EXT. THE CAGE - MOMENTS LATER
Robbie and Cheryl glare at one another. Priest, Hans, and
the other players look worried.
ROBBIE
You heard me, come here and play
some real ball.
Cheryl takes a step towards Robbie.
CHERYL
Big man picking on a girl...
Priest holds out his hand and stops Cheryl.
PRIEST
Enough of this. We all came to
ball, so let's ball.
Robbie and Cheryl turn away from each other and scowl.
MONTAGE - THE CAGE - DAY
Priest passes from the post to Cheryl. Cheryl shoots and
hits a jumper.
Cheryl fakes a shot, drawing the defense. Cheryl bounce
passes to Hans. Hans steps into the lane and lays in the
ball.
EXT. THE CAGE - MOMENTS LATER
Robbie takes a shot that bounces off the rim. Priest pushes
players out of the way and grabs the rebound.
Cheryl breaks out on the wing.
PRIEST
Heads up.
Priest baseball-passes the ball to Cheryl.
Cheryl dribbles the ball at the rim.
Robbie grits his teeth and runs back on defense.
Cheryl jumps into the air.
As Cheryl releases the ball, Robbie crashes into Cheryl.
Cheryl is knocked to the ground.
PRIEST
Hey, that ain't cool.
Robbie shrugs as he walks down the court.
ROBBIE
That's basketball. Ain't my fault
she's weak.
Cheryl, on the ground, looks up and glares at Robbie.
EXT. ST. JOSEPH'S - DAY
Young Cheryl, lying on the playground, looks up and glares.
Young Priest, the Fat Kid, and other players stand around
Cheryl.
FAT KID
That's basketball.
AL (O.S.)
No, that's just being a punk.
Everyone turns to see Al, younger, in shape, and with a
confident demeanor.
KIDS
A-train!
Al walks past the kids to Cheryl.
AL
You can just call me Al.
Al helps Cheryl to her feet.
AL
So, you can push her to the ground.
You're a big man now. You didn't
seem so big when she was schooling
you.
Al moves towards the Fat Kid, glaring at him.
AL
She shoots, passes, and moves
better than you. She got game.
All you got is the heart of a punk.
The Fat Kids looks from side to side with fear.
The other kids laugh at the Fat Kid.
AL
Now get yo butt off the court,
punk. Go home to yo momma.
The kids laugh harder.
The Fat Kid turns and runs away.
AL
Yeah, keep running. That'll be
good for you.
Al turns back to Cheryl, who looks at him with admiration. A
basketball sits on the ground past Cheryl.
Al walks past Cheryl towards the basketball. Cheryl looks
down.
The ball bounces to Cheryl.
Cheryl, looks up, and sees Al looking at her.
AL
Shoot that.
Cheryl, with the ball in her hands, looks uncertain.
Cheryl's feet are at the three-point-line.
AL
Shoot that. You can make that
shot.
Cheryl nods.
Cheryl dribbles the ball.
Cheryl takes a three pointer. The ball swishes through the
hoop.
AL
There we go, just like I told you.
Al turns around and walks off the court.
Young Priest stands near the fence. Young Paul (18), dressed
like a slick thug, walk outside the fence.
YOUNG PAUL
Hey, little brother.
Priest turns with a disapproving glance and nods to Young
Paul.
Al joins Young Paul and they walk down the street.
Cheryl, holding a ball, watches through the fence at Al and
Young Paul as they walk down the street.
EXT. THE CAGE - NIGHT
Cheryl, glaring through the fence, watches Robbie walk away
down the street.
Priest and Hans walk up behind her.
PRIEST
Come on, let it go.
CHERYL
This isn't fair.
HANS
He is just a...
CHERYL
Yeah, but he's right.
Cheryl pushes off the fence.
PRIEST
What do you mean, you were national
champ.
Cheryl starts walking away from Priest.
CHERYL
And what does it mean? I'm still
getting knocked around by punks and
I need guys to defend me. It's
just not fair.
PRIEST
Hey, where you going?
Cheryl stops and turn around.
PRIEST
We gotta practice.
Jerry limps up to Priest.
EXT. THE CAGE - MOMENTS LATER
Jerry dribbles gingerly on the court. Priest, Hans, and
Cheryl watch him.
HANS
Are you ok?
JERRY
One way to find out.
Jerry bounces the ball to Hans.
Jerry motions, "Come on."
Hans shrugs and dribbles the ball.
Hans crosses over in front of Jerry, who stays in front of
Hans.
Hans drives to Jerry's left. Jerry darts in and knocks the
ball loose.
The ball bounces to Priest, who looks unemotional.
PRIEST
Do it again.
Priest bounces the ball to Hans. Priest and Hans nod to each
other.
Hans dribbles the ball against Jerry, who defends Hans.
Hans dribbles to Jerry's right.
Jerry moves to his right and grimaces. Hans goes around
Jerry and lays in the ball.
Priest shakes his head. Jerry bites his lip.
PRIEST
Take it easy, Jerry, you're still
hurt. Let's see what you got,
Cheryl.
Cheryl walks to the paint and passes Jerry. Cheryl and Jerry
slap unenthusiastic hi-fives.
Cheryl glares and hunches down into a defensive position.
Hans dribbles the ball in front of Cheryl.
Hans crosses over and moves to Cheryl's left. Cheryl moves
to her side, but Hans goes around her and scores.
PRIEST
Again.
Hans dribbles the ball in front of Cheryl.
Cheryl grits her teeth.
Hans hesitation dribbles to Cheryl's right. Cheryl moves,
but Hans easily goes around her and dunks the ball.
Priest hangs his head.
Priest turns to Jerry.
PRIEST
Do what you can to get better.
You're still our man.
Cheryl turns away and kicks the ball into the fence.
Hans pats Cheryl on the shoulder.
HANS
It is alright...
Cheryl pulls away from Hans.
CHERYL
No! This just ain't fair.
Hans, Priest, and Jerry send worried looks at Cheryl.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Playaz - Cheryl - Act 1
CAST LIST
Bones (19) - skinny, 6 foot black kid from the streets.
Pablo (17) - fat, 6-2 Hispanic kid
Priest (35) - hulking 6-10 black police officer
Jerry (23) - 5-10 Chinese guy with a goatee
Cheryl (31) - 6-0 black lady who's a lawyer by day.
Hans (25) - 6-8 German man who dresses stylish
Bunyan (18) - 7-2 with wild red hair and dressed from the
70s.
Skittles (9) - shy brunette girl who watches excitedly.
DJ (26) - short fellow with a loud voice
Al (60) - a homeless man
EXT. ST. JOSEPH'S - DAY
A brick school building is fronted by a deserted and eerily
quiet schoolyard. A light wind blows the flags and
basketball hoops.
AL (V.O.)
In the jungle, the big cats learn
that the only fighting for them is
themselves.
There is a sound of a school bell.
Masses of children pour out into the schoolyard, running to
the basketball courts or jumping rope. The sounds of
children playing fill the air.
AL (V.O.)
This jungle is no different.
YOUNG CHERYL (9), lanky and wearing glasses, carries her
books through the chaotic schoolyard.
Young Cheryl walks with her head down as kids run about
around her.
A FAT KID, sneering, bumps into Young Cheryl.
YOUNG CHERYL
Watch it!
FAT KID
What, can you see where you're
going four eyes?
