12/21/12

Today, went on Instagram, and took all of the picture on there and put them on Tumblr. What I posted today starts from the picture of Seb

http://www.mcvtstheatre.tumblr.com/

12/20/12

Worked FOH for benefit concert.

12/19/12

Excused absence

12/18/12

Today, I went through the Twitter account and looked for things Tumblr worthy. I copied the links to some pictures that have been posted, and we now have a functioning Tumblr account! Here is the URL: http://mcvtstheatre.tumblr.com/


I also posted the link on my Facebook and linked the MCVTS theatre page so it shows on both walls.

12/17/12

Today, I contacted everyone who Nyasia and I needed to help with the teaser. Got in touch with mostly everyone. I just have to confirm with Seb, but that should be easier since we are in class together. I took screenshots of my messages I sent

12/10/12

On 12/10/12 I spent my hour and a half going over the plans Nyasia and I have for the Tempest Teaser. We are going to recordRiley drawing while lines are being read in the background, along with Hayleys music. Alicia will be recording it, Sebastian and Hayley are going to work on sound, and we still need to ask Lea if she will edit. Here are my notes from this day

12/14/12

Saw the dance show again tonight

12/13/12

Saw the dance show today

12/12/12

Went to Ensemble Performance tonight.

12/11/12

Stayed after school to be in Alicia DeSimone's film until 7:00

11/20/12

Today, I did a lot of thinking. I came up with a new idea for my screenplay about bullying and suicide. Maybe it takes place in a grief counsler/therapy office, and different people who were close to Dani/ were involved in her suicide take turns going into therapy. I really like this idea, but then I thought, maybe this will be better as a play? Theatrically, I could see it working out better than a screenplay. A screenplay would get pretty boring if it took place in one setting. I don't know, it's something to play with.

Reflection: Well, that basically was my reflection. I was inspired by this after basically staring at the script for about 15 minutes, attempting to write something. I'm going to give myself a 100 for the new idea.

11/19/12

I am honestly at a block with all of my work. There isn't much I can do, so i'm going to do a SOC.




With a thousand sweet kisses Ill cover you oohhhhhhhh lover ill cover you yeah yeah yeah guitar wowowowowowowowow I like eggs. I want to go home wait I am home this makes no sense hahahaha i feel weird. I feel weird and people are stupid hahahaahha I think I want another dog. I love dogs. Dogs are good. So much better than cats. Cats are stupid and lazy and blah and if Brett reads this Soc which he will because he's a loser he will yell at me for insulting his favorite species hahaha oh well he's a loser. Boop bopp bop Lalalalla I like chocolate. Chocolate cookies are good. I have them, but they make me fat. Im too fat for life. Im too lazy for life and why do  I just want more chocolate? Goddamit. Lollol Im so weird. I ants I ants. I ants? Wtf am i saying. It sounds lik a movie. I ants. What? No it doesn't Shut up.




Reflection: I think I deserve a 100 for this post. With the whole thing about chocolate, I think I may have found inspiration for my play that I was working on in Crystal's workshop over the summer, which I also haven't touched since August.

11/16/12

Today, I started writing the beginning of Vanilla. Finally writing in chronological order! YAY!

(Lights up on a teenage boy sitting on a floor with a script in front of him. He is tapping his pencil, and keeps staring at the door. He sits in silence for about 5 seconds, until another teenage boy comes storming through the door)

NICKY

I am so….

A.J.

Where have you been? Your locker is right down the hall.

NICKY

 I’m sorry! I was walking down the hallway and I looked down and I realized that I left my script in Bio. So I went there to get it back and Mrs. Harris and I started talking about X Factor last night and…

A.J.

Look Nick, I really don’t care. Let’s just get started.

NICKY

Don’t call me Nick. My name is Nicky. Kind of like my sister, Nikki, you know, your ex-girlfriend, but not Nikki with an I, Nicky with a Y. Short for Nicholas, not Nicole. Nicky. Got it?

A.J.

Um…

NICKY

Good!

(They sit in silence for a few beats)

A.J.

So um, I was thinking with can start the scene with the both of us..

NICKY

Wait! Before you say anything, I had a brilliant idea.

A.J.

What is it?

  

NICKY

So instead of doing the scene from Romeo and Juliet where Romeo and Tybalt, why don’t we do a scene from Rent between Mark and Roger?

A.J.

Um, that’s a musical. I’m pretty sure any scene between them would be a song.

NICKY

And your point is?

Reflection: I think I deserve a 100 for this post. I am happy I finally figured out a way to start the play. I'm not saying this is how I am going to keep it, but at least it's a start. I also needed a clear image of why they are there. When I continue writing, I need to fit in the idea that the assignment is due the next day, so their is a clearer objective.

11/15/12

Today, I continued writing my short play, Vanilla. I wrote from where I left off with the line "That's not the line."

NICKY

You have no right to talk to me like that! I’m just trying to have a good time.

A.J.

A good time? You want to have a good time? We are working on our speech and drama class final! This isn’t SNL!

