FADE IN
INT. CHAT SHOW STUDIO - DAY
The lights are dimmed on the set.
The Host is sitting on a settee and is shuffling sheets of A4
paper. A silhouetted figure is sitting on the adjacent settee
to the Host.
Lights. Camera. Action.
As the set lights up, the silhouetted figure is revealed to
be Joseph, seventeen. He is wearing casual clothes and has a
series of wristbands on his right wrist.
Joseph’s seated position reveals a newly discovered selfconfidence.
The Host looks up and begins talking into the live camera.
HOST
Good afternoon and welcome back to
the show. As promised before the
break, I am pleased to welcome teen
singing sensation, Joe Thompson.
For those of you not aware, Joe
came first place in Sing It! six
months ago.
(faces Joseph)
Thanks for joining us on the show,
Joe.
JOSEPH
It’s a pleasure to be here.
HOST
Now, you’ve recently released your
debut album, To The Stars, which is
number one in the charts. Did you
feel under any pressure to please
your fans with this album? After
all, your career rests on them.
JOSEPH
Yeah. It was a little daunting. I
didn’t want people waiting for so
long and then being disappointed
with the end result. But
thankfully, they’ve all been
incredibly supportive and I can’t
thank them enough for it.
HOST
You’ve got a busy time ahead of
you.
(MORE)
In a few days, you’ll be embarking
on your first headline tour. What’s
that like for you?
JOSEPH
Terrifying! We’ve got an amazing
team. I just can’t wait for it to
happen.
HOST
I know you probably get asked this
one a lot, but is singing what
you’ve always wanted to do or is
there another career option you’d
like to pursue in the future?
JOSEPH
Singing is amazing. It has always
been my dream and I want to keep on
doing it. I can’t really imagine
myself doing anything else...
INT. HOUSE PARTY MASTER BEDROOM - DAY
SUPERTITLE: EIGHTEEN MONTHS LATER
Mid-morning.
Joseph, now eighteen, lays asleep on the bed. He is wearing
only his boxer shorts. Teen Girl 1 is asleep next to Joseph
and is half-dressed.
Joseph slowly opens his eyes. He sits up; his head throbbing.
Joseph picks up his socks, jeans and t-shirt from off the
floor. He puts them on in that order.
Now fully dressed, Joseph looks to Teen Girl 1, who mumbles
in her sleep. Must’ve been a good night after all.
INT. HOUSE PARTY KITCHEN - DAY
Joseph is standing at the worktop. He swallows two
paracetamol tablets. He then downs a glass of water to help
wash down the tablets.
Joseph places the glass on the worktop and rubs his eyes. He
is unaware of Greg standing in the doorway of the room.
GREG (O.S.)
Great party last night.
Greg walks towards Joseph and stands before him.
2.
HOST (CONT'D)
JOSEPH
If only I could remember it. My
head’s killing me.
GREG
Bloody hell. How much did you
drink?
Joseph shrugs.
Joseph’s mobile phone bleeps. Joseph brings out his phone. He
sees that he has received a new text message from Angel, his
agent. It reads: ’Where the hell are you?’
JOSEPH
Shit. Gotta go.
INT. CAFE - DAY
Angel, early thirties, is sitting at a table on her own and
is waiting anxiously for Joseph. Angel’s handbag is in front
of her, as well as a mug of cold hot chocolate, which was
brought for Joseph.
Joseph enters the cafe. He now has a pair of sunglasses on.
He spots Angel at the table and walks towards her. He sits
opposite Angel.
ANGEL
Where the hell have you been?! I
was worried sick.
(quick pause)
You could have at least showered
before coming here. You stink of
booze.
Joseph picks up the mug of hot chocolate and takes a sip of
it. In protest, he slams the mug back down.
JOSEPH
It’s cold. You’ve given me a cold
hot chocolate.
ANGEL
If you were here on time, you
wouldn’t have that problem.
JOSEPH
Stressy. I bet you never got any
last night.
ANGEL
(sighs)
You’re outrageous.
JOSEPH
I’m hungover.
3.
ANGEL
You don’t say.
(gets to her feet)
Come with me.
JOSEPH
Aren’t you forgetting something?
Joseph points to the hot chocolate.
Angel opens her handbag and brings out her purse. She takes
out a five pound note and aggressively places it in front of
Joseph. She puts the purse back inside the handbag and keeps
hold of it.
ANGEL
I’ll wait by the car. Oh, and get
rid of the glasses. You look a
twat.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE CAFE - DAY
Angel’s car is parked by the edge of the road.
Angel is standing next to the driver’s door of her car and is
smoking a cigarette. She flicks it away as Joseph walks out
of the cafe.
He has a hot chocolate in his hands, which he is drinking
from. The sunglasses are hanging from his t-shirt.
Joseph takes a sip of the hot chocolate as he stands before
Angel.
ANGEL
Take a look around you, Joseph.
What do you see?
Joseph takes a look around him. He looks back to Angel,
puzzled slightly.
JOSEPH
People?
ANGEL
People walking past you, not even
raising an eyebrow. You’re Joe
Thompson. A year ago, they couldn’t
get enough of you.
JOSEPH
You say it as though it’s a bad
thing.
Angel opens the driver’s door. She turns back to face Joseph.
4.
ANGEL
I’m here to help you. Stop making
my life so difficult.
Angel gets inside the car and closes the door.
INT. CHARLIE’S OFFICE - DAY
A flat screen television is on the wall above Charlie’s desk.
The remote is on the desk.
Charlie, late forties, is standing at the window and is
looking out of it. He is tall, slim built and is smartly
dressed.
Joseph and Angel are sitting at the desk in complete silence.
Angel’s handbag is on her lap.
Charlie turns to face Joseph.
CHARLIE
When was the last time you sang?
Joseph is silent, not knowing the answer to the question.
CHARLIE (CONT’D)
When was the last time you drank
alcohol?
Before Joseph has the chance to answer the question, Charlie
interrupts him.
CHARLIE (CONT’D)
I don’t want to know the answer to
that.
(sits at the table)
What I am trying to get at is you
have got to change. You’ve hit the
headlines more in recent months due
to your excessive partying than you
have with your entire music career.
Do you know why you won the show?
You won because the public like
you. You inspire them. They are
your greatest asset. Turn them
against you, it’s over. Finished.
ANGEL
That’s exactly what I’ve been
trying to say to him.
CHARLIE
You’ve written a total of six songs
in four months.
5.
JOSEPH
I’ve been struggling for
inspiration.
CHARLIE
I’ve a whole team of writers who’d
be able to help with that.
JOSEPH
But it’s not me. If I’m to sing, I
want the lyrics to have meaning.
CHARLIE
I understand that, Joseph, but look
at this from my perspective. I have
an inactive musician costing me
money. At the end of the day, the
music industry is still a business.
We’re all in it to make a living.
Joseph brings out his mobile phone and begins writing a
tweet.
CHARLIE (CONT’D)
That brings me onto my next point.
Your recent use of social sites,
such as Twitter, has become a cause
for concern.
JOSEPH
You told me to inform the fans with
what goes on in my life.
CHARLIE
Yes, but within reason. Tweets such
as, ‘I got laid last night. Fortyfive
minutes is now a personal
best’ and ‘who even watches Sing
It?! It’s the biggest pile of
pants’ are not what it’s meant for.
