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Preliminary Research
We decided that we wanted to make a mockumentary. This idea came about because we originally considered making some type of biography but wanted to do something a little funnier. This brought our attention to the movies like Walk Hard. As we were discussing options, we all agreed that we thought The Office was hilarious. This led to us deciding to come up with a film that combined the two ideas. We researched The Office as well as Walk Hard to find important elements of each genre. This helped us to figure out exactly what we were looking for. The humor in our film is based largely on this combination.
DOWN IN THE VALLEY
by
Ellyn Barham, Chris Robbins, Brianna Sykes, Malena Zook
October, 2010
January 2010. 30 mi. south of Silicon Valley, CA (the boss thought it was cheaper) 9:15 AM. 10 employees dressed in business casual are seated at a long table in a cramped conference room. The boss WILLIAM MCNEIL stands at the head of the table. Through the window, we see a bleak, grey sky, dead grass, and an airport runway faintly in the distance. William nervously mops his brow with a handkerchief and shoves it back into his pocket. He is a man in his late 40s, wearing a structured suit with a loosened sky blue tie. He glances down and fidgets with his notes. William is trying to compose himself to break the news that the company is going under. After the news is broken, we see each reaction of the employees. Some appear to be startled and confused while others are upset and enraged. 3 months has passed, and we find ourselves in a 50s-styled Mom and Pop diner, around 2pm. The floor is black-and-white checkered, and the jukebox is playing Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons. ANNE, an attractive yet bitter waitress in her late 20s, carelessly throws her serving tray on the soda counter. She is wearing a pink poodle skirt and a black polo shirt with a kerchief around her neck. She has curly brown hair with a pink bow and is wearing beat up roller skates. Anne begins to tell us her story of the company and why it failed with her hands on her hips. We get taken to another scene. A house of a couch potato by the name of CARL. Carl, with his red eyes sits right across from us. He’s preoccupied thinking about his bills, but is too lazy to do anything about. So we keep staring. Boring. So then, we visit NOAH. Now here’s a successful young man. Short, brown hair. Decent looking. He fixes his tie, and looks at us in confidence. He’s obviously preoccupied with his desk job, smiling as he gets off of the phone with yet another happy client. He brings his attention to us, his eyes seems to be reaching back for a memory in...
An office. Cluttered. Paired cubicles everywhere. Random dialogue and insults across the room. Small talk. CHARLIE starts to tell us a story from his computer desk were he inputs data for a local university in Silicon Valley. Quite an abstract story, we might add. For some reason, in the back of his mind, he believes that we can follow every single word he’s saying. Sure. But then... there’s DREW. He seems too cocky for his own good, but by the look of his highly functional environment in what looks to be a massive suite in a huge business building, Drew appears to be doing very well. And all he wants to do is tell us about his new business. He is simply being reluctant in telling us what really happened to the company he used to work with before he started his own. All of the characters proceed to tell their story about why they feel as though the boss screwed up or why they feel like the company failed if they do no think it is the boss’ fault. All of the characters develop and the audience is able to see it was not really a problem with the boss that caused issues for the company so much as it was the employees.
Screenplay
1 EXT. OUTSIDE OF BUILDING - DAY 1
Sun is shining in the distance. Only one road can be seen
that connects Quality Tech solutions building to the rest of
society. The landscape around the building does not show
vegetation of any kind.
2 INT. CONFERENCE ROOM. DAY 2
All of the EMPLOYEES slowly make their way to the conference
room. First ANNE, then DREW, then CARL, then NOAH, CHARLIE,
and others. The conference room has an oval table that seats
about 10 people. A window is in the back of the room, and a
bleak gray sky, dead grass, and an airport runway are seen
in the distance.
After everyone is seated, WILLIAM MCNEIL walks in. Stands at
the head of the table, his back against the window. He
glances down, fidgets with his notes, loosens his tie and
clears throat to speak.
MCNEIL
Um.. good uh - morning.
The room is silent and only half of the employees are paying
attention.
MCNEIL
Uh... well, I have some bad news...
ANNE
(mumbles under breath)
Wouldn’t be the first time.
MCNEIL
You know, to every good
company...to every good company..
(shakes his head)
I’m sorry everyone, there’s no easy
way to say this. The company has
gone under. We’re out of money.
Your job positions have been
terminated.
A variety of emotions fill the room - confusion, puzzling
expressions, negative energy.
NOAH
I don’t believe this.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 2.
CARL
What are we supposed to do?!?
CHARLIE
(to McNeil, points, nods and
violently rocks his head)
And it’s all your fault! I saw it
coming! YEA!
The employees quietly,slowly glance at Charlie, then remove
their attention from him as if he doesn’t exist. They are
now centered on themselves and the startling news.
