I was going through some old files and found the 1st ten pages of my first feature.
I would be interested to see the 1st ten pages of YOUR 1st feature, so please share.
FADE IN:
EXT.ALLEY-NIGHT
JASON FORRESTER (10), his little sister SIMONE (6), and THEIR MOTHER with a
split lip walk with determination.
SIMONE
What flavor are checkers?
JASON
Licorice.
SIMONE
Oh. But why we wearin' our
(yawns)
Ba-jamas outside?
THEIR MOTHER
For Christ sakes, I wish you two would shut it
long enough that I could think!
Jason and Simone look at one another as they continue to walk.
SIMONE
(whispering)
I think it's about Pizzed-Hoff.
Headlights appear at the end of the alley.
A car speeds toward them. They enter a backyard.
THEIR MOTHER
If he has the gun this time you find a place to hide!
JASON
Why is he doing this!?
THEIR MOTHER
Because that's the way it is!!
A CARLOAD OF TEENS pass. The Forrester's look relieved.
A VOICE startles them.
VOICE (O.S.)
Get the fuck outta my yard lady!
EXT.CHURCH {BACK ENTRANCE}-DAY
Jason and Simone hold brown paper bags.
THEIR MOTHER
You're lucky to be here, so you get your asses in there
and use the time to learn something, never you mind if
it’s Saturday or your fat aunt Tuesday, now go!
INT.CHURCH {BASEMENT GYM}-DAY
COUNSELORS preside over a squeaky clean YOUTH CONGREGATION.
MALE COUNSELOR
Jesus loves me this I know, but how?
YOUTH CONGREGATION
'Cus the good book tells me so!
MALE COUNSELOR
And who knows where the son of God lives?
Hands fly up as the kids vie to answer.
Jason & Simone,greasy hair and worn clothes sit hands down.
MALE COUNSELOR
You, the new girl there.
Simone whispers to Jason for a moment.
JASON
She says that freak lives over Fat Jimmy's liquor store
on Irving Park Road.
Mouths hang open on kids and counselors alike.
EXT.STREET {SIMONE'S MEMORY}-DAY.
Their mother drags Simone past a liquor store.
A MAN DRESSED AS JESUS holds a sign: "I died for your sins".
SIMONE
Who is that mommy?
THEIR MOTHER
Some hippie freak, now come on, and quit worrying who
every third person is!
MAN DRESSED AS JESUS
I am the son of God, the end of times is at hand, repent
repent.
INT.CHURCH (BASEMENT GYM}-DAY
The Male Counselor paces.
MALE COUNSELOR
Young lady, Jesus Christ the son of--
Jason jumps to his feet.
JASON
You ain't got no right swearin' at her!
MALE COUNSELOR
Jesus lives with our father young-man!
Jason looks at Simone amazed, then back at the Counselor.
JASON
If he's stayin' at your place, what the hell you
askin' her for!?
A PRETTY COUNSELOR walks before the congregation.
PRETTY COUNSELOR
Alrighty, since it's just about lunch time...
(beat)
Lets take out our lunches, and eat!
INT.CHURCH (BASEMENT GYM}-DAY
The Kids have lunch on gym mats.
FEMALE COUNSELOR #2 plays acoustic guitar and sings.
The Pretty counselor joins Simone & Jason with her lunch.
PRETTY COUNSELOR
Hi there, you have such pretty hair.
SIMONE
Hello. You got big boobies.
Jason closes his eyes embarrassed.
PRETTY COUNSELOR
(quietly-makes a funny face)
We don't talk about boobies at lunch.
Simone laughs. Jason sneaks a peek at the Counselor's chest.
PRETTY COUNSELOR
Later I'm going to give you each a good book to take
home and read. How's that sound?
SIMONE
Free?
PRETTY COUNSELOR
Yes of course.
SIMONE
Oh boy! You can't hide this one Jay-son!
PRETTY COUNSELOR
Do you have a good book now?
SIMONE
(nods)
I saw lots of booby pictures in there, but he hid it
real good.
JASON
Simone shut-up!
PRETTY COUNSELOR
Well, I think this book is going to be different, but
tell me, how ARE things at home?
She tries to examine a bruise on Jason's face, he pulls away.
JASON
What, at our home?
PRETTY COUNSELOR
Yes.
Jason averts his eyes and unpacks his lunch sack: A pork chop
wrapped in a paper towel, a can of Old Style Beer and a walnut onto the mat.
JASON
Fine. Why wouldn't they be!?
Simone looks in her lunch bag.
SIMONE
(loud)
I got Daddy's weed!
