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Scene Map 42
# PG SLUGLINE
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Scene Map
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# PG SLUGLINE
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EXT. BUNGALOW -- MORNING A cat scampers past a house and down the driveway, passing a rusting yellow VW Rabbit, to a small garden patio outside a coach house. Deena, white, (40s) sits in her bathrobe at a small table, flipping through the tarot cards on it.
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EXT. TUDOR HOUSE -- MORNING Gia stands in front of a stunning home. ALEXIS, a well- tailored woman, (40s), exits with CLAY, (12), a perky boy with a backpack on and a skateboard hanging from his hands. 4.
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INT. TV STUDIO LOBBY -- CONTINUOUS EVA, (20s), a dressed-for-success assistant, leads Gia through the hallway. Eva has a chilly, matter-of-fact, direct manner. EVA Congratulations on making it to the
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EXT. TV STUDIO -- MOMENTS LATER Gia runs past the contestants waiting for their chance. Johnny can see is distraught and chases after her. EXT. TV STUDIO PARKING LOT -- MOMENTS LATER Johnny catches up to Gia and gently takes her arm.
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INT. VIPER ROOM/MAIN SHOWROOM -- LATER The place is packed as STEVIE NICKS performs on stage. Gia eases into the chair next to Ian, busy watching Stevie Nicks and sipping champagne. Seeing Gia, he does a double take, trying to place her, then...
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EXT. PAUL FORD'S HOUSE -- NIGHT Deena's yellow Rabbit pulls to the curb across the street, and the lights are immediately shut off. It's too dark to see who's behind the wheel. Maria, lugging a shopping bag, exits the house's front doors.
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EXT. MALIBU/LOST HILLS SHERIFF’S STATION -- DAY A modern building located in Calabasas, CA. INT. MALIBU/LOST HILLS SHERIFF’S STATION -- MOMENTS LATER Ian and Eva fidget in chairs, quietly waiting. Paul sits next to a distraught Deena, trying to comfort her.
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INT. MALIBU SHERIFF’S STATION -- EXAMINATION ROOM -- LATER SONYA, (30s), a trauma therapist guides Deena, Paul, and Gates into the room. Gia, pale and jittery, fidgets in a chair. Deena is overcome with emotion and lunges to hug Gia, who,
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EXT. MARBOROUGH SCHOOL -- MORNING GIRLS in school uniforms pile out of luxury SUVs as they arrive for classes at the majestic campus in Hancock Park. A hesitant Gia stands on the sidewalk, frozen with anxiety as the GIRLS stare at her, mumble gossip, and then pass.
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INT. TV STUDIO -- AFTERNOON Gia strides with Crystal to the entrance. INT. TV STUDIO LOBBY -- MOMENTS LATER Gia and Crystal wait in the foyer. Gia is quiet and sullen, while Crystal playfully scrolls Instagram posts.
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INT. ROD'S MALIBU BEACH HOUSE -- EVENING (FLASHBACK) In slow motion, Gia is violently attacked by Rod. She pushes him away, snares the Jerry Vee guitar off the chair, swings it toward his head, and just as it is about to smash him-- CUT TO:
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EXT. 7-11 STORE -- NIGHT A slight mist falls on the pavement. With messy, short, poorly cropped hair and a backpack slung over her shoulder, Gia leans on the windows, smoking a joint. There is white adhesive tape on her wrists with a bit of blood leaking from the edges.
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EXT. SUNSET KARAOKE CLUB -- NIGHT Gia slows at the Karaoke bar/restaurant. A KOREAN man in his (50s), looms behind her and gazes longingly at Gia's body. KOREAN MAN (accent)
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INT. SUNSET KARAOKE CLUB -- MOMENTS LATER Gia strides toward the SINGER, emphatically shaking her head. GIA No, no, baby, no. Respect the song. GIRL
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INT. GIA'S CAR -- NIGHT Gia stares longingly at Paul Ford's house and then flicks at her guitar ordainment that hangs from her rearview mirror. EXT. PAUL'S FRONT DOOR -- MOMENTS LATER Gia rings the bell several times and impatiently waits. She
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INT. GIA'S CAR -- MOMENTS LATER Gia stares at the house like a lost child as she watches them eat takeout food at the dining room table. Overwhelmed by the exchange with Paul, Gia reaches into her glove compartment for a pint of Jack Daniels. She then dials
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INT. GIA'S APT. -- LATER It exudes warmth with a touch of kitsch, accentuated by dashes of feminine style. Gia, in a tight mini, rummages through clothes and spots a pair of heels. Beneath them, she catches sight of a gun.
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INT. BASEMENT -- AFTERNOON (FLASHBACK) Gia, stunning at (14) stands in white lace lingerie and heels, appearing awkward, tentative, and nervous. 46. PULL BACK to reveal the back of a MAN who sits in an
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EXT. SUNSET STRIP -- NIGHT Gia, parked on a steep hill off Sunset, jumps out of her car and pulls a large shoulder bag out of her trunk. She lugs the bag as she climbs toward Sunset in spiked heels. EXT. VIPER ROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
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INT. VIPER ROOM/DRESSING ROOM -- MOMENTS LATER Gia sits at the vanity, staring blankly at a glass of Coke. SFX-- PRE-LAP -- The sound of crashing waves and jazz music. 51. INT. ROD'S MALIBU BEACH HOUSE -- EVENING (FLASHBACK)
