Authors Inspiration
1.Ext. Daytime at a park. It’s not crowded. Average weather.
ELIZA, a woman with brunette hair is sitting cross-legged with a pink laptop on her lap underneath a tree. Her “over the shoulder” bag is next to her. She keeps typing and deleting what she has written.
VIDAL and CODY walk through the park. VIDAL is significantly taller than CODY. ELIZA can see them but is out of earshot. CODY uses many hand gestures, but VIDAL does not.
CODY
Sir, you promised that you would follow my plan.
VIDAL
I wanted to follow my own plan.
CODY
You certainly did and look what happened.
The two of them are walking quickly. ELIZA is watching with curiosity and begins to type notes down. Her laptop screen reads ‘Book Character Plan’.
The two men stop briefly. CODY is still using hand gestures; his leg is bouncing up and down. VIDAL stands up straight and appears stiff.
CODY
I gave you a detailed plan that had a 100 percent chance of success.
VIDAL
And I looked at it.
CODY
Did you even read-
VIDAL
I do the plans that I wanna do
CODY
You hired me to make you plans! Sir, why did you ignore it?
VIDAL looks over at ELIZA. ELIZA quickly looks away. She turns back when VIDAL has stopped looking at her.
VIDAL
You scared?
CODY
Is it that shocking that I’m afraid of getting caught by the authorities?
VIDAL shifts to the side.
CODY
After what you did?
VIDAL
Fuck off you signed up.
CODY
Sir, I needed the money.
VIDAL pushes CODY but not hard enough to hurt him then starts walking away. CODY recoils a little before catching up with him. ELIZA is still writing down notes and watches as they walk away, still talking.
ELIZA carries on typing after they have left her view for a few seconds, before smiling at her notes. She then packs up her laptop and places it gently into her bag before walking away with a purposeful walk.
- INT. Day. Wooden and colourful kitchen. Later on that afternoon.
ELIZA is sitting at the counter with her friend SIAN. Her friend is walking around the kitchen putting clean dishes and cups away.
SIAN
So, how’d the story planning go?
ELIZA
It went well. You were right, trying to get inspiration from somewhere other than my study was a good idea. (In a jokey way) I should have listened to your wise words sooner.
SIAN
(With a hint of sarcasm) How will you ever repay me?
ELIZA
Hmmmm (looks around kitchen). I’ll help tidy your kitchen?
SIAN
About time! (said light-heartedly with a giggle and smile)
The two girls were tidying the kitchen together.
SIAN
So, what inspired you?
ELIZA
These two guys I saw in the park. They looked unusual so I spied on them and took notes.
SIAN
Well that’s creepy, do I need to report my friend to the authorities?
The two girls laughed.
ELIZA
Give me a break, besides it was your idea!
SIAN
Not quite what I had in mind.
There was a quick pause were the girls were silent. They finished up tidying and were standing at either end of the counter. ELIZA was leaning against it and SIAN had sat on the edge.
SIAN
So does this mean that there won’t be a character based on me? (sarcastically) Have to say, I’m shocked, after all I am the most interesting person you know.
ELIZA
(sarcastically) That’s the issue, you’re so amazing I could never quite capture that with writing.
SIAN
Apology accepted.
They shared a laugh.
SIAN
But anyway thanks for helping me tidy.
- Night time. The camera moves through a dark and cramped corridor into slightly lit room, the kitchen. It’s a dark room with a small black and white kitchen. The table is dirty.
CODY is sitting at the table. VIDAL is pouring an alcoholic drink.
CODY
I’ll have to think of a plan sir. We can’t get caught, we can’t go to prison, we’ll be there for life!
VIDAL
SHUT UP! If you’re going to keep whining then get out.
CODY
We need a plan sir.
VIDAL
Then make one. You’re the brains out of the two of us.
CODY
(VIDAL pours another drink and hands it to CODY who refuses. VIDAL pours another drink and downs it himself) Exactly, so why did you ignore my plan!
VIDAL
I already told you.
CODY
You were supposed to just rob the place.
VIDAL
(calmly) Which I did.
CODY
(yelling) You killed a man!
VIDAL slams down the bottle and it smashes. CODY jumps. VIDAL storms over to CODY who scrambles out of his seat.
VIDAL
You think I don’t know that? (he laughs) The plan you’ve been so keen to make is all about covering that up, is it not?
CODY
(silence)
VIDAL
Now get out of my apartment and make the god-damn plan.
CODY leaves immediately. VIDAL slams the door on him and goes back to his kitchen to pour another drink. You can see a bag of money and jewellery in the corner.
Georgia Newman Film Studies 