ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT.–DARK SMOKE FILLED ARENA–NIGHT
Under the dim lights of the dark arena, two professional wrestlers are beating other senseless, the fans in the crowd go wild as this violent and physical art form plays out in the ring. The fans and the ring are separated by a mystical cloud of smoke, the wrestlers battling in the ring are in front of it while the fans in the crowd are behind it. As some of the smoke clears, TWO 20 SOMETHING YEAR OLD FANS come into focus.
FAN#1
Man isn’t this great?
The two fans seem excited at the match going in the ring.
FAN#2
Yeah! These two guys hate each other so much! Look how they’re tying it up in the ring!
The two wrestlers start to brawl outside the ring.
FAN#1
Jesus Christ!
The fans start to riot all over the arena.
FAN#2
Man, they sure are going at it.
The wrestlers get too close to the fans, and one of the wrestlers bumps into Fan#1, knocking him to the floor.
Everyone in the arena stares at Fan#1, wondering how bad he’s been hurt when THE REFEREE comes to break it up.
REFEREE
Alright! Back it off!
The referee kneels down to check on the injured fan.
REFEREE (CONTINUED)
Somebody get some help!
Everyone else in the arena starts to look worried.
REFEREE (LOOKING DOWN AT THE FAN)
How bad are you hurt? Can you move?
Fan#1 blinks his eyes.
FAN#1
No.
Two paramedics rush into view pushing a stretcher.
REFEREE
Come on, let these guys do their job.
The referee signals for the wrestlers and the fans to back off.
REFEREE (CONTINUED)
Alright, let’s get em’ up there!
The paramedics lift Fan#1 up onto the stretcher.
REFEREE (TO THE FANS)
All of you, please get back to your seats!
INT.–DARK SMOKE FILLED ARENA–BACKSTAGE
The 40 SOMETHING YEAR OLD WRESTLER responsible for injuring the fan walks the paramedics through the entrance as they wheel Fan #1 to the backstage area. Once they’re backstage, A SHADY FIGURE awaits for them.
SHADY FIGURE
Good show tonight!
The shady figure turns out to be 60 SOMETHING YEAR OLD WRESTLING PROMOTER JERRY DANIELS! A short old man with a gravel voice and intimidating build.
JERRY DANIELS (TO THE 20 SOMETHING YEAR OLD FAN)
See? What did I tell you child? This business is about how well you work the marks in the crowd!
Jerry kisses the 20 something year old fan on the cheek.
FAN#1
I know Grandpa, you’ve told me a million times.
Fan#1 is EDDIE DANIELS, Jerry’s grandson, who looks kinda pissed.
JERRY
What’s wrong, kiddo?
Eddie holds his hand out.
EDDIE
Where’s our damn payoffs?
Jerry has a shocked look on his face.
JERRY
Awwwwww, damn! I forgot, I’m so sorry!
Jerry gets some of the ticket money out of the strongbox, and pays off Eddie, the 40 something year old wrestler who ‘’injured’‘ him, and the paramedics.
JERRY
There ya go boys!
Eddie looks down at the $20 dollar bill with a sour expression.
40 SOMETHING YEAR OLD WRESTLER
Hey Dad, we need to stop at the nearest kayfabe before moving onto the next town.
The 40 something year old wrestler turns out to be TED DANIELS, Jerry’s son, who is counting his money.
JERRY
Yeah, we should get going.
Ted signs a few autographs for some fans who snuck backstage.
JERRY (CONTINUED)
Let’s just gather up the rest of the boys, and head on out.
Eddie gives his grandfather a dirty look while holding up the $20 dollar bill.
JERRY (TO EDDIE)
I know, but it’s the best I can do right now.
Jerry runs his fingers through Eddie’s hair.
EDDIE
Do you say this to all the guys you rip off?
EXT.–KAYFABE–ENTRANCE
Jerry, Ted, and Eddie, along with some of the other boys, go to a seedy backwater establishment in a hidden part of town later in the night with a DOORMAN waiting for them.
DOORMAN
What’s the password?
Jerry rolls his eyes.
JERRY
Kayfabe.....no shit! I’m the promoter, you idiot!
INT.–KAYFABE–BAR AND RESTAURANT
The three of them walk in, and the place appears to be a throwback to the old speakeasies of the 1920's. Old jazz music swells in the background as they spot a large group of the boys sitting at a table, each of the three grab a seat at the table.
JERRY
Alright, now before we discuss the finish for tomorrow night’s main event, I wanna discuss a problem we’ve been having with our recent shows.
Everyone looks on at what he has to say.
TED
You mean the crowds getting out of control and starting riots?
Jerry looks at his son as if he’s stupid.
JERRY
No, riots are good for business. It let’s us know we’re doing our job right, and drawing enough heat from those crowds.
A look of concern comes over Ted’s face.
TED
But some of the riots are getting dangerous, fans are coming to the shows armed with knives. Some of the boys are getting stabbed night in and night out. Hell, Eddie could’ve gotten stabbed tonight if they knew we had planted in him in the crowd.
Jerry has his armed crossed.
JERRY
I know Ted, but if things keep going the way they’re going.
Ted appears confused.
TED
What are you talking about?
Jerry pulls out the attendance records of the recent shows.
JERRY
I’m talking about the attendance for our wrestling shows being down as of late.
A dead silence comes over the table where the boys are sitting.
ONE OF THE BOYS AT THE TABLE
Jerry, I know our attendance is down, but it isn’t a big deal.
Jerry gets somewhat pissed at the remark.
JERRY
Not a big deal, huh? We’ve gotten to the point where we’re just drawing 300 people at the gate, and can’t afford to pay our boys any more than $20 bucks.
The dead silence at the table continues to flourish.
JERRY (CONTINUED)
And for the life of me, I can’t figure out why business is so bad.
Jerry takes a sip of his liquor glass.
