DRIVEN

Episode #01
'INCIDENT'

Story by
Jerry Cot
Written by
Jerry Cot & Craig Sabin
Original Pilot
for Television

jcote@sonic.net
robertcraigsabin@gmail.com
WGA#1561294

TEASER
EXT. AERIAL VIEW - AFTERNOON
Stock cars race around the track at dizzying speed.
ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
Welcome back, folks, to the Kansas
City 500, where-EXT. RACETRACK
Deafening motor ROAR as the cars race inches apart at 180
m.p.h. The tires eat the blacktop, belching smoke and rubber.
Car #25, plastered with billboards, weaves through a clutch
of cars spitting dust and gravel.
ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
Sarah Cunningham is proving her win
at the Indy wasnt just a fluke-Safety Official JAKE, in a white jumpsuit and helmet, watches
the smoke from the sidelines, a bit anxious.
Above him, in the stands, a packed blue collar crowd. This
isnt a Lakers game-- these people work for a living. Fans
pull beer from their coolers, sleeveless shirts and well-worn
caps on display. Women flash their tits at the passing cars.
EXT. CAMERA STAND #3
TED, cameraman, follows the racecars with his rig. Nearby-DELILAH (17) and her boyfriend NICK (19), slump in their
grandstand seats. Delilah, high strung, looks like shes
applying for a job-- very out of place. Shes pretty, with a
darkness to her. Nick is too immature to spot the danger.
NICK
You gonna flash the drivers?
DELILAH
You wish. My Dad would have to kill
everyone here.
Wimp.

NICK

Delilah glares at him, but fingers her top blouse button.

Faint scars are visible on her wrists.

2.
EXT. AERIAL VIEW - AFTERNOON
ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
At the halfway mark, its Allstate
trivia time! --Which driver was...
The Announcers voice fades as we pan over to...
A Broadcast Television Compound in the lower left corner of
the raceway complex-- a parking lot packed efficiently with
trailers connected by miles of thick, black cable. The
trailers bear the UBN logo. Producers, PAs, and a few suits
scurry, like an ant farm. We focus on one ant in particular-EXT. BROADCAST TELEVISION COMPOUND - AFTERNOON
SAM HUNTER (47) ruggedly handsome with sandy brown hair and
close-cropped beard, walks unhurried through the chaos. A
quiet professional with a knack for cutting through bullshit,
Sams every confident step declares; this is his domain.
Hey, Sam!

PETE (O.S.)

PETE LUNDQUIST races to catch up with Sam. Breathless...

PETE (CONTD)
You talk to them yet? About my
personal time request?
SAM
After Charlotte? I put in for it.
Talking to em today. You gotta
stop having babies, bud.
PETE
Shell kill me if Im not there.
SAM
Ill help you with corporate, but
youre on your own with your wife.
They split, Pete off to his job, Sam off to his. Sam leaps up
the steps to a large truck, pushes in the door.
INT. UTILITY TRUCK
Sam walks in to find-GARY and KELLY screwing on a paper-strewn desk. They gather
the papers around them, trying to cover the naughty bits.
GARY
Jesus, Sam! Dont you knock?

3.
KELLY
Sam, we were-Sam shakes his head, goes about his business, posting papers
in a clipboard on the wall, grabbing a looped length of
cable. Hes seen it all before.
SAM
I got corporate up my ass for job
cuts. You two got time to screw
around? I may just hand them yours.
-When youre done with em that is.
Sam heads for the door.
KELLY
Sam! Please, dont tell Ted.
SAM
I... oh forget it. --Hey, I think
youre wanted over in replay.
EXT. UTILITY TRUCK
Smiling to himself, Sam heads down the steps stumbling into-LIZ JAMES (35) beautiful, smart and ambitious, looking great
in short skirt and blouse, square frame glasses perched on a
perfect nose. She holds her paper cup of spilling coffee away
from her, irritated. Sam gapes, stunned.
Liz?

SAM

LIZ
Jesus, Sam! Walk much?
Liz walks past him.
SAM
When did you start here again?
LIZ
Today. Lotta catching up to do...
SAM
Nobody talked to me about it.
LIZ
Didnt know I needed your
permission.
Sam watches her walk off to the Production Studio Truck,
throwing a quick look over her shoulder.

4.
INT. MOBILE BROADCAST PRODUCTION STUDIO
Liz steps into the trailer, lit only by a bank of television
monitors. Portly HAL STEINMAN (53) and affable LARRY
KILLEBREW (42) cut their exchange short when Liz enters. Hal
pulls a rolling chair near him.
HAL
Liz! Need your take on something.
Were back in fifteen, so hurry.
Liz sits in the rolling chair by Hal. Hal hits a button-Juggling tits of a fan pop up on a monitor. Hal sniggers.
Larry goes back to directing the show, shaking his head.
LARRY
Seven, go wide on turn four. Five,
stay with the leaders... Easy
there... Cue Tony...
HAL
So what do you think? Professional
opinion.
Liz tamps down the anger in her eyes, smiles.
LIZ
Nah. I prefer em big-- like yours.
Chucking Hal under the chin, she wheels away to a computer,
starts typing. Larry laughs as he continues calling shots.
HAL
Jesus, is everyone making a pit
stop? Trying to do a show here!
A monitor shows a car pull in to a pit. In the stands above-EXT. CAMERA STAND #3
Delilah has three buttons undone, her bra visible. Nick ogles
her on. She breathes in some courage, fishes button #4-Then spins away from the track.
DELILAH
Holy crap! Its my Dad!
Sure enough, Sam walks across the bottom of the seats towards
Camera Stand #3. Jake runs over to him, shouting over the
roar of the cars.

5.
JAKE
Sam! Gettin ugly out there! Watch
yer crew!
SAM
The tracks not safe?!
JAKE
They tell me its fine! But what do
I know?!
Jake walks off. Sam looks up disgustedly at-A skybox, with a pack of sunglass wearing suits, watching the
race from on high.
Sam shakes his head. His attention is taken by-Black and orange car
clockwork, five crew
pit stop. The driver
gorgeous poster girl
bottle of water, her

#25 screeches into her pit box. Like

members perform a chaotic, synchronized
lifts her visor-- SARAH CUNNINGHAM,
for car racing. She gulps a proffered
expression anxious--

Until she spots Sam staring at her. Flashing a gorgeous

smile, she winks, hooking the empty water bottle over her car
and right at Sam. He bobbles the catch, smiles-But shes already gone, speeding down the track.
Sam looks at the wheels just removed from her car.
Practically melted down.
INT. STOCK RACE CAR
Car #25 ZOOMS towards the front raceway, Sarahs eyes laserfocused and determined.
EXT. CAMERA STAND #3
Sam enters the camera position, pulling aside Teds
headphones and yelling into his ear. He stands and waves at
Delilah, who waves back, embarrassed.
Sam cocks his head, noticing-Delilahs shirt is misbuttoned, askew.
A SCREECH pulls Sams attention--

6.
EXT. RACETRACK
A STOCK CAR careens wildly down the track infield, tires
spitting flaming rubber. Too fast to stop, the car shears up
the track embankment, straight into a cluster of cars.
ANNOUNCER (O.S.)
Crash in turn four! #16 Tremaine
has lost control--!
Cars spin, collide, flip up against the wall at high speed.
Engines explode as racecars scatter across the track-As #25 tears into the turn, blurring speed-INT. STOCK RACE CAR (POV)
Sarahs widened eyes through her visor. Carnage and flames.
EXT. RACETRACK
#25 hits a flattened car. Her car goes airborne doing 170
m.p.h., spinning into the fence protecting-EXT. CAMERA STAND #3
Sam spins, shouts at Delilah as he ducks and covers.
SAM
Del! Get down! Get-The car slams into the fence, disintegrates, buckling the
fence. Car parts, tires fly into the grandstands.
The crowds scream, race to the aisles to avoid the debris.
As the noise dies down, Sam peers through the oily smoke.
SAM (CONTD)
Del! Delilah!
Delilah rises into view, traumatized and cowering, her sleeve
torn. Nick, untouched, clicks at the horror with his phone.
Sure Delilahs okay, Sam glares towards the skybox.
Empty. The suits are gone.