The guitar playing abrutly stops. Jason grabs the bag and points to Simone.
JASON
Don't you go ANYWHERE!
Jason runs out. Simone shrugs and grabs the pork chop.
SIMONE
I like the way you handle yourself Princess.
PRETTY COUNSELOR
(surprised/amused)
Is that so?
Simone chomps and nods, then reaches for the can of warm beer.
PRETTY COUNSELOR
Whoa, how about I split my soda with you?
SIMONE
Okay, that's sharing.
(beat)
Does them good books have pictures?
The Counselor exchanges her soda for the beer can.
PRETTY COUNSELOR
They sure do sweetie.
SIMONE
(mouth full-thumbs up)
Kick ass!
INT. APARTMENT {FORRESTER RESIDENCE}-DAY
JACK FORRESTER (40) pounds the table, at the sink Their Mom jumps.
JACK FORRESTER
So it grew legs and just waltzed on out the fuckin' door
huh?!
THEIR MOTHER
I don't know where it is!
The door opens to Jason out of breath with a weak smile.
JASON
Got the.. wrong bag this morning.
His father nods slowly as he stands and takes a beer from the fridge,
then slumps back down into his chair.
JACK FORRESTER
You people just LOVE doin' this to me, don't you?
JASON
I'm sorry I didn't mean for--
Jack jumps up knocking over the table and grabs Jason by the throat.
He pins him against the wall.
THEIR MOTHER
Jack!
JACK FORRRESTER
Everyone's a smart ass huh? Everyone thinks old Jack
here is stupid! Well let me tell you something, you
haven't got shit figured out!!
With a vicious smack Jason falls to the floor.
INT.DIME STORE-DAY
The STORE MANAGER tries to catch Jason as they circle a small aisle.
MANAGER
I saw you kid now come on, just give it up.
Jason shakes his head "No"
MANAGER
It's two days before Christmas, ain't you in enough
trouble already!?
Jason takes on a sad defeated posture.
JASON
Yeah.
The Manager exhales relieved and lets his guard down.
Jason runs out the door.
INT. WIDOW CRENSHAW'S APARTMENT-DAY
Simone sits with her new kids bible in her lap.
THE WIDOW CRENSHAW (60's)in an overstuffed chair wrapped in blankets.
THE WIDOW CRENSHAW
Where is that damn boy!?
SIMONE
The medicine store always takes a long time.
THE WIDOW CRENSHAW
Well when he gets here I don't want to be pestered with
your damn fool questions you understand!?
Jason enters.
THE WIDOW CRENSHAW
Where is it!?
He places a small brown envelope into her hand, she grabs him by the shirt.
THE WIDOW CRENSHAW
Anybody see you boy!?
He shakes his head "No."
THE WIDOW CRENSHAW
You stealing from me!?
Again he shakes his head.
THE WIDOW CRENSHAW
You two get outta my hair and keep quiet,
or you'll get it!
Jason leads Simone into a back room.
INT.WIDOW CRENSHAW'S APARTMENT {BACKROOM}-DAY
Jason takes a bag from under his coat and tosses it near an old sewing machine.
He tries to measure an excited Simone with a roll of tape measure.
He switches to holding up some white fabric to her.
INT.WIDOW CRENSHAW'S APARTMENT-DAY
The Widow cooks the contents of the brown envelope on a spoon over a candle.
EXT.ALLEY-DAY
Simone stands alone crying.
Jason approaches from down the alley with a paper bag.
JASON
You're not supposed to be in the alley alone Sprout!
Simone shrugs. In their garbage can a fully decorated X-mas tree.
In their yard broken dishes litter the ground.
A DOG licks one as NON DESCRIPT YELLING comes from within the house.
JASON
Did you eat?
SIMONE
Almost, but Salazar got that crazy look.
The Dog (Salazar) runs around with a pot stuck on his head.
JASON
Maybe they'll have food at the church.
She drops a broken Christmas tree angel to the ground.
SIMONE
Is daddy mad cus of me?
He picks up the angel and hands it to her, then struggles to lift so she can put
it on top of the bent tree.
JASON
No, that's just how beer is.
Jason looks at her for a moment as she looks at the angel on the tree.
He yanks the tree's light cord from the can and plugs it into an exterior outlet on the garage.
It lights up. He opens the paper bag and takes out AN ANGEL COSTUME.
SIMONE
You did it! You really did!
Simone hugs him tightly.
SIMONE
Can I put it on? Can I? I won't get it dirty promise!
Jason slips the costume over her head.
SIMONE
I feel like a movie star Jason!
JASON
Do you remember what to say?
