9/28/12

Today, I continued the scene that I edited in yesterday's post, and pieced it together with the other day's post.

Austin walks through his front door after returing from Dani's wake. His eyes are red and puffy, and his hair is messed up. The tie from his suit is coming undone. He rips it off and throws it on the floor. He walks into his kitchen and opens the fridge. It is close to empty, except for a carton of milk, eggs, some leftovers, and 2 six packs of beer.

AUSTIN: You know what? Fuck it.

Austin takes both six packs of beers and walks out of the kitchen

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

"Drunk" by Ed Sheeran begins to play as Austin rushes into his bedroom. He pauses for a few seconds and looks around the room. His eyes reach a picture frame on his bedside table of him and Dani, the same one that she had on her dresser.

FLASHBACK

INT-KRATNER FAMILY HOME- LIVING ROOM- NIGHT

Austin's doorbell rings. He opens the door revealing a crying Dani, who is dressed like she was just at a party. She runs in and hugs him.

DANI: . I should have listened to you.

TRANSITION

Dani and Austin are sitting on Austin's couch. He puts a blanket around her shoulders and hands her a mug. He sits down next to her.

DANI: I need to learn not to put myself in awkward situations.

AUSTIN: That's hardly what that was. (Pause) What happened?

DANI: I....

Dani stops

AUSTIN: Dani? What happened?

DANI: Jimmy was there. He was drinking. 

AUSTIN: And you stayed far away from him, Right?

Dani doesn't respond.

AUSTIN: Answer me.

DANI: He wanted to dance. I didn't see any harm in it.

AUSTIN: So that's it? You made a fool out of yourself attempting to dance?

DANI: No! 

AUSTIN: Then what got you so worked up?

DANI: He told me he wanted to talk about what happened between us. So we went upstars and..

AUSTIN: Dani. You didnt.

DANI: Calm down. Almost nothing happened.

AUSTIN: Almost?

DANI: I knew he was way to drunk to mean anything that he said, but he was really close to me and I guess in the heat of the moment I didn't really know what was true, so we kissed. The kissing turned into making out and then he tried getting me to have sex with him but I didn't do it. I kicked him square in the balls and I got out of there.

AUSTIN: Well good. He's had it coming.

DANI: Yeah I know. I just really wanted to believe that he was sober when he was talking to me.

AUSTIN: Well he wasn't. He was a drunken mess and felt powerful in the heat of the moment. 

END OF FLASHBACK

Austin sets the beers down onto the table next to the picture frame. He takes one, opens it up and begins chugging. One by one, he drinks each of them. 

DANI: Austin? 

Austin turns toward his doorway, having a hard time standing up. Although everything else around him is blurred, Dani's image is crystal clear. He stands there in amazement for the moment.

AUSTIN: I knew there was no way you could be dead!

He runs up to her and hugs her tightly

DANI: Did you seriously think i'd leave? Your life would be so boring without me you loser!

Austin smiles at her. He grabs her hand and runs out of the room. Austin runs into his parent's room, Holding Dani's hand. His parents wake up at the sight of the lights being turned on.

MR. KRATER: Austin, what's going on?

AUSTIN: Look who I found! She's here I knew it!

MRS. KRATNER: Hun what are you talking about? Are you okay?

Austin looks beside him. Dani has disappeared.

Austin: She was here! She probably just went back to my room! 

Austin stumbles out of his parents room, and into his. Both of his parents follow behind him.

AUSTIN: Dani? Where did you go?

MRS. KRATNER: Have you been drinking?

AUSTIN: She was here! I know it!

MR. KRATER: I told you we shouldn't be leaving him alone at a time like this!

AUSTIN: Dani? Come on this isn't funny anymore!

MRS. KRATNER: Hunny, do you think Dani's here right now?

AUSTIN: She is! I saw her! She...

Austin collapses onto the floor

END.

