A screenplay for our senior thesis project I helped write the screenplay for, 'The Concourse', a short dramatic comedy set overnight in a desolate airport.

1. THE CONCOURSE
Final Script for Shooting Weekend
original story by
Jonathon Kane
screenplay by
Jonathon Kane and James Ehle
PROPERTY
OF
JONATHON
KANE
AND
JAM
ES
EHLE

2. 1 INT. AIRPORT CONCOURSE - NIGHT 1
Two eyes stare at us. A man's eyes. They are glazed and
illuminated by a harsh blue light. Meet FRANK (mid 50's).
FRANK
Please don't do this to me...
We see what he stares at. A "flight departure" screen.
The screen details flight information. Every single one
reads "on time." Except one. The "Billings Montana" flight.
Delayed. The word glows in bright red letters.
MAN
(garbled, over a phone)
I'm sorry Frank. But I need you to
stay inside, close by.
FRANK
Just let me get a room. For a couple
hours.
MAN
Storm keeps changing. It might open
up soon. I need you there if it does.
CLICK. The line goes dead. Frank's eyes whip out of sight.
2 INT. AIRPORT TICKET COUNTER LOBBY - MINUTES LATER 2
It's a ghost town, and Frank sits alone in a row of chairs.
He's a pilot, his white uniform shirt is perfectly pressed.
He reads "Principles of Avionics." He pulls out a ruler
from his suitcase.
He draws a thin, perfectly straight line underneath a section
of text in his book.
Suddenly, a PAPER AIRPLANE flies into the side his head.
Frank's perfectly straight line suddenly veers off course.
Frank jumps, drops the book in his lap. He grabs the airplane
A message is scribbled in black marker. "You stuck here too?"
Frank whips his head in the direction of the plane's origin.
A twenty-something, MARSHALL, dressed in a sweatshirt and
Converse sits at the other end of the waiting area. He waves.
Frank awkwardly returns the gesture, then meticulously erases.
CLICK. CLICK. CLICK. Here he comes.
PROPERTY
OF
JONATHON
KANE
AND
JAM
ES
EHLE

3. 2.
MARSHALL
You know, usually you're the one
making people wait in these chairs.
FRANK
Yeah.
Frank just focuses on his book. The young man smiles.
MARSHALL
So what happened? Your passengers
not show up?
FRANK
Snowstorm.
MARSHALL
So you've got awhile.
FRANK
Long as it takes.
MARSHALL
Awesome! Seriously thought I might
be alone this time. I'm Marshall.
Marshall extends his hand. Frank does not respond.
MARSHALL (CONT'D)
Gonna read the whole time? Cause I-
Frank finally turns to Marshall, snaps at him.
FRANK
Buddy, I just got off a red eye from
Detroit to make my pre-flight time.
Marshall is taken aback. Frank returns his gaze to his book.
FRANK (CONT'D)
I'm reading.
Marshall nods, then walks away. It's quiet once again.
HISS. Loud static fills the air. Frank leaps up.
MARSHALL (O.S.)
(over an intercom)
This one's for you Captain.
Suddenly, music flows through the airport. Frank looks around.
Marshall stands behind a TICKET COUNTER with an airport
INTERCOM RECEIVER. He holds his SMART PHONE to the receiver.
PROPERTY
OF
JONATHON
KANE
AND
JAM
ES
EHLE

4. 3.
Marshall smiles, dances. Frank gives him a death stare.
3 INT. TICKET COUNTER - SECONDS LATER 3
WHAM. Frank slams the receiver down, the music stops.
FRANK
I'm getting security.
Frank breaks away from behind the counter, briskly walks.
Marshall trots after him.
MARSHALL
Security? You mean Chris the teddy
bear? Yeah his office is upstairs.
Frank ignores Marshall, keeps walking.
MARSHALL (CONT'D)
Saw him sleeping an hour ago.
This jab lands on Frank. The pilot glances back.
FRANK
Right. Like a federally secured
airport would only have one guard.
Who's asleep.
4 INT. SECURITY GUARD OFFICE - CONTINUOUS 4
CHRIS (40'S), a heavyset security guard, snores loudly in a
swivel chair. His feet prop up on a desk next to a monitor.
The monitor shows multiple security camera set ups. One of
the screens shows Frank and Marshall walking.
5 INT. FOOD COURT AREA - CONTINUOUS 5
Frank and Marshall arrive in an open air space. Marshall
pulls in front of Frank, stopping his brisk walk.
MARSHALL
Hold on. Before you get me thrown
out of here. Just hear me out.
Frank tries to move past Marshall, but Marshall stops him.
MARSHALL (CONT'D)
Seems to me you get high off working
yourself to death.
Frank just stares at him.
MARSHALL (CONT'D)
My advice, take the night off.
PROPERTY
OF
JONATHON
KANE
AND
JAM
ES
EHLE

