WHATS THE SCORE?
by Jude Ashton
Short Film
Email: [email protected]
Guy wants girl, however she wants to pass her exams. Janet does everything right and always comes out top. They are tasked together to complete an assignment, bottom of the class with the best. He needs her to stop midway and brace the different things in life. She just wants to pass with or without him.
WHATS THE SCORE?©
Written by Jude Ashton.
Two college teenagers have to do a video essay on today’s young society. Who they are, what they stand for? How different it is, compared to other generations etc. Drugs, sex, unemployment, war etc. The teenager will do a video essay and will interview people. It starts with main and Janet starting their essay project together.
Int. College. A full class of teenagers are getting addressed by their lecturer.SCENE 0
LECTURER
Assignment time class! I want you all to do a video assignment about today's youth. You will be working in pairs and you have two weeks to complete it. Who they are? What they stand for? What are their views? How are they affecting today's society? I expect quality work and sharp editing. Okay. Any questions?
COLLEGE KID 1
Sir...do I have to?
LECTURER
Yes and because your are a perfect sample of today's youth. You can hand yours and your partners within one week!
COLLEGE KID 2
Excuse me sir but that's wrong. He should have two weeks like everyone else.
LECTURER
He had two weeks, but he should think before he speaks. A perfect example for your assignment.
COLLEGE KID 1
Freedom of speech, sir.
LECTURER
Indeed. Good luck with all your assignments. I look forward to seeing them. Class dismissed!
COLLEGE KID 1
Can our assignment feature pornographic images sir?
Lecturer looks at College Kid 1 in the eye.
LECTURER
Your dismissed!
The class gather round the notice board and find out who they are working with. Student Main finds his name and chases after his partner(Janet) who walking fast down the corridor.
MAIN
Hey Janet wait up! I'm working with you.
Janet keeps walking and doesn't give him eye contact.
JANET
I know.
MAIN
So when shall we start? We need to discuss how we are going to do this.
She stops & faces him.
JANET
Well is tonight okay? At mine.
MAIN
Yeah fine. Shall we say eight o'clock?
JANET
Yes, see later then.
She leaves the college building and gets in her car and drives off. Main is left standing watching her drive off into the distance. He heads off towards the bus stop, sees the bus and gets on it. Main enters his house and closes the door quietly.
MAINS MUM
Main is that you? Hun?
Hmm.
MAIN
Main doesn't look his Mum in the eye and continues on his business. His Mum comes down the stairs to greet him.
MAINS MUM
How was your day? Have you worked hard?
Yeah.
MAIN
MAINS MUM
Are you happy babe? Are things okay? You know...
Main sighs in despair...if you want to talk to me about anything, I'm here for you.
Yeah.
MAIN
Main takes his coat off and proceeds upstairs to his room.
MAINS MUM
Do you want your tea now?
A large loud burst of 'Nivarna' is blasted out of his room. His Mum waits for his answer. He opens the door.
No.
MAIN
Main goes to slam the door and stops. His Mum hasn't gone yet and she gives that stare.
..thanks.
MAIN
His Mum sighs and he closes the door.
Later that evening at 7.30pm. Main is getting ready to leave to meet Janet. Someone knocks at Mains front door. His Mum opens the door and Janet is standing there.
JANET
Hello is Main in?
MAINS MUM
Yes, dear! Hes upstairs in his bedroom. I'll get him for you.
Mains Mum goes to the foot of the stairs and shouts Main.
MAINS MUM
Main come down dear. Theres a beautiful girl down here who wants to see you!
Main panic's Scene 1
1ST INTERVIEW - SUBJECT: MR.HEADPHONES
MAIN
Run camcorder.
MAIN
Can we interview you? Hello?
What?
MR.HEADPHONES
MAIN
We are interviewing people about the youth of today. Can we interview you?MR.HEADPHONES
What? Cant hear you man because I got my sounds on!
JANET
Do think you could turn it off then? Please?
MR.HEADPHONES
Oh no babe I cant do that. That would break my flow I need my sounds. But you can stay in my vision if you know what I mean.
JANET
Lets go, were wasting our time with this weirdo. Shall I rewind it?
MAIN
No, no. This is good stuff, we can put this in somewhere I’m sure.