Fat Kid makes fake glasses on his face with his fingers.
FAT KID
Nyah nyah.
YOUNG CHERYL
Oh, stop it.
Young Cheryl turns and begins walking away from the Fat Kid.
FAT KID
(whiny)
Oh stop it, haha.
(normal)
You got all those brains and that's
the best you can do?
Young Cheryl glares back at the Fat Kid but keeps walking
away.
Young Cheryl looks down at the ground as she storms forward.
Suddenly, a basketball hits Young Cheryl in the shoulder.
Young Cheryl looks around with a startled look.
YOUNG PRIEST (14), just starting to get big, jogs towards
Young Cheryl. Behind Young Priest is a basketball hoop and
several kids looking towards Young Cheryl.
YOUNG PRIEST
Yo, help?
Young Priest claps his hands together.
Young Cheryl glares at Young Priest.
Cheryl grabs the ball.
YOUNG CHERYL
You want this?
Young Cheryl baseball passes the ball towards the basketball
hoop.
CHERYL
Why don't you go get it!
Young Priest looks surprised. Young Cheryl turns away from
Young Priest and storms away.
Behind Young Cheryl, the ball swishes through the hoop.
Everyone around looks at Young Cheryl with a look of
amazement as she storms away. Young Cheryl glares ahead.
AL (V.O.)
The jungle changes its colors over
time.
INT. COURTROOM - DAY
Cheryl, now dressed professionally, glares ahead.
CHERYL
So, in closing, the defendant was
at the scene of the crime, had both
the opportunity and the motive to
commit the crime, and found himself
living a much better life after the
crime. That is what the evidence
shows, period.
Cheryl, standing in front of the Plaintiff's chair, looks
around the courtroom. The jury, the judge, lawyer #1, the
defense, and the defendant all look amazed.
The DISTRICT ATTORNEY, a well-dressed man sitting behind
Cheryl, sits agape.
EXT. COURT HALLWAY - DAY
Cheryl strides through the hallway with her head held high.
Lawyer #1 walks toward Cheryl.
LAWYER #1
Well done.
CHERYL
Thank you.
The District Attorney comes along side Cheryl and walks with
her.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
That was quite a game plan you had
in there. Some people in City Hall
think you could really be going
places with planning like that.
CHERYL
Oh, which people?
The District Attorney points at himself.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
This district attorney here, for
starters.
Cheryl smiles and stops.
The District Attorney smiles and walks on.
EXT. CITY STREETS - DAY
Cheryl strolls through a crowded street as the sun shines
brightly.
Cheryl walks to a a busy intersection. The sound of trucks
and car horns fill the air.
KID #1 (O.S.)
Haha, burned you!
Cheryl turns to see Kid #1 dribbling a basketball past Kid
#2.
KID #1
Unstoppable!
Cheryl calmly reaches her hand to the side.
Cheryl steals the ball from Kid #1. Kid #1 reaches to
dribble, but the ball is gone.
Kid #1 looks around with a confused expression.
CHERYL
Unstoppable?
Cheryl smiles at Kid #1 and Kid #2.
KID #2
Wow, you got some skills, lady.
Cheryl looks like she's thinking as she passes the ball to
Kid #2.
CHERYL
Thank you.
EXT. THE CAGE - DAY
Priest, Hans, and other players run on the court inside the
Cage. Cheryl, dressed to play basketball, walks up to the
outside of the fence.
CHERYL
Hey, Priest, who's got next?
PRIEST
That'd be you, I don't want to be
sued.
Priest and a few other players laugh.
Cheryl walks onto the court.
ROBBIE, a taller, more athletic Pablo, starts giggling.
PRIEST
Oh, what was that?
CHERYL
I think some punk's challenging me.
Robbie sneers at Cheryl.
ROBBIE
Shouldn't you be buying shoes right
now?
Cheryl glares at Robbie.
PRIEST
Oh, it's on.
MONTAGE - THE CAGE - DAY
Cheryl shoots a three, swishing it through the hoop.
Robbie shoots a three, and it rims out.
Cheryl shoots a three, swishing it through.
Robbie shoots a three, bricking it badly.
CHERYL
Bank.
Cheryl shoots a three, banking it into the hoop.
Robbie shoots a three - airball.
Priest and other players laugh.
EXT. THE CAGE - MOMENTS LATER
Robbie sulks as the other players run to congratulate Cheryl.
Cheryl slaps hi-fives.
CHERYL
Hey, that's how you get to be
national champ.
PLAYERS
Oooo.
Robbie turns toward Cheryl and holds out his chest.
ROBBIE
Well, that was real nice. But too
bad no one cares about the WNBA.
Cheryl glares at Robbie.
ROBBIE
That ain't real ball. If you want
to play some real ball, come stand
over here.
Robbie points at the key.
Cheryl's eyes squint, and Priest looks worried.
Bones (19) - skinny, 6 foot black kid from the streets.
Pablo (17) - fat, 6-2 Hispanic kid
Priest (35) - hulking 6-10 black police officer
Jerry (23) - 5-10 Chinese guy with a goatee
Cheryl (31) - 6-0 black lady who's a lawyer by day.
Hans (25) - 6-8 German man who dresses stylish
Bunyan (18) - 7-2 with wild red hair and dressed from the
70s.
Skittles (9) - shy brunette girl who watches excitedly.
DJ (26) - short fellow with a loud voice
Al (60) - a homeless man
EXT. ST. JOSEPH'S - DAY
A brick school building is fronted by a deserted and eerily
quiet schoolyard. A light wind blows the flags and
basketball hoops.
AL (V.O.)
In the jungle, the big cats learn
that the only fighting for them is
themselves.
There is a sound of a school bell.
Masses of children pour out into the schoolyard, running to
the basketball courts or jumping rope. The sounds of
children playing fill the air.
AL (V.O.)
This jungle is no different.
YOUNG CHERYL (9), lanky and wearing glasses, carries her
books through the chaotic schoolyard.
Young Cheryl walks with her head down as kids run about
around her.
A FAT KID, sneering, bumps into Young Cheryl.
YOUNG CHERYL
Watch it!
FAT KID
What, can you see where you're
going four eyes?
Fat Kid makes fake glasses on his face with his fingers.
FAT KID
Nyah nyah.
YOUNG CHERYL
Oh, stop it.
Young Cheryl turns and begins walking away from the Fat Kid.
FAT KID
(whiny)
Oh stop it, haha.
(normal)
You got all those brains and that's
the best you can do?
Young Cheryl glares back at the Fat Kid but keeps walking
away.
Young Cheryl looks down at the ground as she storms forward.
Suddenly, a basketball hits Young Cheryl in the shoulder.
Young Cheryl looks around with a startled look.
YOUNG PRIEST (14), just starting to get big, jogs towards
Young Cheryl. Behind Young Priest is a basketball hoop and
several kids looking towards Young Cheryl.
YOUNG PRIEST
Yo, help?
Young Priest claps his hands together.
Young Cheryl glares at Young Priest.
Cheryl grabs the ball.
YOUNG CHERYL
You want this?
Young Cheryl baseball passes the ball towards the basketball
hoop.
CHERYL
Why don't you go get it!
Young Priest looks surprised. Young Cheryl turns away from
Young Priest and storms away.
Behind Young Cheryl, the ball swishes through the hoop.
Everyone around looks at Young Cheryl with a look of
amazement as she storms away. Young Cheryl glares ahead.
