The document is a screenplay that follows Tom, an average office worker who is nervous about an upcoming team-building event he has planned. When complaints arise about the sushi-making activity, Tom becomes worried he will be fired. However, his boss calls him into a meeting and unexpectedly promotes Tom to office manager as the boss is leaving for a new position. Though surprised, Tom accepts the new role.

1. Screenplay

2. INT. PUBLIC BATHROOM. DAY.
Tom, young 30’s very average, slightly disheveled
businessman in an over sized suit stares at his reflection
in a mirror.
He bends over the sink and splashes water on his face and
shakes his shirt as if to dry the sweat.
A soulless office building bathroom with urinals and stalls
lining the wall. Upbeat elevator music playing that clearly
doesn’t match the decor.
Tom looks at himself with a wet face and mumbles words of
encouragement to himself. He reaches over and grabs a paper
towel without looking and wipes his face.
TOM
OK. OK. You can do this. (to his
reflection)
Mark, young 30’s good looking, charismatic businessman
enters the background walking confidently in a well fitted
business suit. His hair is slicked into a peak like the
style of boys much younger. He strides up to Tom and
overtakes his space at the sink. He primps his hair while
talking to Tom’s reflection in the same mirror.
MARK
Come on Tom, it’s time to go to the
meeting. You’ll do fine.
Mark picks up Tom’s briefcase from the floor and hands it to
Tom. Tom grab it, fumbles a bit, and then follows Mark out
of the bathroom. He barely misses being getting by the door
that Mark has pushed open for both of them.
INT. MEETING ROOM. DAY.
Mark enters first and smiles at the group.
MARK
Here he is. Just making some copies
for the meeting, like I told you.
The group looks annoyed that they’ve been waiting. Some are
tapping their fingers on the desk, others are texting, and
some are talking on the phone.
(CONTINUED)

3. CONTINUED: 2.
Tom walks in after Mark and stands at the front of the
conference room with a stoic, frightened smile. Everyone
rolls their eyes not giving him any attention. Suddenly, the
boss strides in and everyone quickly puts their phones away
and becomes attentive.
The boss is 50 and wear mismatching suit set and an odd
brightly coloured tie. He has a very professional demeanor
to him but doesn’t pay much attention to what’s around him.
Tom begins to hand everyone an overview of the Team Building
conference coming up.
TOM
So, as you can see on the piece of
paper I’ve handed everyone, I’ve
arranged for a really fun team
event. Our challenge this year
is... sushi making!
There’s a pause as everyone takes in what he’s said.
MARK
I think that’s a great idea! I’ve
always wanted to make sushi.
Haven’t you Anne?
ANNE
Um.. sure. (politely)
Suddenly the boss get a text and stands up. While still
holding his handout.
BOSS
I need to make an important call.
Excuse me.
The boss leaves without commenting on the team building
event. As he leaves the room and shuts the door, the room
changes from polite smiles to loud complaining.
LISA
I don’t believe in eating flesh.
This sushi better be vegan.
MALE WORKER 1
Vegan sushi? Why would anyone want
to eat that? Let’s ride motorcycles
or something fun.
MALE WORKER 2
How is sushi going to make me like
you more Tom? This is ridiculous.
(CONTINUED)

4. CONTINUED: 3.
Male worker 2 high fives male worker 1 then stands up to
leave. This prompts everyone else to get up as if the
meeting is over. Anne passes by Tom on her way out and
speaks quietly to him.
ANNE
I was just being polite. I don’t
really like sushi. Sorry Tom.
Soon the only people in the room are Tom and Mark. Mark
speaks confidently to Tom.
MARK
Don’t worry, Tom. I think with a
little time everyone will get used
to the idea. Just make sure there’s
a vegan option. I’ll talk to
everyone.
Mark pats Tom on the back and leaves the room. Tom is now
alone and looking very dejected. He slowly walks around the
room picking up his papers that were left behind and throws
them in the bin before walking out.
INT. BOSS’S OFFICE. DAY.
The boss is sitting at his desk on the phone. He looks very
happy but still intimidating.
BOSS
Yes sir I’d really like that. Thank
you for thinking of me, Mr.
Callahan. You won’t regret this.
MR. CALLAHAN
I better not. There’s one catch, I
need you to find a replacement for
yourself before you can come up to
headquarters. This company needs a
team player. Do you have anyone in
mind?
The boss looks down and sees the paper Tom has handed him
from the conference room.
BOSS
Yes, I know just the person. I’ll
speak with him now. I can be up
there within the week.
(CONTINUED)

5. CONTINUED: 4.
MR. CALLAHAN
Great. Touch base with me on
Monday.
BOSS
Yes sir will do.
The boss hangs up the phone and immediately calls his wife.
BOSS
Hi honey. Get ready we’re going
out!
The boss grabs his coat and passes his assistant on the way
out. George, the assistant, is very overly dramatic and
flamboyant.
BOSS
George call Tom and tell him to be
in my office first thing Monday
morning. I have something to
discuss with him.
GEORGE
OK. Have a good weekend.
The boss waves goodbye as he steps into the elevator. George
calls Tom and relates the message dramatically.
GEORGE
Tom, it’s George. Mr. Riley wants
you to be waiting in his office
when he gets back on Monday. Don’t
be late. He has something extremely
urgent to tell you.
TOM
Did he say what it was about?
GEORGE
No he just made it clear he needs
to see you.
TOM
Oh no... Did he not like my team
building report? Am I getting fired
because no one liked my idea?
GEORGE
Sorry Tom. I wouldn’t be allowed to
tell you even if I did know.
(CONTINUED)