(looks to Joseph)
You’re not even listening to me
now! What are you doing?!
JOSEPH
Sending a tweet.
Angel snatches Joseph’s phone away from him. She reads the
tweet and gasps. Joseph chuckles, pleased with Angel’s
response.
CHARLIE
Tell me. What does it say?
ANGEL
‘My manager is complaining about my
use of twitter. No change there
then...’
6.
CHARLIE
Six months ago, you had two hundred
and fifty thousand followers. Four
months ago, it dropped to one
hundred thousand. Now, you have
eighty-four.
JOSEPH
Now they’re my true fans.
CHARLIE
You don’t seem to understand what
I’m trying to say to you, so I’m
gonna make this simple. Take a look
at The Choice, for example. Their
album’s been number one for weeks.
Not only that, but they play
regular shows. You broke your leg
on the second night of your tour.
You haven’t played live since.
(picks up the remote)
Let me show you something.
Charlie presses the play button the remote. A behind the
scenes clip of The Choice begins to play.
Joseph sighs...
INT. HOTEL CORRIDOR - DAY - VIDEO PLAYBACK
Corey, Lewis, Will, Evan and Toby, all eighteen, are standing
in a semicircle and are staring directly into the camera.
They are all of average height, slim build and are goodlooking.
Toby’s outstanding feature is that he is more dark
skinned.
COREY
Hi, guys. I’m Corey.
LEWIS
I’m Lewis.
WILL
I’m Will.
EVAN
I’m Evan.
TOBY
And I’m Toby.
ALL
And we’re The Choice.
7.
INT. HOTEL CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY - VIDEO PLAYBACK
Corey is sitting at a table. Reporter is sitting opposite
Corey and is in the process of interviewing him.
REPORTER
The Choice came second place in
Sing It! What was it like to come
so far, but ultimately, lose out?
COREY
I had an amazing time on the show
and made some fantastic friends.
Even though we did essentially
lose, it gave us the chance to
evaluate who we are and what we
wanted to achieve as a group.
INT. THE CHOICE’S DRESSING ROOM - NIGHT - VIDEO PLAYBACK
The camera follows Corey, Lewis, Will, Evan and Toby as they
enter the dressing room after coming second place on Sing It!
Momentary silence as the disappointment sinks in.
Both Will and Evan break down in tears. Corey, Lewis and Toby
rest their hands on Will and Evan’s shoulders as a sign of
support...
INT. HOTEL CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY - VIDEO PLAYBACK
Lewis is sitting at a table. Reporter is sitting opposite
Lewis and is in the process of interviewing him.
REPORTER
Your debut album went platinum
within a fortnight of being
released. How did that feel for you
personally?
LEWIS
I couldn’t believe it. When our
manager told us, I was speechless.
I honestly couldn’t speak, which is
unusual for me because I’m the more
talkative one!
INT. MUSIC REHEARSAL ROOM 1 - DAY - VIDEO PLAYBACK
Corey, Lewis, Will, Evan and Toby are standing in a straight
line and are rehearsing a song.
They each have a copy of the lyrics in their hands.
8.
INT. HOTEL CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY - VIDEO PLAYBACK
Will is sitting at a table. Reporter is sitting opposite Will
and is in the process of interviewing him.
REPORTER
What’s it like performing for your
fans?
WILL
It’s fantastic. Just knowing
they’ve travelled so far to see us.
There isn’t a word I could use to
explain how happy that makes me
feel.
INT. ARENA CORRIDOR 1 - NIGHT - VIDEO PLAYBACK
The camera follows Corey, Lewis, Will, Evan and Toby as they
walks down the corridor, fresh off the stage.
They each have a towel in their hands, which they use to wipe
the sweat from their foreheads.
Lewis looks into the camera and pulls a funny face.
JOSEPH (O.S.)
Show off.
ANGEL (O.S.)
Joseph!
INT. HOTEL CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY - VIDEO PLAYBACK
Evan is sitting at a table. Reporter is sitting opposite Evan
and is in the process of interviewing him.
REPORTER
Who would you say plays the most
pranks?
EVAN
Toby, definitely. If he’s around,
no one’s safe...
INT. HOTEL BATHROOM - DAY - VIDEO PLAYBACK
Will is showering and can be heard singing. His towel is
hanging over the side of the shower curtain.
The camera follows Toby as he creeps inside the room. Toby
silently takes hold of the towel and runs out of the room.
WILL
Hello? Guys?
9.
INT. HOTEL CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY - VIDEO PLAYBACK
Toby is sitting at a table. Reporter is sitting opposite Toby
and is in the process of interviewing him.
TOBY
We all live in one room, so it’s
everything you’d expect from a
bunch of boys.
JOSEPH (O.S.)
I know what five guys in a room
will be getting up to.
ANGEL (O.S.)
Joseph, stop it.
JOSEPH (O.S.)
I’m just saying. Five guys. One
room. No women. It’s inevitable.
INT. THE CHOICE’S BEDROOM - DAY - VIDEO PLAYBACK
The entire floor is covered in items of Corey, Lewis, Will,
Evan and Toby’s clothing.
Corey, Will and Toby are laying in their separate beds. Toby
is reading a magazine.
Lewis and Evan are standing in just their boxer shorts and
are looking for clothes to wear.
Evan picks up a t-shirt from off the floor.
EVAN
This is mine, right?
COREY
It’s mine.
Evan throws the t-shirt back down.
LEWIS
We seriously need to work out how
to use the washing machine...
INT. CHARLIE’S OFFICE - DAY
Joseph looks away from the screen, unable to continue
watching Lewis and Evan in their boxer shorts.
Charlie pauses the clip. It stops on a close-up of Lewis’
boxer shorts.
Joseph looks back to the screen.
10.
JOSEPH
Oh, come on! Seriously?!
Charlie looks at the screen, then back at Joseph.
CHARLIE
It’s about appealing to their
target demographic. You of all
people should know that by now.
Joseph points to the screen.
JOSEPH
Can you get rid of that?
Angel picks up the remote and switches the screen off.
CHARLIE
As you’re no doubt aware, the live
shows of Sing It! have begun
recently. You’re to spend the week
mentoring one of the acts. You’ll
also be required to sing on the
live show. Something new, exciting.
This could re-start your career. A
driver will take you to the academy
first thing in the morning. Please
try to remain sober until then.
INT. PUB - NIGHT
The regulars are sitting at the bar, drinking. The bartender
is standing behind the bar and is making conversation with
the locals.
The pub doors open and Joseph walks inside the building. He
is followed closely by Friend 1 and Friend 2. They are
laughing and joking with each other.
The regulars stare at Joseph, Friend 1 and Friend 2 as they
make their way across the pub and sit at a table in the
corner of the pub.
Joseph brings out his wallet.
Begin Montage.
Joseph stands at the table with three pints of beer in his
hands. He places them on the table.
Joseph, Friend 1 and Friend 2 perform a toast to each other
and down their pints. Joseph is the first to finish and slams
the empty glass on the table.
Friend 1 stands at the table with three pints of beer in his
hands.
11.
Joseph, Friend 1 and Friend 2 talk loudly as they drink their
second pint of beer.
