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NIGHTWAVES

Written by David Irons

First Draft March 18,2017

metropolmovies@gmail.com

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(1) INT. STUDIO, LONDON - DAY

The underwater darkness is interrupted by quick strobe- like 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.

PHOTOGRAPHERTurn 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?

PHOTOGRAPHERBusy are we?

KIRSTENI have some work I need to do this evening.

PHOTOGRAPHERThis 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.

PHOTOGRAPHERMmmm hmmm… OK turn to your left again… drop your arm.

(Beat) What are you doing, exactly?

KIRSTENI’m a comic book artist; I’m putting together my own

book, series of books actually.[long pause]

PHOTOGRAPHERYeah 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?

KIRSTENThe artwork has always been number one… not this.

PHOTOGRAPHERNot 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.

KIRSTENIt's not a dream if you're doing it, is it?

PHOTOGRAPHERDid 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.

KIRSTENI’ve got a deadline for something. I’m a writer. Well I’m

illustrating something actually.

PHOTOGRAPHERMmmm hmmm… OK turn to your left again… drop your arm.

(Beat) What are you doing, exactly?

KIRSTENI’m a comic book artist; I’m putting together my own

book, series of books actually.[long pause]

PHOTOGRAPHERYeah 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?

KIRSTENThe artwork has always been number one… not this.

PHOTOGRAPHERNot 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.3

KIRSTENIt's not a dream if you're doing it, is it?

PHOTOGRAPHERDid 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.

PHOTOGRAPHERI 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.

KIRSTENWhat did you say?

He smiles at his assistant who smiles back at him. Then starts flashing his camera at her again.

PHOTOGRAPHERI 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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