Script draft number 6

1.
“THE PROMOTION” (Working Title)
By Mary Ashton Ellis

2.
The Promotion
INT. SALES OFFICE HALLWAY/RECEPTIONIST AREA
Fade into male, shined business shoes walking down the hall with a spring in his step. Slowly
span upwards to reveal a self­absorbed, successful salesperson. Very, self­satisfied. Pressed
khaki golf pants, tightly tucked in polo, fresh haircut. Raybans. He doesn’t slow as he walks past
the receptionist desk but boisterously says his command as he walks out of the office early.
MR. RILEY
George, call Tom and tell him to be in my office first
thing Monday morning. I have something important
to talk to him about.
GEORGE
(obediently as he holds phone away from his ear)
Ok. Have a good weekend.
MR. RILEY
(without looking back as he exits)
You too.
Super title:
“The Promotion”
Roll Credits
INT. RECEPTIONIST DESK
George finishes his call and immediately makes the call to TOM and relates the message with a
bit of extra drama and a bit of a power trip.
GEORGE
Tom, It’s George. Mr. Riley wants to you to be
waiting in his office when he gets here Monday.
Don’t be late. He has something extremely urgent
to discuss with you.
TOM
(a bit nervous)
Oh. Did he say what it was about?

3.
GEORGE
(annoyed as if he would betray his Boss)
No just that he wants you to be here waiting on him.
TOM
Oh man. Do you think it’s about the sushi making class
I booked for our team building conference?
Did people call and complain?
GEORGE
I did hear about it. Not everyone eats flesh Tom.
You should have picked something everyone could eat.
I hope you’re not getting fired.
TOM
(panicking)
What? Do you think so?
GEORGE
(suddenly indignant and even more dramatic)
Well I certainly wouldn’t tell you if you were.
I don’t want to lose MY job too! Just be here
on time so we both don’t get in trouble.
TOM
(quiet and dejected)
Ok. I’m sorry. I’ll see you on Monday.
GEORGE
(back to fake assistant voice as if nothing happened)
Have a good weekend!
TOM
you too
INT. TOM’s CUBICLE
Tom immediately calls Mark for help.
TOM
Hey! I need help. I just got a call from George to be

4.
waiting in Mr. Rileys office before everyone gets here
on Monday. He thinks they’re making cuts and I’m getting
fired first for messing up the team building conference.
MARK
Harsh! Although I guess you should have maybe asked
around to be sure everyone liked sushi before you put
down the deposit.
TOM
(whining)
But you said it was a good idea and to take initiative.
Mark
I didn’t know I was the only one you asked! Look, it’s not
over yet. If I were you, I’d make the rounds this weekend
and kiss up to everyone. Apologize for everything you’ve
ever done. Then maybe they’ll take up for you on Monday.
I’d start with Amy. I think she knows you ate her yogurt last week.
And to Chen, for hiding his wok that time you got sick of smelling
Chinese in the lunchroom. If I were you I’d just apologize to
everyone for everything I could think of.
TOM
That was you that hid his wok!
MARK
I did it for you! Besides, I’m not the one getting fired.
Honesty is the best policy, man. Start thinking and think hard.
Even if it seems small, just say you’re sorry. It can’t hurt.
TOM
Yeah, I guess you’re right. Thanks man.
MARK
You’re welcome, let me know how it goes.
INT. APARTMENT. NIGHT.
Tom’s in his living room walking nervously back and forth with his phone in his hand. He dials but i

5.
too anxious to hit “send”. He finally hits send and stands motionless holding his breath with his eyes
squinted shut, praying there’s no answer. The person picks up and he’s forced to speak.
TOM
(with a squeak)
Lisa?
Lisa
(with attitude)
Who is this?
Tom
It’s Tom.
LISA
(No response)
TOM
So, um, I’m just calling to apologize to you.
LISA
For what?
TOM
For um, hanging up on you a few times.
I didn’t expect a guy to answer your phone.
LISA
(suddenly angry)
YOU were the one calling and hanging up?
TOM
Well only because he made me nervous.
I wasn’t prank calling you.
LISA
Whatever Tom. You cost me my relationship!
He thought I was cheating on him! I can’t believe you.
NEVER talk to me again.