The regulars shake their heads disapprovingly as they watch
Joseph, Friend 1 and Friend 2.
Friend 2 stands at the table with three pints of beer in his
hands.
Joseph slams his empty pint glass on the table.
End Montage.
Joseph watches as Gemma, nineteen, and Friend 3 walk inside
the pub. They walk to the bar and order their drinks.
Gemma is tall, blonde and attractive. Joseph smiles. Gemma
looks away, blushing.
Gemma looks back to Joseph and smiles.
INT. PUB MALE TOILETS - NIGHT
The toilet door bursts open and Joseph and Gemma make their
inside the room. They are kissing passionately.
Joseph kicks a cubicle door open and they make their way
inside it. Joseph closes the door and locks it.
Joseph and Gemma continue kissing...
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. JOSEPH’S BEDROOM - DAY
Joseph is lying on the bed, asleep. His t-shirt is next to
him. Gemma’s mobile number has been written across Joseph’s
chest in red lipstick.
Joseph’s sleep comes to a sudden end as there is repeated
banging on the bedroom door.
SARAH (O.S.)
Wake up, Joe! Angel’s here! Joe!
Joseph opens his eyes and sits up. He picks up his t-shirt
and gets to his feet. He walks across the room and opens the
bedroom door.
Sarah, early forties, is standing in the doorway of the room.
She has a mug of tea in her hands. It has an image of Corey,
Lewis, Will, Evan and Toby printed on it.
Sarah gasps at the sight of Joseph.
12.
SARAH (CONT’D)
Bloody hell. Look at the state of
you.
Angel walks up the stairs and walks towards Joseph. She sees
Gemma’s mobile number written on Joseph’s chest and sighs.
ANGEL
Oh, Joseph. This is exactly what
you were told not to do.
SARAH
I’ll leave you to it.
Sarah makes her way down the stairs.
Joseph puts his t-shirt on.
ANGEL
You might not like what I’m about
to tell you...
INT. JOSEPH’S DINING ROOM - DAY
Corey, Lewis, Will, Evan and Toby are sitting at the table,
in complete silence.
They each have a mug of tea in front of them. Each mug has an
image of themselves printed on it.
Sarah is standing with her back against the worktop, still
drinking her mug of tea.
WILL
Great tea, Mrs. Thompson.
Sarah blushes, awkwardly.
INT. JOSEPH’S BEDROOM - DAY
Joseph is standing in the doorway of the room and is visibly
angered by the revelation of having to work with The Choice.
JOSEPH
What do you mean he wants me to
write a song with them? I’m
perfectly capable of writing my own
material.
ANGEL
It wasn’t my idea, Joseph.
Joseph hears Corey, Lewis, Will, Evan and Toby talking inside
the dining room.
13.
JOSEPH
Who’s here?
INT. JOSEPH’S DINING ROOM - DAY
Corey, Lewis, Will, Evan and Sarah are standing together.
Sarah has the mug of tea in her hands.
Toby is standing a short distance away from them and has a
digital camera in his hands.
Corey, Lewis, Will, Evan and Sarah smile as Toby takes a
photograph of them.
Joseph walks inside the room, outraged. Angel follows closely
behind Joseph.
JOSEPH
What the hell, mum?! Why?
SARAH
They’re ever so nice. Even gave me
a mug.
Sarah shows the mug to Joseph.
JOSEPH
No. Just no.
INT. ANGEL’S CAR - DAY
Angel is driving the car down the street.
Joseph is sitting in the back of the car and is listening to
music on his iPod. He has since showered and changed his
clothes.
Corey, Lewis, Will, Evan and Toby are also sitting in the
back of the car and are talking to each other.
INT. ACADEMY GROUND FLOOR FOYER - DAY
Joseph, Corey, Lewis, Will, Evan and Toby are standing in a
straight line. Angel is standing to the right of them. There
is a stack of five suitcases beside them. Joseph’s rucksack
is on his back.
The contestants on this year’s Sing It! are standing a short
distance away from them. This includes Dylan and Frankie,
both eighteen.
Dylan is of average height and has ginger hair. He is also
wearing casual clothes. He comes from an upper-class
background.
14.
Frankie is of average height and is attractive. What you see
is what you get with Frankie.
The female contestants scream excitedly as they surround
Corey, Lewis, Will, Evan and Toby. Not a single contestant
pays attention towards Joseph.
Joseph looks to Angel for support.
ANGEL
That’s enough now, guys. I’m sure
you’ll get plenty of time to talk
to them over the coming days.
The contestants begin to disperse.
Joseph looks to Frankie. They make eye contact. Joseph
watches as Frankie walks away with Dylan.
Joseph looks to Corey, whom was also staring at Frankie. They
briefly exchange looks.
Angel turns to face Joseph, Corey, Lewis, Will, Evan and
Toby.
ANGEL (CONT’D)
The rules have changed considerably
since you were last standing here.
There is now a zero tolerance
policy regarding relationships
between the acts. Anyone caught
doing so risks exclusion from the
competition. Same dorm rules apply
as before. Two to a room.
Presumably, that means one of you
is to share with Joseph.
Corey, Lewis, Will, Evan and Toby look to each other,
awkwardly.
JOSEPH
Don’t all volunteer at once.
Corey steps forward.
COREY
I’ll share with him.
ANGEL
Nice one, Corey.
Toby rests his hand on Corey’s shoulder.
TOBY
Good luck, mate.
Corey, Lewis, Will, Evan and Toby take hold of their
suitcases.
15.
ANGEL
A rehearsal room’s been booked for
you guys after lunch. You’re free
to explore until then.
Corey, Lewis, Will, Evan and Toby talk as they wheel their
suitcases towards the stairs.
Angel looks to Joseph, who is standing motionless.
ANGEL (CONT’D)
Smile.
INT. JOSEPH AND COREY’S DORMITORY - DAY
The dormitory door remains ajar.
Corey is standing at the wardrobe and is neatly folding his
clothes before putting them inside the wardrobe. His open
suitcase is on the floor, beside him.
Joseph walks inside the room with his rucksack on his back.
He closes the dormitory door and puts his rucksack on the
floor.
There is an awkward silence between them.
COREY
How’s life been treating you?
JOSEPH
Not bad. I’ve had better days,
but...you know how it is.
COREY
Can I ask you something?
JOSEPH
Sure.
COREY
Winning the show. Was it really
worth it?
JOSEPH
I’d say so, why? You still jealous?
COREY
I’m not gonna lie, but at first, I
envied you. But in a way, I’m glad.
It saved me from becoming the
arsehole you are now.
16.
INT. MUSIC REHEARSAL ROOM 1 - DAY
Corey, Evan and Toby are standing in a semicircle. Both Lewis
and Will are sitting on the floor. Lewis is gently playing
the guitar and Will has a notebook and pen in front of him.
The door opens and Joseph walks inside the room. He has a
sandwich and a bottle of coke in his hands. He sits on the
floor and begins eating the sandwich.
WILL
Charlie gave us a list of the
things we can and can’t do with the
song. Firstly, no swearing.
Joseph drops part of the sandwich onto his leg.
JOSEPH
Bollocks.
Joseph picks up the broken sandwich and eats it.
WILL
He basically wants standard pop.
TOBY
A ballad or...