SIMONE
Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my--
JASON
Okay okay, you got it.
The Christmas lights begin to flash.
SIMONE
Come on you have to get a good seat!
Simone runs around the alley's corner.
SIMONE (O.S.)
Can we go look behind the liquor store 1st?
Jason turns to catch up. A CAR SLIDING ON ICE is heard then A METALLIC CRASH.
Jason rounds the corner and sees a car smashed into a garage door.
JASON
Did it scare you Sprout?
Simone is no where to be seen.
JASON
Come on quit playing or we'll be late.
From the front of the car comes Simone's faint voice.
SIMONE
Jay-son, I don't want to be in no trouble.
Jason runs to the car.
Simone lays pinned against the garage, blood covers her costume.
JASON
Simone!
SIMONE
(eyes closing)
I see the angel, it's so... pretty.
Simone's POV: The flashing Christmas tree.
Jason drops down besides her and strokes her hair.
In Simone's hand a crudely constructed Christmas card.
EXT.CEMETERY-DAY.
Jason, a PREACHER and his Parents stand at a small headstone.
The Preacher reads from a bible. Jason runs from the cemetery in tears.
INT. SHABBY APARTMENT BUILDING {HALLWAY}-DAY
Jason pounds on a door. AN OLDER WOMAN (60's)answers.
He tries to explain something lost to tears and lack of breath.
The Woman ushers him inside.
INT. SHABBY APARTMENT-DAY
She leads him to a chair, then opens a door and she speaks to someone beyond it.
OLDER WOMAN
Get up and get shaved it's time to stop all this non-
sense and get dressed! And I mean your GOOD clothes!
INT. SHABBY APARTMENT-DAY
From the door emerges THE MAN SIMONE HAD CONFUSED FOR JESUS, he is now clean
shaven and wearing a priest's outfit and collar.
He sits down at the table with Jason who is blank with grief.
JESUS/PRIEST
Son?
Jason looks up blankly.
JASON
I know you're not Jesus.
The Priest winces. Tears steam down Jason's face as he pushes
the crudely constructed X-mas card across the table.
JASON
But my sister thought you were, and that's good enough
for me you hear?!
The Woman embraces him as he loses it to deep sobs.
The Priest unties the card's red ribbon and unfolds the rough paper
revealing 2 nickels and a wallet sized photo of Jason.
-Thanks-
I would be interested to see the 1st ten pages of YOUR 1st feature, so please share.
FADE IN:
EXT.ALLEY-NIGHT
JASON FORRESTER (10), his little sister SIMONE (6), and THEIR MOTHER with a
split lip walk with determination.
SIMONE
What flavor are checkers?
JASON
Licorice.
SIMONE
Oh. But why we wearin' our
(yawns)
Ba-jamas outside?
THEIR MOTHER
For Christ sakes, I wish you two would shut it
long enough that I could think!
Jason and Simone look at one another as they continue to walk.
SIMONE
(whispering)
I think it's about Pizzed-Hoff.
Headlights appear at the end of the alley.
A car speeds toward them. They enter a backyard.
THEIR MOTHER
If he has the gun this time you find a place to hide!
JASON
Why is he doing this!?
THEIR MOTHER
Because that's the way it is!!
A CARLOAD OF TEENS pass. The Forrester's look relieved.
A VOICE startles them.
VOICE (O.S.)
Get the fuck outta my yard lady!
EXT.CHURCH {BACK ENTRANCE}-DAY
Jason and Simone hold brown paper bags.
THEIR MOTHER
You're lucky to be here, so you get your asses in there
and use the time to learn something, never you mind if
it’s Saturday or your fat aunt Tuesday, now go!
INT.CHURCH {BASEMENT GYM}-DAY
COUNSELORS preside over a squeaky clean YOUTH CONGREGATION.
MALE COUNSELOR
Jesus loves me this I know, but how?
YOUTH CONGREGATION
'Cus the good book tells me so!
MALE COUNSELOR
And who knows where the son of God lives?
Hands fly up as the kids vie to answer.
Jason & Simone,greasy hair and worn clothes sit hands down.
MALE COUNSELOR
You, the new girl there.
Simone whispers to Jason for a moment.
JASON
She says that freak lives over Fat Jimmy's liquor store
on Irving Park Road.
Mouths hang open on kids and counselors alike.
EXT.STREET {SIMONE'S MEMORY}-DAY.
Their mother drags Simone past a liquor store.
A MAN DRESSED AS JESUS holds a sign: "I died for your sins".
SIMONE
Who is that mommy?
THEIR MOTHER
Some hippie freak, now come on, and quit worrying who
every third person is!