3 EXT. OUTSIDE OF MOM AND POPS DINER - AFTERNOON 3
An old 1950’s retro style diner sits at the corner of two
streets in a moderately populated area. the rest of the city
can be seen in the background.
4 INT. MOM AND POPS DINER - AFTERNOON 4
Jukebox playing in the background- Frankie Valley and the
Four Seasons. Typical fluorescent lighting, 1950’s retro
furniture, black and white tiled floor. Anne walks by in a
rush, slamming condiments on counter. turns around, looks
into camera
ANNE
Whadda you want? I don’t have time
to talk to you. I’m underpaid for
this weak job. So unless you have a
job offer for me, be gone!
5 INT. CUBICLE AREA - AFTERNOON 5
Large and roomy office floor in a 60 story building. Full of
cubicles with busy people, phones ringing, chatter fills the
room.
Noah’s cubicle: very organized with personal pictures of
him, his fiance, and their chipper dog.
NOAH
(on the phone talking to a
customer)
Is that all I can do for you?
(pause, turns head)
Hold on just a moment.
(focuses back to phone call)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 3.
NOAH (cont’d)Alright, thank you for your
business. I guarantee we won’t let
you down. We’ll be in touch.
Turns of head set, straightens tie,
NOAH
Shall we begin?
6 INT. LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON 6
A dull brown toned house, with limited lighting, stained
furniture, and wooden floors. Everything inside appears new,
but not kept well. Organized shelves of papers, media are
covered by old fast food bags, unfinished pizza, and unpaid
bills.
Carl sits in the middle of a couch, slouched, exhausted.
Dressed in t shirt, boxers, and a robe. Facial hair adds on
to his appearance.
CARL
(yawns)
I’ve got a lot going on. Can we
make this quick.
7 INT. CLUTTERED DATA PROCESSING AREA - AFTERNOON 7
Small office in a basement of a house that was made into an
administrative building. Shelves and aisles of manila
folders every where. Stations lined up next to each other
with only enough room to place a paper down and to type.
Charlie is listening to music, his face is very tense with
definitive lines, yelling silently, but crescendos as he
forgets that he is still at work.
CHARLIE
"They climbed aboard their starship
and headed for the skies
Singing come sail away..." sing it
with me. I know you know it
(quickly turns his head to
camera)
Dontcha?
4.
8 EXT. BUSINESS FIRM/SKYSCRAPER- EARLY EVENING 8
The business is in a skyscraper. Interviewer looks up to see
how high he has to go to get to the floor Drew’s firm lies
on.
9 INT. BUSINESS FIRM FLOOR - EARLY EVENING 9
Modern style wooden finishing, warm tones. Large, spacious
and tall cubicles. Down the hallway, Drew’s spacious office
isn’t cluttered. Clean and wide desk with dual monitors, the
entire wall that leads to outside is made of glass
DREW
I’m really honored that you came to
speak with me today. I’ve been
really busy getting this business
off the ground. Thanks for meeting
me so late. Well, where should we
begin? Ahhh.
10 INT. MOM AND POPS DINER - AFTERNOON 10
Jukebox is still playing in the background as the
interviewer and ANNE sit down a little booth to begin their
interview. ANNE looks tired and worn out, but still has an
eager look on her face to get a chance to complain about her
boss.
INTERVIEWER
So what did you do at the company
before it went under?
ANNE
Well, most people said I was a
secretary, but I’d call myself the
office manager. I had very
important roles ya know! It was my
job to make sure McNeil knew where
he was going and that his schedule
was all fixed and ready for him.
INTERVIEWER
Would you say you felt appreciated
there? Would you say Bill was a
good boss to work for?
ANNE
(Clueless tone)
Well, he seemed to get cranky a lot
because I would forget to schedule
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 5.
ANNE (cont’d)his meetings from time to time. I
never really understood why he
would get so mad. I told him that
online checkers was extremely
important to me and helps me to
de-stress. Sometimes, I would just
get so caught up in that, that I
would lose track of time. I still
can’t believe Bill was such a
disorganized guy, he was missing
meetings all the time.
INTERVIEWER
(Rolls Eyes)
Well, that’s an interesting way of
looking at it, let’s take a quick
break.
11 INT RANDOM CONFERENCE ROOM - AFTERNOON 11
Characters remain in the large, 60 story office
building. The INTERVIEWER and NOAH Have moved from the
cubicle to one of the conference rooms on the floor. The
conference room consists of a large conference table with
several cups and pitchers for water. The room, isolated
from the rest of the office, is quiet and peaceful.