Toby is interrupted by Joseph scoffing.
JOSEPH
If that’s the way you go about
writing a song, your career will
just...
COREY
All right, then. Help us.
JOSEPH
You want me to help you? Ha! Get
stuffed.
EVAN
Look. We know you don’t want to be
here, but at least make an effort.
JOSEPH
You’re right. I don’t want to be
here.
LEWIS
You told Charlie you write all your
own material. He’s given you a
second chance to save your career
and you’re wasting it.
17.
JOSEPH
A bit of trivia for you. Think
bands you like. In their songs,
what is the message they’re trying
to get across? What do we hear?
LEWIS
Their personal experiences.
JOSEPH
Correct. If they do it, why can’t
we?
(takes a bite of the
sandwich)
So, personal experiences. What have
we got?
Corey, Lewis, Will, Evan and Toby are silent.
JOSEPH (CONT’D)
Either you’re all that boring or...
WILL
I’ve recently broke up with my
girlfriend. Kinda broke my heart.
But I’d rather not have everyone
knowing the details of my personal
life.
COREY
Instead of the song focusing on the
actual breakdown of a relationship,
why can’t it focus on the rivalry
between two sets of people? Us, for
example.
EVAN
Great idea.
JOSEPH
Hmm. That’s something we could use.
Take it further.
COREY
Uh, that’s it.
TOBY
Nothing Personal.
JOSEPH
(faces Toby)
Eh?
TOBY
The name of the song. Nothing
Personal.
18.
JOSEPH
I like.
Joseph gets to his feet and walks towards the door.
JOSEPH (CONT’D)
Christ. I need a beer.
Joseph walks out of the room.
INT. JOSEPH AND COREY’S DORMITORY - DAY
Joseph’s mobile phone is on the desk.
Joseph is sitting on the edge of the bottom bunk. He opens
his rucksack and brings out a notebook. A photograph drops
onto the floor.
Joseph picks it up and looks at it. It is of Joseph and
Allan, early forties, standing together and smiling into the
camera.
Joseph smiles at the memories associated with the photograph.
Joseph’s phone rings.
Joseph picks up his phone and looks at the number. He does
not recognise it. He answers the phone, unaware that Gemma is
ringing him.
JOSEPH
Hello?
GEMMA
Hey, you. I couldn’t stop thinking
about you. Last night was by far
the best night of my life.
Joseph sits up, concerned as to how Gemma got hold of his
number.
JOSEPH
Gemma. How’d you get my number?
GEMMA
You gave it to me, silly. Don’t you
remember? Anyway, I was thinking if
you weren’t too busy, maybe we
could meet up? Like go to the
cinema and get something to eat
after...
Joseph cuts off the call. He runs his hand through his hair.
JOSEPH
Not good. Really not good.
19.
INT. EVAN AND TOBY’S DORMITORY - DAY
Corey is standing in the corner of the room and is texting on
his mobile phone. Lewis is sitting on the floor, reading a
magazine.
Evan and Toby are sitting on the egde of the bottom bunk and
are playing a game on the XBOX 360.
Will is sitting at the desk and connects to Skype through his
laptop. He makes a video call to Charlie. It connects to
Charlie’s webcam.
Charlie can be seen sitting at his desk.
WILL
Hey, guys. I got a connection.
Corey puts his phone away and stands at the desk. Lewis gets
to feet whilst Evan and Toby pause the game. They all crowd
around the laptop.
WILL (CONT’D)
Charlie, can you hear me?
CHARLIE
Loud and clear. Glad to see you’re
all looking well. So, tell me. How
was it?
TOBY
He’s a nightmare.
COREY
He’s not that bad. We just haven’t
experienced his type before.
LEWIS
The idea we’ve got at the moment is
half decent. I think our biggest
problem will be making sure he
actually writes the song.
CHARLIE
I have a song written in case
things don’t work out.
EVAN
But what if he refuses to perform
it on the night?
CHARLIE
You just worry about getting the
song ready on time. I’ll take care
of Joseph. I’ll be in touch, guys.
COREY
Bye, dad.
20.
The video call ends. Will closes the laptop lid.
INT. JOSEPH AND COREY’S DORMITORY - NIGHT
Joseph is sitting on the edge of the bottom bunk and is
playing a game on the XBOX 360. Explosions and gunfire can be
heard on the game.
The dormitory door opens and Corey walks inside the room. He
closes the door, then momentarily watches Joseph on the game.
COREY
Mind if I have a go with you?
Joseph gets to his feet and switches the XBOX and the
television off. He leaves the controller on the desk.
JOSEPH
It’s all yours.
Joseph lays on the bottom bunk.
Corey smirks. He strips down to just his boxer shorts. He
switches the light off before climbing into the top bunk.
COREY
Night, Joseph.
Silence. Within moments, Joseph is asleep.
The dormitory door creaks as it opens. Lewis, Will and Toby
creep inside the room.
They stand in formation around the bunkbed and take hold of
Joseph’s mattress.
Corey sits up, facing them.
COREY (CONT’D)
What the hell are you guys doing?
WILL
Give us a hand, will you?
Corey sighs and gets down from the top bunk. He gets dressed,
then helps Lewis, Will and Toby to carry Joseph’s mattress
out of the room.
Joseph remains asleep.
EXT. FRONT OF THE ACADEMY - NIGHT
Evan’s mattress is close to the main entrance. Evan is asleep
on the mattress.
21.
Corey, Lewis, Will and Toby carry Joseph’s mattress out of
the building. They place Joseph’s mattress beside Evan’s.
Evan stirs and slowly opens his eyes.
Corey, Lewis, Will and Toby begin walking towards the
building.
Evan looks around and realises that he is about to be locked
outside. He gets to his feet.
EVAN
Guys.
Corey, Lewis, Will and Toby look back to Evan.
TOBY
Quick, run!
They make a run for the door. Evan runs after them.
Corey, Lewis, Will and Toby run inside the building and close
the door.
Evan reaches the door and attempts to open it, but it is
locked. He repeatedly bangs on the door.
EVAN
Guys, come on! It’s freezing out
here!
Giggling can be heard from inside the building. Evan sighs.
He turns and walks to Joseph, who remains asleep.
EVAN (CONT’D)
Joseph. Joseph, wake up.
Joseph rolls over in his sleep.
Evan grabs hold of Joseph’s mattress and tips it over. Joseph
quickly gets to his feet.
JOSEPH
The hell, man! I’m trying to sleep.
Is that too much to ask for?
EVAN
Calm down, mate. I only woke you to
tell you we’ve been looked outside.
JOSEPH
Huh?
Joseph looks around. It is only now that he realises he is
outside.
EVAN
Yeah.
22.
Joseph breaks into a jog.
EVAN (CONT’D)
Where are you going?
JOSEPH
We might still be able to get in
through the back!
EXT. REAR OF THE ACADEMY - NIGHT
Joseph runs to the rear entrance of the building. He opens
the door.
As it opens, the door hits Toby in the face...
INT. ACADEMY KITCHEN - NIGHT
Toby stumbles backwards, holding onto his now bleeding nose.
Corey, Lewis and Will push the door shut. Will locks it.
Joseph repeatedly bangs on the door.
JOSEPH (O.S.)
Open the door!
The banging on the door stops.
