CINIGI Lighthouse Entertainment

New Year's Message from CINIGI Lighthouse Entertainment

2012-01-06T11:12:00.000-08:00

by founder
Elisa Dimitria Bowman
Last year, Author TL Gray invited me to speak to her Carrollton Creative Writers Club in West Georgia about my experiences in the film industry, and more specifically about screenwriting. At the time, I had no idea the door that was being opened. What I found in that initial speaking engagement was a group of very prolific writers; many published novelists that were eager to learn the craft of screenwriting. With Atlanta abuzz with filmmaking activity, many of the writers I met were inspired to see their own stories adapted to film, thus the CINIGI Lighthouse screenwriting workshops were started in the summer of 2011. By year end {as previously reported} Joann Dunn—already an accomplished mystery writer—became the first workshop participant to complete a script: a dark comedy called “Sweet Beth.” The project is currently being developed for the market and has already piqued the interest of a director in Hollywood. Once CINIGI Lighthouse Workshops arrived on the Historic Lawrenceville Square, a whole new crop of fabulous writers turned up with stories ranging from historical drama, thrilling adventures, political memoirs, light comedy and of course, drama. The charming venue is located in the Writers’ Guild quarters of an eclectic Arts & Antiques shop owned by award-winning writer, Barbara Barth. One client, M.R. Cornelius, has penned an action-packed novel, H10N1, which centers on an esteemed CDC Epidemiologist in a race against time. The project is a natural candidate for a TV Series, so we are working on the development package and several episodes will be written within the upcoming workshop "Refining Your Screenplay" that starts later this month. Many of my writers are developing their screenplays in conjunction with new novels and have mentioned that the screenwriting classes have helped refine their fiction, so I anticipate more camera ready scripts in the upcoming year! With a great roster of projects already in development for Film and TV, 2012 promises to be a very eventful year. Stay tuned for updates about the following CINIGI Lighthouse projects (in alphabetical order):

H10N1
FRAME
FREEDOM CAFÉ
LAINEY’S LABYRINTH
MIND MASTER
OUR SAVIOR
PERRORMING LOVE
REMEMBERING
SWEET BETH

NEW FILMS IN DEVELOPMENT

2011-12-04T10:40:00.000-08:00

CINIGI Lighthouse Entertainment is pleased to announce the option of two dramatic features for development; "Freedom Cafe" and "Performing Love." Both are written by award-winning screenwriter, Rob Tobin whose 3D Action film “DAM 999” is slated for upcoming release. Tobin's “CAMEL WARS,” is a $40 million Iraq War film in development with John McTiernan, legendary director of “Die Hard,” “Hunt for Red October” and “Predator.”

In "Freedom Cafe," an Iraq War veteran's terrible childhood secret is slowly revealed as he undergoes psychotherapy as part of his PTSD rehabilitation.
"Performing Love" captures two estranged daughters of an abusive father who reconnect at his funeral and confront the anger they feel toward him and each other. While the characters in both stories overcome different adversities, they share a common theme; in order to find peace in the present, one must come to terms with the past.

Stay tuned for updates.

JOANN DUNN is the first student to complete a feature screenplay!

2011-11-18T09:26:00.000-08:00

Last summer Joann had never read a screenplay, now she's written one. Her hard work has truly paid off. "Sweet Beth" is a dark comedy with great pace, sparkling dialogue, and an engaging plot. Best of luck in the festival circuits!

Here's an Exerpt;

Who knew Sweet Beth had a wicked streak, certainly not her diabolical husband...

INT. CAFÉ - DAY
Ingrid rushes in, spots Joanna and Beth and hurries to their table.
INGRID
Sorry to be late. Have you ordered yet? I need coffee.
Beth is wearing large sunglasses.
BETH
Just waiting for you.
The three give cursory glances at the menus.
Beth motions to the WAITRESS.
BETH (CONT’D)
Three chicken salad plates. Two iced teas, one sweet, one unsweet, one coffee.
The Waitress collects the menus and leaves the table.
JOANNA
I’m glad we decided to make this our regular spot.
BETH
Yes, it’s wonderful.
JOANNA
I would be so bored if I didn’t have this to look forward to.
INGRID
That is a pitiful thought. And I feel exactly the same way.
JOANNA
It’s a little clubhouse for big girls.
The waitress delivers the drinks.
BETH
So true.
INGRID
I don’t know what I’m going to do when Jimbo goes to college.
Ingrid opens her huge purse and removes a compact. She checks her teeth for lipstick, rubs them with a finger and puts the compact away.
BETH
Ingrid, he isn’t even leaving town. Mine’s leaving the state, for God’s sake.
JOANNA
Mine too.
INGRID
It’s not as if he even knows I’m here.
BETH
Oh, he does, somewhere down deep.
INGRID
I can thank his father for that. Laundry done? In the drawer? Thank you, Laundry Fairy.
JOANNA
We need something to do. Something that is all ours and has nothing to do with husbands or children.
Beth lingers a little too long stirring her glass.
INGRID
(to Beth)
Honey, are you all right? What’s with the sunglasses?
BETH
My eye doctor told me I needed to do more to protect my eyes from the sun.
Ingrid looks at the ceiling and squints.
INGRID
You’re right. It’s awfully bright in here. Where’s my sun block?
(beat)
Get serious. What’s wrong? Talk.
Beth quietly begins to cry. She dabs her eyes beneath her glasses but does not remove them.
JOANNA
Oh sweetie, don’t cry.
INGRID
We didn’t mean to start things off on a downer.
JOANNA
You’ll see your boy often.
Joanna pats Beth’s arm while Ingrid rummages in her purse and produces a tissue.
BETH
It isn’t that.
Beth takes the tissue and dabs her eyes.
BETH (CONT’D)
I found this.
Beth pulls the crumpled letter out of her purse.
JOANNA
Dare I ask.
BETH
I was trying to pay bills with money we don’t have and there it was.
Ingrid reaches for the letter, puts on reading glasses, smooths the paper, and reads silently.
INGRID
Am I to assume his holiness did this?
BETH
I showed it to him and told him we had to discuss it.

JOANNA
(indignant)
Discuss?
BETH
You should have heard how he talked to me.
Ingrid passes the letter to Joanna.
INGRID
Here, you’re the lawyer. You take a look.
Joanna takes the paper from Ingrid and reads silently.
JOANNA
Retired. But this is pretty clear.
(beat)
The bank is foreclosing on your house.
Beth nods.
INGRID
The only thing that’s not clear is why you are still married to the creep.
The Waitress brings their plates and drinks.
WAITRESS
(chipper)
Everything all right, ladies?
INGRID
Oh, honey, if only you knew.
Waitress throws Ingrid a quizzical look and departs.
BETH
You saw what happened when I tried to divorce him. He cut me off.
JOANNA
He’s an ass plain and simple.
Joann takes a hearty bite of her sandwich.
BETH
He promised me he would get sole custody of Julie if I ever tried to leave him.
INGRID
He’s all talk. What would he actually do with Julie?
BETH
No matter what I have to do-
(wipes her eyes again)
I won’t let him get Julie.
JOANNA
Of course you won’t.
BETH
He just wants her trust fund. He’d put her in some state hell hole so fast it would make your head spin.
Joanna looks at the letter again before handing it back to Beth.
INGRID
He’s a pig.
The three halfheartedly eat.
JOANNA
We have to do something.
INGRID
Like what? We can’t pay the mortgage.
JOANNA
No, not like that.
INGRID
You want me to call some guys from the old neighborhood?
JOANNA
No, we have to do something to free Beth from that bastard.
INGRID
Yes, that’s what I mean.
BETH
A girl can dream, right?
JOANNA
Seriously ladies, it has to make money fast, so Beth can stomp on that turd’s neck.
Beth blows her nose.
INGRID
Stop crying. That will get us nowhere and you’ll make me cry, too, and ruin my eye make-up.
JOANNA
Why don’t you sell some of that gorgeous furniture?
INGRID
Or some paintings? That stuff’s got to be worth plenty.
BETH
Richard would kill me if he saw that anything was missing.

JOANNA
Kill you? Let’s not get carried away.
BETH
He keeps loaded guns you know, and he would not hesitate to use them.
INGRID
I doubt he’d do very well in Prison, darling.
Ingrid takes a birdlike bite on a pickle.
BETH
Anyway I don’t think I could get all that much for the furniture.
INGRID
We could take lovers I guess.
JOANNA
Where’s the money in that?
BETH
Personally, I’m sick of men’s privates.
JOANNA
We could have those sex toy home parties. I hear you can make quite a lot at that.
BETH
Like Tupperware parties for the crotch? Eew. Yuck. No thanks.
Beth pauses to eat some chicken salad and take a sip of tea.
BETH (CONT’D)
You know my old sorority sister Tessa, don’t you?
Joanna shrugs, Ingrid shakes her head “no.”
BETH (CONT’D)
Anyway, she challenged us Kappas to pick something we have always wanted to do, and just jump in and do it, before we die.
INGRID
Oh, you mean Tessa the cheery one?
BETH
And I said I wanted to write a murder mystery.
INGRID
How hard can that be? The three of us can do that.
JOANNA
I’d be a famous writer right now if I could get any peace at home and could focus on my book.
INGRID
And this will solve your financial problems how?
BETH
It would solve my problems because we would sell it to a big publisher or maybe even a filmmaker and make big bucks.
INGRID
Of course. Is that before or after you win the lottery?
JOANNA
Who would we kill? Hypothetically.
Waitress approaches the table with desert menus and clears the empty plates.
BETH
We should kill Richard. Hypothetically.
WAITRESS
(nervously)
Should I come back later?
INGRID
(to waitress)
Cheesecake. Three forks.

Starting this Saturday, August 13th

2011-08-10T08:11:00.000-07:00

Suspense Thriller EXERT

2011-07-26T07:16:00.000-07:00

Previously on Mind Master...
Randall grows concerned about the random thoughts plaguing him since the transplant. Might they belong to the John Doe who donated a lobe of his brain? These memories unveil classified details and dangerous people, which is putting his family in immediate danger. He enlists the Missing Person's Bureau to learn more about his donor, which leads him to a widow in Philadelphia. While Samantha turns to her resourceful cousin for input...

INT. BRANDT RESIDENCE - DAY
Annie discovers a note on the table from Randall. Had to go away on business, back tomorrow. I’ll call you tonight.

ANNIE
Up to your old tricks again?

She crumples up the note and places a call.

EXT. PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - DAY
Randall hails a cab.

INT. TAXI - CONTINUOUS

RANDALL
The Westin.
Randall places a call.

RANDALL
Hey Samantha.

SAMANTHA (V.O.)
You made it?

RANDALL
Yeah I’m here. Listen, I stopped by the house and left a note for Annie that I’m away on business.

The CABBY slams the breaks and lays on his horn.

SAMANTHA
She already called here making inquiries.

RANDALL
What did you say?

SAMANTHA
Copped the 5th, told her I was out all afternoon.

RANDALL
Oh good. I don’t want her to worry about this.

Randall stretches his neck as if he sees someone he recognizes.

SAMANTHA
Is there something she should worry about?

RANDALL
That’s what I’m trying to find out.

SAMANTHA
I haven’t been able to connect with Tommy, but you got another call referred by your buddy at Missing Persons.

RANDALL
Yeah, from who?

SAMANTHA
Rick Norman from Green Bay about his brother.

RANDALL
Let me get his number.

Randall flips over his itinerary and jots the number down.

SAMANTHA
It’s 920-555-4368.

RANDALL
Great, I’ll give him a call.

SAMANTHA
When are you coming back?

RANDALL
I’ve got a 10:20 flight. So, I should be in around noon.

SAMANTHA
Right. Don’t forget we’re seeing the lawyer Friday afternoon.

RANDALL
Got it. And, if Annie calls again, I’m with a prospective client, and you don’t know anything more about it.

SAMANTHA
Will do. Be careful.

Randall takes in the beauty of Philadelphia en route to the hotel. Spots in the city trigger an array of visions from his own POV:

EXT. PENN’S LANDING - VISION
He and Sarah push a stroller down the sidewalk.
EXT. BOATHOUSE ROW - VISION
He sits with Sarah at the edge of he dock.
EXT. MUSEUM - VISION
He escorts 2 little girls through the front doors.
EXT. TEMPLE UNIVERSITY - VISION
A bell tolls as he runs across campus and into a lecture hall.

