your own stream.
CASSIUS
I hear you, but let’s talk about it
this weekend. I gotta think about
it.
SQUEEZE
Okay. I’ll definitely call you.
White 5/17/17 61.
A gong sounds and everyone in the gallery turns toward it.
Detroit is standing at the gong, wearing a black trenchcoat
and aviator sunglasses.
DETROIT- OVERDUB BY BRITISH ACTOR
Welcome, friends! Gather around.
Form a semi-circle. Tonight, we
will have a transformative
experience. In those containers
there are broken cell phones, used
bullet casings, and water balloons
filled with sheep’s blood.
Cellphones can only work with the
mineral Coltan, which is only found
in Africa’s Congo. The profit
involved in this has created
hardship and wars. I will stand
here. If you feel so moved, you may
throw the items in the containers
at me. While I stand here, I will
be reciting an excerpt from the
timeless Motown-produced movie
entitled “The Last Dragon”. I will
recite the lines that Angela says
to Eddie Arcadian as she leaves
him.
Detroit takes the trenchcoat off and is naked, save for the
sunglasses.
DETROIT- OVERDUB BY BRITISH ACTOR
(CONT’D)
Let’s begin.
Detroit bangs the gong.
DETROIT- OVERDUB BY BRITISH ACTOR
(CONT’D)
(Almost whispering)
And in the end, Eddie, you know
what? You’re nothing but a
misguided midget asshole with
dreams of ruling the world. Yeah,
also from Kew Gardens. And also
getting by on my tits.
Silence.
DETROIT- OVERDUB BY BRITISH ACTOR
(CONT’D)
(Softly)
And in the end, Eddie, you know
what?
(MORE)
White 5/17/17 62.
DETROIT- OVERDUB BY BRITISH ACTOR
You’re nothing but a misguided
midget asshole with dreams of
ruling the world. Yeah, also from
Kew Gardens. And also getting by on
my tits.
One cellphone is thrown. Then a bullet casing.
DETROIT- OVERDUB BY BRITISH ACTOR
(CONT’D)
(A little louder)
And in the end, Eddie, you know
what? You’re nothing but a
misguided midget asshole with
dreams of ruling the world. Yeah,
also from Kew Gardens. And also
getting by on my tits.
Water balloons of blood are busted on her. Cellphones and
bullets are being thrown. It looks painful.
DETROIT- OVERDUB BY BRITISH ACTOR
(CONT’D)
(yelling)
And in the end! Eddie! You know
what!? You’re! Nothing! But a
misguided midget! Asshole! With
dreams! of ruling the world! Yeah!
also from Kew Gardens! And also!
getting by on my tits!
She is really getting pelted. Cassius angrily rushes in to
the middle of the chaos, dodging as he goes.
CASSIUS
Ay! Aay!! Stop! Wait a fucking
minute!
The pelting stops.
CASSIUS (CONT’D)
Stop! What the hell is going on
here?!
(to Detroit)
Why would you subject yourself to
this?
DETROIT
It’s part of the show. You, of all
people, should know that. Stick to
the script.
Detroit reaches down, grabs a black football helmet and puts
it on.
White 5/17/17 63.
DETROIT (CONT’D)
Don’t you have a party to go to?
(to the audience, overdub
by a British actor)
Begin again! And in the end! Eddie!
You know what!? You’re! Nothing...
Cassius gets out of harm’s way, walks through the crowd,
walks out of the gallery.
Scene 22 - Parties and Promotions
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 7
- Plot: 7
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 9
Cassius gets in his car while soliloquy and pelting continue.
76 INT. STEVE LIFT’S MANSION- NIGHT 76
We see a close up of a nose snorting an extra long line of
cocaine that takes about 10 seconds to finish. The nose
belongs to Steve Lift. He lifts his head quickly, to stand.
STEVE LIFT
I guess you’re all wondering why
I’ve called this meeting.
Laughter.
A DJ spins a record and loud music starts. About 200 people
are partying in an extremely decadent mansion. Some are
talking on couches and chairs. Some are standing. Some are
dancing. Most of them are drinking and smoking weed. 99
percent of them are white. On one wall is Detroit’s defaced
“Responsible babbydaddy”/”Response, baby” billboard. It has
been mounted, framed, and lit like a museum piece.
FANCY SUIT GUY- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Hey! Steve!
STEVE LIFT
You sweet sexy motherfucker. Are
you loving the new digs or what?
Subtitle reads: “My dick is bigger than yours, FYI.”
FANCY SUIT GUY- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Love it.
Subtitle reads “Yes, boss. Your dick is bigger than mine.”
STEVE LIFT
Stick around, because most of these
bitches are probably gonna get
naked later.
White 5/17/17 64.
Subtitle reads “Again, my dick is bigger than yours and most
of these lovely women are actually going to get naked later.
For reals.”
FANCY SUIT GUY- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Of course. Your parties are the
stuff of folklore. Steve, meet the
man of the hour-
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Cassius Green, it’s a pleasure to
meet you. An honor.
STEVE LIFT
Hola, compadre. Necesitan algun...
Aw, fuck. Who am I kiddin’? No
hablos español. You’re not one of
those Spanish people that just look
Black are you?
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
No, Mr. Lift. I’m just Black.
STEVE LIFT
Please, don’t call me Mister.
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Okay. Steve. For sure-
STEVE LIFT
Nope. That doesn’t feel right. Just
call me sir.
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Yes, sir-
STEVE LIFT
I’m just kidding. Call me whatever
the fuck you want- just keep makin’
that fuckin money. You must be a
fucking genius. I’d love to pick
your brain because we need people
like you over at WorryFree. People
who can comprehend the bigger
picture. It’s people like you who
are gonna save this nation, Green.
I mean, don’t get me wrong- we need
the workers to do the actual work,
per se. But we need people like
you, too, that can be trusted. But
that can analyze the challenges and
adapt... Like a snake. Or a
cockroach.
(MORE)
White 5/17/17 65.
STEVE LIFT (CONT'D)
Or a little fiendish raccoon
scavenging through a garbage can.
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Thanks.
77 INT. GALLERY- NIGHT 77
The gallery is almost empty. There is a gigantic mess on the
floor- bullet casings, broken cell phones and water. Detroit
is holding the door as a group of folks leave.
DETROIT
Thank you guys so much for helping
me clean. I’m gonna do the rest
tomorrow. I’m fucking tired. Thank
you, Samiyah! I love you!
SAMIYAH (O.S.)
I love you, too!
DETROIT
(to Squeeze)
So, what did you think?
SQUEEZE
It was... fiery.
Detroit smiles knowingly and locks the door.
Squeeze and Detroit make out aggressively against the wall
and slide down, continuing on the wet floor, bullet casings,
and broken cell phones.
Scene 23 - The Performance
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 7
- Dialogue: 8
The party is still happening. STEVE LIFT, CASSIUS, FANCY SUIT
GUY, and a bunch of others are sitting on the couch and
around it. Some people are still dancing. Those on the couch
and around it are listening intently to STEVE LIFT.
STEVE LIFT
...I had to climb up on the side of
the overturned jeep and pry the AK
from under the crushed seat where
my dead, and bloody guide was. When
the rhino charged again, he got a
head full of lead. Brrr-rat-ta-ta-
ta-ta! Brains all over the place. I
made that motherfucker into a
trophy.
White 5/17/17 66.
Steve gestures toward a wall where a disgusting, gory,
tattered head of a rhinoceros is mounted.
STEVE LIFT (CONT’D)
Hey, Cassius. You ever had to put a
cap in anybody’s ass?
Laughter.
FANCY SUIT GUY- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Green? No-
STEVE LIFT
Shut up, _______. I’m talking to
the man of the hour here. I wanna
hear about some of that Oakland
gangsta shit. Oaktown!
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
No, sir. Luckily, I haven’t had to
cap anybody yet. Sorry. No gangster
stories for ya.
STEVE LIFT
Hmmm. Ok. Give us something man. We
work hard, we party hard. These
type of motherfuckers are at my
party every year. You’re different.
Leave an impression. At least take
off the White Voice. I know you can
at least bust a rap for us or
somethin’.
CASSIUS
Actually, I can’t rap worth shit.
It’s embarrassing.
STEVE LIFT
Bullshit!
CASSIUS
For real, I don’t rap. I don’t know
how to rap. I’m hella good at
LISTENIN’ to some rap, though.
STEVE LIFT
Fuck that, man! You’re lying! Rap!
Rap! Rap! Rap!
First FANCY SUIT GUY, then the whole party catches on and
starts chanting “Rap! Rap! Rap! Rap!” Cassius slowly and
reluctantly heads toward the DJ booth after being handed a
microphone.
White 5/17/17 67.
The crowd is hyped- whooping, hollering, and dancing hard to
the intstrumental that the DJ is playing for Cassius to rap
to. Cassius bobs to the beat to stall a little. Finally-
CASSIUS
W’sup... My name is Cash/I love
to...
He can’t finish.
PERSON AT PARTY
Smash!
CASSIUS
One, two... I come from the city of
dope/Couldn’t be saved by John The
Pope/I like to...
He can’t finish. He goes back to bobbing his head and
slightly dancing. The music does a drum fill which will
obviously lead it into the chorus. He gets an idea and comes
in on the beat, looking unsure as he says it.
CASSIUS (CONT’D)
Nigga shit! Nigga, Nigga, Nigga
shit!/Nigga shit! Nigga, Nigga,
Nigga shit!/Nigga shit! Nigga,
Nigga, Nigga shit!
The crowd reacts wildly and chants along with him loudly,
including STEVE LIFT and FANCY SUIT GUY. The crowd dances
with each other, with some freaking and doing booty dances.
Some are on couches, chairs and tables. This seems to go on
for a while. We see from Cassius’s facial expression that he
is troubled with what he is doing.