AL (V.O.)
The jungle changes its colors over
time.
INT. COURTROOM - DAY
Cheryl, now dressed professionally, glares ahead.
CHERYL
So, in closing, the defendant was
at the scene of the crime, had both
the opportunity and the motive to
commit the crime, and found himself
living a much better life after the
crime. That is what the evidence
shows, period.
Cheryl, standing in front of the Plaintiff's chair, looks
around the courtroom. The jury, the judge, lawyer #1, the
defense, and the defendant all look amazed.
The DISTRICT ATTORNEY, a well-dressed man sitting behind
Cheryl, sits agape.
EXT. COURT HALLWAY - DAY
Cheryl strides through the hallway with her head held high.
Lawyer #1 walks toward Cheryl.
LAWYER #1
Well done.
CHERYL
Thank you.
The District Attorney comes along side Cheryl and walks with
her.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
That was quite a game plan you had
in there. Some people in City Hall
think you could really be going
places with planning like that.
CHERYL
Oh, which people?
The District Attorney points at himself.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
This district attorney here, for
starters.
Cheryl smiles and stops.
The District Attorney smiles and walks on.
EXT. CITY STREETS - DAY
Cheryl strolls through a crowded street as the sun shines
brightly.
Cheryl walks to a a busy intersection. The sound of trucks
and car horns fill the air.
KID #1 (O.S.)
Haha, burned you!
Cheryl turns to see Kid #1 dribbling a basketball past Kid
#2.
KID #1
Unstoppable!
Cheryl calmly reaches her hand to the side.
Cheryl steals the ball from Kid #1. Kid #1 reaches to
dribble, but the ball is gone.
Kid #1 looks around with a confused expression.
CHERYL
Unstoppable?
Cheryl smiles at Kid #1 and Kid #2.
KID #2
Wow, you got some skills, lady.
Cheryl looks like she's thinking as she passes the ball to
Kid #2.
CHERYL
Thank you.
EXT. THE CAGE - DAY
Priest, Hans, and other players run on the court inside the
Cage. Cheryl, dressed to play basketball, walks up to the
outside of the fence.
CHERYL
Hey, Priest, who's got next?
PRIEST
That'd be you, I don't want to be
sued.
Priest and a few other players laugh.
Cheryl walks onto the court.
ROBBIE, a taller, more athletic Pablo, starts giggling.
PRIEST
Oh, what was that?
CHERYL
I think some punk's challenging me.
Robbie sneers at Cheryl.
ROBBIE
Shouldn't you be buying shoes right
now?
Cheryl glares at Robbie.
PRIEST
Oh, it's on.
MONTAGE - THE CAGE - DAY
Cheryl shoots a three, swishing it through the hoop.
Robbie shoots a three, and it rims out.
Cheryl shoots a three, swishing it through.
Robbie shoots a three, bricking it badly.
CHERYL
Bank.
Cheryl shoots a three, banking it into the hoop.
Robbie shoots a three - airball.
Priest and other players laugh.
EXT. THE CAGE - MOMENTS LATER
Robbie sulks as the other players run to congratulate Cheryl.
Cheryl slaps hi-fives.
CHERYL
Hey, that's how you get to be
national champ.
PLAYERS
Oooo.
Robbie turns toward Cheryl and holds out his chest.
ROBBIE
Well, that was real nice. But too
bad no one cares about the WNBA.
Cheryl glares at Robbie.
ROBBIE
That ain't real ball. If you want
to play some real ball, come stand
over here.
Robbie points at the key.
Cheryl's eyes squint, and Priest looks worried.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Playaz - Jerry - Act 3
EXT. RUCKER PARK - LATER
Jerry stands outside the court and paces as he talks.
JERRY
I can't believe this! I win the
game and I get this? I played the
best, right? Everyone see that. I
make the other team look stupid.
Don't you agree?
Jerry is standing in front of Skittles, who sits on a swing
set.
Skittles looks like she's thinking.
Skittles hops off the swing.
Skittles takes Jerry's hand and lead him around the
playground, skipping and smiling.
JERRY
Hey, wait, what are you doing?
Skittles keeps smiling and skipping, dragging Jerry around
the playground.
Jerry laughs.
Skittles looks up at Jerry.
Skittles lets go, takes a step away, and frowns.
Skittles runs to Jerry, grabs his hand, hops around, and
smiles.
Skittles points to a sign that reads, "So happy together."
JERRY
Oh, I see what you mean.
Skittles nods excessively.
Jerry hangs his head.
Skittles tugs on Jerry's hand.
Skittles puts something in Jerry's hand. Then Skittles skips
away.
Jerry opens his hand. On Jerry's palm are three M&Ms with
the lettering scraped off so it reads MVP.
Jerry looks up and smiles.
EXT. RUCKER PARK - NIGHT
The stands are full of cheering fans. A banner reads,
"Annual Goat Classic."
DJ (V.O.)
(muffled))
Like Ali-Fraizer, we got a rematch.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
A television set shows the Rucker court. On the television,
Bones, Bunyan, and Pablo wave.
DJ (V.O.)
(muffled)
We got last year's champs.
On the television, Priest, Hans, and Jerry sit on the
sidelines.
DJ (V.O.)
(muffled)
Versus last years runner ups.
EXT. RUCKER PARK - NIGHT
Priest, Hans, Bones, Bunyan, and Pablo run onto the court.
Jerry lingers a bit on the sideline. The air is full of
cheering.
Jerry looks up with a sneer on his face.
The ball flies to Jerry who dribbles up court.
Pablo guards Jerry, with Bones guarding Hans.
Hans waves his arms in the air.
PABLO
Come on, let's see what you got.
JERRY
You can't guard me last week. You
can't guard me now.
Pablo shades to Jerry's left.
Jerry drives to his right, around Pablo.
Immediately, Bones rushes in and double-teams Jerry.
Jerry lunges to the side and throws up a wild shot.
Bunyan streaks through the air and swats Jerry's shot into
the seats.
The crowd ooos. Jerry slumps a little.
Bunyan waves his finger at Jerry.
Bunyan turns and bumps elbows with Bones.
Priest moves to the sideline and picks up the ball.
PRIEST
That's not the kind of highlight
you want.
Priest frowns and throws the ball to Jerry.
MONTAGE: RUCKER PARK - NIGHT
Pablo and Bones double-team Jerry, stealing the ball.
Jerry dribbles into Bunyan. Jerry turns and Bones steal the
ball.
Jerry is trapped by Bunyan and Bones. Jerry throws the ball
into the crowd.
There is the sound of laughter as Jerry hangs his head.
EXT. RUCKER PARK - NIGHT
Jerry dribbles the ball at the top of the key. Pablo, Bones,
and Bunyan smirk at Jerry. Jerry's eyes dart from side to
side.
Cheryl, on the sideline, jumps to her feet.
CHERYL
Timeout!
PRIEST
Yo, timeout!
A whistle sounds and the players relax.
BONES
Hey, don't take too long.
Bones, Pablo, and Bunyan laugh as they head to the sideline
away from Cheryl.
Jerry slumps toward Cheryl.
CHERYL
Sit down, Jerry.
Jerry plops onto the bench.
CHERYL
Look, they got you scouted.
Jerry looks confused.
CHERYL
It's what we do in organized ball
when we're going against someone
good. We watch them, find out what
they like to do...