JANET
Under what subject, alien lifeforms?
MAIN
What sounds have you got on?
Check it..
MR.HEADPHONES
HE PUTS THE HEADPHONES ON MAIN.
MAIN
Wow…that’s loud mate!
PUSHING THEM OFF.
MR.HEADPHONES
Yeah, that’s so I can hear it.
MAIN
Do you play your music, sorry I mean sounds all the time?
MR.HEADPHONES
Yeah man but I dont when I go crash.
Crash?
JANET
MR.HEADPHONES
Yeah you know sleep.JANET
This guy is brain dead!
MAIN
I know, but he’s real. Trust me. Why do you need your sounds?
MR.HEADPHONES
Because I’m not there I’m somewhere else…
JANET
He so right there.
MR.HEADPHONES
I dont have to listen to my parents or anything. It makes you feel good, I switch off.
MAIN
I understand, so what do you need to switch off from?
MR.HEADPHONES
School, the news on tv, old pensioners talking about weather on buses.
JANET
Then why are you in college then?
MR.HEADPHONES
Because its cool babe!
JANET
How about learning something too?
MR.HEADPHONES
Well yeah! And because my parents sent me here. They said I need to learn stuff.
JANET
And what stuff are you learning?
MR.HEADPHONES
Sociology babe, its deep you know?
JANET
I know. Is that it?
MR.HEADPHONES
Chemistry..and oh yeah psychology.
MAIN
Perfect! Lets finish and play it back later.
JANET
Do we get graded on this individually? Or as a group?
MAIN
This essay will be fine, trust me will you?
Hmm.
JANET
SCENE JANET VISITS
LATER THAT DAY JANET KNOCKS AT MAINS HOUSE AFTER COLLEGE.
JANET
Hi. You weren’t in our last class.
MAIN
I wanted to see the footage, I couldn’t wait. There is something about watching video footage for the first time. Then you shape it the way you want.
JANET
Shape the way you want? How about the way we want?
MAIN
Yeah, sorry. Come in, I show you it.
JANET
Hey this is good. Its much better than I’d thought it would look.
MAIN
Yeah I know.
JANET
Hey I’ve got us an interview.
Yeah who?
MAIN
Dave.
JANET
Dave?
MAIN
JANET
You dont know him. Come to think of it I dont know him.MAIN
Huh? How did you meet him then?
JANET
He pinched my cheek in a bar last night and I dont mean my face.
MAIN
And what’s the subject cheeky?
JANET
No, pervy Dave.
MAIN
This I like, grab the camcorder.
SCENE 2
ON THE WAY TO MR.PERVY.
MAIN SEES THE SOME SKATEBOADERS AND GOES UP TO THEM.
MAIN
Hey boys, how’s it going?
THE SKATEBOADERS CHOOSE TO IGNORE HIM. BY ACCIDENT ONE OF THE SKATEBOARDS GOES LOSE AND GOES TOWARDS MAIN. MAIN GETS ON IT AND ATTEMPTS A JUMP THE SKATEBOARD MAKES THE JUMP, BUT MAIN DOESN’T.
SB1
The geek flipped out! Ha,ha!
JANET
Nice try Main. Give me a board.
JANET DOES THE JUMP AND LANDS SAFELY. AND DOES A 360 TURN IN FRONT OF THE SKATEBOADERS.
MAIN
Such hidden talents.
SB1
Yeah, you should learn from her.
THEY LEAVE THE SKATEBOARDERS AND CONTINUE THEIR JOURNEY.
JANET
Do you think they were impressed with that?
MAIN
Well yes. But I’m surprised they didn’t propose to you there and then. That was amazing, I didn’t know you could do that. I’ve wanted to speak to those guys for ages.
JANET
You want interview them then?
MAIN
Definitely and with your success back there they should be cool with us.
SCENE 3 INTERVIEW SUBJECT: MR.PERVY
JANET
Subject Mr.Pervy…
MR.PERVY
Hang on, stop the tape. Why am I Mr.Pervy?
MAIN
Because you pinched her ass.
MR.PERVY
Yeah, but I pinch everyone’s ass.
JANET
Exactly, hence the subject name. You want to change it?
MR.PERVY
Yeah I do, how about Romeo.