EDDIE
It could be shootfighting for all we know.
Jerry laughs.
JERRY
Just because they put on actual shoots, and try to be a competitive sport?
Jerry laughs even harder.
EDDIE
Maybe it is, they’re drawing 18,000 people.
Jerry’s jaw drops.
JERRY
You serious?
Eddie nods his head.
EDDIE
Uh huh.
Jerry looks shocked.
JERRY
How much are those shootfight promoters paying their boys?
Eddie holds his breathe for a minute.
EDDIE
5 to 10,000 a night.
All the boys at the table look stunned.
JERRY
Shit!
All the boys start nodding and agreeing.
TED
A whole lotta money there!
Jerry still looks shaken.
JERRY
If we could just figure out a way to draw more crowds back to the gate. We could be rollin’ it the way they are!
Jerry brainstorms for ideas.
EDDIE
Maybe we could promote shootfights of our own.
Jerry looks as if a lightbulb just appeared over his head.
JERRY
I love the idea, your catching on fast, even for your age baby boy! But no one in the locker room would stand for it, they could get hurt!
Eddie gives his grandfather an annoyed look.
EDDIE
I don’t mean shoots! We should work the marks in the crowd as always. And call it ‘’entertainment’‘ to make even more money, and keep the state athletic commissions off our backs.
Jerry nods in agreement.
JERRY
Sounds good, we could make a lot of money off it. But, we need to a back up plan in case it doesn’t work.
Eddie digs into his dish of meat and potatoes.
TED
What do you have in mind Dad?
Jerry looks aggressive.
JERRY
Something personal.
Eddie stares at his grandfather with confusion.
EDDIE
What could be more personal than what we’re facing right now?
Jerry nods his head.
JERRY
I’ve got an ace up my sleeve.
All the boys at the table look worried.
EDDIE
What is it?
Eddie seems confused.
JERRY
Something which will save the territory.
INT.–SPRAWLING MANSION–DAY
There is this big mansion with these huge fancy overhead lights shining bright over deep stained wood wall panels and flooring, and the brown leather furniture. A BRUNETTE WOMAN is having a cocktail when all of a sudden A BLONDE storms into the room all pissed off.
BLONDE WOMAN
You stole my husband you bitch!
The brunette just stands there holding her drink, as if nothing happened.
BRUNETTE WOMAN
Why are you so upset? By the looks of things, I must’ve done him a favor!
The blonde comes charging at the brunette!
BLONDE WOMAN
I’ve had just about enough of you messing with my life!
The blonde gives the brunette a hard slap!
BRUNETTE WOMAN
Is this the best you can do?
The blonde starts to choke her.
BLONDE WOMAN
I got plenty!
The brunette tries to grab the blonde’s arms.
BRUNETTE WOMAN
Let go of me!
The brunette starts pulling the blonde’s hair.
BLONDE WOMAN
You make me sick!
The blonde slams the brunette up against a wall.
BRUNETTE WOMAN
Oh no, I’m not finished with you yet!
The brunette picks up a vase.
BRUNETTE WOMAN (CONTINUED)
Eat this!
She throws it at the blonde, but misses when the blonde ducks.
BLONDE WOMAN
You destroyed my grandmother’s vase, she gave it to me before she died!
An evil grin comes over the brunette’s face.
BRUNETTE WOMAN
I’m sure she’ll be happy to see it again once it gets to hell!
They tie up again, and tear down the window drapes.
BLONDE WOMAN
Kiss my ass!
The brunette grabs the blonde, and shoves her, knocking over a chair.
BRUNETTE WOMAN
Not until you kiss mine first!
The brunette grabs the blonde by throat, and starts slapping her.
BRUNETTE WOMAN (CONTINUE)
Ready to give up yet?
The blonde manages to slap the living shit out of the brunette!
BLONDE WOMAN
This is just the beginning you whore!
The tired brunette sighs.
BRUNETTE WOMAN
No argument there!
The blonde looks even more pissed after the brunette’s comment.
BLONDE WOMAN
When I’m done with you, you’ll regret ever having anything to do with my husband!
The brunette tries to get to her feet.
BRUNETTE WOMAN
I’d expect this kinda threat from a common slut!
The blonde woman makes one last move towards the brunette.
BLONDE WOMAN
Your mine you bitch!
INT.–TELEVISION STUDIO–DAY
VOICE
And cut!
The camera pulls back to reveal a DIRECTOR advising two actresses in a scene, there are other actors and actresses walking around, talking, and carrying scripts. Writers and producers are also looking on. Everyone cheers for an intense scene well done, with the two actresses who were fighting in front of the camera smiling and taking a bow. Pulling back even further, there’s the logo for the long running soap opera The Innocent Years on a video monitor with a beautiful piano ballad playing in the background followed by a plug for the show’s sponsor.
ANNOUNCER
The Innocent Years, brought to you by Avant Garde soap, the world’s most innovative consumer product.
Everyone continues to cheer as the two leading ladies stand under the bright lights.
DIRECTOR
Man, they’re great.
The director watches in awe of the two actresses.
WOMAN
Yes, they are.
The woman turns out to be CHARLENE DOBSON, the creator of The Innocent Years, she is a beautiful 30-40-50ish year old woman who has a lot of tenacity.
DIRECTOR
Charlene, you scared me!
Charlene and te director share a laugh.
CHARLENE
I scare everyone in daytime, don’t I?
The director catches his breathe.
DIRECTOR
Yeah, I guess you do.
Charlene smiles at the director.
DIRECTOR (CONTINUED)
So, got any new storylines planned?
Charlene nods her head.
CHARLENE
Yeah, but I’m not telling anyone till I get back from the meeting.
The director’s eyes bug out.
DIRECTOR
Ooooooooh, a big meeting with the network and the sponsors. Ooooooh, I’m in chills!
The both laugh again.