HANS
And that's why they're ready to
stop you.
Priest looks away from Jerry.
PRIEST
Maybe we need you, Cheryl.
Jerry holds his head in his hands.
Cheryl looks at Priest.
CHERYL
No, you have a better chance with
Jerry.
Jerry looks up in surprise.
CHERYL
Come over here.
Cheryl and Jerry walk away from the sideline.
CHERYL
Look, I know what's going on with
your company, so I'm giving you a
chance. It's got to be a lot of
pressure.
Jerry frowns and sighs.
CHERYL
You want to win so you'll get good
airtime.
JERRY
But what can I do, you say they
have me scouted.
CHERYL
Yeah, that means they know you take
the ball to the hole. Just take it
somewhere else.
Jerry looks like he's thinking.
Cheryl smiles.
EXT. RUCKER PARK - NIGHT
Jerry dribbles the ball at the top of the key. Pablo, Bones,
and Bunyan guard him and Priest and Hans. Hans flanks out to
the corner.
Jerry looks up at the rim.
Bones, guarding Jerry, smirks.
Jerry takes a step toward the rim. The defense moves towards
Jerry.
Jerry veers off towards the opposite corner from Hans. The
defense chases Jerry, leaving Priest and Hans.
Jerry, moving to the corner, notices that Hans is unguarded.
Jerry throws the ball under the basket toward Hans.
Hans catches and shoots. The ball swishes through the hoop.
Jerry points at Hans.
Priest flashes a surprised smile.
MONTAGE: RUCKER PARK - NIGHT
Jerry darts into the key, but pulls back quickly to the wing.
Pablo chases after Jerry.
Jerry darts to the side and throws the ball back to Hans, who
is open. Hans shoots.
Bones shakes his head.
Jerry drives to the side of the key, drawing Bunyan. Jerry
throws the ball into the air. Priest catches the ball and
dunks it with authority.
EXT. RUCKER PARK - NIGHT
Jerry dribbles the ball at the top of the key. Bones,
dripping sweat, guards Jerry. Hans, Priest, Bunyan, and
Pablo run about in the frontcourt.
DJ (V.O.)
(muffled)
Not looking good for the champions.
Priest moves to set a screen for Jerry. Bunyan follows
Priest.
Bunyan and Bones make eye contact. Bones nods.
Jerry moves around Priest. Priest screens Bones.
Bunyan jumps around Priest, beating Jerry around Priest.
Jerry looks at the rim. No one stands between Jerry and the
rim.
Jerry crosses over, moves between Priest and Bunyan, and
dribbles toward the rim.
Bones steps around Priest to defend Jerry.
As Jerry steps around Priest, Jerry steps onto Bones' foot.
JERRY
Aaaa!
Jerry crumples to the ground.
Priest grabs the ball.
PRIEST
Timeout, timeout.
The crowd hushes as the players gather around Jerry.
JERRY
Aaaaa...
Jerry rolls about.
Hans and Bones help Jerry to his feet.
PRIEST
Hey, can you walk.
Jerry takes a step but crumples and falls. Hans and Bones
hold up Jerry.
Hans shakes his head.
PRIEST
Sorry, man, you were playing real
good too.
Hans and Bones help Jerry to the bench.
The crowd applauds as Jerry slides onto the bench next to
Cheryl.
PRIEST
(to Cheryl)
Come on, we need you.
Cheryl gives Jerry a sad look as she walks onto the court.
Bones pats Jerry on the back.
BONES
Sorry about that, man.
Jerry nods.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
On the TV, Jerry holds his head in his hands as the players
run on the court.
A bunch of Chinese people watch the TV. The Chinese people
frown.
CHINESE MAN
Oh no!
The Chinese people look sad as they watch Jerry slumped on
the bench.
EXT. RUCKER PARK - LATER
The crowd exits the stands. Bones, Bunyan, and Pablo cheer
on one side of the court. Cheryl, Priest, and Hans slump
towards Jerry, who sits on the bench.
DJ (V.O.)
(muffled)
A close game tonight, but Bones'
boys win again.
Priest plops on the bench next to Jerry.
PRIEST
How's your foot?
JERRY
It's ok. I can play in a couple
days. I just need another chance.
Priest nods.
DJ (V.O.)
(muffled)
Since we're double elimination, we
might see round three.
Jerry smiles.
EXT. SHANGHAI BASKETBALL COURT - DAY
Players run on the court as people walk past ads with Jerry's
face on them.
AL (V.O.)
Life is interesting sometimes.
The Chinese Man and Woman from the Living Room walk down a
street.
CHINESE MAN
I wish he didn't get hurt.
CHINESE WOMAN
Yes, I wanted to see someone from
Shanghai win. He seemed familiar
too.
The Chinese Man and Woman stop in front of Jerry's ad.
CHINESE MAN
Haha, that's him.
CHINESE WOMAN
Quite a star, on TV and selling
condos.
The Man looks closer at the ad.
MAN
Let's give them a look. We need a
good real estate agent.
The man takes out a pen and paper.
AL (V.O.)
You can do everything wrong, but
still come out alright.
All over the area, people look at Jerry's ad.
People point at Jerry's ad.
People take notes while looking at the ad.
THE END
Jerry stands outside the court and paces as he talks.
JERRY
I can't believe this! I win the
game and I get this? I played the
best, right? Everyone see that. I
make the other team look stupid.
Don't you agree?
Jerry is standing in front of Skittles, who sits on a swing
set.
Skittles looks like she's thinking.
Skittles hops off the swing.
Skittles takes Jerry's hand and lead him around the
playground, skipping and smiling.
JERRY
Hey, wait, what are you doing?
Skittles keeps smiling and skipping, dragging Jerry around
the playground.
Jerry laughs.
Skittles looks up at Jerry.
Skittles lets go, takes a step away, and frowns.
Skittles runs to Jerry, grabs his hand, hops around, and
smiles.
Skittles points to a sign that reads, "So happy together."
JERRY
Oh, I see what you mean.
Skittles nods excessively.
Jerry hangs his head.
Skittles tugs on Jerry's hand.
Skittles puts something in Jerry's hand. Then Skittles skips
away.
Jerry opens his hand. On Jerry's palm are three M&Ms with
the lettering scraped off so it reads MVP.
Jerry looks up and smiles.
EXT. RUCKER PARK - NIGHT
The stands are full of cheering fans. A banner reads,
"Annual Goat Classic."
DJ (V.O.)
(muffled))
Like Ali-Fraizer, we got a rematch.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
A television set shows the Rucker court. On the television,
Bones, Bunyan, and Pablo wave.
DJ (V.O.)
(muffled)
We got last year's champs.
On the television, Priest, Hans, and Jerry sit on the
sidelines.
DJ (V.O.)
(muffled)
Versus last years runner ups.
EXT. RUCKER PARK - NIGHT
Priest, Hans, Bones, Bunyan, and Pablo run onto the court.
Jerry lingers a bit on the sideline. The air is full of
cheering.
Jerry looks up with a sneer on his face.
The ball flies to Jerry who dribbles up court.
Pablo guards Jerry, with Bones guarding Hans.
Hans waves his arms in the air.
PABLO
Come on, let's see what you got.
JERRY
You can't guard me last week. You
can't guard me now.
Pablo shades to Jerry's left.
Jerry drives to his right, around Pablo.
