Myna's Magical Christmas Cookies

BLACK SCREEN:

SUPERIMPOSE:
"November 24th"

ON SOUND:

An updated peppy Holiday song as credits run over...

EXT. BEVERLY BOULEVARD - AFTERNOON

The Holiday season. The stores and streets are all elaborately decorated. Eager shoppers fill the street, packages in hand.

EXT. TRENDY SHOE STORE - AFTERNOON

The door is swung open and a pretty blonde comes out. This is SAMANTHA, early 20's radiant and care-free. She has a huge smile and leaves the store almost skipping. She is carrying a few bags. She stops at the next window.

INT. EXPENSIVE PURSE STORE - AFTERNOON

The saleswoman is putting a purse in a bag as SAMANTHA hands over a Black America Express card.

INT. ANOTHER EXPENSIVE STORE - AFTERNOON

The saleswoman hands over a Black America Express card and a bag.

EXT. ANOTHER EXPENSIVE STORE - AFTERNOON

SAMANTHA bounces out of the store carrying another bag. A fan stops her for a selfie. SAMANTHA happily obliges the fan and both hold up a hand with their pinkies out. This we will soon learn is her signature sign-off on her social media. She then continues walking down the street looking for her driver. She spots him.

Song ends.

EXT. BEVERLY BOULEVARD - AFTERNOON

SAMANTHA opens the door and tosses her bags in then climbs into the SUV.

INT. INSIDE SUV - AFTERNOON

Samantha settles in. Her sunny demeanor changes as soon as she gets into the SUV.

SAMANTHA:

One more stop. DELUSCIOUS Cookies & Milk.

DRIVER:

Would you happen know the address?

Samantha is looking at her phone.

SAMANTHA:

(curtly and dismissive)

No.

INT. INSIDE SUV - AFTERNOON

Samantha opens the door and climbs inside with a box of cookies. She opens the box of cookies.

DRIVER:

Home?

She takes a huge bite of a cookie.

SAMANTHA:

(mouthful of cookie)

Uh-huh.

EXT. BEVERLY HILLS MANSION - AFTERNOON

Outside the mansion are numerous trucks. People are running cables, moving boxes of decorations, carrying clothes.

EXT. BEVERLY HILLS MANSION - AFTERNOON

The SUV pulls into the driveway and stops in front of the door. Samantha climbs out and gathers her bags and the box of cookies.

SAMANTHA:

(to herself)

That time of year again.

She walks into the mansion.

INT. BEVERLY HILLS MANSION

In the middle of the chaos is SAMANTHA'S mother, a beautiful woman JUDITH (50's looks 40's, famous, rich) is giving orders to all the workers as SAMANTHA walks up to her. JUDITH stops giving orders and looks at SAMANTHA.

JUDITH:

You said you were going to help me with the Christmas special.

SAMANTHA:

Holiday.

JUDITH:

What?

SAMANTHA:

It's now Holiday now, not Christmas and I thought it was tomorrow.

JUDITH:

Christmas/Holiday same thing. The taping is tomorrow. They need a day to get all set up. It's been the same for fifteen years. And you go shopping.

SAMANTHA:

It's Black Friday. We are suppose to shop. It's practically our patriotic duty.

Judith's head tilts a little while staring at SAMANTHA.

SAMANTHA (CONT'D)

Didn't tug any of those God Bless America heartstrings?

Judith's head tilts a little more while leaning nearer.

SAMANTHA (CONT'D)

Amber waves of grain?

Judith is unfazed.

SAMANTHA (CONT'D)

(admitting defeat)

DELUSCIOUS.

Samantha hands her the box of cookies. Judith is pleased.

SAMANTHA (CONT'D)

Classic Three Dozen. Actually it's more like two dozen and 11.

JUDITH:

Well played.

INT. SAMANTHAS BEDROOM - AFTERNOON

SAMANTHA walks into her huge beautifully decorated and puts her bags down on the floor. She checks out her appearance in the mirror. Satisfied, she turns on two ring lights and sits her desk. A few clicks later and she turns on her public persona. She starts her video show.

SAMANTHA:

Good afternoon all from sunny Los Angeles! If you are in a place with cold weather and snow I'm sorry. Anyway, I did some Black Friday shopping today. I feel it's my patriotic duty to shop and keep small businesses open and thriving. Going to be a short video today. It's set-up day for my moms annual Holiday Sing-along Special. Hopefully there will no repeat of a reindeer pooping on the carpet during Silent Night. Oh! And it's award season and I'm up for supporting actress Sunday, so watch to see if I win! Gotta go. Pinky out.

When she says pinky out, she brings her hand up and repeats the pinky wave gesture, repeating the gesture she did with the selfie girl.

Note:
Award Show or movie premier?

