THE CHARGEBACK Treatment
Season 1
Episode 1
“I'll do anything to stay here.”
~ Kevin Carey
Ash Fisher, the top salesman at the New York Neighbor newspaper, steals a client from rival publication, My Metropolitan, hours before the annual softball game. Desperate to stay in NY, recent college grad Kevin Carey gets hired as an advertising telemarketer. Valentina Rozenski exhausts her resources to make the premier of The Devil Wears Prada. New York Neighbor founder Joe Vitale celebrates the 30th anniversary of the newspaper, while his son, Mick tries to persuade him print is a dying industry.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 1
INT. - STORAGE ROOM - NIGHT
6/30/06. 3:45am.
Ash Fisher is asleep at 3:45 am EST in the storage room of the New York Neighbor office — a newspaper where he is the leading advertising salesman. The abrupt starting and stopping of the faulty air conditioner wakes Ash from a drunken nightmare. Ash is sweating and breathing heavy.
Immediately, he checks his gaudy knock off Rolex watch. Falling asleep was not his intention. Seemingly relieved at the hour, Ash lights a cigarette with his Zippo and lays back down for a brief moment of peace. After a couple of drags from the cigarette, Ash rises from the floor, taking a half empty Budweiser from a pile of crushed cans, and the rest of his belongings with him.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 2
INT. - SALES FLOOR - NIGHT
(INTERCUT)
INT. - ADVENTURES IN INDIA OFFICE - DAY
At his desk, Ash wiggles the mouse and disrupts the Windows ME screensaver on the computer monitor. He pulls up a sports betting website to check the outcome of the previous night’s wagers. Aside from typing and the faulty air conditioner, the room is quiet. To his dismay, each team he picked lost their game. Jotting numbers on a yellow notepad, his weekly gambling debt now exceeds $2,000. Ash scribbles over the comma after the 2, as it makes him uncomfortable. Tearing the paper out of the notepad, Ash burns holes through the three zeros in “$2,000” with the end of his cigarette. He drops the cigarette butt in the Budweiser can, picks up a magazine, and checks his watch.
3:54 am.
The magazine he is reading is the latest edition of My Metropolitan, a rival periodical to New York Neighbor. Ash leans back in his chair and studies a full page advertisement for “Adventures in India” which goes into details about an exotic excursion experience that guides you through the majestic wonders India has to offer. The advertisement is located on the inside front cover of My Metropolitan and depicts the Taj Mahal at sunset with a crowd marveling at the architectural wonder. There are notes on the page in Ash’s handwriting saying “after lunch.”
The time is now 3:59 am.
In the cellophane of his cigarette pack are the remnants of what was once a gram of cocaine. Next to the computer monitor is a picture of Ash’s girlfriend, Goldie, and their son, Derek. Ash places the picture face down on his desk, does a key bump of the powder, and hits the ground for a quick round of push-ups.
With his phone to his ear, Ash makes the sign of the cross, kisses his thumb, points to the sky, then begins dialing the phone number listed on the “Adventures in India” advertisement.
It is 2:30 pm IST, and the representative from “Adventures in India” is pleasantly surprised by the time of Ash’s call, but is hesitant to hear Ash’s sales pitch.
On the phone, Ash Fisher is smooth and without wasting time, he takes command of the conversation. He explains that he represents the New York Neighbor, a paper that primarily delivers directly to residential buildings. For 30 years, there is no other source that directly distributes into residential mailboxes in Manhattan. He goes on explaining that even though My Metropolitan might have the bigger name, and print a greater number of magazines - they primarily shove the editions in everyone’s hands at high-traffic areas. Because of this, commuters who receive My Metropolitan only keep the magazine until they pass by the nearest trash can.
Ash elaborates on a hypothetical scenario by stating that if a commuter sees the cover of My Metropolitan with the image of the Taj Mahal at a fiery sunset, during a sweltering New York summer, they are immediately turned off by the suggestion. However, if the reader were already in the comfort of their own air conditioned home, an exotic adventure is much more appealing.
Ash sells the quality of readers over quantity of magazines angle, and the “Adventures in India” representative is beginning to believe in Ash’s thought provoking words. Lastly, Ash points out the current time in New York and wonders if the My Metropolitan staff are in the office thinking about “Adventures in India” like the New York Neighbor is, and always will. They close a substantial deal and move forward with a full page campaign.
After hanging up, Ash quickly figures out his commission, comparing the number against the weekly gambling debt. The debt is still greater, but for the moment, the joy of stealing a client from a rival cannot be denied. The time is 4:05 am.
Without his pants on, Ash rises from his desk and loudly rings a community sales bell for an empty room. He writes the sum of the “Adventures in India” deal to his weekly total on a large dry erase board.
“I'll do anything to stay here.” ~ Kevin Carey
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 3
EXT. - STREET - DAY.
(INTERCUT)
INT. - APARTMENT - DAY
Kevin Carey is walking carefully down a midtown Manhattan street, talking on a cell phone to his roommate, Michael Laslov, about the clean urine Kevin has strapped to his leg. The weather is scorching hot.
While taking bong hits on the couch, Michael is stressing the importance of the urine’s temperature when passing off the sample.
