EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS – DAY #1#
Establishing shot of the CAMPUS of Junior University, showing STUDENTS at the end of the school year carrying their belongings out to their cars. An outdoor digital LED display board SIGN spells out “Congratulations, graduates!”
SUPERIMPOSE “Golden Harvest”
It’s summer so lots of the Students are dressed in shorts and tee shirts or short skirts and blouses. Some Students are still wearing their graduation gowns. Everyone looks happy.
INT. MISSY’S COLLEGE DORM ROOM – DAY #2#
A compilation of amateur home movie clips plays on the screen of a well-worn LAPTOP computer sitting on a dresser while the opening credits roll.
The first clip shows auburn-haired TODDLER MISSY pretending she is a doctor. She is wearing a toddler-sized white doctor’s coat and listening for heart signs on her doll’s bottom with a concerned look on her face. TWO ADULTS GIGGLE off camera.
The second clip shows MIDDLE SCHOOL MISSY presenting the result of her science fair project. She is standing in front of a poster entitled “How Much Sawdust Can You Put In a Brownie Before People Notice?” The poster has unreadable pages glued to it labeled “Purpose,” “Hypothesis,” and “Results.”
The third clip shows HIGH SCHOOL MISSY participating in a candy striper (hospital volunteer) program at a local hospital. When she tries to deliver a glass of water to a similarly-aged male PATIENT with his leg in a cast that is hanging six inches off his bed, she trips falling on his leg and he yells in pain.
The fourth clip shows MISSY CALLAHAN (21) placing four large envelopes in a mail slot at a post office. Missy is a clumsy dweeb and has a Mr. Magoo look about her. She wears Coke-bottle glasses and has pigtails.
Just before the final clip ends, the camera pulls back and we see Missy’s college dorm room, with moving boxes on her stripped bed, as she packs the last of her belongings, an photograph we can’t quite view in a frame, into a moving box. She has a big smile on her face and her eyes are a little teary.
EXT. COLLEGE PARKING LOT – DAY #3#
Missy just about to move the last moving box from the top of her decade-old compact car into its back seat, when a female Franky (20) approaches and gives her a big hug. Bisexual Franky has short hair, is dressed in light blue nurses’ scrubs, is using a plaid shirt as a jacket, and is tattooed and pierced.
FRANKY
Thanks so much for all the tutoring help.
Missy smiles back but can’t hide her anxiety.
FRANKY
I have my fingers crossed.
MISSY
Me, too.
As Franky walks off, Missy opens the driver’s door of her car and sits in the driver’s seat, with her LAST BOX still sitting on the top of her car. As Missy drives off, her last box slides off the back of her car onto the pavement.
When the box stops sliding across the pavement, we see on top of other items in the box the FRAMED PHOTOGRAPH facing down.
Then, the box disappears under a large truck following Missy’s car.
INT. MISSY’S ADVISOR’S OFFICE – DAY #4#
Missy knocks on the door frame and enters her advisor’s office. Her advisor, PROF. PIERCE, an older college professor in a rumpled suit, is sitting at his desk, his head down, grading papers.
MISSY
Hi, Professor Pierce. Just wanted to say thanks and so long.
PROF. PIERCE
Missy, great to see you. Have a seat.
Missy sits in the chair in front of Prof. Pierce’s desk.
PROF. PIERCE
Glad you stopped by. Congratulations on your excellent GPA, with a double major, no less. Oh, and here is the award certificate for your senior capstone project.
Prof. Pierce hands Missy a senior project award CERTIFICATE. The project title on the certificate is “IS YOUR DNA FOUND IN YOUR PEE?”
PROF. PIERCE
Heard from the school that wait-listed you yet? Wasn’t it Saint Alban?
Missy blushes and shakes her head.
MISSY
Not yet. I’m hoping my technical writing major helps.
PROF. PIERCE
So unfair you had to take your MCAT exam while your Grandmother was sick.
MISSY
She’s better now. (beat) I know you’re busy. I’ll let you know when I hear. Thanks again.
Missy rises and begins to walk out. Dr. Pierce’s head is down again.
PROF. PIERCE
Hang in there!
Missy exits through the door into the hallway.
INT. HALLWAY – DAY #5#
Walking down the hallway, Missy ducks into a room with a SIGN over the door indicating it is the Pre-Med Lounge.
INT. PRE-MED STUDENTS’ LOUNGE – DAY #6#
Missy scans the contents of the VENDING MACHINES to see if something looks edible.
STUDENT
Missy, what are you doing here? You graduated.
MISSY
Picking up my stuff got me hungry.
Missy looks at the vending machines again.
STUDENT
No need to buy anything. A pharmaceutical company rep with an Italian mom just brought in an excellent lasagna. And copies of a journal article about one of their products.
The Student points to the counter. Missy spots the LASAGNA and heads for it.
MISSY
Cool. Thanks.