5. 4.
Marshall looks knowingly at Frank.
FRANK
I'd rather keep my job.
Marshall spots something and he walks toward it.
MARSHALL
It's nothing illegal man.
Marshall stops at a COIN MACHINE. He inserts some bills.
KLINK. KLINK. KLINK.
Marshall scoops up coins, turns to Frank.
MARSHALL (CONT'D)
Just gotta make the most outta this
ghost town.
Marshall strolls past Frank. We follow him into an...
6 INT. ARCADE - MINUTES LATER 6
CLICK. Marshall slides a quarter into a shoot 'em up game.
WHIP. He draws the game's RED HANDGUN.
Frank enters, leans against a wall as Marshall fires away.
MARSHALL
It's two player.
FRANK
No thanks.
Marshall presses the gun trigger faster and faster.
MARSHALL
Come on!
Marshall dangles the BLUE HANDGUN. Frank walks over takes
it. He points it at Marshall's head. He pulls the trigger.
FRANK
Nope. Doesn't work.
Frank holsters it. GAME OVER. Marshall slams his gun down.
MARSHALL
Thanks a lot.
Marshall glares at Frank, then he sighs.
MARSHALL (CONT'D)
You hungry?
PROPERTY
OF
JONATHON
KANE
AND
JAM
ES
EHLE

6. 5.
FRANK
No.
7 INT. FOOD COURT AREA - MINUTES LATER 7
Marshall dumps a pile of junk food on a long table.
Frank stares at the pile with revulsion and pity. Marshall
sits down opposite of Frank, tears into the feast.
FRANK
Enjoy that while you can.
Marshall slides a DIET SODA across to him.
MARSHALL
Thanks gramps.
Marshall tears into some CUPCAKES. Frank is taken aback.
FRANK
It's Frank, by the way.
Marshall nods as he chows down.
FRANK (CONT'D)
So how'd you get stuck here?
MARSHALL
Came in on a late flight so I could
meet my dad tomorrow morning.
FRANK
Oh yeah? What's your dad like?
MARSHALL
I don't know. Never met the guy.
Frank stares at Marshall who eats mini-donuts.
FRANK
What?
MARSHALL
Yup. One night stand.
FRANK
And you wanna meet this guy?
Marshall shrugs and takes a swig of orange soda.
MARSHALL
Mom wanted me to find him.
PROPERTY
OF
JONATHON
KANE
AND
JAM
ES
EHLE

7. 6.
FRANK
Find him?
MARSHALL
Yeah she had no idea what happened
to the dude. But then she got some
free time, started doing some diggin.
Frank is hooked on this story.
MARSHALL (CONT'D)
Turns out he's in the airport
business. Probably some high up exec.
Frank is impressed.
MARSHALL (CONT'D)
I don't even know the guy's name or
face. Only Mom did... She set up
the meeting.
FRANK
Why isn't your Mom here?
Marshall stops eating, looks at Frank.
MARSHALL
She had that free time for a reason.
You think airports are boring? Try
hospital rooms.
Frank blinks. It sinks in.
FRANK
I'm sorry. Is she...
MARSHALL
Yeah... She set the meeting up two
days before her liver failed...
A long pause. Frank sighs, shakes his head.
FRANK
Marshall, I-
MARSHALL
Hey, hey, hey. It's fine. Really.
Marshall throws Frank a pack of mini doughnuts, then scoops
the rest of the junk food into his backpack.
MARSHALL (CONT'D)
Come on. We've got stuff to do.
PROPERTY
OF
JONATHON
KANE
AND
JAM
ES
EHLE