79 INT. STEVE LIFT’S MANSION- NIGHT 79
CASSIUS sits on a chair alone, drinking bourbon, distraught
by his performance. The party happening through the door on
his left is in slow-motion while Cassius is normal speed. We
only hear the sound of Cassius’s breathing and drinking. His
formerly white bandage is partly brownish-red with blood.
He’s still bleeding. He wipes his forehead with a
handkerchief as he looks to his right. The exit door.
We pull back to see that he is at the end of a long hallway.
We pull back past party-goers- some having sex on couches
that line the hallway, some passed out, sitting against the
walls.
We see the back of FANCY SUIT GUY walking down the hallway
toward CASSIUS. We follow him back to CASSIUS.
White 5/17/17 68.
As we follow, we hear only: CASSIUS breathing and drinking,
FANCY SUIT GUY’s footsteps, and the sound of a couch banging
the wall from someone having sex.
FANCY SUIT GUY kneels down beside CASSIUS. FANCY SUIT GUY’s
nose has white powder all over it.
FANCY SUIT GUY
Yo. Steve wants you back there.
FANCY SUIT GUY is not speaking with his White Voice. He
motions toward a closed door at the back of the party room.
We now hear the music, but the surroundings- other than
Cassius and FANCY SUIT GUY- are still in slow motion.
FANCY SUIT GUY (CONT’D)
Go through that door, all the way
down the hall. Make a right, then a
left... then go through the third
door on your left, make a right and
you’ll see it. It’s the magenta
door...
Cassius gets up. As he does, the surroundings go back to
normal speed and the music is at full blast.
FANCY SUIT GUY (CONT’D)
Ay. We don’t cry about what should
be, we thrive on what is. This
could be big. Don’t fuck it up.
As Cassius walks away, we see that a small group of people
are watching a YouTube video of Cassius being hit by the Coke
can on a gigantic flatscreen. They are laughing hysterically.
80 INT. MANSION HALLWAY- NIGHT 80
CASSIUS opens the first door and goes through it. He goes
down the dark yet lavishly decorated hallway. After he turns
the first time, he is in a different kind of hallway. It’s
white. It almost looks like a hospital. When he turns the
second time, there are windows that reveal small laboratories
with the lights turned off for the night. One of the rooms
that he sees through its window is full of levers, ropes,
pulleys, and metal wheels. He finally gets to the door which
is painted magenta and goes through it.
Scene 24 - The Mr. Ed Spiral
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 9
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 7
- Dialogue: 7
CASSIUS enters a spacious and luxurious room that has a desk
as the centerpiece and a giant video screen behind it.
White 5/17/17 69.
The room is decorated with an equine motif. There are
paintings- some small, some oversized- with horses and
centaurs. One of the pieces is quite sexual, involving a
woman and a horse. The desk itself is a ridiculously gaudy
thing that involves two sculptured horses, side-by-side,
holding up a table. There is a small dish with apples on the
desk, over to one side. STEVE LIFT is behind the desk,
leaning back in his chair. He seems coked out and has a small
mirror in front of him with cocaine residue and a straw
laying on it. He throws an apple to CASSIUS, who catches it.
STEVE LIFT
Heads up!
CASSIUS
This room is nuts.
STEVE LIFT
Thank you. I’ll accept that back-
handed compliment. Pull up a chair,
Cassius Green.
Cassius sits.
STEVE LIFT (CONT’D)
Is your head okay?
CASSIUS
Perfect.
STEVE LIFT
Well, here in Lift’s lair, we’ll do
no line before it’s time. And it’s
time, my friend. You’re rollin’
with the big dogs.
STEVE LIFT pushes a commemorative plate from “The Mr. Ed
Show” across the table toward CASSIUS. It has a line of
cocaine which circles around into a spiral shape. CASSIUS
pauses for a second, then snorts the spiral line.
CASSIUS
Shit!
STEVE LIFT
I wanna propose something, Cash.
CASSIUS
And I wanna listen to your
proposal, Stevie.
STEVE LIFT
We need you at WorryFree. I see
something in you.
(MORE)
White 5/17/17 70.
STEVE LIFT (CONT'D)
You’re more than just the best
telemarketer the world has seen
since Hal Jameson.
CASSIUS
That’s interesting. Yet boring.
Tell me something I don’t know.
Something with zeros and commas.
STEVE LIFT
Cocky. I like that. You’ll
understand the proposal if you
watch this video we put together.
CASSIUS
Can I take a piss first?
STEVE LIFT
No.
STEVE LIFT picks up a remote control and starts the video.
It’s a commercial video showing still pictures of pastoral
green settings. Corny electronic music plays as these still
pictures flash on screen. Cassius is uncomfortable and
obviously has to pee. A WorryFree logo appears.
CASSIUS
I actually hella have to piss.
The video pauses.
STEVE LIFT
Fine. Right out the door. It’s the
jade colored door. Hurry back.
82 INT. MANSION HALLWAY- NIGHT 82
Cassius rushes out the door into the hallway. He goes to the
right and finds the jade door and rushes in.
83 INT. WASHROOM- NIGHT 83
The room is a darkly-lit, yet sanitary looking room with
bathroom tiles on the wall, a sink, a mirror some curtains
for what seems like showers, and one metallic stall. We can
see that there’s a guy in the stall because we see his head.
CASSIUS
Fuck! Only one stall? Are you on
your way out or in?
White 5/17/17 71.
GUY IN STALL
Can you help me?
Cassius walks toward the stall. The man’s breathing is
audibly heavy.
CASSIUS
Naw, man. Is this some- I’m not-
GUY IN STALL
Please, help me. I’m fucked up. I’m
hurting.
GUY IN STALL leans suddenly against the door and bumps it, as
if ready to fall.
CASSIUS
Aight. Hold on, m-
Cassius opens the stall door, and GUY IN STALL falls out onto
the floor, revealing that he’s a naked part-man, part-horse.
There is no hair on his entire man-horse body, save for the
normal patches of hair that a hairy man might have. Unlike a
mythical centaur, there are no extra limbs. His hind legs
have human feet, his front legs have human hands. He is very
sweaty and has humongous horse-like nostrils.
His human eyes show that he is terrified.
He is chained and collared to the stall.
He let’s out a chilling whinny.
Cassius is suddenly terrified and screams out while backing
up.
CASSIUS (CONT’D)
Fuck! Shit! Fuck fuck fuck fuck
fuck! What the fuck! What the fuck!
GUY IN STALL
Please, help me. I’m hurting.
He let’s out a whinny.
CASSIUS turns to run out, but the floor is slippery and he
runs into the shower curtain, bumping something behind it.
This is not actually a shower, but another stall. Another man-
horse sticks his head out from behind the curtain. He
whinnies.
SECOND GUY IN STALL
Please help me. I’m hurting.
White 5/17/17 72.
Other heads of men and women stick their heads out of
curtains, whinnying, neighing, and saying “Please help us.”
Scene 25 - The Misunderstanding
- Overall: 9.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 9
- Characters: 9
- Dialogue: 8
Cassius bolts out of the door, straight into STEVE LIFT, who
blocks his exit.
CASSIUS
The fuck!?
STEVE LIFT
Asshole! I said the jade door!
CASSIUS
That is the jade door!
STEVE LIFT
That door is obviously olive! Not
jade! It is very clearly an olive
colored door!
CASSIUS
Get me the fuck outta here!
STEVE LIFT forcefully puts both hands on CASSIUS’s shoulders.
STEVE LIFT
Ok. Big, big misunderstanding.
Let’s both calm, Breathe. Let’s go
back to my office. I’ll explain. Do
you still have to go pee?
CASSIUS
I pissed in my fucking pants, man.
So, no, I don’t have to pee
anymore. I am so fucking outta
here!
CASSIUS shakes his shoulder free of STEVE LIFT and tries to
run away. STEVE LIFT pulls a silver 9mm pistol from the small
of his back.
STEVE LIFT
Ok. Breathe. Calm. Big
misunderstanding. Let me explain.
Scene 26 - WorryFree's Dark Secret Revealed
- Overall: 9.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 9
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 8
CASSIUS sits in his chair while STEVE LIFT leans back on the
desk, facing CASSIUS.
White 5/17/17 73.
We see that the pistol is on the desk next to STEVE LIFT,
who’s hand is on it. Cassius is sweating, nervous, and
scared.
STEVE LIFT
Dude. I can’t let you go without
explaining. If you had seen the
video before you saw that in there,
you wouldn’t have gotten scared.
CASSIUS
And just what in the fuck was “that
in there”?
STEVE LIFT
The video will explain.
STEVE LIFT clicks the remote.
The video plays from where it was paused.
The screen shows the WorryFree logo, which quickly fades out.
The screen then reads, “The New Miracle”. Underneath,
“Directed by Michel Gondry” fades in.
STEVE LIFT (CONT’D)
(O.S.)
We paid a pretty penny for this
shit.
All the words fade out.
The stills are now moving and we realize that we are watching
stop-motion animation: a lush green countryside with hills
and streams.
A group of six Neanderthal-like apes are trying to break open
a coconut. They are banging it on the dirt and pounding it
with their hands. One of the Neanderthals, a female, turns
and walks toward the camera, naked and very hairy- with hairy
breasts and nipples visible. She speaks with a British
accent.
NEANDERTHAL WOMAN
Since the dawn of time- or at least
since before anyone cares to
remember- we have used our wits to
survive.
A smaller Neanderthal snatches the coconut from a bigger
Neanderthal and smashes it against a rock, cracking it open
and exposing its beautiful treasure. The Neanderthals cheer
with ape-like sounds of excitement.
White 5/17/17 74.
NEANDERTHAL WOMAN (CONT’D)
But what allowed us to thrive was
our use of tools. A natural
development.
The bigger Neanderthal lets out a shrill, furious scream and
smashes the back of the smaller Neanderthal’s head with a
big, pointed rock. The smaller Neanderthal falls over dead.
The others look on in horror. The animation rewinds and
freeze frames on the arm of bigger Neanderthal’s arm smashing
the rock into the smaller one’s head. Blood and pieces of
skull are spurting out, frozen in mid-air.