7.
ACT 1
INT. MOBILE BROADCAST PRODUCTION STUDIO
The monitors show the race in progress. Hal, Larry and Liz
text, press buttons and call shots through their headphones.
The job doesnt stop Hal from needling Liz-- it never does.
HAL
Im agreeing with you. All race car
drivers should be women. They come
equipped with their own airbags.
LIZ
Jesus, Hal-LARRY
Guys? Guys? Oh, shit-The hideous crash plays out on the monitors. A silent second
as the crew takes it in-- make that a half second-LARRY (CONTD)
Camera five, go, go, go! Two,
hold. Five, pan left, a
little more, good-- lock it.
Seven, go wide--

LIZ
Janine, car #25, repeat, car
#25, get over to the media
center. The copy will be
there--

Hal takes charge, swings the mic away from his mouth.
HAL
Alright, slow down. This is the
story now, folks. I want all replay
angles on monitor 6. Liz, youre on
the copy, Larry, keep the crews in
line. Anyone without a reason for
being in here, get the hell out.
Were off the playbook now.
The crew snaps back into action. Liz types, chattering on the
headset, as Larry clicks the com links to the camera crews.
LARRY
Booth, get replay in here. InCar, I want early shots-nothing too graphic, this is
a family show.

HAL
Tighten up, two. Unless
theyre bleeding, trim the
nose hair. Three, what the
hell? I need pictures here!--

Liz looks up from her computer at the monitors, showing dazed

drivers crawling from the wreckage, cars pulling off to the
pit boxes, men waving flags frantically-The monitor labelled #3 doesnt move.

8.
LARRY
Ted, get it in gear-Liz leans over Hals station, presses a button.
LIZ
Five, give me a shot of three.
Hal and Liz stare at the #5 monitor as the image swings
across the track, landing on-Camera position #3, trashed with car wreckage strewn across.
A smoking ruin.
HAL
Well, shit...
LIZ
Get Sam over there.
Hal laughs suddenly.
HAL
Women drivers, huh?
EXT. GRANDSTAND - DAY
Sam examines Delilahs arm, now bleeding. Delilah wears her
game face, but shes pale and shaken. Sam keys his radio.
DELILAH
Im fine, Dad. Nick protected me.
SAM
Kristy, Sam here-- where you
setting up triage? Come back.
NICK
(still filming)
That guy is totally bleeding from
his head.
KRISTY (O.S.)
(over radio)
Triage east of the mess tent. Out.
SAM
Del, theres a first aid station
next to the mess tent in the
compound. Let em check you out.
DELILAH
What about the race?

9.
SAM
The race is over. Pretty exciting
weekend with Dad, huh?
Delilah stares at Sam, trying to hold it together.
DELILAH
Is she... is she...
NICK
Totally! No way shes walking away
from that one.
Dad?

DELILAH

Sam looks back at the track. EMT staff race to erect a tent
around the car wreckage. He spots the remains of Camera Stand
#3. Holy shit...
SAM
Get to first aid, Del. Youll get
her there, ...?
Nick.

NICK

SAM
Youll get her there?
Sam heads off for the wreckage of the camera position.
NICK
Yeah, nice meeting you, Mister H!
Clamping down her tears, she nods curtly and walks off,
dragging Nick with her.
Sam quick-marches to the camera stand. He passes shellshocked Jake, staring at the chaos. A bleeding child wails.
Jake...

SAM

JAKE
Shoulda called it in. I shoulda...
SAM
Not your fault, Jake. But those
people need you up there. Triage
and transport. You know the drill.
JAKE
Dont tell anyone I said anything--

10.
SAM
No one woulda heard you if you
did. Go. Save a life.
Jake walks unsteadily towards the wounded crowd as Sam
hurries on. His radio squawks. Sam keys it.
SAM (CONTD)
Yeah... Already there.
Beyond, a suited man runs like a girl toward a hastily
erected white tent on the track, a cell phone in his hand.
INT. RACETRACK - TENT
Obscured by the tent, an EMT team, in white hazmat suits and
thick gloves, dig through the smoking car wreckage.
The suited man pushes in; MARV GOLDSTEIN (42) VP of Sports
Programming, carries an air of authority given, not earned.
MARV
How is she?
An EMT waves to a stretcher on red gravel. Marv turns away,
sickened.
MARV (CONTD)
Jesus God, wheres the head?!
EMT
Were still looking...
MARV
Ah, Jesus God...
EXT. TRACK - DAY
Retching, Marv emerges, collects himself. The infield crowd
is held back by carelessly spun yellow tape. JACK STEARNS
(32)-- sharp in every way but his wardrobe-- approaches with
a digital recorder, ducking the tape.
JACK
Marv, hows she doing?
MARV
Not now, Jack. Jesus God-JACK
You gonna stop the race?

11.
MARV
Jack, were trying to save lives
here! Well fill you in at the
briefing, now, get back behind the
tape. Jesus God!
Jack backs off, hands up, as Marv seeks distance around the
white tent. He pulls out his phone.
INT. MODERN CORNER OFFICE - MIAMI - DAY
Beautiful, spacious, yet cold. A huge LED TV shows the
racetrack wreckage. MARGARET STEVENS (47) watches from her
desk, her face impassive. The phone rings. She waits two
rings, then lifts the handset.
Yes?

MARGARET

EXT. INFIELD - DAY

Marv cowers behind the tent, his hand over his mouth as he
speaks to Margaret. Intercut as needed.
MARV
Its bad, Mrs. Stevens, its bad-MARGARET
Take a breath, Marv. The day looks
beautiful out there. Is she alive?
MARV
No. Well need to call the race-Margaret takes a breath of her own-- just one.
MARGARET
We cant do that, Marv. Refunds,
promotional fees, venue costs,
injunctions, not to mention
lawsuits... Who knows shes dead?
MARV
Just me, and the EMTs.
MARGARET
Perfect. Put her on a stretcher,
get her in an ambulance, and well
announce from the hospital after
the race is finished.
MARV
Mrs. Stevens. Shes missing her head.

12.
Margaret takes another breath.
MARGARET
Where is it?
MARV
Its gotta be in the wreckage.
MARGARET
Find it fast, and stick it on.
MARV
Stick it...? What if its crushed?
MARGARET
Marv. Youre my point man up there.
Work it out. Ill call her family.
Margaret hangs up.
EXT. TRACK - TENT - DAY
Marv hangs up his phone. Looks over at the crowd, with Jack
perching nearby, watching him suspiciously. Marv speed-dials
a number as he walks back inside the tent.
MARV
Tony, its Marv. I need a helmet...
Turn four... Bring it in a bag...
EXT. CAMERA STAND #3
Sam roots through the destruction that was a camera position,
pushes through the wreckage. He throws back a fiberglass slabTED, the cameraman, lies on the rubble, a shard of metal
sticking out of his arm. Blood oozes around the metal,
collecting in an alarmingly large pool beneath him.
Sam keys his mic.
SAM
Jake, I need a team at Camera #3...
Kelly...

TED

SAM
Hes losing a lot of blood.
TED
Tell Kelly...

13.
Sam stands and waves to a camera pointed at the station,
speaks into his mic.
SAM
Production, you copy?
INT. MOBILE BROADCAST PRODUCTION STUDIO
Sam waves from a monitor, his voice crackles over the radio.
SAM
Teds hurt bad. Let emergency know
were gonna need some room on the
Medivac. Triage cant handle this.
Liz picks up the radio as Hal and Larry keep the show going.
LIZ
Copy that, Sam. You okay?
Liz watches Sam on the monitor as he takes a breath, collects
himself. An intimate moment shared over the airwaves.
SAM
His fiances in trailer seventeen.
But make sure you knock first. Know
what I mean, darlin?
LIZ
(smiles)
Copy that, Sam.
On the monitor, paramedics rush into frame, kneel in the
wreckage.
INT. INFIELD
The EMTs carry out the body, a towel stuffed helmet wedged
between her neck and two foam braces. As they trot towards
the helipad, the infield crowd applauds.
Marv speaks with Jack, into Jacks recorder.
MARV
Theres a lot of internal bleeding.
Frankly, I dont know how shes
hanging on. Shes a real fighter.
INT. TRACK MEDIA CENTER
JANINE, sexy reporter woman, stands in front of a screen
filled with corporate logos, trying hard to look grave and
important for the camera. It doesnt sit well on her.