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INT. SNAKEPIT LOUNGE/LADIES ROOM -- MOMENTS LATER Gia and Jaden carefully touch up their makeup. Jaden then turns to Gia and applies a bright red lip gloss to her lips. JADEN I'd kill for your lips.
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EXT. VIPER ROOM -- AFTERNOON The marquee proudly displays the lineup, prominently featuring Toy Guns. Gia leans against a nearby post, smoking, her gaze fixed on the sign. Erica approaches a take-out food bag dangling from her hand.
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INT. DEENA'S HOUSE -- NIGHT (FLASHBACK) Deena (40) sits at the kitchen table with a small lit Christmas behind her, flipping through her tarot cards. She lights up seeing Gia (14) at the front door, wearing a Cabo T-shirt, cut-off shorts, and a glowing tan.
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EXT. VIPER ROOM -- MOMENTS LATER A crowd is lined up, with Erica in charge. Gia moves toward the entrance, a cigarette hanging from her mouth. Erica gushes, seeing her, but slips the smoke from her mouth. INT. VIPER ROOM/DRESSING ROOM
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INT. VIPER ROOM/DRESSING ROOM -- LATER Gia stares at the mirror as a cigarette burns in the ashtray. Ian leans on the door, crosses, and sits next to her. IAN For whatever it's worth, the audience
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EXT. HOLLYWOOD HILLS -- DAWN The hazy morning light settles on the multimillion-dollar homes clinging to dramatically rising hills. EXT. SUNSET STRIP -- MOMENTS LATER -- CONTINUOUS Daybreak. Gia wanders down the abandoned street barefoot.
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EXT. MELROSE SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER -- LATER The meeting is over. AA people linger on the steps. Gia trots down toward the sidewalk, looking for someone. AA people give her loving hugs and pats on the back. GIA
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INT. GIA'S CAR -- LATER Gia drives as Cain stares at her with a quiet intensity. CAIN You know, we've met before. GIA
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EXT. STAIRWAY OF SUNSET RECORDS -- LATER Gia follows Jai, who moves at a quick pace, down the stairs. 77. GIA How can you meet a creep like Parker
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INT. CRYSTAL'S CONDO/BALCONY -- AFTERNOON Pinot Noir is poured into an elegant wine glass. Crystal sips her wine and gazes across the table at Gia. CRYSTAL You should try one glass.
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INT. PAUL'S DEN -- EVENING (QUICK FLASHBACK) Gia (14) sits on his desk, and then kisses Paul on the cheek. INT. EVA'S BEDROOM (PRESENT DAY) Eva peers into Gia's telling eyes, sensing her pain. GIA
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INT. EVA'S BEDROOM -- DAWN Gia's eyes crack open as she wakes and rubs her pounding head. Sitting up, she realizes she's fully clothed. Alone in the room, she notices the other side of the bed untouched. INT. EVA'S LIVING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS
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EXT. GUITAR CENTER/SUNSET BLVD -- AFTERNOON Gia enters the famed store with Clay. INT. GUITAR CENTER/SUNSET BLVD -- MOMENTS LATER It's a wonderland for musicians, with racks of guitars, drums, and amplifiers. Posters of rock legends on the walls -- a
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EXT. HANCOCK PARK STREET -- NIGHT As a fine mist and fog roll in, Gia stands under a dim street light across from Paul's house, fixating on the brightly lit home adorned with colorful lights. GIA'S POV
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INT. PAUL'S HOUSE/LIVING ROOM -- LATER Gia and a buzzed Clay sit under the bright Christmas tree. Clay lifts a small gift and hands it to Gia. CLAY Open it.
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EXT. HANCOCK MANOR CONDO -- AFTERNOON A PIZZA DELIVERY MAN holds a pizza in a warmer. INT. HANCOCK MANOR CONDO -- LAUNDRY ROOM -- MOMENTS LATER Busy at a sink, Gia rubs a stain out of a sheet. Her eyes snap to alert when she sees the man entering with the pizza.
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INT. GIA'S CAR -- MOMENTS LATER Gia drives, attempting to recover from Clay and the haunting memories when her cell phone rings. GIA (voice quivers)
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INT. GIA'S CAR -- LATER Gia talks a mile a minute on her cell phone while driving. GIA Jai, I'm singing with all those guys. 105.
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INT./EXT GIA'S APT. -- CONTINUOUS Gia hears hushed, raised voices through the door. She moves to the closet and pulls out the guitar case. CLAY (O.S.) Give it to her, for just tonight.
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INT. ROD'S MALIBU BEACH HOUSE -- NIGHT (FLASHBACK) A dazed Gia lays next to Rod, his head drenched in blood. GIA'S POV Her blurry vision notices Paul looming over her, and she jerks up and raises her head toward him.
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INT. VIPER ROOM STAGE -- LATER Gia dances and sings a driving 80's tune with Ian, lighting up the stage with her energy and charisma. As the song concludes, the impressed crowd erupts in applause. IAN
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INT. VIPER ROOM/MAIN SHOWROOM -- LATER The house lights are on, Lizard sips on a beer as waitresses and bartenders count money and a Latino man sweeps the floor. INT. VIPER ROOM/DRESSING ROOM -- LATER Now alone, Gia wipes off makeup with a sponge. Lowering it,