Missy grabs a NAPKIN and a nearby paper PLATE and scoops a serving of lasagna onto it. She flips through the journal ARTICLE but does not pick up a copy.
MISSY
Looks more like marketing than science.
STUDENT
Yeah. I agree.
The Student glances at his CELL PHONE.
STUDENT
The mail should be in our boxes. Don’t forget to check yours.
INCITING INCIDENT
INT. COLLEGE POST OFFICE LOBBY – DAY #7#
Missy is still wiping the marinara sauce off her chin as she walks toward her eye-level POST OFFICE BOX. She drops the napkin into a trash can and fumbles with her post office box KEY, dropping it a couple of times.
After she puts the key in the lock, she paces back and forth a couple of times, but she feels foolish when ANOTHER BOXHOLDER enters the post office.
The ends of two letter-sized ENVELOPES are visible through the door of her post office. She unlocks and opens the door and pulls out the envelopes.
The return address on the first envelope is Saint Alban! Mary excitedly rips the FIRST LETTER open and reads:
“We regret to inform you….”
Mary stares sadly into the distance.
The return address on the second envelope is that of the college financial office.
Missy opens the SECOND LETTER and reads:
“Congratulations College Graduate!
This is a reminder that repayment
of your $37,172 student loan must begin
within a six-month grace period
that starts on the date of this letter.”
Missy crumples the envelopes and second letter into a ball and throws the ball into a nearby recycling container. She slumps down to a swatting position holding the rejection letter.
When a CLASSMATE enters the lobby, Missy quickly stands, looks away, and wipes her nose.
INT. CALLAHAN’S KITCHEN – EVENING #8#
Missy is teary as she enters the kitchen and approaches her grandmother, STELLA (70). Stella is wearing a cancer head SCARF. They hug. Missy sobs and Stella knows the cause.
STELLA
I’m so sorry, honey.
MISSY
Gran, all I want to do is help sick people. (sob) Maybe I should figure another way.
STELLA
We’re here for you. Let us know how we can help.
MISSY
I guess I’d better tell Papa.
Stella gives Missy a kiss on the cheek as they disengage.
INT. CALLAHAN’S DEN – CONTINUOUS #9#
Missy walks into the den. Her grandfather, JOE (72) is sitting in a reclining chair, watching a streaming soccer game on a TV. There is movie POSTER for the movie Galaxy Quest on the wall.
MISSY
Hi, Papa.
Joe pauses the video, turns to look at Missy, and beams at her.
JOE
I was worried about your long drive. (beat) What’s up, honey?
Missy tears up again.
MISSY
Just found out I was rejected by my backup med school.
Joe gets up and hugs Missy.
JOE
Oh, honey. I’m so sorry.
MISSY
Maybe it’s for the best. Maybe I should just move on with my life.
Joe puts his hands on her shoulders.
JOE
That’s not the Missy Callahan I know. What do we say around here?
Missy smiles through her tears.
MISSY
“Never give up! Never surrender!”
Grandfather smiles and drops his hands to hold hers.
JOE
I know you’ll figure out what to do. I just wish we could help more with money, but with our doctors’ bills, that’s just not in the cards.
Missy wipes her eyes.
MISSY
You’re right! I’ll make an appointment with my adviser.
INT. MISSY’S ADVISOR’S OFFICE – DAY #10#
Missy knocks on the door frame of her Advisor’s office. Prof. Pierce is sitting at his desk. He raises his head and motions for her to come in.
Missy walks over to the chair in front of his desk and slumps down into it. She looks unhappy.
PROF. PIERCE
Didn’t make it into St. Albans?
MISSY
Yes. What should I do now?
Prof. Pierce smiles with a pained look.
PROF. PIERCE
I assume you want to reapply?
MISSY
Yes, I do.
PROF. PIERCE
Well, one thing you can do is to retake your MCAT exam. So, you will need to prepare for that.
Missy looks a little more positive.
MISSY
OK. I’ll do that.
PROF. PIERCE
Another thing is to shadow a doctor, maybe even become a medical scribe to record what the doctor wants to include in the patient’s medical record. You can get paid for scribe work.
Missy smiles.
MISSY
I could use the money. My student loan is coming due.
PROF. PIERCE
OK. You’ve got a plan. Give me a few days to check with local doctors.
MISSY
Thanks.
Missy smiles and leaves.
INT. MISSY’S ADVISOR’S LAB #11#
Missy visits her boyfriend, LANCE (21) to commiserate.
MISSY
How’s it going?
Lance does not pause working with a PIPETTE and does not look up.
LANCE
Almost finished. My last DNA amplification run did not work out.
He finishes and looks up.
Missy tears up a little.
MISSY
I just learned my wait-listed med school application was rejected.
Lance appears not to be very concerned, and maybe even a little relieved.
BOYFRIEND
Sorry about that. What are you going to do now?
MISSY
My advisor thinks I should retake the MCAT and buff up my application by shadowing a famous doc.