Fresh out of art school, this job is Kevin’s last chance to stay in New York. Kevin cannot take any chances of failing a drug test, and he cannot go back home to Jacksonville, FL. Michael is listening to his buddy vent while blowing smoke in the direction of a sleeping house cat and then reminds him of his share of the rent before they hang up.
Checking his Mapquest directions, Kevin arrives at his destination.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 4
INT. - BUILDING SECURITY LOBBY - DAY
Kevin enters the building where he is met with the security guards at the desk in the lobby. Distracted and focused on the urine, Kevin is ill prepared to show identification and has a brief altercation with the security guards, who take their job seriously. Kevin’s disheveled disposition arise slight suspicion from the guards. Finally, security buzzes him through the turnstile and before joining the herd at the elevators, Kevin sees a sign saying “V&D Communications / New York Neighbor” on the 9th floor.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 5
INT. - ITALIAN RESTAURANT - DAY
A cake is brought to a table that reads “Happy 30th, NY Neighbor!”
A small celebration is happening in a quaint Italian restaurant celebrating the birthday of Joe Vitale’s newspaper, the New York Neighbor. Joe is joined by his son Mick Vitale and their business partner Stanley Durdank. Together, the three own V&D Communications — a thriving company in foam finger manufacturing and other swag products.
However, the newspaper is Joe’s pride and joy, and the personal bond it holds is the last reason for keeping it in circulation amongst a table of colleagues solely focused on the bottom line and no longer see the value of print. Although this is a celebration, Joe seems to be the only person sitting at this lunch who cares if it sees 31.
At the gathering, Joe and the V&D team are approached by a representative of a prepaid phone service, who attempts to shower Joe with flattery on his big day. The stranger is brash, eager to acquire the partnership the New York Neighbor has with the residential doorman buildings. The executive suggests the pitfalls ahead for print, and presents selling as a solution to the inevitable wave of technology. He claims the publication is irrelevant but the doorman partnership is valuable.
The offer to purchase is beyond generous, well above value, but Joe is hesitant and slightly insulted. Joe’s son, Mick, not really fond of the New York Neighbor, urges everyone to be attentive and becomes frustrated that his father is refusing to listen to the option of cashing in on the outdated, unappealing newspaper. Aside from the undeniable sentimental attachment, Joe always believes in the perpetual value attached to a brand. Even in the face of rocky uncertainty, his decision is to remain hopeful, especially in publishing, as this is where he began his career. Joe is clear that it's not about the money and the rest of his colleagues should take more pride in their work. The rest of the table quietly disagrees, but would never defy Joe in this public setting, only in private. However, the message does not fall on deaf ears and Joe’s mood dampers on what was planned to be a celebration.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 6
INT. - V&D COMMUNICATIONS/NY NEIGHBOR LOBBY - DAY
Kevin exits the elevator and enters the 'V&D Communications/New York Neighbor' office lobby on the 9th floor. It’s sleek and modern in its decor. Kevin can hear the secretary loudly playing Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy” in her headphones. She is annoyed by Kevin’s interruption, and directs him to the interview room with an eye roll.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 7
INT. - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Kevin enters the conference room where there are already nine people from all walks of life waiting. Kevin carefully takes a seat, making eye contact with other interviewees and nodding hello. No one acknowledges back. The manager, Jimmy Moretti, is late.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 8
INT. - SALES FLOOR - DAY
Ash is at the same desk where earlier that morning, he closed the deal with My Metropolitan’s “Adventures in India” account. The sounds of an active sales floor are a distraction as he attempts to discreetly speak to his son’s mother, Goldie. Co-worker, Trip Barnum's voice faintly repeats in the background :
TRIP
Hi. my name is Trip Barnum. Would you be interested in advertise…Hi. This is Trip Barnum. Would you be...Hi. This is Trip. Hi. This is Trip Barnum. Would you be. Hi...
On Ash’s call, Goldie’s voice is expressing frustration, explaining how she has to waitress and her parents can’t be responsible for watching their son every night. His eyes are closed, rubbing the space between his eyebrows, trying to restrain from verbal conflict. Goldie’s tone is angry as she complains about his behavior, lists a desire for home improvements, and lastly, asks if he took the pay check money out of their checking account. She noticed a withdraw early in morning.
GOLIDE
(annoyed)
We need the money in the account for our son’s little league fees!
ASH
Don’t worry about it! I have it taken care of. If that hack of a baseball coach has a problem then tell him to call me directly and I’ll deal with it!
He hangs up on her in frustration and stares at the yellow notepad with his remaining debt. Ash thumbs through an envelope of cash, and his attention turns to the computer monitor. He is researching the scores and odds for the MLB baseball games happening later. The Yankees and Mets are about to square up in the Bronx at 7 pm.