NEANDERTHAL WOMAN (CONT’D)
But what are tools-
A red dotted line is superimposed over the bigger
Neanderthal’s arm, from the shoulder to the tip of his
fingers. A caption reads “Arm”.
NEANDERTHAL WOMAN (CONT’D)
-if not extensions of the
appendages with which we were born?
A yellow dotted line is superimposed over the rock, from the
tip of the bigger Neanderthal’s fingers to the end of the
rock, which is partly in the smaller one’s head. A caption
reads “Rock”. The yellow dotted line turns red and the
caption reading “Rock” disappears. The “Arm” caption moves
center screen.
The arm turns into a Homo sapiens arm and the rock turns into
a hammer. The arm and hammer hammers a nail.
The hammer turns into a TV remote control. The hand clicks
the remote.
NEANDERTHAL WOMAN (O.S.) (CONT’D)
Humans sometime need modification
to perform better in a specified
situation. We have done so
throughout history.
We see boxers sparring in a boxing ring as Neanderthal Woman
walks through the frame.
NEANDERTHAL WOMAN (CONT’D)
We train ourselves to fight.
Neanderthal Woman walks into a weight room.
NEANDERTHAL WOMAN (CONT’D)
We work out.
White 5/17/17 75.
Neanderthal Woman walks into a dorm room where someone is
studying at a desk.
NEANDERTHAL WOMAN (CONT’D)
We study. These changes to the body
and mind are actually chemical
changes.
The dorm room fades away and the WorryFree logo appears
behind Neanderthal Woman.
NEANDERTHAL WOMAN (CONT’D)
WorryFree is continuing that
natural development that started in
pre-historic times. We are proud to
announce to our share holders a new
day in human productivity.
A scientific laboratory appears behind Neanderthal Woman,
with scientists working.
NEANDERTHAL WOMAN (CONT’D)
Our scientists have discovered a
way- a chemical change- to make
humans stronger, more obedient,
more durable and therefore, more
efficient and profitable.
A factory assembly line appears behind Neanderthal Woman,
with a workers pulling levers on machines, lifting widgets
from a conveyor belt, etc.
NEANDERTHAL WOMAN (CONT’D)
At WorryFree, we realize that human
labor is more efficient than robot
labor when it comes to adaptability
of movement for various duties.
But, human labor has its
limitations.
The workers transform into big, hulking, horse-people. They
are lifting more widgets, pulling bigger levers on bigger
machines, producing more widgets. They are all happy.
NEANDERTHAL WOMAN (CONT’D)
We are breaking the limitations.
Our workforce of Equisapiens will
make WorryFree the most profitable
company in human history. And, you,
our shareholders will take that
place in history with us.
Steve Lift stops the video.
White 5/17/17 76.
STEVE LIFT
See what I’m talkin about? Big
misunderstanding.
CASSIUS
Uhn-uhn. No! What do you mean?
There is no fucking
misunderstanding. Are those half-
horse, half-people that you have
created in a lab to make more
money?
STEVE LIFT
Well, yeah. I just didn’t want you
to think I was crazy or something.
Because I’m doing this for a
reason. So, I’m not irrational.
Scene 27 - The Equisapiens Proposal
- Overall: 9.0
- Concept: 10
- Plot: 9
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 8
Aight. Cool. I understand and I
would like to leave now. Please.
STEVE LIFT
But, I didn’t even get to make my
proposal to you.
Cassius starts to get up.
CASSIUS
Can you call me tomorrow about
that? I need to leave now, but I’m
very interested.
Steve Lift puts his hand on the gun. Cassius sits.
STEVE LIFT
You have to see the rest of the
video. There’s a lot of production
value. Then my proposal.
Steve Lift clicks the remote and plays the video.
The animated video shows workers of a factory lining up in
several lines to go through doors.
NEANDERTHAL WOMAN
Our worker modification process is
simple and rather quick. It works
for 70 percent of humans who take
the fusing catalyst.
The workers walk through the doors and are handed silver
straws by men and women in labcoats.
White 5/17/17 77.
Nurses approach the workers with plates full of powder, which
the workers snort through the silver straw. The workers go to
waiting rooms, much like the “washroom” that Cassius entered.
They transform almost magically into horse-people.
STEVE LIFT
This is how we-
Steve Lift’s voice is drowned out as Cassius flashes back to
his snorting the spiral line of powder on the Mr. Ed plate,
then flashing to the horse-man who fell over in the washroom,
then looking at the animated workers snorting powder and
turning into horse-people. The images flash over and over,
faster and faster. Cassius hyperventilates. His eyes tear up.
CASSIUS
Wait. Hold up. Wait. Wait! What the
fuck did you have me snort!?
Cassius jumps up. Steve Lift grabs the gun.
CASSIUS (CONT’D)
Answer me, man! I’m not even high!
STEVE LIFT
You’re not? What-
Cassius is in tears.
CASSIUS
(pointing to the gun) Muthafucka-
that shit don’t scare me! If you
gave me some mutation shit, I want
you to shoot me!
STEVE LIFT
Cash. What you snorted was 100%
Peruvian.
CASSIUS
Cocaine? It was coke?
STEVE LIFT
You heard what I said.
CASSIUS
You said “100% Peruvian”. Be
precise. They got horses in Peru,
probably.
STEVE LIFT
Dude. You’re gettin’ all semantic
on me.
White 5/17/17 78.
CASSIUS
No. I’m just trying to be clear. If
you were actually meaning horses
when you said “100% Peruvian”, it
would be you who’s being semantic
because- Fuck this shit! Was it
coke or not?
STEVE LIFT
It was cocaine, man. I’m not evil.
This ain’t a movie. This is real
life. I wouldn’t just slip you the
fusing catalyst. You don’t feel
high because your adrenaline is
pumpin’ so hard. You’re harshin’
your buzz.
Steve Lift calms Cassius by motioning him to breathe deeply
with him, pseudo-yoga style. Cassius sits back down.
STEVE LIFT (CONT’D)
Ok?
CASSIUS
Ok.
STEVE LIFT
The proposal I was going to make
was this: This new caliber of
worker. They are bigger, stronger,
and hopefully they don’t gripe as
much. Soon, there will be millions
of them.
CASSIUS
This is crazy.
STEVE LIFT
They’ll develop they’re own
identity and customs. They may wish
to rebel, organize. We need someone
to represent WorryFree’s interests.
Someone they can relate to.
CASSIUS
A manager- that’s a man-horse.
STEVE LIFT
No. An Equisapiens Martin Luther
King. One that we control. One that
we create.
White 5/17/17 79.
CASSIUS
You want to create a false leader
of the horse-people- who actually
works for you?
STEVE LIFT
Basically. Keeps shit simple.
CASSIUS
But, me? Why would you single me
out?
STEVE LIFT
Cassius, you’re amazing. You rose
so quickly at Regalview. I need a
man like you. Hungry. Not afraid to
shank your friends if they get in
the way. You’re freaked out. Ready
to say no. Go home. Think about it.
After looking at what I’m offering
you.
Steve hands Cassius a piece of paper that reads “I’m offering
you $100,000,000.”
CASSIUS
No amount is gonna make me wanna do
that. Are you crazy?
STEVE LIFT
2 things: One. It would be only a 5
year contract. After 5 years, we
give you the Diffuser Antidote
Special Sauce Serum and you’re back
to normal. Two. Don’t forget: you’d
have a horse-dick.
CASSIUS
Special Sauce Serum? You’re making
that up. It’s not real.
STEVE LIFT
Oh, it’s real. So’s the offer. 5
years as our man among horses. 100
Million Dollars. Go home. Think
about it. Holla at me later.
Scene 28 - Cassius Discovers the Truth
- Overall: 9.0
- Concept: 10
- Plot: 9
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 8
Cassius sinks into the passenger seat of his own car as FANCY
SUIT GUY drives. He is in shock. He looks out of the window
while wiping his still-bleeding forehead.
White 5/17/17 80.
87 INT. CASSIUS’S CHIC APARTMENT- MORNING 87
Morning. Cassius is sleeping in his clothes from the night
before. He tosses and turns, putting the pillow over his head
to block the light. There is blood on the pillows.
He has a flashback of Lift’s Private Office. We see the
mirror on the desk in front of Steve Lift with the cocaine
residue and straw. Then we see the Mr. Ed plate being pushed
toward Cassius. A revelation that Cassius may have snorted
something different than what Steve Lift was snorting.
Cassius sits up. He picks up the newspaper that’s sitting on
his night stand. A column on the front page reads: People
Should Worry About WorryFree. It’s an article about the
unethical conduct of WorryFree. The byline: Eric Arnold.
Cassius picks up the phone and dials.
VOICE ON PHONE
San Francisco Chronicle. Good
Morning.
CASSIUS
Eric Arnold, please.
While hold music is on, Cassius turns on TV.
ERIC (O.S.)
Hello?
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Mr. Arnold. My name is Cassius
Green. I’ve got some information
about WorryFree that you will be
very interested in.
ERIC (O.S.)
Shoot.
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Ok. They're making horse-people.
Half horse, half human workers- you
snort this coke but it's not coke
and you get big horse nostrils and
a horse dick and I might have
unknowingly snorted-
ERIC (O.S.)
(disbelieving)
Jake?
White 5/17/17 81.
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
No. Cassius. Cassius Green. This is
bigger than-
ERIC (O.S.)
Ok. WorryFree is making horse-
people. Mr. Green, I really wanna
hear about this, but-
Click. Eric has hung up on Cassius.
Cassius is dejected. He looks at the TV. A morning talk show
is on, similar to The View.
MORNING SHOW HOST
...just can’t get enough of these
damn YouTubes!
Laughter.
MORNING SHOW HOST (CONT’D)
This next one got 21 million views
in one day! These big gorilla goons
are helping these fancy suited guys
scab on a strike and- well, just
watch!