LANCE
Sounds like a plan.
Lance looks at his CELL PHONE.
LANCE
Oh, I have a meeting about my first year in med school.
Lance is cool toward Missy.
MISSY
See you later.
They both leave.
INT. PRE-MED LOUNGE – DAY #12#
Looking for comfort food again, Missy enters the Pre-Med Lounge to find Franky there. Missy slumps down in a chair at Franky’s table.
FRANKY
I heard. How are you doing?
MISSY
I’m bummed. I’m thinking about retaking the MCAT and doing some scribe work.
Franky beams at her.
FRANKY
If you stay in town, share my apartment. I have an extra bedroom.
MISSY
Thanks, but I’m going to be short of cash.
FRANKY
It’s the least I can do.
MISSY
Do you need any tutoring?
FRANKY
Yes! I’ll be taking biochem.
Missy smiles.
MISSY
Then, I’ll stay with you if I get the hospital job.
INT. HOSPITAL WARD – DAY #13#
DR. SIMON VICTOR SMAUG, late 60’s, heavyset, with a mop of dyed-blond hair and a goatee, is dressed in light blue scrubs with a scrubs cap. He walks out of one of his patient’s hospital rooms into a hallway that is bustling with MEDICAL WORKERS. Behind him is his CURRENT SCRIBE pushing her workstation on wheels (WOW) ahead of her. She is wearing white scrubs decorated with thick, concentric red circles.
Dr. Smaug is obviously angry. He shuts the door of the hospital room and his red face makes it clear he is livid. He turns to his Current Scribe.
DR. SMAUG
You contradicted me in there! You, a wet-behind-the-ears scribe, contradicted me in front of a patient! I am a medical genius and you are nothing! You’re fired as of right now. Don’t expect a letter of recommendation.
Dr. Smaug thunders off down the hallway, leaving Current Scribe shocked, embarrassed, and sobbing.
On-looking Medical Workers pause, some with knowing looks of pity at the Current Scribe, and then continue their work.
INT. DR. SMAUG’S OFFICE – DAY #14#
Dr. Smaug storms into his office and sits behind his desk. He is followed closely by his head nurse and wife, NURSE EMILY SMAUG (50s). Nurse Smaug is a tall, thin brunette who is still quite a looker. She is wearing tailored, hunter-green nursing scrubs and a pillbox nurse’s cap with a red band.
NURSE SMAUG
I’m happy you finally fired that idiot.
DR. SMAUG
I could not believe her audacity!
As they talk, the HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR walks in.
HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR
Jesus! Not again. What happened?
DR. SMAUG
I will not be disrespected in front of my patients!
HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR
Had you given her warnings about that behavior?
DR. SMAUG
No and I don’t care. She made fun of me and I will not allow it.
NURSE SMAUG
I’ve been reviewing her work and have had to make many corrections. She’s not too bright. Her firing was long overdue.
The Hospital Administrator rolls his eyes and leaves the room.
INT. PRE-MED STUDENTS’ LOUNGE – DAY #15#
Sitting in the Pre-Med Student’s Lounge, Missy searches for information on Dr. Smaug’s background and resume on her laptop.
She finds out he is a prominent OB-GYN doctor who has authored many publications.
MISSY
Gee, over 250 publications.
INT. HOSPITAL PHYSICIANS’ LOUNGE – DAY #16#
Missy walks into the Physicians’ Lounge and pauses as she sees Dr. Smaug looking at himself in a mirror hanging on the wall, stroking his goatee. His face is stern, like he is posing for a photograph. He is dressed in light blue surgeon’s scrubs with a scrubs cap.
Dr. Smaug motions for Missy to approach. They shake hands and sit down across from one another at a small table. There is a simple poster on the wall containing the words, in calligraphy: “Thou shalt. Thou shalt not.”
When a RESIDENT attempts to sit join them at the table, Dr. Smaug waves him away dismissively.
DR. SMAUG
So, you’re interested in shadowing me. Your resume looks great, especially the technical writing aspect.
MISSY
Yes, I’m very interested. Prof. Pierce thinks it will help my medical school application.
DR. SMAUG
I agree. Understanding the nature of the jobs doctors perform is critical. And, too many women don’t like the job after going through medical school.
Nurse Emily Smaug enters the room and walks up to the table. Dr. Smaug rises and introduces his wife.
DR. SMAUG
Ms. Callahan, this is my wife, Emily. She’s also my head nurse.
As he speaks, Missy rises and offers her hand to Nurse Smaug, but Nurse Smaug ignores the gesture.
MISSY
Good to meet you. I’m looking forward to learning more about Dr. Smaug’s practice.
Nurse Smaug’s eyes dart toward her husband and then back to Missy. Emily is jealous.
NURSE SMAUG
(to Missy)
I’m sure you will find it interesting.
(to Dr. Smaug)
Just got a call from the clinic. You’re needed there.