INTERVIEWER
(slightly annoyed by the
amount of time he had to wait)
I really appreciate you taking time
out of your busy day to talk with
me today. What would you say was
your role at the company?
NOAH
Well, I was primarily in sales. It
was my job to sell our electronics
and really get our name out
there. There was three of us total
in sales.
INTERVIEWER
How did you feel about the other
sales folks?
NOAH
Well, two of us did a pretty good
job, but the third, well he was
just horrible. He sat around all
day goofing off and eating. I’m
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 6.
NOAH (cont’d)pretty convinced he did not do
anything, ever. He was also
crazy, he would go off on these
random rants about all kinds of
crazy nonsense. It was pretty
unbelievable. I still can’t
believe McNeill hired him.
INTERVIEWER
What are your thoughts about McNeil
and his leadership style?
NOAH
(Long pause, then a smirk)
I would say McNeil was a fool to be
honest with you. He seemed to have
no idea what he was doing half the
time. It was pretty comical and
sad, all at the same time. I
scheduled four meeting with his
secretary and he only showed up to
one of the meetings. He tried to
tell me he didn’t even know about
the other three. Yeah right!
INTERVIEWER
(Curious look on his face as
he remembers his conversation
with Anne)
Sometimes, people may not seem as
they appear you know, but let’s
keep moving, shall we?
12 INT LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON 12
Sitting in the dull brown house, in the living room, the
INTERVIEWER and CARL begin their session. CARL is eating a
Big Mac as the interview actually begins.
CARL
(Piling a Big Mac into his
mouth)
Sorry about the quick break, I
really just needed something to
eat.
INTERVIEWER
(Look of disgust)
That’s all right, let’s begin, what
was your role at the company?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 7.
CARL
Well, I was in sales. If you ask
me, I was the only salesman there
who had half a brain. The other
two salesman were ridiculous.
INTERVIEWER
Really? Why do you say that?
CARL
They were always trying to schedule
meetings with Bill about things. I
have no idea what they could
possibly want from the boss, all
the time. It seems so
counter-productive. I’m also
confused about why they were on the
phone constantly. They were always
hassling people about buying
products from us. That just does
not seem like good marketing. That
seems like a good way to make
people mad to me!
INTERVIEWER
I’m slightly confused here, isn’t
that the purpose of a
salesman? Aren’t you suppose to
call places and people and attempt
to get them to buy products?
CARL
Well, that just seems like a stupid
idea to me. I would typically try
to not bother people. My goal was
to make sure I could maximize sales
and beat everyone’s numbers, I felt
like the best way to do that was to
leave the customers alone and let
them decide. I never did
understand why Bill even saw a need
for the other two. Bill just
didn’t seem to be all that
intelligent either, if you ask me.
INTERVIEWER
(Holding back laughter)
You certainly have an interesting
way of looking at the corporate
world Carl.
8.
13 INT. CLUTTERED DATA PROCESSING AREA 13
INTERVIEWER sits in the basement with CHARLIE as he waits on
CHARLIE to turn off the Styx currently playing over the
radio. The office is very unusual looking.
INTERVIEWER
Wow, seems like you’re really
enjoying your new job, huh?
CHARLIE
Yeah man, it’s actually really
sweet. I love being able to work at
home and still rock out.
INTERVIEWER
(Puzzled look)
Still?
CHARLIE
(Large prideful smirk)
Yeah, bro, I didn’t think it would
be the same without an audience to
listen to me rock out like I did at
work.
INTERVIEWER
Well, that’s interesting. Anyway,
I take you were in charge of IT, is
that right?
CHARLIE
Yeah man, I took care of our data
center and made sure that all of
the computers were like, legit. You
know?
INTERVIEWER
I know there is a lot of
speculation that website up-time as
well as other technology issues
were some of the main reasons cited
for the company failing. What do
you think of that?
CHARLIE
Dude, Bill McNeill just needed some
kind of excuse for being a crummy
leader. That guy couldn’t do
anything. I mean yeah, the website
didn’t always work, but I can’t
really help that! It’s my job to
make sure things are there, he
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 9.
CHARLIE (cont’d)never said anything about making
sure it’s actually running.
14 INT. BUSINESS FIRM - EARLY EVENING 14
Sitting in the well kept business firm, DREW and the
INTERVIEWER are meeting more to discuss DREW’S newly formed
company. The success of DREW intrigues the INTERVIEWER as
he is the only one who seems to be truly successful after
leaving the company.
INTERVIEWER
So, what is that you did when you
were working for McNeill?
DREW
Well, I was in charge of the
operations. I oversaw all the
accounting, the inventory, and the
flow of the day to day
operations. I feel as though it
was a critical role that I filled
pretty well.