LEWIS
That was a close one.
Lewis and Will laugh and high-five each other. Corey turns to
Toby and sees that he has a nosebleed.
COREY
You alright, mate?
TOBY
What do you think?
LEWIS
How long were we planning on
keeping them out there for?
EXT. FRONT OF THE ACADEMY - NIGHT
Joseph and Evan are huddled together on Joseph’s mattress in
an effort to keep warm. The duvets are wrapped around them.
EVAN
I actually think it’s quite funny.
JOSEPH
You would though, wouldn’t you?
You’re just...
23.
(MORE)
there isn’t even a word to describe
what I think of you.
EVAN
Thanks. I do have feelings, you
know?
FADE TO BLACK.
EXT. FRONT OF THE ACADEMY - DAY
Joseph and Evan are laying on Joseph’s mattress, asleep.
Their arms are wrapped around each other and their heads are
close together.
Joseph slowly opens his eyes. He looks at Evan, who also
opens his eyes. They look directly into each other’s eyes.
JOSEPH
You can let go of me now.
EVAN
I can’t. You’re laying on my arm.
JOSEPH
I think it’s best we keep this to
ourselves.
EVAN
Agreed.
INT. MUSIC REHEARSAL ROOM 1 - DAY
Dylan is pacing around the room, anxiously waiting to meet
Joseph, whom is running late.
The door opens and Joseph walks inside the room. He walks
towards Dylan, who faces him.
JOSEPH
Hey. Sorry for the delay.
Completely overslept.
DYLAN
(smiles)
It’s fine.
Joseph holds his hand out and Dylan shakes it.
JOSEPH
Right. So tell me about yourself.
DYLAN
I’m eighteen, on my gap year. I’m
from Oxford and can sing, play the
guitar and drums.
24.
JOSEPH (CONT'D)
JOSEPH
And your song choice?
DYLAN
It’s called Could It Be? I wrote it
myself. Is that okay or should I
choose something that people are
more familiar with?
JOSEPH
It’s hard to say without listening
to it first.
DYLAN
Should I sing it to you now?
JOSEPH
Well I haven’t got all day.
Before Dylan has the chance to sing, Joseph interrupts him.
JOSEPH (CONT’D)
Nope. Not feeling it.
DYLAN
But I haven’t even had the chance
to sing yet.
JOSEPH
Look, mate. It’s obvious that we
both don’t want to be here. I, for
one, can think of other things I’d
rather be doing.
DYLAN
What do you have against me?
JOSEPH
If you think it’s because you’re
ginger...
DYLAN
(sighs)
I don’t believe it. You’re just an
arrogant prick.
JOSEPH
That’s funny. I didn’t think much
of you either. And just so you
know, I will not tolerate that sort
of attitude towards me.
DYLAN
What?! You just called me ginger!
JOSEPH
Well, you just called me a prick.
25.
DYLAN
I can’t be dealing with this.
Dylan walks towards the door. He stops and turns back to face
Joseph.
DYLAN (CONT’D)
It’s true what they’ve been saying
about you. And to think I actually
voted for you.
Dylan turns and walks out of the room. He slams the door
shut.
Joseph shrugs.
JOSEPH
Works for me.
INT. ACADEMY CANTEEN - DAY
Joseph is sitting at a table on his own and is eating a
sandwich.
Dylan is sitting at an adjacent table to Joseph and is
sullen.
Frankie sits opposite Joseph at the table. She has a bottle
of water in her hands.
FRANKIE
Have you always been a complete
arsehole?
JOSEPH
You’ll be surprised how often
people have been asking me that at
the moment.
FRANKIE
You’re here to help us. And since
you haven’t been doing that,
there’s not much point you being
here.
JOSEPH
That’s exactly what I’ve been
trying to tell everyone.
(takes a bite of his
sandwich)
By the way, what’s this about?
FRANKIE
You were bullying Dylan. How would
you like it if you were in his
position?
26.
(MORE)
This is his dream and you’re
ruining his chances of success.
Joseph looks across to Dylan’s table and sees that he is no
longer there.
For just a moment, Joseph realizes his unfairness towards
Dylan.
FRANKIE (CONT’D)
I could report you, but I know
you’re not the complete bastard you
make yourself out to be.
Frankie gets to her feet and walks away.
Joseph stops eating his sandwich and sits back in his chair,
guilt ridden.
INT. OUTSIDE DYLAN’S DORMITORY - DAY
Joseph stands at Dylan’s dormitory door. He is about to
knock, but hesitates.
He knocks on the door. The door opens and Dylan stands in the
doorway of the room. He is tearful.
DYLAN
What do you want?
JOSEPH
I came to...is everything okay?
You’ve been crying.
DYLAN
I’m fine.
JOSEPH
Did I do this to you?
Dylan breaks down in tears. Joseph pulls Dylan in for a hug.
JOSEPH (CONT’D)
I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.
INT. MUSIC REHEARSAL ROOM 1 - DAY
Joseph and Dylan are sitting on the floor with a short gap
between them. Dylan has the guitar on his lap and the lyrics
to the song are in front of him.
JOSEPH
So, how do you want this to work?
27.
FRANKIE (CONT'D)
DYLAN
I was kinda hoping to perform the
song and for you to give me
feedback on how it could be
improved?
JOSEPH
Sounds good to me.
Dylan takes a deep breath as Joseph picks up the lyrics.
Dylan performs the song to Joseph, who silently reads through
them.
Dylan stops singing.
DYLAN
So what do you think?
JOSEPH
Let me tell you now. This is the
perfect song for you. Your
execution was spot on.
DYLAN
Cheers.
JOSEPH
However...
The joy suddenly disappears from Dylan’s face.
JOSEPH (CONT’D)
Don’t look so alarmed. There aren’t
many changes you need to make.
Chillax.
Dylan smiles, relieved.
JOSEPH (CONT’D)
Some of the wording doesn’t fit in
with the song. Some parts are just
a little too wordy. Change ‘em and
you’ll find it flows a lot better.
Also, what’s the name of that girl
you’ve been hanging with?
DYLAN
Frankie
JOSEPH
Is she single or has she got a
boyfriend I should be aware of?
It’s not you, is it?
28.
DYLAN
(laughs)
No. We’re not dating. We’re just
friends.
INT. GEMMA’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Gemma is laying on the bed and is reading a book.
The television is quietly playing in the background and the
remote is beside Gemma.
The trailer for this week’s episode of Sing It! begins
playing.
PRESENTER (O.S.)
On this week’s episode of Sing It!
We have the highly anticipated live
performance from Joe Thompson and
The Choice.
Gemma gasps.
PRESENTER (O.S.) (CONT’D)
Don’t forget to tune in this
Saturday seven p.m.
Gemma switches the television off and places the remote back
on the bed.
GEMMA
I’ll see you Saturday, sweetheart.
INT. MUSIC REHEARSAL ROOM 1 - NIGHT
Total darkness.
The door creaks open and a silhouetted figure emerges inside
the room.
The light is turned on and the silhouetted figure is revealed
to be Joseph. He has a guitar and a notebook and a pen in his
hands.
He makes his way across the room and sits on the floor.
Silence.
Joseph gently plays the guitar and mumbles lyrics...