DR. SMAUG
Missy, I’ve arranged for you to be trained as a paid medical scribe. Please check in with the hospital human resources office for the details.
Missy smiles and nods.
DR. SMAUG
We’d better take off. I am looking forward to working with you.
The Smaugs leave the room.
INT. CALLAHAN’S KITCHEN – DAY #17#
Missy visits her grandparents’ home. While eating dinner with them, Missy muses about her options.
MISSY’S GRANDMOTHER
Have some more chicken, honey.
Missy’s Grandmother passes the fried chicken platter to Missy.
MISSY
Thanks, but I am stuffed.
Missy searches for a place on the dining table to put the platter down.
MISSY’S GRANDFATHER
I can help with that.
Missy passes the platter to him with a smile and turns to her Grandmother.
MISSY
Gran, I’m thinking about following my boyfriend to his med school. What do you think?
MISSY’S GRANDMOTHER
I hope you don’t, Missy. There is a good chance you will be accepted yourself if you try again.
MISSY’S GRANDFATHER
I agree. Give med school another try.
Missy nods, deep in thought.
MISSY
I’m leaning that way.
INT. MISSY’S BEDROOM – NIGHT #18#
Missy is in bed, about to turn off her reading light. She picks up the Framed Photograph on her nightstand and looks at it. It’s a picture of Toddler Missy standing between her deceased, auburn-haired PARENTS, holding their hands.
MISSY
Mom and Dad, what should I do?
Missy reaches over and turns out her reading light.
INT. MISSY’S ADVISOR’S OFFICE – DAY #19#
Missy stops by her Advisor’s office. Prof. Pierce is sitting behind his desk, as usual. Missy knocks and he waves her in.
MISSY
I won’t sit. I just wanted to thank you for the referral to Dr. Smaug. He looks like he could help me.
PROF. PIERCE
Glad to be able to help. Dr. Smaug can be self important, but I think you can handle him.
MISSY
I’ll let you know what happens. Thanks again.
Missy takes her leave.
INT. PRE-MED LOUNGE – DAY #20#
Missy and Franky are sitting together at a table when Missy’s boyfriend, Lance, enters the room. Franky is facing toward the door, sees Lance enter, and moves to another table. Missy turns to Lance.
MISSY
Hi. Are you making progress?
LANCE
I’m finished and ready to explore my new neighborhood. How are you?
MISSY
I’m fine. I’ve been meaning to talk with you. I was wondering if I could check out your new digs.
Boyfriend looks guilty.
MISSY
What’s the matter?
LANCE
Well, I’ve been meaning to talk with you, too.
Lance looks at the floor.
LANCE
I was thinking about our situation and I think we should start seeing other people.
MISSY
Other people?
Missy’s eyes start to glisten.
BOYFRIEND
It’s all my fault. I think I’m going to be too busy to have a long distance relationship.
MISSY
Oh. (beat) I understand.
LANCE
I hoped you would. And I wish you all the best. (beat) Well, I need to take off.
Missy looks dejected and is tearing up.
MISSY
See you.
Franky has overheard the conversation. She joins Missy as Lance leaves the room.
FRANKY
What a dick!
Missy laughs through her tears.
MISSY
Yeah. I guess I should’ve seen that coming. Well, that settles it. You have a new roommate.
FRANKY
Let’s go to the cafeteria.
Missy smiles and nods.
INT. SCHOOL CAFETERIA – DAY #21#
Missy and Franky are sitting together. STUDENTS eat at tables around them. Missy and Franky are each working on a pint container of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. Missy’s is Chocolate Therapy(R) and Franky’s is Banana Split(R).
FRANKY
He was not good enough. You can do better.
Missy takes another bite.
MISSY
You’re right. It’s still a bummer.
FRANKY
What have you decided about the summer job offer?
MISSY
I’m taking Dr. Smaug’s offer.
Missy smiles.
MISSY
And yours. When can I move in?
Franky smiles, too.
INT. HOSPITAL HR DEPARTMENT – DAY #22#
A nervous Missy reports to the hospital HR department to become an employee. She reads and signs paperwork and is handed an EMPLOYEES’ MANUAL.
INT. FRIEND’S APARTMENT – EVENING #23#
Missy carries the last box of her belongings into her bedroom in Franky’s apartment and sits on her bed. Franky knocks lightly and walks in.
FRANKY
I guess I should warn you that Dr. Smaug is a pompous bully. But, you’ve met him, so I guess you know.
MISSY
That’s what I gathered. Don’t worry. It’s just for a summer. I can cope.
FRANKY
You let me know if it ever gets to be too much. Not all doctors really want to help other people.
MISSY
I will.
Missy puts the Framed Photograph on her dresser.
INT. HOSPITAL WARD – DAY #24#
Missy approaches Nurse Smaug who is sitting at a nursing station. Missy smiles.
MISSY
Good morning!
Nurse Smaug is now a little cool toward Missy.