8. 7.
8 INT. ARCADE - LATER 8
Marshall presses against the glass of a CLAW MACHINE. Frank
stands behind him as a prize falls through the metal grip.
Marshall sighs. Frank brushes him aside.
FRANK
Let me try. I land 7-47's like this.
Frank grips the joystick. He maneuvers the crane. It drops.
The metal grip misses the prizes completely. Marshall smirks.
MARSHALL
I don't wanna be on your 7-47.
Frank hits his hand against the glass.
FRANK
Forget it. I know where we can get
better stuff than this.
The claw drops down again.
9 INT. LOST AND FOUND - MINUTES LATER 9
MATCH CUT: Frank's arm reaching into a bin. He pulls it out,
reveals a basketball. A LOST AND FOUND sign sits on a wall.
MARSHALL
You're a genius.
10 INT. WAITING AREA - MINUTES LATER 10
SQUEAK. Marshall's shoes squeak on the floor as he dribbles.
Frank shuffles next to him, trying to block. The two men
play their mini-game on a court made of two TRASH CAN HOOPS.
11 INT. SECURITY GUARD OFFICE - CONTINUOUS 11
The security monitor shows Frank and Marshall dribbling and
laughing. The guard's desk chair is empty. It slowly spins.
12 INT. AIRPORT CONCOURSE - MONTAGE 12
Marshall wanders around the FOOD COURT with Frank's tie tied
around his eyes like a blindfold.
MARSHALL
Marco... Marco.
Marshall stops.
PROPERTY
OF
JONATHON
KANE
AND
JAM
ES
EHLE

9. 8.
MARSHALL (CONT'D)
(yelling)
Frank, I said Marco!
Chris walks down the BAGGAGE CLAIM hall, on a mission.
FRANK (O.S.)
(over intercom)
Polo!
Chris looks around wildly.
In the TICKET EXCHANGE AREA, Frank slams down the intercom
phone receiver, snickers. He quickly leaves the area.
In the FOOD COURT, Marshall throws his hands in the air.
MARSHALL
Really?!
Marshall rips off the blindfold, he freezes. He sees Chris
moving through the SECURITY CHECKPOINT.
MARSHALL (CONT'D)
Shit.
13 INT. LOST AND FOUND - MOMENTS LATER 13
Marshall sweeps the door shut. He stifles his breath.
Suddenly, we hear footsteps. CLICK. CLICK. CLICK.
Foot shadows appear. Marshall jumps into one of the bins.
CLICK. The door opens. A few more steps. Then silence.
Marshall slowly cranes his neck upward. Frank stares at him.
FRANK
Find anything good?
Marshall heaves a sigh of relief, shakes his head.
MARSHALL
Teddy bear's out of hibernation.
Frank helps Marshall out of the bin.
FRANK
I saw him too. Had to hide in the
girls bathroom. We should be careful.
Frank spots something in the bin. He reaches inside and
recovers a COFFEE MUG. It reads: "World's Greatest Dad"
FRANK (CONT'D)
Hey. For your meeting tomorrow.
PROPERTY
OF
JONATHON
KANE
AND
JAM
ES
EHLE

10. 9.
MARSHALL
(laughs)
That's perfect.
14 INT. LOST AND FOUND - LATER 14
Frank searches bins and Marshall spins the basketball.
FRANK
So you pull this stuff at every
airport you get stuck at?
MARSHALL
Yeah. I try. Got chased away at O'Hare
once for riding the baggage claim.
Frank smiles, shakes his head.
FRANK
You're crazy.
Marshall breaks a smile, then it slowly fades.
MARSHALL
Yeah. Is that a bad thing?
FRANK
What do you mean?
MARSHALL
I don't know. Like, am I too crazy?
Frank stares at the ground.
MARSHALL (CONT'D)
I mean, you just met me. So based
on this night, am I too...
Still no response from Frank.
MARSHALL (CONT'D)
Nevermind, you don't have to answer.
I'm just nervous about the meeting.
FRANK
Why? I mean, I know the circumstances
are weird, but he's your dad so-
MARSHALL
He doesn't even know I exist Frank.
Marshall leaves the Lost and Found. Frank is stunned, follows.
FRANK
What!?
PROPERTY
OF
JONATHON
KANE
AND
JAM
ES
EHLE

