No Context: "Margo"
a scene from a screen play
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Today’s Gangletown is an out-of-context, short scene from one of my unproduced screenplays. Enjoy!
INT. LOUIE’S OFFICE - CONFERENCE ROOM
Executives are gathering around a conference table. LOUIE is well dressed and groomed. While others trickle in, she is prepared in her seat and waiting for everyone else to settle in.
LOUIE (V.O.) Being late is my biggest pet peeve in the world. It takes zero effort to get in, sit down, and go.
The sun is setting. Louie glances at her watch - 5:37 pm. When she looks back up, she sees a new face in the crowd. It’s a familiar face, but she cannot quite place why she knows this woman.
DOMINIQUE, Louie’s boss, addresses the table.
DOMINIQUE Alright, everyone, let’s take care of this. L.A., do we have you on speaker?
MIRIAM (V.O.) Yes, you’ve got Miriam. (whispering) Go around the room-
KYLE (V.O. Kyle
LYLE (V.O.) Lyle
HASSAN (V.O.) Hi, this is Hassan
THOMAS (V.O.) Thomas
CHANTAL (V.O.) Hi, Dom, it’s Chantal,
BROOKLYN (V.O.) - and this is Brooklyn calling in from Portland. Hi Everyone.
MIRIAM (V.O.) Eh hem. And...Janet?
JANET (V.O.) Oh right! Hi, it’s me, Janet!
Dominique rolls her eyes. Janet is the fucking worst.
DOMINIQUE Okay. Thank you. And thank you to New York for staying late to have this call together as a team. Small clap for New York.
Everyone claps one single time in unison without emotion.
DOMINIQUE (CONT’D) Noting our expansion into the European and Asian markets, markets, and celebrating the promotion of Trystan into her new role as Executive Director of the London office,- small clap for Trystan-
Everyone claps one single time in unison without emotion.
LOUIE (V.O.) Bye, bitch.
DOMINIQUE I am excited to introduce the newest member of our team. I’d like you to give a warm welcome to Sandra Schoemaker.
They sit in silence as Sandra stands.
DOMINIQUE (CONT’D) Sandra will be taking over as Vice President of Operations. This new role covers all offices, including Los Angeles. So be nice to Sandra.
L.A. laughs cordially over the phone.
JANET (V.O.) You got it, boss.
DOMINIQUE Janet, that’s inappropriate. Please do not speak out of turn, and remember that we lead by example.
SANDRA I’d like to start by introducing a huge project to you all straight away. A re-branding. Company-wide, we will be spending the next few months looking at every inch of representation this company has, and we’re going to unify it. Unify. That’s my mantra.
Without prompt, they small-clap for Unification.
SANDRA On that note, I want to make sure that this team is top-notch. I need great work, great ideas, and exceptional personalities.
LOUIE (V.O.) Personality is the only thing that most of these people have going for them because their actual work is shit. Ask me for my numbers, Sandra.
SANDRA Tomorrow I’ll be starting interviews for the new V.P. of Marketing. So I expect that some of you will be fighting for that position…
LOUIE is determined and excited. She smiles at Sandra to confirm her interest. SANDRA smiles lightly back, and that’s when it clicks. Sandra is the woman from the black car. LOUIE’s face goes red with fear and embarrassment. Does SANDRA recognize her?
LOUIE She looks at the clock, clearly worried about the time.
SANDRA Am I bothering you?
LOUIE Me?
SANDRA No…Janet.
JANET (V.O.) Oh no, no, not at all! I love this, I’-
SANDRA Janet, that was sarcasm. Keep up! She whispers to Dominique. (aside to Dominique)…Let’s discuss Janet.
LOUIE I’m sorry for the disruption. Please go on.
SANDRA Thank you for the permission, Miss...?
LOUIE Louie.
SANDRA Louie…thank you.
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