INT. TAXI - CONTINUOUS
Randall observes the city with a contemplative expression as the cab enters a drop-off line in front of the Westin hotel.

EXT. DENNY’S, CLEVELAND - DAY
Samantha drops a couple coins in a box and pulls out a USA Today.

A nondescript car with deeply tinted windows pulls up. TOMMY WELLS rolls down the car window and Samantha barely recognizes her undercover cousin in a ball cap & long dreads.

TOMMY
What’s up Cuz?

She shakes her head and gets into the passenger side.

EXT. TOMMY’S CAR - CONTINUOUS
Tommy peels-out and drives across town to the industrial part of town.

EXT. KINCAID RESTAURANT SUPPLIES - DUSK
Tommy and Samantha get out of the car and walk toward a Kincaid delivery truck. Tommy scans the surroundings for prying eyes as he moves to open the door for Samantha.

He gets in the driver side of the truck, still cautiously observing the area.

INT. KINCAID DELIVERY TRUCK - CONTINUOUS
Samantha buckles herself into the passenger seat as Tommy pushes a door into the windowless cargo area of the truck. He pulls off the hat with attached dreads. Off comes layers of urban chic as he grabs one of the crisply pressed button down shirts off the rack.

SAMANTHA
You got to go through this every day?

TOMMY
It’s no big deal - I’m used to it.

After buttoning his khaki’s - he slips into the driver’s seat and starts the engine.

INT. T-BONES STEAK HOUSE - NIGHT
Tommy ushers Samantha through the kitchen of the busy eatery. The owner, “T” meets them in the main dining room with a large bag of food.

T-
Say hello to Kimmy.

Patting Samantha on the back.

T-
Nice meeting you.

Tommy keep it moving right out the front door.

EXT. TOMMY WELL’S HOUSE - NIGHT
Tommy parks the BMW M5 in the garage of a well-appointed home, nestled in an upscale subdivision.

They get out of the car as the garage door lowers. THREE KIDS bolt into the garage to meet their dad.

Family Comedy Exert...

2011-06-21T10:28:00.001-07:00

Previously on "Our Savior"
Rachel & Joe Bernard's life is upended. Their son Adam is distraught over their recent separation when he suddenly becomes a media darling. A near-tragic event with an unruly elephant at the animal park brings an array of quirky trespassers into their lives, when they want to be left alone!
INT. BUENOS AIRES AIRPORT - DAY
Father Gabriel pays for the Miami Herald.
He carries a small bag while Miss Consuella pushes a cart of 3 large bags, with her dog on top, peeking out of an extravagant doggie cart. The dog barks incessantly.
Father Gabriel thumbs through the paper and is enthralled by the photo of Adam and reads the story.
FATHER GABRIEL
Look at this. I’m having the strangest feeling that this...Adam Bernard, may be the sign we’re looking for.
Miss Consuella is clearly concerned.
They arrive at Gate 7: Flight 1050: Miami/San Francisco 8:10
INT. BERNARD RESIDENCE - DAY
Rachel scrutinizes herself in the hall mirror before opening the door.
Adam and Joe enter as the Hiuras excitedly rise from their seats.
RACHEL
Hey, Guys. That was quick.
Adam is happy to bask in the Hiuras adoration again.
ADAM
May-Li, did you see my dog? I told you Jake was huge.
MAY-LI
So big. We don’t have dogs like that at home.
MR. HIURA
It is an honor to come to your home, Mr. Bernard.
JOE
Thank you. Please, call me Joe.
MRS. HIURA
Joe, we are very grateful.
JOE
Grateful?
MRS. HIURA
For the gift of Adam.
Joe and Rachel snicker together.
JOE
I had some help.
He drapes an arm over Rachel’s shoulder.
JOE
It was our pleasure.
ADAM
Come on May-Li, you have to see my fish tank.
She looks to her Father, who nods his approval. The kids run up the stairs.
MR. HIURA
May they have a long and happy life.
Joe & Rachel exchange awkward glances.
EXT. BERNARD BACK YARD - DUSK
The kids play as Rachel waters her garden and gives Mrs. Hiura the tour. Joe scapes the grill of the BBQ.
Mr. Hiura walks into the yard distressed.
MR. HIURA
No reservation for tonight.
Adam’s opportunist eyes light-up immediately.
MRS. HIURA
But I called a month ago.
MR. HIURA
They have us booked tomorrow night. And the hotel is full...holiday weekend.
ADAM
Good, you can stay with us! We’ll have BBQ and watch netflix.
Joe and Rachel look at each other stunned.
MR. HIURA
No, we can’t impose. We’ll find another hotel.
ADAM
No, we want you to stay. Right Mom? Dad?
Put on the spot, Rachel reluctantly nods and Joe follows:
JOE
Absolutely, you’ll be our guests tonight.
INT. RACHEL’S ROOM - NIGHT
Joe is down to his boxers, Rachel a prim cotton gown. She brushes her hair, he brushes his teeth, all the while trying to avoid any eye contact with each other.
KNOCK AT THE DOOR -- Rachel crosses the room to open the door.
Adam hands her a fluffy pillow.
ADAM
Mr. Hiura needs a thinner pillow.
Rachel pulls him into the bedroom by the scruff of his neck.
RACHEL
Come in here! What are you up to?
ADAM
He has neck problems.
Rachel closes the door.
RACHEL
You know your Father and I are separated. I can’t understand why you invited them to stay here.
ADAM
But their reservation got all messed up.
She sighs heavily.
Adam looks to Joe for validation.
RACHEL
There’s a thin pillow in the closet with all the sheets.
ADAM
Okay. Good night.
JOE
See you in the morning, my boy.
Joe subtly winks to Adam as he turns to leave.
Rachel kisses him.
RACHEL
Good night.
Adam closes the door behind.
Joe moves to Rachel with her hairbrush. As she turns around, he affectionately receives her and tries to finish coming out her hair.
At first she forgets herself and welcomes the caress. She suddenly stiffens, and takes the brush from his hand.
RACHEL
I certainly hope you didn’t put Adam up to this.
Joe grimaces as she goes to her vanity.
INT. THE WORLD - SUNRISE
Animated graphics of cities around the globe receiving the morning paper (in assorted languages)
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. RURAL ISRAEL - MORNING
The young PAPERBOY delivers the papers on foot. Ben walks to the end of his driveway to greet him and collect the paper. As Ben walks and sifts through it, he pauses to admire Adam’s photo.
INT. BERNARD RESIDENCE - MORNING
TV CLOSE-UP -- Evangelical Preacher delivers a sermon...the channel is quickly changed...shopping channel, Sumo wrestlers, music video...alas Cartoons.
Adam puts down the remote and continues eating Lucky Charms. May-Li sits beside him, Jake resting at her feet.
MRS. HIURA
Please come children and see the surprise.
May-Li pulls Adam by the hand.
EXT. BERNARD BACK YARD - MORNING
Joe and Mr. Hiura work on a wire formation shaped like an elephant, its trunk stretching to the sun.
Joe is weaving moss and ivy throughout the wiring.
ADAM
Cool...
MR. HIURA
Your Father is a very talented man.
ADAM
Looks like OUR elephant, Mabel.
Rachel walks out with the morning paper.
RACHEL
Well, Adam, you’ve done it again. Here you are at Golden Gate Park.
JOE
You’re kidding?
She shows the group the article which headlines “The Bernard Kid’s Got The Midas Touch.” The photo captures Adam instructing the kid how to hold the bat.
The doorbell rings.
RACHEL
I’ll get that. Here, read it.
Rachel hands Adam the paper and goes into the house.
INT. BERNARD RESIDENCE - CONTINUOUS
Rachel opens the front door to find three uniformed SAN FRANCISCO 49ER FOOTBALL PLAYERS.
49ER #1
Ma’am. Good Morning.
49ER #2
We’re here to touch - I mean see - Adam Bernard.
RACHEL
Excuse me?
49ER #1
I know this seems strange, but we’ve got a real important game today and we just thought that...
RACHEL
My son might help your game?
Rachel looks at their hopeful faces in disbelief, yet still tickled.
49ER #3
We brought tickets for you and your husband, 50 yard line.
RACHEL
50 yard line? Well in that case, come on in, guys.
EXT. BERNARD BACK YARD - MOMENTS LATER
Everyone is surprised to see the uniformed Football Players. Mr. Hiura, who is half the size of the guys doesn’t know what to make.
JOE
Hey fellas, don’t you have a game or something?
RACHEL
They came to see Adam and invite us to their game. Isn’t that sweet?
Joe is even more dumbstruck than Adam.
ADAM
Me?
EXT. BERNARD RESIDENCE - LATER
The Hiura’s wave goodbye as the Bernards pile into:
EXT./INT. CADILLAC ESCALADE - CONTINUOUS
Adam rides shot gun while Joe and Rachel are cramped between two players in the back seat.
They cross town en route to Candlestick Park. They roll pass the security check at the ball park.
JOE
Now this is the way to go to a game.
INT. STADIUM - DAY
Game action - The 49ers demolish the Rams. Adam paces up and down the sidelines with his new friends.
IN THE STANDS - Rachel rubs her arms to stave off the chill. Joe immediately notices and takes off his jacket, laying it over her shoulders.
RACHEL
I didn’t know I exist at a football game?
JOE
I didn’t know I’d see you at a football game.
Adam waves to his parents from the sidelines.
RACHEL
Do you think he’ll ever be the same after all this attention?
JOE
Probably not.
RACHEL
I wonder if he thinks this happens to every kid?
JOE
You mean it doesn’t?
RACHEL
In their dreams.
JOE
So how did we end up with such a special kid?
RACHEL
And we’re such a mess.
JOE
Things don’t look all that bad from where I’m sitting.
RACHEL
A couple good moments, does not a marriage make.
JOE
I knew it wouldn’t take you long for to pull us back into the quagmire.
RACHEL
You want to make this all my fault, don’t you?
The WOMAN next to them pretends she's not listening.
JOE
No.
RACHEL
It’s always me.
JOE
I guess it’s best when I keep my mouth shut and do as told, huh?
RACHEL
What’s that supposed to mean? What exactly are you trying to say, I’m controlling?
JOE
I said nothing.
RACHEL
That’s more your style.
JOE
Oh yeah, I’m just a useless flake.
Rachel storms up.
RACHEL
I can’t play this charade with you.
JOE
Get me a hot dog while you’re up there.
Joe turns and smiles at the nosey woman.
RACHEL
Yeah, I’ll do that.
JOE
Thanks honey, you’re a doll.
Adam catches Rachel storming off and becomes distracted from the game.
One of the players approaches Adam who whispers something in his ear. The player looks up into the stands before talking to a SLICK MAN in a suit who is on the sidelines.
TOP OF THE STANDS -- Rachel gets into the long bathroom line.
INT. STADIUM - DAY
Rachel walks down to their seats juggling 2 hot dogs and 2 beers. Just as she settles back into her seat, the FANS in the seats around Joe and Rachel begin pointing at the big screen.
They tap Joe and Rachel and point to the fact that the camera is focused on them.
ANNOUNCER
These lucky fans in seats 42 A&B are the winners of today’s prize, a romantic getaway to Napa Valley.
Four CHEERLEADERS deliver a bottle of wine with an envelope strapped around the neck.
Joe takes the bottle and stands up before grabbing and kissing Rachel with gusto.
She is stunned. The crowd cheers. Adam, who is now on one of the player’s shoulders gives his parents the thumbs up.