CHARLENE
Knock it off, I need to get going!
INT.–NETWORK BUILDING–CONFERENCE ROOM
There’s a meeting going on between Charlene and the rest of the WRITERS AND PRODUCERS of The Innocent Years on one end with network executives and representatives from Avant Garde soap on the other. The guys from the NETWORK and the SPONSOR look uptight and not too happy.
NETWORK EXECUTIVE
We’re sad to say the future of the show doesn’t look too bright.
Charlene looks concerned at the announcement.
CHARLENE
What do you mean? We’ve been telling some of our best stories in years.
One of the representatives from Avant Garde soap pours himself a glass of water.
NETWORK EXECUTIVE
I agree your recent stories may be fantastic, but your show, along with most other soaps, have declined in ratings for the last 10-15 years.
Charlene looks confused.
CHARLENE
Those low ratings are a result of a bunch of cable networks springing up all over the place.
The network executive adjusts his eyeglasses.
NETWORK EXECUTIVE
For a period of 60 years, soaps were responsible were responsible for 90% of the daytime advertising revenue in broadcasting. But now, 75% of this audience has switched to cable.
Charlene gets pissed.
CHARLENE
Why are you spitting back what I just told you?
The representative from Avant Garde soaps straightens his posture.
NETWORK EXECUTIVE
Now with The Internet swiping the remainder of your audience away, the soaps are almost dead.
Charlene becomes furious at their ignorance.
CHARLENE
YOUR NOT EVEN LISTENING TO ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The other writers and producers from The Innocent Years get up from the table.
SPONSOR REPRESENTATIVE
Calm down! What we’re trying to say is, there’s no more money in your show, and we have no reason to keep investing in it.
Tears start to stream down Charlene’s face.
CHARLENE
Your just bunch of yes men wearing suits! You don’t give a shit about this art form!
She becomes more disgusted each passing second.
NETWORK EXECUTIVE
Look, we’re sorry about this, alright? But if you can’t improve ratings within 13 weeks, we’re gonna have to pull the plug.
Charlene brushes the dust off of her business suit.
CHARLENE
If my show is cancelled, what do you plan to replace it with?
The network executive takes a deep breathe in fear of her response.
NETWORK EXECUTIVE
We have a hot new reality show in development which we feel will be a ratings winner for daytime, and would pull a lot of revenue for our sponsors.
Another network executive stands up, and puts up a large blown up photo of a bunch has been celebrities on an island.
NETWORK EXECUTIVE (CONTINUE)
Your favorite teen idols, where are they now? On an island somewhere in The Pacific!
Charlene and the other writers and producers on The Innocent Years shoot the entire board room a dirty look!
CHARLENE
You mean to tell me and my staff the reason your cancelling the show we gave our lives to for the last few decades is to cash in on some teenie bopper fad in some desperate attempt to compete with a bunch of scrawny ass cable networks?
Most of the network executives and representatives from Avant Garde soap are now on the edge of their seat.
NETWORK EXECUTIVE
It’s hip, it’s now, it’s what viewers and advertisers want.
Charlene appears almost ready to slap the shit out of the network executive.
CHARLENE
You don’t know shit about daytime television, it’s not about coming up with the latest gimmicks to please your boss at the network or kiss the advertisers asses. It’s about telling stories which enrich people’s lives Monday through Friday. There’s no denying network ratings and advertising revenue play a part in what we do, but there’s more to daytime television than ratings and advertising revenue, and your still new to this business, so you haven’t learned any of this yet, you skinny pencil necked piece of shit!
Charlene interrupts the network executive before he even has a chance to breathe.
CHARLENE (CONTINUED)
If you wanna get rid of us in 13 weeks for not bringing up our ratings or revenue for advertisers, I understand. But, if you think I’m gonna take this without a fight, then you must be more of an idiot than I thought.
She interrupts him again.
CHARLENE (CONTINUED)
And then, you may get an inkling of what this business is about.
She looks as if she about to grab the entire room by the throat.
CHARLENE (CONTINUED)
If our show is cancelled in 13 weeks, I hope you all go straight to hell where you belong.
INT.–NETWORK BUILDING–CORRIDOR
Charlene and her staff are walking down the corridor, pissed off as ever. The idea of the soap opera being cancelled in favor of some stupid fly by night reality show is enough to make them all wanna puke.
CHARLENE
I’ve never been so upset in my entire life.
A staff writer gives her a reassuring smile.
STAFF WRITER
Don’t worry, we’ll figure out something to keep the show going.
Charlene sighs.
CHARLENE
I sure hope you can because even though I put up a tough front in the meeting just now, I’m scared about the possibility of the show getting cancelled.
The staff writer puts her hand on Charlene’s shoulder.
STAFF WRITER
Everything’ll be fine.
Charlene wipes the tears from her eyes.
CHARLENE
I hope so.
The staff writer gives her a confident look.
STAFF WRITER
Look, let’s just do what we need to do and things’ll be alright.
EXT.–FANCY RESTAURANT–OUTDOOR PATIO
Jerry and Charlene are having dinner together at one of the tables at the restaurant on this sunny afternoon. Jerry is eating steak and a baked potato while Charlene is feasting on a gourmet cuisine. They were also once married to each other.
CHARLENE
I got your alimony check in the mail yesteday.
Jerry looks up from his plate.
JERRY
I know you want the checks paid on time.
They both laugh.
JERRY (CONTINUED)
So how are things going, sugar?
Charlene looks down at her food.
JERRY (CONTINUED)
What’s wrong, honey?
She picks at her food with her fork.
CHARLENE
They might be cancelling the soap opera.
Jerry is shocked by the news.
JERRY
What?
Jerry shakes his head.
JERRY (CONTINUED)
Why?
Charlene tries hold back the tears.