14.
JANINE
...where a team of surgeons wait to
save this brave pioneer. And of
course, Bob, well keep you updated
as soon as we get more news. The
question being asked here is-INT. MOBILE BROADCAST PRODUCTION STUDIO
Janine speaks from a TV monitor.
JANINE
will the race continue? With a one
hundred thousand dollar purse for
the best time each hundred miles-Hal, Larry and Liz work from the shadows of the booth.
LARRY
Camera two, frame 25s pit crew.
Theyre praying.
LIZ
(re: Janine)
Shes got no gravitas.
HAL
Shes got double D gravitas. Tell
you what, well get an ugly chick
just for the accidents.
Phone rings, Hal picks it up.
Yeah...

HAL (CONTD)

LIZ
Cue up the accident again, in-car
angle. May as well give em
something to see...
HAL
(hangs up the phone)
Ease up on the promo money stuff
for Janines copy. Corporate can
smell the lawsuits.
LIZ
But its true-HAL
You dont work for the truth!

15.
LIZ
Bob has a crew chief says the track
is unsafe, melting the tires.
HAL
No time. Theyre starting up the
race again.
Hal ogles the monitor with Janine on it.
HAL (CONTD)
Youll be back in your element,
wont you, you crazy hot bitch...
Liz and Larry glance at Hal, concerned, as he sucks a finger.
EXT. RACETRACK
Flag waver waves the green flag, and cars start pulling out
of the pit boxes. The grandstands cheer and applaud.
Sam watches from the disaster zone of the camera stand as the
Paramedics work to stabilize Ted. Sam keys his radio.
SAM
Production, its Sam, copy?
INT. MOBILE BROADCAST PRODUCTION STUDIO
Liz picks up the radio.
LIZ
Copy, Sam. Hows Ted?
SAM
They wont tell me anything. Are
they re-starting the race?
LIZ
Thats what we hear.
SAM
They cant do that.
LIZ
Not my call, Sam. You want another
crew out there?
SAM
What for? To catch the next crash?
--Im out.
As Liz replaces the radio--

16.
LARRY
Whats Sam up to?
LIZ
He wont leave Teds side.
LARRY
Good man to have on your team when
youre down.
LIZ
Yep. But not if you want to win.
INT. MODERN CORNER OFFICE - MIAMI
Margaret finishes her call.
MARGARET
Yes... Well keep our prayers
coming, and Im certain well see
her winning the purse next year...
Her other extension rings.
MARGARET (CONTD)
Im sorry, Phin, I have to take
this. Call me when you get to the
hospital... God bless.
She clicks off, checks the incoming number, picks it up.
Adam.

MARGARET (CONTD)

INT. LUXURY CAR - DAY

ADAM STEVENS(45) tanned, coif and buffed-- like Bruce Wayne,
without the alter-ago-- speaks to Margaret. Beside him, in
the passenger seat, a BLONDE BOMBSHELL runs manicured nails
along his thigh. Intercut as needed.
ADAM
Im driving. How bad is it? Is she
alive?
MARGARET
You dont need to know that-ADAM
Goddammit, Madge, Im President of
the Association. Youre just the
corporate CEO. Dont tell me what I
can and cant know. Is she alive?

17.
MARGARET
...Yes. Barely.
ADAM
So, its bad.
MARGARET
Actually, brother, its good. Were
back on track to finish the race,
and ratings are through the roof
since the accident.
ADAM
Im about to walk in to the
investors presentation. Theyll ask
about safety-MARGARET
Safety? Theyre not driving the
goddamn cars. Tell em about the
ratings. --Tell em Motorsports
Entertainment Incorporated is
poised for huge growth, that the
sport is going global this year...
ADAM
Sis, I can handle the investors.
Anything else I should know?
Margaret suppresses a smile.
...No

MARGARET

ADAM
She better not die.
MARGARET
No, she better not.
EXT. GRANDSTAND
Marv watches proudly as the cars pick up speed around the
track, warming up for the re-start. His phone rings.
Yeah.

MARV

INT. CAMERA STAND #3

Sam speaks to Marv on his cell phone. Behind him, the
Paramedics finish getting Ted mobile.

18.
SAM
What the hell, Marv?
MARV
Sam. Hear you had a little dust up.
SAM
One of my guys nearly got his arm
tore off.
MARV
That should make your work force
reductions a little easier.
SAM
Im gonna forget you said that, Marv.
MARV
Hell be fine, all the money we pay
for health care.
SAM
If youre so worried about health
care costs, why are you re-starting
this race?
MARV
The track is clear, the injured are
on their way to the hospital, they
can re-start.
SAM
Theres supposed to be an on-site
investigation if a driver dies.
MARV
No driver died, Sam.
SAM
Quit pitching, Marv. No way
Cunningham walked away from that.
MARV
Shes critical but shes breathing.
Sam takes this in, shaking his head in disbelief.
SAM
Marv, the tracks unsafe. You offer
those purses and theyre not gonna
drive safely--

19.
MARV
Sam, these guys are professionals.
They know what theyre doing. But
thanks for your concern-SAM
How many more of my people have to
get maimed?
MARV
Sam, do your job, Ill do mine. And
Im serious about the reductions. I
need two more. What about Lundquist
--hes always taking time off.
SAM
Hes got a baby on the way.
MARV
Whoever, then. You guys are
bleeding me dry-EXT. CAMERA STAND #3
Sam hangs up the phone, furious.
PARAMEDIC
On three. One, two, three-They lift Ted from the rubble. Hes pale, gasping.
Kelly--

TED

Sam rushes to Teds side.

SAM
Its okay, champ. Shell meet you
at the hospital.
TED
A ring, in the underwear drawer-The Paramedics carry Ted off. Sam takes a moment, watches them go.
Then, frustrated, he kicks at the remains of a fender wedged
between the camera stand and the border fence.
The fender shifts-Sam spots-Crammed down against the fence, a distinctive orange and
black helmet, with the #25 painted amidst corporate logos.

20.
ACT 2
INT. SKYBOX - DAY
A group of suits huddles far from the window in the rear of
the sumptuous room, speaking in panicked whispers and sobs,
ignoring the first class catered spread behind them.
Up in the corner ceilings, muted TVs show a crowd of wellwishers laying flowers and candles at a hospital. TV chyron
reads Sarah Cunningham Crash - Critical Condition.
ROSS BOLLANDER (52) speaks on his cell phone, nervously
eyeing the group of suits.
ROSS
Theyre worried. They think restartings a bad move, and I agree.
INT. HOTEL CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Adam, an expensive blazer thrown over his un-tucked shirt,
speaks to Ross. Behind him, in the room, a has-been rock star
plays to an audience of stiffs. Intercut as needed.
ADAM
Big picture, Ross. We cant halt
our expansion plans every time
theres an accident.
ROSS
Sarah Cunningham is the story now,
not the race. The sponsors know it,
I know it, and if you were here,
youd know it, too.
ADAM
If we call it now, the viewersll
switch to CNN for the updates. Or,
OR, we can restart the race. Give
your sponsors a show with more
viewers by the minute, with their
logos on the cars...
ROSS
Including the one that crashed.
ADAM
Yes, Ross, Sarahs car will be
prominently displayed in replay, as
well as tributes if, God forbid-ROSS
God forbid.

21.
ADAM
Tell that to her sponsor, see if he
wants to stop. At any rate, its an
Association decision, not Networks.
INT. TRACK MEDIA CENTER - DAY
Corporate logos familiar and exotic pock a blue wall behind
FRAN EBERSOL (35), petite, dark-haired with startling brown
eyes and a permanent poker face. She addresses a group of
reporters and film cameras.
FRAN
...the race will continue in
accordance with ASCA rules. In the
meantime, we keep our thoughts and
prayers with Sarah Cunningham. Ill
take questions-Jack, in the scrum, raises his hand first, but Fran
studiously ignores it, choosing-Cathy?

