The Awl http://www.theawl.com/ Be Less Stupid Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:40:16 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.2 The Pride, Part 6: Who's Done Whom? http://www.theawl.com/2009/08/the-pride-part-6-whos-done-whom http://www.theawl.com/2009/08/the-pride-part-6-whos-done-whom#comments Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:40:16 +0000 Rod Townsend http://www.theawl.com/2009/08/the-pride-part-6-whos-done-whom The Pride

INT. OMAR'S APARTMENT, LIVING AREA

As "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" plays on the stereo, MARK and STEPHEN put down the tray of drinks as OMAR, GREG, and ERIC approach. Noting the movement inside, CORY PHAEUS peers inside, then draws KELLY and JILL's attention inside as well. Just as the song reaches the lyric "Now put you hands up," the five men are suddenly standing in a line, positioned as the dancers of the song's video.




At the line "I'm up on him, he up on me," MARK and GREG suddenly collide and tumble into the Le Corbusier "LC2" tan leather chair. As the song continues the amiable nature of the dancing suddenly takes a competitive turn with precise movements and looks of concentration on the three remaining men's faces while MARK and GREG raucously sing along and THE LESBIAN CHORUS nods along to the beat. By the second chorus, STEPHEN and ERIC leave OMAR dancing solo.



GREG
Figures that our single lady would be the last one standing.

OMAR [turns at the remark and lunges rhythmically toward GREG]
So sick of your constant ...

MARK [moves toward OMAR and struggles to make eye contact as OMAR continually looks away and fixates his on GREG.]
Omaaaar ...



OMAR [stopping the dancing and finally meeting MARK's gaze]
Look. I know he's kidding, but does he have to be such a fucking bitch all the time?



ERIC
Greg's more of a dick.



STEPHEN
Or an asshole.



GREG
Oh, jeebs. I'm sorry. Totally sorry. Oof, I'm just fucking with you.



OMAR (calming)
But you're constantly fucking with me. Constantly. It's just ... ugh.



THE LESBIAN CHORUS enters from the Balcony. CORY stays in LIVING AREA while KELLI and JILL head to KITCHEN.



CORY PHAEUS
Trouble in Boyland?

ERIC
How's that Pride Parade, ladies? Are you all prided up?



CORY
I keep getting distracted by the show in here. So, like, from the way you guys act, I'm guessing you've all dated each other at one point? Or you're like some five-way relationship or something.



MARK
That's not ...



ERIC
Well, let's see ...



OMAR
I dated Mark ... well, lived with Mark. And before that I used to hook up with Stephen. And Eric. Before they were [makes finger quotes] "Stephen and Eric".



GREG
And I used to hook up with [finger quotes] "Stephen and Eric," and then they introduced me to Mark.



OMAR
Actually it was [finger quotes] "Omar and Mark".



MARK
And [finger quotes] "Omar and Mark" were sort of ending things. And suddenly there was my little piggy, Greg.



STEPHEN (to CORY)
And I'm basically a whore. I've slept with everybody but you.



KELLI AND JILL (unison from kitchen)
And us.



STEPHEN
And them, but, you know, whatever. It's just sex.



CORY
Is it? Because it seemed a little intense in here.



The doorbell rings as the music changes to "Happy House" by The Juan Maclean. Camera follows Omar who opens the door to reveal DEVIN, holding a bedraggled cake box.



DEVIN (beaming a gigantic smile and extending the cakebox outward)
Happy pride, Omar!


OMAR (to DEVIN)
Yeah, um, happy ... I'm sorry. Who are you?



NEXT: Carb crashes!




Rod Townsend was standing next to Andrew Sullivan outside Spiritus Pizza one mosquito-frenzied Provincetown night and mulled over introducing himself as a fellow "writer on the Internet," but he then thought about how long it had been since he had turned in an episode of "The Pride," which was, in his mind, related. So he didn't say hello and instead left with his deejay friend and consumed assorted drugs, after which he spent the rest of the night laying out the rest of the Act I in episodic form. The Pride is his first screenplay.

---

See more posts by Rod Townsend

12 comments

]]> The Pride

INT. OMAR'S APARTMENT, LIVING AREA

As "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" plays on the stereo, MARK and STEPHEN put down the tray of drinks as OMAR, GREG, and ERIC approach. Noting the movement inside, CORY PHAEUS peers inside, then draws KELLY and JILL's attention inside as well. Just as the song reaches the lyric "Now put you hands up," the five men are suddenly standing in a line, positioned as the dancers of the song's video.




At the line "I'm up on him, he up on me," MARK and GREG suddenly collide and tumble into the Le Corbusier "LC2" tan leather chair. As the song continues the amiable nature of the dancing suddenly takes a competitive turn with precise movements and looks of concentration on the three remaining men's faces while MARK and GREG raucously sing along and THE LESBIAN CHORUS nods along to the beat. By the second chorus, STEPHEN and ERIC leave OMAR dancing solo.



GREG
Figures that our single lady would be the last one standing.

OMAR [turns at the remark and lunges rhythmically toward GREG]
So sick of your constant ...

MARK [moves toward OMAR and struggles to make eye contact as OMAR continually looks away and fixates his on GREG.]
Omaaaar ...



OMAR [stopping the dancing and finally meeting MARK's gaze]
Look. I know he's kidding, but does he have to be such a fucking bitch all the time?



ERIC
Greg's more of a dick.



STEPHEN
Or an asshole.



GREG
Oh, jeebs. I'm sorry. Totally sorry. Oof, I'm just fucking with you.



OMAR (calming)
But you're constantly fucking with me. Constantly. It's just ... ugh.



THE LESBIAN CHORUS enters from the Balcony. CORY stays in LIVING AREA while KELLI and JILL head to KITCHEN.



CORY PHAEUS
Trouble in Boyland?

ERIC
How's that Pride Parade, ladies? Are you all prided up?



CORY
I keep getting distracted by the show in here. So, like, from the way you guys act, I'm guessing you've all dated each other at one point? Or you're like some five-way relationship or something.