Exert---Mind Master

2011-04-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

INT. RANDALL’S HOSPITAL ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
The Nurse enters and looks disapprovingly at Nikki hanging over Randall.
NURSE
Mr. Brandt, your wife wanted me to tell you that she’s on her way.
RANDALL
Okay, thank you.
The Nurse makes her disapproval clear before she exits.
Randall is a little perturbed.
RANDALL
Well, I think you better go.
NIKKI
I know.
Randall freezes into a distant politeness.
RANDALL
Thanks for coming.
Being dismissed humbles her.
NIKKI
Where else would I be?
She kisses him on the cheek and gathers her things. Randall watches her every move with confusion.
NIKKI
I’ll check on you later.
RANDALL
I’ll call you.
Nikki leaves.
EXT. RANDALL’S HOSPITAL ROOM - CONTINUOUS
AT THE NURSES STATION
NIKKI
Where can I get a cup of coffee?
Without looking up from a chart.
NURSE
First floor cafeteria, to the right of the elevators.
As Nikki walks off, the nurse shakes her head.
NURSE
(under her breath)
Shame on her.
INT. CLEVELAND GENERAL - DAY
Dr. Sinclair swaggers through the halls of the hospital, with a spring in his step. He receives pats on the back from COLLEAGUES who congratulate him.
INT. RANDALL’S HOSPITAL ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Dr. Sinclair approaches Randall.
DR. SINCLAIR
You’re awake, a great sign.
RANDALL
Are you my doctor?
DR. SINCLAIR
That’s right. You’re a lucky man, Mr. Brandt.
RANDALL
(to himself)
Now why don’t I feel lucky?
DR. SINCLAIR
Well, trust me, you are. We performed an advanced surgery on you, which spared you significant brain damage.
RANDALL
Oh yeah, how advanced?
DR. SINCLAIR
You, my friend are the first recipient of my partial brain transplant.
RANDALL
Brain transplant?
DR. SINCLAIR
Yes, your Superior Temporal Gyrus lobe was destroyed in your fall.
Randall shifts awkwardly.
RANDALL
Where’d you get this other brain from?
DR. SINCLAIR
It came from a donor.
RANDALL
Who would donate their brain to me?
DR. SINCLAIR
A patient who had just passed.
Randall gnaws on this tidbit.
RANDALL
That’s creepy.
Annie and Derek enter the room.
DR. SINCLAIR
Good morning Mrs. Brandt, Derek.
Randall looks relieved to see them.
DR. SINCLAIR
I was just explaining the details about his surgery.
RANDALL
Yeah, the Doc was just telling me that I was some sort of guinea pig.
ANNIE
Well, he’s back.
Annie moves lovingly to hug and kiss Randall.
DR. SINCLAIR
I have another patient to check on. But, I’m very pleased with your early results. I’ll be back later to discuss what you can expect in your recovery.
Dr. Sinclair exits.
RANDALL
Okay, Doc, see you later.
Derek moves closer to his Dad.
DEREK
I was really worried about you, Daddy.
RANDALL
Well, to be honest, I really don’t get what happened to me. Do you?
An ORDERLY enters with a tray of food.
DEREK
You got hurt real bad at work and the doctors here tried something new. It looks good, now.
ANNIE
Why don’t you eat a little something, get your strength up.
RANDALL
I’ll admit, I’m so starved even this crap looks good.
ANNIE
Derek, you stay here with your Dad and I’ll go and get you some cocoa. I could use a cup of coffee.
Annie grabs her purse and exits. Randall watches her with a certain shame...guilt, yet undeniable love.
EXT. RANDALL’S HOSPITAL ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Once in the hallway, Annie notices the Nurse from the night shift gathering her things to leave. Annie pauses a moment, feigning to look through her purse while she considers a question.
ANNIE
Quitting time?
NURSE
Yeah, finally.
ANNIE
Thanks for looking out for my husband.
NURSE
Oh sure, looks like he’s going to pull through just fine.
ANNIE
Did my sister-in-law happen to mention where she was going?
The Nurse is instantly relieved.
NURSE
Oh, she’s his sister?
Annie bites back her irritation.
ANNIE
That’s right.
NURSE
No, she didn’t say. But she did ask where the cafeteria is.
ANNIE
And, where is it?
NURSE
First floor, right of the elevators.
ANNIE
Okay, thank you.
Annie walks away absorbing the information with disdain.
INT. DR. SINCLAIR’S OFFICE - DAY
A handful of gift baskets, gift-wrapped liquor bottles, decorative plants, grace a messy office.
Dr. Sinclair leans back in his chair and props his feet on his desk as he reviews the Randall Brandt chart, which notes excellent progress, fully responsive, independent activity, cognitions clear, etc.
He leafs through a stack newspaper clippings and a magazine with page markers. He takes in his photo on the cover of a medical journal with pride.
INT. RANDALL’S HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY
Annie and Derek are visiting with Randall. His head is bandaged, but his spirits are high.
Dr. Sinclair enters with Dr. Gold.
RANDALL
Hey, if it isn’t the celebrity surgeon?
Dr. Sinclair responds with a smirk.
DR. SINCLAIR
I see you haven’t lost your charm?
RANDALL
I’d be better if I weren’t spending so much time in this damn place.
DR. SINCLAIR
We are getting closer to the end of your therapy. And, I’d like to re-introduce you to Dr. Gold.
DR. GOLD
Hello Randall.
She extends a hand and observes him like a lab rat.
RANDALL
We’ve met before?
DR. GOLD
Yes, I was in attendance at your surgery.
He takes in her beauty and considers something to say.
RANDALL
Are you getting articles written about you as well?
DR. GOLD
Some, but not as much as Dr. Sinclair - he’s our resident superstar.
DR. SINCLAIR
You guys are making me blush.
DR. GOLD
That’ll be the day...
(abrupt change of topic)
Randall, the next test we need to run is also a part of the exciting fMRI Technology we are developing here in the field of Medical Mind Mastering - aka Reading.
RANDALL
What! You gotta be kidding me? You don’t want to know what I’m thinking right abut now.
DR. GOLD
It’s not as invasive as it sounds, we will be tracking the stimuli from your primary visual cortex.
RANDALL
(ever sarcastic)
Oh, that’s all...
DR. GOLD
Our main goal is to identify any lingering activity from the donor’s lobe.
RANDALL
If he tells us where a pile of cash is buried, I got first dibbs.
DR. GOLD
(all business)
I’d like to set the procedure for first thing tomorrow morning.
RANDALL
Do I have a choice?
Dr. Gold gives him a dismissive smile.
DR. SINCLAIR
This is the final inpatient test. If all goes well, as I believe it will - you will be eligible for discharge as early as tomorrow afternoon.
DEREK
Cool Dad.
ANNIE
That’s great news.
DR. SINCLAIR
There will be some ongoing outpatient care over the next few months with myself and with Dr. Gold. Soon, you should be able to return fully to your life as you knew it.
Randall and Annie find themselves looking at each other pensively.
INT. HOSPITAL LABORATORY - MORNING
Randall sits in front of a monitor with sensors and wires cascading from his head.
The LAB TECH manages an elaborate keyboard, lit up like Christmas.
Dr. Gold stands over Randall - observing the images as they change on the monitor in front of him.
DR. GOLD
Elm Tree, Maple, Weeping Willow.
DR. GOLD
Chinese Countryside, Italian Countryside, Ireland Countryside.
The Tech enters the results.
DR. GOLD
Temple University, Berkley, MIT.
DR. GOLD
Vietnam, Bay of Pigs, Desert Storm.
Randall stares blankly at the images, no discernible response.
DR. GOLD
Rockefeller Center, Sears Tower, the CDC.
There are several DOCTORS beside Annie watching closely from the Observation area.
DR. GOLD
Carver Elementary, Addison Elementary, Milton.
DR. GOLD
Nitrogen based formula, Hydrogen based formula, Helium based formula.
Randall looks up at Dr. Gold as if to ask, “Are we done yet?”
DR. GOLD
A few more here, Randall -
(carrying on)
Tesla, Audi, Ford.
DR. GOLD
Cleveland General, Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic.

DISSOLVE TO:

more of "Rembering" (by request)