INTERVIEWER
Do you worry that as the perceived
manager, you could have been part
of the problem?
DREW
No way, McNeill is such a babbling
idiot if you ask me. Every time I
had some of his mess straightened
out, he would almost immediately
cause problems again. It was quite
the headache and disaster. Really,
the company failing was quite the
blessing, it paved the way for me
to start this great new company.
INTERVIEWER
How is the new business working for
you?
DREW
(Grinning with pride)
Well, we have a lot of investors
and we seem to be quite thrilled
with the direction in which we are
headed. Unlike my last boss, I
feel like I have a solid handle on
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 10.
DREW (cont’d)
where our money is and where it is
going.
INTERVIEWER
That’s really interesting and great
to hear. I would like to know a
little bit more about the investors
and how you really took off.
15 INT. OUTSIDE OF MOM AND POPS DINER - EARLY EVENING 15
The sun has started to set and the INTERVIEWER is wrapping
up his questions with ANNE. They are both sitting in a
booth in the empty diner. The INTERVIEWER has learned a lot
from ANNE and is starting to ponder if it was McNeill’s
fault at all that the company failed.
INTERVIEWER
So would you say you did all of the
scheduling and day to day managing
of McNeill’s life?
ANNE
Absolutely, I did a great job at it
as well, like I said, it was his
fault that he expected so much out
of me, I felt like that was quite a
bit of nonsense!
INTERVIEWER
(Harsh Tone)
It seems unfair to say McNeill was
at fault on this, don’t you
think? He hired you for these
tasks.
ANNE
(Resentful tone)
I think it is unreasonable for you
to say something like that to me, I
mean look man, I was a good
employee, there were some real nut
cases there, especially our boss,
way too demanding. I’m just done
here. Don’t ask me anymore
questions. I’ve got to go to work.
Anne departs from the interview angry and storms back into
the diner. The interviewer leaves the interview and the
audience is now left to ponder if McNeill was the bad guy
everyone thought he was.
11.
16 INT RANDOM CONFERENCE ROOM - AFTERNOON 16
The conference room is well lit and overlooks a room full of
cubicles. DREW and the INTERVIEWER are facing each other at
the solid oak conference table wtih cups of water next to
each of them.
INTERVIEWER
Anne, the secertary, what are your
thoughts on her?
NOAH
(Long Pause)
Well, Anne seemed nice enough, but
she didn’t seem to do a whole lot.
Let me tell you a little story
about Anne.
17 INT OFFICE AREA - EARLY MORNING 17
The flashback NOAH is telling is from a day three months
prior to the close of the company. The office is well lit
and starting to come to life in the early morning stages of
the day. All of the employees have clocked in and are just
starting their day.
NOAH
Hi, Anne, I have a couple of
questions about Bill’s schedule, I
need to setup a meeting with
him. He also told me to get an
agenda for the next conference call
from you.
ANNE
(Generally unaware of what is
going on)
Huh? Did you say something?
NOAH
Yes, I need to setup a meeting with
Bill and get the agenda for the
next conference call from you.
ANNE
Oh, um...well..about that..I don’t
think he ever gave me any, agendas,
was it? As for his schedule, I
don’t think you’ll be able to
schedule anything with him today
I’m super busy.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 12.
NOAH
(Looking confused)
Well, whenever you could get that
for me, why don’t you let me know.
Ok? ..Thanks
18 INT RANDOM CONFERENCE ROOM - AFTERNOON 18
The conference room is well lit and overlooks a room full of
cubicles. DREW and the INTERVIEWER are facing each other at
the solid oak conference table wtih cups of water next to
each of them.
NOAH
Doesn’t that just seem so bizzare?
INTERVIEWER
Well, do you think she could have
caused the company to have the
problems it was having?
NOAH
Well, I feel like it is entirely
possible. There were also very
weird accounting issues and budget
flow issues when I’d finally see
our numbers. I think McNeill just
clearly couldn’t add or subtract
very well. It was so bizzare.
INTERVIEWER
I really appreciate your time, I
think this is great stuff. We
appreciate your time.
19 INT LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON 19
As the INTERVIEWER and CARL sit in the dull, typical,
suburban brown house, discussing CARL’s previous employer,
they begin to go at odds with one another.
INTERVIEWER
Would you say that you feel as
though you had anything to do with
the company folding?
CARL
(an appauled look on his face)
Are you crazy? I did a great job
there.
13.
20 INT OFFICE AREA - AFTERNOON 20
CARL
My sales numbers were right where
they should be. My co-workers may
have outsold me, but if you ask me
that is because they made tons and
tons of annoying calls that did not
help anyone. Those calls would
have ultimately led to lost sales
because my co-workers just annoyed
all of the customers all of the
time.