Immediately, Bones rushes in and double-teams Jerry.
Jerry lunges to the side and throws up a wild shot.
Bunyan streaks through the air and swats Jerry's shot into
the seats.
The crowd ooos. Jerry slumps a little.
Bunyan waves his finger at Jerry.
Bunyan turns and bumps elbows with Bones.
Priest moves to the sideline and picks up the ball.
PRIEST
That's not the kind of highlight
you want.
Priest frowns and throws the ball to Jerry.
MONTAGE: RUCKER PARK - NIGHT
Pablo and Bones double-team Jerry, stealing the ball.
Jerry dribbles into Bunyan. Jerry turns and Bones steal the
ball.
Jerry is trapped by Bunyan and Bones. Jerry throws the ball
into the crowd.
There is the sound of laughter as Jerry hangs his head.
EXT. RUCKER PARK - NIGHT
Jerry dribbles the ball at the top of the key. Pablo, Bones,
and Bunyan smirk at Jerry. Jerry's eyes dart from side to
side.
Cheryl, on the sideline, jumps to her feet.
CHERYL
Timeout!
PRIEST
Yo, timeout!
A whistle sounds and the players relax.
BONES
Hey, don't take too long.
Bones, Pablo, and Bunyan laugh as they head to the sideline
away from Cheryl.
Jerry slumps toward Cheryl.
CHERYL
Sit down, Jerry.
Jerry plops onto the bench.
CHERYL
Look, they got you scouted.
Jerry looks confused.
CHERYL
It's what we do in organized ball
when we're going against someone
good. We watch them, find out what
they like to do...
HANS
And that's why they're ready to
stop you.
Priest looks away from Jerry.
PRIEST
Maybe we need you, Cheryl.
Jerry holds his head in his hands.
Cheryl looks at Priest.
CHERYL
No, you have a better chance with
Jerry.
Jerry looks up in surprise.
CHERYL
Come over here.
Cheryl and Jerry walk away from the sideline.
CHERYL
Look, I know what's going on with
your company, so I'm giving you a
chance. It's got to be a lot of
pressure.
Jerry frowns and sighs.
CHERYL
You want to win so you'll get good
airtime.
JERRY
But what can I do, you say they
have me scouted.
CHERYL
Yeah, that means they know you take
the ball to the hole. Just take it
somewhere else.
Jerry looks like he's thinking.
Cheryl smiles.
EXT. RUCKER PARK - NIGHT
Jerry dribbles the ball at the top of the key. Pablo, Bones,
and Bunyan guard him and Priest and Hans. Hans flanks out to
the corner.
Jerry looks up at the rim.
Bones, guarding Jerry, smirks.
Jerry takes a step toward the rim. The defense moves towards
Jerry.
Jerry veers off towards the opposite corner from Hans. The
defense chases Jerry, leaving Priest and Hans.
Jerry, moving to the corner, notices that Hans is unguarded.
Jerry throws the ball under the basket toward Hans.
Hans catches and shoots. The ball swishes through the hoop.
Jerry points at Hans.
Priest flashes a surprised smile.
MONTAGE: RUCKER PARK - NIGHT
Jerry darts into the key, but pulls back quickly to the wing.
Pablo chases after Jerry.
Jerry darts to the side and throws the ball back to Hans, who
is open. Hans shoots.
Bones shakes his head.
Jerry drives to the side of the key, drawing Bunyan. Jerry
throws the ball into the air. Priest catches the ball and
dunks it with authority.
EXT. RUCKER PARK - NIGHT
Jerry dribbles the ball at the top of the key. Bones,
dripping sweat, guards Jerry. Hans, Priest, Bunyan, and
Pablo run about in the frontcourt.
DJ (V.O.)
(muffled)
Not looking good for the champions.
Priest moves to set a screen for Jerry. Bunyan follows
Priest.
Bunyan and Bones make eye contact. Bones nods.
Jerry moves around Priest. Priest screens Bones.
Bunyan jumps around Priest, beating Jerry around Priest.
Jerry looks at the rim. No one stands between Jerry and the
rim.
Jerry crosses over, moves between Priest and Bunyan, and
dribbles toward the rim.
Bones steps around Priest to defend Jerry.
As Jerry steps around Priest, Jerry steps onto Bones' foot.
JERRY
Aaaa!
Jerry crumples to the ground.
Priest grabs the ball.
PRIEST
Timeout, timeout.
The crowd hushes as the players gather around Jerry.
JERRY
Aaaaa...
Jerry rolls about.
Hans and Bones help Jerry to his feet.
PRIEST
Hey, can you walk.
Jerry takes a step but crumples and falls. Hans and Bones
hold up Jerry.
Hans shakes his head.
PRIEST
Sorry, man, you were playing real
good too.
Hans and Bones help Jerry to the bench.
The crowd applauds as Jerry slides onto the bench next to
Cheryl.
PRIEST
(to Cheryl)
Come on, we need you.
Cheryl gives Jerry a sad look as she walks onto the court.
Bones pats Jerry on the back.
BONES
Sorry about that, man.
Jerry nods.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
On the TV, Jerry holds his head in his hands as the players
run on the court.
A bunch of Chinese people watch the TV. The Chinese people
frown.
CHINESE MAN
Oh no!
The Chinese people look sad as they watch Jerry slumped on
the bench.
EXT. RUCKER PARK - LATER
The crowd exits the stands. Bones, Bunyan, and Pablo cheer
on one side of the court. Cheryl, Priest, and Hans slump
towards Jerry, who sits on the bench.
DJ (V.O.)
(muffled)
A close game tonight, but Bones'
boys win again.
Priest plops on the bench next to Jerry.
PRIEST
How's your foot?
JERRY
It's ok. I can play in a couple
days. I just need another chance.
Priest nods.
DJ (V.O.)
(muffled)
Since we're double elimination, we
might see round three.
Jerry smiles.
EXT. SHANGHAI BASKETBALL COURT - DAY
Players run on the court as people walk past ads with Jerry's
face on them.
AL (V.O.)
Life is interesting sometimes.
The Chinese Man and Woman from the Living Room walk down a
street.
CHINESE MAN
I wish he didn't get hurt.
CHINESE WOMAN
Yes, I wanted to see someone from
Shanghai win. He seemed familiar
too.
The Chinese Man and Woman stop in front of Jerry's ad.
CHINESE MAN
Haha, that's him.
CHINESE WOMAN
Quite a star, on TV and selling
condos.
The Man looks closer at the ad.
MAN
Let's give them a look. We need a
good real estate agent.
The man takes out a pen and paper.
AL (V.O.)
You can do everything wrong, but
still come out alright.
All over the area, people look at Jerry's ad.
People point at Jerry's ad.
People take notes while looking at the ad.
THE END
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Playaz - Jerry - Act 2
EXT. RUCKER PARK - DAY
Bunyan, Bones, and Pablo slap hi-fives on the court. Priest,
Jerry, Hans, and Cheryl watch on the sidelines.
DJ (V.O.)
(muffled)
Now was that a game or what?
PRIEST
That was a butt whupping. That's
all the defending champ needed, a 7
footer.
A few SCOUTS, dressed in school shirts and jackets, walk up
to Bunyan.
DJ (V.O.)
(muffled)
Hey, good news, thanks to our
sponsors, we're going double
elimination and playing all week.
The crowd cheers.
