Genius - Episode 0 - part 1 (English revised by Mark)

Just some notes:

as I told in my previous post I felt the need to change the story a bit.

Reading Andrew Marlowe's words "as much of this episode was written while waiting in line at the Telluride Film Festival." I thought: OK, I'm not a pro as him, but if I can't go on is because I don't like what I'm writing. I have not clear in mind the story.

So, thank you Andrew :)

In my revised story:

Alma didn't win anything; JD is living between us and Bob... will tell you soon :)

You will probably be horrified by my script style but, please, be easy on me, you know my goal is to study with your help or with someone you will decide for.

GENIUS

“Episode Zero”

TEASER

FADE IN:

EXT. SQUARE - NIGHT

HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE in a square attending the show of a famous illusionist: JD  (- You remember our friend? ;) -)

PEOPLE ARE SCREAMING Go! Go! Go! This is the moment when our illusionist calls one of the attendants/audience onto the stage.

He is a charming guy, a big tall boy, he always has that enigmatic smile all the magicians have.

JD

(loud)

Aaaand, this is your moment people!

People start screaming while raising their hands hoping to be chosen by the magician.

DRUM ROLL. JD closes his eyes and draws an imaginary semicircle on the audience with his index finger and his tense arm. He goes back and forth two times then, opening his eyes again, points to a woman.

JD (CONT'D)

(loud)

You on the stage, dear!

Two men approach the woman chosen and while walking with her towards the stairs of the stage, something happens...

WOMAN

(stops and screams scared looking down)

The men look down too and see a bloody dirty hand grasping the ankle of the woman. They lift up the red fabric cover of the stage and discover a man lying on the ground.

MAN

(low voice)

Please, help me.

FADE OUT.

END OF THE TEASER

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

EXT. NIGHT - MOMENTS LATER

It’s about 10pm, Detective Alma Dulce Pilar has been called by his boss to go and investigate where the man was found.

Along with her some officers are searching for evidences under the stage, where the guy was found, and all around.

OFFICER1

(shouting from the other side of the stage)

Detective, we have found some blood here.

Alma who is walking bends under the stage, runs towards the exit, lifts up the fabric cover to reach her assistant quickly but has to stop immediately. She finds in front of her face a man’s groin (ok, you know what I mean! ^__^ ). A tall man is standing in front of the stage, dressed very elegantly in black. She stays a second in that position, embarrassed. 

JD

(amused, ironic, playful)

Even it seems that’s not my face!

The man tilts on his right side. She immediately follows his movement until she meets his face.

JD (CONT'D)

Hello!

Alma holds back a smile and stands up.

JD (CONT'D)

(offers his hand)

JD, nice to meet you. Officer Green told me you wanted to meet me.

ALMA DULCE

(shakes his hand)

Yes, thanks for coming.

ALMA DULCE (CONT'D)

Did you notice anything strange before or during the show? Anything unusual?

JD

No, everything was normal until that moment.

ALMA DULCE

Have you ever met the guy?

JD

Well, I meet so many people. Not that I remember.

ALMA DULCE 

(offering her hand)

Thank you Mr Smith, feel free to call me if you remember something useful.

JD

(surprised, still hand in hand)

Mmmm, you know my name! A fan?

ALMA DULCE

(pinpoint)

A detective.

But being sure he is right, after releasing her hand he makes a bouquet appear in his hands and gives it to her with a bow.

JD 

This is for you, my princess.

He “falls in love” with her from the first moment.

Alma is disconcerted. She is his fan even she is trying to hide it and receiving this attention from him is something very touching. But she can’t obviously show her feelings. And she is also very mistrustful of men.

ALMA DULCE

(watching the flowers  and with an awkward smile)

Thank you. Now I must go.

ALMA DULCE (CONT’D)
(adding)
Oh, this is my business card in case you remember something.

He takes it. 

JD

(pretending to forget)

Oh, my number, in case you need. For work or... for pleasure.

He makes a business card appear and gives it to her.

JD (CONT'D)

(blinking)

It is signed on the back.

Alma takes it.

ALMA DULCE

For work, thanks. Goodbye Mr. Smith.

He smiles making a bow. She nods goodbye and walks toward the officer who called her before. When, approaching, she meets his eyes watching her and the bouquet.

OFFICER1

(ironic smile)

A gift from the magician?

ALMA DULCE

(unusually smiling)

Yes.

OFFICER1

I found them creepy, the magicians I mean.

ALMA DULCE

Yeah... a bit.

And puts the bouquet onto a table there. Then puts the business card in her pocket and follows the officer to start investigating.

FADE OUT