MARK
That's not ...



ERIC
Well, let's see ...



OMAR
I dated Mark ... well, lived with Mark. And before that I used to hook up with Stephen. And Eric. Before they were [makes finger quotes] "Stephen and Eric".



GREG
And I used to hook up with [finger quotes] "Stephen and Eric," and then they introduced me to Mark.



OMAR
Actually it was [finger quotes] "Omar and Mark".



MARK
And [finger quotes] "Omar and Mark" were sort of ending things. And suddenly there was my little piggy, Greg.



STEPHEN (to CORY)
And I'm basically a whore. I've slept with everybody but you.



KELLI AND JILL (unison from kitchen)
And us.



STEPHEN
And them, but, you know, whatever. It's just sex.



CORY
Is it? Because it seemed a little intense in here.



The doorbell rings as the music changes to "Happy House" by The Juan Maclean. Camera follows Omar who opens the door to reveal DEVIN, holding a bedraggled cake box.



DEVIN (beaming a gigantic smile and extending the cakebox outward)
Happy pride, Omar!


OMAR (to DEVIN)
Yeah, um, happy ... I'm sorry. Who are you?



NEXT: Carb crashes!




Rod Townsend was standing next to Andrew Sullivan outside Spiritus Pizza one mosquito-frenzied Provincetown night and mulled over introducing himself as a fellow "writer on the Internet," but he then thought about how long it had been since he had turned in an episode of "The Pride," which was, in his mind, related. So he didn't say hello and instead left with his deejay friend and consumed assorted drugs, after which he spent the rest of the night laying out the rest of the Act I in episodic form. The Pride is his first screenplay.

---

See more posts by Rod Townsend

12 comments

]]> http://www.theawl.com/2009/08/the-pride-part-6-whos-done-whom/feed 12 The Pride, Part Five: Of Mojitos and Monogamy http://www.theawl.com/2009/07/the-pride-part-five-of-mojitos-and-monogamy http://www.theawl.com/2009/07/the-pride-part-five-of-mojitos-and-monogamy#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:22:35 +0000 Rod Townsend http://www.theawl.com/2009/07/the-pride-part-five-of-mojitos-and-monogamy The Pride

INT. OMAR'S APARTMENT, LIVING AREA

OMAR, MARK, and GREG enter from Omar's bedroom. "Be My Boyfriend" by Offer Nissim is playing on the stereo. Stephen and Eric are drinking blueberry-ginger mojitos near the stereo. THE LESBIAN CHORUS is on the balcony watching the Pride Parade on Fifth Avenue.



OMAR [walking briskly toward the stereo]

What's wrong with my stereo! It sounds so muddy!


STEPHEN
I think it's the song.


ERIC
I liked you better in the towels.


MARK
Don't insult our Baby Gap tees!


OMAR
[mock slapping MARK] Gap Kids! [to STEPHEN] What's that tasty-looking drink and where's mine?


STEPHEN
Just a little something I whipped together in that sparse kitchen of yours. Let me go make more.


STEPHEN bounds toward the Kitchen Area and MARK follows. OMAR, GREG, and ERIC remain in the Living Area, near the studio. OMAR makes adjustments to the stereo. The music stops for a moment.


GREG
So what are those bike messengers doing out on the balcony?


ERIC
One, they're watching the parade or whatever. Two, one of them works with me and is super-smart. And three, they totally heard you.


The song changes to Gerri Halliwell's "G.A.Y." as the Camera pans to THE LESBIAN CHORUS. KELLY and JILL remain watching the parade. CORY PHAEUS is turned toward the boys, pointing to her ear and nodding. Pan back to the Living Area.


OMAR
[to GREG] Busted. [to ERIC] New topic. So Scarica, I haven't seen you two since the housewarming.


ERIC
I know! Things are good, but Stephen is still adjusting to "uptown living." I think it's still more "Hell" than "Kitchen" for him right now. I mean, the streets are filled with these tired faggots that we, like, know from years ago, but don't like, "know," you know? Not the kind you really want to catch up with.


GREG
Sounds like Facebook friends.


ERIC
Totally Facebook friends. And the food is just so-so, except for this one Chinese fusion place, which is thankfully more Chinese than fusion.


OMAR
And the threeways?


ERIC
Rewd!


GREG
Totally rewd, but true-rewd. Trewd! You two are three-way royalty.


ERIC
Whatever. [Pause.] And if you just have to know, it's been awful. Trying to get a hottie to come uptown is problem one and and having someone host two is problem two.


GREG
So glad not to have that problem.


OMAR
You won't be monogamous forever.


GREG
I think we will. We keep each other sexually exhausted.


OMAR
I don't think Mark is sexually exhaustable.


GREG
Well, maybe you couldn't. Never mind! [toward the kitchen area] Where's Piggy's drink, bitches?


OMAR
[hushedly to GREG] One of these days, I'm going to ...


ERIC
[to the returning MARK and STEPHEN] Just in time! It was starting to get hot in here!


The music changes to Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" and the faces of ALL come alive.



NEXT WEEK: EX-PLOSION


Rod Townsend exists to make the messiahship of Jesus an unavoidable issue to our Jewish people worldwide. "The Pride" is his first screenplay.

---

See more posts by Rod Townsend

1 comments

]]> The Pride

INT. OMAR'S APARTMENT, LIVING AREA

OMAR, MARK, and GREG enter from Omar's bedroom. "Be My Boyfriend" by Offer Nissim is playing on the stereo. Stephen and Eric are drinking blueberry-ginger mojitos near the stereo. THE LESBIAN CHORUS is on the balcony watching the Pride Parade on Fifth Avenue.



OMAR [walking briskly toward the stereo]

What's wrong with my stereo! It sounds so muddy!


STEPHEN
I think it's the song.


ERIC
I liked you better in the towels.


MARK
Don't insult our Baby Gap tees!