Reflection: I think I deserved a 100 for this post. I finished the last scene of the script (for now) and hopefully now I can work from bottom to top, adding in the little sections I have already written. I am happy with it. I am not exactly sure if I want it to end like that, or maybe add a small part after where I ended it tonight. For now, I am going to work on finishing the entire play. 

9/27/12

Today I edited the scene that I wrote for yesterday's blog post.

FLASHBACK

INT-KRATNER FAMILY HOME- LIVING ROOM- NIGHT

Austin's doorbell rings. He opens the door revealing a crying Dani, who is dressed like she was just at a party. She runs in and hugs him.

DANI: . I should have listened to you.

TRANSITION

Dani and Austin are sitting on Austin's couch. He puts a blanket around her shoulders and hands her a mug. He sits down next to her.

DANI: I need to learn not to put myself in awkward situations.

AUSTIN: That's hardly what that was. (Pause) What happened?

DANI: I....

Dani stops

AUSTIN: Dani? What happened?

DANI: Jimmy was there. He was drinking. 

AUSTIN: And you stayed far away from him, Right?

Dani doesn't respond.

AUSTIN: Answer me.

DANI: He wanted to dance. I didn't see any harm in it.

AUSTIN: So that's it? You made a fool out of yourself attempting to dance?

DANI: No! 

AUSTIN: Then what got you so worked up?

DANI: He told me he wanted to talk about what happened between us. So we went upstars and..

AUSTIN: Dani. You didnt.

DANI: Calm down. Almost nothing happened.

AUSTIN: Almost?

DANI: I knew he was way to drunk to mean anything that he said, but he was really close to me and I guess in the heat of the moment I didn't really know what was true, so we kissed. The kissing turned into making out and then he tried getting me to have sex with him but I didn't do it. I kicked him square in the balls and I got out of there.

AUSTIN: Well good. He's had it coming.

DANI: Yeah I know. I just really wanted to believe that he was sober when he was talking to me.

AUSTIN: Well he wasn't. He was a drunken mess and felt powerful in the heat of the moment. 

END OF FLASHBACK

Reflection: I think I deserve a 100 for the day. I wasn't satisfied with where I left off yesterday. The dialogue just seemed extremely unrealistic to me, and sounded cheesy. I am much happier with the changes I made today, which was basically the whole chunk of the scene. I feel comfortable continuing the scene after tonight's changes.

9/25/12

Today, I am going to attempt to get the closing scene out in writing. I have had this idea as the ending for a while, and hopefully being able to get it into words will help me visualize it better.

So here we go :D

INT- KRATNER FAMILY HOME- KITCHEN-NIGHT

Austin walks through his front door after returing from Dani's wake. His eyes are red and puffy, and his hair is messed up. The tie from his suit is coming undone. He rips it off and throws it on the floor. He walks into his kitchen and opens the fridge. It is close to empty, except for a carton of milk, eggs, some leftovers, and 2 six packs of beer.

AUSTIN: You know what? Fuck it.

Austin takes both six packs of beers and walks out of the kitchen

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

"Drunk" by Ed Sheeran begins to play as Austin rushes into his bedroom. He pauses for a few seconds and looks around the room. His eyes reach a picture frame on his bedside table of him and Dani, the same one that she had on her dresser.

FLASHBACK

INT-KRATNER FAMILY HOME- LIVING ROOM- NIGHT

Austin's doorbell rings. He opens the door revealing a crying Dani, who is dressed like she was just at a party. She runs in and hugs him.

DANI: . I should have listened to you.

Dani let's go of the embrace.

AUSTIN: Whoa, what happened?

DANI: The party. It was awful. Everyone was drinking and getting high and I just felt so out of place, and Jimmy was really drunk and he...

AUSTIN: and he what? Dani did he hurt you..?

Dani doesn't answer.

AUSTIN: Dani you better answer me right now.

DANI: He almost did. He wanted me to sleep with him and I refused, and he put his hands on me but I got myself out of there before he could. I know he's not the best person but I never thought he would do that.