The YouTube video shows an attractive woman striker holding a
Coca-Cola can up to the camera and shaking it vigorously
while smiling sweetly. She the throws it with perfect form
past the Blackwater guards, hitting Cassius on the forehead.
When the can hits, a “Boing!” sound effect happens.
CASSIUS
Fuck!!!
CAN THROWER
Have a Coke and a smile, bitch!
The video shows the woman smiling and taking a theatrical bow
while fellow strikers clap.
Roaring laughter from the studio audience. The host is
laughing uncontrollably.
Cassius turns off the TV and realizes that he has been
sketching a horse on the newspaper while watching.
He jumps up, pats his pockets and rifles through them.
CASSIUS
Fuck! Fuck is my cellphone!?
Pats his pockets again. Stops. He left it at Steve Lift’s.
White 5/17/17 82.
88 EXT. CITY STREET- DAY 88
Cassius walking out of a mobile phone store and dialing on a
new cellphone while carrying the box it came in. It’s
different than his old one. He walks briskly as he talks.
VOICE ON PHONE
San Francisco Chronicle.
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Eric Arnold, please.
ERIC (O.S.)
Eric Arnold.
CASSIUS- OVERDUB BY WHITE ACTOR
Mr. Arnold. Cassius Green again-
Click. Eric has hung up on Cassius.
89 INT. MEDICAL WAITING ROOM- DAY 89
Cassius sits in a waiting room, reading a National Enquirer.
The cover has a crudely photo-shopped picture of a person
with a head that has been cut and pasted from a photo of a
horse. It does not look real at all. The headline reads:
Horse-People Stealing Jobs From Slaves!
The TV is blaring an episode from Entertainment Tonight.
Cassius looks up at it.
ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT HOST
In the strangest thing to happen in
advertising history, Coca-Cola has
announced working with Cynthia Rose-
the foul-mouthed heroine with
perfect aim from the “Coke-And-A-
Smile-Bitch” YouTube clip. Rose
reportedly signed for an amount of
money that could buy four White
babies.
The show cuts to a press conference. An advertising
executive, Dale Schillit, is behind a podium with cameras
flashing.
DALE SCHILLIT
54 Million views in 27 hours.
Cynthia’s the new breed of pop-
star. If everybody’s getting their
15 minutes of fame, we wanna hold
the stopwatch.
White 5/17/17 83.
Back to the Entertainment Tonight studio.
ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT HOST
The strike breaker who got
hilariously pegged in that clip has
been revealed to be named-
DOCTOR ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT HOST
Cassius Green! (CONT'D)
Cassius Green.
Scene 29 - The Discovery
- Overall: 9.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 9
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 7
Cassius is standing in front of the doctor, facing him. He
drops his pants. The DOCTOR stares at Cassius’s crotch.
CASSIUS
I was worried that it might be
different. It- It seems bigger.
The doctor shakes his head, “No”. Cassius pulls his pants up.
CASSIUS (CONT’D)
So, not like a horse?
91 EXT. CITY STREET- DAY 91
Cassius rushes down the street, dialing on his phone. He puts
it to his ear.
CASSIUS
Detroit. It’s me. I lost my phone
last night and got a new one. I
need to see you immediately.
Please. It’s important.
92 INT. CASSIUS’S CHIC APARTMENT- NIGHT 92
Cassius is standing in front of Detroit, facing her. He
starts unbuttoning his pants.
DETROIT
No, Cassius.
CASSIUS
Not like that. Really. Tell me if
it looks different.
Cassius pulls his pants down. Detroit looks.
White 5/17/17 84.
DETROIT
Looks the same to me. What am I
looking for? Herpes or crabs or
something? Did you go fuck some
girl raw?
CASSIUS
No. It doesn’t look bigger? ‘Cause
it feels bigger.
DETROIT
Glad you’re feelin’ yourself! Is
that why you kept trying to booty
call me last night?
CASSIUS
I didn’t booty call you. I told you
I lost my phone. I lost it at the
party. I just got a new one today.
Detroit looks at her phone.
DETROIT
I got a call from you at... 3:23am.
And a video message that I didn’t
check yet.
CASSIUS
Can I see that?
Detroit hands the phone to Cassius.
He presses a button to play the video as they both watch.
It’s a video message from one of the horse-people, who is
apparently operating the phone while it’s on the floor. There
are other horse people who are shoving they’re head in and
out of frame.
GUY IN STALL
Help me! Please! I’m hurting!
The horse-people start whinnying and getting very excited.
OTHER HORSE-PEOPLE
I’m hurting! Help me! I’m hurting!
Please!
The horse-people get so excited that they kick the phone
around- it shows the various body parts and there is a
WorryFree logo on the wall. Then we see workers in WorryFree
uniforms come in and inject the equisapiens with some kind of
sedative.
White 5/17/17 85.
A WorryFree manager punches a code into a wall-mounted dial
pad, which loosens the chains of the now sedated Equisapiens.
The chains slack, and workers herd the Equisapiens back into
the stalls. The manager punches in another code, and the
chains tighten once more. STEVE LIFT walks in wearing a
ridiculously colored bathrobe.
STEVE LIFT
Quiet down, you motherfucking
freaks-of-nature. This is me time
and you’re-
The video cuts off.
CASSIUS
I guess I found my phone.
93 EXT. STREET 93
Cassius and Detroit are walking fast. Detroit’s freaking out.
DETROIT
What the fuck!?
CASSIUS
That’s what I said.
DETROIT
Oh my god. Oh shit. This doesn’t
seem real. We can’t let them do
this. People have to know. You have
to tell them.
(points at his crotch)
But, why did-
CASSIUS
I thought I was turning into an
Equisapien. I thought I snorted the
activator, but I guess it was just
coke after all.
DETROIT
But why focus on your dick? They
have huge nostrils. You could’ve
asked me to check your nostrils.
CASSIUS
Ok. Are my nostrils bigger?
Detroit checks. Cassius is unconsciously flaring his
nostrils.
White 5/17/17 86.
DETROIT
Yes. Because you keep flaring them.
Cassius is actually flaring his nostrils because he is
breaking down from the stress and starting to cry. As he
cries, Detroit moves closer to console him.
Scene 30 - Revelations and Betrayal
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 9
- Characters: 7
- Dialogue: 8
Cassius and Detroit are laying on the floor after having sex.
DETROIT
I just want you to know- I need to
be clear- this can’t happen again.
We’re not back together, Ok?
CASSIUS
Ok. I need you to know- I’m not
going back. I can’t be a Power
Caller anymore. I can’t work for
WorryFree... And I need you, D.
DETROIT
I think that’s a great decision.
But I still have problems with all
this.
CASSIUS
But, now I’m-
DETROIT
You happily sold slaves and scabbed
against the strike. Only something
happening to you turned you against
them.
CASSIUS
Isn’t that how we all make
decisions? And I didn’t-
DETROIT
No. It doesn’t have to be.
CASSIUS
Look- I see myself in their eyes.
WorryFree and Regalview. They see a
pawn, a creature to manipulate. I’m
not that dude anymore.
DETROIT
Good. But that doesn’t change what
I said about us. Also, I kind of
messed with somebody last night.
White 5/17/17 87.
CASSIUS
What does “kind of messed with”
mean? Did you-
DETROIT
Everything but.
CASSIUS
“Everything but”!? That can be way
nastier than- What exactly- did you-
Detroit nods.
CASSIUS (CONT’D)
Did he-
Detroit smiles and nods.
CASSIUS (CONT’D)
(strange hand gyration)
Did you both-
DETROIT
Cassius, we’re broken up. Over.
It’s you and me that shouldn’t have
messed around tonight. Don’t you
want to know who it was?
CASSIUS
Are you planning on fucking or
everything-but-ing him again?
DETROIT
No.
CASSIUS
Then I don’t want to know. I mean,
I think I know. Was it- no. I don’t
wanna know.
Cassius reaches over and turns out the light.
95 INT. DREAMWORLD- NIGHT 95
Cassius is dreaming. We see a rapid-fire montage of Cassius’s
high REM eyelids and macabre VHS-like youtube clips: Cassius
with the bottoms of multiple coke cans covering his face,
horses running, having sex, eating, pulling carriages. At the
pulling carriage part, all of a sudden he is harnessed in the
elevator and Diana Debauchery is holding the reigns.
White 5/17/17 88.
DIANA
This is where the magic happens,
Gigolo!
96 INT. CASSIUS’S CHIC APARTMENT- NIGHT 96
Cassius wakes, breathing heavily. He looks, Detroit is gone.
97 EXT. STREET- NIGHT 97
It’s nighttime in a business district. Detroit and 8 other
people, mainly women, are running full-bore down the street-
laughing and whooping. They are all wearing black and they
each have one black grease-paint stripe under their left eye.
Many are carrying bags. They run to a parked van whose driver
is waiting for them. The van doors fly open and the group
starts filing in. Detroit pauses before she jumps in, looking
back proudly at what they’ve accomplished.
Detroit jumps into the van, which pulls away.
98 EXT. STREET- MORNING 98
Morning. Detroit is walking the opposite direction in the
area she was running the night before. She has a huge smile
on her face. A crowd is gathering and looking at something.
Some people are taking pictures. Many look bewildered.
They’re looking at a 20-ft high by 50-ft long painted papier
mâché sculpture of Steve Lift in a suit with his pants down,
mating with a horse from behind. There are 3-ft high three-
dimensional letters in front of the sculpture, reading:
“WorryFree Is Turning Workers Into Horses And Fucking Them”.
Detroit listens to onlookers.
MAN IN CROWD
(to wife)
I have absolutely no idea what this
is about.
The wife laughs.
OTHER MAN IN CROWD
Maybe it’s saying that capitalism
dehumanizes and that-
DETROIT
Maybe the artist is being literal.
Maybe WorryFree is turning workers
into horses. Literally.
White 5/17/17 89.
OTHER MAN IN CROWD
And literally fucking them?
Detroit doesn’t answer, but gazes at her work, satisfied. Her
right earring reads “Tell Homeland Security” and her left
earring reads “We Are The Bomb” in big block letters.