NICKY

It doesn’t mean we can’t make it fun!

A.J.

I’m not here to have fun! I want to get this done!

NICKY

Ha ha.. You rhymed.

A.J.

Ugh!!!!

(A.J. slams his script onto the ground, gets up, and paces back and forth with his hand to his forehead)

NICKY

Dude, you need to loosen up. Why are you so frustrated? And don’t tell me it’s because I’m annoying, because you were tense the minute I walked in here.  It’s because of Nikki isn’t it. I mean, not me Nicky, my sister Ni…

A.J.

I get it, okay! And it’s not, so don’t assume things alright? You don’t know anything.

Reflection: I think I deserve a 100 for this post. I have been stuck with where I wanted to continue, and I think this is active enough where I can move forward. I also think that writing this gave me an idea with the beginning, because I haven't started that part yet.

11/14/12

Today, I started brainstorming for my screenplay. I've abandon it for a little while, and I really am set on having this filmed and done by the end of the year. I need to do serious re-writes, but I have no idea how to start it. I have plot points I still want to use, which include

-Back to school
-Journal
-Funeral
-"Drunk"
-Flashbacks

The things I know I have to take out are:
-Opening
-Teacher
-Locker cleaning


I have decided to cut the teacher character out, as long as the small friend rolls. They don't serve much of purpose. I may even cut the mother out. I realized I want to focus on the best friend's point of view, and how he handle's the bullies after it happens. I want to use the fact that the bullies feel bad as a plot point. I was even thinking about having Dani still be alive, and that the suicide didn't go through.




Reflection: I think I deserve a 100 for this post. This was the first time I really sat down and thought about the things I have to do to change the screenplay. Obviously I have to do much more research, because I lacked that during the first write.

11/13/12

Today, I worked on the character profiles for my short play. I honestly just need to get everything I know about the characters written somewhere


Nicky

-Very hyper
-Twin to Nikki
-Doesn't have a care in the world
-Blunt and open
-Immatue
-Possibly gay?
-Nosy-


A.J.

-Boring
-Serious
-Want's to get work done
-Annoyed by Nicky
-Dating Nikki, Nicky's twin
-Doesn't seem to be upset by the breakup



Reflection: I think I deserve a 100 for this post. I had most of this in my head already, but getting it out and having it written down somewhere will be good for future reference. I will most likely be re-opening this post and adding stuff to the list periodically.

11/12/12

During Hurricane Sandy, I began to write my first short play. The usual pattern with a writer is to start small and progress, but I think I may have skipped a step, so I am going to work on this for a little while, and hopefully have a reading within the next 2 weeks. 

By the way, the lines represent a break. These are random lines that I want to use in the beginning and end of the play.

NICKY

Don’t call me Nick. My name is Nicky. Kind of like my sister, Nikki, you know, your ex girlfriend, but not Nikki with an I, Nicky with a Y. Short for Nicholas, not Nicole. Nicky. Got it?

A.J.

Um…

NICKY

Good!

.___________________________________________________________________________________

NICKY

Oh and I’m sorry about you and Nikki, by the way. You guys made a really cute couple.

A.J.

Um, thanks?

NICKY

You’re welcome. (Pause) She told me what happened by the way. You know, why you guys broke up.

A.J.

Oh, really because she never told me.

NICKY

Yep. She said you were way too boring for her, never wanted to go out and have fun. She would ask you to take her out, but you just liked to stay in your basement and play World of Warcraft. (Pause) So is it true?

A.J.

Is what true?

NICKY

Are you really that vanilla?

A.J.

Vanilla?

NICKY

You know, vanilla? Boring? Unexciting? Bland? Insipid? Dull? Plain Jane? Debbie Downer? Tidy Widy? Plain White Tee?

(Takes long dramatic breath)

As interesting as a…

A.J.

I got it.

NICKY

I’m sorry; I shouldn’t have brought it up.

(There is a slight pause. A.J. opens his mouth to answer)

I mean, it’s not your fault your such a hermit, right?

A.J.

Can we just focus on the script please?

NICKY

Surely, Kermit the Hermit.

(Looks down at the scarf on the ground next to him)

Oh look! Nikki left her scarf here!

(NICKY  puts on the scarf and attempts to do a model pose, but fails miserably.)

(In a fake British accent) How do I look?

A.J.

You look like an ass.

NICKY

Am I a good looking ass?

     (A.J. throws script onto the ground and groans)

What’s the prob Bob?

A.J.

You! You’re the “Prob” (Puts air quotes around “Prob”) Is everything a joke to you?

NICKY

Well, I…

A.J.

Don’t answer that. Just sit down, shut up, and let’s go through the script. Okay?

(NICKY does a “zip my lips” motion)

A.J.

 (Exhales) Thank you. Now let’s start from where we left off on page 5.

(A.J. starts shuffling through the script, while NICKY just stares at it in confusion. He throws the script onto the floor, and stands up.)

NICKY

You know what? I’m not sorry. Screw you.

A.J.

That’s not the line!