AUSTIN: He was drunk, people do things they normally wouldn't do.




Reflection: I think I deserve a 100 for this blog post. I was not expecting this scene to have a flashback, but once I got into it, it seemed to fit. Who knows if i'm going to keep it, but as of now it's here to stay. I may even end up adding more dialogue to it. After the last line, I was thinking about having Dani and Austin talk about how drinking in high school is bad, but I don't want this to turn into some cheesy after school special about how drinking is bad. I just wanted something to tie together to make Austin's drinking experience related to something that happened with Dani in the past, and this may not even be it, but it's a start.

9/24/12

Today, I added onto and edited the scene that I started Thursday that came from the SOC:

In this scene, Dani has just finished yelling at Jimmy. It happened in the middle of the mall, so Dani is filled with many emotions, starting with embarrassment.

EXT- BRUNSWICK SQUARE MALL -BACK OF BUILDING- AFTERNOON

Dani runs out of the mall, mortified. She sits down on a bench and puts her head in his hands. Austin runs after her, looking very excited and hyper. He notices her expression, and he tones down his excitement. He sits down next to her. There is a long pause before anyone speaks up.

AUSTIN: So, how's it goin?
DANI: Frustrated. Happy. Mostly frustrated.
AUSTIN: Be happy! You finally stood up to that asswhipe!
DANI: I guess.
AUSTIN: You guess what?
DANI: I don't know. I feel like I was a little harsh.
AUSTIN: Compared to what he did to you? He got what he deserved, but hey,  that is why you gotta stop keeping things bottled up inside like you do. Then you just blow up, like that.
DANI: I guess.
AUSTIN: That was pretty bad ass though. (Pause) I'm proud of you.
DANI: Thanks.

There is another long pause.

AUSTIN: So it's over I guess.
Dani chuckles slightly

DANI: It was over before it started.
AUSTIN: You really think so?
DANI: Have you seen our "Relationship" She puts air quotes around the last word.
AUSTIN: Well for what it's worth, I think he's an idiot for doing what he did. You deserve so much better.

Dani smiles at Austin. She looks at him for a while, and leans in to kiss him. Austin sees what she is about to do, and pushes her face away.

AUSTIN: Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
DANI: I'm sorry! I don't know what i'm doing right now!
AUSTIN: Uhmm, yeah, I can see that.
DANI: I got caught up in the moment! Oh my god I am so sorry. So, so sorry. I'm not in the right state of mind right now, I would have kissed my dog if it was sitting next to me. Oh my god.
AUSTIN: Dani. Breathe. You didn't actually kiss me. It's fine. Let's just forget it happened, okay?

CUT.


Reflection: I think I deserve a 100 for today. I am extremely happy with my progress today. I took the crap that I wrote on Thursday while I was having a writers block, and turned it into a scene that is going to be very beneficial to the main relationship in my screenplay.  One thing I am noticing that I do need to work on is the tone. For the most part, the lines are flowing, but I feel like some of it is very cliche. I know that when I read other peoples work and there are to many cliche's, I feel like vomiting. I think that I will need to get another point of view on the script very soon.

9/21/12

Went to go see "As You Like It" at Mason Gross this night.

9/20/12

I am going to use parts of the SOC that I wrote on Thursday to write a possible scene for my screenplay.

As I said, these are the parts that stuck out to me:

- nothing is funny so i dont know why im laughing
-Im actually frustrated and happy at the same time
-People are stupid. Like really stupid. I hate people. Why do that have to be so annoying.
-You know those people who can just breathe and it'll piss you off? There are a few of those in my life. What about the people who you can't hate no matter how much you want to? I hate that even more.
-Woah, im such a pessimist. Hate, hate, hate, hate. What about love? I love my family, I love my friends, my dog is pretty cool, I love my dog.