The Hot Mess

A young, talented singer-songwriter, Gia, struggles to overcome her traumatic past and find her voice in the cutthroat world of the music industry, while navigating complex relationships with her troubled mother, a predatory music producer, and a former lover who holds the key to unlocking the truth about her father's death.

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Overview

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Unique Selling Point

This compelling and emotionally charged script stands apart with its intricate exploration of a young artist's journey of self-discovery amidst the unforgiving landscape of the music industry. Through a gripping narrative and an array of unique characters, this screenplay offers a fresh perspective on ambition, betrayal, and the pursuit of dreams. Its distinct voice, blending raw dialogue, sharp wit, and nuanced character dynamics, draws audiences into a world where the complexities of human relationships and the pursuit of success collide. With its exploration of universal themes and its unique blend of emotional depth and humor, this script promises an unforgettable and immersive cinematic experience.

AI Verdict & Suggestions

Ratings are subjective. So you get different engines' ratings to compare.

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Claude
 Recommend
GPT4
 Consider
Story Facts
Genres:
Drama 60% Crime 25% Thriller 20% Romance 15%

Setting: Present day, Los Angeles and Malibu, California

Themes: Identity and Self-Expression, Family Relationships and Trauma, Addiction and Recovery, Music and Fame, Loss and Grief, Justice and Redemption

Conflict & Stakes: Gia's journey of self-discovery, recovery, and reconciliation, with her music career and relationships hanging in the balance.

Mood: Gritty and emotional, with moments of hope and redemption.

Standout Features:

  • Unique Hook: The exploration of addiction and recovery through the lens of music and family drama.
  • Strong Performances: The lead actress delivers a tour-de-force performance that captures the character's struggles and resilience.
  • Compelling Soundtrack: The film's soundtrack features original songs that drive the narrative and showcase the protagonist's musical talent.

Comparable Scripts: Almost Famous, The Runaways, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, The Rose, Amy Winehouse: Back to Black, Euphoria, Thirteen, Girl, Interrupted, Prozac Nation, Beautiful Boy

Script Level Analysis

Writer Exec

This section delivers a top-level assessment of the screenplay’s strengths and weaknesses — covering overall quality (P/C/R/HR), character development, emotional impact, thematic depth, narrative inconsistencies, and the story’s core philosophical conflict. It helps identify what’s resonating, what needs refinement, and how the script aligns with professional standards.

Screenplay Insights

Breaks down your script along various categories.

Overall Score: 8.26
Story Critique
Big-picture feedback on the story’s clarity, stakes, cohesion, and engagement.
Characters
Explores the depth, clarity, and arc of the main and supporting characters.
Emotional Analysis

Breaks down the emotional journey of the audience across the script.

Goals and Philosophical Conflict
Evaluates character motivations, obstacles, and sources of tension throughout the plot.
Themes
Analysis of the themes of the screenplay and how well they’re expressed.
Logic & Inconsistencies
Highlights any contradictions, plot holes, or logic gaps that may confuse viewers.

Scene Analysis

All of your scenes analyzed individually and compared, so you can zero in on what to improve.

Scene-Level Percentile Chart
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Other Analyses

Writer Exec

This section looks at the extra spark — your story’s voice, style, world, and the moments that really stick. These insights might not change the bones of the script, but they can make it more original, more immersive, and way more memorable. It’s where things get fun, weird, and wonderfully you.

Unique Voice
Assesses the distinctiveness and personality of the writer's voice.
Writer's Craft
Analyzes the writing to help the writer be aware of their skill and improve.
Memorable Lines
Spotlights standout dialogue lines with emotional or thematic power.
Tropes
Highlights common or genre-specific tropes found in the script.
World Building
Evaluates the depth, consistency, and immersion of the story's world.
Correlations
Identifies patterns in scene scores.
Loglines
Presents logline variations based on theme, genre, and hook.