___________________________________________________________________________________

A.J.

Arnold Jefferson.

NICKY

Huh?

A.J.

My first name is Arnold and my middle name is Jefferson.

(A.J. smiles and walks out of the room, closing the door behind him. NICKY is silent for a few beats.)

NICKY

Arnold Jefferson?!?!?!

(NICKY dies of laughter as the lights go down.)

Reflection: I think I deserve a 100 for this post. I spent my entire week without power working on this by candlelight and notebook. Being stuck in your house in the dark really gets the creative juices flowing. I really like the direction with this. It is a much lighter story than the screenplay, and hopefully this may be something than can be produced in the near future.

10/25/12

Today, I did some research on one of the cases that I looked up the other day. The one that caught my eye the most was the Kenneth Weishuhn suicide. He was bullied because of his sexuality, and it got to the point where a Facebook hate group was made dedicated to him. That was what made this case so interesting to me. The fact that people could be so hateful that they would publicly bully someone, not caring about the outcome of their actions. I spent some time reading articles today. Here are the links.

http://www.ktiv.com/story/17473534/family-says

http://ishouldbelaughing.blogspot.com/2012/04/another-one-kenneth-weishuhn.html

http://www.advocate.com/news/daily-news/2012/04/17/gay-iowa-teen-takes-own-life-after-bullying


Reflection: I think I deserve a 100 for this post. I think that looking up more information on actual teen suicides will help me make the story much more realistic than it was before. I didn't do this the first time around, and I guess that was my downfall. I think I may use the inspiration of the Facebook group.

10/24/12

I really want to start writing the re-write, but i'm not sure how to start it really. I am thinking about starting it when Austin returns to school, but I need it to be realistic this time. I'm going to do a SOC to try and get some ideas flowing.


SOC:
Whatever it takes, I know I can make it through.. dododododod I hate everyone, people suck, so much. so so so much. Blahhh so annoying, so immature, so stupid. friends dont treat friends that way. people dont treat people that way. ugh. stupid. since the 7th grade we have been friends, why be so mean right now. What have i done? bobobbobo dodododododod barbra streisand.. dododododododododododododod hahaha its Adam Pascal's birtfhday! yeahhhhhh yeahhhh yeahh heyya heyya heyya heya wompity wompy womp La la la land machine. MACHIIIIINNNEEEE YEAHH YEAHHH. Im not gonna change, it the lala land machAAAAAAANNEEEEE. I love Demi Lovato. If i could be anyone, I would be Demi Lovato. Or Ariana Grande, i love her hair color. Red. REEED. LOVING HIM WAS RED. dundundundundundun loving him was red. I'm tired. Sleeeeeeepy. My arm hurts. Pretty dress. Gold. Sequins. I wanna curl my hurr.. haha

Reflection: I think I deserve a 100 for this post. Hopefully this will inspire some ideas for the re-write. Whenever I do SOC's, they seem to help get words come out.

10/23/12

Today, I spent my time brainstorming ideas for the re-write. I focused on how I can make the play more about the bullying, rather than Austin. Here are the idea's I came up with

1.) Dani TRIES to kill herself, but does not succeed. The screenplay is focused on the students in her school being questioned

2.) I stick to the same idea, but Austin begins to be bullied? (not my top choice, but an option)

3.)  The bullying is going on DURING the screenplay, and Dani kills herself at the very end

4.) A court case? Her family is suing the school for doing nothing about bullying (This is something I would have to look into and research) I had this idea for my eating disorder screenplay, but it could work for this one too

5.) The boring option: Austin's thoughts at her funeral, mainly flashbacks




Reflection: I think I deserve a 100 for this post. I mainly sat here and thought about the screenplay today, and it gave me a lot to think about. I think that #'s 1, 3, and 4 could be possible options. #4 was the idea for my next screenplay about eating disorders, and i'm sure i'm really ready to make that the storyline for this one, but if it came down too it, and I couldn't think of any other direction for this screenplay, it could be something to play with.

10/22/12

Today, I started to officially brainstorm new ideas for my screenplay. I am going to re-write from the beginning, and I guess that means it won't be completed by the end of the marking level. I guess that means I will continue it into the next marking level, unless some miracle happens.

The screenplay was starting to become a murder mystery, and that is not what I wanted at all. I want to focus more on Dani's suicide, rather than Austins reactions. I am still going to use the idea of her being bullied to the point where she kills herself, I just need to know the exact reason. I looked up teen suicide cases that have happened within the past couple of years, and here were some that really caught my attention.

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/07/kids-and-laughing-teachers-bullied-suicide-teen/

This one may be an interesting one to play with. He wasn't really the one who put the idea of suicide in his mind, it was a dare. It shows how peer pressure plays a bigger part in society than we really know.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/30/us/30bully.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Even though this is a typical suicide that was caused by bullying, the kids who bullied the girl were charged.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/17/kenneth-weishuhn-gay-iowa-teen-suicide_n_1431442.html

The fact that a Facebook hate group was made about him is something that is really unbelievable to me. I may want to use this.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/34236377/ns/today-today_news/t/sexting-bullying-cited-teens-suicide/

This could tie in with my plotline with her boyfriend and his sister. Maybe Jessica finds Sexting evidence on her brothers phone, and sends it around the school.