(Scan over to next cubicle, separated by the sounds of the office boombox)
Valentina Rozenski is calling theaters around Manhattan to confirm disappointing news. According to the websites, the evening showings of The Devil Wears Prada are all sold out and she cannot get a ticket.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 9
INT. - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Associate publisher, Jimmy Moretti, a tall heavy-set middle aged Italian man, stomps into the conference room. His stature is towering and intimidating. He is accompanied by his assistant Tonya Gillespie, whose professional title is “Director of Sales”. She is carrying a clipboard, and sizing up the potential sales candidates. Moretti takes his place at the head of the table, kicking his chair away and preferring to stand. With his fists knuckle down on the table, Moretti grins at the potential hires seated in front of him. His energy is apparent. He welcomes all in attendance and addresses the room like a general to his fleet.
A young interviewee raises his hand and interrupts Moretti’s momentum while going through his introductions. The imposing voice asks how long the interview process will take. Moretti, initially aggravated and shocked anyone would impede his stride, laughs at the interruption.
MORETTI
Get the fuck out of here. Now.
The young man walks out in shock. Moretti explains how they are looking for commitment, as that is what this job requires. If you are truly serious about being a part of this family, nothing and nowhere else matters.
• Sequence of the New York Neighbor's distribution
• the positive response from the readership
• the profitable effect on the newspaper's advertiser
Moretti proceeds to give a monologue on the history of the company and its importance to the residents of New York City. Moretti briefly touches on the history of its founder, Joe Vitale, and his prominence in publishing. Moretti’s respect for Joe is genuinely evident as he recounts his mentor’s accolades. Moretti details how the New York Neighbor’s unique direct distribution is ideal for anyone looking to have a presence in the homes of affluent New Yorkers. As he explains the operation system, an incredibly embellished hypothetical scenario unfolds — creating images of smiles and impractical responses from readers and advertisers alike.
Moretti preaches how he feels; an over-the-top, high regard for this job, and all the good it does for the world. The potential hires are captivated by Moretti’s sharp sentences and deep baritone voice that command respect. Moretti suggest that if everyone in the room doesn’t feel the same sentiment, they can follow behind “whatever his name was” who had other places to be. Moretti tells everyone to take a fifteen minute break before the single interviews begin, but no one moves until he exits first.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 10
EXT. - STREET - DAY
Nervous and taking careful steps, Kevin posts up outside of the building to smoke a cigarette and collect his thoughts before the single interviews begin. His alone time is brief as Moretti also approaches the smoking section, slightly alarming Kevin. Luckily for Kevin, they briefly chat, and bond over the fact that they both smoke Newports.
A moment later, Ash joins the smokers circle, lights a cigarette and begins speaking to Moretti. Ash inquires about a commission advance for the new “Adventures in India” account. Moretti says he will speak with Isabella in accounting, and it shouldn’t be a problem. Moretti compliments Ash again for taking a page from My Metropolitan. Their conversation continues with Ash asking Moretti who he likes tonight — the Yankees or the Mets. Moretti is vague and says either way, he would defy majority. Kevin backs up Moretti’s pick with statistics and additional gambling wisdom on when it’s worth taking the underdog. Moretti is briefly impressed with Kevin.
The three have a moment where work seems secondary, and instead, there are signs of a bond.
In the distance, we see Joe, Mick, and Stanley arrive back at the office from the anniversary lunch, briefly continuing their inaudible conversation outside of the vehicle. Moretti and Ash flick their cigarette butts and heads back inside the building before the bosses. Kevin follows behind, slowly.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 11
INT. - V&D COMMUNICATIONS LOUNGE- DAY
Individual interviews take place. Hopeful hires are spread out in their own world, waiting to go back into the conference room and explain why they are the right candidate. One by one, names are called to go in to speak with Moretti and Tonya. The majority leave upset and stomp in the direction of the exit. A couple walk out with a smile, and return to silently waiting. Kevin is one of the last to wait. He is nervously reciting a general statement about his love for newspapers since he was young. Quietly regurgitating nonsense, becoming aware as each second passes that he is out of his element.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 12
INT. - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Kevin gets interviewed by Moretti and Tonya. Moretti sniffs out the inexperience in Kevin’s resume. Sensing desperation, Moretti bluntly asks when he can start, with Kevin quickly responding that he could get going in fifteen minutes. Shocked with such a quick, strong answer, Moretti agrees to hire him on the spot. He offers Kevin a minimum salary position with a lowball commission structure, expecting him to baulk and partake in some sort of negotiation. All Kevin could focus on was that he was hired, which meant he could stay in NY as long as this bag of urine stays in tact and at the correct temperature.
Moretti, delighted with his reluctance to haggle, eyes him up and dubs Kevin Carey “K.C.” as V&D has a Kevin at that end of the building and it could get confusing. Moretti suggests Kevin looks like he could make the throw from third to first, and invites him to play in the company softball game later that evening after work. He goes on to say if there aren't any immediate questions, welcome to the team and wait in the entrance lobby. He asks Kevin to please refrain from saying anything to the other interviewees. As K.C. scuffles out, Tonya laughs at Moretti for bringing on such a rookie. He tells her how Ash was once desperate, and that Kevin also smokes Newports.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 13
INT. - CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Ash calls his bookie and they discuss his growing debt. With the money drained from his personal family account, he confirms he has the cash and the two confirm the time and location of their usual meeting place. In the same breath, Ash places a large wager on the game that evening between the Yankees and Mets — his full advanced commission from “Adventures in India” account. It takes some convincing as Ash is usually a little more tame with his wager amounts, but after explaining how he received a gift from the great God Gnesh, he feels his luck is about to change. Ash is permitted to bet his full commission on the Mets plus 1.5 runs.
