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NIGHTWAVES
Written by
David Irons
First Draft
March 18,2017
[email protected]
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(1) INT. STUDIO, LONDON - DAY
The underwater darkness is interrupted by quick strobelike flashes illuminating a stylized fashion shoot in a
darkened studio.
A girl in her early twenties, KIRSTEN, stands in the
middle of a chequered background, draped in deep blue
neon strips that fan like a peacock’s tail. While a
photographer snaps at her with his condescending
assistant next to him.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Turn to your left a little, thats it… chin up, a little
more… a little less… No no no… can you just be more
seductive, do what you’re supposed to do, show me
something, make me want to buy this dress.
[Pause]
KIRSTEN
When do you think we'll wrap?
PHOTOGRAPHER
Busy are we?
KIRSTEN
I have some work I need to do this evening.
PHOTOGRAPHER
This is work, darling.
PHOTOGRAPHER (CONT’D)
What’s more important than this then?
[pause]
KIRSTEN
I’ve got a deadline for something. I’m a writer. Well I’m
illustrating something actually.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Mmmm hmmm… OK turn to your left again… drop your arm.
(Beat) What are you doing, exactly?
KIRSTEN
I’m a comic book artist; I’m putting together my own
book, series of books actually.
[long pause]
PHOTOGRAPHER
Yeah sure, now will you stop talking so I can get a
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decent shot of you without your mouth hanging open like
you’re catching flies. Head Up! Come on let’s focus. Are
you too good to be just a model then? It's not enough you
have good cheekbones but you think you have brains as
well?
KIRSTEN
The artwork has always been number one… not this.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Not this. I can tell. Head left. So this pays the bills
while you dream of being an artist, does it?
Kirsten pauses, glares at him with fiery eyes.
KIRSTEN
It's not a dream if you're doing it, is it?
PHOTOGRAPHER
Did you just answer me back? Did you just answer me back?
Upstairs for thinking downstairs for dancing love! You’re
here to look good for the camera; I don't want your life
story. You get paid to keep your eyes dull and your jaw
slack. Trust me, thinking isn't a strong point for a
pretty face.
KIRSTEN
I’ve got a deadline for something. I’m a writer. Well I’m
illustrating something actually.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Mmmm hmmm… OK turn to your left again… drop your arm.
(Beat) What are you doing, exactly?
KIRSTEN
I’m a comic book artist; I’m putting together my own
book, series of books actually.
[long pause]
PHOTOGRAPHER
Yeah sure, now will you stop talking so I can get a
decent shot of you without your mouth hanging open like
you’re catching flies. Head Up! Come on let’s focus. Are
you too good to be just a model then? It's not enough you
have good cheekbones but you think you have brains as
well?
KIRSTEN
The artwork has always been number one… not this.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Not this. I can tell. Head left. So this pays the bills
while you dream of being an artist, does it?
Kirsten pauses, glares at him with fiery eyes.
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KIRSTEN
It's not a dream if you're doing it, is it?
PHOTOGRAPHER
Did you just answer me back? Did you just answer me back?
Upstairs for thinking downstairs for dancing love! You’re
here to look good for the camera; I don't want your life
story. You get paid to keep your eyes dull and your jaw
slack. Trust me, thinking isn't a strong point for a
pretty face.
KIRSTEN
(Under her breath)
Prick.
PHOTOGRAPHER
I think I'm using the wrong thing to shoot you with! I
need something with bullets!
He holds the cameras shutter button down, firing off a
succession of strobe blasts at her eyes.
KIRSTEN
What did you say?
He smiles at his assistant who smiles back at him. Then
starts flashing his camera at her again.
PHOTOGRAPHER
I said I'd blow your goddamn brains out if I thought you
had any! Now head back!
Kirsten freezes. Staring, thinking, she makes a decision,
turning and walking from the set.
Throwing off the oversized earrings, she walks out the
door.
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