OMAR
[mock slapping MARK] Gap Kids! [to STEPHEN] What's that tasty-looking drink and where's mine?


STEPHEN
Just a little something I whipped together in that sparse kitchen of yours. Let me go make more.


STEPHEN bounds toward the Kitchen Area and MARK follows. OMAR, GREG, and ERIC remain in the Living Area, near the studio. OMAR makes adjustments to the stereo. The music stops for a moment.


GREG
So what are those bike messengers doing out on the balcony?


ERIC
One, they're watching the parade or whatever. Two, one of them works with me and is super-smart. And three, they totally heard you.


The song changes to Gerri Halliwell's "G.A.Y." as the Camera pans to THE LESBIAN CHORUS. KELLY and JILL remain watching the parade. CORY PHAEUS is turned toward the boys, pointing to her ear and nodding. Pan back to the Living Area.


OMAR
[to GREG] Busted. [to ERIC] New topic. So Scarica, I haven't seen you two since the housewarming.


ERIC
I know! Things are good, but Stephen is still adjusting to "uptown living." I think it's still more "Hell" than "Kitchen" for him right now. I mean, the streets are filled with these tired faggots that we, like, know from years ago, but don't like, "know," you know? Not the kind you really want to catch up with.


GREG
Sounds like Facebook friends.


ERIC
Totally Facebook friends. And the food is just so-so, except for this one Chinese fusion place, which is thankfully more Chinese than fusion.


OMAR
And the threeways?


ERIC
Rewd!


GREG
Totally rewd, but true-rewd. Trewd! You two are three-way royalty.


ERIC
Whatever. [Pause.] And if you just have to know, it's been awful. Trying to get a hottie to come uptown is problem one and and having someone host two is problem two.


GREG
So glad not to have that problem.


OMAR
You won't be monogamous forever.


GREG
I think we will. We keep each other sexually exhausted.


OMAR
I don't think Mark is sexually exhaustable.


GREG
Well, maybe you couldn't. Never mind! [toward the kitchen area] Where's Piggy's drink, bitches?


OMAR
[hushedly to GREG] One of these days, I'm going to ...


ERIC
[to the returning MARK and STEPHEN] Just in time! It was starting to get hot in here!


The music changes to Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" and the faces of ALL come alive.



NEXT WEEK: EX-PLOSION


Rod Townsend exists to make the messiahship of Jesus an unavoidable issue to our Jewish people worldwide. "The Pride" is his first screenplay.

---

See more posts by Rod Townsend

1 comments

]]> http://www.theawl.com/2009/07/the-pride-part-five-of-mojitos-and-monogamy/feed 1 The Pride, Part Four: Bedroom Briefing http://www.theawl.com/2009/07/the-pride-part-four-bedroom-briefing http://www.theawl.com/2009/07/the-pride-part-four-bedroom-briefing#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:02:48 +0000 Rod Townsend http://www.theawl.com/2009/07/the-pride-part-four-bedroom-briefing The Pride

INT. OMAR'S APARTMENT (at 108 Fifth Avenue)

OMAR
Okay. So, um ... Mark and Greg? Cory, Kelli, and Jill. [MARK and GREG retrieve their clothing on the floor outside the bathroom. They look awkwardly at THE LESBIAN CHORUS. Omar briskly walks toward the two guys.] In the bedroom. Now. [Looking back toward STEPHEN, ERIC, and THE LESBIAN CHORUS with a wink and a smile] Just a sec, okay?


INT. OMAR'S BEDROOM

The smallish room is dominated by a Design Within Reach "Zola" platform bed flanked by bedside tables and a dresser from the same collection. The room is lit by Flou "Gabbiano" lamps on each bedside and two Kartell "Toobe" lamps on the dresser. The bass of the music playing in the living area can slightly be heard. Tightly folded laundry covers the Millesimo "Sferra" duvet on the bed. MARK and GREG begin toweling off.


GREG
Massive social anxiety.


MARK
Panic piggy?


GREG
No, just... I mean... Omar. Today is supposed to be friends hanging out. Avoiding "parade people". Having some drinks. Doing, like, "whatever." [more briskly] I wouldn't have come raging out of the shower singing Lady Gaga, I mean... you. [in a stage whisper] What are those girls?


OMAR
One of them works with Eric. They just showed up at the door with Stephen and him.


MARK
Rude.


GREG
Rude! Piggy needs Xanax.


MARK
Mark too!


OMAR
Greg and Mark need pronouns. And clean shirts. [pointing to clothes on the floor] I can smell those from here.


MARK
You still have some of mine, don't you?


OMAR
I still have a ton of yours. Those are in storage.


MARK
Storage?


OMAR
It was either that or pitch them. And if I pitch them you'll be all "rugby team" this and "college" that. And, seriously. It's been two years, baby.


MARK
No. We haven't... [Pause] Really?


GREG
Hello? Cause of breakup in the room? Yes, two years.


MARK
You're not. Um. Well, fine, but I hope they're not just in some ratty old Trader Joe's bag. Is all of my stuff in storage?


OMAR
Pretty much. Which I should invoice you for. Oh. Anyway, you can wear one of mine. [Grabbing two tee shirts from the laundry on the bed] These should fit.


MARK
[looking at the label as GREG puts the shirt on] I can't believe you still shop at Gap Kids.


OMAR
Whatever. It fits.


MARK
I still say they think you're a pedophile shopping in there.


OMAR
It's not like I go in the fitting room.


MARK
It's creepy.


GREG
[looking in the mirror] But it fits kind of amazing.


OMAR
Exactly.


MARK
Still creepy. And what's with all the clothes on the bed? [sardonically] Doing laundry?


OMAR
They've changed staff at the laundry or something. The folds aren't right so I re-fold everything. [meeting the bland stare of Greg] I like a tight fold. Otherwise things get bunchy.


GREG
Heh. Bunchy.


OMAR
Quiet you. Or no Xanax.


GREG
You know I'm good at keeping quiet.