FRAN (CONTD)

CATHY
There are rumors that Ms.
Cunningham died on impact.
FRAN
I repeat, the doctors are working
on her right now. Shes in serious
condition, but shes fighting.
Spreading baseless rumors does real
damage to her family.
CATHY
Any specifics on her condition?
FRAN
Not at this time. Lets let the
doctors do their jobs, and pray for
a good outcome.
JACK
Fran, a question-FRAN
Rich, you had a question?
Jack fumes as Rich lobs the softball-RICH
How are the other drivers coping?

22.
FRAN
Theyre shaken, obviously, and are
praying for her. But theyre pros.
They came here today to race. The
best medicine is action.
The room laughs, except for Jack, who furiously raises his
hand. Fran ignores it, pointing to another REPORTER.
REPORTER
Ms. Ebersol, hows her pit crew?
FRAN
Well, theyre praying very hard...
Fran pauses for effect, and Jack jumps in.
JACK
Was the track safe, Ms. Ebersol?
Thrown off her game for a second, Fran glares icily at Jack.
FRAN
The track has met all requirements-JACK
Because pit crews are telling me
the track is fast. Theyre pulling
off tires that are dripping rubber.
In between their prayers, I mean.
FRAN
Mr. Stearns, as I was sayingJACK
If the track is unsafe, and you
restart the race-FRAN
ASCA has cleared this track, as
they do all Association tracks-JACK
And offering those payouts every
hundred miles, doesnt that
encourage the sort of driving that
got Sarah killed?
FRAN
No one has been killed. How many
ways can I say it? Sarah is alive.
Therell be plenty of time later to
play the blame game--

23.
EXT. CAMERA STAND #3
TERRY FRANKEL (40) a soft-spoken man, the ultimate team
player, races across the bottom of the grandstands, carrying
a big ASCA souvenir bag. He reaches the camera position and
hands the bag to Sam, kneeling in the wreckage.
FRAN (V.O.)
But for now, how about we all work
together for a change...
Sam takes the bag from Terry, then signals Terry to turn
around. Terry obeys, nervous eyes darting.
FRAN (V.O.)
And pray... yes, Jack, pray...
Sam quickly pulls the full helmet from its lodged state,
slides it into the souvenir bag.
FRAN (V.O.)
For a full and fast recovery for
Sarah Cunningham.
Sam hands the souvenir bag to Terry.
SAM
Stick this somewhere. Somewhere
cold. Got it?
TERRY
What is it?
SAM
You dont wanna know. And I dont
wanna know where you stash it.
When I need it, Ill radio you.
Dont let anyone in on this.
TERRY
You wanna tell me whats goin on?
--Im not liking this, Sam.
SAM
You dont have to. Do it or dont.
Uncertain, Terry takes the bag and takes off. As he goes, Sam
keys his radio, walking off.
SAM (CONTD)
Kristy?... Its Sam... My daughter
show yet?

24.
INT. TRIAGE TENT - DAY
KRISTY (30s) a cowboy in a womans body, talks on her radio.
KRISTY
Shes here, Sam, along with about
fifty others. Now, leave me the
hell alone for five minutes?
Kristy storms off. Behind her, waiting for a doctor, sits
Nick and Delilah. Nick shows her the video on his phone.
NICK
And thats the second button.
DELILAH
(smiling)
You better delete that...
NICK
Hellz no. Im posting this, itll
get like a billion hits...
The crash comes up on his phone. Delilah turns away.
NICK (CONTD)
People are gonna talk about this
forever, and we were like, there!
Delilah suddenly pales. She wilts against Nick.
NICK (CONTD)
Whoa! Help! We need some ICU! Stat!
A EMT rushes over, checks Delilah out.
EMT
Shes in shock. We gotta get her to
a hospital. You got a car?
Nick shakes his head. He turns to the crowd.
NICK
Anyone here got a car?!
INT. OPERATIONS OFFICE TRAILER - DAY
Sam rushes in, slams the door shut behind him. This dank cave
is his calm in the center of the storm. Sam takes a breath,
centering himself. With slow measured steps, he marches to
his desk and sits heavily in a well-worn rolling chair.
CRUNKLE! Sam jumps at the sudden sound, pulls out from his
back pocket--

25.
The water bottle thrown to him by Sarah. He stares at the
bent plastic, slowly unfolding. Brown lipstick on the rim.
Resolve hardens in his eyes. Peering through the post-its
stuck to his monitor, he taps furiously at his battered
laptop. Thumbs the mouse pad-E-mail-- Operations Folder-- Safety-Sam pulls up one e-mail in particular, saves it in a new
folder, hits the print button-Sam keys his radio as he leans over the printer.
SAM
Sam to replay-- Hey, Gary, cue up
the camera three footage from sixty
seconds before the crash-Sam grabs the papers, puts them in a manila envelope, changes
the password on his computer, closes the lid and races out.
EXT. INFIELD - DAY
Marv grills a team of mechanics and EMTs.
MARV
Whadaya mean, its not in the car?
EMT
Its not in the car, sir.
MARV
But where else could it...?
Marv looks over at-The wreckage of camera position #3, being sifted through by a
clean-up crew.
MARV (CONTD)
Jesus God...
INT. MOBILE BROADCAST PRODUCTION STUDIO
The beat goes on...
LARRY
Pan back on turn 2... cue the
sky cam...go sky cam...

LIZ
Cue Bob... Cue graphics...
what the hell is that?... go
graphics...

The graphics show a picture of Sarah Cunningham, a flaming

car juxtaposed behind her.

26.
HAL
To the affiliates in three...
two... one... clear.
Breathless, reckless pace...
LARRY
What the hell was that?
LIZ
Im calling them...
Hal picks up a ringing phone.
HAL
Yeah... Shes calling them...
LARRY
How soon before we can get camera
#3 up and running again?
Liz lifts another phone, hits a button.
HAL
We dont control the goddammned
race, we just broadcast-LIZ
Because it was tasteless, I mean,
geezus, whats next, showing her
popping out of a meat grinder?
LARRY
Her car wasnt even on fire. Tell
em her car wasnt on fire.
HAL
And well keep on replaying it,
its the story. I dont care how
many BJs shes given the sponsors-LARRY
Hal, if theyre taping this-LIZ
Whats the ETA on Camera #3?...
Hes what?
HAL
Next BJ, you wont have to worry
about the teeth, Ill tell ya...
LIZ
Seven, give me #3...

27.
She checks Camera #7s monitor viewing #3-Marv waves off the crew, shifts the debris inexpertly.
LIZ (CONTD)
Has everyone here gone insane?
She grabs her radio. Hal hangs up his phone, cackling
hysterically.
LIZ (CONTD)
Sam, this is broadcast, copy?
INT. REPLAY TRAILER
Sam sits in a monitor-filled trailer with Gary (from the
early intercourse scene.) They watch slow motion footage of
the crash tumbling towards the POV, then static. Sam lifts
his radio. Intercut as needed.
SAM
Go for Sam.
LIZ
Whats Marv doing at stand #3?
SAM
Come again?
LIZ
Marv is rooting through the
wreckage out at three. He wont let
the clean-up crew back in.
Sam smiles to himself.
SAM
Guess hes looking for something.
LIZ
Sam, talk to me, whats going on?
What are you doing?
SAM
Ill take care of it. Over.
Liz fumes as Sam keys off.
Sam pulls his cell phone out of its holder, speed dials.
EXT. CAMERA STAND #3
Marvs cell phone rings. He answers it.

28.
MARV
Marv Goldstein.
INT. REPLAY TRAILER
SAM
You wont find it, Marv.
EXT. CAMERA STAND #3
Marv pales at the news, but he tries to tough it out.
MARV
Wont find what, Sam? I dont know
what youre-INT. REPLAY TRAILER
Sam hangs up his phone.
SAM
Make me a disc, from 13:54 to the
static, then delete it.
GARY
Youd get good money for this clip-SAM
Youd be in prison before you could
spend it. They wont let this out,
Gary, trust me. Hows Kelly?
GARY
I feel bad about that. Is Ted okay?
SAM
His arm doesnt look good.
Gary pulls out a freshly burned disc from his drive, hands it
to Sam. Sam slides the disc into his manila envelope as Gary
deletes the file. Sam heads for the door.
SAM (CONTD)
Give Marv my regards when he shows.
GARY
Marvs coming?! What do I tell him?
SAM
Never lie, son. Everyone finds out
eventually.