NURSE SMAUG
Oh, hello. Good to see you.
MISSY
Just wanted to check in before I started scribe training. Is Dr. Smaug around?
Nurse Smaug stands up and looks down the hall.
NURSE SMAUG
Yes, he’s down the hall talking to a doctor.
MISSY
Thanks.
Missy sees Dr. Smaug and wanders down the hall. When she is about to reach him, she waits for him to finish his conversation with the doctor.
DR. SMAUG
I don’t care what you were told. I am to be called Dr. Smaug, not Simon. Got that?
YOUNG DOCTOR
Yes, Dr. Smaug, I understand.
When Dr. Smaug turns around in a huff, he sees Missy and smiles.
MISSY
Dr. Smaug. Just wanted to let you know I’m starting scribe training today.
DR. SMAUG
Excellent. Looking forward to working with you.
Dr. Smaug walks away.
INT. HOSPITAL SCRIBE TRAINING CENTER – DAY #25#
BEGIN MEDICAL SCRIBE TRAINING MONTAGE
–Missy sits with other TRAINEES through a medical anatomy class taught by a TRAINER. Missy has her chin in her palm. She already knows this stuff.
–Missy participates in a computerized medical record system users’ class with other Trainees. Each computer, monitor, and keyboard is on a mobile platform (called a workstation on wheels or WOW) so it can be wheeled into a patient’s room. Missy discovers she made a mistaken entry, corrects it, and smiles.
–Missy undergoes floor training, using the WOW to create a real-time medical record of an actual PATIENT for his DOCTOR in the Patient’s hospital room. After they leave the room, the Doctor smiles and gives Missy a thumbs up.
–Missy licks the end of her #2 pencil during a quiz on medical terminology, as she fills in the ovals on a paper answer sheet. Some of the other Trainees are nervous, but not Missy.
–Missy is handed a paycheck by the Trainer and sees she is earning $12 per hour. She is happy to have an income and puts the check in her pocket.
END MEDICAL SCRIBE TRAINING MONTAGE
INT. FIRST PATIENT’S HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY #26#
Missy follows Dr. Smaug into the hospital room of LAURA (23), one of his pregnant patients, who is lying in a hospital bed and is hooked up to a BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM. Missy is pushing the WOW ahead of her.
DR. SMAUG
Laura, how are you feeling today?
LAURA
I’m fine.
DR. SMAUG
Let’s check your heart signs.
Dr. Smaug puts on his stethoscope and listens to the four primary areas: left and right of the sternum at the level of the 2nd rib, left of the sternum at the 4th rib, and on the left nipple line at the level of the 5th rib. He looks at the Monitoring System.
DR. SMAUG
With your high blood pressure, I think you would be better off attending my pregnancy clinic. My nurse will visit you and explain the process.
LAURA
Thanks, Dr. Smaug.
Dr. Smaug leaves.
INT. SECOND PATIENT’S HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY #27#
Missy follows Dr. Smaug into the room of another patient, ANN. This patient is also a pregnant Millennial.
DR. SMAUG
Laura, how are you feeling today?
ANN
I’m a little scared.
DR. SMAUG
Let’s check your heart signs.
Dr. Smaug puts on his stethoscope and listens to the four primary areas: left and right of the sternum at the level of the 2nd rib, left of the sternum at the 4th rib, and on the left nipple line at the level of the 5th rib. He looks at the Monitoring System.
DR. SMAUG
With your high blood pressure, I think you would be better off attending my pregnancy clinic. My nurse will visit you and explain the process.
ANN
OK. Thanks, Dr. Smaug.
DR. Smaug leaves.
INT. DR. SMAUG’S OFFICE – DAY #28#
Dr. Smaug likes Missy’s work and offers her a job coordinating work on some professional paper manuscripts. He introduces her to how his articles are written initially by someone else.
Missy reports to Dr. Smaug’s office.
MISSY
Dr. Smaug, I heard you wanted to talk.
DR. SMAUG
Yes, I do. Have a seat.
Missy sits in a chair.
DR. SMAUG
I wanted to let you know that you are doing a great job. Your writing is impressive.
Missy blushes.
MISSY
Thanks.
DR. SMAUG
I would like to hire you to help me with editing some of my publications. Your hourly wage would be double what you make here. How does that sound?
MISSY
Sounds interesting. What sort of publications?
DR. SMAUG
I work with a medical communications firm to produce medical journal articles about hormone replacement therapy. Most of them are review articles.
MISSY
OK. What would my role be?
DR. SMAUG
You would help me liaison with the medical communications firm, CasperWrite, and act as my editor.
Missy smiles.
MISSY
When can I start?
INT. GHOSTWRITING COMPANY OFFICE – DAY #29#
Missy walks into the lobby and sees the company name, CasperWrite, on the wall behind the RECEPTIONIST, a homely woman in her 30s.
