INT. JAMES' APARTMENT - DAY
SUPER: THREE MONTHS LATER
James paces around (exasperated), studying a script in one hand, and holding his phone to his ear with the other.
JAMES - I dunno. It's been months and I've yet to get a paid gig.
KEVIN (V.O) - But that's how it is out there, no?
JAMES - I guess, but it's draining.
KEVIN (V.O) - Getting to live in LA and pursue your dreams? That's draining?
James places his script on the bed and regards this.
JAMES - No. But to have nothing to show for it is. I mean yeah auditioning is cool but I --
KEVIN (V.O) - But you what? Rather be back here preparing for the next installment of some sub-par Shakespearean rendition?
JAMES - I know. Speaking of...
James flops down on his bed.
JAMES - Guess who has a screen test tomorrow for some Shakespearean-esque melodrama? Those accent lessons might actually pay off.
KEVIN (V.O)- See! And you're doubting if you should be there or not.
JAMES - You're right.
KEVIN (V.O) - Just know when you get the role, you're giving full credit to your wonderfully inspiring acting coach.
JAMES - We'll see...
They share a laugh -- just like the old days.
KEVIN (V.O) - It's hard right now but keep faith. Things will pan out, they always do out there.
JAMES - I know. I know... So how're things back there?
KEVIN (V.O) (morose) - Well actually...
NOAH (O.S) - Tonight at nine. Perfect.
Noah barges in, putting away his phone.
KEVIN (V.O) - ... Not so great...
James looks to Noah with a "what the hell?" look. Noah appears too excited to care.
KEVIN (V.O) - ... Lately I've been --
NOAH - James, huge news!
James rushes off the phone to see what the fuss is about.
JAMES (into phone) - Hey, Kevin. Sorry, but I'll have to call you right back.
KEVIN (V.O) - Okay, I --
James hangs up. Before he can get a word in.
NOAH - So get this. Remember that toothpaste commercial? For Denti-whatever?
JAMES - Yeah?
NOAH - Guess who got the role?!
James jumps out of bed -- eleated.
JAMES - No way?! I'm the spokesperson?
Noah's excitement slightly simmers.
NOAH - Well... Not exactly. They thought you'd be better playing the son in the commercial.
JAMES - I didn't even audition for that.
NOAH - But that's how it goes. You audition for a role -- they think you'd be better for another role -- and voilà.
James furrows his face and stands perplexed. Noah sits on James' bed, ready to reason with him.
NOAH (CONT'D) - Look. I know it's not the role you wanted, but... It's a speaking role. And even more important, a role that pays.
JAMES - I guess. I just didn't want my first role to be as an extra for --
NOAH - Not an extra. A supporting role.
James looks to Noah -- is there a difference?
JAMES - Fine, supporting role. I didn't expect it to be a supporting role for a damn toothpaste commercial.
Noah rises and puts his arms around James. James glances at his hand and adjusts his shoulder.
NOAH - You get the small role today, work your way up, and get the big roles tomorrow. Alright?
James isn't ecstatic about it but knows Noah's right.
JAMES - I guess a role's a role.
NOAH - Exactly!
Noah removes his arm and heads to the front door.
NOAH - And wanna know the best part? We get to celebrate.
Noah takes out his phone and gestures to it.
NOAH (CONT'D) - Guess who made reservations for Chateau later?
Noah (cockily) walks out. Right before he exits...
NOAH (CONT'D) - Be ready by eight my little stars.
He exits. James appears the happiest he's been in a while.
YOU ARE READING
LA Monster (Screenplay)
General FictionAfter visiting Los Angeles for just four days, I knew I had seen enough to write -- what I believe -- is an eerily accurate depiction of what this place means to a lot of people. LA Monster is a screenplay about an aspiring actor that moves to Los...