Scene 31 - The Aftermath of Social Media Fame
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 7
- Plot: 7
- Characters: 9
- Dialogue: 6
Cassius looks over the taco truck menu.
A Car Aficionado is showing off a customized car to a friend.
Car Aficionado pops his trunk. There are woofers and a giant
flatscreen that pop up.
CAR AFICIONADO’S FRIEND
You gon’ be killin’ em at the
sideshow!
CASSIUS
(to Taco Truck Worker)
Three carne asada, two al pastor.
They’re playing the clip of Cassius getting pegged by the
Coke can. View counter: 110 Million views.
CAR AFICIONADO’S FRIEND
I seen this. He’s a mark! Ay, click
on that one.
They click on a clip titled “Look Like The Coke-And-A-Smile-
Bitch Guy For Halloween” The clip shows a White, Mid-Western
mother-type woman cutting a diagonal corner out of a Coke
can, stapling it to an afro wig, and putting it on.
WOMAN ON CLIP
Voila! Just add some fake blood
with face paint or lipstick and
you’re good!
Cassius sneaks away without his tacos.
100 EXT. STREET- DAY TIL DUSK 100
Cassius walks down the street, sulking, looking at the
ground, kicking rocks and other things as he walks. He gets
to the corner and waits for the light to change, still
sulking. Beside him is a billboard that shows a happy family
in a WorryFree housing unit.
A passenger, in a car that is also waiting for the light,
stares at him.
White 5/17/17 90.
CAR AFICIONADO’S FRIEND
Hey, ain’t you that dude from the
YouTube clip?
CASSIUS
Naw, man. Damn. Everybody thinks
I’m him but I-
Cassius is hit in the chest with a large plastic cup of water
that explodes all over him upon impact.
CAR AFICIONADO’S FRIEND
Sorry, all I have is water-
Car peels off with an angry Cassius chasing it.
CAR AFICIONADO’S FRIEND (CONT’D)
-it’s healthier!
Although Cassius miraculously keeps up for a few seconds, the
car gets away and Cassius falls while trying to hit the car
with his fist. He gets up, snorts out while catching his
breath and shaking the dust off, then walks to a nearby park.
He looks terrible: He’s still bleeding from the bandage and
his clothes are dusty from the fall.
101 EXT. PARK BENCH- DUSK 101
Cassius sits, staring out at nothing until the sun goes down.
102 INT. CASSIUS’S CHIC APARTMENT- NIGHT 102
Cassius walks in his front door and starts dialing.
CASSIUS
Detroit. Can you send me that video
message from your phone? I have a
plan. I’ll call you back.
Cassius hangs up. Dials again.
CASSIUS (CONT’D)
Hello. This is Cassius Green of
Have-A-Coke-And-A-Smile-Bitch fame.
I want to be on your show.
Tomorrow.
103 EXT. AIRPORT- NIGHT 103
Automatic airport doors swiftly close behind Cassius.
White 5/17/17 91.
104 INT. AIRPLANE- NIGHT 104
Flight Attendant’s hands close and seal airplane door.
105 INT. NYC AIRPORT- DAY 105
A scrimmage line of limo drivers- shoulder-to-shoulder- hold
signs with names. Cassius briskly pushes through the line.
106 EXT. NYC AIRPORT- DAY 106
100 Yellow Cab door slams closed with Cassius in it. 100
107 EXT. TV STUDIO- DAY 107
Cab screeches to a stop in front of a building with a door.
Above it a sign reads “Studio A”.
108 INT. TV STUDIO- DAY 108
Close-up on a video monitor. The monitor is playing a
commercial with high production value.
A jingle plays as we see a beautifully made up Cynthia Rose
in very fashionable faux-anarchist attire.
She is smiling into the camera with her hair blowing wildly,
in slow motion, while a very fake demonstration is happening
in the background.
Cynthia reaches into her backpack and pulls out a Coca-Cola
can which seems to glow.
Still smiling into the camera, she winks and throws the can
at the head of an actor that looks very similar to Cassius.
When it hits his head- demonstrators, fellow suits, Cynthia
Rose, and Blackwater security start singing “Have a Coke and
a smile, bitch” in a Broadway musical style, while dancing.
The wounded Fake Cassius- who has been knocked on the ground-
gets up, sips the Coke enthusiastically and makes out wildly
with Cynthia Rose.
As the commercial ends, we pull back and see the commercial
on a producer’s monitor behind a camera on a soundstage.
A PRODUCER uses hand signals that say “3, 2, 1- Go!”
White 5/17/17 92.
Scene 32 - Cassius goes viral and speaks out against WorryFree
- Overall: 9.0
- Concept: 10
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 9
We are on the set of “I Got The S#*@ Kicked Outta Me!”
GAME SHOW AUDIENCE
I got the s#*@ kicked outta me
MARY RICH
I’m Mary Rich, and have we got a
treat for you! Today, YouTube
sensation Cassius Green is here.
Cassius, 500 million views-
CASSIUS
Yeah, it’s been crazy-
MARY RICH
500 million people have watched you
get pegged in the noggin and be
utterly humiliated. It’s effin
hilarious. Cassius, what say you?
CASSIUS
Well, Mary, it is humiliating-
MARY RICH
Yet hilarious. Your hand goes up
really fast like that after the can
bounces off your head- “Fuck!”- The
world’s laughing til they piss.
CASSIUS
I’ve got a new clip that I’m in. I
only agreed to come on your show in
exchange for playing the clip to
your 150 million viewers.
MARY RICH
If you want some ass, you gotta
bring some ass! Get out there, then
we’ll play your clip!
We see a montage of Cassius running through a gauntlet, being
hit by paddles, having baseballs hurled at him, being
restrained by two big huys while a “70s Mafia Tough Guy”
punches him, and having sludge-like cow shit dumped on him.
Cassius is now standing next to Mary Rich. He is totally
covered in cow shit, except for his eyes.
CASSIUS
I’d like to play the clip now.
White 5/17/17 93.
MARY RICH
Ok! Is it as crazy as the Coke-and-
a-smile-bitch clip? Not possible.
CASSIUS
It’s crazier, Mary.
MARY RICH
Woo hoo! Let’s roll the clip!
The clip plays. It’s the video message that the Equisapiens
sent to Detroit.
MARY RICH (CONT’D)
Well, that wasn’t funny. It was
just weird and scary.
CASSIUS
Mary, as a Power Caller for
Regalview, one of my clients was
WorryFree. This is incontrovertible
proof of WorryFree’s evil programs!
110 INT. SECOND TV STUDIO- NIGHT 110
Cassius is on a CNN Crossfire-type show.
CASSIUS
They are changing humans into these
grotesque horse-people.
111 INT. THIRD TV STUDIO- MORNING 111
Cassius is on a morning talk show.
CASSIUS
I want the world to know that they
are manipulating humanity for the
sake of profit.
Channel changes.
112 EXT. ELECTRONIC STORE WINDOW- DAY 112
We are now watching Cassius on a TV. He is on a late-night
talk show, but a CNN logo is in the TV screen corner.
CASSIUS
Tell everyone. Call your
congressmen.
(MORE)
White 5/17/17 94.
CASSIUS (CONT'D)
Call your local politicians. We
have to let them know we won’t
stand for this.
Cassius passionately addresses the crowd. We can’t hear him.
CNN REPORTER (V.O.)
It’s been one day since a viral
celebrity leaked to the world new
scientific achievements made by
WorryFree and their genius CEO
Steve Lift.
News segment cuts to Steve Lift at the NY Stock Exchange,
smiling, ringing the bell, and doing the “Watch Me Whip,
Watch Me Nay Nay” dance.
CNN REPORTER (V.O.
Which caused WorryFree stocks to
skyrocket at a rate faster than any
other company in history.
Steve lift, still at NYSE, is shown popping champagne and
pouring it into the mouths and all over the bodies of men and
women in suits who are jumping up and down and slapping him
five.
CNN REPORTER (V.O.)(CONT’D)
House and Senate leaders joined
Lift in ringing the bell to
celebrate the record stock market
rally WorryFree’s success has
created.
We see Cassius watching the TV through an electronics store
window. He turns, his eyes watering, and starts to angrily
walk down the street.
A few steps later he passes a street preacher and his
followers, dressed in white, flanking a huge sign that reads:
“REVELATION 19:14! AND THE ARMIES WHICH ARE IN HEAVEN,
CLOTHED IN FINE LINEN, WHITE AND CLEAN, WERE FOLLOWING HIM ON
WHITE HORSES.”
There is a picture of an Equisapien and a picture of Steve
Lift in a white suit. Underneath those pictures: “STEVE LIFT
IS JESUS”. Cassius is indignant. He punches the sign down and
walks off.
STREET PREACHER
Lord Lift will save him!
White 5/17/17 95.
Scene 33 - Taking a Stand
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 7
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 7
Cassius walks in through the door. A mounted TV plays a video
from a FAMOUS MALE POP STAR. FAMOUS MALE POP STAR’s face has
a single black grease paint stripe under his left eye, like
the Left Eye Faction. He sings his song.
FAMOUS MALE POP STAR
I miiiight be a rebel!/ but giiirl-
you can fuck me, fuck me, fuck me,
fuck me, fuck me, fuck me, fuck me,
fuck me, fuck me, fuck me...
We see that Squeeze and Salvador are sitting at a booth,
waiting for Cassius. He walks over and sits down.
SQUEEZE
Thanks for calling-
CASSIUS
Look, I betrayed you. Sorry doesn’t
handle it. But I am sorry. I was
stupid, selfish, and blind.
SALVADOR
Man. All you can do is do it right
from now on.
CASSIUS
I tried to fix it. I mean it’s
right there. They’re turning human
beings into efficient monsters and
nobody gives a fuck.
SQUEEZE
Nah. We all give a fuck, but don’t
know how to give it. Most people
watching you on that screen knew
calling their congressman wasn’t
gonna do shit. They feel powerless.