11. 10.
MARSHALL
Mom told me right before she died...
They are now in the BAGGAGE CLAIM AREA again.
MARSHALL (CONT'D)
I'm sorry I dropped that on you.
I'll... I'll just let you read now.
Marshall drops the ball. Frank watches it roll and bump up
against two METAL LUGGAGE CARTS. Frank smiles.
FRANK (O.S.)
Marshall wait!
Marshall stops and turns around. Frank stands with one hand
resting on a luggage cart. Frank pulls it toward him.
FRANK (CONT'D)
I don't wanna read.
15 INT. BAGGAGE CLAIM AREA - MINUTES LATER 15
ZOOM. ZOOM. Frank and Marshall race past, laying superman
style on the carts. They approach a stanchioned finish line.
Marshall gives the pilot a light kick, sending Frank spinning.
Frank laughs, slides off his cart and runs after Marshall.
Marshall, now at top speed, reaches up and hits the finish
line causing it to release and retract. He wins.
Marshall lets out a victory yell as his cart comes to a stop.
CHRIS (O.S.)
Hey!
Marshall is instantly stifled. Chris stands, ready for action.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
That's enough!
Frank finally catches up with Marshall, spots Chris, freezes.
FRANK
Officer look-
CHRIS
You think I'm an idiot? I've watched
you tear up my airport all night.
Frank approaches the guard. Marshall stands up nervously.
PROPERTY
OF
JONATHON
KANE
AND
JAM
ES
EHLE

12. 11.
FRANK
Sir I can-
CHRIS
You're done. Both of you. I want
you out!
FRANK
No. You can't. You can't kick me
out, I'm here for work.
CHRIS
You're doing this on airline time?
Bet your supervisor would love that.
Frank holds out a hand to calm the guard.
FRANK
Please let me finish. It's this kid.
He's the one with the crazy ideas,
I've been trying to stop him.
Marshall looks at Frank in horror. Chris is skeptical.
CHRIS
You've been trying to stop him?
FRANK
Yeah, while you were asleep.
That one lands on Chris.
CHRIS
Alright. You can stay.
Chris turns to Marshal who appears to be in a state of shock.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
But you're out.
16 INT. AIRPORT EXIT AREA - MOMENTS LATER 16
Marshall stands outside, framed by two sliding automatic
glass doors. He stares, distraught.
Frank, framed by another set of doors, remains stoic, looks
at Marshall. Chris sifts through some papers behind him.
The doors close.
17 INT. TICKET COUNTER AREA - MOMENTS LATER 17
Near the exit, Chris fills out some paperwork. Frank joins
him and the two men walk toward the Ticket Area.
PROPERTY
OF
JONATHON
KANE
AND
JAM
ES
EHLE

13. 12.
Meanwhile, Marshall walks parallel to them. He passes windows
connecting where Frank and Chris can be seen walking.
CHRIS
Sign here for the incident report.
Chris hands Frank a FEDERAL DOCUMENT. Frank looks at it,
takes it in his hands. He glances at Marshall.
Outside, Marshall continues to walk, refuses to look at Frank.
Frank hands the form back, unsigned. Chris raises an eyebrow.
FRANK
I need you hear me out.
Marshall walks with cold precision. In the background, Frank
pleads with Chris. His words are inaudible. Chris nods slowly.
Everyone has now reached the TICKET COUNTER.
18 INT. TICKET COUNTER AREA - CONTINUOUS 18
Chris stops in front of Frank.
CHRIS
Alright. Fine. But I don't wanna see
you two together anymore.
Frank breathes a sigh of relief. Meanwhile, Marshall takes
a seat on a bench up against the window.
FRANK
Thank you.
CHRIS
And if you try to pull anything...
I'll make sure you never leave the
ground again.
Frank nods, and Chris walks away. He heads to an ELEVATOR.
Frank shifts his gaze to Marshall, whose back is still turned.
Frank glances at the ticket counter. Something strikes him.
He moves to the counter and peeks over the edge.
Chris is almost to the elevator. He reaches it, calls it.
Frank glances at Marshall's slumped form, he takes a breath.
His jaw tightens. DING. Chris's elevator has arrived.
19 INT. ELEVATOR - CONTINUOS 19
Chris enters, presses his floor BUTTON, leans against wall.
PROPERTY
OF
JONATHON
KANE
AND
JAM
ES
EHLE