Priest paces in front of Jerry, Hans, and Cheryl.
PRIEST
Ok, we all need to get our heads
ready.
Cheryl rolls her eyes.
PRIEST
Even you. Ankles go anytime.
Cheryl shrugs.
PRIEST
So, close your eyes and think.
Hans, Jerry, and Cheryl close their eyes.
PRIEST
Picture yourself on the court.
Jerry exhales.
EXT. SHANGHAI BASKETBALL COURT - DAY
Jerry stands on the basketball court. A few Chinese players
stand in front of him.
The ball bounces to Jerry.
Jerry smirks. The Chinese players look worried.
Jerry coasts past player after player.
Jerry calmly flips the ball off the backboard. The ball
rolls into the net.
PRIEST (V.O.)
But the bad guys are going to try
to keep you down.
Suddenly, a few of Jerry's Co-Workers appear behind Jerry.
The Co-Workers hold out their arms like zombies.
Jerry backs away from the Co-Workers.
Lee appears next to Jerry.
LEE
Come back to work, Jerry.
Lee lunges at Jerry.
Jerry runs from Lee.
A basketball bounces to Jerry.
Jerry dribbles away from Lee and the Co-Workers.
Jerry's Dad appears next to Jerry.
JERRY'S DAD
You have failed. Now wear our
uniform.
Jerry's Dad holds out a suit with the company logo shirt.
Jerry looks scared.
Jerry dribbles away from his father.
Jerry dribbles towards the net, but it appears to move away
from him. Co-Workers, Lee, and Jerry's Dad chase from
behind.
The Co-Workers, Lee, and Jerry's Dad close and begin to
overwhelm Jerry.
JERRY
No!
EXT. RUCKER PARK - DAY
Jerry looks terrified.
JERRY
No!
Jerry looks from side to side. Priest, Hans, and Cheryl send
puzzled looks at Jerry.
HANS
What was that?
JERRY
Nothing, don't worry about it.
Jerry walks down the sideline.
CHERYL
(to Priest)
Good job, Phil Jackson. Next time,
let me do the pep talks.
HANS
Is he ok?
There is the sound of a buzzer.
PRIEST
Let's hope so. We're on.
Jerry stops walking. In front of Jerry are a camera crew
setting up some television cameras.
Jerry smiles.
EXT. RUCKER PARK - DAY
Jerry, Priest, and Hans face off against three GIANTS, tall
and athletic, on the court.
Jerry dribbles the ball behind the 3-point line with Giant #1
guarding him.
GIANT #1
Where you think you goin, little
asian boy. We're gonna break you
in half.
Jerry stutter steps, losing Giant #1.
Jerry rockets into the key and flips up a layup before the
other Giants can react.
The ball rolls into the hoop.
The crowd cheers as Jerry walks past Giant #1.
JERRY
You gotta catch me first.
MONTAGE - RUCKER PARK - DAY
Jerry blows past the Giants.
Jerry dribbles through the key unhindered.
The Giants look bewildered.
Hans looks at Priest and shrugs.
Jerry has a focused look in his eye.
EXT. RUCKER PARK - DAY
Giant #1, covered in sweat, dribbles the ball with a nervous
look on his face. Priest and Hans guard the key. Jerry
guards Giant #1.
JERRY
You going to shoot? Come on, hurry
up.
Giant #1 looks from side to side.
Giant #1 turns, telegraphing a pass. Jerry dashes forward as
Giant #1 releases the ball and tips the pass into the
backcourt.
Jerry runs ahead of everyone, grabs the loose ball, and
dashes to the basket.
Jerry lays in the ball. The crowd cheers.
DJ (V.O.)
(muffled)
And that's a wrap! What a game for
the little man.
Jerry poses to the crowd.
On the sidelines, the camera crew works on the camera.
CAMERAMAN
Ok, it should work now. Too bad we
didn't get any shots of that last
game.
Jerry lowers his arms and kicks the ground.
Priest and Hans walk to Jerry.
PRIEST
Good game, little buddy, but a
little less of the 1 on 3.
Showboating gets you on TV, but
that won't work against Bones.
Hans frowns at Jerry and nods.
Priest and Hans walk past Jerry and towards Cheryl.
PRIEST
(to Cheryl)
Ok, how do we beat Bones?
Jerry shakes his head and sighs.
Bunyan, Bones, and Pablo slap hi-fives on the court. Priest,
Jerry, Hans, and Cheryl watch on the sidelines.
DJ (V.O.)
(muffled)
Now was that a game or what?
PRIEST
That was a butt whupping. That's
all the defending champ needed, a 7
footer.
A few SCOUTS, dressed in school shirts and jackets, walk up
to Bunyan.
DJ (V.O.)
(muffled)
Hey, good news, thanks to our
sponsors, we're going double
elimination and playing all week.
The crowd cheers.
Priest paces in front of Jerry, Hans, and Cheryl.
PRIEST
Ok, we all need to get our heads
ready.
Cheryl rolls her eyes.
PRIEST
Even you. Ankles go anytime.
Cheryl shrugs.
PRIEST
So, close your eyes and think.
Hans, Jerry, and Cheryl close their eyes.
PRIEST
Picture yourself on the court.
Jerry exhales.
EXT. SHANGHAI BASKETBALL COURT - DAY
Jerry stands on the basketball court. A few Chinese players
stand in front of him.
The ball bounces to Jerry.
Jerry smirks. The Chinese players look worried.
Jerry coasts past player after player.
Jerry calmly flips the ball off the backboard. The ball
rolls into the net.
PRIEST (V.O.)
But the bad guys are going to try
to keep you down.
Suddenly, a few of Jerry's Co-Workers appear behind Jerry.
The Co-Workers hold out their arms like zombies.
Jerry backs away from the Co-Workers.
Lee appears next to Jerry.
LEE
Come back to work, Jerry.
Lee lunges at Jerry.
Jerry runs from Lee.
A basketball bounces to Jerry.
Jerry dribbles away from Lee and the Co-Workers.
Jerry's Dad appears next to Jerry.
JERRY'S DAD
You have failed. Now wear our
uniform.
Jerry's Dad holds out a suit with the company logo shirt.
Jerry looks scared.
Jerry dribbles away from his father.
Jerry dribbles towards the net, but it appears to move away
from him. Co-Workers, Lee, and Jerry's Dad chase from
behind.
The Co-Workers, Lee, and Jerry's Dad close and begin to
overwhelm Jerry.
JERRY
No!
EXT. RUCKER PARK - DAY
Jerry looks terrified.
JERRY
No!
Jerry looks from side to side. Priest, Hans, and Cheryl send
puzzled looks at Jerry.
HANS
What was that?
JERRY
Nothing, don't worry about it.
Jerry walks down the sideline.
CHERYL
(to Priest)
Good job, Phil Jackson. Next time,
let me do the pep talks.
HANS
Is he ok?
There is the sound of a buzzer.
PRIEST
Let's hope so. We're on.
Jerry stops walking. In front of Jerry are a camera crew
setting up some television cameras.
Jerry smiles.
EXT. RUCKER PARK - DAY
Jerry, Priest, and Hans face off against three GIANTS, tall
and athletic, on the court.
Jerry dribbles the ball behind the 3-point line with Giant #1
guarding him.
GIANT #1
Where you think you goin, little
asian boy. We're gonna break you
in half.