From these phrases, this is what I have come up with for a possible part of a scene:

Dani pacing back and fourth in the hallway alone. Austin runs out of the cafeteria. He walks over to Dani, who is clearly at war with herself at the moment. He sits on a bench infront of where she is. There is a long pause before someone speaks up

Austin: So... How's it goin?
Dani: I'm actually frustrated and happy at the same time.
Austin: You should be happy. You finally stood up for yourself.
Dani: I guess.
Austin: You guess what?
Dani: I don't know, I feel like I was a little harsh.
Austin: That's why you shouldn't keep things so bottled up inside like you do. Cause then that happens.
Dani: I guess.
Austin: That was pretty badass though.
Dani: I can't help it! She's one of those people who could breathe and it would piss me off. 




Reflection:
 I think that I deserve a 100 for this blog post. Although it may not seem like it, I spent a lot of time trying to piece a part of a scene together using a part of my SOC. It will definatly need to become stronger, and I will eventually need to add more length to it, but I am happy with what I have written today. 

9/19/12

I am stuck in a writer's block right now. The best way for me to get out of a writers block is to
1.) Watch emotional episodes of my favorite shows
OR
2.)  Write a SOC

So, i'm going to write a SOC, and even if I don't get anything out of it, it will get the writing juices flowing. I won't make a regular habit out of this, but I don't know what to do about the writer's block!


Soc:
Hahaha, I love how i met your mother. it is such a great show, but of course, the time i mean at the woah i mean this show has been on forever and by the time i get into it, it may be the last season, womp. hahahaha, ahaha nothing is funny so i dont know why im laughing wow Im actually frustrated and happy at the same time sooo many emotions. Why do I keep sneezing? Iahahachoooo lol thats what it sounds like. wow this is the one thing I hate about SOCS, I sound like a complete idiot. People are stupid. Like really stupid. I hate people. Why do that have to be so annoying. You know those people who can just breathe and it'll piss you off? There are a few of those in my life. What about the people who you can't hate no matter how much you want to? I hate that even more. Woah, im such a pessimist. Hate, hate, hate, hate. What about love? I love my family, I love my friends, my dog is pretty cool, I love my dog. Nacho's. hahaha Sandwhiches.. OH GOD THEY JUST KISSED.. How I Met Your Mother is such a weird show, but it is great. I literally laugh out loud every time.


Participation: To be fair, I would give myself a 90. I didn't add to my screenplay, but I did work toward adding something. I think I did get a few phrases out of this SOC that I may be able to use. Such as:

- nothing is funny so i dont know why im laughing
-Im actually frustrated and happy at the same time
-People are stupid. Like really stupid. I hate people. Why do that have to be so annoying.
-You know those people who can just breathe and it'll piss you off? There are a few of those in my life. What about the people who you can't hate no matter how much you want to? I hate that even more.
-Woah, im such a pessimist. Hate, hate, hate, hate. What about love? I love my family, I love my friends, my dog is pretty cool, I love my dog.

9/18/12

  Today I added onto the previous scene and finished it. I didn't exactly have a fast paced flow going this time, so I didn't have as much written as last time. However, I am very happy with the content, and as they say, quality over quantity right?

END OF FLASHBACK.

JIMMY

You should be happy. I was her first love! Isn’t it good that she got to experience love before she died?

AUSTIN

You don’t get it! You broke her heart! If you would have just ended things with her like a normal human being it would have been fine, but you didn’t even have the balls to do that! She had to find out that you were cheating on her.

JIMMY

She knew how I was.

AUSIN

And that’s supposed to make it ok? Yeah, she knew you that you liked to flirt, but to actually be with another girl at the same time? You’re a pig.

JIMMY

Oh and you’re so innocent right?

AUSTIN

What?

JIMMY

Who was the guy who was always there when I pissed her off? Who was the guy who told her that I wasn’t good enough for her? Who was the guy that slept over her house while I was dating her?

AUSTIN

I’m her best friend. It’s my job.