(Scan over to next cubicle, separated by the sounds of the office boombox)
As Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy” ends, the DJ announces a contest.
RADIO DJ
Call our number, 212-555-WNYR, be the 99th caller and win a dinner date for two at the luxurious Tavern on the Green, followed by tickets to the premiere of The Devil Wears Prada at Regal Cinemas in Times Square.
Valentina has her head buried in her hands, but looks up and gasps in disbelief. With new found hope, Valentina grabs her desk line and starts dialing at a rapid pace. Busy signal. She hangs up and presses redial, quickly getting the same busy signal. She hangs up and repeats the process.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 14
INT. - V&D COMMUNICATIONS/NY NEIGHBOR LOBBY- DAY
Kevin sits back down at the entrance lobby, away from everyone else in the V&D lounge. The secretary is gone and he’s alone. He breathes a sigh of relief and pauses to celebrate getting this far. He spots a copy of the New York Neighbor on the table and picks it up. On the cover is competitive eater, Joey Chestnut. It becomes clear that the paper isn’t as informative as it was presented in the meeting. Confusion sets in his face, as he sees random ad after random ad. As he’s intently looking at the publication, we see the entrance door of the office open, but no one comes in. Hugo Santarani, the indulgent, addict account executive, pops out from between Kevin’s feet, slithering across the floor, trying not to be spotted from cubicle view. Kevin jumps up, speechless and nervous with the paper in hand. A slight tear pokes in the corner of his urine bag, causing a small drop to trickle down his leg every few seconds. Hugo puts his finger up, telling him to “shhhh.” Hugo continues to creep by, but stops to make a remark about how something smells like piss. From around the wall and without spotting Hugo, Moretti, accompanied by the other two hires, Antonio Vasquez and Brett Thompson, asks if Kevin is ready to get acquainted.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 15
(MONTAGE)
INT. - CAR - DAY
EXT. - BANK - DAY
INT. - BANK - DAY
INT. - MODELL’S - DAY
Back in Pennsylvania, Ash’s son’s baseball coach is running errands around town. He whistles while he works, holds doors and says “please” and “thank you.” He deposits the little league dues, including the bounced check. Afterwards, he cruises over to Modell’s, unknowingly participating in making team purchases that now exceed the team account balance. The small town setting, smiles, and manners contrast the stress of the New York Neighbor environment.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 16
INT. - HALLWAY - DAY
Moretti gives a tour to the three new hires: Kevin, Antonio, and Brett. He walks and talks about the sales collective — the interior decor withering as they move through the floor.
Past the floor-to-ceiling glass offices and sleek futuristic cubicles of V&D Communications, there is a visual transition to a more humbling workplace. The New York Neighbor and V&D’s offices are connected by a long 25 foot hallway. Large shrubbery make the entrance to the hallway from V&D’s side nearly invisible. Once past the plants, the right side of the halls are lined with copy and fax machines. As they continue walking there are trays of New York Neighbor media kit pages detailing the company, rolls of white square stickers with the New York Neighbor logo, manilla envelopes, and even more fax machines. On the left side of the hallway are walls of filing cabinets, stacked floor to ceiling.
Moretti stops at the filing cabinets and explains how the cabinets contain every previous deal for every advertisement in the New York Neighbor for the past 30 years. Moretti opens a row in the filing cabinet and instructs that each client is alphabetized and given a folder. Within that folder is an outline of the advertisement campaign, a signed contract, a payment form, a tear out of a page from the issue of the New York Neighbor containing the client’s advertisement, and any other pertinent information, such as an email correspondence, notes about when they liked to be called, their favorite color, or whatever the account executive found to be special.
If the hires possess the competence to get this far, grasping this process should not be a problem. If it is, Moretti suggests they are all in the wrong business. Moretti eyes the new hires once more to make sure he is making the right decision, then slams the cabinet shut.
Sheryl
Enter
Conference Room
Isabella
Joe & Mick Vitale
Stanley
Antonio
Brett
Hugo
Storage
Moretti
Trip
Cindy
Jeff
Luke
Kevin
Ash
Valentina
Taylor
Greg
Tonya
Abel
Alex
Sophie
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 17
INT. - SALES FLOOR - DAY
Valentina continues to press redial and still getting a busy signal.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 18
INT. - NEW YORK NEIGHBOR OFFICE - DAY
Moretti and the new hires continue walking as more stacks of old newspapers from the 80’s and 90’s line the hallways. Their paper is stained yellow from age. Where the newspapers meet the carpet, the paper stack is an extra few inches of a deeper yellow. Moretti explains that since the Patriot Act, necessary changes after some incidents in the late 90’s, and Joe Vitale’s specific attention to detail (primarily his lack of trust for PayPal’s legal documentation), every representative is required to have their paperwork together before payment forms are processed. Once payment is acquired and ready to be processed, submit the folder to Sheryl Winderberg. Part of her job is not to believe sales representatives have done the paperwork. Moretti stresses to the new hires to make sure that they don’t prove her right.