MISSY
Hi, I’m Missy Callahan. I have a 10 o’clock appointment with Will Lumbar.
RECEPTIONIST
I’ll let him know you are here.
Missy is met in the lobby by the office manager, WILL LUMBAR, PhD, a slightly-smarmy, middle-aged man.
WILL LUMBAR
Miss Callahan, welcome. I’m the manager of this branch office of CasperWrite.
Missy offers her hand to Will who shakes it limply.
MISSY
Thanks. Good to meet you.
WILL LUMBAR
Our team is looking forward to working with you. Follow me and I’ll show you where you can drop off your stuff and introduce some of the team to you.
Missy nods and follows him out of the lobby through a door that is locked but buzzes when the Receptionist unlocks it using a button under her desk.
INT. DARYL’S OFFICE – DAY #30#
Will and Missy approach the closed door of the office of the first team member to be introduced, DARYL (40s). Will tries the doorknob unsuccessfully and then knocks on the door.
WILL LUMBAR
Daryl, open your door. It’s me.
DARYL
Who’s there?
WILL LUMBAR
Daryl, it’s me, Will. I want to introduce you to Dr. Smaug’s new publication coordinator.
DARYL
How do you know she works for Dr. Smaug?
WILL LUMBAR
He called me and told me so.
DARYL
OK.
Daryl unlocks the door and opens it He looks at Missy, unsmiling.
DARYL
Sorry. Someone has been moving the books in my bookcase.
Missy extends her hand. Daryl shakes it and then wipes his hand with a moist towelette.
WILL LUMBAR
Daryl meet Missy. Missy meet Daryl. Missy, Daryl works on publications about clinical trial results.
DARYL
Good to meet you. I’m on a deadline, but we can talk later.
Missy smiles and nods and Daryl closes his door again.
WILL LUMBAR
And across the hall is Dan Wand’s office.
Missy and Will exit.
INT. DAN’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS #31#
Will knocks on the door.
DAN WAND
Come on in.
Will opens the door and he and Missy walk in to meet DAN WAND, a 30-something, handsome guy who thinks much too highly of himself.
WILL LUMBAR
Dan, this is Missy Callahan. She is Dr. Smaug’s new publication coordinator.
Dan thrusts out his hand and shakes Missy’s hand while glancing at her clothed breasts.
DAN WAND
Good to meet you. I’m the best ghostwriter here, so if you ever have any questions, I’m your man.
MISSY
Thanks for the offer, Dan.
Dan can’t think of anything else to say.
WILL LUMBAR
Thanks, Dan. See you at the lunch seminar.
Missy and Will exit.
INT. ZETH’S OFFICE #32#
Zeth’s door is open, so Will knocks on the door frame. ZETH STONE (23) turns around from his desk, stands, and smiles.
ZETH
Come on in.
There is movie poster for Galaxy Quest on the wall.
WILL LUMBAR
Zeth, this is Missy Callahan. She is Dr. Smaug’s new publication coordinator.
Zeth offers his hand to Missy and she shakes it.
ZETH
Welcome to the jungle.
WILL LUMBAR
Zeth helps our clients who are busy medical doctors write their memoirs.
MISSY
Good to meet you. You must learn a lot about your co-authors.
ZETH
That I do. I hope to see you around.
Missy smiles.
WILL LUMBAR
You will. See you at the lunch seminar.
Missy and Will exit.
INT. COMPANY CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY #33#
Will ushers Missy into the company conference room which has a PODIUM and CHAIRS set out in rows with a TABLE containing SANDWICH BAGS and SODAS situated along the side of the room. Several OTHER EMPLOYEES are sitting in the chairs munching on sandwiches and conversing with one another.
WILL LUMBAR
(to Missy)
The Company provides sandwiches for the seminars. Grab one.
Missy and Will pick out a labeled Sandwich Bag and a Soda and sit at the back of the room. KELLY, a no-nonsense, 30-something, striking blond, walks into the room and stands at the podium organizing her notes.
WILL LUMBAR
(to Missy)
That’s Kelly, our messaging manager.
Missy nods.
KELLY
Let’s get started.
Kelly waits for the conversations to stop.
KELLY
Thanks for attending this lunchtime seminar. As usual, my talk is entitled “I’m Just Saying.” Today, I hope to show you that we are missing some opportunities to increase the market share of our clients’ hormone therapy products.
DAN WAND
You go, girl!
Kelly gives Dan a Pained look.
KELLY
I want you to think about other ways for the content we ghostwrite to emphasize how widespread and severe menopause conditions are, praise the benefits of our clients’ hormone therapy drugs, ridicule competing drugs and those that promote them, and reassure our target audience (doctors and nurse practitioners) that adverse side effects of our clients’ drugs are rare and manageable, or might be caused by something else.
As Kelly drones on, Missy looks a little uncomfortable with what she is hearing.