JIMMY

You WERE her best friend. Ok? And you know damn well you were the one she wanted to be with.

AUSTIN

You’re just trying to make yourself look like the victim, as usual! (Pause) See you at the funeral Jimmy, if you even have the decency to do that.

Austin gets up from the table and walks out. Jimmy is still at the table, speechless.

Reflection: I deserve a 100 on tonight's journal. I have the ideal characters in my head for this screenplay. In some way or another, they are all based off of real people. Whether it be a character's personality, or their tone. I tried being as truthful to those people/characters as I could, and I think in this scene especially, I succeeded. I wanted to create tension off this scene with Austin and Jimmy because it is the first time Jimmy and Austin have actually had a  serious conversation by themselves. The two have always resented eachother. Jimmy's resentment is based mostly off of jealousy, and Austin's is completely because of how Jimmy effected Dani's emotional being. The only way I see myself going back to edit this scene would be to add more anger and tension, but I will decide that when I finish the screenplay and  i'm in the editing process.

9/14/12

Today, I edited one scene from what I posted yesterday, and added most of the next scene. I have been trying to dig deeper with Dani's character. It is way too shallow of me to write her as a teenage girl with some drama in her life. There needed to be a catch. 

As of now, it was never clear what problem Dani had, but now that she's dead, Austin and the Gold's are convinced she had a personality disorder. Next week, I will do some research on bi-polar disorder and different depression disorders. I will talk to Christa on the research she has done as well.

Anyway, here is what I added today. 

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

“It’s amazing how someone can play such a big part in your life one day, and be gone the next. 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. I loved you with all my heart. If I could go back in time and change how things ended, I would.”

The post is from Jimmy De Sousa, Dani’s ex boyfriend.

AUSTIN

What a goddamn liar!

Austin 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 ages of 17 or 18, sits across from Austin 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 knowing you actually gave a shit.

JIMMY

Of course I did. I loved her.

Austin laughs sarcastically.

AUSTIN

Right. Anyway, 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. You were her first boyfriend, well, if you could even call it that.

JIMMY

I don’t know.

AUSTIN

Look, I don’t like you. I have never liked you and I sure as hell never will, but Dani loved you, even though I’m positive you didn’t feel the same.

JIMMY

I told you I loved her.

AUSTIN

And that’s another sentence we can add to the list.

JIMMY

Huh?

FLASHBACK

INT- SCHOOL CAFETERIA- AFTERNOON

Dani is texting on her phone. Austin walks to the table and sets his lunch tray besides Dani and sits down. Dani frustratingly slams her phone down on the table.

DANI

I hope he gets eaten by lions.

AUSTIN

Come on Dani, you know I love cats, but that’s a little harsh. (Pause) What did Jimmy do now.

DANI

Nothing. That’s the thing. He always does nothing! He doesn’t even seem like he’s interested anymore

AUSTIN

Yeah, I mean clearly it’s rough; you guys have been dating for a whole 2 weeks.

DANI

It’s been three, and shut up.

AUSTIN

Look, not all guys are as amazing and as interested as I am. Just give him space. I think your scaring him away.

DANI

Austin, have you ever had a boyfriend?

AUSTIN

Not in this lifetime.

Dani

Then don’t tell me how to handle mine, K?

Dani begins scribbling in her notebook that is on the table in front of her.

AUSTIN

What are you writing?

DANI

Just keeping track.

AUSTIN

Of?

DANI

How many lies Jimmy has told me since we started going out.

AUSTIN

Dani that’s freaky.

DANI

How so?

AUSTIN

Really? You’re asking me that? (Pause) It’s just weird! I don’t know! Normal people don’t keep track records of things that their boyfriends say to them.

DANI

Well now if he ever tries to deny anything, I have proof

Austin stares at her in disbelief.

END OF FLASHBACK

AUSTIN

She kept track of your lies in a book. She has gone through an entire 3 subject notebook.