If you get shown a problem, but
don’t see a way you can have
control over it- you just decide to
get used to the problem.
CASSIUS
That’s why my plan- OUR plan for
tomorrow is important.
SQUEEZE
It’s a good plan.
White 5/17/17 96.
SALVADOR
Tomorrow we show em how to give
fucks.
A group of school children- led by their teachers- walk by
the diner window. It’s Halloween day and the kids are
parading in their costumes. 80% of them have Cassius
costumes: afro wigs with Coke cans and fake blood attached.
Cassius, Squeeze, and Salvador are taken aback.
CASSIUS
What the hell!?
As Cassius looks out the window, he is slapped hard in the
side of his face by a waitress with a fountain soda in a
styrofoam cup, which explodes in his face.
114 EXT. STREET- DAY 114
Cassius drives his car to the park where the football players
are playing. He gets out and runs toward them.
115 EXT. STEVE LIFT’S MANSION- DAY 115
CASSIUS is dressed in a custodial uniform. He approaches a
security-box dial pad outside a side gate at the mansion. He
looks at his phone and plays the equisapiens’ video message:
the part where the manager is dialing a code. CASSIUS dials
the same code and the gate opens. He walks in.
116 EXT. GALLERY- DUSK 116
Cassius has just loaded the last of 8 statues via hand-truck
onto a flatbed rental truck. Detroit is helping. They hug
each other. Cassius tries to kiss her. She pulls away. The
street is filled with kids with trick-or-treat bags and Coke-
And-A-Smile-Bitch Halloween costumes on. One group of kids
spot Cassius and start throwing their Halloween candy at him.
Scene 34 - The Strike
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 7
- Plot: 9
- Characters: 6
- Dialogue: 5
The strike. The strikers are violently and successfully
keeping out the scabs. All of the strikers are wearing Coke-
And-A-Smile-Bitch wigs. A TV news crew is on the scene.
TV NEWS REPORTER
None of the strikers here at the
Regalview strike will tell us why
they are all wearing their Coke-And-
A-Smile-Bitch wigs.
White 5/17/17 97.
We see the Blackwater security guards forming their perimeter
around the Power Callers. All of the Power Callers are there,
except for Cassius.
TV NEWS REPORTER (CONT’D)
Although strikers have been
extremely militant over the past
weeks, they’ve not been able to
stop the Blackwater juggernaut from
breaking through the line.
BLACKWATER AGENT
Hut! Hut! Go!
The Blackwater security are pushing through a massive sea of
strikers dressed in Coke-And-A-Smile-Bitch wigs.
They’re meeting some resistance, but pushing strikers to the
left and right with relative ease, and trampling over many as
they build up speed getting to the door. A smoke bomb goes
off.
There’s no stopping them as they go faster and faster.
We hear a whistle blow loudly.
One group of strikers jumps quickly to either side, revealing
a stoic group of strikers who aren’t moving and- BLAM! The
Blackwaters bang their heads on something and they and the
Power Callers fall backward onto the ground.
We see that this last group weren’t strikers, but Detroit’s
statues, dressed in clothes and Coke-And-A-Smile-Bitch wigs.
The crowd cheers wildly!
The Blackwaters and Power Callers get up, disheveled, with
some more confused than others.
BLACKWATER AGENT (CONT’D)
Go around soldiers! Clockwise! No
retreat!
Cassius, in a Coke-And-A-Smile-Bitch wig, stands on the
shoulders of the statues and loudly blows a whistle.
On both sides of the Blackwater guards, the strikers jump out
of the way and we see two groups of very large people wearing
Coke-And-A-Smile-Bitch wigs. They are running very fast
towards the Blackwaters. It is the football team. They have
custom wigs over their helmets and jackets over their pads.
They smash into the group- KABLAM! SMASH! THUD!
White 5/17/17 98.
TV NEWS REPORTER
Eew.
The crowd cheers more wildly! Doubly and Triply wild cheers!
The Blackwaters are on the ground at various states of
consciousness and mobility. Many Power Callers crawl away,
some lie there in pain. The strikers have won this bout.
Cassius snatches his own wig off and whoops and hollers,
hugging Sal and Squeeze.
TV NEWS REPORTER (CONT’D)
The infamous Cassius Green, former
Power Caller and strike-line
crosser, has switched sides and is-
Three large UPS/SWAT-looking trucks pull up very quickly, and
dozens of Blackwater security guards pile out of each truck.
BLACKWATER GUARDS
Hut! Hut! Hut! Hut!
TV NEWS REPORTER
Looks like the cavalry has arrived,
folks!
Blackwater guards force their way through the crowd, bashing
people in the head with batons, screaming as if going to war.
Wigs flying everywhere. People are bloody. DETROIT motions
for CASSIUS, SAL, and SQUEEZE to come to where she is behind
a dumpster. They are stunned, frightened, and look defeated
by this show of force. CASSIUS pulls out his phone and dials.
CASSIUS
(To Sal and Squeeze)
This is where the magic happens.
CASSIUS blows the whistle loudly into the phone. The whistle
goes on for many seconds. We see from CASSIUS’s POV as he
stares down the street, past the commotion of protesters in
wigs being beaten bloody and senseless.
UNSEEN VOICE
Hey, Cassius!
Cassius’s POV. Cassius turns toward the voice. It’s a
Blackwater guard with a baton in mid-swing at Cassius’s face.
Cassius gets knocked in the face and blacks out.
White 5/17/17 99.
Scene 35 - Escape and Apologies
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 7
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 7
Cassius wakes in a small dark metal room, with a long
horizontal rectangular slot for a window. He’s in a
paddywagon. Cassius rattles the doors frantically.
CASSIUS
Lemme the fuck outta here!
There’s commotion outside. He looks out the slot/window, but
his sight is limited by the size of the slot. He can see
parts of bodies that are fighting. Suddenly- a blackwater
guard’s body crashes against the outside of the slot.
BLACKWATER AGENT
Fuck!
Cassius hears a whinny. It’s the Equisapiens!
The guard falls. Looking through the slot, we watch pieces of
the fight happening outside. A baton here. An Equisapien fist
being swung there. A piece of the torso of an Equisapien
running past. We hear a car crash. We see an aluminum
baseball bat being swung by an Equisapien arm. We hear
windows breaking. See Blackwater agents being thrown. Sirens.
The top of an Equisapien’s head. The fight is happening up
against the paddywagon, which is shaking as it gets bumped.
The paddywagon starts to shake violently. Cassius is nervous.
We hear metal bending. Then- the back door to the paddywagon
gets ripped open. It’s an Equisapien. Cassius gets out. We
can see that this is the same Equisapien whom CASSIUS first
met in the stall, GUY IN STALL. He lets out a loud whinny.
He’s about 8 foot tall, holding an aluminum bat. He’s
breathing hard. We now see that there are 3 other Equisapiens
behind him. On the ground are unconscious Blackwater guards.
Cassius steps out of the paddywagon.
CASSIUS
(loudly and slowly)
THANK YOU. WE ARE HONORED BY YOUR
PRESENCE.
GUY IN STALL
Dude. I’m from East Oakland. Talk
regular. My name is DeMarius.
Thanks for breakin us out.
CASSIUS
No problem. Cassius. Cassius Green.
CASSIUS and DEMARIUS give each other a fist bump. DEMARIUS
surveys the rest of the scene. Many Blackwater agents are
running away, and so are the Power Callers.
White 5/17/17 100.
Dumpsters are turned over, debris on the ground, a car turned
over, and residue from smoke bombs in the air. A real victory
for the strikers this time. DEMARIUS hears a helicopter
approaching.
DEMARIUS
(to a nearby Equisapien)
WorryFree is here.
DEMARIUS turns back toward CASSIUS. SQUEEZE is now standing
next to him.
SQUEEZE
(To DEMARIUS)
Same struggle. Same fight.
SQUEEZE and DEMARIUS do a clenched-fist salute, with CASSIUS
joining in at the last second.
GUY IN STALL
(In a booming voice,
louder than a bullhorn)
Equisapiens! Let’s be out!
The Equisapiens run down the street and around the corner as
the strikers cheer. Applause and cheers for the Equisapiens
turns into a victory celebration for the strikers. Someone in
a Coke-and-a-smile-bitch wig comes up and taps CASSIUS on the
back. He turns and we see that it’s DETROIT.
DETROIT
I need to talk to the brilliant
mastermind-slash-hero of the day.
Slash-kiss-me.
Cassius blows the whistle and grabs Detroit. They kiss and
embrace as the strike/celebration goes on behind them.
119 EXT. STREET- DAY 119
Cassius’s black Mercedes-Benz cruises down the street and
pulls up to the garage-door entrance to CASSIUS’s old place.
120 EXT. CASSIUS’S STUDIO APARTMENT- DAY 120
Cassius walks up to the Benz and we realize that it wasn’t
him driving. The driver gets out with the car still running.
It’s Salvador. He’s smiling.
SALVADOR
Man, are you serious?
White 5/17/17 101.
CASSIUS
Serious as cake in a can.
SALVADOR
Hell yeah! That’s serious! You’re
givin-
CASSIUS
It’s yours. I have a car that’ll do
me just fine to get to work at
Regalview.
Cassius gestures toward a small, late-model car.
CASSIUS (CONT’D)
Plus, I wanted to say sorry.
SALVADOR
Just sayin’ “sorry” woulda been
fine. But I don’t wanna insult you.
Salvador and Cassius exchange a one-handed man-hug and Sal
walks back to get in the car.
SALVADOR (CONT’D)
Now that the strike’s won, you’re
ok with coming back to work with us
as a lowly regular telemarketer?
CASSIUS
If the new and glorious
Telemarketers Union will have me.
We gotta start fighting somewhere.
Sal smiles and gets into the car.
Detroit walks up as Cassius walks toward the garage door. She
is wearing earrings that say “Bella Ciao” in big block
letters on both sides.
DETROIT
So- what about being part of
something important? What about the
sun exploding?