INT. JOSEPH AND COREY’S DORMITORY - NIGHT
Joseph is laying on the bottom bunk and is staring upwards.
Corey is asleep on the top bunk and is snoring loudly.
29.
A stone can be heard tapping against the dormitory window.
Joseph gets to his feet and walks to the window. He looks out
of it and sees Frankie standing outside. She smiles to him.
EXT. FRONT OF THE ACADEMY - NIGHT
Frankie is standing with her back against the wall and is
smoking a cigarette.
Joseph walks out of the building with his hands inside his
hoodie pockets. He walks to Frankie.
JOSEPH
I know that’s against the rules.
FRANKIE
Sue me.
Frankie flicks the cigarette away.
Joseph and Frankie walk slowly around the academy as they
talk to each other.
FRANKIE (CONT’D)
Thank you. For helping Dylan. I
know it meant so much to him.
JOSEPH
Like you said. Imagine yourself in
his position.
FRANKIE
I see that sending you here is
starting to have an effect.
JOSEPH
You know a lot about me. I never
figured you’d be a fan.
FRANKIE
I’m not. I happen to find you
extremely arrogant and rude. Not to
mention your vanity.
Joseph stops. He slowly leans forward, kissing Frankie on the
lips. She responds.
JOSEPH
I knew it. I’m just too
irresistible.
They kiss passionately. They back into the wall. Frankie
begins unbuckling Joseph’s belt...
FADE TO BLACK.
30.
INT. MUSIC REHEARSAL ROOM 1 - DAY
Lewis, Will, Evan and Toby are standing in complete silence
as they anxiously await Joseph’s arrival.
Lewis has a first draft of the ‘Nothing Personal’ song in his
hands.
Will looks to the clock on the wall. 10.15. Joseph is fifteen
minutes late for rehearsal.
WILL
(mutters)
Where the hell are you?
EVAN
We can’t keep waiting for him.
We’ve gotta make start sooner or
later.
TOBY
I knew he’d mess us around. I knew
it.
The door opens and Corey walks inside the room. He closes the
door.
LEWIS
Find him?
Corey shakes his head.
COREY
I checked the dorm and the canteen.
He wasn’t in either.
WILL
I guess we’ve got to make a start
without him.
COREY
Yeah.
Joseph walks inside the room. He has a guitar and his own
draft of the ‘Nothing Personal’ song in his hands.
JOSEPH
Sup, guys.
EVAN
Where the hell have you been?
You’re fifteen minutes late.
Joseph looks to the clock on the wall. He turns back to face
them.
JOSEPH
Shit. Sorry.
31.
TOBY
Is that it? Is that all you’ve got
to say?
LEWIS
Toby, leave it.
TOBY
No. You’re all too scared to say
it.
JOSEPH
Say what?
TOBY
You may have messed up your own
career, but you’re not gonna do it
to ours.
JOSEPH
What the hell are you talking
about? I wrote the song.
Joseph raises the first draft of the song into the air.
TOBY
Oh. Sorry?
LEWIS
I weren’t sure if you’d be writing
the song, so I thought I’d give it
a shot.
JOSEPH
Swapsies.
Joseph and Lewis swap their drafts of the song.
Corey, Will, Evan and Toby stand around Lewis and read the
song.
Joseph begins reading through Lewis’ draft.
LEWIS
Can I have that back?
Joseph hands the draft back to Lewis, who tears it in half.
EVAN
I guess that one’s settled.
Begin Montage.
Joseph is sitting on the floor and is performing the song. A
copy of the lyrics are in front of him. Corey, Lewis, Will,
Evan and Toby stand watching him.
32.
Corey, Lewis, Will, Evan and Toby are standing in a straight
line and are rehearsing the song. They each have a copy of
the lyrics in their hands.
Joseph is sitting on the floor and is playing the guitar as
Corey, Lewis, Will, Evan and Toby sing.
Joseph dances in front of Corey, Lewis, Will, Evan and Toby,
who burst into hysterics.
Corey, Lewis, Will, Evan and Toby are standing in a straight
line and are rehearsing the song. They no longer need a copy
of the lyrics to help prompt them.
End Montage.
Joseph, Corey, Lewis, Will, Evan and Toby finish rehearsing
the song.
They are unaware of Angel standing in the doorway of the room
with her handbag in her hands. She claps.
They turn to face Angel.
ANGEL
Very well done, all of you.
JOSEPH
Angel. Hey.
ANGEL
I’m sure Charlie will be pleased to
hear of your progress. Joseph. Walk
me to my car?
EXT. FRONT OF THE ACADEMY - DAY
Angel’s car is parked close to the main entrance.
Joseph and Angel walk out of the building. Joseph has his
hands inside his hoodie pockets. Angel still has her handbag
in her hands.
They walk towards Angel’s car.
JOSEPH
I was thinking. Would you be able
to get me a copy of my contract?
ANGEL
What do you need it for?
JOSEPH
I was just hoping to see it.
ANGEL
I’ll see what I can do.
33.
They stop at the driver’s door of Angel’s car.
ANGEL (CONT’D)
I’m glad you’re getting along with
them at last.
JOSEPH
They’re not so bad after all.
ANGEL
Only two days to go now. Are you
excited?
JOSEPH
More anxious, to be honest. Last
time I played, I broke my leg.
ANGEL
You’ll be fine. I know it.
Angel opens the driver’s door.
ANGEL (CONT’D)
Goodbye.
Angel gets inside the car. Joseph closes the door. Angel
switches the engine on and begins to drive away.
Angel bibs the horn and Joseph puts his hand up to the car.
Now alone, Joseph turns and walks back towards the building.
INT. MUSIC REHEARSAL ROOM 1 - DAY
Lewis, Will, Evan and Toby are standing in a semicircle and
are laughing and joking with each other.
The door opens and Joseph walks inside the room.
JOSEPH
Where’s Corey?
EVAN
He went to the dorm, mate.
JOSEPH
Okay. Cheers.
Joseph turns and walks out of the room. Lewis, Will, Evan and
Toby continue talking.
INT. JOSEPH AND COREY’S DORMITORY - DAY
There is a knock on the dormitory door.
34.
Corey opens the door and sees Frankie standing in the doorway
of the room. He smiles.
COREY
Come in.
Corey holds the door open for Frankie and she walks inside
the room. He closes the door.
He rests his hand on the side of Frankie’s face.
COREY (CONT’D)
I’ve missed you so much.
Frankie goes to kiss Corey, but he moves away from her.
FRANKIE
What is it?
COREY
We’ve barely spoken for weeks.
Frankie removes all items of clothing apart from her
underwear.
FRANKIE
I can see it in your eyes you want
to make a move. What’s stopping
you?
Corey kisses Frankie on the lips...
INT. OUTSIDE JOSEPH AND COREY’S DORMITORY - DAY
Joseph is walking down the corridor towards the dormitory and
is humming.
The dormitory door opens and Frankie walks out of the room.
She is now fully clothed. She closes the dormitory door.
Frankie turns to her right and jumps as she sees Joseph
standing before her. She talks quietly.
FRANKIE
Don’t creep up on me like that.
JOSEPH
What were you doing in there?
Joseph realises that Frankie has just made love to Corey.
JOSEPH (CONT’D)
What are you trying to achieve from
this?