Reflection: I think that I deserve a 100 for this post. I think I found a lot of inspiration for my screenplay, and I will definetly be looking into these suicide cases a lot more to find inspiration and realistic facts. That was my main issue with it, and I want the re-write to be much more realistic. My problem was that I didn't do enough re-search, and I got lost in this made up story.

10/15/12

Some really unusual things happened today. The unusual thing was that the events gave a a lot of inspiration for my screenplay. A huge part of why I want to be a writer is because I want to show real life events under made up circumstances. Kind of like acting. I think my experiences today gave me a much deeper reasoning behind the whole story. I have much more character work to do, but I think I am at a much better place with this than I was yesterday.

BLEED

By: Briana Schwartz

Briana Schwartz

70 Alpha Ave.

Old Bridge, NJ 08857

Cell: 732-881-8889

Home: 732-678

Brischwartz1@gmail.com

Characters

Danielle, Teenage Girl, 15-17

Austin, Teenage Boy, Dani’s best friend, 15-17

Mrs. Gold, middle aged women, Dani’s mother, 40-50

Jimmy, Teenage Boy, Dani’s love interest, 15-17

Jessica, Teenage Girl, enemy to Dani and Austin, 15-17

Mr. and Mrs. Kratner, middle aged couple, Austin’s parents, 40-50

Officer Reynolds,older middle aged man, Investigator of Dani’s Death, 50-60

INT. THE GOLD FAMILY HOME- DANI’S BEDROOM-NIGHT

The scene is blurry, representing a dream, or more like a nightmare. Dani is sitting on the floor crying. A blade is in her hand, and she is holding it to her wrist. Austin takes the blade and holds it to his wrist.

INT-THE GOLD FAMILY HOME- DANI’S BEDROOM-MORNING

Austin is mumbling in his sleep. He repeats the name “Dani” over and over again, until he wakes up. His eyes open abruptly. He looks around, confused. His hands touch the sheets he is lying on.

AUSTIN

Did I wet the bed?

He lifts his hands up, revealing them covered in blood.

AUSTIN

Huh. (With a humorous tone)  Guess my period came early this month.

He is still confused about where he is and what is going on. He looks around at the walls, covered in posters of famous boy bands and actors.

FLASHBACK BEGINS

INT- THE GOLD FAMILY HOME-OUTSIDE OF DANI’S BEDROOM-NIGHT

Austin is knocking loudly from the outside of Dani’s bedroom door

SMASH CUT

Austin, Mr. Gold, and Mrs. Gold stand in Dani’s bedroom doorway, frozen with disbelief.

SMASH CUT

INT- THE GOLD FAMILY HOME-DANI’S BEDROOM-NIGHT

Police officers are standing in Dani’s room, talking to her parents and Austin

SMASH CUT

INT-HOSPITAL-NIGHT

Austin, Mr. Gold, and Mrs. Gold are talking to a doctor. As he is talking, Mrs. Gold begins to sob. Mr. Gold has her in his arms, trying not to cry, Austin is emotionless

END OF FLASHBACK

INT-THE GOLD FAMILY HOME- DANI’S BEDROOM

Austin gets out of bed, and walks over to the dresser that is across from the bed. He grabs a baby wipe out of a container, and begins to wipe his hands. Next to the baby wipes, is a picture frame with a picture of Dani and Austin in it. Austin has his arm around Dani, and they are standing in front of a stage.

FLASHBACK BEGINS

INT- MIDDLESEX COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

Austin and Dani are in the same position they were in the picture, a flash is seen, as if the picture was just taken. Austin lets go of Dani’s arm.

DANI

We did it. We actually did it.

AUSTIN

Our first school play and we managed not to kill each other or destroy the entire school

A loud noise is heard coming from behind the curtain.

DANI

Spoke too soon.

END OF FLASHBACK

INT- THE GOLD FAMILY HOME-DANI’S BEDROOM-MORNING

Austin picks up the picture frame and smiles.

MRS. GOLD

Austin?

Austin is startled by Mrs. Gold, and drops the picture frame. The glass on the picture frame shatters. Mrs. Gold is standing in the doorway. She appears to be very tired.

AUSTIN

I.. I’m sorry.. I didn’t know you were..

MRS. GOLD

Don’t worry about it.

Mrs. Gold slowly walks to the bed, and sits down. Austin sits next to her.

AUSTIN

I didn’t go home last night?

MRS. GOLD

You don’t remember? (Pause) We didn’t get back from the hospital until about 4 in the morning and you insisted on spending the night.

AUSTIN

Really?

MRS. GOLD

Yeah. As soon as we got back, you just crawled into Dani’s bed and past out. We didn’t even get to change the sheets, but we didn’t want to wake you. (Pause) It was a long night.