CASSIUS
We are part of something important-
that changes the world. Part of the
sun exploding.
Cassius reaches down and pulls the garage door open. It’s his
same old studio apartment, but it’s now all decked out like a
stylish luxurious apartment with recessed lights and
expensive furniture. It’s fly.
White 5/17/17 102.
The man in the framed picture looks prouder than ever.
Cassius looks at Detroit.
CASSIUS (CONT’D)
I couldn’t come back to the exact
same place after living like that.
Could I?
Detroit smiles. She is not judging.
They walk in.
Scene 36 - Equisapien Transformation
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 7
- Characters: 7
- Dialogue: 6
Cassius struggles to pull the door down and shut.
CASSIUS
Thought I fixed-
The door slams down hard, smashing Cassius in the nose. He
covers his face and screams while still covering it. Detroit
runs to him.
CASSIUS (CONT’D)
Fuck! Why the-
Cassius’s cussing turns into a loud whinny. Detroit is
startled.
DETROIT
What the-
Cassius’s hands come off of his face.
He has gigantic nostrils and large eyes. He’s snorting and
confused. He is turning into an Equisapiens.
Detroit screams. Cut to black.
Credits roll over eerie music for 8 seconds.
122 INT. STEVE LIFT’S MANSION- DAY 122
Steve Lift is in bed. The video intercom next to his bed is
ringing off the hook. He sleepily presses the button to
answer. The security video monitor turns on. It’s a close-up
of the Cassius’s fully metamorphized Equisapien face. We see
and hear that other Equisapiens are behind him.
White 5/17/17 103.
CASSIUS
I’m Cassius Green calling on behalf
of stomp-a-mudhole-in-yo-ass.com.
Sorry to bother you-
The video monitor shows Cassius grabbing the camera with one
hand. Then- video snow. Cassius has ripped the camera off.
Cut to black. Credits roll. Triumphant music.
Characters in the screenplay, and their arcs:
| Character | Arc | Critique | Suggestions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cassius Green | Throughout the movie, Cassius's character arc involves him realizing the true nature of his job and the negative impact it has on society. Initially, Cassius is solely focused on success and believes that success is the only way to improve his life. However, as he rises through the ranks of his telemarketing company, he becomes disillusioned with the ethics of his work. Eventually, Cassius joins a union, realizing that true success comes from collective action and making positive change in the world. | The character arc for Cassius is well-formed and provides a clear trajectory for his growth throughout the movie. However, it would be beneficial for the audience to see more of Cassius's internal struggles and his journey to coming to terms with the negative impact of his job. Additionally, it would be helpful to see more of Cassius's past experiences that may have influenced his motivations and beliefs. | To improve Cassius's character arc, the writer could include more scenes that show his internal struggles and his process of coming to terms with the negative impact of his job. Additionally, flashbacks or exposition scenes could be included that provide insight into Cassius's past experiences and beliefs. This would help to create a more complete picture of his character and provide a more satisfying resolution to his arc. |
| Cassius | Cassius starts off as a frustrated and directionless telemarketer, but becomes motivated by financial pressures and a strong sense of justice. As he becomes disillusioned with his job, he becomes involved in a rebellion against his employer. Initially hesitant to join, he ultimately takes action and becomes a leader in the strike. His encounter with the part-man, part-horse creatures pushes him to question the morality of WorryFree. He becomes determined to fight against injustice and make amends for his past actions, ultimately risking everything to do so. | The character arc could be improved by exploring Cassius' motivations and inner struggles in greater detail. Additionally, while he shows significant growth and change throughout the story, some of the transitions feel a bit abrupt and could benefit from more development. Moreover, it would be helpful to see more of his relationships with other characters, particularly with Detroit, which would help ground his motivations and actions. | To improve the character arc, consider adding more scenes that highlight Cassius' inner conflicts and motivations. For example, you could have him reflect more deeply on his identity and insecurities, or show how his relationships with other characters, particularly with Detroit, evolve over time. Additionally, try to smooth out some of the transitions in his character development, and make sure that his actions and decisions are well-grounded in his motivations and experiences throughout the story. |
| Detroit | Detroit starts out as a loving and supportive partner to Cassius, and remains a strong ally in the fight against unjust working conditions at their workplace. As she becomes more involved in activism and protests, her relationship with Cassius becomes strained. Eventually, she decides to prioritize her activism over her relationship, but still supports Cassius as a friend and encourages him to continue fighting for a larger cause. | The character arc for Detroit is quite solid, with clear progression from supportive partner to passionate activist. However, there could be a clearer resolution to her relationship with Cassius. It is left somewhat open-ended whether they will continue to be friends or if their relationship will be strained further. | To improve the character arc, it may be helpful to have a conversation or confrontation between Detroit and Cassius, where they discuss their differing priorities and come to a clear understanding of where they stand with each other. This could provide a more satisfying conclusion to their relationship arc. |
| Salvador | Throughout the movie, Salvador's loyalty and support for Cassius is consistently shown despite the challenges they face. He also demonstrates his passion for art and small businesses. However, when Cassius initially sells out and takes the promotion, Salvador feels betrayed and confronts him. After some time and reflection, Salvador accepts Cassius' apology and continues to show his support by joining the strike. His character arc ultimately showcases his unwavering loyalty and willingness to stand up for his beliefs. | The character arc for Salvador is a bit underdeveloped and doesn't have a clear resolution. While his loyalty and support are evident throughout the movie, his conflict with Cassius is resolved somewhat quickly and without much depth. It could benefit from more exploration and development to add to the emotional weight and impact of his character arc. | To improve Salvador's character arc, more attention should be given to his conflict with Cassius and how it affects their friendship. This could add more depth and complexity to Salvador's character, showcasing his internal struggles and growth. Additionally, showing more of his passion for art and small businesses could add to his character development, making him a more nuanced and interesting character. |
| Squeeze | Throughout the movie, Squeeze goes from being a coworker trying to recruit Cassius to join the movement, to a passionate leader who inspires others to join the cause. As he becomes more involved in the movement, he struggles with his own skepticism and doubts, but ultimately finds the courage to continue fighting for what he believes in. Squeeze also challenges Detroit's views on the value of art as activism and eventually comes to understand the importance of both approaches. | The character arc for Squeeze is interesting but feels somewhat underdeveloped. We don't get a strong sense of his inner turmoil or the specific moments that inspire him to keep fighting. Additionally, some of his actions and motivations, particularly in regards to Detroit, could be more clearly defined. | To improve Squeeze's character arc, it could be helpful to include more scenes that showcase his struggles and doubts. Additionally, exploring the dynamics between Squeeze, Detroit, and Cassius in greater depth could add more nuance and complexity to his character. |
| Steve Lift | Steve Lift begins as a charming and persuasive figure who represents success at any cost. As the movie progresses, he reveals himself to be a sinister and manipulative CEO who is willing to cross any ethical boundaries to gain more power and control. When Cassius confronts him about the Equisapiens, Steve initially dismisses his concerns, but eventually shows some remorse for his actions. However, instead of trying to undo the damage he has caused, he doubles down on his quest for power, ultimately leading to his downfall when Cassius engineers a rebellion against him. | Overall, Steve Lift's character arc is well-developed and consistent throughout the movie. However, his eventual downfall feels somewhat rushed and underdeveloped, considering how integral he is to the plot. Additionally, although there are hints at his remorse early on, it could be more effectively developed and explored in order to give his eventual downfall more emotional weight. | To improve the character arc, it could be helpful to spend more time exploring Steve's motivations and emotional state as he becomes more and more entrenched in his quest for power. This could potentially involve additional scenes with Cassius where Steve reveals more about himself, or moments where he reflects on his actions. Additionally, his downfall could be more effectively built up in order to make it feel like a more satisfying conclusion to his arc. This could involve more emphasis on the rebellion, or more hints throughout the movie that Steve's behavior is unsustainable. |
Top Correlations and patterns found in the scenes:
| Pattern | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Tone-Emotional Impact Correlation | There is a positive correlation between the emotional impact of the screenplay and its tone, with more emotional stories tending to have more serious or tense tones. |
| Character Changes-Dialogue Correlation | There is a positive correlation between character changes and the quality of dialogue, with stories that feature well-developed character arcs having better dialogue overall. |
| Conflict-High Stakes Correlation | There is a positive correlation between the level of conflict in the screenplay and the stakes for the characters involved, with high-stakes conflicts driving more compelling storytelling. |
| Concept-Plot Correlation | There is a positive correlation between the strength of a screenplay's concept and the quality of its narrative plot, with more unique and interesting concepts leading to more engaging plotlines. |
| Tone-Character Changes Correlation | There is a correlation between a screenplay's tone and the degree to which its characters undergo meaningful changes, with darker and more serious tones often generating more impactful character arcs. |
| Emotional Impact-Conflict Correlation | There is a positive correlation between a screenplay's emotional impact and its level of conflict, with stories that provoke strong emotional responses often featuring higher-impact conflicts. |
| Move Story Forward-Dialogue Correlation | There is a positive correlation between a screenplay's ability to move its story forward and the quality of its dialogue, with stories that utilize strong dialogue to progress their narrative pacing often achieving better overall structure. |
| Character Changes-Conflict Correlation | There is a positive correlation between a screenplay's character changes and the level of conflict present in the story, with strong character development often being driven by meaningful conflicts that the characters must overcome. |