21 INT LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON 21
INTERVIEWER
Isn’t that the poiint of a
salesman?
CARL
(Angry mood)
What do you know about being a
salesman you fool? You are just an
interviewer. You know what, this
interview is over now, you should
just get out of here. I know I was
the best employee there, you’re
just crazy.
22 INT. CLUTTERED DATA PROCESSING AREA - AFTERNOON 22
The basement of the home had server racks all over it. The
air was very musty as their was dust all over the place. It
was apparent Charlie did not clean this "processing area"
very often.
INTERVIEWER
What would you say was one of the
biggest problems with the company
then Charlie?
CHARLIE
(looks deep in thought)
Dude, I kind of feel like McNeill
just didn’t have a handle on where
our money was going or what was
going on. I’m pretty sure he used
the company dough for all kinds of
stuff.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 14.
INTERVIEWER
Oh yeah, like what?
23 INT OFFICE AREA - EARLY MORNING 23
Inside the office, Drew prepares to leave for a meeting
that’s a few miles down the road, and informs Anne on his
way out.
CHARLIE
Well man, I feel like he was never
in the office and was always out of
town. He can say he was on
"business" but we all know what
that is code for.
24 EXT. OUTSIDE OF BUILDING - DAY 24
As Charlie tell the story of what McNeil is doing, McNeil is
actually observed only traveling a few miles towards a city.
CHARLIE
It just seems like he probably
stole quite a bit of money from his
own company. I feel like the money
did have to go somewhere. He is
technically the boss, so I’m
guessing that had to be it, right?
INTERVIEWER
Well, the boss isn’t the only one
who gets control of the money, you
know?
25 INT. CLUTTERED DATA PROCESSING AREA - AFTERNOON 25
CHARLIE
Bro, no one else would do that, we
all cared about the place and
needed somewhere to work. People
don’t just steal money, that’s
crazy talk. It’s always the boss
man, haven’t you seen any movies?
INTERVIEWER
Well, that could very well be I
guess, I really appreciate all the
information you’ve given me. For
now I think we’re done here!
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 15.
CHARLIE
Great man, let me know if you need
anything else dude. I got plenty
o’ time bro.
26 INT. BUSINESS FIRM - EARLY EVENING 26
The business firm is empty except for the INTERVIEWER and
DREW. The two of them are sitting in one of the conference
areas as they discuss the issues that pertain to the now
defunct company. DREW has a slight look of uneasiness that
the INTERVIEWER cannot quite shake and decides to further
investigate what exactly DREW did and how managed to get his
investors.
INTERVIEWER
So you raised a lot of capital for
you new business through investors,
tell me how you did it?
DREW
Well, I felt like I just was in all
the right places at the right time.
I really learned a lot while
working for McNeill. He was a boss
who seemed to grossly mismanagement
his money and his business and it
helped motivate me to start my own
company.
INTERVIEWER
Where did your investors come from?
DREW
(looks slightly uneasy)
Well, it’s a long story really and
doesn’t have that much to do with
the topic we are currently on, now
does it? I mean what matters is
how my previous employer failed,
don’t you think?
INTERVIEWER
Well, that’s a great point, how do
you feel that happened?
DREW
It’s exactly like I said earlier,
Bill just did not have a good
handle on his money or what was
going on. It felt like he was
alwasy one step behind the curve.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 16.
INTERVIEWER
Well, wasn’t it your job to make
sure that operations were running
smoothly if Bill was not doing
it. You were the operations
manager, right? That is what you
told me earlier.
DREW
(starting to look frustrated
now)
Well, I don’t see how that is my
problem. I feel as though I
definitely did my part, it was Bill
who did not hold up his end of the
stick. I feel as though I did all I
could. I feel like I was the only
sane one over there. You know?
INTERVIEWER
Well, let me ask you something
about a story I heard earlier
today.
27 INT OFFICE SUITE - EARLY MORNING 27
Drew is sitting in his office suite talking on the phone
with a banker about a few issues he feels their accounting
department are having. Charlie, working on the data servers
that day was listening to all of the calls being made and
happened to listen into a very interesting conversation.
DREW
Well, the accounting department
screwewd up. The bank account that
the funds are going into is wrong.
BANKER
(confused)
Sir, it seems as though it’s going
into the account it’s alwasy gone
into.
DREW
Well, McNeill told me himself to
switch our accounts as he feels
like something is going on at the
company and he needs to get to the
bottom of it. I am one of the
primary account signers so I will
come in later today to make the
switch.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 17.
BANKER
Oh, I am very sorry sir, I didn’t
realize you had attempted to switch
the accounts for that reason. If
you come in sometime today, we will
get that all setup for you. We
will use extra privacy settings as
well so that no one can figure out
where the money is going. This
should stop the issue you are
having.