CHARLENE
The show and most other soaps have had declining ratings for years because of cable, and cable networks have been the ones attracting most of the advertising revenue for the past decade or so.
Jerry looks sad.
JERRY
But there’s still an audience for it, right?
Charlene wipes her tears away with a napkin.
CHARLENE
Maybe not, The Internet is able to attract most of the advertisers 24/7, which means there’s almost no viewers anymore.
Jerry wipes one of her tears away with his thumb.
JERRY
How long is it before they pull the plug?
Charlene clears her throat.
CHARLENE
They’re giving us 13 weeks to improve the show, if not we’re dead.
Jerry smiles.
JERRY
See? You still got a chance!
She starts picking her food with her fork again.
CHARLENE
I doubt it.
Jerry holds her hand.
JERRY
Come on now, if you keep the faith then someone will find you.
Charlene rolls her eyes.
CHARLENE
You’ve been saying those words to me for years, but I don’t know why. They don’t make any sense.
Jerry raises his eyebrows.
JERRY
I’m just saying, if you have faith in yourself, someone will be there for you.
Charlene shrugs her shoulders.
CHARLENE
Maybe your right.
Jerry gives her a concerned look.
JERRY
Just don’t get so upset, alright?
Jerry smiles at her.
CHARLENE
Alright.
Jerry smiles once again.
JERRY
Yeah, there’s my baby girl!
Jerry kisses Charlene on the forehead.
CHARLENE
So, how’s the wrestling business?
Jerry takes a deep breathe and shakes his head.
JERRY
Don’t you dare get me started!
They both start laughing.
CHARLENE
What’s wrong?
She props her chin up on the edge of her hand, with her elbow on the table.
JERRY
Business isn’t going so well.
Charlene holds her hands.
CHARLENE
Any reason why not?
Jerry takes a sip of wine.
JERRY
The ticket sales are down at the gate.
Charlene shoots Jerry an inquisitive look.
CHARLENE
Howcome?
Jerry starts picking at his meat and potatoes with his fork.
JERRY
We think it’s shootfighting.
Charlene busts out laughing.
CHARLENE
Oh, because shootfighting’s perceived as ‘’real’‘, and your perceived as ‘’fake’‘?
Charlene continues laughing.
CHARLENE (CONTINUED)
Get real! Those idiots’ll never know the difference between a shoot and a work. No matter how smart those easy marks on The Internet think they are.
They both start laughing.
JERRY
You got a point there!
They continue laughing.
CHARLENE
So, what’s the real reason attendance is down at the gate?
Jerry takes another sip of wine.
JERRY
No, it’s shootfighting alright. They’re drawing 18,000 people. And can afford to pay their boys 5 to 10,000 a night.
Charlene looks stunned.
CHARLENE
And how about you?
Jerry takes a bite of his baked potato.
JERRY
We’re getting to the point where we’re just drawing 300 people, and can’t afford to pay our boys more than $20 bucks a night.
Charlene shoots Jerry a cynical look.
CHARLENE
God, you must be falling on hard times.
Jerry nods in agreement.
JERRY
Yep.
Jerry looks as if he has a bright idea.
JERRY (CONTINUED)
What do you think of helping each other out?
Charlene starts laughing.
JERRY (CONTINUED)
No, I’m serious!
Charlene looks astonished at his comments.
CHARLENE
What the hell put this idea into your head?
Charlene starts laughing again.
JERRY
Well, we’re both in a bad situation, I just figured.....
Charlene interrupts him.
CHARLENE
You just figured we’d use a quick fix to make a fast buck.
Charlene continues laughing.
CHARLENE (CONTINUED)
I’ve gotta hand it to you, you sure came up with a good scheme this time!
Jerry looks kinda pissed.
JERRY
I wasn’t kiddin’, darlin’.
Jerry takes a deep breath.
JERRY (CONTINUED)
We’re both having financial troubles, we need to
do something!
CHARLENE
But how could we pull this off?
Jerry holds her hand and smiles.
JERRY
We’ll think of something, don’t worry.
Charlene shakes her head.
CHARLENE
Damn, this is some of the craziest shit I’ve ever heard in my life.
Jerry has an evil grin on his face.
JERRY
Stranger things have happened.
Charlene is still amazed at his suggestion.
CHARLENE
And besides, why the hell should I help out my ex-
husband?
Jerry shoots her another sly grin.
JERRY
Come on, who’s to say it wouldn’t work. Just think about it, sugar.
Charlene nods her head while taking a deep breathe.
CHARLENE
Maybe your right.
For about a second, there’s a twinkle in Jerry’s eye.
JERRY
Of course I am, honey.
Charlene lets out a sigh of concern.
CHARLENE
Oh dear god!
She has an odd look on her face.
JERRY
What is it now?
Charlene rolls her eyes at Jerry.
CHARLENE
I’m just afraid of what everyone on the soap opera will think.
Jerry appears confused.
JERRY
Why should you care?
Charlene gives him a nervous grin.
CHARLENE
It’s because I’m having to go to my ex-husband for help!
Jerry starts laughing.
JERRY
Oh, come on! Lots of ex-wives go to their ex-husbands for help.
Charlene puts her hand on her hand.
JERRY (CONTINUED)
And besides, I know a lot of people in the wrestling promotion who’d love to see you!
Charlene smiles.
CHARLENE
I always loved being around those guys.
Jerry once again holds her hand.
JERRY
So will you think about it?
Charlene nods her head.
CHARLENE
Yeah, alright.
Jerry breathes a sigh of relief.
JERRY
Good.
They hold each other’s hand and look at each other smiling.
JERRY
You look so beautiful!
Charlene’s smile gets even wider.
CHARLENE
Thanks.
Jerry shrugs his shoulders.
JERRY
What about me, huh?
Charlene chuckles.
CHARLENE
Good thing you showered.
They both start laughing again.