JIMMY

What? That’s fucked up. No wonder why she killed herself. She had issues.

AUSTIN

Shut the hell up ok? Because we are pretty sure she actually had some type of issue. A serious issue that maybe, did cause her to do what she did, and that isn’t something to joke around about alright?

JIMMY

Alright, alright. Sorry man, I had no idea.

AUSTIN

Yeah why would you? You left when she needed you the most.

JIMMY

Are we really going to get into it at a time like this?

Austin takes a deep breath.

AUSTIN

You’re right, but I’m not sorry. I just can’t shake out of my mind how much you hurt her.

JIMMY

I’m not here for the guilt trip? Alright?

AUSTIN

Well I don’t think you’re really aware of the damage you did.

JIMMY

You don’t want to start with me right now.

AUSTIN

Well it’s already started. I don’t even know what she saw in you. You are a complete ass.

FLASHBACK

INT- MIDDLSEX HIGH SCHOOL- THEATER DRESSING ROOM- NIGHT

Dani is sitting on the couch in the dressing room, curled up in a ball crying. Jimmy walks through the door, and notices Dani. He walks over to the couch, and goes on his knees to be face to face with her.

Jimmy

You were aweso.. wait. Why are you crying?

Dani

Don’t act like you don’t know.

Jimmy

I don’t.

Dani

Cut the crap! I just made a fool of myself!

Jimmy

No you didn’t! You were great out there.

Dani

That’s bullshit.

Jimmy

No its not. (Pause) Ok, so your piano player fucked up, your guitar was out of tune. So what? You improvised! That’s good!

Dani

You don’t get it! I’m a freshman! That was my first time representing the school and I blew it! That’s it. I’m going to get expelled, and I’m going to have to go back to my district high school.

Jimmy

Whoa whoa whoa (Jimmy put his index finger on her lips) Calm down. You aren’t going to get kicked out of this school for one little mistake. You didn’t hurt anyone! You didn’t fail any test! This was for fun! Now come out there and dance with me, the band is playing now.

Dani

Oh no, I cannot show my face out there! (She cries even more)

Jimmy

You know what you need? (Jimmy gets down to Dani’s level, leans in, and pecks her on the lips quickly)

Jimmy

Did that make you feel better?

(Dani is trying to contain her smile)

Jimmy

Was that your first kiss?

(Dani doesn’t say anything)

Dani

I can’t show my face in front of everyone. I’m going to get torn apart by the upperclassmen.

Jimmy

Fuck them! Fuck this whole thing!

Dani

Shhhh! They are going to hear you out there

Jimmy

Who the fuck cares! Let’s go fucking dance! (He gets up, and holds his hand out. Dani grabs it)

                END OF FLASHBACK.

Reflection:

It was a little hard getting into the writing process today, but once I did, I was in the exact frame of mind I was in when writing everything else that I have. I had to mess around a lot with this. I had the flashback scene written for a while, so that was easy to just add into there. My goal for today was to add as much tension to Jimmy and Austin's conversation as I could, without there being a complete blowout between them. Austin is still in a state of shock and hasn't cracked yet, however, talking to the guy that broke his  best friends heart pushes him farther than he expects.

9/13/12

I have had the first few scenes of my screenplay written for a while now. Today, I opened the document and realized that I was stumped. Everyone has those writers block days right? However, I didn't let my day be wasted.

A few weeks ago, I emailed Mrs. Miranda and asked if she had any screenwriting format sheets she would mind sending me. She sent me a power point slide of the tech aspects of screenwriting, which I am so grateful for. Today I decided to add in tech ques, because I do hope to put this screenplay into production sometime in the near future. I figured I might as well start early.

I can't figure out how exactly to attach a document to this blog post, so I guess I will have to settle for copying and pasting for now.

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) I 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 OF PERFORMING ARTS-THEATER-NIGHT

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 showcase and we managed not to kill each other or destroy the entire school

A loud noise is heard coming from behind the curtain. A few people scream the name “Ren!”