AUSTIN

So last night actually happened? She’s really..

MRS. GOLD

She’s gone.

Mrs. Gold completely loses it. She begins to cry. Austin puts his hand on her shoulder. He shows no emotion.

CUT.

INT- MIDDLESEX COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS- HALLWAY-MORNING

Two days have gone by. Austin stands at the end of the hallway. It is crowded, but Austin seems separated from the rest of them.

INT-MIDDLESEX COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL - THEATER CLASSROOM-MORNING

Austin walks into the theater classroom. He appears to be the last one to arrive. Everyone looks up at him, including the teacher, Ms. Hernandez, and Jessica, a rather shady looking student, wearing all black.

MS. HERNANDEZ

Hey kiddo. How are you feeling?

Austin does not respond. He walks to the 2 empty seats at one of the tables, and sits in one of them. He stares at the empty chair next to him: Dani’s seat. Another student, Holly, hugs him, but he doesn’t react to it. He is still emotionless.

The classroom bell rings. Everyone is walking out of class. Austin is taking his time.

MS. HERNANDEZ

Austin. Can you stay for a minute?

Austin shakes his head “yes”.

MRS. HERNANDEZ

Pull up a chair.

She moves her chair in front of the chalkboard; Austin moves his chair across from her.

MRS. HERNANDEZ

I can only imagine how you must be feeling right now.

AUSTIN

Feeling? I forgot what that word means.

MS. HERNANDEZ

It’s perfectly normal for that to happen when coping with a loss.

AUSTIN

I haven’t slept since that night.

MS. HERNANDEZ

You should have taken the week off. You need some time to breathe.

AUSTIN

I couldn’t. Finals are this week.

MS. HERNANDEZ

Yeah. About that, I had a long talk with the rest of your teachers and we all thought it would be best to void your finals.

AUSTIN

You really didn’t need to do that.

MS. HERNANDEZ

You’re a straight A student. You have been since freshman year; it won’t be a big deal.

AUSTIN

I could take them, really.

MS. HERNANDEZ

You can’t. You aren’t stable Austin. Look at you! You look like your about to pass out.

AUSTIN

Look, I have to get to history.

Austin gets up, pushes the chair back to its place, grabs his things, and begins to walk out

AUSTIN

Thank you for the concern, I really do appreciate it, but I have to go.

Austin makes his way to the door

MS. HERNANDEZ

Promise me you will come back if you need something?

CUT

INT- MIDDLESEX COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL -CAFETERIA-AFTERNOON

Austin is sitting at a crowded lunch table with a bunch of other people. They are laughing and joking around, not paying much attention to Austin. He looks across the cafeteria, and see’s Bella, a friend of his, who was very close with Dani. He gets up, and walks over to her lunch table. It is the same sort of scene as the table he was at. Bella smiles and laughs here and there, but she is not her normal bubbly self.

       

  AUSTIN

Hey, do you want to go outside?

   

  BELLA                  

Austin. Hey. Um,sure. Why not?

EXT- MIDDLESEX COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS- OUTSIDE OF THE CAFETERIA

AUSTIN

How are you handling all of this so well?

BELLA

I don’t even know. Her not being here is really weird. (Pause) I can’t even imagine what’s going through your head right now.

AUSTIN

I don’t even know what’s going on up there.

                           

                            BELLA

Is it too soon?

AUSTIN

Is what too soon?

BELLA

Is it too soon to ask you what really happened the other night? I know you were there.

FLASHBACK BEGINS

INT- THE GOLD FAMILY HOME-DANI’S BEDROOM-NIGHT

Dani throws a pillow at Austin

DANI

Get out! Now!

SMASH CUT

INT- THE GOLD FAMILY HOME- OUTSIDE OF DANI’S ROOM

Austin is sitting on the floor outside Dani’s room

SMASH CUT

Austin is trying trying to turn Dani’s door knob, but it won’t open

END OF FLASHBACK

EXT- MIDDLESEX COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS- OUTSIDE OF CAFETERIA

AUSTIN

Yeah. It’s too soon.

CUT

INT-MIDDLESEX COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOR PERFORMING ARTS- AUSTIN’S MATH CLASS

The whole class is listening to the teacher speak and write notes on the board. A voice is heard over the loudspeaker.

LOUDSPEAKER

Austin Kratner, please report to the main office.

Austin walks out of the classroom

INT- MIDDLESEX COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOR PERFORMING ARTS- MR. BAREN’S OFFICE

Austin is sitting in a chair across from Mr. Barren’s desk.

AUSTIN

Am I in trouble or something?

MR. BARREN

No, not at all. I just wanted to see how you were doing. I’m so sorry for your loss.

AUSTIN

Is that the only reason why I’m here?

MR. BARREN

No. Actually we were wondering if you could clean out Danielle’s locker.

AUSTIN

What?

MR. BARREN

If it’s too soon we could get someone else to do it.

AUSTIN

No, I’ll do it. Why now though?