MAN DRESSED AS JESUS
I am the son of God, the end of times is at hand, repent
repent.
INT.CHURCH (BASEMENT GYM}-DAY
The Male Counselor paces.
MALE COUNSELOR
Young lady, Jesus Christ the son of--
Jason jumps to his feet.
JASON
You ain't got no right swearin' at her!
MALE COUNSELOR
Jesus lives with our father young-man!
Jason looks at Simone amazed, then back at the Counselor.
JASON
If he's stayin' at your place, what the hell you
askin' her for!?
A PRETTY COUNSELOR walks before the congregation.
PRETTY COUNSELOR
Alrighty, since it's just about lunch time...
(beat)
Lets take out our lunches, and eat!
INT.CHURCH (BASEMENT GYM}-DAY
The Kids have lunch on gym mats.
FEMALE COUNSELOR #2 plays acoustic guitar and sings.
The Pretty counselor joins Simone & Jason with her lunch.
PRETTY COUNSELOR
Hi there, you have such pretty hair.
SIMONE
Hello. You got big boobies.
Jason closes his eyes embarrassed.
PRETTY COUNSELOR
(quietly-makes a funny face)
We don't talk about boobies at lunch.
Simone laughs. Jason sneaks a peek at the Counselor's chest.
PRETTY COUNSELOR
Later I'm going to give you each a good book to take
home and read. How's that sound?
SIMONE
Free?
PRETTY COUNSELOR
Yes of course.
SIMONE
Oh boy! You can't hide this one Jay-son!
PRETTY COUNSELOR
Do you have a good book now?
SIMONE
(nods)
I saw lots of booby pictures in there, but he hid it
real good.
JASON
Simone shut-up!
PRETTY COUNSELOR
Well, I think this book is going to be different, but
tell me, how ARE things at home?
She tries to examine a bruise on Jason's face, he pulls away.
JASON
What, at our home?
PRETTY COUNSELOR
Yes.
Jason averts his eyes and unpacks his lunch sack: A pork chop
wrapped in a paper towel, a can of Old Style Beer and a walnut onto the mat.
JASON
Fine. Why wouldn't they be!?
Simone looks in her lunch bag.
SIMONE
(loud)
I got Daddy's weed!
The guitar playing abrutly stops. Jason grabs the bag and points to Simone.
JASON
Don't you go ANYWHERE!
Jason runs out. Simone shrugs and grabs the pork chop.
SIMONE
I like the way you handle yourself Princess.
PRETTY COUNSELOR
(surprised/amused)
Is that so?
Simone chomps and nods, then reaches for the can of warm beer.
PRETTY COUNSELOR
Whoa, how about I split my soda with you?
SIMONE
Okay, that's sharing.
(beat)
Does them good books have pictures?
The Counselor exchanges her soda for the beer can.
PRETTY COUNSELOR
They sure do sweetie.
SIMONE
(mouth full-thumbs up)
Kick ass!
INT. APARTMENT {FORRESTER RESIDENCE}-DAY
JACK FORRESTER (40) pounds the table, at the sink Their Mom jumps.
JACK FORRESTER
So it grew legs and just waltzed on out the fuckin' door
huh?!
THEIR MOTHER
I don't know where it is!
The door opens to Jason out of breath with a weak smile.
JASON
Got the.. wrong bag this morning.
His father nods slowly as he stands and takes a beer from the fridge,
then slumps back down into his chair.
JACK FORRESTER
You people just LOVE doin' this to me, don't you?
JASON
I'm sorry I didn't mean for--
Jack jumps up knocking over the table and grabs Jason by the throat.
He pins him against the wall.
THEIR MOTHER
Jack!
JACK FORRRESTER
Everyone's a smart ass huh? Everyone thinks old Jack
here is stupid! Well let me tell you something, you
haven't got shit figured out!!
With a vicious smack Jason falls to the floor.
INT.DIME STORE-DAY
The STORE MANAGER tries to catch Jason as they circle a small aisle.
MANAGER
I saw you kid now come on, just give it up.
Jason shakes his head "No"
MANAGER
It's two days before Christmas, ain't you in enough
trouble already!?
Jason takes on a sad defeated posture.
JASON
Yeah.
The Manager exhales relieved and lets his guard down.
Jason runs out the door.
INT. WIDOW CRENSHAW'S APARTMENT-DAY
Simone sits with her new kids bible in her lap.
THE WIDOW CRENSHAW (60's)in an overstuffed chair wrapped in blankets.
THE WIDOW CRENSHAW
Where is that damn boy!?