6. CONTINUED: 5.
TOM
OK (quiet and dejected)
GEORGE
Bye! Have a good weekend! Don’t
forget Monday morning 8am sharp!
(back to fake assistant voice as if
nothings wrong)
TOM
Thanks...
Tom hangs up and immediately goes to find Mark.
TOM
Oh my god, I’m being fired! What do
I do? He’s not telling me until
Monday. Do I start packing my desk?
MARK
That’s harsh. Do you think people
complained about the sushi?
TOM
George wouldn’t say.
MARK
OK here’s what I would do if I was
in your position. Go around this
weekend and kiss up to everyone.
Apologize for anything and
everything you’ve done. Then maybe
they’ll take up for you on Monday.
I’d start with Amy. I’m pretty sure
she hates you because of how
awkward you are talking to her in
the elevator. And to Chris, for
throwing away his wok that time you
got sick of smelling Chinese in the
break room. Hell, while you’re at
it, apologize to everyone whose
food you’ve ever eaten out of the
office fridge.
TOM
God you really think so?
MARK
Absolutely! Honesty is always the
best policy. Start thinking and
think hard. Even if it seems
trivial just say you’re sorry. It
can’t hurt.
(CONTINUED)

7. CONTINUED: 6.
TOM
You’re right! It can’t hurt. Thanks
so much Mark I can always rely on
you.
MARK
Good luck mate. Let me know how it
goes. Actually why don’t you come
to mine tonight. I have a few
people come over every Friday for
drinks. I think it’d be a great
chance for you.
TOM
You meet every Friday? How come
you’ve never invited me before?
MARK
Ah man don’t worry about it. It’s
just a few of us who really get
along. Don’t take it personally.
TOM
Fine. Whatever. What time should I
come?
INT. MARK’S KITCHEN. NIGHT.
Tom walks into Mark’s kitchen and finds the entire office is
there. Dejected even further for being the only one not
invited, he grabs a beer from the fridge to make himself
feel more comfortable.
TOM
Hey guys!
No one even glances up at him and continues to drink and
talk loudly. Mark sees Tom and walks over to him. Mark
starts encouraging Tom to begin apologizing.
MARK
Hey! You made it! I think you’re
doing the right thing man. No time
like the present.
Mark walks off. Tom heads up to his first co-worker.
TOM
Hi Lisa.
(CONTINUED)

8. CONTINUED: 7.
LISA
Hi Tom.
Lisa doesn’t make eye contact.
TOM
I’ve been meaning to apologize to
you.
Lisa now looks at him attentively and confused.
LISA
Yea?
TOM
You know.. when your boyfriend
broke up with you? Well it was
because I kept hanging up on him
when he answered your phone.
LISA
You were the one calling and
hanging up!?
TOM
I thought you knew?
LISA
Wow Tom. You know what ...whatever
! He broke up with me after being
together for 2 years! He thought I
was cheating on him! Never speak to
me again.
Lisa pushes pas Tom causing Tom to spill his drink all over
Male Worker 1. Male Worker 1 pushes Tom again which causes
someone else to drop their drink. Mass chaos breaks out and
everyone is yelling at Tom.
INT. APARTMENT DAY.
Tom is sitting alone in his kitchen with a pathetic sandwich
on a plate and a glass of milk. His appearance is
disheveled. No shower and sweatpants with a dirty t-shirt.
He’s speaking on the phone to Mark.
TOM
Mark, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean
to make everyone so angry. I tried
apologizing to everyone like you
said but Lisa was a lot angrier
than I thought she’d be.
(CONTINUED)

9. CONTINUED: 8.
MARK
Look, Tom, I know you didn’t mean
to, but now what? You ruined a
perfect opportunity to make things
right. I think you should call
everyone and avoid face to face
contact.
TOM
Are you sure? It seemed to make
everything worse.
MARK
Of course I’m sure. You just came
on too strong.
TOM
OK I’ll try.
MARK
Good luck.
Tom starts making a list and begins emailing an apology.
INT. BOSS’S OFFICE WAITING ROOM. DAY.
Tom arrives early before everyone else and sits in the
waiting room. His cell phone rings, it’s Mark.
MARK
Hey how did it go this weekend?
TOM
I ended up just sending an email to
everyone about everything I could
think of. I thought it might be
easier to stick to the main details
that way.
MARK
Well, it can’t get any worse. Call
me after your meeting.
TOM
OK bye.
The boss enters a little bit later and looks surprised to
see Tom sitting there.
BOSS
Well Tom. I didn’t expect to see
you here so early. I’m glad to see
you’re eager. Come into my office.
(CONTINUED)

10. CONTINUED: 9.
Tom is relieved that the boss seems to be in a good mood.
BOSS
The thing is, I was impressed with
what I saw from you on Friday. It’s
clear to me you’re a team player. I
was wondering about how you’d feel
becoming office manager?
TOM
Office manager?
BOSS
I’m being brought up to corporate
so I need someone who is willing to
come up to speed really fast. I
think you’re the man for the job.
What do you say?
TOM
I’m speechless. If you think I can
do it. I’m happy to try. I can’t
believe this! I honestly thought I
was being fired.
BOSS
Good! Let’s go out and tell
everyone the good news.
Tom trails the boss as he opens the door. In the lobby, the
seats are full of Tom’s co workers not looking very pleased.
When theY see Tom behind the boss they give him dirty looks.
BOSS
Well what have we got here?
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. I was planning on a short
announcement this morning anyway.
The boss slaps Tom on the back (a little too hard) and gives
him a wink.
BOSS
Come on in.
(CONTINUED)

11. CONTINUED: 10.
Tom barely notices. All of his co workers walk past him and
after the last person passes him. Tom turns around and looks
after them. The office door slams shut.
THE END.