MR. BARREN

It’s almost the end of the year and you guys need to start cleaning out your lockers. If someone doesn’t do it soon everything in there is going to be thrown away and her parents wanted to make sure there isn’t anything of value in there. They said you would be the best person to do it.

AUSTIN

Oh. (Pause) When do you want me to do it?

MR. BARREN

Now if that’s ok. Here’s the combination.

Mr. Barren slides a piece of paper across the table. Austin does not take it. He gets up and begins to walk out.

AUSTIN

I know it already.

CUT

INT- MIDDLESEX COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS-HALLWAY-AFTERNOON

Austin walks down an empty hallway with a box under his arm. He stops at a locker. Dani’s. He puts in a combination, and the locker opens. It is very organized. There are a few small posters/pictures on her locker door. Some are of singers and bands she likes, she has the same “Ghost the Musical” poster as Austin, and has some are pictures of her, two or three have Austin in them. He puts the box on the floor, takes down the pictures and posters, puts them in the box, sand begins going through the books in her locker. He pulls out a book here and there, and puts it in the box. He pulls out a notebook that he does not recognize, and holds it for a moment. He opens it, and shuffles through it. The pages reveal that it is a diary. He puts the journal onto the floor next to the box. He slams the locker shut, puts the box under his arm, grabs the notebook, and begins walking down the hallway.

CUT

EXT- THE GOLD FAMILY HOME-FRONT DOOR-AFTERNOON

Austin walks up to the front door. He has his backpack on his back and still has the box in his hands. He puts it under one arm, and rings the doorbell. Mrs. Gold answers the door.

MRS. GOLD

Hi Austin.

AUSTIN

Hey. Um, I have the box of Dani’s things from her locker.

MRS. GOLD

Oh good. Thank you for doing that. (Pause) We went to the funeral home today. Her wake is going to be on Friday.

AUSTIN

Oh.

MRS. GOLD

Yeah. (Pause) Mr. Gold and I thought that Dani would have liked you to say a few words on her behalf, if that’s ok with you?

AUSTIN

 I would be honored. I was going to ask you if I could either way.

MRS. GOLD

That’s great. Thank you. (Pause) I’ve been trying to go through her room all day to find things that we could bring to represent her at the wake, but I haven’t made it past her bedroom door. (Pause) Would you like to come in and help me?

Austin smiles slightly

CUT

INT- THE GOLD FAMILY HOME- DANI’S ROOM- AFTERNOON

Austin and Mrs. Gold look through Dani’s room to find items. They both find many things, and set them down on the bed. They look through them.

AUSTIN

What about these?

Austin picks up a bundle of Broadway show tickets. They both laugh a little

MRS. GOLD

Of course, Her collection of Broadway tickets

Mrs. Gold takes the bundle of tickets and shuffles through them as well. She pulls two out.

MRS. GOLD

Memphis, Her favorite.

Mrs. Gold reveals two Broadway show tickets from the show Memphis.

AUSTIN

At first the only reason she wanted to see it was because Adam Pascal was playing the lead. I saw it on Netflix and wouldn’t see it with her. She ended up becoming obsessed with it. I can’t believe she made Mr. Gold see it with her twice.

They both laugh. Austin takes the stack of tickets, and pulls out one.

                                AUSTIN

                           Ghost. This is our show.

FLASHBACK BEGINS

INT- THE BACKSEAT OF AUSTIN’S MOM AND DAD’S CAR-NIGHT

Austin and Dani get into the backseat of Austin’s mom and dad’s car. They have Ghost playbills in hand. They are both smiling ear to ear.

DANI

Oh my god I can’t believe how amazing that show was! The vocals! The effects! Everything was just.. Wow. Amazing. I want to be Caissie Levy. I want her voice, and Oh my god, Richard Fleeshman! You would never know he was British. His belting. Those teeth! Perfection. Pure perfection.

AUSTIN

(mocking Dani) Thank you Austin, thank you for introducing me to the amazingness that is Ghost: The Musical.

DANI

Thank you. And thank your Mr. and Mrs. Kratner for taking me. I really appreciate it.

MRS. KRATNER

Don’t worry about it Dani. It’s the least we could do for having you put up with Austin all the time.

DANI

Yeah. It’s a full time job.

Dani makes a face at Austin. Austin gives Dani one of his headphones. Dani puts it in her ear and smiles.

END OF FLASHBACK

INT- THE GOLD FAMILY HOME- DANI’S ROOM- AFTERNOON

MRS. GOLD

She didn’t sleep that night when she got home. She stayed up all night listening to the music from the play.

AUSTIN

Same here. We were texting each other all night.

MRS. GOLD

She was like that after every show she saw. Except Sister Act.

AUSTIN

And Priscilla!

Mrs. Gold and Austin laugh for a few beats.

MRS. GOLD

I miss her so much.

She begins to wipe tears from her eyes.

AUSTIN

So do I.

MRS. GOLD

I knew she had been in a bad mood for a while, I just had no idea things were that bad. I can’t believe she didn’t come to me for help. I failed her as a mother.

AUSTIN

Don’t say that.