OMAR
[after a quick pause and a cold stare at GREG] Put on your shirt, Mark. Let's meet the lesbians.




Behind? Catch up already!

Rod Townsend believes that a public well informed about the death, disease and social blight produced by current US drug policy must inevitably seek to reform it. The Pride is his first screenplay.

---

See more posts by Rod Townsend

3 comments

]]> The Pride

INT. OMAR'S APARTMENT (at 108 Fifth Avenue)

OMAR
Okay. So, um ... Mark and Greg? Cory, Kelli, and Jill. [MARK and GREG retrieve their clothing on the floor outside the bathroom. They look awkwardly at THE LESBIAN CHORUS. Omar briskly walks toward the two guys.] In the bedroom. Now. [Looking back toward STEPHEN, ERIC, and THE LESBIAN CHORUS with a wink and a smile] Just a sec, okay?


INT. OMAR'S BEDROOM

The smallish room is dominated by a Design Within Reach "Zola" platform bed flanked by bedside tables and a dresser from the same collection. The room is lit by Flou "Gabbiano" lamps on each bedside and two Kartell "Toobe" lamps on the dresser. The bass of the music playing in the living area can slightly be heard. Tightly folded laundry covers the Millesimo "Sferra" duvet on the bed. MARK and GREG begin toweling off.


GREG
Massive social anxiety.


MARK
Panic piggy?


GREG
No, just... I mean... Omar. Today is supposed to be friends hanging out. Avoiding "parade people". Having some drinks. Doing, like, "whatever." [more briskly] I wouldn't have come raging out of the shower singing Lady Gaga, I mean... you. [in a stage whisper] What are those girls?


OMAR
One of them works with Eric. They just showed up at the door with Stephen and him.


MARK
Rude.


GREG
Rude! Piggy needs Xanax.


MARK
Mark too!


OMAR
Greg and Mark need pronouns. And clean shirts. [pointing to clothes on the floor] I can smell those from here.


MARK
You still have some of mine, don't you?


OMAR
I still have a ton of yours. Those are in storage.


MARK
Storage?


OMAR
It was either that or pitch them. And if I pitch them you'll be all "rugby team" this and "college" that. And, seriously. It's been two years, baby.


MARK
No. We haven't... [Pause] Really?


GREG
Hello? Cause of breakup in the room? Yes, two years.


MARK
You're not. Um. Well, fine, but I hope they're not just in some ratty old Trader Joe's bag. Is all of my stuff in storage?


OMAR
Pretty much. Which I should invoice you for. Oh. Anyway, you can wear one of mine. [Grabbing two tee shirts from the laundry on the bed] These should fit.


MARK
[looking at the label as GREG puts the shirt on] I can't believe you still shop at Gap Kids.


OMAR
Whatever. It fits.


MARK
I still say they think you're a pedophile shopping in there.


OMAR
It's not like I go in the fitting room.


MARK
It's creepy.


GREG
[looking in the mirror] But it fits kind of amazing.


OMAR
Exactly.


MARK
Still creepy. And what's with all the clothes on the bed? [sardonically] Doing laundry?


OMAR
They've changed staff at the laundry or something. The folds aren't right so I re-fold everything. [meeting the bland stare of Greg] I like a tight fold. Otherwise things get bunchy.


GREG
Heh. Bunchy.


OMAR
Quiet you. Or no Xanax.


GREG
You know I'm good at keeping quiet.


OMAR
[after a quick pause and a cold stare at GREG] Put on your shirt, Mark. Let's meet the lesbians.




Behind? Catch up already!

Rod Townsend believes that a public well informed about the death, disease and social blight produced by current US drug policy must inevitably seek to reform it. The Pride is his first screenplay.

---

See more posts by Rod Townsend

3 comments

]]> http://www.theawl.com/2009/07/the-pride-part-four-bedroom-briefing/feed 3 The Pride, Part Three: Guests And The Sapphic Chorus Arrive http://www.theawl.com/2009/06/5648the-pride-part-three-guests-and-the-sapphic-chorus-arrive http://www.theawl.com/2009/06/5648the-pride-part-three-guests-and-the-sapphic-chorus-arrive#comments Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:17:28 +0000 Rod Townsend http://www.theawl.com/2009/06/5648the-pride-part-three-guests-and-the-sapphic-chorus-arrive The Pride

INT. OMAR'S APARTMENT, 108 Fifth Avenue
OMAR is fluffing grey and ecru corduroy pillows on the Vladimir Kagan sectional sofa upholstered in Edelman "Luxe Calf" Butter Rum. "The Flash" by Act Yo Age plays at a moderate volume. Jauntily, he passes to the "kitchen area" where he grabs a BioBag 10-gallon white garbage bag and then heads to the front door. Opening the front door, he faces GREG and MARK.


OMAR
[surprised] How did you get...? I... Oh! [looking at garbage bag] Oh. Ha! Hi, babies! How did you get up here? [while kissing hello, but keeping an obvious distance] And what happened to you. You look the mess!



GREG and MARK enter, passing OMAR, who puts the garbage bag down in the front hall.


GREG
[while removing shoes, socks, and shirt] Yeah, we've been biking up and down the Hudson since after brunch with Felix, Donny, and the Mikes over at Ono. We're going to take a shower.


MARK
[pulling off shirt] You don't mind, do you, Omar? How's the parade?


OMAR
[while checking out the disrobing duo] Loud. The parade is loud, just like every year. That's why I've got the music up so loud. I didn't even hear you ring the bell. [looking at the garbage bag] You know where everything is, so clean up. Stephen and Eric should be here soon too.


MARK
[naked, holding a bundle of clothing at his torso] Thanks, poops. Then we'll look at that eye of yours.


MARK GREG into the HALLWAY, dropping the clothing bundle outside the door.


OMAR turns to a 26-inch round mirror at the entrance and examines his eye, then picks up the garbage bag and opens the door. In the doorway stand STEPHEN and ERIC and the BROOKLYN LESBIANS.


