NT. ALLEN’S APARTMENT – NIGHT

Two colleagues and bestfriends (Allen and Jess) at a fashion business are talking about Allen’s play. He’s writing it to show high school students that it’s okay to express yourself how you want through fashion.

Allen is reading his play script to Jess.

ALLEN
I was ghosting you last night because I was with someone else.

Jess scoffs, not buying it.

JESS
Come on, man. That’s faker than Kourtney Kardashian. Who would ever even say that!

ALLEN
Ughh… I know. I know. I just couldn’t think of anything else to really evoke emotion out of a bunch of uninterested teens. I really need this play to captivate them so our company can get our message across.

JESS
You know this play won’t evoke anything out of any teen… That is unless you actually make it interesting.

ALLEN
And what’s more interesting to teenagers than appearances and relationship issues? It needs to be realistic enough for them to understand or relate to.

JESS
That’s your issue. You’re so caught up in ‘Could this actually happen?’ and not ‘What will make an interesting story?’

ALLEN
So what do you expect me to write? A fanfiction about some fantasy boyfriend land?

JESS
Stop thinking about what you think teenagers are into. Why don’t you go and actually ask one?

ALLEN
I guess.

CUT TO:

INT. ALLEN’S APARTMENT – THE NEXT DAY

Allen reflects on Jess’s advice.

ALLEN
I thought about what you said.

Jess sassily waits for Allen’s revelation.

JESS
And?

ALLEN
Well, I asked some old friends what they used to be into when they were kids.

Jess speaks sarcastically.

JESS
Share with the class.

ALLEN
They were mostly fantastical. Harry Potter, some Mario games, cartoons, and comic books.

Jess expresses her validated point with a smirk.

JESS
Just like I said.

ALLEN
So now what?

Jess points to a chair in the corner of the room.

JESS
So now you sit in that chair and rewrite your script to make an interesting and fantastical play. Spice it up! Make it unique!

ALLEN
I’ll get to that then.

Jess teases Allen about his age.

JESS
And I’ll be here for any more brilliant ideas your old mind needs.

ALLEN
I’m not that old.

JESS
But your brain is stuck in boring adult land.

ALLEN
Whatever you say.

CUT TO:

INT. ALLEN’S APARTMENT – MORNING – A COUPLE WEEKS LATER

Allen presents the revised play to Jess.

ALLEN
…will I ever escape this wicked wonderland? So wonderful, yet full of such wrath for us young sorcerers… End scene… So what do you think?

Jess is genuinely impressed.

JESS
That was… amazing!

ALLEN
Thank you!

JESS
I didn’t expect you to come up with such a captivating story. Even I was fully immersed!

ALLEN
That is shocking. You never pay attention to anything.

Jess playfully teases Allen.

JESS
Hey! I’m giving you compliments and you berate me with insults.

ALLEN
Well, for one, I’m not ‘berating you’, and for two, it’s payback for you calling me old.

JESS
It’s not my fault you’re so old.

ALLEN
Anyways, I’m glad my play is better.
JESS
Aaaand?

ALLEN
And.. I couldn’t have done it without you.

JESS
Now add how grateful you are into the play.

ALLEN
Alright, I’m never asking you for advice or thanking you for anything ever again.

JESS
Aww, you’re no fun.

ALLEN
I guess it’s time for me to take this to the producers, huh?

Jess suggests joining Allen.

JESS
Want me to come with?

ALLEN
No, I’ve had enough of your pestering.

Jess persists.

JESS
Oh come on! I practically wrote that script for you with my awesome ideas.

ALLEN
You certainly helped, but ultimately I wrote it and I’ll be the one to get it published.

Jess wishes Allen luck with a wave.

JESS
If you say so. But seriously, good luck.

ALLEN
Thanks.

END SCENE