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 OF PERFORMING ARTS- 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. Alden.

MS. ALDEN

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. ALDEN

Austin. Can you stay after class for a minute?

Austin shakes his head “yes”.

MRS. ALDEN

Pull up a chair.

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

          MRS. ALDEN

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

AUSTIN

Feeling? I forgot what that word means.

MS. ALDEN

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

AUSTIN

I haven’t slept since that night.

MS. ALDEN

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

AUSTIN

I couldn’t. Finals are this week.

MS. ALDEN

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. ALDEN

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. ALDEN

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. ALDEN

Promise me you will come back if you need something?

CUT.

Austin is at his locker. The same picture that was in Dani’s room is stuck to the inside of his locker, along with a note Dani wrote him, and a “Ghost the Musical” poster, which they saw together. Someone comes from behind him and hugs his waist. It is his friend, Adriana

ADRIANA

Austin!

He turns around, and smiles slightly at Adriana and his other friend Ellie, who is standing next to her

ELLIE

How are you feeling?

Austin shrugs his shoulders. He goes back to putting stuff into his locker.

ADRIANA

You should eat lunch with us today!

AUSTIN

Oh. I don’t know.

ADRIANA

Please?

ELLIE

You should.

CUT

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

Austin is sitting at a crowded lunch table with Anya, Ellie, and 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. 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 knock is heard at the door. The teacher walks over and opens the door to reveal Mr. Barren, the principal. They talk for a few minutes

TEACHER

Austin, Mr. Barren would like to have a word with you in his 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

Um, 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, it’s about that time when you guys need to clean your lockers. If someone doesn’t do it soon everything in there is going to be thrown away and her parents want 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. BAREN

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

Mr. Baren 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 make a speech, 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! 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. They both begin to singing to Suspend My Disbelief/I Had A Life from the play.

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. We were on a Broadway high.

MRS. GOLD

Yeah. 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, but I just had no idea things were that bad. I can’t believe she didn’t come to me for help. It’s like I failed her as a mother.

AUSTIN

Don’t say that. There was nothing anyone could have done.

MRS. GOLD

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

Why does everyone hate me so much?

AUSTIN

Dani, no one hates you.

DANI

Really? (Pause) Ren talks bad about me to my face and behind my back on a regular basis, Bianca is determined to make me feel like the biggest idiot on the planet, and Jimmy wants nothing to do with me.

AUSTIN

Those are three people!

DANI

Three people who are making my life a living hell in their own special way at the moment.

AUSTIN

                                                Look, Ren and Bianca are easy to handle. Just ignore them. Don’t let them win. You’re being the bigger person and aren’t fighting back so that’s a step in the right direction already.

DANI

And for Jimmy?

AUSTIN

He was your first high school relationship. I get that, but I’m sorry. He played you and you need to get it through your head that he’s not coming back. He didn’t even have the decency to tell you it was over. You deserve so much more than that.

DANI

I just don’t know how to handle all of this anymore.

END OF FLASHBACK

AUSTIN

It was a mixture of a lot of things.

CUT.

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 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.

Austin is sitting in a restaurant at a table by himself. He looks around

Reflection
I think that I deserve a 100 for this blog post. I know I didn't add much to this, but I added the technical aspects to the script, which will need to be done sooner or later. I learned a lot from the power point Mrs. Miranda sent me (Int, Ext, Smash Cut, Mechanics, Etc.)
A problem I am noticing with my writing is that I am focusing way too much on the little aspects of the screenplay, such as names. I'm pretty sure you noticed the school reference and the twist on the name Aladren. (Alden, I seriously could not think of anything).
A big part of me did want to relate some of this to what I know, but I think I am doing that way too much. One change I think I will make is the fact that it is a "Performing Arts" high school, and just make it a normal high school. I feel like that will kind of take away focus? I don't know, it's just a gut feeling i'm having.