FADE OUT:
INT.–DARK SMOKE FILLED ARENA–NIGHT
Under the dim lights of the dark arena, two professional wrestlers are beating other senseless, the fans in the crowd go wild as this violent and physical art form plays out in the ring. The fans and the ring are separated by a mystical cloud of smoke, the wrestlers battling in the ring are in front of it while the fans in the crowd are behind it. As some of the smoke clears, TWO 20 SOMETHING YEAR OLD FANS come into focus.
FAN#1
Man isn’t this great?
The two fans seem excited at the match going in the ring.
FAN#2
Yeah! These two guys hate each other so much! Look how they’re tying it up in the ring!
The two wrestlers start to brawl outside the ring.
FAN#1
Jesus Christ!
The fans start to riot all over the arena.
FAN#2
Man, they sure are going at it.
The wrestlers get too close to the fans, and one of the wrestlers bumps into Fan#1, knocking him to the floor.
Everyone in the arena stares at Fan#1, wondering how bad he’s been hurt when THE REFEREE comes to break it up.
REFEREE
Alright! Back it off!
The referee kneels down to check on the injured fan.
REFEREE (CONTINUED)
Somebody get some help!
Everyone else in the arena starts to look worried.
REFEREE (LOOKING DOWN AT THE FAN)
How bad are you hurt? Can you move?
Fan#1 blinks his eyes.
FAN#1
No.
Two paramedics rush into view pushing a stretcher.
REFEREE
Come on, let these guys do their job.
The referee signals for the wrestlers and the fans to back off.
REFEREE (CONTINUED)
Alright, let’s get em’ up there!
The paramedics lift Fan#1 up onto the stretcher.
REFEREE (TO THE FANS)
All of you, please get back to your seats!
INT.–DARK SMOKE FILLED ARENA–BACKSTAGE
The 40 SOMETHING YEAR OLD WRESTLER responsible for injuring the fan walks the paramedics through the entrance as they wheel Fan #1 to the backstage area. Once they’re backstage, A SHADY FIGURE awaits for them.
SHADY FIGURE
Good show tonight!
The shady figure turns out to be 60 SOMETHING YEAR OLD WRESTLING PROMOTER JERRY DANIELS! A short old man with a gravel voice and intimidating build.
JERRY DANIELS (TO THE 20 SOMETHING YEAR OLD FAN)
See? What did I tell you child? This business is about how well you work the marks in the crowd!
Jerry kisses the 20 something year old fan on the cheek.
FAN#1
I know Grandpa, you’ve told me a million times.
Fan#1 is EDDIE DANIELS, Jerry’s grandson, who looks kinda pissed.
JERRY
What’s wrong, kiddo?
Eddie holds his hand out.
EDDIE
Where’s our damn payoffs?
Jerry has a shocked look on his face.
JERRY
Awwwwww, damn! I forgot, I’m so sorry!
Jerry gets some of the ticket money out of the strongbox, and pays off Eddie, the 40 something year old wrestler who ‘’injured’‘ him, and the paramedics.
JERRY
There ya go boys!
Eddie looks down at the $20 dollar bill with a sour expression.
40 SOMETHING YEAR OLD WRESTLER
Hey Dad, we need to stop at the nearest kayfabe before moving onto the next town.
The 40 something year old wrestler turns out to be TED DANIELS, Jerry’s son, who is counting his money.
JERRY
Yeah, we should get going.
Ted signs a few autographs for some fans who snuck backstage.
JERRY (CONTINUED)
Let’s just gather up the rest of the boys, and head on out.
Eddie gives his grandfather a dirty look while holding up the $20 dollar bill.
JERRY (TO EDDIE)
I know, but it’s the best I can do right now.
Jerry runs his fingers through Eddie’s hair.
EDDIE
Do you say this to all the guys you rip off?
EXT.–KAYFABE–ENTRANCE
Jerry, Ted, and Eddie, along with some of the other boys, go to a seedy backwater establishment in a hidden part of town later in the night with a DOORMAN waiting for them.
DOORMAN
What’s the password?
Jerry rolls his eyes.
JERRY
Kayfabe.....no shit! I’m the promoter, you idiot!
INT.–KAYFABE–BAR AND RESTAURANT
The three of them walk in, and the place appears to be a throwback to the old speakeasies of the 1920's. Old jazz music swells in the background as they spot a large group of the boys sitting at a table, each of the three grab a seat at the table.
JERRY
Alright, now before we discuss the finish for tomorrow night’s main event, I wanna discuss a problem we’ve been having with our recent shows.
Everyone looks on at what he has to say.
TED
You mean the crowds getting out of control and starting riots?
Jerry looks at his son as if he’s stupid.
JERRY
No, riots are good for business. It let’s us know we’re doing our job right, and drawing enough heat from those crowds.
A look of concern comes over Ted’s face.
TED
But some of the riots are getting dangerous, fans are coming to the shows armed with knives. Some of the boys are getting stabbed night in and night out. Hell, Eddie could’ve gotten stabbed tonight if they knew we had planted in him in the crowd.
Jerry has his armed crossed.
JERRY
I know Ted, but if things keep going the way they’re going.
Ted appears confused.
TED
What are you talking about?
Jerry pulls out the attendance records of the recent shows.
JERRY
I’m talking about the attendance for our wrestling shows being down as of late.
A dead silence comes over the table where the boys are sitting.
ONE OF THE BOYS AT THE TABLE
Jerry, I know our attendance is down, but it isn’t a big deal.
Jerry gets somewhat pissed at the remark.
JERRY
Not a big deal, huh? We’ve gotten to the point where we’re just drawing 300 people at the gate, and can’t afford to pay our boys any more than $20 bucks.
The dead silence at the table continues to flourish.
JERRY (CONTINUED)
And for the life of me, I can’t figure out why business is so bad.
Jerry takes a sip of his liquor glass.