STEPHEN and ERIC [unison]
Omar!


OMAR
Sweet baby Jesus. Hel-LO! [walking into the "kitchen area" and setting the garbage bag down] Get IN here! Who are your, uh, ladyfriends?


The music changes to "Love Game" by Lady Gaga.


STEPHEN and ERIC enter the apartment followed by the BROOKLYN LESBIANS. CORY leads, wearing a ratty, faded Lesbians on Ecstasy tee and skin-tight American Apparel corduroy short-shorts. KELLI and JILL follow. Both wear Hanes white v-neck tees and faded Levi's 501 jeans cut-off to short shorts and Converse Chuck Taylor High-Tops.


CORY
Don't worry, toots. We brought beer. [facing OMAR, extending her hand for a handshake] I'm Cory. Cory Phaeus. [pointing over her shoulder] That's Kelli and Jill.


KELLI and JILL each give an acknowledging head nod in OMAR's direction.


OMAR
All-righty. [extended pause as both parties sort of examine one another, much as a gorilla might examine a spaceship] Let's go out to the livingroom!


ERIC
Cory works with me at the agency in production. We literally bumped into each other on the street and they were on the way to go use the bathroom at Splash and, well, you have a bathroom, and, we're all here!


OMAR
Don't worry about...


GREG and MARK exit the bathroom with towels wrapped around their waists


GREG
[singing, and thrusting his torso to the music] I wanna take a ride on your disco stick, your disco stick, your- [noticing the new arrivals and shooting a look of utter confusion toward CORY, KELLI, and JILL] Oh. This is different.



Part One: Pride
Part Two: Pilgrimage

Rod Townsend's worldwide team of growers, packers, processors, shippers and employees is committed to consistently providing safe, high-quality fresh fruit. "The Pride" is his first screenplay.

---

See more posts by Rod Townsend

7 comments

]]> The Pride

INT. OMAR'S APARTMENT, 108 Fifth Avenue
OMAR is fluffing grey and ecru corduroy pillows on the Vladimir Kagan sectional sofa upholstered in Edelman "Luxe Calf" Butter Rum. "The Flash" by Act Yo Age plays at a moderate volume. Jauntily, he passes to the "kitchen area" where he grabs a BioBag 10-gallon white garbage bag and then heads to the front door. Opening the front door, he faces GREG and MARK.


OMAR
[surprised] How did you get...? I... Oh! [looking at garbage bag] Oh. Ha! Hi, babies! How did you get up here? [while kissing hello, but keeping an obvious distance] And what happened to you. You look the mess!



GREG and MARK enter, passing OMAR, who puts the garbage bag down in the front hall.


GREG
[while removing shoes, socks, and shirt] Yeah, we've been biking up and down the Hudson since after brunch with Felix, Donny, and the Mikes over at Ono. We're going to take a shower.


MARK
[pulling off shirt] You don't mind, do you, Omar? How's the parade?


OMAR
[while checking out the disrobing duo] Loud. The parade is loud, just like every year. That's why I've got the music up so loud. I didn't even hear you ring the bell. [looking at the garbage bag] You know where everything is, so clean up. Stephen and Eric should be here soon too.


MARK
[naked, holding a bundle of clothing at his torso] Thanks, poops. Then we'll look at that eye of yours.


MARK GREG into the HALLWAY, dropping the clothing bundle outside the door.


OMAR turns to a 26-inch round mirror at the entrance and examines his eye, then picks up the garbage bag and opens the door. In the doorway stand STEPHEN and ERIC and the BROOKLYN LESBIANS.


STEPHEN and ERIC [unison]
Omar!


OMAR
Sweet baby Jesus. Hel-LO! [walking into the "kitchen area" and setting the garbage bag down] Get IN here! Who are your, uh, ladyfriends?


The music changes to "Love Game" by Lady Gaga.


STEPHEN and ERIC enter the apartment followed by the BROOKLYN LESBIANS. CORY leads, wearing a ratty, faded Lesbians on Ecstasy tee and skin-tight American Apparel corduroy short-shorts. KELLI and JILL follow. Both wear Hanes white v-neck tees and faded Levi's 501 jeans cut-off to short shorts and Converse Chuck Taylor High-Tops.


CORY
Don't worry, toots. We brought beer. [facing OMAR, extending her hand for a handshake] I'm Cory. Cory Phaeus. [pointing over her shoulder] That's Kelli and Jill.


KELLI and JILL each give an acknowledging head nod in OMAR's direction.


OMAR
All-righty. [extended pause as both parties sort of examine one another, much as a gorilla might examine a spaceship] Let's go out to the livingroom!


ERIC
Cory works with me at the agency in production. We literally bumped into each other on the street and they were on the way to go use the bathroom at Splash and, well, you have a bathroom, and, we're all here!


OMAR
Don't worry about...


GREG and MARK exit the bathroom with towels wrapped around their waists


GREG
[singing, and thrusting his torso to the music] I wanna take a ride on your disco stick, your disco stick, your- [noticing the new arrivals and shooting a look of utter confusion toward CORY, KELLI, and JILL] Oh. This is different.



Part One: Pride
Part Two: Pilgrimage

Rod Townsend's worldwide team of growers, packers, processors, shippers and employees is committed to consistently providing safe, high-quality fresh fruit. "The Pride" is his first screenplay.

---

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]]> http://www.theawl.com/2009/06/5648the-pride-part-three-guests-and-the-sapphic-chorus-arrive/feed 7 The Pride, Part Two (A Screenplay by Rod Townsend) http://www.theawl.com/2009/06/the-pride-part-two-a-screenplay-by-rod-townsend http://www.theawl.com/2009/06/the-pride-part-two-a-screenplay-by-rod-townsend#comments Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:09:25 +0000 Rod Townsend http://www.theawl.com/2009/06/the-pride-part-two-a-screenplay-by-rod-townsend The Pride
Part Two: "Pilgrimage"
(Previously: Part One)

EXT. FIFTH AVENUE BETWEEN 15th AND 16th STREETS, SIDEWALK ON WEST SIDE OF THE STREET
THE PARADE is in progress. We see the amfAR float, filled with volunteers in yellow tee shirts, five men in square-cut nylon/lycra swimsuits and a drag queen in a red dress. It is blaring "I Know You Want Me" by Pitbull. THE CROWD is diverse (though gay-heavy) and active with picture taking, cheering, observing, socializing, and moving (mostly in a downtown direction).