DREW
Excellent!
28 INT. BUSINESS FIRM - EARLY EVENING 28
The business firm is empty except for the INTERVIEWER and
DREW. The two of them are sitting in one of the conference
areas as they discuss the issues that pertain to the now
defunct company. DREW has a slight look of uneasiness that
the INTERVIEWER cannot quite shake and decides to further
investigate what exactly DREW did and how managed to get his
investors.
INTERVIEWER
When I talked to McNeill, he told
me he had no idea that this had
happened. Why did you do it?
DREW
Well, I felt as though it was
necessary.
INTERVIEWER
(in a demanding tone)
Necessary for what?
DREW
Well, I’m not, I don’t know, this
interview is over now.
INTERVIEWER
This is not the end you know
Drew. You cannot expect to pawn
off what happened on McNeill. He
trusted you and you let him down.
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Down in the Valley Shot List
SCENE SHOT DESCRIPTION ELEMENTS 1 1 Long shot – from back of a long
conference room Background – entire empty conference room; gray sky,
dead grass and airport runway seen out of a large window Props – long table, rolling chairs, pitcher of water, cups
2 1 Medium-shot – open conference room door, employees come in
Background – open door, hallway behind Characters – Anne, Drew, Carl, Noah, Charlie
2 2 Close-up – McNeil’s uneasy face Background – open door, hallway behind Characters - McNeil
2 3 Extreme-close-up – McNeil’s hand slowly closes the door
Background – door handle, part of door Characters - McNeil
2 4 Medium-shot – McNeil slowly walks to the front of the room
Background – conference room, large window Characters – McNeil, Anne, Drew, Carl, Noah, Charlie
2 5 Extreme-close-up – McNeil fidgets with a few pieces of
paper (his notes)
Background – McNeil’s hands, table Characters – McNeil
Props – a few pieces of paper 2 6 Close-up – McNeil’s uneasy face,
he glances down, messes with tie, clears throat
Background – large window Characters – McNeil Props – McNeil’s tie
2 7 Long-shot – from back of conference room
Background – entire filled conference room Characters – McNeil, Anne, Drew, Carl, Noah, Charlie
Props – long table, rolling chairs, pitcher of water, cups, employee’s notepads and pens
2 8 Close-up – McNeil’s face Background – large window Characters – McNeil
2 9 Close-up – Anne’s irritated face Background – conference room Characters – Anne
2 10 Close-up – McNeil’s face Background – large window Characters – McNeil
2 11 Medium-shot – Carl and Noah’s angry reactions
Background – conference room Character – Carl, Noah
2 12 Close-up – Charlie’s angry reaction
Background – conference room Character – Charlie
2 13 Long shot – from back of conference room
Background – entire filled conference room Characters – McNeil, Anne, Drew, Carl, Noah, Charlie
Props – long table, rolling chairs, pitcher of water, cups, employee’s notepads and pens
3 1 Long shot- outside of diner Background- assorted buildings surround the diner and the diner is situated on a street intersection
4 1 Medium shot- panning inside the diner
Background- jukebox, tiled floor, retro furniture
4 2 Medium shot- Anne working behind the counter
Background- glimpse into the diner’s kitchen Characters- Anne
Props- condiments 4 3 Close-up- Anne’s face; talks to
camera Background- diner
Character- Anne 5 1 Medium shot- office floor Background- many cubicles, people working 5 2 Close-up- Noah talking to a
customer on the phone in his cubicle
Background- wall of Noah’s cubicle Character- Noah
Props- telephone and telephone headset 5 3 Extreme close-up- Noah adjusts
his tie and takes off head set Background- wall of Noah’s cubicle
Character- Noah Props- phone headset
5 4 Close-up- Noah’s face; he talks to camera
Background- wall of Noah’s cubicle Character- Noah
6 1 Medium shot- panning inside Carl’s messy living room; Carl is
on the couch
Background- living room Character- Carl
6 2 Close-up- zoomed in to Carl lazily sitting on the couch
Background- Carl’s living room Character- Carl
6 3 Extreme Close-up- Carl yawns and talks to the camera
Background- Carl’s living room Character- Carl
7 1 Medium shot/ High angle- down the stairs to the basement of the
data processing area
Background- basement
7 2 Medium shot- data processing room
Background- the data processing room; manila folders, file cabinets, papers everywhere
7 3 Extreme Close-up- Charlie singing while working at his desk
Background- data processing room Character- Charlie
7 4 Close-up- Charlie talks to camera Background- data processing room
Character- Charlie 8 1 Long shot/Low angle- outside of
skyscraper Background- urban area
9 1 Long shot- down the hallway to Drew’s office
Background- cubicles