Jerry stutter steps, losing Giant #1.
Jerry rockets into the key and flips up a layup before the
other Giants can react.
The ball rolls into the hoop.
The crowd cheers as Jerry walks past Giant #1.
JERRY
You gotta catch me first.
MONTAGE - RUCKER PARK - DAY
Jerry blows past the Giants.
Jerry dribbles through the key unhindered.
The Giants look bewildered.
Hans looks at Priest and shrugs.
Jerry has a focused look in his eye.
EXT. RUCKER PARK - DAY
Giant #1, covered in sweat, dribbles the ball with a nervous
look on his face. Priest and Hans guard the key. Jerry
guards Giant #1.
JERRY
You going to shoot? Come on, hurry
up.
Giant #1 looks from side to side.
Giant #1 turns, telegraphing a pass. Jerry dashes forward as
Giant #1 releases the ball and tips the pass into the
backcourt.
Jerry runs ahead of everyone, grabs the loose ball, and
dashes to the basket.
Jerry lays in the ball. The crowd cheers.
DJ (V.O.)
(muffled)
And that's a wrap! What a game for
the little man.
Jerry poses to the crowd.
On the sidelines, the camera crew works on the camera.
CAMERAMAN
Ok, it should work now. Too bad we
didn't get any shots of that last
game.
Jerry lowers his arms and kicks the ground.
Priest and Hans walk to Jerry.
PRIEST
Good game, little buddy, but a
little less of the 1 on 3.
Showboating gets you on TV, but
that won't work against Bones.
Hans frowns at Jerry and nods.
Priest and Hans walk past Jerry and towards Cheryl.
PRIEST
(to Cheryl)
Ok, how do we beat Bones?
Jerry shakes his head and sighs.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Playaz - Jerry - Act 1
CAST LIST
Bones (19) - skinny, 6 foot black kid from the streets.
Pablo (17) - fat, 6-2 Hispanic kid
Priest (35) - hulking 6-10 black police officer
Jerry (23) - 5-10 Chinese guy with a goatee
Cheryl (31) - 6-0 black lady who's a lawyer by day.
Hans (25) - 6-8 German man who dresses stylish
Bunyan (18) - 7-2 with wild red hair and dressed from the
70s.
Skittles (9) - shy brunette girl who watches excitedly.
DJ (26) - short fellow with a loud voice
Al (60) - a homeless man
EXT. SHANGHAI BASKETBALL COURT - DAY
A bunch of Chinese players run on a basketball court
surrounded by tall buildings. Aside from the Chinese faces
and writing, this could be in any city.
A sign on a bus stop bench has Jerry's face on it.
JERRY (O.S.)
Who's here to play some ball!
The players stop and turn around.
Jerry, wearing a McGrady jersey, stands on the sideline.
PLAYERS
Jerry! He's back!
The players run to Jerry, and they all appear about the same
height.
PLAYER #1
How was New York?
PLAYER #2
Are the Americans tall?
JERRY
Well...
EXT. RUCKER PARK - DAY
Jerry dribbles at the top of the key with Bones guarding him.
Priest and Bunyan stand in the key, making it look crowded.
Jerry drives for the middle of the key.
AL (V.O.)
Sometime, even when you can't see a
path, you need to make one for
yourself.
Jerry fakes to his left, drawing Bones.
Jerry dashes to his right, around Bones.
Jerry runs right at Bunyan.
Jerry holds the ball in the palm of his hand like a torch.
Bunyan jumps.
Jerry runs under Bunyan, who's body blocks out the sun.
Jerry lunges, with the ball sneaking into ray of sunlight.
Jerry flips the ball into the air, through Bunyan's arms.
The ball spins off the backboard and into the hoop.
PRIEST
That's how you do it!
Jerry slaps a hi-five with Priest, who appears a foot taller
than Jerry.
EXT. SHANGHAI STREETS - DAY
Jerry, wearing a basketball jersey, walks through the
streets, which appear like any big city streets except for
the Chinese characters. Some Chinese basketball players
follow Jerry.
PLAYERS
Wa sai...
JERRY
Yeah, forget what they say about
American basketball. You can play
here, you can play there.
The players smile and nod to each other.
JERRY
See you on the court, got to do my
job.
Jerry and the players wave to each other as Jerry enters a
building.
INT. REAL ESTATE OFFICE - DAY
Jerry makes a grand entrance into the office, holding out his
hands.
JERRY
I am back!
Around the office, Co-Workers, all in suits and wearing a
gaudy, yellow shirt with a Chinese logo, tap on computers or
hold telephones. No one pays attention to Jerry.
Jerry lowers his arms and slumps.
The workers sit at their desks as the sounds of ringing
phones and typing fill the air.
LEE (40), wearing a suit and the yellow logo shirt, walks
past Jerry.
LEE
Good, you're back. Maybe you can
start doing some work.
Jerry follows after Lee. A Chinese logo poster hangs on the
wall behind them.
JERRY
Hey, I have been doing...
LEE
Yes, yes, the plan to make you
famous by bouncing your ball.
Lee sets down some papers on a desk.
JERRY
What do you mean? People were
following me from the courts.
LEE
But those are not the people buying
our properties. You are lucky this
is your family's business.
Jerry stops in his tracks as Lee walks away.
EXT. SHANGHAI STREETS - DAY
Title card - one year ago
Jerry, wearing a suit, walks down the street with JERRY'S
DAD, who is short but appears dignified.
JERRY'S DAD
Look around, my son.
Construction yards are everywhere, with people building
skyscrapers and other buildings. Already built skyscrapers
form an impressive skyline.
JERRY'S DAD
The Pudong district is booming.
This was nothing but farms and
fishermen when you were a child.
Now, it will soon be a great city.
Jerry and Jerry's Dad walk past billboards with basketball
players.
JERRY'S DAD
But we must have an advantage. Why
would people want to use our real
estate service.
JERRY
We must sell ourselves.
JERRY'S DAD
Yes! Exactly, like Donald Trump in
America.
JERRY
And I know how to do this.
Jerry stops.
Jerry's Dad stops a few feet from Jerry and turns to face
him.
Jerry points over his shoulder at the giant billboard of a
basketball player.
Jerry holds up a basketball and smirks.
INT. REAL ESTATE OFFICE - DAY
Jerry, wearing his basketball jersey, sits amidst a group of
suit wearing workers.
Lee stands in front of the room next to a chart graph. Jerry
and other workers watch Lee.
LEE
So, yes, our business is growing.
Lee points to another chart.
LEE
But real estate throughout China is
growing at an even greater rate.
That means we are falling behind.
Lee points to a dip in the chart.
LEE
This marks the start of Jerry's
project.
The room looks at Jerry, who hangs his head. Jerry's Dad,
stands up and walks next to Lee.
JERRY'S DAD
Do not look down on my son. He is
trying to increase our business,
what have the rest of you done?
Jerry looks up as the rest of the room slumps their heads.
JERRY
This could still work, there's...
LEE
Why don't we just hire a
professional?
JERRY
I told you, Yao Ming costs more
than we make in a month. Just use
me. I am famous on the courts.
This is street cred!
Jerry jumps to his feet and strikes a pose.
The room smirks and looks away. A few snickers are heard.
Jerry's Dad clears his throat.
JERRY'S DAD
Your 'street cred' is nice, but
results are necessary for our
goals. You had best start winning.