MARK and GREG are walking uptown with their mountain bikes. GREG has his phone to his ear.


GREG
Can you what? Get WHAT?


GREG begins to laugh, cough and choke. He removes the phone from his ear and waves it at MARK.


GREG [to MARK]
Take it. [Through coughs and cackles] Take it.


MARK
Who is it?


[MARK takes the phone, looks at the screen, holds it to his ear]
Omar? Oh my God, what did you tell Greg? He's having a seizure. Some kind of epileptic fit. ... [louder] A conniption! I can barely hear you too. ... Herpes in your eye? ... I've never. Are you sure it's herpes and not just a stye? Or a pimple? ... [even louder] A zit. Wait, what? ... What? ... I'm sorry, this parade is just too loud. Are you watching it? ... We're just in front of the building now anyway. Do you need anything? ... Okay, baby.


[Hands phone back to GREG]
You okay, piggy?


EXT. 16th STREET BETWEEN SIXTH AND SEVENTH AVENUES, SIDEWALK ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE STREET
STEPHEN and ERIC are walking toward Fifth Avenue. The street is mostly quiet, but THE PARADE can be heard. STEPHEN's iPhone issues the "Old Phone" ringtone.


STEPHEN [into phone]
Hey, sexy. I saw you called. We're almost there. ... I saw the message, but I didn't listen to- You what? ... In your eye? ... I don't think that's possible. ... I was on the phone with my "organic products distributor". ... Yes. We're, like, a block away. We have a bottle of Ketel. ... Yes, and "organic products". ... Love you too.


ERIC
What's in Omar's eye?


STEPHEN
[Nonchalantly] Herpes.


ERIC
Can you get herpes in your eye?


STEPHEN
You remember Mara? Darren's friend? She gets break-outs on her ass ever since a three way she had with some dirty Saudis in Sharm el-Sheikh. She pops Valtrex constantly.


ERIC
Oh, I totally knew that. She asked me for pills one time. Like four. That shit's expensive. Let me text that slut.


ERIC begins texting on his iPhone. A group of three twenty-something, Brooklyn-style lesbians passes. One bumps shoulders with ERIC.


ERIC
[Without looking up from his iPhone] Sorry, dude.


BROOKLYN LESBIAN
Whatever, lady.


ERIC
[Looking back, ready to argue] Who are you- [Then sheepishly] Happy pride?


INT. SUBWAY STATION AT 181st STREET
DEVIN passes through the turnstile and enters a somewhat crowded downtown-bound platform carrying his cake box. The crowd has a heavy concentration of Latinos (mostly Dominican). Many are visibly hot and sweaty; there are many looks of consternation and impatience. DEVIN looks in both directions and heads to the "front" of the platform which appears less crowded. He faces a TEENGIRL in a group of CHUBBY DOMINICAN TEEN GIRLS.


DEVIN
Have they said anything about the train?


TEENGIRL gives him a once over, tilting her head to the right, then nodding no. She flips her shoulder-length hair and then turns back to her friends and giggles, which starts the CHUBBY DOMINICAN TEEN GIRLS giggling and whispering amongst themselves and looking at DEVIN. DEVIN, now visibly sweating, continues moving down the platform. He wipes his brow with his free hand. Looking down the platform he seems to see someone familiar and quickens his pace.


DEVIN
Ernesto?


DEVIN trips forward. He loses his grip on the cake box.


DEVIN
Oh! My cake!



Through education and action, Rod Townsend demonstrates that gay and lesbian Republicans can, in a spirit of solidarity and integrity, contribute substantially to building and sustaining a majority Republican Party and a great nation. The Pride is his first screenplay.

---

See more posts by Rod Townsend

11 comments

]]> The Pride
Part Two: "Pilgrimage"
(Previously: Part One)

EXT. FIFTH AVENUE BETWEEN 15th AND 16th STREETS, SIDEWALK ON WEST SIDE OF THE STREET
THE PARADE is in progress. We see the amfAR float, filled with volunteers in yellow tee shirts, five men in square-cut nylon/lycra swimsuits and a drag queen in a red dress. It is blaring "I Know You Want Me" by Pitbull. THE CROWD is diverse (though gay-heavy) and active with picture taking, cheering, observing, socializing, and moving (mostly in a downtown direction).


MARK and GREG are walking uptown with their mountain bikes. GREG has his phone to his ear.


GREG
Can you what? Get WHAT?


GREG begins to laugh, cough and choke. He removes the phone from his ear and waves it at MARK.


GREG [to MARK]
Take it. [Through coughs and cackles] Take it.


MARK
Who is it?


[MARK takes the phone, looks at the screen, holds it to his ear]
Omar? Oh my God, what did you tell Greg? He's having a seizure. Some kind of epileptic fit. ... [louder] A conniption! I can barely hear you too. ... Herpes in your eye? ... I've never. Are you sure it's herpes and not just a stye? Or a pimple? ... [even louder] A zit. Wait, what? ... What? ... I'm sorry, this parade is just too loud. Are you watching it? ... We're just in front of the building now anyway. Do you need anything? ... Okay, baby.


[Hands phone back to GREG]
You okay, piggy?


EXT. 16th STREET BETWEEN SIXTH AND SEVENTH AVENUES, SIDEWALK ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE STREET
STEPHEN and ERIC are walking toward Fifth Avenue. The street is mostly quiet, but THE PARADE can be heard. STEPHEN's iPhone issues the "Old Phone" ringtone.