BLACK SCREEN:

SUPERIMPOSE:
"November 26th"

INT. BEVERLY HILLS MANSION - DAY

The Holiday special is taping. Different camera views of beautiful people singing a song. The song ends.

DIRECTOR:

Cut! Let's take five and do another one.

The pretty people mill about as JUDITH finds SAMANTHA.

JUDITH:

I see you have no date this year?

SAMANTHA:

Nobody made the cut.

JUDITH:

What is it with you and men?

SAMANTHA:

I don't have a problem with men. It's just that are so few of them.

Judith looks around. She points to a very young looking man.

JUDITH:

What about him?

CLOSE ON A VERY YOUNG LOOKING YOUNG MAN

SAMANTHA:

He's eighteen.

JUDITH:

And has the voice of an angel.

Samantha rolls her eyes. Judith points to another man.

CLOSE ON ANOTHER YOUNG MAN

He's wearing a LGBTQ pin.

SAMANTHA:

See the pin mom? I know him. He's great but unfortunately, he prefers men.

JUDITH:

Did you know my third husband, Chad, was a homosexual?

SAMANTHA:

Yes, everyone did.

JUDITH:

(sadly)

Except me.

Judith looks around. She spies another young man and points at him.

JUDITH (CONT'D)

And him?

CLOSE ON ANOTHER YOUNG MAN

SAMANTHA:

Closet tweeker.

Judith looks quizzically at SAMANTHA.

JUDITH:

He's gay and he rubs his butt on people secretly?

Samantha laughs.

SAMANTHA:

No, that's a twerker. (pause) Drugs.

JUDITH:

(sadly)

Oh.

SAMANTHA:

Thank you but I'll find my own man.

Samantha's phone rings. She looks at it.

SAMANTHA (CONT'D)

It's my agent.

She walks away to answer the phone.

SAMANTHA (CONT'D ON PHONE) (CONT'D)

My agent. Must be important because it's the weekend.

INT. KYLES CAR - EVENING

Kyle is driving.

KYLE:

My favorite actress. What's going on?

INTERCUT - PHONE CONVERSATION.

SAMANTHA:

Taping my mom's Holiday special.

KYLE:

A classic. And the award show is Sunday. You ready?

SAMANTHA:

As I can be.

KYLE:

Date?

SAMANTHA:

Mom. Nobody else I would want to be seen with this point.

KYLE:

Another reason I'm calling is I just got off the phone with the best director, who is directing the best script, adapted from the best book of the decade.

SAMANTHA:

And what did he say?

KYLE:

And he wants to meet with you both so he can be assured that you and her can both work together. He's heard about the animosity between you two and wants to see you together before casting. He has approval.

SAMANTHA:

And the lead? Who get's it?

KYLE:

Yet to be decided.

SAMANTHA:

What do I need to do?

KYLE:

Well you need show him that you are more than the spoiled blonde teen actress he's seen clips of. His words, not mine.

SAMANTHA:

Wow, I'm surprised he'd even meet with me after hearing that.

KYLE:

But he will. Meeting's on Tuesday, 11:00 A.M. Blow him away. Surprise him. Let him see a side of you he's never seen.

Samantha smiles slyly.

SAMANTHA:

I intend to.

BLACK SCREEN:

SUPERIMPOSE:
"November 28th"

EXT. AWARD SHOW - EVENING

Samantha arrives via limousine to an award show. The red carpet, the paparazzi, the television hosts vying for the stars attention. The biggest night in Hollywood. Stars dressed to kill, walk up the red carpet. Pushy photographs vie for position, entertainment television hosts grab celebs for impromptu interviews. Samantha is lead from her limousine, Judith just behind. Samantha is as used to the attention as any woman her age could be, having grown up in the middle of it. A TV hostess beckons.

TV HOSTESS:

Samantha....Samantha...

Samantha responds and makes her way to the hostess.

TV HOSTESS (CONT'D)

Samantha, you look lovely, who are you wearing?

SAMANTHA:

I'm wearing Gucci.

TV HOSTESS:

You look simply marvelous. And I think we all know your beautiful mother Judith. How are you?

JUDITH:

I'm great. Here supporting my daughter. So proud of her.

TV HOSTESS:

What are you working on?

JUDITH:

(gesturing to Samantha)

Tonight is about her.

TV HOSTESS:

Of course. Samantha, you are up for Best Supporting Actress for your wonderful role in Lakeside Park and Jill Sanders is up for the film Who am I?

Samantha smiles politely at the name of her rival.

TV HOSTESS (CONT'D)

I hear rumors that you are both up for the lead of Dana, from the runaway best seller, Heights of

Despair. Since you share an agent,

I'll bet things around that office are a little tense.

SAMANTHA:

Of course not. Jill and I are the best of friends I'll be happy for whoever gets the role.

A huge, but expected lie.