9 2 Medium shot- inside Drew’s office; Drew is working on
computer at his desk
Background- office, window Character- Drew
9 3 Close-up- Drew talks to camera Background- office, window Character- Drew
10 1 Medium shot- Anne sitting in Background- the diner
booth Character- Anne 10 2 Close-up- Anne as she begins to
talk to the interviewer (who is not shown on camera)
Background- wall of diner Character- Anne
11 1 Medium shot- Noah sitting at a table in a conference room
Background- conference room Character- Noah
Props- pitcher of water, notebook, pens 11 2 Close-up- Noah’s face as he
begins to talk to interviewer (not shown on camera)
Background- conference room Character- Noah
Props- pitcher of water, notebook, pens 11 3 Extreme close-up- Noah’s face as
he pauses and smirks Background- conference room
Character- Noah Props- pitcher of water, notebook, pens
11 4 Close-up- Noah continues to talk to interviewer
Background- conference room Character- Noah
Props- pitcher of water, notebook, pens 12 1 Medium shot- Carl is eating a Big
Mac and watching TV Background- Carl’s messy living room
Character-Carl Props- Big Mac
12 2 Extreme Close-up- Carl piling the Big Mac into his mouth
Background- wall of Carl’s living room Character-Carl Props- Big Mac
12 3 Close-up- Carl finishes his sandwich and begins to talk to the interviewer (not shown on
camera)
Background- Carl’s messy living room Character-Carl
13 1 Medium shot- Charlie listening to music in data processing room
Background- data processing room Character- Charlie
13 2 Extreme Close-up- Charlie’s hand turns off the radio
Background- wall of data processing room Character- Charlie
Props- Radio 13 3 Close-up- Charlie begins to talk
to the interviewer Background- data processing room
Character- Charlie 13 4 Extreme Close-up- Charlie’s face
as he smirks Background- wall of data processing room
Character- Charlie 13 5 Close-up- Charlie continues to
talk to interviewer Background- data processing room
Character- Charlie 14 1 Medium-shot – Drew sitting
behind his desk as the interviewer asks questions
Background – office, window Character – Drew
Props – computer, office supplies, stacks of paper 14 2 Close-up – Drew’s face as he
gets annoyed thinking about McNeil
Background – office, window Character – Drew
14 3 Extreme-close-up – Drew’s big
grin Background – office, window
Character - Drew 14 4 Close-up – Drew’s face as he
continues to smile Background – office, window
Character - Drew
15 1 Long shot – looking down the main road of the town as the sun
goes down
Background – office, window
15 2 Long shot – looking into the diner as the interviewer and
Anne sit at a booth
Background – diner Character - Anne
Props - jukebox, booths, chairs, titled floor 15 3 Close-up – Anne talking to the
interviewer Background – diner
Character - Anne Props - jukebox, booths, chairs, titled floor
15 4 Extreme-close-up – Anne raised one eyebrow
Background – diner Character - Anne
15 5 Close-up – Anne talking to the interviewer
Background – diner Character - Anne
15 6 Long-shot – Anne slides out of the booth quickly and storms to
the kitchen
Background – diner Character - Anne
16 1 Medium shot- Noah sitting at a table in a conference room
Background- conference room Character- Noah
Props- pitcher of water, notebook, pens 16 2 Close-up- Noah’s face as he
begins to talk to interviewer Background- conference room
Character- Noah Props- pitcher of water, notebook, pens
17 1 Long-shot – entire office, employees sitting at their desks,
small chatter, phone ringing
Background- office Characters - Anne, Drew, Carl, Noah, Charlie
Props- desks and rolling chairs, cubicle dividers, office supplies, phones, stacks of papers, computers
17 2 Medium shot/pan shot – Noah gets out of his chair and walks to
Anne’s desk
Background- office Characters - Noah
17 3 Close-up – Noah talks to Anne Background- office Characters - Noah
17 4 Close-up – Anne half listens and looks at her computer screen
Background- Anne’s desk area Characters - Anne
17 5 Close-up – Noah’s face as he looks annoyed that Anne isn’t
listening
Background- office Characters - Noah
17 5 Close-up – Anne finally looks up from her computer and raises
her eyebrows
Background- Anne’s desk area Characters - Anne
17 6 Close-up – Noah’s face Background- office Characters - Noah
17 7 Close-up – Anne’s face Background- Anne’s desk area Characters - Anne
17 8 Medium-shot /pan – Noah walks away as he finishes his sentence
Background- office Characters - Noah
18 1 Medium shot- Noah sitting at a table in a conference room
Background- conference room Character- Noah
Props- pitcher of water, notebook, pens 19 1 Medium shot/over the shoulder