After the the barrage of information, Moretti assures the new hires that should they have any questions, to not be afraid to ask Tonya.
They arrive at a corner of a large room. Moretti loudly rings the sales bell hanging above their heads. The same sales bell Ash rang to an empty room at 4 am.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 19
INT. - SALES FLOOR - DAY
Valentina, still trying to win the radio competition, finally hears an enthusiastic, “Congratulations, caller number ni…” but the startling sound of the bell and Moretti’s imposing return to the room signal an instant reflex and she inadvertently hangs up the phone. Everyone at their desk pops up and looks at the board. Once the sales reps see who rang the bell, and nothing is being added to the total, they continue about their business. Valentina is frozen in shock by her missed radio opportunity.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 20
INT. - NEW YORK NEIGHBOR OFFICE - DAY
Moretti walks the new hires around the exterior of the room. Lining the walls are white dry erase boards. While explaining the purpose of each dry erase board, Moretti stops the new hires. From their vantage point, Moretti can glance and have an interaction with each rep who is not on the phone.
First and most importantly, the sales board. The only board with a bell. Every rep’s initials are on the left of the. board. Each week, the sales reps are listed in order of their previous total earnings. Ash remains at the top. Everyone battles for second. The 5 columns adjacent to the names are for sales during each day of the week. A larger column for the total are to the right. The bottom row is a collective total for each day, ending with a collective total for the week. If a sale is not made that day, the sales rep gets a dash. Moretti warns — do not get a dash.
The metal lip lining the bottom of the dry erase board holds a calculator and a slew of markers. The majority of the markers do not have a cap. The boards are roughly 3.5ft off the ground. Immediately butted up against the bottom of the erase board are more rows of previous New York Neighbor issues. Moretti and the new hires continue walking the exterior and stop at the next board, a much wider surface that takes up the remainder of the wall. This board is reserved for the New York Neighbor layout. It is the sales rep’s responsibility to submit a run sheet at the beginning of the week to the art department, and confirm each of their clients is on the layout board if they need to be in the issue. The art department will begin writing up the details of the New York Neighbor issue mid-week.
Moretti turns the corner and directs their attention to the last board reserved for the 4 cover positions; front cover, which is the theme and anything pertinent to the issue, inside front cover, inside back cover, and the coveted back cover.
Surrounding the main cubicle sales floor are 6 offices, 3 on each side. One side has the editor in chief’s office, the art department’s office, and an empty office converted into a storage room, that also doubles a quiet room. The other side is Moretti’s office, Tonya’s office, and Sheryl’s office. Lastly, he shows each person where their desk will be: Antonio and Brett in pod 1 with Hugo. Moretti comments about how he is happy to see Hugo at work today. Kevin in pod 3 with Luke Bellinger and Ash. Each desk consists of a phone, a pen, and a notepad. New computers and email addresses should arrive by the end of next week, so in the meantime, dig in the “old fashioned way.”
Each sales rep is responsible for finding their own lead sources, making a call sheet, and making note of the outcome of each call. It is explained that call sheets are an essential portion of quarterly reviews and the new hires should be careful about calling clients that belong to the veterans. Moretti suggests that for they should flip through copies of recent New York Neighbor issues and get familiar with the publication.
Antonio asks if a script will be provided for sales. Moretti explains a script is not provided because a script prohibits you from thinking on your feet.
Moretti finishes his last lesson speaking on rates for advertisements, and the importance of knowing the media kit backwards and forwards. He informs them that they can reach out to Ash, Tonya, or himself if they need help closing a deal.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 21
INT. - OFFICE HALLWAY - DAY
Moretti starts walking the group back to the V&D side of the long hallway to meet Isabella Santiago, who handles accounting for all of the Vitale companies, but also handles the HR for the New York Neighbor staff. Kevin, nervous to meet HR, subtly places a hand to gauge the safety of his bag of clean urine. Another drop trickles down his leg.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 22
INT. - JOE’S OFFICE - DAY
Joe Vitale’s office is the largest room in both the New York Neighbor and V&D Communications’ combined space. On the walls hang previous New York Neighbor articles in thin black frames. On Joe’s desk are scattered papers that stack in mountains around the desk. Foam fingers are everywhere in a variety of hand gestures and colors. Some have sports teams already printed on them, some do not. Mick is talking to his father about how they should explore the generous offer proposed by the prepaid phone company for the New York Neighbor’s distribution deal. He explains that print is fickle, and with paper at a high cost, the juice is hardly worth the squeeze.
Mick insists the New York Neighbor has become a distraction to the perpetual success of V&D, and feels that this confrontation is a long time coming. Carefully, Mick continues expressing his displeasure by urging his father to admit the New York Neighbor’s services are outdated. No one of any affluence in this day and age feel nostalgia or enjoyment from reading a newspaper. Mick makes his stand, surprising himself in the moment.