2011-03-30T16:09:00.000-07:00

INT. ALEXANDER'S OFFICE - DAY
Alexander surfs the net on his computer. Inserting dream symbols: knife - stabbing - stranger - into the search engine.
He reads key phrases to himself.
ALEXANDER
If you killed a stranger, you may well have been trying to assault a facet of your own personality...
(beat)
Huh...
(beat)
Blood can have a kind of direct meaning as "life source." In this regard, blood may be seen as a metaphor for becoming one with another person.
Casey walks in without Alexander noticing.
ALEXANDER
(to himself)
Whose blood are you seeing in your dream???
CASEY
What was that?
Alexander is startled and starts closing screens.
Casey leans over the desk and sees the Dream Symbols heading.
CASEY
What are you doing?
ALEXANDER
Just screwing around.
CASEY
You’re lucky I’m not Berenson.
ALEXANDER
Yeah, right.
CASEY
That's a pussy thing to be checking out, dream symbols?
ALEXANDER
You here for something?
CASEY
I was going to see if you wanted to go to happy hour, but now I don't know - you might think it's a date.
Casey cracks himself up.
ALEXANDER
You mean you're hoping. It's okay Casey, we can come out now, we're already living together.
CASEY
That is not even funny.
ALEXANDER
No, I thought it was. So, where's happy hour?
CASEY
I think we better go to Hooters, don't want you going all westside on me.
ALEXANDER
Hooters...
Big impish grin.
EXT. NYC - DAY
Kat looks at the buildings for addresses and finally finds the medical walk-up.
INT. DOCTOR'S OFFICE - DAY
KAT
Thanks for getting me in.
NURSE
You are my last patient for the day, I figured we could squeeze a quick swipe in. Open.
A nurse sticks a long cotton tipped swab down her throat.
KAT
Ahhhh....
NURSE
Wow, it's really swollen in here.
KAT
Yeah, it hurts to swallow, like I've got razor blades in there.
NURSE
We should have the results of the culture in a couple days, we'll call you.
The nurse puts the stick into a tube.
KAT
That's it? Can't you give me anything, I've got to record a demo and I need my voice.
NURSE
Once we get the results of the throat culture, the doctor will probably prescribe some sort of antibiotic. And, it kicks in pretty quick.
KAT
Alright.
INT. ZAK'S - EVENING
Kat rushes through the door and sees Zak stocking the bar.
KAT
I'm sorry I'm late, I was at the doctor.
ZAK
What's with the voice?
KAT
I don't know, I was hoping the Doctor could tell me.
ZAK
You feel up to working?
KAT
It sounds worse than it feels.
ZAK
Okay, then. There's a party of 20 due here in 10 minutes.
KAT
I'm on it.
INT. ZAK'S - LATER
The bar is packed to capacity.
Alexander and Casey enter and make their way to the bar, Alexander zeroes in on Kat and watches her every move.
Kat is slammed behind the bar pouring three, four drinks before she notices Alexander and somewhat cringes.
KAT
Hey guys, I'll be right with you.
CASEY
Cool.
(to Alexander)
Lot of little playthings running around here tonight.
ALEXANDER
So I noticed.
Kat approaches.
KAT
What'll it be tonight, boys?
CASEY
Let me get a purple haze martini.
ALEXANDER
That sounds good, I'll take one too.
Kat caresses her neck and gets busy.
ALEXANDER
Sore throat?
KAT
Excuse me?
Alexander shouts over the noise.
ALEXANDER
You have a sore throat?
She cooley glances at him and responds,
KAT
It's nothing.
ALEXANDER
It sounds pretty bad, have you seen a doctor for that?
KAT
Don't worry, I wasn't planning on kissing you...tonight.
She lays two martinis before them and scoots to the opposite end of the bar.
Two GIRLS from the party approach Alexander and Casey, catching Kat's eye.
EXT. UPTOWN HIGH RISE - MORNING
Kat scurries out of her building and hails a cab. She gets in.
KAT
3rd and Dominic please.
The make their way downtown in morning traffic.
I/E THE BACHELOR PAD - MORNING
Casey and Alexander walk the girls from last night down stairs and say their good-byes before they put them into a cab. The cab peels out.
ALEXANDER
Okay, I'll call you.
The guys make their way down the street to work.
CASEY
You know you're not going to call that girl.
ALEXANDER
I do?
CASEY
What for, you know she's not your type.
ALEXANDER
How would you know what my type is.
CASEY
I know that a horny sorority girl in PR is not it.
ALEXANDER
You're terrible.
CASEY
I'm guessing you need a lot more flava than that.
ALEXANDER
And where has flava got me? Head-aches with a bunch of nut bags.
They stop at a Starbucks for coffee and get in a long line.
CASEY
Excitement, challenges, education. At the end of the day, that's the only reason to waste your time.
ALEXANDER
What about you? I don't see you jumping into complications.
CASEY
My focus is elsewhere. But, I have someone in mind.
ALEXANDER
Is that right, does she have any clue?
CASEY
She'll know when she needs to know.
ALEXANDER
She may not be available when you get around to it.
CASEY
If not, I'll have to go in and claim what's mine.
ALEXANDER
Does she know she's a lady in waiting?
CASEY
She's got things of her own to keep her busy for the time being. So, what about Miss Frisco?
ALEXANDER
Sheila?
CASEY
Yeah, Sheila.
ALEXANDER
I'm done, it's over.
CASEY
Then, why is she calling every day, talking about visiting?
ALEXANDER
I told her not to come.
They approach the front of the line.
CASEY
Whatever you're running from knows what time the red eye departs.
Alexander shakes his head in annoyance.
ALEXANDER
So what are you having?
CASEY
Drip, Grande.
ALEXANDER
Two please....
INT. RECORDING STUDIO - MORNING
Kat enters the office and is greeted by the RECEPTIONIST with a thick Queens accent and lots of attitude.
RECEPTIONIST
Do you have an appointment?
KAT
Hi, I'm here to see Tig.
RECEPTIONIST
For what, to remove your tonsils?
KAT
No, I'm Kat Phillips, and we have an appointment to record a demo.
RECEPTIONIST
Girl, is your voice always like that?
KAT
No, I've got a little sore throat.
RECEPTIONIST
Little? And we've got a little problem. Let me go an talk to Tig.
She gets up. Kat rolls her eyes in utter frustration.
She looks around the studio admiring signed head shots of talent.
The receptionist returns.
RECEPTIONIST
Sorry, baby girl, Tig said come back when your voice is straight.
KAT
Can't I at least meet him while I'm here, we do have an appointment.
RECEPTIONIST
If you want to hang out, fine. But, it will probably be a while. He's in with the tech and they're having a problem.
KAT
About how long do you think?
RECEPTIONIST
Maybe a few hours. I could make you some tea with a little somn’-somn' in it...
Kat shakes her head in frustration.
KAT
No, let me just make another appointment.
RECEPTIONIST
Tell you what, here's our card, call me when you're better and we'll get you in as soon as we can.
The phone rings, she hands Kat her card with a dismissive glance.
RECEPTIONIST
Tig Recording Studio.
(beat)
Hey Baby...how you been?
She ignores Kat who turns and leaves.
EXT. RECORDING STUDIO - CONTINUOUS
Kat absorbs the hustle and bustle of NYC. A couple GUYS scope her out while passing.
She sees a subway sign and walks to it and down into the subway, rummaging through her purse for change.
INT. SUBWAY STATION - CONTINUOUS
Kat pays and enters. She's clearly stressed. She gets on the first train.
EXT. SUBWAY STATION - LATER
Kat exits the subway station and asks a PASSERBY.
KAT
Which way is Lexington?
The Passerby points her in the right direction.
Kat makes her way down the street, clutching her purse tightly. She refers to her note and looks for the address.
I/E DOCTOR'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Kat enters and is greeted by a cheerful receptionist.
RECEPTIONIST
Good Morning.
KAT
Hi, I'm Kat Phillips, I was in yesterday for a throat culture and I know it takes a couple days, but my throat is real bad, and I use my voice for work and....
RECEPTIONIST
It sounds bad, poor thing.
KAT
I was wondering if the Doctor can prescribe anything in the meantime.
RECEPTIONIST
Let me ask him.
She picks up the phone.
RECEPTIONIST
Dr. Lloyd, I have a patient here who has a very sore throat, she already had a culture, but was wondering if you could give her something in the meantime. She uses her voice for work.
(beat)
Yes, yesterday.
(beat)
Kat...
She looks to Kat for her last name.
KAT
Phillips.
RECEPTIONIST
Kat Phillips.
(beat)
Great. Thank You.
She hangs up the phone.
RECEPTIONIST
The Doctor will see you now.
KAT
He will, oh good.
RECEPTIONIST
Right this way.
The Receptionist motions her through the doors, and escorts her to the Doctor's office.
INT. DR. LLYOD'S OFFICE - MORNING
Kat Enters.
DR. LLOYD - a handsome man in his 40's with a caring bedside manner - reviews a file.
DR. LLOYD
Good Morning, Kat. Have a seat.
KAT
Good Morning.
DR. LLOYD
Wow, have you got a frog in your throat.
KAT
I hope not.
DR. LLOYD
Well we got your labs back.
KAT
Oh already?
DR. LLOYD
We say a couple days because sometimes it can take that long, but most of the time we get them sooner.
KAT
So what do I have?
DR. LLOYD
You're negative for step.
KAT
Really, I was sure....
DR. LLOYD
Let me take a look.
He approaches her with a lighted magnifying glass.
DR. LLOYD
Give me an Ahh, please.
Kat does as told.
DR. LLOYD
There is some inflammation, but there's no white puss.
He finishes looking.
DR. LLOYD
You can close your mouth.
He feels the tonsils outside of her neck.
DR. LLOYD
Normal here.
Kat is getting frustrated.
KAT
If everything is normal, then what is wrong with me?
DR. LLOYD
Amy was saying you work with your voice?
KAT
Yes, I moved here to pursue singing, and I was supposed to record a demo this morning.
DR. LLOYD
Where did you move from?
KAT
Los Angeles.
DR. LLOYD
Big changes.
KAT
Very big.
DR. LLOYD
Did you move with your husband?
KAT
I'm not married.
DR. LLOYD
A boyfriend?
KAT
No, we just broke up.
DR. LLOYD
Ohh, that can be very stressful and the throat is often a barometer for other things going on.
KAT
Like what?
DR. LLOYD
Oh, there's a lot of things. Like when we are repressing things we should be saying.
Kat looks at him skeptically.
KAT
Are you sure you're not from California?
He laughs.
DR. LLOYD
No, I'm not. But, I'll admit, I have similar leanings, I tend to approach my patients holistically.
KAT
What can you prescribe me?
DR. LLOYD
I'm afraid nothing. Rest, relaxing thoughts, tea with honey.
Kat lets out an annoyed sigh.
Dr. Lloyd's phone rings.
DR. LLOYD
Yes, Amy. Okay, I'll be right out.
KAT
That's it, no antibiotics?
DR. LLOYD
That won't help you, you don't have a bacterial infection. It could be a viral infection, but I still can only ask you to rest.
KAT
How long will it be like this?
DR. LLOYD
If it's still bad in a week, let's get you back in here.
KAT
I don't have a week.
DR. LLOYD
The stress is not going to help your situation. Let me give you the number of someone who might be able to help you.
He goes to the Rolodex and jots down a number and hands it to Kat.
KAT
Who's this.
DR. LLOYD
She's someone you can talk to about your situation.
KAT
What, a shrink?
DR. LLOYD
She has a background in psycho-therapy. But, her practice is much broader than that.
Dr. Lloyd's phone buzzes again.
He ignores it, but moves to the door.
DR. LLOYD
I have a patient waiting, call her.
He exits.
KAT
(to herself)
Great, a shrink.
INT. ALEXANDER'S OFFICE - DAY
Alexander is intensely working on an elaborate architectural plan.
His phone rings several times before he tears himself away.
ALEXANDER
Yes? Again? Okay put her through.
(beat)
Sheila...I thought I told you not to call me here. I need to be focused on my work.
INT. SHEILA'S APARTMENT - DAY
She lounges on her sofa, literally eating bon-bons and watching All My Children.
SHEILA
I just called to tell you, I enrolled in my classes.
ALEXANDER
Good for you.
SHEILA
And before classes start, I want to come out and see you.
ALEXANDER
No, we already went through this.
SHEILA
That's lame, why not?
ALEXANDER
I explained all that, I am being watched very closely now after the mess I made back in San Francisco -following you through all your whims.
SHEILA
So it's all my fault?
ALEXANDER
Yes.
She slams the receiver down.
INT. ALEXANDER'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
He slams the phone into the receiver, irritated. He places a call.
ALEXANDER
Hi, if she calls again, please just take a message.
(beat)
Oh, and Marnie, order some Chinese take out.
(beat)
You decide, get something for yourself too.
He hangs up, closes his eyes for a long pause and resumes working.
EXT. VIVIAN WELLS OFFICE - DAY
Kat hesitates, staring blankly at the wood carved name plate and the charming door front decorated with several potted plants.
She enters.
INT. VIVIAN WELLS OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
The office is brightly painted and shelves are lined with homeopathic elixirs in clear bottles identified by hand written labels. Exotic plants everywhere.
VIVIAN escorts a CLIENT - a conservative man in his 30's from her office - to the door. She greets Kat with a wink and a smile. She has a radiance about her that is nearly hypnotic.
She closes the door behind him and turns to Kat.
VIVIAN
I am so glad you made it.
KAT
Thanks for seeing me on such short notice.
VIVIAN
The God's are shining on you. I had a cancellation not 5 minutes before you called.
KAT
Good.
VIVIAN
When you are walking in synchronicity, doors fly open.
KAT
I like your place.
VIVIAN
It's Feng Shui meets Dr. Feel Good.
Kat finally has a sincere laugh.
VIVIAN
Come on back to my office.
They walk through a beaded doorway and into a room aglow in candlelight, several ultra cozy chairs, plus an inviting bean bag and Lucite desk.
VIVIAN
Dr. Lloyd referred you?
KAT
Yes.
VIVIAN
He such a darling man. And, you should see his family. Just beautiful people.
KAT
So, he said you might be able to help me with my throat?
VIVIAN
First, let me get some tea.
She pours tea into a clear glass and places a sprig of mint on top.
VIVIAN
Drink this slowly.
KAT
Thank you.
She takes a sip.
KAT
So is this therapy?
VIVIAN
This is getting acquainted. Tell me what's going on and I will let you know if I can help you. There's no charge for this visit.
KAT
What kind of help do you offer?
VIVIAN
It can be one of my homeopathic elixirs, discussing through issues, life coaching, referrals, dream analysis.
KAT
You know about dreams?
VIVIAN
Yes, have you had any interesting dreams?
KAT
Yes, actually, I've been dreaming a lot lately.
VIVIAN
Tell me one.
KAT
Well.
Kat considers for a while.
KAT
Its pretty strange, but the night before my sore throat started, I dreamt that I had been stabbed in the throat.
VIVIAN
By who?
KAT
In the dream the man was like a stalker.
VIVIAN
And in real life was it anyone you know?
KAT
No. I mean, not really.
VIVIAN
Not really?
KAT
Just this guy I barely know, a customer.
VIVIAN
Customer?
KAT
I tend bar right now until things take off with my singing.
VIVIAN
This customer was in your dream. He stabbed you?
KAT
Yeah, I was actually a singer in a club and he would come around.
VIVIAN
And ever since this dream of him stabbing you, you’ve had this problem with your throat.
(pause to reflect)
Mmmm, this has prevented you from pursuing your singing?
Vivian stares into her eyes.
VIVIAN
You need to talk to him. There's something that needs to be revealed there.
KAT
I'm not going to talk with this guy, I don't even know him.
VIVIAN
There's something there.
KAT
So do you have anything that might actually help my throat?
VIVIAN
Yes, I do. I have a number of things that I would like you to try.