MRS. GOLD

She was such a strong girl. I didn’t know anything could have been that bad. I could have helped her get through whatever she was going through. (Pause) What was she going through anyway?

FLASHBACK BEGINS

INT- THE GOLD FAMILY HOME-FAMILY ROOM-AFTERNOON

Austin and Dani are sitting on the couch. The T.V. is on. They are in a deep conversation with each other. Dani appears to be crying.

DANI

I don’t know what to do.

AUSTIN

Neither do I.

DANI

It’s something that is completely out of my control. Austin I’m scared.

END OF FLASHBACK

AUSTIN

I really wish I could tell you that.

MRS. GOLD

Mr. Gold and I have been thinking about it all day. Mental illness runs in the family I have no idea why we didn’t get her tested for anything.

AUSTIN

I really don’t think that was the problem.

INT- KRATNER FAMILY HOME- AUSTIN’S BEDROOM- NIGHT

Austin is in his pajamas getting ready to go to bed. He turns out the lights, lies down in bed, and tries to fall asleep. He tosses and turns, but he is wide awake. He turns on the lamp beside his bed, and reaches for his backpack that is sitting next to his bed. He pulls out his netbook. He opens up Facebook, and scrolls down his newsfeed. Numerous posts about Dani are written. They say “R.I.P Danielle Gold, never really got to become friends with you, but you were beautiful” or “My prayers go out to Danielle Gold and her family. Rest easy.” He laughs slightly at the fact that everyone called her “Danielle.” One post specifically catches his eye. He reads it out loud

AUSTIN

I had so many things left to say to you, but I guess you’re never going to know exactly how I feel. Rest in Peace Danielle “Dani” Gold. You were beautiful. If I could change things, I would”

Austin sighs loudly, and slams his netbook shut, and sets it on the nightstand next to his bed.  He reaches into his backpack, and pulls out the notebook from Dani’s locker. He flips through it, skimming the pages. He suddenly becomes upset and frustrated, causing him to throw the book across the room. He takes a moment and pulls himself back together. He turns out the lights

CUT.

INT- PIZZA PLACE- AFTERNOON

Austin is sitting at a booth in a pizza place by himself, looking around as if he is waiting for someone. A teenage boy, Jimmy, who is around the same age as Austin, sits across from him at the table.

AUSTIN

Hey, Jimmy. Thanks for meeting me here.

JIMMY

No problem. (Pause) Why am I here exactly?

AUSTIN

I.... I just wanted to thank you in person for that post you wrote to Dani. It would have meant a lot to her.

JIMMY

Don’t thank me, really.

AUSTIN

I also wanted to let you know that her wake is Friday night. It starts at 7. (Austin takes a napkin from the holder on the table, pulls a pen from his pocket, and begins writing) This is the address; I think it would have meant a lot to her if you were there.

JIMMY

Are you sure that’s such a good idea? Me being there?

AUSTIN

I don’t see why not.

JIMMY

I don’t know.

AUSTIN

It would really... It would have really meant a lot to her.

JIMMY

I... I guess. (Pause) I loved her, you know. If I could change what happened I would. You know that right?

AUSTIN

I know. She knew that too. It was out of your control.

JIMMY

I hope so.

AUSTIN

I know so, but I do have a question.

JIMMY

Shoot.

AUSTIN

Are you still really going to be friends with Jessica?

JIMMY

There’s nothing I can do.

AUSTIN

You could do what Dani was too scared to do. You’re the only person who can.

JIMMY

Do you realize how hard that would be? You saw what happened to Dani! I’ll be next.

FLASHBACK

INT- MIDDLSEX HIGH SCHOOL- THEATER DRESSING ROOM- NIGHT

Dani is folding clothes and hanging them up, while Jessica is just standing there.

DANI

I don’t really understand what you’re asking me to do here.

JESSICA

I’m telling you to stay away from him.

DANI

You don’t have the right.

JESSICA

But I have the ability to destroy you.

DANI

Yeah, because I’m totally scared of some rumors being spread about me, right?

JESSICA

I didn’t mean emotionally.

Jessica walks up to Dani, and whispers something in her ear. Dani’s smirk fades, and she is now as pale as a ghost.

END OF FLASHBACK

AUSTIN

Do you not understand how dangerous this whole thing is? Will someone else have to die for you understand?

JIMMY

Jessica didn’t touch her.

AUSIN

And that’s supposed to make it ok?

JIMMY

No! That’s not what I’m meant! I’m just saying Jessica didn’t touch her; therefore it would be impossible to blame her for anything.

AUSTIN

She verbally threatened her. It scared her.

JIMMY

Yeah,verbally. Do we have any written proof?

AUSTIN

No, but.

JIMMY

There you go! We have nothing. We are only going to cause a scene if we attempt to pin this on her, and then she’ll come after us.

AUSTIN

Then let her! (Pause) I don’t care that she didn’t touch Dani, she still killed her.

Austin gets up from the table and walks out.

CUT.

INT- MIDDLESEX COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL-CLASSROOM-MORNING.