Frankie walks down the corridor in an attempt to get away
from Joseph. He walks after her.
35.
JOSEPH (CONT’D)
I’m talking to you.
Frankie stops and turns back to face Joseph.
FRANKIE
We’re dating. We have been for a
while now.
JOSEPH
Do you have any idea of the trouble
you could cause?
(quick pause)
I won’t tell if you won’t.
FRANKIE
We’ll see.
Frankie turns and walks away. Joseph rests his head on the
wall and sighs.
INT. ACADEMY CANTEEN - DAY
Corey, Lewis, Will, Evan, Toby, Frankie and Dylan are sitting
at a table and are eating their dinner. They are involved in
deep conversation.
Joseph stands in the doorway of the room and watches them.
Lewis looks up. He catches sight of Joseph as he turns and
walks out of the room.
EXT. FRONT OF THE ACADEMY - DAY
Joseph is sitting on the edge of a brick wall, observing the
surroundings.
Lewis climbs up the wall and sits beside Joseph.
LEWIS
I can’t believe it’s already been
two years.
JOSEPH
Tell me about it.
LEWIS
(faces Joseph)
What happened to you, mate?
JOSEPH
I won.
(pauses)
I haven’t been entirely honest with
you guys. I don’t dislike your
music. I actually brought your
album the morning it was released.
36.
LEWIS
That’s cool cos I also brought
yours.
JOSEPH
Oh, really? What about the others?
Did they...
LEWIS
Nah. They just borrowed my copy.
JOSEPH
Cheap bastards.
LEWIS
You met Corey’s girlfriend?
JOSEPH
Yeah.
LEWIS
She’s a right minx. Only met her
five minutes and she tried sleeping
with me. If Corey asks, I had
nothing to do with it.
Lewis gets down from the wall.
LEWIS (CONT’D)
See you at dinner.
Lewis begins to walk away with his hands inside his front
jean pockets.
JOSEPH
My dad’s in hospital. Can you come
with me to see him?
INT. ALLAN’S HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY
Allan is laying on the bed with his eyes closed. He is
connected to a heart monitor, which is beeping slowly. He is
wearing a hospital gown.
The door opens and Joseph walks inside the room. He closes
the door and briefly observes Allan. He stands beside him.
JOSEPH
Hey, dad.
Allan slowly opens his eyes.
ALLAN
Joseph?
JOSEPH
Yeah, it’s me.
37.
Joseph sits on the chair beside the bed.
ALLAN
Your mother told me you’re going
back on the show. I wish I could be
there to see it.
JOSEPH
You were right, dad.
ALLAN
We all lose our way. What makes us
better people is if we’re able to
bounce back.
JOSEPH
With all that’s happened, I don’t
know if I want to carry on.
ALLAN
You do what your heart tells you.
Don’t let anyone tell you
different.
Allan holds his hand out to Joseph, who gets to his feet and
takes hold of it.
ALLAN (CONT’D)
I’m so proud of you. Never forget
that.
Joseph struggles to keep himself from crying.
ALLAN (CONT’D)
Promise me you’ll look after your
mother. She needs you now. More
than ever.
INT. HOSPITAL WARD WAITING ROOM - DAY
Lewis is sitting on a chair and is reading a magazine. He
closes the magazine and moves it onto the next chair. He puts
his hands inside his hoodie pockets.
Lewis looks up and sees Elderly Woman sitting opposite him.
She is staring at him. She winks. Lewis smiles awkwardly.
The door opens and Joseph walks inside the room. His eyes are
stained from where he has been crying. He walks to Lewis, who
faces him.
LEWIS
You ready?
JOSEPH
Yeah.
38.
Lewis gets to his feet. He follows Joseph as he walks towards
the door. Lewis looks back to Elderly Woman who blows a kiss
to him...
INT. HOSPITAL WARD - DAY
Joseph and Lewis walk beside each other as they walk down the
corridor.
Lewis puts his arm around Joseph’s shoulders as a sign of
support.
FADE TO BLACK.
INT. SING IT! STAGE - NIGHT
A live audience of around three hundred people reaches from
one end of the auditorium to the other.
The judges’s table is at the front of the audience. Seated
are Charlie, Judge 1, Judge 2 and Judge 3.
On the stage stands Frankie, who is in the middle of
performing a song.
The audience are listening to Frankie with keen interest...
INT. JOSEPH’S DRESSING ROOM - NIGHT
Joseph is sitting at the desk, reading through a copy of his
contract. His outfit is smart-casual.
There is a knock on the dressing room door.
Joseph leaves the contract on the desk as he gets to to his
feet. He walks across the room and opens the dressing room
door.
Gemma is standing in the doorway of the room.
GEMMA
Surprise!
Gemma bursts inside the room and slams the door shut. She
repeatedly kisses Joseph on the lips.
Joseph struggles to push Gemma away from him.
JOSEPH
Gemma.
GEMMA
I’ve missed you so much.
39.
Gemma attempts to kiss Joseph again, but he pushes her away
from him.
JOSEPH
Gemma, please. Stop.
GEMMA
What’s wrong?
JOSEPH
I don’t know you. You barely know
me.
GEMMA
What are you trying to say?
There is a knock on the dressing room door.
Joseph sighs.
JOSEPH
Quick. Hide in the wardrobe.
Gemma quickly hides inside the wardrobe.
Joseph looks at his reflection in the mirror and sees
lipstick stains on his face. He wipes them off as he walks
towards the dressing room door.
Joseph opens the door and sees Dylan standing in the doorway
of the room.
DYLAN
You’ve got to help me. I keep
forgetting the words to the song.
Why now? Why am I forgetting them
now?
JOSEPH
Dylan, calm down.
DYLAN
I’m so far in the competition. I
don’t want tonight to be the night
I screw things up.
JOSEPH
Listen to me. You’re not going to
screw it up. Why? Because you’re
going to remember what I told you
in rehearsals. Are you going on
stage now?
DYLAN
In a few minutes, yeah.
JOSEPH
Good luck. Just be calm, remember?
40.
Dylan nods. He turns and walks out of the room.
Joseph closes the dressing room door and slumps his head on
it.
JOSEPH (CONT’D)
It’s clear.
Joseph turns around as Gemma gets out of the wardrobe.
GEMMA
You don’t like me, do you?
Joseph walks towards Gemma as he talks.
JOSEPH
It’s not that I don’t like you. I’m
sure you’re a great person. It’s
just...
GEMMA
You’re not interested in a
relationship. I get it.
JOSEPH
Every girl that’s ever got close to
me, I’ve hurt in some way.
GEMMA
I’ll show myself out.
Gemma walks towards the dressing room door.
JOSEPH
Gemma, wait.
Gemma turns back to face Joseph.
JOSEPH (CONT’D)
I ruled out a relationship, not the
chance to be friends. But on the
agreement you don’t text or call
constantly.
GEMMA
Okay.
Gemma opens the dressing room door and walks out of the room.
She closes the door.
Joseph breathes a sigh of relief.
There is a knock on the dressing room door. The door opens
and Angel steps inside the room.
ANGEL
It’s time.
41.
JOSEPH
Okay.
Joseph walks to the door. He stops and turns back around,
staring at his reflection. She is dressed smartly.
He exhales, then turns and walks out of the room. Angel
follows him out of the room.