EDDIE
It could be shootfighting for all we know.
Jerry laughs.
JERRY
Just because they put on actual shoots, and try to be a competitive sport?
Jerry laughs even harder.
EDDIE
Maybe it is, they’re drawing 18,000 people.
Jerry’s jaw drops.
JERRY
You serious?
Eddie nods his head.
EDDIE
Uh huh.
Jerry looks shocked.
JERRY
How much are those shootfight promoters paying their boys?
Eddie holds his breathe for a minute.
EDDIE
5 to 10,000 a night.
All the boys at the table look stunned.
JERRY
Shit!
All the boys start nodding and agreeing.
TED
A whole lotta money there!
Jerry still looks shaken.
JERRY
If we could just figure out a way to draw more crowds back to the gate. We could be rollin’ it the way they are!
Jerry brainstorms for ideas.
EDDIE
Maybe we could promote shootfights of our own.
Jerry looks as if a lightbulb just appeared over his head.
JERRY
I love the idea, your catching on fast, even for your age baby boy! But no one in the locker room would stand for it, they could get hurt!
Eddie gives his grandfather an annoyed look.
EDDIE
I don’t mean shoots! We should work the marks in the crowd as always. And call it ‘’entertainment’‘ to make even more money, and keep the state athletic commissions off our backs.
Jerry nods in agreement.
JERRY
Sounds good, we could make a lot of money off it. But, we need to a back up plan in case it doesn’t work.
Eddie digs into his dish of meat and potatoes.
TED
What do you have in mind Dad?
Jerry looks aggressive.
JERRY
Something personal.
Eddie stares at his grandfather with confusion.
EDDIE
What could be more personal than what we’re facing right now?
Jerry nods his head.
JERRY
I’ve got an ace up my sleeve.
All the boys at the table look worried.
EDDIE
What is it?
Eddie seems confused.
JERRY
Something which will save the territory.
INT.–SPRAWLING MANSION–DAY
There is this big mansion with these huge fancy overhead lights shining bright over deep stained wood wall panels and flooring, and the brown leather furniture. A BRUNETTE WOMAN is having a cocktail when all of a sudden A BLONDE storms into the room all pissed off.
BLONDE WOMAN
You stole my husband you bitch!
The brunette just stands there holding her drink, as if nothing happened.
BRUNETTE WOMAN
Why are you so upset? By the looks of things, I must’ve done him a favor!
The blonde comes charging at the brunette!
BLONDE WOMAN
I’ve had just about enough of you messing with my life!
The blonde gives the brunette a hard slap!
BRUNETTE WOMAN
Is this the best you can do?
The blonde starts to choke her.
BLONDE WOMAN
I got plenty!
The brunette tries to grab the blonde’s arms.
BRUNETTE WOMAN
Let go of me!
The brunette starts pulling the blonde’s hair.
BLONDE WOMAN
You make me sick!
The blonde slams the brunette up against a wall.
BRUNETTE WOMAN
Oh no, I’m not finished with you yet!
The brunette picks up a vase.
BRUNETTE WOMAN (CONTINUED)
Eat this!
She throws it at the blonde, but misses when the blonde ducks.
BLONDE WOMAN
You destroyed my grandmother’s vase, she gave it to me before she died!
An evil grin comes over the brunette’s face.
BRUNETTE WOMAN
I’m sure she’ll be happy to see it again once it gets to hell!
They tie up again, and tear down the window drapes.
BLONDE WOMAN
Kiss my ass!
The brunette grabs the blonde, and shoves her, knocking over a chair.
BRUNETTE WOMAN
Not until you kiss mine first!
The brunette grabs the blonde by throat, and starts slapping her.
BRUNETTE WOMAN (CONTINUE)
Ready to give up yet?
The blonde manages to slap the living shit out of the brunette!
BLONDE WOMAN
This is just the beginning you whore!
The tired brunette sighs.
BRUNETTE WOMAN
No argument there!
The blonde looks even more pissed after the brunette’s comment.
BLONDE WOMAN
When I’m done with you, you’ll regret ever having anything to do with my husband!
The brunette tries to get to her feet.
BRUNETTE WOMAN
I’d expect this kinda threat from a common slut!
The blonde woman makes one last move towards the brunette.
BLONDE WOMAN
Your mine you bitch!
INT.–TELEVISION STUDIO–DAY
VOICE
And cut!
The camera pulls back to reveal a DIRECTOR advising two actresses in a scene, there are other actors and actresses walking around, talking, and carrying scripts. Writers and producers are also looking on. Everyone cheers for an intense scene well done, with the two actresses who were fighting in front of the camera smiling and taking a bow. Pulling back even further, there’s the logo for the long running soap opera The Innocent Years on a video monitor with a beautiful piano ballad playing in the background followed by a plug for the show’s sponsor.
ANNOUNCER
The Innocent Years, brought to you by Avant Garde soap, the world’s most innovative consumer product.
Everyone continues to cheer as the two leading ladies stand under the bright lights.
DIRECTOR
Man, they’re great.
The director watches in awe of the two actresses.
WOMAN
Yes, they are.
The woman turns out to be CHARLENE DOBSON, the creator of The Innocent Years, she is a beautiful 30-40-50ish year old woman who has a lot of tenacity.
DIRECTOR
Charlene, you scared me!
Charlene and te director share a laugh.
CHARLENE
I scare everyone in daytime, don’t I?
The director catches his breathe.
DIRECTOR
Yeah, I guess you do.
Charlene smiles at the director.
DIRECTOR (CONTINUED)
So, got any new storylines planned?
Charlene nods her head.
CHARLENE
Yeah, but I’m not telling anyone till I get back from the meeting.
The director’s eyes bug out.
DIRECTOR
Ooooooooh, a big meeting with the network and the sponsors. Ooooooh, I’m in chills!
The both laugh again.