Joe responds with strength in his voice, telling his son he should be ashamed. Outside of the office, V&D employees stiffen up at the sound of Joe’s rage. Joe further discusses the need to take pride in the product, and that somewhere in Mick’s life, principles seem to have been lost. Mick places a proposal with the prepaid phone company’s logo on the letterhead. Joe sees the papers and turns away in equal parts sadness and disbelief. Mick asks his father to consider his family’s future, the future of his grandchildren. Joe turns his back to his son and Mick feels his pleas falling on deaf ears. Mick asks him to at least sleep on it and hopes his dad will see it's a new era.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 23
INT. - ISABELLA’S OFFICE - DAY
Isabella is printing out Ash’s advance on the “Adventures in India” account. Chewing bubble gum and typing, Isabella is half paying attention to anything but the computer. Moretti sits Kevin down and introduces Kevin as K.C. to Isabella and tells her that he will be back with the other two new hires. Before walking out, he tells Kevin to quickly grab some clothes (a blue shirt and any sort of gym shorts will do) and meet the team in the office lobby at 5:30 pm for the game. Isabella passes the check for Ash to Moretti, what hen walks out of the office.
Kevin starts sweating and stumbling over his words. Isabella explains how they get paid bi-weekly and gives him a form to fill out for direct deposit. While passing the form, Isabella starts to smell something creep in her vicinity, briefly leading her to briefly stop typing, eyeing Kevin directly and a little confused. Kevin, smelling it as well, tries to play it casual. Isabelleas continues getting his information inputted into their system, but has a slight scowl from the stench and rushes the process, not really double checking for errors. Isabella tells Kevin to be at work by 9 Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and 8:30 am Tuesdays and Thursdays — an hour at most for lunch and that should be it.
Kevin collects his nerve and rises from the chair, asking directions to the bathroom. Since there is nothing left to do, Kevin believes it's time for the dreaded drug test. Isabella tells him where the bathroom is, but as Kevin proceeds to ask if there are cups in there, it becomes obvious Isabella has no intention of collecting a urine sample. As Kevin is pleasantly surprised, he exits before exposing his own ignorance any further.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 24
INT. - BUILDING SECURITY LOBBY - DAY
Kevin leaves the office to head home and quickly change before the game. In shock and excitement that he is staying in NY, Kevin is frantically dialing home in Jacksonville. His mother answers and he shares the news in jubilation that her boy is now an account executive for the New York Neighbor. As she asks “who?” Kevin accidentally exits the wrong aisle, the one reserved for employees, and bumps into the still turnstile. His bag off clean urine explodes in his slacks.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 25
INT. - APARTMENT - DAY
Michael is on the couch in a cloud of marijuana smoke watching television in the living room. Not much has changed since their earlier conversation. There are paintings on the walls, more resting on the floor. Small homemade marijuana plants are given light by studio spotlights in the kitchen pantry, DVD’s are everywhere, and loud psychedelic sounds are playing as Michael takes a huge bong hit.
Kevin quickly busts through the door, Michael doesn't break stride as he clears the smoke from the colorful 2ft glass water pipe. Kevin is explaining in elation that he landed the job, he’ll be able to stay in New York, but he needs to go play softball.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 26
INT. - KEVIN’S ROOM - DAY
Kevin’s living conditions still resemble an art school dorm despite having recently graduated. He finds a blue shirt with a Wu-Tang Clan logo on it amongst a mountain of wrinkled clothes and shouts to Michael over the hypnotic music, asking if he has ever heard of something called the New York Neighbor and if he happens to have any more clean urine.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 27
INT. - APARTMENT - DAY
Michael still holding his breath, raises an eyebrow and looks back to Kevin as he enters the living room again. Kevin scoffs and quickly exits the apartment in athletic clothes. As the door slams, Michael finally exhales the smoke.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 28
INT. - SALES FLOOR - DAY
(INTERCUT)
INT. - REGAL CINEMA - DAY
After being bounced around to a few different places, Valentina tracks down the manager of the Regal Cinemas in Times Square. She says she is a reporter with the New York Neighbor, and has been trying to track down the manager for weeks now. Valentina is looking for a quote from a Regal manager in response to their continued use of carcinogenic butter on popcorn, as well as the rapid increase in theft of patron belongings since the Spring season.
“Is this is the end of the movie going experience?” is the gist of the piece.
Valentina implies that if she doesn’t have some sort of response from Regal, it will seem like they have something to hide. The manager is caught off guard and shocked to hear of this under her watch. The Regal manager suggests it has to be a mistake, she frequently eats the butter and is perfectly healthy... Valentina pretends to wrap up the conversation, blindly pounding on her typewriter with her feet up, repeating back a headline about how “Regal enjoys carcinogenic butter, and invites moviegoers to do the same,” Valentina thanks her for her time.