29.
INT. MOBILE BROADCAST PRODUCTION STUDIO
Liz mutters to herself, still angry with Sam. The three have
their own discussions, all overlapping.
LIZ
Damn boys playing games-- Twenty
seconds-HAL
(on phone)
I just took em down-LARRY
Tighten up, eight, dont get
sloppy. Youre covering for three-HAL
Cause the goddamn sponsors told meLIZ
I want three back in the saddle
before the next commercial-HAL
Look, do you want the crash or
not?! Get your shit together!
He hangs up-- and the phone rings again. Hal picks it up.
LIZ
Fifteen. Hal?
What?--

HAL

EXT. CAMERA STAND #3

Marv paces in the wreckage. Intercut as needed.
MARV
I want the footage from camera
three, I want it locked down-HAL
Marv, were on in fifteen--

Ten!

HAL
Ten. Next break.
MARV
Now, Hal. Or I start taking those
harassment complaints seriously.

LIZ

30.
INT. MOBILE BROADCAST PRODUCTION STUDIO
Hal slams down the phone. Liz hangs up hers, solemn.
LIZ
Teds losing his arm... cue
graphics...
Hal and Larry take exactly a second to stare at Liz.
Which arm?

LARRY

LIZ
Does it matter?
HAL
It might if youre lonely...
Hal turns away, frantic tears in his eyes.
LIZ
On in five...
HAL
Fuck this shit! Im not pedaling
this crap anymore! --They want
ratings? Ill give em ratings!!
LARRY
Hal, what are you doing...?
Hal taps a button, a sex tape with Janine as its star appears
on a monitor. He unzips his fly and works his hand into his
pants, begins furiously masturbating.
LIZ
Oh, my God-- is this going out?
Yeah--

LARRY

HAL
This should grab at least a 12
share!
Liz wrestles past Hal to his board of buttons as he moans and
gurgles. She clicks the lit transmit button. It goes dark.
LIZ
Hes offline. Slate!...
Liz and Larry try to work around Hal, whos jerking off
manically as the sex tape continues on one of the monitors.

31.
LIZ
Read the damn copy, dont
improvise Bob. --How long was
that on?
Shit!

LARRY
Great shot 2, -follow,
follow... --Dont know, tenseconds?

LIZ (CONTD)

HAL
Thats all these bastards want-sex, lies and huge overnights!
-Well just get a load of those
primetime puppies!
Janines large breasts fill the monitor.
Go five.

LARRY

LIZ
Cue Bob, cue graphics.

HAL (CONTD)
(ranting)
I bet they would murder for these
numbers! Actually, seriously, kill!
Go Bob--

LIZ

The broadcast shows a jiggling camera and bemused commentator

BOB, orange face and white hair, a finger to his ear.
LIZ (CONTD)
Bob, read the damn copy!
Bob starts talking like the meat puppet he is.
BOB
If youve just joined us, weve
seen a very dramatic day here at
the Kansas City 500, where Sarah
Cunningham...
Liz grabs her radio.
LIZ
Sam, copy? Urgent!
(into mic)
Go replay.
SAM (O.S.)
(over radio)
Sam here.
LIZ
Sam, we need you in broadcast. Now!

32.
ACT 3
INT. TRIAGE TENT
Delilah, recovered but pale, leans on Nick as an EMT speaks
to a wounded FAN.
FAN
We can double up the kids, she can
ride with us.
EMT
Thank you. Thank you.
EMT turns to Delilah and Nick.
DELILAH
I dont want to go.
EMT
Maam, youre in shock, youve lost
some blood, and were out of
ambulances. I cant make you go,
but we cant take care of you here.
DELILAH
What about Nick?
NICK
Ill find a ride, babe. Ill be
there before you can say Ahhh.
Delilah nods silently, tears in her eyes. She stands shakily
and follows Fan out of the tent.
EMT
Anyone you want me to call?
...No.

DELILAH

INT. TRACK MEDIA CENTER OFFICE - DAY

Fran sits at her cluttered desk, firing off e-mails. A rap at
the closed door.
Come!

FRAN

Jacks barges in, glowering.

FRAN (CONTD)
Here we go...

33.
JACK
Closed door, thats new. This is
all getting a bit Nixonian-FRAN
How can I help you, Jack?
JACK
You can let me do my job, Fran.
FRAN
I cant call on every reporter.
JACK
But you can call on Cathy? Shes
got her head so far up the Stevens
ass, they can taste her hair dye.
FRAN
She was asking about Sarah. Sarahs
the story. While you want to turn
it into one of your conspiracies-JACK
If the track is not safe, asking
these questions will save lives!
FRAN
Its my show, Jack! Why dont you
let me do my job?!
Frustrated, Jack knocks a chair over. He seethes. Then...
JACK
Drinks later?
FRAN
Definitely. Now get out.
INT. MOBILE BROADCAST PRODUCTION STUDIO
Sam walks in-SAM
Okay, whats going on--?
Hal is standing now, one hand on the board, another on the
wood. Liz and Larry scramble to pick up the slack, while Hal
slacks up the pick.
LIZ
Use the Ming-hau theme. With
orchestra... Im still writing the
copy...

34.
LARRY
Tighten up, two, go seven. In-Car,
tilt car 31s lens to the left...
Holy...

SAM

LIZ
Sam, we lost Hal. Could you smack
him or something?
Sam spins Hal around, then pulls back.
Whoa!

SAM

HAL
I still got two arms, and dammit,
Im gonna use em-- Let Marv and
his bosses get a load of this...
Hal moans, redoubling his Onanian efforts. His pants slide
down to his ankles.
SAM
Hes been smacked enough.
Terry comes in. Sam lays down his manila envelope.
TERRY
Sam, what do I do with-(sees Hal)
Oh, my God.
SAM
Terry, bring me that towel.
Terry grabs a filthy towel hanging off the wall, holds it out
as far as his arm will go. Sam wraps it around Hals crotch.
SAM (CONTD)
Give it a rest, Hal, come on...
HAL
(spent, pleading)
You know they dont give a damnits all about money and market
share. --Sam, get the hell out
while you still have a soul.
SAM
(to Terry)
Get his legs.

35.

Aw, God--

TERRY

Wincing, Terry crouches and grabs Hals feet. Sam takes Hal
under the arms. The two carry him towards the door.
LIZ
Go video... were out. Back in two.
Hes done.

SAM

LIZ
He cant be done. Were doing a
live broadcast. Get him back.
SAM
Hes not coming back. Not today.
LIZ
Whos gonna run the show?
You.

SAM

Liz stares at him, aghast. Larry, too, looks up, surprised.

LIZ
Are you crazy?! Im an assistant-LARRY
Its her first day back-SAM
You can do it, Liz. You know the
boards, the drill, the personnel.
LIZ
Im not ready to finish this race-SAM
The race is over.
LIZ
Theyre restarting it-Its over.

SAM

LIZ
What arent you telling me?

36.
SAM
All you gotta do is close the show.
You can close the show. Now get
your ass in the chair and do it.
Sam and Terry lug the rambling Hal out of the trailer. Liz
stares at the daunting board, filled with buttons, lit, dark,
and blinking.
Larry eyes her resentfully.
LARRY
Back in one.
LIZ
Im gonna need you, Lar. You have
a problem with me taking the chair?
Nope.

LARRY

Liz pulls back the chair, goes to sit. Sam returns to close
the door-- stops Liz.
SAM
Not his chair. Not without a towel.
LIZ
Sam, get the hell out of here!
Sam grabs his envelope and closes the door, smiling. Liz
shoves Hals chair aside and pulls hers up to the board.
LIZ (CONTD)
Back in thirty... Cue replay...
INT. REPLAY TRAILER
Gary pulls up footage of the crash.
GARY
(into headset)
Roger that-- I got a new angle from
position one, nice zoom.
Marv stands behind him, furious.
MARV
Who authorized you to delete it!?
GARY
Sam said corporate wouldnt want
anyone to see it.