STEPHEN [into phone]
Hey, sexy. I saw you called. We're almost there. ... I saw the message, but I didn't listen to- You what? ... In your eye? ... I don't think that's possible. ... I was on the phone with my "organic products distributor". ... Yes. We're, like, a block away. We have a bottle of Ketel. ... Yes, and "organic products". ... Love you too.


ERIC
What's in Omar's eye?


STEPHEN
[Nonchalantly] Herpes.


ERIC
Can you get herpes in your eye?


STEPHEN
You remember Mara? Darren's friend? She gets break-outs on her ass ever since a three way she had with some dirty Saudis in Sharm el-Sheikh. She pops Valtrex constantly.


ERIC
Oh, I totally knew that. She asked me for pills one time. Like four. That shit's expensive. Let me text that slut.


ERIC begins texting on his iPhone. A group of three twenty-something, Brooklyn-style lesbians passes. One bumps shoulders with ERIC.


ERIC
[Without looking up from his iPhone] Sorry, dude.


BROOKLYN LESBIAN
Whatever, lady.


ERIC
[Looking back, ready to argue] Who are you- [Then sheepishly] Happy pride?


INT. SUBWAY STATION AT 181st STREET
DEVIN passes through the turnstile and enters a somewhat crowded downtown-bound platform carrying his cake box. The crowd has a heavy concentration of Latinos (mostly Dominican). Many are visibly hot and sweaty; there are many looks of consternation and impatience. DEVIN looks in both directions and heads to the "front" of the platform which appears less crowded. He faces a TEENGIRL in a group of CHUBBY DOMINICAN TEEN GIRLS.


DEVIN
Have they said anything about the train?


TEENGIRL gives him a once over, tilting her head to the right, then nodding no. She flips her shoulder-length hair and then turns back to her friends and giggles, which starts the CHUBBY DOMINICAN TEEN GIRLS giggling and whispering amongst themselves and looking at DEVIN. DEVIN, now visibly sweating, continues moving down the platform. He wipes his brow with his free hand. Looking down the platform he seems to see someone familiar and quickens his pace.


DEVIN
Ernesto?


DEVIN trips forward. He loses his grip on the cake box.


DEVIN
Oh! My cake!



Through education and action, Rod Townsend demonstrates that gay and lesbian Republicans can, in a spirit of solidarity and integrity, contribute substantially to building and sustaining a majority Republican Party and a great nation. The Pride is his first screenplay.

---

See more posts by Rod Townsend

11 comments

]]> http://www.theawl.com/2009/06/the-pride-part-two-a-screenplay-by-rod-townsend/feed 11 The Pride, Part One (A Screenplay By Rod Townsend) http://www.theawl.com/2009/06/the-pride-part-one-a-screenplay-by-rod-townsend http://www.theawl.com/2009/06/the-pride-part-one-a-screenplay-by-rod-townsend#comments Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:55:20 +0000 Rod Townsend http://www.theawl.com/2009/06/the-pride-part-one-a-screenplay-by-rod-townsend The Pride
Part One
OPENING VIGNETTE and CREDITS
CUE MUSIC: Ramalama (Bang Bang), Róisín Murphy

INT. OMAR'S BATHROOM ON LOWER FIFTH AVENUE, MANHATTAN
The camera is lost in fog, but then reveals a straight shot at the fogged mirror of a bathroom medicine cabinet. A tanned, darkly-hairy muscular hand and forearm reaches to open the cabinet, revealing three shelves filled with Kiehl's, Omorovicza, Sisley and other beauty products, arranged artfully. OMAR'S hand grabs a tube of Dr. Sebagh "Anti-Pollution Purifying Mask," squeezes out a generous glob, and comes toward the camera.



EXT. SIDEWALK CAFÉ, HELL'S KITCHEN
A group of eight men sit at tables with a couple of plates of mostly-eaten "brunch foods," but mostly glasses of bloody Marys and flutes of mimosas. Close in on STEPHEN, mid-thirties, preppy and fit. He stares intently through dark Tom Ford "Alexai" sunglasses at passersby. He catches a smile and a wave from an early twenties "twink." The sun glints off a ring on his wedding finger. Pan to ERIC (also mid-thirties and very similar in look to STEPHEN, but with Dita "Insider" shades), laughing in conversation with those at his end of the table. The camera closes in on his hand (with a ring matching STEPHEN'S) as it squeezes his neighbor's (unringed) hand.



EXT. HUDSON RIVER PARK, PIER 64
Pan across the pier and fly to the hands of MARK, which are "dancing" to music and obscuring the faces of MARK and GREG. Both are late twenties, scruffy and bearded, shirtless and wearing cargo shorts; Carrera "Champion" sunglasses on MARK and Mosley Tribes "Hagen Aviators" on GREG. Both wear John Varvatos for Converse sneaks and have matching Scott "Genius" mountain bikes. GREG passes a lit roach to MARK. The camera follows their hands in this motion.




INT. OPEN-PLAN LOFT APARTMENT, TRIBECA
DEVIN's hand picks up a pair of Andrew Christian underwear from the floor of the apartment, darkened by drawn black "Eco Stripe" Smith + Noble blinds. He gathers more clothes, clumsily yet with semi-dancerly movement through the apartment, putting on pieces along the way. He reaches the front door and makes a quick glance toward the bed. Exiting into the hallway we finally see DEVIN, a mid-twenties, super-fit African American with a "DON'T FART, DON'T SMELL" tight T-shirt. He pulls the door closed.




INT. OMAR'S APARTMENT
OMAR dances in front of a full-length mirror. He face is mid-facial mask.


EXT. HELL'S KITCHEN, EIGHTH AVENUE
STEPHEN and ERIC walk south in semi-unison, both on iPhones. STEPHEN's is 3G. ERIC's is first generation. Both conversations seem intense.


EXT. HUDSON RIVER PARK
MARK and GREG ride their bikes, throwing water from bottles at one another. MARK crashes and GREG topples into him. They laugh uproariously.