MAIN
As in Shakesphere?
MR.PERVY
No, just Romeo.
MAIN
Don’t you know who Shakesp…
JANET
JANET TURNS HER BACK ON MR.PERVY AND SECRETLY SIGNALS TO MAIN TO SHUT UP.
We need get started Main, its getting late.MR.PERVY
So the subject should be Mr.Romeo, not Mr.Pervy. Okay?
Whatever.
MAIN
MAIN TURNS ON THE CAMERA.
Subject, Mr.Romeo…MR.PERVY
No sorry that doesn’t sound right. Can we leave the Mr. out?
JANET
Look this only going ten minutes. Main is that okay with you?
MAIN
Whatever though Romeo wants, thee shall have.
JANET
Then thee shall start.
MR.PERVY
Why are you two talking like that?
MAIN
MAIN TURNS ON THE CAMERA.
Subject: Romeo, how art thou Romeo.
SCENE ?? SKATEBOARDERS REVISITED
SB1
This is our art. We should be free like birds y’know. We could skateboard on that park bench or on that bowling green. We just don’t care. And you what?
What?
JANET
SB1
I say skate and die.SB1’S MUM
Come on Davey, your tea going cold!
JANET
Is that your Mum…Davey?
SB1
Yeah, but shes in touch with my art and skills.
MAIN
You mean she makes your tea.
SB1
Yeah, that’s it. Anyway I gotta go, later.
SCENE ?? THE CAR THIEF
RON
All people think I rob cars, take drugs, have unprotected sex and listen to loud music.
MAIN
So that’s not true then?
RON
Yeah its true, but I only do all that shit on Friday and if I’m still buzz’in on a Saturday.
MAIN
What about Sunday, you missed that out?
RON
That’s because I don’t remember them. They are like void. Is that when Songs of Praise is on and Little House on the Parie?
JANET
Yes, amongst things.
ROD
Naah man. You can keep them days.
MAIN
Do you go to work on Monday?
ROD
SCENE EXPOSED
JANET
You filmed me without me knowing?
MAIN
Yes.
JANET
Is that all you can say?
MAIN
What do you want me to say? I'm sorry...you should be flattered.
JANET
I want you arrested, your a pervert! That's sick. Obsessive!
MAIN
I know. I suppose I like you.
JANET
Well, why didn't buy me flowers or ask me out? How much did you film?
An hour.
MAIN
JANET
Is that all?
MAIN
Yeah, but I edited it.
From what?
JANET
Four hours.
MAIN
JANET
Right that's it, I'd rather fail this stupid essay.Janet starts to leave the room grabbing her things along the way, with Main following her.
MAIN
But wait! I only did it because I thought at the end of this essay you wouldn't see me again. My own memory wasn't enough. I had to capture you, in the way I could remember you best.
Janet leaves the room and slams the door shut.My vision, through a camera..of you..
The door slowly reopens and Janet stands in the entrance of the doorway. They slowly embrace and kiss.
Scene ??
RESULTS OF THE ASSIGNMENTS ARE ON THE NOTICE BOARDS.
F…F!
JANET
JANET RUSHES TO THE LECTURERS OFFICE.
JANET
We got an F?
LECTURER
Yes I know, that’s what happens when you dont hand your assignment in. I’m surprised at you Janet, I paired you with Main so that you would get a decent piece of work from Main. Mains work has been very poor of recent.
JANET
But we’ve finished it. Its ready, something happened. I’ll go and get it myself for you if you just….
LECTURER
Are you covering for him?
No, I’m not.
JANET
LECTURER
You’ve got till tomorrow morning nine o’clock in my office. Its that, or an F okay?JANET
Thanks! You'll have it.
SCENE JANET KICKS ASS
JANET RUNS TO MAINS FLAT. BANGING ON THE DOOR, PRESSING THE DOOR BELL.
JANET
Are you in Main? Answer the door will you!
SHE SEES THE WINDOW OPEN AND CLIMBS IN. SHE THEN ENTERS MAINS LIVING ROOM AND SEES MAIN WATCHING “EMPIRE STRIKES BACK” ON THE TV.
MAIN
You can use the front door you know.
JANET
I did, but there was no answer!