The manager is mortified, and begs for Valentina to come down and experience the full Regal Cinema VIP treatment before anything goes to print. Valentina agrees, smiling as this was the intended outcome. However, as Valentina looks at the paper and confirms she can be there for the 9:00 pm premier of The Devil Wears Prada, the Regal manager says it has to be after Tuesday. The powers that be have already left for the 4th of July holiday, and they have to sign off first. Valentina pushes back by saying she is on deadline. The Regal manager informs Valentina the treatment includes a 4 course meal with an open bar and shoulder massage prior to the film. Valentina says she will be there on Wednesday, July 5th or else the story has to run. The pair agree and hang up.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 29
INT. - STREET - DAY
We see Kevin walking up to the office again, identical in sequence to his previous walk to the interview. Kevin sees Luke Bellinger and Taylor Barker outside — two sales reps from the New York Neighbor he recognized from the tour earlier. Luke is possibly the only one who can rival Moretti in size, but he is closer to Kevin’s age, a coworker, and therefore not as intimidating. Taylor is attractive, confident, and flirtatious in her conversation with Luke. The two seem to have chemistry.
Both Luke and Taylor are wearing blue shirts with numbers on the back. Kevin can hear them but remains out of the conversation. He lights a cigarette and tries to post up like he’s been there forever. It's 5:15 pm and people are starting to leave for the weekend. The mood is positive — it’s a pay day.
Account executive Benny McCloud is darting through traffic. Benny is coming from the deli across the street and walking through yellow cabs parked in traffic. Horns honk. Benny starts dancing in between cabs and New York Neighbor employees laugh and whistle at his moves. Benny has a Black and Mild cigar in his mouth, and carrying grocery bags containing beer and snacks for the game.
A small group is gathering outside the office, all in blue New York Neighbor shirts. Luke notices Kevin in a blue shirt, athletic gear and makes the connection. Luke breaks the ice with the new guy and everyone seems to easily bond with Kevin — given him credit on how he is the only new hire that showed up to the softball game.
The New York Neighbor staff explain how the softball game is all in good fun and they don’t take it too seriously. Moretti grew up watching the Yankees and is primarily the reason they joined the league. Attending is apparently good for morale/job security. However, tonight should be a blast since the competition is their rival publication, My Metropolitan.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 30
EXT. - LITTLE LEAGE BASEBALL FIELD - DAY
Goldie Fisher arrives with Derek at the baseball field. She is wearing her waitress attire, which is rather revealing. The majority of other players have their fathers in the stands. The coach takes notice of Ash’s absence, as well as Goldie’s appearance.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 31
EXT. PARK BASEBALL FIELD - NIGHT
(INTERCUT)
YANKEE VS METS GAME
The New York Neighbor sales associates are screaming obscenities at the My Metropolitan team, who are dressed in full baseball attire: cleats, pants, socks, protective eyewear, customized helmets and pristine equipment. My Metropolitan players even have their names stitched into their jerseys. The girlfriends and wives hold up encouraging signs that clearly took some time to make. All classes of Mercedes line the My Metropolitan side of the parking lot. Each car is parked sideways, black with chrome trim, stretching out the parking lot to their own personal car show. Preserving class, the My Metropolitan players are not engaging in the New York Neighbor’s childish antics.
The New York Neighbor players are taking shots from brown bags. Instead of stretching, they’re humping the grass, pointing at the opposing team, and pretending to hump each other. The New York Neighbor parking lot has one van with a boot on it and a man urinating on a pole. Sophie, a teammate from the New York Neighbor who works in the art department is tagging a nearby payphone booth with a large permanent marker. Ash is in the dugout setting a radio to pick up the Yankees and Mets game. Ash chugs a Coors Light and jumps up in the air a few times, hitting his knees to his chest, and then cracking his neck from side to side. Ash is all business.
Assistant manager Tonya, credit card processing Sheryl, HR/Accounting Isabella, and sales rep Valentina watch from the stands. The New York Neighbor shoots the bird to the opposing bench while passing a bottle of wine. One of the opposing bench supporters sees the alcohol and frowns, rolling her eyes and shaking her head at Valentina. Valentina locks eyes with one of them specifically and slowly mouths “Fuck You,” as the umpire yells “play ball!”
Team Neighbor begins losing immediately. The onslaught is apparent. It's professionals vs amateurs. Ash is the only one keeping them in the game, while the rest of his teammates are having fun breaking the rules, getting intoxicated, and trying to fight opposing players instead of playing traditional softball.
While showing this montage of their baseball highlights, cut to highlights of the Yankees / Mets game that evening, showing similarities to how the Yankees beat the Mets on Friday June 30, 2006.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 32
EXT. - DUG OUT - NIGHT (INTERCUT) YANKEE VS METS GAME
While sitting at the end of the dugout, energized from the alcohol and adrenaline, Kevin builds up the courage to quietly ask Luke when to expect the piss test.
KEVIN
So how soon do they typically do the piss test? Do you think it’ll be as soon as Monday?
Luke laughs at the question.
LUKE
Look around you. Do you think they’re giving a piss test here?
He then points out all the people in the office and talks about who they are and their quirks / vices, some substance related.
LUKE
Look, the only thing that matters here is whether you close or not.
Kevin is relieved but unsure if he can sell anything, as he never has before. Luke offers him a hit of weed off a one hitter.
LUKE
Batter up?