From the Script - Remembering

2011-03-11T12:57:00.000-08:00

EXT. GATED RESIDENCE - DAY
Kat is a traffic stopping beauty with long tresses she uses to camouflage perfect features. She watches as the TAXI DRIVER loads her bags into the trunk.
BRENNAN is clearly a muscular hunk even though clad conservatively in an oxford shirt and trousers. He observes Kat, biting back a smoldering rage.
BRENNAN
Catch the flight tomorrow, give us one more night to think this whole mess through because once you leave...
His threat is weighed only briefly before Kat gets into the back of the taxi and avoids making eye contact with the cabbie.
CABBIE
LAX?
KAT
That's right. Virgin Airlines.
Kat's eyes darken into a steely coldness as the taxi pulls out of the gates and into the pristine neighborhood.
INT. STRIP CLUB, SAN FRANCISCO - NIGHT
ALEXANDER has strong features, a striking presence. He stands alone near the exit and attentively follows SHEILA's every step as she makes her way around the club.
She leans in close to a rugged MAN, allowing him to nestle his face into the valley between her breasts.
She stands, accepts her tip and looks directly into Alexander's intense gaze.
EXT. STRIP CLUB - LATER
Alexander stands alone outside of the club. A group of DANCERS leave together.
Sheila walks out, casually dressed in her street clothes. She loops her arm into Alexander's as they head for the car.
INT. AUDI - CONTINUOUS
ALEXANDER
Looks like you were into that guy in that baseball cap.
SHEILA
Into the cash, look -
She whips out a c-note.
ALEXANDER
We’ve had our fun. Let’s look for something else to keep things spicy.
SHEILA
Something else, like what?
ALEXANDER
You don't know what you're setting off in some nut.
He takes his aggression out on the wheel as Sheila applies hand cream.
ALEXANDER
It's time to go back to our old life.
SHEILA
I don't want to.
ALEXANDER
Do you have a screw loose? Girls don't strip for the fun of it. You’ve got a nice, cushy life.
SHEILA
I don’t know - it’s had a strange impact on me, and the money...
ALEXANDER
You sound like a whore.
SHEILA
Excuse you?
Alexander is beyond words as he white knuckles the wheel.
SHEILA
If you don't like it, maybe it's time we part.
Alexander slams the car into a jarring stop.
ALEXANDER
Maybe it's time we part? That's fucking beautiful.
SHEILA
Calm down, you know as well as I do that we've been growing apart.
ALEXANDER
Yeah, ever since you decided to risk everything to parade around like a common tramp.
SHEILA
You know, I don't really feel like dealing with this again tonight.
He puts the car in gear and they drive home in silence.
EXT. ALEXANDER & SHEILA'S HOUSE - NIGHT
The Audi pulls into the garage. As soon as they park, Sheila jumps out and goes into the house, slamming the door behind her.
Alexander sits dumbstruck in the car.
INT. AIRPLANE - NIGHT
Kat is sound asleep on the red eye flight.
EXT. ISLAND - DREAM
Kat is all alone on a deserted stretch of land. She wears tattered clothing and her hair is matted. She looks for an escape and is perplexed, only seeing an expansive sea and a huge cliff stretching up to the sky.
She opts to climb the cliff. The strenuous trek requires Herculean strength.
Once at the top, she takes in the majesty of the view, the wildflowers, and a shadowy figure of a MAN. She is drawn to him.
She sits on the edge of the cliff. The man holds her tightly from behind, she glows in the embrace while clutching his strong hands wrapped about her waist.
INT. AIRPLANE - CONTINUOUS
Kat's face reveals her pleasure. She awakes slowly and looks around the plane, disoriented. She recalls the dream and smiles.
EXT./INT. UPTOWN HIGH RISE - MORNING
The CABBIE hands Kat's bags to the DOORMAN. Kat pays him and enters into opulence.
He picks up the house phone and dials.
DOORMAN
You a relative?
KAT
No, I'm going to be staying with her for a bit.
DOORMAN
That should be entertaining.
KAT
Why do you say that?
DOORMAN
Well, Julia's in town and with the fireworks between those two... mothers & daughters!
(beat)
C'mon pick-up....hello. I have a Miss Kat Phillips here in the lobby for you.
(beat)
Will do.
The Doorman escorts Kat to the elevator, presses the 12th floor and returns to the desk.
INT. ISABEL'S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS
ISABEL is a sensational beauty in her 60's, radiating wealth. She pastes her eyelashes on and fluffs her hair. She pulls a long silk wrap over her nightgown and puts on a pair of decadent slippers.
Just before she reaches the door, ANNIE, the 40-something Haitian Housekeeper, opens the door carrying a bag of groceries and helping Kat in with her luggage.
ISABEL
There you are! Annie, I didn't know where you were and with the phones and the door.
ANNIE
You know I go to the market at this time of the morning. I got your juice, and the...
ISABEL
(interrupting Annie)
Okay, dear...
(to Kat)
Well, hello, you made it.
KAT
Yes, I'm here.
ISABEL
Have a seat won’t you.
Isabel studies Kat who shifts awkwardly under her glare.
ISABEL
So Barbara tells me you sing?
KAT
Yes, I'm here to record a demo.
ISABEL
She speaks very highly of you.
KAT
You too.
ISABEL
Do you know how long you'll be staying?
KAT
When the demo is ready, I want to get it out there. I'm thinking this will take 6 months or so.
ISABEL
Do you have friends here?
KAT
No, I don't know anyone.
(pause)
Except for you.
Isabel scrutinizes her guest with more intensity.
ISABEL
Let me guess, he cheated on you?
KAT
Excuse me?
ISABEL
The guy you left behind.
KAT
Barbara told you?
ISABEL
No, your eyes did.
KAT
Let's just say, I’d love a fresh start here.
Annie brings in 2 glasses of prune juice and dry toast. Kat's eyes wander around the room, taking it all in. She focuses in on a painting of a young Isabel, wearing a turn of the century gown.
KAT
That's a beautiful painting of you.
ISABEL
It's not me.
KAT
It’s not?
ISABEL
My first husband purchased that painting a few months before we met.
KAT
You're kidding, it's you!
ISABEL
Apparently he knew what he wanted to look at. That illusion went as soon as I opened my mouth.
Isabel rolls her eyes.
KAT
That's too bizarre, it's like a copy of you.
Isabel sips her juice.
ISABEL
Go on try it. It works miracles.
Kat reluctantly tries the juice.
ISABEL
(calls out)
Annie! Is Kat's room prepared?
ANNIE
Anytime she’s ready.
I/E BERENSON ARCHITECTS, SAN FRANCISCO - MORNING
Alexander juggles a coffee and his portfolio as he makes his way into an impressive building.
He nods to familiar faces on his way to his office.
MONTAGE of Alexander:
In meeting after meeting, nodding off.
Looking out the window, not hearing his name being called out.
Drinking a dozen cups of coffee.
INT. BERENSON ARCHITECTS - DUSK
Alexander sketches a building when two clearly top ranking EXECUTIVES enter his office and close the door behind. Alexander rises respectfully, surprised by the visit.
JAMES ushers BARRY BERENSON to the sitting area.
JAMES
Alexander, lets visit here for a minute.
ALEXANDER
Sure, of course.
Alexander moves to shake Barry's hand.
ALEXANDER
Mr. Berenson, I didn't know you were in town.
BARRY
It was a last minute trip.
The men sit.
JAMES
(to Alexander)
Do you have any sketches for the Ridley project prepared?
ALEXANDER
Just some preliminary ideas. Nothing polished,
(beat)
Yet.
James and Barry exchange disapproving glances.
JAMES
I don't want to mince words here. Your work has not been up to par for some time now.
(beat)
And, we've been hearing things about your personal life.
Alexander shifts uncomfortably.
BARRY
We hand picked you from Cornell, my Alma Mater, in hopes of achieving some very specific results from you.
JAMES
Your work in Vienna - in Paris - were a driving force in the selection.
BARRY
And, we'd like to get you involved in a new project in Rome.
Alexander is visibly relieved.
JAMES
The project is based out of the New York office. Of course, we will provide you with a relocation fee.
ALEXANDER
Relocation?
BARRY
Our New York arm is more respected, particularly in the international arena.
ALEXANDER
This is a little unexpected. I'll have to give it some thought. You know, my life is here.
JAMES
Unfortunately, San Francisco is no longer an option for you.
ALEXANDER
What's that?
JAMES
We think the move will be good for you...in light of your situation.
ALEXANDER
My situation?
JAMES
Let's not play games, your new lifestyle is wholly inappropriate. Sheila was a good kid, but now she’s brazenly become a stripper, with no qualms about sharing... C’mon Al?
BARRY
Rather than let you go, we want to offer you a second chance with the company. A chance to get back on the rails.
ALEXANDER
So, I either move to New York or I'm fired?
JAMES
Move to New York - alone - or we’ll part ways.
ALEXANDER
I think you are over stepping here, a guy has a right to a personal life.
BARRY
Your work over the past 3 months would certainly justify your termination. If you're smart, you'll recognize this as a gift.
JAMES
We want to keep you on board, and we want you at potential.
Barry rises, followed by James.
BARRY
Give it some thought, and let James know your decision at the close of business tomorrow.
Alexander rises as the bosses leave the room. He’s weighted in his thoughts as he moves to the window. He looks out onto the San Francisco Bay, staring blankly at a freight liner slowly moving across the water.
INT. AIRPLANE - DAY
Alexander's plane lands at JFK. He watches a ferry make it's way across the Atlantic.
PILOT
(vo)
We should be on the ground in just a few moments. The weather is a crisp 48 degrees. Thank you again for choosing American Airlines.
EXT. MIDTOWN - DAY
They arrive at a Midtown walk-up and collect the luggage.
CASEY THOMPSON walks out the front door. He’s a handsome man with exquisite, metro-sexual taste. He approaches the curb.
CASEY
Alexander?
ALEXANDER
Yeah?
CASEY
He man, welcome. I'm Casey Thompson, your new roomie.
ALEXANDER
Hey, nice to meet you.
CASEY
I left the key to the apartment with the neighbor in 303. But, unfortunately I've got to take off.
ALEXANDER
Okay cool.
CASEY
There's a note up there. Don't wait up.
Casey grins impishly as he addresses the Cabbie.
CASEY
Hey, man - can you take me down to the Village?
INT. NEIGHBOR'S APARTMENT - DAY
Alexander knocks at the door. ANDREA - 20-something, a sophisticated beauty opens the door wearing workout clothes.
ALEXANDER
Sorry to bother you, Casey sent me over for a key.
ANDREA
Come on in, don't let my cats out.
Alexander does as told. Andrea walks past the humming treadmill and grabs the key off the windowsill.
ALEXANDER
Nice place.
ANDREA
It's an eclectic mutt, a designer's nightmare.
ALEXANDER
I like it.
ANDREA
That's good to know, coming from an architect.
ALEXANDER
You've done your homework.
ANDREA
Casey and I are pretty tight.
ALEXANDER
Yeah, I just met him. Berenson set it up.
ANDREA
I'm sure you two will have an adventure.
ALEXANDER
Yeah? Well, I better go get settled in.
ANDREA
I suppose you want this.
Andrea dangles the key in front of him. Alexander shifts uncomfortably. She finally hands it to him.
ALEXANDER
Have a good night.
ANDREA
I will.
He closes the door, barely blocking the cat’s escape.
INT. KAT'S ROOM - NIGHT
Kat lays on her bed circling want ads.
JULIA enters dressed to kill. Isabel's daughter is in her 30's, raised in London, with a gutsy disposition.
JULIA
Our house guest has arrived.
KAT
Hi, you must be Julia?
JULIA
Mother spoke of me? That's refreshing.
Kat laughs awkwardly.
JULIA
Get dressed, there's a party tonight.
KAT
Oh no, I can't.
JULIA
Don't tell me you're a bore?
KAT
I'm just tired from the trip. And, I'm looking for a job.
JULIA
A job? Isn't that something one does in the daytime or something?
KAT
For some, I guess. But, I'd rather get it over with.
JULIA
What are you looking for?
KAT
Something flexible, so I can pursue my singing. I used to tend bar at parties, I thought that could be interesting.
JULIA
I know the perfect place.
KAT
You do?
JULIA
If I get you the job, will you go to the party?
KAT
Totally.
JULIA
Is that beach talk?
KAT
Totally.
JULIA
Get dressed, we'll go over and see Zak in person.
KAT
If you don't mind being seen with someone who's from jet-lag hell.
JULIA
After a few ginger martini's, I won't even notice.
Julia laughs at her own joke and walks off.
JULIA
We'll leave in an hour.
Kat gets up and tosses the paper aside.
INT. THE BACHELOR PAD - NIGHT
Alexander is kicking it, watching ESPN.
Casey walks in.
CASEY
Hey man.
ALEXANDER
Hey what's up?
CASEY
Well, what do you think - will this place work for you?
ALEXANDER
Absolutely, it's great.
CASEY
My old roommate took off for your old job, so Berenson suggested you to me.
ALEXANDER
Huh, I didn't know that.
CASEY
Word has it you had a sly little fox back in Frisco.
ALEXANDER
Who told you that?
CASEY
Berenson is not that big of a firm, you ought to know that by now.
ALEXANDER
You'd think I would learn something along the way.
CASEY
So have you found your replacement?
ALEXANDER
Replacement?
CASEY
Andrea's available.
ALEXANDER
I'm not really looking for a replacement.
CASEY
You're not gay are you?
ALEXANDER
I thought you said you heard about me?
CASEY
(teasing)
I don't know if you swing both ways.
ALEXANDER
I can assure you that is not the case.
CASEY
Then you ought to give Andrea some serious thought. Trust me on that one.
ALEXANDER
Anyway...I put the rent check up on the bar.
CASEY
Speaking of, let's go over to Zak's.
ALEXANDER
Speaking of the rent?
CASEY
No, speaking of the bar. It's around the corner, very cool little place to unwind.
ALEXANDER
I'm up for that.
INT. ZAK'S - NIGHT
Julia and Kat sit at the bar and talk to ZAK, a warm and lovable Greek MAN in his 50's.
JULIA
She would be great here.
ZAK
How much experience you have?
KAT
I worked for a special events company for a couple years.
ZAK
How long ago was that?
KAT
Four years.
ZAK
Can you make some of the newer drinks; all the many NYC Martini’s and of course, the Mojito?
KAT
I make a mean Mojito.
ZAK
Okay, I'll give you a chance. You start tonight.
JULIA
Wait a minute, we have plans tonight.
ZAK
The plans just changed. You want the job or not?
KAT
Yes!
ZAK
Come through here.
Kat walks behind the bar.
ZAK
Your uniform is in the back, hanging on the coat rack.
KAT
I'll go get changed.
Casey and Alexander enter and sit a couple stools over from Julia.
ZAK
Hey Casey.
CASEY
Zak, my man. I'd like you to meet Al, he's staying with me. New to the city.
ZAK
Is that right?
Zak and Alexander shake hands.
ALEXANDER
Yeah, I just got arrived today.
ZAK
How'd you hook up with Casey?
ALEXANDER
We work for the same firm, they set it up.
ZAK
You're in good hands, this guy here is one of my favorites.
Julia sizes Casey up.
Kat walks in wearing a form fitting tank top.
JULIA
Nice uniform.
ZAK
You like that, do you?
Alexander looks at Kat skeptically, as if he knows her from somewhere.
ZAK
Okay, kid. You have your first customers.
He points out Casey & Alexander.
ZAK
I’m here as you need.
KAT
What are you having?
CASEY
Let me get a dry martini, dirty, very dirty.
Ignoring the overture.
KAT
And you?
Alexander ponders for too long.
KAT
I'll get back to you, sport.
Zak, Casey and Julia share a laugh.
Kat gets busy making her first cocktail. Once done she presents the martini to Casey with a flourish.
KAT
(to Alexander)
Any decisions?
ALEXANDER
Looks like martini's might be your specialty.
KAT
Let your friend here be the judge.
Casey takes a sip and nods his approval.
ALEXANDER
There you have it, I'll take one of those.
Kat gets busy.
ZAK
(to Casey and Julia)
Have you two ever met?
CASEY
Can't say I've had the pleasure.
ZAK
Two good customers should be acquainted.
Julia extends her hand regally.
JULIA
Julia.
CASEY
Jules...
She wants him - he makes a mental appointment.
CASEY
I'm Casey and this is my roomie, Al...he's fresh off the boat.
JULIA
Which boat might that be?
ALEXANDER
I'm from California.
JULIA
That's a co-inky-dink, so's my roomie...The Liquor Goddess over there.
ALEXANDER
I thought she looked familiar.
Kat pours Alexander's martini.
JULIA
Does she, now?
ALEXANDER
Where you from?
KAT
Is that the best line you've got?
ALEXANDER
It's not a line, just a simple question.
KAT
I'm a New Yorker now.
KAT
(to Julia)
You were having a ginger martini, right.
JULIA
Yes, love.
CASEY
In other words she's from Nunya.
Julia and Casey have a laugh. Unamused, Alexander knocks back half his martini in one swig.
CASEY
(to Julia)
Is ginger an aphrodisiac?
JULIA
I don't need aphrodisiacs.
CASEY
Sssss......
Kat catches Alexander watching her.
INT. KAT'S ROOM - NIGHT
INT. ALEXANDER'S ROOM - NIGHT
Intercut between the two rooms.
Kat and Alexander are both sound asleep.
THEY HAVE THE SAME DREAM FROM THEIR OWN PERSPECTIVES:
INT. ELEGANT NIGHTCLUB, CHICAGO 1920'S - DREAM
Kat is stunning in 20’s regalia. She wears an elegant evening gown while sitting on top of a piano. She sings seductively into a microphone. The speakeasy is jam packed.
In a back corner table, Alexander sits alone in a well tailored smoking jacket, mesmerized by her performance.
INT. STARK WHITE ROOM - LATER THAT NIGHT - DREAM
Kat is wrapped only in a white sheet lying on top of a large round bed.
The sound of the door opening captures her attention, she turns pleased and seductively, expecting her lover.
Her face drops into fear as Alexander enters.
A knife is suddenly plunged deep into her throat, the blood spreads on the bed making a large pool in sharp contrast to the white.
INTERCUT BETWEEN ALEXANDER AND KAT AWAKE WITH A START.
INT. KAT'S ROOM - MORNING
Kat sips tea and flips through the yellow pages. She makes a call and massages her throat.
KAT
(raspy voice)
I'm new in town and have a sore throat, is there any chance the doctor can see me - today?
INT. ALEXANDER'S OFFICE - DAY
Alexander surfs the net on his computer. Inserting dream symbols: knife - stabbing - stranger - into the search engine.
He reads key phrases to himself.