6.
Lisa hangs up abruptly and Tom looks a bit nauseous over how the first apology went. After a moment
he walks over to the coffee table and crosses out something on a list. He reads the next item and pauses
before dialing the phone again. He has much hesitation and anxiety. Fade out.
INT. APARTMENT. DAY.
Tom is sitting alone in the kitchen with a sandwich on a plate and a glass of milk. His appearance is
disheveled. No shower and sweatpants and a dirty t­shirt. He’s on the phone with Mark and we pick up
mid conversation.
TOM
Lisa was a lot angrier than I thought she would be.
MARK
You just came on too strong.
Maybe feel them out first and give less information.
Use your list and just stick to the main details.
TOM
Are you sure? Maybe this was a bad idea.
MARK
I’m never wrong. How can it hurt? You’re already getting fired.
TOM
Ok. Maybe you’re right. There aren’t many more.
Tom looks over his list. Camera shot of long list of crazy things that Tom’s done wrong.
Mark
Good. You can do it. I’ll talk to you later.
Tom.
Ok
INT. Office Reception Area. Day.
Tom arrives early before everyone else and sits in the waiting room of his boss’s office, waiting for hi
to come in. His appearance is horrible like it’s been the worst week of his life. His cell phone rings, it’s
Mark.

7.
Mark
(sounding refreshed)
Hey how’d it go yesterday?
TOM
(looking like he’s still traumatized)
I’m glad it’s over.
Mark
See? I told you. I’m sure you did fine. Honesty being the best policy and all.
TOM
(sarcastically)
Yea, you keep saying that.
MARK
Just wanted to call to say good luck in there.
TOM
Thanks.
Tom sees the boss at the door and gets off quickly and stands up rapidly in a show of respect.
The Boss enters early and is surprised to see Tom sitting there alone.
MR RILEY
Tom. I didn’t expect to see you here so early.
I’m glad to see you’re eager. Come into my office.
Tom is relieved but cautious to get his hopes up too quickly. Maybe he’s not getting fired.
The boss has no idea what transpired.
INT. MR. RILEY’s OFFICE
MR RILEY
The thing is, I was impressed with the initiative you took to set
up the team building exercise. It’s clear you’re a team player.
I was wondering how’d you feel about being a sales manager?

8.
TOM
You liked my idea? You want me to promote me?
MR RILEY
Sure I liked your idea. Everyone loves sushi. And yes I need someone
I can trust with the sales numbers to help me with the weekly reports.
Corporate called Friday and want me moving to a regional director role.
There’s no pay raise for you, of course, but it would look good for you to
show you can handle the extra work. What do you say?
TOM
I’m speechless.
Tom immediately sits down out of shock of not getting fired.
MR RILEY
Ok fine. I’ll give you a bit of an increase in salary.
Do you want the job or not?
TOM
No, Yes. It’s not that. Yes, I want to get promoted.
I love extra work.
Tom jumps up and regains a happy face and energy. Mr. Riley is smug that he did a good job convincing
Tom to take the job.
MR RILEY
That’s what I wanted to hear. Let’s go out and tell
everyone the good news.
INT RECEPTION AREA. DAY.
Tom trails the boss as he opens his door. In the lobby, the seats are full of Tom’s co­workers not looking
very happy. When they see Tom behind the Boss, they give him dirty looks. His smile immediately
drops. Mr. Riley keeps smiling assuming they are there to congratulate him on his new regional position.
BOSS
(to Tom)
Looks like the cat’s already out of the bag about my promotion.

9.
MR RILEY
(to everyone)
Look at all of these sad faces. Who told you I’m getting promoted?
I’m going to miss you guys too.
GEORGE
Mr. Riley, several of the staff would like to speak
to you about something before the morning staff meeting.
Do you have a moment?
BOSS
Well yes I think I can squeeze that in. (winks at Tom)
BOSS
(To Tom)
Go ahead to the meeting room Tom.
I’ll bring everyone in a few minutes.
The boss slaps Tom on the back (a bit too hard). Tom barely notices because he suddenly feeling really
anxious. He looks at the staff members one by one for a clue as to what they are going to tell the boss.
He feels certain it’s about him and all of his confessions. He’s certain he’s going to lose the promotion.
BOSS
(smiling as if he’s the most popular in the room)
You guys want to come in one at a time or are you here as a group?
THE GROUP
(in unison)
A group
As they file into the office one by one they each give Tom a stern look. As the door closes, he looks at
the door for several moments before taking a deep breath and looks at George for a hint.
TOM
Did they say anything?
GEORGE
(without looking up and with attitude)

10.
Of course. They told me EVERYthing.
Looking stricken Tom walks humbly back to his desk. Mark is sitting in his chair. Mark looks eagerly at
Tom’s face trying to determine what happened. Tom ignores him and picks up a box under the desk and
Start’s to load his things.
Mark
Sorry man. What did he say?
Tom
(flatly without inflection)
I got promoted.
Cut to Mark’s confused face and fade out.