EXT. AWARD SHOW - EVENING

Samantha's chief competitor, JILL SANDERS arrives with her date, climbing out of a limo. Jill makes her way up the red carpet, waving smiling sweetly to the adoring crowd. The camera moves in on Jill.

Samantha walks away from the TV Hostess as Jill arrives. They lock eyes for a brief moment. It's clear that they don't like each other.

TV HOSTESS:

Jill Sanders, how are you dear?

Jill smiles sweetly.

JILL:

I'm great, and you look better every year. Who are you wearing this year?

The TV Hostess is charmed by this turn.

TV HOSTESS:

Why, it's an old thing by Dior.

JILL:

Well, it's lovely.

TV HOSTESS:

Thank you, but it's now my turn.

Who are you wearing darling?

JILL:

Chanel, and I love it.

TV HOSTESS:

You look beautiful. You are the odds-on favorite to win your first award here. How do you feel about your chances?

JILL:

Oh, I don't know. Everyone was so great, Robin, Julia, Kate. I'm just honored to be mentioned in the same sentence.

TV HOSTESS:

And Samantha LASTNAME.

JILL:

Of course. How could I forget.

TV HOSTESS:

Well thank you dear and good luck.

JILL:

Thank you.

Jill walks off.

INT. CROWDED AUDITORIUM - LATER

The crowded auditorium is filled with Hollywood royalty. Two presenters are standing at the podium. They open an envelope.

PRESENTERS:

And the award goes to

(dramatic pause)

Jill Sanders for Who am I.

The audience cheers and applauds politely. She may not have been their choice. The camera cuts to Samantha who is clapping but a little disappointed in losing. Jill takes her time walking to the podium where she is greeted by the two presenters and given the coveted award.

JILL:

I'm shocked...I don't even have a speech prepared.

ON SAMANTHA:

Samantha rolls her eyes as Jill rambles on. Judith comforts her.

BLACK SCREEN:

SUPERIMPOSE:
"November 29th"

INT. SUV - MORNING

Samantha is in the backseat. She is makeup-free. Still pretty, but different.

INT. AGENTS OFFICE - FEW DAYS LATER

Inside uber-agent KYLE BRONSON's huge office Kyle and Samantha sit on comfy chairs with producer GORDON WINSTON sitting on a couch. They aren't talking, checking watches, obviously waiting on someone. Jill opens the door looking like she's been up all night, clutching a cigarette and Starbucks in one hand and her award in the other. She makes a show of putting it in the coffee table in front of Gordon then takes a seat next to him. Kyle rises from his chair.

GORDON:

Thank you for coming ladies. I realize this is a bit unorthodox, but it has to be done.

Kyle takes over.

KYLE:

We all know why we are here. Dana. The most coveted female role since Scarlett O'Hara. We all know the book and the character. And I'm lucky enough to represent the two ladies that are up for the role.

GORDON:

The role of Dana's sister Melissa is a smaller, supporting role, but is a demanding role, that in some ways will test the actress more that the lead.

KYLE:

We want to test you both in both roles, then see who fits best in which role. Does that sound good?

Jill is visibly upset. She points to her award.

JILL:

See that award? Do you want to know what its saying? It's telling me that I don't have to audition.

She blows smoke in Samantha's direction. Sam fakes a cough.

SAMANTHA:

It tells me that you got a great script and slept with the director to get the role.

An evil glare from Jill.

GORDON:

Julia still auditions --

Jill will hear none of this.

JILL:

I will not play a supporting role to her. I don't care if she is

Hollywood royalty. I've earned this. I've lived Dana. The closest she's come to adversity and pain was when she had to drive herself to Rodeo Drive and broke a nail.

(To Samantha)

And I never slept with him, even though he begged.

SAMANTHA:

I have no problem auditioning for the roles.

(To Jill)

And I have had to overcome adversity and pain, thank you very much.

Kyle tries to intervene.

KYLE:

(almost pleading)

Jill, just a screen test.

JILL:

I've live the role, I don't need to test. She needs to test. She's not even a grown up. She's never had to support herself. Her mother got her into this business. She still lives with her mother. She couldn't live the role of Dana, she couldn't even live the life of a regular woman.

(To Samantha)

Have you ever fixed yourself dinner or done your own laundry?

Not really. Not at all.

SAMANTHA:

I won't even bother to answer those idiotic questions.

She hasn't done those things.

JILL:

Because the answer is no. You haven't. I grew up taking care of two brothers while my mother worked to put food on the table. I cooked,

I cleaned. Everything.

SAMANTHA:

To play a role doesn't require a person to actually have lived that role. That's why it's called acting.

It's quiet in the room.

GORDON:

Jill, you say Samantha hasn't lived the role so she doesn't deserve it.

What if she does live it? Will you audition then?

Jill laughs at the suggestion.

JILL:

Sure. If she lives it, she can have the role.