Remembering - synopsis

2011-02-22T11:07:00.000-08:00

From the moment they meet on that cold January night - a strange thing happens – Kat & Alexander begin to have shared dreams; dreams that transport would-be lovers through several lifetimes, capturing the complex tie that binds them. Still reeling from disastrous relationships, they find themselves each regarding the other with a certain caution, bordering on disdain. Deep down they recognize the familiar soul. Still, neither can account for why they would dream about a virtual stranger. But the dreams intrigue them into a journey back to the ancient land where they first shared love.

Kat arrives in New York to cut a demo and pursue a singing career, renting a room from an effervescent Socialite, Isabel who’s at constant odds with her London-raised hellion of a daughter, Julia. Doctors offer no plausible explanation for the growth on Kat’s neck, the size of a golf ball, which steadily gets in the way of her singing. When one baffled doctor refers her to some sort of new age shrink, she agrees to schedule just one appointment with Vivian, who manages to shed some light on Kat’s bizarre dreams and turns out to be very helpful.

Alexander is transferred to the NYC firm as an option to being fired. Even though the Berenson’s Architectural firm in New York is far more prestigious than its San Francisco sister, Alexander hates Manhattan. They claimed that his personal life was out of control and had severely affected his work – while he firmly believes it’s none of their business. He begrudgingly accepts the transfer, as being fired would likely ruin him indefinitely. Sheila isn’t worth that risk, he finally reasons as he makes one small step to letting go of the destructive relationship. The company finally has the ammunition to get their best market value out of Alexander, adept at restoring ancient structures – unaware that he had once built them in a lifetime before -- a lifetime shared with Kat. He carves out a niche of inspired design by day and bar fly by night where he drowns his cares in his scotch, martinis…or whatever the intriguing, but annoying chick, at Zak’s is serving.

Kat and Alexander are completely unaware of the unique force orchestrating their union, which brings them high atop a cliff that both recognize from their dreams.