SIMONE
The medicine store always takes a long time.
THE WIDOW CRENSHAW
Well when he gets here I don't want to be pestered with
your damn fool questions you understand!?
Jason enters.
THE WIDOW CRENSHAW
Where is it!?
He places a small brown envelope into her hand, she grabs him by the shirt.
THE WIDOW CRENSHAW
Anybody see you boy!?
He shakes his head "No."
THE WIDOW CRENSHAW
You stealing from me!?
Again he shakes his head.
THE WIDOW CRENSHAW
You two get outta my hair and keep quiet,
or you'll get it!
Jason leads Simone into a back room.
INT.WIDOW CRENSHAW'S APARTMENT {BACKROOM}-DAY
Jason takes a bag from under his coat and tosses it near an old sewing machine.
He tries to measure an excited Simone with a roll of tape measure.
He switches to holding up some white fabric to her.
INT.WIDOW CRENSHAW'S APARTMENT-DAY
The Widow cooks the contents of the brown envelope on a spoon over a candle.
EXT.ALLEY-DAY
Simone stands alone crying.
Jason approaches from down the alley with a paper bag.
JASON
You're not supposed to be in the alley alone Sprout!
Simone shrugs. In their garbage can a fully decorated X-mas tree.
In their yard broken dishes litter the ground.
A DOG licks one as NON DESCRIPT YELLING comes from within the house.
JASON
Did you eat?
SIMONE
Almost, but Salazar got that crazy look.
The Dog (Salazar) runs around with a pot stuck on his head.
JASON
Maybe they'll have food at the church.
She drops a broken Christmas tree angel to the ground.
SIMONE
Is daddy mad cus of me?
He picks up the angel and hands it to her, then struggles to lift so she can put
it on top of the bent tree.
JASON
No, that's just how beer is.
Jason looks at her for a moment as she looks at the angel on the tree.
He yanks the tree's light cord from the can and plugs it into an exterior outlet on the garage.
It lights up. He opens the paper bag and takes out AN ANGEL COSTUME.
SIMONE
You did it! You really did!
Simone hugs him tightly.
SIMONE
Can I put it on? Can I? I won't get it dirty promise!
Jason slips the costume over her head.
SIMONE
I feel like a movie star Jason!
JASON
Do you remember what to say?
SIMONE
Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my--
JASON
Okay okay, you got it.
The Christmas lights begin to flash.
SIMONE
Come on you have to get a good seat!
Simone runs around the alley's corner.
SIMONE (O.S.)
Can we go look behind the liquor store 1st?
Jason turns to catch up. A CAR SLIDING ON ICE is heard then A METALLIC CRASH.
Jason rounds the corner and sees a car smashed into a garage door.
JASON
Did it scare you Sprout?
Simone is no where to be seen.
JASON
Come on quit playing or we'll be late.
From the front of the car comes Simone's faint voice.
SIMONE
Jay-son, I don't want to be in no trouble.
Jason runs to the car.
Simone lays pinned against the garage, blood covers her costume.
JASON
Simone!
SIMONE
(eyes closing)
I see the angel, it's so... pretty.
Simone's POV: The flashing Christmas tree.
Jason drops down besides her and strokes her hair.
In Simone's hand a crudely constructed Christmas card.
EXT.CEMETERY-DAY.
Jason, a PREACHER and his Parents stand at a small headstone.
The Preacher reads from a bible. Jason runs from the cemetery in tears.
INT. SHABBY APARTMENT BUILDING {HALLWAY}-DAY
Jason pounds on a door. AN OLDER WOMAN (60's)answers.
He tries to explain something lost to tears and lack of breath.
The Woman ushers him inside.
INT. SHABBY APARTMENT-DAY
She leads him to a chair, then opens a door and she speaks to someone beyond it.
OLDER WOMAN
Get up and get shaved it's time to stop all this non-
sense and get dressed! And I mean your GOOD clothes!
INT. SHABBY APARTMENT-DAY
From the door emerges THE MAN SIMONE HAD CONFUSED FOR JESUS, he is now clean
shaven and wearing a priest's outfit and collar.
He sits down at the table with Jason who is blank with grief.
JESUS/PRIEST
Son?
Jason looks up blankly.
JASON
I know you're not Jesus.
The Priest winces. Tears steam down Jason's face as he pushes
the crudely constructed X-mas card across the table.
JASON
But my sister thought you were, and that's good enough
for me you hear?!
The Woman embraces him as he loses it to deep sobs.
The Priest unties the card's red ribbon and unfolds the rough paper
revealing 2 nickels and a wallet sized photo of Jason.
-Thanks-