MAIN
Sorry I didn’t hear the bell. Look this the Yoda scene..
SOUND FROM THE TV
Use the force Luke!
JANET
Hey look at me, we got a F today! F stands for failed. Where is our assignment, why haven’t you handed it in? Today was the deadline.
Oh…
MAIN
MAIN IS STILL WATCHING THE TV.
JANET
Look oh is the wrong answer. Where is it? I’m not failing because of you.
MAIN
Look I really think we’ve got something special and we would get a good grade. A very grade probably A+.
JANET
What do you mean probably? It needs to go in tomorrow.
SCENE FED UP
MAIN
It's no good.
What isn't?
JANET
MAIN
The video, theres nothing in it.
JANET
Are you joking? You've got a jerk of a joyrider thinking he's the new anti Christ. And don't forget Mr.Pervy, who is more sex starved than you!
MAIN
Yeah I know. But we need a body to it, a structure. Where are we going with it? Joyriders and virgins is that today's youth?
JANET
No. But we can do more on it. Am I a joyrider?
MAIN
Hardly. But that's my point, we are stereotyping ourselves…
JANET
Hang on a minute. We picked these people, they didn't come to us. They were randomly picked, where they not?
MAIN
Yeah I suppose so.
JANET
And if that's stereotyping then lets balance it out.
MAIN
So are we going to be more selective?
JANET
No. We are going to finish the assignment and worry later. I don't care if we portrayed as sad people or sickos. I need the grade okay? Anyway I have our next subject.
JANET POINTS THE CAMERA AT MAIN.
Mr.Main the creative one. Who or what is your main influences?MAIN TRIES TO MOVE AWAY.
MAIN
Not me. I'm not interesting, stop the camera Janet.
JANET
Dont be an old biddy. I'll ask you again who or what are your main influences?
MAIN
Do I have to?
NO ANSWER.
MAIN
In film making or what? That's a general question.
JANET
Let it flow, anything.
MAIN
Joe Montana because he was cool under pressure he was always in control of his team. He never looked stressed. Oh and Classuis Clay.
JANET
You mean Mohammand Ali.
MAIN
No I mean Classuis Clay. They were different boxers, different people. Clay when he started had passion and the biggest confidence the world had ever seen. He didn’t go to war, so they took his title. I loved the guy. He was more than a role model. Every fight he won he destroyed my fears and gave me strength.
JANET
But he got his brain bashed for years. Went fat and got Parkinson’s disease.
MAIN
Yeah but a lot of my idols had their problems, as did Elvis. Those problems happened because those type of people are so focused on what they love the most.
Everything else doesn’t exist, immaterial. I admire their dedication, no matter what. Hell when Ali did that comeback and he got beaten up to a pulp. Worst thing I’d seen at the age of six. I cried all the way through the last half of the fight. I screamed stop the fight and they didn’t.
JANET
Did you do a lot of sport at school?
MAIN
Yeah but it was awkward. I learnt a hard lesson in school. I learnt to always support the underdog, when you can.
JANET
Why? Your idols weren’t underdogs, they were kings. Champions.
MAIN
Wrong. They gave hope to the underdog, the loser if you like. They were once the underdog, they must of been from the start. At school when we did sport, I was always picked last when the kids picked the
teams. It affected me. It left a scar I suppose. I always feel I have to prove myself. Funny isn’t?
JANET STOPS THE VIDEO.
JANET
What about your family?
MAIN
Granddad. William Main. He passed away recently. The comedian, the showman. My granddad. I know sounds silly but if I get a break. I’ll setup a production company and I’ll call it William Main presents.
JANET
Were you close?
MAIN
Well you don’t know how close you are till that person leaves you. I was surprised really. Not being religious, I was scared for him when he died. Where was he going? But heck it made me think about death and life in general. I hear people all the time moaning how they are bored or they aren’t happy with things. Well my granddad lived so long because he never stopped enjoying life. He took it to the max.
JANET
So did he go to heaven?
MAIN
Yeah Granddad heaven. He’ll be cracking jokes, dancing and if they allow it a little gambling too.
JANET SMILES AND HUGS HIM. DURING THE HUG. CAMERA FOCUSES ON MAIN, HE SMILES LIKE HE HAS JUST SCORED A GOAL.
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