INT. VISITING GUEST AUTHOR’S OFFICE – DAY #34#
Missy is sitting in the visiting guest author’s office editing one of the draft ghostwritten medical journal manuscripts for which Dr. Smaug will be a named author. The door is open so Seth knocks on the door frame.
SETH
How are things going?
Missy looks up and smiles.
MISSY
Great. I am starting to notice that Dr. Smaug’s manuscripts are well written, but the science is a little shaky.
SETH
Welcome to the world of ghostwriting where the “piper” who funds the preparation of the manuscript “calls the tune.”
MISSY
What do you mean?
SETH
It will become clear to you that ghostwritten manuscripts are marketing publications, not scientific publications.
MISSY
Who pays for them?
SETH
Well, it depends. The doctors’ memoirs I ghostwrite are paid for by the doctors and are designed to “sell” the doctors’ services by lauding their education and experience. Dr. Smaug’s publications “sell” menopausal hormone therapy and are paid for the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture and market the drugs.
Missy is a little disappointed
MISSY
Oh, now I understand.
SETH
Sorry to sound so cynical, but I thought you ought to know.
MISSY
How did you get interested in ghostwriting?
SETH
Well, long story short, after I got my M.D., I didn’t get a residency match and ran out of money. So, I can do this sort of job but I can’t practice medicine.
MISSY
Sorry to hear that. Are you going to try again?
SETH
Maybe, but right now I am enjoying what I’m doing and get to add a lot of famous doctors to my professional network.
MISSY
Oh.
SETH
Well, see you around.
Seth exits.
INT. COMPANY CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY #35#
Missy meets with Daryl to discuss the draft article she is editing. Missy is seated at a conference table when Daryl enters.
MISSY
Daryl, good to see you. Thanks for meeting with me.
Daryl makes sure they are alone by opening the door of a supplies closet and looking in. He sits down on the other side of the conference table.
DARYL
No problem.
MISSY
My first question is why is there so much repetition in the draft you wrote?
Daryl smiles.
DARYL
That’s easy. Research has shown that if you repeat an idea three to five times, then people will be more likely to believe it.
Missy nods.
DARYL
So, we tell ’em what we will tell ’em. Then we tell ’em. Then we tell ’em what we told them. Repetition leads to familiarity and familiarity leads to acceptance.
MISSY
I get it. Why do you emphasize that OB-GYN docs who serve post menopausal women are being denied the opportunity to prescribe hormone therapy?
Daryl nods.
DARYL
That’s where the psychological principle of reactance comes in. If you convince readers that they are losing a freedom, then the reader is motivated to exercise or regain that freedom, whether it is a good idea on not. It triggers the “you’re not the boss of me” reaction.
MISSY
I see. Why does the manuscript argue that the Women’s Health Initiative is flawed?
Daryl smiles.
DARYL
The Women’s Health Initiative was a very large randomized clinical trial that studied whether menopausal hormone therapy is a good idea. The WHI, as it is known, found that hormone therapy increased the incidence of a number of diseases that hormone therapy was originally thought to prevent. But, the WHI did have limitations and the manuscript points them out.
Missy is starting to understand how ghostwriting works.
MISSY
So, the manuscript wants readers to mistrust the WHI and it findings.
DARYL
You got it. Any more questions? I have to bug out.
MISSY
No, I’m good. I understand now.
INT. MANAGER’S OFFICE – DAY #36#
Missy enters Will Lumbar’s office.
WILL LUMBAR
Good morning. How can I help?
Missy screws up her courage.
MISSY
Thanks, Will. As I review the manuscript Daryl drafted for Dr. Smaug, I noted that it has a promotional tone. That is, the manuscript sounds like it is encouraging the use of hormone therapy. Other papers in the literature do not do that.
Will steeples his fingers.
WILL LUMBAR
That is a very astute observation. In fact, the manuscript is promotional in tone.
MISSY
Why is that?
WILL LUMBAR
It’s because Dr. Smaug firmly believes that the benefits of hormone therapy far outweigh its risks and that older women are being inappropriately discouraged from using it by naysayers out there.
MISSY
I understand.
WILL LUMBAR
Dr. Smaug’s journal publications are read by women’s doctors and he wants to motivate those doctors to do what’s right by their patients. Hence, the promotional tone.
MISSY
Got it. Thanks, I’ll get back to work.
Missy exits.
INT. COMPANY LUNCHROOM – DAY #37#
Missy is pouring herself another cup of COFFEE when Dan Wand walks in.
DAN WAND
Hi there good looking.
Missy smiles and tries to exit.
DAN WAND
How about me treating you to lunch some day. Just to get acquainted.
MISSY
Thanks, Dan, but I am too busy to do much socializing these days.
DAN WAND
Well, I’ll keep trying.
Dan smiles and leaves.
INT. COMPANY LIBRARY – DAY #38#
Missy is sitting in the company library reading medical journals when Seth walks in.
SETH
Doing some homework?
Missy looks up from a stack of journals and smiles.