NYM vs NYY: a foul ball is hit. We see the audience waiving V&D foam fingers in the stands.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 33
INT. - JOE’S OFFICE - NIGHT (INTERCUT) YANKEE VS METS GAME
Joe Vitale is in his office having an anniversary whiskey. The Yankees game is on in the back with the volume turned off. Coleman Hawkins’ “Mighty like a Rose” is playing in the office. The nightlife of Manhattan starts to settle as distant buildings illuminate the evening. The office is quiet now, as everyone has gone home. Joe is looking at his iconic New York Neighbor covers on the wall, reminiscing over the last 30 years with a nostalgic glance.
A photograph on his cluttered wall stops Joe and he investigates, removing it from under the xerox paper taped to the wall. It’s an early picture of Joe holding Mick as a baby. Joe is reminded what really matters most to him. He holds the picture and smiles, twirling his beverage. Joe sees the prepaid phone proposal and flips to the signature page. After 30 years, Joe Vitale decides to leave his beloved newspaper behind and submit to the changing times. Joe pulls out a pen to sign the deal, and with pen tip on the line, we hear “Swing and a miss,” as the pen drops and his hand starts to shake. Joe falls behind his desk, suffering from a stroke.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 34
EXT. - PARK BASEBALL FIELD - NIGHT
Moretti is pitching. One eye is half opened as he sways on the mound. He’s sweating Bud Ice, and starts pitching sidearm instead of underhand, striking the other team on accident. People from the opposing side are getting angry. The umpire gives Moretti a warning. Team Neighbor is loving Moretti’s behavior, and he beams the next batter up. The umpire has had enough and throws Moretti out of the game. His teammates, the bench in the stands, the guy urinating on the pole earlier, all are cheering for him.
Moretti kicks dirt at the umpire and shoves his chest into the officials protective padding. Moretti falls down while trying to walk away and stumbles while getting up. Isabella, seeing Moretti’s inebriated state, makes a comment to the other employees about how he drove. Isabella goes after Moretti to assure he doesn't get behind the wheel.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 35
EXT. - LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL FIELD - NIGHT
At the little league game, Ash’s son gets a hit. Goldie starts celebrating from the stands, taunting the opposing little league kids with the same punctuation as the New York Neighbor squad.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 36
EXT. - PARK BASEBALL FIELD - NIGHT
Team Neighbor is is a complete mess. They’re in the dugout, about to pass out. At bat, eyes closed, Kevin swings for the stars and connects. The ball flies foul but with enough power to land and shatter the windshield of one of the Mercedes belonging to a My Metropolitan employee. Kevin’s teammates begin emphatically cheering him on from the dugout. The next pitch is a strike and the game is over, but Team Neighbor is still celebrating the damage from the foul ball and the taunting continues. Ash is listening to the end of the conclusion of Yankee game on the radio. The Yankees won, and he loses the advanced commission to the “Adventures in India” account.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 37
EXT. - DUGOUT - NIGHT
Game over. Team Neighbor walks off as if they won in a landslide. The scoreboard reflects otherwise. Ash is drowning his sorrows in the dugout still, feeling the Yankees defeat more than Team Neighbor’s. A ringer from My Metropolitan by the name of Brad, walks over to Ash to gloat. The two have history. Brad can tell by Ash’s reaction to the sports announcer that he lost a bet and further digs the knife in. Brad mocks the staff, saying they lack any substance or intelligence, just like the New York Neighbor. He continues to preach, saying Ash will always be on the losing side, and concludes some things never change. Ash hands a payment form for “Adventures in India” to Brad and agrees with the sentiment. The nemesis can’t believe it, and retreats back, running off in disbelief. Ash opens another beer in the dugout and has a brief victory.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 38
EXT. - PARK - NIGHT
Leaving the baseball field, Kevin asks Luke where Ash lives and if he’s okay to get home. Luke explains that him and Ash both commute from the same city in Pennsylvania. Ash has a son and is always on the outs with his mother. Ash primarily stays in the office during the week, sometimes the weekend, as that's what it takes to succeed in this industry. Without the same family responsibilities, Luke knows the New York Neighbor isn’t his long term career. Luke sees Taylor in the distance and shouts for her to wait. Luke tells Kevin good game and he’ll see him bright and early on Monday.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 39
EXT. - PARK PARKING LOT - NIGHT
The My Metropolitan team is inspecting the windshield.
MY METRO REP 1
Do you know how much this is going to cost?
MY METRO REP 2
That may not be as important.
He points to a switchblade someone stuck in the rear driver side tire; the knife donning a bear claw emblem.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 40
EXT. - STREET - NIGHT
Kevin crosses the street to get to a subway entrance. Right before he enters, he sees a newsstand box for New York Neighbor that’s completely covered with graffiti and full of trash. Kevin takes notice and proceeds down the public transportation steps.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 41
INT. - SALES FLOOR - NIGHT
The rocky monologue from the beginning of Ghostface Killah’s “The Champ” comes on. Ash stumbles into the office with the company softball equipment and passes out in the art department office, the same place we began at 3:45 am. Softballs spill everywhere.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 42
INT. - MORETTI’S OFFICE - NIGHT
Moretti is having sex on the desk with accountant/HR, Isabella.
Season 1
Episode 1
Scene 43
INT. - JOE’S OFFICE - NIGHT
In his office on the V&D side, Joe is still in pain behind his desk, immobile and unable to reach out for anyone.
END