EXERT from "Our Savior" A Family Film - With A Holiday Backdrop

2010-12-15T12:49:00.000-08:00

EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - NIGHT
INT. THE BERNARDS VICTORIAN HOME, SAN FRANCISCO
RACHEL Bernard (40-something) angrily clears the dinner table - tossing plates full of potential left-overs down the drain.
ADAM Bernard (grammar school age) feeds the dog, Jake, before heading for the stairs, sidestepping any interaction with his furious mother.
JOE Bernard (late 40’s) enters the house radiating happiness and good fortune.
JOE
What a game!
He follows the sound of the running water to find Rachel in the kitchen.
JOE
Tell me you saw the 1st half?
Her cool look gives him his answer. Undeterred he moves in for a hug and a smooch.
She wiggles our of his grasp and wipes down the counter tops.
RACHEL
I can’t believe you’re out celebrating.
JOE
I wouldn’t go that far, Rachel - the 9ers still need to make it through the second half.
He moves to the fridge, grabs a beer.
RACHEL
I’m done, Joe!
JOE
What’s going on, what happened?
RACHEL
Sam called me about your interview.
JOE
Oh, is that what it was?
RACHEL
You turned him down?
JOE
Of course I turned him down, that’s not for me - insurance, are you kidding me?
RACHEL
Yes, a salary and benefits are certainly beneath YOU.
JOE
Seriously...a 50 grand a year job is what you think I should be doing?
RACHEL
Imagine that - I’d like my husband to earn a salary! Call the men in the white jackets.
JOE
We’re in round two of capital here, Rachel, the patent is secured and..
RACHEL
(cutting off his elevator pitch)
Do you have any idea how ridiculous you sound right now? Four years, Joe, four.
JOE
Yeah, we’ve come this far -
RACHEL
This far into left field you mean, while I’ve handled everything else.
Adam tiptoes down the rear steps, eavesdropping.
JOE
Come on Rachel.
He tries to placate her with an embrace. She steps back.
RACHEL
No, I can’t - not anymore. Today you turned down a perfectly good job offer to keep up this fantasy of yours.
JOE
Fantasy? I can’t believe you just said that to me.
RACHEL
Hobby, is that better?
JOE
You’re kidding right? I’m raising the seed money now, the IPO will be less than a year.
RACHEL
I wish I were.
(pauses to weigh her words)
I want a separation, Joe.
JOE
Divorce...
From the staircase - Adam’s eyes widen as the word sinks in.
Discouraged, he returns to his room.
INT. ADAM’S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Adam is drawn to the window and opens it - meeting a strong wind coming off the bay, he’s moved into silent prayer for the first time in is young life.
EXT. THE WORLD
In the far corners of the globe, people are enjoying life;
NARRATION is provided by a voice of ageless wisdom.
NARRATOR
(VO)
As the boy prayed, an unseen vibration was moving gently around the globe...
EXT. KASHMIR, INDIA -
Residents try to enjoy a quiet stroll through Shalimar Garden as bus loads of visitors on Pilgrimage interrupt the tranquility.
EXT. ARGENTINA COAST -
A handsome Parish Priest in his 30’s, FATHER GABRIEL, locks the church doors and begins walking.
His eyes focus on a bright light over the sea. He stops to clean his glasses. Looking up, he sees a shadowy figure through the trees.
He moves toward the shore where he sees the image of a biblical Jesus above the water, surrounded by a bright light.
He takes off his glasses and looks at them with skepticism before taking another glance at the apparition.
FATHER GABRIEL
Dios mio.
He makes the sign of the cross, dropping both his papers and his bottle-cap glasses as his vision begins to talk;
JESUS
I have returned to walk among you...look into the eyes of the innocent and you will find me.
Father Gabriel collapses on top of his glasses.
A small DOG barks, pulling MISS CONSUELLA - a jovial woman in her late 30’s - through the trees to the collapsed Priest. The dog licks his face before peeing beside him. This arouses Father Gabriel back to consciousness.
MISS CONSUELLA
Oh, so sorry Gabby, I mean Father... Are you alright?
INT. MISS CONSUELLA’S COTTAGE, ARGENTINA - CONTINUOUS
The book shelves are covered with hundreds of travel books in alphabetical order by city from Albuquerque to Belize, Kyoto, Nepal, San Diego, etc.
Miss Consuella pulls the San Francisco book from the shelf.
MISS CONSUELLA
Yes, my handsome Prince, San Francisco.
BATHROOM -- Father Gabriel splashes his face with water and runs his fingers through is hair.
IN THE KITCHEN -- Miss Consuella enters and proudly lays a feast upon the table when Father Gabriel enters the kitchen.
MISS CONSUELLA
I hope you’re hungry, Father Gabriel.
FATHER GABRIEL
You believe me, don’t you, Miss Consuella?
MISS CONSUELLA
Absolutely, Father. Now sit down and eat something. I have breads, pudding and fruit. Coffee?
FATHER GABRIEL
Please. I must go to the elders with what I’ve seen.
Miss Consuella looks askance with a sardonic grin. Yet, she turns to him, smiling.
MISS CONSUELLA
I think you should wait for the next sign. Do you still like your eggs over easy?
Her words - even on the mundane - fall out sensually.
FATHER GABRIEL
How did you remember how I like my eggs?
MISS CONSUELLA
There’s just some things we don’t forget.
INT. BEIJING INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - EVENING
THE HIURA FAMILY is awaiting their plane. Mr. Hiura carefully conceals tickets that are ONE WAY to San Francisco from his WIFE and DAUGHTER.
EXT. RURAL ISRAEL - DAY
A serious faced farmer with a full beard, BEN ABRAHAM (50’s) and his son, AARON (pre-teen) make the usual rounds: feeding the chickens, water for the sheep....A SQUEALING SOUND comes from the back of the barn. They look at each other, confirming the sound was heard and run towards the back of the barn.
Their big BLACK COW is in the final stages of delivering a CALF. It is the most unusual shade of PINK. Ben drops to his knees to assist the delivery. He looks to the heavens.
BEN
Baruch ata adonai...
INT. ADAM’S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Adam's prayer is interrupted by an earthquake, a firm, strong jolt.
Joe and Rachel appear at his door within a few moments.
JOE
How about that son, your first bonafide earthquake.
ADAM
It scared me a little bit.
JOE
Ah, that’s nothing...the Quake of ‘89 was the real deal.
RACHEL
Honey, close that window - its freezing in here.
Adam sheepishly does as told - snapped back into the memory of his reason for opening it in the first place.
RACHEL
Go ahead and get ready for bed.
Joe says nothing but tries to mask his concerns for his marriage, for his son.
COLLAGE OF ADAM’S FRUSTRATIONS;
BACK TO SCHOOL - NO JOE
HALLOWEEN - NO JOE
THANKSGIVING - JUXTAPOSED BETWEEN THE 2 NOW-DIVIDED FAMILIES.
ADAM IS SHUTTLED FROM JOE’S PARENTS' HOME TO RACHEL’S SISTER’S HOUSE.
EXT. BERNARD RESIDENCE - THE NEXT DAY
A sporty SUV pulls into the driveway. Joe honks the horn and rolls down the passenger window.
Rachel opens the door still dressed in her robe, wearing a headset and shouts to Joe.
RACHEL
The passes are in Adam’s knapsack.
Adam arrives at the door in safari shorts, ball cap, and carrying a backpack.
ADAM
Bye Mom.
RACHEL
(to Adam)
I’m sorry sweetheart.
(to Joe)
Thanks for filling in. I’ll see you guys by dinner time, right?
JOE
Unless we decide to have a camel roast.
Rachel fails to see the humor. She makes a phone call and sits on the front ledge as they drive off.
EXT. HIGHWAY 80 - MORNING
Once the city fades into the background, the traffic lightens up as Joe and Adam listen to great road trip music.
RADIO ANNOUNCER
Hope you are getting some great deals on this Black Friday -
EXT. MARINE WORLD - DAY
PARKING LOT -- Miles of assorted family style cars and the guys are forced to park far and trek their way up to the entrance.
We can see the park is packed with families as Father and Son pass through the turnstiles.
Once in, it’s hard to decide which way to go first - Adam grabs a map and begins to strategize while Joe admires some of the attractive Moms, who seem to enjoy his attention.
FAR OUT OF THE SIGHT OF PATRONS:
TWO UNIFORMED TRAINERS stand beside an ELEPHANT in a secluded area of the park.
TRAINER #1
Today is the day, Mabel.
The Trainer pats the hind side of the elephant before administering an injection.
TRAINER #2
Are you sure she’s ready?
TRAINER #1
She trained under me, didn’t she?
Trainer #2 is not convinced.
CENTER OF THE PARK -- Adam stands alone in front of a souvenir shop overwhelmed by options.
A lone shadowy figure walks from a wooded area of the park. A NOMAD (and our Narrator) dressed in traditional Native American skins slowly approaches Adam, studying the boy with each step.
Once the Nomad and Adam are face to face he extends an ornately carved 5ft walking staff with a flourish, not saying a word.
After only a momentary hesitation - Adam accepts the gift, taking the man as part of Marine World’s entertainment.
While Adam admires his new souvenir, the man saunters away.
OPPOSITE END OF THE PARK - Joe is standing beside a GUY with a portable TV. The football game pours out.
JOE
Five bucks says he turns it over.
GUY
You’re on.
Joe looks at his watch.
Adam Zig-Zags through the crowd, staff in hand ending at a large sign that reads CAMEL RIDES. His eyes wander over to the ELEPHANT RIDES and he moves toward that line instead.
Joe pays the guy $5 and peels himself away from the game action.
Adam stands in line behind our Chinese family; Mrs. Hiura, as stylish as she is doting and May-Li (9) board the elephant. Mr. Hiura captures it all on his video camera.
Joe buys a souvenir kazoo from a gift stand.
Adam now stands poised to ride his elephant. The RIDE ATTENDANT preps the elephant.
RIDE ATTENDANT
You on your own, buddy?
ADAM
Yeah.
RIDE ATTENDANT
Is this your first time?
ADAM
I usually ride the camels, but today I feel like trying something different.
He helps him onto Mabel.
RIDE ATTENDANT
Here’s your girl.
As Mabel wobbles onto the trail, Adam beams.
Joe spots him and blows on the kazoo.
JOE
Hey, Adam!
Adam waves and smiles as Mabel becomes suddenly spooked with the shrill sound. She lifts her two front legs toward the sky before they come crashing down upon the backside of the elephant in front of them.
May-Li is knocked out of Mrs. Hiura’s grip. She is hanging down the side of the beast.
VOICE IN THE CROWD
Oh My God!
VOICE IN THE CROWD
The elephants have gone wild!
VOICE IN THE CROWD
Somebody call 911.
Adam suddenly gathers his composure and lowers his staff to the grounded legs, poking Mabel.
May-Li is losing her grip as Adam extends his staff towards the front of Mabel, towards May-Li.
Adam speaks into the ear of Mabel in an undetectable whisper.
Mabel lets out a whimper. May-Li’s free hand reaches for Adam’s staff, when Mabel raises her trunk in unison with the staff.
May-Li loses her grip, falling, but luckily straddling the trunk of Mabel. The elephant carefully lowers the little girl to the ground. Mr. Hiura drops his video camera and he and the Ride Attendant swarm her.
Joe rushes Adam.
EXT. MARINE WORLD - LATER
The parking lot is now overrun with NEWS VANS and SATELLITE DISHES.
AT THE ELEPHANT RIDES -- the crowd has grown as NEWS PERSONNEL encase Adam and the Hiura Family.
Mr. Hiura pulls Adam into an embrace smiling.
MR. HIURA
Very special boy. He get many blessings for this.
Those in the crowd talk amongst themselves.
VOICE IN THE CROWD
He saved that girl’s life!
VOICE IN THE CROWD
I wonder what other animals he can speak to?
EXT. MARINE WORLD - DUSK
PARKING LOT -- Adam now wears a beaver cap as he juggles his treasured staff and cotton candy. Joe is a few paces behind.
JOE
I was sure we parked in F.
ADAM
No, Dad, it’s this way. I’ll show you.
CHARLIE, a rotund news reporter wearing an “Associated Press” cap, suddenly emerges from behind a parked car. He lifts a giant camera from around his neck.
CHARLIE
Hey Adam, how about a photo for the Chronicle?
Adam looks into the near blinding flash.
FADE TO BLACK.

Welcome to the Lainey's Labyrinth Movie Treatment

2010-11-04T15:01:00.000-07:00

Inside a once prominent Wall Street office suite, executives band together in clusters of 2-3, a murmur of whispers fills the air. In background, we can see a woman sequestered alone in a prestigious corner office - this is Charlotte Waverly. She quietly boxes the last of her personal effects - elegantly framed photos in a variety of sizes, she lingers reflectively on a photo of herself and a beautiful older woman, her mother, with a Paris backdrop. She crosses the office and collects her diplomas; Yale bachelor’s, Columbia MBA, and adds them to the box. She returns to her desk and unlocks the file drawer, removing the entire stack of personal files in alphabetical order and drops them into her packing box. The top file reads “Adoption.” She places the lid on top.

The door swings open, her fiancé Jared walks in and pulls her tenderly into his arms. He picks up the box and ushers her out the door. Furniture installers have now arrived and started the process of dismantling the furniture. The remaining cluster of employees are saying their good byes as the couple walk to the elevators, nods of remorse are exchanged.

Once outside, the city street bustles as if unaware that another firm has collapsed. Charlotte responds to the crisp air by inhaling deeply and buttoning up her Burberry trench coat, the sky is filled with grey clouds on the brink of a downpour as their car arrives. Jared hands the box to the driver who shakes a disbelieving head before dropping it into the trunk.

Upper East Side apartment. CNN drones on in the background as Jared & Charlotte enjoy Indian takeout. Jared makes a final unsuccessful attempt to convince her to join him on a business trip to Milan, for the fashion show. If he weren’t heir apparent, he’d cancel he tells her.

Its dark, but the sounds of a thunderstorm can be heard - Charlotte rouses awake and reaches for Jared who’s already up and making noise in the kitchen. She’s surprised when he appears fully dressed and kissing her goodbye. The clock reads 5:30. She decides to go back to sleep as the clock pushes forward to 11:15 when she awakes, clearly surprised by the time.

She shuffles into the kitchen and starts a pot of coffee. Instinctively, she grabs the remote to turn on the TV - thinks better of it and tosses it back on the counter. She picks up the New York Times left on the table with a note from Jared and pours a cup of coffee. She doesn’t have the heart to read that either and tosses it aside. She finds herself drawn to a framed family photo, prominently displayed on a sofa table. On closer inspection we see Charlotte as a tanned summer kid flanked by her parents circa 1976, the bicentennial year festivities. She turns her attention to the box from her office and reluctantly approaches, opens it, and pulls out the top file.

Hartley Pierson is in his element, duck hunting on his sprawling Carolina estate, the spoils of his tobacco lineage. His cell phone interrupts the calm and precision required for his shot. He answers without a trace of irritation. Charlotte Waverly is on the other end, introducing herself. She’s taken aback when he claims he has been expecting her call, for years. Her inquiries about the details of her case are met with Pierson’s insistence that they discuss it in person. Beat down, but determined, she acquiesces and agrees to call him with details of her arrival.

Charlotte meets a representative of a rental car company in front of her building, who walks her around the car for inspection, helps her place a small travel bag in the boot and gives her a few pointers about the car before she drives off, eager to get out of the city before rush hour.

Charlotte impulsively takes the exit into DC and is driving down Constitution Avenue, following GPS instructions to a hotel. The streets are all blocked and she decides to park the car and wait out the commotion. No sooner than she hits the street, a bystander informs her that Obama’s motorcade is coming through. She hears the hoopla long before the 6th car - carrying the first family - flies by. As she gets a small glimpse of Barack and hears Jared’s voice, “so you finally crossed over to the dark side and voted Democrat...well done.” She smiles reflectively.

The next day she’s back on the road and informed by GPS that her exit is coming up in 3 miles. She pulls into the gates of “Winston Lair” and is struck by the grandeur of the estate. She is received graciously by a houseman and settled into a wood paneled office sipping tea when Hartley Pierson guns into the room and sweeps her into his arms despite her stiffened demeanor. “Lainey would be proud,” he tells her “Can’t see where Nelson would have any complaints either.” He seems genuinely tickled by the sound of his own voice.

Charlotte attempts to summarize the purpose of her visit, medical records. But is met with his insistence in giving the details about birth parents that she never knew existed prior to her Mom’s tragic demise on 911 had her rummaging through her things. To which, he expressed sincere condolences. It was a doctor’s detection of a genetic disease that caused her to make the inquiry and being a busy woman, and with all do respect, she simply wanted access to this Lainey woman’s physician to learn more about her medical history. Hartley hands her a manila envelope and directions to a safe deposit box in town and advises that once she reviewed the materials, she could have anything she wanted. Annoyed, she takes the package and crosses town to the bank.