14. 13.
CLICK-Doors close. INTERCUT: Ticket Counter, Elevator, Outside
Marshall leans his head back against the glass. HISS.
Chris hears it inside the elevator too. He looks around.
FRANK (O.S.)
(over the intercom)
You're going to that meeting.
Outside, Marshall jerks his head slightly. Through the glass,
we can see Frank holding the intercom receiver to his mouth.
Marshall gives him a look, gets up and walks away.
FRANK (CONT'D)
I talked to Chris... You're going.
Back in the elevator, Chris smashes the OPEN DOOR BUTTON.
CHRIS
Damnit!
Marshall walks away from the glowing airport. Frank looks
down. His call is becoming an SOS.
FRANK
You don't wanna see me anymore. I
get it. Just- please listen to me.
Chris slams his fist. The elevator is going up.
Marshall continues to walk farther away. Frank's voice is
growing dim.
FRANK (CONT'D)
You're scared.
Marshall stops.
FRANK (CONT'D)
You're scared that when he meets
you, he'll wish he never had... You're
scared that you might be too much.
Too crazy... But Marshall, I've
spent more time with you than your
own father has... I'm tellin' ya,
he's gonna love you.
Marshall appears at the windows. DING, Chris's ride ends.
The doors open, then close as Chris slams the FLOOR 1 BUTTON.
PROPERTY
OF
JONATHON
KANE
AND
JAM
ES
EHLE

15. 14.
FRANK (CONT'D)
And if he doesn't... if he thinks
that you are too much. If he thinks
that you turning up is a detour and
he thinks that his life and career
are more important than you... Then
I feel sorry for him.
Marshall just stares. Chris arrives on the ground floor.
He barrels out of the elevator.
FRANK (CONT'D)
Because he missed out.
Marshall sees something, it's Chris. He's moving toward Frank.
FRANK (CONT'D)
He missed out on 20 years of you.
Chris has almost reached Frank. Frank looks at the guard,
holds up a hand to stop him. The guard and pilot lock eyes.
FRANK (CONT'D)
Twenty years of basketball games
and... and junk food... And late
night conversations.
Frank finally breaks eye contact with Chris, turns to
Marshall. Marshall has his hands on the glass, he looks down.
FRANK (CONT'D)
So don't you dare be scared of
connecting with him. Because
connecting with someone you know
nothing about might be the best thing
that ever happens to you.
Chris takes a small step backward, looks down. Marshall
finally summons the strength to look Frank in the eyes.
FRANK (CONT'D)
You're the best thing that could
have happened to me in this airport
tonight...
A long pause. Marshall physically softens. He nods. Then he
breaks a smile. Frank takes a breath.
The pilot slowly sits the receiver down with a CLICK.
20 EXT. AIRPORT - SUNRISE 20
Brilliant golden rays wash over the entire airport. Finally.
PROPERTY
OF
JONATHON
KANE
AND
JAM
ES
EHLE

16. 15.
21 INT. FLIGHT COUNTER - LATER THAT MORNING 21
Frank approaches a beaming flight attendant, KATE (30's).
KATE
Nice that Billings cleared up.
Kate collects some paperwork, slides it over.
FRANK
Sure is.
Kate notices something on her computer.
KATE
Oh. Hold on Frank. They'd like to
meet with ya upstairs before you go.
FRANK
They say why?
KATE
Just that it's urgent.
Frank glances up at a SECURITY CAMERA. He grips the desk.
22 INT. OFFICE HALLWAY - MINUTES LATER 22
Frank walks down the empty hallway. A door lies at the end.
CLICK. Frank enters the MEETING ROOM. He freezes. His
expression morphs from shock to awe.
The other side of the room contains a board table and chairs.
Someone sits in a chair, his back to us. He swivels around.
It's Marshall.
He smiles, a knowing look in his eye. He pulls out the
"World's Best Dad Mug."
He slides it toward Frank.
MARSHALL
I think this is yours.
END CREDITS SCENE
23 INT. SECURITY GUARD OFFICE 23
Chris stares at his security monitor with other airport staff.
CHRIS
You gotta see this part.
PROPERTY
OF
JONATHON
KANE
AND
JAM
ES
EHLE

17. 16.
On the screen, Frank and Marshall can be seen flying past on
their luggage carts. Marshall kicks Frank, spinning him.
Chris and the staff burst into raucous laughter.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
One more time! Just one more time!
CUT TO BLACK
PROPERTY
OF
JONATHON
KANE
AND
JAM
ES
EHLE