37.
MARV
That bad? Jesus God...
GARY
If he says corporate doesnt want
the footage, corporate probably
doesnt want the footage.
MARV
It wasnt his call, Gary. Sam is
operations. Im the one making
editorial decisions. Next time, you
dont do anything until I see it.
As Marv heads out-GARY
You can see it. Sam has a disc.
Marv turns pale in the bleak light.
MARV
You made him a-He lets it sink in, then explodes in a tantrum.
MARV (CONTD)
Goddammit! See me after the show! I
will have your job! Jesus God...
Marv storms out.
INT. SKYBOX - DAY
The sponsors, relaxed enough at last to eat, enjoy their
spread as they watch the video on the TV screen, a touching
tribute to Sarah Cunningham, littered with corporate symbols.
They nod approvingly at their exposure.
Ross nods as well-- its all working out. His phone rings.
ROSS
This is Ross.
EXT. TRIAGE TENT - CONTINUOUS
Sam stands by Hals cot, envelope in hand. An EMT restrains
Hal while Sam speaks on the phone. Intercut as needed.
SAM
Ross? Its Sam. We need to talk.

38.
ROSS
Take it up with Marv, Sam. Im
doing a little hand-holding.
SAM
Youll be holding more than that,
Ross. Youre hip deep in it. We
dont talk now, Marvll have your
job tomorrow. Nobody wants that.
(then)
Im just trying to help you here.
ROSS
Meet me in the mess tent, back by
the coolers in five. Youre buying.
Sam hangs up, satisfied. He wanders inside the triage tent.
He spots poor, harried Kristy.
SAM
Kristy. Wheres Delilah?
KRISTY
She was over by the exam room, last
I saw her.
Sam heads over to where the EMTs examine injured fans and
workers. Just cuts and scrapes at this point. Sam pulls at an
EMTs arm-- the one who treated Delilah.
SAM
Excuse me, Im looking for a girl,
seventeen, dressed a little formal-EMT
Yes, we sent her to the hospital.
SAM
What?! Which hospital?
EMT
--I dont know. A family took her.
Sam turns away, pulls out his cell phone and dials.
SAM
Delilah, baby, Im looking for you.
Where are you? What hospital? Im
coming but dont know where to go-Sam heads towards the exit.

39.
EXT. TRIAGE TENT - DAY
Sam marches towards a parking lot, phone pressed to his ear.
SAM
Ill check em all, but itll be
faster if you call.
His phone beeps in his ear. Sam checks the display. Marv.
Sam sighs deeply, takes the call.
What?

SAM (CONTD)

EXT. TRAILERS
Marv talks, sweaty in his suit. Intercut as needed.
MARV
You called Bollanger, Sam?! You
trying to go over my head?
SAM
I asked you to stop the race-MARV
It isnt up to me, and it sure as
shit isnt up to you! You stay the
hell away from Bollanger! Ill meet
him at the mess tent, Ill tell him
you got called away, and we can get
on with our jobs!
SAM
What the hell is your job, Marv?
Getting my crew killed?
MARV
Youre so concerned about your
crew, dont make me an enemy.
Remember, I can clean house here.
SAM
...Youd fire everyone?
MARV
And hire em back, at starters pay.
Except for you, Sam. You might just
have to find a new job. Maybe
another organization would hire you
after my recommendation, but I
doubt it. Are you hearing me now?

40.

Yes.

SAM

MARV
Well finish this race, then you
and I will have a come to Jesus
meeting.
Marv hangs up, strutting towards the mess tent.
EXT. TRIAGE TENT
Sam stands, staring at the cars just out of reach.
Delilahs photo comes up on Sams phone display. Sam looks at
it, sadly. The cheering crowd grabs his attention.
EXT. RACETRACK - DAY
A Flag Waver waves the solid green flag as the cars speed up
around the track. The crowd cheers and waves.
ANNOUNCER
And the race is back under way-INT. MOBILE BROADCAST PRODUCTION STUDIO
Larry and Liz work the booth.
LARRY
Pan with the pack... Widen,
six, widen--

LIZ
Youre operational?... Well,
get shooting. I got nothing
on the board-- there you
are...

LIZ
Larry, threes up.
LARRY
Fantastic. Lets see how many arms
this crew loses.... Three, get
close on the turns...
EXT. TRIAGE TENT - DAY
Sam stands, glowers at the parking lot, furious. He takes a
last look at Delilahs picture, lifts the phone.
SAM
Del, call me when you get this.
Sam turns away from the parking lot, back to the track.

41.
ACT 4
EXT. RACETRACK - DAY
Tires spit gravel, sliding crazily over the track.
A car rides the crash wall, sending sparks into the stands.
EXT. GRANDSTAND - DAY
The crowd stands, groans in dread. Something big is about to
happen-- again. They cant look away.
INT. MOBILE BROADCAST PRODUCTION STUDIO
Larry and Liz work the buttons and phones.
LARRY
Five, stay with twenty-four-hes in trouble. Seven, tight
when he comes out of turn
three--

LIZ
Bring up the stats for Jeff
Greenwood. Junior! Dads not
racing today. Sharpen up!

LARRY
Sam said the race was over.
LIZ
Not his call.
(into headset)
Last twelve for this hundred, I
want a build. Four, get low. Bob,
ask the pit crew if theyll donate
to Sarahs family... Get a PA to
write the copy, Im busy-Larry watches her work, admiration in his eyes.
INT. HOSPITAL EXAMINATION ROOM
Delilah lays on an exam table, in a hospital gown, a bandage
around her arm. She hears her phone chirp. She reaches over
to her pants, draped across a chair, and pulls out her phone.
The display reads Dad.
Delilah ignores the call, then hits a speed dial button,
curling up into herself.
DELILAH
...Hello, Mom?

42.
EXT. MESS TENT - DAY
Frustrated, Sam hangs up the phone. He charges towards the
mess tent, ready for a fight.
INT. MESS TENT - DAY
A lull in the feeding frenzy leaves the place oddly quiet. As
caterers try to get ahead of things, busing tables and
replacing trays of food in the steam tables, Marv and Ross
confer back behind the stainless steel rolling fridges.
ROSS
Im supposed to be speaking to Sam.
MARV
Operations, Ross-- hes got a lot
on his plate since the accident.
ROSS
He said thered be some sort of
scandal-- you wouldnt know about
that, would you?
MARV
One of his guys got hurt in the
crash-- hes upset.
ROSS
Sam doesnt upset easily.
MARV
He doesnt have it like he used to.
Since the divorce-- his kid-- gets
to the best of us.
ROSS
Oh, here he is-Sam beelines across the tent, shooting off a text on his
phone. Marv blanches at the sight.
MARV
Let me handle this, Ross-- you got
your hands full with the sponsors-Marv tries to block Sam, but Sam pushes past.
SAM
Ross. Shut it down, right now.
ROSS
Why would I do that?

43.
MARV
Its not his call, Sam-SAM
Before someone else dies. Its the
right thing to do, and you know it.
ROSS
Someone else?!
MARV
Ted is fine, Sam. Hes hurt, but
hes not dead-SAM
Sarah Cunningham.
MARV
Thats just ridiculous-Sam grabs Marv by the lapel, pushes him up against a fridge.
SAM
You know, Marv. You know I can blow
that lie out of the water.
Marv swallows his fear, forces threat into his eyes.
MARV
But you wont. You cant. Its not
a lie.
Sam changes tactics. He releases Marv, appeals to Ross.
SAM
Sarah died on impact. The medics
took her out with an empty helmet.
MARV
Thats not true!
ROSS
Good lord-SAM
--To avoid shutting down the race
for an inquiry.
MARV
This is insane. Sam, you need
counselling.
SAM
I have it. The head.