– Interviewer asks Carl a question
Background – Opening to dining room, kitchen, a few pictures on the wall
Characters - Carl 19 2 Close up – Carl’s face Background – blurred out dining room, kitchen
Characters – Carl 20 1 Long shot - Carl doing nothing in
a busy office Background- Office desks, office supplies, equipment
Characters – Carl, Noah, Anne, Charlie 20 2 Close up – Anne talking on the
phone Background – office Characters – Anne
20 3 Medium shot – Carl doing nothing in busy office
Background – office desks, office supplies, equipment Characters – Carl, Noah, Anne, Charlie
21 1 Medium shot – over the shoulder
Background – dining room, kitchen Character – Carl
21 2 Medium shot – profile of Carls’ face
Background – wall of the house Characters – Carl
21 3 Medium shot – Carl picking up remainders of his meal
Background – dining room, living roon Foreground – couch, table
Characters - Carl 21 4 Close up – Carl’s face Background – blurred out dining room, kitchen
Characters – Carl 22 1 Close up – Charlie’s creeped face Background – blurred vision of the wall of a cubicle
Character – Charlie 22 2 Medium shot – Charlie
symbolizing money with his hands
Background – Back of a wall, papers Character – Charlie
23 1 Medium shot – McNeil talking to Anne
Background – door to outside Character – McNeil
23 2 Medium two shot – McNeil talking to Anne
Background – wall of the foyer between the office and outside
Characters – McNeil and Anne 24 1 High angle, Bird eye shot - car
going short distance from point A to point B
Background – building, deserted land Prop – car
Character - McNeil 25 1 Extreme Close-up – Charlie’s
eyes Background – blurred office
Characters – Charlie 25 2 Medium shot – over the
shoulder – Charlie listening to interviewer
Background - back of office Characters – Charlie
25 3 Medium shot – profile of Charlie’s face
Background – Wall of the office Characters - Charlie
25 4 Medium shot – Charlie on the computer
Background – Computer, manila folders, papers Character – Charlie
25 5 Close up – POV – business transaction on computer screen
Background – computer screen
25 6 Close up – Charlie and his hands Background – office area Characters – Charlie
26 1 Long shot – office firm – panning into conference room
Background – elegant cubicles, office space
26 2 Medium shot - Drew Background – wall of the conference room Character - Drew
26 3 Medium shot – low angle - Drew Background – Wall, ceiling of conference room Character - Drew
26 4 Extreme Close-Up Drews hands quietly shaking on lap- checking
time
Background – Drew’s body Character - Drew
26 5 Close-up low angle – drew’s head
Background – wall of conference room, ceiling Character - Drew
26 6 Medium shot – over the shoulder – interviewer talking to
Drew
Background – wall of conference room Character – Drew
26 7 Close up – profile of Drew’s face Background- wall of conference room Character - Drew
26 8 Medium shot – profile of Drew’s face
Background – wall of conference room Character – Drew
26 9 Extreme close up – Drew’s Adam’s apple
Background – blurred wall of conference room Characters – Drew
26 10 Extreme close up – Drew’s brows and flustering eyes
Background – blurred wall of conference room Characters - Drew
26 11 High angle shot – Drew Background- The floor of conference room, table, wall Characters - Drew
27 1 Long two shot – Drew and Charlie working
Background – the office area Characters – Drew and Charlie
27 2 Close-up Drew on the phone Background – cubicle area Character – Drew
27 3 Long shot – Charlie looking back at Drew’s desk
Background – other office space Character – Drew and Charlie
27 4 Medium shot – Charlie and computer
Background – cubicle wall Characters - Drew
28 1 Long shot – office firm – panning into conference room
Background – elegant cubicles, office space
28 2 Medium shot - Drew Background – wall of the conference room Character - Drew
28 3 Medium shot – low angle - Drew Background – Wall, ceiling of conference room Character - Drew
28 4 Close up – profile of Drew’s face Background- wall of conference room Character - Drew
28 5 Medium shot – profile of Drew’s face
Background – wall of conference room Character – Drew
28 6 High angle shot – Drew Background- The floor of conference room, table, wall Characters - Drew
Storyboards
Real-WorldLocation
GoogleSketchup
In the ValleyDown
Songs
Intro — Tom Petty “You Don’t Know How it Feels”
McNeil Closing Announcement — Argent “Hold Your Head High”
Mom and Pops Diner Scene 1 — Frankie Valley & The Four Seasons
“December 1963 (Oh What a Night)”
Charlie Scene 1 — Styx “Come Sail Away”
Closing — Rolling Stones “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”