INT. SING IT! STAGE - NIGHT
Presenter walks onto the stage with a microphone in his hands
and faces the judges and the audiences.
PRESENTER
This is it, ladies and gentlemen.
The moment you have all been
waiting for. It’s Joe Thompson and
The Choice performing the single
Nothing Personal.
Presenter makes his way off the stage.
The lights dim and the backing track plays.
Joseph is the first to appear on stage with a microphone in
his hands. He sings.
Corey, Lewis, Will, Evan and Toby are next to appear on
stage. They each have a microphone in their hands and
beginning singing.
As the song reaches its final chorus, Joseph, Corey, Lewis,
Will, Evan and Toby stand together.
The song ends and the audience erupts in thunderous applause.
Presenter makes his way back on the stage and stands with
Joseph, Corey, Lewis, Will, Evan and Toby.
PRESENTER (CONT’D)
There you have it, ladies and
gentlemen. The single will be
available to download or purchase
in stores as of tomorrow.
(faces Corey, Lewis, Will,
Evan and Toby)
So, lads. What’s it like performing
as a guest rather than a
contestant.
EVAN
Fantastic. It’s great to finally be
back.
42.
PRESENTER
It’s from my understanding you did
all this in just a week. That’s
pretty amazing.
TOBY
Well, actually, we never wrote the
song. It was Joe.
JOSEPH
I’d like to say something if that’s
okay?
PRESENTER
Absolutely.
JOSEPH
I know that recently I’ve gone off
the rails, but I’m pleased to
announce I’ve put that behind me.
I’d also like to announce my
retirement from music.
All the members of the audience gasp. Corey, Lewis, Will,
Evan and Toby look at Joseph in shock.
Charlie is visibly agitated by Joseph’s revelation.
JOSEPH (CONT’D)
I’d like to thank everyone who’s
ever supported me over the past two
years. Whether it was from voting,
buying my album or merchandise, you
allowed me to follow my dream.
Thank you once again. You all mean
so much to me.
Joseph makes his way off the stage.
Charlie gets to his feet and walks after Joseph.
INT. JOSEPH’S DRESSING ROOM - NIGHT
The dressing room door opens and Joseph walks inside the
room.
He is followed closely by Charlie and Angel. Charlie is
visibly outraged by Joseph’s shock announcement.
CHARLIE
What the hell do you think you’re
playing at, Joseph? You can’t just
announce to the entire country that
you’re retiring from music!
JOSEPH
Actually, I can.
43.
Joseph picks up the copy of his contract from off the desk
and hands it to Charlie, who reluctantly reads it.
Realising that Joseph is correct, Charlie looks to Angel for
support.
CHARLIE
Talk some sense into him, will you?
ANGEL
I’m afraid that if his mind’s made
up, there’s not much I can do about
it.
JOSEPH
The person I became because of all
this, is not me. Everywhere I went,
every person I’d talk to, I would
upset. I can’t live like this. I’m
sorry, Charlie.
Charlie turns and storms out of the room. Angel faces Joseph.
ANGEL
Are you sure you want to go through
with this? It’s not too late to
change your mind.
JOSEPH
You know me, Angel. When my mind’s
made up...
ANGEL
It’s good to have you back.
Joseph smiles.
ANGEL (CONT’D)
I’ll go wait in the car.
JOSEPH
I’ll be out in a minute. There’s
something I gotta go do first.
INT. DYLAN’S DRESSING ROOM - NIGHT
Dylan opens the dressing room door and sees Joseph standing
in the doorway of the room.
JOSEPH
I wanted to give you something.
Joseph brings out a small blank card and hands it to Dylan,
who looks at it.
Joseph’s email address and mobile number have been written on
it.
44.
JOSEPH (CONT’D)
If you ever need any advice on the
whole singing thing, don’t be
afraid to get in touch. Also, if
you ever fancy meeting up, just
give me a time and a place and I’ll
be there.
DYLAN
What are you going to do now?
JOSEPH
I don’t know. Whatever comes along.
But right now, I could really
murder a beer.
INT. JOSEPH’S BEDROOM - DAY
Joseph is laying on the bed, asleep. He is wearing casual
clothes and his hair is out of place.
Joseph slowly opens his eyes and sits up. He rubs his eyes.
He looks to the floor and sees several empty cans of beer
scattered around the room.
JOSEPH
Not again.
Joseph gets to his feet and walks across the room. He opens
the bedroom door and walks out of the room.
INT. JOSEPH’S HALLWAY - DAY
Joseph walks slowly down the stairs. He walks across the
hallway, towards the kitchen.
INT. JOSEPH’S KITCHEN - DAY
Joseph opens the fridge and brings out a carton of orange
juice. He opens it and takes a mouthful of it.
There is repeated knocking on the front door.
Joseph puts the carton of orange juice back inside the fridge
and closes it.
INT. JOSEPH’S HALLWAY - DAY
Joseph opens the front door and sees Corey, Lewis, Will, Evan
and Toby standing in the doorway of the house.
45.
JOSEPH
Alright, guys? What brings you to
this neck of the woods?
LEWIS
Charlie told us to give you this.
Lewis brings out the single of their ‘Nothing Personal’ song.
He hands it to Joseph, who looks at it.
JOSEPH
Nice.
TOBY
I’m blatantly the best looking.
EVAN
(rolls his eyes)
Here we go.
LEWIS
Charlie also wanted to know if
you’d had a change of heart.
JOSEPH
No chance.
LEWIS
Fair enough, mate.
WILL
Is your mum in?
JOSEPH
No. Why?
WILL
Just curious. Forget I said
anything.
COREY
We best be off. Dad wants us to do
a signing this afternoon.
JOSEPH
It was good to see you guys.
Lewis, Will, Evan and Toby make their way across the front
garden, towards a car, which is parked by the edge of the
road.
EVAN (O.S.)
I call shotgun!
There is an awkward silence between Joseph and Corey.
46.
COREY
Frankie told me what happened
between you two. We broke up.
JOSEPH
I’m sorry.
COREY
It’s my own fault. I should have
listened to what the people around
me were saying.
Silence.
COREY (CONT’D)
Goodbye, mate.
Corey turns and begins to walk across the front garden.
JOSEPH
Corey.
Corey turns back to face Joseph.
JOSEPH (CONT’D)
Keep in touch.
COREY
(smiles)
Yeah, definitely.
Joseph watches Corey as he gets inside the car. The engine
starts and the car drives away.
Joseph smiles and closes the front door. He pauses, then
walks towards the dining room.
INT. JOSEPH’S DINING ROOM - DAY
Joseph is sitting at the table, in complete silence.
The front door can be heard opening and closing as Sarah
enters the house.
Joseph gets to his feet as Sarah walks inside the room. She
is tearful. She has her handbag in her hands, which she
leaves on the table.
JOSEPH
Dad?
Sarah nods and breaks down in tears. Joseph walks to Sarah
and hugs her.
FADE TO BLACK.
47.
SUPERTITLE: FOUR WEEKS LATER
INT. GIRLS TOILETS - DAY
Frankie is sitting on the floor inside a locked cubicle and
is crying. Her handbag is on the floor in-between her legs.
Frankie has a pregnany testing kit in her hands and it reads
positive...
FADE OUT.
END
48