44.
MARV
Weve turned a blind-In mid-sentence, Marv stops. He and Ross stare at the ghoul.
SAM
It was there. On the track. And
Marv knew it. Couldnt find it,
though, could you, Marv?
MARV
Outrageous! Theres no head! I
mean, where is it, in your pocket?
(small beat)
I mean, seriously, where is it,
Sam? Where would you-ROSS
Jesus. Its true.
MARV
No! Hes emotionally unstable-ROSS
You just asked him where it was!
Ross paces, the wheels turning. Sam fills in the blanks.
SAM
I dont think anyone knows. Just
us, and probably Margaret. Marv
wouldnt make a move without her.
ROSS
Where is it, Sam? Im not doing
anything until I see proof-SAM
Thats not how this works, Ross.
Its safe. You stop the race, and
Ill get it to the hospital. You
can declare her dead there.
ROSS
How do I know youll do it?
SAM
I dont talk much, Ross, but I mean
what I say.
ROSS
And if I dont play along?

45.

Sam?

JACK (O.S.)

All heads turn to Jack, standing at the entrance to the mess

tent. Ross and Marv freeze with terror.
JACK (CONTD)
You texted me?
SAM
Be right with you, Jack. Were
almost done here.
Jack shrugs, walks back outside.
ROSS
I dont like being blackmailed.
SAM
You didnt know, Ross. But now you
do. You gotta do the right thing.
Ross opens up the fridge behind him, grabs a can of soda from
a cardboard case, buying time to think.
Sams eyes widen-The ASCA souvenir bag sits on the top shelf, next to vats of
cole slaw. A note taped to it declares it Off Limits.
Ross closes the fridge. Sam sags in relief.
ROSS
Well declare, then call the race.
Out of respect.
MARV
You cant do that, Ross. The
Association by-laws clearly stateROSS
You call the Ice Queen, tell her
this farce is over. Shes opened us
up to massive lawsuits! You think
you guys are Gods?! This is the shit
that takes down empires! --So do it!
Ross storms off disgustedly shaking his head.
MARV
You had to say something didnt
you? I warned you. Youre pissing
in my pool now. --Your days are
numbered, Sam.

46.
SAM
All our days are numbered, Marv. I
try not to think about it.
Sam slaps Marv on the chest with the manila envelope.
MARV
Whats this?
Insurance.

SAM

MARV
Youve already told Ross-SAM
This isnt about the head. Its
about the track.
Marv rifles through the papers. He turns green.
SAM (CONTD)
The track wasnt safe. You blew
through testing. These e-mails
prove you knew. All you suits knew.
MARV
Construction delays. Our deadline-SAM
Now you got a dead driver. She had
it all. Real competitor, woman,
easy on the eyes-- she coulda took
this sport to a whole new level.
You just killed the golden goose.
MARV
These e-mails are confidential-SAM
I want a firing freeze. No
reductions, salary or staff, for
two years. And I want the two back
I gave up last month.
MARV
Are you insane? Blackmail the
company? Paint a target on your
back, for some staffers? Tell me
this is just talk.
SAM
Theyre my people. Im tired of you
picking em off.

47.
Stand-off. Marv caves.
MARV
Its not my decision.
SAM
Then you got some calls to make.
Sam takes back the envelope.
Marv pulls out his phone, dials as he walks away.
MARV
Two years is a short time, Sam.
Alone, Sam opens the fridge and pulls out the souvenir bag.
EXT. MESS TENT - DAY
Sam walks out with the bag, reaches Jack standing outside.
JACK
What was that all about? You, the
network, the association?
SAM
Sarahs gone. Theyre calling the
race. Youre the first one to know.
JACK
Holy... Thanks, Sam, I gotta call
this in-SAM
Oh, and-- here.
Sam hands Jack the disc from the envelope.
SAM (CONTD)
I copied this footage, just before
the suits deleted it.
JACK
They deleted footage?!
SAM
Yeah, camera threes angle of the
crash. Cant see much. --Dont know
why they deleted it.
JACK
Thanks, Sam. I owe you.

48.
SAM
Ill collect. Guaranteed.
Jack hurries off.
INT. GRANDSTAND TUNNEL - DAY
Marv talks on his phone.
MARV
So, what do I do?
INT. MODERN CORNER OFFICE - MIAMI
Margaret speaks to Marv, her face clouded with cold rage. But
an idea brightens her countenance. Intercut as needed.
MARGARET
Call it. Before the networks do.
MARV
I thought we couldnt afford-MARGARET
Rescheduling is too costly. But
cancelling? Out of respect for
Sarah? You cant buy that PR. Plus,
we save the prize money. So long as
nobody knows about the track.
MARV
What do we do about Sam?
MARGARET
Watch him. He cant be smart all
the time. Hell trip up. Marv?
MARV
Yes, maam?
MARGARET
Good job today. Lot of changes in
the wind. Ill need someone I can
count on. I hope itll be you.
EXT. PARKING LOT
Terry walks Sam to the parking lot. Sam carries the bag.
TERRY
Are you sure, Sam? I mean, no ones
said anything to me--

49.
SAM
Theyll call it any minute now,
Terry. When they do, youll need to
run the load-out. Just work the
checklist. Ill be back before you
know it. Any questions, call me.
TERRY
Sam? You gonna tell me whats in
the bag?
SAM
...The golden goose.
Sam heads off, leaving Terry in the dust.
EXT. RACETRACK - DAY
The red flag waves.
The cars slow and pull into their respective pits.
ANNOUNCER
Ladies and gentlemen, I have some
sad news-Sarahs face comes up on the big screen.
The crowd stands in sad shock.
INT. TRACK MEDIA CENTER - DAY
Janine stands before the logo screen. She speaks with what is
supposed to be a serious pout.
JANINE
--We can now confirm that Sarah
Cunningham has indeed died from the
injuries she received earlier in...
INT. MOBILE BROADCAST PRODUCTION STUDIO
Liz and Larry shrewdly watch Janine on a monitor, exhausted.
Other monitors show people in the grandstands gathering in
group hugs, group prayers.
LIZ
No gravitas get the fans reaction.
LARRY
Go, seven. Cue four. Four, close in
on the folks praying.
(then)
Guess Sam got er done.

50.
LIZ
Thank God. I cant run the show,
but I can close it.
LARRY
You can run it. You did fine. You
did great.
Liz smiles, throws a grateful glance at Larry. But Larry is
already back at work.
LARRY (CONTD)
Get over to the pit lane, remote. I
want crew interviews.
INT. HOTEL CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Adam speaks to the investors, who are starting to get text
alerts on their phone.
ADAM
And with Sarah Cunningham, our
first female driver, competing at
the top of the game, ASCA is poised
for massive growth in the coveted
18-24 female demographic-Adam halts his speech, disturbed by the urgent murmurs of his
audience. He spots-A TV screen at the back of the room. The crawl reads Sarah
Cunningham Pronounced Dead.
INT. MODERN CORNER OFFICE - MIAMI
Margaret watches Adam rushing from the dais via a CC feed on
her computer. She eyes her phone, expectantly.
One phone line lights up, flashes petulantly.
Margaret smiles. Leisurely, she presses the button.
Brother?

MARGARET

INT. HOTEL CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY

Adam speaks from the corner. Intercut as needed.
ADAM
When did she die?

51.
MARGARET
Officially, just now at the
hospital. But she died on the
track, between you and me.
ADAM
Why didnt you tell me?! I just
sold the investors on her.
MARGARET
I wouldnt presume to tell you how
to deal with your investors, Adam.
Smiling, Margaret clicks off the line.
INT. MORGUE - DAY
Sam steps cautiously into the dark, sterile, tiled room-- out
of his element. A cheerful MORGUE ATTENDANT approaches.
Swanny?

SAM

MORGUE ATTENDANT
You must be Sam. (re: the bag) This
completes the set?
SAM
Oh. Yeah. --Here.
Sam gently hands the bag to the Morgue Attendant, who
efficiently whisks it to a stainless steel table.
MORGUE ATTENDANT
Your boss Marv must have some
serious juice. Ive had these PR
jobs before, but nothing like this.
He delicately lifts the helmet. Looking inside, he whistles.
MORGUE ATTENDANT (CONTD)
Clean slice. Were gonna need to
cut her out. --No leverage.
SAM
Just take good care of her.
The Morgue Attendant looks up, his levity pierced.
MORGUE ATTENDANT
Sure. No offense. Did you know her?
SAM
Not to talk to.