MISSY
Just reading some of the references that Daryl cited in the manuscript I’m editing.
As Seth looks for a journal on the shelves, he notes.
SETH
I’m impressed. I’m pretty sure Dr. Smaug’s previous publications coordinator did not read references. My impression is she just looked for typos.
Missy stops reading.
MISSY
I didn’t know that medical journal manuscripts are used to present arguments to support medical opinions. I thought they were just supposed to present facts.
Seth smiles as he leaves the room with the journal he was looking for.
SETH
Welcome to the world of medical article ghostwriting!
INT. DR. SMAUG’S OFFICE – DAY #39#
Missy knocks on Dr. Smaug’s office door.
DR. SMAUG
Come in.
Missy enters the office.
MISSY
Good morning, Dr. Smaug.
DR. SMAUG
Have a seat. I think I have another opportunity for you.
Missy sits.
DR. SMAUG
I thought you might enjoy helping out at my private health clinic for post-menopausal women. It’s called the Quality of Life Clinic. We’re a little short-staffed this month.
MISSY
Sounds interesting.
DR. SMAUG
You would meet older women who rely on hormone replacement therapy to improve their quality of life. The pay would be the same as your editing work.
MISSY
I understand you are a proponent of menopausal hormone therapy.
DR. SMAUG
I definitely am. Talking to my patients, you will see that I am not alone in that belief.
MISSY
Then, sure, when should I start?
Dr. Smaug rises to leave.
DR. SMAUG
Great! How about first thing next Monday. Ask my wife for the directions.
MISSY
See you then.
Missy follows Dr. Smaug into the hall.
MIDPOINT
INT. QOL CLINIC LOBBY – DAY #40#
When Missy enters the QOL Clinic, she is met by Nurse Smaug. A CLINIC RECEPTIONIST is sitting at a reception counter.
NURSE SMAUG
Good morning.
MISSY
Thanks. How can I help?
NURSE SMAUG
You will be sitting with our older patients for 10 minutes or so after they receive their injections. Just to make sure there are no adverse reactions. If any problems arise, let me know.
MISSY
OK, I can handle that.
NURSE SMAUG
The injections occur every four weeks. We need to be on the lookout for sudden, bad headaches; vomiting; speech problems; dizziness or fainting; sudden complete or partial loss of vision; weakness or numbness of an arm or a leg; bad chest pain; coughing up blood; sudden shortness of breath; or difficulty thinking clearly.
MISSY
Will do.
NURSE SMAUG
First, I want you to meet our lab director.
Missy follows Nurse Smaug through an internal door into the clinic.
INT. QOL CLINIC LUNCHROOM – DAY #41#
Nurse Smaug and Missy enter the QOL Clinic lunchroom. Dr. Smaug’s laboratory director, E.G. Ore, who is stooped and limps, is grabbing COFFEE and taking a break.
NURSE SMAUG
E.G., I want you to meet Missy who will be helping monitor patients after they receive their injections.
E.G. offers his hand to Missy and they shake.
E.G. ORE
Welcome to QOL Clinic.
MISSY
So, you prepare the injections?
E.G. looks at Nurse Smaug, then at Missy.
E.G. ORE
I prepare them and I give them.
INT. ZETH’S PLACE – EVENING #42#
INT. QOL LUNCHROOM – DAY #43#
INT. GRAVIDA CLINIC – DAY #44#
*HERO GOAL SEQUENCE 13 ACT TWO PART 2* #45#
INT. GRAVIDA CLINIC – DAY #46#
#47#
INT. QOL CLINIC – DAY #48#
INT. GRAVIDA CLINIC – DAY #49#
INT. QOL CLINIC – DAY #50#
INT. GRAVIDA CLINIC – DAY #51#
INT. GRAVIDA CLINIC – DAY #52#
INT. DR. SMAUG’S LAB – NIGHT #53#
INT. COLLEGE – DAY #54#
INT. BOB’S PLACE – EVENING #55#
INT. QOL CLINIC – DAY #56#
INT. QOL CLINIC – NIGHT #57#
HERO GOAL SEQUENCE 14 #58#
*HERO GOAL SEQUENCE 15* #59#
*HERO GOAL SEQUENCE 16* #60#
*HERO GOAL SEQUENCE 17* #61#
*HERO GOAL SEQUENCE 18* #62#
*HERO GOAL SEQUENCES 19-23 ACT THREE* #63#
INT. QOL CLINIC – NIGHT #64#
INT. GHOSTWRITING COMPANY – DAY #65#
INT. GHOSTWRITING COMPANY – DAY #66#
INT. QOL CLINIC – NIGHT #67#
INT. QOL CLINIC – DAY #68#
INT. BOB’S PLACE – NIGHT #69#
INT. BOB’S PLACE – DAY #70#
INT. QOL CLINIC – DAY #71#
INT. POST OFFICE – DAY #72#
#73#