Austin is reading Dani’s diary from the very beginning. Her first entry was from the first day of freshman year, which was the first day they met.

FLASHBACK

The hallways of Middlesex County High School are filled with people. Austin is looking around for someone that he may know, but there are no familiar faces. Everyone seems to have a friend but him. Someone taps him on the shoulder suddenly.

DANI

Hi. You’re Austin, right?

AUSTIN

Um,yeah.

DANI

I recognized you from freshman orientation. I’m Danielle.

AUSTIN

Oh yeah. You added me on Facebook, right?

DANI

Yep. I noticed we have the same schedule. You want to attempt to find Grade 9 Theater together?

AUSTIN

Uh,yeah. Why not?

Dani and Austin begin walking down the hallway together.

DANI

You’re eyes are gorgeous, by the way.

Austin smiles.

END OF FLASHBACK.

Austin has the same faint smile on his face. He looks up.In front of him is Jessica.

AUSTIN

What do you want?

JESSICA

I just wanted to see how you were doing, that’s all.

Austin rolls his eyes, and continues to read Dani’s journal. Jessica opens her mouth to say something, but holds back and walks away. Austin’s teacher calls him from the doorway.

TEACHER

Austin, can you come here please?

Austin tucks the notebook under his arm and walks to the teacher.

TEACHER

This is Officer Reynolds. He wants to speak with you.

AUSTIN

Um, that’s really not necessary.

OFFICER REYNOLDS

I just want to help, Austin.

AUSTIN

And I appreciate it, but I can handle this on my own.

OFFICER REYNOLDS

Please just come talk to me for five minutes, and if you want to leave, you can leave.

CUT.

INT-MIDDLESEX COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL-MORNING-CLASSROOM

Austin and Officer Reynolds are sitting on chairs across from each other.

OFFICER REYNOLDS

So, you and Danielle were very close?

AUSTIN

DANI and I are best friends.

OFFICER REYNOLDS

I see. You guys spent a lot of time together?

AUSTIN

As much time as humanly possible.

OFFICER REYNOLDS

It sounds like you guys had something great. Friends like that are hard to come by. You were very lucky.

AUSTIN

Look as much as I love awkward small talk, I have classes to attend.

OFFICER REYNOLDS

You promised me five minutes. It has been less than two.

Austin lets out a sigh.

OFFICER REYNOLDS

So, tell me a little bit about yourself Austin

AUSTIN

What do you want to know?

OFFICER REYNOLDS

Anything.

AUSTIN

Such as?

OFFICER REYNOLDS

Anything you think I should know about you.

AUSTIN

I’m a kid whose best friend just killed herself. What else do you really need to know?

OFFICER REYNOLDS

I just want to get to know you. That’s all.

AUSTIN

Well I don’t see why you’re even wasting your time.

OFFICER REYNOLDS

Austin, I’m investigating this case. I need an official statement about what happened. You were the last person to see her before she killed herself.

AUSTIN

So you think I had something to do with it?

OFFICER REYNOLDS

It is possible that you may have provoked her to do what she did.

AUSTIN

Are you serious? You think that I made my best friend kill herself? You don’t know me, and if you did you would know that I would never, ever, do that. (Pause) My five minutes are up. It was a pleasure talking to you.

CUT.

INT- MIDDLESEX COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL-HALLWAY-MORNING

Austin has just walked out of the room that Officer Reynolds and he were talking in. Jimmy spots Austin and walks toward him.

                               

JIMMY

Whoa! I heard a cop came in to talk you! What happened? Did you say anything about...?

AUSTIN

No! I didn’t.

JIMMY

Then what happened in there?

AUSTIN

Well, thanks to your little friend, the cops think that I have something to do with Dani killing herself.

JIMMY

What? That’s insane! You would never...

AUSTIN

I know that, you know that, but I was the last one seen with her, which makes me questionable. Now do you see why you need to say something?

JIMMY

Well you didn’t do anything. Can’t they do some type of lie detector test on you or something?

AUSTIN

I really don’t think it’s that simple.

JIMMY

Well I told you, I have no proof.

AUSTIN

Then get some! Record her saying something? I don’t know! Get something.

JIMMY

I can’t.

AUSTIN

Well if you can’t, that means you never cared about Dani at all.

JIMMY

You’re acting like this is some movie! Like you’re going to get some type of revenge and everything will be okay! Well it won’t!

AUSTIN

It might! If we at least try!

JIMMY

I can’t. I’m sorry

CUT.

Reflection: I think I deserve a 100 for this post. I went back and edited everything to fit the now plot line. I even came up with a possible title for the screenplay. I chose the title "Bleed" for this because of a song. The song "Bleed" by Hot Chelle Rae is a song about someone you love leaving you, causing you to write out all of the feelings you can't say. I know it doesn't fit completely, but it does fit for the most part. With the new plotline, Austin needs proof that Jessica caused Dani to kill herself, and at the end he finds out that Dani wrote an entry in her notebook a day before she killed herself.