SAMANTHA:

What would I have to do?

Gordon is winging this. He needs both women in the movie.

GORDON:

Live as a normal twenty-something woman. That means no limousines, no expensive dinners, no laundry service. A job.

Samantha is skeptical. So is Jill.

SAMANTHA:

For how long?

GORDON:

For two months.

Jill likes this idea but wants it more challenging.

JILL:

Four months.

SAMANTHA:

Three months.

Kyle is concerned. Can she do it?

JILL:

Fine. Three months. But I have a few conditions. Nobody can know who she is. She has to get a real job, her own place and actually pay her bills. No credit cards. And I want to see pay stubs.

SAMANTHA:

What if something happens? I'll need a credit card for emergencies. Maybe five thousand?

JILL:

A credit card with a thousand dollar limit and twenty-five hundred cash.

SAMANTHA:

Fine.

KYLE:

(to Samantha)

Where are you going to go?

JILL:

It has to be somewhere nobody knows her. She can't have anyone help her.

Samantha thinks a moment.

SAMANTHA:

Maybe San Diego. San Francisco.

Jill shakes her head.

JILL:

She needs to be further away, someplace far away from LA and she can't tell anyone who she is.

If anyone finds out who she is, I get the role. If she doesn't make it the full three months, I get the role.

GORDON:

I'm fine with those conditions. Kyle?

KYLE:

I don't know --

Kyle is worried about losing one of his major stars.

SAMANTHA:

I can do it. It will be role research. I have one condition though. Jill can't know where I'm going. The tabloids will have someone waiting for me if she knows where I'm going.

JILL:

Fine. I don't need to stoop to that level to get the role.

Kyle claps his hands.

KYLE:

I guess we have a deal.

Samantha and Jill look at each other with skepticism and bitterness.

SAMANTHA:

I'll need a couple weeks to get my things in order.

Jill rolls her eyes.

KYLE:

Leave two weeks from today? That good for everyone?

Nods all around.

INT. AGENTS OFFICE - DAY - TWO WEEKS LATER

Samantha and Kyle are in his office. He hands her an envelope.

KYLE:

Everything's in order?

SAMANTHA:

Yep, all set.

Kyle hands her some things.

KYLE:

Here is twenty-five hundred dollars and a credit card. Do you have your birth certificate, drivers license and social security card?

SAMANTHA:

Yes, all of them.

Samantha looks at the documents.

SAMANTHA (CONT'D)

Samantha Ashley Donner. My legal name.

KYLE:

With your brown hair and glasses, nobody will know its Samantha

Ashley. Why did you choose

Michigan?

SAMANTHA:

My mom was born there. She use to talk about it all the time.

KYLE:

Should work out good. I have all the confidence in you.

SAMANTHA:

What should I do there?

KYLE:

What do normal twenty-something women do for jobs?

SAMANTHA:

I can be a designer, or writer, you know write commercials.

KYLE:

I don't think there will be many positions like that there. You'll probably have to waitress or be a cashier or something.

She's a little disappointed. She thought she'd have an interesting position doing something fun.

SAMANTHA:

I'll find something fun to do.

KYLE:

As a cover story, you are going on

a trip abroad for some role research and self-discovery. I'm the only one who knows where you are.

He pulls out a large manila envelope.

KYLE (CONT'D)

I'll need all your money and credit cards.

She opens her wallet and takes out some cash and about 15 credit cards and hands them to Kyle.

KYLE (CONT'D)

Cell phone?

Sam is sick about giving up her phone.

SAMANTHA:

I can't keep mine?

KYLE:

I got you this one. I'm the only one who has the number.

Samantha gives him her phone and takes the other.

KYLE (CONT'D)

This way you won't be distracted by all the calls while you're away.

Samantha looks at the basic phone.

SAMANTHA:

This isn't even an iphone. How will I know what's going on?

KYLE:

If there's anything important that I think you should know about, I will call you.

INT. PLANE - DAY

Samantha, who will now be known as Sam, sits in first-class, enjoying her last taste of luxury for a while. She reaches for the last of her champagne and drains it. The flight attendant reaches for her glass, but Sam grabs it.

SAM:

I'm not quite through, thank you.

The flight attendant is taken aback by the way Sam snapped at her.

FIGHT ATTENDANT:

I'm sorry ma'am, we will be landing soon.

Sam realizes, she's not her Hollywood self anymore. She's a regular person now.

SAM:

I'm sorry, I didn't realize that we were landing this soon.

The attendant is given the glass and returns a smile to Sam.

INT. DETROIT AIRPORT - DAY

Sam deplanes and looks around, unsure of where to go or what to do. She looks at the signs walks toward the luggage claim. Nobody recognizes her.

SAM:

(reassuring herself)

I can do this.

INT. - AIRPORT LUGGAGE CLAIM - MOMENTS LATER

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