INT. "A" SUBWAY CAR
DEVIN appears deep in thought, nearly talking to himself-rubbing and then shaking his head no, between quizzical expressions. He checks his watch.


INT. OMAR's BATHROOM
OMAR rinses the mask and stares at his face, touching the area around his eye. Stepping out of the bathroom, he picks up an iPhone 3G from a console table in the hall.


EXT. CHELSEA
STEPHEN and ERIC stand outside Barney's Co-op. STEPHEN gives money to a young Latino man while ERIC smokes a cigarette.

EXT. WEST THIRTEENTH STREET
MARK and GREG are walking their bikes on sidewalks. Both have some scrapes and scratches.


EXT. WASHINGTON HEIGHTS
DEVIN dodges and darts down a busy 181st Street, dressed in a black sleeveless Penguin "Montauk Monster" Polo and cuffed shorts. He is carrying a cake box.


INT. OMAR'S LIVINGROOM
OMAR wears white boxers and is sprawled across a Le Corbusier "LC2" tan leather chair. He pushes buttons on this phone and lifts it to his ear.



OMAR (into phone)
Can you get herpes in your eye?




Rod Townsend strives to make every client's experience remarkable. For over 40 years, he has done just that. With great optimism and with a continuing commitment to unparalleled client service, he is eager to continue that tradition. The Pride is his first screenplay.

---

See more posts by Rod Townsend

16 comments

]]> The Pride
Part One
OPENING VIGNETTE and CREDITS
CUE MUSIC: Ramalama (Bang Bang), Róisín Murphy

INT. OMAR'S BATHROOM ON LOWER FIFTH AVENUE, MANHATTAN
The camera is lost in fog, but then reveals a straight shot at the fogged mirror of a bathroom medicine cabinet. A tanned, darkly-hairy muscular hand and forearm reaches to open the cabinet, revealing three shelves filled with Kiehl's, Omorovicza, Sisley and other beauty products, arranged artfully. OMAR'S hand grabs a tube of Dr. Sebagh "Anti-Pollution Purifying Mask," squeezes out a generous glob, and comes toward the camera.



EXT. SIDEWALK CAFÉ, HELL'S KITCHEN
A group of eight men sit at tables with a couple of plates of mostly-eaten "brunch foods," but mostly glasses of bloody Marys and flutes of mimosas. Close in on STEPHEN, mid-thirties, preppy and fit. He stares intently through dark Tom Ford "Alexai" sunglasses at passersby. He catches a smile and a wave from an early twenties "twink." The sun glints off a ring on his wedding finger. Pan to ERIC (also mid-thirties and very similar in look to STEPHEN, but with Dita "Insider" shades), laughing in conversation with those at his end of the table. The camera closes in on his hand (with a ring matching STEPHEN'S) as it squeezes his neighbor's (unringed) hand.



EXT. HUDSON RIVER PARK, PIER 64
Pan across the pier and fly to the hands of MARK, which are "dancing" to music and obscuring the faces of MARK and GREG. Both are late twenties, scruffy and bearded, shirtless and wearing cargo shorts; Carrera "Champion" sunglasses on MARK and Mosley Tribes "Hagen Aviators" on GREG. Both wear John Varvatos for Converse sneaks and have matching Scott "Genius" mountain bikes. GREG passes a lit roach to MARK. The camera follows their hands in this motion.




INT. OPEN-PLAN LOFT APARTMENT, TRIBECA
DEVIN's hand picks up a pair of Andrew Christian underwear from the floor of the apartment, darkened by drawn black "Eco Stripe" Smith + Noble blinds. He gathers more clothes, clumsily yet with semi-dancerly movement through the apartment, putting on pieces along the way. He reaches the front door and makes a quick glance toward the bed. Exiting into the hallway we finally see DEVIN, a mid-twenties, super-fit African American with a "DON'T FART, DON'T SMELL" tight T-shirt. He pulls the door closed.




INT. OMAR'S APARTMENT
OMAR dances in front of a full-length mirror. He face is mid-facial mask.


EXT. HELL'S KITCHEN, EIGHTH AVENUE
STEPHEN and ERIC walk south in semi-unison, both on iPhones. STEPHEN's is 3G. ERIC's is first generation. Both conversations seem intense.


EXT. HUDSON RIVER PARK
MARK and GREG ride their bikes, throwing water from bottles at one another. MARK crashes and GREG topples into him. They laugh uproariously.

INT. "A" SUBWAY CAR
DEVIN appears deep in thought, nearly talking to himself-rubbing and then shaking his head no, between quizzical expressions. He checks his watch.


INT. OMAR's BATHROOM
OMAR rinses the mask and stares at his face, touching the area around his eye. Stepping out of the bathroom, he picks up an iPhone 3G from a console table in the hall.


EXT. CHELSEA
STEPHEN and ERIC stand outside Barney's Co-op. STEPHEN gives money to a young Latino man while ERIC smokes a cigarette.

EXT. WEST THIRTEENTH STREET
MARK and GREG are walking their bikes on sidewalks. Both have some scrapes and scratches.


EXT. WASHINGTON HEIGHTS
DEVIN dodges and darts down a busy 181st Street, dressed in a black sleeveless Penguin "Montauk Monster" Polo and cuffed shorts. He is carrying a cake box.


INT. OMAR'S LIVINGROOM
OMAR wears white boxers and is sprawled across a Le Corbusier "LC2" tan leather chair. He pushes buttons on this phone and lifts it to his ear.



OMAR (into phone)
Can you get herpes in your eye?




Rod Townsend strives to make every client's experience remarkable. For over 40 years, he has done just that. With great optimism and with a continuing commitment to unparalleled client service, he is eager to continue that tradition. The Pride is his first screenplay.

---

See more posts by Rod Townsend

16 comments

]]> http://www.theawl.com/2009/06/the-pride-part-one-a-screenplay-by-rod-townsend/feed 16