CHARLENE
Knock it off, I need to get going!
INT.–NETWORK BUILDING–CONFERENCE ROOM
There’s a meeting going on between Charlene and the rest of the WRITERS AND PRODUCERS of The Innocent Years on one end with network executives and representatives from Avant Garde soap on the other. The guys from the NETWORK and the SPONSOR look uptight and not too happy.
NETWORK EXECUTIVE
We’re sad to say the future of the show doesn’t look too bright.
Charlene looks concerned at the announcement.
CHARLENE
What do you mean? We’ve been telling some of our best stories in years.
One of the representatives from Avant Garde soap pours himself a glass of water.
NETWORK EXECUTIVE
I agree your recent stories may be fantastic, but your show, along with most other soaps, have declined in ratings for the last 10-15 years.
Charlene looks confused.
CHARLENE
Those low ratings are a result of a bunch of cable networks springing up all over the place.
The network executive adjusts his eyeglasses.
NETWORK EXECUTIVE
For a period of 60 years, soaps were responsible were responsible for 90% of the daytime advertising revenue in broadcasting. But now, 75% of this audience has switched to cable.
Charlene gets pissed.
CHARLENE
Why are you spitting back what I just told you?
The representative from Avant Garde soaps straightens his posture.
NETWORK EXECUTIVE
Now with The Internet swiping the remainder of your audience away, the soaps are almost dead.
Charlene becomes furious at their ignorance.
CHARLENE
YOUR NOT EVEN LISTENING TO ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The other writers and producers from The Innocent Years get up from the table.
SPONSOR REPRESENTATIVE
Calm down! What we’re trying to say is, there’s no more money in your show, and we have no reason to keep investing in it.
Tears start to stream down Charlene’s face.
CHARLENE
Your just bunch of yes men wearing suits! You don’t give a shit about this art form!
She becomes more disgusted each passing second.
NETWORK EXECUTIVE
Look, we’re sorry about this, alright? But if you can’t improve ratings within 13 weeks, we’re gonna have to pull the plug.
Charlene brushes the dust off of her business suit.
CHARLENE
If my show is cancelled, what do you plan to replace it with?
The network executive takes a deep breathe in fear of her response.
NETWORK EXECUTIVE
We have a hot new reality show in development which we feel will be a ratings winner for daytime, and would pull a lot of revenue for our sponsors.
Another network executive stands up, and puts up a large blown up photo of a bunch has been celebrities on an island.
NETWORK EXECUTIVE (CONTINUE)
Your favorite teen idols, where are they now? On an island somewhere in The Pacific!
Charlene and the other writers and producers on The Innocent Years shoot the entire board room a dirty look!
CHARLENE
You mean to tell me and my staff the reason your cancelling the show we gave our lives to for the last few decades is to cash in on some teenie bopper fad in some desperate attempt to compete with a bunch of scrawny ass cable networks?
Most of the network executives and representatives from Avant Garde soap are now on the edge of their seat.
NETWORK EXECUTIVE
It’s hip, it’s now, it’s what viewers and advertisers want.
Charlene appears almost ready to slap the shit out of the network executive.
CHARLENE
You don’t know shit about daytime television, it’s not about coming up with the latest gimmicks to please your boss at the network or kiss the advertisers asses. It’s about telling stories which enrich people’s lives Monday through Friday. There’s no denying network ratings and advertising revenue play a part in what we do, but there’s more to daytime television than ratings and advertising revenue, and your still new to this business, so you haven’t learned any of this yet, you skinny pencil necked piece of shit!
Charlene interrupts the network executive before he even has a chance to breathe.
CHARLENE (CONTINUED)
If you wanna get rid of us in 13 weeks for not bringing up our ratings or revenue for advertisers, I understand. But, if you think I’m gonna take this without a fight, then you must be more of an idiot than I thought.
She interrupts him again.
CHARLENE (CONTINUED)
And then, you may get an inkling of what this business is about.
She looks as if she about to grab the entire room by the throat.
CHARLENE (CONTINUED)
If our show is cancelled in 13 weeks, I hope you all go straight to hell where you belong.
INT.–NETWORK BUILDING–CORRIDOR
Charlene and her staff are walking down the corridor, pissed off as ever. The idea of the soap opera being cancelled in favor of some stupid fly by night reality show is enough to make them all wanna puke.
CHARLENE
I’ve never been so upset in my entire life.
A staff writer gives her a reassuring smile.
STAFF WRITER
Don’t worry, we’ll figure out something to keep the show going.
Charlene sighs.
CHARLENE
I sure hope you can because even though I put up a tough front in the meeting just now, I’m scared about the possibility of the show getting cancelled.
The staff writer puts her hand on Charlene’s shoulder.
STAFF WRITER
Everything’ll be fine.
Charlene wipes the tears from her eyes.
CHARLENE
I hope so.
The staff writer gives her a confident look.
STAFF WRITER
Look, let’s just do what we need to do and things’ll be alright.
EXT.–FANCY RESTAURANT–OUTDOOR PATIO
Jerry and Charlene are having dinner together at one of the tables at the restaurant on this sunny afternoon. Jerry is eating steak and a baked potato while Charlene is feasting on a gourmet cuisine. They were also once married to each other.
CHARLENE
I got your alimony check in the mail yesteday.
Jerry looks up from his plate.
JERRY
I know you want the checks paid on time.
They both laugh.
JERRY (CONTINUED)
So how are things going, sugar?
Charlene looks down at her food.
JERRY (CONTINUED)
What’s wrong, honey?
She picks at her food with her fork.
CHARLENE
They might be cancelling the soap opera.
Jerry is shocked by the news.
JERRY
What?
Jerry shakes his head.
JERRY (CONTINUED)
Why?
Charlene tries hold back the tears.
CHARLENE
The show and most other soaps have had declining ratings for years because of cable, and cable networks have been the ones attracting most of the advertising revenue for the past decade or so.