52.
INT. WAITING ROOM - DAY
Sam walks out, a bit shaken. He breathes deeply. He spots-Nick, despondently eating a bag of Cheetos.
SAM
You, uh... Delilahs friend-Nick.

NICK

SAM
Yeah. So, Delilah? How is she?
NICK
Shes gone, man.
Sam pales, gut punched.
SAM
What... shes...
NICK
Oh! No, man, shes not, like, gone
gone. Shes okay. Just not here.
Sam leans against the wall, relieved beyond words.
SAM
Jesus, Nick-NICK
Her Mom sent a limo to take her to
the airport and back to Colorado.
Didnt say squat to me. --Some
orderly told me ten minutes ago.
Sam sits beside Nick, grabs a couple of Cheetos. Nick shakes
his head, stunned by the injustice of life.
SAM
She didnt tell me, either.
NICK
Yeah, but dude, like, you two never
talk. We were dating.
The two fall silent, noshing their snack.

53.
ACT 5
INT. MOBILE BROADCAST PRODUCTION STUDIO - DAY
Liz and Larry finish up the broadcast.
LARRY
Thats the shot, two lock it
down. Nothing fancy. Weve
already earned our money.

LIZ
Cue music-- cue graphics-Credit crawl-- Bob, wrap it
up-- three--

Marv watches from the back of the room, his eyes on Liz.
LIZ
Two, one, and were out.
The tension visibly departs from the shoulders of Larry and
Liz. They smile and laugh, slapping hands and shaking.
LIZ (CONTD)
Good show, Lar. Under the
circumstances.
LARRY
Any one you walk away from is a
good one. I gotta see a man about a
horse...
Larry hustles out. Liz, thinking shes alone, kicks off her
shoes and puts her feet on the console, relishes the moment.
MARV
Great show, Liz.
Liz nearly leaps out of her skin.
LIZ
Jesus, Marv! When did you come in?!
MARV
During the close. You were busy.
Hows Hal?

LIZ

MARV
Hes replaced, Liz.
LIZ
Marv, hes a legend in this field-Marv waves her off, sits down in Hals rolling chair.

54.
MARV
Weve had our eye on you for years,
Liz. Grooming you. It broke our
hearts when you left.
LIZ
CBS made me a sweet offer-MARV
It was Sam. You and Sam.
LIZ
...It was a lot of things, Marv.
MARV
I want to offer you Hals chair.
Arent many female EPs out there.
Youd knock it out of the park.
Lizs eyes light hungrily.
LIZ
I appreciate the confidence, Marv.
I have a lot of thoughts, how to
connect with younger demographics-MARV
I want to offer you the chair, Liz,
I want to. But I need to know you
wont throw it away again. On Sam.
LIZ
Theres nothing between me and Sam.
MARV
Good. Cause hes gotten a little
...comfortable. We may need your
help with him. Is that a problem?
Liz buries the conflict in her eyes.
...No.

LIZ

INT. CAR - DAY

Sam drives, Nick rides shotgun. They pull into a bus station.
NICK
Thanks for the hook up, Mr. H.
SAM
Id drive you back, but were
heading east for the next race.

55.
NICK
Shes just trying to get your
attention, man. She says you like
to fix things. --Problem solver.
SAM
So she decides to be the problem?
NICK
Something like that. The one you
cant fix.
Sam nods, taking it in. Nick offers him the dregs of the
Cheetos bag. Sam waves it off. Nick salutes, climbs out-SAM
Nick. Her blouse was misbuttoned.
NICK
Huh? Oh, you know, that was a dare.
She wasnt gonna do it-SAM
Nick. Dont be the problem. Cause
I got twenty ways to solve you.
Yes, sir.

NICK

Nick nods, contrite. Sam smiles and speeds away.

EXT. RACETRACK - BROADCAST TELEVISION COMPOUND - EVENING
Sam pulls in, as golf carts, cranes and haulers careen
around. Its the load out, in full gear. Groups of techs
rush around, gathering cable, packing gear into trucks.
Sam pulls up beside his trailer. Terry races over as Sam
steps out, hands him a clipboard.
SAM
Looking good, Terry.
TERRY
Everyones glad to get away from
this one. Doing the work for me.
Sam spots Liz off at the edge of the compound, smoking a
cigarette, staring off at the track.
EXT. BROADCAST TELEVISION COMPOUND - EDGE - EVENING
Liz hears Sam as he approaches. Takes a deep drag.

56.
SAM
Howd it go?
LIZ
You were right, Sam. I can do this.
Marv made me EP.
SAM
Congratulations, babe! Liz, I mean.
(troubled)
Marv, huh?
(shakes it off)
Yknow what, its great. Been a
long time coming.
Liz turns and glares at Sam.
Too long.

LIZ

SAM
I didnt ask you to leave, Liz. I
didnt want you to go-LIZ
You didnt give me any choice. Just
standing me up like that-- me in
that stupid dress. Without a word!
Sam stares at her-- so much he wants to say.
SAM
Need a ride to Charlotte?
LIZ
Thats all you have to say? --No,
Ill fly to Charlotte.
Liz turns from him. Sam tries to explain. Like pulling teeth.
SAM
I dont talk, Liz. Me and words-Things are what they are. I just
deal. Anyway, Im glad youre here.
Sam starts heading back to the chaos behind them when-LIZ
Marvs gunning for you.
SAM
Sounds about right. --Thanks boss.
Liz nods as he leaves. She smiles to herself.

57.
INT. OPERATIONS OFFICE TRAILER - EVENING
Sam walks in-- and stops short in horror.
Terry!

SAM

Sam grabs the empty trash containers, looking inside. He

scatters the papers on his desk. Terry steps in.
TERRY
Sam, whats up?
SAM
There was a bottle, a water bottle-TERRY
I already took all the trash out-Sam races out, pushing past Terry.
EXT. DUMPSTER - EVENING
Terry stares quizzically-- Liz, Larry and others join him-Sam flails in the dumpster, rummaging for treasure. Finally-Got it!

SAM

Sam holds the water bottle triumphantly. The others stare.

LIZ
Corporates right, Sam-- you are
losing it.
Sam smiles, nods-- he probably is.
EXT. BROADCAST TELEVISION COMPOUND - EVENING
Trucks rumble all around, pulling out of the now barren
compound. Dumpsters pock the concrete wasteland.
INT. JAKES OFFICE - EVENING
A tiny, gray cinderblock square. Jake watches news reports of
Sarahs death. He weeps like a baby, sobs racking his body.
INT. BAR - EVENING
Jack and Fran make out furiously, cell phones and digital
tape recorders forgotten on the bar.

58.
INT. AIRPLANE - EVENING
Delilah looks at her reflection in the dark glass. She undoes
the top button on her blouse, smiles.
EXT. STREET - EVENING
Traffic spotters wave the trucks out onto the road in a long
convoy towards the interstate.
EXT. BROADCAST TELEVISION COMPOUND
Sam talks to Pete.
PETE
Did you speak with them?
SAM
No. With Ted out of the picture, we
need all hands.
PETE
You didnt even talk to them?!
SAM
My decision, Pete. Im sorry.
Pete throws his baseball cap.
PETE
Lousy, ass draining-- Screw you,
Sam! You said you had my back!
Pete storms off. Sam shrugs, heads to his car.
INT. CAR
Sam sits in the drivers seat. CRUNKLE! He pulls out the
bottle from his back pocket. Sam gazes at it for a few
seconds, then places it gently on his dashboard.
A knock on the car top startles him. Its Liz.
LIZ
Wanna save me the air fare to
Charlotte?
Sam stares at her, slack-jawed and stunned.
SAM
Did Marv send you for some dirt?
Hes only half-joking. Liz smiles and lets it drift.

59.
LIZ
I know you dont talk, Sam. Always
liked that about you. So lets not
talk all the way to Charlotte.
Sam smiles gratefully.
Get in.

SAM

Liz climbs in, wearing jeans now. She turns on the radio,
slides out of her shoes, and leans back, exhausted.
Sam rolls his shoulders, and pulls out of the now empty lot.
Together, they drive off into the dark. And their next gig.