| Tone-High Stakes Correlation | There is a correlation between a screenplay's tone and the degree of high stakes present in the story, with more serious or tense tones often leading to higher stakes for the characters involved. |
| Plot-Character Changes Correlation | There is a positive correlation between the quality of a screenplay's plot and the degree to which its characters undergo meaningful changes, with well-structured plots often providing the framework for impactful character arcs. |
Here are different Tropes found in the screenplay
| Trope | Trope Details | Trope Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Fake Resume | Cassius shows up at a job interview with a fake resume and trophies. | A character presenting a false or exaggerated document or information to get ahead. Seen in the TV show Suits when the main character, Mike Ross, fakes his law degree to get a job at a top law firm. |
| Magical Negro | Cassius is coached by Langston, a wise older Black man who teaches him to use a 'white voice' for better sales. | A Black character who uses supernatural wisdom to assist a white protagonist. Seen in the movie The Green Mile when the character of John Coffey possesses supernatural abilities to help a white protagonist. |
| White Voice | Cassius is coached by Langston to use a 'white voice' for better sales. | A Black character using a higher pitched, anglicized voice to sell products as it is seen in the movie Sorry to Bother You. It plays into the western trope that anything black is slightly lesser in value. |
| Journey to the Center of the Mind | Cassius has a disturbing dream about Equisapiens. | A character journeying into their own psyche, either through dreams or hallucinations. An example is the TV show Legion which follows the character David Haller as he navigates through his own mind. |
| Morally Ambiguous Character | Cassius faces conflict entering the world of Power Calling, but ultimately secures a deal that impresses his colleagues. | A character whose ethical compass is unclear or changes throughout the story. Seen in the TV show Breaking Bad where the main character, Walter White, starts off as a sympathetic character before becoming a morally ambiguous drug kingpin. |
| Theme | Theme Details | Themee Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Capitalism and Exploitation | The film explores the effects of capitalism on individuals and society, showing how the pressure to succeed in a capitalist society leads to exploitation and dehumanization. Cassius specifically faces conflicts with his own morals as he rises through the ranks of telemarketing, ultimately accepting a promotion to sell slave labor. | The film reveals the dark side of capitalism, exploring how individuals are often exploited and dehumanized in their attempts to succeed in a capitalist society. Cassius faces conflicts with his own sense of morality as he participates in promoting the exploitation of others. |
| Identity and Racism | The theme of identity and racism is prominent throughout the film, with Cassius grappling with his own identity as a black man in a world dominated by white power and success. He faces pressure to adopt a 'white' voice to succeed in telemarketing, and ultimately experiences firsthand the exploitation of black bodies for profit. | The film portrays the struggles of a black man navigating a predominantly white power structure, highlighting the racism and exploitation that exists within capitalist systems. Cassius's experiences with using a 'white' voice and his later exposure to slave labor emphasize the ways in which black bodies are commodified and exploited for profit. |
| Art and Activism | The film also touches on themes of art and activism, with Cassius's friend Detroit using street art as a form of activism against capitalist oppression. The two friends have debates about the efficacy of activism and protest and ultimately clash over their differing beliefs about how to create meaningful social change. | The film explores the role of art and activism in fighting against capitalist oppression, with Detroit using street art to express his political ideas. Cassius's conflicts with his friend underscore the differing perspectives on how to create meaningful social change. |
Screenwriting Resources on Themes
Articles
| Site | Description |
|---|---|
| Studio Binder | Movie Themes: Examples of Common Themes for Screenwriters |
| Coverfly | Improving your Screenplay's theme |
| John August | Writing from Theme |
YouTube Videos
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Story, Plot, Genre, Theme - Screenwriting Basics | Screenwriting basics - beginner video |
| What is theme | Discussion on ways to layer theme into a screenplay. |
| Thematic Mistakes You're Making in Your Script | Common Theme mistakes and Philosophical Conflicts |
Engine: Gemini
Screenplay Rating:
Recommend
Executive Summary
Sorry to Bother You is a highly original and thought-provoking screenplay with a unique blend of social satire, dark humor, and surrealism. The film's exploration of capitalism, labor exploitation, and identity is both timely and impactful. While the pacing could be improved and certain elements could be further developed, the screenplay's strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a highly recommendable project with significant potential.
Strengths
- Unique and thought-provoking premise that blends social commentary with dark humor and surrealism. high
- Sharp and effective satire of capitalism, corporate greed, and labor exploitation. high ( Scene 23 Scene 44 Scene 46 Scene 81 )
- Compelling and well-developed main character, Cassius Green, whose journey explores themes of identity, ambition, and morality. high
- Strong supporting characters, particularly Detroit, who provide depth and further explore the film's themes. medium ( Scene 2 Scene 27 Scene 51 )
- Creative and imaginative use of magical realism that enhances the storytelling and thematic impact. medium ( Scene 10 Scene 11 Scene 12 )
Areas of Improvement
- The pacing can feel uneven at times, with certain scenes feeling rushed while others drag. medium
- The introduction of the Equisapiens could be more effectively foreshadowed earlier in the screenplay. medium ( Scene 81 Scene 83 )
- The dream sequence could be more tightly integrated into the narrative and thematic arc. low ( Scene 95 )
- The ending could be more impactful and provide a clearer resolution to the film's central conflicts. medium ( Scene 78 Scene 79 )
MissingElements
- Deeper exploration of the motivations and experiences of the Equisapiens. high
- More nuanced portrayal of the societal response to the revelation of WorryFree's actions. medium
NotablePoints
- The use of the 'White voice' as a metaphor for code-switching and assimilation is both clever and disturbing. high ( Scene 23 )
- Detroit's art installation and performance piece is a powerful commentary on exploitation and the commodification of art. high ( Scene 51 )
- The depiction of Steve Lift as a narcissistic and sociopathic CEO is both humorous and chilling. high ( Scene 76 )
Engine: Claude
Screenplay Rating:
Recommend
Executive Summary
The screenplay 'Sorry to Bother You' is a compelling and socially conscious story that follows the journey of Cassius Green, a telemarketer who discovers a disturbing secret about his employer, WorryFree. The narrative skillfully blends elements of satire, social commentary, and thrilling plotlines to create a captivating and unique cinematic experience. The character development, particularly the arc of Cassius and his relationship with Detroit, is a standout strength, adding emotional depth to the overall story. While the pacing could be tightened in a few instances, the screenplay's strengths, including the powerful climax and thought-provoking themes, make it a strong candidate for consideration.
Strengths
- The opening scenes effectively establish the protagonist, Cassius Green, and his goals and motivations. The character is well-defined and relatable, setting the stage for the narrative to unfold. high ( Scene 1 (INT. MANAGER'S OFFICE- DAY) Scene 2 (INT. CASSIUS'S STUDIO APARTMENT- MORNING) )
- The scenes depicting Cassius's journey as a telemarketer, including his discovery of the 'White Voice' technique, are compelling and drive the story forward in an engaging manner. high ( Scene 7 (INT. TELEMARKETING CUBICLES- DAY) Scene 23 (INT. TELEMARKETING CUBICLES- DAY) )
- The scenes where Cassius is recruited to the 'Power Caller' position and learns about the unethical practices of WorryFree are well-crafted and raise the stakes of the story. high ( Scene 41 (INT. MANAGER'S OFFICE- DAY) Scene 46 (INT. POWER CALLING SUITE- DAY) )
- The scenes depicting the climactic showdown between Cassius and the WorryFree/Regalview establishment are thrilling and emotionally impactful, providing a satisfying resolution to the story. high ( Scene 74 (INT. GALLERY- NIGHT) Scene 117 (EXT. OFFICE BUILDING- DAY) )
- The character development of Cassius and his relationship with Detroit is well-executed, adding emotional depth and complexity to the narrative. medium ( Scene 2 (INT. CASSIUS'S STUDIO APARTMENT- MORNING) Scene 94 (INT. CASSIUS'S CHIC APARTMENT- NIGHT) )
Areas of Improvement
- The 'ISO-Booth' scene, while serving a purpose in the story, could be streamlined or presented in a more engaging manner to avoid feeling like an interruption in the overall pacing. medium ( Scene 55 (INT. ISO-BOOTH- DAY) )
- The party scene at Steve Lift's mansion, while visually interesting, could be tightened to maintain the narrative momentum and avoid feeling too indulgent. medium ( Scene 76 (INT. STEVE LIFT'S MANSION- NIGHT) )
- The 'Washroom' scene, while revealing crucial information, could be streamlined or presented in a more subtle manner to avoid feeling like an abrupt tonal shift. medium ( Scene 83 (INT. WASHROOM- NIGHT) )
MissingElements
- While the meeting room scene provides important context, it could benefit from more character development and exploration of the various telemarketer personalities beyond Cassius. medium ( Scene 12 (INT. MEETING ROOM- DAY) )
- The 'Fancy Elevator' scenes, while visually striking, could be further developed to provide more insight into the Power Caller hierarchy and the overall WorryFree corporate culture. medium ( Scene 24 (INT. FANCY ELEVATOR- MORNING) Scene 43 (INT. FANCY ELEVATOR- DAY) )
NotablePoints
- The scene where Cassius is forced to perform a rap at Steve Lift's party is a standout moment, highlighting the protagonist's discomfort and the uncomfortable power dynamics at play. high ( Scene 78 (INT. STEVE LIFT'S MANSION- NIGHT) )
- The revelation of the Equisapiens and Steve Lift's sinister plans is a pivotal moment that propels the story forward and raises the stakes for the protagonist. high ( Scene 83 (INT. WASHROOM- NIGHT) Scene 85 (INT. LIFT'S PRIVATE LOUNGE- NIGHT) )
- The scenes depicting Detroit's activist actions and the public response to the WorryFree revelations add an engaging social commentary layer to the narrative. medium ( Scene 97 (EXT. STREET- NIGHT) Scene 98 (EXT. STREET- MORNING) )
Memorable lines in the script:
| Scene Number | Line |
|---|---|
| 30 | Detroit: WorryFree Is Turning Workers Into Horses And Fucking Them |
| 28 | Cassius: They're making horse-people. Half horse, half human workers- you snort this coke but it's not coke and you get big horse nostrils and a horse dick and I might have unknowingly snorted- |
| 22 | Steve Lift: It’s people like you who are gonna save this nation, Green. |
| 1 | Anderson: Stuss. S.T.T.S., Stick to the script. |
| 21 | Detroit: And in the end, Eddie, you know what? You’re nothing but a misguided midget asshole with dreams of ruling the world. Yeah, also from Kew Gardens. And also getting by on my tits. |