Settled into a plush lodge, Charlotte states long and hard at a photo of an interracial couple, late 60’s. Blonde woman, black man with Lainey & Nelson written on the front, the i dotted with a heart. Looking at her skin, scrutinizing her reflection, she shakes a dismayed head. She pulls the journal from the small chest and reads the opening line “Dear Charlotte, I’m so excited about you, I could just split in two.” The night breaks into dawn with Charlotte still reading a dead woman’s diaries. She finally turns into bed. Upon waking, she places a call and when a man answers calling her darling, “Dad, its me - is it true...”

He gives her his version of the events that placed the newborn into his wife’s arms, still mourning a miscarriage that she wanted no one to know about. He’d always looked for the right time to tell her and it never appeared. Charlotte confessed to finding the adoption file after Mother’s death, but let it sit and fester until her last physical.

Back at Pierson’s estate she is provided the details of Nelson’s murder in the aftermath of Dr. King’s assassination. The case closed quickly with the incarceration of the prime suspect. She’s missed Lainey’s death by just one year, taken into death by a rare blood disease, with her doctor’s info provided. A trust was created in Charlotte’s name and a larger collection of her writings was handed over, with her signature.

The week was passed dodging calls from her Dad, brief exchanges with Jared and holed up in the lodge - ignoring the outside world completely. Names, contact info, and an illuminating family tree are brought to life in a series of flashbacks depicting a doomed love story, a tragic family secret that impacts three generations, and ultimately the insinuation of a murder suspect who’s lived more than three decades Scott free, while another man does his time.

Under the weight of a moral responsibility; Charlotte joins forces with Hartley - the eccentric southern lawyer - friend of her birth parents to correct a miscarriage of justice.

Meeting Lainey’s sister Lillian in Atlanta sheds more light on the writings. The life worn, yet kindly woman shares the years passed in a mental institution. She delivers them to the real murderer and takes solace in her ability to finally act with courage.

With the reversal of the murder charges, Hartley takes Charlotte to meet her only living grandparents in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They deliver the news to Nelson’s gentile parents and introduce them to the last living legacy of their slain son, Charlotte.

Alone and reflective, Charlotte makes the first entry in her own journal; what would have become of me if I hadn’t been adopted…

Scene from Mind Master

2010-08-10T14:59:00.000-07:00

EXT. SUBURBAN TOWN, OHIO – MORNING

The paperboy delivers papers to well-manicured and pristine homes.

INT. BRANDT RESIDENCE – CONTINUOUS

RANDALL BRANDT (36) reluctantly gets out of bed and into a steaming hot shower. Though groggy, he’s a self-possessed man’s-man with rugged good looks and a challenged physique.

THROUGHOUT THE HOME are framed photos of an active, happy family.

INT. KITCHEN – CONTINUOUS

A pot of oatmeal boils over the rim.

ANNIE BRANDT (34) stares blankly out the window. Dark circles under her puffy eyes threaten her once all-American beauty. She hardly resembles the radiant wife & mother in the family photos.

INT. BEDROOM – MORNING

Randall approves his image in the mirror before making a B-line for the front door.

Annie blocks the door, hands on hips.

ANNIE
No breakfast?

RANDALL
Can’t - I’ve gotta go.

Randall gives his wife a terse peck and makes his way to his truck.

DEREK BRANDT (9), who is a copy of his Mother, arrives at the front door and calls out with an all too familiar whine.

DEREK
Dad, don’t forget my swim meet today.

RANDALL
I’ll try, Derek - no promises.

I/E RANDALL’S TRUCK - MORNING

Randall drives through town and checks his reflection in the rearview before arriving at a drive-through Starbucks.

RANDALL
Good Morning, Darlin - the usual.

CASHIER
(vo)
You got it, Handsome - come on around.

He pulls around and finds a CUTE CASHIER, aglow to see him.

CASHIER
One Blueberry Muffin and a Red Eye.

He hands her cash.

RANDALL
Did you do something different with your hair?

CASHIER
You like?

RANDALL
Looking good, Monica...

CASHIER
Thanks, see you tomorrow.

He drives into downtown Cleveland and parks at a construction site.

EXT. BRANDT CONSTRUCTION SITE – CONTINUOUS

BRANDT CONSTRUCTION signs and logos cover the site.

Randall is met by SAMMY (62) - his Foreman is a no-nonsense veteran in the industry. As they walk and talk, Randall juggles his coffee and polishes off the muffin. Sammy holds a clipboard and hard-hat.

SAMMY
Where you been?

Randall gives him a mischievous grin and ignores the question.

RANDALL
What’d you hear from the city hall?

SAMMY
The budget is frozen until she can pass inspection.

RANDALL
Which floor is troubling you the most?

SAMMY
Check out the second floor first, then head up to the third.

A large cement truck pulls up.

SAMMY
Damn, they’re early. Let me deal with these idiots. Here.

Sammy hands Randall the hard hat, which he arrogantly waves off as he heads for the lift. Sammy shakes his head and flags the truck to the side lot.

Randall rides the lift to the third floor and surveys the situation as he approaches his CREW.

The frame suddenly SHAKES and some of the Crew runs for cover.

Randall is confused and moves to investigate the problem when a large metal beam HITS Randall in the side of the head, knocking him off the structure and onto the cement truck several floors down.

POV Randall; he’s disoriented and his labored breathing is near deafening as he sees the crew rush to his aid. His surroundings,

FADE OUT

INT. EMERGENCY ROOM - CLEVELAND GENERAL HOSPITAL - LATER
The final attempts to revive a middle-aged male PATIENT are failing as Randall is rushed into the emergency room, bleeding and still unconscious.

DR. LINDA GOLD (50’s) - refined and serious - leaves the failing patient in the hands of THREE DOCTORS and moves on to Randall’s room.

She consults with the PARAMEDICS and directs the NURSE.

DR. GOLD
Order x-rays and cat scan and I’ll need to intubate, get some succs and etomidate.

The Nurse moves to the door.

DR. GOLD
Any word on our critical?

NURSE
No ID as of yet.

Dr. Gold shows no emotion.

DR. GOLD
(to Paramedics)
Who’s here with this one?

PARAMEDIC
The Foreman of the site.

DR. GOLD
Make sure his family is notified.

IN THE NEXT ROOM - The last heroic efforts are made on the critical patient. FLATLINE.

RANDALL’S ROOM - Randall is hooked up to a half a dozen machines and his nasty gash is being treated. He’s unconscious, head shaved.

DR. GOLD
(to the nurse)
Get me something to write with.

The nurse hands her a pen and paper.

DR. GOLD
Turn around and bend over.

Confused the nurse does as told with Dr. Gold’s prodding. Dr. Gold uses the nurses back to write a note.

DR. GOLD
Deliver this to Dr. Sinclair immediately.

INT. LABORATORY LECTURE HALL, HOSPITAL – DAY

DR. HENRY SINCLAIR, (50’s) - a man of poise and intellect - addresses an audience of TWENTY DOCTORS.

DR. SINCLAIR
With the advances in surgical instrumentation technology, we are now able to conduct procedures that do not involve the entire brain, but a portion of it. Thereby eliminating the constraints from the ethical, theological, and psychological communities. We can affect those with brain injuries, without the patient assuming the identity of the donor brain. Like the factory rebuilt transmission in my Volvo, the brain will belong wholly to its new owner...
(reflective pause)
With enhanced capabilities.

He observes his audience with self-satisfaction. Some exchange intrigued glances and several hands shoot into the air.

The ER Nurse rushes in and gives Dr. Sinclair the note. He reads it and smiles wickedly to himself.

DR. SINCLAIR
Excuse me, I need to attend to an urgent matter; we’ll resume this discussion next session.

INT. EMERGENCY ROOM - LATER
Dr. Gold & Dr. Sinclair scrutinize the x-rays and cat scan results titled “John Doe” + “Randall Brandt.” They nod their growing approvals.

DR. SINCLAIR
We have our candidates.

DR. GOLD
Agreed, but we need consent from the families.

DR. SINCLAIR
I understand that Mrs. Brandt is here in the waiting room?

DR. GOLD
Yes, but what about our John Doe?

DR. SINCLAIR
We need court approval.

DR. GOLD
Henry, you know as well as I do that we are dealing with a very small window here. We don’t have that kind of time.

DR. SINCLAIR
It’s high time I check in with my old Sigma Chi buddy, Judge Parks.

Dr. Gold smiles her agreement.

Exert - Lainey's Labyrinth

2010-08-04T18:13:00.000-07:00

All the days of her life had led to this final juncture at just forty-eight. The spring flowers are in full bloom and it is a most uplifting time for Atlanta residents who don’t suffer from pollen. For Lainey Filmore, these streets are still paved with the memories of a pain filled past. With the most recent diagnosis, it seems imminent that she will also die right here - in the same hospital where Charlotte was born in 1968. It was the year that her life narrowed into one of sorrow, one of guilt.

The diagnosis of ITP, the rare blood disease that threatened her life, would make sense of the years of fatigue and inexplicable aches. With all the time in the world shortened to just a few months, Lainey knew the time had come to face that tumultuous year and to make peace with it. She had become a part of history that year when she took up the cross beside the freedom fighters that were marching throughout the South. An interest punctuated by falling in love with a fellow student who happened to be black. The unplanned pregnancy was raised to catastrophic proportions for her when Dr. King was gunned down a few short months before the baby’s father suffered the same fate while committed to the subsequent protests.

Her preoccupation from the spring in 1996 until her passing would be spent organizing all the papers that she liked to refer to as her memoirs. While it seemed one thought, the Olympics, consumed everyone around her and speculations about what the event might do for this city. Renovations were well underway and Lainey reflected on how a single event could make such an indelible difference, not unlike what one teenage year did to her own life. Even the speculators underestimated what 10 years would deliver after the Olympics, which catalyzed one of the fastest growing cities in the nation. Lainey would find herself in a numb and loveless marriage, raising someone else’s children, just 10 years after her own big event.

Arrangements would be made for Charlotte to have the memoirs only when and if she came looking for her birth parents. Lainey was always convinced that no news from Charlotte was good news. This and the occasional tidbit about her life were sufficient. She never wanted to intrude upon that girl’s life; which she was proud to admit was a grand life – raised in Philadelphia privilege - a graduate of Brown University, and now working on Wall Street. Lainey never finished up at Emory, a college dropout. But she enrolled in school to learn and indeed she did.

It would mean the world to Lainey if her daughter came to know where she was from and who delivered her to this earth, for she always believed it was a unique heritage and the only real gift she had to leave the child with. Child, Lainey would challenge, at this point Charlotte is a good bit older than Lainey was when she had to choose at just 19. Choices, is all that life boils down to.

Back then; Lainey felt strongly that she had to keep her relationship with Nelson a secret because no one in her family would ever understand her interest in a black man. They were staunch opponents of the Civil Rights Movement and De-segregation, which they reasoned was undermining the very fabric of the nation. Lainey detested that they could not see past their own fears and recall the shame of being outcasts in Savannah when Daddy’s gambling debts cost them a place among the upstanding citizens. It was sad for Lainey to believe that Mother might accept the stain of a pedophile in the family over the blemish of a black man, true or not – to consider it was enough of a reason to keep the secret until it had to come out. For Lainey it was when King was shot that she told them that she was in love with Nelson, and their baby was on its way. She would spend the rest of her pregnancy ostracized except for her parents’ pleas to abort or the very least, adopt the child out.

By time Thanksgiving rolled around, little Charlotte was already born and the family would learn the truth of Lillian’s picture perfect family; and the man who had not only molested his own toddlers, but Lainey too. Holidays were never the same for any of them again, ruined by the truth. Which is why Lainey bundled Charlotte up when she was only six weeks old and gave her to Dr. Waverly, his Christmas gift to an infertile wife. Looking white, she would be raised white. Mother in particular was pleased. By the new year, she was married to her high school sweetheart - raising her sister's children and trying to pretend that 1968 never happened.