First Scene | Script

The Cut

INT. OFFICE - DAY

A portly young man with a friendly face, Tom Bradley, 25, sits in an office lobby, waiting. He drums the tips of his fingers together, taps his foot against the floor, and tries to slow his breathing. He steals glances at the movements of two people in an office, behind soundproof glass; they are discussing something important. They are discussing him. The two people inside stand up and shake hands. Tom straightens. Something has been agreed. The secretary looks up at Tom and indicates with her pen that he can go in now. With an intake of breath Tom stands and heads for the door, a large fake smile of confidence on his face. Brenda Brittle, 35, agent supreme, is sat behind the desk. An American, John Gload, 42, is in the chair opposite.

BRITTLE

Tom, come in a take a seat. You remember, John Gload.

TOM

Yes, Sir. Pleasure to see you again, Sir.

GLOAD

You were sensational, Tom, really sensational.

FROM BEHIND THE OFFICE DOORS: We see Brittle making gestures. Gload nods in apparent agreement. Tom leaps into the air and pumps his fist, yelling in triumph. He has won the part of a lifetime. INT. ELEVATOR – DAY Tom is in an elevator, once again he's nervous. He is psyching himself up for something. In the elevator mirror he notices an attractive woman looking at him. She smiles at him. He smiles back. The woman smirks and then looks ahead. The doors open. Tom walks out, takes the briefest of glances back, and witnesses the woman still smirking just before the doors close.

INT. A BIGGER OFFICE - DAY

Tom walks into a much grander office overlooking London. He is greeted by John Gload, who shakes his hand vigorously.

GLOAD

Nice to see you again, Tom. Please, take a seat. Tom, this is Stanley Slevistra, head of the studio. Gload directs Tom to a seated American man, heavier and clearly more powerful – This is the venerable Stan Slevistra, 65.

SLEVISTRA

Call me Stan... Tom, fantastic to meet you. John has told me everything about you. Says you're hysterical. But more importantly he says you're a real talent, perfect for the part. 'Claudio' was a big success here and in the States, mostly down to you; you should be very proud. Slevistra drops a script on the table.

TOM

I am, Sir— I mean Stan. I'm very proud; thank you. I can't wait to get started.

GLOAD

Well, Tom, there's only one thing that we are slightly hesitant about, and it's unfortunate to have to bring up. However, we're straight shooters here and we already have a solution so we're just gonna come out and say it.

SLEVISTRA

You're too large for the part, Tom.

TOM

Er, yes. I'd thought as much. I was actually going to look into getting a gym membership when I got to LA. Slevistra laughs, picks up a official-looking sheet of paper and begins skimming it. Gload picks up the conversation from here.

2. GLOAD

I'm afraid that's just not good enough, Tom. You understand, this is a franchise – a very delicately poised franchise that represents millions upon millions of dollars. We simply cannot risk you 'looking into a gym membership'. But don't worry, this isn't the first time we've had to do this.

TOM

Whatever it is, I'm in. I mean I've wanted to get in shape for—

GLOAD

That's great Tom. Gload takes out a sheet of paper from his inner jacket pocket and lays it face up on the desk in front of Tom.

GLOAD (cont'd)

We have a contract here that's separate from the main contract. It requires your full attention for the time being.

TOM

What does it say?

SLEVISTRA

Tom, you've got the talent, now you need the look. We're going to spare no expense getting you there. But you have to trust us.

GLOAD

We have very specific guidelines for the look of the men and women who appear in this franchise. No one is an exception. No one is above these requirements. You need to lose weight, gain muscle and then be independently assessed before we fly you to LA.

TOM

Before? You afraid I'm going to take up too many seats?

SLEVISTRA

Ha, that's funny Tom. You've got it alright.

3. GLOAD

We've set up a meeting for you with Adam McKrill. He's the best personal trainer in the world and he has helped more than fifty A-list celebrities fit into their costumes.

SLEVISTRA

He's the best Tom.

GLOAD

In three weeks we'll reassess your condition and if the requirements have been met, we'll be happy to present you with a new contract and a first class ticket to LA. However, if you have failed for whatever reason, I'm afraid...

SLEVISTRA

The show must go on, so to speak. These are the breaks kid. That's Hollywood for you. Gload takes a gilded pen from his top pocket and sets it upon the contract.

GLOAD

However, we're confident. McKrill has never missed a deadline, and I'm guessing he doesn't intend to start now? TOM Three weeks?

SLEVISTRA

You're going to be a superhero, Tom. Don't let this little thing stand in your way. Tom looks at the sheet of paper. He picks it up and triest to read the words. He places it back down. Inevitably, Tom leans in and scribbles a non professional signature upon the contract.

SLEVISTRA

(cont'd) Very good.

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