Jerry puffs out his cheeks.
EXT. RUCKER PARK - DAY
Jerry sits on the sideline and puffs out his cheeks. The
stands are full of cheering fans. A banner reads, "Annual
Goat Classic."
DJ (V.O.)
(muffled)
Bones and his boys are playing like
their lives depend on it!
On the court, players bring the ball against the team of
Bunyan, Bones, and Pablo.
Bones glares out with determination.
A player drives into the lane and flips up a layup.
Bunyan flies in and swats the ball into the backcourt.
Bones runs and grabs the loose ball.
Bones dribbles the ball, but stops at the three point line.
Bones launches a three - nothing but net.
Bones turns to the crowd and lifts his hands.
The crowd erupts.
CROWD
Bones! Bones! Bones!
Priest slides next to Jerry on the sidelines.
PRIEST
Bring your A-game. You'll need it.
Jerry grits his teeth.
Bones (19) - skinny, 6 foot black kid from the streets.
Pablo (17) - fat, 6-2 Hispanic kid
Priest (35) - hulking 6-10 black police officer
Jerry (23) - 5-10 Chinese guy with a goatee
Cheryl (31) - 6-0 black lady who's a lawyer by day.
Hans (25) - 6-8 German man who dresses stylish
Bunyan (18) - 7-2 with wild red hair and dressed from the
70s.
Skittles (9) - shy brunette girl who watches excitedly.
DJ (26) - short fellow with a loud voice
Al (60) - a homeless man
EXT. SHANGHAI BASKETBALL COURT - DAY
A bunch of Chinese players run on a basketball court
surrounded by tall buildings. Aside from the Chinese faces
and writing, this could be in any city.
A sign on a bus stop bench has Jerry's face on it.
JERRY (O.S.)
Who's here to play some ball!
The players stop and turn around.
Jerry, wearing a McGrady jersey, stands on the sideline.
PLAYERS
Jerry! He's back!
The players run to Jerry, and they all appear about the same
height.
PLAYER #1
How was New York?
PLAYER #2
Are the Americans tall?
JERRY
Well...
EXT. RUCKER PARK - DAY
Jerry dribbles at the top of the key with Bones guarding him.
Priest and Bunyan stand in the key, making it look crowded.
Jerry drives for the middle of the key.
AL (V.O.)
Sometime, even when you can't see a
path, you need to make one for
yourself.
Jerry fakes to his left, drawing Bones.
Jerry dashes to his right, around Bones.
Jerry runs right at Bunyan.
Jerry holds the ball in the palm of his hand like a torch.
Bunyan jumps.
Jerry runs under Bunyan, who's body blocks out the sun.
Jerry lunges, with the ball sneaking into ray of sunlight.
Jerry flips the ball into the air, through Bunyan's arms.
The ball spins off the backboard and into the hoop.
PRIEST
That's how you do it!
Jerry slaps a hi-five with Priest, who appears a foot taller
than Jerry.
EXT. SHANGHAI STREETS - DAY
Jerry, wearing a basketball jersey, walks through the
streets, which appear like any big city streets except for
the Chinese characters. Some Chinese basketball players
follow Jerry.
PLAYERS
Wa sai...
JERRY
Yeah, forget what they say about
American basketball. You can play
here, you can play there.
The players smile and nod to each other.
JERRY
See you on the court, got to do my
job.
Jerry and the players wave to each other as Jerry enters a
building.
INT. REAL ESTATE OFFICE - DAY
Jerry makes a grand entrance into the office, holding out his
hands.
JERRY
I am back!
Around the office, Co-Workers, all in suits and wearing a
gaudy, yellow shirt with a Chinese logo, tap on computers or
hold telephones. No one pays attention to Jerry.
Jerry lowers his arms and slumps.
The workers sit at their desks as the sounds of ringing
phones and typing fill the air.
LEE (40), wearing a suit and the yellow logo shirt, walks
past Jerry.
LEE
Good, you're back. Maybe you can
start doing some work.
Jerry follows after Lee. A Chinese logo poster hangs on the
wall behind them.
JERRY
Hey, I have been doing...
LEE
Yes, yes, the plan to make you
famous by bouncing your ball.
Lee sets down some papers on a desk.
JERRY
What do you mean? People were
following me from the courts.
LEE
But those are not the people buying
our properties. You are lucky this
is your family's business.
Jerry stops in his tracks as Lee walks away.
EXT. SHANGHAI STREETS - DAY
Title card - one year ago
Jerry, wearing a suit, walks down the street with JERRY'S
DAD, who is short but appears dignified.
JERRY'S DAD
Look around, my son.
Construction yards are everywhere, with people building
skyscrapers and other buildings. Already built skyscrapers
form an impressive skyline.
JERRY'S DAD
The Pudong district is booming.
This was nothing but farms and
fishermen when you were a child.
Now, it will soon be a great city.
Jerry and Jerry's Dad walk past billboards with basketball
players.
JERRY'S DAD
But we must have an advantage. Why
would people want to use our real
estate service.
JERRY
We must sell ourselves.
JERRY'S DAD
Yes! Exactly, like Donald Trump in
America.
JERRY
And I know how to do this.
Jerry stops.
Jerry's Dad stops a few feet from Jerry and turns to face
him.
Jerry points over his shoulder at the giant billboard of a
basketball player.
Jerry holds up a basketball and smirks.
INT. REAL ESTATE OFFICE - DAY
Jerry, wearing his basketball jersey, sits amidst a group of
suit wearing workers.
Lee stands in front of the room next to a chart graph. Jerry
and other workers watch Lee.
LEE
So, yes, our business is growing.
Lee points to another chart.
LEE
But real estate throughout China is
growing at an even greater rate.
That means we are falling behind.
Lee points to a dip in the chart.
LEE
This marks the start of Jerry's
project.
The room looks at Jerry, who hangs his head. Jerry's Dad,
stands up and walks next to Lee.
JERRY'S DAD
Do not look down on my son. He is
trying to increase our business,
what have the rest of you done?
Jerry looks up as the rest of the room slumps their heads.
JERRY
This could still work, there's...
LEE
Why don't we just hire a
professional?
JERRY
I told you, Yao Ming costs more
than we make in a month. Just use
me. I am famous on the courts.
This is street cred!
Jerry jumps to his feet and strikes a pose.
The room smirks and looks away. A few snickers are heard.
Jerry's Dad clears his throat.
JERRY'S DAD
Your 'street cred' is nice, but
results are necessary for our
goals. You had best start winning.
Jerry puffs out his cheeks.
EXT. RUCKER PARK - DAY
Jerry sits on the sideline and puffs out his cheeks. The
stands are full of cheering fans. A banner reads, "Annual
Goat Classic."
DJ (V.O.)
(muffled)
Bones and his boys are playing like
their lives depend on it!
On the court, players bring the ball against the team of
Bunyan, Bones, and Pablo.
Bones glares out with determination.
A player drives into the lane and flips up a layup.
Bunyan flies in and swats the ball into the backcourt.
Bones runs and grabs the loose ball.
Bones dribbles the ball, but stops at the three point line.
Bones launches a three - nothing but net.
Bones turns to the crowd and lifts his hands.
The crowd erupts.
CROWD
Bones! Bones! Bones!
Priest slides next to Jerry on the sidelines.
PRIEST
Bring your A-game. You'll need it.
Jerry grits his teeth.
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