Jerry looks sad.
JERRY
But there’s still an audience for it, right?
Charlene wipes her tears away with a napkin.
CHARLENE
Maybe not, The Internet is able to attract most of the advertisers 24/7, which means there’s almost no viewers anymore.
Jerry wipes one of her tears away with his thumb.
JERRY
How long is it before they pull the plug?
Charlene clears her throat.
CHARLENE
They’re giving us 13 weeks to improve the show, if not we’re dead.
Jerry smiles.
JERRY
See? You still got a chance!
She starts picking her food with her fork again.
CHARLENE
I doubt it.
Jerry holds her hand.
JERRY
Come on now, if you keep the faith then someone will find you.
Charlene rolls her eyes.
CHARLENE
You’ve been saying those words to me for years, but I don’t know why. They don’t make any sense.
Jerry raises his eyebrows.
JERRY
I’m just saying, if you have faith in yourself, someone will be there for you.
Charlene shrugs her shoulders.
CHARLENE
Maybe your right.
Jerry gives her a concerned look.
JERRY
Just don’t get so upset, alright?
Jerry smiles at her.
CHARLENE
Alright.
Jerry smiles once again.
JERRY
Yeah, there’s my baby girl!
Jerry kisses Charlene on the forehead.
CHARLENE
So, how’s the wrestling business?
Jerry takes a deep breathe and shakes his head.
JERRY
Don’t you dare get me started!
They both start laughing.
CHARLENE
What’s wrong?
She props her chin up on the edge of her hand, with her elbow on the table.
JERRY
Business isn’t going so well.
Charlene holds her hands.
CHARLENE
Any reason why not?
Jerry takes a sip of wine.
JERRY
The ticket sales are down at the gate.
Charlene shoots Jerry an inquisitive look.
CHARLENE
Howcome?
Jerry starts picking at his meat and potatoes with his fork.
JERRY
We think it’s shootfighting.
Charlene busts out laughing.
CHARLENE
Oh, because shootfighting’s perceived as ‘’real’‘, and your perceived as ‘’fake’‘?
Charlene continues laughing.
CHARLENE (CONTINUED)
Get real! Those idiots’ll never know the difference between a shoot and a work. No matter how smart those easy marks on The Internet think they are.
They both start laughing.
JERRY
You got a point there!
They continue laughing.
CHARLENE
So, what’s the real reason attendance is down at the gate?
Jerry takes another sip of wine.
JERRY
No, it’s shootfighting alright. They’re drawing 18,000 people. And can afford to pay their boys 5 to 10,000 a night.
Charlene looks stunned.
CHARLENE
And how about you?
Jerry takes a bite of his baked potato.
JERRY
We’re getting to the point where we’re just drawing 300 people, and can’t afford to pay our boys more than $20 bucks a night.
Charlene shoots Jerry a cynical look.
CHARLENE
God, you must be falling on hard times.
Jerry nods in agreement.
JERRY
Yep.
Jerry looks as if he has a bright idea.
JERRY (CONTINUED)
What do you think of helping each other out?
Charlene starts laughing.
JERRY (CONTINUED)
No, I’m serious!
Charlene looks astonished at his comments.
CHARLENE
What the hell put this idea into your head?
Charlene starts laughing again.
JERRY
Well, we’re both in a bad situation, I just figured.....
Charlene interrupts him.
CHARLENE
You just figured we’d use a quick fix to make a fast buck.
Charlene continues laughing.
CHARLENE (CONTINUED)
I’ve gotta hand it to you, you sure came up with a good scheme this time!
Jerry looks kinda pissed.
JERRY
I wasn’t kiddin’, darlin’.
Jerry takes a deep breath.
JERRY (CONTINUED)
We’re both having financial troubles, we need to
do something!
CHARLENE
But how could we pull this off?
Jerry holds her hand and smiles.
JERRY
We’ll think of something, don’t worry.
Charlene shakes her head.
CHARLENE
Damn, this is some of the craziest shit I’ve ever heard in my life.
Jerry has an evil grin on his face.
JERRY
Stranger things have happened.
Charlene is still amazed at his suggestion.
CHARLENE
And besides, why the hell should I help out my ex-
husband?
Jerry shoots her another sly grin.
JERRY
Come on, who’s to say it wouldn’t work. Just think about it, sugar.
Charlene nods her head while taking a deep breathe.
CHARLENE
Maybe your right.
For about a second, there’s a twinkle in Jerry’s eye.
JERRY
Of course I am, honey.
Charlene lets out a sigh of concern.
CHARLENE
Oh dear god!
She has an odd look on her face.
JERRY
What is it now?
Charlene rolls her eyes at Jerry.
CHARLENE
I’m just afraid of what everyone on the soap opera will think.
Jerry appears confused.
JERRY
Why should you care?
Charlene gives him a nervous grin.
CHARLENE
It’s because I’m having to go to my ex-husband for help!
Jerry starts laughing.
JERRY
Oh, come on! Lots of ex-wives go to their ex-husbands for help.
Charlene puts her hand on her hand.
JERRY (CONTINUED)
And besides, I know a lot of people in the wrestling promotion who’d love to see you!
Charlene smiles.
CHARLENE
I always loved being around those guys.
Jerry once again holds her hand.
JERRY
So will you think about it?
Charlene nods her head.
CHARLENE
Yeah, alright.
Jerry breathes a sigh of relief.
JERRY
Good.
They hold each other’s hand and look at each other smiling.
JERRY
You look so beautiful!
Charlene’s smile gets even wider.
CHARLENE
Thanks.
Jerry shrugs his shoulders.
JERRY
What about me, huh?
Charlene chuckles.
CHARLENE
Good thing you showered.
They both start laughing again.
FADE OUT:
posted by Justin Murphy at 3:14 PM
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